About 96 inmates, on Sunday, escaped from Katiola prison, about 45 km from Bouake in the central region of Cote dIvoire.

According to a communique from the prison administration, the prisoners escaped after having removed part of the roof of their cells.

The inmates went through the roof of their cells to get to other cells and took advantage of workers leaving to break the main gate and flee, a judicial source told AFP.

According to RFI, the men who escaped in the central town of Katiola were followers of the late leader of a prison mutiny last year, Coulibaly Yacouba also known as Yacou le Chinois (Yacou the Chinese).

The famous Yacou was killed in February 2016 during an attempted jailbreak in a prison in the capital city, Abidjan.

Sundays move comes after a series of jailbreaks and armed mutinies across the country.

On the eve of Independence Day, on August 6, five prisoners escaped from Gagnoa prison in central Cote dIvoire. Two days later, 20 people escaped from the Abidjan courthouse, right in the middle of the city, after having assaulted the police.

The security situation in Cote dIvoire remains fragile. At least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded in mutinies that erupted earlier this year across the country, threatening the post-war stability in the French-speaking West Africas largest economy.
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The Canadian gold miner, Acacia, on Monday, announced that is has reduced operations and cut its workforce in Tanzania, few months after the East African nation banned export of gold and copper concentrate .

Acacia, which is majority-owned by Canadian firm Barrick Gold, has said the continuation of the ban will hurt its ability to conduct future business in Tanzania, since it covers 50% of its production.

Regrettably, the implementation of this program will lead to a significant reduction in the workforce from the current 1,200 employee and 800 contractor roles.

Acacia, one of the countrys largest private employers, operates three gold mines in Tanzania: in Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi and North Mara.

As a result of the planned reduction in operating activity at Bulyanhulu, Acacia now expects annual production to be in the order of 100,000 ounces lower than the bottom of the previous guidance range of 850,000-900,000 ounces, the company added in a statement.

The government had accused Acacia of operating illegally and of failing to pay billions of dollars of taxes. In July, Acacia has been hit with a demand for $190bn in unpaid taxes to Tanzanian authorities. The company called the demand inaccurate and unexplainable.

Discussions between the miner and the Tanzanian Government on the taxes issue are ongoing.
- The National Super Alliance has rejected the proposed October 17 date for the repeat elections

- NASA leader Raila Odinga instead recommended the elections should be conducted towards the end of October, 2017

- The opposition alliance has also threatened not to take part in the elections with IEBC commissioners in office

The National Super Alliance (NASA) has proposed its preferred date when the fresh election should be held after rejecting IEBC's October 17 date.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 5, NASA leaders led by Raila Odinga said the IEBC should push the dates back to either October 24 or October 31.

Raila said students who will be sitting for their national exams will not die if the exams are postponed for two weeks.

NASA rejects October 17 repeat election, recommends preferred date Photo: Facebook/Raila Oding

READ ALSO: Raila Odinga speaks after IEBC sets date for fresh election and he is not happy

He said they are opposed to IEBC's date because the electoral body failed to consult NASA before announcing the dates.

He accused IEBC of consulting with Jubilee and ignoring NASA.

"IEBC had sent us a message saying they wanted to consult us. Instead Matiangi announced they recommend the elections to be held before 17th due to exams. IEBC agreed," Raila said.

NASA further said they are not ready to go into the fresh election with the officials they said should be dismissed.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) has proposed its preferred date when the fresh election should be held after rejecting IEBC's October 17 date Photo: Facebook/Raila Odinga

READ ALSO: Ignore the rumours, IEBC has not fired anyone- Chebukati

They said the officials led by Chiloba should be sent home, investigated and prosecuted.

"We are not ready to participate in elections with the same people who messed us up. Hatutaki NUSU mkate. Hatuwezi kuchukuwa nusu mkate kutoka kwa mwizi (we don't want coalition government. We can't share government with thieves)," Raila added.

They further demanded that all presidential candidates in the August 8 polls be allowed to contest in the fresh election.

Big win for NASA's supporters

Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Nigeria-based Boko Haram terror group has claimed nearly 400 civilian lives since April, Amnesty International says in a report released on Tuesday (Sept.5).

According to the London-based rights group, the Daesh-linked militants have killed at least 381 civilians since April in Nigeria and Cameroon using bombers, mainly young women and girls, to set off explosives.

Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can, Alioune Tine, Amnestys director for West and Central Africa, said.

The sharp rise in Boko Harams shocking acts of violence highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror, he said.

The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has recently voiced alarm over the rise in the use of children as human bombs by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram used to control territories the size of Belgium. However, Nigerias ongoing military operation and a regional offensive of 8,700 troops have scored some success.

Earlier this year, Nigeria claimed it had stormed Boko Harams last known stronghold in Sambisa Forest, in the restive Borno state.
- NASA recently sent a private jet to Tanzania to pick 'Chekecha' hitmaker Ali Kiba

- Ali Kiba jetted into the country on Friday, September 1

- Raila and Joho on Friday, September 1 sent a private jet to pick Ali Kiba from Tanzania, just moments after the Supreme Court nullified Uhuru's re-election

"Seduce Me" hitmaker Ali Kiba was recently in Kenya where he joined NASA leaders and supporters in celebrating their big win following the annulment of Uhuru's presidency.

As reported by TUKO.co.ke earlier, the Supreme Court canceled the 2017 presidential election and called for a fresh one, in a move that gave Raila and his supporters hope for the best.

Well, following the annulment, Raila Odinga and ODM deputy leader Hassan Joho thought it wise to invite one of their entertainer friends, Tanzanian crooner Ali Kiba to join them in Nairobi for a series of celebrations.

READ ALSO: Socialite Huddah Monroe makes clear her reasons for preferring Uhuru over Raila

TUKO.co.ke has learnt that Raila and Joho on Friday, September 1 sent a private jet to pick Ali Kiba from Tanzania, just moments after the Supreme Court nullified Uhuru's re-election.

According to Ali Kiba's manager Aidan Seif, who confirmed the reports, Raila and Joho sent for Ali Kiba so that he could join them in celebration.

READ ALSO: For the love of Baba: Man tenders resignation to campaign for Raila's presidency

READ ALSO: Heartbreaking tributes of mums who lost their daughters in the Moi Girls tragic inferno

"Kenya's opposition appreciates Kiba's support. The NASA outfit believes Kiba contributed immensely in their campaigns before the August 8th General Election. They sent a private jet, which picked him late Friday."A source intimate to Seif told a Tanzanian newspaper.

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke ;

Big win for NASA;

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Mayor of the nation's capital city says the police are working and it is not for him to assess their performance.

This,. as he called on the entire society to work together on getting rid of any perception that crime is an opportunity.
Russia is working out a scenario of a European conflict on the Belarusian territory

There is common and striking feature in almost all military operations that Russia has recently conducted. All hostilities, the destruction of villages and cities, the theft of industrial infrastructure, all the killings, crimes against humanity and acts of looting - all this is carried out by Russia outside its national territory.

Even counterterrorist operations, which Russian troops and special forces regularly conduct in Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan, are no exception to this rule. The mentioned territories of the Caucasian republics, which are de jure part of the Russian Federation, de facto, mentally and psychologically, have long since not been part of it, and therefore are perceived by their residents as "parent states," as something hostile, wild and incomprehensible, a kind of a "foreign country," which can be destroyed without excessive regret and reproach of conscience.

In this context, it's worth remembering the classics. The quote "to win an enemy with little blood on its territory" belongs to "red" marshal Kliment Voroshilov, who, ironically, said these words in Kyiv back in 1936.

What happened after that is a well-known fact. But the concept has not changed significantly. As the "Stalin's Falcons" once reasoned, so Russian generals and the Kremlin's "wise men" now prefer to pursue their own interests through bloodshed in foreign territories, be it Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, or Azerbaijan.

In this context, the Russian (yes, Russian!) exercises Zapad-2017, a major part of which should take place on the Belarusian territory this autumn, should have alarmed the Belarusian authorities. Among the closest post-Soviet neighbors of Russia (Belarus is no exception) there are virtually no countries that would have not come in any way through civil strife and bloodshed. And "Russian ears are sticking out" almost everywhere. Instead of building a "belt of stability" and a friendly environment around itself, Russia sows war and devastation, and this constant wonder in its behavior has already been noticed all over the world.

It is also in this case that the current so-called Russian-Belarusian exercises Zapad-2017 are just part of the Russian strategic command and staff exercises, with the coverage of vast territories and the involvement of a significant number of troops. These Russian drills are a rehearsal of a major European military conflict, the actions of which, according to the plan and scenario, will unfold on the territory of Belarus and its neighbors.

Does Belarus need it? That's a rhetorical question. But it's not obvious for everyone, at least not for the Belarusian General Staff, which calls the rush around Russian exercises on its own territory as "artificial" and "inappropriate."

Let's try to figure out where the hidden truth lies.

IN THE WESTERN STRATEGIC DIRECTION

There is nothing unexpected in Russian maneuvers. Such strategic command and staff exercises are conducted once every four years in the military-administrative boundaries of the military districts of the Russian Armed Forces (Southern, Western, Central and Eastern, as well as the Arctic Region). According to the plan, during the period of the escalation of the military threat and in time of war, these districts turn into Joint Strategic Commands of the Russian Armed Forces  "South," "West," "Center," "East" and "North" respectively.

As a rule, each of such strategic command and staff exercises in the year they are held may be preceded by one to two large-scale sudden inspections of the combat readiness of the headquarters and troops of a certain military district with a wide range of measures regarding the deployment of field management bodies (control points and communications centers) in designated areas, the reinforcement of groups of troops with personnel and equipment, including from other military districts (in a combined way, at long distances), and the working out of possible options for the use of troops and the conduct of combat operations in one or two strategic directions, including against NATO troops (forces).

Therefore, from September 14 to September 20 this year it is planned to carry out such strategic command and staff exercises of the Russian Armed Forces, which, according to the plans on the operational and combat training of the Russian Armed Forces, are held once in four years in the military-administrative boundaries of the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces.

During the Zapad-2017 exercises the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces plans to:

- check and clarify the plan of strategic use of the Russian Armed Forces in the Western strategic direction;

- assess the mobilization resources and the state of mobilization readiness of the economy, transport and public administration of the Russian Federation for functioning in a special period and in wartime.

According to the plan of the highest military-political leadership of the Russian Federation, during the Zapad-2017 exercises it is planned to work out possible variants of armed opposition:

- to the U.S./NATO coalition troops (forces) in case of the blocking and capturing of the Kaliningrad enclave;

- to an attempt by Ukraine to de-occupy Crimea and/or certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with the support of the western allies;

- to attempts to change the political regime in one of allied states of Russia.

NEIGHBORS' COVER

As part of the operational cover of the actual orientation and scope, as well as the real nature of the tasks that will be worked out during the Zapad-2017 strategic command and staff exercises, it is planned to hold a joint Russian-Belarusian exercise (the Union State of Russia and Belarus) under the identical conditional name "Zapad-2017" on the Belarusian territory.

Russian-Belarusian drills similar to Zapad-2017 are held every two years in Russia and Belarus. They began to hold them in 2009, when the presidents of the two countries, Dmitry Medvedev and Alexander Lukashenko, attended the first such event and decided to make the maneuvers regular.

In September 2017, the practical part of the exercises will be held in Belarus at six firing grounds. Up to 12,700 servicemen are to be involved in the exercises, including about 10,200 in Belarus (7,200 from the Armed Forces of Belarus and over 3,000 from the Armed Forces of Russia). It is planned to engage 680 units of military equipment.

This number does not require the notification of international organizations, but the participants of the exercises plan to invite military attaches accredited to the Belarusian Defense Ministry, as well as representatives of the UN, OSCE, NATO, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the CIS and the International Committee of the Red Cross. In total, more than 80 observers will be invited, in particular from Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, as well as from Estonia, Sweden and Norway.

The servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces, engaged in the preparation of the Russian-Belarusian exercises Zapad-2017, started arriving in Belarus in June this year.

The Zapad-2017 strategic command and staff exercises of the Russian Armed Forces, in turn, will differ from the previous Zapad-2013 exercises with much greater spatial extent and the number of involved personnel and military equipment.

Thus, the Zapad-2017 maneuvers are to be conducted almost throughout the European part of the Russian Federation (within the military-administrative boundaries of the South, West and North Joint Strategic Commands of the Russian Federation), in the occupied Crimea and certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, along the borders of Ukraine, in particular in the Mariupol, Donetsk, Slobozhansky and Polisky sectors, in Belarus, as well as in the Black, Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

In addition to the armed forces, the exercises will also be attended by the bodies of state administration at the federal, regional and local levels, units of the Federal National Guard Service, the Interior Ministry, the Federal Security Service, the Emergencies Ministry, representatives of the Russian defense sector, etc.

At the same time, the actual number of participants in all events as part of Zapad-2017 is estimated by military experts at 230,000-240,000 people, more than 10,000 units of military equipment, about 100 aircraft and about 40 ships/submarines of different classes.

That is, taking into account the peculiarities of the current military-political situation around Russia, primarily in the context of the further escalation of its confrontation with the United States, NATO and the EU, the Zapad-2017 strategic command and staff exercises have a geostrategic aim, namely, a demonstration of Russia's military strength before the United States and Europe, and as well as the readiness for its application.

ATTACKING STRATEGY

A comprehensive inspection of the Russian Armed Forces for the winter period of exercises in March-April this year has become the actual "rehearsal" of the Zapad-2017 strategic command and staff exercises.

Based on the analysis of the operational and combat training of the Russian Armed Forces that was carried out during the inspection, the scenario of Zapad-2017 foresees the working out of questions on the organization and holding of an offensive operation in the Western strategic direction, as well as defensive operations in other strategic directions.

In particular, the most demonstrative was the joint exercise of battalion tactical groups consisting of the 106th airborne division (headquartered in Tula) of the Russian Armed Forces and the 103rd separate airborne brigade of the Special Forces of the Russian Armed Forces in the Vitebsk region in April this year.

During the same period, a number of exercises of the Russian Baltic Fleet were conducted on the landing of sea troops by the forces of the 336th marine corps brigade of the Black Sea Fleet (Baltiysk, Kaliningrad region) and strikes on the enemy's objects by missile ships and submarines and maritime aviation.

In addition, the offensive exercises were also attended by unions and units of the 1st tank army (headquartered in Naro-Fominsk, Moscow region) and the 20th general army (headquartered in Voronezh), as well as the 6th general army (headquartered in St. Petersburg) and the 1st army (headquartered in St. Petersburg) of the air defense forces of the Russian Armed Forces.

At the same time, the elements of a defensive operation in the South-Western (Black Sea) strategic direction were worked out as part of this comprehensive inspection.

The main such events were held in Crimea and included joint exercises of battalion tactical groups of the 7th Airborne Assault Division (headquartered in Novorossiysk), the 56th Airborne Assault Brigade (Kamyshin) and 11th Airborne Assault Brigade (Ulan-Ude), as well as exercises of the 126th Separate Coast Guard Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

In the course of these activities, the tasks were resolved on the formation of a group of rapid reaction forces to strengthen the Russian Armed Forces in Crimea, the organization of anti-missile defense in cooperation with the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the destruction of the enemy on the territory of Crimea with the support of tactical and military aircraft, the elimination of saboteurs and taking control of important objects.

Some issues of the defensive operation were also worked out during the exercises of the naval forces and naval aviation of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, as well as the 49th (Stavropol) and 58th (Vladikavkaz) general armies of the Southern Military District and the 4th army (Rostov-on-Don) of the air defense forces of the Russian Armed Forces.

PAWNS AND ACTORS

Taking into account the abovementioned circumstances, in the major, Western strategic direction Zapad-2017 will involve units of the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as certain parts from other districts and branches of the Russian Armed Forces.

Thus, the main participants in the exercises will be the 1st tank army, the 6th and 20th general armies, the 1st army (headquartered in St. Petersburg) of the air defense forces of the Russian Armed Forces, the units of the 76th (Pskov), 98th (Ivanovo) and 106th (Tula) airborne divisions, as well as the forces of the Baltic and Northern fleets (including the newly created 11th and 14th army corps of coast guard troops respectively). In addition, the Belarusian Armed Forces will participate in the exercises.

In turn, the working out of the tasks of a defense operation in the South-Western (Ukrainian and Black Sea) strategic direction will involve the forces of the 8th and 49th general armies of the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces, groups of Russian troops in the occupied Crimea, the 7th Airborne Assault Division, 21st and 56th separate assault brigades, as well as the 1st army of the air defense forces of the Russian Armed Forces and the Black Sea Fleet.

The 8th general army (headquartered in Rostov-on-Don), which was established in 2017 in the Ukrainian direction in the composition of the 150th motorized infantry division (headquartered in Novocherkassk, newly formed) and 20th separate motorized infantry brigade (headquartered in Volgograd, transferred from the 49th army), which will be involve in the Zapad-2017 exercises for the first time.

Units of other law enforcement agencies in Russia, including FSB, National Guard, Emergencies Ministry, Interior Ministry, the Federal Agency for Government Relations, will also take part in the Zapad-2017 strategic command and staff exercises.

Since the beginning of August this year the concentration of Russian troops (including the 1st tank army) has been recorded in the areas where the main activities of the Zapad-2017 drills will be worked out. Compared with 2015, rail transportation to Belarus will grow by 33 times, and compared with 2016 it will increase by 83 times. In total, in 2017, 4,162 railway wagons with military cargo should arrive in Belarus from Russia.

This fact is a cause for concern by Western military experts in the context of the possible deployment of arms and military equipment by the Russian Armed Forces on a permanent or rotational basis on the Belarusian territory (after the maneuvers) - on the eastern borders of NATO. And this, accordingly, will lead to a build-up of the military infrastructure of the Russian Federation on the borders with NATO countries.

The concentration of Russian troops, including tank, motorized rifle and artillery parts and units is also recorded near the border of Ukraine, including in the eastern regions of the Voronezh and Rostov regions of the Russian Federation.

Planned preparations for Zapad-2017 were held in the last days of August this year. During this period, joint special exercises were organized with the military administration and communications agencies, formations and organizations of logistics support of the armed forces of both countries. The issues of the technical cover of objects and certain areas of roads, evacuation, repair and restoration of faulty equipment and weapons, deployment of the field trunk pipeline, as well as areas of mass refueling of machinery, were worked out.

In addition, as part of preparations for Zapad-2017, a number of individual operational and combat training activities were carried out in Belarus, particularly the Russian-Belarusian training of units of electronic intelligence and electronic warfare (involving up to 1,500 servicemen and 150 units of military equipment); Russian-Belarusian-Serbian maneuvers "Slavic Brotherhood 2017" (over 1,000 servicemen and 150 units of military equipment); joint maneuvers of the separate engineer battalion of the 1st tank army of the Russian Armed Forces and the 188th engineering brigade of the Belarusian Armed Forces in mid-July this year; joint tactical-special exercises of the units of Russian and Belarusian communications forces.

According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Zapad-2017 will be preceded by a comprehensive mobilization training to resolve the issues of the transfer of federal and regional executive bodies, as well as enterprises of the defense industry sector, to work in conditions of wartime.

According to the experience of the previous strategic command and staff exercises, on the eve of the active phase of maneuvers (10-14 days before the drills), "sudden checks" might be conducted on the combat readiness of the headquarters and troops of the Western and other military districts of the Russian Armed Forces.

EXTERNAL ENTOURAGE AND ATTEMPTS OF PRESSURE

Preparations for Zapad-2017 are carried out in the context of another intensification of Russian-American relations as a result of the introduction of a new package of sanctions against Russia in August this year. In this regard, Zapad-2017 is actually used by Moscow as an impudent attempt and a means of pressure on the United States and its European allies.

At the same time, under certain conditions, the continuation of the Zapad-2017 exercises could be Russia's real aggression against Poland and the Baltic states, or a full-scale invasion of Ukraine (including from Belarus), so as to create a land corridor to Transdniestria and Crimea and, as a maximum, the ultimate settlement of the "Ukrainian question" in its favor.

An armed conflict in the Asia-Pacific region between the United States and North Korea with the interference of China could be a catalyst for such a scenario, as it would divert the attention of the world community from European problems.

An indication of the real possibility of such actions by Moscow is the previous practice of carrying out the Caucasus-2008 exercises, after which Russia attacked Georgia, as well as Zapad-2013, which preceded Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. In this context, such drills actually serve as a kind of rehearsal of some adventures.

In this regard, it should be taken into account that Russia continues to carry out large-scale measures to strengthen the combat capability of the Western and Southern military districts by re-equipping its parts and units with new types of weapons and military equipment.

Since the beginning of this year, the Western Military District has received more than 500 units of modern military equipment, including tanks, rocket-artillery systems, multifunctional Su-30SM fighters and cars of various uses. A considerable amount of military equipment also came to the troops of the Southern Military District, including more than 160 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. By the end of this year, the district should receive more than 1,800 units of arms, including 900 armored vehicles.

The beginning of the formation of shock army units of the Russian Armed Forces, fully staffed and equipped with military equipment, is also indicative. In particular, regiment and battalion shock groups were created as part of the 76th Airborne Division of the Russian Armed Forces. The creation of a separate shock assault battalion of the 7th Airborne Assault Division in Crimea is underway. The battalion will be located near Feodosia and will enter into combat forces by December 1, 2017. The 97th Airborne Assault Regiment will be deployed in Crimea on the basis of this battalion by the end of 2017.

Along with this, the creation of a special-purpose intelligence companies (the decision on this issue was taken in 2016) in the Russia ground forces continues. The task of these units is to search for certain objects in the rear of the enemy with the further transfer of their coordinates in the interests of the combat application of Iskander-M tactical missile systems and Uragan multiple rocket launchers. One of such companies is to be formed in each of the general and tank armies.

NATO'S AWAKE

Such actions by Russia cause considerable concern in the leadership of NATO, the Baltic states and Poland, which are taking measures to prevent possible aggression by Russia.

Thus, as part of a series of military training exercises, NATO conducted a preventive build-up of the alliance's rapid response forces in the Baltic region, as well as worked out the issues of repelling a possible attack by Russia. In particular, the tasks were solved on establishing interaction between the headquarters of different levels; receiving troops from NATO countries by land, sea and air; as well as conducting defense and counter-offensive operations.

In addition, the strategic nuclear component of the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe was strengthened. In particular, at the beginning of June this year, five strategic bombers B-52H and B-1B of the U.S. Air Force were sent to the Fairford Airbase in the UK. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, these aircraft have started flying over the Baltic Sea.

At the same time, in July this year, the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system of the US Air Force was temporarily deployed in Lithuania, while seven F-15C Eagle aircraft of the U.S. Air Force aircraft were sent to the Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania in August.

A new series of exercises by the U.S., NATO and their partners, involving land, sea and air components, are to be held in the Baltic region for the period of the Zapad-2017 exercises. In particular, in September this year, the U.S. and Finnish navies are planning to hold joint exercises near the Swedish coast.

OBSESSIVE PHANTOM OF ESCALATION

In general, the above processes cause a significant strengthening of military tension in Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic and Black Sea regions. It does not exclude the possibility of expanding the scale of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine or the Russian side's attack on the Baltic states, which is likely to lead to a "hot" armed conflict between Russia and the United States/NATO.

In addition, quite dangerous is the holding by Russia and the U.S./NATO of simultaneous military operations in the same regions, which increases the threat of provocative incidents and collision of parties (including involving carriers of nuclear weapons) with unpredictable consequences.

According to Head of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Viktor Muzhenko, Ukraine is closely monitoring the Russian exercises in Belarus and is ready to respond to probable threats that may come from the Kremlin. He also added that a "series of tactical exercises" are already being conducted on Ukrainian territory and that they coincide with Russian maneuvers in terms of time and place (probably accidentally!).

Such allegations, as well as the announcement of the involvement of the first-round operational reserve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, allow us to hope that Ukraine is ready for any recklessness on the part of the Kremlin's strategists. This circumstance, however, does not deprive Ukraine of the status of a priority goal in the aggressive plans and intentions of Moscow. So this September promises to be hot...

Yuriy Radkovets, Vice President of the Borysfen Intel Independent Analytical Center for Geopolitical Studies, Candidate of Military Sciences, Associate Professor, Lieutenant-General of the Reserve.

Kyiv
A group of international observers representing Sweden, the Czech Republic and Spain will conduct an observation flight over Ukrainian territory, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported.

According to the department of verification of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a group of 15 people, including nine from Sweden and three each from the Czech Republic and Spain, has already arrived in Boryspil by the Saab 340 turboprop aircraft of the Swedish Air Force.

"The purpose of the event is to conduct an observation flight over Ukrainian territory for developing openness and transparency, facilitating monitoring over the implementation of existing agreements in the field of arms control. The materials obtained during the flight will be processed in Sweden. The observation mission will work in Ukraine until September 8," reads the statement.

The observation flight will be carried out in accordance with the plan on verification activities over international treaties and agreements on arms control and in line with the decision of the Open Skies Consultative Commission on the distribution of active observation flight quotas for 2017, the ministry said.

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Ukrainian soldiers, when confronting Russian aggression, have gained significant combat experience and psychological stability, which is useful for the armed forces of NATO countries.

Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO Vadym Prystaiko said this at a meeting with Ukrainian journalists in Brussels on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The leadership of the alliance and the leadership of the allied governments see the subject of Ukraine's accession to NATO in two tracks. The first is the powerful military capability of the Ukrainian army to fight, and the most important thing is the psychological willingness to fight... This is something that many nations lack, and they are aware of it," the ambassador said.

Prystaiko also noted positive assessments by the alliance regarding the reform of the Armed Forces and the potential of the Ukrainian army.

"But there are also political factors that need to be recognized. And the political balance in the recognition by the alliance of Ukraine [in terms of joining NATO] still does not allow us to make a decision in favor of our state. It's about a consensus," he said.

He said that he discussed these issues with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on September 4.

"NATO is a consensus of ideas. Political hesitancy is still winning," Prystaiko added.

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The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on September 4 sold its deposit certificates worth UAH 4.424 billion, the central banks press service reports.

The National Bank mobilized funds through the constantly operating line for conducting tenders for the placement of overnight deposit certificates worth UAH 3.285 billion at an average weighted rate of 10.5% per annum to 38 banks, and overnight deposit certificates worth UAH 1.139 billion at an average weighted rate of 12.5% per annum to 24 banks for a period of 14 days in the amount of

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Imports of hybrid and electric cars increase in Georgia

As of August 16, 2017 a total of 328 electric cars and 9,870 hybrid cars have been imported to Georgia, shows the data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.In comparison, last year there were 34 electric and 5,390 hybrid cars while in 2015  five electric and 1,317 hybrid cars in Georgia.Meanwhile, Georgias capital of Tbilisi has been developing infrastructure to encourage more people to buy and use electric vehicles.There are several charging points for electric cars in Tbilisi already. One is located in Vake district, at Nugzar Endeladze Square, close to Vake Park. The other is at Europe Square near Rike Park in Old Town.Recently, a new electric car charging station has been arranged at the car park of Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport.Also, Wissol, a network of petrol stations in Georgia, has recently opened its first charging station for electric cars in Tbilisi, on the 13th kilometer of Aghmashenebeli Avenue.
Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan hopes for strengthening of the Ukrainian-Korean cooperation in the development of digital infrastructure in Ukraine.

He said this during a meeting with Infrastructure and Transport Minister of the Republic of Korea Kim Hyun-mi during his working visit to Seoul, the press service of the Infrastructure Ministry reported.

"Involvement of the world's best practices in the fields of IT solutions, cloud technologies, digital infrastructure development is something that can change in a revolutionary way the functioning not only of the transport sector but the entire sectors of the economy. Therefore, we are extremely interested in expanding the Ukrainian-Korean cooperation in this direction," the minister said.

According to the Korean minister of infrastructure and transport, the Korean side is interested in cooperation with Ukraine within the framework of the National Transport Strategy 2030, the key principles of which were presented by the infrastructure minister of Ukraine during the meeting.

Omelyan invited his Korean counterpart and business representatives to visit Ukraine in early 2018.

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The online vehicle registration and re-registration is planned to be introduced in Ukraine in 2018.

Head of the department for online services development at Eurasia Foundation, Danylo Molchanov, told this to Ukrinform on September 5.

We are now cooperating with the Interior Ministrys service center regarding vehicle registration, in particular: simplifying the procedures for online registration, re-registration of vehicles. It 100% concerns the initial registration. As to the re-registration, maybe, an examination of vehicle will be needed," said Molchanov.

According to him, people will be able to undergo the procedure of registration on the website of the Interior Ministrys service center.

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A key task for Ukraine is to ensure maximum rapprochement with NATO through reforms, Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO Vadym Prystaiko has said.

He said this at a meeting with Ukrainian journalists in Brussels on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I'm getting to work. Yesterday I handed over accreditation letters to the NATO secretary general. Earlier, these were formal diplomatic letters, but now it's about clear accents. The letter was discussed with the head of state. In this letter we say that our course is undoubtedly Euro-Atlantic integration. We understand that this is a way of reform, training of the armed forces, the development of a powerful economy and civil society," the ambassador said.

Therefore, he said, Ukraine should get closer to the alliance as much as possible.

"That's the task the head of state has set up for me. Each of our steps should bring us closer to the main goal - to ensure the security of Ukraine, which we see through the entry of the state into the North Atlantic Alliance," Prystaiko said.

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Moldovan President Igor Dodon has forbidden servicemen of the National Army to participate in the Rapid Trident-2017 military exercises held in Ukraine on September 7-23.

This is reported by Ukrinform's own correspondent in Moldova.

"President of the Republic of Moldova does not approve participation of the servicemen of the National Army in military exercises on the territory of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian side should be timely informed about this," Secretary of the Supreme Security Council Arthur Gumenyuk said in the letter to Deputy Defense Minister of Moldova Gheorghe Galbur.

The president wrote on his Facebook page about the prohibition of participation of Moldovan soldiers in the military exercises in Ukraine.

Earlier, the deputy defense minister informed the president that the Defense Ministry planned to send 57 troops to participate in the military exercises in Ukraine.

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A new million-dollar night market in Phnom Penh has become a fashionable hang out spot for young Cambodians, but in 2009 the Dey Krahorm community was violently expelled from the area and their homes razed in one of Cambodias most high profile forced evictions.

Opposite the Russian Embassy, the new Jets Container Market is home to dozens of colorful shipping containers converted to restaurants, bars, and shops.

Korng Sothearo, 30, a small business owner, says he goes at least five times a week. Its a fun neighborhood and perfect for this kind of nightlife, he said, adding that he thinks the success of Jets meant it would expand in the future.

Bands perform into the evenings atop the containers while bars serve copious amounts of beer and restaurants dish up local specialties.

Chao Chay Yi, 20, a business student, said she had only seen this kind of place in other countries.

The project manager at Jets, Chhay Sophorn, says Jets Group, owned by Cambodian conglomerate 7NG, spent about $1 million renovating the 1-hectare site. It opened with 320 stalls in February.

It helps the economy and brings a new attraction to the town, Sophorn said. It operates in a different format to other markets. Here, we have pubs and bars that appeal to foreigners.

The 7NG company, owned by Srey Sothea, took control of the Dey Krahorm area in 2009. The area was supposed to be turned into a social land concession, meaning that it would be developed by a private corporation, which would then given much of the land to the poor.

However, Chan Vicheth, 39, a former resident of Dey Krahorm, says the community was never supportive of the plan for a market. It was a place where we suffered. Dreadful memories are everywhere and to go there to have fun is such an offense to the former residents, he said.

They [military police] came in the middle of the night and smashed our houses to pieces. We couldnt even keep a single spoon.

The residents were told to move some 16 kilometers outside the city following the state-corporate raid on their homes.

Vann Sophath, a business and human rights project coordinator at the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, said development in Cambodia rarely met human rights standards.

This is development through violence, making citizens cry. Its very sorrowful, he said.

He added that investors should follow the law and best practices when considering investing in a project.

In hope, the government and the company re-think their commitment to human rights law and the longevity of development as well, he said.

In Boeung Kak, the site of another infamous forced eviction, another container market, Arts Container Market, opened in August.

Chay Yi, the business student, thinks it is better to develop areas such as Dey Krahorm, rather than leave them to their original residents.

I think this is the way of development of the country, because that area is downtown in Phnom Penh, so it doesnt look good if they kept it, he said.
Russia and China say steps to further tighten sanctions against North Korea in the wake of its latest nuclear test would do little to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The two also warned about the dangers of military intervention.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday said tougher sanctions were senseless and would not change the leadership in Pyongyang. Such moves, Putin said, would lead to large-scale human suffering. Putin also warned of a global catastrophe if what he called military hysteria around North Korea continues to increase. Putin spoke to reporters in Xiamen, China at the conclusion of a leaders' summit of the BRICS group of five major emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.



On Sunday, just as the BRICS meeting was beginning in the Chinese southeastern coastal city, North Korea carried out its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. Leaders attending the meeting condemned the test, but Beijing moved quickly to keep it from taking attention away from the meeting.



While there are concerns in Chinas northeast about the leakage of radiation and the impact of the test  which was felt in Chinese provinces along the North's border - Chinese state media have focused heavily on the BRICS summit in recent days.



The most recent round of sanctions is not only having an impact on North Korea, but on business in Chinas northeast. China shares a 1,400-plus-kilometer border with North Korea and is the isolated countrys biggest trading partner.



Chinese President Xi Jinping did not mention the topic when he briefed journalists at the end of the BRICS summit. He also did not take questions.



Highly sensitive and complicated

Later, at a regular briefing, Chinas Foreign Ministry reiterated its stand that peaceful negotiations were the best way to resolve the problem and encouraged any suggestions or proposals that would aid the early return to such talks, which have been stalled for nearly a decade.



"At present the situation on the peninsula is highly sensitive and complicated. We hope all parties can make efforts to avoid further escalating tensions on the peninsula," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.



Geng also said China was prepared to discuss new sanctions at the United Nations Security Council, of which it is a member, along with Russia and the United States.

.

Although the statement indicates that Beijing will not budge from its stance on North Korea, Geng did not rule out China discussing new sanctions at the UNSC.



The response and decisions of the Security Council depend on the results of discussion by members, he said. China will begin from a position of principle to maintain the peace and stability and realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, will resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, and will take part in Security Council discussions in a responsible and constructive manner."



Blunt talk by Putin

Although Chinese President Xi was silent on the issue when he spoke to media and during the summit, perhaps missing an opportunity for Beijing to play a bigger role in resolving the crisis, Russian President Putin was not.



At a press conference, where he took questions from journalists, Putin clearly laid out Russias views on North Korea as well as a wide range of other issues from Ukraine to the treatment of Russian diplomats in the United States.



Putin also said he will meet with the leaders of Japan and South Korea on Wednesday and Thursday in the Russian coastal city of Vladivostok, where he says they will discuss the North Korean crisis.



The steps by Russia to seemingly play a more prominent role in dealing with North Korea are unlikely to be a sign that it is competing with China. More likely, analysts say, is that Moscow is using Pyongyang as a means to get back at the U.S.



Much like China, however, the amount of sway that Russia can have over North Korea is in question, says Professor Ramesh Thakur, director of the Center for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University.



I think the fact that North Korea carried out a test, literally on the eve of the BRICS summit, which was being held in China, is a signal of sorts that it is beyond being ordered [about], even by its neighboring patron or patrons, Thakur says.
The U.N.s top rights representative, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, has joined international human rights groups in condemning the arrest of Cambodias opposition leader, Kem Sokha.

Sokha was detained in a midnight raid on his home in Phnom Penh on Sunday and accused of treason over comments he made several years ago about receiving advice from the United States and Canada.

I am also concerned that numerous public statements by the Prime Minister and high-ranking officials about Sokhas supposed guilt breach the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial to which he is entitled under Cambodian and international human rights law, Al Hussein said in a statement on Monday.

Sokhas arrest is all the more worrying as it takes place amid other recent measures by the Royal Government of Cambodia. These have led to the closure of a foreign non-governmental organization and have targeted media companies, including numerous radio stations and one of the main independent English language newspapers, The Cambodia Daily, which has now been forced to cease publication after 24 years, he added.

In a separate statement, Amnesty International said the government must immediately end its escalating assault on the opposition.

The trumped up accusation against Kem Sokha is the latest development in a rapidly escalating campaign by the government that is also restricting independent news and analysis ahead of the 2018 general election, it said.

Amnesty went on to detail a series of steps the government has taken over the past two months against civil society, including banning an election monitoring coalition, targeting rights groups, media organizations and other NGOs with questionable tax evasion claims, and closing radio stations that broadcast critical coverage of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

Having invested so much in Cambodia over the last 25 years, the international community should not turn away now, as the Cambodian government threatens to reverse course and use the law as a tool to restrict and silence Cambodia's independent media and civil society, Amnesty said.

The International Federation for Human Rights in a statement said Sokhas arrest was part of an all-out offensive against Prime Minister Hun Sens regime to wipe out any form of opposition.
Astronomers have found new evidence for the existence of a mid-sized black hole, considered the missing link in the evolution of supermassive black holes.

Astronomers in Japan found the possible black hole in our own Milky Way galaxy, a long-theorized object which is bigger than the small black holes formed from a single star, but still much smaller than giant black holes such as the one at the center of the Milky Way.

Black holes are difficult to find because they do not emit any light. However, scientists can detect them by their influence on nearby objects.

The astronomers in Japan found new evidence of the so-called intermediate-mass black hole when they turned a powerful telescope in Chile's Atacama desert on a gas cloud near the center of the Milky Way. The gases in the cloud move at unusual speeds, and the scientists believed they were being pulled by immense gravitational forces. They say the gravitational force is likely caused by a black hole measuring about 1.4 trillion kilometers across.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

Theoretical studies predict at least 100 million of these small black holes should exist in the Milky Way, however only about 60 have been found.

The possible mid-sized black hole is much smaller than the supermassive black hole that is located in the center of the galaxy, known as Sagittarius A, which weighs as much as 400 million suns.

"This is the first detection of an intermediate-mass black hole candidate in the Milky Way galaxy," said the study's leader, Tomoharu Oka from Keio University, Japan.

If confirmed, the intermediate-mass black hole could help explain how supermassive black holes operate. One theory is that supermassive black holes, which are at the center of most massive galaxies, are formed when smaller black holes steadily coalesce into larger ones. However, until now no definitive evidence has existed for intermediate-mass black holes that could indicate a middle step between the small and massive black holes already detected.

Researchers say they will continue to study the intermediate-mass black hole candidate in the hope of confirming its existence.
Australia's high court has begun hearing legal challenges against the government's plan to hold a voluntary postal vote that could lead to legalizing same-sex marriage.

Ballots are set to be mailed next week to Australian voters that could give Parliament the go-ahead to vote on the measure in December, if the majority of voters check the "yes" box.

But same-sex marriage supporters are fighting to scrap the plan, saying Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's government does not have the legal authority to spend $97 million of taxpayer money on the postal vote. Gay rights campaigners are calling on lawmakers to go on the record with a simple "yes" or "no" vote.

Director Anna Brown of Australia's Human Rights Law Center, which is representing one of the groups that mounted a legal challenge against the voluntary vote, says the plan is "unnecessary" and is proving to be "divisive and harmful" to Australia's gay, lesbian and transgender community.

Prime Minister Turnbull, who supports same-sex marriage, launched the postal vote plan after lawmakers rejected a bill to hold a compulsory plebiscite in November.

The Melbourne-based High Court is holding two days of hearings on the legal challenges to the postal vote.
Leaders of BRICS, an acronym for the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa combined, on Monday expressed concerns over Pakistan-based militant groups and cited them as a problem for regional security.

The economic bloc called for the supporters of these groups to be held accountable.

The call for action comes two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump put Pakistan on notice to stop harboring Afghan militant groups that use Pakistani soil to plan and launch attacks against Afghan and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

BRICS members condemned terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and called for an "immediate cessation of violence" in the country.

"We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates, including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," read a joint declaration issued by the economic bloc during its annual summit in China's Xiamen.

"We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," the declaration added.

While the BRICS statement has not named Islamabad directly, many of the groups cited in the declaration find safe haven in the country.

Washington and Kabul have long accused Islamabad of turning a blind eye to the issue of safe havens for Afghan militant groups.

Trump last month blamed Pakistan for "housing" terrorist groups that are fighting Afghan and American forces in Afghanistan. He vowed not to be "silent about Pakistan's safe havens" for the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond.

New Delhi also has accused Pakistan-based religious groups of supporting militancy in Indian Kashmir.

Analysts say the new charges put additional pressure on Pakistan for its alleged support of regional militant groups that are fighting in Afghanistan and Indian Kashmir.

The BRICS summits decision that Laskar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are a threat to the region will certainly have an impact on Pakistans diplomatic efforts, Rasul Baksh Raees, a political analyst in Pakistan, told VOA.

Possible change in China's stance

Experts believe the BRICS statement also indicates a change in China's traditional stance toward militant groups in the region.

"This has now become a necessity, as China and Russia are looking into the matter very seriously and it's becoming evident that China might not support Pakistan the way it has done in the past," Pakistani analyst Raza Rumi told VOA.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, believes the BRICS statement is a serious development.

"This is a big deal because China has agreed to single out, on the global stage, terror groups that it typically blocks from getting sanctioned on the global stage," Kugelman said.

He believes China has economic interests in the region and "needs stability in Pakistan as it builds out its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor [CPEC] in that country."

"In fact, Beijing has a strong interest in Pakistan cracking down on all terror groups, not just some," Kugelman underscored.
British police have arrested four army soldiers on suspicion of being members of an outlawed neo-Nazi group and planning terrorist acts.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed the men were army members.

Authorities allege the men belong to National Action, a neo-Nazi group that was banned in Britain last December after it praised the murder of parliament member Jo Cox, who died at the hands of a far-right nationalist.

Police say the arrests were made in the cities of Birmingham, Ipswich, Northampton in England and in Powys, Wales. They also say the suspects, whose names have not been disclosed, are between the ages of 22 and 32.



The West Midlands Counterterrorism Unit said the arrests were the result of a pre-planned and intelligence-led" operation and there was "no threat to the public's safety."

Britain is on a "severe" threat level, the country's second-highest level, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Suspected Islamists have killed 35 people in Britain this year, including in June, when driver Darren Osborne allegedly killed a man after plowing a van into worshipers near a London mosque. Prosecutors said Osborne, who is in jail awaiting trial, was "motivated by extreme political views and a personal hatred of Muslims."

A British police chief said last month the number of referrals to authorities regarding suspected right-wing extremists doubled since Cox's death. Cox was killed in June 2016 by a far-right nationalist identified as Thomas Mair, who authorities said was obsessed with Nazi and white supremacist ideology.

When National Action was outlawed last year, Interior Minister Amber Rudd described the group as "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic."
The U.S. government carefully designed a path of least resistance to building a border wall in Texas, picking a wildlife refuge and other places it already owns or controls to quickly begin construction. All it needed was Congress to approve the money.



Then came Harvey.



President Donald Trump's administration must now grapple with a storm that devastated the Texas Gulf Coast, with some areas still underwater and tens of thousands of people forced from their homes. Rebuilding will require billions of dollars to start  and may come at the expense of what is perhaps Trump's best-known policy priority.

The White House wanted $1.6 billion for 74 miles (120 kilometers) of initial wall, including 60 miles (95 kilometers) in Texas' Rio Grande Valley.



While a fraction of what the overall recovery effort will cost, funding for the wall already faced strong opposition from Senate Democrats. Three days before Harvey made landfall, Trump threatened a government shutdown unless Congress provides funding. That threat now appears to be off the table, as is any potential maneuver to tie the wall to providing disaster relief.

"If Trump is saying, 'Listen, you're only going to get your disaster funding if I get my wall,' that is a total political loser," said Matt Mackowiak, a Texas-based Republican consultant. "That's just not tenable."



Before the storm hit, the U.S. government had spent months quietly preparing to begin new construction in Texas. The first construction site would be the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a verdant forest with butterflies and rare bird species next to the Rio Grande  that wasn't affected by Harvey.

Those preparations are still underway. At Santa Ana, crews were seen as recently as Friday drilling holes for testing the soil on the river levee built to withhold high waters from the Rio Grande. The head of the National Butterfly Center, also next to the border, recently caught workers chopping trees and mowing vegetation on her property without her permission. And contractors have been spotted at a courthouse in a neighboring county examining land ownership records.



The government wants to build on the 3 miles (5 kilometers) of river levee cutting through the northern edge of the refuge, separating the visitor center from the rest of the park. A gate in the wall would open and close for visitors. Vegetation in front of the wall would be cleared for an access road and open land to give agents better visibility.



Under current plans, another 25 miles (40 kilometers) would go on other parts of the levee, where government agencies are believed to control land rights and have previously built sections of fencing. The remaining construction would go through river towns further west, taking a route the government examined the last time it built a border barrier, under the 2006 Secure Fence Act.



Scott Nicol, co-chair of the Sierra Club's Borderlands campaign and a longtime opponent of the plan, said that the storm "should stop them from trying to build a wall."



"If we had an administration that was acting responsibly, that was acting in the best interest of the United States, they would say, 'We have a much more important thing to do right now,'" Nicol said.



Law enforcement officials in the Rio Grande Valley say the wall is part of their strategy to slow the entry of drugs and illegal immigration. And they want to avoid the issues that stymied the U.S. government after the Secure Fence Act. That resulted in hundreds of lawsuits and years of delays in Texas, and yielded just 100 miles (160 kilometers) of fencing in the state.



That's why they want to start in Santa Ana.



"That is government property already," Manuel Padilla, the Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector chief, told The Associated Press last month. "So we don't have to deal with the landowner because that's a process and it takes time."



The Valley is the nation's busiest place for illegal border crossings. Agents routinely catch human and drug smugglers along the state's 800-mile (1,290-kilometer) border with Mexico, most of which is not fenced.



"Smugglers exploit the refuge because it has limited access to law enforcement," Padilla said.



Opponents say Padilla is overstating the threat in the refuge. The Border Patrol says its agents have intercepted just eight human smuggling cases in Santa Ana since October. By comparison, during that same period, agents intercepted more than 2,000 human smuggling cases in the Rio Grande Valley overall.



Environmentalists say cutting through Santa Ana's forests would irreparably damage the area and endanger animals in the event of floods. Several endangered wildcats and 400-plus species of birds live at the refuge.



Still, the Department of Homeland Security can waive environmental and other reviews to expedite construction, as it's already done in San Diego, where the remaining 14 miles (22 kilometers) of border wall is currently planned. Even if Congress doesn't approve funding, the department might still be able to build in the refuge by reallocating money already in its budget.



It's a plan that would be hard for opponents of a wall to stop. But after Harvey, the state faces a rebuilding effort that will draw not just on government money, but the efforts of construction companies and natural resources that might have otherwise gone to a wall.



So far, Texas Republicans won't rule out a wall but say it shouldn't jeopardize Harvey recovery funding.



Sen. John Cornyn has filed a $15 billion border security bill that would build some new portions of border wall, though he opposes fencing off the entire, nearly 2,000-mile (3,220-kilometer) U.S.-Mexico border. He said the message from the White House so far has been to offer immediate storm aid without political strings.



Asked if he was concerned the border wall fight could tie up federal disaster spending, Gov. Greg Abbott said simply, "No."
Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha has been formally charged with treason, and is facing a jail sentence between 15 to 30 years in jail if convicted.

A court in the capital, Phnom Penh, announced Tuesday that the leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party is accused of secretly colluding with a foreign entity to undermine the government.

Sokha was arrested Sunday during a raid on his home, along with his bodyguards, according to a tweet by his daughter, Kem Monovithya. The government said it arrested Sokha based on his comments in a video broadcast by the private Cambodian Broadcasting Network, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Video sparks arrest

In the video, which dates back to 2013, Sokha claims he has received help from the United States to build a pro-democracy movement in Cambodia.

A post on his Twitter feed Monday said I may lose my freedom, but may freedom never die in Cambodia.

Sokha's arrest was carried out amid a massive government crackdown against independent news outlets and human rights groups, including the closure of more than a dozen radio stations and the National Democratic Institute, a U.S. government-funded NGO.

Newspaper closed

The most notable closure occurred on Monday, when The Cambodia Daily, one of the last independent newspapers in the country, published its last edition under the headline Descent Into Outright Dictatorship. The publishers say a $6.3 million overdue tax bill, which they say is bogus, forced them to shut down operations.

The crackdown is an apparent attempt by autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen to shut down dissenting voices ahead of next year's elections with the aim of extending his three-decade-old grip on power.

Hun Sen's government was nearly toppled in the last national elections in 2013, and support is growing for the opposition, especially among younger Cambodians.
Egypt will host war games with U.S. troops this month for the first time in eight years, but the American contingent will be much smaller than in previous exercises, officials said Tuesday.

Army Spokesman Col. Tamer el-Rifai said the 10-day military exercises, known as Bright Star, would begin Sept. 10 and include anti-terrorism training.

"Operation Bright Star is among the most important joint American-Egyptian exercises as they reflect the depth of relations," el-Rifai said in the statement. He gave no further details.

The biannual exercises date back to 1981, but the Obama administration postponed them in 2011, following the uprising that toppled longtime President Hosni Mubarak, and scrapped them in 2013, after Egyptian security forces killed hundreds of protesters while breaking up a mass sit-in.

U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Egypt as a key ally against terrorism, but last month the United States cut or delayed some $300 million in military and economic aid over human rights concerns.

Maj. Adrian J. Rankine-Galloway, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed the exercises, saying "approximately 200" U.S. forces would participate.

That's a much smaller contingent than in previous years, when thousands of forces took part in the exercises. In 1999, the drill included more than 70,000 troops from 11 countries.

"We have worked closely with our Egyptian partners to ensure the timing and circumstances were right to conduct this valuable exercise," Rankine-Galloway said. "This has been an important series of exercises since 1981, and it's a good thing for our military-to-military relationship to return to Bright Star again."
A string of Western politicians have visited Libya in recent weeks, the latest being French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian, who arrived Monday in Tripoli for talks with the strife-torn countys rival politicians and militia leaders.

With the warlord Khalifa Haftar consolidating his position in the eastern part of the oil-producing nation and Fayez al-Seraj strengthening his internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in the west, European diplomats say a fragile balance of power is beginning to emerge between two of the chief rivals for power.

And thats increasing, they argue, the opportunities for sealing a breakthrough agreement reconciling the two halves of Libya. But no one is discounting the chances that all could go awry. The fractured country has had many false starts since the ouster of strongman Moamar Gadhafi in 2011 and there are multiple armed, tribal and regional players who have to agree to any deal making for it to be sustainable.

Much will depend on the U.N. envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, who replaced Martin Kobler in June. He has first-hand experience with fractious politics, having served as a Cabinet minister in Beirut, but he faces a daunting task in trying to give coherence to a U.N.-led peace process thats been muddied by unilateral initiatives launched by others.

The French increasingly have been driving the search for a resolution to the Libya crisis. But Italy has complained of poorly coordinated initiatives by French President Emmanuel Macron, who the Italians see as impulsive and fear is boosting the political sway of General Haftar.

A former Gadhafi-era officer before he broke with the Libyan dictator, Haftar is meant to be the military commander of the GNAs main rival, the government established by the last elected legislature. But he is an independent player, frequently ignoring instructions from the so-called Tobruk government.

The Italians recognize Haftar, whos backed by Egypts president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and has some Russian contacts, has to be part of any political deal, but they fear hes a strongman-in-the-waiting. That view is shared by the powerful militias in the town of Misrata, who are key political and military players who have so far supported the GNA.



Both Paris and Rome are desperate to curb the migrant influx into Europe of mainly sub-Saharan Africans, nearly all of whom are coming via Libya, and a prerequisite is to establish a functioning nationwide authority in Tripoli with security agencies willing to impose order and able to take down the trafficking syndicates that are bolstered by powerful town-based armed militias.

Tim Eaton of the British research organization Chatham House said last month, Momentum will be crucial and Salames grace period will be extremely short... He must move quickly to bring together the countrys competing powers and a divided international community.

Paris deal



Le Drians goal in Libya was to give further impetus to the so-called Paris deal, engineered in July by Macron. Meeting in the French capital, only the second time they had met, Seraj and Haftar shook hands on a cease-fire and early elections. They agreed to strive for a negotiated political settlement based on the U.N.-mediated 2015 Libyan Political Agreement, which was signed without much popular support and without acceptance by the countrys major armed groups.

But within hours, Haftar cast doubt on what he shook on, saying he had no interest in elections and claiming the GNA is controlled by terrorists.

Haftar labels opponents routinely as Islamists and jihadists, The cease-fire is just with moderate parties and youths who have some misdemeanors. Were in contact with them, he told France24 Arabic. I do not care about elections. I care about the future of Libya as a stable and civil state.

Libyan Prime Minister Seraj said at a press conference with Le Drian in the Libyan capital Monday that he remained committed to the Paris deal. He focused on the importance of holding early elections, saying, We have waited a year-and-a-half and nothing has been achieved except for more confrontations, despite the countrys economic and security crises, so I propose the road map for the people go through the ballot boxes.

Skepticism



Some analysts and international election advisers who worked on previous Libyan elections are highly skeptical about running early elections, saying they would likely deepen the countrys divisions rather than help repair them.

A former U.N. election adviser said the best part of the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement was to establish power sharing between key stakeholders, and building stability on that. "An election is designed to give one party, or a coalition of parties, power and the campaigning for it would likely prove highly divisive, she added.
Two French journalists are on trial accused by Azerbaijan's government of defamation for calling the country a "dictatorship."



Media freedom activists see the unusual trial as a dangerous precedent by a foreign government to intimidate journalists and export censorship beyond its own borders.



Azerbaijan sued journalists Elise Lucet and Laurent Richard for defamation over a 2015 investigative report for France-2 television. They are on trial Tuesday in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.



Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders is testifying for the defense, as are an Azerbaijani journalist and human rights activists living in exile.



Oil-rich Azerbaijan's government has long faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses and suppression of dissent. Its president Ilham Aliyev succeeded his father as long-time leader and secured sweeping new powers in a recent referendum.
Security guard Eric Leon watches the Knightscope K5 security robot as it glides through the mall, charming shoppers with its blinking blue and white lights. The brawny automaton records video and sounds alerts. According to its maker, it deters mischief just by making the rounds.

Leon, the all-too-human guard, feels pretty sure that the robot will someday take his job.

"He doesn't complain," Leon says. "He's quiet. No lunch break. He's starting exactly at 10."

Even in the technology hotbed stretching from Silicon Valley to San Francisco, a security robot can captivate passers-by. But the K5 is only one of a growing menagerie of automated novelties in a region where you can eat a delivered pizza made via automation and drink beers at a bar served by an airborne robot. This summer, the San Francisco Chronicle published a tech tourism guide listing a dozen or so places where tourists can observe robots and automation in action.

Yet San Francisco is also where workers were the first to embrace mandatory sick leave and fully paid parental leave. Voters approved a $15 hourly minimum wage in 2014, a requirement that Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law for the entire state in 2016. And now one official is pushing a statewide "tax" on robots that automate jobs and put people out of work.

It's too soon to say if the effort will prevail, let alone whether less-progressive jurisdictions might follow suit. The tussle points to the tensions that can flare when people embrace both technological innovation and a strong brand of social consciousness.

Such frictions seem destined to escalate as automation makes further inroads into the workplace. One city supervisor, Norman Yee, has proposed barring food delivery robots from city streets, arguing that public sidewalks should be solely for people.

"I'm a people person," Yee says, "so I tend to err on the side of things that should be beneficial and safe for people."

Future for workers

Jane Kim, the city supervisor who is pushing the robot tax, says it's important to think now about how people will earn a living as more U.S. jobs are lost to automation. After speaking with experts on the subject, she decided to launch a statewide campaign with the hope of bringing revenue-raising ideas to the state legislature or directly to voters.

"I really do think automation is going to be one of the biggest issues around income inequality," Kim says.

It makes sense, she adds, that the city at the center of tech disruption take up the charge to manage that disruption.

"It's not inherently a bad thing, but it will concentrate wealth, and it's going to drive further inequity if you don't prepare for it now," she says.

"Preposterous" is what William Santana Li, CEO of security robot maker Knightscope calls the supervisor's idea. His company created the K5 robot monitoring the Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose.

The private security industry, Li says, suffers from high turnover and low pay. As he sees it, having robots handle menial tasks allows human guards to assume greater responsibilities  like managing a platoon of K5 robots  and likely earn more pay in the process.

Li acknowledges that such jobs would require further training and some technological know-how. But he says people ultimately stand to benefit. Besides, Li says, it's wrong to think that robots are intended to take people's jobs.

"We're working on 160 contracts right now, and I can maybe name two that are literally talking about, `How can I get rid of that particular human position?"'

Spurring new jobs

The question of whether  or how quickly  workers will be displaced by automation ignites fierce debate. It's enough to worry Bill Gates, who suggested in an interview early this year a robot tax as a way to slow the speed of automation and give people time to prepare. The Microsoft co-founder hasn't spoken publicly about it since.

A report last year from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development concluded that 9 percent of jobs in the United States  or about 13 million  could be automated. Other economists argue that the impact will be much less drastic.

The spread of automation should also generate its own jobs, analysts say, offsetting some of those being eliminated. Workers will be needed, for example, to build and maintain robots and develop the software to run them.

Technological innovation has in the past created jobs in another way, too: Work involving new technologies is higher-skilled and typically higher-paying. Analysts say that much of the extra income those workers earn tends to be spent on additional goods and services, thereby creating more jobs.

"There are going to be a wider array of jobs that will support the automation economy," said J.P. Gownder, an analyst at the research firm Forrester. "A lot of what we're going to be doing is working side by side with robots."

What about people who lose jobs to automation but can't transition to more technologically demanding work?

Lawmakers in Hawaii have voted to explore the idea of a universal basic income to guarantee wages to servers, cooks and cleaners whose jobs may be replaced by machines. Kim, the San Francisco supervisor, is weighing the idea of using revenue from a robot tax to supplement the low wages of people whose jobs can't be automated, like home health care aides.

Doug Bloch, political director of Teamsters Joint Council 7 in Northern California and northern Nevada, said there have been no mass layoffs among hotel, trucking or food service staff resulting from automation. But that day is coming, he warns.

Part of his responsibility is to make sure that union drivers receive severance and retraining if they lose work to automation.

"All the foundations are being built for this," he says. "The table is being set for this banquet, and we want to make sure our members have a seat at the table."

Innovation 'moves the world forward'

Tech companies insist their products will largely assist, and not displace, workers. Savioke, based in San Jose, makes 3-foot-tall (91 centimeter) robots  called Relay  that deliver room service at hotels where only one person might be on duty at night. This allows the clerk to stay at the front desk, said Tessa Lau, the company's "chief robot whisperer."

"We think of it as our robots taking over tasks but not taking over jobs," Lau says. "If you think of a task as walking down a hall and waiting for an elevator, Relay's really good at that."

Similarly, friends Steve Simoni, Luke Allen and Gregory Jaworski hatched the idea of a drink-serving robot one night at a crowded bar in San Francisco. There was no table service. But there was a sea of thirsty people.

"We all wanted another round, but you have to send someone to leave the conversation and wait in line at the bar for 10 minutes and carry all the drinks back," Allen says.

They created the Bbot, a box that slides overhead on a fixed route at the Folsom Street Foundry in San Francisco, bringing drinks ordered by smartphone and poured by a bartender  who still receives a tip. The bar is in Kim's district in the South of Market neighborhood.

Simoni says the company is small and it couldn't shoulder a government tax. But he's glad policymakers are preparing for a future with more robots and automation.

"I don't know if we need to tax companies for it, but I think it's an important debate," he says.

As for his trio, he says: "We're going to side with innovation every time. Innovation is what moves the world forward."
Hurricane Harvey began with raging winds, but its legacy will be water. Seemingly endless, relentlessly insidious water - a staggering 40 inches or more that swamped parts of Houston in just five days.

Harvey scooped tons of water from the sea and hurled it down on the nation's fourth-largest city, drowning vast swathes of the landscape and battering it with almost a year's worth of rainfall.

Rooftops became islands poking up through swirling floodwaters. Thousands of houses were destroyed as they became watery tombs, and tens of thousands more, soaked and pounded by the storm, could face the wrecking ball.

The water - and the muck and mold that follow - will create misery that will linger for years and likely cost tens of billions of dollars all told.

For many of the displaced in southeast Texas, floodwaters stole every possession, leaving them to navigate insurance forms and federal disaster aid applications as they ponder how to even move forward.

The deluge will instill deep anxiety, too, for many who lived through Harvey, and inflict lasting emotional scars on some survivors.

In a storm destined for the history books, it's the ravages of the water that define the story.

-Water saturates

A broken pipe in a house is reason to call a plumber. A house buried in water for weeks could mean it's time for the demolition crew.

It's too soon to know how many of more than 37,000 heavily damaged homes in Texas are salvageable, but Houston officials say some will be submerged in water for up to a month. Thousands have already been destroyed in the state. On Monday, evacuees began returning to their inundated homes, and others moved to government-paid hotels .

The longer a house is under water, the greater the damage.

Furniture, refrigerators and other appliances will almost certainly be ruined. Water can compromise or ruin wallboard, electrical systems, insulation, doors, windows and cabinets. Wooden floors warp, swell and can even float away; mold grows in the moist, humid interior, posing the risk of respiratory problems.

For those that can be repaired, civil engineers recommend that after the contaminated water and muck are removed, it's best to strip out the wallboard and insulation so the house is reduced to the studs, which must be dried before any rebuilding begins.

Steve Cain, a Purdue University extension disaster specialist, offers simple advice:

"You don't want to be rushing into your home after a flood," he says. "You want to make sure to go back when it's safe. ... You can fall through a floor, gas lines could be leaking, electrical systems can be damaged and if the electricity is not shut off, you can get electrocuted."

- Water scours

A few inches of rain can snarl traffic. Forty inches or more of water pounding the pavement in less than a week can undermine the streets people drive on every day.

The relentless pressure of water can loosen the foundation of asphalt roads - compacted soil, gravel or sand - leading to cracking and potholes. Pieces of pavement can slide away.

Big bridges will fare better in Texas. They're likely to escape major damage because the flooding was caused by the gradual rising of water, according to Julio Ramirez, professor of civil engineering at Purdue.

This is in contrast to some other natural disasters. For example, when an earthquake-induced tsunami hits a coastal area, bridges can be weakened when they're struck by large debris - sometimes even cars and buildings - carried by the force of the giant tidal wave, Ramirez says.

Andy Herrmann, past president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, says the great majority of Texas bridges aren't vulnerable to damage from heavy rains because they're built on piles or caissons - often hollow pipe filled with concrete.

But the smaller ones that sit on soil or rock, he says, could run into trouble if rapidly moving floodwaters eat away at the foundation, a process known as scouring. If that happens, a bridge could tilt or collapse.

Jeff Lindner, of the Harris County Flood Control District, also says pipelines could be subject to scouring, exposing them and making them more susceptible to breaking.

During the 1994 floods in the Houston area caused by about 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain, eight pipelines broke across the San Jacinto basin, spilling almost 1.5 million gallons (5.68 million liters) of oil and petroleum products. Federal officials say more than 500 people suffered injuries, mostly minor burns, when fuel from those pipeline breaks ignited.

- Water displaces

New Orleans was transformed by the devastating impact of water from Hurricane Katrina. Now the same thing is happening in Houston, displacing people and businesses and disrupting the local economy.

Experts expect the recovery from Harvey to go far smoother than that of post-Katrina .

"I think Houston will rebound much more gracefully, more quickly than New Orleans," says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. "People aren't going to leave. It's a diverse economy."

Zandi notes that New Orleans' economy depends almost entirely on tourism and energy, while Houston prospers from health care, transportation, oil refineries and the chemical industry, among others.

Houston is part of a coastal region that supplies nearly a third of U.S. oil-refining capacity. Its port is the nation's second-busiest. The city is headquarters to 20 Fortune 500 companies. NASA's Johnson Space Center is also based there.

Houston has 2.3 million people. New Orleans is home to less than 400,000 residents, about 90,000 fewer than pre-Katrina levels.

Though Zandi expects Houston to come back strongly, he says, that depends, in part, on a strong federal disaster aid package. And he adds some people who are thinking of moving to Houston may have reservations because this is the third big storm since 2015.

Moody's estimates the total economic loss from Katrina at $175 billion and Harvey's could be as much as $108 billion. But it's too early to know the full scope of the Texas disaster.

As Zandi says: "It's a script still being written."

- Water sickens

Long after the danger of drowning subsides, water, oddly enough, can wreak havoc on your health - by forcing you to dry places.

Thousands of Houston area storm survivors who fled flooded homes found refuge in large shelters, but those temporary living quarters can become incubators for infections.

"You have all these people congregated together very closely for prolonged periods of time," says Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. "That's an ideal circumstance for the spread of respiratory infections."

Schaffner also warns that evacuees in crowded shelters can develop norovirus, a highly contagious intestinal infection marked by vomiting and diarrhea - an illness that has been known to occur on cruise ships.

New health problems can arise once flood victims return homes. Inside, mold can cause breathing troubles, but that can be avoided by wearing a mask. Outside, standing pools of stagnant water contaminated by chemicals and garbage, become ideal breeding spots for mosquitoes. A bite can have serious consequences.

"We worry about West Nile virus, certain kinds of encephalitis viruses," Schaffner says.

Houston may be able to minimize the risks because it has a strong mosquito abatement program if it can be re-established, according to Schaffner.

Houston's floodwaters, contaminated by lawn pesticides, spilled fuel and runoff from oil refineries and chemical plants, also pose potential health risks, according to experts . State officials reported several dozen sewer overflows in hurricane-impacted areas, though the public works department in Houston has reported its water is safe.

Another concern are Superfund sites, some of the most polluted places in the nation. The Associated Press surveyed seven of these toxic sites and found all had been inundated with floodwaters. After that report, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state will be working with the Environmental Protection Agency to deal with any possible threats of contamination.

- Water haunts

Superstorm Sandy. Katrina. And now Harvey.

The epic disasters in the New York metro area and New Orleans left residents in both places wrestling with the emotional anguish of losing their homes, their livelihoods and their sense of security. The same psychological trauma is likely to emerge in southeast Texas.

Those feelings can linger for years. One study found that residents in the path of Sandy suffered from depression and post-traumatic stress. Another concluded that children displaced by Katrina still had serious emotional or behavioral problems five years later.

Some of the most common stress-related reactions to disasters such as Harvey are anxiety, a change in appetite, insomnia and a sense of uncertainty - a feeling of what's next, according to Dr. Anita Everett, president of the American Psychiatric Association. Headaches or aches and pains can also surface, she notes.

"It's a little bit like a grieving process," Everett says. "We sort of expect that there's going to be waves of worry, waves of anxiety and that's all within the normal experience." But she says that those who are struggling three months after a disaster and can't work or make decisions may want to seek professional help.

Being in a large shelter, though, can boost the spirits of storm survivors because they can share stories and turn to each other for support, Everett says.

"You get a really strong sense of a community that's coming together and working together to rise to the occasion ... Humans are amazingly resilient."
After Kenyas Supreme Court annulled last months presidential election results, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced late Monday the new election will be held October 17.

But opposition leader Raila Odinga and his coalition said Tuesday they prefer October 24 or 31, arguing there must be sufficient time to work out issues with the IEBC that necessitated the need for a new election in the first place.



We are saying that we are not ready to participate in elections on the 17th of October without legal and constitutional guarantees because you cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results, said Odinga.



Odinga said "a number" of electoral commissioners should be removed and/or prosecuted instead of being permitted to conduct another round of elections.



As far as we are concerned, it is not the date, the day, said Odinga. It is the preparations for these elections which is more important for us, that there must be proper preparations. It must deal with all irregularities which were committed. Beginning with the people who committed them, and also rectifying those irregularities.



The IEBC spokesman told VOA a response would be forthcoming. Attempts to reach President Uhuru Kenyattas spokesman for comment were unsuccessful.



Kenyatta was declared the winner of the now-nullified August 8 election, defeating Odinga by 1.4 million votes.

The Supreme Court said in its ruling Friday the electoral commission was responsible for irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results during the first election, though it did not order specific action for electoral officials.



Chief Justice David Maraga informed the commission that under the constitution it had 60 days from the ruling to organize fresh polls.



The full judgment of the court must be released within 21 days of the ruling.
Lesotho's top army commander was shot dead by rival officers at a military barracks, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso was killed in a gunfight with two officers who forced their way into his office at the barracks. The two officers also died, according to the Associated Press.

Lesotho's military has long been entwined with the tiny Southern African nations political woes. The army led a 1986 coup to push out a long-serving government and has been involved in a number of political actions, including a coup in 2014 and the assassination of a former army chief in 2015.

The party of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane won elections in June, returning him to power three years after he fled Lesotho to neighboring South Africa due to fears he would assassinated.
Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi says there has been a huge iceberg of misinformation about the violence in her country's Rakhine state that has forced nearly 125,000 minority Rohingya Muslims to flee across the border to Bangladesh.

In a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday by her office, the Nobel Peace laureate said she spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday about the crisis. The statement said Aung San Suu Kyi discussed a series of photos posted on Twitter by Turkey's deputy prime minister that allegedly showed dead Rohingya that were later proved to be unrelated to the current violence.

She told Erdogan that fake information is promoting the interests of terrorists, a word she used to describe a group of Rohingya insurgents who launched a series of attacks on security posts in Rakhine state that triggered the crisis.

Amnesty International condemned the statement Wednesday, calling it "unconscionable" in the human rights watchdog's official response.

"In her first comments on the crisis, instead of promising concrete action to protect the people in Rakhine state, Aung San Suu Kyi appears to be downplaying the horrific reports coming out of the area, said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty Internationals Crisis Response Director.

At least 400 people have been killed since a group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army launched a series of attacks on police posts in Rakhine, which is home to most of the Rohingya minority group. The police responded with attacks on villages to hunt down the insurgents.

In a related tragedy, authorities in Bangladesh said at least five people drowned when a boat carrying a group of Rohingyas capsized Wednesday morning as it was sailing in the waters separating the two countries.

Turkeys Erdogan voices concern

Erdogan has led a growing chorus of international leaders urging Aung San Suu Kyi to end the violence and ensure the protection of the Rohingya, who are considered to be Bangladeshi migrants in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and are denied citizenship, even if they can show that their families have been in Myanmar for generations. The crisis appears to be steadily diminishing Aung San Suu Kyi's longheld status as a human rights icon.

In Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, thousands of people demonstrated outside the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta Wednesday demanding an end to the suffering of the Rohingya.

In a statement posted on her official Twitter account, activist Malala Yousafzai called on her fellow Nobel laureate to condemn the violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority.

If their home is not Myanmar, where they have lived for generations, then where is it? she asked.

U.N.s Guterres fears ethnic cleansing

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern Tuesday about the potential for ethnic cleansing against the minority Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

I think that we are facing a risk; I hope we don't get there, said Guterres, when asked whether the human rights situation in Rakhine constituted ethnic cleansing. The secretary-general also appealed to the civilian and military authorities in Myanmar to put an end to the violence he said is creating a situation that can destabilize the region.

Bangladesh's prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, urged the international community to mount pressure on Myanmar to stop pushing the Rohingya into Bangladesh and take back the refugees. Bangladesh's border guards have detained more than 2,600 Rohingya entering Bangladesh, and nearly 2,000 have been sent back to Myanmar this week, sources have told VOA Bangla.

Bangladeshi border guards and locals have confirmed reports by Rakhine state residents that explosions rocked areas near the border, accompanied by thick black smoke and the sound of gunfire.

Quoting two unnamed government sources in Dhaka, Reuters news agency says Myanmar military forces have been laying landmines across a section of its shared border with Bangladesh for the past three days. The sources say the purpose of the landmines is allegedly to prevent the fleeing Rohingya from returning.

Indias Modi visits Myanmar

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day state visit to Myanmar Tuesday on his way back from China, where he attended a summit with leaders of emerging economies. Modi, who is also trying to expand commercial and strategic ties in Myanmar, is expected to take up the issue of the Rohingya with Aung San Suu Kyi. India has said it wants to deport about 40,000 Rohingya who left Myanmar over the years.

Sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims has flared periodically for more than a decade. Until last month's attacks, the worst violence occurred last October, when insurgents attacked several police posts, sparking a military crackdown that sent thousands fleeing to Bangladesh.

The Myanmar government has denied allegations of abuse against the Rohingya and limited access to Rakhine to journalists and other outsiders; but, the countrys ambassador to the United Nations says the government plans to implement the recommendations from a U.N. commission to improve conditions and end the violence.

VOA Burmese, VOA Bangla and Victor Beattie contributed to this report.
Wind-driven flames, hot temperatures and dry conditions are hampering firefighters across the West even after Labor Day, the unofficial end to a summer of devastating wildfires.

The dozens of fires burning across the West and Canada have blanketed the air with choking smoke from Oregon, where ash fell on the town of Cascade Locks, to Colorado, where health officials issued an air quality advisory alert.



A 14-square-mile (36-square-kilometer) fire in Montana's Glacier National Park emptied the park's busiest tourist spot as wind gusts drove the blaze toward the doorstep of a century-old lodge.



The Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel, sits on a lake as the Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide has made it an endearing park symbol for many visitors.



On Monday, fire crews got bad news: The wind had shifted and gusts were driving the fire down the mountainside toward the lake's shores.



Losing Lake McDonald Lodge on top of the destruction of Sperry Chalet last week would be unimaginably devastating, said Mark Hufstetler, a historian who worked at the lodge for several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s.



These are some of the most remarkable buildings anywhere in the United States and they are an integral part of the Glacier experience and the Glacier tradition, Hufstetler said.



Fire crews understood the significance of the lodge and were ready to protect it, said fire information officer Diane Sine.



It's important to all of us and a very high priority to do whatever we can to preserve that, she said.



Outside California's Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees. Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove, and had not killed any trees.



Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low intensity fires. The blaze burned low-level brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.



They have thick bark and made it through pretty well, Chipman said.



There are about 100 giant sequoias in the grove, including the roughly 24-story-high Bull Buck sequoia, one of the world's largest. Fire crews also wrapped 19th-century cabins in shiny, fire-resistant material to protect them from the flames.



The fire threatening the grove was one of several in the area  one of which closed some trails in Yosemite. A road leading to the park's southern entrance was also closed.



Brenda Negley woke up Monday in her Oakhurst home 14 miles away and found her truck covered with ash. Her mother was there, too, after evacuating her own home, but Negley's thoughts were with the peaceful and secluded grove that she has regularly visited since childhood.



I've been sick with worry over Nelder Grove, she said. As much as Nelder Grove is my home, and I don't want to lose my home, I want to save my mom's home and everyone else's home.



Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses. The fire has burned 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) in the community of Helena about 150 miles south of the Oregon line.



In Los Angeles, a fire that destroyed four homes and threatened hillside neighborhoods is no longer actively burning, but firefighters remained at the scene in case the wind reignited the blaze, Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said.



Still, Terrazas said Monday that wind conditions could re-ignite the blaze, so fire officials were not reducing the number of firefighters at the scene.
Pakistan says it seeks to amicably resolve issues with the United States, cautioning any [coercive] American action would cause instability in the country.

The remarks by Defense Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan came days after U.S. President Donald Trump singled out Pakistan for harboring terrorist organizations, including the Taliban and Haqqani network, which destabilize Afghanistan and plot attacks on American troops there.

Trump did not outline what actions he might order to pressure Islamabad to move against the alleged terrorist sanctuaries. A range of punitive measures reportedly is being considered, though, such as increasing diplomatic and economic pressure, and intensifying and expanding anti-terrorism drone strikes inside Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday in Islamabad, Defense Minister Khan again rejected that there are any terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan. He said Pakistani security forces already have taken action against all terrorist groups and are in the process of eliminating their remnants in the country.

Minister Khan also cited U.S. military assessments that say less then 60 percent of Afghan territory is under the control or influence of the Kabul government.

That is why we are all gravely concerned about the fact that 40 percent of Afghanistan has perhaps become a safe haven [for terrorists], he said.

US relationship

The Pakistani minister added that his country is not feeling threatened by the U.S. following the harshly worded Trump speech.

However, we are maintaining an extremely strict monitoring of our land, sea and air frontiers, noted Khan.

He sounded upbeat, though, about better and quality future engagements" between Islamabad and Washington.

Khan said the Pakistani foreign minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, plans to travel to Washington for official talks after consulting key regional partners, including China, Russia, Iran and Turkey.

We are trying to resolve the issues amicably because any American action would cause instability in Pakistan, the defense minister warned.

BRICS on terrorism

On Monday, China, and the four other countries that comprise the BRICS group of major emerging economies  India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa  agreed to boost cooperation against terrorist organizations threatening the region.

A statement issued after a BRICS leaders summit hosted by China contained the names of Pakistan-based, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad militant groups blamed for orchestrating attacks against India. Pakistani authorities already have outlawed the organizations.

Responding to the BRICS announcement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said it also is concerned about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in South Asia.

In a brief statement, the ministry pointed to the presence of terrorist groups in the ungoverned spaces of Afghanistan, including the Pakistani Taliban and its associates like Jamaatul Ahrar, Islamic State and anti-China militants.

Pakistan also remains concerned at the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities, the statement reads.

Islamabad alleges that India is partnering with the Afghan intelligence agency to support anti-state militants sheltering in Afghanistan to plan attacks against Pakistan, charges Kabul and New Delhi reject.
Poland's prime minister says she and three other Baltic Sea state officials have discussed an urgent need for greater security for their countries, including cybersecurity.

Beata Szydlo on Tuesday hosted talks with her counterparts from Lithuania and Latvia and with Estonia's ambassador.



All four nations border Russia and are concerned for their security amid Russia's increased military and cyberspace activity. Thousands of Russian troops are to participate in major war games that open in Belarus next week.



Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said that aggressive propaganda, fake news and cyberattacks are coming from Russia, aimed at changing our citizens' views.



Szydlo said there is a need for closer cooperation on cybersecurity among the European Union's 28 members, within NATO and among the countries in the region.
Pope Francis arrives Wednesday in Colombia for a five-day visit that will fulfill a promise to visit the nation once it reached an agreement to end the country's civil war.

The pope made the promise in early 2016 and, only a few months later, FARC rebels and the Colombian government signed a peace pact to end the more than 50-year-old war.

Voters rejected the agreement in a referendum, but it was approved by Congress in November.

President Juan Manual Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to restore peace, but the agreement remains unpopular among Colombians.

When the pope arrives in Colombia, he likely will attempt to mitigate the lingering hostility over the issue.

The pope and the Vatican have been working for several years to bring peace to the South American country.

Francis personally arranged an unprecedented meeting at the Vatican in December between himself, President Santos and former president and opposition leader Alvaro Uribe.

Although the pope is expected to focus on peace, the Vatican said his visit will be about more.

"It is wrong to only focus on peace," Guzman Carriquiry of the Vatican's Commission for Latin America told reporters Friday. "The Pope sees this trip as part of a long process in fighting violence," Carriquiry added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the U.S. was poorly handled.

Speaking at a news conference during a summit in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed as "naive" a question about whether he was disappointed in Trump.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic U.S. politics.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further U.S. sanctions on Russia and the U.S. decision to close Russian diplomatic outposts have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

The Trump administration last week ordered the closure of three Russian facilities in the U.S.: The San Francisco consulate and trade missions in New York and Washington. It was the latest in a series of escalating retaliatory measures between the former Cold War foes.

Putin said the U.S. had a right to close consulates but "it was done in such a rude way."

"It is hard to hold a dialogue with people who mix Austria with Australia," he continued, an apparent reference to a decade-old gaffe by George W. Bush, who during a 2007 visit to Sydney referred to Austrian troops when he meant Australian troops.

"The American nation, America is truly a great country and a great people if they can tolerate such a big number of people with such a low level of political culture," Putin said.
South Africa's opposition parties are not giving up on their quest to oust President Jacob Zuma, hitting him Tuesday on two fronts: the nation's highest court and a seating of parliament.

These latest attempts come after Zuma's many long-simmering corruption scandals have provoked the opposition to call eight unsuccessful votes of no-confidence against him. All were handily defeated by the large majority held by Zuma's powerful African National Congress.

On Tuesday, the nation's Cape Town-based parliament shot down a motion from the opposition Democratic Alliance to dissolve parliament to pave a way for early elections. The nation is scheduled to vote in 2019.

Another motion bites the dust

The motion failed to get support from many opposition parties, who agreed that the ANC government had failed to rule, but insisted that the motion to dissolve parliament was irrational, and defeated it by a wide margin.

The ANC rejected the motion as "frivolous" and called it an attempt to undemocratically remove an elected government.

"This motion does not seek to effect governance change, as they claim and want us to believe," the ANC's Richard Mdakane told parliament. "Instead it is more to do with Democratic Alliance trying to effect regime change through clandestine ways that undermine the electoral principles and norms governing the electoral system in our constitutional democracy. These are undemocratic attempts anywhere."

DA chief whip John Steenhuisen argued that the ANC and Zuma have brought corruption, unemployment and suffering upon many South Africans and are no longer fit to rule.

"We can't afford another two years of this government," he said. "South Africa deserves a fresh start."

Court adjourns without ruling

Meanwhile, at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters led a bid to persuade the court's 11 justices to rule that South Africa's parliament failed to properly police Zuma's conduct in connection to his use of some $20 million in public funds for upgrades to his rural homestead.

"There is a prima facie violation of Section 89 of the Constitution, to the extent whether the parliament must consider whether or not there are grounds for removal. In this court, in the previous case of secret ballot, this court has already used the term impeachment," argued EFF advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. "So, in summary, what we are asking the court to do is to direct parliament to consider whether the conduct of the president is, prima facie, impeachable."

That section of the Constitution says parliament can impeach a president if two-thirds of its members vote to do so  a tall order, considering the ANC holds 62 percent of the seats.

The court adjourned late Tuesday without a ruling, which will come at a later date, the justices said.

Why now?

Regardless of the efforts against him, Zuma is nearing the end of his turbulent rule. In December, his term ends as head of the ANC and the group will choose a new party leader  a move that will effectively sideline Zuma ahead of national elections in 2019.

But analysts say the opposition's recent efforts are part of a much longer game.

"They need to fight the ANC not only in parliament, but also need to do so in our courts, but also in the court of public opinion," said independent political analyst Aubrey Matshiqi. "What is happening today at the Constitutional Court is part of the broader and multipronged strategy by the opposition to undermine the ANC by making sure that the president's image crisis causes enough collateral damage on the image of the ANC for the opposition parties to benefit in 2019."
The world's poorest continent continued to grow more generous according to a yearly index of charitable giving released on Tuesday, bucking the trend of otherwise declining signs of charity worldwide.

Africa was in a 2016 survey the only continent to report a continent-wide increase of its index generosity score when compared to its five-year average.

The score is a combined measure of respondents in 139 countries who were asked whether they had given money to a good cause, volunteered their time and helped a stranger.

"Despite the many challenges our continent is facing, it is encouraging to see that generosity continues to grow," said Gill Bates, Southern Africa's CEO for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) that commissioned the poll.

Numbers for donating money dip

But globally, donating money and helping a stranger fell by nearly 2 percent, while volunteering dropped about 1 percent, the index showed.

From the United States to Switzerland and Singapore to Denmark, the index showed that the planet's 10 richest countries by GDP per capita, for which data was available, saw declines in their generosity index score.

Myanmar leads the world

Myanmar, for the fourth consecutive year, held the top position of the World Giving Index as the most generous country.

Nine in ten of those surveyed in the Southeast Asian nation said they had donated money during the previous month.

Indonesia ranked second on the combined measure of generosity, overtaking the United States which held that position in last year's index.

Big jump for Kenya

A star performer, CAF said, was the East African nation of Kenya, which jumped from twelfth to third place in a single year.

Yemen, the Middle East's poorest country, which has been grappling with the effects of civil war ranked bottom of the World Giving Index.

The index is primarily based on data from a global poll of 146,000 respondents by market research firm Gallup.
Syrian troops and allied forces reached the eastern city of Deir el-Zour on Tuesday, breaching a three-year-old Islamic State siege on parts of the contested city near the Iraqi border, the army command and a war monitoring group said.

Lifting the siege on Deir el-Zour, parts of which have been ruled by the extremist group since January 2015, marks another victory for President Bashar Assad, whose forces have been advancing on several fronts against IS and other insurgents over the past year.

It also puts an end to a humanitarian crisis for the estimated 70,000 people who survived on erratic air drops of food and supplies during the 32-month siege. Syrian state media said dozens of trucks carrying aid are ready to move in.



The army command said in a statement that reaching Deir el-Zour marks a strategic turn in the war against terrorism, and that the city will be used as a launching pad to expand military operations in the region.



Syrian state TV said troops reached the western outskirts of the city and broke the siege after IS defenses collapsed. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also reported that troops had breached the siege.



The militants did give up easily and used lots of suicide car bombs yesterday, but could not resist much, said opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who currently lives in Europe but is from Deir el-Zour and is in contact with people there.



IS has suffered a series of major setbacks in recent months. Iraqi forces drove the extremists from the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in June, and U.S.-backed Syrian forces have seized more than half of the Syrian city of Raqqa, once the group's self-styled capital.



Syrian troops and allied militiamen, backed by Russia's air force, have for months been advancing toward Deir el-Zour, the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name.



An exiled Deir el-Zour resident and former opposition fighter, whose family has remained in the city in IS-controlled areas, welcomed the lifting of the siege but expressed concern over the fate of civilians in IS-controlled areas. He spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for the safety of his family.



Deir el-Zour is in the Euphrates River Valley, which stretches all the way to the Iraqi border, taking in several towns and villages, and is the largest remaining IS stronghold. The extremists still control around 60 percent of the city, and it could take Assad's forces months to drive them out.



The offensive that led to breaking the siege was led by Gen. Suheil al-Hassan, who is known as the Tiger. Al-Hassan has been behind much of recent victories by government forces, including the capture of eastern parts of the northern city of Aleppo in December, the government's biggest victory since the conflict began in March 2011.



Assad's office released a statement saying he had called to congratulate the commanders who were defending the city.



Russia's Defense Ministry said a Russian warship in the Mediterranean fired cruise missiles early Tuesday toward IS targets near the city. The ministry said it targeted a fortified area around the town of el-Shola, where most of the militants are believed to hail from Russia and former Soviet republics.



The ministry said its drone footage showed that the missile strikes destroyed a communications center, command centers, ammunition depots, a repair shop for armored vehicles and killed an unspecified number of militants.



Tuesday's breakthrough came after government forces dismantled mines around the once besieged government-held air base known as Brigade 137.



DeirEzzor 24, an activist group that has reporters throughout the eastern province, reported heavy clashes near the village of Jabra, adjacent to the besieged area.
Key U.S. lawmakers and business leaders are calling for Congress to enact legislation to protect 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from being deported, after President Donald Trump moved to end a program that allowed them to stay in the United States to study, work and serve in the military years after their parents illegally brought them into the country.

Speaker Paul Ryan, leader of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, said he hoped that Congress "with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

Ryan said the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) created by former President Barack Obama, "however well-intentioned ... was a clear abuse of executive authority." But now, Ryan said, "there is more to do" to protect "young people who came to this country through no fault of their own," as well reach agreement on border security and other immigration issues.

Senator Rand Paul, a Republican who last year lost the party's presidential nomination to Trump, said, "President Obama's executive order was illegal. However, this is a real problem we should solve in a bipartisan fashion."

'Wrong approach'

Senator John McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee who lost to Obama, said, "President Trump's decision to eliminate DACA is the wrong approach to immigration policy at a time when both sides of the aisle need to come together to reform our broken immigration system and secure the border."

Trump gave Congress six months to consider legislation on the issue before undocumented immigrants, collectively known as Dreamers, could face deportation. He called it a "window of opportunity" and in a Twitter comment told Congress to "get ready to do your job - DACA!"

Trump agonized over ending the program, and just last week said, "We love the Dreamers." But he has taken a tough stance on illegal immigration and is continuing to press for construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to thwart more migrants from entering the United States.

Charles Schumer, leader of the minority Democratic bloc in the Senate, voiced pointed objection to Trump's decision and said Democrats "will do everything we can to prevent President Trump's terribly wrong order from becoming reality.

Most Americans know how heartless the DACA decision is, ripping apart families and telling people who have worked hard to become Americans for years that they have to leave the country," Schumer said. "But we often forget how vital these hardworking people and their contributions are to our economy and to tens of thousands of businesses who will be hurt if the administration's order stands."

Whether Congress will pass legislation to protect the young immigrants from deportation is uncertain. Immigration policies remain a contentious political issue and Congress has repeatedly failed to enact changes.

After Trump's decision, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi quickly sent out a fundraising pitch to Democratic supporters, calling the decision quite possibly the cruelest thing President Trump has ever done.

'Inhumane, cruel and shameful'

Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, called the decision "inhumane, cruel and shameful. Congress must now act immediately to pass the Dream Act without any partisan, divisive amendments to permanently protect these young people.

Business leaders also weighed in with support for protective legislation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said individuals "enrolled in good faith" in the Obama program and "became ingrained in our communities and the nations economy. To reverse course now and deport these individuals is contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country."

The business lobby said "terminating their employment eligibility runs contrary to the presidents goal of growing the U.S. economy."

One of the country's most prominent business figures, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerburg, said, "This is a sad day for our country. The decision to end DACA is not just wrong. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it... It's time for Congress to act to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or another legislative solution that gives Dreamers a pathway to citizenship."

JPMorgan Chase & Co chief executive Jamie Dimon, chairman of the Business Roundtable, a group of chief executives of the country's largest companies, said, "When people come here to learn, work hard and give back to their communities, we should allow them to stay in the United States."
The United States has ended a program that shielded nearly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants from deportation and allowed them to work and study in the country.

New applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, will no longer be accepted, administration officials said.

President Donald Trump approved the decision but sent Attorney General Jeff Sessions before news cameras Tuesday to announce the controversial policy change.

DACA is being rescinded, Sessions announced. The action revoked an executive order former President Barack Obama issued five years ago.

Demonstrators opposed to the administration's decision massed in Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Denver and other cities.

Activist Gustavo Torres told a crowd outside the White House: This president lied to our community. ... He told us, I have a big heart for you dreamers. He's a liar!

The future status of the hundreds of thousands of young, foreign-born students and workers is unclear for now, since they are no longer protected from summary deportation by the DACA program. Congress will have six months to act if it wants to continue to allow them to remain in the United States.

The young immigrants, also colloquially known as dreamers, typically entered the United States as young children. Many trace their heritage to Mexico or Central American countries, but some arrived so young that they have grown up knowing nothing other than American society and customs.

Anyone who joined the deferred action program for work and study was required to have and maintain a clean criminal record. DACA did not promise participants citizenship or permanent U.S. residency, instead promising a reprieve from deportation. The program was initially intended as a stop-gap measure to protect aspiring young immigrants, while Congress was to come up with a more lasting solution to their problems.

I have a love for these people, Trump said at the White House late Tuesday, and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly. Earlier he had issued only a written statement stating that federal immigration patrols would not make seeking out DACA recipients for detention and deportation a priority issue.

Obama criticizes move

Former President Obama, who has refrained from commenting on most of the policy changes Trump has enacted this year, spoke out strongly against ending the DACA program, and said the current administration was carrying out a purely political decision and targeting young people who have done nothing wrong.

Obama said ending DACA was self-defeating and cruel, whether considered in political, economic or moral terms, because (the young immigrants) want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love.

Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question. Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us, Obama wrote.

Officials of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes immigration and border-patrol officers, told reporters Tuesday they would not actively pursue the people who had been protected by DACA, at least for the next six months. However, many of the young people who have now become vulnerable to immigration action said they are greatly worried about the future.

This is the only country and the only place that I know is home, Sarai Bravo told VOA in New York City. Im not planning on leaving unless I'm forced to. So I'm going to continue fighting, coming with the rest of the community and encouraging people to come out and fight. That is my plan, trying to stay here forever, she said.

Action by Congress is not certain. Lawmakers have been unsuccessful for years in their efforts to revise substantially U.S. immigration policies. During Obama's eight years as president, the Senate  controlled by members of his Democratic Party for most of that time  approved major policy changes only to see the legislation fail in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

A campaign promise kept

Trump cited that history in a tweet late Tuesday.

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!

Trump's campaign promises included a vow to eliminate DACA, although he also eased up on that anti-immigrant rhetoric on a number of occasions. Since his inauguration in January, however, the president has strengthened and prioritized the country's deportation system, calling for the hiring of thousands more immigration and border agents.

In his statement issued after Sessions's announcement, Trump said: I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are (a) nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

Sessions, an immigration hard-liner who had pressed Trump to end the program, said: We cannot admit everyone who wants to come here. All cannot be accepted. Limiting immigration, he added, means we are properly enforcing our laws.

The attorney general took no questions from reporters.

March 5, 2018



Once current DACA status expires for current recipients, they could be subject to deportation proceedings if detained. DACA recipients whose permits expire before March 5, 2018 will be allowed to renew their status, but they must act within one month. DHS officials said no other renewal requests would be considered and all new applications will be rejected.

The acting chief of the Department of Homeland Security, Elaine Duke, said the administration's decision to terminate DACA was not taken lightly.

The Department of Justice has carefully evaluated the program's constitutionality and determined it conflicts with our existing immigration laws, she said.

Ramon Taylor contributed to this report
A web of President Donald Trump's family and associates will be back in the crosshairs of congressional committees investigating whether his campaign colluded with Russia, as well as of the high-wattage legal team assembled by special counsel Robert Mueller.



As Congress returns from a summer recess, some of the attention will be focused squarely on the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who will meet privately in the coming weeks with staffers on the Senate judiciary and intelligence committees. A meeting Trump Jr. convened with a Russian lawyer and others in the midst of the campaign has already been the subject of testimony before a grand jury that Mueller is using as part of his investigation, The Associated Press has learned.



The expected crush of interviews, subpoenas and testimony this fall underscores both the broad scope of the Russia probes and the certainty that they will shadow Trump's presidency for months or even years. Even if Trump and his associates are ultimately cleared, some White House advisers worry about the president's anger over the investigations and the likelihood that he will continue to weigh in publicly in ways that only further distract from his agenda.



The president's own legal exposure remains uncertain. He's denied coordinating with Russia during the election or having any nefarious financial ties to Moscow.



But Trump's legal team, anticipating Mueller's interest in probing Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, is developing arguments to protect him against any obstruction of justice allegations, including constitutional defenses and a contention that his actions crossed no legal lines.



In a preview of those arguments, Trump attorney Jay Sekulow said constitutional powers authorize the president to fire subordinates who serve at his pleasure.



The whole idea of an obstruction allegation here, or obstruction of justice charge, is contrary to the Constitution, Sekulow said.

Legal heavy hitters

The simultaneous investigations by Mueller and three congressional committees have drawn in some of Washington's legal heavy hitters. Mueller's 16-lawyer team is comprised of seasoned prosecutors with significant experience fighting fraudsters, mobsters and terrorists and with building cases against high-level targets by eliciting cooperation from more peripheral subjects. And more than a dozen Washington law firms have lawyers representing players in the investigation.



Most participants are gearing up for a long haul. Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said his panel has a tremendous number of witnesses to get through in the preparation of a public report.



We feel a sense of urgency, but we also know it has to be thorough, or it won't be of much value, Schiff said.



The coming months may put a new focus on lesser-known players in Trump's orbit, including Michael Cohen, his long-time lawyer. Cohen acknowledged last month that the Trump Organization pursued a Trump Tower project in Moscow and that he had reached out to the press secretary for President Vladimir Putin. The revelation appeared to undercut Trump's repeated assertion that his associates had nothing to do with Russia.



Another associate who could appear before Congress this fall is informal adviser Roger Stone, as well as Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate Cohen says he worked with on the Trump Tower deal. The project was later abandoned.



Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said the Trump Tower Moscow proposal was a further example of the constellation of contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russians. He said he wants the House intelligence committee to hear from everyone involved in the deal as well as those present during the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting even if that list of witnesses overlaps with Mueller's.

Manafort, Flynn of interest

Familiar names will also continue to face scrutiny, particularly former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and ousted White House national security adviser Michael Flynn. Manafort already has spoken privately to Senate intelligence committee staffers, and though other committees are also interested in hearing from him, it's not clear when or if that will happen.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley has said he wants both Manafort and Trump Jr. to testify publicly at some point.



In July, the FBI raided Manafort's home seeking tax and international banking records. Manafort has been the subject of a longstanding FBI investigation into his dealings in Ukraine and work for the country's former president, Viktor Yanukovych. That investigation has been incorporated into Mueller's probe, and the FBI raid was an indication that the bureau believes it has probable cause that a crime was committed. Manafort has denied any wrongdoing, saying his work for Ukrainian interests was above board.



Flynn, who was forced to resign in February for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his Russia contacts, remains of particular interest to investigators. A grand jury probe that began in Virginia months ago has been taken over by Mueller's team, as the FBI investigates lobbying and investigative research performed by his company, Flynn Intel Group, on behalf of a Turkish businessman.



A Washington public relations firm, SGR LLC, confirmed through its lawyer to the AP that it had received a subpoena months ago regarding its role in the Turkish work. The lobbying campaign sought to get Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen expelled from the U.S. Gulen, a green card holder who lives in Pennsylvania, has been accused by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of being involved in a failed coup last year, which Gulen has denied.

A person familiar with the investigation told the AP that FBI agents have been particularly interested in whether the Turkish government was directing the lobbying work and not a private company owned by a Turkish businessman, Ekim Alptekin, as Flynn's firm has contended. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive details of the investigation.



FBI agents have also been asking about Flynn's business partner, Bijan Kian, who served on Trump's presidential transition, and other details of the work beyond what Flynn's firm disclosed to the Justice Department in March when he retroactively registered as a foreign agent, the person said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would allow South Korea and Japan to purchase additional military equipment from the United States, an apparent response to North Korea's Sunday detonation of what was believed to be a hydrogen bomb.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump wrote in a tweet.

One of North Korea's top diplomats warned that Pyongyang is prepared to send "more gift packages" to the U.S. Speaking to the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Ambassador Han Tae Song said Pyongyang had "successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test" on Sunday and then added, "The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK." He did not elaborate.

China and Russia, North Korea's two biggest political allies, say calls to further tighten sanctions against Pyongyang in the wake of its latest nuclear test would do little to ease tensions on the peninsula.

Speaking Tuesday at the sidelines of the now-concluded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit of emerging national economies in the Chinese city of Xiamen, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned North Korea over its latest missile test, but warned that ramping up "military hysteria" will only lead to a "global catastrophe."

He also criticized the U.S. call for more sanctions against Pyongyang as "useless and ineffective,"adding that it was "ridiculous" for Washington to impose sanctions on Moscow for trading with North Korea, then turn around and ask for help imposing sanctions on the isolated regime.

Russia and China, which routinely disapprove of imposing sanctions on Pyongyang, have recently urged the United States and South Korea to end all joint military exercises, in exchange for North Korea ending its nuclear and missile testing program. Bruce Bennett, a defense analyst with the RAND Corporation research group, told VOA the two nations are reluctant to impose new U.N. sanctions because "they just don't know how unstable North Korea is."

Trump and his counterpart in Seoul on Monday agreed to lift payload restrictions on South Korean missiles and push for even stronger United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

The South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, also has asked the United Nations to consider blocking oil shipments to the North, government officials in Seoul told reporters.

White House officials did not mention oil sanctions against Pyongyang, but they said Trump and Moon broadly agreed on all major points in a 40-minute telephone conference Monday.

"Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea's latest provocation poses to the entire world," a White House statement said.

The United States will circulate a draft of a new resolution about North Korea at the United Nations this week, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Monday. American diplomats said they hope the resolution can be brought to a vote within one week.

In addition to his extensive talks with Trump, Moon conferred by phone Monday with Kremlin leader Putin. Officials in Moscow said the Russian president advised that the only way to resolve the crisis on the Korean Peninsula is through diplomacy and negotiations.

The United States, in specific warnings by President Trump and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, has warned North Korea to expect a massive, overwhelming military response if it directly threatens the United States, its allies in Asia or the U.S. territory.

South Korean naval forces conducted a second consecutive day of live-fire exercises in its southern seas Tuesday.

President Moon took office in Seoul hoping to establish better relations with Pyongyang, but the Kim Jong Un regime's repeated provocations - multiple missile tests and, most recently, its most powerful nuclear test ever - appear to have dashed those hopes.

Trump criticized Moon on Sunday for what he called "talk of appeasement" for North Korea, but officials in both capitals took pains Monday to demonstrate they were united in their approach to North Korea.

Trump has vowed to stop all U.S. trade with any country doing business with North Korea, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is said to be working on details of such a plan, which would primarily target Pyongyangs neighbor and main trading partner, China. More than 90 percent of North Koreas export earnings come from China.

Since U.S. trade with China stands at more than $600 billion per year, dwarfing trade between Pyongyang and Beijing, analysts are skeptical of the viability of the embargo Trump has proposed. They also doubt that Beijing would agree to a move that could cause the collapse of Kim Jong Uns regime.
The United Nations calls suffering endured by millions of people in Yemen after more than two years of civil war an entirely man-made catastrophe.

The world body reports there have been more than 11,700 civilians killed or injured in Yemen since the Saudi Arabian coalition began airstrikes against Houthi rebels in support of the government in March 2015. It blames more than 8,000 of the casualties on the coalition and more than 3,700 on the Houthis.

The report says conflict, cholera and severe food shortages have made Yemen the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

The U.N. Human Rights Agencys Chief of Middle East and North Africa, Mohammad Ali Ainsour, says Yemens 18.8. million people need humanitarian aid and more than 10 million are in acute need of health care.

The catastrophe is entirely man-made and a direct result of the behavior of the parties to the conflict, including indiscriminate attacks, said Ainsour. "We have seen attacks on markets, residential areas, hospitals, schools, funeral gatherings and even fishermen and small civilian boats at sea.

The report says civilians may have been directly targeted in some cases. The report documents a wide range of continuing human rights violations and abuses. It expresses concern at the increasing number of arbitrary or illegal detentions and forced disappearances of human rights defenders, religious leaders, journalists, and political opponents.

Ainsour says there are at least 1,700 cases of child recruitment, most by Houthi forces and 20 percent by pro-government forces.

OHCHR [the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights] monitors frequently observed children as young as 10, who were armed and uniformed and manning Houthi ... checkpoints, said Ainsour.

U.N. Human Rights Chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein is repeating his call for an end to the fighting and for an independent, international investigation to be established. He says it is crucial to hold to account perpetrators of violations and abuse.
North Korea's nuclear weapons program is the most serious threat the world currently faces, the U.N. secretary-general said Tuesday, warning that "confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences."

At U.N. headquarters, Antonio Guterres said that "the solution must be political. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific."

"Negotiations will depend on the will of the parties," the U.N. chief added. "My appeal is not for any specific solution."

WATCH: Are sanctions the answer?

North Korea on Tuesday, two days after its latest atomic test, declared itself a "full-fledged nuclear power in possession of ICBM as well as A-bomb and H-bomb."

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was allowing Japan and South Korea to buy more U.S. military equipment.

The president tweeted the remark a day after he spoke with South Korean President Moon Jae-in about North Korea's sixth nuclear explosion, which Pyongyang claimed was the detonation of a hydrogen bomb, at its Punggye-ri test site.

In that phone call, Trump and his counterpart in Seoul agreed to lift payload restrictions on South Korean missiles.

It is not immediately clear what equipment Trump was alluding to with his Tuesday morning tweet, but analysts said he was most likely referring to missiles and related systems.

"Japan has been seeking an extremely advanced missile radar which the U.S. had not previously given it," said Anthony Cordesman, the strategy chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"South Korea has been reluctant to buy American weapons when it has plans to develop its own. But buying new types of arms from the United States would be the fastest way to upgrade its defenses, particularly ballistic missile defenses," said Jonathan Pollack, a senior research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, a research group headquartered in Monterey, California.

Pollack told VOA that Seoul specifically might be interested in purchasing SM-3 and SM-6 missile interceptors.

Such moves could raise objections from Beijing.

"I think that China would like to see as little actual militarization of the Korean Peninsula and Japan as possible," Cordesman, a former director of intelligence assessment in the defense secretary's office, told VOA.

A day after the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, told the Security Council that Pyongyang was "begging for war," a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman, quoted by state media on Tuesday, responded that "the U.S. is indeed the heinous aggressor who is begging for war."

The unnamed spokesman added that the United States was "terribly mistaken" in thinking it could frighten North Korea by talk of "all options" on the table and "imposing the toughest sanctions."

China, which is North Korea's only major ally, and Russia contend that further tightening sanctions against Pyongyang will do little to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on Twitter on Tuesday: "Can't believe I'm agreeing with Vladimir Putin but I am  further sanctions on North Korea very unlikely to work."

But Moon, the South Korean president, has asked the United Nations to consider blocking oil shipments to the North, government officials in Seoul told reporters.

White House officials have not mentioned oil sanctions against Pyongyang, but they said Trump and Moon broadly agreed on all major points in a 40-minute telephone conference Monday.

The United States this week is circulating a draft of a new resolution about North Korea at the United Nations, hoping for a Security Council vote next Monday.

Trump has vowed to stop all U.S. trade with any country doing business with North Korea, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he is working on details of such a plan, which would primarily target Pyongyang's neighbor and main trading partner, China. More than 90 percent of North Korea's export earnings come from China.



I think it would be so disruptive that it wouldnt produce any additional assistance from China, and it could be economically catastrophic to our economy and the worlds economy, the top Democratic senator on the Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, tells VOA. I think a much more targeted approach and working as closely as we can with them [China] would make more sense."

VOA's Margaret Besheer at the United Nations and Michael Bowman on Capitol Hill contributed to this report.
Lawmakers returned to Washington Tuesday facing fast-approaching deadlines, including pressing demands to replenish dwindling disaster aid reserves as Texas and Louisiana dig out from Harvey and an even more powerful hurricane, Irma, bears down on the U.S.

Must-do measures also include lifting the government's debt limit and preventing a government shutdown at the end of the month. Republican leaders head to the White House later Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump on another top priority: Rewriting the U.S. tax code in hopes of boosting the economy.

"We have to deal with Harvey, we have the debt ceiling," Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the No. 2 House Republican, said Tuesday on the Fox Business Network. He also cited a short-term spending bill to keep the government running, as well as the budget, and taxes.

First up in the House on Wednesday is the initial $7.9 billion aid installment to help with immediate Harvey recovery and rebuilding needs in Houston and beyond. Additional billions will be tucked into a catch-all spending bill later in the month that will keep the government running past Sept. 30, when the current budget year ends. The administration wants the Harvey money to be linked with legislation to increase the government's $19.9 trillion debt limit and avert a first-ever default on U.S. payments.

Lawmakers and GOP aides say that after the House passes a "clean" Harvey aid package, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will do just that by adding a debt limit increase to keep the government solvent - and solve the politically toxic issue - past next year's midterm elections. Later in September would come a stopgap spending measure to keep government agencies operating from the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year into December.

Linking the debt issue to Harvey aid - pushed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, among others - is rankling GOP conservatives and others, though they seem unlikely, for now, to launch a full-scale rebellion over it.

"Somebody who's just been pulled off their roof doesn't want to hear about our internecine squabbles and debates over procedure when they've lost their homes and are trying to figure out where they're going to sleep the next night," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa.

Swift action on Harvey will give Congress and Trump the chance to look competent and remind voters that government can be a positive force. GOP lawmakers head into the final quarter of the year desperate to notch accomplishments and make headway on a sweeping tax overhaul, and the majority party is eager for the chance to turn around its dreary track record ahead of next year's midterm elections.



Trump is tossing another tricky issue Congress' way. The administration is announcing that Trump will end protections for young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, but with a six-month delay intended to give Congress time to address the issue. But it was unclear whether it could resolve the problem given that it has had several failures in attempts to enact comprehensive immigration reform.

Some Republicans, led by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., have urged Trump not to end the program and save nearly 800,000 from threat of deportation.

Adding to the pile of work, a few important programs are expiring at the end of September and need to be renewed. They include children's health insurance payments and a national federal flood insurance program that has bipartisan support but continually pays out more than it takes in through premiums.

Democratic leaders have priorities of their own and are seeking reassurances about consideration of legislation on immigration and additional spending for domestic accounts facing a freeze at existing levels.
Where To Go When Your Local Emergency Room Goes Bankrupt?" During the past ten years 84 California hospitals have declared bankruptcy and closed their Emergency Rooms forever. Financially crippled by legislative and judicial mandates to treat illegal aliens have bankrupted hospitals! In 2010, in Los Angeles County alone, over 2 million illegal aliens recorded visits to county emergency rooms for both routine and emergency care. The cost is $1,000 dollars for every taxpayer. VIVA LA RAZA?
Violent unrest broke out in northwestern Cameroon after gendarmes shot dead a teenage boy on Monday. The unrest points to the continued tensions in the countrys two English-speaking regions, even after President Paul Biya ordered the release last week of 55 detainees in a bid to reopen dialogue and resolve the nine-month strike.

Hundreds of people shouted and ran to seek refuge Monday evening at the cathedral in Cameroons northwestern town of Kumbo amid the unrest.



Christopher Tatah, one of the local residents leading people to the church, says some of the people had run several kilometers from a neighboring village called Kifem.



"Everybody was at home, respecting the ghost towns until these gendarmes provoked the people," said Tatah. "They wanted to steal goods and then somebody sounded a whistle, and people came out, and then there was shooting. The people of Kumbo have hoisted the flag of southern Cameroon and are waiting for the population to come and join them.



VOA saw the white and blue flag of the separatist movement flying in Kumbo. Residents said the flags had also been raised in other communities and that the military was going around Tuesday to remove them.

The spark for the unrest was the killing early Monday of a 17-year-old boy in the village of Kifem.



In an official statement, Cameroons defense minister, Joseph Beti Assomo, said the boy was shot accidentally after villagers attacked gendarmes with locally made guns, wounding one of the gendarmes. The defense minister said the gendarmes were in Kifem on an anti-drug operation and that they opened fired in self-defense.



Residents say the gendarmes seized the teenagers corpse and paraded it through the streets. A school and government buildings were burned in protest. Local media report that a second person was killed early Tuesday as violence continued. VOA could not independently verify that report.



Adolph Deben Tchoffo, the governor of the northwest region of Cameroon, visited Kumbo Monday night. He told VOA the highest ranking government official in the town was wounded by the angry crowds, but is responding to medical treatment.



The defense ministry says the commander of the gendarmes in Kumbo has been dismissed over the unrest.



Schools were to reopen in the English-speaking northwest and southwest regions after being sealed in November when the strike began. English speaking lawyers and teachers were demanding reforms to address what they described as the overbearing influence of French in the bilingual country.



Separatist groups soon joined the movement, ratcheting up tensions. Those groups are demanding full independence to resolve what they say is the marginalization of the countrys anglophone minority.



Activists are demanding the release of another 20 people detained over the strike before talks can restart.

President Paul Biya has said that he will engage in no dialogue that threatens national unity.
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Labor Day, celebrated Monday, September 4, in the United States, was originally a celebration of the dignity of work, but it gradually evolved into a long weekend celebrating the unofficial end of summer. VOAs Nikoleta Ilic reports on working in America in the last 250 years.
Here's a statistic for you to consider: the U.N. estimates that over 30 percent of the food that is produced every year never gets eaten. Now one enterprising Nigerian entrepreneur has built an app to help get some of that food to those who need it. VOA's Kevin Enochs reports.
The United States is ending a program that shielded nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation and allowed them to work and study in the country.

New applications, both for DACA status and work permits, will no longer be accepted starting Tuesday, according to administration officials.

Trump approved the decision, but sent Attorney General Jeff Sessions before cameras to announce the controversial policy change. Sessions ended President Barack Obama's five-year-old administrative program that created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program with a terse statement: "DACA is being rescinded."

WATCH: Attorney General Sessions on childhood deportations program

Without the executive-level protection, Congress will have six months to act if it wants to continue to allow DACA recipients to remain in the United States.

The program allowed young people, who typically entered the country as young children, mostly from Mexico and Central American nations, to work and study in the U.S. lawfully. DACA does not provide a path to citizenship or permanent legal residence, instead promises that recipients would not be priorities for deportation as long as they kept a clean criminal record.

Although the president said in a written statement Tuesday that DACA recipients will not be priorities for deportation, and Homeland Security officials indicated in a press call that they would not actively pursue them, recipient Sarai Bravo told VOA in New York she is still worried about her future in the country.

"This is the only country and the only place that I know is home, I'm not planning on leaving  unless I'm forced to. So, I'm going to continue fighting, coming with the rest of the community and encouraging people to come out and fight, and that is my plan. Trying to stay here forever," she said.

Asked whether the White House would formalize in writing that DACA recipients would not be a deportation priority, spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders said only that they are "not a targeted priority.  They weren't before, and they won't be now."

Despite widespread approval in favor of letting the young people affected by the Obama order remain in the U.S., action by Congress is not certain.

Lawmakers for years have been unsuccessful in substantially transforming U.S. immigration policies. During Obama's eight-year tenure in the White House, the Senate approved major policy changes only to see the legislation die in the House of Representatives.

At protests around the country Tuesday, DACA supporters rallied against the administration's decision.

In front of the White House, activist Gustavo Torres told the crowd: "This president lied to our community ... he told us 'I have a big hope for you dreamers.' He's a liar!"

No one affected until March 5, 2018

Trump came into office with a promise to eliminate DACA, but at times made statements that seemed to ease up on that rhetoric. Since his inauguration, however, the president has prioritized bolstering the country's deportation system, calling for thousands more immigration and border agents to be hired.

In a statement issued after Sessions' announcement, Trump said he "does not favor punishing children, most of whom are adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws."

Sessions, an immigration hard-liner who had pressed Trump to end the program, took no questions from reporters in announcing the end of protections against mass deportations.

"We cannot admit everyone who wants to come here," Sessions told reporters. "All cannot be accepted." He added that limiting immigration "means we are properly enforcing our laws."

Once current DACA status expires for current recipients, they could be subject to deportation proceedings if detained.

The Homeland Security chief said that no current beneficiaries of the program would be affected before March 5, 2018, giving Congress a chance to act legislatively. DACA recipients whose permits expire before that date will be allowed to renew if they do so by Oct. 5, 2017. DHS officials said no other renewals would be acted on, and no one else will be allowed to apply after Tuesday.

Obama: Cutting DACA 'cruel'

Acting Homeland Security chief Elaine Duke explained earlier in the day that "the administration's decision to terminate DACA was not taken lightly."

"The Department of Justice has carefully evaluated the program's constitutionality and determined it conflicts with our existing immigration laws," she said.

Duke said that attorneys general in several states, including Texas, on the southern U.S. border with Mexico, had told Homeland Security officials that if Trump's administration did not move to end Obama's program by Tuesday, it would seek a court order to overturn the program. Conservative lawmakers and some Republican officials have long contended that Obama's order amounted to impermissible executive overreach.

But in a statement Tuesday afternoon, former President Barack Obama skewered the Trump administration's decision.
By Joe Brock and Ed Cropley

HARARE/JOHANNESBURG  In January, a photograph appeared in Zimbabwes media showing Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa enjoying drinks with a friend. In his hand was a large novelty mug emblazoned with the words: IM THE BOSS.

To supporters of President Robert Mugabe, the inscription bordered on treason. They suspected that Mnangagwa, nicknamed The Crocodile, already saw himself in the shoes of Mugabe, 93 years old, increasingly frail and the only leader the southern African nation has known since it gained independence from Britain in 1980. Those Mugabe supporters are not alone.

According to politicians, diplomats and a trove of hundreds of documents from inside Zimbabwes Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) reviewed by Reuters, Mnangagwa and other political players have been positioning themselves for the day Mugabe either steps down or dies.

Officially, Mugabe is not relinquishing power any time soon. He and his ruling ZANU-PF party are due to contest an election next year against a loose coalition led by his long-time foe, Morgan Tsvangirai.

But the intelligence reports, which date from 2009 to this year, say a group of powerful people is already planning to reshape the country in the post-Mugabe era. Key aspects of the transition planning described in the documents were corroborated by interviews with political, diplomatic and intelligence sources in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The documents and sources say Mnangagwa, a 73-year-old lawyer and long-standing ally of Mugabe, envisages cooperating with Tsvangirai to lead a transitional government for five years with the tacit backing of some of Zimbabwes military and Britain. These sources leave open the possibility that the government could be unelected. The aim would be to avoid the chaos that has followed some previous elections.

This unity government would pursue a new relationship with thousands of white farmers who were chased off in violent seizures of land approved by Mugabe in the early 2000s. The farmers would be compensated and reintegrated, according to senior politicians, farmers and diplomats. The aim would be to revive the agricultural sector, a linchpin of the nations economy that collapsed catastrophically after the land seizures.

Mnangagwa feels that reviving the commercial agriculture sector is vital, according to the documents. Mnangagwa realises he needs the white farmers on the land when he gets into power  he will use the white farmers to resuscitate the agricultural industry, which he reckons is the backbone of the economy, a Jan. 6, 2016 report reads.

Mnangagwa did not respond to repeated requests for comment about the intelligence documents or the photograph of him holding the mug. An aide in his office said questions should be sent to the Ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services. The ministry did not respond to questions.

Tsvangirai, a 65-year-old former union leader who enjoys broad popular support, told Reuters in an interview in June he would not rule out a coalition with political opponents, such as Mnangagwa, and wanted white farmers to come back into a positive role.

Asked about reports in the intelligence documents that potential coalition partners or their intermediaries had held secret meetings, Tsvangirai told Reuters in August: Ive never met with Mnangagwas people to discuss cooperation or coalition. There was an intention expressed by Mnangagwas people for us to meet to discuss various issues, but that meeting never took place.

According to the intelligence reports, Mugabe got wind of Mnangagwas ideas about white farmers earlier this year. Mugabe is totally against the idea of Mnangagwa being too friendly to the whites, a report dated Feb. 27 says. He fears that Mnangagwa will reverse the land reform by giving farms back to the whites.

Mugabes office did not respond to requests for comment.

A spokesman for the British embassy in Zimbabwes capital, Harare, said the UK was not involved in any plan for a coalition to succeed Mugabe. The UK does not back any party, candidate, faction or coalition in Zimbabwe. It is up to Zimbabweans to choose who they want to govern them through a free and fair election. The embassy said rumours and leaked intelligence documents were promoting disinformation. (REUTERS)

More details on this issue on Wednesday ...
ECONOMY

Black-white wage gap worsening, Fed says

Black workers earn less than their white counterparts in a worsening trend that holds even after accounting for differences in age, education, job type and geography, Federal Reserve research shows.

In 1979, the average black man in America earned 80 percent as much per hour as the average white man. By 2016, that shortfall had worsened to 70 percent, according to research Tuesday from the San Francisco Fed, which found the divide had also widened for black women.

Especially troubling is the growing unexplained portion of the divergence in earnings for blacks relative to whites, San Francisco Fed research director Mary Daly and her fellow authors wrote in the report, adding that this could owe to hard-to-measure factors including discrimination or school-quality differences.

The San Francisco Feds study marks a growing focus by the U.S. central bank on inequality and the lagging employment performance of U.S. minorities.

 Bloomberg

Also in Business

Tyson Foods, the biggest U.S. meat processor, said Tuesday that it would build a $320 million poultry complex in eastern Kansas to meet higher consumer demand for chicken. Tyson said the new unit, which will produce prepackaged trays of chicken for grocery stores, would begin production in mid-2019. The unit would employ about 1,600 people, Tyson said. Tyson said in August that it was finding it difficult to meet the increased U.S. demand for fully cooked chicken and raw meat.

Amazon.com on Tuesday launched Brown Sugar, a subscription video-on-demand service featuring what it calls the biggest collection of the "baddest" African American movies for its prime members. Prime customers would receive a seven-day free trial to access the service at BrownSugar.com and on other devices, paying $3.99 per month thereafter, Amazon said in a statement. Brown Sugar is run by African American TV network Bounce. (Amazon chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Lenovo will pay $3.5 million and change how it sells laptop computers in a settlement reached with federal officials and 32 states. The agreement announced Tuesday settles allegations that Lenovo sold devices with preloaded software that made users' personal information vulnerable to hackers. The VisualDiscovery software was installed on hundreds of thousands of laptops to deliver pop-up ads to consumers. Under the deal, Lenovo will now obtain users' consent to use the software and provide a way for users to opt out, disable or remove it.

 From news reports

Coming today

8:30 a.m.: Commerce Department releases international trade data for July.

10 a.m.: Institute for Supply Management releases its service sector index for August.

2 p.m.: Federal Reserve releases Beige Book.


An Excess Male, by Maggie Shen King (Harper Voyager)

Through an almost satirical look into a near-future China, Maggie Shen King's debut, An Excess Male (Harper Voyager), makes a compelling argument that marriage stands as a method of societal control. Set in 2030, after the one-child policy greatly skews the ratio of men to women, Wei-guo is one of many "leftover men" still unmarried at the age of 40. He works to save for a high dowry and market himself as a desirable marriage partner. He gets an opportunity to join a family as a third husband, the maximum allowed by law, and instantly falls in lust with May-ling. However, her family's secrets threaten to put it  and Wei-guo  at odds with the state. We hear from Wei-guo, May-ling and her two husbands as they struggle to figure out how far they are willing to go for family or country. King writes distinctive and sympathetic characters, and her vision of a not-so-far future is unnerving and thought-provoking.



Provenance, by Ann Leckie (Orbit)

With Provenance (Orbit), Ann Leckie returns to the universe she built in her acclaimed Imperial Radch trilogy. Ingray, the insecure foster child of a prominent politician, plans a dastardly scheme to cement her status in her mother's eyes, pull one over on her jerk of a brother and regain precious artifacts highly coveted by her people. To pull this off, she must free an infamous thief from an inescapable prison. Plans go awry, and Ingray is thrust into a high-stakes interplanetary conflict. She and her retinue of charming criminals have to make new plans to save her world. Leckie introduces several new human and nonhuman cultures to the Radch universe, and the intricacies and oddities are a delight. The plot can get a bit convoluted, especially as Ingray's motivations become unclear  does she want to be in power or does she want to be free?  but the novel is still a thrill for fans of heists and capers. While the book is intended as a stand-alone, it does help to be familiar with Leckie's previous novels.



Warcross, by Marie Lu (Putnam)

Marie Lu's highly anticipated Warcross (Putnam) doesn't waste any time thrusting the reader into the heart of the action with a thrilling chase by teenage bounty hunter and hacker Emika Chen. She is trying to make ends meet in a New York City not unlike our own  except the world has been changed by the invention of deeply immersive augmented reality glasses. Cities such as Tokyo have been completely redesigned with AR in mind, and a whole new black market has formed. The biggest cultural event is the Warcross Games, a tournament centered around an immersive video game where players can battle and quest in fantasy worlds. When Emika runs an untested hack during the opening ceremony, she is thrust into the spotlight and into the Warcross Games. Though billed as a young adult novel, Lu's world will seem familiar to fans of Neal Stephenson's adult classic, "Snow Crash."Lu sticks to her tried-and-true formulas here, but the book is as brightly hued as Emika's sleeve tattoo and rainbow hair  a fast-paced, fun-filled adventure.

Everdeen Mason reviews science fiction and fantasy every month for The Washington Post.


In a tasting of Americas best-selling wines, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi  at only $7.59 a bottle  was our panels favorite chardonnay. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

Browsing the wine aisle at a supermarket or convenience store can be disorienting for someone used to shopping at a fine wine retailer. Mass-market labels such as Barefoot, Yellow Tail and Cupcake are everywhere, rather than the smaller family-owned wineries more common to wine stores.

But what do they taste like? My recent notes on some of the nations best-selling chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons include a few positive words such as peaches, blackberries and minerals, but many more terms like machine oil, inner tubes and sewer gas. In short, if you buy wine based solely on price and wide availability, you might find a gem or perhaps something pleasant, but theres a better chance youll be wasting your money, not saving it.

[How did they fare? Read the tasting notes on all 29 bottles.]

And these are the wines most Americans drink. According to Wines & Vines magazine's annual list of the 20 top-selling wine brands in U.S. retail stores, based on figures from market research firm IRI, Americans spent $670 million last year on Barefoot wines. Sutter Home was a distant second at $368 million. The list includes other familiar names such as Kendall-Jackson, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Beringer. Australia's Yellow Tail was the only foreign brand to crack the top echelon in sales, though some American brands use imported wine. Three box wines made the list: Franzia, Black Box Wines and Bota Box. Most sell for the equivalent of less than $10 a bottle. Altogether, the top 20 brands racked up $4.14 billion in sales in 2016.



Our panels favorite chardonnays and cabernets in a tasting of cheap wines. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

Those 20 brands are owned by only 10 companies. That shows the predominance of such behemoths as E&J Gallo Winery (owner of Barefoot, Apothic, Gallo Family Vineyards, Carlo Rossi and Liberty Creek), Constellation Brands (Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Black Box Wines, Clos du Bois and Robert Mondavi Private Selection) and the Wine Group (Franzia, Cupcake Vineyards). The romantic vision of the artisan vigneron toiling among the vines does not apply to our daily tipple.

None of these names have appeared in my column lately. So I headed to Costco and Morris Miller Wine & Liquor in the District and the Montgomery County Liquor Store in White Oak and purchased as many chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons from the top 20 brands as I could find. I also bought some other cheap brands Ive enjoyed over the years, as well as Costcos Kirkland. Finally, I included two sweet red blends, Gallos Apothic and Yellow Tails Sweet Red Roo. Apothics presence on the top-20 list demonstrates the popularity of this category. All but a few of the wines cost less than $10 a bottle.

[This might be the worlds best-rated $7 wine. How did Walmart get a lock on it?]

Just for fun, I added a few more expensive wines, then put the bottles into bags to hide the labels, a blind tasting designed to prevent any preconceptions from influencing my perception. I was joined for the chardonnay tasting by Mike Tate of Silver Spring, an avid consumer who is not in the wine trade, and my wife, Leah, who has a much sharper palate than I do when shes paying attention. Tate also volunteered to help with the cabernets, along with Elyse Kudo, the regional representative for Jackson Family Wines.

The 10 chardonnays fared better than the 19 cabernets and blends. In fact, you can buy delicious U.S. chardonnay for less than $10. Just look for the name Robert Mondavi on the label. When we ripped the bags off the bottles, we found the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi to be our favorite, with the Robert Mondavi Private Selection in second place. The Woodbridge  which costs just $7.59  was fresh, fruity and so well balanced that we all suspected it was one of the more-expensive ringers I had put in the lineup. The Private Selection was also quite nice, with more oak flavoring and richness from malolactic fermentation.



The panels least-favorite wines in the tasting. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

The Woodbridge should be easy to find: Constellation Brands made 1.1 million cases of it in 2016. Perhaps one reason it stood out from the crowd is that it is only about 77 percent chardonnay; the rest is a blend of various grapes, including French colombard, Viognier and muscat. This secret sauce is not mentioned on the label, but is listed on a tech sheet Constellation sent me. And its perfectly legit: A wine can be labeled as chardonnay as long as at least 75 percent of the blend is that grape.

[The boast that a Trump administration can bottle and sell]

Most of the other chardonnays were pleasant enough but overtly sugary, appealing to the famous American sweet tooth. (Sweetness can come from incomplete fermentation, blending with sweeter grapes or simply the addition of sugar.) Some were noticeably flawed. The Cupcake smelled like a wet dog, suggesting sloppy hygiene in the winemaking, and Sutter Home  the second-most-favorite brand in America  was simply awful.

The red wines as a group disappointed. Of the 19 we tasted, we found only three to be noteworthy, and all were ones I had selected, not on the best-selling list. They were the Santa Rita 120, Cousino-Macul and Los Vascos, all from Chile. So heres your cabernet takeaway: Look for Chilean cabs in the $10 range  cheap, but not bottom barrel. Two other Chilean brands, Walnut Crest and Frontera, cashed in at about $5 but did not show well.



The panels favorite cabernet was Chiles Santa Rita 120, hand-picked by the author. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

The U.S. brands were almost uniformly depressing. Some were pleasant enough, but sweet and dull. Even overtly sweet red wines, such as Apothic, did not stand out as sweet among the treacle that is cheap Cali cab. Others tasted of cough syrup, rubber, machine oil or worse. The boxed wines failed to impress. It was as though the companies  I hate to say winemakers  were following a recipe of fake tannins, grape concentrate and artificial oak flavorings to appeal to the American palate. I would be happy with a simple wine for less than $10 as long as its delicious, but whether for reasons of economics or market research, that does not seem to be possible for domestic wines.

Our least favorite red was the 14 Hands from Washington state, a popular brand that tasted simply like a junkyard in a bottle.

We all want to be conscious of value when shopping for wine. But with the exception of a few pleasant surprises, the quality simply isnt there under $10, especially when it comes to domestic wine. To get your moneys worth, look for the $15-to-$25 range for quality that justifies the price. You are most likely to find this in imported wines.

You get what you pay for.
Mass-market wines such as Barefoot, Yellow Tail and Cupcake can be found just about anywhere in the United States. Theyre also affordable, which explains  at least in part  why theyre some of the best-selling wines in the country. But when taste is added to the price equation, how many of them are really bargains?

I assembled a group of tasters to sample 29 chardonnays, cabernets and sweet red blends that are among the nations most popular, plus a few of my favorite and widely available Chilean reds. In each category, wines are listed in descending order of preference.

THE CHARDONNAYS



The top-rated chardonnay; Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2016. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Recommended

1. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2016 ($7.59): Clean and minerally, crisp and light, with peach and pear flavors and a good balance of acid and sweetness. Rather tasty!

2. Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2016 ($11.69): Richer and fatter on the palate, with some oak influence, good medium depth and length. While the Woodbridge appeals to the more modern preference for less oak, this one has a classic California chardonnay style.

[These wines are cheap and available everywhere. But are any of them worth drinking?]

Middling

3. Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve 2016 ($16): Nice fruit, with peach and apricot flavors, but the sweetness detracts from it for me, even if it might account for the wine's popularity.

4. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016, Washington ($9): From a venerable Washington state winery celebrating its 50th anniversary, this is mouth-filling and rich, with caramel notes and a strong finish. For those who like fuller bodied chardonnay.

5. Lindeman's Bin 65 2016, Australia ($9): Like sucking the last bit of peach off the pit, quite quaffable.

6. Barefoot NV California ($8.59): Pleasant but nondescript. Nothing to offend, except its inoffensiveness.

7. Kirkland Sonoma County 2015 ($7): Peachy and sweet but a bit viscous and plodding.



Cupcake 2015 Monterey County, one of the panels three not recommended chardonnays. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Not Recommended

8. Cupcake 2015 Monterey County ($11): Funky, skunky wet dog.

9. Yellow Tail 2016 Australia ($6.79): Caramel? Plastic? Birthday candle? Sweet and cloying.

10. Sutter Home, NV, California ($10 for 1.5 liter): Smells of sewer gas and is simply unpleasant. Mike Tate could just come up with "poopy." There was no argument.

THE CABERNETS AND SWEET RED BLENDS

Recommended



The panels favorite cabernet: Santa Rita 120 2015, from Chile. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

1. Santa Rita 120 2015, Maule Valley, Chile ($9): This wine used to be easier to find in the area. I hope it will be in more stores again soon. It shows bright fruit flavors of berries and cherries, and is quite refreshing. Good burger wine, good bargain cabernet.

[This might be the worlds best-rated $7 wine. How did Walmart get a lock on it?]

2. Cousino-Macul 2015, Maipo Valley, Chile ($10.69): A perennial favorite, even if it is creeping up in price. It shows a fresh nose of black and red fruits, with a smoky, tarry note and excellent body.

3. Los Vascos 2015 Colchagua Valley, Chile ($10): From a Chilean winery owned by Baron Lafite, the owners of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild in Bordeaux, this shows classic blackberry and cherry with mint, sage and rosemary.

Middling

4. Kirkland 2015 California ($8 for 1.5 liters): Blackberry, toffee, with hints of tobacco. On the sweet side, but interesting. At $8 for a magnum, this is a steal for parties.

5. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2015 ($7.69): A bit thick and sweet  the love handles protrude a little on this one, which I can relate to.

[The boast that a Trump administration can bottle and sell]

6. Beringer Founders' Estate 2015 ($11): Sweet with jammy, strawberry flavors.

7. Cupcake Vineyards Central Coast 2015 ($11): Nondescript but pleasant, with a sweet finish. You're drinking this for the label and the cute name, and to have something in your glass while you chat at a party.

8. Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2015 ($8.50): Sweet caramel, cocoa, brown sugar; a bit syrupy. I wouldn't pour it over ice cream, but boil it down and it might make a good toffee.

9. Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2015 ($11.70): Heavy and viscous, with flavors of candied cherries and a tannic finish. I expected this brand to show better.

10. Yellow Tail Sweet Red Roo, Australia ($6.80): This is not a cabernet but a sweet red blend of grapes that really don't matter. It's not bad  blueberry cobbler in a glass. It would benefit from a slight chill and perhaps some fruit slices and a splash of seltzer.

11. Bota Box Cabernet 2015 ($25 for 3 liters, equal to $6.25 a bottle): A bit green and underripe, but there is some nice fruit before a sweet, treacly finish. The best of the best-selling boxed cabernets, although that's not saying a lot.

12. Walnut Crest 2015, Chile ($7): Cheap is the only appeal here. I included this because Walnut Crest has been a sleeper bargain in the past. Not this vintage. The wine is disjointed, starting tart and fresh but ending with unpleasant cooked flavors.



The boxed wines didnt fare well in the tasting: Franzias 5-liter box was rated second-to-last. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

Not Recommended

13. Barefoot NV California ($8.70): Industrial aromas of machine oil, as if you're at a factory rather than a winery. Green and underripe flavors.

14. Apothic Red ($7.40): This is Gallo's blockbuster sweet red blend, and it is so successful that it has spawned a number of knockoff variations, such as Apothic Dark and Apothic Inferno. It's an overtly sweet red wine, but it actually did not taste as sweet as some of the cabernets. Mocha and cherry, on the cough syrup scale it is more Luden's than Robitussin. This inspired Elyse Kudo to recite Dr. Seuss rhymes. ("I would not drink this from afar . . .")

15. Sutter Home NV ($10 for 1.5 liters): This is the Robitussin.

16. Black Box 2015 California ($15.40 for 3 liters, equal to $3.85 a bottle): You know the smell when a tire pile catches fire? Yeah, that.

17. Frontera Cabernet-Merlot 2016, Chile ($5.20): Boiled potato skins, sauced with rendered cough drops.

18. Franzia box, Chile ($20 for 5 liters, equal to about $3 a bottle): Like Bazooka Joe chawed down on a big wad of bubble gum and used it to filter storm water runoff.

19. 14 Hands 2015, Washington State ($12): Tire rubber. Aged in inner tubes. Like a gym accident when you get strangled by a resistance cord.

Wines are widely available, with the exception of the Kirkland wines, which are available only at Costco. Prices listed were paid at Costco and Morris Miller Wine & Liquor in the District and the Montgomery County Liquor Store in White Oak. Actual prices may vary.
In Mark Twain's classic "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," Tom tricks his friends into painting his aunt's fence. You probably won't get that lucky, but there are good reasons many homeowners keep their painting in-house. No building codes apply to interior decoration; if you do something dumb, you don't risk life and property as you would if you were, say, tackling a rewiring job; and because labor typically accounts for 80 to 85 percent of the price of a paint job, you'll save a ton by doing the work yourself.

If you choose to hire a professional instead, use Checkbook's ratings of local contractors. For the next month, Checkbook is offering free access to its ratings of local painters to Washington Post readers at checkbook.org/washingtonpost/painters.

Should you go with a pro or no? Before taking the painting plunge, consider the following:

 Inside or outside? Inside, there are solid floors, reachable ceilings and uniformly bright working light. Outside, uneven ground makes it difficult to set ladders and reach roof overhangs. Nature isn't your friend here, either: Dew can cause paint-adhesion problems, and rain can ruin still-wet paint.

 One room or the whole house? Applying one coat in one room is a reasonable DIY Saturday project (especially if you have help and beer). Multiply the time spent moving furniture, prepping walls and sanding old trim by the number of rooms in the house, and you might want to hire real help. It's the same outside. You can probably tackle one shady garage wall that needs a little scraping and sanding plus a coat of paint, but covering all surfaces of the house is usually best left to a pro.

 One or two stories? Painting one story may be within the scope of an ambitious homeowner. Two stories means extension ladders and scaffolding  probably contractor territory.

 New work or repair? If a remodeling contractor leaves smoothly finished drywall, prep work is eliminated, and the painting can begin. Where walls or siding need a lot of scraping, spackling and sanding, the same-size project can take twice as long.

 Same color or stark change? Repainting with a similar color rarely requires more than spot priming and one finish coat. Dramatically changing the color usually requires at least two coats, doubling the painting work.

 Mostly walls or woodwork? A roller makes quick work of unobstructed walls. Rooms with wide baseboards, elaborate window casings and cornice molding at the ceiling demand more time and effort. A lot of trim means a lot of brushwork  even more so if the job includes cabinets and shelves  and edges into the realm of professionals.

 First-rate or second-best? Take a look at painting projects you've tackled in the past. Is the trim as smooth as you would like it to be for the new project? Are the walls uniform and free of lap marks? If you want results that may be difficult and time-consuming to achieve by yourself, hire a good contractor.

 House built before the 1978 lead paint ban? If so, you'll probably want a lead-paint-certified pro to properly seal off rooms and do required testing and cleanup to minimize exposure. (These may sound like expensive tasks, but they're usually not.)

If you decide to hire help, have several contractors inspect the job and provide proposals. Youll probably find huge price differences for the same job. A Checkbook undercover shopper got quotes from nine Washington-area contractors to repaint the walls, ceiling and trim for a living room, dining room, family room, bathroom and kitchen. Including paint and supplies, prices ranged from $2,650 or less to more than $6,500.

Dont assume that low prices signify lousy work: Checkbook finds that companies that perform top-quality work are just as likely to quote low prices as companies that do shoddy jobs.

Ask companies to include all details in writing. Although that sounds simple enough, too many contractors submit offers such as paint house for $5,000. A friendly contractor may offer a reassuring handshake and promise that the crew will take care of all the details  starting on time, working every day, cleaning up, etc. Thats great, but why not include each point in the proposal? If its a challenge to get a written description of labor, materials and other details, things will probably get worse when the work starts.

Good contracts include descriptions of prep work and repairs; paint specs by brand name, type, color and product number; the number of coats; and a full description of the work, including frequently omitted items such as cabinet interiors and shutters. Minimize delays by specifying that, weather permitting, work will be continuous. Get a payment schedule that minimizes the down payment  the more payment you can withhold until the end, the more leverage youll have to get the job done well and per your specifications. Insist that contractors provide proof that they carry both general liability and workers compensation coverage.

Specify whether the contractor or you will supply the paint. Check Consumer Reports paint ratings: In its tests, some relatively inexpensive paints performed better than more expensive paints and cost $10 to $20 less per gallon. But keep in mind that most paints will resist cracking, peeling, mold and mildew. Who does the painting  and how well they do it  is more important than whats in the bucket.

Before work starts, do your part by clearing the area. Its okay to ask workers for help moving a large bookcase, but first pack up all the books  and all your knickknacks in the room. Move cars from the garage, driveway or in front of the house so the painter can park a van full of supplies near the house.

Once work begins, hold brief daily meetings to discuss the job and schedule and quash any misunderstandings. If there are surprises, seek middle ground. No contract can anticipate every possibility. Materials may be unavailable. Large chunks of rotten siding may crumble along with the old paint. Exterior jobs may be stopped cold by a week of steady rain. But know that youll pay extra if you change your mind about a color after the trim is already painted or otherwise add tasks to the project.

The nonprofit Washington Consumers' Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org help consumers get the best service and lowest prices. We are supported by consumers and take no money from the service providers we evaluate. See ratings of Washington-area painters free of charge until Sept. 30 at checkbook.org/washingtonpost/painters .
Ben Bradlee, the legendary executive editor of The Washington Post from 1968 to 1991, died on Oct. 14, 2014, at the age of 93. Though it was little known outside his closest circles, he had spent his final years grappling with dementia. This is an excerpt from a new memoir by his widow, veteran Post writer Sally Quinn. Her book, Finding Magic, will be released next week by HarperCollins.



Sally Quinn, left, with her husband Ben Bradlee, right, and their son, Quinn, on a 2001 trip to Turkey to celebrate Bens 80th birthday. Within a few years, she recalls in a new memoir, she found herself baffled by changes in his behavior. (Courtesy of Sally Quinn)

I always thought that my marriage was perfect, that our love was inviolable and eternal, but on January 8, 2003, Ben and I sat in the waiting room of a highly respected Washington psychiatrist named Steven Wolin. We were miserable. Our once glorious marriage was tense and strained. Neither of us understood what was happening, and it is only now, nearly fifteen years later, that I can more fully understand the why of it all.

I was devastated by Bens change in attitude and behavior toward me. His personality had always been sunny and optimistic. Suddenly he had become moody, downbeat, and in some instances outright hostile. Nobody else saw that side of him. It was only directed at me. I was crushed by the changes in him. They had come on gradually, but now it was clear that this behavior was intensifying and not going away.

He didnt like the idea of being put on the couch. He also didnt like to be on the defensive, which he definitely was once I described the situation from my point of view. Ben seemed a bit confused when he heard me relate our problems, as though I were talking about somebody else, not him. He kept saying things like, I cant believe I said that or used that tone. Thats not who I am. He would say, But I love her. Why would I talk to her that way?



Quinn and Bradlee, left, with Harold Evans and Tina Brown at the 2012 White House Correspondents Association dinner. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

In 2011, a reporter called Ben at the Post, where he maintained an office as a vice president at large, to interview him about something sensitive that had happened at the paper. Ben was very forthcoming  in fact, too forthcoming. He told the reporter much more than he should have, much more than he knew. After the piece came out, I went to Washington Post Company Chairman Don Graham and suggested that it might be time for Ben to stop going to the Post. Don, the kindest human being on the planet, refused to even consider it. However, we did work out a plan. All the secretaries and assistants on the floor were advised never to put a call through to Ben without checking with his secretary Carol or Don or me. Everyone was told to turn down all interview requests. Ben never knew about it.

It had been five years since he had been diagnosed with early-stage dementia, but few outside the family knew it. Almost every day he went down to the Post cafeteria for lunch and would be immediately surrounded by a coterie of reporters and admirers, and that seemed to perk him up. There was always a group conversation and as long as Ben gave somebody the finger or told somebody to f--- off, people didnt seem to notice the forgetfulness that much.

I organized a lunch group at the Madison hotel across from the Post, where I had a running tab. Carol had a sign-up sheet and up to five people could join. It was always full. We called it Tuesdays with Ben.

One night we went to George Stephanopoulos and Ali Wentworths house for a party. We were all standing around having cocktails when Ben, suddenly pale and weak, collapsed on the sofa and proceeded to have what looked like a seizure. His eyes rolled back in his head, his mouth dropped open, and he blacked out. Within minutes, we were speeding to George Washington University Hospital. Within a half hour, Ben was alert and talking, telling anyone who would listen to get me the hell out of here. He was fine.

It was only a day or two later that I realized he was behaving differently. He wasnt as sharp. He had lost something. I was the only one who noticed.



Sally Quinn and Ben Bradlee on their wedding day, Oct. 20, 1978. (Harry Naltchayan/The Washington Post)

We continued to live our lives as normally as we could. He continued going to the Post every day.

Between episodes, Ben was alert, insightful, and aware. The awareness made the lapses all the more painful. What was so compelling was that I never knew when I was going to have the real Ben as opposed to some stranger.

By the fall of 2012, though, I knew it was time to come clean. I was going to have to tell people that Ben had dementia.

Ben was in his office and I stopped by. The phone rang and Carol picked it up. It was our old friend, British editor and publisher Harry Evans, the husband of editor Tina Brown. I took the call. Harry, I said, Ben cant take calls anymore. He has dementia. There was dead silence on the phone and then Harry plaintively said, Oh dear, Im afraid were all going to end up that way at some point, arent we?

It was done. We were heading into a new life, a life I was dreading, and yet a life that would be fulfilling in a way that I never could have imagined.

The A-word is a killer, which is why I always said dementia, even though it was never clear which he had. Somehow Alzheimers sounds like something one could catch. Dementia sounds tamer, more like gentle aging. At dinners, I would ask my friends to seat me next to Ben so that I could protect him. Id make sure the person on his other side was aware of Bens situation.

I suggested once more that Ben give up his office. Again, Don wouldnt hear of it. He was resolute. Bens office was there for him until he died.

The geriatric psychiatrist recommended a fabulous support group called "The Friends Club" that met in a church in Bethesda. There were twelve men at various stages of dementia who met three days a week. I thought I was in for a big fight with Ben, that he would never agree to go to some "candy ass" program. I never described it as a club for men with dementia. I told him it was a group for old Navy men and foreign service types and journalists (all true). Sandra Day O'Connor's husband, John, had been in the group and so had Sargent Shriver.

For reasons that I will never understand, Ben agreed to go to the support group. On the first day, I sat in on the whole session, next to Ben. One man sat quietly, not participating at all. There were others in the group, the newer ones, who seemed quite normal until, after an hour or so, they began repeating themselves. Every once in a while, one of them would stop in the middle of talking and say, I cant remember s---! The others would totally crack up with appreciation. Ben did too. He began to relax.

I found myself holding court, keeping the conversation going around the table, telling stories, basically standing on my head. I was trying so hard to entertain them all so that they would like Ben. It was emotionally exhausting. I had become Bens protective mom. Ben held my hand during most of the meeting. I could see how dependent he was on me. He was so nervous and looked lost. I had never seen Ben like that. It killed me. Any hostility he had been showing to me simply disappeared. As I drove him home he just put his hand over mine and said, I love you, babe. I felt in some way that God had given me Ben back.

In August of 2013, Jay Carney, then Barack Obama's White House spokesman, called me to say that the president was going to award Ben the Medal of Freedom but that it was to be kept a secret until it was announced some weeks later. Ben was ecstatic, although I'm not sure at that point that he really understood what was happening. That night we had people for dinner, a number of journalists, and Ben announced to everyone that he was getting the Medal of Freedom. He had forgotten it was a secret.

The ceremony was to be in November, and Ben was obsessed. Night after night he would get up at all hours and try to dress for the ceremony. At that point he had lost track of dates. The night before the awards I invited all his children, his grandchildren, his stepchildren, his step-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews for a family party. Ben was in his element.

I was surprised at how important this medal was to Ben. Public affirmation of his achievements was something he had never really cared about. Especially in his later years, he was constantly being asked to be celebrated at various events. He almost always declined. Yet, here we were, as Ben was about to receive the highest civilian honor an American can get, and he was beside himself with excitement and anticipation.

He must have known that he was coming to the end of his life. He had been reminiscing more than usual about his past. In some way this medal represented to Ben so much that had given his life meaning. He had served in World War II, defending his country and its values. He had worked as a journalist for nearly sixty years, devoted to finding the facts and exposing the truth, defending the Constitution and the First Amendment and all that it stood for. He had fought the good fight, he had finished the race, he had kept the faith.

The plan was for me to go early to the White House for the rehearsal to stand in for Ben and he would come later. There was no way he could stand around for hours beforehand.



Bradlee, center, with ballplayer Ernie Banks, left, and Bill Clinton at the Medal of Freedom ceremony. He didnt usually care for honors and awards, but on this day, Quinn writes, he was beside himself with excitement and anticipation. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

Among those who were being honored that day were Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Gloria Steinem. I had walked through the drill along with the other recipients. They had to walk up the aisle of the East Room to the podium, get up the stairs, wait for their citation to be read, walk up to the president, receive the medal, get back to their chairs, and then get back down the stairs. I was frantic. I knew Ben couldnt do it by himself. He was particularly out of it that morning, probably out of nervousness and excitement and lack of sleep. He had his good days and his bad days. This was a bad day.

In desperation I went to Clinton and asked if he would help Ben get through it. He took Ben by the hand and guided him up the red carpet to the podium and helped him to his seat, signaled him when he was to get up, helped him over to the president, guided him back to his seat, and then took his arm and led him out of the room when it was over. I was so grateful.

At the reception the former president came over to me laughing. Do you know what Ben asked me? He said, Did I ever piss you off?  Clinton told me he had responded no, but thats only because by the time I became president you had already stepped down as editor.

Ben went home and slept the rest of the afternoon. Miraculously, when he woke up, he was himself again so we were able to go to the presidents dinner for all the honorees, present and past.

President Obama made a point of going around the table and greeting everyone. He spent an especially long time talking to Ben who held his own in the conversation, laughing and joking. It was as if he had had a giant bolt of energy come down from the sky and infuse his body with his Ben-ness. I couldnt have been more proud or loved him more that night.



Bradlee and Quinn at Grey Gardens, their Long Island estate, in August 2013, a little more than a year before he died. (Courtesy of Sally Quinn)

It was Thursday, September 11, 2014. Ben would be dead in a little over a month, but I couldn't have predicted that. We were moving forward with life as usual, our new normal. Ben was tired but in a good mood. He was always happy to see his doctor, Michael Newman, and we had a jovial conversation about Ben's overall health. Ben said he was slowing down but felt fine. Michael asked the nurse to take Ben for a blood test, then shut the door and sat down.

Im putting Ben in hospice care, he said.

Im sorry? Clearly I hadnt heard him correctly.

Im putting him in hospice care.

What does that mean? I asked. Hes not dying. Hes healthy as a horse. Theres nothing medically wrong with him. He sleeps a lot and is confused, but the geriatric psychiatrist said he could live for five more years.

I know, said Michael quietly. He was always honest with me, and beyond empathetic. He loved Ben too.

How much time does he have? I asked finally.

Maybe four months but I doubt it, he said. Probably two.

Bens hospice nurse, Vallerie, began visiting regularly. Ben still had no idea she was a hospice nurse. Or maybe he did. He hadnt asked a single question about his health.

I was moving full steam ahead with funeral planning. It was a strange yet welcome distraction, a way to keep my hands busy and my mind occupied. I had called the National Cathedral to set up an appointment with the staff. I had lined up the choirs, a tenor, a band, the food and a tent for the reception, the programs, the evergreens for the church. I hadnt cried. I had too much to do and not enough time, although I still hadnt accepted it yet. I was planning all this just in case. . .

A week or so before Ben died, Vallerie was conducting a routine checkup on Ben. Suddenly he turned serious.

When am I leaving? he asked.

What do you mean, Ben? I responded.

When do I have to go? I looked at Vallerie. Was he saying what I thought he was saying?

Go where, Ben? I asked.

He appeared frustrated and impatient. When am I going home?

You are home, Ben, I said, taking his hand. You are home. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the sofa.

Vallerie motioned to me to leave the room with her.

Hes asking when hes going to die, isnt he? I said, barely able to keep it together.

Yes.

I knew that going home was the closest we were going to get to speaking about his death. His spirit was in me and mine in him. We didnt need to say anything to each other. He knew and I knew. We both knew.



Quinn at her husbands funeral at National Cathedral, Oct. 29, 2014. I was more in love with him the day he died than I had ever been before, she writes. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

What did Ben's death mean to me? I got religion or some sense of spirituality from the idea of love, self-sacrifice, mystery, and magic. It happened to me in a much clearer way at that moment. It illuminated for me the story of my life.

Being in love with a man on his deathbed is not romantic in the traditional sense, but I was more in love with Ben then than at any other time. I was in love with him every minute of every day, until the day he died. And I was more in love with him the day he died than I had ever been before.

I have faith in the power of love. Ultimately loving is the most important thing a person can do. Giving and receiving love is encapsulated in another of my favorite words, albeit a rarely used one, redamancy, which means "the act of loving in return." George Sand was right when she wrote, "There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved."
A New York Daily News with the headline "TRONC BUYS THE NEWS" is seen on a newsstand in New York City. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)

The newspaper headlines about the latest newspaper deal say one of the iconic names in the business  the New York Daily News  has just been sold.

Well, not exactly.

In another sign of the newspaper industry's vanishing, if not vanished, economic value, Chicago-based Tronc Inc. will officially pay $1 to "buy" the money-losing Daily News. But it's more accurate to say Daily News owner Mort Zuckerman effectively gave the paper up for adoption, and paid Tronc to be its caretaker.

Tronc (an awkward shorthand for Tribune Online Content) will take over management of the Daily News and get half-ownership of the newspapers most valuable asset, a printing plant based on 25 acres of prime real estate in Jersey City, across the Hudson from the papers home in Manhattan. In exchange, it will assume the Newss annual losses and pension liabilities, freeing Zuckerman, 80, from the Newss perpetual string of red ink and future employee obligations.

The 98-year-old Daily News was once a mighty voice of New York's working class, and a familiar accessory of straphanging commuters in the great metropolis. It had a peak circulation of 2.4 million in 1947, and a penchant for provoking outrage and amusement with its deep-black "wood" headlines (including its legendary five-word cri de coeur in 1975 after President Ford denied federal aid to the nearly bankrupt city: "Ford to City: Drop Dead"). Its tabloid rivalry with Rupert Murdoch's New York Post is steeped in newspaper lore and the stuff of Hollywood seriocomic mythmaking (see "The Paper").

But you know the rest of the story. The Internet long ago began blasting away at the advertising and readership foundation of newsmagazines and newspapers. The plummeting fortunes of both have been slowed but not arrested by the switch to digital news. Facebook and Google control much of the national and local ad market once dominated by all those Heralds and Tribunes and Chronicles.

The News's "sale" is the latest manifestation of these humbled balance sheets  "an indication of troubled times," as Rick Edmonds, the media-business analyst for the journalism-education organization Poynter Institute, put it on Tuesday. Of the News's decline and would-be rescue, he said, "We've seen this movie before."

In fact, there are many parallels. Bloomberg bought BusinessWeek from McGraw Hill in 2009 for pocket change and the assumption of its liabilities. Audio-equipment magnate Sidney Harman paid a symbolic dollar a year later to acquire Newsweek from The Washington Post Co. (Harman, who died in 2011, briefly merged the title with the Daily Beast before Newsweek was sold again in 2013).

Newspapers were once so profitable that they sold for billions as recently as a decade or so ago. These days, they're largely valued not on their journalistic enterprise and community connections but on the real estate their owners acquired decades or even a century earlier.

Like Zuckerman, a wealthy New York real estate investor, several newspaper owners have squeezed value out of declining newspaper operations by selling off their underlying properties. (When Amazon.com founder Jeffrey P. Bezos bought The Washington Post for $250 million in 2013, the paper's former parent company made almost as much from the later sale of its downtown headquarters building and Alexandria, Va., newsprint warehouses as it did from selling The Post itself.)

Other owners have sold their papers outright, with the papers real estate as a prime attraction to buyers.

In 2013, for example, the New York Times Co. sold the Boston Globe to Boston Red Sox owner John W. Henry for $70 million. The paper itself (which the Times had purchased in a $1.1 billion deal in 1993) was in effect a small part of the bargain; the Globe's headquarters had an estimated value of $63.8 million at the time.

Among others, Media General sold the Tampa Tribune to an investment company called Revolution Capital Group in 2012 for $9.5 million  essentially the value of the Tribune's aging riverfront office building. Despite vowing to stay and build ("We are definitely in this for the long haul. We don't flip businesses," Revolution's chief executive said at the time), the investment company sold the Tribune 43 months later to the owners of the rival Tampa Bay Times. The Times promptly shut the Tribune down.

The surprise deal for the Daily News brings Tronc full circle. Its predecessor company, the Chicago Tribune Co., started the paper in 1919 and owned it until 1991. Zuckerman acquired it in 1993 after a previous owner, British tabloid baron Robert Maxwell, fell off the back of his yacht and drowned.

The company, which also owns the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, says it intends to continue operating the Daily News, thus giving it a newspaper in each of the nations three largest markets.

As a result, it will continue its long financial war of attrition with the New York Post. The Daily News has won some attention for its bold covers sassing candidate and President Trump; the Post tends to be more supportive of the longtime New York real estate magnate-turned-president.

Troncs publicity-shy chairman, Michael Ferro, hasnt shown a willingness to use his papers for broad national political purposes, but theres still some value in having a voice in a place like New York, Edmonds said, even if the nuts and bolts of the business dont make a lot of sense.

Troncs immediate game plan is to aggregate a national digital audience of sufficient size to attract national advertisers. In announcing its agreement with Zuckerman, it said it would have a combined digital platform with about 80 million unique monthly visitors, of which about 25 million come from the Daily News. This gives Troncs newspapers (which include the Baltimore Sun and San Diego Union-Tribune) roughly the same scale as The Washington Post and New York Times.

Of course, if the Daily News continues to founder financially, Tronc will still have something to fall back on. Theres a 25-acre parcel with prime views of Manhattan that could someday be home to more than a printing plant.
THE DISTRICT

Boy, 13, is stabbed at

school in Northwest

A 13-year-old boy was stabbed Tuesday afternoon at the British International School, north of Georgetown, and taken to a hospital for treatment, according to D.C. police.

The injured boy was reported to be conscious, with injuries that appeared not to be life-threatening, police said. Authorities said a knife or another sharp object was used in the attack.

Police detained another student, a girl, but did not arrest her because they believe she has diplomatic immunity, said Dustin Sternbeck, the D.C. police spokesman. Police are consulting with the Districts attorney general about possible charges.

The Secret Service confirmed it sent investigators to the private school in Northwest Washington.

Matthias Wehler, the spokesman for the German Embassy, said the young suspect is the daughter of an embassy staff member. He said the matter would be investigated and the parents could be disciplined if found to have contributed in any way.

"This will not be ignored," Wehler said.

The stabbing occurred shortly before 1 p.m. inside the school in the 2000 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW, near Glover Park and the U.S. Naval Observatory, where the vice president lives.

 Peter Hermann

MARYLAND

Suspect in killing surrenders to police

A 35-year-old man who police said fatally shot one man and injured another before fleeing turned himself in after an overnight manhunt.

The incident happened around 2 p.m. Monday at a home in the 6000 block of Port Tobacco Road in Nanjemoy, Md., about an hour south of Washington. One victim died and the other man reportedly was in serious condition, according to law enforcement officials.

Authorities said Brian Pierce surrendered to police Tuesday morning in La Plata, Md. Police did not release the name of the man who was killed, pending notification of his family.

 Dana Hedgpeth

State House leaders grandson slain

The grandson of a leader of the House of Delegates was killed in northeast Baltimore Monday in what police said was a targeted broad daylight shooting.

The victim was identified as Tyrone Ray, 22. His grandfather is Del. Talmadge Branch (D-Baltimore City) the House majority whip.

Police said they were looking for two men who fled in a vehicle. They said they did not know of a motive in the shooting.

 Martin Weil

VIRGINIA

Ga. man charged

in gang murder

A Georgia man was charged with murder after police said he was involved in the gang-related slaying of a Fairfax teen whose body was found last month, authorities said Tuesday.

On. Aug. 22, police found Miguel Angel Ruiz Carrillo of Mount Vernon dead near Nokesville Road and Fauquier Drive in Prince William County. He had been who was reported missing on Aug. 4. His mother told police he was attacked Aug. 3 and his body was found after a search with cadaver dogs. Police said they thought his disappearance was gang- related.

On Sept. 3, Hector Armando Gamez-Amaya, 28, of McDonough, Ga., was arrested in Georgia, Prince William County police said in a statement. He was charged with murder in Ruiz Carrillos death, the statement said.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

THE REGION

Man hit by stun gun

dies in Ocean City

Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a man who was taken to a hospital after being hit with a stun gun while being arrested by Ocean City police.

Authorities say an officer used his Taser while trying to arrest 28-year-old Byron Tunnell of Ocean City after a traffic stop early Tuesday. Despite being Tased, Tunnell fled on foot, allegedly discarding drugs, before finally being subdued.

 Associated Press
In this photo taken May 6, 2016, police take Eulalio Tordil, then 62, into custody. (Alex Brandon /AP)

The teen was walking out of ROTC after school when she saw the lights flashing and heard the horn blaring from her mothers black SUV.

The girls stepfather was beside the drivers side window, confronting his estranged wife.

The teen dropped her backpack and ran to help her mother, but abruptly stopped.

Grace! Run! Run! Gladys Tordil yelled to her daughter.

Those were the last words the mother uttered before the man at the SUV  Gladys Tordils estranged husband  shot his wife and walked away.

More than a year later, a judge on Wednesday sentenced Eulalio Tordil, 65, to two life terms for the killing of Gladys Tordil and the attempted murder of a good Samaritan who tried to intervene in the school lot.

The sentence in Prince Georges County Circuit Court closes a case that set the Washington suburbs on edge as Tordil went on a two-day shooting rampage that left three dead and three others wounded.

You should not see or breathe a free bit of air for the rest of your life, Prince Georges County Judge Leo Green Jr. said before sentencing Tordil. Its overwhelming the reasons to show no mercy.

Green ordered the two life sentences to run back-to-back on top of the four consecutive life sentences Tordil previously received in Montgomery, where Tordil shot two strangers during his attempts to steal cars and elude police.

[Suspect lost eyeglasses and was unable to flee after shooting, prosecutors say]

Surveillance video from the high school played during Wednesdays sentencing hearing showed Tordil shot his wife through the window of the SUV. He ran toward his car to flee but quickly turned back. He then stretched his arm through the window of the SUV once more, appearing to shoot his wife again before leaving. My stepfather came out of nowhere! Grace Glimada screamed to an operator during a 911 call played in court.

When given the opportunity to speak on Wednesday, Tordil spent a few minutes telling the judge about his career in law enforcement and talking about how he never got in trouble in his life.

Id like to apologize to my family, Tordil then said.

Tordil had gone to the parking lot of High Point High School on May 5, 2016, two months after his wife filed a protective order against him. He rented a car that morning and packed a bag with a toothbrush, clothes and $1,800 in cash. He also had a cache of ammunition and a single gun he kept hidden from law enforcement, despite court orders to turn in all of his weapons.

The former Federal Protective Service officer, who had just lost his job, went to the parking lot with a plan to kill, prosecutors said. In a journal, which prosecutors detailed in court during his sentencing in Montgomery, Tordil wrote that his marriage had reached a point of no return. He asked God and the potential victims . . . for forgiveness.

During a massive manhunt the day after killing his wife, Tordil shot Malcom Mike Winffel, who was coming to the aid of a woman whose car Tordil was trying to steal at a mall in Montgomery County, and Claudina Molina, who was fatally shot by Tordil as he tried to take her SUV outside a grocery store.

[Former federal officer gets four life prison terms for Md. shooting rampage]

Tordils attorney, David Booth, said his client grew up in a strict Catholic upbringing and chose a career in a regimented military system. When his wife and daughters left him and he lost his job, he broke, Booth said. Tordil became depressed and sat at home alone in the dark, Booth said.

His life was just beginning to crumble and tumble out of control, Booth said. These two days arent really who he is.

Booth argued that Tordil should have the opportunity for parole, which the judge denied.

Prince Georges Assistant States Attorney Rebecca Cordero said that Tordil didnt deserve any mercy. He shattered the lives of so many people, Cordero said.

Not only did he kill and wound several people, but he stole the sense of safety people had in a sacred place like a school by confronting his wife in the parking lot packed with students and parents.

A man who had arrived at the high school to watch his sons baseball game was shot in the arm when he ran to help Gladys Tordil, Cordero said. The man remains haunted by violence, and his son has not played baseball since that horrific day, Cordero said.

Gladys Tordils children spoke in court, sobbing as they talked about how much they miss their mother. They were seniors who were one week away from graduating when their mother was killed.

At a time when they should have been excited about prom and preparing for college, Nikki and Grace Glimada were instead attending a funeral and memorials.

The girls also admonished Tordil, who they said was abusive and created a house that was toxic.

Nikki Glimada recalled her mother as strong, smart and independent, saying she lost a role model, a friend, a mom.

She was everything I wanted to be, Nikki Glimada said.

Grace Glimada called her mothers killing the worst day of my life, listing the college graduations, grandchildren and other life milestones Gladys Tordil would never see.

Shes only seen one-third of our lives, Grace Glimada said.
A Georgia man was charged with murder after police said he was involved in the gang-related slaying of a Fairfax teen whose body was found last month, authorities said Tuesday.

On. Aug. 22, police found Miguel Angel Ruiz Carrillo of Mount Vernon dead near Nokesville Road and Fauquier Drive after he was reported missing on Aug. 4. His mother told police he was attacked on Aug. 3, and police found his body after a day-long search with cadaver dogs.

[Body found in Nokesville is missing Fairfax County teen]

On Sept. 3, 28-year-old Hector Armando Gamez-Amaya of McDonough, Ga., was arrested in Georgia, Prince William County police said in a statement Tuesday. He was charged with murder in Ruiz Carrillos death, the statement said.

Gamez-Amaya is the first person charged with murder after Ruiz Carrillos disappearance, which police said was gang-related. Jose Vincent-Sosa, 20, and Edwin Dinarte Moreno, 18, both of Alexandria, along with a female juvenile, were charged with gang participation and abduction in connection with the disappearance last month.
Police say Brian Pierce killed one man and injured another in Charles County, Md. He surrendered after a manhunt. (Courtesy of Charles County Sheriff's Office)

A 35-year-old man who police say fatally shot one man and injured another before fleeing has turned himself in after an overnight manhunt.

The incident happened around 2 p.m. Monday at a home in the 6000 block of Port Tobacco Road in Nanjemoy, Md., about an hour south of Washington. The Charles County Sheriffs Office said it believes Brian Pierce shot two men after an argument. One of the victims died and the other man is in serious condition, according to law enforcement officials.

[One man dead, one injured in shooting in Charles County, Md.]

Police said Pierce left and later abandoned his car in the area. He then fled, possibly in a vehicle, on foot or by boat, they said. Residents in that area were advised by authorities to keep their doors locked and report any suspicious activity to police.

Authorities said Pierce surrendered to officers around 8 a.m. Tuesday at a police station in La Plata, Md.

Police did not release the name of the man who was killed, pending the notification of his family.
The police pursuit that ended in a crash Sunday afternoon outside Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue began after a woman reported being threatened by a former boyfriend who was armed with a knife, according to a D.C. police report.

Police said the woman, locked inside a car as the driver sped erratically through traffic, wrestled away the knife and was able to escape. Police then pursued the vehicle for more than a mile until it crashed into another car about 2 p.m. on 12th Street NW at Pennsylvania Avenue.

Five people were hospitalized with injuries: the suspect, two police officers, and a mother and her young child whose vehicle was struck, police said.

Police identified the suspect as Anthony Smith, 29, of Oxon Hill, Md. He faces charges that include reckless driving, fleeing police, leaving the scene of an accident and assault with a dangerous weapon. Smith remained hospitalized Tuesday.

A police report says officers recovered a steak knife with a wooden handle from the suspects vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Prince Georges County on Saturday.

The pursuit drew attention because it ended blocks from the White House and in front of the Trump hotel, which is a frequent target of protesters. The hotel is protected by security, and police are sometimes present.

At the time, police had Pennsylvania Avenue blocked with large dump trucks at 12th Street to prevent a vehicular attack on a Syrian folk festival that was underway.

[Police pursuit ends in crash outside Trump International Hotel]

The police report says that the incident began in the 1000 block of New Jersey Avenue NW, just south of New York Avenue. Police said the suspect demanded that the woman, the mother of his child, get into the car and she did so, fearing he might harm her.

He drove off and she demanded to be let out, police said, but he refused. The woman told police that the man was driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic and going through red lights.

While driving, police said, the man pulled a knife from his sock. The woman said she grabbed it, then opened the front passenger door while the car was in motion and jumped out of the vehicle.

D.C. police were called, spotted the car and began to chase it. The exact route of the pursuit was not immediately available, but police reported that the vehicle struck several cars and that damage was reported along New York and Constitution avenues.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the committees ranking minority party member, are holding four hearings on the Affordable Care Act this month. (Alex Brandon/AP)

After years of high-wattage partisan feuding over the Affordable Care Act, a Senate committee on Wednesday is holding the first in a series of hearings to try to build momentum for lawmakers to agree on some ways to strengthen the laws insurance marketplaces.

Four hearings being held by the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee are part of a push by the panels top Republican and Democrat, who are racing to negotiate an agreement before the month ends. At the moment, however, the parties differ on specifics, and it remains uncertain whether any accord  even a narrow one  is possible.

This circumscribed effort follows Senate Republicans dramatic failure in late July to overturn central parts of the ACA. The new effort may yield a practical bipartisan response acknowledging that the insurance exchanges  conduits to medical coverage for about 10 million Americans  will continue to exist. Or it could provide another piece of evidence that the ACA is so politically toxic that compromise on it eludes even the senators most open to collaboration on health policy.

Im optimistic, though all of this is a lot of hard work, said Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan (D-N.H.), a committee member and one of several former governors working for an agreement.

According to senators, their aides and outside health-policy experts close to the negotiations, both Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (Wash.), the panels ranking Democrat, are eager to write into law federal funding of cost-sharing reduction subsidies. These payments to insurers offset discounts that the ACA requires health plans to give lower-income customers for annual deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.

The once-obscure subsidies, which President Trump has threatened to end, have emerged as a significant issue in recent months. Some insurance companies plan to raise their rates substantially for next year unless the payments are guaranteed, and others have withdrawn from ACA marketplaces in part because the payments future has been so uncertain.

The committees leaders agree that preserving the payments is important, but they differ on their duration. Alexander said in a statement that the government should promise to continue them for another year, while Murray said she is seeking a multiyear agreement.

Alexander said he is working toward a limited, bipartisan, simple piece of legislation that also would give states greater flexibility to deviate from the ACAs basic rules. In particular, he and other Republicans want states to be able to let insurers sell policies that exclude some of the essential health benefits required by the 2010 law  an idea that is anathema to Democrats.

On the other hand, Murray and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) want to re-create a pool of reinsurance money for health plans that existed during the first three years of the ACA marketplaces. This funding would help defray the cost of insuring customers with especially costly medical conditions  an idea that Republicans oppose.

Alexander and Murray consulted with colleagues over the August recess, but neither has revealed the concessions being expected from the other party. We dont know yet what Lamar has in mind in terms of greater flexibility, said Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), who was planning to confer with the chairman again Tuesday evening.

Given the gap in ideas, we are going to have the hearings, and thats it, said one former senior Republican congressional staffer.

Dan Mendelson, president of Avalere Health, a Washington-based consulting firm, said the watchword for this effort is de-escalation. With Congresss attention focused on issues such as the federal debt limit, funding for Hurricane Harvey recovery and GOP tax plans, he said the greatest chance for improving the ACAs marketplaces will be if a few provisions from the Senate committee are slipped without fanfare into a larger spending bill.

Democrats believe that the GOP will take a political hit if Congress fails to produce an agreement to improve the marketplaces. A new survey by the Democratic polling firm Hart Research, conducted for the pro-ACA group Protect Our Care Campaign, found that voters disapprove of the way Trump is handling health care, 61 percent to 39 percent, and sharply disapprove of GOP lawmakers approach, 80 percent to 20 percent.

Regardless of the negotiations fate, the upcoming hearings mark the closest collaboration between Republicans and Democrats in years on an issue that has defined their ideological differences perhaps more than any other.

Every morning before each of the four hearings this week and next, the committee is hosting off-the-record coffees to which all members are invited. Senate aides said the idea behind the sessions is to foster a collegial and frank discussion about what could be done to bolster the marketplaces.

The first two hearings feature two constituencies at the state level that have been centrally involved in how the ACAs exchanges, intended for individuals and families without access to affordable health benefits through jobs, are working in practice.

Wednesdays hearing will focus on five insurance commissioners from GOP- and Democratic-led states, while a hearing on Thursday will focus on three Republican and two Democratic governors.


Day laborers seek work in a Home Depot parking lot in southwestern Houston on Saturday as the region starts to recovery from Hurricane Harvey. (John Taggart/For The Washington Post)

Everywhere Samuel Enriquez looks, he can see the work that needs to be done. But because he is in the United States illegally, he knows he can't earn an official paycheck in this city's recovery.

The carpenter from El Salvador sits on a curb outside a home improvement store, hoping a passer-by will offer $10 an hour to help rip out sewage-soaked carpets or rotting drywall. Having lived in the United States for a year, he believes Texas is as good a place as any to seek refuge, because thats where the work is now, even if some government officials want him and others like him to leave the country.

If they deport all of us, who will rebuild? says Enriquez, 36, waiting along with about two dozen other laborers seeking work. We do more for less.

It will take an army of workers to reconstruct a vast swath of Southeast Texas, including the sprawling metropolis of Houston, that was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Whether the region can do it without fully embracing workers like Enriquez will soon be put to the test  with reverberations that could be felt nationwide.

Under President Trump, authorities in Texas have been bearing down on immigrants who are in the country illegally. Until a judge blocked the measure last week, they threatened to enact a new state law that would outlaw sanctuary cities. Texas also has been leading a group of 10 states demanding that Trump end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which granted reprieves from deportation to nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as minors.

[Their lives were transformed by DACA. Heres what will happen if it disappears.]



Samuel Enriquez, 36, a day laborer, sits on his lunch cooler waiting for work. (John Taggart/For The Washington Post)

It is a harsher landscape for those in the country illegally than it was 12 years ago, when the Gulf Coast faced the similar-size task of cleaning up from Hurricane Katrina. Eight days after that storm made landfall, President George W. Bush bowed to pressure from construction firms and relaxed worker ID rules. By some estimates, that allowed more than a quarter of all government-paid recovery jobs to go to undocumented immigrants.

But 10 days after Harvey struck Texas with record-setting rains and caused unprecedented flooding, the Trump administration has made no similar proclamation. Worse, immigrant rights groups say, federal authorities have sent conflicting signals about whether they might start simply detaining and deporting those flushed out into the open by the storm.

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), who was critical of Bushs decision, said in a statement Sunday that he sees even greater challenges in recovering from Harvey. But that does not mean federal immigration laws should be ignored. Nor should regulations that require federal contractors to verify legal work authorization of their employers, he said. These policies were put in place to protect American workers and taxpayers.

More than 200,000 homes sustained damage in the storm, including more than 13,500 that were destroyed, according to early local estimates that dont provide solid numbers for some of the hardest-hit areas. Leaders in the construction industry have begun sounding alarms that there will not be enough American-born workers to rebuild as quickly as needed.

If they would relax the rules, honestly, that would be great, we could use it, said Jeffrey Nielsen, executive vice president of the Houston Contractors Association, whose members include the citys largest firms that build roads, bridges and other public works.

Nielsen said that even before Harvey hit, almost every member of the association was grappling with a shortage of workers. With a crushing list of jobs now growing by the day, thousands need to be hired  and fast.

Nielsen said he and other construction industry officials were told at a weekend briefing that roughly 30 percent of all roads in and around Houston will remain impassable without some construction work.

The truth is, there are not a lot of people jumping up and down to do civil construction work in Texas. Its hot, and these jobs are pouring concrete or, worse, hot asphalt, Nielsen said. Thats the reality of it, and we need more people than ever.

There are plenty in and around Houston who might consider taking on the work, which can pay $20 an hour or more, if ID requirements were relaxed, construction industry officials say.



Federal contractors are required to ensure their employees have the proper immigration status to work. (John Taggart/For The Washington Post)

The Houston metropolitan area has the third-largest undocumented immigrant population in the country, about 575,000 people, according to a Pew Research Center report this year. Those workers already make up roughly a quarter of all construction laborers citywide, according to the study. Some estimate it could be closer to half.

But as the federal government this week is expected to begin signing massive contracts for debris removal, roofing work and other emergency efforts, none of Houstons unauthorized immigrant population could pass worker verification guidelines required of federal contractors.

At a news briefing last week, White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert tried to allay fears that Houstons immigrants would be rounded up when they sought help at shelters. The administration, he said, was encouraging people to seek lifesaving help if they need it and wouldnt let somebody starve or die of thirst or exposure.

But Bossert also was clear that the extent of the governments leniency for immigrants who are in the country illegally ends there.

Theres no real wavering here, and its pretty clear about our position on immigration, he said. I dont think theres going to be a lot of benefits going out to illegal immigrants in terms of the American taxpayer.

White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said on Aug. 31 that "there's no real wavering" on the Trump administration's immigration enforcement priorities after Tropical Storm Harvey. Many affected areas have high populations of undocumented immigrants.

On the ground in Houston, the reality is different. Workers are needed urgently, and in Harveys wake, a shadow economy of off-the-books hiring will only expand, putting workers at risk of exploitation and robbing the state and federal government of tax dollars.

In eastern Houston, Guillermo Herreras banquet hall received about two feet of water after the west canal of Greens Bayou swamped the nearby community of mobile homes and cottages.

The hall was full of mud, the beer fridge had overturned, and the drywall stank, Herrera said. But despite the storm and flooding, one of his clients refused to cancel a Saturday night wedding ceremony planned for 600 guests. To make good on the contract and keep his business afloat, Herrera turned to his employees and their relatives to get the job done.

I didnt care where they came from, said Herrera, 55. We needed the help.

By midday Saturday, the tile floor was sparkling, the tables and their gaudy glass centerpieces were in place, the septic tank was back in working order, and the mariachi band would soon arrive.

Without undocumented workers, there was no damn way to do the job, Herrera said, adding that after the nuptials he planned to close the hall for two weeks for a more extensive rehab  one that will likely require hiring more of those workers.

Dave and Josephine Bushnell traveled from Louisiana to help their daughter clean up after the flooded San Jacinto River left nearly six feet of water inside her two-story home in Humble, Tex.

The couple and a crew of local church volunteers are doing some initial work, but soon they will need more specialized help for wiring, reassembling walls and putting in new floors. Would they hire day laborers to help?

Oh yeah. They need the help too. The government helps us, we help them, and all of us help the economy, Dave Bushnell said, pointing to a crew of three men pulling up a tree stump at an adjacent home. You see how hard they work. Theyve probably lost everything too, but they cant sit and wait for a handout. Theyve got to work.

But to be part of the federal governments recovery effort, its a different process entirely. Often, an early step is for an employer to check the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services E-Verify website, which makes sure a worker is a U.S. citizen or a foreign one with the necessary authorization to draw a paycheck.

Nielsen said his crews of road workers have been getting walk-ups every day. We tell them we E-Verify, and half of them just turn around and walk away, he said.

We are undoubtedly going to need immigrant workers to rebuild Houston, said Kevin Appleby, director of policy for the nonprofit Center for Migration Studies of New York. It is clear that immigrants, including those without status, helped to rebuild New Orleans.

Stan Marek, chief executive of Marek Construction in Houston, sees the damage left by Harvey as big enough to hopefully reset the national debate over illegal immigration.

He and other contractors want a permanent solution that will absorb the existing workforce and train them for the kinds of jobs that Houston and other parts of Texas will need. The storm, Marek said, provides an opportunity to solve an immigration problem in the state while advancing social justice.

With some supervision and some training, we could kick-start this whole thing to basically integrate these people into society, Marek said. Lets take them out of the shadows and give them the protection of our laws.

Roberto Benavidez, 45, a Nicaraguan, has been thinking the same thing as he paces in front of a Home Depot in West Houston looking for odd jobs.

For the country to rebuild Houston, it will need amnesty for immigrants, Benavidez said. I get it. It seems like we are busting in the door of your house and asking to stay, but in reality, we are knocking on the door and offering a service.

For a larger fix, advocates say Bushs decision after New Orleans cant be looked at as a model. In September of 2005, the Department of Homeland Security waived worker identification requirements for victims of Katrina for 45 days. Critics said it was impossible to determine who was a victim, and it let undocumented immigrants from across the country descend on New Orleans and be hired as subcontractors.

Appleby said he sees three likely scenarios under Trump: Either he does not waive and continues to be strict, or he does not waive but also does not enforce, or he does relax regulations, he said.

The most likely, Appleby believes, is for the administration to wink and nod and to not conduct raids of construction companies in the Houston area for some period of time.

In the meantime, Emelda, who cleans houses in Houston, said she is getting ready for an uptick in work, and still holds hope something good can come out of Harvey.

Through all this hurt, weve become, as a city, one hurting heart. The pain of one is the pain of all, said Emelda, who spoke on condition her full name not be used because she fears deportation. I feel that through all of this, God is talking to us. And Hes saying a lot, showing us we need to have compassion and patience with one another.

Davis reported from Washington.

Read more

With floodwaters rising and a rescue boat waiting, the urgent question: What to bring?

An adrenaline-driven mission on the dark, watery streets of Texas
The Aug. 28 editorial "Fragile national monuments in danger" preemptively opposed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's recommendations regarding national monuments created through the Antiquities Act, dismissed the secretary's interpretation of the law as "narrow" and lacking the proper "awe" for the natural wonders of the West, and incorrectly claimed that the local community supports the designation.

The lack of review or analysis, be it through consultation of the legislative branch or simply an assessment of impacts under the National Environmental Policy Act, is offensive to the Western communities most affected by the creation of large-scale national monuments.

San Juan County, Utah, where the Bears Ears National Monument is located, is 72 percent federally or tribally owned. Federal approval through an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under NEPA is required before any activity of real consequence can occur in three-quarters of the county. These processes can take years and cost anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. It is understandable why the local community, even the local tribes whose land touches the current boundaries, would oppose the creation of a national monument the size of Delaware in their back yard.

These places are unique. To those who live and work in the West, these beautiful vistas are home, livelihood and community all in one  not just a far-off conquest or fodder to burnish a presidents environmental legacy.

Ethan Lane, Washington

The writer is executive director of the Public Lands Council and executive director for federal lands of the National Cattlemens Beef Association.
Contributing columnist

With the impeachment and removal of President Trump a long shot at best, there is another way to provide the country some protection from our unfit president: congressional government. The idea may seem far-fetched in this era of the imperial presidency, but there have been times in the nations history, especially in the decades after the Civil War but also to a lesser extent during the 1920s, when Congress ran the show on many critical matters and the president dared take no action without the approval of powerful committee chairmen.

The clearest example of this, and the one most relevant to the current situation, was in 1865, when a Republican Congress seized control of federal administration of the defeated South from then-President Andrew Johnson. A Tennessean who saw himself as the defender of Southern white supremacy, Johnson refused to pursue the agenda of the Radical Republicans who wanted to break the power of the white ruling class in order to ensure the rights and the physical safety of newly freed blacks. When Johnson refused to compromise, Congress took charge. For some months, Congress wielded control not only over national policy but also over its implementation by the military.

Congressional power even reached into the Cabinet. The secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, shared Congresss aims and carried out congressional policies in the South, not Johnsons. When Johnson fired Stanton, the House voted to impeach him. Johnson escaped conviction in the Senate by one vote  thus showing the difficulty of removing a president even in extreme circumstances  but for some months Congress controlled the most important national policies and during that time prevented the president from undermining the achievements of the war.

Theres no reason Congress could not do the same now. On some issues, it already has. On two important policies  sanctions on Russia and health care  a working majority of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate has already thwarted Trump. Another bipartisan majority appears to have formed against Trumps threat to shut down the government unless he gets significant funding for a wall along the Southern border. In fact, on any number of issues, there are enough anti-Trump Republicans in the Senate not only to block the president but also to push their own policies contrary to the presidents  as was the case with Russia sanctions.

Congressional government would not have to address every question. On matters where Republicans and Democrats sharply disagree, there could be a truce or partisan business as usual. But on matters where they both see a threat to the nations interests  from the presidents encouragement of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and racist, law-breaking local government officials, to his appeasement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to his efforts to impede criminal probes  Congress can wield the power of the purse. It can prevent a secretary of state from destroying the United States diplomatic corps. It can provide support to officials who refuse to carry out irresponsible and dangerous directives. It can find some compromise on a few fiscal matters to prevent a demagogue from undermining the U.S. economy by defaulting on the debt.

All this could be done informally, with different majorities naturally emerging on different issues, as has already occurred. But it would be better if it were formal. In 1865, Congress established a bipartisan Joint Committee on Reconstruction to review and formulate policy toward the former Confederate states. Today, one or more joint committees could be formed to oversee those areas necessary to protect the country from the presidents most dangerous excesses  a joint national security committee headed by the chairs and ranking members of the foreign relations, armed services and intelligence committees, for instance. The virtue of this arrangement would be that Congress would not merely react anew to each new threat. It would have a body in place that would be ready to respond, one that carried greater weight than individual committees and would therefore be more effective in deterring dangerous presidential actions.

Could Republicans possibly agree to such an arrangement? The party's leaders should at least think about it. Trump ran against them in 2016 and is now once again firing up his base to attack them. Party leaders do have another option besides being Trump punching bags  depriving him of as much power as possible while they can. It's a risky strategy, but a little bravery in the short term might pay off later. Is there any bravery to be found in Congress? Or as the great Radical Republican congressman Thaddeus Stevens asked in the spring of 1865, "Can't we collect bold men enough to lay the foundation for a party to take the helm of this government and keep it off the rocks?"
TO CELEBRATE "National Press Day" in Azerbaijan on July 22, President Ilham Aliyev announced the award of 255 apartments to journalists. Four years ago, he inaugurated an apartment building for journalists and gave away 155 flats. Both times, Mr. Aliyev used the same words. "Freedom of speech" is "ensured" in Azerbaijan, he declared.

So goes the topsy-turvy world of Azerbaijan's strongman, who talks about freedom but behaves like a tyrant. Under Mr. Aliyev, a sustained and punishing campaign has been waged against dissenting scholars, human rights defenders and journalists. One of those who suffered was Khadija Ismayilova, the Baku correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, whose courageous investigations exposed the hidden wealth accumulated by Mr. Aliyev's family members and other inconvenient truths, and landed her in prison. Ms. Ismayilova, who was released in May 2016 after 18 months, responded to the announcement of apartment gifts by praising those who "overcame their yearnings and did not receive flats as a bribe."

Mr. Aliyev, who succeeded his father as leader of the oil-rich former Soviet republic, rules by fear and rewards those who remain loyal. Consider the latest example: The Azeri authorities have jailed Mehman Aliyev (no relation to the president), who is director of Turan, Azerbaijan's last remaining independent news outlet, on charges of violating an Azeri law on grants. The authorities have also launched an investigation of the media group on charges of tax evasion and other offenses. All the allegations appear to be an attempt to intimidate the editor and the organization. Turan, founded in 1990, has reported on a wide array of political, economic and social issues, but apparently what irritated the president most was a hint of disloyalty.

According to a July 19 report from the RFE/RL Azeri service, just before the press holiday, Mr. Aliyev publicly said the government had asked him three years ago to nominate journalists from Turan to get free apartments. He said he had refused, asserting that journalists should remain independent, and that to accept gifts from the government is akin to taking a bribe. Then, within weeks, the crackdown began.

On Aug. 7, the taxation ministry said Turan was under investigation for alleged failure to pay proper taxes on grants under a law that has been criticized in the past as giving the authorities unlimited power over those who receive grants. On Aug. 16, authorities raided Turan, confiscating documents and a computer. On Aug. 25, a court in Baku placed Mr. Aliyev in pretrial detention for three months; if convicted, he faces a maximum seven-year prison sentence. Turans bank accounts have been frozen, and the staff announced it would suspend operations.

The Turan chief is not alone  other journalists and bloggers continue to languish in Azerbaijans jails. They should all be released. Meanwhile, no one should be fooled by the presidents fancy words about a free press nor by his corrosive practice of buying off journalists. The truth cannot be jailed or bribed.
Leon E. Panetta, secretary of defense from 2011 to 2013, is chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy.

In October 1921, my Italian father arrived in the United States aboard the Providence, one of 1,800 third-class passengers searching for a better life in this country. At Ellis Island, he listed his total assets as $25 and his profession simply as peasant.

My parents became U.S. citizens, but my mothers dad  my Nono  who had come from Italy to stay with us in Monterey, Calif., in the early 1940s, was not a citizen. In 1942, after Pearl Harbor, some 10,000 Italians living in California coastal areas were targeted for removal because it was suspected that they would be a threat to the country during wartime. The order did not apply to U.S. citizens, but it did apply to my Nono, and he was forced to leave us and move inland. I was only 4, but I can still remember my tears as I struggled to understand why my Nono had to leave our family.

Fast-forward almost exactly 75 years, and again America is contemplating removing people who, though not citizens, have been living in the United States lawfully, serving as productive members of our society. This time, however, the government is contemplating not temporary orders to move inland but outright deportation of individuals from the country. The targeted population are the dreamers, young men and women who were brought to the United States as children by their undocumented parents. They have attended school here, spoken English and grown up as Americans.

In 2012, the Department of Homeland Security created DACA  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  to provide up to 2 million dreamers the chance for temporary protection from deportation and the opportunity to seek legal work permits. These dreamers must be vetted through a vigorous application process. To qualify for DACA, they had to have entered the United States prior to age 16, have resided in this country since 2007 , be in school or have graduated, and pose no threat to public safety.

On Tuesday, President Trump is reportedly planning to end DACA but defer any deportations for six months, giving Congress time to replace the program. If Trump follows through on his threat, Congress should seize this opportunity to pass bipartisan legislation now under consideration to allow dreamers to remain. This legislation would also help ensure that DHS spends precious immigration-enforcement resources on true security threats, such as terrorism suspects or convicted gang members  not on individuals who are willing to live here, pay taxes and contribute to society.

One reason I believe we must keep dreamers in this country is because they provide an outstanding pool of young women and men who can engage in national service, including military service.

In a 2017 report on national service issued by the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, we found that patriotic spirit and sense of purpose are declining among young Americans but that national service programs provide an antidote: an opportunity for young people to give back to their communities, strengthen bonds with one another, earn money for college and develop key skills.

Dreamers have shown high interest in military and national service. Many DACA recipients have participated in Junior ROTC, according to a 2013 letter to the Pentagon from Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.). For example, one participant who was brought to the United States from Venezuela at age 9 was the fourth-highest-ranking officer and commander of the Air Honor Society in his JROTC unit; another brought here at 7 was the highest-ranking JROTC student and received the highest score on the military aptitude test at her Miami high school. Several hundred JROTC cadets in Chicago Public Schools are undocumented. They would make outstanding soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.

In 2014, the Defense Department began to allow a small subset of DACA recipients with specialized skills to enter the military, following in the tradition of thousands of noncitizens who have stood up and said they are willing to fight and die for our country. Today, there are several hundred DACA recipients in the Army; if DACA is ended, these soldiers could face immediate deportation.

Even if Trump were to have a last-minute change of heart on DACA, the best protection for dreamers would be for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to agree to allow the Bipartisan Dream Act  co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) and Durbin  to be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act. Our nation's first line of defense is our people. Dreamers are part of that line of defense.

My immigrant parents came to the United States because they believed they could give their children a better life in this country. This is the American Dream. I had the privilege of living that dream. It is our responsibility to let dreamers live the American Dream as well. That is the value that make our country free, secure and strong for all our people.
Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican, represents Californias 48th District in the U.S. House.

Not long ago, a supporter of mine, visiting from California, dropped by my Capitol office. A retired military officer and staunch conservative, he and I spent much of our conversation discussing the Republican agenda.

Finally, I drew a breath and asked him about an issue I feared might divide us: the liberalization of our marijuana laws, specifically medical marijuana reform, on which for years I had been leading the charge. What did he think about that controversial position?

Dana, he replied, there are some things about me you dont know. He told me about his three sons, all of whom enlisted after 9/11.

Two of his sons returned from the battlefield whole and healthy. The third, however, came home suffering multiple seizures each day. His prospects were bleak.

His medical care fell under the total guidance of the Department of Veterans Affairs, whose doctors came under federal restraints regarding the treatments they could prescribe. (Among the treatments allowed were opioids.) Nothing worked.

Finally, a sympathetic doctor advised our young hero to see him in his private office, where he could prescribe medication derived from cannabis. The prescription worked. The seizures, for the most part, ceased.

Dana, said my friend, I could hug you right now for what youve been doing, unknowingly, for my son.

What had I been doing? With my Democrat friend Sam Farr, the now-retired California congressman, I wrote an amendment to spending bills that prohibits the federal government from prosecuting medical marijuana cases in states where voters have legalized such treatment. The amendment passed two consecutive years, the second time with a wider margin than the first, and has been extended through continuing resolutions and an omnibus spending bill.

Surprisingly, given the Obama administration's generally liberal approach to marijuana, its Justice Department tried to interpret the amendment in such a convoluted way as to allow counterproductive raids on marijuana dispensaries. The courts  most recently the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit  repeatedly ruled that our amendment meant exactly what it said.

Unfortunately, my longtime friend Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, has urged Congress to drop the amendment, now co-sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). This, despite President Trump's belief, made clear in his campaign and as president, that states alone should decide medical marijuana policies.

I should not need to remind our chief law enforcement officer nor my fellow Republicans that our system of federalism, also known as states rights, was designed to resolve just such a fractious issue. Our party still bears a blemish for wielding the states rights cudgel against civil rights. If we bury state autonomy in order to deny patients an alternative to opioids, and ominously federalize our police, our hypocrisy will deserve the American peoples contempt.

More than half the states have liberalized medical marijuana laws, some even decriminalizing recreational use. Some eighty percent of Americans favor legalization of medical marijuana. Only a benighted or mean-spirited mind-set would want to block such progress.

Despite federal efforts to restrict supply, studies continue to yield promising results. And mounting anecdotal evidence shows again and again that medical marijuana can dramatically improve the lives of people with epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, arthritis and many other ailments.

Most Americans know this. The political class, not surprisingly, lags behind them.

Part of the reason is the failure of too many conservatives to apply public choice economics to the war on marijuana. Common sense, as well as public choice theory, holds that the governments interest is to grow, just as private-sector players seek profit and build market share.

The drug-war apparatus will not give ground without a fight, even if it deprives Americans of medical alternatives and inadvertently creates more dependency on opioids. When its existence depends on asset seizures and other affronts to our Constitution, why should anti-medical-marijuana forces care if theyve contributed inadvertently to a vast market, both legal and illegal, for opioids?

I invite my colleagues to visit a medical marijuana research facility and see for themselves why their cultural distaste might be misplaced. One exists near my district office at the University of California at Irvine, another at the University of California at San Diego.

Better yet, they might travel to Israel  that political guiding light for religious conservatives  and learn how our closest ally in the Middle East has positioned itself on the cutting edge of cannabis research. The Israeli government recently decriminalized first use, so unworried it is about what marijuana might do to its conscript military.

My colleagues should then return to Washington and keep my amendment intact, declaring themselves firmly on the side of medical progress. Failing that, the government will keep trying to eradicate the burgeoning marijuana business, thereby fueling and enriching drug cartels. Trust me: Hugs from grateful supporters are infinitely better.
Patty Murray, a Democrat, represents Washington in the U.S. Senate.

Like so many people across the country, I breathed a sigh of relief when Trumpcare didn't reach the president's desk this summer. But legislation isn't the only way the current administration has tried to undermine families' health care and raise their costs. In fact, if Congress doesn't act soon, patients and families will face higher premiums and fewer choices next year as a direct result of President Trump's attempt to score political points by, as he says, letting the health care in our country "implode."

Here's why: The Affordable Care Act included efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income people, but Trump has threatened time and time again to cut off these cost-cutting payments. Experts have said that without these payments, premiums will skyrocket and insurers will flee the marketplaces, limiting families' coverage options. And as we've already seen, uncertainty alone has led to increased premiums and fewer plans in the exchanges.

This kind of damage is completely unnecessary. In fact, because these cost reduction efforts are already the law of the land, Trump can start fixing the problem now, just by committing to do everything in his power to prevent premium spikes.

Unfortunately, he hasnt  and that is why so many Democrats and Republicans nationwide want Congress to come together instead to stabilize markets and protect families health care and bank accounts.

This is an important step. For far too long, Republican leaders have been so focused on repealing the law and fighting President Barack Obama that they have refused to join us at the table to work on actually reducing costs and improving care. But with bipartisan hearings starting this week in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am hopeful that this can change.

Here is how we can succeed:

First and foremost, we need to focus on solving problems, not scoring political points. Democrats and Republicans actually agree on many solutions when it comes to stabilizing markets and preventing premium increases. Rather than wasting time on issues that divide us, we should prioritize finding common ground and moving the ball in the right direction.

Second, and relatedly, I will reject any effort to use this process as a back door to pass parts of Trumpcare that would erode protections for people with preexisting conditions  for example, women seeking maternity care or those with mental illness or substance-use disorders. We should strengthen protections and put more power in the hands of patients, not move health care backward and put insurance companies back in charge. Families rejected the damaging approach taken in Trumpcare, and now its time for both parties to find common ground on solutions that actually help patients and families.

Third, we need a multiyear solution to offer certainty to patients and families and to truly help prevent premium increases. Tying Trumps hands in the short term is better than nothing, but without long-term solutions, insurers will likely become nervous about the future and increase rates once again.

Fourth, providing certainty around cost-sharing reductions is a necessary part of any agreement, but we shouldnt stop there. In addition to longer-term solutions such as including a public option on the exchanges  which should absolutely be a part of any conversation about reducing costs  Democrats have put forward bill after bill to shore up markets right away.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.) has introduced legislation to ensure multiyear certainty by lowering coverage costs for low-income families. Sens. Tim Kaine (Va.) and Thomas R. Carper (Del.) have proposed establishing a reinsurance program that helps offset costs associated with covering the sickest enrollees. Sens. Claire McCaskill (Mo.) and Brian Schatz (Hawaii) have explored options that would prevent "bare counties," markets that would have no insurers in the Affordable Care Act exchanges. And many Democrats are looking to ensure a smooth open-enrollment process despite the administration's decision to slash outreach and advertising for the exchanges. These are only a few examples.

It's not just Democratic senators who are taking a broad look at how to stabilize markets and lower costs. Governors from both sides of the aisle are, too. Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) have put forward a number of ideas, including reinsurance, which should inform our discussions in the Senate.

Getting anything done in Congress these days is difficult, but I am hopeful that we can work together to find common ground. We have a rare opportunity for bipartisan progress on health-care reform in just a matter of days. Lets take it.
With his potential rivals critical of President Donald Trump's repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival or DACA act, House Speaker Richard Corcoran on Tuesday commended the president for calling the provision that protected the children of unauthorized immigrants an "amnesty plan for illegal immigrants."

"President Trump made the right decision,'' Corcoran said in a statement. "The rule of law is the rule of law and no one should be above it. Anything less would have been a tacit acceptance of President Obamas backdoor amnesty plan for illegal immigrants. And while Congress has shown little ability to get anything done (think repeal and replace of Obamacare), I just hope they dont turn the opportunity the president has given them to deal with this illegal immigration problem into their own backdoor amnesty plan.

Corcoran acknowledged the decision was difficult but targeted unnamed "apologists" for the inaction. "This illegal immigration mess we are in today is because of apologists consistently opposing every sensible idea to secure the border and constantly demanding we reward illegal behavior with citizenship,'' he said. "The American people are left with no choice but to enforce the law to its fullest extent."

Corcoran, who is considering running for the Republican nomination for governor next year, took an opposing view from many South Florida Republicans in Congress and Republican candidates for governor Jack Latvala and Adam Putnam. In statements released on Monday, Putnam, Florida's commissioner of agriculture whose office works closely with an industry dependent on migrant labor, and Latvala, a state senators from Clearwater, urged Congress to act but said that children should not be punished in the meantime.

Our national immigration system is broken, and the federal government must fix it. We must secure our borders, end illegal immigration and rid our nation of sanctuary cities, Putnam said in a statement. But the children of illegal immigrants should not be punished for their parents wrongdoings. I am glad to see the President will allow Congress to develop a solution to replace Obamas unconstitutional program.

We must lead with a compassionate heart, not by punishing children, Latvala said in a statement. Florida is a diverse state and our economic success depends on a strong diverse workforce. If DACA ends in 6 months it will have a disastrous impact not only on hundreds of thousands of bright, promising young people but also on our business climate.

Congress has dropped the ball on this issue like so many others. Its time for Congress to pass a law protecting Dreamers. I call on other leaders of the Republican Party in Florida to join me in supporting these children so they can come out of the shadows and legally secure jobs.
LIKE SO many procrastinating students putting off their summer homework assignments, Congress has postponed much of the United States' essential business until after the August recess  and left itself only 12 days on the legislative calendar to get it all done now that lawmakers are back in Washington. This legislative backlog could and should have been avoided if Capitol Hill worked under regular order, leavened by a modicum of bipartisanship. Instead, what we have had is attempted rule by a Republican majority that has been too fractious to get even basic things done. By terrible accident, that means those Republicans will now have to act amid a political atmosphere transformed by Hurricane Harvey, and the need for billions of dollars in federal aid to repair the damage.

The to-do list includes a new spending bill, which has to pass by Sept. 30, when the current fiscal year concludes, lest the federal government be forced into another partial shutdown. In that respect, Harvey may have the unintended fortunate effect of defusing any attempt by House Republican ultras to threaten a shutdown over funding President Trump's border wall, which doesn't seem like such a priority anymore. The National Defense Authorization Act, which sets forth policy and priorities for the vast military establishment, is also due for renewal. Each of the above can be extended via short-term legislation. The same is not true for the federal debt limit, which must be extended before mid-October, unless Congress wants to find out what happens when the Treasury cannot meet all its obligations on time. That could destabilize the "risk-free" nature of U.S. government debt, upon which financial markets worldwide and, by extension, the global economy depend.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has urged lawmakers to extend the debt limit by no later than Sept. 29, which seems prudent given the economic uncertainty bred by Harvey and the fact that the Treasury is supposed to make a giant $81 billion payment to the military retirement trust fund by Oct. 2. Pre-Harvey, Mr. Mnuchin also repeatedly called for the extension to be "clean"  or unconditional. But over the weekend he suggested that it be included in a hurricane relief bill. That could be a risky maneuver, given the inevitable resistance from the GOP right; it's also somewhat illogical, since the government would not be borrowing to enable new spending, but to pay for that which Congress has already approved.

Republican hard-liners in the House think its wrong to pass a higher debt limit unless its connected to spending cuts. From time to time this year, Mr. Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney, a former member of the House Freedom Caucus, has dropped hints that he agrees with his old colleagues, which has not helped matters. Nevertheless, the entire top tier of Republican leadership  Mr. Trump, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)  have repeatedly insisted that they intend to raise the debt limit. They should make a clean bill Job One. Even amid all the other pressing legislative deadlines, preserving the United States basic financial credibility must take precedence.
Mack McLarty, chief of staff to President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1994, is chairman of McLarty Associates. George Mitchell (D-Maine) was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1980 to 1995, serving as majority leader from 1989 to 1995. He is partner and chairman emeritus of the law firm DLA Piper.

Faced with a stalled agenda and weak poll numbers, President Trump has resorted to a familiar presidential tactic: running against Congress. The president has stepped up efforts to blame Democrats for not passing legislation, even though they are a minority in both chambers. In recent weeks, he has attacked at least two Republican senators at campaign-style rallies and criticized others on Twitter. He has opened a rift with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has questioned Trump's understanding of the legislative process.

We have seen from our individual perspectives  one as White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton during his first year in office, the other as Senate majority leader at the same time  the challenges and opportunities presented by a presidents inaugural year. All presidents face the temptation to try to go it alone, but thats no way to set the stage for a successful presidency.

The only way for an administration to move past early mistakes is to work with, rather than against, the legislative branch, keeping a focus on policy priorities and avoiding getting bogged down by infighting and inside-the-Beltway clashes.

The Clinton administration, like all administrations, had its share of early stumbles. Some were the result of events beyond anyones control. Others were self-inflicted wounds. Yet at no point did the White House consider abandoning its efforts to work with Congress. Instead, the president and his team crafted an economic plan designed to deliver on core campaign promises  and negotiated fiercely to secure the necessary votes.

A key element of this effort was outreach to the opposing party. Despite the fact that his fellow Democrats controlled both the House and Senate, Clinton understood that it is always preferable to pass legislation with bipartisan support. Chief executives have a responsibility  to themselves and to the country  to reach across the aisle. With this in mind, the administration courted Republicans from both chambers, even when the chances of winning their support for the presidents economic plan were slim.

Initial efforts did indeed prove unsuccessful: No Republican lawmaker supported Clintons economic plan. But by demonstrating respect for its political opponents, and a willingness to listen to differing views, the administration set the stage for policy victories in the years that followed. GOP members crossed the aisle to advance key priorities for the president, including ratifying the North American Free Trade Agreement, helping to pass a welfare-to-work program and joining in compromises that led to a balanced budget.

Nor was outreach limited to the opposition. Clinton understood that members of his own party were critical allies and that even commanders in chief cannot simply order lawmakers to follow their lead. The White House engaged in tireless back-and-forth with fellow Democrats as the economic plan moved forward. In hindsight, it improved the final legislation in many ways, creating policies that were better than the ones either branch initially proposed. In other instances, both branches had to compromise, understanding that giving ground on some elements of a bill was a far better outcome than not passing a bill at all. Ultimately, the bill laid the groundwork for millions being lifted from poverty, tens of millions of new jobs and, whats more, strong approval ratings for the president, showing that good politics stems from good policies.

Just as a president cannot dismiss Congress, neither can Congress dismiss a president. This is especially true in the first year. Lawmakers cannot easily wash their hands of a candidate they endorsed less than 12 months ago. True, the House and Senate lack the ability to steer the White House in the direction they choose. But by nominating a leader of their party and vouching for him on the campaign trail, a presidents congressional allies assume responsibility for bringing out the best in him once he takes office and for helping him transition into his new role.

We know from experience that cooperation  between branches of government and between parties  can be frustrating and tedious, with no guarantee of success. But a democracy such as ours depends on principled compromise. All Americans benefit when the White House and Congress work together, ideally in a bipartisan fashion, to improve the lives of the men and women they represent. We are all worse off, especially in times of crisis, if a president becomes isolated and unable to effectively lead.

During the campaign, Trump promised, "I alone can fix it." That approach may work on a campaign or in a privately held business. It is not in keeping with the way our forebears wrote the Constitution and established our branches of government  and it is not what leads to a successful presidency.
President Trump is hurtling toward a crossroads on immigration  his signature campaign issue and a key source of his law-and-order reputation  where each path before him comes with significant political risks.

Trump has temporarily placed the fates of roughly 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children in the hands of Congress, buying himself time and shunting responsibility.

Should Congress act, the president will have to choose whether to sign on to a legislative solution granting the dreamers legal status  or to let the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, expire, which would impede the ability of beneficiaries to find work and leave them vulnerable to deportation.

The choice cuts to the core of his presidency and could have long-term ramifications for the Republican Party.

From a Republican Party point of view, this is a defining moment, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), co-author of a bipartisan dreamers bill, told reporters Tuesday. As if addressing Trump, Graham added, You have a chance to show the nation, as the president of all of us, where your hearts at.

Trumps hard-line base, which demands purity and expects results, recoils at DACA as illegal amnesty and will look to him to veto any such legislation. But allies said Trump also is eager to prove that he has the great heart he has touted, and he is under pressure from his partys establishment, the business community and many of his own advisers to find a way to let dreamers stay.

Trumps 901-word statement on Tuesday explaining his decision zigzagged between those instincts. By the afternoon, when he sat down to a meeting at the White House with congressional leaders, Trump appeared to loosely come down on the side of the dreamers, saying he was confident lawmakers would achieve the right solution.

I have a love for these people and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly, Trump said. And I can tell you, speaking to members of Congress, they want to be able to do something and do it right. And really, we have no choice.

On Tuesday night, Trump tweeted that he wanted to legalize DACA, another call to action that further muddled where the administration stood and what it would do.

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do), Trump wrote. If they cant, I will revisit the issue!

Trumps tone sharply contrasted with the harsher approach taken by Attorney General Jeff Sessions hours earlier at a news conference where he did not take questions. The difference highlighted the murkiness of the administrations position.

We cannot admit everyone who would like to come here, Sessions told reporters. Its just that simple.

1 of 17 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What lawmakers have said about President Trumps DACA decision View Photos After the president said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will end in six months and called on Congress to address it, people on both sides of the aisle voiced their support or criticism. Caption After the president said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will end in six months and called on Congress to address it, people on both sides of the aisle voiced their support or criticism. Brendan Smialowski Buy Photo Wait 1 second to continue.

Sessionss view was echoed Tuesday throughout the conservative media universe.

Breitbart, the website managed by former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, published a story with the headline, 14 Things the [Mainstream Media] Wont Tell You About DACA.

On one of Trumps favorite television programs, Fox & Friends, radio host and commentator Laura Ingraham, who has been friendly with the president for years, dismissed news coverage of DACA recipients as sob stories.

I think there were a lot of folks who listen to my show, who turned out at these rallies for Donald Trump, who really loved his America first message, Ingraham said. There are ways to be compassionate to people short of giving them work permits and federal benefits.

Some Trump allies said they understood the presidents handling of DACA but did not echo him on every aspect of the issue.

We have to recognize there are going to be two negative consequences of that action, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said on conservative talk-radio host Hugh Hewitts program. One, we create a new opportunity for citizenship through chain migration for their parents, the very people who violated the law by bringing them here as children in the first place. And two, we encourage other people around the world to bring their children here illegally.

Trump wrestled with the DACA issue for months and into this past weekend, aides said. The decision to phase it out but allow a six-month delay to give Congress time to act underscores the presidents internal paralysis.

Trump in effect decided not to be the one who decides  at least for now.

The presidents punt created chaos at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, where it now falls to congressional Republicans to navigate a thicket of political interests and charged emotions amid a busy September as they try to keep the partys base from revolting and still appeal to Hispanic voters.

Because of Trumps lack of clarity, leaders of each wing of the GOP and Democrats are jockeying to shape the way DACA is addressed in the coming weeks. Deals are already being floated by figures who see the current vacuum as a useful opening to attach DACA to other priorities that have been lingering on Capitol Hill, such as extending the federal borrowing limit.

The White House has signaled that it would prefer Congress address the dreamers as part of a broader immigration package  one that could help Trump fulfill a major campaign promise by including funding for construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

We cant take just a one-piece fix; weve got to do an overall immigration reform, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday.

Thomas M. Davis, a former Republican congressman from Virginia, said: "It's a great opportunity for this Congress and for Republicans to come together. It's an opportunity for Trump to say, 'Okay, I'll give you DACA, but I need my wall.' This is how deals can happen. Immigration reform was dead for years, and this reopens the conversation."

On the right, there were glimmers of potential for that type of agreement. Commentator Rush Limbaugh, whose syndicated talk-radio show is popular with many of Trumps most fervent supporters, has proposed a similar compromise: Keep the dreamers and build the wall.

"Nobody wants to kick a bunch of kids out of the country, right?" Limbaugh said Tuesday on his program. "I don't care if they're budding little Al Capones. People just don't want to do it. . . . There needs to be a price, and it would be a great thing, couple this, say, with building the wall. I mean, you do all-in on border enforcement."

The timeline for congressional action is unclear, but top Republicans said addressing DACA could be fodder for legislative negotiations on other fronts.

I think there may be a deal to be had, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the Senates No. 2 Republican, told reporters when asked about DACA and border security.

Congressional observers said House and Senate leaders, who for years have taken more centrist positions on immigration than Trump, may want to handle the DACA issue sooner rather than later and well ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.

This is one additional, very large agenda item, along with the debt ceiling, Harvey, tax reform, health care and all the spending bills, David Winston, a veteran pollster who works with House Republicans, said. It makes things so much more complicated, but I think youll see steps taken pretty quickly to begin this process. Theres a general consensus, although not a unanimous consensus.

Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) speaks with reporters outside of his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Sept. 5 in Washington. (Oliver Contreras/For The Washington Post)

John McCain is not your typical brain cancer patient.

It has been 48 days since the Republican senator from Arizona announced his diagnosis and 18 days since he completed his first round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Now, far from shrinking from public life, McCain is back on Capitol Hill with the rest of the Senate, ready to manage the floor debate over a defense authorization bill and begin the work of an extraordinarily busy and consequential month in Washington.

McCain, 81, was spotted in the halls of Congress ahead of the Senate's first votes since members departed for their home states on Aug. 3. His last memorable act before the break was to cast the decisive "no" vote against the Republican health-care bill, delivering a dramatic thumbs-down on the Senate floor as GOP leaders watched, aghast.

Those leaders might not have been pleased with his health-care vote, but they publicly welcomed McCains return this month, given the ongoing work on the National Defense Authorization Act, which McCain oversees as head of the Armed Services Committee.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) tacitly acknowledged McCains illness Tuesday and predicted that he would manage the defense measure with skill and dedication.

Votes on the bill have not yet been scheduled.

Weve kept Senator McCain and his family in our thoughts over the state work period, McConnell said on the Senate floor. Were glad to have him back with us.

The Arizona Republican learned he had cancer in July after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot above his left eye. Lab tests after the procedure revealed the existence of a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Since announcing his diagnosis on July 19, McCain has worked to maintain a steady public schedule, holding regular meetings with Arizona leaders and giving interviews to local media outlets, according to his social media accounts.

McCain attended policy events in Arizona and abroad over the recess, traveling to Cernobbio, Italy, for an international economic forum last week and speaking at an Arizona State University cybersecurity conference the week before. And he kept up a stream of commentary on such events as the violence in Charlottesville and President Trumps pardon of former sheriff Joe Arpaio, which he said undermines his claim for the respect of the rule of law.

The NDAA will be McCain's primary legislative focus this month. But his presence will also be helpful as Republican leaders gather support for crucial votes, such as raising the debt ceiling, funding the government and perhaps responding to Trump's suspension of protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, which McCain called "unacceptable" on Tuesday.

McCain has said repeatedly that he doesnt plan to miss major business in the Senate.

This is a very malicious disease. But Ive had other challenges in my time, as well, McCain told constituents during a Facebook Live event last month.

I dont mean to be repetitious, but to my Democrat friends and some of my Republican friends: Im coming back, he said.

Read more at PowerPost
Kenyan opposition politician Raila Odinga vowed Tuesday that he would not participate in a new presidential election scheduled for next month without "legal and constitutional guarantees" against alleged electoral fraud.

Odinga, who has disputed the results of Kenyas Aug. 8 presidential election, spoke a day after the countrys Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) set Oct. 17 as the new date for polls. Kenyas Supreme Court decided Friday to annul the election results, saying that major irregularities and illegalities marred the balloting. The court ordered the commission to hold a new election within 60 days.

According to official returns issued by the electoral commission last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta easily won reelection, receiving 54 percent of the vote to Odingas 45 percent.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi, Odinga said Tuesday that he was not consulted on matters regarding the fresh polls.

[Election rerun raises fears in Kenya]



Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta greets his supporters during a campaign rally in Ongata Rongai, south of Nairobi, Sept. 5, 2017. (Dai Kurokawa/Epa-Efe)

The electoral commission did not see fit to consult the stakeholders before they announced the date of elections, he said. He added that the commission reneged on a pledge to hold consultations with the opposition and ruling parties so that we could agree not only on the date of election but how the elections are going to be conducted.

Odinga charged that Kenyattas ruling Jubilee Party decided on the date and not the electoral commission, which puts to question the independence of the electoral commission.

He said that a French firm, Safran Identity and Security, which won a contract to supply election equipment, should be investigated and should give a full account of what happened.

"We know exactly what transpired in these last elections," he said. "We know what the IEBC did, and we know that if we were to go back there will be no different results, and that's why we say there will be no elections" Oct. 17.

Odinga also demanded the sacking of several electoral commission officials. "The commission as it is currently constituted should not conduct this election, because the commission itself has been indicted," he said.

Some of them should be investigated and prosecuted for the kind of heinous crimes that they committed in this last election, Odinga said. These officials should not conduct elections, and therefore we are saying that we are not ready to participate in the elections on the 17th of October without legal and constitutional guarantees, because we cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results.

[Heres what Kenyas Supreme Court decision means]

On Friday, Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga declared Kenyatta's victory "invalid, null and void," citing various irregularities, especially in the transmission of votes.

Kenyatta responded in a nationally televised address that he did not agree with the judgment but would respect it.

Shortly afterward, however, he angrily attacked the decision, saying the Supreme Court judges have been paid by white people and other trash.

Kenyattas comments caused an uproar, spurring protests in Kisii, the home region of the chief justice.

The Aug. 8 election was considered the last shot at the presidency for Odinga, 72, who had run and lost three times before.

Read more:

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
In this photo distributed by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un holds a meeting of the ruling party's presidium. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

North Korea has taken to the streets and to the propaganda sheets this week to celebrate its latest nuclear test, the huge explosion of what it says was a hydrogen bomb that can be attached to a missile.

With that test, and the recent demonstrations of great leaps in its missile technology, North Korea either now has a deliverable nuclear arsenal or is on the brink of having one. It is no longer a matter of if.

The few lingering questions about the countrys capability may be answered as soon as this weekend. South Koreas intelligence service reported Tuesday that it had seen signs of preparations to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile that can theoretically reach well into the continental United States.

If history is anything to go by, the timing seems right. North Korea likes to stage provocations on significant dates, and on Saturday the regime celebrates its foundation as a state. On Sept. 9 last year, it marked the occasion with a nuclear test.

But amid the many questions about North Koreas nuclear program, one is often overlooked: Why? Why is Kim Jong Un so hellbent on joining the nuclear club?

The regime answered that question in its own way Tuesday when its state media reported how regular people and mid-level bureaucrats felt about the nuclear test.

It is the best way to respond with powerful nuclear deterrent to the U.S. imperialists who are violent toward the weak and subservient to the strong, Kim Chang Sok, a department director of the Ministry of Coal Industry, was quoted as saying, in words that sounded suspiciously like they came straight from the propaganda machine.

[ North Korea defies predictions  again  with early grasp of weapons milestone ]

North Korea as a state was formed at the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union and the United States drew a line across the peninsula as a temporary measure.

But it was solidified during the Korean War, a brutal conflict in which the U.S. Air Force leveled the North, to the extent that American generals complained there was nothing left to bomb.

Ever since, North Korea has existed in a state of insecurity, with the totalitarian regime telling the population that the United States is out to destroy them  again.

It is in this context that, following the collapse of its nuclear-armed benefactor, the Soviet Union, the Kim regime has sought weapons of its own.

If you were the head of a small, isolated, poor country surrounded by potentially hostile military powers, youd be looking for some way to ensure your own destiny, too, said Jon Wolfsthal, a nuclear nonproliferation expert who served on President Barack Obamas National Security Council.

North Korea has used its emerging weapons capability as a deterrent, betting that if it can threaten nuclear retaliation or even a conventional attack on South Korea, the United States will not take the risk of striking.

Contrary to an assertion by the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, that North Korea is begging for war, all of the regimes recent belligerence about destroying the United States has been couched as retaliation for an American preemptive strike, not as North Korea making the first move. That, Kim knows, would be suicidal.

But he looks at what happened to Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader who didnt manage to develop nuclear weapons, and Moammar Gaddafi, the Libyan who gave up his nuclear program, and sees that he needs them to keep the United States at bay, analysts say.

North Korea sees that in the 70 years that nuclear weapons have been in existence, no nuclear state has ever been invaded, said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in the South.

[ In latest test, North Korea detonates its most powerful nuclear device yet ]

Now having the ability, or almost having the ability, to send a nuclear weapon to the United States makes those hyperbolic threats of devastating retaliation all the more credible.

They know that they dont have to destroy every American city to deter us, Wolfsthal said. They just have to make us think three times before attacking them.

This helps explain why North Korea has been so much more bellicose than, for instance, Pakistan was when it was developing its nuclear arsenal: The United States is the intended audience and potential target.

But having a credible nuclear arsenal is not just about deterring the United States.

The weapons are not the end. They are just the beginning, said Daniel A. Pinkston, a Korea specialist who teaches at Troy University in Seoul.

While deterring the United States, North Korea will probably try to achieve its other objectives. Its stated goals include expelling the United States from the region, being recognized as a nuclear state and enjoying all the benefits and prestige that comes with that, and unifying the two Koreas on its terms.

This may sound like fantasy, but the North Korean regime believes it, Pinkston said.

The Padres go to spring training every year thinking that they are going to win the World Series, he said. Its the same with North Korea.

There are also compelling domestic reasons that Kim would want nuclear weapons.

This is a personal triumph for Kim Jong Un, said Peter Ward, a researcher affiliated with the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

Not only has Kims regime made quantum leaps at an astonishingly fast pace, but it has done it amid sanctions that were supposed to stop it from getting the parts or the money it needed.

Now North Korea can say it is not reliant on anyone for its security and can credibly threaten to retaliate if it comes under attack  unlike Japan and South Korea, which depend on the United States for their defense.

Its a personal triumph for him with the North Korean elite, with the North Korean people. And there will be a lot of world leaders who will be very impressed, Ward said. Having a working nuclear deterrent turns the leadership from looking like a bunch of incompetent economic managers to being some of the most successful leaders on the continent.

[ Dont be surprised by North Koreas missiles. Kim Jong Un is doing what he said he would. ]

But some analysts wonder whether Kims urgency to become a fully fledged nuclear state belies some uncertainty about the 33-year-olds position at the head of the regime.

The fast pace of the nuclear and missile development may suggest that Kim Jong Un is confident, but it could also signal that hes worried about the future, said Kim Dong-yub, assistant professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies and a former South Korean navy commander who participated in military talks with North Korea.

North Korea might think there is a low chance of an American attack for now, but there is no guarantee for the future, Kim said.

So the question is no longer how to stop North Korea from getting nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. It is how to persuade it to give up something it has spent so much time and money obtaining.

There are three ways to resolve the North Korean problem, said Lee Soo-hyuck, a former denuclearization negotiator who is now a South Korean lawmaker.

North Korea giving up their nuclear weapons voluntarily, resolving through quid pro quo negotiations, and taking military action, he said. We all know the first and the last are not realistic options, so negotiation is the only way. We must not forget that.

Can North Korea be persuaded to give up its nuclear weapons?

Not absent revolutionary change, Troy Universitys Pinkston said. Its more likely that the pope is going to abandon Jesus Christ.

Yoonjung Seo contributed to this report.

Read more:

Trump: All options are on the table after North Korea launched missile over Japan

South Koreas defense minister suggests bringing back tactical U.S. nuclear weapons

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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@PatriciaMazzei

South Florida reaction is started to roll in about President Donald Trump's decision to wind down a program that protects immigrants brought into the country illegally as children -- and his fellow Republicans are unhappy about it.

Proudly stand with #dreamers + strongly disagree w/ decision to end #DACA.  Mario Diaz-Balart (@MarioDB) September 5, 2017

#DACA has greatly benefited thousands of young people who are an integral part of our country.  Mario Diaz-Balart (@MarioDB) September 5, 2017

Congress MUST act on a legislative solution before #DACA expires. I remain ready+willing to work w colleagues on both sides of the aisle.  Mario Diaz-Balart (@MarioDB) September 5, 2017
The Syrian army broke a three-year siege by the Islamic State on an enclave of the eastern Syrian city of Deir al-Zour on Tuesday, offering a fresh boost to the fortunes of President Bashar al-Assad and his once-flagging army.

After weeks of fierce fighting along the desert roads stretching east toward the city, Syrian soldiers trundled into the besieged garrison of soldiers at a base known as Brigade 137 early Tuesday and then moved on to a cluster of nearby neighborhoods, where they were greeted by wildly cheering residents.

On a day when the Syrian soccer team kept alive the country's hopes of competing for the first time in the World Cup, a mood of national celebration swept government-controlled areas of Syria. State television broadcast scenes of ecstatic crowds dancing in the streets and waving Syrian flags in what turned into the biggest national celebration the country has seen since the war erupted six years ago.

The victory also set the stage for a global race to control the rest of the desert province, also named Deir al-Zour, which the United States has also been preparing to liberate from Islamic State fighters still entrenched there.

The relief of the garrison was announced in a Syrian army statement and coincided with a renewed focus by Assad's government on the Islamic State-controlled areas of eastern Syria. It bolsters the argument made by Assad that his forces, and not the U.S.-backed fighters farther north, should take responsibility for liberating the remaining areas of Syria controlled by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS and Daesh.

This is a strategic turning point in the war on terror, said the statement, which was read by a general live on Syrian state television. It shows the world that the Syrian Arab Army and its allies are capable of destroying the last of the strongholds of Daesh and ending all conspiracies to divide the country.

The push by Assad's forces to relieve Deir al-Zour, in an offensive that began this year, was spurred in part by Syrian concerns about statements from the Trump administration that the U.S. military would soon turn its attention to areas of Deir al-Zour province, analysts say. U.S. officials have said that after securing the city of Raqqa  in the province of Raqqa  where an offensive by U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab forces is entering its fourth month, they will prepare forces to advance south into Deir al-Zour, in part to prevent further expansion by the Iranian-backed militias fighting alongside the Syrian army in the strategically vital area adjoining Iraq.

The biggest question now is where Syrian government forces will head next, and whether they plan to press on into the rest of the city of Deir al-Zour or turn their attention farther east and south, to the other parts of the province for which the United States is preparing forces.

They are most likely to choose to preempt any further U.S.- backed advances by continuing to head east toward the Iraqi border, and to focus on securing main roads in and out of the country to assert Syrias sovereignty over its borders, said Kamal Alam, an analyst with the London-based Royal United Services Institute.

This is a very significant victory, he said. Its the heart of eastern Syria, the key crossroads to Iraq, and it really helps the confidence of the country.

[Here are some of the toughest battles still to be fought against ISIS]

The army was aided in the fight, as in most of its previous battles, by Iranian-backed militias, as well as by Russian advisers and Russian airstrikes. On Tuesday, Russias Defense Ministry said that one of its warships in the eastern Mediterranean had fired cruise missiles into the area in support of the Syrian army.

It is doubtful that regime forces alone could have accomplished this feat, said Tobias Schneider, a London-based analyst who focuses on Syria.

The battle nonetheless showcased the recent improvements in the capabilities of the army, which had been worn down by defeats and defections earlier in the war and had to be rescued by a Russian military intervention in 2015.

Whereas Iranian assistance to Assad has focused on building up militias drawn mostly from Iraq, Russia has focused its efforts on rebuilding the army, Alam said.

The goal of the Russians was to bring the army back to prewar capacity, and prewar numbers, he said. Every month, its capability has been improving, and as they freed up territory, they freed up more people to fight.

The victory added to a string of military and political successes in recent months for Assad, who is seeking to consolidate his hold in Damascus after defeats inflicted on the rebels elsewhere in the country laid to rest any hopes they had of ousting him from power.

The relative success of a Russian cease-fire initiative creating de-escalation zones around rebel-controlled areas has also helped free up government forces to focus on the Islamic State-held areas in the countrys east.

In recent weeks, loyalist forces have made brisk progress through Islamic State lines across the near-empty desert terrain stretching east from the central city of Palmyra toward Deir al-Zour.

The Brigade 137 base and its surrounding neighborhoods had been under siege since Islamic State fighters overran the city in 2014 and were sustained only by deliveries of food flown to the adjoining airport.

As the advancing forces drove through the vast base, a few dozen of the liberated soldiers ran through the desert and embraced them to cries of God is great and God, Syria, Bashar, according to a live broadcast by state television.

When the relieving Syrian troops reached the adjoining neighborhoods, they were greeted by wildly cheering crowds waving Syrian flags and photographs of Assad. Our blood, our souls, we sacrifice ourselves for you, Assad, the crowds chanted.

Deir al-Zour is a majority-Sunni city, and the areas that were freed Tuesday have remained loyal to Assad throughout the six-year war, a reminder that by no means all of the countrys Sunnis have supported a rebellion largely comprising the Sunni majority.

The armys success there will also give a boost to the Syrian governments intensive efforts in recent months to recruit the support of tribes in the area, reinforcing its bid to wrest back the remainder of the province, Schneider said.

Heba Habib in Stockholm contributed to this report.

Read more:

U.S.-backed forces seize Raqqas Old City from ISIS, but a tough fight lies ahead

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The bribery trial of Sen. Robert Menendez began Wednesday with a federal prosecutor denouncing what he called a seven-year stretch of corruption in the service of a wealthy Florida eye doctor.

This is what bribery looks like, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Koski in opening arguments at U.S. District Court in Newark. These two defendants corrupted one of the most powerful offices in our country. The defendants didnt just trade money for power, they also tried to cover it up.

Menendez (D) is accused of taking luxury trips, private jet rides and campaign donations from Salomon Melgen, a doctor in West Palm Beach. The two have spent years fighting the charges, saying their trips together were evidence only of their friendship, not crimes.

The prosecutor, in his hour-long speech to jurors, derided that defense argument.

Theres no friendship exception to bribery, Koski said. Friends cant commit crimes together. Friends cant bribe each other.

Prosecutors allege that Menendez repeatedly pulled strings to help Melgen in a variety of areas: in getting his girlfriends U.S. visas, in trying to resolve the doctors $8.9 million billing dispute with Medicare, and in an effort to help Melgens efforts to make money from a port security contract in the Dominican Republic.

Senator Menendez went to bat for Doctor Elgen at the highest levels of our federal government over the course of many years . . . because Melgen gave Menendez access to a lifestyle that reads like a travel brochure for the rich and famous, Koski said. Make no mistake about it  Robert Menendez was Salomon Melgens personal United States senator.

Since his indictment two years ago, Menendez has seen his political star dim, but he still has plenty of allies in the Democratic Party. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) attended the opening argument, and the two senators laughed and chatted during a court break.

Menendez, a senior New Jersey Democrat, has labored under the shadow of his indictment on corruption charges for more than two years.

Not once have I dishonored my public office, said Menendez on Wednesday morning as he arrived at the courtroom.

Prosecutors plan to call a wide range of witnesses  including jet pilots, former public officials and even members of Menendezs staff  to paint a picture of what they say is a seven-year scheme between Menendez and Melgen.

Although Menendez did not pay Melgen back for the lavish gifts in money, he did pay him back using the currency of his Senate office to take official action to benefit the South Florida doctor, prosecutors wrote in a court filing last week.

In response, Menendezs lawyer called the prosecutors filing a lengthy, lurid and one-sided narrative of the case that could improperly influence jurors, and urged the judge overseeing the case to question jurors about it.

The senator and the doctor have long denied wrongdoing, saying what prosecutors see as corruption were vacations taken by two friends.

The benefits of that friendship, according to the indictment, included stays at exclusive spots in the Dominican Republic, and a stay at a Paris hotel that cost more than $1,500 a night.

Melgen was convicted in April of defrauding Medicare, but prosecutors say they dont plan to tell the Newark jury about that conviction unless the defense opens the door.

The last time the Justice Department sought to convict a sitting U.S. senator, they won a conviction only to see the case blow up spectacularly months later amid allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. In that case, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) was convicted in 2008, subsequently lost his reelection bid, and then saw his verdict tossed out of court at the request of the Justice Department.

The last time they indicted a senator, it didnt end well, so all eyes are on the Department of Justice now to make sure the mistakes arent repeating, said Randall Eliason, a law professor at George Washington University. Eliason said the case will force jurors to define the line between friendship and corruption.

You certainly have politicians who have donors and supporters and who go out and try to do favors for those donors and supporters, he added. What makes this different? The key issue is going to be proof of corrupt intent. Was there a corrupt deal? Was there a quid pro quo?

The trial is expected to last up to two months, and will likely feature testimony from former Obama administration officials who say they were pressured by Menendez to help Melgen.

If convicted on some of the dozen charges against him, Menendez faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. But how and when he might leave the Senate if he is found guilty could have major ramifications for legislation, in a year when a single Senate vote can tilt the balance on major bills.

If Menendez leaves office before Jan. 17, 2018, New Jerseys Republican governor, Chris Christie, can appoint a temporary replacement. That could give Republicans an added advantage on a range of issues, including any renewed attempt to repeal Obamacare. But expulsion is not automatic, even for a convicted senator, and Menendez could try to stick around long enough to outlast the governor.
Seven weeks ago, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was left for dead politically. President Trump had publicly berated him, called him beleaguered and weak, and left him twisting in the wind. Pundits predicted Trump would soon fire him, or he would be forced to step down.

But over the summer, Sessions weathered the storm. On Tuesday, he stepped out before a packed room of reporters and a phalanx of television cameras, smiled and then enthusiastically announced that the Trump administration was rescinding President Barack Obamas program that allowed 800,000 undocumented immigrants, known as dreamers, to live and work in the United States without fear of being deported.

The effect of this unilateral executive amnesty, among other things, contributed to a surge of minors at the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences, Sessions said. It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs.

After reading a 10-minute statement, Sessions waved to the crowd and left without taking any questions from reporters.

[Trump administration announces end of immigration protection program for dreamers]

It was a big moment for Sessions, announcing the end of Obama's immigration protection, and one that would not have been predicted earlier this summer when he and Trump were not even speaking. For Sessions, a hard-liner on immigration, it was also the culmination of a legislative career in which he earned a reputation as the "anti-immigration warrior."

As the senator from Alabama, Sessions fiercely opposed for years any efforts by Congress to reform the nations immigration system to help those who were in the country illegally. As a senator, Sessions proposed a bill that would impose a five-year mandatory minimum prison term on those found to have reentered the country illegally. He advocated making changes even in the legal immigration system because of his fears that people from other countries could take Americans jobs.

As attorney general, Sessions department has defended Trumps travel ban, which suspends both the issuance of visas to residents of six Muslim-majority countries and the U.S. refugee program. Sessions has moved to strip Justice Department funding from sanctuary cities, which do not produce documents to prove they are communicating with federal officials about undocumented immigrants.

Two weeks ago, Sessions lashed out at Chicago and its leaders and tied local policies about undocumented immigrants to the citys soaring crime rates.

Civil rights groups lambasted the announcement by Sessions, who they have criticized on a range of issues from voting rights to police reform.

Today is a cruel day for Dreamers, our families, and all Americans, Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns at the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement.

We have 800,000 examples of how DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] strengthened America, including my sister Maria, a graduate of Quinnipiac University, an immigration activist, and a DACA-recipient.

Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), called Sessionss announcement a disastrous and cruel decision that will devastate the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their families.

There is no financial, national security or sound public policy consideration driving this decision, Ifill said.

[From White House to Trump Tower and Justice Department, DACA supporters protest decision]

Others, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, praised Sessions saying the DACA program went far beyond the executive branchs legitimate authority.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) praised the administration for taking a first step toward cleaning up the mess that President Obamas unlawful amnesty left behind.

President Trump is right that this amnesty would never have stood up in court, Cotton said in a statement. Yet, we now face a situation where 800,000 people, who were brought to our country as minors, face legal limbo.

Texas and some other states threatened to sue the Trump administration if it did not end DACA by Tuesday. Sessions was among the senior Trump aides who lobbied the president to end DACA and he wrote a memo calling the program unconstitutional, saying Obama improperly created DACA after Congress refused to authorize it.

The executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions, Sessions said in his statement to reporters. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.

A Justice Department official said Sessions was chosen to make the DACA announcement because of the legal deadline the department was facing.

It was determined that Attorney General Sessions should announce this decision because of the pending litigation on DACA and the need to discuss the legal issues, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the decision. We were the first out of the gate because the trigger point was the lawsuit, and we are the governments lawyers.

Read more:

Sessions makes sweeping attack on Chicagos sanctuary city policy
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the administrations fear of lawsuits helped spur the decision to end a program allowing undocumented immigrations who came to the U.S. as youths to live here without fear of deportation. (Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the administrations fear of lawsuits helped spur the decision to end DACA, a program allowing certain undocumented immigrations who came to the United States as youths to live here without fear of deportation.

But that explanation, some analysts said, is suspect because several state attorneys general, including in New York, Washington and Massachusetts, have said they plan to file lawsuits to save the program in response to Sessionss announcement.

In an appearance in a seventh-floor conference room at the Justice Department, Sessions said imminent litigation from the state of Texas and others prompted a review of the so-called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly referred to as DACA. After that review, officials concluded that the program was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch, Sessions said.

[Trump administration announces end of immigration protection program for dreamers]

President Trump and those in his administration sought to cast the issue as one of separation of powers. Trump issued a statement saying President Barack Obama made an end-run around Congress that violated the core tenets that sustain our Republic.

Some legal analysts said the move rightly put the program in the hands of legislators.

The decision to rescind the program returns this controversy to where it should have remained: in Congress, said Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor who has testified before Congress about his qualms with how the DACA program was implemented. Congress failed to pass DACA and other measures. President Obama then announced in the State of the Union that he would circumvent Congress.

But other legal analysts said the announcement seemed to mask the administrations true intent of wanting to deport anyone  including children  who came to the United States illegally.

If the concern was, We needed to act or the states were going to act, there was no attempt made to stop the states from acting, and the federal government holds significant leverage over the state of Texas right now, said Leon Fresco, a former adviser to Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) on immigration law and policy who now works as a lawyer in private practice.

Although Texas and several other states had threatened to sue the administration if it did not end DACA by Tuesday, the program, enacted in 2012, had thus far passed legal muster. A judge in 2013 dismissed a lawsuit brought by immigration agents against the program, and Texas had not sued over DACA itself.

The state had successfully convinced a federal judge to block a similar measure, known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, or DAPA, which was intended to grant a reprieve from deportation for illegal immigrants whose children are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

That initiative also had come with an expansion of DACA, but none of the legal wrangling directly impacted the original DACA program.

Acting homeland security secretary Elaine Duke said in a statement that officials felt they faced essentially two choices: wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation; or allow the judiciary to potentially shut the program down completely and immediately.

The administration said it would no longer accept new applications for DACA, which has provided renewable two-year work permits to nearly 800,000 people. The agency said those enrolled in DACA will be able to continue working until their permits expire; those whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, will be permitted to apply for two-year renewals as long as they do so by Oct. 5.

The Justice Department theoretically could have defended DACA. Some analysts noted that the department was not shy in touting Trumps broad powers on immigration when it came to defending his controversial travel ban.

Sessions, however, has long opposed efforts to award any sort of amnesty to those in the country illegally. He previously had questioned whether the DACA program could pass legal muster.

But by publicly announcing the end of DACA, the Justice Department might have made a strategic error. The department could have let Texas sue and offered no defense or a weak one. If the suit were to have led to a federal judge blocking DACA, it might have stymied other states efforts to get involved and save it.

Sessions has opened the door for true DACA advocates to affirmatively litigate their case on many fronts, so if the attorney general wanted to end DACA as expeditiously as he says, this is a curious legal strategy, said Molly Moran, a former Justice Department official in the Obama administration.

Analysts said it was unclear whether a challenge to DACA would have been likely to succeed. Supporters of DACA have argued that the program is akin to the government exercising prosecutorial discretion. The executive branch, they say, is essentially deciding who to target for deportation and putting a low priority on those who came to the country as children.

I honestly think it would be a close issue, George Washington Universitys Turley said of whether a challenge to DACA would be successful.

But defending DACA, Turley said, would be similarly difficult, potentially forcing supporters to argue that Trump lacks the power to revoke DACA that Obama had to implement it.

David Nakamura and Sari Horwitz contributed to this report.
In biting remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Russia's diplomatic row with the United States on Tuesday, saying Moscow could further cut U.S. diplomatic staffing in Russia and calling U.S. searches of a Russian consulate and other diplomatic properties "boorish."

It is hard to conduct a dialogue with people who confuse Austria with Australia, but there is nothing we can do about this. It seems to be the level of political culture in a certain part of the U.S. establishment, Putin said in his first public statements on the diplomatic dispute that has been deepening since Washington announced the closure of Russias consulate in San Francisco, as well as diplomatic properties housing trade missions in New York and Washington.

[Heres how the diplomatic tit-for-tat between Russia and the U.S. unfolded]

The comments came during a news conference at an economic summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen. Putin repeated boilerplate language about how he and President Trump each defended their national interests, but he laced his remarks with bitter jokes.

Putin swatted away a question about whether he was disappointed with Trump, calling it naive.

Trump is not my bride. I am not his bride, nor his groom. We are running our governments, Putin told a reporter at the economic summit, which hosted leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Trump spoke glowingly of Putin while on the campaign trail and said he would usher in a period of detente between the two countries. That has largely been derailed by allegations about Russias meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

The United States said the closures of Russian diplomatic property would achieve parity in the countries respective diplomatic missions, a word borrowed from the Russian side, which cut the U.S. diplomatic mission by 755 employees in July.

Yet the series of tit-for-tat expulsions and punishments seems unlikely to end there, and Russia says it is weighing options. In his remarks, Putin said he had ordered the Russian Foreign Ministry to file a lawsuit in U.S. courts over the seizure of the Russian properties in the United States.

Strictly speaking, the full parity does not mean 455 U.S. diplomats stationed in Moscow but minus 155 more, Putin said. So, we reserve the right to make a decision regarding this number of U.S. diplomats in Moscow. We will not be doing it so far.

[Watch: Trump says he very thankful Putin expelled diplomats]

Putin also blasted calls for Russia to join sanctions against North Korea shortly after the United States slapped Russia itself with broad financial sanctions.

Without directly naming the United States, he said that putting pressure on North Korea would be pointless. North Korea would eat grass but will not stop this program unless it feels safe, he said.

The escalation of military hysteria will not do any good. It may lead to a planetary catastrophe and a colossal casualty rate. There is no other way to resolve the North Korean nuclear problem but peacefully and diplomatically, Putin said. North Korea on Sunday tested what it called a hydrogen bomb that the countrys leaders say can be mounted on a missile capable of reaching the United States.

Trump has previously said that all options are on the table concerning U.S. retaliation should North Korea target the United States or any of its overseas territories, including Guam.

In New York, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged the members of the U.N. Security Council and the five countries that have negotiated with North Korea in the past  including Russia and the United States  to come together with a united strategy to get Pyongyang to negotiate the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The solution must be political, Guterres said. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific.

He condemned Pyongyang for defying the international community and recklessly risking the lives of its citizens.

Carol Morello contributed reporting from Washington.

Read more:

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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@PatriciaMazzei

President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Florida Gov. Rick Scott late Monday night to discuss the potential threat of Hurricane Irma.

Scott's public schedule was updated to show the 10:20 p.m. call.

Earlier Monday, Scott declared a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties ahead of the storm. It is still too far away to know with certainty if Irma will hit the state, but Florida entered the storm's long-term forecast cone on Labor Day. The governor was briefed twice during the day by Bryan Koon, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

"Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm," Scott said in a statement. "In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared."
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Longtime Manitoba business leader and former Cargill Limited president and CEO Kerry Hawkins has died.

A spokesperson for Winnipeg-based Cargill Limited confirmed Tuesday Hawkins died on the weekend. He was 76.

A native of Calgary, Hawkins spent almost his entire working life with Cargill, having joined the company in 1964 as a grain trader and working his way up the ranks to president and CEO of its Canadian operations. He held that position from 1982 until his retirement in 2005. Cargill Limited is the Canadian subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Cargill Incorporated.

Kerry Hawkins spent almost his entire working life with Cargill, having joined the company in 1964 as a grain trader and working his way up the ranks to president and CEO of its Canadian operations. (Daniela Ciuffa / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Hawkins was also a prominent player in the local business community for nearly three decades, serving as chairman of a host of local organizations. They included Winnipeg 2000, which was the precursor to Economic Development Winnipeg; the Business Council of Manitoba, of which he was a founding member; and CentrePort Canada Inc., where he served as its founding chairman.

Sandy Riley, another longtime local business leader, said Hawkins will be greatly missed.

Kerry was, for me personally, a great friend whom I miss already, Riley said in an email from Cambridge Bay, where he was attending a North West Company board meeting.

He was one of Manitobas most influential business leaders and the Business Council would not have been possible without his leadership and strong endorsation. As our first Chairman he set the tone for those of us who followed him in that role and pulled us all together when it was needed, Riley said.

The renaissance that Winnipeg has experienced over the last 20 years is due in large part to the leadership he gave to the Business Community and the example of Community engagement which he set for all of us, he added.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobas health minister says the government will make sure all health care facility policies concerning medical assistance in dying are reviewed.

Kelvin Goertzen made the statement Tuesday in response to a Free Press story highlighting accountability questions as health-care facilities across the province develop protocols for the transfer of patients out of faith-based facilities that do not want to partake in medical assistance in dying or MAID.

Manitoba Health set Nov. 26 as the deadline, leaving policy review in the hands of each regional health authority. However, Southern Health-Sante Sud said it wouldnt be reviewing the policies of its six faith-based personal care homes because they are affiliates.

Cases where the rights of the patient compete against those of faith-based facilities will likely end up before the courts. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

We will ensure that the policies are reviewed, Goertzen told reporters. People have the right  the legal right  to the procedure if they meet the criteria, but those facilities that are not participating also have the right to not participate.

While the Supreme Court has spelled out an individuals right to avoid participating in assisted dying, it has not yet been so unequivocal with respect to institutional rights.

On Tuesday, Goertzen dismissed a recent survey by Probe Research that asked Winnipeggers whether they feel a Catholic hospital has the right to refuse to offer medically assisted dying on religious grounds or whether it must provide all legal medical services to patients who request it, regardless of whether it is a faith-based hospital or not.

Of the respondents, 59 per cent were quite adamant that St. Boniface  which overhauled its hospital board in May in order to overturn a vote that would have allowed the procedure under limited circumstances  must offer MAID.

We dont govern by polls, Goertzen said, we govern by what we think is the right practical policy.

Across the country, provinces are attempting to figure out the best way to offer assistance in dying without forcing anyone who doesnt want to be involved in the procedure to take part. Manitoba is unique in Canada because it has one team that travels the province providing the procedure.

Weve struck the right balance, the minister said.

Goertzen said the province has to grapple with not just the Supreme Courts edict but also provincial legislation that requires the government not issue any directives to faith-based health care facilities that are counter to the fundamentals of their faith.

But, as Mark Handelman, a Toronto-based lawyer specializing in health law, told the Free Press last week, cases where the rights of the patient compete against those of faith-based facilities will probably eventually end up before the courts.

Goertzen himself seemed to acknowledge this possibility.

Every province is struggling to try to find that balance and I think weve done that better than most, (but that) doesnt mean weve done it perfectly, he said. Its a legal landscape that has a lot of holes in it.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In a move the government hopes will improve care and curtail costs, Manitoba will begin offering seniors living in personal care homes a new, high-dose influenza vaccine.

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen said he believes the province is the first across Canada to offer Fluzone High-Dose, which was approved by Health Canada a year ago but has been in use in the United States for some time.

This higher level of protection against the kinds of strains of flu that we expect this year will be important, Goertzen said during the Tuesday announcement at Concordia Place Personal Care Home.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen talks about the flu season at Concordia Place Personal Care Home.

We look forward to measuring the outcomes and seeing the successes that come.

There are approximately 9,000 Manitoba seniors who will qualify for the vaccine, according to Dr. Tim Hilderman, a public health physician and vaccine specialist with Manitoba Health, and they make up a particularly vulnerable segment of the population.

Weve known for a long-time that those residents of long-term care facilities are at particularly high risk of severe influenza-related illnesses and diseases, Hilderman said, producing hospitalizations, complications, and, as well, maybe death in some circumstances.

Across the province, many people over the age of 65 who live in personal care homes require hospital admittance to treat lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. The rate at which they require hospitalization increases during flu season.

Hildermans hoping Fluzone will improve seniors health and, by extension, help lower those rates.

The vaccine has quadruple the antigen of a regular flu shot, meaning it can be more effective at fighting influenza A and influenza B in older populations whose bodies typically no longer respond as well to the regular vaccine.

A number of different strategies have been used in the past and are currently being used to try to overcome that, he said. The high-dose flu vaccine is one of those things which we feel will help.

Manitoba spends upwards of $6 million each year on flu season, everything from the vaccine itself to educational materials and marketing campaigns. Its unclear exactly how much Fluzone will add to the cost. A spokeswoman for Manitoba Health said information on the price of each individual dose is proprietary information.

There are a few reasons the rollout is starting in personal care homes, Hilderman said, chief among them being the fact that vaccine uptake is quite high in the facilities, hovering around 90 per cent. Thats significantly higher than rates for seniors out in the community, which are typically somewhere between 55 and 65 per cent.

Wed love it to be close to 90 but its not, he said, so in terms of getting the vaccine initially into the highest risk population thats basically the rationale.

The government will be closing monitoring the vaccines impact.

If we can find ways where its both effective for outcomes for individuals who are using it and cost effective, Goertzen said, then wed certainly like to continue it in this particularly category and look at expansion if theres a case to be made.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Liberal leadership hopeful Cindy Lamoureux is boycotting her partys all-candidates debates in protest over the $15 admission fee to the Oct. 21 leadership convention.

The Burrows MLA said on Tuesday she specifically opposes the fee for Manitoba Liberals to attend and vote at the provincial leadership convention in Winnipeg, but also objects to the $5 admission fee for anyone wanting to watch tonights debate in Selkirk and next weeks debate in Winnipeg.

I am making a political statement, Lamoureux said by email. I believe the leadership race should be about growing our party and that means engaging our current membership and bringing in new members.

JEN DOERKSEN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Cindy Lamoureux

Lamoureux is running against Dougald Lamont and River Heights MLA Jon Gerrard.

Tonights debate will be held at the Gaynor Family Regional Library in Selkirk, beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Liberal party news release on Tuesday listed Lamont and Gerrard as participants, while not mentioning or explaining Lamoureuxs absence. The party said all candidates were invited to take part.

There will also be a debate on Sept. 14 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, beginning at 6:30 p.m., for which the Liberals will also charge $5 admission to all spectators.

Lamoureux said the only pre-convention paid event at which she will speak is the leaders dinner on Sept. 28.

If Elections Manitoba wanted to charge people to vote, I would speak out against it, I would argue that this would be voter suppression as it would discourage people from voting and that is why I am taking a principled stand on this, she said. It is hard to understand the logic.

Gerrard defended the fees and hoped theyd be unnecessary down the line, but urged Lamoureux to attend the Selkirk debate.

I feel it is important to respect the decisions the Manitoba Liberal Party board has made that there would be a $15 fee to attend the leadership convention and a $5 fee to attend the leadership debate in Selkirk, Gerrard said by email.

My goal is that in the future, the Manitoba Liberal Party will be in a better position financially to cover the costs of the events it hosts. I hope Cindy will reconsider her decision to not attend the leadership debate in Selkirk.

Lamont said, The rules were set before anyone entered the race. The contestants agreed to the rules when entering the race. To protest the rules now and ask for change is disrespectful to the members, supporters, board, leadership co-chairs and staff of the Manitoba Liberal Party. This is not leadership.

Meanwhile, the Liberals noted tonights debate will be chaired by Joanne Levy, whom the party described as a filmmaker and former Liberal provincial candidate.

The party did not mention Levy was disqualified from running in the 2016 provincial election in the Gimli riding because she had worked earlier as an enumerator. Gimli was one of six ridings in which the Liberals had no candidate last year.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

New rules are on the horizon in Manitoba to rein in civil disputes that have been left on the back burner since courts scrambled to crack down on criminal-case delays.

Amid national pressure to deal quickly with criminal cases and a local focus on clearing a backlog of child-protection cases, civil disputes have been pushed to the back of the bus, lawyers say, and are suffering from a nearly three-year delay in Manitoba.

A civil case ready to go to trial today wont get to court until 2020. And that doesnt include all the paperwork and legal process required before a trial date can be requested, which can take months or years. That means plaintiffs fighting all kinds of legal battles  a homeowner trying to get disputed insurance payouts after a fire, an injured former patient trying to get compensation for an alleged medical malpractice, an academic trying to protect his intellectual property  are in limbo. And defendants have to wait just as long to clear their names, to build on the land they bought from a vendor who may or may not have had the mental capacity to sell it, to finally have a judge decide who among their estranged family members should receive their dead grandmothers property.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Court of Queens Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal said new rules are coming this January to help speed up the waiting period for civil trials.

Its the ordinary Joes who hurt the most over these delays, said 37-year veteran lawyer Bill Gange, who has clocked his current wait to get to trial at 31 months.

The majority of them dont involve really wealthy players. Theyre just sort of ordinary Joes. And the court system was created to help out the little person, he said. Really wealthy people, they dont need to resort to the court system. They can hire independent arbitrators.

The wait time for a civil trial currently exceeds the 30-month maximum deadline the Supreme Court of Canada imposed for criminal cases in its shockwave-sending July 2016 ruling known as the Jordan decision, which said criminal charges could be thrown out if the cases werent completed within a set time frame.

The Jordan decision is crushing us in civil litigation, Gange said.

Before the Jordan decision, the earliest available civil trial dates were commonly a year away  still a long wait, Gange said, but now, as the same judges responsible for handling civil and criminal matters must prioritize the latter, the delay has skyrocketed.

Manitoba Court of Queens Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal said the court has been working on speeding up civil cases long before the Supreme Courts criminal-case deadlines were imposed last summer. New rules are expected to come into effect in January that he said will see civil trial dates set much sooner.

But a solution isnt as simple, he said, as appointing more judges or allowing civil cases to be heard during the summer months. Court of Queens Bench doesnt run civil cases in July or August in Manitoba, unlike some other provinces that run superior courts year-round. It starts up again Sept. 5.

Civil cases have seen, now, a slow increase to longer delays than are acceptable, Joyal said, adding the prioritization of criminal matters has had a predictable impact on civil cases, partly because of the firefighting courts had to do in the wake of the Jordan decision.

And thats going to be relatively straightforward to fix, but we cant let that go any further.

The goal, Joyal said, is to have civil trials happen between nine and 15 months from the pre-trial hearing, and the trial date will have to be set at the first pre-trial hearing, as opposed to allowing the case to drag on with many adjournments.

The new rules are nearly three years in the making and they were developed in consultation with lawyers as part of a committee process, Joyal said. Theyre meant to give judges more hands-on control, proportionate to the level of decision-making each particular case needs.

You dont want to use a sledgehammer when a fly swatter is available, Joyal said. Otherwise, things become too expensive, too complex and too slow.

In the meantime, years-long delays have had a devastating effect on those awaiting trial, said Dave Hill, whos been practising civil litigation for 42 years. One of his clients died while awaiting her trial, which was set to happen this October. The date was set in January 2016. Since the Supreme Courts Jordan decision, delays have increased, he said.

I tell people that as a result of the Supreme Courts decision for criminal matters and also as a result of the necessity to get child and family welfare cases through the system much faster civil cases are at the back of the bus, Hill said. So if youre a defendant and youre in no hurry to get to court, it works in your favour. It hurts the plaintiffs badly.

More disputes are being resolved through private arbitration, and theres even been talk among lawyers of setting up a parallel judicial system where lawyers would bring in someone they respect  such as a retired judge  to hear arguments from both sides and make a decision, 44-year civil litigation lawyer Robert Tapper said.

Even though it might be expensive in the sense youve got to pay somebody to do that, you get a result, he said of private arbitration processes.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Veteran civil litigator Dave Hill said that years-long delays for civil cases have had a devastating effect on those awaiting trial.

Access to justice is a very serious issue, no question, Tapper added. Part and parcel of access to justice is access to a result from a judicial proceeding, and in my mind, that is being imperiled right now, that is being beat up, and one of the things that I hate the most is having to tell a client how long it takes to get in front of a judge and then to get a result. I mean, its intolerable.

Joyal said the Court of Queens Bench doesnt want to lose out to private arbitrators because each decision the court makes helps the law evolve in a public forum.

Arbitrators, however good they are, are most interested in disposing of the matter. And sometimes thats what companies want and all they want. But I think theres something lost when we cant add to the intellectual side of the law, he said. We lose that if were not providing a service thats sufficiently prompt, efficient and attractive.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A lone male was found dead along the side of the Trans-Canada Highway, near Richer, at approximately 2:50 a.m. early Saturday morning.

The man, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene, although RCMP are unclear of how he died.

Steinbach RCMP found the body after receiving a report of a male lying in the east bound lane on Highway 1, about six kilometres east of Richer.

There are some questions surrounding the death of this individual that investigators are actively trying to answer, said RCMP spokesperson Tara Seel.

We are asking anyone who may have been in the area that morning and may have seen a male walking near or on the highway to contact the Steinbach RCMP.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
US Vice-President Mike Pences Latin American tour last month provoked an anxious reaction within Brazilian ruling circles, as the country was left off the itinerary, which included meetings with the governments of Peru, Argentina, Chile and Colombia. It marked the second time in two years that Washington has sidelined Latin Americas largest country in this fashion, with Barack Obama excluding it from his own tour of the continent in 2016.

Concerns within the Brazilian ruling class over the countrys geopolitical position are fueled by the countrys deepening political and economic instability amid the worst economic crisis in a century, as well as by the increasingly vicious palace intrigues and internecine warfare within the highest echelons of the state apparatus headed by President Michel Temer.

This disquiet found clear expression in an August 22 report by the financial daily Valor Economico titled Under Temer, Brazil suffers from international isolation. The piece noted that before Pence, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and Canadian and Israeli Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Benjamin Netanyahu had all bypassed the country in their Latin American tours as well.

The report included statements by cabinet officials that the government is preparing a diplomatic offensive to break the isolation, with the Temer administration unveiling the next day a huge internationally oriented privatization package that includes placing pivotal airports, the countrys largest energy producer, Eletrobras, and even the highly prized national mint on the auction block.

The announcement drove up the value of Eletrobras stock by 50 percent in a single day, and Sao Paulos stock exchange rose to the highest level since January 2011, at the height of the commodity boom that guaranteed the stability of the Workers Party (PT) rule that preceded the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the advent of Temers government.

The timing of the announcement was meant to precede Temers seven-day state visit to China that began on August 29, in which the Brazilian president and other officials are soliciting investors for the 57 public companies slated to be sold off. China is already owner of the second largest energy producer in Brazil, a subsidiary of the Three Gorges Dam power station corporation, and in the first days of Temers visit, an agreement was reached with Chinese investors to complete the construction of the Angra 3 nuclear power plant outside Rio de Janeiro.

Also on August 22, the executive announced the end of the state monopoly over mining in the mineral- and rare-earth-rich Amazon region, as part of a plan announced in July to increase mining participation in Brazils GDP from 4 to 6 percent. Although open for international exploration bids, opening up the area would most certainly serve the interests of China, which already accounts for the bulk of the demand for Brazilian mining. Although the end of the state monopoly was struck down in federal court on August 28, and the presidential decree was withdrawn on August 31 in order to be rewritten after public outcry and opposition from within the cabinet, the procurement of foreign investment in the countrys mining remains central to the governments current economic strategy.

Also as part of the diplomatic offensive to counter isolation, as well on August 22, the government announced that it would welcome with open arms Venezuelas former attorney general, Luisa Ortega Diaz, who has fallen out with the Maduro government and is now exiled in Colombia, should she seek asylum in Brazil. At the end of August, Ortega attended a meeting of Mercosur attorney generals in the capital of Brasilia, where she denounced the Maduro government for corruption involving multimillion-dollar bribes and kickbacks in connection with projects by the Brazilian construction contracting giant, Odebrecht.

The courting of Ortega Diaz appears designed to curry favor with US imperialism, which has lionized the attorney general as part of its drive for regime change in Venezuela.

Valor Economico also reported on August 30 that countrys Environment Ministry has alerted the Foreign Ministry that oil extraction at the Amazon might interfere with Venezuelan territory, and Brazil is set to conduct unprecedented war games with Peru, Colombiaboth governed by right-wing administrations aligned with Washingtonand the US in the Amazon in November.

Such moves, however, inevitably sharpen contradictions surrounding the Brazilian bourgeoisies reliance on Chinese investments and imports, amid the increasingly aggressive US pivot to Latin America. Significantly, one of the demands made during Pences tour, which was highlighted by Brazilian press, is a complete cutting off of ties with North Korea. Brazil has maintained an embassy in Pyongyang since 2012, complete with a bomb shelter.

Chinese participation in the development of Angra 3 is also set to become a flashpoint. Brazils largely national nuclear program, currently focused on the development of a nuclear-powered military submarine, is a major target of US imperialism. A diplomatic row erupted over Brasilias rejection of access by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to a uranium enrichment plant near Rio 2004, and science ministers have more than once flirted with extending the countrys nuclear program to build a bomb.

The apparently ambiguous international strategy being pursued by Brasilia, no less than the rotten conspiracies within the Brazilian state, is a major symptom of the crisis of confidence gripping ruling circles as reflected in the report by Valor.

Despite the self-satisfaction of government officials with the measly 0.2 percent quarterly growth of GDP announced by the countrys Statistical and Geographical Institute on September 1, the second in a row after the 1.0 percent growth of the first quarter, the investment rate sunk to 15.6 percent of the GDP, the lowest since current metrics were first used in 1996, at the height of neoliberal orthodoxy during Fernando Henrique Cardosos presidency.

Despite declarations by Planning Minister Dyogo Oliveira in early August that private investment should lead economic growth from 2017 on, government officials admit that the release of 44 billion reais (US$14 billion) of blocked social security withdrawals for 26 million workers in the first semester was the main factor responsible for recent minimal growth, seconded by record agricultural output due to exceptionally favorable climatic conditions.

Meanwhile, the massive transfer of wealth to the rich sought through the labor reform approved by the Brazilian congress has found its reflection in the latest employment figures released with the GDP data. Unemployment still stands at 12.8 percent, but the government is celebrating a drop from 14 percent based on half a million more workers falling out of the labor market and 300,000 more being registered as self-employed since the beginning of 2017.

Behind government optimism, however, there is deep distrust in its economic policies, expressed in the open criticism by the countrys main papers of the privatization plans, including the end of the Amazonian state mining monopoly.

Particular controversy has erupted over the sale of Eletrobras, seen by pundits as an opportunistic attempt to curb the predicted US$50 billion deficit in 2017s budget. Significant attention was given by both Folha de Sao Paulo and O Globo to a statement by ousted president Dilma Rousseffwho previously was former President Lulas energy ministerthat the privatization would put the countrys energy supply at risk. Other opinion pieces expressed concern over potential Chinese control over energy, carrying headlines like Privatizations are good, but are dangerous when only current expenses are accounted for, appearing on August 24 in Valor Economico. Folha de Sao Paulo also worryingly reported on the risk of privatization jacking up energy prices, contradicting rosy predictions by think tanks and the Temer cabinet.
As the floodwaters begin to recede along the Texas Gulf Coast, hundreds of thousands of displaced residents are returning to scenes of devastation.

Approximately 156,000 dwellings have been flooded. An estimated one million cars have been destroyed in a sprawling city where access to a vehicle is a basic necessity. The city of Beaumont, Texas, east of Houston, still does not have clean drinking water, nearly a week after the citys water treatment facilities went offline.

Conditions have been created for any number of public health crises, from mosquito-borne diseases and bacteria-infested floodwaters, to contamination from chemical plants, oil refineries and Superfund sites. Authorities carried out a controlled burn on Sunday at a chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, where fires have been raging after floodwaters knocked out the facilitys generators. The immense psychological toll of the hurricane will also likely produce a mental health crisis in the region, as in New Orleans, when the area experienced a suicide epidemic in the months after Katrina.

The devastation along the Gulf Coast could be repeated within a few days by Hurricane Irma, which has been upgraded to Category 4 as it makes its way through the Atlantic Ocean. Current forecasts predict that Irma will pass near Puerto Rico, Haiti and Cuba, before making landfall in the United States near Miami, the 8th largest metropolitan area.

While the full impact of Hurricane Harvey is only beginning to be felt, the American political establishment and the corporate media are moving to put it behind them as quickly as possible. Over the past two days, their focus has shifted to North Korea, seizing upon the North Korean governments alleged test of a hydrogen bomb to issue provocative war threats while burying the ongoing catastrophe in Texas.

From the beginning, the media has sought to cover up the social and political causes of the devastation wrought by the hurricane, avoiding any discussion of the neglect of infrastructure that scientists have warned about for years, and of the incompetent and indifferent response of government officials to the catastrophe.

The New York Times, which sets the tone for the rest of the American media, has run a series of articles minimizing the impact of the storm and its class implications. On Thursday, the Times published an article, Storm With No Boundaries Took Aim at Rich and Poor Alike, which explicitly rejected any comparisons with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, in which the immense class divide in New Orleans was revealed by the desperation of the poor stranded at the Superdome and the devastated, largely black, low-income neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth Ward, which were among the ones most likely to suffer catastrophic flooding and the last ones to recover.

It is, however, the poor who will be most devastated by Harvey as with Katrina, without access to insurance and unable to rebuild on the paltry aid from the federal government, mainly in the form of loans.

The insurance industry is expected to pay out only $10-$25 billion in claims resulting from the storm, a tiny portion of the $180 billion in estimated damage. Most homeowners will receive no insurance payments for flooding damage because they do not own flood insurance, which is optional outside of federally designated flood zones. The insurance industry is sitting on between $150 and $300 billion of excess capital, according to Barrons, equivalent to between 80 to 170 percent of the total cost of the storm.

The federal government will make available $7.8 billion dollars for relief funding, based on the initial proposal from the Trump administration. Even this, however, will not go towards new or expanded programs, but will primarily be used to fund the Federal Emergency Management Administrations existing Disaster Relief Fund, which caps payments to individuals at $33,000 (with the majority receiving far less).

The other main source of relief funding will come in the form of loans from the Small Business Administration, headed by former pro wrestling executive Linda McMahon. Anyone applying for SBA funds must prove that they will be able to pay back their loans before their application is accepted, with the vast majority of applicants rejected, according to Politico.

The Times acknowledges that there are huge differences between the options open to the poor and the well-to-do, before insisting on its basic point: What is clear is the devastation is connecting people of disparate means in one common experience: loss.

The other major theme in the media coverage is that life is quickly returning to normal in Houston. On Sunday, the Times ran an article, 21 Miles of Highway, Snapshots of a Resilient Houston, which enthused that Houston can often be a place of remarkable heart and grit, a city built on inhospitable ground that fully expects to rebuild from the storms ravages. Another Times article proclaims, Hurricane to Cost Tens of Billions, but a Quick Recovery is Expected.

The presentation of a quick and full recovery is aimed at obscuring the extent of the destruction, covering up for the paltry character of the government response, and setting the stage for businesses to resume profitable operations, and even seize on the opportunity.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, proclaimed on Sunday that the City of Houston is open for business. He continued, Look, people are feeling good. Even at this shelter where we are right now Were not going to engage in a pity party. Here Turner echoes the delusional and callous statement by Trump the previous day at a Houston shelter, when he declared, As tough as this was, its been a wonderful thing, and Theyre really happy with whats going on. Neither Trump nor Turners comments met with any significant backlash in the press.

As reflected in the media response, the ruling class is pulling together in response to Harvey, not to make the people of Houston whole, but to cover their own tracks.

Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, the top-ranking Democrats in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively, issued a joint statement indicating their willingness to work with the Trump administration on its domestic agenda, which includes a massive corporate tax cut. Providing aid in the wake of Harvey and raising the debt ceiling are both important issues, and Democrats want to work to do both  Given the interplay between all the issues Congress must tackle in September, Democrats and Republicans must discuss all the issues together and come up with a bipartisan consensus, the statement said.

The response in the media and the political establishment follows what is by now a well-worn pattern repeated after every major disaster, whether a hurricane, flood, tornado or wildfire. During the events themselves, they avoid any serious examination of the social and political conditions that prepared it. Once the waters recede, fires are extinguished, or the winds stop, the media works as rapidly as possible to divert popular attention from the class issues raised by the disaster to topics in line with the basic strategic interests of the American ruling class.
Last week, the government of French President Emanuel Macron detailed its plans to rewrite the countrys labor code, aiming to remove all legal barriers for business to lay off workers, lengthen working hours, and slash wages and benefits.

Macron is setting into motion a historic confrontation with the working class with explosive global consequences. His poll ratings have plummeted near 30 percent just four months after his election, and his policies face deep opposition among workers and youth.

As the US ruling elite slashes health care, public education and other key social programs, and as the European Union negotiates another raft of austerity measures with Greeces Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) government, the ruling class internationally sees France as a critical test case. It remembers that the eruption of Frances May-June 1968 general strike sparked revolutionary struggles worldwide. Amidst the deepest crisis of capitalism since the Great Depression of the 1930s, the ruling elite is determined to strangle mass opposition to Macrons agenda.

In an editorial titled The Real Battle Begins: Mr Macron vs the Labor Code, the New York Times demanded that the 107-year-old law be scrapped, denouncing the notion of the worker in permanent need of protection against rapacious capitalists.

It bemoaned the fact that in France, Every effort at fundamental reform for at least a quarter of a century has foundered on giant and sometimes violent union demonstrations.  Mr. Macron and his government have set off on the right track with the labor reform, and they must stay the course.

In its article It really feels like we are on the eve of a major struggle, Germanys Die Welt worried, No one knows who will win, and told Macron to stake everything on a decisive blow. Macron, it wrote, now has a historic chance. He will not have a second one.

The working class faces in the Macron administration a conscious and ruthless enemy, dedicated to the destruction of its basic social and democratic rights. The only way for workers to defend these rights is to oppose this government and seek its removal. As initial protests are called against the decrees, however, workers need a clear understanding of the revolutionary implications of a struggle against Macron and the need for a new, international strategy and political leadership.

Macron, a former investment banker, is proceeding with undisguised contempt for the population. His decrees simply re-introduce the measures which the previous Socialist Party (PS) government of President Francois Hollande withdrew from its wildly unpopular labor law last year, in the face of mass protests. These include introducing new labor contracts with no job security, limiting penalties for unfair dismissal, and letting employers and trade unions negotiate contracts at the individual firm level that violate the Labor Code.

Macron is relying on the complicity and bankruptcy of the trade unions and their political allies. The unions called off last years protests, amid a massive police crackdown and PS threats to ban protests under Frances state of emergency, based on worthless promises that the PS would not enforce these measures.

Macron, who was elected with PS backing, after the PS collapsed in this years elections, is ruthlessly imposing the program of the EU and the capitalist class. The dominant factions of the French financial aristocracy have responded to Trumps election with plans for an aggressive military alliance with Berlin, to be funded by repudiating the social rights won by the working class in Europe in the 20th century. While the super-rich are to be showered with money, workers are to be hurled back decades.

Only a few days before announcing his anti-worker decrees, Macron gave a speech declaring that the absence of a major war in Europe in the last 70 years was an aberration, calling for a major build up of the army: The threat is at our gates, and war is on our continent.

The French Labor Code, passed in 1910 in response to the wave of strikes across Europe provoked by the Russian Revolution of 1905, is only the first target of the militarist offensive. All the social concessions made to the European working class in the 20th century, based above all on the October 1917 revolution and the existence of the Soviet Union, are targeted for destruction. Macrons ministers are announcing plans to slash health care, pensions and education, while spending billions on defense budget increases and cuts to the Tax On Wealth (ISF).

The claim that there is no money for workers basic social needs, nearly a decade after the bourgeoisie began pumping trillions of euros into the banks in response to the 2008 Wall Street crash, is a contemptible lie. But as last years struggle against the PS labor law showed, a defense of basic social rights will rapidly escalate into a confrontation with the government. Workers in France face not a trade union but a political fight, which can be waged only in a common revolutionary struggle with their class brothers and sisters across Europe and internationally.

Workers seeking to fight the labor decrees will be compelled to oppose imperialist war and the lies of the war on terror. The wars in Libya and Syria, which spawned terror attacks in Europe by Islamist networks the NATO powers backed as proxies in the Middle East, are classical examples of the anti-democratic implications of imperialist war. The PS responded to the terrorist attacks not by cutting off support to Islamist forces in the Middle East, but by declaring a state of emergency suspending basic democratic rights and giving police draconian powers to prosecute youth and workers engaged in constitutionally-protected protests.

The fight against Macrons austerity measures requires building a new political leadership and new organs of working class struggle, and a struggle against the trade union bureaucracies and petty bourgeois political forces like Jean-Luc Melenchon or the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA). While they are calling a series of token protests, these organizations can only produce disasters for the working class.

Melenchon and the NPA, which for decades worked on the periphery of the PS, advance a nationalist agenda to derail opposition among workers to the decrees. Melenchon is backing factions of the ruling class hostile to Macrons alliance with Germanylike General Pierre de Villiers, whose sudden resignation shook the Macron administrationand issuing impotent and cynical appeals to police not to repress protests. Just like the NPA, which calls for a closer alliance between Melenchons forces and the unions, Melenchon is hostile to unifying the struggles of workers in France and internationally against austerity and war.

Workers need new organs of struggle to replace the corrupt trade union bureaucracies like the Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT), which is calling protests after negotiating the decrees with Macron. The decrees officially grant the unions broad powers to implement cuts in workplaces, and Macron is promoting the so-called trade union check to funnel more corporate money into trade union coffers because the trade union bureaucracies are trusted tools of big business.

The objective rise of social opposition in the working class must be developed as a conscious political movement. Opposition to the EUs drive to dictatorship, war and social counter-revolution must be discussed at workplaces, schools, and working-class communities in France and across Europe. This will lay the basis for the development of a broad network of popular workplace and neighborhood committees, independent of the trade unions, in which workers can discuss and advance anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist and socialist demands that correspond to the needs of the masses.

Above all, we urge workers to join and build the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES), the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, and its sister sections across Europe and internationally.

The PES is building a political leadership of the working class in France. Its task is to connect the growing opposition of the working class to a socialist and internationalist movement that can take state power in France and across Europe, and reorganize economic life on the basis of social need, through the construction of the United Socialist States of Europe.
Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould with Joe and Rosanna Natoli and the Tom Roberts photo - 2 - Roberts

A painting by British-born Australian artist Tom Roberts which was lost for 136 years was discovered to be an original after the owners  a husband and wife who spent their savings on it even though they were told it was a forgery  approached the BBCs Fake or Fortune programme.

Joe Natoli, a former mayor in Queenslands Sunshine Coast, bought the 1883 oil painting, titled Rejected, from an online auction site in 2013 even though it was listed as a fake.

The painting was signed by Tom Roberts, considered a founder of Australian impressionism, but had no other indications that it was an original. It depicted a man in a studio and appeared to have little in common with the outdoor landscape works for which he is best known.

But Mr Natoli decided to take a chance.

"I asked myself, 'Why would someone try to copy something and not make it look like a typical Tom Roberts?'" he told ABC News.

The painting is expected to fetch up to 600,000. Credit: Robert Edwards

Mr Natoli and his wife, who are both passionate about art, eventually paid 9,000 for the painting but an expert soon after examined the brushwork and composition and deemed that it was a fake.

When the couple suffered a business collapse and lost their home, a friend suggested they approach the BBC art detective programme to investigate the paintings provenance.

The programme took on the task  its first attempt to authenticate an Australian work - and confirmed that an address on the back of the painting corresponded with the location of a house in London at which Roberts lived between 1883 and 1884. The artist, who moved from Dorchester to Australia at about age 13 in 1869, was the first Australian to be admitted to the Royal Academy of Arts in London and studied there between 1881 to 1884.

Other evidence also indicated the painting was genuine.

A handwriting expert compared the signature on the painting with those on works dating from 1883 to 1888, concluding "it is highly probable" that the signature was by Roberts.

Story continues

The painting also had similarities with drawing in the artists sketchbook from the time.

Eventually, Mary Eagle, an art historian and expert on Roberts at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, examined the painting and assessed that it was genuine, even though she believed parts were not well painted.

Lisa Roberts, the artists great-granddaughter, said she had no doubt that the work was an early self-portrait.

I know his art from growing up in the house here he worked surrounded by his pictures, she told Fairfax Media.

It wasn't really until I saw the painting in the flesh and saw the mark making, the way the brushstrokes were put on, as well as the composition of the whole and the combination of that and what I understand is Tom's early life and early experience in England convinced me that this old canvas made sense."

Mr Natoli has had the painting listed for sale, noting that a similar but smaller Roberts work sold for 430,000. It is expected to fetch from 300,000 to 600,000.

"I think every collector likes to think that they can find something that is worth more than it was originally sold for, he said.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  One of the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricanes on record is barreling through the Caribbean and poses a serious threat to the southeastern United States, less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey first hit Texas.

Irma weakened to a Category 4 hurricane early Friday after pummeling the Turks and Caicos islands overnight, but remained a life-threatening situation, the National Hurricane Center said.

The powerful storm has killed at least 19 people and left thousands displaced. It is expected to make landfall in southern Florida on Sunday, though the region will begin to feel hurricane conditions on Saturday, according to the NHC.

Meanwhile, two other storms  Jose and Katia  were upgraded to hurricane status on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first time since 2010 that three hurricanes were simultaneously spinning in the Atlantic basin.

Residents of the Caribbean islands where Irma has already wrought destruction are just beginning to pick up the pieces and assess the death toll as Jose, which was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane Friday morning, approaches the easternmost islands of the Lesser Antilles.

Read more updates below:

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Lizzy Caplan and Tom Riley attend the UK Premiere of "Allied."

Janis Ian got her happy ending, sans Kevin Gnapoor.

Lizzy Caplan and British actor Tom Riley tied the knot in Italy over Labor Day weekend after more than a year of dating.

This one seems fertile, Riley jokingly captioned a black-and-white photo of himself and Caplan laughing at the wedding. She shall make a satisfactory first wife.

A post shared by Tom Riley (@tomrileydoneaphoto) on Sep 4, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

We cant confirm that they had an awesome time, drank awesome shooters, listened to awesome music and just sat around soaking up each others awesomeness, but with reported guests Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Dave Franco, Octavia Spencer, Lily Collins, Scott Speedman and Dianna Agron around, how could you not?

The romantic ceremony took place in Ravello, a town on the Amalfi Coast, with floral arrangements made by the prince of flowers, Armando Malafronte. The menu was crafted by Michelin star chef Crescenzo Scotti and included precious Italian wines, according to Italian newspaper Il Vescovado.

Guests apparently werent a social media heavy bunch, but celebrity stylist Ilaria Urbinati did share a photo from a dramatic Italian vista to give us a sense of the setting.

I hadnt laughed that hard, eaten so well, stayed up so late, danced, and drank so much wine in way too long, she wrote alongside her photo about the newlyweds. And got to witness so much love between two people that I also hadnt been moved to quite so many tears in a while.

A post shared by Ilaria Urbinati (@ilariaurbinati) on Sep 3, 2017 at 2:47am PDT

Caplan and Riley met in January 2015 while Caplan was filming in London. They made their first public appearance as a couple at Prague Opera Ball in 2016 and were engaged within the year.

Lets raise a glass to the happy couple and all the haters.
Newspaper front pages from the New York Post and Taiwan

North Korea has claimed a "perfect success" for its most powerful nuclear test so far, a further step in the development of weapons capable of striking anywhere in the United States.

Sunday's test by Kim Jong-un's regime had an estimated strength of 50 kilotons, defence ministry officials told a parliamentary briefing on Monday as Seoul agreed "it is time to strengthen" a military response against the North.

The nuclear test was the first since US President Donald Trump took office in January. Mr Trump, asked if he would attack the North, said, "We'll see."

Here's how regional and world media reacted...

North Korea: Enemies are 'hell-bent' on escalation

North Korea has launched a scathing attack on the warmongers in Seoul, along with South Koreas allies in Washington and Tokyo, following Sundays missile launch.

Official media in Pyongyang criticised the response from the South Korea puppet forces in calling for more UN action against the North and the introduction of nuclear strategic assets into South Korea.

This is not only the height of the persecution mania of those upset by the recent launch of the Juche weapon but also useless racket of those hell-bent on escalating confrontation, said a commentary from the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, which was produced by official KCNA news agency.

Juche is North Koreas home-grown ideology which promotes self-reliance and devotion to the countrys rulers.

China: Seoul and Washington are at fault

China's Global Times newspaper said Beijing should resist tougher sanctions on North Korea and blamed heightened tensions on the US and South Korea.

The newspaper, which is produced by The People's Daily, the official mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, also warned against cutting off Pyongyang's oil supply and closing the border.

"If North Korea's nuclear activities don't contaminate China's northeastern regions, China should avoid imposing overly aggressive sanctions on North Korea, it said in an editorial.

Story continues

The China Daily

"The root cause of the North Korean nuclear issue is that the military pressure of the Washington-Seoul alliance generates a sense of insecurity for Pyongyang who then believes that owning a nuclear strike capability is its sole guarantee for the survival of the regime."

Officials in Beijing regularly blame Seoul and Washington for raising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Taiwan: Pyongyang must stop undermining security in the region

Taiwans newspapers splashed on Monday with the escalating crisis over North Koreas nuclear test, with the China Times opting for a chilling full page picture of a mushroom cloud.

Other newspapers opted to show Kim Jong-un inspecting his missiles.

Taipei Times

World criticizes N Korean nuclear test, said the frontpage headline in the The Taipei Times, the islands only English-language newspaper, next to a picture of joyful Pyongyang residents reacting to a televised announcement about the hydrogen bomb test that was displayed on a large city centre screen.

Taiwan

The newspaper revealed that President Tsai Ing-wen convened a national security meeting on Sunday. Tsai condemned North Korea for its action, and urged Pyongyang to stop any moves to undermine security in the region, it said.

Taiwan

Although not directly in the firing line of Pyongyangs missiles, Taiwan, just a two hour flight from Seoul, would be caught in the crosshairs of any regional conflict.

Japan

The Japan Times

The Japan Times

Australia

The Australian

The Australian

The Sydney Morning Herald

Sydney Morning Herald

Philippines

The Daily Inquirer

The Daily Inquirer

America

New York Times

New York Times

New York Post

New York Post

Daily News

Daily News

The Washington Post

The Washington Post

United Kingdom

The Daily Telegraph

TELEGRAPH: US warns it is ready to annihilate N Korea #tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/XvElzPsEet  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 3, 2017

The Guardian

The Times

THE TIMES: US threat to attack Kim after bomb test #tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/lf0hitqZgx  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 3, 2017

City AM

France

Liberation
Rick Grimes, you are not the father.

It was the Walking Dead baby reveal heard round the world when in Episode 4 of Season 7, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) confirmed what fans had suspected for years: Shane (Jon Bernthal) is truly the father of Judith Grimes.

Now, with Season 8 set to premiere this October, Judiths real parents are finally speaking out. HuffPost caught up with former Walking Dead actors Sarah Wayne Callies and Jon Bernthal to get their takes on the big reveal, and the pair were actually pretty thoughtful.

Talking with us earlier this year at Aasif Mandvis All-Star Deportation Jamboree (held in support of the International Rescue Committee and the American Civil Liberties Union), Wayne Callies first told us she had no idea the show had revealed Shane was the father, because she doesnt watch.

I cant. Its scary, she said with a laugh before adding, Its interesting because you actually landed in the middle of a very political question for me. Im the mother of an adopted son in reality, so to me the parents of a child are the people who stand up and take responsibility for that child. I will lay down my life for that child, and I will love that child until the day I die.

She continued, That makes Rick Judiths father regardless of her biology.

It was a touching and personal answer. God bless her on the nose job shes gonna need, Wayne Callies then joked, because Jon Bernthals got himself a honker, and mines not small either.

She added, Girlfriends gonna need some shading.

We also recently spoke with Bernthal, whos now starring in Pilgrimage. The actor told us he did already know about the reveal, saying, Andy [Lincoln] mightve shot me a message to let me know, a funny text.

I always thought in my gut it was Shanes baby, but it was interesting that they took it there officially, that they had their Maury Povich moment, he said before reflecting on how close he is with the cast, telling us theyre all very much a family.

Story continues

I think most important with that show is I really love the people that make that show. That cast are some of the actors that Im closest with in my life.

In the end, who cares who the father is? Like Bernthal says, they are just one big, happy, zombie-killing fam.

"The Walking Dead" Season 8 premieres Oct. 22 on AMC.

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Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Seth Gilliam as Father Gabriel, Danai Gurira as Michonne, and Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Ross Marquand as Aaron and Savior Guard - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Corey Hawkins as Heath - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier and Jason Douglas as Tobin - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler, and Merritt Wever as Dr. Denise Cloyd - The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 12 - Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
A man in Raleigh, North Carolina, said that after he awoke from a dream early Friday morning, he found his wife dead on the floor and, as he told a 911 dispatcher, I think I did it.

I have blood all over me, and theres a bloody knife on the bed. And I think I did it, Matthew James Phelps, an aspiring pastor, told the dispatcher. I cant believe this. I cant believe this.

Phelps, who jail records list as 28 years old, blamed his alleged black out on cough syrup he took earlier in the evening to help him sleep.

I took more medicine that I should have, he said. I took Coricidin Cough and Cold ... because I know it can make you feel good. A lot of times I cant sleep at night.

The complete 911 call can be heard here:

Officers came to the couples house and found Lauren Ashley-Nicole Phelps, 29, wounded but alive. The woman, who taught Sunday school, was taken to an area hospital where she died, according to the Associated Press.

Her husband of almost a year was taken to the Wake County Jail and charged with murder. He remains behind bars and will make his first appearance before a judge on Tuesday, according to court records.

On the 911 call, the dispatcher asked Matthew Phelps if he thought his wife was beyond help from her wounds. He replied: I dont know. Im too scared to get close to her.

Phelps worked for a lawn service company and was a graduate of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Kentucky, where he studied mission and evangelism, according to the Raleigh News & Observer, which cited his Facebook page.

Phelps may be blaming cough syrup for the alleged murder, but investigators will be looking for other reasons for the womans death, according to former FBI agent Brad Garrett.

The this medicine made me do it excuse is not an uncommon way for people in his position to respond, Garrett told the AP.

(Photo: Raleigh Police Dept)

Also on HuffPost

Marcus Crosby

The Will County, Ill. Sheriff's Department said Crosby killed his wife and himself hours after auditioning for the show 'Family Feud'

Na Cola Franklin

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Whitehall Township Bureau of Police, Whitehall, Pa. shows Na Cola Franklin. Jurors found Na Cola Franklin, 32, guilty after deliberating about three hours in Lehigh County Court. She could get life in prison when she is sentenced July 16. Her attorney said an appeal is likely. (AP Photo/Whitehall Township Bureau of Police, File)

Pvt. Isaac Aguigui

In this Aug. 30, 2012 file photo, Pvt. Isaac Aguigui walks into the courtroom during a preliminary hearing at Long County Superior Court in Ludowici, Ga. Army prosecutors plan to reveal why a Georgia-based soldier accused of leading an anti-government militia group has also been charged with killing his pregnant wife two years ago. A legal hearing at Fort Stewart for 21-year-old Pvt. Isaac Aguigui is scheduled to begin Monday, July 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton, File)

Gravedigger buries wife

Police in Virginia allege that Ashley Rodriguez, the wife of Adan Quiroz Rodriguez and mother of four children with him, was shot fatally by her husband. Her body was found in the cemetery her husband worked as a gravedigger in Virginia. He was arrested near Charlotte, N.C.

Jesus Maqueira

Maqueira was arrested in February, 2012 for allegedly murdering his wife. Cops said he admitted to killing Raquel Maria Calderin, but wouldn't tell them where her body was, according to NBC Miami.

Kelly and Kristi Suckla

Police in Grapevine, Texas say that Kelly Suckla, 43, killed his estranged wife and then himself during an argument at their daughter's 16th birthday party on Jan. 19, 2013.

Shrien and Anni Dewani

FILE - Undated file handout photo issued by the Bristol Evening Post of Shrien Dewani and Anni Dewani. The British man is accused of hiring a hit man to kill his wife during the couple's honeymoon in Cape Town, South Africa in 2010. His wife's body was found with gunshot wounds in a taxi.

Thomas Mortimer IV

Mortimer was sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife Laura Stone Mortime, their two children Charlotte and Thomas V, and his mother-in-law Ellen Stone. Police contended that marital discord preceded the grisly killings. HIs sister-in-law discovered the bodies in the family's home north of Boston in 2010.

Ice Cream Parlor Murderess

Goidsargi Estibaliz Carranza Zabala pleaded guilty to killing her ex-husband, then chopping up his body with a chainsaw and hiding the parts inside cement blocks in the cellar of her ice cream parlor. Two years later, she did the same thing to her new boyfriend. Read the whole story here.

Calvin L. Harris

FILE - In this July 15, 2009 file photo, Calvin Harris walks to Tioga County Court in Owego, N.Y. Harris, a prominent auto dealer imprisoned for the murder of his estranged wife, will have his case heard by New York. Michele Harris' body was never found and she has not been seen since Sept. 11 or 12, 2001. Blood was found in the Harrises kitchen, but investigators never located a murder weapon.

Christopher Smeltzer

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2010 file photo, Christopher Smeltzer arrives for arraignment in District Court in Candia, N.H. on a charge he beat his wife to death. In October 2011, Smeltzer pleaded guilty to killing her. He faces 15 to 30 years in prison when sentenced Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 in Rockingham Superior Court in Brentwood, N.H. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

Fredericka Rosa

Fredericka Rosa, who suffers from dementia, allegedly murdered her husband and then continued to prepare him meals for 2 days. Her children claim that her husband "drove her insane" and that she had snapped after years of abuse.

Arnoldo Jimenez

FILE - This undated photo provided by the Burbank, Ill., Police Department shows Arnoldo Jimenez. The FBI announced Thursday, May 24, 2012, a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest Jiminez, who is accused of killing his new bride shortly after their May 11 wedding in Chicago. Authorities say they are concentrating their search for Jimenez in Mexico in the state of Durango. (AP Photo/Burbank Police Department, File)

Bobby Nichols

This photo provided by Smith County Jail shows Bobby Nichols. Nichols spoke with The Associated Press in a telephone interview from his home in Tyler three days after he posted a $750,000 bond and was released from jail. He is charged with murder in the June 29 death of 71-year-old Rosiland Nichols, to whom he had been married for 26 years. Tyler police arrested Nichols after receiving a 911 call from a man who identified himself as Dr. Bobby Nichols and requested an ambulance and the sheriff, saying he had just shot his wife.(AP Photo/The Tyler Morning Telegraph, Herb Nygren Jr)

Bruce Beresford Redman

FILE - In this May 26, 2010 file photo, Bruce Beresford-Redman, the former "Survivor" producer, pauses for a photo at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. A spokesman for the ex-"Survivor" producer said Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, that Beresford-Redman is being returned to Cancun, where he is charged with aggravated homicide for his wife Monica's April 2010 death. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

James Herring

This undated photo provided by the Fort Smith, Ark., Police Department shows James Herring, who was arrested on a murder charge Tuesday, May 15, 2012 after his pregnant wife, who had been stabbed in the chest, staggered into the Fort Smith police station and collapsed. Police say officers rushed 32-year-old Celestia Duffin to Fort Smith hospital, where doctors delivered her baby prematurely, but both mother and infant died. (AP Photo/Fort Smith Police Department)

Eric Gilford

Eric Gilford, 32, who pleaded guilty to the murders in June 2011, was sentenced to 50 years for the first-degree murder of his wife Kristine Gilford, and another 50 years for intentional homicide of their unborn son, to be served consecutively, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Kristine was 20 weeks pregnant at the time of her death

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
An attendee of Nevadas Burning Man festival has died after breaking through security and running into a burning effigy Saturday night.

The Associated Press reports that 41-year-old Aaron Joel Mitchell, an American who was living in Switzerland with his wife, received treatment from Black Rock City firefighters before being airlifted to the U.C. Davis hospital burn center in California. He died there from his injuries early Sunday.

According to reports, Mitchell wasnt under the influence of alcohol at the time he sustained his injuries, though a toxicology report is pending.

Mitchells mother, Johnnye Mitchell, told the Reno Gazette-Journal that her son was a loving and a nice person who enjoyed the outdoors. He last saw his parents Aug. 1 before heading to a solar eclipse festival and, later, Burning Man.

A Burning Man Ranger guards the inner perimeter around the effigy of "The Man" Sept. 2. (Photo: Reuters Photographer / Reuters)

The nine-day counterculture festival, now in its 31st year, prominently features effigy burning among its traditions, culminating in the burning of the Man on Saturday and the Temple on Sunday.

In response to the incident, festival organizers canceled scheduled burns through noon on Sunday, but continued on with the Temple burn Sunday night.

Were aware this incident has affected not only those who responded immediately on the scene, but also those who witnessed it, and our Black Rock City community more broadly, the organizers said in a statement. They encouraged those who needed support in the wake of the tragedy to seek it out.

The AP estimated that more than 70,000 people attended this years festival, which ends Monday.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Phnom Penh (AFP) - A Cambodian court on Tuesday charged opposition leader Kem Sokha with treason and espionage over an alleged conspiracy with unnamed foreigners, as strongman premier Hun Sen intensifies his assault on his political enemies.

Opponents of Hun Sen, as well as NGOs and the critical press, have increasingly been smothered by court cases and threats before a crucial general election next year.

Kem Sokha, 64, a veteran opposition politician who has formally led the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) since March, is accused of conniving in a "secret plan" with foreign entities which began in 1993, according to a court statement.

It said evidence of a conspiracy was substantial enough to charge him under the penal code section for "treason and espionage", which carries up to 30 years in jail.

Kem Sokha was arrested early Sunday in a swoop by hundreds of security force members at his home in the Cambodian capital.

Hours later Hun Sen -- Asia's longest-serving leader -- accused the politician of being in cahoots with the United States.

"Behind his (Kem Sokha's) hand it is still the same, it is America," he said, in a typically bombastic speech.

To back up his claims, Hun Sen cited a publicly available 2013 speech by the opposition politician given in Australia in which he said he had received US help to build a pro-democracy movement inside Cambodia.

A report on the speech featured on the pro-government Fresh News website shortly before the arrest.

Washington has yet to address the espionage allegation but the State Department said the charges against Kem Sokha "appear to be politically motivated".

It added that his arrest followed "a number of troubling recent steps" against civil society and the free media that threatened to undermine the credibility of next year's elections.

UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said he was "seriously concerned" by the arrest, adding it "appears to have been carried out with no respect for due process guarantees, including respect for his parliamentary immunity".

Story continues

- Electoral challenge -

Kem Sokha's surprise detention raises the political temperature in Cambodia.

The CNRP had been widely tipped to perform strongly in the 2018 polls, buoyed by the youth vote in a country where many are tired of rampant corruption, inequality and the dwindling respect for human rights.

In February the CNRP's then-leader Sam Rainsy stepped down after a fresh welter of legal cases against him threatened the party with a ban from politics.

He already lives in France to avoid convictions in Cambodia, which he says are politically motivated.

Kem Sokha later took the helm of the party, but has been buffeted by allegations and threats driven by Hun Sen and backed up by the kingdom's notoriously pliant courts.

On Monday a re-tweet on Kem Sokha's official Twitter feed read: "I may lose my freedom, but may freedom never die in Cambodia."

"The defence team and Kem Sokha cannot accept the charge because it is incorrect," defence lawyer Sam Sokong told AFP, adding his client had been taken to pre-trial detention at a prison near the eastern border with Vietnam.

Analysts say Hun Sen is determined to extend his three-decade rule and withstand the burgeoning popularity of the CNRP, muffling critics in the media and civil society.

On Monday The Cambodia Daily, one of the last independent newspapers in the kingdom, was shuttered by a tax claim which it says is trumped up to muzzle its critical reporting.

Crackdowns on opposition politicians by the premier are routine before elections but the recent series of charges is unprecedented.

"It seems like all the old rules are out the window," said Sebastian Strangio, an expert on Cambodian politics, adding Hun Sen's stranglehold on the kingdom is stronger than ever.

"Deprived of its leader, and harried by government repression, the CNRP will struggle to mount an effective campaign at next year's election."

Hun Sen, a firebrand former Khmer Rouge fighter turned premier, sells himself as the only man who can bind Cambodia together after dragging it from the ashes of civil war and bringing impressive economic growth in the last decade.

That argument has traction among many Cambodians, particularly the older generation who remember the fanatical Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s which left nearly a quarter of the population dead.
Beijing (AFP) - China said on Monday it had lodged an official protest with its ally North Korea following Pyongyang's largest-ever nuclear weapons test.

The massive explosion, which Pyongyang claimed was a miniaturised hydrogen bomb, has put the region on edge and raised questions about how Beijing will respond to its neighbour's latest provocation.

China "launched stern representations with the person in charge of the DPRK embassy in China", foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing, using an acronym for the North's official name.

"China opposes the DPRK in carrying out nuclear missile development and we are committed to denuclearisation of the peninsula. This position is well-known and the DPRK also knows this position perfectly well," he said.

"The DPRK must be very clear about that, so we hope all parties -- especially the DPRK side -- could exercise restraint and refrain from further escalating the tensions."

Geng did not say whether Beijing, which has long been hesitant to put excessive economic pressure on Pyongyang, would support further sanctions on the regime.

North Korea's announcement of Sunday's test brought strong condemnation from the international community.

The blast was five times larger than the last test a year ago, according to South Korea, and could be felt in Chinese cities hundreds of kilometres from the North's border.

Beijing is Pyongyang's only significant ally and crucial trade partner. It is considered a critical player in efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its weapons programmes.

It has expressed strong condemnation of Sunday's test, carried out hours before Chinese president Xi Jinping was set to deliver a major speech at a gathering of BRICS nations in southern China.

The US has pushed China to take a tougher stance on North Korea.

On Sunday US President Donald Trump tweeted that he was "considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea".

Story continues

Geng bristled at the suggestion.

"What is definitely unacceptable to us is that on the one hand we work so hard to peacefully resolve this issue, and on the other hand our interests are sanctioned and jeopardised," he said.

"This should not be the case and this is not fair."
China on Monday again urged diplomatic talks to address the crisis with North Korea and warned at the UN Security Council that it will not allow chaos and war on the Korean peninsula.

"The situation on the peninsula is deteriorating constantly as we speak, falling into a vicious circle," said Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi.

"The peninsula issue must be resolved peacefully. China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula."

His appeal was echoed by Russia, which said that diplomatic negotiations were the only way to settle the crisis over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said there was "an urgent need to maintain a cool head and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions."

Russia backs China's proposal for a freeze on North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korea military drills.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley however rejected the proposal as "insulting" and said it was time to ratchet up the pressure on North Korea by enacting the "strongest possible measures."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she declared.

Russia and China did not specify whether they would support additional sanctions on North Korea.

The United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea requested the urgent meeting after North Korea detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

South Korea's defense ministry warned Monday that Pyongyang may be preparing another missile launch after two tests in July of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought the US mainland into range.
By Ben Blanchard and Philip Wen

BEIJING (Reuters) - North Korea's latest nuclear test is likely to pile more pressure on China to take tough action against its neighbor, but Beijing already doubts economic sanctions will work and says it is not its sole responsibility to rein in Pyongyang.

China has lambasted the West and its allies over recent weeks for promoting the "China responsibility theory" for North Korea, and been upset by Seoul and Washington's own military drills that Beijing says have done nothing to cool tensions.

"The United States has to play its own role and should not be blindly putting pressure on China to try and squeeze North Korea," said Ruan Zongze, a former Chinese diplomat now with the China Institute of International Studies, a think-tank affiliated with the Foreign Ministry.

While the seriousness of Sunday's nuclear test means China will likely support tough new action, including possibly cutting off oil supplies, China will make clear others need to step up too, Ruan added.

Over the past week, China's foreign ministry has repeatedly hit back at calls from Western countries and Japan for China for to do more to rein in North Korea, saying that pushing for dialogue was an equally integral part of the U.N. resolutions, and that escalating sanctions alone had been evidently ineffective.

"On the one hand, sanctions have continued to be put in place via resolutions and on the other hand North Korea's nuclear and missile launch process is still continuing," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said last week.

The Global Times, a state-run newspaper, also attacked British and Australian leaders for calling on China to do more, especially Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's suggestion that China should cut off oil supplies to North Korea.

The tone in which China has pushed back has had some Western diplomats raising questions over the extent to which Beijing would be willing to stomach further sanctions, before it argues that they could destabilize the Kim Jong Un regime.

Story continues

China's big fear has always been that cutting North Korea off completely could lead to its collapse, unleashing a wave of refugees into China's rustbelt provinces in the northeast.

One Beijing-based Western diplomat, speaking late last week before the nuclear test, said China had cooperated with the United States on sanctions to a certain degree, in order not to give Washington a pretext for a military strike.

"But they won't go far enough to have an impact on North Korea's determination to become a nuclear power," the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

"WRONG ACTIONS"

China has not publicly said it will back new sanctions. A brief Foreign Ministry statement on Sunday condemned the test and urged North Korea to stop its "wrong actions" and return to talks.

Zhang Liangui, a North Korea expert at the Central Party School, which trains rising officials, however said Pyongyang had made repeatedly clear that it would not give up its nuclear weapons program and that while sanctions were unlikely to prove useful, the chances of resolving the Korean peninsula crisis through talks were also "miniscule, if not already non-existent".

The Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, wrote in April that Chinese people would approve of far tougher action, including restricting oil exports, if North Korean provocations continued.

China, which supplies most of North Korea's crude, no longer reports its oil shipments to the country, but according to South Korean data supplies it with roughly 500,000 tonnes of crude oil annually. It also exports over 200,000 tonnes of oil products, according to U.N. data.

The timing of the nuclear test overshadowed the start of a summit of the BRICS group of nations in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen, coming just hours ahead of a keynote speech by President Xi Jinping.

Xi himself did not mention North Korea during a 45-minute speech, while Chinese state media gave top billing to him and the summit, with the nuclear test receiving only passing mention.

To be sure, China has a lot to gain by stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile tests, and China says it is committed to the U.N. sanctions already in force.

North Korea is an unpopular country with ordinary Chinese, though there is still a residual feeling of loyalty to Pyongyang in the military owing to shared sacrifices in the 1950-53 Korean War, diplomats and sources with ties to the military say.

Ruan, the former diplomat, said quick action was needed to address the problem as both North Korea and the United States were stepping up their war of words and appeared to be goading each other towards armed conflict.

"You certainly can't rule out the possibility that weapons will be used," he said.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Philip Wen; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Project Runway alum  and Season 14 winner  Ashley Nell Tipton always knew she wanted to be a designer, but before she found herself cast on the long-running fashion design reality show, she wasnt sure what realm of the fashion world would be the best fit for her.

I originally thought I would be going into wedding dresses, she tells Yahoo Style. I wanted to create gowns, especially for weddings. I liked the idea of dealing with just one color, and within that, you could design whatever you want.

Before she took the plunge into bridal designing, she decided to challenge herself by creating a plus-size ready-to-wear collection. After she designed her first collection, she posted images of it on social media  and the responses, she says, were phenomenal.

Ashley Nell Tipton (Photo courtesy Ashley Nell Tipton]

I saw how much I struggled finding clothing that fit me and my personality, she says. The response to her collection proved that she wasnt alone.

There was just not enough effort put into this industry, so it motivated me to keep going, seeing how much need there was and knowing how much passion I had.

At the time, I didnt see myself as the solution to addressing the fashion industrys difficulty meeting the needs of curvy customers, Tipton says. After all, she adds, Whos going to believe me, this kid from San Diego? I didnt come from a fashion capital; I just knew what I liked and what I didnt like, and was working retail at a plus-size clothing store.

While working there, she says, she saw men and women struggle to try to find something to wear and to feel comfortable in. I noticed how much we were settling, and how disappointing it is to settle for less. We buy things that we know arent going to work for us, and have this reaction when we go to the fitting room of setting ourselves up for failure because theres nothing out there for us.

Ashley Nell Tipton (Photo courtesy Ashley Nell Tipton)

And then the chance to apply for Project Runway came up.

At the time, Tipton says, she was in a really difficult place. She was living with her sister, running her pluz-size design collection out of her garage, working two retail jobs to make ends meet, and dealing with the death of her grandmother  the woman who first taught Tipton to sew, and who she describes as her best friend.

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Two days after her grandmother passed away, Tipton received an email about applying for the show.

I just sat there with that email and read it over a bunch of times, and hearing the prizes I could potentially win sounded so amazing but something that felt so far away. It was something I could never expect, because I thought I didnt have what it took, she recalls.

Tiptons cousin, who was working with her as her fabric cutter at the time, insisted she apply.

She knew reading and writing were big challenges for me because I am dyslexic, so she said she would help me with filling out the application. She told me, You know your grandma would love this  you have to apply.'

Tonight's glam A post shared by Ashley Nell Tipton (@ashleynelltipton) on Sep 2, 2017 at 8:08pm PDT

So apply she did  and within a month she received notice that she had a callback. Shortly thereafter, she learned that she had been cast.

At that point, Tipton says, It was really difficult trying to process, What are people going to think about me because I am on TV? I am a plus-size women of color and I have purple hair, and is this going to be accepted? Are people going to rip me apart? I couldnt get my mind to wrap around the idea that I was going to be on TV. So I was just naive about it and just let it be.

Tipton says her plan was to approach the show with humility and gratitude. When she won it all, she says, she was in complete shock.

I had to constantly remind myself  you got on the show even though you were terrified to even apply, and then you went on and did it and you put everything into every challenge, and you survived and you did it. You put everything on the line and you did it. It was the best feeling to come out with a win when I went in not expecting anything, Tipton says. And it was also very powerful to be a plus-size person and being acknowledged for your talent.

Loving my time in NYC this week! This was the perfect time to step out of my comfort zone and try out this bodycon dress from @fashionnova used code XOXOASHLEYXOXO at the check out A post shared by Ashley Nell Tipton (@ashleynelltipton) on Aug 23, 2017 at 5:50pm PDT

Even after winning, Tipton says, she worried about how the media would respond to her as a plus-size woman designing for other plus-size women.

It could be like, Wow  this plus-size designer won with a plus-size collection! or would people just say I was this woman who put plus-size women in, in their words, unflattering clothing, she shares. Its a constant battle being a plus-size designer. There are a lot of people in the fashion industry who could give two sh***s about what I do or think I should change how I design because they think its unflattering  and those are exactly the people Im trying to tell that none of this matters. We have to give clothing to the [plus-size] community and give them options. Let us show you what a plus-size person can do when there is clothing available for them to wear. We are stylish. But if you give us nothing, we have nothing to play off of.

Tipton says she still has to constantly reminder herself to not care what others think  and not stop doing her work because of the opinions of others.

I want to wear things that make me feel good. Im not trying to get approval from anyone else. No ones approval matters to me  what matters is making myself happy for myself and no one else. And if I look good to someone else, I hope they take me as inspiration or whatever they want. But I know now that always trying to get approval from other people is a full-time job and I no longer want that job, she says.

The job she does have now, however, is being a major influencer in the fashion world and in the curvy community.

I have to remind myself I am just one person  and I was blessed with this success, and have to handle it in a way that I am going to enjoy it, she said. And I want to continue in it and I want to leverage it. I want to be doing this for years. I want to help make myself happy.

How she does that, Tipton says, is also the best part of being an influencer: I can just be myself, and this community just eats it up. All the things I think I am so insecure about myself  its the complete opposite. It continues to show me that I need to be myself more because people appreciate the authentic part of me. And I love being myself, and I dont want to have to pretend to be someone I am not.

@fashionnovacurve use my code XOXOASHLEYXOXO to save 15% off when checking out online #novababe A post shared by Ashley Nell Tipton (@ashleynelltipton) on Aug 4, 2017 at 3:12pm PDT

The hardest part of the responsibility of wielding so much influence, though, is teaching other people to love themselves the right way, she said.

Tipton explains that she thinks that a lot of people believe that body acceptance and body positivity are just about exposing your body and saying, Im OK being in front of a camera naked. And thats not the kind of body positivity I am about.

Rather, she says, Its a mental thing of knowing that there is nothing wrong with you. And if someone calls you fat, its nothing. Its just a word. Guess what? I am fat. That word does no harm to me. And that word, fat, doesnt mean something bad. Why do we have this ugly idea that fat is ugly? Thats just peoples opinion. There is no right way to be beautiful.

And this is why, Tipton says, at this years CurvyCon shell be speaking about everything she has learned over the past two years since winning Project Runway and gaining international success. Most notably, shell talk about not looking to other people for approval.

She says shell also be sharing the exact same advice she wishes she could give her 16-year-old self: Nobodys perfect  theres no such thing as perfect. So accept yourself for who you are and what you look like, and love every part of that.

theCURVYcon will take place on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 and will be live streamed exclusively on Yahoo Style.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:
The Trump administration is reportedly poised to announce that it will end protections for young immigrants - AP

The Trump administration is reportedly poised to announce that it will end protections for young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, but with a six-month delay.

The delay in the formal dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA programme, would be intended to give Congress time to decide whether it wants to address the status of the so-called Dreamers legislation.

It was unclear exactly what would happen if Congress failed to pass a measure by the considered deadline.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions will announce plans for ending the programme at 11 am on Tuesday, the Justice Department said.

Here is everything you need to know about the programme.

What is Daca and who are Dreamers?

DACA is a policy created by former President Barack Obama that protects nearly 800,000 young people, often called "Dreamers," from deportation and allows them to work legally.

Those 800,000 immigrants, who were brought to the US illegally as children, have received renewable, two-year work permits under DACA and are protected from deportation. Recipients have to undergo a background check and certify that they had not been convicted of any serious crimes.

Before the policy, the Dreamers were raised as Americans but worked illegally and lived under threat of deportation to home countries they barely knew.

Ilka Eren, 25, came to the United States from Turkey with her parents more than 15 years ago and lives in the country without legal authorisation Credit: Reuters

Under the shift Donald Trump is said to be considering, any Dreamer with a valid work permit would be able to remain in the United States until the permit expires, in the absence of congressional action.

At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security would not target Dreamers for deportation.

Dreamers are a fraction of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, most of them Hispanic. Mr Trump as a candidate promised to deport all of them, but many Americans have rallied to support the young adults, who have spent large parts of their lives in the United States.

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The Obama administration created the DACA programme in 2012 as a stopgap as they pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress.

Who opposes the policy?

Many Republicans say they opposed the program on the grounds that it was executive overreach and immigration hard-liners within the party have pressured the president to scrap the programme.

Congressman Steve King, an Iowa Republican who believes that DACA is unconstitutional, warned that pushing the decision to Congress would be a big mistake.

"That would cause a great big civil war among the Republicans," he said last week. "We've got enough of never-Trumpers in Congress that are undermining the president's agenda."

"Ending DACA now gives chance 2 restore Rule of Law. Delaying so R Leadership can push Amnesty is Republican suicide," he added on Twitter late Sunday night.

Amnesty  comprehensive, or piecemeal for specific subgroups of illegal aliens  is not immigration reform #EndDACApic.twitter.com/m8LJzgwK82  FAIR (@FAIRImmigration) September 3, 2017

Groups that support stricter immigration enforcement say that eliminating the programme would bring benefits.

The end of DACA would result in much-welcomed job openings for American college graduates and other American workers who are either unemployed or underemployed and feel completely locked out of the workforce and blocked from achieving their American dream, said Dave Ray, communications director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which favours reduced immigration.

Attorneys general in 10 states threatened a legal challenge if the programme continued beyond September 5, creating a political deadline for Mr Trump to make a decision on DACA.

How has Congress tackled the issue?

Legislation to legalise the so-called Dreamers has been lingering in Congress for years, with a handful of bills currently pending in the House and Senate.

The one that has received the most attention, introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin, would grant permanent legal status to more than 1 million young people who arrived in the United States before they turned 18, passed security checks and met other criteria, including enrolling in college, joining the military or finding jobs.

It's unclear, however, whether the president would throw his support behind that or any other existing legislation. He could encourage the writing of a new bill - tied, perhaps, to funding for his promised border wall or other concessions like a reduction in legal immigration levels.

But it's unclear how much political capital the president would want to put on the line given his base's strong opposition to illegal immigration, his campaign rhetoric blasting DACA as illegal "amnesty" and his reluctance to campaign hard for other priorities, like health care overhaul.

Who supports the Dreamers?

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans believe that immigrants protected from deportation by DACA should be allowed to remain in the US.

Many business leaders have urged the president to keep DACA protections in place, including the heads of tech giants Microsoft , Apple and Facebook.

They have generally cited a potential hit to the economy if the programme were to end, although there is scant government data on Dreamers as a distinct economic group.

Still, with the US economy at close to full employment, ending DACA would bring a net loss in productivity, said Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis who studies immigration.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in a joint statement with the state's attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, said, "The president's action would upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people who have only ever called America their home."

New York will not demonize diversity.



We will not stand by as 42,000 NYers are deported.



If President Trump rescinds #DACA, we will sue.  Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 4, 2017

The attorney general of Washington state, Bob Ferguson, also threatened legal action. "I will use all the legal tools at my disposal to defend the thousands of Dreamers in Washington state," he said in a statement.

What has Trump said about Dreamers?

In the past, Mr Trump has sometimes seemed supportive of the programme. At other times he blasted it.

In February, he said: "We're gonna show great heart, DACA is a very, very difficult subject for me, I will tell you. To me, it's one of the most difficult subjects I have because you have these incredible kids. In many cases, not in all cases. And some of the cases, having DACA and they're gang members and they're drug dealers, too. But you have some absolutely, incredible kids, I would say mostly... I find it very, very hard doing what the law says exactly to do and you know, the law is rough."

Shortly after the election in Noveber, he told Time Magazine: "Were going to work something out thats going to make people happy and proud.... They got brought here at a very young age, theyve worked here, theyve gone to school here. Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And theyre in never-never land because they dont know whats going to happen."

Here's how President Trump's statements on DACA have changed over time https://t.co/UxXe4ldwxC  CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) September 4, 2017

During the campaign, in February last year, he said in Hanahan, South Carolina: "Wait, you mentioned dreamers. I want dreamers to come from the United States. I want the people in the United States that have children, I want them to have dreams also. We're always talking about dreamers for other people. I want the children that are growing up in the United States to be dreamers also. They're not dreaming right now."

In August, 2015, he told NBCs Meet the Press: "We're going to keep the families together. We have to keep the families together...But they have to go...We will work with them. They have to go. Chuck, we either have a country, or we don't have a country. Either we have a country or not."
Here is everything you need to know about the program that gives temporary protection to undocumented migrants who arrived in the US as children

Loyola Marymount University student and Dreamer Maria Carolina Gomez joins a rally in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as Daca. Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP

The Trump administration announced last week that it planned to scrap Daca, the program that gives temporary protection to undocumented migrants who arrived in the US as children.

Attorney general Jeff Sessions said the US would end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in March 2018, throwing almost 800,000 people into turmoil and fear. Congress was given up to six months to find a legislative alternative, after Sessions announced that new applications would no longer be accepted.

There has been a determined Democratic pushback: on Wednesday night, party leaders in Congress said they had agreed with Donald Trump to protect such people, known as Dreamers, via legislation and increased spending on border security. The status of that deal was contested on Thursday morning, but Trump told reporters: Were working on a plan for Daca.

So what is Daca, who are the people affected and what will happen to them?

What is Daca?

Daca is a federal government program created in 2012 under Barack Obama to allow people brought to the US illegally as children the temporary right to live, study and work in America. Those applying are vetted for any criminal history or threat to national security and must be students or have completed school or military service. If they pass vetting, action to deport them is deferred for two years, with a chance to renew, and they become eligible for basics like a driving license, college enrollment or a work permit.

Who are the Dreamers?

Those protected under Daca are known as Dreamers  by the time Trump announced his decision to rescind the program, 787,580 had been granted approval. To apply, they must have been younger than 31 on 15 June 2012, when the program began, and undocumented, lacking legal immigration status. They must have arrived in the US before turning 16 and lived there continuously since June 2007. Most Dreamers are from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and the largest numbers live in California, Texas, Florida and New York. They range in age from 15 to 36, according to the White House.

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Why are they called Dreamers?

The Daca program was a compromise devised by the Obama administration after Congress failed to pass the so-called Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (Dream) Act, which would have offered those who had arrived illegally as children the chance of permanent legal residency. The bipartisan act was introduced in 2001 and has repeatedly failed to pass.

A protest against the plan to end Daca in Los Angeles, California . Photograph: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

What did Trump announce?

During last years divisive election, Trump promised to rip up Daca immediately and make the deportation of the USs estimated 11 million undocumented persons a top priority, along with his threats to ban all Muslims from entering the US and to build a wall along the border with Mexico. He has not yet successfully executed any of these threats.

The administration announced last week that it would begin an orderly, lawful wind down of Daca, including the cancellation of the memo that authorized this program, which was sent from homeland security secretary Janet Napolitano to immigration chiefs in 2012, telling them not to enforce deportation of Dreamers. Trump gave Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution. Because Obama created the Daca program as an executive policy decision, Trump had the power simply to reverse the policy. He indicated that the government will generally not take actions to remove law-abiding Daca recipients.

What will happen to the Dreamers?

Under the Trump administration, new applications under Daca will no longer be accepted. For those currently in the program, their legal status and other Daca-related permits (such as to work and attend college) will begin expiring in March 2018  unless Congress passes legislation allowing a new channel for temporary or permanent legal immigration status  and Dreamers will all lose their status by March 2020.

Technically, as their statuses lapse they could be deported and sent back to countries many have no familiarity with. It is still unclear whether this would happen. Fear had been rising in the run-up to last weeks announcement. Those with work permits expiring between 5 September 2017 and 5 March 2018 will be allowed to apply for renewal by 5 October.

What has Trump said about Dreamers?

On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump said his administration would immediately terminate President Obamas two illegal executive amnesties, by which he meant Daca and another order protecting some parents of children in the US, where the children had legal status but the parents were illegal immigrants. Trump did scrap the second program, which was blocked in the courts anyway.

In a speech in August 2016, in North Carolina, when talking about poverty and the elusiveness of the so-called American dream for many US citizens, Trump indirectly criticized Daca and its beneficieries, saying: We want our children to be Dreamers, too. After becoming president, Trump said he wanted to work something out for Dreamers. We dont want to hurt those kids, he said. We love the Dreamers. On the day the end of Daca was announced, he said: I have advised the department of homeland security that Daca recipients are not enforcement priorities unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang.

Why were Republican state attorneys general suing Trump over Daca?

After watching Trump fail to issue an executive order rescinding Daca upon taking office, and publicly dither over the Dreamers, anti-immigration Republican state leaders decided to force his hand. Many in Trumps hardline conservative base argue that Daca is unconstitutional and Dreamers are illegal and threaten American jobs and culture. Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, sent a letter to Sessions (who opposes Daca) in June, threatening to add Daca to another anti-immigration lawsuit already under way against the federal government unless it cancels the program by 5 September.

That letter was also signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Tennessee then reversed course to support Daca and finding a permanent legislative solution for those in immigration legal limbo.

Which states announced plans to sue Trump over his decision to rescind Daca?

After Sessions announced the decision to rescind Daca, 15 states and Washington DC announced a lawsuit of their own against the administration. Announcing the suit in Seattle, Washington state attorney general Bob Ferguson said Trumps decision to end Daca was cruel and unlawful and added: Its outrageous and Im not going to put up with it. Its not right.

The states in the suit are: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

California subsequently announced its own suit.

Who supports Daca?

In addition to immigration advocates and most Democratic politicians, a majority of national politicians in the Republican party reportedly did not want Trump to scrap Daca, including such prominent figures as House speaker Paul Ryan and Arizona senator John McCain. A prominent group of evangelical leaders wrote to Trump last month telling him that Dreamers are leading in our churches and our communities.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday that the Trump administration will dismantle the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which has provided a temporary shield from deportation for nearly 800,000 undocumented young people who were brought to the United States by their parents as young children.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) supporters protest in Phoenix shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement of the programs suspension, Sept. 5, 2017. (Photo: Matt York/AP)

Despite now being at greater risk for deportation, DACA recipients from around the country have taken to social media  and to the streets  to speak out against the controversial move.

I am a 26 year old, junior, pre-med student of Oakwood University and a Dreamer. My home is the USA. #DACA #DefendDACA  tonini (@Toni_Ni23) September 5, 2017

Im a dreamer and I have my own business since 2010 and I have pay over 20k on taxes, and I have been working since I was 15 #DACA #DREAMers  Miguel Ruiz (@sodasterico) September 5, 2017

I am a DACA recipient, this is my life on the line. I know nothing else but Texas. I have nothing else anywhere. #DefendDACA  Luis (@relixs_) September 4, 2017

I am a #DACA recipient. I help provide reliable healtchare for over 1,500 people in my community. pic.twitter.com/pwwROmr9rz  Vincent van Sam (@SenseOmSamy) September 5, 2017

I am a Dreamer. I am a DACA recipient. I will continue to fight until I no longer can. I will fight for my people. My family. #DefendDACA  Dinora (@Dinoraorozco15) September 5, 2017

I am a #DACA recipient and have created a life with goals here and not even this will stop me from being who i want to be  #Dreamers  AyythatGoReality (@AyThatGoReality) September 5, 2017

He is not going to destroy my dreams, we will fight for them under whatever the circumstance is, I am proud to say I am a DACA recipient!  Jose R (@joserobles321) September 5, 2017

All I want is to be part of this country, I am a #DACA recipient, my heart hurts right now. I love this country as much as I love my roots  UBCR (@_UBCR) September 5, 2017

The thought that you would be STRIPPED of your DACA status is not just traumatizing, its dehumanizing and exhausting, undocumented activist and DACA recipient Juan Escalante wrote in a thread of tweets explaining what it feels like to be a dreamer at this particular point in time.

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Beyond social media, the decision also prompted several protests around the country, including outside the White House, Trump Tower in New York and ICE offices in Phoenix.

The scene a block from Trump Tower in New York, where protesters are blocking traffic following the DACA decision pic.twitter.com/4359JeQ7En  Cora Lewis (@cora) September 5, 2017

March in protest of DACA decision starting at White House. They plan to go to Trump Hotel, Justice Department, ICE HQ. pic.twitter.com/HzYdF9Ujtt  Tom Roussey (@tomrousseyABC7) September 5, 2017

It is our duty to fight for freedom! It is our duty to win! Visit: https://t.co/lXSFL6Abre to take action now!#HeretoStay pic.twitter.com/Eo3tEpucTW  Nestor E. Ruiz (@_NestorRuiz) September 5, 2017



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Protesters at a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme in Los Angeles, California on 1 September 2017: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

New York state authorities have threatened to sue Donald Trump if he ends the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which is intended to protect those brought into the US illegally while they were minors from deportation.

There are approximately 800,000 people - so-called 'Dreamers' - who have benefited from DACA in the US since its beginning in 2012 under the Obama administration.

The programme allows Dreamers to obtain work permits as well.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement that if the President ends the programme it would be "cruel, gratuitous, and devastating to tens of thousands of New Yorkersand I will sue to protect them."

Dreamers are Americans in every way. They played by the rules. They pay their taxes. And they've earned the right to stay in the only home they have ever known," he noted.

Mr Schneiderman is also working with Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller to assist in the ongoing investigation of alleged ties between the Trump campaign team and Russian officials as it concerns possible crimes in New York state.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said ending DACA would be "an assault on the values that built [New York] and this nation."

"We have both a legal and moral obligation to make sure that the laws are faithfully executed without discrimination or animus, Mr Cuomo said.

Politico reported that the President plans to end DACA but implement a six-month window in which Congress would have time to come up with a suitable alternative.

In the meantime, Dreamers are in legal limbo and those hoping to enter the DACA programme may not due to mistrust of or lack of clarity on the policies of the Trump administration.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates that the number of people eligible for DACA is nearly 1.9 million, out of approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US.

Potential participants had to be brought into the US before 15 June 2007 and have been brought in before the age of 16.

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Critics have said rescinding protection from Dreamers does not make economic sense either, especially with Mr Trump's 'America First' doctrine towards American jobs and manufacturing.

Approximately 90 per cent of current DACA recipients are employed according to a survey by the Center for American Progress, with an average wage of $17.46 (13.50) per hour.

These employed DACA recipients also pay federal and state taxes where applicable, as well as regular payments into the country's social security programme.

Approximately 72 per cent of Dreamers are enrolled in higher education institutions as well.

With the potential loss of 700,000 American workers - many with higher education - the US may lose up to $460 billion in revenue.

While many of the Dreamers are from Mexico and Central America, there are those minors who have lapsed visas entered illegally from all over the world who are also eligible to become Dreamers.

Governors of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Virginia have also expressed public disapproval of Mr Trump's ending of the programme.

Attorneys General, state government leaders, and members of Congress from several other states like Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas have also opposed Mr Trump in the matter.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks during a news briefing at the White House in Washington. Mnuchin is calling on Congress to combine a $7.9 billion disaster relief package for Hurricane Harvey with a contentious increase in the nations debt limit. (AP)

The U.S. is up against its debt ceiling, with $19.847 trillion in debt securities issued. At the same time, funding for the government expires on Oct. 1, and if President Donald Trump and Congress cant reach a deal, the government will face a shutdown.

While affecting millions, a shutdown isnt necessarily as worrisome to many as the shadow of uncertainty surrounding the governments ability to pay its debts. The U.S. has almost never defaulted on its debt, only doing so during the War of 1812 and perhaps by accident in 1979.

Failing to increase the debt limit would have catastrophic economic consequences, the Treasury website notes. It would cause the government to default on its legal obligations  an unprecedented event in American history.

If theres good news, its that the Federal Reserves Federal Open Market Committee transcripts from past debt-ceiling discussions suggest that debt would likely be prioritized. This means some programs would get funding while some wont. Medicare and Social Security, in particular, could take a back seat. Prioritization of debt is a double edged sword.

If theres no deal, vice chairman William Dudley said on an Aug. 1, 2011 call, Id think that how this would evolve would be that the Treasury would commit to pay principal and interest, and other payments would soon be delayed as the Treasury ran out of cash.

Ive spoken to investors who are comforted by FOMC transcripts from 2011 that discussed prioritization of debt payments in order to avoid default. I am not, wrote Morgan Stanley strategist Andrew Sheets in a recent research note. [This] prioritization would require delaying payments to programs like Social Security and Medicare, with real human and economic cost.

In his comments at the time, Dudley noted that this prioritization  in other words, putting principal and interest ahead of payments to Social Security and Medicare, to the troops, et cetera  might not prove to be sustainable politically. Clearly, the real human and economic cost Sheets notes would be nothing if not explosive.

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Sheets also expressed concern that this reduces the urgency of what remains a serious issue. Having navigated debt crises before in 2011 and 2013, most recently, the market and financial systems may be complacent over the previous results of deal-making.

Congress has always acted when called upon to raise the debt limit, the Federal Reserves website says. Since 1960, Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit  49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents.

But despite history, the Trump moniker The king of debt, and a book called The Art of the Deal, the presidents divisiveness and alienation of Congress may put the country on new ground, where payments to social programs are deferred.

According to Sheets, While the mechanics of this prioritization may work, it is untested in a live environment.

Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Got a tip? Send to: emann@oath.com.

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Beirut (AFP) - Government forces and allied fighters are rapidly approaching the city of Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria, aiming to oust the Islamic State jihadist group and break a years-long siege.

- City under siege and divided -

Deir Ezzor city is the capital of an oil-rich province of the same name that borders Iraq.

After Syria's uprising broke out in 2011 with anti-government protests, rebel groups and jihadists seized parts of the province and its capital.

But in 2014, as the Islamic State group rampaged across swathes of Syria and Iraq, it seized the territory held by opposition and rival jihadist forces in the province and gradually encircled the city.

By January 2015, the jihadist group held parts of the city and had besieged government forces and civilians in the rest of it, along with a key military airport and base on its outskirts.

Syria forces have managed to cling on to parts of the city despite regular IS attack.

Along with ally Russia, they have regularly carried out air strikes on IS-held rural areas and the surrounding province, but the jihadists were still able to seize more territory in January.

Their advance cut the government-held parts of the city in two, with a southern section by the military airport now cut off from a northern sector.

Government forces hold the military airport and several adjacent southern neighbourhoods, along with part of the north of the city and the Brigade 137 base just outside it.

But areas are all circled by IS-held territory, with the jihadist group holding around half of the city, including several central neighbourhoods, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

- Humanitarian concerns -

Estimates of the number of people living in Deir Ezzor city vary, but all agree the population has shrunk dramatically from its pre-war figure of 300,000.

The United Nations said earlier this year over 90,000 people remained in areas under government control.

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The Observatory puts the figure at around 150,000 and says over 10,000 people remain in IS-held parts of the city.

Experts say around 7,000 Syrian soldiers are also trapped inside.

The siege has created dire humanitarian conditions, with shortages of food, soaring prices and limited access to medicine and health care.

Syria's government has brought in supplies via military aircraft, but the process has been hampered by security concerns and damage to the military airport by IS fire.

The UN began air dropping aid into the city in April 2016, and it has staged dozens of deliveries of food and other humanitarian supplies.

But that route has also been fraught with difficulties, and the programme was briefly suspended after the IS advance in January during which the jihadists overran the aid dropzone.

Activists also report dire conditions in IS-held territory, particularly as Syria's army has neared, cutting supply routes.

Food and medical supplies have dwindled, and residents face water shortages and power cuts, one activist told AFP.

- Military advances on Deir Ezzor -

Syria's government has long sought to recapture Deir Ezzor and break the siege.

Restoring control of the broader province would also provide access to key oilfields and end the regime's dependence on imports.

After a string of victories achieved with Russian support and the implementation of several local ceasefires, the army has turned its attention to reaching Deir Ezzor.

Its offensive has unfolded on several fronts, including an approach from the west through the southern part of neighbouring Raqa province and another from central Homs province.

The campaign has seen the army recapture large stretches of territory in the Badia region, a desert area that spans several provinces, as well as key towns like Sukhna in Homs.

The army and allied fighters are now approaching Deir Ezzor city on four fronts, according to the Observatory.

At their nearest point they are just a handful of kilometres (miles) from Deir Ezzor city's western edge, battling to reach besieged forces inside the Brigade 137 base.

The advance comes amid speculation about a potential Deir Ezzor operation by US-backed forces that could seek to secure parts of the province to the east of the city.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland  Denmarks biggest company is selling off the countrys last oil firm as the worlds top wind turbine-producing nation transitions to renewable energy.

Last month, A.P. Moller-Maersk, the famed industrial and shipping conglomerate, agreed to sell its oil and gas division to French giant Total. Pending regulatory approval, the $7.45 billion deal is expected to close by next year, Bloomberg reported.

The move comes three months after Dong Energy, the Danish firm thats spearheading offshore wind development in the United States and across Europe, sold its oil and gas business to a German buyer for $1.3 billion.

The Nordic nation still needs revenues from its North Sea oil fields to fund its transition to clean energy, and Total promised to do so. But Denmark has pledged to completely wean itself off fossil fuels by 2050.

By selling to Total, we ensure a continued Danish stronghold in the North Sea based on Maersk Oils leading position within technology development and its track record as a lean, efficient and trusted partner, Claus V. Hemmingsen, Maersks vice chief executive, said in a statement. Importantly, Maersk Oil will remain close to its technology and innovation partners at the Danish technical institutions and in the oil and gas service industry to the benefit of all parties.

Scandinavian countries are taking aggressive steps to reduce carbon emissions from their electricity sectors, despite some nations long reliance on fossil fuel revenues. Sweden produced 57 percent of its power from renewables in 2015, and aims to bring that number to 100 percent by 2040. Norway, whose state-owned Statoil fuels a massive sovereign wealth fund, is investing heavily in offshore wind, including off the coast of New York. Iceland, a volcanic island with plentiful water resources, gets 100 percent of its energy from geothermal and hydropower.

Offshore wind is soaring in Europe and East Asia, though it has been slow to take off in the United States. (Photo: ALISSA SCHELLER / HUFFPOST)

Yet revenues from the North Sea oil help finance around 1 gigawatt of new offshore wind infrastructure each year, according to data from a recent deal in Norway cited by Bloomberg Intelligence. Thats equal to the power used by about 170,000 homes.

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Offshore wind is soaring in Europe. The industry will provide 17,575 megawatts worldwide this year, with 14,740 megawatts in Europe and 2,805 in Asia, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance data provided to HuffPost. But it has failed to take off in North America, where a meager 30 megawatts come from a tiny, five-turbine operation off the coast of Block Island.

The U.S. generates about 15 percent of its electricity from renewable energy, relying instead on natural gas and coal. Just 5.6 percent of that came from wind. Offshore wind, however, holds vast promise for the country. Wind blows so strongly and reliably off U.S. coasts that it could generate 4,223 gigawatts of electricity  four times the power thats currently produced by all sources in the country, according to a 2012 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

CLARIFICATION: The headline and some language in this article was updated to make clear that Maersk is a private company.

Related...

The Booming Wind Energy Industry Might Finally Break Its Massachusetts Hex

Pioneering Wind Farm Hopes To Clean Up The 'Deepwater' Name

North America Finally Has Its First Offshore Wind Farm

Donald Trump Is Once Again Trashing Wind Energy

Norways Top Oil Company Is Building A Huge Wind Farm Off New York's Jones Beach

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A husband has appeared in court for the first time since claiming he found his wife stabbed to death after he had taken too much cold medicine.

Read: Man Tells 911 He Woke From a Dream to Find Wife Stabbed in Their Bedroom: 'I Think I Did It'

In his 911 call, made Friday at about 1 a.m., Matthew Phelps said he had a dream, turned on the lights and found his wife was dead on the floor.

I have blood all over me and there's a bloody knife on the bed and I think I did it, the 29-year-old added.

Phelps is now charged with the murder of his 29-year-old wife, Lauren Ashley-Nicole Phelps.

When police arrived at their Raleigh, N.C., townhouse, they found her lifeless body had sustained multiple stab wounds. She was a Sunday school teacher and her husband was studying to be a pastor.

Her husband sounded out of it when he called 911. He blamed what had happened on his cold medicine.

I took more medicine than I should have, he said. I took Coricidin cough and cold because I know it can make you feel good, so... A lot of times I can't sleep at night.

Coricidin is over-the-counter cold medicine made for patients with high blood pressure.

Read: Arrest Made in 1999 Cold Case Murder of Prosecutor Found Dead in Bathtub

Inside Edition asked Dr. Roshini Raj about possible side effects if you take too much.

"This medicine does contain ingredients that could potentially cause delusions, hallucinations, agitations, euphoria, or even psychosis," she said.

The drug, which is made by Bayer, is available at most pharmacies.

"Bayer extends our deepest sympathies to this family," Bayer said in a statement. "Patient safety is our top priority, and we continually monitor adverse events regarding all of our products. There is no evidence to suggest that Coricidin is associated with violent behavior."

Watch: The Other 'Keepers': How a Priest Got Away With the Murder of a Nun for 2 Decades

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President Donald Trump talks with new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly: AP

Donald Trump has reportedly lashed out against his new chief of staff John Kelly following reports the pair were on a "collision course" due to tensions in the White House.

The US president gave the retired Marine Corps general a dressing down in an incident seen by a number of administration staff, it is claimed.

Mr Trump's temper is said to have flared after advisers suggested he should stop politicising normal issues of government following another blistering attack on the media at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona.

Sources told the New York Times that Mr Kelly, 67, reacted to the outburst calmly, but said he later told colleagues he had never been spoken to in such a way during 35 years of military service and would not put up with similar treatment again.

The veteran of army campaigns in Iraq and South America was appointed as the successor to Reince Priebus five weeks ago and has attempted to restore order during a period of instability in the White House.

On Friday Mr Trump seemingly downplayed reports of a rift between them by tweeting: "General John Kelly is doing a great job as Chief of Staff. I could not be happier or more impressed."

The New York billionaire is said have been frustrated by Mr Kelly's moves to limit the number of advisers who have unrestricted access to him - a policy which runs counter to Mr Trump's love of spontaneity and brashness.

General John Kelly is doing a great job as Chief of Staff. I could not be happier or more impressed - and this Administration continues to..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2017

Roger Stone, a longtime adviser to Mr Trump, said it was "inevitable" that he "was going to rebel against the latest manager who wanted to control him".

Ultimately Donald Trump is his own man, and hes going to resist all the control and regimented systems Kelly is trying to impose, he told the Times.

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Aides say Mr Trump admires Mr Kelly's credentials, respects his leadership and management skills, and praises him often, both in private meetings and at public events.

In a tax policy speech on Wednesday in Missouri, Trump singled out Mr Kelly's work to decrease the number of illegal border crossings when he was secretary of homeland security.

The pair travelled to meet survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Texas on Saturday following the devastating storm which killed more than 40 people, displaced more than one million and dumped as much as 50 inches (127 cm) of rain in some areas.

Sources close to Mr Trump have said he is simmering with displeasure over what he considers personal disloyalty from National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, who criticised his responses to a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on 12 August.

He is also said to have grown increasingly frustrated with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has clashed with the president on issues including Afghanistan troop levels, the blockade on Qatar and Cuba policy.
Sandra Lee  otherwise known as Dr. Pimple Popper  is almost certainly your guilty pleasure. [Photo: Getty]

Dr. Sandra Lee may not be a familiar name to most of you, but change that to Dr. Pimple Popper and sickeningly satisfying images of popped spots will almost certainly enter your head.

The dermatologist has become renowned for her popping videos that leave us simultaneously disgusted and yearning for more.

Showing everything from quick and easy blackhead removals to painful cysts, Dr. Pimple Popper has earned herself a pretty hefty YouTube following. Almost 3 million devotees, to be precise.

Aside from popping for a living, the California native has made it her mission to educate the world on all things skin care.

We caught up with her to find out how it feels to have started a viral sensation, why you shouldnt pop your pimples (sorry guys), and just how long she can keep up with the insatiable YouTube demand.

How I got into dermatology: Well, I officially became a dermatologist in 2003. My fathers one so I already knew quite a bit about it. In that sense, I was lucky because I dont think a lot of people know what a great medical specialty dermatology is. But it is one of the most competitive routes to go down in medicine. It wasnt easy but I made it.

I dont just pop pimples. I actually do a lot of surgeries like Mohs (micrographic surgery) which are skin cancer procedures. So I reconstruct faces as well as doing eye lifts and liposuction; a lot of cosmetic things. I also do soft cosmetics like Botox or fillers. Im not really a general dermatologist per se.

I thought people would like to see a window into my world. About three years ago, I started an Instagram account just because I knew that dermatology was very visual. People know what normal skin should look like. The first video got mild attention. But when I posted an extraction video, I noticed there was a jump. So I posted another and another. People were tagging their friends so I decided to put a full extraction film on YouTube.

Then I realized blackhead extractions were popular. At first, I thought what is this? Is this a thing? On Reddit, theres a whole subculture  a population of over 50,000 people  that share popping videos. Most of them are people in their garage or in their house just using paper towels. Theres beer cans lying around and no one uses gloves. So I thought I could be their queen. I have access to this stuff and I do it in a sterile clean way.

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Peoples fascination keeps me going. Its why I keep posting videos. I think this obsession has a lot to do with the fact it makes people happy and content. People feel like theres a release; like theyre getting rid of something. A lot of people say they watch my videos before they go to sleep to help decrease anxiety. Others find its like watching a scary movie where you have an endorphin rush. I even find that viewers with dermatillomania  a condition where they constantly pick their skin  find they have a tendency to stop picking as much.

FOCUS. get back to work! #drpimplepopper #popaholicsunite A post shared by Sandra Lee, MD Dermatology (@drpimplepopper) on Aug 29, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

I like to call myself a born age popaholic. Im not someone who tries to pin someone down if they have a big pimple. If I see a patient with a blackhead, I dont feel like I have to stop and extract it. But I do get excited when I see something that other people will be fascinated by. Theres a hypnotic quality to it too. I remember I was editing one of my first good blackhead extractions and I kept watching it over and over. You get sucked in.

Heres my biggest pimple popping tip. With blackheads, I use a comedone extractor and apply pressure around the outside. I can also use a punch biopsy tool which is like a little cookie cutter. Thats for when you want a deeper component of the skin. For larger growths, Ill do standard excisions with a blade. But dont worry, pretty much everything I do is under local anesthesia.

Its my duty to tell people theres a prime time to pop a pimple. Let me couch this by saying you should always see a dermatologist because you know theyre going to do it in a safe and sterile way. But the perfect time is when a pimple has come to the surface of the skin. When its turned into a whitehead. Essentially whats happening with a pimple is theres inflammation or bacteria involved, angering the skin and causing your body to create an immune reaction to fight it off. White blood cells go to the area and try to push the contents out. So it slowly starts to come to the surface. When that happens, take a sterile needle and nick the very surface of the skin.

Keep your hands off your skin. The less you traumatize the skin, the less chance you have of infection, of swelling, of permanent scarring. If you squeeze too early, youre probably going to get a much deeper, much angrier pimple.

I dont know how long Im going to last on YouTube. I feel like Im about to reach the end. At the moment, I post six days a week and film around three to seven cases each day. I have a problem with delegating but I need to let others help with editing the videos. Sometimes, its hard for me because I have a personal responsibility to my patients. I want to protect them. But Im trying to let go a little more because Im going to explode. Im going to pop.

Very few people say no to being filmed. 99.9 percent of my patients agree to it. Now, we get people seeking us out. People travel for hours just to visit me. That shows you the power of social media.

Dont feel like acne is your fault. Its a rite of passage for many of us because it happens primarily in our teenage years. A lot of it has to do with hormones and genetics. Yes, acne isnt going to threaten your life but it can threaten the development of your personality. There are a few things you can do to help. Dont pick at your acne. If you have light acne, use over-the-counter products. In fact, I came up with an acne line (SLMD Skincare) because Im trying to bridge the gap between seeing a dermatologist and being confused by all the stuff thats out there.

If you have severe acne, see a dermatologist. You can potentially get permanent scarring, and that has great mental effect. All the time, I see parents bringing in their children the moment they have one pimple. And you know its because they had really bad acne when they were younger. They have scarring. It just proves how much it can affect people.

Sun cream is so so important. The main problem is that a lot of people rely on sun cream in their makeup. And makeup isnt under the same rules and regulations, so a cosmetic product may not protect from all the different types of sun rays. People also dont apply it enough. You need to remember to reapply. Thats a really big thing because the sun can create so many issues for the skin. If you learn how to protect your skin really well, youll be miles ahead of the rest.

I believe in karma. Be nice to people, be nice to your patients, be nice to everybody, and good things will come to you. I have no secret pathway to getting to where I am. Dermatology is hard work. I didnt finish school until I was 33. If that already turns you off, then maybe its not for you. This is a long road.

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Alonso Guillen came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child. He died here, too: On Wednesday, he disappeared when his boat capsized while he was rescuing survivors of the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area.

Family members recovered his body on Sunday from a creek in Spring, Texas, according to The Houston Chronicle  just hours before reports emerged that President Donald Trump will end the program that shielded Guillen and others like him  so-called Dreamers  from deportation.

Guillen, a 31-year-old disc jockey who came to Texas from Mexico as a teenager, never became a U.S. citizen. But he had a work permit and protection from immediate deportation as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  DACA  that then-President Barack Obama established in 2012.

Last week, he headed south from his home in Lufkin, Texas, with a borrowed boat, insisting he wanted to help rescue flood survivors. His father, a legal permanent resident, wept on the sandy banks of Cypress Creek on Sunday as his sons body was pulled from the water, the Chronicle reported. Jesus Guillen recounted to the paper how he asked his son not to go on the rescue mission with two friends, and that he thanked God for the time he had with his son.

His mother, Rita Ruiz de Guillen, was contacted by Chronicle at her home in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Im asking God to give me strength, she said.

She also told the paper that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials denied her entry at the border, despite her pleas for a temporary visa to come to Texas for her sons burial.

On Monday, however, the customs and border agency said it had no record of Guillens mother applying for admission to the U.S. in 2017.

In a statement, the agency said it has offered to work with the Mexican Consulate and non-governmental agencies to allow her entry in order to attend her sons funeral.

The agency also offered its condolences to Alonso Guillens family.

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SuperMix 101.9 FM, where Alonso Guillen worked as a disc jockey under the name DJ Ocho, posted a photo to commemorate him on its Facebook page. (Photo: SuperMix 1019)

The boat that he and his two friends were in capsized when it hit a bridge around midnight Wednesday, according to the Chronicle. One of them was rescued after clinging to a tree but the other, Tomas Carreon Jr., also was lost to the flood waters. His body was discovered Friday.

The backstory to Alonso Guillens arrival in the U.S. is unclear. But the timing of his death spotlights the contributions he and other Dreamers have made to the U.S.

Trump reportedly will announce on Tuesday his decision to end the DACA program. His termination order wont be enforced for six months, according to the reports, which gives the White House or Congress time to craft an alternative to deporting the nearly 800,000 Dreamers. But that also creates little but uncertainty for those who, like Guillen, crafted lives for themselves in the U.S.

Many leading Republicans  including those committed to cracking down on illegal immigration  have been urging Trump not to end DACA. In a radio interview in Janesville, Wisconsin, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said there needs to be a legislative solution addressing the status of Dreamers. He said he counseled Trump not to end DACA in part because these are kids that know no other country.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) told The Washington Examiner Sunday evening he would support legalization for Dreamers if Congress also took action to toughen other parts of immigration policy. We ought to take care of the Dreamers, he said, adding that they werent to blame for coming to the country illegally.

But Trump has used the immigration issue to build a political base since he began his presidential campaign with a 2015 speech in which he called some Mexican immigrants rapists and called for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. As president, he has beefed up the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which boasted a 41 percent increase in arrests during Trumps first 100 days in office. Arrests of non-criminal offenders doubled.

The White House plan to eliminate DACA puts Republicans in the House and Senate in a bind, forcing them to either act to stop sweeping deportations or renege on public statements promising a compassionate approach to Dreamers.

Guillens family, meanwhile, is left to mourn him. When we are with God, there are no borders, his mother told the Chronicle. Man made borders on this earth.

This article has been updated with a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency saying it is working with others to allow Guillens mother to come to the U.S. for her sons funeral.

Related...

Dreamers Vow To 'Fight Like Hell' To Defend DACA Amid Rumors Trump Will End Program

Trump Expected To Rescind DACA, Senior Official Says

Republicans Could Protect Dreamers If They Wanted To. But Will They?

This Thread Highlights Anxiety For Dreamers Over The Uncertainty Of DACA

Also on HuffPost

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Elon Musk has a prediction about the cause of World War III, and its not President Donald Trump and may not even involve humans at all.

The head of Tesla and SpaceX on Monday shared a link on Twitter to a report about Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing artificial intelligence:

Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind, Putin was quoted as saying. It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are difficult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.

Musk added:

China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

May be initiated not by the country leaders, but one of the AI's, if it decides that a prepemptive strike is most probable path to victory  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

By comparison, Musk said, the saber-rattling from North Korea wasnt much to worry about.

NK launching a nuclear missile would be suicide for their leadership, as SK, US and China wd invade and end the regime immediately  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

Should be low on our list of concerns for civilizational existential risk. NK has no entangling alliances that wd polarize world into war.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

One Twitter follower suggested that private companies, rather than governments, were far better at artificial intelligence.

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Musk replied:

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Govts don't need to follow normal laws. They will obtain AI developed by companies at gunpoint, if necessary.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

He also apologized for the glum tweets, saying he was depressing himself, and promised: Fun, exciting tweets coming soon!

Musk has frequently warned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. In July, he called it the greatest risk we face as a civilization.

I have access to the very most cutting edge AI, and I think people should be really concerned about it, he said.

Last month, Musk joined more than 100 leaders in the field to call on governments to ban autonomous weapons. In an open letter, the group wrote:

Lethal autonomous weapons threaten to become the third revolution in warfare. Once developed, they will permit armed conflict to be fought at a scale greater than ever, and at timescales faster than humans can comprehend. These can be weapons of terror, weapons that despots and terrorists use against innocent populations, and weapons hacked to behave in undesirable ways. We do not have long to act. Once this Pandoras box is opened, it will be hard to close.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Taking a page from President Donald Trumps playbook, the Trump administrations Environmental Protection Agency accused the Associated Press of fake news Sunday.

On Saturday the AP published a story showing toxic dumping grounds in Texas werent being directly inspected by the EPA after they were flooded by Hurricane Harvey.

On Sunday the EPA called out one reporter on the story by name. The Associated Press Michael Biesecker wrote an incredibly misleading story about toxic land sites that are under water, the EPA shot back in a statement, accusing him of reporting from the comfort of Washington.

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Rick Wilking/Reuters

The note accused Biesecker of sloppy work and linked to an editorial behind a paywall that accused him of sensationalizing EPA chief Scott Pruitts ties to the energy industry and war on environmental regulations. A previous link on the statement went to an article on right-wing news site Breitbart.

The AP, however, visited seven toxic sites known as Superfund sites in and around Houston, Texas, by boat, vehicle, and on foot.

What they found was a place known as the Highlands Acid Pit that contains remnants of toxic sludge and sulfuric acid from the oil and gas industry was underwater, risking sediment being washed away into groundwater. A sinkhole had also opened up near the French LTD and Sikes Disposal Pits in Crosby just outside of Houston.

Read more: The Worst Examples of Hurricane Harvey Price Gouging

Reporters also visited the San Jacinto River Waste Pits, Patrick Bayou Superfund site, and a site near the Brio Refining Inc. and Dixie Oil Processors. Past testing at the bayou site showed pesticides, toxic heavy metals and PCBs in sediment there and the site has yet to get an approved cleanup plan. The EPA also hasnt approved a $97 million cleanup plan for toxic waste at a 1960s paper mill at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site.

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Yet the EPA accused the newswire of misleading the American people. The Associated Press is cherry-picking facts, as EPA is monitoring Superfund sites around Houston and we have a team of experts on the ground working with our state and local counterparts responding to Hurricane Harvey, said EPA Associate Administrator, Liz Bowman in a statement. Anything to the contrary is yellow journalism.

The AP pointed out the EPAs statement says the agency has only inspected the Superfund sites in Texas through aerial imaging that found 13 out of 41 of the sites have been flooded and could be facing damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

The EPA said sites had not been accessible by response personnel. The AP challenged them, saying only one site required a boat and the others were visited on foot or vehicle.

We object to the EPA's attempts to discredit that report by suggesting it was completed solely from the 'comforts of Washington' and stand by the work of both journalists who jointly reported and wrote the story, said Sally Buzbee, APs executive editor in a statement.

President Trump repeatedly used this tactic, dismissmissing media reports that he doesnt like as inaccurate and fake news. Early this year he called the press the enemy of the American people.

Trump again sought to discredit journalists in Texas during his visit Saturday. He praised the Coast Guard for flying into winds during Hurricane Harvey that the media would not go into  unless its a really good story.

A reporter shot back at Trump that we were literally on the helicopter with the Coast Guard.

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Since Trumps inauguration the EPAs news releases have taken a decidedly pro-energy industry turn, New Yorker magazine fact checker Talia Lavin pointed out in a series of tweets Saturday. In calling the APs reporting false and targeting Biesecker, the agency is engaging in political smearing of the press and critics, she said.

The hurricanes impact on Texas chemical and oil and gas industries has been heavy. On Sunday the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, which experience explosions of unstable compounds last week after flooding, chose to set fire to six large batches of chemicals in a controlled burn.

An Exxon Mobil oil refinery near Houston was flooded and heavily damaged by the storm. And about 10 oil refineries on the Gulf Coast went offline after the hurricane made landfall August 25. Harvey shut down 11.2 percent of U.S. oil refining capacity.

In any type of flood, especially any type of hurricane-based flood, there are going to be issues about contaminated water, said Texas Governor Greg Abbott in an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday. Abbott indicated contamination could involve chemicals, it could involve waste.

When asked if the flood waters could pose health risks to Texans, Abbott said, the EPA is monitoring that. The EPA is going to get on top of that.

The EPA said it is sending a team to visit the San Jacinto Waste Pits site by boat Monday.

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By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission will ask EU member states on Wednesday to take a stand on whether the Polish government is abusing democratic standards, three sources told Reuters, as the bloc steps up pressure on Warsaw. Poland has been in a deepening dispute with Brussels and other European Union states over upholding the rule of law since the nationalist-minded, eurosceptic Law and Justice (PiS) party won power in late 2015. PiS denies that it is undermining democratic standards in the largest ex-communist EU country but Brussels - along with many other member states, the Polish opposition and rights activists - has been sounding the alarm for months. After German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered rare public criticism of Warsaw last week, the bloc is seen more likely to head toward an unprecedented punishment of Warsaw. Three sources said the executive Commission will ask all EU states on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Poland again at a ministerial meeting in Brussels on Sept. 25. The meeting is not expected to trigger the so-called Article 7 punitive procedure yet but the discussion will measure the willingness of the other 27 EU countries to move ahead. At the heart of the dispute is a PiS reform of the judiciary in Poland which puts the courts and judges under tighter government control. (editing by David Stamp)
A mans parents reportedly flew from India to Florida to discipline his wife for being disobedience".

Authorities rescued the mother of a one-year-old, from what they described as a horribly abusive situation.

The woman, who has not been named, was held in her home against her will by her husband, Devbir Kalsi, 33.

Police said his parents had flown to his home to participate in the abuse.

Investigators believe Kalsi and his parents, Jasbir and Bhupinder Kalsi, had been abusing the woman for a long period of time.

The arrest report said Kalsi struck her repeatedly and forcefully and when the woman attempted to defend herself, his parents began hitting her too, leaving bruises on her face, neck and torso,

The victim told her parents in India about the abuse who notified the sheriffs office, Fox 13 news reported.

When officers arrived at the property to investigate, they had to enter forcibly after they found the door blocked by Kalsi.

The victim was heard inside the property screaming to be saved and asking officers to rescue her child.

She was found with bruises all over her body and told officers that her phone had been taken away and that a knife had been held to her throat.

"I'm both sad and scared at the same time," said her neighbour Stephanie Payne. "I'm upset that this was all going on right across the street from me and I never knew and couldn't do anything about it and couldn't help her because that really breaks my heart to know that a woman and her one-year-old were being treated so poorly and were so scared."

Kalsi and his parents are facing a wide range of charges. They include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, failure to report child abuse and false imprisonment.

All three could also be deported back to India.
Three Florida teens have been charged in the murder of a mixed martial arts fighter, including a girl in the 11th grade.

Summer Church, 16, was denied bond Saturday along with 18-year-olds Roberto Ortiz and Jace Swinton, all of whom are charged with first-degree murder in the home invasion slaying of Aaron Rajman.

Watch: Teen Accused of Killing Girlfriend Then Posting Love Messages to Her on Twitter

Investigators say Church was not at the scene of the July 3 murder, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m. when several suspects entered Rajman's home, according to the Palm Beach Post.

A fight broke out before the MMA fighter was allegedly shot dead by the intruders, according to reports.

Summers mother, Judith Church, told reporters her daughter and Rajman had been acquainted since January after meeting at a convenience store.

However, the mother maintains her daughter was not a willing party to the crime. Instead, Church says Summer was forced at gunpoint to call Rajman and see if he was home prior to the alleged home invasion.

Church said Summer was allowed to leave the killers' car before it arrived to Rajman's home.

Nonetheless, prosecutors say they have decided to charge the high schooler as an adult. She was arrested while on her way to school, according to reports.

Watch: Teen, 19, High on Marijuana When She Nearly Hit Officer With Her Car: Cops

This was no random act of violence, Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said in a statement. Mr. Rajman was targeted by these defendants, and we intend to seek justice for the victim and his family.

All three suspects were denied bond at a hearing held Saturday.

Watch: MMA Fighter Donates 15-Month-Old Son's Organs After He Dies in DUI Hit and Run

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Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Schools with classes of 80 students, parents unable to afford even modest fees, thousands of unqualified teachers -- as students in Haiti return to school, the country's badly underfunded education system seems headed for a failing grade.

In a public elementary school in Petionville, many desks remain empty. "Parents have no means to pay," said teacher Lionel Fevilien. "They'll come in later this month, in October or even in January."

Haitian law sets the fee for public schooling at 1,000 gourdes ($16) a year, but the cost of a uniform, shoes and school supplies is simply beyond the reach of many parents.

In a neighboring high school, two schoolgirls quickly comply when the assistant principal orders them to remove colorful ribbons from their hair, a violation of the school's strict rules. The girls know that a spot in the private school is a precious thing.

"Many parents are desperate because they can't find a place for their kids in the public schools," says Principal Jean-Marc Charles.

- 80 students per class -

At the morning flag-raising ceremony, a daily tradition in Haitian schools, the courtyard is packed: 4,000 students attend the school, in two shifts.

"On average we have 60 to 70 students per class," with 80 in the upper grades, Charles said apologetically.

"Haiti's education system today is like the system of a country at war," said Nesmy Manigat, national education minister from 2014 to 2016.

This fall some 400,000 students will be unable to return to school because of economic problems or the lack of space, said Manigat, who heads a committee at the Global Partnership for Education.

He said 80 percent of teachers lack proper training. "We can't keep recruiting people who are not qualified."

Only three of every 100 elementary school students will graduate high school without having to repeat a year or dropping out.

In July, two-thirds of Haitian students failed their baccalaureate exams. That compares to a nearly 90 percent passage rate in France.
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V has been a huge success for the Japanese automaker. It's arguably the class leader, improving on its slightly disappointing predecessor in nearly every aspect. Earlier this year, Honda previewed a hybrid variant of the new midsize crossover. At next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda will show off another version of the new model.



It's unclear what may have changed since Shanghai. Both concept cars are powered by a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four running on an Atkinson cycle and two electric motors. The system uses a single-ratio direct drive transmission. The CR-V Hybrid will have three drive modes that vary the amount of assistance from the electric motors.



We don't know when or if the model will hit the U.S., but we can't imagine Honda would leave Americans hanging. Expect to see the full production version sometime soon, with pricing following soon afterward.



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BEIJING/SEOUL  Hyundai is at loggerheads with its Chinese partner over efforts to cut supplier costs, as they grapple with cutthroat competition and the impact of a standoff between Beijing and Seoul.

Hyundai, along with affiliate Kia, has been caught up in a political row over a missile defense system that is being deployed in South Korea, but opposed by China, as tensions grow over North Korean missile tests and last week's test of a nuclear bomb the North claims can be mounted on a missile.



Sales of Hyundai cars in China have been falling, part of a backlash against South Korean brands over the missile system that China views as a threat to its own national security.



On Tuesday, South Korea asked the United States to lift a limit on the explosive payloads it can use in the missile system. This as a North Korean missile, believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile, was being tracked by intelligence services being moved on the ground toward North Korea's west coast and a possible launch site.



That has come against the backdrop of ever tougher competition from local Chinese automakers.

Until last year, Hyundai and Kia ranked third in China by sales. But Hyundai's sales alone have slumped 41 percent from January to July, fraying relations with local partner BAIC Motor Corp and making this the biggest crisis since Hyundai entered the Chinese market in 2002.

Last month, Hyundai suspended production at its four China plants for a week after a French supplier refused to provide fuel tanks when its bills went unpaid. On Tuesday, Hyundai suspended production at one of its plants in China after a German firm went unpaid.

Hyundai and BAIC  whose Beijing Hyundai joint venture is a 50:50 partnership  are divided over how to solve the issue of suppliers and tougher competition. Hyundai wants to protect its South Korean supply chain, while BAIC favors shifting to cheaper Chinese suppliers to cut costs, the people said.

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"BAIC wants to solve this aggressively and is ... asking Hyundai to change its sourcing strategy significantly and immediately," said the head of a Hyundai supplier based in Seoul, adding the idea was to source more locally from cheaper suppliers in China.

Hyundai wants to solve this more gradually "over perhaps 5-10 years and do so in phases," the person said.

BAIC declined to comment.

A Hyundai spokesperson told Reuters: "Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have been continuously trying to source competitive parts in China."

The standoff underscores the depth of a crisis facing Hyundai and its suppliers in China, heavily reliant on sales to Hyundai and Kia.

"China has started to become a grave for South Korean automakers and suppliers," said Lee Hang-koo, a senior research fellow at Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, adding suppliers were being hit the hardest.

South Korean firms are squeezed between cheaper Chinese suppliers and European rivals which are technologically more advanced, making it challenging for them to diversify their customers beyond Hyundai, he said.

Parts from South Korean suppliers are around 30-40 percent more expensive than those from Chinese suppliers, industry sources say.

PRICE WAR

Hyundai has sought to turn its fortunes around, and last week replaced the head of its China operations. It also has plans for a local "brand" store, wants to assemble its premium Genesis cars locally and accelerate the launch of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) for China.

But sales have kept falling, aggravating an underlying rift at Beijing Hyundai over supplier costs, as Chinese carmakers such as Geely Automobile gain strength, and local suppliers improve their quality.

Hyundai cars in China rely heavily on South Korea suppliers that have set up shop there, in large part to serve the group, despite higher costs. Some 145 members of South Korea's parts supplier association had 289 plants in China at the end of 2016.

"We can't beat (local suppliers) in terms of price," a senior executive at a South Korean supplier to Hyundai told Reuters, adding BAIC was putting pressure on Hyundai to switch to Chinese parts.

A second supplier said some suppliers had not been paid since May, with BAIC pressing to cut prices by a fifth before payment. That could push some to a loss, the executive said.

GROWING PRESSURE

Pressure from BAIC to cut supplier costs has grown after a parts procurement study two years ago looked at its supplier costs versus Chinese rivals such as Changan Automobile Co and Great Wall Motor.

These Chinese carmakers have made big strides, sometimes taking advantage of global automakers' and suppliers' engineering know-how and expertise, helping them produce popular and competitive SUVs, and win market share.

BAIC backed moving towards local suppliers, and using the local supply chain to press overseas suppliers to reduce their costs. For Hyundai, though, this would hurt suppliers, including its affiliates, who serve it globally.

An official at the South Korea parts suppliers' association, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said some suppliers to Hyundai in China were taking out loans and laying off staff.

"This is not an easy one to solve," said another person close to Hyundai, adding the carmaker would seek to avoid changing its supply chain policies in China.

"But if sales of Hyundai cars keep falling, then perhaps Hyundai will have no choice but to accept BAIC's solution."

Reporting by Norihiko Shirouzu and Hyunjoo Jin



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Jake Paul is determined to help and comfort Hurricane Harvey victims in any way he can.

In his latest efforts to help those affected by the calamity, Paul recently agreed to meet a 9-year-old fan named Ace. According to Just Jared, Ace's dad reached out to the former Disney star so his daughter can meet the celebrity while he is still in Houston, Texas.

Paul and some of his Team 10 members immediately headed to Ace's home. The group helped the family with the demolition of the bottom floor of their house which had been damaged by the flood. Paul also met some of their neighbors and the firefighters who rescued the family.

Paul has been volunteering to assist the people affected by Hurricane Harvey since it hit the country on Aug. 25. According to Paul, when he learned about the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, he decided right away to head down to the state in order to help. "We drove straight through from L.A.," he told People.

His first stop was San Antonio, where he encouraged his 2.2 million fans to meet him at a local Walmart and bring some donations for the families affected by the hurricane. "I asked for water and diapers and other things I was hearing people needed at the shelters. We brought two U-Haul trucks with us and we were able to fill both those trucks. It was something like 33,000 [pounds] of supplies," Paul continued. "We dropped that off at the San Antonio Food Bank so that the people who are being sheltered there from Houston had what they needed."

From there, Paul drove to Houston and worked with first responders to assist people who were trapped in their homes evacuate as the flood water continued to rise. During the rescue operation, they help the people get medicine from their homes or reunite them with their families in the shelter.

The experience had been physically and emotionally draining for the celebrity as he revealed that they worked day and night to help as many people as they could. When he returned home, Paul gave fans an update on the calamity by sharing a video on his Youtube channel showing him and some of his fans and friends helping families.

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"Jake Paulers made it to safety super exhausted super emotional don't really know what to make of this like whole entire thing but it's absolutely insane," he said in the video, before encouraging everyone to get involved in any way that they could.

In addition, Paul also set up a GoFundMe account that aims to raise $500,000. The money will be used to help the affected families in Houston. As of writing, the page has already gathered over $40,000.

What can you say about Paul's efforts in helping Hurricane Harvey victims? Drop a comment below.

Jake Paul

Photo: Getty Images/Jerod Harris

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Princess Mako, the eldest grandchild of Japans Emperor Akihito, officially confirmed Sunday that she will give up her royal status and marry for love.

The princess formally announced her engagement to Kei Komuro, a 25-year-old graduate student who is currently working at a law firm, during a press conference in Tokyo, the Japan Times reports.

Under Japanese law, female members of the Imperial family must relinquish their royal status if they marry a commoner. I was aware since my childhood that Ill leave a royal status once I marry, Princess Mako, also 25, told reporters. While I worked to help the emperor and fulfil duties as a royal family member as much as I can, Ive been cherishing my own life.

Komuro told reporters that he proposed in December 2013, though reports that they were planning to announce their engagement first surfaced in May. The couple met as students in 2012 at Tokyos International Christian University.

I was first attracted to his bright smiles that seemed like the sun, the princess said. It would be nice to have a warm and comfortable household with Mr. Komuro, so that we can make a family full of smiles.

Komuro described Princess Mako as someone who has been quietly watching over me like the moon, and said he wanted to build a relaxed and peaceful household.

Emperor Akihito officially approved their engagement in a ceremony on Sunday, kicking off a lengthy engagement process before the wedding can take place, probably in 2018.

The 83-year-old emperor has expressed a willingness to abdicate the Chrysanthem throne and could reportedly do so in December 2018. In June, Japans parliament has passed historic legislation that allows Akihito to step down. His eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito would assume the throne.

[The Japan Times]
Kate Middleton scored a major win in court just one day after announcing that she's pregnant with her third child.

The Duchess of Cambridge was awarded 91,700 in punitive damages by a French court on Tuesday five years after a French tabloid published unauthorized photos of Middleton topless. The photos were taken of Middleton while she was on vacation with husband Prince William in Provence, France.

SEE ALSO: Duchess Kate is pregnant again -- and odds are on this royal name

The court in Nanterre, France ordered the tabloid, Closer, to pay Middleton the roughly $120,000, though the royal couple's French barrister Jean Veil had initially requested 1.3 million in damages on their bahalf.

The photos were found to have breached the couple's privacy.

See photos of Kate Middleton:



All six defendants in the trial were convicted upon the ruling, which was revealed on Tuesday. La Provence, another French publication that published non-nude images from the same vacation, was ordered to pay 3,000 in damages, while Ernesto Mauri, an executive of the group that published Closer, received a 45,000 fine. The magazine's editor, Laurence Pieau, was fined the same amount.

The ruling ends a five-year nightmare for Middleton that began when Closer initially published the photos back in 2012.

On Monday, Kensington Palace confirmed in a statement that Middleton and Prince William were expecting their third child together.

"The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news," the statement read.

Will and Kate already share son, George, and daughter, Charlotte, together.

More from AOL.com:

Meghan Markle breaks silence on Prince Harry romance: Were two people who are really happy and in love

Prince William makes first appearance since Kate Middleton pregnancy news: Theres not much sleep going on

Amal Clooney is a knockout in lavender just three months after giving birth
The Trump administrations decision to repeal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals became official on Tuesday.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision to phase out the Obama-era policy in the next six months, leaving it up to Congress to step into help the nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought into the U.S. as children, or Dreamers, protected by the program. While delivering the news, Session suggested that the programs beneficiaries had taken jobs from U.S. citizens and somehow put the country at risk of crime, violence and even terrorism.

DACA recipients must meet certain requirements to be protected from deportation under the program, including an extensive background check that vets applicants for criminal history. The Center of American Progress also previously estimated that the country would lose $433.4 billion in GDP over a decade if it sent Dreamers back into the shadows with a repeal of DACA.

Sessions, who has long opposed DACA, called the policy unconstitutional during the announcement and President Donald Trump echoed the sentiment in a statement of his own. But despite Trumps emphasis on enforcing law and order in the country, the president recently pardoned former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was found guilty of criminal contempt after illegally targeting Latinos in a crusade against undocumented immigrants.

Latino politicians, celebrities, journalists and activists reacted to Tuesdays DACA repeal news via Twitter and press statements shortly after it was announced. Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also immediately announced his resignation from Trumps National Diversity Coalition.

This disgraceful action goes against not only the values of this country, but also against the promise of this administration to focus homeland security resources towards individuals who have committed violent crimes and pose a threat to communities across the country, Palomarez wrote in a press statement following the news.

Story continues

Dozens of DACA recipients and allies marched to the Trump Tower in New York City, with some sitting in the middle of the street as an act of civil disobedience. NowThisNews captured the moment some of the participants were taken into custody and arrested.

DACA recipients and supporters getting arrested on 5th avenue @nowthisnews on the ground pic.twitter.com/5gzEwSeDnx  Melissa Fajardo (@MelissaMFK) September 5, 2017

Online, Latino influencers joined protesters in expressing their disapproval of the Trump administrations decision, with many pointing out that the move was not motivated by politics but by xenophobia.

Check out how Latinos reacted below:

It is true that Sessions and others don't think they can defend DACA. But what about Dem charge that its because they don't like immigrants?  Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) September 5, 2017

For the racist, insufferable dumbasses. Stop making excuses and just admit you hate Latinos. #DACA  Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) September 5, 2017

Ending #DACA is about racism. People have an idea in their mind about what an undocumented person looks like but truth? YOU COULDN'T GUESS.  Cristela Alonzo (@cristela9) September 5, 2017

So basically AG Sessions is saying that stopping #DACA will help stop crime and terrorism. Like my abuelo would say, "Que mierda!"  Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) September 5, 2017

President Trump has failed the American Dream promise this country was founded on.#DACA #DefendDACA  Voto Latino (@votolatino) September 5, 2017

Poor #Dreamers. Cowardly, heartless president turned his back on them. They're fate's in hands of dysfunctional Congress. Congress must act!  Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) September 5, 2017

"They don't see us as human beings", a Dreamer in front of the White House after hearing the end of DACA  JORGE RAMOS (@jorgeramosnews) September 5, 2017

At #DACA announcement in #Phoenix community members chant "I deserve full equality" pic.twitter.com/KEsoTmOusM  Andrea Jaramillo Val (@andrea_jota) September 5, 2017

Melania worked in this country as an undocumented immigrant but her skin color makes hypocrites forgive that. #DACA  Cristela Alonzo (@cristela9) September 5, 2017

If a DREAMer is threatening to you as a citizen, you should question your own work ethic & willingness to be successful. #Daca  Marina Preciado (@oxminaox) September 5, 2017

When we are with God, our creator, there are no borders. We will keep fighting, hold our heads high and we will continue to exist. #DACA  WendyCarrillo (@wendycarrillo) September 5, 2017

To all the courageous high school and college students students across the country.



Join us in protest + WALK-OUT. #DACA  Paola Mendoza (@paolamendoza) September 5, 2017

My statement on President Trump's decision to end #DACA  pic.twitter.com/8g89WHJ2uu  Linda T. Sanchez (@RepLindaSanchez) September 5, 2017

#Dreamers are American in every way but on paper. Ending #DACA harms Dreamers, their families & our communities. Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/bS13FSF3mZ  Rep. Norma Torres (@NormaJTorres) September 5, 2017

Thread: @jeffsessions said it loud and clear The rhetoric is one that casts #DACA as an infestation Rescinding #DACA is about spreading fear  Marcelo Hernandez (@marcelo_H_) September 5, 2017

Trumps plan to Deport DREAMERS is cruel and we WILL resist... Please stand up text RESIST to 50409 #IStandWithDreamers pic.twitter.com/cMu7LlooHP  camila (@Camila_Cabello) September 5, 2017

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - Calling Hawaii "a state as well as a state of mind," a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the maker of Kona craft beer of misleading consumers into believing the beer was actually made in the 50th U.S. state, causing them to overpay.

In a decision issued late on Friday, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose, California, said the plaintiffs could pursue claims for damages over Craft Brew Alliance Inc's packaging for six- and 12-packs of Kona.

Freeman said that while the defendant's use of the phrase "Liquid Aloha" and images such as hula dancers, surfers and volcanoes was acceptable, other images could prove problematic.

She said this was despite a disclaimer on Kona packaging saying the beer was brewed in New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington state, as well as Hawaii."The Hawaiian address, the map of Hawaii identifying Kona's brewery on the Big Island, and the statement 'visit our brewery and pubs whenever you are in Hawaii' ... are specific and measurable representations of fact that could deceive a reasonable consumer," Freeman wrote.

Freeman also said the disclaimer left a reasonable consumer with "no way to tell" where such Kona beers as Big Wave Golden Ale, Castaway IPA and Wailua Wheat were brewed.

Lawyers for Craft Brew Alliance and a company spokeswoman did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment.

The Portland, Oregon-based company also owns the Redhook and Widmer Brothers brands, among others, and is nearly one-third owned by an affiliate of Anheuser-Busch InBev NV.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case is one of several lawsuits accusing beer producers of deceptive marketing.

In 2015, Anheuser won U.S. court approval for a roughly $20 million settlement of claims it tricked consumers into thinking its St. Louis-brewed Beck's beer was actually a German pilsner.

The case is Broomfield et al v Craft Brew Alliance Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 17-01027.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler)
Just days following her controversial Instagram tirade, Louise Linton sat down with Washington Life magazine to tell her side of the story.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin's wife posted a now-deleted photograph of herself and her new husband stepping out of a taxpayer-funded airplane during his visit to Fort Knox on August 21. The photo itself looked fine, but it was her caption, in which she seemingly flaunted her wealth, that sparked controversy.

"Great #daytrip to #Kentucky!" she wrote, according to New York Magazine journalist Yashar Ali. "#nicest #people #beautiful #countryside #rolandmouret pants #tomford sunnies #hermesscarf #valentinorockstudheels #valentino #usa."

"Glad we could pay for your little getaway. #deplorable," one Instagram user called "Jenni M" commented.

Linton then went on a scathing Instagram tirade calling out Jenni M. The actress' comments quickly went viral.

The Scottish-born actress revealed to Washington Life that her brutal remarks were a "moment of weakness" when she was "trying to portray a certain public image." She also wished that she hadn't spoken out in "such a patronizing tone."

Exclusive: #LouiseLinton covers our September issue and speaks out for the first time since her infamous IG post. https://t.co/FlNvD15UKc  Washington Life (@WashingtonLife) September 5, 2017

Linton contineud: "My post itself and the following response were indefensible. Period. I don't have any excuses, nor do I feel any self-pity for the backlash I experienced. I sincerely take ownership of my mistake. It's clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending."

Story continues

Mnuchin's wife also appeared in a six-page spread inside the magazine, including its cover, dressed in several gowns worth thousands of dollars. She appeared in two bridal gowns from Indes di Santo that retail for approximately $10,000 each as well as a $1,500 blue sheath designed by Jason Wu.

Many have slammed Linton's interview -- and her pricey ballgowns -- since its release on Tuesday:

"Unreal: gown-clad Louise Linton uses "Balls & Galas"(!) issue of @ WashingtonLife to apologize for her offensive Kentucky trip with Mnuchin," one user wrote.

Another Twitter user also described Linton as "COMPLETELY out of touch, spoiled beyond belief. Embarrassing,"

She did, however, touch on the "irony" of her apology later in the interview:

"I see the irony of making an apology in a ball gown! But it would be dishonest to proclaim that I'm never going to go to another social function."

For more on Linton's controversy, watch the video above.
Actress Louise Linton, who came in for widespread denunciation last month after flaunting her lavish lifestyle on social media and then berating a critic, has expressed remorse for the post and her subsequent remarks, saying she is very sorry for the incident and that she deserved the criticism.

My post itself and the following response were indefensible. Period. I dont have any excuses, nor do I feel any self-pity for the backlash I experienced, Linton said in an interview with Washington Life magazine published Tuesday. I sincerely take ownership of my mistake. Its clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending.

Last month, Linton, the wife of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, posted a picture on her Instagram account touting the designer brand names of her clothing, such as a Hermes scarf and Tom Ford sunglasses. After a number of commenters criticized her for the out-of-touch post, she admonished one of them  Jennifer Miller, a health care product manager and mother of three from Oregon  while doubling down on the original comments.

Have you given more to the economy than me and my husband? Linton asked Miller, boasting about the sacrifice that she and Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs executive, have made.

Linton later deleted the post and apologized in a statement, calling the post inappropriate and highly insensitive.

The photo was taken during a trip that has since become the focus of ethics concerns. The Treasury Departments inspector general opened an investigation after an ethics watchdog group alleged that Mnuchin and Linton may have planned the trip around viewing last months solar eclipse, thus using government resources for personal purposes.

(Photo: Saul Loeb/POOL New/Reuters)

Speaking to Washington Life, Linton did not address the ethics issue directly but acknowledged that as the spouse of a government official, she now realizes she is subject to greater scrutiny.

I was on a government trip and my husband is a government employee, she said. As his wife, I am now a more public person and I am, and should be, held to a higher standard of ethics and care.

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Of her comments toward Miller, in which she called the Oregon woman adorably out of touch and told her to go chill out, Linton said she typically does not respond to social media criticism.

I dont know why I did this time, but I really regret it, she said. I wish I hadnt spoken in such a patronizing tone. It was an out of character, knee-jerk reaction, and I felt so awful about it that I removed it.

Linton said the criticism she faced for the incident has been a life-changing event.

It was scary and surreal but it forced me to take a deep look at what I had done. I dont feel like a victim, she said. I feel like the world gave me a good, hard wake-up call and Im OK with that.

Linton insists that the Instagram post was not representative of her true self.

I was just trying to portray what I thought was a public image that isnt me, she said. Im a no makeup girl. I was trying to create this public image that was elegant and stylish, but that was just so clueless because I should have focused on who I really am instead.

Also on HuffPost

President Donald Trump seems to like the view from a firetruck made by Wisconsin-based Pierce Manufacturing as Vice President Mike Pence stands by during "Made in America" week.

Trump gives the thumbs-up from the firetruck cab.

Trump admires a wheel loader made by Caterpillar.

Trump grips a Marucci baseball bat.

Trump models a Stetson cowboy hat.

Trump checks out a boat made by Hinckley Yachts.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Louise Linton appears in a ball gown while apologizing for her indefensible Instagram rant. (Photo: Washington Magazine)

In what some are calling a bold statement of irony, actress Louise Linton, wife of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, has at last apologized for lashing out against a critic on Instagram on Aug. 21  while wearing a ball gown on the cover of Washington Life magazines Balls & Galas issue.

I want to say I concede completely to the comments of my critics, Linton said in an exclusive interview for the magazine. My post itself and the following response were indefensible.  Its clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending.

The since-deleted post in question was a photo of her and Mnuchin, descending the stairs of a U.S. military jet on a trip to Kentucky, in which she named all the designer labels she was wearing with hashtags. When Jenni Miller, a mother of three from Oregon, commented, Glad we could pay for your little getaway. #deplorable, Linton replied with a rant that called the woman adorably out of touch and bragged about how much she and her husband sacrifice in taxes.

Washington Life writer Virginia Coyne begins the cover story explaining that this controversial exchange took place on the day Linton was scheduled to sit down for an interview with her. She kept her appointment but later called and asked the magazine to pull the article, knowing that it wouldnt look good while everyone was comparing her to Marie Antoinette.

But weeks later, she decided to do another interview and pose in ball gowns by Ines di Santo and Jason Wu anyway. She used this as an opportunity not just to express her regret for writing such things, but also to tell readers that the glamorous image she was trying to depict on Instagram was not really her.

On a daily basis, Im a girl thats at her desk, barefoot in gym clothes working on films and animal welfare, she said.

Lintons critics on social media arent buying that.

Hi, WashingtonLife? I need 2 apologize 4 being pretentious while posing in designer gowns. Can u help? https://t.co/CvUTvUKuHS #LouiseLinton  mrsdalgliesh (@opus163) September 5, 2017

When you apologize for and own your out of touch instagram post and comment while posing in ball gowns for a magazine cover  pic.twitter.com/bCIOElELA6  Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) September 5, 2017

Unreal: gown-clad Louise Linton uses Balls & Galas(!) issue of @WashingtonLife to apologize for her offensive Kentucky trip with Mnuchin. pic.twitter.com/inIYaNEPQQ  Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) September 5, 2017

Marie Antoinette was less tone deaf than Louise Linton. This is posed, feigned damage control now that theyre under investigation. pic.twitter.com/y3yNLO2t5A  Patrick Keenan (@pkeenan516) September 5, 2017

Linton understood that she was setting herself up for more attacks with the photo shoot. I see the irony of making an apology in a ball gown! she said. But it would be dishonest to proclaim that Im never going to another social function. Thats also part of my life.

Story continues

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Police in Uruguay have arrested one of Italys most wanted fugitives  the so-called cocaine king of Milan who had been hiding out in the South American country for more than a decade.

Rocco Morabito, a boss of the Calabria-based Ndrangheta crime group, which controls much of the worlds cocaine trade, had been on the run for 23 years in total, the Guardian reports. He is subject to a 30-year prison sentence in Italy after attempting to smuggle almost a tonne of cocaine into the country from Brazil in the 1990s.

Morabitos arrest at a luxury Montevideo hotel on Monday follows a six-month investigation by Uruguayan police, who were reportedly alerted to his presence when he registered his daughter at a local school using his real name instead of an alias.

Italian and Uruguayan authorities cited by the Guardian said that Morabito, 50, had long been living in Uruguays southern coastal resort of Punta del Esta under an assumed identity. He is thought to have arrived in Uruguay in 2002.

Morabito was one of the Italian interior ministrys top five most wanted organized crime bosses on a list that also includes Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro. His lawyer reportedly told Italian media that the mafia boss had quit crime since arriving in Uruguay and been leading a normal life.
Pakistani education advocate Malala Yousafzai has called on fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn the tragic and shameful treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

In a statement posted to Twitter Sunday, the 20-year-old said the world is waiting for Suu Kyi, Myanmars state counselor and de-facto leader, to address the violence that has forced almost 90,000 Rohingya people to flee into neighboring Bangladesh.

Over the last few years I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment, she wrote. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same.

Yousafzai called for a stop to the violence, citizenship for the Rohingya people  who are effectively stateless, despite having lived in Myanmar for generations  and for her native Pakistan to offer shelter, food and education to Rohingya refugees.

Today we have seen pictures of small children killed by Myanmars security forces. These children attacked no one, but still their homes were burned to the ground, she said.

Read more: The Villages are Burning Down. Fear and Fire Send Rohingya Fleeing to Bangladesh

Yousafzais comments come amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Myanmars western Rakhine state. The latest outbreak of violence in Rakhine erupted after Rohingya militants attacked police and paramilitary outposts on Aug. 25. Ensuing clashes between the Myanmar army and Rohingya insurgents killed about 400 people, according to government figures.

In the days since, the military has been engaged in what it describes as clearance operations against insurgents. Rohingya villagers who have fled to Bangladesh have spoken of a massacre perpetrated by the Myanmar military, and soldiers burning down their villages. Many have likening the situation to ethnic cleansing, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Myanmar of committing genocide.

The Myanmar government blames Rohingya insurgents for burning the houses and deaths of civilians. Many of Rakhines Buddhists have also fled, seeking shelter in monasteries and schools.

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Read more: As Myanmars Rohingya Crisis Deepens, Heres How Aung San Suu Kyi Can Save Her Credibility

The Guardian reported Monday that U.N. aid agencies had suspended deliveries of vital supplies  including food, water and medicine because the security situation and government field-visit restrictions rendered us unable to distribute assistance, according to the Office of the U.N. Resident Coordinator in Myanmar.

Yousafzai, who survived being shot in the head by the Pakistani Taliban after leading a campaign for womens education, became the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Suu Kyi was awarded the prize in 1991 for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights. However, Suu Kyi has been widely criticized for failing to protect the persecuted Rohingya.
Labor Day Weekend was packed with public engagements for the first family, who traveled to Houston for the second time to lend their support to Hurricane Harvey victims.

Along with her husband, first lady Melania Trump spent time in Texas with the storm evacuees, handing out food and water to the masses of displaced families. Later the next day, President Trump and FLOTUS traveled back to D.C. together for a church service and family time.

See more of her LDW style:

In honor of the holiday, President Trump tweeted a photo to celebrate the country's future built on "American hands" and "American labor." In the photo, the president and Melania are seen holding hands, gazing to their right, with Trump in a red-and-white striped tie and suit. Melania, with her signature polished blowout, is donning a white-and-rainbow multigrid sleeveless a-line dress and skinny belt.

We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel. Happy #LaborDay! pic.twitter.com/lyvtNfQ5IO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2017

"We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel. Happy #LaborDay!" the president captioned the photo.

Despite Trump's patriotic message, Twitter users were quick to call out Melania's dress isn't American-made at all. The multicolored dress, which is currently out-of-stock on Saks Fifth Avenue's website, is made in Italy by Greek-born British fashion designer Mary Katrantzou.

Though stunning, Melania's choice of ensemble is "ironic," given Trump's caption.

Except for your clothes in this photo! The Mary Katrantzou dress, a Greek fashion designer who works in London, & your DT tie made in China.  Ally (@NerdchickAlly) September 5, 2017

Just read Melania is wearing a 2,000 $ Italian-made dress for your big building-America's-future announcement. Oh the irony!!  Leigh Cox Danielsen (@LeighDanielsen) September 5, 2017

Melania's dress... #MadeinItaly Not that there's anything wrong w/Italian clothing. But trump is a HYPOCRITE   Denise Dreon-Watson (@denise_dreon) September 5, 2017

According to People, the colorful gown retails for $2,255. Although the dress is sold out, there are similar Katrantzou designs for purchase.

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Melania, too, posted to Twitter for Labor Day to honor Americans for their work.

On this #LaborDay2017 we honor American workers for their many contributions to the prosperity of these United States.   Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 4, 2017

Related: Melania's outfits in the White House
This week, while his country is renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was in China to pursue his countrys Plan B. Rumblings of a free-trade deal between the two nations have grown since President Trump took office this year, but theyve mostly been seen as political posturing. But with Trump threatening regularly to dump the dealeven taking time last Sunday, during Hurricane Harvey, to say he may have to terminate NAFTAthe possibility of Mexico opening up to China seems ever more real.

Trumps stated goal to end NAFTA is to raise tariffs and incentivize U.S. companies to stop outsourcing jobs. Whether or not that will work is a separate matter, but what he has done is to push Mexico, which counts the U.S. as its largest trading partner by far, into pursuing other options. Pena Nietos will participate in the BRICS summit in China, named for its participants, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. And he also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a sign the two countries are seeking a closer trading relationship.

Recommended: South Korea Is Right

NAFTAs collapse would likely put the U.S. and Mexico on unstable ground, but economists say they doubt it would devastate either country in the short term. Without NAFTA, trade between Mexico and the U.S. would fall back on World Trade Organization(WTO) tariff standards. Signatories to the pact have agreed to bound rates for tariffs, which establish a ceiling. These rates differ by industry, but items like agricultural products can have high limits. NAFTA changed the way the U.S. eats, and without NAFTA, consumers stand to lose their perennially fresh and cheap vegetables. But the sector that stand to lose the most is auto manufacturing, because U.S. companies have invested heavily on being able to send car parts to Mexico, assemble them there, then bring them to the U.S. to be sold. The WTO tariffs for the auto sector are much higher than for most other industries, so not only would consumers have to pay more for cars, but it would likely disrupt the current chain of manufacturing. Collectively, however, the average applied tariff for the U.S. is 3.51 percent for all products imported from WTO member countries. Trump has threatened to raise tariffs to 35 percent in order to push companies to build products in the U.S., but this is unlikely because it could spark a trade war. So if NAFTA did end, its trade would likely continue at WTO tariff rates, making many products from Mexico more expensive, but leaving intact the flow of trade.

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Thats not to say Mexico isnt concerned about losing NAFTA, or that it isnt looking for more trading partners. Mexico sends about 75 percent of its exports to the U.S., which comes to about $290 billion. By way of comparison, Canada is its second-largest export market at $23 billion, and China its third at $7 billion.

It is a very fashionable discussion in Mexico that we should diversify trade since we are having problems with the United States, or more specifically with Trump, Enrique Dussel Peters, an economics professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, told me. And China has become the most fashionable to talk about.

China and Mexico increased trade from $4.9 billion in 2015 to $5.4 billion in 2016. The Chinese market is opening up to products like tequila, beer, plantains, and avocados. But, Dussel points out, Mexico has been trying to redirect trade with Chin for years, but has not enjoyed the kind of success it has had with the U.S. through NAFTA.

Since late last year, Mexico and China have talked about strengthening their trading relationship. And as recently as June, Chinas ambassador to Mexico, Qiu Xiaoqi, said his country was open to a free-trade agreement. But while a deal like that could benefit China (and scare the U.S.), it probably wouldnt benefit Mexico that much. Dussel told me Mexico imports about 14 Chinese products for every one product it exports. So scaling that up to account for pulling back from the U.S. would create a huge trade imbalance. And while not all imbalances are bad, Mexico and China are both competing largely for who has the cheapest labor, and that makes them less than ideal trading partners. For example, some of Mexicos largest exports are electronics, cars, and car parts. Chinas largest export is also electronics and it is surrounded by countries that specialize in car manufacturing.

Recommended: How to Deal With North Korea

The thing you want to think about is what is Mexicos competitive advantage, Adam Collins, a Latin America economist with Capital Economics, a London-based research and consultancy group, told me. In both cases its low wages. So really the place Mexico should look to are other developed countries, like in Europe, and richer East Asian countries. But even that is an uphill battle because of geography, by which I mean Mexicos other competitive advantage is its location next to America.

All that is not to say that Mexicos overall Plan B, that of diversification, wont happen. Every U.S. president from George H.W. Bush to Barack Obama has looked at NAFTA as a success, and in that time Mexico grew reliant on its neighbors market. The biggest realization under Trump is that perhaps it is too reliant. This is why Mexico, the largest importer of U.S. corn, is openly talking with Brazil and Argentina for corn. But the flip side of Pena Nietos move could also be all politics.

Just as Trump uses Twitter to skewer policy and people he disagrees with, Pena Nieto, by courting China during the NAFTA renegotiations, is telling Trump he has his own recourse, the China card. This would have been considered too drastic in the past, but as Franklin Foer wrote in this magazine in May, Unfortunately, Trump has elevated machismo to foreign-policy doctrine  .

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The US has accused North Korea of "begging for war" and pushed for the "strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

As world powers scramble to react to the latest grave step in the North's rogue weapons programme, South Korea launched major live-fire naval drills to warn its isolated neighbour against any provocations at sea Tuesday morning local time.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," Haley told the meeting Monday called by the United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

The underground blast had a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima, UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the council.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said incremental sanctions imposed on Pyongyang since 2006 had failed.

Leader Kim Jong-Un's "abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war," she said.

"War is never something the United States wants and we don't want it now, but our country's patience is not unlimited," she said.

- 'Insulting' -

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea -- potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean laborers sent abroad.

The draft text was expected to be presented to the 14 other council members on Tuesday as the United States sought to respond quickly to reports that North Korea was preparing another missile launch.

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Pyongyang in July fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range and Seoul has said it could be planning another test.

At the UN, China's ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasized the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," he asserted.

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Haley rejected the proposal as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she declared.

Russia said it would study the new US proposals for sanctions, but again stressed those measures alone would not resolve the crisis.

"This is not the way to get parties to the table to seek a political solution," said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The council has imposed seven sets of sanctions on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, but Pyongyang has repeatedly found ways to circumvent the measures.

The most recent resolutions, however, have zeroed in on the economy, targeting key exports sectors such as coal that are a source of hard currency for the regime.

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that conduct trade with North Korea, saying these nations will be seen as "giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions".

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

- South Korean response -

South Korea's defense ministry said it was already strengthening its defenses, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile launchers.

The South carried out an early-morning volley of ballistic missiles Monday simulated an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by the naval drills.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean leader Moon Jae-In spoke on the phone Monday and agreed to remove limits on the payload of the South's missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also approved in principle, the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea," according to a White House readout of the call which did not mention any specific new deals.

Seoul was the fourth-biggest importer of US arms between 2010-2016, purchasing nearly $5 billion of weaponry in that period according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

On Sunday US monitors measured a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake near the North's main testing site.

Hours before the test, the North released images of Kim inspecting a device it called a "thermonuclear weapon with super explosive power" entirely made "by our own efforts and technology".

The South's defence minister said Seoul believed the North had succeeded in miniaturising a bomb to fit into a missile.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, and analysts say it is seeking to strengthen its hand for any future negotiations with Washington.
What is North Korea up to and can Washington do anything about it?

Ever since Pyongyang this summer tested a missile capable of striking the US mainland, Washington has been forced to rapidly rethink its approach to the East Asian nation. A more recent test of what appears to be a thermonuclear device, several times more powerful than the ones America dropped on Japan 73 years ago, has intensified the panic.

Donald Trump has responded with bluster and noise. He has threatened to bring fire and fury upon North Korea, he has criticised South Korea for what he considers appeasement and, without mentioning China by name, he has threatened sanctions against nations that trade with North Korea.

The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

Alongside this, other senior figures within the Trump administration, including Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have continued to play up the path of diplomacy and talks. At times, whether intentionally or not, their comments have appeared to contradict those of the President.

Were going to continue our peaceful pressure campaign, as I have described it, working with allies, working with China as well to see if we can bring the regime in Pyongyang to the negotiating table, Tillerson said, following the most recent rocket launch.

It has been reported that when Trump was preparing to enter the White House after his surprise election victory, Barack Obama, then with just a few weeks left of his presidency, warned the man set to succeed him that North Korea, its young leader and its aggressive nuclear weapons programme would be among the most pressing challenges he would face.

In recent weeks, as North Korea has continued to surprise US experts with the pace of its testing and the sophistication of its weapons, Obamas forewarning has appeared only more prescient. How can this nation of 25 million, a dictatorship whose people have endured famines and human rights abuses, be challenging a superpower?

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The West frequently falls back on cliches when talking about the East Asian country. We hear North Korea is a rogue nation, that its leader Kim Jong-un is crazed or, in the words of senator John McCain, is a crazy fat kid.

But while North Koreas leadership and its 33-year-old head of state remain mercurial, some experts see a consistency to Pyongyangs actions in recent months - a steady and measured declaration of its nuclear status that has sparked global jitters, but has almost certainly strengthened its own position and that of its leader.

Jon Wolfsthal, an expert at the nuclear policy programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned that anyone who proclaimed they knew North Koreas desires was lying or guessing.

Yet he added: All the information we have suggests that North Korea is rational. They seek regime survival, and nuclear weapons are a means to that end. Beyond that it's uncertain.

They may be seeking nuclear weapons to further undermine the US position in the region and disable South Korea. On the other hand they may hide behind their nuclear shield and engage an economic development and other domestic activities.

Alison Evans, deputy head of the Asia-Pacific Desk, Country Risk, at IHS Markit, said this was North Koreas sixth nuclear test and it appeared to be preparing a seventh.

Bellicose rhetoric from President Trump and high-level officials, intended to deter North Korea, probably reinforce the North Korean leaderships belief that such a capability is essential to deterring the perceived US threat.

North Korea has previously engaged in diplomacy. Six-party talks involving Pyongyang, Beijing, Washington, Tokyo, Moscow and Seoul were launched by George W Bush in 2003. They achieved mixed results and were most recently suspended in 2013 after Kim Jong Un succeeded his father, Kim Jong-il.

As the talks towards disarmament continued, North Korea also watched what happened to those leaders who handed over their nuclear weapons (Muammar Gaddafi) or suspended their programmes years ago (Saddam Hussein).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends a meeting with a committee of the Workers' Party of Korea about the test of a hydrogen bomb (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

If North Koreas actions appear predictable - however condemnable - Washingtons response has seemed shifting and uncertain. Trumps approach appears to have created divisions among Americas regional allies, such as South Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, his suggestion of sanctions against China opens the prospect of a trade war with a country the US currently does $578bn worth of business with.

Unfortunately, US policy under President Trump has been uncoordinated and poorly communicated, said Wolfsthal.

Given his unpredictability I think it would be very dangerous for President Trump to directly engage Kim Jong-un. Right now, the most important thing is direct military-to-military engagement to avoid miscalculation and conflict.

While people such as Mattis insist the US has many military options, nobody thinks any of them are any good. Most immediately, the lives of millions of civilians in Seoul would be at risk from a retaliatory strike if the US were to launch a preemptive attack on North Korea.

We always have military options, but theyre very ugly, Mark Hertling, a retired US Army general, told CNN. In short, the US has no genuine alternative but to get North Korea back to the negotiating table.

Shortly before he was fired, Steve Bannon, until recently a special adviser to Trump, was asked by a reporter from Prospect magazine about the USs military options for North Korea.

Forget it, he said.

Until somebody solves the part of the equation that shows me that10 million people in Seoul dont die in the first 30 minutes from conventional weapons, I dont know what youre talking about, theres no military solution here, they got us.
North Korea has warned it is ready to send "more gift packages" to the US if it continues to put pressure on the regime.

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth and largest nuclear test.

"I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK succcessfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force," Mr Han said.

He told the Geneva forum: "The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US.

"The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added.

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It came after South Korean media citing an unidentified intelligence source said North Korea had been observed moving what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

The Asia Business Daily said the rocket started moving on Monday, a day after North Korea's sixth nuclear test, and was spotted moving at night to avoid surveillance.

North Korea has launch facilities for its missile programme on its west coast.

South Korea's defence ministry, which said the North was considered to be ready to launch more missiles including ICBMs at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

Mr Han went on to say military measures undertaken by North Korea were "an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right" to counter "the ever-growing and decade-long US nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country".

"Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country," Mr Han declared, adding: "The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table."

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US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said North Korea had defied the international community once again with its test.

"We look forward to working with our partners in the [Security] Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK," he told the conference.

"Advances in the regime's nuclear and missile programme are a threat to us all... now is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated," Mr Wood said.

"It can no longer be business as usual with this regime."

North Korea's latest test, which it said was a hydrogen bomb, was a huge advance in its push for nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States.

It has led to South Korea boosting its own military capabilities, with Washington and Seoul agreeing to lift restrictions on South Korean missiles they'd previously agreed upon.

The Korean Peninsula has been in a technical state of war since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953.

The near-constant unease has worsened in recent months as North Korea has displayed rapid improvement in its weapons capabilities. The state has tested intercontinental ballistic missiles and a string of other missiles meant to target US forces in Asia and the US mainland.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles for a so-called "kill chain" pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat.

The US has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.
Washington (AFP) - It is an elegant tradition: the outgoing US president leaves a letter for his successor in the aged oaken desk in the Oval Office, to be read upon his arrival.

The letter left by Barack Obama for Donald Trump, revealed some seven months after the handover of power, revolves around one central bit of advice: beyond the bitterness and brutality of political combat and power struggles, never lose sight of the importance of democratic institutions.

Publication of the missive, just shy of 300 words, comes at a difficult and chaotic time in the Trump presidency that has seen intense criticism even from Trump's own Republican Party for his lack of clarity -- and of moral leadership -- after the racist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"Dear Mr. President," the letter begins, going on to congratulate Trump for his "remarkable run" to the White House and to offer well wishes "as you embark on this great adventure." The letter was obtained by CNN "from someone Trump showed it to," according to the channel.

"Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure," it says.

Obama had pounded Trump during the presidential campaign with a rare virulence, saying the real estate mogul was, in his eyes, a danger to American democracy. "The fate of the republic is in your hands," Obama told voters in North Carolina just days before the November 8 election.

But in the aftermath of Trump's shocking victory, with Democrats still badly shaken by the surprise defeat of Hillary Clinton, Obama insisted on the importance of a peaceful and constructive transition to the billionaire populist, even receiving him in the Oval Office in a meeting that would once have seemed unimaginable.

Emphasizing that the US presidency is a "unique office" with no "clear blueprint for success," Obama nonetheless offers a few carefully worded suggestions to his successor.

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Insisting on the importance of "indispensable" American leadership in the world, he emphasizes the need for a president to act thoughtfully and responsibly.

"It's up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that's expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend," Obama says.

- 'Good luck and Godspeed' -

He also exhorted Trump not to let the vicissitudes of daily politics overshadow the long march of American democratic values.

"We are just temporary occupants of this office," he writes. "That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions -- like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties -- that our forebears fought and bled for.

"Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it's up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them."

The final bit of advice extended by the 44th US president to the 45th took a more personal tone: "Take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They'll get you through the inevitable rough patches."

Saying that he and his wife Michelle "stand ready to help in any ways which we can," Obama closes with a wish of "good luck and Godspeed," signing the letter, "BO."

Trump said publicly that he was touched by the letter, though he has not seen Obama since the handover of power.

Of all the letters from outgoing to incoming presidents, the one left on January 20, 1993, by Republican George H.W. Bush to Democrat Bill Clinton stands out for its dignity and class.

Bush wrote to his successor -- the man who had deprived him of a second term in office -- that "your success now is our country's success."

Evoking the "sense of wonder and respect" for the office that he felt when he became president in 1989, Bush said, "There will be very tough times," but then added: "Just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course."

Bush concluded: "I am rooting hard for you. Good luck."
A police officer in New Carlisle, Ohio, shot a photojournalist on Monday night after his camera and tripod were apparently [mistaken] for a weapon, the New Carlisle News reports.

New Carlisle News photographer Andy Grimm was rushed to a local hospital after he was shot in his side, according to the publication, which also reports that Grimm underwent surgery and is expected to recover.

Im sorry, brother: No warning before Ohio deputy shot news photographer. He mistook camera for a weapon. Story: https://t.co/nXBPbHtVa1 pic.twitter.com/NdIUtQHj2J  AP Eastern U.S. (@APEastRegion) September 7, 2017

Grimm had reportedly left the newspapers office at around 10 p.m. to take photographs of lightning.

In a 10:16 p.m. post to a New Carlisle Facebook group, Grimm reached out to locals for suggestions for a good spot to watch the storms.

(Photo: Facebook)

Grimm was driving along the towns Main Street when he noticed a traffic stop ahead, according to New Carlisle News. He said he pulled into a nearby parking lot in full view of the police officer on duty, intending to take photographs there.

Grimm said he was shot without warning when he emerged from his vehicle and began setting up his tripod and camera.

New Carlisle News identified the officer who shot Grimm as Deputy Jake Shaw.

In body cam video of the incident obtained by The Associated Press, Grimm can be heard wailing in pain as Shaw rushed to his aid.

Andy, Im sorry, brother, Shaw said in the clip. Oh please let him be alright. I thought it was a gun.

Following the shooting, Grimm told the New Carlisle News that he didnt want the deputy to lose his job over the shooting.

I know Jake. I like Jake. I dont want him to lose his job over this, Grimm said.

Shaw was later placed on administrative leave following the shooting, reported AP.

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Posts on the New Carlisle Facebook group  the one Grimm had commented on before the shooting  indicate that the town is home to a tight-knit community. Following Grimms shooting, residents referred to the photographer and the officer by name. Many offered their well wishes to Grimm, and several defended Shaws actions.

Im sure Shaw didnt shoot Andy on purpose, wrote one resident.

Andy ... [we] are up praying for you right now. Shaw  your a good person and a good cop. Your job is not easy ... Your both in my prayers tonight, wrote another.

Some locals, however, called for Shaw to face punishment over the shooting.

Cops need to wake up! wrote one commenter. I call for Shaws Badge, said another.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into the incident, according to the Dayton Daily News.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover Grimms medical expenses.

UPDATE: This post was updated with bodycam footage of the shooting and news of the deputys administrative leave.

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Tanisha Anderson: Died Nov. 13, 2014, age 37, Cleveland

Yvette Smith: Died Feb. 16, 2014, age 47, Bastrop, Texas

Miriam Carey: Died Oct. 3, 2013, age 34, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Secret Service and Capitol Police officers fatally shot Miriam Carey in a car chase after she drove her car into a security checkpoint near the White House despite orders to stop. Officers fired multiple shots at Carey, a dental hygienist from Connecticut, hitting her five times. Her 1-year-old daughter, who was also in the car, survived.



An autopsy found that Carey was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, her family's attorney said, and no weapons were found in her car. She had previously been diagnosed with postpartum depression and psychosis.



Federal prosecutors said in 2014 that they would not file charges against the officers. Careys family filed a wrongful death lawsuit.



The emphasis shouldnt be on why [Miriam was in Washington, D.C.]," sister Valarie Carey told The Washington Post last year. "The emphasis should be [on] what those officers did. Were their actions proper?

Shelly Frey: Died Dec. 6, 2012, age 27, Houston

Shelly Frey was killed after she and two other women were allegedly caught stealing from a Walmart in 2012, the Houston Chronicle reports. Louis Campbell, an off-duty sheriffs deputy working as a security guard, tried to detain them and then shot into a car in which Frey was a passenger. She was struck twice in the neck.



Campbell reportedly told investigators that he opened fire after the driver of the car tried to run him over. Two other women and two children were in the car with Frey. When paramedics arrived, they were unable to revive her.



Frey had previously pleaded guilty to stealing shirts and meat from Walmart, according to Houston's KHOU, and was prohibited from entering the store.



Her family sued Walmart for wrongful death. Campbell has not faced any charges.

Malissa Williams: Died Nov. 29, 2012, age 30, Cleveland

Shantel Davis: Died June 14, 2012, age 23, New York City

Shantel Davis was fatally shot while driving a car that police claim was stolen. Plainclothes NYPD officers approached her after she allegedly ran multiple red lights and the vehicle crashed. Police say that Davis tried to escape, and that Phil Atkins, a narcotics officer, allegedly tried to shift her car into park as it was moving. His gun fired once, striking Davis in the chest.



Davis' family and several groups advocating for police reform have disputed the NYPD's version of events, saying it's not clear whether the car was stolen and, if it was, whether Davis was aware of that. They also claim Davis was trapped behind her airbag when she was shot, not trying to flee the vehicle.



Davis had been arrested eight times previously, but she was never convicted of any crimes. She was due in court the day after her death for kidnapping and attempted murder charges, according to The New York Times. She was unarmed when she was shot.



Atkins had been sued seven times over the previous decade for various allegations, including undue use of force, according to DNAinfo.



"Its been almost four years since Shantels murder and I still have no answers," Natasha Duncan, Davis' sister, told The Huffington Post in May 2016. "This whole time my family has heard nothing about either the criminal or departmental investigation. My sisters case has been sitting on District Attorney [Ken] Thompsons desk since he took office. He ran on a promise of being tough on police brutality, but hes done absolutely nothing to move my sisters case forward."



Thompson's office says an investigation into Davis' case is underway and her family should receive the findings soon.



We are conducting a fair and thorough review of this case to ensure that all investigative avenues and evidence has been explored," a spokeswoman for Thompson's office told HuffPost. "We expect the investigation to be concluded soon and will inform the family of our findings at that time."



This article has been updated to reflect statements from Davis' sister, Thompson's office and a representative of Davis' family, and to clarify that the NYPD's version of events is disputed.

Rekia Boyd: Died March 22, 2012, age 22, Chicago

Shereese Francis: Died March 15, 2012, age 29, New York City

Shereese Francis was killed after family members called authorities seeking help because Francis, who had schizophrenia, had not been taking her medication and appeared to need medical attention. She'd refused to go to a hospital voluntarily.



When NYPD officers arrived, the familys wrongful death lawsuit alleges, Francis did not realize they were police, due to her mental illness. When Francis, who was unarmed, tried to leave the room against police orders, they allegedly pursued her, grabbed her and tackled her on a bed. The suit claims four officers put their weight onto Francis back while trying to cuff her, and her sister believes she saw them hitting and using a Taser on Francis until she stopped moving.



Francis was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the incident. Her cause of death was "compression of trunk during agitated violent behavior (schizophrenia) while prone on bed and attempted restraint by police officers, according to The Village Voice.



The lawsuit said the officers overwhelmingly violated NYPD policies on mental illness, in part because the department had failed to provide training on the subject.



The city settled with Francis family for $1.1 million.

Aiyana Stanley-Jones: Died May 16, 2010, age 7, Detroit

Aiyana Stanley-Jones was sleeping on her couch with her grandmother when police conducted a "no knock" raid of their home. Officer Joseph Weekley was first through the door, and after a flash-bang grenade went off, he fired his gun, killing Aiyana. Weekley later testified that the grandmother struck his weapon and caused him to fire, but she denies having been near the gun.



Police said the raid was in search of a murder suspect who lived in the second-floor unit of the home.



Weekley was charged with involuntary manslaughter and careless discharge of a firearm causing death, but his case was dismissed after two mistrials. He returned to duty as a Detroit police officer in April.

Tarika Wilson: Died Jan. 4, 2008, age 26, Lima, Ohio

Tarika Wilson was killed when a Lima police SWAT team raided her rental home to arrest her boyfriend on drug charges, according to The New York Times. She had her youngest son, Sincere, in her arms when she was shot by Sgt. Joseph Chavalia. Sincere, who was 14 months old, was shot in the shoulder and hand but survived.



Chavalia was acquitted of the misdemeanor charges of negligent homicide and negligent assault. He testified that he felt his life was in danger when he shot Wilson, thinking he'd seen a shadow and heard gunshots nearby. The shots had actually come from officers downstairs, according to the Associated Press.



The city settled a wrongful death suit with Wilsons family for $2.5 million in 2011.

Alberta Spruill: Died May 16, 2003, age 57, New York City

Alberta Spruill also died after police conducted a "no knock" raid at her home in error. Officers broke through her door and threw a concussion grenade while Spruill, a city employee, was getting ready for work. She was briefly handcuffed but released when officers realized they were in the wrong place and that the information they'd been given -- that guns and drugs were being stored in the apartment -- was incorrect. Spruill died of a heart attack at a nearby hospital less than two hours later.



The city of New York agreed to pay a $1.6 million settlement to Spruills family.



This case for them is not about money. Its about changing procedure, Johnnie Cochran, the lawyer for Spruills sisters, said in 2003. Its about the fact that their sister should not have died in vain.

Kendra James: Died May 5, 2003, age 21, Portland, Oregon

Portland police Officer Scott McCollister fatally shot Kendra James during a traffic stop. When McCollister pulled over the car in which James was a passenger, he took the driver, Terry Jackson, into custody after seeing he had an outstanding warrant. James moved behind the wheel of the car and tried to drive away, and McCollister tried to stop her by climbing partway into the car and pulling her hair and using pepper spray and a Taser. James put the car into drive and McCollister shot her. He later claimed he'd gotten stuck in the car's doorway and that he'd feared for his life.



A grand jury declined to prosecute. McCollister was initially suspended, but the disciplinary action was overturned by an arbitrator.



Its been 10 years later, justice has still not [been] served, James mother, Shirley Isadore, said at a 2013 rally marking the anniversary of her daughters death.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Shopping in a Zara store recently while on vacation in New York City, a mother and her teenage daughter were sorting through fall wardrobe essentials theyd pulled from the racks.

The duo, Carol and Christina, of Lafayette, Ind., compared two miniskirts, one checkered and one suede, for length; examined a wool cardigan for holes or snags; and debated whether or not a faux leather jacket was worth its $70 price tag (Carol, the mom and the one footing the bill, said it wasnt).

But the mother-daughter tag team wont do all of their back-to-school shopping during their New York City visit. Once theyre back in Indiana, the duo will do the rest of their shopping all in-store, at their go-to spots, TJ Maxx and Kohls.

After all, the in-store shopping experience for the back-to-school season is a powerful one, and not just for this family. The National Retail Federation found that in 2016, 46 percent of families shopped their back-to-school needs in-store  a 30 percent increase from the previous year. That directly combats the idea that online shopping (see: Amazon) is taking over the world.

Ana Serafin Smith, senior director of media relations for the National Retail Federation, says just because some people might start looking for clothes and supplies online, the in-store experience is definitely not going anywhere.

That also means the back-to-school bonding experience for parents and kids isnt going anywhere either. In fact, its such a mainstay that researchers were sought out to formally examine what it is about those excursions that bring families together  or in some cases, create some unforgettable arguments.

In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Consumer Marketing, researchers interviewed more than two dozen mothers, adolescent daughters, and retail employees across the country to figure out what happens during mother-daughter shopping trips. The findings confirm the experiences of many who can relate to years of arguing in fitting rooms over too-loud stores, too-short hemlines, and too-pricey garments.

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The process, according to the research team, is as follows: moms and daughters argue over authority and autonomy, they learn from each other, and moms influence how daughters shop. And then, if all goes well, it winds up being worth it, as the two bond over the shared experience.

Both mothers and daughters talked about the mother-daughter shopping trip as an opportunity to spend quality girl-time together, especially when their lives might otherwise be too busy to facilitate such time, the researchers found. (To be sure, this study didnt examine how fathers interact with their daughters or sons, though there are plenty of dads doing the shopping themselves.)

For Laura Markham, a Brooklyn-based clinical psychologist and author of several books on parenting, the researchers findings confirm much of what she sees herself.

Shopping itself is not a value we want to promote with kids, but we do want to promote this idea of finding quality or never buying something you dont love or take care of, Markham tells Yahoo Style. Within the framework of boundaries or budgets or values, shopping can be a real learning opportunity for parents and their children.



While some parents might enjoy the ease of one-click shopping for their school-age children, others see what some psychologists do: Theres a learning experience to be shared no matter what you end up taking home.

I wouldnt do any of the shopping online, says Pam, a mother in the Boston area. I like having the experience, even with three kids.

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Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.

Alexandra Mondalek is a writer for Yahoo Style + Beauty. Follow her on Twitter @amondalek.
By Manuel Mogato MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Reuters) - Philippine troops fighting Islamic State-linked rebels in a southern city have encountered armed resistance from women and children, the military said on Monday, as troops make a final push to end a conflict that has raged for more than 100 days. Ground forces were braced for higher casualties amid fierce fighting in Marawi City on the island of Mindanao, where the field of battle has shrank to a small area in a commercial heart infested with snipers, and littered with booby traps. "We are now in the final phase of our operations and we are expecting more intense and bloody fighting. We may suffer heavier casualties as the enemy becomes more desperate," Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, who heads the military in Western Mindanao, told reporters. He said the number of fighters was diminishing and a small number of women and children, most likely family members of the rebels, were now engaged in combat. "Our troops in the field are seeing women and children shooting at our troops so that's why it seems they are not running out of fighters." More than 800 people have been killed in the battle, most of them insurgents, since May 23 when the militants occupied large parts of the predominantly Muslim town. The battle is the biggest security challenge in years for the mostly Catholic Philippines, even though it has a long history of Muslim separatist rebellion in Mindanao, an island of 22 million people that has been placed under martial law until the end of the year. The protracted clashes and resilience of the rebels has fanned fears that Philippine groups loyal to Islamic State, and with ties to Indonesian and Malaysian militants, have formed an alliance that is well-organized, funded and armed, and serious about carving out its own territory in Mindanao. Citing information provided by four hostages who had escaped from the rebels, Galvez said there were some 56 Christian hostages - most of them women - and about 80 male residents may have been forced to take up arms and fight the military. The fighting was concentrated in an area around a mosque about a quarter of a square kilometer. He said soldiers were taking control of an average 35 buildings a day and at that rate, it could be three weeks before the city was under government control. AIR STRIKES Fighting in Marawi was intense on Monday, with heavy gunfire and explosions ringing out across the picturesque, lakeside town, the heart of which has been devastated by near-daily government air strikes. Helicopters circled above to provide air cover for ground troops as fighting raged, with bursts of smoke rising above the skyline as bombs landed on rebel positions. Galvez said intelligence showed the rebels' military commander, Abdullah Maute, may have been killed last month in an air strike. Postings on Facebook and chatter over the past two days on Telegram, a messaging application used by Islamic State and its sympathizers, had carried tributes to Abdullah, referring to him by one of his pseudonyms, he said. "There is no 100 percent confirmation until we see his cadaver but this is enough to presume he died already," he said. The military has contradictory statements about the status of the rebel leaders over the past few months. Abdullah Maute and brother Omarkhayam are the Middle East-educated leaders of a militant clan known as the Maute group that has gained notoriety in the past two years due to its ability to engage the army for long periods. Under the name Dawla Islamiya, the Maute group has formed an alliance with Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of a pro-Islamic State faction of another group, Abu Sayyaf. Galvez said the army's intelligence indicated both Omarkhayam and Hapilon, Islamic State's anointed "emir" in Southeast Asia, were still in the Marawi battle. For a graphic on how main Islamic militant groups in Mindanao evolved, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/PHILIPPINES-MILITANTS/010041FJ346/PHILIPPINES-MILITANTS-HISTORY.jpg For a graphic on Islamic militant strongholds in Mindanao, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/PHILIPPINES-MILITANTS/010041BW2VW/PHILIPPINEs-MILITANTS3.jpg For a graphic on deaths in Marawi, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/PHILIPPINES-MILITANTS/010050L81DG/marawi-fatality.jpg (Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Philippine authorities said Monday they would investigate allegations police tortured and murdered a second teenager following an earlier killing that sparked the largest street protests so far against President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Police said they shot and killed Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19, as he robbed a taxi driver with a handgun in northern Manila on August 17.

The young man's parents dispute the police account. On Monday the justice ministry ordered an official investigation, said Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

"The autopsy result appears contrary to the police allegation that he (Arnaiz) had allegedly fought back," Aguirre told reporters.

A forensic examination by a government agency which provides legal services to the poor found that Arnaiz was tortured and shot dead while handcuffed.

"He was beaten up, his body was full of welts, he had a black eye, gashes as well as handcuff marks," Public Attorney's Office chief pathologist Erwin Erfe told reporters, adding that bullet trajectories suggested Arnaiz was shot while kneeling.

Arnaiz was killed the night after local police allegedly murdered 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos, in the same district during a major anti-drug raid on August 16.

Justice ministry investigators last week recommended murder charges against four Manila police officers. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found they intentionally killed Delos Santos and fabricated evidence against him.

Delos Santos' killing led to rare street protests against Duterte's war on drugs. Police have killed more than 3,800 drug suspects since he began his presidency in July last year.

Thousands of others have died in unexplained circumstances over the same period.

Rights groups have expressed alarm at what they say are a wave of extrajudicial murders, a claim the Duterte government rejects.

Persida Acosta, head of the Public Attorneys' Office, told reporters that Arnaiz and a 14-year-old neighbour who remains missing had disappeared from their homes in an eastern Manila suburb 10 days before Arnaiz's remains ended up in the morgue.

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Arnaiz had dropped out of the country's most prestigious university because he had become depressed over the absence of his mother, who worked in the Middle East, Acosta added.

Justice Secretary Aguirre said he had ordered the NBI to locate the missing 14-year-old boy.

strs/cgm/ajm/sm
CeCe Olisa, body positive influencer and one of the founders of theCURVYcon moved to New York to perform. She made the cross-country trip from her home in California to attend The New School to study musical theater. She was a triple threat; she could sing, she could act, she could dance  and she succeeded. She was a working actor for a time, but when she tried to level up to Broadway there was a roadblock. When it came to casting her, those with the power saw her weight as a barrier to entry. My weight was an issue for casting directors, she tells Yahoo Style. I was a young, bright, dancer girl  I was really good at dancing and I had all this energy  but they wouldnt give a plus-size girl those parts.

CeCe Olisa [Photo provided by CeCe Olisa]. Olisa is a co-founder of theCURVYcon, the body positive conference headlined by Emmy-nominated actress Chrissy Metz that will be livestreamed exclusively on Yahoo Style on Friday, 9/8 ay 6pm and starting at 10am on Saturday, 9/9.

It took a toll on me, my body image, my confidence, she says. To keep her sanity intact she decided to take a break from acting. She took a corporate job, and to keep her creative juices flowing, she started blogging  personal diary style  on the side. Very quickly her blog came to focus on what was troubling her the most  her body image. I was basically using my blog to have the conversations that I couldnt really have with my skinny friends  I was the only plus-size person in my group, she says. I would try to tell my skinny friends what I was going through and theyd basically be like, No! Youre beautiful! Dont worry about it! Nobody really wanted to discuss it any further. So I was like, gosh, this isnt resonating with them, maybe I just need to get these thoughts out.'

Olisa remembers that a lot of her early blogs were about hating different parts of her body, her arms for example. I have PCOS which is an endocrine issue and it affects your weight among other things. I felt like I was at war with my body, she says.

When I first started blogging I was still of the mindset that I needed to be skinny to get what I wanted in life. That I needed to lose weight to be happy, she says. And not only to lose weight, I thought I needed to be thin. I felt like being thin was going to bring the success that I was looking for whether it was in career or in relationships.

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Bae Watch. A post shared by CeCe Olisa (@ceceolisa) on Jun 2, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT

But then the comments started pouring in. And not the negative comments so pervasive on the internet; positive comments. People wrote in saying, I feel like that too, Im going through the same things.

Through the community fostered via her blog, Olisa found body positivity within herself. Finding a community of people who hear you when youre vulnerable and say, I understand and I feel the same way, it can really change your life, she says.

I kind of realized the thing that was holding me back was me, she says. Thats when my personal motto became dont wait on your weight to live the life you want.'

She started working out again not to lose weight but because she liked the feeling of moving her body. She started wearing tank tops on dates, a previous fear, because why not? I did everything I could to put [the motto] into practice even if that meant going on vacation and parasailing even when I was scared that the weight limit wasnt really what they said it was, she says.

Dont wait on your weight to travel, Im sharing all the details about parasailing on the blog right now! Link in bio #comeseek #cecetheworld A post shared by CeCe Olisa (@ceceolisa) on Apr 13, 2017 at 4:30am PDT

Ive been plus-size since I was a little kid, she says. Being plus-size might just be part of my story and if thats the case, am I going to live this limited or edited life because of that? Or am I going to take that for what it is and not put my entire life on hold while I wait to get skinny when Ive never been skinny. Im tall, I cant wait to get short. I could wake up and be 40 and not have done anything I wanted to do.

In 2015 Olisa quit her corporate job and began to focus full-time on her work as a blogger, and plus-size style influencer. That year also marked the kick-off of theCURVYcon, a two-day body positive conference she runs with her business partner Chastity Garner. Shes also gotten back into something she truly loves: fitness, and looking forward shell be bringing fitness tips via Instagram and videos to other plus-size people. Now I work out because I love my body, not because I hate it, she says. Working out with positive energy is totally different than working out to try and get rid of pieces of yourself.

CeCe Olisa [Photo provided by CeCe Olisa]

Olisa now works out four days per week attending fitness classes, dance classes, bootcamps, and, knowing the restrictions that being plus-size can sometimes put on things like joint mobility, shes tailored a lot of those movements for her body type. Now shes bringing those modifications to others who might also want to be as active, but arent sure how to begin. Her free video series How to Get Fit with Bad Knees already has a big following, and shes currently working with a trainer to create full-length work out videos for plus-size people. She also often posts about fitness on her Instagram, sharing tips and tricks of the plus-size fitness trade. I try to find the things that I know that plus-size bodies are struggling with when it comes to fitness and create videos that will address those issues specifically, she says.

One of the best things Ive done on my fitness journey is perfecting my kettle bell swing. Its a great low impact workout that works my entire body have you ever worked with kettle bells? A post shared by CeCe Olisa (@ceceolisa) on Aug 2, 2017 at 6:31am PDT

There are things in my life that I dont feel as fearless about, she says. Like wearing a bikini. But people have made those things accessible for me. So fitness is something that I try to make accessible for all different body types.

Olisa is doing all she can to bring her positive ethos to the rest of the plus-size community, but she recognizes that her outlook hasnt always been so sunny. Theres that quote that says, be who you needed when you were younger, and I feel like I get to be that for people, she says. I grew up plus-size and I didnt ever think that there was any good in that. I hated it. There are a lot of people who say that plus-size influencers promote obesity, but I dont promote anything except for loving yourself where you are right now. If you have goals go for them, reach them. But it doesnt mean who you wake up as every morning is a terrible person. It wasnt until my early 20s when I started my blog that I could even wrap my head around something like that.

Im just doing me the best way I know how.

theCURVYcon takes place on Sept. 8th and 9th and will be live streamed exclusively on Yahoo Style.

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Warsaw (AFP) - Polish President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday warned that a multi-speed Europe could spawn "more Brexits" and the breakdown of the EU, after powerful eurozone members like France and Germany backed the model.

A European Union with some countries that have "stronger development potential and a greater decision-making capacity that will formally be able to make decisions about the well-being of others, will become less attractive," Duda said.

Speaking at a regional economic forum known as the "Davos of the east" in the southern Polish mountain resort of Krynica, Duda said "this would really be the beginning of the end" of the EU, adding that "attachment to the EU would decline and spawn more Brexits".

Debate has heated up over the idea of a multi-speed EU -- in which some member states would choose to integrate faster than others in certain policy areas -- as Britain readies to leave the 28-member bloc.

Poland and other eastern EU members like the Czech Republic that have not yet joined the eurozone are concerned that the 19-member single currency grouping could integrate deeply and quickly, leaving them far behind.

French President Emmanuel Macron called last week for a multi-speed Europe, arguing that a core of "avant-garde" countries should lead the way in deepening EU integration.

Macron's plans include creating a budget for the eurozone which would be overseen by a finance minister and new parliament -- a major institutional change.

He won tentative backing from German Chancellor Angela Merkel who is running for re-election in parliamentary elections due on September 24.

She also said she supported the idea of a budget for the eurozone to transfer money to weaker members of the currency who might need support while carrying out difficult economic reforms.
Axmen is one of those stores where you can find just about everything. From wood-fired hot tubs to ranch feed to guns, the giant complex has been a one-stop shop for more than 40 years near the Wye west of Missoula, along with a sister store that specializes in ammo on U.S. Highway 93.

Lately, though, the store has been carving out a niche as a one-stop shop for all kinds of firefighting equipment, selling roughly $1.2 million worth of protective clothing, Pulaskis, hose attachments and lights this year alone.

Store managers couldnt have predicted the huge and numerous fires in western Montana this year, but theyve certainly had to work to keep up with demand. Their customers come from all over the country, including the Missoula Rural Fire District, the Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue team and the Navajo Hot Shots from New Mexico and Arizona.

Kory Koski, who manages Axmens firefighting equipment and small engine repair warehouse, said the store hasnt been able to keep Nomex shirts and pants on the shelves. Those are the yellow and green flame-retardant certified apparel that firefighters use to protect themselves. They've probably sold about $40,000 worth of those this year, he estimated.

Koski also said their store is now one of the largest vendors of both wildland and structure firefighting equipment in the Pacific Northwest. Off the top of his head, he can recite facts about a litany of the more than 9,000 products the huge warehouse holds. Hes basically an encyclopedia of firefighting products, and for that reason, customers trust him to sell them the right equipment for dangerous conditions.

I preach defensible space, he said, referring to the buffer between buildings and combustible material that homeowners are supposed to create if they live in a fire-prone area. Ill get people in here telling me they are their own first responders, which is true, but before I sell them anything I give them a book to read and say, Take this home and then come see me tomorrow. Because were talking life-or-death situations.

One of the newest products the store sells is called FireIce, which is a powder that, when mixed with water, forms a fire-retardant gel that can be sprayed over the entire surface of the home with a special pump. It lasts 8-12 hours and is much more effective than water alone. In fact, Koski demonstrates the stuff by dipping his hand in then hitting it with the flame of a blue-hot blowtorch.

It feels warm, but nothing like it would without it, he says.

Allen Gilbert, Axmens marketing manager, said theres a constant flow of customers to the firefighting equipment store on all days of the week. Sometimes its homeowners, other times its professional firefighters.

Thats why we had to expand to this warehouse, he said.

Gilbert said Koskis expertise reassures firefighters. He knows, for example, which goggles wont fog up in the field and therefore allow firefighters to see falling trees before they come down.

Brent Christopherson, the assistant chief of the Missoula Rural Fire District, said that having a brick-and-mortar store rather than relying on online vendors provides significant advantages.

We certainly value their line of products and anything that they can help us with, he said. Were certainly being tested right now with the amount of time were being utilized.

In fact, last week Missoula Rural Fire District mechanic Brian LaForest had to go to Axmen to find a part to fix a generator on one of the firetrucks.

Theres other vendors around, but local vendors have experience and you try to do business with them, he said. The more products that are reliable that a local vendor can provide that are close, the better it is for us.

In the firefighting world, equipment failure is a risk to personal safety.

When things go down, its kind of a priority to get it up and running, he said. You have products that are known for longevity. Certainly when you have a supplier of equipment that doesnt break down, you go back to that supplier.
By Denis Pinchuk XIAMEN, China (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear missile programme would be counter-productive and said threats of military action could trigger "a global catastrophe". Putin, speaking after a BRICs summit in China, criticised U.S. diplomacy in the crisis and renewed his call for talks, saying Pyongyang would not halt its missile testing programme until it felt secure. "Russia condemns North Korea's exercises, we consider that they are a provocation ... (But) ramping up military hysteria will lead to nothing good. It could lead to a global catastrophe," he told reporters. "There's no other path apart from a peaceful one." Putin was speaking after South Korea said an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to the North Korea threat after Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test two days ago. Russia, which shares a border with North Korea, has repeatedly joined China in calling for negotiations with Pyongyang, suggesting that the United States and South Korea halt all major war games in exchange for North Korea halting its testing programme. U.S. APPROACH "RIDICULOUS" While describing additional sanctions as "the road to nowhere", Putin said Russia was prepared to discuss "some details" around the issue, without elaborating. The Russian leader also lashed out at the United States, saying it was preposterous for Washington to ask for Moscow's help with North Korea after sanctioning Russian companies whom U.S officials accused of violating North Korea sanctions. "It's ridiculous to put us on the same (sanctions) list as North Korea and then ask for our help in imposing sanctions on North Korea," said Putin. "This is being done by people who mix up Australia with Austria," he added. The United States has floated the idea of requiring all countries to cut economic links with North Korea to try to strong-arm Pyongyang into changing its behaviour. In Moscow's case, that would mean stopping using North Korean labourers, tens of thousands of whom work in Russia, and halting fuel supplies to Pyongyang. Russia has so far refused to contemplate doing either. (Additional reporting by Polina Devitt and Christian Lowe in Moscow; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel slammed President Trump's decision to rescind the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration policy on Tuesday, declaring the Windy city a "Trump-free Zone."

DACA was implemented in 2012 as a safeguard protecting some children of immigrants who entered the United States illegally, and Emanuel's response to the safety net's removal on Tuesday was firm and critical.

"To all the DREAMers that are here in this room and in the city of Chicago: You are welcome in the city of Chicago. This is your home, and you have nothing to worry about," Emanuel said. "Chicago, our schools, our neighborhoods, our city as it relates to what President Trump said will be a Trump-free zone."

To all #DREAMers: You are welcome in the City of Chicago. This is your home. Come to school and pursue your dreams. #DACA#ChicagoisOnepic.twitter.com/YbnEpxqbuG  Archive: Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@MayorRahm) September 5, 2017

Emanuel served as chief of staff under former President Barack Obama before DACA was put forth as an executive branch program. His remarks come after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the administration's decision on Tuesday morning to scrap the program that has reportedly shielded almost 790,000 undocumented immigrants.

"To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. It's just that simple," Sessions said. "That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that."

RELATED: Protesters show support for DACA


A Pennsylvania police department is asking a local prankster to stop tying red, helium-filled balloons to storm grates, with the eerie sight easily drumming up comparisons to the upcoming horror movie, It.

The Lititz Borough Police Department, located about 40 miles southeast of Harrisburg, posted photos of the frightening display on Facebook Tuesday, suggesting that it was the work of an amateur promoting the films remake.

In the scream-inducing horror story by famed author Stephen King, a killer clown named Pennywise lures children to storm drains with floating red balloons before attacking them. That story, however, takes place in Maine.

We give points for creativity, the police department wrote, however, we want the local prankster to know that we were completely terrified as we removed these balloons from the grates and we respectfully request they do not do that again.

Last week, Pennsylvania State Police issued a warning that creepy clown sightings could be on the rise due to the movies release. That warning followed sightings reported in 16 states, including Pennsylvania, police said.

The creepy clown craze in September 2016 resulted in at least a dozen people arrested in Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia for either taking part in the menacing stunt or for making false reports, they stated.

Related...

'The Clown Epidemic Is Spreading Faster Than Herpes In A Clown Car'

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This Creepy Clown Motel Can Now Be Yours

Why Clowns Are 'Pissed' At Stephen King

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Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence by security forces and others in their towns in western Burmese Rakhine state have been flooding across the border to Bangladesh, according to the UN.

Footage released by media activist group Rohingya Vision on September 2 shows people stranded in Maungdaw township on the banks of a river running along the border.

Violence erupted on August 25 when Rohingya militants reportedly burned police posts in Rakhine. Since then, the Burmese army and militant groups supporting them have been accused of burning down Rohingya villages. Satellite imagery obtained by Human Rights Watch of one such village, Chein Khar Li in Rathedaung township, shows its near total destruction, the NGO said. Credit: Facebook/Rohingya Vision via Storyful
Following the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child, people are already speculating about the royal babys name.

On Monday, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is pregnant again. Though the due date has not been announced, the press release noted that the duchess is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which she experienced during her first two pregnancies.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child pic.twitter.com/DZCheAj1RM  Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 4, 2017

With little other information about royal baby #3, many are asking  what name will the monarchs choose for their new little prince or princess?

If you look at the names of their two children  18th century Hanoverian names with George and Charlotte  you see theyre very classic, very traditional, Arianne Chernock, an associate professor of modern British history at Boston University, told HuffPost. So I would expect them to maintain that deference to tradition. I dont think theyre really going to make a radical choice.

Prince Georges full name is George Alexander Louis and Princess Charlotte is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child. (Photo: POOL New / Reuters)

If the royal couples third child is a girl, Chernock guessed that names like Caroline or Alexandra would be in the running.

These are queens who were very well liked in their time. Alexandra, the wife of Edward VII, was much loved. I could see them easily taking that kind of route, Chernock said. For a boy, I think they would also look to traditional revered monarchs of the past, she added, suggesting Edward.

The British gambling company, Ladbrokes, is already taking bets about the royal baby name. So far, the odds are 7-1 for Alice, 10-1 for Victoria and 12-1 for Alexandra if the baby is a girl. For boy names, its 10-1 for Arthur, 14-1 for Albert and 14-1 for James.

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The British gambling company, Ladbrokes, is already taking bets about the royal baby name. (Photo: Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)

In the past, Ladbrokes picks have been pretty accurate. George was the leading bet just before the princes birth, and Charlotte overtook Alice as bettors favorite when the duchess went into labor with her second child.

Other top predictions for the third royal baby include Philip, Henry, Frederick, William, Alexander and Charles for a boy and Diana, Elizabeth, Grace, Mary, Olivia, Caroline and Frances for a girl.

However, Chernock noted, Diana and Elizabeth would be unlikely choices given that theyve already been selected for Princess Charlottes full name. The same goes for Alexander  one of Georges middle names  and William and Charles, the names of the babys father and grandfather. Prince Harrys real name is Henry, so that could potentially disqualify that option.

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Top predictions for the baby's name include Alice, Arthur, Victoria and Albert. (Photo: Franziska Krug via Getty Images)

Many names are taken right now, Chernock said. At this point, its all speculation, but itll be very interesting to see.

One thing Chernock says we can know for sure is that they will choose a name that keeps with their tradition of honoring the royal familys history.

George and Charlotte are not going to have a baby sister named Mackenzie, she said. Or at least, Id be shocked.

Also on HuffPost

Prince William, 3, yawns during the wedding ceremony of Sarah Ferguson and the Duke of York on July 23, 1986.

Prince William (R) peeks over at his brother Harry from his seat in Westminster Abbey.

Prince William (R) stands on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the wedding of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew.

Prince William plays with Lady Davina Windsor.

Prince William rides in a carriage with Prince Edward after the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Prince William serves as a page boy at the society wedding of Camilla Dunne to Rupert Soames, a grandson of Winston Churchill.

Prince William accompanies a young bridesmaid to the 1988 wedding in Hereford Cathedral.

Prince William holds hands with a young bridesmaid.

Princess Diana leads Prince William along as he waves to onlookers.

Prince Harry poses as a page boy in the wedding of his uncle Charles Spencer to Victoria Lockwood in 1989.

Prince Harry appeared in the wedding alongside his cousins Eleanor and Alexander Fellowes.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Xiamen (China) (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened Tuesday to expel up to 155 more US diplomatic personnel from his country as the diplomatic feud between Washington and Moscow rumbled on.

"We reserve the right to make a decision on how many American diplomats there are in Moscow. But we will not do that for the moment," Putin told a press conference after a summit of BRICS nations in southern China.

Moscow had previously ordered Washington to reduce its diplomatic presence to 455 people by September 1, the same number that Russia has in the US.

That number, however, includes 155 people who work for Russia's diplomatic mission to the UN in New York, Putin said, meaning his country could further cut the number of US diplomats to 300: "Its 455 minus 155."

On Saturday Russia was forced to vacate its consulate in San Francisco and two diplomatic buildings in New York and Washington after the US ordered the move, the latest twist in a lengthy feud.

Russia demanded Sunday that the US rethink its shuttering of Moscow's diplomatic premises, insisting that Washington bore sole responsibility for worsening ties after the "hostile act".

US intelligence agencies have accused Putin of orchestrating a sweeping hacking and influence campaign to tip the November 2016 presidential election in favour of Donald Trump -- prompting several investigations, including one led by the FBI.

The move to close the consulate in San Francisco and the two diplomatic annexes in Washington and New York are part of the fallout from the allegations.

In the waning days of his tenure, Barack Obama hit out at Russia by expelling 35 diplomats and closing two of Moscow's diplomatic compounds in the US.

The Kremlin initially did not retaliate. But when Congress passed new sanctions tying Trump's hands, Moscow ordered the US to cut its diplomatic mission by 755 staff by September.
By David Nelson, CFA

Bottom line: We screwed up. Every president since Reagan bears responsibility for North Korea. Each passed it on to their successor, and now President Donald Trump is clearly facing a series of decisions that will likely define his presidency.

The administration has repeatedly said all options are on the table. Its pretty clear that after the events of this weekendwhat was potentially a thermonuclear detonationthe sense of urgency is rapidly accelerating. Our ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said, Weve kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left.

Then, add comments from Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and the picture gets pretty grim. He said, any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam or our allies, will be met with a massive military responsea response both effective and overwhelming.

Once youre in the nuclear club, its difficult, if not impossible, to be expelled. We should have learned that lesson with India and Pakistan.

Now were faced with some pretty tough decisions.

(Source: The Independent)

I think what Trump called for is maybe the best and only choice available. The question is: Are we and our allies willing to pay that price? Cutting off trade with those who do business with North Korea has definite economic, if not military, consequences.

To date, markets have shrugged off geopolitical turmoil, having learned the lesson that buying the news was more profitable than selling it. Most of these incidents are transitory, and often dont spill over into the economy. However, terminating trade, or even curtailing it with some of our largest trading partners, will have definite economic fallout. Brazil, Germany and the Big Kahuna, China, all do business with North Korea.

Kims end game is to have enough military leverage to threaten or hold hostage an American city. Extortion may not work when its some far-off city like Seoul or Tokyo, but San Francisco is another story.

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Its unclear if the rogue nation already has that capability. However, with each nuclear test getting stronger, accuracy becomes less important. Also, with conventional weapons on the border, Seoul is an easy target in the event of a preemptive strike by the United States.

Economic sanctions can work but they have to be massiveleaving few options for the young dictator. China clearly has the most leverage, so without it, this is a strategy thats finished before it even starts. Even if successful, theres no guarantee that Kim will respond rationally. Experts and diplomats are conceding hes a complete wild card, and we may be forced in the end to employ the military option.

Appeasement is never an answer, as the president has pointed out. But for diplomacy or sanctions to work, our allies and all parties with a stake in the outcome need to stand by our side. Hopefully, our trading partners will see it in the same light, understanding that North Korea is not only a threat to the United States, but that it also represents a clear and present danger to the civilized world.

-

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Investment advice is offered through Belpointe Asset Management, LLC. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Insurance products are offered through Belpointe Insurance, LLC and Belpointe Specialty Insurance, LLC. It is important to read our email disclosures available at this link: http://belpointe.com/disclosures.
London (AFP) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Tuesday denied any warming of relations with regional rival Iran after Tehran thanked Riyadh for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

"If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law," Jubeir told a press conference in London.

"The hajj is a religious obligation, it has nothing to do with politics," he added, referring to the pilgrimage which forms one of the five pillars of Islam.

Despite the two countries having severed diplomatic relations in January 2016 after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, some 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part in the hajj last week.

Iranians had been unable to participate in 2016 after talks collapsed over security concerns, following a stampede the previous year which killed up to 2,300 people, including hundreds of Iranians.

Earlier on Tuesday Iran had thanked Saudi Arabia for running a successful hajj this year, saying it opened the way for negotiations.

"We thank Saudi Arabia... for adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims," said Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organisation in Tehran, according to the state broadcaster.

He added that it marked an opportunity for the two sides to "resolve their bilateral issues in other fields".

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was more cautious, saying he had yet to see "a clear prospect for change" in the relationship.
The Superintendent of Cherokee Schools District in Georgia has apologized after a teacher told students they were banned from wearing Trump T-shirts.

A math teacher at River Ridge High School, who has not been named, incorrectly told two students their Make America Great Again (MAGA) shirts violated the schools dress code and said they were not permitted to wear them to class.

As well as telling the students they were not allowed to wear their preferred clothing, the teacher also shared a personal opinion about the MAGA slogan, in footage that was filmed on Thursday by students and then released online.

Trump T-Shirt

REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

And following the filming of the video, the school was forced to apologize to the students, whose clothing choice was not, in fact, a violation of the school's dress code, with the principal of the school meeting with the children and their parents to apologize and discuss the incident.

Her actions were wrong, as the Make America Great Again shirts worn by the students are not a violation of our School District dress code, Cherokee County Schools spokeswoman Barbara Jacoby told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is deeply sorry that this incident happened in one of our schools, Jacoby added. It does not reflect his expectation that all students be treated equally and respectfully by our employees.

Jacoby also said the students were not facing any disciplinary action, although she could not comment on whether any action would be taken against the teacher, but the school has issued a reminder to teaching staff that they are not to share their political opinions with students.

The incident prompted Georgia House Republicans to speak out against the teacher, with Representative Mandi Ballinger telling the Journal-Constitution she was pleased the students right to free speech was upheld.

Related Articles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pictured talking to officials of his regime about its nuclear weapons program - REUTERS

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, said on Tuesday that US-led calls for harsher sanctions on North Korea were futile and warned that military escalation could lead to a global catastrophe, arguing that Pyongyang rightfully fears for its security.

Mr Putin called North Korea's nuclear test on Sunday provocative but said Kim Jong-un definitely won't forget the US-led military actions in Libya and Iraq.

Saddam Hussein gave up his weapons of mass destruction only to be hanged after the US invasion, he said.

The use of any kind of sanctions in this situation is already useless and ineffective, Mr Putin said. They will eat grass but they won't give up (the nuclear) programme if they don't feel safe.

Mr Putins comments came as concern grew that the North was planning to carry out another weapons test  possibly the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile to mark the anniversary of its founding this Saturday.

North Korea nuclear grid

Defence officials in Seoul confirmed that a launch was likely after local media reported that a missile had been moved into position on the Norths west coast overnight on Monday.

France's defence minister said on Tuesday that North Korea could develop ballistic missiles able to strike targets in Europe sooner than expected.

In a phone call with Mr Trump on Tuesday Theresa May agreed with the president on the need to increase pressure on China "to ensure North Korea stopped conducting these illegal acts", Downing Street said.

South Korea responded with its second show of force in two days, dispatching warships to conduct live-fire drills. More naval drills are expected this week, the defence ministry said.

Military chiefs in the South also appear to have secured an agreement from the US to increase the warhead weight limits on their maximum-range missiles.

South Korean navy vessels taking part in a naval drill off the east coast of South Korea Credit: AFP / South Korean Defence Ministr

Mr Putin pushed back against this military hysteria as the way to a global planetary catastrophe, calling instead for a renewal of dialogue without any threat of (North Korea's) destruction.

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China, meanwhile, has been censoring its media and Internet to stifle alarmist talk relating to North Koreas nuclear test.

Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, is keen to ensure stability in the run up to the Communist Partys crucial Party Congress next month, while propaganda chiefs are keen for the spotlight to be on the Brics summit.

Although China has the most influence over North Korea, Russia will likely spearhead their joint opposition to US calls for harsher sanctions in the United Nations security council, said Anthony Rinna, an expert on Russia and North Korea at the Sino-NK research group.

South Korean army's K-1 tanks move during a military exercise in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 Credit: Lee Jin-man/AP

China and Russia will likely be in sync, he said.

Mr Putin said on Tuesday it was absurd to ask Russia to support sanctions against North Korea when it itself was under US sanctions, adding that Moscow could kick out more US diplomatic staff after the closure this weekend of its San Francisco consulate.

Mr Putin poked fun at a reporter who asked if he was disappointed in Donald Trump, the US president, and their failure to build better relations.

He's not my bride, I'm also not his bride, nor groom, he said. We're involved in government activities, and each country has its own interests.

Although China is by far North Korea's largest trade partner, Russia has been developing closer political and economic ties.

Mr Putin said on Tuesday that Russia couldn't pressure Pyongyang economically since its exports to North Korea - including 40,000 tonnes of oil each quarter - amounted to essentially nothing.

But tens of thousands of North Koreans have been working in construction and logging camps in Russia in conditions the United Nations has called slave-like, providing much-needed hard currency to Kim Jong-un's regime.

North Korean missile ranges

A Russian company in May launched the first regular cargo and passenger ferry service to North Korea.

The United States sanctioned 16 Chinese and Russian entities and individuals in August for supporting Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, including Russian companies it said were involved in trading oil and metals with North Korea.

An August report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies said two new long-range missiles unveiled by Kim Jong-un's regime appeared to be powered by a modified version of the Soviet-designed RD-250 engine that both Ukraine and Russia have deployed in missiles and rockets.

While some Russian scientists are believed to have gone to work on developing nuclear weapons in North Korea after the Soviet collapse, there is no evidence of Kremlin assistance, Mr Rinna said.

Alexander Vorontsov, a North Korea expert at the Russian Academy of Science, said preventing a new conflict on the Korean peninsula, which would likely send refugees over its border, was a key Russian concern.

We of course understand that the North Korean missiles are not directed at us, that doesn't worry us, but a conflict on the Korean peninsula worries us, he said. Even if it's not a nuclear conflict, South Korea has many nuclear power stations that could become second Chernobyl.

North Korea's nuclear history: key moments
Nearly 2,800 current and past employees and their families are expected to ride on eight employee appreciation train trips across Montana starting Friday to help celebrate Montana Rail Links 30th anniversary.

The trips will run in and around Missoula, where MRL is headquartered, as well as Helena, Livingston, Billings and Laurel, according to a letter from MRL president Tom Walsh.

It promises to be a wonderful time to reflect with friends, co-workers and retired co-workers on MRLs achievements and operations over the past 30 years, Walsh said.

More than 500 employees from over 30 different railroads launched MRL on Oct. 31, 1987. Montana Rail Link is a Class II regional railroad that employs nearly 1,200 people and operates more than 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho, on line owned by partner BNSF Railway, one of seven Class I railroads in North America.

BNSF traces its roots back to the Northern Pacific, which completed a transcontinental railroad across Montana in 1883. Much of MRLs line follows the original NP route.
Upon hearing that Bill Cosby had been accused of multiple drug-assisted sexual assaults against women, Steve Harvey picked up the phone.

"When I heard all the trouble he was in, I called and asked him how he was doing," Harvey told The Hollywood Reporter. "You know what he says to be? 'Hey man, I appreciate you calling, but just stay away from me right now. You don't need none of this on you. Whatever happens to me, happens to me, but don't you get none of this on you.' That's an amazing thing for a guy to say."

Although Harvey says he hasn't talked to Cosby in "a few months," "when I'm your friend, I'm your friend," he said. "Bill Cosby helped my sons at Morehouse [College], and he taught me how to do this business. He didn't even know me and taught me how to do this business."

Harvey did not elaborate in the interview about the grave allegations against Cosby, whose court case ended (for now) in a mistrial in June. More than 50 women have accused Cosby of sexually abusing or raping them over the past five decades.

Despite avoiding this topic, Harvey did, however, continue to weigh in on Cosby -- or, rather, Bill Huxtable, who was "a guy that was that likable on TV," Harvey said, adding that he stands by a past assertion that Hollywood is more racist than America itself.

"'Cause they don't get it," Harvey explained. "And it's not that they're racist. It's that they, the people who greenlight shows, sit in an office in Beverly Hills, Burbank, Studio City, and they make decisions about America and none of them live there. And they've got to put everything in a category. 'Blacks would like this. This is a black show.'"
He's the host of HGTV's reality-TV hit "Flip or Flop," but lately the headlines have come from his personal life. Tarek and Christina El Moussa have called it quits as a couple, and police visited their home after allegations that Tarek was seen fleeing with a rifle.

The El Moussas were guests on The Doctors in 2013, when Tarek was struggling with thyroid cancer at only age 31. Tarek has now revealed that he was also fighting testicular cancer at the same time.

Watch: Viewer Alerts HGTV Host to Health Concern

First, Tarek wants to set the record straight. He has a legal permit for the firearm and took it with him for safety while hiking in the wild area behind his home. He heard the police helicopter while hiking. He says, I looked around and said, 'Jeez, who they looking for?'  turns out they were looking for me!

Rosie Mercado asks how he and Christina got past the tabloid attention on their breakup while battling two kinds of cancer at the same time and trying to raise their young children. Tarek says, At the end of the day we're just normal people, like you folks. What's important is the family and the kids.

Watch: HGTV Host Meets Life-Saving Viewer

He is officially cancer-free as of last month, but it hasn't been easy. For me, the worst part wasn't cancer, for me it was the aftermath, says Tarek. Both cancers affected his hormone levels, he was left with no thyroid gland, and he experienced 60-pound weight swings. It was an emotional and physical roller coaster.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon asks Tarek whether he regrets choosing a reality-TV career in hindsight. Yes, I regret it  and no, I don't regret it! he replies. After all, his show might have saved his life. It was Flip or Flop that led him to get his thyroid cancer diagnosis.

A nurse in Texas watched the show and saw the lump in his neck. She sent an email telling him to get his thyroid checked for cancer. His own doctor had already dismissed the lump as a fatty mass, but the nurse was right.

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Watch: Woman Finds Thyroid Cancer Thanks to Watching The Doctors

ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork asks whether his hormones are balanced now. The hardest part is finding that sweet spot. You look really good!

For the first time in a long, long time, I feel good, he replies. It's taken three tough years, but his doctors at UCLA have worked out a good regimen for him.
As expected, President Trump announced today via Jeff Sessions that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would be dissolved. In six months, the government will begin phasing out protections for undocumented immigrants that came to the US as children and many members of the tech community are voicing their dissent over the decision.

In an email to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared his disappointment and said that a number of Apple employees who are recipients of DACA protections -- also known as Dreamers -- have contacted him. "They help customers in our retail stores. They engineer the products people love and they're building Apple's future as part of our R&D teams. They contribute to our company, our economy and our communities just as much as you and I do. Their dreams are our dreams," said Cook. He went on to say that the company was working with Apple Dreamers to provide support and advice from immigration experts.

Mark Zuckerberg, whose FWD.us site published an open letter to Trump last week urging him to keep DACA, wrote on Facebook today, "It's time for Congress to act to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or another legislative solution that gives Dreamers a pathway to citizenship. For years, leaders from both parties have been talking about protecting Dreamers. Now it's time to back those words up with action. Show us that you can lead. No bill is perfect, but inaction now is unacceptable." Like Zuckerberg, others including Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai are calling on Congress to intervene.

Pichai along with Microsoft's and Uber's CEOs and Lyft's cofounders took to Twitter to stand with Dreamers.

Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers  Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) September 5, 2017

Dreamers make our country & communities stronger. We stand for diversity and economic opportunity for everyone. https://t.co/gRCr8VWwcN  Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) September 5, 2017

It's against our values to turn our backs on #DREAMers. Everyone deserves a chance to work, study and contribute - the #AmericanDream!  dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) September 5, 2017

Dreamers add to our communities and economy. Ending DACA is wrong - we now must work together to ask congress to acthttps://t.co/kWMAMztMit  johnzimmer (@johnzimmer) September 5, 2017

We stand with Dreamers & support inclusivity for all. Ending DACA is wrong. https://t.co/pV6kFp1VVL  logangreen (@logangreen) September 5, 2017

And Uber CTO, Thuan Pham, penned a letter which stated, "Immigrants often risk their lives for a chance at freedom and opportunity, and our country remains the world's beacon of freedom and opportunity. Immigrants have built and contributed to America since its very beginning, and are at the center of our social fabric and economic prosperity. My heart breaks to see so many people who are in the same situation today that I was in many years ago."

CEOs and representatives of hundreds of companies and organizations signed the FWD.us open letter last week and many are continuing to stand with Dreamers and DACA today. "It lets these Americans, who have successfully completed rigorous background investigations, go to school, earn a living, support their families, pay taxes and work toward achieving their dreams like the rest of us. They are called Dreamers, and regardless of where they were born, they deserve our respect as equals," said Cook.
While the Trump-Pence commission is all about voter suppression, automatic registration is making it easier for people to vote. Lawmakers must get behind it

Roughly 41% of eligible voters didnt vote  a significant dent in the credibility and legitimacy of our elections. Photograph: Ringo Chiu/AFP/Getty Images

So much news in the US recently has been upsetting, and rarely uplifting; but the champions of voting rights have reasons to be both aghast at recent headlines and encouraged by them. On the one hand, the Trump-Pence election integrity commissions every move continues to underscore concerns that it is driving at 90mph towards national voter suppression. Then there is the sudden decision by Donald Trump and attorney general Jeff Sessions Department of Justice to support purging voter rolls in Ohio. Its enough to make voters feel like they have targets on their backs.

On the other hand, Rhode Island recently became the ninth state to enact AVR  automatic voter registration  and on 28 August Illinois became the 10th when its Republican governor signed the bill into law. While the federal government perpetuates myths and conspiracies in an effort to justify taking the vote away from citizens, more and more states are taking local action to strengthen and protect this most fundamental democratic right.

Roughly 41% of eligible voters didnt vote in the 2016 election. Such low voter participation is a significant dent in the credibility and legitimacy of our elections. Our government gains its legitimacy by being representative of the people, but if the reality is that it only represents a little more than half of eligible voters, that premise is shaky.

We cannot make people vote, but we can certainly make it easier for them to do so. And it can be achieved without pillaging state voting records to build a national voter database that is susceptible to abuse and hacking.

AVR involves two steps. The first is that eligible voters are registered to vote, or have their voting information updated, any time they interact with state agencies, or with federal agencies under national AVR. Second, those agencies electronically relay the information to appropriate state electoral officials. The results are more registered voters and more up-to-date voter rolls.

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It is one of the single greatest ways to improve the legitimacy of our elections, and in turn our democracy. It results in a default opt-out system, whereby people have to take action to opt out of being registered, rather than having to go out of their way to register to vote. Alex Padilla, Californias secretary of state, captured it perfectly when he said: Citizens should not have to opt in to their fundamental right to vote.

The right to vote, and peoples exercising of it, is a central pillar of the legitimacy of our democracy. Our system of government  the balance of power, the accountability to the people  only works if people vote. It is that simple. And in states that have enacted AVR, it has significantly increased voter registration, and initial indicators point to increased voter participation in elections.

The benefits to our democratic legitimacy should be a case-closed argument for AVR; but there are other reasons AVR makes total sense. It is not only cheaper and less error-prone than the current paper process: it would also clean up existing voter rolls and reduce the potential for voter fraud  two goals often highlighted by those who cry foul over voter fraud concerns.

The push for AVR in many states is being led by secretaries of state, who are often states top election officials, and understand the cost and logistical and democratic advantages of AVR. As Rhode Islands secretary of state recently stated, AVR will help reduce the bloat in our voter rolls resulting from unintentional, duplicate voter registrations, and help increase voter participation.

Also encouraging is that this is a bipartisan issue at the state level. Republican legislators and Republican governors have helped enact AVR in different states. Moreover, AVR is popular among citizens, as seen in Alaska, where it was adopted by the voters.

A national AVR bill was introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in June, and if enacted would result in the automatic registration of eligible voters who interact with federal agencies, with the option for individuals to opt out. This could be a huge success for this administration, and is being handed to the White House on a plate. In the House, Robert Brady, a Pennsylvania Democrat), along with 53 co-sponsors, is advancing the proposed bill. And in the Senate Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, and five co-sponsors are working to move similar legislation.

Momentum exists at the state level as well. AVR is now standard practice in 10 states and the District of Columbia, and legislation has been introduced in as many as 30 other states.

Improving elections doesnt require a discredited commission, a national database, or an invasion of citizens privacy

An effort to enact national AVR could motivate more states to enact it at the state level, or expand existing AVR. For instance, to maximize the impact and benefit of AVR, voters should be registered and their information updated any time they interact with a state agency, whether that be housing, education or motor vehicles.

If restricted to interactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles, as is the case in some states, AVR becomes susceptible to the same flaws as restrictive voter ID laws. Many people dont have a drivers license and dont do business with the DMV. They should not be required to procure a drivers license just to vote. Driving is an option. Voting is a right. National momentum on AVR could promote best practices by states.

Rather than raising concerns about purging voter rolls and voter suppression, the country has an opportunity to champion voting rights and actually improve the legitimacy of our elections and our democracy. It doesnt require a discredited commission, a national voter database, or an invasion of citizens privacy. It just needs lawmakers who genuinely care about voter participation and our democratic legitimacy. If members of Congress are serious about wanting to improve our elections, lets see them champion AVR and support the Brady and Leahy measures right away.
President Donald Trump has finally made his choice for NASAs next chief, but the nominee has been met with opposition from scientists as well as politicians on both sides of the aisle.

Opponents argue that Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), who must be confirmed by the Senate, is a poor choice for the NASA administrators job. The three main points of contention? Hes political, lacks scientific credentials and doubts that humans contribute to climate change.

Trump named a politician who has denied climate change science and who has no scientific credentials...to run NASA.https://t.co/mQ4AuQZlnd  Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) September 2, 2017

Floridas two U.S. senators  Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson  already have spoken up against Bridenstines nomination.

The head of NASA ought to be a space professional, not a politician, Nelson told Politico.

Bridenstine, 42, would be the first elected official to hold the NASA administrator job.

Rubio told Politico the appointment could be devastating for the space program.

Obviously, being from Florida, Im very sensitive to anything that slows up NASA and its mission, Rubio said.

NASAs Kennedy Space Center is located in Florida.

Bridenstine, who first won his House seat in 2012, has no background in science or engineering. He is, however, a former Navy combat pilot and the former executive director of the Air & Space Museum & Planetarium in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has also repeatedly expressed a passion for space exploration, and since 2016 has been a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Hes a fan of commercial space travel, and has backed such efforts by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. He also wants to tackle the problem of space debris and to conduct more research on the moon.

Still, some of his foes worry that as NASAs chief, he would rein in the agencys work on climate change.

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I present to you the guy Trump's named to run NASA giving a speech on the House floor demanding Obama apologize for funding climate research pic.twitter.com/6kEsv5casz  Ubadah Sabbagh (@Neubadah) September 3, 2017

Bridenstine has previously criticized the amount of money NASA spends on climate research. In 2013, he sponsored a bill seeking to slash funding to the climate change studies conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Astronomer and science blogger Phil Plait lambasted Bridenstines nomination in a post on Monday.

Climate change due to global warming is one of the greatest threats facing us as a species. The leader of the worlds premier space agency should at the very bare minimum be willing to admit it exists, said Plait.

Trump is nominating a climate science denier to run NASA because of course he is. https://t.co/U27OCgJVQt  Phil Plait (@BadAstronomer) September 4, 2017

Bridenstine expressed his skepticism about the human factor in climate change during a 2016 interview with Aerospace America magazine.

The climate has always changed, he said. There were periods of time long before the internal combustion engine when the Earth was much warmer than it is today.

The previous NASA administrator, Charles Bolden Jr., resigned from his post in January when Trump took office. Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot Jr. has been serving as acting administrator. Its the longest the agency has gone without an official chief.

Lightfoot said in a statement Friday he was pleased to have Representative Bridenstine nominated to lead our team.

Of course, the nomination must go through the Senate confirmation process, but I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition and sharing the great work the NASA team is doing, Lightfoot said.

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Also on HuffPost

Strengthen city, county and state climate efforts

If the federal government refuses to stand up against climate change, itll be more important than ever for cities, counties and states to pick up the slack and become climate leaders. That means committing to divest from fossil fuels, embrace clean energy, set emissions targets and develop climate action plans, among other measures.



The ominous signals coming out of D.C. point to even more work needed at the city and state level, said Kate Kiely, national media deputy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. In November, the NRDC announced partnerships with 20 cities across the country from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Houston, Texas, to make strides in renewable energy.



According to Brune, cities could have an especially big influence in the climate change fight. We should be pushing cities to go 100 percent clean energy and to reject natural gas and coal and other fossil fuels, he said. A majority of people now live in cities, so this could have a dramatic impact.



In the U.S., at least 20 cities have made commitments to rely completely on clean energy.



People should organize and get their own cities to move forward, Brune said.



Contact your mayor, city council, or county or state representative and get them to set a timeline to stop using fossil fuels.

Push companies and institutions to divest from fossil fuels

There are a lot of things that the president cant undo. He cant stop the fact that solar and wind are cheaper than coal and gas. He cant change the fact that dozens of businesses have already committed to clean energy, Brune said.



As of December, more than 640 institutions worldwide, including several universities, churches and for-profit companies and banks, have pledged to divest from their fossil fuel investments. According to Go Fossil Free, a 350.org campaign, the commitments amount to more than $3.4 trillion.



Consumers should petition companies to ditch their fossil fuel investments, and students should urge their schools and colleges to do the same.



As we wrap up the hottest year in history, we know that investments in the fossil fuel industry fund these climate impacts. Thats why its more critical than ever that we push our institutions to divest from the fossil fuel companies that are knowingly perpetuating the climate crisis, Lindsay Meiman, U.S. communications coordinator for 350.org, told HuffPost.



Want to push a company, school or place of worship to divest from fossil fuels? 350.org has a list of resources to help you start a campaign. Or find an existing one to get involved in.

Put your money where your mouth is

Petitions and protests can be powerful, but moving your money speaks volumes too. As a consumer and as an investor, ensure you're not personally financing climate change. This means, for example, choosing banks that are free of fossil fuel connections.



Your ATM card or checking account or your mortgage, these should not be financed by companies that are taking your checking fees or other payments to subsidize the Dakota Access Pipeline or finance drilling offshore. Make sure your money aligns with your values, Brune said.



In September, Amalgamated Bank became the first North American bank to commit to divest 100 percent from fossil fuels. Aspiration has bank accounts that are fossil fuel-free, and Beneficial State Bank has credit cards that dont invest in fossil fuels.



Anthony Hobley, CEO of the Carbon Tracker Initiative, said consumers should also ensure that their pensions, 401(k) or other retirement savings accounts are similarly not underwriting fossil fuel companies.



A lot of pressure can be made through the financial industry, Hobley said from London. Ordinary people who hold pensions can put pressure on companies through their pensions. Put pressure on the people who manage your money and thats one way to keep pressure on those companies too.



The financial services companies that manage retirement accounts arent used to getting many letters from the people whose money they manage, Hobley added. It wouldnt take much of an organized effort for them to take notice.



Are your investments supporting fossil fuels? FossilFreeFunds.org is a web tool that allows people to check whether their individual investments or employer-provided 401(k) is supporting coal companies, oil and gas producers, and fossil-fired utilities.

Making a "financial case" for clean energy

Hobley believes the best chance we have of convincing Trump to care about climate change is to make a compelling financial case for renewables.



With new clean energy technologies getting more efficient and cheaper than fossil fuels, a transition to renewables is inevitable, said Hobley. Its just a matter of time.



Trump can no more stop this transition than a previous U.S. president couldve stopped the transition from steam locomotives to the automobile or the typewriter to the computer. The technological genie is already out of the bag, he said. Its not a case of if, but when. But the when is important because of the 2 degrees budget, and thats where a lack of political leadership or resistance can have a real impact.



Clear political leadership from both the U.S. and China could mean a "smoother" and faster transition to clean energy. A lack thereof, however, could make it easier for big oil and gas companies to stay in denial  and that would be to their detriment, Hobley said. It would mean pouring more money, billions or trillions of dollars, into fossil fuel assets that we simply dont need.



Trump now has the opportunity to make the United States a leader in clean energy.



These are complicated and highly technical products, Hobley said. With an educated and skilled workforce, these are the kinds of things that should be manufactured in the U.S.



Creating new jobs was a central part of Trumps election platform. Maybe someone should remind him that the clean energy industry creates more jobs per unit of energy than coal and natural gas. In 2015, the number of U.S. jobs in solar energy overtook those in oil and natural gas extraction for the very first time.



A 2015 report by NextGen Climate America found that a transition to clean energy would add a million jobs by 2030 and up to 2 million jobs by 2050, while increasing the nation's gross domestic product by $290 billion and boosting household income.



We should be citing such figures and urging utility companies and public utility commissions to embrace clean energy. (Public utility commissions regularly hold hearings that are open to the public. Attend them, and voice your thoughts!)

Speak out!

Whats the single biggest way you can influence climate change? According to the NRDC, its speaking up.



Talk to your friends and family, and make sure your representatives are making good decisions, Aliya Haq, deputy director of NRDCs Clean Power Plan Initiative, wrote in a blog post. The main reason elected officials do anything difficult is because their constituents make them.



In the coming months and years, there will be mass mobilizations that folks should join to push back against Trumps regressive policies and hateful rhetoric, said 350.orgs Meiman. Folks can engage online by joining online actions, signing petitions and contributing their voice on social media to push back on Trumps agenda.



You can also participate in protests in your area or join and support local nonprofits in their fight against climate change.

Reduce your own carbon footprint

Power your own home with renewable energy, invest in energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs, and remember to weatherize.



Building heating and cooling are among the biggest uses of energy, said NRDCs Haq. Make your home more energy-efficient by sealing drafts and ensuring your home is adequately insulated and ventilated too.



Also consider changing your diet. Cut down on meat consumption or even eliminate it from your diet completely, Brune said. I do think that people can have a powerful impact on the environment just by eating less meat.



It takes 14 times as much biologically productive land to produce 1 ton of beef as it takes to produce 1 ton of grain, according to the Global Footprint Network.



Global livestock is also responsible for 14.5 percent of all anthropogenic carbon emissions, data from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization shows.



Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also take steps to be more fuel efficient when you're on the road, no matter what car you drive.

Support environmental journalism

A major shortcoming of journalists during the presidential election was their failure to highlight climate change as a vital topic  and to force Trump (and Hillary Clinton, too) to address this crisis.



Over the next four years, Trump needs to be held accountable, and the press must make climate change a central issue in his presidency.



The Society of Environmental Journalists, a nonprofit membership organization supporting environmental journalists in the U.S. and around the world, aims to improve the quality, accuracy and visibility of reporting on the environment. You can also support nonprofit environmental news outlets such as Inside Climate, Grist and High Country News.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
For once, President Donald Trumps reaction to North Koreas provocation did not include direct threats of military action, but of trade restrictions instead.

After North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb, its sixth and largest nuclear test to date, Trump threatened consequences for countries doing business with Pyongyang.

The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea," he wrote. But which countries is Trump talking about?

Above all, China. Beijing is North Koreas major defense and business partner, counting for an estimated 90 percent of Pyongyangs total trade. Other countries taking up the remaining share of North Koreas trade include Russia, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, France, Singapore and Mexico, as data reported by the Observatory of Economic Complexity shows.

Trump trade

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox News he supported Trumps idea. If countries want to do business with the United States, they obviously will be working with our allies and others to cut off North Korea economically, he said.

However, trade experts believe the presidents threat to be empty, as the repercussions on the American economy would be significantespecially as China is one of the U.S.' largest trade partners.

It would be very difficult for the U.S. to take such extreme measures as putting wide-ranging direct trade sanctions on China. Bilateral trade in goods and services between China and the US reached $648 billion in 2016. Any disruption to such large trade flows could create significant risks to manufacturing supply chains, Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific Chief Economist at IHS Markit, told Newsweek.

Story continues

Matthew Goodman, senior adviser for Asian economics at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, went so far as to call the proposal absurd. Goodman responded to a tweet from Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary for President George W. Bush, who said that cutting off all trade isnt wrong to avert war.

With the adversary, maybebut with China, Mexico, and France, which together trade more than $1 trillion with us? Absurd, he wrote.

Besides the unanimously approved U.N. Security Council sanctions against North Korea, the U.S. has also implemented its own sanctions, targeting third country entities and persons trading with North Korea in the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act signed into law last month.

Later in August, the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control announced new sanctions against 10 entities and six individuals from China and Russia that were found to support North Korean regimes nuclear development program in violation of U.N. resolutions.

The U.S. sanctions also targeted countries involved in exporting North Korean workers abroad, restrictions that could now be implemented at U.N. level in future sanctions to force North Korea back to the negotiating table.

As North Korean worker remittances of foreign exchange back to North Korea are a major source of foreign exchange earnings for North Korea, curtailing this source of remittance flows is an important measure for further increasing economic pressure on North Korea, Biswas said.

China is ramping up its broader economic sanctions on North Korea to an unprecedented scale, Biswas said, but Pyongyang is still able to receive significant currency inflows from remittances of North Korean guest workers in Russia and China.

At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Monday, U.N. ambassador for the U.S. Nikki Haley said "The time has come to exhaust diplomatic means before its too late.

The time for half measures in the Security Council is over. The time has come to exhaust all of our diplomatic means before it is too late. We must now adopt the strongest possible measures. Kim Jong Uns action cannot be seen as defensive, she said, The Hill reported.

According to Biswas, if the international community is serious about bringing North Korea back to the negotiating table and avoiding military confrontation, severe economic sanctions banning fuel exports, as well as barring workers from sending home their remittances, are the last peaceful option left. While North Korea likely has fuel stockpiles to last several months, he believes sanctions would, in the long term, affect both economic and military operations.

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President Donald Trump has been widely criticized for his hypocritical buy American, hire American rhetoric, since his and his familys own products are made mostly abroad.

Now hes under fire for his Labor Day tweet, which touted American labor by American hands, but included a photo of the first lady wearing a dress made in Italy.

We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel. Happy #LaborDay! pic.twitter.com/lyvtNfQ5IO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2017

We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel, he tweeted.Happy #LaborDay!

Melania Trump is pictured wearing a dress by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou that was made in Italy with French materials. Its not known who designed or manufactured the presidents suit (the White House did not immediately respond to an inquiry), but if the suit or tie is the presidents own label, it was likely made either in China, Mexico or Indonesia.

The photo of the couple was taken at the congressional picnic in June in Washington, D.C., and the $2,255 dress is currently sold out at both Neiman Marcus and Farfetch.

Hm. (Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)

As expected, people on social media had plenty to say about the photo choice.

Lol Melania is wearing an Italian dress but okay. https://t.co/bjnD82GfEc  Megan Taylor (@BellaMegtaylor) September 5, 2017

It should be noted that Melania's dress was... made in Italy! Because, OBVIOUSLY! #MAGA https://t.co/yy9XZ2lY1H  Perez (@ThePerezHilton) September 5, 2017

Trump tweets about building future with American products in honor of Labor Day&accompanies with pict Melania wearing a $2,255 ITALIAN dress pic.twitter.com/PTQIxrk0Hp  Hans Solo (@thandojo) September 5, 2017

Melania Trump is not exactly known for championing American fashion, and other first ladies also included international designers in their closets. She can wear what she wants. But considering the purpose of the tweet, there were at least a few other, more American outfits the president could have chosen.

Story continues

Heres the first lady wearing Ralph Lauren on election night in November 2016:

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Could have gone with this one, Donald. (Photo: JIM WATSON via Getty Images)

Here she is in Michael Kors during Trumps first address to Congress in February:

Or this one. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)

And here she is wearing Los Angeles-based designer Monique Lhullier en route to a rally in Youngstown, Ohio in July:

Or... this one. (Photo: TASOS KATOPODIS via Getty Images)

So, there were options, and the presidents message is contradicted once again by his and his familys personal choices. If the Trumps want to focus on buying and hiring American, perhaps they should start with their own closets and production lines.

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Sophie Theallet

Sophie Theallet ignited the conversation about dressing Melania Trump when she wrote an open letter in November 2016 refusing to do it -- and encouraging other designers to follow suit. As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom, and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next first lady," she wrote.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford was refusing to dress Melania Trump even before she became first lady. Ford said on "The View" in December 2016 that he'd previously declined to dress Trump because she is "not necessarily my image," adding his belief that the first lady, no matter who she is, should wear clothing the American people can relate to. President-elect Donald Trump responded by claiming Ford was never asked to dress his wife. "I'm not a fan of Tom Ford," he said.

Christian Siriano

Although he originally said in December 2016 he would have to wait and "see how it goes" before making a decision about dressing Melania Trump, Siriano told Time in April 2017 he doesn't think he would dress the first lady. "She is representing whata happening politically and whats happening politically right now is not really good for anyone, he said.

Zac Posen

Posen said in March 2017 that he doesn't plan on dressing the first lady any time soon. "I'm staying away from bringing my brand into politics," he said, citing "issues that are being questioned that are fundamentally upsetting" to him including LGBT and women's rights.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs told WWD in November 2016 that he "has no interest whatsoever" in dressing the first lady, opting instead to put his "energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters."

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
President Donald Trump and his wife are under fire after he took to Twitter on Monday to praise "American labor" and "American hands" for Labor Day while posting an image of the first lady wearing an Italian-made dress.

In celebration of the end of summer holiday, Trump tweeted the message reiterating his campaign "buy American, hire American" rhetoric.

We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel, he tweeted.Happy #LaborDay!

We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel. Happy #LaborDay! pic.twitter.com/lyvtNfQ5IO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2017

And in the photo, Melania Trump is pictured donning a colorful dress by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou, which was made in Italy with French materials, according to item description provided by Neiman Marcus.

SEE ALSO: Trump pens op-ed championing his tax plan as a path forward for American workers

The dress, which was originally listed for $2,255, has raised quite a few eyebrows on social media, drawing the ire of many on Twitter who feel Trump has been hypocritical for touting "American labor" by "American hands" while his family has been pictured wearing products made abroad.

Melania's dress... #MadeinItaly Not that there's anything wrong w/Italian clothing. But trump is a HYPOCRITE   Denise Dreon-Watson (@denise_dreon) September 5, 2017

Trump tweets about building future with American products in honor of Labor Day&accompanies with pict Melania wearing a $2,255 ITALIAN dress pic.twitter.com/PTQIxrk0Hp  Hans Solo (@thandojo) September 5, 2017

Lol Melania is wearing an Italian dress but okay. https://t.co/bjnD82GfEc  Megan Taylor (@BellaMegtaylor) September 5, 2017

It should be noted that Melania's dress was... made in Italy! Because, OBVIOUSLY! #MAGAhttps://t.co/yy9XZ2lY1H  Perez (@ThePerezHilton) September 5, 2017

See more reactions to the post:


Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) -Russia's Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said on Sunday that a former mercenary who was filmed being executed by a sledgehammer blow to the head after changing sides in the Ukraine war was a traitor. Prigozhin, a Russian businessman who founded the Wagner private military group, was responding to an unverified video distributed on Telegram that showed a man identified as a former Wagner mercenary being executed after admitting that he had changed sides in September to "fight against the Russians". In the footage, the man, who gave his name as Yevgenny Nuzhin, 55, was shown with his head taped to a brick wall.
OVANDO  North into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, south toward Kozy Korner, but mostly east, the Rice Ridge fire is out of control.

The fire that started six weeks ago six miles north of Seeley Lake is now a solid scar of char for 25 miles. Maybe farther.

It jumped from 40,000 acres to more than 100,000 over the weekend, and incident commander John Thompson said at the rate and direction its traveling, it could eventually bypass the Arrastra Creek fire to the west of Lincoln and bump into the Alice Creek fire thats up and over the Continental Divide.

We were fairly confident last night with the weather wed heard that it was supposed to be a fairly calm night, said Wayne Slaght, who manages the 21,000-acre Two Creek Monture Ranch north of town that in December received the Montana Stockgrowers Associations 2017 Stewardship Award.

Well after midnight Monday, a time of good night when a good fire is expected to behave itself, Slaght looked up to see tree-topping flames, lapping at two homes on the north end of the ranch.

The wind picked up somewhere and things went to hell in a hurry, Slaght said.

A bulldozer on loan from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation helped save the homes and kept the fire on forest land.

Of course, nobodys fighting fire at 3:30 in the morning, so it was a little lonely out there, said Jim Stone of the Ovando Volunteer Fire Department.

It kept intact the remarkable if tenuous record of no homes burned yet by the largest active fire in Montana.

A mandatory evacuation order was placed Sunday on all of the Coopers Lake area to the northeast of Ovando, at the head of Kleinschmidt Flat. The fire was still in the mountains several miles to the north but spreading unpredictably.

Powell County Sheriff Scott Howard has placed under evacuation warning everything north of Highway 200 for the 30 miles from the Missoula County line at Greenough to the Lewis and Clark County line several miles west of Lincoln.

Thompson noted that for the last week, or since the day much of the town of Seeley Lake was evacuated, thousands of acres have been burning each day.

It was not unusual to have 2,000- or 3,000-acre days, and I think we had a 5,000-acre day, Thompson said.

Sunday morning, when he walked into the situation tent, he learned the fire had gained 12,000 acres. When he did the same on Monday, he ventured a guess.

Ten thousand?

Theyre shaking their heads.

Twenty thousand?

Not even close.

Infrared mapping at 10:45 p.m. Sunday  hours before Slaghts close call on the Two Creek Ranch  showed another 50,000 acres had gone up in smoke.

Now were thinking it was probably closer to 70 (thousand) because of when the mapping was done, Thompson said.

Such overnight growth has been one of the most challenging pieces of the fire season, he added.

The burn window is really late. Normally we would see an increase of activity during the day but were seeing it increase late in the day, he said. Last night the fire didnt die down until 4 a.m.

About 100 firefighters have night shift on a fire thats become a 24-hour-a-day chore. A swing shift attacks whenever the time is right, day or night. A burnout from 8:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. last week held the critical line north of Cottonwood Lakes Road east of Seeley Lake.

Weve been doing really good holding the back door of Seeley Lake for a good period of time now, Thompson said.

But the evacuation order remains because of what he called "unprecedented conditions."

"We've been real reluctant to let the people of Seeley Lake back in because if we get a spot and we don't have a firefighter on it this moment in time, it'll probably be a quarter of an acre to an acre in 15 minutes," Thompson said. "I'd hate to say how many collective years of fire experience are on our team, but we're all just scratching our heads because nothing's working. Things we'd think normally would work aren't working the way they should."

***

Bill Massee lives in the evacuation zone near the White Tail Ranch and pastures 105 cow-calf pairs for Jay and Camille Coughlin of Helmville.

We moved a bunch of cows this morning onto a pivot field of mine, and we moved some yesterday in there too, Massee said. The cows are still in the evacuation area, but they let us move them onto the pivot to kind of get them out of harms way a little bit. Were hoping anyway.

Among the surviving structures is the Monture Guard Station, to the north of Slaghts ranch and eight miles from Ovando. Thanks to structure protection efforts the cabin, recently restored to its 1930s ranger station grandeur, emerged unscathed, as did several outbuildings.

Some of the corrals burned a little bit and we lost two portable toilets, reported Thompson, whose Central Montana team will turn over the fire to Greg Poncins Type I Northern Rockies incident management team at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The Rice Ridge fire spent a fleeting day (Sunday) at the top of the national priority list. Caribou and Gibraltar Ridge, fires on the Kootenai National Forest in Northwestern Montana, supplanted it after an unknown number of structures were lost.

To be 100 percent honest with you, (the No. 1 priority) really isnt buying you anything in Montana this year, Thompson said. There are fires in California that have more resources than we have in the entire Northern Rockies because they just have more stuff, and its in their geographic area and possession is ten-tenths of the law. Not even nine-tenths.

What weve been told is build your plan based on what you have because you probably wont get any more.

Massee said hes spent quite a few days watching the Rice Ridge fire to the west and choking on the smoke of the Arrastra Creek fire beyond Huckleberry Pass to the east.

A new start between the two fires a few nights ago sent up a plume of smoke not far from the North Fork of the Blackfoot trailhead. By Monday word was that the Rice Ridge fire had skirted over the ridges from Monture and gobbled it up.

Im more worried about the Arrastra Creek fire myself," Massee said. "All weve got to have is a good east wind for a little while, and its going to burn down off that mountain toward Kleinschmidt Flat.
HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of Chinese military live-fire exercises in the disputed South China Sea, amid rising tension between the two countries. The Maritime Safety Administration of China's southern province of Hainan, which oversees the South China Sea, said last month there would be live fire drills around the Paracel Islands, which Vietnam claims, until September 2. "Vietnam strongly objects this action by China and seriously requests China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. "Vietnam once again asserts that (we) will resolutely protect our sovereignty and our legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea (South China Sea) through peaceful measures that are suitable with international laws," the statement said. China claims nearly all the South China Sea, through which an estimated $3 trillion in international trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan also have claims. Tension between China and neighboring Vietnam is at its highest in three years over the disputed waters. Vietnam suspended oil drilling in offshore waters that are also claimed by China in July under pressure from Beijing. China has appeared uneasy at Vietnam's efforts to rally Southeast Asian countries over the South China Sea as well as at its growing defense relationships with the United States, Japan and India. (Reporting by Mai Nguyen)
By Katharine Houreld and Maggie Fick NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's Supreme Court ruling to scrap last month's presidential election was shaped by a new chief justice who proved a staunch defender of judicial independence on a continent where judges are often seen as being under the thumb of executive powers. David Maraga's declaration that the Aug. 8 election was void and demand for a new poll with 60 days shocked many in the East African nation and abroad. But his announcement, after a 4-2 vote by a court panel to annul the vote, didn't surprise those who know the chief justice. "We knew this case was coming and he was the man to hear it," Professor Tom Ojienda, who worked with Maraga and sits on the Judicial Service Commission that appointed him chief justice, told Reuters. "He is a stickler for the rules." President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was expected to be sworn in for a second term until Friday's Supreme Court ruling, said he respected the decision. But he took a swipe at Maraga's colleagues, calling them "crooks" and saying the judiciary needed fixing. Kenya, a U.S. ally in the fight against Islamists and a trade gateway to East Africa, has a history of disputed votes. A row after the 2007 vote led to ethnic bloodshed that killed more than 1,200 people. In 2013, a bid by veteran opponent Raila Odinga to secure an election rerun was rejected by the Supreme Court. This time, the opposition changed tack in their petition. Instead of seeking to prove enough votes were fake to undermine the vote - an almost impossible task in the two weeks the court had to give its judgement - Odinga's supporters sought to demonstrate that the online tallying process lacked integrity. The new approach may have been a key factor in securing a decision that had the backing of four of the panel's six judges, who have three weeks from the ruling to publish details of their decision. But the opposition also found in the chief justice a man ready to defend judicial powers against the highest office and unswayed by a tendency in Kenya, a nation of more than 40 ethnic groups, for voters to back fellow clans people. Within months of his appointment in October, Maraga called out Kenyatta for telling voters on a campaign stop in Maraga's home region of Nyamira County in April that "their son" had a job. Maraga responded that his appointment had nothing to do with the president. Kenyatta is a Kikuyu, Kenya's biggest ethnic group but still a minority. Odinga is a Luo, another big grouping. The chief justice is Kisii, a smaller group from Kenya's western highlands. Maraga also sent a clear message to national leaders on Aug. 2 that the judiciary was above the political fray. "A LITTLE SOMETHING" "The emerging culture of public lynching of judges and judicial officers by the political class is a vile affront to the rule of law and must be fiercely resisted," he said in a statement. Maraga did not immediately issue a response to Kenyatta's latest comments. Reuters could not reach him for comment. Kenyans have long complained that getting any official business done requires a "kitu kidogo", Swahili for "a little something" or bribe, a frustration that is echoed across Africa. But Kenya has slowly rebuilt confidence in its judiciary after the post-2007 vote violence. A new constitution in 2010 demanded reforms of the judiciary and other public institutions. Maraga, who has risen the ranks as those reforms have been implement, was known by colleagues for his strict adherence to the rules even as a young lawyer. A devout Christian of the Seventh Day Adventist tradition, he built his practice in the Rift Valley city of Nakuru rather than to Nairobi where he where he could have secured more high profile cases and would have more easily rubbed shoulders with the rich and powerful, his colleagues said. "If a client gave you any problem, or asked for anything that was wrong, or refused to pay, (Maraga) would just say, 'Let him go. Other ones will come'," said Professor Ojienda said. Maraga's integrity and record of strictly interpreting election procedures in past polls swayed the commission to appoint him last October, Ojienda said. The opposition's high hopes in 2013 that it could overturn that election result were dashed. Supreme Court judges, then led by Maraga's predecessor Willy Mutunga, rejected their petition. This time, even Odinga - a former prime minister who has fought and lost three presidential races including this one - seemed surprised. After listening to Friday's ruling in court, he broke out into a broad grin and pumped his fist in the air. Since 2013, several new judges were appointed to the Supreme Court's seven-strong panel. Friday's decision was backed by Maraga and two others appointed after 2013. Another, who had been on the panel in 2013, also backed the ruling. Two judges dissented, while one was ill and did not vote. "An election is not an event, it is a process from the beginning to the end," Maraga said before reading the ruling. Four years earlier, the opposition had some of their arguments thrown out as they were lodged too late, while their complaints about the widespread failure of the electronic voting systems failed to convince the judges. This time, the opposition case hinged on the election board's failure to post online tally forms from each of the 40,883 polling stations before announcing results. The forms were supposed to be signed by each party's agent, as a hard-copy backup to the electronic transmission. But thousands of forms were missing from the board's website when it announced results. A report by independent court-appointed experts found many forms lacked official stamps, signatures or serial numbers. That was enough to convince a majority in Maraga's panel. (Additional reporting by John Ndiso; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Edmund Blair)
President Donald Trump says he is ending the DACA program within six months, putting the futures of 800,000 undocumented young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children at risk.

At a time like this, many Dreamers probably wish someone could appear on Fox & Friends and explain to Trump why deporting immigrants who were brought to America when they were young would be a bad decision.

Turns out there is a person who can make the argument that DACA is a compassionate program that should stay.

Even better: Hes someone the president admires greatly  himself.

Turns out Donald Trump made a compelling, compassionate defense of Dreamers, but, sadly, it was Trump circa 2011, not the guy currently in the White House.

On Monday, CNN investigative reporter Andrew Kaczynski tweeted out two videos of Trump from 2011 that suggest he once had compassion for immigrants, both legal and undocumented.

This isnt conservative, he says in the first clip. This is compassion.

Trump goes on to tell the Fox & Friends host that then-presidential candidate Michele Bachmann might talk tough about illegal immigration on a broad scale  but she actually has compassion for those who are already here.

You ask Michele [Bachmann] to actually, physically go across the street and tell the family of 25 years to get out of this country, she wouldnt do it because shes a good person, he said.

In the next clip posted by Kaczynski, Trump makes the type of compelling, compassionate defense of DACA that Dreamers wish they could make to the president.

You have people in this country for 20 years, theyve done a great job, theyve done wonderfully, theyve gone to school, theyve gotten good marks, theyre productive  now were supposed to send them out of the country? he said. I dont believe in that.

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The White House is expected to officially announce Trumps decision on Tuesday.

Editors Note: The headline in this piece has been altered to clearly reflect that Trump defended Dreamers during his conversation with Fox & Friends in 2011, not DACA.

Also on HuffPost

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April 2015

At an event hosted by Texas Patriots PAC: Everythings coming across the border: the illegals, the cars, the whole thing. Its like a big mess. Blah. Its like vomit.

June 2015

At a speech announcing his campaign: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. Theyre not sending you. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."

August 2015

On NBC's "Meet the Press": Were going to keep the families together, we have to keep the families together, but they have to go."

September 2015

On CBS's "60 Minutes": Were rounding em up in a very humane way, in a very nice way. And theyre going to be happy because they want to be legalized. And, by the way, I know it doesnt sound nice. But not everything is nice.

November 2015

On MSNBC's "Morning Joe": You are going to have a deportation force, and you are going to do it humanely."

February 2016

At a GOP primary debate: We have at least 11 million people in this country that came in illegally. They will go out. They will come back  some will come back, the best, through a process.

March 2016

At a press conference when asked if he would consider allowing undocumented immigrants to stay: "We either have a country or we dont. We either have a country or we dont. We have borders or we dont have borders. And at this moment, the answer is absolutely not.

April 2016

At an event hosted by NBC's "Today Show": Theyre going to go, and were going to create a path where we can get them into this country legally, OK? But it has to be done legally. ... Theyre going to go, and then come back and come back legally.

July 2016

At the Republican National Convention: "Tonight, I want every American whose demands for immigration security have been denied  and every politician who has denied them  to listen very closely to the words I am about to say. On January 21st of 2017, the day after I take the oath of office, Americans will finally wake up in a country where the laws of the United States are enforced."

September 2016

At a rally: Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country. Otherwise we dont have a country.

September 2016

On "The Dr. Oz Show": Well, under my plan the undocumented or, as you would say, illegal immigrant wouldnt be in the country. They only come in the country legally.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Televangelist Joel Osteen posted a video of his Sunday church service to Facebook where he said he didnt pay attention to the negative chatter on social media. A week before, the pastor was slammed for refusing to open his Houston church to victims of Hurricane Harvey. A day after he faced mass criticism, Osteen opened to the doors.

The Christian leader argued it wasnt safe to allow displaced Houston residents into his church until the storm passed. We felt it was safe to start taking people in on Tuesday, he said in Sundays sermon. If we had opened the building earlier, and someone was injured, or perhaps it flooded and people lost their lives  that would be a whole different story.

Osteen, 46, didnt think he did anything wrong. Im a peace with taking the heat for being precautious. But I dont want to take the heat for being foolish. Its easy for people to make judgments from a distance without having all the information, he said.

The televangelist blamed misinformation for the negative attention he received. Some people that dont know the facts and dont want to know the facts will continue to try to stir things up, Osteen said. They would love to discredit the ministry and lessen our voice, but can I tell ya, theyre not that strong. The forces that are for us are great than the forces that are against us.

Not everyone turned on Osteen, though. His followers were quick to defend him and Lakewood Church, which is an arena that can hold nearly 17,000 people. Now, I realize this is not just an attack on me, its an attack on what we stand for: for faith, for hope, for love. Jesus even said, When the world hates you, remember, it hated me first. I dont pay any attention to the negative chatter on social media, never read the negative comments, Osteen explained.

Osteen isnt controlled by Twitter or Facebook. If you let social media run your life youll never fulfill your purpose. My reputation is in Gods hands. He knows how to protect, how to vindicate, how to promote. Thats why Im at peace. I know we did the right thing, he said.

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Lastly, Osteen didnt want his followers to respond to those that criticized him and the church. The key is, stay on the high road. You dont have to defend yourself, defend the church, defend me. Some people are never going to like us. This is not the time to get riled up, try to prove your point. We overcome evil with good. We bless those who dont like us. We do good to those who talk bad about us, the televangelist explained. We understand they cannot keep us from our destiny.

After he posted the video to Facebook, Osteen finished his official response with a tweet. Be of good cheer. Nothing is a surprise to Him. God has already armed you with strength for every battle, he wrote. Dont give up when its hard, when lifes not fair. Have faith in the middle. He will bring you through it.

Joel Osteen x

Photo: Getty Images

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As I write this, I've just dropped off my partner, Jack, at the Skybus to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. He was here for five days, two days of which I spent working, and one afternoon I had to spend in class. It was one of the quickest, most packed trips we've done. I recently counted, and this was our seventh goodbye.

Brit Solie Since we met in New Zealand in 2015, I've lived in NYC and Melbourne, while he's stayed in Auckland. We have traveled to four different countries together, including seven different cities. One of the reasons I moved to Melbourne was so I could pursue a Masters' degree closer to him. I like to think this is the definition of 'love knows no bounds'. The Biggest Questions: Whenever I explain our situation to others, I get a few responses: "That must be SO hard!" Honestly, it was never really that difficult, the hard part comes when you miss them. "That's amazing, I could never do long distance!" Sure you could! You'd be amazed what love can encourage you to do! "I get it, my significant other lives two hours away and it's so tough" (Cue my suppressed eye roll). Definitely, everyone at some point has probably experienced some semblance of a long-distance relationship. Being away from the one you love is hard. "How do you DO that?" Strangely enough, I've never questioned why he and I have stayed in our long-distance relationship. It's been so long at this point that it nearly feels normal. We fall into our routine whenever we're together and now we even have a routine when we're in separate countries, time zones and even days. For context: New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of New York, and just an easy 20-hour flight.

Mekina Saylor WeddingsWhy We Started Long Distance When Jack and I first started dating while I was interning in New Zealand, we knew that I would have to leave eventually (visa's run out, new jobs in NYC are offered). It never occurred to us not to pursue a long-distance relationship. We both had the mentality that we should give it a shot as long as we're still happy and in love, and realistically, when that runs out in any relationship, no matter the distance, it should end. Why We Still Live Apart At this point, we both have big goals we're working on in our respective cities and as much as we want to be together, we're not about to put our dreams on hold just yet. The way I see it is this: we have the rest of our lives to be in the same place, but at the moment, we're making it happen in two different countries, and we will be better for each other because of it.

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Stewart Leishman PhotographyNormal Couple Goals We have to work a bit harder to meet typical relationship milestones but we've met them just as other couples have. We've both met the parents, we've traveled together, cared for each other in sickness, and argued over what to watch on Netflix. The things we miss are the day-to-day aspects of relationships that most couples take for granted. So next time your significant other picks you up from work, hug them a bit tighter. So, my answer to most when they ask why I bother with long distance is this: I would rather be with him in any capacity, in any spot on the globe, than to not be with him at all.

Katie Grant PhotographyP.S. Oh, and to all those who like to say that long distance never works? It only never works if you're lazy. It's 2017, if you can't find time to Face-Time for ten minutes or shoot a quick text, I don't think the distance is to blame! Style Me Pretty Contributor - Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.
President Trumps announcement that he will rescind an Obama-era executive action providing legal protection to people brought to the U.S. as children has all the appearances of a final decision.

But its actually just an opening bid.

By including a six-month delay before the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, Trump gave Congress a narrow but achievable window to spare the Dreamers.

There are signs that Republicans in Congress may want to prevent the deportation of nearly 800,000 individuals who have taken advantage of the program to get drivers licenses, go to college and launch careers.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and other leading Republicans publicly urged the White House to maintain the program, and Trump said in the past that he would find some accommodation for Dreamers.

Were going to work something out thats going to make people happy and proud, he told TIME in 2016.

The fate of the program had been the subject of intense internal debate at the White House in recent months, with Attorney General Jeff Sessions arguing it was not legally justified. A White House official indicated that view prevailed, saying that while Trump agrees with the programs outcome, he objects to the way it was done.

President Obama announced the DACA program in 2012 as he was running for a second term. The notion of allowing people brought to the U.S. as children to stay has been proposed in various bills on Capitol Hill for yearsand enjoys nearly two-thirds support among the public in pollsbut its never been able to garner the 60 votes in the Senate needed to overcome a filibuster.

The congressional pressure also comes as Republicans face deadlines to fund the government, enact tax reform, raise the debt ceiling and help victims of Hurricane Harvey.
(TROUTDALE, Ore.)  A growing Oregon wildfire covered parts of Portlands metropolitan area Tuesday with ash and prompted the shutdown of a lengthy stretch of highway through the states scenic Columbia River Gorge.

It was one of dozens of wildfires burning in western U.S. states that sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver  prompting health warnings and cancellations of outdoor activities for children by many school districts.

The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, said 80 large fires were burning on 2,200 square miles (5,700 square kilometers) in nine Western states.

The 16-square mile (41-square kilometers) fire east of Portland forced hundreds of home evacuations. Embers from the fire drifted in the air across the Columbia River  sparking blazes in neighboring Washington state.

The wildfire grew rapidly late Monday and overnight, giving authorities just minutes to warn residents on the Oregon side of the river to leave their homes.

A closure of one section of Interstate 84 because of thick smoke and falling ash was extended 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Portland because flames reached the roadway, said Dave Thompson, a spokesman for Oregons Department of Transportation.

If it jumps the road, youd be driving through a wall of flame, he said. Its just not safe.

People in Oregon covered their faces to shield themselves from the smoke and the ashes falling on them.

You cant really stand outside without getting rained on by ash, said Joanna Fisher as she walked to work at a Troutdale, Oregon naturopathic clinic with Calla Wanser, who was wearing a red bandana around her mouth to keep the ash out of her lungs.

Elsewhere, a fast-moving wildfire in northern Utah swept down a canyon Tuesday morning  destroying structures, forcing evacuations and closing highways.

A least one home burned and more than 1,000 people were evacuated as high winds fed the flames in the canyon north of Salt Lake City. Thick black smoke closed parts of two highways as firefighters struggled to fight the blaze fueled by winds gust at up to 40 mph.

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A fire in Montanas Glacier National Park emptied its busiest tourist spot as wind gusts drove the flames toward the doorstep of an iconic lodge.

Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel, sits on a lake as the famed Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide, making it an endearing park symbol for many visitors.

Outside Californias Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees on Labor Day. Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove but had not killed any trees.

Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low-intensity fires. The blaze burned brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.

Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses. The fire burned 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) in the community of Helena about 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Oregon.

In Washington state the U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to assign 200 active-duty soldiers to help fight a wildfire.

Civilian firefighting commanders said Tuesday the soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, would undergo four days of training and then be sent to a complex of 14 wildfires in the Umpqua National Forest that have burned 47 square miles (120 square kilometers).

And a wildfire burning near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state grew to more than 29 square miles (75 square kilometers) and heavy smoke blanketed many cities in Washington state.

Mandatory evacuations were announced for the fire near Mount Rainier, including the Crystal Mountain ski resort, which closed Monday because of smoke.

The air quality in Spokane, Washington, was rated as hazardous Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service says it was likely to get worse as wind shifts bring in smoke from fires in Canada, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

People in the Spokane, Washington, region were advised to stay remain indoors.

Air quality alerts were issued for parts of Idaho as well.

In Oregon, people living in about 700 homes in and around the Columbia River Gorge have been forced to evacuate the area. Others have been warned to get ready as flames burn trees and brush in one of the states biggest tourist attractions.

The Gorge is our crown jewel and its our playground  and were very, very sad, said Multnomah County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Deborah Kafoury.
Women and children are taking up arms to fight for the cause of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in the southern Philippine city of Marawi, the military said on Monday.

The battle for the city between jihadists from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, both aligned with ISIS, and Philippine troops is ongoing after more than 100 days, and the army is making a drive to oust the fighters from their remaining pockets.

The military has recaptured key areas of the city on Mindanao island, including its main mosque, but dozens of militants are holding out in the dense urban environment. The depletion of its ranks has led to women and children taking up arms in what the military said was a last stand for the group.

"Our troops in the field are seeing women and children shooting at our troops so that's why it seems they are not running out of fighters," Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, the regional military chief, told reporters, Reuters reported.

The Philippine army is employing both women and men in the battle to re-take the city, but mostly male radical Islamist fighters have been waging the insurgency until now, according to the military.

In other areas of ISIS-held territory, the group has called upon women in the last throes of battle. In the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, as Baghdad's forces neared liberation of the ISIS bastion, it released a wave of female suicide bombers to delay the advance.

Marawi

REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

ISIS has traditionally not welcomed the active combat role of women, referring to them only as "supporters" in its claims of responsibility, despite them committing attacks for the group's cause, bar Tashfeen Malik, who led a shooting attack in December 2015 in San Bernardino, California.

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The earlier incarnation of ISIS, the Islamic State in Iraq, advocated for women to commit suicide attacks only "in circumstances where men cannot," its Minister of War Abu Hamza al-Muhajir said in 2008.

But women have taken an active role in the suicide operations for other insurgency groups, such as Chechnya's Black Widows, Al-Qaeda in Jordan, ISIS affiliate Boko Haram and Palestinian militant factions.

ISIS and its affiliates have used children in its propaganda campaign to shock audiences and further spread its message of brutality. The use of children in Marawi, if confirmed, is a shocking and new development in the jihadists' bid to maintain its grip on territory in the city.

In three months of fighting, hundreds of peoplemostly militantshave been killed. Evidence has surfaced indicating that the militants besieging the city are not simply acting on the inspiration of ISIS and that the groups central command in Syria has been funneling funds to southeast Asian militants to help the offensive.

The battle for Marawi, ongoing since May 23, represents the most significant capture of Asian territory by an ISIS-linked group, and the most notable since ISIS seized the Libyan central coastal city of Sirte in mid-2015. But the Philippines military remains confident that it can regain control of the entire city soon.

"We are now in the final phase of our operations and we are expecting more intense and bloody fighting. We may suffer heavier casualties as the enemy becomes more desperate," Galvez said.

The Philippine military is conducting airstrikes on a daily basis in the city, and the U.S. and Australian militaries are providing assistance in the battle to defeat the jihadists.

Abu Sayyafs notorious leader, Isnilon Hapilon, is leading the campaign to take control of the city after a failed army raid to capture him in May. He is believed to be in hiding in the city, amid its dense urban sprawl of mosques, houses and buildings, some connected by tunnels.

Last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared on the frontlines of the battle, firing a sniper rifle at the militants in a bid to show solidarity with his troops in what was a public act of force. A government statement said that Duterte tried a sniper rifle and fired twice toward the direction of the terrorists.

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The legal aid organization Honenu submitted a relatively unusual request a few days ago to IDF Central Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Roni Numa, seeking to demolish the balcony of a Palestinian home in Hebron, from which stones were supposedly thrown at Jewish worshipers.

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About a month ago, on Friday evening, when several Jewish worshipers returned from the Cave of the Patriarchs to Kiryat Arba, stones were thrown at them from the balcony of one of the houses where a Palestinian lives.

The balcony in Hebron (Photo: Honenu)

As a result of the stone-throwing, a 16-year-old boy's eye was injured, requiring medical treatment and his hospitalization for several days.

At the end of the event, the worshipers were rescued by IDF forces.

Following the incident, attorney Haim Bleicher of the Zionist legal aid organization Honenu sent a precedent-setting demand to Numa to destroy the balcony, which he claims was built illegally.

"In 2012, I appealed to the Hebron Brigade commander against the construction of the said balcony," wrote Bleicher, who added that the balcony was built despite the Hebron Agreement, which stipulates that a special construction permit is required to build at a height of over 6 in a building that oversees a street junction.

Bleicher added that "the balcony oversees the junction at a strategic point where people travel from the direction of the Cave (of the Patriarchs) towards Kiryat Arba. The security risk posed by the balcony is obvious.

"On August 12, an Arab crowd gathered on nearby roofs and on the balcony and stoned groups of Jews who had returned from praying in the Cave of the Patriarchs. The destruction of the balcony will be an appropriate response to the event and will reduce the risk posed by it."

Since the letter was sent, the organization has yet to receive a response.
XIAMEN - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that any decision by the United States to supply defensive weapons to Ukraine would fuel the conflict in eastern Ukraine and possibly prompt pro-Russian separatists to expand their campaign there.

Putin, answering a question after a BRICs summit in China about the possibility of the United States supplying Ukraine with heavy weapons, said it was for Washington to decide whom it sold or gave weapons to, but he warned against the move, something Kiev wants.

"The delivery of weapons to a conflict zone doesn't help peacekeeping efforts, but only worsens the situation," Putin told a news briefing.

"Such a decision would not change the situation but the number of casualties could increase."

In comments likely to be interpreted as a veiled threat, Putin suggested that pro-Russian separatists were likely to respond by expanding their own campaign.

"The self-declared (pro-Russian) republics (in eastern Ukraine) have enough weapons, including ones captured from the other side" said Putin.

"It's hard to imagine how the self-declared republics would respond. Perhaps they would deploy weapons to other conflict zones."
It's been over 20 years now, but in 2016, the Missoulian ran a story about what it was like for the other residents of Lincoln who shared a to
A member of the Palestinian security forces was arrested last month on suspicion of incitement to violence against Jews and support for a hostile organization, it was cleared for publication on Tuesday.

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Muhammad Jalal Naji al-Sawiti, a resident of Beit Awwa, holds a senior position in the office of the Palestinian Preventive Security Service (PSS) head in Jenin.

Inciting post: 'We need Hitler' (Photo: Shin Bet)

He has been posting extremist content on his Facebook page recently, including a direct call to carry out acts of violence against Jews and words of praise, admiration and support for acts of terrorism.

Inciting post: Missing 'people like' Eichmann (Photo: Shin Bet)

Inciting post: Call to 'shed blood' for al Aqsa (Photo: Shin Bet)

Among other things, he posted a photo of the al-Aqsa Mosque with the call to "shed blood" for it. In addition, he posted photos of Adolf Hitler, writing "We need Hitler," as well as a photo of Adolf Eichmann, noting he misses "people like him."

Al-Sawiti was indicted for incitement at the Judea Military Court on Monday.
The IDF's widespread combined arms exercise that began Tuesday in the country's northern region comes on the heels of the army coming to terms with the fact the next war in the northern sector versus Israel's main enemyHezbollahwill differ from what was planned a few years ago in light of the rapid-fire changes in Syria, Lebanon and the rest of the Shiite axis stetching all the way to Iran.

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The IDF has drawn the conclusion that Hezbollah is an organization that isn't growing nearly as much as it would have liked, thanks in part to the loss of life and resources invested in fighting the Syrian civil war alongside Assad, not to mention the frequent covert assaults against the organization, attributed to Israel.

A Hezbollah procession in Lebanon (Photo: AP)

Furthermore, IDF sees the organization's leader Hassan Nasrallah as an isolated figure surrounded by suspicious compatriots who question his ability to head of the terrorist organization following the assassination of his second-in-command Mustafa Badreddine last year.

Israel, claims the hit was intra-organizational and backed by Iran, based on Badreddine's refusal to submit himself to the organization's war in Syria.

The Israeli army further notes Hezbollah is suffering harsh economic hardships with 2,000 of the group's fighters killed in Syria, only 50 in the past year. For comparison's sake, 650 of the organization's men were killed fighting the IDF during the Second Lebanon War.

Having said that, the axis that Hezbollah makes up is inching ever closer to growing in strength. Iranian plans for building factories in Syria or Lebanon intended to Hezbollah missiles more accurate are definitely in place both in Tehran and in Dahieh, all part of Iran's grand scheme to entrench itself in Syria after the civil war.

The IDF's training exercise in the north (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

This scheme, in fact, crosses over several environs and is not restricted to the area of security, as Iran also aspires to create the basis for agriculture in the war-torn country and take over mines and ports, shoring up Syria's economic fortunes as those of ISIS shrink.

Some 16,000 Shiite militants are fighting on Syrian soil right now, most of them pledging their allegiance to Hezbollah with a small number of Iranian forces and advisors standing alongside local Shiite militias. In some of the cases, those Iranian forces and Hezbollah fighters fight shoulder to shoulder with the Russian forces, and are trying to glean any information they can from the latter both on the battlefield and in command outposts.

As of today, Israel has been unable to convince Russia to abandon its partnership with Iran, seeing as Moscow considers Tehran a strategic near-term partner for removing ISIS while fortifying Assad's regime.

Despite Nasrallah's misfortunes, it seems he has overseen development of some impressive independent capabilities and may no longer be considered a "puppet for the Iranians."

A Hezbollah propaganda video: "We are waiting"

While he's yet to receive the full brunt of Iranian assistance, on the intra-Lebanese playing field he enjoys a comfortable rapport with Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri who is pursuing a new elections law that may boost Hezbollah's parliamentary power from 12 to 15 or more seats.

Ironically, Nasrallah is waging a successful war against ISIS on the Syria-Lebanon border and even closes prisoner-swap deals with them. The only difference between his deals with ISIS, unlike similar deals with Israel, is Nasrallah is willing to give away more prisoners in return for fewer of his men, due to the growing sensitivity of the families of Hezbollah fighters.

Hezbollah's learning curve, despite the difficulties, has become one of its stronger suits. The terrorist organizationdeemed by some in the IDF as the "second-strongest army in the Middle East"is now capable of waging regimental war and utilizing offensive drones, along with efficient intelligence gathering and using attack tunnels and caves. It also fires both small arms and artillery while using tanks, all the while growing its ranks rapidly and expertly by 4,000 men in a specific areaas it has done only recently against ISIS.

Serving as backdrop to the above is the UN Security Council's recent decision to beef up United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s powers, allowing it to supervise Hezbollah activities inside Shiite villages, a decision the Israeli security establishment regards with cautious optimism.

Nevertheless, the IDF is far from content with the political move pushed by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and is already seeking an increase in activities foiling Hezbollah and Hamas power plays, emphasizing stopping attempts to transfer advanced weaponry to Nasrallah.
BAMAKO, Mali  The United Nations mission in Mali says two peacekeepers have been killed and two others seriously injured when a convoy hit a mine in the northern Kidal region.

The mission says in a statement that the two injured peacekeepers were immediately evacuated Tuesday after their vehicles hit the explosives about 15 kilometers outside of Aguelhok.

A UN official says the peacekeepers were Chadian. The UN condemned the attack and others by Islamic extremists.
Wildfires continue to plague Montana as we come out of the Labor Day weekend. Here's a look at current fire news and how you can help.

How you can help: Here is information on how to help firefighters and those affected by Montanas fires.

Stay up to date: Follow Montana Wildfires on Facebook or Twitter for fire updates.

10 homes lost: The Caribou fire overran some 40 buildings in northwest Montana over the weekend, including at least 10 homes in an Amish community.

Caribou fire continues to threaten community: The Caribou fire nearly tripled in size to 19,070 acres over the Labor Day weekend. Firefighters are working to protect the remaining structures in the area.

Basically what theyre worried about is if it flanks them and gets trapped in there, theyll lose that community.

Rice Ridge fire explodes: The fire that started six weeks ago six miles north of Seeley lake is now a solid scar of char for 25 miles, maybe more. The Rice Ridge fire jumped from 40,000 acres to more than 100,000 over the weekend. It isnt showing any signs of slowing down.

Evacuation lifted: Seeley Lake businesses, schools and residents got long-awaited good news early Tuesday evening  a mandatory evacuation order for roughly 429 homes east of Highway 83 was downgraded to an evacuation warning.

Fire near Lincoln grows: The Alice Creek fire burning northeast of Lincoln grew by more than 10,000 acres over the last two days, pushing its total size to nearly 22,000 acres. Four cabins burned down and 14 more residences were evacuated as the Alice Creek fire near Lincoln grew an additional 5,887 acres Sunday night.

Progress on two fires: Twenty miles northeast of Ashland, the Sartin Draw fire was in its final stages. In six days, the fire had covered nearly 100,000 acres in southeastern Montana. And authorities from the DNRC and Hill and Blaine counties have begun letting some residents back into the area affected by the East Fork fire.

Meyers fire: The Meyers Fire southwest of Philipsburg is getting bigger and evacuation orders remained in the Frog Pond and Moose Lake areas on Monday.

Lolo Peak fire: The Lolo Peak fire is at about one-third containment, largely from completed dozer line along the Highway 93 and 12 borders of the 45,000-acre fire.

Sprague fire: Structure protection and sprinklers will be laid out at the Avalanche Creek Campground Tuesday as the Sprague fire settles into the Walton drainage near the Lincoln Lake trail west of Lake McDonald.

Smoke smothers Glacier visitors: The 13,300-acre Sprague fire burning 9 miles northeast of West Glacier has limited visitors access to the pristine waters of the Lake McDonald. Instead of crystal-clear waters lined with brightly colored pebbles, the beaches are piled a couple inches deep with embers, ash and pine needles.

175 wildfire incidents: Yellowstone County has had more than 175 wildfire incidents, the most of any Montana county. But they have all been small.

More wind, more fire, more smoke: Mondays updates from Inciweb on fire after fire painted a dire picture of the high winds and low humidity, making it another tough day for firefighters.

Unprecedented fire season: Gov. Steve Bullock sent a message to residents addressing Montanas fires: This has been a long and incredibly difficult fire season and conditions this week will continue to be challenging. Everyone  residents, visitors, volunteers  must continue to stay safe, stay informed, and continue to support our firefighters, our communities, and businesses impacted by fires.

Last season for Neptune P2V: This year marks the last season of firefighting for the Lockheed P2V planes. Missoula-based Neptune Aviation will retire its last four radial-engine air tankers in favor of new BAe-146 jets.

Sperry Chalet burns: The flames that gutted the 114-year-old Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park on Thursday were first noticed coming from the inside, according to firefighters who were desperately trying to save the historic building from a fast-moving wildfire in extremely dry, hot and windy conditions.

Sperry Chalet photos: Built in 1914, Sperry Chalet has been a popular destination in Glacier National Park for more than a century. On August 31, 2017, the the historic building was destroyed by wildfire. We don't know what the future holds for the site, but you can look at the history of Sperry in these photos.

More Sperry Chalet photos: People took to Instagram to share their favorite Sperry Chalet shots and to mourn the loss of the historic site.

Fire gear: You can find just about everything at Axmen west of Missoula. Lately, the store has been carving out a niche as a one-stop shop for all kinds of firefighting equipment.

Poor air quality: Late Saturday afternoon the last holdout of fresh air in the state of Montana was the town of Cut Bank, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's air quality monitoring data.

Fire science: Montana has been dealing with wildfires for years  many, many years. Below layers of charcoal left over from the 1910 Great Burn, Phil Higuera and his colleagues at the University of Montana have found traces of forest fires dating back 2,500 years.
HELMVILLE  Smoke was heavy on the air but the Helmville Rodeo-goers didnt seem to notice or mind Sunday.

The cheers were raucous and the lines for concessions were long even though a half-dozen fires burned close enough to cause half of the rodeo workers to leave  either to serve in volunteer firefighting units or to round up cattle in the fire's line of danger.

But plenty showed up for the last day in the two-day rodeo with a grandstand just reburbished by Helmville and a whole lot of others.

It was super-hot and packed yesterday, said Colton Coughlin, who sported boots with World War II-style fighter plane teeth embroidered into the sides as he served up Moscow mules in copper mugs.

I fly back every year from Boulder [Colorado] to help out with the rodeo," he said.

This year was especially important for Coughlin to come out, because Mom did fundraising and grant-writing for the grandstand.

The grandstand, cause of fundraising, grant-writing, donating, giving, working and a whole host of other unseen participation, was the secondary center of affairs. Built in 1927 by John C. Moore and standing on Geary Ranch land, it was falling into disrepair as time and Montana winters roughed it up  until last November, when the community met and decided to restore the grandstand.

A whole lot of people pitched in, something Camille Coughlin, Coltons mother, was quick to mention.

The locals do so much, we still havent gotten any bills from the June 30 [fundraising] event, Camille Coughlin said. Helmville put on a fundraiser in June to finish raising money for the grandstand, and that helped push them over the edge and finish the grandstand just a week before the rodeo.

Camille Coughlin also wrote the grant proposals that helped fund the grandstand restoration. Ive prepared for those somersaults, she said, I helped two sons write for scholarships.

The rest of Helmville rolled out in force for the rodeo. Water was donated from all over. Volunteers in bright blue shirts that read "Support Our Troops" worked concessions and the chutes.

Kyle Graveley was one of the blue-shirted men working the stripping chute, relieving broncs of their saddles and halters before turning them back into the corral. Everything is donation and volunteer, Graveley said.

Brooks Phillips, the Helmville Community Club treasurer, pointed out Warner's names for the mutton-busting sheep. Woolite, Steel Wool and Beach Nut Bum were applied to the mounts for the young helmet-wearing busters.

Phillips was wearing a University of Montana jersey Sunday, even though she went to Montana State, because someone had pledged $1,000 to the grandstand if she wore it for the whole weekend. Its worth it, Phillips said, laughing.

For everyone at the rodeo, its worth it seemed to be the overriding truth about Helmville and the community that surrounds it.
Seeley Lake businesses, schools and residents got long-awaited good news early Tuesday evening  a mandatory evacuation order for roughly 429 homes was downgraded to an evacuation warning.

Residents were evacuated eight days earlier, on Aug. 28, as the Rice Ridge fire lapped on the northern outskirts of town.

Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott said the welcome change applied to everything east of Highway 83 from Cedar Street on the north end of town to Whitetail Drive to the south. The zone includes Seeley-Swan High School and Seeley Lake Elementary.

The announcement came on the day the high school finally got back in session after a week of fire and smoke-stopping classes, but not at the high school itself.

Buses hauled students from the Seeley and Swan Lake areas to the Paws Up Resort in Greenough, which offered an administrative building for the schools use. Paws Up staff served lunch for students and staff as the strange school year kicked off.

The decision to move back into the school will be based on multiple factors, Missoula County Public Schools spokesperson Hatton Littman said in a text Tuesday night. We are not prepared to make comments on moving back to the school tonight.

Principal Chris Stout said Seeley Lake Elementary School will stick with a plan to open classes next Monday to give everybody time to get back.

The K-8 school was scheduled to start Tuesday, but three teacher training days were curtailed by the evacuation. Stout said the towns off-the-charts smoke issues remain a concern.

Not that I think its going to be any better (by Monday), but its probably another reason to keep it closed, Stout said.

Containment efforts on the Rice Ridge fire continue to be on the west end closest to Seeley Lake, though its most significant growth has been to the north into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and to the east. Residents of Coopers Lake, miles east of Seeley Lake, were ordered evacuated on Sunday.

An assessment of abnormal growth in the Monture Creek area Sunday through Monday morning showed the fire increased from 55,000 acres to 108,126 acres from Sunday into early Monday. Western Montanas largest fire went into last weekend at around 40,000 acres.

Tuesday morning marked the arrival of Greg Poncins Northern Rockies Type I team. Due to diminishing firefighting resources around the nation, Poncins team will also oversee the 21,400-acre Liberty Fire across in the Mission Mountains.

The fire overtook the Reef fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness on Monday and may be headed for the Monahan fire. The wilderness fires are being managed for resource benefit including allowing the fire(s) to play (their) natural ecological role with consideration for public and firefighter safety and point protection of historic resources and trail infrastructure, according to InciWeb, the national wildfire information service.

The largest fire in the Bitterroot Valley made some significant flares over the weekend, but by Monday the Lolo Peak fire was fairly quiet and all evacuation orders were rescinded by Tuesday, according to Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Lolo Peak fire was 45,012 acres. During the weekend, torching trees caused spot fires on the western edge that grew to 300 acres outside of the primary containment line, bringing with it the potential to move toward Highway 12. The fire also moved to about three miles to the east in the North Fork of Sweeney Creek.

Fire managers expect that it will eventually move into the old Kootenai Creek burn west of Stevensville, and that theyll be able to hold it there.

A second large fire and more road closures have prolonged late-summer miseries in Glacier National Park (see related story).

The Adair Peak fire started on Aug. 12, two days after the more infamous Sprague fire that claimed Sperry Chalet last week and is threatening Lake McDonald Lodge. Adair, burning south of Logging Lake, was relatively quiet until the weekend.

It was estimated Tuesday to be 1,330 acres and had forced closure of some 25 miles of the Inside North Fork road, from the Polebridge Ranger Station south to Camas Creek. Two campgrounds are closed: Logging Creek and Quartz Creek.

There are historic backcountry cabins near Logging Lake and a historic ranger station near the Logging Creek trailhead that are undergoing structure protection.

Lake McDonald Lodge is evacuated, emptied of valuable items, and surrounded by hose line and sprinklers as the Sprague fire threatens. Half of Going-to-the-Sun road, from Lake McDonald to the top of Logan Pass, is closed.

After Mondays winds, Tuesday was calmer in the park and the forecast should hold for a few days, said fire information officer Diane Sine.

Theyre both active, so there will continue to be some movement  but nothing dramatic, said Sine.

Weyerhaeuser lands: With more of the same dry, hot and sometimes windy conditions in the foreseeable future, Weyerhaeuser Co. announced Tuesday that almost all its lands in western Montana are closed.

The giant Washington-based company moved into Montana in 2016 and absorbed some 880,000 acres of former Plum Creek land. It banned campfires in July and is now prohibiting all public access until the extreme fire danger eases, according to Tom Ray, Weyerhaeusers Montana resource team leader.

Tuesdays announcement was made through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 news.

According to the press release, the closure is in effect on all lands in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Sanders and Ravalli counties. Granite, Mineral and Powell counties were not on the list.

Air quality levels in most areas around Missoula were somewhat better Tuesday than on Labor Day. But Sarah Coefield of the Missoula City-County Health Department doesnt expect it to be a trend.

Conditions are likely to continue deteriorating this evening as local smoke becomes trapped near the valley floor and overhead Pacific Northwest smoke mixes down, she wrote at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The smoke season has been so bad that its gumming up the air monitors, Coefield said.

Weve been repeatedly losing touch with the Missoula monitor, and the Florence monitor is being taken off-line for the time being because its little brain is fried, Coefield wrote. The Missoula monitor should be back up and running soon (hopefully tonight), and it sounds like the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is making the rounds throughout western Montana to give all the state-owned monitors a bit of extra love.
Fire and smoke were the Groundhog Day-style watchwords Monday around western Montana, with a windy Canadian cold front pushing fires ever larger and shoving choking clouds of smoke into the valleys.

Monday's updates from Inciweb on fire after fire painted a dire picture of the high winds and low humidity that left a Red Flag Warning in effect until 9 p.m., making it another tough day for firefighters.

"Normally, at this time of year, we're looking at the weather (forecast) and seeing some kind of season-ending event in sight, but right now, we don't have one," Jennifer Jones, spokeswoman for the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, said Monday.

Of the 77 large wildfires burning around the nation, Montana has 26, more than any other state. Some 26,500 people are fighting those fires, directed by 42 incident management teams, Jones said. "We're pretty highly committed right now," she said.

The 7.6 million acres of federal, state and private land consumed by wildlife so far this summer is more than 2 million acres above the 10-year average, according to NIFC statistics. This time last year, wildfires had burned about 4.7 million acres.

"We're seeing some pretty extreme fire growth on a lot of fires in Montana ... with a lot making really big runs," Jones said Monday.

One was the Rice Ridge fire east of Seeley Lake, which exploded over the weekend, and doubled down overnight Sunday, growing from 55,000 acres to 101,424 acres Monday morning. New evacuation orders issued Sunday in Powell County remained in effect Monday (see list below).

Two Type 1 and a Type 3 helicopter were assigned for water drops and aerial observation. Structure protection continued Monday along the Highway 83 corridor, and at Kozy Korner, Double Arrow Subdivision, the Big Sky Lake area, the Monture Guard Station and the Upper Blackfoot Ranch community.

John Thompsons Central Montana Type II Incident Management Team will transition to Greg Poncins Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

On the Caribou fire, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office continued the unenviable task Monday of contacting property owners affected by the fire that burned some structures over the weekend. The number of structures lost was still being verified Monday, with an update expected Tuesday morning, according to fire officials.

Heavy equipment connected with fireline construction in Canada and extended fireline to Lake Koocanusa along the U.S./Canada border. Night operations worked to contain a 3-acre spot fire Sunday night.

Some Ravalli County homeowners got a welcome, albeit short, reprieve from evacuation orders on the Lolo Peak fire Monday morning when the sheriff announced theyd be able to go back to their homes for 15 minutes at a time between 9 a.m. and noon to retrieve essential items.

Fire managers are concerned with the upcoming weather and dry fuel conditions in the area, was Monday's laconic report from the Sunrise fire in Mineral County, where fire officials issued an evacuation warning Sunday night.

"Critical fire weather expected today could cause significant fire growth and has potential to see active to extreme fire behavior," the report continued. "Due to the limited number of resources assigned to this fire, containment of spot fires and the main fire could be hampered.

After a Sunday-night cold front that saw winds gusting to 43 mph over a four-hour period, the Sprague fire burning in Glacier National Park, which forced evacuations from the Lake McDonald Lodge area Sunday, "slowed down a little Monday," said fire information officer Katie Liming.

The Fort Apache Hot Shots, along with structure protection engines, staged overnight Sunday in the Lake McDonald area, and a night shift patrolled the area. Structure protection was completed Sunday in the Lake McDonald area, and on Monday, structure protection hose lays and sprinkler deployments were set to begin in the Avalanche Creek Campground.

Monday evening's update listed the main weather concern through Tuesday evening as a persistent easterly wind pushing the fire closer to Lake McDonald. Monday, the fire crept over Mount Brown and down the west face of the slope "a little bit," said Katie Liming, Sprague fire public information officer.

Mop-up continued also Monday around the historic Sperry Chalet, which burned last week. And, as if things werent tough enough already on the west side of Glacier, a Sunday-afternoon update warned that "concern is for smoke concentrations to increase within the Lake McDonald and West Glacier areas."

Speaking of smoke: Monday morning, the Missoula City-County Health Department listed air quality as Very Unhealthy in Rainy Lake and Arlee on Monday afternoon, with Arlee was trending toward Hazardous air quality.

Air quality was Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Clearwater, Rock Creek and the Potomac; and Unhealthy in Missoula, Frenchtown, Seeley Lake, Florence and Lolo.

***

The following evacuation orders issued over the weekend remained in effect Monday:

Caribou fire: Everyone in the West Kootenai area.

Highway 200 Complex: From the end of River Road West to Arnold Road, at the corner of Section 11.

Little Hogback fire: Both sides of Upper Rock Creek Road and adjacent roads/neighborhoods, beginning from and including Wild Rose Loop South to Stony Creek.

Lolo Peak fire: All residents west of Highway 93 on the north side of Bass Creek Road north to residents on the south side of Hannaford Avenue and west of Florence Carlton Loop  approximately 200 homes. Due to expected extreme fire behavior and the pending weather forecast, there is no access into the evacuation order area, the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office announced Sunday afternoon. The sheriff's office and Unified Command will evaluate fire danger Monday morning with a goal of escorted access.

The evacuation warning is lifted in the Highway 12 corridor from mile marker 24 (near and including Arena Drive) to the Highway 93 junction in Lolo. The evacuation warning was also lifted for residents in the Highway 93 corridor from the Highway 12 junction to mile marker 79 (near and including the Gravel Pit off of Old Highway 93 and the McClain Creek Road).

Rice Ridge fire: All of Coopers Lake area in Powell County. The warning area is everything else north of Highway 200 with the west and east boundaries being Missoula and Lewis and Clark County.

Sprague fire: All residents and visitors from the south end of Lake McDonald to Logan Pass. This includes the Lake McDonald Lodge, concession housing, Kelly Camp Area, and the Avalanche and Sprague Creek campgrounds. Logan Pass is still accessible from the east side of the park. Glacier Park Boat Company tours and Swan Mountain Outfitters horseback rides from the Lake McDonald lodge are canceled. Apgar is open.

West Fork fire: Residents in the 17 Mile Community Area of Pipe Creek Road and Upper Bobtail, including Hutton Drive. Pipe Creek Road is closed from the 12 Mile Marker to the summit.
After a career in Congress and public service, Max Baucus has laid out tools for others to follow in his footsteps.

The new Baucus Institute in the University of Montanas Blewett School of Law aims to help college students learn about Washington, D.C., and international issues while bringing scholars here to share their experience.

We have a vision of a public policy institute that gives Montana students opportunities they may not otherwise have had, said Melodee Hanes, Baucuss wife. It will be a place to learn about policy, inspire them to come back to city, county, or state public service, and contribute to their communities.

The institute expects to start offering internships for several UM students next summer for work with Montanas congressional delegation or other non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C. Institute director and UM law professor Sam Panarella said eventually he expects about 10 a year will be funded.

A comparative law studies program will arrange student exchanges between Montana and Chinese law schools, building on programs already underway at UM. And a combination of speakers and visiting academics would spend time in Missoula focusing on topics Baucus concentrated on in Congress, such as health care, environmental protection, economic development and leadership training. Finally, the institute would archive a large collection of papers and documents collected from Baucuss time in government.

Baucus held a seat in the Senate from 1978 to 2014, making him the longest-serving Montanan at almost 36 years. He stepped down in 2013 to become President Barack Obamas ambassador to China, a post he held until 2017. Before that he was the executive director of Montanas Constitutional Convention in 1971, and served terms in the state House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives before election to the Senate.

While the institute was OKd by the Montana Board of Regents two years ago, Panarella said organization didnt start until this spring.

While Max was a sitting ambassador, we couldnt fund-raise because of State Department rules, Panarella said. But we did a lot of planning and talking. Max has been home now for six months and were going full speed ahead.
Civil rights riots. Protesters murdered, beaten for wanting equal rights. Young people pulled off buses and beaten, white and black, three youth murdered and buried, car and all, for the audacity of wanting equal rights.

Flash forward. Martin Luther King Jr. walks with children, mean, women, white and black. Beaten by policy and by ordinary people and their children. Attacked by police dogs. The national guard had to be called out to protect marchers.

Flash forward. We have multiple shootings of black teenage boys  unarmed, with witnesses. President Obama, disrespected by an old white man draping a confederate flag on the White House steps.

Flash forward. Our now-president saying Obama was not born in the U.S. Perhaps the new president is ignorant and doesn't know Hawaii is a state of the United States.

Flash Forward. Removal of the confederate flag and symbols. Long overdue.

I was afraid of the evil I saw on the news. I lived all of this. No, take your confederate flag and your monuments and put them in a museum.

Flash forward. Charlottesville. People who threaten people in this country are terrorists. If you threaten one of us, you threaten us all. Threats are not free speech.

J Ward,

Lolo
Welcome back to school! After teaching for 23 years, this is my second year of not opening the classroom door to new students on the first day of school. Now, as State Superintendent, it is my privilege to serve all Montana students and ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed.

A strong local partnership of families, teachers, and school leaders is important to help guide students through successful transitions in their educational paths, especially as they begin their first days of kindergarten, middle school, or high school.

As a state, we must use academic innovation to prepare the next generation of our workforce. It is vital that STEM and CTE studies begin in middle school and that every student views high school completion as just one step in their continued path of learning and success. In Montana, education is a lifelong investment in our future.

The goal of this investment is to lift up all of our communities. For too long, too many of our Native American and special education students have struggled in school. For example, only 17 percent of our Native American students and 14 percent of our special education students test as proficient in math. Montana must do better! Through our state plan for the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, Montana has developed ambitious long-term goals to close student achievement gaps.

I know from personal experience that education is a challenging and rewarding career. Together, one student at a time, we are going to celebrate success and make Montana proud.

Best Wishes,

 Elsie Arntzen, State Superintendent, Office of Public Instruction
Hurricane Harvey is such a tragic natural disaster that it's been impervious to the vigorous attempts to steal the spotlight by that unnatural disaster Donald Trump. Even though our current president desperately craves the soothing of constant attention, his attempts at provocation  like the Joe Arpaio pardon and his usual Twitter outrages  were not enough to deflect our focus. The nation was concentrating instead on the thousands upon thousands of people suffering in the Gulf region, particularly Houston, as the historic deluge drove them from the safety of homes that had been turned into death traps by the rising water.

But as they struggled with their horror, the flooding could not sink the heroism of ordinary Americans banding together to assist their neighbors in trouble. Professionals from police forces, fire departments, the Coast Guard and National Guard, along with medical providers, social workers, etc., overcame monstrous conditions to do their jobs and put all their training exercises into real rescue operations. They were joined by a remarkable armada of private citizens; so many who had a boat and a boatload of compassion joined the frenzied effort to save their fellow citizens. Except for the local officials, who worked tirelessly, the politicians  the national ones who so tarnish this nation  were irrelevant for the moment. They were shunted aside by the likes of the "Cajun Navy," dedicated owners of all kinds of floating devices who came from sometimes hundreds of miles away. Many had been bailed out themselves when they were overwhelmed by other catastrophes, and now simply viewed it as their obligation to risk their safety and do whatever they could to help their fellow citizens. Others were opening their homes to the families that had been driven from their own.

No one was the slightest bit concerned about who supported or opposed Donald Trump. There was no discussion about religion or skin color or immigration status. The widespread motivation was a primal urge to help out fellow human beings and, yes, their animals, in a time of dire need.

Their extreme selflessness could not even be marred by the appearance of the all-about-me chief executive who saw this only as an opportunity to wipe away the tarnish of his presidency, a man who viewed the victims of this tragedy as props. He showed little empathy. He wasn't in the state long before he had finished his branding exercise and left behind those struggling to save their lives and to ponder a yearslong recovery.

All too soon, we'll begin to see the political ugliness resurface. There will be pitched battles over funding as members of Congress jockey to please their constituencies. At the same time, the conservatives, who for the most part oppose efforts to blame climate change, will ignore the obvious signs that global heating contributed to this unprecedented weather. They also will battle any efforts to inhibit the willy-nilly development that has defined Houston, even though it's clear that it has stifled the area's natural ability to combat such attacks by Mother Nature. To put it simply, concrete eliminates the soil's ability to soak up precipitation. It does, however, enrich the concrete manufacturers and all those others with deep pockets who benefit from an ever-widening building boom. They have succeeded with their influence-peddling in blocking zoning laws or any other attempts to establish even minimal controls over their lucrative urbanization. The politicians they have compromised are not about to stand in their way now, just because of some gargantuan disaster, even though it will inevitably happen again.

For the moment, as the clouds finally part and the saturation rains end, we can bask in the warm glow of ordinary people helping ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Their service to those who inhabit our extended community provides hope that the worst that nature has to offer cannot snuff out people's good nature, no matter how cynical our politicians are.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
Napa Wealth Management launched its second mutual fund, the Momentum Bond Fund (MOMBX), on Sept. 1.

This follows the launch of its first fund, NWM Momentum Fund (MOMOX) in April 2014. This flagship fund received a Morningstar five-star rating.

The Morningstar Rating, commonly known as the star rating, is a measure of a funds risk-adjusted return relative to similar funds.

Mutual funds are rated from one to five stars, with the best performers receiving five stars.

We are pleased to have received a five-star rating from Morningstar for our flagship fund, said Tim Ayles, lead portfolio manager.

Napa Wealth Management marked its 20th-anniversary on Aug. 13. The business is located at 1836 Second St. in Napa.
Every mom anticipates her childs first day at kindergarten.

For Jessica Pequeno, that kind of milestone is something this mom is only now ready to imagine.

The last time the Napa Valley Register wrote about the Pequeno family, it was October 2015. Their then 22month-old toddler Xavier was about to begin the fight of his life against an immune deficiency disorder so rare it had no name.

Today, there is good news about Xavier and his family.

The now 4-year-old completed a grueling, yet successful stem cell transplant, just started his second year of preschool and is making progress with his health, said his mother. Come this time next year, shell be enrolling him in kindergarten.

Every day is different. We still deal with so many unknowns, she said. But, Hes doing so much better than anybody would have ever expected.

Just getting to this point was a long road.

Two years ago, the Pequenos told their story in hopes of finding a bone marrow transplant match for their son. Doctors originally told them there was no match within the family. Fortunately, after a second set of tests, the Pequenos middle son, Higinio Pequeno IV, was identified as a partial match.

That news was awesome, said Jessica Pequeno.

The family prepared for the transplant to take place in June 2015, but a stubborn infection put those plans on hold. By December, his health care team at the University of California at San Francisco wouldnt even give us odds as his percentage of survival because they didnt know, she said.

They finally had a name for his disease  IKBa gain of function mutation with ectodermal dysplasia  but there were too many unknowns.

Pequeno said she realized the stem cell transplant was a kind of a now-or-never situation.

We just kept saying, We just have to keep doing this. Giving up wasnt an option. 

On Dec. 1, 2015, Xavier was admitted to the hospital for the transplant. The process began with eight days of chemotherapy followed by the stem cell transplant.

Putting a line in his femoral artery, blood was collected from Higinio, then 10. Then a machine separated the stem cells from the blood. Higinios stem cells were then given to Xavier. The stem cells were put into a vein, much like a blood transfusion. The stem cells are then meant to travel to the bone marrow, engraft, and hopefully begin making new, normal blood cells.

On the day of the transplant, the whole Pequeno family, including her husband Higinio, son Higinio and daughter Maya and Jessica Pequenos mom were there. Seeing those potentially life-saving cells go into her son was very emotional, said Jessica Pequeno.

We all cried, she said. It was really scary, but you cant stop. You have to keep going.

During the procedure, Xavier was awake, she said. But the side-effects of the chemotherapy were starting to set in. His hair was falling out, and he had stopped eating and drinking because his mouth sores were so bad and painful, she said. He was on morphine for the pain.

Stem cells go to work

The waiting began. Would the stem cell transplant be a success?

The family was told that Xavier would likely spend many months in the hospital. We planned to be separated as a family for at least six months, said Pequeno. We just expected it to be really hard.

She spent her nights in the room with her son, sleeping on a blow-up twin mattress. The rest of her family went back to Napa. Because Jessica was unable to work and her husband couldnt work because he needed to have knee surgery, the family had moved in with Jessicas mother.

Meanwhile, doctors continued to check Xaviers blood to see if his body was responding to the stem cell transplant.

Every day Id ask, Where are we at? his mother said.

And then, one day in early January, the doctors came to see Xavier, and they said, We have good news.

The transplant was starting to work and the new cells were starting to grow, she said.

I cried, said Pequeno. It happened so much faster than what they had expected.

By the end of January, Xavier was well enough to go home to Napa.

It was scary to come home and super exciting, she said.

Coming home

Back at home, a new routine was created. Xavier was still taking 25 different medications, some multiple times per day. He had a gastrostomy or G tube for feeding the nutritional liquid he eats and a central line  a thin, flexible tube used to give medicines, fluids, nutrients, or blood products over a long period of time.

Honestly I dont remember a lot of it. It becomes a big blur, said Pequeno.

The family continued to visit UCSF at least once a week for blood counts and other checks. There were more ups and downs. Infections and illnesses caused him to be hospitalized for days at a time in February, May and June. His central line got infected. He got shingles.

His immune system was still really weak, said Pequeno.

But he kept bouncing back.

Just two weeks ago, doctors finally removed his central line.

It was a huge step, she said.

Challenges remain. Before the stem cell transplant, Xavier had about 5 to 10 percent of a normal immune system. Now he has about 60 to 70 percent, doctors said.

Were starting to learn hes really prone to sinus and respiratory infections, and viruses, said Pequeno. His body just doesnt fight like everyone elses.

Other habits are harder to change.

Before Xavier went to preschool, Pequeno and her family were able to carefully control his exposure to germs.

When he was able to go to preschool, I wasnt in control of those environments anymore. Its really hard. It gets easier, but it takes a while to learn how to kind of let go, she said.

Today, Xavier takes only six medications a day and can receive infusions of antibodies at home. Visits to UCSF have been cut back to once every four to five weeks.

Developmentally, Xavier is doing well, she said.

He has some hearing loss, which we continue to monitor. Its hard to say if its a side effect of chemo or other drugs. Right now it doesnt affect his speech. He also has skin, hair and teeth health issues to manage.

Xavier doesnt complain at lot, said Pequeno.

Hes always handled everything so well. When he suffered, He would get quiet. Even now when hes not feeling good, instead of crying like many small children would, Xavier is quiet.

Financially, its hard because Im still not able to work, she said.

Xaviers medical care is provided by Partnership HealthPlan/Medi-Cal and California Childrens Services. Her husband went back to work. Pequeno is taking classes at Napa Valley College while her son is in preschool.

I want to be a nurse but I want to go into pediatrics  I want to teach parents how to advocate for their kids.

One of the most significant changes for Pequeno was becoming more confident in working with health care providers regarding her sons care.

Nobody could hand me a book when this started (that said) these are the things you need to know and questions to ask. No one told me I was the captain of his team. Her confidence grew. You have to get comfortable in that role.

The past several years have left a lasting imprint on the whole family, she said. Signs of post-traumatic stress have been seen in all family members. Learning coping skills and how to manage stress is important.

Especially for their son Higinio, said his mother. Its not easy for young boy to come to terms with what his brother went through and his own unique contribution.

I dont think any 10-year-old is capable of understanding the weight that carries, she said.

Life goes on

The struggles havent ended, said Pequeno.

Weve just learned to manage them and adjust and deal with the financial part. We juggle. You learn how to change your priorities.

Its easy to say her son looks healthy, said Pequeno, but thats also frustrating because it takes so much work to get him to continue to look like that.

It definitely takes a toll and lot of work and sacrifice to keep him where hes at, she said.

And Xaviers condition isnt going away, she noted. This is something we will manage for the rest of his life one way or the other.

People say, Oh youre so strong. But I think that as a mom, you just do it, said Pequeno. You pull the strength from somewhere. Because you dont give up on your kids.
The dam that safeguards the city of Napas water supply has come in one rung below the top rung in a state survey released in the wake of the near-disaster at Oroville Dam in March.

Evaluators with the state Division of Safety of Dams listed Conn Creek Dam at Lake Hennessey in fair condition in the report, which the agency published Friday. The 125-foot-tall earthwork structure guards a 31,000-acre-foot reservoir that has formed Napas main year-round water source since its completion seven decades ago.

A dam rated satisfactory, the highest of four rungs, has no current or potential deficiencies and is expected to hold up under all water loading and seismic conditions, according to the report.

By contrast, a dam in fair condition is considered adequate for a normal water load but may be vulnerable to rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events. Such a structure also may be downgraded if it has a longstanding deficiency not being addressed quickly, or if operating the reservoir at a lower level does not reduce that weakness, authors said.

Conn Creek Dam also was rated as having an extremely high hazard for downstream damage in Napa in case of a structural failure, although the report added that downstream risk is not related to a dams condition. Regulators gave the same downstream risk rating to Napas secondary dam at Milliken Reservoir, which otherwise was ranked satisfactory.

Joy Eldredge, manager of the Napa city Water Division, said the states rating for the Lake Hennessey Dam is based on its water-bearing ability rather than its resistance to earthquakes.

The city is about to hire a contractor to assess the design of the entire Lake Hennessey complex, including the earthen dam, concrete spillway and the geology of the site. The evaluation is expected to last several months, Eldredge said Tuesday.

In Yountville, the state dam safety division also gave a fair rating to a 47-foot-high earthen dam at Hinman Creek, a 99-year-old structure owned by the state Department of Veterans Affairs near the Veterans Home of California.

The state has been evaluating options to address its condition, including renovation and repairs or a level of decommissioning, Town Manager Steve Rogers said in an email. So all in all, nothing new that town staff is not already aware of, and generally in communications with local (Veterans Home) administration and Sacramento staff.

Another 164-foot-high CalVet-owned dam at Rector Creek, which supplies the Veterans Home and Yountville, was listed as satisfactory by the state dam division.

The St. Helenas lower reservoir dam, a 44-foot earthwork built in 1878, also received the states second-best fair rating. This dam is used to impound non-drinkable water that St. Helena sells to agricultural customers.

A message asking for comment was left Tuesday for City Manager Mark Prestwich.

A majority of the 57 Napa County dams were classified satisfactory, and none was placed in the lowest two levels  poor for those needing remedial repair, and unsatisfactory for those requiring immediate, emergency reinforcement.

The local list included government-owned dams as well as those on private land, including some owned by grapegrowing concerns.

Conn Creek and Rector Creek were two of three Napa County dams for which the Division of Safety of Dams in July announced it would require re-evaluations of their water-release channels. The third was Bell Canyon Dam, which supplies the city of St. Helena and received a satisfactory grade in the Friday state report.
On a recent morning in a Carneros vineyard, a crew of 22 workers moved methodically down rows of chardonnay vines, hastily plucking leaves from an overflowing emerald canopy. As they worked and passed on, the growing berries were left with better access to sunlight and a greater chance to prosper in the months ahead.

Walking along the end of the rows and peering down each, Ciriaco Hernandez counted off.

Thirteen, he said, finally stopping. Of the 22 workers carefully pulling leaves that day, the 13 he counted were women. Hernandez, who is director of vineyard operations at Renteria Vineyard Management, the company employing the crew, said nowadays that ratio is normal.

Over the past few years scenes like this have become increasingly common, defining the transformation of a vineyard workforce, plagued by labor shortage and fewer male workers, that has coped by taking on women workers at an unprecedented rate, not only at Renteria, but across Napa and throughout the entire state.

Adelina Siva, 50, and Carina de la Cruz, 39, were among the 13 women on the crew leafing in the Carneros vineyard.

Originally from Mexico, each woman immigrated and came to work in Napas vineyards, they said, for a better life.

Its better than if we work in factories, de la Cruz said of laboring in the vineyards. Its better work.

Having been with the company for three years, both Siva and de la Cruz said they noticed the number of other women vineyard workers had grown in that time.

Though Renteria offers vineyard workers $16 an hour, as well as dental, health, life insurance and a 401K plan, Hernandez has seen men more often seeking better paying construction jobs who dont want to be in the field.

Our male workforce has dwindled, said Joe Garcia, whose company, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting, provides labor for vineyards throughout the state, from Napa Valley to Paso Robles. And now since we have a labor shortage, because of the borders closing, women have become an integral part of that workforce now.

Renterias owner and CEO, Oscar Renteria, said his company today employs 404 vineyard workers and estimated that women now make up 28 percent of his workforce. Four or five years ago that percentage would have been single digits.

Also fueling the labor shortage, grape growers and vineyard managers say, is the loss of the migrant farmworker. The only time we see a migrant workforce come into the wine industry is at harvest, Garcia said, citing immigration reform as a driver for much of the change.

Steve Moulds, president of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, said that although the county has three dormitory-style housing centers for migrant male farmworkers, its a paradigm thats very antiquated.  Even though we provide 52,000 bed nights a year, its chasing an old protocol where people were migrant farmworkers. And we just dont have those anymore.

Instead, companies like Jaguar and Renteria have come to rely on a workforce based in the area year-round. Though in the case of Napa, many workers are also forced to commute from more affordable areas outside of the county. Siva commutes from Fairfield, while de la Cruz travels from Woodland. Both women make their respective trips to Napa six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

On Sunday we clean the house, we go to market, we do the laundry, and then cook again, sleep and get up, de la Cruz said.

Another woman working on the Renteria crew in the Carneros vineyard was Socroro Cruz, who drove more than two hours from her home in Stockton that morning to be there. Cristina Alvarez, who handles human resources at Renteria, translated for Cruz, who spoke only Spanish.

Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, Cruz joined the company this year, her first time working in the vineyards. Cruz said she makes the commute six days a week with her husband, who also works for Renteria. They wake at 3 a.m. to reach Napa by 6 a.m. and work until 4:30 p.m., when they make the commute back to Stockton, arriving between 7 and 7:30, she said.

Upon arriving home, Cruz showers, preps her meal for the next day, and spends the remaining time with her four children.

Thats like her motor to motivate her to continue to do this job. Because of her kids, Alvarez said.

Garcia said the women he employs for Jaguar have similar routines, waking early, making lunch for their families and getting their children ready for school. And now shes part of the workforce, so she has to do all that, then come home at the end of the day, cook dinner and clean also.

Though the daily commute is daunting, Cruz said, When you love your job, theres no excuses. While she has been in the vineyards for only a short time, Cruz said she enjoys the work and has yet to come across a task that she cannot do.

As more women first began to join the ranks of the vineyard workforce, however, employers were initially skeptical about their capabilities to work alongside men in the same crews.

Hernandez, who began his 28-year career with Renteria as a vineyard worker himself, said at first employers didnt support integrating crews because they thought the women were more slow, slower than the men, and so that was going to put everyone behind.

Garcia noted that some employers were also concerned about integrating men and women because of the risk of potential sexual harassment issues.

Its a total culture change from just having a male workforce, he said. With the growing presence of women in the vineyards, men have had to curb what both Hernandez and Garcia called locker talk.

So they had to watch what they say, how they say it, when they say it, Hernandez said. And so they kind of had to change their culture, in a way, to be more professional.

Employers also began to adjust their views of women workers potential as more joined the crews. As more women came to work, Hernandez said, and they showed what they could do  it proved us wrong.

Renteria noted that when it comes to selective picking during harvest he has found men are very fast and they fly, but women are more reliable when it comes to the selective criteria for work that were doing. Theyre just more meticulous.

Moulds said he has also found this to be the case, having requested all-women crews to harvest for him for the past three years.

Working alongside men has been a non-issue, Siva, de la Cruz and Cruz each said. Siva said she enjoys working with the men, who have been helpful, she said, adding also theres a lot of respect.

Each woman said she plans to continue working at Renteria. De la Cruz said she hopes to eventually be promoted to a forewoman or majordoma. The company now has two women serving as majordomas, Renteria said, while others are being trained to operate tractors and equipment.

Today when women are interested in moving up in the company, Hernandez said, We open the door.

Such is now the case at Jaguar as well, Garcia said. They can achieve whatever they want. Were trying to empower women now. In our workforce, they can do the same jobs as men.
An array of Bay Area elected officials and leaders deplored President Donald Trumps decision Tuesday to end a program allowing young undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States.

At the same time, the officials called on Congress to revive the program by enacting it into law. Some also promised to participate in lawsuits to challenge the Trump administrations action.

The program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was established in 2012 through an executive order by President Barack Obama. It covers approximately 800,000 young people, sometimes known as Dreamers, who arrived in the U.S. as children.

California is home to about 223,000 of the Dreamers.

In an action announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Trump rescinded Obamas order Tuesday, but allowed for what Sessions called an orderly, lawful wind-down of the program. He and Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke said Congress could enact a program through legislation if it wishes to do so.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, called the presidents action a cruel betrayal of the young immigrants and said it undermines our nations values.

The consequences of this decision will be devastating. It will split up families, force young people back to countries they never knew, and cost our economy billions of dollars. It is heartless, Harris said in a statement.

Harris urged members of Congress to roll up our sleeves and stand with these young people by enacting a bipartisan law to resume the program.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, said, Congressional action is now the only way to guarantee that DACA recipients are shielded from deportation, and it must be our top priority.

In a statement, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said, I strongly condemn President Trumps decision to end the DACA initiative, creating fear and confusion for the 800,000 DREAMers in the United States.

DREAMers embody and practice the best of our American values: hard work, patriotism, and action. They are our neighbors, colleagues, soldiers, educators, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs. They are as much a part of our communities and collective American story as any one of us.

I urge President Trump to reconsider this decision and act to defend DREAMers as hes previously promised to do. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to do everything I can to protect DREAMers, including calling on House Republicans to bring the DREAM Act to the Floor for a vote.

In her statement, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, said, Rounding up law-abiding children will not make anyone safer. DREAMers, who were brought to this country as young children, have done nothing to deserve the Presidents attacks. In most cases, these children have struggled to succeed, as Americans, in school, work, and in their communities.

Reps. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, and Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, also called on Congress to step in to enact the program into law.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said the Dreamers are hard-working individuals and diligent students who have known only America as their home.

San Francisco will always remain a sanctuary city  a beacon of hope and a place where we embrace all our residents, regardless of their immigration status, Lee said.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he will seek to challenge the Trump administrations actions in court, after consulting with the City Council and city attorney.

To San Joses tens of thousands of Dreamers, we reiterate: Weve got your back, Liccardo said.

The San Jose mayor said the Trump administrations punting the issue to Congress, without any affirmative leadership to enact a legislative solution, amounts to a cowardly cop-out.

San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi said, We must act immediately to provide both legal and community assistance to those who are most at risk of losing their legal status to remain in our country.

University of California President Janet Napolitano said, I am deeply troubled by President Trumps decision to effectively end the DACA program.

I call upon the U.S. Congress to immediately pass bipartisan legislation that would provide a permanent solution for these young people, Napolitano said.

Thousands of Dreamers attend or have graduated from UC, she said.

The university and the state of California stand together in our belief that students should be admitted to UC and other institutions of higher education based on their records of achievement and without regard to their immigration status, Napolitano said.

DACA recipients will be allowed to retain their deferred action period and work authorization documents until they expire, within two years. Renewals applied for by Oct. 5 will be considered.
The Trump administration refused Thursday to commit to putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Reneging on an Obama administration decision to replace slave owner Andrew Jackson - President Donald Trump's favorite president - with Tubman, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin explained he would base a new $20 bill design on preventing counterfeiting rather than on a new portrait.

"Ultimately, we will be looking at this issue," Mnuchin said in a CNBC interview. "It's not something I'm focused on at the moment."

Harriet Tubman never waited for a man to affirm her.

Tubman reveled in defying men, defying governments, defying slavery, defying Confederate armies, and slave catchers who put a $40,000 bounty on her head.

This black woman who stood five feet high was utterly and completely fearless.

"I had reasoned this out in my mind," Tubman once said, "there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other."

Tubman was born Araminta Ross sometime between 1819 and 1823 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where officials recently dedicated landscapes and waterways as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Historic National Park.

Tubman's maternal grandmother had arrived in this country via the Middle Passage on a slave ship.Tubman was enslaved by a man named Edward Broadess. When she was about 13, she refused to help a slave overseer capture a runaway. The overseer threw a two-pound lead weight at the runaway. The weight mistakenly hit Tubman in the head, splitting her skull, according to the Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center in Cambridge, Maryland.

Tubman was unconscious two or three days and would continue to suffer chronic seizures the rest of her life. The injury caused sleeping spells or narcolepsy, which would cause her to drop into a deep sleep anywhere and at any time of day.Broadess tried to sell her as damaged property, but failed.

He tried again when Tubman was 26. She prayed that God would kill him. A week later, he was dead.In 1844, she married John Tubman, a free black man. She changed her first name to Harriet-which was her mother's name-and took her husband's last name, Tubman.

In 1849, worried that she and others would be sold to another plantation, Tubman decided to escape. She could not convince her husband to leave with her. So she escaped with two of her brothers-Ben and Henry-from Poplar Neck Plantation. But soon, Ben and Henry became frightened and turned back, according to the Tubman museum.

Harriet continued her journey, traveling by foot 90 miles, crossing Delaware and arriving in Pennsylvania. "I had crossed the line," she would say later. "I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land."

In Philadelphia, she worked as a household servant and saved up enough money to return to the South to help others escape. In 1850, Tubman returned to Maryland for her niece and niece's husband. A year later, in 1851, she returned for her husband, but he had taken another wife.

Despite danger and laws carrying severe penalties for helping enslaved people escape, Tubman kept returning. According to an 1849 Maryland law, assisting or encouraging an enslaved person to escape carried penalties of imprisonment, threats to be sold further South, and a punishment of "39 stripes with a whip."

Slave owners issued huge rewards for Tubman's capture. By 1856, rewards for her added up to $40,000 - about $1 million in today's currency, according to the Tubman Museum. Still, she kept coming back. She made at least 19 trips, freeing more than 300 enslaved people, guided by the North Star along the Underground Railroad.In 1854, she came back for her brothers. Three years later, in 1857, she returned for her mother and father and journeyed with them all the way into Canada.

On her return trips, she would often sing, "Come down, Moses," a warning notice to those who wanted to escape, that she was ready to guide them. People called her the "Moses of her people."

"I freed a thousand slaves," she once said. "I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."

She carried a pistol. "If anyone ever wanted to change his or her mind during the journey to freedom and return, Tubman pulled out a gun and said, 'You'll be free or die a slave!' " according to a Library of Congress account of her life. "Tubman knew that if anyone turned back, it would put her and other escaping slaves in danger of discovery, capture or even death."

Historians still marvel at Tubman's brilliance in avoiding capture and her stealth. She often dressed like a man. Bounty hunters did not realize it was a woman helping people escape.

Tubman once told a story about how on one of her return trips to Maryland, she passed one of her old owners walking down the same side of the street. He did not recognize her and she did not flinch.

During the Civil War, Tubman worked as a nurse, a cook and a spy for the Union. According to the book, "Harriet Tubman: Secret Agent," by Thomas Allen, Tubman worked as a spy for the Union and was connected to the abolitionist John Brown, who led the raid against a federal armory in Harper's Ferry, Va., which is now in West Virginia.

When Brown was arrested, he was carrying papers that connected him to Tubman, whom he called "General Tubman." Brown referred to Tubman as "he" and "him."

Allen wrote that Tubman was the only woman who led men into battle during the Civil War. Tubman persuaded formerly enslaved men to track Confederate camps and report on their movements.

"In 1863, she went with Colonel James Montgomery and about 150 black soldiers on a gunboat raid in South Carolina," according to the Library of Congress. "Because she had inside information from her scouts, the Union gunboats were able to surprise the Confederate rebels."

They raided plantations in South Carolina and set fire to buildings, destroying bridges and freeing more slaves."At first when the Union Army came through and burned plantations, slaves hid in the woods," according to the Library of Congress. "But when they realized that the gunboats could take them behind Union lines to freedom, they came running from all directions, bringing as many of their belongings as they could carry. Tubman later said, 'I never saw such a sight.' "

After the war, in 1866, Tubman was traveling with a "half-fare ticket" from Philadelphia to New York, when the conductor ordered her to move to the smoking car, according to the book, "Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero," by Kate Clifford Larson.

Tubman refused to budge. "She explained that she was working for the government and was entitled to ride wherever she liked."

The conductor yelled, "We don't carry niggers for half-fare," the book recounts. Then the conductor tried to pull her off the train. "But Tubman's legendary strength apparently outmatched him," Larson wrote.

The conductor called for help and two other men pried her fingers loose from the car, broke her arm and threw her into the smoking car, "possibly breaking several of her ribs."

She called the conductor "a copperhead scoundrel, for which he choked her," Larson wrote. "She told him she didn't thank anybody to call her a colored person." She preferred to be called black or Negro. "She said she was as proud of being a black woman as he was of being white."

On March 10, 1913, Tubman, died of pneumonia in Auburn, New York. She often said she never failed to deliver her passengers to freedom. "On my Underground Railroad," she said, "I [never] run my train off [the] track. I never lost a passenger."
At a recent lunch meeting, the St. Helena Rotary Club presented a check for $14,000 to Julio Olguin, executive director, at St. Helena Preschool for All. The money benefits the Preschool For All Scholarship Fund, and will enable those who are not able to afford preschool to attend this special program.

The funds were raised at St. Helena Rotarys second annual Kentucky Derby Event held at the Napa Valley Masonic Lodge facility in downtown St. Helena. The Club is grateful to our many sponsors and participants from the greater Napa Valley Community. In particular we appreciate the consistent incredible support from Jennifer Lamb of Herb Lamb Vineyards.

After the meeting, Rotarian and St. Helena Mayor Alan Galbraith and his wife Sarah, made an additional personal contribution of $4,500 to Julio Olguin, which will fund one child for a full school year.
The Calistoga woman who died in a two-vehicle wreck on Highway 29 on Aug. 30 has been identified as 66-year-old Isabel Browne Driscoll, according to the Napa County Sheriffs Coroner.

Driscoll was driving northbound on Highway 29 north of Bale Lane when she turned her vehicle to the left into a vehicle heading southbound on the highway, California Highway Patrol said in a press release. The front of the southbound vehicle, driven by Stephen Garcia, 65, of Sonoma, hit the right side of Driscolls vehicle, officials said.
A fire broke out in a pile of wood chips Friday morning at the Clover Flat Landfill, Napa County officials reported.

The Napa County Office of Emergency Services sent out an emergency text at 8:53 a.m. that said the fire will generate smoke for an extended period and that fire crews were on the scene.

Mayor Chris Canning said the fire was still burning at about 4:30 p.m., and that it was under control, but that there was lots of fuel for the fire.
The Bale Grist Mills annual Harvest Dinner fundraiser begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 and includes appetizers, a whiskey bar, cocktails, Mad Fritz beer and locally donated wines from neighbors. Listen to live Old Time Music by the Pickle Creek Band.

Guests will dine under the oaks with a view of the great watewheel. This is a one-of-a-kind event, farm-to-table dinner with locally raised heritage mulefoot hog, and a host of other locally grown delights. The menu was designed by Napa Valley Bistros owner and chef Bernardo Ayala, and Michael Fradelizio, who donates a heritiage mulefoot hog.

Attendance helps support the only operating historic water powered grist mill in California that is open to the public.

Purchase tickets through Brown Paper Tickets at brownpapertickets.com event number 3042391. Tickets are $125 per person and are tax deductible. For questions, contact Sandy Jones at (707) 477-6305, text or voice, or by email, spjones.223@gmail.com.
When a disaster happens, such as those that have been unfolding in Texas and Louisiana, its natural to feel compassion for those affected, especially if were far away and not physically able to participate in the rescue. We watch closely the news reports hoping for a miracle. The government responds in various ways to evacuate and provide immediate help for those in need. Local and national volunteers respond without hesitation.

Many donate to relief charities in hopes that it will lessen the impact on individual lives and families. It is a wonderful way to express our love and assistance in a way that will strengthen the ability of organized groups to meet the needs of others. These dollars provide shelter, food, and other amenities so needed in times of trouble.

But, is there more that we can do? Yes! We can pray. Prayers of genuine love and compassion really do help. Trusting the welfare of others to a Supreme Being who loves us and is good to all, opens the door wide to infinite possibilities for everyone. These prayers pierce through the chaos and tap into the fabric of individual lives. They make possible the impossible.

The story of St. Paul is just one of many Bible stories that illustrate this fact.

At one point, Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Eventually he was put on a boat, along with other prisoners, headed for Italy. During their journey, a wind of hurricane proportions threatened to kill everyone on board the ship. On the third day of the storm, Paul stood up and urged the men to keep their courage, and insisted, not one of you will be lost. He explained that an angel of the God whom he served stood beside him and told him not to be afraid. He had great trust in God.

Although their boat was destroyed, everyone ended up on the island of Malta, safe and in good hands. The islanders showed them great kindness, built them a fire, and welcomed them. Then, while sitting next to the fire, Paul was bit by a viper and, to the amazement of all, there were no harmful effects.

Mary Baker Eddy explains the effectiveness of prayer in her primary work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, this way: Prayer, watching, and working, combined with self-immolation, are Gods gracious means for accomplishing whatever has been successfully done for the Christianization and health of mankind. She also wrote, Understanding the control which love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lions den, and Paul proved the viper to be harmless.

Praying is never in vain. God does answer our prayers. Maybe not in the way we expected, but always with an abundance of good. We can expect that our prayers to an infinite, all-loving, all-powerful God for those affected by the floods to take form in thought and deed with unlimited blessings for all.
Breakthrough Russia military tech used GPS spoofing to cause ships to sail off course

The United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) believes they may have seen the first documented use of GPS misdirection; a spoofing attack instigated by Russia that affected at least 20 ships, sending misleading signals to disrupt navigation targeting. Experts say that this could be the first signs of a new form of electronic warfare. If true, it could mean a devastating blow to our current technologies and how our naval officers coordinate with each other.

In a seemingly bland report, the MARAD noted an unusual disturbance somewhere in the Black Sea (44-15.7N, 037-32.9E) on June 22, 2017. A master of a ship said that his GPS had placed him in the wrong spot. The captain initially thought that the ships device had stopped working and contacted nearby vessels. It was only then did they find out that at least 20 ships were affected. The automatic identification system (AIS) in all of the ships (which sends signals to a satellite that then records the vessels exact location) showed all 20 boats in the same airport. This was more than 32 kilometers inland of the Russian port of Novorossiysk, in which the nearest ship was located.

MARAD has yet to confirm if this attack, indeed, was a planned hack by the Kremlin.

Nevertheless, there are speculations that Russia is developing a GPS interference technology that actively misdirects signals. In the past, the biggest worry our military had with GPS systems was jamming. This occurred when an enemy target would send outside noise or signals to drown out the navigation tracking device. It was an effective, if not crude, method of spoofing. The ham-handed disturbance, however, was easy to spot. GPS misdirection is more subtle. An enemy would send a false signal from a ground station to simply confuse a satellite receiver. This would place a target in another location.

Consultant Davis Last, former president of the U.K.s Royal Institute of Navigation told the New Scientist, jamming just causes the receiver to die, spoofing causes the receivers to lie.

The successful development of the technology was predicted by several technology experts as far back as 2013. One such analyst, Todd Humphreys of the University of Texas at Austin, said he had been warning the public of GPS spoofing for as long as he can remember. The receivers behavior in the Black Sea incident was much like during the controlled attacks my team conducted, he said.

Humphreys points out that geolocation interference by Russian intelligence has been ongoing for more than a year now. It started very small; several news reports (which incidentally drew very little attention) highlighted some chaos that occurred for the receivers on phone apps in central Moscow. Users noticed that the built-in GPS device on their phone was misbehaving. It only became apparent when people attempted to play Pokemon Go. A fake signal, which allegedly came from the center of the Kremlin, relocated any person nearby to Vnukovo Airport, which was 32 kilometers away.

GPS misdirection could serve two functions. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is defensive. Many NATO-guided bombs and missiles rely on GPS navigation. Successful misdirection would protect invaluable infrastructure. The second function is offensive. Spoofing could confuse vessels  especially those in congested waters with poor weather  to accidentally collide with one another. (Related: Russia preparing pre-emptive nuclear strike on America, warns Paul Craig Roberts.)

Humphreys says that building a GPS spoofing device is not at all difficult. He was able to build a primitive device from scratch in 2008, with materials and software that could be bought or downloaded over the internet. The device would not require much power either. A basic 20-watt GPS spoofing device could affect objects 20,000 miles away. Humphreys warns that any competent hacker could do it and Russian officers should not have any difficulty in developing the technology on a large scale.

Keep yourself informed with RealInvestigations.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NewScientist.com

MARAD.DOT.gov
For the next four months, the United States and Belgium will conduct NATOs Baltic Air Policing mission, safeguarding the airspace over the region. At a ceremony on Tuesday (5 September 2017), Belgium took over the supporting role from Spain, operating out of Amari, Estonia. The United States assumed the lead role at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania on 30 August.

Belgium is conducting the mission with F-16 jets, and the United States is conducting the mission with F-15C jets. The US is leading the Baltic Air Policing mission for the fifth time, and Belgium is participating for the sixth time.

Allies have been taking turns in safeguarding the Baltic airspace since 2004, when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined NATO. Since then, seventeen Allies have participated in 45 rotations of the Baltic Air Policing mission, which is an expression of the solidarity among NATO members.
While collaborating with clinical colleagues in rural southwest Georgia, Emory cancer researcher Theresa Gillespie learned a surprising fact. The region has one of the state's largest HIV/AIDS populations outside of metropolitan Atlanta. And very few of them were screened for cancer.

As of 2015, a clinic in Albany, Georgia, had treated 1,080 patients  men and women, white and black  for HIV/AIDS. Of those, the number screened for cancer was in the single digits. Essentially, she recognized another health disparity.

"The problem is that all of the evidence related to health promotion and cancer screenings have been collected outside of HIV-positive populations," says Gillespie, professor of surgery at Winship Cancer Institute. "We don't know why clinicians don't refer HIV patients for cancer and other health screenings. And we don't know why patients don't take up that activity."

Gillespie and Jessica Wells, assistant professor in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, plan to find out as co-leaders of a pilot study on cancer screening and early detection among people living with HIV/AIDs. They are talking to patients and providers at Grady Health System's Ponce Center in Atlanta and the Ryan White Primary Care Clinic in Albany to determine what they know about cancer screening and HIV.

The project, funded by a Synergy Award from the Woodruff Health Sciences Center, stems from Wells' and Gillespie's longtime interest in cancer and health disparities.

When Wells was a PhD student at the School of Nursing, she studied treatment adherence among African American women with breast cancer. The good news: her findings showed that patients completed their chemotherapy. The bad news: she realized the field of breast cancer research was saturated.

Wells switched gears. She began to read about other cancers and learned that anal cancer rates were skyrocketing among patients with HIV.

"The majority of anal cancer cases are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), and screening is similar to the Pap test for cervical cancer, but it's done in the anal canal," she says. "But for some reason, the screening is not being done. And just like cervical cancer, anal cancer presents with precancerous lesions before progressing to cancer."

There is an important difference. "Unlike cervical cancer, there are no national screening guidelines for anal cancer that clinicians can refer to," Wells says. "Screening is very physician-dependent."

Among her current projects is a study characterizing the anal microbiome of HIV-infected and noninfected women to determine cancer risk. Gillespie is mentoring Wells on her study, funded through Winship by the American Cancer Society.

"Does the microbiome play a role in HPV resistance? Does it play a role in precancerous lesions? We don't know," says Wells.

Health experts do know that treatment advances have extended the lives of people with HIV/AIDS. Because they are living longer, they are at risk of cancer and other diseases. Why then are HIV patients less likely to be screened for them?

"For so long, patients have had to focus on taking their medication, adhering to treatment, and avoiding infections," says Gillespie. "So they typically aren't screened for noncommunicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease."

The Synergy Award study is intended to help change that. "Eventually," says Wells, "we'd like to use the information we gather to formulate national guidelines for clinicians to make cancer screenings routine for patients living with HIV."
- Top UN Official believes Saudi Arabia should pay for the restoration of sanity in Yemen.





- 10,000 have been killed so far, over 500,000 infected with Cholera and 600,000 more expected to be infected this year.





- Saudi Arabia claim their humanitarian efforts currently benefit civilians on both sides of the Yemen conflict.

According to a top UN Official David Beasley who is the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Saudi Arabia should fund all the steps required to overcome the widespread disease and hunger in the war torn Yemen.





Recall that Yemen is currently undergoing the worst cholera epidemic ever recorded alongside a host of other epidemics.





Beasley who was unusually forthright for a top UN official, openly crticised one side of an ongoing conflict.





He said "Saudi Arabia should fund 100 percent [of the needs] of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen," Beasley told Reuters news agency on Monday.





"Either stop the war or fund the crisis. Option three is, do both of them."





Since March 2015, Saudi has been engaged in fighting in Yemen which has resulted in millions being displaced from their homes.





The crisis has also led to more than 10,000 deaths, thousands infected with Cholera, 500,000 currently infected and another 600,000 people expected to be infected later this year.





Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have emphasised that their humanitarian efforts currently benefit civilians on both sides of the Yemen conflict.





Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donated $66 million in June to the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization (WHO) to help combat the cholera epidemic in Yemen.




Posted by Mike Levine | December 5, 2010

The U.S. and South Korea have reached a deal on a permanent free trade agreement between the two countries that could see Korean-built pickup trucks imported into the U.S. without being subject to a 25 percent tax levied on most foreign-made pickups.

The so-called "chicken tax" originated in the early '60s during a trade dispute between the U.S. and Europe over U.S.-imported chickens, which were slapped with a special tax to protect West German farmers. The U.S. responded by slapping a 25 percent tariff on trucks imported from Europe.

Later, the tax became a way for U.S. automakers and the United Auto Workers union to keep pickups assembled in other countries out of the U.S., particularly low-cost compact trucks popular in the rest of the world.

The chicken tax on Korean-built pickups would remain at 25 percent for seven years after the agreement is signed but would be phased out in the eighth, ninth and 10th years, according to the trade pact. South Korea would have to eliminate a similar 10 percent tax on U.S. trucks imported into that country immediately.

Without the burdensome tax, South Korean auto manufacturers Kia and Hyundai could be encouraged to finally produce a pickup for U.S. buyers. The two brands have previously stated their desire to sell pickups here.

In 2007, when the Korean Free Trade Agreement was proposed, Kia Motors President Cho Nam-hong said, "Isn't it time for Kia Motors to make inroads into the (U.S.) pickup truck market?"

Kia also showed a pickup truck concept, called the Mojave (pictured above), at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.

As part of the negotiated agreement, the U.S. would also remove a 2.5 percent import tariff on South Korean cars within four years, while South Korea would cut its current 8 percent tariff on U.S.-built cars immediately and phase it out within four years.

South Korea also agreed to allow the U.S. to export up to 25,000 cars a year that don't meet its tougher safety requirements.

The South Korean legislature and U.S. Congress have yet to approve the agreement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 02:39:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Monday killed 55 Islamic State (IS) militant during a search campaign in the liberated areas in a town near the city of Tal Afar, the Iraqi military said.

The soldiers of the 15 Infantry Division killed 55 IS militants, including 26 suicide bombers wearing explosive belts in the town of Ayadhiyah, some 11 km north of Tal Afar, and nearby areas in northwest and east of the town, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement.

It said the search and chasing operations are still ongoing in the area looking for more IS militants believed to be hiding in and near Ayadhiyah.

On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared full liberation of the city of Tal Afar and surrounding areas from the extremist IS militants.

"I declare to you that Tal Afar has joined the liberated Mosul and returned to the homeland," Abadi said in a statement issued by his office.

"The joy of victory has been completed and the entire province of Nineveh has become in the hands of our heroic forces," Abadi said.

The PM also vowed to defeat IS group all over Iraq, saying "wherever you (IS militants) are, we are coming for liberation, and you have no choice but to die or surrender."
The photo taken on March 19, 2017 shows a helicopter of the Belgian army which was displayed on the open day of the Royal Military Academy in the Belgian capital of Brussels. (Xinhua/Pan Geping)

BRUSSELS, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A pilot Sunday fell out of his military helicopter over 1,300 meters high during an airshow for a regiment open day in Amay, in Liege province of Belgium.

The pilot had been confirmed dead after a search for him, according to Belgian media.

A military spokesperson told the VRT that the army was staging a demonstration with parachuting for the open day. Two pilots were on board an Agusta A-109 helicopter when one of the two fell out of the aircraft. The co-pilot managed to grab the control of the helicopter and land it safely after he found the seat of the pilot was empty.

According to the first elements of the investigation, it appears that the pilot, who was not wearing a parachute, might voluntarily jump from the aircraft, taking advantage of a time when his co-pilot was helping the parachuting.

A judicial inquiry has been opened to allow all the data of the dramatic flight to be studied.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 06:55:02|Editor: Song Lifang

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NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of New York will sue President Donald Trump if he scraps a program shielding from deportation immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children, officials said on Monday.

Trump is expected to announce on Tuesday he will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program but will give Congress six months to craft legislation to replace it, according to local reports.

The president's move to end DACA "would upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people who have only ever called America their home, including roughly 42,000 New Yorkers, said a statement jointly released by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Monday.

"If he moves forward with this cruel action, New York State will sue to protect the 'dreamers' and the state's sovereign interest in the fair and equal application of the law," Cuomo said.

Schneiderman said Trump's decision to scrap the DACA program "cruel, gratuitous, and devastating to tens of thousands of New Yorkers, "I will sue to protect them,Dreamers are Americans in every way."

He argued that more than 40,000 New Yorkers protected under DACA pay more than 140 million U.S. dollars in state and local taxes and they are "vital members of our community."

The DACA, which was passed under the Obama administration in 2012, grants temporary residency and work privileges to those who entered the country before their 16th birthday. This group of undocumented immigrants are often described as Dreamers.

Under the program, Dreamers can apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the U.S. for two years. After that, they can apply for renewal. By March 31, 240,700 people had applied for renewal in the 2017 fiscal year and nearly 800,000 renewals have been approved over the life of the program.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 07:00:04|Editor: Song Lifang

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A new study shows that home literacy activities help children build long-term study and executive function skills, thus providing them with tools for lifetime success.

To collect a range of ages and school experiences, the study followed two groups of students in public elementary schools near the University of Washington (UW) campus: one cohort from first to fifth grade, the other from third to seventh grade.

In all, 241 families participated over five years, completing annual questionnaires about how their child felt about reading and writing at home, whether for assignments or just for fun, what kinds of activities they engaged in at home, and what kind of help parents provided.

As the study was carried out by UW researchers and detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, the demographics of both cohorts reflected neighborhoods around the university: About 85 percent of students were white or Asian American, and nearly three-fourths of parents had a bachelor's or advanced degree.

Nicole Alston-Abel, a Federal Way Public Schools psychologist who conducted the study while pursuing her doctorate at the UW, noted that a more diverse pool would be illuminating from a research perspective, but the basic message would remain the same.

"The takeaway is still the importance of having a parent involved in developing the habits and models a child needs to be successful," Alston-Abel was quoted as explaining in a news release from the university in U.S. Pacific Northwest. "It doesn't matter what socioeconomic status you come from."

Alston-Abel analyzed data collected by co-author Virginia Berninger, UW emeritus professor of education, who sent home questionnaires asking parents if, and how, they helped their children with reading and writing; Alston-Abel, a former primary teacher, then compared the responses with students' academic performance.

The study speaks to the need for a collaborative effort between parents and teachers, Alston-Abel said.

One way for parents to help is to engage a child in writing at home through journals, a story to a family member, even an email or thank-you note, and another way is to look for specific skills to help develop, such as spelling or reading comprehension, but pull back when the child appears able to accomplish more independently.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 07:05:05|Editor: Song Lifang

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MINSK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Belarusian Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed deep concern over the nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the press service of the ministry said in a statement.

"Belarus expresses deep concern over DPRK's nuclear test leading to escalating tension in Northeast Asia and worldwide", the statement said.

The DPRK Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced. This was the sixth nuclear test the DPRK has undertaken.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that peace and stability in this region can be accomplished only through a dialogue. Belarus urges DPRK to refrain from taking steps in violation of several UN security council resolutions and triggering a belligerent solution.

"Belarus stands for the early start of the negotiation process between all the parties involved on the basis of international law and in compliance with the competence of the UN Security Council," it added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 07:10:07|Editor: Song Lifang

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HAVANA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cuba launches the grassroots nomination process for local and regional representatives on Monday night, marking the first step towards the eventual election of a successor to President Raul Castro.

Elections for deputies to municipal and provincial assemblies will take place on Oct. 22, and they will be closely watched, since the process will conclude in February with the new members of parliament electing the nation's top leader.

Esteban Lazo, president of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, stressed the importance of the process in a nationwide address calling on Cubans to participate.

"Given that the Provincial Assembly and the National Assembly are composed of up to 50 percent constituency delegates, if a neighbor from our community is an elected delegate, or provincial delegate, or deputy, they are also eligible to assume one of the highest offices at the provincial level, or even within the highest body of state power," said Lazo.

Neighborhood assemblies in 168 cities and towns across the country will begin nominating candidates, a process that will end on Sept. 30.

The process will conclude when the approximately 600 members of the newly-formed legislative assembly votes for the next president.

Raul Castro has said he will step down at the end of his second term in 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 07:20:10|Editor: Song Lifang

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken with NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer who just returned to Earth after lengthy stays aboard the International Space Station, congratulating them on "their incredible accomplishments," the White House said Monday.

"They make us all very proud," Trump said, according to a White House readout of the call.

Trump specifically recognized Peggy Whitson for spending 665 total days in space, a new record for American astronauts, the readout said.

"Peggy is an inspiration to us all," said Trump, "especially to young women interested in or currently pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math."

She is the only female astronaut to command the International Space Station twice, and holds the women' s record for longest time in orbit during a single spaceflight -- 288 days.

Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer returned to Earth on Saturday, and Trump spoke by phone with the pair as they were flying home to Houston on Sunday evening.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 08:20:15|Editor: Song Lifang

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least three security personnel were killed and three others were injured as a convoy of paramilitary troops came under attack in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province on Monday night, local Urdu media reported.

Some unknown militants opened fire at the convoy of the paramilitary troops when it was passing by Washuk area in the province, Dunya News reported.

Local police said that the militants ambushed the convoy and fled the scene after carrying out the attack.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital.

No group has claimed the attack yet, but such attacks in the province are often attributed to separatist groups that are active in the province.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 09:35:32|Editor: Song Lifang

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MEXICO CITY, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is still at a "very early stage," and cannot be assessed yet, Mexico's Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (Concanaco) said Monday.

"They are starting to move some topics, but still at the initial stage of proposals, analysis and possibilities," Concanaco's President Enrique Solana told reporters, as he was leaving the hotel hosting the second round of talks in Mexico City.

"There is still time to go before there can be news on the matter. Right now, they are revising, talking and adjusting. They are warming up their engines. It's too soon to say how the talks are going," added Solana.

The three-way talks among Mexico, Canada and the United States, which began with a first round held in Washington in August, aim to update the 1994 trade deal, at the request of the United States.

The United States considers Mexico is unfairly benefiting from the agreement in several areas, including by artificially keeping wages low, which attracts industry owners but lures jobs away from American and Canadian workers.

The United States also wants to amend rules of origin so that NAFTA goods that benefit from tariff exemptions include a higher percentage of components made in North America, another demand Mexico is resisting.

Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggest that his country withdraw from the deal, have made Mexico somewhat nervous, though officials view them as a negotiating tactic.

Concanaco, which represents chambers of commerce, services and tourism, is particularly interested in the subject of e-commerce and its inclusion in an updated NAFTA.

On Tuesday, the second round will move into high gear with the presence of lead negotiators, including Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, said Solana.

North America accounts for a fourth of global gross domestic product (GDP), according to the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.

Talks are expected to continue till the end of this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 10:40:57|Editor: Song Lifang

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YANGON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The "Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA)" extremist terrorists set fire on more than hundreds of houses as they attacked some villages in Maungtaw over the last two days, the government's information committee said on Tuesday.

The ARSA extremist terrorists burned down 50 houses after exchanging fire with the security forces in Aukpyuma village. The terrorists also set fire on about 120 houses in Ountaw village as the security forces were conducting clearance operation.

Moreover, about 90 houses in Dingar, Sawkeenama and Hontarya were also set blazed by the terrorists, who detonated two explosive devices at some of the houses.

In Thinbawgwe village, terrorists burned down more than 400 houses as reported by the security forces.

Extremist terrorists launched renewed attacks on 30 police outposts in northern Rakhine on Aug. 25 and as of Aug. 31, more than 52 terrorists attacks occurred, which killed 13 members of the security forces and injured 15 others.

Fourteen civilians including seven Hindu people and five Daingnet ethnic people were also killed while fleeing the attacks.

About 38,000 Muslims people from Rakhine state have reportedly fled to the Bangladesh border.

Amid threat from the ARSA extremist terrorists, the security forces have evacuated 11,720 ethnic villagers to safer places and provided them with aid, the military said, adding that clearance operations against ARSA extremists terrorists were going on in the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 10:40:59|Editor: Song Lifang

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DHAKA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) early on Tuesday cordoned off a building in capital Dhaka, where militants were suspected of being holed up.

According to a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) officer who did not like to be named, law enforcers had surrounded the six-storey house in Dhaka's Mirpur area since early Tuesday.

He said at least three bombs were hurled towards RAB personnel from the suspected militant hideout at about 1:00 a.m. local time after it was encircled.

Frequent sounds of gunfire were also heard from the spot, the DMP official added.

None have reportedly been injured in the grenade attack at the security personnel.

The raid in the militant hideout is still underway.

No further details were immediately available.

The raid came following information given by some suspects detained in a raid on a house in the country's central Tangail district, some 97 km away from Dhaka, earlier in the night.

At least two militant suspects were reportedly arrested following the Tangail raid on the house where there might be huge explosives inside the hideout.

A bomb disposal unit from Dhaka will visit the suspected Tangail militant hideout on Tuesday.

Security has been tightened in Bangladesh after militants attacked a Spanish cafe in Dhaka's Gulshan on July 1, 2016, which left 22 people, mostly foreigners, dead.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 11:36:24|Editor: Yang Yi

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TOKYO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Japan Airlines plane bound for New York made an emergency landing at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Tuesday due to engine trouble, the transport ministry here said.

After departing from Haneda at 11 a.m. local time, the aircrafts crew told the airport controller about the engine trouble.

Flames were seen coming from the left engine of the plane and bird strike was a suspected cause. The plane landed safely, the ministry said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 12:06:32|Editor: Song Lifang

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Monday that Hurricane Irma has strengthened to category 4, as it edges toward the southern state of Florida and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

As of 8 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (0000 GMT Tuesday), the hurricane is located 725 km east of the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of 220 km per hour, according to an update by the NHC.

Irma is moving west at a speed of 20 km per hour, projected to reach Puerto Rico by late Tuesday, Cuba by Friday afternoon, and southern Florida by Saturday afternoon.

Rick Scott, the governor of Florida, tweeted Monday afternoon that he has declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida.

"I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news," Scott said.

Residents in other East Coast states, including Georgia and North Carolina, were also warned to be prepared for the incoming hurricane, as it may alter its course over the next few days.

Weather officials are predicting 25 cm of rainfall as a result of Irma, and also warned of landslides among other natural disasters.

Irma comes two weeks after Category 4 hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, killing 66 and causing more than 70 billion U.S. dollars in property damage, potentially straining the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 12:11:35|Editor: Song Lifang

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NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's electoral body on Monday set Oct. 17 as the date for a repeat of presidential elections following a directive from the Supreme Court on Friday.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati said there shall be no new nominations for the envisaged fresh election ordered by the Supreme Court that annulled the presidential elections held on Aug. 8.

Chebukati said opposition leader Raila Odinga along with his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka and President Uhuru Kenyatta along with his running mate William Ruto shall be the only candidates.

"The Commission is revising the operational and procedural requirements for the conduct of the fresh election and will share details with stakeholders sooner than later," Chebukati said in a statement issued following a plenary meeting in Nairobi.

Chebukati said that in light of the Supreme Court judgment, it is imperative that a detailed judgment in the just concluded petition be released in order to allow the electoral body to identity areas that require improvement in the management of the fresh election.

"The commission calls for patience and understanding among all stakeholders as we work together to deliver free, fair, credible and peaceful elections," he said.

The Supreme Court on Sept. 1 called for a new election within 60 days after finding irregularities in the re-election of Kenyatta in last month's elections.

The court ruled that the presidential elections were not conducted in accordance with the constitution, rendering the result invalid, null and void. The court said that Kenyatta was not validly elected.

Four out of the six judges at the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Odinga who is from National Super Alliance (NASA) party that contested the election results and filed a petition at the apex court to have them overturned.

Analysts say nullification of Kenyatta's victory is particularly crucial to Odinga as it grants his political career a lifeline as he had vowed never to contest for presidency again.

This is the fourth time 72-year-old Odinga has lost an election, often citing irregularities. Friday's ruling was the first time a court supported his claim.

Kenyatta, who garnered 8.22 million votes against the opposition leader's 6.8 million votes, said his win was a result of "the will of the people."

"It is important to respect the rule of law. We believe in the rule of law. We are ready to go back again to the people with the same agenda," he said.

He called on Kenyans to maintain peace and vowed to beat his arch-rival Odinga and NASA in the repeated election.

Odinga urged other African countries also to follow suit by adopting democracy in the running of state affairs.

Uganda, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are other countries on the African continent where presidential elections have been challenged in courts of law but have not been nullified.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 13:11:54|Editor: ying

A passenger aircraft skidding off the runway is seen at Kochi International Airport, Indian southern state of Kerala, on Sept. 5, 2017. A passenger plane of India's national carrier Air India skidded off the runway after landing at an international airport in the southern state of Kerala Tuesday, a senior aviation official said. All the 102 passengers and six crew members were evacuated safely, said local official. (Xinhua/Stringer)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane of India's national carrier Air India skidded off the runway after landing at an international airport in the southern state of Kerala Tuesday, a senior aviation official said.

However, all the 102 passengers and six crew members were evacuated safely by emergency officials, he said, on condition of anonymity.

"The incident took place this morning when Air India Express aircraft from Abu Dhabi landed at Kochi International Airport in Kerala's Kochi city. While approaching the parking bay, it veered off the runway and partly rolled into a drain," the official said.

"All the passengers and crew members were evacuated from the Boeing 737-800 aircraft through a ladder. All are safe. There have been no casualties," he said.

Local TV channels showed footage of some wheels of the aircraft being stuck in the drain that runs along the runway and evacuation of passengers and crew members.

The plane has been grounded and a probe has been ordered by India's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation. "We will ascertain if it was the fault of the pilots or some technical error," the official added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 13:21:58|Editor: Yang Yi

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XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for stronger solidarity and cooperation among emerging market and developing countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He made the remarks at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in the southeastern city of Xiamen.

"Development remains the top priority of emerging market and developing countries," said the president.

These countries should implement their development strategies in the context of the sustainable development agenda and in light of their national conditions, Xi said.

He urged the countries to work perseveringly to find a sustainable development path featuring coordinated economic, social and environmental progress.

The countries should call on the international community to place development high on the agenda of macro-economic policy coordination, according to the president.

The role of the UN should be leveraged, while efforts are needed to make good use of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to accelerate the implementation of the sustainable development agenda, he told the meeting.

"We need to urge developed countries to honor their commitment to increase support to developing countries in line with principles such as the one featuring common but differentiated responsibilities," Xi said.

As the UN considers reforming its development system, emerging market and developing countries should push forward reform, focus on development and bring more input to truly serve the needs of developing countries, Xi noted.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 13:37:07|Editor: Song Lifang

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 80 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lankan authorities reached southern state of Tamil Nadu, officials said Tuesday.

"Eighty Indian fishermen released from Sri Lankan jail returned home last night," a government official in Chennai said. "The fishermen from Tamil Nadu were welcomed by Nagai district administration and relatives of fishermen at Karaikal private port on their arrival."

The Sri Lankan Navy handed over the fishermen to Indian coast guard personnel at the international maritime boundary line and from there they were brought to their native state.

The fishermen have been released by Sri Lanka as a goodwill gesture.

The fishermen were later sent to their villages, the official said.

"The released fishermen include 48 from Pudukottai, 24 fishermen from Ramanathapuram and eight fishermen from Nagapattinam," the official said.

The fishermen urged the local government officials to secure the fishing boats detained by Sri Lanka during their arrest.

Fishermen of two countries are often jailed for accidentally crossing into each other's territory. The fishermen from two countries traverse poorly defined boundary in the international waters as most fishing boats lack technologies to locate exact positions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 13:37:08|Editor: Yang Yi

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JINAN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Jinan, capital of eastern China's Shandong Province, has been granted a 150 million U.S. dollar loan from the Asian Development Bank to build an urban transit system.

The loan is to finance a green trolley bus project, the Shandong provincial department of finance said. Total investment of the project is 2.7 billion yuan (about 411 million U.S. dollars).

It aims to develop a modern trolley bus network and to improve urban transport environment in Jinan, by reducing emissions and congestion in the city.

Jinan has a population of 7.2 million, but development of downtown underground metro lines have been restricted by the city's numerous springs, making modern bus services more important.

Jinan ranked as the country's most congested city during the first quarter of 2016, followed by Beijing and Hangzhou, according to a report by map service provider AMAP and a Tsinghua University transport research center.

"Through the project, we aim to build a zero-emissions urban transit system while protecting the environment and culture of the city," said Li Xuechun, director of international cooperation at the department.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 14:22:21|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out at an abandoned refrigeration warehouse in southern Beijing Tuesday morning, but caused no casualties, the Beijing fire fighting authority said.

The fire broke around 11 a.m. when workers were dismantling a refrigeration warehouse at a village in Yinghai township of Daxing district outside the fifth ring road

Forty-two fire engines were sent to put out the fire. The flames have been neutralized and there are no casualties.

Over 400 square meters were burnt. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 14:42:27|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A survey has found that 61.3 percent of people prefer small cities with less pressure and more comfort, while 35.5 percent prefer big cities with higher pressure but more opportunities, China Youth Daily reported Tuesday.

The survey was based on the answers of 2,004 respondents. The top three factors affecting satisfaction in city life were listed as level of consumption, social security and income level.

These were followed by housing price, air quality and natural environment, and public order.

"Satisfaction in life is close to the connotation of what people usually call 'happiness,'" Yao Yongling, economics professor at Renmin University, told China Youth Daily.

"Each person has his or her own requirements for happiness. They have to choose a suitable residence by taking into consideration their own preferences and life and career plan," Yao said.

In the survey, 46 percent of respondents lived in large metropolitan cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, 47.4 percent in smaller cities, 5.4 percent in towns and counties, and 1.1 percent in rural areas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 15:07:32|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. Sisi came to Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China will always firmly support Egypt's efforts to maintain stability and accelerate development, and stands ready to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Middle East country.



Xi made the remarks when meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who came to the southeastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.

In recent years, bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has gained steam with increased political trust, economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Xi said.

He said China attaches great importance to the bilateral ties, calling for maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and offering mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests.

The two countries must synergize their development strategies and make Egypt a pillar country along the Belt and Road through cooperation on infrastructure construction and industrial capacity, Xi said.

The Chinese side encourages its companies to invest in Egypt and is willing to promote trade and investment facilitation together with the Egyptian side. The two countries should also deepen cooperation on anti-terrorism and law enforcement, and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, the president said.

Sisi said Egypt supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to dovetail its development strategy with the initiative and expand cooperation with China on investment and infrastructure construction.

He said the Egyptian side appreciates China hosting the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, and agrees that developing countries should deepen cooperation.

After the bilateral meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation documents, covering economy, technology, transport and law enforcement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 15:27:39|Editor: An

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XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that "BRICS Plus" leaders have agreed on deepening South-South cooperation, fostering the "BRICS Plus" approach, and building extensive partnerships.

Xi made the remarks when meeting the press at the end of the ninth BRICS summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen.

He said the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries has sent "a strong message" for closer South-South cooperation and global development cooperation.

"Leaders attending the dialogue agree that emerging market and developing countries, which enjoy good growth momentum, are well placed to play a bigger role in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and improving global economic governance," Xi said.

He said the countries together can embrace a sustainable path of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, and inject "more positive energy" to global growth and shared prosperity.

The BRIC grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China was formally established in 2006. In 2010, South Africa joined the group, and the acronym was changed to BRICS.

China, which holds the group's rotating presidency this year, has proposed "BRICS Plus" to invite leaders of five other developing countries -- Egypt, Mexico, Thailand, Tajikistan and Guinea -- to the summit for the dialogue.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 15:27:40|Editor: ying

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A three-day conference of diplomats in Pakistan kicked off here on Tuesday to review emerging challenges in the region, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump released his policy for South Asia, officials said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said some important foreign policy issues will be brainstormed in the conference.

He said Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif decided to hold the conference with a view to "evaluate Pakistan's potential strengths and to examine policy choices in the view of the evolving geopolitical and regional situation."

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to deliver a speech at the concluding session on Thursday.

Asif's forthcoming visit to regional countries and Pakistan's strategy for the upcoming UN General Assembly's session will also be on the agenda, a Pakistani official said.

Another official told Xinhua in Islamabad that "high level" contacts between Pakistan and other countries are on the card in the General Assembly's session, mainly on Afghanistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of sheltering militants and stated that "we can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens for terrorist organizations. Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists."

Trump's criticism of Pakistan has evoked strong response by the country's top civil and military leaders. The Pakistani parliament has unanimously adopted a strong- worded resolution and political parties have showed unity against the U.S. warnings to Pakistan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 15:32:43|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets the press at the end of the ninth BRICS summit in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- BRICS leaders have agreed on deepening political and security cooperation while enhancing mutual strategic trust, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday.

"We as the five countries' leaders believe it is in line with our common interests and international expectations to deepen political and security cooperation and enhance mutual strategic trust," Xi said when meeting the press at the end of the ninth BRICS summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Since the beginning of this year, BRICS leaders have had in-depth exchanges and reached important consensus on issues such as international situation, global governance, global and regional hotspots, and national security and development, said the president.

The Meeting of BRICS High Representatives for Security Issues and the first Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations held this year have injected fresh impetus into the countries' political and security cooperation, according to Xi.

He said the five countries have also instituted regular consultations among their permanent representatives in New York, Geneva and Vienna to coordinate their positions on major issues of common concern.

The steady progress in cooperation on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, peace-keeping and the Middle East, among other issues, has raised the influence of BRICS countries, he noted.

The countries have supported efforts to keep the good momentum of political and security cooperation and played their part in maintaining world peace and stability, according to the president.

The BRIC grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China was formally established in 2006. In 2010, South Africa joined the group, and the acronym was changed to BRICS.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:02:59|Editor: An

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by Will Koulouris

SYDNEY, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Often overlooked in terms of the broader world view, the nations of the South Pacific are primed with tremendous growth opportunities over the next few decades, with tourism from China pegged as one of the most promising aspects of their development.

In a new report set to be released on Thursday by the World Bank entitled Pacific Possible, and obtained early by Xinhua, coinciding with the Pacific Islands Forum underway this week in Apia, the capital of Samoa, a number of key ways in which the enormous potential of these fledgling nations may be realised over the next 25 years is outlined, with increased tourism from China's burgeoning middle class high atop that list.

One of the key contributors to the report, economist at the World Bank Kim Edwards told Xinhua recently that welcoming these tourists from China with open arms will be vital for the future of the economic success of the Pacific Island nations.

"I think in most cases there is definitely appetite for more tourists, and China obviously has a very significant and growing middle class, which can provide very important market for the tourism sectors in these countries," Edwards said.

"The Pacific countries need to actually take advantage of this market more, and really take full advantage of the opportunities that the Chinese market provides. The region is open and ready for more and more Chinese tourists."

The emphasis on China's middle class is paramount, according to the World Bank report, which said that it is expected to increase from the 54 million people who were classified as middle class in 2005, to over 1 billion by the year 2030, with this unprecedented growth bringing many fruitful pathways to increased tourism in the Pacific.

Taking advantage of these opportunities is inherently difficult for many of these nations, because aside from Papua New Guinea with a population of 8.05 million people as of 2016, none of the other 11 major nations in the region have a population of over 1 million, with Fiji, the second largest country, coming in at roughly 898,000 citizens as of 2016, which makes securing finance for capital investment harder in the region.

In order to source the investment required to fully capture the Chinese tourism market and the economic potential that brings, Edwards said that these Pacific nations must play their part in ensuring that the conditions are conducive to those seeking to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with the region.

"I think in large part it's making sure that the opportunities are viable in realistic and making that case to private sector investors. So, obviously the development of a high end resorts as part of a specific strategy for example, will very much depend on foreign investment coming in to set up these hotels and resorts," Edwards said.

"That, in turn, depends on measures to really improve the investment and business environment in some of these countries. The question is whether the business environment and the environment for investment can improve commensurately to take advantage of those opportunities."

The positive impact of the recent waves of Chinese tourism has been felt in countries such as Vanuatu, with many in the tourism sector there rapidly adapting to and welcoming, more Chinese visitors to their country.

One such operator, Mike Thompson of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, told Xinhua recently that Chinese tourism to Vanuatu has been a relatively new trend, but one which is rapidly expanding, much to the benefit of the country as a whole.

"We've had our first Chinese cruise ship a couple of months back and it's certainly growing, so Chinese investment in Vanuatu has been growing quite significantly," Thompson said.

"We've seen people, and companies from China buying up large tourism and development sites, and basically looking towards the future, so we expect significant growth."

In order to better cater to people from China who visit, Thompson said he has taken many steps to further enhance the person-to-person communication, and cooperation between his company and others from China, as well as adapting his services to better cater to the tourists who visit his operation.

"We have translated our brochures into simplified Chinese, we have produced the video and safety video in Chinese, making it easier for the guests who come," Thompson said

"When we have days when we are expecting significant number of Chinese guests, we have a couple of teenage Chinese students in Port Vila who we reach out to, and they come and work for us, and also they are able to participate in the tour and translate when required."

One of the key ways that Thompson believed the immense tourism opportunities can be fully realised is by further forging partnership between China and surrounding nations, like Australia, much in the same vein as the recent announcement by Hainan Airlines that will see direct flights between the city of Shenzhen in China, and the northern Australian city of Cairns.

With the city then potentially serving as a hub for the South Pacific for Chinese tourists, Thompson hopes that this will open up direct flights between Cairns and the major capitals of the South Pacific nations which will not only see more travellers from China being able to enjoy the islands, but also being able to do so more conveniently and efficiently.

"If they're using two days to travel to Port Vila, and two days to travel back, it doesn't leave enough time for a holiday. So, they really need a reasonable connection, a two, or three hour gap in the connection, or a direct flight."

But direct flights to the region from places like China are critical to the growth of these nations, according to the World Bank report, which stresses that the dependence of Pacific countries of tourist on-flow from places like Australia and New Zealand must be curtailed in order for them to reach their full potential.

"(The growth potential) requires direct connections between those markets and the Pacific nations, avoiding the hubs of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Guam." the report said.

In order to do this, the report suggests a number of steps to increase the Chinese tourism market in particular, such as the negotiation of new routes between the Chinese mainland and the Pacific islands, tailoring services to Chinese tourists, building relationships with Chinese wholesalers, and importantly, making the visa process easier for Chinese tourists to visit these island getaways.

The hope is that these potential-laden nations can follow the successful lead of other island countries, such as the Maldives and Seychelles, that have experienced significant growth after fostering robust partnership with China, driven by tourists, with tourism accounting for 27.9 percent of the GDP of the Maldives in 2013.

"(The Maldives) have successfully attracted the Chinese market through a combination of marketing and easing direct flight access. China grew from nearly zero to over 30 percent of the market in an eight-year period, making it the top source market since 2010." the report said.

With over 122 million Chinese outbound tourists in 2016 alone - and that number set to skyrocket over the coming decades - the opportunities for the Pacific island nations to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with China are immense, which will lead to a more prosperous, and culturally rewarding future for the region, the report added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:13:11|Editor: ying

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Weather change has helped firefighters in the U.S. city of Los Angeles considerably in the battle against an ongoing wildfire which has become the largest in the city's history, authorities said Monday.

The maximum temperature dropped to around 32 degrees Celsius Monday in La Tuna Canyon and nearby fire areas, with winds at 3 to 10 miles (4.83 to 16 km) per hour and a relative humidity at 40 to 45 percent.

The fast-moving wildfire has torn through La Tuna Canyon near Burbank, Los Angeles County in the western U.S. state of California, since Friday, prompting emergency proclamations by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Governor Jerry Brown of California successively.

Local officials emphasized that the weather change really helped the fire crews do their work more easily and safely.

"The weather has been very favorable for us today," Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Trevor Richmond told a news briefing Monday afternoon.

"Temperature has been significantly lower," he said.

Some 1,061 firefighters were still working for a fourth day to put out the 7,003-acre (2,800-hectare) wildfire and containment was still at 30 percent, said officials.

Earlier in the morning, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said Sunday's rain helped firefighters considerably.

"Very favorable to the firefighters making continued progress," Terrazas said.

"As long as the weather continues to cooperate, I am very confident and convinced we'll be fine," he added.

"But that could change with the wind. Fire operations are not over. There is still a lot of work to be done," Terrazas warned.

Firefighters continued to concentrate their efforts on dousing hot spots and digging fire lines.

"Overnight, the weather cooperated and we received some rain. It appears, at least for now, that the fire in the Burbank hillside has laid down significantly," said Burbank Police Sgt. Derek Green.

All mandatory evacuation orders in Los Angeles, Glendale and Burbank have been lifted since Sunday evening and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Three homes were destroyed and one was damaged by flames.

Local resident Craig Bollesen, the son of a couple who lost their home,returned to the rubble with his friends. It's one of the three homes destroyed during the blaze.

Although the family who lived in the region since 1957 had prepared for a wildfire and cleared bush nearby, "the fire came up so quickly, rushing down the hillside, just like a freight train running down the hill at us."

"We are going to try to help my parents to recover. They are old. We worry about them," he told Xinhua.

Bollesen spoke highly of the hard work of firefighters even though his parents have lost their home in the destructive wildfire.

"They treat everyone's house like it's theirs," said Bollesen. "They did the best they can."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:38:21|Editor: ying

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VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Although Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will personally travel to Russia to attend the third Eastern Economic Forum scheduled for Sept. 6-7, a lack of trust still hampers progress in economic cooperation between Russia and Japan.

During the Russia visit, Abe will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Experts said the legal framework for joint economic activities in the disputed islands known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan will be a key issue in the talks between the leaders.

During Putin's official visit to Japan last December, the leaders of the two countries announced the beginning of consultations by experts on joint economic activities in the Southern Kurils as an important step toward the conclusion of a peace treaty after World War II.

However, legal issues have become a stumbling block to the implementation of the reached agreements, experts said.

Russia has repeatedly stated that joint economic activities will be conducted on the basis of the Russian legislative framework, since the islands belong to Russia, while Japan said it contradicts its principled position that the islands are "illegally occupied."

"The main issue at the meeting in Vladivostok will be the ability of the parties to agree on the legal basis on which the joint development of the Southern Kurils will be conducted," said Valery Kistanov, head of the Japanese Studies Center at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In March, Moscow said Russia would not wait long and would propose creating a Priority Development Area (PDA) in the Kurils if Tokyo did not take concrete steps on joint economic activities, and in July, the Development Corporation of the Far East announced the receipt of the first application for a new PDA.

Kistanov believes that the decision to create a PDA proves the existence of difficulties in the negotiations on joint economic activities.

Currently, trade and economic relations between Russia and Japan, according to Kistanov, are at a low level and do not meet their potential. Trade between the countries decreased by almost a quarter and amounted to 16 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.

Russia is interested in involving Japan in projects in the Far East, but experts said there are factors hindering economic cooperation, including insufficient development of the Russian infrastructure, low attractiveness of investment in Russia, and stagnation of the Japanese economy.

"Japanese businesses are wary of trade and economic cooperation with Russia, especially in the face of sanctions imposed by the West," Kistanov said.

Viktor Kuzminkov, senior research fellow at the Japanese Studies Center at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also stressed the need to take into account Japan's economic dependence on the United States, especially in view of the continuing confrontation between Moscow and Washington.

The agreements signed during Putin's visit to Japan in December cover the agro-industrial complex, pharmaceuticals, banking and investment spheres. Experts call the energy sector the most promising direction for the coming years.

The two economies are complementary in the energy sector, as Japan needs more diversified imports of energy resources other than those from the Middle East while Russia is ready to export its energy products.

But Washington, as Bloomberg news agency reported in July, objected to joint plans by Japan and Russia's oil giant Rosneft for oil prospecting in the Far East under an agreement the parties signed in December.

In addition, the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act secures the U.S. president the right to impose sanctions on individuals and companies that invested in construction of export pipelines from Russia for 1 million dollars per time or more than 5 million dollars per year.

It may scare off Japanese investors from participating in Russia's oil and gas projects, including the construction of the Sakhalin-Hokkaido gas pipeline, in which the parties confirmed their interests in December.

Meanwhile, Kuzminkov noted that Japan depends on the United States not only in the economy, but also in defense and security issues.

"The United States and Japan have such close ties that they work as partners. And the American point of view not always prevails, because Japan also uses the United States in its own interests to ensure its security," Kuzminkov said.

According to Japanese news media, Japan has completed the deployment of the U.S. PAC-3 air defense systems in the southwestern regions, announced plans to send to the Pacific ships equipped with the U.S. Aegis tracking and guidance system, and admitted the potential deployment of U.S. military bases on the disputed islands in case of their transfer to Japan.

Russia, in its turn, cannot allow all this to happen, especially in the face of growing contradictions in the Asia-Pacific region, where the United States has been trying to strengthen its position.

Security is just one of the issues generating Moscow's distrust of Tokyo. It takes time to establish a trustful dialogue at all levels. Therefore, breakthrough agreements on the issue of Southern Kurils at the forthcoming negotiations between Putin and Abe at the Eastern Economic Forum are highly unlikely.

"To develop economic cooperation and to resolve the territorial issue, Moscow and Tokyo need to raise the level of trust," said Kuzminkov.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:38:27|Editor: ying

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DHAKA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of flood-affected people across Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are struggling to survive in the aftermath of the worst flooding to hit the region in decades, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said Tuesday.

"More than five million people are struggling across South Asia after their homes have been damaged or destroyed. Whole villages have been swept away. We have a responsibility to help," the IFRC said in the statement, citing its Deputy Regional Director for Asia Pacific Martin Faller.

More than 41 million people have been affected by the South Asia flood disaster, it said, adding mud huts have disintegrated in the torrents of water that have flooded large areas of Bangladesh, southern Nepal and northern India.

The IFRC said flood waters are receding in many areas, but there are already shortages of critical supplies, with personal food supplies swept away, crops and livelihoods ruined. Conditions are being further compounded by disease outbreaks and a lack of funds for relief activities, it said.

"We risk a terrible secondary crisis of food shortages and disease unless we get the necessary funds to provide the help that is needed immediately," Faller said.

In Bangladesh alone, the IFRC said, more than 13,000 cases of waterborne diseases including diarrhoea as well as respiratory infections have been reported in the affected areas over the past three weeks.

Mozharul Huq, secretary general of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) said: "Diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria and dengue are on the rise in some areas and we need support to prevent further death and suffering."

"We have 20 medical teams treating the ill and injured, screening for disease, but we fear that we won't be able to reach most of the 10,000 people we hope to provide care for unless we receive further international funds and support. Many older people are telling us that these floods are the worst they have ever seen across many areas of Bangladesh and it's going to take years to recover," Huq said.

More than 2,600 volunteers from Bangladesh Red Crescent, Nepal Red Cross and Indian Red Cross, have been working alongside local authorities, to provide relief and help communities prepare for further rains and floods.

"We have helped tens of thousands with provisions for temporary shelter, clean water and food, but many more need urgent help," said Faller.

"Tens of thousands remain homeless. Many are still living in tented camps, sheltering in schools or other buildings and underneath tarpaulins. These people need our help, and we are doing all we can to meet their needs. We desperately need support from partners around the world," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:43:29|Editor: An

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Guinean President Alpha Conde in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. Conde came to Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed momentum in China-Guinea ties, saying the two countries should continue to understand and support each other in core interests and major concerns.

Xi made the remarks when meeting Guinean President Alpha Conde, who came to the southeastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.

Xi said China and Guinea set up a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership one year ago, and China attaches great importance to bilateral relations.

"Both countries should consolidate political mutual trust and carry forward their traditional friendship. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Guinea in infrastructure, mining and agriculture," he said.

The president called for more people-to-people exchanges and better cooperation in science and education, human resources development, media and think tanks, and youth and women.

Xi pledged enhanced cooperation in peace and security, saying China is ready to support Guinea in maintaining stability and ensuring law enforcement.

"The two countries should deepen their cooperation in multilateral affairs and China backs Guinea holding the rotating presidency of the African Union in promoting a united and stronger Africa," Xi said.

Xi said China and Africa are good friends and China has proposed to forge relations with Africa based on sincerity, real results, friendship and good faith, in order to achieve mutual cooperation and common development.

"We welcome Guinea and other African countries to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative to benefit the Chinese and African people," Xi said.

Conde thanked Xi for inviting him to the dialogue, saying Guinea is willing to enhance cooperation with China in fishery, mining and west African development.

"African countries speak highly of China's proposition of respecting their efforts in solving African problems on their own," Conde said.

Conde pledged closer dialogue and deeper cooperation in international affairs between the African Union and China.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation documents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:48:34|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. Modi came to Xiamen to attend the ninth BRICS summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track, he said.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the ninth BRICS summit.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The principles were endorsed by China and India in the 1950s, and have been widely accepted as norms for relations between countries.

Noting that the two neighboring countries are the world's two largest emerging market and developing countries, Xi told Modi that healthy and stable bilateral relations are also in line with the expectations of the region and the international community.

For his part, Modi congratulated Xi on a successful BRICS summit.

He said the world is undergoing fast changes and the BRICS countries need to step up cooperation under such circumstances, adding that the Xiamen summit played a key role in this regard.

Xi and Modi's meeting came following a military stand-off lasting more than two months after more than 270 armed Indian troops with two bulldozers crossed the boundary in mid-June into the Dong Lang (Doklam) area in the Chinese territory to obstruct infrastructure construction.

On Aug. 28, China confirmed that India had withdrawn personnel and equipment from Dong Lang, and said its armed forces would strengthen patrolling and defense of the area to resolutely safeguard the country's sovereign security.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 16:58:43|Editor: Yamei

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XIAMEN, China, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday voiced opposition to tougher sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after Pyongyang conducted its sixth nuclear test.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," Putin told reporters after attending a summit of BRICS countries in this coastal Chinese city.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims," he warned.

The Russian president called on relevant parties to return to the negotiation table.

"It is necessary to push the issue to a dialogue between all interested parties. All participants in this process, including North Korea (the DPRK), should not have any of these considerations that are associated with the threat of destruction, but, on the contrary, all parties to the conflict should get on the path of cooperation," Putin said.

The DPRK launched its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, which has been widely condemned by the international community, including Moscow.

Members of the Security Council on Monday remained divided over possible new sanctions against the DPRK. In an emergency meeting, the United States, France, Britain and Japan wanted Pyongyang to pay a higher price, while countries like Russia advised diplomacy.
File photo shows two children sit on a lawn in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.(Xinhua/Yu Yang)

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- During a recent forum on youth innovation and creativity, three young innovators, all aged 17, came to the podium and spoke to the audience that they aspire to put Ethiopia on the map of "technology countries".

As they spoke at the forum, they showcased some 30 inventions, which won applause and admire of the participants at the UN Conference Center in Addis Ababa.

The three young men, namely Nur Jemal, Anwar Wudu, and Fikir Legesse, who are from Kombolcha, Wollo, in the Amhara Regional State of the East African country, told Xinhua that they aspire to make Ethiopia known for its technological innovations.

The "Kombolcha Trio" has invented robots for various purposes, censors of different types, solar water pump, FM broadcaster, mobile application, and a helmet with a fan, among others.

The self-taught innovators said that they started it at early ages by looking around to identify challenges facing the local community, and look for the solutions, for which they browse internet to learn what have already been carried out in the rest of the world.

They said they have taught themselves on the internet, to have created the gadgets with resources at minimum costs.

"We have had different inventions, for example water pump, FM broadcaster, and others. We are going to participate, first, in the competition here in the country in November, and then in the robotics competition to be held in the United States next April, and we will go there representing our country," said Nur Jemal, a grade 9 student, while speaking to Xinhua.

Ethiopia, one of the fastest economies of the world, has been implementing its five-year growth and transformation plan (GTP), heading to achieve a middle income status by 2025, with due attention to industrialization and manufacturing sector.

And the country has been taking various measures and implementing strategic programs in industrial and manufacturing development endeavor, attaching great importance to science and technology.

With a view of encouraging and promoting scientific and technological innovations in the country, the Ministry of Science and Technology organizes the annual competition to recognize and award outstanding achievements and contributions in the area.

Stating that young innovators need more space and resources to innovate and harness their potential to provide local solutions to the challenges facing the world, the United Nations has hailed the creativity and energy of the young innovators.

Speaking at the forum, Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, said the UN development system recognizes innovation as a gateway for engaging the youth and harnessing their potential.

She noted that the UN is working in earnest to unleash the potential of the youth to take the lead at local, national, and global levels as change-makers.

Eleni Gabre-Madhin is a CEO and founder of BlueMoon, which is Ethiopia's first youth agribusiness incubator and seed investing platform, with which the three self-taught young innovators are now working on some projects.

Stating that there are thousands of such innovators in Ethiopia, Gabre-Madhin told Xinhua that support is necessary to help them realize their full potential and contribute to Ethiopia's future.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 17:44:05|Editor: Yamei

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JUBA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's army, Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), on Tuesday vowed to provide adequate security to oil workers and facilities in the northern region, after rebels threatened to attack the oilfields to disrupt oil production.

SPLA spokesman, Lul Ruai Koang, downplayed the rebel's threat, adding that the government has boosted security in the oil fields and production will continue unobstructed.

"We have the ability to defend the oil fields and there should be no reason for the rebels to think that they will disrupt oil production and compromise the facilities in the oil fields at this particular point when they have become more vulnerable," Koang said.

William Gatjath, spokesman of the opposition SPLA-IO led by the country's former vice president Riek Machar, who is currently exiled in South Africa, on Monday asked oil workers to vacate the oilfields, warning of attacks in the oil rich Upper Nile region.

War-torn South Sudan relies on oil revenue to finance 98 percent of its annual budget. But production has been affected by civil war that broke out in December 2013.

The country's oil output is currently estimated at 130,000 barrels per day, down from 350,000 bpd in 2011.

In March, the rebels abducted several oil workers including two Indians and a Pakistani national working for the Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC) in Adar and Gumry oilfields, northern Upper Nile in a bid to force the government halt oil production.

The foreign oil workers were released following extensive negotiations. The South Sudanese government has since strengthened security by introducing security escorts for oil workers.

"Those threats don't carry any weight. They have been doing it to ensure continuation of economic sabotage," Lul added.
Russian frigate fired cruise missiles at Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria's Deir al-Zour on Tuesday and destroyed IS command and communication posts. (AFP Photo)

DAMASCUS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Russian frigate fired cruise missiles at Islamic State (IS) targets near the Syrian city of Deir al-Zour on Tuesday and destroyed IS command, local media reported on Tuesday.

The frigate Admiral Essen fired Kalibr cruise missiles at Islamic State (IS) targets near the Syrian city of Deir al-Zour and destroyed IS command and communications posts, the report said.

The missile attack by Russian frigate Admiral Essen aimed to help a Syrian army offensive in the area, the report cited the Russian Defence Ministry as saying.

The strike, which was launched from the Mediterranean, destroyed command and communications posts, as well as ammunition depots, a facility to repair armoured vehicles, and a large group of militants, the report said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 18:39:29|Editor: An

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XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Following is the full text of Chair's Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries released Tuesday in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Chair's Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries

On 5 September 2017, the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries took place on the margins of the BRICS Xiamen Summit. It was chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China and attended by President Michel Temer of the Federative Republic of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India, President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea, President Enrique Pena Nieto of the United Mexican States, President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Under the theme "Strengthening Mutually-Beneficial Cooperation for Common Development", the Leaders had in-depth discussions and reached extensive consensus on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building broad partnerships for development, the major points of which are summarized as follows:

The Leaders pointed out that emerging market and developing countries have actively explored development paths suited to their respective national conditions and made remarkable achievements over the past decades. Particularly in recent years, these countries have maintained sound momentum of steady development, serving as important engines of global economic growth and making important contribution to the common development of all countries and the improvement of global governance.

As the world economy is undergoing profound adjustment and transformation, emerging market and developing countries face both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, peace, development and win-win cooperation remain the trend of the times, and the world economy has shown signs of mild recovery. On the other hand, serious challenges persist, such as weak growth drivers, inadequate global governance and development imbalances, as well as worrying trends of rising protectionism and growing backlash against globalization. It is necessary for emerging market and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation so as to safeguard their common interests and create a favorable external environment for development.

The Leaders appreciated the efforts made in recent years by BRICS countries in pursuing dialogue and cooperation with other emerging market and developing countries in a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. They welcomed and expressed support for the "BRICS Plus" cooperation proposed by China, which provides important opportunities for cooperation among emerging market and developing countries, and helps strengthen South-South cooperation and international development cooperation and build broader partnerships for fair, open, all-round and innovative development.

Stressing that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers a new blueprint for international development cooperation, the Leaders believed that its full implementation will be of important immediate and long-term significance to peace and development around the world and to the pursuit of a community of shared future for mankind. The international community needs to translate political commitments into concrete actions in real earnest, and jointly embark on a path toward innovative, coordinated, green, open, shared and sustainable development.

It is important for all countries to shoulder their primary responsibility for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and integrate it into their national development strategies, so as to boost endogenous drivers for development and promote coordinated development in all three dimensions -- economic, social and environmental, and to create an enabling policy environment for national development and international development cooperation. Priorities should be given to poverty eradication, growth promotion and job creation to ensure that everyone share in the benefits of development. Developed countries should fully honor their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments and increase support for developing countries.

Emerging market and developing countries need to expand cooperation including South-South cooperation, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize development strategies, and intensify cooperation in fields such as infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, IT application, urbanization and agricultural modernization, so as to achieve common development and gain strength through solidarity. The Leaders welcomed the efforts by China and other Dialogue participants to provide support for developing countries through the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation.

Climate change is a common challenge confronting the international community. It is important to uphold the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change including the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances, and to fully implement the Paris Agreement. Developed countries should provide more financial, technical and capacity building support to developing countries.

Global economic governance should keep abreast with the times and the representation and voices of emerging market and developing countries should be enhanced under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. All countries need to be committed to foster an open economy, uphold the multilateral trading regime and its fundamental principles, oppose protectionism, and jointly work for a successful 11th WTO ministerial conference to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and beneficial to all.

It is important for all countries to support the United Nations in playing a central role in international development cooperation and in conducting necessary reform to its development system. This reform should center on promoting development, prioritize poverty eradication, remain membership-driven, extensively seek views of developing countries and respond to their concerns. Meanwhile, the reform should help enhance UN's efficiency and capabilities in coordinating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen coordination and complementarity among all bodies within the UN system and mobilize more resources for development.

The Leaders expressed appreciation to China for hosting the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries as the BRICS Chair and agreed to maintain communication and coordination in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promoting international development cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 18:54:36|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) and other leaders of BRICS countries pose for a group photo before the 2017 BRICS Summit in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- In stormy waters it is common for fishermen in southeast China to set out to sea in groups.

Each boat has its own captain, but they will discuss fishing strategies when they return from a voyage. Over cans of beer, they argue but soon find common ground and set the time for the next sail.

Leaders of the world's five major developing countries were doing something similar when they met in Xiamen for the annual summit themed "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future."

The BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are like five boats on a fishing trip. Each has its own cause, but they sail in one direction with a common aim.

At this crucial juncture lessons need to be drawn, and the "captains" need to set the direction for the journey ahead.

In Xiamen, Xi Jinping chaired the BRICS summit for the first time as Chinese president. He debuted in the 2013 Durban summit on his first foreign trip as head of state, and has played an active role in the group ever since.

Xi summed up the work of BRICS over the past decade, "treating each other as equals and seeking common ground while shelving differences."

BRICS has always favored dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, he said.

This wisdom has formed the spark of China's foreign policy with Xi at the helm. And it has been brought into BRICS cooperation.

Days before the Xiamen summit, a military standoff between China and India at the foot of the Himalayas ended peacefully, a clear example of using the wisdom.

Tarun Vijay, head of India-China Parliamentary Group of the Confederation of Indian Industries, said it is important for the world's two largest developing countries to speak with a common voice in multilateral arena.

He cited a Chinese proverb to describe the future of BRICS, "When brothers work together, their strength can break metal."

Meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Xiamen summit, Xi said China is ready to boost political trust with India. A healthy and stable bilateral relationship is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

At the summit, BRICS leaders are constantly reminded of the sea. The logo is a sail in five colors. The conference building, a nearby hotel and the city's airport terminal are all in the shape of a ship.

Xi knows this culture well, as he was Xiamen's deputy mayor in the 1980s. He loves to spice up his speeches with illuminating seafaring metaphors.

On Monday night, Xi invited his foreign colleagues to watch an evening gala, themed "Setting Sail for the Future."

"It is time to set sail when the tide rises," he said.

RESPONSIBLE BLOC

BRIC was coined by former Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill in 2001 to describe four emerging economies with fast growth and great potential. The framework took shape in 2006. Four years later, South Africa joined. BRIC grew into BRICS.

Initially formed on economic prowess, the group has increasingly found a common voice on thorny geopolitical issues.

In Xiamen, BRICS leaders were quick to respond to the latest nuclear test in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which detonated a hydrogen bomb the day the summit opened.

In their joint declaration, BRICS leaders expressed "deep concern" over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, saying that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue.

The declaration also touched upon issues in Syria, Yemen, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One day earlier, Xi called on BRICS countries to shoulder their responsibilities in upholding world peace.

"We should take a constructive part in the process of resolving geopolitical hotspot issues and make our due contributions," he said.

With Xi, China has emerged as a responsible power on world stage. Looking to help empower the emerging countries, China has increased its responsibility in global governance from climate change to peace-keeping.

In the years leading up to the Xiamen summit, China hosted the leaders of APEC, the G20, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi told the press after the summit that BRICS leaders agreed to deepen political and security cooperation and enhance mutual strategic trust.

Playing a bigger role in security was part of the four-point proposal Xi raised at the BRICS Business Forum. The president talked about creating new impetus for economic growth in BRICS countries, improving global governance and building extensive partnerships.

Wang Wen, a professor at Renmin University of China, said the proposal had clear input from the governance wisdom and will help BRICS gain strength.

OPEN ECONOMY

Economic cooperation remains at the foundation of BRICS, and Xi has been calling for openness and larger representation of the developing countries in global economic governance since his first BRICS summit appearance in 2013.

With anti-globalization and inward-looking mentality on the rise, Xi in Xiamen repeated his support for an open global economy, multilateral trade and fight against protectionism.

"Emerging market will be hurt most by protectionism," Xi said. "Openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation are the only viable option."

Together, BRICS represented 23 percent of global GDP in 2016 and had contributed to more than half of global economic growth in the past decade. But it has not all been plain sailing, as demand shrank, financial risks rose and commodity prices slumped.

Larissa Wachholz, a partner at Brazilian consulting firm Vallya, said Xi's focus on economic growth, win-win development and equal partnership is important to Brazil.

The Brazilian economy just climbed out of recession in the first quarter of 2017.

Opening the BRICS Business Forum, Xi encouraged BRICS countries to pursue innovation-driven development created by smart manufacturing, the digital economy and sharing economy.

This came no surprise to Lenovo chairman Yang Yuanqing, who is all too aware that China is leading the world in Internet technology.

The digital economy, with a market scale worth 22.6 trillion yuan, has risen to take up 30 percent of GDP in China.

Meanwhile, leading Chinese tech companies are expanding overseas.

In India, Alibaba's subsidiary partnered with local mobile payment company Paytm and boosted its number of users from 30 million to 200 million, the company said.

"Chinese companies are willing to share their experience as they explore the overseas market," Yang said. "Seizing the opportunities of the digital revolution, BRICS can achieve impressive growth and overtake developed countries."

Xi said the new technological revolution has brought developing countries precious chances to play catch-up.

"Losing it, the developing countries will see the divide between them and the developed world grow wider," he said.

The first ever Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries became another bright spot at the Xiamen summit.

BRICS PLUS

Leaders of Mexico, Egypt, Tajikistan, Guinea and Thailand were invited by China to sit at a roundtable with BRICS leaders.

Though outreach programs have existed in past BRICS summits since 2013, it was the first time the program had such an extensive representation - from almost every region of the world.

Xi said BRICS cooperation was more than about just five countries, but carried the expectation of the entire international community.

He had earlier used an idiom to sum up the mindset behind such partnerships: "One should help others as he establishes himself and bear the well-being of the world in mind."

Xi said BRICS leaders supported the "BRICS Plus" approach proposed by China to strengthen South-South cooperation.

People all over the world are beginning to realize the sheer potential of BRICS for cooperation among developing countries.

"BRICS is really going to shock people in terms of what is able to achieve," said South African businessman Iqbal Surve.

Xi called out to his colleagues: "Let us set sail from Xiamen and join hands to usher in the second 'golden decade' of BRICS cooperation."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 18:59:38|Editor: ying

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The University of Karachi decided on Tuesday to share students' data with intelligence agencies after one of its students was found involved in a murder plot of a senior politician, local Urdu media reported.

The university's vice chancellor held a meeting with senior faculty members, during which it was decided that every student will be demanded police character certificate upon admission in the institute, Dunya News said.

Earlier on Saturday, a senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement escaped an assassination attempt while his bodyguard got killed outside a mosque in Karachi.

Police said that the mastermind of the assassination attempt was a student of the Karachi University.

Police also suspected that a group of students, associated with banned outfits, are active in the university.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 18:59:39|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday called on emerging market and developing countries to stay together and work harder for South-South cooperation and sustainable development.

Xi made the remarks at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, which was attended by leaders of BRICS countries, as well as Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand.

The dialogue, which was held along with the ninth BRICS summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen, is proposed by China to pull together emerging market and developing countries and push BRICS as a leading platform for South-South cooperation.

Xi said he expected the dialogue to create a strong impetus for deepening South-South cooperation and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

DEEPENING SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

China, which holds BRICS rotating presidency this year, proposed "BRICS Plus" to invite leaders of five other developing countries to the summit.

"I'm confident that the dialogue will strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among emerging market and developing countries, and also contribute to the building of BRICS mechanism," Xi said. "Emerging market and developing countries, who face similar development tasks, can multiply their impact by deepening practical cooperation and tapping into their complementary advantages."

Xi said emerging market and developing countries need to make good use of BRICS, the Group of 77 and other mechanisms to broaden South-South cooperation on a larger scale and jointly tackle global challenges.

He also said they need to forge interconnected development and seek strength in unity.

"The purpose of inviting representative developing countries from different regions to this dialogue is to foster a broad network for developing partnerships and build a community of common development and a shared future," Xi said.

"We need to promote greater representation and voice of emerging market and developing countries in global economic governance, and foster an international economic order that is fairer and more equitable," he said.

During the dialogue, President Xi announced that China will provide 500 million U.S. dollars to support South-South cooperation.

The funds will be used for fellow developing countries to tackle challenges such as famine, refugees, climate change and public health, and China would also provide other developing countries with 40,000 training opportunities in China in the coming year.

JOINTLY IMPLEMENTING 2030 AGENDA

Sustainable development is also high on the agenda of the dialogue.

"Development remains the top priority of emerging market and developing countries," the president said.

These countries should implement their development strategies in the context of the sustainable development agenda and in light of their national conditions, he said.

The Chinese president urged the countries to persevere to find a sustainable development path featuring coordinated economic, social and environmental progress.

"The countries should call on the international community to place development high on the agenda of macro-economic policy coordination," Xi said.

"The role of the UN should be leveraged, while efforts are needed to make good use of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to accelerate the implementation of the sustainable development agenda," he said.

"We need to urge developed countries to honor their commitment to increase support to developing countries in line with principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities," Xi said.

MAIN ENGINE OF GLOBAL GROWTH

Calling the collective rise of the emerging market and developing countries "an irreversible trend of our times," Xi said such countries have made great contribution to global economic growth in recent years, accounting for 80 percent of global growth in 2016.

"They are worthy of the reputation as the main engine of global growth," Xi said. "At present, while the world economy is moving upward and international trade and investment is picking up, the new round of technological and industrial revolution is gaining momentum with new industries, new technologies and new business models springing up."

"From this point of view, emerging market and developing countries are faced with rare opportunities of development," Xi said. He called on them to "enhance solidarity and cooperation to jointly seize the historical opportunity arising from the adjustment of the world economic structure."

"The new round of technological and industrial revolution has created fresh impetus for growth. Seizing the opportunity, emerging market and developing countries could catch up by 'overtaking on a bend,'" he said. "Losing the opportunity, the divide between developed and developing countries could be wider and the development imbalance could worsen."

"Therefore, the emerging market and developing countries should dare to innovate and reform, and drastically push forward economic restructuring so as to unleash their internal growth power," Xi added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 18:59:39|Editor: An



Models present watches during the 36th Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 5, 2017. About 820 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions took part in the fair from Sept. 5 to 9. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 36th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair opened here Tuesday, with exhibitors, especially new companies, looking for chances to expand their markets.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd, and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, the 5-day fair features more than 820 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions.

"We started our distribution in Chinese mainland three years ago, which is an expanding business for us," Martial Butscher, Export Director of Pierre Lannier (Paris), told Xinhua that Chinese mainland consumers are looking for fashion and reasonable price, which is a potential market for new brands like them.

Butscher said that they hope to introduce their products to the world market through Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair.

The fair showcases timepieces of different kinds, from high-end functional mechanical watches to snazzy smart watches, from luxurious jewellery watches to creatively designed casual watches.

Hong Kong brand Cupid Memory joined the fair for the second time. Its Assistant Sales Manager Suki Chiu said that as a relatively new company, they tried to stand out by producing novel products.

"Different from other smart watches in the market that mostly designed for (measuring) heart rate, ours are used to share precious moments with beloved ones," Chiu said, as she demonstrated how messages shown on a mobile phone after tapping it on the patented leather straps of the watch.

Chiu said that they are optimistic about the market as they have got sales increased after joining the gift show, also organized by the HKTDC earlier this year. "We aim at reaching consumers from different parts of the world."

Hong Kong is the world's second-largest exporter of watches and clocks, with exports reaching 36.4 billion HK dollars (about 4.6 billion U.S. dollars) in the first seven months of 2017. Its top export markets are the Chinese mainland, the United States and Switzerland.

During the exhibition, more than 30 events are organized to help industry players connect and share market information. (1 U.S. dollar = 7.8 HK dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 18:59:40|Editor: An

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BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China said on Tuesday it welcomes Switzerland to play a mediator role in resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Swiss President Doris Leuthard said on Monday that the neutral country is prepared to act as mediator to help resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, including by hosting ministerial talks.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing that China has noticed the statement made by Switzerland.

"China welcomes and encourages all ideas and suggestions that are conducive to easing tensions and confrontation, boosting mutual trust, restarting dialogue at an early date and resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," said Geng.

"We also welcome countries to play a constructive role in resolving the issue," he said.

Geng said the mainstream opinion of the international community is for the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to be resolved via dialogue and negotiation in a peaceful way.

"We hope relevant parties can heed the rational voices of the international community and keep calm, rather than be provocative and fan the flames," he said.

"Military actions are not an effective choice and sanctions are not the fundamental way out for the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," Geng added.

The DPRK launched its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, which has been widely condemned by the international community.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:09:44|Editor: ying

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GENEVA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN agencies have appealed for millions of dollars in emergency relief aid as more than 123,000 Rohingya's from Myanmar's northern Rakhine state have entered neighboring Bangladesh in 11 days.

"IOM and partner agencies operating in the district, which borders Myanmar, have identified an immediate funding gap of 18 million U.S. dollars over the next three months to allow lifesaving services to be scaled up to cope with the new arrivals," said UN migration agency spokesperson Leonard Doyle on Tuesday at a briefing.

Adding Bangladesh crisis appeal was a statement by the UN refugee agency, saying that the UNHCR is gravely concerned about the continuing conflict in Myanmar and by reports that civilians have died trying to seek safety.

"Those who have made it to Bangladesh are in poor condition," UNHCR spokesperson Duniya Aslam Khan told the UN briefing.

"Most have walked for days from their villages hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes. They are hungry, weak and sick," said Khan.

The new arrivals are scattered in different locations in south-eastern Bangladesh.

"More than 30,000 Rohingya are estimated to have sought shelter in the existing refugee camps of Kutupalong and Nayapara. Many others are living in makeshift sites and local villages," she said.

An unknown number of refugees could still be stranded at the border.

On Sept. 4, UNHCR delivered some clothes, plastic sheets and relief supplies through an NGO partner.

The UN refugee agency said it appreciates the role Bangladesh has played so far and continues working with the Bangladesh authorities to allow safe passage to people fleeing violence.

"With hundreds of new refugees streaming in every day, Kutupalong and Nayapara camps are at breaking point," said Khan.

"The new arrivals are hosted by refugee families and in refugee schools, community centers, madrassas and covered structures. We are running out of available space."

Khan said there is an urgent need for additional emergency shelters and land as more refugees arrive, noting that coordination is crucial with the authorities to ensure that life-saving assistance gets to those who need it the most.

Bangladesh already hosts around 400,000 Undocumented Myanmar Nationals (UMNs), most of whom are living in the greater Chittagong area, which is extremely vulnerable to external shocks, including cyclones.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:14:47|Editor: ying

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BERN, Switzerland, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Switzerland said Monday that it was ready to mediate over the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula, as the United States and South Korea intend to mount pressure.

Swiss President Doris Leuthard said Monday that Switzerland was ready to act as a mediator and use its special role in international diplomacy to host talks to help solve the current tensions, which were escalated after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted its sixth nuclear test.

"We live now for many years with sanctions. It did not change many things," Leuthard told a press conference in Bern hosted by the Foreign Press Association of Switzerland and Lichtenstein when being asked if more sanctions against the DPRK were the answer to the tense situation.

"The population suffers for all these sanctions, but they stay with their government,... So, I think, it is really time for dialogue," Leuthard said.

"We are ready to offer our good services now as a mediator," she said, noting that Switzerland has hosted peace talks on Syria and other conflicts.

Meanwhile, Leuthard cautioned that overactions would be dangerous.

"It is really time now to sit at a table... Switzerland and Sweden can have a role behind the curtain," she said, adding that they have done so before.

She noted that an "international, political and reliable solution" should be found, saying: "That is in the interests of the whole planet."

The DPRK launched its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, which has been widely condemned by the international community.

On Tuesday, South Korea's navy conducted a massive live-fire drill in an apparent show of force following the DPRK's nuclear test.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:14:50|Editor: ying

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LONDON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Four alleged members of banned neo-Nazi group arrested for terror offences are soldiers in the Army, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed here Tuesday.

The four were arrested early Tuesday on suspicion of being members of the recently banned neo-Nazi group National Action.

A 22-year-old from Birmingham, a 32-year-old from Powys, a 24-year-old from Ipswich and a 24-year-old from Northampton have been arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of being members of a proscribed organization, according to police in West Midlands, a city in western central England.

All four are being held at a police station in the West Midlands and a number of properties are being searched in connection with the arrests.

A statement from West Midlands police said, "The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the public's safety."

The arrests were carried out with West Midlands counter-terrorism unit in conjunction with units from Wales and the East Midlands.

National Action became first extreme right-wing group to be banned in the United Kingdom under terrorism laws in December 2016.

The proscription meant that being a member of or inviting support for the organization is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment.

An entry for National Action in the official list of proscribed groups says it is a "racist neo-Nazi group" that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which "conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities".

The document adds that the group is "virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".

Its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people, according to the list.

Announcing the move to ban National Action, British Home Secretary Amber Rudd described in December 2016 the group as a "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organization".
File photo shows a Chinese engineer looks at the African Union (AU) Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

by Christine Lagat and Lu Duobao

NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China has prioritized strategic partnership with African countries in science, technology and innovations in order to address socio-economic and ecological challenges facing the continent, officials said on Monday.

Cao Jinghua, Director General of Bureau of International Cooperation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences said that education, science, technology and culture remain key pillars of Beijing's diplomatic engagement with African countries.

"We are supporting training of African young scientists to pursue fields that cover environment, agriculture, health and water management. Their expertise is required to promote development in their native countries," Cao said.

He spoke to Xinhua on the sidelines of a conference on climate, ecosystems and livelihoods in Nairobi which was attended by dozens of scientists from China and Africa.

At the forum, African and Chinese scientists brainstormed on new strategies that can promote green growth and sustainable development in the continent.

Cao said the Chinese Academy of Sciences that co-sponsored the dialogue forum is ready to support the new generation of African scientists to improve their technical skills and innovative edge.

"We have recruited over 250 African students who are pursuing post-graduate studies in natural sciences in China. What Africa needs is abundance of scientific talents to propel its sustainable development agenda," Cao remarked.

He revealed that a collaborative venture between Chinese Academy of Sciences and African research institutes has addressed skills gap in critical disciplines like medicine, engineering and agriculture.

"We are facilitating training of young African scientists in Chinese institutions and they have been returning home to apply their skills in diverse areas like natural resources management, health and agriculture," said Cao.

He revealed that dozens of presidents of leading African Universities recently visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore areas of collaboration.

Sino-Africa science and technology collaboration is embedded in the Belt and Road initiative that seeks to redefine global diplomacy and development.

Feng Feng, Director General of Bureau of International Cooperation at the National Natural Science Foundation of China, said that Beijing will not backtrack from its support for Africa's green agenda.

"We have invested enormous resources to support capacity building and research in diverse areas like climate change, ecosystems conservation, solid waste and chemicals management across Africa," said Feng.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:30:01|Editor: Yamei

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Ambulances escort Islamic State (IS) militants and their family members as they are evacuated from the barrens of Qara in western Qalamoun in Syria, on Aug. 28, 2017. Around 700 Islamic State (IS) militants and their families started evacuating their last stronghold in western Qalamoun region toward the eastern city of Bukamal on Monday, according to Xinhua reporters at the site. (Xinhua file photo/Ammar Safarjalani)

DAMASCUS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian government forces broke the Islamic State (IS) siege on the eastern city of Deir al-Zour on Tuesday, State TV reported.

The three-year-long siege has been lifted when the advancing Syrian army reached the besieged Brigade 137 military base in western Deir al-Zour, according to the state TV.

The Syrian flag was hoisted when the advancing troops met with the besieged forces in the base.

The Syrian forces have been advancing from two directions to break the siege on Deir al-Zour where 93,000 civilians have been under siege since 2015.

The military forces have been advancing from the southern countryside of Raqqa, passing the Bishri mountain, which has been recently captured by the army.

The other attacking forces have been advancing from the city of al-Sukhnah in the desert in the eastern countryside of Homs province.

The first group coming from Bishri mountain is the one who broke the siege on the base and thus technically lifted the siege off Deir al-Zour city.

Around 5,000 Syrian soldiers are besieged in the base, and once united with the attacking troops they will then move toward the air base of Deir al-Zour, which is also under IS siege.

Deir al-Zour is so important for IS due to its proximity to Iraq and the oil fields in that part of the country.

For the Syrian army breaking the siege and capturing all IS-held parts of Deir al-Zour will help in securing the border with Iraq and retrieving the oil fields to shore up the crumbling energy sector in the war-torn country.

But the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are also planning to take eastern parts of Deir al-Zour from IS, as the United States sees an interest in that area.

The SDF is also fighting IS in the northern city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS. And with the advance of the Syrian army toward Deir al-Zour, the Kurdish-led SDF are feverishly trying to score as much as possible in Raqqa to prove it's capable of scoring a victory against IS.

On Monday, two Russian soldiers were killed by IS shelling near Deir al-Zour. The Russian air force is heavily striking IS positions there to pave the way for the ground forces to enter the city.

Meanwhile, the Syrian government said it had prepared truckloads of aid to enter the city.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:35:07|Editor: ying

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SUVA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting started on Tuesday in the Samoan capital of Apia with the Pacific leaders in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP countries) raising concerns at not being able to get some of the European Union (EU) funds allocated to them.

PIF Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor said it was extremely disappointing that the region had still not been able to get the European development assistance to the region through the regional envelope of development funds to address the agreed priority areas identified by the region.

The broader theme of the 48th Pacific Island Forum - The Blue Pacific - focuses on strengthening PIF member states' collective identity and indeed collective political action to advance their regional priorities.

Taylor encouraged the Pacific ACP leaders to capitalise on this renewed impetus and new narrative.

Meanwhile, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Samoan prime minister and chair of the Pacific component of the ACP group of nations, said that about 200 million U.S. dollars had been withheld.

Both Taylor and the Samoan prime minister hoped that the EU will not further cut the allocated funds for the region.

As the climate change issue, which is on the top agenda, Tuvalu hopes that the United States will change its attitude toward the climate change.

Tuvalu's Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga said in Apia on Tuesday that countries need to work together to ensure the U.S. stays in the Paris climate change agreement, which was signed by most of the world's countries in December 2015, with each signatory agreeing to lower their greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to stave off the most drastic effects of climate change.

He said that given the U.S. President Donald Trump's dismissal of the agreement, nations needed to work multilaterally to ensure there is trust and respect in the interests of saving humanity.

Founded in 1971, the inter-governmental organization with 18 member states aims at enhancing cooperation. The annual PIF leaders meeting will end on Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:50:17|Editor: ying

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JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian Industry Ministry has mulled limiting shipment of cocoa overseas in a bid to help spur downstream sector of the commodity at domestic, a minister said on Tuesday.

The proposal came following a surge in exportation of cocoa recently which has reduced supply of the commodity for industry in the country.

Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto said he had pur forward a proposal to the fiscal department of Finance Ministry to revise the current tariff which prompts growers to sell their products overseas.

"We have proposed to the tariff to be flat, 15 percent, to fiscal department. Now the export tax is based on the international prices," he said.

Under the current tariff, Hartarto stressed that it triggers exports hike, which causes scarcity of raw material for industry at domestic.

Hartarto expects that the restriction will boost productivity of the country's cocoa industry.

Indonesia is among the world's top three cocoa producers along with Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 19:55:20|Editor: An

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park to be jointly developed by Malaysia and China, is on track to achieve its investment target, according to MCKIP Chairman Soam Heng Choon.

Soam said in a recent interview with Xinhua that so far, the industrial park has secured 30 billion ringgit (7.03 billion U.S. dollars) in foreign investments, which is within his expectation.

At least 18 investors at MCKIP came from industries related to energy-saving and environmental technologies, high-end equipment and advanced materials manufacturing as well as heavy industries, he said.

Soam, also chief executive officer and managing director of Malaysia's established conglomerate IJM Corp which is one of the stakeholders of MCKIP, said, "The demand from investors has been encouraging. Our focus now is to get these investments on ground."

Noting that most of the investments originated from China, the veteran businessman sees the high level of interest from Chinese investors as a reflection of a positive development and investors' confidence in MCKIP and the Malaysian government's commitment to supporting the growth of MCKIP.

Although China's investors are the industrial park's main partners, Soam said the management is open to investors from home and other countries, who are looking to expand their foothold and take advantage of MCKIP's strategic location.

Soam acknowledged that competition is rife among industrial parks in the country and in neighboring countries. But Malaysia's cultural diversity, its high adaptability as well as attractive incentives that are doled out by the government have been MCKIP's main selling point.

Investors are given a 15-year tax exemption period by the government - a special incentive that no other industrial parks in Malaysia offers.

MCKIP's strong relationship with the Kuantan Port, a strategic shipping port located 10 km from MCKIP, also makes the industrial park an attractive destination for businesses.

According to Soam, the port is expected to secure the final clearance to operate as a Free Trade Zone by the end of this year, which he sees as a highly complementary feature.

It is also noted that Hong Kong's NewOcean Energy has recently announced its plan to set up an oil refinery and related sea terminal facilities at the Kuantan Port for the export and sale of petroleum products.

Soam is hopeful that by utilising the Kuantan Port's existing and new berths as well as its terminal equipment, the new refinery project will augment the port's throughput.

In line with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, MCKIP together with its sister park, the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, has been identified by the Malaysian and Chinese governments as iconic projects in their bilateral investment cooperation.

According to Soam, managers of these two parks are constantly exploring alternatives to strengthen their partnership.

"We are looking for more cooperation, not only the joint communication, but also the exchange of technology and industry," said Soam, who believes the further tie-up will also augur well to MCKIP's investment outlook.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 20:10:25|Editor: ying

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JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is ready to discuss a plan for setting up joint special forces to fight the Islamic State (IS) militants and pirates in the region, a government official said on Tuesday.

The plan, which is aimed at combating the IS militants in the borders of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, was initiated by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Indonesia is ready at any time to guard this region," Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said.

The official said talks could be undertaken at any time or during the upcoming ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit in November in the Philippines, where some of world leaders will also be present.

The three nations have carried out a joint operation to secure waters in their borders from IS fighters and pirates.

Indonesian security authorities revealed that many of the IS militants fighting in Marawi city in southern Philippines have links with extremists in Indonesia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 20:30:41|Editor: ying

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by David Musyoka and Chris Mgidu

NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday faulted the electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC), for setting Oct. 17 as the date for a re-run of presidential elections following nullification of the previous polls by the supreme court.

Odinga said his National Super Alliance (NASA) and other stakeholders were never consulted over the new date.

"There will be no election on Oct. 17 unless the specific demands herein are honored," Odinga told journalists in Nairobi. "We demand nothing less than a fully transparent and accountable electoral process."

"IEBC seems anxious to reach an outcome it desires," he said.

"We condemn the fact that the IEBC did not consult the parties involved before making a determination on the date of the said election but seemed to be taking instructions from Fred Matiang'i," he said, referring to the education cabinet secretary.

The 72-year-old opposition leader, who successfully petitioned the apex court to annul the re-election of incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta, said the electoral commission had not complied with the court order of conducting "free, fair and verifiable elections."

"Given the special circumstances of the fresh elections, we believe that the IEBC should take measures to ensure that the fresh presidential election meets the standards contemplated under Articles 81, 86 and 138 of the Constitution and other relevant provisions of the law," Odinga said.

"It is our view that the date of the fresh election be a product of consultation with concerned parties and not a unilateral decision imposed on the people of Kenya."

The IEBC held its first full meeting on Monday, three days after Kenyatta's re-election was invalidated by the Supreme Court, and set the new poll date on Oct. 17.

Odinga's NASA is also demanding personnel change at the IEBC Secretariat, saying some of the staff colluded to steal the elections in favor of Kenyatta.

He said the IEBC has not purged the contempt it committed in regard to the orders of the Supreme Court such as providing a system of technology that is transparent and verifiable.

"It is therefore inappropriate and foolhardy for the IEBC to embark on the planning of a fresh election without full compliance with the Supreme Court orders and in the redeployment of technology in the fresh presidential election," Odinga said.

He said the electoral body should establish a transparent and accountable framework for integration of technology.

The IEBC must take immediate steps to engender transparency and accountability in the electoral planning and infrastructure, Odinga said.

"All partners engaged to provide electoral technology solutions must be known to the Kenyan people, their roles defined and accountability mechanisms set up," he said.

However, the government has resisted the proposed changes and insisted that the IEBC will conduct the election as currently constituted.

The Supreme Court on Sept. 1 called for a new election within 60 days after finding irregularities in the re-election of Kenyatta in the Aug. 8 elections.

The court ruled that the presidential elections were not conducted in accordance with the constitution, rendering the result invalid, null and void.

Four out of the six judges at the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Odinga, who filed a petition to have the Aug. 8 election result overturned.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 20:35:43|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. Modi came to Xiamen to attend the ninth BRICS summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

XIAMEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track, he said.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the ninth BRICS summit.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The principles were endorsed by China and India in the 1950s, and have been widely accepted as norms for relations between countries.

China and India should see each other as development opportunities rather than threats, Xi said, adding that peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the only right choice for the two countries.

India should see China's development correctly and rationally, he said.

Modi agreed that India and China should not see each other as rivals and should instead make cooperation the focus of bilateral relations.

He said India is ready to work with China to develop stable ties.

Modi said he expects the leaders of the two countries to maintain close communication and play a leading role in developing the ties.

Xi said the leaders of China and India have in recent years reached wide consensus on how to advance bilateral ties, agreed on building a closer partnership, and set long-term development goals.

Much progress had been achieved in advancing the ties, he said.

The meeting came after a military stand-off lasting more than two months with more than 270 Indian troops with two bulldozers crossing the boundary in mid-June into the Dong Lang (Doklam) area, which is Chinese territory, to obstruct infrastructure construction.

On Aug. 28, China confirmed that India had withdrawn personnel and equipment from Doklam, and said Chinese armed forces would strengthen patrols and defense of the area to resolutely safeguard sovereign security.

Xi said the two sides should maintain mutual respect, seek common ground while shelving differences, and safeguard peace in border areas.

China and India are the world's largest emerging market and developing countries.

Xi said the two have great potential in economic and social cooperation. They should seek synergy in development strategies, cooperate more on infrastructure development and connectivity, and continue people-to-people exchanges.

China and India should also strengthen coordination on global affairs to strive for a fairer and more just world order, he said.

Modi said the two sides should advance mutual political trust, expand practical cooperation, increase people-to-people exchanges, and jointly protect regional peace and stability.

He congratulated Xi on a successful BRICS summit.

Modi said the world is undergoing fast changes and the BRICS countries need to step up cooperation under such circumstances, adding that the Xiamen summit played a key role in this regard.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 20:35:48|Editor: An

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LHASA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu returned to Lhasa Monday after touring Qamdo in southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region.

This was the first time the Panchen Lama has visited the region since his enthronement 22 years ago.

He arrived in Qamdo on Aug. 29 and the next day visited Champa Ling Monastery, the largest monastery of Gelug Sect with 1,054 monks.

During his tour, the Panchen Lama, who is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, also visited several villages, factories and Qamdo Economic Development Zone. He spoke to local residents, representatives from all walks of life and offered blessings to followers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017.

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Although Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will personally travel to Russia to attend the third Eastern Economic Forum scheduled for Sept. 6-7, a lack of trust still hampers progress in economic cooperation between Russia and Japan.

During the Russia visit, Abe will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Experts said the legal framework for joint economic activities in the disputed islands known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan will be a key issue in the talks between the leaders.

During Putin's official visit to Japan last December, the leaders of the two countries announced the beginning of consultations by experts on joint economic activities in the Southern Kurils as an important step toward the conclusion of a peace treaty after World War II.

However, legal issues have become a stumbling block to the implementation of the reached agreements, experts said.

Russia has repeatedly stated that joint economic activities will be conducted on the basis of the Russian legislative framework, since the islands belong to Russia, while Japan said it contradicts its principled position that the islands are "illegally occupied."

"The main issue at the meeting in Vladivostok will be the ability of the parties to agree on the legal basis on which the joint development of the Southern Kurils will be conducted," said Valery Kistanov, head of the Japanese Studies Center at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In March, Moscow said Russia would not wait long and would propose creating a Priority Development Area (PDA) in the Kurils if Tokyo did not take concrete steps on joint economic activities, and in July, the Development Corporation of the Far East announced the receipt of the first application for a new PDA.

Kistanov believes that the decision to create a PDA proves the existence of difficulties in the negotiations on joint economic activities.

Currently, trade and economic relations between Russia and Japan, according to Kistanov, are at a low level and do not meet their potential. Trade between the countries decreased by almost a quarter and amounted to 16 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.

Russia is interested in involving Japan in projects in the Far East, but experts said there are factors hindering economic cooperation, including insufficient development of the Russian infrastructure, low attractiveness of investment in Russia, and stagnation of the Japanese economy.

"Japanese businesses are wary of trade and economic cooperation with Russia, especially in the face of sanctions imposed by the West," Kistanov said.

Viktor Kuzminkov, senior research fellow at the Japanese Studies Center at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also stressed the need to take into account Japan's economic dependence on the United States, especially in view of the continuing confrontation between Moscow and Washington.

The agreements signed during Putin's visit to Japan in December cover the agro-industrial complex, pharmaceuticals, banking and investment spheres. Experts call the energy sector the most promising direction for the coming years.

The two economies are complementary in the energy sector, as Japan needs more diversified imports of energy resources other than those from the Middle East while Russia is ready to export its energy products.

But Washington, as Bloomberg news agency reported in July, objected to joint plans by Japan and Russia's oil giant Rosneft for oil prospecting in the Far East under an agreement the parties signed in December.

In addition, the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act secures the U.S. president the right to impose sanctions on individuals and companies that invested in construction of export pipelines from Russia for 1 million dollars per time or more than 5 million dollars per year.

It may scare off Japanese investors from participating in Russia's oil and gas projects, including the construction of the Sakhalin-Hokkaido gas pipeline, in which the parties confirmed their interests in December.

Meanwhile, Kuzminkov noted that Japan depends on the United States not only in the economy, but also in defense and security issues.

"The United States and Japan have such close ties that they work as partners. And the American point of view not always prevails, because Japan also uses the United States in its own interests to ensure its security," Kuzminkov said.

According to Japanese news media, Japan has completed the deployment of the U.S. PAC-3 air defense systems in the southwestern regions, announced plans to send to the Pacific ships equipped with the U.S. Aegis tracking and guidance system, and admitted the potential deployment of U.S. military bases on the disputed islands in case of their transfer to Japan.

Russia, in its turn, cannot allow all this to happen, especially in the face of growing contradictions in the Asia-Pacific region, where the United States has been trying to strengthen its position.

Security is just one of the issues generating Moscow's distrust of Tokyo. It takes time to establish a trustful dialogue at all levels. Therefore, breakthrough agreements on the issue of Southern Kurils at the forthcoming negotiations between Putin and Abe at the Eastern Economic Forum are highly unlikely.

"To develop economic cooperation and to resolve the territorial issue, Moscow and Tokyo need to raise the level of trust," said Kuzminkov.
File photo shows residents stands before their houses equipped with solar water heaters provided by Chinese government in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe. (Xinhua Photo/Li Nu'er)

by Christine Lagat

NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and African scientists are meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to brainstorm on new strategies to promote green and inclusive development.

The two-day conference on climate, ecosystems and livelihoods for Africa, which opened on Monday, was organized by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in conjunction with the World Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Environment Judi Wakhungu, in her opening remarks on Monday, said a strategic dialogue between African and Chinese scientists is key to addressing ecological challenges facing the continent.

"Chinese and African scientists should share lessons on effective ways to tackle climate change and promote resilience of ecosystems that form a critical component of this continent's economy," said Wakhungu.

Dozens of Chinese and African scientists attended the high-level conference on climate and ecosystems under the aegis of South-South cooperation.

Wakhungu hailed the blossoming Sino-Africa cooperation in science, technology and environmental protection that has advanced low-carbon development in the world's second largest continent.

"We are glad to see the Chinese government and scientists proactively promote the Belt and Road Initiative globally and push for diversified and sustainable development in Africa," said Wakhungu.

She disclosed that the Kenyan government has partnered with China to implement projects that advance ecosystems restoration, food, energy and security.

Multilateral institutions have rallied behind Sino-Africa partnership in skills and technology transfer to help address climate change, habitat loss and other ecological challenges.

Deputy Executive Director of UN Environment Ibrahim Thiaw said a robust partnership between African and Chinese scientists is required to inject fresh vitality in the green agenda.

"Scientists from China and Africa should be at the forefront in coming up with innovative green solutions for realizing sustainable development goals," Thiaw said.

China has prioritized partnership with African countries in the areas of climate, ecosystems and livelihoods in line with principles outlined in South-South cooperation along the Belt and Road.

Cao Jinghua, director-general of the bureau of international cooperation at the CAS, said Beijing has placed green agenda at the heart of its bilateral ties with Africa.

"The Chinese government attaches importance to green development. We will strengthen cooperation with African countries to help them realize green growth," said Cao.
Syrian President Assad on Sept. 5 congratulated government troops for breaking three-year-long IS siege on Deir al-Zour city. (AFP Photo)

DAMASCUS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday congratulated government troops who broke the three-year-long IS siege on Deir al-Zour city, according to the state TV.

The three-year-long siege has been lifted when the advancing Syrian army reached the besieged Brigade 137 military base in western Deir al-Zour, according to the state TV.

The Syrian flag was hoisted when the advancing troops met with the besieged forces in the base.

"Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city," Assad said in a call with the commanders of troops who had been besieged in a base in Deir al-Zour.

Syrian forces and allied fighters arrived on Tuesday at the Brigade 137 base on the western edge of Deir al-Zour, effectively ending a siege of about three years on part of the city.

The Syrian forces have been advancing from two directions to break the siege on Deir al-Zour where 93,000 civilians have been under siege since 2015.

The military forces have been advancing from the southern countryside of Raqqa, passing the Bishri mountain, which has been recently captured by the army.

The other attacking forces have been advancing from the city of al-Sukhnah in the desert in the eastern countryside of Homs province.

The first group coming from Bishri mountain is the one who broke the siege on the base and thus technically lifted the siege off Deir al-Zour city.

Around 5,000 Syrian soldiers are besieged in the base, and once united with the attacking troops they will then move toward the air base of Deir al-Zour, which is also under IS siege.

Deir al-Zour is so important for IS due to its proximity to Iraq and the oil fields in that part of the country.

For the Syrian army breaking the siege and capturing all IS-held parts of Deir al-Zour will help in securing the border with Iraq and retrieving the oil fields to shore up the crumbling energy sector in the war-torn country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:06:01|Editor: ying

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MOSCOW, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A 15-year-old Russian student attacked a teacher at a school in Moscow region Tuesday, leading to four injuries, police and investigators said.

The student attacked the teacher with an axe on the head, fired a pneumatic gun and scattered smoke bombs in a classroom, said the Moscow regional office of the Russian Investigative Committee.

The teacher suffered an open head injury. Three students jumped out of the window, one of them suffering a fracture and the others bruises.

The four injured have been hospitalized, with none in critical condition.

The juvenile perpetrator was detained and interrogated in the presence of his parents, police said.
A still image taken from a video footage released by Russia's Defence Ministry on September 5, 2017 shows a Russian frigate in the Mediterranean firing a Kalibr cruise missile at Islamic State targets.

MOSCOW, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Russian frigate deployed in the Mediterranean carried out a strike Tuesday with Kalibr cruise missiles at Islamic State (IS) targets near the Syrian city of Deir al-Zour, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"The strike was directed at a fortified area in the vicinity of the settlement of al-Shola, which was being held by a group of terrorists originally from Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States," it said in a statement.

Various command posts, a communication center, warehouses with weapons and ammunition, an armored vehicle repair shop and a large concentration of militants were destroyed, it said.

The strike has ensured the success of the advancement of Syrian government troops and contributed to the disruption of IS attempts to regroup forces and strengthen positions near Deir al-Zour, the ministry said.

Russia has been participating in anti-terrorist operations in Syria since September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian state media reported Tuesday that government forces have broken the IS siege of Deir al-Zour, which has been held by the terrorist group for years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:16:06|Editor: An

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by Xinhua writers Wang Lei, Xiong Maoling, Liu Shujun

XIAMEN, China, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- In the face of global uncertainties and anti-globalization sentiment, representatives at the BRICS summit on Wednesday called for concerted efforts by developing countries to promote a freer global market and a fairer economic order.

"One of the main tasks for BRICS cooperation is to eliminate barriers in trading and investment and make our economy more open," Sergey Katyrin, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the three-day summit held in southeast China's coastal city of Xiamen.

His remarks are in line with the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation reaffirmed in the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration issued following the meetings of the five major emerging markets on Monday.

"We emphasize the importance of an open and inclusive world economy enabling all countries and peoples to share in the benefits of globalization," the declaration said, noting that the five countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- will "continue to firmly oppose protectionism."

It also urged the world to guard against "inward-looking policies" and tendencies affecting global growth prospects and market confidence.

Chairman of South Africa BRICS Business Council, Iqbal Surve, believed that protectionism emerged mainly in the developed world "does not make any sense" as globalization is an irresistible and irreversible trend of the times.

"The world has been integrated with technologies, languages and global standards. Going back to protectionism is immature and selfish," Surve said.

Considering the setback against integration, he said the BRICS should be better used to promote opening up and development in countries.

Global efforts towards a freer market have been undermined by the "America First" strategy prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded renegotiations of the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, aiming to reverse huge trade deficits and curb the outflow of manufacturing jobs.

Mexico, with its export sector heavily relying on the United States, is concerned about Trump's "Buy American, Hire America" policies.

"Any attempts to close itself and build artificial barriers will lead nowhere," former Mexican Ambassador to China Sergio Ley-Lopez said, calling on BRICS and other developing countries to work hand-in-hand to combat anti-globalization tendencies.

China has invited leaders of Mexico, Egypt, Guinea, Tajikistan and Thailand to join the dialogue on South-South cooperation and global development, a pragmatic move to build up the China-proposed "BRICS Plus" model for a broader partnership with emerging markets and developing countries.

For Atul Dalakoti, executive director of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, BRICS, as an important platform for cooperation, should take concrete actions to help the world realize that globalization is the only way forward, especially for developing countries.

Highlighting Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on opening up and cooperation, Standard Bank economist Jeremy Stevens, who attended the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday, said Xi's remarks reminded the whole world of the vital significance of openness and inclusiveness to growth when protectionist measures emerge.

The just-concluded BRICS Xiamen summit is widely deemed as setting a brighter future course for the bloc and the whole world as well.

As the BRICS now contributes more than half to global growth, BRICS New Development Bank President K.V. Kamath believed the bloc will play a more significant and decisive role in facilitating free trade and pushing forward globalization.

"I have confidence that BRICS will drive the agenda of free trade in the future," Kamath said. "If the BRICS leadership believes free trade is the right way, that is how our way will be."

(Xinhua reporter Chen Shilei, Tamara Treichel, Fernando Munoz also contributed to this report.)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:21:09|Editor: An

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Yu Zhengsheng (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Burundi Senate Speaker Reverien Ndikuriyo in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng met with Burundi Senate Speaker Reverien Ndikuriyo on Tuesday.

China will work with Burundi to strengthen mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation to achieve common development, said Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Yu said both sides need to promote people-to-people exchanges and implement the outcomes of the Johannesburg summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China's CPPCC National Committee is willing to have friendly exchanges with the Burundi Senate and political parties to learn from each other, Yu said.

Ndikuriyo said Burundi attaches great importance to ties with China and the Senate is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPPCC National Committee to contribute to bilateral relations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:26:11|Editor: An

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BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Under China's presidency, the BRICS mechanism has entered its second "golden decade" with global expectation that it will promote economic recovery amid deglobalization concerns.

Since the first meeting of their foreign ministers in 2006, BRICS countries have achieved 10 years of prosperity, with 42 percent of the world's population contributing 50 percent of global economic growth.

The five-member bloc has focused on promoting cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, currency and finance, connectivity, sustainable development, innovation and industrial cooperation.

Given a sluggish economic growth and rising protectionism, the world needs BRICS' unremitting efforts in the next decade to bring confidence and energize common development.

After assuming the rotating presidency this year, China, together with the other four members of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, has formulated a series of platforms within the BRICS mechanism to deliver tangible achievements.

The BRICS mechanism is based on results-oriented cooperation, and significant progress has been made in this regard.

While the bloc is dedicated to strengthening South-South cooperation, it is not intended to "move the cheese of anyone," as Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a three-day summit in China's coastal city of Xiamen, but to "make the pie of the global economy bigger."

Actions speak louder than words. Xi announced at the summit that China will offer 500 million yuan (about 76 million U.S. dollars) to facilitate practical cooperation in economy and trade, and another 4 million dollars for projects of the BRICS New Development Bank, a Shanghai-headquartered body set up in 2015 as the bloc's major contribution to the world financial system.

It is worthy noting that the group has decided to invite more countries to participate in the mechanism, a move that will turn it into an engine for developing countries to stimulate mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

As a stakeholder in shaping world order and safeguarding peace, the BRICS should further strengthen communication and coordination on major global and regional issues, and promote democracy in international relations so as to serve as a stabilizer for the world.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:37:16|Editor: Zhou Xin

People walk back to the apartments built for young talent in Xuan'en County of central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 5, 2017. "Apartment for talents", apartment designed to attract talents to contribute to local development, has appeared in Xuan'en County recently. (Xinhua/Song Wen)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:36:15|Editor: liuxin

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SOFIA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian dancers will participate for the first time in China International Youth Arts Festival (CIYAF), an official told Xinhua on Tuesday.

According to Heliya Ivanova, a spokesperson of the dance ensemble Plamache, it will represent the Balkan country at CIYAF's parallel session, which will be held from Sept. 14 to Sept. 18 in Shanghai's Fengxian District.

During the event, her ensemble would participate in five performances, including the closing performance titled "A Musical Portrait of Silk Road" that would show the cultural diversity of countries along the Belt and Road, Ivanova said.

"Participation in the 10th edition of such a big event is a challenge to us and we want to show the best of Bulgarian folklore," Ivanova said.

She personally has not visited China so far, Ivanova said. "I'm excited about the trip and hope it will be very interesting," she said.

The dance ensemble Plamache was founded in 2007, and has successfully participated in a number of prestigious international folklore festivals in countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Serbia, Romania, the Czech Republic and Poland.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:41:18|Editor: An

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Wang Qishan, head of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, inspects CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 4, 2017. Wang Qishan made an inspection tour in Hunan Province from Sept. 3 to 5. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

CHANGSHA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Wang Qishan, chief of the discipline watchdog of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has stressed enhanced disciplinary supervision at the grassroots level.

Wang, head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remarks during an inspection tour from Sunday to Tuesday in central China's Hunan Province.

Wang said the CPC has taken on an entirely new look because of the effective discipline inspections led by the CPC Central Committee.

The problems discovered during the inspections such as the weakening of Party leadership, deficiency in Party building and inadequate work in strict Party governance have been tackled, he said.

He noted the biggest challenge for the CPC is still a lack of effective supervision of power, and he urged combining intra-Party supervision with supervision by the masses at the grassroots level.

Wang called for further crackdowns on corruption in poverty relief so as to ensure the people get more benefits.

Party committees and graft-busters at the grassroots level were also urged to shoulder their responsibilities in enforcing discipline, and to prepare for the 19th CPC National Congress with a clean political ecology.

Wang stressed the selection and appointment of excellent cadres for local discipline inspections.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:46:20|Editor: Yurou

People learn how to code during the 4th annual "HTML500" event held in Vancouver, Canada, March 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Liang Sen)

LONDON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Universities in Britain have faced hundreds of cyber attacks in the past year targeting sensitive scientific, engineering and medical advances including research into missiles, it was revealed Tuesday.

A report in the Times newspaper said in London that cyber security breached at institutions including Oxford and University College London (UCL) have doubled in the past two years to 1,152.

The Times used freedom of information requests to gain its data revealing that criminals are launching hundreds of successful cyber attacks on British universities each year.

The report cited experts saying that criminal gangs were finding ways through often weak defenses in an attempt to steal sensitive information on behalf of foreign states or to sell it on to them.

The report added that research into missiles, stealth fabric, used to help to disguise military vehicles and weapons, and energy including new fuels and batteries is thought to be among the targets. Universities declined to reveal which research had been compromised, the Times added.

It said hackers have also sought sensitive medical records held at university hospitals.

Professor Carsten Maple, director of cyber security research at Warwick University and chairman of Britain's council of professors and heads of computing, told the Times that cyber defenses at universities needed to be urgently tightened.

"Universities drive forward a lot of the research and development in the UK. Intellectual property takes years of know-how and costs a lot. If someone can get that very quickly, that's good for them," Maple told the Times, adding, "Certainly somebody might attack a university and then provide that information to a nation state."

According to the Times, Maple raised concerns over the growing threat to national infrastructure.

"What's also increasing are cyber-physical attacks where our buildings are affected. Heating, ventilation and management systems are connected to the internet. That's especially worrying for places like the health service," Maple added.

The report also quoted Dave Palmer, the director of technology at Darktrace, a cyber security company created by mathematicians from Cambridge University, saying that hackers were striving to get hold of cutting-edge research into advanced weaponry or energy.

He said criminal groups were also trying to steal personal data "wherever it exists" for money laundering or identity theft, especially using non-anonymized records used for research at universities.

The University of Oxford said there had been 515 cases of unauthorized access to its accounts or machines last year and UCL said that it experienced 57 successful attacks in 2016-17.

Queen Mary, University of London, said that it had blocked 38.75 million attacks over the period.

The report said targets for cyber attacks included 3D-printed military aircraft and opto-electronic devices at Southampton University, and high-energy density supercapacitors (superfast battery rechargers) at the universities of Surrey and Bristol.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 21:51:21|Editor: liuxin

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by Denis Elamu

JUBA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The second annual South Sudanese film festival kicked off on Tuesday, seeking to showcase true stories in the youngest country ravaged by more than three years of conflict.

Joyce John Thomas, from the Juba Film Limited, the organizer of the event, told Xinhua in Juba they seek to highlight the cultural and social identity of South Sudanese by awarding the three best movies among the 32 local movies and 37 foreign movies to be screened.

"We believe South Sudanese can make movies that can be shown outside. We want South Sudanese people to share our story and to give solutions and this can be done through the film," Thomas said.

The movies will eventually be screened on the South Sudan national television, she said.

The annual film festival, which started last year, seeks to motivate and grow the nascent creative arts and culture sector in a country still struggling to find its footing and national identity.

It also seeks to help South Sudan recover in the aftermath of several decades of civil war that have brought untold humanitarian suffering amid huge refuge influx in the region.

"We have awards in twenty categories for best movies, director, camera, supporting actor and actress. The three best films are going to be awarded cash prizes," Thomas said.

She said movies from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Tanzania, France, Sweden and Germany with similar cultural connection to the South Sudanese experience will be screened.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.

A 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital, forcing Machar to flee into exile.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions of others to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:01:25|Editor: ying

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by Julius Gale

JUBA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Experts and civil society groups on Tuesday urged South Sudan to delay conducting general elections early next year and instead focus on the implementation of the August 2015 peace deal to end over three years of civil war.

The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSuNDE), a network of more than 70 civil society organizations, said the current situation in South Sudan makes it practically impossible to conduct credible elections within the remaining time frame of the peace deal, which is set to expire in March 2018.

The activists said the country has not completed preparations of legal frameworks necessary for elections as provided for in the pact known as the Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).

"The delay to fully complete the amendments of these legislations at the moment makes it quite unrealistic for the country to conduct elections by March 25, 2018," the group said in a joint statement issued in Juba.

"In such an unsafe environment, it is evidently difficult for National Elections Commission, political parties, civic groups and electoral candidates to perform elections operations successfully," it added.

The East African country has been embroiled in the conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people and created one of the world's fastest growing refugees crisis as some four million people have been displaced both internally and externally, according to the UN.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016, and violence has spread to areas that previously enjoyed relative peace.

The pact demanded amendment of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011, which will in turn pave way for the review of the Political Parties Act, 2012 and the National Elections Act, 2012, but all have not been completed.

Micheal Makuei, Minister of Information, told reporters last week that the government would go ahead with the polls as stipulated in the agreement despite the ongoing civil war and massive displacement.

Rajab Mohandis, Executive Director of SSuNDE, argued that the violence would affect free and safe movement of elections officials, civic groups, members of political parties, electoral candidates and all their supporters.

He said a High-level Revitalization Forum, proposed by regional bloc, the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) scheduled to take place in Juba late this month, could be used to review relevant provisions of ARCSS and agree on revised timeline not just for elections but genuine, full and realistic implementation of this peace accord.

"These challenges call for new strategies in the implementation of ARCSS. It is therefore, incumbent upon the parties to ARCSS and indeed all concerned South Sudanese to be truthful to the public about the state of affairs in the country," Mohandis said.

James Okuk, a lecturer of political science at the University of Juba, said holding elections without full implementation of the agreement maybe unrealistic because elections alone will not end the ongoing violence.

"If the elections are done within the agreement, it is not possible because it is a long process and that long process needs a lot of preconditions to be put in place. They must review the constitution including the electoral law in the country. So this is an impossible endeavor and it might not work," Okuk said.

"If they do it outside the agreement, they must come out clearly and declare the agreement dead. But this will raise the question of legitimacy. So it is more complicated to conduct elections outside the agreement than within the agreement," he added.

Okuk said the government must focus on reviving the stalled agreement and ensure that all aggrieved communities become part of the peace process before talking of elections.

"If the agreement is viable and realistic, for example in stopping the war and giving people conducive environment to rebuild their livelihoods, then it can be extended. That's why revitalization makes sense for me because if you revitalize, you make things conducive in seeing what you can do and what can't do," he stressed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:06:32|Editor: ying

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DAMASCUS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army said in a statement Tuesday that breaking the Islamic State (IS) siege on Deir al-Zour city in eastern Syria constitutes a turning point in the war on terror.

Lifting the siege of Deir al-Zour proves the Syrian army's ability to deal a full defeat to the terrorist project in Syria, it said.

It also brings down the foreign plans to fragment Syria, said the statement, adding that the victory will pave way for more military operations against IS in Deir al-Zour.

The government forces, advancing from the countryside of Raqqa province in northern Syria, reached the besieged Brigade 137 in western Deir al-Zour, where around 5,000 Syrian soldiers had been besieged for three years.

Hundreds of IS militants have been killed in the operation that has intensified in recent days. The operation in the Syrian desert and the countryside of Raqqa started in May this year.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said the Syrian forces are expanding their operation against IS in Deir al-Zour.

IS controls half of the oil-rich Deir al-Zour, and most of its surrounding province.

Deir al-Zour is the last major IS stronghold with the terror-designated group also losing its de facto capital of Raqqa to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which has captured over 60 percent of Raqqa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:11:34|Editor: ying

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CAPE TOWN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The opposition's attempt to dissolve Parliament is indicative of their lack of respect towards democracy and the electorate of South Africa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) said on Tuesday.

The ANC made the statement as Parliament began debating a motion submitted by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to dissolve Parliament and hold early general elections.

"The National Assembly will today waste 85 minutes which could have gone to dealing with substantive matters affecting the lives of the poor majority of South Africans discussing a frivolous motion by the Democratic Alliance to dissolve the National Assembly," said Nonceba Mhlauli, spokesperson of the Office of the ANC Chief Whip.

He called the DA's attempt a "careless stunt" which followed the failure to remove President Jacob Zuma through a no-confidence motion by secret ballot on August 8.

The DA's motion to dissolve Parliament has little chance to succeed as it even lacks support from other opposition parties, he said.

"The DA is proving once more than it has no interest in being part of the solution in addressing the challenges we are faced with as a country but would rather abuse the Constitution in the desperate desire of having early elections with the hope that it will result in a coalition government," said Mhlauli.

Dissolving Parliament amounts to destabilizing the country, he noted.

The DA, Mhlauli said, is a political party hell-bent on bringing regime change to South African shores, and will stop at nothing to accomplish this feat.

Also on Tuesday, the Constitutional Court was hearing an application from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to institute impeachment proceedings against Zuma.

EFF Secretary-General Godrich Gardee said he was confident that more ANC members could be convinced to side with opposition parties.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:26:43|Editor: ying

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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's northwestern Amhara regional state on Tuesday granted amnesty for 1,981 prisoners ahead of the upcoming Ethiopian New Year, which starts on September 11.

Gedu Andargachew, President of Ethiopia's Amhara regional state, said that the prisoners "were freed because they showed remorse and met the requirements for clemency."

Andargachew, who urged the pardoned individuals to be peaceful and productive while joining the community, further called on them to do their parts in creating peaceful community.

Ethiopia has a unique calendar deriving from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church traditions whereby the country counts its annual year seven to eight years, based on leap year, behind the internationally acclaimed Gregorian calendar. Accordingly, the Ethiopian New Year that falls on September 11, 2017 will be 2010.

The east African country had declared 10-day long nationwide celebrations, which started from September 1, 2017, to usher in the upcoming Ethiopian New Year.

The 10-day long nationwide celebrations include Love Day, Mothers' and Children's Day, Elders' Day, Peace Day, Reading Day, Green Development Day, Respect Day, National Feelings Day, Unity Day and Ethiopia Day.

Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, in his New Year message to the public, said the various events will be used to highlight the east African nation's significant gains in the socio-economic and political sectors over the past decade.

He, however, indicated that poverty, unemployment and El Nino-induced drought, some of the challenges that the nation faced in the past years, will continue to challenge the country in the upcoming year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:31:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia would cooperate on regional issues, Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday.

Saudi authorities ought to come to the conclusion that not only for Saudi Arabia, but also for all other countries in the Persian Gulf region, there is no other option than joint cooperation, Zarif was quoted as saying.

For the time being, there is no clear or definite prospect for a change in Iran's relations with Saudi Arabia, but a shift in the kingdom's policies would be welcomed by Iran, he said.

It was announced here on Sunday that a Saudi Arabian delegation would visit Tehran after Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran last year.

"The Saudi delegation simply comes to visit diplomatic buildings because the buildings have been empty after the two countries broke off relations. At the same time, we will visit our buildings in Saudi Arabia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Sunday.

Qasemi confirmed that the visas for the Saudis have been issued long before, but for "reasons that are related to them, they have not come yet, and their travel has likely been postponed until after (annual Muslim) Hajj ceremonies."

He added that the date for the Iranian delegation's visit has not been set yet.

Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016, following demonstrations held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad by angry protesters who set the diplomatic missions ablaze for the execution of top Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:36:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SOFIA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The joint Bulgarian-Israeli air force exercise "Collector's Item 17" will kick off on Thursday in Bulgarian airspace, the Bulgarian defense ministry said Tuesday in a statement.

During the seven-day drill, Bulgaria will participate with MiG-29 fighters and ground based anti-air defense systems, while the Israeli Air Force will perform tasks with F-15 and F-16 aircraft operating from their permanent bases, the ministry said.

Italian Eurofighter Typhoons are temporarily deployed in Bulgaria's Graf Ignatievo Air Base near Plovdiv in an operation on strengthening the eastern flank of NATO. They are also involved in the joint flights, the statement said.

Enhancing the theoretical, tactical, and special preparation of the servicemen is among the goals of the drill, the statement said.

Bulgarian and Israeli air forces had conducted their first joint training in 2012.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:41:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang talks with workers and their relatives as he visits the Shigejie Coalmine Residential Community of Lu'an Group in Changzhi, north China's Shanxi Province, Sept. 4, 2017. Li Keqiang made an inspection tour to Changzhi and Linfen cities in north China's Shanxi Province from Sept. 4 to 5. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has stressed the role of innovation in economic transformation and upgrading.

During an inspection tour to north China's Shanxi Province on Monday and Tuesday, Li visited a base for entrepreneurship and innovation and applauded its services to small and micro-sized enterprises and its model that integrates research and development with production.

The base offers a platform for innovation of small companies, and can also help create considerable economic and social returns, Li said.

"Integrating creativity with the market will form strong new impetus and make a huge contribution to economic transformation and upgrading," the premier said.

While visiting a coal mine owned by Lu'an Group, Li said that reducing production capacity will make way for quality and advanced capacity.

"Human resources are the most valuable treasure," Li said, encouraging Lu'an Group to create more jobs by developing non-coal industries and helping former workers start their own businesses.

Former workers laid-off due to reduced capacity might have been a burden for previous employers, but they will become required talent in new companies, the premier said.

Companies of all sizes can stimulate the enthusiasm and creativity of employees through encouraging mass entrepreneurship and innovation, an approach that will raise their core competitiveness, according to Li.

He added that craftsmen should pass on their skills to apprentices to make Chinese-made products competitive in terms of both price and quality.

Li also went to a village in Shanxi to visit rural residents living in poverty and learn about medical services there.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 22:51:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The European Union on Tuesday called for transparent, credible and peaceful presidential re-run in Kenya proposed for Oct. 17 amid opposition from presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

The EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said in a statement issued in Nairobi that a peaceful election campaign will require political leaders to use their authority.

"All institutions involved in the re-run of the elections should now be given the space to continue to work independently and start preparing for new transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful elections, fulfilling all the requirements of the Constitution and the election law," Mogherini said.

The EU official's statement comes hours after opposition leader, Odinga said on his National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition would not participate in the re-run of a presidential election proposed for Oct. 17 unless it is given "legal and constitutional" guarantees.

Odinga is demanding audit of technology in full compliance with the law, noting that the electoral body should establish a transparent and accountable framework for integration of technology.

According to Odinga, the electoral body must take immediate steps to engender transparency and accountability in the electoral planning and infrastructure.

He said technology integration must be done transparently and must be amenable to a full audit by the commission and stakeholders. "You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results," Odinga told journalists in Nairobi.

Mogherini said the Supreme Court's ruling, ordering of a re-run of the presidential elections, is a strong demonstration of the independence of the Kenyan judiciary and the strength of national democracy.

"The appeal procedure is in line with the democratic process as prescribed in the Constitution of Kenya," Mogherini said.

She said the court decision at the crucial time requires all political forces and the Kenyan people to act with the highest sense of responsibility and full respect for the rule of law and the Constitution.

Mogherini said the EU is continuing to support Kenya in these efforts, noting that the EU Election Observation Mission will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process.

"Kenya is a key partner for the European Union in the region and we are committed to strengthening our relationship further after the elections," she said.
File photo shows the East African Community (EAC) destroys 2,600 small arms and light weapons mostly captured from civilians and refugees in Bukoba, Kagera region in northwest Tanzania. (Xinhua/Sukhdev Chhatbar)

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has launched an initiative dubbed "Africa Amnesty Month" for the surrender and collection of illicit weapons, as part of efforts toward silencing guns in Africa by the year 2020.

The AU heads of states in July designated the month of September of each year, till 2020, as "Africa Amnesty Month" for the surrender and collection of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW).

Speaking at the launching session, AU Director of Peace and Security Admore Kambudzi said the initiative would have a significant contribution to the AU efforts to control the illicit proliferation, circulation, trafficking and use of small arms and light weapons across the continent.

"The weaknesses in the implementation and enforcement of laws regulating civilian possession of small arms and light weapons, remain a significant gap across all regions of Africa," Kambudzi said.

Chairing the AU Peace and Security Council for the month of September, Punkie Josephine Molefe, Botswana's ambassador to Ethiopia and the AU, said the proliferation of illegal weapons remains one of the major security problems facing the continent.

"This is caused by a number of political, social, economic and cultural factors," she said. "The honor is therefore upon us to ensure that while eliminating the scourge of illegal weapons in the continent, we address these challenges for a conducive environment, then the people will have no reason to seek illegal weapons."

The ambassador has stated that illicit weapons are sourced, first, outside the continent, through illegal trade facilitated by networks of corruption, illicit financing, clandestine transit and delivery to end users in Africa.

Secondly, she said, there are internal secondary sources located in conflict zones and post-conflict zones within Africa, from which illicit weapons spill over to other areas, thereby contributing to insecurity and violence.

"The international community's inability to control arms transfer and trafficking contributes to the persistence of these activities and in turn the devastating conflicts that we continue to experience in our continent," Molefe said.

"Armed conflicts continue to contribute to political crises, cause widespread humanitarian problems, refugees and internally displaced persons, and exacerbate famine conditions in some parts of our continent," she added.

Molefe urged all AU member states to deploy concerted efforts to give the widest possible publicity to the initiative and fully facilitate the surrender and collection of illicit weapons in civilian hands into safe national storage or destruction.

The Pan-African bloc said the approach to implementing the "Africa Amnesty Month" should aim to create the conditions conducive for voluntary disarmament to encourage those individuals in possession of illicit weapons to bring them out and surrender them in confidence to the mandated state agencies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:01:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will host the joint Egyptian-U.S. military exercise known as "The Bright Star" from Sept. 10 to 20 at a military base in the Arab country, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The Bright Star is considered one of the most important joint exercises for both the Egyptian and the American armed forces, which reflects the depth of relations and the level of military cooperation between the two sides," said Egyptian military spokesman Tamer al-Refaay in the statement.

Launched in 1981, the joint biennial training has been suspended since 2009, due to the ouster of former presidents Hosni Mubarak and Mohamed Morsi following mass protests in 2011 and 2013 respectively.

Later dissatisfaction of former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration with the Egyptian new leadership led to suspension of the Bright Star as well as halting annual U.S. military aid to Egypt of 1.3 billion dollars.

Assuming the Oval Office in January, new U.S. President Donald Trump promised to resume both the exercise and the aid to Egypt under President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Both Trump and Sisi have repeatedly exchanged remarks of praise and promised further cooperation and partnership.

The Egyptian military spokesman noted that the training will focus on the fields of security cooperation and counterterrorism amid the ongoing unconventional anti-terror war.

Earlier in April, the Egyptian and the U.S. navies launched on a joint exercise in the waters of the Red Sea, dubbed "Eagle Salute 2017," where Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Pakistan participated as monitors.

The Bright Star resumption comes a couple of weeks after Washington said it would withhold some 300 million dollars in aid to Egypt over human rights concerns.

Egypt receives annually about 1.5 billion dollars in U.S. military and economic aid since it signed the 1979 U.S.-sponsored peace treaty with Israel.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:02:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ASTANA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The ninth BRICS summit held in the Chinese southeastern city of Xiamen was encouraging for Central Asian nations, said one expert.

Ruslan Izimov, head of Kazakh Eurasian Studies program of the World Economy and Policy Institute, told Xinhua that he noted the summit was predominately aimed at economic interaction between the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and developing countries worldwide.

"Of course, this encourages us and other states of the Central Asian region," he said.

He also said that cooperation with BRICS countries like China and Russia presents great prospects, noting that most of Kazakhstan's economic programs are related to China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-backed Eurasian Economic Union.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative in 2013, which includes building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Over 100 countries and international organizations have expressed support for or participated in the initiative.

Izimov said his country is very interested in the idea of BRICS's cooperation with developing countries, adding that there are a lot of mutually beneficial projects.

He believes that the economic potential of the BRICS countries will inject new impetus into the development of the their neighboring states and regions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:22:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SHANGHAI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said Tuesday the first shipment of U.S. beef by sea entered China on Sept. 1, signifying the normalization of the large-scale import of the product.

The shipment of frozen beef weighed 15.1 tonnes and was valued more than 300,000 U.S. dollars, according to the bureau, which opened a green channel for a faster approval procedure.

China started the import of U.S. beef in June after a 14-year absence. However, imports were limited to air freight in June and July, which pushed up the costs while failing to meet market demand.

Data from Shanghai Customs showed the city's beef imports reached 144,000 tonnes from January to July, mainly from Brazil, Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.

China's beef imports reached around 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2016. However, per capita consumption is still low compared with the United States and Australia.

The reopening of the Chinese market to U.S. beef, one of the first results from the China-United States 100-day action plan reached in May, ends a ban initially triggered by concerns over mad cow disease in 2003, and may well start a new chapter in bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:32:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ROME, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A four-year old girl has died from cerebral malaria in northern Italy, Italian authorities said on Tuesday.

The victim had been living in the northeast Trentino region, an area free of the disease, and she had not traveled abroad to areas where malaria is endemic.

She had first undergone treatment for child diabetes in the regional capital of Trento, and was then rushed to hospital in Brescia with high fever on Saturday, the regional health agency (APSS) said in a statement.

Two children were under therapy for malaria at the same health facility on the same days, and there were early speculations this could have played a role in the case.

However, health authorities have dismissed the hypothesis so far as the two young patients were never near or in contact with the victim, APSS director general Paolo Bordon told local media.

"The little girl who has died, and the two children affected by malaria, were hosted in different rooms, and received separate treatments. There were also no blood transfusions," Bordon told La Repubblica newspaper.

"Malaria does not spread from one person to another, and no other patients have showed symptoms of malaria since then," he added.

The two children with malaria contracted the disease during a trip to Burkina Faso, and have since recovered, the official also said.

The girl was in a coma when she arrived at Brescia. There, she received an anti-malaria treatment, but she died from cerebral damage caused by the disease, the chief of the local hospital told Ansa news agency.

Cases of malaria have drastically dropped in Italy since the late 1930s, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the country officially free of the disease by 1970.

The recent case disquieted experts. "It is an extremely rare and cryptic case," said the director of research in epidemiology at the National Institute of Health (ISS), according to Adnkronos news agency reports.

"I say cryptic, because this form of malaria is spread by a type of mosquito that is missing in Italy. Therefore, the mode of transmission remains unclear, and we are going to keep investigating," Giovanni Rezza explained.

The epidemiologist added that the risk of further cases would be "very low, if not zero."

Between 2000 and 2008, Italy registered 6,377 cases of malaria, of which 27.5 percent were Italians and 72.5 percent foreign citizens, according to the ISS available data. Only nine such cases were autochthonous, and the rest were imported.

In 2009, there were 639 cases registered. All of them originated from abroad, save one.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:37:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DOHA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani opened the new Hamad Port in Umm al-Houl on Tuesday, Qatar's state news agency (QNA) reported.

The opening of the port will provide direct marine shipping routes with key regional and world seaports in a short time, thus contributing to securing the goods, supplies and all that is needed for the country's vital projects, the Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said in a speech.

The minister noted that this port will also contribute to increasing world trade volumes between Qatar and world markets, creating job opportunities for youth, raising living standards and improving Qatar's competitiveness by transforming it into a regional business center.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates(UAE) and Egypt had cut off diplomatic ties and imposed sanctions on Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar strongly denied the charges against it, while rejecting a list of 13 demands put forward by the bloc for resuming diplomatic ties.

Large container ships will now go directly to Qatar rather than docking in the UAE, where cargo used to be transferred to smaller vessels.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:37:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has established five gold trading centers as it seeks to boost its export income from the mining sector.

Speaking to Xinhua on Tuesday, Kiros Alemayehu, Public Relations Senior Expert at the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas (EMPNG), said the establishment of the centers will help cut inefficient bureaucracy in gold trading.

The ministry also hopes the establishment of gold trading centers will cut contraband gold trading which Ethiopia says has contributed to decline in exports in recent years.

The gold trading centers were established in Oromia, Southern, Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella regional states.

"With the establishment of the five gold trading centers, we hope Ethiopia's minerals export revenue target of 450 million U.S. dollars will be met in 2017/18 Fiscal Year (EFY) " said Alemayehu.

Ethiopia's minerals exports during the 2016/17 Ethiopian Fiscal Year that ended July 9 stood at 231.25 million dollars with the majority coming from gold exports.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:42:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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PARIS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A French court on Tuesday ordered a magazine to pay 100,000 euros (119,370 U.S. dollars) in damages to Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William of Britain, for publishing photos showing her bare breasts in 2012.

In addition, the editorial director and an editor of the celebrity gossip magazine Closer were each handed down a maximum fine of 45,000 euros (53,716.5 U.S. dollars), while the two photographers suspected of taking those photos were fined 10,000 euros (11,937 U.S. dollars), with half of the amount suspended.

All four defendants were found guilty of violating privacy of the royal couple by the criminal court of Nanterre in the western suburbs of Paris.

The photos, which caused a public outrage in Britain when they were published on Sept. 14, 2012, were taken in secret during the couple's trip to a rented private property in the Luberon, south France.

The couple filed a lawsuit against the magazine soon after the publication.

At a hearing in early May, they demanded through their lawyer 1.5 million euros (1.79 million U.S. dollars) in compensation.

The couple said that the "grotesque and totally unjustifiable" violation of privacy reminded them of the tragedy of Prince William's mother, Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being chased by the paparazzi.

The lawyer of the magazine told French media that the ruling was "consistent with the law," but the fine was "exaggerated" for the matter of privacy violation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:52:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah has denied reports on Kuwait opening an embassy in Libya, the official Kuwait News Agency reported Tuesday.

The recent visit by Kuwaiti Ambassador Mubarak Al-Adwani to Libya is only to check up on the conditions of the diplomatic mission there, the report quoted Al-Jarallah as saying.

During the visit, Al-Adwani met with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj in Tripoli to discuss the situation in the country, but no date had yet been set to open the embassy.

Libya is suffering from tense political and security conditions since the revolution in 2014, as the country is torn between the struggle of two governments over power, the report said.

Libya has been suffering from a civil war since the 2011 ouster and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, which led to a divided country governed by two governments, a UN-backed one in Tripoli and a parliament-backed, military-oriented one in Tobruk.

Tobruk's government was internationally recognized before a unity government was formed in 2015 in Tripoli, known as the Government of National Accord (GNA), under a UN-brokered peace deal reached in Skhirat, Morocco.

Supported by the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar, the parliament-backed government in Tobruk refuses to recognize the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 00:47:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sudan is to attend the third meeting of the African Union (AU) High-level Committee on Libya this weekend, the official SUNA news agency reported Tuesday.

Sudan's Vice President Hassabo Mohamed Abdul-Rahman would leave on Friday to attend the meeting, which is to be held in Brazzaville, capital of Republic of Congo on Sept. 9, said the report.

The meeting, which would be attended by a number of Libyan leaders, seeks to break the political stalemate which is preventing implementation of the UN-brokered Skhirat deal reached in 2015.

The meeting will also attempt to boost the national reconciliation efforts under several initiatives by the AU, the Arab League and the UN seeking to narrow viewpoints between the Libyan rivals to reach a political settlement.

The AU committee, chaired by President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, was established by the AU Peace and Security Council during a meeting of African foreign ministers in New York in Sept. 2014, with an aim to restore security and peace in Libya.

The committee comprises nine countries including Niger, Mauritania, the Republic of Congo, South Africa, Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia.

Libya has been suffering from a civil war since the 2011 ouster and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, which led to a divided country governed by two governments, a UN-backed one in Tripoli and a parliament-backed, military-oriented one in Tobruk.

Tobruk's government was internationally recognized before a unity government was formed in 2015 in Tripoli, known as the Government of National Accord (GNA), under a UN-brokered peace deal reached in Skhirat, Morocco.

Supported by the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar, the parliament-backed government in Tobruk refuses to recognize the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 00:52:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ABUJA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government said it was working on a sustained and all-inclusive growth as indication emerged that the country's economy had exited its worst recession in more than two decades.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday showed a notched-up growth of 0.55 percent in the second quarter of 2017, from -0.91 percent in the first quarter of 2017 and -1.49 percent in the second quarter of 2016.

The economic recovery was driven by improved performance in the oil, agriculture, manufacturing, and trade sectors.

The economy of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, had contracted for five consecutive quarters since the first quarter of 2016, slipping into recession for the first time in more than two decades in August 2016.

The economy had depended on oil, its mainstay, for 70 percent of state revenues and 90 percent of export earnings.

Nigeria's economic challenges were compounded by lower oil prices on the international market since mid-2014, causing a huge fall in government revenues, weakened local currency, and dollar shortages.

Its economic woes were exacerbated by militant attacks on key oil infrastructure in the restive Niger delta.

A statement signed by presidential spokesman Laolu Akande said the government was working "to achieve desired outcomes including sustained inclusive growth, further diversification of the economy, the creation of jobs, and improved business conditions."

Nigeria's oil output had ramped up to an average of 2 million barrels per day from a low of 1.3 million in 2016, following government peace talks with oil rebels in the Niger Delta region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 01:13:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Some 1,664 Moroccans have joined terror groups in the Middle East since the eruption of the conflicts in Iraq and Syria, local media reported Tuesday.

Among these people, 929 belong to the Islamic State (IS) group, the director of Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, Abdelhak Khiame, said in an interview with the daily Al Ahdat Almaghribia.

IS has recruited some 285 Moroccan women to join its ranks in Syria and Iraq, he said, adding that 52 among them had returned to the kingdom.

A total of 569 Moroccan fighters were killed during the fightings, most of them in Syria, while 213 left the combat areas, he underlined.

The Moroccan security services have busted 127 terrorist cells since 2002, including 51 with links to IS, Khiame pointed out.

He said the dismantlement of these cells has led to the arrest of 2,938 suspects, including 277 with previous convictions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 01:28:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HELSINKI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- During a demonstration staged by a group of frustrated asylum seekers in Finnish border town of Tornio on Tuesday, 55 of the demonstrators crossed the border into the Swedish side.

The border between Finland and Sweden has no controls, but police was in presence to ensure security.

The group crossing the border, including kids, are said to believe they would have a better chance in Sweden.

It's uncertain that whether all the people crossing into sweden are recipients of a negative decision in Finland.

Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported that the border crossers were taken to a reception center in Boden, northern Sweden after they entered the country.

Part of the group allegedly have said that they would seek asylum in Sweden. Finnish officials told Yle, however, that those who had filed an application in Finland were likely to be returned to Finland, on the basis of the Dublin agreement.

Pekka Nuutinen, head of the reception unit at the Finnish migration authority, told newspaper Keskisuomalainen on Monday that 11,000 of the 15,000 currently registered asylum seekers had been given a negative decision.

"It is obvious that their situation in the final phase of the process affects their mood," Nuutinen said.
An Israeli army tank maneuvers during a military exercise simulating conflict with Lebanese movement Hezbollah, in the Israeli annexed Golan Heights, near the Syrian border on September 5, 2017, in what would be the largest drill in nearly two decades. (AFP Photo)

BEIRUT, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel's army began on Tuesday in the country's north what could be the largest military drill in nearly two decades simulating a conflict with the Lebanese Shiite movement of Hezbollah, military sources said.

Sounds of live munitions were clear in Lebanon's border villages and towns, where the Israeli air forces participating in the drill violate Lebanese airspace many times, witnesses said.

The drill, according to the Israeli Defense Army, will last 10 days and is meant to simulate scenarios in the next confrontation with Hezbollah.

The drill involves tens of thousands of soldiers including thousands of reserves, as well as aircraft, boats and submarines, the defense army said.

Israeli soldiers take part in a military exercise simulating conflict with Lebanese movement Hezbollah, in the Israeli annexed Golan Heights, near the Syrian border on September 5, 2017, in what would be the largest drill in nearly two decades. (AFP Photo)

In the meantime, the Lebanese army was put on high alert, while the United Nations Interim Force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) deployed extensive patrol units to monitor the situation and prevent any possible escalation on both sides of the border.

"That is to keep the readiness of the Israeli Army on its high level to face Hezbollah that has gained huge experience after its participation in the war in Syria during the past five years," a Lebanese security source, who asked to remain anonymous, told Xinhua.

"The Israeli army is in need to boost its troops' moral and send a warning to Hezbollah," the source added.

The Israeli army last held a drill of this size in 1998, when it simulated a war with the Syrian army for a week.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 02:08:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ABUJA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government said it was working on a sustained and all-inclusive growth as indication emerged that the country's economy had exited its worst recession in more than two decades.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday showed a notched-up growth of 0.55 percent in the second quarter of 2017, from -0.91 percent in the first quarter of 2017 and -1.49 percent in the second quarter of 2016.

The economic recovery was driven by improved performance in the oil, agriculture, manufacturing, and trade sectors.

The economy of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, had contracted for five consecutive quarters since the first quarter of 2016, slipping into recession for the first time in more than two decades in August 2016.

The economy had depended on oil, its mainstay, for 70 percent of state revenues and 90 percent of export earnings.

Nigeria's economic challenges were compounded by lower oil prices on the international market since mid-2014, causing a huge fall in government revenues, weakened local currency, and dollar shortages.

Its economic woes were exacerbated by militant attacks on key oil infrastructure in the restive Niger delta.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari also on Tuesday officially confirmed that the country is out of recession.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with visiting Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, Buhari said he was "very happy" to hear that the country was finally out of recession.

Buhari told reporters that the real gain would be improved living conditions for Nigerians.

"I am looking forward to ensuring that the ordinary Nigerian feels the impact," he said.

A statement signed by presidential spokesman Laolu Akande said the government was working "to achieve desired outcomes including sustained inclusive growth, further diversification of the economy, the creation of jobs, and improved business conditions."

Nigeria's oil output had ramped up to an average of 2 million barrels per day from a low of 1.3 million in 2016, following government peace talks with oil rebels in the Niger Delta region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 02:28:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was letting Japan and South Korea buy "a substantially increased amount" of military equipment from the United States.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump tweeted.

According to a previous statement by the White House, Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday and gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities.

Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, the statement added.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology violate UN Security Council resolutions.

China's representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 02:28:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LAGOS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria is not threatened by food insufficiency despite the armyworm outbreak, the Nigerian government said Tuesday.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, said in Abuja, the nation's capital, that with the outbreak of armyworm affecting most states, the country does not have the threat of food insufficiency, but high cost of food items in the market.

He spoke at the Capacity Building Training for ECOWAS member states to control and manage the armyworm outbreak in West Africa.

The training was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which brought together stakeholders from 15 West Africa countries to proffer solution to the pest.

"Eventually, every state is affected by armyworm outbreak in the country; Armyworm outbreak began from Oyo state and spread very quickly to Ondo, Edo and other states two years ago," he added.

"Right now, there is hardly any state that is not affected by this pest," the minister told reporters.

The official added that factors that led to the high food prices in the country also include bad roads network.

"Roads are bad and transporter will tell you that it costs high to move food from one place to the other," he said.

Ogbeh, however, advised Nigerians not to panic, and to keep working to improve production, adding that the country was already getting support from experienced organizations to mitigate the problem.

"This issue happened in Europe and they were able to curtail it. Our own climate encourages the development of all kind of pests because it is so warm here, but we shouldn't be scared," the minister said.
Screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweet

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was letting Japan and South Korea buy "a substantially increased amount" of military equipment from the United States.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump tweeted.

According to a previous statement by the White House, Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday and gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities.

Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, the statement added.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology violate UN Security Council resolutions.

China's representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 02:53:49|Editor: Song Lifang

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BERLIN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) announced her desire to "re-organize" relations between Germany and Turkey at the last plenary session of the current Federal Parliament (Bundestag) on Tuesday.

The comments came just after Merkel belatedly joined a growing choir of German politicians calling for an end to European Union (EU) accession talks with Turkey. Rather than constituting a plea for the de-escalation of Berlin's long-standing diplomatic row with Ankara, however, her words were seen as a veiled threat to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Chancellor warned parliamentarians that EU members could "publicly fall-out with each other" before Erdogan's eyes, thus "weakening Europe's position dramatically." Merkel emphasized the need for a unified and firm stance in Brussels on Turkey, noting how she had already ensured that there would be no negotiations over the Turkish-EU customs union during Estonia's ongoing presidency over the EU Council (the bloc's most powerful decision-making body).

The consultation over the future of accession talks had to be continued, she added, including the possibility to "suspend or terminate negotiations."

EVOLUTION OF DIPLOMATIC CRISIS

Merkel's foreboding speech on Tuesday was only the latest episode in a bilateral conflict which can be traced back to a failed military coup against Erdogan's government in July 2016 and has since escalated.

Ankara has rejected Berlin's criticisms that it engaged in an excessive crack-down on political opponents in response to the coup, and is resentful towards Berlin for allegedly granting asylum to Turkish revolutionaries. Figures released by the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees suggest that the number of Turkish asylum seekers in Germany has risen dramatically since July 2016.

Germany and Turkey also became embroiled in a spat over the plans of Turkish politicians to hold campaign rallies in Europe. Hoping to win support among Turkish migrant communities for a controversial constitutional referendum, which ultimately passed in April 2017, Erdogan and members of his AKP party ran up against heavy opposition in several European capitals.

Turkey retaliated by banning German parliamentarians from visiting German armed forces stationed at the Turkish bases of Incirlik and Konya, which in turn prompted German lawmakers to transfer troops to a new location in Jordan.

Turkish arrests of German citizens are another source of strife. Authorities in Turkey have arrested tens of thousands of people on suspicion of terrorist activity in the wake of the failed military coup. According to the German Foreign Office, there are currently 55 German citizens imprisoned in Turkey, of which 12 were detained on political grounds. An international arrest warrant was further issued for the detention of a German citizen of Turkish origin in Spain last month.

Erdogan further provoked Berlin's ire by urging Germans with Turkish ancestry to boycott certain parties in Germany's national elections in September.

Under mounting pressure to confront Erdogan, Merkel abandoned her traditional conciliatory approach. The Chancellor instead swerved towards what she herself described as a "very hard line" and warned that Germany reserved "the right to take additional measures" if necessary. Swelling tensions between the countries took a personal turn when the wife of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel was threatened by Erdogan supporters after the foreign minister told German tourists and investors to steer clear of Turkey.

More recently, several leading politicians in Germany have demanded that an ultimatum be imposed on Turkey to release German citizens imprisoned in the country and urged for an immediate halt to EU accession talks, as well as related financial aid, should it not be met.

IS THERE A WAYOUT?

German and Turkish officials are caught in a negative spiral of mutual recriminations for the moment, raising the question of where this worrying development will lead. Judging by the latest change of tone in Germany, more acrimony may well be in store for the two NATO allies.

In the past, Germany and other European states could goad Turkey with the prospect of EU membership. Like all countries seeking to commence negotiations to enter the bloc, Ankara committed, at least on paper, to a wide-ranging set of political and economic reforms which were intended to remodel its institutions along European lines.

These talks offered a useful framework for German politicians to engage with their Turkish counterparts, but this door seems to have been firmly shut. Even if EU members were willing to realistically consider Turkish membership again, it is not at all clear that Ankara is still interested. Erdogan has publicly threatened to end the EU bid, and Turkish politicians said after the United Kingdom voted for Brexit that the bloc was a house of cards on the verge of collapse.

In the meantime, a very different approach towards Turkey has crystallized in Berlin in lieu of being able to offer the incentive of closer European cooperation to reach mutually-acceptable compromises. If Merkel realizes only a fraction of the threats against Turkey currently emanating from Berlin, her government's transformation from appeasement policy to a punitive regime will be complete.

SPD candidate Martin Schulz has long urged Merkel to take a firmer stance against Erdogan.

"A certain type of statesman only understands clear messages," Schulz was quoted saying. The former European Parliament president believes that this strategy will ultimately force Erdogan back to the negotiation table and reduce tensions.

The EU and Germany have significant economic leverage over Turkey, which they could put to similar use. Although tourists already shy away from what was once one of their favored holiday destinations, Turkey continues to receive billions of euros in financial aid from Brussels each year. Ankara is also heavily reliant on Brussels for trade, and follows Brussels' in exchange for privileged access to the single market of more than 500 million affluent consumers.

Demands, such as those made by CSU leader and Bavarian governor Horst Seehofer, for a complete and immediate halt to EU financial aid could only be the prelude to an economic stand-off with the potential to do serious long-term damage to Turkish investment and growth.

But those leverages could be double-edged sword in terms of damages. Such a confrontational strategy also carries two key risks for Germany:

The first is that it could cause the collapse of the existing treaty which governs cooperation between the EU and Turkey on refugee policy, an agreement which Merkel was instrumental in creating. Under the treaty, Ankara has agreed to take back any migrants intercepted between Greece and Turkey. In exchange, Syrian refugees in Turkey are transferred to the EU under an official resettlement program and Brussels grants Ankara financial aid to assist with border policing and integration measures.

The agreement is highly controversial in Germany because it believed it grants Erdogan excessive power over the EU. The Turkish president has publicly threatened to "open the floodgates" and allow migrants into Europe unchecked if Brussels does not hold up its end of the deal.

Such a repeat of the 2015 mass arrival of refugees would be one of very few events which could still derail Merkel on her steadfast march to a fourth term in office. The risk to her political fortunes is not just due to growing unease among German voters over the recent scale of immigration, but also a consequence of the fact that she has repeatedly defended the treaty and claimed it as one of her legislative successes.

Despite Erdogan's dire warnings, however, reneging on the agreement may no longer be as disruptive as it once seemed. Amid an eerie silence on the battlefields of Syria and Iraq, migration routes to Europe have shifted from the Aegean Sea to the coast of North Africa. The EU has also worked feverishly in the last months to intensify naval and border cooperation in the Mediterranean and would hence be in a much better position to react to a potential expiration of the Turkish deal.

The second, and more significant risk, which Germany faces from a further escalation of tensions with Turkey, is therefore related to its population of more than 3 million residents of Turkish descent. On Tuesday, Turkish community representatives in Germany warned that a cancellation of EU accession talks could have unintended consequences. Such a step would weaken opposition forces in Turkey on the one hand, and strengthen right-wing parties in Germany on the other, leaving Germans of Turkish origin vulnerable and alienated.

The comments highlight the potential for social strife, in particular during an age where fears of terrorist attacks have hardened attitudes towards Muslim immigrants in particular. An opinion survey by the Bertelsmann institute recently found that one in five Germans reported not wanting to have Muslim neighbors.

If there is any source of hope that Berlin and Ankara will succeed in mending fences at this point, then perhaps it lies in their mutual domestic vulnerabilities. Turkish politicians do not want their country to become economically isolated, while German officials are keen to preserve social stability at home. This circumstance could yet pave the way to verbal disarmament and a re-organization of diplomatic relations along its earlier, more cordial, lines.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:08:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated Tuesday that the solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue must be "political," stressing that "the potential consequences of military action are too horrific."

"The solution must be political," emphasized the secretary-general during his meeting with reporters at the UN headquarters in New York Tuesday.

"Let us promote the dialogue and the communication necessary to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding," he said, adding that confrontation "may lead to unintended consequences."

"As Secretary-General, I'm ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation," he said.

Guterres once again condemned the latest nuclear missile tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying they are "profoundly destabilizing regional and international security."

He called on the DPRK authorities to "comply fully with international obligations, the Security Council resolutions including Resolution 2371 adopted last month."

The secretary-general stressed the unity of the Security Council, noting that "the unity of the council is crucial in addressing the crisis and that unity also creates an opportunity to engage diplomatically to decrease tensions, increase confidence and prevent any escalations."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:13:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DUBAI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday condemned the use of force against Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar authorities, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed its continued support and humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar, WMA said.

The ministry also stressed the need for the international community to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis there, urging the United Nations to find "a humane and political solution" to protect the Rohingya from violence, displacement and collective punishment.

The continuation of the Rohingya tragedy and their suffering is "totally unacceptable," it noted.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:13:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A state funeral will be held Friday for the Lebanese soldiers kidnapped and killed by Islamic State (IS) militants, according to a statement issued by the presidential media office on Tuesday.

The presidential palace has issued orders for a state funeral to be held at the headquarters of the Defense Ministry in Yarze on Sept. 8, the statement said.

The funeral was initially scheduled for Thursday, but delayed due to the visit of the president of the Central African Republic to Beirut on the same day.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Saad Hariri are expected to attend the funeral, in addition to a number of high-ranking officials, the National News Agency reported.

More than 30 servicemen were held captive when IS and al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front overran the northeastern border town of Arsal in August 2014.

Several of the servicemen were killed in captivity but many others were released according to a deal reached in December 2015.

The bodies of some of the captives were recovered on the outskirts of Arsal following a successful offensive the Lebanese army launched against the al-Nusra Front in August.

It was confirmed that nine servicemen were killed during their captivity.

The location of their burial site was disclosed by IS militants as part of a cease-fire deal that allowed the extremist fighters to leave Lebanon for eastern Syria.

Earlier in the day, Justice Minister Salim Jreissati said the results of DNA testing on the remains of kidnapped soldiers will be released on Wednesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:19:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the violence of Myanmar's security forces following attacks on them by Rohinyas.

"I am deeply concerned about the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State," Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.

"I have condemned the recent attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. But now we are receiving constant reports of violence by Myanmar's security forces, including indiscriminate attacks. This will only further increase radicalization."

The international community must undertake concerted efforts to prevent any further escalation and to seek a holistic solution, he said. "The authorities in Myanmar must take determined action to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and to provide security and assistance to all those in need. I urge them to ensure unhindered humanitarian access for life-saving relief operations."

He called for an immediate action plan to address the root causes of the crisis. It will be crucial to give the Rohinyas in Rakhine State, Muslims living in a Buddhist nation, either nationality or, at least for now, a legal status that will allow them to have a normal life, including freedom of movement and access to labor markets, education and health services, said Guterres.

The Myanmar government recognizes the Rohinya as illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh.

Nearly 125,000 people, victims of unbearable suffering and desperation, have sought refuge in Bangladesh. Many people have lost their lives trying to flee the violence. The grievances and unresolved plight of the Rohingya have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization, said Guterres.

He thanked the Bangladeshi government for its decision to allow refugees to enter the country, and encouraged it to meet the needs of recent arrivals. The United Nations is and will remain totally committed to help, he said.

He asked for the full implementation of the recommendations of a report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:29:04|Editor: Song Lifang

Activists hold banners with slogans regarding the refugee-migration crisis in front of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Greece, on Sept. 5, 2017. A total of 103 refugees and migrants were rescued on Tuesday off Crete island, Greek national news agency AMNA reported, as activists protested EU policy on the refugee-migration crisis on the Acropolis hill here. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 103 refugees and migrants were rescued on Tuesday off Crete island, Greek national news agency AMNA reported, as activists protested EU policy on the refugee-migration crisis on the Acropolis hill here.

The nationalities of the 103 people who were on board the wooden boat have not been identified yet, but local authorities said they had all been safely transferred to Herakleion port.

A European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) plane and five boats took part in the search and located the boat when a passenger made a distress call to the European emergency number 112, according to AMNA.

Against this backdrop, banners raised by a small group of local Leftist activists in front of the Parthenon temple read: "Ferries not Frontex."

Protesters who posed with plastic boats like the ones thousands of refugees have used to cross the Mediterranean Sea since 2015, called on European member states to open their borders and create safe passage for incoming refugees instead of a building a "fortress" around Europe.

Other banners showed slogans calling for statesmen to acknowledge the refugees' right to stay and freedom of movement.

More than 1 million people have reached Greece mainly from Turkey's shores since early 2015 to continue their journey on to other European countries.

Following the deaths of thousands of people in the Mediterranean, EU member states stepped up efforts to shape a common strategy to address the crisis.

In autumn 2015, they launched a relocation program to ease the burden for Greece and Italy, while in spring 2016 after the closure of borders along the Balkan route, they made an agreement with Turkey to stem the influx via the Aegean Sea.

The flows via the Aegean Sea were dramatically decreased over the past year and smuggling rings shifted to northern African countries, sending boats towards Italy.
File photo: U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during "Stop the Iran Deal" rally at West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, Sept. 9, 2015. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that if U.S. President Donald Trump tells Congress that Iran violates a 2015 nuclear deal, it doesn't mean the United States is withdrawing from the nuclear deal.

"If the president chooses not to certify Iranian compliance, that does not mean the United States is withdrawing from the JCPOA" (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), said Haley here at an event, referring to the Iran nuclear deal reached between Iran and six world major countries, namely the United States, Britain, China, Russia, France and Germany.

Rather, the move would signal one or more of three messages to Congress, she added.

"Either the Administration believes Iran is in violation of the deal; or the lifting of sanctions against Iran is not appropriate and proportional to the regime's behavior; or the lifting of sanctions is not in the U.S. national security interest," said Haley.

The nuclear deal set limits on Iran's nuclear activities and allowed regular inspections of the facilities inside Iran.

In return, the United States and the European Union will suspend nuclear-related sanctions against Iran, with the lifting of all past UN Security Council sanction resolutions.

Under U.S. law, the U.S. State Department is required every 90 days to recertify to Congress Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal.

So far, the Trump administration had recertified Iran's compliance with the deal twice and the next deadline for recertification comes due on Oct. 15, 2017.

According to local media reports, Trump reportedly clashed with his national security team members on whether or not he should recertify Iran's compliance in July and soon after the second recertification, Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he "personally" would expect Iran to be declared noncompliant in October.

Haley on Tuesday said that she did not know what decision Trump would make.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:34:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities on Tuesday offered a reward of 160,000 U.S. dollars for information that may lead to the arrest of seven terror suspects believed to be operating in the country.

The police said the eight with 20,000 dollar bounty each want to form their own group within the vast Boni Forest in Lamu County using Al-Shabaab's resources.

The militants have been using Boni forest as their hideout to recruit and train the militants.

The police report said Kenyan Al-Shabaab leader, Ahmed Iman Ali, with the alias Abu Zinira, together with seven other senior Kenyan fighters, are contemplating defection from the group after being disgruntled and fearing execution.

The 21-page report reveals Iman's motivation to leave the group, his activities since he joined the militia and his networks in Kenya.

"The objective of the local group is to penetrate the country, particularly North Eastern and Coastal parts, and spread its influence," said the report.

The police said Iman's plan to leave Al-Shabaab is likely to demoralize foreign fighters including those from Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt and Libya.

"It is feared that his exit will worsen the already existing tension between local Somali fighters and foreign fighters," the report said.

The report said Iman's command of religious and secular education, oratory skills, as well as charisma has endeared him to many foreign fighters.

The report revealed that Iman had issued two conditions for his surrender: that his family members will not be prosecuted and that he will not be turned to the Somali government or other countries that may want to try him.

The report said Al-Shabaab is currently facing a mass exodus as fighters scramble to take up the amnesty offer by Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and also given the heavy offensive against them by AMISOM, U.S. Special Forces and the Somali National Army.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:44:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BISHKEK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev and visiting President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed on Tuesday an agreement on coordination of 85 percent of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, the press service of the Kyrgyz President reported.

"We were convinced that we can agree if we want and have a political will," Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said after the signing of the main document.

He said that, today there was a historical event.

"The peoples of the two countries have waited for this day for 25 years. This is a great merit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev," Atambayev said.

The Kyrgyz President said that during the talks the two sides reached mutual understanding on all the issues.

The Kyrgyz leader also added that today he was once again convinced that there are no unsolvable issues.

"Today's state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan opens a new era, a new era in relations between the two fraternal countries and two independent republics," he said.

From his part, President Mirziyoyev proposed to turn the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border into the border of friendship.

"The strategy of our country, of the new leadership in our foreign policy is a rapprochement with our neighbors," he said naming Kyrgyzstan a strategic partner.

The sides also reached mutual understanding on the construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and agreed to accelerate the construction.

According to data of the Uzbek President, in the first half of 2017 the trade turnover between the two countries grew by 60 percent. Mirziyoyev said that there are plans to raise the turnover up to 500 million U.S. dollars.

During the talks, the sides also exchanged views on the whole complex of Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations and prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday for a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Atambayev. On Wednesday, the Uzbek President will meet with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sapar Isakov and Parliament Speaker Chynybai Tursunbekov.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:49:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOSCOW, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday that Russia resolutely opposes the escalation of military tension in Northeast Asia.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Tillerson, when they exchanged assessments of the Korean Peninsula situation following Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test on Sunday.

According to a foreign ministry statement, Lavrov said any choice should be made in favor of political and diplomatic means to find peaceful solutions.

While the United States and its allies are preparing a draft resolution on Pyongyang for the United Nations Security Council to vote, Lavrov said Russia is ready to consider the document if it reflects the position above.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated Tuesday that the solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue must be "political," stressing that "the potential consequences of military action are too horrific."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 04:09:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BUJUMBURA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Over 1,400 hectares of forests have been devastated by bush fires in Burundi since the beginning of the dry season in June, an environment official said Tuesday.

The province of Bururi in the south of Burundi comes on the top in terms of burnt areas. Up to Monday, the province had registered 527 hectares of burnt forests, said Samuel Ndayiragije, general manager in charge of environment protection at the Burundian environment ministry.

He said heavy sanctions are provided in the country's forest law, underlining that 28 suspects have been arrested in Ruyigi, the second most affected province with 495 hectares of forests burned, for deliberately setting fire on forests.

Reasons behind setting fire on forest reserves in the tiny African nation are not well known, but the administration assumes that some illegal animal hunters set fire on forests to see easily where animals are hiding. Others set fire to get pastures for their cattle, especially in the dry season extending from June to September.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 04:09:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua ) -- The Trump administration's tax reform plan will do very little for the economic growth, said former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers on Tuesday.

U.S. president Donald Trump pushed Congress last week to pass a comprehensive measure to overhaul the tax code. The white House said it will release a final version the President's tax plan this month.

"This is an effort to cut taxes, principally to cut taxes on business in ways that will benefit a small part of the population and will do every little, in my judgment, for the economy," Summers, a Harvard professor of economics, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

White House National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn said last week that Congress, not the President, is taking the lead on crafting the actual tax reform legislation. Cohn, together with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has been holding regular meetings in recent months with four Republican leaders in the House and Senate to work on the legislation.

Cohn told Fox Business Network last Friday that reforming the tax code is a "once-in-a-life opportunity," comparing the Trump administration's tax reform plan to the tax overhaul done by Reagan administration in 1986.

Summers, who led the Treasury during the Clinton administration, said Trump administration's tax plan bears little resemblance to the reform efforts of the 1980s. "The Tax Reform Act of 1986 was all reform, with no net cut. The current effort is mostly cuts, with very little structural reform," Summers wrote on his website on Tuesday.

It is not clear whether Congress has enough time to debate and pass the tax reform legislation by the end of this year, as lawmakers also have to pass legislation to fund the federal government and raise the debt ceiling in the coming months.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 04:14:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, obviously moved by "the unprecedented number" of recent natural disasters spanning from Texas to Sierra Leone, said on Tuesday "it's time to get serious about keeping ambitions high on climate action."

While he said the world organization "stands ready to support relief efforts in any way possible," it is also time for "building resilience and reducing disaster risk."

The UN chief spoke to reporters at UN headquarters, the day after members of the Security Council roundly condemned the recent Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear test. He said that crisis along with sectarianism in Myanmar and recent floods and mudslides were the three most pressing issues the world faces in the run up to UN General Assembly annual General Debate that opens in two weeks.

"The number of natural disasters has nearly quadrupled since 1970," Guterres said. "The United States, followed by China and India have experienced the most disasters since 1995 and last year alone 24.2 million people were displaced by sudden onset disasters, three times as many as by conflict and violence."

"Even before the recent floods, preliminary reports for this year show that there have been 2,087 deaths from natural disasters," he said.

"It is true that scientists warn against linking any single event with climate change," the secretary-general said. "But, they are equally clear that such extreme weather is precisely what their models predict will be the new normal of a warming world. With science forecasting a dramatic rise in both the frequency and severity of disasters it's time to get serious about keeping ambitions high on climate action and on building resilience and reducing disaster risk."

Asked if his message on climate change was directed at U.S. President Donald Trump -- who pulled his nation out of the Paris Agreement on climate change earlier this year -- Guterres replied, "We are totally committed to the Paris agreement and we hope that all countries will understand that it's not only the right thing to do, it's also the smart thing to do, because the green economy is the economy of the future."
File photo: Soldiers attend a military parade in central Pyongyang, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, April 15, 2017. (Xinhua/Cheng Dayu)

MOSCOW, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday that Russia resolutely opposes the escalation of military tension in Northeast Asia.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Tillerson, when they exchanged assessments of the Korean Peninsula situation following Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test on Sunday.

According to a foreign ministry statement, Lavrov said any choice should be made in favor of political and diplomatic means to find peaceful solutions.

While the United States and its allies are preparing a draft resolution on Pyongyang for the United Nations Security Council to vote, Lavrov said Russia is ready to consider the document if it reflects the position above.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated Tuesday that the solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue must be "political," stressing that "the potential consequences of military action are too horrific."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 04:49:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Tuesday that the United States continues to push for a safer and denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

"The priority of the administration is to have denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders at the daily briefing.

"All options are on the table and we're going to continue to push for a safer and denuclearized Korean Peninsula," she added.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology violated UN Security Council resolutions.

China's permanent representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 05:04:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ANKARA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has allowed Turkey to deliver humanitarian aid to Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State, Turkish presidential spokesman said Tuesday.

In a written statement, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Myanmar government has permitted the access of personnel from the Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency (TIKA) to the region and distribute 1,000 tons of aid in the first phase.

The permission comes hours after a telephone call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The spokesman said the aid packages, including rice, dried fish and clothes, will be sent to the region by military helicopters starting from Wednesday.

Turkey will also deliver medical supplies to those in need, he added.

The aid is planned to be delivered to the Maungtaw and Buthi Taung regions of Myanmar with the coordination of the Rakhine State government.

Turkey will also distribute humanitarian aid to the Rohingyas in camps in Bangladesh.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and TIKA chief Serdar Cam would visit Cox's Bazar district in Bangladesh, where thousands of Rohingya people have taken shelter in the last 10 days.

Kalin said Turkey plans to initially distribute aid to 100,000 families in coordination with the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

TIKA is the first foreign aid agency to get permission from Myanmar government to enter the region since the violence began on Aug. 25, he noted.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 05:14:45|Editor: Song Lifang

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to journalists during a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was moved on Tuesday to condemn the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) recent nuclear test, sectarianism in Myanmar and to issue a call to "get serious" on climate change after unprecedented natural disasters spanning the globe. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was moved on Tuesday to condemn the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) recent nuclear test, sectarianism in Myanmar and to issue a call to "get serious" on climate change after unprecedented natural disasters spanning the globe.

On the DPRK, he told reporters at UN Headquarters, "Let us promote the dialogue and the communication necessary to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding" that confrontation "may lead to unintended consequences."

The UN chief spoke on three most pressing issues the world faces in the run up to UN General Assembly annual General Debate that opens in two weeks.

Guterres said, "The solution must be political," and warned, "the potential consequences of military action are too horrific."

"As Secretary-General, I'm ready to support any efforts toward a peaceful solution of this alarming situation," he said.

When asked what is the most serious threat in today's world, the UN chief said it was "the nuclear threat in relation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

He condemned the latest nuclear missile tests by the DPRK, saying they are profoundly destabilizing regional and international security."

Guterres endorsed Security Council unity, calling it "crucial in addressing the crisis and that unity also creates an opportunity to engage diplomatically to decrease tensions, increase confidence and prevent any escalation."

On the sectarian attacks on the Rohingyas, the UN chief said, "I am deeply concerned about the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State."

The international community must undertake concerted efforts to prevent any further escalation and to seek a holistic solution, he said. "The authorities in Myanmar must take determined action to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and to provide security and assistance to all those in need. I urge them to ensure unhindered humanitarian access for life-saving relief operations."

Guterres also called for an immediate action plan to address the root causes of the crisis.

He said it will be crucial to give the Rohingyas, -- Muslims living in a Buddhist nation -- either nationality or a temporary at least legal status that will allow them to have a normal life, including freedom of movement and access to labor markets, education and health services.

The Myanmar government calls Rohingyas illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh.

Nearly 125,000 people, victims of unbearable suffering and desperation, have sought refuge in Bangladesh. Many people have lost their lives trying to flee the violence, Guterres said. The grievances and unresolved plight of the Rohingyas have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization.

He thanked the Bangladeshi government for its decision to allow refugees to enter the country, and encouraged it to meet the needs of recent arrivals. The United Nations is and will remain totally committed to help.

Guterres also called for full implementation of the recommendations of a report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

While Guterres said the world organization "stands ready to support relief efforts in any way possible" for those suffering in natural disasters, it is also time for "building resilience and reducing disaster risk."

"The number of natural disasters has nearly quadrupled since 1970," he said. "The United States, followed by China and India have experienced the most disasters since 1995 and last year alone 24.2 million people were displaced by sudden onset disasters, three times as many as by conflict and violence."

"Even before the recent floods, preliminary reports for this year show that there have been 2,087 deaths from natural disasters," he said.

"It is true that scientists warn against linking any single event with climate change," the secretary-general said. "But, they are equally clear that such extreme weather is precisely what their models predict will be the new normal of a warming world. With science forecasting a dramatic rise in both the frequency and severity of disasters it's time to get serious about keeping ambitions high on climate action and on building resilience and reducing disaster risk."

Asked if his message on climate change was directed at U.S. President Donald Trump -- who pulled his nation out of the Paris Agreement on climate change earlier this year -- Guterres replied, "We are totally committed to the Paris agreement and we hope that all countries will understand that it's not only the right thing to do it's also the smart thing to do because the green economy is the economy of the future."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 05:34:50|Editor: Song Lifang

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U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions leaves after a press conference in Washington D.C., the United States, on Sept. 5, 2017. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded. The move potentially puts 800,000 illegal immigrants in danger of deportation. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of people were handcuffed and removed by police during a rally Tuesday outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to scrap a program shielding from deportation immigrants who came to the country illegally as children.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of Trump Tower at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, chanting "undocumented, unafraid," "We are human beings, our dreams are all equal, protect dignity and all of our people!"

At least 34 of the protesters who sat down in the middle of Fifth Avenue and briefly blocked traffic were taken away in handcuffs by the police.

Images and videos of the rally were widely circulated on social media. Many of the netizens expressed their support and sympathy for the protesters.

"... #DACA recipients risk arrest outside Trump Tower. @NationalNurses stands with Dreamers! #TuesdayThoughts," tweeted RoseAnn DeMoro with a short video showing protesters held hands and sat down on the Fifth Avenue.

The protests came shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the administration would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay.

The DACA beneficiaries were known as Dreamers in the United States.

The DACA, which was passed under the Obama administration in 2012, grants temporary residency and work privileges to those who entered the country before their 16th birthday.

Under the program, Dreamers can apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the U.S. for two years. After that, they can apply for renewal.

By March 31, 240,700 people had applied for renewal in the 2017 fiscal year and nearly 800,000 renewals have been approved over the life of the program.

"We warned you not to threaten our neighbors, @realDonaldTrump," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Tuesday minutes after Sessions made the announcement.

"New York City will fight to defend our Dreamers," de Blasio added, using a term commonly used to refer to recipients of DACA.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Monday also threatened to sue if Trump moved to end the DACA program.

Yet there are voices expressing concern that the DACA has amounted to an amnesty for illegal immigrants.

"I support immigrants and immigration standards focused on national security only because it is clear to me that immigrants have always been and remain a huge net positive to America," Lee Cheng, co-founder and director of the Asian American Legal Foundation, told Xinhua Tuesday.

"However, I have to say that as with everything Trump related, there is a lot of misinformation being promulgated by the media and immigration activists," Cheng said.

The problem and challenge with "broad amnesty of almost any kind" can be seen in the aftermath of the amnesty granted to illegal immigrants under President Reagan, he said, "No one can dispute that the amnesty absolutely encouraged even more illegal immigration in the following 2 decades and is the driver of many of the immigration issues facing America today."

The Trump administration is simply asking Congress to take appropriate action on immigration law rather than extending DACA -- Congress has the power and also the authority, as well as the duty, to do so, he said.

"They get 6 months to get something done they should have done years ago but never had the guts or principle to do -- pass comprehensive immigration reform," Cheng said. "It needs to be done. Congress has been punting on it for years because no one wanted to catch the political fallout from one side or another."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 05:34:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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COPENHAGEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Danish submarine owner Peter Madsen, who has been accused of manslaughtering Swedish journalist Kim Wall, said on Tuesday that Wall was accidentally killed by a hatch cover.

In a testimony read out in Copenhagen City Court by prosecutor Jacob Buch Jepsen, Madsen said Wall died at around 10:00 p.m. on Aug. 10 aboard his privately built submarine after being struck by a hatch cover weighing 70 kilograms.

He explained that he raised the hatch for Wall to come up from below in the submarine. Suddenly, he slipped on the platform and the hatch fell and hit her.

The builder of the 18-meter vessel, named UC3 Nautilus, told the court that he went into a state of shock and became suicidal following the accident, and decided to sail out into the the deep water and take his own life before changing his mind and disposing Wall's body into the sea.

Later, he decided to scuttle the submarine.

Madsen was rescued shortly before the vessel sank and brought back to Copenhagen on Aug. 11, claiming that the vessel had met a technical problem. He also told police that Wall had earlier disembarked from the vessel before it sank.

On Aug. 21, Wall's torso was found washed up on shore near Copenhagen.

On the same day, Copenhagen Police confirmed that Madsen had admitted on Aug. 12 that he had "buried Wall at sea" after she died on board due to an "accident".

Madsen was then charged with manslaughter and the prosecution has requested he undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Copenhagen police said that Wall's legs, arms and head, which have not yet been found, were removed deliberately, and that the body had been tampered with to make it sink.

However, Madsen is still pleading not guilty to the charge of manslaughter of Wall on Tuesday, insisting that her body was contact when disposed, according to his lawyer Betina Hald Engmark.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 06:04:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) suicide bombers are blowing themselves up as part of a counter offensive to close the breach the Syrian army has made into the years-long siege on Deir al-Zour city in eastern Syria, a monitor group reported on Tuesday.

Violent explosions and shelling flared on the outskirts of Deir al-Zour city by sunset Tuesday, as the IS militants launched a counter offensive to prevent the Syrian army from advancing into the city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This comes as the Syrian army and allied Iranian-backed fighters succeeded on Tuesday morning in lifting the three-year siege by IS on Deir al-Zour city with the help of the Russian air force.

The progressing forces broke the siege from the western part of the city through the Brigade 137, where a garrison of forces had been besieged by IS for three years.

The Syrian government hailed the achievement as a great victory against terrorism, with President Bashar al-Assad congratulating the soldiers there.

President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Assad on the victory, as Deir al-Zour is of a great strategic importance for the Syrian army.

The oil-rich city contains key gas and oil fields and it's also bordering Iraq.

Deir al-Zour is also the last stronghold for IS in Syria, with the Raqqa city, the de-facto capital of IS in northern Syria, is gradually falling to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), making the days of IS in Syria numbered if they lose Deir al-Zour.

In its report, the observatory said the IS counter offensive targeted the breach the Syrian army has made into the siege amid intense battles in the area.

The London-based watchdog group claimed that the passage opened by the Syrian army toward the Brigade 137 is exposed to the snipers of IS.

Meanwhile, other activists said that the U.S. has carried out two airdrops in Deir al-Zour over the past 24 hours, evacuating IS commanders out of the city, mainly the foreign fighters.

Syria and its allies have been accusing the U.S. of backing IS.

A statement issued earlier on Tuesday by the joint operation room of Syria's allies said the liberation of Deir al-Zour wouldn't have been delayed if it weren't for the U.S. and the coalition it's leading.

"The U.S. strike against Syrian military forces in Deir al-Zour helped Daesh expand in an attempt to control the entire city," the statement said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

The U.S. intervention has complicated the situation in Syria and prevented the Syrian army from advancing on several fronts, it said.

Furthermore, the statement accused the U.S. of abetting IS, citing testimonies from captured IS militants about the U.S. involvement in transporting IS commanders from Deir al-Zour ahead of the entry of the Syrian army.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 06:20:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MEXICO CITY, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- "Mexico's government deeply regrets the cancellation of DACA" by the Donald Trump administration, the Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) said in a statement Tuesday.

The statement said it will potentially affect "thousands of youth born in Mexico."

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was instituted by former U.S. president Barack Obama in 2012, and benefits about 800,000 young immigrants called "Dreamers," who had been taken to the U.S. as children.

Earlier in the day, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the U.S. administration would rescind the DACA program with a six-month delay.

Mexico's government on Tuesday said it is going to lobby the U.S. Congress over the White House's decision to abolish DACA that granted temporary work permits and other rights to young undocumented Mexicans.

Mexico's government "has sent letters to senators and congressional members, expounding the value of DACA youth to U.S. society and urging them to quickly find a permanent solution that provides them with legal certainty," the SRE said.

"The Mexican government will maintain permanent dialogue with the (U.S.) legislative branch in support of said solution," the SRE added.

At the same time, Mexico is preparing for a possible influx of former DACA beneficiaries, according to the SRE by setting up a "special job bank in Mexico for Dreamers," a scholarship program so they can continue their studies in Mexico or other countries, a fast-track method of accrediting their U.S. studies, and a credit program.

Trump's plan to end the young immigrants protection program has already reignited hot debate over U.S. immigration reform.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 06:30:07|Editor: Song Lifang

A man watches the TV duel between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz, chancellor candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), at a

media center in Berlin, Germany , Sept. 3, 2017.

by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ailing bilateral relations between NATO members Turkey and Germany have taken another heavy blow and are bound to spill over to the European Union, where German Chancellor Angela Merkel will seek to suspend or end Ankara's arduous membership bid, a move which can ultimately prove costly for Berlin, analysts said.

Merkel appeared to have sharpened her rhetoric on Turkey during Sunday's debate when her challenger Social Democrat (SDP) leader Martin Schulz vowed to stop Ankara's bid to join the European Union if he were elected chancellor.

Merkel, who has been at odds with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on many issues since last year, said "the fact is clear that Turkey should not become a member of the EU."

The chancellor put her words into practice on Tuesday, by announcing that she'll bring up the future of Turkey's accession bid with fellow EU leaders during their next month's summit, raising the prospect of a formal end to Ankara's membership aspirations.

"I will recommend that we discuss the future status of Turkey, including whether to suspend or end talks," Merkel said in a speech to lower-house lawmakers in Berlin, causing a drop in the Turkish lira and bonds in the financial markets.

"In the short term Turkey can lose this dispute, but in the long term it will prove costly for Germany," said Huseyin Bagci, professor of international relations at Middle East Technical University (METU).

"Ultimately Turkey will watch Germany's powers being tested inside the EU," where central and eastern European countries are hostile to Berlin's ever growing influence.

Also, if Turkey decided to open the floodgates on his own accord toward Europe and not abide by a controversial agreement concluded in 2016 after a mass inflow of Syrian refugees, it could damage European solidarity with Merkel, as the eastern countries will be the first concerned by a new crisis.

"What we are witnessing is a geopolitical and geoeconomic uprising of Turkey. Let us not forget despite all criticism a regional player being a member of the G20, NATO and the Islamic Organization conference," Bagci said.

"The path taken by Merkel is a mistake but Erdogan, for his part, is also taking a big risk," he noted.

Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin accused Monday Germany of "indulgence in populism."

"It is certainly not a coincidence that our president was the main topic of the debate," he said on his twitter account, implying that German lawmakers were diverting attention to Turkey from other political questions.

Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued an official stance against Austria, highlighting "unacceptable election campaigns of politicians in both countries against Turkey."

"We are very unhappy with the disgraceful campaigning of political leaders in Germany and Austria, with a focus on opposing Turkey and blocking its negotiations process with the EU," the ministry said in a statement.

Turkey has arrested some 50,000 people following the failed coup in July 2016. At least 55 are known to hold German citizenship, among whom is a German journalist imprisoned on terror charges.

Relations between Ankara and Berlin have sharply deteriorated since the Turkish government's crackdown against followers of the U.S.-based preacher Fethullah Gulen and his shadowy network of businesses and charitable organizations.

Ankara accuses Gulen of being behind the plot that killed nearly 250 people and wounded 2,000 others.

Turkey also accuses Germany of acting as a safe haven for militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Gulen followers.

In recent months, President Erdogan has repeatedly referred to Germany's Nazi past, saying the country, where there is a big Turkish diaspora of some 3 million people, is becoming "racist."

Erdogan has not forgotten that neither Germany nor other EU countries made any response for weeks after the coup while Russian President Vladimir Putin was the first leader to offer sympathy, noted Bagci.

In months, a series of differences, which seemed benign at first, transformed "Merkel, the leader who advocated the most for Turkey inside the EU, to somewhat of an enemy number one," he added.

Germany refuses to extradite dozens of suspected coup plotters seeking asylum in the country and accuses Ankara of silencing all forms of dissent, while Turkey argues that the state of emergency and the subsequent crackdown are a must to free the state of terrorist elements.

"The notions of justice for the two countries are different and incompatible, but Germany has to renounce her attitude of lesson given to other countries and try to understand and take concrete steps toward Turkey's requests" of extradition, said Bagci.

Turkey joined a customs union with European countries and began difficult negotiations to became a member of the EU in 2005, but the discussions didn't advance very far and has stalled for months, with several EU countries reluctant to grant citizenship to the 80 million Muslim Turks.

Turkey's image as a secular and democratic country has sharply deteriorated in Europe in recent years and Erdogan has been accused of authoritarian rule, especially after the narrow win in a April contested constitutional referendum granting him sweeping executive powers.

In response to the mounting speculation among member states, the High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Federica Mogherini said "Turkey continues to be a candidate for EU membership," despite her acknowledgment that there were problems in relations.

"At the point, all political parties in Germany, whether they are from the right or the left wing, are hostile to a progress in Turkey's accession bid to the EU," Professor Birgul Demirtas from political sciences and foreign relations department at TOBB University, told Xinhua.

This analyst explained that Germany is the locomotive of the European bloc with a major political and economic power and similar voices opposing Turkey's membership were being heard from other member states.

But "Germany has the most seats in the European Parliament. Even though it can not define on its own Brussel's policy toward Turkey, it can nevertheless have an impact," Demirtas said.

"Such a decision (suspend or end negotiations) is not for Germany alone but all member states to take," European Commission Spokesman Maragaritis Schinas said Tuesday.

On a positive note, Demirtas argued that as problematic as they are, there is always light at the end of the tunnel for both sides since they both need each other.

"The ties between the two countries have still the potential of returning to normal in time, but if differences spill over to other fields, military or tourism, it will be to the disadvantage of both countries," he noted.

Germany is one of the biggest investors in Turkey and a major economic partner. In the wake of deteriorating ties, Berlin has threatened to impose commercial sanctions on Ankara.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 06:35:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAGHDAD, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Up to 1,200 people on Tuesday fled Iraqi areas captured by Islamic State (IS) militants near the border with Syria to a city under control of the Iraqi government after covering dozens of kilometers in the desert of Iraq's western province of Anbar, a provincial security source told Xinhua.

The local government of the city of Rutba, some 370 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, received during the day 1,200 people fleeing the militants-seized cities of Aana, Rawa and al-Qaim, mostly women and children, Col. Adel al-Dulaimi from Anbar provincial police said.

They arrived in Rutba after sneaking out of homes and covering more than 200 km across the desert between their cities and Rutba, Dulaimi added.

"The Iraqi government almost every day is receiving dozens of refugees who are fleeing their homes in the IS-held areas, some of whom are forced to pay a lot of money for smugglers to flee their cities and towns to get rid of the IS militants," he noted.

On Aug. 31, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared full liberation of the city of Tal Afar and surrounding areas from the extremist IS militants.

"I declare to you that Tal Afar has joined the liberated Mosul and returned to the homeland," Abadi said in a statement issued by his office.

"The joy of victory has been completed and the entire province of Nineveh has become in the hands of our heroic forces," Abadi said.

The prime minister also vowed to defeat IS all over Iraq, saying "wherever you (IS militants) are, we are coming for liberation, and you have no choice but to die or surrender."

The Iraqi forces still have to launch more offensives to dislodge IS militants from their redoubts in Hawijah in southwestern Kirkuk, the adjacent sprawling rugged areas in eastern Salahudin Province, in addition to the remaining IS strongholds in the border areas with Syria, including the cities of Aana, Rawa and al-Qaim in the western province of Anbar.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 06:55:15|Editor: Song Lifang

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday welcomed a temporary cease-fire between the Colombian government and the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN).

"The secretary-general expresses the hope that the agreement, announced yesterday in Quito, Ecuador, will improve conditions for the civilian population in conflict areas and offer opportunities for substantial progress in the peace talks between the parties," said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres' spokesman, in a statement.

The secretary-general commends the role of the guarantors -- Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Norway and Venezuela -- in support of the negotiations, as well as the important role of the Catholic Church. He reiterates the support of the United Nations toward all efforts that contribute to lasting peace in Colombia.

The temporary cease-fire, effective from Oct. 1, 2017 to Jan. 12, 2018, followed on-and-off talks between the two parties since early 2000s. Peace talks between the government and the ELN took center stage after the successful disarmament of the country's largest armed group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which had similar ideology with the ELN.
A Global Vision for Libraries



At its annual World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), held in Wroclaw, Poland, in August 2017, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) began the voting period for individuals to contribute to the Global Vision discussion , which is an attempt to explore how a connected library field can meet the challenges of the future. The hashtag for the Global Vision discussion is #iflaGlobalVision . Voting will close on Sept. 30, 2017.

The Global Vision discussion grew out of the concern that in an increasingly globalized world, libraries risk being left behind if they dont create a common goal around their values, perspectives, and future actions. As Gerald Leitner, IFLAs secretary general, phrased it on the Global Vision About page, The challenges facing the library field from ever-increasing globalisation can only be met and overcome by an inclusive, global response from a united library field.

Given that we live in a world where global communication is commonplace and information arrives on a multitude of devices from many sources, libraries role in advocating for unfettered information access and promoting information literacy is unparalleled. However, challenges exist, including funding, competitors from the commercial sector, and outdated copyright laws. Thus, its important that libraries develop an international position, agreeing to improve access to information and articulating their value proposition.

To envision the future of libraries and the information community, IFLA has embarked on an ambitious program of face-to-face and virtual meetings, each of which results in a Global Vision report. Leitner announced at WLIC that more than 200 reports have already been received. These reports, along with the results of the voting process, will be analyzed and synthesized into a final report, which will be presented at a meeting in Barcelona, Spain, in spring 2018. Based on the report, IFLA will develop work plans to move the Global Vision from theory to practice.

A Call to Action

Donna Scheeder, in her incoming presidential address to WLIC in 2015, urged IFLA members to support her Call to Action. The Lyon Declaration of August 2014 presents a powerful foundation of support for access to information, she said then, but it is only part of the global agenda. Following on the heels of the Lyon Declaration came IFLAs input into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2016. The goal most relevant to libraries (Goal 16) stresses the necessity of free access to information.

The Global Vision discussion is a natural progression from those two major initiatives. It strives to set a basis for creating the future. With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it began with process design and kicked off in April 2017 with a meeting in Athens, Greece, attended by officers of various IFLA professional units. The discussion then moved to six regional workshops in Africa, Asia Oceania, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, and Europewhich were attended by representatives of 140 countriesalong with self-organized workshops, such as the one held during SLAs 2017 annual conference in Phoenix.

Unit Meetings to Consider Vision Questions

IFLAs individual professional units were also expected to hold discussions and write reports on their views of the Global Vision. For example, the Reference and Information Services Section (RISS) Standing Committee, of which Im a member, met via an online video conference in June, with attendees from Canada, the U.S., Botswana, Italy, and Qatar. We were asked to imagine the state of libraries in 2020 and to consider the following 10 structured questions:

What are the core values of libraries?

What are libraries exceptionally good at?

What should libraries do more of?

What should libraries do less of?

What are the main challenges to libraries?

What are your main professional challenges?

How should a united library field meet the challenges identified?

What would be the characteristics of a united library field?

What could be the focus of a united library field?

A report on the Library Theory and Research sections Global Vision meeting, written by Anna Maria Tammaro and Theo Bothma, was published in that groups July 2017 newsletter.

The Voting Process

For the Global Vision general voting, people are asked their opinions on six structured questions:

What are the core values of libraries?

What are libraries exceptionally good at?

What should libraries do more of?

What should libraries do less of?

What are the main challenges to libraries?

What would be the characteristics of a united library field?

All people with an interest in libraries, whether they belong to IFLA or not, can cast a vote. Simply wanting to explore and influence the future of libraries is all thats required. IFLA encourages people to vote for their vision of the library future, identify common concerns, and help shape that future. The Global Vision discussion will articulate an inclusive worldwide response to library globalization challenges from a united library field.

As Scheeder said in her outgoing presidential address at WLIC 2017, Create the change you want to see. She urged us to be bold, move in new directions, end the isolation of library silos, and, most important, move IFLAs change agenda forward.

Images courtesy of IFLA
BLAME CHRISTINE

In responding to questions from committee members, Ferreira accused Sahadeo of questionable conduct and blamed her for creating serious internal conflicts within the former board. He said he went so far as to write Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley about his concerns of Sahadeos conduct.

Ferreira said former members were unaware of Sahadeos resignation as chairman on February 22. He said subsequently, a very powerful person in the Government told him there would be an emergency Cabinet meeting after she had resigned in February. Ferreira said that meeting resulted in the rest of the former board being removed and a new board being installed within the space of 24 hours. While it has been publicly reported that the former board members resigned, Ferreira claimed, We were constructively dismissed. He further alleged, There was an incident in which incorrect minutes were sent to the Minister, initialled by the chairman. Ferreira said he wrote to Sahadeo about this and communicated his concerns to former Works and Transport minister Fitzgerald Hinds. He also said he sent a report on his accountability as a board member to Hinds and Rowley.

Ferreira said Sahadeo requested marine consultant Captain Alfred McMillan of Magellan Maritime Services to do an investigation on the Super Fast Galicia cargo vessel, which was leased under the former Peoples Partnership (PP) government. Referring to documents in his possession, Ferreira said this decision was never taken by the board. In the report, he (McMillan) said, I was requested by Christine Sahadeo, Ferreira said.

He said at that time, Magellan was not contracted by the Authority to do maintenance work on the fast ferries. Ferreira claimed McMillan also made recommendations for vessels outside of the tendering process as outlined in the State Enterprises performance manual. He could not say whether or not there was corruption in the Galicias procurement as it happened during the PPs tenure.

He said the main problem with the Galicia was the lack of a proper berthing location. Ferreira said no dredging of the port had been done over the last 20 years to facilitate a vessel of that size. He said the board agreed to extend the Galicias contract for 18 months, provided that the dredging was done. He said the Port agreed to a $37 million proposal from a Dutch firm to do the dredging.

Ferreira said while Hinds agreed to the extension and the dredging works, Cabinet did not. He said this led to a month to month arrangement for the Galicia.

He supported Sahadeos position that the former board never agreed to a five-year extension for the Galicia. Sahadeo said this was apparently done by management without the boards knowledge.

She said Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan was informed of this. Energy Minister Franklin Khan said if true, this was a matter for serious investigation and possible disciplinary action. Ferreira also disclosed he was contacted by Inter-Continental Shipping (ICS) managing director John Powell about the Galicias extension. ICS is the owner of the Galicia. Ferreira said he advised Powell to address his concerns to other board members.

He said the former board was subsequently advised of this.

Opposition Senator Wade Mark claimed former acting Port CEO Leon Grant accused Sahadeo of hijacking the port managements attempt to extend the Galicias contract, in a June 7, 2016 letter to Hinds. Sahadeo said she was unaware of this letter. Ferreira said when Sahadeo decided to remove Grant as acting CEO and replace him with Charmaine Lewis, he fully supported her.

However Ferreira said Sahadeo subsequently allowed some port managers to interrupt a board meeting and voice their concerns about Lewis appointment. He said Lewis was removed as acting CEO nine days after her appointment.

He claimed Sahadeo interviewed Lewis at her office at the UWI, St Augustine campus where she is a lecturer. He also claimed Sahadeo spoke with the line minister independently from the board and concerns about the Galicia were her own.

In response, Sahadeo said many of the former board members were not aware of the Galicias unsuitability for the seabridge as much of the vessel could not be used for cargo. While three separate tenders were issued last year (March, August and December) for replacement vessels, Sahadeo said the board approved certain specifications for those vessels.

However she disclosed when the tenders returned, we are asked to approve a tender with totally different specifications. Sahadeo said while it is easy to be nice and let nature take its course, this proposed arrangement would have cost this country a phenomenal amount of money. Asked by members how this situation arose, Sahadeo attributed it to the former boards tender committee and the ports management. While in hindsight she believed a direct conversation with Rowley might have resolved some of these issues, Sahadeo felt she did the best she could under the circumstances. I think I have dealt fairly and correctly so with those responsibilities, she said.

See Pages 9A, 11A
Another elderly woman killed at home

The latest victim is Ramdevi Singh, 76, a mother of two and grandmother of three of Imamshah Street, Chaguanas.

Singhs husband, Martin, 79, a stroke patient, found her nude body face down on the ground of the living room with injuries to the head at about 9 am yesterday. She was in a pool of blood and had a piece of cloth around her throat.

This happened just two days after former director of the National Museum and Art Gallery, Dr Claire Broadbridge, 80, was killed at her home at Fondes Amandes Road, St Anns. It is believed her throat was slit.

In the case of Singh, police said there were so many injuries to the head it was difficult to say whether her killer/s slit her throat or bludgeoned her. An autopsy scheduled for today at the Forensic Sciences Centre, St James, will determine the cause of death.

Singh, a retiree with Guardian Life Insurance, lived with her husband who she took care of since he cannot speak or walk properly having suffered two strokes. After the discovery yesterday, Martin fell ill and up to last evening, he was receiving medical care at the Chaguanas Health Centre. Their two adult children and grandchildren live abroad.

Police said shortly after 9 am, Martin managed to walk to the front gate of the home and alerted two passers- by about the discovery.

There were no signs of forced entry and the house was not ransacked, police said.

One man, who requested anonymity, said at about 3 am yesterday residents heard a woman screaming but made nothing of it.

It was only hours after news of the killing broke, they made the connection that it might have been Singh.

Her brother Sen Vishnu said he received a telephone call at about 9.30 am yesterday informing him that something was happening at his sisters home.

When he arrived, he saw police on the scene and was told she was killed.

My sister was a former customer service representative at Guardian Life, so based on that alone she had good people skills, Vishnu said.

That continued even after she retired. She was very friendly. As to where exactly in the house her husband was at the time of her killing, relatives are yet to know.

He struggles to walk and someone has to hold his hands when he does. He used to be a businessman. This is very distressing right now. Up to late yesterday, police including Sgt John, Cpls Radhaykisson and Ramoutar of Homicide Bureau (Region III) and Chaguanas CID were searching for evidence.

On May 26, pharmacist and businesswoman Rahzia Pamela Sieuchand, 65, was found stabbed to death in a bedroom at her home at Lange Park, Chaguanas.

The house was ransacked.

Sieuchand, who owned and operated a pharmacy at St Helena in Piarco, was a mother and grandmother and lived alone in the house. No arrest has been made.
PATT: SWWTU firm gets $1.4M per month to upkeep ferries

Moreso these monthly payments are made even when either of the ferries is in dry dock for lengthy periods. Further, Lewis said the PATT actually pays part of the cost of the food provided and of the companys wage-bill.

Newsday was unable to contact SWWTU head Michael Annisette to inquire about that company, Port Workers and Private Sector Manning Limited.

She revealed the PATT is paying $266,000 towards the companys wage-bill and $35,000 for crew meals, on top of the $703,000 paid for each of the two ferries, the latter totalling $1.4 million. Energy Minister Franklin Khan said, So what are you paying this company for?.

Lamenting that the PATT is paying a hefty cost for a limited amount of service, he said when the committee digs a bit deeper it unearths new revelations. Khan quipped, Houston, we have a problem. When Lewis said the current contract for these services was an extension of a previous contract, Khan bemoaned that contractors are practicing this too often under PATT. You find a door ajar and you are not coming out. On Lewis revealing that the SWWTU owns the company, Khan pressed her if she was comfortable with that arrangement, to which she replied, Its a situation that presents some difficulty. Opposition Senator Wade Mark urged the committee to question Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on his remarks that the failed leasing of the Ocean Flower II seemed crooked.

Mark dubbed the deal an extraordinary and irregular activity where his Cabinet became a rubber stamp. Marks upset arose at revelations that the deals (known as charter-parties) to lease two ferries (Ocean Flower II and Cabo Star) were signed on June 17, ahead of the June 20 minute by Cabinet approving the former ship and the June 30 Cabinet note and July 2 Cabinet minute to approve the latter ship. Id have thought that for US$50,000 or TT$350,000 per day on two vessels, Cabinet would have to had approved that before, he said.

Mark said his research suggested Bridgemans owned no vessels prior to them winning the seabridge contract on June 17.

Lewis disagreed by saying they owned a couple of vessels (if not fast ferries) and Mark asked her to supply such details in writing.

Earlier Lewis revealed the PATT had paid a mobilisation fee and the first month of fees for charter hire for the Cabo Star, but no committee member asked the size of these sums.
A national disgrace

Her throat was slit and her killer or killers set fire to several pieces of furniture in an apparent attempt to burn the house down.

Stephen was among 13 families waiting for hours for autopsies to be done on their loved ones yesterday.

At about midday yesterday, only two of the bodies were examined.

Family members were told there was a problem for funeral homes to get the required police escort for the bodies to be transported to the FSC. Added to that, there was only one attendant present.

There is no parking, the place smells, it is overcrowded and no one knows exactly what is going on, Stephen said.

This is totally inadequate and it is a national disgrace. People are already traumatised and this facility should not be adding to the stress that we are already enduring. This is making an already upsetting situation even more unpleasant. He told reporters he and other relatives were told to arrive there for about 9 am.

However when he got there, his mothers body had not yet arrived.

It was the same situation experienced by other families.

Some of us have been waiting since 8 am, some before that, so at the end of the day, what is really going on? said a relative of Ronald Marshall who was shot dead in Enterprise on Sunday.

Since last year I have been seeing the same pathologist on TV. I heard him with my own ears making pleas for things to change around here and nothing has happened yet.

Everything is falling apart too fast. This country is on its way for an uprising; it is just a matter of time before it explodes. Stephen told Newsday yesterday the autopsy was finally done at about 2 pm.

He said if the government was really serious, it would have removed all stops to dealing with the matter of crime. This includes the proper management of the FSC.

We are a culture of tolerant people and I think we need to be less tolerant, more demanding, and less fearful.

It seems that everyone is always afraid of repercussions when giving evidence. We are afraid of saying the wrong things and not having the parties in power give them aid or jobs. Newsday was unable to reach Alexandrov for comment.

The murder toll for the year so far is 321 with 40 of the victims being women.
Mixed reviews for Sando traffic plan

The taxi drivers and other motorists said it was a change for the best and that they were witnessing the fruits of the mayors work. A media release from the San Fernando City Corporation stated the positive impact on traffic congestion was seen at various critical points in the city centre yesterday morning.

The various changes made throughout the city, such as the relocation of taxi stands, creation of lay-bys and widening of roads in key areas, all contributed to reducing congestion at Library Corner, Lord Street, Pointe -a -Pierre, Coffee Street and Harris Promenade areas, the release said. Adding, the release said constant consultations with stakeholders such as the PTA of St Gabriels RC primary, proved pivotal as it ensured that this iteration of the traffic plan carried with it the essence of upcoming local government reform such that it engaged the citizens in meaningful productive manner.

Additionally, by including the resources and input of the MP for San Fernando West Faris Al-Rawi, we are proud that these interactions encompassed a holistic approach to this undertaking, the release said.

The release further stated the afternoon traffic congestion presented its own unique challenges.

It noted that some discrepancies emerge but, these highlighted a cultural change needed from drivers, parents, and commuters.

Yesterday, taxi driver David Collins told Newsday he was impressed.

I saw it was working before school opened, but this morning I witness the free flow with the school being opened. I must say I am very impressed,he said. Collins who had been a taxi driver for the past ten years said that when there is order there is no chaos. The mayor had a plan and you can now see what he was doing,he said.
Cbean Airlines flights affected by Hurrican Irma

Irma, a major hurricane, will be heading for the northern Caribbean islands and Bahamas over the next five days. Hurricane Irma is churning west across the Atlantic, putting parts of the Caribbean on watch and prompting warnings for the US mainland to be prepared.

CAL has informed that all affected passengers,who would have been travelling tomorrow, would be permitted to change or cancel their reservations without penalty subject to the following conditions.

Passengers must have a confirmed ticket issued before September 6. Passengers who chose to have their tickets refunded must do so by September 13.

Passengers who chose to change their reservations must complete their travel by September 13, unless travel on the original booking was after this date, and travel must be in the same cabin as the original.

CAL has stated that the airline would not be responsible for arrangements or transportation to or from an alternate airport or hotel/ overnight expenses incurred by affected passengers.

Customers were asked to contact www.caribbean-airlines.com and check their flight status before or call the Caribbean Airlines call centres for further details.
Hiking board suspends groups membership

The board met with Mario Russell, who was said to be one of the principals of the hiking group, last week Friday to discuss the circumstances surrounding Bairds death.

An autopsy determined Baird died from a broken neck.

Based on the outcome of the meeting with Russell, the directors agreed the hiking group disregarded certain fundamental safe hike management practices and viewed these transgressions as very serious and inconsistent with the goals and objectives of HATT.

As such, interim secretary of HATT Michael Jattan said the directors agreed to suspend the Island Hikers/ Fitness Walkers membership from HATT effective August 4, 2017, pending the implementation of actions to reform its hike management practices.

Jattan said HATT would work with Island Hikers/ Fitness Walkers towards improving its hike management system. He said they intended to closely monitor the implementation of these activities over a three-month period and upon demonstration of a sustained satisfactory reform to its hike management practices, the suspension from membership would be lifted.

Island Hikers/Fitness Walkers has been advised that failure to comply with and undertake necessary reforms would result in its expulsion from HATT. The organisations concern is a member of the HATT so we did our investigation from the point of view of what was the nature of the hike management on the day of the incident. Our investigation was from that perspective. A police perspective would be about anything criminal, that is outside of our realm. The organisation is a member of our organisation, we have certain standards with respect of how they should be conducted so, the suspension would have been based on concerns we would have had with the management of the hike of the day, Jattan told Newsday.

Also, he said HATT acknowledged the concerns of the hiking fraternity, stakeholders and the general public arising from this latest incident. HATT is in the process of drafting guidelines for hikers and standards for hiking clubs, to be submitted to the Bureau of Standards for implementation in the shortest possible time. HATT is committed to treating the natural environment with the respect it deserves, and to making the hiking experience a safe and enjoyable one for all, he said. Bairds widow Kernesha Baird she was pleased with the boards decision.

My husband was an avid hiker for a long time. I never liked it because I dont like the bush. I think it was carelessness on their (Island Hikers/Fitness Walkers) part because they were supposed to give an account for everybody. They were supposed to be in a group and do a head count when everybody is leaving. They did not do that, she told Newsday.
Outpouring of condolences for Broadbridge

Johnson said Broadbridge worked tirelessly to preserve TTs rich cultural legacy and urged the public to follow her example of country before self.

She was one of the pioneers of our institutions, one of the earliest curators that the museum has had and she was instrumental in building up what we see here today. We are very saddened by her passing and to hear that this can happen to a woman who would have done so much for Trinidad and Tobago, its really disheartening, Johnson said.

Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly also expressed her condolences to Broadbridges family via a media release issued from her office yesterday.

Gadsby-Dolly described Broadbridge as a true patriot.

In this time of grief we commit to honouring the legacy of Dr Broadbridge by continuing to work towards strengthening our communities and challenging the further normalisation of violence through mediation, sustainable community development and the promotion of healing, resolution and empowerment through the arts. Gadsby-Dolly said Broadbridge would be remembered for her invaluable contribution to the national museum and art gallery and praised her for her years of selfless service.
Protest at San Juan Girls and Boys primary

Joel Scott, president of the schools PTA said construction work at the school stopped for more than two years and the school is 75 per cent completed.

No body is telling us why the work has stopped. We went to the Waterfront to deliver a letter to the Minister and we spoke with Dr Lovell Francis and they kept telling us the work on the school will restart soon. He continued, It is four years the girls are housed at a building in Tunapuna and five years the boys are there with the girls.

The children have to be cramped up in a small building having very little space to move around. We are talking about 300 students housed at a building on the Eastern Main Road obliquely opposite Exodus Pan Theatre. Scott said Garcia had given the assurance that the ministry has allocated $10 million to complete the school. However, he said during the July/August vacation nothing was done or started at the school.

He said the parents and students are fed up and frustrated with the situation and also promise to continue with the protest until someone addresses the matter.

 We the parents had to come out in our numbers to clean in front the area of the school because this is where the PTSC buses come to pick and drop off the students on a daily basis. We paint up the area where the children assemble to take the buses. The ministry did not send a CEPEP (Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme ) crew. The holding areas for the toilets are not working, and the flooring in which the toilets stand it was done in plywood and it is rotted, and a health hazard to the children. Scott said a minority of students went on the bus yesterday to attend classes, and they are hoping more parents will come out to protest to send a strong message to those who are supposed to oversee the situation.
Schools transport association parks up

AMTSTC president, Rodney Ramlogan, said maxi taxi drivers children have also been affected by the delay in paying $12 million for services rendered in May, June and during the first two weeks of July.

I dont know how the minister could say that. Hes making it seem like only schoolchildren were affected but we have children too. Up to now, we cant even afford to buy school books and uniforms to send them to school, so I dont know how (Garcia) could say we using schoolchildren as pawns. Ramlogan was speaking to Newsday yesterday about how a decision by members to withhold their services yesterday left a reported 30,000 primary and secondary school students stranded on the first day of the new school year. However this was disputed by the ministry, which cited data from School Supervisors in the seven education districts across Trinidad.

Chief Education Officer, Harrilal Seecharan, said a check of Government and Government- assisted schools revealed that ten primary schools and 14 secondary schools were negatively impacted to some extent because of the disruption in the service.

In some cases, several maxi taxi concessionaires doubled up (to ensure affected students get to school). Seecharan was speaking yesterday during a press conference at the Education Ministrys head office, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, where Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, criticised the associations actions.

While I have absolutely no problem with any group of workers withholding their services; because that is their right, always remember that we must not use our children as pawns...Those maxi taxi drivers, if they had entered into discussions with me last night (Sunday), they would have been told that today (yesterday), a cheque for in excess of TT $6 million was forthcoming and later on this week, the remaining sum of (just under) $5 million would have been paid to them.

There was absolutely no need, as far as I see it, to take the type of action that was taken, Garcia declared.

Management of the school bus system, including payments to drivers, is handled by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC). Thats why the ministry issues cheques to the PTSC and not directly to the AMTSTC.

Garcia recalled that sometime last week or the week before, we were able to give PTSC $1 million as part payment to maxi taxi drivers.

Today (yesterday); and this is what I wanted to discuss with (Ramlogan), we made available to PTSC in excess of $6 million; so that is in excess of $7 million.  The minister added that he was informed by our Permanent Secretary that later this week, the remaining sum of just under $5 million will be paid.

This news did not appease the association. Ramlogan told Newsday that its not simply about keeping their word to withhold service until full payment is received. Financially we cant afford to go out to work.
Roget calls for new Petrotrin board to go

The union leader further suggested that the union is willing to assist by pointing out competent individuals who can effectively take the company forward.

Speaking at a press conference held at Paramount Building at Circular Road, San Fernando, yesterday the union leader charged that it appeared Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was set-up in choosing the directors.

Somebody gave Dr Rowley the wrong advice for yet another occasion. Somebody in the Cabinet set up the Prime Minister, I want to believe that.

This is a miss jump, not a misstep...For yet another occasion, the Government missed another opportunity to take on board a union representative to contribute, Roget said.

Only on Friday, before his departure to the USA for a medical check-up, Rowley announced the names of the new directors, whom he hoped would be able to restructure and turn around the company within the next two to three years.

Roget accused the Government of not wanting to select a representative from the OWTU although these workers have the competence to look after the interest of the country. As such, he accused the one per cent of pulling the strings of the Prime Minister to sit on the board regardless of their level of competencies.

What is the level of competence and or experience that Wilfred Espinet will have to bring to bear on Petrotrins decision making, policy implementing or direction given to allow for that company to benefit? We feel it is will be a rough road going forward if they do not recall Joel Harding who has no experience, Nigel Edwards, Wilfred Espinet and the likes, Roget added.

Roget vowed that the union would not sit idly by and allow a sham board to be installed as the country will suffer.

Roget further charged that some of the directors want to have the company privitised which is not in the interest of the people of TT.
Floating land mass disappears

Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Cedros Councillor Shankar Teelucksingh who was among those monitoring the movement of the floating mass, estimated to be about two to three acres of heavily vegetated land, said it has not been spotted since Friday when it was observed to be slowly floating further and further away from land.

On Friday it was already six to seven miles outside Icacos.

Teelucksingh said when first seen in the south-western peninsula, it was at a distance of about two miles from shore. He added: But we havent seen it since Friday so the place is back to normal. The last report he said he received was Friday and at the time the mass was floating in a north westerly direction and heading towards one of the Venezuelan oil rigs. He said the rural community of Icacos has since settled back down.

The floating island was first spotted on Monday by fishermen off Galfa Point in Chatham.

By Thursday it had drifted to Columbus Bay off Icacos where it was visible from the shoreline .

Both the Coast Guard and the Environmental Management Authority had issued warnings to the public not to venture out to the island.
Concerns over ferry contracts

The concerns expressed by JSC members came as former Port Authority chairman Christine Sahadeo and members of her former board appeared before the JSC at Tower D of the Portof- Spain International Waterfront Centre yesterday.

As he listened to how these developments were connected to the current operational problems on the domestic seabridge, Energy Minister Franklin Khan described it as, jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Khan was concerned that despite challenges with Bay Ferries, Magellan provided primarily managerial and not maintenance services for the ferries.

Opposition Senator Wade Mark questioned Magellans track record in vessel maintenance, as he noted the ferries experienced frequent breakdowns when the local firm took over from Bay Ferries.

Sahadeo told JSC members the Bay Ferries contract was terminated in September 2015 because the company failed to live up to its contractual obligations to ensure a transfer of skills to local personnel to ensure they could proper maintenance of the ferries. In addition, Sahadeo said there were problems with the scheduling of dry docking for the Spirit and the Express, both of which are aged vessels.

She said the cancellation of that contract also resulted in substantial savings in foreign exchange.

In response to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark about Magellans competence, Sahadeo said the company has, 100 years of shipping expertise. After Khan said Magellans function was primarily human resources and not maintenance, Sahadeo said some port employees were hired on contract to do maintenance work on the ferries.

She also said some of Bay Ferries former employees came over to assist with those works.

Sahadeo said allegations that the maintenance of the ferries were sabotaged have never been proven.

However she said when the former board did heighten security around the Spirit and the Express to deal with such situations.

She said one measure involved keeping or registers of all the people who worked on the ferries.

Noting Magellans contract began last April and ended in March, Sahadeo said a longer transition period between the end of Bay Ferries contract and the start of Magellans would have been preferable.

She told Mark that the cargo vessel Warrior Spirit never ran aground, contrary to certain media reports.

Former board member Ferdie Ferreira agreed with Sahadeo on the ineffectiveness of the arrangement with Bay Ferries. I was the person who single-handedly, carried the fight to Bay Ferries, he declared.

Ferreira continued, I was so annoyed, that I took it to the Honourable Prime Minister, in pursuance of the fight to get rid of Bay Ferries. He said the port board appointed by the former Peoples Partnership government appointed a transition team which was paid , in excess of $1000 per month for three years. Absolutely nothing was done, Ferreira said. The JSC hearing continues today at Tower D.
Morocco is well-placed to help Spain supervise mosques and spread tolerant religious discourse, underscored Abdeslam Hamadi, Head of the Muslim community in the Spanish-occupied enclave, Ceuta.

Hamadi, who is also the president of the Islamic federation of Andalucia and Spain, deplored the detrimental impact of training delivered by Saudi Arabia. He deemed that Morocco is the best-placed country to deliver an Islamic training that is compatible with democracy.

In this connection, Moroccos Islamic Affairs Minister, Ahmed Toufiq, told EFE that Spain needs to oversee religious discourse at mosques to avert radicalization.

For his part, Secretary General of the Moroccan community abroad, Abdellah Bossouf, considers that Spain has better follow the Moroccan model, which offers an interpretation of Islam that has nothing to do with salafi extremism.

The issue of religious discourse in Spanish mosques came to the fore following the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks, which were perpetrated by disenchanted youth who were radicalized in a mosque in Ripol by an unqualified Imam.
Misrata-based armed forces known as Bunyan Marsous (BM) aligned with the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) have accused the Prime Minister Faiez Serraj of abandoning BM forces after the capture in December of Sirte that was held by the Islamic State.

The BM, known as one of Libyas most organized forces, drove out the terrorist group from Muammar Gaddafis hometown in December after eight months of fierce fighting, which killed hundreds its fighters.

BM commander Col Ali Rafideh grilled Serraj for intentionally refusing to provide logistical support to his forces and for ignoring their salaries claim, as they have not been paid for eight months, Libya Herald reports.

The military commander blamed Serraj for neglecting wounded personnel as well as turning his back to families of deceased soldiers.

The GNA has started reconstruction of Sirte but Ali Rafideh pointed out that security and protection have been poor in the coastal city because the UN-backed government has failed to bring its support. People are reluctant to regain their old jobs to participate in reconstruction, Rafideh noted.

The BM has been Serrajs strongest military ally since he moved to Tripoli in March last year.

Serraj last month seriously threatened to subject any military commander to the court-martial if commanders meet with any foreign government in or outside Libya, without his approval.

The threat came following a visit to Doha by a delegation of BM officers led by operations room commander Brigadier Bashir Al-Gadi. The delegation met with Qatari officials who, according to the visitors, promised to build a field hospital and a water desalination unit in Misrata.

Loss of the BM by the GNA will be a significant setback for the UN-backed Prime Minister who has been isolated and faces growing advance of the so-called Libyan National Army (LNA) of Khalifa Haftar who enjoys support from Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The BM has reportedly refused to yield to the influence of Russia and the UAE, which tried over the past months to convince it to enter into a deal with Haftar.
Spains car parts maker, Ficosa, is planning to set up in Morocco a plant specialized in producing in-vehicle cameras, Spanish media reported.

The Catalonia-based Ficosa, which has been sold to Japans Panasonic last July, plans to invest 50 million in two new plants in Morocco and Malaysia respectively.

The Moroccan factory will be located in Rabat and will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to manufacture in-vehicle cameras.

The factory will be ready in five years and is expected to offer 800 direct job opportunities.

This new investment confirms the attractiveness of Moroccos automotive industry, which has become a leading export sector, attracting world-class manufacturers and car parts makers.

Last July, Canadas auto parts manufacturer Linamar announced that it will build a $280 million plant to supply engine parts to the new Peugeot factory before expanding to new plants that should open soon in Morocco.

U.S. auto parts maker Delphi Corp. will also set up a new factory making electrical distribution systems and a research and development center in the North African kingdom.

Last June, leading Japanese car parts maker, JTEKT, said it will build a plant worth 15 million in Tangier, an investment that will further bolster the automotive ecosystem in the country.

Likewise, Italian auto parts maker, Sogefi, announced the building of a plant to produce engine filters in Tangier for a total investment of 10 million.

The development of the automotive industry in the country will help the government create 90,000 jobs by 2020 in addition to the 100,000 that already exist. The government also aspires to increase the proportion of locally produced components in exported cars from 40% to 65% by the end of the decade.

Moroccos proximity to the European market, modern infrastructures, free trade zones, qualified cheap manpower, open economy and stability have all contributed to making Morocco a regional car industry hub attracting investments by automotive giants such as Renault and Peugeot in addition to world class car parts manufacturers.

The Tangier Renault plant, achieved for a total cost of 1.6 billion, started operating in 2012 and hit a production level of 345,000 cars in 2016 up from 229,000 cars in 2015. Today, 10% of total cars sold by Renault in the globe are made in Morocco, where 73% of production is exported to 73 countries, notably in Europe and the MENA region.

The expanding car industry sector in Morocco has attracted significant PSA Peugeot Citroen investment to build a production plant worth $632 million near Kenitra. Works have already started to build the plant, which is expected to be ready in 2019.
The terrorist attacks that hit Barcelona and Cambrils are the outcome of an extremist religious discourse propagated by unqualified Imams in Europe that leads to the swift radicalization of disenchanted youth, said Abdelhaq Khiame, Head of Moroccos counter-terrorism agency, the Central Bureau for Judicial Investigations (BCIJ).

In an interview with Radio 2M, Khiame warned of the extremist religious discourse spread in unsupervised mosques throughout Europe where young Muslim migrants are brainwashed.

The Imam took advantage of the lack of oversight by authorities to instill extremist ideas in the youth in the lapse of a year, he deplored, referring to the Imam of a mosque in Cambrils who indoctrinated the perpetrators of the Catalonia terror attacks.

He stressed Moroccos willingness to help Spain to train Imams on the genuine values of Islam in order to prevent extremist Imams from leading the youth astray.

Khiame noted that despite the close security cooperation between Morocco and Spain, Moroccos intelligence services were unaware of the radicalization of the perpetrators of the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks because they left Morocco at a very early age and also because of the swift radicalization process they underwent in Spain.

The BCIJ chief also recalled that 693 individuals and 46 cells, including 41 loyal to the Islamic State, have been dismantled by the BCIJ since its launch in 2015, adding that 81 foreign fighters with IS in Syria, Iraq and Libya were arrested while 42 suspected terrorists were extradited to Morocco by other states.
Mayor Bill de Blasio rounds the corner of a Gracie Mansion porch wearing a broad smile. Its a Friday afternoon in late August, and hes had a good week. Three days ago, he announced rising test scores for the citys third- through eighth-graders. Two days ago, he dominated his main Democratic-primary challenger, Sal Albanese, in the first of two debates. A newly released report shows city unemployment dropping to record lows, and polls predict de Blasio should cruise to a reelection victory in November.

This being New York, however, problems and criticisms keep step with the good news. He is locked in his latest battle with Governor Andrew Cuomo, this time over how to fix the crumbling subway system. Two investigations failed to find any indictable offenses connected to de Blasios fund-raising operation but left the impression that money bought access to the mayor. Despite his first-term successes, de Blasios public-approval rating remains an ambivalent 50 percent. Homeless shelters are at capacity. As he folds his six-foot-six-inch frame into an armchair angled toward the East River, the mayor is eager to tout his first-term record  but also bristling at his antagonists and freshly determined to push his progressive agenda over the next four years, and not just in New York.

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Chris Smith: You worked for a mayor, David Dinkins. As public advocate, you kept an eye on a mayor, Michael Bloomberg. And you ran for mayor. But there are things you cant know until you are in a job. What have you learned?

Bill de Blasio: I had as good a field vision of the mayoralty as anyone. I spent four years in the building. The difference was, I didnt realize how amazing the changes were over the last few decades. So when I left at the end of the Dinkins administration, 1993, predigital age, I look back on that time and think of it as positively quaint in terms of the level of activity. Those were much tougher times in the city, but the pace was slower and more mannered. The thing I didnt fully get until I got into office was just the speed is extraordinary at this point. Its fueled by the digital age, obviously. Both the speed with which people can communicate with each other and the expectations of being able to address things in real time that would have been impossible in the past. But also the public dynamics  the way that youre, understandably, expected to have an answer for something that comes up in the middle of a press conference on everyones screen. It took a lot to adjust to that.

Its better to be assertive, proactive, blunt. I knew that coming in the door. Early on, for instance, with homelessness, I should have been a lot blunter with people about how difficult a problem it was and how long it would take to solve. When I explain that to people and put it in very human terms, and also remind people who the homeless are  today there are more working people and families  I tend to find it becomes a very reasonable discussion. I found that on Rikers, too.

Speaking of Rikers, the governor took another shot at you yesterday over your ten-year plan to close the jail.

I saw.

Whats this really about between you and him?

Despite everyones efforts to try and specify, this is one case where its worth generalizing. The history of governors and mayors in New York is a tortured one.

But this is personal.

Wait, wait, wait. Are you there, Chris?

What do you mean?

Meaning youre obviously evincing a bias, and youre not actually asking Is it so personal or is it something else? And Im telling you, one part of it is purely structural. Where you stand is where you sit. Rockefeller and Lindsay, Koch and Cuomo, Bloomberg and Cuomo  this is not a news flash. Theres a natural tension between mayors and governors thats quite profound.

No question. Ill go back and look it up, but none of those guys went out of their way to take shots the way 

I have the deepest respect for you, youre a fine journalist, and you do not know your history. Go check, go check, my friend. Particularly Rockefeller and Lindsay youll enjoy.

Theres a major, major personal element to you and Cuomo.

Some of this is plainly structural. The governor of New York has a very different set of interests than the mayor of New York City in terms of protecting constituencies, and right now, there have been a number of times when Ive felt the governor affronted the needs of New York City. And my jobs to stand up for the people of New York City. Im taking the Ed Koch playbook. He said if a governor does something good for New York City, support him, praise him, thank him. And if a governor says something thats going to hurt the people of New York City, youve got to confront him. There are times, and this last round on mayoral control of education was a good example, we got on the same page and there was agreement on how to proceed and something good happened. We have, on top of that, real philosophical differences. Real differences of approach. Im not saying nothings personal.

You went on NY1 and called him vindictive.

Yeahhhh. Im saying some of this is structural, some of this is ideological, some of this is just naturally what happens when people disagree on an issue, and your engaging on that issue does not stop me from getting things done with the governor and his team every single day, because we do that. Yeah, we do have a long personal relationship, and thats a component. But too often the media has tried to turn it into some Hatfield-and-McCoy thing without asking how much of it is ideological and how much of it is structural. And its quite evident to me that its a rich mixture and it should be seen for what it is.

Are you open to supporting a progressive challenge to the governor next year?

Im talking about this year.

Are you open to it?

Im talking about this year. Im in a mayoral election this year. Thats what were talking about.

So Ill take that as a yes.

No, you shouldnt take an answer like that as anything. Im not talking about 2018 right now.

Youre unwilling to commit to endorsing him.

No, Im literally not willing to talk about 2018 right now. Period. So if you interpret it, thats not fair to your readers, with all due respect.

Would you vote for him in a presidential primary?

Its not 2020. Ask me in 2020.

Is he a plausible president?

Again, Im not here to do punditry on the next presidential race, which is three years away. Im just not going to get into it. You can happily ask, but Im not going to talk about the 2020 campaign. Were here to talk about the 2017 mayoral campaign, which is happening right now.

Theres been a lot of talk in the past few months from you and the governor about the subway crisis. Is the system going to need to get even worse before it gets better? Or is the state doing enough right now?

Its not doing enough, thats quite clear. The State of New York is responsible for the MTA and has been for decades. The governor famously took full credit for the Second Avenue subway last year and in so many ways has made clear  naming the head of the MTA, controlling the budget of the MTA  that the state controls the MTA. And thats very healthy, to actually finally have responsibility assigned, just the way it would be in my case, on police, on schools, on sanitation, you name it. The state needs to fund the MTA appropriately, which means starting by giving back the $456 million they diverted in MTA funds. And then we all need to agree on a long-term plan. I believe the millionaires tax is the best long-term plan. There are other proposals, obviously, that are worth discussion. But I think its a pretty linear situation. I dont think the dynamics in the subway need to get any worse. I think its time to decide which path were gonna take.

Bill de Blasio. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Four years ago, your Republican opponent was predicting that if de Blasio is mayor, crime is going to explode.

Im trying to think of those great 70s movies. Fort Apache, the Bronx, and what was the other one?

The Warriors?

The Warriors. Exactly! And Escape From New York. Those were the images they had.

So that hasnt happened.

Quite the opposite.

If my numbers are current, murders are down 22 percent, shootings are down 20 percent.

From last year.

Arrests in the neighborhood-policing areas are dropping ten times faster than in the rest of the city.

And going down further.

Did everyone just get nicer?

Yeah, we had a niceness program here in New York City. No. We were barking up the wrong tree. The fight was over stop and frisk, and it was a very important discussion per se, dont get me wrong. But there was not an actual working relationship between police and community in a lot of black and Latino neighborhoods, period. And anyone who really looks at policing and listens to the practitioners understands that the hearts and minds matter.

How much of the drop is because of precision policing  the better use of data to identify truly bad people?

Its a big deal. Absolutely crucial. In the eyes of our police leadership, there are less than 5,000 people in this city who are doing most of the violent crime. When you can really pinpoint resources on those people, you can start to see even more dramatic drops, and thats what happened.

A very crucial point in this evolution was [thenpolice commissioner Bill] Bratton making the decision to retrain the entire police force after the Garner incident. We also added 2,000 more officers, which opened up the space for officers to be able to have the time and energy to spend building relationships. We think were going to be able to reduce crime a lot more, because now all these strategies are firing on all cylinders.

Im wondering about a pivotal moment early on. You had the shootings in Brooklyn. You had cops in the hospital turning their backs on you. And then at the funerals, same thing, hundreds of cops. What do you remember, leaving those funerals  being angry, being scared, being 

I was sad. This is about the families involved, this is about the officers we lost. Its not about politics. And lets face it, some people politicized it. And it was painful and it was disrespectful to the family; it was tearing at the social fabric of the city, and it was cynical. But it was also clear to me that it did not reflect the majority of officers, by any stretch.

How often now do you go to roll calls? How often do you sit down and talk to cops?

I talk to a lot of cops on the street. I dont go to too many roll calls, I go to some. But I have a regular habit of talking to officers about their work.

Its a big, big department 

Thirty-six thousand people.

So its unfair to generalize, but do you think you are on good terms with the cops now?

Let me finish the point to answer the question. Thirty-six thousand people. If you know anything about human beings, you know that implicitly that means theres going to be a broad range of views, and thats what I find. They know that theres more cops on the beat, they know theyve gotten more equipment, more protective gear from this administration. They know I chose Bill Bratton and Jimmy ONeill, two people they greatly respect. A lot of officers were not happy at the end of the previous administration, and they felt that there was often very punitive treatment within the NYPD, even for minor mistakes. Its something I think both Bratton and ONeill have very effectively addressed. So I dont think it really matters if Im going to win a popularity contest. What I think matters is, do a lot of officers know that my administration has done things to help everyday cops and make them more effective? Yes, I believe a lot of officers know that.

Do you think the way the press covered the fund-raising investigations tarred your administration with a pay-to-play reputation?

No, because I talk to everyday New Yorkers all the time. Tomorrow night I think is going to be my 34th town-hall meeting. People never bring up the issues from the investigations, because I think there was a broad understanding in the public that there was an immense amount of scrutiny that found absolutely nothing wrong. Everyday New Yorkers are much more concerned with kitchen-table issues. Some political insiders, maybe theyve come to certain conclusions. But for everyday New Yorkers? They didnt see anything wrong, and theyre right, because there wasnt anything wrong. The town-hall meetings are three-hour, deeply felt affairs, right in the middle of communities. If you look at this weekend, I spoke in two churches in southeast Queens, met people in Forest Hills out on the street for an hour, met people for about an hour in Orchard Beach, the Bronx. Bluntly, the media doesnt tend to cover that stuff because it doesnt tend to come with controversy.

Do you think the Times, in particular, is determined to prove you are corrupt?

I think there are some in the media who are having trouble letting go.

Do you think the focus on how you still travel to Park Slope for your gym workouts fed an image of you as self-absorbed?

There are some in the media who peddle that notion. Everyday people do not raise that concern to me, ever. The thing that I am surprised by is the absence of a reckoning in terms of the results. The question with any administration is, what have you produced? Michael Bloomberg famously went to Bermuda on many weekends. I could not conceive of such a thing. But the question people asked themselves was not did he go to Bermuda, but did he get things done they wanted done? Anyone with a brain knows being mayor of New York City is a 24/7 job. The issues facing us are never out of my mind, ever. If the worst you can say about someone is he goes to the gym, thats a pretty good situation in todays world.

De Blasio addressing supporters after the first debate of the mayoral-race primary on August 23. Photo: Mark Peterson

In 2013, you ran on reducing income inequality. Where has it been hardest to make progress? Wages, housing, schools?

Whats been hardest is the way our legal system is structured to favor private property. I think people all over this city, of every background, would like to have the city government be able to determine which building goes where, how high it will be, who gets to live in it, what the rent will be. I think theres a socialistic impulse, which I hear every day, in every kind of community, that they would like things to be planned in accordance to their needs. And I would, too. Unfortunately, what stands in the way of that is hundreds of years of history that have elevated property rights and wealth to the point that thats the reality that calls the tune on a lot of development.

Ill give you an example. I was down one day on Varick Street, somewhere close to Canal, and there was a big sign out front of a new condo saying, Units start at $2 million. And that just drives people stark raving mad in this city, because that kind of development is clearly not for everyday people. Its almost like its being flaunted. Look, if I had my druthers, the city government would determine every single plot of land, how development would proceed. And there would be very stringent requirements around income levels and rents. Thats a world Id love to see, and I think what we have, in this city at least, are people who would love to have the New Deal back, on one level. Theyd love to have a very, very powerful government, including a federal government, involved in directly addressing their day-to-day reality.

Its not reachable right now. And it leaves this friction, and this anger, which is visceral. I try to explain the things we can do. Its a little bit of a Serenity Prayer  lets talk about the things we can fix. The rent freeze we did reached over 2 million people. Ive talked to people who were going to be evicted, and we stopped the eviction by giving them a free lawyer. And Ive talked to people who got affordable housing under our plan for 200,000 apartments.

In the most recent housing negotiations, you achieved two of your highest priorities  ending tax breaks for luxury condos and mandating the construction of affordable housing when projects are subsidized. But you could have taken power from developers by walking away from the 421a tax-exemption program, keeping the revenue, and having the city build its own housing.

We didnt feel it would leverage the amount of affordable-housing creation that 421a did. It literally came down to modeling out whats going to work best. We dont think we would get anywhere near as many units as if we leveraged the public element of the equation to get the maximum private investment. Our affordable-housing plan has a very substantial middle-class component. Now, some advocates dont like that. They would like it all to be for low-income folks. I believe the mission is to reflect the historic mix that has made this place so extraordinary. Its an eyes-wide-open decision.

Unemployment is at record lows, yet the income gains have largely gone to upper-income brackets. So the income-inequality you ran against has worsened.

Theres two ways to address it: Ask more from the wealthy in terms of their obligation to society, first and foremost from taxes. Or raise wages and benefits for everyday people. The good news in New York City is we do see some increase in wages as the economy strengthens. Paid sick leave reached another half-million people. We helped to lead the charge to increase the minimum wage, and people are starting to feel that.

The problem is the top end. In very few ways can we address the rampant growth of wealth among the one percent. The state and the federal government have the power to do that. I called for a tax on the wealthy to fund pre-K. We didnt achieve that, but we did get the money for pre-K from the state. Now Im calling for a millionaires tax to fix the subways and to provide the half-cost fare for low-income New Yorkers. If were going to have a strong social fabric, if people are going to have faith its a fair and open society, they need to see the wealthy paying their fair share. It frustrates me greatly that we dont have the power here to tax the wealthy in this city.

So in a second term, do you try to change that, or is that a lost cause?

Its not a lost cause, because the balance of power I think is going to shift in New York State for several reasons; most importantly, I think there will be a Democratic State Senate, and thats going to open up the possibility of more fairness  not just toward New York City, but toward localities all over the state.

You see whats happening in Texas, and we all lived through Sandy. Whats one important new idea youd pursue in a second term to protect the city from the next superstorm?

I think it is to deepen the implementation of the plan we have in place. We have a $20 billion resiliency plan, which, for example, helped us achieve the 5.5-mile boardwalk reconstruction in the Rockaways  and that is not just a boardwalk, its also a physical barrier; it was built as a resiliency measure. Were going to be doing things like that all over the city. I think the key is to just keep moving along quickly.

De Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, after the first primary debate. Photo: Mark Peterson

The school system: You won full-day pre-K and plan to start 3-K. Test scores going up, graduation rates going up. But the gains are uneven.

The gains are consistent across all demographics. The achievement gap is not closing.

And one of the underlying problems is that the city remains segregated, economically and racially. What tools can you use in a second term  maybe rezoning more school districts?

If you want to talk about breaking down segregation, all of us have to honestly acknowledge its based in 400 years of American history, and its based in the way economics and race interact. And that goes to jobs and housing before you ever get to schools. The best places to address it are with jobs and housing.

But we have found some really productive things we can do. Schools have found great ways to change their admissions processes to provide maximum opportunity for kids who have special needs, for kids who get free lunch. In middle schools and high schools, there wasnt an effort to recruit across demographic lines. So were doing better with that. We have seen some rezonings  Upper West Side of Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn with P.S. 8  that have been very successful. You can do that in places where there are people of enough backgrounds living close enough together.

Then theres some stuff we have to change at the state level. The specialized schools: It is absolutely unacceptable to me that, based on the results of a single standardized test, kids get into one of the greatest schools in America, and in the case of Stuyvesant, that school is over 90 percent white and Asian in a city thats more than 50 percent black and Latino. That must be ended. It must be a multiple-measure system of admissions.

Is there a part of the citys culture that produces a Donald Trump?

Its called the tabloids.

How do you mean?

Hes a creature of the tabloid culture. And particularly the New York Post. The New York Post and News Corp. in general were the great facilitators of Trump and provided him not only the platform but the language and the approach. He riffs off them, they riff off him. Its a very elaborate conglomerate, if you will, but its quite clear that some of the same forces that held back New York City for a long time are now affecting our nation. And theyre not going to be around too much longer, in my opinion, but for a brief and sad moment that negative, hateful, divisive tabloid culture, the same culture that vilified the word liberal, effectively, became too ascendant. Its now crashing on the rocks. And its going to be replaced by something very different.

Thats the 30-, 40-year view that I think is being under-assessed: that Trump, ironically, was elevated by it and now is doing everything in his power to destroy it  not wittingly, but unwittingly. Seeing a president of the United States who is divisive and base and living out a tabloid approach in a professional setting has been wildly alienating to the American people. They actually dont want to see civic life debased in this fashion. And in some ways I think its a corrective. Its making people very angry, and theyre going to start examining the root causes, and theyre going to start turning away from the forces that have lessened us, and I think that ultimately is part of the death knell for tabloid journalism.

Is there a New York arrogance or attitude that helps produce a Trump, too?

We are strong-willed people in this city. Theres definitely a New York attitude. I would say a New York attitude produced Fiorello La Guardia and lots of other great progressive leaders, so I dont think it can only point in one direction.

I think Trump is much more than a New Yorker. Trump is a spoiled brat. He has lived a privileged life. His dad engaged in racist practices and taught his son at his knee. I think theres something about Trump that should not be mistaken for any typical New York personality. He, in the end, was a precursor of this right-wing, tabloid approach to politics. He called for the execution of the Central Park Five in the 80s. If you really look at this guys trajectory, the warning signs were there for a long, long time. So I dont attribute that to him being a New Yorker.

You met with him in November for 62 minutes. Was it hard to hold his attention that long?

At that moment, it was possible, in those 62 minutes, to think this was someone who cynically had run to the right to win and then would govern from the center. If I gave you a perfect transcript of that meeting, you would say, aha, okay, it was all a big horrible charade, and he sounds so reasonable, and this is going to be very, very different from his campaign. But literally it only took weeks to see the Steve Bannon influence, and the true Donald Trump, that Trump who obviously is profoundly racist, that that was the real person, a hateful, negative person.

Who are active politicians you admire?

I admire Elizabeth Warren. I admire Bernie Sanders. I admire Chuck Schumer.

Do you think the split in the Democratic Party is between progressives and old-line working-class Democrats, or is it between the monied, Establishment Democrats and the younger, more liberal crowd?

I dont think its as simplistic as any of that. And people would do well to stop trying to minimize it. Chuck Schumer did a great service with the plan he put forward recently. It was a tremendous step toward where the Democratic Party needs to go.

Do you regret endorsing Hillary?

No.

Your heart was clearly with Bernie.

No. I have a lot of respect for Bernie. The synergy of Hillary and Bernie got to the platform I had always dreamed of. That 2016 platform was extraordinary. But sadly, up and down the line [in] the Democratic Party, people didnt run on it.

Why do you think that was?

Because I think there is an identity crisis. The Democratic Party is supposed to be the modern-day version of the party of Roosevelt. We are supposed to be the party of working people. We are supposed to be the party thats willing to challenge the wealthy and the powerful. I believe we will be that party. That party, that I once knew, won votes young, old, white, black, North, South, because it was a populist, progressive party and it focused on economic issues. And that is the way forward.

In the wake of the 2014 midterms, you wrote about the party needing to find a backbone. Has it?

Not yet. But its getting closer. I actually found the leadership fight for the DNC very affirmational. I was a Keith Ellison supporter very, very energetically, but both Keith and Tom Perez come out of the progressive wing of the party, and I met so many of the folks who now constitute the local leadership who are much more interested in a populist, progressive vision. The juxtaposition of the two parties right now is stunning. The Republican Party is in desperate crisis, whereas the Democratic Party, despite its many flaws and complexities, is moving rapidly to realign to whats happening now in our country, and Im very hopeful about what that leads to.

Youve been a consistent voice in support of DACA. The president seems to be moving toward canceling it and deporting hundreds of thousands of people. Will you scrub the IDNYC database to protect Dreamers?

On all new IDs, since the beginning of the year, we do not keep paperwork that could provide any pertinent information on someones origins. On the previous iteration of IDNYC, we did, for a time-limited period, keep that backup with the intention to destroy it, and we still intend to destroy it. Theres a court case going on right now that we are confident we will ultimately win, and then we will destroy the information. We have to keep a very basic amount of information, like a copy of the card, for obvious reasons. But were not keeping anything that would be problematic to a child under DACA.

Weve touched on a number of your successes in the first term, and the city is generally in good shape. So why arent you more popular?

Well, first Ill say the greatest truism you will hear today: You will be able to judge what people think of me on November 7, assuming I am blessed to win the Democratic primary. But if you said, what are the dynamics to date? Look, I think its a tough time in history. The Great Recession, specifically, but really the decades of people being economically stagnant, deeply affected peoples views, understandably. And the increased cost of living around here. For a lot of folks, a frustration set in, and its not unfair to take that frustration out on leaders. So I think some of that is what we see here.

When I think about how crimes gone down for four years, graduation rates up, test scores are up, more jobs than ever in our history  I think, Wow, just that quick profile, any candidate anywhere would want it. Youd assume theyd be having parades out in the streets. But thats not the time in history that were living in. And Im not trying to take away my own missteps or my own insufficiencies as a communicator, but those are facts, and that happened on my watch, and a lot of it is because of my policies and my leadership. And as much as some try to denigrate my management approach, you dont achieve all those things without managing the hell out of the situation.

Many of the big things you have done in your first term have had greater effect in communities of color. Is that part of what were seeing in the racial split in the polls?

Theres no question that a lot of our policies have been meant to address historic inequities. So, yeah, if youre a lower income person or youre a person of color and youve been on the wrong side of the stick of history, were helping to even up the score. But what Id caution on is, the increase in jobs, the increase in graduation rate, the decrease in crime, those are universal, just like pre-K.

Should you or could you have done a better job of reaching out to people who were skeptical about you? People who were not part of your base?

I constantly believe its my job to reach out to every kind of New Yorker. You can check the exact number of times Ive been to Staten Island since I took office. So Ive gone to a lot of neighborhoods where Im not politically popular. And Ive spent a lot of time letting people know in every part of the city that I am trying to get things done for them. And I dont even expect theyre going to vote for me in many cases, but I think its a matter of fairness and decency to show up and show youre on the ball.

Youve been invited to visit JPMorgan and declined. Dont rich people need love, too?

Sure, but rich people are doing very well. The fact is Ive done a lot of work with the business community on education, for example. Ive had plenty of meetings with business leaders. Ive often given an opportunity to business leaders to participate more deeply in addressing income inequality and affordable housing. And some are willing and a lot are not. What Im not going to do is oversubscribe with folks who are not ready to make changes that are needed. Im very meticulous about how I apply my time and energy. And right now the agenda I described earlier is working. I dont need to go to more cocktail parties with rich people for that agenda to work. But my door is always open to every kind of New Yorker.

Youve ruled out running for president in 2020.

Its just not my plan. My plan is to win this election and serve for four years. I think theres a lot going on here thats crucial to finish. And I think I can do a lot to be helpful on fighting Trump from right here.

Is mayor the highest elected office you will ever hold?

Look, I cant predict the future. Its the only one I have plans to run for.

This interview has been edited and condensed from two conversations on August 25 and 29.

*This article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.

Related 9 Mayors on What Washington Can Learn From Local Government
From left: Eric Garcetti (D), Los Angeles; Nan Whaley (D), Dayton, Ohio; and Steve Benjamin (D), Columbia, South Carolina. Photo: Edmund D. Fountain

Our national political environment might be paralyzed by partisanship, culture-war posturing, and erratic leadership, but our cities tend to be resilient, even when theyre flash points for national disasters, both natural and man-made. At least thats the perspective of many mayors. One Saturday morning in early August, nine who were in New Orleans for the U.S. Conference of Mayors gave a couple hours of their time to discuss just why thats the case  and why Washington might benefit from thinking more like them.

When you get together with your fellow mayors at an event like this, how is the mood different from the mood in Washington?

Karen Freeman-Wilson (D), Gary, Indiana: The great thing about meeting with other mayors is that it doesnt matter if youre a Democrat or a Republican or an Independent or a Libertarian, because we understand that at the end of the day, you have to get things done.

Pete Buttigieg (D), South Bend, Indiana: Ive literally had situations where Ive gotten to know a mayor, Ive heard about something they were doing, Ive called them for advice, and only then did I notice that they were from the other party. It just didnt come up.

Eric Garcetti (D), Los Angeles: I think that mayors collectively are filling a national space that isnt just the result of Novembers election. We do kind of own a domain with our citizens where they are asking us not just to step up on local trash pickup but on climate change, immigration, and infrastructure. Its critical at a time when there is a political vacuum, and an accomplishments vacuum, in D.C.

Steve Benjamin (D), Columbia, South Carolina: Our citizens know us. They see us every day in church, in synagogue, in mosque, in the grocery store, at the traffic light. You roll down your window, you get some advice. And those citizens happen to account for 84 percent of the people who live in this country, 87 percent of the jobs, 91 percent of Americas GDP. The mayors around this table alone are from cities whose collective GDP exceeds that of the entire country of Russia.

A lot of you represent cities in states where the opposite party is in charge. Any advice for our friends in Washington on how to develop bipartisan working relationships?

Kasim Reed (D), Atlanta: Start by identifying the 5 to 20 percent of issues that you agree on. The governor of my state is a Republican named Nathan Deal. We have had an exceptional relationship, and its because we sat in a room one day and figured out we agreed on job creation, infrastructure, transportation, the deepening of the Port of Savannah. And we were both elected in an economic ditch, like most of my colleagues. So we had a reason to try to be successful together, because if we hadnt been, wed have been tossed out.

Nan Whaley (D), Dayton, Ohio: In Dayton, were in the most conservative part of the state of Ohio. And you know, when I tell people that the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce supported an income tax for universal pre-K, I mean its just unheard of. But that helped a lot, to make sure we had a double-digit victory, that the whole community bought in.

Bryan Barnett (R), Rochester Hills, Michigan: The irony is that Washingtons gridlock has produced the exact opposite dynamic at the local level. Because we receive less from them in resources, were forced to collaborate more because we have to get results.

Mike Rawlings (D), Dallas: I have a lieutenant governor who said a couple of weeks ago that the reason America is so bad is these Democratic mayors that are taking our country to hell in a handbasket.

Reed: But he just meant in Dallas.

Garcetti: And Houston, and Austin.

Barnett: The places that pay for everything.

Rawlings: Were the growth engine for the state, yet some state-level politicians want to treat us as the enemy. Getting through primaries seems to be their only objective. Discrimination against cities is exacerbated by the gerrymandering process. I dont believe that the folks in Mabank, Texas, are that much different than those of us in Dallas. But when you have a congressional district drawn with a little piece of Dallas all the way out there to East Texas, and add in primaries where youre encouraged to point at the big cities as bad guys  well, that creates unnecessary friction.

From left: John Giles (R), Mesa, Arizona; Pete Buttigieg (D), South Bend, Indiana; Kasim Reed (D), Atlanta; and Mike Rawlings (D), Dallas. Photo: Edmund D. Fountain

Still, one of the biggest divisions in national politics is a cultural divide and a lack of trust between metropolitan and non-metropolitan America. How do we bridge that particular divide?

Garcetti: We have to reject the divide. I grew up in whats now the second-biggest metropolitan area in the United States. When we had a GM car factory shut down in Van Nuys; when Price Pfister, which used to pay $15 an hour in the 1980s, was taken over by Black & Decker  all those jobs went away. People in Detroit arent the only ones who have experienced an employer packing up and leaving town. We have to stop allowing the press and party ideologues to create regional divides that do not actually exist. We all have the small town in our big cities.

Barnett: And Mayor Garcetti represents millions of people. My town has a population of 75,000. I also refuse to accept the false choice of a rural-urban divide. My city is a ring community of metro Detroit. But we understand that we are only successful if the city of Detroit is successful.

Related Stories The Urban-Rural Divide Matters More Than Red Versus Blue State

What also seems to be lacking in Washington right now is new ideas. If you could get a little time with top leaders in Washington and just shake them and say Pay attention to this, what would this be?

Reed: Taking on the pension crisis in American cities. Its a $1 billion problem locally, its a $2 trillion problem in the states, and I dont think that our federal partners are paying any attention to the massive shift that is occurring as you move away from traditional pensions to a 401(k) environment where people are going to have to manage their savings for the rest of their lives.

Garcetti: Heres an idea that might seem conservative coming out of a Democratic mayor: Imagine if the federal government said we will relax the regulatory process to test transportation innovations. In Silicon Valley, we have people who are redefining how were going to move in the world. Yet most places where companies test first [are abroad]. Well be spending $120 billion for 15 new rail lines in L.A., I dont have a single American company to build the cars, so lets talk some economic nationalism for a second.

Barnett: Ill give you a Democratic idea. In our city, weve worked with our unions, as well as the unions of neighboring communities, to share employees. It was a one-single-sheet-of-paper agreement, and its allowed us to minimize overtime and to keep people employed, because now we have a greater base of work for them to choose from.

John Giles (R), Mesa, Arizona: Ill throw in a different perspective: that of a border state. NAFTA, as you know, is under real attack. That is putting a lot of border states like Arizona and California and Texas into a tizzy, because we spend a lot of time doing international-trade development. Were coming up with some great ideas in my community; were talking about becoming a hub for e-commerce for Mexico by getting pre-clearance from Customs for packages leaving Mesas airport, and we came up with this without any assistance from the federal government. I wish they would come to our communities and figure out how to do international trade.

From left: Bryan Barnett (R), Rochester Hills, Michigan; and Karen Freeman-Wilson (D), Gary, Indiana. Photo: Edmund D. Fountain

A lot of cities are filing suit against the state and federal government lately, particularly over immigration, but also over other issues where state and federal policy conflict with a citys self-governance. Are cities feeling they need to litigate to do what they need to do?

Rawlings: Our governor signed a bill taking away our right to instruct our police officers not to ask for proof of citizenship. Furthermore, the bill says that if I, an elected official, criticize it, the attorney general of the state of Texas has the right to eject me from office. Its just blatantly unconstitutional. So Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio have gotten together to sue. And I dont want to be suing the state.

Benjamin: Waste of resources.

Rawlings: It is. Thats not fun to do that. But we had to do that in Dallas.

Barnett: We spend a lot of time trying to tell the folks in Washington that we refuse to be treated as a special-interest group. We represent the same constituents and yet we find ourselves in lawsuits with what should be our brethren.

After all, youre not the ball-peen-hammer lobby or something.

Buttigieg: You feel like youre being treated that way. I remember when I was about to take office, I started getting an influx of lobbyists saying we want to represent your city in the state capitol, we want to represent your city in Washington. And my kind of naive question was like, Isnt that what my representatives and members of Congress are there for? And it turns out, in many ways, the answer has been no. There is a sense that were down to one out of three branches of federal government really working properly right now, and thats the judiciary. But we cant expect the courts to solve our problems. People trust their governments in cities.

Reed: Warts and all, our poll number [from Is Atlanta on the Right Track?] is 68 percent.

Buttigieg: Why in the world would we want to take cities and have them start looking more like state and federal government? And thats whats really at stake in these battles.

Garcetti: To save America  I mean, the things that we hear out of Washington, to do a trillion dollars of infrastructure [work], to create millions of jobs, to guarantee the safety of Americans in the communities where they live  these things have to be achieved in cities. I think what we offer to Washington right now, which is different than 40 or 50 or even 30 years ago, is now people have come back to cities. In the 60s, if we all went to Washington, wed be asking Washington to save us. I think its the flip now. Its that Americas cities can come to Washington and save it.

Dayton, Ohios Mayor on How to Fix the Opiate Epidemic

We declared an emergency on the opioid crisis in 2014, so weve been dealing with this for a while. We have a lot of ideas that could be helpful. For example, we want Ohio to establish an opioid czar and activate the state-of-emergency operations center. They did that when the swine flu was around and a couple people passed away. Ive been telling them they need to treat this like the disaster it is. We also think the state and federal government should do more to be flexible in regard to the Medicaid policies relating to detox and treatment. Medicaid is the basis of how we get treatment for folks. And the federal government, for example, doesnt allow Medicaid dollars to be used in jails, and so its very difficult for them to get Vivitrol, Suboxone, or methadone, because its paid for by the local community, which is already strapped.Nan Whaley (D)

Columbia, South Carolinas Mayor on How to Address Police Abuse

Three years ago this December, we started the Justice for All Initiative. We decided that we werent going to wait on the Department of Justice, we werent going to wait on our state government. All of our officers would have body cameras. Everyone charged with a violent crime, their interviews are videotaped, so this idea of coercing confessions would go out the window. We have a report in which we aggregate all data and share it with the public, so people worried about the use of force and police abuses, theyre able to look back last year and see that there were, just as an example, 166,000 contacts with the public, 6,900 arrests, 91 complaints of misconduct; in only three incidents out of those 145,000 was deadly force used, and this is exactly what happened: This is the officer, this is the race of the officer, this is the race of the individual involved, this is how it was independently investigated, this is the narrative of how it was exposed. Weve appointed a citizen to our internal affairs review board. Weve, of course, completely changed our training to be able to detect things like mental illness or to work with all the unconscious biases that we all have. We also did something that a lot of folks arent doing. We gave our cops a 7 percent across-the-board pay increase. We pay for them to get their education. Our cops get a residency bonus. So its an approach that recognizes that these are the men and women who are running toward danger every single day. Weve got to be thankful for them. But at the very same time, putting in the levels of accountability. Weve got 150,000 people here, 400-something officers. Theres no way 450 men and women can police a population that large without the trust of the public. Steve Benjamin (D)

Los Angeless Mayor on the Lessons of Hurricane Harvey

Ive been talking to [Houston mayor] Sylvester Turner, and we sent about 80 people from Los Angeles there, weve got mutual aid around the country. I think it just puts into stark relief that when America is faced with challenges, it is our cities that have to step up and face them, and it is an opportunity for us to transcend the divisions that we have and remember who we are. I loved hearing him talk about immigrants in his city whod be protected and not deported as they are going through this emergency. Maybe its an opportunity for [Trump]: Maybe we dont need to build a wall but can rebuild Houston and Texas instead. Certainly, this helps remind us why budgets are important. Abstract cuts sound good until you realize they do things like clean up contamination or help prepare for disasters. I think even for members of the House in Texas who said, Well, we shouldnt vote for Sandy relief, it might be a little more personal this time when they realize were all in the same boat. Eric Garcetti (D)

Mesa, Arizonas Mayor on How to Be a Republican Mayor of a Border City

We are in the process of doing a big deal that involves international trade with Mexico, and when the rhetoric coming out of Washington is We need to scrap trade deals with Mexico, that has an impact on my economy. When Ive got people in my community afraid to call police officers when theyre the victims of crimes, that makes it more difficult for us to create a safe environment for everyone. I think the Republican Party is making a huge mistake by not reaching out more to the Latino community. We ought to be doing everything we can to build bridges with them, and so the pardoning of Sheriff Arpaio complicates that. John Giles (R)

*This article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
South Korea is on edge. Photo: South Korean Defense Ministry

With North Korea showing no signs of slowing its nuclear missile program or ramping down its belligerent rhetoric, South Korea is ramping up its military readiness  with help from the U.S.

On Tuesday morning, President Trump announced on Twitter that the U.S. would sell a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment to South Korea and Japan.

I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

In a phone call, the White House said that it had agreed, in principle, to lift a cap on missile sales to the country, and supply it with many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment.

The show of military cooperation comes after a series of Trump-fueled provocations that had raised doubts about Americas commitment to its longtime ally. After North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Saturday, Trump went after South Korea for not being tough enough with its belligerent neighbor, accusing the country of appeasement.

Days before the latest test, Trump had also floated the possibility of ending a free-trade pact with South Korea, bizarre timing given the rising tensions next door. That idea has drawn widespread opposition from Democrats and Republicans.

And, in a characteristic show of bureaucratic neglect, the Trump administration has left several key roles at the State Department unfilled amid the mounting crisis, most glaringly the position of ambassador to South Korea. The administration finally nominated a well-regarded North Korean expert last week.

Nevertheless, there are few signs that such carelessness and negligence of the relationship between the United States and Korea extend past the executive branch.

On Monday, South Korea held live fire drills and simulated a strike on North Koreas nuclear facilities as a show of force, while warning that more North Korean missile tests were likely imminent. The country planned to conduct joint exercises with the U.S. in the near future, and, the Guardian reports, the two countries were considering the deployment of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, strategic bomber and other military hardware to the Korean peninsula.

Moon Jae-in, South Koreas prime minister, has also been newly receptive to THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), a highly controversial U.S.-backed missile defense program that faced deep opposition when his more conservative predecessor approved it before leaving office. South Korea announced it would temporary deploy four more THAAD missile launchers as a deterrent. China, a key player in the North Korean drama, opposes THAAD in part because it gives the U.S. the ability to surveil its airspace and, possibly, ground operations. Many South Koreans oppose it because of the threat it poses to relations with China and Russia, which has also expressed disapproval of the program.

On Monday, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the U.N. Security Council that North Korea was begging for war, but that all diplomatic solutions should be explored first.

Her statement came on the heels of tough talk from Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who said on Sunday that North Korea faced a massive military response if the country threatened the U.S.
People rally in support of DACA in Los Angeles on September 1, 2017. Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

At the start of his term, President Trumps poorly written travel ban sparked angry protests, objections from business leaders, and confusion among those tasked with implementing it. Then over the next seven months, he tried to solve a number of thorny issues by deferring to Congress, and wound up in a feud with Republican leaders when they failed to accomplish his goals.

After a summer of firings, theres a new team running the Trump administration, but it appears they intend to keep repeating this losing formula. On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is expected to announce that Trump is terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has offered roughly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants a temporary reprieve from deportation, with a six-month delay.

DACA has left Trump in a difficult position. In an effort to underscore his toughness on immigration, Trump vowed during the campaign to immediately terminate President Obamas two illegal executive amnesties, in which he defied federal law and the constitution to give amnesty to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants. But shortly after his inauguration, Trump was looking to assure the public that he has a big heart and would take care of everybody, so he told ABC News that Dreamers shouldnt be very worried.

Trump put off making a decision on the program, so in late June the attorneys general from ten conservative states tried to force his hand, threatening to file a legal challenge to DACA on September 5 if Trump hadnt killed the program by then. The New York Times reported on Monday that an exasperated Trump asked his aides to find a way out of this dilemma. His chief of staff turned to Congress:

Mr. Trumps chief of staff, John F. Kelly, who had wrestled with crafting a compromise in his previous job as the presidents homeland security secretary, began consulting with Republican lawmakers and staff members for a quick fix, according to three officials familiar with the situation. He finally arrived at an inelegant solution to an intractable problem: Delaying a decision on the final fate of about 800,000 Dreamers covered by President Barack Obamas executive action for six months, and putting it on Congress to come up with a legislative solution to the problem.

Meanwhile, the immigration hardliners in the administration advised Trump that he must make a decision:

The main pressure to end the program is coming from Mr. Trumps hard-line policy adviser, Stephen Miller; Mr. Sessions; and his still-influential former chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, who believe that nothing short of a complete and immediate shutdown of the program will fulfill the presidents campaign pledges.

They have warned the president that immediate action is required to head off the lawsuits against the program brought by a group of red state attorneys general.

Apparently none of these aides told Trump theres another extremely easy way out of this predicament: continue to do nothing. As Cristian Farias noted in New York last week, the threat to file on September 5 lacks merit, is internally inconsistent, and theres little evidence that it was dreamed up for any other reason than political grandstanding.

Thomas A. Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, explained in the Huffington Post that the states are threatening to ask a federal district court to amend an existing suit over Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, which would have extended protections to Dreamers relatives. That would spark another legal battle, so it could be October before the courts decide whether the states could amend the DAPA case. While a preliminary injunction blocked DAPA from going into effect, that wouldnt make sense against DACA since immediately ending the program would disrupt the status quo.

By doing nothing, Trump might have been able to buy himself another year to come up with a DACA solution:

If Texas foregoes seeking a preliminary injunction  or files and is appropriately denied that interim relief  then any court order affecting Trumps ability to continue DACA could only come after the court reaches a final judgment. Before the court could reach a final decision, it would have to allow discovery  evidence gathering  and depositions  witness questioning  and it would have to resolve critical factual disputes. Many of these disputes could center on standing and whether Texas has any injury traceable to DACA, or whether the benefits of DACA to the state outweigh the costs. Whatever the issues, getting to a final decision would not be quick. In all likelihood, a final decision would not come until well into 2018, even toward the end of 2018.

That would give Trump plenty of time to negotiate with Congress on a way to phase out DACA. Instead, hes kicking the can to Congress, giving them six months to come up with a solution. And hes further angering many congressional Republicans by announcing that theyll need to tackle the historically difficult immigration issue just as they return to D.C. to address a slew of other difficult deadlines.

Its likely Trump will still see a lawsuit over DACA, it will just come from different states. New York and Washington officials have both said they plan to sue if Trump ends DACA. We have been working closely with legal teams around the country, and we expect to be joined by other states in this action, said Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Meanwhile, the fate of 800,000 people who are integrated into American society will be left up in the air. President Obama is reportedly planning to speak out if Trump ends DACA, and protests have already started:

Concerned Community members from WA, CA, NM, AZ, TX, ID, VA holding a vigil outside Jared Kushner & @IvankaTrump's house #DefendDACA pic.twitter.com/caGf0mIFah  Cris Ruiz (@votecris2040) September 5, 2017

Powerful video sent to me of a young activist standing up for DREAMers outside of @IvankaTrump's house right now. #DefendDACA pic.twitter.com/CBN1daFxaO  Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 5, 2017

Vox notes its still unclear how the six-month phase-out will affect Dreamers:

1. At the end of the six-month period, is the Trump administration going to revoke 800,000 existing DACA protections at once, or is it going to sunset the program by simply preventing people from renewing their protections when their current 2-year window of protection expires? 2. Will people be allowed to renew their DACA protections during that six-month period?

Hopefully Sessions will address these questions in his prepared remarks on Tuesday, because hes already announced he wont be taking questions from reporters.

President Trump offered this unusually pithy prediction on Monday night:

Big week coming up!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

It didnt need to involve a fight over immigration on top of everything else, but whos Trump to stand up to the attorney general of Texas?
Wait, wheres the president? Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Unlike his predecessor in office, who looked Dreamers in the eye when he decided to grant them a temporary reprieve from deportation, Donald Trump wouldnt dare tell them publicly hed be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, their only lifeline in the only country most of them have ever known  he left that job to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. For the last five years, the program has offered these young Americans-in-the-making a shot at a dream many of us take for granted.

Without much of a moral compass to guide him, the president instead ducked responsibility for the needless suffering hed be causing Dreamers by deferring to Congress, which since 2001 has tried and failed to pass legislation to shield these young immigrants  who never had the intent to violate the law  from a legal regime that otherwise treats them as deportable aliens that dont belong here. Does anyone really believe that Trump, whose rode into office by attempting to appease a nationalist base, will sign a codified version of DACA that would give more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants a chance of joining the polity?

More cowardly still, he deputized the historically anti-immigrant Sessions to deliver the blow on DACA, which was couched in legalese and a veneer of compassion, and features a six-month wind-down period. When the DREAM Act failed in 2010, Sessions suggested Dreamers were no more than the kind of bad hombres Trump would later want to save us from: This bill is a law that at its fundamental core is a reward for illegal activity, he said at the time. He hasnt changed. During his briefing Tuesday, he referred to them dismissively as mostly adult illegal aliens.

This is nonsense, as Dreamers, by and large, are decent, hard-working members of society who pay taxes, go to college, open businesses, and even risk their lives for fellow Americans when disaster strikes. Sessions, as the nations chief legal officer, likes to claim that DACA cannot remain on the books and is indefensible in court as a matter of constitutional law, but thats false: The program has survived every legal challenge against it, has been in operation for half a decade, and is rooted in the federal governments broad authority to set immigration priorities. As recently as 2012, the Supreme Court recognized the breadth of this power: Discretion in the enforcement of immigration law embraces immediate human concerns.

Lets dispense with the meme that Trump was ever torn over DACAs future because he wanted to treat his beneficiaries with heart. Or that his is a law-and-order presidency that believed DACA couldnt survive because it was contrary to the rule of law. In his administration, respect for the legal process is a chimera: For its lawyers, a functional ban on Muslims from six countries entering the country is lawful because the president is owed the utmost deference over the enforcement of the immigration laws. And yet the president is rendered powerless over a modest program that spares certain immigrants for humanitarian reasons, all because Texas and other recalcitrant states threaten a meritless lawsuit.

By decreeing the death of DACA, Trump has again demonstrated that the rule of law is a nonconcern for his administration. For the president, lawless sheriffs who systematically violate the constitutional rights of brown-skinned Arizonans are deserving of mercy, but not aspiring citizens who have been making America great since the moment they were given a little grace.

Were a people of compassion and were a people of law, declared Sessions without a hint of irony over the unspeakable cruelty DACAs demise represents. This was a punch in the face to Dreamers, to advocates, to immigrants, and Americans like myself who once even helped would-be recipients as they fearfully, hopefully filled out applications for relief. These young immigrants wont go down quietly. Thats not who they are. Undaunted by Trumps empty appeals to whats right and lawful, theyll continue fighting and representing the very best America has to offer.
Donald Trump. Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

There is an eerie familiarity to President Trumps position on deporting immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children. It contains the same mix of cruelty and desperate incompetence as his position on repealing Obamacare. There is the alternating of threats and bluster with sweet promises; the repeated delays in hopes a solution will somehow materialize; the lack of interest in programmatic detail (administration officials privately expressed concern that Mr. Trump might not fully grasp the details of the steps he was about to take, and when he discovered their full impact, would change his mind, reports the New York Times); and the final lurch into blame-avoidance that we are seeing now (Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!, Trump demands, bluntly framing the policy as something Congress, not Trump, was supposed to have been working on these past seven and a half months.

On immigration, as on health care and other issues, anti-Obamaism has been the glue holding together the Republican coalition. Barack Obama cobbled together ungainly policy compromises as a way of working around the implacability of the Republican Party. Obamas departure from the scene has dissolved the glue that held the Republican stance together, leaving Trump and his party flailing about for an alternative that is neither heretical to their own ideology nor overtly cruel.

Trump won his partys nomination by outbidding all his rivals on ethno-nationalist appeal. This innovation was more a brilliant new discovery than Trumps business technique of not paying contractors for services rendered. It was a short-term leverage play. Trumps rivals knew perfectly well the power of white racial resentment in the Obama-era party. They held back because they, not he, were attempting to balance their appeal to the base with a viable plan that could appeal to the country as a whole.

Its noteworthy that the policy Trumps conventional Republican opponents attempted to articulate against him during the primary is essentially the one he has found his way toward now. Marco Rubio insisted that the Dreamers could not be deported right away, but that Obamas refusal to deport them was an affront to the Constitution. You already have people that have signed up for it. Theyre working, theyre going to school. It would be deeply disruptive. But at some point, it has to come to an end, he said at one point. I will on my first day in office get rid of it because its unconstitutional, he promised at another. Jeb Bush promised, Lets give them priority to be citizens. But by the law, not by decree, because thats like a Latin American dictator.

This was the Republican opposition to Obamacare all over again. It was vague enough to embrace both the most rigid ideological opponents of what Obama was attempting to do, as well as those who sympathized with his goal. What wrapped it all together was the insistence that Obamas effrontery in bypassing Congress was the primary issue. Of course, Obama had enacted it because the Republicans Congress could not pass anything. Just how a Republican president might overcome this obstacle was never worked out.

Presented with the task of resolving the contradiction, Trump began backtracking on his stance almost immediately after the election. Were going to work something out thats going to make people happy and proud  They got brought here at a very young age, theyve worked here, theyve gone to school here. Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And theyre in never-never land because they dont know whats going to happen, Trump told Time magazine in December. The Dreamers shouldnt be very worried, because Trump was going to take care of everybody  I do have a big heart, he insisted in January. The president reiterated the theme at a press conference the following month: Were going to show great heart, the president promised. DACA is a very, very difficult subject for me  You have these incredible kids, in many cases  They were brought here  We are going to deal with DACA with heart  because, you know, I love these kids. I love kids! I have kids and grandkids.

Trump was reprising his method on health care, right down to the terms themselves (heart; take care of everybody.) Of course, this presumed there was a way to take care of everybody while still satisfying the bloodlust of the conservative base. Some Republicans have floated the possibility of trading a solution for the Dreamers for a down payment on construction of Trumps cherished border wall. Democrats and arch restrictionists alike oppose that deal.

Trump dispatched Jeff Sessions, his arch-restrictionist attorney general, to defend his policy  or, at least, a policy. Sessions articulated a case that would seem to rule out any mercy whatsoever for children who had crossed the border illegally. To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here, he said. That is an open border policy and the American people have rightly rejected it. Trump published his own statement emphasizing the rule of law and the necessity of legislation, but also contradicting Sessionss belief that the rule of law requires the Dreamers to be deported. I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents, Trump writes.

Access to power is exposing the hollowness of the Republican platform. The chronically leaky administration has fatally undercut any pretense of coherence in the presidents announcement. Trump made his announcement because he wants a way out, reports the Times. If Congress fails to act, a scenario that seems likely, a senior aide told Politico, he didnt expect Trump to follow through on terminating DACA. If there is any saving grace to the situation, it is that, contra Yeats, the worst lack all conviction.
Observant Ugandans watching Kenyas recent election should have been taken aback by the stark similarity of the statistical difference that put one candidate (in the 2016 Ugandan elections) at a constant of 60+ per cent and the other at 34+ per cent from day-two to the day the Electoral Commission chairman announced the results.

This scenario formed the thrust of Raila Odingas petition that it is statistically impossible for the percentage difference to remain fixed in spite of votes coming from some strongholds.

Indeed, it is obvious that Kenyas electoral body had mastered the art of engineering computer-generated results as the court has proved. But the Kenyans were not taught how to circumvent a situation where the judges would be independent.

Unlike Uganda, Kenya opposition gathered massive incriminating evidence and protected it. For example, they found that many ghost polling stations were created which all voted for the incumbent. In some cases, Odingas votes were reported to have been switched to President Kenyatta.

Whereas former presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi tried to gather as many pieces of evidence as possible, he was not able, like in Kenya, to protect his evidence from being robbed by obviously pro-establishment criminals.

Certain evidence in Mbabazis possession was a powder keg that would expose the 2016 Uganda election as a sham.

However, the Kenya opposition lawyers, driven by patriotism, did not give room for such sabotage. In our case, instead of the judges taking the break-in at Mbabazis lawyers offices as a pointer to derail the petition, they appeared to side with the state.

However, the Kenyan judges allowed Nasa (National Super Alliance) to scrutinize the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) server, but Jubilee principals and IEBC defied the court order.

Why? Odinga still insists that IEBC has to open its server for scrutiny for the world to know the actual election results. Our own court here did not grant permission to the petitioners to recount votes in contested areas.

Why? It is obvious that our judges are miles away from the sober Kenyan judges who were able to read into Odingas petition and see the invisible hands abusing the Constitution for unpatriotic and selfish reasons.

For one, it is interesting to note that this is a study in contrast of one country run by so-called freedom fighters; while the other is run by politicians bearing no such gratuitous and ostentatious titles.



Moses Okuda,

Kampala.



Religious leaders should speak out



I recently attended a press briefing by DP president general Norbert Mao where he condemned religious leaders for keeping mum about existent national issues such as age limit debate.

Religion is part of a functioning state and that is why former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte said A state without religion is like a ship without a compass direction.

Many world leaders have embraced Napoleons words by infiltrating the church and buying off their leaders.

President Museveni has always sponsored religious leaders and has donated cars to almost all of them. But we pray that they break this patronage curse and speak out against the impending constitutional changes about land and the presidential age limit.

They can as well play a neutral part by facilitating harmonious discussions between government and the opposition.



Joel Mukisa,

Freelance writer.



Let us ask Scotland Yard or FBI for help



In a relatively short period, the media has serially reported the cumulative rape and murder of women mainly in Entebbe and Nansana municipalities. Media reports show that at least 20 women have been killed.

What is disturbing is that the security agencies seem to be confused about what to do to curb this heinous vice.

In the past, we have been experiencing child sacrifice, school fires, etc, but reports on them have never come out.

With this new trend of killings, I urge government to eat the humble pie and seek help from the Scotland Yard or FBI to find the real people behind this vice.

Kennedy Kabonge,

kabongek@yahoo.co.uk.



Review children's ID exercise



I would like to express my disappointment with the ongoing childrens national identification exercise.

The exercise is not fairly conducted because it only allows the school-going child to participate, yet we have a number of children staying at home, not because they do not value education, but their parents are poverty-stricken and, therefore, cannot take them to school.

Allowing only the school-going child to participate in the ongoing exercise, in any case, is depriving the poor of citizenship.

I would like to suggest that government sets up parallel registration centres to have the non-school-going child take part in the exercise as well.

Muzamil Alamiga,

Arua.



Kudos to Gen Saleh, Buganda



I would like to thank Gen Salim Saleh for a good gesture of giving away part of his land to government. This land is expected to accommodate 300 people and they will all get land titles.

This is a very good thing, especially at a time where people are being displaced by land grabbers and investors. Saleh is not in position to help every Ugandan squatter.

That is why the initiative by Buganda kingdom to offer cheap lease titles [Kyapa mu Ngalo] to bibanja owners should also be supported. People are safer if they have registrable land interests.

Joel Ntumwa,

Kampala.



letters@observer.ug
The mysterious murders of women mostly in Entebbe and Nansana areas has drawn attention to our security apparatus and its capacity to arrest organised crime.

As of Monday, September 4, up to 20 women were reported to have been killed in more or less similar style and circumstances over the last three months.

Although a number of people have been arrested and charged in court in relation to these crimes, the killings have continued, leading to widespread fear that the real perpetrators, or at least some of them, are still at large and planning to strike again.

Even before these murders started, there was a noticeable rise in cases of criminality in Kampala and other parts of the country.

The number of people reporting that they have been attacked outside their gates or hit with iron bars as they walked home has been rising.

Yet this state of affairs has not been helped by the massive recruitment of so-called crime preventers in the run-up to the 2016 elections. Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura was behind the project that saw hundreds of thousands of youths given skills, ostensibly to prevent crime.

However, it was evident from the start that far from being neutral law and order actors, crime preventers were essentially a political mobilisation vehicle for the ruling party, an allegation the police vehemently refuted.

Today, with the security situation deteriorating rather than improving under the watch of the police and their crime preventing sidekicks, the chicken are truly coming home to roost.

The contentious role of crime preventers illuminates the role of the police itself in Uganda today. There is a justified perception that the police and other security organs are too preoccupied with pro-NRM political work to pay enough attention to ordinary crime.

The funding itself is tilted more towards keeping opposition political actors at bay, leaving homicide, burglary, theft, rape and other crimes to thrive in the absence of adequate logistics and other support.








Saudi Arabia is getting ready to list 5 percent of its crown jewelstate oil firm Aramcoin what could be the biggest IPO ever. The Saudis claim that the whole company is worth US$2 trillion, while most external analysts think the fair valuation is at least US$500 billion lower than that estimate.

If the Saudis continue to pursue their target valuation, they may have to turn to major Chinese investors such as sovereign wealth funds and major state companies, who have deeper pockets than major institutional investors in the West.

This could give China a stake in the lowest-cost oil producer and major exporter of the commodity that Beijing will continue to use in growing volumes in the foreseeable future.

Saudi Arabia, for its part, would then have a much closer economic and energy relationship with one of its primary Asian markets, which it lost its no.1 top supplier spot to Russia.

The closer ties between Saudi Arabia and China could ultimately lead to Riyadh giving preference to Beijing as its top global strategic ally, at the expense of the U.S., Asian affairs expert Tom Holland writes in an article in South China Morning Post.

In March this year, Saudi King Salman visited China and signed US$65 billion worth of potential deals including deals in oil supply and petrochemicals. Related: Is This Country About To Revive Biofuels?

We would like to further strengthen our oil supply relationship and multiply our investments in China, particularly in the downstream, Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser said in March.

According to Wang Yupu, chairman of Chinas Sinopec, the Saudis invited the Chinese firm to consider a possible investment in Aramcos IPO.

Getting Chinese investment in Aramco could provide the Saudis with the proceeds to fund their ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify away from oil.

For China, an Aramco investment could secure one of its biggest oil import sources. It could also increase Beijings bargaining power to convince Aramco to accept yuan payments for its oil instead of U.S. dollars, as China is trying to make its currency a global one.

Although there is no indication yet that Aramco would want yuan for its oil, the Saudis said a couple of weeks ago that they would be willing to consider issuing yuan-denominated bonds, in what could be a break from the practice to issue debt only in U.S. dollars.

In terms of oil shipments to the U.S. and China, Saudi exports to the U.S. have been on the decline as the total U.S. imports fall while domestic shale production rises.

In China, domestic crude oil output is dropping while demand is continuously growing, and as such, China is raising its imports. Saudi Aramco has made China a strategic priority and is signing downstream investment deals and crude supply deals with Chinese firms to achieve that goal.

In this way, the Saudis are making sure that China would continue to buy more of their oil, while Beijing is securing part of its crude import needs.

But while Aramco is pursuing closer Chinese ties, it is still holding onto its U.S. ties, signing US$50 billion worth of potential deals with American firms during the first trip of U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S.-Saudi strategic alliance survived the 1970s oil embargo and 9/11, and is now bound by a common, and more pronounced, anti-Iran rhetoric under President Trump. Related: Oil Takes Center Stage In Norways Election

But if the Saudis seek a closer ally in China, they may find Beijing as a more convenient global strategic partner, because China is more likely to turn a blind eye to Riyadhs poor human and womens rights record, Mr. Holland argues in his article.

For the time being, its evident that the Saudis and Chinese are expanding their oil and energy relations, and its feasible that a Chinese fund or a group of firms and/or funds could buy a sizeable stake in Aramco. Even if Saudis dont switch loyalties to China, Beijing will have even more clout over the global oil market and stronger energy ties.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russias tight oil will play an increasingly important role in its oil output, underpinned by the fact that 20 percent of its current reserves already belong to the tight category. Most of it, however, remains untapped as oil producers prioritize traditional projects which entail lower production costs and time-honored technological solutions. As the traditional variants of production gradually move towards depletion, it is tight oil that oil companies will inevitably turn to.

Mostly located below historically formed oil-producing regions, these tight oil reserves come with a well-developed infrastructure and supply logistics. However, one sees significantly more media coverage on Russias Arctic, than its tight oil. The reason, you ask? Using traditional methods, tight oils recovery factor is a mere 3-5 percent, therefore it is evident that its development requires new tailor-cut approaches, which, unfortunately, have been severely lacking.

Generally speaking, the development of Russias tight oil reserves is hindered by many factors; prioritization of other oil clusters, lack of adequate funding (Central Banks base rate at 9 percent and commercial credits are even higher), high dependence from foreign know-how, lack of test sites and only a small number of companies appraising tight reserves in earnest.

The same can be said with regard to Russias Arctic reserves, with one essential exception: the government impels Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, the only oil companies active in Russias Arctic region (and the only eligible), to provide tangible results about their progress. Perhaps, it all boils down to more favorable breakeven levels (Russian Arctic currently floats around $70/bbl, whilst tight oil is in the $80-90/bbl), perhaps not. The fact is that the state has not given due consideration to Russias tight oil bounty.Apart from technological solutions, the development of tight oil reserves also requires legislative changes despite a wide range of concessions already in effect since 2013. Tight oil projects, including the Bazhenov, Abalak, Khadum, Domanik Suites among others, are exempted for 15 years from paying the mineral extraction tax. Moreover, in case the oil is exported and Urals is below $50/barrel, the export duty is nullified. If Urals is above $50/barrel, producers will still pay a mere fraction of what they would pay for regular crude. Still, even more is required. The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing changes to the existing legislation, asserting that a full 0 percent taxation rate would be instrumental in consolidating geological test sites as springboard for new technologies to be used when studying subsurface resources. Related: Post Harvey: Crude Climbs As Gasoline Crashes

Unfavorable economics, Western sanctions and economic recession notwithstanding, almost all major Russian companies are trying to tackle the tight oil conundrum. Yet, typically, companies brave enough to take on the Bazhenov suite seem to be approaching it with different conceptual foundations. For instance, the LUKOIL-owned RITEK is focusing on various means of implementing thermal gas treatment to enhance oil recovery, whilst Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz are concentrating on fine tuning multi-stage fracking and sidetracking techniques. This discrepancy in approaches also resulted in the sluggishness of Bazhenov Suite fields being brought online.

Only a few years ago, the Russian Ministry of Energy predicted that tight oil production would reach 50 million tonnes per year by 2025. As things stand now, Surgutneftegaz will remain the only company with significant Bazhenov output (0.5 million tons per year), Gazprom Neft intends to start commercial production on its fields in 2021.

Bazhenov Suite

Occupying an area the size of Ethiopia, roughly 1 million square kilometers spreading from the Russo-Kazakh border to the Kara Sea along Western Siberias most prolific oil fields, the Bazhenov Suite has been keeping Russian geophysicists awake at night for more than 50 years. Although it is one of the most researched subjects in Russian petrogeology, there still is no authoritative estimate on Bazhenovs reserves (most reasonable located within the 15 to 20-billion-ton interval) and will not be for some time. There is no unified method for the quantification of Bazhenov reserves, moreover, most oil discoveries within it were carried out on a rather hit or miss basis. Yet we know a lot already about the Bazhenov Suite - the 70 known oil fields in the Bazhenov Suite are located at depths ranging from 600m to 3800m, while the thickness of the Suite mostly ranging from 20 to 40 meters, with an organic matter content of 16-17 percent.

The probability of hitting the rock-fracture zone with a standard vertical well is quite low - all companies have opted for multistage hydraulic fracturing as primary means of extraction. It remains to be seen how commercially viable RITEKs attempts with the pyrolysis of kerogenic shale will be. It can allegedly extract up to 60 percent of the original kerogen volumes  the problem they will face sooner or later, however, is that they will have to develop a standardized procedure for layers at very different depths. As there is no indication that sanctions are to be eliminated anytime soon, companies are looking for a fresh take.

Gazprom Neft has been particularly keen to attract fresh ideas and approaches domestic institutions (universities, service companies) to unlock the potential of the Bazhenov Suite, partly driven by the overarching need to carry out this technological import substitution as soon as possible, since in the pre-sanctions period up to 90 percent of tight oil-related equipment was imported to Russia.

The Ministry of Energy considers the Bazhen project as one of federal importance; a laudable lobbying result, however, it is only the thin end of the wedge. Even with the most intensive and successful lobbying, one cannot speed up the Bazhenov development without some sort of technological breakthrough. Simply implementing methods which proved their worth in the United States will not work  even though Bazhenov and the Bakken share many similarities - permeability, porosity, organic content. Bazhenov is stratigraphically more complex, more argillic and thinner than its American counterpart. It is worth noting that below the Bazhenov lies the Abalak Suite  due to really high hydrostatic pressure and appropriate reservoir characteristics oil may move down from Bazhenov to the Abalak Suite.

Domanik Suite

Just as the Bazhenov Suite more or less copies the Western Siberian oil region, the Domanik Suite follows the contours of the historically oil-producing Volga-Urals region. A dark bituminous shale formation with current 2P oil reserves of a mere 27 million tons. Its organic content is thrice lower than that of Bazhenov, around approximately 5 percent. Of the 10 oilfields discovered in the Domanik Suite, none have any sort of commercial production. Related: In A Bold Move, Saudis Raise Crude Prices For Asia

This need not be the case forever. Even though the Domanik remains uncharted territory, its estimated reserves are expected to amount to 2-3 billion tons. Whilst Bazhenov will most likely end up being a Gazprom Neft  Surgutneftegaz domain, virtually the only oil major that seems intent on developing the Domanik Suite is Rosneft.

Rosneft formed two joint ventures with European majors BP and Statoil to explore the Domanik in the Orenburg and Samara region, respectively. By spudding first exploration wells in 2017, the Russian oil giant and its partners did not violate any sanctions-related conditions, as technically they were not drilling for (the banned) shale reservoirs, instead they drilled deeper, going for the limestone.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

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About half of the shuttered refining capacity along the Gulf Coast could be back up and running by Thursday, assuaging concerns about the possibility of acute gasoline shortages in much of the U.S.

The disruptions of more than 4 million barrels per day of refining capacity have been cut in half, with major refineries restarting operations in Corpus Christi and Houston. ExxonMobil is ramping up operations at its Baytown facility, the second largest in the country. Valero Energy brought two refineries in Corpus Christi and Texas City back online, with another large one in Port Arthur scheduled to resume operations soon.

The massive Motiva refinery  the largest in the country with 600,000 bpd of capacity  is still offline, but is getting closer to resuming operations. The large volume of restarts led to a spike in crude oil prices on Tuesday, with WTI up more than 3 percent. Gasoline futures fell back as the Colonial Pipeline restarted shipments.

Goldman Sachs predicts that as of Thursday, half of the shuttered refining capacity will have resumed.

But what about the rest? An estimated 1.4 mb/d could remain offline through mid-September at least, the investment bank predicts. Goldman says the lingering effects will be modestly bearish, projecting a 40-million-barrel increase in crude oil inventories. But the quick comeback of some larger refineries led Goldman to lower its projected demand impact from -750,000 bpd in the first month after the storm to just -600,000 bpd. Related: Oil Markets Rebound After Hurricane Harvey

However, the effects could actually become slightly bullish over time as the recovery efforts pick up, and intriguingly, there is potential for some sustained US onshore production curtailments. Eagle Ford shale drillers were forced to shut in some shale output as both the takeaway capacity (i.e., pipelines) and Gulf Coast refineries went offline, backing up crude at the wellhead. Some estimates put Eagle Ford output down by half at first, although data is hard to come by at this point. Goldman Sachs estimates that 200,000 bpd of Eagle Ford production remains shut-in, which offsets some of the bearish impact on WTI from the refinery outages. Adding in some lingering outages offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, total upstream supply outages still stand at about 300,000 bpd.

Goldman raises the possibility that the comeback in shale production could be curtailed by the sustained outages at Gulf Coast refineries, a scenario that it says is underappreciated by market analysts.

But taken altogether, Goldman says the impact of Harvey will be stronger on demand than it will for supply. In other words, in the first month after the storm, oil demand will fall by 600,000 bpd while supply will only be curtailed by 400,000 bpd. A net-bearish impact.

Things could get a lot more complicated in the days ahead with a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane barreling towards Puerto Rico, Cuba, South Florida and maybe the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Irma had sustained wind speeds of 180 miles per hour on Tuesday, which appears to be one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. At the time of this writing, the path is still uncertain, but a multitude of scenarios have the hurricane slamming directly into South Florida by the weekend.

If that were to occur, Irmas effects on the energy sector would be felt pretty much only on the demand side of the equation. Florida has little to no supply-side infrastructure  negligible levels of oil production and refining capacity. There is a very remote chance it will travel into the Gulf of Mexico, which would have huge implications for the regions offshore production  most weather models have the hurricane shifting north up along the East Coast. Related: Can Russia Develop Its Shale Reserves?

The two storms impacts on the oil market could be drastically different. Harvey put Houston, the U.S. fourth largest city under water, including some 500,000 cars. Those cars are not going to be driving again, and the people who own them, in large part, wont be hitting the roads again in the near future. But, as mentioned before, the storm also devastated the U.S. refining sector and even pummeled shale production in the Eagle Ford.

Irma, on the other hand, if it directly hits South Florida, would destroy oil demand in the U.S. Southeast for a period of time, without any impact on supply.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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The crude oil production cut deal that OPEC, Russia, and several other producers agreed to late last year could get yet another extension. This extension would push the deal beyond the March 31, 2018 end date that was agreed earlier this year, according to Russias Energy Minister Alexander Novak, speaking to news agency TASS.

Novak said he had discussed another extension with his Saudi counterpart, Khalid al-Falih, at a meeting in Saint Petersburg earlier this year, noting that all options are on the table and no decisions have been made yet.

The officials comments helped to boost oil prices today, especially as they came on the heels of comments from Irans Oil Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, who said Monday that compliance with the cuts among OPEC members was improving and the market was returning to balance. Media also quoted Zanganeh as saying discussions on the future of the deal were ongoing.

Russias Energy Minister has been consistently guarded in his comments regarding the deal ever since the idea was floated last year. Were unlikely to see anything more specific than such guarded comments, suggestions, and speculation until OPECs next meeting, due to take place in November. Related: How EIA Guestimates Keep Oil Prices Subdued

Since the deal was sealed in November 2016, Brent crude has accumulated gains of about 6 percent and WTI has added 13 percent, CNBC notes. This recovery has been unsteady, to say the least, as compliance levels among the participants in the deal continue to be a cause for concern and the main headwind, U.S. shale output growth, persists.

Demand, however, seems to be improving, which is lending some support to OPEC and its partners. The chances of the deal getting extended will likely remain hard to gauge in the coming months. On the one hand, OPECs de facto leader Saudi Arabia has demonstrated more than once that it is prepared to go to great lengths to support prices, but at some point, Saudi Arabias commitment to do whatever it takes could involve a loss of market share that is difficult to live with, especially as U.S. crude starts flowing into Asia, taking up OPEC territory.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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As refineries along the Gulf Coast started returning to normal operations after Hurricane Harvey, WTI prices inched up despite a sluggish trading session yesterday due to Labor Day. At around 9:20 AM CST today, the U.S. benchmark was trading at US$48.65 a barrel, up 2.88 percent. Brent, on the other hand, was up 1.8 percent to US$53.28.

The biggest storm in more than five decades to hit the Texas coast took about 20 percent of the countrys refining capacity offline. As of Sunday, the Wall Street Journal noted, citing S&P Platts, around 2.3 million barrels of refining capacity, or 13 percent of the total in the United States, remained shut down. Including partial shutdowns, around 17 percent of refining capacity was offline as of Sunday.

By Monday afternoon, however, the shut-down capacity had fallen to 2.1 million bpd, according to the Department of Energy as quoted by Reuters.

Still, the news of refineries resuming operation pressured gasoline prices, with the Nymex reformulated gasoline blendstock benchmark falling by 3.07 percent by early afternoon yesterday to US$1.69 a gallon. A Monday announcement from Colonial Pipeline Co. that it would restart the operation of its pipeline that supplies gasoline to the East Coast further helped the drop in gas prices. At 9:20 AM CST today, gasoline was trading at US$1.69 a gallon.

Meanwhile, however, traders are selling oil amid another spike in geopolitical tensions. The spike followed the latest missile test North Korea performed over the weekend that was said to be carrying a hydrogen bomb. The selloff mainly affected Brent, as some 96,000 bpd in daily production capacity in the U.S. section of the Gulf of Mexico remains offline after Harvey.

With the prospects of an open war with North Korea increase, traders are dumping oil and going into gold  the ultimate safe haven. Yet an open war could lead to a substantial spike in international crude prices. Such a conflict would cripple North Asias production and refining capacity, Wood Mackenzie said last week. Some 65 percent of Asias crude oil refining capacity is located in China, Japan, and South Korea.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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As devastating as Hurricane Harvey was to Texas, reconstruction is now expected to be ultimately positive for U.S. oil demand in a few months as fuel consumption is expected to increase as people rebuild homes, Goldman Sachs said in a report on Tuesday published by Bloomberg.

The potential for some U.S. onshore production curtailment and the likely demand recovery during the reconstruction suggest that the impact on the balance may become slightly positive after a few months, Goldman analysts said in the report. Such an outcome would ultimately be supportive of U.S. oil demand, the investment bank noted.

According to Goldman, more than half of the U.S. refining capacity that was shut down before and during Harvey would be back online by Thursday. Dry weather after the hurricane is also expected to reduce losses in gasoline and diesel demand.

Last week, Goldman Sachs estimated that the U.S. oil sector would take months to recover, and expected property damages to be around US$30 billion.

According to the Department of Energys latest situation report, as of 02:00pm EDT on Monday, September 4, eight refinerieswith a combined refining capacity of 2.11 million bpd, equal to 21.8 percent of total Gulf Coast refining capacity and 11.4 percent of total U.S. refining capacitywere still shut down. Another eight refinerieswith a combined capacity of 1.78 million bpd, or 9.6 percent of the overall U.S. refining capacityhad begun the process of restarting after being shut down.



Related: Is Egyptian Oil Set For A Rebound?

According to Goldman estimates, 2 million bpd of refining capacity would remain offline by Thursday, compared to 4.6 million bpd of peak shut-down capacity. Some 1.4 million bpd could be offline until the middle of this month, the bank has estimated.

However, Goldman said that its prediction for increased fuel demand could be upset if Hurricane Irma makes a landfall in Florida, where it would not be felt so much on the sparse oil infrastructure than on fuel demand. The National Hurricane Center said early on Tuesday that Irma had strengthened into an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane, while the DOE said in its post-Harvey update that according to the NWS, there is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and weekend.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Three months after the announcement of a Gulf blockade against Qatar, the country is accelerating trade growth via a special port located on its shores, according to reports emerging from the region.

The $7.4 billion Hamad port had been designed as a point of economic independence from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

"This is a gateway to break the shackles imposed on Qatar," Dohas transport minister Jassim bin Saif Al-Sulaiti said at the port opening held on Tuesday. "Nothing can stop us and our ambition," he added.

Doha dodged the worst logistical obstacles of the blockade by shifting its main export hub from the United Arab Emirates to Oman when the row first became public. Now, Qatars energy leaders are optimistic, feeling the ordeal has made the countrys logistics more robust.

In mid-July, diplomats from Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates signaled that they no longer wanted Qatar to comply with 13 specific demands levied in June. Instead, they proposed six broad principles that they wanted Qatar to sign onto. The principles included denying safe havens and financing to terrorists, combating terrorism and extremism, stopping incitement of hatred and violence, and refraining from interfering in the internal politics of other countries, the New York Times reported. Later, the blockading nations said Doha would have to adhere to the previous 13 demands after all.



Related: Can Russia Develop Its Shale Reserves?

So far, neither side has budged. Qatar will not bend to Saudis wishes and the KSA will not back down from its vision of a politically united group of Sunni monarchies against Shiite Iran.

Qatars wealth plays a large role in preventing it from surrendering to Riyadhs will. The countrys central bank has $40 billion in cash reserves plus gold, while the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has $300 billion in reserves that it could liquidate, the Governor of Qatar Central Bank, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saud Al-Thani, told CNBC in an interview in early July, one month into the blockade.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A Transneft share swap could give the Russian sovereign wealth fund more control over the oil pipeline monopoly, according to a new report by Reuters.

The Russian government already owns 78.1 percent of the company, all of which are ordinary shares. The rest of the company consists of preferred shares, which are traded by smaller investors. The Russian Direct Investment Fund bought shares from United Capital Partners earlier this year after the latter group decided to liquidate a portion of its assets.

RDIF directly owned 0.43 percent of preferred shares after the UCP purchase, while the RDIFs joint investment venture with China owns an additional 1.49 percent, Gazprombank told Reuters.

We see a chance to significantly increase the exposure - our partners from Asia and the Middle East are interested in this, RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev said in a telephone interview, without adding where the fund plans to buy the new shares.

The Gazprombank group and a special wing of Transneft own 53.6 percent of the pipeline company. Dmitriev now has plans to get the Russian government to convert all of Transnefts preferred shares into ordinary ones.

This would allow shareholders to more actively take part in the companys business while the state would retain the control, holding 78 percent (in the capital after conversion), he said.

Related: Kyrgyzstan Unveils Revamped Transnational Gas Pipeline

Low oil prices and administrative opposition have long delayed plans to privatize Transneft. Moscow has been working with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to raise oil price by making a concerted effort to lower production from some the worlds largest producers.

Oil producers in Russia and Saudi Arabia are pushing to extend the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production cuts until June of next year, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. The deal, which lowers the blocs output by 1.2 million barrels per day, is already set to extend until March 2018.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oiprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:


How posting all public spending online is uncovering governments best kept secrets

By speaker Adam Andrzejewski,

Founder Open the books and Forbes writer

Wed. Sept 6th 7:00pm

Portland Airport Shilo Inn, 11707 NE Airport Way

Event is free  $20 dinner option available

The open-government movement: how posting all public spending online can transform U.S. public policy  (Especially in Oregon)

By speaker Adam Andrzejewski,

Founder Open the books and Forbes guest writer

Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman, wrote Louis Brandeis in 1914. Today, the Freedom of Information Act and internet make it possible to post online all spending at the federal, state, and local levels. This kind of radical transparency can transform U.S. politics.

Since 2011, American Transparency, a nonprofit, has built and operated OpenTheBooks.com, the largest private repository of U.S. public-sector spending. The ultimate goal: post every dime, online, in real time. To date, OpenTheBooks.com has captured 3.5 billion government-spending records, including nearly all disclosed federal government spending since 2000; 48 of 50 state checkbooks; and expenditures in 60,000 localities across America.

In 2016, OpenTheBooks.com exposed the $20 million luxury-art procurement program at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which forced a public apology from the V.A. Secretary and the adoption of new rules to stop the abuse. OpenTheBooks.coms discovery of many other government corruption scandals has led to congressional hearings, subpoenas, accountability audits, and corrective legislation.

Adam Andrzejewski is founder and CEO of OpenTheBooks.com. Previously, he cofounded HomePages Directories, Americas largest publisher of community telephone books. In 2010, Andrzejewski ran for governor of Illinois in the Republican primary. He holds a B.A. from Northern Illinois University.
By Representative E. Werner Reschke

>> Visit www.repeal719.com for more details. <<

Our system of government is both unique and powerful with We The People being in charge. This is a captivating concept where the people in the United States of America consent to be governed. To bring this concept to the state level, when we dislike the way we are being governedwith unfair lawsthere are various means to change the government to better serve us, through public protests, elections and voter referendums.

To this point, Senate Bill 719 was passed by the Oregon Legislature in the 2017 session and signed into law by the Governor. This new law fails all citizens by being in direct violation of the 2nd Amendment of our Constitution. SB 719 was originally well-intended to remove guns from the possession of someone who is mentally unstable, however it is unlawful and unconstitutional.

SB 719 calls for the forced confiscation of property (guns) by the police with no due process, no conviction of a crime and no accusation of a crime. It allows anyone, including strangers off the street, to make assessments and a case before a judge. It allows judges, with no mental health credentials, to render judgement on another persons state of mind whom they have never met or spoken to. Furthermore, it actually forbids judges from considering assessments of the respondents mental health by people who actually do have mental health credentials. The law even goes so far to allow a judge to confiscate every firearm in a household because one person in the household has a past DUI conviction.

SB 719 declares guilty firstwithout due processwhich is unconstitutional. Only after judgement is rendered, and guns are confiscated by police, is the person allowed the right to prove their innocence. This is completely opposite of how our country is supposed to work. Due process is built upon the concept of innocent until proven guilty. SB 719 reverses that foundational right. While the intent of the bill may be noble, in trying to prevent suicide, the actual results of this law are an insult to every American.

I ask you to join with me in repealing this unconstitutional Oregon law. My colleagues and I, in the House of Representatives, have started a petition to collect signatures to put SB 719 on the 2018 Ballot so we the people can vote on it. Help us repeal this new Oregon law, so government can serve us better by protecting our 2nd Ammendment right to bear arms, not take it away. I urge you to visit www.repeal719.com for more details.
Nokia is back and that too with Android operating system. Something, all Nokia fans had been hoping before the company went to Windows Mobile OS way and eventually the hardware division got sold to Microsoft. The new home for Nokia smartphones is HMD Global, that has the license to market Nokia branded smartphones. HMD had announced three Android smartphones earlier this year, Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6, and we are reviewing the latter.

Design: One thing I always loved about Nokia smartphones was the built-quality and HMD has successfully managed to continue the legacy. The Nokia 6 has been crafted from a single piece of metal and feels sturdy to hold. My review unit had matte black finish with sleek metallic lines running on the sides and around the power key and volume button. The 5.5inch full HD display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass looks bright and has got decent sunlight legibility. There is a home button below the display housing fingerprint sensor and two capacitive keys for back and multitasking. The camera module and the Nokia branding are in a straight line at the rear. Nokia has continued with the microUSB port for charging and there is a 3.5mm port for plugging in the headphones (I had my concerns about the headphone quality)

OS & Performance: Smartphone manufacturers have been adding custom UI to their Android smartphones which brings onboard a lot of bloatware. But HMD has adopted pure Android experience for the Nokia phones. There is an app tray that can be accessed by sliding up from the bottom of the home screen. It gives access to a search bar followed by a row of the most used apps on the top and all apps are placed below in an alphabetic manner. App shortcuts can be added across home screens. Running Android Nougat, it comes with the basic apps along with Google services and Amazon apps (Kindle, Shopping and Prime Video). There is also a setting of 'tap and pay' and by setting up the payments app, the phone can be used for paying at the terminals, but we could not try this feature.

There is also an option to quickly launch the camera by pressing the power key twice from any screen, which can be activated from the settings. HMD claims to offer regular Android updates, as and when released by Google. I was able to browse the web, stream video, access emails and social networking with ease. There wasn't any lag. But it isn't meant for heavy usage. The device started to slow down while playing heavy graphic games or switching between two heavy apps. The sound output is also impressive and makes it a great content consumption device. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor and is paired with 3GB of RAM. It also comes with 32GB of internal storage of which only 22GB is user accessible as 9.80GB is used by system settings. Nokia does support 128GB of expandable memory card.

Camera: The 16MP camera with the dual tone flash isn't the highlight of this phone. The camera app is basic with HDR, panorama and beautify mode. It is quick to lock focus and captures fair amount of details in well-lit surroundings. It there is some light-source around, it does a pretty decent job in low-lights too. Overall, the camera is just above average and not in league with the images captured using Moto G5 Plus or Redmi Note 4. The 8MP front facing camera captures good images.

Battery: The Nokia 6 comes with a non-removable 3000 mAh battery lasted me a day with usage including web browsing, two emails accounts, WhatsApp, Twitter, music and half hour of camera usage. It doesn't support quick charging.

Bag it or Junk it: Sturdy hardware with pure Android OS is let down by the average performance

Price: Rs 14,999

Plus: Hardware, Android OS

Minus: Camera, power

Rating: 3.5/5


Security Council agree to response to North Korea nuclear test

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Monday opened an emergency meeting to agree to a response to North Korea's sixth and most powerful nuclear test as calls mounted for a new raft of tough sanctions to be imposed on Pyongyang.



The United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea requested the urgent meeting after North Korea on Sunday detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.



Earlier, North Korea had tested a hydrogen bomb which it can mount on a missile, declaring "perfect success" in its biggest-ever nuclear detonation and presenting a potent challenge to President Donald Trump.



Pyongyang has long sought the means to deliver an atomic warhead to the United States, its sworn enemy, and the test will infuriate Washington and regional powers. China, the North's main ally, issued a swift condemnation.



A jubilant newsreader on state television hailed the "unprecedentedly large" blast, adding the device could be mounted on a missile.



Hydrogen bombs or H-bombs -- also known as thermonuclear devices -- are far more powerful than the relatively simple atomic weapons the North was believed to have tested so far.



Hours before the test, the North released images of leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a device it called a "thermonuclear weapon with super explosive power" entirely made "by our own efforts and technology".



US Ambassador Nikki Haley urged the council to impose the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea. "Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," she said. Japan's UN representative called for a raft of tough new sanctions. "We cannot waste any more time," Japanese Ambassador Koro Bessho told reporters shortly before the Security Council meeting. "We need North Korea to feel the pressure. If they go down this road there will be consequences," he said.



Adding to already sharp tensions, the United States warned Sunday that it could launch a "massive military response" to any threats from North Korea and said it might cut off all trade with any country doing business with North Korea -- a step that would keenly affect China, biggest trading partner of both the North and the United States.



Bessho said Monday that as Japan and the United States study next steps with their international partners, China, Russia and South Korea must be "on board as well".



Every permanent member of the council -- including Russia and China -- on Sunday strongly condemned the blast, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried as "profoundly destabilizing". The blast threw down a new gauntlet to US President Donald Trump. He met Sunday with his national security advisers, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis issued an extraordinarily tough-sounding warning to the North, saying that any new aggression against the US or its allies could lead to its "total annihilation". South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-Moo said Seoul believed Pyongyang had succeeded in miniaturising its nuclear weapons to fit into an ICBM.



The South had requested the US deploy strategic assets such as aircraft carriers and bombers to the peninsula, he said, but denied reports Seoul was seeking the return of US tactical nuclear weapons. Signs that North Korea was "preparing for another ballistic missile launch have consistently been detected since Sunday's test", the ministry said. It did not indicate when a launch might take place, but said it could involve an ICBM being fired into the Pacific Ocean to raise pressure on Washington further. Trump had his second telephone call of the weekend with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but he did not talk to South Korea's Moon Jae-In for more than 24 hours -- instead accusing Seoul of "appeasement", raising jitters in Seoul about the two countries' decades-old alliance. Moon, who advocates engagement as well as penalties to bring Pyongyang to the negotiating table, called for new United Nations sanctions to "completely isolate North Korea". But Trump criticised the US treaty ally on Twitter, saying: "South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!"
We are ready for talks with Pakistan at any level: Ashraf Ghani

ISLAMABAD: Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis willingness to hold comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan for regional peace could help in revival of talks.



Ghani issued a statement after he received Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan at presidential palace in Kabul.



China has been playing a role of facilitator between Pakistan and Afghanistan as it believes tensions in the region will have negative impact on its economic interests, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the One Belt One Road (OBOR).



Chinese Special Envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Deng Xijun, who earlier held talks in Islamabad days after US President Donald Trump announced controversial strategy for South Asia, met President Ghani and his top security adviser Hanif Atmar last week.



China was the first country in the region to oppose Trump's statement, followed by Russia and Iran, as the three key stakeholders oppose military option and press for political solution to the Afghan problem.



Ghani used his Eid messages to offer talks to Pakistan, which he described as part of his govt's agenda.



"We are ready for talks with Pakistan at any level. Peace with Pakistan is part of our national agenda," Ghani said after he offered Eid prayers at Presidential Palace.



He, however, said no country can pressurise his nation and he was ready to play his role for regional peace and prosperity. The statement was posted online.



The Foreign Office was quick to issue Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif's statement in response to Ghani's remarks on the first day of Eid.



"We already have bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral and multilateral mechanisms for dialogue and interaction with Afghanistan in place. Those mechanisms should be utilised to their full potential," the FM said in what could be seen a positive response.



"During our interactions, of late, both sides recognized the need for Political to Political, Military to Military and Intelligence to intelligence cooperation," Asif said in an apparent reference to an understanding between former foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz and Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar in London in March. Britain had brokered the London talks to defuse tensions between the two neighbours.



Both sides have not made public whatever they decided in the London talks and Afghan leaders always insist "Pakistan should implement decisions of the London meeting".



Kabul's call for a third country's verification of the actions on both sides of the border is believed to be one of the major obstacles in relationship. Islamabad has publicly opposed and both the civilian and military officials say the country will not allow foreign boots on its soil. Pakistan asserts its stance for using bilateral track. However, Asif has kept the option open for trilateral and quadrilateral to discussion on any issue.



Ghani also renewed his offer to the Taliban to join peace process but said he would not surrender to any pressure and will defend national interest with full strength.



"The govt has kept the doors open for peace negotiations with the Taliban despite upper hand of the security forces in fighting," he said.



Taliban Chief Haibatullah Akhundzada rejected Kabul's offer and reiterated longstanding stance that the "main obstacle in the way of peace is the occupation".



"Peaceful solution of the Afghan issue is the main pillar of the policy of the Islamic Emirate, should the occupation come to an end. To this end, the political office has been tasked to find a peaceful solution," the Taliban leader said.



"We urge the regional governments and those of the Islamic world to know our policy and position before announcing any unilateral stance or leveling accusation (against us) and don't view us from the angle of our enemy. The Islamic Emirate doesn't have any intention to harm anyone," Haibatullah said.



Earlier Kabul said Ghani received the Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan and called for regional cooperation and praised the Chinese president's OBOR initiative.



The Chinese envoy assured his country's support to the Afghan-led peace process and cooperation in economic fields, including new Silk Road and railway track that will connect China with Iran via Afghanistan.



Before his talks in Kabul, the Chinese special envoy met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in Islamabad and reaffirmed China's continuing and firm support to Pakistan's commitment and efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.



He emphasised that there is no military solution to the conflict, and underlined the need for a politically negotiate settlement through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Kabul and Islamabad in June as part of



his country's efforts to push the two countries to reduce tensions and find out solution to problems through negotiations.



Sacked prime minister Nawaz Sharif's meeting with Ghani in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in early June was linked to Chinese efforts when the relationship was its lowest ebb.



China had brokered a bilateral crisis management mechanism Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to establish a crisis management mechanism to "enable the two sides to maintain timely and effective communications in case of any emergencies, including terrorist attacks, with a view to seeking proper solution through dialogue and consultation and preventing deterioration of the situation."
GCB Bank has been adjudged the best compliant bank in Africa at the just ended Compliance Awards held in Accra over the weekend.



GCB beat competition from other intuitions in this category like First National Bank Ghana, Afriland First Bank of Liberia, Swaziland Building Society and Al Baraka Bank, South Africa.



In all, 10 awards were picked up by several organizations and individuals that have distinguished themselves in areas of risk management and compliance for last year.



GCB has in place rigorous and time tested procedures, processes, measures and Risk and Compliance Departments necessary for regulatory requirements as a commercial bank in country and even in the Africa region.



The Association of Certified Compliance Professionals is said to be Africas largest and most influential professional body.



It has over 2500 members from over 450 final institutions in 46 African countries and was foundered in January 2015 and has become the continents leading organisation on all matters relating to compliance.



Managing Director Mr. Anselm Ray Sowah, applauded the Compliance team for their sterling work and performance.



He urged the staff of the Bank and the Compliance team to uphold the standard in the interest of the Bank.



Following the assumption of UT Bank and Capital Banks by GCB; Mr. Sowah tasked the compliance team to play a center role in the integration process as staff of the two banks join GCB.



Present at the ceremony was the Head of Compliance Mr. Osman Abdulai, Head of Human Resource, Mr. Francis Danyi and staff from the Compliance Department.









Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Las verdades son simples



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El Nuevo Orden Mundial



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Un aniversario mas del mayor genocidio de la Humanidad



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Una imagen dice mas que mil palabras



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La Union Europea Premio Nobel de la Paz?



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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



























Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



OZ1



OZ2



OZ3



OZ4



Homenaje a Jason Galarraga



La Victoria de Samotracia



Odalisca



Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



























La Sierra Nevada de Merida



Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



Homenaje a Picasso



Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



Capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas...



Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!


Pine wood chips 35,000 MT to port of Antalya with Discharge rate of 5,000 MT per Working day.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  The Adirondack Trust Company announced Tuesday it has signed a letter of intent to buy the assets of the Sutton and Tarantino Insurance Agency, an independent agency based in Saratoga Springs with a satellite office in Ballston Spa.

The transaction is expected to close by Jan. 1, 2018.

In addition to its banking operations, The Adirondack Trust Company operates two insurance divisions: the Adirondack Trust Insurance Agency, based in Saratoga Springs, and Amsure, based in Colonie.

Sutton and Tarantino has represented individuals, families and businesses in the Saratoga County community since 1955.

Over the past 17 years, The Adirondack Trust Company has acquired Wise Financial Group of Saratoga Springs, Round Lake Company of Malta, Clients First of Ballston Lake and Amsure Associates of Albany.

The combined entity is one of the largest insurance agencies in the Capital Region based on annual revenue.
CORINTH  A Corinth man was jailed Sunday for allegedly hitting a male relative in the face with a lawn trimmer the day before, police said.

Brian B. Wade, 38, of Clothier Road, was charged with felony counts of assault and criminal mischief and misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon after an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.

Police said he caused "serious injuries" to the victim's face and also broke his cellphone Saturday during the 4:30 p.m. attack on Clothier Road, but fled before sheriff's officers arrived. The injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Police got a warrant for his arrest, and charged him Sunday.

Wade was arraigned before Corinth Town Justice Ambrose Clothier and sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of bail.
BALLSTON SPA  A defrocked former Catholic priest who lives at a retreat in Washington County was ordered held for lack of bail Tuesday on charges that accuse him of sexually abusing a teenage boy in Saratoga County earlier this year.

Michael R. Hands, 51, a Level 3 registered sex offender from Easton, was sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of $75,000 cash bail or $150,000 bail bond. He was arraigned before Saratoga County Judge James Murphy on a nine-count indictment for alleged sex crimes with a child in Charlton earlier this year.

Hands is a registered sex offender because of a 2003 sodomy conviction in Suffolk County, which occurred when he was a Catholic priest on Long Island in the early 2000s. He was removed from the priesthood after state records show he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy.

His case attracted national media attention at the time, with The New York Times reporting that Hands claimed he was sexually abused when he was studying to be a priest, and that he cooperated with an investigation into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Center.

Hands has been living at 391 Herrington Hill Road in Easton for at least four years, registering that address with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

That is the address for Easton Mountain Retreat, a business that bills itself as a nonprofit community, retreat center, and sanctuary created by gay men as a gift to the world.

His profile on the organizations website showed he served as its membership director in recent years, after starting as a volunteer coordinator.

He also bills himself online as a life coach.

Hands status with Easton Mountain Retreat was unclear Tuesday. A call to the organization was not returned.

Hands was arrested by State Police investigators from the Malta station in July, but the case was not publicized until a brief press release was issued by the Saratoga County District Attorneys Office last week about Hands indictment.

He faces felony counts of criminal sexual act, use of a child in a sexual performance, disseminating indecent material, sexual abuse, promoting a sexual performance by a child and a misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of a child, records show. In addition to sexual abuse of an underage person, he is accused of possessing and distributing child pornography, although it was unclear whether it was related to the child he is accused of molesting.

Authorities said he met the boy online before arranging meetings.

His lawyer, James Tyner, did not respond to a phone call for comment.

Hands faces up to 47 years in state prison on the charges.
Rich Morin, owner of the Glens Falls scuba dive center that bears his name, bought a home in the U.S. Virgin Islands about two years ago with hopes of retiring to the Caribbean.

Late last week, with one of the strongest hurricanes in decades approaching, Morin headed to the tropical island east of Puerto Rico to prepare his home for winds from Hurricane Irma that could hit 200 mph.

Airports were closing Tuesday afternoon, and Morin said there was no getting off the island in time to beat the storm. So he and his wife were preparing to ride it out in a windowless room in the middle of the concrete abode, a sledgehammer among their provisions in case they have to bash their way out afterward.

He admitted during a phone interview that they were nervous as winds began to pick up, but they believed they had done all they could do to be ready.

Morin said his wife, Jeanne, stayed behind in St. Croix following a visit last fall because their dogs had struggled with the flight down. They were concerned about the dogs ability to endure another flight, so she stayed there with them, he said.

He decided Saturday, after talking to his wife, that he would head south to help them ride it out.

She called and said, Im scared, and I told her, Ill be down,  Morin explained. We have spent the past few days getting ready all day, all night, getting the house all set and stocked.

Accordion hurricane shutters protect the windows, but the home has a wooden roof and does not have a basement, he said. He had hoped to get a generator, but wasnt able to before Tuesday.

There seemed to be little chance the Virgin Islands would escape a severe hit from the storm as of late Tuesday afternoon, but Morin said some forecasts had the storm heading slightly north, which would mean St. Croix could avoid the worst of it. Other tracks, though, put the island in the hurricanes direct path, beginning Tuesday night with the worst coming Wednesday.

I hope it turns north and out to sea, Morin said. Depending on which forecast you look at, it is either going to go just a little north of us or we have a target painted on us and it is going to hit us head-on.

He said he has talked to neighbors about the devastation that Hurricane Hugo wrought in 1989, knocking out power for nearly 6 months in places.

It just destroyed this island, he said. We are nervous, no doubt about it.
Lisa Clark has seen the reality of what Hurricane Harvey did to southern Texas.

Clark, the assistant director of nursing at Washington Center in Argyle, and her husband, Charlie, left Albany on Saturday to volunteer for the American Red Cross, and Clark is working at the Lively Pointe Youth Center in Irving, Texas.

A small new friend of mine, Jenette, 13, has a vivid memory of hanging onto the roof and watching a frog trying to swim against the current. She keeps talking about that frog. They were all rescued by the Cajun Navy and brought to a shelter, Clark said in a Facebook post, referring to the flotilla of small boats that came to Texas from Louisiana to help rescue people.

All 114 residents of the shelter are from Dickinson, Texas, and each spoke to her about being in chest-deep water overnight, waiting to be rescued and taken to a shelter. She heard more about that from an evacuee named Dan.

That shelter flooded. They were bused out and dropped onto a highway. Dan said, It was like a war zone. He said he was passed up by rescuers multiple times because he had his dog with him, but in no way was he going to abandon Hobo, the spaniel.

Finally, these 114 people were brought to an airport where they boarded a C-130 cargo plane. They were brought to Dallas, bused to Irving and processed into this shelter, she wrote, then went on to describe just how bad the situation was.

These folks have nothing to go home to. They dont have a home anymore. They had only the clothes on their backs, she continued. Many had no shoes. Most had no meds, have lost their glasses, and had to leave behind wheelchairs. Health Services is working our tails off to fill these needs.

But, she wrote, the residents of the shelter have pulled together.

These families have bonded. Lively Pointe is a community. The kids are laughing today, she wrote. But they want to tell their stories. And I want to listen. The adults are trying to mask their pain but its getting harder. Hugs are free and all Red Cross workers seem to have a never-ending supply.

Though the couple traveled to Texas together, they have been separated, and Charlie Clark is working at a large shelter near Dallas.

I have to say, the city of Irving, Texas, has been amazing. I mean, just totally selfless, giving, responsive. Labor Day barbecue, grilling done by the water department, the mayor, his wife, and all city staff were there, wrote Lisa Clark, who sent a thank-you message to city officials. These people are lucky to be here. Sounds weird. ... It was unlucky that they had to come here, but you have enabled them to make Irving home, if even temporarily.

More training

The Albany area Red Cross expected to train 60 more volunteers Tuesday, on top of 150 last week, and there are three more training sessions coming, including one in Saratoga Springs.

Few of the 80 volunteers trained in Glens Falls last week have been sent south yet, but Red Cross officials indicated they felt the cleanup effort would take months.

Meanwhile, they have their eyes on Hurricane Irma, which has hit Category 5, the most severe status, and could hit Florida hard.

This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey, Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, told the Associated Press.

It took an extra day for the Clarks to get their luggage, but Lisa Clark admitted it wasnt really that bad.

We finally received our luggage around midnight last night. However, after having spent my first day in the shelter, I felt like my complaining about lack of clean socks for one day was somewhat ... no, a lot ... ridiculous, compared to what these folks are dealing with.
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DES MOINES  A Davenport woman accused of leaving her newborn for dead in a trash can has been sentenced to probation.

The Press-Citizen reports that 24-year-old Ashley Hautzenrader was sentenced Friday to five years' probation in lieu of a prison time. She pleaded guilty last month to child endangerment and to neglect or abandonment of a dependent person.

Authorities say Hautzenrader gave birth May 8, 2016, in a bathroom at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and tried to flush the baby down a toilet. She then put the baby in a pillowcase and left it in the trash. The child was found alive.

Hautzenrader told the court Friday she had been dealing with her first child's serious heart condition for more than a year. A psychiatrist testified Hautzenrader suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of her second child's birth.
Shortly after the Trump administration Tuesday formally announced it will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, East Moline resident Tar Macias did not waver from his usual calm and positive demeanor.

Instead, the founder and publisher of Hola America News, a Latino newspaper based in the Quad-Cities, stepped up his advocacy and support for young undocumented immigrants in the community.

He attempted to connect with those in the area legally protected from deportation by DACA, who entered the U.S. illegally as children. There are 800,000 people who have registered with the government since President Barack Obama signed the executive order in 2012.

The main message Macias, 44, wants to convey to those individuals, including his stepson, who is a DACA recipient:

Do not be fearful, he said. Ive been in that situation, and I know how it feels.

While his grandfather was born in Moline, Macias' immediate family emigrated from Mexico to the United States 30 years ago this past Fourth of July. He was 14 years old at the time.

He went on to graduate from Moline High School in 1990. Because he was an undocumented immigrant, however, he could not apply for federal financial aid and attend college.

I was in the shadows, he said.

In 1991, Macias secured his residency, landed a job at a comic book shop in Silvis and later worked as a server at a Mexican restaurant in Moline.

It was there where a representative from Black Hawk College recruited him to take classes.

After studying business administration for a couple years at the community college in Moline, Macias took a semester off in 2000 to start his news organization, which quickly turned into his full-time job.

The publication comes out on the first Wednesday of every month, and Hola Iowa, which he launched in 2014, comes out on the third Wednesday of every month.

Maybe I would still be waiting tables now if it wasnt for people motivating me to go back to school, he said. If we dont support the DACA students, theyre going to be in the shadows instead of being doctors and engineers, the people we want them to be for the better of this country.

When their permits expire, Macias, who is now a U.S. citizen, does not think Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, will target DACA holders specifically, noting it would not be logistically feasible.

These are good kids, he added. "They don't have criminal records."

Although Macias called DACA a great program, he said it is not the perfect solution.

He remains optimistic that lawmakers, who have six months to act under Trump's order, can pass a bill improving protection of undocumented immigrants.

Im hoping that Congress is going to have something even better than DACA for these kids," he said.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said the Trump administration's decision to end the program protecting 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation is "cold, harsh" and "threatening," and he called on Congress to pass his proposal to give them legal protections.

Durbin's comments Tuesday morning were part of a flurry of reaction from the Quad-Cities' congressional representatives over the administration's announcement that it is rescinding the Obama-era executive order establishing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The former president signed the order in 2012, which authorized people brought to this country as minors to stay if they meet certain conditions. The program drew criticism from Republicans at the time, and on Tuesday, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said it was an "overreach" in the first place. Now, he said the president has asked Congress to "sort it out."

"However well-intentioned DACA may have been, the program was created by executive edict rather than by Congress as the Constitution requires," Grassley said.

He added that any legislative solution will need to be one "that addresses the status of those who have been unlawfully brought to this country and upholds the rule of law."

In Iowa, about 2,800 were in the program as of earlier this year, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an arm of the federal Department of Homeland Security. In Illinois, the number is 42,000.

Rosa Mendoza, executive director of the Diversity Service Center of Iowa, a nonprofit in Muscatine, said the center has helped with about 50 DACA applications. Mendoza said Tuesday that she is disappointed in the decision and that DACA recipients have become part of the community.

Theyve found stability through the program, she said."Now, they live in fear."

In a statement, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said the decision is a "gut-wrenching betrayal of American values."

"As I have stated many times before, we must show compassion toward these children," Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said in a statement. "While I do not support giving them citizenship, we must identify and pursue a measured approach that addresses their unique situation, but also respects the importance of our immigration laws ..."

The DACA program has faced the prospect of legal challenges, and President Donald Trump criticized it before he took office. But as president, he has given conflicting signals on how his administration might handle it, at times expressing admiration for the young immigrants sometimes called Dreamers. At one point, he said "we love the Dreamers."

Durbin has proposed a bill, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would grant permanent legal status to young undocumented immigrants in similar circumstances if they meet certain conditions. On Tuesday, he said the administration's actions have started the clock on Congress to prevent "rolling mass deportations of hundreds of thousands of young people" and urged passage of his bill.

In his statement, Grassley said he expected the administration would focus on deporting "criminals ahead of those who have otherwise abided by our laws."

The Trump administration said Tuesday current DACA recipients will be allowed to retain deferred action benefits and their employment authorization documents until they expire, unless they're terminated or revoked. DACA generally runs for two years from issuance.

No new requests will be taken after Tuesday, the administration said. As for renewal requests, the administration said that it would not accept any after Oct. 5.
HAMPTON, Ill. -- Quad-City Democrats got a chance to get a closeup look at most of their party's gubernatorial hopefuls Monday, as four candidates for the nomination showed up for the 50th annual Salute to Labor picnic at Illiniwek Forest Preserve.

Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss, entrepreneur J.B. Pritzker and Bob Daiber, a regional superintendent, got a chance to make their case, face to face, with hundreds of area Democrats, as well as from the stage.

For the past two years, the stage has featured Hillary Clinton, the party's 2016 presidential nominee.

Without a presidential hopeful this year, the crowd was smaller. But with six months to go before the party chooses a nominee to go up against Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, the picnic may not have provided presidential fireworks but it offered an opportunity for candidates to make an impression on some of the area's most active Democrats.

Much of the time on stage was spent bashing Rauner. But in a race where Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, has donated millions to his own campaign, contrasts also were drawn.

Biss told the crowd the state Democratic Party is flat on its back and must choose its identity, arguing for a "progressive, aspirational agenda." And, he added, "on March 20, 2018, are we going to have an election or are we going to have an auction."

Pritzker didn't respond to the jab directly, instead telling the crowd he had plans for improving education, job creation and health care, as well as helping agriculture and manufacturing. He also appealed to the party faithful by calling President Donald Trump "a racist and a xenophobe," a claim he's made before.

Kennedy arrived early at the picnic and made the rounds to talk to people individually, but he did not stay for the program. He told a reporter he had other events to attend.

In an interview, Kennedy was critical of the recently approved education funding law, saying it won't substantially change the state's over-reliance on property taxes to fund education.

He continued to blame "our leaders" who are involved in property tax appeals for that.

House Speaker Mike Madigan is a partner in a firm that handles property tax appeals, and Kennedy's comments on the subject have been seen as aimed at him and others.

"Get the dirty money out of politics and you get the dirty politicians out of government," Kennedy said.

Asked about Kennedy's comments, Pritzker said he blamed Rauner for the state's problems. "I'm not focusing on criticizing Democrats because it really isn't Democrats that are doing the harm to working families, it's Republicans," he said.

Bob Daiber, who is the regional superintendent in Madison County, east of St. Louis, told the crowd he's the only candidate who isn't from Cook County, and that winning Downstate Illinois will be vital to defeating Rauner.

"We have got to take Trump voters and make them Democrats again. We have got to take Rauner voters and make them Democrats again," Daiber said.

Democrats are heavily focused on winning the governor's race, and Downstate Illinois will be a key part of the battle, area politicians and party leaders say.

Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., who had once thought of running herself, said she intends to make an endorsement but wasn't doing so quite yet. She said she wants to know how the candidates will help Downstate Illinois and what their path to victory is.

Pam Davidson, who is the chair of the Knox County Democrats and was on hand for the picnic, said Monday that activists in her area are showing increased energy.

Rauner won the county in 2014, as he did Rock Island County. But Davidson said in Knox County, she thinks the state's struggles the last few years could turn the tables next year. "It's an uphill climb, but the mountain looks smaller because of the years that he has been in office," she said.
A good Tuesday to all. A sunny, cooler day awaits us and a closed Government Bridge awaits those who live in Iowa and work on Arsenal Island. Here are the weather details from the National Weather Service.

1. Sunny, cooler with gusty winds

Today will be sunny with a high near 69 degrees. Northwest winds will gust as high as 30 mph.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 46 degrees.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 69 degrees and a low around 48 degrees.

2. Government Bridge malfunctions, remains closed to traffic

The Government Bridge swing span malfunctioned Monday and could not close in order to allow vehicle traffic, according to the Rock Island Arsenal. A hydraulic cylinder on the swing span is reportedly not operating. As of 5 a.m. this morning the bridge remains closed. Read more. No word on when the bridge may reopen.

In additional to the bridge malfuncation, the U.S. Army Garrison at the Rock Island Arsenal will be performing repairs to the Government Bridge on this Friday and Saturday.

 From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, repairs will require intermittent, single lane closures. A flagger will be on site Friday.

 From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, repairs will require the bridge to be closed to all traffic.

3. Kimberly and Division road update

The city of Davenport reports that traffic will flip today to the west southbound lanes of Division Street between 38th and 40th streets. Completion date for Stage 3 of the improvement project remains Sept. 28.

4. Lincoln/Waverly road project delayed

Completion of the Lincoln Avenue and Waverly Road resurfacing project has been delayed until Sept. 24. The contractor is extending their work day, and working on Saturdays to ensure completion is achieved by this date.

The project is being delayed by an increased number of driveway approaches that need to be replaced, the supporting alternate on-street parking for those displaced while their approach is being completed, concrete curing times, and coordination with property owners are the primary reasons for the delay.

5. Illinois 2 lane closures begin today

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports lane closures on Illinois 2 from Palmyra Road to Fourth Avenue in Dixon begin today.

One lane will be closed overnight in each direction for patching. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 15.

6. Madison Keys advances to U.S. Open quarterfinals

Madison Keys of Rock Island grabbed the last four games to eliminate No. 4-seeded Elina Svitolina 7-6 (2), 1-6, 6-4 and give the United States four women in the U.S. Open quarterfinals for the first time in 15 years.

The 15th-seeded Keys joins Americans Venus Williams, CoCo Vandeweghe and Sloane Stephens in the final eight at Flushing Meadows.

It's also the first quarterfinal appearance in New York for Keys. Next for Keys is a match against 418th-ranked qualifier Kaia Kanepi of Estonia. Read more.
DES MOINES  Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday congratulated Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey for being selected for a U.S. Department of Agriculture post and expects to have a lot of qualified people seeking to succeed him once he is confirmed for the federal job.

I think history has shown we dont know what the timeline is, Reynolds told reporters in reference to the months of preparatory work that preceded former Gov. Terry Branstads confirmation as U.S. ambassador to China.

Hes not going to resign until hes confirmed by the Senate, and so weve got some time if history proves right, the governor said during her weekly news conference. When he does, then Ill appoint somebody to fulfill Bills term. There are a lot of people under consideration.

After months of speculation, Trump administration officials announced last week the president had selected Northey to serve as USDA undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, a job that requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

As undersecretary, Northey would oversee three USDA agencies: the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency, according to the USDA.

Northey, 58, a Spirit Lake farmer, was first elected secretary of agriculture in November 2006 and re-elected in 2010 and 2014.

The post will be up for election in 2018.

Hes set the bar high, and I think anybody who would emulate what Bills been able to do would be a great person to appoint to that position, Reynolds said. Weve got a lot of qualified people, so well do the due diligence on that, and when the time is appropriate, well make that decision.
No details have been released on Donald Trumps new tax plan, but already several things do not ring true. In Missouri, Trump described his tax plan as reducing crippling tax rates for businesses and middle-class individuals. While U.S. tax rates for businesses are high, they are not the highest they have been, and many of even the largest businesses often pay little or no taxes.

The tax rate is one thing. What they actually pay after exemptions and deductions is another. Trump, unlike previous presidents, has failed to release his tax returns, but admitted that he used business losses to pay no personal taxes for undisclosed years when partial copies of his returns were published in newspapers.

During the debates, he stated that avoiding taxes was evidence that he is a smart businessman. The only reason that Trump paid any taxes at all was due to the alternative minimum tax that is designed to cause those who claim many exemptions and deductions to pay some tax. Look for that to be one of the priorities to eliminate.

Businesses and wealthy individuals like Trump can employ platoons of lawyers and accountants to eliminate tax burdens in ways that most individuals cannot. Analysis of previous administrations draft tax plans showed that in reality, most of the advantages went to the wealthy and businesses, not the middle-class, and certainly not the working poor. As always, we will have to look at the details to find the devils.

Glenn Leach

Davenport
As a retired educator, I strongly support Davenport Community School District Superintendent Art Tate's fight for equality in school funding and applaud his courage.

The state government of Iowa has spent a large amount of its reserves in the past few months to meet a budget shortfall that in my view was of its own making.

So why are state officials going after the Davenport schools for using its reserves, especially when schools are not being fairly and fully funded? This seems awfully hypocritical to me.

Donna Rod

Bettendorf
The list of transgressions by the current occupant of the White House continues to grow at a tremendous rate and confound all who love this country.

The list of his lies and false claims grows at a rate of roughly five per day, totaling about 1,100 in early August, as compiled by the Washington Post. But the presidents latest act defies the rule of law and constitutional norms.

His pardon of an un-sentenced, but convicted law enforcement officer who proudly displayed his contempt for federal law and shows no remorse whatever is unconscionable. This not only adds to the many infractions and improprieties evident during his brief time in office, but truly bodes ill for the future.

Columnist Paul Krugman said it well in his Op-Ed in the New York Times, Aug. 28. I hope that all good Americans take a brief pause in whatever they may be doing and take the time to read it and think about its message.

William D. Seaver

Milan
Rushville native Chelsie Sparks was appointed as the new Dawes County Treasurer during a special county commissioners meeting Tuesday.

Sparks beat out two other candidates  Cindi Jacobsen-Brinton and interim Dawes County Treasurer Rhonda Schleuning.

Sparks will take over as treasurer Sept. 18 and will have the opportunity to select a new part-time employee in her office for which the county has also been advertising. Sparks has the option of whether or not to retain the current employees as well. Schleuning elected to resign from the office, however, clearing out her belongings following the announcement of Sparks as treasurer. The commissioners met in an emergency session Friday to accept her resignation. They also appointed former treasurer Lois Chizek to fill the role in an interim capacity until Sparks can come on board.

Sparks grew up in Rushville and spent eight years working for Sheridan County as the deputy treasurer. She left the area briefly and spent time working in the Cheyenne County Assessors Office before returning to northwest Nebraska.

I love working with the public, she said during her interview. This is my dream job.

Sparks also stressed the importance of listening to people, whether they are upset customers, other elected officials or office staff. Relationships with other personnel in the courthouse should be approached as if everyone is a team, she said, and conflict must be resolved through open communication.

During the interview process, each county commissioner scored each candidate on a scale of one to five for their answers to the questions. All three candidates were asked the same set of questions.

We had three fantastic interviews, said Chairman Jake Stewart.

Human resources personnel tallied the scores and presented that information to the commissioners at the special meeting; Sparks came out on top for all three commissioners, though the scores were all within five to 10 points of each other, Stewart noted..

We had three well-qualified candidates, but we have an obligation to the county to hire the best fit for the job, he said.

Sparks will fill the position until the end of 2018, but voters will have to elect the Dawes County Treasurer next year for a term that begins in January 2019.

Sparks is replacing Barb Sebesta, who resigned earlier this summer after being convicted of three counts of official misconduct as part of a plea bargain. Four other counts, including one of forgery and three others of official misconduct were dismissed as part of the deal. Sebesta is scheduled to be sentenced Friday at 9 a.m.
The fate of beer sales in Whiteclay is now in the hands of the Nebraska Supreme Court.

During a 40-minute hearing last Tuesday at the Capitol, justices quizzed opposing lawyers in an appeal by state regulators to prevent four beer-only liquor stores from reopening in the tiny village, a short walk from South Dakotas dry Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Before the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission shuttered the stores in April, citing inadequate law enforcement in Whiteclay, the stores sold millions of cans of beer and malt liquor each year to the reservations Oglala Lakota residents.

The stores argue the commission overstepped its authority by refusing to renew their licenses.

A decision from the states high court should come in the next two months.

As is common in high-level appeals, Tuesdays arguments focused on technical matters of law.

An attorney for the beer stores, Andrew Snyder of Scottsbluff, argued the Liquor Commission had no right to deny renewal of their licenses based on law enforcement.

The commission had no authority to do what they did, Snyder told the justices.

Alternatively, lawyers for the state and four Sheridan County residents who oppose the stores raised problems with the owners appeal and with a decision in the stores favor by a Lancaster County judge in April.

Any of those arguments could form the basis for the Supreme Courts decision, which could end the case outright or send it back to the lower court.

Snyder pointed to a 1996 case involving Grand Island Latin Club, in which the high court determined that the holder of a liquor license has a constitutionally protected interest in having that license renewed so long as the licensee is still qualified and the premises havent changed.

Allowing the Liquor Commissions Whiteclay decision to stand would require the Supreme Court to overrule itself, Snyder argued.

At least two justices seemed to show discomfort with limiting the Liquor Commissions authority to that extent.

That doesnt get to the subject of how the business is being conducted or the consequences, said Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman, who was appointed in 1998.

Justice John Wright, who wrote the 1996 decision, noted Snyders interpretation would mean a liquor license could never be denied unless the premises changed or licensee became unqualified.

On the other side, lawyers opposing Whiteclay beer sales focused their efforts on squelching the beer stores appeal.

James Smith, the states solicitor general, and Dave Domina, an Omaha attorney representing Sheridan County residents, said Snyder improperly excluded Dominas clients from his initial appeal of the Liquor Commissions decision, and didnt properly notify them or the state about the case.

In that regard, Domina said, the beer stores are 0-for-5.

Snyder maintained the Sheridan County residents arent parties to the case under state law and that the state didnt raise its own notification concerns until it was too late for them to matter.

After the hearing, Snyder said he couldnt make a prediction about the outcome.

Moments later, Whiteclay opponents celebrated outside. Bryan Brewer, former president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, pointed to a fellow activists sign that read Shut Down Whiteclay.

This has happened today, Brewer said. I am very confident that Whiteclay will never open up again.
After a longer-than-usual summer, Crawford Public Schools opened its 2017-18 academic year last week, with a new superintendent at the helm and a renovated elementary school.

Kirk Hughes, a 1977 Hay Springs High School graduate, came on board over the summer as the new superintendent after the district finished last year with an interim superintendent following the August 2016 death of Richard Taedter from cancer.

Hughes graduated from Chadron State College in 1983 with an undergraduate degree in biology and Earth science, intending to work as a geologist in the energy field. An energy bust in Wyoming interrupted his plans, however, and he went to work for Woodland Construction in Chadron before returning to CSC for his teaching endorsement and masters of science in education degree. He also received his elementary school administration and specialist in education degrees from CSC.

After teaching seventh through 10th grade science at Leyton for three years, Hughes spent another three at that district as elementary principal before taking the position of middle school principal in Glenrock, Wyo., in 1991. He assumed the superintendent role in that district in 1998, where he remained until his move to Crawford. Hughes was a finalist for Wyoming Superintendent of the Year in 2005-06.

With struggles in the mining industry hitting the states educational system hard, Glenrock was faced with eliminating $1.2 million from its budget. Since 80 percent of any districts budget is personnel, the school was looking at cutting staff, including one administrative position.

I decided I was the one who needed to be reduced, Hughes said, which allowed the district to consolidate administrative positions.

Still, he decided he was too young to retire and when he learned Crawford was searching for a superintendent it seemed like a good opportunity to relocate closer to family. His mother-in-law resides at Crestview in Chadron, while his mom is still at home on the family ranch.

My roots are in western Nebraska. Its coming home, so to speak, he said.

His new district is facing financial struggles of its own as the valuation of Crow Butte Mine continues to decline. The district lost $3.2 million in valuation this year, and is likely going to have to increase its levy a bit at its meeting in September, Hughes said.

Long-term, the mines valuation is something were going to have to deal with, he added.

Hughes is still settling in to his new district, getting to know the students and patrons, and learning the budgeting process, which is quite different from Wyomings.

A major renovation of the districts elementary school over the summer, which necessitated a delayed start to the school year, removed asbestos tiles from the facility, improved lighting, carpeted classrooms and added air conditioning. The north wing of the elementary was also remodeled to include a hallway, formally closing off classrooms and giving them proper entries, which previously did not exist. A set of handicapped accessible restrooms were also added in that wing.

The project isnt quite complete. The multipurpose room and kitchen still need to be remodeled, which Hughes hopes to oversee next summer.

He and his wife, Linda, have three children and two grandchildren in three states, with whom they enjoy spending time. He also enjoys sporting events and outdoor activities.
SIOUX FALLS - The South Dakota Assisted Living Association has joined with assisted living communities around the state to celebrate National Assisted Living Week which runs from Sunday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 16 with the theme Family is Forever.

Family is Forever was inspired by a quote from the famed poet Maya Angelou: Family isnt always blood, its the people in your life who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.

Mark B. Deak, SDALA Executive Director, said, National Assisted Living Week gives us an opportunity, as a community, to celebrate our focus on quality with residents, staff, families and volunteers. Thank a caregiver and contact your local Assisted Living Center to see what activities are planned.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit a loved one, friend, or a veteran and Thank a Caregiver in an Assisted Living Center during the week.
The 2017 Black Hills Opry with Aces & Eights continues on Sept. 9 at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead featuring Shane Owens of Nashville, Tenn.

The host of the concert is Aces & Eights classic country trio with Kim Bachman of Belle Fourche on mandolin, banjo, guitar, and vocals; Harland Allen of Sturgis on guitar and vocals; and Carrie Orr of Rapid City on bass. Each concert features a special guest artist.

Featured artist for the Sept. 9 concert is Shane Owens, who is listed as Rolling Stones Top 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know, stating Owens music is for fans of Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, or Garth Brooks.

Owens, whose hometown is in Alabama, explains that country music is the way he lives every day and the way he was raised. My granddaddy always had a George Jones record in his truck. I grew up listening to that  I had no choice. I fell in love with country music. I know nothing else. After many trials in the music industry, Owens was slotted to play a concert that Jones headlined. Producer James Stroud was in the audience and loved what he heard and approached Owens and asked if he wanted to cut a record. Owens soon found himself working alongside Stroud and Randy Travis, who served as executive producer on Owens album, Where Im Comin From, released in December 2016. Owens is grateful to have worked with the two legends, adding, Ive had to work for it and its made me respect the business and respect the musicians and the hard-workmanship Ive had to put in to get here.

The next and final 2017 Black Hills Opry concert is Saturday, Oct. 21 with Aces & Eights featuring a solo performance by award-winning Americana performing artist Jalan Crossland of Wyoming.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for HHOH members, $5 for students ages 11 to 17, and free to age 10 & younger. Tickets are available online at homestakeoperahouse.org, at the door, or by calling 605-584-2067. Reservations are not required. The ticket booth opens one hour prior to showtime. Seating is open seating, non-reserved. Free off-street and free lot parking is available within 4 blocks of the building. The building is accessible for wheelchairs.

The 2017 Black Hills Opry is sponsored in part by Stretch's Custom & Auto Glass, Executive Lodging, ReMax Gold/Keene Team, KEVN Black Hills Fox TV, and the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts. The HHOH is a non-profit organization dedicated to returning Leads Historic Opera House to productive use for the enrichment of the community and to provide cultural opportunities for generations to come. Programming support is provided in part by annual memberships, the Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, and the City of Lead.
STURGIS - A free preview screening of highlights from "The Vietnam War," the new 10-part, 18-hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, is being shown Thursday, Sept. 7, in Sturgis.

The screening will take place at the kick-off celebration of the Sturgis Big Read, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point at Main and Harley-Davidson Way in Sturgis. The programs and discussions continue through Nov. 11.The film will premiere Sept. 17, on SDPB-TV and on PBS stations nationwide. The screening is free and open to the public.

Prior to the 6:15 p.m. showing, there will be a color guard ceremony followed by music by Kate Fjelstad while "The Things They Carried," books and brochures about THE BIG READ are being distributed.

At 6 p.m., Mistress of Ceremonies Denise LaRue will introduce Mayor Mark Carstenson and announce the sponsors and partners of the Sturgis Big Read. More information about the NEA Big Read in Sturgis go online to www.sturgisbigread.com

In an immersive narrative, Burns and Novick tell the epic story of the Vietnam War as it has never before been told on film. "The Vietnam War" features testimony from nearly 100 witnesses, including many Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as Vietnamese combatants and civilians from both sides.

The Vietnam War was a decade of agony that took the lives of more than 58,000 Americans, Burns said. Not since the Civil War have we as a country been so torn apart. There wasnt an American alive then who wasnt affected in some way  from those who fought and sacrificed in the war, to families of service members and POWs, to those who protested the war in open conflict with their government and fellow citizens. More than 40 years after it ended, we cant forget Vietnam, and we are still arguing about why it went wrong, who was to blame and whether it was all worth it.

Julie Peterson, Director of the Sturgis Public Library and Co-chair of the NEA Big Read Committee in Sturgis, says she looks forward to seeing the documentary unfold during the Sturgis Big Read programs and discussions centering on the novel, "The Things They Carried," by Tim OBrien.

She said the committee hopes to facilitate a conversation within the community of Sturgis surrounding the unique cultural and social moment, which was the Vietnam War. Further, and perhaps more importantly, it aims to acknowledge the effects of the war on the veterans, their families, the nation and the Sturgis Community.

AUTHOR TIM O'BRIEN SHARES

Do you still have any of the things you carried while serving in Vietnam?

"My uniform, medals, a can opener and photographs are at the Ransom (Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas). I live in Austin and I'm only a mile away, so I can go visit at any time."

ABOUT "THE THINGS THEY CARRIED"

Tim OBriens "The Things They Carried" is a ground-breaking meditation on war, memory, imagination, and the redemptive power of storytelling. The collection of linked short stories depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and the character Tim OBrien, who survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer.

A LOOK BACK

August 18-24, 1965 - Operation Starlite begins the first major U.S. ground operation in Vietnam as U.S. Marines wage a preemptive strike against 1500 Viet Cong planning to assault the American airfield at Chu Lai. The Marines arrive by helicopter and by sea following heavy artillery and air bombardment of Viet Cong positions. 45 Marines are killed and 120 wounded. Viet Cong suffer 614 dead and 9 taken prisoner. This decisive first victory gives a big boost to U.S. troop morale.

August 31, 1965 - President Johnson signs a law criminalizing draft card burning. Although it may result in a five year prison sentence and $1000 fine, the burnings become common during anti-war rallies and often attract the attention of news media.

WHAT IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIETNAM WAR COMMEMORATION

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a chance to thank and honor our nations Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. It began with the Presidential inaugural event at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, and concludes on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025, by Presidential Proclamation. As the President stated, we, as a nation, will commemorate the 50th anniversary over a long period of time, as many Americans served and sacrificed over that long period of time.

How did we get into and out of Vietnam?

STURGIS - To help those of us who thrive on history (as well as those of us who werent paying attention back in the day), Larry Mayes, Colonel USAF (retired) has spent many hours condensing the broad scope of information about the Vietnam Conflict into an hour long program.

Mayes will present A History of the Vietnam Conflict at noon on Friday, Sept. 15, at in the program room of the Sturgis Library.

Knowing there are two sides to everything, Turmoil in The USA will follow on Friday, Sept. 29, with the same presenter, time and place.

Larry Mayes is a native South Dakotan with a degree in history from Northern State University. While spending 30 years in the US Air Force, he served in Vietnam, 15 other foreign countries, and earned masters degrees in counseling and public administration. He retired to Rapid City in 1998 along with his wife, Pat.

McEntee to keynote NEA Big Read project

STURGIS - The Sturgis Big Read Committee has announced that Jason McEntee will be in Sturgis on Saturday, Sept. 16, to serve as keynote speaker for the NEA Big Read Project.

He will be speaking in the Sturgis Community Center Theater in a program that will begin at 6:30 p.m. with music of the Vietnam era by Paul Peterson and Loren Erickson.

McEntee is Professor and Department Head of English at South Dakota State University. He comes well versed in the literature of war and has been involved with the Literature and Medicine program through the Veterans Administration Health Care System.

He has also participated in establishing veterans writing groups through the South Dakota Humanities Council.

Call to artists for October Pop-Up Art Show

STURGIS - A call to artists of all ages for the 2nd Annual Sturgis Pop-Up Art Show.

This year, in conjunction with the NEA Big Read, artists are being asked to enter items that reflect the theme of What Does Peace Look Like?

The show is sponsored by the Sturgis Public Library, Sturgis Center for the Arts, Sturgis Area Arts Council, and First Interstate Bank.

Entry forms and guidelines are available at the Library and the Center for the Arts or you can get them over e-mail by sending a note to saacpublicity@hotmail.com. They are due back with entry fees by Monday, Sept. 18. Venues include the Library, Center for the Arts and 1st Interstate Bank, where art will be on display during the month of October. Receptions will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. :00-6:00pm.

More questions? Call Julie or Toni at the Library, 347-2624.

Author Tim OBrien to speak in Sturgis

STURGIS - With a great deal of financial help from the South Dakota Humanities Council and AARP South Dakota, as well as the National Endowment of the Arts, Sturgis Big Read will host author Tim OBrien on Friday, Sept. 22.

He will be at Sturgis Brown High School at 9:30 a.m. to visit those students who are studying his book, The Things They Carried," which is the focus of the Big Read in Sturgis.

Everyone is invited to a reception in his honor beginning at 6 p.m. in the Meade Room of the Sturgis Community Center. There will be food, beverages, a cash bar with wine and beer, and music.

OBrien will present Reflections on The Things They Carried to the assembly in the theater at 7 p.m.

He will participate in the Festival of the Book in Deadwood on Saturday, Sept. 23, featured at an evening program with Ron Capps of the Veterans Writing Project. See www.sdhumanities.com/festival-of-books for more information on that program.
Charges against a 54-year-old woman accused of robbing a Spearfish bank in June have been dismissed because she died.

Kimberly Campbell was charged in federal court with bank robbery and bank larceny for allegedly taking around $2,400 from Black Hills Federal Credit Unions lone Spearfish branch. The charges carry a combined maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

Campbell was arrested on Interstate 90, east of Exit 17, while driving a car that matched the bank managers description of the robbers getaway vehicle, according to an FBI affidavit. A plastic bag containing $2,397 was found in the car's front passenger seat, the statement reads.

The banks security cameras earlier recorded a woman with gray hair, dressed in blue and wearing glasses, demand money from a teller, investigators said. The woman did not appear to have a gun or any weapon. Local police disseminated a screen grab of the woman's image along with their news release of the incident.

Campbell, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Aug. 8 following a stroke caused by a blocked artery, according to her death certificate. It says she was born in New York and served in the U.S. military. She was cremated in Sturgis, and no autopsy was done.

Campbell had lived in Spearfish for a year and a half and talked about having a daughter and granddaughter, the FBI affidavit states. No other information on her next of kin was available.

The federal court dismissed Campbells charges at her lawyers request, which cited her death. A few days before she died, Campbell had asked the court for additional time to work out her case.
Rambler ordered to pay $8,500 fine imposed by Russian Central Bank

MOSCOW, September 5 (RAPSI)  The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals has upheld a 500,000-ruble fine (about $8,500) imposed on Rambler Internet Holding by the Central Bank of Russia for refusal to provide user information, RAPSI learnt in the court on Tuesday.

The court therefore rejected an appeal filed by Rambler against a lower courts ruling.

On June 6, the Moscow Commercial Court dismissed the companys lawsuit demanding to declare the Central Banks decision illegal.

According to case papers, the regulator has sent Rambler a request to furnish information on a mail.rambler.ru user in relation to checking for alleged manipulation of stock markets during the Moscow Central Stock Exchange tender.

Rambler Internet Holding has not complied with the requirements in due time. The company claims that the requirement was not executed because the required information could be disclosed only by Law on combating illegal use of insider information and market manipulation.

However, the Moscow Commercial Court held that the Central Banks ruling must be enforced and therefore dismissed Ramblers lawsuit demanding to declare the fine illegal.
Russian Supreme Court returns appeal against recovery of $5.8 mln to Natalie Tours

MOSCOW, September 5 (RAPSI)  Russias Supreme Court has returned to Natalie Tours tour operator a complaint seeking to overturn the ruling to collect $5.8 million from the company in favor of Transaero airline, the courts representative told RAPSI on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court dismissed a motion to reinstate term limits for appeal.

This May, previous court decisions in the case favoring Transaero were upheld by the Moscow District Commercial Court.

On November 11, 2016, the Moscow Commercial court granted the air carriers claim seeking to recover the debt from the travel company. Under the contract signed between parties, the tour operator was to transfer earnings from transportation sales excluding fee to the plaintiff. Additionally, the court dismissed a counterclaim by Natalie Tours demanding to invalidate provisions of the agreements supplementary contract. The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld the ruling on February 27.

The travel company in turn filed a lawsuit to recover about 400 million rubles ($6.7 million) in damages from Transaero. However, the claim has been dismissed.

In April, the Moscow Commercial Court dismissed a claim by Transaero demanding to declare Natalie Tours bankrupt.

In 2015, Transaero found itself unable to pay its debts valued at 250 billion rubles (about $4 billion). Government-approved plan of transferring 75% of companys shares to Aeroflot failed. Its problems resulted in a large number of flight cancels and delays.

In October 2015, Sberbank and Alfa Bank filed bankruptcy petitions against the troubled airline. The Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region initiated a bankruptcy procedure against Transaero on December 16, 2015.

Natalie Tours, a tour operator on the Russian foreign tourist market, was founded in April 1992. In 2014, the companys amount of business was estimated at $850 million.
Prosecutor asks to sentence businessman charged with taking hostages to 13 years

MOSCOW, September 5 (RAPSI)  A prosecutor has asked the Moscow District Military Court to sentence businessman Aram Petrosyan, charged with taking hostages in Citibank and terrorism, to 13 years in a penal colony, RAPSI correspondent reports from the court on Tuesday.

Medical examination has found that Petrosyan is suffering from psychological disorder not requiring compulsory treatment, but affecting his ability to take independent decisions, his lawyer Stanislav Maltsev told RAPSI earlier.

According to investigators, on the evening of August 24, 2016, Petrosyan entered a branch of Citibank at Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street in central Moscow, where he took four people hostages. He threatened to trigger explosion of an object resembling a bomb. After several hours, he released all hostages and surrendered. The bomb that he threatened to explode turned out to be a hoax.

The Investigative Committee stated that Petrosyan wanted to bring attention to his problem and did not want to kill anyone.

Before capture of hostages, a video has been released on the Internet, featuring a man resembling the one who took hostages. Video message was published under the name of Aram Petrosyan. In particular, he said that on August 24 he is going to commit "violation of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation". He said that he intends to commit a crime because of bankruptcy, which, according to him, turned into epidemic in Russia.

He demanded Russian authorities to create a body that would deal with the issue of bankruptcy.
Every state has connections with at least a few serial killers. But you might be surprised how many high-profile cases are connected with the 
(resourceclips.com) - Isabel: I would like to introduce the CEO and president of Arctic Star Exploration TSXV:ADD, Patrick Power. Hi Patrick, it is a pleasure to talk to you again. Congratulations on the news on a new member of the board and your new project in Finland. What made the connection to Finland?

Patrick: Thank you, we are very excited and happy about both. Roy Spencer, who you could call the father of the Cinnamon project, found the Grip pipe, 450 kilometres east in Russia as the president of Arctic Angel in 1996. That turned out to be a mine, which started producing about two years ago. But as usual in Russia, he got kicked out before it became productive. He traced chemistry trails to the Finnish border and all those trails originated in Finland somewhere. No exploration was done there in historical terms. You cannot tell the quality of the diamonds from the chemistry, but usually you can tell the amount of diamonds. All that chemistry was flooding in over 80 kilometres with no answers as to the sources. In 2007, Roy drilled first in this new field. The important part of this is that fields usually have a minimum of 30 and a high of 300 pipes. The upside potential is that it is the first pipe in a new field and that is extremely important because it has good chemistry. Infrastructure-wise, the Black and White Wolf, which were the two first pipes discoveredthey might actually be one, because they are only 48 metres apart, we will know more about this after further geophysics being doneare only two miles away from a bus stop. Compared to Canada this is amazing infrastructure and that translates right into that you would need far less grade to become a mine. You can have a lot less compared to the north of Canada in order to be still productive. That is a big point!
The RD-250 engine at the center of an international storm In 2017, North Korea stunned the world with a series of test launches of long-range ballistic missiles. One popular explanation for the rogue state's remarkable progress in rocketry essentially blamed Ukraine for providing North Korea with know-how on the powerful RD-250 engine which bore some superficial resemblance to a North-Korean engine. But was it really possible, given the scale of effort required to reproduce and drastically redesign a complex rocket engine? Previous chapter: R-36 ICBM A cluster of three two-chamber RD-250 (8D518) engines formed a six-chamber RD-251 (8D723) propulsion system of the R-36 rocket. RussianSpaceWeb.com archive Known specifications of the RD-250 (8D518) engine: Developer OKB-456 (now NPO Energomash) Purpose R-36 ICBM, Stage I, Main propulsion Development period 1962-1966 Thrust at sea level 80.4 tons (788 kilonewtons) Thrust in vacuum 89.9 tons (881 kilonewtons) Specific impulse at sea level 270 seconds Specific impulse in vacuum 301 seconds Duration of burn 120 seconds Combustion chamber pressure 85 kilograms per square centimeter / 8.83 megapascales Nozzle extension ratio 14.7 Dry mass 728 kilograms Engine dimensions (height/diameter) 2,600/1,000 millimeters Fuel Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine, UDMH Oxidizer Nitrogen tetroxide, N2O4 From the publisher: Pace of our development depends primarily on the level of support from our readers! RD-250: The top in its class In 1961, the OKB-456 propulsion bureau (now NPO Energomash) led by Valentin Glushko formulated a design of a new engine for the R-36 (8K67) ballistic missile conceived around a year earlier at OKB-586 in Dnepropetrovsk. Like most Soviet military rockets of this era, R-36 would use hypergolic (or storable) liquid propellant, which would allow keeping the missile fueled and ready for launch for prolonged periods of time. However, for the Soviet rocketry, the development of the new engine, designated RD-250, marked the transition of hypergolic propulsion systems to nitrogen tetroxide as an oxidizer. It is less corrosive than the AK-27I nitric oxide previously used on the R-16, R-14 and R-12 rockets. (Both oxidizers trigger self-ignition on contact with dimethyl hydrazine fuel.) Along with a more advanced combustion process developed for the RD-250 series, the new oxidizer helped significantly increase the thrust of the new engine. The switch to nitrogen tetroxide, which demands stricter thermal conditions than its predecessor, became possible thanks to an early decision to put all R-36 missiles in underground silos. The previous experience with silo-based missiles proved that their temperatures could be maintained within a range from +5C to +35C degrees. Older Soviet missiles deployed on open pads across the USSR were required to withstand much harsher conditions with temperatures ranging from -50C to +50C degrees. The same factor also allowed to switch the start-up system for RD-250's turbopump from liquid bottles to simpler solid powder charges. Other improvements in the RD-250 series included the use of expendable membranes not only for storing the engine on the operational rocket, but also as a part of the ignition system. The ignition process was modified to take place with unfilled pumps. The engine shutoff system was simplified to rely exclusively on pyrotechnic valves without the need to vacuum all the propellant lines in flight. The new engine also used more advanced and less corrosion-prone materials. (424) Inside OKB-456, the work on the engine was delegated to a team of engineers led by Mikhail Gnesin and Yuri Tkachenko, who had previously overseen the development of the propulsion system for the R-16 ICBM. Like the RD-218/219 engines on the R-16, the new RD-250 series developed for the R-36 featured the so-called opened-cycle design, where gas used to power the engine's main turbopump is then exhausted overboard rather than being directed into the combustion chamber. However the new engine, while being 35 centimeters longer and 20 percent heavier in relative mass, nevertheless exceeded its predecessor by 22 seconds in specific impulse  a key performance characteristic. Like R-16, the first stage of the new rocket would use a cluster of three engines with two combustion chambers each. The combined cluster of three RD-250 modules received the designation RD-251. (113) The two combustion chambers on the RD-250 shared a turbopump and a gas generator welded to the static part of the turbine. It would be activated with a powder-fueled starter firing through three nozzles in the static body of the turbine. The two chambers on each RD-250 also shared avionics and pipelines, however each pair was now made fully autonomous from the other pairs in the three-pair cluster to simplify their production and testing. The only feature still shared by the six-chamber assembly was the propellant drainage system, which would be needed in case of an aborted launch. The second stage of the R-36 received a similar two-chamber engine called RD-252, which had been optimized for operation beyond the atmosphere in near-vacuum conditions. The RD-252 had a nozzle extension and its combustion chamber pressure was increased from 84 to 91 atmospheres. The engine also had a different truss structure, which attached it to the stage. RD-252 boasted a 25-second advantage in specific impulse over its predecessor  the RD-219 on the second stage of the R-16, despite being 1.5 times taller and having the same relative mass. Troubled development The development of the RD-250 series was formally approved by a government decree on April 16, 1962, (424) and work on the R-36 and its engines was put on fast track in the wake of the Cuban missile crisis the same year. In the rushed atmosphere of the arms race, OKB-452 had sent design documentation for the engine to the production plant at OKB-586 in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, before it completed its initial test firing program in Moscow. This allowed to quickly refurbish the production line in Ukraine for the new engine, while it was still in development. (113) The dedicated propulsion division at OKB-586, called KB-4, oversaw the upgrades of the manufacturing line in Dnepropetrovsk, which had previously produced engines for the R-16. (809) From May 1962 to August 1964, OKB-456 made 145 test firings of RD-252 and RD-250 engines at its test stand in Khimki near Moscow. In the meantime, the production line in Dnepropetrovsk began churning up the serially produced engines, and engineers from KB-4 took random copies from the manufactured batches and fired them at their test stand No. 3 in Dnepropetrovsk. During the first phase of trials, known as "technical and selective control tests" or KTI and KVI, the RD-250 series logged 174 firings. Finally, 18 R-36 rockets also made test flights. In total, RD-252 and RD-250 engines made 391 firings during this period. However, around 1964 routine tests of serially produced engines in Dnepropetrovsk began revealing fatal high-frequency vibrations in their combustion chmabers, something unusually frequent for engines burning hypergolic propellants. Mysteriously, the RD-250 first-stage engine mostly displayed this destructive flaw at ignition, while its cousin -- RD-252 -- would self-destruct during the main mode of operation, even though both engines used identical injection nozzles to initiate combustion. (113) The RD-252 also showed that its specific impulse was around 3.5 seconds less than required and its gas generator also displayed instability caused by high frequency vibrations when its propellant had a temperature higher than +20C degrees. Engineers also discovered a mismatch in the dynamics of the ignition between bench testing and real flights. (424) These massive problems threatened to halt the already running production line. OKB-452 enlisted help from the NII TP and NII KhM research institutes and even from its rivals at Isaev's design bureau in a bid to solve this multidimensional puzzle. (424, 113) Initially, the high frequency problem was dealt with by increasing the variation in the supply rate of the propellant injectors. Also, the gas generator on RD-252 was equipped with a new acoustic filter at its exist to mitigate its high-frequency problem. The profile of the RD-252 engine's nozzle was also modified to make up for the lack of specific impulse, while preserving the engine's dimensions. Also, step by step, the dynamic conditions at Stand No. 3 in Dnepropetrovsk were tuned up to match what had been seen in real launches. (424) Finally, the ignition profile was changed to promote a more stable combustion process. All the upgrades cleared the way to the resumption of test firings in September 1964. By that time, the test facility at NPO Energomash was already refurbished for firing the RD-253 engine featuring closed-cycle combustion and intended for the first stage of the UR-500 (Proton) rocket. As a result, all further testing of the RD-250 series moved to Stand No. 3 in Dnepropetrovsk and it was managed by the local KB-4 propulsion division within the OKB-586 design bureau. To support KB-4, Glushko ordered formation of a special task brigade which moved to Dnepropetrovsk and participated in the planning of test programs, operational management of firings and post-firing analysis of the tests. The group was headed by I. A. Klepikov. Other managers and specialists were shuttling between Moscow and Dnepropetrovsk as needed. Problems persist From Sept. 15, 1964, to May 31, 1965, the joint team conducted 220 tests of RD-252 and RD-250 engines. The final certification tests, known as MVI for Inter-agency Verifications Tests, were conducted on three RD-250 and three RD-252 engines. (424) In April 1966, an interagency commission supervising the re-design effort approved the modified production documentation for the RD-250 engine. However, even after all was said and done, some engines still continued showing rare high-frequency problems, which prompted officials to retroactively qualify final certification tests as Phase I, while seeking further solution to the problem before Phase II tests. Two possible solutions were tried -- the development of a new injector head and an attempt to develop an ignition mode which would eliminate the high-frequency conditions. During 1965 and 1966, four variations of injector heads were tried fruitlessly, after which the effort was abandoned. Also, six models of special anti-pulsation filters were tried during tests of individual combustion chambers in NIIKhimmash test center, again, without any positive results. Finally a solution All further efforts were focused on changing the ignition process itself. Various ignition modes were first modeled with the help of the Ural-2 computer, which was used to calculate 62 simulation models of the process. That work finally helped narrow down the most effective method of changing the ignition parameters. Extensive test statistics allowed engineers to detect minuscule variations in pressure inside the combustion chambers at ignition. It gave rise to a hypothesis about different conditions in the formation of the ignition pressure in the two engines. Thus, engineers focused on an effort to negate these differences and bring the ignition process in RD-250 and RD-252 to the same timeline. For that purpose, the hydraulics lab at NPO Energomash built a water simulator of the engine's propellant feeding system and used photo-cameras capturing 1,000 frames per second to visualize the early moments of the fuel-injection process. These tests showed some differences in the character of the propellant supply for RD-250 and RD-252. (424) The analysis showed that propellant filled the injectors of the combustion chambers differently, because it traveled different distances in the cooling loops of the regular nozzle for the RD-250 and in the extended nozzle on the RD-252. As a result, the fuel, which serves as cooling fluid, heated up more in the RD-252. (113) Using the water simulator, engineers began adjusting the process to synchronize the ignition in the two engines. It was shown that a lack of synchronization of just 0.02 seconds could make a difference between the success and failure of the firing. (424) Engineers then developed special thresholds in RD-250 to slow down the ignition process. (113) The method was first implemented on the oxidizer line. (424) In the meantime, the internal nozzle section of the combustion chamber for the RD-252 received thermal shielding made of zirconium oxide, which reduced propellant heating by 14 degrees. The effectiveness of this measure was then confirmed in 59 firing tests. (113, 424) In February 1966, the RD-250 entered a new series of tests with the ignition process modified on the oxidizer line. Out of 219 tests, four engines still showed high-frequency vibrations. Then, the similar changes were implemented on the fuel lines, followed by 15 tests of experimental RD-250 engines. The water simulator was used again with special monitoring of the fuel injection. Another 22 KTI and KVI firing tests had followed, this time, with both fuel and oxidizer lines modified. (424) These efforts were finally successful and in July 1967, the R-36 ICBM was formally accepted into armaments. (113) By Sept. 1, 1967, RD-250 logged 372 tests, including 33 firings in 11 flights of the 8K67 and 8K69 missiles. None of them showed problems. On the decision of the interagency commission, 12 firings tests were conducted to simulate the most adverse conditions at launch, but the engines went through them with flying colors. The official Phase 2 certification tests of the RD-252 and RD-250 engines were conducted at the end of 1967. The interagency commission could finally declare that the engines matched the required specifications. As of March 15, 1968, the RD-250 series had accumulated the following test statistics: Total number of tests... 2,317 ...Including KTI, KVI tests 1,860 ...Launches on rockets 310 (in nearly 80 flights) (424) Space-grade RD-261 engine In 1965, the Soviet government approved the development of the space launch vehicle based on the R-36 missile. Specifically for that project, OKB-456 design bureau upgraded the RD-250 series under the names RD-261 (11D69) and RD-262 (11D26). The main goal of the program was adapting the engine for wider operational temperatures, because launch vehicles were expected to lift off from open launch pads rather than climate-controlled silos. Also, when the R-36 rockets reached retirement in the mid-1970s, OKB-452, then renamed KB Energomash, developed a plan for refurbishing their RD-250 and RD-252 engines into RD-261 and RD-262, respectively, so they could be used in space launches. (113) Post-Soviet history An RD-261 engine during the assembly of Tsyklon rockets at the Yuzhmash factory in Dnepropetrovsk in 2010. Credit: Roskosmos According to the Ukrainian government, the production of the RD-250 series and its derivatives stopped in Dnepropetrovsk in 1991 and three years later, the engine's production line was dismantled. As a result, all production activities related to RD-250 stopped in Yuzhmash in 1994. By that time, 30 already manufactured first-stage engines and 10 second-stage engines had been used to assemble a total of 10 Tsyklon-3 rockets, which were delivered to Russia between 1992 and 2008. The final Tsyklon-3 rocket flew from Plesetsk in 2009, delivering the Koronas-Foton satellite. In the meantime, Ukraine embarked on a commercial space venture which envisioned the light-weight Tsyklon-4 rocket based at the equatorial launch site of Alcantara in Brazil. The proposed launch vehicle was expected to use the first and second stages of the older Tsyklon rockets and a newly developed third stage. However, KB Yuzhnoe faced insurmountable problems trying to restore the production of the RD-250 series, which were needed for the first and second stage of Tsyklon-4. Unable to restore the production of RD-250, the management at KB Yuzhnoe hoped buy back old Tsyklon vehicles stored in Russian arsenals. Due to lack of payloads for these rockets in Russia, the unused vehicles could theoretically be purchased almost at a price of scrap metal. However, when Ukrainian officials had finally got around to acquiring the rockets, big politics intervened. The initial Ukrainian offer to buy back Tsyklons coincided with overtures to the West made by the Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych at the beginning of his reign in 2010. In March 2012, Yanukovych approved an association agreement with the European Union which angered the Kremlin. As a result, Moscow refused to supply Tsyklons. The Ukrainian space officials then ordered an urgent audit of the remaining hardware at the Yuzhmash production plant to see if any remaining inventory could be used for the Tsyklon-4 project. However, the review failed to identify even a single flight-worthy combustion chamber from the RD-250 series. Only after very difficult negotiations and the re-alignment of Yanukovych to Moscow, was KB Yuzhnoe finally able to secure the buyback of three Russian Tsyklon-2 rockets, which had been manufactured from 1983 to 1986. In November 2013, when Ukraine had postponed its moves toward Europe, Moscow gave the green light to the Tsyklon deal. Other Russian-Ukrainian space agreements were also negotiated during this period, including Ukraine's participation in the Russian super-heavy launcher program along the lines proposed within the Sodruzhestvo project. It is still unclear how much Ukraine paid for these three Tsyklon vehicles, but according to unconfirmed rumors, the originally allocated sum had mysteriously disappeared and the funds had to be disbursed for a second time. The three Tsyklons were delivered to Dnepropetrovsk just in time before the popular uprising in Kiev at the beginning of 2014 toppled Yanukovych's government and put Ukraine back on a path toward European integration. The subsequent Russian annexation of Crimea burned the last economic bridges between the two former Soviet republics. In the meantime, the Ukrainian-Brazilian venture collapsed within the following year. The total price tag for the fruitless Tsyklon-4 project was estimated at more than $900 million, with as much as $400 million spent by Ukraine. However, KB Yuzhnoe hoped to re-use much of the engineering experience gained in the failed enterprise in the newly proposed Tsyklon-4M rocket. The North-Korean issue A launch of North Korea's Hwasong-14 missile. On Aug. 14, 2017, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, IISS, published a paper called The secret to North Koreas ICBM success. The study suggested that North Korea had relied on a heavily modified version of the RD-250 engine. After the IISS report had made headlines in the New York Times and many other general media publications, KB Yuzhnoe issued a series of official denials alleging political motives behind the publication. The editor of this site reached to two veteran experts in rocket propulsion in Ukraine who had proved to be very reliable in the past. The following info is based on their testimonies. In a rare agreement with the official stance, the Ukrainian engineers told RussianSpaceWeb.com that a close look at the current capabilities in the field of large rocket engines at KB Yuzhnoe, including the above-described experience with the RD-250, eliminates practically all suspicions about the company's involvement. The development of a rocket engine normally goes through three major phases: namely, the design on the drawing board, followed by the production and testing of experimental prototypes and concluding with the serial manufacturing of the flight-worthy hardware. None of these phases, when applied to the North Korean engine development could see any major Ukrainian involvement, KB Yuzhnoe veterans said. Starting with the design of the RD-250, experts say that KB Yuzhnoe does have a heavily guarded hard copy of production documentation on the engine, but it had never been digitized and its transfer to North Korea would not be authorized by the Ukrainian Space Agency, which reviews all the companys dealings with outside customers. While admitting a number of commercial contracts with various countries, the Ukrainian engineers said that in their positions at the bureau they would have certainly known about any official contacts of their organization or its employees with the North Koreans, while there were none. Nobody at the bureau ever traveled to North Korea either, they said. Even with the production documentation at hand, the Ukrainians constantly needed the assistance from NPO Energomash in Moscow on various aspects of manufacturing. However, the most serious charge in the IISS publication claims that a one-chamber version of the RD-250 had been produced in Russia or Ukraine: One has to conclude that the modified engines were made in those factoriesIn addition, Western experts who visited KB Yuzhnoe (in) Ukraine within the past year told the author that a single-chamber version was on display at a nearby university and that a local engineer boasted about producing it. However, as described above, the Ukrainian space agency spent more than a decade trying to obtain the original RD-250 engine, badly needed for the nations rocket program. After spending a decade and almost $400 million, the Ukrainians were still unable to simply reproduce the Russian RD-250 with two combustion chambers, let alone develop and build a brand-new new, heavily modified one-chamber version, which now appears on the North Korean ICBM. If any such hardware would reach production stage, numerous people would know about it and, certainly, such a major advance would not be possible to conceal, one veteran propulsion engineer told RussianSpaceWeb.com. As was described above, a thorough audit of the remaining hardware at the Yuzhmash production plant had failed to reveal even a single flight-worthy combustion chamber for the RD-250. Cynics could argue that rogue workers at the Yuzhmash production plant could have sold the hardware illegally before that audit, but all the sources familiar with the matter and the authors own observations over many years following the Ukrainian space industry and during a recent visit to Ukraine indicate that popular stories often cultivated by the Russian press about the collapse of the Ukranian space industry are greatly exaggerated. Obviously, espionage or theft could not be completely ruled out in any country, but the espionage alone would not likely produce such a complex system for North Korea and it is beyond the scope of allegations in the IISS study. The failure to reproduce the RD-250 was one of the major reasons that Ukrainian engineers conceived a drastically new Tsyklon-4M rocket around 2016, which would avoid the use of Russian engines. The newly proposed Tsyklon-4M aimed to fly from a new spaceport of Canso in Canada, would rely on a newly developed Ukrainian engine  the RD-870  burning non-toxic cryogenic oxidizer (which also makes the engine largely useless for military purposes). The RD-870 will employ all the key components of the Soviet-era RD-120 engine, which was also mass-produced in Ukraine, for the exception of its combustion chamber made in Russia. The newly proposed Ukrainian version of the engine would use an available cache of 50 combustion chambers still retained at the KB Yuzhnoe design bureau. These combustion chambers were intended for Soviet-era ballistic missiles, but their production line was dismantled after the end of the Cold War. According to Ukrainian specialists, these combustion chambers were designed for the so-called closed-cycle engines and they would not be compatible with North Korean rockets. Even with available combustion chambers, Ukrainian engineers are still facing an uphill battle in manufacturing the RD-870, especially after a complete breakdown of cooperation with Moscow during the Crimean crisis in 2014. Without a supply of key construction materials from Russia, the RD-870 program has huge challenges to transition from paper to metal and the problem has remained unresolved until now. This current situation with the RD-870 highlights the improbability of a claim in the IISS report that North Koreans could steal or buy newly produced engines and then somehow fashion a super-complex system into what is essentially an entirely new engine. Finally, Ukrainian experts reject the IISS contention that just because similar engines are not known to be produced in China, India, Iran or France, they must have come from Russia or Ukraine. No such engines exist in Ukraine or Russia either, a Ukrainian propulsion expert said. Ironically, the latest allegations reportedly prompted KB Yuzhnoe to make an initial estimate of what would it take to build the engine seen on the North Korean rocket. Although Ukrainians admit a superficial resemblance of some components on the North Korean propulsion system to those on RD-250, they see a much simpler explanation. North Koreans could simply be inspired by the same photos of RD-250 (found in the IISS report), one expert said. A full-scale copy of an RD-250-derived engine is also available at the limited-access demo room at NPO Energomash in Moscow and was seen by the author of this article (see photo above). As of possible scenarios for the origin of the North Korean engine, Ukrainian experts suggest an indigenous effort, but point at China as the most likely source of assistance in propulsion know-how, with Russia being a distant second possibility. Unlike Ukraine, the former two countries have at least some clear political motivation to help North Korea advance its missile program as a tool against the United States. Known specifications of the RD-250 family: Designation RD-250 (8D518) RD-251 (8D723) RD-252 (8D724) Number of combustion chambers Two Six Two Architecture Two-chamber single engine Three-engine cluster Two-chamber single engine Thrust at sea level 80.4 tons 241 tons N/A Thrust in vacuum 89.9 tons 270 tons 96 tons Specific impulse at sea level 270 seconds 270 seconds N/A Specific impulse in vacuum 301 seconds 301 seconds 317.6 seconds Combustion chamber pressure 85 kilograms per square centimeter 85 kilograms per square centimeter 91 kilograms per square centimeter Dry mass 728 kilograms 1,729 kilograms 715 kilograms Fueled mass ? 1,980 kilograms 810 kilograms Engine height 2,600 millimeters 1,760 millimeters 2,190 millimeters Engine diameter 1,000 millimeters 2,520 millimeters 2,590 millimeters The RD-250 family variants: Variant Development period Architecture Application RD-250 (8D518) 1962-1966 Three RD-250 comprise RD-251 R-36 ICBM, Stage I, main propulsion RD-250P (8D518P) 1967-1968 Three RD-250P comprise RD-251P R-36 ICBM, Stage I, main propulsion RD-250M (8D518M) 1966-1968 Three RD-250M comprise RD-251M R-36 ICBM, Stage I, main propulsion RD-250PM (8D518PM) 1968-1970 Three RD-250PM comprise RD-261 R-36 ICBM, Stage I, main propulsion RD-251 (8D723) 1962-1966 Three-engine cluster Stage I ( R-36 /8K67; Tsyklon RD-251P (8D723P) 1962-1966 Three-engine cluster Stage I ( R-36P /8K68 RD-251M (8D723M) 1966-1968 Three-engine cluster Stage I ( R-360 /8K69 RD-252 (8D724) 1962-1966 Two-chamber engine Stage II (R-36, R-36P, R-36O, Tsyklon RD-261 (11D69) 1968-1970 Modified RD-251 Stage I for Tsyklon-2 and Tsyklon-3 RD-262 (11D26) 1968-1970 Modified RD-252 Stage II for Tsyklon-3 and Tsyklon-3 Next chapter: RD-870 Read (and see) much more about Angara rockets and many other space projects in Russia

in a richly illustrated, large-format glossy edition:

Mikhail Gnesin led a department responsible for the development of the RD-250 series at the OKB-456 design bureau. Credit: NPO Energomash Yuri Tkachenko worked as deputy department head responsible for the development of the RD-250 series at the OKB-456 design bureau. Credit: NPO Energomash The RD-219 (8D713) engine originally used on the second stage of the R-16 ICBM served as a basis for RD-252. Copyright  2017 Anatoly Zak RD-251 engine. Credit: NPO Energomash The RD-251 (8D723) engine cluster on the R-36 missile. Copyright  2017 Anatoly Zak A cutaway view of the combustion chamber for RD-250 engine. RussianSpaceWeb.com archive The T 270-000 turbopump, which drove the RD-251 (8D723) engine. Click to enlarge. Copyright  2017 Anatoly Zak The RD-252 (8D724) engine, which powered the second stage of the R-36 missile, deferred from its first-stage version by a longer nozzle optimized for operation in vacuum. Copyright  2002 Anatoly Zak A combustion chamber of the RD-252 engine. Copyright  2017 Anatoly Zak The dual Aerojet General LR-87 engine used on the first stage of the American Titan-2 rocket. The rocket second stage used a single LR-91 engine. Click to enlarge. Copyright  2017 Anatoly Zak Click to enlarge. Credit: Roskosmos An RD-261 engine during the assembly of Tsyklon rockets at the Yuzhmash factory in Dnepropetrovsk in 2010. Click to enlarge. Credit: Roskosmos
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" " A new interpretation suggests that the Mesopotamian artifact known as Plimpton 322 may point toward ancient knowledge of trigonometric principles. UNSW

Say you lived 3,700 years ago in the ancient city of Babylon. And say you're feeling industrious, so you decide to build a terraced ziggurat with a whole lot of complex ramps and terraces and staircases. No problem! All you'd have to do is find the ratio of the sides of some right triangles in relation to each other  oh, but wait. That would actually be really hard to do because the ancient Babylonians didn't have trigonometry (basically, the study of triangles). In fact, trigonometry wasn't invented until the ancient Greeks figured it all out 1,000 years late

hold please

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Hm. Well, thanks to a new interpretation of an ancient tablets, the ancient Babylonians may have known trigonometry after all. Maybe.

" " The Plimpton 322 tablet was created using cuneiform, an ancient Mesopotamian system of writing. UNSW

A new study published in the journal Historia Mathematica finds that a small clay tablet called Plimpton 322 might actually be a trigonometric table  a tool that allows you to use a single known ratio of the sides of a right-angle triangle to figure out the other two ratios. Based on the type of cuneiform script used on the tablet, Plimpton 322, discovered in the 1920s in southern Iraq, is suspected to have been written sometime between 1822 and 1762 B.C.E.

For more than 70 years, researchers thought the slab  5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall (13 centimeters wide and 9 centimeters tall), and containing a table with four columns and 15 rows  displayed lists of Pythagorean triples. Those are sets of whole numbers that fit the equation that says the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle will equal the sum of the square of the other two sides. (You remember the Pythagorean theorem, right? a2 + b2 = c2) The problem is, nobody knew why these people would have gone through the trouble of writing these down.

Daniel Mansfield, a mathematician in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, stumbled upon Plimpton 322 while trying to dig up some examples of ancient mathematics to use in a first year math class. Looking over the tablet, he decided something was missing from the explanation that the tablet was just a list of Pythagorean triples  he and co-author Norman Wildburger were sure this was trigonometry.

"Our research reveals that Plimpton 322 describes the shapes of right-angle triangles using a novel kind of trigonometry based on ratios, not angles and circles. It is a fascinating mathematical work that demonstrates undoubted genius," said Mansfield in a press release. "The tablet not only contains the world's oldest trigonometric table; it is also the only completely accurate trigonometric table, because of the very different Babylonian approach to arithmetic and geometry."

Studying how trigonometry was done a thousand years before trigonometry was "invented" by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus has the potential to open new doors for math research and education. It might be that their method for trigonometry was superior to our own in some ways. And interestingly, the ancient scribes of Plimpton 322 seem to have used a base 60 system for arithmetic, like our time clock, rather than the base 10 number system we use today.

"With Plimpton 322 we see a simpler, more accurate trigonometry that has clear advantages over our own," said Mansfield. " "A treasure-trove of Babylonian tablets exists, but only a fraction of them have been studied yet. The mathematical world is only waking up to the fact that this ancient but very sophisticated mathematical culture has much to teach us."

However, not everyone is convinced that this interpretation of Plimpton 322 is accurate. Math and science writer Evelyn Lamb, for instance, sees it as colored by a desire to justify "rational trigonometry," which in her Scientific American math column Roots of Unity she calls a pet theory of Wildburger's, and one not readily accepted by the mathematics community.

"[Plimpton 322] demonstrates differences in the way different cultures have done mathematics and outstanding computational facility," she writes. "It has raised questions about how ancient Mesopotamians approached calculation and geometry. But using it to sell a questionable pet theory won't get us any closer to the answers.

And Eleanor Robson, a Mesopotamia expert who in the 1990s proposed in a paper Words and Pictures: New Light on Plimpton 322 that the tablet was a sort of teacher's guide, also finds flaws in the new interpretation.

" " UNSW Sydney scientist Dr. Daniel Mansfield holds the Plimpton 322 tablet at the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia University in New York. UNSW/Andrew Kelly

Now That's Interesting Discovery of the Plimpton 322 tablet is credited to Edgar James Banks, a British archaeologist, academic, diplomat, antiquities dealer and movie producer who also served as inspiration for the fictional adventuring archaeologist Indiana Jones.
It's no secret that I am a big fan of the Eurimages funding scheme and the projects it backs, and Foxtrot is no exception. This dark, multi-tonal Israeli, French, German and Swiss co-production carries all the hallmarks of a good psychological thriller, and I would say that it definitely holds its own in the 74th Venice Biennale's Main Competition. I might even go as far as to say that it's up there as one of my favourites so far.

As a fiction, it all starts rather open-endedly. Under a stunning, pink sunset, we jerkily advance along a rugged path through a vast, expansive nowhere. We follow the motions of some vehicle, but it is never apparent or explained what kind. In front of us, the road channels your eye towards a central vanishing point, where the asphalt distantly dips and disappears over the brow of a hill. Immediately we are placed in director Samuel Maoz's capable hands, and he pays scrupulous attention to how the framing of his shots will influence our thoughts and feelings.

Next, like awakening suddenly from a dream, a jump cut slams us into a front door, which opens to reveal Daphna Feldman (Sarah Adler). Behind her sits a large piece of modern art on a big square canvas. It spirals around her into a tunnel of dark, abstract shapes, and it produces yet another striking and emotive vanishing point that mirrors the first.

This directorial sleight of hand instantly lures you into the film's space, and leaves you completely spellbound by why an awful look of sudden terror has just fallen over Daphna's face. With myseterious little explanation, she faints and begins to convulse into a fit as three Israeli soldiers stoop to drug her and ensure that she is okay.

As the realisation slowly dawns on us what these military officials' presence must mean, we see a silver-haired, brooding Michael Feldman (Lior Ashkenazi) standing bemused, across the hall in a moody, dark adjacent room. He looks like he has moved too quickly between expecting suddenly to have to fight and the sad realisation that the officers must be there bearing bad news about their son. In fact, his visible shock does not go unnoticed by the soldiers, and they tell him that his son, Jonathan, died in action, before beginning to bark instructions and sling advice at him.

As the shock slowly radiates across Ashkenazi's face, one of Foxtrot's many unusual scenes then ensues. The soldiers force Michael to focus on drinking water in a way that almost suffocates him, and they then commandeer his phone to set regular reminders that he should keep on drinking throughout the day. Time and time again, this kind of deeply oppressive, misplaced dark irony or absurdity is applied to the actions of the Israeli Defence Force, and it turns Foxtrot into a fascinating scrutiny of the conflict that continues to unfold in Israel and Palestine.

Before the film fully gets into this satirical stride, though, it first delivers a powerful study of Michael's absolute grief. In these moments, Maoz's use of space and his set is a complete dramatic masterstroke. The walls are already a dark, ashen greeny-grey, casting a deep, melancholy shadow over the film's opening compact scenes, but beyond that, the Feldman's apparment is full of regimented squares and tessellated tiles, creating this brilliantly overpowering sense of inescapability.

One scene that is particularly remarkable films Ashkenazi from above, whilst the tiles beneath his feet create the impression that cubes are rising up beneath him everywhere. The camera begins to rotate, as Michael slowly struggles to move across the room, and an optical illusion is created that makes it seem almost as though even though he is moving, he cannot actually move at all. Instead, the character appears to remain painfully trapped both in his grief and in the harsh military world that seems to box him in from all angles.

Generally speaking, in fact, Maoz's use of space and depth in Foxtrot is superb, and it also helps add another layer of absurdity to the piece too. For example, when Michael visits to tell his senile mother the news, we first see her dancing in a line of partners, oddly framed and distant from our view. Meanwhile a young dance teacher begins to cha-cha-chas happily into the foreground, completing the scene as one that brilliantly and darkly clashes with Michael's own sentiments from every possible angle.

There are several more stings in the tail of this film's irony too, and it actually soon comes to fruition that a number of things that we have been lead to believe are not actually true. At this point, Foxtrot does a bit of an about turn on itself and switches to the son's perspective, filling us in on what exactly it was that Jonathan was doing on mission "Foxtrot."

What we see is a unit carrying out a somewhat surreal and absurdly meaningless border patrol at a check point completely in the middle of nowhere. This is no heavily fortified, military-grade Israeli position, either, it's a much more unimpressive, warts-and-all hotchpotch of disused vans and abandoned haulage containers.

The mise-en-scene is once again glorious in this setting, and the location where Jonathan finds himself seems mysteriously stuck in bygone decades. He and his fellow soldiers fiddle with an assortment of low-fi radios, blaring out dated songs as best they can, and adorn the walls with murals with images of places and women they would rather be enjoying there time with. It is a decidedly weird world of pointless military service that Maoz creates, where the most useful thing they seem to be able to do is repeatedly lift a roadblock for a solitary passing camel.

And this small world of paranoid boredom also seems to have an almost supernatural element as the soldier's billets slowly and mysteriously sink into the sand. There is also a wonderfully zesty scene, which now gives the film its enigmatic poster, where the soldiers begin dancing an actual foxtrot to allieviate their boredom. Slowly elements of what the soldiers and the grieving family also start to resemble or parallel one another too, and this world of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict comes to seem ever more and more maddening.

Gradually this all builds to one final counterpoint, which I refuse to spoil for you. But I will say that you should keep an eye out for it, because it is perhaps a bit badly signposted. Nevertheless, this ultimate twist sees Foxtrot begin to unravel or contradict itself. And at times this is a bit confusing, but the helpless, dream-like, uncertainty that this film creates in you as a viewer definitely makes it worth watching. Its quirky twists and ingenious use of space and setting within a frame also definitely make it a festival highlight for me so far.
The summit under theme of Vietnam: Digital Transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution will open in Hanoi capital on September 6.The 2107 Vietnam ICT Summit is an annual forum on science and technology policy with the participation of senior leaders of government, ministries, departments, localities, economic groups, IT enterprises and experts to discuss and share IT tendency and solutions.

BY TRAN BINH- Translated by Huyen Huong
The Shepherd Express serves as a clearinghouse for all activities in the Greater Milwaukee area that peacefully push back against discriminatory, reactionary or authoritarian actions and policies of the Trump administration and other activities that seek to thwart social justice. We will publicize and promote actions, demonstrations, planning meetings, teach-ins, party-building meetings, drinking-discussion get-togethers and any other actions that are directed toward fighting back to preserve our liberal democratic system.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Stand Up to Anti-Muslim Hate @ 315 E. Wisconsin Ave., 8-10 a.m.

ACT for America, a group that has been described as anti-Muslim, is holding a rally on the steps of the federal courthouse called America First. The Industrial Workers of the World will hold a counter-protest at the same time. (Editor's Note: ACT for America has cancelled their event, but the counter protesters still plan to show up at the courthouse)

Voter and Civic Engagement Campaign @ Accion Ciudadana de Wisconsin (221 S. Second St.), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Accion Ciudadana de Wisconsin, Latino Voting Bloc of Wisconsin and Citizen Action of Wisconsin have come together to organize a weekly Saturday campaign of knocking on doors and phone banking to get people thinking about the 2018 elections. Volunteers can go out and talk to voters about the issues that they care about and get them involved in different events happening in the community.

Education is Power @ Alverno College (4300 S. 43rd St.), 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

At this event hosted by Voces de la Frontera and Youth Empowered in the Struggle, there will be a college fair, panels with admissions counselors and workshops on how to attend and pay for college despite income level or legal status.

Peace Action Wisconsin: Stand for Peace @ The corner of 16th St. and Wisconsin Ave., noon-1 p.m.

Every Saturday from noon-1 p.m., concerned citizens join with Peace Action Wisconsin to protest war. Signs will be provided for those who need them. Protesters are encouraged to stick around for conversation and coffee afterward.

After Charlottesville: Hate, Love and Taking Radical Responsibility @ Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee (2344 N. Oakland Ave.), 4:30 p.m.

This community gathering aims to explore how we can engage and stand up for our beliefsgoing beyond blame, hope and fearand do it from a wisdom perspective. (Also Sunday.)

Tuesday, Sept. 12

Town Hall for Fair Elections @ Washington Park Public Library (2121 N. Sherman Blvd.), 6-7:30 p.m.

Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE

Community leader Shauntay Nelson and former state legislators Dale Schultz and Tim Cullen will lead a town hall meeting to discuss Wisconsins unfair voting maps and how they affect the community.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Refuel the Resistance @ Bounce Milwaukee (2801 S. Fifth Court), 5-8 p.m.

Every Wednesday, Bounce Milwaukee offers a space to organize (and a free drink to anyone who brings evidence of resistance action in the past weekincluding protest signs, emails to elected officials or a selfie at the capital).

To submit to this column, please send a brief description of your action, including date and time, to savingourdemocracy@shepex.com. Together, we can fight to minimize the damage that this administration has planned for our great country.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man was charged with drunken driving after leading police on a vehicle pursuit through downtown Sioux City early Sunday.

David McPeek, 25, was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on charges of third-offense operating while intoxicated, driving while license barred and numerous traffic violations.

According to court documents, an Iowa State Patrol trooper suspected McPeek of driving while intoxicated and attempted to stop his Chevrolet Trailblazer at 12:08 a.m. Sunday at Third and Nebraska streets. McPeek did not pull over and led authorities on a pursuit to the 400 block of Cook Street, where he bailed out of the vehicle.

He was found nearby and arrested. McPeek showed signs consistent with stimulant and marijuana use, court documents said. He has three prior OWI convictions in the past seven years.
ORANGE CITY, Iowa | An Orange City man who impregnated a 15-year-old high school student has been placed on probation after being found guilty of third-degree sexual abuse.

District Judge John Ackerman on Friday placed Chance Wetter, 22, on two years probation and suspended a 10-year prison sentence. Wetter also must register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry and was given a special sex offender sentence in which he will be on lifetime parole. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be sent to prison.

Wetter was charged in Sioux County District Court in July 2016 after police learned from school officials that the girl had been impregnated by Wetter, who was on probation for other crimes. According to a news release from the Sioux County Attorney's Office, the girl said that Wetter was the father, but after police became involved, she said she did not know the father's identity. Paternity testing and the child's birth certificate verified that Wetter was the father.

Wetter waived his right to a jury trial, and Ackerman found him guilty of the felony sexual abuse charge on Aug. 11.
SIOUX CITY | A Le Mars, Iowa, man has pleaded not guilty to using counterfeit cash at Sioux City's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Kurt Jones, 26, entered his written plea Friday in Woodbury County District Court to one count of forgery. His trial was scheduled for Nov. 28.

Jones was arrested last month after an investigation showed that he, Jackelen Hartsock and Brittany Derby had made several cash transactions at the casino on Aug. 5. The bills were later found to be counterfeit.

Hartsock, 27, of Le Mars, has pleaded not guilty to forgery and is scheduled to stand trial Nov. 14.

Derby, 29, of Le Mars, has yet to be arraigned on a forgery charge.
SIOUX CITY | Two groups of people exchanged gunfire in a residential neighborhood on the city's west side Monday evening, possibly injuring two people.

Sioux City Police Sgt. Jeremy McClure said police were trying to determine if two people who showed up at a Sioux City hospital with gunshot wounds were involved in the incident, which occurred at about 6:20 p.m. in the 500 block of West Street.

At least one house was hit by gunfire, but no one inside was hurt, McClure said. There were no other injuries to bystanders.

"The way it looks on the scene is that both groups were firing at each other," McClure said.

McClure said he did not know how many people were in each group that fired shots.

McClure said that police had not yet identified any suspects and no arrests had been made, though officers had stopped and were questioning a car of subjects who were said to be looking for a victim. The shooting remains under investigation.

West Street was closed between West Fifth and West Sixth streets as officers combed the area for evidence. Officers could be seen walking slowly through yards, staring at the ground. A crime scene technician was escorted inside the house that was hit by gunfire and an officer walked around the front and one side of the house, shining a flashlight on the building.

Many neighbors stood on street corners and in front yards trying to see what was happening.

A man who lived around the corner from where the shooting occurred and did not wish to be identified said he was outside when he heard the shots fired and then went inside his home. He said he saw two people running down the sidewalk on West Sixth Street after the gunfire.

Other neighbors said the excitement was uncommon in the area.

"It's a pretty quiet little neighborhood," said a man who wished to be identified only as Mike.
 

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SIOUX CITY | Sioux City police have identified two people wounded in a shooting incident on the city's west side Monday.

A news release from the Sioux City Police Department said that Jose Gil, 22, of Sioux City, and Diandre Hunter, 20, of Decatur, Illinois, arrived at UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's Hospital shortly after the 6:24 p.m. incident.

Gil was treated and released for a minor wound to his ankle. Hunter was shot in the arm. Though not life-threatening, his injury required him to be hospitalized.

No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation. Several shell casings were found and collected at the scene, the news release said.

Police said Monday that two groups of people exchanged gunfire in the 500 block of West Street, and at least one house was hit. Police did not know late Monday how many people were involved in the incident.

There were no other injuries.
Editor's note: First in a series of five stories on candidates seeking seats on the Sioux City School Board in the Sept. 12 election.

SIOUX CITY | Until age 12, Miyuki Nelson lived in her native country of Panama, when her parents relocated to North Carolina.

"When I came here, I didn't speak English," Nelson said of her sixth-grade arrival. In some classes she was in with the majority of students, with tutors at times, and Nelson also was pulled out for some direct help too.

"It was a big group of people who helped me," Nelson said.

She became a very good student, eventually earning scholarships to North Carolina A&T University and emerging with a degree in biology.

"When I came here, a lot of effort was put into me being a viable student," Nelson said.

Her gratitude for that has led Nelson to try to make sure that the public school system in Sioux City is sound. That is why she has served on many school committees in recent years, and why as the mother of school-age children she is running for the Sioux City School Board.

"I want to be part of moving these kids forward and making them good citizens," Nelson said.

The school board election is on Sept. 12, when three people will win four-year terms. The five candidates are Nelson, Shaun Broyhill, Ron Colling, Jeremy Saint and incumbent Perla Alarcon-Flory.

In November 2016, Nelson lost a special election for school board, when John Meyers, appointed earlier that year to a vacant seat on the board, won 72 percent of the vote to fill an unexpired term.

Nelson moved to Sioux City in 1997 at age 23. Armed with her college degree, she worked as a food safety coordinator and in quality assurance for IBP and later Tyson Foods in Dakota City.

Once her second child was born in 2007, Nelson transitioned to a stay-at-home mother, and dug deep into Sioux City School District committees. She has been an officer in the Parent Teacher Association for both Clark and Perry Creek schools.

"We learn a lot about the actual mechanics of how the school works," she said.

For the last three years, Nelson has been on the District Advisory Committee, which gives key input to the school board and administrators, and she said the prime topics have been trying to reduce pupils with chronic absenteeism and expanding early childhood literacy.

Nelson said she wasn't disappointed in the loss to Meyers last fall.

"Every time that I have thrown my name out, another door opens," she said.

Nelson is proud of her skill set now at age 43.

"I am a good planner and really good on implementing and follow-through. I engage people," she said.

"I have a ton of ideas. I am really good at thinking outside the box...I am a doer. I don't like being inactive. I don't sit (still) very well."

Nelson said if she wins the board seat, she will collaborate well with school officials to provide the best education possible.

"I am in it to represent the kids and I really believe in providing kids a quality education," Nelson said.
Siouxland's Republican-dominated congressional delegation largely praised the Trump administrations move Tuesday to rescind the Obama-era program allowing 800,000 younger undocumented immigrants to be shielded from deportation.

However well-intentioned DACA may have been, the program was created by executive edict rather than by Congress as the Constitution requires," Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Tuesday, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which President Barack Obama created by executive order five years ago.

President Trump is correct  the DACA program violated the separation of powers established by our Constitution and should never have been created through executive action," Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., said. "This and many other aspects of our broken immigration system, such as border security, have gone too long without being addressed."

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., made similar points, saying Trump "took steps to address this executive overreach by the previous administration."

"Congress now has the opportunity to address the legal status of the DACA recipients as part of a broader discussion on border security and legal immigration reform," Fischer said.

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, also praised the move in tweets over the weekend.

"Ending DACA now gives chance 2 restore Rule of Law,'' King tweeted. The conservative Republican, an outspoken critic of U.S. immigration policy, added that delaying a decision on DACA so the GOP leadership in Congress "can push Amnesty is Republican suicide."

In a related Tweet Tuesday, King suggested the young immigrants protected by DACA "will make great 'Peace Corp' volunteers" in their home countries."

There were signals in recent days the Trump administration would end the program. And the announcement Tuesday drew criticism from Democrats, including Iowas lone Democrat in Congress, Rep. Dave Loebsack. He called the decision disheartening.

We should not allow children who were brought to this country through no action of their own -- including men and women who have proudly served in the United States military -- to be deported, Loebsack said.

The 2012 order was roundly attacked by Republicans after it was issued. And as a candidate, Donald Trump also criticized the program. However, since he took office, his administration has debated how to deal with it. Trump has even expressed admiration for the young immigrants, who are sometimes called Dreamers. At one point, Trump said "we love the Dreamers."

Most DACA recipients are in Southern and Western states, but some are in every state in the nation. In Iowa, about 2,800 were in the program as of earlier this year, while about 3,300 are in Nebraska and another 500 in South Dakota, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an arm of the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Rosa Mendoza, executive director of the Diversity Service Center of Iowa, a nonprofit in Muscatine, said the center has helped with about 50 DACA applications. Mendoza said Tuesday that she is disappointed in the decision and that DACA recipients have become part of the community.

Theyve found stability through the program, she said. Now, they live in fear.

In her reaction, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, noted the circumstances of the younger immigrants' presence in the state, saying we must show compassion toward these children. She added, while I do not support giving them citizenship, we must identify and pursue a measured approach that addresses their unique situation, but also respects the importance of our immigration laws ..."

Its not clear whether Congress will take any action on immigration before March 5, when benefits for existing DACA recipients expire. But Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has proposed a bill, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would grant permanent legal status to people in similar circumstances as DACA recipients if they meet certain conditions.

On Tuesday, Durbin said the administration's actions have started the clock on Congress to prevent "rolling mass deportations of hundreds of thousands of young people" and urged passage of his bill.

Grassley had a different take on how deportations might proceed. In his statement, he said he expected the administration would focus on deporting "criminals ahead of those who have otherwise abided by our laws."

The Trump administration said Tuesday that current DACA recipients will be allowed to retain deferred action benefits and their employment authorization documents until they expire, unless they're terminated or revoked. DACA generally runs for two years from issuance.

No new requests will be taken after Tuesday, the administration said. As for renewal requests, the administration said it would not accept any after Oct. 5.
Drawing new boundaries for electoral districts is usually fraught with controversy, accusations of gerrymandering and majority parties crafting lines for political gains.

Nebraska was a prime exhibit for all three in 2011. Following a battle in the Legislature that included several alternate maps that werent adopted, portions or the entireties of 12 counties shifted congressional districts, with an essential flip-flop of Sarpy County the most contentious.

As other states redistricting efforts, deemed to disenfranchise political parties or racial minorities, are tied up in court, Nebraska would be wise to consider a less partisan approach. Given the wealth of other opportunities, the state has numerous roads to take as the 2020 election and subsequent boundary revisions approach.

Seven states have commissions with primary responsibility for drawing updated districts with new decennial census data, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, while seven more have advisory or backup entities. Neighboring Iowa has an entirely apolitical, nonpartisan approach drawn by legislative staff before its Legislature approves the final version.

Since the hubbub of six years ago, advanced data and analytics increasingly help to alleviate gerrymandering and create the most effective districts. Theyre being used in court cases to ensure districts are drawn fairly and efficiently  and offer a tool that can take politics out of the equation.

The Legislature is responsible for crafting all U.S. House, legislative, Supreme Court, Board of Regents, Public Service Commission and Board of Education seats, but Nebraskas three congressional districts always seem to be the most hotly contested. Lincoln Journal Star archives report that, in 2011, the 2nd District swung from a razor-thin Democratic edge to a 10,000-person GOP advantage when the maps were approved  despite a resolution that sought to not favor a political party.

That year, Democratic-leaning Bellevue moved to the 1st Congressional District (which contains Lincoln and, at least historically, much of southeast Nebraska) while Republican strongholds in western Sarpy County returned to the Omaha-dominated 2nd District. The sprawling 3rd District became even more so, stretching from the Wyoming border to the Missouri River.

The Legislature passed a reform measure, albeit without a veto-proof majority, in 2015. Gov. Pete Ricketts, who wasnt in office during the 2011 kerfuffle, vetoed the bill, citing both constitutional concerns and other fears about the process possibly becoming even more politicized. Two different bills to create a redistricting commission were introduced this year, though neither has advanced beyond committee.

Nebraska, like most states, strives for contiguous, compact districts that divide cities and counties as infrequently as possible. Those noble goals are spelled out every 10 years, but they remain subject to political pressures.

Updating the process and/or enlisting new information would help to ensure fairness and equity for all Nebraska voters when political boundaries are redrawn every decade.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
Phillip Jonathan Fenwick, age 58. (Photo:St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division)

LEONARDTOWN, Md.

(September 01, 2017)Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged Phillip Jonathan Fenwick, age 58, after determining he was responsible for setting his 2011 Ford Fusion on fire after he reported it stolen the day prior.On Thursday, June 29, just before 7:00 p.m., Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a vehicle fire at 40452 Medley's Lane in Mechanicsville. Deputy State Fire Marshals were requested to conduct an origin and cause investigation and determined the interior of the vehicle had been intentionally set on fire.Fenwick turned himself in today to investigators at the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack. He was charged with Arson 2nd Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree and False Claim of Motor Vehicle Theft Over $300. Fenwick is currently being held at St. Mary's County Detention Center on $7,000 bond.
1 Theft Scheme Suspects 2 Theft Scheme suspects 3 Theft Scheme suspects 4 Theft Scheme suspects 5 Theft Scheme suspects 6 Theft Scheme suspects Armando Felipe Renteria, 25, of Waldorf Everett Tyrone Brown, 33, of Washington D.C Kevontae Deangelo Stewart, 19, of Washington D.C Subway Robbery Suspect August 2017 Previous Next

LA PLATA, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

(Sept. 05, 2017)The Charles County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.CCSO WARNS OF THEFT SCHEME: On August 23 at 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the 3200 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf for the report of a theft. Investigation showed a lone male suspect approached a woman as she left a grocery store in Clinton. The man, who spoke with a heavy accent, told the victim he won $80,000 from a civil lawsuit and claimed he needed to donate the money to a church or give it to two friends; otherwise, he would have to put it into a hole and burn it.As the suspect was talking to the victim, another malean accompliceapproached. He acted like a stranger who overheard the conversation and appeared to be interested. The suspect talked about banking and said he was not able to make bank transactions in his country; he asked if the man and woman could. According to the victim, the suspect seemed fascinated with the concept of banking and asked if she and the other man would be willing to show him the process. In return, the suspect offered to split the money he found.The accomplice, who was still acting like a stranger, was encouraged to go first. They drove to a nearby bank. The woman waited in the car while the accomplice allegedly withdrew money. The accomplice returned to the car and handed the suspect what appeared to be bundles of cash. The suspect put the money in a handkerchief along with half of the fortune he claimed he won and the three "prayed over the money." The accomplice then exited the car to deposit the monies he withdrew and the added money the suspect gave him. Then, the suspect told the victim it was her turn. They drove to two different banks where the woman withdrew $7,000 at one bank and $9,000 at another. They drove to another location where she gave the cash to the suspect who put it in the handkerchief, along with the other half of his $80,000, and they "prayed over the money." Before the woman could go back into the bank to deposit the money, the suspect said his nieces needed laptops and asked if the woman would purchase a few. The woman agreed and drove to a nearby store in Waldorf where she purchased three Apple laptops costing $2,800 each. After the transactions were completed, they drove back to the woman's bank where the woman got out of the car to deposit the money. The suspects waited until she was out of sight and fled. When the woman approached the bank teller, she opened the handkerchief and found shredded paper.The suspects are described as black males with heavy accents. The first suspect appeared to be in his 60's and had a gray beard. He was wearing a suit and a blue hat. The accomplice said his name was John. He appeared to be in his 30's with black hair, a trimmed beard, and glasses. He was also wearing a suit.This type of fraud is known as a pigeon drop and is one of the oldest frauds around. As a reminder, if a stranger approaches you in the street and tells you he/she found a lot of money and wants to share it with youbut first you have to hand over some of your moneyit's definitely a con.Investigation showed the suspects never actually entered the banks; however, detectives obtained surveillance photos as the woman, accompanied by the men, purchased the laptops. Anyone with information about the identities of either man is asked to call Detective R. Smith at (301) 609-6504.CCSO TO CONDUCT SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT: Members of the Charles County Sheriff's Office Traffic Operations Unit, using funding from the Maryland Highway Safety Office, will conduct an impaired driver checkpoint on Friday, September 8. The checkpoint will commence at approximately 8:30 p.m. and will conclude at midnight. Special patrols and enforcement focused on impaired and aggressive driving are conducted year round. The CCSO is reminding drivers who might become impaired to always designate a sober driver.ATTEMPTED ROBBERY / CRIME SOLVERS OFFERING CASH REWARD: On August 29 at 8:15 p.m., a lone male suspect entered Subway, 2055 Marshall Hall Road in Bryans Road, and walked directly to the cash register with both hands concealed in the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt as if he had a weapon. He told the cashier to give him the money and no one would get hurt. The cashier refused. The suspect continued to make demands, but left after a customer entered the store. The suspect is described as a white male, mid to upper twenties, over 6'0" in height, medium build, a thin beard with a goatee, blue eyes, wearing a grey hooded sweat shirt, camouflage pants and work boots. Anyone with information about this case should contact Det. C. Gregory at (301) 609-6507. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest.SUSPECTS IN ATM THEFT APPREHENDED / CRIME SOLVERS OFFERING CASH REWARD LEADING TO ADDITIONAL ARRESTS: On August 8 at 11:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to an intrusion alarm at the CVS located at 4200 Altamont Place in White Plains. As officers responded, a citizen advised of seeing a large pick-up truck back into the front of the building. Three suspects got out and pulled the ATM into the bed of the truck. Officers arrived, but the suspects had already fled. Officers quickly located the truck on Hedgemeade Court and apprehended one suspect. The ATM was located in the back of the truck. Officers canvassed the area and determined another truck had been involved. They located that truck nearby and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled. The driver stopped in the 10000 block of Billingsley Road where two males jumped out and ran, but one suspect was apprehended.were charged with theft, destruction of property, and burglary. Detectives H. Burgess and C. Gilroy are continuing the investigation to identify the third suspect. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the identity of the other person involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous.RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT: On August 28 at 3:43 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Brookside Place in Waldorf for the report of an adult male shooting a handgun inside his house. When officers arrived, they located the male outside, armed with a gun. Officers were able to find cover and gave several commands to drop the weapon. The suspect refused. After several minutes, the suspect dropped the gun and surrendered. He was apprehended without further incident and the loaded gun was recovered. Further investigation revealed several bullet holes through walls, inside the residence. A relative and her three children were inside but uninjured when the suspect fired the gun. The suspect,, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. Officer D. Spencer investigated.ROBBERY / CRIME SOLVERS OFFERING CASH REWARD: On August 26 at 8:33 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Heritage Place in Waldorf for the report of a citizen robbery. Investigation showed the victim was walking home from a store when two suspects walked up behind him and said, "Give me everything!" The victim fled but the suspects were able to push him down and assault him. The victim was able to get away and call police. Officers canvassed the area but the suspects were already gone. Anyone with information is asked to call Pfc. M. O'Shields at (301) 932-2222. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest.CHARLES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ANNOUNCES APPLICATION FOR GRANT: The Charles County Sheriff's Office and Charles County Circuit Court announces they will apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program through the United States Department of Justice. The JAG Program provides states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, crime victim and witness initiatives, and planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs.Charles County is eligible for $44,448 through this grant, which combines the Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block grant programs to provide agencies with the flexibility to prioritize and place justice funds where they are needed most. The program allows states, tribes and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.The Sheriff's Office invites citizens wishing to make comments or those who wish to review the Sheriff and Circuit Court's JAG application to contact Karlee Adams, Grant Coordinator, at 301-609-3279. All comments should be made by October 1, 2017.
(SS) Two years after Broward Public Defender Howard Finkelstein beat back a lawsuit filed against him by forensic psychologist Michael Brannon, the longstanding feud between them continues to play out in court.

And its likely to result in the spectacle of Finkelstein, known to television audiences as Help Me Howard for his legal advice segments on WSVN, testifying in open court about the dispute for a jury tasked with deciding whether to put a convicted killer to death.

Assistant public defenders representing Jacqueline Luongo were in court at the end of August arguing that prosecutors should not be allowed to call Brannon as a witness at the upcoming penalty phase of her trial.

Openly gay Jacqueline Luongo is the first murderer in Broward County to face sentencing under Florida's newest death penalty law, which requires a jury to recommend death by a unanimous vote after finding that enough aggravating factors have been proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

Related: Broward Jury Convicts Lesbian of Murder

Testimony from psychologists typically figures prominently during penalty phase proceedings, and its customary for those hired by the prosecution to disagree with those hired by the defense. But with Brannon, defense lawyers said they were concerned that his animosity for Finkelstein is so intense that he cant be trusted to be fair with one of Finkelsteins clients.

I dont see why prosecutors, in a death penalty case, would rely on the opinion of the one forensic psychologist with a demonstrated history of hostility toward this office, said Finkelstein. Hes not the only forensic psychologist in town.

Brannon declined to comment for this article, citing his involvement in the Luongo case  Broward Circuit Judge Dennis Bailey ruled that Brannon could evaluate Luongo and testify to his findings, and that it would be up to Luongos lawyers to convince a jury to reject his opinion.

Brannon has not yet interviewed Luongo.

The bad blood between the psychologist and the public defender dates back to 2007, when Brannon testified on behalf of a Broward judge at a misconduct hearing. Finkelstein had been in a dispute with that judge over her handling of a defendant, and she was later reprimanded for her conduct.

Finkelstein denies that Brannons testimony had any effect on their relationship. Nevertheless, by the end of that year, Finkelsteins office reviewed its relationship to Brannon and later concluded that he had too large a share of its cases.

Brannon went from making $608,757 a year from the Public Defenders Office in 2006-2007 to just $170,612 two years later.

When Brannon brought the issue up on the stand during a murder trial in 2009, Finkelstein stopped referring any cases to him.

Brannon sued, arguing that Finkelstein was violating his First Amendment right to testify for the judge in the 2007 case. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2012, revived in 2014, and tried in federal court in Miami before Senior U.S. District Judge Donald Graham, who ruled in Finkelsteins favor.

"They never established any bias on my part, ever," Brannon said after the 2012 dismissal.

Prosecutors are free to choose which psychologists they want to employ  the Broward State Attorneys Office argued in the Luongo case that its the jurys job to determine an experts credibility.

Finkelstein said he knows of no other cases where his office plans to challenge the use of Brannon as an expert in forensic psychology, but with life-or-death at stake in the Luongo case, he felt it was necessary.

I anticipate that to establish the issue of bias, Im going to have to take the stand, said Finkelstein.Luongo was found guilty in April of murdering her roommate, Patricia Viveiros, and hiring a hit man to kill a potential witness in the resulting case.

The penalty phase was supposed to begin in late June, but a variety of motions and arguments, including the discussion about Brannon, have pushed the date back to Sept. 11.
(EDGE) Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization dedicated solely to securing full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans, issued a statement regarding the Trump Administration's move to end DACA.

"Our organization knows first hand how the Latinx LGBTQ community is experiencing an intense and complicated time living within the United States," Equality Texas said in a statement released on Tuesday. "In Texas alone, so much remains to be done to ensure each and every LGBTQ Texan, undocumented or DACAmented, can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation."

Equality Texas notes that according to a recent study, there are over 75,000 LGBTQ DREAMers in the U.S. and over 36,000 of them have participated in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Adding to Trump's timing regarding this move, Equality Texas points out that the third largest immigrant population in the U.S. is in Houston, where thousands of families have been forced out of their homes by Hurricane Harvey. Undocumented immigrants displaced by the hurricane's devastation may not be eligible for disaster assistance unless they apply on behalf of their U.S. citizen child.

"At a time when immigrants and Texas-born families are diligently working together to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, an end to DACA would further rip our families apart, and unjustly instill fear within our communities. Latinx LGBTQ people already experience increased levels of discrimination and harassment in employment, healthcare, housing, and education."

Equality Texas stands with the local to national coalitions of advocacy organizations denouncing the Trump administration's plan to end DACA. As an organization which mobilized 50,000+ grassroots supporters from across a range of issues-LGBTQ advocacy, women's rights, immigrants and labor rights-we oppose any policies which threaten the rights, health, and lives of vulnerable Texans. We call upon the U.S. Congress to act in a bipartisan manner to enact legislation that will ensure the continuation of the DACA program.
(EDGE) As the Trump Administration continues to barely pay lip service to the reported abuse, torture and murder of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya, a group of Canadians is springing action like latter day Harriet Tubmans.

According to a report published by CBC, in response to the reports that young gay men in Chechnya were being kidnapped, beaten and even hunted down and killed by members of their own families, the Canadian government has sprung into action. According to LGBTQ human rights group Rainbow Railroad, 22 of the 31 young men who have been offered asylum in Canada have landed safely in the North American country.

"It's very exciting to see the optimism in their eyes," Kimalhi Powell, executive director of Rainbow Railroad told CTV News Channel on Friday.

He added that the Chechens in Canada are "going to need a lot of support," because many have experienced trauma and they do not speak much English.

Powell said he hopes the partnership with the Canadian government can be used as a model to save more persecuted people.

"My soul aches," said a young gay man to a CBC news crew. Although safely in Canada, the young refugee is terrified of repercussions from the government of Chechnya. "It aches for everyone who went through this ordeal, everyone who's going through it," he said. The man said he braved the interview as "my way of saying thank you to everyone involved in getting us out."

CTV reports that Rainbow Railroad says it has helped more than 140 persecuted individuals escape to safe countries in 2017.

In some countries, such as Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Yemen, homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty.

For information on Rainbow Railroad, visit www.rainbowrailroad.ca
The experience of visiting Dovecote Cafe, in the predominantly Black Reservoir Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, starts before you walk in the door. Children are out playing on sidewalks; folks outside pause their conversations briefly to greet you. The warmness on this block carries through into the cafe itself, an intimate space that acts as an incubator for conversations, sometimes held across the room. Regulars are also neighbors. It feels like youve just walked into someones living room and their entire family is there to hang out. The effect is less like patronizing a cafe, and more like youre going to your cousins housethe cousin you do like.

Black folks in America grow up in communal spaces like this, where the throwback R&B tracks are loud (think cafe-wide sing-a-longs), conversations are dynamic and lively, and even if were minding our own business, we still look out for and take care of each other. Much has been made about the specialty coffee bar as a new sort of third space, and Dovecote has found incredible success here in Baltimore by putting its community first, in a cafe space that is unapologetically, authentically Black.

Aisha Pew, one of the three owners of Dovecote along with her partner, Cole, and mother, Gilda Pew, didnt set out in life with the plan to open a cafe. Working in corporate America, she moved around a lotfirst to Brooklyn, and then to Oakland, where she met Cole. We were ready to move from Oakland, really just running away from gentrification [since] Im from Brooklyn and Coles from DC, Pew explains. We were living nomadically and reached a point like, We gotta get out of here, but where do we go? The couple knew they wanted to set down roots somewhere together by establishing a business.

The result was their choice to move to Reservoir Hill, a majority Black neighborhood just a few miles from Baltimores iconic Inner Harbor. Pew started searching for vacant businesses, and soon found a cafe space for sale. The couple jumped in with both feet, closing on a house and buying the cafe within a few short weeks.

The space was vacant for six years before we got it, Pew tells me, remembering some of the projects early skepticism. People would come in and tell us the rent was too expensive, or no one around here buys coffee. It is a pervasive and baffling stereotype, the one that says Black people dont drink coffee, and Pew and Cole heard their share of it in the early days of Dovecote. Pew is still amused when the topic comes up: [One of the] highest grossing Starbucks is on 125th Street in Harlem! You cant say Black people dont drink coffee.

Stereotypes and stigmas be damned, the cafe model and opportunity in Reservoir Hill offered the couple an opportunity to do something more. This idea and essence of the third place drove their motivation for opening one. We dont run cafes, Pew tells me. We create community third spaces.

What happened next is a familiar narrative in todays coffee scene. Dovecotes first cafe on Madison is a hit, and proved that cafe retail can surviveeven thrivein the heart of Reservoir Hill. Now the houses along the same street where that Dovecote sits are experiencing price increases, and local reporters namedrop Dovecote as being part of inspiring that increase. This is a good thing for longstanding property owners in the neighborhoodmany of whom are Blackbut now the rest of Baltimore is paying attention, and new residents are moving in to be part of the growingly hip scene.

So, youve opened a cafe dedicated to fostering community and creating a thriving third space for a historically Black neighborhood youre not originally from. The cafe works; rents increase around you; the neighborhood gets buzzy. How will you, someone new to the neighborhood, maintain the spirit that drove you in the first place? How will you bring value to and enrich the people already living there without gentrifying it and displacing the original neighbors?

There might not be a simple answer for this, but at Dovecote the approach so far to these gentrification issues has been refreshingly real. Pew puts it pretty bluntly: We try to be Black as fuck.

At Dovecote, that means loud, proud music (the cafe has a resident DJ that comes in on the weekends and for events), openly engaging in conversation about race and gentrification, and showing a wide array of what Blackness looks like, particularly in the folks who work there. Its not to say you cant work quietly on your computer here, but frankly, Dovecote is not the space for that. This cafe is so vividly, obviously different in vibe and character to most of the rest of the coffee scene right nowthat includes other cafes in Baltimore, and other places getting featured on this website.

But the Dovecote teams success deserves more credit than just being Black cafe owners in a Black neighborhood. Theyve been thoughtful and intentional in engaging the existing community, offering themselves up as a conduit for the communitys needs. In addition to having a true-to-self, inclusive space, community impact is hugely important to the values of Dovecote. On Thursdays, the cafe hosts a free produce pop-up, frequently highlights Black artists, musicians, and chefs, and offers weekly outdoor yoga sessions. The first Monday of every month is designated a self-cafe (playing off self-care) day, so it remains closed for employees to take the day off.

Dovecote doesnt plan to stop there, either. A road is already mapped out for furthering its impact on the community, both within Reservoir Hill and beyond. Plans are underway to continue cultivating art and creativity, health and wellness, and food access in the Black community through more businessesnamely a creative live/work space for artists, a modern dojo concept offering wellness activities like yoga and martial arts, and a bodega-style grocery store with fresh produce.

Expanding Dovecote Cafe into a franchise is now a hot topic of discussion, but like any brand looking to expand, the process raises several questions. What does a new-age franchise look like? Pew wonders out loud. We want to be specific about what neighborhoods we go in to. How do we provide amenities for the people who live in that neighborhood? They dont want to be the Black cafe Starbucks, but you may very well see new Dovecote cafes open in Baltimore in the coming months.

In the meantime, Dovecote will continue to do what it can where it is with the needs of the community as its guiding light. Businesses that are for-profit are generally run by basic supply-and-demand, and your profit line is your bottom line, Pew tells me. But if youre interested in community and social impact, you have to create a value for that. Monetary results driving your decisions can be detrimental to any value-based business.

One of the most refreshing things about this space is that it prides authenticity and connection for its staff. Dovecote does not offer sterile, pre-defined norms of generic customer service. Whats happening here is so much more human than all that. You better speak to me when I come in! she laughs, and I know what she means.

Im a person and youre a person, Pew continues. Yes, I work here, but thats just matter of fact. How do we engage and connect through humanity? It feeds back in to that wider experience of visiting this place, from the kids playing in the street, to the hellos when you walk in the door. The impact is contagious, and Pew knows it. If you feel loved as a chef, youre going to create good food, she tells me. If you feel loved as a cashier, youre going to give good customer service. If you feel loved as a customer, youre going to buy more stuff. If everyone feels loved, its going to create a good experience.

I want to end this on a note of inclusivity, because while Dovecote is an unapologetically Black cafe, anyone who happens into the space will be most welcome there. You might not share the same experienceshanging out at that sweet cousins house with early 90s R&B blasting through the speakers, the front door never resting for more than a second or twobut thats alright. The folks at Dovecote Cafe will make you feel like its right where you belong, like youre part of the family. Here, your humanity comes first; who you are comes first. Its an approach to inclusivity within reach for everyone.

This is the work: cafe owners being thoughtful and intentional in approaching the communities theyre apart of. The rest will nestle into place.

Michelle Johnson (@thechocbarista) is the publisher of The Chocolate Barista, and the marketing director at Barista Hustle. Read more Michelle Johnson on Sprudge.
Seven of Mondays eleven races at Mohawk Racetrack were dedicated to freshman performers of the Grassroots level of the Ontario Sires Stakes.

Four divisions were carded for two-year-old pacing colt and gelding pacers, while the three remaining stakes were for two-year-old trotting fillies.

Pretty Handsome got things rolling for the pacers as he made multiple moves en route to posting a career-best clocking of 1:53.2 for the team of driver Jonathan Drury and trainer Andrew McCabe.

Drury powered to the lead from Post 6 with Pretty Handsome, and together they sliced out the first quarter in :28.1. Notabadgame rushed to the lead in the backstretch and took the group past the half in :56.1. He was still the leader at the three-quarter pole in 1:24.2, but Drury revved up the engine on his colt and Pretty Handsome used a :28.4 closing panel to win by 3-1/4 lengths over Notabadgame. Taking home the show dough was Lucky Match.

Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, the son of Mach Three-Pretty Thing improved his record to 2-1-0 from four starts for Glenview Livestock Ltd of Wallenstein, Ont. Hes banked more than $22,000 to date.

St Lads Neptune took a perfect record into his $19,500 division for Team Jamieson, and he kept the perfect record intact thanks to a 1:57 score.

Jody Jamieson got away fourth with the even-money favourite, but he had him in top gear on the way to the three-quarter pole. After Durham Town threw down first-half fractions of :27.4 and :58, St Lads Neptune took over at the three-quarter pole in 1:27.2 before using a :29.3 closing panel to win by 6-1/2 lengths over Howmac Dancer. Durham Town took home third prize.

Neptune has always shown ability, and to this point I havent even stretched him out yet, said Jody Jamieson. I think hell be in the Metro (Sept. 16) next, so thatll be about as tough of a test as hell ever see.

Hes had health issues all summer," he added. "My dads whole barn was sick in July and half of August, explained Jamieson.

Trainer Carl Jamieson co-owns the son of Mach Three-Sunbather with Thomas Kyron of Toronto, Ont. He lifted his lifetime earnings to $29,150 with the win.

Wild West erupted for a 19-1 upset in the third division for the tandem of driver Phil Hudon and trainer Chad Milner.

The son of Badlands Hanover-A Votre Pante got away sixth and held that position through the opening half of the $19,850 affair. He was into the outer flow and was sent up three-wide as the field passed the three-quarter pole in 1:27.3. Hudon got the gelding to step home in :29.1 en route to winning by 7-1/2 lengths over Northern Rebel in 1:57.1. Letjimmytakeover rounded out the top three finishers.

He has one good kick to him, so I was hoping the flow would take him to where he needed to go, and it did. He paced home handily, said driver Phil Hudon, who tipped the gelding out three-wide at the three-quarter marker. I drove him a few starts back (Aug. 8) and was first up with him early. He raced well then, but I thought if I used him late it would be more beneficial, and it was.

James Crawford of Erieville, NY owns the youngster who celebrated the win in maiden-breaking fashion. Hes stashed away just shy of $15,000 to date.

The biggest upset of the night came in the final division when Gold Rush turned in a stunning upset to the tune of 54-1 for driver Chris Christoforou.

The son of Mach Three-Bow Wow Wine was still sitting last at the half, but he used a huge late kick to rally from fifth at the three-quarter pole to the top spot in the late stages of the mile. He used a :28.2 kicker to win by 3-1/4 lengths over Atomic Seelster in 1:57.1. When You Dance also closed well to finish third.

Trainer Gregg McNair shares ownership on the colt with Robert Chapple of Chatham, Ont. It was just the second lifetime start for the rookie who has banked just shy of $10,000.

Ladydini was the first winner among the trotting fillies, and she did so in upset fashion for driver Rick Zeron and trainer Scott McEneny.

All eyes were on heavily favoured P L Layla, who was the leader for most of the mile through fractions of :28.4, :58.3 and 1:29. The favourite lacked staying power, however, and that allowed Ladydini and others to get involved late. After sitting in mid-pack for most of the mile, Zeron activated his filly in the backstretch and she gained ground quickly before holding off late pressure from Billie Holiday en route to posting the neck decision over that foe in 2:00.1. Dalliance Seelster edged out P L Layla for the third prize in the $19,150 affair.

Sent off at odds of 5-1, the daughter of Kadabra-Bocha Mea won for the first time in seven tries. M And L Of Delaware LLC of Wilmington, DE owns the rookie who pushed her lifetime earnings over $13,000 with the win.

Sheza Chunkymonkey survived a first-over trip in her $19,500 affair to win for the second time in her career for trainer/driver Travis Henry.

The Majestic Son-Stonebridge Amanda miss got away fourth before going into attack mode on the way to the half. She chipped away in the back half and only needed a :33-second closing quarter to prevail by a half-length margin over race favourite Magical Lady. Princess Stephanie rallied to finish a lapped-on third.

She was very overweight, to the point where we thought she was in foal, thats where she got her name, recalled Henry, adding that he considered giving up on the hefty filly during the earliest days of her education. Maddi [Henry's wife who co-owns] trained her down, because I wasnt a big fan. She just wouldnt pay attention and would make breaks for no reason.

Princeton Farms Inc and Maddi Henry share ownership on the lightly-raced lass who improved her record to 2-0-1 from five trips to the track. Shes banked $22,403 to date.

Ms Miller won as she pleased in the final division for the team of driver Louis Philippe Roy and trainer Joe Pereira.

Making her second start since being purchased privately, the daughter of Southwind Lustre-Zorgwijk Diamond came first-over and eventually drew clear to win by 3-1/2 lengths over Warrawee Trip in 2:03.1. Stonebridge Rhyme, who supplied fractions of :30.2, 1:01.1 and 1:31.3, faded to finish third.

William Johnstone and William Gillan of Thorold, Ont. own the two-time winner who lifted her lifetime earnings to $26,480 with the win.

(With quotes from O.S.S.)

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results  Mohawk Racetrack.
Harrington Raceway and Casino, in conjunction with USO Delaware, hosted a donation drive on September 1-2 that netted approximately $20,000 in cash and gift card donations to benefit Hurricane Harvey victims located in Texas and Louisiana.

Philanthropy was in the air as an outpouring of customers and employees participated by giving cash and/or $10 minimum in gift cards from Walmart/Sams Club, Target, Costco and/or Visa/Mastercard. The sound of a bell ringing became commonplace as staff would ring the bell whenever a donation larger than $10 was received.

The donated items will be distributed by USO Delaware for supplies needed to first responders and current military and National Guard stationed in Texas and Louisiana to flood victims of the historic hurricane which has left many without homes. On ehundred per cent of the proceeds will go to USO Delaware for distribution in the disaster areas.



Matt Sparacino (Harrington Raceway and Casino Director of Public Relations), Yolanda Bottorf, Bruce Kmiec and Len Tranchitella stand with donated cash and gift cards from the Hurricane Harvey donation drive.

It was great to work with the casino and help the people of Texas, said Yolanda Bottorf, USO Delawares centre operations and program manager. Im from Texas and have friends that live there, so that really helped to make it special. Its great to see people in Delaware work together for this cause even though we are far away from the disaster area.

Its terrific to work with USO Delaware to be able to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, said Harrington Raceway and Casino CEO Patricia Key. We were delighted to see the support from the community and our employees who rallied together for this great cause.

(Harrington Raceway)
GOD TV Marks The Reformation with a Major Focus on Germany

Contact: Fergus Scarfe, Regional Director for UK & Europe, GOD TV, 407-862-5084, fscarfe@god.tv



STUTTGART, Germany, Sept. 5, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- GOD TV is set to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 Theses by airing a series of historic LIVE broadcasts from Germany, the Cradle of the Reformation. The global network will also maximize its impact across Germany by launching on leading cable operator, Unitymedia.



Along with leaders of all denominations, GOD TV is calling for Christians worldwide to stand together to bring a new Reformation into the Church today. This is the aim of Holy Spirit Nights, Reformatiom (The Reformation), which will air LIVE from Stuttgart on September 29 through 30 September with Peter and Markus Wenz of Gospel Forum and top international speakers, Joseph Prince, Reinhard Bonnke and Ben Fitzgerald.



"GOD TV is pleased to mark this historic anniversary by reaching further than ever before," said the network's President, Ward Simpson. "We are committed to the Great Commission and helping to bring revival, renewal and reformation into the Church worldwide."



GOD TV launch on Unitymedia

In addition to the Reformation events, GOD TV is making a lasting impact on Germany by launching on Channel 432 of Unitymedia this month in three German States. A subsidiary of Liberty Global, Unitymedia currently serves 12.8 million homes and is positioned for future growth at the forefront of Europe's media services industry.



GOD TV will now be available to 6.4 million more viewers, which is a significant distribution accomplishment for the network. Established in the UK in 1995, GOD TV has since expanded worldwide and already has an established following across Germany, where it has previously aired LIVE from the cities of Berlin, Stuttgart and Nuremberg.



Speaking about the new launch GOD TV's Regional Director for the UK & Europe, Fergus Scarfe said, "We want to enable more viewers to experience God in fresh and meaningful ways, bringing a powerful message of hope through media to people of all walks of life."



GOD TV is known for its unique blend of interdenominational programming. It airs a wide-selection of prominent Christian leaders with an emphasis on premier events. It is available worldwide via satellite, on cable in certain places and via streaming on smartphone (GOD TV App), PC, or TV (Apple TV and Roku). For more information about GOD TV visit www.god.tv



About GOD TV: GOD TV was founded in 1995 as Europe's First Daily Christian Television Network and has since expanded worldwide. GOD TV is broadcast Free To Air and has a global reach of some 300 million homes, with a potential viewership of one billion people. The network's global broadcast license is held by Angel Christian Television Trust Inc, a US not-for-profit corporation. GOD TV is owned by several Angel Charities, which in addition to its media outreach, assist people in the developing world. GOD TV adheres to the Evangelical Alliance Basis of Faith.



Media contact: email GOD TV's Regional Director for UK & Europe, Fergus Scarfe at fscarfe@god.tv

Telephone 407 862 5084



GOD TV International offices: USA (Orlando, Florida) UK & Europe (Plymouth, England); Asia & Middle East (Chennai, India and Colombo, Sri Lanka), Africa (Cape Town, South Africa and Nairobi, Kenya); Australasia (Melbourne, Australia).
A very large fireball lit up the night sky from Nelson in British Columbia to Calgary in Alberta on September 4, 2017 at around 10pm.

Residents reported feeling the explosion of the space rock way more intense than thunder, but not quite like an earthquake. It rattled the windows.

Were you lucky enough to see this giant fireball turning the night into day over large parts of western Canada at around 10 pm yesterday. If not just look at the videos below and be amazed:

The first video was caught by the security cam of Jacquie McKay in Bridge Lake BC. The flash woke him up:

A resident of Langley described the sky phenomenon as looking like a large ball of fire, streaking through the sky as if it was going to hit something.

This second video by Okanagan Adventures shows the flash of lights triggered by the fireball disintegration. You can also see people baffled by the night sky phenomenon:

The flash was just too powerful being like daylight for a few seconds.

Heres the meteor. Apparently it landed near Nelson, BC. 200km west of Calgary pic.twitter.com/DprrY42FsI  RP (@RafaelPern) September 5, 2017

Hopefully some pieces of this exploding meteor will be found on Earth. Meteorite hunters get ready!

Follow us: Facebook and Twitter
Washington wildlife managers say game populations are in decent shape in most areas for the hunting seasons getting underway this month, but there are some notable exceptions for deer in northeastern Washington and elk in the Blue Mountains.

Waterfowlers, however, should be all smiles.

Deer and elk hunts have been scaled down in some areas because of concerns  especially for deer populations still recovering from setbacks, including a bluetongue outbreak two years ago followed by this winters deep-snow conditions.

Antlerless deer hunting in Eastern Washington continues to be cut back for 2017, including opportunities for senior hunters.

Blue Mountains elk also took a hit by a winter so severe the state blocked public access to some some winter ranges to minimize disturbance.

Elk are managed in Washingtons portion of the Blue Mountains to a maximum population of approximately 5,500, said Paul Wik, department wildlife biologist in Clarkston. Populations beyond that number would likely crash the threshold of tolerance for crop damage on private lands along the Blues, he said.

But we had a tough winter and weve dropped the population estimate down to around 4,400 as pegged during the March aerial surveys, he said.

Calf ratios are the lowest since 2000. Bull ratios stayed the same, but the total number of bulls dropped by about 300.

While biologists didnt measure any direct sources of mortality, Wik says winter conditions likely were the main factor since calf ratios were down across the Blues, not just in localized areas

He also pointed out that the winterkill likely continued after the March surveys, and it appeared to be worst on the Blues east of the Tucannon River.

Some game management units were on the decline even before the winter, he said. Elk numbers in Lick Creek Unit 175, for example, had already declined roughly 30 percent over the past several years, he said.

The cause isnt clear, he said.

All of that said, aside from the low calf numbers, most of the hunting units arent in bad shape, he said. A decline due to one bad winter hopefully will have only a short-term effect.

Hunters with bull or cow tags should do well in the Blue Mountains, but general tag holders who have to search for spike bulls will have a skimpier season.

With hunting seasons for deer, elk, upland game birds, waterfowl and other migratory birds getting underway, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has posted an online guide to hunting opportunities throughout the state.

The Hunting Prospects report, available at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/prospects, provides information updated by local biologists regarding game populations, hunting rules and land access in every game-management district in the state.

This last winter was one of the tougher ones weve seen in recent years, and we have to give the herds  particularly those east of the Cascades  some time to rebuild, said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager.

Fortunately, most Washington deer and elk benefited from a previous string of mild winters, so the affected herds are only slightly below our population objectives.

Gamebird hunting prospects appear to be good, according to the report. Late spring rains delayed nesting for doves and some other upland game birds in some areas, but observations in the field indicate a good hatch this year, said Kyle Spragens, WDFW waterfowl manager. Dove and forest grouse seasons opened on Friday.

We did not do any pheasant surveys this spring, said Joey McCanna, department biologist in Whitman County.

However, we have seen an increase in pheasant numbers this year after harvest. Theres lots of good habitat from spring rains and weve seen two different age classes of chicks.

McCanna predicts better pheasant hunting this year than in the past five years from Spokane County south to the Blue Mountains foothills based on what hes seen in the field.

Waterfowlers are in the best shape of all hunters this season. A boom in the states waterfowl populations has rebounded ducks and geese from the drought of 2015, Spragens said.

Among the various species of ducks and geese that breed in Washington state, Canada geese are up by 17 percent, mallards are up by 74 percent and wood ducks are up by 76 percent from last year.

This years long, wet spring was a boon to waterfowl in our state, Spragens said. Those local birds will be the focus of hunters attention until northern birds arrive later in the year from Canada and Alaska.

Hunting regulations are detailed in Washingtons 2017 Big Game Hunting pamphlet or Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlets or online.
Drugs  Washington State Patrol troopers Saturday arrested Jackie M. Quequesah, 48, of Portland on suspicion of a felony drug offense, driving while intoxicated and third-degree driving with a suspended license.

Unlawful Possession  Cowlitz County Sheriffs deputies Saturday arrested Wesley Eugene Pierce, 46, of Kelso on suspicion of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

Burglary  Longview police Sunday arrested Alexis Leanne Lindsey, 25, of Kelso on suspicion of second-degree burglary.

Harassment  Longview police Sunday arrested Justin Clifford Sellye, 41, of Kelso on suspicion of a felony harassment offense.

Assault  Kelso police Sunday arrested Roman Sergeyivich Shatalov, 21, of Kelso on suspicion of second-degree domestic violence assault and third-degree malicious mischief.

Drugs  Woodland police Monday arrested Todd Alan Gandy, 47, of Woodland on suspicion of a felony drug violation and not having a valid operating license without identifying himself.

Vehicle Prowls

 100 block of Dungan Road, Kelso. Saturday.

 4200 block of Spirit Lake Highway, Silver Lake. Sunday.

 1100 block of Lewis River Road, Woodland. Sunday.

Thefts

 600 block of Olson Road, Longview. Saturday. Money was taken from reporting persons checking account.

 1400 block of Goerig Street, Woodland. Saturday. Dark green mountain bike.

 600 block of 16th Avenue, Kelso. Sunday. Two Washington license plates BBU2788.

 1900 block of Dorothy Street, Longview. Sunday. Debit card, drivers license and engagement ring.

Burglaries

 2500 block of Larsen Lane, Castle Rock. Saturday. Various items.

 1600 block of Second Avenue, Kelso. Sunday. Suspect broke into home and escaped right as resident walked in.

 400 block of 4th Avenue, Kelso. Sunday. Suspect snuck into impound yard, broke into vehicle and stole wallet.

Vandalism/Malicious Mischief

 700 block of Huntington Avenue, Castle Rock. Saturday. Graffiti on school property.

 2900 block of Dover Street, Longview. Saturday. Suspect shot a BB gun and broke a window.

 700 block of Huntington Avenue, Castle Rock. Saturday. More graffiti at elementary school.

Vehicle Theft

 100 block of Fir Street, Kalama. Saturday. Brown 1980 Toyota Pickup.
Washington has taken a step towards restarting the process to replace the chronically congested Interstate 5 Bridge. But so far, officials in Oregon, who would have an equally important role in replacing the bridge, havent indicated that theyre interested in taking that walk with their Washington counterparts.

On Thursday, Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp issued a letter appointing a bipartisan group of four state representatives to a legislative action committee tasked with overseeing the replacement of the bridge. The committee was created by Senate Bill 5806, which was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this year. Its 16 members are to be appointed by Democratic and Republican legislative leaders from Oregon and Washington. Washington Senate legislative leaders havent finalized their picks.

In Oregon, legislators have yet to indicate they will participate in the committee. Oregon legislative leaders did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment, with the exception of Rick Osborn, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland.

There really hasnt been a whole lot of discussion about that, Osborn said.

He said Burdick doesnt have immediate plans to appoint anyone to the committee but said that could change. He noted that the Oregon Legislature recently passed its largest ever transportation package, which he said has taken up lawmakers attention. He said that years ago there was an opportunity to replace the bridge that didnt work out, a reference to the ill-fated Columbia River Crossing project.

The project would have replaced the I-5 Bridge with a larger crossing that included light rail. Planning for the $3.4 billion project was costly, and it was widely criticized. While Oregon ended up buying into the project, it was effectively killed in the Washington Senate in 2013.

The new committee aimed at reviving talks of replacing the bridge includes state Representatives Brandon Vick, R-Vancouver, and Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver. Neither say theyre discouraged by Oregons initial lack of interest in restarting talks.

Eventually, I think they have to come to the table because its in the regions interest to do that, Wylie said. She added, Ultimately, if it was easy, we would have already had a bridge.

In addition to creating the committee, the bill directs $350,000 for the inventory and cataloging of previous work done on the Columbia River Crossing project. That work will be delivered in a report by the Washington State Department of Transportation to the Legislature by Dec. 1.

Wylie said itll take some work to get Oregon to come back to the table. She said shes been reaching out to officials in Oregon, where she previously served as a legislator in the 1990s. She hopes that Washington will eventually signal to Oregon that its serious about moving forward on replacing the bridge that tens of thousands of Clark County commuters rely on.

Vick also said hes been in touch with Oregon business leaders and lawmakers. He said that the committee may issue a formal invitation to legislative leaders across the river to appoint members. Both Vick and Wylie said that part of why the Columbia River Crossing failed was due to a lack of buy-in from the public and other stakeholders. They said theyll try to avoid the same mistake through better cooperation and outreach.

Its not going to be real useful to sit around and talk to ourselves about a project that takes two states, he said.

The committee also includes Representatives Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, and Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama.

Orcutt and other lawmakers have advocated for building a third bridge instead of replacing the I-5 span, and he voted against the bill that created the committee he now sits on. Previously, he told The Columbian that he wasnt convinced Oregon would come to the table if the bill was passed. Now, when asked if he still thought Oregon would refuse to participate, he said, I dont know, but I hope not.

My role on this committee will be to try and get an improved I-5 crossing and a reduction in congestion in the area, he said. And I think a third bridge is necessary.

Orcutt said he sought the appointment because he is the ranking minority member on the House Transportation Committee and wants to represent people in his district, some of whom commute to Oregon.

He said that it doesnt make sense that Cowlitz County has five crossings across the Cowlitz River while Clark County, which has a larger population, only has two bridges across the Columbia River. He said that while on the committee he will advocate that a third bridge be included along with the replacement of the I-5 crossing.

We will fail economic development miserably if all we do is just replace I-5 and not deal with other congestion issues, he said.
Nearly 17 percent of students in Washington are chronically absent from school, meaning that each misses at least 18 days of instruction. It doesnt take much imagination to see how seriously that could hinder learning.

A new national report analyzing attendance rates across the country goes even further, noting that in 28 percent of Washington schools almost a third of all students are missing weeks of classwork, a rate that ranks as second-worst in the nation, after Alaska.

And when large numbers of students miss lessons, it affects more than their own performance because high levels of churn make it almost impossible for even a very good teacher to figure out how to move forward, said Hedy Chang, executive director of the national nonprofit Attendance Works.

This is particularly true for science labs and other lessons that span more than one day.

In Washington, that is quite a challenge, Chang said.

The numbers come from a national report, Portraits of Change. Attendance Works released the findings last week after analyzing federal data from the 2013-14 school year, the most recent full set available.

Though the numbers are 4 years old, education officials in Olympia do not dispute the gist: chronic absenteeism is a major problem in Washington, they said, and only recently has this come to light.

People didnt realize it was an issue, so it was like, Wow,  said Dixie Grunenfelder, who oversees student support at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We didnt realize we were worse than other states. It was kind of a new view.

Some individual districts, however, jumped on this long ago and have begun to make real headway, she said, citing an emphasis on family engagement in the Vancouver, Washington, schools that has resulted in years of steadily improving numbers.

The reasons for chronic absence  which includes truancy, out-of-school suspensions and excused time away  range from bullying to health problems, transportation difficulties and the belief, particularly among parents of young students, that missing weeks of kindergarten wont have much effect on future learning. (Forty-six percent of elementary schools here report high or extremely high rates of absenteeism among all students.)

Chang, of Attendance Works, disputes this assertion, pointing out that math, for instance, depends on steadily building skills.

If you miss even a couple of days of algebra a month, youre just not going to pass your classes, she said, suggesting that low attendance could be a major driver behind Washingtons lagging graduation rates.

Ironically, the numbers may look worse here because educators are more faithfully recording attendance, Chang said, meaning that other regions have been undercounting. (Half of all states report that only 8 percent of their schools have high absenteeism.)

Either way, chronic rates suggest a systemic problem  such as a lack of transportation in rural areas  rather than one that can be fixed by focusing on individual kids.

At high levels, its really a red alert that other agencies must be part of the solution, Chang said. This is not going to be solved by schools alone.
PM mourns death of Najibul Haque



Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deep shock at the death of Najibul Haque Sardar, Vice-President of Dhaka South City Awami League and a valiant freedom fighter.

In a condolence message, the premier recalled Sardar's role in reorganising Awami League during the post-75 period. "The party has lost a dedicated soldier of Bangabandhu in his death," she said.

Sheikh Hasina prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family.
Put pressure on Myanmar to take back its refugees

Newly appointed Indonesian Envoy to Bangladesh Ms. Rina Prihtyasmiarsi Soemarno paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter\'s office on Tuesday. Photo PMO



Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the international community to mount pressure on Myanmar to stop pushing its nationals into Bangladesh and take back its refugees staying here.

"Hosting a huge number of Myanmar nationals is a big burden for Bangladesh. We've given shelter to them only on a humanitarian ground," she said.

The Prime Minister made the call when newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Rina Prihtyasmiarsi Soemarno met her at her office.

After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Sheikh Hasina said, Bangladesh has given shelter for the Myanmar refugees on humanitarian ground and hosting a huge number of Myanmar refugees in Bangladesh is a big burden for the country.

The Indonesian envoy highly appreciated the Bangladesh government for giving shelter to the huge Myanmar nationals on humanitarian ground. "Bangladesh is taking the right steps in this regard," she commented.

Reiterating her government's strong stance against terrorism, Sheikh Hasina said the policy of the present government is very clear and Dhaka will not allow any body to use Bangladesh soil to carry out terrorist act against any neighbouring country.

She put emphasis on further developing economic partnership between Bangladesh and Indonesia and said it would be better to strengthen cooperation between South Asia and South East Asian regions instead of cooperation only with the south.

Raising the connectivity issue, she mentioned the BCIM and BBIN initiatives in the south Asian region and said these are beneficial for economic cooperation.

The Prime Minister said her government has taken steps to establish 100 economic zones in the country where investors from both home and abroad can make their investments.

She also sought Indonesian investment in the economic zones for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The Indonesian Ambassador said Jakarta wants to develop economic partnership with Dhaka as Indonesia is eager to be engaged with Bangladesh in joint venture initiatives in various sectors like pharmaceutical industries.

Terming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a shining beacon, Rina Prihtyasmiarsi Soemarno said Indonesia has many things to learn from Bangladesh about development in various sectors.
Tourists throng Ctg, Cox's Bazar, hill dists on Eid vacation





Huge tourists from different parts of the country have been gathering in Chittagong and adjoining districts including Cox's Bazar and three hill districts Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari during and after Eid vacation.

The beach City Cox's Bazar and hill city Rangamati and Bandarban are now replete with tourists during the vacation of Eid -ul-Azha. Many tourists also came to visit the port city Chittagong.

It may be mentioned that the Eid vacation begun from Friday in all financial institutions. All the private and public offices reopened on Monday. But, tourists are being gathering at the spots.

Almost all the shopping establishments and shops still remained closed as the employees and the shop-owners are enjoying Eid holiday since the morning of Eid-ul-Azha. Since the day of Eid the streets of the port city of Chittagong wore a deserted look as most of the city-dwellers left for their village home to observe the Eid.

It may be mentioned that about 60 to 70 per cent city-dwellers are outsiders from the villages. Only the permanent residents of the city remained to observe the festival here. But the tourist spots of the city including Foy's Lake, Chittagong Zoo, Children Parks and the Patenga Sea Beach were full of visitors who were enjoying the holiday with their family members.

Nasrin Sultana Khanom, a city dweller who came yesterday at the Foy's Lake with her children said, "Despite the pressure of the annual examination of children, we come to enjoy the eid vacation here at Foy's Lake. My children are enjoying the rides here."

Talking to The New Nation, a school teacher said, "I visit Patenga sea beach with my wife to pass some beautiful time here. I am enjoying here with fresh air and roaring sea."

Nurul Huda, a dweller of Patenga sea beach area said, "In every year, huge tourists used to gather at the Patenga sea beach during the eid holidays. In the current year, the numbers of tourists are more than previous years."


China wants to put relations with India on 'right track'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet during the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, southeastern China\'s Fujian Province.

Reuters, Xiamen :

China wants to put its relationship with India on the "right track", President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, as the two countries sought to mend ties damaged by a recent tense Himalayan border standoff.

The meeting was the first between the two leaders since Chinese and Indian troops ended a standoff in the Doklam border region about a week ago that was the neighbors' most serious military confrontation in decades.

Talks between Xi and Modi had been in question before the de-escalation, which came just in time for China to host the BRICS summit of emerging economies, which also includes Brazil, Russia and South Africa, in the southeastern city of Xiamen.

Healthy, stable ties were in the interests of both countries, Xi told Modi in a meeting on the sidelines of the summit, according to a statement from China's foreign ministry.

"China is willing to work with India ... to increase political trust, advance mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the further development of China-India relations along the correct path," Xi said.

"China and India must maintain the fundamental determination that each other constitute mutual development opportunities and do not constitute a mutual threat," Xi said, adding that peaceful, cooperative relations were the "only correct choice".

Xi and Modi spoke for more than an hour and the discussions were "constructive", Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told reporters in Xiamen after the meeting.

"There was a sense that if the relationship is to go forward, then peace and tranquility on the border area should be maintained," Jaishankar said, adding that both sides agreed that strong contacts between their defense personnel were needed to prevent another border incident.

"On both sides there was a sense that more efforts need to be made to ensure that these kinds of situations don't reoccur."

Pressed on how the Doklam dispute was discussed, Jaishankar said, "Both of us know what happened. This was not a backwards looking conversation. This was a forward-looking conversation."

Hundreds of troops were deployed on the Doklam plateau, near the borders of India, its ally Bhutan, and China after New Delhi objected to China building a road through the mountainous area.

The quiet diplomacy that ultimately ended in de-escalation was based on a principle of stopping "differences becoming disputes" that Modi and Xi had agreed at a June meeting in Astana, an Indian official has said.

Still, China and India remain divided on many fronts, including India's deep suspicions of China's growing military activities in and around the Indian Ocean.

For its part, Modi's government has upset China with its public embrace of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, whom the Chinese regard as a dangerous separatist, and growing military ties with the United States and Japan.

China has said its forces will continue to patrol in Doklam, which is claimed by Bhutan, and that it hoped India had learned a lesson from the incident.
Palestinian family evicted from Jerusalem home of 50 years

AFP, Jerusalem :

Israeli police on Tuesday evicted a Palestinian family from the east Jerusalem home in which they lived for over half a century, making way for Israelis deemed the legal occupants.

Plans for the eviction had been criticised by the European Union, United Nations and various Western governments, though not the United States.

Fahamiya Shamasneh, 75, told AFP police arrived unannounced before dawn and forced her out of the house along with her husband Ayoub, 84, their son and his family.

The couple had lived in the house in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem near the historic Old City for 53 years.

An AFP journalist saw young Jewish men moving into the building after the family were escorted out.

"It is the hardest day," Fahamiya Shamasneh said tearfully on the street after being evicted. She said she was heating milk for her grandchildren when "they knocked on the door and said 'open its the police'. "They took us out and threw us outside. "What greater injustice is there than this? Maybe we will sleep in the street."

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it would seek to support the family financially to find another home.

The Shamasnehs had for years been fighting a court battle against Jewish claimants who said the building was their family property, which they fled when east Jerusalem was occupied by Jordanian troops in the 1948 war that led to the creation of the Jewish state.

Under Israeli law, if Jews can prove their families lived in east Jerusalem homes before the 1948 war they can demand that Israel's general custodian office release the property and return their "ownership rights".

During that war, thousands of Jews fled Jerusalem as Jordanian-led Arab forces seized the city, while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled from land that was later to become Israel.

No such law exists for Palestinians who lost their land.




Persecution of Muslims in Myanmar on the rise : Rights group

Rohingya refugees waiting for relief materials in a refugee camp in Coxas Bazaras Ukhiya Upazila on Monday.

Reuters, Bangkok :

The systematic persecution of minority Muslims is on the rise across Myanmar and not confined to the northwestern state of Rakhine, where recent violence has sent nearly 90,000 Muslim Rohingya fleeing, a Myanmar rights group said on Tuesday.

The independent Burma Human Rights Network said that persecution was backed by the government, elements among the country's Buddhist monks, and ultra-nationalist civilian groups.

"The transition to democracy has allowed popular prejudices to influence how the new government rules, and has amplified a dangerous narrative that casts Muslims as an alien presence in Buddhist-majority Burma," the group said in a report.

The report draws on more than 350 interviews in more than 46 towns and villages over an eight-month period since March 2016.

Myanmar's government made no immediate response to the report. Authorities deny discrimination and say security forces in Rakhine are fighting a legitimate campaign against "terrorists".

Besides Rohingya Muslims, the report also examines the wider picture of Muslims of different ethnicities across Myanmar following waves of communal violence in 2012 and 2013.

The report says many Muslims of all ethnicities have been refused national identification cards, while access to Islamic places of worship has been blocked in some places.

At least 21 villages around Myanmar have declared themselves "no-go zones" for Muslims, backed by the authorities, it said.

In Rakhine state, the report highlighted growing segregation between Buddhists and Muslim communities and severe travel restriction for the Muslim Rohingyas, which limited their access to health care and education.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled into neighboring Bangladesh since Aug. 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people.

The treatment of Myanmar's roughly 1.1 million Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing Myanmar de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who critics say have not done enough to protect the Muslim minority from persecution.

The London-based Burma Human Rights Network has been advocating among the international community for human rights in Myanmar since 2012, it says on its website.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss rising violence in Myanmar's western Rakhine state during a visit that begins on Tuesday, and push for greater progress on long-running Indian infrastructure projects, officials said.

India seeks to boost economic ties with resource-rich Myanmar, with which it shares a 1,600-km (1,000-mile) border, to counter Chinese influence and step up connectivity with a country it considers its gateway to Southeast Asia.

Two-way trade has grown to around $2.2 billion as India courted Myanmar following the gradual end of military rule, but Indian-funded projects have moved slowly.

Modi's promises to "Act East" and cement ties with India's eastern neighbor have slipped even as China has strengthened its influence.




Salman Shahs death anniv today

UNB, Dhaka :

The 21st death anniversary of former Dhallywood actor Salman Shah will be observed on Wednesday.

The satellite TV channels will air various programmes to pay tribute to the actor.

Shahriar Chowdhury Emon, popularly known as Salman Shah, was born in Sylhet on September 19 in 1971.

Starting his career with the one-episode TV play 'Pathor Shomoy', Salman's first appearance in a major role was in 'Keyamat Thekey Keyamat' released in 1993. He acted in a total of 27 films in his short career.

The popular silver screen actor in the 90s mysteriously died on September 6, 1996 at the age of 25.

Following the death, his father Kamaruddin Chowdhury had filed an unnatural death case, which later turned into a murder case after one Rezvi Ahmed in a confessional statement said he had killed Salman with the help of Salman's wife, mother-in-law and eight other people.

Rezvi, however, later disowned his confession given before the police.

Detective Branch, Criminal Investigation Department of police and a judicial probe body investigated into the case separately and submitted their reports stating that Salman's death was a case of unnatural death, which Salman Shah's family rejected.

On December 7, 2016, a court here asked the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to carry out further investigation into the case. The case accused 11 persons, including the actor's wife Samira Haque, and producer and businessman Aziz Mohammad Bhai.

The others are: Salman's mother-in-law Latifa Haque Lucy, house help Monowara Begum, Rizvi Ahmed alias Farhad, choreographer Nazrul Sheikh, "David", Ashraful Haque Don, Rabeya Sultana Rubi, Mostak Wayeed, and Abul Hossain Khan.
Dr Yunus wants UNSC intervention

UNB, Dhaka :

Noting that the Rohingya crisis is deteriorating very fast, Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to intervene to end the crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

"The human tragedy and crimes against humanity have taken a dangerous turn in the Arakan region of Myanmar. It needs your (UNSC) immediate intervention," he said in an open letter sent to the UNSC president and its members, said a press release of Yunus Centre on Tuesday.

"I (Yunus) call on UNSC to intervene immediately by using all available means. I request you to take immediate action for cessation of indiscriminate military attack on innocent civilians that is forcing

them to leave their home and flee country to turn into stateless people," the letter reads.

According to different organisations, recent military offensive by the Myanmar Army in Rakhine has led to the killing of hundreds of Rohingya people. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Complete villages have been burned, women raped, many civilians arbitrarily arrested, and children killed, said Dr Yunus.

According to local administration sources, around 120,000 people have fled to Bangladesh in the last 12 days, he said.

He noted that he along with several Nobel Laureates and eminent global citizens denounced the previous spate of violence late last year and wrote to the UNSC to intervene. "This time, I urge you to take decisive actions to stop the violence against innocent civilians and bring permanent peace in Rakhine."

Dr Yunus said, "I urge you to persuade Myanmar government to take immediate steps to implement the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission which the Myanmar government established in 2016 under the pressure of international community."

The Commission, mostly comprised of Myanmar citizens and chaired by Kofi Annan, recommended providing citizenship to the Rohingyas, allowing them freedom of movement, rights and equality before the law, ensuring communal representation, lack of which affects Muslims disproportionately, facilitating UN assistance in ensuring safety and security of returning people, he said.
Suspected militants at Mirpur seek time

RAB ready for operation

About sixty-five people have been evacuated from Mirpur militant den condoned off by RAB on Tuesday.

Staff Reporter :

The elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is set to go for operation anytime as the suspect militants sought time for surrendering to the law enforcers at a house in the city's Mirpur area.

Around 20 hours of efforts by the law enforcers, the militants have finally agreed to surrender to the RAB on Tuesday night. The elite force have enough preparation to ward off any attempt to carry out attacks during their surrender, RAB DG Benzir Ahmed said on Tuesday evening.

RAB personnel surrounded a six-storey house at Mazar Road under Darus Salam Police Station since early Tuesday following information extracted from two militants arrested from Tangail, he also said.

At least seven persons, including infamous militants Abu Abdullah and his two wives, two children and two aides are staying there since early Tuesday, RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed told the journalists on Tuesday morning.

The DG said, "They were repeatedly contacting Abdullah over the phone in an effort to get him to surrender. He has been resisting for about 20 hours. We do not want any innocent persons to lose their lives. That is why we are requesting him [Abdullah] to surrender. We are still waiting."

Abdullah's sister already surrendered to the law enforcers, said Benazir Ahmed, adding that they were trying to use her to make Abdullah surrender.

"The RAB is ready to storm in. Now everything depends on his decision," the RAB chief said.

"The militants equipped with 50 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), huge petrol, acid, a pistol and few firearms are staying inside the den," he told reporters in a short briefing.

The law enforcers have already evacuated 65 residents from the building and were trying to convince the "militants" to surrender, the DG said.

He said, the lawmen were working with patience and diligence. But, if they do not respond to repeated calls for surrender, the lawmen would spring to action, he said.

Abdullah has been involved in extremist activities since 2005, RAB chief said.

Utility services from the house have been cut off, he added.

According to the statement of two militants, who earlier detained during Tangail drive, a team of RAB conducted drive at Mirpur house early Tuesday, the RAB chief said.

Siblings made drone to launch terror attack, RAB says after raiding house in Tangail.

The "militants" blasted some crude bombs at the spot in the wee hours, said Commander Mufti Mahmud Khan, Legal and Media Wing Director of the RAB.

The den was located on the fourth floor of the six-storey building at Mazar Road, he said.

Residents of the building were evacuated and they have been moved to a nearby school building, safe distance by Tuesday morning, RAB spokesman said.

A long-time resident of Mazar Road, he has a business for selling pigeons. He also repaired computers and other electronics, he added.

The brothers, suspected members of the banned Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh or JMB, had been making a drone to carry out attacks, said RAB-12 Commander Selim Mohammad Jahangir.

The raid also found sharp weapons including large axes, he said.

The two suspects, Nurul Huda Masum, 30 and Mazharul Islam Khokon, 25, are sons of the house's owner Abul Hasan Chishty, said the RAB-12 chief.

Of them, Masum is an "active top-level" militant. Known as 'Kufra Zamana', he studied in a madrasa until the ninth grade. He is a long time member of the JMB.

"The younger brother Khokon used to study in a foreign university. But in 2012, he came back without finishing his degree. He provided technical support to his brother."

"They told us they were planning to stage attacks with the drone. They meant to target important people and institutions," he said.

The information they divulged during primary interrogation led to the discovery of another hideout currently being surrounded by RAB personnel at Mirpur's Mazar Road.

The raid at Elenga began on Monday evening and was wrapped up following a media briefing around 7:00am Tuesday.

The six-storey building has been under cordon since 12:40am, said Faruqul Alam, Officer-in-Charge (investigation) of Darussalam Police Station.

The residents of the area within Darussalam Thana have been feeling nervous due to the overwhelming presence of law enforcers.

Locals sought anonymity and said that the manhunt was being conducted for Khoka and Abdullah, two known faces in the locality who have been living there for long, he said.

They spoke of hearing around three to four loud blasts around 1:00am last night.


Indonesia places 4+1 formula to resolve Rohingya crisis

Visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Mrs Rento LP Marsudi called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on Tuesday to decide Rohingya issue. Photo PMO

Indonesia has submitted a proposal to Myanmar named 'Formula 4 + 1' for Rakhine State to restore peace and allowing immediate access to humanitarian assistance there.

These four elements consist of (i) restoring stability and security; (ii) maximum restraint and non-violence; (iii) protection to all persons in the Rakhine State, regardless of race and religion; and (iv) the importance of immediate access to humanitarian assistance.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had a meeting with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar's capital on Monday and placed the proposal.

"The first four elements are the main elements that must be done immediately so that the crisis of humanity and security does not worsen," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Another element is of importance for the recommendation of the Advisory Panel Report for the Rakhine State headed by Kofi Annan which she suggested implementing immediately.

The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs at the meeting also expressed the concern and high commitment of Indonesian Humanitarian NGO to Myanmar.

In this regard, she said it has just launched the Humanitarian Alliance of Indonesia for Myanmar (AKIM) on August 31.

The Alliance consists of 11 humanitarian organizations, which prioritise its assistance on four issues, namely (i) education; (ii) health; (iii) livelihood (economy); and (iv) relief. The assistance commitments given by the Alliance amounted to US 2 million.

"I hope that the government of Myanmar can continue granting access to AKIM as it has been with the government of Indonesia in implementing several programmes," the Indonesian Foreign Minister was quoted as saying in a text UNB obtained on Tuesday.

Retno Marsudi arrived here on Tuesday in a brief visit to discuss with Bangladesh leadership the current persecution on the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine.

She had a meeting with her Bangladesh counterpart AH Mahmood Ali at 4pm at State guesthouse Padma.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister will meet the press at a city hotel at 7:45pm after her meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at 7pm.

As of now, around 1,23,000 people-mostly women and children-entered Bangladesh after the attacks on police and army bases in Rakhine on August 25 and the Myanmar military began crackdown.
Return hajj flights from today

The return hajj flight to bring back the Bangladeshi pilgrims will begin on Wednesday.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will conduct a total of 169 flights till October 5 to carry the pilgrims to the country back, said Shakil Meraj, managing director (PR) of the state-run carrier.

Earlier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines carried some 54,873 hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 187 flights.
Lives of Rohingyas in Rakhine at risk

AI fears humanitarian disaster following curb on int'l aid: 1,25,000 enter Bangladesh, says UNHCR

Displaced Rohingya refugees from Rakhine state in Myanmar rest near Ukhia, near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar, as they flee violence. Internet photo

Staff Reporter :

The humanitarian situation in Rakhine State is worsening rapidly, putting tens of thousands of Rohingyas' lives at risk as the Myanmar authorities imposed restrictions on international aid there.

Besides, Rohingya people are already suffering horrific abuses from a disproportionate military campaign, Amnesty International said on Tuesday.

Nearly 1,25,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh since a fresh upsurge of violence in Myanmar on August 25, the United Nations said on Tuesday, as fears grow of a humanitarian crisis in the overstretched camps.

The UN said 123,600 had crossed the border in the past 11 days from Myanmar's violence-wrecked Rakhine State.

Their arrival has raised fears of a fresh humanitarian disaster in already crowded camps in Bangladesh -- home to around 400,000 Rohingya refugees before the latest crisis -- struggle to cope with the influx

Aid workers told Amnesty International of an increasingly desperate humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, where the military has been engaged in a large-scale operation since attacks on dozens of security posts on August 25, reportedly by the armed group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

"Rakhine State is on the precipice of a humanitarian disaster. Nothing can justify denying life-saving aid to desperate people. By blocking access for humanitarian organizations, Myanmar's authorities have put tens of thousands of people at risk and shown a callous disregard for human life," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's Director for Crisis Response.

"These restrictions will affect all communities in Rakhine State. The government must immediately change course and allow humanitarian organizations full and unfettered access to all parts of the state to assist people in need."

Aid activities have been suspended in the northern part of the state for the last week, while in other parts, authorities are denying humanitarian actors access to communities in need, predominantly people from the Rohingya minority.

According to humanitarian workers, restrictions on their activities and access began in early August but deteriorated significantly since the August 25 attacks.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee from their homes since the violence began.

Thousands of people - mostly Rohingya - are believed to be stranded in the mountains of northern Rakhine State, where the UN and International NGOs are unable to assess their needs or to provide shelter, food and protection.

One humanitarian official working on Rakhine State told Amnesty International:

"The Muslims are starving in their homes. Markets are closed and people can't leave their villages, except to flee. There is widespread intimidation by the authorities, who are clearly using food and water as a weapon."

Rohingya refugees who have fled into Bangladesh have spoken of witnessing horrific abuses by the Myanmar security forces, including killings of people trying to flee and burning of whole villages.

In late 2016, the Myanmar army launched a vicious campaign in response to an attack by Rohingya militants. At that time, Amnesty International documented violations by the army including rapes, killings, torture and burning of villages, which may have amounted to crimes against humanity.

"The Myanmar military has responded to the militant attacks in a completely disproportionate way. Its campaign of violence is again targeting ordinary Rohingya people on the basis of their ethnicity and religion and it must end immediately," said Tirana Hassan.

The government has further exacerbated the situation by accusing international humanitarian workers of supporting the Rohingya armed group, after INGO-branded food items were found in an alleged militant camp in northern Rakhine State.

The U.N. refugee agency says some 123,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since violence erupted in Myanmar on August 25.

UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan said Tuesday that the latest number is a result of aid workers conducting new, more accurate counts in both established and makeshift refugee camps.

Tan said "the numbers are very worrying. They are going up very quickly." The older, established refugee camps for Rohingya have already reached capacity, and thousands were struggling to find shelter.

Meanwhile, Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained 50 Rohingya nationals in Cox's Bazar on Monday for entering the country amid escalating tension in Myanmar's Rakhine state following an attack by insurgents.

RAB set up a check post led by Major Md Ruhul Amin, company commander of RAB-7, in link road area under sadar upazila of the distrct, said a press release.

They detained 50 Rohingyas conducting drives in different vehicles.

Later, the detained Rohingyas were handed over to the members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) of Ghumdhum camp.
Dhaka takes diplomatic initiatives

Temporary refugee camp on humanitarian grounds at Balukhali planned

Bangladesh government has taken decision to register severe protest against the push-in policy of the Myanmar authorities and deal with the Rohingya refugee issue diplomatically involving the United Nations and human rights organizations.

Several Ministers, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Tuesday said Rohingya issue has been taken "humanitarianly" though they at the same time expressed government's inability about providing shelter to the thousands of new refugees.

"At present, Bangladesh Government's policy is to resister severe protest against the Rohingya push-in. The government has already started work in diplomatic level, including United Nations and human rights organizations, to get a solution," Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Tuesday.

Expressing government's incapability, Obaidul Quader said, "It is not possible for Bangladesh to tackle the influx of Rohingya refugees. Already an unusual situation has been created there [in the southeastern bordering areas]. We still don't know what types of elements are also entering under the cover of refugees."

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim yesterday said Bangladesh government is providing shelter to the Rohingya refugees on humanitarian ground. "It's a brutal genocide. It is not acceptable in which way a cleansing operation is being carried out by the Myanmar government to eliminate a nation. We're giving shelter to them on humanitarian grounds. We can't torture the refugees like them [Myanmar]," he said.

"We also can't acknowledge such killings in Aung San Suu Kyi's country who got Nobel Peace Prize. We think, the Myanmar government should take back its nationals by solving its internal problem," Nasim said.

Law Minister Anisul Haque on Tuesday said the United Nations should take initiatives to stop the repression on the Rohingyas in the Muslim dominated Rakhine state of Myanmar. "I also believe the world should give attention on the issue," he added.

Even, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also urged the international community to put pressure on Myanmar to take back their nationals from Bangladesh.

"It is a big burden for Bangladesh to host a huge number of Myanmar nationals. We've given shelter to them only on humanitarian grounds," the PM said when newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Rina Prihtyasmiarsi Soemarno paid a courtesy call on the PM at her office on Tuesday.

Earlier on Monday, Finance Minister AMA Muhith proposed for creating a "separate zone" inside Myanmar to rehabilitate Rohingya Muslims under the authority of the international community.

"The Burmese is a ferocious nation. So, the UN force like the Peace Keeping Mission should be deployed there to save the Rohingyas from their atrocity..The Burmese army is a rogue army. They should be kept away from the separate zone. The saddest thing is that Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Ki is also supporting the atrocities," Muhith said.

Echoing the same, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury on Monday said the world should stand besides Rohingyas and create pressure on the Myanmar government to bring them back to their own land.

"Bangladesh it is trying its best to help them. But we also have limitations of assets. So, the world should come forward to help in creating pressure on the Myanmar

government to take them back to their own land," Matia said.

Meanwhile, the new refugees would get shelter at Ukhia's Balukhali area in Cox's Bazar district on a temporary basis. The local administration will make arrangement for the shelter of refugees at 50 acres of land under Department of Forest, official sources said.

"We had asked the Forest Department about six months ago to allot the land to give shelter to the Rohingya refugees those entered Bangladesh in October last year after Myanmar government started killing operation. Already a few thousands of refugees are staying there," Khaled Mahmud, Additional District Magistrate of Cox's Bazar, said on Tuesday.

He said, "The new refugees will also be sent there. They [refugees] have been asked to take shelter at Balukhali camp, not to stay scatteredly. The administration will conduct eviction drive, if they stay at other places."

The U.N. refugee agency said a total of 1,23,000 refugees have fled western Myanmar since August 25. "The numbers are very worrying. They are going up very quickly," said UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan.


Lawlessness must be held under check

MEDIA reports said in the last three days, 20 people were killed in road accidents in highways during the Eid vacation. These are reported figure and many believe relatively good weather during Eid vacation was helpful to avoid more accidents. But homicide and rape had darkened the occasion to remind that barbarity is not letting people to live safe and in peace. Every such news is shocking but criminals are mercilessly taking life and raping women without care to law and order.







Five women were raped during the occasion mostly on their way home in the sideline of Eid celebration. It shows total lawlessness on roads and highways for women to travel without being raped and harassed. Most of the homicides were committed centering meager incident while some others have no clue. Making citizens' life safe and secured is the foremost task of any government, but our government appears indifferent to give safety to common people while police and other law enforcers are busy arranging safety and security of government leaders and top bureaucrats,







It is not easily understood how transport workers can rape a university girl on way home during Eid vacation and kill her without fear of police reprisal. They know police are ineffective so they had not bothered police any way while committing crime in the highways. Some ruling party activists killed a student in Dhaka on this occasion. Some others killed a Class-IX student over a trifling matter in a cinema hall in Jamalpur. In another incident criminals killed a restaurant manager in Bogra, Local influentials also killed a policeman in Narayangonj and all such incidents exposed criminal mindset, greed, hatred and intolerance now overpowering our social life.







What is shocking is that in the last three days, police recovered decomposed body of a woman from a drum in Gazipur. In another incident, police recovered the body of a woman cut into 38 pieces from a drum at Ashulia in the outskirt of the city. In yet another incident police recovered body of an 11-year boy in Borguna.







The law enforcers do not know why these people were killed but clearly they were victims of intolerance of different forms. The criminals very tactfully committed the killings as they believe they can't be traced because police are otherwise busy to go after them. Rape cases are only on steady rise. In Patuakhali, three bikers raped a woman intercepting her way while going home on Eid vacation. Hearing screaming locals nabbed a rapist and the rest fled the scene. In Gaibandha, local people nabbed two youths for killing a seven-year old girl after molesting her.








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CAIRO  A federal report concerning strife-battered Cairo details years of civil rights violations against black residents, inadequate and segregated public housing conditions for low-income families, and government failures at all levels, including the miscarriage of their oversight function by Housing and Urban Development officials.

The author of the independent review, published by a federally sanctioned commission, describes it as an attempt to provide clarity as to what has gone wrong in Illinois southernmost city that sits between two major rivers  and once held such promise it was believed possible it could rival Chicago. The intended goal of the review is to help the city understand its past so that it can move forward in a constructive manner, the report states.

The report is published in the belief that opening windows and letting in light and fresh air may help the citizens, community leaders and public officials of Cairo, Illinois, and of other Cairos move ahead on an agenda leading to a more democratic society, one more closely fulfilling the American dream, the preface to the report reads, explaining why it was published by the federal government.

The 93-page report is based on testimony from dozens of Cairo citizens and community leaders and state and federal officials, as well as newspaper reports and other publications concerning the city's affairs.

The author notes the effects of deep poverty on many of Cairos citizens. A third of the city-county population receives some kind of public assistance, the report states. More than half of Cairos dwellings are classified as deteriorating or dilapidated. Despite the fact that these great rivers of commerce flow alongside, the city is an economic backwater, the report states.

An African-American teenager testified, according to the report, that there are few opportunities here for young black people after they graduate high school.

This town is so far behind and backwards its really a shame, the 19-year-old is reported to have stated to the federal review panel, an independent commission created to examine places such as Cairo. You dont think about staying and looking for a job. You cant even work as a bag boy in a supermarket. You just think about going away all the time.

Some blame feds for inflaming tensions

The teen was one of several who raised concerns about a lack of opportunities for the African-American youth of Cairo, according to the report. But others were dismissive of these claims.

A prominent attorney, who at one time counted among his clients the local housing authority, was among those who ridiculed such notions that racial inequality could be related to the current state of Cairo, the report states.

Another business leader in town, according to the report, challenged the intention of federal review panel members and the reports author, saying it did not seem as though they really wanted to listen to anything good about Cairo. Others claimed the federal review panel members only intended to stir up controversy after locals had long moved past the issues they wanted to discuss, the report states.

Author addresses America's boredom with race talk

In addressing the complaints of these citizens, the author writes that he understands that many Americans are bored with the continued discussions of race in the newspapers and on television. They would prefer ecology, unisex or whatever particular concern is currently in, he writes.

But he challenges back with several rhetorical questions: Do residents of Cairos segregated public housing feel that the topic of racism has been exhausted, that all is really both said and done?

And this body of (civil rights) law, how well does it work to change the quality of lives? After decades of political rhetoric and legislation, why cant a government capable of the effort required to land men on the moon effectively end racism and poverty in one small Midwestern city?

And, Does it really want to?

The author, who spent months studying Cairo before the monograph was published, walks away with a somber impression. He writes that some veteran observers, white and black, have said that the Cairo power structure  the phrase may be too grand for the ramshackle edifice it describes, he opines  some time ago came to the conclusion that the city was never going to make it big.

But rather than work across racial and socioeconomic boundaries to the benefit of all, some white city leaders were persuaded to run the city as a limited fief, resisting change that might challenge their entrenched position, reaping the fruits of stagnation, the report states.

Because of this, many promising young people, the potential future leaders of the city, left Cairo for communities with more opportunities and less tension.

That Cairo's best and brightest, black and white, fled Cairo for greener pastures, was just one of many problems noted by the report's author. Over time, the government at all levels turned its back on Cairo, citizens testified.

A Washington Post article is cited in which a former Cairo newspaper editor is quoted saying, We didnt get this way overnight. The state has treated us like an orphan child riding in the rumble seat of a car during a snowstorm.

Former Lt. Gov. Simon was also interviewed about the situation facing Cairo. The downstate Democratic political leader said that state indifference has had far reaching effects here. But those far from the scene, who over the years have shared responsibility for what has happened, do not have to live with the tensions which smother this community, Simon said.

Public housing 'coming apart at the seams'

On the subject of public housing, the report describes Cairos two large family public housing developments built in the early 1940s as coming apart at the seams. The report raises questions as to why the public housing complexes remain segregated against HUD policy; to potential conflicts of interest among housing board members; and to why state housing and federal HUD officials based in Chicago had done so little to respond to the concerns raised about fair housing violations and poor living conditions by the citizens of Cairo.

As well, the report notes there are pressing maintenance needs at both complexes that have too long gone ignored, and an overall need for new affordable housing development in the city. A state housing official testifies that the answer is not more public housing, but rather lies in attracting the private market to the table or tapping into state-sponsored moderate income housing programs.

But the author notes that the housing inadequacy issues facing Cairo are immediate, not just long term. According to a black public housing resident living in a segregated complex, as quoted in the report, The houses need paint. And the roaches, the rats, and the cracked ceilings, cracked walls, bad plumbing and bad screen" need to be addressed. "And whenever there is a screen repair, the tenant has to pay for the repairs.

The former housing authority director told the federal agents that he recognized the complexes are in desperate need of repairs  but added that he had been waiting for HUD to come through with some money to assist in the costly endeavor.

As for state and federal housing officials, they were long on excuses for why they had not held those in Cairo accountable for the services they were expected to provide with taxpayer dollars  safe, adequate, and fair housing to some of the states poorest residents  in accordance with the law, the report states.

It is a trail through a bureaucratic labyrinth..." the author offers as to the lack of adequate answers as to the reasons bureaucrats gave for why more had not been done.

The Illinois director for HUDs regional office was asked if he was aware of the problems with public housing here. The director acknowledged he had recently been made aware of the acute situation through media reports.

According to the federal report, this HUD official testified that some long overdue but positive steps were in the works to improve the public housing situation. Its a slow process, he said, according to the report, Because the climate of the community has not been conducive to any immediate changes

But the reports author disagreed with the nature of that assessment: Once again, civil rights law enforcement appears whimsical rather than absolute, at the mercy of community climate, he writes.

A HUD official representing the agencys civil rights division also was interviewed about why more had not been done to address allegations of discriminatory and inadequate public housing in Cairo.

He was quick to point out, according to the report's author, that the Office of Equal Opportunity did not come into existence until 1968  and that the Justice Department also can take action without HUD first requesting it.

The head of the regional department charged with enforcing fair housing laws added that there are problems concerning fair housing in many communities. He testified that while Cairos housing problems are particularly troubling, his department is short staffed and required to service six Midwestern states, according to the report.

The reports author concludes its chapter on housing by stating, The hearing does not get all the facts on what it takes to put a decent roof over the heads of poor people in Cairo. But it learns enough to understand why the building up of the city never begins, why the shooting never ends.

This report was published in 1973

This federal report  Cairo, Illinois: Racism at Floodtide"  was published in October 1973 by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The late Paul Good authored the report, and the opinions expressed therein are his, not necessarily those of the commission. Good, who died in 2005, was a journalist known for his television and print coverage of the civil rights movement. The contents of the publication were largely based on testimony given at a hearing held by the Commission on Civil Rights in March 1972 in Cairo.

As a point of clarification, the Lt. Gov. Simon quoted in the article refers to the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, who served as Illinois' lieutenant governor from 1969 to 1973, and not his daughter, Sheila Simon, who assumed the same post 38 years after her fathers term ended.

The date of issuance of this federal report was purposefully withheld to the end of the story  to prove a point about how history continues to repeat itself where it concerns Cairo, and other Cairos throughout the country.

Many of the concerns raised in this report remain relevant to the present-day housing crisis playing out at the bottom tip of Illinois -- and related conversations about Cairo's troubled economy.

In opening his 1973 report, Good writes: This is about a small American city named Cairo that raises large American questions.

Nearly 45 years later, many of those questions remain unanswered.
CARBONDALE  A California man was arrested Monday, charged with home invasion after police said he entered a Carbondale home and took his child.

Officers arrested Demareonte Jones, of Sacramento, charging him with home invasion, criminal damage to property and interfering with a 9-1-1 call, according to a news release from the Carbondale Police Department.

Around 11:30 a.m. Monday, Carbondale police officers went to the 1100 block of East Walnut St., on a report of a home invasion and possible child abduction, according to the release.

When officers arrived, they learned that the father of a child inside the residence had been in a dispute over custody of the child with the individual inside, according to the report.

The man reportedly forced open a door and battered an individual inside the apartment. He then took custody of his child and left the area in a vehicle.

Officers found the child, safe and unhurt, within an hour in Carbondale.

Jones is being held in the Jackson County Jail pending court.

Carbondale investigators were assisted by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Police Department at 618-457-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 618-549-COPS (2677).
CARBONDALE  Oneida Vargas doesn't even remember Mexico, the country she was born in and from which her mother took her from when she was 16 months old, slipping into the United States.

She didn't think much about what impact that would have on her life until high school: That's when it began to dawn on her that with no legal documentation, she could not go on to college, as she'd wanted to, or even legally work.

On Tuesday night, she shared what it meant to receive status to study and work in this country, legally, under an Obama Administration program called DACA and how her life in this country  the only one's she's ever known  could come to a crippling halt with the Trump Administration's reversal of that program. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reversal of the DACA program earlier in the day Tuesday.

Her voice was among those lifted up at Tuesday's rally at Gaia House, organized by the Southern Illinois Immigrant Rights Project, calling for local people to contact their representatives to request their support of DACA recipients and urge the president to support passage of the Dream Act of 2017.

Several American businessmen, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, sent Trump a letter, asking him to not eliminate the program. Almost two months ago, in mid-July, the Jackson County Board defeated a resolution that would have designated the county "safe and welcoming" to immigrants. The vote was 6-6, but the measure lacked a clear majority vote for approval.

Right now, the DACA reversal means Vargas can stay in this country and work on a work permit until April 2019, the month before she expects to receive her degree from SIU.

"It's like the Civil Rights of the century," Vargas said.

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and refers to about 800,000 people who are undocumented in this country.

Of that 800,000, about one-sixth are believed to live in the state of Illinois, organizer Marion Adams-Sai said. At least 20 of these Dreamers attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

In addition to Vargas and other DACA students and those speaking in support of them, the nearly 100 people gathered at Tuesday's rally heard from Becca Tally, co-chair of SIIRP; the Rev. Sarah Richards, pastor of Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship; and Cindy Buys, an immigration attorney at SIUC who has advocated for immigration rights for local people.

There were no protests of the gathering.

Vargas, who desires to work as an immigration attorney, said she was so vocal at Tuesday's rally because she has nothing to lose.

"Growing up, I knew that I was not born here," Vargas said, "but I didn't really know what that implied or what that meant for my future until I hit high school, and once I hit high school, it was just a lot of uncertainty. But the one thing I knew it was I'm going to college. I'm not sure how I'm getting there, but I'm going to college "

DACA was introduced when she was a 15-year-old.

"Even though DACA is and was something temporary, for me, it made me feel like I belonged," Vargas said. "It made me feel like I'm accepted, I feel like I can actually be a part of this society and I don't have to go and pretend to be something that I'm not. It allowed me to go and get an education and become a Chancellor's Scholar at this university.

"Now we have to push for something stronger, something that includes more people and not just the 800,000 or the 1.7 million that qualify for DACA. Something that actually helps the majority of undocumented people in this country: 11 million people (who are undocumented)."

Another DACA student, SIU senior cinema and photography student Martha Osornio-Ruiz, agreed.

"It's time to speak up, and start moving forward," Osornio-Ruiz said. "DACA was not a solution to us students. Like everything that comes to an end. Now it's time to start pushing for a reform."

For more information, follow the group on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/SIIRPonDACA.
SALINE COUNTY  Harrisburg city officials and the Harrisburg Fire Department are asking for the publics help in collecting badly needed mosquito repellent supplies for communities devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

Harrisburg Public Health and Safety Commissioner Beth Montfort said the repellent will be collected at the Harrisburg Fire Department and shipped to fire departments in several hurricane-impacted towns near Rockport, Texas.

Montfort said Harrisburg's response efforts started with a phone call to her son, Dawson, who lives in Dallas and has been coordinating the shipment of supply trucks to Houston.

As the Health and Safety Commissioner, I realize that much of the local relief efforts in and around Houston area are being coordinated by first responders, so after speaking to Dawson and hearing some of the regions needs, I reached out to a few of the fire departments in affected areas to see what specifically they required, Montfort said.

Montfort said after she collected that information she spoke with Harrisburg Fire Chief John Gunning, and the two of them quickly realized the fire department could easily serve as a collection point for Saline County residents wishing to do their part to aid in relief efforts.

"We need our community's help. When Harrisburg was in need after the tornadoes in 2012, Emergency Services Personnel from all over the country came to our aid. Those men and women are our brothers and sisters. This is a way we can pay it forward, Gunning said.

Gunning said that efforts to collect supplies will be ongoing, and regular shipments will be sent to the fire departments of four different Texas towns.

We will collect and ship to them until they tell us to stop. If the public brings it to us, we will make sure it gets into the hands that need it. This is the least we could do, Gunning said.

Montfort said the towns they will help are Rockport, Beaumont, Hampshire and Port Arthur.

According to the Center for Disease Control, after a hurricane has passed through an area and flooding occurs, mosquito populations usually increase.

Because mosquitoes lay eggs near standing water, they experience a population boom after flood waters recede due to myriad sources of stagnant and standing water left in the storm's wake.

The CDC recommends using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.

A list of brands containing those repellants can be found on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you.

Montfort said residents are welcome to drop off insect repellant in any quantity at the Fire Department Headquarters at 100 S. Main Street in Harrisburg.

Additionally, Montfort said that she and Gunning will coordinate with work with other regional organizations who wish to participate in the relief efforts.

For more information or to find out what is needed, contact Montfort at 618-926-7401, or Chief Gunning at the Harrisburg Fire Department: 618-253-4121.
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois public health experts say they're seeing fewer human cases of the West Nile virus this summer but still asking residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which cause the infection.

Fewer pools of mosquitoes and fewer dead birds across Illinois are testing positive for the virus this year compared to last year, said Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health.

The state has so far received 16 reported human cases this year, compared to nearly 90 statewide this time last year, the Springfield Journal-Register reported. Still, officials are urging the public to keep taking steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Sangamon County has treated places where mosquitoes breed and has also supplied larvicide to municipalities to reduce the mosquito population, said Jim Stone, director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health.

West Nile inflames the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, according Steven O'Marro, an infectious-disease specialist with Springfield Clinic.

About 70 to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile don't exhibit any symptoms, while 20 to 30 percent may get West Nile fever and feel weak and get muscle aches but require no medical treatment, according to Dr. David Warren, an infectious-disease specialist at Washington University School of Medicine. He said only about 1 to 2 percent of patients get severe complications that result in hospitalization and sometimes death.

"I'm a big proponent now of people taking precautions," said Jack Handy, a Springfield man still recovering from the West Nile-related encephalitis he acquired last year.

Handy said he never took any of the recommended precautions when he was affected, such as avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, applying repellent, and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside.

Warren said it's important to reduce risk of mosquito bites because West Nile is just one of several diseases spread by the insect.
WASHINGTON -- Just so there's no confusion: Donald Trump's longtime personal lawyer emailed Vladimir Putin's personal spokesman? Seeking help from the Kremlin on a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow? During the presidential campaign?

Yes, this really happened. While most attention was rightly focused on the devastating flood in Houston, there was quite a bit of news on the Russia front -- all of it, from Trump's perspective, quite bad.

The revelations begin with a Trump business associate named Felix Sater. A Russian emigre who bragged about his Kremlin connections, Sater was a principal figure in development of the Trump Soho hotel and condominium project in lower Manhattan. Sater wrote a series of emails to Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, touting the Moscow Trump Tower project as a way to help Trump win the presidency.

In November 2015 -- five months after Trump had entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination -- Sater wrote to Cohen that he had "arranged" for Trump's daughter Ivanka, during a 2006 visit to Moscow, "to sit in Putins private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin."

The email went on, "I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected. We both know no one else knows how to pull this off without stupidity or greed getting in the way. I know how to play it and we will get this done. Buddy our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this."

Could Sater be just a blowhard who exaggerated his influence with the Russian president? Perhaps. But Ivanka Trump did tell The New York Times that she took a "brief tour of Red Square and the Kremlin" during that 2006 visit. The Times reported she said that "it is possible she sat in Mr. Putin's chair during that tour but she did not recall it."

There is no evidence that Cohen, one of Trump's closest associates, found anything improper in Sater's pledge to get Putin "on this program." Nor did Cohen or anyone in the Trump Organization bother to disclose the emails -- or the Trump firm's effort, even during the campaign, to profitably emblazon the Trump name on the Moscow skyline -- until the correspondence was turned over to the House Intelligence Committee on Monday.

And there's more: In January 2016, with the Moscow project apparently stalled, Cohen went straight to the top to get it back on track -- or at least tried to. He sent an email to Dmitry Peskov, Putin's longtime personal spokesman, "hereby requesting your assistance."

Peskov confirmed that the email was received but said he did nothing about it and that it was not given to Putin.

So Trump was lying when he tweeted, shortly before his inauguration, that "I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA -- NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING!" The truth is that in October 2015, on the same day he participated in a GOP candidates' debate, he signed a letter of intent for the Moscow Trump Tower project.

That is a "deal," and Trump's hunger to keep it alive may explain his reluctance to say anything critical about Putin. Or it may tell just part of the story.

The other part involves the whole question of collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign to meddle with the election and boost Trump's chances. Sater's boasts, by themselves, are hardly definitive. But of course there is the larger context, which includes the infamous meeting that Donald Trump Jr. convened in New York at which he hoped to receive dirt, courtesy of the Russian government, on Hillary Clinton.

Thus far we have the president's son, his son-in-law Jared Kushner (who was at that meeting), his then-campaign manager Paul Manafort (also at the meeting), and now his personal lawyer all seemingly eager for Russian help in the election. Who in the campaign wasn't willing to collude?

All of this is under scrutiny by special counsel Robert Mueller and the various congressional committees that are conducting investigations. Some have suggested that Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio, the unrepentant "birther" and racial profiler, might have been a message to Trump associates facing heat from prosecutors: Hang tough and don't worry, you'll get pardons.

But there was more bad news for the president: Politico reported that Mueller is now cooperating and sharing information with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Presidents can only issue pardons for federal offenses, not state crimes. Uh-oh.
By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Russia, bound together by centuries-old relations, will discuss investment, innovation and tourism issues this September.

These topics will become the main issues of the 8th Azerbaijan-Russia Interregional Forum, which will be held in Stavropol on September 28, according to Assistant Minister of Economic Development of Russia Elena Lashkina.

Along with the plenary session with participation of representatives of the Economic Development Ministry of Russia, Economy Ministry of Azerbaijan, Foreign Ministries of the two countries, as well as other high-level guests of the forum, five round tables will be held.

Lashkina said that themes of these round tables will be "Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation in the field of industry", "Tourism development as an important factor in attracting investments," "Innovation in health: the main directions for expanding cooperation," "Strengthening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere," and "Development of bilateral cooperation in the agro-industrial complex,.

A number of agreements between Stavropol Krai of the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan are planned to be signed in the spheres of humanitarian, cultural and economic sectors.

The list of other agreements expected to be inked at the forum is being formed, the assistant to the minister added.

As for the forum participants their final list has not yet been approved, but companies such as TransAero Tours Center, Gazprombank, Lukoil, Geotec, Pax and Astellas have been invited to the Forum.

The 7th Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum was held in Baku in November 2016, which is ended by signing of 12 documents.

Russia is one of the main trade and economic partners of Azerbaijan. During the years of cooperation, both countries signed more than 170 different documents, more than 50 of which affected the economic sphere. Interregional contacts are also successfully developing. About 40 Russian regions have already signed bilateral agreements with their Azerbaijani partners on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

To date, Azerbaijan has invested $1 billion in the Russian economy, and Russia $3 billion in the economy of Azerbaijan.

The trade with Russia in January-July 2017 amounted to $1.1 billion, $329 million of which was exported to this country, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.
By Azernews





By Sara Israfilbayova

Azerbaijan, one of oil-producing nations that struck a deal to cut output along with OPEC states, keeps meeting commitment under the deal.

Daily oil production in Azerbaijan amounted to 734,800 barrels in August, 704,000 barrels of which were crude oil and 30,800 barrels-condensate.

The participation of Azerbaijan in joint oil production cuts is defined at 35,000 barrels per day.

The country has presented its data on daily oil output for August to the OPEC Joint Technical Commission under the Monitoring Committee, the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry told Trend on September 5.

Every day 617,600 barrels of oil, 30,800 barrels of condensate and 6,600 barrels of oil products were exported.

The country produced 793,900 barrels of oil per day in January 2017, 776,400 barrels per day  in February, 733,300 barrels per day  in March and 781,100 barrels per day  in April, 785,300 barrels per day  in May, 793,700 barrels per day - in June, 796,700 barrels per day - in July.

In November 2016, the OPEC summit was held in Vienna, where OPEC members reached an agreement on reducing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day. In December 2016 was a meeting of oil producers outside the OPEC. Following the meeting, was signed an agreement to reduce oil production by a total of 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 2017.

The deal participants agreed to extend the production adjustments for nine months, on May 25, 2017.

The next meeting of the Joint OPEC-Non-OPEC Technical Committee (JTC) of OPEC is scheduled for September 22 in Vienna.The JTC earlier reported that the compliance level of OPEC and participating non-OPEC countries has dropped from 98 percent in June to 94 percent in July.

Energy-rich Azerbaijan produces three grades of crude oil - Azeri BTC, Azeri Light, and Urals. The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil decreased $0.15 to stand at $54.55 on the world markets on September 5.

Prior to the landmark deal, the volume of production in the country was at the level of 37.72 million tons of oil, while daily output stood at 829,100 barrels.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijans energy giant SOCAR reported that it produced nearly 631,500 tons of crude oil in January-July of this year.

A total of 3,339,000 million tons of oil was produced in Azerbaijan in July. SOCAR reported that crude oil production was 4.34 billion tons in January-July of this year and in total 22.50 billion tons.

SOCAR is a wholly state-owned national oil company headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan. The company produces oil and natural gas from onshore and offshore fields in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea.

The company includes such production associations as Azneft (the enterprises producing oil and gas onshore and offshore), Azerikimya (the chemical enterprises) and Azerigas (distributor of gas produced in the country), as well as oil and gas processing plants, service companies, and the facilities involved in geophysical and drilling operations.
By Azernews





By Sara Israfilbayova

Institute of Banking Ombudsman, which will operate under the Association of Banks of Azerbaijan (ABA), will be launched till the end of this week.

Activities of the Institute of Banking Ombudsman are designed to provide practical assistance in overcoming differences, as well as to simplify, speed up the procedure for considering the issues that have arisen on mortgages between the bank and the borrower.

The Association reported that a website is almost ready, through which it will be possible to send appeals (www.bankombudsman.az).

Before sending an appeal to the Ombudsman, an individual must send his/ her claims to the bank in writing. In turn, the bank must provide the claimer with an answer within 30 days. An individual can apply to the Ombudsman within 60 days after receiving the answer or 30 days after the letter was sent to the bank.

The ombudsman is expected to handle disputes with the amount of a claim up to $2,000. In addition, the ombudsman activity will cover only those banks that signed the Declaration on the transfer of disputes involving individuals - clients of the financial institution to the Banking Ombudsman.

The Banking Ombudsman is not entitled to take decisions on making amendments and additions to mortgage loan agreements, including termination of (full or partial) obligations of the parties to the contract. The competence of the banking ombudsman includes holding meetings and providing banks with recommendations on the borrowers' appeals concerning changes in mortgage conditions.

The Ombudsman issues a conclusion about the possibility or impossibility of settling disputes. The Ombudsman is independent in activity, any interference in the activity when considering appeals is unacceptable.

The Institute of Banking Ombudsman exists in such countries as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India, Kazakhstan and others.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

The Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian religious leaders will hold a trilateral meeting in Moscow on September 8, said Alexander Volkov, the spokesman of the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia 4.

He told reporters that the religious leaders of the three countries will discuss ways of solving the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The last meeting of two spiritual leaders was held in Moscow in November 2016, where they expressed intention to continue such meetings through intermediaries.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are expected to meet in New York this fall.

Moreover, the OSCE Minsk Groups, established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is preparing for a meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents.
By Trend





Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit his country, Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, TASS reported.

"Al-Sisi invited Putin to visit Egypt. The presidents agreed that the date of such visit will be coordinated through diplomatic channels," he said, adding that todays meeting between the two leaders was quite meaningful.

"They spoke about positive tendencies as far as aviation security is concerned, discussed concrete trade-and-economic cooperation projects. Thus, Rosneft demonstrates activity in Egypt. They also discussed the topic of the construction of a nuclear power plant which is to be funded through Russias government loan, and other issues," Peskov said.
By Trend





Iraqi Armed Forces eliminated 55 members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the city of Tal Afar, the countrys Defense Ministry said on September 5.

The militants were killed as a result of artillery shelling by the Iraqi army.

On August 31, Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the victory of the countrys military over IS in Tal Afar and the complete liberation of the northern province of Nineveh from terrorists.

The military operation in Iraqs Tal Afar was carried out from August 20.
Emirates Islamics net profit for the first half of 2017 stood at Dh387 million ($105.3million) compared to Dh137 million for the same period last year, reflecting the success of its investment deposits.



One-year deposits offered 1.95 per cent per annum in the second quarter of 2017, up by 50 bps since the end of 2016, while two-year deposits offered 2.35 per cent per annum, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency.



The Investment Term Deposit is a distinctive profit-bearing product in which profits are generated and distributed from the common Mudharaba pool, which is a joint investment pool between depositors and shareholders.



Jamal Bin Ghalaita, chief executive officer at Emirates Islamic, said: "Emirates Islamic continues to move forward on its path of profitable growth and after announcing positive results for the first half of 2017, we would once again like to share the success with our customers. The Investment Term Deposit Account is a superior financial planning tool that helps our customers achieve their long-term goals. Committed to raising the value of this product for our customers and shareholders, Emirates Islamic is determined to continue this performance into the rest of the year."



Available for individuals, including minors, as well as sole proprietorships, partnerships and joint stock and limited liability organisations, Emirates Islamic Investment Term Deposits are available in US dollar and dirham currencies.



The easy-to-manage deposit can be opened with a minimum requirement of Dh10,000 and is available for various flexible tenures. The announcement from the bank on Monday is aligned with its ongoing commitment to providing customers with an unparalleled Islamic banking proposition in the UAE.
UK real estate brokers are preparing to take advantage of a surge of interest in British property at the upcoming Cityscape Global, a major real estate event in Dubai, UAE with Brexit providing reduced prices for US dollar pegged investors from the region.



The event is running from September 11 to 13 at Dubai World Trade Centre.



Niccolo Barattieri, CEO of Northacre, a UK-based real estate developer, said: Further to the European referendum and the subsequent slump in the Sterling currency, residential property in Britain is currently providing up to 30% discount over the last three years for USD-pegged investors.



As a consequence there has been a surge of interest and activity from dollar-backed investors, particularly from the GCC and Asia.



Organisations such as Northacre, Copperstones and Knight Knox, another British real estate companies boasting a diverse property portfolio, will be offering advice on entering the British market as well as showcasing their latest projects during Cityscape Global.



While the weak British pound has had a negative impact on many people residing in the UK, investors from countries with currencies tied to the US dollar, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, have shown healthy signs of interest driven by lower costs and market savvy intelligence.



Andy Phillips, Commercial Director for Knight Knox said: This is a particularly good time for foreign investors to enter the UK buy-to-let market as the current depreciation of the pound means that UK property is essentially being sold at a steep discount.



Approximately 30 per cent of our current business involves Middle Eastern buyers which is a good indicator of the health of the UK property market and its appeal to foreign investors.



More than a year on from the UKs decision to leave the European Union, political uncertainty and a weakened Sterling have been key factors in the decision making process for global investors, driving demand for a more stable investment choice.



Barattieri added: Whilst the knee-jerk shocks of 2016 in the UK seem to have mostly settled, investors remain cautious of economic and political risk. As such, buyers are looking ever more for wealth preservation and asset diversification, and residential property looks set to become even more of a key lynchpin through 2017 and 2018.



In such turbulent times, no one can truly make accurate long term predictions. However, as always in times of trouble, bricks and mortar make a sound investment. Property provides a sense of permanence which cannot be match by many other investments, Phillips noted.



Northacre and Knight Knox are among many international investors exhibiting at this years Cityscape Global. Participation has been confirmed by countries including Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey, with a range of diverse projects set to be showcased during the three-day property event.



Cityscape Global 2017 returns with support from Foundation Partners: Dubai Properties, Nakheel PJSC; Platinum Sponsors: Al Marjan Island, Binghatti Developers, Union Properties PJSC; Gold Sponsor: Tamleek Real Estate Registration Trustee; Silver Sponsor: Maryapi Real Estate Development; Project Marketing Sponsor: Aqua Properties, and Strategic Partner: Dubai Land Department.



Cityscape Global is co-located with Building Healthcare, Innovation and Design Show, the regional business platform for build, construction, and design and innovation of healthcare facilities.  TradeArabia News Service
Realopedia.com, a first-of-its-kind e-marketplace for the real estate market, is set to showcase its innovative real estate digital platform at the upcoming Cityscape Global in Dubai.



A major industry event, Cityscape Global will run from September 11 to 13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.



During the expo, Realopedia will showcase its capabilities in bringing together and connecting various industry stakeholders such as developers, buyers, owners, real estate agents and brokers, investors, government regulators, as well as corporate affiliates including banks, legal companies, and interior designers, among others, under one roof to meet and expand their networks and achieve business growth.



Realopedia has established itself as a trusted platform, endorsed by Dubais Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) for investors and customers as well as the support of Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the Miami Association of Realtors, the largest local realtor association in the US, which will be present at the Realopedia stand during the exhibition for the second consecutive year.



Both Realopedia and the Miami Association of Realtors will be hosting back-to-back Cityscape Talks sessions on the opening day from 12:30pm to 1pm at the three-day event.



The online platform aims to empower customers and investors in the region and globally through a strong database, which delivers expertise through webinars, podcasts, education, and training as well as offers news and insights from the industry by facilitating access to a wide range of commercial and residential properties in the region.



On the upcoming event, CEO and founder Laura Choueri said: "We are very excited to present what Realopedia can bring to the table at the Cityscape Global. Dubais unfailing attractiveness for real estate investments makes the annual event the ideal venue to further spread our offerings to inform visitors and fellow exhibitors how digital technology can be a game-changer in further enhancing the growth of real estate development in the region."



"It is high-time for the real estate market to see the integration and connect the various stakeholders of the industry under one roof. We look forward to meet and connect with industry professionals and help them expand their network through the portal," she added.



Realopedia has recently set up a strategic alliance with Souq.com, one of the regions leading e-commerce site and a subsidiary of Amazon.com, leveraging on its global accessibility and digital expertise to expand market reach for all its stakeholders and online users.



The alliance provides Realopedias premium partners with strong market visibility and easy online access for its customers.



In a separate agreement, Dubai Properties, a member of Dubai Holding and one of the largest fully integrated real estate and community development businesses in the emirate, has become the first major developer in the region that has partnered with the alliance to showcase its residential and commercial projects.



Souq.com CEO and co-founder Ronaldo Mouchawar said: "We have successfully proven the power of digital platforms in bringing products closer to the customer through the creation of an integrated marketplace for brands across varied industries to grow their business."



"We are looking forward to the positive results of our partnership with Realopedia and Dubai Properties as we capitalize on our capabilities to reach out to millions of customers within and outside the region and help expand the real estate market through digital innovation and connectivity," he added.



Realopedia currently holds representative offices in the UAE, US and UK and looks to expand its reach across the Mena region and globally.-TradeArabia News Service
UAE-based Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries has announced the appointment of the companys associate director finance, Laurent de Chazeaux, as acting chief financial officer  effective immediately.



He replaces Jerome Carle, who has been promoted as the general manager of Julphar.



As acting CFO, de Chazeaux will be responsible for leading the companys finance department and keeping accurate financial records. He will be in charge of the administrative and risk management operations and will develop financial strategies in line with Julphar's objectives.



He will report to the companys general manager Jerome Carle.



On the appointment, Julphars chairman Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: "I trust de Chazeaux is an established financial executive with extensive background overseeing finance organizations. With him leading the finance team, I am confident that we will be well-positioned to enter the next phase of our strategy execution."



Over the last 20 years, de Chazeaux has worked in a number of senior finance roles in the pharmaceutical industry and in investment banking.



He spent several years working for Cowen, where he was in charge of analyzing performances of midsize European pharmaceutical companies, and before joining Julphar as Associate Director Finance in June 2017, he worked at Sanofi and as Finance Director at AstraZeneca.



A degree holder from EDHEC Business School (France) in International Management, de Chazeaux has been living in the Middle East for the past 10 years.



On his new role, de Chazeaux said: "I am much honoured to have been appointed to this role. I will work closely with the executive team and will focus on driving performance to help the company achieve its next stages of growth."



Established in 1980, Julphar is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in Middle East and North Africa, producing over 200 branded products across 16 facilities.-TradeArabia News Service
Travellers expectations have changed drastically during the pandemic and the travel industry needs to better understand the behaviours and expectations of the new traveller in order to respond to them, says Roshan Mendis of Sabre.
Arabian Automobiles Company, the flagship company of the AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer for Infiniti in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, has launched a campaign with deals on popular pre-owned models.



The Infiniti Certified Campaign will run from September 5 to 9.



During the campaign, customers who purchase a certified, pre-owned Q50, Q70, QX60 or QX70 from Infiniti will benefit from a full warranty peace of mind package, which allows them to extend their original warranty for a further 24 months. Giving drivers a grand total of three years or 100,000 kilometres of warranty, the offer provides certified Infiniti customers with a totally worry-free car ownership experience.



Every certified, pre-owned Infiniti vehicle also undergoes a 190-point inspection and is only awarded a Certificate of Inspection and a Certificate of Authenticity if it meets the exacting standards of Arabian Automobiles team of expert technicians. In addition to guaranteed road worthiness and reliability, customers will also benefit from twenty-four-hour roadside assistance, late-model vehicles with low mileage, and a complimentary Infiniti courtesy vehicle whenever they have their car serviced.



At Arabian Automobiles, new and pre-owned vehicle owners are guaranteed to be treated with the same level of exceptional customer care, and the Infiniti Certified Campaign has been launched to demonstrate the companys commitment to this customer-centric philosophy, a statement said.  TradeArabia News Service
British Airways is introducing a new service called Premium Transfer Drive at Heathrow to ensure that customers who are at risk of missing their connection are able to catch their onward flight.



The new scheme applies to those travelling on a UK domestic flight, who are connecting on to either a short-haul flight in Club Europe, a long-haul service in Club World (long haul business class) or First, or who are Silver or Gold Executive Club members, said a statement from British Airways.



British Airways team at Heathrow will track these customers, and where theres a risk they will miss their connection, will provide an airside car transfer between one flight and the next, it stated.



They will also send a message to the inbound aircraft, so the cabin crew can inform the customer that a car will be waiting to transfer them, thereby alleviating any stress or worry, it added.



Carolina Martinoli, British Airways new director of brand and customer experience, said: "Missing a connection is one of the most stressful situations a customer can experience, so helping them through that journey and keeping them informed is critical."



"The new premium transfer service will enable us to identify customers who are at risk of missing their onward flight, and proactively arrange to collect them by car, whisking them directly to their next flight," she noted.



Were already receiving great customer feedback from customers who have benefitted from the new service and as WiFi is introduced on our aircraft, well also be able to use that to communicate directly with customers about their onward flight, stated Martinoli.



According to her, British Airways is set to invest 400 million ($518 million) in Club World with an emphasis on improved catering and sleep.



At Heathrow a First Wing check-in area with direct security and lounge access has opened, and lounges around the airlines network are being revamped and improved, noted Martinoli.



The Club Europe cabin has been introduced on UK domestic services and recent catering improvements have been introduced in Club Europe as well as across all long haul cabins, she added.-TradeArabia News Service
The proposed Chokecherry Sierra Madre wind energy project could face challenges selling power in the desert southwest, officials told lawmakers in Casper last week.

The farm, being developed by a subsidiary of oil and gas company Anschutz Corp., is expected to bring $847 million in tax dollars to the state over the first 20 years of operation. It will be the largest wind project in Wyoming and significantly increase the amount of wind energy capacity in the Cowboy State.

But it was never designed to provide power to Wyoming, where demand is met by companies like Rocky Mountain Power and cooperatives like Basin Electric Power with a mix of wind, gas and coal-fired electricity.

The energy generated from the proposed 1,000-turbine site will be carried along a high power transmission line to California and the desert southwest. There electricity demand is high, renewables are preferred and an open market for diverse power sources is robust.

California, however, is being difficult.

***

Californias policies are prompting a spike in solar development that will likely exceed the amount needed to meet Californias renewable power standards, said Roxane Perruso, vice president and general counsel for the Power Company of Wyoming, the wind farms developer.

We have a huge issue in California in that Californians would like to keep all of the development and buy all of their power from within their borders, she said.

Chokecherrys first phase of development has taken about a decade to get through permitting, and the parent company has spent nearly $100 million on both the wind farm and the proposed transmission line so far. A lot has shifted since then, from the introduction of a wind production tax in Wyoming to the sunset of a federal tax subsidy, Perruso said.

Weve had substantial changes not only on the tax side and things going on in Wyoming, but also at the national level and now in the market area of California, she said. We call it the missing buyer syndrome. The need is still there  we believe the market is there, but we are right now caught in a limbo.

Lawmakers on Thursday pressed Perruso on the federal subsidy enjoyed by wind developers, touching on a concern some in Wyoming have raised about unfair advantages for the wind industry.

The production tax credit, which Congress renewed a number of times in past decades, drops annually until it sunsets in 2022. Many companies are now hustling to qualify for a 10-year extension Congress made available.

Once that federal support is gone, its unlike to come back, Perruso said.

The agreement (with Congress) was that if (the production tax credit) was extended this last period of time, and then phased down, the industry believed the technology would have increased enough that there would no longer need to be that subsidy, she said.

Early construction is ongoing at the site near Rawlins, and needs to continue without pause if the company is to qualify for the federal subsidy. If it qualifies for the tax credit, it would last for up to 10 years, she said. Firms that began construction by last year keep the subsidy for a decade. The Power Company of Wyoming is not confident that the second phase of development, for an additional 500 turbines, will qualify for the tax credit.

***

Winds other controversial subject, eagles deaths, was also brought up in committee, first by lawmakers and then again in the public comment period.

One of the permits Power Company of Wyoming has worked on in recent years is a voluntary eagle take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With the permit, which placed restrictions on where turbines were sited, the wind farm can kill between 10 and 14 eagles a year without paying a hefty criminal penalty.

PacifiCorp, the parent company of Rocky Mountain Power, had to pay $10.4 million in penalties and restitution for unlawfully killing 34 eagles, ravens and hawks from its transmission lines in 2009. Most of that cost went to repairing and replacing equipment to reduce risk of electrocution to avian species.

As part of PCWs eagle take permit, the company is retrofitting thousands of power poles in Wyoming to reduce bird kills, Perruso said.

We believe, as does the Fish and Wildlife service, [that the permit] is over predicting the number of eagles that will be impacted, she said. We have the obligation to mitigate to ensure there is no net loss of the eagle population.

Steve Weber of Glenrock stood up during public comment to say the federal approach to eagle management is unacceptable and the predicted impact on the eagle population in Wyoming is underrepresented.

Weve watched eagle numbers drop since winter 05, 06. This is a premier predator that keeps everything else in balance, Weber said. There should be no wind farm in the state at all without maximum preservation.

Weber also nodded to a common complaint about wind in Wyoming  its lasting impact on the viewshed of open prairies and mountain horizons.

We are going to lose our viewshed, Weber said. You cannot replace that. Thats why a lot of people live in Wyoming. Who else who put up with the ups and downs of this economy unless you love it?

Mineral committee Chairman Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, reminded Weber that the committee was only hearing an update on Chokecherry and was not in a position to decide on the fate or future of the project.

The first phase of development for Chokecherry is fully permitted, as is the eagle take permit for construction. An eagle take permit for operation of the wind farm is pending.
Jeremy Collins donned headphones in his apartment closet and set his cellphone on a stand behind the microphone. He tapped the keys of a notebook computer on the floor to connect with his interviewees through an audio Skype call.

The independent podcaster greeted and chatted with the hosts of the paranormal story podcast Hillbilly Horror Stories from Kentucky.

All right, here we go, Collins said into his microphone, his tiny chihuahua nestled in a bed near his feet. Three, two, one  record.

Collins stood at his microphone Saturday evening to record an upcoming episode of Podcasts We Listen To  a podcast about, well, podcasts and the people who host them. The show is less about the stories the hosts tell on their own shows and more about the people behind the mics, he said.

You start to become friends with a podcaster, or you feel like you have, when youve listened to a hundred episodes or even 20 episodes, Collins said. You start to feel like you know the people, so its more like youre listening in on a conversation with your friends.

When not working as a full-time UPS delivery driver, he records from his closet because its the best place in his home to isolate sound. From between his shirts and homemade soundproofing, he interviews podcast hosts around the country.

Jerry and Tracy, how are you tonight? he said, smiling, as he started the interview. Ive had a few people tell me I should have you on, so I guess its about time, right?

Podcasts We Listen To draws an audience from all over the world and has received about 26,000 downloads since Collins began five months ago, he said. His show grew out of a Facebook group, Podcasts We Listen To, which he started more than a year ago as a place for fans to talk about shows they enjoy and to learn about podcasts they havent heard about, he said. Almost 14,000 people are now in that Facebook group, which is by his count the largest general podcast community on social media, he said.

Collins love for the medium began when he became hooked on podcasts for the convenience. They can be downloaded onto any computer or mobile device, and they dont run out of radio or wireless range. You can even listen on a plane or at a remote camping spot, he said. Best of all, the wide variety of topics  from history to nature to crochet to stories about the LGBT community  almost guarantees that a listener can find something that theyll like.

If you have an interest, he said, theres a podcast about it, guaranteed.

Making it happen

Collins had never interviewed anybody until he started his podcast. But hes heard countless interviews and prepares for each recording by listening to several of his featured hosts shows. The Facebook group members also can write in questions for him to ask.

One reviewer commented that Collins style feels more like listening to two friends than an interview.

After he records an interview, which generally last between two and three hours, he spends eight to 10 more editing the dialogue into a one-hour format and removing any outside sounds on either end.

Since the Facebook group and podcast have been successful, Collins is organizing a Podcasts We Listen To convention next August in New Orleans. Like the Facebook group and his podcast, the PodernLove conference will feature various genres along with include workshops, panel talks, live shows and chances to meet hosts, he said.

He doesnt earn money through his podcast, though the ultimate goal of of any serious podcaster is to make a living at it, he said.

For now, Im really just enjoying the fact that my show gives me a good excuse to talk to the hosts of the shows that I like to listen to, he said.

I do it because I love doing it. I love the medium, he said. I always wanted to be in radio, but you know, radio is the magical thing that people dont know how to get started in. And podcasting is something that literally anyone can do from anywhere.

Connecting podcast community

Collins has been listening to podcasts for years and is a longtime fan of comedians Joe Rogan and Bill Burr, who have been podcasting for about a decade.

Many podcasts have their own social media pages, some with huge followings. But he and other podcast fans he knows couldnt find a place online to connect about podcasts in general, and especially independent shows, he said. The Facebook group gives listeners space to discuss their thoughts about all kinds of podcasts, find recommendations for specific interests and even interact with hosts, Collins said.

He found that many members also wanted to know more about their favorite hosts.

Since starting his podcast in March, hes interviewed two dozen hosts, including ghost storyteller Mike Brown of the show Pleasing Terrors.

Like most podcast hosts, Brown doesnt talk about himself on his own show, Collins said. Through Collins podcast, however, fans were able to learn things about Brown, like that he originally didnt believe in the paranormal before becoming a ghost tour guide.

His show isnt just for those immersed in the podcast world but can also introduce people to the medium, he said. His shows audience spans the U.S., with large numbers also from Australia and the U.K., he said. A map on his computer also shows listeners from as far away as Korea and many other countries.

The beauty of podcasts is that you dont have to get a job at a radio station to be able to get your word out to anybody in the world, Collins said.

The friends hes made and people connected are what he enjoys most about his show and Facebook group, he said.

I look at myself as being in this apartment in small-town Wyoming, he said. But Ive managed to connect with people all over the world, both my listeners and hosts that create podcasts.
A doctor at Memorial Hospital of Converse County died in a climbing accident in Colorado over Labor Day weekend, the hospital announced Tuesday.

Dr. Jamie Rupp died after slipping and falling Sunday while climbing Challenger Point, a 14,000-foot peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range southwest of Pueblo, Colorado, the Saguache County coroner said Tuesday.

Rupp tumbled approximately 1,000 feet down a gully covered with loose shale, the coroner Tom Perrin said. He was climbing alone, but the route was busy and at least three people saw him slip and fall, Perrin said.

Rupps wife, Sandy, received notification Monday from the Saguache County coroner that her husband had died, according to the announcement from the Douglas hospital.

We are shocked and devastated at the passing of a great husband, father, physician, colleague and friend, hospital CEO Ryan Smith wrote in an email to staff.

Rupp was one of the states only nephrologists, a type of medicine that focuses on the kidneys. He spent his entire career treating patients in Wyoming, Smith noted. He worked at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Casper before joining the Douglas hospital in 2014.

He was not only a brilliant physician and constant advocate for his patients, sta and profession, but a confidant and friend to me, and my family, Smith wrote. I cant imagine all of the family, providers, patients, employees, students, and many friends he impacted during his life and career, and the collective hurt we will share at his untimely passing.

Services for Rupp are pending. The hospital plans to release more information when its available. The final autopsy results will be available in about a month.
City Attorney Bill Lubens long tenure at Casper City Hall ended Tuesday evening after the City Council terminated his contract. The decision to part ways was mutual, according to City Manager Carter Napier and Mayor Kenyne Humphrey.

His contract officially ended late last week, according to a resolution, but was not formally approved by council until Tuesday.

Assistant City Attorney Will Chambers will serve as interim city attorney until a permanent replacement can be found.

Napier said that both Luben and Council had requested Lubens contract be terminated.

Luben had been at the city a long time, Humphrey said, and was ready for something new.

Vice Mayor Ray Pacheco said Lubens tenure ended on good terms, and that the city attorney did great work.

Bill was ready to move forward, Pacheco said after the Tuesday council meeting.

The city will be looking for someone to replace Luben who will think outside the box, and who has significant previous experience, Pacheco added.

Councilman Charlie Powell called Luben a quality individual at the end of Tuesdays meeting. We wish him the best in his retirement.

Role in police scandal

Luben was praised by city employees for his earnest style, though over the last six months some Council members began to chafe under his stringent interpretation of the law.

City Council directly supervises only a handful of positions  the city manager, city attorney and municipal judges  while the manager oversees all other personnel concerns. Following controversy over the leadership of then-Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel last April, Luben held the position because Wetzel was an employee of the city manager, the Council was barred from offering advice or being consulted about how to handle the situation.

The city manager cannot report back to the City Council on what he does or doesnt do with a certain employee, Luben said at the time. We cannot share with City Council whether we discipline someone or dont discipline someone  they are outside the scope of their duties for me to take them into that area.

Luben stopped speaking with the Star-Tribune in April, citing the hectic nature of events at City Hall. But his advice on what was inside and outside the scope of Council members authority provoked questions from some of the elected officials.

He was not immediately reachable through the City of Casper on Tuesday.

Prior to Wetzels ouster as chief in May, Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay said that while she supported Luben, she and several other Council members had sought outside legal opinions.

His position kind of just inherently is conflicted because not only does Bill represent Council, he also represents the city manager and he also represents all city staff, Huckabay said in April. When you have a fluid working city government thats fine, but when a situation such as whats currently evolving comes into play that puts him in a very difficult position.

In the months since, city officials have largely followed Lubens opinion that personnel decisions regarding department heads, like police chief, are strictly confidential. Interim City Manager Liz Becher who dismissed Wetzel in May, declined to explain her reasoning behind that decision.

Distinct style

In addition to handling litigation and issuing official legal advice on city matters, Luben also settled technical questions at Council meetings and offered legal opinions on the fly. Typically wearing suits in various shades of beige, he was known for a dour demeanor at public meetings.

After an attorney presenting at a City Council work session last spring praised Luben for his assistance, Mayor Kenyne Humphrey gently teased him.

No smile, Bill? she asked.

I appreciate those comments, Luben then curtly replied. Very appreciated. Thank you.

But there had also been less good-natured exchanges in recent months, especially since Councilman Dallas Laird was appointed in June. Laird has said that Council needed an attorney like himself as a member to offer legal advice.

During the same meeting where he joked with Humphrey, Laird repeatedly cut Luben off.

I really think we understand this, Laird interjected at one point.

Im answering, Luben replied.

Well I think we understand, Laird said.

Controversial advice

Luben made a point of being meticulous when it came to legal questions. For example, an update to the citys liquor laws meant to align them with state law was stalled over the question of what over 18 meant in Wyoming statute. Luben thought it might mean 19-years-old, despite every other government agency interpreting it as, simply, at least 18-years-old.

Im not sure how to interpret it, Luben said. I dont know what the Legislature intended.

But experts in Wyoming liquor law were befuddled as to why Luben would hold up what they saw as simple language that had been adopted in an identical manner by every other municipality in the state.

When everyone else reads it the other way, I think I side on the side of everyone else, Wyoming State Liquor Association Executive Director Mike Moser said at the time.

When it came to a discussion of opening Council meetings with a prayer earlier this year, Luben warned members that it was almost certain to draw both Satanists and a lawsuit. The issue died.

One person commented Tuesday evening after the council meeting that perhaps the council would now allow prayer, since Luben is gone.

Luben has also issued stringent and sometimes controversial opinions in previous years. One such opinion continues to bar community organizations from using City Council chambers for events, based on the idea that doing so would open the body up to legal challenges and erode the citys control of meetings.

Former Councilman Keith Goodenough has harshly criticized Lubens support for an amendment to Council regulations passed in 2015 that allowed for members to be removed from office for bringing embarrassment to the body.

To me thats totally unconstitutional and would never hold up, Goodenough said. But Bill Luben supported that.

Goodenough said he believed Lubens support in that case was political.

On some things he perhaps bends to the will of the manager and the Council and then in other ways he doesnt, Goodenough said.

Perhaps Lubens most famous legal wrangling came in the dispute over whether Casper could display a statue of the Ten Commandments in a city park. The Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas demanded permission to erect its own monument in the park, declaring that murdered Wyoming college student Matthew Shepherd went to hell because he was gay.

Luben filed a brief in a U.S. Supreme Court case dealing with religious monuments on public property, arguing that it should not be required to display the WBC monument.

The city dreads that prospect for reasons any person who values civility can easily understand, Luben wrote.

The city now displays the Ten Commandments along with other historical documents in the park as a way of removing the religious overtones of the statute.

Years in Nebraska

Luben began his law practice in Nebraska, working as a prosecutor and then in private practice in North Platte before relocating to Cheyenne County in that state where he worked as a Deputy County Attorney for six years. Luben came to Casper as an Assistant City Attorney in the mid-1990s.

My family and I, we really like Casper, Luben said when was hired as city attorney in 2001. Council was good enough to give me a chance to head the reins of the office. So Im really looking forward to it.
HELENA, Mont.  A cold front packing high wind gusts has caused fires burning across Montana to spread and forced more evacuations of homes.

The Lewis and Clark Sheriff's Office ordered the evacuation of two subdivisions threatened by a 25-square-mile wildfire northeast of Lincoln early Monday.

Sheriff's officials say smoke from the Alice Creek Fire has gotten so thick that visibility in certain areas is only 25 feet.

It is not immediately clear how many homes the expanded evacuation zone affects. Authorities ordered about 10 homes to evacuate on Saturday after 47 mph wind gusts fanned the blaze.

The front from Canada has brought cooler temperatures, but a red-flag warning is still in effect for much of the state. Wind gusts are expected to blow up to 35 mph through Monday evening.
Last fall, as I was out stalking mule deer in western Wyoming, I wasnt thinking about sage grouse. But as hunting season approaches this year, those birds are on my mind.

Its not that Ive taken up sage grouse hunting. I have some friends who talk about the joys of hunting grouse. But I focus on big game, like most other Wyoming hunters.

The reason Im thinking about sage grouse is that their habitat overlaps with the habitat of mule deer, pronghorn, and elk. And right now, politicians in Washington, D.C, are making moves that threaten sage grouse habitatand, by proxy, the habitat of Wyomings most important big game species.

Wyoming has worked hard to keep sage grouse off the endangered species list by protecting its habitat. These efforts, led by Gov. Matt Mead, have involved years of collaboration and negotiations between oil and gas, agriculture, government, conservationists and, of course, Wyoming sportsmen who understand that protecting sage grouse habitat means protecting habitat for our great herds, especially crucial migration corridors and winter range.

In 2015, Mead, along with other Western governors and federal partners, put into action a comprehensive sage grouse management plan that was heralded as the future of conservation, in large part because it emerged from the states  not Washington, D.C.  and respected everyones interests.

Now, however, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is trying to throw Meads work out the window and replace that original plan with one that focuses on breeding sage grouse in captivity to artificially inflate their numbers while removing protections for sage grouse habitat. In the process, Zinkes plan would remove protections for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk habitat in Wyoming that our herds critically need.

The Department of the Interior has announced its intention to remove Meads sage grouse plan from Wyoming and replace it with Zinkes. Theres a short review process that functions as a transition between the two plans, but its also a time during which citizens, stakeholders, and others can make their voices heard on the issue.

Most importantly, Wyoming needs its representatives in Washington, D.C., to tell Zinke that his plan is bad for Wyoming, bad for its thousands of residents who hunt big game that lives in sage grouse territory, bad for the hunting culture that is central to the states identity, and bad for our economy, to which hunting contributes significantly.

If D.C. politics is all Zinke understands, we need Rep. Liz Cheney and Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso to stand up to him on behalf of Wyoming, on behalf of Mead, and behalf of our great big game herds.

As Mead has pointed out time and time again  and as anyone who has ever hunted knows  habitat is the key to healthy big game populations. You simply cant have one without the other. Zinkes plan, which is based on population counts instead of habitat protection, would be disastrous for grouse populations, big game winter range, and migration corridors in the state.

Meads plan is based on deep collaboration between government and the private sector, community outreach, and scientific study that reflects the needs of energy and agriculture as well as those of sportsmen and conservation. But with one fell swoop Zinke could undo all of that work.

Wyoming already has a solution that works. We dont need Zinke to send us back to the drawing board forcing us to invest more time and energy into a problem we already solved. Thats why Wyoming Hunters and Anglers Alliance asks that Barrasso, Enzi and Cheney support our governor and urge Zinke to leave the Wyoming sage grouse plan in place.
MEXICO CITY  Mexicos low wages have become an increasing point of debate as the second round of negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement moved into their fourth day Monday.

The United States has said it wants to tighten labor standards in the 23-year-old trade pact. But Mexico has drawn plants and investments by capitalizing on low wages and weak union rules, and Mexican business and labor leaders appear to be resistant to any attempt to tighten labor standards or ensure that Mexican wages rise.

Mexican and Canadian auto unions have said in a report that Mexican autoworkers earn about $3.95 an hour.

Canadian auto workers leader Jerry Dias said over the weekend that wages in the three nations under NAFTA should be equalized. But a top Mexican union leader, Carlos Aceves del Olmo, has said equalizing wages is a pipe dream, claiming wages in Mexico cant be compared to U.S. and Canadian salaries.

Gerardo Gutierrez Candiani, head of Mexicos special economic zones and the former leader of the countrys business chamber, said Friday that Mexico could not be expected to go beyond its current labor laws and its constitution. They include vague references to the freedom of workers to unionize, but in practice pro-government unions often sign contracts behind workers backs in Mexico.

On Sunday, the head of Mexicos agricultural council told local media that the U.S. should keep its nose out of Mexicos affairs.

Let each country respect its labor issues, thats what Mexico is proposing, De la Vega said. Mexico cant interfere in U.S. and Canadian labor issues, and we ask them same, that they dont get involved in this issue.

The talks are also focusing on such issues as rules-of-origin and local content, electronic commerce, the environment and anti-corruption measures.

Mexicos Economy Department said the five days of talks in 25 working groups are expected wrap up Tuesday.
PHOENIX  Young immigrants shielded from deportation by a program that President Trump was expected to end were battling to keep those protections Monday while preparing for the worst.

Those who were brought to the country illegally as children rallied to save the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, amid reports that Trump will announce Tuesday he is unraveling it. Young immigrants held protests nationwide and had plans to do so again Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Some worry they will have to work under the table in lower-wage jobs, while others hope to persevere or even start their own businesses.

Korina Iribe said she and her partner have been discussing what they need to do to protect their 2-year-old son in the event that they are no longer shielded from deportation or cannot work. Both were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Our son is U.S.-born, and ultimately for us, we want the best for him. But we also dont wanto to go back to living in the shadows, said Iribe, from the Phoenix area.

They are preparing for the unknown, with Trump expected to end Obama-era protections for young immigrants who have permits to work in the U.S., but with a six-month delay. That would give Congress time to decide whether it wants to address the status of the law.

Details of the changes were not clear, including what would happen if lawmakers failed to pass a measure by the deadline.

Supporters of the program took to the streets Monday in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, South Carolina and elsewhere, holding up signs that read No person has the right to rain on your dreams and You may say Im a dreamer but Im not the only one.

Iribe and her partner are planning on giving one of her sons grandparents power of attorney in case they are deported without notice. She is considering getting her son dual citizenship so he could join them in Mexico if needed.

Iribe said her family also will need to figure out how to pay for a mortgage on a home they bought two months ago.

For us, its more like how will we protect ourselves from deportation, and two, how will we make it work for our family, financially, Iribe said.

Abril Gallardo, 27, has used the work permit she got through DACA to get a job as a communications director for a Phoenix advocacy group. Thats allowed her to pay for college so far, although cutting off in her ability to work legally threatens that.

If she cant work anymore, Gallardo plans on helping with her moms catering business and hopes to start their own family restaurant one day.

The most important thing is that were safe together, and were there for each other, Gallardo said.

Evelin Salgado, 23, who came from Mexico 13 years ago, is worried about losing her job, her home and her drivers license if DACA is canceled.

Its like my life is crumbling on top of me, said Salgado, who graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky last year and in is her second year as a high school Spanish teacher just outside Nashville, Tennessee.

My hopes. My dreams. My aspirations. Everything my parents and I have worked so hard for. We dont know whats going to happen, she said.

Salgado and her parents rent a home, and she helps them financially. They may be forced to move to a smaller home or an apartment because if I lose my job, of course, we cant pay for it.

Her father works in landscaping and her mother washes dishes at a restaurant. Thats what got Salgado through college.

Millions of people live in the United States undocumented. My parents, they work. So unless they put us in deportation procedures, we would have to go back in the shadows, Salgado said.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Sept. 5 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
Gas Chamber Decreed For Murders Of Sisters

JURY FINDS SCHMID GUILTY

Two Hours Taken For Verdict

By Pete Cowgill

An impassive Charles H. Schmid yesterday heard a jury find him guilty of murdering the teenage Fritz sisters and sentence him to die in the gas chamber.

The eight-woman, four-man Superior Court jury deliberated 2 hours and 10 minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilty on two counts of first degree murder. The jury set Schmid's penalty at death.

Judge Lee Garrett will sentence Schmid formally on March 11 and set the date for his execution at that time.

Prosecutor William Schafer III said after the verdict that the state "definitely" will go ahead with the trial of Schmid on the charge of killing 15-year-old Alleen Rowe on March 15. Schafer was the prosecutor during the 11-day trial.

Defense Atty. William Tinney would not comment on the verdict.

Asked if he planned to appeal, Tinney said, "I'm going home to dinner."

A few moments later he said, "I don't know about you, but I'm going home to see my wife and family."

Schmid, 23, was impassive when the clerk read the verdict before a packed courtroom.

His wife, Diane, 15, broke into loud sobs. He turned in his chair and waved at her to be silent as her uncontrolled sobbing filled the room.

The short, stocky, black-haired defendant leaned forward in his chair as the jury filed into the jury box. He was breathing rapidly and he squinted slightly.

While the jury was being polled after both guilty verdicts were announced he rocked back and forth slightly, looked at reporters, court officials and the clerk who called the roll. He only glanced from time to time as each of the jurors affirmed the guilty verdict and the death penalty.

After the jury filed form the room Diane rushed up to Schmid and threw her arms around his neck. Several photographers jumped up to take pictures but Judge Garrett who had not retired from the courtroom admonished them and prevented any pictures being taken.

At the request of Tinney the defendant was allowed to leave the courtoom through the door leading to Garrett's secretary's office while he was on the bench. Only photographers outside the courtroom could take pictures of Schmid.

"You're a bunch of vultures" a red-haired woman friend of Charles and Katherine Schmid, foster parents of the convicted killer, screamed at a group of photographers who were crowding around the family.

"You got what you wanted  now go," she shouted as the flashbulbs popped and reporters crowded around to catch a glimpse of Schmid's wife Diane who was slumped in a chair in the lobby outside the courtroom.

The denfendant did not say a word in court except perhaps a whispered encouragement to his wife.

His only words outside the courtroom were, "That's the way it goes."

With his hands cuffed behind him he was taken to a waiting car by Deputy Sheriff Henry Booth who has escorted the defendant and guarded him during the entire trial.
An Arizona lawmaker will be making another push in 2018 for a bill that would create a public animal abuse registry where someone with a felony conviction of animal cruelty would be listed.

In past legislative sessions in Arizona, Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, has spearheaded animal-protection bills and helped propose the first registry bill, Senate Bill 1141, which failed in January 2017 after it stalled in committee and no vote was held.

The registry will be used so that individuals who are selling a pet to somebody could voluntarily check to see if this person has ever been convicted of animal abuse and then not sell the animal, Kavanagh said.

Kavanagh said its difficult to get many animal protection bills passed into law.

I think the main reason is that a lot of the people who oppose such regulations, in the husbandry community  view it as a slippery slope to laws that will infringe on cattle and dairy activities in the state, he said, adding that he makes it a point to exclude those types of animals from any bills.

The bill states that anyone convicted of felony animal cruelty, animal fighting, cockfighting, or anyone attending animal or cockfights and equine tripping events would be subject to being placed on the list for about two years, and five years for repeat offenders.

Kavanagh indicated he would make a push for the bill in the 2018 session.

Issues have been raised against a registry potentially blacklisting a person by keeping their name tied to the registry for a long period, Kavanagh said.

In fact we put into the bill that if a person goes to treatment and a doctor certifies that they responded to treatment after a year or two they could have their name removed from the list, he said.

The registry would have no cost to implement or maintain, Kavanagh said, adding the list would be made available on the Arizona secretary of states website.

First it benefits the animals the most because itll keep them out of the hands of abusers, he said. It would allow for peace of mind in the selling or giving away of pets for adoption and show Arizona is a pet-friendly place, Kavanagh said.

Kellye Pinkleton, Arizona state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said an idea like a registry has to be made in a thoughtful way.

When we talk about animal abuse, theres a wide variety of crimes under that umbrella that can include the really egregious forms, some of the worst cases we might hear about, she said. But that also would include the folks who are charged that it might be a hoarding situation or a neglect situation, and there might be some mental-health issues going on there.

Pinkleton also said input should come from law enforcement, government officials, advocates and mental-health professionals to make a potential registry effective.

The first registry bill to pass in a state was accomplished by Tennessee lawmakers. State Rep. Darren Jernigan, a Democrat who represents a district east of Nashville, spearheaded the bill and said it took three years to get passed, it first launched in January 2016. Since weve passed it, about a dozen states have contacted wanting to do something similar, Jernigan said.

The idea for its creation came from one of his constituents living in his neighborhood. A woman told him about an animal abuse incident against a dog that was killed.

She said to me basically there needs to be some kind of registration or a database to where this person cant go out and get another one, he said. So I told her I would do that.

The bill makes information public about a person convicted of aggravated cruelty, including their picture, county of residence and the length of their time left on the registry.

This information could be found in a courthouse, but through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation website, it is made public and is easy to find, Jernigan said.

The registry has a requirement of two years for a convicted abuser. Repeat offenders will spend five years on the website. A total of eight people appear on the list, from six counties.

Im kind of disappointed in it to be honest, Tammy Rouse, executive director at the Union County Humane Society in Tennessee said. Theres not very many people who make the animal registry list. Its only for people who get convicted of felony crimes.

Most animal cruelty cases involve misdemeanors. Rouse believes the registry is a step in the right direction, but more can be done.

Animal hoarding is one of the largest growing animal cruelty instances across the country, and those are heinous situations, she said. We had one here March of 2014, we took 138 dogs out of a 900-square-foot home.  It was the worst thing Ive ever experienced, and those people were charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.

The law can be improved in the future, Jernigan said.

Its baby steps, like any legislation. You want to get what you can in the door and try to build on it and now that its law, itll be a little bit easier I think to amend it, he said.

One point that led to the passing of the bill is that it also does not have any costs associated with it. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation runs the website and communicates with county clerks on new additions to the registry.

The Pima County Attorneys Office convicted 13 people of felony animal abuse in 2016, which was preceded by nine convictions in 2015 and nine in 2014, according to public records.

We dont have very many cases in the office in this nature, said Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall. The numbers are very, very low, but the convictions reflect that.

In 2015, the office issued charges in 13 cases and 20 in 2014, LaWall said.

Tucson police arrested 25 people in connection with animal-abuse cases in 2016, including 10 people on animal-cruelty charges, nine people for leaving an animal with no ventilation and a single arrest each for neglect, neglect with physical injury, no shelter, no vet care and tie-out violations, according to records obtained by the Star through a public-records request.

Its unclear from the document which of those arrests were felonies and which were misdemeanors.
A 30-year-old man was arrested near Phoenix Monday afternoon in connection with a carjacking that took place at a Marana gas station an hour before, officials said.

Shortly before noon, a woman was pumping gas at the Giant gas station located at 7820 North Silverbell Road, when a man with a firearm approached her and demanded the car keys, according to a news release from the Marana Police Department.

The victim wasn't injured and was left behind at the scene. Marana police immediately broadcasted an attempt to locate message to other law enforcement agencies with the vehicle information and suspect description, the release said.

An hour later, Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers spotted the vehicle headed westbound on I-10 into the Phoeix metro area and conducted a traffic stop on Wesley Schenk, arresting him without incident.

Troopers found the weapon inside of the car, and it was determined to be a replica firearm, the release said.

Schenk was booked into the Maricopa County jail on charges of theft of a means of transportation, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a simulated deadly weapon and armed robbery.
President Trump has pardoned a sheriff who, with a regions responsibility for law and order, willfully disregarded the judicial order to stop detaining and terrifying people on the basis of race. Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio, a man with whom he bonded over their shared anti-Hispanic racism and birther efforts to persuade the nation that a black man could not run for  let alone be  president.

Trumps pardon of Sheriff Arpaio gives the green light to the institutionalization of racism or any other -ism in law enforcement nationwide, and signals that any whom Trump considers friend or family need not fear consequences for illegal acts. If allowed to stand, this pardon of Sheriff Arpaio is, quite simply, obstruction of justice in a case that has not even gone to sentencing (let alone appeal, whats the point?). Trumps choice should be binary: withdraw the pardon or be held accountable for obstruction.

Dorothy Johnson

Midtown
In America, Democracy is for sale every day and campaign finance reform is needed more than ever. Corporations and lobbyists have too much power in Congress and the voices of everyday Americans like myself are being ignored. It is time for a Congress that is focused more on helping working and middle class families like mine and less on helping their campaign donors and special interests. That is why I am supporting Democrat Billy Kovacs in his race for Congress. He has pledged to not accept money from corporations or individuals who are registered federal lobbyists. This is important to me. This is a big step in the right direction. We need more candidates like Billy who are serious about getting big money out of politics.
Over 22 million students across Vietnam attended a national back-to-school festival on Tuesday morning as the country braces for major education reform over the next few years.

Though school activities may have resumed as early as August, September 5 has for a long time been the date when most schools hold an opening ceremony to officially commence their academic year.

In Hanoi, over 100,000 teachers and nearly 1.8 million students attended such ceremonies organized across 2,669 local institutions offering general education.

Educators in the Vietnamese capital have said the focus of the 2017-2018 academic year would be to equip its students with life skills, legal knowledge and training on traffic safety.

Over 1.6 million students attending more than 2,000 kindergartens, elementary schools and high schools in Ho Chi Minh City also entered the new school year on Tuesday.

The southern metropolis saw an increase of over 59,000 students this year compared to the last.

Students attend the opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year at Vo Van Kiet High School in Ho Chi Minh City, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

According to the municipal Department of Education and Training, schools in the city are expected to place more emphasis on training students soft skills to better prepare them for real-life challenges and to help them live harmonious lives.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training has stressed the significance of this school year as a platform for the important groundwork required for a comprehensive reform of the countrys education system.

According to a draft of the reform announced in April of this year, a series of new school subjects would be introduced, including those that enhance students experimental creativity, technological literacy and understanding of the business world.

The reform looks to equip students with ten core competencies in self-education, communication and cooperation, problem solving, foreign languages, computation, world exploration, technology, computer science, esthetics and physical fitness.

The change, set to be implemented at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, will also include a complete makeover of the countrys textbooks.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (C) attends the opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year at Vo Van Kiet High School in Ho Chi Minh City, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Students attend the opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year at Tam Vu Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A man fixes his daughters hair as he drops her off at Tam Vu Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang talks with students at Trung Vuong High School in Hanoi, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang beats the drum at Trung Vuong High School in Hanoi, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Students attend the opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year at Dong Tam Elementary School in Hanoi, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Two students in Ha Tinh Province smile for a photo while attending their schools opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Visually impaired students attend the opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Blind in Ho Chi Minh City, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha has recently visited three countries in Northern Europe in search of cooperation opportunities in the field of education.

Minister Nha was joined by headmasters from a number of schools and universities in his country on the working trip across Finland, Sweden and Denmark ahead of Vietnams national back-to-school day on Tuesday.

Eighteen memoranda of understanding were signed between Vietnamese and Finnish schools over the course of the ministers visit, addressing areas of teacher training, the dedication of learning materials and online teaching technologies, and the establishment of Finnish-invested schools in Vietnam.

A further 17 memoranda of understanding were closed with Denmark, outlining cooperation in medical and geological education and research, as well as the implementation of information technology in education.

During Minister Nhas meeting with the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Trns, the two exchanged in-depth discussions on STEM education, which aims to educate students in four specific disciplines  science, technology, engineering and mathematics  using an interdisciplinary approach.

Phung Xuan Nha, Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Conscious adoption

According to officials from subordinate departments of the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, mainstream education in the three Northern European nations share a range of values with Vietnams upgraded philosophy of education, as seen in a recent draft of comprehensive reforms of its general education.

The upcoming reform, set for 2019, will empower teachers and students with more freedom and autonomy, while emphasizing experimental and creative activities at school and evaluating students on both progress and final results.

Nguyen Duc Huu, an education ministry official, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the new method of student evaluation expected in the upcoming reform is similar to that adopted by schools in Finland.

It brings us more confidence that we are heading the right way, Huu said. Nevertheless, there are still challenges to overcome, and more adjustments [to foreign methods] must be made to fit in with Vietnams conditions.

Students attend the opening ceremony for the 2017-2018 academic year at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School in Ho Chi Minh City, September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The ministrys head of international cooperation Nguyen Xuan Vang said Minister Nhas visit had opened the door for Vietnamese schools to import teaching programs from these nations with developed education systems.

However, he added that it was necessary for schools to make conscious adoptions of such programs on the basis of understanding similarities and differences between Vietnam and the European countries.

One such difference is the human factor, said Lam Hong Lam Thuy, headmaster of Nguyen Binh Khiem Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City. In order to successfully implement modern teaching methods, we must first upgrade the mindset of teachers and education administrators.

According to Thuy, teachers in Finland enjoy a much wider freedom in deciding their teaching style and lesson plans, without being under constant supervision and inspection.

Teaching is also a much better-paid profession in Finland compared to Vietnam, which frees teachers of financial worries to concentrate on providing the best for students, she added.

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With experience of Israels high-tech farming systems obtained during their master programs, two young Vietnamese agricultural engineers have made a difference and achieved success in their home country.

Nguyen Duc Dung, 30, and Hoang Thi Sen, 26, are among the first 15 Vietnamese engineers to obtain masters degrees in agricultural engineering in Israel.

They both spent 10 months working as farmers at a moshav (farm cluster) in the Middle Eastern country, which is well-renowned for its highly developed farming technology.

Upon their return to Vietnam, the duo have put their expertise and experience into practice in the hope of making changes to their countrys agriculture.

Around 9:00 am at a farm of VinEco, an agricultural subsidiary of conglomerate Vingroup in Long Thanh District, Dong Nai Province, which neighbors Ho Chi Minh City, Dung was meticulously checking parameters in the greenhouse control system.

Hailing from the central province of Quang Nam, Dung is in charge of the farms greenhouse and agricultural technology.

The farm was teeming with melons in a variety of different colors and sizes.

Agriculture engineer Nguyen Duc Dung operates the cutting-edge greenhouse monitoring system. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Dungs working days typically start at 6:30 am with the delegation of tasks to workers and checking for pests.

Around noon, nets are automatically drawn out to shield the greenhouse from the blazing sun.

Dung painstakingly examines the lush beds of melons which are watered with irrigation pipes that reach every plant.

He revealed that all the greenhouses at the farm were equipped with automated microclimate control systems, and all watering and fertilizing jobs were operated by the irrigation system.

The fertigation system sprays the plants with nourishment on an hourly basis.

Fertilizers are dissolved in water and vary in volume based on the plants growth to ensure maximal, even absorption.

The advanced climate monitoring system, which comprises shade screens and sucking fans, is designed to ensure ideal temperature and moisture for optimal plant growth and yields.

Our job is checking parameters on temperature, moisture, pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) and to make decisions on whether to change the automatic process, Dung explained.

The Israel-trained engineer also gave direct instructions regarding the phases of melon care to workers.

Meanwhile, Sen, who comes from the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, said that she had experienced all of the production phases, including soil preparation, sowing, caretaking, harvesting and packaging, during her masters degree at Tel Aviv University in Israel.

The young woman recalled being overwhelmed at the modern farms boasting cutting-edge technology when she first arrived in Israel, with a research center dedicated to every few moshav.

All that farmers did was submit their production plans. Relevant units then take care of all the remaining tasks, including provision of seedlings and manure. Farmers dont even need to check what is inside the fertilizers, Sen said.

Israel-trained agriculture engineer Hoang Thi Sen is seen in a self-provided photo.

During her stay in Israel, Sen practiced operating the dripping and spraying irrigation and fogging nozzle systems as well as the automatic watering and fertigation software, and learned to carry out cutting-edge greenhouse procedures.

The aspiring technologist went on to learn techniques in tissue culture, pest eradication, and seedling storage and treatment.

Many farmers in Israel have earned university or even masters degrees and are fluent in English. They are also more than willing to share what they know with others. Israeli people typically provide their children with a good education to become farmers, Sen observed.

Upon her return to Vietnam in 2016, she has worked at one of the countrys pioneers of hi-tech farming which she rates highly in comparison to those in Israel.

The farm she is working at also boasts modern greenhouse systems with automatically operated watering and fertigation procedures.

However, Sen has to select breeds of plants and incubate saplings on her own instead of having such tasks taken care of as they were in Israel.

Theres a long way to go for Vietnams agriculture sector to be on a par with that of Israels. The trip to Israel really inspired us to reach new heights in agricultural technology, she noted.

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When he got to the top of Mount Elbrus, 5,642m high, he proudly unfurled the Vietnamese flag and waved it in the air.

At that moment, I was filled with emotion. It seemed like every muscle in my body was revived and proud of being a Vietnamese who conquered this European peak, Giang told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper from Russia.

After reaching the top, the group of mountaineers began the six-hour journey back to camp 3,500 meters above sea level.

Incredible Caucasus Mountain challenges the mountaineers with Mount Elbrus. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

From there, they took a specialized vehicle back to their shelter.

Even though Giang was extremely happy at representing Vietnam in conquering one of the highest mountains in the world, he admitted the journey was far from easy due to severe weather.

Mount Elbrus is in the Caucasus Mountains, and was formed around two million years ago after an impact between the Arab and European-Asian Continents, according to the 29-year-old mountaineer.

The road to Elbrus with the rain, wind, clouds and the white snow makes an overwhelming scenario. Humans become tiny when facing nature, yet they are filled with their inner power to survive an extract from Hoang Le Giangs diary to conquer the peak of Europe. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Caucasus, a natural border between Asia and Europe, is a trekking route that attracts professional mountaineers from all over the world. Elbrus is very challenging because of its fast-changing steepness which can easily make any professional dizzy, Giang said about the mountain.

To reach Elbrus, Giang began his journey with a 2.5-hour flight from Moscow  the capital of Russia  to Mineralyne Vody.

From there, he took a 200-kilometer-trip by taxi to Terskol in the south of Russia (near the border with Georgia).

The crew that conquered Mount Elbrus in September 2017. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Terskol is quite silent and you will barely see any foreigners. Neither restaurants nor eateries are in sight. This is a Muslim area so the security there is really tight, said Giang about Terskol.

I came one day in advance to get used to the weather and stayed in a local hotel. The price was around VND500,000 [US$22] per night with breakfast included. People there, the housekeeper and the cook, were very nice but they couldnt understand English so we had difficulty communicating.

The journey was no walk in the park.

The incredible images from the trip to conquer the Elbrus. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

The incredible images from the trip to conquer the Elbrus. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Giang soon joined his group of 20 people (one Vietnamese  Giang, two Britons, 17 Malaysians) to begin climbing Elbrus.

The multi-national crew and I climbed toward the top despite the snowstorms on Caucasus. The weather was awful and constantly changing. The hailstorms and snowstorms made the journey even more challenging. The schedule was affected and expanses increased. During the whole week there was not a crew that was successful in conquering the peak because of the dreadful weather, Giang told Tuoi Tre.

Hoang Le Giang admitted experiencing altitude sickness many times but he pushed through.

There are also times when among the thick clouds a silver lining creates a magical scenario, giving hope to the mountain climbers extracted from Hoang Le Giangs diary to conquer the peak of Europe. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

At the top of the mountain, the temperature was minus 20 degrees Celsius. Wind was blowing at 35kph so it felt like it was -35C. Thats why in the Malaysian crew of 17 people, only three successfully climbed to the top while the others gave up, he said.

I was completely exhausted during the journey since we began at 1:00 am every morning and continued until 10:00 pm, suffering from sleep and oxygen deprivation. The strong winds led me to believe that I would hardly make it to the top. But I did my best to take another step, and another  until I was able to take out the red flag [Vietnamese flag] from my pocket.

The victory Giang experienced conquering the mountain, however, was unlike victories one is used to seeing.

The 29-year-old mountaineers gear. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

As Giang put it, it was a quiet moment of self-congratulations.

If mountain climbing is considered a sport, then its one with no medals, no applause and a harsh arena. I climb [the mountains] not to impress in a sport that is not yet popular in Vietnam. I climb [the mountains] to challenge myself and admire the world, the man explained.

After an exhausting trip, the 29-year-old told Tuoi Tre what he had learnt from the journey.

Terskols beautiful fall scenery through Hoang Le Giangs lens. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Terskols beautiful fall scenery through Hoang Le Giangs lens. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Terskols beautiful fall scenery through Hoang Le Giangs lens. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Terskols beautiful fall scenery through Hoang Le Giangs lens. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

The lesson learnt is that we must not get ahead of ourselves and we need to understand our physical capabilities, he said.

I thought that if I had successfully conquered a 6,150m-high mountain already, the 5,642m Elbrus would not be as much of a challenge. However, in reality, Elbrus was much more challenging because of the rigorous weather and the storms (I had to wait much longer than expected).

The wind there [on Mount Elbrus] was freezing and caused a lot of pain when it hit you. There were also hailstorms which required a lot more strength during the climb. Therefore, you needed to be prepared for everything in case there was hardship. For instance, I brought myself a spare jacket to deal with the rigorous weather.

Dandelion blowing in the wind right at the foot of Caucasus Mountain. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Conquering Mount Elbrus is part of Giangs dream of climbing each of the seven biggest peaks in the world.

The first peak he conquered was the 6,150m high Mount Stok Kangri in India, in August 2016.

On September 13, Giang will come back to Vietnam to prepare himself for his next goal: conquering the highest peaks of Africa, South America, Australia and even Everest, if he has the financial resources, Giang told Tuoi Tre.

The journey to the top of the incredible Elbrus is an unforgettable experience for the ones who yearn to discover, challenge and overcome themselves. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

Giang was born in 1988, and studied marketing in Jonkoping University in Sweden.

He has been mountaineering since 2011, has climbed Himalaya Mountain seven times and visited 30 different countries.

Toward the end of 2016, Giang began being noticed online and was the only Vietnamese representative to undertake a 300km trip in the North Pole in April 2014.

He also joined a Son Doong cave expedition during the summer of 2017.

Mount Elbrus West (left)  the destination of the journey. Photo: Hoang Le Giang

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A number of ethnic minority men from the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong have been making a living hunting snakes, including venomous ones, in a strip of forbidden forest for over a decade now.

As night falls, men from the Chau Ma and Stieng ethnic minority groups will leave their hamlets inside a strictly protected area of Cat Tien National Park and head toward the springs.

The park spans a vast area around 170km from the popular resort town of Da Lat, and crosses the borders of the two neighboring provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc.

The hunting daredevils catch various species of snake, including venomous ones, using only their bare hands or simple tools.

The reptiles are then sold to restaurant owners as food or are fermented in alcohol as a potion or ornament.

Several fetch high prices as they are claimed to possess medicinal properties, including the ability to cure cancer.

Hunters stick to their job to earn money and support their families despite the risk of snakebites.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper journalists recently joined a group of the snake stalkers to acquire an understanding of their job.

According to KHoang, one of the group members, residents rely heavily on forest resources after harvest; picking wild vegetables by day and hunting for snakes by night.

The group traveled around 10 kilometers from their hamlet to reach an area teeming with their catch.

Non-poisonous serpents such as grass snakes, colubrid snakes, sunbeam snakes and venomous ones including king cobras, dendrophis, monocled cobras, as well as pythons are most sought-after by the group.

All 11 of the group members catch the non-poisonous snakes with their bare hands, while using simple tools such as home-made clamps, sacks, nets, torches, and bush hooks to grasp venomous ones.

They also take along their home-made alcohol guns, the use of which has been banned given the risks involved.

The gun looks similar to a rifle, but its two cartridge holders are in the butt, which contains alcohol gas. Its trigger is an electric spark.

K'Hoang pulls a snake from a tree with his bare hands. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Bullets, which are ball-bearings from a bike, are applied directly from the barrel.

I buy a few pipe segments to build the gun, and disassemble it after Im done with the hunt. So no one really knows, KHoang divulged.

Beneath the cloak of darkness, the group continued to trek upstream, with the sounds made by nocturnal animals heard from afar.

KNiep, still in his early 30s, is a veteran hunter.

The back of his hand is riddled with scars gained from attempting to grab the snakes hidden in the shrubs.

It takes great courage wading upstream in the black of night to reach the snakes' dens.

We stay alert all the time while crossing the streams, and have to jump out of the water as quickly as we can if we notice a strange noise or feel stronger currents. Floodwaters can surge without warning and flush all of us away, KNiep cautioned.

According to the hunters, they need to shine their flashlights at the shrubs.

The snakes, which swarm the area at night to stalk on their own prey, leave themselves exposed because their tails and torsos reflect the light.

Walking along, KHoang suddenly let out a whistle as he spotted a coiling python on a branch about three meters above the ground.

Moving quickly, KHoang adeptly catches the reptiles head using his clamp.

The python, weighing about 3kg, then frantically slid into a nearby spring where KNiep was waiting to ambush it.

Boas of 10kg or above can easily wind their long body around a human adult and crush them to death. Those who are lucky to survive will still suffer critical injuries, mostly bone fractures, KHoang noted.

KDieu, another group member, recalled a time that he and several other villagers spotted a king cobra several months earlier.

When he and another hunter tried to grip its head, the reptile jerked free and attacked them.

The angered snake ran after its hunters, causing them to flee in panic.

KHoang then recalled another instance in which a novice was bitten by a venomous snake after he had tried to capture the reptile with his bare hands, having mistaken it for a non-poisonous one.

KHoang briskly tied a string around the bite to stop the flow of venom and rushed him on his back to hospital.

We do the job for a living. The more venomous the snake is, the more expensive it is. Picking vegetables from the forests, which is typically done by women, is not enough to provide for our family, KNiep shared.

The hunters' catch includes several snakes, a boa and three iguanas. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The group also captured other wild animals including fowls, lizards and iguanas, which they spotted during the nights hunt.

We sell the snakes and other animals which fetch high prices and split the money, and kill the low-value ones for food, KDieu, 31, said.

On the night in question, the group managed to catch five snakes, a python and three iguanas.

The expensive species are much harder to find now. Big ones can fetch a few million dong [VND1 million is equivalent to US$44] apiece, he revealed, admitting to have been on the job for around 10 years.

Tuoi Tres investigation revealed that snake prices fluctuate between VND400,000 ($18) and VND1.2 million ($52) per kilogram.

According to the Lam Dong Forest Ranger Department, in addition to Cat Tien National Park, poachers and residents also hunt in neighboring districts Da Teh and Da Huoai.

A wildlife conservation officer in Cat Tien Park put the rampant illegal activity down to slack forest ranging and a forest management paradox.

Some thousand households have called Cat Tien Park home for years.

A relocation plan has been delayed due to a lack of funding. Its thus difficult to keep hunting in check as the residents live inside the strictly protected forest and rely on its resources for their livelihood, he noted.

Nguyen Khang Thien, head of the provincial Forest Ranging Department, said that rangers had busted eight wildlife trading cases and seized 32 snakes and boas in the first six months of 2017.

Poachers can be fined between VND500,000 ($22) and VND400 million ($17,493) depending on the number and species of snakes they catch.

Many varieties of snake in Cat Tien and other forests south of Lam Dong have been listed in the IIB category, which means restricted exploitation for commercial use, Thien added.

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A three-story house in Ho Chi Minh City collapsed on Saturday night, burying everything underneath.

There were no casualties as house residents had evacuated from the building an hour before the incident in Tan Binh District thanks to early warnings.

According to initial reports, locals living on Tan Son Hoa Street in Tan Binh heard a series of loud cracks coming from a three-story house at number 41 on the night.

They quickly notified local authorities and alerted those living inside to evacuate and move their properties to safety.

About an hour after the first cracks were heard, the house collapsed to its side, tumbling over another house that was separated from the first by an ongoing construction site.

Homes nearby had their walls torn apart by the force of the collapse.

Excavation works at the construction site are currently the main suspect behind the incident, authorities said.

Local police arrived shortly at the scene to set up a perimeter blockade and conduct an investigations into the cause of the collapse.

An official from the Peoples Committee of Ward 2 in Tan Binh District told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Sunday that damage reports were being done.

The site of the house collapse on Tan Son Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Patches of the walls of nearby houses are torn apart in the collapse. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The site of the house collapse on Tan Son Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The site of the house collapse on Tan Son Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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Here are todays leading news stories:

Politics

-- Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang considered the Vietnam-Laos relationship a traditional friendship and efficient cooperation on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the two nations diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962).

Society

-- Leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee have called on investment from various channels into five metro and one monorail projects, with the total capital estimated at VND252 trillion (US$11 billion).

-- Scorching weather is forecast to continue heating up localities in central and southern Vietnam until the end of today, September 5, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

-- Routes leading to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were once again congested on Monday as a large number of people returned to the two big cities following their holiday marking National Day (September 2).

-- The World Bank has signed several MoUs on cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City to provide support for seven breakthrough projects.

-- Two people were killed and seven others hospitalized after a landslide occurred at a village in the northern province of Yen Bai on Monday.

-- The total number of fatalities due to traffic accidents across Vietnam increased to 58 after the final day of the three-day holiday celebrating National Day (from September 2 to 4), the National Committee for Traffic Safety reported.

-- A pregnant woman and her young children, a three-year-old boy and four-year-old girl, have been found dead in the north-central province of Nghe An. Initial investigation showed that she had committed suicide due to conflicts with her husband.

-- Authorities in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City are expected to pilot a project regarding technology application in the management of automobile parking.

Business

-- The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed an increase in the cost for wind power to $0.087 per kilowatt-hour.

Education

-- Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha and presidents of several Vietnamese high schools and universities have conducted a business trip to Finland, Sweden, and Denmark to seek experience and cooperation in the field of teaching.

Sports

-- Vietnam will face Cambodia in the qualifying round of the 2019 Asian Cup in Phnom Penh at 6:30 pm on Tuesday (Vietnam time).

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Managers of a park in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang have asked local authorities for permission to close a zoo within the park's grounds due to a limited number of animals.

Nguyen Thi Quynh Diem, deputy director of the Da Nang Greenery Parks Company, confirmed that a proposal had been submitted to the municipal Department of Construction to seek agreement on the shutdown of the zoo inside 23/9 Park.

Located on Dien Bien Phu Street in Thanh Khe District, 23/9 is a green tree park covering 20 hectares and is a favorite place of leisure for local residents.

According to deputy director Diem, the shutdown of the zoo is necessary as there are only 22 animals currently being raised at the facility, and the companys capacity to run it is also limited.

The zoo has been open for the past 30 years and been home to a variety of animal species originating from Africa, she continued, adding that the number of animals has been decreasing over the years.

We have tried to save the establishment in several ways, none of which have been successful. The lack of diversity and space has resulted in a declining number of visitors, Diem elaborated.

Sanitary procedures within the cages are also said to be inadequate, which is a glaring fault of the venue.

Following the shutdown of the zoo, all animals will be transported to other facilities that are capable of raising and preserving them, she added.

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Routes leading to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were congested on Monday as a huge number of people returned to both two cities after their holiday marking Vietnam's National Day (September 2).

Following the three-day break, from September 2 to 4, numerous people traveled back to the northern and southern hubs to resume their daily routines, creating overwhelming traffic pressure.

A traffic jam in front of the Nuoc Ngam Bus Station in Hanoi on September 4, 2017.

According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, several traffic hotspots in Hanoi, namely Ngoc Hoi Street, Nuoc Ngam Bus Station, Ring Road 3, and Khuat Duy Tien-Nguyen Trai Intersection, were heavily congested by around 4:30 pm.

Traffic police officers had to exert their full effort to control the situation.

The bottlenecks had not dissipated as of 6:00 pm because of the endless number of commuters.

A traffic jam in front of the Nuoc Ngam Bus Station in Hanoi.

A large number of people travel toward Hanoi following the holiday.

Traffic gridlock on Ring Road 3 in the Vietnamese capital

Traffic gridlock on Ring Road 3 in the Vietnamese capital

The problem was even more chaotic in Ho Chi Minh City when it began raining in the early evening, posing immense difficulty for travelers, who had already become exhausted in heavy traffic jams.

Many reported that the situation was most severe in front of the Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Binh Thanh District.

The gridlock was only alleviated by 7:00 pm last night.

Vehicles travel at a snail's pace in front of the Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Severe congestion in Ho Chi Minh City on September 4, 2017

A section of Dinh Bo Linh Street in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City is heavily congested.

A woman holds her child on the back of a motorcycle.

A family appear exhausted by the prolonged congestion.

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The ABC has rejected claims by entrepreneur and businessman Dick Smith it is guilty of bias in ignoring his campaign to cut Australias immigration intake.

Smith has told Fairfax he has spent $1 million in a campaign advocating to cut immigration numbers to around 70,000 but ABC news and current affairs has deliberately ignored it.

He will now launch an advertising campaign against ABC which he suggested was basically treasonous.

A spokesman for the ABC said, The claims by Mr Smith concerning ABC News are untrue and not supported by any evidence. The ABC has no position on the issue of population growth, has no ban on reporting on this subject, and has issued no decrees or any other type of instruction to staff about reporting on this issue.

In 2010 ABC screened Dick Smiths Population Puzzle (pictured), followed by a special Q&A, amid criticism that Smith had part-funded the doco potentially buying airtime on the broadcaster.

At the time Smith even told Fairfax, I think the ABC has been very brave and very responsible in purchasing this documentary because no commercial channel would.
Greig Pickhaver aka HG Nelson has a new series coming to SBS, Secrets of our Cities (yes SBS loves shows with Secrets in the title!)

In the 3 part series he visits Fremantle, Fitzroy and Bondi, to uncover the hidden history and unsung residents whove helped shape these places into the cities they are today. But does he take a train to get there..?

ABC has previously aired factual shows in which Tony Robinson explores Australian towns.

Now an electric, artistic hub, the seaside port of Fremantle has come a long way from its convict outpost days. Greig discovers the waves of migrants whove added a splash of colour to the city; including ten-pound poms, Italian migrants and boatloads of young women who arrived on bride ships. He explores the roots of Fremantle local and ACDC legend Bon Scott, and learns about the Rajneeshees  an obscure religious cult that painted the city orange.

In the trendy, latte lovers paradise of Fitzroy, Victoria, Greig learns how a former slum where many European migrants made their home evolved into one of Melbournes most desirable suburbs. Fitzroy was a hub for activism and the centre of the new call for Aboriginal rights in the 1970s, and once welcomed an unlikely and unscheduled visitor: Muhammad Ali.

Greig travels to the iconic and glamourous beachside suburb of Bondi, Sydney. He learns about the large Jewish community that have called Bondi home since the 1830s, and even catches a glimpse of a subtle Jewish spiritual boundary that lines the pavilion. He visits Australias very first Milk Bar and meets fashion designer Jenny Kee who left Australia for London to follow the Beatles.

Set against the backdrop of moments that have made history, Greig explores the different waves of migration that have shaped some of our most famous cities, and meets fascinating and colourful local characters along the way to remind us of our unique Australian heritage.

Tuesday, 26 September at 7.30pm on SBS.
CI will screen what is being touted as an important crime investigation later this month, The Queen & Zak Grieve.

The 90-minute doco is the assembly of six vodcasts produced by The Australian with reporter Dan Box.

He investigates the story of a young Indigenous man convicted of murder and facing a life in prison as a result of the Northern Territorys mandatory sentencing laws, a decision the judge himself described as an injustice.

Director Ivan OMahoney said: This was a unique opportunity for us to work with one of Australias best reporters, on a story of national importance and pioneer a new way of long-form documentary storytelling.

Jim Buchan, Foxtels General Manager  Factual Channels, said: Were pleased to be working with The Australian, In Films and Screen Australia in bringing our CI audience this important and moving Australian story.

Dan Boxs investigation highlights how Australias mandatory sentencing laws challenge our everyday perception of what justice should look like.

Dan and his team spent weeks in the Top End town of Katherine investigating the killing and the events that led to Zak Grieve being jailed, despite evidence he was not there when the crime took place. They conducted exclusive interviews with many of the people involved, including the judge who sent Grieve to jail, and obtained rare access to crime scene footage, forensic photographs, police interviews with suspects and trial recordings from the case.

The compelling documentary raises questions about the criminal justice system itself. How could this apparent injustice have happened? Is it time for the mandatory sentencing laws that led to Grieves lifelong incarceration to finally be revoked?

The Queen & Zak Grieve is produced by In Films for The Australian and Foxtel, with production funding from Screen Australia, in association with Create NSW.

Wednesday September 27 at 7:30pm on CI.
Compass this week begins a three-part series, Power to the People, which looks at the social revolutions that have shaped our nation.

Power to the People is an immersive three-part series that explores how groups of everyday people have fought against social injustice and discrimination.

Sometimes through violence and heartbreak, but usually through fostering compassion and understanding, those relegated to the fringes of society have pushed for reform and acceptance. Interweaving archive, actuality and interviews, each episode of Power to the People is anchored by a presenter whose personal experience informs the narrative.

In the first episode, The Power of Belonging, screening Saturday 9 September at 6.00pm on ABC & iview, Kumi Taguchi looks at the waves of migration into Australia and changing attitudes towards our newest citizens. From Josipa and Frank  a European couple that met and married thanks to the Snowy Mountains Scheme, to Margaret  the granddaughter of Vietnam War refugees, Kumi introduces us to five migrants who call Australia home. Through their stories we explore what contributes to a migrants sense of belonging and how that enriches Australian society as a whole.

Next up, on Saturday 16 September at 6.00pm on ABC & iview, Stan Grant explores the Indigenous Rights movements of the sixties and seventies in Black Power. Looking back on pivotal events like the 1972 founding of the tent embassy and the Freedom Rides of 1965, Stan asks how far have we come?. Is there such a thing as an Indigenous nation and if so, how does it define itself? When are Indigenous people going to have equal rights?

And finally, on Saturday 23 September at 6.00pm on ABC & iview, Julie McCrossin charts the rise of the Australian LGTBQI rights movement in The Power of Love. Progressing from the criminalisation of homosexuality to the legislative and social changes brought about by the first Mardi Gras, we hear from the people who put everything on the line in the fight for equality. While identifying as other than heterosexual is more accepted in society today, the suicide rate of LGBTQI people is rising and the battle for marriage equality continues.

Gay & Lesbian Switchboard

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Begins Saturday 9 September at 6pm on ABC.
Suspended A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack was in Downing Centre Local Court following his arrest over child pornography charges.

His lawyer Sam Macedone told the court he was in discussions with the NSW DPP over a potential plea but it is unclear which aspects of case were being negotiated.

He asked for an extension to receive the completed brief telling magistrate Jennifer Atkinson he was confident a plea would be entered on September 26, then McCormack could then be committed to the District Court for sentence.

McCormack was initially charged with using a carriage service for child pornography material  but a second identical charge was laid by police against the senior journalist at a previous hearing.

He was suspended by Nine following his arrest and has been receiving treatment at a Sydney hospital.

The ACA reporter will continue to be out on bail, but today Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson varied his bail conditions so he only has to report to police once a week instead of twice.

Source: Nine News, News Corp, ABC
Updated: More international dramas are being added to SBS on Demand on Thursday, 2015 French political thriller The Bureau and Israeli drama Mamas Story.

The Bureau

Creating these legends takes months of work, and maintaining them takes unwavering discipline. It is this combination of dedication and danger that gives the branch its name  The Bureau of Legends.

Malotru, a French intelligence officer from the Bureau who has been undercover in Syria for six years, is suddenly called back home. Back in Paris, he faces the difficulty of forgetting his undercover identity, the disappearance of a colleague in Algeria, and having to take on the training of a young female recruit.

To make matters more complicated, he learns that the woman he fell madly in love with in Damascus is actually in Paris. Reassuming his undercover identity to be with her, Malotru begins a dangerous crossover between his two worlds  his reality, and his legend.

Thursday, 7 September (season 1  all 10 episodes available On Demand)

Thursday, 14 September (season 2  all 10 episodes available On Demand)

Thursday, 21 September (season 3  all 10 episodes available On Demand)

Mamas Story

A mothers world is shattered when she discovers the body of her young son under a desecrated war memorial in a wealthy Tel Aviv suburb.

Yael Tamir (Sharon Shtark), a prison therapist, has her life turned upside down when her son is found dead on the eve of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On the same night, an 18-year-old Ethiopian military service ditcher Rafa (Yoni Meles) is caught vandalising the memorial  and subsequently captured and charged for the murder.

CSI expert Naama (Vered Feldman), meanwhile, is dealing with her own troubles. Shes just come out of surgery following a breast cancer scare and returns to a mishandled investigation  she begins to suspect the prosecution have the wrong person.

Mamas Angel follows the lives of those affected as the ensuing police investigation unfolds.

Thursday, 14 September (season 1  all 10 episodes available)

Note: Berlin Station will be added later this year.
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

Support TwoCircles



BHU has expelled a graduate student from the hostel on the allegation that she was lesbian, and she was corrupting other girl students.

The girl is a student at BHUs Womens College and used to live in the hostel. The undergraduate student was expelled from the hostel facility, as she showed homosexual tendencies.

However, the administration makes up this issue by labeling the student as problem creator for other hostelers and wardens of the hostel.

Sources inside the university confirm the allegation. The decision to show her a way out was because of that she was hindering the hostels peace and discipline with her activities which normal people dont do.

However, the student is not expelled from the course and the college.

Hostel coordinator Neelam Atri denied the allegation that she was expelled because of any homosexual activities, but she did say that the reasons to expel her were solely internal.

Atri also said that she was harassing other hostel boarders, but she could not provide the details of the harassment which the girl is charged with.

The issue becomes grave as the victim student, who does not want to come before media, is blind from one eye.

Now the university administration wants the girl to be treated, and if the treatment becomes successful, the girl might be taken back into the hostel, claimed the administration.

However, the officials and the sources both objected to the word lesbian or gay during the talks. First, it was Neelam Atri, who told us to watch our mouth before the word lesbian comes out of it. And some other professors too warned us for the use of the word.

A hostel source told us, Girls had complained that she was behaving like boys. You might know how boys feel for girls? That is the thing. For that, I might not use the word lesbian. It was just some signs.

But BHU has a lot of cases where people are of different sexual orientation, but this might be the first time when an issue is trying to be made out of it. A hostel student Vikas Kumar from Birla Hostel told us, I know many boys here, who are gay. But with the taboo and hooting in and out the campus, they want to keep it hidden.

A hostel boarder from Womens college told TwoCircles.net, It was totally her business, what she was used to do within a closed room. University had already issued us guidelines how to dress and behave outside of our rooms, now with this issue, will they diktat on how we live and sleep inside the hostel?

Prior to this, BHU administration has been dragged into the Supreme Court for gender discrimination for the girl students living in the hostel on the basis of Malviya values. University imposed several rules to the girl students from how to behave and what to wear and eat, which has caused a lot of heat inside the campus.
Tonkin Gulf incident in 1964 was a watershed in the history of Vietnam as it led to an escalation of the war. Facts have now emerged that the incident was stage managed by President Johnson to show Vietnam was the aggressor. It also gave him an excuse to launch the air bombardment of North Vietnam. The war ended badly for the United States and resulted in a humiliating defeat. Donald Trump appears to be following in the footsteps of Johnson by breathing fire against North Korea. He has tweeted North Korea better not make any threats otherwise they will be met by fire and fury like the world has never seen.

North Korea is not yet a threat

The US military has said that North Korea presently has no means to attack any American base, yet Trump is making belligerent statements to the effect that in the case of the North attacks it would "truly regret it". Trump could use such statements of north korean intent, to launch a preemptive strike. North Korea does have a few nuclear warheads but they cannot reach the USA or even Guam. So what is Donald Trump talking about? Is he like Johnson, planning a bombing of the North?

Johnson and Trump

There is a big difference from the era of Johnson because at that time North Vietnam had no nuclear weapons. But the scenario here is North Korea does have a few nuclear bombs and Kim Jong has repeatedly asserted that any attack on the North will bring a terrible retribution on the South.

The secretary of defence, General Mattis has said that war on the Korean peninsula would be a great calamity and bring untold suffering. In case Trump orders a strike on the North, there is every chance that Kim could authorise a nuclear attack on the South and that would invite severe American retaliation. The result would be the complete annihilation of the Korean people and the peninsula.

Considering that half-life period of a nuclear bomb is 50 years, it could well mean the end of civilisation in that region.

Trumps obsession

Donald Trump is playing with fire and stooping to the level of Kim Jong who is in the habit of making bombastic statements without foundation. One wonders what is his obsession with North Korea.

This is in contrast to China which went nuclear in the sixties and daily threatened America, yet the then presidents did nothing.

Case of China

The USA accepted China as a nuclear power but in the case of Korea, Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea will not be allowed as it is a threat to the USA. He has been threatening war to ensure this and one wonders how North Korea can be a bigger threat than China.
I know some people will not be able to remember, but in the 1980's there was a very popular satire show called "Spitting Image," where puppets in the shape of the real life leaders and the celebrities of the time were depicted, usually in a very unflattering light. The two biggest stars were the UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the President of the USA Ronald Reagan.

It was at a time when the left wing Liberal agenda had nearly ruined this country and Jimmy Carter the previous Democratic President had proven something of a disaster in America.

The Conservatives and Republicans were rolling back the more extreme and ruinous policies and the left were in a fury, as they always seem to be. Thatcher and Reagan were slaughtered by the satirists of the time, including through one very funny sketch that was ongoing and called "The Presidents Brain is Missing." Reagan was portrayed as a near senile incompetent who was responsible for all the world's woes, a racist, fascist and the butt of every joke. Move on three and a half decades and now here's Donald Trump and he is loathed and blamed every bit as much as Reagan ever was by everyone slightly to the left of the political centre.

The danger of pantomime villains

Creating this pantomime villain is great if you never have to answer for your actions or do anything important.

It allows you to appear witty and wise. Corbyn and most Labour MP's are in this position as are Cable and his clan of Lib Dem protesters. Almost all the media in both countries and many celebrities are taking full value of this and shying at him as if he were on a ducking stool. But these people are largely irrelevant and it's a good job they are.

A real danger exists however when people with important roles to play take part in this type of activity. Presently the loathsome spoilt brat Kim Jong-un is busy using North Korea, the country he has enslaved and brainwashed, to develop a Hydrogen bomb as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles that it can be attached to.

This allows a bomb of many times the power of the devastating Nagasaki bomb, which along with the Hiroshima bomb brought a proud warrior nation to its knees within weeks, to potentially be fired against Japan again, South Korea or even the United States.

Can Trump be blamed for this? Incredibly some people are so blinded by loathing that they try to, but it is fatuous nonsense. The blame lies squarely with the spoilt nutcase and the world leaders that have appeased him and his family for decades and allowed him to develop nuclear capability with his seemingly lunatic finger on the trigger.

China has much to answer for. Its huge economy is always desperate for markets to sell to and as almost no one else will have anything to do with the little toad, North Korea is a very important source of revenue for China.

So it has used its might to protect and excuse Kim and his ancestors. But NATO have been no better. Let America deal with it. If Trump acts and wins he will be castigated as a war monger, if he acts and it goes badly it's his fault, if he doesn't act and it goes badly it's his fault. This is cowardly and unworthy of one of the few effective international organisations. We all know the United Nations are a useless talking shop. Kim has defied every one of their laws and they wring their hands and 'tut, tut.'

In the 80's the left had it wrong about Reagan, they seem to always have it wrong. He was a man who influenced people. At the time the world was also lucky to have Mikhail Gorbachev, possibly the greatest Russian leader ever.

I recently heard again Reagan's impassioned speech from the later end of the decade. It included the historical imploring, "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall." It was delivered with intensity, presence and honesty and was as important as John F Kennedy's "I am a Berliner" speech, almost thirty years before about the same hateful wall. Between them Reagan and Gorbachev removed the wall and ended the communist/ socialist experiment that lasted four decades, caused heartache for millions and finally discredited those pathetic ideologies.

Now power must be used to protect us all

Trump is not Regan, but he is a man trying to accomplish things. The Liberals show that they have no answers and are irrelevant when they mock him but offer no solutions in their impotent way.

Perhaps they are as wrong about him as they were about Reagan. He may not be doing everything right but he is trying to deal with the results that decades of appeasement by more popular presidents including Clinton and Obama have caused. This appeasement has delivered the world to the point where an unstable cretin has the capacity to destroy tens of thousands of innocents. Trump needs support, most notably from all the leaders of the NATO countries and China. We do not need the UN reminding us of our duty to protect the citizens and armies of the country that supports Kim and threatens the world, or have them insisting we only use the economic sanctions that have failed so spectacularly and led to this point.

All the people with real power and responsibility must step up in a united fashion and tell the little bully in words he clearly understands that he must back off and comply with international demands, or be permanently removed from this earth. If he chooses defiance him, his dynasty and North Korea in its present form must be removed from power for ever by whatever means necessary.
Various laboratories and institutes detected a powerful seismic signal and concluded that North Korea, had tested a more powerful nuclear device. This was the 6th nuclear bomb test by the communist regime and indicated that the North was developing its nuclear weapons technology at a fast pace. The official North Korean news agency has now claimed that a Hydrogen Bomb, which could be attached to an ICBM had been successfully tested. This has alarmed both Japan and South Korea, as well as the United States. The two allies, China and Russia, condemned the tests but called for a "peaceful" solution.

They have not specified what that peaceful solution is supposed to be and how will it be achieved. The fact is that the purported H- bomb test by the North, does not change the political scenario as the US will find its hands tied and an attack on the North would bring terrible retaliation on the South, which could well lead to a great calamity on the Korean Peninsula.

China

North Korea is at the same stage that China was in the 1960's. At that time, the dictator Mao Tse Tung ruled China and daily the Chinese media blasted Japan and the USA. The Dragon was also developing its nuclear weaponry and delivery capability feverishly and had vowed to destroy America and arch enemy Japan.

U.S. and the dragon

At that time the USA was embroiled in the Vietnam war and it did nothing about China's development of nuclear weapons. No American commentator can explain why the U.S. watched passively when China was testing its Atomic bombs. It had the ability to bomb the Chinese nuclear sites in Sinkiang, yet did nothing.

Was it because China is a very big nation and the U.S. was wary of a prolonged war with China?

War option

Donald Trump is breathing fire against North Korea and has said that " all options are on the table." Presumably, one of the options is attacking Kim Jong-un and the American president has said that the military option is "locked and ready." This is easier said than done as military experts have warned that the U.S.

will win the war but the destruction of South Korea and severe damage to Japan could take place. Millions will die and life on the Korean peninsula would simply not exist for decades.The H-bomb test by Kim Jong-un does not change this scenario.The United States will have to think before attacking the North. South Korea will not allow an attack and President Moon has said there won't be another war on the Korean Peninsula.
Vladimir Putin, the controversy-swamped President of Russia, has spoken out to weigh in on the nuclear crisis in North Korea as it escalates rapidly. Putin warns that it could lead to a planetary catastrophe and a massive death count. He says that theres no other way to solve the North Korean nuclear issue besides peaceful dialogue.

Putin explains that this is the only way to deal with the crisis, adding that increasing military hysteria during such a situation would be senseless. He told journalists at a press conference in China that a military response is a dead end and that what could be coming if we continue with the military strategy is a global, planetary catastrophe and a huge loss of human life.

Pyongyang nuclear test on Sunday by far its most powerful yet

On Sunday, North Korea carried out another nuclear test  its sixth total  and it was by far its most powerful test yet.

The underground launch set of an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3. It had a stronger impact than the nuclear bombs dropped by American forces on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in World War II. These are scary times were living in. For once, vladimir putin might be talking reasonable sense.

Putins comments came at the Brics summit, one of the lesser-known summits at which the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa. Putin spoke about the North Korea crisis on the last day of the summit, which took place in Xiamen, China. He said that Russia condemns the actions of North Korea, although he believes that any further sanctions and warnings against Pyongyang will be a waste off time.

This must be serious then, because Russia doesnt even condemn the actions of the Assad regime in Syria, instead working with President Bashir al-Assad to inflict terror upon his people.

Putin blames the interventions by Iraq and Libya with sending Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, down the path to thinking he needs to have nuclear arms in his arsenal to keep himself out of risk.

Its heading us into the Third World War. The Russian President brought up what happened with Iraq and Saddam Hussein. He noted that Hussein was hanged, his children were murdered, I think his grandson was shot, and the entire country was brought to its knees.

Putin said that the people in North Korea remember well what happened in Iraq.

North Korea will keep nukes as long as they do not feel safe

Putin said that the regime in North Korea will hold onto their nuclear weapons as long as they do not feel safe. Its possible that they dont feel safe because all the other countries that are telling Kim to get rid of his nukes wont be getting rid of their own. Thats where the geopolitical checkmate thats heading straight for World War III is coming from.

The reason that Putin is warning about the risks of military action against North Korea now is because the government of South Korea has just said that they wont necessarily rule out the prospect of redeploying tactical nukes from America on its land.

But theyre trying to ease the tension between the nations. It has come to light that Pyongyang is already preparing for another intercontinental ballistic missile launch.

US nukes havent been on South Korean soil since the 1990s

American nuclear weapons have not been based on South Korean soil since the 1990s, and in the two decades since then, the government has dismissed it time and time again. But now it looks like theyre changing their mind. Song Young-moo, the South Korean defence minister, said that the government is currently mulling over all available military options in dealing with the North Korean nuclear situation. What Putin is saying is that any military options at all are a very bad idea.
China is the only international ally of North Korea and its biggest partner in trade. Chinas leader, President Xi Jinping, is unhappy with the recent nuclear test that was carried out by the North's leader Kim Jong-uns regime in Pyongyang. Xi hasnt mentioned Kim by name since the test on Sunday, but he threatened Kim with sanctions for further nuclear tests many nuclear tests ago, so he cant be happy with it.

Mike Chinoy, CNNs expert in Beijing politics and the North Korean nuclear crisis, said, The Chinese have been pressing North Korea very hard not to stage a nuclear test. He also noted how the test came just before the Brics summit in China where various world leaders meet.

According to Chinoy, this is a big, big deal for the Chinese and a deliberate poke in the eye" from the North.

America may have to cut ties with China

US President Donald Trump tweeted, The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea. This would mean cutting short the relationship hes been trying to build between the United States and China with his new friend, Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to one analyst, it's not a real friendship anyway.
With all the hullabaloo about North Korea's missile launches and nuclear tests, it seems Iran has been put on the back burner. Despite the nuclear deal signed under the Obama regime tensions are riding high with the US and Iran.

Similar to North Korea the US is not happy with Iran because it is testing weapons though of course not of the nuclear variety.

Iran's Farzad Esmaili Head of the Revolutionary Guards anti-aircraft division says Iran has successfully tested its own home grown anti-missile system which can also shoot down incoming aircraft.

The system is known as the Bavak 373 and is expected to be fully up and running by March 2018.

Iran already has a Russian made air defence system which came on line in 2015 known as the S-300. The system bought in 2010 was not able to be completely deployed because of sanctions as Iran could not buy the parts it needed to get it operating. Now with sanctions lifted under the nuclear deal, Iran was able to purchase the parts it needed and it is fully active.

Esmaili, in an interview with Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, trumpeted the fact that Bavak 373, as opposed to the Russian S-300, was completely home made.

Trump and the nuclear deal

Since taking over the White House from Obama, Donald Trump initially threatened to tear up the nuclear deal.

Like everything this man says or does it alarmed other nations who were part of the nuclear deal with Iran.

Mr. Trump has yet to make his Iran policy clear and as to whether he will tear up the deal is open to question. Trump walked away from the Paris Climate Deal despite the protestations and irritations it caused other world leaders.

So for Trump to threaten to tear up the nuclear deal would not be surprising. Trump - love him or hate him - does seem to have a tendency to keep to what he promised the voters who put him in the White House.

Rouhani's response

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has made it clear that if Trump keeps up the threats to his country or indeed tears up the nuclear agreement, Iran will respond: Not necessarily militarily but according to the Iranian President, the nuclear ambitions of Iran would be re-started.

Rouhani's statement about whether that nuclear programme would be for energy or for weapons was not mentioned. It was stated simply that the programme would be restarted in the face of any American decision to walk away from the deal, or constant threats.

Meanwhile, America has said that the Islamic nation is keeping its side of the nuclear deal but with Trump in the White House anything is possible.
A Palestinian family has been evicted from their home in East Jerusalem by the Israeli Police.

Under Israeli law, Jews can reclaim properties that were lost when Jordan occupied the eastern part of Jerusalem in the war of 1948-49. The Shamasnehs were forced to vacate their property, where they claim to have been living for the last 53 years, as the court ruled in favour of its original Jewish owners.

Ancestors of these owners are said to have been expelled by Jordanian forces in the 1948-49 war. The Shamasnehs then rented the property in Sheikh Jarrah from Jordan.

'No greater injustice'

The Shamasnehs are a family of six, one of them in his eighties. Police were deployed to the Sheikh Jarrah district to evacuate the family. "What greater injustice is there than this," said Fahamiya Shamasneh, 75, to AFP News Agency. "Maybe we will sleep in the street."

The family sat outside the home with activists while the new owners moved in straight away. Jerusalem Post, a local newspaper, report that one of the Shamasnehs tried to break into the house through the roof but was pacified by the police present on the scene.

This infamous case of property dispute was put forward by the Israel Land Fund, a right-wing non-governmental organisation that advocates the purchase of lands in Israel by Jews for ideological reasons.

The fight over property in Jerusalem dates back to thousands of years. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital while Palestine wants East Jerusalem as its capital. East Jerusalem harbours 370,000 Palestinians and 200,000 Jewish settlers.

Red Cross chief wants to meet missing Israelis

Meanwhile, visiting the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross has requested senior leaders of Hamas to let them meet the Israeli civilians believed to be held by the militant group.

The Ma'an news agency has reported that Peter Maurer met with Yahya Sinwar, a Hamas political leader, and the two men talked for over an hour with Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official. The militant organisation, which the United States of America identifies as a terror group, is believed to be detaining three Israelis - Hisham al-Syed, Avraham Abera, and Juma Ibrahim Abu Ghanima.

They also reportedly have the bodies of two IDF soldiers - Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin - who were killed when Israel fought with Hamas in 2014.

Mauer is also said to have met Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
While taxi hailing services have taken the world by storm over the past few years, U.S. based Carpooling service Via has quietly gone from strength to strength by offering an alternative service. After finding its feet in the U.S., Via is now looking to expand into Europe and according to report by TechCrunch, the company has secured total funding of $250 million. The funding round was led by German car making giant Daimler and Via has called it a 'strategic partnership'.

New frontier

The fundraising effort headlined by Daimler will raise around $250 million according to people who are close to the developments.

According to the co-founder and chief technology officer of Via, Oren Shoval, the company will use these funds to expand into Europe. The company will initially launch in London and then Paris, before going on to launch in other major cities in Europe. Via will also ink licensing agreements with other transport service providers like Keolis in France and Arriva in Germany. The company will provide Arriva and Keolis with transport solutions.

However, the investment round shows that in spite of the surge in the demand for taxi hailing services, a carpool service like Via has a definite place in the market. Via currently operates its carpooling services in Washington DC, New York, and Chicago. The company has revealed that it completes 1 million rides per month on average.

Daimler's interests

Daimler's involvement in this funding round might raise some eyebrows but actually, it makes perfect sense for the German Car Maker. The company has invested in start-ups geared towards transportation in the past and some of the better-known ones include myTaxi, Momenta and Here among others. On the other hand, the involvement with Via will provide Daimler with insights on the car of the future.

The car makers will then be able to produce cars that will be in line with the requirements of carpooling services and similar other on-demand car services.

The chief of Mercedez-Benz vans, Volker Mornhinweg, spoke about the tie up in a statement. He said, Via is one of the most successful providers in the growing ride-sharing sector while Mercedes-Benz Vans has the perfect vehicles that are being continuously optimized for this job. By deepening our cooperation with Via, we are thus taking the next logical step in the context of our strategy for the future and are expanding our range of new mobility services.
More than 1,000 fire fighters are currently trying to contain and extinguish the blaze which has burnt more than 5,895 acres. Four people have been injured in the latest wildfire to wreak havoc in California: that, of the La Tuna fire near Burbank. Two suffered minor burns, while the others passed out from dehydration. A state of emergency was declared for Los Angeles County by California Governor Jerry Brown, with 300 homes in Burbank and 180 homes in Los Angeles being evacuated. On Sunday night, hundreds of those affected had started to return home.

Chaos in the city

The fire began on Friday morning and ripped through the La Tuna Canyon Park area of the Verdugo Mountains. Interstate 210 was shut down causing chaos for those heading in and out of the city, especially those on their way to the airports and Camping Sites. Up to Sunday night, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that about 25 percent of the blaze had been contained, with the help of 206 fire engines and nine helicopters dedicated to fighting the inferno. Nearly four homes have been destroyed, with the chance of others being damaged very high. Firefighters are confident that unless the winds pick up again, they stand aa good opportunity to extinguishing the blaze.

All city agencies have been instructed to "take all necessary steps to protect life and property in the area, " and while they are doing the best they can there, the overall situation looks grim.

A heat wave gripped western states more than one week ago, with San Francisco hitting a record high of 106 degrees on Friday. Since the 1870s, it was the third time that the city experienced back-to-back triple digit days. South of the city, temperatures soared to 115 degrees forcing the Bay Area Rapid Transit system to order trains to slow down on rails that were exposed to the sun.

It was a necessary precaution in case the heat caused the metal tracks to expand and shift slightly.

Camping sites closed

Several camping sites were forced to close and holiday travel was disrupted in Oregon, as dozens of other fires sent up large plumes of smoke, causing many roads to close and triggering panic in onlookers.

After they got stuck between two blazes, 140 hikers were even forced to shelter in place overnight on Saturday, on a trail about 90 miles east of Portland.

More than 12,000 fire fighters are battling 19 wildfires in total across California. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has also confirmed that in addition to homes, vegetation and wildlife which would have been affected, Yosemite National Park has also suffered terribly. Wildfires razed through a 2,700-year-old grove of huge sequoia trees, destroying every one. It is believed that gunfire actually sparked that particular wildfire, which began last month and destroyed more than 60 homes. Authorities are now offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for starting the blaze. There are hopes that cooler temperatures and some rain will aid fire fighters in their valiant efforts this week.

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After their initial trip to Texas following Hurricane Harvey received massive backlash from the press, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made their way back to the Lone Star State late last week. Despite the president taking part in helping some of those who were impacted by the storm, a pair of hosts on MSNBC and their panel guests weren't impressed.

Morning Joe on Trump

It's been just over a week since Texas was rocked by Hurricane Harvey in what many experts are calling the worst storm to hit the state in close to 500 years. With winds that reached up to 130 mph, the Category 5 storm touched down in Texas and hit the city of Houston worst of all.

Dozens of people have been reported dead, with thousands being forced to flee their homes in the aftermath of the devastation. As expected, Donald Trump was quick to speak out, live-tweeting updates as the hurricane made its way to the area. Trump would then head to Texas early last week with Melania Trump by his side, but the couple received criticism for how they handled their trip, which included staying outside of Houston. After the president returned to Texas prior to the weekend, this time in the city of Houston, the hosts of "Morning Joe" on MSNBC decided to hit back during the September 5 broadcast.

During Tuesday's episode of "Morning Joe," co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski highlighted Donald Trump's efforts in helping the victims of Hurricane Harvey, but didn't think the president was too genuine in his actions.

Scarborough and the panel went on to mock Trump for how he helped the victims, pointing out that he was asked to put cement in the back of pick up truck.

Morning Joe Mocks Trump For Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims https://t.co/wO0bBHM7oL pic.twitter.com/GxYUk3MP44  Mediaite (@Mediaite) September 5, 2017

The panel then had a good laugh abut how Donald Trump was given a bucket to place in the back of the truck, but instead handed it to the driver.

"I bet they aren't breaking this down on 'Fox & Friends,'" Joe Scarborough said, in a direct shot at Fox News over their non-stop support of the commander in chief.

He hits the cab twice because that's how wealthy people think working and middle class people interact with trucks https://t.co/qIujYlZsUH  Broderick Greer (@BroderickGreer) September 4, 2017

Next up

With Hurricane Harvey now in the rear view mirror, Donald Trump has set his sights on eliminating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which was put in place by Barack Obama and allowed children brought to the United States illegally to be able to obtain a work visa, stay in school, or serve in the military. Trump's decision has resulted in opposition from critics, as the rift between the political left and right continues with the president sitting on an approval rating of just 35 percent.
It looked like Melania Trump was surprised when President Donald Trump threw the microphone her way by asking her to say a few words during Friday afternoon's live meeting from the oval office. Donald Trump confirmed that he did in fact surprise Melania by asking her to say a few words at this afternoon's press conference. The President then praised his wife for doing a terrific job with her talking points at just a moment's notice.

Trump also looked up and spoke to someone behind the camera, confirming that no one expected Melania to say a few words.

With that said, he did offer up just how involved Melania has been in the relief effort for Texas flood victims.

Melania a trooper

The president also said that Melania has been very concerned about the people in the flooded area of the state who need help. The president, the first lady, and Vice President Mike Pence were in the Oval Office with some of the people heading the relief effort in Texas, such as the Salvation Army, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

When Melania did talk on camera, in which she had little choice, she told the people in Texas to stay strong and that things will work out. Melania didn't hesitate, stutter, or look at all put off by unexpectedly being called on to say a few words.

She also thanked the volunteers for all their help. She was very gracious and sincere with her words.

Big thank you all around

When Trump was done, he once again turned to Melania to say "Good job. Good job." The people were gathered with Trump as he signed a declaration for a National Day of Prayer for Sunday, according to Fox News live today.

This meeting was aired just as another mandatory evacuation was called for in yet another area of Texas. These evacuations are still going on even though it has been one week since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in the state. According to The Facts.com, "An immediate mandatory evacuation has been issued by the city of Lake Jackson for all residents in the Jackson Oaks and Harvard Oaks subdivisions in northwest Lake Jackson."

Another visit, new goal

Both the president and the first lady will head back down to Texas on Saturday with the goal of meeting with the Texas flood victims, those who have been displaced out of their homes. During his first visit, Trump didn't go into the shelters to speak with folks as he didn't want to add more chaos to the already chaotic event of trying to get people to safety.
The investigation of the death of a man, who burnt himself during the Burning Man festival in Switzerland, is going on. Aaron Joel Mitchell (41) ran into the fire through cordons of Security Officers on saturday night, the Guardian reported.

The tragedy at the celebration

As the sheriff of Pershing county in Nevada Jerry Allen explained, around 50,000 people were at the celebration. The Burning Man counterculture festival follows a tradition to burn a wooden towering 40ft effigy, which symbolizes rebirth. The tradition is held on Saturday night before the Labor Day.

All the festivities finish by Monday.

Burning Man celebration started in San Francisco and is famous for its concerts and entertaining programs. It attracts many people and is very popular, but every year emergency officials get reports about deaths and crime during this festivals. A few people who attended this event also tried to run into the flames as part of their spiritual portion, that is why the organizers had held a human-chain of security officers to prevent any harm.

How did the incident happen?

An American Aaron Joel Mitchell and his wife had a house in Oklahoma but lived in Switzerland. That day he managed to break through the block of security officers and ran into the burning festivals signature at 10:30 p.m., Fox News reported.The emergency staff had difficulties in rescuing Mitchell because the wooden structure was on fire and fell down.

Rescuers had to leave him to allow the structure to fall and provide for rescuer safety, the sheriffs office explained. The firefighters pulled the man out of the fire and took him to the UC Davis hospital burn center in California.

Nevertheless, on Sunday morning Mitchell died. The doctors stated that the dead had no alcohol in his body, and the police are waiting for a toxicology report.

Now it is unclear if Mitchell killed himself intentionally or was under drug influence. It is also difficult for the investigators to gather information from the eyewitnesses, as festival-goers left the site and returned to their homes, as CBS News reported.Were aware this incident has affected not only those who responded immediately to the scene but also those who witnessed it, Burning Man organizers wrote on their website. They also offered emotional support and said "Now is a time for closeness, contact, and community. Trauma needs processing."
K.V. Kamath, president of the New Development Bank (NDB), attends a groundbreaking ceremony at New Development Bank permanent headquarters building in Shanghai, Sept 2, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

President Xi Jinping called on the business leaders of BRICS countries to make contributions to the economic development and people-to-people exchanges amid the five countries' joint efforts to boost economic cooperation.

Xi was speaking on Monday at the dialogue between leaders of BRICS countries and the BRICS Business Council, as well as the BRICS-led New Development Bank. About 300 people attended the dialogue.

BRICS leaders have agreed to usher in a second "golden decade" of the bloc of emerging markets and developing countries, Xi said, adding that the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank should seize the opportunity to achieve more progress.

The president told the businesspeople to take a leading role in translating the consensus of the five countries' leaders into real action to gain common development among the nations.

In his speech, Xi encouraged the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank to contribute to the economic growth of BRICS countries and inject new impetus for the development of the emerging markets.

Xi also highlighted the important role that the business leaders are playing in boosting people-to-people exchanges, as "there are thousands of employees and their families behind each enterprise".

During the meeting, the BRICS countries' leaders were briefed by Xu Lirong, chairman of China BRICS Business Council, and K.V. Kamath, president of the BRICS-led New Development Bank.

Xi extended his congratulations for the progress made by the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank, saying that the achievement shows the vitality and potential of BRICS cooperation.

The BRICS Business Council has made great efforts in such areas as e-commerce, technological capacity development, standard-setting and experience-sharing in digital economies, while the New Development Bank has pushed forward its new projects steadily and opened its Africa regional center recently, Xi said.

Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma also delivered speeches at the meeting. All of them expressed recognition for the works and achievements of the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank.

Witnessed by the five leaders, the BRICS countries and the New Development Bank signed four documents to boost cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade, innovation, customs and development strategies.
People walk across a flooded street in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Monday. Kindergartens and primary and middle schools were closed after Typhoon Mawar battered the city.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Guangdong province was battered by its third typhoon in 12 days on Monday, with torrential rains again flooding urban areas in several cities.

Typhoon Mawar, the 16th typhoon formed in the northwest Pacific this year, made landfall in Lufeng at 9:30 pm on Sunday, packing winds of up to 72 kilometers per hour.

Although weaker than the previous two typhoons in recent weeks, Hato and Pakhar, authorities issued red alerts for rainstorms, while kindergartens and primary and middle schools were closed in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Shanwei, Shantou, Chaozhou and Guangzhou.

Many roads in Zhuhai and Shenzhen were flooded, cutting off traffic. More than 20 bus lines were suspended in Zhuhai, a city that felt the full force of Typhoon Hato on Aug 23.

The wind caused by Mawar was not very strong but rain was heavy, said Zhou Shuying, a resident in the city.

Roads were seriously waterlogged and many cars were submerged by water. Traffic was brought to a standstill on some roads.

Water and power supplies remained normal in Zhou's neighborhood and the floodwater began to retreat gradually after 3 pm on Monday, she said.

Police officer Tan Jiaguang waded in water up to his waist in Zhuhai's Nanyangpu village to reach a gong, which he rang to warn residents to relocate to emergency shelters. His station helped transport about 600 people, including in speed boats, Zhuhai Daily reported.

A minor landslide occurred in Jigongsan Street in Zhuhai on Monday morning and people living in adjacent areas were evacuated. No casualties were reported.

Several students were rescued and taken to safety in a dinghy by firefighters after their school bus stalled in a flooded street in Huangjiang town, Dongguan.

Mawar, which forced the evacuation of 57,120 people in Guangdong before it made landfall, affected power supplies to 115,000 homes and businesses. Services were fully restored by 10:30 am, according to China Southern Power Grid.

The arrival of Mawar marks the fifth time Guangdong has witnessed three typhoons in half a month since meteorological records began, with the previous case in 1993, Wu Zhifang, chief forecaster for the Guangdong Meteorological Observatory, told Xinhua News Agency.

In the past two weeks, subtropical high pressure and southwestern monsoons have remained stable, which has seen tropical depressions formed near the Philippines mostly move northwestward onto the Guangdong coastline, said Zhang Ling, chief forecaster for the National Meteorological Center.

Gu Caijuan contributed to this story.
Cab-hailing service Taxify, which recently partnered with Chinese transportation platform Didi Chuxing, is to take on Uber and other taxi firms in London.

From Tuesday, the Estonia-based company will offer Londoners promotional rates of up to 50 percent off during September.

The company will charge 0.39 pounds ($0.5) per kilometer, 8 pence per minute and 1.25 pounds at the start of a trip for the rest of the month.

Taxify "will always be cheaper than Uber", the company's founder Markus Villig told Reuters on Monday.

Villig has previously claimed that Taxify is on average 10 percent cheaper than Uber in cities where both companies operate.

Taxify said in an email it will compensate the September discounted rate to its drivers "so they will continue to earn more than with other platforms".

So far, 3,000 drivers in London have signed up to the Taxify platform.

Finn Geraghty, the company's operations manager for the UK, told China Daily in an earlier interview that the company hoped favorable commission rates will attract London drivers to sign on to its service.

The company takes 15 percent of the price of a ride, compared to Uber's 25 percent commission.

"Because we take less commission we see it as a very compelling offer to the existing private-hire drivers in London - and we've already seen some really strong demand from them,"Geraghty said.

Last month, Chinese company Didi Chuxing announced it had invested an undisclosed amount in Taxify and had entered into a strategic partnership with the company.

Didi is one of the world's largest mobile transportation platform, with around 400 million users signed up to its taxi, minibus and bike-sharing services.

Uber sold its China operations to Didi in 2016.

Villig launched his business in 2013 and has since expanded into 19 countries across Central Europe and Africa. Currently the business serves 2.5 million customers.
Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN

China condemned the latest nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and reiterated its stance on achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula at a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on Monday morning.

Members of the UN Security Council remained divided over possible new sanctions against the DPRK, with the United States, France and the United Kingdom as well as Japan favoring new sanctions.

The DPRK said on Sunday that it had successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile.

It was Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test after the council adopted the strongest sanctions against it last month following its two ICBM launches in July. Resolution 2371 bans exports of DPRK's coal, iron and seafood.

"It's China's firm stance, as well as the common goal of the international community, to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintain a nuclear nonproliferation system and maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN.

"We strongly urge the DPRK to face the resolve of the international community on a denuclearized peninsula and comply with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, stop taking wrong actions that will worsen the tension and run against its own interest, and return to dialogue to resolve the problem," he said.

Liu said China, along with the international community, will implement the UN council's resolutions related to DPRK "comprehensively and completely".

The peninsula issue must be solved in a peaceful way, and China won't allow chaos or war on the peninsula, Liu said.

The envoy said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue. Liu called on the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of a dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both on de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale military training exercises.

Jeffrey Feltman, under-secretary-general for political affairs at the UN, said that data from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization showed that the DPRK's recent nuclear test had an estimated yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, more than five times more powerful than the atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said DPRK leader Kim Jong-un is "begging for war".

"The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the UN Security Council," Haley said. "Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy. We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left.

"This crisis goes well beyond the UN," she said. "The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions."

Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia cautioned that past failure of the council to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs was because the resolutions "were only geared toward leveraging sanctions mechanisms".

"Russia calls on the international community not to yield to emotions, (but) to act in calm and balanced ways," he told the same meeting, adding that a comprehensive settlement can be achieved only through political and diplomatic channels.

Francois Delattre, French ambassador to the United Nations, called for the adoption of new sanctions by the Security Council along with autonomous sanctions by the EU.

He said the threat from the DPRK has changed both in dimension and nature, from regional to global, from virtual to imminent, from serious to existential.

Japanese envoy Koro Bessho said: "Japan stresses the need for the council to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures."

Xinhua contributed to this story.

wanglinyan@chinadaily.com.cn
Hawaii is a world of its own  exotic, mysterious, ancient, and very much alive  and Honolulu is its beating heart. Hawaii is known for the tragic attack on Pearl Harbor, historical monuments, and the history of the Hawaiian royal family which can be explored at the Iolani Palace and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. The island state also boasts spectacular nature that ranges from the volcanic craters of Diamond Head and Coco Crater to the endless beaches, including the famous Waikiki Beach.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Waikiki Beach  Courtesy of yuruphoto - Fotolia.com

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. This two-mile long sandy beach on the island of Oahu is located on the islands south shore next to the iconic Diamond Head. Across from the beach are many luxury hotels, restaurants, beach bars and shops. Just before Diamond Head is beautiful, spacious Kapiolani Park, which is popular for jogging, picnics, or throwing a ball with friends. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, on the west end of the beach, is a secluded spot where kids can swim in safety. The beach is popular for surfing, snorkeling and swimming and tends to be quite busy.

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2. Pearl Harbor  Courtesy of kameraaddikt - Fotolia.com

Visiting Honolulu would not be complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor, where the infamous Japanese attack in December 1941 killed 2,403 people and forced the U.S. to enter WWII. Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark and also an active military base. Organized tours will take you to important sites such as the battleship the USS Missouri, the site where the Japanese surrendered, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin where you can get a glimpse of life on a WWII submarine, and the Pacific Submarine Museum with its indoor and outdoor exhibits. You will also see a documentary on the history of Pearl Harbor and so much more. It is an emotional journey, and there is much to see, so plan on spending a day going from site to site, especially if you are travelling with kids, who will love roaming aboard battleships and a submarine.

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3. Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Oahu  Courtesy of Waldteufel - Fotolia.com

Located in downtown Honolulu, a quick drive from Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace is a magnificent 10-room, four-story palace built in Italian Renaissance style and the only royal palace in North America. The official residence of Hawaiis King Kalakaua and his sister and successor Queen Lili`uokalani, the last monarchs of Hawaii, the opulent palace was completed in 1882 and was wired for electricity even before the White House. Since being lovingly and carefully restored to its former glory, the palace has been open to visitors, who can immerse themselves in Hawaiis history and royal heritage. The first two floors consist of the living areas, while the basement houses the Hawaiian crown jewels, photos, regalia, and decorations. The palace is registered as a National Historic Landmark. 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, Phone: 808-522-0822



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4. Things to Do in Honolulu: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail  Courtesy of Allen.G - Fotolia.com



Leaving the beach in Honolulu to spend two hours hiking a hot and dry trail surrounded by low growing kiawe and cactus and fighting against strong winds makes sense only when you get to the top and see the views. The Makapuu Point trail is part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, and once you get through the fairly steep hike you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Oahus coastline, Koko Head, and Koko Crater. From Makapuu Head where the trail ends, you can see small offshore islands off in the distance. These are wildlife sanctuaries for seabirds such as frigate bird and tropicbird. You can also easily spot the famous historic 1909 Makapuu Lighthouse with its red roof standing out against the deep blue of the see that surrounds it. If you are lucky, you even might see Lanai and Molokai on a clear day. If you find yourself on the Makapuu between November and May, you even might see migrating humpback whales.

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5. Things to Do in Honolulu: USS Missouri Memorial  Courtesy of scubabiker - Fotolia.com



Battleship Missouri Memorial was the last battleship America built and the last to be decommissioned. The Japanese surrendered on the deck of the Missouri, effectively ending the Second World War. This 58,000 ton 900 foot long giant now sits in Ford island dock off the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where it silently guards Pearl Harbor and serves as a reminder both of the three wars it fought in and the three generation of American soldiers who fought on board. Visitors can climb aboard the Missouri and imagine General Douglas MacArthur pacing back and forth while commanding the Allied Powers. They can get a look at the Missouri's enormous 16-inch 50-caliber guns, visit the crew's quarters, and even sit in the captains chair on the bridge. 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 877-644-4896

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6. Koko Crater Trail, Honolulu, Oahu  Courtesy of srongkrod - Fotolia.com



Koko Crater, a 1,208 tall volcanic tuff cone, is one of the most recognizable of Oahu's landmarks. It is a popular hiking destination, and the hiking trail leading to its peak can be seen for miles. There is also a smaller tuff cone called Koko Head nearby. To get to the lookout point, hikers have to climb 1,048 very steep stairs made of railroad ties, which were built more than 60 years ago so that the military could get supplies to the bunkers at the top. At one point, the railroad tracks hanging above ground, making that part of the trail a little scary. Inside of the crater there are horse stables and the famous Koko Crater Botanical Garden with many native cacti and succulents. It is a pleasant place to take a rest before heading back. 7802 Koko Head Park Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825

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7. The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum  The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop was the last of the royal Kamehameha family descendants. When she died in 1889, her husband Charles Reed Bishop built the spectacular Hawaiian and Polynesian Halls on the grounds of the Kamehameha School for Boys to display the impressive collection of royal family heirlooms of the Princess and a large number of meaningful Hawaiian artifacts. Since then, the museum collection has grown to include millions of documents, artifacts, and photographs about Hawaii and other Pacific islands, and it is one of the worlds biggest collections of natural history specimens. The museum is today the largest Hawaiian museum and a major cultural and natural history institution. 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, Phone: 808-847-3511



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8. Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, Oahu  Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaiis largest private visual arts institution. It was founded by Anna Rice Cooke in 1922 and officially opened its doors in 1927. It is recognized as having one of the largest collections of Pan-Pacific and Asian art in the States. The museums other treasures include works by Monet, Hokusai, Gauguin, van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. Since its opening, the museums collections have expanded to contain over 50,000 works of art covering 5000 years. The museum also includes the Doris Duke Theatre, which hosts concerts, meetings, and lectures, the Robert Allerton Art Research Library, and the Honolulu Museum of Art School. 900 S Beretania St. Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-532-8700



9. Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii: World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument  Courtesy of Donald Swartz - Fotolia.com

The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is a U.S. National Monument that honors, preserves, and interprets the stories of the Pacific War, from the internment of Japanese-Americans to concentration camps to the battles in the Aleutians. The monument covers 6,310 acres in nine sites and tree states. Most sites are in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor, the USS Utah Memorial, the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center, Six Chief Petty Officer Bungalows, Ford Island, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and Mooring Quays F6, F7, and F8 on Battleship Row. The Monument is managed by the National Park Service. 1 Arizona Memorial Pl., Honolulu, HI, Phone: 808-422-3399

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10. Manoa Falls, Honolulu, Oahu  Courtesy of Eric BVD - Fotolia.com

To see the true beauty of Oahu you have to get off the beach. Just a short drive from Waikiki towards Manoa Valley will get you to a lush rainforest thick with bamboo. An easy 45-minute hike up the mountain will reveal Manoa Falls, the 150-foot waterfall that turns into a thunderous gush of water after heavy rains. The small pool where the water cascades from the overhanging cliff looks fresh and inviting, but it is actually dangerous for swimming because of falling rocks and bacteria contamination. Nevertheless, the air is cool and quite refreshing. The 1.6-mile long trail is fairly easy, with some large boulders you will have to climb over. It can be slippery after the rains, and it rains often in the rainforest even if its dry when you leave the beach. Bring bug spray, as insects thrive in the forest. 37 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, Phone: 800-464-2924



11. Things to Do in Oahu: Diamond Head State Monument  Courtesy of Eric BVD - Fotolia.com

Overlooking Waikikis coastline, Diamond Head is the most recognizable Hawaiian landmark. This 300,000-year-old volcanic crater is protected within the 475-acre Diamond Head State Monument and is one of the most popular hikes out of Honolulu  the views from the trail end are nothing less than spectacular. The trail to the summit of Diamond Head or Leahi was created in 1908 as part of the islands defense system. The hike from trailhead is only 0.8-miles long but is steep and difficult. It has an elevation gain of 560 feet between the crater floor and the peak. A concrete trail was built to control erosion, and it changes to a natural volcanic rock or tuff after about 0.2 miles. The trail forms a number of switchbacks as it crosses the slope of the interior of the crater. The climb continues up a steep set of stairs and then through a 225-foot tunnel to arrive at the 1911 Fire Control Station. The effort will be well worth it once you see the breathtaking view of the coast from Koko Head to Waianae.

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12. Things to Do in Honolulu, HI: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve  Courtesy of kameraworld - Fotolia.com

If you view Hanauma Bay from East Honolulu, its circular shape makes its volcanic origin evident. It is very likely the crater was flooded and shaped by wave erosion, becoming one of the most beautiful parts of the coast and a very popular swimming and snorkeling destination. In fact, this lovely cove was so popular that the government had to protect it by creating the Nature Preserve and Marine Education Center, where visitors watch a short presentation to understand the fragile nature of the marine system and learn the rules of enjoying it without damaging coral or disturbing fish. The water is crystal clear and cool, and its easy to understand why the Bay attracts more than a million visitors every year. 100 Hanauma Bay Drive, ueber Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825, Phone: 808-396-4229



13. Magic Island Beach, Honolulu, Oahu  Courtesy of Allen.G - Fotolia.com

Magic Island Beach is the small crescent shaped beach at the end of Magic Island Peninsula between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki beach; it is a part of Ala Moana Beach Park. The beach is protected from waves by a rock barrier, making it pleasant for swimming. Unfortunately, the bottom is a bit rocky, and the sand is not as smooth as on Ala Moana Beach, and when the waves are big, they easily wash over the rock barrier. Nevertheless, the beach is popular for picnics, surfing, and jogging, and there is a nice grassy area behind the beach with picnic tables and trees. The Magic Island Peninsula is made of man-made dredged coral and was built as the location of a new hotel, which was never constructed, so the peninsula was turned into a park instead. 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, At the end of Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96814-4205



14. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park  USS Bowfin Submarine Museum

The submarine USS Bowfin, popularly called the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," was launched one year after the Pearl Harbor attack and spent its time at war as a true avenger, sinking 44 enemy ships, patrolling the seas, and looking for prey just like its namesake, a mean-looking fish with sharp teeth and an insatiable appetite. After nine patrols the submarine was placed at its current berth in Pearl Harbor. The Bowfin was declared a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as a museum ship, allowing visitors to come aboard and get an idea of life in a World War II-era submarine. It is located near the Arizona Memorial and has more than 4,000 artifacts, including recruiting posters and battle flags, and special exhibits such as a Poseidon missile with its insides exposed. 11 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808-423-1341



15. Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu, Oahu  Waikiki Aquarium



Waikiki Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in the country. It was founded in 1904 and starting in 1919, the University of Hawaii started to manage it. It is located just off Waikiki Beach across from Kapiolani Park next to the thriving reef. The aquarium has over 500 live marine species and about 3,000 marine specimens. Some of the most popular exhibits are the New Hawaiian Green Sea turtle, Jet Set (which is about animals like octopus that move by jet propulsion), Corals are Alive, Hawaian Marine Communities, and many others. The aquarium organizes a range of classes and activities for schools and community groups, special events, and celebrations. 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, Phone: 808-923-9741

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16. Best Things to Do in Oahu: Kuhio Beach Park  Courtesy of mstk graphics - Fotolia.com



Part of Waikiki Beach and translating to flower from the wreath of heaven, Kuhio Beach Park is right by Waikikis popular surf and bodyboarding sites, the Canoes and Queens. It was named after Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole who used to live there with Princess Elizabeth Kahanu, his wife. Visitors of the park can explore some amazing landmarks, including the Duke Kahanamoku Statue (a sculpture of the Olympic swimmer, canoeist, and surfer), the Stones of Kapaemahu, which represent four legendary men: Kapuni, Kahaloa, Kinohi, and Kapaemahu, and the Prince Kuhio Statue, a sculpture by Sean Browne. Kuhio Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96815, Phone: 808-373-8013



17. Statue of Duke Kahanamoku, Honolulu, Oahu  Courtesy of Jeff - Fotolia.com



One of the most photographed places in Waikiki, the Statue of Duke Kahanamoku stands on Kuhio Beach with open arms. Duke Kahanamoku was one of the most respected Hawaiian surfers of his time; he mastered canoeing and was a champion Olympic swimmer. He is considered a true Hawaiian hero for his athleticism as well as for putting Hawaii on the map as an amazing surfing location  and to honor him, locals and visitors adorn his statue with flower leis. Commonly referred to as the Father of Modern Surfing, memorabilia and authentic photos of Duke and his friends, the Waikiki Beach Boys, can be seen at Dukes Canoe Club and Restaurant on Waikiki Beach.

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18. Things to Do in Honolulu: US Army Museum of Hawaii  Courtesy of Eric BVD - Fotolia.com



Visitors can get an unusual glimpse into Hawaiis past by visiting the US Army Museum of Hawaii. Filled with guns, tanks, bunkers, and helicopters, the museum tells Hawaiis military history not only through its artifacts but through its building itself; the museum is housed in a bastion that was built to keep out invading forces and protect Hawaii. History buffs and war aficionados can explore the interactive displays filled with photographs and objects that take people back in time. Proudly shared by the people of Hawaiis many ethnic groups, the museum tells the story of the men, machines, and military that defended the island and its people. Hawai'i Army Museum Society, 2131 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, Phone: 808-955-9552



19. Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park  Courtesy of Nataliya Hora - Fotolia.com



For an absolutely breathtaking view of Hawaii  one thats sure to make everyone back home envious of your tropical vacation  go to Tantalus Lookout at Puu Ualakaa State Park. Tourists and locals come to climb the 1,048 foot hill to not only revel in the beautiful scenery that awaits them, but also to appreciate the calm it offers in comparison to the constant buzz of the city. Standing at Tantalus Lookout, visitors will see an amazing view of downtown Honolulu  including Waikiki Beach, the Honolulu International Airport, Pearl Harbor, Manoa Valley, and the Diamond Head Crater. Though visitors are not allowed to camp or mountain bike, they can go hiking on the Ualakaa Trail or enjoy a picnic on the mountaintop. 2760 Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822

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20. Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor  Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor



Founded in 1999, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor recognizes and honors aviators who defended freedom in the Pacific Region. The museum is internationally recognized, and locals and visitors of all ages flock to the museum to better understand and appreciate aviation history. The museum is located on historic Ford Island and includes the Ford Island Control Tower and two hangars. Visitors can explore the aviation exhibits, a majority of which are dedicated to the Pearl Harbor attack and World War II  much of the damage currently seen on the museums hangars are damages that were incurred during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Historic Ford Island, 319 Lexington Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808-441-1000



21. Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu, Oahu  Courtesy of bajita111122 - Fotolia.com



Located on the slopes of Waikiki and Diamond Head, the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo is most definitely the wildest place in Waikiki as it is home to nearly 1,000 different animals including elephants, orangutans, komodo dragons, birds, reptiles, and an extensive variety of African animals. There are tons of events and educational programs to participate in at the zoo as well. Open daily, except for Christmas, visitors will treasure the day they spend at the Honolulu Zoo  especially if they have younger children in tow! Other than having fun with animals, visitors will also benefit from a history lesson, as the zoo is the only one in the US that originated in a grant of royal lands to the people by King David Kalakaua in 1876. 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, Phone: 808-971-7171



22. Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii: Highway Inn  Highway Inn



Highway Inn is a great place for visitors to taste true traditional Hawaiian cuisine. This family-friendly Hawaiian restaurant was established in 1947 and now has a new location open in 2013 in Kaka'ako, a residential and commercial project led by Kamehameha Schools, between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. The dining room is spacious, bright, and unpretentious, offering delicious, fresh Hawaiian dishes. Every morning, each laulau is carefully hand-wrapped in the traditional Hawaiian style. The kalua pork is shredded by hand, thread by thread. The beef stew is made fresh every day, one pot at a time. The menu hasnt changed since the opening in 1947, and for good reason. Generations of Hawaiians have grown up eating those traditional dishes and they keep coming back for more. Popular combo plates are served with poi or rice, steamed sweet potato, and haupia with a choice of lomi salmon, potato-mac salad, or local greens. There is also a classic a la carte menu of Hawaiian dishes. 680 Ala Moana Blvd #105, Honolulu, HI 96813, Phone: 808-954-4955

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23. Kapiolani Regional Park, Honolulu, Oahu  Kapiolani Park Preservation Society The oldest and largest public park in Hawaii, Kapiolani Regional Park is a great place for visitors to relax and spend the day when in Honolulu. Named after Queen Kapi?olani, the 300-acre park is also home to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Shell. Other than that, it also serves as the base of the oldest sporting club and the only cricket club in the Hawaiian Islands, the Honolulu Cricket Club. The park extends toward Kapiolani Beach Park so visitors can spend the day visiting the zoo and having a picnic lunch at the park or the Honolulu Cricket Club, and then unwind by the beach in the evening. 2805 Monsarrat A, Honolulu, HI 96815, Phone: 808-545-7035



24. Things to Do in Honolulu: Ala Moana Center  Ala Moana Center What better place to buy souvenirs during a Hawaiian vacation than at the Ala Moana Center, a premier dining and retail destination filled with national retailers and locally-owned boutiques stores? The diverse collection of 290 shopping stores, 70 dining options, and innumerable entertainment facilities is filled with anything and everything Hawaiian locals and tourists could need. Considered the largest outdoor shopping mall in the United States, Ala Moana Center embraces the beauty of Hawaiian culture in its open air structure. Over 42 million visitors come to Ala Moana annually not only for the shopping and dining, but for the year-round events as well. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, Phone: 808-955-9517



25. Farmer's Market KCC  Farmer's Market KCC Located at the Kapi'olani Community College, the KCC Farmers Market is a much-awaited Honolulu tradition. Open on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, the large market brings together a jumble of souvenirs, crafts, produce, baked goods, a variety of foods, and other knick-knacks. The market is one of the largest of its kind and gives people the opportunity to go straight to the source of Hawaiis agribusiness scene, as most of the booths belong to farmers. Other than fruits and vegetables, there are also flowers, seafood, pasta, and local goods such as Hawaiian honey. Its a great opportunity for visitors to meet locals and interact with them over fresh food. Kapiolani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Road, Located in Parking Lot C, Phone: 808-848-2074



25 Best Things to Do in Honolulu, Oahu

More ideas:

What to Do in Honolulu: Lyon Arboretum

The Lyon Arboretum lies five miles from Waikiki and has over 5,000 varieties of tropical and sub-tropical plants, in the 193.5 acres at the top of the Manoa Valley watershed where it lies . The tropical rainforest setting is a perfect example of Oahus diverse cultural and scientific resources, and visitors can explore it at the Lyon Arboretum as well as the surrounding seven miles of hiking trails. The arboretum is also a resource of the University of Hawaii and hosts over 50,000 visitors annually who are solely dedicated to research projects, classes, or community and volunteer activities.

3860 Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, Phone: 808-988-0456

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HA NOI  The seventh edition of the Viet Nam ICT Summit 2017 will take place in Ha Noi on Wednesday, organised by the Viet Nam Software and IT Services Association.

This years summit will be themed Viet Nam: Digital Transformation in the Industry 4.0.

The event will focus on awareness in Viet Nam of Industry 4.0, strengths of the Vietnamese digital economy, smart cities and digital human resources and start-ups.

The summits organisation board and participating enterprises hope to clearly detail Industry 4.0.

The board and enterprises also expect the event will improve ICT policies and practices to continue the countrys ICT development.  VNS
A view of a Lat City, Central Highland Lam ong Province. Foreign online travel agencies have been dominating the online tourism market in Viet Nam.  Photo bazantravel.com

HA NOI  Foreign online travel agencies have been dominating the online tourism market in Viet Nam.

According to the Viet Nam e-Commerce Association, online tourism was growing rapidly and might generate opportunities for the tourism industry to make breakthroughs. However, majority of the international tourists to Viet Nam used services provided by the foreign booking websites, and even local tourists tended to make their bookings through foreign platforms, rather than the local ones, the association noted.

Vietnamese online travel agency gotadi.com said that the market share of room bookings made online had seen a significant rise recently, accounting for some 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the total tourists.

The travel agency said that the online room booking sector was dominated by foreign platforms, adding that two of them  agoda and booking  were together estimated to account for more than 80 per cent of the online hotel booking market. They accounted for bookings made by both the Vietnamese tourists travelling abroad, as well as those travelling domestically, and for foreign tourists coming to Viet Nam.

Ngo Minh uc from the Tourism Advisory Board said that the online tourism industry was not easy, especially as foreign firms were more experienced and advanced in technology.

According to a representative from travel agency Vietravel, hotels preferred to co-operate with online travel agencies owing to their well-established brand value and the high ratio of revenue sharing. Besides these, the foreign firms had better financial capacity, so they can afford to reserve rooms in good locations.

Nguyen Ngoc Dung, Deputy President of Viet Nam e-Commerce, said that to compete with the foreign websites, Vietnamese platforms must focus more on meeting the demand of tourists.

The Vietnamese online booking platforms must be more user-friendly, Dung said.

Also, competitive prices were among the most decisive factors, Dung added.

Le Van Son from Nha Trang Tourism Association urged the local platforms to improve their financial capacity, and invest more in technologies and online advertising.

In addition to this, co-operation with banks and insurance firms must be enhanced to develop convenient and secure payment solutions for users.

The local platforms should also focus on market researches to create appropriate products with competitive prices for tourists, he added.

A study by Google found that the value of the Southeast Asian online travel market was expected to jump to US$90 billion by 2025 from $22 billion in 2015, with Viet Nam set to account for around 10 per cent of it. At least 85 per cent of the value would be poured into room and flight ticket bookings.

According to the General Statistics Office, the foreign tourist arrivals to Viet Nam reached a record high of nearly 1.3 million in August, rising by 18.5 per cent over the previous month and 35.1 per cent over the same month last year.

During the period between January and August, foreign tourist arrivals totalled nearly 8.5 million, up 29.7 per cent over the same period last year.

Viet Nam has planned to attract around 17 million to 20 million foreign tourist arrivals, and 82 domestic tourists by 2020, with the tourism industry contributing 10 per cent to the gross domestic product by generating a revenue of $35 billion.

By 2030, Viet Nam has planned to become one of the leading tourism countries in Southeast Asia.  VNS
Customers purchase mooncakes at market stalls in Bac Lieu City.  VNA/VNS Photo Huynh Su

HCM CITY  A new full-moon season starts in one month and confectioneries nationwide are ready with many kinds of mooncakes with new flavours.

Along with improving product quality, companies have invested in creating new products with attractive designs and packaging.

About 50 trademarks have joined the market this year, including Mondelez Kinh o, Thanh Long, Huu Nghi, ong Khanh, Hy Lam Mon, ABC, uc Phat, Tous Les Jours and ong Khanh.

Speaking with Viet Nam News, Modelez Kinh o said they were ready to offer 84 different kinds of mooncakes this year.

The company first launched Oreo mooncakes in 2007, which are designed based on the modern technologies of Mondelez International and Kinh os traditional experiences in making mooncakes.

These Oreo moon cakes will be made for the Vietnamese and Chinese market, the company said, noting that many other products had been exported to the US.

Other companies including Bibica and ong Khanh have also begun introducing products for the mid-autumn festival season.

In HCM City, many booths selling mooncakes from these companies can be seen throughout the city.

A representative from Bibica told Viet Nam News that the company this year would introduce 600 tonnes of mooncakes with 60 different kinds, up by 10 per cent year-on-year.

The company added that this year it would make mooncakes in a Japanese style with materials imported from other countries.

He added that the company was focusing on design and packaging as well as using healthy ingredients.

Traders have also started their full-moon season by importing a big volume of mooncakes to sell on social networks like Facebook or websites.

These mooncakes are mostly imported from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

A trader said that she started to import mooncakes from the beginning of August, and that customers had been buying the moonackes out of curiosity.

Le Thi Thanh Xuan from the Delicacy shop said that her companys full-moon imports this year will jump by 60 per cent. Last year, they imported 1,000 boxes.

Handmade moon cakes are also in high demand.

inh Truc, mooncake makers in Binh Tan District, said that the company had made mooncakes for years and most of his customers prefer those shaped like one the 12 animals of the zodiac.

He has received dozens of orders from customers. This year he will design more shapes and create mooncakes, with many new flavours.

Confectioneries said the price this year had slightly increased by between 3 per cent and 5 per cent.

They attributed the price hike to the increasing income costs for power, water, human resources and transportation.

Some traders, however, said that well-designed packaging had increased the prices of the cakes.

The cost for packaging accounts for 20 per cent of the total cost, according to traders.  VNS
After a new trade deal, a Vietnamese company is hoping to add a new country to their roster of important trading partners: Armenia.  VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI  After a new trade deal, a Vietnamese company is hoping to add a new country to their roster of important trading partners: Armenia.

A delegation of the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) has recently made a fact-finding trip to Armenia to seek partners for production projects. Viet Nam is the first country to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that includes Armenia.

Vinatex general director Le Tien Truong said that during their stay, the groups representatives held working sessions with a deputy foreign minister, the minister of economic development and investment, and some major businesses in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.

He said Vinatex will consider establishing production and business cooperation with big companies in Armenia that already have distribution networks in Russia and the EU. In the initial stage, Vinatex will mainly contribute machinery and production administration.

At the meetings, the Armenian Government expressed its desire to cooperate with major firms with much experience in production management like Vinatex, so as to revive the local garment industry and boost exports.

It also promised to encourage investment, create favourable conditions for foreign investors, and provide special mechanisms for Vietnamese investors through cooperation policies, multilateral and bilateral cooperation agreements, and granting of work visas, Truong added.

According to Vinatex, 94 businesses are operating in the textiles and garment industry of Armenia. The country exported US$50 million and imported $170 million worth of textile and garment products in 2014.

Despite their small scale, Armenian firms have experience in working with big fashion brands of Italy and Germany such as La Perla, Moncler, Armani and Porsche.  VNS
BA RIA-VUNG TAU  After five years of operation, the Bung Rieng landfill in Xuyen Moc District has started leaking wastewater and spreading foul smells in the southern province.

The landfill is overloaded with about 22sq.m of unprocessed garbage, according to a report by the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Some indicators of COD, BOD5 or nitrite have exceeded allowed limits by 2.8 to 13.7 times.

According to its design, the 4ha junkyard has three chambers and a disposal area with a water collection system, wastewater tank and drying yard.

A leader of Bung Rieng Wards Communist Party told Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper that the pollution was obvious. Since the junkyard was built in the lowland, wastewater is stagnant and then spills over peoples land and nearby streams, he said.

The landfill used to be managed by Xuyen Moc District Department of Economic Infrastructure, then handed over to the districts Company of Urban Construction. Because of the increasing amount of garbage, Xuyen Moc Districts Peoples Committee called for sponsorship to build an incinerator.

In October 2016, the Peoples Committee allowed a private company to construct two incinerators. Since then, the landfill has not been under the control of Xuyen Moc Districts Company of Urban Construction.

Due to lack of regulations for paying the incinerators operator, garbage has not been buried or burnt while trash is dumped there every day.

Le Tuan Quoc, Deputy Head of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces Peoples Committee, has asked related agencies of Xuyen Moc District to collect and transfer garbage at the landfill as well as load unprocessed trash to the concentrated waste treatment area in Toc Tien Ward, Tan Thanh District for processing.  VNS
PHU YEN  The new and privately owned Nui Nhan Tuong (classical drama) troupe has opened in Phu Yen Provinces Tuy Hoa City.

Managed by veteran actor Nguyen Hoa, who has more than 40 years of experience in the industry, the troupe offers shows aimed at young people.

The troupe includes 24 veteran and young actors from Phu Yen and the central provinces of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan.

We want to develop drama for youth, who can improve their knowledge about the countrys history, traditional culture and lifestyle through the art of tuong, Hoa said.

He said the troupe was also a good chance for young actors to develop their career. I believe in the future because I see many audiences excited about the art, he said.

In the coming weeks, the troupe will offer a series of historical plays, including Pham Cong- Cuc Hoa and Thoai Khanh-Chau Tuan, both of which highlight the beauty of Vietnamese women.

Preservation

The Vietnamese classical drama of tuong originated in the 12th century and has developed from a folk art to a royal art in the 17th century.

The art consists of singing and dancing together with music, which are highly stylised and filled with symbolism.

Its themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotic duty, which define the plays structure, features, language, music, colour, struggles and the personality of the characters.

The art has three performance styles: tuong pho (plays based on old Chinese stories), tuong o (plays featuring historic Vietnamese events and national heroes) and tuong hai (comedies about the daily life of people).

On stage, the artists sometimes wear costumes weighing up to 10 kilos. They have to have a strong voice to sing and dance at the same time and express the emotions of each character.

Along with traditional arts such as cheo (traditional opera) in the north and cai luong (reformed theatre) in the south, tuong has contributed to the spirit and character of the Vietnamese people.

The art, however, is facing a shortage of young and skilled performers.

Le Chuc, a member of the Viet Nam Theatres Association, said that performers in tuong must practise frequently. To perform the movements, artists must use their whole body, from the fingers and elbows to all of the muscles.

Chuc, who is a tuong actor, said: For dramas, movies or the catwalk, amateurs can practise and perform a little bit, but for tuong, you cannot do it if you have not been properly trained."

Cultural authorities need to invest in producing talented and young crews if tuong is to truly develop, he added.

There are only 10 professional tuong theatres across the country.  VNS
Professor Tran Thanh Van.  Photo tienphong.vn

Overseas Professor Tran Thanh Van, talks to the newspaper Tien Phong (Vanguard) about the countrys need to pay a high salary to people working in science and technology.

What should we do to encourage young Vietnamese to get more involved in science research?

Our Meeting Viet Nam Organisation (MVO) encourages young people to get involved in science research. The MVO has already created a centre for science exploration in the central city of Quy Nhon. The centre is a venue for young people to meet and talk with scientists. In my opinion, the centre should be a venue for all young Vietnamese - ranging from primary school to university - interested in science. We should let the children lay their hands on science right at an early age. At first, they should become acquainted with simple physic tests. As time goes by, these activities will foster the childrens love for science. In big cities, I propose we should set up science clubs to attract young people.

Whats about students?

We dont have many laboratories for students to conduct scientific research. Im pretty sure that astronomy is one of the most interesting topics for Vietnamese students. But this subject is not included in the training curriculum. Thats why, in my opinion, we need change.

What should be changed then? Just like all other scientific topics, including scientific research, they all need changing. Of course, teachers are the leaders. But, in my opinion, the most important idea is for teachers to instil a love for science.

I remember the first time I met am Thanh Son in 1993 when he just completed his dissertation on physics. But now he has become a well known physicist working in quantum.

We need many overseas Vietnamese lodestar scientists like am Thanh Son to meet and talk with young Vietnamese students to instil in them a love for science. In my opinion, such meetings would be useful for the young Vietnamese generation.

Of course, to arrange such meetings would not be easy for scientists, as their schedules are often full. But, we can do it if we all want to!

So, you dont think its easy to arrange a meeting for Vietnamese students with world renowned professor scientists?

Im sorry to say that Vietnamese scientists cannot devote their whole hearts and minds to their scientific research or creativity as they cant live on their salary. This is food for thought for Viet Nam. In foreign countries, scientists are free from want and care. They simply focus on their scientific work.

Im pretty sure that Vietnamese scientists only want their monthly salary to be enough to cover their daily life expenses so that they can focus their efforts on scientific research. So, in my opinion, the Government should adopt a special policy to help them.

In the past, Singapore was a poor country and had a small population. Their science was not advanced either. But now, Singapore has become an advanced scientific nation. So Singapore is a good example for Viet Nam to follow.

Viet Nam has a big potential for scientific research. However, this depends on the willingness of the countrys leadership and of course the support of society._VNS
Mai Tien Dung

Mai Tien Dung, Minister- Chairman of the Government Office speaks to Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times) newspaper about the Governments resolve to change the State apparatus.

Can you explain Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs decision to establish a government working group to monitor ministries and agencies implementation of the Governments assigned tasks?

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed a decision to establish a working group on August 19 when the nation was commemorating the August 19, 1945 revolution. He hoped with the spirit of the revolution, all members of the working mission would make efforts to create a new revolution to take the country to a higher plane amid many difficulties and challenges.

Many people hope the new working group can change the State apparatus. Do you think it can?

Yes I think it can. PM Phuc once said only when we have a comprehensive reform, well be able to make the State apparatus clean and work effectively. And only having a clean State apparatus can our economy fly high.

Of course, the key objective of the working group is to identify weaknesses and challenges that public agencies and offices have confronted while carrying out their tasks.

Another very important task assigned to the working group is to come up with solutions or proposals to help state agencies or offices to solve their problems.

All members of the working group have vowed to do their best to accomplish the missions assigned to them. We understand that our assignments are demanding and a lot of difficulties and challenges lie ahead. However, we vow to uphold the principles of righteousness, objectivity and honesty during our mission.

PM Phuc has instructed his cabinet and staff to be loyal servants to the people. Can you elaborate on the PMs instructions?

The PM has instructed us to create two websites to link the Government with enterprises and another between the Government and the people.

Since the launch of these two websites, the Government Office has received thousands of comments or suggestions from people and enterprises. Hundreds of questions asked by the people or enterprises have been answered by Government agencies or authorities. Of course, the Government Office has monitored the problems raised by the people and enterprises. We have even asked the people/enterprises to grade the answers they receive.

Since the launch of these two websites, on many days some 500-700 comments were sent and they were all read and classified before being forwarded to concerned agencies to handle them. In some special cases, we dispatched staff to meet the senders and discussed the problem directly with them to determine solutions.

Upon the PMs initiative, many ministries, cities, provinces and others have set up working groups to help their ministries or local authorities perform their assigned duties to their best.  VNS
Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. General Phan Van Giang.  VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang

HA NOI  A high-ranking delegation of the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) is attending the 20th Asia-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference in Canada from September 4-6.

The delegation is led by Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. General Phan Van Giang, who is also Chief of the General Staff of the VPA.

The trip is being made at the invitation of Admiral Harry. B. Harris, Commander of the US Pacific Command, and General Jonathan. H. Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada.

The Vietnamese delegations attendance at the event has affirmed Viet Nams role and position in the region and the world at large through multilateral forums on military and national defence.

It contributes to asserting Viet Nams foreign policy of multilateralisation and diversification of relations, as well as its active, proactive and responsible international integration.  VNS
A key cause of serious environmental pollution in the countryside is the rapid development of industrialisation and urbanisation. Photo tuoitre.vn

HA NOI  Big changes have been recorded in socio-economic development in the Vietnamese countryside. One of the leading factors for change is the rapid modernisation of the countrys primary industry - and the rural areas themselves.

The appearance of many industrial zones in the countryside have provided jobs for many rural people, helped them increase their incomes and improved the quality of their livelihood. However, in this process, certain negative impacts have arisen, particularly environmental deterioration.

In its efforts to minimise the negative impacts of environmental pollution, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) has launched a week entitled Waste management for sustainable rural environment from September 23-30. The campaign is a response to the international campaign to make the world cleaner.

According to Associate Professor Doctor Pham Cong Nhat, from Ha Noi National University, a key cause of serious environmental pollution in the countryside is the rapid development of industrialisation and urbanisation. Coupled with that is the rapid increase in population which has led to heavy pressure on water resources and pollution control.

For many years, the water environment in many urban areas, industrial parks and craft villages has been seriously polluted by untreated waste water, air emissions and solid waste.

Nhat said, in many big cities, hundreds of factories have discharged waster water freely into the surrounding environment with little or no proper treatment.

Professor Nhat added that farmers abuse of pesticides had caused serious pollution to water in adjacent rivers, lakes and canals. And at the end, the polluted water had seriously affected the health of local people.

Another factor that has added to the problem is the mushrooming of aqua-culture and the reckless use of chemicals in aqua-culture production.

The environmental awareness of communities in the countryside is still poor. Many farmers abuse the use of pesticides in agricultural production. They dont even realise that environmental pollution has negative impacts on their living conditions and on health.

Adding to these problems is the big shortage of environmental staff. At present, in Viet Nam, there are about 30 environmental officers per one million people while in other ASEAN nations there are 70.

Research conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Khac Hai from the Vietnamese National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health on 4,700 men and women using well water contaminated with arsenic, 60 had problems with chronic arsenic contamination.

How to solve the problem

Associate Professor Pham Cong Nhat said there was a need to carry out synchronous measures to protect the environment.

In his opinion, in the long run, more measures must be adopted to check and control the environment while paying more attention to the training of environmental officers and the creating of an environmental map in each locality.

Professor Nhat said there was also a need to have a good planning on the development of industrial parks or clusters as well as traditional villages so that the local authorities could easily monitor their discharged water or solid waste.  VNS
A NANG  The Biodiversity Conservation Centre of GreenViet, an NGO in a Nang, will launch a warning application for smart phone users to alert of violations against animals and vegetation in the Son Tra Nature Reserve.

Director of GreenViet, Tran Huu Vy, told Viet Nam News the Son Tra SOS application will be used from November. Smart phone users can report or send photos of illegal logging or hunting in the reserve to GreenViet for rapid response.

Vy said the Son Tra SOS, funded by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), would create quick supervision of any dangerous situations and infringements in the reserve, which is just 10km from the city centre.

GreenViet has been developing a website for the red-shanked douc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus)  an endangered primate species.

The NGO is also co-operating with the Frankfurt Zoological Society of Germany, San Diego Zoo Global in the United States and the IUCN to protect the red-shanked douc langurs through long-term campaigns.

More than 440 visitors had joined free biodiversity trips in the reserve, while 400 junior secondary school students were taught about biodiversity in the reserve.

According to a recent report by the citys rangers, six monkeys were killed by motorcyclists in 2015-17, and two cases of illegal hunting were uncovered. Two red-shanked douc langurs were also killed for money.

Around 10ha of forest was illegally logged for buildings in three cases between 2014-16.

Thousands of traps and tonnes of rubbish have been collected by local rangers and volunteers over the last two years.

The langurs in Son Tra Nature Reserve were declared endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2013, but the species has recently been classed Critically Endangered (CR)  nearly extinct.

Biologists warn that the development of concrete buildings will push the endangered primates into extinction.

In March, the National Administration of Tourism designated Son Tra Mountain a national tourism site. It will host a luxury eco-tour resort complex including 1,600 luxury hotel rooms, and 4.6 million tourists by 2030.

The nature reserve has shrunk from 4,300ha in 1977 to 2,500ha in 2014 to make room for the development of dozens of resorts and hotel projects. More than 20 streams in the reserve have dried up.  VNS
Hundreds of Vietnamese guest workers across the Republic of Korea (RoK) gathered on Saturday at a festival for foreign workers in Ansan city, Gyeonggi province, about 40km from Seoul.  Photo colab.gov.vn

HA NOI  Hundreds of Vietnamese guest workers across the Republic of Korea (RoK) gathered on Saturday at a festival for foreign workers in Ansan city, Gyeonggi province, about 40km from Seoul.

The event, jointly held by the RoK Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Human Resources Development Service, drew about 3,000 guest workers from 16 different countries.

It aimed to strengthen mutual understanding among foreign workers in the RoK, while creating a chance for the local government to support them in different matters, including legal, insurance, banking and health care issues.

Addressing the event, a representative from the local authorities lauded contributions of foreign labourers to the growth of the RoK, expressing hope that the skills and experience they gained during their stay in the country will help develop their careers in their homelands.

The Vietnamese booth at the event introduced the nations culture and beautiful landscapes and highlighted the countrys recent development achievements.

Currently, about 50,000 Vietnamese are working in the RoK. They are the second-largest foreign community only after those from China.  VNS
HA NOI  High-ranking leaders of Viet Nam and Laos have agreed to give top priority to developing and lifting the two countries relationship to a new height in a practical and effective manner, President Tran ai Quang has said.

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, inaugurated September 5, 1962, Quang granted an interview to the media to discuss the two countries relationship. He stated the Viet Nam-Laos relationship, established by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of the two countries leaders and people, was tested through the two resistance wars against colonialists and imperialists. Since then, it has been consolidated and developed.

The friendship is a valuable treasure and an important factor ensuring the success of the revolutionary cause in each country, he affirmed. The countries development history shows that without this special relationship, their past struggles for national liberation as well as the current nation building could not achieve their potential.

Moreover, the relationship has contributed to peace, cooperation, stability and development in the region and the world, he added.

Regarding important milestones in the bilateral ties over the past 55 years, President Quang described September 5, 1962 when Viet Nam and Laos set up their diplomatic ties, as a major historical event and a key milestone in the two countries relations.

On December 2, 1975, the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic was born, marking the victory of the Lao people as well as of the fighting alliance between Laos and Viet Nam.

Since 1975, the bilateral relations have entered a new chapter  the era of comprehensive cooperation between the two parties, states, and peoples.

On July 18, 1977, they signed a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and another Treaty on National Border Demarcation. According to Quang, over the past 55 years, despite complicated developments in the regional and global situations, the Viet Nam-Laos time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and all-around cooperation have developed extensively and effectively. Cooperation mechanisms, especially at the high-ranking level, have been consolidated, with growth in political, defence, security and economic collaboration. As of April, Viet Nam had run 408 projects totalling US$3.7 billion, ranking third among countries investing in Laos. In addition, Viet Nam and Laos have also coordinated closely at regional and international forums, thus helping increase each countrys position and prestige in the region and the world, he added.

President Quang expressed his belief that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party, the bilateral relations will continue to be consolidated and developed sustainably.  VNS
HA NOI  Schools throughout Viet Nam held ceremonies on Tuesday to mark the new school year.

The activities included flag hoisting, the singing of the national anthem and announcement of a presidential letter and cultural performances.

President Tran ai Quang, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended ceremonies at different educational facilities.

The President expressed appreciation at the education sectors efforts during the past school year.

In the 2016-17 school year, the quality of schooling improved. Viet Nam teams attending international mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and IT Olympiads attained the highest achievements ever, Quang wrote in his letter.

In the 2017-18 school year, the President said he wanted education to focus on providing fair access to education for all, improving curriculums and setting up a friendly and safe academic environment.

I hope all Vietnamese students will promote traditional fondness of learning to serve the Motherland and serve the people, the President said.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, in the 2017-18 school year, there were more than five million kindergarten children, nearly eight million primary school students, five million secondary school students and 2.4 million high school students. About 1.7 million students are enrolled in universities and colleges throughout the country.  VNS
QUANG BINH  Quang Binh Province Border Guard collaborated with Laos Khammouan Province Public Security Department to investigate five Laos nationals involved in trafficking 12,000 drug pills into Viet Nam on Monday.

On September 1, the anti-drug force under Quang Binh Province Border Guard and Laos functional forces arrested three drug traffickers -- Son But Ta Lat (28 years old) and Nang Mi Xay Nha Lat (22 years old) from Mahasay District, and Phon Ang Tha Lang Si (31 years old) from Boulapha District, Khammouan Province.

With the help of their testimonies, the functional forces on Monday arrested two more suspects -- Bun Thon Xuong Moi Ni (45 years old) from Kounkham District and Lin Xay Nha Xeng (48 years old) from Hinboun District, Khammouan Province.

Quang Binh Province functional forces are expanding the investigation to complete the case report before handing it over to Laos functional forces.  VNS
TUYEN QUANG  The northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang has dropped 1.2 tonnes of baby fish into Lo River, aimed at getting productivity of bred fish back on track.

Co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments Directorate of Fisheries, the provinces Agriculture and Rural Development and the Viet Nam Buddhist Church, the aquaculture activities were implemented on Monday (falling on the 14th day -- one day before the seventh lunar month, celebrating the seventh full moon of the year. In Vietnamese it is called the "Xa toi vong nhan" festival -- the day for the souls of the dead. Releasing fish into the lake is a Vietnamese custom on this occasion).

It is one of many measures to develop the fisheries sector towards sustainable and environmental protection carried out by Tuyen Quang Province authorities, following which fishing and aquaculture activities have seen positive changes.

Over the last few years, fish and aquaculture sources from Lo River have been declining, especially indigenous fish species that are in danger of extinction.

During Mondays event, among the 1.2 tonnes of baby fish dropped into the river was a large quantity of two indigenous fish species that are facing extinction and are highly-valued  carp and rohu.

The reproduction of fish and aquatic resources that takes place every year aims to promote awareness and responsibility for the protection of aquatic resources in society.

Authorities have called on residents to avoid catching aquatic species during and after the time to stock up baby fish.

Through this activity, authorities are hoping organisations and individuals jointly protect and develop fisheries resources.  VNS
HA NOI  Schools throughout the country held ceremonies yesterday to mark the new school year for 22 million Vietnamese attending a range of facilities from kindergartens to universities.

The activities included flag hoisting, the singing of the national anthem, reading of a presidential letter and cultural performances.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, in the 2017-18 school year, there are more than five million kindergarten children, nearly eight million primary school students, five million secondary school students and 2.4 million high school students. About 1.7 million students are enrolled in universities and colleges throughout the country.

President Tran ai Quang, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other leaders attended ceremonies at different educational facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony of Trung Vuong Secondary School in Ha Noi, the President expressed appreciation of the education sectors efforts during the past school year.

He emphasised the importance of education as the foundation, motivation and goal of Viet Nams sustainable development. Understanding the significant role of education and training, the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the government always make it a priority of the nations development plan.

Quang acknowledged the education sectors efforts in implementing the governments policies on renewing and innovating curricula. Facilities are being improved and modernised. Educators and educational administrators are developing in both quantity and quality with a rational structure. The 2017 national examination and university entrance examination were well organised, he noted.

In the 2016-17 school year, the quality of schooling improved. Viet Nam teams attending international mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and IT Olympiads attained the highest achievements ever, said Quang.

He urged the education sector to focus on providing fair access to all, improving curricula and setting up a friendly and safe academic environment. I hope all Vietnamese students will promote traditional fondness of learning to serve the Motherland and the people, the President said.

Meanwhile, Deputy President ang Thi Ngoc Thinh and representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training attended the new school year ceremony at Muong La Boarding School for Ethnic Students in the northern mountainous province of Son La.

Son La, together with the neighbouring provinces of Lai Chau, ien Bien and Yen Bai, were heavily damaged by floods early last month.

Speaking at the ceremony, Thinh emphasised the schools efforts to overcome challenges. The Deputy President called on local authorities to help rehabilitate local schools damaged by the historic August flooding.

In the mountainous district of Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province more than 17,000 students started the school year under heavy rain, hoping for a brighter year ahead. One month after the disaster, teachers and students have coped up with many difficulties to clean up and prepare facilities for the new school year. VNS
UNITED NATIONS, United States  The US has accused North Korea of "begging for war" and pushed for the "strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

As world powers scramble to react to the latest grave step in the Norths weapons programme, South Korea launched major live-fire naval drills to warn its isolated neighbour against any provocations at sea Tuesday morning local time.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," Haley told the meeting Monday called by the United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

The underground blast had a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima, UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the council.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said incremental sanctions imposed on Pyongyang since 2006 had failed.

Leader Kim Jong-Uns "abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war," she said.

"War is never something the United States wants and we dont want it now, but our countrys patience is not unlimited," she said.

Insulting

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea -- potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean labourers sent abroad.

The draft text was expected to be presented to the 14 other council members on Tuesday as the United States sought to respond quickly to reports that North Korea was preparing another missile launch.

Pyongyang in July fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range and Seoul has said it could be planning another test.

At the UN, Chinas ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasised the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," he asserted.

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Russia said it would study the new US proposals for sanctions, but again stressed those measures alone would not resolve the crisis.

"This is not the way to get parties to the table to seek a political solution," said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The council has imposed seven sets of sanctions on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, but Pyongyang has repeatedly found ways to circumvent the measures.

The most recent resolutions, however, have zeroed in on the economy, targeting key exports sectors such as coal that are a source of hard currency for the regime.

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that conduct trade with North Korea, saying these nations will be seen as "giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions".

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

South Korean response

South Koreas defence ministry said it was already strengthening its defences, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile launchers.

The South carried out an early-morning volley of ballistic missiles Monday simulated an attack on the Norths nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by the naval drills.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean leader Moon Jae-In spoke on the phone Monday and agreed to remove limits on the payload of the Souths missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.  AFP
BOGOTA  Colombias government and the countrys last active guerrilla group, the ELN, announced a ceasefire Monday, a key step toward sealing a "complete peace" to end Latin Americas longest civil war.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and National Liberation Army (ELN) negotiators announced the ceasefire two days before a visit to Colombia by Pope Francis.

ELN chief negotiator Pablo Beltran said his forces ceasefire was "the first miracle of the popes visit."

The ceasefire follows a separate accord that saw the disarmament last month of Colombias biggest rebel group, the FARC.

Santos said it was "great news that we are sure will delight" the Argentine pontiff.

Under the ceasefire, "there will be an end to kidnappings, attacks on oil pipelines and other hostilities against the civilian population" by the ELN, Santos said in a televised address.

The government for its part promised to improve conditions for imprisoned ELN members and protect civil leaders from attacks in the conflict zone.

Toward complete peace

The 1,500-strong ELN has been in negotiations with the government since February.

Santos said the ceasefire will be renewed depending on progress on details still to be thrashed out with the leftist rebels.

"It will come into effect on October 1, initially for 102 days, that is to say until January 12 of next year."

The ELN delegation earlier announced the deal on Twitter.

"When the days of celebration during Franciss visit to Colombia are over, we will continue, determined to advance toward a de-escalation of the conflict until complete peace becomes a reality."

Francis is scheduled to tour Colombia from September 6 to 10.

The two delegations to the talks said at a news conference in Quito that the Colombian government, ELN, UN and the Catholic church would jointly monitor the fulfillment of the ceasefire.

"It is a challenge for us to fulfill all the aspects agreed upon in this ceasefire. We hope to keep our word," said Beltran.

Tricky talks

The 7,000 members of the FARC finished disarming last month under UN supervision, despite resistance to the deal from critics who said the FARC got off too lightly.

Analysts warn that the talks with the ELN, under way since February, risk being even more complicated than the four-year negotiations with the FARC.

The deal that came out of those talks was considered to have practically ended the conflict, but other risks remain.

The rebel group has a looser command structure than the FARC had.

"The lack of cohesion in the ELN is a big difference compared with the FARC," said Camilo Echandia, a conflict analyst from Colombias Externado University.

Fragile ceasefire

Officials meanwhile say remnants of right-wing paramilitary groups are still fighting the ELN for control of the drug trade.

Authorities have also reported deadly attacks by ELN fighters against state forces.

"We have to be very realistic: this ceasefire is going to be quite fragile," warned Frederic Masse, another analyst at Externado University.

"It could even be counter-productive and, instead of driving forward the negotiations, end up freezing them."

The FARC and ELN formed in 1964 to fight for land rights and to protect poor rural communities.

The conflict drew in leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitary groups and state forces.

It left 260,000 people confirmed dead, more than 60,000 missing and seven million displaced.

Pope effect

Both sides had said they hoped to agree to a temporary ceasefire before the popes arrival.

"The visit of Pope Francis should provide extra motivation to speed up the search for an agreement," the ELN said on Twitter.

It added that the peace talks aimed above all to help poor rural communities suffering "the unfortunate consequences of the conflict."  AFP
IOWA CITY  Some Iowa sheriffs say an increase in the number of non-professional permits to carry handguns, coupled with new or recent gun laws in the state, have increased safety risks in their counties.

They point to provisions in the new Iowa Omnibus Gun Law, adopted this year, that decreases the punishment for carrying a firearm while intoxicated and increases the ability to use a stand-your-ground defense when firing a gun at someone else.

That law followed one in 2011, in Iowa Code Ch. 724.11, that changed a sheriffs right to issue non-professional permits to carry from may issue to shall issue, taking away much of the discretion sheriffs had when issuing non-professional permits to carry.

Several sheriffs IowaWatch interviewed also expressed concern about the lack of training required to receive a permit.

Since the 2011 law took affect, the number of non-professional permits to carry issued has grown exponentially. From just 2010 to 2011, 29 Iowa counties saw more than a 380 percent increase in permits issued. The overall state increase was 158 percent.

In 2016, sheriffs offices in Iowas 99 counties issued 108,221 nonprofessional permits to carry a handgun.

No state data exists that details the number of individuals with permits to carry with previous criminal records, nor the number of permits that have been revoked in a given year, because the state does not require keeping those records.

People with criminal records that do not include felony convictions may get a permit to carry. Felons are barred from possessing a gun in Iowa.

In Black Hawk County, Sheriff Tony Thompson said he has issued permits to carry to individuals who later committed crimes, such as driving while intoxicated, dealing drugs while carrying their firearm and displaying their gun in a road rage incident.

That permit does not mean: one, they are a good person; two, they are trained; and three, are aware of the law, Thompson said.

Sen. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, said sheriffs continually have expressed discontent over not having the discretion they once had. As floor manager of Iowas 2017 gun-related bill, HF 517, which was passed into law and went into effect July 1, 2017, Windschitl said he works with the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association often to address issues.

However, he said, changing the law to shall issue in 2011 was necessary in order to eliminate any inequities across the state.

Your rights should not be limited by someones individual interpretation of whether you are a good person or a bad person, Windschitl said.

Before the law changed in 2011, sheriffs could deny permits for reasons beyond past criminal activity or mental health issues.

Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, a former Waterloo police officer, who issued 1,956 permits in 2011 after issuing 390 in 2010, said he has had similar experiences.

He cited one permit request, in which a background check showed the person had suicidal tendencies. While Iowa law states a person who has been involuntarily hospitalized can be denied a permit to carry, simply being told by other community members or family members of the person applying for the permit does not meet the threshold for denial.

Fitzgerald said he is not aware of the person committing suicide or hurting anyone else since receiving the permit.

Dan Belleau, a sales associate at G & G Retailers of Davenport, which sells firearms, said he favors Iowas gun law changes. He said stricter gun laws do not make for a safer society.

He said he didnt have to worry in his hometown of Buffalo, Iowa, about gun violence or robberies, despite a high prevalence of guns.

Everybody has a gun, multiple guns. People leave their doors unlocked. I can go over to my neighbors house while theyre not home, get some sugar or borrow a pop or something and leave a note, and they dont give a shit, Belleau, 34, said.

People say, Well if you ban guns, then nobody has any guns, then you cant get shot, he said. Well you cant carry a gun in Chicago, and thats where the most shootings happen.

Why? Belleau asked. Its a mentality thing.

Required training

Another law change made in 2011, with Iowa Code Ch. 724.9, eliminated a sheriffs right to require certain types of firearms training in order to be granted a permit. Previously, many sheriffs, like Black Hawk Countys Thompson, required a proficiency qualification to be met.

Operating as a shall-issue sheriff since his election in 2009, Thompson said his only requirements for receiving a permit were a face-to-face interview and a training course offered by his department in conjunction with the community college that required individuals to demonstrate they could load and fire a handgun correctly. The course also informed individuals on Iowas gun laws.

It was a bad move negating training and watering down training to the degree that there really was no value in it, Thompson said.

Since 2011, Thompson said the number of suspensions and revocations of permits he has issued in Black Hawk County has increased, with a total of 95 as of the end of 2016. Some of these are happening due to ignorance of the laws, and of training, he said.

Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere, who issued 558 permits in 2011 after issuing only 110 in 2010, said he supports more required training. He said the states current training requirement for permits does not guarantee a person has any proficiency with a firearm.

As a law enforcement officer, were required to demonstrate proficiency with a firearm before we can carry it on duty, LeClere said. I would hate to see someone who has never fired a weapon take a training course that doesnt require firing a weapon and go out and not understand what will happen when they shoot.

Taking an online training course is an option, but Kim Smithe, owner of the Davenport gun shop G & G Retailers, said those courses are not sufficient.

These are people that have never even held a handgun before, she said.

Ive had customers come in here that have taken an online (course) and gotten their permit and they pick that handgun up, with their finger on the trigger, looking down the barrel. Both of those are the first things you learn that are big no-nos, you dont do either one of those. So those online courses are not teaching anyone anything, Smithe, 51, said.

I do believe in the right to carry a firearm but I do think there needs to be stricter regulations, Smithe said, who has had her permit to carry since 1988. I think you need to be able to prove that you can handle that firearm and you have that knowledge, and if you dont, you shouldnt be able to carry, period.

Intoxication

One change made by Iowas Omnibus Gun Law was decreasing the severity of the punishment for carrying a firearm while intoxicated. Previously, this crime was considered an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison. Since July 1, the crime has been considered a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.

Additionally, carrying while intoxicated is no longer always term for revocation of a permit. Other factors must be present, such as previous alcohol related offenses that could indicate an alcohol addiction, which is grounds for revocation.

Thompson said, Im not sure what the driving force was behind watering that down.

He said hes baffled state legislators recognize the dangers of operating a vehicle or heavy machinery while intoxicated, but not while carrying a firearm.

We know alcohol consumption blurs judgment, he said. Were looking for people in the state that can carry firearms responsibly, that dont infringe on the rights of other citizens.

Stand Your Ground

Before the Ominbus Gun Law, Iowas stand-your-ground law stated individuals who felt threatened in a public space, outside of their home or place of employment were required to retreat if possible before defending themselves.

Now, the law allows individuals who feel threatened to lawfully shoot.

While he said he understands sheriffs concerns, Windschitl said Iowas previous stand-your-ground law was not adequate. In particular, he said placing the burden of proof on the individual who claimed self-defense was wrong.

That shouldnt be the case, he said. We have an inherent right to life and part of that is defending that life. You shouldnt have to prove that you were defending yourself.

This story was produced by the Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism-IowaWatch.org, a nonprofit, online news website that collaborates with Iowa news organizations to produce explanatory and investigative reporting.
Iowas Republican-dominated congressional delegation largely praised the Trump administrations move Tuesday to rescind the Obama-era program allowing 800,000 younger undocumented immigrants to be shielded from deportation.

However well-intentioned DACA may have been, the program was created by executive edict rather than by Congress as the Constitution requires, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said Tuesday, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program President Barack Obama created by executive order five years ago.

There were signals in recent days the Trump administration would end the program. And the announcement Tuesday drew criticism from Democrats, including Iowas lone Democrat in Congress, Rep. Dave Loebsack. He called the decision disheartening.

We should not allow children who were brought to this country through no action of their own  including men and women who have proudly served in the United States military  to be deported, Loebsack said.

The 2012 order was roundly attacked by Republicans after it was issued. And as a candidate, Donald Trump also criticized the program. However, since he took office, his administration has debated how to deal with it. Trump has even expressed admiration for young immigrants, who are sometimes called Dreamers. At one point, Trump said we love the Dreamers.

Most DACA recipients are in Southern and Western states, but some are in every state in the nation. In Iowa, about 2,800 were in the program as of earlier this year, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an arm of the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Rosa Mendoza, executive director of the Diversity Service Center of Iowa, a nonprofit in Muscatine, said the center has helped with about 50 DACA applications. Mendoza said Tuesday she is disappointed in the decision and DACA recipients have become part of the community.

Theyve found stability through the program, she said. Now, they live in fear.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, noted the circumstances of the younger immigrants in the state, saying we must show compassion toward these children. She added, while I do not support giving them citizenship, we must identify and pursue a measured approach that addresses their unique situation, but also respects the importance of our immigration laws ...

Rep. Rod Blum, R-1st District, said he backed the president.

I believe the decision President Obama made to implement the program on DACA was unconstitutional, and I agree with President Trumps decision to return power to Congress to write, debate and vote on legislation.

Rep. Steve King, R-4th District, also praised the move in tweets over the weekend.

Its not clear whether Congress will take any action on immigration before March 5, when benefits for existing DACA recipients expire. But Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has proposed a bill, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would grant permanent legal status to people in similar circumstances as DACA recipients if they meet certain conditions.

On Tuesday, Durbin said the administrations actions have started the clock on Congress to prevent rolling mass deportations of hundreds of thousands of young people and urged passage of his bill.

Grassley had a different take on how deportations might proceed. In his statement, he said he expected the administration would focus on deporting criminals ahead of those who have otherwise abided by our laws.

The Trump administration said Tuesday current DACA recipients will be allowed to retain deferred action benefits and their employment authorization documents until they expire unless theyre terminated or revoked. DACA generally runs for two years from issuance.

No new requests will be taken after Tuesday, the administration said. As for renewal requests, the administration said it would not accept any after Oct. 5.
WATERLOO  You might think a year-long celebration of a 100th anniversary would be a hard act to follow, but Waterloo Community Playhouse isnt going to rest on its laurels.

Were doing what we always do  some new things, said Norman Ussery, executive director. Our 100th anniversary got us a lot of attention and brought some new faces into the theater, along with people who had been away and had come back. Weve seen progressively more new patrons who are discovering theater for the first time. Its a great social outing.

Who Shot Liberty Valance?, popularized by the 1952 movie starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, will be on the Hope Martin Theatre stage through Sunday.

Its our first venture into doing a stage western. Its a genre you dont normally see on stage, and we were excited to find the script, Ussery said.

In November, Black Hawk Childrens Theatre will present Horton Footes heartwarming story of homecoming, The Trip to Bountiful, Nov. 10-19.

November and Thanksgiving is a good time to celebrate the desire for homecoming expressed in this production, Ussery explained. In the story an aging widow living with her son and daughter-in-law in Houston imagines she can regain her strength, dignity and peace of mind by returning to her old home in the town of Bountiful.

Beloved by audiences, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will be presented by Black Hawk Childrens Theatre for the holiday season, Dec. 8-16. The Herdmans (known as the worst kids in the history of the world) decide to participate in the annual Christmas pageant, which spells disaster. Ussery describes it as a very funny show with a great message that is wonderful for families.

Beginning with the new year WCP enters uncharted territory with The Library, Jan. 19-28, a play written by Scott Burns and based on the aftermath of the Columbine shootings. It was presented last year as a reading at the Hearst Center where it was well received.

Promise Leaders, a group of parents of children killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School (Connecticut) shooting in 2012, will be involved in aspects of this presentation.

I reached out to them after hearing about them through the news media. Its not a gun issue  they dont even talk about it. Theyre trying to find a positive response to a deadly issue by turning school into a village where students are aware of each other. If you dont know someone, you tend to make up stories about them, and that sometimes leads to kids being ostracized for no reason, which can lead to violence, Ussery explained.

The production will be performed in the more intimate McElroy Theatre at the Walker Building. Ussery hopes the show will engage school administrators and teachers in a discussion about bullying, social media and group dynamics relevant to the community and how to make school a more open and supportive place for students.

From March 16-25, The Full Monty will be on stage. The musical comedy by Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by David Yazbek, has been Americanized and set in Buffalo, N.Y. A group of unemployed steel workers have spied on their wives at a Girls Night Out and see how much they enjoy watching male strippers. They decide to see if they can pull off their own act.

Its actually not as salacious as it sounds. Its a very heartwarming story about men who are trying to provide for their families in uncertain times who come up with a pretty wild idea. The nice thing is, the play is much better than the movie, Ussery explained.

The WCP season ends with Sam Bobricks Weekend Comedy May 11-20. A couple in their mid-50s and a 20-something couple have accidentally rented the same cottage for a three-day weekend and decide to stick it out together.

In addition to the Christmas production, Black Hawk Childrens Theatre will present A Wrinkle in Time, adapted by John Glore, Oct. 6-14. The eccentric Mrs. Whatsit visits Meg, her gifted brother and her friend and takes them through time and space on a rescue mission. Their adventure tests their strength, confidence and friendship.The show is in rehearsal now and is enjoying renewed popularity because theres a movie release coming in the spring, Ussery says.

The Princess and the Pea, Feb. 16-24, and Winnie the Pooh, April 13-21, are childrens classics as well as stage favorites, both based on books.Single tickets are: nonmusical WCP, $22 for adult and $12 for students and $25 and $15, respectively, for WCP musicals. The BHCT Christmas show is $15 for adults and $12 for students/child, and other BHCT shows are $10 for all seats.
Around Midland and around the world, loving and leading all people to deeper life in Jesus Christ.
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Putin spoke at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China September 5, 2017:

He spoke of finding out about the highly praised judiciary system of the USA. He said it with a (as I detect it) slight sarcasm to his tone. He hit it on the nail head. America is no longer a country of law and order. Both domestically and internationally

Pyongyang will not relinquish its military program under pressure of sanctions and military threats, because the examples of Iraq and Libya have convinced it that nuclear deterrence is the only credible way to ensure its security, President Putin told journalists on Tuesday.

He basically said during his speech and by using examples of Iraq and Libya that these countries and their fate has convinced the North Korean leadership that only nuclear deterrence can protect them, so no sanctions can and or will dissuade them and Putin is firm on this

Quoting Putin, Ramping up military hysteria in such conditions is senseless; its a dead end, Putin said. Putin also added, It could lead to a global, planetary catastrophe and a huge loss of human life. There is no other way to solve the North Korean nuclear issue, save that of peaceful dialogue.

Then he went on to point out the facts of North Korea and their fear of America

As I told my colleagues yesterday, they will eat grass but will not stop their program as long as they do not feel safe, Putin said. What can restore their security? The restoration of international law.

The fact that America is flouting International Law and throwing it in the face of other countries has reached a dead end with China, Russia and many other countries. Even Americas own so called allies are fearful of the retaliatory actions constantly imposed by a waning empire. This is what not feeling safe is about and life is too short to live in fear. America instills fear in many countries and these countries do not deserve this

This all as Russia knows has nothing to do with Trump, but what it does have to do with Trump is that the actions of America have become laid on the carpet, like when your doggy has an accident or not accident in the middle of the living room, for all to see. The world now knows that, No One Is In Charge in the USA!

America behaves like a maniac and is running like a loose canon. Seems Trump is correct for the president at this time

I have said before, America is run by a thousand plus wannabe Napoleons and Hitlers! But I think that America has successfully grandstanded these guys and new names will be used in the future to describe individuals that desire power at all costs

Power is a word the meaning of which we do not understand.  Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

Putin is correct and he knows he what he will find when Russia sues America

It is called a, Nothing Burger!

I say, Too many US people are way too indoctrinated in their own self importance to appreciate even  of Putins intellect, never mind  of it!

Please prove me wrong

Lets restore International Law and order. America has to lead the way, for right now she is running full tilt the wrong direction. Speaking of that

It looks to me that Trump has allowed unadulterated control of foreign affairs to the deep state. Good or bad?

WtR
Sep 5, 2017 | By Tess

A team of innovative and resourceful doctors in Gaza are using 3D printers to produce simple medical supplies, such as stethoscopes and tourniquets, which are not easily accessible and are in high demand in the war-torn region.

In Gaza, a Palestinian territory that has long been closed off from supplies due to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade, essential items such as medical tools are hard to come by. Even the regions largest hospital, al-Shifa, only has one or two stethoscopes per department, and most equipmentlike CT and MRI scannersare old fashioned and out of date.

Facing the difficulties of not having necessary medical equipment to properly diagnose patients, Canadian doctor Tarek Loubani and some of his coworkers formed the Glia team and set out to find a solution. As he explains, prior to making the 3D printed stethoscopes, it would not be uncommon for doctors to read a heart rate by putting their own ears up to the patients chest.

That would be the best-case scenario, Loubani explained to Al Jazeera. "If someone's full of blood, most doctors aren't going to put their ears to the chest. So, doctors are making decisions without that piece of information.

Of course, deciding to 3D print stethoscopes was not quite as easy as finding a model and sending it to an out-of-the-box 3D printer, as 3D printers are banned in Gaza. To get around this restriction, Loubani and his team worked with Mohammed Abu Matar, a telecommunications graduate and the founder of Gazas first and only 3D printing shop.

Unable to simply buy a 3D printer, Matar had to create his own using open source design files and any spare parts he could find. When he had one printer up and running, he used it to 3D print parts for more printers. The Glia team even had to create its own filament by grinding up plastic into pellets and developing its own filament-making machine.

The 3D printed stethoscopes, which cost only about $3 to make (compared to the $200 price tag attached to most industry-leading stethoscopes), reportedly work just as well their branded counterparts. Considering that doctors in Gaza only make about $300 a month, the $3 stethoscope seems much more feasible to obtain.

Mohammed Abu Matar demonstrates the 3D printed stethoscope

Currently, Matars 3D printers are being used to produce low-cost but fully functional stethoscopes. In fact, Loubanis team has already received its first batch of the medical devices which are ready to be deployed. Now, the team is working on developing and testing 3D printed tourniquets and pulse oximeters, which are also in high demand at Gaza hospitals.

Importantly, Loubani and his team are hoping to spread their 3D printing knowledge to other people in Gaza in the hopes that the technology will be used to produce more medical supplies. The Glia team has already been to the Khan Younis College of Science and Technology to teach students how to assemble a 3D printer, and they are hoping to introduce the technology to even younger students as well.

The Glia team: Shaker Shaheen, Mahmoud Alalawi, Tarek Loubani, Mohammed Abu Matar

(All Images: Mersiha Gadzo / Al Jazeera)

You have a very special problem in Gaza; a rocket could come through this window and this place is gone. If that happens, what's supposed to happen with this work?" Loubani said. "So really, you need more than one place [that knows how to 3D print] in a place like Gaza, to know you can keep the culture going.

Loubani added that he believes at least four or five 3D printing shops should be established in the region to ensure that the technology and knowledge surrounding it can survive.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Yusuf wrote at 9/7/2017 3:52:07 AM:Totally agree with Hahmed. What's next? Gaza rulers will try to make rockets using 3d printing. A rocket though the window? Yes, but coming from the inside and going to Israel. Please, 3ders, avoid taking part in this conflict. You certainly don't know what's going on over there.Hahmed, Hebron wrote at 9/5/2017 10:30:35 PM:"that has long been closed off from supplies due to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade, essential items such as medical tools are hard to come by." That is totally a lie! there is no shortage of medical equipment. HAMAS - a terror group who rules Gaza take all the medical equipment and supports and keep it for itself. Don't believe this propaganda. Use your mind.




Rana Dasgupta in Granta:

Until the 1960s  when the new world turned resentfully on the old  the river-wrinkled region to the south of Paris was dotted with handsome country towns made modern by the railways.

Many of the brave stations and postal depots from that era have since fallen into decrepitude, but they still hold the memory of the erstwhile alchemy. Twin rails conducted industrial vigour into the most rustic of locales: the espresso (for it was the Italians who expressed it, collapsing caffeine and locomotives into one steam-powered word) of economic expansion and minute-precision time. Suddenly, provincial farmers could send perishable produce to Paris, where, a mere two hours out of the ground, it would sell for metropolitan prices in the crammed stalls of Les Halles. But they were simultaneously engulfed by the greater force of the city moving out to them: for industrialists, too, could propel products far afield on the railways, so why not manufacture them outside the capital, where land and labour were cheap?

There was the town of Arpajon, for instance, whose fruit and vegetables were so urgently needed in Les Halles that a thirty-seven-kilometre railway was built to link them door-to-door. But the towns population was also swelling with the influx of new enterprises: breweries and tanneries, and especially the shoe factory, set up in 1859. All this created a new bourgeoisie who built large homes in a self-sufficiently regional style: coated with rough-hewn stone, colourfully painted on the lintels, stretching unnaturally thin and tall. There were parks laid out, and pretty streets of shops, and a grandiose city hall. The railway station  source of everything  was appropriately imposing.

The same rule is shown by its exceptions: take the nearby village of Grigny, which the railway lines did not touch, and which maintained, therefore, an older sense of time. It became bucolic: horse-drawn

carts took Parisian day trippers from the nearest station to sit in Grignys tourist pavilions, where they could breathe invigorating country air and draw nourishment from the prospect of gently rolling hills. The pastoral eternity of this view was made poignant, all the same, by a modern frisson: sweeping past the distant peasants labouring in the grain fields was the stern line of the Vanne aqueduct  erected as part of Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmanns re-engineering of the capital in the 1860s  which filled greedy Parisian reservoirs with pure water captured 200 kilometres away.

Today, Grigny is a grimy assemblage of 1970s housing blocks. New facades on the schools fly the flags of France and the European Union, and are painted with edifying quotations from great white men, but they are masks for falling-down classrooms.

More here.
Ed Simon at The Millions:

Wilson-Lees is an odd hodgepodge of a bookpart memoir, part travelogue, part historical account, part literary criticism. And yet despite its chimerical nature, it is an effective book, combining as it does an adept theoretical orientation, an admirable facility with the Explication de texte of Shakespeares language, and a humanism that is sometimes lacking in the most arid of literary theory. Too often, conservative defenders of Shakespeare against some imagined threat to the canon obscure the very real ways in which both Shakespeare in particular and English literature in general were used to erase the lives and culture of people in colonized lands, as a type of soft artillery. But Wilson-Lee isnt wrong when he says that its hard not to feel that Shakespeare almost alone among writers, defies such cynicism. He conjectures that though Shakespeares genius may simply be some grand collective delusion, a truism rather than a truth, he cant help but find that every time, the dawning freshness of a turn of phrase, a short exchange or an orchestrated speech makes dull the cleverness which wrote these impressions off as nostalgic. In what is one of the books most poignantly beautiful scenes, Wilson-Lee describes listening to two surviving records of that Urdu production of Hamlet preserved at the British Library (the film itself being lost to posterity), explaining that the music of that production was pressed neither on vinyl nor wax cylinder, but rather on discs made from shellac, crushed beetle-shell. And so he could hear the same sounds that would have rung out of the ramshackle theatres onto the Mombasa streets, the love songs of Hindustani Shakespeare, preserved in the carcasses of beetles which had once footled around the forests of Bengal.

more here.
Gavin Jacobson in the NY Review of Books:

Ma Soe Yein is the largest Buddhist monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar. A dreary sprawl of dormitories and classrooms, it is located in the western half of the city, and accommodates some 2,500 monks. The atmosphere inside is one of quiet industry. Young men, clad in orange and maroon robes, sit on the floors and study the Dharma or memorize ritual texts. There is little noise except for the endless scraping of straw brooms on wooden floors, or the dissonant hum of people in collective prayer. Outside, the scene is livelier. Monks hurriedly douse themselves with cold water, and chat politics over a table of newspapers. They do so in the shadow of a large wall covered with gruesome images depicting the alleged bloodlust of Islam. Photographs, displayed without any explanation or evidence of their origins, show beaten faces, hacked bodies, and severed limbsbrutalities apparently committed by Muslims against Myanmar Buddhists.

The contrast between the monasterys inner calm and this exterior display of violence is a fitting inversion of Ma Soe Yeins most infamous resident, Ashin Wirathu, the subject of Barbet Schroeders new documentary, The Venerable W. On the outside, Wirathu is composed and polite, with large brown eyes and a sweet, impish grin. His voice is smooth and its cadence measured. Yet beneath this civil disguise seethes an interminable hatred toward the 4 percent of Myanmars population that is Muslim (the wall of carnage stands outside his residence). Wirathu is responsible for inciting some of the worst acts of ethnic violence in the countrys recent history, and was described by Time as The Face of Buddhist Terror.

More here.
After clinching Valley title, playoff seed, South Dakota State football prepares for two weeks off

Having two weeks off before the playoffs is unusual, but the Jackrabbits could use it to get healthy
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Kidston Solar Phase One 50MW Update

Sydney, Sep 5, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Genex Power Limited ( ASX:GNX ) (Genex or Company) is pleased to provide shareholders with this latest update regarding the construction program for the Company's Phase One 50MW Kidston Solar Project (KSP1 or Project).



Genex is pleased to report that the construction of KSP1 continues to remain on-budget, for anticipated first generation in Q4 2017 and Practical Completion in Q1 2018. Key activities since the last update (refer ASX announcement 03 August 2017) include:



- Continued installation of solar modules across the KSP1 site;



- Continued installation of solar pilings;



- Continued installation of trackers; and



- Successful hand-over of transferrable assets to Ergon allowing cutover works for the 132kV line into the newly constructed Ergon-Kidston substation.



Commenting on this month's progress of the Company's 50MW Solar Project, Managing Director of Genex, Michael Addison said:



"Genex's project team continues to deliver construction milestones, enabling the Project to remain onbudget for first cash flow in Q4 2017. Key milestones during the reporting period include completion of the Ergon-Kidston substation connection work and an acceleration of panel installation and cabling. Genex's focus on delivering KSP1 brings the Project another step closer to Practical Completion in Q1 2018. Importantly, success to date on the delivery of Phase One provides an important project track record as the Company progresses financing and partnering discussions for Phase Two (270MW Solar and 250MW Pumped Hydro)."



The Federal Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has provided $8.9 million of funding to support the construction of Genex's $126 million Phase One 50MW Kidston Solar Project.



About ARENA



ARENA was established by the Australian Government to make renewable energy technologies more affordable and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Through the provision of funding coupled with deep commercial and technical expertise, ARENA provides the support needed to accelerate the development of promising new solutions towards commercialisation. ARENA invests in renewable energy projects across the innovation chain and is committed to sharing knowledge and lessons learned from its portfolio of projects and information about renewable energy. ARENA always looks for at least matched funding from the projects it supports and to date has committed $1.1 billion in funding to more than 270 projects. For more information, visit http://www.arena.gov.au



To view figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/17ADFX30





About Genex Power Ltd





Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company.


Teal Gold Mine Continues to Deliver

Perth, Sep 5, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Intermin Resources Limited ( ASX:IRC ) ("Intermin" or the "Company") provides the following operational update from Intermin's 100% owned Teal Gold Mine, located 11km north west of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia (see Figure 2 in the link below).



HIGHLIGHTS



- Mining, ore haulage and processing continues successfully at the Teal open pit



- Ore mined to date totals 98,900t grading 3.20g/t for 10,160 ounces



- Gold recoveries remain at 94% for an estimated 9,550 ounces recovered to date (see Note 1 below)



- Repayment of Intermin's capital investment of $2.1m complete



- Return of Intermin's asset recovery charge of $2.15m expected this Quarter under the terms of the Mining Alliance (see Note 2 below)



- Teal on track to produce 15,000 - 16,000 ounces at All In Cost (AIC) of A$1,030 - A$1,090 per ounce generating total net cash flow to Intermin of $7m - $8m at a $1,600/oz gold price (see Note 3 below)



- Cash and investments to date (see Note 4 below) rise to more than $6m with mining completion of Stage 1 expected in the December Quarter 2017



Commenting on progress at Teal, Intermin's Managing Director, Mr Jon Price said:



"As Stage 1 at Teal continues to generate significant cash flow to the business, the Company is in an exciting growth phase as we complete Feasibility Studies on the Goongarrie Lady gold project and further stages at Teal to expand the production pipeline.



"The Company also expects ongoing drilling results from the self-funded 32,000m exploration program in coming months as we continue our Resource expansion efforts and the search for the next WA Goldfields discovery."



Overview



Mining continues in the southern section of the pit (see Figure 1 in the link below) with supergene oxide ore now exposed across the entire pit floor for load and haul through to completion in the December Quarter. The strip ratio for the remaining life of the project is 3:1 with total movement to date of 1.66MBCM. Ore mined to date from the project totals 98,900 dry tonne at an average grade to 3.20g/t, in line with Reserve model estimates.



Ore haulage to the third party mill for processing will occur at 10 - 15,000t per week with plant recoveries of 94% to date continuing to outperform the Feasibility Study estimates of 90% for the oxide ore component.



Contained metal mined to date totals 10,161 ounces and the project remains on track to meet guidance of 15,000 -16,000 ounces at an All in Cost (AIC) estimated at $1,030 - $1,090 per ounce (See Note 5 below).



Initial capital investment repayments of $2.1m have now been made to both RM Contracting and Intermin. The Company is expecting payment of the $2.15m asset recovery charge this Quarter prior to the profit share component in accordance with the Mining Alliance Contract (see Note 6 below).



Cash at bank (see Note 7 below) as of 5 September totals $4.9m and tradeable securities held total $1.14m.



Notes:



1 includes final and provisional data



2 as announced to the ASX on 19 July 2016



3 as announced to the ASX on 14 June 2017, see also Competent Persons Statement on page 3 and Forward Looking and Cautionary Statement on page 4.



4 includes actual and provisional amounts under the ore sales agreement announced to the ASX on 27 July 2017



5 as announced to the ASX on 14 June 2017, see also Competent Persons Statement on page 3 and Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements on page 4



6 as announced to the ASX on 19 July 2017.



7 includes final and provisional amounts under the Ores Sales Agreement as announced on 27 July 2017



To view tables and figures, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/2ZA6AI1U





About Horizon Minerals Limited





Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed.

Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline.

Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage.
The Nature Conservancy has announced Peg Olsen as the Adirondack Chapters new director. Olsen most recently served as The National Audubon Societys Chief Conservation Officer and Atlantic Flyway Vice President, overseeing 23 state programs, including 46 nature centers, as well as international programs.

She is returning to The Nature Conservancy, where she worked from 1989  2003, holding various positions, including Eastern New York Chapter Director, overseeing a staff of 17, and Asia Pacific Region Deputy Director, managing operations with 185 staff across 14 times zones in China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, the Solomon Islands, Palau, Australia and the United States.

Olsen earned two degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: a PhD. in Ecological Economics and a Masters of Science in Urban and Environmental Studies. She also earned a Bachelors in Political Science from University of New Hampshire.

After focusing on ecological economics and land use in the Lake George Basin as part of her post-graduate studies, Olsen began her conservation career in the Adirondacks by helping to launch the Lake George Land Conservancy.
By comparison, the Minnesota measles outbreak was a small one. It also appears to have had no lasting health consequences for those infected. According to MDH, 22 of the 79 cases were hospitalized, at first blush a large number. But according to Patti Carroll, a board member of the VSCM, none of these cases were ever in intensive care and all recovered with no known lasting health effects. The hospitalization rate appears to reflect an aggressive response to the initial problem since 6 of the first 8 confirmed cases were taken to the hospital. Of the subsequent 71 cases, MDH data suggest only 16 were hospitalized.

Despite the often-hysterical treatment the outbreak received from the press, it was a relatively modest event. Although measles no longer circulates freely in the U.S., minor outbreaks like this one remain common. Since 2000, measles cases in the U.S. have averaged close to 130 per year, typically sparked by infected travelers entering the country. When larger outbreaks take place, they often occur in communities that have low vaccination rates: an Amish community in Ohio saw nearly 400 cases in 2014; the year before saw two smaller outbreaks, one in an orthodox Jewish community in New York, another in a church community from Texas. Most notorious among recent outbreaks is the one that began in Disneyland in December 2014. By the time it subsided in mid-February, the Disneyland outbreak totaled 147 cases.

The outbreak that eventually sickened 79 people, mostly children under 10 years of age, began when the first case was identified April 11. The last case was identified on July 13. Under standard public health practice, the outbreak can be declared over if there are no new cases identified for 42 days. The incubation period for measles is 21 days, meaning thats how long it can take for someone who has been infected with measles to show symptoms. Health officials wait two incubation periods (42 days) out of an abundance of caution.

On August 25, the MDH officially declared an end to the measles outbreak of spring and summer 2017. Their news release, which was not widely reported, described why they waited so long to announce something that had been clear for weeks.

By late April, MDH was posting daily case updates on their web-site (see HERE ). This was both a response to and a stimulus for widespread media coverage, first in local news outlets and then nationally. At the outset, these were brief, factual reports, but it didnt take long for the MDH to start pointing fingers. On May 5, The Washington Post published the article that caught Rachelle Cohens attention, Anti-vaccine activists spark a states worst measles outbreak in decades. (see HERE ). Health officials complained specifically that the Vaccine Safety Council of Minnesota (VSCM) in the middle of their crisis was informing Somali-Americans that they had the right according to Minnesota law to opt out of vaccination based on conscientiously held beliefs. Reminding parents of their rights was a message these officials felt was exactly the opposite of what clinicians and public health officials are urging, which is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Over the next three months, as the count of confirmed cases rose to 79, the initial pattern continued. The outbreak was largely confined to children (73 were under 10 years old) who were Somali-American (64 of 79) residents of Hennepin County (70 of 79), most of whom (71 of 79) were unvaccinated. The case count rose quickly to reach 73 by the end of May and then leveled off sharply. Six additional cases were confirmed, until the last case report on July 13.

On April 13, the first news report of three measles cases among toddlers in Minneapolis was published (see HERE ). The next day, confirming five more cases, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a press release with additional information. Of the then eight confirmed cases, all were unvaccinated children living in Hennepin County. Seven of the eight were Somali Minnesotans. Six of these children were hospitalized.

Four months later, the much-hyped Minnesota measles outbreak has passed with little notice, but there are important lessons to be learned from the events surrounding it. What really happened? Why all the fuss? What are the salient facts about measles, vaccines and autism? What was my role in the process? Most importantly, what does this episode teach us about the state of public health policy and the ongoing concern for vaccine safety and parental rights. To explore those questions, lets first take a look at the outbreak itself.

Cohen wrote that during "this latest outbreak [of measles in Minnesota], anti-vaccine groups have fanned the flames, making it hard for public health officials and doctors to be heard above the noise. These are the facts: Vaccines dont cause autism. Measles can kill. And lying to vulnerable people about the health and safety of their children ought to be a hanging offense ." [emphasis added]

On May 8, The Boston Herald published an editorial calling for my execution. They didnt know much about me, but had heard about an event in Minneapolis at which I spoke. I learned subsequently the piece was written by Rachelle Cohen, editor of the newspapers editorial page. Her brief essay didnt refer to me by name, but cited a Washington Post article from May 5 th that did, describing me as a Boston businessman and anti-vaccine activist.

As MDH began targeting the Somali-American community in mid-April, concerns arose among those families who were targeted. Parents who had made the decision to avoid or delay administering the Merck measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR II) to their children reported intense pressure to vaccinate these children against their wishes. According to the VSCM, the concerns we hear are based on the bullying and overreach of MDH and doctors lying to parents that they have no options or choice on medical decisions for their children.

Eager to provide a counterbalance to this pressure, a group of Somali parents reached out to the VSCM and asked them to hold an information session for the Somali community. The VSCM agreed to arrange the session, which was scheduled for April 30th. Originally planned for a community center in Minneapolis, the venue had to be changed after the MDH prevailed on the center to renege on their agreement to host it.

On Sunday April 30th, I was the main speaker at the relocated VSCM briefing session. Although the last-minute change of venue had reduced the audience somewhat, there was a large turnout of Somali families. A number of media outlets attended as well. The room was smaller than the original community center, but it was fairly full.

At the outset of my talk, I asked the audience for a show of hands. First, I asked how many knew a child with a measles infection? Almost no one raised their hands, excepting three white doctors sitting together in the center of the room. They were clearly there to represent the public health side of the issue. Next, I asked how many knew a child with autism? Virtually the entire room raised their hands.

The autism issue was the elephant in the room. The Minnesota Somali community, Americas largest, has been devastated by autism. A 2013 study conducted by University of Minnesota researchers, following the method of the CDCs Autism and Developmental Disabilities (ADDM) network, analyzed autism prevalence in Minneapolis children, including residents of Somali descent. The study reported an overall prevalence rate in Minneapolis children of 1 in 48, a rate nearly as high as the record-setting rate of 1 in 46 reported by the New Jersey ADDM site. But the rate in the Somali community was 1 in 32, higher than any rate ever reported in America. Parents in the audience told me they believe that rate is an underestimate.









So many parents of Somali children with autism have seen a regression following the MMR II vaccine that they call it the autism shot. And the concern over autism has led to lower vaccination rates among Somali Minnesotans, making themlike the Amish in Ohio and the orthodox Jews in New York-- more susceptible to measles outbreaks. The chart below from the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Review illustrates the trend: the MDH would call it a crisis; others might call it a rational response from informed parents to an urgent childhood health problem.









With the elephantnot to mention three hostile doctorsfirmly placed in the room, I proceeded with my talk. I broke the presentation into five sections.

An overview of American vaccine policy . I contrasted the positions of government officials and anti-vaxxers and stated quite clearly that I was not anti-vaccine, but rather a critic of the dramatic expansion in the CDCs recommended childhood vaccine schedule. I argued that vaccines have both risks and benefits and that public health officials routinely overemphasize the risks of infectious disease while underplaying the risks of vaccine injury. Measles risk. I showed CDC data on measles morbidity and mortality in America since 1900. I showed that the risk of death from a measles infection had plummeted throughout the 20th century, but took pains to point out that risk from measles infection remained and that parents should understand that. I shared CDC data on 11 reported deaths from measles since 2000, two of them verified. Cancer patients and the immune-suppressed carry the greatest risk. Autism in Minnesota . I argued, as I have for years, that the dramatic rise in autism rates is real and an urgent public health crisis. I showed the audience how the Somali autism rate dwarfs rates measured in other parts of the country. Research fraud from the CDC in MMR-autism study . I shared publicly released working documents from CDC scientist William Thompson showing that the CDC had found an increased risk of autism in African American children who had received the MMR vaccine early. Their concealment of those findings is described extensively in the movie Vaxxed and provides key evidence casting doubt on the oft-repeated claim that there is no link between vaccines like the MMR II and autism. Exemption rights . Finally, I made the point to the Somali parents that it was their right and responsibility to weigh all the information they received and make the decision they felt was best for their child. If, based on their conscientiously held belief, they decided to forego or delay vaccination, then they had that right under Minnesota state law.

So that was my hanging offense. Although some journalists reported fairly on the briefing session, others misrepresented what they heard. Emily Sohn, an NPR reporter who attended the meeting also contributed to The Washington Post article that described me as an anti-vaccine activist. Soon thereafter, Rachelle Cohen was literally calling for a lynch mob.

Lessons from the outbreak

When your hometown newspaper calls for your execution, its an occasion for self-reflection. Was Rachelle Cohen correct? Was I fanning the flames of dangerous anti-vaxxer sentiment and putting childrens lives at risk? Or was I acting heroically and saving the poor Somali families from the evil clutches of the CDC and their minions at MDH?

Needless to say, neither of these extremes bear much resemblance to the reality I witnessed. While Im both bemused and a little alarmed by the media backlash, I can honestly say that Ive never had a moment of regret about the event. Quite the contrary, I believe that when important rights are under attack its important to stand up and defend them. So I was proud to stand with my VSCM friends and their colleagues in the Minnesota Somali community. I hope the information I shared that night was useful to some of them.

But my overwhelming impression is that the hysterical government and media reaction--one that Rachelle Cohen carried to an alarming extreme--missed three critical points. First and most importantly, it was hugely disrespectful to the Somali families involved. The racist undertone to the official response was hard to ignore. Instead of the educated, informed and caring Somali parents I met that night, the press would have you believe they were ignorant and uncritical victims easily swayed by charlatans and frauds, including me. Far from me educating them, however, I may have learned more from the attendees at the event than they learned from me. Several of the Somali women I spoke to knew a great deal more about the local prevalence study I cited than I did. I took notes!

Second, what the media response showed most clearly is how complex phenomena like an isolated measles outbreak is made meaningful only to the degree it can be twisted to fit some other pre-existing narrative. As Chicago politician Rahm Emmanuel famously said, never let a serious crisis go to waste. And as public health officials have learned with the Disneyland outbreak, measles outbreaks provide a golden opportunity to advance their policy agenda of mandatory vaccination. Friendly partners in the media are only too happy to oblige. As the friendly media has also learned, the threat of a plague makes great television.

So, the VSCM event became less about the facts and a few dozen Somali children who had to stay home for a few days. Instead, it was quickly turned to familiar themes and characters. The Washington Post went on at length about a visit Andrew Wakefield made to Minneapolis many years ago, pinning blame on him for the decline in vaccine compliance instead of valid concerns about vaccine injury that Somali families have witnessed firsthand.

But in our increasingly polarized media environment, a serious crisis can be twisted to fit multiple narratives. On another edge of the political spectrum, Michael Patrick Leahy of Breitbart (see HERE) sought to turn the outbreak into a story about the dangers of too many (and disease-carrying), illegal, Islamic immigrants. But theres a problem with that narrative too. Somali Minnesotans are legal immigrants, invited by the State of Minnesota as part of a deliberate policy. Whether or not one agrees with that policy or the extent of immigration involved, there is no denying that the Somalis I encountered were affluent, educated and well connected to Minnesota society. Like so many of us in the autism parent community, they are simply worried about the health of their children and their right to make their own decisions about vaccination.

Third, the real public health issues end up subordinated by the official narrative on vaccines and autism, which reared its ugly head again here: Wakefield! Anti-vaxxers! Vaccines never ever cause autism! Measles! Crazy parents are dangerous!

But theres an odd issue when it comes to measles outbreaks, which have been exploited while other more worrisome public health issues are ignored. Measles is the news, but the most serious issues of infectious disease in vaccine-preventable diseases arent measles. In the last couple of years, a serious mumps epidemic has been sweeping through the country, including Minnesota, with over 3000 cases reported so far this year. While mumps is usually harmless in children, a mumps infection is far more serious in adults (according to CDC statistics, between 2000 and 2014, the number of reported deaths from mumps were exactly same as measles). Why is there no publicity on the very real dangers of our current mumps epidemic? Because the vast majority of mumps infections occur in the vaccinated. The mumps epidemic is evidence of a widespread failure of the mumps component of the MMR II vaccine (a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two Merck scientists argues that Merck covered up evidence of this problem (see HERE )). Like the mumps epidemic, theres little mention of an even more pervasive problem, the widespread incidence of whooping cough, which has shown up in hundreds of thousands of reported cases since 2000. But again, like the mumps problem, whooping cough (aka pertussis) overwhelmingly infects those who have already been vaccinated.





Since these are crises that cant be put to use, we hear little about them. And the Minnesota measles outbreak received widespread attention because public health officials want to abolish vaccine exemption rights. They have chosen to use recent measles outbreaks to go on the political offensive and attack groups like VSCM that defend exemption rights. Which led Rachelle Cohen, perhaps unwittingly, to me.

Its possible, however, that this time these forced narratives backfired, or at least failed to have their desired effect. Did the prospect of a made-for-Breitbart narrative (unclean, disease-carrying, Islamic immigrants!) neutralize the pharma-friendly narrative we saw on outlets like The Washington Post and NPR? Perhaps so, since unlike the Disneyland outbreak, the Minnesota measles outbreak hasnt yet spawned a new attack on exemption rights. At least not in Minnesota, where the VSCM stands guard. Will that change soon? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, I still walk the streets of Boston safely. No lynch mobs have been sighted. And if Rachelle Cohen or her colleagues ever want to sit down and have a civil conversation about public policy, Id welcome the opportunity.



Mark Blaxill is Editor-At-Large for Age of Autism. His new book, co-authored with Dan Olmsted, is called Denial How Refusing to Face the Facts about Our Autism Epidemic Hurts Children, Families, and Our Future and is available now.
iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Large portions of Houston and other parts of Texas remain underwater from the last deadly hurricane to hit the U.S., but federal agencies and national recovery groups are already bracing for a potentially stronger storm.



Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 storm when it made landfall in Texas early on Aug. 25. Hurricane Irma is registering as a "potentially catastrophic Category 5" storm that will approach Puerto Rico as early as Thursday and likely affect Florida in the following days, according to the National Hurricane Center.



While recovery agencies are working hard to redirect their resources, Irma is not predicted to strike the same areas as Harvey. Irma is expected to hit the eastern Caribbean and then head up the East Coast rather into the Gulf of Mexico and toward Harvey-affected parts of Louisiana and Texas.



But that wasn't the case when two hurricanes  Katrina and Rita  hit the Louisiana area in 2005. Those two storms came just over three weeks apart, and while they did not follow the exact same path, parts of the Louisiana coastline were affected by both.



The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross have been heavily involved in the response to Hurricane Harvey, and both have reported that they are prepared for Irma as well.



William Booher, FEMA's director of public affairs, said Monday that the agency "is actively preparing for Irma while the coordinated response and recovery efforts with our state and local partners in Texas and Louisiana continues."



FEMA staffers have been deployed to emergency operation centers in St. Thomas and St. Croix, workers from FEMA's Caribbean area division are in Puerto Rico, and a regional management team has been deployed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, he said in a statement.



More than 600,000 liters of water and 290,000 meals are on hand in San Juan, and more than 115,000 liters of water and 210,000 meals are on hand in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he said.



Red Cross spokeswoman Donna Morrissey told ABC News on Monday that it is preparing for Irma to make landfall on the mainland U.S.



"We have begun prestaging workers in Florida because of Irma," she said.



Morrissey said that because the Red Cross directs most donations to a general disaster relief fund, the organization utilizes those funds for multiple calamities. For example, some of the money that people donated to the Red Cross in response to Hurricane Harvey is being used for recovery from that storm, and some will be used for future disasters like Irma.



As for the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, business continues as usual.



Having successive storms "does not change what the National Hurricane Center is doing, regardless of if there is one storm [or more than one]," said Dennis Feltgen, a communications officer and meteorologist for the NHC in Miami.



He noted that in addition to Hurricane Irma, the center's scientists are tracking Jose, a tropical storm forming over the Atlantic that could become a Category 2 hurricane, according to the NHC.



"We do what we do to the best of our ability to fulfill our mission to protect life and property," Feltgen added.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Clear skies. Low around 35F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 35F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Ethiopian Airlines Group has merged with Ethiopian Airports Enterprise (EAE) to form the African countrys new Aviation Holding Group.

The consolidation, which follows regulation approved by Ethiopias Council of Ministers on July 14 this year, sees the formation of a new holding group comprising EAE, Passenger Airline, Cargo Airline & Logistics Company, Ethiopian Aviation Academy, Ethiopian Inflight Catering Services, Ethiopian MRO Services and Ethiopian Hotel & Tourism Services.

A statement issued by Ethiopian Airlines, Africas fastest growing carrier, said: "The holding company came on the scene with Ethiopian Airlines 15-year strategic plan dubbed Vision 2025. The companies under Ethiopian Airlines have been preparing themselves to stand autonomously for the last seven years since the launch of the plan.

"The regulation cites the merger will help the airline cope with the global aviation competitive market. The Enterprise has been running 23 airports: four are international, and some are under construction.

In 2010, Ethiopian Airlines set out its Vision 2025 programme for future growth, supporting the countrys huge export of perishables by expanding the airlines cargo fleet and infrastructure.

The programme had a target of 725,000 tonnes of cargo handled by 2025, with the carrier achieving 270,000 tonnes in the 2015-16 financial year. The airline is also Africas largest cargo aircraft operator with a freighter fleet of six Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 757-200Fs.

Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam said of the merger: "The primary objective of the merger is to make our airports services more effective and efficient so as to enable it provide global standard customer services with the aim of promoting competitiveness with international airports in the region.

In June this year, Ethiopian Airlines inaugurated its Cargo Terminal-II facility at home hub Addis Ababa. Covering a total area of 150,000 sq m the new facility includes a dry cargo terminal warehouse, a perishable cargo terminal with cool chain storage, fully automated with elevating transport vehicle (ETV) technology and an apron area for five additional large freighter aircraft.

In the same month the airline also announced a deal to purchase two B777 freighters as it continues to expand rapidly its cargo operations.

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Kenyas competition watchdog has approved with conditions the takeover of two specialist perishables forwarders in the African country by European logistics giants Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) and Panalpina.

The Competition Authority of Kenya has approved the acquisition of Air Connection by Panalpina Airflo Ltd, Panalpina Airflo BV and Panalpina Kenya Ltd, but ordered the acquirers to retain at least 95% of the employees of Air Connection for at least one year after the transactions completion date.

The competition authority has imposed a similar condition on K+Ns takeover of Trillvane Ltd, again stating that the purchasers shall retain employees of the Trillvane for at least one year after the date of completion of the transaction.

Switzerland-headquartered Panalpina announced the Air Connection proposed takeover, subject to conditions, in May this year.

The deal came two years after Panalpina increased its presence in Kenyan flower logistics by acquiring perishables specialist Airflo, Kenyas second largest airfreight forwarder, and only two weeks after Panalpina formally announced the launch of its global Perishables Network.

K+N, also based in Switzerland, announced its proposed Trillvane in July this year, again subject to conditions.

At the time of the deal, K+N stated that the acquisition of Trillvane will enable the logistics giant to strengthen its position in perishables operations between Kenya and Europe, in particular to the UK.

It continued: With its 130 employees Trillvane is specialised in the export of flowers and vegetables. Its location at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi provides easy and quick access to all major airlines allowing for later cut-offs and shorter transit times leading to both cost savings and optimal handling of temperature sensitive goods.

When Panalpina announced its Air Connection deal, chief executive Stefan Karlenstated: The acquisition of Air Connection will strengthen our existing global Perishables Network and our position as the clear market leader in the perishables arena in Kenya.

Air Connection is specialised in the export of flowers and vegetables from Kenya to multiple destinations including the Netherlands and the UK, and is currently the countrys fourth largest forwarder in terms of air freight export volumes. The merged company will handle around 70,000 tons of perishables air freight per year.

Manjit Brar, owner and managing director of Air Connection, said at the time: While most of Panalpinas flower exports from Kenya currently go to auctions in Amsterdam, we are specialised in direct shipments to customers. And while Panalpina is strong with big charter shipments from Kenya to Europe, our strength lies in smaller shipments on scheduled passenger flights to over 150 destinations worldwide.

Read more Perishables Logistics News

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Debating SOMO Transformation

Ahmad Mousa Jiyad

Iraq/ Development Consultancy and Research, Norway

New important developments pertaining to or initiated by Iraq Oil Marketing Company- SOMO surfaced during the last few months; they seemed to be an integrated components of what was revealed as SOMO unstoppable transformation. They are: Partnership with IOCs in activities outside Iraq; Offering crude oil through regular spot/auction-trading; Contemplating oil-hedging and Change of "marker crude in the pricing formula for Asian market only.These initiatives could have real, effective and far-reaching consequences in both directions- positive and negative. Thus, serious, evidence-based and professional debate is urgently needed to address all matters relating to SOMO and its unique status not only for the petroleum sector but also for the entire national economy; signs of discontent with SOMO began to show visibility and generate impacts.In this brief contribution, our Monitoring, Analyzing and Reporting-MAR (an ongoing activity covering Iraqi petroleum sector), analyses, first, these new four initiatives and highlights many key questions that have to be addressed and specifies critical issues that require further investigation. That is followed by discussing transparency, as necessary condition for SOMO transformation, and the paper ends with concluding remarks and suggests the launching of SOMO Transformation Debate and convening a special workshop.1-Partnership with IOCs in external activitiesDuring SOMOs regular meeting of the price setting "Ministerial Committee held on 10 November 2016 the Minister of Oil suggested that SOMO should "explore the possibility to find other alternatives for marketing crude oil and petroleum products and participate in projects and new partnerships in addition to have offices outside the country. By 19 December 2016, the Council of Ministers approved recommendation from its Energy Committee authorizing SOMO to go ahead in the "agreement of partnership work with the Russian company Litasco- Lukoils international marketing and trading arm.Obviously, there must have been much discussions and negotiation between SOMO-Litasco prior to 10 November 2016, while SOMO provides nothing, publically, on these talks with Litasco.Iraqi and international media sources revel that SOMO-Litasco new venture, LIMA Energy, begun assembling its team working at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). From SOMO side, 10 of its staff, including its head of shipping, could be seconded to Lima Energy, but no information was available regrading Litasco staff.Apart from the above neither SOMO nor the Ministry of Oil provides important and essential information on this partnership. Also Ministry reports on the recent visit of the Oil Minster to Moscow, at Lukoil invitation, made no reference to LIMA.Also, nothing disclosed regarding the main provisions of the agreement between SOMO and Litasco; Ownership and management structure of the company- LIMA Energy; legal framework and governing law; company article of association; matters relating to auditing, accountability; economic feasibility and justification. These are only a few examples of basic issues that should be assessed thoroughly and factually.Therefore, it is an obligation on SOMO and on the Ministry to disclose all information, data, documents, studies and alike relating to these issues regarding LIMA and the "agreement of partnership work with the Russian company Litasco.Without such information it would be difficult to assess the viability of the joint venture from SOMO and Iraq interests point of view.SOMO, as a public company, might have the mandate to conclude such a joint venture under Public Company Law 22 of 1997. Also this cooperation opportunity could very well bring advantages to and prove to be beneficial to SOMO in many aspects. Nevertheless, there are strong premises to argue, as elaborated latter, that SOMO is much more than a public company and, thus, these "external activities should not be considered as "company matters; they are not. But even if they are, then full transparency becomes a must to assess whether such an act complies with the Constitutional principle of "best interest for the Iraqi people. Finally, one could argue that if this joint venture is beneficial to SOMO and to Iraq, why then it is kept in secrecy!?2- Monthly crude oil auctions or spot-tradingThe second development, which seems closely linked to the first one, is the declared readiness by SOMO to offer for "spot-trading two cargos of 1 million barrel each per month. The plan, as stated by SOMO DG, covers Basra Light, but if the operation succeeds over the next two or three months, then SOMO may increase the quantity or include Basra Heavy. That actually what has been done and the auctions were at Dubai Mercantile Exchange-DME.Based on DME data, SOMO has between 30 April (for June loading) and 28 August (for October loading) 2017 sold 14 million barrels/mb divided between Basra Light and Basra Heavy at 8mb and 6mb respectively. 2 million barrels were auctioned in each of April, May and July while 4 million barrels were auctioned in each of June and August.Basra Light cargos were bid at a premium ranged between 17 Cents to 31 Cents a barrel over SOMO official selling price- OSP for the corresponding two months future loading; giving an average premium of 26.8 Cents/ barrel.Basra Heavy gained much higher premium ranging between $1.18/b and $1.63/b over SOMOs OSP, giving an average premium of $1.393/b.From these premiums SOMO generated extra revenues of $10.5 million (the red columns) over its OSP for the corresponding future loadings. The following chart exhibits these auctionsChart 1: SOMO Auctions at DME (April-August 2017)Source and notes on Chart 1: compiled by the author based on DME data. Premium (yellow curves) is in US Dollar a barrel and reads on the left-side of the chart; Cargo premium (red columns) is in total million US Dollar per each cargo and reads on right-side of the chart. Basra Light auctions are on the left part while Basra Heavy auctions are on right part of the chart.Undoubtedly, these auctions have many advantages for SOMO and for Iraq.First, such premiums or price-differential between "auction and "Term-Contracts means sizeable extra revenues (estimated as mentioned above at $10.5 million so far), especially at current fiscal crisis in the country;Second, they provide SOMO with new "marketing flexibility;Third, there is an indirect benefit as well in terms of "learning curve in case SOMO decides, as mentioned above, to deepen such auctions, by magnitude or frequency or both;Fourth, they could provide more and direct market-based indicators that could be used to refine and enhance the validity of price setting modes operandi of the "Ministerial Committee, among others.But these benefits should not divert the attention away from what such pricedifferentials could cause or imply and what questions they actually raise, some of them are highlighted bellow.First, media sources gave the impression that these offerings were done by LIMA, though DME refers to SOMO only. If LIMA was involved, then it is important to know the "net return for Iraq from these premiums post all deductibles such as LIMA operating cost, DME fees (at 1.5 cents a barrel), salaries and allowances of LIMA staff (Iraqis, Russians and others) and Litascos share, among others? And why Litasco benefits from Iraqi oil only? SOMO has to provide clear statement and information if LIMA was involved in these auctions.Second, why, in SOMO view, such price-differentials occur and how sustainable are they? But most importantly, does price-differential indicate "wrong or "inaccurate OSP formula and setting process, which practically means extremely high loss of revenues? And are "correction measures possible to prevent loss of revenues, and if so why such measures have not been taken? Case in point that causes concerns and requires deep assessment by SOMO is the increasing magnitude of premium or price-differential of Basra Heavy cargos offered in June, July and August auctions from $1.18/b to $1.37/b and to $1.63/b respectively (the yellow upward curve); but opposite pattern exist, since second auction of 31 May for Basra Light when it declines from 37Cents/b to 22Cents/b and to 17Cents/b for May, June and August auctions respectively (the yellow downward curve). Also, how could, or should, these premiums, be used to reexamine the validity of OSP formula and adjust it accordingly?Third, do auctioned shipments adhere to the same conditions applied to term-contracts by specifically should go to the destine refineries in the Asian market and use vessel-tracking technologies accordingly, or they could be sold to "oil traders, against SOMOs declared marketing and contracting practices? And why the names and nationalities of the auctioned buyers are not disclosed?Fourth, considering the fact that Iraq does not have spare production and export capacities, does SOMO auction actually means SOMO is competing with itself? Could this competition eradicate SOMOs image and reputation in the eyes of its long standing IOBs through the usual term-contracts, which could also leads to risking market share? And, if such thing occurs what then are the practical measures to prevent such self-inflicting damages?Fifth, it is probably relevant to write a few words on DME oil auctions and SOMOs contribution in these auctions.DME "Historical Data indicates 10 auctions only within 20 months; the first was on 4 January 2016 and the last was on 28 August 2017 with a total of 16.6 million auctioned barrels. Two auctions, of one million barrel each, of "Oman Crude Oil Blend were in 2016 while the rest auctioned in the first eight months of 2017.For the entire 20 months (January 2016-August 2017) SOMO counts for 7 of the 10 auctions with 14 of the 16.6 million barrels. The importance of SOMO auction became the dominant in 2017; it has 7 of 8 auctions with 14 of 14.6 million barrels.The above clearly indicates that DME auction is becoming increasingly dependent on SOMO offering. And this raises questions on why other Gulf producers are absent from DME auctions? Do they auction somewhere else or they do not auction at all? If other Gulf producers do not auction, why does SOMO?Finally, LIMA Energy actions, if it was actually involved, focused so far on auctioning cargos of Basra crudes; but this could not be the main or only function of this new joint venture.SOMO DG was reportedly said, "The plan is to build Lima from a marketer into full-service trader of both crude and products and "transfer SOMO from marketing to trading its oil.This shift in SOMO functions from "marketing of to "trading in crude oil carries with it all the known risks (and gambling) and uncertainties associated with oil trading and, accordingly, it should take necessary measures to mitigate them. The questions then, should a state company pursue risk-taking activities and thus put the entire country in jeopardy? Also should the company pay high cost to insure against trading risks? But the fundamental question remains whether this state company, i.e. SOMO, is legally and constitutionally authorized to do so? This takes me to address the third development below.3- Contemplating Oil HedgingAccording to what SOMO DG has reportedly stated, "Iraq is interested in creating an oil price hedging program that would lock in prices for future trades far in advance.Should Iraq entertain oil hedging?Hedging business is among the known financial derivatives especially in the US economy. Though it basically looks like insurance against risks, in reality it is much more complex than that. There are different types of "hedging: oil and non-oil more; for oil hedging there are "sovereign and "corporate/commercial oil hedging, and when it comes to sovereign oil hedging it becomes even more complex, highly secretive and involves a few big known international banks.Business and financial sources indicate to only two countries involved in sovereign oil hedging: Mexico and Ecuador. The first had many acclaimed "successful cases while the second, has one failed case with heavy political price.Briefly, the "successful Mexican sovereign oil hedging shows that from 2001 to 2017 the country hedges generated $14.1 billion in gains; Mexico also had to pay out $11.7 billion in fees to banks, to brokers and, for 2017, to the trading unit of Royal Dutch Shell, the first non-bank to join the hedge. So who benefited more Mexico or the banks? Under hedging terms, "gains mean actual oil prices were higher than the "locked in oil prices of the "locked volume of oil, and thus the gains are shared between Mexico and the involved banks and brokers.The above amounts clearly indicate a gain-split of 17% and 83% for Mexico and the banks respectively. Looking at the matter from different angle one could argue that had Mexico did not hedge it could have gained the entire $14.1 billion for itself only!Therefore, the intriguing questions remain why Mexico keeps on oil hedging despite such apparent "foregone revenues? Why these hedges were praised as "successful examples? And why the international banks keep close eyes, encourage and maintain full secrecy on Mexican oil hedging?Ecuador oil hedging of 1993, is a case study in how an oil hedge gone wrong cost the country $16 million; paid to the international banks in hedging fees and for the swap, with absolutely nothing in return for Ecuador. Apparently, that caused a political storm and Ecuadorean lawmakers appointed a special committee to investigate allegations of corruption against -several officials involved in the hedge.Based on the above, in my humble view, Iraq authorities (the government, the Ministries of Finance and Oil and SOMO) need to be extremely cautious when considering any hedging option, and preferably they should not consider such options at all. Both cases of sovereign oil hedges of Mexico and Ecuador clearly indicate that, in success or failure, it is only the international banks that actually benefit from sovereign oil hedges.Fiscal and political cost of sovereign oil hedging are rather high in either case, and thus it should be avoided; when the country in a midst of severe fiscal crisis it is definitely not the time for experimenting in risk taking adventures or gambling in the countrys meager revenues!4- Changing "marker crude in the pricing formula for Asian marketSOMO has, in a letter dated 20 August, informed its customers that it plans to switch its price benchmark for Basra crude in Asia to Dubai Mercantile Exchange-DME Oman futures from January 2018, dropping the average of S&P Global Platts' Oman-Dubai quotes as their benchmark for decades. The new formula uses DME Oman contract two months before the cargoes are scheduled to load. SOMO asked its clients for feedback by end August.At the outset, neither SOMO nor the Ministry posted on their websites or communicated through the usual press release the text of the above mentioned letter. SOMOs Energy News Brief (nr.61 issued 24 August 2017) made no reference to that letter or any of its contents. In his recent email to Reuters dated 28 August, SOMO DG was reportedly said the matter is still in internal discussion and final position will be announced in due time.The announcement received mixed reactions; some praise it, some expressed skepticism and some suggest SOMO to improve it deliveries instead. For refiners and International Oil Buyers-IOBs, many issues surfaced on the consequences of the proposed shift. Some of the raised concerns are related to hedging cost; to time gap between notification and actual loading of cargos; improvement of loading schedule; price comparative with other Gulf producers that keep using Platts Oman-Dubai quotes, among others.For Iraqs interest, it is vital for SOMO to address and answer a set of why, what, what-if, and how questions; why it made this move now, what are the possible consequences and, in case of backfire, how it mitigates them.The consequences, positive or negative, resulting from this change in Basra pricing formula should be assessed thoroughly and objectively taking into consideration the following facts and circumstances:First, with exports from NOC/ Kirkuk at standstill, most of Iraq oil export goes to the Asian market;Second, there is a high degree of competitiveness to maintain and consolidate market share not only by other Gulf producers but also with Russian benchmark crude- Urals;Third, the price-differential of DME Oman futures vs. Dubai Platts shows abnormal volatility as demonstrated in the following chart 2.Chart 2: DME Oman futures vs. Dubai Platts in four trading days ($/b)Source & notes for Chart 2: Author compilation based on DME, "DME Exchange Products for the stated trading days 28 to 31 August 2017.These price differentials during the last four DME trading days in August show huge margins in both magnitude and trend. Needless to say that, due to averaging effect, DME Oman futures (the new SOMO crude marker) compared to average Oman+Dubai Platts (former SOMO crude markers) is slightly lower for each of the four curves.The big jump in price differentials on 31 August trading could be interpreted as Hurricane Harvey (USA) or Eid Al-Adha holiday (UAE) effects or both.The questions here are related to what SOMO has communicated to its clients that the new formula uses DME Oman contract two months before the cargoes are scheduled to load. Obviously, there are three bases that could be used for setting the formula:1-The specific day of loading compared with 60 days earlier. This base of calculation faces three problems: the number of monthly calendar days; weekend closing as DME is usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays and Holiday closing such as the latest Eid Al-Adha;2- The specific day of loading compared with corresponding week average two months earlier;3- The specific day of loading compared with corresponding month average two months earlier.Under the lights of the price differentials exhibited in chart 2 above, these three bases of calculation could result in very significant variations for Iraq (October) export revenues from the Asian market, which as stated earlier, takes most of Iraqi oil exports.Thus, this is not a simple, but very important one with serious financial consequences and this is why SOMO must be fully transparent regarding practical matters relating to this change of the marker crude, why it is good for Iraq and what if DME Oman futures vs average Oman+Dubai Platts reverse direction.Each of the above addressed four issues has its own complexities let be institutional, constitutional, legal premises on one side; and should have economic feasibility with sufficient considerations to various risks, vulnerabilities and uncertainties on the other side.SOMOs Transformation, Power Play and Transparency ConsiderationsThe above discussion brings to the fore of the debate SOMO status and prospects.First, though SOMO is, legally, a public (State-owned) company registered under Public Company Law 22 of 1997 (and its amendments) in reality it is much more than just a public company. SOMO generates almost all export revenues and what all that implies for the trade balance, for balance of payments, for the annual budget and, broadly, for the national economy.Second, SOMO is the only Iraqi formal entity that has, or should have, deep and thorough knowledge of the practically daily international price for Iraqi oil and its market destinations and contractual modalities; it is the knowledge center and "think-tank on these issues.Third, resulting from the above, SOMO acquires unique power through three interrelated venues: financial power (revenue generation), prices (power of knowledge) and marketing contractual modalities (power of contracting).Four, these "powers are surely decisive in the "decision making (a process), which provide the necessary foundations for "decision taking (an event) by SOMOs Ministerial Committee.Therefore and to protect SOMO and its staff, it is constitutionally, logically, economically and practically wrong and deceptive to argue or consider, when discussing any of the above mentioned four issues, as "company matters; they are not.This is not peculiar to Iraq; rather it is an international phenomenon because power is tempting and thus could be "used ethically or "unethically abused. Enlightened professionals are, or should be, familiar with the saying, "power corrupts, absolute power corrupt absolutely. Moreover, the discourse of the "Agency Theory sheds lights and provides insightful thoughts on why and how the concentration of powers in state-owned companies, especially in the petroleum sector, creates an enabling-environment for wrong-doing, financial irregularities and corruption.To counter these tendencies a series of preventive, deterring and punitive measures are becoming essential components of good governance and adopted by many countries, organizations and entities world-wide.Transparency, which is the core of good governance in the extractive industry, should be Comprehensive, Regular and Timely.Recently, voices questioning and concerning SOMO appeared domestically, and seemingly gaining momentum. A Kurdish parliamentarian labeled SOMO as "closed castle prompted SOMO to first issue a statement on 22 August refuting his raised claims and then convened a quick press conference on 23 August. More recent, 3 September, elaborated accusations came from Oil and Gas Committee of the Basra Provincial Council.Objectively, fairly and based on MAR archive and documentation and the following facts, it is accurate to affirm that SOMO has been transparent for some issues, non-transparent in most of its activities.It has been transparent with regards to the "monthly exports of crude oil and revenues as it usually provide preliminary data at the beginning of the month and final data on the 25th of the month covering previous month; in the final data it provides names and nationalities of International Oil Buyers-IOBs; and more details through IEITI annual reports, which usually cover two years, and now one year, back. Also, SOMO provides, occasionally though, brief statement on the price setting "Ministerial Committee.Apart from the above, SOMO is, regrettably, non-transparent on many and important matters some of which are summarized below:1-The monthly exports disclosure does not indicate volume, value and prices per each IOB and does not provide the market destinations;2-The monthly decision by price setting Ministerial Committee are not disclosed (on the websites of SOMO or the Ministry) regularly and not in full; it does not provide the values of the parameters of each market formula, especially the adopted price for the marker crude; it does not provide explanation for the given premium or surcharge and does not clarifies the premises for such decisions; it provides no market share monitoring;3- SOMO does not specify the quarterly volumes, values and prices of crude designated as "payment in kind to IOCs for cost recovery and remuneration fees in relation to concluded service contracts;4- The company is responsible also for export of all petroleum products (except fuel oil which is assigned to the Iraqi Oil Tankers Company-IOTC! But also not disclosed), yet it never disclosed the volumes, values and prices of these products.5- Similarly, SOMO is responsible for the imports of all petroleum products, but again never provide any information on these imports, which according to recent statement by the Minister of Oil average at $2billion a year;6- In its export monthly reports SOMO does not provide any data or summary on the third party verifiers at oil terminals, which is responsible to calibrates meters and to endorses oil quantities loaded onto vessels;7- SOMO did not explain the alarming increase in the occurrence and cost of "demurrage it pays since 2014, as I repeatedly highlighted in my assessment of IEITI annual reports; and this raises issues of loading scheduling and operation efficiency and effectiveness;8- SOMO (and DME) only mentions the premiums over the OSPs relating to the seven auctions. But it did not disclose these OSPs;9- Finally, SOMO is not transparent enough with regards to these four new developments or initiatives, particularly when these initiatives are considered part of SOMO transformation process.Concluding remarks and suggestions1- SOMO is, undoubtedly, important entity that is much more than just a public company; thus it should be fully transparent and under close scrutiny by the government, by the parliament and by the public. This is to protect SOMO and its staff;2- The recently adopted four initiatives seem to be part of SOMOs unstoppable transformation, as SOMO DG has reportedly told Bloomberg, "Transforming SOMO is unstoppable. It will do more than just market Iraqi crude. Contrary to that the same DG has reportedly said in SOMO press conference on 23 August, "SOMO does not have a mandate to sell oil; the Ministerial Committee does. When did the Ministerial Committee take decisions on these four initiatives? Or this is a manifestation of confusion between "decision- making and "decision-taking as discussed above.3- That said, these four initiatives could very well deliver good results as well as disappointing outcomes. Two of them, e.g., LIMA and the monthly auctions, have been done; while the other two, e.g., hedging and changing the marker crude, are under considerations.4- Throughout this contribution I raised many questions and identified matters of particular and critical importance regarding these initiatives, which deserve further deep and specialized assessment and considerations. Without such revisiting, SOMO transformation remains dubious and risky endeavor;5- Contributions from oil professionals assessing SOMO current and future prospect are highly needed; SOMOs former DGs and senior staff are particularly vital and called-upon to provide "insiders opinion and insights;6- I suggest launching "SOMO Transformation Debate-STD for specific period of time ending 30 September. The purpose is to provide "outside the box thorough, objective, professional, evidence-based and feasible assessment. This could help SOMO, the Ministry of Oil, the government and parliament in having proper and realistic understanding of the complexities of the involved issues and their possible consequences and ramifications.The contributions in the proposed STD should be non-party politics, should not be personalized (pro or against), without "accusations and should be well articulated in argument, data and knowledge-based.7- Also, SOMO could convene a special workshop for a small number of selected known oil professionals to thoroughly address the feasibility of and prerequisites for successful SOMO transformation. The workshop should be based on "background paper prepared by external consultant, to be circulated to SOMO and the selected participants well ahead before the workshop for contributions towards articulating realistic and practical roadmap for successful SOMO transformation. The timing of the workshop is, preferably, before the year ends, and the practical matters such as guidelines, deadlines, event program and all related logistics should be finalized soonest.Ahmed Mousa JiyadIraq/ Development Consultancy & Research,Norway.Email: mou-jiya(at)online.no5 Sept 2017
September 5, 2017

Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has stated that Europe would continue to implement its commitments under the nuclear deal if US President Donald Trump decides to abandon it.

In an interview with Khabar Online conducted by Al-Monitor contributor Saeid Jafari on Sept. 5, Zarif addressed the issue of what Europe would do if the Trump administration attempts to kill the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and the six world powers.

Europe is not necessarily forced to choose between its relationship with Iran and its relationship with the US. Europe can resist the excessive US demands while maintaining its relationship with Iran, and it can [also] prevent the US from pressuring European companies," Zarif said in the interview.

He added, Europes choice is [in effect that of whether] to choose itself or pursue [US interests]. If they choose themselves, they will pursue their [own] interests, and Im definitely sure that Europes economy is so big that the Americans cant do away with it. [Just] as Europe cant do away with the US, the US can neither do away with Europe.

Addressing Tehrans possible reaction if the nuclear deal is violated, Zarif continued, The important point here is that Europes relationship with Iran is not limited to the economy. The JCPOA is currently the biggest political and diplomatic achievement, and the whole world knows it; it can be seen in the JCPOA that Irans choices in case of its violation are not limited at all, and Irans hands are not tied [when it comes to] adopting [responses].

Zarif added, Others may need to go through a long process to reactivate the sanctions, but [if] Iran concludes that the benefits of the JCPOA do not exceed its limitations, [then we can] not only immediately return to the pre-JCPOA conditions, but also reach a better point than before. This is because we have continued our R&D [program]. We currently have much better centrifuges, and the design of the Arak reactor is also very advanced.

However, Zarif emphasized, we prefer this not to happen. We didnt spend two years in vain just to reach an agreement that we would now want to find a pretext to violate. None of the deals parties wrote this agreement just to violate it.

Asked if Iran has started talks with European states on continuing to implement the JCPOA without the participation of the United States, the Iranian foreign minister said, At present, the Europeans are emphasizing on the matter that they would be committed to the JCPOA under any conditions, even if the US leaves it. He added, [They] believe that the US wont gain any benefit by leaving the JCPOA given the policies that Europe has adopted. However, we should wait and see and we should be ready [for any outcome]. The Islamic Republic [of Iran] is ready for all situations. The European Union has repeatedly announced that the JCPOA cant be renegotiated and the JCPOA cant be violated by one country, and a certain country shouldnt feel that it can kill the JCPOA.

In other news, the spokesperson for Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that no decision has been taken regarding the release of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who have been under house arrest since 2011.

Spokesperson Keyvan Khosravi said Sept. 5, The decision to [put Mousavi and Karroubi] under house arrest was adopted by the Supreme National Security Council in 2011, and this council will decide whether to continue or change this decision.

Of note, the president selects the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. The decisions of the council are effective only after the confirmation by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
September 5, 2017

Women get absolutely zero for supporting [Hassan] Rouhani! If we hadnt voted in this election, does Rouhani think he would have gotten re-elected with the numbers he did? Leila, a 34-year-old womens rights activist, shot off in an angry text on Telegram after it was revealed that Irans president had not nominated any women to join his second-term Cabinet. Even [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad had a woman as a minister! Ava responded in the private group for young womens rights activists, referring to the conservative former presidents 2009 appointment of Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi as the Islamic Republics first female minister. She served as health minister.

This is a joke. How disrespectful to all the women who supported him, added Fatemeh, a 25-year-old political science student. Most of these young women do not know each other  they are activists scattered across the country  but they share each others anger at the president as he begins his second term.

During both the February 2016 parliamentary elections as well as the city and village council elections of May 2017, women won an unprecedented number of seats. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iranians chose women in high numbers, demonstrating that when women have the opportunity to run for office, voters do not have an issue with casting their ballots for them. Thus, understanding that the predominantly young electorate demands more social and cultural rights, including an increased presence of women in leadership positions throughout the country, 157 members of parliament wrote a letter to Rouhani on July 19 urging him to nominate women for his second-term Cabinet.

When Rouhani failed to do so, women across social media and in opinion pieces aired their dismay and anger at the president. I dont know if hes trying to allay fears with the conservatives who lost badly in the elections, and thats why he didnt nominate any women, or if he actually doesnt believe in women holding higher leadership positions in political life, Farzaneh Hosseini, a womens rights activist, told Al-Monitor. In a similar line of criticism, on Aug. 21, former conservative journalist and filmmaker Mohammad Nourizad blasted the clerical class for its backward views on women and blamed it  and by extension Rouhani, a cleric  for the lack of female nominees for ministerial positions. He asked, Could it be that the hopes for anything different were just misplaced?

In a move that further angered activists and indicated to them that Rouhani was more closed than they had wished, Laya Joneidi, his pick for vice president for legal affairs, told the Reformist Shargh Daily on Aug. 21 that the reason for her sudden change in attire was not entirely hers. She said, The respected president, who was elected with 24 million votes, asked me to work with the government. He said my service was needed [and] he also said that the Cabinets protocol is such [that a woman wears a chador]. The full-length black chador is commonly favored by conservative women. Prior to assuming her new position, Joneidi  a law professor at the University of Tehran  wore colorful headscarves and overcoats.

Voters and activists took to social media to blast the president for his request of Joneidi. Indeed, it has not been lost to the public that none of the 19 male Cabinet ministers are likely to have personally received fashion advice by Rouhani. But some also turned their ire toward the new vice president for quietly accepting such a demand and failing to stand up for her right to appear in public as she deems fit, within the confines of Iranian law.

To be sure, Rouhani has likely faced extreme pressure behind the scenes to make certain concessions to conservatives in the regime. Having women involved in high levels of government is a thorny issue for the political and clerical elites. For instance, it took decades before women were assigned certain posts by the Foreign Ministry. Marzieh Afkham became the Foreign Ministrys first female spokesperson in 2013, and two years later, she was appointed as the first female ambassador of the Islamic Republic. Yet these opportunities continue to be highly limited. Apart from having to confront the ongoing restrictions, women in the Foreign Ministry, as in other sectors of government, constantly have to struggle to prove that they are capable enough.

Thus, some womens rights activists were hopeful that Rouhani would fulfill his campaign promises and offer more formal leadership positions for women. Nonetheless, his unwillingness to even nominate women as ministers is a stab in the back of women, who voted for him in large numbers. Many think women would likely not have been confirmed, even by the incumbent reform-leaning parliament.

These clerics show us every time that we shouldnt take their word for granted, Fattaneh, a womens rights activist from the city of Isfahan, told Al-Monitor. I always feel disappointed; duped, almost. But I really thought that we had a chance to get women at least nominated for ministerial positions this time.

Im not surprised in the least, Mahnaz, a veteran womens rights activist in Tehran, told Al-Monitor. Those of us who have fought against this system for decades know not to trust a cleric when he promises women something. Everything weve gained in the past nearly 40 years has been because we have taken it with a long struggle. We havent been given anything. This fight is no different.

Indeed, activists such as Mahnaz, although disappointed in the president, are not hugely surprised. Empty promises for increased womens rights by pro-reform politicians have become commonplace for activists  and such setbacks are nothing more than bumps in the road. As for looking ahead, Mahnaz told Al-Monitor, What we have now thats different than in years past is an increased presence of women in city and village councils. We want to empower those voices and try to get more and more women elected in such positions in the future. In a telling retort to the Rouhani administration and its slogan of Prudence and Hope, she added, We dont hold out hope on these old clerics changing their minds. Our hope lies in the young women who are stepping up to lead and the younger generation that is willing to support them.
September 5, 2017

The United States has been trying to prevent the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) from holding a referendum on its independence, with Washington using its substantial support to the peshmerga forces as leverage against the KRG to stop the plebiscite scheduled for late this month. However, the strong alliance between the two sides will likely prevent any further escalation during this period.

Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon told TV channel Al-Hurra Aug. 17 that the United States intended to suspend financial aid to the KRG peshmerga forces. Quoting the US Defense Department, Al-Hurra reported, "Hundreds of millions of dollars have been handed over to the Peshmerga Ministry since 2014 in batches. The Pentagon will no longer provide funds to the Ministry of Peshmerga."

High-level sources in the US Defense Department, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that these threats to suspend aid were a direct result of the announced referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan Region scheduled to be held on Sept. 25.

The United States has contributed to the restructuring and modernization of the Kurdish peshmerga forces in recent years and has helped them at the level of arming and training, as well as paying part of their salaries.

The United States could use the aid card as leverage against the Kurdish parties that are in dire need of such support, especially in light of the severe financial crisis that has plagued the Kurdistan Region since 2014. In June, the US Congress threatened to cut off funds to peshmerga forces should the KRG carry on with the referendum process.

Things did not stop at this point. On Aug. 22, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis visited the Kurdistan Region to reiterate his countrys dissatisfaction with the referendum. In his meeting with Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani, Mattis said the announcement of the referendum last June was "not expected," according to a statement by the regions presidency.

Peshmerga Secretary-General Jabbar Yawar denied reports on the US aid cut to the KRG. There is no indication that the United States is going to cut its aid to the peshmerga forces," Yawar said in an Aug. 17 statement. He added that the US administration "continues to provide the peshmerga with weapons, experts and trainers, in their war against terror.

Previously, US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman had confirmed during his meeting with Barzani on July 28 that US aid to the peshmerga forces would continue.

This confusion is due to the fact that the Kurdish forces are considered to be one of America's most important allies in its war against the Islamic State (IS). Despite the desire of the United States to postpone the issue of independence, at least for the time being, it does not want to give up this important ally in the region.

"Both sides have leverage, but the United States, with its superior capabilities and resources, has more. It already cut military cooperation to the KRG briefly last spring, when the KDP [Kurdistan Democratic Party] blocked US military assistance to the YPG [People's Protection Units] in northern Syria. Within less than two days and after hurried high-level meetings, the KDP reversed course," Joost Hiltermann, the MENA program director for the International Crisis Group, told Al-Monitor.

Hiltermann added, But the United States will have to use this leverage judiciously as it cannot afford to lose the KRG/KDP as an ally either."

The United States is well aware that the independence of the Kurdistan Region will open the door to conflicts between the region and the central government in Baghdad, providing an opportunity for armed groups to be active in the stateless areas caused by these conflicts. In the past, IS and al-Qaeda took advantage of the security vacuum in the disputed areas to move there more freely.

On the other hand, the Kurdistan Region banks on its strategic alliance with the United States, not only in the face of jihadi armed groups but against Iranian expansion. The KRG has become increasingly important as a US military ally under President Donald Trump's policy of curbing Iranian influence in the region.

Ranj Alaaldin, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, told Al-Monitor, "Withdrawing military support for the Kurds damages the broader anti-[IS] coalition, while also emboldening Americas enemies. This would make little sense at a time when the current administration is keen to ramp up pressure on Iran and its proxies."

He added, "If anything, the current administration seems reluctant to repeat the mistakes of the past that saw Iran fill the gap left by the United States after it withdrew from Iraq."

Moreover, the United States does not favor changing the maps of countries in the Middle East as this poses a threat to the political order in the region.

It has been a consistent US policy not to support any change to the post-WWI borders in the Middle East. The United States  and most other states  believe that if you change one border, you open a Pandora's box, Hiltermann said.

It seems that the lack of enthusiasm to support the independence of regions within countries is not limited to the Middle East. Many countries around the world face demands from some regions for independence, leading to their reluctance to support any independence projects, as that may establish a precedent that threatens their territorial integrity.

The United States will continue to leverage against the holding of the KRG referendum, despite the KDPs insistence on conducting it. However, both sides are likely to maintain good relations because of their strong alliance and given the fact that independence is not guaranteed immediately after the holding of such referendum.
September 5, 2017

On Aug. 31, the eve of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Feast of the Sacrifice, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent holiday greetings through social media to Israels Druze population, which practices a monotheist Abrahamic religion based on teachings of major Muslim figures and therefore observes some Islamic holy days: This festival, in which members of the Druze community visit their friends and relatives, pray for peace and brotherhood, and extend a helping hand to one another, reminds me of our own Jewish holidays. This is not surprising, as we share the same values. The Druze and Jews both sanctify life, are proud of their unique heritage and religion, and both are brave warriors who protect their country, the State of Israel.

Knesset member Ahmad Tibi, from the predominantly Arab Joint List, responded immediately, tweeting, Netanyahu forgot that there are Muslim Israelis and that the Eid is also a major holiday for the Muslims. Bibi, you are making mistakes in droves. Tibi's last sentence alludes to the prime ministers unfortunate warning to right-wing voters on election day in 2015 that Israeli Arabs were coming out in droves to the polls.

According to 2016 census data, some 130,900 Druze live in Israel, constituting 1.6% of the country's population, while the Muslim Arab community of more than 1.5 million makes up some 17.7% of it. The Feast of the Sacrifice is just as holy and important to the latter, but Netanyahu left them out of his holiday wishes, only deigning to rectify his oversight several hours later, after protests and furious reactions erupted on social media. The holiday is a good opportunity to remember that there are also similarities between us, he wrote in his revised greetings, this time to all Israeli Muslims.

It took Netanyahu four hours to discover the existence of a million people, said Samah Salima of Sikkuy, an organization devoted to Arab-Jewish equality. That is the nature of his attitude toward his Muslim citizens. He exploits a holiday in order to humiliate and divide, as he often does. This was clearly no naive oversight. And the results of what he directs from above and the attitude toward Israeli Arabs, we see on the ground every day. We see it in nationalist legislation or in a minister of justice who says human rights are less important than Zionism.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Salima remarked that Netanyahus deliberate disregard of the Muslims celebrating the holiday is a direct follow-on to his divisive policies, this time, she believes, designed to drive a wedge between the Druze and the Muslims. She compared the prime ministers delayed greetings to Muslims to Netanyahus apology in the aftermath of the elections over having warned that the Arab voters were flocking to the polls in droves.

He brought in a group of actors who wore kaffiyehs and cheered as he supposedly apologized, but what he leaves behind is destruction, destruction and destruction, Salima said. Netanyahu had invited Arab community representatives to his residence for the event.

Salima further commented, Despite the justified feeling on Arab Israelis' part that they are more excluded under the Netanyahu government, 99% of the population is trying to keep its head above water and survive. Their success is due in large measure to their intense desire to survive and lead normal lives to the extent possible, despite Netanyahu.

Sikkuy was established in 1991 to promote civic equality among the countrys Palestinian Arab and Jewish citizens amid the sea of hate in which Arab citizens of Israel have been designated enemies of the state. Sikkuy and other nongovernmental organizations seeking to foster human and civil rights and civic equality in Israel are fighting back against the divisive policies being sown by Netanyahu and his right-wing government.

This is the backdrop for Common Peace, a conference being organized by human rights and peace groups for Oct. 14 in the Arab Israeli town of Qalansuwa in the hope of boosting Jewish-Arab political work. In the announcement for the event, the organizers wrote, Israel is currently undergoing a process typified by a deepening of the occupation, draconian legislation targeting individual rights and the supremacy of the rule of law, exclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian minority and the annihilation of intra-parliamentary organizations operating within civil society against the occupation and in favor of the rights of the Arab-Palestinian minority in Israel.

The groups involved said they decided on a cooperative effort because the more established left-wing political entities, such as Meretz and the Joint List, and Knesset members have found it difficult to form a joint, Jewish-Arab front. The conference will be one element of this new activity.

One of the events initiators, director and activist Sinai Peter, told Al-Monitor that Netanyahus intensive exclusion was behind the planned action. He views Netanyahus delayed holiday greeting as just a symptom. Peter elaborated, What pushed the organizations to get up and do something was Netanyahus suggestion several weeks ago to transfer the Israeli Muslim town of Umm al-Fahm and other adjacent towns to the Palestinian Authority. The idea that the Arab citizens are only here on sufferance, and can be moved willy-nilly for the sake of a diplomatic arrangement, is untenable.

Peter, emphasizing that Netanyahus escalation against the Arabs motivates him and his cohorts, stated, This is starting to threaten us Jewish left-wing activists. This is a true threat against human rights organizations, but it also spurs us to build a political force able to defend itself and fight back, and this force cannot be separate for Arabs and separate for Jews. It has to be joint.

Salima remarked that the emerging front includes all the forces  Jews and Arabs, Jews of Ashkenazi [European] origin and those of Sephardic [Middle Eastern] origin, immigrants from the former Soviet Union, religious and secular. She asserted, This [conference] is a good beginning, because the situation is unbearable, and its better to have people getting up and saying, Enough is enough, than people who have given up in despair and believe that the destruction Netanyahu has wreaked cannot be rectified.
September 5, 2017

There were quite a number of people in the Israeli peace camp who hoped, even believed, in the statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding his intentions to consolidate a large package deal between Israel, the Palestinians and all the Arab states. The rapid pace of presidential envoy Jason Greenblatts jet-setting between Jerusalem and Ramallah in the West Bank also strengthened the perception that the current arch-conservative president might succeed where two liberal presidents  Bill Clinton and Barack Obama  failed.

The long hours that Greenblatt spent with top officials of both sides, and his learning tours of the territories, served to strengthen a certain amount of optimism. However, one sentence uttered by the envoy  his summary at the end of a tour on Aug. 30 along the length of the Gaza Strip border with Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai  turned this feeling into an illusion, and real hope into fake hope. Greenblatt called on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to retake control of Gaza and administer it, because the Hamas regime had failed to provide for the needs of the population. This demand is as realistic as calling on South Korea to take control of North Koreas nuclear facilities, because the Pyongyang government does not allow its citizens freedom of expression.

If we assume that Greenblatt expresses his masters voice, then such a statement testifies to a basic lack of understanding by the administration of the conflict and the ways to resolve it. How, exactly, does the Trump administration expect the PA to reassume governance over the Gaza Strip? It is hard to believe that Washington wants to open up a new military front in the Middle East, and that Ramallahs security apparatuses would blow up Hamas power centers in Gaza under the cover of Israeli air force planes and cannons on Israeli navy ships. Or did Greenblatt mean the democratic option; in other words, to hold elections for president and a legislative council? Such a step would be a replication of the fatal mistake made by President George W. Bush, who forced the PA to hold general elections 11 years ago. David Welch, the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the time and told him bluntly, If you cancel the elections, you can forget our phone numbers.

If Greenblatt would have asked Abbas his opinion regarding putting himself to the test of public opinion again, he would have received the same answer that Bush received in 2006. At the time, Abbas warned the Americans that one-sided Gaza disengagement, on the backdrop of a diplomatic stalemate and continuous settlement construction in the West Bank, is perceived by the Palestinian public as an achievement of the Hamas anti-Abbas camp.

Israeli intelligence, which begged the US administration at the time to get off its elections-in-the-territories horse, would also repeat the same recommendation today. If Greenblatt had asked Mordechai to assess the chances of Fatah's winning over Hamas in the voting booth, it is likely that the envoy would have skipped his implied rebuke of the PA for not assuming control of the Gaza Strip.

The problem is not only what the American envoy said, but the fundamental things that he avoided saying. The problem is even more salient on the background of the principles presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also visited the Gaza Strip that same week. Guterres expressed support of Abbas efforts to create the conditions for a united leadership in the West Bank and Gaza, but in the same breath expressed concern over the terrible humanitarian situation he saw before his own eyes in the Gaza Strip. The conditions referred to by the secretary-general were in fact the continuation of collective punishment of Gaza residents.

I am deeply moved to be in Gaza today, unfortunately, to witness one of the most dramatic humanitarian crises that I have seen in many years working as a humanitarian in the United Nations, said Guterres during his Gaza tour. He expressly called on Israel and Egypt to remove the blockade. Did anyone hear Greenblatt express criticism of the joint pressures inflicted by Israel and the PA on Gaza residents, via limiting their electricity supply? Did anyone hear Washington firmly request that Jerusalem lift its closures on the Gaza Strip?

The "conditions" that Guterres referred to are jump-starting genuine negotiations on advancing the two-state solution, while simultaneously battling violence, and halting construction in the settlements. You have created, for the first time in 2,000 years, a home for your people, Guterres said during his Tel Aviv Museum of the Jewish People speech, and immediately added, It is now overdue that the Palestinians also fulfill their legitimate rights and national aspirations.

By contrast, Trump clung to his policy  or to be more exact his lack of policy  that he presented in February at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Im looking at two-state and one-state and I like the one that both parties like. Im very happy with the one that both parties like. One side, the occupied Palestinian side, repeats that it sticks to its desire for a two-state solution. The other side, the occupying Israeli side, declares that it does not want two states and creates facts on the ground (settlements) that sabotage this solution, while simultaneously showing no signs of wanting a binational state.

It seems that Trump does not know what he wants. Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives who serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, spoke with the Haaretz correspondent in Washington, Amir Tibon. Connolly said many Republicans support the two-state solution but do not want to proclaim this openly before the Trump administration expresses this position first.

Trump will finally have the opportunity to say what he wants, or does not want, in his Sept. 19 speech to the United Nations General Assembly. We can only hope that he will not send any more envoys here who will give both sides unrealistic and damaging advice.
September 5, 2017

As Turkeys top Kurdish lawmakers continue to rot in jail over thinly documented terror charges, fellow politicians have launched a sit-in outside the Constitutional Court in Ankara to protest their plight.

Osman Baydemir, a spokesman for the countrys largest pro-Kurdish bloc, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), said, There is one reason that we are gathering outside the Constitutional Court today.  It is to demand justice.

Baydemir noted that HDP Co-chair Selahattin Demirtas and 10 other HDP lawmakers have spent 306 days being unlawfully held hostage under orders from the [government]. The move is the latest in a series of peaceful protests organized by the HDP to raise awareness over the imprisonment of its parliamentarians and hundreds of other pro-Kurdish politicians, including 85 popularly elected mayors.

One of the HDP lawmakers taking part in the sit-in said the Constitutional Court had failed in its duties of overseeing the fair conduct and implementation of justice in the country. Meral Danis Bestas told Al-Monitor, We have two appeals pending with the Constitutional Court. The first is related to the May 2016 stripping of the parliamentary immunity of our elected members. The other is to do with their November 2016 arrests. The Constitutional Court has yet to deliver its opinion and we demand to know why its taking so long. The HDP wants to take the cases to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg but cannot do so until the Constitutional Court rules on them. The delay seems like a deliberate attempt to delay justice, Bestas said.

Justice has been in ever shorter supply ever since Turkeys ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) imposed emergency rule in the wake of last summer's failed coup. The government has used these powers to jail tens of thousands, most over alleged links with the putschists. But emergency rule has also served as cover to crush the HDP and its affiliates and to erase all manifestations of Kurdish nationalist identity in the provinces and districts they ran in the mainly Kurdish southeast region.

Demirtas, who was arrested on Nov. 3 last year on charges of establishing and leading a terrorist organization, among others, faces up to 142 years in prison for allegedly instigating violence that resulted in the deaths of four Kurdish youths in Diyarbakir in September 2014. The youths, thought to be sympathetic to the pro-Islamic party Huda-Par, were killed during mass protests that erupted in the city over the governments perceived complicity with the Islamic State when the jihadis laid siege to the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani.

Demirtas is being tried in 20 other cases for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Republic of Turkey, and for resisting laws regulating public protests. Turkeys most popular Kurdish politician is among Erdogans biggest betes noires for opposing his now fulfilled ambitions of scrapping Turkeys parliamentary system in favor of an executive presidency during the June 2015 parliamentary elections.

With his biting wit, youthful good looks and calls for a democratic and united Turkey, Demirtas won over hundreds of thousands of non-HDP voters who helped to propel the HDP into the parliament for the first time in 2015. The AKP lost its parliamentary majority, another first since catapulting to power in 2002. A furious Erdogan sabotaged his own partys attempts to forge a governing coalition, forcing a new round of elections in November 2015. The AKP handily won these thanks in no small part to the collapse in July of a 2-year cease-fire that had been mutually observed by Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels and security forces.

The government has since been demonizing Demirtas and the HDP, casting them as pawns of the PKK. Prominent human rights lawyer Erdal Dogan believes the end goal is to strip Demirtas of his parliamentary seat. They want to defang him, he told Al-Monitor.

Three HDP members, including Co-chair Figen Yuksekdag, who is also in jail, have already been stripped of their seats.

The most prominent case against Demirtas, over the Kobani riots, remains bogged down in intrajudicial squabbles. As a result, Demirtas has not yet appeared in court. Mahsuni Karaman, who is representing Demirtas, said, Nobody wants to prosecute Demirtas because the sin is too great.
September 5, 2017

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq  Information on the reported seizure of two Turkish spies by members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) near the city of Sulaimaniyah on Aug. 3 is scarce, as Turkey stays silent and the PKK and the Iraqi Kurds refrain from divulging details about what happened.

Iraqi Kurdistan has been a battlefield between the PKK and Turkey since the early 1990s. The PKK has used the rugged mountains of northern Iraq as a hideout since the early 1980s and has clashed several times with various other Kurdish groups including the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) over territory and influence. Staging several cross-border operations since the mid-1990s, Turkey has developed limited special operations capabilities and independent intelligence activities on the ground in the Kurdistan region.

Since August 2014, when attacks by the Islamic State threatened the very foundations of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the PKK has gained widespread popularity among Kurds by deploying hundreds of its battle-hardened fighters to defend Iraqi Kurdistan and the Yazidis of Sinjar. A group of former PKK commanders established a formidable army across the border in Syria, where it became a vital partner in the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State (IS).

In late July 2015, the two-and-a-half-year Turkish-Kurdish peace process came to an abrupt end. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his loyal spy chief Hakan Fidan appear to have set their eyes on the most wanted man in Turkey, 60-year-old clean-shaven guerrilla fighter and author Cemil Bayik. Erdogan remembered well how agents working for Turkish intelligence (MIT) captured the founder of the group, Abdullah Ocalan, in Kenya back in 1999 and brought him back to Turkey blindfolded and shackled.

Al-Monitor spoke with well-informed sources who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the matter. Here is their story:

Sometime after July 2015, when MIT tried to infiltrate Bayiks inner circle, the PKK enlisted one of Bayiks bodyguards as bait. MIT took the bait, and for two years the PKK fed accurate information through the guard to MIT agents until a solid base of trust was established between them. The intelligence provided to MIT was so important that two of the top officials on the PKK/Kurdish desk decided to meet with their mole in Sulaimaniyah on at least two occasions.

Around early August, the bodyguard appeared to have fed information to the two MIT officials that Bayik was going to Sulaimaniyah for medical treatment. Killing or abducting Bayik would have been a major intelligence coup for Erdogan.

At the last minute, the guard informed his MIT handlers that he could not meet with them in Sulaimaniyah, where the PUK's sophisticated intelligence apparatus kept a watchful eye. The guard asked them instead to travel to a mountainous resort town halfway between the Qandil Mountains and Sulaimaniyah. With its huge lake, Dukan is popular with Arab tourists from southern Iraq and Kurds looking to escape the scorching heat of the summer. It's an ideal cover for espionage operations.

A group of PKK guerrillas arrived on Aug. 3, apprehended the two intelligence officials and their Kurdish companions at one of the resort sites and drove 43 kilometers (27 miles) to the Qandil Mountains in an operation videotaped by the PKK. The road to Qandil is dotted with PUK checkpoints, but somehow the PKK fighters managed to get the MIT agents through and reach Qandil.

The PKK immediately started interrogating the agents. A former official familiar with the PKK believes that the interrogation and debriefing will take at least three months. Back in Ankara, Erdogan and Fidan  who had not informed the PUK  pleaded with them to intervene. The PUK sent delegations on at least two occasions to persuade the militants to release the MIT agents. The PKK refused.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Erbil and met with a PUK delegation on Aug. 23, but it appears that nothing came out of the meeting. Two sources briefed on the MIT incident told Al-Monitor that Ankara has asked Tehran to intervene on its behalf and an Iranian delegation met with PKK officials, but the Iranians also returned empty handed.

The following morning, on Aug. 24, Turkey took an unprecedented measure and expelled PUK representative Bahroz Galali, who is close to the Kurdish parties from Turkey. Back in 2003, when 11 Turkish special forces were seized by American commandos with the help of the PUK from the city of Sulaimaniyah on July 4, Turkey did not expel Galali, who had served in Ankara since 2000.

When Galali reached Sulaimaniyah airport on Aug. 24, he spoke critically of the PKK and said that the group should not behave as it pleases and should respect the KRG's sovereignty. The PUK spokesperson said the party was not aware of the operation and criticized both Turkey and the PKK.

Senior officials from the PKK, including Bayik, hit back, calling for the expulsion of the Turkish diplomats and warning that PUK or KDP involvement in Turkish ploys would be treason against the Kurdish people.

Some PUK officials have become concerned about the PKK activities in their zone after this incident, but the party is so fractious that it may not be able to take any action. Graffiti depicting the PKK and its founder, Abdullah Ocalan, is common in Sulaimaniyah.

If the PKK goes ahead with publishing the video footage of the operation, Erdogan will have no option but to own up to one of the most humiliating intelligence failures in Turkish history. As for the Iraqi Kurds, who are about to hold a referendum on independence, the unintended consequences of the PKK actions in their territories could become a serious headache.
September 5, 2017

Four-year-old Bilal Tagirov is looking at his mother but cant recognize her. He spent the past two years in Syria and then Iraq with his father, who allegedly was fighting alongside Islamic State (IS) terrorists. According to Zaliha Ashahanova, Bilals mother and a Chechnya resident, the boys father abducted him in 2015.

For more than two years, Ashahanova has been trying to locate the boy. Bilal was found in Mosul in mid-July by Iraqi troops.

A video shot by the soldiers shows the boy wandering alone through the flashpoint city. When he sees the Iraqi flag, he identifies it as belonging to unbelievers. When WhatsApp users spread the video of Bilal, his mother saw it and recognized him. On Aug. 2, 4-year-old Bilal arrived safely home.

I cant say at the moment how I feel. Of course Im happy. I dont even know how to express my gratitude, because I didnt think that I would see this day and that it would come so soon, his mother told reporters.

Bilal is one of dozens of Russian children found by Iraqi troops in Mosul. In early August, Russian state TV network RT published a report that at least 48 Russian children are being held in different Iraqi shelters. Some of them speak Russian, while others know only Chechen. The children were brought to Iraq by parents who came to join IS radicals. Others were born in Iraq. Most of these children know very little about their origins. Some of them have broken legs or hands or other injuries because they were abandoned by their parents and had no medical attention for a long time.

Controversial leader Ramzan Kadyrov, appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to head the Republic of Chechnya, helped organize the search and rescue operation for Bilal. Kadyrov, who sometimes counters his reputation for brutality with humanitarian acts, is playing a significant role in the process of returning Russian children home. Last month he helped Russian resident Sergey Ukhanov bring home his 6-year-old daughter Lisa, who was allegedly kidnapped by her mother. Turkish officials detained the family, which it said was trying to cross the Syrian border to join IS. On Aug. 4, Kadyrov said on his Telegram channel that his representatives had visited the Al-Salihiya orphanage in Baghdad, where six presumably Russian children had been found, as Russias TASS news agency reported.

Recently, Kadyrov noted he would ask the Russian Defense Ministry to provide safety corridors in Iraq and Syria to let women and children leave battle zones. He also emphasized that Chechnya had agreements with Iraqi, Syrian and Kurdish authorities on effective recovery of children from conflict areas.

Kadyrov cultivates a reputation for helping the needy and sick, according to Ekaterina Sokirianskaia, a Russian researcher and a former North Caucasus project director for the International Crisis Group. She told Al-Monitor, For some people, appealing to the Chechen leader for help is a sort of last hope. Millions of people follow his social media accounts, and his popularity is visibly growing.

According to Sokirianskaia, Kadyrov is leading a rather independent policy in the Middle East, where he is friends with some leaders.

The head of Chechnya has good relations with authorities in Jordan, where a big Chechen diaspora is located. Sammie Beno, a Jordanian politician of Chechen origin who heads the Chechen Republics Friends Association in Jordan, is helping with the evacuation of Russian children from Iraq and Syria. He mediates during talks between representatives of different countries and international public organizations.

To bring the children back, it must be confirmed they are all Russian citizens, which is not easy, as the minors lack documents proving their identity and can hardly tell the authorities anything about themselves or their families, aside from a name, Beno told RT.

Nevertheless, Russian human rights activists claim there are hundreds of Russian children in conflict zones in the Middle East, including Syria and Iraq. Most of the children are from Russias North Caucasus regions of Chechnya and Dagestan. According to Russias childrens rights ombudswoman Anna Kuznetsova, Dagestan accounts for more than 200 children, but the unofficial figure of children illegally taken out of Russia is much higher. We have created a database of almost 350 names and addresses, contacts. It covers the whole territory of Russia  Ulyanovsk, Rostov, all the regions that you can think of. The majority [of children] are residents of Chechnya and Dagestan, Kuznetsova told Russian media sources after a meeting on the issue. The meeting was attended by envoys from Syria and Iraq, as well as representatives of Dagestan, Chechnya, the Russian Foreign Ministry and the commissioner of the childrens rights office.

Mariam, 10, was found in a Baghdad orphanage. She told Russian TV that her mother was shot dead and her father disappeared. After the girls story appeared in the media, Mariams grandmother, a Dagestan resident, recognized her and contacted local authorities. According to the woman, Mariams parents took her from Dagestan in 2014. From time to time the girls parents sent photos and videos of Mariam and two boys, Mariams siblings who were born in Syria. To bring Mariam home, her grandmother needs to confirm that the girl is a Russian citizen, providing all the necessary documents. In the case of the womans grandsons, the situation is more difficult  the children were not born in Russia and formally have no documents.

Dozens of Chechen women marched Aug. 15 in Grozny, the republics capital, appealing to authorities to get involved, chanting Help bring our children home!

Most of the women were mothers, grandmothers and other relatives of children who are being found in Iraqi orphanages. Getting these children back is a complicated process, as the children will have to undergo DNA testing to prove they are related to the people who claim them. The marching women, however, are holding on to their hope.
September 3, 2017

Even as Turkey is urgently trying to fix its self-inflicted shortage of military pilots, the government dismissed 25 more. It then issued a state of emergency decree to force its former aviators to leave lucrative jobs in the private sector and return to service.

Turkey's air force was the hardest-hit military branch in the mass purges that followed the July 2016 failed coup. I noted in an article a year ago that the air force would need at least two years to make up for the pilot deficiency it was facing.

With the latest expulsions that were issued Aug. 25, Turkey dropped well below the globally accepted ratio of 1.5 pilots per plane, reaching 0.7 per plane. The discharged pilots were highly experienced veterans.

Turkey has 320 combat planes (of which 240 are F-16s), 90 transport planes, seven tankers and 105 training planes. During the first three months after the 2016 uprising, the ratio had already gone down to 0.9 per plane. The situation now is more serious: In some squadrons, the number of F-16 pilots has reached 0.6 for each plane. Moreover, because of growing operational missions and crew shortages, pilots are now flying twice the number of hours they used to before the coup attempt.

Sources speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity noted that the pilot depletion actually started long before the failed coup. In 2012, the Turkish air force lowered its compulsory service requirement from 15 years to 10 years. Between 2012 and 2015, 110 highly experienced pilots, mostly majors and lieutenant colonels, resigned to join Turkeys booming civil aviation market. About 300 F-4 and F-16 pilots had already left between 2002 and 2013. After the coup attempt and the purge of alleged putschists, the government tried to prevent further losses of pilots with an executive decree that upped compulsory duty for pilots from 10 to 18 years.

Now the government is seeking to force 300 ex-military pilots to return to the air force after a call in January for these pilots to voluntarily return failed miserably with only 40 applicants. The decree offers two options to these ex-pilots: Either sign up for four years of service with the air force or go abroad and find employment with a foreign airline. The summons requires these pilots to go through a battery of tests, above all a health check, within 15 days after receiving the summons. Those who pass the tests will have another 15 days to report to duty at their assigned base.

If these pilots do not return, their civilian pilot licenses will be revoked for four years, which means they wont be allowed to fly in Turkey during that period. Turkish authorities are aware that those pilots, who are paid more than $10,000 a month in their civilian jobs, will be earning $3,000 once they are back in uniform, and the military is trying to make up for their loss with additional bonuses. The government also plans to give the pilots credit for their civilian service, counting those years toward military service to speed up their promotions. For example, a pilot who resigned from the Turkish air force in 2013 as a major rank will have his four years of civilian flying added to military service and will rejoin the air force as a lieutenant colonel.

A pilot who resigned from the air force in 2013 as a major said he was expecting such a move and was thinking of re-enlisting, but he complained about the short time allowed for the process just before the schools are about to open.

"My family lives in Istanbul, and I am ordered to join my unit in Ankara within 10 days. That's very hasty and inconvenient to make all the arrangements for the family," he said.

Another pilot who left the military in 2014 told Al-Monitor, This came as a surprise. I served 16 years in the Turkish air force and I wasnt thinking of returning. But to order to us to join in 15 days or risk losing our licenses is too tough. They are not even giving us time to look for jobs abroad.

The government hopes that 150-180 pilots will rejoin within a month and that, as most of them are experienced F-4 and F-16 pilots, they won't need more than two months of refresher training before they can resume operational flights.

On the other hand, after the government closed military schools following the coup attempt, the Turkish air force accepted 180 pilot cadets from civilian sources at its Cigli flight school near Izmir. These candidates have already completed their introductory training with SF-260D planes and now are in jet flight training with T-38M aircraft. For these 180 candidates, whose F-16 training will begin in September, the problem is the lack of F-16 instructors. At least 50 of the veteran pilots expected to return to the ranks will be assigned as F-16 instructors at Cigli.

Ankara is also trying to recruit F-16 instructors from abroad. It initially contacted the United States, which had sold the planes to Turkey. Military force sources told Al-Monitor that Turkey first asked for six American trainers, but the United States tied the issue to diplomatic bargaining and didn't offer a ready solution. Turkey then turned to Pakistan, which accepted the request; however, the United States objected. According to information obtained by the daily Hurriyet, the Pentagon rejected Ankaras request for the second time, saying, There is no program regarding training pilots abroad. If you send your F-16 pilots to the US, we can train them here, while Ankara insisted on pilots receiving training in Cigli and in their own geographical conditions.

Ankaras refusal to send its pilot candidates for training in the United States is yet another disturbing indicator of the depth of the crisis of confidence between Ankara and Washington.

Turkey's air force now aims to finish training the 180 pilot candidates and reach 1.5 pilots per plane with those returning from the civilian sector. The question then becomes how the military will ensure high morale and motivation for those who feel they are being railroaded into re-enlisting under unfavorable conditions.
J. Paul Jones Hospital in Camden was set to close September 1. According to the hospital board's press release they have already started transitioning from an acute care hospital into an urgent care facility. The ambulance service will also continue to operate.

And because the closing was announced and there was a press release and it was reported by every news outlet in the area, the hospital board has offered a solution. Raise taxes. Again. On top of the 3 mill ad valorem tax they already receive. They would like to add an additional one cent retail sales tax in one of the poorest counties in the country. The county found most likely to not have access to food. Wilcox is usually the first in everything last. It currently has 10% sales tax rate. An 11% rate would make it one of the highest in the state.

J. Paul Jones financial woes are not new nor did they take anyone, especially the hospital board, by surprise. More timely action would have allowed Wilcox residents to vote on the proposed tax increase. It could have been included on the ballot in last month's Senate election. And now of course it is too late to have it included on the runoff ballot. Next year's election would be far too long to wait. So the whole notion was introduced Thursday night, August 24, at an Impact Wilcox community meeting - which only a fraction of residents attend and by Monday night's county commission meeting it was on the agenda under new business for the commission to vote on through without hesitation or question.

But instead, the commission tabled the tax decision until it could be further discussed. A public forum will be held Tuesday evening and there are many unanswered questions. But as it stands, if the vote was held today, it would pass. Even though, according to the commission's figures, the amount the tax will bring likely won't be enough to cover what the hospital requires. It needs $90,000 a month. In a letter written by Congresswoman Terri Sewell, she stated J. Paul Jones and its two health clinics employ 50 people and have a monthly payroll of between $90,000 and $92,000 a month. The proposed tax is quoted to bring $500,000 annually, although I was told that "they" are still "working" with the numbers.

If the projected estimate is accurate, there will need to be a three cent tax increase to meet the need. The increase will not necessarily strengthen the hospital. It will not bring any new or additional treatment options and let's face it, as it is and has been for years, the hospital is very limited. There are stints of time when there are no patients in any of the 32 beds, yet a 24 hour, full staff is required by law. The emergency room is used like an after-hours clinic, and has become excellent at transferring injured and seriously ill patients to bigger hospitals.

With gas prices rising, even temporarily, is it the best time for a county with the highest unemployment rate in the state, and where almost half of the residents live on a fixed income to raise taxes? Will it push Wilcox citizens into neighboring counties to shop more than they already do? If the tax is passed will it reverse the transition from an acute care hospital to an urgent care facility? Or will it still become an urgent care facility and taxes still go up? There are those who say without a hospital Camden won't appeal to new businesses, but having it here isn't keeping the businesses we do have. The East Pearl restaurant is the latest to close. What is appealing about an 11% tax rate?

Amanda Walker is a blogger and contributor with AL.com, The Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, Alabama Gazette and Wilcox Progressive Era. Contact her at Walkerworld77@msn.com or at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist.
More details on deaths: Women were due in court

A Jacksonville woman is believed to have shot and killed her two adult daughters Sunday before killing herself, the county coroner said Monday night.

Alicia Williamon, 44, Jeannie Williamon, 43, and their mother, Brenda Williamon, 70, were found dead inside their home in the 8100 block of Highway 204 in Jacksonville, said Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown.

The mother is believed to have shot her daughters first before killing herself, Brown said. Each woman suffered a single gunshot wound, Brown said.

The shooting is believed to have occurred at some point Sunday night, about 11p.m. to 12 p.m., Brown said.

Jacksonsville police, the coroner's office and the Center for Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University responded to the scene of the shooting, Brown said.

The bodies of all three women were being sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy, Brown said.

Brown declined to speculate on a possible motive for the murder-suicide.

Efforts to reach someone from the Jacksonville Police Department were unsuccessful Monday.
A man has been charged by the Madison County Sheriff's Office with murder in the Sunday shooting death of a Florence man, WAAY reports.

Sammie Driskell, 44, was booked into the Madison County Detention Facility at 5:36 p.m. Sunday and is being held on $50,000 bond, according to the news station. Driskell was charged in the death of Christopher Hamlett, 21, of Florence, on Dexter Circle, in the Harvest area, on Sunday morning.

Madison County Sheriff's' Office spokesman Lt. Brian Chaffin told the news station that Driskell shot Hamlett during a domestic dispute that occurred on Dexter Circle Sunday. Madison County Coroner Bobby Berryhill said Hamlett died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Two of three women found dead Monday in a murder-suicide at their Jacksonville home were set to appear in a Madison County courtroom Tuesday on stalking and harassment charges.

The bodies of Brenda Williamon, 70, and her two adult daughters, 44-year-old Alicia Williamon and 43-year-old Jeannie Williamon were discovered Monday inside their home in the 8100 block of Highway 204 on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017.

The bodies of Brenda Williamon, 70, and her two adult daughters, 44-year-old Alicia Williamon and 43-year-old Jeannie Williamon were discovered Monday inside their home in the 8100 block of Highway 204. Jacksonville Police Chief Tommy Thompson on Tuesday said Brenda Williamon had called another family member Sunday and left a message on his voicemail saying she had killed her two daughters and was planning to take her own life.

The family member didn't hear the message until Monday, at which point the police were notified. When they arrived at the home, the found Alicia Williamon and Jeannie Williamon dead in their beds from a single gunshot wound each. Both had been killed while they were sleeping, Thompson said.

Brenda Williamon was found dead in another part of the house. Authorities believe the killings happened between 11 p.m. and midnight on Sunday.

Jacksonsville police, the coroner's office and the Center for Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University responded to the scene of the shooting. The bodies of all three women were being sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy, Brown said.

Thompson said police had been called to the home over the years, often on UFO sightings.

Brenda Williamon and Jeannie Williamon both were set to appear in court on Tuesday. Both were arrested in 2013. Brenda Williamon was charged with first-degree stalking and Jeannie Williamon was charged in city court with harassing communications but had appealed her case to circuit court, so both cases were consolidated and being handled together ongoing judicial process.

Madison County Assistant District Attorney Maggie Wallace said the cases stemmed from Jeannie Williamon's firing as a teacher at Huntsville High School years ago. Mother and daughter, she said, became fixated on another teacher who they were convinced was behind the firing, although she had nothing to do with it.

They began to harass that teacher, Wallace said, via emails and voicemails. It got to the point, she said, that they went to her home to confront her and mistakenly ended up at a next-door-neighbor's house where they assaulted a woman there thinking she was the object of their anger.

Just last week, the lawyer for both women requested to withdraw as their counsel at the request of the women, records show. Both women had been deemed not mentally fit to stand trial.

"This has resulted in an ethical conundrum for counsel,'' attorney Bruce Gardner wrote. "The recent psychological report on the (defendants) stated the defendant is presently not competent to stand trial or make legal decisions. Yet the defendant disagrees with the findings in the psychological report."

"The defendant does not want to assert the defense of incompetency. Nor does she want to assert the defense of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect,'' he wrote. "Yet, counsel's opinion is that each of these defenses must be asserted."

Authorities said they have not yet determined a motive for the murder-suicide but the timing of the hearing is believed to have been a factor.

"There was a likelihood they could have been committed or taken into custody,'' Wallace said. "It was a sad, sad situation."

Alicia Williamon also suffered from mental illness, and could have been left alone with no one to care for her. Those familiar with the case believe all of that could have played into the events of Sunday.

"What a tragic, tragic outcome," Gardner said.
A Cullman County woman faces multiple charges after investigators say she traveled to Ohio to meet a juvenile for sex, and brought the minor back to Alabama.

Stefanie Nichole Weaver, 23, was arrested on Friday, said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. Weaver, who lives in Vinemont, met a juvenile on Facebook and then went to Ohio to meet the victim.

Weaver admitted to investigators that once she was in Ohio, she knew the minor was underage. Still, she said, she had a sexual relationship with the minor in Ohio and then brought the juvenile back to Cullman County.

The sheriff said the minor was reported as a runaway juvenile out of Ohio and was found by Cullman County sheriff's investigators. Because of the victim's age, no additional details are being released.

Weaver is charged with first-degree human trafficking, second-degree sodomy and facilitating the travel of a child for a sex act. She is being held in the Cullman County Detention Center with bonds totaling $150,000.

"This case is disturbing on many levels. I tell parents all the time to always watch who your children are talking to on social media because predators use social media,'' Gentry said. "Also, it shows that predators will drive hundreds of miles, so we as parents and law enforcement have to stay vigilant in this new social media age."
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who twice ran for president and whose daughter is now White House press secretary, is getting involved in Alabama's Senate race.

In a post on his website Monday, Huckabee voiced his support for former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore.

Huckabee - whose daughter Sarah replaced Sean Spicer as President Trump's press secretary -- wrote that he had no personal relationship with either Moore or his opponent in the Republican runoff, U.S. Sen. Luther Strange.

Luther Strange is probably a fine man, and I hear that from those who know him," Huckabee said in his website post. "My support of Roy Moore has nothing to do with specific displeasure with the appointed Senator Luther Strange, but because if the 'power brokers' in D.C. are as desperate as they seem to be to keep Judge Moore from joining them, then they must fear that he can't be counted on to "join the club."

"And that is a good reason to support Judge Moore and hope that it sends a message to the do-nothing Congress that ought to be standing with our President to reform healthcare, taxes, infrastructure, national security, and job-killing regulation. Imagine the progress we'd have if members of Congress were as dedicated to helping the President's plans for the economy as they are in going on TV to complain about a tweet he sent out."

Huckabee said he liked Moore's stance on the U.S. Constitution and concerns about the federal courts.

"I do know that Judge Moore rejects the absurd, illogical, and unconstitutional nonsense that the Supreme Court can create law based on what the court or public wants it to be," Huckabee said. "Judicial supremacy is a cancer on our country."

Huckabee also encouraged readers of his website to make a donation to his political action committee to support Moore.

"There are enough 'strange' things happening with a GOP majority in the House and Senate," Huckabee wrote. "We deserve 'more,' and perhaps much 'MOORE.'"

In a statement Tuesday, Moore said, ""I am honored to have the support of Gov. Huckabee. Gov. Huckabee has been a powerful voice for conservative values as a governor, presidential candidate and through his show on Fox News for many years. I thank him for his leadership and for his endorsement."
President Donald Trump's decision Tuesday to rescind his predecessor's executive action giving young illegal immigrants a reprieve from deportation was widely hailed by Alabama's congressional delegation.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, while the White House said it was giving Congress six months to pass a bill protecting such children from deportation.

Most of Alabama's D.C. representatives applauded Trump's decision, saying President Obama's policy overstepped presidential authority.

Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said he spoke to Sessions, his former colleague, about DACA on Tuesday.

"I stand with the attorney general and the administration on their current plan. When President Obama enacted this program through executive action, he bypassed Congress and acted outside of his constitutional authority. This was a blatant misuse of his power," Shelby said in a statement.

Shelby and several Alabama House members said that while they agreed that Congress should work on legislation that would prevent children of illegal immigrants from being deported, it should not be their top priority.

"Congress certainly needs to fix our nation's broken immigration system, but that must start with securing our borders, boosting internal security, and putting the American people first," said Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope. "Congress, and only Congress, can pass those laws, but I would welcome the advice of the president and the attorney general on what those laws should provide."

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, shared that sentiment.

"Before considering any immigration reform, Congress should first pass legislation to fund the border wall. Only after securing the border, can Congress in good faith address immigration reform," he said.

But Sen. Luther Strange disagreed, suggesting Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time.

"We can do more than one thing at a time, and this is an issue, obviously, we should address," he said during an appearance on Fox News.

While Democrats called Trump's plan "cruel," Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, said rescinding DACA was about following the law.

"I, and I believe most Americans, are sympathetic to the children brought to this country at a young age, many only a few months old. However, at the same time, you have to remember that the parents are responsible for the children's lack of legal status, not the government. The government has a responsibility to enforce the laws on the books," he said.

As the lone Democrat in the Alabama congressional delegation, Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, took to Twitter to defend Obama:
Hurricane Irma remained an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm as it neared the Leeward Islands late Tuesday.

The National Hurricane Center said Irma's maximum sustained winds were holding at 185 mph on Tuesday night. Category 5 winds begin at 157 mph.

That makes Irma the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic basin outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico according to hurricane center records.

The hurricane center said Irma is only the fifth Atlantic hurricane with a peak wind speed of 160 knots or higher. The others are Allen (1980), the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Gilbert (1988), and Wilma (2005).

Some of the islands could take a direct hit from the storm overnight, according to the hurricane center.

Hurricane Irma had the textbook look of a powerful hurricane on Tuesday afternoon as it neared the Leeward Islands. (NWS)

And forecast models for Irma continued to inch toward Florida, raising more concern about the prospect of Irma directly affecting the United States.

Forecasters stressed that it's still too early to say for sure that Irma could hit Florida, but added the chances of "impacts" from the storm are increasing.

They added that it is "still too soon to specify the timing and magnitude of the impacts."

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency there on Monday so the state could start making preparations, and water, generators and plywood were flying off the shelves across South Florida.

According to the 10 p.m. CDT Tuesday advisory, Hurricane Irma was located about 50 miles east-northeast of Antigua and was moving west-northwest at 15 mph.

There were indications late Tuesday that an eye wall replacement cycle might be beginning, which could temporarily temper Irma's intensity.

The hurricane center said fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, "but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful Category 4 or 5 hurricane during the next couple of days."

Hurricane Hunters are constantly flying into and around Irma, getting data that is invaluable for forecasts. Here's such a flight:

Video of a flight through the eye of #Irma on #NOAA42. Flights on both the WP-3D Orion and G-IV #NOAA49 continue. Credit Nick Underwood/NOAA pic.twitter.com/9ini4bOnYF  NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (@NOAA_HurrHunter) September 5, 2017

And Irma's reach is considerable. The hurricane center said hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from Irma's center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.

Forecasters stressed not to focus solely on where the center is expected to track: "Since Irma is a large hurricane, users are reminded to not focus on the exact forecast track since tropical-storm and hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge extend far from the center."

Irma is expected to move over the northern Leeward Islands tonight into early Wednesday, then take aim at the northern Virgin Islands on Wednesday and Puerto Rico late Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Warnings and watchings stretched across the islands on Tuesday.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the northern border with Haiti.

Many of those places will feel hurricane effects overnight.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Haiti from the northern border with the Dominican Republic to Le Mole St. Nicholas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas. Cuba added hurricane watches on Tuesday night for the provinces of Matanzas eastward to Guantanamo.

Hurricane and tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas by early Thursday, the hurricane center said.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Guadeloupe, Dominica and the south coast of the Dominican Republic from south of Cabo Engano westward to the southern border with Haiti.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Haiti from south of Le Mole St. Nicholas to Port-Au-Prince.

The big question continues to be how Irma will affect the continental U.S.

Irma has remained on a westward path today, but it could be making an expected turn to the west-northwest as of late Tuesday.

An area of high pressure over the central Atlantic is expected to steer Irma west-northwestward during the next couple of days, the hurricane center said.

However, in four or five days a trough coming out of the continental U.S. could weaken the western edge of the ridge, causing Irma to turn northward.

But no one can say for sure when Irma could make that turn, which is critical for Florida.

Forecasters said this about how the models are handling that scenario: "Some of the dynamical models have shifted northward a bit from the previous cycle, with the normally reliable GFS looking like a northeast outlier. The official track forecast leans toward the ECMWF solution."

The official forecast track shows Irma off the coast of South Florida as a major hurricane on Sunday. The so-called "cone of uncertainty stretches from off Florida's Atlantic Coast to its Gulf Coast.

Forecasters cautioned that forecast confidence beyond three days is lower and that the average track errors are 175 miles on Day 4 and 225 miles on Day 5.

Here are the key points from the hurricane center:

* "Irma is a potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane and will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge, and rainfall hazards to portions of the northern Leeward Islands, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, on Wednesday. Preparations should be rushed to completion."

* "A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, with hurricane watches for Haiti, the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos. Irma is likely to bring dangerous wind, storm surge, and rainfall to these areas from Wednesday night through Friday."

* "Irma could directly affect the remainder of the Bahamas and Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane later this week. Residents in these areas should monitor the progress of Irma and listen to advice given by officials."

* "The chance of direct impacts from Irma beginning later this week and this weekend from wind, storm surge, and rainfall continues to increase in the Florida Keys and portions of the Florida Peninsula. However, it is too soon to specify the timing and magnitude of these impacts."
Gov. Kay Ivey has collected more than $1 million for her still unannounced campaign for governor, taking in large contributions from Alabama business interests.

Since Friday, Ivey has reported $825,000 in contributions.

Combined with previous reports, Ivey has now raised $1,000,200, more than any of the announced candidates.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle raised $180,000 in August and has now raised a total of $868,000 to rank second among the candidates in fundraising, which began for the race in June.

Candidates are due to file their monthly finance reports today.

Ivey's biggest contribution on her most recent reports was $100,000 from Huntsville developer Louis Breland. Ivey received $50,000 from MCG PAC, the political action committee for the law firm Maynard, Cooper & Gale, chaired by lobbyist Ted Hosp, and $40,000 from Bizpac, chaired by lobbyist Clark Richardson.

Ivey, who replaced Robert Bentley as governor on April 10, has said she is strongly considering seeking a full term next year but has not made an announcement.

Ivey and Battle are among eight Republicans who have been raising money for the governor's race.

Two Democrats are also raising money, including former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, who has announced she is running. Cobb reported raising $47,000 in August and has raised a total of $132,000.

The other Democrat, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, raised $24,000 in August and also loaned his campaign $50,000. Maddox has now raised $30,000, not counting the loan. In a fundraising letter, he said he would announce his decision on whether to run in mid-January.

Mark Wylie Johnston of Hayden formed a campaign committee to run as an independent. Johnston gave his campaign a $25,000 loan, the only money he has reported raising so far.

Here's what the other Republican candidates reported for August (dollar amounts rounded to the nearest thousand):

State Sen. Bill Hightower of Mobile reported raising $45,000 in August and has now raised $526,000 since June, ranking third in fundraising behind Ivey and Battle. Hightower also loaned his campaign $30,000 on Tuesday.

Evangelist Scott Dawson of Birmingham reported raising $32,000 in August, plus a $20,000 donation from Bruce Dunbar of Birmingham. Dawson has now raised a total of $308,000.

Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington reported raising $23,000 in August and has now raised a total of $269,000.

Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan raised $9,000 in August and has now raised $81,000. McMillan also loaned his campaign $50,000 in May.

Birmingham businessman Joshua Jones raised $6,000 in August and has now $37,000. Jones gave his campaign a $235,000 loan in May.

State corrections officer Stacy George raised $205 in August and has raised a total of $4,000.

Updated at 11:17 a.m. to say that Ivey went over $1 million in contributions. Updated at 3:58 p.m. to clarify that MCG PAC is the political action committee for the law firm Maynard, Cooper & Gale. Updated at 8:45 p.m. to add reports from other candidates. Updated at 11 a.m. on Sept. 6 to add Hightower's report.


The Department of Justice will retry a woman whose laughter prosecutors said disrupted the confirmation hearings of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, prosecutors said.

In May, Desiree Fairooz of Virginia was found guilty in on charges of disorderly conduct and parading or demonstrating on Capitol grounds for her actions during Sessions' January hearings. She faced up to a year in prison but in May, a judge overturned the conviction and it was unclear if the Justice Department would pursue another trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall told D.C. Superior Court last week it does plan to retry Fairooz. Paschall said Fairooz and her attorney rejected a plea deal offered by the government in which she would have pleaded guilty to one or two charges in exchange for time served.

Fairooz's second trial is set to begin in November.

Fairooz was one of three women, all activists with the group Code Pink, arrested during Sessions' hearings. The other women, Tighe Barry and Lenny Bianchi, were sentenced to 10 days in jail, though those sentences were suspended as long as they completed six months of supervised probation. Barry and Bianchi wore Ku Klux Klan outfits during the hearing; Fairooz work a pink Lady Liberty costume.

She maintains all she did during the confirmation hearing was laugh after Alabama Senator Richard Shelby said Sessions had a record of "treating all Americans equally under the law is clear and well-documented."

The three women had pleaded not guilty of all charges.
U.S. Senator Luther Strange announced Tuesday morning at a Birmingham press conference that he has changed his mind about a letter he signed in April showing his support for the Senate's existing filibuster rule.

Strange held the press conference before heading back to Washington, D.C., where he said he will deliver a letter to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer withdrawing his signature from a letter that supported the filibuster rule.

The filibuster is a stalling tactic in the Senate that, if invoked, requires 60 votes to stop. Republicans currently have the majority in the Senate- 52 of the 100 seats- which is not enough to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

"I respectfully withdraw my signature from the aforementioned letter and instead make a declaration that it is necessary for Republican Senate Leadership to work to change the filibuster rule, as President Trump as requested, and give the American people's Senators the opportunity to debate on any legislation that can receive a simple majority vote," the letter to McConnell and Schumer states.

In the letter, Strange says he is "disheartened" by Republican colleagues who are "unwilling to put politics aside in order to accomplish the will of the American people by moving the priorities of President Donald J. Trump forward."

Strange said he has already spoken with McConnell about his change of heart.

"I think this will be a significant step forward in actually getting things done in Washington," Strange said. "I think now, given the obstructionism we're facing from both sides of the aisle...this is a necessary step."

Strange said his observations during the healthcare vote this summer was influential to changing his mind on the filibuster rule. He said the rule change will help "get things done" involving issues like immigration, tax relief, infrastructure bills, and healthcare.

Strange and 60 other senators - 31 Democrats, 28 Republicans and one independent - signed the April 7 letter voicing support for the filibuster. Alabama's senior senator, Richard Shelby, did not sign the letter.

To see the April 7 letter, click here.

Strange's campaign later released a statement about Republican Senate primary runoff opponent Roy Moore and Moore's "past support of the filibuster rule." In a radio interview with the Christian Emergency League, Moore said the Senate should "keep the framework they've got."

Bill Armistead, Moore's campaign chairman, released this statement after Strange's press conference: "Luther will say anything to keep his seat in the club for Washington elites. Yesterday Luther supported the filibuster. Today he opposes it. This is a blatant flipflop that career politicians do when they're in trouble. Judge Moore has been very clear on this issue, supporting President Trump, while as late as April of this year, Luther Strange was signing letters to McConnell with John McCain and Jeff Flake pledging his support for the filibuster. How can Alabamians trust Luther Strange if he will say anything to get elected and put the senate club's rules over the interests of America?"

When asked if Moore had changed his mind on the filibuster rule since the radio interview Strange mentioned, Armistead said: "In November of 2016, when Judge Moore gave that interview, all conservatives opposed doing away with the filibuster to keep the Democrats from ramming through the confirmation of Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court and the rest of his agenda. Yet once President Trump called for the filibuster to end, Luther still supported it... In short, Judge Moore opposed removing the filibuster to stop the Obama agenda until President Trump took office.... Luther is desperate and looking for anything to help keep him in the Senate."

Strange said he is hoping for high voter turnout in the runoff September 26, and "expect[s] to win."
Palestinian team is using 3D printers to build stethoscopes and tourniquets to help struggling hospitals.

Gaza City  The stethoscope, a staple device in modern medicine, is a luxury item in Gaza.

At Gazas largest hospital, al-Shifa, there are only one or two stethoscopes in each department; doctors left without one resort to pressing their ears against patients chests to diagnose an illness.

That would be the best-case scenario, Canadian doctor Tarek Loubani told Al Jazeera. If someones full of blood, most doctors arent going to put their ears to the chest. So, doctors are making decisions without that piece of information.

Loubani and three of his peers are working to change that. As part of the Glia team, their goal is to mass-manufacture low-cost, high-quality medical devices for Gaza using 3D printing. They recently received their first batch of stethoscopes.

In their office in the centre of Gaza City, a small square piece of the 3D printer moves back and forth across the plate, refining two long pieces. In about two hours, it will finish printing all the pieces to form the tested and approved 3D printed stethoscope  the first of its kind in the Gaza Strip.

It looks like a toy, but the quality is just as good as the leading brands, Mohammed Abu Matar, 31, told Al Jazeera, as he held up one of their finished stethoscopes. The item costs only $3, compared with the industry-leading Littmann Cardiology III, which sells for around $200.

It is a huge feat for the Gaza Strip, which suffers from a shortage of much-needed medical equipment. Under the decade-long Israeli-Egyptian blockade, a wide range of medical items are banned from entering Gaza without special coordination due to Israels dual-use concerns  namely, that the items could also be used for military purposes.

Affordability is another obstacle. A $300 stethoscope is roughly equivalent to a doctors monthly salary in Gaza.

Loubani first thought of printing stethoscopes after spending some time operating in al-Shifas emergency room.

During one of the wars in 2012, it became really obvious that you cant provide proper care to patients with the equipment thats available here, Loubani said.

Initially, each time that Loubani returned as a visiting doctor, he would bring in bags full of books and equipment for the doctors in Gaza.

But those paths get disrupted really easily, he said. I can no longer travel through Egypt, because I was in jail there. On my way into Israel, they searched me. Even very simple medical equipment isnt allowed in  With huge disruption in trade routes, it became obvious that we have to start making things in Gaza if were ever to be able to have a reliable supply of medical equipment.

Abu Matar, a telecommunications graduate, also arrived at the same realisation after years of making his own devices, including negative ion and ozone generators. He always had the recurring problem of missing pieces that were unavailable in Gaza.

I started thinking of how to make a machine that can make those missing pieces, Abu Matar said.

The 3D printer  banned from Gaza  was the obvious solution to their problems. Matar scraped together all the spare parts and, by following open source designs online, he built a 3D printer himself. He now runs the first 3D printing business in Gaza, called Tashkeel 3D.

We saw the designs [of 3D printers] that other people had spent a lot of time making, and used those and modified them and adopted them for our own uses, Matar said.

To circumvent the blockade and high prices, they relied on alternatives. Since the plastic filament used to print the items is too expensive to import, they created it themselves by experimenting with plastic pellets until they found the right mixture to create their own filament, using a self-made machine.

READ MORE: Gazas women of steel

Once Matar had assembled his own 3D printer, he started printing the unavailable spare parts to assemble more 3D printers in the Gaza Strip.

The stethoscope works very well; its a suitable solution, especially for us here in Gaza, Ayman al-Sahabani, the head of al-Shifas emergency department, told Al Jazeera. We need stethoscopes all the time to deal with patients, but its not available because its expensive.

Having finalised the stethoscope, clinical testing is now under way for their printed tourniquet and pulse oximeter, which shows how much oxygen is circulating in a body.

In Canadian hospitals, each bed would have its own pulse oximeter, but at al-Shifas emergency department, there are only three pulse oximeters for 20 beds, Loubani said. To determine the level of oxygen circulating in a body, doctors in Gaza often have to look at the patient and ask themselves: How blue is this person?

Whats happening here in Gaza is a real catastrophe, Sahabani said. Its difficult to speak about this all the time because its very painful for us. Its very painful to speak about our patients, about the suffering, about our medical staff.

Among the equipment considered as dual-use and restricted from entering the Gaza Strip are scanning machines. The few MRIs and CT scanners that al-Shifa has are at a risk of breaking down, since they operate for 24 hours instead of the recommended maximum of eight, due to a huge number of patients, al-Sahabani explained. Since all of the machines are missing spare parts, they do not work as they normally should.

According to a 2016 World Health Organization report, nearly 50 percent of Gazas medical equipment is outdated, with the average wait for spare parts lasting about six months.

The Glia team hopes to fill this gap by spreading 3D printing culture throughout Gaza. They have already taught a class at the Khan Younis College of Science and Technology on how to assemble 3D printers, and they plan to introduce 3D printing into the K-12 curriculum.

You have a very special problem in Gaza; a rocket could come through this window and this place is gone. If that happens, whats supposed to happen with this work? Loubani asked. So really, you need more than one place [that knows how to 3D print] in a place like Gaza, to know you can keep the culture going.

We think that four, five places would be enough to keep [the culture] going no matter what happens here, so that if we all get killed in the next war, theres two or three more places that can keep going.
Many German churches are standing with refugees as atonement for past complicity in the crimes of the Nazi regime.

Berlin, Germany  On a brisk Wednesday evening in early March, a group of people walk towards a small building attached to the Immanuelkirche, an Evangelical church in eastern Berlins Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood.

Propped on the wall beside the door is a chalkboard. Scrawled across it and flanked by a pair of fuchsia hearts is a greeting: Welcome to Meet n Eat. Come in!

Inside, children chase each other around. From the cafeteria-style benches comes laughter and the clanking of cutlery against plates.

Dozens of people  Germans, Syrians, Iraqis, Afghans and emigres from across Europe  meet here each Wednesday for Meet n Eat, a project that brings them together to cook and eat with the aim of fostering a sense of community between newly arrived asylum seekers and other residents of the neighbourhood.

WATCH: The New Germans  the Arabs making Germany home (47:39)

We thought its very important that people  refugees and Germans  just meet, for political reasons and just for the neighbourhood, says Juliane Wolf, one of the projects founders.

Administered by Wolf and her fellow volunteers, Meet n Eat was made possible when the church decided to lend them the space more than a year and a half ago.

Jens Henke, a 34-year-old member of the churchs council, says that contributing a space to Meet n Eat and other projects, such as the establishment of an interfaith preschool, are part of the Christian communitys efforts to prevent the rise of the anti-refugee sentiment that has taken root in some parts of German society.

Henke stands on a second-floor gallery that overlooks rows of pews. Behind him, the vast brass tubes of a pipe organ climb the churchs stone wall.

The middle of society doesnt have answers to all the questions, so its important that the church creates platforms for a dialogue toward a better understanding between citizens, immigrants and refugees, he explains.

We especially invite people who have no relation to refugees and who have questions [to participate in such dialogue], he continues, adding that Meet n Eat has been so successful that its weekly participation of around 60 to 80 people is more people than the church has on some Sundays.

READ MORE: The time a mob awaited refugees in the German town of Clausnitz

Hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers have made it to the country since 2015, sparking a sharp rise in far-right populism that has sent shivers through German society. And for people like Henke, the struggle for solidarity with refugees and migrants is part of the churches  both Catholic and Evangelical  more than seven-decade struggle for atonement over their complicity in the crimes of the Nazi regime (1933-1945).

Historical responsibilities

Some 56 percent of Germanys population of 82 million identify as Christian. They are split almost evenly between Catholicism and Evangelical Protestantism, according to a 2015 study conducted by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD).

Silke Radosh-Hinder, a 46-year-old pastor, wears thin-rimmed rectangular glasses and a heavy black coat that nearly touches the floor when she takes a seat on the edge of a pew. At the far end of the church hall is a painting of angels perched at the feet of Jesus, who is draped in a pearl-coloured robe and gazing reverently towards the heavens.

Radosh-Hinder, who is also head of a 22-congregation alliance of churches in Berlin-Brandenburg, says that Christians have a historical and moral responsibility to fight against far-right sentiment. The advantage of faith communities and the church is our mission: That every human was created in the image of God. Everybody is equal and has equal rights, so we stand up for diversity.

Gesticulating, and pointing the occasional accusatory finger, she decries far-right groups like Alternative for Germany (AfD), an anti-refugee political party expected to enter the German Bundestag later this year.

For Radosh-Hinder, the AfD, which claims to fight for traditional Christian values, doesnt believe that people are equal, [and is] denying the truest values of our faith and Biblical scriptures.

READ MORE: Meet the Syrian refugee giving back to Germany

But for decades, German churches, like many across Europe, have grappled with their complicity in the genocide inflicted on European Jews during the second world war.

During the Holocaust (1933-1945), more than six million Jews were systematically exterminated, and the Nazi regime carried out the mass killing of millions of ethnic and political minorities, among them Roma, Poles, Slavs, communists and anarchists.

With anti-Semitism deeply ingrained throughout Europe, and Germany growing increasingly polarised due to a depressed economy and rising violence between nationalists and communists, most German Christians accepted Adolf Hitlers rise to power.

Historians may debate the extent of the two churches complicity, but the complicity itself is rarely questioned.

The Nazi Party appealed to Christians with nationalism and open anti-Semitism. Article 24 of the partys platform, published in 1920, described positive Christianity as a force against the Jewish-materialistic spirit at home and abroad. It claimed to respect the freedom of all religious groups that do not endanger the state or the Germanic race.

IN PICTURES: Refugees and Germans come together for Meet n Eat

And within both the Catholic and Protestant churches, many prominent officials and thinkers pledged their support for the Nazi regime. Dissent was rarer and often confined to individuals and small groups who spoke and acted against Nazism.

Jutta Weduwen, director of Action Reconciliation Service for Peace (ARSP), a German organisation established to challenge the legacy of Nazism, says that the churches  not just the society as a whole  didnt resist enough against Hitler and Nazism.

ARSP was established in 1959 by the council of the Evangelical Church of Germany and Lothar Kreyssig, a judge who, during the Third Reich, had been a member of the Confessing Church, a movement within Protestantism that opposed the Nazi regimes efforts to consolidate all Protestant churches into a single body with allegiance to the government.

Weduwen explains that the groups founding was not just inspired by a hope to foster dialogue between different segments of society but also for historical reconciliation: It was to admit that Hitler was also supported by the churches.

The rise of far right alternatives

The AfD has earned a reputation as the countrys most influential and aggressive anti-refugee force, making it the topic of much debate within Christian communities.

Some wonder how to reconcile Christian values with, for instance, former AfD leader Frauke Petrys call for border guards to open fire on refugees attempting to enter the country.

No policeman wants to fire on a refugee, and I dont want that either, she told the Mannheimer Morgen regional paper in January 2015, but police must stop refugees [from] entering German soil nonetheless.

READ MORE: Remembering one of the most disturbing resurgences of right-wing violence in Germany since Nazism

In February, the AfDs popularity in the polls peaked at around 15 percent. Although it has since declined, the party is still expected to surpass the five-percent threshold to enter the national parliament for the first time in elections later this year.

In 2013, Anette Schultner decided to leave the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany, the ruling party headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for reasons related to her faith.

Sitting in a meeting room in Berlin, she recalls later joining the far-right populists and becoming the national spokesperson for the partys group Christians in the AfD. I recognised that it was a conservative political force in Germanys future, she says, citing her fierce opposition to same-sex marriage, reproductive rights and challenges to traditional gender roles.

Conservatism is an important part of democracy, and the AfD is the party that can move these ideas forward.

READ MORE: How the murder of a four-year-old boy exposed the dangers awaiting refugees in Germany

Since the eruption of the refugee crisis in mid-2015, Schultner, who claims Muslims aim to establish Islamic law in Europe, has become a vocal proponent of the AfDs anti-migration proposals.

Its highly questionable whether theyre really refugees from war-torn countries, she says, evoking an oft-employed far-right claim that most asylum seekers are simply hoping to find work. She claims they will effectively rob Germany of its national identity.

In May, Schultner participated in a debate in Berlin about the AfD and Christianity. Although a petition opposing her appearance gained more than 1,600 signatures, she showed up nonetheless.

Her calls for mass deportations and harsh restrictions on abortions elicited jeers from the audience. Near the end of the event, a 16-year-old boy ascended the pulpit and unfurled a t-shirt that read: No human is illegal.

Schultners particular brands of Islamophobia and xenophobia are not unique in the AfD, which has called for a ban on mosque minarets, the full face veil and the Muslim call to prayer.

In April 2016, leading party member Alexander Gauland proclaimed that Germany must remain a Christian country and Islam is a foreign entity. He was recently put forward as a candidate in the upcoming elections.

At the partys conference a month earlier, delegates drafted a manifesto that stated, Islam is not part of Germany.

Critics and political opponents say the AfD is partly to blame for inciting the wave of anti-refugee violence that has gripped Germany. Last year, the interior ministry documented 3,533 attacks on refugees and their accommodations  nearly 10 a day.

One or two miracles

Despite a surge in far-right sentiment since the refugee crisis started, overall public opinion has changed little throughout those two years, with nearly 37 percent of Germans believing that the country can overcome the challenges of mass migration.

And while it is unclear if there exists a correlation between religiosity and support for the AfD, many of Germanys religious leaders have taken a firm stance against the party.

READ MORE: Confronting the colonial roots of racism in Germany

In February 2016, Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr shone a spotlight on the AfD when he promised to switch off the lights of Erfurt Cathedral during weekly AfD rallies led by Bjorn Hoecke, former party leader in the German state of Thuringia.

Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper at the time, Neymeyr argued that because the AfDs principles were incompatible with Christianity, he planned to deny them an illuminated and magnificent backdrop for their rallies.

A year later, Hoecke sparked a fierce battle within the party when he called for a 180-degree turn and urged Germans to abandon feelings of national guilt over the Holocaust.

Henning Flad is project director of the Federal Working Group on the Church and Right-wing Extremism, an umbrella group that includes several Christian organisations (among them ARSP).

The group was founded in 2010, on the eve of a massive neo-Nazi protest in the eastern city of Dresden, to provide a peaceful alternative to far-right populism.

It operates through outreach and counselling and by organising educational seminars and distributing literature that provides guidance for identifying far-right sentiment among congregations and stresses theological grounds for combating racism, homophobia and Islamophobia.

READ MORE: Dresdens welcome cafes for refugees

The best way to prevent this is by not waiting until people already have really extremist ideas, but rather to talk to people about their insecurities and fears before that can happen, Flad says.

We have a duty to speak out against the far right, he adds, and the main people who profit from polarisation  are on the far right. The more heated [the public discussion] gets, the more those with simple, black-and-white answers benefit.

Back in the Immanuelkirsche church, Pastor Radosh-Hinder says she hopes for one or two miracles to stem the tide of racism and anti-refugee violence.

If you decide to vote for the far-right populists, you take the whole package, she warns. And this package is very violent. You cannot just choose one topic  That is a very frightening package for society and certainly for democracy.

Follow Patrick Strickland on Twitter: @P_Strickland_
Thousands of people have died from cholera as war-torn Yemen navigates peak season for the spread of the disease.

With Yemen mired in the third year of a war led by Saudi Arabia and its allies, the countrys population is facing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions.

More than 20 million Yemenis require humanitarian support, with nearly half of those in acute need of assistance, according to the United Nations. This year, a new wave of cholera cases further devastated the population, infecting hundreds of thousands of people and killing more than 2,000. Aid agencies have warned that without urgent action, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

Analysts have described the Saudi-led offensive in Yemen as a strategic failure, but although Saudis crown prince recently expressed his desire for an exit strategy, there is no immediate end in sight  and the humanitarian consequences will endure long after the bombs stop falling.

Al Jazeera spoke with Tarik Jasarevic, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization, about the impacts of the current cholera epidemic on Yemens vulnerable population.

INTERACTIVE: Yemen  Worlds worst cholera outbreak mapped

Al Jazeera: What led to this outbreak in the first place, and what factors have fuelled its rapid spread?

Tarik Jasarevic: Cholera is endemic in Yemen. Two-and-a-half years of intense conflict have exacted a heavy toll on the countrys health system and water and sanitation services.

This is the second wave of an outbreak that started in October 2016. We are entering the peak season for the spread of diarrhoeal diseases in Yemen.

There has been a gradual disintegration of the municipal water infrastructure and systems in a context where few civil servants are being paid, and a relatively small trigger like a period of heavy rain or burst pipes creates a backflow of sewage into water pipes, an overflow of latrines and septic tanks, etcetera.

Al Jazeera: What areas of Yemen have been hardest hit, and can you describe some of the cases that youve come across in these areas?

Jasarevic: Cases are reported in 22 governorates and 300 districts, comprising more than 90 percent of Yemen. We frequently see children who come in to the treatment centres with suspected cholera who are also malnourished.





Malnutrition weakens the immune system of these children, while diarrhoeal diseases like cholera exacerbate malnutrition. Its a vicious cycle in a country where 17 million people dont know where their next meal is coming from.

Al Jazeera: This has been described as the worlds worst cholera outbreak. Can you put this into context?

Jasarevic: Yemen faces the worlds largest cholera outbreak, with 607,065 suspected cases and 2,047 deaths reported since April 27, 2017, as of this week.

Worst can mean different things to different people, such as number of deaths, number of cases, proportion of population, or proportion of country geographically affected.

In a roughly three-month period following the cholera outbreak in October 2010, Haiti had 50 percent more cases on a per population basis and over 200 percent more deaths.

Yemens current cholera outbreak is the largest in terms of scale of suspected cases at the current time, though not necessarily the largest historically. In any case, these comparisons are not meaningful. Comparing Haiti and Yemen is not helpful in describing either epidemic. What matters is the impact on the country, and we can see this is a heavy burden to bear.

Al Jazeera: What is the typical prognosis for someone who contracts cholera in a war-torn and resource-starved country such as Yemen?

Jasarevic: Cholera treatment is relatively straightforward: oral rehydration solution for mild cases and a combination of antibiotics and intravenous fluids for severe cases.

But cholera can also kill within hours if left untreated, and access to health services during conflict can be extremely challenging. In Yemen today, nearly 15 million people cannot access basic health services, and only 45 percent of health facilities are in service.

Less than half of the $190m that the WHO needs for an effective humanitarian response in Yemen for this year has been received.

Al Jazeera: Can this outbreak be brought under control, and what would be needed to make that happen?

Jasarevic: Our response to cholera in Yemen is working, but we must scale up. More than 99 percent of people who become sick with suspected cholera and who are able to access health services in time do survive.

To effectively end the outbreak, we must reinforce surveillance to detect and monitor the spread of the disease, expand access to clean water and sanitation and to medical treatment, and work with communities on prevention.

Individuals have an important role to play in keeping themselves and their families safe from cholera. Engaging communities is, therefore, a key pillar of the cholera response. WHO and UNICEF supported local health authorities to conduct a nationwide house-to-house awareness campaign from August 15-30.

Throughout the campaign, more than 13 million people in 21 governorates were engaged. Forty thousand volunteers travelled from door to door, providing information on proper hand-washing, preparation of oral rehydration solution, and proper home care of the people with cholera, including referral to health facilities.

Follow Megan OToole on Twitter: @megan_otoole
Last Fridays landmark Supreme Court ruling, annulling the 2017 presidential election results in Kenya, has taken many by surprise. Hopes were justifiably measured that the court would order a fresh poll for the presidential vote. It is a significant flexing of muscle on the independent judiciarys part and a welcome disruption of the growing normalisation of electoral irregularities.





The court ruled that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must conduct a fresh presidential election poll within 60 days of September 1, in strict adherence to the law. The electoral commission has announced on Monday that the new poll will take place on October 17. While both parties have welcomed the ruling, the tone with which they have articulated this acceptance will make the next six weeks very interesting, and possibly tense.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) Coalition, led by Raila Odinga, stated that a new Kenya has been born and that the ruling is a first step in ensuring electoral justice in Kenya. They have called for the resignation of IEBC officials as well as prosecution for criminal charges, the view being that they cannot be entrusted with conducting the rerun, given the previous irregularities.

Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta urged peace in his first address after the ruling but adopted problematic rhetoric when addressing supporters in Nairobi and Nakuru, referring to the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court bench as wakora  Swahili for crooks or vagabonds. He further asserted that after the rerun, the judiciary will need to be fixed, a statement widely viewed as a dangerous attempt to cast doubt on the independence of the court.

OPINION: Why did Kenyas Supreme Court annul the elections?

In the coming weeks, Kenyans and the world alike will have a hankering for insights and facts, a key question being what comes next and whether the outcome of the next poll will be any different.

As both parties go back on the campaign trail, they face an uphill task of convincing their supporters who are eligible voters to commit their time, energy and even resources to exercise their democratic right in this unprecedented dispensation. by

One of the top issues is whether the IEBC, in its current form, can be entrusted with organising and executing the presidential election rerun. The NASA Coalition has stated in no uncertain times that they do not have faith in the electoral body and that the sound course of action on the commissions part is either resignation of top officials or criminal prosecution.

It is expected that NASA will be unrelenting in its calls for an overhaul within the commission. This, however, will be met with questions about the feasibility of this scenario, given that 60 days is a rather short time to form a new team and prepare for the rerun. For his part, President Kenyatta has insisted that the IEBC, as is and under the leadership of the current Chairman Wanyonyi Wafula Chebukati, will conduct the rerun.

Also in question is the results transmission system, and whether it would have been sufficiently audited before the next vote. The court found that there were irregularities and illegalities inter alia, in the transmission of results. Raila Odinga, in his announcement that he would be filing a petition to the Supreme Court, had said that the August 8 poll and its resulting tallies had provided the nation with a computer generated presidency. Resolving the question around the integrity of the electoral management system will be crucial, particularly to avoid a scenario where the same irregularities are claimed at the next poll.

As both parties go back on the campaign trail, they face an uphill task of convincing their supporters who are eligible voters to commit their time, energy and even resources to exercise their democratic right in this unprecedented dispensation. Given that many will probably have to take time off work or travel to vote, especially those living in urban centres but are registered in rural areas, it remains to be seen if the 19.6 million registered voters will eventually turn out at the same rate as the August 8 election.

OPINION: What Kenyan voters got for the $500m spent on elections

It may also be that contenders for other elective posts who were defeated in the previous election will present petitions to lower courts. Those with contentions have one week from September 4 to file their cases. Opinion is already divided within the legal fraternity on whether the Supreme Court ruling on the presidential election will open the floodgates of litigation for other elective positions. We can expect that TV and radio shows, op-ed columns and social media will be inundated with all manner of commentary as the excitement continues to mount.





As was the case in the pre-election period, a new wave of fake news will emerge to satiate the appetite for information. There are reports indicating that fake news is already being disseminated with the aim of tarnishing the reputations of the Supreme Court judges.

Social media and the rich political discourse among citizens therein will retain significance during this time, as a space for counter-narratives, critique and scrutiny. The questioning on social media, particularly on Twitter, of the unfolding anomalies in how the election results were streamed and the deviations from stated procedures, was critical in retaining momentum to seek justice. It was also a site of humour and much-needed laughter to cope with the tensions that accompanied the election period, and that spirit is likely to be maintained.

On the one hand, the nullification of the presidential election is a great win for Kenyans. On the other hand, the rerun will make a significant dent in the taxpayers already strained coffers. The cost of conducting a fresh poll will dominate discussions in coming weeks.

The euphoric sense that justice was delivered will likely ebb and flow as the uncertainties of the next 60 days contend for Kenyans attention and ultimately, turn out for the next vote. Whatever the outcome, history was made on September 1, and hopefully, that will encourage citizens to ensure that it holds. Vigilance and voting could perhaps be the mantra for the days to come.

Nanjira Sambuli is a researcher, policy analyst and advocacy strategist interested in and working on understanding the unfolding impacts of ICT adoption and how those impact governance, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal culture, with a keen focus on gender implications. She is currently the Digital Equality Advocacy Manager at the Web Foundation, where she leads advocacy efforts to promote digital equality in access to and use of the Web.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Just over a week after US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of additional US troops to Afghanistan, US army servicemen in Alaska were already preparing for deployment to the region. The Fourth Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division is to provide at least 1,000 of the 4,000 additional soldiers announced by the president as part of the continuation of the war.





Even as additional troops get ready to deploy, the United States continues to be without a clear plan as to what it is hoping to accomplish, with defence officials at the Pentagon saying that they are not prepared to move forward with the presidents plan and that critical planning was still under way. In the meantime, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid responded to Trumps statement by telling him to take US troops back home because the Taliban could not be defeated.

It is a smug statement to make, but in the case of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan, it could well be true. In March of this year, the group released a report citing how much territory it controlled. According to the report, 211 of Afghanistans administrative districts were in the groups control or were contested. The estimate was not overblown; a comparison with media reports and estimates released (pdf) by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) shows that they estimate contested and Taliban-controlled districts at 171, not very far from the Taliban number. Either way, then, nearly 16 years of US occupation and the expenditure of nearly $840.7bn (at the end of budget year 2018), the Taliban remains undefeated and possibly undefeatable.

OPINION: ISIL in Afghanistan  A growing threat

The question of why, however, is not one most Americans or even the war planners seem interested in considering. Some acknowledge the reality that military solutions are not the answer, and yet seem willing to lobby for deployments of additional forces, while blaming past presidents (Obama) and intransigent neighbours (Pakistan). The truth is distant from all of these analytical directions and centres on a complex amalgam of the beliefs and proclivities of the US military and the reality of Afghanistans own normal of constant war.

First among these is the fact that 16 years into the war in Afghanistan, US soldiers find it hard to buy into the moral justifications that they are given for their deployment there. Osama bin Laden is dead and the war on terror turned out to be a deadly fiasco. What justifies US military presence in Afghanistan now?

The US plan for Afghanistan may not 'be there yet' but the Taliban is there, and tragically for those Afghans who oppose it, it is there to stay. by

US soldiers were told that they were the good guys showing up in Iraq and Afghanistan to build democracies, create institutions and establish the rule of law.

The reality of Afghanistan is much different. The ensuing gap between the lie told to gear soldiers up for war and the war itself seems ever widening and feeding the doubt and disenchantment of soldiers who have yet to deploy. A president like Trump may rhetorically disavow nation building but he has failed to answer the ensuing question: If the war is no longer to build Afghanistan, then what exactly is it for?

TIMELINE: US intervention in Afghanistan 2001 to 2017

The generals at the Pentagon and the war bureaucrats in Washington and Kabul will, of course, never acknowledge that the near trillion-dollar price tag of the war in Afghanistan has been for naught. As recently as a year ago, General John Nicholson, the current commander, insisted that overall our mission in Afghanistan is on a positive trajectory. In April of this year, Anthony Box, a Department of Defense adviser lent out to the Afghan government, boasted, citizens trust in Government is an all time high.

It was an astounding statement to make, given that the United Nations reports that violence against civilians in Afghanistan reached its highest levels in 2016. Statements like these, reveal the proclivity to create artificial advances where no actual ones can be found.





Americans whose jobs and prestige depend on the wars success do not wish to acknowledge its failures. Similarly, Afghans, who benefit from the war and aid economies created by the influx of billions of dollars, are eager to goad them on, interested in extending their own well-being as the haves in a country of have-nots.

None of it, of course, is a real success in the sense of being locally sustainable once the influx of US cash is gone. Taliban leaders know this, of course, and they also know that other Afghans know this. Unlike American soldiers, unused to the terrain, ignorant of the language and culture and increasingly confused about why they are there at all, the Taliban is adept at framing its fight as the fight for an authentically Islamic and indigenously Afghan homeland.

As a recent study by Yale political scientist Jason Lyall establishes, Afghans have an extremely strong group identity. The consequence of this is that harm inflicted by foreign forces in the country weakened support for those forces and increased support for the Taliban. However, harm inflicted by the Taliban does not translate into increased support for foreign forces.

This last fact may actually make a complete Taliban victory in Afghanistan even more likely following Trumps disavowal of nation building as the supposed prerogative for the US presence in the country. Not only will US troops being deployed to the country face an even larger dose of doubt and disillusionment in the face of risking their lives for some murky strategic motive, but Afghans, confronted with a foreign army waging war for the sake of war, will likely flock to the Taliban in even greater numbers. The Taliban, whose recruits know the terrain because it is their own and have long-embraced war as its normal, will be waiting with open arms to welcome them.

The US plan for Afghanistan may not be there yet but the Talibans is there, and tragically for those Afghans who oppose it, it is there to stay.

Rafia Zakaria is a lawyer and author of The Upstairs Wife: An Intimate History of Pakistan; and Veil.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Syrian government troops and allied forces have broken a three-year siege imposed by fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) on a government enclave in the eastern city of Deir Az Zor, according to Syrias state media.

Backed by Russian air support, the army and their allies had been advancing towards Deir Az Zor on several fronts in recent weeks, and on Tuesday reached the western outskirts of the city after ISIL defences collapsed.

State news agency SANA said on Tuesday that the advancing forces had joined up with fellow soldiers at the previously besieged government-held airbase known as Brigade 137 on the outskirts of Deir Az Zor city.

Ali Mayhub, a brigadier general in the Syrian armed forces, said in a statement that after a series of successful operations, our heroic forces and our allies with the backing of the Russian forces managed to lift the siege on our people in Deir Az Zor city.

He added: Our forces managed to break the ISIL defence lines and meet with our fellow comrades who held the ground in Deir Az Zor and protected its people, a great example of sacrifice and glory.

READ MORE: Rights groups call for probe into Syrias disappeared

ISIL controls most of Deir Az Zor province  apart from a Syrian government-held enclave in Deir Az Zor city and a nearby military airbase.





Al Jazeeras Mohammed Jamjoom, reporting from Beirut in neighbouring Lebanon, said: The Syrian army and fighters from the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah, are trying to get deeper inside the city and are also pushing towards the Deir Az Zor airport.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad congratulated the government troops on Tuesdays advance, his office said.

Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city, Assad said in a call with the commanders of troops who had been besieged in a base in Deir Az Zor.

State media reported celebrations inside the government-held parts of the city as troops arrived.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said a nearby military airbase in the south of the city and three adjacent neighbourhoods were still under siege by the armed group.

Around 100,000 people are believed to be inside government-held areas of Deir Az Zor, with perhaps 10,000 more in parts of the city held by ISIL.

The coming days will see the clearing of the city of Deir Az Zor (from ISIL fighters) and the start of advances on nearby countryside held by Islamic State, Mohammed Ibrahim Samra, Deir Az Zor provincial governor, told Reuters news agency.

ISIL on the back foot

Syrias army began its offensive to reach Deir Az Zor last month and has advanced on multiple fronts, including from the neighbouring Raqqa province to the west and central Homs province to the south.

The latest developments mark a strategic and symbolic defeat for ISIL, which last month lost its hold over Iraqs second largest city of Mosul. It has also lost more than half of its Syrian stronghold to US-backed Syrian forces in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa.

With the latest breach in Deir Az Zor, Al Jazeeras Jamjoom said that ISIL appears to be on the back foot.

The allied forces are going full steam right now trying to retake as much territory as possible, he said.

It is going to be a difficult fight. But by all accounts, including that of Syrian state TV, it is believed that the government forces will be able to fully take control over Deir Az Zor in the weeks ahead.
Azeri government hits back at allegations it ran a secret slush fund to pay off European politicians and launder money.

The ruling elite of Azerbaijan ran a secret 2.5 billion euro ($2.9bn) slush fund to pay off European politicians and launder money, according to an investigation by a group of European newspapers.

The fund operated for two years from 2012 to 2014 through the bank accounts of four shell companies registered in Britain, according to the investigation by papers  including The Guardian and Frances Le Monde  and published on Tuesday by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

Nicknamed the Azerbaijan Laundromat, the origin of the fund is unclear, but there is ample evidence of its connection to the family of President Ilham Aliyev, the report said.





Authorities in the energy-rich country dismissed claims that the funds were linked to the first family and said the reports were biased, unfounded and provocative.

They are part of a campaign to smear Azerbaijan, presidential adviser Ali Hasanov told AFP news agency, pointing the finger at regional rival, Armenia, and the global Armenian lobby.

The Guardian said some of the money went to politicians and journalists as part of a caviar diplomacy lobbying effort to deflect criticism at a time when the former Soviet state was being accused of arresting rights activists and journalists and of vote-rigging.

This intensive lobbying operation was so successful that Council of Europe members voted against a 2013 report critical of Azerbaijan, the British newspaper said.

Banking records leaked to Danish newspaper Berlingske, which sparked the investigation, show multiple payments to several former members of the councils parliamentary assembly, The Guardian said.

OPINION: The increasing importance of investigative journalism

The Council of Europe, Europes top rights watchdog, said three independent experts were questioning witnesses as part of a probe into any alleged corruption.

Top Azeri official Hasanov insisted that foreign politicians, officials and experts who have friendly feelings towards Azerbaijan were having suspicions cast on their activities without any basis.

One of Europes leading banks, Denmarks Danske Bank, processed the payments via its Estonia office.

We have previously established that, in the period leading up to 2014, our branch in Estonia had inadequate measures in place to prevent Danske Bank from being exploited for money laundering and other illegal activities, Danske Banks chief legal counsel Flemming Pristed said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

He said the bank had terminated relationships with a number of customers and does not in any way want to be exploited for money laundering or other illegal activities.

The lender, however, said that it cannot comment on specific customers or specific transfers in the present matter, insisting that it is cooperating fully with the authorities.

The four British-registered firms used in the operation have been dissolved, The Guardian said.

READ MORE: President Ilham Aliyev appoints wife as vice president

The authorities in oil-rich Azerbaijan have faced strong international criticism over claims they routinely harass and jail Aliyevs opponents on trumped-up charges. Officials deny this.

Azerbaijan ranked 162 out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders.

Aliyev took over in 2003 after the death of his father, Heydar Aliyev, a former KGB officer and communist-era leader who had ruled Azerbaijan with an iron fist since 1993.

Anti-corruption organisation Transparency International called for a raft of actions to help stop illegal money flows, including tightening public ownership registers and bolstering anti-laundering measures in Denmark.
Amnesty International highlights role of young women and girls forced to target civilians in Nigeria and Cameroon.

A surge in attacks by Boko Haram fighters has claimed nearly 400 lives since April in Nigeria and Cameroon, double the figure of the previous five months, according to a rights group.

The increasing use of suicide bombers  often young women and girls forced to carry and detonate explosives in crowded areas  has killed at least 381 civilians in the two countries, Amnesty International group said in a statement on Tuesday.

Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can, said Alioune Tine, Amnesty Internationals director for West and Central Africa.

READ MORE: UNICEF  Boko Haram use of child bombers soars

This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians  Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror.

Amnesty said at least 223 civilians died in Nigeria since April, underscoring that the real toll could be far higher.





Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone, it said.

In neighbouring Cameroon, Amnesty said since April at least 158 civilians died in Boko Haram attacks, a figure four times higher than the preceding five months.

The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30  more than one per week  carried out since the beginning of April, it said.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Waza on July 12 when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.

The group initially claimed to be fighting for the creation of an Islamic state in the north, but a range of demands by different people have since been issued.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

READ MORE: Meet the Nigerian woman taking on Boko Haram

More than five million people are starving as the fighting has devastated farmland, leaving farmers unable to sow or cultivate crops for several years.

In its statement last month, UNICEF said that because of the attacks, children who escape or are released by Boko Haram come to be viewed with suspicion and rejected by their communities.

The violence and security situation in the region has also forced thousands of parents not to send their children to schools.
Kem Sokha, arrested on Sunday and charged with colluding with foreigners, could face up to 30 years in prison.

Cambodias opposition leader has been charged with treason and could face a jail term of up to 30 years if convicted, according to a statement by a municipal court in Phnom Penh.

Kem Sokha was charged with colluding with foreigners under Article 443 of Cambodias penal code, the court said on Tuesday.

Kem Sokha, head of Cambodia National Rescue Party, was arrested by police for committing [a] red handed crime related to a secret plan and the activities of conspiracy between Kem Sokha and foreigners which causes chaos and affects the Kingdom of Cambodia, the statement read.

#KemSokha 's message from prison: I may lose freedom, but may freedom never die in Cambodia.  Kem Sokha (@kemsokhacnrp) September 4, 2017

The secret plan has been implemented since 1993 and until 2013, the court said, charging the politician under the penal code section for treason and espionage.

The charge followed the middle-of-the-night arrest of Kem Sokha on Sunday, which observers say was meant to solidify the position of Hun Sen, the longest serving ruler in the region, in the run-up to next years parliamentary elections.

Hun Sens government accused Sokha of plotting with the United States.

Fresh News, a pro-government website, earlier said it had video of Kem Sokha discussing overthrowing Hun Sen with support from the US.

It showed a picture of him being led away in handcuffs on Sunday.

The European Union has called for his immediate release, based on the fact that he is meant to have parliamentary immunity as an elected legislator.

The US state department expressed grave concern at his arrest on charges it said appeared to be politically motivated.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said on Monday he was seriously concerned about the arrest and the evidence against Kem Sokha.
Unidentified attackers fatally shoot staunch editor of Lankesh Patrike weekly magazine at her home in the southern city.

A prominent Indian journalist has been shot dead by unidentified attackers at her residence in the southern city of Bangalore, according to police.

Gauri Lankesh, the 55-year-old editor of the weekly local magazine Lankesh Patrike, was attacked on Tuesday as she left her car after reaching her home in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state, India.

The assailants fled the scene.

READ MORE: Is free speech under threat in Modis India?

Police officer RK Dutta said it was too early to say who killed her. He told The Associated Press agency that he had met Lankesh recently, but she had not spoken of any threat to her life.

Last year, Lankesh was found responsible in a defamation case by a politician of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for her writings about Hindu nationalists.

In 2015, an Indian scholar and critic of religious superstition, Malleshappa M Kalburgi, was killed in a similar manner in Bangalore after receiving death threats from angry right-wing Hindu groups for criticising idol worship.

He was the third critic of religious superstition to be killed in the country in three years.

Voice silenced

Lankeshs friends described her as a fearless and outspoken journalist.

Following the news of her death, politicians, writers and fellow journalists took to social media to express their outrage at the heinous crime.

Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime.  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 5, 2017

They say the pen is mightier than the sword.

Unfortunately, today, the gun is mightier than the pen.

RIP #gaurilankesh

May voices never die.  Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) September 5, 2017

Gauri Lankesh was a voice that spoke for all of us. A voice that was silenced. #FreedomOfSpeech #justice #heartbreaker #gaurilankesh  Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) September 5, 2017

Lankesh was the daughter of famous poet-turned-journalist P Lankesh, who started Lankesh Patrike.
The electoral commission set a date for October 17 but Raila Odinga wants his legal and constitutional conditions met.

Raila Odinga, Kenyas opposition leader, has set conditions for taking part in a presidential vote rerun in October after the Supreme Court annulled last months poll won by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

His conditions include the sacking of several election commission officials, a review of the electronic transmission of results and for all eight presidential candidates who took part in the August 8 poll to be allowed to contest the October 17 election.

There will be no elections on the 17th of October until the conditions that we have spelt out in the statement are met, he said on Tuesday.

On Friday, David Maraga, chief justice of Kenyas supreme court, declared Kenyattas victory invalid, null and void, citing widespread irregularities in the electronic transmission of vote results.

READ MORE: Why did Kenyas Supreme Court annul the elections?

It is the first time a presidential election result has been overturned in Africa, and follows three failed bids by Odinga for the presidency, in 1997, 2007 and 2013.

An angry Kenyatta, while saying he would respect the decision, criticised the judges, saying: Every time we do something a judge comes out and places an injunction. It cant go on like this  there is a problem and we must fix it.

Kenyatta also branded the judges crooks, prompting a strong reaction from the judiciary about his veiled threats which it called an assault on the judiciary.

Al Jazeeras Barnaby Phillips, reporting from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, said Odingas camp had various demands for the election to be carried out in a fair way.

READ MORE: Why are Kenyas elections so bitterly contested?

They have been saying that the head of the electoral commission should be replaced, and they want a different company to be involved in the printing of ballot papers. Moreover, they are not happy with the computer method of transmission he said.

There are still very contentious issues in a highly charged atmosphere.

Odinga has contested and lost the last three presidential elections in Kenya. Each time, he has said the vote was rigged against him.
Pyongyangs UN ambassador says its biggest nuclear weapons test yet was a gift addressed to the United States.

North Korea has threatened to send more gift packages to the United States, days after testing the biggest nuclear weapon it has ever detonated.

Han Tae-song, ambassador of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations in Geneva, addressed the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday after his country carried out its sixth nuclear test.

I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force, Han told the Geneva forum.

The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han said.

The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he added without elaborating.

READ MORE: Vladimir Putin opposes military action against North Korea

Military measures being taken by North Korea were an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right to counter the ever-growing and decade-long US nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country.





Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country, Han declared. The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table.

Threat to us all

Robert Wood, US disarmament ambassador, said North Korea had defied the international community once again with its test.

We look forward to working with our partners in the [Security] Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK, he told the conference.

Advances in the regimes nuclear and missile programme are a threat to us all  Now is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated, Wood said.

It can no longer be business as usual with this regime.

Amid rising tensions with North Korea, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would allow Japan and South Korea to buy more highly sophisticated US military equipment.

The North Koreans have massive military assets stockpiled on what is the worlds most heavily-fortified border with South Korea.

The US has roughly 28,000 troops in South Korea, and there are hundreds of thousands more American citizens just in Seoul, the capital, with a metro area population of 25 million.

North Korea: All you need to know explained in graphics

Anthony Ruggiero, a sanctions expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the next logical step is for the US to impose secondary sanctions targeting banks or businesses in China that do business with North Korea  a tactic the US used effectively to push Iran to the table over its nuclear programme several years ago.

The chance for sanctions to work is that playbook, Ruggiero said.

Global catastrophe

But Russian President Vladimir Putin said imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear missile programme would be counterproductive, warning that threats of military action could trigger a global catastrophe.

Russia condemns North Koreas exercises; we consider that they are a provocation  [But] ramping up military hysteria will lead to nothing good. It could lead to a global catastrophe, Putin said on Tuesday after a BRICS summit in Xiamen, China.

Theres no other path apart from a peaceful one.

OPINION: North Korea just had its sixth nuclear test. Now what?

China, backed by Russia, has been urging an immediate return to talks, predicated on the US halting joint military exercises with South Korea and North Korea suspending its weapons development.

But few in the US government have advocated direct talks with the North Koreans until their behaviour significantly changes.
Russian president criticises US diplomacy in the crisis, cautioning that tougher sanctions would be counterproductive.

Imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear missile programme would be counterproductive, and threats of military action could trigger a global catastrophe, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

Putin, speaking on Tuesday after a BRICS summit in Xiamen, China, also criticised US diplomacy in the crisis and renewed his call for talks, saying North Korea would not halt its missile testing programme until it felt secure.

Russia condemns North Koreas exercises; we consider that they are a provocation  [But] ramping up military hysteria will lead to nothing good. It could lead to a global catastrophe, Putin said.





Theres no other path apart from a peaceful one.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, said on Monday that North Koreas leadership is begging for war as she called on the bodys Security Council to impose tougher measures against the country following its most powerful nuclear test to date.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the Norths state-run agency, hailed Sundays test, saying it marked a very significant occasion in attaining the final goal of completing the state nuclear force.

Putin also criticised the United States, saying it was preposterous for Washington to ask for Moscows help with Pyongyang after sanctioning Russian companies whom US officials accused of violating North Korea sanctions.

Its ridiculous to put us on the same [sanctions] list as North Korea and then ask for our help in imposing sanctions on North Korea, said Putin.

READ MORE: All the latest updates on North Korea tensions

This is being done by people who mix up Australia with Austria.

Putin was speaking after South Korea said an agreement with the US to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to the North Korean threat after North Korea conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test.

Al Jazeeras Wayne Hay, reporting from the South Korean capital, Seoul, said reports have emerged of North Korea preparing a third ICBM test.

New reports in South Korean media, quoting intelligence sources, say they have detected a missile launcher on the move in North Korea that is heading towards the west of the country, he said.

Russia, which shares a border with North Korea, has repeatedly joined China in calling for negotiations with North Korea, suggesting that the US and South Korea halt all major war games in exchange for North Korea halting its testing programme.

While describing additional sanctions as the road to nowhere, Putin said Russia was prepared to discuss some details around the issue, without elaborating.

Meanwhile, Japanese politicians have demanded tougher UN sanctions on North Korea.

A resolution by Japans parliamentary committee on Monday condemned the North Korean nuclear test and urged the government to take leadership in pushing for tougher punishment against the country.

Taro Kono, Japans foreign minister, said it was time to increase pressure on North Korea and eliminate loopholes that allow some countries to continue trading with it.
With UAEs regional hub off-limits, direct trade routes are opening between Doha and Karachi to boost economic ties.

Doha, Qatar  A Qatari shipping company is set to launch what it calls the fastest direct service between Doha and the Pakistani port city of Karachi this week, as the Gulf state seeks to establish new trade routes amid a land, air and sea blockade from its Arab neighbours.

Maritime conglomerate Milaha is overseeing the venture, with the first vessel due to arrive at the newly-inaugurated Hamad Port outside the Qatari capital on September 11 following a transit time of four days  compared with the usual six-to-seven-day journey.

We have been vigorously ramping up our operations between Qatar and key Asian markets in response to growing demand from traders, importers, and exporters on both sides, said Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai, Milaha president and chief executive officer, in a statement in the run-up to the launch.

READ MORE: All the latest updates of the Qatar-Gulf crisis

The move comes as Qatar counters the economic blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt three months ago.





The four Arab nations severed all diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5 over allegations of supporting terrorism. Qatar strongly denies the claims.

Before the dispute, most of Dohas shipments to and from Pakistan docked at Dubais Jebel Ali port  a regional hub.

But with the Emirati port now out of bounds as a trans-shipment centre, Qatari companies are increasingly exploring alternative links to penetrate the Asian market effectively.

Besides the direct route, Qatar and Pakistan are also trading via Omans Sohar port.

We used to trade via Jebel Ali in Dubai, but because of the restrictions and the ongoing Gulf situation, we are now going direct, so Qatar can capture Pakistans market, Babar Rauf, sales and marketing manager of Rahmat Shipping, Milahas Pakistani agent, told Al Jazeera.

Earlier in August, Qatar Ports Management Company, Mwani, also kick-started its direct shipping line between Doha and Karachi operated by the Asian firm Wan Hai.

Win-win

Milahas new service, called PQX, will mainly bring perishable products and other food items, such as seafood, fruits and vegetables, from Pakistan.





The outbound vessels from Hamad Port will transport petrochemicals to Karachi.

Analysts described the new trade links as a win-win situation for both countries, especially Pakistan, whose remittances from Qatar dropped by almost 10 percent in July compared with the previous fiscal year, according to the latest government figures.

Pakistan needs a market for perishable items, and this business venture will provide fast and secure solutions for importers and exporters from both countries within a short transit time, Arhama Siddiqa, a research fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, told Al Jazeera.

Pakistani traders in Qatar say importing food items directly from Pakistan will help business.

This is a great step, said Malik Mudassar, a Pakistani national and shop owner of Al Muzammil Sweets in Doha. I was using air cargo earlier for vegetables and fruits, but if I can get them through sea in four days or earlier, I can save money with the shipping cost.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said last week that Qatar has acted effectively in protecting its economy against the Gulf sanctions, in part because of rerouting trade and establishing new sources of food supply.

In the first quarter of 2017, Qatar imported goods and services worth $20m from Pakistan and had exports worth 358m.

Most of Qatars exports to Pakistan have been in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) after the two countries signed a landmark 15-year deal in February 2016.

In an attempt to boost trade between the two nations, business delegations from the Qatar Chamber and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry have exchanged visits over the last two months.

Trade between the two countries has been growing steadily, and we believe that this new shipping service will enable more growth by increasing options for traders in Pakistan to attract Qatar and other Arabian Gulf markets, noted Rahmats Rauf from Karachi.

Saudi consent

Analysts believe that given Pakistans history with Saudi Arabia  the two countries enjoy strong economic and strategic ties  it is unlikely that Riyadhs reaction would not have been taken into consideration before such a move.

Pakistan embarking on this project does not mean it is snubbing Saudi Arabia in any way, Siddiqa said.

The fact that Pakistan is undertaking this project [with Qatar] means that the Saudi reaction had been taken into account already.

Saudi Arabia tops the list of nations sending remittances to Pakistan at $4.52bn in the current fiscal year, according to Pakistans central bank.

READ MORE: On Qatar, Pakistan walks a diplomatic tightrope

Pakistans government has offered to help with mediation efforts in the Gulf dispute but stayed clear of taking any sides in the matter.

Nawaz Sharif, the removed prime minister, visited the Saudi city of Jeddah in June to hold high-level talks with officials, including King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud.

Some argue furthering trade with Qatar is Pakistans way of playing good cop during the regional tensions.

Pakistan doesnt want the situation or turmoil in the region to spill over to a dead end, so it is giving some breathing space to Qatar in the form of launching this service, said Ahmad Saffee, a Middle East expert based in Islamabad.

Follow Saba Aziz on Twitter: @saba_aziz
Coalition conducting operations heedless of their impact on civilians, with at least 933 killed in 13-month period.

The United Nations has accused a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen of failing to mitigate the impact of its operations on civilians, and said the 29-month-war had caused the spread of al-Qaeda in the country.

In a report released on Tuesday, the UNs Human Rights Council (HRC) said that between July 2016 and August 2017, coalition air attacks continued to be the leading cause of civilian casualties, killing at least 933 civilians and injuring 1,423.

In addition to markets, residential areas, and public and private infrastructure, the past year witnessed notable air strikes against funeral gatherings and small civilian boats, the report said.





It said that civilians may have been directly targeted, with the coalitions operations conducted heedless of their impact on civilians without regard to the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack.

In some cases, information suggested that no actions were taken to mitigate the impact of operations on civilians.

Houthi shelling killed at least 178 civilians and wounded 420, with Taiz, Yemens second largest city, forced to suffer unrelenting bombardment, the HRC report said.

I appeal to all the parties to the conflict, those supporting them and those with influence over them to have mercy on the people of Yemen, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said.

Armed groups had exploited a power vacuum to expand their presence beyond the south and southeast of the country, the report said, with al-Qaeda now operational in Taiz city.

Taiz has been besieged by Houthi fighters for more than more than two and half years with al-Qaeda fighters reportedly fighting shoulder to shoulder with pro-government forces.

I call on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and to work robustly towards a negotiated and durable solution, so that the people of Yemen may finally know peace, Al Hussein said.

Security has deteriorated in Yemen after Houthi fighters left their stronghold of Saada in the countrys northwest and swept into Sanaa in September 2014.

Yemen: Worlds worst cholera outbreak mapped

The fighters formed a fragile alliance with troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, forcing the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to flee into exile.

The Saudi-led coalition launched air attacks against the Iran-aligned Houthis in March 2015 but since then, have largely failed to pave the way for the recapture of Sanaa.

The UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates more than 10,000 civilians have been killed and 47,800 wounded since the Saudi intervention.

The conflict has displaced three million Yemenis, forced 200,000 people to seek refuge abroad and about 17 million of Yemens 26 million people lack sufficient food.
Save the Children says kids are unable to sleep, study or play as enclave faces electricity and environmental crises.

One million children are suffering from unlivable conditions in the Gaza Strip, according to Save the Children, an international charity that promotes childrens rights and provides aid worldwide.

One million children in Gaza are living in dire conditions, the group said in a statement on Tuesday. Save the Children considers Gaza to be unlivable now.





According to the charity, 60 percent of the sea around Gaza is contaminated with untreated sewage and over 90 percent of water sources [are] too contaminated for human consumption.

The besieged Palestinian territory, where more than two million people live, has also been suffering from an energy crisis since mid-April due to a dispute over taxes between Hamas, which rules the enclave, and the occupied West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, the party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Gaza has also been under a tight Israeli blockade for a decade, and residents have been subjected to persistent blackouts.

The continuing electricity crisis and environmental crisis has left the more than one million children in Gaza unable to sleep, study or play, Save the Children said.

According to the charity, more than 740 schools are struggling to function without electricity, and most families receive only two to four hours of electricity each day.

The UN found in 2012 that if nothing were done to ease the blockade on Gaza, life there would become unlivable by 2020.

But following the release of a UN report in July that found that living conditions had worsened since the blockade began, the international bodys humanitarian coordinator for the occupied territories said that point of unlivability [had] been passed quite a long time ago.

Worse every day

Save the Childrens Caroline Anning told Al Jazeera that the situation in Gaza is a growing humanitarian crisis.

She added that the situation is getting worse every day.

Save the Children called on Israel to lift the Gaza blockade and for Palestinian and Israeli authorities to provide basic services, adding that the lack of such services was contributing to growing mental health issues in the enclave.

READ MORE: Letter from Gaza  Alive due to lack of death

Gaza children are already suffering through a ten-year blockade and the constant threat of conflict, Jennifer Moorehead, Save the Childrens country director for the occupied Palestinian Territories, said in a statement.

Living without access to basic services like electricity is affecting their family life and mental well-being, Moorehead said.

Were seeing increased levels of anxiety, aggression and mood swings.

Hamas has run Gaza since 2007 when it seized the territory from Abbas Fatah movement in a dispute over parliamentary elections won by Hamas the previous year.

OPINION: How Gaza was made into an unlivable place

Multiple attempts at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah have failed, but the Palestinian Authority has continued to pay Israel for some of the electricity delivered to the enclave.

Israel has launched three offensives on Gaza since 2008, in which thousands of Palestinians were killed.

Severe damage to Gazas already weak infrastructure has contributed to the current humanitarian crisis.
US President Donald Trump has scrapped a programme that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of people who were brought into the United States without documents as children.

Trumps action, announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday, rescinds a programme called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which helped almost 800,000 young men and women get a legal status, work permits and driving licences.

The temporary reprieve was created by Democratic former President Barack Obama in 2012 and is supported by Democrats and many business leaders.

The Trump administration said no current beneficiaries of the programme would be affected before March 5.





Sessions said the action does not mean the DACA recipients are bad people.

To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. Its just that simple. That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that, Sessions said.

He said the programme denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs.

The move marked the latest action by Trump that is sure to alienate Hispanic Americans, a growing segment of the US population and an increasingly important voting bloc.

Most of the immigrants protected by DACA, dubbed Dreamers, came from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

READ MORE: American dream fades for child immigrants under Trump

Jackie Cortes, a DACA recipient who came to the United States from Mexico at the age of nine, told Al Jazeera the programme helped her attend secondary school and allowed her to work the proper way.

Im able to feel a part of the place that lived for more than half of my life, said Cortes.

Al Jazeeras Kristen Saloomey, reporting from a pro-DACA protest outside the Trump Tower in New York, said that people are very worried, but what is striking is that they are not staying in the shadows.

They came here today to protest and its been very chaotic in the last hour: dozens of demonstrators took over the Fifth Avenue and blocked traffic, with at least 11 people being arrested.

Saloomey said many of those who had been arrested were DACA recipients themselves.

So they are putting themselves out there, she said, willing to take a stand against this policy.

Violeta Gomez-Uribe, a DACA recipient and organiser, who came with her family to the US from Mexico more than 20 years ago, said that the policy announcement did not come as a surprise.

This is something that we expected  it was something that was told to US since Trump was campaigning [for president], she told Al Jazeera in New York.

We are going to keep fighting for what we think is best for everybody  not only for the Dreamers, but also for the whole undocumented community that is about 11 million people.

READ MORE: Undocumented migrants await Trumps next move

Trumps action, deferring the actual end of the programme, effectively kicks responsibility for the fate of the Dreamers to his fellow Republicans who control Congress. But Congress has been unable since the president took office in January to pass any major legislation and has been bitterly divided over immigration in the past.

Obama bypassed Congress and created DACA through an executive order.





The legislative branch, not the executive branch, writes these laws  this is the bedrock of our Constitutional system, which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend, Trump said in a statement after Sessions announcement.

In referencing the idea of creating new immigration rules unilaterally, President Obama admitted that I cant just do these things by myself  and yet that is exactly what he did, making an end-run around Congress and violating the core tenets that sustain our Republic.

Late on Tuesday, Trump said on Twitter that he would revisit this issue if Congress fails to legalise DACA in six months.

Al Jazeeras Kimberly Halkett, reporting from the White House, said that Republicans were applauding the policy announcement, but now the problem is squarely on the lap amid calls from organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce for a quick fix to lessen the effect on the economy.

Halkett noted, however, that this is going to be a big challenge, given the fact that many Democrats are very critical of the Trump administrations move.

In fact, top Democrats on Capitol Hill are saying that this is going to have a human and economic toll and called it a heartless decision that is going to rip families apart without any thought to the human consequences.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had appeared determined to pressure US legislators to act. Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA! the president wrote on Twitter before the policy announcement was made.

There were some signs that Congress might be willing to act, with a number of senior Republican legislators coming forward to express an interest in protecting the Dreamers.

The presidents decision may have been forced by nine Republican state attorneys general, led by Texas, who had threatened a legal challenge in federal court if Trump did not act to end DACA.

A number of Democratic state attorneys general have threatened legal action to defend the programme.
World Food Programme official says kingdom should fund 100 percent of the humanitarian needs in the war-torn country.

Saudi Arabia alone should fund all steps to tackle widespread disease and hunger in war-torn Yemen, a top UN official has said.

Comments by David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), were unusually forthright for such a high-ranking UN official in criticising one party in a conflict.





Calling for an end to the coalitions campaign, he accused the Saudi-led coalition of hampering the provision of aid.

Saudi Arabia should fund 100 percent [of the needs] of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Beasley told Reuters news agency on Monday.

Either stop the war or fund the crisis. Option three is, do both of them.

A Saudi-led coalition embarked on a campaign in March 2015 in Yemen with the aim of dislodging Houthi rebels who control the capital and much of the north and restoring to power the internationally-recognised government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Since fighting began, more than 10,000 people have been killed, and millions have been driven from their homes.

The country is also facing a health crisis, with more than 2,000 people having died from cholera since April, more than half a million people infected, and another 600,000 expected to contract the infection this year.

READ MORE: Yemen  Cholera death rates soar in rebel-held areas

The kingdom has said that hundreds of millions of dollars it pledged to humanitarian programmes have benefited civilians on both sides of Yemens conflict.

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donated $66 million in June to the United Nations Childrens Fund and the World Health Organization (WHO) to help combat the cholera epidemic in Yemen.

Serious complications

Aid groups have also accused Saudi Arabia of blocking needed assistance and goods from areas that are most in need.

Saudi Arabia and its allies have said they aim to prevent arms shipments to the Houthis, but aid groups say the curbs have deepened the suffering of millions.

Aid agencies have called for greater access to the Houthi-run north, and the UN has accused the coalition of restricting entry to vessels bound for the key Red Sea port of Hodeidah through which around 80 percent of Yemens food imports once arrived.

READ MORE: Yemen was once a place of joy and spirit

We are having problems with access, the WFPs Beasley said.

The Saudis have created serious complications for us because of the port being blockaded to a certain degree, and the destroying of the cranes at Hodeidah port  That has substantially reduced our capacity to bring food in.

Beasley added that coalition restrictions had obstructed the delivery of fuel needed by UN vehicles which travel in and out of Sanaa carrying aid and personnel.
After realizing he needed business casual attire to qualify as a Student Senate candidate, Trevison Clark ran home to grab his blue checkered shirt and suit.

I didnt want to be disqualified because of that, the UF biology junior said.

Clark visited the Reitz Union on Thursday to register as an independent candidate for Fall 2017 Student Government elections. Other students came to interview with one of the two registered SG parties  Impact Party and Inspire Party.

This Fall, students will vote to fill 50 Senate seats based on residential locations.

Erica Baker, the SG supervisor of elections, said 18 students interviewed with Impact and 8 with Inspire. One student registered as independent. Two registered as undecided, which means they may go to either party.

On the first day of Senate candidate selection for Fall 2016 SG elections, 30 students met with Impact Party and four students registered as independent.

Clark, 20, said he decided to run as an independent for the Murphree Area because most of the Senate is one party.

Its kind of ridiculous that only one party represents us, especially on that degree, Clark said. I think its very dangerous to not have any dissent.

Impact Party President Benjamin Auyang wrote in an email his party wants students motivated to serve UF and who can promote transparency, affordability and accountability.

We are excited that we had the opportunity to listen to student leaders discuss their ideas about how we can improve the university, Auyang said.

Inspire Party President Ben Lima said his party is looking for students with ideas about how to solve campus issues. He said they want students who agree with Inspire Partys values of transparency, inclusivity and accountability.

Its really great to see so many faces coming from different backgrounds, years in college and interests, Lima said.

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The interviewing process will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Tuesday at the Reitz Union.

@taveljimena

jtavel@alligator.org
The day Giancarlo Tejeda learned he would receive DACA, his mother wept.

She and her husband had brought Tejeda and his brother over from Colombia when Tejeda was only 3 years old, hoping for a better life. Tejeda said his family had more peace of mind after receiving Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that lets students brought to the U.S. as young children work and attend school.

But now Tejedas peace of mind is gone.

Were seeing our fears come to life, the 20-year-old UF biomedical engineering junior said. Were fearing for our lives as we know it and our families.

Sources close to President Donald Trump have said he plans to end DACA, according to Politico. The White House has not yet announced a formal decision.

There are nearly 790,000 people who benefit from DACA, according to Pew Research Center. UF spokesperson Janine Sikes wrote in an email that UF does not track how many of its students have DACA. Sikes said the children of undocumented parents can receive in-state tuition if they meet certain requirements, like graduating from a Florida high school.

DACA offers a chance to go about life without fear of deportation, Tejeda said. To benefit from the program, the recipients fill out an application and pay a fee. The program needs to be renewed every two years, according to the Pew Center. Tejeda said it cost nearly $2,000 to arrange his DACA protection, between the cost of applying and hiring lawyers who helped.

Having DACA also gives him a chance to follow his dream of being an Alzheimers researcher, he said.

Tejeda said he and other undocumented students now feel scared and helpless.

Basically now were living exactly the things we feared when Trump got elected, he said.

Diana Moreno, the assistant director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, said shes seen more stress among students, especially in the past weeks. Students have reached out asking for advice or resources.

For Moreno, the fear and uncertainty of being undocumented is a fresh memory.

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Moreno came to the U.S. from Ecuador in 1999, when she was 11. Her swearing-in ceremony for citizenship will be Sept. 21  18 years after her family brought her over.

These students are the hardest-working and most resilient students I have the pleasure to work with, Moreno said through tears. And I just really hope personally that I will have the chance to continue working with them and they continue contributing their talents to our university.

She said there are unique struggles for undocumented students. They are unable to receive federal financial aid like most other students, she said. Other challenges are more emotional.

Hernandez, a 19-year-old undocumented UF student who requested her full name be omitted, cant stop thinking about the possibility of losing DACA.

Hernandez was born in Mexico and crossed the border with her parents when she was 3. The only two memories she has of Mexico are laying in her bed with rats underneath and jumping on a trampoline.

Growing up in a majority-white area, Hernandez was always scared of revealing her undocumented status. In high school, she worried people would report her or her family.

At UF, Hernandez began to share her story. When Donald Trumps candidacy heated up, though, she stopped telling people.

I think DACA is important because it gives young people that didnt have any control about whether or not they would come to this country, but are still grateful that they did come to this country, the opportunity to prosper in life, she said.

Growing up, Hernandez was never sure if she would make it to college  DACA gave her that chance, she said. She now hopes to become a doctor who takes care of newborns. If DACA is removed, Hernandez doesnt know what will happen to her or her family.

Its a horrible thing to go through, she said.

Her hope is that if DACA is removed, Congress will pass a law granting the recipients protection.

We are human, she said. We really should be treated like humans. This is the only country weve ever known since we were young, and we dont want to make it worse. We want to make it better.










English News China announces 500 million yuan for BRICS economic and technical cooperation plan

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Septembre 2017



Xi Jinping predicted a greater role for BRICS in international affairs after Xiamen, stressing the need to address the development gap between the North and South and boost global growth.

By Kimeng Hilton Ndukong (People's Daily Online) The ninth BRICS summit continued in the south-eastern Chinese city of Xiamen, Fujian province, on September 4, with a plenary meeting of the five leaders of the bloc.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the imminent launch by his country of an Economic and Technical Cooperation Plan for BRICS Countries with 500 million yuan for the first term to facilitate policy exchange and practical cooperation in the economic and trade fields, and the disbursement of $4 million to the BRICS-owned New Development Banks Project Preparation Facility to support the business operation and long-term development of the bank.

He expressed regret at the fact that out of the 197 billion US dollars in outbound investments the BRICS countries made in 2016, only 5.7 percent took place among the five countries. This means BRICS cooperation still has broad space, said the Chinese president.

According to Xi, BRICS cooperation in the past decade was guided by win-win partnerships. The rapid development of BRICS cooperation is the right approach, and members have supported each other and worked in unison with developing markets and developing countries, he said.

We need to seek practical results in our economic cooperation We have yet to fully tap the potential of BRICS cooperation, the Chinese leader cautioned.

Xi spoke of the need to make the international order more just and equitable, for BRICS to speak with one voice to safeguard common interests, and for economic globalization open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

He pleaded for more people-to-people exchanges like the BRICS games, film and cultural festivals, and sharing traditional medicine practices.

Xi Jinping predicted a greater role for BRICS in international affairs after Xiamen, stressing the need to address the development gap between the North and South and boost global growth.

Kimeng Hilton Ndukong, a contributor to Peoples Daily Online, is Sub-Editor for World News with Cameroon Tribune bilingual daily newspaper in Cameroon. He is currently a 2017 China-Africa Press Centre, CAPC fellow.





Dans la meme rubrique : < > China accelerates green, low-carbon development World-class astronomical obervation base takes shape in Qinghai province China, Germany should keep to overall direction of bilateral ties from strategic height: Xi Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










REACTION Without understanding meaning of the leader of free-world USA cant handle North-Korean nuclear challenge

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 5 Septembre 2017



Bengaluru, India

Chers lecteurs



Sub:- (i)- Misguided US policies have brought the situation where pawn (NK) is checking the king (USA) (ii)- US naively thought that nukes with amenable countries will do (iii)- Dominant military power in the service of human-rights-friendly-world is the only answer (iv)- USA should replace UN with United Free Nations (UFN) (v)- Membership of UFN should be open to only recognized-free-countries (vi)- Nukes of all member countries should be under one command & control of UFN (vii)- UFN should try to snatch & destroy the nukes of non-free countries (viii)- UFN should not drag bilateral disputes endlessly, between its member countries, like Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan (ix)- Nuclear India a member country in South Asia with $ ~ 16 Trillion State capital will be big asset to UFN



---- Misguided US policies have brought the situation on the chess-board of global politics where a pawn North Korea (NK) is checking the king (USA) the leader of free world and now whether it will culminate into a mate will be answered only by time. The USA naively thought that leaving nukes with amenable countries (including India and Pakistan in addition to veto wielding permanent members of UN) and by merely constituting ineffective & useless IEAE, NPT etc will do and nothing will disturb the global political order. But NK has shown the utter absurdity of such US policies which has not only immensely humiliated USA but has also brought tens of millions of people face-to-face with the danger of extermination by practically another world war. Now USA is left only with one option that is to replace United Nations with United Free Nations, as given below, if USA is really serious about retaining its title of the leader of free-world:-



(1)- First of all USA should understand that the world will never be full of good people. Rather bad people / countries will always be there hence there will be eternal war between these two [Sur (good people) and Asur (bad people) as are termed in Hindu philosophy / mythology]. Therefore USA should think of bringing military power of Sur under one command and should fight the Asur -then only the power of goodness will win & prevail over the power of evil.



(2)- Membership of UFN should be open to only democratic secular recognized-free-countries based on following criterions:-



(i)- There should be no veto power to any member. Voting rights of every member should commensurate with contribution of money, men & material (including and especially martial) by members of UFN and records about human rights in member countries of UFN.



(ii)- There should be International Political Parties (IIP) registered at UFN because in many countries if politics is left to local people then it ultimately comes under the strangulating influence of the medieval-thinking religious leaders in these countries.



(iii)- Merely democracy is not enough to ensure human rights in any country as is evident from the case of India too where in addition to communal rights (rather massacre of minorities) about half of the population (small and marginal farmers) is starving and over 12,000 farmers commit suicide every year and where recently ~ 65 children in one city and ~ 49 children in another city of only one State of India have died due to lack of oxygen & other medical facilities. Hence instead of optional-protocol OP-1 (at UN) there should be mandatory-protocol MP-1 of ICCPR at UFN where individual citizen can secure his / her human rights even by military intervention of UFN in any erring member of UFN.



(iv)- There should be one currency for UFN with proper asset back-up (with central bank at UFN head office and its branch offices in member countries).



(3)- Nukes of all member countries should be under one command & control of UFN. Also UFN should try to snatch & destroy the nukes of non-free countries by bringing military power of member countries under the control and command of UFN for this purpose. Moreover UFN should not drag bilateral disputes endlessly, between member countries, like Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. No such dispute (including river water sharing disputes) should be considered a bilateral dispute rather every such so-called bilateral dispute should be resolved by UFN on the basis of standard practices & tenets of international laws..



(4)- Here it is in context to add that one such free country nuclear India of ~ 1.3 billion people in South Asia will be big asset to UFN due to $ ~ 16 Trillion State-capital which India can recover as mentioned at http://www.alwihdainfo.com/Now-India-bound-to-get-Rs--1000-Trillion-income-tax-as-Delhi-Police-steps-in_a31456.html and http://www.newsnation.in/article/121125-news-nation-disclosure-on-blackmoney-kharabpati-farmers-take-agriculture-route-t.html



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India







Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tchad : mise au point de l'ex-Inspecteur general d'Etat sur les reformes des vehicules administratifs Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo : "je ne suis pas un cancre !" Tchad : Succes Masra reagit a la demission de Moustapha Masri des Transformateurs Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
If President Trump decides to let the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) lapse or end it outright, it will be a deserved end to a magnet for illegal immigration based on an unconstitutional executive order by President Barack Hussein Obama who was frustrated that Congress failed to pass it as legislation named the DREAM Act. As syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer observed on Fox News Special Report at the time:

You can have executive orders that implement already existing laws. What Obama has done in the DREAM Act, which is exactly what you've talked about. Essentially he passed a law by executive order that the Congress had rejected, wouldn't pass, that is unbelievably unconstitutional. It's as if a Republican ran and said I don't like the capital gains tax, Congress rejects an abolition of that tax and then he orders the IRS not to collect it. People would be up in arms and would be impeaching. He's doing that over and over again on immigration

Even President Obama said he didnt have the authority to do what he eventually did -- enact the Congressionally rejected DREAM Act through executive order:

With respect to the notion that I can just suspend deportations through executive order, thats just not the case, because there are laws on the books that Congress has passed -- and I know that everybody here at Bell is studying hard so you know that weve got three branches of government. Congress passes the law. The executive branchs job is to enforce and implement those laws. And then the judiciary has to interpret the laws. There are enough laws on the books by Congress that are very clear in terms of how we have to enforce our immigration system that for me to simply through executive order ignore those congressional mandates would not conform with my appropriate role as President.

Well said, until President Obama spoke out of the other side of his mouth and did it anyway. Now, if a Republican Congress wants to try again to pass a law it rejected under President Obama, they can try. Certainly profiles in porridge like House Speaker Paul Ryan and others have indicated that they would like to complete that part of President Obamas fundamental transformation of America for him:

Congressional Republicans are looking to revive legislation that could give a deportation reprieve to thousands of illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, in turn easing the pressure on President Trump as he faces a deadline to decide the fate of a related Obama-era program. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is leading the charge on a conservative version of the so-called Dream Act. The talks come as Trump prepares to announce whether hell keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program -- which was former President Barack Obamas unilateral, executive-action version of Dream Act legislation On Friday, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said he supported a legislative solution to protect undocumented minors, but also urged the president to reconsider scrapping DACA. "I actually don't think he should do that and I believe that this is something that Congress has to fix," Ryan said on radio station WCLO in Janesville, Wis., Friday. "President Obama did not have a legislative authority to do what he did."

Okay, the President Trump is undoing an illegal action and reestablishing the rule of law is something everyone should applaud. The DREAM Act or its DACA mutant, however, is something we shouldnt applaud, if only because American children and their parents have dreams too and those are being underserved. Is it right, for example, that in some states illegal aliens can get in-state tuition rates but that the child of an Afghan war veteran from a neighboring state cannot?

How about repealing and replacing ObamaCare and fulfilling the dreams of overburdened taxpayers who have insurance premium payments higher than their mortgage payments and deductibles so high their insurance cards are worthless? How about passing tax cuts and repatriating American wealth parked overseas so entrepreneurs can fulfill their dreams of creating American jobs?

We are a nation of immigrants, legal immigrants, and we are also a nation of laws. Children were brought to this country illegally by their parents because we failed to enforce our immigration laws. Now would be a good time to start enforcing them.

Hans Von Spakovsky and David Inserra, writing in The Hill, made the case for ending DACA as an unconstitutional magnet for illegal aliens that rewards breaking the law by breaking the law:

As a sovereign nation, we have the right to decide who comes to the U.S. Even if we doubled our current legal immigration quotas, there would still be people who would enter or remain in the U.S. illegally. Enforcing our immigration laws encourages people to come to the U.S. legally and discourages illegal immigration. Unfortunately, the U.S. government has for many years failed to faithfully enforce our immigration laws. This has inevitably encouraged more and more illegal immigration. DACA is the pinnacle of non-enforcement; not only does it protect illegal immigrants from deportation, it provides benefits that by law are reserved for American citizens and Whether DACA is good public policy or bad public policy is, however, ultimately irrelevant to whether President Trump should end the program. He should end it for the same reasons that the federal courts prevented President Obama from implementing the similar Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program or DAPA. Like DACA, DAPA provided an administrative amnesty for illegal aliens and gave them work authorizations and access to government benefits.legal immigrants. Why come to the U.S. legally if you can acquire many of the same benefits by coming illegally?... the Fifth Circuit said, the fact that the president declined to enforce the law and remove illegal aliens does not transform presence deemed unlawful by Congress into lawful presence and confer eligibility for otherwise unavailable benefits based on that change.

End DACA. And while were at it, pass some laws that put Americans first so that they can pursue their dreams. And, yes, welcome those who legally come here and dream of becoming American citizens who respect the rule of law, unlike President Obama.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
A month ago our liberal friends at Vox published a piece by Andrew Granato, a middle-class kid who got to go to private high school and college on $330,000 in financial aid and scholarships.

Granato allowed as how this privilege had vaulted him into the meritocratic elite. As we know, that has been the pattern since the Ivy League started moving from legacy WASP admissions to SAT-based admissions shortly after World War II. All of a sudden, the nations colleges started selecting only the brightest students, segregating them, as it were, from the rest of the population, putting them all together in a high IQ hot-house. Perhaps that could be a problem.

Gosh. I have a vague idea that some racist sexist homophobe has been writing books about this for years. And liberals have paid no attention at all. Indeed, when he wrote The Bell Curve back in the 1990s, they called him a racist. And when he visiting rich-kid Middlebury College they called him everything under the sun.

What Charles Murray wrote back in 1994 was that the elite policy of selection by IQ was going to segregate out the most intelligent from the rest of the nation, and that would restructure the nation into a new class structure based on IQ. Thats why he and co-author Richard Herrnstein subtitled their book Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life. That is why they argued that an IQ-based education policy would fall hardest on blacks, because whether you like it or not, the black bell curve for IQ shows that blacks test lower for IQ than whites. Or at least it did up till the 1990s.

And the liberal response? Raaacist!

Thats what liberals said at the time, and thats what their little armed thugs shouted at Middlebury back in March.

But the fact is that Murray warned, 20 years ago, that the nations current education policy is segregating the American people into bubbles based on IQ. And that, Charles Murray warned 20 years ago, is not good.

So here, finally, we have a young head full of mush innocently backing up the vile racist trash that Charles Murray, right-wing extremist, wrote all those years ago. If only the poor kid knew

Of course, liberals always cry racist when they dont want to discuss the grubby realities of their unjust domination and hegemony.

But if the segregation of students by IQ is a problem, because then we segregate society by IQ, with all the smart Jewish kids mixing it up together with the smart Asian kids and leaving the WASP legacy kids and the deplorables and lesser breeds without the law to pick up the scraps, then what?

You can see why liberals have segued from using IQ as a metric for supervising the education of children to the current ruling-class doctrine of diversity and inclusion. It completely smudges over the embarrassing aspects of IQ segregation and pretends to substitute a completely opaque policy of race and gender mixology where liberals can do whatever they want and scream raaacist at anyone that objects.

But you and I might have a different idea. We might come to believe that it is time to get education out of its current culture of top-down administrative domination that features ten-thousand government child custodial facilities guarded by a million lifer bureaucrats and instead let a hundred flowers bloom, from home schools to trade schools to child labor to apprenticeships

Yes, you read that right. Im all in favor of child labor. Today we force children to work all day in government child custodial facilities and we pay them nothing. At least in the bad old days they paid children when they worked all day.

Seriously, whose bright idea was it that children should spend their waking hours learning not very much at government schools? What exactly are we trying to accomplish, other than creating mind-numbed robots?

We know what people want that pay for their childrens education. They mostly want their children to get into selective colleges so that they can get good jobs in the professions or prepare for artistic and creative work. But what about the ordinary middle class? Did anyone ask them? What about the white working class, dying of despair? What do they want for their children? And what about Hispanics, African Americans, and others that are just expected to vote for the Democrat and await the glorious future as the arc of history bends towards justice?

The wonderful thing about our modern society is that on the one hand we have business ceaselessly beavering away thinking every moment about how to create new products and services for consumers. And on the other we have government in charge of make-or-break functions like education busily thinking about how not to do it.

At least young Andrew Granato realizes that there is a problem.

Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also see his American Manifesto and get his Road to the Middle Class.
A few weeks ago on July 30 President Nicolas Maduro conjured up a vote to replace the National Assembly (67% of seats held by opposition representatives) with a new Constituent Assembly whose representatives would be handpicked by Maduro. The fix was in prior to the vote.

There was some subsequent, albeit brief, press about Smartmatic, the offshore Venezuelan company that has been providing hardware and software for computerized voting systems since 2004. The president and cofounder of the company, Antonio Mugica, told the press from his office in London that his company noticed irregularities in voting amounting to about one million ballots cast over the number of actual voters. Of course, this message was not released until Smartmatic people left Venezuela. Why would he stir this up? He had not been paid. The media uproar died down shortly thereafter, since he was finally paid by Maduro.

Mugicas associate cofounder of Smartmatic, Alfredo Anzola, is worthy of mention. Anzola was a passionate supporter of former president Hugo Chavez. When Chavez faced his first recall vote in 2003, he needed to act quickly to ensure his Bolivarian revolution would continue. First, he stalled through his reconfigured Court stating that signatures collected for the recall vote were invalid. As Chavez continued his electoral kabuki dance, he engaged a company, SBC, to devise computerized voting systems to be used in national elections for the first time. SBC was comprised of Smartmatic, a Venezuelan-owned computer company based in Boca Raton, Florida and Sunnyvale, California; Bizta, a Venezuelan company of seven people, based in Caracas; and CANTV, the Chavez government-owned telecommunications company, with 28% ownership.

The de facto mayor of Caracas today, Jorge Rodriguez, happened to be the president of the CNE (Consejo Nacional Electoral  National Electoral Council) in 2003/2004 that presided over the first computerized election. He assumed the role of mayor after the current president Nicolas Maduro imprisoned the legitimate mayor of Caracas, Leopoldo Lopez, an outspoken critic. As an aside, Lopez was released shortly before the 30 July 17 election, and placed under house arrest. After the election results were announced, Lopez and another fellow critic were arrested by Maduros secret police, again in the middle of the night.

Anzola was such good friends with Chavez and Rodriguez that his paths crossed often with his soon to become partner, Delcy Rodriguez, sister of Jorge. Their father, by the way, was the head of the Venezuelan Socialist party when he was killed in 1976.

The August 2004 elections, held a year late, resulted in a startling victory for Chavez, garnering 58% of the vote to stay versus exit polling showed the exact opposite. Oddly enough, the computerized voting systems sold and managed by Smartmatic were bidirectionally networked to communicate with CANTV (government telecommunications company and partner of Smartmatic). Manipulating basic Boolean algebra assured that a 1 became a 0 and vice versa at the central server. Local printers showed people how they had actually voted. There was no collusion according to Jimmy Carter who witnessed the voting and stated that there were less than 0.1% irregularities.

In early 2008, Alfredo Anzola was getting a new contract with the CNE from his partners brother, Jorge Rodriguez. In April 2008, he complained openly about irregularities in his contract scope of work including software changes. Shortly after, Anzola was involved in a small plane crash in Catia La Mar. He was rushed to a hospital where the Rodriguezs and Chavez buddy, Diosdado Cabello, looked over him while he died. Diosdado Cabello presided over the National Assembly with Chavezs initial constitutional change. He has also been accused of international drug trafficking.

Delcy Rodriguez and president Maduros wife are two members sworn into the new Constituent Assembly. Delcy heads this new Constituent Assembly, the main purpose of which is to rewrite Chavezs constitution to drive Venezuela further left as a socialist totalitarian regime.

Why was this years July 30 election bogus? First, the real National Assembly held an election on July 16, 2016, simply asking Venezuelans if they wanted to change the National Assembly and the current constitution. Furthermore, they asked if Venezuelans wanted the National Guard to enforce the existing constitution. The resounding 97% of the vote said to keep it as is. Venezuelans have been clamoring for President Maduro to follow the constitution and allow aggrieved Venezuelans to vote for his revocation. He has not permitted this, since he knows the overwhelming answer.

The July 30 vote was bogus for other reasons as well. Government employees were encouraged to obtain a Carnet de Patria (Country Card). This CdP would be used as a form of identification instead of the usual Cedula (national identification card). On the obverse side shows ones Cedula number. Oddly enough, on the reverse side, there are two other numbers. If one enters each number into the National Electoral Council website, other peoples data show up. Oh yes, ones treatment for salary increase, promotion, place in line for bags of food, are contingent upon voting and supporting rallies. Government employees are bussed from faraway states to show support at key Maduro-sponsored rallies. They must don their red shirts and red hats.

Venezuelans have been trying since early 2003 to oust Chavez and his regime. It started when the employees of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), held a nationwide strike. Half of nearly 36,000 PDVSA employees who were caught striking were fired. Today there are 120,000 employees and oil production is 40% of what it was before Chavez took over in 1999. Now the corruptocrats are running out of other peoples money, much which they have stolen to line their own pockets, the other is to fuel the revolution.

Venezuelans have been clamoring for help to oust these corruptocrats for 14 years. Fooled once by Chavezs consolidation of power through the change in constitution in 2000, they have tried through democratic processes to right the ship. This has not happened due to rigged elections for the presidency.

Brian G. Tomlinson is a retired Project Director of industrial megaprojects built on five different continents and is a periodic contributor to American Thinker.
Hurricane Harvey hit southeast Texas more than a week ago. By now anyone who is awake is aware of the heroic efforts to rescue the many thousands of affected victims on the Texas coast and Louisiana southwestern coast. The initial clean-up will take another two weeks or longer while further flooding results from the controlled release of water from dams that are at full level and threatened with catastrophic failure. Yet, the American zest for volunteerism, self-reliance, and local government services has demonstrated the founders concept of federalism, an American creation.

Despite the wishes of the left and mainstream media, the federal government led by Donald Trump has performed beyond the level of previous administrations in aiding the local and state governments in providing immediate rescue and recovery services. Therefore, they have been forced to complain about Melanias shoes or his supposed lack of empathy. With Trumps trip on Saturday, even those complaints may have hit a sour note, as Trump connected with individuals in Houston and the region. The gaggle all use the same verbiage demonstrating the herds mass hysteria and lack of legitimate negative issues concerning the presidents performance.

Trump has been slow to nominate persons for some 4,000 federal appointments throughout the government. This patronage has allowed past presidents the freedom to reward campaign aides with a job. Trump does not feel this is necessary as it bloats and encumbers agencies, wasting financial resources and delaying the delivery of services. The press, ever to undercut Trump, argues that he cant find people to serve in his administration because of his erratic behavior and penchant for firing employees. Many of his most loyal and able supporters have chosen to remain outside the government where they can be free to push the reforms that threaten the deep states resistance and establishment (including Republican party regulars).

Trump grew his business, constantly reinventing its core niche, and survived potential failure during economic downturns through creative entrepreneurial innovations and excellence. He is bringing this same approach to governance in Washington. This is the American way as a distinct difference from the European approach which has favored larger bureaucratic businesses and government agencies that stifle efficiency and innovation.

Federalism, a theme of Trumps campaign, allows greater latitude to state and local governments to pursue beneficial programs and act as laboratories of innovation (to borrow Romneys phase). For the better part of nine decades such innovation has originated in liberal or progressive states such as New York, Massachusetts, and California. But, now an outsider (from New York City) has chosen to reinvigorate the Tenth Amendment and reduce the federal regulatory intrusions that damage business (especially smaller ones) and create arbitrary national rules and standards that remove local government initiative, effort, and effect. This damage has further isolated a large portion of the citizenry, with some 50% of the electorate no longer participating.

Basic human behavior will tend toward those traits that a society encourages and rewards. After 100 years of progressive legislation encouraging social change and group identification and think, the effort to help victims of the Harvey storm demonstrates an individual spirit that will be needed as the region recovers over the next months and years. This is found in the religious institutions, non-profit agencies and private businesses contributing manpower and materiel to those in need. The political left sees government as the answer to all ills, while political conservatives feel severe crises warrant government intrusion that overwhelm normal institutions. This divide cannot be solved easily and is encouraged and furthered by the media which supports the positions of the left.

The long lines of trucks hauling small boats to help in the rescue efforts during the first few days of the event and rainfall demonstrates the American can do spirit. When FEMA administrator Brock Long called for help he acknowledged the enormity of the storm. With losses approaching $200 billion, beyond that of storms Katrina and Sandy, rebuilding will require private and governmental cooperation. Many neighborhoods may never be rebuilt due to several years of flooding. Living in an area that has been flooded several times in a decade (Broome County in upstate New York within the Susquehanna River and Chenango River watersheds) it is clear to me that some communities will be abandoned.

Adaptation to present conditions is among the greatest of American cultural innovations. The love and support of unrelated and unknown individuals seeking to help others without regard to race, creed or religious affiliation is an embedded American trait that socialism has not yet destroyed. It was a part of the division between north and south up through the Civil War. The desire for equity in opportunity helped propel the civil rights movement of the 1950s through the 1970s. It is what helped elect Trump as president as his election reaffirms this ideal for the forgotten working class whose jobs have been displaced to Asia and Mexico. If he is successful, he will reposition the federal government as Ronald Reagan was not able to do.

With years of American protection of Europe through the Marshall Plan and NATO they have ceded their human desire for self-preservation in the face of dictatorial threats. This is visible in the European Union hesitancy to counter Putin in the Ukraine, Iranian aggression in the Middle East, failure to effectively stop North Korean nuclear and missile programs, and foolish unrestricted acceptance of refugees from unrelenting religious and tribal wars in Asia and Africa. The passive leadership during the past decade has encouraged potential enemies much as Neville Chamberlain did with Hitler.

But, the American ethos is one of action and activity. George W. Bush was called a cowboy by the left, but he was applying the American sensibility to kill the snake before it strikes (to borrow an idea from FDR). With North Korean attempts to master a hydrogen or thermonuclear bomb and coupled with its missile development a new and ominous situation has developed. American innovation and activity will provide the impetus that will allow the correct response.

American zeal for development and conquering the unknown allowed the settlement of the great continent as families sought better economic conditions for their futures. The desire to seek better social conditions ultimately improved the Constitutional republic. This was known as manifest destiny and carried a religious undertone. Today, this urge has morphed into personal responsibility.

Europe, once the envy of the developed world has become the stepchild to America. The European Union has unified the continent but at a cost to the individual nations cultures. The British decision to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves through the west. It may make the EU more cautious in demanding one solution to political and economic issues.

The British penchant for toughness under duress allowed the island nation to control the seas for almost five centuries. The national resistance to Nazi Germany provided the effort of 800 British private small boat rescuers that saved 335,000 soldiers from Dunkirk in 1940. This national resolve allowed Churchill to lead the resistance against German army invasion of the island. In contrast, the French, Belgium and Netherland resistance faltered and they were overrun by the German blitzkrieg.

British contributions to American culture include the fortitude to fight for ones freedom. The American institutions were developed from English, Roman republic and Athenian traditions. This is only possible when people take responsibility for their lives. This is the essential American culture, alive and well despite the adversity of storms, years of warfare in the Middle East, and decades of economic decline. Some communities may never be rebuilt in Texas, but the spirit and drive of Texans and Louisianans will persevere to create newer and better communities.
I found the lovely image below on a Facebook page:

I posted the image beneath it as a response.

Yes, it's that omnipresent double-standard again! That is,

National Socialism (Nazism) = bad

International Socialism (communism, Trotskyism) = good

This is striking primarily because -- according to many sources -- communism claimed far more lives than Nazism in the 20th century. Indeed, it can also be argued that the Soviet Union, China, Cambodia, etc. were far more oppressive than the Nazis. The Nazis get a worse deal, of course, primarily because they instigated a Holocaust against Jews. Yet communists also wiped out entire classes and ethnic groups. Many contemporary Leftists -- including some fans of Jeremy Corbyn -- would like to do the same today; though this time with different counter-revolutionary or reactionary targets.

Many Corbynistas, for example, want to rid the world of the entire Right and indeed all other haters: e.g., Tories, fans of Trump, Ukip, the EDL, Britain First, bankers, Daily Mail readers, Sun plebs, low-information voters, bigots, racists, Nazis, fascists ad infinitum. Thus, in order to bring about peace, tolerance, and equality, segments of the Left now realize that a hell of a lot of people will need to be silenced, imprisoned, or killed. (How many Tories/patriots/right-wingers are there in the UK? 20 million or more?)

This means that it's massively ironic that many Leftists have made various very-tangential links between Donald Trump and white supremacists and Nazis. The Leader of the British Opposition, on the other hand, has very many intimate, strong and blatant links to communists and Trotskyists all over the world; not just in the UK. (He also has strong links with Iran, Iran's Press TV, Venezuela, etc.)

So this piece will be very British-centric in that it will concentrate on the British Labor Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn; who is, I suppose, Britain's very own Bernie Sanders...

Corbyn's Communist Comrades

Many people say a man is known by the company he keeps. That's not always true. However, Corbyn's campaign chief is Andrew Philip Drummond-Murray; who dropped his double-barrelled name to disguise his class origins. (He's now named Andrew Murray.) He was a member of the Communist Party of Britain until he joined the Labor Party when Corbyn became leader. (He's also became Chair of the Stop the War Coalition after Corbyn himself stepped down.) He only joined the Labor Party at the end of 2016. That's just over half-a-year ago. He immediately became Campaign Chief of the Labor Party.

Andrew Murray is the son of Peter Drummond-Murray of Mastrick, a stockbroker and banker. Andrew Murray was educated at Worth School, a Benedictine independent boarding school in Sussex. From 1986 to 1987, Murray worked for the Soviet Novosti news agency. He has also expressed solidarity with North Korea.

Now for Seumus Milne.

He's the Executive Director of Strategy and Communications for Corbyn and the Labor Party. His communist tendencies are very well-known. Milne is also a public-schoolboy, just like Andrew Murray. He's also the younger son of former BBC Director General, Alasdair Milne.

In terms of politics, Milne has been a systematic fan of Stalin and the Soviet Union. He once claimed that history has been unkind to Joseph Stalin. He also gave the lowest number I've ever seen for the number of people murdered by the Soviet socialist regime.

Corbyn himself went to Castle House Preparatory School, an independent school in Shropshire. He was brought up in a seven-bedroom house in that charming county. He now lives in Islington, which is also where many very-posh (socialist) Fabians lived; as did Tony and Cherie Blair and countless progressive professors, lawyers, activists, etc.

Corbyn on Marx, Trotsky and the Soviet Union

Of course it's true that someone could say that Marx was an essentially a fascinating figure, from whom we can learn a great deal and not be a fan -- politically or ideologically -- of the dead German. But if that someone is Jeremy Corbyn (a radical socialist) saying these things, then that's something else entirely.

The Islington North MP also said:

Marx obviously analysed what was happening in a quite brilliant way and the philosophy around Marx is fascinating.

And as a Marxist socialist, I suppose that it's almost inevitable than Corbyn will think of capitalism in 19th-century terms. After all, that's when Marx was writing. Thus, when Corbyn also said that [t]he [Conservative] Government's policies... are a return to the workhouse he was being a gross rhetorician -- as Marx himself was.

Take also the following speech from Corbyn:

... I had an interesting meeting with an environmental campaigning group from the Soviet Union.... those people felt that they had the power to change the policies to stop the destruction of their own environment. The policies of free-market economies... have led to the pollution of the North Sea and the Irish Sea...

So Corbyn believed that environmental activists had more political power in the Soviet Union than their equivalents in the Western democracies. What's more, Corbyn seems to have thought this simply because of what was said to him during a single meeting.

In retrospect, it's ironic that Corbyn said the above just two years before the fall of the Soviet Union. This isn't a surprise. Corbyn, at that time, had a more favorable opinion of the Soviet Union than he had of the United Kingdom.

Corbyn's friend, George Galloway (also of the Stop the War Coalition), still mourns the death of the Soviet Union and has publicly stated that. I wonder if Corbyn does too. He'd never admit that today. After all, large sections of the Labor Party (before Corbyn's rule) have always been strongly against communism and Marxism  and not only since Tony Blair!

Of course, the official socialist mythology (though not for Seumus Milne, Andrew Murray, George Galloway and other communists!) is that Stalinism -- and sometimes the Soviet Union itself -- wasn't a true theological example of socialism/communism. All true examples of socialism will, of course, come in the future. All past examples of socialism/communism have been false examples. One true example of socialism might well have come to pass on the 9th of June, 2017, if Jeremy Corbyn had been elected prime minster of the United Kingdom. Corbyn's socialist state will only become false (or deviant) socialism when it fails; which it will do because every other socialist state (dozens of them) have failed in the past.

In 1988, Corbyn also took his honeymoon in the Soviet Union. It was then (or just after) that Corbyn called for a complete rehabilitation of Trotsky.

A Labor Party source, in response, said:

"Jeremy Corbyn has clearly been fixated by the political ideology and tactics of Leon Trotsky for some time, but perhaps he could now focus on the rehabilitation of the Labour Party, which has been performing very poorly in the polls since he became leader. Trotsky didn't have to worry about the troublesome business of winning elections, but the Labour Party does."

Trotsky has a glowing name in many socialist circles simply because his name isn't Stalin. Unlike Stalin, however, Trotsky never had massive state power. Thus Trotsky could never have caused as much pain -- and killed as many people -- as Stalin did. Had Trotsky gained state power, however, he would quite possibly have been even worse than Stalin.

For example, in 1918 Trotsky was the first Bolshevik to agitate for concentration camps (the Gulag) for political prisoners and the bourgeoisie. Before Lenin's death (in 1924) there were hundreds of Bolsheviks concentration camps in the USSR (i..e, before Stalin's rule!). Trotsky is also well-known for having slaughtered thousands of anarchists and -- the wrong kinds! -- of socialist in Kronstadt. In any case, Trotsky was much more ideologically obsessive than Stalin and thus, perhaps, he would have potentially been far more dangerous and bloodthirsty (had he gained power) than Stalin.

So when did communism become fashionable again? In 2015, when Jeremy Corbyn became leader of the British Labor Party -- that's when.
After Kim Jong-un tested his hydrogen bomb, everything in the world went just as we could expect. Someone started saber-rattling, and someone insisted that the problem of nuclear North Korea cannot be solved by military means under any circumstances.

Both use very serious arguments. Those who support appeasement of Kim quite reasonably note that the capital of South Korea, with its 25 million-strong population, is at an artillery salvo distance from the border with North Korea. Even a limited volley from the north will lead to hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties. Supporters of a massive blow to North Korea argue that it is better to have thousands of casualties among Koreans than to wait until the hydrogen bomb explodes over San Francisco and Americans become the victims.

Both sides have numerous supporters in the highest echelons of power in Washington.

Meanwhile, Fat Kim does not present a threat to the United States at present. Fat Kim is a threat to President Trump.

Fat Kim is not a dumb bump. He's just one of the players in the next political show of the Axis countries. The North Korean crisis allows others hostile to America  countries such as Iran, Russia, and Syria (i.e., Axis countries)  to check Trump's resolve. China is not a member of this Axis, but it watches Trump with great pleasure as he tries to get out of this entrapment.

All the Axis countries are linked by longstanding nuclear technology ties. Of all the Axis countries, only Syria lacks this technology (the Syrian nuclear reactor, which was built by North Korean engineers, was bombed by Israel in 2007).

The Axis countries are waiting for Trump's move. A standard geopolitical analysis shows that there are many options for Trump, but they all range from bad to very bad.

It's time for Trump to make an unconventional move  a move no one expects.

It is better not to increase the U.S. military potential in the region. On the contrary, it is better to completely withdraw all American troops from both South Korea and Japan.

In fact, American troops need to be relocated not into the continental U.S., but to Taiwan.

This move by Trump will make China stop playing the role of an outside observer. China will be faced with a choice  either China joins Trump on this issue, or she will never get back Taiwan, where the headquarters of the 7th U.S. Navy Fleet will now be located.

Of course, America's allies in the region, Japan and South Korea, in the face of the withdrawal of U.S. troops, will quite justifiably demand new guarantees of protection from the U.S. government. America should renew its lend-lease program from the Second World War and lease over to Japan and South Korea, for a term of 99 years, all the nuclear weapons they will ask for. The military budgets of these countries will skyrocket. China's inaction toward the Fat Kim regime will lead to the fact that in addition, China will get two unfriendly nuclear powers armed to the teeth at her own border.

If Trump adds to this the ban on trade with all countries that have trade relations with North Korea, then China, with four fifths of its economy dependent on the U.S. market, will suffer the most.

There is every reason to believe that China will make a reasonable choice. Most likely, she will do this much earlier than the first transport from Japan with the U.S. Marine Corps docks in Taipei. It is unreasonable to assume that China does not have a well conceived plan for rapid regime change in North Korea.

If wisdom escapes the Chinese communists, then as the icing on the cake, they will get a united Korea at their side. Capitalistic. And nuclear.

Gary Gindler is a conservative Russian-American blogger at Gary Gindler Chronicles.
The U.K. Daily Mail claims to have exclusive access to "figures revealed exclusively to MailOnline" detailing North Korean expenditures on Kim Jong-un's lifestyle, funded by counterfeiting, hacking, and other criminal enterprises carried on covertly by the state.

While North Korea is meant to be shackled by crippling sanctions, its dictator still manages to fund a nuclear programme and his own lavish lifestyle. Kim Jong-un supposedly does this by hacking banks, selling endangered species, Viagra and crystal meth as well as through a number of other illicit methods. The illegal dealings could reportedly be bringing the isolated country's leader as much as a whopping billion dollars a year while the nation remains one of just 34 in the world relying on UN handouts to feed its people. Hundreds of millions are reportedly dragged into Pyongyang by deals involving selling weapons and counterfeit banknotes, according to CNN. ... The illicit money-making scheme is reportedly run by a covert department called the Central Committee Bureau 39 of the Korean Workers' Party, which is more commonly known by its code name Room 39, according to the Express.

This is a criminal syndicate with sovereignty.

Naturally, there are no restraints on the ruthless tyrant at the summit of this gangster state. His sexual appetites evidently are satisfied on a scale of brutality worthy of Caligula.

The staggering statistics also show Kim Jong-un spent 2.7million last year on racy underwear for his band of groupies who are plucked as virgins to entertain him and his cronies. The dictator imported suspenders and corsets among his huge haul from China, which is more than double the figure he spent last year. They are said to have been ordered for his infamous Pleasure Squad, who are plucked from classrooms  some as young as 13  and subjected to medical tests to check they are virgins before being forced into a life of sexual servitude. Defectors have spoken about attending drunken sex parties where women would have their pubic hair shaved as a forfeit if they lost games. The figures come from the Trade Map and follows a report showing detailing how Kim Jong-un is also squandering millions on Champagne, horses and make-up while his people are struggling to make ends meet.

This is what we are dealing with: a monster.

Hat tip: J.J. Sefton, Ace
An old real estate rival of Donald Trump is giving up his soapbox from which vitriol has flowed toward the 45th president as another formerly important newspaper is sold for a pittance. In this case, the nominal price of one dollar for the New York Daily News obscures an undisclosed pension liability in the millions. Mort Zuckerman, the real estate developer and rival of Donald Trump, bought the paper for $36 million in 1993 and now will get a handsome tax write-off for his capital loss. The psychic income he got from running a newspaper in the Big Apple, often used to attack people Zuckerman despises, is not taxable by the IRS. After 24 years, and advanced in age, Zuckerman is packing it in. Jeff Bezos, no doubt, is paying close attention.

Once upon a time, the New York Daily News was the biggest newspaper in the United States, selling more than two million copies a day. Its easy-to-hold tabloid format made it ubiquitous on the city's subways, and its photo-journalism as "New York's Picture Newspaper" (a title it claimed until the 1990s) often carried a bigger punch than its colorful prose. The crime photographer known as Weegee (Arthur Fellig), with his speed graphic camera, produced gritty crime scene photos that are now regarded as masterpieces. "If it bleeds, it leads" was not invented by television news directors.

The Daily News's art deco skyscraper headquarters on 42nd Street near Grand Central Station is considered one of the finest examples of that building style, with a dramatic lobby containing a massive globe. This was said to be the inspiration for the fictional Daily Planet, where Superman's alter ego Clark Kent worked.



NYDN Building Lobby (from an old postcard).

In other words, if any newspaper could be considered the emblematic big-city, mass-circulation, blue-collar rag, it was the Daily News.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

The new owner is called Tronc, formerly the Tribune Company, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and a few other papers like the Baltimore Sun and Hartford Courant. Perhaps cost-cutting will be able to save the enterprise based on obsolete technology. Tronc plans to use the massive idle printing capacity of the NYDN's printing plant in Jersey City to print the Courant and another paper it owns in Allentown, Pa. No doubt writers will be sharing material across papers, but the biggest opportunity probably lies in advertising deals, since the company now owns papers in the three biggest cities in the country.

The number of newspapers that can survive as the soapbox of wealthy interests is rather limited. The attraction of the Washington Post to Jeff Bezos is obvious, but few local rags carry sufficient weight to be amusing as a plaything or useful as a tool of political influence.

Time is running out on the newspaper industry.
Previous Nobel Peace Prize winners are criticizing another Nobel laureate for her silence and inaction over the treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 after decades of being persecuted for her advocacy to bring democracy to Burma, now known as Myanmar. Her party won a resounding victory at the polls in 2015, defeating the oppressive military junta. While ineligible to become president, she assumed a new office  state counselor  becoming de facto political leader of the country.

But her power is largely based on her moral leadership. That leadership has been lacking as the military, which is still a powerful political force in the country, has once again begun an effort to punish the Muslim minority known as the Rohingyas.

The Rohingyas are considered the most oppressed minority group in the world, as the military routinely raids Rohingya villages and towns, killing many and driving many more out of the country. Currently, about 125,000 Rohingyas have fled their homes as the military has carried out reprisal raids for a Rohingya terrorist attack on a military base.

Through all of this, Suu Kyi has refused to criticize the Myanmar military for their brutal crackdown, leading many former peace prize winners to call for stripping Suu Kyi of her award.

NPR:

In December, [Malala] Yousafzai signed a letter along with several other Nobel laureates calling for the "international community as a whole to speak out much more strongly" as "a human tragedy amounting to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity is unfolding in Myanmar." Yanghee Lee, the United Nations' special rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, told the BBC it was a "really grave" situation in Rakhine and called for Suu Kyi to "step in." In the U.K., Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that "the treatment of the Rohingya is alas besmirching the reputation of Burma." Myanmar is also known as Burma, and is a former British colony. "I hope [Suu Kyi] can now use all her remarkable qualities to unite her country, to stop the violence and to end the prejudice that afflicts both muslims and other communities in Rakhine," Johnson said in a statement. Suu Kyi has kept mostly silent about the ongoing plight of the Muslim minority in largely Buddhist Myanmar  which may seem out of place for a democracy activist who spent most of the time between 1989 and 2010 under house arrest imposed by the military junta, which ruled the country at the time. As Michael Sullivan and Ashley Westerman reported for NPR earlier this year, her silence is likely a political strategy: "In overwhelmingly Buddhist Myanmar, speaking out for the rights of a much-maligned Muslim minority doesn't win votes." Also, Myanmar's military "still wields an inordinate amount of power in the country, and it has capitalized on the issue of the Rohingyas in order to preserve power," Darwin Peng writes in the Harvard Political Review. But the latest wave of violence has been particularly horrific, human rights advocates say. "The brutality is unthinkable. They're killing children. They're killing women. They're killing the elderly. They're killing men and boys, it's indiscriminate," Matthew Smith of the group Fortify Rights told reporter Michael Sullivan on NPR Monday. Myanmar's military says at least 400 people have been killed in the recent fighting. Human rights groups say Myanmar's military has used systematic rape as a weapon of war, as Sullivan and Westerman reported. Human Rights Watch says satellite images show an entire Rohingya village being burned recently, one of 17 "sites where burnings have taken place." Myanmar won't acknowledge the Rohingya as citizens, saying they are immigrants from Bangladesh.

At the time Suu Kyi received her award, she was hailed for her courage to speak out and steadfastness in the face of arrest and torture. She lived under house arrest for decades as the military brutalized the country. Now, with hundreds of thousands of people suffering the worst kind of oppression, she is maintaining her silence for political reasons.

To me, it's just one more indication how ridiculous the Nobel committee has been over the years when awarding the peace prize. There have been some deserving recipients, but the committee's definition of "peace" leaves a lot to be desired.

The prize became almost irrelevant when it was awarded to Yasser Arafat  a Palestinian terrorist who ordered the murder of Jewish babies. After that, the prize became a joke. Al Gore? Barack Obama? Jimmy Carter? Kofi Annan? (The former sec-gen of the U.N. is considered one of the most corrupt diplomats in the organization's history.) The list of unworthy recipients is long and undistinguished.

Suu Kyi may have, at one time, demonstrated qualities that made her worthy of the peace prize. But when the most dire circumstances arise where her leadership could actually make a difference and save lives, she prefers to sit on the sidelines, terrified that standing up for a persecuted minority will cost her party votes in the next election.

From idealist to cynic. Or maybe a cynic all this time, and we just failed to see past our own hero-worship of someone who uses language to stand up to guns. Either way, it's one more black mark on the Nobel committee that chose her.
The most recent North Korean nuclear test  the detonation of the country's most powerful bomb to date  has ratcheted up tensions between the U.S. and Kim's regime to levels unseen before. The U.S. is now openly threatening the North with "annihilation," and it appears that U.S. forces are in position for a decisive strike.

But over the last 24 hours, China, Russia, and South Korea have all warned the U.S. against taking military action against North Korea. At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley made it clear that the U.S. patience "had its limits" and that Kim Jong-un is "begging for war."

NPR:

"Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," Haley told an emergency session of the 15-member Security Council in New York. She said that incremental sanctions on North Korea imposed by the Security Council since 2006 had failed to stop Pyongyang's march toward more powerful and dangerous weapons. She said Kim appeared to be "begging for war." "Despite our efforts the North Korea nuclear program is more advanced and more dangerous than ever," she said. "We must adopt the strongest possible measures," Haley said. The U.S. is expected to circulate a draft resolution of unspecified new sanctions for a possible vote of the Security Council next Monday.

Haley pulled no punches in her address to the Security Council. That's been her style since arriving  a refreshing change from the Obama administration.

But her call for new sanctions is falling on deaf ears in Moscow and Beijing.

NBC News:

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday that ramping up the "military hysteria" around North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile tests could lead to a "global catastrophe." He also questioned the effectiveness of tightening sanctions, as the U.S. has suggested, saying that they will not change the behavior of Kim Jong Un and his regime. North Korea "would rather eat grass" than abandon its nuclear program "as long as they do not feel safe," Putin said. The Russian leader urged dialogue with Pyongyang. "In this situation pressing on military hysteria will not bring anything, this may end up in a global catastrophe and huge amount of human life lost," Putin told reporters during a visit to China. His comments came two days after Kim's government detonated its sixth and largest nuclear test. On Monday, South Korea responded by firing missiles into the sea to simulate an attack on the North with more military drills being held on Tuesday. Putin also suggested that Kim's government had learned lessons from the U.S. invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein, pointing out that after that dictator "abandoned weapons of mass destruction everyone remembers how he ended up. North Korea remembers this too." North Korea has stated in public statements that it wants an official end to the Korean War  which was halted by a 1953 armistice but no peace treaty has been signed. It also wants nothing short of full normalization of relations with the U.S. and to be treated with respect and as an equal in the global arena.

The use of the word "hysteria" by Putin is a deliberate effort to delegitimize U.S. claims that North Korea's missile and nuclear program represents an existential threat to the United States. I don't think we can count on any support from Russia if the U.S. goes to war with the North Koreans.

Same goes for China, although Beijing may also be reaching the end of it patience with Kim. They warned that China would "never allow chaos and war on the peninsula."

The Hill:

During an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, Liu Jieyi said the situation on the Korean peninsula is "deteriorating constantly" and the issue needs to be resolved "peacefully." "China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula," he said. "The parties concerned must strengthen their sense of urgency, take due responsibilities, play their due roles, take practical measures, make joint efforts together to ease the situation, restart the dialogue and talks and prevent further deterioration of the situation on the peninsula." His comments come after North Korea claimed it successfully tested a miniaturized hydrogen bomb capable of fitting on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

China may have been "pressing North Korea hard" not to stage a nuclear test, but the Chinese are not willing to do much else to rein in their ally. China opposes sanctions, largely because any sanctions on trade would hurt it the most. It is the North's largest trading partner and if, as has been discussed by U.S. national security officials, the next round of sanctions would hit North Korea's trading partners, it would elicit a likely veto from China at the Security Council.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Moon Jae-in has been calling for direct talks with the North to solve the crisis. Whether deliberate or not, that strategy has angered the U.S. president.

New York Times:

Now, as North Korea carries out a series of provocative missile and nuclear bomb tests, that alliance is straining at a time when both nations may need it more than ever. President Trump issued a blast of antagonistic comments in the last few days that have made South Koreans doubt that they can take the alliance for granted any longer. On Twitter on Thursday, he declared that talking is not the answer! in dealing with North Korea, casting aside the push by the new South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, to hold talks with the North. On Saturday, he threatened to withdraw the United States from a five-year-old free trade agreement with South Korea over what he considers its unfair protectionistpolicies. And on Sunday, after North Korea detonated its most powerful nuclear device yet, he essentially called the South Koreans appeasers. South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing! Mr. Trump said on Twitter.

Indeed, President Moon may be shying away from a military confrontation with the North, but he seems perfectly willing to give Kim exactly what he wants  granting legitimacy to the North Korean regime by recognizing its status as a nuclear power.

Why reward Kim for bringing the world to the brink? Trump is right. Any talks will start from the premise that North Korea's WMD program is legitimate. This means that anytime Kim wants to extract concessions from South Korea or the U.S., he'll test another bomb or shoot off another ICBM. Where will it end?

It may end sooner than we think. South Korea says the North is moving one of its most advanced missiles to the west coast, perhaps preparing for another test launch. At this point, any aggressive move by Kim may lead to a military response by the U.S.
We will soon know President Trump's decision on DACA.

We read in news reports that some DREAMers are scared:

Leezia Dhalla is spending her days glued to the news, anxiously waiting for President Trump finally to announce whether he will kill the program that has protected her and nearly 800,000 other young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

My guess is that President Trump will kill DACA but grandfather some until the U.S. Congress decides.

Nevertheless, there is a larger issue here that I hope every "DREAMer" takes into consideration. We are a nation of laws. We are not governed by executive impulses, whether or not you agree with it.

As I always remind young DREAMers, this is not Cuba, where Raul Castro arbitrarily decides what websites his people can see, or Venezuela where Maduro created a mock referendum to change the legislative branch, or Mexico, where the rule of law makes justice difficult, or any other Latin American country where leaders act impulsively.

Unlike most of the DREAMers' original countries, the U.S. operates on the basis of law.

By the way, this is why my parents sacrificed so much to come to the U.S. They wanted us to grow up not in Cuba, but rather in a nation that respects its laws.

The DREAMers will eventually get to stay because the rule of law, or a law passed by Congress, will likely happen. At the same time, Congress may never agree on something, and that happens, too in a country run by laws, not executive impulses.



PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Pointing out inconsistencies in left wing thought is a sport which requires as much effort as rolling dice. Seven, again.

In the name game dustup, the puddle-deep intellect and thought process of the left wingers is in full display.

Take the above example. No explanation necessary.

Now let us move to the movement to rename Washington Park and Jackson Park in Chicago. It is proposed that Washington Park be renamed for the late mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington. Jackson Park is proposed to be renamed after Jesse Jackson. But wait, pause, ponder.

Where did Harold Washington get the surname "Washington"? And where did Jesse Jackson get the surname "Jackson"? European immigrants typically brought their surnames as they immigrated, but in these cases the surnames Washington and Jackson certainly did not come from tribal Africa.

African-Americans typically were plucked from their home continent and pressed into involuntary servitude. Christian names were acquired and surnames often assumed by the domestic household slaves. Upon emancipation, field hands often took past presidential surnames for identification. These names held stature.

It is highly likely, to the point of certainty, that Jesse's and Harold's descendents assumed the names Jackson and Washington out of respect for those presidents.

Curious that at that point in time the surnames of slaveholders such as Jackson, Washington, and even Jefferson would be assumed by the former slaves themselves. Today their descendents now find so much objectionable about those men from whom the surnames originated. Where were the objections to those names, those men, that we hear today?

"It is unfair to judge a man on the views of his day by the ideological fashions of another era." Anon.

And isn't that the first rule of historical study?

I propose that Jesse Jackson, and other blacks who bear the name of past slaveholders, do the right thing: change their names. After all, it is the politically correct thing to do.
Joel Clement believes he's been mistreated by the Trump administration. Up until this last July, he was the director of policy analysis for the Interior Department  a position he had held since January 2011. Now he's a senior adviser in the Office on Natural Resource Revenue within the Interior Department. Clement believes that the reassignment was done in retaliation because he used to advocate for policies that addressed the harmful effects of climate change. A week after starting his new job, Clement filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. He claims that the transfer will "exacerbate the already significant threat to the health and the safety of certain Alaska Native communities." According to NPR's Morning Edition, a number of advocacy groups agree with Mr. Clement.

In a Washington Post opinion piece, the former policy analysis director declared that he is not "an accountant," but instead a "scientist and policy expert" and that the move to an office that mostly "collects royalty checks from fossil fuel companies" is "a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars."

Perhaps Mr. Clement is right. Perhaps his background is a poor match for his new position.

A quick look at Clement's LinkedIn page provides more detail on his work experience before becoming a civil servant. Prior to becoming the director of policy analysis, Clement worked for eight years as a program officer at the Wilburforce Foundation. Charity Navigator states that this is a "Private Grant Making Foundation." The organization's own "Strategic Framework 2025" states that it "funds projects and programs in our priority areas that advance our mission and vision." This means that those working for Clement's previous employer didn't actually do any work in the field. They instead conducted studies, made recommendations, distributed grant money, and reviewed the effectiveness of those allocations.

Given that Mr. Clement's current job title does not include the words "auditor," "manager," or "accountant," but is instead an "adviser" position, one can be reassured that he is not responsible for balancing books or keeping accounts. It appears that he would instead be expected to conduct studies, make recommendations, and review the effectiveness of the department's efforts, which would seem pretty close to what he did before at the Wilburforce Institute. It leads one to wonder whether senior adviser Clement really is an aggrieved individual or an angry advocate who has lost his best platform for injecting climate change policies into the Interior Department.

Dr. Tar is the pseudonym of Barry Foltos, Ph.D. Dr. Tar is a regular contributor to iOTW Report and author of the speculative thriller FairPoint.
In the mid-1800s, ranchers across Sioux County, in the US state of Nebraska, began unearthing strange, spiral structures of hardened rock-like material sticking vertically out of the ground. The spirals were as thick as an arm and some of them were taller than a man. Not knowing what they were, the ranchers began calling them devils corkscrew.

The puzzling structures first came to the notice of the scientific community through geologists Dr. E. H. Barbour in 1891, when he was asked to investigate a nine-foot long specimen that a local rancher had discovered on his property along the Niobrara River. Barbour found that the spirals were actually sand-filled tubes with the outer walls made of some white fibrous material. Barbour knew they were fossils but of what he wasnt sure. He named them Daemonelix, which was just the Latin equivalent of its local name, devils corkscrew.

Nuroanatomist Frederick C. Kenyon stands next to a Daemonelix burrow, discovered in the late 19th century at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

The year following the discovery, Barbour put forward his first theory. The fibrous material of the screws provided him the first clue, while the ancient geological history of the surrounding, where these screws were found, provided him the second. Barbour decided that Daemonelix must be the roots of a giant freshwater sponge that thrived in immense freshwater lakes that once supposed to have covered this region.

For a while, the theory held sway but one thing that confounded the scientific community at the time was the presence of rodent bones inside the corkscrews. Further research also revealed that the rocks surrounding the Daemonelix fossils had more in common with semiarid grassland rather than with lakes, prompting Barbour to suggest that the spirals were a new type of giant plants instead. But it was the rodent bones that finally undid the fossil plant theory.

In 1893, Edward Drinker Cope and Theodor Fuchs independently proposed that the Daimonelix were the remnants of ancient spiral burrows that filled up with sand and silt. The bones found within the corkscrews belonged to the rodents who dug them and became entombed within. But Barbour wasnt going to give up on his fossil plant theory just as yet. He argued that the form of the corkscrew was too perfect to have been constructed by a 'reasoning creature'.

The dispute ended with the discovery of scratch marks on the inside of the spirals indicating that an animals had clawed them out of moist soil. In 1905, the animals responsible for the creation of the corkscrews were identified as the now extinct genus of beavers named the Palaeocastor that lived in the North American Badlands some 22 million years ago.

The Palaeocastor were about the size of woodchucks or smaller. They had short tails, small ears and eyes, like gophers, but long claws and unusually long front teeth which grew rapidly to counteract the wear that results from digging. Evidence suggests that the burrowing beaver fixes its hind feet on the axis of the spiral and literally screws itself straight down into the ground. A couple of feet underground, the burrow extends into several side chambers for sleeping and rearing the young. Some of these living chambers contain low pockets that may have served as sinks for water or dedicated latrines. Some burrows also contain highly inclined living chambers which may have kept the sleeping Palaeocastors safe from flooding.

The spiral nature of the burrow might have provided protection against predators who couldnt have reached down as they might have into a straight burrow. The spiraling structure could have also made it easier for the Palaeocastor to push excavated dirt up a gently sloping spiral than a steeper straight burrow.

The Palaeocastors died out during the Oligocene Epoch when the planets ecosystem changed from a wetter climate to a dry tropical world dominated by grasslands.

Today, you can visit Agate Fossil Beds and hike down the Daemonelix Trail to see for yourself several Paleocastors corkscrew burrows still embedded in the side of the hills.

Daemonelix burrows at the Nebraska State Museum of Natural History. Photo credit: James St. John/Flickr

Photo credit: www.digitalhistoryproject.com

Photo credit: www.digitalhistoryproject.com

Photo credit: www.digitalhistoryproject.com

Photo credit: www.digitalhistoryproject.com

Fossil of Palaeocastor. Photo credit: Ghedoghedo/Wikimedia

This fossil depicts a beaver in natural cast of the burrow it had made. Photo credit: Claire H/Wikimedia

Sources: Wikipedia / Natural History Magazine / NPCA / Earth Archives
(RAPF Release)  As we await the approach of Hurricane Irma. A rainfall model created by Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) of potential rainfall as a result of the passage of Hurricane Irma has been developed.

There is the potential for significant flooding in several areas in Anguilla based, on projected rainfall and storm surge as result of the passage of Hurricane Irma. These areas are:

 Sandy Ground

 Cauls Pond

 Long Pond

 Shoal Bay East

 Meads Bay

 The Valley

 Areas of Mount Fortune

 Parts of Island Harbour

 And the south coast of the island to from West End, through Rendezvous Bay, Lockrum, Little Harbour, Forest Bay, Sandy Hill Bay including long Pond, Sea Feathers, The Copse, and Junks Hole.

Residents of these areas are asked to seriously consider evacuating their homes and moving to a Shelter or the home of family or friends, who do not reside in low-lying or flood prone areas.

There are four (4) shelters that will be in operation in Anguilla as of 4:00pm today Tuesday 5th September, 2017. These shelters are the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School in West End, The Bethel Methodist Church Hall in South Hill, The Ebenezer Methodist Church Hall in The Valley and The Mount Fortune Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sandy Hill.

These shelters will be manned an Officer from the Anguilla Fire Service, a member of the Department of Disaster Management and a member of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.

Extremely strong winds are projected (120 mph plus) in Hurricane Irma; will cause storm surge with heavy rain (at least 12 inches at around 2 inches per hour) and waves up to 15 meters (50 feet).

Please note this is only a potential model for possible rainfall that may cause flooding, during the passage of Hurricane Irma.

Chrispen Gumbs, Insp.

PMRO

Royal Anguilla Police Force
Ole Jensen - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images(COPENHAGEN) -- The Danish inventor accused in the death of Swedish journalist Kim Wall says that she died aboard his submarine after she was accidentally hit in the head by a 155-pound hatch, prosecutors revealed in court today.



Peter Madsen, 46, is being held on charges of manslaughter and indecent handling of a corpse, according to the BBC. On Tuesday, Madsen made his first public appearance in a Copenhagen court, where prosecutors read the explanation he gave during a closed court hearing on Aug. 12.



During the hearing Madsen said that while in his submarine's tower on Aug. 10, he slipped and lost grip of the heavy lid to the vessel, according to Danish media reports. Wall, 30, was on her way up to the tower and was hit in the head with the cover, he had told police.



Madsen said that Wall sustained an open skull fracture and was bleeding from the head, according to Danish media. She also had cramps, but they stopped after about 20 seconds, he told the court. After 20 seconds, she had no pulse and was dead, Madsen said.



After Wall died, Madsen said that he wanted to commit suicide. But he didnt want the submarine to become Walls grave, he said, which was why he decided to throw her into the sea. First he decided to rest for two hours to think things through, he said, according to Danish media. At some point he changed his mind about committing suicide, because he wanted to see his wife and cats first, he said.



"I just wanted to have five minutes tsay o goodbye," he said.



Madsen at first changed stories regarding what happened to Wall. On Aug. 11, he denied to police that he killed her, saying instead that he dropped her off on land at the tip of Refshale Island in Copenhagen. That day, he was arrested and charged with reasoned suspicion of negligent manslaughter, and he admitted to police that Wall died as a result of an accident, and that hed buried her at sea.



When asked in court why he didn't tell police about Wall's death right away, Madsen said he thought he'd be able to go home to his wife first, Danish media reported. Madsen said he realized that he needed to give the real explanation after he was locked up, so during a court appearance on Aug. 12 he said that Wall died on the submarine.



Madsen says that he is guilty of indecent handling of a corpse, but not of killing Wall. In court, he said he tied a type of homemade lead weight around Wall's body and threw her in the sea, Danish media reported.



Wall, a freelance reporter, was last seen on Aug. 10, when she was to embark on a brief ride aboard Madsen's submarine that evening for a story about the inventor.



The submarine sank "suddenly' the next morning, police said, and added that it was intentionally sunk. Madsen was then rescued on a private motorboat.



On Aug. 21, a cyclist found a woman's torso in the same area where Wall went missing. Two days later, police confirmed that the torso belonged to Wall.



Wall's head, legs and arms have not been found and were deliberately cut off, police said.



Madsen said in court that he didn't know anything about the dismemberment of Wall's body parts, according to Danish media. In court today, prosecutors showed Madsen that Wall's head, arms and legs were cut off on purpose, and asked him who else would have cut off the body parts, Danish media reported.



A prosecutor then asked Madsen if he had a saw aboard the submarine. Madsen replied that he owned a type of saw used to cut wood, but said it wasn't in the submarine when he was with Wall, and that as far as he knows it's still in his workshop. The prosecutor said that the saw is not in his workshop.



Blood was found on the floor of the submarine, the prosecutor said in court. A pair of women's panties, tights and locks of hair were also found in the submarine. Neither Madsen's nor Wall's cell phones were found in the submarine, the prosecutor said.



A Danish judge decided in court Tuesday that the results of Wall's autopsy report would be off the record. The results were read out in court, but the media was prohibited from reporting them.



Madsen, who has taken people sailing in the submarine on several occasions, confirmed to prosecutors that the sea was calm the day Wall disappeared, but then said that boats in the sea create waves.



The purpose of Tuesday's hearing was to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to maintain Madsen's detention, which the judge extended. The judge also ruled that Madsen is to be mentally examined, which the prosecutor had requested.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Dear Wilhelm and Family!

Ive been waiting a while to get a letter from you in which you would send me the letter from Mr. Fruh about your inquiry. Apparently you havent received anything, so Ill inform you that Ive had to give the government very positive, specific details about our ancestry and where our assets are currently.

You told me a lot previously, but I need more specific details. I thought you had heard something from Mr. Fruh that could be useful to me. Please be so kind and tell me everything, even the smallest details. The matter is indeed starting to take shape. I havent heard anything from Gersweiler and Mr. Kugler also seems to know nothing. People here keep speculating about everything and are becoming suspicious of each other. I dont have a lot of news to report. I wrote to that guy Becker in Hundheim. Maybe Ill hear something there.

Things in Germany are looking up thanks to our Fuhrer and the cleansing of the population from the Jews (Those exploiters who are the misfortune of humanity). Since 1/1/1936, they cant employ Germans as their service personnel, because of the desecration that those good-for-nothings did on the German girls. If one of them even dares nowadays, even if they just insult a girl, they will be put in prison straightaway those rapists. In addition, German citizenship was revoked for all of them, they are not Germans  foreign to the German race, and should be sent to Palestine where a lot already ran off to, those bastards.

The winter relief fund was a great success and even a lot of foreigners took part. A lot still needs to be done, because countless people have lost their belongings due to the war and the government run by Jews afterwards. I also lost 500,000 Reichsmark and could therefore make good use of the inheritance.

Well then, I look forward to hearing from you and I wish you and your family a good new year from the bottom of my heart, and hope we resolve the issue soon.

In the meantime I send you heartfelt greetings,

Your Cousin,

Ernst Ries
ROME - The Syrian Army has broken the three-year ISIS siege on the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor, the country's last city remaining under the jihadists' control, according to Syrian state TV.



Government forces entered the Brigade 137 military base on the eastern periphery of the city.



This is the first breach that Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have opened in the city's urban area.



ISIS had dominated in the region since 2013, but it wasn't until 2014 that it took control of the entire Euphrates valley in Syria.


TEL AVIV - Israel on Monday began a massive exercise at the border with Lebanon that will continue for 12 days, to reinforce its defences in the event of a conflict in which Hezbollah could penetrate into areas of Galilee and occupy villages there, according to Israeli Army Radio.



A significant part of the drills - in which thousands of Israeli reservists will take part, in addition to conscripted soldiers - will include simulated evacuations of Israeli areas exposed to the threat of a Hezbollah advance.



Other forecasts regard the launch of missiles and rockets from Lebanon on Israel at the pace of more than 1,000 a day, as well as cyber attacks on Israeli infrastructure.



The drills are considered the most important in the past 20 years in terms of size and will include military ground forces as well as the Air Force, Navy and intelligence.



The website of Hebrew-language daily Maariv said Hezbollah has increasing Iranian military support.



"From a guerrilla terrorist organization, they have transformed into a well-structured army with 40,000 men," it said.


Too soon to say if migrant reduction structural - Minister Minniti says may have exaggerated about democracy in peril

(ANSAmed) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 5 - Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Tuesday that it was too soon to say whether the reduction in the number of migrants coming to Italy from North Africa would last.



The huge wave of asylum seekers has slowed in recent months after Italy launched a mission to support the Libyan coast guard and implement a code of conduct on NGOs conducting migrant rescues at sea in the southern Mediterranean.



"We are witnessing a significant reduction in the migrant arrivals but it's a little soon to say whether the drop is structural," Minniti told an event organized by artisans association Confartigianato.



He also admitted that "I don't know if I exaggerated" when he said the migrant crisis was putting democracy in peril.



As for NGOs, he said: "Italy has the right and the duty to have relations with those that reconcile the principle of humanity with that of security".(ANSAmed).




BARCELONA - This is the week of no-return for Catalonia with seccessionist lawmakers on Wednesday set to approve the law instituting the independence referendum on October 1, which Madrid considers to be unconstitutional. On the same evening Catalan governor Carles Puigdemont is expected to sign the enabling decree, which will be countersigned by all the ministers in the regional government. Spanish Premier will appeal against the law within 24 hours to the constitutional court, which will suspend it immediately.



At that point Puigdemont and his government will have to either obey Spanish law and call off the referendum or press ahead in the name of 'Catalan legality'. They have already said this is what they intend to do.



"Things are already at a point of no return," said analyst Inaki Gabilondo.



In the clash between David and Goliath from Thursday or Friday the scenario could become unpredictable. Rajoy has all the force of the State - police, judiciary, army - on his side, as well as article 155 of the constitution allowing him to remove Puigdemont from office and suspend Catalonia's autonomy.






If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both
BrusselsSo far the European Commission had not uttered a word about the inadequate exchange of information between Spains law enforcement agencies and Catalonias Mossos dEsquadra, but the subject was eventually broached during Mondays debate. The EUs Home Affairs Commissioner, Dimitris Avramopulos, stated that lives could have been saved in terror attacks such as Barcelonas on August 17, if information had been shared more effectively.

Undoubtedly, terrorist outrages such as the attacks in Barcelona, Turku, London, Stockholm and Berlin have shown us that timely, more effective information-sharing could have saved lives, said Mr Avramopulos, speaking on the subject of terrorism before the Home Affairs and Justice Commission of the European Parliament.

The investigation into the recent attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils has revealed that, unbeknownst to the Catalan police, Spains Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil had both probed Ripoll imam Abdelbaki es Satty and even wiretapped his phone over his connection with jihadist groups. Es Satty allegedly masterminded the terrorist attacks that hit Catalonia this summer.

Access to Europol's information

During Mondays appearance before the European Parliament and addressing Avramopulos and Europe's anti-terror coordinator Gilles de Kerchove, Portugals socialist MEP Ana Gomes criticised the fact that Catalonias police force has no direct access to Europol, the European body that coordinates law enforcement agencies across the European Union. Here lies the problem: the political hurdles between and within member states, said Gomes.

In the wake of the attack on August 17, the Spanish government vowed to grant the Mossos access to Europol intel, starting this month. It is a time-honoured demand by the Catalan authorities that had been resisted by Madrid up until now.
SC accepts bank's petition and posts matter for hearing on Monday; homebuyers oppose bank's fresh submission.

Mumbai: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea brought in by the IDBI Bank over the apex court's order staying insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech, a housing construction company. The SC had on Monday stayed the insolvency litigation.

Chief justice Dipak Misra had ordered the stay while disposing off a public interest litigation (PIL) brought before the apex court by a Delhi resident Chitra Sharma, one of the home-buyers who had booked flats in Jaypee Infratech project.

As the stay came in, as many as 32,000 home-buyers in Jaypee Infratech projects were told to fill up forms by August 31 in order to register claims as part of insolvency proceedings against the housing firm.

The Allahabad bench of National Company Law Tribunal had earlier gave a go-ahead for an insolvency proceedings to be started against Jaypee Infratech based on the provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

In its fresh submission, the IDBI has sought from the top court modification of its stay order that came on Monday after Jaypee had approached the SC. The apex court has said it will take up the bank's plea at its next hearing on Monday.

However, those who had booked flats in Jaypee's housing projects have opposed IDBI Bank's fresh submission before the Supreme Court. Earlier, as many as 32,000 home buyers who had purchased houses in Jaypee's projects had also rushed to the Supreme Court to safeguard their interests.

According to reports, Jaypee Infratech -- a subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates -- defaulted or has not made return payment of Rs 526.11 crore of loans due to be paid back to IDBI Bank. The non-payment of dues attracted the IBC provisions and kick-started insolvency proceedings against the company.
Raghuram Rajan, the former RBI governor was speaking at the launch of his book 'I Do What I Do'.

Mumbai: Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, whose book I Do What I Do has been creating quite a stir on Tuesday said that he enjoyed a fair amount of independence while working with two governments.

Rajan was speaking at the launch of his book, excerpts of which have gone viral, especially where he says he had cautioned the government about the ill-effects of demonetisation.

Rajan's statement comes days after the central bank released data on demonetisation, according to which nearly 99 per cent on the scrapped notes came back into the banking system. The Modi government has been facing immense criticism from the Opposition ever since.

According to a report in IANS, speaking to former RBI governor C Rangarajan, Rajan said "There was no interference in carrying out my agenda. I had a good relationship with both governments... and I kept them informed," he added.

However, he said there are times when the RBI chief has to put his foot down and speak out on issues, even if it is against the government.

In that duty (as RBI governor), you sometimes have to say no to pressures that come down on you. You are not quite in the place of a bureaucrat and the mistake that some people make is treat the RBI governor as yet another bureaucrat, he said.

On his statements regarding demonetisation, he said he wanted to set the record straight on demonetisation as the Parliament had a right to know what had really happened.

Finally breaking his silence after his controversial resignation in 2016, he said in his book: At no point in my term was the RBI asked to make a decision on demonetisation.

An economist by profession, Rajan was the one to have predicted the global economic meltdown of 2008.
The chamber said that India can finally connect to Gulf region, where more than 7 million Indians reside.

Releasing the study on the Iran-India gas pipeline, former oil secretary T.N.R. Rao said natural gas imported through the over $4 billion line would cost $5-5.50 per million.

New Delhi: if India has to feedstock its power, fertiliser and steel plants in an environment-friendly and affordable way, it must push for a transnational deepwater gas pipeline from Iran, passing through Oman but bye-passing Pakistan for a sustainable supply of the industrial fuel, an study said on Tuesday.

Releasing the study on the Iran-India gas pipeline, former oil secretary T.N.R. Rao said natural gas imported through the over $4 billion line would cost $5-5.50 per million.

British thermal unit at the Indian coast, cheaper than the rate at which some of the domestic fields supply gas. This could save around $1 billion annually. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported through ships costs about $7.50 per mmBtu, it said.

Mr Rao is the chairman of the advisory board of South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt Ltd (SAGE)  the firm wanting to lay the undersea line  said the pipeline can first travel to Oman, and then onwards to Porbandar in Gujarat.

An undersea pipeline between Iran-Oman-India will connect the producers and consumers of gas directly. This will bypass all geo-political issues. It will also lead to more gas-to-gas competition and creating a genuine gas hub, as in Europe/USA, the Assocham study suggested.

The chamber said that India can finally connect to Gulf region, where more than 7 million Indians reside. It said during the year 2016-17, India consumed 55,534 MMSCM (million standard cubic meter) of natural gas of which 24,686 MMSCM was imported.

The country imports LNG and gasifies the same for domestic use. India is now the fourth largest natural gas importer, mainly from Qatar - the worlds largest gas exporter.

Assocham said in fact, the pipelines in Europe for carrying gas from Russia came up to avoid geo-political issues only. "Point to note is that 72 percent of LNG trade takes place in Asia. India is among the fastest developing market," it said.

The study said India must take a stronger and more pro-active approach to build a least one transnational gas pipeline in next five years. Currently 2500 MW gas based power generation capacity is idle, due to non-availability of low priced gas (and LNG being unaffordable), it said.

"No new fertiliser plants are being set up for same reason. There are several Indian steel plates and steel pipe manufacturers and construction companies which will gain sizeable business from the proposed pipeline, to promote / boost 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' Campaigns of Prime Minister," it said.

The chamber said Indian manufacturers have the capacity to supply required steel pipes for laying the pipeline. "Steel may also be sourced from Japanese and European companies. Both India and Iran can guide sourcing of material based on the best interests of their respective economies," it said.

"The advantage of having gas through pipelines are primarily long time gas supply/purchase contract, made at fair price, enabling new capital investment in projects of gas receiving countries. This can likely save almost a billion US Dollars annually for the country too, for the contract duration of 20/25 years," it added.
The actor is all set to return to work after taking a year off for her children in the wake of her split with Brad Pitt.

Angelina Jolie had recently said that they wasn't enjoying being single following her split. (Photo: AFP)

Los Angeles: Actor Angelina Jolie is all set to return to work after taking a year off for her children in the wake of her split from Brad Pitt.

The 42-year-old star filed for divorce from Pitt on September 19 last year, citing irreconcilable differences with the 'Moneyball' actor. The official statement from Jolie read the reason for her decision was the health of the family.

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter at the Telluride film festival, where her latest directorial, 'First They Killed My Father' was screened, she said, "Right now I don't have anything to direct that I feel passionate about like this, so I'll do some acting.

"I've taken over a year off now, because of my family situation, to take care of my kids. When they can have -- when I feel it's time for me to go back to work, I'll be able to go back to work. I've been needed at home. I hope (to work again) in the months to come."

When asked what she would be working on, she said, "'Maleficent' (sequel), we're working on, most likely. And I look forward to having some fun with that. 'Cleopatra', there is a script. There's a lot of different things floating around. But I haven't committed."
The declaration referred to terrorism at least 17 times, apart from mentioning other forms of extremism and radicalisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chinese First Lady Peng Li Yuan in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Brics Summit in Chinas Fujian province. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi/Xiamen/ Beijing: In a major diplomatic victory for India, the Brics Summit joint declaration for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) along with ISIS, Taliban and others groups indulging in violence, while adding that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable.

We express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and Hizb ut-Tahrir We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism, said the declaration on Monday, adopted at the 9th Brics Summit in Chinese city of Xiamen.

The statement  issued with the endorsement of the five Brics nations  comes a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday.

In Xiamen, MEAs secretary (East) Preeti Saran was quoted as telling reporters, For the first time specific listing of terror organisations has been made (in the Brics declaration)... Terrorism is a scourge that has to be addressed collectively by the entire international community. And, I think, increasingly there is a realisation that you cannot have double standards in tackling this scourge.

The declaration referred to terrorism at least 17 times, apart from mentioning other forms of extremism and radicalisation.

At the Brics Goa Summit last year, China had stalled Indias efforts to include Pakistan-based terror groups in the declaration. But New Delhi seems to have persuaded Beijing this time to come on board.

China said that Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like JeM, LeT and the Haqqani network have been included in the Brics joint declaration due to concerns about their violent activities in the region.

These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told news agency PTI in a written response.

He, however, skirted a question on whether the naming of JeM by Brics nations marks a change in Beijings stand of opposing the UN ban against the groups chief Masood Azhar.

China has been blocking efforts by India to get UN sanctions imposed on JeM chief and Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar. While India hopes that China, having put its signature on the statement, will follow it up with action, Beijing is most likely to back its all-weather ally and iron brother Islamabad at all global fora.

We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable we stress the necessity to develop international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of international law, including that of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. We reaffirm solidarity and resolve in the fight against terrorism and agree to strengthen our cooperation, the Brics declaration said.

PM Modi was joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michael Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma in strongly denouncing terror groups and their supporters, while expressing determination to collectively fight terrorism. They also condemned the nuclear test conducted by North Korea.

Interestingly, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also mentioned in the statement, operates in Chinas Xinjiang province.

Ahead of the Brics Summit, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had said, We noticed that India, when it comes to Pakistans counter-terrorism, has some concerns. I dont think this is an appropriate topic to be discussed at the BRICS Summit.

Four documents signed at the summit included Brics Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation, Brics Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020), Strategic Framework of Brics Customs Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between the Brics Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation.
An internal inquiry as well as a probe by the aviation regulator DGCA has been initiated.

The incident took place at around 2:40 am when the Air India express IX452, the Abu Dhabi to Kochi flight, was approaching the parking bay. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

Kochi: A Kochi-bound Air India flight with 102 passengers and six crew members on-board veered off the taxiway in the wee hours of Tuesday at the Kochi airport.

All the passengers are reportedly safe and have been evacuated.

The incident took place at around 2:40 am when the Air India express IX452, the Abu Dhabi to Kochi flight, was approaching the parking bay.

The nose-wheel of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft also collapsed after it went off the taxiway, an airline source told PTI.

The aircraft has been grounded after the incident, the source said, adding an internal inquiry as well as a probe by the aviation regulator DGCA has been initiated.
The rights body also said the Modi government should 'reaffirm' its commitment to protect Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers in India.

Members of Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority sit in a boat to cross a canal at Shah Porir Deep, in Teknak, Bangladesh. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: On a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his official visit to Myanmar, human rights organisation Amnesty International urged him to push the country's leadership to provide assistance to Rohingyas in the violence-hit Rakhine state.

The rights body also said the Modi government should "reaffirm" its commitment to protect Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers in India instead of "threatening" them with deportation.

"Prime Minister Modi must also use his visit to push the Myanmar authorities to allow full and unfettered humanitarian assistance to people in need. Nothing can justify denying life-saving aid to desperate people," Aakar Patel, Executive Director at Amnesty International India, said.

The Amnesty's plea came on a day Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that Rohingyas who have crossed over to India are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

He also said that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday on a three-day visit and called on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

The number of Rohingya refugees that have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar, which flared up late last month, has touched 1,23,000, according to the UN refugee agency.

The Amnesty observed that despite being home to thousands of refugees, India is not a state party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, and does not have a domestic legal refugee protection framework.

"The treatment of refugees falls largely under the Foreigners Act of 1946, which makes no distinction between asylum-seekers, refugees and other foreigners. The Act makes undocumented physical presence in the country a crime," it added.
Mian Abdul Qayoom has been asked to present himself before the NIA at its headquarters in New Delhi.

Earlier, the NIA sleuths conducted a series of raids on the houses and other properties of various separatist functionaries and businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali in Kashmir Valley. (Representational Image)

Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing alleged terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir, has summoned the Kashmir High Court Bar Association (KHCBA) president Mian Abdul Qayoom for questioning. He has been asked to present himself before the NIA at its headquarters in New Delhi.

The KHCBA and Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), an amalgam of various trade organisations, have condemned the move, alleging that it was aimed at persecuting the Kashmiri leadership for its espousing the cause of the people. First it was an attack on the economy when some of the leading businessmen were unduly harassed by the NIA through the so-called raids and now the other prominent faces of Kashmiri society are being harassed, KEA chairman Muhammad Yasin Khan said in a statement here.

The NIA has been probing alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in Kashmir Valley after a national TV channel had in May this year, in a sting operation, showed three separatist leaders admitting on camera that they had received funding from Pakistan and Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, a co-founder of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and the chief or amir of Jamat-ul-Dawa.

Last week, it questioned Noor Muhammad Kalwal, a senior leader of pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), mainly on the sources of funding to run the organisation.

Earlier, the NIA sleuths conducted a series of raids on the houses and other properties of various separatist functionaries and businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali in Kashmir Valley.

Mr Watali, whose business concerns are based apart from Kashmir and Delhi in Dubai and London, was later arrested by the NIA.

On July 24, the NIA arrested seven second-rung Kashmiri separatist leaders and activists on terror funding charges, including Altaf Ahmed Shah alias Fantosh, a son-in-law of separatist patriarch Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The others arrested by it are Ayaz Akbar, Raja Merajuddin Kalwal and Peer Saifullah  all close aides of the octogenarian separatist leader Farooq Ahmed Dar, alias Bita Karate  a leader of a JKLF faction  and Naeem Ahmed Khan, a National Front leader. Also arrested by the NIA was Aftab Hilali Shah alias Shahid-ul-Islam who is the media advisor/ secretary to another prominent separatist leader and Kashmirs Chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

All of them were sent into judicial custody by a court and are presently lodged in different jails in the national capital.

Yet another prominent separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged money-laundering case and is currently in judicial custody and lodged in Tihar jail.

The initial raids were conducted in June at 23 places in Srinagar, Delhi and Haryana in connection with alleged hawala operations between Pakistan-based terror groups and Kashmiri separatists and the NIA had claimed seizing about Rs. 20 million cash, incriminating documents, letterheads of some militant outfits, laptops and mobile phones.

The NIA had earlier registered an FIR in which Hafeez Saeed has been named as an accused besides both factions of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Geelani and the Mirwaiz, militant outfit Hizb-ul- Mujahideen and all-women rightwing Dukhtaran-e-Milat organization. The sources said that the NIA is also investigating the role of a former Director General of Punjab police in helping the businessman to acquire properties.
There, in fact, exists an atmosphere of trust among the nations Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and others, the minister added.

New Delhi: Blaming the vilap mandali (mourning brigade of rivals) for painting a picture of gloom, newly-appointed Union minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Monday that there was no atmosphere of fear among minority communities.

There, in fact, exists an atmosphere of trust among the nations Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and others, the minister added.

Minister of state for minority affairs Virendra Kumar, who accompanied Mr Naqvi, said the Centre is committed to ensure empowerment sans appeasement.

Elevated to the Cabinet rank in the latest reshuffle by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Naqvi attributed the allegations on the atmosphere of fear to trepidation caused among Opposition parties because of the BJPs poll victories.

The Opposition is scattered and not in a position to challenge Modiji. Thats why such allegations, he added.

He said the government would focus on the empowerment of minority communities by providing education and employment opportunities.

Hitting out at the Opposition in a veiled manner, Mr Naqvi said that a section of people were spreading rumours.

There is no atmosphere of fear prevailing in the country among minorities. Rather, there is an atmosphere of trust among them, said Mr Naqvi.

You have seen they blamed EVMs when they lost (Assembly) polls (in Uttar Pradesh and other states), when demonetisation happened and now, when the council of ministers has been re-jigged, he said.

On the issue of triple talaq, Mr Naqvi said the practice of instant divorce was a social ill at variance with the Constitutions principle of gender equality.

Our government works within the framework of the Constitution... The Supreme Court has already given its verdict on the issue. We welcome that, he added.

The apex court had on August 22 banned the 1,400 year-old practice of instant triple talaq among Sunni Muslims and set it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the Quran.
In more trouble for the state government, 24 more children died at Gorakhpurs BRD Medical College hospital in the past 48 hours.

There were allegations that the deaths happened due to disruption in the oxygen supply. (Photo: PTI)

Lucknow/Farrukhabad: Along with Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradeshs Farukkhabad is making news for all the wrong reasons.

In a virtual replay of the tragedy in Gorakhpur, where 30 children died in two days in a state-run hospital last month, Farukkhabads Ram Manohar Lohia hospital has reported 49 deaths of children during a one-month period, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply.

The deaths reportedly took place between July 21 and August 20 in the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the hospital, whose chief medical officer (CMO) has been removed. District magistrate Ravindra Kumar has also been transferred for delayed action.

In more trouble for the state government, 24 more children died at Gorakhpurs BRD Medical College hospital in the past 48 hours. Newly-appointed college principal Dr P.K. Singh said that nine children died on Sunday, and 15 died on Monday.

Read: UP deaths criminal negligence, says Congress

In the Farukkhabad hospital, 30 children died in the SNCU, 19 others died at the time of delivery or soon after birth, a government spokesperson said in Lucknow.

SNCU in-charge Dr Kailash Kumar, however, said the deaths were due to premature birth and underweight.

However, an official said, most of the children died from perinatal asphyxia, a condition in which a newborn has trouble breathing.

Principal health secretary Prashant Trivedi said it was too early to confirm the reasons for the deaths. No shortage of oxygen has been reported and to say so is to sensationalise the matter, he said.

After the deaths, an FIR was filed in Farukkhabad on Sunday night against CMO Umakant Pandey, chief medical superintendent Akhilesh Agarwal and Kailash Kumar. They were booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and laxity.

However, the state government said no action would be initiated against them on the basis of the FIR.

The way things have been presented is not what happened. No action, therefore, is being initiated on the basis of the FIR registered against the CMO and the CMS, Mr Trivedi said.

The deaths of children in Farukkhabad, coming within a month of the deaths in Gorakhpur, expectedly unleashed a political war of words.

The Samajwadi Party termed the incident barbaric and state Congress chief Raj Babbar said that the Yogi government had turned Uttar Pradesh into a sick state with the health sector itself needing a strong treatment.
The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

New Delhi: Citing initiatives undertaken in the Northeastern region under the Narendra Modi government, BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Prime Minister believes that the region will be the engine of Indias growth and hence the development of North East is our top priority. Mr Shah was addressing the second conclave of North East Demorcatic Alliance (Neda), a political alliance of nearly 11 political outfits in the region. Mr Shah claimed that the three-year- old Modi government has done several times more work in the region than the Congress had in 65 years.

After forming government in three states  Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur and gaining ground in rest of the states in the region, the BJP is hopeful of winning the coming Assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Neda, Mr Shah said the region was top priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and development of the eight states is a must for overall growth of the country. The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Safe borders, inclusive development and national integration were on the agenda at the day-long Neda meeting.

The development done by the Modi government in the last three years for the long-neglected north-eastern region is several times more than the work done by Congress-led governments in the last 65 years, said Mr Shah while adding that the work has not finished but just started.

Citing numerous initiatives of the Modi government for the region, Mr Shah said a Union minister visited one of the eight states in the region every 15 days. Terming the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh a milestone in the history of the north-east, the BJP president said the government is committed to the overall development of the area.
Saffron strategists are against Shah appearing as a defence witness.

New Delhi: The BJPs spin doctors are in a dilemma over the Gujarat special SIT court summons for BJP chief Amit Shah to appear as a defence witness for Maya Kodnani, former BJP leader and minister convicted of organising the biggest massacre in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

While the court has given Kodnani till Friday to get Mr Shah to testify in her favour, she told the media in Gujarat that she cannot reach the BJP president.

Saffron strategists are against Mr Shah getting involved in the issue. They feel that Mr Shah appearing as a witness in favour of Kodnani could give rise to a major controversy and theres a possibility of the ghost of the 2002 riots returning to haunt the party before the crucial Assembly polls.

The issue of Gujarat communal carnage, they say, has died down and must not be touched.

In 2012, Maya Kodnani was convicted of murder and sentenced to 28 years in prison for her role in the riots in Naroda Patiya, a suburb of Ahmedabad, where 100 Muslims were killed. She has also been accused of murder in the riots that took place on the same day, February 28, 2002, next door in Naroda Gram, where 11 Muslims were killed. It is in this case that she wants Mr Shah to testify on her behalf.

While Mr Shahs testimony is apparently crucial for Kodnani, BJP strategists say that the party chiefs involvement in the issue before the Gujarat Assembly polls would not send the right signal.

The party believes that the top courts order banning triple talaq has gone in its favour and it is all set to get the support of Muslim women. The advantage we gained on the triple talaq issue might be dented if we get involved in Gujarat riot cases, a senior party functionary said.

The summons come at a time when the BJP chief has asked the party to work towards achieving the target of winning 150 of the total 182 seats in Gujarat.

Though the BJP is currently riding high and the Opposition is in total disarray, it fears that the issue of Gujarat riots has the potential to be blown up and linger till the 2019 general elections. The BJP has to be cautious and careful before the 2019 general elections, a senior party functionary said.

Gujarats Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel, who had hinted at joining hands with the Congress, recently raised the issue of Maya Kodnani. Speaking to the media, he had asked, We are proud Hindus. But today 144 Patidars are in jail... Why does Maya Kodnani get bail, but not Babu Bajrangi? Is it because he is a Patidar?

Though the BJP seems confident of returning to power in the state, the possible alliance between Hardik Patel and the Congress has made the party somewhat cautious and it is trying to rework its strategies, sources said.
Lankesh, in her early 50s, was editor of Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike.

Bengaluru: Editor, social activist and a vitriolic critic of right-wing extremism, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead outside her residence in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru by three unidentified assailants, setting off public outcry and comparison with murders of Dr M.M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar, Tuesday night.

Lankesh, in her early 50s, was editor of Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike, slain just as he returned from office and was about to enter her house. She was the daughter of late poet-turned-journalist P Lankesh who launched Lankesh Patrike several decades ago.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said three special investigation teams of police officers would investigate the murder and that he would initiate another investigation if necessary. He said the top brass of state police department informed him that she had not sought protection nor discussed about threats from any quarters.

Her friends, however, feared that she fell a victim because of her acerbic posts on Facebook against right wing organisations  the latest being a comment on a video posted by former Union minister Shashi Taroor about nuns celebrating Onam in Kerala. In her comment she remarked KERALITES celebrating Onam. religious differences be damned!!!!! this is the reason why they call their Rs country (i call it country, did you notice cheddis??) as Gods own country. please, my mallu friends, please keep up your spirit of secularism. (PS: hopefully next time i am in Gods own country, someone will get me nice Kerala beef dish!!!! And cheddis be damned!!!!) taking a dig at RSS activists.
In August, Radhe Maa had first landed in trouble when a woman from Mumbai alleged that the former made her husband's family torture her.

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the Punjab police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against self-styled godwoman Radhe Maa on plea of a Phagwara resident, Surender Mittal, a former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) member.

Mittal said, "This is a two years old matter, which was highly published in media also. She tried to seduce me through various means, later she cursed me. My advocate has issued a notice against her, now we have filed a contempt of court case. I want High Court to take action against her and justice should prevail. People with fake identity, especially Baba and Swami, should come out in the limelight".

In his complaint, Mittal said that the self-styled godwoman had been constantly threatening him not to speak against her.

Earlier in August, Radhe Maa had first landed in trouble when a woman from Mumbai alleged that the former made her husband's family torture her mentally and physically.
According to sources, Mr Kumar and his party leaders were also hoping to receive a call from the BJP to discuss the change in the Union Cabinet.

Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday denied reports that his party, the JD(U), was left out during the Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Kumar said that there was no plan to include the JD(U) in the Union Cabinet on Sunday. JD(U) was unnecessarily dragged in the Cabinet expansion issue.

His joining the NDA camp two weeks ago had triggered strong speculations in the political circles that at least two JD(U) MPs would be inducted into the Union Cabinet. But Mr Kumar and some of his party leaders were left disappointed after nine BJP MPs, including two from Bihar, took oath as ministers.

There was no discussion on the issue. We had not even thought about it, the Bihar chief minister said while talking to the media on Monday on the sidelines of his Samvad programme in Patna.

According to sources, Mr Kumar and his party leaders were also hoping to receive a call from the BJP to discuss the change in the Union Cabinet.

According to reports, Mr Kumar was so peeved at his partys non-inclusion into the Cabinet that he blamed the media for reshuffle speculations. He, without taking anyones name, said, Speculations also gave a chance to the darling of the media to speak on the issue.

Observers say that his darling of media dig was directed at RJD chief Lalu Yadav who had mocked Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for not being invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for the oath-taking ceremony.

Mr Yadav had said, The BJP did not include the JD(U) into the Cabinet because they dont believe Mr Kumar anymore.

They (the JD(U)) didnt even get invitations. Those who leave their own people get rejected by others.

Mr Kumar also rejected the allegations levelled against him that he is trying to engineer a split in the Congress to create his own majority. He said that the RJD chief is trying to demoralise the congress by his baseless statements only to keep the party in his grip.

Our only agenda is to work for the development and growth of Bihar. I have no time to indulge in such kind of conspiracy. He (Lalu Yadav) has been making such allegations to keep the Congress party in his grip, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said.
Dhinakaran is facing two cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate against him for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (Fera).

New Delhi: The Supreme Court pulled by AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran seeking stay of the Madras high court order directing completion of trial in three months in the Fera violation case.

A bench of Justices A.K. Goel and Uday Lalit told former Madras high court judge and senior counsel Nagamuthu that your prayer is against the mandate of law. Everyone wants speedy trial, but you are objecting to an order directing completion of trial in three months.

Why are you aggrieved? Do you want us to issue directions to all courts to not decide cases expeditiously? the bench said.

You (Dinakaran) wanted to be heard before framing of charges. You were heard and high court directed completion of trial in three months. You are responsible for the delay. Obviously you want to delay the trial. We will impose exemplary cost of `10 lakh, the bench added.

The counsel then sought permission to withdraw the appeal and it was dismissed as withdrawn.

Dhinakaran is facing two cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against him for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (Fera).

The case against Mr Dhinakaran is because he was allegedly responsible for acquiring $1,04,93,313 in foreign exchange without obtaining the prior permission from the RBI.

Mr Dhinakaran had then deposited the money from the current account of a company in the British Virgin Islands.

The trial court had framed charges against him for illegally routing US dollars in foreign exchange without taking permission from the Reserve Bank of India and deposited in the current account of Dipper Investments Ltd, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with Barclays Bank, Sutton, UK.

The second case pertains to the transfer of 44.37 lakh pounds through West bank Ltd, Ireland, allegedly breaching FERA provisions. Dhinakaran is facing two cases filed by the ED against him for alleged violations of the FERA, which has now been repealed.

Initially Dinakaran challenged the framing of charges on the ground that he was not heard when charges were framed. The high court vacated the stay on framing of charges and asked the trial court to complete the trial in three months. The present appeal by Dinakaran was directed against this order.
Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey said that he would work for every party workers and help realize the dreams of the Modi and Yogi government.

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that he was confident of better coordination between the government and the Saffron party.

Welcoming the newly-appointed BJP state president Mahendra Nath Pandey in the party office, the chief minister said that it was important for the government to fulfill the promises made in the Lok Sankalp Patra and that this would not be possible without help from the party organisation.

Deputy chief minister and outgoing state president Keshav Maurya said that the BJP had come to power only because of its workers and that no government could grow bigger than the party organisation.

Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey said that he would work for every party workers and help realize the dreams of the Modi and Yogi government. He expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for reposing faith in him.

Mr Pandey was given a rousing reception on his arrival in Lucknow after being appointed partys state president. He was welcomed by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy chief ministers Keshav Maurya and Dinesh Sharma and a large number of ministers.
Einstein expressed his concern about Europe in the letter.

1938 letter written by Albert Einstein warning of Adolf Hitler has sold at auction for 25,000.

In it, Einstein slammed British PM Neville Chamberlain for appeasing the dictator. He also questioned Chamberlains ability as a leader and the future of Europe. "I do not have any hope left for the future of Europe," Einstein expressed in the letter.

The physicist wrote the letter in 1938, 10 days after the Munich agreement was signed allowing Hitler to annex part of Czechoslovakia, which is known as the Sudetenland.

"While most people praised Chamberlain for avoiding war by appeasing Hitler, Einstein accurately predicted that it would embolden Hitler and do further damage to European alliances," the spokesman for auctioneers Nate D Sanders told the Daily Mail.

The letter was addressed to his best friend Michele Besso, a Swiss/Italian engineer. The two-page letter came complete with its original envelope postmarked Princeton, October 11, 1938.

An anonymous private collector by Nate D Sanders has bought the remarkable item.

"This is an exceptional and lengthy autograph letter signed by Albert Einstein," the Nate D Sanders spokesman told Daily Mail. Adding, "Einstein showed that his sharp mind extends beyond physics to also include the nuances and repercussions of international diplomacy."
The course is to help Thai women cope with the highs and lows of interracial marriage.

Bangkok: Thailand is offering a free course to help Thai women cope with the highs and lows of interracial marriage and avoid potential scams or falling victim to human trafficking when moving abroad.

As Thai society becomes more accepting of interracial marriages, some women view them as a way to better their economic status, the social development ministry says. Our course will teach women how to conduct themselves, about the laws of their destination country, and how to prepare before going, said senior ministry official Patcharee Arayakul.

This is to reduce the risks of women being scammed or being a victim of human trafficking, added Patcharee, who is the director of the ministrys division of gender equality.

Although there is no recent data on such marriages, a 2004 government study showed more than 15,000 women from one of the poorest regions, northeastern Isan, had married foreign men, and sent a monthly total of 122 million baht to their families.

The course covers legal rights, how to seek help through relevant Thai authorities, as well as exploring issues of culture shock, said Dusadee Ayuwat, an associate professor at Khon Kaen University who helped to design it.

The practical advice was very useful, said one woman who attended the day-long course, paid for by the ministry. I was more interested in the legal aspects rather than the culture shock, said the woman, who declined to be named.

The course could be useful for some Thai women, said Ploynisa Duangdararungrueng, a former spa manager who is married to German national Ralf Wacker. Thai women, especially those from the northeast region, are soft-spoken and submissive, she said. They must learn to respect themselves and their culture.

Her husband said the course could prepare women for the reality of life in the West. For a lot of women, life in the West is like a fairy tale, but in reality it can feel extremely isolating moving to a small town, said Wacker who urged Thailand to offer a similar course for Western spouses. If the Western man does not understand the family dynamics, this can cause a lot of problems.
Junaid was immediately rushed to the GTB Hospital in Delhi where his condition was declared to be fragile.

Junaid's neighbour, Kale, allegedly was in possession of an illegal gun. (Photo: File/Representational)

Ghaziabad: An eight-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the head while clicking a selfie, in Ghaziabad.

The victim, named Junaid, and few of his friends were clicking a selfie, while holding a gun, which is when the child accidentally pulled the trigger and the bullet hit Junaid's head.

Junaid's neighbour, Kale, allegedly was in possession of an illegal gun.

The eight-year-old boy, along with his friends, had decided to click a picture with the gun and post it on social media.

He was immediately rushed to the GTB Hospital in Delhi where his condition was declared to be fragile.

The police have taken Kale into custody.

An investigation into Kale's illegal gun and the purpose of keeping the weapon is underway.
A fire tender reached the spot and doused the flames even as traffic remained suspended on both the sides of the flyover.

The incident brought traffic to a standstill on the otherwise busy flyover. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

New Delhi: A car on caught fire on a flyover in Moolchand area of south Delhi on Monday night, but no one was injured in the incident, the police said.

"We received a call about 11 pm and rushed to the site. The driver and other occupants of the Hyundai i10 car are safe," a police officer said.

The incident brought traffic to a standstill on the otherwise busy flyover.

A fire tender reached the spot and doused the flames even as traffic remained suspended on both the sides of the flyover.

Investigation into the cause of the fire was on, the police said.
The court has fixed the matter for October 12, before which Mr Jaitley was asked to file his response to the CMs written statement.

New Delhi: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday denied in the Delhi high court that he gave any specific and categorical instruction to his previous counsel, Ram Jethmalani, to use certain derogatory words against Union finance minister Arun Jaitley.

The days proceedings before joint registrar Pankaj Gupta relate to the second defamation case filed by Mr Jaitley following the derogatory words used by Mr Jethmalani, allegedly at Mr Kejriwals bidding, during his cross-examination in the first defamation case.

The court imposed Rs 5,000 as cost on Mr Kejriwal for delay in filing response in the second case. This was for the second time that the cost has been imposed on him. On July 26. the court had imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 on Mr Kejriwal for the same reason.

The joint registrar asked the chief minister to deposit Rs 5,000 in the Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties.

Mr Kejriwal, who opposed the second defamation suit against him, told the joint registrar on July 20 that he had written a letter to Mr Jethmalani categorically stating that he had not instructed him to use any defamatory words against Mr Jaitley. However, two days later, Mr Jethmalani wrote a letter to Mr Kejriwal stating that he had used the alleged derogatory words under specific instructions from him.

The registrar condoned the delay on behalf of Mr Kejriwal in filing the statement and said the same is subject to deposit of Rs 5,000 costs.

The court has fixed the matter for October 12, before which Mr Jaitley was asked to file his response to the CMs written statement.
The victim, Sudhir Bansal, was travelling with her son who recently enrolled into the Delhi University, to help him find accommodation.

The woman tried to fight the accused off but lost her balance and fell down on the tracks. (Photo: File/Representational)

New Delhi: Police on Tuesday arrested a man for his alleged involvement in snatching a purse of a 40-year-old woman, who fell off the moving Yoga Express trying to resist the bid and died.

The woman's purse has been recovered, police said, refusing to divulge further details.

The woman, Sudhir Bansal, was accompanying her son, Gaurav, who recently enrolled into the Delhi University, to help him find accommodation.

They boarded the Yoga Express from Rajasthan. Sudhir was standing near the door of a compartment. When the train slowed down near the Mithai Pul, on the way to the railway station, a person caught hold of her bag, the police said.

The woman tried to fight him off but lost her balance and fell down on the tracks. She came under the wheels of the train and was injured, the police said.

Bansal's son tried to save her but was unsuccessful. She died while being taken to a hospital.
In his application, Meena said that he was not required for investigation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in custody.

New Delhi: A Delhi Police inspector, arrested in a case of bribery for bagging choice postings, on Tuesday moved a city court seeking bail.

Special Judge Virender Kumar Goyal sought reply from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by September 11 on the bail plea moved by Banay Singh Meena.

The court also extended till September 19 the judicial custody of Meena and three others, including Intelligence Bureau's (IB) Assistant Director Kameshwar and two alleged middlemen, Rajan Kumar and Arun Tiwari.

In his application seeking relief, Meena told the court that he was not required for investigation and no purpose will be served by keeping him in custody any further.

The court had sent all the four accused to the judicial custody on August 19 after the agency said their further custodial interrogation was not required.

The case was registered on August 9 against them for alleged criminal conspiracy, illegal gratification and commission of offence of abetment by public servant.

"During course of investigation, the CBI had intercepted the accused persons and recovered the alleged gratification amount of Rs 10 lakh (approx) from the private persons," the agency had claimed, saying it had carried out searches at several premises of the accused in Delhi.

"During the search at the premises of Kumar here, (total) cash amounting to Rs 1.6 crore (approx), certain rubber stamps of various ministries/departments of Government of India and forged letterheads of various senior government officers and incriminating documents were recovered," it had said.
US President Donald Trump, with his many preoccupations, backs a seat for India in a reformed UNSC and in other multilateral bodies like NSG.

For over a decade acquiring permanent membership of the UN Security Council had become a key focus of Indias foreign policy goals. Indias position is that it wants the UNSC to have a P-9 with it, and Brazil, Japan and Germany added to perpetuate the old system. That isnt really a reform of the UN system, just a little tweak. This idea has so infatuated us that we now insist that support for Indias membership be a part of every joint communique with any foreign government. Except for an obvious handful, most governments oblige. Even China, which probably most resists P-5 expansion, says it would like to see India on the UNSC.

US President Donald Trump, with his many preoccupations, backs a seat for India in a reformed UNSC and in other multilateral bodies like NSG. After Mr Trumps support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House to thank him. Inevitably, the India-US joint statement reflected this. But how this translates in real life is something else.

When former US President Barack Obama last visited India, he said he supports a reformed UNSC with India as a permanent member. Former US ambassador to the UN Samantha Powers, however, said: It is very critical any reform proposal enjoy broad consensus among member states. This takes it very close to the proposal of some nations in the Uniting for Consensus Group, which opposes UNSC expansion by adding the G-4 (India, Germany, Japan and Brazil). Now even this dialogue on UNSC reforms has stalled, if not stopped.

The Uniting for Consensus Group, led by Canada, Italy, Colombia and Pakistan, made a counter-proposal  enlargement of non-permanent members from 10 to 20. The non-permanent members would be elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term, and would be eligible for immediate re-election, subject to the decision of their respective geographical groups.

In a bid to get the discussion moving, India and other G-4 nations even said they were willing to not exercise the veto as permanent members of a reformed UNSC until a decision on it was taken. But that too seems to have vanished in the maze of regional animosities and interests. Italy has reservations about Germany, Colombia has reservations about Brazil, and Pakistan (that definitely doesnt want India) is also Chinas proxy against Japan and India. Canadas role in this group is somewhat puzzling.

The Chinese want small and medium-sized countries to take turns to serve on UNSC. Russia, while not opposing expansion, has taken the line that existing UNSC members should remain as they are, with full veto powers, but there could be two or three classes of UNSC members. The G-5 with veto powers, G-4 permanent members without the veto, and whoever else may be elected by the General Assembly.

The move to create the United Nations to preserve world peace began on October 30, 1943 when Britain, China, the Soviet Union and the United States signed the Moscow Declaration. The signatories met continuously from August to October 1944 at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington D.C. and fashioned a basic plan for the UN, whose centerpiece was a Security Council in which the US, USSR, Britain, China and France would be permanent members.

As an immediate response to a destructive world war, the UN reflected the reality and ethos of that age. Nothing reflected this more than the composition of the Security Councils permanent members. Four were white nations. Two, China and France, were defeated nations. Two, Britain and France, were colonial powers. The other 10 members are elected members from various regions. These members are without the veto and with little voice or clout.

It might be pertinent to add at this stage that the US has long felt the representation in the UNSC P-5 was inadequate. In his book,Nehru  The Invention of India, Shashi Tharoor, then a UN under-secretary general, writes that Indian diplomats who have seen files swear that

Jawaharlal Nehru declined a United States offer for India to take a permanent seat on the UN Security Council around 1953 and suggested it be given to China because the seat was held with scant credibility by Taiwan.

While it can be argued that a Security Council with a smaller number of countries is desirable to make the UN effective, it must also reflect world realities and be more representative. For instance, Africa and Latin America arent represented in P-5. Also, the Islamic world does not find a place. India, with a fifth of the worlds population, doesnt figure. Europes biggest economy, Germany, isnt there. On the other hand, with two members  UK and France  Western Europe is over-represented. With Russia added, Europe has three members. It is clearly not a satisfactory arrangement. The UNSC thus doesnt reflect the world order or its diversity.

During the Cold War, veto powers ensured one bloc couldnt override the interests of the other. The veto was thus used 252 times since 1946. Since 1996, Russia hasnt exercised the veto even once whereas the US used it six times and China twice. This presumably reflects the settled shape of the world order now. Clearly, the use of the veto itself must be reviewed. One nation alone must not be allowed to block the UNSCs consensus. Its time a threshold of members to collectively enforce the veto is discussed.
In large measure, Trump is an outcome of not paying heed to what was going on under our noses.

MUCH as many are finding it hard to say anything good about Donald Trump, it cannot be denied that he has delivered the world a much-needed wake-up call. Gone is the complacency about a whole host of topics that had seemed firmly settled  democracy, capitalism, globalisation, trade, to name a few.

Fresh thinking has been unleashed on a number of other issues  climate change, identity, immigration, terrorism, among them. There was dire need to rethink many of these and if the world required Trump to revitalise the debates, it has only itself to blame. In large measure, Trump is an outcome of not paying heed to what was going on under our noses but escaped attention because of the ideological biases of prosperous and uncaring ruling elites.

The boiling frog analogy comes to mind: a frog dropped in boiling water will jump out but if placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it would not perceive the danger and be cooked to death.

With the continuation of the mainstream status quo, had Hillary Clinton been elected president of the United States, there is little doubt we would have died in any number of ways because nothing would have changed till it was too late. Either climate change would have overtaken us before we reacted to its dangers while countries continued to bicker amongst themselves; or the neo-imperialist wars in the Middle East would have been intensified with the penchant for regime change to promote American values; or globalisation would have continued unabated enriching a few and reducing the rest of the world to a state of precarious uncertainty.

With Trump, we have been dumped into boiling water. Many of the simmering threats are being desperately examined anew, some, ironically, because Trump has a much more cavalier attitude towards them. Take global warming, for example, where the Trump team is stocked with climate change deniers. It is precisely because the threat is now so in ones face that activists have shed their complacency and are seeking new ways to revitalise their efforts. The same is the case with many other issues in which there has been a surge in theoretical revision, community activism, and grass-roots mobilisation. South Asians ought to look particularly carefully at Professor Amartya Sens critique of electoral systems based on the first-past-the-post criterion, a key contributor to Trumps success.

One way to think of this radically new environment is in terms of a lottery. The status quo offered an almost sure bet of muddling through for another few decades before ending in catastrophe. Trump offers a 50 per cent chance of instant extinction (his itchy fingers are on the nuclear button) and a 50pc chance of a revitalised political and social order in which many of the existing pathologies would have been addressed.

Without the threat of imminent chaos, it is unlikely the resistance would have been galvanised in quite the manner that is now under way. Complacency and inertia would have continued to characterise the prevailing order with its almost inevitable consequences.

Consider, as an example, prevailing attitudes to democratic governance compared to its unremarked degradation. While Fukuyama hailed liberal democracy in the West as the end of history, Huntington lauded Ayub Khan as the ideal leader for the modernising world that was not ready for democratic rule. Richard Holbrooke characterised the backwardness of developing countries as follows: Suppose elections are free and fair and those elected are racists, fascists, separatists. That is the dilemma. Fareed Zakaria was even more to the point: Consider, for example, the challenge we face across the Islamic world. We recognise the need for democracy in those often-repressive countries. But what if democracy produces an Islamic theocracy, or something like it?

The fact that democracy had produced a Hitler much before it produced any racists or fascists in the developing world was overlooked but now that it has produced Trump in the heart of the developed world, the doubts about the way democracy has evolved are out in the open and no longer considered the exclusive problem of backward non-white populations. American democracy in particular has morphed into a plutocracy quite at odds with its original design.

Or take the flip side of this alleged lack of fitness of the often-repressive countries, the unchallenged belief in American Exceptionalism. This rebirth of the white mans burden in the age of neo-imperialism argued that the world needed to evolve towards American values while assigning a divine responsibility to the US for the purpose.

By arrangement with Dawn
LGs V30 is being sold for a lesser price than the Galaxy Note 8 in the United States.

Both tech giants LG and Samsung remained mum on the pricing details of their newly released flagship smartphones  LG V30 and Galaxy Note 8 respectively, on the day of their launch.

Samsung Business Chief had hinted that the price of Galaxy Note 8 will hover over 1 million won (approximately Rs 56,000), but never confirmed the actual price the model will be carrying. Some retailers in the US announced to sell the Note 8 at a price around $930 (approximately Rs 59,543).

In comparison, LGs V30 is being sold for a lesser price than the Galaxy Note 8 in the United States. At present, LG is running a giveaway content on its social media channels offering up to three units V30 to customers. According to the terms and condition listed out by the firm, each unit of LG V30 costs $749 (approximately Rs 47,947). Although this cannot be assumed as the actual price of the handset, but at least it hints on the approximate price value the handset is likely to be available for.
Trump was referring to former President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program.

Washington: President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday it was up to Congress to ultimately decide the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, tweeting: "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!"

Trump was referring to former President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the US

The Trump administration was expected to announce termination of the program - but only after giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution to protect the immigrants, sometimes known as "dreamers."

"Make no mistake, we are going to put the interest of AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST!" Trump added in a second, retweeted message. "The forgotten men & women will no longer be forgotten."

Trump has no announcement on his Tuesday schedule, but Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a harsh opponent of the program, scheduled a press briefing on the topic later Tuesday.

Trump's expected plan to take a hard line on young immigrants unless Congress intervenes threatens to expose deep divides among Republicans who have long struggled with the issue, with one conservative warning of a potential "civil war" within the party. The plan essentially hands a political hot potato to congressional Republicans, who have a long history of failing to act on immigration because of divisions in the party.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., tweeted: "After teasing #Dreamers for months with talk of his 'great heart,' @POTUS slams door on them. Some 'heart'.."

Trump's decision would come after a long and notably public deliberation. Despite campaigning as an immigration hard-liner, Trump has said he is sympathetic to the plight of the immigrants who came to the US illegally as children and in some cases have no memories of the countries they were born in.

But such an approach - essentially kicking the can down the road and letting Congress deal with it- is fraught with uncertainty and political perils that amount, according to one vocal opponent, to "Republican suicide."

Still other Republicans said they are ready to take on a topic that has proven a non-starter and career-breaker for decades.

"If President Trump makes this decision we will work to find a legislative solution to their dilemma," said Republican Sen. Lindsaid Graham.

Officials caution that Trump's plan is not yet finalized, and the president, who has been grappling with the issue for months, has been known to change his mind at the last minute ahead of an announcement. It also remains unclear exactly how a six-month delay would work in practice, including whether the government would continue to process applications under the program, which has given nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the country in the form of two-year, renewable permits.

The Obama administration created the DACA program in 2012 as a stopgap as they pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress. Many Republicans said they opposed the program on the grounds that it was executive overreach.

House Speaker Paul Ryan and a handful of other Republicans urged Trump last week to hold off on scrapping DACA to give lawmakers time to come up with a legislative fix.

But Congress has repeatedly tried - and failed - to come together on immigration overhaul legislation, and it remains uncertain whether the House would succeed in passing anything on the divisive topic.

One bill addressing the issue that has received the most attention, introduced by Sens. Graham, R-S.C., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., would grant permanent legal status to more than 1 million young people who arrived in the United States before they turned 18, passed security checks and met other criteria, including enrolling in college, joining the military or finding jobs.

It's unclear, however, whether the president would throw his support behind that or any other existing legislation. He could encourage the writing of a new bill - tied, perhaps, to funding for his promised border wall or other concessions like a reduction in legal immigration levels.

But it's unclear how much political capital the president would want to put on the line given his base's strong opposition to illegal immigration, his campaign rhetoric blasting DACA as illegal "amnesty" and his reluctance to campaign hard for other priorities, like health care overhaul.

Graham said in a statement Monday that he would support the president if he decided ultimately to go through with the plan as outlined.

"I have always believed DACA was a presidential overreach. However, I equally understand the plight of the Dream Act kids who - for all practical purposes - know no country other than America," Graham said in a statement.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., agreed, saiding that it should be up to Congress, not the White House, to set immigration policy.

"We must confront the nation's out-of-date immigration policy and finally resolve the issues of strong border enforcement and merit immigration," he said. "It is right for there to be consequences for those who intentionally entered this country illegally. However, we as Americans do not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parents."

But Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican who believes that DACA is unconstitutional, warned that pushing the decision to Congress would be a big mistake.

"That would cause a great big civil war among the Republicans," he said last week. "We've got enough of never-Trumpers in Congress that are undermining the president's agenda."

He added on Twitter late Sunday night: "Ending DACA now gives chance 2 restore Rule of Law. Delaying so R Leadership can push Amnesty is Republican suicide."
The govt blames rebels for burning their own homes and accuses them of killing Buddhists and Hindus, a claim repeated by some residents.

Displaced Rohingya refugees from Rakhine state in Myanmar rest near Ukhia, near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar, as they flee violence. (Photo: AFP)

Balukhali (Bangladesh): Myanmar government has blocked all United Nations aid agencies from delivering vital supplies of food, water and medicine to thousands of desperate civilians at the centre of a bloody military campaign in Myanmar, the Guardian reported on Monday.

The world body halted distributions in northern Rakhine state after militants attacked government forces on August 25 and the Army responded with a counteroffensive that has killed hundreds.

The office of the UN resident coordinator in Myanmar told the Guardian that deliveries were suspended because the security situation and government field-visit restrictions rendered us unable to distribute assistance, suggesting authorities were not providing permission to operate.

The UN is in close contact with authorities to ensure that humanitarian operations can resume as soon as possible, it said. Aid was being delivered to other parts of Rakhine state, it added.

In the deadliest violence for decades in the area, the military is accused of atrocities against the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority, tens of thousands of whom have fled burning villages to neighbouring Bangladesh, many with bullet wounds.

Staff from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), have not conducted any field work in northern Rakhine for more than a week, a dangerous halt in life-saving relief that will affect poor Buddhist residents as well as Rohingya.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that it also had to suspend distributions to other parts of the state, leaving a quarter of a million people without regular food access.

Sixteen major non-government aid organisations  including Oxfam and Save the Children - have also complained that the government has restricted access to the conflict area.

Humanitarian organisations are deeply concerned about the fate of thousands of people affected by the ongoing violence in northern Rakhine, said Pierre Peron, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Myanmar.

Refugees who have made it to Bangladesh during the past week have told horrific stories of massacres in villages that they say were raided and burned by soldiers.

Along miles of the border, thick black smoke can be seen rising from small settlements surrounded by green fields.

The government blames rebels for burning their own homes and accuses them of killing Buddhists and Hindus, a claim repeated by some residents.

Although the Rohingya have suffered oppression for decades, the recent bout of violence is seen as a dangerous escalation because it was sparked by a new Rohingya militant group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

The military says 400 people have been killed, the vast majority of them terrorists, although a government block on access to Rakhine makes it impossible to verify official figures.

An estimated 1.1 million Rohingya live in Myanmar, which refuses to grant them citizenship and has been internationally condemned for its treatment of the ethnic minority.

Hardline religious leaders in majority Buddhist Myanmar have fuelled anti-Muslim sentiment and accuse relief workers of a pro-Rohingya bias. Aid offices were ransacked during 2014 riots in Rakhines state capital, Sittwe.

Leader Aung San Suu Kyi has also forged an increasingly antagonistic relationship with humanitarian organisations in Myanmar. Her office accused aid workers last week of helping terrorists, a claim that prompted fears for their safety.

More than 100,000 Rohingya who have lived in displacement camps in Rakhine since 2012 when violence between Muslims and Buddhists forced them out of their homes, also stopped receiving assistance last week.

Contractors reportedly refused to make deliveries to the camps because they were too scared of local resentment to show up for work. Latrines are overflowing in camps that normally receive regular assistance.
Two leaders agree peaceful, cooperative relations only correct choice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the President of the Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The recent stand-off at Doklam in Bhutanese territory and the scuffle at Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh between Indian and Chinese security forces cast its shadow on Tuesdays hour-long bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Chinese city of Xiamen, with both countries deciding that personnel involved with defence and security must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the sort of situations which happened recently do not recur. The two leaders also agreed that peaceful, cooperative relations were the only correct choice.

Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar described the discussions as constructive and forward-looking.

There was no discussion on the issue of terrorism at the bilateral meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was quoted by media reports from Xiamen as telling Prime Minister Modi that China wants to put its relationship with India on the right track.

China is willing to work with India... to increase political trust, advance mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the further development of China-India relations along the correct path China and India must maintain the fundamental determination that each other constitute mutual development opportunities and do not constitute a mutual threat, the Chinese President was quoted as telling PM Modi.

India strongly made the point at the meeting that peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a pre-requisite for the further development of our relationship and that there should be more effort to really enhance and strengthen the level of mutual trust between the two sides.

Mr Jaishankar told reporters in Xiamen that areas of difference should be handled with mutual respect.

The Doklam stand-off was marked with shrill Chinese rhetoric against India.

It is natural that between neighbours and large powers, there will be areas of difference. But where there is an area of difference, it should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find common ground in addressing those areas, Mr Jaishankar said.

The President and the PM again laid out a very positive view of where our relationship could go and there was some detailed discussion on the mechanisms which could help both countries go forward like the joint economic group, defence and security group, strategic group... I would characterise the approach of the two sides as a forward-looking approach, the foreign secretary said.

On both sides, there was a sense that more efforts need to be made to ensure that these kinds of situations dont recur There was a sense that if the relationship has to go forward, then peace and tranquillity in the border areas should be maintained. Both of us (India and China) know what happened. So this was not a backwards-looking conversation. This was a forward-looking conversation, he added.

The counter-terrorism issues were largely taken up at the discussions leading up to Brics. They were not addressed in todays meeting. And the broad sense of those discussions really was that most countries feel very similarly about the challenges faced by terrorism and so this was not just an India position.

It was a common position and many other countries had equally strong views on this and so the listings that you see and the statements and commitments which are there in the Brics statement, these are common commitments of all Brics members. In todays bilateral, this specific issue (of Pakistan-based terrorism) did not come up, Mr Jaishankar said.
Mr Modi also assured Indias partnership with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed on his arrival at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport in Myanmar. (Photo: PTI )

Xiamen: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for an organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, as he suggested 10 commitments through which Brics could drive global transformation.

Speaking at the Brics Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, organised by China on sidelines of Brics Summit as an outreach exercise, Mr Modi also assured Indias partnership with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world  brick by brick, or, through Brics..., Modi said. I had spoken about the Brics driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a golden decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies and action, he said.

Apart from Mr Modi, leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and five guest countries  Egypt, Tajikistan, Thail-and, Mexico and Kenya attended the dialogue.

Describing these countries as close and valued partners of India, Mr Modi said he was pleased to exchange perspectives with them on the shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable development and thanked President Xi Jinping for bringing the countries together.
The latest violence in Myanmars Rakhine state began on Aug 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base.

Dhaka: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations including Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after nearly 125,000 of them fled to Bangladesh.

Indonesian foreign minister met the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Monday to call on Myanmar to halt the bloodshed. The minister, Retno Marsudi, was due in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term, Retno said after her meetings in the Myanmar capital.

The latest violence in Myanmars northwestern Rakhine state began on August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

The treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmars roughly 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya, is the biggest challenge facing Suu Kyi, who has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against terrorists responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blamed Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths but rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force Rohingya out with a campaign of arson and killings.

Indonesia is taking the lead on this and ultimately there is a possibility of ASEAN countries joining in, H.T. Imam, political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters, referring to the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, of which both Myanmar and Indonesia are members.

If we can keep the pressure on Myanmar from ASEAN, from India as well, that will be good.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to Myanmar later on Tuesday, during which he is due to meet top officials, including Suu Kyi.

PM Modi is going there and our foreign secretary has already briefed the foreign secretary of India on this. If international conscience is awakened then that would put pressure on Myanmar, said H.T. Imam.

The latest estimate of the number of people who have crossed the border into Bangladesh since Aug. 25, based on calculations by U.N. workers on the Bangladeshi side, is 123,600.

That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October, when Rohingya insurgents staged much smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counteroffensive and sending about 87,000 people fleeing into Bangladesh.

The new arrivals - many sick or wounded with burns or bullet wounds - have strained aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims and urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take immediate and effective action to bring an end to all human-rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population.

Pakistan is home to a large Rohingya community.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, on Monday called on Suu Kyi to condemn the shameful treatment of the Rohingya, saying the world is waiting for her to speak out.
Nepal is set to hold two rounds of provincial and federal elections in November and December this year

Kathmandu: Nepals Parliament has endorsed an electoral law for upcoming elections to the federal and provincial council which bars people involved in corruption and criminal offences to stand as candidates.

The bill was endorsed by holding three rounds of meetings.

Lawmakers of the ruling Nepali Congress demanded flexibility over the provision, but allowed the bill to be presented in Parliament.

Home affairs minister Janardan Sharma, while presenting the bill concerning elections in province and federal councils, briefed Parliament over questions raised about the provisions.

The provisions included in this bill are also mentioned in previously passed bills by this Parliament. The concerns over the threshold and other provisions do not tend to bar the political parties but to manage and help the functioning of Parliament and improve the participation and representation, Sharma said.

The newly endorsed bill bars a person, accused of corruption, rape, extortion, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and property purification, misusing passport, kidnapping or moral turpitude or any other kind of criminal offence, from contesting election.

None of the candidates, who faced punishment over aforementioned offences and one spent more than 20 years of imprisonment over various issues, are said to be illegible to stand as candidate in the election.

The new bill has also fixed the threshold for the parties to win the seat. A candidate, who fights for proportional seat in the House of Representatives, should acquire at least 3% of the votes cast to acquire a seat in the Provincial Assembly.

But the new electoral law ruled out the provision of No Vote or vote to reject, breaching the ruling by the Supreme Court.

Nepal is set to hold two rounds of provincial and federal elections in November and December this year, a new test towards the implementation of the new Constitution promulgated in 2015.
China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region.

Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by the five emerging-market BRICS powers that militant groups in Pakistan pose a regional security concern, with its defence minister saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.

The ministers response follows a statement on Monday by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that also called for patrons of the Pakistan-based militant groups to be held to account.

These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning, Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organization has any complete safe havens.

The groups named by the BRICS include anti-India militant factions such as Jaish-e-Mohammad, which was blamed for a 2001 attack on Indias parliament, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blames for cross-border attacks including a 2008 assault in its financial capital Mumbai in which 166 people were killed.

Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network, which is allied with the Afghan Taliban militants waging war on the US-backed government in Kabul and foreign forces there.

The United States has been calling on Pakistan to do more to tackle alleged Haqqani network sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, or it might cut military aid.

China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region, where some members of a Muslim minority chafe at Chinese Communist Party rule.

Countries attending a December conference aimed at stabilising Afghanistan made a similar statement, naming several Pakistan-based groups as a source of concern.

Pakistan has always strongly denied offering safe havens to militants groups.
Putin's comments came after US called for the 'strongest possible measures' against N Korea for detonating what it called a hydrogen bomb.

Putin said the North Korea nuclear problem is very serious. But here, one must not lose his cool (Photo: AP)

Xiamen: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday of a global "catastrophe" unless a diplomatic solution over North Korea is reached, saying imposing further sanctions on Pyongyang would be useless.

Putin's comments, following an international summit in China, came after the United States called for the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what it called a hydrogen bomb on Sunday.

The announcement and North Korea's claim that it could mount the warhead on a missile, dramatically upped the stakes in Pyongyang's standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes.

Putin said Russia "condemns" North Korea's actions as "provocative".

"But resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following the annual summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

Putin called for dialogue on the crisis and warned against other actions that could cause the situation to escalate.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims," he said.
The White House said South Korea had bought arms for "billions of dollars". The official denial from Seoul. Military escalation condemned by Korean bishops.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - To counter North Korea's provocations, the South admits that it has spoken to the United States about possible purchases of advanced systems, but denies it has decided to spend "billions of dollars" as suggested by Washington.

Yesterday, on the sidelines of the UN emergency meeting following Pyongyangs nuclear experiment the day before, there was a telephone conversation between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his US counterpart, Donald Trump. The White House said the U.S. president has provided "his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" by South Korea.

Today, spokesman for South Korea's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, said the U.S. appeared to be referring to the allies' earlier discussions on upgrading South Korea's own defense capabilities" including discussions regarding U.S. support for the introduction of advanced weapons or technologies required by South Korea. But yesterday there was no mention of these issues, nor the possible cost.

The tension on the Korean Peninsula is causing an escalation in arms sales, as often denounced by Catholic bishops in Korea. Japan, a pacifist country, has set a US $ 48 billion defense budget for next year.

Since becoming president, Moon has been trying to curb the purchase of weapons and blocked the installation of Thaad's anti-missile system, costing $ 800,000 per battery, to which his predecessor, Mrs Park Geun-Hye, had given her assent. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, between 2010 and 2016, the United States sold $ 5 billion in weapons to South Korea.

Within the country, the opposition continues to press Moon to step up defenses and even demand the deployment of nuclear weapons, provided by the United States against the North. Yesterday, the Ministry of Defense of Seoul said that four more Thaad antimissilist systems will be installed.
by Melani Manel Perera

The government expropriates land to build hotels for tourists. Indigenous communities are told to stay away from forests. Tamils grow tea, but after the war they no longer have land. A national campaign is in the works on Our land is our life.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  About 150 representatives from different sectors whose land is subject to government encroachment met in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo to reassert their right to land and natural resources, and to build bonds of solidarity.

For them, "Earth, water, lagoon, sea, forest: everything is part of our lives. In light of this, we ask the government not to ruin our lives by destroying these treasures. We are not against the development of our country, but development must not destroy our lives, our means of livelihood, and the future of our children."

The meeting took place on 23-24 August at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute. The Law & Society Trust (LST) and the People's Alliance for Rights to Land (PARL) organised the event, dubbed the People's Convention.

Participants talked about the difficulties experienced by all social, ethnic, and religious groups, including Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslims, and Adivasi (indigenous groups).

Sandun Thudugala, who heads LST programmes, told AsiaNews that the meeting was important because it set three goals: "Strengthen the current struggles for land through a process of building leadership at district and provincial level, a process that can lead to a platform for people's mobilisation, and finally, a national campaign on 'Our land is our life'."

Arumanayagam, a member of the Adivasi community, said that "for generations, our ancestors have survived by using forests resources, collecting honey and hunting animals. Now, we can be arrested if we dare to approach the woods. We were told that we must find other forms of employment."

In this regard, Northern Peninsula Land Commissioner P Kahunathan confirmed that "it is better for the Adivasi to seek other forms of livelihood".

Vimalaraj, from Pasikuda (Trincomalee district), noted that in the past, "75 per cent of fishermen lived from fishing. At present, we are being driven away from the beaches where hotels are built for tourists."

Ganeshalingam, a representative of the Tamils working in plantations, echoed his words. "For 150 years the Tamil Tea companies contributed to the country's economy. Now we no longer have land to farm."


(GeorgeRudy/Bigstock.com) (GeorgeRudy/Bigstock.com)

International student numbers increased by 15% in Australia in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2016, the latest official figures show.Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham, said the rising international student numbers came on top of growth of around 10.5% since the current Government came to power in 2013, adding that the country's first National Strategy for International Education 2025 will support continued growth.'In 2017 Australia hosted a record number of international students as more than 550,000 students from over 190 different nations flocked to our shores. The Government recognises the importance of our international education system,' he pointed out.'Our international education system is critical in Australia's economic prosperity as we continue to transition from an economy built on the success of the mining and construction boom to an economy based on knowledge, services and innovation,' he added.The first three months of data captured data for students starting their higher education in the first semester of 2017, as well as students commencing full year courses in vocational education and training and in schools.Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Alex Hawke confirmed that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBO) had received more than 111,000 student visa applications in the first quarter of 2017, up from around 94,000 for the same period in 2016.'This is a significant increase compared to the same time in the previous year and symbolises the efforts Australia has undertaken to attract international students,' he said.The figures also show that all education sectors had experienced growth in international students during the first quarter of 2017. English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students sector (ELICOS) increased by almost 38%, the Higher Education sector by almost 23% and the VET sector by almost 13%.Birmingham said the new data coincided with today's release of education export income results by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, confirming a record $22.4 billion added to the Australian economy in 2016 from international education, with positive contributions shared across all states and territories.'International education is our third largest export after iron ore and coal and continues to play a vital role in our national economic and social prosperity,' he added.
Garcia

John Garcia has been named fleet manager for Harbor Division Inc., a freight hauling company that has been transporting ocean containers since 1986. Based in Long Beach, Calif., Garcia joined the company in June.

Prior to joining Harbor Division, Garcia was the fleet operations manager for CFR Auto Direct in South Gate, Calif.

Earlier, Garcia worked for eight years as fleet operations director for Diagnostic Laboratories & Radiology in Burbank, Calif., where he maintained national fleet operations of over 400 vehicles.

Garcia is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 2001 to 2005.
In a grape vineyard west of Wasco, more than a dozen people were groaning in pain, rubbing irritated eyes and crying for help Wednesday morning.
Let me see if I have this correct. The police are looking for a madman with a machete. I'm dressed similarly to the madman's description. Have
Most of the measures encouraging innovation, which have been piloted in eight areas, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei city cluster, Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta since June 2016, will be replicated in other regions nationwide, said the State Council, China's cabinet.

It is part of the reform to remove barriers and support mass entrepreneurship and innovation decided at a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Aug 30.

Targeted measures will be adopted to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, including a one-stop service in financing SMEs, according to a statement released after the meeting.

A comprehensive system will be established to strengthen intellectual property rights protection. Universities and research institutions will be allowed to introduce and reward high-level expertise in flexible and diverse forms, including annual salaries and wages.

The meeting also encouraged high-quality foreign students and experts to start a business or work in China. Eligible foreign students can apply for a work permit or a work-related residence permit. One-stop application and issuance of work permits will be promoted around the country to facilitate their applications.

Urban planning approved

The State Council has approved overall urban planning (2010-20) for Xiangtan in Hunan province.

Xiangtan has an important role in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan city cluster as a key industrial, technological and tourism city in the central province.

According to the plan, urban and rural development will be coordinated on land of a designated area up to 1,069 square kilometers. Infrastructure and public services will be available to suburban communities.

By 2020, downtown Xiangtan should maintain its population to within 1.1 million with an area of 110 square kilometers to be used for urban construction. Local governments should not establish new districts or development zones outside the approved area.

Newly added land for construction should be stringently restricted and underground space should be further developed. Efforts must be exerted to improve the land usage ratio and protect basic farmlands.

The State Council also urged the city government of Xiangtan to improve urban infrastructure and establish a comprehensive transport system and build more parking lots in urban areas.

Other amenities, such as water supply and the waste disposal systems, should be further improved in a coordinated way. Disaster prevention and reduction measures should also be strengthened, the document said.

The local government is to firmly control emissions, increase the efficiency of using water resources, build the city as a "sponge city", and boost the protection of scenic spots and special ecological function areas.

The State Council also set targets for the city to provide better public services in education, healthcare, urban management, affordable housing and other services.

Responsible for accidents

The State Council said on Thursday that 66 people, including 57 being investigated by the police, were accountable for two fatal colliery explosions that killed 65 people last year. A State Council investigation team concluded that the blasts in Chongqing and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region were two cases of workplace safety accidents resulting from inadequate supervision.

On Oct 31, 33 people were killed in an explosion at the Jinshangou Coal Mine in Chongqing, which led to economic losses of 36.8 million yuan ($5.6 million). The State Council investigation report said the Jinshangou Coal Mine operated illegally beyond its boundary, used prohibited equipment and ignored regulations.

Another 32 people lost their lives in the other explosion at Baoma Mining Company in Inner Mongolia on Dec 3, which led to 44 million yuan in economic loss. The report said this blast also resulted from illegal operations. Chongqing's Vice-Mayor Mu Huaping and Wang Bo, vice-chairman of the regional government of Inner Mongolia, were found unable to fulfill their duties. Their neglect of duty will be circulated among governmental officials.

Local authorities in Chongqing and Inner Mongolia were to blame for their failure to carry out their responsibilities.
Texas native Robert Cline Jr. gave up a successful career in Colorado as an independent consultant and moved to iconic Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to pursue music full-time.

Since then, he's worked, written and toured with music legends, released a full-length album and recorded a second album to be released Sept. 22.

And it's only been five years.

The troubadour took some time to talk with cat5 about his new album and path to success.

Robert Cline Jr. When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Neches Brewing Company, 1108 Port Neches Ave., Port Neches

Cost: Free

Info: www.robertclinejr.com See More Collapse

Q: So what's the deal with Muscle Shoals?

A: It's where I made the record. It's known for its recording industry and history. You know the song "Sweet Home Alabama"? The verse that says "Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers, and they've been known to pick a song or two - Lord they get me off so much, they pick me up when I'm feeling blue." So that's what that song is talking about - Muscle Shoals. The Swampers are actually the guys who made this second record with me. Their legacy goes back to people like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Bob Dylan - the guys have created a huge collection of work with these tremendous artists. That's the band that's playing with me on this record, so it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Q: How did you get started with all of this?

A: I was in a whole different career. I was an independent consultant, living in Colorado and traveling around. Then I started practicing my guitar. I guess it was in grad school when I kind of picked it up and really started playing a bunch, and it wasn't until later in life that I really started to sing out. I made my first record with a band called the Subdudes, and those guys - they are pretty notorious. They were running around with people like the Meters and the Neville Brothers. One member, John, studied under a guy named Professor Longhair, who wrote a lot of the Mardi Gras songs that are really popular now and have been for a long time.

I just kind of fell into it and pursued it with everything I had, but the folks I've done the work with - these guys are legends. Several of the people who recorded with me are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Peanutt (Montgomery) was George Jones' guitar player and wrote 73 of his songs. So the caliber of people I'm getting to hang out with is just phenomenal. I've always had these wonderful mentors that I just happen to run into, and it's been pretty amazing. When I met the Swampers, they were playing during South by Southwest. We got to meet through a mutual friend and then I got to come to Muscle Shoals, and I just kind of fell in love with it.

Q: What's it like in Muscle Shoals?

A: Muscle Shoals is a small town. It's a great place to live and raise a family. It's not like living in a big city, which is expensive. Being able to pursue a life of music - it's a tough deal but you can do it if you work your butt off - but having other elements of balance in life is a big part of it too - which people here get.

Q: What has it been like collaborating with these artists?

A: Some of these songs I wrote with Peanutt Montgomery, and Peanutt was one of the first guys who ever started recording here in Muscle Shoals, He recorded with Albert Collins and Percy Sledge - the song "When a Man Loves a Woman," - they all played on that song. They made that song here. I write a lot of my own songs, but on this project I did a lot writing with some of these other artists - Peanutt has been covered by Bob Dylan and guys like that. James LeBlanc is another artist that did a lot of stuff with people like Travis Tritt. The first album I made is called "All the Right Reasons," and that's the one I did with the Subdudes. The reaction was pretty great. It created a career for me. I really didn't know what to expect. I'd met these guys through a mutual friend and knew they were great musicians, but what I didn't realize was how prolific they were across the world. They've been playing jazz fests for like 30 years, and they played with Van Morrison. They're legit - more than I even knew. I was naive from the get-go, because if you don't know, you don't know.

Q: Anything else you want people to know?

A: There's a documentary on Netflix called "Muscle Shoals," and that's how I got here. I'd lived in Alabama previously when I was like 30, and I was not playing music at the time, but that was when I first sang out - so I found my voice in Alabama.

Haley Bruyn is a freelance writer.
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Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas plans to reopen at 7 a.m. Tuesday for most hospital operations, including emergency care, patient admitting and other clinical work after the Texas Air National Guard and Texas Army National Guard provided more than 48 hours of M*A*S*H-like care in tents set up on a flood-free parking area.

The guard units  almost 50 apiece from the Air Force and Army - treated at least 215 patients for emergency and trauma-related injuries and dental work for more than 48 hours around the clock beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.

The units, from San Antonio and Dallas, were staged in Huntsville awaiting assignments after being alerted last Monday when the Harvey deluge knocked out Baptist's water supply and flooded uncounted thousands in Southeast Texas.

"Your hospital is phenomenal and the joint operation with the Army has been fantastic," said Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Olech, medical commander of the Air Force unit at Baptist.

Lt. Col. Joseph McDaniel, chief medical officer for the Air Force unit and an emergency room physician in San Antonio, praised the local community for its assistance.

Olech spoke with Bryan Chandler, Baptist's vice president of business operations, and others who toured the emergency tents on Monday just as activity was winding down.

"They (local community) has been feeding us," McDaniel said. "This is the only place where I've come out fatter than when I went in."

On the Army side, Lt. Col Scott Bier, a surgeon and the medical officer for "Task Force East" in Texas, said the National Guard response was "a different animal" for the unit.

"Usually, we take care of the 'Joes,'" he said, referring to forward-deployed soldiers in war-fighting areas in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

"This was a great opportunity to practice medicine for different needs.

The Guard units treated heart attacks, wounds and infections and dispensed medications for high-blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic ailments donated by the Texas-based supermarket chain H-E-B.

"We've been able to handle it all," said Capt. J. Alan Waters, a physician.

Capt. Jeremy Searles, the Charlie medical company commander, said he was mobilized on Aug. 28 in Dallas, got into position by Wednesday in Huntsville and moved into Beaumont by Saturday.

Before the units arrived, Guard helicopters evacuated patients from Baptist, transferring them to other unaffected hospitals, including at least 11 from the neo-natal intensive care unit. A set of twins and another baby were born during the evacuation, Chandler said.

Bier said another baby was almost due, but the mother wasn't having contractions yet so they stabilized her and sent her home.

"We told her we wanted to name the tent for her baby," he said.

That tent will be called "Phoenix Tent" from now on, he said.

Baptist issued its evacuation order after the city of Beaumont lost water service because of flooding, Chandler said.

The hospital is able to reopen because the city of Nederland is trucking in 100,000 gallons of clean, drinkable water a day, he said.

The hospital uses 50,000 to 60,000 gallons a day in normal conditions.

Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital remained open throughout the city's water outage, using well water from its property.

A spokeswoman for Christus said the hospital was testing its water system, which is separate from the city's, and plans to resume full services today.

"We are in the testing phase of the auxiliary water system we have invested in," said Christus spokeswoman Danielle Pardue. "If all is good, we will be moving towards ramping up full hospital operations, including surgeries." Baptist also relies on well water to run its heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment, though it is not drinkable.

The Army unit next will deploy to Ford Park arena to treat soldiers and first responders.

A similar and smaller unit is in operation near the Market Basket shopping center in Vidor, providing free medical care as the units did at Baptist.
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Frankie Hare braced himself for the worst before returning to his Northwest Forest home for the first time Tuesday, but nothing could have prepared him for the "pure devastation" he saw there.

"I've never been through anything like this before," Hare said. "None of us expected to see what we saw when we came out here today. I knew it was going to be bad, but I didn't think this bad."

A line of about 50 cars formed on Texas 105 early Tuesday morning where police had closed the entrance to Northwest Forest. Officers opened the road to the neighborhood for the first time at 11:15 a.m., allowing homeowners to assess their damage.

Pinewood Estates and Bevil Oaks are still closed off and inaccessible because of flooding.

Harvey's strength was evident from a glance down a Northwest Forest street. Brick mailboxes lay crushed from the weight of flood waters. Orange Xs above the doors of houses signified where rescuers had searched for residents days earlier. Water lines rose more than halfway up most of the homes.

Shock set in for many as they opened their doors to what remained of their belongings. Pam Porter, whose father has lived in the neighborhood since 1981, found it hard to believe that water was responsible for all the destruction.

"When you first walk in, it's just overwhelming," Porter said. "You couldn't imagine in a million years that water could do this, but this is what these people are facing."

Inside the homes, residents waded through their belongings looking for anything salvageable. Tables were flipped over, refrigerators were pulled from their lines and pictures and dishes lay shattered on the floor.

Some homes had bigger problems. Britney Humplik, who has lived in the neighborhood with her family for six years, had large amounts of mold built up in her house. Water was still running into the home from a water heater when the family arrived Tuesday.

"I don't even know where to begin," Humplik said. "I guess the first step is to try and get all this trash out of here. We need to start getting the mold out, that's the biggest thing."

Lisa Fenner and her husband David had to inspect two houses Tuesday. In November the couple started construction on a new home in Northwest Forest while living in their old house a few blocks away.

The Fenners first went to salvage items at their old home before assessing the damage to the construction site.

The new house had needed only door handles and carpeting to be finished. Six feet of water later, the Fenners will have to start damage control.

"At our old house, we lost everything we had ever worked for," Lisa Fenner said. "Here, we lost our dreams. We were making our dreams come true here, building exactly what we wanted. We were so close, now this."

As residents start the rebuilding process, many have come together in support of each other. Neighbors with massive flood damage to their own homes assisted others who were there by themselves. Neighbors have even opened their homes to those with nowhere to go.

Hare, who does not have flood insurance, said he believes the majority of the neighborhoods's residents don't either. Yet he said he has no doubt that the community will rebuild with the help of each other.

"We were together before any of this even happened," Hare said. "The whole neighborhood is that way. This is only going to bring us closer because we're all going through the same thing. We're all trying to rebuild."

MFaye@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/mattGfaye
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6:30 p.m.: U.S. 69 open, one lane each way

U.S. 69 between Lumberton and Silsbee has one lane open in each direction while TxDOT continues to repair flood damage at Village Creek Relief Bridge.

6:00 p.m.: Three hurricanes, none expected to impact Texas

The National Weather Service is now monitoring three hurricanes after Tropical Storms Katia and Jose were upgraded.

"None of them are expected to impact our region," NWS meteorologist Roger Erickson said.

Category 5 Hurricane Irma is expected to be a threat to Florida this weekend and early next week. It's expected to take a significant turn to the north as it approaches the east coast due to low pressure.

The cold front over our area will likely keep Hurricane Irma away from the region. It's expected to dissipate this weekend after making landfall in Mexico.

Jose is expected to become a major hurricane later this week, but does not pose a threat to our region, Erickson said.

Noon: Free tetanus shots, prescription refills Thursday

The Jefferson County Public Health Department will be giving free tetanus shots and refilling prescriptions at 7933 Viterbo Road from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday. For prescriptions, bring previous bottle and photo ID.

11:15 a.m. VA opens mobile center

Veteran Affairs has deployed two mobile medical units and a vet center to Beaumont. The mobile units are set up in the parking lot of the Beaumont clinic, 3420 Plaza Circle, which sustained water damage.

11 a.m. NWS monitoring 3 storms

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles is monitoring three tropical systems today.

Major category 5 Hurricane Irma is moving through the Virgin Islands this morning, and is forecast to be a threat to Florida later this weekend into early next week, according to the NWS.

In the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Storm Katia is expected to become a hurricane before it makes landfall in Mexico late this week.

"The cold front moving through our region today will help keep this system in the southern western Gulf of Mexico, so it poses no threat to our region," the NWS said.

Tropical Storm Jose is expected to become a hurricane this week, but the forecast track shows it staying in the Atlantic through early next week.

10 a.m. Price-gouging reports spike

The Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division said they've received more than 500 complaints of post-Harvey price gouging in Texas - from $20 for a gallon of gas to $99 for a caase of water. Click here to read the full story.

8 a.m. Debris Clean-Up in Nederland

On Thursday, trucks will begin picking up debris in heavily-impacted areas. Those with items needed to be picked up should place them as close to the road as possible. Please separate in piles: Green waste (limbs, branches), spoiled food and household garbage, construction debris (drywall, lumber, carpet, etc), appliances, electronics, and hazardous materials. For more information, call (88) 721-4372.

Tuesday

2 p.m. Motiva refinery startup

Motiva's Port Arthur Refinery is in the final phases of equipment assessments and initial phases of refinery startup, the company announced in a statement on Tuesday.

"We expect the refinery to initially return to approximately 40 percent production by the end of this weekend, provided that the final assessments meet our operational standards," the statement said. "We continue to work closely with state, local and federal officials as well as disaster relief organizations to address storm impacts on our business and to aid our communities in their recovery. Our highest priority remains the safety of our employees and community."

Tropical Storm Harvey forced Motiva Enterprises, owned by Saudi Arabia's Aramco, to start a controlled shutdown of the Port Arthur refinery on Aug. 30.

Motiva Port Arthur Refinery is the nation's largest refinery. It churns through more than 600,000 barrels of crude oil a day to produce gasoline and other petrochemicals.

1 p.m. Huntsman Foundation unveils Flood Fund

While unveiling his Huntsman Flood Fund in Beaumont on Tuesday, businessman and philanthropist Jon Huntsman challenged area businesses and contractors to match his $2 million donations by the middle of next week.

Huntsman, who announced the fund on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, said his family donated $1 million to the fund and The Huntsman Foundation donated another $1 million.

The money will be distributed through the Beaumont Foundation, Huntsman said.



Huntsman and prominent Beaumont attorneys Wayne Reaud and Gilbert Low are Beaumont Foundation board members, according to the website, bmtfoundation.com.

Reaud and Low praised Huntsman for his donation and thanked him for being a friend to Southeast Texas.

Huntsman said it "feels like home" here, saying his company has operated in Jefferson County for more than 25 years.

Huntsman said he would like the Flood Fund money to be given to families affected by Harvey who need to buy school supplies, clothes for their children and other necessities.

12:45 p.m. Volunteers needed in Port Arthur

Operation Blessing is coordinating volunteer efforts for Port Arthur. Anyone interested in helping residents can call (757) 374-0944, or go directly to the Volunteer Reception Center, 460 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., at 8 a.m. daily for assignment.

11:45 a.m. FEMA opening disaster recovery centers

FEMA disaster recovery centers will be set up in Jefferson County perhaps as early as this week, a FEMA representative said today.

People who were affected by flooding should go to disasterassistance.gov and register, said FEMA's Jefferson County spokesman Scott Thomas.

Once registered, a FEMA inspector will contact you for an appointment to look at your damage.

Thomas said no FEMA representative will ask for money up front, or bank account information or any requirement to pay for assistance.

"Anything else is fraudulent," Thomas said. "If you have not registered, you will not be contacted."

For people with no internet access, try visiting an established local government emergency center or wait for the FEMA disaster centers to open, Thomas said.

If you think you have been targeted in a scam involving FEMA, call the Department of Homeland Security's fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271.

11:20 a.m. FEMA warns of job scam

FEMA is warning people about a fake job offer circulating on social media.

The fake post reads that the government agency is hiring around 1,000 people and offering $2,000 a week for 90 days. The post also includes a phone number.

Anyone who wants to work for FEMA and help out Harvey victims should visit the official website - www.fema.gov/hurricane-harvey - and apply there.

11:15 a.m. Cold front coming tomorrow

A cold front should flow into Southeast Texas by daybreak Wednesday, the National Weather Service's Lake Charles, Louisiana office reported today.

Once it arrives, it should bring overnight temperature in the low-to-mid 60s and daytime highs from the low-to-mid 80s, said forecaster Donovan Landreneau.

The fronts should keep flowing through early next week, which could also act as a block to Category 5 Hurricane Irma, which has a track taking it possibly to the Florida Keys and perhaps into the eastern Gulf.

"Usually, when (a tropical storm) is in the eastern Gulf, we have fine weather," he saId.

Though Irma's eventual track is impossible to predict at this point, the northerly flow through Southeast Texas will bring cooler and drier air to the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, he said.

"Theoretically, it pushes Irma away," he said.

But all that could be overturned f troughs develop aloft, allowing Irma to slip toward the west.

"We can't pinpoint it yet," Landreneau said.

11 a.m.: Lumberton lifts curfew for most of town

From Lumberton PD: "The curfew has been lifted for the majority of the City of Lumberton. The curfew will remain in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. inside the city in all low-lying and flooded areas.

This only affect's inside the City of Lumberton only."

10:45 a.m. Beaumont residents asked not to burn trash

Due to the shortage of firefighting water, Beaumont Fire and Rescue warns residents not to burn their garbage or any debris.

10 a.m. Entergy power updates

Around 16,000 Entergy Texas customers are still without power, the company said.

"Since yesterday morning, power was restored to nearly 5,100 Texas customers of the 192,000 affected by the storm," Entergy said.

Here's an update by region:

Jefferson County

Beaumont

Power has been restored to all customers in Beaumont, except for customers who cannot take power because of equipment damaged by flood waters, areas that are still flooded, and areas impacted by the Amelia substation or Bevil substation outages.

Customers impacted by the Ameila substation outage include those along North Major Drive to Highway 105, Delaware St. to Barrington Heights, parts of Folsom Dr. and the Amelia area. Power is estimated to be restored to this area on Wednesday.

Customers impacted by the Bevil Oaks substation outage include those in the areas north and west of the intersection of Hwy 105 and Major Drive. Power is estimated to be restored to this area on Thursday.

Port Arthur, Mid-County

Power will be restored by tonight to all customers in Port Arthur and the surrounding areas, except for customers served by equipment damaged by flood water and areas that are still flooded.

Orange County

Orange, Vidor, Bridge City

Power will be restored by tonight to all customers in the Orange County area, except for customers served by flood damaged equipment, areas that are still flooded and areas impacted by the Vidor substation and Viway substation outages.

Customers north of IH-10 on Hwy 105 up to Travillo Rd including Pine Forest and Lake View can expect power to be restored by Thursday, provided the property is able to take power.

Customers in Rose City, areas south of IH-10 between Hwy 1132 and the Neches River, and the Maple Crest addition North of IH-10 can expect power to be restored by Friday.

Hardin County, Tyler County

Silsbee, Woodville, Lumberton

Power has been restored to all customers in the Silsbee, Lumberton and Woodville areas, except for customers served by equipment damaged by flood water, areas that are still flooded and areas impacted by the McDonald substation outage.

Customers in north and east Silsbee along Hwy 418 and Hwy 92 north should expect power to be restored on Wednesday, September 6th, provided there is no additional flooding.

Chambers County

Winnie, Anahuac

Power has been restored to all customers in the Winnie area, except for customers served by equipment that became damaged by flood water and areas that are still flooded.

9:28 a.m. 105 at Tram Raod still closed

Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies have reported an increase of traffic west on 105 trying to get to Countrywood. Highway 105 west of Tram is still under 3 feet of water, according to the sheriff's office. Motorists need to go north through Lumberton and around Sour Lake to get to Countrywood.

8 a.m. Gov. Abbott in Beaumont

Gov. Greg Abbott will be at Ozen High School at 3:30 p.m. today. Ozen is a water distribution site for the city.

7:30 a.m. Pinewood Estates open to residents

Pinewood Estate residents can enter their homes today beginning at 10 a.m. A police checkpoint will be setup at Pinewood Boulevard. Only residents will be allowed in. Residents with inhabitable homes will be required to leave before the 8 p.m. curfew. County officials believe most homes to the bridge are accessible.
When an ASC is partnering with an anesthesia practice, the negotiation can be difficult with several aspects to consider.

Anesthesia Business Consultants CEO and President Tony Mira shared his thoughts with Becker's ASC Review on what ASC administrators should know about anesthesia services, contract negotiations and how ASCs and anesthesia groups will need to adapt to value-based care.

Question: What do ASC administrators need to know about anesthesia services?

Tony Mira: ASC administrators need to know that the most successful partnerships with anesthesia providers are based on clear expectations and achievable service requirements. It's in the ASC's best interest to work with the anesthesia group to establish this clarity upfront because anesthesia providers are often a major driver of profitability. Anesthesia groups generally do an excellent job of collecting and using data on improvement metrics, such as room usage and productivity, and this information can be invaluable to the ASC in driving performance. Similarly, data generated from anesthesia billing can support efforts to improve operating room utilization, maximize throughput and reduce costs by enabling the facility to run only as many rooms as needed to meet changes in demand.

The best partnerships between ASCs and anesthesia groups are grounded in large part on an understanding of anesthesiologists unique needs.These include respect from the ASC for the high cost of working with an anesthesia group, as well as sensitivity to the major impact of case volume and payer mix on the anesthesia group's profitability. An ASC with a heavy governmental payer mix can expect the anesthesia group to request a stipend. Non-government payments can be three-and-a-half to five times greater than government payments.

ASCs contracting for the first time with an anesthesia group should be sensitive to the group's need for working capital. Approximately 85 percent to 90 percent of all anesthesia revenues are used for payroll. A new facility will need to provide significant capital upfront to fund the anesthesia operation until cash collections are generated.

In considering whether to employ anesthesia providers or contract with a private group, ASCs should be aware that private groups offer greater flexibility to manage through periods of low volume, [Private groups] tend to operate more productively  for example, with lower turnaround times  due to the incentive to increase caseload order to increase revenue, and relieve the ASC of the burdens of negotiating complex employment relationships. [They also help with] managing anesthesia billing, which has a uniquely complex time-based orientation.

What makes a surgeon profitable  double booking cases, add on surgeries  is not advantageous to an anesthesiologist. ASCs should be aware of the differences. Anesthesiologists working in the care team model should have a staffing ratio of one to three. Many groups practice at a one-to-two ratio.

ASC administrators should be aware of and be prepared to take advantage of the full scope of services that anesthesiologists are qualified to provide. That scope of services extends beyond the delivery of anesthesia. Anesthesiologists are trained to be perioperative care specialists as well. This care includes everything from "prehabilitation" prior to surgery  including smoking cessation and nutrition  to maximize a favorable outcome, to stratification of patients at risk of postprocedural complications, to postoperative multimodal pain management  including the use of alternatives to opioids  which can shorten recovery times. The same strategies that are being used in inpatient settings with the anesthesiologist-led model known as the perioperative surgical home can be applied in ASCs.

Finally, administrators should recognize that not all anesthesia providers are equal. They should seek well-qualified providers with experience in the facility's market. These attributes will help the anesthesia group establish relationships with the facility's carriers and enable the ASC to facilitate a seamless experience for patients.

Q: What do you think the biggest issue will be moving forward as healthcare transitions towards value-based care?

TM: The biggest issue for anesthesia providers in value-based care is the final determination of where anesthesia will sit in the "food chain" of provider/facility. As payers shift from traditional fee-for-service payment to payment based on value, providers will need to agree on how to share these payments. If not well handled, the transition could lead to rifts among surgeons, facilities and anesthesia providers.

In a surgeon-owned ASC, it is likely that the surgeons and facility will want the lion's share of any bundled payment. It will be incumbent on anesthesia providers to demonstrate their value by helping the ASC improve operational throughput; improve patient satisfaction with effective pain management and other activities, such as follow up calls with patients at home; and minimize drug costs within the ORs. Some current hospital and ASC bundled payment arrangements appear designed to protect current, full reimbursement levels for anesthesia practitioners. However, as bundled payment programs expand, this arrangement is unlikely to be sustainable unless anesthesia develops its own value-based approach. Evidence of this can be seen in anesthesia's development of the perioperative surgical home mentioned above.
Jacksonville (Fla.) Surgery Center and Orange Park (Fla.) Surgery Center implemented the Navio orthopedic surgical system for partial knee replacements.

Here are five highlights:

1. Through the system, surgeons can perform more accurate partial knee replacement surgeries using Smith & Nephew's JOURNEY UNI knee.

2. The Navio robotic system helps surgeons prepare the bone through its freehand sculpting technique.

3. The system does not require a preoperative CT scan. Rather, the ASCs' surgeons can collect anatomical data during a procedure and use the data to construct a 3-D model of the patient's knee.

4. Using this 3-D model, the surgeon can effectively place the implant and balance the knee's ligaments to ensure proper alignment.

5. Michael Adams, MD, a surgeon with Jacksonville Surgery Center, said the Navio robotic system yields a better recovery, improved outcomes, less pain and enhanced function for patients.
Here are seven things ASC leaders should know for Sept. 6, 2017.

Tenet CEO Trevor Fetter to step down

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare Chairman and CEO Trevor Fetter is stepping down from his CEO and director positions. He will step down either when the company appoints a successor or on March 15, 2018.



The Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood to house ASC

The Villages (Fla.) Health and Anchor Health Properties are opening a multispecialty building that will include an ASC and rehabilitation surgery center.



Fairview Range's 2 newest surgeons to provide services at Northwoods Surgery Center

Hibbing, Minn.-based Fairview Range Medical Center welcomed two general surgeons  Dustin Lucarelli, MD and Joe Skaja, MD  to its team. They will see patients at Virginia, Minn.-based Northwoods Surgery Center.



Colorado officials approval new hospital; ASC plans coming down pipeline

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment granted Longmont, Colo.-based UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital a license to operate. The 210,000-square foot facility opened its doors Aug 31. The hospital anticipates opening an adjoining ASC this month.



Seaside Surgery Center CEO, medical director named surgery chief at Florida hospital

Naples-based Landmark Hospital of Southwest Florida appointed Robert Zehr, MD, chief of surgery. Dr. Zehr is an orthopedic surgeon with 25 years of experience. He specializes in complex joint reconstruction and rehabilitation.



Michigan Medicine names anesthesiologist Dr. Andrew Rosenberg CIO

Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine appointed Andrew Rosenberg its inaugural system-wide CIO. Dr. Rosenberg served as interim CIO since January 2016.



LinkedIn's highest-paid 2017 jobs

LinkedIn compiled salary data for jobs across all industries with healthcare occupations taking six of the 10 top spots.



More articles on improving performance:

'Not all anesthesia providers are equal'  What ASC administrators need to know before partnering with an anesthesia group

New technology? Research code accuracy before billing

Individualized patient payment solutions: ClearGage increases access to care without putting providers at risk




Start your week off right by taking a look at some of Becker's Hospital Review's top stories from last week.

1. Tenet to replace CEO Trevor Fetter, 'refresh' board and adopt poison pill

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare is replacing longtime CEO Trevor Fetter and "refreshing" the composition of its board of directors.

2. A new healthcare giant  Carolinas HealthCare System, UNC Health sign letter of intent to merge

Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System signed a letter of intent to merge with Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health Care, forming one of the nation's largest hospital chains.

3. 12 latest hospital, health system CEO moves

Becker's Hospital Review reported the following hospital and health system CEO moves in the last week.

4. 10 best hospitals to work for, ranked by employees

Jobs in healthcare are often stressful and demanding, but a new study from Indeed analyzed over 15 million employee reviews on its website to compile a list of the best hospitals to work for.

5. Surgical resident sues St. Louis University, alleges discrimination due to nursing background

A fourth-year surgical resident filed a civil lawsuit August 25, against St. Louis University over alleged misconduct issues involving program leaders, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

6. Cleveland Clinic more than triples operating income in Q2

Fueled by higher patient volume, Cleveland Clinic Health System saw revenues increase and operating income more than triple in the second quarter of this year, according to recently released bondholder documents.

7. Houston-area hospitals evacuate 1,500 patients due to flooding

Historic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Harvey has forced 23 hospitals in the Houston area to evacuate more than 1,500 patients, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The following healthcare organizations shared plans to add jobs since Aug. 22, starting with the most recent.

1. Texas rehabilitation hospital to create 120 jobs

Temple, Texas, is getting a new 36-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

2. 20 hospitals hiring nurses

Here are 20 hospitals and health systems that recently posted job listings seeking nurses.

3. West Monroe Partners to bring 500 jobs to Chicago, recruiting from tech sector

West Monroe Partners, a management and technology consulting firm, said it will bring 500 jobs to Chicago over the next five years.

4. Northern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital creates about 30 jobs with expansion

Edgewood-based HealthSouth Northern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital's expansion project created about 30 jobs.

5. Philips to bring 800 jobs to Nashville

Royal Philips said it will open a business and technology center in Middle Tennessee. The center is expected to create more than 800 jobs.

More articles on human capital and risk:

Healthcare continues job growth trend; hospitals add 6.4k jobs in August

Midwest hospital workers to join SEIU 'Fight for $15' marches on Labor Day

Here's a way to help Texas hospital employees affected by Harvey
Becker's Hospital Review reported on the following events related to hospital-union relationships  including rallies, strikes, elections and contracts  in August.

1. UPHS-Marquette nurses pave way for possible strike

Nurses at Upper Peninsula Health System-Marquette (Mich.) voted to authorize a strike.

2. More than 1k EvergreenHealth workers reach labor deal with pay increase

Workers at Kirkland, Wash.-based EvergreenHealth reached a contract settlement that includes raising minimum wage to $15 per hour.

3. Union to protest Harrison Medical Center relocation plans

The UFCW 21 union will protest against Tacoma, Wash.-based CHI Franciscan Health's proposal to move Harrison Medical Center's services in Bremerton, Wash., to Silverdale, Wash.

4. New York state hospital workers authorize possible strike

Unionized workers at Nyack (N.Y.) Hospital authorized a possible strike.

5. Dignity Health Dominican Hospital therapists to join National Union of Healthcare Workers

Nearly 100 workers at San Francisco-based Dignity Health's Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, Calif., will unionize.

6. Denver VA hospital employees protest over staffing

Veterans Affairs staff were among those protesting at Denver-based VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System regarding staffing concerns.

7. Nearly 400 Emanuel Medical Center workers to unionize

Nearly 400 employees at Turlock, Calif.-based Emanuel Medical Center voted in favor of unionization.

8. National Union of Healthcare Workers plans vigil at California hospital

National Union of Healthcare Workers planned a vigil outside Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Calif., regarding a union vote that took place last November.

9. Munson Medical Center nurses will unionize after challenged ballots settled

Nurses at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Mich., will join the Michigan Nurses Association.

10. Technical workers at Partners HealthCare hospital to join SEIU

Technical workers at Northampton, Mass.-based Cooley Dickinson Hospital voted in favor of unionization.

11. Baystate Noble nurses pave way for possible strike

The union representing nurses at Westfield, Mass.-based Baystate Noble Hospital said members voted to reject management's "best and final" offer and authorize a one-day strike.

12. Emanuel Medical Center nurses vote in favor of joining California union

Nurses at Turlock, Calif.-based Emanuel Medical Center voted in favor of unionization.

13. Protesters rally against deportation of Highland Hospital nurse, husband

Hundreds of protestors, including healthcare workers, union members and supporters, rallied Aug. 14 at Oakland, Calif.-based Highland Hospital against the deportation of Maria Mendoza-Sanchez, RN, and her husband. Ms. Mendoza-Sanchez and her husband were scheduled to be deported to Mexico Aug. 16 after federal officials denied their request to stay Aug. 15.

14. Advocate must acknowledge Illinois Nurses Association, judge says

Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care will have to acknowledge and commence contract negotiations with the Illinois Nurses Association  at least for now  following a court ruling.

15. Eisenhower VA Medical employees picket over staffing

Employees at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kan., called for improved staffing during a picket in front of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System facility.

16. 100+ protest outside Mayo corporate headquarters over Albert Lea hospital consolidation

Protestors, including residents of Albert Lea, Minn., and nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, rallied outside Mayo Clinic's corporate headquarters in Rochester, Minn., over the system's plans to move certain services at its Albert Lea hospital to its Austin, Minn., facility.

17. Roughly 50 nurses, supporters picketed Baystate Health corporate headquarters Monday

A picket outside Baystate Health's corporate headquarters in Springfield, Mass., drew approximately 50 nurses represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association and supporters.

18. Minnesota nurses ratify labor deal with Allina Health

Buffalo (Minn.) Hospital nurses approved a three-year contract agreement with Minneapolis-based Allina Health.

19. New Jersey nurses ratify contract agreement with Hackensack Meridian Health

Nurses represented by Health Professionals and Allied Employees ratified a one-year contract agreement with Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health.

More articles on human capital and risk:

Healthcare continues job growth trend; hospitals add 6.4k jobs in August

Midwest hospital workers to join SEIU 'Fight for $15' marches on Labor Day

Here's a way to help Texas hospital employees affected by Harvey
Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center and parent organization Christus Health in Irving, Texas, agreed to pay $12.24 million plus interest to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act.

The settlement stems from a whistle-blower lawsuit filed by a former Los Alamos County, N.M. indigent healthcare administrator. The lawsuit claims Christus Health and its subsidiary made illegal donations to county governments that were used to pay for New Mexico's portion of Medicaid payments to Christus.

Under New Mexico's Sole Community Provider program, supplemental Medicaid funds were provided to rural hospitals. The federal government reimbursed New Mexico for about 75 percent of its payments under the SCP program, while New Mexico's 25 percent "matching" share of payments had to come from state or county funds. This excluded donations from private hospitals. The program ended in 2014.



The allegations stated Christus and St. Vincent made non-bona fide donations between 2001 and 2009 to the government.



In a statement to Becker's Hospital Review, Christus spokesperson Katy Kiser said, "We have determined that continued expenditure of time and resources in defense of these allegations is not in the best interests of the Santa Fe community or the hospital. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, there is no admission of illegal conduct, and the allegations of the lawsuit are expressly denied by Christus Health and the hospital ... We look forward to continuing our focus on the provision of high quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Santa Fe County and beyond."



Editor's note: This article was updated Sept. 5, 2017 to include a statement from Christus.
Salt Lake City-based University of Utah Hospital changed its protocol to limit police access to patient care areas after a nurse was forcibly arrested for refusing to allow an investigator to draw blood from an unconscious patient without a warrant, according to NPR.

Under the new protocol, officers must check in to the front desk of the hospital and are required to consult house supervisors for law enforcement requests rather than nurses. In addition, law enforcement is not permitted in certain patient care areas including the emergency room and burn unit.

"Law enforcement who come to the hospital for any reason involving patients will be required to check in to the front desk of the hospital," CNO Margaret Pearce of the University of Utah Hospital told NPR. "There, a hospital 'house supervisor' will meet the officers to work through each request."

Hospital officials implemented the new policy in August, a few days after the incident July 26 and before the arrest became public, according to The Washington Post.

"University of Utah Health supports nurse Alex Wubbles, RN, and her decision to focus first and foremost on the care and well-being of her patient," says Suzanne Winchester, University of Utah Health media relations manager, in a statement emailed to Becker's.

Two law enforcement agents involved the confrontation July 26 have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation into the incident.
ApiFix entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Joint Solutions Alliance Corp. in Canada, according to MarketsInsider.

Here are five things to know:

1. Joint Solutions Alliance seeks medical devices that preserve motion and function in patients.

2. ApiFix develops a non-fusion spinal implant system intended to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Surgeons implant the device via a minimally invasive approach.

3. Dr. Ron El-Hawary, chief of orthopedics at Halifax, Canada-based IWK Health Centre, performed two surgeries with ApiFix implants following the agreement.

4. ApiFix currently has CE clearance in Germany, Italy, Greece, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia and Israel.

5. The company hopes to make an impact in North America with this distribution agreement.
Kenneth Naylor, MD, a pain management specialist, joined Mercy Hospital Washington in Missouri, according to the E Missourian.

Here are five insights:

1. Dr. Naylor specializes in treating patients suffering from spinal narrowing, herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative back pain, facial pain, neck pain, spinal arthritis and spinal compression fractures.

2. Dr. Naylor frequently performs radiofrequency ablations, spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgical syndrome and kyphoplasty for compression fractures.

3. He completed fellowship training in pain medicine and anesthesiology at Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center in Chicago.

4. After earning his medical degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Dr. Naylor completed his residency at the University of Chicago.

5. Mercy Hospital Washington is a 148-bed hospital offering comprehensive emergency, heart, cancer, surgical, obstetric and pediatric care.
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The owner of a Thai restaurant chain is on the lookout for new franchisees to help expand the business across Northern Ireland.

Former OBriens sandwich shop boss Brody Sweeney is looking to grow the burgeoning business Camile, as he prepares to open his second Thai unit in Belfast this month.

Mr Sweeney, who opened his first Northern Ireland branch of Camile  part of a chain of healthy Thai takeaways  on the Lisburn Road last year, is preparing to set up shop in Ballyhackamore.

The new restaurant in east Belfast will employ 20 people, bringing the number of employees at Camile in Northern Ireland to 38.

Ballyhackamore is developing as a foodie area with lot of restaurants there, Mr Sweeney said.

Weve just about finished the fit-out and have employed the bulk of the staff but we are still looking for chefs.

Mr Sweeney said the chain, which was inspired by the fast-growing online takeaway sector, was struggling to source chefs for the new restaurant. He believes a shortage in skills and a lack of immigrant workers is the cause.

He said: There is a shortage of chefs in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland and those roles are being filled by young immigrants.

We would be the first to employ Northern Ireland natives but the staff isnt there.

Any modern economy needs young immigrants. Local people tend to move up the food chain in jobs and arent prepared to work for minimum wage and we need a supply of people who are prepared to take those jobs on.

We would have it at the back of our mind that Brexit could be part of the reason for shortages. Immigrant numbers are drying up because they believe the UK is not the place for them, said Mr Sweeney.

Camile was founded in 2011, two years after Mr Sweeneys OBriens sandwich bar chain went into liquidation and was sold to the owners of Abrakebabra. There are already 14 successful branches in the Republic and one in London.

Noting a growth in the online food delivery market with businesses like Deliveroo, Mr Sweeney launched Camile to appeal to young professionals who want healthy, quality food that can be ordered from the laptop and delivered to the lap.

I needed to get another business, I was financially wiped out, said Sweeney about the period between losing OBriens and launching Camille.

If Id a choice I wouldve taken a break. The new business didnt really work well at the beginning and then I spotted the move towards online food sales like Deliveroo. I thought that was the place to be, online, in the restaurant delivery business.

Speaking about his Lisburn Road restaurant which opened last autumn, he said: Lisburn Road is a super area. The demographic works well for us. It is surrounded by young professionals in two-income households who are time poor and cash rich. They are also internet savvy so its the right area.

Mr Sweeney also said that he hopes to open a further five or six Camile outlets in Northern Ireland, over the next year, as franchised restaurants.
Mean Girls star Lizzy Caplan has married British actor Tom Riley.

The actress, who found fame as Janis Ian in the high school comedy, got engaged to Riley in May 2016 and the couple tied the knot in Italy.

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Riley shared the news on Instagram, posting a black and white photo from their wedding which shows them sitting on the ground laughing.

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He captioned the shot: This one seems fertile. She shall make a satisfactory first wife.

The couple starred together in BBC series Ill Behaviour, penned by Peep Show co-creator Sam Bain.

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In July Riley paid an amusing tribute to his then-girlfriend, writing on Instagram: Happy Birthday to my forever mancrush Monday. A girl whose fake laugh game humbles and inspires me.

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She was truly miserable in this picture but you would NEVER KNOW and its that kind of ability to suppress emotion that will serve us well in our life together.
Irish rockers The Script have announced a number of new tour dates for 2018, including gigs in Belfast and Dublin.

The trio will perform at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Tuesday, February 6 before heading to Dublin's 3Arena for two shows on February 9 and 10.

Tickets for the upcoming gigs will be released from Friday, September 15 at 9.30am from Ticketmaster.

The gig announcements come after the band recently played a show at the Millennium Forum in Derry.

Despite the weather causing havoc in the area on August 22, the group performed a sell out gig after kicking off their run of intimate gigs in Dublin.

After a number of years away from the music scene, The Script have returned in 2017 with the release of their new album Freedom Child.

The album was recorded between London and Los Angeles and for the first time, the band chose to work with some outside writers and producers including Toby Gad and Nasri Atweh.

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The first single from Freedom Child, Rain, entered the Top 10 on iTunes.

During their career, Danny O'Donoghue, Mark Sheehan, and Glen Power have sold over 29 million records and scored three multi-platinum albums, all of which were number one in the UK.

They have also picked up a huge following in the USA where they have four platinum selling singles under their belt.

The Script are also one of the biggest live bands, having sold over 1.4 million tickets across 203 headline shows, including a sell out concert at Dublin's Croke Park.
As Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI starts an awareness month, its chairman Richard Buchanan, from Co Down, tells Una Brankin about the heartbreaking death of his daughter from leukaemia.

As a young girl, Catherine Buchanan always stood out from the crowd. By the time she reached 17, she had grown to six feet two inches, stature she carried well.

It was 2013, and a new generation of six-foot-plus supermodels and actresses, such as Karlie Kloss and Gwendolene Christie, were making waves. Catherine, encouraged by the confidence-building approach of her parents, had passed the awkward stage endured by taller than average teens, and had become comfortable with her height.

The schoolgirl from Crawfordsburn had put a purple tint in her long dark hair. She had learned to speak her mind and to ride horses. Popular at Strathearn grammar school, she was excelling at her A-levels and had set her mind on becoming a scientist. There was so much for her to live for.

She was just coming out of herself; she was blooming, like a sunflower, recalls Richard Buchanan, Catherines father. She was utterly distinctive  you couldnt miss her. She would have been gangly at one stage but we worked hard to make her feel at ease with her height and in the end, she quite liked it.

My mother was six feet tall and she hated it; it would have been more unusual when she was young. But Catherine was the tallest at school and very happy with it.

And she was very, very bright. Shed been very quiet at primary school but by her sixth form, she was well able to argue her case. Catherine was very like me; she looked like me and were very similar people.

In late August 2013, Catherine had just received her application form to study natural sciences at Cambridge University, when she started to feel ill. Initially, her mother, Julie, a former teacher, and father, Richard, put her sickness down to a midweek meal shed had with her friends.

We thought it was some bug, says Richard, a well-spoken senior civil servant. She was vomiting; then it eased off, but when she was still unwell on the Saturday, we realised something wasnt right.

We took her to the out of hours GP, who immediately sent her to the Ulster Hospital in Belfast; then, she was transferred to the City Hospital, Belfast for further urgent tests. The next week was a roller coaster of hope and setbacks.

The expedited tests confirmed that Catherine had a very rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL). Only 200 cases, approximately, are diagnosed in the UK per year with APL, which is characterised by a fast and sudden onset.

Acute says it all, Richard remarks. It comes on very quickly. Theres nothing we could have done. I suppose we could have noticed the blotches she had on her legs but there was no reason for us to be worried.

The diagnosis is a bit of a blur. We were shocked but our reaction was, no problem, well work around the hospital treatments. Catherine was worried about her university application. I told her Id sort it out, and then she was admitted immediately for chemo  they had to chuck it at her hard and fast.

With her condition declining rapidly, Catherine began a particularly intense regime of chemotherapy. Although the treatment was successful in targeting the cancer cells, there was a number of serious side-effects.

Younger people can withstand it better than older, but then they have all the negative reactions, Richard explains. In Catherines case, she had a reasonable chance if she got through the chemo, and she did, for the first 48 hours.

If we hadnt got her to hospital that day, who knows?

We knew from the start it could be fatal. I was more hopeful than Julie  her fear was greater, especially after Catherines first blood clot.

By now only semi-conscious, Catherine was given 100 units of blood products, some from overseas, as she had a rare blood type. Only her parents and her younger sister, Emily, then 14, were allowed to see her.

There was an awful moment when her friends had to be turned away, due to risk of infection, Richard sighs.

They were a really tight-knit group of about eight friends  they still call to see us. It was really tough for them; really traumatic for the whole school, in fact. It all happened so quickly.

We slept in the hospital and tried to keep talking to her. Urging her to be strong. Id say, Come on Catherine, you can do it. I dont know if she heard me.

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After five days in the ICU at the City Hospital, Catherine developed a brain clot and was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for surgery.

Her head was split open to ease the pressure, Richard adds. We had a little bit of hope but on the Friday, she had another clot, which caused brain damage.

We had another chat with the doctors, in the sad room, as we called it.

They were very matter of fact. It was all over in 10 hours.

During those last hours, Richard and Julie read to their daughter from The Saddle Club, a book she had outgrown but still loved, and interesting bits from New Scientist magazine. And, so the kind and generous nurses could see her at her best, they put a photo of her up on the screen.

As far as Richard knows, Catherine wasnt aware she was dying.

She was in and out of semi-consciousness. I had to hold her down when she woke up and tried to pull out the tubes and drains, he remembers. Its a blessing she wasnt aware; that she wasnt frightened.

For us, it was a horrible time. Every parents worst nightmare. We hadnt a clue what to do. We had to sort out all the funeral stuff.

Were not religious; we both understood what had happened and we didnt pretend she hadnt gone.

The neighbours were a great support for us. We were inundated by dishes of lasagne and all sorts.

Catherine died on September 2, 2013, one week after her diagnosis, with her family by her side. Her death changed life irrevocably for the small family unit, with the focus, for Richard and Julie, falling on Emily, now 17 and five feet 10 inches tall.

Richard says: Julies at home now, to keep Emily on track. She was only 14 then. Its hard to tell with teenagers. But shes a strong young woman.

Strathearn has been very good with Emily, sheltering her, and she has a good cross-community group of friends. She has got through it.

My reaction is to keep super-busy. Julie needs more space and time.

During Catherines brief illness, the Buchanans were most grateful for the support of the Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI, the only local charity dedicated solely to fighting blood cancers.

After her death, Richard became more involved with fundraising for the organisation, whose patrons and ambassadors include Professor Jim Dornan, a leukaemia survivor; model agent Alison Clarke, MLA Claire Sugden and BBC broadcaster Jim Neilly.

Having scaled back his civil service work, Richard now acts as chairman for the charity.

When Catherine died, I had a choice, either to fall into a dark hole or try to help others through the charity, he concludes.

I never expected to; you dont plan these things but Im really enjoying it, trying to keep the money flowing.

Theres a poster, in the latest campaign, of three empty chairs and its in the bus stop, right outside the Coffee Yard cafe we all used to go to in Hollywood as a treat on a Friday evening.

Its a weird coincidence, as is the fact that, here I am, fundraising for all this cutting edge scientific research. Catherine would have liked that.

If you want to donate to Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI you can do so through Catherines JustGiving page at justgiving.com/nilrf

Charity backing blood cancer research

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI has been supporting research for more than 50 years, with the aim of finding the cause and cure of blood cancers.

The charity helps fund the infrastructure, students and scientists in the blood cancer research laboratories in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) and Belfast City Hospital, and supports research in the areas of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).

To continue with this life-saving research, the charity needs to raise at least 500,000 every year.

For more information on their research groups and to donate, visit leukaemiaandlymphomani.org

What is leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a cancer which starts in blood-forming tissue, usually the bone marrow.

It leads to the over-production of abnormal white blood cells, the part of the immune system which defends the body against infection.

Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. Blood-forming stem cells divide to produce either more stem cells or immature cells that become mature blood cells over time.

A blood stem cell may become a myeloid stem cell or a lymphoid stem cell.

A myeloid stem cell becomes one of three types of mature blood cells:

Red blood cells that carry oxygen to all tissues of the body.

Platelets that form blood clots to stop bleeding.

Granulocytes (white blood cells) that fight infection and disease.

A lymphoid stem cell becomes a lymphoblast cell and then one of three types of lymphocytes (white blood cells):

B lymphocytes that make antibodies to help fight infection.

T lymphocytes that help B lymphocytes make the antibodies that help fight infection.

Natural killer cells that attack cancer cells and viruses.

Leukaemia affects white blood cells and can be classified by the type of white cell affected (myeloid or lymphatic) and by the way the disease progresses (acute or chronic).

Acute and chronic do not actually refer to how serious the disease is but to how rapidly it progresses.
Northern Ireland should be part of the same customs union and single market as the Republic after Brexit, a former Secretary of State is expected to say today.

Lord Hain is poised to warn against the risk of the Irish border becoming just another bargaining chip in negotiations with Brussels during a major speech.

Peter Hain was Northern Ireland Secretary under Labour from 2005-2007, helping steer the peace process when the IRA was decommissioning weapons and Stormont devolution was being restored. He is planning to say: "What is proposed is not a Brexit for the United Kingdom, nor even for Britain.

"It is a Brexit for the ideological hard right and we go down that path at our great peril, especially for Northern Ireland and the hard-won peace and democratic process which, tragically, this Government seems so airily casual about and so ignorantly indifferent to."

The UK's only land border with an EU state after Brexit will be between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Its future is one of the first issues for discussion during Brussels negotiations, with those living either side of the frontier fearing they could be particularly disadvantaged by the divorce settlement.

A good discussion was held on retaining the open border between the Republic and Northern Ireland during Brussels talks with the EU last week, Brexit Secretary David Davis said.

The House of Lords is debating the issue later. Lord Hain is expected to claim the Government's latest proposals - that the vast majority of smaller cross-border businesses continue trading exempt from restrictions - constitutes not so much a frictionless border as a telepathic one. "This is less a solution to the problem than pie-in-the-sky fantasy."

The Irish Government has already said Northern Ireland should retain the benefits of the European customs union after Brexit. Lord Hain is expected to say: "In my view the only way of resolving the border conundrum is for Northern Ireland to be within the same customs union and single market as the Republic: either Northern Ireland alone or preferably with the whole of the UK."
Former UUP leader Lord Trimble has dismissed a suggestion from Lord Peter Hain that Northern Ireland should be part of the same customs union and single market as the Republic after Brexit.

Former Secretary of State Hain is to given a speech in the Lords on Tuesday warning against the risk of the Irish border becoming another bargaining chip in negotiations with Brussels.

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The former first minister Trimble said Hain was "flying a kite, and a kite that will be downed".

He told the BBC: "Even if it was possible, it is not in our interests because it runs counter to the balance of where our trade is and where our economy is organised.

"We are part of the United Kingdom and that is where bulk of the goods of manufacturing go. Going into an area where we have less trade doesn't make sense.

"Plus it is not possible under the EU rules."

He also again restated that the Assembly should return and operate in the absence of an Executive given the ongoing political stalemate, saying the Welsh Assembly acted in a similar fashion for years.

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Peter Hain was Northern Ireland Secretary under Labour from 2005-2007, helping steer the peace process when the IRA was decommissioning weapons and Stormont devolution was being restored. He is planning to say: "What is proposed is not a Brexit for the United Kingdom, nor even for Britain.

"It is a Brexit for the ideological hard right and we go down that path at our great peril, especially for Northern Ireland and the hard-won peace and democratic process which, tragically, this Government seems so airily casual about and so ignorantly indifferent to."

The UK's only land border with an EU state after Brexit will be between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

UUP chairman, Lord Empey, said Mir Hain's idea amounted to "the partition of the UK".

Unionists will never agree to a border up the middle of the Irish sea, which would be the outworking of Lord Hain's proposal," said Lord Empey.

85% of Northern Ireland's trade is not with the Irish Republic. Over 60% is with Great Britain. Why on earth would we agree to cut ourselves off from the mainland to protect 15% of our business and put 85% of it at risk? It is simply nonsensical," he said.
Pearse Doherty said there would be "give and take" in the talks over the matter of Arlene Foster retaking the first minister position.

The matter of Arlene Foster taking a seat in the Northern Ireland Executive has not been discussed in the talks process so far, a senior Sinn Fein member has said.

However, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has said there will be "give and take" on the matter.

He was speaking after Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said there would be no return to the Executive without a standalone Irish language act. It was one of the issues that lead to Martin McGuinness bringing down the institutions in January with his resignation.

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However, the party at that time, also stated that Arlene Foster would have to step aside while the inquiry into the botched Renewable Heat Incentive scandal took place. It did propose that the DUP leader could step aside for a period of four weeks in order to allow an interim report into the establishing of the flawed 1bn-plus green energy scheme.

Since a snap election in March, which increased the vote for both Sinn Fein and the DUP, the two have been engaged in talks aimed at restoring the Executive.

Mr Doherty said the issue of Mrs Foster taking a ministerial role had not been discussed so far with the main issues being an Irish language act.

"What we are clear on is we want the DUP to implement past agreements," he told the BBC.

"The issue central to this is the commitment under St Andrews in terms of an Irish Language Act. So we have not not even got to this issue of Arlene Foster as minister.

"In any negations there is give and take, but those issues haven't materialised and the DUP is still refusing to sign up to basic principles."

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He added: "Martin McGuinness made it clear there would be no return to the status quo. This is about equality and the implementation of previous agreements, there will be no return to the Executive without a standalone Irish language act.

"We are calling for short sharp focused talks."

He said it was important Sinn Fein had a working relationship with the DUP "for the benefit of everyone across the entire island".

At a speech at the opening of a Sinn Fein conference on Tuesday, Gerry Adams also called for a border poll within five years.

Pointing to the experience in Scotland, Mr Doherty said he believed a referendum campaign would gain momentum toward unity making it, as Mr Adams claims "winnable".

"The debate has not taken place on the benefits of Irish unity... and obviously there will be challenges to be addressed."
Belfast's Lord Mayor has been accused of concocting the "mother of all fudges" after it emerged her diary is too busy for her to attend Donald Trump's St Patrick's celebrations next year at the White House.

Nuala McAllister was criticised during the September meeting of Belfast City Council last night in a debate over whether she should continue the tradition of previous Lord Mayors by attending.

SDLP councillor Brian Heading proposed a motion that Ms McAllister should not go to Washington.

"We cannot let the rhetoric of Mr Trump become the norm, we must stand together and challenge hate speech and actions, even if it is from the President of the United States," he told the council chamber - quoting Alliance leader Naomi Long from last November.

He added that "citizens and institutions of this council should have nothing to do with the White House" after Mr Trump was criticised for blaming left-wing protesters after violence - in which a young woman was killed - flared at an August rally against white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mr Heading added: "I think Lord Mayor, that you are the person who can speak for us with one voice and take one action, and respectfully decline any invitation to the White House next year."

However, Alliance group leader on the council Michael Long questioned Mr Heading's motives, and asked why he hadn't brought the motion before the previous Lord Mayor Brian Kingston (DUP) when he visited the White House in March.

He told the chamber that Ms McAllister will not be attending the White House because her diary is full, and added that she had not received an invitation.

"All this could have been learnt if councillor Heading had simply spoken to the Lord Mayor beforehand," he said. "His failure to do so is less about making real change and more about self promotion and publicity seeking."

Mr Long clarified to the Belfast Telegraph outside the chamber that no invitation had come, and Ms McAllister has expressed a wish to attend an event in another part of the US where Northern Ireland has strong links, and to be in Belfast for St Patrick's Day itself.

Mr Heading's original motion fell after Mr Long proposed an amendment. Part of it stated that "the council condemns the recent comments made by President Trump regarding the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, their lack of clarity and his failure to condemn racist organisations such as the Klu Klux Klan and Neo Nazi gangs".

It was amended again by Mr Kingston to recognise strong links between Northern Ireland and the US. This was passed by 38 votes to 11.
A Brexit-inspired bank holiday, BBC privatisation and a commission to organise general election leaders' debates are among a raft of proposed laws drafted by MPs.

Conservative former minister Christopher Chope and his party colleague Peter Bone ( Wellingborough) have tabled more than 70 Bills between them on a range of topics.

Mr Chope's 47 private member's bills include the Public Service Broadcasters (Privatisation) Bill, which aims to privatise the BBC and Channel 4.

He has also put forward the Fruit and Vegetables (Classification) Bill, which states: "To make provision for fruit and vegetables to be classified by flavour, condition and size for the purposes of sale in the UK; and for connected purposes."

Brexiteer Mr Bone's June Bank Holiday (Creation) Bill wants to ensure a national public holiday on "June 23 or the subsequent weekday when June 23 falls at a weekend", a nod to the date that voters backed Britain leaving the EU at the 2016 referendum.

Mr Bone has also developed 25 other private member's bills, including the Government Departments (Abolition) Bill which seeks to abolish the Department for International Development and the Government Equalities Office.

It would enable a "Department for the Nations of the United Kingdom" to be created in the place of the Wales Office, Scotland Office and Northern Ireland Office.

Mr Bone's European Union (Return of Contributions) Bill states: "T o require the Government to obtain, on withdrawal from the European Union, a payment from the European Union not less than 50% of the United Kingdom's net contributions to that institution; and for connected purposes."

His General Election (Leaders' Debate) Bill suggests setting up a c ommission to make arrangements for debates between leaders of political parties during a general election.

Both Mr Chope and Mr Bone have proposed measures to prohibit a person being registered to vote in parliamentary elections in more than one constituency.

They are expected to be presented to the Commons on Monday following a series of ministerial statements in the chamber.

Private members' bills tend to struggle to become law due to a shortage of parliamentary time to debate them or lack of Government support.
Matt Jaeger told his victim he was booking flights for their wedding in Texas

A swindler who conned over 4,500 from a Northern Ireland woman and her family to pay for flights to their wedding in Texas has failed to reduce his jail term.

Matt Jaeger was sentenced to 12 months after pleading guilty to five charges of fraud by false representation.

The victims were his then fiancee, two members of her family and two credit card companies. The offences took place between July and November 2010.

Jaeger (50), from Albany Street Lane in Edinburgh, persuaded them to hand over money to enable him to book flights to Texas for the wedding, supposedly on a large ranch he owned near Fort Worth.

Jaeger had met his victim in February 2010 when he arrived at her home in Londonderry to interview her son who had been offered a job in Scotland.

The relationship developed and, in July of that year, Jaeger proposed to her and she accepted.

Jaeger told his victim that their wedding would take place at his ranch in Texas and the wedding date was fixed for November 19, 2010.

He claimed a friend in the travel industry could arrange cut-price flights to Texas if the flights were paid for in cash. His fiancee and two of her relatives handed him 4,560.

The prosecutor said as the wedding date approached the victim's brother became suspicious as no flight tickets had arrived.

A week before the planned wedding the victims realised that no flights had been booked.

Judge Elizabeth McCaffrey said the victim, in her victim impact report, had difficulties with confidence and dignity as a result of Jaeger's criminality and felt emotions akin to a bereavement.

"A death would have been easier to deal with. The man I loved was a crook who stole not only from me but also from my family", the victim wrote.

Appealing against the 12-month sentence, barrister Stuart Magee said the original sentencing should have taken into consideration Jaeger's pleas of guilty and his previously clear criminal record.

Rejecting the appeal Judge McCaffrey said Jaeger's offending was despicable in that it was a breach of his victims' trust.
The number of Westminster MPs in Northern Ireland would drop from 18 to 17 under proposed constituency changes

Proposed changes to Westminster constituencies in Northern Ireland could undermine the country's stability, the DUP claimed.

Four Belfast battlegrounds would merge into three and pollsters have suggested the unionists could drop a seat to Sinn Fein.

The electoral map across the UK is being redrawn as part of a planned reduction in the number of MPs from 650 to 600 from next year. In Northern Ireland the total would drop from 18 to 17.

A Democratic Unionist statement said: "The proposals would produce an unrepresentative political result that would have the potential to have far-reaching and negative political consequences for the constitutional stability of Northern Ireland."

The proposed changes would see the East Belfast seat remain largely intact, while the remaining constituencies would be redrawn to produce two new seats- Belfast South West and Belfast North West.

If previous election results were to be replicated under the suggested seats, the DUP would drop one seat in the city, potentially to Sinn Fein, political polling website Electoral Calculus claimed.

The boundary commissioners overseeing the revamp have said they did not take party political considerations into account and cannot predict whether unionists or nationalists will emerge as winners or losers.

The number of seats in the devolved Northern Ireland Assembly is linked to Westminster representation and would be reduced from 90 to 85.

Sinn Fein did not comment on the proposals.

The nationalist SDLP said: "The proposed reduction in representation would inevitably lead to a diminution in the standing and influence of Belfast as a major city and regional capital.

"We believe that this would sit at odds with the natural progression and development of cities and regions."

The DUP said the Boundary Commission needed to revisit its broad approach and detailed proposals.

It added: "The DUP has consistently criticised the present legislation as much more likely to produce poor boundaries and the Commission's proposals appear to have gone out of their way to fulfil our concerns.

"The end result of this flawed approach is an unnecessary level of change and constituencies that make statistical sense but very little else."

Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, proposed constituency boundary changes would see some demographic shifts in seats. The seat presently known as Fermanagh South Tyrone has long been a marginal constituency but would have a considerable Sinn Fein majority under suggested reforms.

In 2011, MPs voted for the constituency boundary review as part of plans to reduce costs and in a bid to bring boundaries in line with fluctuating community changes such the expansions of some cities.

The consultation period on proposals is due to end in October. The final boundary proposals will be put to the House of Commons for approval before being implemented.
The Navy's biggest ever ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, was built in blocks in six British cities, before being assembled in Rosyth (Royal Navy/PA)

Shipyard workers in Glasgow have been "let down and betrayed" by the UK Government after it announced plans for work on new warships to be split up across different sites, Nicola Sturgeon said.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said the first batch of five new Type 31e frigates could be built in blocks across several British shipyards and then assembled at a central hub.

The ships, and the eight new Type 26 frigates that are being built in Glasgow, will replace part of the Navy fleet which is being phased out.

Scotland's First Minister accused the Conservative administration of pulling back from a pledge that the yards on the River Clyde would be a "frigate factory" for the Navy.

Ms Sturgeon, MSP for Glasgow Southside, said: "I think people should be looking to the UK Government and reflecting on the fact there has been lots of promises made to the Clyde but more often than not those promises are broken."

In the run up to the 2014 independence referendum, unionist politicians stressed that staying in the UK was necessary to secure the future of Scotland's shipbuilding industry.

Ms Sturgeon said: " Certainly for the Clyde it is only a couple of years ago that workers were being promised a frigate factory on the Clyde - there's no mention of that today.

"So this is about cost cutting and it is another demonstration of the damage that is being done to conventional defence infrastructure by the UK government's obsession with spending billions and billions of pounds on Trident.

"I think workers on the Clyde today have every right to feel let down and betrayed."

She added: " I have long argued the case for the shipyards on the Clyde and will continue to do so, so the assurance is that the Scottish Government will continue to argue their case and do everything we can to protect their futures, as we always have done."

The new Type 31e frigates are due to be in service by 2023, and their cost will be capped at a maximum of 250 million each - with shipyards being encouraged to ensure the vessel is competitive on the global market..

The plans form part of a new national shipbuilding strategy which accepts the recommendations of an independent report into the industry by Sir John Parker, the chairman of mining giant Anglo American.

In November, Sir John said the Navy fleet was being depleted by a "vicious cycle" of old ships retained beyond their sell-by date, and found that the procurement of naval ships took too long from concept to delivery compared with other industries.

Sir Michael said: "This new approach will lead to more cutting-edge ships for the growing Royal Navy that will be designed to maximise exports and be attractive to navies around the world.

"Backed up by a commitment to spend billions on new ships, our plan will help boost jobs, skills and growth in shipyards and the supply chain across the UK."

The Defence Secretary also stressed the BAE Systems yard at Govan would be able to bid for the new contract.

He told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: " The Clyde are getting eight frigates, the anti-submarine frigates, without competition and that is 20 years of work for just one yard.

"There is a huge frigate building programme on the Clyde but the remaining five frigates in the programme we're opening up to competition. Govan can compete for that, so can Fergusons further down the Clyde, they could be built at Rosyth. Any of the yards in Britain will be free to compete."

Gary Cook, GMB Scotland organiser and Scottish chair of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU), warned the approach could lead to a "dog eat dog environment with yards across the country competing for the Type-31 work".

Mr Cook said: "Although the future of the Upper Clyde is secure until the 2030s through the Type-26 programme, the promised 'frigate factory', vital to the UK's ability to compete in the global market, has been shelved.

"And of more pressing concern is how this strategy going to defend the 3,800 jobs currently supported by the Rosyth yard when the aircraft carrier contract work reaches its conclusion.

"The truth is that work from the Type-31 programme will not be enough to sustain current levels of employment and skills, both direct and supply chain, at Rosyth."
Two pensioners occupying the Museum of Free Derry in protest at a controversial exhibition have gone home after the organisers bowed to their demands.

Helen Deery, whose 15-year-old brother Manus was shot dead by a British soldier in 1972, and Linda Nash, whose 19-year-old brother William was killed on Bloody Sunday in the same year, had been sleeping on the floor of the Bogside museum for the past six days.

They had been left outraged after their relatives' names had been displayed on an exhibit alongside the names of soldiers who died in the Troubles.

But after a meeting of the Bloody Sunday Trust yesterday evening and the intervention of a mediator, an agreement was reached that the exhibition would be taken down and replaced.

"We gave our proposal," said Helen. "They accepted it and we agreed to leave. Before we left I wanted to watch the museum manager switch off the exhibition.

"I saw him take out the ladder, pull out the wires in the ceiling and I watched the screen go blank.

"Only then I was able to walk out of there with my wee brother.

"I felt I could take him with me. I know my mother was looking down on me, proud as punch.

"I know my brother Manus was too, God love him. I am happy at the outcome. I am totally exhausted. I just want a bath and my own bed now." Linda said she was happy to be outside in fresh air after spending six full days and nights on the floor of the museum, but she says did not see the move as a victory.

"I wouldn't call this a victory, absolutely not," she said. "It was sad the reason we had to go in there, but we felt it was something we had to do. We tried everything else - protest, petitions, calling them continually. We had to go in and protest.

"I just could not put up with something that was so wrong.

"The exhibition was taking people's peace of mind away."

Bloody Sunday Trust chairman Robin Percival said an agreement was reached with the women that would see the exhibition in its current form removed and replaced with what was originally on view in the museum - the names of those killed on a computer that the public could scroll through.

"The Bloody Sunday Trust, in an attempt to resolve the impasse, and in response to the expressed concerns about the health and wellbeing of the protesters, is prepared to remove, in the interim, the current exhibit, and redisplay it more in keeping with its original format," Mr Percival said.

"If you are a visitor coming to the museum you will be able to see the exhibition, sitting down on a computer, rather than standing watching it flashed up on the wall. On that basis the women have left the building.

"We are committed to beginning discussions with the two ladies on Monday, September 11.

"The Trust also wishes to say that the consultation with relatives of victims who live in Derry has now been completed and these results will be published within the next few days."

Last night Helen and Linda met well wishers outside the Museum of Free Derry who had gathered to welcome them home.

"People are asking me how we did it," said Linda. "If it were their family, they would find the strength from somewhere like we did. We are glad it's over and we can go home."
NEW YORK - The US state of New York will sue President Donald Trump if he scraps a program shielding from deportation immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children, officials said on Monday.

Trump is expected to announce on Tuesday he will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program but will give Congress six months to craft legislation to replace it, according to local reports.

The president's move to end DACA "would upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people who have only ever called America their home, including roughly 42,000 New Yorkers, said a statement jointly released by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Monday.

"If he moves forward with this cruel action, New York State will sue to protect the 'dreamers' and the state's sovereign interest in the fair and equal application of the law," Cuomo said.

Schneiderman said Trump's decision to scrap the DACA program "cruel, gratuitous, and devastating to tens of thousands of New Yorkers, "I will sue to protect them, Dreamers are Americans in every way."

He argued that more than 40,000 New Yorkers protected under DACA pay more than 140 million US dollars in state and local taxes and they are "vital members of our community."

The DACA, which was passed under the Obama administration in 2012, grants temporary residency and work privileges to those who entered the country before their 16th birthday. This group of undocumented immigrants are often described as Dreamers.

Under the program, Dreamers can apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the US for two years. After that, they can apply for renewal. By March 31, 240,700 people had applied for renewal in the 2017 fiscal year and nearly 800,000 renewals have been approved over the life of the program.
Arlene Foster has said a border poll would be "divisive and destabilising" saying instead Northern Ireland needed a functioning government.

At a Sinn Fein conference, party leader Adams said that while he will be seeking re-election for president of the party, they would be announcing their succession plans for when he steps down.

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He also said his party would bring forward a white paper in the Republic on a border poll within five years. He said this would be achievable and winnable.

DUP Leader Arlene Foster rejected the call.

"Northern Ireland needs stability," she said. That means we need a functioning government to make vital decisions. We do not need a divisive and destabilizing border poll.

"A united-Ireland will always be the goal of republicans and nationalists. As a unionist, I will always campaign for Northern Ireland remaining within the Union. Support for the union has never been greater.

"Such support does not just stem from a love for the NHS or the economic stability of the United Kingdom. It is much broader than that. The case for the union doesnt rely upon money. The United Kingdom is not the biggest nation in the world but our language, our music, our literature, our arts and our sporting success projects a power around the globe that pure numbers of people can never do."

In the Good Friday Agreement, a border poll can be called by the Secretary of State if it appears likely a majority would vote for a united Ireland. However, there can be no future poll for at least seven years.

Mrs Foster continued: "There will be no border poll as there is no evidence of overwhelming support for a united-Ireland. Holding, or indeed even just proposing, a border-poll within five years is not sensible. It will propel Northern Ireland into a cycle of referenda. This is nothing short of wishful thinking by Gerry Adams.

"I want Northern Ireland to have a period of stability where we can deal with matters affecting health, education, investment and infrastructure. In negotiating a confidence and supply agreement with the Conservatives, the package of measures delivered for everyone in Northern Ireland demonstrated our priorities. Delivering such investment should be our focus.

"I am not surprised by Gerry Adams attachment to a narrow political project but it is time he and those around him lifted their eyes and considered the damage recent instability is having upon everyone in Northern Ireland."

Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann described Mr Adams call for a poll as an act of "attention seeking" from someone "who knows that his time is running out".

"Just as the IRA`s terrorist campaign ended in failure, so his party`s campaign for a United Ireland is also doomed to failure and he is desperately searching for a fig leaf in the shape of a border poll," said Mr Swann.

There is no need for one, there is no evidence of support for one, and if we did go down that route, it would mean a never ending cycle of border polls which would serve to increase divisions in our society.

A border poll call is a distraction from the other issues. And that is exactly what Adams wants. He wants people to ignore the thousands suffering on waiting lists, ignore the cuts to school budgets and ignore the need for more jobs and investment."
Powersharing talks are at a high-stakes stage and cannot continue for many more weeks, minister Simon Coveney said

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney speaking to the press in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney speaking to the press in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

Direct rule from London cannot be imposed in Northern Ireland without Irish government input, the Irish foreign affairs minister said.

The British government has warned it may pass legislation to fund public services in Belfast.

Powersharing talks are at a high-stakes stage and cannot continue for many more weeks, minister Simon Coveney added.

He said: "The status quo is not sustainable in Northern Ireland."

Dublin is under a legal obligation to be consulted on issues involving North/South co-operation under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments.

Mr Coveney was in Belfast to try to kick-start powersharing at Stormont and said all parties wanted to see progress made.

But he reminded them while the negotiations continued Northern Ireland has no voice at the Brexit talks table.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule.

"That is the Irish Government's position."

The 1998 Agreement bestowed a legal obligation on the Irish Government over North/South issues affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Coveney added: "It would be very difficult to even contemplate how direct rule would function in that context.

"We don't want to go there, it is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the Government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."

He said there was an opportunity cost for Northern Ireland as tough decisions needed to be made over funding for health and education.

"Essentially Northern Ireland is in limbo at the minute because those decisions cannot be made, that is not a sustainable situation for many more weeks and that is why the stakes are very high now," he said.

He said he had no objection to a mediator but bringing somebody totally new into the talks when everyone else has such a detailed knowledge of the political complexities may not be helpful.

"If the parties want that we will try to facilitate that but I think it is unlikely," he said.
Northern Ireland's most senior judge has hit out at the slow pace legacy cases involving some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles have been dealt with.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan addressed the issue in a speech to mark the start of the new legal year.

Sir Declan noted it has been a year "in which there has been political and financial uncertainty" and that security "remained a concern".

Reflecting on the slow progress on legacy issues, Sir Declan said that a "lack of resources" had constrained the Courts and Tribunals Service from making progress on a backlog of cases.

"I have already made clear my disappointment at the lack of progress on dealing with all aspects of the past," he said.

"It remains a source of deep frustration to me that I have still not received a response to the proposals I put forward over eighteen months ago for dealing with the matters for which I have been given responsibility."

Sir Declan requested that the Stormont Executive approve funding for his five-year plan to deal with legacy issues in February 2016.

Some of the legacy cases referred to happened up to 45 years ago.

When Sir Declan took up the Presidency of the Coroners' Court in November 2015 it was dealing with 55 legacy cases involving 96 deaths.

Since then two further legacy cases have been referred, four cases have been completed and findings are awaited in a further three cases.

The Lord Chief Justice added that in 2018 it was anticipated that just one further case would be heard.

"I am very conscious of the fact that each month that passes pushes back by another month the timescale within which all of the outstanding cases will be completed," he added.
Institute FC's pitch was also submerged under water

Farmers across the north-west affected by catastrophic floods will benefit from a fund set up by the Prince of Wales.

Severe flooding devastated parts of Londonderry and Tyrone last month.

The Prince's Countryside Fund, in partnership with Rural Support NI, has created an emergency fund to help farmers with their long-term recovery.

Claire Saunders, director of The Prince's Countryside Fund, said: "Homes and farms have been flooded, infrastructure destroyed, and livestock drowned, but the full impact of these floods is yet to be seen.

"Farmers are having to house livestock that would normally be grazing until October, which going forward will cause feed shortages and cash-flow problems.

"This is a devastating blow to farm businesses which are already hard pressed, and poses a serious threat to farmers' livelihoods and the viability of their businesses."

Ulster Farmers' Union president Barclay Bell said the fund will be invaluable for the long term struggles faced by farmers who have lost crops and livestock.

He said: "The farming families in Northern Ireland affected by the flooding are in need of immediate practical help, but they also need longer-term support as they work to rebuild their businesses and community infrastructure.

"It is good news that The Prince's Countryside Fund has recognised this and is working with Rural Support to offer assistance to those affected."

Jude McCann, the chief executive of Rural Support, added: "The contribution from the Fund will ensure that we have the necessary resources to provide support to individual farm businesses over the coming months."

Meanwhile, Daniel O'Donnell was among a host of stars from country music who raised almost 30,000 for flood victims living in Donegal.

He organised a concert in Letterkenny attended by 1,200 people.

"It's a great gathering of everybody, and it's incredible what you can do in a few days," Daniel said.

Some 63% of August's average rainfall fell within nine hours on the evening of August 22.

More than 100 people were rescued from cars and houses in the north west.

Homes were destroyed and roads and bridges collapsed.

Institute FC's pitch was also submerged under water.
Flooding in Galliagh Park, Londonderry. This gentleman evacuated his mother-in-law as fears of water getting into houses after a manhole cover started spewing up water.

Flooding on the main Derry to Buncrana Road at Skeoge Roundabout.

The downpours from the Atlantic Ocean hit Co Donegal before moving across Northern Ireland

The scene in Claudy after after overnight weather caused major disruption.

The scene in Claudy after after overnight weather caused major disruption.

The scene in Claudy after after overnight weather caused major disruption.

The scene in Claudy after after overnight weather caused major disruption.

Trees and vehicles in the river Faughan in Drumahoe, Londonderry, after heavy rain left a trail of destruction. Niall Carson/PA Wire

A collapsed road in the village of Claudy, Londonderry, after heavy rain left a trail of destruction. Niall Carson/PA Wire

Two men look at cars washed into the river Faughan in Drumahoe, Londonderry, after heavy rain left a trail of destruction. Niall Carson/PA Wire

People look at trees and vehicles in the river Faughan in Drumahoe, Londonderry, after heavy rain left a trail of destruction. Niall Carson/PA Wire

Damage to a road next to the river Faughan in Drumahoe, Londonderry, after heavy rain left a trail of destruction. Niall Carson/PA Wire

Cars washed into the river Faughan in Drumahoe, Londonderry, after heavy rain left a trail of destruction. Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Queen has said she was saddened by recent flooding in Northern Ireland.

She sent a message of support for victims of the freak weather, during which bridges collapsed and cars were washed away in the North West.

The letter was delivered to a centre which helped co-ordinate last month's relief efforts in Drumahoe, Co Londonderry.

The Queen said: "I was very saddened to learn of the devastating flooding which has affected Co Londonderry and the surrounding areas.

"Please convey my sympathy to those who have been affected and my thanks and appreciation to the volunteers, community workers and members of the emergency services who have been involved in the response."

Residents had to be rescued from the rising flood water and cars were seen floating down the streets.

Around 100 people were saved and thousands of pounds paid out in emergency assistance.

Approximately two thirds of the average August rainfall fell within an eight to nine-hour period.

The Queen's message was addressed to Denis Desmond, the Lord Lieutenant of County Londonderry, who delivered it to the YMCA in Drumahoe.

Willie Lamrock, general secretary of the YMCA, said a lot of loyal subjects in the area would be pleased to see the Queen was thinking of them.

He added: "People got through the first couple of days on adrenaline but now they are stressed and anxious.

"They have moved to new accommodation and are disconnected from their neighbours.

"The anxiety and stress is starting to rack up and there need to be measures put in place to support people."

He said 40% of those affected were believed to have been unable to get contents insurance for flooding damage after a previous incident.
Two Romanian men are accused of controlling prostitution and conspiracy to trafficking within the United Kingdom

Customers' mobile phones may be examined as part of an investigation into a suspected human trafficking and prostitution ring, the High Court has heard.

Prosecutors revealed detectives could focus on men believed to have used the services of Romanian women allegedly brought into Northern Ireland and exploited.

Details emerged as a man accused of running the sex trade centred in Banbridge, Co Down was again refused bail.

Spartacus Mihai, 20, of Henly Road in Ilford, Essex, was arrested with his 28-year-old brother Decebal during a PSNI operation in May.

Searches were carried out at properties on Kenlis Street, Banbridge, and Belfast's Newtownards Road, with police saying four women were rescued from the two locations.

The two brothers, both Romanian nationals, are jointly charged with controlling prostitution, conspiracy to traffic within the United Kingdom, and concealing, converting and transferring criminal property.

A previous court heard claims that they are part of an organised crime gang who banked more than 125,000 earned by the women.

Further research was said to have uncovered moneygram transfers to accounts in Romania.

The brothers, who deny the charges against them, were observed driving women to hotels and other locations to meet clients for sex, according to the prosecution.

But the alleged victims have refused to co-operate with the investigation and showed up at court appearances in support of the defendants.

Spartacus Mihai mounted a renewed bid to be released from custody based on potential delays in the case.

However, a Crown lawyer insisted that financial statements have now been obtained as part of a case file running to seven folders.

Forensic reports have been carried out on mobile phones belonging to three of the women, the court was told.

The prosecutor added: "It may well be that there are other individuals, for example I have been made aware of two individuals who police would say were customers or clients.

"Their telephones may be triaged and reports obtained, although they don't form the integral part of the evidence in this case."

Following her update, defence counsel Conn O'Neill accepted his concerns about progressing the case had been addressed.

Denying bail, Mr Justice Burgess ruled: "Against the backdrop of the timetable about which I have now been informed, I don't believe there's been a change of circumstances."
The lorry and a tractor and trailer collided on the Killybracken Road area of Dungannon

A Co Down man involved in a fatal road collision which claimed the life of a 69-year old man has been banned from driving for three years.

William Mark Murphy was driving a lorry which collided with a tractor pulling a trailer on the A4 dual carriageway between Dungannon and Ballygawley.

The fatal incident, which occurred at the junction of the Killybracken Road on June 25, 2014, resulted in the death of Caledon father of four Phelim Brady, who was standing on the drawbar of the tractor when it was hit from behind by a lorry driven by Murphy.

From Prospect Road in Castlewellan, Murphy (53) was given a driving ban and was also handed a four-month prison sentence, which was suspended for three years, for causing Mr Brady's death by careless driving.

On Tuesday Dungannon Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, heard that Murphy had been driving in the inside lane and had gone to overtake the slow-moving tractor and trailer, but was forced to abort the overtaking manoeuvre after failing to see a car travelling in the outside lane.

After attempting and failing to overtake the tractor and trailer, he swerved back into the inside lane. However, Murphy was too close to the back of tractor towing the trailer, failed to break in time and subsequently impacted into them.

The court heard that Mr Brady sustained "multiple injuries as a result of the collision" and died at the scene.

During Tuesday's sentencing, Judge Neil Rafferty paid tribute to the "tremendously dignified and decent" Brady family, who have been devastated by the loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Judge Rafferty said that having read Victim Impact Reports, it was clear Mr Brady's loved ones had "lost the bedrock of the family unit." Judge Rafferty also noted that while one of Mr Brady's daughters said any sentence imposed "will not lessen the grief felt by the whole family," another daughter said Murphy's actions caused her father's death.

As members of Mr Brady's family sat in the public gallery of the court, Judge Rafferty said they had been "dealt a huge blow" by his loss - but said that no sentence he passed would bring the deceased back.

Murphy denied a charge of causing Mr Brady's death by dangerous driving, and following a trial held earlier this year, he was found guilty by a jury of the lesser charge of death by careless driving - a charge he accepted from the outset.

Crown prosecutor Peter Irvine QC said Murphy's driving on the day in question fell below the standard expected of a competent driver. The prosecutor said as the lorry driver went to overtake the tractor and trailer, he failed to see the car travelling in the outside lane, that he was driving too close to the vehicle in front and that he failed to break in time to cause the collision.

Mr Irvine also pointed out that during the trial, a forensic officer gave evidence which indicated he "couldn't rule out the possibility there had been no braking prior to impact."

Defence barrister Kieran Mallon QC described the fatal collision as "absolutely tragic" and said there was nothing to suggest Murphy saw Mr Brady as he stood on the drawbar of the tractor.

The barrister said that since the incident, Murphy has been "absolutely consumed with grief and remorse", adding: "The remorse expressed appears to be solely based on the impact of the deceased's death on his family. He is more than acutely aware of the sense of loss Mrs Brady and her children have suffered as a result of this accident."

Mr Mallon said Murphy's plea to causing Mr Brady's death by careless driving indicated he accepted responsibility.

The barrister also pointed out that his client - who has held an HGV licence since he was 21 - came before the court with no driving offences, and was a "hard-working man of extremely good character."

As he passed sentence, Judge Rafferty said "Mr Murphy did not set out that day to cause this hardship and heartbreak to the Brady family" - but cited the careless aspects of his driving prior to point of impact.

Branding the fatal incident as a "tragic, tragic case", Judge Rafferty told Murphy "you will live with this for the rest of your life".
The Secretary of State has warned the parties that the "window of opportunity" to reach a deal to save Stormont is closing as the prospect of direct rule looms closer.

James Brokenshire yesterday set another unofficial deadline for agreement of next month - but sources across the political divide united in predicting it was extremely unlikely to be met.

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Mr Brokenshire said he could be forced to legislate for a Stormont budget in October if the deadlock wasn't broken.

Bilateral discussions will continue this, week with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Conveney set to meet the parties today.

Multi-party talks are scheduled for next week, but the prospects for progress remain bleak.

Mr Brokenshire warned he could be forced to pass a budget at Westminster as public services suffer.

He said: "The window of opportunity to restore devolution and to form an Executive is closing rapidly as we move further into the autumn.

"With pressures on public services already evident, most particularly in the health service, the need for intervention is becoming increasingly clear.

"The UK Government has a duty to the people of Northern Ireland to provide political stability and certainty.

"If this political impasse continues I will be forced to legislate in Westminster for a budget for Northern Ireland and consider next steps. I don't want to have to take this action."

Mr Brokenshire said he could not "ignore the growing concern in the wider community here about the impact that the current political impasse is having on the local economy and on the delivery of key public services".

He added: "All party leaders have made clear they agree that there is a need for an Executive to be formed to make key decisions for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.

"Now is the time to give effect to this desire through political leadership on all sides."

DUP leader Arlene Foster said there was no need for lengthy negotiations.

"I am not going to be prescriptive, but we do not believe that there can be a prolonged set of talks," she said.

"We think we should be able to come to a determination pretty quickly whether Sinn Fein want to go back into government.

"Certainly for our part we do. We have no red lines - we have no barriers."

She added that "Sinn Fein are the barrier and will continue to be the barrier".

Sinn Fein's Northern Ireland leader Michelle O'Neill insisted that a deal could be done in days if the right attitude prevailed.

"There is a short window in front of us where we need to find solutions and a way forward," said Ms O'Neill, who is set to deliver a keynote address on the current talks tomorrow morning.

"We need a short, sharp and focused negotiation in the small time frame we have ahead of us."

Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry insisted direct rule was not inevitable and suggested an independent mediator be appointed to give impetus to the talks.

"We see a situation where the DUP and Sinn Fein cannot talk directly to one another," he said.

"They're engaged in megaphone diplomacy. A mediator could play a constructive role and try and get both them and other parties to understand the reasons why devolution collapsed, why there is an ongoing impasse and how a common way forward can be found."

However, TUV leader Jim Allister said that Mr Brokenshire had already "delayed long enough" and had a duty to provide government for Northern Ireland.

"Waiting for Stormont to work is utter folly," he said. "It is unfixable in its present form.

"Protracting the agony, rather than putting it out of its misery, is serving no-one's interests other than those like Sinn Fein who relish instability. Northern Ireland needs government.

"Stormont patently cannot provide it and therefore we need to move to direct rule."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood maintained that a deal was still "doable".

His party will this week publish its positions on the talks and he urged others to do likewise.

"The politics of shifting goal posts, hiding behind slogans and soundbites can no longer be allowed," he said.

"After months of private talks we are still here, still at stalemate. The public deserves to know why."
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said his future as leader of the party will be outlined at its Ard Fheis in November. Red his full speech below.

His speech was entitled 'Time for Change'

A Chairde,

Dia dhaoibh go leir a chairde,

Ba mhaith liom failte mor a chur roimh gach einne agaibh anseo ar maidin agus don da la ata romhainn.

Ta go leor obair le deanamh againn, agus mar sin ta suil agam go raibh sos maith agaibh don samhradh.

This is the annual in-house gathering of our party leadership, Assembly, Leinster House, European and Westminster teams and local Councillors.

Its an opportunity for us to discuss party strategy, policies and organisation and to map out our plans for the upcoming period.

So, lets talk about the journey and challenges ahead of us.

In this state the Fine-Gael minority government, propped up by their friends in Fianna Fail, has carried on where the last government left off  creating crises in our public services and failing ordinary people.

This is the most dysfunctional government since partition.

They have brought forward the least amount of legislation of any Dail; they have completely failed to deal with the crisis in the Gardai; and in our health services and in housing provision.

They have no real strategy for dealing with Brexit.

Their allies in government, Fianna Fail, now want to return to the Galway Tent politics that almost destroyed the economy.

If they cant deal with the challenges, then we will.

In a little over 12 months Sinn Fein brought forward more than 50 pieces of legislation. We intend to keep this momentum going in the time ahead  legislating on issues effecting citizens in their daily lives and providing an alternative to the unfairness of Fine Gael/Fianna Fail rule.

In the North, both the DUP and the British government continue to refuse to agree that the Executive and the Assembly be restored on on the basis of equality, respect and integrity for all.

They also disrespect and ignore the vote of people in the North in the Brexit referendum and are insisting on dragging the North out of the EU against the wishes of the electorate.

In fact, the DUP have torn up propositions being developed with Sinn Fein and others on Brexit in favour of the Tory governments little Englander approach.

At the same time politics are in flux and in transition.

Just as unionism now has less than 50% electoral support in the north and the notion of a perpetual majority is gone, the same is increasingly true of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

More and more people are standing up for their rights and for equality.

People are demanding change.

But Leo Varadkars vision for society - his Republic of Opportunity - is one where those who fall behind, for whatever reason, are left behind.

The real message behind Taoiseach Varadkars Republic of Opportunity is aimed at and is grand for those who have opportunities

but if you are struggling,

if you are homeless, sick or poor,

if you have a disability,

if you are unemployed or badly paid

then dont look to the government for answers or solutions.

You are on your own.

Leos vision is for a me fein system.

Sinn Fein wants to be in Government

Thats the way it has been here for decades. There have been governments for the financial speculators, the bankers and the property developers.

Governments for prelates and hierarchies.

These governments are for the wealthy and for the elites.

What is needed now is a government for citizens.

Such a government would invest in world-class public services and develop a vibrant, sustainable economy that works for people instead of against them.

It would also be an accountable government.

A government grounded in basic, common decency which acts:

If somebody is in trouble, to help them.

If somebody has fallen, to pick them up.

If somebody is danger, to protect them.

Thats the sort of government that is needed.

A government for equality.

And, make no mistake; Sinn Fein wants to be in that government.

We want to transform politics on this island.

We have no ambition to be part of the system.

Our ambition is to change it.

That means we must be in government  North and South.

The Crisis in Housing

Last week, Jack Watson, Jennifer Dennehy and Danielle Carroll, who were all homeless died.

Jack Watson died on the street.

Jennifer Dennehy died in a tent in a park.

And Danielle Carroll died in a hotel room.

I want to extend to their families and friends our solidarity and condolences.

But we need to do more than this.

Last week figures for Dublin revealed another rise in the number of families and children living in emergency accommodation.

There are over ninety thousand households on local authority waiting lists.

And almost eight thousand people are living in emergency accommodation, including almost three thousand children!

One in three people experiencing homelessness in this state is a child!

How can this crisis be ended?

The answer is obvious.

The state needs to build homes for its citizens.

Thats what Sinn Fein will do in government.

That means turning away from the me fein  Galway Tent  politics that created the crisis in the first place and then made it worse.

Sinn Fein will not manage the housing crisis. We will end it.

Not on terms set by the market, or through tax cuts for developers as proposed by Fianna Fail, or on terms set by those holding on to land banks.

Sinn Fein will build houses.

We will deliver a social and affordable housing programme.

We will implement a plan to get the thousands of vacant properties back into use.

And Sinn Fein will introduce rent certainty and security of tenure by linking any increases to an index such as the consumer price index.

We will do this because we believe everyone has the right to a home.

The Crisis in Health

These parties which have been in government for decades now are responsible for the shameful and disgraceful state of our health systems.

Despite the huge efforts and hard work of health workers the reality is that our health service is a mess.

The reports of elderly people, children, and the very sick being left on trolleys, sometimes for days, are part of the every-day narrative of life for ordinary people in this state.

This week the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation revealed that the level of overcrowding in our Emergency Departments is at a record high.

In July waiting lists for surgeries stood at an all-time high of almost seven hundred thousand people.

Who is to blame?

Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour are to blame.

Sinn Fein has the vision, the policies, and the political will to end the crisis in our hospitals and build the health service that people need and deserve.

This means ending the trolley crisis in our emergency departments through proper investment and resourcing of community care.

Sinn Fein is absolutely committed to creating a public health care system based on need and funded by progressive taxation.

Healthcare, like housing, should be a right for all citizens and not a privilege for the well-off.

That should be the starting point. The principle. The objective.

Its all about equality.

About the rights of citizens.

About a rights based society.

And the right to a home and to health care is a fundamental part of this.

So too there must be protection and support for families, farmers and businesses that are the victim of environmental disasters.

Last week with Seanadoir Padraig Mac Lochlann I visited Inishowen and Derry to see for myself the extent of the damage and to speak to flood victims.

Two years ago it was people in Carrick-on-Shannon, Clare, Galway and Louth who faced the trauma of coping with the damage and disruption caused by floods.

The government is in default on its international commitment to cut emissions that contribute to global warming.

The government has still not produced the Flood Risk Management Plans that are required under the EU Floods Directive which came into force in 2010.

Nor has it put in place insurance cover for families, businesses and farmers faced with the ever present threat of flooding.

The government has not matched the efforts of neighbours, of communities, of council workers, first responders. Daniel ODonnell and his country and western friends have done more for the beleaguered people of Inisowen than the Taoiseach.

BREXIT

Brexit is most serious social, economic and political threat to the island of Ireland for a generation.

The people of the North voted against Brexit.

The Irish government has a responsibility to defend that vote and to act in the best interests of all the people of this island.

The Taoiseach also has a responsibility to defend the Good Friday Agreement which Brexit threatens and to ensure that EU citizens living in the North continue to have their EU rights protected after Brexit.

The policy positions unveiled by the British Government over the past number of weeks, including leaving the Customs Union, will cost jobs, and undermine the two economies on this island.

The decision by the British Labour Party, to seek continued British membership of the single market and customs union during any transitional arrangement, is a welcome development.

The Irish government should insist, and the Taoiseach must make it clear at the EU summit planned for October, that failure by the British to make progress must mean that the Brexit negotiations are not ready to move to the next stage of discussions.

It is also time for the Irish government to accept that the best protection for the island of Ireland in any post Brexit arrangement is for the North to be designated Special Status within the EU.

Brexit has also reenergised and reshaped the debate about a united Ireland.

That demands a new approach aimed at unlocking unionist opposition to a new future by reminding them of the positive contribution they have made to society on this island.

Instead of concentrating on the negative aspects of our four centuries of shared history I suggest that we embrace the areas of agreement and of co-operation; of good neighbourliness and the common good.

I encourage everybody to join this public discussion and debate.

Sinn Fein is seeking the support of all parties in the Oireachtas for a committee on Irish Unity.

We will also be bringing forward a White Paper on Irish Unity.

And we want to see a referendum on unity in the next five years.

We believe that this is achievable and winnable.

We also believe that this should be government policy.

The Crisis in the North

Contrary to the bogus argument being put by some it is self-evident that Sinn Fein is fully committed to the power sharing institutions agreed in the Good Friday Agreement.

In the face of disrespect and inequality and an absence of integrity by some; the failure to implement previous agreements, and the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal, Martin took the right decision and resigned.

His stand was vindicated in the Assembly and Westminster elections.

The political institutions can only work if they are based on equality, respect and integrity.

Last weeks proposal by the DUP Leader Arlene Foster for a parallel process is a non-runner, and she knew this.

But it did contain a welcome acknowledgement that the Irish language threatens no one.

Im sure the crocodiles are delighted to hear that.

And it did include a promise of legislation.

Cuirim failte roimh an athru sin.

This is welcome also.

But more than soft words are required.

Michelle ONeill has called for a short time-framed period of exploratory talks to determine whether progress is possible or not.

If the DUP is serious let them engage in that process.

But so there is no ambiguity let me repeat what I said last week.

There will be no return to the Assembly or Executive without a stand-alone Irish Language Act and agreement on the resolution of other outstanding issues.

Sinn Feins Ten Year Plan

Sinn Fein is currently finalising our ten-year plan.

This has been the focus of much internal discussion for the last year.

It is about preparing the party for the next ten years and to ensure that we are better able to achieve our strategic objectives.

At this event in this venue last year Martin McGuinness made it clear that we had a plan for orderly leadership change.

None of us knew that Martin would become terminally ill and that we would meet this year without him.

We dont have time to reflect on these mysteries of life and death this morning or on the loss of such a wonderful comrade and leader.

Suffice to say that we miss him deeply.

It is our intention to unveil at the Ard Fheis in November the plan that he helped to formulate.

I will be allowing my name to go forward for the position of Uachtaran Shinn Fein.

And if elected I will be setting out our priorities and in particular our planned process of generational change, including my own future intentions.

Conclusion  Call to Act

Finally, let me remind all of you that Sinn Fein is at our strongest electorally since the 1918 election.

Over half a million citizens have voted Sinn Fein in recent elections.

We had two outstanding elections this year in the North.

This is a credit to everyone in this room, and across this island who are members of, worked for, and voted for Sinn Fein.

It is also a huge responsibility.

Ta an jab ata romhainn soileir.

We must continue working hard in our communities and in all of the political institutions.

We must convince more people that change is possible.

I also expect the referendum to repeal the Eight Amendment will be held soon and Sinn Fein will campaign strongly for a YES vote.

Its about putting women first.

The Eighth Amendment is a relic of the past.

It has to go. It must be replaced with compassion.

Sinn Fein will campaign enthusiastically and energetically for the eighth amendment to be repealed.

We will urge all of those who oppose inequality and discrimination to join us in this.

In conclusion let me encourage all of you to engage fully in the discussions and conversations we will have today and tomorrow.

I thank the team who put together this event so that will have the fullest debates on the most important issues and challenges facing Irish society today.

Enjoy it.

So sin e.

Dul i ngleic go hiomlan le na comhraite a bheidh againn inniu agus amarach.

Gabhaim buiochas leis an bhfoireann a chuir an comhdhail seo le cheile ionas go mbeidh diospoireachtai again ar na dushlain is tabhachtai ata in Eireann faoi lathair.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh a chairde.
The 68-year-old said the party has a 10-year plan which included an 'orderly leadership change'

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said he will announce plans for his future when the party grassroots meets in November.

Mr Adams, who has led the republican party since the early 1980s, had already said he wanted to remain at the helm for the next general election in the Irish Republic.

But at a meeting of Sinn Fein representatives ahead of the Dail resuming, the 68-year-old said the party has a 10-year plan which included an "orderly leadership change".

The strategy was first mooted last year and work on it began before Martin McGuinness died earlier this year.

"This has been the focus of much internal discussion for the last year," Mr Adams said.

"It is about preparing the party for the next ten years and to ensure that we are better able to achieve our strategic objectives."

Sinn Fein's deputy president, Mary Lou McDonald, has made no secret of her desire to succeed Mr Adams - a scenario that would give the party female leaders on both sides of the border.

Mr Adams said if he was successfully elected president of the party he would s et out priorities and a "planned process of generational change, including my own future intentions".

The elected representatives at the meeting in the City Hotel in Co Meath also heard some of Sinn Fein's priorities for the next Dail term and the next election.

On Brexit Mr Adams said t he Irish government has a responsibility to defend Northern Ireland voters' wish to remain in Europe.

He said the UK Government's papers on leaving t he customs union will cost jobs, and undermine the economies in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

"It is also time for the Irish government to accept that the best protection for the island of Ireland in any post Brexit arrangement is for the North to be designated special status within the EU," he said.

Mr Adams said a referendum on a united Ireland in the next five years is " achievable and winnable" and should be government policy in the Republic.

He said: "In the North, both the DUP and the British Government continue to refuse to agree that the Executive and the Assembly be restored on on the basis of equality, respect and integrity for all.

"They also disrespect and ignore the vote of people in the north in the Brexit referendum and are insisting on dragging the North out of the EU against the wishes of the electorate."

"In fact, the DUP have torn up propositions being developed with Sinn Fein and others on Brexit in favour of the Tory government's little Englander approach."

On power-sharing in Stormont, Mr Adams said: " The political institutions can only work if they are based on equality, respect and integrity."

He added DUP leader Arlene Foster's proposal to revive the institutions was " a non-runner" but he welcomed the unionists leader's assertion that "the Irish language threatens no one".

"But so there is no ambiguity let me repeat what I said last week," he said.

"There will be no return to the Assembly or Executive without a stand-alone Irish Language Act and agreement on the resolution of other outstanding issues."

Mr Adams attacked the record on health and housing by the Government in the Republic.
Irish winters are leaving one in four older adults deficient in vitamin D, a new study has found.

However, even during the summer, when the body usually produces vitamin D, one in eight adults over the age of 50 have been found to be lacking the essential vitamin.

The vitamin, which is produced by the body after exposure to summer sunshine, is needed for normal bone health and for the prevention of conditions such as osteoporosis. A deficiency can be treated easily with supplements.

Researchers from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin have discovered wide variations in vitamin D deficiency across the different provinces of the island of Ireland and that these are dependent on lifestyle.

People living in Northern Ireland, the North and West of Ireland, and those who were physically inactive, were much more likely to be lacking in the vitamin, according to the study.

The research, which was published on Monday in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, also found that vitamin D deficiency increased with age.

In adults over the age of 80, 37% were deficient in winter, compared with 22% of 50-59 year olds.

Vitamin D deficiency was found to be more common in smokers (23%), people who live alone (21%) and those from a lower socio-economic background (17%).

According to the research, the use of vitamin D supplementation was low, with only 8.5% of the over-50 population taking it.

Lead author of the study and Research Fellow at TILDA, Dr Eamon Laird, said he hoped the data would help inform public health policy, in particular with regards to vitamin D food fortification and the targeting of supplements aimed at reducing endemic vitamin D deficiency.

"To place this in context, in a country such as Finland, which gets less sunlight than Ireland and is at a more northern latitude, actually has less prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than Ireland due to a comprehensive public health policy of supplementation and fortification," he said.

Dr Laird added that the research shows "striking differences in the prevalence of deficiency across different physical and lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking and physical inactivity, all of which are modifiable risk factors."

Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA, said sufficient vitamin D status is needed for normal bone health and for the prevention of debilitating chronic conditions such as osteoporosis.

She warned that new research has shown that vitamin D deficiency "may also be associated with heart disease, kidney disease, brain health and diabetes."

"If these associations are confirmed in other large studies, then the high rates of deficiency seen in the older adult population are of concern and, given that vitamin D can be treated easily with supplementation, this has significant policy and practice implications for government and health services," added Professor Kenny.
Irish drinks firm C&C, which is behind Magners cider, has inked a deal to acquire pub chain Admiral Taverns alongside Proprium Capital Partners in a 220 million deal.

As part of the transaction, C&C will take 47% of Chester-based Admiral while Proprium, a property firm, will take a slightly higher stake.

The remainder will be held by Admiral's management team, led by chief executive Kevin Georgel.

The deal contains both debt and equity and C&C is pumping 37 million in for its holding.

Admiral, which is being sold by hedge fund Cerberus, operates 845 pubs in Britain and raked in 25.2 million in earnings last year.

The deal will give C&C, which also owns Tennents lager, a direct route to market "without taking significant financial and operational risk", its boss Stephen Glancey said.

He added: "This is an attractive opportunity to create a new long term investment in the important on-trade channel, without taking significant financial and operational risk.

"The investment will provide our brands with improved distribution in some of the best community pubs across the UK, with an opportunity to enhance on-trade penetration further over time."

The acquisition is the latest move by a drinks firm to seize control of a pubs group.

In December, Heineken snapped up Punch Taverns alongside private equity firm Patron Capital in a 403 million deal.

Mr Georgel said: " Our strategy remains unapologetically consistent and I look forward to working with the support of our new investors to continue to build on the significant progress the business has made over the last five years and take advantage of the opportunities within our markets, as and when they arise."
Powersharing talks are at a high-stakes stage and cannot continue for many more weeks, minister Simon Coveney said

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney speaking to the press in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney speaking to the press in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

The UK government has definitively rejected any suggestion that there could be joint authority in Northern Ireland should the parties fail to reach an agreement on restoring the power-sharing executive.

The comments follow an assertion by Irish minister for foreign affairs Simon Coveney that "there can be no British-only direct rule".

In a statement on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for the UK government said that "along with the Irish government" its aim was "the reestablishment of inclusive, devolved government at Stormont, and the operation of all the institutions established under the Belfast Agreement".

"Should this not prove possible, in the absence of devolved government, it is ultimately for the United Kingdom government to provide the certainty over delivery of public services and good governance in Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom. This is consistent with our obligations under the Belfast Agreement," the spokesperson said.

"We will never countenance any arrangement, such as joint authority, inconsistent with the principle of consent in the Agreement."

'No direct rule without Irish input'

Speaking earlier foreign affairs minister Coveney said that direct rule from London cannot be imposed in Northern Ireland without Irish government input

The British government has warned it may pass legislation to fund public services in Belfast.

Minister Coveney said: "The status quo is not sustainable in Northern Ireland."

Dublin is under a legal obligation to be consulted on issues involving North/South co-operation under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments.

Mr Coveney was in Belfast to try to kick-start powersharing at Stormont and said all parties wanted to see progress made.

But he reminded them while the negotiations continued Northern Ireland has no voice at the Brexit talks table.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule.

"That is the Irish Government's position."

The 1998 Agreement bestowed a legal obligation on the Irish Government over North/South issues affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Coveney added: "It would be very difficult to even contemplate how direct rule would function in that context.

"We don't want to go there, it is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the Government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."

He said there was an opportunity cost for Northern Ireland as tough decisions needed to be made over funding for health and education.

"Essentially Northern Ireland is in limbo at the minute because those decisions cannot be made, that is not a sustainable situation for many more weeks and that is why the stakes are very high now," he said.

He said he had no objection to a mediator but bringing somebody totally new into the talks when everyone else has such a detailed knowledge of the political complexities may not be helpful.

"If the parties want that we will try to facilitate that but I think it is unlikely," he said.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been awarded around 95,000 in damagesover topless photographs of Kate (Anthony Devlin/PA)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have said they are pleased a court found in their favour after they were awarded more than 100,000 euro in damages over topless photographs published of Kate.

The couple felt it essential to pursue all legal remedies after the long-lens images of Kate sunbathing on a terrace were published by Frances Closer magazine in September 2012, Kensington Palace said.

The publication was ordered to pay each of the couple 50,000 euro (46,000) at a Paris court on Tuesday after it was ruled they had breached her privacy.

Expand Close France's Closer Magazine was ruled they had breached the Duchess of Cambridge's privacy (Chris Jackson/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp France's Closer Magazine was ruled they had breached the Duchess of Cambridge's privacy (Chris Jackson/PA)

A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased that the court has found in their favour and the matter is now closed.

This incident was a serious breach of privacy, and Their Royal Highnesses felt it essential to pursue all legal remedies.

They wished to make the point strongly that this kind of unjustified intrusion should not happen.

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The photos, taken as Kate holidayed with William at a private chateau in Provence, southern France, adorned the front and inside pages of Closer almost five years ago.

Regional newspaper La Provence also printed images of the Duchess in her swimwear.

It was instructed to pay 3,000 euro (2,700) in damages by presiding judge Florence Lasserre-Jeannin during the hearing at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Nanterre.

Tuesdays judgment follows the trial of six people, including three photographers, linked to Closer magazine and La Provence, which began in May.

The judge convicted all six defendants of charges relating to the taking and publication of the images.

Expand Close Closer magazine's editor in chief Laurence Pieau. (Thibault Camus/AP/PA) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Closer magazine's editor in chief Laurence Pieau. (Thibault Camus/AP/PA)

Ernesto Mauri, 70, chief executive of publishing group Mondadori, which produces Closer, and Laurence Pieau, 51, editor of the magazine in France, were fined for their role in the invasion of privacy.

They both must pay the maximum penalty of 45,000 euro (41,000).

The judgment comes just a week after the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

During the trial, the court was told William found the decision to publish the topless photographs all the more painful given his late mothers battles with the paparazzi.

Expand Close French lawyer Jean Veil represented the Royal Family. (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp French lawyer Jean Veil represented the Royal Family. (AP)

In a written statement read by the couples lawyer, Jean Veil, the Duke said: The clandestine way in which these photographs were taken was particularly shocking to us as it breached our privacy.

Agency photographers Cyril Moreau and Dominique Jacovides, who had denied taking the topless photos at the centre of the controversy, were told to each pay 10,000 euro (9,200)  5,000 euro (4,600) of which is suspended.

Marc Auburtin, 57, who was La Provences publishing director at the time, was handed a suspended fine of 1,500 euro (1,380), while the papers photographer, Valerie Suau, 53, was given a 1,000 euro (920) suspended penalty.

The publication of the images prompted a fierce reaction at the time, with a statement issued by St Jamess Palace stating they were reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.

William and Kate launched their own legal proceedings in 2012 and a court in Paris banned Closer, which is separate from the UKs Closer magazine, from printing any further images.
Four alleged members of banned neo-Nazi group have been arrested by anti-terror police (David Jones/PA)

Five men, including four serving members of the Army, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of being members of banned neo-Nazi group National Action.

Four men, including a civilian, were arrested in the UK, while a fifth suspect, who is understood to be in the Royal Anglian Regiment, was detained in Cyprus.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed he was detained by the Royal Military Police at the islands British Dhekelia base before being transferred to RAF Akrotiri, from where he will be flown to the UK.

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A 22-year-old, from Birmingham, a 32-year-old from Powys, mid Wales, a 24-year-old from Ipswich and a 24-year-old from Northampton, were detained by West Midlands Police, as part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation, but the force said there was no threat to the publics safety.

One of the men is believed to have been serving in Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), while at least one other is in the Royal Anglian Regiment.

All four are being held at a police station in the West Midlands and a number of properties are being searched.

Expand Close West Midlands Police said the four were detained as part of a an intelligence-led operation and there was no threat to the publics safety (David Jones/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp West Midlands Police said the four were detained as part of a an intelligence-led operation and there was no threat to the publics safety (David Jones/PA)

In a statement, police said the four suspects were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to sec 11 of the Terrorism Act.

National Action, described by the Home Office as virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic, became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

An Army spokesman said: We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group.

These arrests are the consequence of a police-led operation supported by the Army.

This is now the subject of a civilian police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Any further inquiries should be made to the West Midlands Police Force.

Expand Close MP Jo Cox was murdered by right-wing extremist Thomas Mair (Yui Mok/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp MP Jo Cox was murdered by right-wing extremist Thomas Mair (Yui Mok/PA)

An entry for National Action in the official list of proscribed groups says it is a racist neo-Nazi group that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities.

The document adds that the group is virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic.

Its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people, according to the list.

The document also links National Action to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

It said the groups online propaganda material frequently features extremely violent imagery and language, and cited tweets posted in connection with Ms Coxs murder at the hands of right-wing extremist Thomas Mair.
Prince Harry has urged schoolchildren affected by the Grenfell Tower fire to be there for each other as they come to terms with the tragedy, in an emotional visit with his brother.

The Prince and the Duke of Cambridge met survivors of the high-rise blaze, community volunteers and charity workers as they visited a new centre to provide those affected with psychological support.

Harry has previously admitted he struggled in the years after the shock death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, only seeking help more than a decade later.

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Harry chatted with pupils at two nearby schools, Kensington Aldridge Academy and Burlington Danes, who said they had been talking and supporting each other following the fire.

Harry replied: Thats all you can do, is be there for each other because there will be some people who either dont want to talk about their experiences or think they are absolutely fine, and in years time, maybe five years time, suddenly they might have some nightmares and thats when you guys will be crucial, because you have been through that process.

To one pupil, who said they had felt a very difficult atmosphere when they sat an exam after the fire, the prince joked: Exam conditions are pretty rubbish anyway, I dont think its changed in the last 20 years.

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The brothers were shown around the Support4Grenfell community hub near to the charred tower, a child-friendly area spread over two floors with beanbags, board games and more secluded areas for quiet chats.

The pair were due to be joined by the Duchess of Cambridge, with William apologising to a group of support workers for her absence.

Kate, who is suffering with severe morning sickness, as was the case with her previous pregnancies, was forced to pull out of public engagements on Monday and Tuesday.

The Duke said he was sorry Catherine could not be present, to which a member of the group joked: Shes got a good excuse.

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He said she would have been thrilled to hear of the work charities, such as Place2Be, Child Bereavement UK, and Winstons Wish, were doing to help after Grenfell, and to see the hub being used.

Harry also met Andreia Gomes, her partner Marcio and their two young daughters, Luana, 12 and Megan, 10, who escaped from the 21st floor of the tower on June 14.

Ms Gomes, who was pregnant when the blaze ripped through the building, lost the baby boy she was carrying later that day in hospital.

Asked if the family thought the centre would be useful for them, the couple said: Yes, especially for the girls.
The panda cub on day six (Zoo de Beauval)

A French zoo has released footage of the first month of a panda cubs life.

Video taken every day since the pandas birth shows how the peach-coloured newborn has started to develop those familiar black patches on its eyes and torso.

Zookeepers at Beauval Zoo also said the unnamed male pup can now drink without a bottle and weighs over a kilogram.

The baby panda was born on the 4th of August and French first lady Brigitte Macron was named as as the rare newborns godmother soon afterwards.

The pandas parents, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, also live in the French zoo and are on a ten year loan from China.
A massive influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Burma has pushed aid services in Bangladesh to the brink, with established camps already beyond capacity, aid workers said.

The UN refugee agency said 123,000 refugees have fled western Burma since August 25.

"The numbers are very worrying. They are going up very quickly," said UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan.

The agency pleaded for assistance, saying it needs more land to set up new camps to accommodate refugees who are arriving hungry, traumatised and in need of medical assistance.

"Most have walked for days from their villages - hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes," the agency said. "An unknown number could still be stranded at the border."

Many said their homes had been set alight and Burmese soldiers fired indiscriminately around their villages in Rakhine state.

In the border town of Kutupalong, an elderly woman bleeding profusely from where her lower right leg had been blown off in an explosion was bundled into a rickshaw to be taken to hospital.

Family members said she was wounded in a land mine blast. Her left leg and parts of her hands also appeared seriously wounded.

Tens of thousands of new refugees have been taken in at established camps that have been housing Rohingya since the 1990s, but those camps have reached "breaking point", the UN refugee agency said.

Thousands of others are sheltering in emergency tents, in makeshift camps or out in the open wherever they find space.

Aid agencies said there is an urgent need for emergency shelters and medical aid as more refuges arrive.

The UNHCR's new refugee estimate was the result of aid workers conducting new, more accurate counts that revised Monday's estimate up from 87,000, Ms Tan said.

Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in majority-Buddhist Burma.

They began streaming into Bangladesh after August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked Burmese police posts, prompting security forces to respond with days of "clearance operations" they said were aimed at rooting out insurgents from villages.

Burmese security officials and Rohingya insurgents accuse each other of committing atrocities in the past week.

AP
The man had been associated with the school in New Delhi for nine years

A 54-year-old British man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at a school in the Indian capital.

Murray Dennis Ward had been associated with the New Delhi school run by the National Association for the Blind for nine years , initially as a donor and later as a volunteer teacher, police said.

School authorities contacted the police after the boys, aged 14 and 15, complained about the alleged abuse.

Ward appeared before a judge after his arrest on Monday, and was ordered to be held in police custody while investigations continued. Police have seized his laptop computer and mobile phone.

Ward, from Gloucestershire, had been working with a technology company in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon until April.

Police officer Ishwar Singh told reporters that the British High Commission in New Delhi has been informed of the arrest.

AP
Cambodia's opposition leader has been formally charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with the United States to topple the government, and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Kem Sokha had been expected to lead his Cambodia National Rescue Party in next year's election in a strong challenge against the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has held power for three decades. The opposition party has denied the treason allegation, saying the charge is strictly politically motivated.

Kem Sokha's arrest on Sunday in the middle of the night came amid a crackdown on the media. Radio stations among the few mass media to carry voices critical of the government were shut down for alleged breaches of regulations, and the English-language Cambodia Daily, also independent of the government, was forced out of business after being presented with a huge but disputed tax bill.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman Ly Sophana said on Tuesday that Kem Sokha had been charged after a thorough investigation, including interrogation and examination of the evidence. The crime is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison.

A statement issued by the court said Kem Sokha had secretly conspired with a foreign country to carry out an act harmful to the social order and that could cause unrest. It said he had been carrying out his plan since 1993 to topple the government step by step.

Speaking to 4,000 Cambodian garment factory workers on Sunday, Hun Sen claimed Kem Sokha had colluded with the United States against his government and warned the opposition party it could be dissolved if it defended him. He provided no proof for his claim.

The government appeared to have based part of its claims against Kem Sokha on a video clip which shows the opposition leader giving a public speech in which he describes a grassroots political strategy to challenge Hun Sen with US support.

The clip, which was released by the government on Sunday, was published on YouTube by the Australia-based Cambodia Broadcasting Network in 2013. In it, Kem Sokha says the United States hired university professors and experts in America and Canada "to advise me on (a) strategy to change the leadership" in Cambodia.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert did not address the allegations against Washington, but issued a statement expressing "grave concern" over Kem Sokha's arrest, saying he "has a long, distinguished, and internationally recognised commitment to human rights and peaceful democracy".

Ms Nauert said the detention and "unprecedented" restrictions recently imposed on independent media and civil society "raise serious questions about the government's ability to organise credible national elections in 2018".

Legal threats forced Kem Sokha's predecessor as leader, Sam Rainsy, to resign this year from the opposition party. He now lives in exile.

AP
Photographers captured the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing on a terrace in September 2012. Pic: PA

A French court has ordered Closer magazine to pay 100,000 euros in damages over topless photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge taken almost five years ago.

Six people went on trial in May at a court in Nanterre, west Paris, over the long-lens images of Kate sunbathing on a terrace in September 2012.

The photos, taken as Kate holidayed with the Duke of Cambridge at a private chateau in Provence, southern France, adorned the front and inside pages of Frances Closer magazine.

Presiding judge Florence Lasserre-Jeannin handed down the awards - around 91,000 - on Tuesday at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Nanterre.

It was reported the royal couple were seeking over 1m in damages.
Vladimir Putin said peacekeepers could help ensure safety for international observers monitoring the ceasefire (Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

Russia will ask the UN Security Council to send peacekeepers to patrol the front line in eastern Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has said.

Fighting between Ukrainian troops and Russia-backed separatists in the region has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014.

A 2015 peace deal brokered by Germany and France helped reduce the scale of fighting, but clashes have continued.

The separatists have opposed Ukraine's suggestion to deploy peacekeepers in the war zone, but t he Russian president told reporters that UN forces could help ensure safety for international observers monitoring the ceasefire.

He insisted that the peacekeepers should be deployed only along the line separating the rebel-controlled territories and the area under government control where the clashes occur.

Russia's foreign ministry will file a formal request with the UN Security Council, Mr Putin said.

So-called "Normandy Format" peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France have largely stalled recently, with a truce timed to the start of the new school year breaking down almost immediately after it was agreed on at the end of August.

German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel said Mr Putin's announcement was "surprising" but he was "very glad... the Russian president said today he will continue to negotiate about demands that were rejected in the past by Russia".

"More importantly, this offer of a UN mission in eastern Ukraine shows that Russia has effected a change in its policies that we should not gamble away.

"It would be good if we take it as an opening to talk about new ways of detente."

AP
North Korea's leader is "begging for war", the US ambassador has said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ambassador Nikki Haley said the US would look at countries doing business with North Korea and planned to circulate a resolution this week with the goal of getting it approved by September 11.

"Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," Ms Haley said.

"The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country, that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions."

The move came as US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and agreed that Sunday's underground nuclear test by North Korea was a grave provocation that was "unprecedented".

The two leaders also agreed to remove the limit on the payload of South Korean missiles.

Scheduled after North Korea said it detonated the hydrogen bomb, the emergency UN session also came six days after the council strongly condemned what it called Pyongyang's "outrageous" launch of a ballistic missile over Japan.

Less than a month ago, the council imposed its stiffest sanctions yet on the reclusive nation.

But the US resolution faces an uncertain future. Russia and China have both proposed a two-pronged approach: North Korea would suspend its nuclear and missile development, and the US and South Korea would suspend their joint military exercises.

Washington and Seoul say the manoeuvres are defensive, but Pyongyang views them as a rehearsal for invasion. The North recently requested a Security Council meeting about the war games.

The US says there is no comparison between its openly conducted, internationally monitored military drills and North Korea's weapons programmes, which the international community has banned.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters after yesterday's meeting that sanctions alone will not solve the issue and there need to be negotiations too. "Resolutions aimed solely at sanctioning North Korea have not worked well before," Mr Nebenzia said.

Matthew Rycroft, the UK ambassador to the UN, described the situation as "disturbing and unprecedented", but said it was "clear" sanctions applied by the Security Council on North Korea were "having an effect".

He called on the Security Council to condemn the latest test, and said: "We continue to wish for a peaceful way forward: dialogue will always be our end goal but returning to dialogue without a serious sign of intent from Pyongyang would be a set up to failure.

"North Korea must change course to allow a return to dialogue. Were they to do so the opportunity exists to end this crisis.

"Until that moment we must stay the course on sanctions and continue, as the Secretary General has called for, to present a united front."

He restated his calls for a new UN Security Council resolution, and said in light of the latest test: "We must increase the pace of implementation of existing sanctions and work rapidly towards the adoption of a new and effective resolution."
Its not often you come across religion in Hollywood, much less among the celebrity elite. Yet, hidden within the hearts of a handful of our most beloved stars, the Christian faith flourishes. These faithful celebrities are, or were at one time, the best of the best; theyre the A-Listers.

For these powerful people, fame and fortune havent drowned out belief.

Balancing faith and fame isnt an easy task. When Christ spoke of how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, He knew what He was talking about. While money and fame arent inherently bad things, they give us something that can destroy faith: the power of choice.

With near-unlimited resources, a celebrity can live any lifestyle, go anywhere, or do anything. When youre this famous, theres little need to rely on God, and the constant affirmation and attention from fans and admirers can inflate an ego to epic proportions.

But these celebrities made it through with faith intact, and with that faith comes balance and restraint you wont see many of the celebrities on this list--with a few notable exceptions, of courseembroiled in controversy.

When faith and star power combine, great role models are made, and so these celebs are people youll actually want to emulate. When the rest of Hollywood is descending into bad example after bad example, you can rest assured that these few will stand out in the best way.

Now, lets take a look at these a-list celebrities with A-List faith.
Place Christianity and Hinduism side-by-side, and you might think that the adherents of these two faiths dont have a thing in common.

For example, Christianity is strictly monotheistic, while Hinduism embraces a number of possibilities regarding divinity. Christianity also teaches that all humans who have been delivered from sin experience one death and one resurrection in a glorified and immortal body, whereas in the Hindu tradition, people are reincarnated in various forms until they reach enlightenment. For the Christian, his or her theology is objective truth. For the Hindu, truth is relative to experience.

And these are just the beginning of the major theological differences.

But today, we live in a world that is simultaneously more closely-knit and more sharply divided than ever. Were brought together through social media and international news coverage, and yet this spotlight seems only to highlight our differences, sparking conflict, anguish, and misunderstanding.

The key to solving religious culture clash lies in actively searching for commonalities rather than focusing on our differences, and so instead of focusing on what divides Hinduism from Christianity, were going to look at a few important things these two belief systemsand their adherentshave in common.

Love and Kindness First

To be kind is to act for the good of others, regardless of how useful, or not useful, they are to you. This doesnt mean that youre a pushover, but rather that you act for the welfare of those around you.

Both Christianity and Hinduism are ethical systemsthey purport to teach human beings how to live well. And one of the most important parts of living well is learning to love others, and to show that love through acts of kindness.

The ministry of Jesus was marked by these acts of kindness. He spent His ministry healing the sick, teaching charity, and saving people from the bonds of legalistic dogma. When asked what the two most important commands of God are in Mark 12:31, He says that you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Christ places our love for one another in the same category as our love for God, making a powerful case for love and kindness.

Hinduism places a similar emphasis on love and kindness. The Hindu concept of Ahimsa, which means not to injure or compassion, refers to one of the key virtues for Hindus. It is a form of loving kindness quite similar to that of Christianity.

The idea of Ahimsa includes refraining from causing injury through action, words, or even thoughts, and is an important ethical concept in the Vedic textsthe oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Ahimsa, along with truthfulness, sincerity, charity, and meditation are some of the essential virtues of the Hindu faith.

Kindness is a value that is strongly shared by Christianity and Hinduism, and we would be well served to remember this as we strive to work together for the betterment of humanity.

Humility in All Things

Humility, in the ethical sense, is freedom from pride or arrogance. To be humble isnt to debase yourselfit is, as C.S. Lewis once wrote, not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.

It is also a value shared by both Christianity and Hinduism.

In the Christian tradition, Christ gives the ultimate example of humility. Scripture portrays Jesus as divine, and yet He chose to serve humanity rather than revel in glory. It is from this example that Christians derive their sense of moral humility, interacting with others without any sense of superiority or loftily condemning nature.

Hindus are similarly taught to be morally humble. Hinduism, as a belief system, is quite humble, and doesnt claim to be the one and only holder of universal truththis is why there are so many varying beliefs within Hinduism, ranging from a pantheistic belief in many gods to a wholly secular worldview.

Within many Hindu traditions, though, the ultimate goal is to renounce all selfish desires and become free from the idea of I and meit is only in this that a Hindu practitioner will achieve enlightenment and rise to the highest level of existence.

Both faiths place great emphasis on being humbleremembering this can be a great starting point for interfaith discussion that builds bridges across these two vastly different religious cultures.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful toolso powerful, in fact, that it can stop age-old cycles of violence that have been raging since humankind could hold aloft a sharpened stick and direct it at his neighbor. To forgive isnt to simply forget a wrong, or to naively allow others to hurt you repeatedly. Rather, forgiveness is the act of letting go of the possibility of revenge.

Forgiveness is one of the central concepts of Christianity. In this religious tradition, God forgives Christians when they act in ways which are outside of His Will. This is called sin, and while scripture holds that people cant live totally sin-free lives, God is completely willing to forgive these sins, allowing Christians the opportunity to live with Him after death.

Similarly, Christians are to forgive others, just as they are forgivenin Matthew 6:15, Jesus teaches that if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Hindu scriptures also embrace a life of forgiveness. Ksama is the word which describes the Hindu concept of forgiveness, and is considered one of the faiths cardinal virtues. Theologically, a Hindu who does not forgive carries with them feelings of anger and unresolved emotions which will affect their future incarnations.

And so, for Hindus, it is important to both forgive, and to seek forgiveness for wrongsit is considered a virtuous sacrifice in many Hindu texts.

Both Christianity and Hinduism promote forgiveness, recognizing that the ability to release the desire for vengeance makes for a much better world.

There is Unity in Difference

Despite the many ways Christianity and Hinduism differ, these two faiths agree on some fundamental ethical ideasideas which can better the world if acted upon.

Imagine the potential of these two faiths if their adherents were to combine their efforts to show love and kindness to the poor, to forgive those who have historically wronged them, and to be humble in their interactions with the world. Crossing the boundaries between these two religious culturesand othersis just what the unity we need in this challenging era of difference.

Wesley Baines is a graduate student at Regent University's School of Divinity, and a freelance writer working in the fields of spirituality, self-help, and religion. He is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com. You can catch more of his work at www.wesleybaines.com.
The body of suspected Hizbul Mujahideen member Yawar Ahmad is wrapped in an Islamic State flag after he was killed by security forces in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, Aug. 4, 2017.

Investigators in Indian-administered Kashmir have identified a fringe group they claim is responsible for bringing Islamic State flags into the funerals of suspected militants and anti-India demonstrations, a police leader said Tuesday.

The unnamed group is striving to establish an Islamic caliphate in Kashmir and is led by Zakir Rashid Bhat, alias Zakir Musa, a former leader of Kashmirs oldest separatist faction, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Inspector General of Police Munir Khan told BenarNews.

In July, Musa, 24, was named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a recently established wing of al-Qaeda in Indian Kashmir. However, Khan did not confirm whether Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind was behind the recent trend of draping bodies of slain militants in IS flags  a break from the decades-old tradition of wrapping them in Pakistani flags.

It is the handwork of a fringe militant group and is aimed at creating a false sensation about the presence of IS in Kashmir, Khan said.

We have arrested more than 20 supporters of Musa who were involved in raising IS flags and making pro-al-Qaeda slogans in Srinagar recently. During interrogation they revealed they were over ground workers for this unnamed outfit, Khan said, while insisting there was no presence of the Middle East-based terror outfit in Indian Kashmir.

Black IS flags were laid on the bodies of at least three suspected militants  HMs Sajad Gilkar and Yawar Ahmad, and Jaish-e-Muhammads Mukhtar Ahmad Lone  gunned down by security forces over the past few weeks, police said.

Musa quit HM in May after he publicly threatened to kill separatists opposed to the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Muslim-majority Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan and has grappled with a separatist insurgency on its Indian side that has killed 70,000 since the late 1980s.

Police: handful of IS supporters

We have tightened the noose around these Musa supporters who are behind the raising of IS flags in the region. We have arrested some and gunned down at least five. Musa has the backing of only a handful of supporters who subscribe to the IS ideology, Khan said.

While Indian government officials consistently deny that IS has made any significant inroads in the country, about 70 people have been arrested and are facing trial for alleged links with the terror group.

Intelligence agencies claim about 50 Indian Muslims left for the Middle East to fight alongside IS. Among them, at least seven have died in battle.

The Kashmiris, who routinely pour out on the streets of the restive region to clash with security forces, denounced IS for its un-Islamic and inhuman acts of violence.

Kashmiris will never lend support to IS, Arif Ahmad, a Srinagar-based university student, told BenarNews.

Violence is prohibited in Islam in all its manifestations. Maybe there are a handful of people that support the IS ideology and are trying to incite passions by wrapping militants bodies in IS flags. But most Kashmiris would never accept ISs ideology, he said.

The recent trend of waving IS flags during protests and funeral processions is a ploy to bring international attention to the decades-old violence Kashmiri separatists blame on Indias oppressive rule, according to a leading security analyst.

It is nothing but a way to attract attention at the international level through the media, Ajai Sahni of the New Delhi-based Institute of Conflict Management told BenarNews.

Our security agencies need not worry or waste time on such trivial issues. The IS propaganda that is being enacted by some militants will die its own death, Sahni said.
A man expresses his concerns over the war on drugs in the Philippines during the funeral of teenager Kian Loyd delos Santos, Aug. 26, 2017.

Appearing before a Senate inquiry on Tuesday, an emotional Philippine police chief denied there exists a policy to kill innocent people in President Rodrigo Dutertes sweeping war on drugs.

Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosas testimony came a week after Duterte met with the parents of a 17-year-old boy whose killing during a drug sweep sparked widespread indignation. Duterte assured them there will be a speedy investigation.

We will lay our lives for the innocent, a tearful dela Rosa told the nationally televised inquiry investigating the death last month of Kian Loyd delos Santos.

It is not correct to say that there is a policy sanctioning widespread killing. God is there, he sees. He knows, dela Rosa said, adding that he is willing to step down from his post if proven otherwise.

The boys killing galvanized the opposition against Dutertes crackdown, in which more than 8,000 alleged addicts and dealers have been killed by police or vigilantes. He was among nearly 100 alleged drug users and pushers who were killed last month in the bloodiest week in Dutertes drug war.

Complaints filed against 3 police

Murder complaints have been filed by the public prosecutor against three police involved in delos Santos death, and a closed-circuit television camera belied their claim that the boy was gunned down after he pulled a gun on the officers. The footage showed him being led away and he was later found slumped to the ground, apparently shot execution style.

His death came shortly after 15 people were killed by the police in the south, including a mayor included on a list of 150 politicians, judges, police and military officers Duterte said were involved in the drug trade. Despite publicly naming the officials, the president has offered no proof of their involvement.

Dela Rosa on Tuesday emphasized that Duterte did not give police the power to kill and kill.

One-hundred seventy-five thousand policemen. How can I defend my organization if you have already made up your minds that we have that policy, dela Rosa said, challenging the senators.

His protestations came amid news that a young man, Carl Arnaiz, 19, was found dead last week about 10 days after he was reported missing.

Police claimed Arnaiz had held up a taxi and fought it out with officers. Investigators reported he had a pistol and methamphetamine, but an autopsy revealed the teen apparently was gunned down in a similar manner to delos Santos.

Senator speaks out against Duterte

While Arnaizs death did not attract the same media attention, Sen. Leila de Lima said it served to demonstrate in palpable and irrefutable ways, that our police force under Duterte has been converted into cold-blooded executioners.

The psyche of these uniformed state agents now conforms to that of our butcher president, de Lima said in a statement issued from detention.

De Lima was Manilas former rights commissioner who has been jailed, ironically, on charges of allegedly using drug money to fund her campaign last year. The charges were filed by Dutertes chief legal enforcer and fraternity brother, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

Duterte on Tuesday came to the defense of dela Rosa, saying his police chief was just emotional because hes hurt by the accusations.

Do you think that two killings, even if illegal, will make (it) a (police) policy? Duterte asked. Its an insult to say its a policy of the police to kill.

At the beginning of drug crackdown last month when just over 30 of the nearly 100 had been killed, Duterte publicly praised the police for doing a good job, and urged them to kill more.

If we can kill another 32 every day, then maybe we can reduce what ails this country, Duterte said at the time.
Government workers bury unidentified and unclaimed remains at a public cemetery in the southern Philippine city of Marawi, Sept. 5, 2017.

The United States announced Tuesday it was providing the Philippines with 730 million pesos (U.S. $15 million) in fresh assistance to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in the southern city of Marawi, where the military said the battle to flush out Islamic State-linked militants was in its final stages.

Officials said a portion of that amount would be spent on relief supplies, including safe drinking water, hygiene kits and shelter materials, for tens of thousands of people who were displaced when militants attacked Marawi, more than 700 miles south of Manila, on May 23.

We all look forward to the end of the crisis, and the end of the fighting and suffering, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim told reporters in Manila. We have been and will continue to support the Philippine governments efforts to deal with the crisis.

Most of the funds, Kim said, would support long-term rehabilitation programs for Marawi, parts of which have been reduced to rubble by airstrikes targeted at the militants who have entrenched themselves in buildings in the heart of the lakeside city.

Small numbers of U.S. and Australian troops have been helping their Filipino counterparts gather intelligence against the militants, though they are barred from actual combat.

The fighting has killed 641 militants, 145 soldiers and 45 civilians, military officials said Tuesday.

Kim said the donation represented a part of Washingtons commitment to provide non-military assistance to the Philippines, which has totaled about 65 billion pesos ($1.3 billion) over the past six years.

Difficulty of identifying the dead

The announcement of fresh U.S. military aid comes on the same day that authorities buried 27 unclaimed remains recovered earlier from Marawi, underscoring the difficulty of identifying the dead.

The bodies were recovered in the early stages of fighting, but identifying them has been a problem because many were in an advanced stage of decomposition.

Authorities had collected DNA from the bodies and were in the process of cross-checking them with DNA samples obtained from people who had reported missing relatives, provincial spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong said.

Most of the cadavers bore gunshot wounds and were retrieved from the combat zone, according to Saripada Luman Pacasum, the local disaster management chief.

"We are preparing for large-scale human remains retrieval operations once the firefight in the MBA (main battle area) is over, he said.

Nearing an end?

The military said it was confident of finally pushing the militants out of Marawi, with the recent recovery of two bridges that are considered key supply routes.

Officials also reported having retaken Marawis grand mosque, which once served as the militants main base of operations.

The military estimated on Tuesday that the militant force had dropped to anywhere between 40 and 60 individuals from at least 600 at the height of the fighting.

But the top militant leader, Isnilon Hapilon, a Filipino from the Abu Sayyaf group and the known IS leader in the region, is believed to be still fighting inside the main battle area, officials said.

As of Tuesday, officials said, it was not clear how many of the foreign militants who had backed the local gunmen were still alive, or whether the leaders of the local Maute group fighting alongside Hapilon were dead.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, the regional military chief, said the gunmen were fighting back with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) they built from unexploded ordnance dropped by military planes.

Last week, three soldiers died and 52 others were injured when they took back control of one of three bridges that had been captured by the militants. Many of them suffered shrapnel injuries from IEDs.

Only 300 structures remain to be cleared from 600 previously, but our troops are finding more IEDs in the buildings, Galvez said.

The terrorists apparently salvaged unexploded ordnance and bombs dropped by the Philippine Air Force warplanes.

They cut up the shells and bombs to get to the gunpowder and put them in small plastic bottles. They really know the stuff, said one officer, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

The military said it was also preparing for a spillover of violence to nearby cities and provinces as the militants move out of Marawi.

Local military spokesman Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay said the fighting was now been confined to between 20 and 25 hectares (49 to 62 acres) of land.

We are gaining ground as we continue to flush out members of Maute and Abu Sayyaf, Petinglay said.

But we cannot discount the possibility there [was] ongoing recruitment outside of Marawi and in central Mindanao, she said.

Richel V. Umel in Marawi and Felipe Villamor in Manila contributed to this story.

Smoke rises after a Philippine Air Force plane drops a bomb on Friday in the southern city of Marawi, Sept. 1, 2017. [Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews]
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Dr. Yuning Fu, a geophysicist with the Bowling Green State University School of Earth, Environment and Society, is intrigued by what causes the Earths crust to move up and down, and what impact that has on earthquake activity.

Fu came to BGSU two years ago by way of Alaska and California, where he was involved in research to look at how the Earths crust deforms or responds from the change in surface water.

Fu and his University of California, Berkeley scientist-colleagues (Dr. Roland Burgmann and graduate student Christopher Johnson) determined the movement of the crust is, indeed, impacted by rain water and snow, and that this stress change of the Earths crust causes seasonal, small increases in earthquakes.

Due to the accuracy of Global Positioning Systems, they could measure the change in the Earths crust in Californias Sierra Nevada mountains and Coast Ranges throughout the year.

Their measurements allowed them to determine how much snow accumulated during the winter and how much snow melted during the summer.

During the winter, they found the Sierra Nevada mountains were pushed down by about a centimeter because of the load of snow and water; during the summer and early fall, when the water had melted and flowed downhill, the Earths crust would flex, pushing and pulling on the states faults, according to their paper published in Science in June.

Identifying the movement of the crust very accurately was the first part of the work we were doing, Fu explained. After that, we wanted to see if the water load change for this part of California that causes stress change on the active fault might trigger earthquakes.

We used a numerical-physical model and found these are related, he continued. In late summer and early fall we were seeing more small magnitude earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault, because the surface water mass decreases and unclamps the fault.".

The work doesnt stop there though. He is continuing the research and is part of a NASA Earth Surface and Interior three-year grant to use satellite data to more accurately measure water resources and investigate the relationship with seasonal seismicity change in Alaska, California and other active tectonic plates on the West Coast.

NASA is funding BGSU's approximately $180,000 for this project. Much of his research will be in Alaska, where he discovered his passion for studying the movement of the Earths crust while working on his Ph.D. in geophysics at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving. The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me (Psalm 50:14, 23)

Ever wonder why God commands us to worship him?

Is it because he is some cosmic egomaniac who feeds off our admiration? Does his love cup need constant replenishing? Does his self-esteem wane? Or does he get some perverse pleasure from making his creatures do meaningless tasks?

Apparently Israel had fallen into thinking that God somehow needed the sacrifices he required of them. They had begun thinking like their pagan neighbors who believed their gods literally ate the animals sacrificed to them. But in Psalm 50, God tells Israel he doesnt need their offerings.

I will not accept a bull from your house

or goats from your folds.

For every beast of the forest is mine,

the cattle on a thousand hills.

I know all the birds of the hills,

and all that moves in the field is mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

for the world and its fullness are mine.

Do I eat the flesh of bulls

or drink the blood of goats? (9-13)

So why did God command them to offer animals to him? They werent for Gods benefit, but for Israels. He graciously gave them the sacrifices to temporarily cover their sins so they could draw near to him and enjoy a relationship with him. The blood of the goats and bulls was to remind them that sin had to be paid for and to point to Christs permanent atoning blood sacrifice that was to come.

God doesnt need our service or money or praise:

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (AC 17.24-25)

All God commands us is for our good and his glory. He doesnt need our serving or giving or worship, since he gives us life and breath and everything. When he commands us to sing or pray or love our enemies, it is for our benefit. When God commands us to give our money, its not because he needs it, but that we might find him to be our treasure. And in being the source of all our good and blessing he is glorified.

So sing to Jesus, serve him and his people, offer him thanks, give to the kingdom. And not only will you honor God, but you will increase your joy and pleasure in him.



Read the original article by Mark Altrogge on "The Blazing Center".

Mark Altrogge has been senior pastor of Saving Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1982. He has written hundreds of songs for worship, including I Stand in Awe and Im Forever Grateful. Mark and his wife, Kristi, have five children and five grandchildren.

Find out more on his blog, The Blazing Center.
The advertising industry has created a stirring tribute to the volunteers of the NSRI to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy Cape Town and directed by Greg Gray of Romance Films, a powerful new TVC demonstrates the family sacrifices NSRI volunteers make every time they respond, without hesitation, to emergency calls. It shows a bride delivering a wedding speech about her absent father as he heads out into a stormy Cape ocean on a rescue mission. The narrative is backed by the emotive soundtrack of Birdys People Help the People.

The NSRI has been an Ogilvy Cape Town pro bono client for many years and agency MD Luca Gallarelli is proud of the film weve made but even prouder of the generosity of spirit shown by so many people across the industry who devoted their time and skill to the project for nothing.

He singles out Greg Gray of Romance Films, Ricky Boyd of Deliverance Post Productions, and Marc Algranti of Pulse Music, as putting in above and beyond on this project but says others donated props, lighting, vehicles, boats, casting services, specialized equipment and catering, among a multitude of things, as well as doing many hours of hard work.

Gallarelli says the hope is that the TVC will inspire more public donations, which are the financial lifeblood of the NSRI, but the primary purpose was to pay a proper tribute to the unsung heroes from the past 50 years. These are amazing, selfless and brave people who give up parts of their lives to save the lives of others and its really uplifting to see the way that key figures in our industry responded as they did to deliver this remarkable salute.

OGILVY TEAM

Luca Gallarelli - Managing Director

Pete Case  Chief Creative Officer

Tseliso Rangaka  Executive Creative Director

Nic Wittenberg - Associate Executive Creative Director

Mike Martin  Creative Director

Katie Mylrea  Art Director

Dale Winton  Copy Writer

Cathy Day  Head of Broadcast

Tammy Dent  Account Manager

ROMANCE TEAM:

Greg Gray - Director

Helena Woodfine  Executive Producer

Shannon McDougall  Production Manager

EDITING & POST PRODUCTION:

Ricky Boyd Deliverance / editor

Paula Raphael Deliverance / producer

Zeni Papu / post production support

David Oosthuizen / grade & online

Graham Merrill / WELOVEJAM / sound engineer / final mix

Music broker / Marc Algranti / Pulse Music NY

CASTING DIRECTOR:

Cheryl Battersby  The Batt House

TALENT:

Roxanne Kalie / Agent Pursch Artistes (Daughter)

Herschel Bennet / Agent Pursch Artistes (Father)

Evan Fredericks (Groom) / Agent Ozone

Dylanne Powell (Bridesmaid) / Direct

Mark Collin Capes (Grooms Father) / Agent 39 Steps

Melody Ross (Brides Mother) / Agent Martez Model Management

Veronica Daniels (Grooms Mother) / Celebrities Casting

Egan Vorster (Best Man) / Agent Candys

Wedding reception background extras : House of Fame and 39 Steps

TALENT AGENTS:

Pursch Artistes

Ozone

39 Steps

House of Fame

Martez Model Management

Candys

Celebrities

CREW:

Director of Photography: Paul Gilpin of Call a Crew

1st Art Director: Nick Lorentz of Radical

Cast Coordinator: Dylanne Powell of Nautilus

CAMERA DEPARTMENT

Camera Operator Devin Toselli of KrewKut

Focus Puller A: Jason Musgrave of Radical

Focus Puller B: Willem Engelbrecht

Loader: Matthew Goosen

DIT OP: Eduardo De Veiga

V.T.O: Anthony English Nautilus

SOUND DEPARTMENT

Sound Mixer: Jonathan Chiles

GRIPS DEPARTMENT

Key Grip / Safety Officer: Robbie Fivaz of Nautilus

Best Boy Grip: Siphenathi Mbunje of Nautilus

Assistant Grip Code 10: Lyal Filliess of Nautilus

Grip Trainee: Jody of Nautilus

Remote head Technician: Keegan Horn of Rocksolid

LIGHTING DEPARTMENT

Gaffer: Simon Francis of Pulse

Best Boy: Leon Harris of Pulse

Spark: Christopher Clarke of Radical

Spark Code 10: Marcel Mutombo of Pulse

Generator Operator: Wellington Chawatama of Panalux

ART DEPARTMENT

Art Director: Chris Bass of Call a Crew

Props: Robyn Knox

Drivers: Levi Mayanba and Peter Hoffman

WARDROBE & MAKE-UP

Wardrobe Stylist: Sylvia Van Heerden of Radical

Wardrobe Assistant: Emma Gilpin

Make Up Artist: Annette Keet

Make Up & Hair: Assistant Caitlin Swart

PRODUCTION SUPPORT

PA: Ryan Truter of Pulse

PA: Alex Lee

Medic: Michael Du Plooy Medic 8

Cast Shuttle: Ebrahiema vd Schyff

Post Production: Deliverance

UNIT & LOCATION LOGISTICS

Gareth De Bruyn (Unit Manager)

Kalvin Bezuidenhout (Unit Assistant)

Justin Bezuidenhout (Unit Assistant)

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIER SPONSORHIP:

Camera & Grips Equipment: Panavision

Lighting Equipment: Panalux

Grips Equipment: Robbie Fivaz

DIT: Eduardo Da Veiga

Sound - Jonathan Chiles

Stablised Head: Rocksolid Remotes

Unit Gear and On Set Radios: Gareth de Breuyn / Unit & Location Logistics

Transport: The Van Cartel

Sanitation: Sales Hire

Catering: Hansens

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT:

The Van Cartel

Avo Orange

Tell Reid

Unit & Location Logistics

CREWING AGENTS:

Call A Crew JHB, KrewKut, Medic 8, Nautilus, Pulse, Radical Crew

MARINE SUPPORT: Frog Squad

Jimmy Fraser / Marine Coordinator

Skipper / Andre Jacques

ON SET CATERING: Hansens Vikki & Joan

Catering team leader : Elliot Tsetsi

Catering driver : Gift Chapapa

Catering assistant : Shepi Gqwaru

Craft leader / driver : Stalin Ndlovu

Craftee : Augie Ntambwe

Craftee : Didier Ngombo

Craftee : Freddy Bagalwa

KEY ART DEPARTMENT / WARDROBE & LOCATION SPONSORS / CONTRIBUTORS:

Tint & Hue / Peter Hoffman / Wedding car

Wedding dress / Ilse Roux Bridal Shop

All additional wardrobe courtesy of Sylvia Van Heerden and Theatre & Film Costume Hire

Wedding Cake/ Crystal Tier Cakes

Wedding flowers / Mireille Huelin

Wedding reception supplies / Exquisite Hiring

Hardy Hall / Marsh Memorial / wedding reception location

021 Locations / Lisa Martin

SHOOT INSURANCE SPONSORSHIP

Estelle Giudici / CC&A Insurance Brokers




Less than 10 of more than 350 nursing students at the University of Fort Hare brought their parents to the university after they were kicked out for protesting.

The nursing department faces permanent closure for this academic year after management said no student would be allowed back unless they brought their parents or guardians by August 30.

Late last month, university vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu issued a notice closing the department of nursing sciences with immediate effect.

The notice further instructed students to stay away from the East London campus and only return on Wednesday last week.

They were to report to the advancement offices with their parents or guardians before they would be allowed to continue with their studies.

The university also obtained a court order to interdict SRC members, union Denosa, the student's nursing council and 13 students.

The order sought to interdict the respondents from intimidating, harassing, threatening, injuring or harming the staff, security personnel and any other employee of the university.

The university closed for the third quarter late last month.

Academic programmes were already disrupted as all the students embarked on a stayaway.

SRC president Mosuli Cwele said it was impossible for students to bring their parents.

He said they were still going to meet with the management in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Student organisations at the campus ANCYL, Pan Africanist Student Movement of Azania and EFFCS have since pledged their support for the nursing students.

University spokesman Khotso Moabi was not available for comment at the time of writing.
Khosikhulu Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, of the royal VhaVenda people, officially opened the new Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou, Limpopo at an evening ceremony late last week. The new 50,000 sqm regional mall introduced the biggest selection of shopping and leisure retail into the area with almost 140 stores.

Other dignitaries included Vhembe Executive Mayor Cllr Radzilani Florence, Thulamela Mayor Cllr Avhashoni Tshifhango, Khosi Ramovha of Thavhani Property Investments, Dr Sedise Moseneke of Vukile Property Fund and Paul Gerard and Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment.

Its opening realises the dream of local businessman Ramovha, who had the vision for a regional mall in Thohoyandou eight years ago. To achieve this vision, Thavhani Property Investments partnered with leading South African shopping centre developers and investors, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment, and co-owners JSE-listed retail REIT Vukile Property Fund.

Regional investment

Ramabulana said, If we all choose to work together, a modern society that is characterised by human prosperity is within reach. This is more proof that backwardness and poverty can be defeated. They can always be solved if you prioritise what is important for people and defuse unnecessary tension among those who are privileged to lead.

"I must congratulate the pioneers of this massive development on a job well done. I would also like to specifically congratulate the owners of this huge development for having decided to invest in this part of our land. In the same breath, I must congratulate those who persuaded the investors to invest wisely by building a massive mall in this economically vibrant area of our province. We are also thankful to the leadership of the Thulamela Municipality, past and present, for creating a conducive atmosphere for this development to take place.

He also praised Ramovha for his role in making the project a reality. As part of the role I play in changing the situation of people for the better, political leaders, royal leaders, business people and structures of civil society must converge from time to time to discuss the issue of development. We will have to identify those areas of the economy that will help to change the face of our local economy to find a way in which we can make them prosper. It is through the creation of sustainable jobs that we can sustain initiatives like this, because we need people with buying power.

Cllr Florence highlighted the powerful economic impacts that the mall represents for its community by reminding guests at the opening celebration of Thavhani Mall about the high levels of poverty in South Africa, and in Limpopo specifically.

This mall is only surpassed by Mall of the North in the province and its second phase will see it become even bigger. We have no doubt that one woman employed here will save a family of eight and, through that, we will have dealt with poverty in our area. We wish to thank all involved in bringing a development like this to our part of the world. Those returning home here, after being away for a few years, will be surprised at the changes. I wish to thank the royalty and political leadership involved for continuing to be a beacon in the development of the town, she said.

She concluded by promising that Thohoyandou, as the capital of Vhembe, will soon be designated as a city, with the massive new development of Thavhani Mall contributing to this. We are also excited, as the district municipality, that soon our revenue collection is going to improve tremendously.

Thavhani City coming soon

Cllr Tshifhango added, It is not every day that we get the opportunity to open malls such as this. This is not just a mall but also a 21st-century landmark development. Thavhani City is set to enhance the lifestyle and landscape of Thohoyandou. Thavhani Mall is the hero of the new precinct and it is the most exciting retail development in Limpopo since Mall of the North. Thavhani City includes the Thavhani Office Park, auto city, medical centre and value centre, which together will entrench the overall strength of the scheme.

In focusing our efforts on the economy, we have always especially emphasised the role of the private sector in rebuilding our culture. Thulamela Municipality is ready in every way to co-operate with and support Thavhani Mall in its activities. We will also do our best to promote and implement more investment in the municipality.

Dr Moseneke concluded that the companys investment in Thavhani Mall reflects the confidence it has in its partners, the region, its economy, its people and its future. Vukile is deeply invested in Limpopo. Besides Thavhani Mall, we own another six shopping centres in the province with a market value of around R600 million. Three of these are co-owned with other parties. The centres are located at Elim, Ga-Kgapane, Giyani, Makhado, Monsterlus, and Tzaneen. Together, they make a meaningful impact on employment, retail services and the economy of Limpopo.
LONDON, UK - McDonald's workers staged the first ever strike in Britain on Monday in protest at pay and working conditions at the US fast-food giant.

About 40 workers gathered outside two restaurants in Crayford, south east London, and in Cambridge before attending a protest outside parliament. Workers are demanding an hourly wage of 10 ($13), union recognition and an end to zero-hours contracts, under which employees are required to be available for work but have no guaranteed minimum hours.

"For far too long, workers in fast-food restaurants such as McDonald's have had to deal with poor working conditions, drastic cuts to employee hours, and even bullying in the workplace -- viewed by many as a punishment for joining a union," Ian Hodson, president of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, said in Cambridge.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour party, lent his support, saying the demands "are just and should be met".

McDonald's highlighted that those on strike made up less than 0.01% of its workforce and that 86% of its workers had opted for flexible contracts.

"McDonald's UK and its franchisees have delivered three pay rises since April 2016, this has increased the average hourly pay rate by 15 percent," it said in a statement.

Source: AFP
Pending the release of the replacement for Amps - to be called Maps - available from mid-2018, the new Marketing Research Foundation (MRF) has released an update to the Amps 2015 database, using the 2016 SA population statistics.

Since the release of the final Amps survey for the full 2015 year, brand owners and media agencies have not had single source data that relates to current population figures. This has resulted in media planning based on a snapshot of the South African market as it was two years ago.

This bridge between Amps and Maps is available to marketers and agencies free of charge.

The 2016 population updated Amps provide a bridge as an interim measure leading to the first release of Maps. It gives a clearer picture of population shifts and brings the Amps data more in line with current media currency data. This update will also result in Maps data with more stable population shifts than would have been the case after a 3-year period.

Larger population shifts

The application of the 2016 year-end population update to the 2015 Amps (which was based on 2015 mid-year statistics) results in an 18-month period between population updates, and population shifts are thus indeed larger than previously seen. This new release reveals a 4.0% increase in the Amps Universe of 15+. The population has grown by 1,519,000 adults from 38,259,000 to 39,778,000. Users should note that changes in market shares therefore only reflect the trended updated population, and are not real brand movements, as the base survey data is obviously unchanged.

The Amps 2016 update is available with immediate effect from the usual market research software houses. Brands that have not yet indicated their interest in the new Maps survey are invited to do so by emailing az.oc.asfrm@frm.
Controversial businessman Kenny Kunene has stepped into the ring of ANC factional battles in the run- up to the party's 54th national congress. Kunene's website, Weekly Xpose, published an article on Monday containing the name and pornographic videos of one of the women allegedly linked to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in an article in the. Ramaphosa is not in the videos.

Kunene said the woman's name and videos were sourced from supposedly leaked e-mails involving Ramaphosa and several women. "I have been briefed on this story from the beginning and I made sure that my journalists verified everything," he told The Times. When asked whether Weekly Xpose got the woman's permission to publish the video, Kunene compared the leaked e-mails to the Gupta leaks. "I don't remember any one of you asking questions into other leaks. Did you have permission from the Guptas to run their things? Did you get permission from the people who are in those e-mails to run them?"

Kunene and Black First Land First's Andile Mngxitama were both at the last-minute hearing in the Johannesburg High Court on Saturday night at which Ramaphosa attempted to interdict the article by the newspaper claiming that he had had extramarital affairs. Sunday Independent attributed its information to the leaked Ramaphosa e-mails.

Social media law expert Emma Sadleir said the woman in the video was a victim of a sexual offence and should lay charges of crimen injuria, infringement of dignity, privacy infringement and defamation. "It is no good blurring her, because they have named her." Sadleir said politicians had to bear more scrutiny as public figures, but the woman in the video had a right to dignity. "This is just a woman. She is not famous."

Media Monitoring Africa director William Bird said there was currently a "gap so large you can drive almost a presidential cavalcade straight through it" in regulating online content in South Africa. Bird said the woman can send the website a "takedown notice" demanding that the content be removed. "You would have to be clear which law they have broken."

Another woman linked to Ramaphosa told The Times she had never met the deputy president and said her studies had not been funded by Ramaphosa. Nonhlanhla Radebe, 31, is a doctoral student in environmental engineering at the Technische Universitat, in Berlin, Germany. She won a bursary from the Catholic Church but fears she might lose it because the church "frowns upon this kind of thing". "This is not how I would've liked to be known."

Radebe said the only thing she and Ramaphosa had in common was being ANC members. She is considering legal action, but first needs to track down the person who created the poster.

Source: The Times
Non-profit Cupcakes of HOPE, taking on the Guinness World Record, is preparing to build the tallest stack of cupcakes the world has ever seen. With the attempt set for 23 September at the Rio Sol restaurant in Vereeniging, Gauteng, the goal is to raise money for the families of children with life-threatening diseases.

More than 5,000 cupcakes will go into building the tower that will be nearly 11m tall, and that should break the current Guinness World Record by well over 2m.

More than 625 eggs, 47kg of sugar, 26kg of butter, 50kg of flour and 52kg of icing sugar will go into building the sweet spire. Each of the 5,000 cupcakes will be artfully arranged on a specially designed steel structure that is currently under construction and will be shipped to the venue on the day.

Helping families save their children's lives

Its all to help very ill children, says Cupcakes of HOPE founder Sandy Cipriano. The Guinness World Record attempt will aim to raise money for South African children with cancer and to draw public attention to the harrowing path their families walk in fighting the disease and saving their childrens lives.

Sandy Cipriano, founder, Cupcakes for HOPE

Right now, we need to raise R600,000 for stem-cell and bone-marrow transplants. There are desperately ill children in our network whose families need all the help they can get, Cipriano says. If you want to be part of the Guinness World Record effort and help a family cope with the devastation of childhood cancer, get in touch with us and make a difference.

Cupcakes of HOPE has encouraged its supporters to donate R10 per cupcake. This year, National Cupcake Day will be celebrated at 60 malls across the country on 30 September.

For more information or to get involved, email Sandy Cipriano at Cupcakes of HOPE at gro.epohfosekacpuc@ydnas.
The National Consumer Tribunal has dismissed the National Credit Regulator's (NCR's) claims of excessive overcharging against Finbond Mutual Bank, saying it was unable to make a finding on the matter.

In 2015, the credit watchdog laid complaints against Finbond for overcharging customers for credit life insurance, and for failing to disclose to customers the commissions paid by third-party insurer Guardrisk, which underwrote the policies.

The NCR argued this breached sections of the National Credit Act barring credit providers from forcing customers to buy insurance at unreasonable costs.

The act also prohibits the nondisclosure of any fees or commissions paid to the credit provider relating to credit agreements.

But in a judgment signed by Tribunal member Tanya Woker, issued two weeks ago and made public on Monday, the Tribunal said the NCR did not present the evidence needed to make a finding.

"The critical issue is whether the insurance premium which Guardrisk charges is unreasonable, taking into consideration the actual risks and circumstances of each credit agreement," Woker wrote in the unanimous judgment.

She said the Tribunal needed to compare the insurance Guardrisk offered against similar products Finbond would be able to offer its customers.

Only once it was established that Finbond could have obtained much more reasonable rates from Guardrisk's competitors, could the Tribunal find that the cost of Finbond's credit life policies were unreasonable.

The NCR had failed to provide this evidence, the judgment says.

"Without this evidence the Tribunal is unable to make a finding that the insurance which [Finbond] offers to its consumers is unreasonable," said Woker.

Finbond hailed the judgment as a victory for the bank on Monday, saying the Tribunal ruled in its favour.

"The [Tribunal] " also pointed out that Finbond Mutual Bank was entitled to require its consumers to maintain credit life insurance and no evidence was presented by the NCR which justifies the [Tribunal] to make a finding that the insurance offered by Finbond to its customers is unreasonable."
The President has signed the Financial Sector Regulation Act, which was published in the Government Gazette on 22 August 2017. The Act will come into effect on a date to be determined by the Minister of Finance and announced by notice in the Government Gazette.

 Rabia Elif Aksoy  123RF.com

The Act aims to consolidate the regulation and supervision of the financial sector and its various subsectors - namely banking, insurance, financial products and services and market infrastructure - to ensure that each subsector is subject to both prudential and market conduct supervision and regulation. This approach is commonly referred to as the Twin Peaks model.

The Treasury seeks to implement the transition of the South African financial sector regulation to the supervisory model in two phases. The Act provides that different dates may be determined by the Minister of Finance for the coming into effect of different provisions of the Act and/or in respect of the different categories of Financial Institutions where the different provisions will apply.

Phase 1

A Financial Institution is defined as a financial product provider, a financial service provider, a market infrastructure, a holding company of a financial conglomerate and includes any person licensed or required to be licensed in terms of a financial sector law.

Phase 1 will entail creating two new regulators - the Prudential Authority and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) - to supervise all participants in the financial sector. They will work in conjunction with the South African Reserve Bank, the Financial Intelligence Centre and the National Credit Regulator.

The Prudential Authority, to be housed within SARB, will be tasked with regulating prudential issues (systemic stability and the safety and soundness of financial institutions) in relation to banks, insurers and the financial markets with a special focus on financial conglomerates.

The FSCA, which will replace the Financial Services Board, will act as a market-conduct regulator in respect of all financial institutions, in particular regarding business conduct and consumer protection.

Phase 2

Phase 2 will involve consolidating the regulation of, and the standards applied to, the various financial subsectors into over-arching legislation applicable to all Financial Institutions. The Prudential Authority, the FSCA, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the SARB and the National Credit Regulator, each in their functional sphere rather than by designating a regulator per subsector, will administer this. It is likely that existing industry specific licences for financial institutions will be phased out and each financial institution will require a licence from the Prudential Authority and the FSCA.

Effects of regulation

During phase 1, the existing industry specific legislation will remain in force and will be allocated to one of the new regulators (as set out in Schedule 2 of the Act) as the principal regulatory authority. For the most part, the Prudential Authority will be responsible for legislation previously administered by the Banks Supervision Department of the SARB and the FSCA will be responsible for legislation previously administered by the FSB, with the exception of the insurance industry. Both the Prudential Authority and the FSCA have been designated as primary regulatory authority in respect of the insurance industry.

The designated regulator will act as the licensing authority and (primary) supervisory authority for the particular legislation during phase 1. Both regulators, however, will have the power to exercise supervisory powers and to apply and enforce the industry specific legislation on a financial institution - the Prudential Authority in respect of prudential aspects and the FSCA in respect of market-conduct issues. Each of the new regulators will also be able to issue new standards under the industry specific legislation. In this sense, the mandates of the new regulators are broader than the mandates of their predecessors.

The Act gives the new regulators supervisory and enforcement powers in addition to the powers afforded to the relevant regulator under the industry specific legislation. Furthermore, the powers of the Prudential Authority and the FSCA may be exercised in respect of controlling companies of financial institutions and entities that form part of financial conglomerates, where such entities may not previously have been subject to the financial sector laws.
Before retrenching staff, employers should consider that when a worker is retrenched, it is not just one person losing an income because employees in South Africa have a high number of dependents.

 Yong Hian Lim  123RF.com

According to the South African Police Union, each 10111 call centre operator supports about 15 dependents and statistics are probably similar for other industries. Which is why, before any organisation chooses retrenchments it should do try to find another way.

Alternatives to retrenchment

Here are some things businesses might consider, bearing in mind that changes in terms of service require their employees consent.

Reduction in work - Rather than lose their jobs, employees may be open to working shorter weeks, fewer hours - like half days - or shorter shifts. This means they will have some form of income to tide them over, and it frees them up to look for a second job or even another position, making retrenchment unnecessary.

- Rather than lose their jobs, employees may be open to working shorter weeks, fewer hours - like half days - or shorter shifts. This means they will have some form of income to tide them over, and it frees them up to look for a second job or even another position, making retrenchment unnecessary. Reduced pay - A small reduction in pay across the entire workforce will not be as hard felt as losing ones job altogether. Yes, it is easier to retrench than renegotiate contracts throughout the company. However, many have done it successfully. Conversely, freeze increases until the organisations fortunes recover.

- A small reduction in pay across the entire workforce will not be as hard felt as losing ones job altogether. Yes, it is easier to retrench than renegotiate contracts throughout the company. However, many have done it successfully. Conversely, freeze increases until the organisations fortunes recover. Voluntary retrenchment - Some workers are more desperate to keep their jobs than others are and may have been looking for a reason to move on. Voluntary retrenchment is also a good way of reinvigorating the workforce because those who are no longer aligned with the companys mission or values are more likely to take the opportunity to leave.

- Some workers are more desperate to keep their jobs than others are and may have been looking for a reason to move on. Voluntary retrenchment is also a good way of reinvigorating the workforce because those who are no longer aligned with the companys mission or values are more likely to take the opportunity to leave. Reduced benefits - Although law requires some benefits, others can often become bloated beyond their value in keeping workers happy and motivated. Reducing benefits gives a business the chance to rationalise its expenditure and, in tough times, employees are more likely to appreciate that necessity.

- Although law requires some benefits, others can often become bloated beyond their value in keeping workers happy and motivated. Reducing benefits gives a business the chance to rationalise its expenditure and, in tough times, employees are more likely to appreciate that necessity. Redeployment - This means either moving willing employees to other departments where their abilities are needed or training them to take on new duties, sometimes completely different to what they were doing in the past. Change is difficult but many workers are keen to extend their skills.

- This means either moving willing employees to other departments where their abilities are needed or training them to take on new duties, sometimes completely different to what they were doing in the past. Change is difficult but many workers are keen to extend their skills. Eliminate overtime - Workers are often paid overtime for working after hours or weekends. This need should drop with ebb in business and companies can safely cancel overtime. However, employment contracts usually require staff to work after hours from time to time without pay, so some extra hours could fall under this clause.

- Workers are often paid overtime for working after hours or weekends. This need should drop with ebb in business and companies can safely cancel overtime. However, employment contracts usually require staff to work after hours from time to time without pay, so some extra hours could fall under this clause. Freeze new hires - Rather than reducing the existing workforce, organisations can stop hiring new people. This is not always possible because new skills may be required to manage or execute new systems and processes. Again, employers should prefer to upskill current staff.

- Rather than reducing the existing workforce, organisations can stop hiring new people. This is not always possible because new skills may be required to manage or execute new systems and processes. Again, employers should prefer to upskill current staff. Increased duties - If a business has enough work but cannot fund the required workforce, current employees could share the extra duties. It is essential that employers alert them that this is an alternative to retrenchment and that their efforts are appreciated.

- If a business has enough work but cannot fund the required workforce, current employees could share the extra duties. It is essential that employers alert them that this is an alternative to retrenchment and that their efforts are appreciated. Placement assistance programmes - Once, business journals lauded companies who helped place employees in new jobs as part of their retrenchment process. Does it still happen? It should. Businesses have large customer, supplier and recruiter databases as well as strong business networks. All it takes is a bulk email or a LinkedIn post to increase each retrenched workers opportunities exponentially.

Employees need to reskill

New technologies and improved business processes can also lead to positions being made redundant. Skills that were common 5 or 10 years ago may simply no longer be needed in the modern business environment. Therefore, theres another angle to consider - workers can avoid retrenchment by retraining themselves for jobs that are currently in demand.

The unemployment rate in South Africa is one of the highest in the world and, with our current recession, it may get worse. At SAPA, we are reaching out to employers not just to follow the law but also to do their utmost to avoid retrenchments. Sometimes, there is no other way. However, if it is an excuse to cut costs or improve shareholders dividends, this is not the right time for such thinking. So please, approach retrenchment responsibly. With the high number of dependents each employee must support, it is not just one person who will go without.
STRASBOURG, France: Europe's top rights court ruled Tuesday, 5 September 2017, in favour of a Romanian man fired by his employer over private messages sent at work, overturning a previous decision with wide ramifications for privacy in the workplace.

The apex body of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) backed 38-year-old Bogdan Mihai Barbulescu who said his privacy was violated when he was sacked in 2007 for sending private messages over the Yahoo messaging system.

The decision on Tuesday by the 17 most senior judges at the Strasbourg-based court in France modifies a ruling in January last year when the court found that employers were justified in snooping on their employees.

The judges said that Barbulescu's bosses and Romanian courts had "not adequately protected (his) right to respect for his private life and correspondence."

In a judgement published on the court's website, it said that it was unclear whether Barbulescu had been warned about the monitoring, or whether he was aware of the extent of the intrusion into his private life.

It also said that Romanian courts had failed to determine why the monitoring measures were justified and whether there were other ways of checking on him "entailing less intrusion" into his private life.

The case revolves around messages sent by Barbulescu over the Yahoo messenging platform, which the software engineer was required to use to liaise with clients.

He was sacked after being found to have also chatted with his fiancee and brother on the system.

He argued that his employer invaded his right to privacy by spying on messages which included details about his health and sex life.

In an initial decision in January last year, the ECHR ruled that it was not "unreasonable that an employer would want to verify that employees were completing their professional tasks during working hours."

But the Grand Chamber of the court, the apex body comprising the 17 judges, agreed to reexamine the case at Barbulescu's request.

The judges held a hearing on 30 November last year, at which it heard arguments from experts and the European Trade Union Confederation.

The union group criticised the initial ruling last year, judging it to be too harsh.

It recommended that a verbal warning should be the first stage of any disciplinary process with dismissal only possible for repeat offenders or serious misconduct.

Experts also say that companies should also have a clear policy governing the use of professional software and the internet during work hours.

Source: AFP
The development of an Employment Equity plan (EE) must be an inclusive process that involves consultation with all stakeholders in the workplace, says the Department of Labour.

Deputy Director from the departments EE Directorate, Niresh Singh, said the plan should go a step further and be informed by an analysis of the workforce, analysis of policies, procedures and practice of an organisation.

He said workplace activism is critical in the development of an inclusive EE plan.

Singh was speaking at Velmore Hotel and Conference Centre, west of Pretoria, during the Department of Labours EE workshop that was tailored for national and provincial departments.

The workshop was one of four that will be hosted by the department this week as part of national roadshows to advocate for employment equity compliance in the workplaces in Gauteng.

The department uses the workshops to create awareness on compliance with the Employment Equity Act, publicise and help prepare the employers with the requirements needed to be used when submitting their online 2017 EE reports to the department.

The workshops are held under the theme: Real transformation makes business sense.

Singh told the workshop delegates that an EE plan implementation should have a start and an end date.

He also implored that a communication plan was imperative for a collective buy-in.

He emphasised that the development of the plan should consider amongst others the national and provincial economically active population ratios, have a duration, spell out objectives and be in line with EE legislative framework.

"Employment equity must be used as a monitoring and evaluation tool to inform future implementation strategies and the preparation of successive plans," Singh said.

The national workshops started on 11 July 2017 in Kimberley. Workshops have since been held in Rustenburg, Nelspruit, Thohoyandou, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and George.

The workshops are targeting: human resources executives and practitioners, EE Forum members, assigned senior EE managers/transformation managers, academics and trade unions among others.

The department will on Wednesday host an EE workshop in Ekurhuleni at The Lakes Hotel & Conference Centre, 1 Country Lane Lakefield, Benoni for all stakeholders.

The last remaining Gauteng Province workshops are planned as follows:

Vaal (08 September) at Lords Signature Hotel, 53 Raymond Street  Risiville in Vereeniging for all stakeholders.



Ekurhuleni (08 September) at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park targeting only municipalities.

Meanwhile, the EE online and manual reporting season opened on 01 September 2017.

The manual reporting closes on 01 October 2017, and the online reporting season closes in January 2018.
Vodacom and the Eastern Cape Department of Education have launched the Virtual Teacher' platform, a new interactive technology platform, which allows an individual teacher or lecturer to deliver lessons in real-time to multiple remote classrooms or locations, simultaneously.

Through a range of smart devices, learners can join classes from anywhere and at any time. For the first time in South Africa, the technology can be accessed through any personal device. The move follows Vodacoms Programme for Mobile Devices introduced in the province earlier this year to promote the use of digital technology in Eastern Cape schools.

The platform is supported through portable hardware, which delivers high quality visuals and sound. It can also accommodate unlimited viewer numbers. The technology enables live interaction with the remote audience through a texting Q&A facility for written responses during the lesson.

Vuyani Jarana, chief officer at Vodacom Business, says, Vodacom is working with the Eastern Cape Department of Education to address some of the challenges facing our education system, particularly in rural and underperforming schools. This is all about bringing innovative technology to those who need it most in order to improve learning outcomes for all education segments in our country. The future of the South African education system is digital and we must embrace the opportunities this offers to leapfrog infrastructural backlogs and legacy issues in our schools.

In order to improve the matric pass rate in the province, the Eastern Cape Department of Education will use the Virtual Teacher platform to provide extra classes to students at selected districts in the province. Lessons will be delivered remotely by some of the countrys best teachers, with an emphasis on mathematics, science and accounting. Students from various locations will be transported to teaching sites in the Eastern Cape, including Mdantsane, Maluti, Lusikisiki and Mt Frere.

The Eastern Cape Department of Educations superintendent general, Themba Kojana, says, The Department is promoting interactive virtual teaching and learning in the province, particularly in rural communities. Technology, such as the Virtual Teacher platform, allows teachers to interact with remote learners to increase their understanding of school subject material, with a goal to improve learning outcomes in the province.

The Virtual Teacher platform encompasses a camera, microphone and streaming unit, which can be streamed from any device. Lessons can be pre-recorded if needed and recorded content can also be downloaded to any device. The platform is easy to use and can be linked to a school website. Content can also be zero rated by Vodacom if required.
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) is on a mission to introduce information and communications technology (ICT) and robotics to township schools in Nelson Mandela Bay as part of its plans.

The incubator of small, medium and micro enterprises will do this by introducing coding and robotics to high school pupils in the townships.

Presenting an update on its work to the economic development and agriculture committee on Friday, Seda centre manager Phumza Mfenyana said the project was already being piloted in 10 township schools in Nelson Mandela Bay.

It was not clear which schools were part of the programme.

"If you go to private schools, in Grade 8 they start to introduce the pupils to coding - a form of programming.

"We would like schools in the townships to be introduced to programming as these are critical skills.

"We don't want them to fall behind. Within ICT there are certain opportunities and we want to highlight these and bring them to our principals," Mfenyana said.

She said it was not enough that pupils were only being taught end user computing.

"We want to make sure robotics is introduced in schools and also coding. We are starting small with a pilot programme that we can upscale and get more schools in the programme."

Mfenyana said the incubator was also looking at partnering with Nelson Mandela University and technical and vocational education and training (Tvet) colleges to assist in exposing students to business tools as part of a residency programme.

"We are not functioning in isolation, we are functioning within an innovation chain and sometimes there are certain gaps that we think we can fill.

"Universities are coming up with all these wonderful technologies and our question is how those technologies can [be found] in the commercial space where they can assist some of our business to thrive."

EFF councillor Yoliswa Yako suggested the incubator engage the Department of Education.

"I think the state of the ICT space is like that of the oceans economy. If you want to introduce the ICT space within school it is important to rope in the department of education."

"You are going to need commitment from the department as you have to provide computers for your coding," Yako said.

DA councillor Samantha Beynon said it was fantastic the incubator had linked up with Tvet colleges.

"Outside of ICT, when one analyses is the higher education sector, Tvet colleges are a sector that is highly neglected in terms of funding and other things. You have ,"

The fact that you have brought this idea closer to that sector, you have created opportunities for students in that particular field," Beynon said.

Committee chairman Andre Whitfield said the metro was we are very proud of their our partnership with Seda.

"It's aligned completely to our forward thinking of city pillar to being an innovative city. If we are going to compete globally, we need to get ahead the curve and often we are behind the curve.

"I have discovered every day that there are pockets of talent and ideas in this city and connecting them is very important," Whitfield said.

Source: Herald
Following a comprehensive bidding process, Gauteng has emerged the successful bidder to host Meetings Africa, South African Tourism's strategic business events show, for the next five years. The event will be hosted by the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Johannesburg Convention Bureau at the Sandton Convention Centre through a province-city partnership annually in February.

We would like to thank all the bidding tourism authorities for their submissions, and congratulate the province of Gauteng on winning the right to host Africas largest business events trade show. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Gauteng province and once again showcasing the provinces world-class venues and infrastructure for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and events (MICE), said Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism.

With 22,000m of flexible event space, contemporary Afro-chic decor and technologically advanced facilities, the Sandton Convention Centre is perfectly suited to showcase the continent as an attractive, value-for-money destination to host international and regional meetings and conferences.

Through this partnership, and as we continue with our efforts to achieve our strategic goal of five million more tourists in the next five years, we will also reinforce Meetings Africas status as Africas premier business and professional events trade show committed to positioning and, of course, growing the number of business events hosted on the African continent, concludes Ntshona.

In the last five years (between 2013 and 2017) Meetings Africa has hosted over 1,000 international and regional buyers, 1,336 exhibitors and over 7,000 visitors. Meetings Africa 2018 will take place from 26-28 February 2018.
Vietnam's Tram Hoang Luu was crowned the 40th Mrs Universe during a pageant held for the first time in Africa at Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on 2 September 2017.

The ecstatic 43-year-old Mrs Vietnam burst into tears as last years winner, Olga Tornor from Austria handed over the crown.

Mrs Vietnam, Tram Hoang Luu, is crowned Mrs Universe 2017. From left: Mrs India, Shaveta Athwal (5th place), Mrs France, Anastasia Gorshkova (4th place), Mrs Gabon, Gwen Madiba Moubouyi (First Runner-Up) and Mrs Pakistan, Taiba Noorulian Sheheryar (Second Runner-up).

I am so amazed. I did not expect to win when I came here this evening because all the contestants are such incredible women, says the new Mrs Universe, Luu. This evening is just fantastic  Im enjoying every moment! said Luu, thanking South Africa particularly Durban for its warm hospitality.

Mrs Gabon, Gwen Madiba Moubouyi was named first runner-up and Mrs Pakistan, Taiba Noorulian Sheheryar, second runner-up. Mrs France, Anastasia Gorshkova and Mrs India, Shaveta Athwal, rounded off the top five. South Africa was represented by Durban wife and mum, Trisha Poona, who was placed in the top 25. Poona was the audiences favourite, receiving huge applause and encouragement whenever she appeared on stage.

Mrs Sweden, Ase Engholm Mrs South Africa, Trisha Poona

Let tonight be the night that Durban remembers as being the night that brought the world to our doorstep. Let tonight be the night that Africa celebrates its women and women empowerment, says Tracey-Anne Aggett, the woman who was responsible for bringing Mrs Universe to Africa for the first time.

As Mrs Universe hosting director: Africa, Aggett had campaigned tirelessly to bring the activist-themed event to South Africa and to use it as a platform to draw attention to the global scourge of violence against women and children. We are extremely humbled by the support weve received to stage this event on African soil for the first time. Each of the contestants here tonight is a winner  for overcoming incredible odds to succeed and for making meaningful contributions to their respective communities to bring about positive change.

Encouraging success and support

Ethekwini deputy mayor, Fawzia Peer, echoed those sentiments when she officially welcomed guests to the pageant.

As women, we must continue to hold each others hands and celebrate our successes, she said, adding We need to see more women rising to positions of power in business, politics and academia, said Peer.

The Mrs Universe World finals attracted the whos who of KwaZulu-Natals social scene, in which guests were entertained by the C-Live dancers, the Champions Pantsula Dancers, performers from the Kumari Shiksha Dance Institute, Indlondlo Zulu Traditional Dancers and Dangerous Curves dancers. Vocalists, Samantha Landers, Bongekile Mabaso and Nokulunga Ntuli had feet tapping and heads bobbing. The show was produced and choreographed by one of KwaZulu Natals most celebrated entertainers, Clive Gumede aka The Durban Divo.

CSI and women empowerment initiatives

Since jetting into Durban on 25 August 2017, the 86 finalists have had a jam-packed, whirlwind schedule of work and play that put the international spotlight firmly on South Africa. In addition to visiting a few tourist spots in the greater Durban area and sampling the citys array of culinary offerings, contestants dedicated their time to numerous CSI and women empowerment initiatives.

This included visiting schools to speak to young girls about the importance of education and to inspire pupils with personal stories of overcoming incredible challenges, to spending a morning with orphaned and vulnerable children at Liv Village in Verulam, and taking to the streets of Durban for the #OneVoice march against gender-based violence and child abuse.

Unlike other similar events, Mrs Universe is a women empowerment initiative that acknowledges married women between the ages of 25 and 45 who are doing phenomenal work to uplift and enhance their local communities through CSI initiatives, business development and global trade opportunities.

View gallery

www.mrsuniverse2017.co.za
When filmmakers searched for locations to shoot the highly anticipated film of Stephen King's celebrated The Dark Tower book series, they found a perfect home in South Africa.

A gunslinger and a man in black

In The Dark Tower, the last gunslinger Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter ODim, also known as the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). Deschain is determined to prevent the Man in Black from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil collide in the ultimate battle as only Deschain can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

Its an epic that has inspired millions of readers  not least of which was a young boy in Denmark whose imagination was sparked by the events in Mid-World. Director Nikolaj Arcel was determined to be the one to bring The Dark Tower to the screen.

Arcels vision was to try to stay true to Kings mix of modern day and the fantastic(as its) what Stephen King does best.

The fantastic and the realistic

The fantastical elements in The Dark Tower could take care of themselves, but Arcel sought to keep it grounded in reality. We had to keep it real; this world is so immense and so complex, and in the novels, at times, even abstract. I really wanted Mid-World, the characters and everything to feel as real as every day. I didnt want to have some kind of lofty genre and have everyone speaking in odd ways. I wanted it to feel like anybody could take this journey to Mid-World, and understand it, and be there, and feel that these are real people.

Arcel and his cinematographer Rasmus Videbaek reteam for the fifth time with The Dark Tower.

Bodil (the Danish equivalent of the Academy Award) award-winner Videbaek says, There are vastly different visuals in the movie: we move from the intimacy of Jakes small apartment where our cameras are psychologically close to him, as if trying to get into his head, and then when this little guy arrives in an enormous new world, we move to wide epic shots in a blindingly bright desert.

As many of Kings works are, the film is grounded in reality with supernatural elements hidden in the everyday world. The visual interpretation of the authors worlds was in the hands of production designer Christopher Glass. Our main goal was to transport people right into Stephen Kings world, says Glass.

With the story set in both modern day New York and in Mid-World, Arcel sought to contrast the two worlds, with the Tower providing the connection. I wanted to visually present the modern day world in a grounded and intimate way  were just being with Jake and the other characters in his life there.

After the first 15 minutes of the film, it would open up and expand, he says, like a CinemaScope experience, with John Ford full-scale vistas.

Meeting Mid-World and New York in the middle

Glass says that contrasting Mid-World and our world is a designers dream. There are so many diverse landscapes and scenes, and a journey and a progression that travels from New York City to Mid-World, and to the Tower itself, he says. Its fun to create a world that combines strange with ordinary at the same time, mixing normalcy with stuff thats a little bit off.

Glass says that his greatest challenge was trying to match Kings layered and complex vision to create an entire world. Its always a challenge when you are interpreting somebody elses writing and a very popular series of novels with graphic images, he notes.

The difficulty is because you need to live up to the source material  which we dont want to betray  but at the same time making it something that contemporary audiences would find new and exciting. Fans have their own ideas of what these worlds look like, so theres been a lot of speculation and anticipation, and it was our job in making the movie to fill that void.

Arcel describes Mid-World as a more fantastical version of Earth. Its a world parallel to ours. It looks different from Earth  its otherworldly, with alien landscapes and a barren wasteland, and the characters who live there are very different from us: theyre gunslingers, sorcerers, creatures, monsters.

Finding Mid-World in South Africa

Part of the film was shot on location in South Africa, which offered unique landscapes and awe-inspiring forests for the alternate dimension. The production took the company to such remote places as the barren Karoo desert, where they built the Mid-World sets. To add a further layer of a parallel universe, the company moved to the Cedarburg mountain range, where the protected nature reserve features dramatic caves and characteristic red rocks.

Mid-World is a sort of a wasteland, yet not quite, says Glass. There are a lot of remnants of an ancient civilization that are scattered around this place; weirdly, the civilization is a future civilization that has now become ancient.

In South Africa, we found otherworldly deserts  it was almost like being on Mars, Glass continues. The horizon just kept going; Ive never seen anything like that before. I think that theres a romance and a certain sense of adventure that goes into filming in Africa.

The location of the Manni Village was found in a wine farm area just outside Cape Town. Here, in a valley almost hidden against a dramatic mountain drop, the filmmakers built the village - a refuge for a group of survivors of war looking for safety from the world. The Manni are simple people, struggling to survive through sustenance living.

Nik described the Manni as a cross between Amish and something more tribal, says Glass. Nik wanted realism, something very similar to the Dust Bowl in America in the 1930s, an existence like The Grapes of Wrath. We referenced Andrew Wyeth paintings for the colour palette and the spartan nature of how they live.

Creating a unique society

To create such a unique society, Glass researched cultures all over the world, from areas ranging from Mongolia to Eastern Europe to Siberia to the extreme and remote places like the Artic circle where people eke out a living.

It took the art department two months to build Glasss dystopian architecture, including a village square, surrounded by the wooden houses of the town folk. We consciously chose to make it earth tones, which definitely fit in with the hills and the mountains around us, almost like a camouflage so that they villagers are unseen and feel secure from the threats out there in the big world.

And then there are the places where our world and Mid-World collide  for example, the Dixie Pig, where the vampires and the Taheen creatures can be found hanging out in New York City.

The Dixie Pig is a small city within a city. In Cape Town, the filmmakers located an abandoned shopping mall with multiple levels and spiralling ramps like a parking structure. The monstrous set consists of layers of floor levels, basement to rooftop, mazes of corridors and small rooms for the vendors involved in strange work.

Generally, the filmmakers sought to keep the design grounded, but for the Dixie Pig, all bets were off. Its one of the few sets where we could go a little crazier, says Glass.

Setting up the scene

By constructing a 360 set, Glass says that he was able to provide atmosphere, but also give Arcel the freedom to shoot from any angle. We dressed every corner. We could shoot in every direction, and even continue down to the next level and get all the shooting and gunfire action and explosions right. Every action beat was different, so we had to solve this creatively.

The set was also vital because it would be the setting for the films climactic battle. Its the culmination of the movie, where Walter and Roland come face to face. Walter knows that Roland is on his way, so theyre readying for battle.

The films extras casting director added another layer of Kings multi-dimensional cast of characters for background and bit parts, populating the Dixie Pig with workers in a psychiatric hospital, Taheens learning human language in the school, and blood-drinking vampires.

I searched for weird, wonderful and interesting faces with special features, an eclectic bunch, people you wouldnt want to meet in a dark alley, says Merrimen. We had to make sure that they would scare and intimidate. We went as far as rehearsing them in different areas of the set to match them for hair colour and eyebrow tints, especially for the vampires.

Design and creation of the Taheen creatures and Trackers fell to Graham Press and Clinton Aiden Smith, respectively.

The Dark Tower opens at South African cinemas on 8 September 2017.
#Loeries2017: Why young creative Thabang TipiDang' Manyelo is a masala tin of flavour

The second part of this year's Loeries young creative award winning duo, Thabang TipiDang' Manyelo shares his plans to 'Netflix the ad industry' and why winning this much-longed-for award is just the starter's gun, not the finish line.

Share your career highlights and trajectory thus far. Share your career highlights and trajectory thus far.

Throughout the years  all the awards Ive won and all the tequilas Ive been defeated by  my greatest highlight will forever be the first award I ever won: a student award. It taught me the value of hard work and the sweetness of victory, and I crave that feeling to this day. Thats why I work so hard year in, year out.

Why is this type of recognition important to young creatives like yourself? Why is this type of recognition important to young creatives like yourself?

Its the final nod you need if youre an ambitious adolescent like myself. Its like how you get that key when you turn 21. Your parents, the industry, are saying they trust you with the future of the household.

Whats your ultimate career aim? Where can we expect to see you in ten years? Whats your ultimate career aim? Where can we expect to see you in ten years?

My ultimate career goal is to Netflix the ad industry. By that I mean, I want to create an entity that makes people crave branded, with emphasis on branded, content as much as they crave the next episode of Narcos before it drops. People say its impossible because of the nature of brand communications, and I say: Thats why Im here Just give me a couple of years.

What advice would you share with creative youth looking to follow in your footsteps? What advice would you share with creative youth looking to follow in your footsteps?

Be you! Be you! Whoever you are! We constantly see cheap imitations of past legendary creatives. Its okay to have idols to look up to, you just cant imitate them. The industry needed the ads I make. The funny, often weird, truly South African ads. Thats my style. And I can own that. And thats what they awarded at the Loeries that night. A new young creative.

That they did! What more can the industry do to bolster young creatives confidence and quality of work? That they did! What more can the industry do to bolster young creatives confidence and quality of work?

The industry needs to give young creatives more responsibility. Let them judge more work. Let them lead more projects. Because only the hottest fires forge the strongest steel, and wow, did FCB put me in some fires!

He adds that if youre not obsessed with it, the industrys not for you  if you have that passion then who knows, you could be next! Click here for more on Manyelo and feel free to interact with him on Twitter, visit the FCB Africa press office for more on the agency; click here for a reminder of my interview with Manyelos fellow Young Creative Award winner, Karmen Wessels; and click through to our Loeries Creative Week Durban special section for all the latest updates.
DHL Express recently unveiled its first green facility in sub-Saharan Africa, located in Bryanston, Johannesburg. The company also announced the roll-out of further green upgrades to additional sites across the region, including the rest of South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique.

The Bryanston facility has a 10,000l rainwater harvesting system and rooftop solar energy generation plant, lowering the buildings carbon footprint and reducing energy consumption by 55%. The reduced energy consumption is partly due to a 34kW solar photovoltaic system that reduces the demand for grid power by at least 25%.

Efficient lighting technology

The facility also uses LED light bulbs in place of conventional ones. This lighting technology, coupled with sensors designed to automatically turn off lights installed in highly used office areas, contributes to energy savings of up to 35%. A majority of the lighting used in the warehouse is being switched off by a timer when dusk sets in.

The facilitys energy consumption and solar energy production is monitored and reported in real time.

The greening of the building is in line with Deutsche Post DHL Group's (DPDHL) goal to reduce all logistics-related emissions to net zero by the year 2050, explains Anthony Beckley, VP of operations, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa. Even though the Bryanston project is still in its infancy, early results based on performance indicate that despite the cost of electricity and water increasing, the estimated payback period for the buildings upgrades is currently around three years, down from an initial estimate of 4.5 years, Beckley adds.
Agriculture and youth are a compatible pair, particularly in the African context. As one of the continent's most critical industries and biggest sources of income - contributing a quarter of Africa's total GDP and employing 70 percent of the labour force). It has the remarkable potential to empower what will be the youngest and biggest workforce in the world by 2040.

Neil Palmer (CIAT) via Wikimedia Commons

Already half the continents population is under the age of 25, and 72 percent of these young people are either unemployed or vulnerable to the harsh societal challenges such as HIV and AIDS, as well teenage pregnancy. These astonishing statistics show no signs of diminishing either. With over 330 million young Africans set to enter the job market in the next 20 years, only a third of that number is forecast to find jobs.

Barriers to participation

What this indicates is a growing need for workable solutions for the youth to become productive and part of the economic mainstream. This is especially true for agriculture, which has the potential to create jobs across the continent and serve as a driver of growth. However, the industry is currently lagging in building this growth largely because of a lack of access to knowledge, skills, education as well as land.

Financial literacy and land issues are currently the main barriers to increasing the participation of young people in the sector. Access to arable land is difficult to come by for the majority of young citizens, even if they are interested in pursuing a career or business options in the agricultural industry.

In Mozambique, for instance, rights of access to land are tightly controlled as land is owned by the state. The legal framework is currently not in favour of ordinary citizens. It is heartening, however, to note that land reform options that include privatisation are at least being debated. Access to and use of land is being explored as a means of reducing poverty and creating opportunities for the countrys people.

Policy makers dedicated to promoting farming among youth needed

Mozambique is by no means the only African country facing these types of concerns surrounding land. Land issues are typically driven by policy  or a lack thereof. In order to overcome these barriers, there is a need for policy makers that understand the intricacies of the industry to respond to the need for change. More robust and focused policies are required to bring young people into farming. It is, therefore, necessary to bring in and hone policymakers that are dedicated to promoting farming among the youth.

Using technology and innovation key

Also key to bringing greater numbers of young people into agriculture is the use of technology and innovation. There is already a raft of successful solutions in several markets, including 2Kuze in Kenya and eKilimo in Tanzania, which was introduced by payments technology company MasterCard to bring farmers and buyers together through their mobile phones and digitise the agricultural value chain. With the continued growth of mobiles all over the continent, the introduction of these types of solutions will ramp up and help young citizens make a living through agriculture.

Under the Absa affiliated initiative called Rise, a global startup community pioneering financial services with the aim of unlocking Africas potential, Zambian farmers now have access to a B2B marketplace, empowering farmers to sell fresh products directly to market, eliminating the need for middlemen.

The value of public-private partnerships and investment

However, technology on its own will not be able to encourage the youth and transform the sector. There is a need for investment in the industry through public-private partnerships. One such example that is bearing fruit is the Zazu Marketplace (which is supported by a Barclays Global open innovation programme, Rise). Zazu is a digital marketplace that connects farmers to buyers, allowing farmers in Zambia to sell and have their produce delivered to the retailer through real-time analysis.

Among other things, these public-private partnerships are helping close the gap between young people and the financing they require to work the land and build successful careers in the sector. In November last year, for example, US Aid introduced a loan facility of up to $24m to assist cashew, cereal and fruit smallholder farmers in West Africa.

We have seen that growth at Absa too  with our book growing from significantly in the last three years in Ghana through USAID MRS (Maize Rice and Soya) initiative called FIN-GAP (Financing Ghanaian Agriculture Project). The aim of the project is to improve access to financial institutions by farmers in the rural areas of the Northern Ghana. This indicates that there are massive opportunities for growth if the sphere is strengthened and more young people are encouraged to join the industry.

There is much room for development to harness the potential of agriculture in young peoples lives, especially if investments are made in the critical areas of improving financial literacy, building technology and innovation skills, and creating a new breed of policymakers in order to see the implementation of better policies. By reinforcing these priorities, agricultures role as a creator of jobs and driver of economic growth will become increasingly recognised and respected.
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Enjoy the first large-scale museum exhibition dedicated to tramp art since 1975. More than 150 examples of tramp art, concentrating on works from the United States, with additional international examples.

For Immediate Release: October 24, 2016 (Santa Fe, NM) The Museum of International Folk Art presents No Idle Hands: The Myths & Meanings of Tramp Art, the first large-scale museum exhibition dedicated to tramp art since 1975. The exhibition will present more than 150 examples of tramp art, concentrating on works from the United States, with additional examples from France, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Canada, Mexico and Brazil to demonstrate the far reach this art form has had. Additionally, the show will analyze and dismantle the myths and misperceptions about tramp art, particularly as they relate to assumptions related to class, quality, and the anonymity of the makers.

Tramp art describes a particular type of chip-carved woodwork that was practiced in Europe and the United States between the 1870s and 1940s, making use of discarded cigar boxes or crates that were then notch-carved along the edges and layered. Objects made were primarily boxes and frames, but other household objects such as small private altars, crosses, medicine cabinets, wall pockets, clock cases, plant stands, and even furniture can be found.

"Tramp art's place in art history has been troublesome. It has had detractorspeople who regard it as 'the ugly duckling' of folk artbut also numerous champions," said Laura Addison, Curator of North American & European Folk Art at the Museum of International Folk Art, and the show's curator. "This exhibition will erase any doubts about the quality and craftsmanship of the work and situate tramp art as a practice at the crossroads of cultural transformation at the turn of the 20th century," she said. Addison also pointed out that by juxtaposing historic pieces with those by contemporary artists working in the tramp art style, the exhibition frames this art form as an ongoing tradition that continues to capture the public's imaginationmyths and all.

"The ingenious objects in the Tramp Art exhibition use recycled or repurposed wood, and highlight a moment in time a century ago when artisans, many of them immigrants to the US, created a new variety of folk art," said Khristaan D. Villela, Director of the Museum of International Folk Art. "They are a testament to the ability of untrained artists to produce objects of immense beauty and complexity," he said.

For many years, tramp art was believed to have been made by itinerants and hobos, thus its name. It has been demonstrated, however, that this belief, first put in print by Frances Lichten in a 1959 Pennsylvania Folklife article, is erroneous. Nonetheless, the name "tramp art" has remained the only terminology used for this practice, and the paucity of scholarly studies to dispel the mistaken notions about tramp art have allowed the myths to persist.

Whittling objects such as wood chains and ball-in-cage whimsies was a common pastime, including among railriding "hobos," and some examples of tramp art were likely by the hand of itinerant laborers or artisans. However, this style of carving was more commonly the practice of family men and blue-collar factory workers making functional domestic objects or gifts for the women in their lives. Efforts have been made in recent years to identify makers by name and unearth their biographies; these personal narratives illustrate a very different story of the makers of tramp art. As these makers and their stories come to light, it has become obvious that home and family are central to an understanding of the practice of tramp art.

No Idle Hands will present tramp art objects according to four primary areas: Introduction/historical context, home & nation, frames & boxes and devotional objects. Works in the exhibition will come from the Museum of International Folk Art permanent collection as well as loans from a number of private and museum collections across the country. An exhibition publication will accompany the exhibition, with essays by Laura Addison, Curator of North American & European Folk Art, Museum of International Folk Art; Leslie Umberger, a curator in the area of folk art and self-taught art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum; and Eric Zafran, a retired curator of European art, most recently at the Wadsworth Atheneum.

The Museum of International Folk Art Museum Shop is located in the museum at 706 Camino Lejo (Museum Hill just off Old Santa Fe Trail). 505-982-5186.

MUSEUM OF INTERNATIONAL FOLK ART

The Museum of International Folk Art is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Museum of International Folk Art's mission is "to enrich the human spirit by connecting people with the arts, traditions and cultures of the world." Founded in 1953 by Florence Dibell Bartlett, the museum holds the world's largest international folk art collection of more than 150,000 objects from six continents and over 150 nations.

The museum's collections represent a broad range of global artists whose artistic expressions make Santa Fe an international crossroads of culture. For many visitors, fascination with folk art begins upon seeing the whimsical toys and traditional objects within the Girard Collection. For others, the international textiles, ceramics, carvings and other cultural treasures in the Neutrogena Collection provide the allure. The museum's historic and contemporary Latino and Hispano folk art collections, spanning the Spanish Colonial period to modern-day New Mexico, reflect how artists respond to their time and place in ways both delightful and sobering. In 2010, the museum opened the Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn Gallery of Conscience, where exhibitions encourage visitors to exchange ideas on complex issues of human rights and social justice.

Over 90,000 national and international visitors visit the Museum International Folk Art every year. Through folk art, the museum encourages all to find a common ground upon which to craft better lives for all.

Museum exhibitions and programs are supported by donors to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its Director's Leadership Fund, Exhibitions Development Fund, and Fund for Museum Education, as well as by the International Folk Art Foundation, also established by museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett.
Kampala, Uganda's capital, is growing fast. The country loses at least 2% of GDP from tax incentives and exemptions. Photo: Picture Alliance

[Global Development]

Too much African money ends up in tax havens. If thats going to change, Africans need to be more involved in shaping the rules governing financial flows.

Panama Papers - the biggest data leak in history uncovered 11.5 million financial and legal records dating back over 40 years, detailing how offshore companies have been secretly used to siphon money outside the gaze of tax officials and into tax havens. Extractives industry businesses in 44 out of Africas 54 countries were using offshore financial structures detailed in the Panama Papers, including 37 companies linked to court actions or official investigations. One of many examples of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) - money illegally earned, transferred or used, as well as an array of legal tax avoidance practices which results in $50 billion leaving the African continent every year. IFFs in Africa are the highest in the world. This loss of much-needed tax revenue is distinctly problematic when you consider there is an annual deficit of almost $50 billion to serve the entire continents current infrastructure needs. One year on, have we come closer to fixing the loopholes responsible for the huge sums of money leaving the continent at the expense of development?

Attempting a global approach: The ability to move assets across borders is at the very heart of IFFs, although the source of the controversial financials gains is Africa funds end up somewhere in the rest of the world. For example, a multinational corporation operating in South Africa avoided $2 billion in taxes by claiming that a large part of its business was conducted in the United Kingdom and Switzerland and moving the legal site of their business to these jurisdictions - both had lower tax rates for their business at the time. However, the UK and Swiss branches were being used to route transactions through, to give the impression that these offices were handling the substance of the companys activities but this was being done in South Africa. It necessarily follows that countries that are destinations for these outflows also have a role in preventing them and that only a global framework will be an adequate fix.

The global approach of choice is the OECDs Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. It boasts 140 members including 20 African countries and following the Panama Papers revelations, it has beefed up its standards for exchanging tax information. It now requires jurisdictions involved to maintain and exchange beneficial ownership information and ensure they are able to obtain and provide information from any person, including financial institutions and fiduciaries. Although, an exceptional feat, non-OECD countries were only consulted during the drawing up of these rules, which is a concern when we consider IFFs are a significantly bigger problem for African countries, whose reliance on corporate tax revenue is significantly higher than other forms of tax revenue, in comparison to global averages. Having a marginal role in creating the very rules they need to apply is a distinct disadvantage. African countries become rule takers instead of rule makers.

Furthermore, for any rule to be truly workable, it must have teeth, that is to say in this context it must aim squarely at the repatriation of this illicitly exported capital. According to the UN High-Level Panel on IFFs, this extends so far as to ensure that financial institutions that receive this capital do not benefit by being allowed to continue to house it during periods when it might be frozen. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari also demands greater international cooperation in returning hundreds of millions of dollars in Nigerian funds hidden abroad. Switzerland recently agreed to return $321 million hidden by ex-military ruler Sani Abacha, who led Nigeria between 1993 and his death in 1998. And Ex-African Union head, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also calls for international action on the repatriation of illicit funds. As yet, there is no global practice in how this is best done, the most comprehensive framework is the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative of the United Nations and the World Bank which supports international efforts to end safe havens for corrupt funds but does not create a coherent body of law on this issue, of the roughly $5 billion that have been returned globally in the last 20 years, the methods adopted for each and every return differ.

EU anti-tax avoidance rules aim to cover international jurisdictions with their rules, for example in preventing multinationals taking advantage of mismatches between EU and third countries tax rules to reduce their tax bill. Also, measures requiring multinational companies operating within the EU to make public reports about their profits earned and taxes paid on a country-by-country basis is the subject of fierce debate because the decision to report on EU activities only or all their international activity is on the table. The latter would be a definite win for Africa, as Chair of the UN High-Level Panel on IFFs, Thabo Mbeki calls for the global approach because aggregated accounts have been used to hide the profits and not pay taxes. However, EU measures are only ever going to ensure that the tax, which is usually avoided, is collected within the EUs internal market as this is the extent of its remit and so both OECD and EU measures fall rather short of a strong comprehensive global framework.

Couple this with the structural issues facing many countries across the continent and the picture becomes even more complex. From the difficulty of taxing the informal economy, which contributes to 55 % of Sub-Saharan Africas GDP, to the limited capacity of fiscal administrations. And the proliferation of tax incentives aimed at attracting foreign investment but can have harmful effects, if abused and turning the continent into a tax-haven for multinational investors. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that Uganda losses from tax incentives and exemptions are at least 2% of GDP (US$272 million in 2009/10).

A long road ahead: The international community is still a long way off delivering a sturdy global framework which is truly shaped by its constituents, including Africa and ensures a comprehensive and easy-to-access asset recovery procedure. IFFs need to stay on the continent, where they can be appropriately taxed to provide additional tax revenue to fund government budgets, which are often in deficit. To do so would be to move towards increased volumes of domestic rather than foreign capital required for meaningful and sustained African development - not just for Africans but by Africans.

Africas destiny cannot be decided outside its own borders, self-sustaining growth is needed but is an internal issue too much of our development has already been centred on thinking beyond or borders - Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghanian President.

This article was first published online on the website of International Politics and Society on May 10, 2017.

The author Uzo Madu is founder of the website and current affairs programme Whats in it for Africa, where she monitors and analyses EU-Africa political issues. She has written for African Business Magazine and Borderlex.eu, featured on BBC World News and CNBC Africa, and in Forbes Afrique, Deutsche Welle and RFI Internationale. With over 6 years experience in EU Public Affairs, she holds a Law degree and is studying an MA in EU External Relations.
PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2017

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Securities LLC, a leading U.S. private equity firm, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Royal Adhesives & Sealants ("Royal" or the "Company") to H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL) ("H.B. Fuller") for $1.575 billion. H.B. Fuller is a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants, and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives. The transaction is expected to close as soon as October 2017, and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Royal is a global developer and manufacturer of proprietary, high-performance adhesives and sealants. Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, Royal offers a broad range of specialty formulated products designed to solve complex bonding, laminating and sealing applications across a diverse range of markets, including aerospace and defense, construction, specialty packaging, automotive and industrial. The company offers a broad spectrum of customized thermosetting epoxy and urethane, solvent-based and water-based technologies to meet the most demanding adhesive and sealant applications.

Scott Wolff, a Managing Director of American Securities, commented, "We are proud to have partnered with Ted and the entire Royal management team to drive organic growth through new business wins and growth through acquisitions."

"We are proud of our commitment to innovation and our long-term customer relationships," said Ted Clark, President and CEO of Royal. "We have drawn upon American Securities' significant experience in the specialty chemicals sector to help us continue to deliver industry-leading growth. We look forward to our next chapter of growth with H.B. Fuller."

About Royal Adhesives & SealantsRoyal Adhesives & Sealants is a global developer and manufacturer of proprietary, high-performance adhesives and sealants. Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, Royal offers a broad range of specialty formulated products designed to solve complex bonding, laminating and sealing applications across a diverse range of markets including aerospace and defense, construction, specialty packaging, automotive and industrial. The company offers a broad spectrum of customized thermosetting epoxy and urethane, solvent-based and water-based technologies to meet the most demanding adhesive and sealant applications. For additional information on Royal, please visit www.royaladhesives.com.

About American SecuritiesBased in New York with an office in Shanghai, American Securities is a leading U.S. private equity firm that invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenues generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion and/or $50 million to $300 million of EBITDA. American Securities and its affiliates have approximately $15 billion under management.www.american-securities.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-securities-announces-agreement-to-sell-royal-adhesives--sealants-to-hb-fuller-company-300513617.html

SOURCE American Securities LLC
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A leading player in the global diamond and jewellery industry in Botswana, Dalumi Group, has signed a distribution agreement with a giant Chinese company, King One, to sell its well known brand Swana Cut.

Swana managing director, Kobi Itzchaki, told delegates at Wednesdays signing ceremony at the Diamond Hub in Gaborone, that they were grateful to sign the five-year agreement deal with King One, one of the leading jewellery companies in China with over 2000 distribution stores.

The company aims through the contract to have a minimum sale of over US$120 million (P1,2 billion). Itzchaki thanked King One for choosing Swana among other products to be their leading flagship product.





We see this as a great potential for the companies and countries as well. We believe that this is good for the Botswana success story to reach number of customers around the world and we will be committed to tell the story of Botswana. We will also make sure that the diamonds will be the ambassador for the country, said Itzchaki whose company operates a factory with over 240 workers in Gabane.

Speaking at the same occasion, King One Vice-Chairman and President, Chen Bao Kang, said he was pleased to sign the agreement between them and Dalumi for the distribution of Swana Cut.I believe that this cooperation is the best not only for the companies but between Botswana and China. We want to ensure that this product will reach a lot of doors and increase the awareness of the Botswana diamond in China, said Kang. He stated that the Chinese consumers were inspired by the story behind the Swana diamond and his company is proud to be the exclusive distributors of this unique and beautiful diamond.Dalumi Diamonds managing director, Rafi Yerushalmi, expressed gratitude for the support they are getting from the Botswana government and De Beers, their main supplier of diamonds. He said the consistent supply of diamonds from local diamond producers has led them to become one of the biggest diamonds producers in Botswana and beyond.

We are very proud to be operating here and we are going to continue to globalise the Botswana diamond, he said. Dalumi is a DTC Sightholder since 1993 and a DTC Botswana Sightholder since 2007. Established in 1960 by Asher Dalumi, the company has earned a reputation as one of the worlds most trusted diamond names and has worldwide distribution operations.

The Group has manufacturing facilities in Botswana, Israel and India, offices around the globe. Dalumi produces a wide range of diamond products from polished diamonds in various colours and qualities, to innovative, beautifully designed branded jewellery collections.

The company markets its products worldwide through its offices in the United States, Asia and Europe, and its Online Inventory.
Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, the countrys oldest bank, is expecting lower interim results, but has promised shareholders it has a war chest to fund its future strategy.

The lender, which is among the top in the country has been experiencing a string of declining profits in recent years due to among others, lower banking rate, increased competition and closure of mines which the bank has been financially exposed to.

It seems the bank is yet to exit troubled waters while some of its peers such as Barclays Bank Botswana and Stanbic Bank Botswana are reporting improved profits. Shareholders are advised that the companys overall performance to be reported period ended 30th June 2017 is lower than those achieved in the corresponding period in prior year, said a board statement.





For the half year period to June last year, the bank profits tumbled to P62, 9 million from P66, 2 million in the same period the year before. Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited continues to have a strong balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and capital to deliver on its strategy

Standard Chartered has not disclosed to the market what has led to profits fall after telling the media early this year that performance will improve going forward. Meantime, shareholders have been warned to exercise caution when dealing with the banks securities.

Despite the challenges at the bank, the board and management are upbeat, at least for the rest of the year. Writing in the banks annual report, Board of Directors Chairman, Professor Bojosi Otlhogile said. A rebound in economic growth is expected in 2017 led by improvement in the mining sector. The business is well positioned to take advantage of the forecast growth given the strong fundamentals in place Bojosi, a law lecturer at the University of Botswana added that the lenders balance sheet is fit for growth, and the control environment has improved. The teams are focused on sustainable and well controlled growth that will generate good returns for our shareholders for the next coming years.

We remain confident of our ability to realise long term sustainable gains and build a strong franchise, he stated. The BSE listed commercial bank is without a Substantive Chief Executive following the unexpected resignation of Moatlhodi Lekaukau in February after five years at the helm. Chief Financial Officer, Mpho Masupe is acting.

At the close of trading on Wednesday, Standard Chartered was trading at 560 thebe.
Local Human Rights lawyer, Uyapo Ndadi, is the view of that our government is in denial when it comes to issues affecting sex workers and Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community.

He was speaking at a Policy dialogue meeting hosted by Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV and AIDS (BONELA) this week in Gaborone. The meeting had attracted stakeholders from among various organisations, Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals of Botswana, Men for Health and Gender Justice, Sisonke and Nkaikela which deal with key populations.

The theme was Amplifying voices of key populations: Why decriminalization is key to getting to zero new HIV infections.





Section 155 of the Penal Code of Botswana states that, Every person who- knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of prostitution; or in any public place persistently solicits or importunes for immoral purposes, is guilty of an offence; and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction under this Section the court may, in addition to any term of imprisonment awarded, sentence the offender to corporal punishment.

This, according to Ndadi, means that the law does not criminalise the selling or buying of sexual services per se. In addition, sex work is in effect criminalised by provisions that prohibit a wide range of activities associated with the act of prostitution.

The Penal Code cap 08, 01 sections 176, 179, and 182 have been applied in courts against women for offences including common nuisance, idling and disorderly persons.

The spirit of denial is going to kill us. We should deal with the elephant in the room. Sex workers have been there since time immemorial, said Ndadi. His take is that sex workers, just like everyone else, have a right to freedom of movement. He said laws should be kept away from peoples bedrooms.

A sex worker from Sisonke said that they were often harassed by clients, raped by both clients and the police and treated inhumanely. They even take our money, she said, adding that they are refused condoms at government clinics. Other facilities they need include lubricants, which she said are not also availed to them.

Meanwhile, sex workers are charged P100 for idling. One of the gay men said that they were abused by married men who care less about having sex without a condom. He added that they face huge stigma from their families as they tend to disown them. If I dont carry condoms, some of the men, especially married, wont bother providing them, he said.

United Nations Development Programme specialist HIV/AIDS, Gender, Health and Human Rights William Bapati said that human rights must be enjoyed by all people and also respected. He said Botswana as part of the United Nations should adhere to the principles. He added that as the country launched Treat All last year, it did not exclude sex workers or gays.

Some of our laws are an impediment to fighting HIV/AIDS, he said. Bapati stated that sexual orientation has nothing to do with competence or professionalism. Being gay is not a lifestyle but what people are born with, he said.

FHI 360 Programme Officer Setshwano Gaosenkwe said that Batswana should speak against stigma and decriminalisation of key populations. These stem from social and moral obligations but we must let people walk confidently and freely without having their rights violated. Our major enemy is the existing laws that enforce stigma and discrimination, she said.

People must repent-Pastor

For his part, Apostle Godknows Robbie of Christ Centred Life Ministries said that the role of the church is to save souls and to preach that where there is evil and iniquity, people must repent. He was against the notion that sex is work, saying that it is not work or business, but a practice. His take is that when sex workers are beaten and attacked, it is only an indication that they are risking their lives. He does not see women who are sex workers living beyond 40 and 60 years old.

What are they teaching their daughters? The church is against prostitution, he said, citing Leviticus 19:29, Judges 16:1, Proverbs 7:9-12, and 1 Corinthians 6:15 for reference. He said sex workers should work for Ipelegeng and stop putting their lives in danger.

He said both gays and sex workers should know that God loves them and wants them to repent. Apostle Robbie also said that organisations were advocating for these practices because of the pressure from donors, saying that studies have shown that majority of sex workers were foreigners.

Are we going to fight for laws based on foreign influence? he asked. The pastors statements did not go well with majority of sex workers who attended the event.

Men of God, some of our clients are men of God and they get very angry when we miss their calls or not return them. When we are together, they dont even mention God. All they want is sex or for us to stimulate them, said one of them.

The other one said that churches should preach love and leave judgment to God. The man of God however stipulated that the Bible is the standard and that on behalf of the church he encourages sex workers to come for counseling, adding that support is not just money but spiritual empowerment.

BONELA Executive Director Cindy Kelemi refuted accusations that they are under pressure to please donors, saying they were only advocating for people who were stigmatised. We have to speak against laws that hinder and violate the rights of our people.
The Mayor of Francistown Sylvia Muzila says that the city of Francistown is continuing with its poverty eradication and employment creation programmes.

Addressing a full council meeting Monday, Muzila said that poverty eradication efforts have improved a number of lives adding that, more effort needs to be done to uplift more lives in Francistown. Thus far, fifty (50) applications for the Youth Grant have been received, she said.

On the marketing part, expositions are being held for the Youth and Women to showcase their products. One such exposition was the Poverty Eradication Exposition which was held on 27 July 2017 under the theme: Eradicating Poverty And Empowering Of Beneficiaries To Change Perception, she said.





She said the main objective was to expose marketing opportunities and enable beneficiaries to network and share ideas. Muzila said that in an endeavour to assist women, another exposition, with participants coming from places such as Serowe, Selibe Phikwe, Francistown, Kasane and Maun, will be held from the 18th to 24 September for beneficiaries to come under one roof to showcase their products, learn from one another, share skills, experiences and ideas as well as network with each other.

The theme for the event is, Be Bold For Change; Connecting Women To Greater Markets, revealed Muzila who proceeded to explain that the theme is in line with the International Womens Day as it seeks to implore women entrepreneurs to change their mindset in the way they operate their businesses.

Muzila also told Council that, in a show of commitment to the empowerment of women and gender equality through gender responsive legislation and policies, government has signed the Revised Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender Development. Muzila appealed to her colleagues to mainstream gender issues, We all have a role to play in addressing these issues and it is for this reason that I urge you to attend the coming exposition in large numbers, she urged.

The Mayor also appealed to the community of Francistown to engage in sustainable agricultural initiatives despite limited land for agricultural purposes in the city and its surroundings. We do have the 139 hectares farm of this Council by the Mambo Treatment Plant that could be outsourced to the private sector for job creation.

We do also have the 18 hectares at Donga that can be designated for agricultural initiatives and other pockets of agricultural land in the city. Through the initiatives from the community and your own collective decisions, funding from the Constituency Programme can be utilised, explained the Mayor.

She noted that, as a way of eradicating poverty everywhere, there is a need to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by way of achieving equal access for all men and women to affordable quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university training.

If we focus on attaining this goal, we will substantially increase the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. More importantly, we also need to build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environment for all, said Muzila.

She said that out of 20 schools in Francistown, seven (7) are offering reception classes. The current enrolment stands at 329 learners which number is constituted by 144 boys and 185 girls. Muzila explained that, programmes such as the Youth Development Fund, Poverty Eradication, Gender Affairs Grant and Local Economic Development Programme, are geared towards the creation of employment.

The availability of institutions such as the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), the Citizen Entrepreneurial Agency (CEDA), Business Botswana and many others also have their stake towards employment creation, said Muzila.
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Gwede Mantashe says it is time his party and South Africans take seriously the part played by Botswana and its people in liberating South Africa.

When we talk ANC we mention countries other than Botswana. It is high time we highlight the fact that the first external conference of the ANC outside the South Africa soil after the ANC was banned was in Lobatse in Botswana.

Secondly we need to have a monument in Botswana to remember the massacres that (sic) was carried out by the apartheid regime, he stated. Mantashe, who led an ANC delegation to attend ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 55th Anniversary in Serowe, said they came to Botswana to express their gratitude. He said Batswana did not only support the idea of forming the ANC.





In the inaugural conference of the ANC Kgosi Khama of Bangwato was there. The resolution to form the Native National Congress in 1912 was supported by Kgosi Mokgalagadi Moisakgomo of Bangwaketse. These mean Batswana have been part of the formation of the ANC.

The ANC is your party. The person who initiated the idea of the Freedom Charter is the son of Botswana. He made the proposal in the Cape Conference of the ANC. But because of the brutality of the Nationalist Party, he was not in Cape Town but he planted the seed of the idea on the Cape conference, said Mantashe.

He explained that what should be appreciated more is that when the ANC decided to take up arms, the idea was formulated in Lobatse. You provided us with the most reliable route for our members hence your giving us the route made the Nationalist party to be aggressive and brutal in the Zeerust- Potchefstroom corridor, said Mantashe.

The ANC Secretary General thanked the BDP government for not having handed any of its members to the enemy. Explaining the relationship between BDP government and ANC, Mantashe stated that when ANC presented a very delicate request to President Seretse Khama verbally at an OAU Summit in Addis Ababa, Oliver Tambo was asked to put the request in writing.

He revealed that the request was indeed put in writing but the response was not. He indicated that in the verbal response it was stated that, We have considered the request but we found it difficult to accede to it because we did not want the apartheid regime to justify its suspicion that we are militarily aiding the liberation movement.

Mantashe said where Botswanas strength is captured in the response is when they said ANC members will be allowed into Botswana if they would come quietly.

The next request for facilitation of the military training venue the government said it had to weigh options. They said if apartheid regime learns that they have facilitated such a venue they would come here claiming to be looking for those groups, he said.

Mantashe explained that Botswana Government presented an alternative plan, which was; if the ANC members could come to Botswana in a way that the government would not have seen them then the government would state that it never saw the ANC members passing through Botswana.

He said he had to explain this because many people when we discuss role of the various liberation movements, they always get tempted to downplay the role of Botswana. Our view is that we have a duty to step up that role and explain to all and sundry how Botswana played its role including the formation of the Frontline States.

So we are here to tell you that we are one and need to work closely together. When we are in trouble, it is you who are in trouble. If we have got problems it is your problems.
 BDP enjoys 82% coverage

 Combined Opposition parties share 18%

 Broadcaster unduly favours BDP at the expense of other political parties - report





Office of the Ombudsman has found Botswana Television at fault for not affording opposition parties the same news coverage as the ruling Botswana Democratic Party.

This follows a report filed with the Ombudsman by Botswana National Front (BNF) Vice President Dr Prince Dibeela through a letter dated February 15th 2016. According to Ombudsman Augustine Makgonatsotlhes report, Dr Dibeela alleged that although it is a public broadcaster and is sustained through the taxes paid by all citizens, whose interest it is supposed to serve, BTV is instead used to serve the interests of the BDP.

Dr Dibeela argued that BTV rarely airs programmes of opposition parties and regularly bombards the public with BDP propaganda. Makgonatsotlhe stated in the report dated August 28th 2017 that Dr Dibeela was duly qualified, as a member of the public, to lodge a complaint as also his claim that his political party is likely to suffer injustice in consequence of the actions or inactions of the respondent (BTV) is justified and meritorious in accordance with Section 3 (1) of the Ombudsman Act.

The report shows that BDP enjoys 82 percent of coverage as compared to 18 percent shared by the rest of the opposition parties. According to the report, out of the 89 activities, only 16 from opposition were found to be newsworthy by BTV compared to 73 from the BDP. In his findings, Makgonatsotlhe stated that information gathered demonstrates that, despite the existence of good policy statements and guidelines, BTV has not lived up to those but has unduly favoured the ruling party in their coverage of political events.

That obviously resulted in injustice to other political parties and those with an interest in Botswanas political sphere as they were denied the opportunity to compete fairly with the ruling party. It is my view therefore that BTVs coverage of political party activities does not meet the requirement of balance, equity and inclusiveness as set out under their mandate and guidelines.

Such needs to be corrected in order for BTV to play its role properly and effectively, Makgonatsotlhe stated. He explained that in a democratic set up like that of Botswana, it is therefore imperative that institutions such as a national broadcaster should be established by law or some instruments that will clearly spell out their mandates and governance structure; transparent in the discharge of their mandates and functions and accountable to the nation and Parliament in particular.

Makgonatsotlhe said in his view the allocation of air time slots on BTV is an administrative function of the leadership of that entity. He revealed that he has found that they have in the performance of such, unduly favoured the ruling party over the opposition, thus giving them an undue advantage in obtaining political mileage. He explained that this clearly caused an injustice to the opposition parties.

BTV should therefore ensure a proper application of the principles stated in their Mandate and Editorial Guidelines to ensure that their reporting of political party activities is balanced, inclusive and equitable both in terms of the content and of the number of events covered, he recommended.

He pointed out that only then would they be able to effectively and fairly inform the citizenry of the policies and programmes of the various political role players and to build the nation as per their mandate. This being an issue of national interest and being continuous in its nature, it can only be appropriate that these remedial measures must be put in place immediately, said Makgonatsotlhe.
Love is blind

Love..love..love, love is strange. When Lee Jin of South Korea married a pillow, it seemed quite strange. When Eija Riita tied a knot to the Berlin Wall, it came across as an extreme case of psychiatric disorder. When Liu Ye of China married himself, it was diagnosed as an extreme case of narcissism. But the blossoming ANC-BDP romance has left many self-help gurus of love speechless. Nobody saw it coming, not even the legendary Pastor Mboro, the man who claims to have paid God a visit and saw Jesus in the company of Xhosa women. These new lovebirds confirm that indeed love is blind and that it can be found in the most unexpected places. So far it does not even need any love expert to tell us that indeed these two are madly in love, it is all there in the open, even for the blind to see. You can see they are in love because they do not seem to care about each others previous relationships, after all, they say, if you cannot be with the one you love, love the one you are with. Whether ANC was for a long time in an intimate relationship with their political rival, the Botswana National Front (BNF), it matters less to the BDP. What matters the most is that, the ANC is now their honey-bunch. In fact, the very fact that they have snatched BNFs ex-boyfriend, it is a cherry on top. So far, these perfect strangers are enjoying their blind date and once again confirming words captured in Captain Corellis Mandolin that, When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. But the madness aside, the begging question is, how deep is their love?





For your love, Ill do anything

Although there is no doubt that ANC-BDP is typical blind dating, there is certainly more to that. It is common cause that historically and ideologically (whatever that means these days) ANC and BDP are worlds apart. In the good olden days of the ANC, political parties such as the BDP were referred to as Counter Revolutionary because of their ideological proximity to Western liberalism and their subscription to free market economics. This political outlook did not only inform the shape, character and mannerism of the ANC, most importantly, it distinctly distinguished friends from foes and in such circumstances, BDP naturally fell on the latter. As such, BNF became the natural ally of the ANC and played a fair role in the struggle against apartheid. However, nothing lasts forever, only change is permanent. The ANC of then and the ANC now, are totally two different animals. Hence, if we pay closer attention to the character, philosophy and trajectory of the current ANC, it is logical that they will be strongly attracted to the BDP. Currently, the two parties subscribe to the philosophy that All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. Their ardent defence for President Zuma and President Khama, even at the demise of both the party and the country, is a product of this flawed philosophy. Despite the glaring corruption in the two governments that is risking the wellbeing of their peoples, for the love of these two, the parties are prepared to do anything. In the BDP, this political inflexibility, ultimately led to the formation of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD). In the ANC, factionalism is reaching boiling point and Alliance partners being South African Communist Party (SACP) and COSATU have repeatedly called for President Zuma to step down. They have openly threatened to pull out of the Alliance. If the current political tension in the ANC is left uncontained, then the possibility of a split is real.

Curry-flavoured love

If you thought Vice President Masisis Camp-Dubai at the recent BDP congress was just meant to floss, you are wrong. It was a manifestation of a new political philosophy premised on extreme materialism and consumerism. Besides, it was an arrogant display of the economic might of the invisible hand behind him. And many commentators have cautioned about this excessive expression of love by the invisible hand and its motives thereof. Remember, President Zumas troubles boil down to the invisible hand of the mega-rich Gupta family. By the time South Africans woke up, the family was literally running the country from their house. As we speak, the Guptas are now dumping their every asset to rent-a-millionaire like Mzwanele Manyi and Andile Mngxitama. This should serve as a warning to both Masisi and the BDP that too much curry-flavoured love will kill them. However, the question still begs, is the ANC and BDP really in love, or it is just to make their respective ex-lovers jealous?
 Justice Michael Mothobi not amused by the delays in the case

Zion Christian Church (ZCC) legal battle of the churchs Constitution has consumed time and resources, High Court Judge, Michael Mothobi said this week.

The tussle over the churchs constitution has pitted the church, its leader Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane against 11 members of the church and another member who wants to save the church from the current mess. The 11 members of Mokhukhu based in Tlokweng have brought the church and its leader before court challenging the way the church is governed in Botswana.





They argue that ever since 2009 no Annual General Meeting has been held and that the head office in Botswana has no minister as per the constitutional requirement. They want an order declaring that ZCC and Lekganyane are violating the Constitution by not convening annual general meetings on a yearly basis or at all as provided for by the ZCC Constitution; appointing a Minister since July 2009; Appointing the executive Council in accordance with the Constitution; Putting in place structures such as the property committee; and that the church and its leader should be ordered to correct the aforementioned anomalies.

When the case resumed this week there were applications and counter applications placed before the court. The date was however set for arguments on the main application by the 11 church members. Things took a twist when a member of the church, Josta Isaac, who last year the court ordered that he would be Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) wanted to now be admitted as a player in the case.

Isaac last year applied to the court so that he would be a friend of the court with the aim of assisting the judge in solving the case. This year he changed his mind and indicated that he wants to be a player and be a respondent together with the church and Lekganyane because he wants to fight for the church. The church, its leader and the 11 applicants have opposed the request by Isaac saying it is an after thought. ZCC and Lekganyane made a counter application that the order granted in favour of Isaac in September last year where he was admitted as friend of the court should be nullified because he seems to be confused regarding what he wants. The 11 applicants in the matter supported the church.

This left the court seized with the option of dealing with the entire case or dealing with it in bits and pieces, something that did not sit well with Justice Mothobi. I do not want to deal with the matter in a fractured manner. Expenses have been incurred in travel and legal representation. The courts time that could be used for other cases is now consumed by this case. The future here is not clear and the case might be concluded around October 2018 if we move in this pace.

This is an ancient church with a lot of supporters who could be worried. Out there it might be presumed that I am the one delaying the case while it is the Counsels with their truncated submissions, explained Justice Mothobi.

The parties however agreed that the court should deal with Isaacs request before argument for the main application could be dealt with. In the heart of Isaacs application is the choice of the ZCC Constitution that has to be followed. The 11 applicants sued the church using the 2009 Constitution while Isaac, a lawyer by profession, argues that the proper Constitution is the 1994 Constitution.

His attorney, Advocate Duma Boko, told the court that his client is exercising his right to protect his interest as a member of the church. He said the respondents in the matter have filed their opposition to the case late and the court should not consider their affidavit. An affidavit is evidence. Their affidavit filed late was not accompanied by a condonation application requesting the court to condone their late filing. So without condonation application to this court, they are improperly before this court. This cannot be allowed by this court and the affidavit should be disregarded, argued Boko.

Lawyer for the church, Senior Counsel Soroya Hassim from the Pretoria Bar, said the order to admit Isaac as the friend of the court should be set aside because he initially never wanted to be a friend of the court but rather wanted to maneuver his way into becoming a player in the matter. She explained that Isaac as an officer of the court could have known from the onset what was good for him and failing to do so means he got the order deceitfully.

Our counter application is that the order set in his favour in September last year should be set aside. He said he did not want to be partisan. The case has claimed untold time and resources for my clients, she said.

Uyapo Ndadi, representing the 11 members, said Isaac has not demonstrated his substantive interest in the case. He knew about this matter about 18 months ago. This is abuse of court processes. The ZCC Constitution does not mandate him to defend the church because the church has structures in place when it comes to the defense of the church. We understand he wants to defend the church using the 1994 Constitution but as far as we know the 2009 Constitution is the valid one.

Advocate Boko hit back saying looking at the affidavit of the Registrar of the Societies holistically filed with the court on the 25th of August 2017, it suggests that the 1994 Constitution is the valid one. He said the church and the Mokhukhu 11 want to twist facts of the matter while his client wants to put the fact bare in the public.

They have acted in collusion and attempted to reach a settlement based on the 2009 Constitution which Constitution we say is not the legitimate one. My client was prepared to assist the court as friend of the court but would later discover that something was not right and he could not sit on the side and watch. Nothing according to the law precludes him from changing his mind, he explained.

He said his client has a binding contract with the church and as a member in good standing he has to protect his interests. Ndadi argued that the request by Isaac is delaying the litigation and puts parties at expenses that are otherwise avoidable. Senior counsel Hassim said Isaac is disgruntled because as a friend of the court he is limited to participate in the proceedings of the matter. Ruling for the matter has been set for October 24th this year.
Government is on the verge of completing legislative reforms which are aimed at ensuring the ease of doing business in Botswana improves, a government technocrat has disclosed.

The country has over the years been criticised for its stiff laws which are considered to be inhibiting the ease of doing business in Botswana, but according to ministry of investment, trade and industrys Permanent Secretary, Peggy Serame, that will soon come to an end.

To address these challenges (ease of doing business), government has adopted the doing business reform framework that is aimed towards reducing turnaround time for starting a business, paying taxes, facilitating cross border trading, issuing construction permits, just to name but a few, said Serame.





She was speaking in Gaborone recently during the re-launch of the USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub Botswana office. The office has been established to increase international competitiveness, intra-regional trade and food security in Southern Africa.

Serame, who spoke on behalf of Minister Vincent Seretse, told attendants that during the current financial year a bulk of the legislative reforms are expected to be completed. We are also in the process of revamping the one stop service centre for Botswana, she said.

The Permanent Secretary is adamant that once all the legislative reforms have been passed, Botswanas rate of investor attraction will improve. Serame, an economist by training, said the USAID office can only strengthen the relationship between the two parties.

USAID and Botswana partnership has over the years borne fruits especially when it comes to improving the ease of doing business. We can attest that the US government shares these goals and we appreciate your support in working with us through USAID for the benefit of Botswana, she added.

US Ambassador to Botswana, Earl Miller said the new office has come at a better time when US is focusing more on investment attraction and reducing barriers to trade. With the launch of the newest version of the trade Hub, the US government added a key word-investment- to underscore investment opportunities in the region and the tremendous gains to be made by focusing on investment partnerships with the private sector, said Miller.

Meanwhile, Serame has announced that government and the US will next Tuesday launch the Africa Growth Opportunity Act. This collaborative effort is clearly aimed at unlocking Botswanas export potential and thereby taking advantage of the US market, she said. AGOA, which was signed into law more than 15 years ago, is aimed at creating export opportunities for select African countries.
More and more customers are failing to pay their scheduled loans in the process renewing fresh fears that the banking sector may be headed for a tough 2017, even when the central bank has in several instances stressed banks are sound and safe, at least as far as liquidity is concerned.

The information, which is complete with statistics, is contained in a Bank of Botswana (BoB) report which examines price developments and the underlying causal factors in the first half of the year (2017). The report was released on Wednesday morning.

BoB, which is headed by Moses Pelaelo, is the regulator of commercial banks in Botswana and therefore has intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the multi-billion sector which includes players such as Barclays Bank Botswana, Bank of Baroda and Bank Gaborone. Hot on the heels of a press conference called by Pelaelo to assure the public that the banking sector is not about to collapse on liquidity, it has emerged that customers are struggling to pay banks back, as agreed.





According to the report, the aggregate ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) to total loans increased from 4.9 percent in December 2016 to 5.3 percent in June 2017. The slight deteriora tion in asset quality experienced by the banking sector is attributed to, in the main, challenges for some diamond cutting and polishing businesses, job losses resulting from the closure of BCL group of companies and the ongoing retrenchments by some major employers, as well as weaker market for high-value residential properties, said the central bank Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) review statement.

BCL group, which is wholly government owned, has been closed leaving thousands of employees in the lurch. These are some of the employees who are struggling to pay back commercial banks, in the process increasing the rate on NPLs. Some private companies and parastatals are restructuring, with the resultant outcome in most cases leaving some employees without jobs, despite the fact that, Statistics Botswana has reported that unemployment levels have dropped.

According to Investopedia, a non-performing loan is the sum of borrowed money upon which the debtor has not made his scheduled payments for at least 90 days. According to BoB, which is also the economic advisor to government, the NPL to total loans ratio for individual banks ranged from 0.2 percent to 10.8 percent in June 2017.

A much clearer picture of the health of the banking sector was expected in the banking supervision report which was due to be made public yesterday (Thursday). Some of the banks are expected to publish their interim and financial year results in the coming weeks, which will be an opportunity for them to break down the rate in which some of their customers have skipped payment.

In the report, the central bank has stated that, households account for a larger share of total lending by commercial banks, which stood at 59.6 percent in June 2017. Annual growth in mortgages moderated to 4.4 percent in June 2017 from 7.3 percent in June 2016, which mainly reflects a weak housing market, especially at the upper-end, and tighter lending criteria by some banks.

Nevertheless, unsecured household lending, which constitutes a large proportion of commercial bank credit, represents relatively small amounts spread across many borrowers of differing credit profiles, which mitigates associated financial stability risks, said the report.

Overall, current levels of credit growth continue to be supportive of economic activity and augur well for durable stability of the financial system, stressed the bank.

Recently, a report by Econsult also noted that, there has been no growth in the deposit base of banks for at least two years. With little surplus liquidity, it is not surprising that bank lending has slowed  the banks (or some of them at least) are simply running out of loanable funds, said the report compiled by Dr Keith Jefferies and Sethunya Sejoe.
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Chairman Motlatsi Molapisi has risen from the political grave.

The chairman is now calling the shots.

Molapisi, who is also President of Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), has decided that now is the time for him as chairman to take the lead. He has sanctioned a UDC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for next week Tuesday. This is despite the fact that he does not have powers to sanction such a high-level meeting.





The meeting has been scheduled for morning at the UDC office. Information gathered by Botswana Guardian is that the meeting, which Molapisi directed the UDC Secretariat to issue notice of, was not communicated to the UDC National Office Bearers as the Constitution demands.

The meeting will come a day after the one in which a faction of Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) is expected to appear before the UDC jurisdiction in the evening. UDC has summoned the two BMD factions to appear

READ MORE ON THE LATEST PRINT EDITION
The Mascom Live Sessions gig at Botswana Craft this past Friday was off the hook.

Despite having been in the music industry for more than three decades, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse can still give many young artists a run for their money.

He had the audience eating from the palm of his hand with his rich voice, fluidity on the saxophone and youthful impromptu dance moves. The curtain raiser for the evening was ATI, who gave the crowd their moneys worth. He performed old hits such as O tsididi and Poelo morago, in between taking the audience on his journey in the music industry.





But it was the hit song Khiring Khorong that made the crowd go crazy; the track sure is a banger. ATI is still edgy, but there is evident growth in his personality and craft. Like fine wine, he gets better with time and at this point, his immense talent is undisputable.

Mabuse took to the stage and started his set on a relaxed note, breaking into a popular hymn. It was a short but gratifying moment that left many waving and swaying along. But just as quickly, he shook us out of that lull and went on to perform the classic Shikisa, which saw everyone tapping their feet along. Mabuse urged the crowd on and gyrated along. He is quite energetic for a 66-year-old; he has the vrr vaa. After a few performances, he took the audience down memory lane, sharing how he had first come to Botswana in 1968. He also made a shout out to Isaac Makwala who did the nation proud with his gold win at the Diamond League.

Mabuses mood took on a sombre tone when he paid homage to renowned jazz artist Bheki Mseleku, who had returned from exile in America during apartheid, only to stay for a short while in South Africa before returning to America, where he died. He performed a deep song called Angola that strung at emotional chords and had a profound sound.

Mabuse then picked up the tempo when he performed the song that I had been waiting for the whole evening, Burn out. The song is older than myself, having been released in the early 1980s, but it still has magic and more than three decades later, it gets everyone on the dance floor. Revellers could not contain themselves as they burst into excited cheers when the song played.

Young and old got down together and shook this way and that, stomping, shuffling, and doing get downs and different variations of pantsula dance. Even yours truly, three left feet and all, started swaying, head nodding, finger snapping and feet tapping.

His act came to an end when he introduced his band, comprising a percussionist, drummer, guitarist and keyboard player, as well as a backing vocalist with a stunning voice, who was quite an attraction with her long legs, with her unconventional beauty made more pronounced by her unique fade cut and bright unique African print top and sky high heels she wore.

But the biggest applause went to bass guitar player, David Mabaso, who was with the now defunct Big Dudes (of Brenda and the Big Dudes fame). He went down memory lane as he strummed away Weekend Special, much to the delight of the crowd who sang along to the legendary jam.DJ Robbie Rob closed the great night on the decks, playing classic RnB, hip-hop, kwaito and house tunes.
A Cork barber is over the moon after winning awards at some of the worlds biggest hairdressing competitions, writes Denise ODonoghue.

Paul Mac, who is based on Paul Street in Cork city, recently won an award in the US, where he was the only finalist from Ireland.

He will travel to Paris later this month to collect his latest award, bringing to three the number of world titles with which he has been honoured, having won his first global award in Lisbon three years ago.

"I am from a small place in West Cork called Ahiohill, definitely not a common career for a lad down these parts. Id definitely be the black sheep," Paul said.

"My two winning looks were a total contrast. The first, which won me the OMC Hairworld World Best Barber Cut was an old school rockabilly greaser look inspired by Johnny Depp in Baby Cry. It was shot in my new shop, Paul Mac Special Hair, which also won me Best Classic Barber Image and Irish Barber of the Year at the Irish Hair Photographic Awards back in June.

Photographer: Kest Model - Conor Morley

"The second award, Behind the Chair Hot Shot Hair Tattoo Shot is from my STARR-BOI Collection, which is a futuristic collection and was a finalist for Irish Artistic Team of the Year, the first ever for a barbershop and my first time ever using two female models in that collection.

Photographer: Dark Hearts. Model: Viki Burke. MUA: Nicole Lynch

"For it to win in Texas from 215,000 entrants in all categories and 600,000 votes worldwide was amazing. I was Irelands first winner of the competition and to be hanging around for the week backstage and sitting side-by-side with Kim Kardashians hairstylist, Philip Wolff, was very surreal."

Paul will collect another prize in Paris later this month.

"I will be receiving the OMC Hairworld World Best Barber Cut Presidents Award in Paris in two weeks as part of Hairdressing Councils Team Ireland."

Paul, who has been a barber for 14 years, says he spent time honing his craft before he began entering competitions.

"I dedicated my life to upskilling, creating a brand, my own unique style. I wanted my work to inspire. Ive always said Id rather be Marmite than vanilla.

"I then spent two-and-a-half years entering every competition there was, but fail after fail. I was coming home empty handed, often not even placing [in the] top 10.

"I was told my new style was too crazy. Crowds loved them but judges set in their ways hated them. Most people told me to tone it down, I had to go more commercial to succeed, or quit competing and concentrate on editorial, but this only spurred me on more.

"A handful of mentors told me to stick to my gut stay true and in time Id win the industry around. It was bloody tough and a financial nightmare, but I never stopped believing, even when many laughed in my face. I knew one day Id turn it round. I think its a Cork thing, they dont call us the Rebel county for nothing.

"After watching the worlds best up close and personal the last week it only drives me on more to succeed and keep learning my craft and progressing. Ive had more knock backs than successes in my 14-year career. Lifes a marathon, not a sprint.

"For years I had people grind me down, that I had no chance, that I was nothing special, only a little barber from Cork. But I never gave up dreaming."
Eighteen babies were born into homelessness last year, according to DePaul.

The charity said that the crisis is the worst it has ever seen, and says an excruciating lack of social housing is making progress impossible.

While Depaul works predominantly with single homeless adults, it saw a 10% rise in the number of families needing help last year.

At the publication of Depauls annual report, CEO Kerry Anthony said the homeless situation needs more input from Government.

She outlined her hopes for Fridays Emergency summit on homelessness.

"We're seeing children being born into our services

"The impact, obviously, on children is very severe.

"We hear a lot from teachers as well about the fact that children are struggling in the education system now. They're falling asleep, they're having to travel right across town.

"It's just a very, very, difficult situation."
Direct rule from London cannot be imposed in the North without government input, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said.

The British government has warned it may pass legislation to fund public services in Belfast.

Powersharing talks are at a high-stakes stage and cannot continue for many more weeks, Minister Simon Coveney added.

He said: "The status quo is not sustainable in Northern Ireland."

Dublin is under a legal obligation to be consulted on issues involving North/South co-operation under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments.

Mr Coveney was in Belfast to try to kick-start powersharing at Stormont and said all parties wanted to see progress made.

But he reminded them while the negotiations continued the North has no voice at the Brexit talks table.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule.

"That is the Irish Government's position."

The 1998 Agreement bestowed a legal obligation on the Government over North/South issues affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Coveney added: "It would be very difficult to even contemplate how direct rule would function in that context.

"We don't want to go there, it is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the Government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."

He said there was an opportunity cost for the North as tough decisions needed to be made over funding for health and education.

"Essentially Northern Ireland is in limbo at the minute because those decisions cannot be made, that is not a sustainable situation for many more weeks and that is why the stakes are very high now," he said.

He said he had no objection to a mediator but bringing somebody totally new into the talks when everyone else has such a detailed knowledge of the political complexities may not be helpful.

"If the parties want that we will try to facilitate that but I think it is unlikely," he said.
The Republic of Ireland has 11 seats to fill in the next European Parliament elections in two years' time, and the parties are preparing for the polls.

One of those parties is Fianna Fail who may put forward former Junior Minister Conor Lenihan.

Mr Lenihan confirmed that he has been talking with senior figures in the party about running for the Dublin constituency where the party has no sitting MEP.

He told the Today with Sean O'Rourke show on RTE Radio One this morning: "I've spoken to senior figures - TDs, councillors, members at every level of the party and I find them to be very encouraging.

"I've received a very positive response on social media, as well as personally people ringing pledging to help me out if I do make this decision."

Mr Lenihan held the Dublin South West constituency for Fianna Fail from 1997 to 2011 and filled a number of ministerial roles.

Sean O'Rourke then asked Mr Lenihan: "Are you not somebody who is associated with Fianna Fail's ugly past and all of the bad things that happened that got us into the bailout?"

Mr Lenihan countered by saying that "things have moved on".

He said: "When one looks at the composition of Fianna Fail's Parliamentary representation today, quite a few of the very distinguished members who sit for Fianna Fail today in the Dail are from that period as well.

"It's pointless making that point about myself."

The radio presenter reminded the former Junior Minister of the documentary about the 2011 election where, as O'Rourke put it, Mr Lenihan was "effectively run from the doors of people".

Mr Lenihan said: "We were of course, it was a very angry time and people were rightly annoyed and angry at that time for the very deep and enduring recession and we're still experiencing the bad effects of that."

However, Mr Lenihan did admit that he had not dropped the idea of running for the Dail again.

He said: "I've alway said to the party eladership and to party members that I am available to run in a General Election if they see fit, but because I've spent the best part of the last five years away, principally in Russia raising investment for a Russian hi-tec project, it's not really entirely feasible or practical, so I'm leaving it entirely to the party to decide if they feel I could fill a gap or if they need candidates."

He also outlined why he wanted to put his name up for the ballot in Dublin.

He said: "Clearly it would be a decision for the leadership and also the ordinary members of the party. I think I can make a contribution clearly.

"I think we've huge challenges as a country where we need real leadership from those that we send to Europe, to represent us, particularly Dublin.

"Dublin has particular problems around housing, tourism and the shortage of social housing where I think there are European solutions."

He described how large German pension funds are used to alleviate the housing problem in Germany.

He said: "There are large pension funds in Germany which invest in social housing and we need to be very focussed on our European relationships."
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams will outline when he will step down as leader at the party's ard fheis in November - but will lead Sinn Fein into the next General Election, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith.

Mr Adams outlined the situation at the opening address of Sinn Fein's pre-Dail think-in at the City North Hotel in Co Meath this morning - the only speech held in public at the event.

In a speech just after 10am this morning, Mr Adams confirmed previous reports in the Irish Examiner that despite widespread rumours over his future he will seek re-election as president of the party at its ard fheis in November and intends to lead Sinn Fein into the next General Election.

However, in a notable intervention, he said if he is re-elected as party president as is widely expected, he will use his acceptance speech to outline when he intends to step down.

.@GerryAdamsSF is opening our Away Days in the City North now pic.twitter.com/ONscbgQatB  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) September 5, 2017

"Sinn Fein is currently finalising our 10-year plan. This has been the focus of much internal discussion for the last year. It is about preparing the party for the next 10 years and to ensure that we are better able to achieve our strategic objective.

"It is our intention to unveil at the ard fheis in November the plan he [the late Martin McGuinness] helped to formulate.

"I will be allowing my name to go forward for the position of uachtarain Shinn Fein.

"And if elected I will be setting out our priorities and in particular our planned process of generational change, including my own future intentions," he said.

Senior Sinn Fein sources confirmed this means Mr Adams will outline when he is stepping down at November's ard fheis, with the likelihood this will be shortly after the next General Election.

The timing was outlined as Mr Adams also said his party wants to enter government, a possibility that has gained significant attention in recent weeks due to claims it could agree some form of deal with Fianna Fail under a new leader.

Sinn Fein think in at City North Hotel pic.twitter.com/G5XSQtdzuA  Donnchadh O Laoghaire (@Donnchadhol) September 5, 2017

Gerry Adams speech in full

A Chairde, Dia dhaoibh go leir a chairde,

Ba mhaith liom failte mor a chur roimh gach einne agaibh anseo ar maidin agus don da la ata romhainn. Ta go leor obair le deanamh againn, agus mar sin ta suil agam go raibh sos maith agaibh don samhradh. This is the annual in-house gathering of our party leadership, Assembly, Leinster House, European and Westminster teams and local Councillors.

It's an opportunity for us to discuss party strategy, policies and organisation and to map out our plans for the upcoming period.

So, let's talk about the journey and challenges ahead of us. In this state the Fine-Gael minority government, propped up by their friends in Fianna Fail, has carried on where the last government left off creating crises in our public services and failing ordinary people.

This is the most dysfunctional government since partition. They have brought forward the least amount of legislation of any Dail; they have completely failed to deal with the crisis in the Gardai; and in our health services and in housing provision.

They have no real strategy for dealing with Brexit. Their allies in government, Fianna Fail, now want to return to the Galway Tent politics that almost destroyed the economy. If they can't deal with the challenges, then we will. In a little over 12 months Sinn Fein brought forward more than 50 pieces of legislation.

We intend to keep this momentum going in the time ahead legislating on issues effecting citizens in their daily lives and providing an alternative to the unfairness of Fine Gael/Fianna Fail rule. In the North, both the DUP and the British government continue to refuse to agree that the Executive and the Assembly be restored on on the basis of equality, respect and integrity for all.

They also disrespect and ignore the vote of people in the North in the Brexit referendum and are insisting on dragging the North out of the EU against the wishes of the electorate. In fact, the DUP have torn up propositions being developed with Sinn Fein and others on Brexit in favour of the Tory government's little Englander approach.

At the same time politics are in flux and in transition. Just as unionism now has less than 50% electoral support in the north and the notion of a perpetual majority is gone, the same is increasingly true of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. More and more people are standing up for their rights and for equality. People are demanding change.

But Leo Varadkar's vision for society - his "Republic of Opportunity - is one where those who fall behind, for whatever reason, are left behind. The real message behind Taoiseach Varadkar's Republic of Opportunity is aimed at and is grand for those who have opportunities but if you are struggling, if you are homeless, sick or poor, if you have a disability, if you are unemployed or badly paid then don't look to the government for answers or solutions. You are on your own. Leo's vision is for a me fein system.

Sinn Fein wants to be in Government That's the way it has been here for decades. There have been governments for the financial speculators, the bankers and the property developers. Governments for prelates and hierarchies. These governments are for the wealthy and for the elites. What is needed now is a government for citizens.

Such a government would invest in world-class public services and develop a vibrant, sustainable economy that works for people instead of against them. It would also be an accountable government. A government grounded in basic, common decency which acts: If somebody is in trouble, to help them. If somebody has fallen, to pick them up.

If somebody is danger, to protect them. That's the sort of government that is needed. A government for equality.

And, make no mistake; Sinn Fein wants to be in that government. We want to transform politics on this island. We have no ambition to be part of the system. Our ambition is to change it. That means we must be in government North and South.

The Crisis in Housing Last week, Jack Watson, Jennifer Dennehy and Danielle Carroll, who were all homeless died. Jack Watson died on the street. Jennifer Dennehy died in a tent in a park. And Danielle Carroll died in a hotel room.

I want to extend to their families and friends our solidarity and condolences. But we need to do more than this. Last week figures for Dublin revealed another rise in the number of families and children living in emergency accommodation. There are over ninety thousand households on local authority waiting lists.

And almost eight thousand people are living in emergency accommodation, including almost three thousand children! One in three people experiencing homelessness in this state is a child! How can this crisis be ended? The answer is obvious. The state needs to build homes for its citizens. That's what Sinn Fein will do in government.

That means turning away from the me fein Galway Tent politics that created the crisis in the first place and then made it worse. Sinn Fein will not manage the housing crisis. We will end it. Not on terms set by the market, or through tax cuts for developers as proposed by Fianna Fail, or on terms set by those holding on to land banks. Sinn Fein will build houses. We will deliver a social and affordable housing programme.

We will implement a plan to get the thousands of vacant properties back into use. And Sinn Fein will introduce rent certainty and security of tenure by linking any increases to an index such as the consumer price index. We will do this because we believe everyone has the right to a home.

The Crisis in Health These parties which have been in government for decades now are responsible for the shameful and disgraceful state of our health systems. Despite the huge efforts and hard work of health workers the reality is that our health service is a mess. The reports of elderly people, children, and the very sick being left on trolleys, sometimes for days, are part of the every-day narrative of life for ordinary people in this state.

This week the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation revealed that the level of overcrowding in our Emergency Departments is at a record high. In July waiting lists for surgeries stood at an all-time high of almost seven hundred thousand people.

Who is to blame? Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour are to blame. Sinn Fein has the vision, the policies, and the political will to end the crisis in our hospitals and build the health service that people need and deserve.

This means ending the trolley crisis in our emergency departments through proper investment and resourcing of community care. Sinn Fein is absolutely committed to creating a public health care system based on need and funded by progressive taxation. Healthcare, like housing, should be a right for all citizens and not a privilege for the well-off.

That should be the starting point. The principle. The objective. It's all about equality. About the rights of citizens. About a rights based society. And the right to a home and to health care is a fundamental part of this. So too there must be protection and support for families, farmers and businesses that are the victim of environmental disasters. Last week with Seanadoir Padraig Mac Lochlann I visited Inishowen and Derry to see for myself the extent of the damage and to speak to flood victims. Two years ago it was people in Carrick-on-Shannon, Clare, Galway and Louth who faced the trauma of coping with the damage and disruption caused by floods.

The government is in default on its international commitment to cut emissions that contribute to global warming. The government has still not produced the Flood Risk Management Plans that are required under the EU Floods Directive which came into force in 2010. Nor has it put in place insurance cover for families, businesses and farmers faced with the ever present threat of flooding. The government has not matched the efforts of neighbours, of communities, of council workers, first responders.

Daniel O'Donnell and his country and western friends have done more for the beleaguered people of Inisowen than the Taoiseach. BREXIT Brexit is most serious social, economic and political threat to the island of Ireland for a generation. The people of the North voted against Brexit. The Irish government has a responsibility to defend that vote and to act in the best interests of all the people of this island.

The Taoiseach also has a responsibility to defend the Good Friday Agreement which Brexit threatens and to ensure that EU citizens living in the North continue to have their EU rights protected after Brexit. The policy positions unveiled by the British Government over the past number of weeks, including leaving the Customs Union, will cost jobs, and undermine the two economies on this island.

The decision by the British Labour Party, to seek continued British membership of the single market and customs union during any transitional arrangement, is a welcome development. The Irish government should insist, and the Taoiseach must make it clear at the EU summit planned for October, that failure by the British to make progress must mean that the Brexit negotiations are not ready to move to the next stage of discussions. It is also time for the Irish government to accept that the best protection for the island of Ireland in any post Brexit arrangement is for the North to be designated Special Status within the EU.

Brexit has also reenergised and reshaped the debate about a united Ireland. That demands a new approach aimed at unlocking unionist opposition to a new future by reminding them of the positive contribution they have made to society on this island. Instead of concentrating on the negative aspects of our four centuries of shared history I suggest that we embrace the areas of agreement and of co-operation; of good neighbourliness and the common good. I encourage everybody to join this public discussion and debate.

Sinn Fein is seeking the support of all parties in the Oireachtas for a committee on Irish Unity. We will also be bringing forward a White Paper on Irish Unity. And we want to see a referendum on unity in the next five years. We believe that this is achievable and winnable.

We also believe that this should be government policy. The Crisis in the North Contrary to the bogus argument being put by some it is self-evident that Sinn Fein is fully committed to the power sharing institutions agreed in the Good Friday Agreement. In the face of disrespect and inequality and an absence of integrity by some; the failure to implement previous agreements, and the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal, Martin took the right decision and resigned. His stand was vindicated in the Assembly and Westminster elections.

The political institutions can only work if they are based on equality, respect and integrity. Last week's proposal by the DUP Leader Arlene Foster for a parallel process is a non-runner, and she knew this. But it did contain a welcome acknowledgement that the Irish language threatens no one. I'm sure the crocodiles are delighted to hear that. And it did include a promise of legislation. Cuirim failte roimh an athru sin.

This is welcome also. But more than soft words are required. Michelle O'Neill has called for a short time-framed period of exploratory talks to determine whether progress is possible or not. If the DUP is serious let them engage in that process.

But so there is no ambiguity let me repeat what I said last week. There will be no return to the Assembly or Executive without a stand-alone Irish Language Act and agreement on the resolution of other outstanding issues. Sinn Fein's Ten Year Plan Sinn Fein is currently finalising our ten-year plan.

This has been the focus of much internal discussion for the last year.

It is about preparing the party for the next ten years and to ensure that we are better able to achieve our strategic objectives.

At this event in this venue last year Martin McGuinness made it clear that we had a plan for orderly leadership change.

None of us knew that Martin would become terminally ill and that we would meet this year without him.

We don't have time to reflect on these mysteries of life and death this morning or on the loss of such a wonderful comrade and leader.

Suffice to say that we miss him deeply.

It is our intention to unveil at the Ard Fheis in November the plan that he helped to formulate.

I will be allowing my name to go forward for the position of Uachtaran Shinn Fein.

And if elected I will be setting out our priorities and in particular our planned process of generational change, including my own future intentions. Conclusion Call to Act Finally, let me remind all of you that Sinn Fein is at our strongest electorally since the 1918 election. Over half a million citizens have voted Sinn Fein in recent elections. We had two outstanding elections this year in the North. This is a credit to everyone in this room, and across this island who are members of, worked for, and voted for Sinn Fein. It is also a huge responsibility. Ta an jab ata romhainn soileir. We must continue working hard in our communities and in all of the political institutions. We must convince more people that change is possible.

I also expect the referendum to repeal the Eight Amendment will be held soon and Sinn Fein will campaign strongly for a YES vote. It's about putting women first. The Eighth Amendment is a relic of the past. It has to go. It must be replaced with compassion. Sinn Fein will campaign enthusiastically and energetically for the eighth amendment to be repealed.

We will urge all of those who oppose inequality and discrimination to join us in this. In conclusion let me encourage all of you to engage fully in the discussions and conversations we will have today and tomorrow. I thank the team who put together this event so that will have the fullest debates on the most important issues and challenges facing Irish society today. Enjoy it.

So sin e. Dul i ngleic go hiomlan le na comhraite a bheidh againn inniu agus amarach. Gabhaim buiochas leis an bhfoireann a chuir an comhdhail seo le cheile ionas go mbeidh diospoireachtai again ar na dushlain is tabhachtai ata in Eireann faoi lathair. Go raibh mile maith agaibh a chairde.
The homelessness charity Depaul has said the need for its services has grown but the numbers it's able to help has actually fallen.

It is launching its annual report today in Dublin, highlighting a number of issues affecting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
An inner city Dublin school has come up with a way to help homeless children.

St Laurence OTooles CBS in Seville Place is keeping the children busy by providing almost 24-hour care with food, activities and transport all included.
Parents are being encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of sextortion online.

Sergeant Dean Kerins, a Crime prevention Garda in Meath, is urging parents to show their children a new Interpol video to discourage them from interacting with people they don't know online.

Sextortion is becoming one of the fastest-rising crimes in Ireland.

It is defined as blackmail in which sexual information or images are used to extort sexual favours and/or money from the victim.

Ronan Hughes from Donaghmore took his own life in June 2015 he was tricked into sending to Iulian Enache (31) photographs which were shared with friends and posted online.

Enache pleaded guilty in a Romanian court last week to blackmailing the teen and producing/distributing indecent images of a child.

Sergeant Kerins has this advice for parents: "Supervise your child's laptop or mobile device, that's the first part. Be comfortable with talking and that's easier said than done because we know how tech-savy the young generation is."

"The video that we got from the Garda Cyber Crime unit shows you exactly how the whole scenario of the online sexual extortion takes place," he added.

For more information, click here.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain is proposing partition of the UK, a senior unionist claimed.

Mr Hain is expected to argue that Northern Ireland should be part of the same customs union and single market as the Republic of Ireland after Brexit.

However Ulster Unionist chairman Lord Empey accused the Labour peer of dangerous thinking which would damage the local economy.

He said: "This idea amounts to the partition of the UK and is Sinn Fein's policy.

"Unionists will never agree to a border up the middle of the Irish Sea, which would be the outworking of Lord Hain's proposal."

The UK's only land border with an EU state after Brexit will be between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Its future is one of the first issues for discussion during Brussels negotiations, with those living either side of the frontier fearing they could be particularly disadvantaged by the divorce settlement.

UK Brexit Secretary David Davis said a good discussion was held on retaining the open border between the Republic of Ireland and the North during Brussels talks with the EU last week.

A debate is being held in the British House of Lords today on the issue.

Former UUP leader Reg Empey said more than 60% of Northern Ireland's trade was with Britain.

He said: "Why on earth would we agree to cut ourselves off from the mainland to protect 15% of our business and put 85% of it at risk? It is simply nonsensical.

"The solution is to agree new arrangements with the EU.

"Other countries on mainland Europe coexist amicably so why can't we do so as well?"

Mr Hain is likely to warn against the risk of the border becoming just another bargaining chip in the negotiations with Brussels during a major speech.

He was Northern Ireland Secretary under Labour from 2005-2007, helping steer the peace process when the IRA was decommissioning weapons and Stormont devolution was being restored.

He is planning to say: "What is proposed is not a Brexit for the United Kingdom nor even for Britain.

"It is a Brexit for the ideological hard right and we go down that path at our great peril, especially for Northern Ireland and the hard-won peace and democratic process which, tragically, this Government seems so airily causal about and so ignorantly indifferent to."

The peer is expected to claim the British Government's latest proposals that the vast majority of smaller cross-border businesses continue trading exempt from restrictions constitutes not so much a frictionless border as a telepathic one.

"This is less a solution to the problem than pie-in-the-sky fantasy."

The Irish Government has already said Northern Ireland should retain the benefits of the European customs union after Brexit.

Mr Hain is expected to say: "In my view the only way of resolving the border conundrum is for Northern Ireland to be within the same customs union and single market as the Republic: either Northern Ireland alone or preferably with the whole of the UK."

Sinn Fein South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the Lords debate was pointless.

"This British government, with the support of the DUP, has already shown their disregard for the impact of Brexit on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ireland, north and south.

"They explicitly rejected protections for the Good Friday Agreement and are wedded to a delusional "frictionless" border.

"The solution to the disastrous consequences of Brexit does not lie with hereditary peers in London.

"Special designated status within the EU is the only way to protect the democratic wishes of citizens in Ireland."
The Society of St Vincent De Paul in Dublin is appealing for help after one of its stores was destroyed in a fire.

A man being questioned by Gardai about the blaze has since been released.
Valerie Cox, who spent 11 years reporting on RTE Radio One's "Today with Sean O'Rourke" programme spoke about her husband Brian's long battle to overcome encephalitis.

The illness left him in a coma with little hope of survival, but Valerie said that she never believed that Brian was going to die, even though the consultants did.

In March 2016, Valerie and her husband Brian travelled to Greece to work as volunteers with refugees and while there Brian became seriously ill on a very remote island, fell into a coma and was airlifted to Athens.

After two months in hospital there, he was airlifted home to Ireland, but it wasn't until two weeks ago that he returned to his own home.

"I always believed he was going to make it and that he was going to come home" @Valacox tells #TodaySOR on her husband's #encephalitis pic.twitter.com/jklBaY7HQG  Today with Claire Byrne (@TodaywithClaire) September 5, 2017

Valerie told Sean that he had picked up a virus, herpes viral encephalitis, which is the cold sore. Valerie said that he may have been carrying it anyway, but the virus hits the brain of two people in a million who then have a brain seizure and they go into a coma. She then added that 66% pass away immediately.

She said: "Nobody ever expected Brian to recover as he has done. When he was in the coma, they told me he might never wake."

Having been airlifted home to Dublin, Valerie spoke of having a roster in the family who waited at his bedside as he gradually started to come out of the coma.

She explained how Brian was still paralysed at first when he woke up and how the family got excited over the littlest of things, such as an eyebrow moving.

As things progressed, Brian still found that he couldn't talk so his friend, Father Stephen Monaghan, who was able to lip read worked out that Brian was asking if he was dying.

Valerie revealed that they told Brian: "No, you were, but you're not anymore, you're getting better."

Brian has defied the odds, in that he has returned home after 18 months of care, with Valerie saying he is "perfectly functional but there is the odd little blip".

Valerie said: "He's able to write, read, he's putting the finishing touches to a book he has written. His speech is perfect, his long-term memory is perfect but his short-term memory was non-existent and now I'd say it's about 95%."

"I never believed that he was going to die, the consultants did."

"I never believed he was going to die, the consultants did" @Valacox tells #TodaySOR after her husband fell ill on holiday in #Athens pic.twitter.com/09ooW6AsaL  Today with Claire Byrne (@TodaywithClaire) September 5, 2017

Last October, consultants told Valerie that Brian had reached his peak.

"They were totally wrong," she said.

Having been told that he was going to a nursing home last October, Valerie and her family were determined not to let that happen.

She said: "We're a very strong very family and I knew that we'd work together. I mean, if we'd listened to the consultants, where would Brian be now?

"You need someone who believes in your patient."
Following an intimate, sold out UK and Ireland tour in celebration of their new album Freedom Child, The Script have announced that they are set to return home to play three arena shows next year.

Our brand new album #FreedomChild is out right now! Amazing to share it with you all! Stream and download here: https://t.co/ZJb4yjRp8j pic.twitter.com/jh0qdFyuHM

The three-piece band are kicking it all off in Belfast on Tuesday, February 6 at the SSE Arena before heading down to their hometown of Dublin where they will play two shows at the 3Arena on February, Friday 9 and Saturday 10.

Their first single from the new album, Rain stormed straight into the Top 10 on iTunes last week - where it still sits!

Tickets from 42.55 incl. booking & facility fees will go on general sale at 9.30am on Friday, September 15 from Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.ie.
A couple in England were robbed at knifepoint by two men on a moped who pointed the blade towards a baby in a pram they were pushing.

The 31-year-old woman and 32-year-old man had their watches stolen when they were approached in west London, at around 3.30pm on Saturday September 2.

Appeal to trace two callous men who threatened a baby with a knife before making off with the parent's watches. Info? Call 101/tweet @MetCC pic.twitter.com/WJE4RLuhvn  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 5, 2017

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The suspects threatened the victims with a knife and demanded they hand over their watches.

"One of the suspects pointed the knife towards a baby in the pram that the couple was pushing.

"Fearful for their own safety and that of their child, the couple handed over their watches."

Caroline Jimenez, 31, told the Evening Standard: "I saw two men, I thought they looked weird and I was a little scared but there were other people and I thought, 'This is Chelsea in the middle of the afternoon. Nothing is going to happen'."

"They passed next to us and I thought it was OK but then they came back and the passenger on the back started to run towards us with a huge knife. We started to scream, my husband stayed in front of him, and I started to run away with my daughter because I was pushing the pram," Ms Jimenez said.

"When I turned around the guy was coming towards me and then he put the knife to my daughter and I gave him my watch as well," she added.

"[Our daughter] did not know what the knife was but she could feel we were upset and she cried. Well never forget the image of that man with the knife," she said.

Police have issued CCTV of the two suspects and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The pair were wearing black crash helmets and are described as being white males wearing navy blue tracksuits and black Nike trainers.

No one was injured in the incident.
Israeli police have evicted a Palestinian family from their home in east Jerusalem to make way for new Jewish tenants who claimed ownership.

Municipal officials backed by armed police enforced a court order to remove the six-member Shamasneh family from a home claimed by heirs of a Jewish family forced to abandon it in 1948 when it came under Jordanian control.

Israel took control of the area after the 1967 war and continued existing rental arrangements with Arab tenants, but a law allowing Jews to reclaim former homes or repurchase them have set up such conflicts.

The armed officers escorted the Shamasnehs out of the home, with the elderly Ayoub Shamasneh carried out by his relatives.

Mr Shamasneh, 79, said his legal case was still pending.

"How can they do this to us?" he said.

His wife Fahima, 75, called it "pure injustice" that after more than 50 years in the house they "throw us out in the street".

Palestinians claim the evictions aim to increase east Jerusalem's Jewish population and change the area's demography, making it harder to divide the city in any eventual peace deal. Israel says it is merely enforcing the law.

Shortly after the eviction, Jewish settlers entered the house accompanied by a private security guard. An Israeli flag hung in the entrance to the kitchen.

Yonatan Yosef, a spokesman for the Jewish residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem, said he was pleased to see another home "redeemed".

"Another house in the Land of Israel, another house in Jerusalem, close to the Western Wall, close to the Old City, close to the Temple Mount, which is the heart of the people of Israel," he said.

"We hope that all the houses in this neighbourhood ... will return to Jewish hands."

Israel captured east Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians claim those territories for their hoped-for state.

Also on Tuesday, Israel's Shin Bet security service said it had arrested a senior Palestinian security official for inciting violence on his Facebook page.

It said Muhammad al-Sawiti posted a picture of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Holocaust mastermind Adolf Eichmann, called for attacks against Jews and praised those who had carried them out.

Overnight, Israeli troops shut down a printing shop in Ramallah it accused of producing "inciting and terror-related material". Ali Obedat, the shop's owner, denied the charge.

An Israeli human rights group warned the country's leaders that reported plans to demolish two Palestinian communities in the Israeli-controlled West Bank would constitute a war crime for which they would bear personal liability.

B'Tselem said it was trying to "stop the commission of such a crime" with its written warning to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Avigdor Lieberman and others.
North Korea's issued new warnings over nuclear weapons - telling the U.S to expect "more gift packages".

The country's ambassador to the United Nations accused the U.S. of reckless provocations and attempts to put pressure on North Korea.

U.S. stocks have plummeted - with the S & P 500 experiencing its biggest single-day loss in three weeks.

Russian president Vladimir Putin condemned the latest nuclear test as "provocative".

However, at a news conference in China, Mr Putin stopped short of expressing support for more UN sanctions on North Korea, and said Russia viewed them as "useless and ineffective".

He also said it was "ridiculous" that the United States first slapped Russia with sanctions carried in the same bill that penalised North Korea, and "then asked us to help impose sanctions on North Korea".

North Korea's detonation of a hydrogen bomb on Sunday marked its most powerful nuclear test to date.

Mr Putin called for talks with North Korea, and warned against "military hysteria".

He said it was important that all parties, including North Korea, should not face "threats of annihilation" and "step on the path of cooperation".

The Russian leader added: "Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation.

"This is a road to nowhere."

Meanwhile, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned the US and North Korea that "confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences" and stressed the nuclear crisis must be solved diplomatically.

Mr Guterres said it is "absolutely crucial" the UN Security Council is united in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and that the US, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea use one strategy.

He told reporters at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday that North Korea's nuclear and missile tests threaten regional and international stability.

He accused North Korea's leaders of "needlessly and recklessly (putting) millions of people at risk including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights".

Mr Guterres offered to support any efforts to peacefully resolve "this alarming situation".
The Philippines president has ordered police to let journalists join raids in his crackdown on illegal drugs to disprove growing allegations of extrajudicial killings - but warned reporters they could be shot.

Rodrigo Duterte issued the order in a news conference after a televised senate investigation into the allegations in which the national police chief, Ronald dela Rosa, wept over what he said was his exasperation over unfair allegations against his men.

"Now, this is an order: bring the media and let them go first so that they can get the story from the beginning to the end. If you allow them in and the gun battle is over, you'll just say, 'Ah, they just dumped the guns on the suspects," Mr Duterte said.

"If you get shot, will you still believe that those (suspects) have no guns? Go ahead," the president said, adding that the journalists should take positions right beside law enforcers during raids on suspected drug dealers' hideouts.

Mr Duterte's crackdown, which has left thousands of suspects dead and horrified human rights groups, came under renewed scrutiny after police gunned down a 17-year-old student, Kian Loyd delos Santos, during a raid in a slum in Manila last month.

Police said he was a drug dealer who fired at officers during the raid, but his family and witnesses told official investigations, including in the senate, that he was shot in a dark alley as he pleaded for his life.

Witnesses pointed to evidence, including a village security video, which they said showed two police officers dragging away the teenager shortly before shots rang out and he was found fatally shot in the head, holding a pistol with his left hand although his parents said he was right-handed.

Police told the senate that Kian was not the one seen being dragged in the video, although several witnesses doubted the statement.

Murder and torture complaints have been filed against three police officers and their commander over the August 16 shooting. Amid a growing outcry, Mr Duterte has said the officers will end up in jail if they killed Kian, and met the student's parents to express his condolences.

Mr Duterte has recently been clearer in warning officers they will face the law if they are found to have carried out extrajudicial killings. Before, he promised to defend police from lawsuits and grant them a presidential pardon if they are convicted of any crimes while fighting illegal drugs.

Kian's death was followed by another outcry over the killing of Carl Angelo Arnaiz, a 19-year-old who police said was killed in a shootout with police after he robbed a taxi driver last month.

A government forensic expert said Mr Arnaiz was apparently handcuffed, tortured and shot five times, causing his death.

His parents said he went out with a friend to buy a snack late at night but never returned home. They found him in a morgue 10 days later, but his 14-year-old friend remains missing.

Mr Duterte has stressed his administration does not condone extrajudicial killings, although he has repeatedly threatened drug suspects with death in the past.

He sounded astonished at the outcry over the deaths of Kian and Mr Arnaiz.

"Two killings makes it a policy of the Republic of the Philippines?" Mr Duterte asked. "Why would we kill the innocent?"

AP
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!)
A Japan Airlines plane bound for New York has made an emergency landing in Tokyo after the pilot reported a bird strike to an engine during take-off.

Television footage showed flames coming from the left engine as the plane took off from the runway.
Police have searched the house of the Brazilian Olympic committee's president and issued a warrant forcing him to give evidence in an investigation into bribery surrounding the awarding of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

Police said detention warrants had been issued for Carlos Nuzman and an associate, Arthur Cesar de Menezes Soares Filho.

Nuzman was seen leaving his house accompanied by his lawyer. Police were also seen removing suitcases, documents and a computer.

Nuzman's lawyer, Sergio Mazzillo, told reporters outside the house that his client would co-operate but was innocent of any wrongdoing.

"I can confirm that (Nuzman) did not commit any irregularity," Mr Mazzillo said. "Unfortunately, this has created a media spectacle."

A police statement said authorities were investigating an international corruption scheme that involved the buying of International Olympic Committee votes for the awarding of the 2016 Games.

In total, 11 detention warrants were issued for people in Brazil and France in what police dubbed Operation Unfair Play.

Nuzman, 75, was an IOC member for 12 years and one of the most prominent players in bringing the Games to Rio.

He is now an honorary IOC member and part of the 2020 Tokyo Games commission, which advises organisers how to run the event.

French and Brazilian authorities have been working on a corruption investigation involving bribery surrounding the awarding of the 2016 Rio Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games.

In France, a two-year probe into corruption in sports first came to light with the arrest in November 2015 of Lamine Diack, the former head of the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The French have been looking into allegations that Diack, one of his sons, Papa Massata Diack, and others were involved in blackmailing athletes and covering up doping positives.

That initial and ongoing probe has morphed into several investigations, expanded beyond the IAAF to look at suspicions of possible vote-buying in the awarding of events, and involved law enforcement agencies beyond France.

AP
Many people have contacted me recently about switching from Solaris (or illumos) to Linux, especially since most of the Solaris kernel team were let go this year (including my former colleagues, I'm sorry to hear). This includes many great engineers who I'm sure will excel in whatever they choose to work on next. They have been asking me about Linux because I've worked for years on each platform: Solaris, illumos, and Linux, in all cases full time and as a subject matter expert. I've also done some work on BSD, which is another compelling choice, but I'll discuss that another time. The following is my opinion and not an official guide to any OS.

Switching from Solaris to Linux has become much easier in the last two years, with Linux developments in ZFS, Zones, and DTrace. I've been contributing (out of necessity), including porting my DTraceToolkit tools to Linux, which also work on BSD. What follows are topics that may be of interest to anyone looking to migrate their systems and skillset: scan these to find topics that interest you.

(Updated 12-Nov-2019) I recently met people who were still struggling with a Solaris to Linux migration. I recommended this post, and mentioned I needed to add a few technologies to bring it up to date. Now I have.

ZFS

ZFS is available for Linux via the zfsonlinux and OpenZFS projects, and more recently was included in Canonical's Ubuntu Linux distribution: Ubuntu Xenial 16.04 LTS (April 2016). It uses a Solaris Porting Layer (SPL) to provide a Solaris-kernel interface on Linux, so that unmodified ZFS code can execute.

My company uses ZFS on Linux in production, and I've been the go-to person for deep ZFS problems. It feels largely the same, except kstats are in /proc/spl/kstat/zfs/arcstats, and I debug it with Linux tracing tools instead of DTrace (more on that next). There have been some issues on Linux, but overall it's been ok, especially given how hard we push ZFS. We've used it for our container hosts (codename Titus) that do frequent snapshots, use send/recv, etc.

I think the ARC memory counters need more work, as people keep capping the ARC to avoid keeping memory from applications, and the ARC should already handle that (with the exception of massive allocations). There's also a ZFS send/recv code path that should try to use the TASK_INTERRUPTIBLE flag (as suggested by a coworker), to avoid a kernel hang (can't kill -9 the process). Both of those should be easy fixes. There are plenty of other bugs to fix, though, which you can see in the issue list on github.

Linux has also been developing its own ZFS-like filesystem, btrfs. Since it's been developed in the open (unlike early ZFS), people tried earlier ("IS EXPERIMENTAL") versions that had serious issues, which gave it something of a bad reputation. It's much better nowadays, and has been integrated in the Linux kernel tree (fs/btrfs), where it is maintained and improved along with the kernel code. Since ZFS is an add-on developed out-of-tree, it will always be harder to get the same level of attention.

We're now testing container hosts in production on btrfs, instead of ZFS. Facebook have been using btrfs for a while in production, and key btrfs developers now work at Facebook and continue its development. There is a btrfs status page, but for the latest in development see btrfs posts to the linux kernel mailing list and btrfs sections on kernelnewbies. It's a bit early for me to say which is better nowadays on Linux, ZFS or btrfs, but my company is certainly learning the answer by running the same production workload on both. I suspect we'll share findings in a later blog post.

(Updated 12-Nov-2019) OpenZFS has now switched from the illumos repo to the zfsonlinux repo as the authorative source. This means the ZFS engineers have switched to Linux, greatly improving Linux support.

Observability

Here's the big picture of performance observability tools on Linux, from my Linux performance page, where I also have diagrams for other tool types, as well as videos and slides of prior Linux performance talks:

I also have a USE Method: Linux Performance Checklist, as a different way to navigate and apply the tools.

Linux has many more text interfaces in /proc that Solaris does, which help for ad hoc debugging. It sounds inefficient, but I've never seen /proc readers show up in CPU flame graphs.

DTrace

(Updated 12-Nov-2019) Linux has been adding tracing capabilities for years, and the final piece needed for DTrace functionality was added in Linux 4.9, released in December 2016. There are two recommended tracing front-ends: bpftrace and BCC, which are installed by default on servers at Netflix and Facebook.

# bpftrace -e 'kprobe:vfs_write { @bytes = hist(arg2); }' Attaching 1 probe... ^C @bytes: [1] 2409 |@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@| [2, 4) 0 | | [4, 8) 157 |@@@ | [8, 16) 2230 |@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ | [16, 32) 0 | | [32, 64) 4 | |

bpftrace great for one-liners and short scripts. I've ported over many of my DTrace tools to bpftrace, and cover them in my Addison Wesley book BPF Performance Tools: Linux System and Application Observability, the tools from which I have made public and open source here.

BCC, another front-end, is best for complex tools and deamons. I used it for the same reasons I wrapped some DTraceToolkit tools in the shell: to provide command line options and arguments (-p PID, etc). For example, here is my zfsdist BCC tool:

# zfsdist.py -h usage: zfsdist.py [-h] [-T] [-m] [-p PID] [interval] [count] [...] -h, --help show this help message and exit -T, --notimestamp don't include timestamp on interval output -m, --milliseconds output in milliseconds -p PID, --pid PID trace this PID only [...]

It measures ZFS latency as a histogram on Linux:

# zfsdist Tracing ZFS operation latency... Hit Ctrl-C to end. ^C operation = 'read' usecs : count distribution 0 -> 1 : 0 | | 2 -> 3 : 0 | | 4 -> 7 : 4479 |****************************************| 8 -> 15 : 1028 |********* | 16 -> 31 : 14 | | 32 -> 63 : 1 | | [...]

Nowadays, the Linux kernel built-in tracers you should know about are:

Ftrace : since 2008, this serves many tracing needs, and has been enhanced recently with hist triggers for custom histograms. It's fast, but limited in places, and usually only suited as a single-user tool (there are workarounds). I wrote an ftrace toolkit, perf-tools, and the article Ftrace: the hidden light switch.

: since 2008, this serves many tracing needs, and has been enhanced recently with hist triggers for custom histograms. It's fast, but limited in places, and usually only suited as a single-user tool (there are workarounds). I wrote an ftrace toolkit, perf-tools, and the article Ftrace: the hidden light switch. perf : since 2009, this started as a PMC profiler but can do tracing now as well, usually in a dump-and-post-process style. It's the official profiler. I wrote a page on it: perf.

: since 2009, this started as a PMC profiler but can do tracing now as well, usually in a dump-and-post-process style. It's the official profiler. I wrote a page on it: perf. BPF: tracing features completed in 2016, this provides efficient programmatic tracing to existing kernel frameworks. I wrote about it in DTrace for Linux 2016. Many new tools can now be written, and the recommended front-ends are BCC and bpftrace.

You might also like my Give me 15 minutes and I'll change your view of Linux tracing video as an introduction to the different built-in Linux tracers, although that was before bpftrace.

Linux has been adding tracing technologies over the years: kprobes (kernel dynamic tracing), uprobes (user-level dynamic tracing), tracepoints (static tracing), and perf_events (profiling and hardware counters). The final piece was enhanced BPF (aka eBPF: enhanced Berkeley Packet Filter), which provided the custom in-kernel programmability needed for an advanced tracer, created by Alexei Starovoitov (now at Facebook).

I have a page on eBPF tracing, and the current BCC tools are:

There have been other tracing projects for Linux, and some companies found them useful for their needs, but the big problem was that they weren't merged in mainline Linux. Now that eBPF has been, many of these tracing projects may switch to using it as a backend since it is stable, or, they could further specialize in what they do (non-BPF related), eg, offline analysis of a capture file (LTTng, sysdig).

If you're on an older Linux kernel (3.x), you can use ftrace for some tracing needs. My perf-tools includes single purpose tools like opensnoop, execsnoop, iosnoop, and more, and multi-purpose tools like funccount, kprobe, and uprobe. I intended perf-tools as a hacky workaround until eBPF was available, but ftrace has since been developed further (hist triggers) so perf-tools may have a reason to continue.

Zones

I'd recommend this post about Zones vs Containers by Jessie Frazelle.

On Linux, containers are a combination of namespaces (restricting what a process sees) and cgroups (similar to Solaris resource controls). People rarely create them manually. They use third-party software like Docker or Kubernetes to simplify their administration. I gave a talk about container performance recently at DockerCon, and included a quick summary of how they work: YouTube, slides:

If you search youtube, you'll find many other good talks on containers as well. Apart from Jessie, I also like talks by Jerome Petazzoni, and Tejun Heo.

Linux containers have been in rapid development in the last few years. It's the container team at my employer that runs the newest Linux kernels, since they need the latest features and fixes, and you should try to run the newest as well. Currently that means at least Linux 4.9.

There's a lot about Linux containers that isn't well documented yet, especially since it's a moving target. (Zones lacked docs when they came out too, which is why I wrote the first Zones resource control docs.) Search for recent blog posts on Linux containers, and try them out, and you'll piece together their capabilities and workings bit by bit. Here are some documents for understanding internals:

Linux Namespaces from Wikipedia

Linux Cgroups from Wikipedia

Documentation/cgroup-v1 from the Linux source

Documentation/cgroup-v2.txt from the Linux source

One feature Linux containers lack is a container ID in the kernel. It's been proposed on lkml, but the patches have not been integrated yet (it was last discussed two weeks ago). Some people argue that the kernel shouldn't have one, since a container is a collection of namespaces and cgroups defined in user-space (by Docker, etc), and it's therefore up to user-space to track it. As a performance engineer who does kernel tracing, I find the lack of an ID I can trace in the kernel to be pretty annoying. There are workarounds: I can use the perf_events cgroup ID, provided the container software is configuring it (they do).

Some specific differences that got my attention: you can access a container's mount namespace from the host (global zone) via /proc/PID/root, given a PID in a container. But understanding if a PID belongs to a container is surprisingly difficult: there's no -Z option to tools like ps, since there's no container ID in the kernel. From the host (global zone), given PID 18300:

host# grep NSpid /proc/18300/status NSpid: 18300 1 host# grep 18300 /sys/fs/cgroup/perf_event/*/*/tasks /sys/fs/cgroup/perf_event/docker/439e9f99850a9875e890130a2469114536f8aa55d7a1b37f86201e115b27fc0f/tasks:18300

The first command shows that PID 18300 is really PID 1 in another process namespace: a telltale sign it's in a container. I also checked a task list from /sys/fs/cgroup, and saw it's in a docker cgroup. I've suggested adding a command to docker to make listing at least the top-level PIDs in containers easier.

Virtual Machines

The two main technologies on Linux are Xen and KVM (and there's Bhyve for BSD). Xen is a type 1 hypervisor that runs on bare metal, and KVM is a type 2 hypervisor that runs as processes in a host OS, and can make use of kernel modules for faster device access (so it's both type 2- and type 1-ish). Oracle VM Server is based on Xen. Xen's biggest user is the Amazon EC2 cloud, which has over one million customers, and appears to be a custom version (it self identifies as version "3.4.3.amazon"). Outside of EC2, many other providers are deploying on KVM.

Both Xen and KVM have had many performance and security improvements, and workloads can now be tuned to run at almost bare metal speeds (say, a 3% loss or less). At my employer we sometimes use SR-IOV for direct network interface access, and NVMe for direct disk access. Some years ago, it was easy to make the case to switch from VMs to containers due to the performance improvements alone, as VMs had to emulate everything. Not so today, although this comes at the cost of complexity and required tunables. In general, I find Xen more complicated to work with than KVM. (FWIW, I contributed some patches to Xen to allow a subset of PMCs to be accessed.)

If you switch from managing Oracle VM to Xen, it will hopefully feel very similar. If you switch to KVM, it will be quite different, but hopefully easier.

SMF

I personally introduced hundreds of customers to SMF while teaching Solaris 10 classes. I came up with a great demo where I could break Solaris 9 and 10 servers in the same way, then demonstrate how it would take an hour and a reboot cycle to fix Solaris 9, but minutes and no reboot to fix Solaris 10. I also wrote and published an entertaining SMF manifest that played music. A lot of people got it and learned to love SMF. But some still hated it and the new universe of stuff one had to learn. Some vowed to remain on Solaris 9 forever in protest, or to switch to Linux.

Linux is now going through this with systemd, and has its own share of systemd critics, encouraging distros to remove systemd. I suspect it will prevail, just as SMF did. There are many implementation differences, but the same general idea: a coordinated system to manage parallel application startup and dependency state.

If you absolutely can't stand systemd or SMF, there is BSD, which doesn't use them. You should probably talk to someone who knows systemd very well first, because they can explain in detail why you should like it.

Performance

Linux should be faster out of the box for many production workloads, due to improvements in scheduling (including a tickless kernel), driver support, newer syscalls features, newer TCP feature support, processor optimizations (often provided by Intel engineers directly), a lazy TLB, and more. There's also better compiler and application support: in some cases applications run faster on Linux, not because the kernel is faster, but because that compilation target has had more attention. I've even seen cases where the Makefile compiles on Linux with -O3, and Solaris with -O0, thus crippling Solaris performance, for no legitimate reason.

How much Linux is faster depends on the workload: I'd expect between zero and a few percent typically. There are some extreme cases, where a lack of proper driver support on Solaris can have Linux run 10x faster. I'd also expect you could still find a workload where Linux is slower. For example, although it's very minor, the /dev/*random devices were faster on Solaris last time I checked, as Linux was spending more effort on entropy for improving security. (Or, from a different point of view, Solaris was less secure.)

I spoke about the performance differences in my 2014 SCALE keynote "What Linux can learn from Solaris performance and vice-versa" (slides) where the conclusion was that Linux may run faster out of the box, but I could typically make Solaris run much faster thanks to optimizations found using DTrace. DTrace didn't exist for Linux at the time, but now we have BPF (see previous section). There have been many other improvements to Linux since then, as well.

Security

Key Linux security technologies to learn:

LSM: Linux Security Modules

AppArmor: application access control (LSM)

seccomp: secure computing mode, restricts system call usage

SELinux: Security-Enhanced Linux (LSM), for access control and security policies (alternate to apparmor)

Linux audit: event logging

eBPF (which is used to enhance seccomp)

iptables: network firewalling

There are many more: browse the release notes on kernelnewbies. Live kernel patching is another capability, that is currently being integrated in the 4.x series. And namespaces, used for Linux containers, are also a relevant technology.

There have been security vulnerabilities, just like there are with any software. This is especially true for Linux, which is used everywhere and has a lot of attention. The way the cloud is used helps with security: most instances at my employer have only been up for one or two days. We're constantly creating and destroying instances from a base image, which means that when we update that base image with security patches, they get rolled out very quickly.

Reliability

Our production servers, running Ubuntu, have been rock solid. In over three years, I've only seen three kernel panics, for an enormous deployed fleet (tens of thousands of Linux instances). Working on Solaris, I'd usually see several different panics per year. I would not attribute this to, say, a more limited range of workloads at my company: we have a wide range of different things running internally. I would, however, attribute some of it to our virtualized environment, running virtual machines: the hypervisor will handle some hardware problems before the guest kernel sees them, which I suspect helps us avoid some hardware-related panics.

In a test environment, I've seen several more Linux panics in the past three years. Five of those were my own kernel bugs, when I was doing kernel development. Two others were on the latest "release candidate" (-rc) kernel from kernel.org  the bleeding edge of kernel development. If you do run the latest -rc kernel and hit a bug, please share on the Linux kernel developers mailing list (lkml) where it should be quickly fixed.

In production, people often stick to the Long Term Support (LTS) kernel releases. Vendors (see later section) are usually quick to make sure these LTS kernel releases have all the right patches and are reliable. My rock solid experience with Ubuntu is on an LTS release.

Crash Dump Analysis

It can be done. One technique is kdump, which uses a capture kernel configured in grub. Execution switches to the capture kernel during a panic, so that a working kernel can capture the state of the system. I've set this up a few times and successfully debugged kernel panics.

It's worth describing what commonly happens with Linux kernel panics. In an environment like ours (patched LTS kernels running in VMs), panics are rare. The odd time we hit them, we'll take the "oops message"  a dump of the kernel stack trace and other details from the system log  and search the Internet. We almost always find that someone else has hit it and had it fixed, and so then we track the patch to the kernel update and deploy that. There's so many people running Linux, and given that we're usually on LTS and not the release candidates, it's rare that we're the first to hit a panic.

For that rare case where we are first to hit a panic: by posting the entire oops message to the right mailing list, the responsible engineer will usually fix it quick (by figuring out how to reproduce from the oops message alone), and then we track their patch into a kernel update. That mailing list would be lkml if we're running the latest rc (only in test), or the mailing list identified in the MAINTAINERS file (more on that later). In Solaris, we'd only really do panic analysis given a crash dump, but Linux gets lots of mileage from the oops message alone. Just from a quick search, see this presentation PDF, which digs into oops message components.

Another difference: kernel panics don't always reboot the system. Linux can oops and kill a process, but not reboot if it doesn't think it needs to, instead leaving it up so you can login and debug. It's also why you should always run "dmesg" at the start of any investigation, to check if the system (that's still up!) has in fact oops'd.

As for hitting a panic for the first time, posting an oops message, but finding no one wants to fix it: I haven't seen that yet in 3 years. The day it does happen, I'll set up the capture kernel, get a crash dump, and do the analysis myself. You can also ask your Linux OS vendor, if you are paying one for support.

Debugging Tools

(Updated 12-Nov-2019) Instead of mdb you'll be using gdb, lldb, sdb, or drgn. gdb has been improving, and even has a TUI mode nowadays. I wrote gdb Debugging Full Example (Tutorial), and I also recommend you watch Greg Law's talk Give me 15 minutes and I'll change your view of GDB.

Newer projects are using lldb. Here's an lldb to gdb command map.

Omar Sandoval from Facebook has been developing a new debugger called drgn, and Serapheim Dimitropoulos from Delphix has been developing a related tool, the Slick Debugger sdb. Serapheim gave a talk about sdb at the OpenZFS developer summit (video, slides), which included the following example:

George Wilson (ex-Sun kernel engineer) also gave some great demos of sdb at Linux Plumber's 2019 in a session that was standing room only.

More Linux debugging tools are listed here.

Other Tools

If you never found this before, it's been a great resource over the years: the Rosetta stone of Unix, from which you can draw a table of just Linux and Solaris.

There's also a new effort to recreate it, which is online at the Command Line Rosetta Stone. Oracle have a similar useful page as well: the Linux to Oracle Solaris 11 comparison, as well as a procedure for migrating from Solaris to Linux.

A few other tool differences that stood out to me:

syscall tracing: truss  strace

packet sniffing: snoop  tcpdump

process tree: ptree  pstree -ps

kernel tuning: ndd  sysctl

binary dumping: elfdump  objdump

kernel module list: modinfo  lsmod

swap status (swap often isn't used): swap  swapon

Other Kernel Differences

Linux supports overcommit: instead of guaranteeing that all virtual memory can be stored when needed, including on swap devices, Linux bets that it won't need to, so allows more virtual memory allocations than it could possibly store. This means that malloc() almost always returns successfully, so much so that some programmers on Linux don't bother checking its return value. What happens if processes really do try to populate all that virtual memory? The system runs out, and the kernel's out-of-memory killer (OOM killer) will pick a sacrificial process and kill it. If that seems wildly unacceptable, note that you can tune overcommit on Linux to not do this, and behave more like Solaris (see sysctl vm.overcommit_memory).

I covered various kernel differences in my SCALE 2014 talk What Linux can learn from Solaris performance and vice-versa, and of course my book Systems Performance: Enterprise and the Cloud where I cover both Linux and Solaris.

OS Vendors and Paying for Linux

If you're already an Oracle customer and switch to Linux, then there is Oracle Linux. Other vendors who offer support include Red Hat, Canonical, and SUSE.

However, most companies don't pay for Linux. How does it get developed? Often companies want features and will develop and upstream them to meet their own needs. But once it's part of mainline Linux, their contribution may end there. There may be no real documentation written, no marketing of the feature, and no education of the community. Just code that appears in the Linux source because IBM/Cisco/Hitachi/whoever needed it there for their own internal project. This lack of supporting efforts can make learning Linux capabilities more challenging.

Linux Kernel Engineering

If you want to get into Linux kernel development, you'll need to get familiar with Coding Style, Submitting Patches, and the Submit Checklist. You could also read On submitting kernel patches (see section 14.1 and imagine how different Solaris would be if Linux accepted that patch!).

There are also many blog posts on how to compile the Linux kernel and submit your first patch, just search for "compiling the Linux kernel". It can be menu driven or automated. Just as an example, here's my build script for automating Linux kernel builds for my custom EC2 environment (it's custom, you don't want to use it, just giving you an idea).

You'll especially want to understand the MAINTAINERS file. It's very unlikely you'll be submitting patches to Linus Torvalds (nor the github repo, read why). You'll almost always be sending your patches to "maintainers", who will do code review and then pass your patch on to Linus. There are over one thousand subsystems in Linux (many for device drivers), each has one or more maintainers. Maintainers make the day-to-day decisions in Linux development. Apart from reading the MAINTAINERS file (which includes a legend at the top), you can query it. Eg, to see who maintains tcp_output.c:

linux$ ./scripts/get_maintainer.pl -f net/ipv4/tcp_output.c "David S. Miller" (maintainer:NETWORKING [IPv4/IPv6]) Alexey Kuznetsov (maintainer:NETWORKING [IPv4/IPv6]) James Morris (maintainer:NETWORKING [IPv4/IPv6]) Hideaki YOSHIFUJI (maintainer:NETWORKING [IPv4/IPv6]) Patrick McHardy (maintainer:NETWORKING [IPv4/IPv6]) netdev@vger.kernel.org (open list:NETWORKING [IPv4/IPv6]) linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org (open list)

The MAINTAINERS file also shows the mailing lists for each subsystem. Patches often get hashed out there and polished long before they are sent by the maintainer to Linus on lkml.

The kernel development cycle: It begins with a new release (eg, 4.13), and then every Sunday (or whenever Linus decides) a release candidate in posted for the next release (eg, 4.14). So there'll be 4.14-rc1 (which may take two weeks, to allow for large changes, the "merge window"), then 4.14-rc2, etc, usually up to -rc7 or -rc8, which will be the final release candidates, and then Linus will cut that release (eg, version 4.14: with no "-rc"). All major changes are supposed to go in the first or second release candidate, and then minor bug fixes by rc7. For example, Linus just released 4.13, saying:

So last week was actually somewhat eventful, but not enough to push me to delay 4.13. Most of the changes since rc7 are actually networking fixes, the bulk of them to various drivers. With apologies to the authors of said patches, they don't look all that interesting (which is definitely exactly what you want just before a release). Details in the appended shortlog. [...]

If you make some major changes or feature additions, and Linux is currently on rc3 or later, your patches are unlikely to be integrated in that release. The maintainers will hold on to them: they often have their own forks of Linux for this purpose.

As for brilliant jerks: Linux has them. So did Solaris. You know what I mean: the difference between saying "this code is idiotic" (probably ok) and "you are an idiot" (probably not ok). I don't believe in such behavior, and I think it's even more problematic for Linux given so many volunteers who could choose to do something else if pushed the wrong way. Fortunately, my own experience with Linux has been largely positive.

To get started on Linux kernel development, I'd subscribe to lkml and other lists, then offer to code review and test patches that you see posted. A lot of people are writing code, but fewer offering to help code review and test (and write docs). This should be an easy way to get started, build some credibility, and make valuable contributions. Sometimes good patches are posted and slip through the cracks, so replying with "I tested it, it works, thanks!" can help get things integrated, and the engineers will be grateful for your help.

(Updated 12-Nov-2019) It's worth pointing out that most maintainers will only merge code of excellent quality. Patchsets are debated for weeks, months, and even years on lkml and other mailing lists. Many don't get merged. Many that do go through several versions, incorporating feedback each time. Some like to bash Linux by claiming that the Linux kernel "accepts any trash"; it doesn't, and you can see for yourself on the mailing lists. As a personal anecdote: my first Linux kernel patch was rejected. I was taking a shortcut and adding a tracepoint as a workaround instead of coding a proper solution. The maintainer demanded the proper solution, and was unwilling to merge a workaround.

Community & Experts

The Linux community is massive. Here are areas you should know about:

kernelnewbies: Posts changelogs for each Linux release (eventually), highlighting major and minor additions.

lkml: The Linux Kernel Mailing List. This is the final staging ground for patches to be integrated into Linux, so following this will let you see what's happening right now. Be warned that it's high volume, and there are only a few reasons you should ever post there: 1. you are submitting a patch set and the MAINTAINERS file told you to CC lkml; 2. you are providing constructive expert comments on someone else's patch set, ideally after you tested it; or 3. you're running the latest -rc from kernel.org (or github/torvalds/linux) and hit a bug/panic.

lwn.net: The best news feed of what's happening in Linux. It requires a subscription to read the latest articles, but if Linux is going to be a big part of your job, it's worth it.

Many of the experts in the Linux community are maintainers, as listed in the MAINTAINERS file. It's rare to bump into a maintainer: those I know keep their heads down working on lkml and the sublists, and usually avoid blog posts, meetups, and conferences (with some exceptions, like Linux Plumbers, Kernel Summit, NetDev, and Kernel Recipes. Which reminds me: I'm helping run the tracing micro conference at Plumbers this year, and I'm also speaking at Kernel Recipes, so if you manage to make it to either, I'll see you there.) I wish maintainers were more visible, as they can best respond to Linux suggestions and criticism (and bashing).

There was a phenomenon in Solaris where we, the engineers, began doing our own marketing and evangelism, out of desperation to save Solaris. I've never found that happening in Linux, where there's the belief that Linux is too big to fail. I think that is a weakness of Linux. When I first joined Sun in 2001, it was believed that Sun was too big to fail, as well. Nowadays, Sun is a cobweb-covered sign at the Facebook Menlo Park campus, kept as a warning to the next generation.

(Updated 12-Nov-2019) Kernel maintainer Steven Rostedt gave a great talk about Ftrace internals, and I posted about it: Two kernel mysteries and the most technical talk I've ever seen. I recommend everyone from Solaris watch this talk, for the exposure to Linux kernel engineering by an actual maintainer (these talks are rare).

Documentation

The best documentation is under /Documentation in the kernel source (online at kernel.org/doc or github/torvalds). That documentation is correct but terse, written by the engineers as they commit code.

Full documentation for features, such as would be published by Sun, is often non-existent. Even the major releases can go undocumented for weeks until someone writes a summary on kernelnewbies, which is about as close to official release notes as you can get. I think the problem is a lack of paid tech writers working on Linux. Who would pay them?

This lack of documentation makes learning and discovering new Linux features difficult.

Update: there is a new effort to improve the kernel documentation (using RST and Sphinx), which you can see at www.kernel.org/doc/html/latest.

Other Differences

Packaging : on Ubuntu (and similar) use "apt", on Red Hat (and similar) use "yum". They make it very easy to install packages, and automatically handle dependencies.

: on Ubuntu (and similar) use "apt", on Red Hat (and similar) use "yum". They make it very easy to install packages, and automatically handle dependencies. Driver & Platform Support : Linux runs on practically everything.

: Linux runs on practically everything. Server Application Support : Linux is usually the development environment for server applications, where things are most likely to work.

: Linux is usually the development environment for server applications, where things are most likely to work. Desktop Support: I miss CDE and dtksh. There's a lot of options on Linux, but I'm out of touch with current desktop environments, so can't recommend any.

Job Market

The Linux job market has been much healthier for a while and growing. Solaris vs Linux jobs in the UK:

But there's another factor at play: jobs are also migrating from both Solaris and Linux to cloud jobs instead, specifically AWS. From another tracker, for the US:

The market for OS and kernel development roles is actually shrinking a little. The OS is becoming a forgotten cog in a much larger cloud-based system. The UK tracker plots the growth in AWS jobs clearly:

The job growth is in distributed systems, cloud SRE, data science, cloud network engineering, traffic and chaos engineering, container scheduling, and other new roles. While you might be considering switching to an equivalent Linux or BSD job, you should also consider a new role if that interests you. Leapfrogging to the next big thing was one of Deirdre Straughan's suggestions in Letting Go of a Beloved Technology.

I suspect at some point there'll be more jobs supporting the AWS cloud than there will be supporting Linux. If you choose this route, AWS makes it very easy to create servers (you just need a credit card) and learn how to use them. Which is also why it's been so successful: developers can create servers when they want them, without having to ask and wait for the system administration team. Adrian Cockcroft also wrote about moving from Solaris to AWS in his post Open letter to my Sun friends at Oracle.

As for companies: I can recommend Netflix, which has a culture that works really well.

If you stay working on the OS and kernel, there are still many jobs in support and development, and always will be. Large companies (like the one I work for) have OS teams to look after patching, releases, and performance. Appliance manufacturers hire kernel engineers to develop custom features, including storage appliances. There are several ZFS-based startups, who would appreciate your experience on ZFS.

Good Luck

This is the post I wish someone had written for me when I made the switch. The first few months were the hardest. It gets easier. It will also become easier if you contribute to Linux, or BSD, and fix the annoying things you discover. Solaris may not survive, but certain technologies and expertise will.

Here's the Sun I'd like to remember: lots of smart people, having fun, and doing great work (music might not play outside the US):

Good luck to all, and let the spirit of great engineering live on in the next projects you choose.

References

ZFS

Observability

DTrace

Zones

Performance

Security

Crash Dump & Debugging

Other Tools & Kernel Differences

Linux Kernel Engineering

Community & Experts

Documentation

Job Market

Thanks to Deirdre Straughan for edits. Now to write a BSD version of this post...
The University of Bristol's growing activity in renewable energy teaching and research has been strengthened by the appointment of David Quarton, a leading figure in the wind energy industry, as a Visiting Professor.

Professor Quarton established close links with the University of Bristol in 2008 when he supported Garrad Hassan's involvement in the development of the Engineering Design for Wind and Marine Energy unit - an optional Masters Level module, which regularly attracts over 100 students from across the School of Civil, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

Alongside Dr Paul Harper from the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Design Programme, he now leads the delivery of this unique module, which is taught almost entirely by leading wind and marine industry professionals. The module allows students to gain experience of working on realistic design projects, using exactly the same methods that they would apply in a commercial environment.

For the last two years, David has also supervised a team of five Engineering Design students on a project to develop innovative design solutions for floating offshore wind turbines. This work has involved collaboration with DNV GL, Atkins, Plymouth University and Henrik Stiesdal, another pioneer of the wind industry, who was responsible for the worlds first offshore wind farm in 1990.

Speaking of his appointment, Professor Quarton, said: "I first became involved with the University of Bristol in the early 1990s through collaborative research in the field of wind turbine aerodynamics and have been delighted in more recent years to play a role in the teaching and supervision of undergraduate engineering students as part of the successful wind and marine energy module.

"I am greatly honoured to be appointed a Visiting Professor within the School of Engineering, and look forward to strengthening my involvement with the teaching and research of renewable energy, helping to both progress the technology and inspire the next generation of engineers needed for this critically important sector."

Professor Ian Bond, Head of the School of Civil, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, added: "Successful collaborations with industry are a key strength of the University and the appointment of leading figures like David allow us to embed these links in our teaching, providing students with unrivalled, career-focused learning opportunities."

Dr Paul Harper, Teaching Fellow, said: "It is a privilege working with David and he has already made an outstanding contribution to the University. This appointment is a great example of our increasing strengths in renewable energy teaching and research."

David joins a growing team of leading figures at the University from the renewable energy industry. Last year the University appointed Professor Ervin Bossanyi, a world-renowned expert in wind turbine modelling and control, as a visiting professor and Dr Andrew Garrad, who co-founded Garrad Hassan & Partners (now DNV GL), is a member of the Cabot Institutes External Advisory Board.

In addition, Bristol alumnus, Dr Robert Rawlinson-Smith (BEng 1986 - Aeronautical Engineering), DNV GL's Service Area Leader for Renewables, has played a key role in forging the strong relationship that exists with DNV GL, and is the University's main point of contact with the company. David, Ervin, Andrew and Robert all worked for the Bristol-based Garrad Hassan & Partners for several decades.

The University has recently been awarded the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult - Blade Research Hub, and is the current Chair of the Partnership for Research in Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE). This means that industry professionals like David are set to play a valuable role in supporting our expanding work in renewable energy.

Professor Richard Pancost, Director of the University of Bristol's Cabot Institute, said: "Wind energy will be essential to the world's low carbon future, and David has been at the forefront of developing that technology for over 20 years. At the same time, he has been enthusiastic in sharing his learning with the next generation of engineers. This is the latest of several appointments in energy at Bristol and we are excited to work with them in developing the technology and skills for the future."

Further information on many of these activities together with case studies profiling research activity across the low carbon energy sector can be found on the Cabot Institute website.
On 1 September 2017, the Full Federal Court upheld an appeal by former Victorian finance broker Meenakshi Devi Callychurn and her company Unique Mortgage Services (UMS), against the decision of a single Judge of the Federal Court upholding Callychurn's banning from engaging in credit activities and the cancellation of UMS' Australian credit licence. The Court has remitted the matter to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to be re-heard.In March 2015 ASIC banned Callychurn from engaging in credit activities for five years and cancelled the credit licence of UMS.Callychurn appealed ASIC's decisions to the AAT and on 29 February 2016, the AAT varied ASIC's decision to ban Callychurn from engaging in credit activities from five years to four years. The AAT upheld the cancellation of the credit licence of UMS.On 27 January 2017, the Federal Court dismissed Callychurn and UMS' appeal against the AAT decision.The banning of Callychurn and the cancellation of UMS' credit licence remain in place.
Members of the combined industry forum have met for a third time to discuss the industrys response to the Australian Securities & Investments Commissions (ASICs) report on broker remuneration.A spokesperson from the forum said that the interest of consumers was a key priority for the group, with consumer representatives now participating in the discussions.This means the forum currently includes representatives from the bank and non-bank lenders, aggregators, brokers and consumer groups, as well as the five major industry groups: the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia ( MFAA ), the Finance Brokers Association of Australia ( FBAA ), the Australian Bankers Association (ABA), the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA).The main development of this third meeting was the formation of six new working groups which will look at issues such as commission models, enhanced governance and greater transparency. These groups will report back to the forum on a monthly basis.An initial response will then be supplied to the Treasury, ASIC and the industry by November 2017.Further steps taken by the forum include documenting recent industry improvements to practice, assessing steps the industry can take to address ASICs proposals, and preparing potential policy solutions for the Federal Government.The forum welcomes this weeks acknowledgment by the Hon Kelly ODwyer that the mortgage industry is working to address the ASIC proposals and her agreement to take the forums process into account when finalising the Federal Governments response to ASICs report, the spokesperson said.The forum will continue to work together with stakeholders over the next few months and looks forward to presenting proposed solutions to the government in November.
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This weeks Brooklyn Paper Radio had big news  make that News.

Co-host Gersh Kuntzman, who left his job as a Daily News columnist only last week, revealed the inside scoop on Mondays sale of the Daily News to Tronc  information he was able to obtain because access to his Daily News e-mail account wasnt restricted until after the long holiday weekend.

The trove of details included an internal memo from former Publisher Eric Gertler, which Kuntzman skimmed through on the air; details from a Tuesday town hall meeting between Daily News employees and their new Tronc bosses; and confirmation that News editor-in-chief Arthur Browne would be relieved of his post in December.

Kuntzman, who starts Friday as Breaking News Editor at Newsweek after a five-year run at the News, described Brownes yearlong tenure  during which he enlisted Kuntzman to write the straight-to-digital political novel Coup!  as a roller coaster ride  but only the part of the roller coaster from the top of the first hill to the bottom of the first hill.

Co-host Vince DiMiceli suggested that Kuntzmans interest in the Daily News sale  and in Brownes demise  was just personal, but Kuntzman denied it.

All I wanted to do was help save the paper, he said. I wanted to innovate with videos, podcasts, real feature coverage, etc, so the advertising staff could sell ads, rather than just calling up the usual suspects.

Then, as part of a broader discussion of the future of journalism, DiMiceli and Kuntzman  the Lennon and McCartney of Community Journalism  reached out to Ed Weintrob, former publisher of The Brooklyn Paper, who said Kuntzman perhaps should have stayed at the Daily News.

Youre a great editor, Gersh, he said. But if you had stayed, you probably would have gotten a buyout from Tronc.

But on a larger level, Weintrob, who has been in newspapers for all but 10 of his 60-plus years on planet Earth, said the sale to Tronc wont matter because the Daily News has been the walking dead for 20 years.

Weintrob, who now edits an ethnic weekly in the so-called Five Towns on Long Island, said the future of journalism is providing high-quality content to a tightly targeted audience.

Were doing fine out here, Weintrob said of his beloved Jewish Star. So put on a yarmulke and come join me. Stop just chasing clicks and instead do coverage that your readers want.

Kuntzman reminded Weintrob  and the world  that he generated more than 10 million pageviews in a year. DiMiceli disagreed that the numbers even matter.

Its not the number of clips, but the engagement numbers, DiMiceli said.

Kuntzman was frustrated: So whats the answer, Weintrob?

The Daily News should do is what it should have done 20 years ago, he said. Its the hometown paper of New York, so it needs exciting, substantial, local content.

In a related part of the show, Kuntzman mentioned that Tronc bought the Daily News for just $1  albeit assuming the papers massive debt. believed to be between more than $30 million.

That reminds me of the plot of Vince and my forthcoming murder thriller, Debt Service,  Kuntzman said.

In the book, which is available to any reputable publisher for a $100,000 advance, 50 to 90-year-old men and women are getting killed all over town  and no one can solve the crime.

The NYPD brings in a profiler, but he cant figure it out because the victims are men and women, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, some have disabilities, some dont  they cross all the lines, Kuntzman said. Eventually, an investigative reporter figures out that all the victims are Daily News pensioners, who are being killed off one by one so the paper can finally be sold because it no longer has any pension liabilities!

Its genius, DiMiceli said.

Yeah, and the book isnt bad either! Kuntzman retorted.

Finally, Kuntzman announced that it was finally his last show because hell start at Newsweek on Friday.

Thats all, folks! he said.

Yeah, yeah, see you next week, DiMiceli deadpanned.
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Salamander Pumps has further strengthened its research and development team with two new appointments, and added a new marketing administrator to its growing marketing support function.

Experienced design engineer Andrew Carver brings with him 12 years of experience in plastics and product design at leading companies in South West England and the North East. Andrew will be working alongside Northumbria University graduate Andy Berston who joins the team as electronics engineer, after gaining a first class honours degree in Electronic and Electrical engineering.

Both of the new recruits will be part of a 10-strong research, development and quality team working on the continuous development and expansion of Salamanders range of shower and whole house pumps.

The new staff join Salamander at an exciting time, following the achievement of Quiet Mark status across the majority of its whole house and shower pump range; the re-engineering and re-launch of its centrifugal range under the new Right Pump label; and the creation of a new website complete with innovative features.

Andrew said: I am very pleased to be joining a company with a great reputation in the industry for quality and innovation, and one which is working at the cutting edge of product design and development.

Joining an already strong team in a company which offers good opportunities is a great career step, and I am looking forward to the challenges. My new colleagues have already made me very welcome.

Also joining Salamander is Charlotte Bell, who takes up the post of marketing administrator after graduating from Northumbria University with a Business with Marketing Management degree.

Charlotte is working alongside the strategic and trade marketing managers, and will be part of the push to increase awareness and grow market share throughout the trade and consumer audiences, particularly through digital channels.

Design engineer Diana Hunter welcomed the new recruits and set them off on their structured induction plan.

Gareth Richards, Salamanders technical director, said: We are delighted to welcome our new recruits. Salamanders excellent reputation for customer service and support is underpinned by having the right team in place, and we maintain that through a policy of recruiting experienced people as well as encouraging new talent.

Our research and development team played a big part in the recent achievement of Quiet Mark status across the majority of our range, and with some exciting new projects in the pipeline I am sure that the skills and experience that Andrew, Andy and Charlotte bring to the business will play a significant part in helping us to achieve our business goals.

Picture caption: Left to right: Andy Berston, Charlotte Bell, Andrew Carver and Diana Hunter.
Dunlop has appointed a new Product Support Technician for East Anglia, London and the South East.

Ipswich-based Carl Cox will support builders merchants, decorating supply centres and tradespeople with technical, sales and training enquiries for the Dunlop and Dunlop Pro Decor brands in the region.

Carl joins Dunlop from Ceramic Tiles where he worked as a site manager for the companys flagship showroom and trade centre in Ipswich working with tradespeople on all aspects of tiles and tiling.

He has worked in the tiling industry throughout his career, and was previously employed with Tile Mates in Portslade.

Debi Boulton, Sales and Marketing Manager, said: Were delighted to welcome Carl onto the Dunlop team. He has many years experience working with tradespeople in the industry and will be a valuable first port of call for all of our customers and clients.

Carl added: Im delighted to be joining such an established and trusted brand throughout the merchant and decorating sector, which is widely recognised for producing affordable, but high-quality products backed up by a great support team.

I cant wait to work with tradespeople and merchants to help drive the brand forward.

Carl will be supported in the role by Richard Homan  Area Sales Manager for the region  who has transferred from sister brand BAL adhesives.

Dunlop has also announced the promotion of Martin Pouncey to Technical Support Manager.

Martin had previously worked with the brand in a Product Support capacity in the Midlands, and will now manage the Dunlop support team as well as liaising with training colleges and Dunlop stockists across the country.

Debi said: Martin has a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the tiling and decorating industry, and has worked with colleges throughout the country throughout his career with the company and previously as a tiling lecturer.

Picture caption: Carl Cox has joined Dunlop has its new Product Support Technician for East Anglia, London and the South East.
Huws Gray has acquired its 60th branch and second acquisition in the West Yorkshire area, having completed the purchase of Bradford-based M.J Moulson Builders Merchants.

Employing just short of 800 employees in 60 different trading locations, with the addition of the new Bradford branch, Huws Gray also acquired James Wilby earlier this year - significantly strengthening its presence in Yorkshire.

Terry Owen, Managing Director of Huws Gray, said: Were delighted to make this acquisition on the back of the successful acquisition of James Wilby earlier this year. Moulsons is a well-respected business in the area and has built up a fantastic reputation. Were determined to make sure that Huws Gray builds on the fantastic work that the previous owners have done here and develop the branch alongside the existing team in 2017 and beyond.

M.J. Moulson is one of Bradfords oldest builders merchants and has been established since 1810. Previously, solely a building contractor with an enviable reputation, it was decided at an early stage to combine the supply of building materials to other builders and contractors within the area. In 1977. the company decided to concentrate on merchanting and has grown ever since to be one of the largest independent builders merchants in the area with the business operating from a three-acre site.

Steve Liles, Director of M.J. Moulson, said: As a company weve had great success over the years. Weve thoroughly enjoyed working with the trade and public in the area and assisting them with their building and DIY requirements.

Were delighted to be leaving the business in such good hands as Huws Gray is looking to improve and invest even further. Were excited to see whats in store for M.J. Moulson under the Huws Gray umbrella. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the knowledgeable staff and all of our customers for the support over the years. M.J. Moulson wouldnt have been such a success without them and we are certain that they will be well looked after by Huws Gray.

Excited about the companys milestone and looking in to the future, Terry said: As a company, we have always aimed to reinvest in new branches and our existing locations so we can keep pushing the company forward, as well as ensuring we can offer our employees new challenges and opportunities. The opening of our 60th branch is a fantastic achievement for us, from starting in 1990 on Anglesey, were looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for us.
A Bristol headquartered manufacturer of hard landscaping materials has acquired a new three-acre site on Feeder Road after securing a commercial mortgage from HSBC to support the 1.45 million purchase.

Bowland Stone, which was established in 1995, has bought the land from the former owners of H.J. Chards, which it acquired in 2014. The business has since completely redeveloped the site and moved its accounts and administration teams to the premises.

The recent purchase of the land provides ongoing stability for the business as well as a permanent base in Bristol.

Ian Elston, Managing Director of Bowland Stone, said: Since acquiring H.J. Chards a few years ago, it has always been an ambition of ours to own the land as well, so when the opportunity arose we jumped at the chance. As well as making good commercial sense, we wanted to have an asset that would secure the future of the business.

We have worked with HSBC since 2002 and in that time the team has always been very supportive of our business and have a good understanding of the nature of what we do, giving us the confidence to both grow and adapt the company in years to come.

Ian and his sister, Julia used a dedicated funding package from HSBC in 2010 when they undertook a management buy-out from their father who had run the business for 15 years.

James Shepherd, Area Director for Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, said: Our relationship with Bowland Stone spans more than 15 years and in that time weve seen the business go from strength-to-strength. HSBC has a thorough understanding of the industry and the companys evolving finance requirements and this latest round of funding is testament to its ongoing success.

As well as manufacturing hard landscaping materials such as decorative paving slabs, patio kits, path edgings and stepping stones, Bowland Stone bags decorative aggregate products - such as gravel, chippings and rockery - across its two sites in St George and Henbury. The business has plans to consolidate the two sites into one manufacturing and distribution facility in the next 18 to 24 months.

Picture caption: Left to right: Julia Russell, Bowland Stone; Michael Bobroff, HSBC; and Ian Elston, Bowland Stone.
Democrats largely prevail in SJ, but reversals loom in two townships

Democratic incumbents held on to many seats, but GOP challengers made inroads in two large townships
With the two year-long bloodbath in the food tech business finally coming to an end and such as Foodpanda securing as much as $451 million, finally hopes to raise much-needed funds.
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Tata Motors on Monday said its President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Timothy Leverton has resigned, after nearly seven years of association with the automaker.

Leverton has decided to disengage from his services in the organisation as he wishes to relocate back to the UK for personal reasons, Tata Motors said in a statement.

He will, however, continue to remit his responsibilities till October 31, 2017.

"The successor to Leverton will be announced in due course of time," Tata Motors said.

Leverton has been associated with Tata Motors since 2010, working out of the company's Pune-based engineering research centre.

Tata Motors CEO and MD Guenter Butschek said: "It has been wonderful working with Tim during my tenure and it is indeed a loss that he has decided to leave and move back to UK for personal reasons."



He further added that Leverton actively led the research and development initiatives of Tata Motors.

During his time at Tata Motors, Leverton oversaw the development of various next-age products like Bolt, Zest, Tiago, Hexa and soon to be launched compact SUV Nexon.

Leverton's exit comes at a time when Tata Motors is undertaking a turnaround drive for its ailing domestic business, with a focus on its bread and butter commercial vehicles segment.

The company has embarked on the turnaround programme with the next 6-9 months being critical as against an earlier planned business transition to be achieved on the next 2-3 years.

Tata Motors has witnessed its market share in the CV segment decline to 44.4 per cent in March this year, from a high of nearly 60 per cent five years ago.

On a standalone basis, Tata Motors registered a loss of Rs 467.05 crore for the June quarter of 2017-18. It had registered a profit of Rs 25.75 crore in the same period of 2016-17.
With salary cuts not being a part of the turnaround plan, Kolkata-based UCO Bank has embarked upon a cost-cutting plan that involves reduction of operational cost through branch rationalisation and CASA growth, among other measures.
The West Bengal government will be putting up a proposal before the Cabinet on September 8 to ratify the project, which will mark this firms maiden entry into the state.
Cancer patients living on a street outside Indias main tertiary cancer hospital have not, on average, worked for a year; they lost Rs 55,000 as income; 92% have a class VII education or less; one in four has taken loansfrom relatives and moneylendersand spent Rs 76,000, before winding up on the pavement, according to an IndiaSpend survey of these patients.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Doklam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Modi had arrived here on Sunday and attended the BRICS Summit on Monday.

During the meeting, which is taking place amid efforts from the two sides to leave the bitterness caused by the 73- day face-off between their troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector behind, sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures.

However, they refused to divulge details about the issues to be discussed.

The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.

Asked if there was any link between the BRICS declaration, which for the first time named Pakistan-based terror groups for their violent activities and resolution of the Dokalam standoff, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran answered in the negative, saying BRICS is a multilateral forum where outcomes are based on consensus.

"It cannot be linked," she added.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing that "details of the meeting we will release in due course."



Apart from Xi, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, which is among the five counties -- Mexico, Guinea, Thailand, and Tajikistan -- invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.
India and China on Tuesday indicated the Doklam military stand-off was an issue in the past, and the two neighbours were keen to move on.
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday said that it was better to merge banks when they were healthy, and more time should be devoted to cleaning up their balance sheets.
China on Monday parried questions on any change in its stand of blocking JeM chief Masood Azhar's banning by the UN, even as the declaration of the BRICS Summit for the first time named the terror outfit along with other Pakistan-based groups for spreading violence in the region.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked moves to ban Azhar under the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.

"On participating in international campaign against terrorism, our position is consistent and firm," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here, commenting on the strong stand taken by BRICS countries, including China, by naming Pakistan-based terror outfits among those spreading violence in the region.

He, however, skirted a direct response to a question on whether the naming of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) by the BRICS in which China is a prominent member marks a change in Beijing's stand of opposing the ban against Azhar, who heads the group.

"I have not seen the BRICS joint declaration and don't know the specific content," Geng said.

"On the counter terrorism cooperation among the BRICS countries, we are very satisfied with the achievements made by the BRICS. We have a working group on terrorism," he said.

In the last two years, China has stonewalled efforts by India and then later by the US, the UK, and France to declare Azhar as a terrorist, stating that there is no consensus on the issue.

This has led to bilateral discord between India and China as Beijing's move has been seen as an attempt to shield Azhar on behalf of Pakistan.

Early last month, China had again extended by three months its technical hold on the US, France and the UK-backed proposal to list Azhar for his role in the Pathankot terror attack.

China had in February this year blocked the US move to designate Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN. Earlier, it had also blocked India's moves to get Azhar designated as a global terrorist.

Also, in a move that could cause consternation in Pakistan, the BRICS declaration named Lashkar-e-Taiba besides the JeM for spreading violence. The inclusion of both the groups followed a tough stand against Pakistan enunciated by US President Donald Trump in his recent policy statement on Afghanistan and South Asia.

The BRICS expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al-Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

This was in contrast to a vague reference to terrorism in last year's BRICS Summit at Goa that had called on all nations to adopt a "comprehensive approach in combating terrorism".

At the Xiamen Summit, the BRICS leaders called for swift and effective implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) international standards worldwide.

"We call upon the international community to establish a genuinely broad international counter-terrorism coalition and support the UN's central coordinating role in this regard," the declaration said.

Additionally, the leaders stressed that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in accordance with international law.
The Haryana Police came looking for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's close aide Honeypreet Insaan in Kheri as she was suspected to have left for Nepal through the porous border.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ghanshyam Chaurasiya confirmed the arrival of two Haryana police personnel at Gaurifanta border in Kheri.

The ASP told PTI that the Haryana Police had shared some information with the Gaurifanta Police and inquired about her suspected movement towards the neighbouring country through the porous India-Nepal border.

"However, when no clue about Honeypreet's departure for Nepal could be gathered, the Haryana Police returned," the ASP said.

He said an unclaimed vehicle bearing the registration number of Punjab was seized from the border and a probe was on to ascertain its ownership and its connection with Honeypreet.

Honeypreet, who is in her thirties, is the adopted daughter of Ram Rahim whose conviction in a rape case triggered mob violence that killed 36 people across Haryana.

She had accompanied the Dera head when he was brought to the special CBI court in Panchkula for the pronouncement of the verdict in the 15-year-old rape case. She also travelled along with him in a special chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction.

The police had issued a lookout notice against Honeypreet who has emerged as the Dera head's likely successor to head the controversial sect.
Poor performance in internationalising their campuses and a low research score have pulled down Indian higher education institutes such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and some of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2018.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he had a "wonderful meeting" with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw," Modi tweeted along with some pictures of the meeting.

He also presented the Myanmar president a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two- nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi.

"'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship," he said in a tweet.

The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow. He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
The number of dengue-affected people in the capital this season has climbed to 1,185 with over 35 per cent cases of the vector-borne disease recorded last month, according to a municipal report released today.

A 12-year-old boy had succumbed to dengue shock syndrome on August 1 at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here, the first death due to the vector-borne disease reported in the city this year.

The number of malaria cases recorded till September 2 has risen to 524, while the figure for chikungunya stands at 392.

Of the 1,185 cases, 604 affected people were residents of Delhi, while the rest were patients from other states. Of the 604 cases of Delhi residents, 418 were reported this month.

Vector-borne diseases are reported between mid-July and November end. Cases of all the three vector-borne diseases were reported much earlier this time, which doctors had attributed to early arrival of the monsoon.

Dengue and chikungunya are caused by aedes agypti mosquito, which breeds in clear water. Anopheles mosquito, which causes malaria, can breed in both fresh and muddy water.

According to the report, breeding of mosquitoes has been reported at 1,38,590 households in Delhi. All the three municipal corporations have stepped up awareness drives -- distributing pamphlets and plying vehicles with loudspeakers issuing dos and don'ts for prevention of the diseases.

The city government has banned over-the-counter sale of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and brufen as their use may "pose a threat" to dengue and chikungunya patients.

At least 21 deaths due to dengue were reported last year at various hospitals, including nine at AIIMS, though the official tally of the civic bodies stood at 10. 17 deaths suspected to be due to malaria were also reported by the civic bodies.

At least 15 fatalities were reported last year at various hospitals in the city due to complications triggered by chikungunya, though the civic bodies have kept the death tally at zero.

In one of the worst outbreaks, a total of 12,221 chikungunya cases were reported in Delhi till December 24, 2016, out of which 9,749 were confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at Nay Pyi Taw, on a two-day visit to Myanmar.

The Prime Minister will pay a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar's Yangon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture are the key issues to be discussed, during his two-day Myanmar visit.

He had visited Myanmar earlier in 2014 for the ASEAN-India Summit, but this will be his first bilateral visit.

In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister said, "I am looking forward to meeting President U Htin Kyaw as also Her Excellency Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of President's Office. I have had the opportunity for discussions with both dignitaries during their visits to India in 2016."

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," the post added.

Landed in Naypyitaw, marking the start of my Myanmar visit. I will join a wide range of programmes during my visit to Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/xZEhAvKzpv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

The Prime Minister further said that during the visit, he will review developments of the India-Myanmar bilateral relations and explore new areas, in which both the nations can work together.

He also said that he will review the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar.

Prime Minister Modi further informed that he will also pay a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the "Archaeological Survey of India has done stellar work on renovating the Ananda Temple".

Prime Minister Modi also expressed eagerness in meeting and interacting with the Indian-origin community of Myanmar, whose history goes back more than a century.

Before heading for Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi visited China to attend the 9th BRICS Summit.
Congress Vice-President is headed to the United States where he is likely to address a gathering on artificial intelligence (AI), the science of making machines that think like humans.

Gandhi, who recently returned from Norway, is gearing up for another offshore visit, this time to the Silicon Valley in the US to "expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence", party sources here said.

They said he might speak on the issue on September 11, after meeting technology experts.

The sources said Gandhi wants India to lead in the niche area which comes after software development, in which India has already won global recognition.

While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.

A senior Congress leader said the idea was to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress party's vision documents.

Facilitating Gandhi's US visit is the chairman of Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, a technology innovator who was brought back to India by Rajiv Gandhi and was among those behind the telecom revolution in the country.

The Congress VP had met leaders in the field of biotechnology during his Norway visit.

He is currently grappling with the party's sliding electoral graph after a series of defeats. The Congress is set to lose Himachal Pradesh to the BJP in the upcoming state assembly poll.

The party is weighed down by anti-incumbency sentiments and infighting in the state unit in Himachal Pradesh. In Gujarat, where elections are slated to be held later this year, it lost a veteran when party leader and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela walked out of the Congress.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the maiden run of the here on Tuesday.

The first train will be flagged off by the home minister, who represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, and the chief minister from the Transport Nagar metro station.

The services will be opened for public use the next day.

The 8.5-km-long 'Priority Corridor' from Transport Nagar to Charbagh, which is part of the Phase-1 of the project, will be operational for the public from 6 am to 10 pm everyday.

Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav had flagged off the trial run on the same stretch in December last year, just ahead of the assembly elections, to showcase it as a signature project of the erstwhile Samajwadi Party government.

However, the Union home minister's presence at the event is a strong signal from the BJP that it was the Narendra Modi government at the Centre which contributed the bulk of the funds to the project.

The BJP had attacked the Akhilesh government during the assembly election campaign, asking why metro trains were not running in Lucknow.

As the matter got embroiled in politics, Akhilesh had shot back saying it was due to the delay in obtaining clearance from the commissioner, Metro Railway Safety, and had blamed the Centre for it.
Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported, Union Minister on Tuesday said, asserting that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India," Rijiju told reporters here.

The minister of state for home said that since they are not legal immigrants, "they stand to be deported".

"As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. We are a nation with great democratic tradition



"India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees," he added.

Taking a strong position on the reported criticism of the government's stand on the issue, Rijiju said, "We are following the legal path then why have we been accused of being inhuman."



He said that the Centre has instructed all state governments to start the process of their deportation.

Meanwhile, two Rohingya immigrants have approached the the Supreme Court urging it to direct the central government to not deport them to Myanmmar.

The Rohingya Muslims fled to India after violence in the western Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in the country are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.
With the Delhi government putting in place many rules and regulations and coming down heavily to monitor private schools, there has been a virtual battle between the private schools and the government.
Gauri Lankesh, a journalist and activist was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified gunmen outside her home in Bengaluru. She was the editor of Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly tabloid that projected itself as an anti-establishment publication.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday agreed that keeping peace on the Indo-China border was necessary to further deepen ties between the two nations during a bilateral meeting after the conclusion of the 9th BRICS Summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen.

"One of the important points they made during the meeting was that peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of our relationship," Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told the media. President Xi also called for putting India-China relations on the "right track", according to the official Xinhua news agency.

ALSO READ: What made China accept BRICS declaration on Jaish, Lashkar China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of the Panchsheel Agreement, Xi assured PM Modi as they held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Doklam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

ALSO READ: Highlights of BRICS 2017 summit: From naming LeT, JeM to Xi-Modi meet

Acknowledging that healthy and stable ties between India and China are imperative for the stability of the region, the Chinese President said, "China and India are each other's major neighbours. We are also, at the same time, two of the world's largest developing and emerging countries. Therefore, healthy and stable relations serve the financial interests of the people of both countries and the shared expectations of the regional and world community."

"China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance, with the five principles of Panchsheel  mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence," the Chinese President said.

Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China. pic.twitter.com/hbKRPpRwyl  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

The various deliberations during the BRICS Summit were extremely productive. Looking forward to building on these in the times to come.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here.The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.During their meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on a "very successful" BRICS Summit, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector.The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

ALSO READ: Win for India: BRICS slams LeT, Jaish as terror groups, clubs them with IS

On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.Indian officials had earlier indicated that the two leaders were expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures. The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff.Earlier, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
After taking away some of the big investments in manufacturing, especially automobile and textiles, from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh is now going aggressive in the information technology(IT) sector, with plans to make the state a hub for financial technology and cyber security industries. Some of the Fintech companies from Chennai and Bengaluru are expected to set up their facility in Vishakhapatnam, said senior officials from the state government.


India and Japan on Tuesday resolved to further strengthen military cooperation as the two countries held wide-ranging talks on bilateral defence and security ties amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the powerful nuclear test by North Korea.

A range of bilateral and regional issues relating to security and defence were deliberated at length during talks between Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera here, officials said.

Jaitley also called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed ways to deepening defence and security co- operation.

In the meeting, Jaitley conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to Abe, Indian envoy to Japan Sujan Chinoy said.

The annual took place at a time when tension was mounting in the region due to North Korea's nuclear pursuits and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Jaitley and Onodera also launched a business-to-business meeting of Indian and Japanese industries to promote defence production



Prior to the annual defence ministerial meeting, Jaitley was given a guard of honour.

The defence and security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upswing and both countries are exploring ways to further deepen it.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Japan in November last year during which both sides had decided to ramp up bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Jaitley, who was holding the additional charge of defence, has attended the security dialogue though Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed defence minister in Sunday's cabinet reshuffle.

Jaitley had said on Sunday that he is attending the dialogue with Japan as there were logistical constraints for Sitharaman to go for it.

Sitharaman is likely to take charge of the ministry on Thursday.
In what is being seen as a big victory for India's campaign against Pakistan-based terrorist groups, BRICS on Monday named Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in their joint declaration while calling for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism.
After the failure of mega food parks, the Madhya Pradesh (MP) government on Monday came out with a scheme to help farmers in setting up processing plants for agriculture including onion, tomato and soybean.
PM salutes the teaching community, on Teachers' Day; pays tributes to Former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, on his birth anniversary

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the teaching community, on Teachers' Day. Prime Minister has also paid tributes to Former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, on his birth anniversary. .

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"On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds and spreading the joys of education in society. .

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My tributes to Dr. S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary. .

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Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a New India that is driven by cutting edge research and innovation. .

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Let us make the next 5 years about 'teach to transform, educate to empower and learn to lead'", the Prime Minister said..

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Shri R K Singh takes over as new Power & New Renewable Energy Minister

Shri Raj Kumar Singh took over as new Union Minister of State (IC) in Ministries of Power & New & Renewable Energy here today. Shri Piyush Goyal, New Railways Minister & former Power Minister was present to hand over the charge to Shri Singh .

Speaking to media after assuming his office , Shri Singh said that there is lot of dynamism in the both Power & Renewable Energy Ministries which will be continued. Shri Singh said, that he would meet all standards of performance set by the his predecessor and new Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal in the Ministries of Power and Renewable energy .

The Country is now energy surplus and that the vision of the Ministries has been defined by his predecessor , Shri Singh added . He assured Shri Goyal that the good work started by him will be completed and the Prime Minister's vision will be realised.

On the occasion, Shri Goyal said he has inherited the finest team of officers in the Government of India because everybody in the Ministries and PSUs related to it , is charged and emotional.

Shri Goyal said, the officials in Ministries as well as in its PSUs want to cross limitless boundaries. The PSUs are very committed. Talking about Shri Singh, Shri Goyal said that he has always concerned about providing electricity to all homes and under his leadership now the power & New Renewable Energy Ministries will achieve new benchmarks of performance and targets.

RM/
Azerbaijan's ruling elite ran a secret USD 2.9 billion slush fund to pay off European politicians and launder money, according to an investigation by a group of European newspapers published on Tuesday.

The fund operated for two years from 2012 to 2014 through bank accounts of four shell registered in Britain, according to the investigation by papers including The Guardian and France's Le Monde and published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

Nicknamed the "Azerbaijan Laundromat", the origin of the fund is unclear "but there is ample evidence of its connection to the family of President Ilham Aliyev", the report said.

The authorities in Azerbaijan could not be reached for comment today.

The Guardian said some of the money went to politicians and journalists as part of a "caviar diplomacy" lobbying effort to deflect criticism at a time when the energy-rich former Soviet state was being accused of arresting rights activists and journalists and of vote-rigging.

"This intensive lobbying operation was so successful that Council of Europe members voted against a 2013 report critical of Azerbaijan," the British newspaper said.

Banking records leaked to Danish newspaper Berlingske which sparked the investigation show multiple payments to several former members of the Council's parliamentary assembly, The Guardian said.

The Council of Europe, Europe's top rights watchdog, is investigating alleged corruption over the vote, the BBC has reported.

One of Europe's leading banks, Denmark's Danske Bank, processed the payments via its Estonia office.

"At the time our systems and procedures in Estonia were insufficient to ensure that we could not be used for money laundering. We have taken the measures necessary to remedy this," Danske Bank said in March following reports of possible money laundering involving transactions by its Estonian branch in 2011-14, according to the Guardian.

It said it had terminated relationships with a number of customers.

"We do not want in any way to be used for money laundering or other criminal activity."



The four British-registered firms used in the operation have been dissolved, The Guardian said.

The authorities in oil-rich Azerbaijan have faced strong criticism over claims they routinely harass and jail Aliyev's opponents on trumped up charges. Officials deny this.

Azerbaijan ranked 162 out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders.

Aliyev took over in 2003 after the death of his father Heydar Aliyev, a former KGB officer and communist-era leader who had ruled Azerbaijan with an iron fist since 1993.
What is the market leader in equipment for measuring automobile emissions to do if the vehicles of the future dont spew exhaust? Japans Horiba, whose gear was central in exposing Volkswagens (VWs) diesel-cheating scandal, believes that day will never come.
President Trump said on Sunday that the United States could consider stopping all trade with countries doing business in North Korea, in a move that could spell economic catastrophe for the pugnacious country.
President Trump is strongly considering a plan that would end the Obama-era program that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation, but only after giving Congress six months to come up with a potential replacement for the popular initiative, according to three administration officials briefed on the discussions.
Europe's anti-trust chief Margrethe Vestager today said Google's proposals to comply with an EU order to modify its shopping service pointed in the "right direction".

"It is less than a week since we got the letter so we have to go a bit more in depth before we can say anything," Vestager told AFP just months after slapping Google with a record 2.4-billion-euro ($2.8-billion) fine over the issue.

"But so far from the look of it... There are things that point in the very right direction," she said.

Hard-charging Vestager, a former Danish finance minister, hit Google with the mega fine in June for illegally favouring its shopping service in search results.

Google, which was given 90 days to comply or face further fines, submitted details of its offer to the EU last week, which Vestager said her teams were carefully evaluating.

"We are in the process to see if they are sort of on the right track, but we do not approve it before they go ahead," Vestager told AFP during an interview at her office at EU headquarters.

"It is for Google to take their responsibility to comply," she said.

The fine over Google Shopping broke the previous European Union record for a monopoly case against US chipmaker Intel of 1.06 billion euros in 2009 and made the EU the global leader in regulating Silicon Valley giants.

Brussels accuses Google of giving its own service too much priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services, such as TripAdvisor and Expedia.

The verdict came less than a year after Vestager shocked Washington and the world with an order that iPhone manufacturer Apple repay 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland -- against Dublin's wishes.

Vestager insisted that the issue "will not delay anything" in a separate case over Google's Android mobile operating system.
The United States' top UN representative has said that North Korea is "begging for war" and urged the UN Security Council to impose "the strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang over its sixth and largest nuclear test.

"To the members of the UN Security Council, I must say - enough is enough. The time for half-measures in the Security Council is over. We must now adopt the strongest possible measures", Sputnik quoted US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley as saying during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the recent hydrogen bomb test by North Korea.

"Kim Jong-un's abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," she added.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman dubbed North Korea's nuclear tests as a dangerous provocation and said that Pyongyang has undermined the non-proliferation efforts.

ALSO READ: North Korea eyes possible ICBM launch

"We are alarmed by this dangerous provocation. The secretary-general condemns the underground nuclear test announced by the DPRK. This act is yet another serious breach of the DPRK's obligations and undermines non-proliferation and disarmament efforts," he said.

Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho called for UNSC to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures against Pyongyang.

He said UNSC must act to stop North Korea from continuing such actions and should put maximum pressure to change its policy.

He further said that North Korea's nuclear test was an outrageous and unacceptable challenge to the security and safety of the world.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Sunday termed North Korea a "rogue nation" for conducting nuclear tests and said that its "actions continue to be very dangerous to the Washington."

In a series of tweets, Trump further said that North Korea has become a great threat and embarrassment to China.

North Korea has conducted a major Nuclear Test. Their words and actions continue to be very hostile and dangerous to the United States.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

.. North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

I will be meeting General Kelly, General Mattis and other military leaders at the White House to discuss North Korea. Thank you.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

North Korea on Sunday announced that it has successfully conducted a test of a hydrogen bomb that is meant to be loaded into an intercontinental ballistic missile.The news reader of the North Korean Central Television said North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un ordered the test and termed it a "perfect success". The quake was felt in northern China, with emergency sirens blaring in Yanji, near the North Korean border, according to local media.
North Korea has conducted its sixth nuclear device test, and based on what we know so far it looks like by far the biggest yet. Pyongyangs own news agency, KCNA, described the test as a perfect success, and claimed the device was an advanced hydrogen bomb small enough to fit atop a long-range missile.
Swiss Confederation President Doris Leuthard has said that Switzerland is ready to be the mediator to help resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis.

Leuthard said that Swiss troops were deployed on the demarcation zone between South Korea and North Korea and the country had a long history of neutral diplomacy, the Independent reported.

However, she also mentioned that the United States and China had to take their share of responsibility.

Speaking at a news conference, Leuthard said, "We are ready to offer our role... as a mediator."

"It is really time now to sit down at a table. Big powers have a responsibility," she added.

Meanwhile, the US top United Nations representative has said that North Korea is "begging for war" and urged UN Security Council to impose "the strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang over its sixth and largest nuclear test.

"To the members of the UN Security Council I must say - enough is enough.The time for half-measures in the Security Council is over.We must now adopt the strongest possible measures", Sputnik quoted US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley as saying during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the recent hydrogen bomb test by North Korea.

"Kim Jong-un's abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," she added.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman dubbed North Korea's nuclear tests as dangerous provocation and said that Pyongyang has undermined the non-proliferation efforts.

"We are alarmed by this dangerous provocation. The secretary-general condemns the underground nuclear test announced by the DPRK. This act is yet another serious breach of the DPRK's obligations and undermines non-proliferation and disarmament efforts," he said.

Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho called for the UNSC to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures against Pyongyang.

He said that the UNSC must act to stop North Korea from continuing such actions and should put maximum pressure to change its policy.

He further said that North Korea's nuclear test was an outrageous and unacceptable challenge to the security and safety of the world.

North Korea on Sunday announced that it had successfully conducted a test of a hydrogen bombthat is meant to be loaded into an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The news reader of the North Korean Central Television said that North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un ordered the test and termed it a "perfect success". The quake was felt in northern China, with emergency sirens blaring in Yanji, near the North Korean border, according to local media.
For months, an anxious and uncertain President Trump was caught between opposing camps in the West Wing prodding him to either scrap or salvage an Obama-era program allowing undocumented immigrants brought to the country as minors to remain in the United States.
President Trump is expected on Tuesday to rescind protections for young immigrants who arrived in the United States illegally as children, but with a six-month grace period to let Congress respond. The program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, grants those who qualify for the program a reprieve from deportation, which they must renew every two years.
Leading stock exchange BSE on Monday imposed trading restrictions on two more firms -- Sancia Global Infraprojects and Koa Tools India -- on regulator Sebi's directives regarding a clampdown on suspected shell companies.

As a result, the shares of the two firms will be moved from tomorrow to Stage VI of Graded Surveillance Measures -- where trading is permitted only once a month (first Monday) with no upward price movement and Additional Surveillance Deposit of 200 per cent of trade value by the buyers.

Following the latest move, BSE has imposed similar trading curbs on a total of 169 listed firms from a list of 331 'suspected shell companies' against which the regulator had sought action last month. However, trading in nearly half of those companies was already suspended for various penal or surveillance reasons.

Soon after Sebi's directive on August 7, BSE had imposed curbs on 162 companies, followed by similar decision for five others two days later on August 9.

However, some of the affected companies appealed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal and the trade restrictions were removed. However, the tribunal has asked the regulator to continue its probe against all of them.

Sebi had taken the decision following the receipt of this list of 331 firms from the corporate affairs ministry and they are alleged to have indulged in tax-related and other violations.

Many of these companies have denied being 'shell companies', saying they have active business interests.
Bitcoin prices have shed 20 per cent the past three days from about $5,000 per unit in international market to $4,030 on Tuesday morning. In India, however, investors are rushing to buy the crypto currency and domestic prices are quoted at 20 per cent premium.

The country's leading Bitcoin exchange, Zebpay, issued an advisory to investors saying, "Due to high demand and low supply of Bitcoins, both buying and selling prices are higher in India compared to international prices." It warned investors to observe caution while buying or selling the currency, as prices are volatile.
After witnessing a relief rally on Monday post Supreme Court stayed National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) order initiating insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech, the company erased all its gains to fall as much as 4.8% to Rs 17.60 in intra-day on Tuesday. The stock gained 4.8% on Monday after the Apex Court ruling came out.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday jointly flagged off 8.5 km stretch of the first phase of metro train in Lucknow.

The metro services will be opened for public use on Wednesday on the 8.5-km-long 'priority corridor' from Transport Nagar to Charbagh rom 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the Lucknow Metro, Adityanath said, "The wait for travelling in the Lucknow Metro is over. The services will be opened for the public use from tomorrow. The metro service will help reduce air pollution in the state capital in the long run, will contribute to savings in terms of money and time for the passengers."

Adityanath further averred it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at the Centre which contributed the bulk of the funds to the project.

"The UP Government is working on the lines of Prime Minister Modi to fulfil his every dream for the betterment and development of country. I am thankful to the whole team who made the Lucknow Metro project a reality. I am grateful to Governor Ram Naik, who inspires me to work tirelessly," he said.

Adityanath also apprised that the Government is planning to bring the metro in at least seven other cities in Uttar Pradesh.

"We are planning to bring the metro in Kanpur, Agra, Varanasi, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Meerut also," the UP Chief Minister mentioned.

Rs. 6,00,080 crore have been spent in the Lucknow Metro Project.

"We have spent overall Rs. 6,00,080 crore in the construction of the Lucknow Metro. The amount of Rs. 13,000 crore was given by the Indian Government, Rs. 278 crore was spent by the UP Government and Rs. 3,502 was spent by the European Investment bank," informed Adityanath.

Expressing his happiness over the inauguration of the first Lucknow Metro, Rajnath Singh asserted that the dream of smart city has started with the metro and the dream of the Smart City will be fulfilled soon.

"Today is a historic day not only for Lucknow, but for the entire Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow 'Metro Ka Shehar' will bring new opportunities for the city," he said.

"Whenever we think of infrastructure we look towards future. Infrastructure should cater to the need of the next 10-15 years," he added.

Singh has dedicated the Metro project to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and thanked Prime Minister Modi for the same.

Metro Man E. Sreedharan, MP Kaushal Kishore, Cabinet Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Hardeep Singh Puri, Swati Singh, Basic Education Minister Anupama Jaiswal and Suresh Rana marked their presence at the inaugural ceremony.

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She stayed behind the camera for a year, but now, Angelina Jolie is considering a return to acting.

The 42-year-old actress, who recently directed 'First They Killed My Father,' said, "Right now, I don't have anything to direct that I feel passionate about like this, so I'll do some acting. I've taken over a year off now, because of my family situation, to take care of my kids," reports The Hollywood Reporter.

"When I feel it's time for me to go back to work, I'll be able to go back to work. I've been needed at home. I hope [to work again] in the months to come," she added.

Her new directorial film, which premiered at Telluride Film Festival, is set to hit Netflix on September 15.

All her six children accompanied her to the premiere at Telluride.

The movie is an adaptation of Loung Ung's 2000 memoir of the Khmer Rouge genocide, which was responsible for the class-driven murders of millions of Cambodians between 1975 and 1978.

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah will begin his three-day visit to Odisha tomorrow as part of a 110-day nationwide tour to strengthen the party's hold in the states.

Shah is scheduled to reach Odisha by 1 p.m. tomorrow. He will be presiding over a meeting, which will include a number of the party's MPs and MLAs at Kushabhau Thackerey Hall of the State BJP office.

Following the meeting with the MLAs, Shah will be chairing a meeting with the State Office Bearers, District President and District Prabharis at the office.

The BJP President will be visiting the Lord Lingaraj Temple the following day.

Shah will then hold a press conference, after which a meeting will be held with the State Media IT, social media and the election management committees.

On the third and final day of his visit, the BJP President will plant saplings and preside over a review meeting of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Karyavistaar Yoijana at the state BJP hall.

He will also address a karyakarta maha-adhiveshan or workers' mega conclave after that.

The BJP is seen as a primary opposition for Navin Patnaik's BJD in the state.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday paid tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary and felicitated 127 teachers on the occasion of Teachers' day.

"Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan makes the state proud. He worked in my district too. Dr. Radhakrishnan has become immortal by remaining in the hearts of people," the chief minister said here.

He felicitated 58 teachers of school education, 13 of intermediate education, 51 of collegiate education and five of technical education.

He further said that awards, prize and money are mere tokens of recognition.

The Chief Minister called upon the teachers to upgrade themselves and termed teaching a 'sacred profession'.

"The teachers have to upgrade themselves. It is a sacred profession. They've to keep up their knowledge," he added.

He further said that teachers have a responsibility of making Andhra Pradesh an educational hub.

Lauding the Telugu community, Naidu said, "In Silicon Valley of the United States, Indian people, particularly Telugu technicians are doing good. Microsoft, Google and many other companies are led by Telugu people."

"I gave 33.33 per cent reservation to women in government posts. Now we can find many women doing jobs as teachers, police etc.," he added.

"We are setting up many academic colleges in and around Vijayawada," he further said.

Dr. Radhakrishnan, philosopher-author and India's second president was born on September 5, 1888. It's in his honour that India celebrates this day as the Teachers' Day.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China .

Acknowledging that healthy and stable ties between India and China are imperative for the stability of the region, the Chinese president said, "China and India are each other major neighbours. We are also, at the same time, two of the world's largest developing and emerging countries. Therefore, healthy and stable relations serve the financial interests of the people of both countries and the shared expectations of the regional and community."

"China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance, with the five principles of Panchsheel i.e. mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence," the Chinese President said, during his bilateral meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi said, "I congratulate President Xi Jinping and his team for the successful execution of the BRICS Summit."

"The BRICS Summit has been successful in addressing the challenges of the rapidly changing global scenario," Prime Minister Modi added.

The Chinese President said, "For the past couple of days we have had in-depth exchanges and broad consensus on the BRICS cooperation and on regional and global issues."

"China stands ready to work with all member countries of BRICS so as to jointly usher in new prospects of mixed cooperation," President Jinping added.

Extending warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi, the Chinese President said, "I would like to extend warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi for attending the ninth BRICS summit in Xiamen, China."

The above-mentioned Panchsheel treaty was former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru-proposed agreement between India and China. It was signed on April 29, 1954.

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Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed that the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border was a pre-requisite for the further development of relationship between the two countries.

"Peace and tranquillity along the border is a pre-requisite for our relationship and there should be more efforts to enhance the level of mutual trust between the two sides," Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said, while addressing the media, here.

The issue of counter-terrorism, however, did not figure in the discussion.

"The discussions were forward-looking and constructive and concluded that both governments need better communication to avoid recent issues. And the issue of counter-terrorism did not figure in the discussion," Jaishankar added.

"Both the leaders at their meet at Astana in July had agreed that India and China are natural large powers and that there will be areas of differences. So whenever there is an area of difference, that will be handled with mutual trust and efforts will be made to maintain strong contacts between the personnel of defence of both the countries to maintain peace and cooperation," the Foreign Secretary added.

The Indian and Chinese troops, recently, ended a tense stand-off along the Doklam border that began in June and which seriously affected their bilateral ties. This was the first meeting between the Chinese President and the Indian Prime Minister after the conclusion of the border row.

"President Jinping and Prime Minister Modi laid out a positive view of where our ties could go and there were some detailed discussions about the mechanisms, which could help both the countries go forward in that direction with the help of inter-governmental groups like strategic institutions, and that can be used to build that relationship. There was a constructive sense of the relationship to keep the ties on an upward trajectory," the Foreign Secretary added.

After attending the two-day BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Prime Minister Modi headed for the next stop of his two-nation tour - Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold extensive talks on bilateral ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at the Xiamen International Conference Centre on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister and other leaders of the BRICS bloc adopted the Xiamen Declaration at the ninth edition of BRICS Summit on Monday.

The leaders of BRICS - a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, for the first time, named Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network in a strongly-worded declaration condemning terror.

Earlier, both leaders met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet at Astana in June.

The meeting comes days after India and China called off their troops after a 73-day stand-off at the Doklam Plateau. The two leaders had greeted each other with a warm handshake and broad smiles before the start of the BRICS Plenary Session at Xiamen on Monday.

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The matter challenging the lookout notice issued to wife of meat exporter Moin Querashi, Nasreen Querashi, has been adjourned till September 8.

The Delhi High Court heard the matter in connection with a money laundering case.

Qureshi, who was arrested late night on August 25 here, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), after he was not cooperating in the probe, is presently in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, which is going to be over on September 31.

Earlier on August 30, Moin Qureshi challenged his arrest in the Delhi High Court, to which the court issued a notice to the ED and sought their response within five days.

A bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Nazmi Waziri had issued a notice to the government and the ED, asking them to file the reply within five days.

The controversial meat exporter, Qureshi, was arrested on August 25 and sent to five-day custody of the ED by a trial court the next day for a thorough investigation in the case against him and others.

During the hearing, advocate R.K. Handoo, appearing for Qureshi, contended that he had been illegally detained by the ED.

He claimed that Qureshi had been directly arrested when he was called for questioning and was not informed about the grounds of arrest.

Central Government standing counsel Anil Soni, who also appeared for the ED, said that there was due compliance of the Constitution mandate regarding informing a person about his arrest.

The bench, however, said a person cannot be taken into custody without telling him the grounds and giving him an effective legal aid.

"Information is not just to make a person read the grounds of arrest. You have to give him a copy of it," the bench said and asked the Centre and ED to show the official records pertaining to the arrest on the next date of hearing on September 13.

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Google Doodle has turned its logo into a colourful virtual classroom to celebrate Teacher's Day today.

The 'g' in the centre of the Google logo appears to be a teacher while the other alphabets look like attentive students. In the background, there's a slideshow of different subjects such as mathematics, music, geography, science, environmental studies and so on.

The first Teachers' Day was celebrated in India in 1962, when Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan began serving as the second president of India.

To celebrate his esteemed position, his students suggested that his birthday be celebrated as 'Radhakrishnan Day'.

However, he declined and suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be his proud priviledge if September 5 is observed as Teachers' Day everywhere.

Radhakrishnan was born in 1882 in a town called Tirutani in Andhra Pradesh.

He became the first Vice President of India in 1952 and took on the role as the nation's second

President in 1962 until 1967.

He was awarded with the Bharat Ratna in 1984 and the British Order of Merit in 1963.

Radhakrishnan , who passed away on April 17, 1975, remained a teacher throughout his life and teachers' Day is celebrated in the memory of India's first Vice President.

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Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna was formally handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy today at a colourful ceremony at the Naval Base, Kochi, in the presence of Rajendra Singh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.

ICGS Varuna was handed over to Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge, Director General, Sri Lanka Coast.

The handing over of the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel to Government of Sri Lanka for training and surveillance purposes is part of India's continuing efforts for cementing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

India has earlier also handed over two OPVs of the Indian Coast Guard - Varaha in April 2006 and Vigraha in August 2008.

ICGS Varuna, synonymous with Lord Varuna, was commissioned into service on February 27, 1988, by the then defence minister K.C. Pant and was decommissioned this year with traditional honours on August 23.

It has remained the 'Alma Mater' for the Indian Coast Guard Officers over near three decades and has very glorious accomplishments to her credit.

DG Rajendra Singh, during his speech at the transfer ceremony, highlighted the significance of mutually-beneficial relations shared between both the countries.

The Director General, Sri Lanka Coast Guard conveyed deep gratitude to the Government of India for the transfer.

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In the first bilateral talks after the Doklam crisis, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed that both India and China shall seek common grounds and put aside differences, and uphold peace and tranquillity on the border area.

Geng Shuang, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that President Xi, in the meeting, pointed out that both the neighbouring countries should stick to the basic judgement that two sides constitute opportunities instead of posing threats to each other.

It is hoped that India can view China's development in a correct and rational way and let the know peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the only correct choice of China and India, Xi said in the meeting.

As per Shuang, President Xi said that there is potential for China-India cooperation in terms of economic and social development.

President Xi further pointed out that, the two sides should synergize each other's development strategy, expand co-operations in infrastructure construction and interconnectivity, advance personnel and cultural exchange, strengthen communication and coordination on international affairs, and push ahead with the development of international order in a fair and rational direction.

He also asserted that Beijing would like to work with BRICS countries to implement the outcome of Xiamen summit and open a new dimension of BRICS cooperation.

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Indian High Commissioner to Myanmar Vikram Misri said Tuesday that India has security concerns with Myanmar on the border that separates both countries, but the two sides have good cooperation in resolving such issues.

"We have a long border with Myanmar (1643-kilometer-long) where we have security concerns, there are certain insurgents groups from India that find shelters across this border," Misri told ANI in an exclusive interview.

"We have a number of mechanisms with the government of Myanmar at the security level, at the civilian level and at the level of general-level ministries of both countries which provide us opportunities to discuss these issues, and that discussion is ongoing. Wherever there are concerns, we highlight them. There is a good cooperation between the two sides," he added.

Commenting on Prime Minister's Narendra Modi's two-day bilateral visit Myanmar, High Commissioner Misri said it is a very important visit and is his first bilateral visit to the country.

"It's a very important visit. It is his first bilateral visit to the country; it is a very important neighboring country. We share a long 1500 to 1700-km-long border with this country and it's a country with which we share a long border and more importantly the country plays an important role in prime minister's foreign policy priorities. Neighborhood First . and in that context, it is an important country. So, this is going to be an important visit," he said.

Misri further said all issues related to the bilateral relationship would be discussed during the Prime Minister Modi's visit.

Asserting that India's relationship with Myanmar has always had a very long development cooperation component; High Commissioner Misri said both countries will review all projects that India is working on.

"We have a very large development cooperation footprint in this country which is 1.75 billion dollars , number of projects are being done under that and we will review all those projects , may have been completed others on the way for completion," Misri told ANI.

High Commissioner Misri added that both countries will also discuss the new projects that can be taken up with the new government which has priorities of its own and India is looking forward to discuss priorities with the new government.

"The prime minister and leaders will discuss more importantly how India can play a role what kind of contribution India can make," he said.

He also noted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been working on the Ananda Temple, which is one of the famous temples in Bagan.

"Last year, unfortunately, there was an earthquake in Myanmar which also hit Bagan and 400 historical structures were badly damaged and the Government of Myanmar, therefore, requested the Government of India to ask for the services of the ASI in restoring these historical structures. We will very soon be signing an MoU under which the ASI will restore as many as 92 such structures," he said.

Highlighting that Prime Minister Modi will visit several places of cultural and historical interest, including the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is the most sacred and famous Buddhist site in Myanmar.

The envoy added that the Prime Minister will also be visiting the Kali Temple, one of the oldest temples in Yangon, the mausoleum of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and also pay his respects at the martyrs mausoleum in Myanmar which is a mark of respect to founding father of this country, General Aung San.

He said, PM Modi will also pay a visit to the Aung San Museum which was the General's residence for a long period of time.

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The Karnataka police on Tuesday arrested more than 300 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to stop them from converging in Mangaluru.

The saffron party workers, who participated in the 'Mangaluru Chalo rally,' were detained by the police before the protest even began.

When the BJP supporters ignored the police order, number of preventive arrests were made and several vehicles were confiscated.

The Mangaluru bike rally was mired in a controversy with police across the state refusing to accord permission to it.

The Rally was being conducted to protest against the the killing of BJP and RSS workers in the Mangaluru region.

The rally has been organised to protest the killing of Hindus in the Mangaluru region, according to the youth wing of the BJP.

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In a series of firing that took place along the India-Pakistan border at RS Pura today, an infiltrator coming from Pakistan was killed by the Border Security Force (BSF), as per R. L. Chaudhary, the Station Officer of RS Pura sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

"One person, who tried to infiltrate into India from Pakistan earlier today was killed by BSF," R. L. Chaudhary told ANI.

He also informed that there has been regular firing at frequent intervals from both sides.

Due to the ongoing situation, the BSF also halted civilians from crossing the high-risk area.

"There's continuous firing for the last two hours. We are told that a Pakistani has been killed too, that's why we are stuck here. BSF is not allowing us to proceed on our way home," said a local of RS Pura.

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Soon, preventing both heart disease and diabetes could be as simple as popping a single pill, if predictions by a team of scientists prove true.

A large analysis of genetic data found that both the conditions, which are the leading causes of death and illness across the world, are linked by the same genes.

The team led by researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania first looked into what causes Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and second clarified how T2D and coronary heart disease (CHD) are linked.

Examining genome sequence information for more than 250,000 people, the researchers first uncovered 16 new diabetes genetic risk factors and one new CHD genetic risk factor; hence providing novel insights about the mechanisms of the two diseases.

They then showed that most of the sites on the genome known to be associated with higher diabetes risk are also associated with higher CHD risk. For eight of these sites, the researchers were able to identify a specific gene variant that influences risk for both diseases. The shared genetic risk factors affect biological pathways including immunity, cell proliferation, and heart development.

The findings add to the basic scientific understanding of both these major diseases and point to potential targets for future drugs.

"Identifying these gene variants linked to both type 2 diabetes and CHD risk in principle opens up opportunities to lower the risk of both outcomes with a single drug," said co-senior author Danish Saleheen. "From a drug development perspective, it would make sense to focus on those pathways that are most strongly linked to both diseases," Saleheen said.

The researchers found evidence that, on the whole, the genetic link between the diseases appears to work in one direction, so that risk genes for type 2 diabetes are much more likely to be associated with higher CHD risk than the other way around. Additionally, there could be some pathways where pharmacological lowering of one disease increases the risk of the other.

The scientists also found that diabetes-linked gene variants tend to differ in their apparent effects on CHD risk, depending on their mechanisms. Variants that increase the chance of obesity or high blood pressure, for example, appear to boost CHD risk more strongly than variants that alter insulin or glucose levels.

The scientists discovered that the genomic regions implicated as dual diabetes-CHD risk loci encompass targets of some existing drugs. One such drug is icosapent, an omega-3 fatty acid component of some fish oils, which lowers cholesterol and is sold in concentrated form as a prescription pharmaceutical.

The dual-effect risk loci also include the region covering the gene FABP4, which is already being investigated for its potential as a diabetes and heart-disease drug target. In mouse studies, inhibition of this gene's protein has been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic, i.e., helps fight thickening and hardening with fat on the inside of arteries and anti-diabetic effects.

Saleheen, co-senior author Benjamin F. Voight and their colleagues now plan further investigations of the dual-risk genes uncovered in the study.

The researchers also hope to learn more about the biology of the newly discovered dual-risk genes by studying people who have mutations in those genes, Saleheen said.

The study is published in Nature Genetics.

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Pakistan on Tuesday said that Islamabad is "seriously concerned" about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region.

In response to a question regarding the BRICS leaders summit document, Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said, "Pakistan is also seriously concerned about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region."

He said many terrorist groups based in the region, including in Afghanistan, such as the TTP and its associates like JuA have been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people.

"We are deeply concerned at the presence of groups like Daesh, ETIM and IMU in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to peace and security in the region.

Earlier, Pakistan rejected the BRICS declaration saying that there was no 'safe haven' for terrorists on its soil.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir dismissed the BRICS declaration naming terrorist groups in the region by leaders of member countries at the BRICS Summit in China on Monday.

"We reject the declaration [released by member countries] at the BRICS Summit," Geo News quoted Dastagir as saying during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence.

Highlighting that 40 percent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists, the minister said Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left.

He further said that the Pakistan will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US for talks on the recent 'anti-Pakistan' comments by US President Donald Trump.

Dastagir said this will result in better engagement as Pakistan is in favour of resolving all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability in the region.

BRICS leaders on Monday unveiled the Xiamen Declaration in which member countries unequivocally condemned terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations and called upon all states to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating the menace, including countering radicalisation, recruitment, and movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters.

The Xiamen BRICS Declaration signed by the BRICS members specifically stated, "BRICS express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir."

"BRICS deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," it added.

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, who is planning to visit China and Russia for garnering support in the wake of United States President Donald Trump's criticism of Islamabad for habouring terrorism, is set to review its strategy as the BRICS have, for the first time, named militant groups based in Pakistan as a regional security concern.

The dates of the foreign minister's visit to Russia and China are yet to be finalised as the policy makers will be required to closely read and analyse the BRICS Declaration to formulate their strategy and find out the difference between its focus and stress and that of President Trump's statement, The News International reported.

The BRICS Declaration has specifically mentioned terror outfits saying "we express concern over the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, the Islamic State [IS], Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, including the Haqqani Network, the Lashkar-e-Taiba [LeT], the Jaish-e-Mohammad [JeM], the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan [TTP] and the Hizbut Tahrir."

The leaders of the five emerging market BRICS powers have also said that the patrons of terror organisations should be taken into account.

The foreign minister, who on an invitation of his American counterpart was planning to visit Washington, has delayed his trip and announced that before going to the United States, he would embark upon a visit to Beijing, Moscow and Ankara to consult with them on Trump's severe stand against Pakistan.

While announcing his strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump said, "We can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens for terrorist organisations; we have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars. At the same time, they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. That will have to change and that will change immediately."

However, unlike the U.S. President, the BRICS did not name Pakistan. But the reference to the Haqqani Network, the LeT and the JeM pertained to Pakistan although Islamabad has consistently and vehemently repudiated any role of these organisations in terrorist activities in Pakistan or outside its territory.

China had defended Pakistan after Trump's remarks, saying its neighbour was on the front line in the struggle against terrorism and had made great sacrifices and important contributions in the fight and even aske India to not name Pakistan, while raising the issue of terrorism.

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Pakistan on Tuesday rejected the BRICS declaration saying that there was no 'safe haven' for terrorists on its soil.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir dismissed the BRICS declaration naming terrorist groups in the region by leaders of member countries at the BRICS Summit in China on Monday.

"We reject the declaration [released by member countries at the BRICS Summit, Geo News quoted Dastagir as saying during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence.

Highlighting that 40 percent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists, the minister said Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left.

He further said that the Pakistan will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US for talks on the recent 'anti-Pakistan' comments by US President Donald Trump.

Dastagir said this will result in better engagement as Pakistan is in favour of resolving all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability in the region.

BRICS leaders on Monday unveiled the Xiamen Declaration in which member countries unequivocally condemned terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations and called upon all states to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating the menace, including countering radicalisation, recruitment, and movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters.

The Xiamen BRICS Declaration signed by the BRICS members specifically stated, "BRICS express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir."

"BRICS deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," it added.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw, as he arrived on a two-day visit to Myanmar earlier in the day.

He later inspected guard of honour here.

The Prime Minister will pay a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar's Yangon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture are the key issues to be discussed, during his two-day Myanmar visit.

He had visited Myanmar earlier in 2014 for the ASEAN-India Summit, but this will be his first bilateral visit.

In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister said, "I am looking forward to meeting President U Htin Kyaw as also Her Excellency Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of President's Office. I have had the opportunity for discussions with both dignitaries during their visits to India in 2016."

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," the post added.

The Prime Minister further said that during the visit, he will review developments of the India-Myanmar bilateral relations and explore new areas, in which both the nations can work together.

He also said that he will review the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar.

Prime Minister Modi further informed that he will also pay a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the "Archaeological Survey of India has done stellar work on renovating the Ananda Temple".

Prime Minister Modi also expressed eagerness in meeting and interacting with the Indian-origin community of Myanmar, whose history goes back more than a century.

Before heading for Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi visited China to attend the 9th BRICS Summit.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China on Tuesday.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, "PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on sidelines of #BRICSSummit in Xiamen #China"

India and Egypt have a strong economic relationship and cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism.

India is the sixth largest trading partner of Egypt. India's imports from Egypt were worth $1.74 billion during 2014-15.

Prime Minister Modi earlier held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed the situation in Afghanistan and several aspects of bilateral relationship. They also had discussions on cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector and trade and investment.

With Brazilian President Michel Temer, the Prime Minister discussed a partnership based on a common global vision and shared democratic values.

After the summit, Prime Minister Modi will depart for Nay Pyi Taw on his second and last leg of the two-nation visit.

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Talking about the success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in implementing the North-East Democratic Alliance or NEDA, party president Amit Shah said that it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government that has been successful in establishing this political coalition.

The NEDA is a political coalition that was formed on May 24, 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties like the Naga People's Front, the Sikkim Democratic Front, the People's Party of Arunachal, the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People's Front in north-east India.

Addressing a crowd today, BJP president Amit Shah said that within these eight states, the state government was successful in implementing the NEDA.

"Prime Minister Modi, in his speech, had said that India is divided between two, West and East, where the West is developed while the East is still struggling. And till the time the East is not developed, we can't call India a fully-developed nation," Shah said.

Shah further said that many new policies have been implemented by the government and many more have been implemented.

The BJP president also said that Prime Minister Modi's government has been successful in improving the condition of the Railways in the North East.

"The Modi Government and the BJP have worked upon throwing out killer groups from the North East, while Bangladesh lands boundary agreement has been a success, because after the agreement, the North East has got direction," Shah said.

He further said that India had sent a strong message across to Myanmar after surgical strikes there.

On June 4, 2015, the NSCN-K ambushed an Indian Army convoy of 6 Dogra Regiment in the Chandel district of Manipur and killed 18 Army jawans. On June 10, India conducted surgical strikes against the terrorist camps along the Indo-Myanmar international border, and inflicted significant casualties.

"About 258 per cent more funds have been given to the North East. Earlier Rs. 87,628 crore used to be provided to the North East. Under the 14th finance commission, 3,13,375 crore more money have been provided to the states," Amit Shah said.

Shah also said that about Rs. 5,336 crore was given to the states for long distance connectivity and an action plan has been drawn. Such big investments are made so that students don't have to just go outside to study in IIT.

Talking about the difficulties the north-eastern states had to face, Shah said that after the formation of Bangladesh, the North East economy fluttered and relations with the states got affected.

"There was no focus on terrorism and militant groups in the 65 years of Independence, and the whole negativity reached North-East and became a hurdle in the development of the states," Shah said.

He added that the culture and tourism should be enhanced there, which in turn will provide employment to all the youth in the states.

Shah added, "But the exploration in this area in these 65 years has been low and hence the development process slow. There was so much corruption in these states and such was its grip that development was not possible at all."

He further said that things have started changing under Prime Minister's rule, adding, "It is because of PM Modi and the BJP's vision that the North East is still an important part of India. And the North East is the government's first priority and always will be."

He also said that since independence, the Modi government has done more work in three years than what the Congress has done for North East in ten years, and added, "I believe that the work has not ended, it has just started.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, on the occasion of Teachers' Day today, wished the teaching community and said that teachers have a central role in realising the dream of a 'New India'.

He further asked the nation to make the next five years all about 'teach to transform, educate to empower and learn to lead.'

In a Twitter post, the Prime Minister said, "On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds & spreading the joys of education in society."

"Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a 'New India' that is driven by cutting edge research & innovation," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further paid tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary and termed him an outstanding teacher and statesman.

"My tributes to Dr. S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary."

Dr. Radhakrishnan, philosopher-author and India's second president was born on September 5, 1888.

It's in his honour that India celebrates this day as the Teachers' Day.

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Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday shunned the reports of the Centre cracking whip over Rohingyas Muslim in regard with their deportation and said that no other nation has accepted refugees as India.

Rijiju said that India will not use force for deportation, rather will follow the legal procedure in the connection.

"No country can accuse India of being intolerant or inhuman in dealing with Rohingyas. Deportation has to be done legally. We are not going to use force to throw out anybody. So allegations of being inhuman are wrong. No other country has accepted more refugees than India," Rijiju said.

Two Rohingya Muslim refugees yesterday urged the Supreme Court to direct the Central government to not deport them to Myanmar.

The two Rohingya Muslim refugees, Mohammad Sallimullah and Mohammad Shakir, who had knocked the doors of the apex court in the regard, today told the court that they would face certain death on being deported to Myanmar.

The two petitioners are residing at Madanpur Khadar.

Earlier, representing Sallimullah and Shakir, advocate Prashant Bhushan asserted that such a move would be unconstitutional as the apex court had repeatedly ruled, as in the case of the Chakma refugees, that it was the cardinal duty of the Union Government to protect refugees, who leave their own country because of persecution at the hands of state authorities.

Bhushan had apprised the court that approximately 40,000 Rohingya Muslims residing in India were registered with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

The Rohingyas fled to India after violence in the Western Rakhine State of Myanmar.

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Minister of State (MoS) for Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, in a blatant statement, on Tuesday asserted that the Rohingya Muslims will have to leave India.

Nullifying ambiguity in the regard, Singh said that New Delhi has always maintained its stand that the Rohingya's will have to return to their land.

"It is more than obvious and the home ministry has time and again reiterated that India's position as far as Rohingya sentiments are concerned is clear, they have to go back," said Singh.

Singh further said that even the Rohingyas, who have illegally settled in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, will have to migrate back.

"This also equally applies to the Rohingyas, who have got illegally settled in different parts of Kashmir including Jammu and Kashmir and I am sure there is no ambiguity about it," said Singh.

Earlier in the day, Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju shunned reports of Centre cracking whip over Rohingyas Muslim in regard with their deportation and said that no other nation has accepted refugees as India.

Rijiju said that India will not use force for deportation, rather will follow legal procedure in the connection.

Two Rohingya Muslim refugees yesterday urged the Supreme Court to direct the central government not to deport them to Myanmar.

Two Rohingya Muslim refugees, Mohammad Sallimullah and Mohammad Shakir, who had knocked the doors of the apex court in the regard, on Tuesday told the court that they would face certain death on being deported to Myanmar.

The two petitioners are residing at Madanpur Khadar.

Earlier, representing Sallimullah and Shakir advocate Prashant Bhushan asserted that such a move would be unconstitutional as the apex court had repeatedly ruled, as in the case of Chakma refugees, that it was the cardinal duty of the Union Government to protect refugees who leave their own country because of persecution at the hands of state authorities.

Bhushan had apprised the court that approximately 40,000 Rohingya Muslims residing in India were registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The Rohingyas fled to India after violence in the Western Rakhine State of Myanmar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe into the death of deputy superintendent of police M K Ganapathy on July 7, last year.

The order came as a huge blow to K J George and two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, who were accused of harassment by the deceased officer.

Before death, Ganapathy, in a Television interviews, accused the then Bengaluru city development minister K J George and senior officers A M Prasad and Pranab Mohanty of harassing him.

Ganapathy's family moved the Apex Court against the Karnataka High Court order, which refused to intervene in the matter of handing over the probe to the CBI.

Despite arguments, the Apex Court Bench, comprising of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Uday Lalit, ordered a CBI probe into the matter.

The row over Ganapathy's death had forced George to resign as the then Home Minister of Karnataka.

In July last year, Ganapathy was found hanging in a lodge in Madikeri area by the police. He left a suicide note, in which he accused Additional Director General of Police (intelligence) AM Prasad, Lokayukta Inspector General of Police Pronab Mohanty and Bengaluru development minister KJ George, of harassment.

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Senior journalist and activist has been shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga on Tuesday.

Reportedly, she was shot by three unidentified gunmen.

Lankesh was the editor of the Patrike, a magazine described as an 'anti-establishment' publication.



"We learnt that the victim was shot dead from close range when she was standing at her house in Rajarajeswari Nagar around 8.00 p.m.," a senior police official told IANS.

Last year in November she was convicted of defamation and was sentenced to six months in jail, after she ran a piece in 2008 that Prahlad Joshi, a BJP MP from Dharwad, and Umesh Dushi, also of the BJP, found objectionable.

However, the court also granted her bail and allowed her to appeal to a higher court.

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Senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh has been shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga on Tuesday.

Reportedly, she was shot by three unidentified gunmen.

More details awaited.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a magazine described as an 'anti-establishment' publication.

Last year in November she was convicted of defamation and was sentenced to six months in jail, after she ran a piece in 2008 that Prahlad Joshi, a BJP MP from Dharwad, and Umesh Dushi, also of the BJP, found objectionable.

However, the court also granted her bail and allowed her to appeal to a higher court.

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A Shimla Court on Tuesday granted permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct polygraph test on the eight accused, who were arrested in connection to the custodial death of one accused in Shimla gang rape case.

All the accused have been sent to police custody till September 7.

On August 29, the CBI arrested eight people, including Inspector General of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in connection to the custodial death of a Shimla gang rape accused.

The accused was arrested along with five others for allegedly raping and killing a 16-year-old girl in Kotkhai area of Himachal Pradesh's Shimla.

All the six accused were arrested after the father of the minor girl lodged a complaint with the Kotkhai Police Station.

The accused raped and murdered the girl when she was returning home from school on July 5.

Her body was reportedly found a day after she went missing, from a nearby forest area.

The CBI is investigating the case.

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Coming down heavily on Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh Government over the deaths of more than 100 children in state government-run hospitals, the Shiv Sena, in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece 'Saamna', on Tuesday criticised termed the incidents as case of 'a spree of children's homicide'.

Citing the fact that these kids who died at Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College and Farrukhabad district hospital belonged to the poor families, the Shiv Sena said instead of acting as a 'God' to the poor', these government hospitals are proving to be a 'God of death' for them.

"The government-run hospitals are one and only shelter for the poor in the midst of an alarming health crisis. If these hospitals show such negligence, how the needy will survive?" the article read.

Holding the UP Government responsible for the recent deaths, due to oxygen shortage, the Shiv Sena averred that this clearly states the government is unconcerned about the facilities in the hospital.

Following the Gorakhpur incident that took lives of more than 70 children at Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, at least 49 children died in Farrukhabad in last one month.

According to the reports, parents alleged the hospital authority for the death of the children and claimed that they have informed the magistrates about the lack of oxygen and medicines in the hospital.

A first information report (FIR) was also registered against the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Farrukhabad's Ram Manohar Lohia Rajkiya Chikitsalaya.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday condemned the death of Senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh and said it 'is an assassination on democracy'.

Siddaramaiah took to his Twitter handle to express his disappointment and said that Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice.

"Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," Siddaramaiah Tweeted.

"In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend," he added.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru deputy commissioner of police M.N. Anucheth confirmed that Lankesh was killed around 8 - 8: 15 pm at her residence.

Anucheth said that the number of assailants is not very clear, but three people are suspected to be involved in this.

He said that Lankesh succumbed to multiple bullet wounds on her body.

Senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh has been shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a magazine described as an 'anti-establishment' publication.

Last year in November she was convicted of defamation and was sentenced to six months in jail, after she ran a piece in 2008 that Prahlad Joshi, a BJP MP from Dharwad, and Umesh Dushi, also of the BJP, found objectionable.

However, the court also granted her bail and allowed her to appeal to a higher court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The South Korean Navy held major live-fire drills on Tuesday in response to North Korea's nuclear test site which it claimed as a "perfectly successful" Hydrogen Bomb test.

The army and air force drills, held at an undisclosed location on Monday morning, involved launching ballistic missiles in a simulated strike against North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site, from where the hydrogen bomb capable of being loaded on to an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) was detonated.

The South Korean intelligence and military officials said Kim Jong-un would again conduct another ballistic missile test. Seoul's Defence Ministry also measured North Korea's nuclear test at 50 kilotons..

Seoul is ready to install four more launchers to complete the deployment of a controversial U.S. missile-defence system to counter the growing threat from the North, the defence ministry said .

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's warnings to North Korea of a "massive military response," South Korea's military fired missiles into the sea to simulate an attack on the North's main nuclear test site.

In a series of tweets, Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with the North, a veiled warning to China, and faulted South Korea for what he called "talk of appeasement."

The South Korean forces will also conduct joint exercises with the U.S. soon. In addition, Seoul and Washington are considering the deployment of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, strategic bomber and other military hardware to the Korean peninsula in response to Sunday's test, the Guardian reported.

Monday's live-fire drills were held hours after James Mattis, the U.S. defence secretary, said there would be a "massive military response" if North Korea threatened the U.S. or any of its allies.

"Any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam or our allies, will be met with a massive military response, a response both effective and overwhelming," he said.

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United President Trump on Tuesday ended an Obama-era program that allowed some undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children to work and live legally.

"The program, known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration, is being rescinded," the New York Times quoted Attorney General Jeff Sessions as saying to reporters.

He said the United States should set and enforce a limit on how many immigrants to should be allowed each year as all of them can't be allowed.

Earlier, United States President Donald Trump asked the Congress to get ready to do their job on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

"Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" Trump tweeted.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Monday said that his state will sue United States President Donald Trump if he ended the DACA programme.

Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Paul Ryan had urged President Donald Trump to hold off on scrapping Obama-era DACA program as he gave a major boost to legislative efforts to preserve protections for young undocumented immigrants.

The DACA program was formed through executive order by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and allows some undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to work and live legally.

The Obama administration program, known as DACA, allows some undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to work and live legally.

Some 800,000 people are protected under the DACA program.

Trump had campaigned against DACA and vowed to end Obama-era program if elected but has so far not made any decision about it.

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Katsuyuki Kawai, Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on Tuesday condemned the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on Sunday and dubbed it as 'unacceptable and unpardonable.'

Addresssing a session of 'Think Tank' in Delhi, Kawai said that the nuclear test conducted by North Korea is a destabilising development.

"The nuclear test by North Korea is totally unacceptable and unpardonable. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by North Korea is a destabilising development," he said.

He further called upon the United States to stop initiating a dialogue in the matter and send a strong message to North Korea.

"We want to give a message to the U.S. that it is not the time for a dialogue, but a time to send a strong message now," he added.

He further said that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is taking advantage of Chinese President Xi Jinping, avoiding any crisis before the the Communist Party Congress.

"The time has already arrived for the Japanese Defence Forces (JDF) possessing the IRBMs (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles)," he added.

Kawai further called upon Japan, the U.S. and India to deepen cooperation through peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking on the withdrawal of Doklam stand-off between India and China, Kawai said Japan welcomes the disengagement of the two armies.

"Japan is confronted with China's expansionist behaviour everyday," he added.

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Key benchmark indices trimmed gains in early afternoon trade. At 12:15 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 45.60 points or 0.14% at 31,747.85. The Nifty index was up 12.35 points or 0.12% at 9,925.20. Gains were led by index heavyweights Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank.

Domestic stocks drifted higher in early trade. Key benchmark indices hovered in positive zone in morning trade. Indices gyrated in a small range in mid-morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.36%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.85%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The broad market depicted strength. There were more than two gainers against every loser on BSE. 1,575 shares rose and 706 shares fell. A total of 134 shares were unchanged.

Oil & gas stocks gained. Shares of oil exploration and production (E&P) companies edged higher. ONGC (up 0.62%) and Oil India (up 0.19%) edged higher.

Reliance Industries gained 1.15% after a foreign brokerage house reportedly said it expects the oil and gas major's gross refining margins to gain on a global supply glut concerns.

Among PSU OMCs, HPCL (up 0.06%), BPCL (up 0.21%), and Indian Oil Corporation (up 0.55%) gained.

Among gas utility stocks, Gujarat State Petronet (up 0.07%), Gujarat Gas (up 3.62%) and GAIL (India) (up 0.62%) rose.

Indraprastha Gas rose 3.18% to Rs 1,302 on reports a foreign brokerage maintained its buy rating on the stock with price target of Rs 1,390. Meanwhile, media reports suggested that the eighth round of gas bidding license for gas distribution in Karnal, Haryana is set to go to Indraprastha Gas (IGL). License will be awarded in the next month when new members are likely to be appointed to the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board. Compared with other bidders, IGL submitted highest performance bond of Rs 306 crore for Karnal, reports added.

Auto stocks rose. Bajaj Auto (up 1.42%), Tata Motors (up 0.51%), Maruti Suzuki India (up 0.31%), Eicher Motors (up 0.7%), Ashok Leyland (up 0.03%), Escorts (up 1.45%) and Hero MotoCorp (up 0.22%) gained. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) (down 0.31%) and TVS Motor Company (down 0.08%) declined.

Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals rose 10.46% after the company said its board will meet on 9 September 2017 to consider matters related to buyback of equity shares. The announcement was made during trading hours today, 5 September 2017.

On the macro front, data released during market hours today, 5 September 2017 showed the Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 47.5 in August from July's 45.9. The Indian service sector was again impacted by the goods and services tax (GST) during August as a second consecutive drop in new business resulted in another monthly decline in activity, the PMI survey said.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading on a mixed note as traders awaited further developments on the North Korea front. China's Caixin/Markit August services purchasing managers' index (PMI) today, 5 September 2017 showed an increase to 52.7 from 51.5 in the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates economic expansion, while a reading below 50 points toward contraction.

US financial markets remained closed yesterday, 4 September 2017 in observance of Labor Day. The US on Monday called for the strongest possible sanctions to be imposed on North Korea a day after the North said it had tested a hydrogen bomb.

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Key benchmark indices hovered in positive zone in morning trade. At 10:18 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 79.03 points or 0.25% at 31,781.28. The Nifty index was up 22.65 points or 0.23% at 9,935.50. Gains were led by index heavyweights Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank.

Domestic stocks drifted higher in early trade led by index heavyweights Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.51%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.84%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The broad market depicted strength. There were more than two gainers against every loser on BSE. 1,455 shares rose and 518 shares fell. A total of 89 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading on a mixed note as traders awaited further developments on the North Korea front. China's Caixin/Markit August services purchasing managers' index (PMI) today, 5 September 2017 showed an increase to 52.7 from 51.5 in the previous month.

US financial markets remained closed yesterday, 4 September 2017 in observance of Labor Day. The US on Monday called for the strongest possible sanctions to be imposed on North Korea a day after the North said it had tested a hydrogen bomb.

Back home, cement stocks rose. Ambuja Cements (up 1.03%), ACC (up 0.16%), Shree Cement (up 0.12%) and UltraTech Cement (up 0.95%) gained.

Grasim Industries was up 0.3%. Grasim has exposure to the cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

Realty stocks gained. Indiabulls Real Estate (up 1.81%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (up 1.2%), D B Realty (up 1.51%), DLF (up 0.77%), Sobha (up 0.36%), Godrej Properties (up 0.25%) and Oberoi Realty (up 0.75%) rose. Unitech (down 0.51%) and Prestige Estates Projects (down 0.68%) fell.

Dilip Buildcon rose 1.31% to Rs 582 at 9:25 IST on BSE, with the stock recovering on bargain hunting after recent slide. Shares of Dilip Buildcon had fallen 7.7% in the preceding four trading sessions to settle at Rs 574.50 yesterday, 4 September 2017, from its closing of Rs 622.45 on 29 August 2017.

IRB Infrastructure Developers rose 1.59% after the company said it started toll collection and construction at Udaipur tollway. The announcement was made after trading hours yesterday, 4 September 2017.

IRB Infrastructure Developers announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Udaipur Tollway, incorporated for implementation of six-laning from Udaipur to Rajasthan/Gujarat Border project has received the appointed date from the competent authority. Accordingly, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) started toll collection and also construction on the project from 3 September 2017.

The project is on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) pattern. The concession period of the project is 21 years, including construction period of 910 days. The company started toll collection on the project from appointed date i.e. 3 September 2017 being six lanning project. The company has offered premium of Rs 163.80 crore to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The premium payment will commence after three years from the appointed date in terms of the concession agreement.

On the macro front, Markit Economics will unveil the result of a monthly survey on the performance of India's services sector in August 2017 today, 5 September 2017.

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For next two years

Kwality announced the renewal of contract with leading Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar as its brand ambassador for the next two years. The company had signed the actor in October'2015 to achieve quick consumer mindshare and in line with its brand positioning platform of 'Active Performance'.

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At least 12 persons, including minors and an on-duty policeman, lost their lives during immersion ceremonies on Anant Chaturdashi, marking the end of the 12-day long Ganeshotsav celebrations throughout the state on Tuesday, officials said.

Four persons drowned in the Indrayani river in the twin cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, three in Aurangabad, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed during the day as thousands of the gigantic, large, medium and small idols of the popular elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, were taken out for immersions in various water bodies.

In Mumbai, an Assistant Sub-Inspector who was posted on Ganeshotsav duty at Lalbaug in Parel, suddenly collapsed and died. Further details were awaited.

One person was reported to be missing in Indrayani river in Pune and a search is on to trace him, officials said.

Earlier in the morning, idols of Lord Ganesha were taken down from their pedestals amid chanting of the "Udvasana Mantra" and carried out of the various marquees, societies and individual homes in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nashik, coastal Konkan districts and other towns in the state.

This was the 125th year of the state's biggest public festival, started in a modest way by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1894 to rally the masses during the Independence movement and bypass restrictions imposed by the British rulers on public meetings.

Devotees taking Ganesh idol for immersion at Girgaum Chowpatty in Mumbai. Photo: Kamlesh Pednekar

The idols were brought onto the roads to the accompaniment of 'dhols' (drums), cymbals, with thousands dancing and chanting "Ganpati Bappa Moraya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" (Lord Ganesha bless us, come soon next year), in clouds of auspicious red 'gulaal'.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and is family members immersed their idol in an artificial pond outside his home, while several ministers and lawmakers joined the festivities by dancing, playing 'lezim' and beating drums with the public.

Tight security by multiple agencies was in place in Mumbai since the Ganesh Chaturthi on August 25 with over 40,000 personnel of the Mumbai Police, teams of Fire Brigade, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, disaster management units deployed. Besides, helicopters, high-speed patrol boats and hovercrafts watched over the coastline, and over 5,000 CCTVs closely monitored the western megapolis.

Drones too kept an eye in Mumbai and other cities both for aerial surveillance and for beaming real-time images to the monitoring agencies during the immersion ceremonies.

A team of Disaster Amateur Radio Emergency Services, an amateur HAM radio operators' group, was also active at various spots in Mumbai.

The main immersion site in Mumbai was the the historic Girgaum Chowpatty which attacted several lakh people, including domestic and foreign tourists.

Top officials like Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar and BrihanMumbai Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ajoy Mehta personally kept a tab on all the developments.

Thousands of domestic idols also joined the giants for immersions at the Dadar Chowpatty, Mahim seaface, beaches of Juhu, Versova, Gorai, Madh, Marve, Manori, Sanjay Gandhi Park and Aarey Milk Colony, natural ponds and artificial water bodies created for an eco-friendly immersion all over Mumbai.

Besides Mumbai, the other major immersions have begun in the coastal district of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg since daybreak, in the presence of lifeguards provided by various civic bodies and volunteers at the seashores, beaches, local rivers, lakes and ponds. The immersions are expected to continue till late in the night.

This year, Mumbai hosted around 11,550 big Ganeshotsav celebrations with budgets running into several crores of rupees; 190,000 medium or small groups with budgets of around Rs 500,000 to Rs 5 million, and millions of individual households in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra.

Naresh Dahibhavkar, the President of BrihanMumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, said this year there were around 300 gigantic idols in public marquees within the prescribed height limit of 18-feet.

This year, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation made special arrangements for domestic and international tourists from the US, Europe, Japan, Thailand and other countries to view the immersion ceremonies at Girguam and other places as part of its new intiative -- the Ganeshotsav Tourism.

As usual, some of the biggest idols were seen in Mumbai at the famed Lalbaug-cha Raja, Ganesh Gully, Borivali's Kastur Park, Sewri-cha Raja, Andheri-cha Raja, Fort-cha Raja, Khetwadi, Bandra and Shivaji Park which are due for immersions later in the night, with the ceremonies likely to continue till Wednesday dawn.

Post-immersions, several NGOs, celebs, students and volunteers have announced elaborate beach cleaning programmes in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and other parts of the state.
Sri Lanka has released at least 80 Indian fishermen who had been caught poaching in the island nation's waters, officials said Tuesday.

The Sri Lankan Navy handed over the fishermen to Indian Coast Guard at the international maritime boundary line, from there they were taken to Tamil Nadu, Xinhua news agency reported.

The fishermen were released as a goodwill gesture.

The released fishermen include 48 from Pudukottai district, 24 from Ramanathapuram and eight from Nagapattinam district, an official said.

Indian fishermen get frequently arrested for fishing in Sri Lankan waters. India and Sri Lanka are divided by a narrow strip of sea.

--IANS

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Echoing the "Congress-mukt (free) North East" slogan, BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday expressed confidence that the party-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) will form governments in the remaining three of the eight states in the region.

Addressing the second NEDA conclave here, Shah said infiltration, vote-bank and political use of killer groups have derailed the northeast's development.

"I think we are successfully progressing towards that direction. In five of the eight states, we have Chief Ministers who are members of the NEDA. I am confident that in the upcoming elections, in all the eight states NEDA will be successful in forming the government," Shah said.

"I hope in the next annual conference all the eight Chief Ministers will be sitting here and NEDA represents all the eight states," he added.

Earlier, Assam's Health and Finance Minister Sharma said that NEDA is an alliance of parties which is concerned about development of the North East region and making it Congress-mukt. "We are working towards that," he asserted.

The conclave was attended by Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland. Of the other three states, Tripura is governed by CPI-M, and Meghalaya and Mizoram by the Congress.

Shah said that nothing was done in the last 65 years for the development of the region.

"The region's development suffered a lot because nothing was done to stop infiltration, to bring the militants to the mainstream and to stop smuggling," Shah said.

"Despite potential it did not develop as much. There is potential in the scenic beauty of the region which can be utilised in tourism to generate employment. In 65 years, since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh-ji whatever Congress governments have done for the region, we have done in three years many times more than them," he said.

The BJP chief said the party has taken many initiatives in the past three years for the development of the region and stressed on the need to unite the region culturally.

"North East's development is the government's first priority. There has been change in our policy towards the region. I am happy to say that in the past three years under Narendra Modi's leadership, the amount of work that has been done in the North East has happened for the first time after Independence. As a result of this, people from different cultures and identities, every party came together on the platform of NEDA to take forward the growth engine of the country's development," he said.

He said NEDA will not just be a political platform but it will be pious effort to connect the North East culturally, in a united form, with the whole country.

"About 270 different types of castes and cultures are there. More than 180 languages are spoken. To keep the North East, of such diversity of cultures, united is one of the primary aim of NDA and BJP. By bringing together all the cultures and civilisations in the region, NEDA will also become a cultural platform and also a development platform for the northeast.

"We should take a decision that in Guwahati a research centre for the development of North East under the stewardship of NEDA will be established. A cultural platform will also be formed in Guwahati for cultural unity among 8 states," he said.

He said Prime Minister Modi also wants to see the North East developed and corruption-free and has many hopes from NEDA.

Shah said the party took all the necessary steps for the development of the region.

"We talked to Bangladesh for the land boundary agreement and implemented it. A surgical strike was carried out in Myanmmar. We improved relations with other neighbouring countries also," he said.

--IANS

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Andrea Agnelli was on Tuesday appointed President of the European Club Association (ECA) during its 19th General Assembly here.

The Italian Juventus President took over the helm replacing German Karl Heinz Rummenigge, who was in charge of the association since its foundation in 2008, reports Efe.

"My predecessor, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, has set a great example and has set the bar of achievements at a very high level," Agnelli said after his appointment.

"I am looking forward, together with the Executive Board and the Administration, to build on his significant results as we manage ECA in the coming years," he added.

Agnelli suggested a review of the Financial Fair Play Regulations to make sure it responds to the current needs.

He declined to talk about the most controversial case during the summer transfer window -- Paris Saint Germain's record signing of Brazilian forward Neymar Jr -- saying that UEFA, the competent authority, had opened an investigation into possible violations.

--IANS

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Bangladesh's elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) early on Tuesday cordoned off a building here in the capital, where suspected militants were holed up, a media report said.

The RAB has evacuated residents from the building in Mirpur's Mazar Road, bdnews24 reported. It has been making calls asking the suspect to surrender, RAB's spokesperson Mufti Mahmud Khan said.

According to a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) officer the six-storeyed house at Darussalam was cordoned off at midnight following a tip-off.

The man described as a 'dangerous militant' was holed up inside along with his family. The numbers, however, are not confirmed, bdnews24 said.

"We spoke on the phone with one suspect inside. We are continuing our communication. We have also successfully moved all residents to safety," said Khan.

The residents have been evacuated to a school located near the building.

Several bombs, including some Molotov cocktails, were hurled towards the RAB from inside around 1 a.m. but none has been injured in the explosions, he said.

The raid in the militant hideout is still underway.

Security has been tightened in Bangladesh after militants attacked a Spanish cafe in Dhaka's Gulshan on July 1, 2016, which left 22 people, mostly foreigners, dead.

--IANS

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Are you tired of the daily routine and planning to take up the role of a "kept man", someone who is financially supported by his spouse? Beware, according to a study, men who are not main earners in relationships could suffer stress conditions.

The findings showed that being a kept man may be dangerous for the health and can increase the risk of suffering heart problems, chronic lung disease and stomach ulcers.

This happens because their masculinity is damaged, the researchers said.

"Men who were raised to be the main breadwinner may feel they are falling short, and may be made to feel inadequate by their peers, family members, and even their spouse and children," Deborah Carr, Professor at Boston University in the US, was quoted as saying to the Daily Mail.

"These processes of stigmatisation can take a toll on a man's sense of masculinity, self, and competence," Carr added.

The study showed that when such men are toppled from the position of breadwinner, they may also seek to regain their manliness through smoking, drinking and eating unhealthily.

"Men who do not uphold the male breadwinner role may feel like a professional failure, or may feel that they are failing their families by not providing for them economically," Carr said.

"Men who hold particularly rigid gender role expectations may also be troubled by their wives' career success and earning capacity, especially if the husband believes his wife's work activities are taking away from her home-making activities," she noted.

For the study, published in the Journal of Ageing and Heath, the team studied nearly 1,100 married couples over three decades, finding health problems in men whose wife became the main breadwinner early or late in the marriage.

Previous research has found that while women who are the main breadwinners may try harder to keep their marriage on track, their husbands are more likely to abuse them or cut back on their contribution to housework.

--IANS

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At least 381 civilians have been killed by Islamist terror group Boko Haram in the past five months in Nigeria and Cameroon, an international human rights watchdog said on Tuesday.

In a report, Amnesty International attributed the rise in the death toll to a spike in suicide bombings, mostly carried out by women and girls, in northeastern Nigeria as well as northern Cameroon, Efe news agency reported.

"Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can," said Alioune Tine, AI's West and Central Africa Director.

Boko Haram's attacks in Nigeria have caused the death of at least 223 civilians since April, while the death toll in August alone has reached 100.

"This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence... highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians in the Lake Chad region," Tine added.

Tine stressed that the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon "must take swift action to protect" these people.

Millions of civilians are in need of urgent humanitarian aid due to the current situation in the Lake Chad region, where at least 2.3 million people have been displaced.

More than seven million people across Lake Chad, including five million in Nigeria and 1.5 million in Cameroon, suffer a severe shortage of food.

Amnesty added that the recent increase in insecurity had made humanitarian operations "difficult, or even impossible", leaving areas like northeastern Nigeria totally inaccessible.

--IANS

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Beware of violence-prone inter-communal tension in Gujarat, while in Goa be warned of spiked drinks, the latest advisory for British tourists to India has cautioned.

The advisory issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Tuesday also asks tourists, especially women travellers to respect local customs and dresses, as well as avoid visiting remote and unlit beaches after dark.

In its advisory for the Western Indian region, the advisory asks tourists to stay away from the India-Pakistan border, while also suggesting caution while travelling within Gujarat.

"There continues to be some inter communal tension in Gujarat which can lead to isolated incidents of violence," the advisory states.

Commenting about Goa, one of the most favourite beach tourism destinations for tourists from Britain, the advisory states that "there have been a few serious incidents involving British nationals, most recently the murder of a young female traveller in March 2017".

"You should observe and respect local dress and customs. Take particular care of your bags and purses and avoid unlit and remote beaches after dark. Keep your passport and other valuables safe," the advisory states.

"Don't leave your drinks unattended. There have been reports of drinks being spiked and travellers, including British nationals, subsequently being robbed or assaulted," it adds.

Cautioning tourists against swimming in the sea, on account of strong currents, the advisory asks tourists to follow warnings posted on beaches and instructions issued by lifeguards.

"Every year several people drown due to the strong currents in the sea. Emergency service standards may differ from those in the UK," it says.

"Road traffic accidents are common and many fatal accidents occur each year. Wear a good quality helmet if renting a motorcycle or scooter," the advisory also says.

For those tourists keen on a shopping spree, the advisory warns against confidence tricksters preying on foreign tourists.

"Be wary of confidence tricksters, particularly in Goa, Agra and Jaipur, who promise large amounts of cash for delivery of jewellery abroad in return for an initial deposit. The jewellery is worthless and the deposit, often amounting to thousands of pounds, is lost," the advisory says.

--IANS

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Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha was formally charged with treason on Tuesday, two days after he was arrested in a raid that was criticised by the UN and other international organisations.

A Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesperson said there were enough legal grounds to charge the 64-year-old with conspiring against the government with a foreign power, reports Efe news.

"He has been accused of treason, which carries a prison term of between 15 to 30 years, based on a video of a speech he made in 2013 and which has been publicly available since then," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said.

"I am seriously concerned at the arrest, which appears to have been carried out with no respect for due process guarantees, including respect for his parliamentary immunity."

He also expressed concern that numerous public statements made by Prime Minister Hun Sen and other officials "breach the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial".

The government had also recently shut down the offices of the Washington-based non-profit National Democratic Institute as well as 19 radio stations and the newspaper Cambodia Daily.

The Cambodian parliamentary elections will take place on July 29, 2018, and for the first time the Cambodian People's Party, led by Hun Sen who has been the Prime Minister since 1985, has not emerged as a clear favourite.

--IANS

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Three more Egyptian pilgrims died during Haj in Saudi Arabia's Mecca on Tuesday, raising the total death toll among Egyptian pilgrims to 57, said the Egyptian Health Ministry.

The head of Egypt's medical Haj mission, Ahmed al-Ansary, has been coordinating with the Saudi authorities to issue death certificates for the dead pilgrims, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ages of the dead varied from 60 to 85, he said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia started on Wednesday the Haj pilgrimage of 2017, with the participation of more than two million pilgrims, including 1.8 million foreigners, according to the Saudi authorities.

Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and one of the most important rituals for Muslims worldwide. Every Muslim must perform it at least once in a lifetime if affordable.

Saudi Arabia announced tight security during the Haj season as it banned over 400,000 illegal pilgrims from entering Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, for not having Haj permits.

The government said it had taken serious steps, including fine and jail terms against violators, to ensure smooth Haj rituals for pilgrims.

--IANS

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Egypt will host the joint Egyptian-US military exercise known as "The Bright Star" from September 10 to 20 at a military base in the Arab country, a Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement.

"The Bright Star is considered one of the most important joint exercises for both the Egyptian and the American armed forces, which reflects the depth of relations and the level of military cooperation between the two sides," said Egyptian military spokesman Tamer al-Refaay in the statement on Tuesday.

Launched in 1981, the joint biennial training has been suspended since 2009, due to the ouster of former presidents Hosni Mubarak and Mohamed Morsi following mass protests in 2011 and 2013 respectively, Xinhua news agency reported.

Later dissatisfaction of former US President Barack Obama's administration with the Egyptian new leadership led to suspension of the Bright Star as well as halting annual US military aid to Egypt of $1.3 billion.

Assuming the Oval Office in January, new US President Donald Trump promised to resume both the exercise and the aid to Egypt under President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Both Trump and Sisi have repeatedly exchanged remarks of praise and promised further cooperation and partnership.

The Egyptian military spokesman noted that the training will focus on the fields of security cooperation and counterterrorism amid the ongoing unconventional anti-terror war.

Earlier in April, the Egyptian and the US navies launched on a joint exercise in the waters of the Red Sea, dubbed "Eagle Salute 2017," where Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Pakistan participated as monitors.

The Bright Star resumption comes a couple of weeks after Washington said it would withhold some $300 million in aid to Egypt over human rights concerns.

Egypt receives annually about $1.5 billion in US military and economic aid since it signed the 1979 US-sponsored peace treaty with Israel.

--IANS

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The mammoth Ganesh procession was underway in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana amid tight security on Tuesday, marking the culmination of the 11-day festivities.

Thousands of idols of different sizes and different avatars' from various parts of Hyderabad and outskirts were being carried for immersion in Hussain Sagar, the lake which divides the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The idols were also being immersed in lakes and water bodies in different parts of the city and outskirts.

About 15 lakh people were expected to join the immersion processions, including the main processions, as over 27,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain peace.

In a departure from the past, the tallest idol installed every year at Khairatabad was the first to begin its journey towards Hussain Sagar. Huge cranes were deployed for immersion of the 57-foot-tall idol.

During the previous years, the tallest idol used to be the last to begin its journey for immersion and the process used to stretch on to the next day. Police this time persuaded the organisers to start the procession early for smooth conduct of the immersion.

Authorities have deployed 159 cranes, including 51 static cranes, at 23 water bodies for immersion. At Hussain Sagar, where 5,000 idols are expected to be immersed, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) along with other departments has arranged 27 cranes.

Greater Hyderabad Mayor B. Rammohan said about 6,000 idols were immersed till Monday in the special immersion ponds set up by the GHMC at a cost of Rs 21 crore to avoid pollution in Hussain Sagar and facilitate early completion of the ceremony.

Officials said nearly 26,000 idols were installed this year in and around Hyderabad and nearly half of them were already immersed. For the first time, the police geo-tagged the idols to ensure smooth conduct of the immersion.

About 95,000 idols were registered with the police across Telangana. Telangana Director General of Police Anurag Sharma said that elaborate security arrangements had been made in Hyderabad and other towns in the state to maintain law and order.

Massive security arrangements were in place in Hyderabad. Over 27,000 security personnel, including those drawn from central paramilitary forces, were deployed.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy said they were monitoring the processions through 15,000 CCTV cameras and 800 video cameras. In addition to this, the top cop will conduct an aerial survey.

As the main procession passes through the communally sensitive old city, the police were keeping a tight vigil on the route, especially at the historic Makkah Masjid near Charminar. The main control room to monitor the procession has been set up near Charminar.

As many as 16 bomb disposal teams were also pressed into service. Personnel of elite anti-Maoist force Greyhounds and anti-terror unit OCTOPUS were also kept on stand-by for any emergency.

--IANS

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The High Court of Australia on Tuesday began a two-day hearing on the legality of a postal survey which is crucial in determining whether same-sex marriage will be legalised in the country.

The Liberal Party-led government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who promised a plebiscite on same-sex marriage during the 2016 election campaigns, resorted to the postal survey after the Senate rejected a proposal to hold a plebiscite for a second time, reports Efe news.

The High Court must rule on whether the government has the power to allocate about 122 million Australian dollars ($97 million) to this project without parliament's approval.

The plaintiffs in the case also appealed that the project has been entrusted to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), whose purpose is to collect and disseminate data and not opinions, and not to the Australian Electoral Commission.

"Families like mine and trans- and diversity young people have already, without the campaign having started, been subjected to vile hate and abuse," Felicity Marlowe, who has three children with Sarah -- her partner of 17 years, said at a press conference in Melbourne.

The government plans to start distributing the postal survey, which is voluntary and non-binding, on September 12, and participants have until November 7 to return their response.

If a majority of citizens are in favour, it is expected that the legalisation on the matter will be passed before December 7, when parliament closes the current legislative session.

Australia, which allows civil unions in several states, has been criticised by several organisations for not legalising same-sex marriage.

In December 2013, the High Court rescinded a law allowing such marriages in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as it was deemed to have contravened the Federal Marriage Act of 1961.

Similar legislative proposals have also failed in the states of Tasmania and New South Wales.

--IANS

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Thousands of Hindus and Buddhists on Tuesday summoned rain during the celebration of the Indra Jatra festival here, and prayed to God Indra for good harvest.

Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other senior officials participated in the festive events, held at the Basantapur Durbar Square, a site that features on the United Nations' cultural agency world heritage list, Efe news agency reported.

"This festival is an honor to Lord Indra, God of rain and good harvest, for his blessings to the devotees," religious leader Ram Chandra Gautam, told Efe about the festival, which began on Sunday and will go for the rest of the week.

For centuries, Nepalese kings had presided over the festivities until the country's transition to a republic in 2008.

--IANS

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed at a bilateral meeting here on Tuesday that keeping peace on their border was necessary to further deepen their bilateral ties.

At a bilateral after the conclusion of the 9th BRICS Summit here, Modi and Xi agreed that "peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of (bilateral) relationship", Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar told the media.

"One of the important points they made during the meeting was that peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of our relationship," he told the media.

Indian and Chinese troops ended last month a tense stand-off on the Doklam border that began in June and which seriously affected their bilateral ties.

This was the first meeting between Xi and Modi after the conclusion of the border row.

Jaishankar said the discussions were "forward-looking and constructive". He said the issue of counter-terrorism did not figure in the talks.

--IANS

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen their ties at a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

"Delighted to meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We held talks on further strengthening our historical ties," Modi tweeted after their meeting.

He said that el-Sisi "emphasised on India's commitment and endeavours towards expanding development cooperation with other nations, particularly Africa".

The two leaders previously met during the President's visit to India last September.

--IANS

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Authorities at state-run auditorium Mahajati Sadan here have cancelled the booking for an October 3 programme which RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was scheduled to attend, an organising committee member said on Tuesday.

"We booked the auditorium in June and furnished details of the programme. Sadan authorities informed us on Friday last that the facility could not be provided due to work to be undertaken at the auditorium," Rantideb Sengupta, General Secretary of Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations Committee, told IANS.

An auditorium official said all bookings from September 26 to October 6 stood cancelled due to renovation work to be undertaken during the period.

Sengupta said they were looking for an alternate venue and would hold the programme on October 3.

Condemning the booking cancellation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Spokesperson Jishnu Basu told IANS: "This is a politically motivated decision. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind organised an event on Triple Talaq at the same venue in the last week of August."

BJP West Bengal unit too claimed that permission for party President Amit Shah's meeting at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata too was denied on the ground that the venue was "pre-occupied".

"When we sought stadium's booking a week ago for Amit Shah's event, authorities rejected the proposal," Bharatiya Janata Party National Secretary Rahul Sinha said.

"There have been many instances when permission for our party programmes was denied and we found that the proposed venues were not used on those days," he alleged.

--IANS

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Debutant filmmaker Krishna R.V. Marimuthu says it's love for cinema and creativity from a tender age that brought him and actor Naga Chaitanya together for the forthcoming Telugu action-thriller "Yuddham Sharanam".

Chaitanya and Krishna have been childhood friends and share extreme love for cinema.

"Both of us have been in creative collaboration from childhood. We were in a band together. From Class 7 or 8, we have been talking about doing movies together," Krishna told IANS, and added as a youngster he was more interested in music.

Eventually, Krishna took a liking to writing.

"He chose acting and I started writing. I wanted to try my hand in cinema, and I ended up working as an assistant director to A.L. Vijay and Krish.

"Chaitanya and I were always in touch, bouncing ideas and were waiting for the right project to collaborate. I believe our love for cinema brought us together," he said.

"Yuddham Sharanam" is slated for release on Friday.

Talking about the film, Krishna said it's a story of a boy-next-door and what happens when he's pushed to the edge.

"What happens when a happy-go-lucky guy is forced to fight for his survival? What really got Chaitanya excited is when his character decides to stand up for himself, he undergoes a very organic transformation. The whole process takes time and audiences will really like it," he said.

The film also stars Lavanya Tripathi, Srikanth and Revathy.

Asked if working with Chaitanya was easy because he's a close friend, Krishna said: "Friendship made things difficult for us because it meant bigger responsibility. On the bright side, we could talk about things openly and address our problems easily."

"I had to remember I was working with a star and I had to keep his image in mind. I was very conscious about this part which pushed me out of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, Chaitanya would make me feel comfortable," he added.

Srikanth, most popular for his character roles, plays the antagonist in the film.

"Since I come from Tamil background, my knowledge about Telugu actors and their work was limited. But I did my research and found out that Srikanth has played a few roles with negative shades and he was terrific in them, especially where he played a corrupt cop," Krishna said.

--IANS

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Rome, Sep 5 (IANS/AKI) A four-year-old Italian girl has died from malaria in the northern city of Brescia, possibly after being bitten by a mosquito, health officials said. The girl had never been outside Italy.

The gravely ill girl passed away at the main hospital in Brescia in the Lombardy region on Sunday after she was rushed there from the city of Trento in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, according to officials.

The hospital in Brescia was disinfected after the child's death and Italy's Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin has sent a team of experts to investigate the case.

The girl may have been bitten by a mosquito that previously bit another person who had contracted the illness abroad.

There were 3,633 malaria cases reported in Italy between 2011 and 2015 among which only seven were people who had not caught the disease abroad, the Health Ministry said.

In two cases, people were bitten by mosquitoes that flew out of a plane which landed at Rome's airport while in a third case the person was bitten by a mosquito that had been trapped inside a wooden mask imported from Africa.

--IANS

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The Russian president on Tuesday warned that ramping up military hysteria with North Korea over its nuclear missile test could lead to a global catastrophe and instead advocated for renewed diplomatic efforts, a move that could hamper the US' petition for tighter international sanctions.

Vladimir Putin, speaking at a press conference following a BRICS meeting in Xiamen in China, struck a discord with Washington's approach to the North Korea crisis when he criticized the pursuit of further sanctions as useless and denounced military threats against the regime of Kim Jong-Un as dangerous, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Ramping up military hysteria in such conditions is senseless, it's a dead end," Putin said. "It could lead to a global, planetary catastrophe and a huge loss of human life. There is no other way to solve the North Korean nuclear issue, apart from through peaceful dialogue."

Early on Sunday, the world was alerted to Pyongyang successfully carrying out its largest ever nuclear missile test in the mountains in northern North Korea when observers detected up an 6.3-magnitude earthquake.

North Korean state media broadcast triumphant claims of success soon after.

Amid fears that the North Korean regime was planning a ballistic missile test similar to that conducted on July 4, the US escalated its rhetoric and called upon the UN Security Council to completely isolate the so-called hermit kingdom from the outside world, including the severance of its fuel-trade channel with China.

China and Russia have both since distanced themselves from that approach.

"They would rather eat grass than give up their nuclear programme," Putin said at the meeting of BRICS representatives, which gathers leaders from five emerging global economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He told the audience that Russia condemned North Korea's recent actions but opined that there was no other way to manage the situation than through dialogue.

Putin more directly criticized US diplomatic policy when he said it was drafted by people who confuse Australia with Austria, in reference to a famous slip of the tongue by former US President George W. Bush.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, on Monday called on the Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions on Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, the South Korean military has held drills as a show of force.

North Korea claimed that its nuclear warhead could be mounted onto an intercontinental ballistic missile, which would signal considerable progress in its nuclear programme.

Hours after the test, US President Donald Trump logged onto Twitter to denounce North Korea as an embarrassment to China, which he claimed was "trying to help (end the crisis) but with little success".

He later said he was considering stopping all US trade with any country that maintained commercial relations with the North Korean regime. Russia and China both have trade links with Pyongyang.

--IANS

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a "healthy" and "fruitful" bilateral meeting here on Tuesday and agreed to avoid another Doklam-like border row when their armies had a dragging face-off.

This was the first one-on-one meeting between Modi and Xi after the over two-month-long stand-off between the two armies at Doklam in the Sikkim section of the border.

In the over one hour meeting after the conclusion of the 9th BRICS Summit, both leaders discussed the need to maintain peace and tranquility on their winding border.

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," Modi tweeted later.

The Indian leader thanked the Chinese government and the people for their "warm hospitality" during the three-day BRICS Summit and said he was leaving for Myanmar.

On his part, Xi said "healthy and stable relations" between China and India were in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

"China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track," he told Modi.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi for the "very successful" execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

Xi also told Modi that "healthy and stable bilateral ties (were) in line with fundamental interests of the two nations".

Indian External Affairs Ministry Secretary S. Jaishankar described the Xi-Modi meet as "forward-looking" and "constructive".

"Overall, the readout I will give you is really sort of forward-looking, constructive," he told the media here.

"I think one of the important points which was made in the meeting was that peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for further development of the bilateral relationship."

Jaishankar said both the leaders agreed that "more efforts should be made to really enhance and strengthen the mutual level of trust between the two sides.

"It is natural that between large powers there would be areas of difference and it should be handled with mutual respect.

"Efforts should be made to find common ground in those areas... The defence and security personnel must maintain strong contact and cooperation and ensure that the sort of situation which happened recently should not recur," Jaishankar said.

The stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops began in June at Doklam, an area disputed by Bhutan and China. India said the Chinese decision to build a road in the area impacted New Delhi's strategic interests.

Indian troops entered the area and stopped the Chinese road work, angering Beijing. The border row seriously affected Sino-Indian relations until the two countries settled the issue by recalling their troops from Doklam last month.

Jaishankar said: "Both of us (India and China) know what happened. So, this was no backward looking conversation, this was forward looking conversation."

Asked if Modi raised the issue of sanctions against Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Jaishankar said these were not discussed.

In a diplomatic win for New Delhi, the Xiamen BRICS declaration issued on Monday named both JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which are based in Pakistan and have been blamed for terror attacks in India, along with the IS and Al Qaeda.

--IANS

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Days after a standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Sikkim sector of the international border, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

In his opening remarks, Modi congratulated Xi for the successful execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit here.

The meeting assumes significance as it comes after the end last week of over a two-month long military stand-off at Doklam in the Sikkim section.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

--IANS

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Myanmar amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.

Soon after his arrival here, he called on Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he has come. Prior to the meeting, the visiting dignitary was presented a guard of honour on the Presidential Palace grounds.

"PM @narendramodi welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw; both leaders inspect the guard of honour," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to India's eastern neighbour. He had come here in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's Foreign Minister and Minister of President's Office. Following the discussions, a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Suu Kyi is under mounting international pressure to stop the alleged human rights violations against the Rohingyas, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh -- where they are sparingly given refugee status -- to escape from the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over.

The latest exodus began on August 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile, India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living in the country illegally but the country's Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.

This apart, India's capacity building measures and infrastructure development projects are expected to come up for discussion during the Modi-Suu Kyi meeting.

India has committed grant-in-aid assistance amounting to Rs 4,000 crore to Myanmar, out of a total commitment of around $1.7 billion.

The projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar with the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a trilateral highway connecting northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand, and the Rhi-Tiddim road.

In terms of capacity building, New Delhi is assisting the eastern neighbour in setting up institutions of higher learning like the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Myanmar-India Centre for English Language Training and India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres.

India has also provided humanitarian relief following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora this year, Komen in 2015 and Nargis in 2008 and an earthquake in Shan state in 2010.

In a media briefing in New Delhi ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Indian External Affairs Ministry, said both sides would take stock of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also discuss the kind of projects which the new Myanmarese government has on its priority list and which they would like to partner India with in the process of execution.

"We will be guided by the government of Myanmar in terms of the choice of projects," Ranganthan said.

"The stated priorities of this government are infrastructure, power and energy and we believe these could be the areas where there is a great deal that Indian agencies can bring to the table."

With both countries sharing a 1,600-km-long boundary, the issue of security cooperation is also expected to come up for discussion.

During his stay in Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

Modi arrived here from Xiamen, China, where he attended the 9th BRICS Summit from September 3-5.

--IANS

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday discussed the Doklam border row which ended last month and agreed that such incidents should not recur.

This was the first one-on-one meeting between Modi and Xi after the over two-month-long military stand-off between the armies of the two countries at Doklam in the Sikkim section of the border.

In more than one hour bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit which ended on Tuesday, both leaders discussed the need to maintain peace and tranquility in their winding border.

"I think one of the important points which was made in the meeting was that peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of the bilateral relationship," Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said here.

He said both the leaders agreed that "more efforts should be made to really enhance and strengthen the mutual level of trust between the two sides.

"It is natural that between large powers there would be areas of difference and it should be handled with mutual respect.

"Efforts should be made to find common ground in those areas... The defence and security personnel must maintain strong contact and cooperation and ensure that the sort of situation which happened recently should not recur," Jaishankar said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here on Tuesday, with Xi calling for "healthy, stable bilateral ties" between the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Modi congratulated Xi for the "very successful" execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

The two leaders met in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the three-day Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.

Xi told Modi that "healthy, stable bilateral ties (were) in line with fundamental interests of the two nations", Xinhua news agency reported.

Indian and Chinese troops last month ended a tense stand-off on the Doklam border which began in June and which seriously affected their ties.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

--IANS

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More than 5,000 civilians have died in the Yemeni conflict since March 2015 and the extremist group al-Qaida has become "operational" expanding into the southwestern city of Taizz, a UN Human Rights Council report said Tuesday.

Human rights violations and abuses continue unabated in Yemen, along with unrelenting violations of international humanitarian law, with civilians suffering deeply the consequences of an "entirely man-made catastrophe," Xinhua news agency cited the report as saying.

As of August 30, at least 5,144 civilians have been documented as killed and more than 8,749 injured.

The civil war in Yemen, the Arab region's poorest country, began in March 2015 between two factions claiming to constitute the Yemeni government, along with their supporters and allies involving a Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels.

Other armed actors "have continued to take advantage of the prevailing insecurity in Yemen," said the report. "Over the past year, extremist groups have sustained and adapted their presences. For example, after being driven out of Al Mukalla in Hadramaut governorate in April 2016, Al Qaida is now operational in Taizz city."

The humanitarian crisis, with nearly 18.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid and 7.3 million on the brink of famine, is a direct result of the behavior of parties to the conflict, the report says.

These including indiscriminate attacks, attacks against civilians and protected objects, sieges, blockades and restrictions on movement.

Saudi Arabia, with support from the United States, has imposed a naval and airport blockade to assist the deposed government it supports, and resist the Houthi rebels.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein appealed to all the parties to the conflict "to have mercy on the people of Yemen, and to take immediate measures to ensure humanitarian relief for civilians."

--IANS

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The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) on Tuesday received the first of the 17 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) it has ordered for construction of the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor, a top official said here.

Costing Rs 80 crore and weighing around 700-800 tonnes, with a diameter of 6.4 metres, the 100-metre long machine will help in building a tunnel of 5.8 metres size, said MMRC Managing Director Ashwini Bhide.

Procured from the German manufacturer, Herrenknecht AG from its factory in China's Guangzhou, the machine is expected to be lowered from the launching shaft at Naya Nagar in Mahim around mid-October using heavy gantry of 135 tonnes capacity.

Prior to that the different components of the machine including front and middle shields, cutter head, erector, screw conveyor and tail-skin shield will be assembled over a period of 45 days.

The highly-mechanised Earth Pressure Balance device will be used to construct the tunnels with circular cross-section, said Bhide.

"The machine is one of the three TBMs to be used for constructing 6.10 km long tunnels between Dharavi and Siddhi Vinayak Metro stations with Shitla Devi and Dadar stations next month," she added.

With the arrival of the first TBM, the MMRC has kicked off its tunneling activity, the most critical part of this project.

"Over the next two years, a total of 17 TBMs shall be deployed constructing the 33.50 km long twin tunnels on the corridor," Bhide added.

The Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line will be the first Metro stretch running fully underground and a 1.2 kms long stretch that would be constructed below the Mithi River-Mahim Creek.

The project comprising 27 stations en route and estimated to cost around Rs 23,000 crore, is expected to be completed by 2020, to serve nearly two million passengers daily, as per plans.

The precast segments essential for forming a concrete ring inside the tunnel are already being manufactured at six different casting yards.

Around 40,000 segments rings will be needed for the entire project which will be casted in 65 moulds imported from France and South Korea, she said.

The TBMs have been successfully used to bore similar tunnels in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangaluru and heritage precincts of Jaipur besides cities like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, etc.

--IANS

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A Myanmar military fighter jet was reported missing while on a training mission in the Ayeyarwady region on Tuesday, defence authorities said.

The G-4 fighter jet lost contact with the ground at 9.30 a.m. while on the mission with two other planes northwest of the Pathein airport, reports Xinhua news agency.

A search operation was underway, an official said.

--IANS

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The nomination of Kenneth Juster by US President Donald Trump as the country's new Ambassador to India has been welcomed by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

"Ken is an inspired choice. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience in the relations between our two countries," USISPF Chairman John Chambers, who is also the Executive Chairman of Cisco, said in a statement on Tuesday.

"For example, he played a major role in developing the US-India- civil nuclear agreement. He also had the vision to put in place the High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG), which was the need of the hour back then," Chambers said.

"We look forward to working with him and his team to tap into the immense strategic partnership opportunities between the US and India."

USISPF is a non-profit organisation focused on deepening business relations between the US and India, and enhancing the strategic relationship between the two countries.

Juster will succeed Richard Verma, who departed from India after Trump was sworn in as the US President in January this year.

Juster has served as the Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs under Trump and was also the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security under former President George W. Bush.

USISPF President Mukesh Aghi has said that Juster's nomination "sends the right message that the United States values this partnership" with India.

"Having served President Trump and worked closely with members of his White House team, Ken will have the ability to work at the highest levels of both the governments," Aghi said.

"He is a well-known face to US business as well as the Indian diaspora. We have no doubt that his vast experience on bilateral trade and strategic cooperation will help boost US-India relations tremendously."

--IANS

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Nayapara (Bangladesh), Sep 5 (IANS/AKI) Around 123,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar in the past 10 days amid an accelerating influx, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

"UNHCR is gravely concerned about the continuing conflict in Myanmar and by reports that civilians have died trying to seek safety," the UN refugee agency said in a statement.

Thousands of people, including women and children, were streaming across the border into southeast Bangladesh after walking for days through forests, rice paddies and jungles to reach safety and were now crowded into existing camps and sheltering at makeshift sites.

Several thousand people were believed to have drowned trying to cross the river that separates Myanmar from Bangladesh.

Many are in dire need of food and water.

"Those who have made it to Bangladesh are in poor condition... They are hungry, weak and sick," said UNHCR.

"An unknown number could still be stranded at the border," UNHCR warned.

Separately, the UN migration agency the International Organisation for Migration said on Tuesday that it and partner agencies operating in the area were appealing for $18 million to help the refugees over the next three months.

More than 30,000 Rohingya are estimated to have sought shelter in the existing refugee camps of Kutupalong and Nayapara, which are "at breaking point", the agency stated.

Other Rohingyas are being hosted by refugee families and in refugee schools, community centres, Islamic schools and other buildings, said UNHCR. "We are running out of available space," the agency said.

UNHCR said it was working with local authorities and an NGO partner to provide essential items for the refugees including clothes, plastic sheets and sleeping mats.

"There is an urgent need for additional emergency shelters and land as more refugees arrive," UNCHR said.

UNHCR urged Bangladesh's authorities to allow safe passage to those fleeing violence and to register and document all refugees arriving in the country to help the UN and charities get aid to where it is needed.

"We are also identifying vulnerable arrivals, including unaccompanied children, who need additional care and protection," said UNHCR.

The latest influx of Rohingya began on August 25 when Rohingya insurgents attacked Myanmar police security posts, prompting security forces to launch a counter-offensive.

Myanmar security officials and Rohingya insurgents accuse each other of committing atrocities and witnesses have also reported these being carried out by Buddhist mobs.

Thousands of Buddhist villagers in Mayanmar's Rakhine state are also reported to have fled south.

Independently verifying the situation on the ground is hard because access is restricted.

The Rohingya are a stateless mostly Muslim ethnic minority who have long faced persecution in Rakhine state. Bloody riots in 2012 forced over 100,000 to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh, where many still live.

--IANS/AKI

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The Delhi Police on Tuesday told a court that it has received raw video footage from various news channels of the incident when few people allegedly raised anti-national slogans at Ramjas College in Delhi University.

Police told Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra that it was examining students and teachers to identify who allegedly raised anti-national slogans at Ramjas College.

Police earlier said that the authenticity of a video footage provided by the complainant was not clear as it had been obtained from unknown social network and media websites and "apparently looks doctored" and it had asked different electronic media and other sources to provide unedited and raw footage of the incident.

The court, hearing a criminal complaint from advocate Vivek Garg who alleged that "massive anti-national slogans" were raised by members of the Left-affiliated All India Students Association (AISA) and the Students Federation of India (SFI) at a Ramjas College event, listed the matter for September 14 for further hearing.

On February 21 and 22, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and activists of the AISA clashed at the college campus.

Police has told the court it was analysing the footage.

--IANS

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Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday defended the government's decision to deport Rohingyas, saying they were illegal migrants who did not have same rights as any ordinary Indian.

He said that international organisations and human rights bodies were unfairly accusing the government of being harsh towards the Rohingyas.

"Let me make it very clear. Rohingyas are illegal migrants and not Indian citizens... So they are not entitled to anything that any ordinary Indian citizen is entitled to," Rijiju told a press conference.

He said his statement in the Parliament regarding deportation of Rohingyas was based "completely on a legal position".

"They are illegal migrants and as per law, they stand to be deported. So we have instructed all state governments to constitute task force to identify Rohingyas and start the process of deporting them.

"It's a completely legal process," Rijiju said.

However, he added, India is a nation with democratic tradition.

"We are not going to throw them in the middle of the ocean or going to shoot them. Why are we being accused of being very inhuman," he asked adding that international human rights organisations were unnecessarily targeting the central government.

"India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world. So no one should teach India the lesson on how to deal with refugees," he said.

Rijiju had earlier told Parliament that the central government had directed state authorities to identify and deport illegal immigrants, including Rohingyas.

--IANS

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The burning issue of the Rohingyas and India's capacity building measures and infrastructure projects are expected to figure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Myanmar starting on Tuesday following the conclusion of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to India's eastern neighbour. He had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the Asean-India Summit.

Soon after his arrival in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, Modi will call on Myanmarese President U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he is going.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's Foreign Minister and Minister of President's Office following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Both Kyaw and Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi had visited India last year after the National League for Democracy assumed power in that country.

Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

"During the visit, we will review developments in our bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas in which we can work together," Modi said in a pre-departure statement here.

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," he said.

India has committed grant-in-aid assistance amounting to Rs 4,000 crore to Myanmar, out of a total commitment of around $1.7 billion.

The projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar with the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a trilateral highway connecting northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand, and the Rhi-Tiddim road.

In terms of capacity building, New Delhi is assisting the eastern neighbour in setting up institutions of higher learning like the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Myanmar-India Centre for English Language Training and India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres.

India has also provided humanitarian relief following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora this year, Komen in 2015 and Nargis in 2008 and an earthquake in Shan state in 2010.

In a media briefing here ahead of Modi's visit, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that both sides would take stock of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also discuss the kind of projects which the new Myanmarese government has on its priority list and which they would like to partner India with in the process of execution.

"We will be guided by the government of Myanmar in terms of the choice of projects," Ranganthan said.

"The stated priorities of this government are infrastructure, power and energy and we believe these could be the areas where there is a great deal that Indian agencies can bring to the table."

With both countries sharing a 1,600-km long boundary, the issue of security cooperation is also expected to come up for discussion.

The issue of Rohingyas on whom the Myanmarese security forces have launched a crackdown in the country's Rakhine state is expected to figure in the discussions. India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living here illegally but the Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the Central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.

In her media briefing, Ranganathan said that there was no change in India's long stated policy on refugees.

"In so far as illegal immigrants are concerned, that is again a very long standing and established procedure on the basis of Indian law which we will continue to follow," she said.

--IANS

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The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) extremists have set ablaze hundreds of houses in villages of northern Myanmar over the last two days, a government committee said on Tuesday.

They burned down 50 houses after clashing with the security forces in Aukpyuma village. They set fire to around 120 houses in Ountaw village, Xinhua news agency reported.

More than 90 houses in Dingar, Sawkeenama and Hontarya were also set ablaze where explosive devices were detonated.

In Thinbawgwe village, terrorists burned down more than 400 houses, the security forces said.

The extremists launched renewed attacks on 30 police posts in northern Rakhine on August 25 and as of August 31, more than 52 terror attacks have taken place killing 13 security forces personnel.

Fourteen civilians including seven Hindu and five Daingnet ethnic people were also killed while fleeing the attacks.

About 38,000 Muslims from Rakhine state have reportedly fled to the Bangladesh border.

Amid threat from the Arsa, the security forces have evacuated 11,720 ethnic villagers to safer places and provided them with aid, the military said, adding that clearance operations were on.

--IANS

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Ace designer Rohit Bal Aand Princess Divya Kumari of Jaipur have joined hands for inaugural edition of Nobility for Ability. The central themes of the event are Women Empowerment and the differently-abled.

"Nobility for Ability" is the cornerstone event of the "For Ability India Trust" and will bring together like-minded individuals, organisations, stakeholders, advocates, influencers, and contributors to raise funds in support of entities that are working to find a solution to the issues, and in need of a helping hand to realize their vision.

The central themes of Nobility for Ability are women empowerment, and disability or "differently abled". It will be held for two days starting November 17 in Jaipur.

Princess Diya Kumari, who has myriad roles including being the ambassador for the Girl Child in Rajasthan, is the Patron of "Nobility for Ability".

The event will support the "Princess Diya Kumari Foundation", involved in women's empowerment and the girl child, and "Know Disability", dedicated to helping the disabled live an empowered life.

The day two of the event being the 289th foundation day of the city of Jaipur, will be celebrated as "Expressions of Jaipur". The highlight of the evening will be couture show by Bal and jewellery by DIACOLOR, commemorating the rich heritage of colours and designs that are symbolic of the city.

--IANS

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Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her house here, said police.

"We learnt that the victim was shot dead from close range when she was standing at her house in Rajarajeswari Nagar around 8.00 p.m.," a senior police official told IANS.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence here, police said.

"We learnt that the victim was shot dead from close range when she was standing at the gate of her house in Rajarajeswari Nagar (in the suburbs) around 8.30 p.m.," a senior police officer in Police Commissioner's office told IANS.

According to witnesses, three bullets were fired at Lankesh's forehead, killing her instantaneously.

"We will set up a special team to investigate the incident," said the official.

Lankesh was the editor of the popular Kannda tabloid "Lankesh Patrike". In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence here, police said.

"We learnt that the victim was shot dead from close range when she was standing at her house in Rajarajeswari Nagar (in the suburbs) around 8.00 p.m.," a senior police officer told IANS.

According to witnesses, three bullets were fired at Lankesh's forehead, killing her instantaneously.

"We will set up a special team to investigate the incident," said the official. Lankesh was the editor of the popular Kannda tabloid "Lankesh Patrike".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior Kannada weekly tabloid Editor and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence, police said. She was 55.

"She was shot dead from a close range at her house in Rajarajeshwari Nagar (in the suburbs) around 8 p.m.," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar told reporters here.

According to initial reports, three unidentified assailants fired three to five bullets at Lankesh, with one hitting her in the forehead and another in the chest, and fled as she collapsed on the spot.

"We will register a case of murder under Section 320 of the Indian Penal Code and set up a special team to nab her killers," a police official told IANS.

Lankesh was Editor of the weekly Kannada tabloid Lankesh Patrika.

Karnataka's new Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who rushed to the spot with the city Police Commissioner, told reporters that the assailants probably fired seven rounds.

"Within minutes, seven rounds were fired at close range. She was attacked outside her residence. As she had not sought police protection, no security was provided to her," Reddy said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the crime. "Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," he tweeted.

"Gauri was an advocate of secularism. She fought against injustice," he told the here.

"Police has formed three teams and begun investigations," Siddaramaiah said, adding that he had directed police to nab the killers at the earliest.

A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh was convicted last year in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Pralhad Joshi.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher M.M. Kalburgi was shot dead in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400km from Bengaluru.

--IANS

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The Syrian army managed to break the three-year siege by the Islamic State terror group of a government-controlled military base in eastern Syria, according to official sources and activists.

Following combat with IS fighters on Tuesday, the pro-government forces were able to breach the encirclement and open corridors to reach the base of the army's 137th Brigade in the city of Deir al-Zour, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the state news agency SANA reported.

Deir al-Zour city is located 450 km to the northeast of Damascus on the banks of the Euphrates River.

SOHR, a Britain-based war monitor, added that the advance of troops loyal to the Syrian government took place after they removed mines and explosive devices from the area that separated them from the besieged barracks.

According to SANA, the inhabitants of the government-controlled neighbourhoods of Deir al-Zour celebrated the arrival of the troops to break the siege.

The offensive against IS combatants in the province of Deir al-Zour, mostly controlled by the extremists, began on Saturday on two fronts and was launched from the neighbouring province of Homs, with the support of Syrian artillery and aviation, Efe news reported.

Despite the IS siege of Deir al-Zour since early 2015, the Syrian army maintained control of several neighbourhoods in the northwest of the city and the military airport, located in the southeast, in addition to the aforementioned barracks.

The province of Deir al-Zour is the last main bastion of IS militants in Syria.

--IANS

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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday announced appointment of Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te as the new Prime Minister in an effort to boost waning public support.

At a press conference, she announced Lai, 57, would replace Lin Chuan who resigned on Monday, Efe news agency reported.

Lin's resignation came as Tsai's popularity has dropped below 30 per cent, down from 70 per cent when she took office in May 2016.

A strained relationship with Beijing, unpopular pension and labour reforms, and a huge power outage last month that left thousands across the country without electricity had increased the pressure on Tsai to replace Lin.

Lai, a doctor from the southern city of Tainan, started his political career in the 1990s, when he won a seat in the then National Assembly, followed by seats in the Parliament in 2001, 2004 and 2008.

He has been Mayor of Tainan, a stronghold of the reigning Democratic Progressive Party, since 2010.

--IANS

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This year, as around 2.35 million Muslims from across the world gathered in Makkah "to renew their sense of purpose in life, erase past sins and beg God for forgiveness and guidance" at the annual Haj pilgrimage, technology and the social media played a major role to ensure that things didn't get of hand.

The density of the crowd was staggering, with some estimates suggesting more than six people per square metre during the annual Islamic pilgrimage that began on August 31 and culminated on Monday.

Saudi Arabia ensured the safe passage and mass movement of pilgrims leveraging the power of technology to enhance security, communication, transportation, accommodation and health services.

"Like every year, the authorities released a list of approved Haj tour operators early on, in order to help prospective pilgrims plan their journeys," an official of the Centre for International Communication of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information, told IANS in an e-mail.

"The majority of worshippers fly to Jeddah and Medina airports that had dedicated Haj terminals," he said.

The Saudi Ministry of Health set up more than 15 centres for disease control and prevention at key points of entry. These centres operated round the clock and were equipped with emergency teams and medicines.

According to the official, some 2,100 free medical procedures were performed on pilgrims who arrived this year in advance of the Haj.

Ensuring pilgrims' safety through measures that are minimising separation, identifying fatigue, avoiding accidents and more, is a massive challenge that is now largely mitigated with the help of technology, the official said.

To this end, the country introduced electronic identification bracelets that were distributed among pilgrims. The unique water-resistant and GPS-enabled devices contained detailed personal information of pilgrims, allowing the Haj authorities to identify individuals in need of help and provide the necessary care.

The devices featured a multilingual help desk to guide non-Arabic speaking pilgrims through the Haj and also informed them about prayer times and rituals.

As part of the safety and security arrangements, more than 17,000 highly trained personnel, supported by 3,000 advanced vehicles, were deployed to ensure the highest levels of safety and security.

Furthermore, pilgrims were monitored by over 100,000 security agents, who carried out safety plans through the use of face-recognition software and closed-circuit cameras.

In their effort to efficiently communicate with the pilgrims, the authorities not only harnessed the power of technology but also capitalised on social media and digital communication tools.

Throughout the pilgrimage, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah was sending out regular text messages to individuals' mobile phones. These messages advised pilgrims on the appropriate procedures for Haj and contained information in their respective languages.

The Haj team deployed on the ground was proficient in more than a dozen languages to ensure that all the needs of pilgrims were met.

The Ministry of Culture and Information also embraced social media to support the pilgrims.

It collaborated with YouTube to livestream Haj and worked closely with Google, iTunes, Twitter and Facebook to create Haj-related apps.

The ministry launched digital platforms such as SaudiWelcomesTheWorld.org to provide information and insights to pilgrims in Makkah, as well as to the global audience, including the media.

Although the pilgrimage dates back thousands of years, today's pilgrims can focus on their spirituality, while the authorities and modern technology do the rest.

(Mudita Girotra can be contacted at mudita.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump spoke to two American astronauts, Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer, upon their return from the International Space Station (ISS), the White House said.

The President on Monday congratulated Whitson and Fischer for their accomplishments, saying: "They make us all very proud," reports The Hill magazine.

"Exploration has always been at the core of who we are as Americans, and their brave contributions to human space flight have continued that great tradition."

Trump called Whitson an "inspiration to us all" after she set the US record for the most days spent in space by an astronaut at 665.

"Especially to young women interested in or currently pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math," Trump added.

Whitson and Fischer along with Russia's Fyodor Yurchijin, members of 52nd expedition to the ISS, landed at 7.21 a.m., on Sunday near a remote area in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

Fischer and Yurchikhin both spent 136 days aboard the ISS.

In April, Trump spoke with Whitson to congratulate her after she broke the previous US record for cumulative days spent in space, The Hill magazine reported.

"I want to say that this is a very special day in the glorious history of American space flight," the Oresident said.

"Today, Commander Whitson, you have broken the record for the most total time spent in space by an American astronaut, 534 days and counting. That's an incredible record to break and on behalf of our nation and frankly, on behalf of the world, I'd like to congratulate you."

Russian cosmonaut Sergey Riazanski (Roscosmos), American Randolph Bresnik (NASA) and Italian Paolo Nespoli (European Space Agency), remain on the ISS, to be joined by three others on September 12.

The ISS, a 16-nation project representing an investment of more than $150 billion, currently comprises 14 permanent modules and orbits the Earth at a speed of more than 27,000 kph.

--IANS

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At least 20 people who survived or witnessed the Grenfell Tower fire have since attempted suicide, media reports said.

Silence of Suicide founder Yvette Greenway told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme the number was based on conversations with residents.

Campaign group Justice4Grenfell said the volunteers had heard of 20 suicide attempts, but the BBC says it has been unable to verify the figure.

Greenway said many residents were unable to get images of the burning tower "out of their minds", according to BBC.

"There is a lot of alcohol and drug dependency," she said. "People are feeling isolated."

Greenway said there was little confidence in "council-led" mental health services.

"We've been told workers are going around putting leaflets under hotel doors and not actually speaking to people," she said.

"There are going to be many more instances of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and self-harming as people reach different stages of trauma."

A nurse, working with Justice4Grenfell on this, said depression, survivor guilt and feeling unable to cope with the loss of loved ones were the main reasons why people were attempting suicide.

Judy Bolton, a nurse for 20 years, said: "People saw their neighbours falling from a burning building. They saw children being dropped from the building."

"There are still ashes still blowing over us when the train goes past. We're being covered in the ash of our dead friends and relatives."

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will permit the sale of highly sophisticated military equipment to Japan and South Korea, two neighbours of North Korea threatened by its regime's latest nuclear trials.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump tweeted, reported Efe news agency.

According to the US law dealing with arms exports, the President must inform Congress 30 days before authorising the sale of armaments worth $14 million or more, though exceptions have existed to facilitate the sale of arms to Japan.

The President's statement came after North Korea carried out its sixth nuclear test Sunday and the most powerful yet -- supposedly a hydrogen bomb -- which, according to Pyongyang, it could mount on one of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The growing intensity of arms trials by North Korea, which last Tuesday launched a missile that flew over northern Japan before falling into the Pacific Ocean, has been condemned by the international community and threatens to unleash an arms escalation in the region.

--IANS

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The film "Dear Maya" was a first for a lot of people including its Director Sunaina Bhatnagar and producers as well as actress Manish Koirala's comeback project, but even after being promised 400-500 screens for its release by the studio involved, Bhatnagar says that she still has not understood on what basis was the film given just 180 screens.

Present at the first edition of the Literature, Information, Film, Frame, TV and Theatre (LIFFT) India Filmotsav 2017 World Cine Fest, Bhatnagar was speaking in a conversation with Riju Bajaj, an actor and director himself as well as the founder of the five-day-long festival which will end on Tuesday.

Shedding light on the obstacles she and her film faced while shooting and during the release, Bhatnager said: "It was a script with Manisha Koirala and two young girls, so getting a producer ... three girls, with two being around 15-year-old and one being a 40-year-old woman was not the most ideal combination commercially, so these factors were there.

"I went to producers and I think I met everyone probably. They all liked the film, the story but all wanted to change few things about it like 'can you bring an element of romance, can the character be 35 in age and not 40, if you could get somebody more sellable', this film was made independently by a first time producer so that process itself took about a year."

Bhatnagar wasn't happy with the kind of release the film had.

"Although we did get a studio on board to release the film... for whatever reasons I am not clear on what basis the executives decide about the potential of a film, we ended up with very less number screens," she said

"We were promised much more... but actually what happened was very different. We were promised around 400-500 screens but ended up with just 180. "

"It was hugely disappointing. I am from Jaipur, it did not even release there, in Lucknow.. places from where it would have got some audience," she added.

The story of "Dear Maya" revolves around an old woman who starts living her life all over again in search of love after getting some love letters from a stranger.

(The writer's trip is at the invitation of LIFFT India Filmotsav 2017. Kishori Sud can be contacted at kishori.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said "healthy and stable relations" between China and India were in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

"China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track," he said at a bilateral meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the end of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the Summit -- for the first time after a tense stand-off between the two armies ended last month. The two leaders also discussed the border issue.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi for the "very successful" execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

Xi told Modi that "healthy and stable bilateral ties (were) in line with fundamental interests of the two nations".

Indian and Chinese troops last month ended a tense stand-off on the Doklam border which began in June, seriously affecting their ties.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

--IANS

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said "healthy and stable relations" between China and India were in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

"China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track," he said at a bilateral meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the end of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the Summit -- for the first time after a tense stand-off between the two armies ended last month. The two leaders also discussed the border issue.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi for the "very successful" execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

Xi told Modi that "healthy and stable bilateral ties (were) in line with fundamental interests of the two nations".

Indian and Chinese troops last month ended a tense stand-off on the Doklam border which began in June, seriously affecting their ties.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that Modi and Xi had "a constructive and forward looking meeting".

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

--IANS

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of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes  specified bank notes (SBN) henceforth  accounting for over four-fifth of currency in circulation on November 8, 2016, was described by critics as an all-India unannounced strike, organised loot and legalised plunder and a hasty decision.
The is worried that more than two dozen of its 27 legislators might break away to join Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Sources in these parties said that Kumar, Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)s Jitan Ram Manjhi and some other small players in Bihar are concerned that an all-powerful BJP was unlikely to pay much heed to them, and that they should start preparing for an early election to the state Assembly, otherwise slated for 2020. The induction of Ashwini Kumar Choubey, a rival of Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi, into the Union Cabinet is also being seen in the Kumar camp as a sign of things to come. Kumar and Sushil Modi are friends.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah are slated to hold dozens of rallies and roadshows in Gujarat in the run up to the assembly polls in the state. Shah is slated to hold a town hall event in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
As many as 111 of the 134 MLAs of the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu attended a party legislators' meet convened by Chief Minister K Palaniswami here today and adopted a resolution reposing faith in his leadership, said a senior party leader.

The presence of 111 MLAs at the meet is seen as a boost to Palaniswami even as the state's top law officer said a situation to prove the majority has not arrived, amid demands by opposition DMK he seek a floor test in the Assembly. An earlier meeting on August 28 reportedly had a much less attendance with some claiming that only 75 MLAs were present.

State Fisheries Minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar told reporters that as many as 111 MLAs reposed their faith in the chief minister at the meeting. The AIADMK has 134 MLAs in the 234-member state Assembly with one vacancy.

Jayakumar said the MLAs had "wholeheartedly extended their full cooperation" to the chief minister and an unanimous resolution was adopted reposing faith in his leadership.

He also claimed that nine MLAs of the Dhinakaran camp had contacted Palaniswami over phone and extended their support to him.

Also, three MLAs who are allies of the ruling party had promised their support to Palaniswami, he added.

AIADMK's Peravurani MLA had intimated that he would not be able to attend the meet as he was indisposed, Jayakumar said.

Jayakumar alleged that some legislators had been "illegally confined against their wishes" (at Puducherry) and asserted the meeting signalled that the hopes of those who want to "thrust" an election on the people will be dashed.

State Advocate General Vijay Narayan told the Madras High Court that the revolt by 19 AIADMK MLAs of the Dhinakaran camp against the chief minister was an 'intra-party affair' and the Governor could not interfere in the matter.

He made the submission while arguing on the maintainability of a PIL, which sought a direction to the Governor to order a floor test in the Assembly.

When the matter came up before the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sunder, the A-G, who appeared on behalf of the Governor, said that the letter given by 19 MLAs was not against the Government, but "only against the person who is the present Chief Minister."



He further argued that it was an intra-party affair and the Governor cannot interfere in it.

The AG further said that a situation to prove the majority has not arrived and also that he would like to argue on the maintainability of the PIL, following which the court adjourned the matter to October 3.

The petitioner Pugazhenthi, an advocate, had filed the PIL, citing the latest political development in AIADMK where 19 party MLAs had submitted letters to Governor Vidyasagar Rao on August 22, stating that they did not have confidence in the chief minister.

Earlier, the petitioner's counsel submitted that the Governor was bound to call for a floor test in the light of the stand by the dissident MLAs.

Claiming that the MLAs had given individual letters to the Governor, the petitioner argued that the Governor had 'unfortunately' not taken any steps to conduct the floor test.

The dissident MLAs, who had been served notice by Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal on a plea that they be disqualified, meanwhile, sought 15 more days for their individual appearance.

The legislators owing allegiance to AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran said that they had already submitted a reply to the August 24 notice by the Speaker on a plea from Chief Government Whip S Rajendran seeking their disqualification.

Dhinakaran loyalists Thangatamilselvan and P Vetrivel met officials at the Speaker's office and presented a request in this regard.

Thangatamilselvan later told reporters that the MLAs received another communication recently calling for their individual appearance on September 7 over the issue.

"We need some clarification. So we informed we can't come on September 7 and told them we need 15 days time," he said.

Seeking to crack down on the 19 pro-Dhinakaran AIADMK MLAs, Rajendran had sought their disqualification for alleged anti-party activities and Dhanapal had issued notice to the MLAs that day itself.

The MLAs had earlier revolted against the chief minister, informing the Governor that they had lost confidence in him and that they wanted him to be removed from the post.

Palaniswami and Dhinakaran are involved in a tussle for power even as opposition parties, including DMK, have been demanding that the Governor direct a floor test for the state government in the assembly to prove its strength.

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More than 20 members of Jaish-e- Mohammad terror group and an outfit linked to 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed have been arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province for illegally collecting hides of sacrificial animals on Eid-ul Azha, police said today.

The Punjab government had last month banned collection of the hides by banned organisations around Eid. It's order had listed 64 groups, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), to prevent them from raising funds in the country.

Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Athar Ismael told reporters that the people arrested were members of Saeed- linked Falah-e-Insaniat (FIF) and Jaish-e-Mohammad of Maulana Masood Azhar, whom India accuses of being the brain behind the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri last year.

"We have taken more than 100 people including FIF and JeM members for illegally collecting hides. Police have also dismantled over 40 hide collection centres of the FIF in the city and stopped the mobile operation as well," Ismael said.

The chief coordinator of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, with which the FIF is allied, Khalid Waleed, said Lahore police have arrested over a dozen of FIF members for collecting hides. He said the police also dismantled the centres they had erected for hide collection.

Waleed claimed there had been no "official ban" on the FIF. "We had challenged the home department's notification in the Lahore High Court last year and got relief," he said.

The JuD member alleged the government run by Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of Nawaz Sharif, took action against them to coerce the JuD to withdraw its candidate from contesting against Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of the former prime minister.

The authorities in Pakistan have been issuing orders banning proscribed groups from collecting hides during Eid festivals but they never acted against them previously.

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The Ganesh idol immersion process in Maharashtra was today marred by the death of three persons in Aurangabad, even as devotees in the state thronged in large numbers to bid adieu to the popular elephant-headed God.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district, police said.

In Mumbai, the idol at the official residence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was immersed in an artificial pond.

In Nashik, minister Girish Mahajan joined the lezim players during the immersion procession, while Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire tapped a foot in the Ganesh visarjan procession in Aurangabad city. Lezim is a folk dance from the state, named after a musical instrument with jingling cymbals.

In Aurangabad, the Sansthan Ganpati idol was showered with petals from a drone.

In Mumbai, among the early starters for the immersion were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja, which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival, that began on August 25 and concludes on 'Anant Chaturdashi' today.

Several devotees performed Koli dance, a traditional dance of the fishermen, at the Lalbaughcha Raja pandal in central Mumbai before the 'visarjan' (immersion) procession began.

The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by 'Lokmanya' Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj.

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes will be immersed today. By 3 pm, around 80 public idols and 3,600 'gharguti' (home) idols were immersed, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The smaller idols were immersed first, and will be followed by the big ones like Lalbaugcha Raja, which will be immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai.

The BMC, police, Coast Guard and Navy have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and safe immersion of the idols.

The prime locations for immersion are Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve in Malad.

The BMC has appealed the devotees to inform the civic authorities as and when they need any assistance or if they are stung by jelly fish or sting ray.

Police have beefed up security and companies of the State Reserve Police Force are also being deployed.

Cranes, watchtowers, drones, CCTVs and floodlights have been arranged to keep a watch on every movement of the revellers and devotees, a police official earlier said.

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Sri Lanka has released 80 Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing illegally in the island nation's territorial waters, according to a media report.

Four of them were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were drowning in northern seas on August 31 while the others have been arrested for trespassing into the Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities, The Colombo Page reported.

The 76 Indian fishermen were apprehended on separate occasions by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard for engaging in the illegal fishing method of bottom trawling in the Sri Lankan territorial waters.

The repatriated Indian fishermen were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Sarang' at the International Maritime Boundary Line north of Kankasanthurai, the report said.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently by the maritime security agencies of both countries for illegal fishing and often stray into illegal waters due to absence of any proper technology to confirm the coastline border between Pakistan and India near Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea.

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Ahead of his maiden visit to America, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned it of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.

Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan confirmed Asif's visit to these countries during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence here.

Asif will leave for Washington after his visit of these four countries, according the defence minister.

The foreign minister, who was invited by his US counterpart Rex Tillerson for a visit last month, delayed the trip in order to firm up support for Pakistan, according to diplomatic sources.

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The national carrier Air India will operate a flight connecting Bhopal and Hyderabad via Raipur on three days a week from September 9.

Air India's area manager for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Vishut Acharya, said Alliance Air, its subsidiary, will operate the flight.

"A flight from Bhopal to Hyderabad would be operated from September 9 with ATR-72 aircraft (70-seater). There was a great demand by the travelling public including government officials who were regular travellers on this route," he said.

The flight would take off at 6.10 am from Hyderabad Airport and reach Raipur at 7.50 am. It would land in Bhopal at 9.45 am after taking off at 8.15 am from Raipur.

In return journey, it will take off from Bhopal at 10.10 am and reach Raipur at 11.40 am. It would reach Hyderabad at 1.45 pm after taking off at 12.05 pm from Raipur, Acharya informed.

"These flights would be run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays," he added.

AI, under its regional Connectivity plan, would be adding more flights on new sectors in near future, he said.

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The left-wing AISA (All India Students' Association) today released its manifesto for the upcoming DUSU polls in which it urged students to vote for quality education, gender justice and a violence-free campus.

The students' body also attacked the RSS-affiliated ABVP for hooliganism on campus, not fighting for infrastructure development and alleged apathy on issues concerning students.

"A vast majority of students travel in the Metro on a daily basis, but the DMRC refuses to give passes and DTC rates have increased manifold. The DUSU remains silent over such issues," the manifesto says.

Besides calling out students to vote against attacks on teachers, corruption and money-muscle politics, the AISA also targeted the Congress-affiliated NSUI (National Students Union of India) for its "anti-student" politics.

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Actor Angelina Jolie is all set to return to work after taking a year off for her children in the wake of her split from Brad Pitt.

The 42-year-old star filed for divorce from Pitt on September 19 last year, citing irreconcilable differences with the "Moneyball" actor. The official statement from Jolie read the reason for her decision was the health of the family.

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter at the Telluride film festival, where her latest directorial, "First They Killed My Father" was screened, she said, "Right now I don't have anything to direct that I feel passionate about like this, so I'll do some acting.

"I've taken over a year off now, because of my family situation, to take care of my kids. When they can have -- when I feel it's time for me to go back to work, I'll be able to go back to work. I've been needed at home. I hope (to work again) in the months to come."



When asked what she would be working on, she said, "'Maleficent' (sequel), we're working on, most likely. And I look forward to having some fun with that. 'Cleopatra', there is a script. There's a lot of different things floating around. But I haven't committed.

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to showcase artworks of transgenders, the West Bengal government is planning to come up with an exhibition store this Durga Puja, a senior official said today.

'Sneho Nir'', the store on Gokhale Road near Rabindra Sadan, will exhibit and sell products made by transgender Self Help Groups (SHG) run by transgenders across West Bengal, the official said.

"We are planning to open Sneho Nir this Durga Puja. The store will exhibit as well as sell various products including handicrafts, food, junk jewelleries and several other hand-made products created by the transgenders," the official added.

"At Sneho Nir, we are also trying to have counsellors to talk to women who are victims of social violence," the official said.

The state government is also planning to sell these products online soon after the store starts operating.

The state has formed a separate development board for the transgender community.

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Wildlife activists are elated at the National Tiger Conservation Authority's nod to relocate three tigers from the Ranthambore National Park to Mukundra Hills tiger reserve, but are also concerned over the threat to the big cats from humans.

The proposal for the relocation of the tigers to Mukundra by December, 2017, was approved by the technical committee of NTCA last Friday in New Delhi, said S R Yadav, deputy conservator of forest Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR).

In the first phase, two female and one male tiger are proposed to be shifted by the year-end, possibly from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Mukundra, he said.

The wildlife activists hoped it would boost to tourism in the region. However, they feared the big cat might fall prey to poachers like others in the past, amid the existing inadequate safety-and-security measures in Mukundra.

"The tiger population in the area has been dipping since 1978 and was eventually wiped out due to inadequate safety and security measures," said Vijay Kumar Salwan, a retired Indian Forest Service officer and wildlife activist.

In the existing conditions in the reserve, the tigers would be bound to lead a "psychologically stressed life" in the absence of total freedom, Salwan added.

He cited the example of a tigress, T-35, who had strayed from Ranthambore to the Sultanpur area of the Kota region in December, 2009, and died of suspected poisoning in March, 2016, by some villagers whose cattle were hunted by the big cat, he said.

He also gave an example of a tiger, popularly known as Broken Tail, who was run over by a train in Darrah wildlife sanctuary in 2003.

"If there were corridors, these two tigers could have been saved," he said, stressing the urgent need to develop corridors for the free movement of tigers in the Mukundra tiger reserve.

However, Yadav dispelled fears by saying "adequate safety measures" were in order.

"The preparations for the tiger habitation in Mukundra are in order and the prey base is ready," Yadav said, adding that the process to add at least 300 cheetals in the reserve from Jodhpur was underway.

"The shifting of the tigers in Mukundra will certainly boost tourism and help generate employment in Hadouti region," said Brajesh Vijayvargiya, another wildlife and water activist. He underlined the need to adopt advanced technologies to ensure the protection of the tigers.

Spread over an area of 759 sq kms, Mukundra Hills tiger reserve is the third such reserve in Rajasthan after Sariska in Alwar and Ranthambore in Sawai Madhopur. The reserve was notified as a tiger reserve in 2013, but got approval for tiger habitation only last week.

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A spurt in attacks by Boko Haram Islamists has claimed nearly 400 lives since April in Nigeria and Cameroon, double the figure of the previous five months, Amnesty said today.

The increasing use of suicide bombers -- often young women and girls forced to carry and detonate explosives in crowded areas -- has killed at least 381 civilians in the two countries, the rights group said in a statement.

"Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International's director for West and Central Africa.

"This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians... Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror."



Amnesty said at least 223 civilians died in Nigeria since April, underscoring that the real toll could be far higher.

"Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone," it said.

Boko Haram is waging an insurgency in a bid to establish a hardline Islamist state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

More than five million people are starving as the fighting has devastated farmland, leaving farmers unable to sow or cultivate crops for several years.

In neighbouring Cameroon, Amnesty said since April at least 158 civilians died in Boko Haram strikes, a figure four times higher than the preceding five months.

"The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 -- more than one per week -- carried out since the beginning of April," it said.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Waza on July 12 when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.

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Britain's Foreign Minister Boris Johnson today called on the international community to impose further sanctions on North Korea following the country's latest nuclear test.

"We are now pressing the Security Council to pass a new resolution as swiftly as possible, imposing further sanctions and showing the unity and determination of the international community," Johnson told parliament in London.

He said North Korea's ambassador to Britain had been summoned to the Foreign Office "to receive a formal protest".

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea -- potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean labourers sent abroad.

In a phone call with US President Donald Trump today, British Prime Minister Theresa May stressed the importance of the UN Security Council quickly agreeing new measures.

"Mrs May said Britain would work with the US and international partners to continue to exert economic pressure on North Korea through further measures including sanctions," a spokesman for the premier's office said.

A previous UN resolution adopted in early August banned exports of coal, seafood, iron ore and lead.

In his address, Johnson also called on China to "use all its leverage to ensure peaceful settlement" of the crisis.

"China, which accounts for 90 per cent of North Korea's overseas trade, has a unique ability to influence the regime," he said.

China's ambassador to the UN, Liu Jieyi, urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

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British Hindu and Sikh groups today came out in support of an opposition Labour party lawmaker who had to resign from the UK shadow cabinet for writing against Pakistani-origin men sexually exploiting vulnerable white girls.

SarahChampion had been asked to quit as the shadow equalities minister by party leader Jeremy Corbyn last month after she wrote a newspaper column in wake of 17 men, mostly of Pakistani origin, being convicted in Newcastle of 90 sex and drug offences including rape, sexual activity with a child, conspiracy to incite prostitution and child trafficking.

"We commend Sarah Champion and the Muslim councillor Amina Lone for speaking up on a clear trend in criminality: the conviction of men of largely Pakistani Muslim heritage in sexual-grooming cases," reads a joint letter by Hindu Council UK and Network of Sikh Organisations published in 'The Times'.

Besides the representative bodies for hundreds of Hindu and Sikh organisations in the UK, the letter is also co-signed by the British Pakistani Christian Association.

"We are not willing to see the betrayal of victims, who are being sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. It's not racist or Islamophobic to raise a matter of significant public concern," their letter notes.

Champion had written inan article in the 'The Sun' last month: "Britain has a problem with British Pakistani men raping and exploiting white girls. There. I said it. Does that make me a racist? Or am I just prepared to call out this horrifying problem for what it is?"



She later apologised for an "extremely poor choice of words" and quit her role as shadow secretary for women and equalities. A shadow minister in the UK is a member of the main opposition party in parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power.

Amina Lone later claimed she was rebuked by the party leadership for speaking out on her behalf.

The letter argues that it was not just "white girls who fall victim" to grooming gangs, but youngsters from their respective communities.

"The common denominator is that victims almost always tend to be non-Muslim girls. We are dismayed by the Labour leadership's weak response," it says.

A series of trials have come to a conclusion this year in wake of the Jay Report on child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, northern England, in 2014.

Professor Alexis Jay's report had found that more than 1,400 children had been groomed, trafficked and raped in the town over a 16-year period.

Similar cases of grooming, involving a majority of Pakistani-origin men, have also come to light in other regions of England, including Newcastle.

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BSP leader Kazim Ali Khan has accused SP leader Azam Khan of stealing two large statues of lions from the Rampur Club.

Kazim - whose grandfather had constructed the club in his princely estate, alleged that Azam got the statues installed at his Jauhar University.

Kazim, the titular nawab of Rampur who has been a member of the UP legislative assembly for four consecutive terms, said he had filed a complaint with the police in this regard.

SP Rampur Vipin Tada said a probe has been launched into the matter under a senior police officer.

Azam tried to duck a query on the issue, saying "he had removed dogs and not lions".

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The CBI has received the court's nod to conduct lie-detector test on five suspects in the Kotkhai rape case in Himachal Pradesh, agency sources said today.

The Himachal Pradesh police had arrested Ashish Chauhan alias Ashu (29), a resident of Sharaal village in Mahasu area of Kotkhai; Rajender Singh alias Raju (32), a driver; Subash Singh Bisht (42) and Deepak alias Deepu (29), both residents of Pauri Garwal; Suraj Singh (29) and Lok Jung alias Chotu (19), both hailing from Nepal.

Among these, Suraj Singh was found dead in police custody in which a separate case has been registered by the CBI.

The sources the said agency had moved a plea in a Shimla court seeking permission to conduct polygraph test on these arrested suspects which has been granted after taking their consent.

A 16-year-old girl had gone missing after school hours on July 4 from Haliala forest in Kotkhai area of Shimla district. Her naked body was found in the forest on July 6 and the post-mortem report confirmed rape. The rape case has created furore in the state which goes to polls later this year.

The DGP constituted an SIT headed by an officer of IG rank which arrested six persons.

The case was handed over to the CBI by the Himachal Pradesh High Court on July 19 on the state government's plea amid public outburst against the state police. The CBI filed two FIRs on July 22.

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First Lady of China and UNESCO Special Envoy Peng Liyuan today awarded the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education to three representatives of the award-winning projects during a ceremony here.

The participants also included wives of delegation heads to the 9th BRICS summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries held in the southeastern Xiamen city.

At Xiamen University, Peng and UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Director-General Irina Bokova awarded the prize to three winners who hailed from Thailand, Peru and South Africa.

The prize was established in October 2015 to honour outstanding contributions made by individuals, institutions, non-governmental organisations or other entities engaged in advancing girls' and women's education.

Peng, the wife of President Xi Jinping and also special envoy of UNESCO for the promotion of girls' and women's education, said valuing education is a fine tradition of the Chinese nation.

"We should offer help to women and children in need, and enable them to have the opportunities and capacity to change their fate and live a better life," said Peng.

She hopes that the BRICS countries, other developing countries and the rest of the world will make joint efforts in promoting the development of women's and children's education, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

Wives of the presidents of South Africa, Guinea and Mexico, and the prime minister of Thailand, attended the ceremony.

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Congress' Lok Sabha MP from Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu today slammed the Shiromani Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party for issuing "irrational" statements against his party just to "hog the media limelight".

Interacting with media persons after reviewing arrangements for Chhapar Mela, the MP said both these parties have been stumped by "unprecedented" work done by the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in the past few months.

He said both these parties were "bereft" of any concrete agenda against the state government, due to which they were issuing "irrational" statements against it.

Bittu said instead of criticising the government for the sake of criticism, both these parties must allow the state government to perform for the well-being of the people.

The MP assailed both the SAD and AAP for creating "undemocratic hindrances" in smooth functioning of the state government.

He said the attempt of the AAP leadership to gherao the chief minister's residence was nothing more than a "cheap political gimmick to get media attention".

Likewise, Bittu said, the Akali leadership was issuing "baseless" statements just to mark their presence in the political arena of the state.

He added the Congress would hold a conference on the occasion of Chhapar Mela which is held in Ludhiana district's Chhapar village every September.

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The board of Connaught Plaza Restaurant, the 50:50 joint venture between McDonald's India and its estranged partner Vikram Bakshi, will meet on Wednesday amid uncertainty over the fate of 169 outlets of the fast food chain run by it.

McDonald's India, which had cancelled license agreement with CPRL last month, said the termination notice period ends today after which the franchisee is not "authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property".

On the other hand, Bakshi reiterated that the CPRL board will decide on the future course of action in its meeting tomorrow to be presided by NCLT-appointed administrator Justice G S Singhvi.

"We are having our board meeting tomorrow under the Chairmanship of the administrator in which the two nominee directors of McDonald's Corporation would also participate," Bakshi told PTI on Tuesday.

In the previous two board meetings last month, McDonald's representatives had stayed away.

When contacted McDonald's India spokesperson said: "The termination notice period ends today (September 5). Therefore, CPRL is no longer authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property".

They will have to stop using the McDonald's names, trademarks, designs, branding, operational and marketing practise and policies, and food recipes and specifications, he said.

"We are proceeding with exercising our legal and contractual rights," he added.

McDonald's India had cancelled license agreement with CPRL last month for 169 outlets in North and East India and asked to stop using the McDonald's trademarks, branding, food recipes and specifications, among others from September 6.

Already 43 outlets of McDonald's in the Capital have been closed since June following expiry of eating house license.

Meanwhile, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) issued show cause notice to fast food major McDonald's Corporation and its Indian arm over the contempt plea filed by Bakshi.

Besides, the tribunal dismissed another plea by Bakshi challenging termination of the franchise license of 169 outlets by McDonald's run by CPRL.

Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013.

McDonald's India had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, within 15 days of the termination notice which gets over on September 5.

Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of license by McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL).
Eyeing power in all eight north- eastern states, BJP president said the three-year- old Modi government had done "several times more work" in the region than the Congress had in 65 years.

Addressing the inaugural session of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Shah said the region was top priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Development of the eight states was a must for overall growth of the country, he said.

The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

"The development done by the Modi government in the last three years for the long-neglected north-eastern region is several times more than the work done by Congress-led governments in the last 65 years," Shah said.

Work had not finished but just started, he added.

Citing numerous initiatives of the Modi government for the region, Shah said a Union minister visited one of the eight states in the region every 15 days.

He termed the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh a milestone in the history of the north-east and said the government was committed to the overall development of the area.

The BJP president expressed the confidence that all eight chief ministers would be from the alliance in the next NEDA meeting.

Emphasising the importance of NEDA, the BJP leader said, "It is not only a political platform but a platform to culturally unite all eight north-eastern states and increase their involvement in affairs."



Safe borders, inclusive development and integration are on the agenda at the daylong NEDA meeting.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, a minister in the BJP government in Assam who has been a key figure in expanding the party's footprints in the region, is convener of the alliance.

North-east states have used the NEDA platform to sort out boundary, law and and other disputes, Sarma said at the meeting.
DMK Working President M K Stalin today claimed that only 109 AIADMK MLAs reportedly took part in a meet chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswai and renewed his party's demand for a floor test in the assembly to prove the majority of the government.

" is coming that only 109 MLAs took part in the meet," Stalin said adding the turn out at the meet strengthened his party's view that delaying a floor test would lead to horse-trading.

Speaking to reporters at DMK headquarters here, he said the Governor should convene the Assembly and direct Palaniswami to prove his majority in the floor of the House.

If this was not done, it will lead to "horse-trading at a larger level."



"If the Governor does not order a floor test even now (when only 109 MLAs reportedly took part in the meet chaired by Chief Minister Palaniswami), we will initiate next course of action after deliberations," he said.

After the MLAs meeting, Finance Minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar claimed that 111 party legislators attended the meeting while 13 others, including nine from sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran camp, also expressed their support to Palaniswami.

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A Delhi Court today warned an advocate, who sought lodging of an FIR alleging anti-national sloganeering at the Ramjas College in February, against mixing this incident with the JNU case in which sedition charge were slapped against some students.

The JNU incident of February 2016 had hogged the limelight after the arrest of its student leaders, including then JNUSU President Kanahiya Kumar, while the Ramjas college case involved the raising of slogans and a clash between the students owing allegiance to the ABVP and Left organisations AISA and SFI.

"Delhi Police FIR is not a precedent for me. It is not binding in this case, nor is it a Supreme Court ruling. JNU charge sheet is not relevant in this case. These are two different cases. Do not mix JNU matter with the DU case," Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra said.

The court's remarks were aimed at advocate Vivek Garg, who had raised the Ramjas college incident and sought a direction to thge police to supply him a copy of the charge sheet filed in the JNU matter.

The court, however, could not hear arguments due to the absence of the concerned police officials and posted the matter for arguments on the ingredients of sedition charge for September 14.

"ACP Pankaj Gupta has sought exemption from appearance due to official duties. Put up for arguments on September 14," the magistrate said.

Garg, who could not argue today, submitted before the court that he needed the JNU charge sheet "as it is not available on internet. We need a copy of the FIR also to argue in this case."



The court had on August 29 observed that sedition charges cannot be pressed on the basis of an unauthenticated and unreliable video, after it was shown a footage of alleged "anti-national" sloganeering held on February 21 this year at the Ramjas College here.

The magistrate had said that the authenticity of the video was to be ascertained by the police.

"Authenticity of the video is not established. What is the source of this video? On the basis of unreliable material, how can we press charges of sedition? You have to be confident of the authenticity of the video," the court asked complainant Vivek Garg, while also pointing out the existence of several doctored videos being in circulation.

"Tomorrow if AISA and ABVP clash again, will it be termed as sedition? There are many doctored videos circulated on Whatsapp. These have to be verified," it observed.

The court was hearing Garg's plea seeking a separate FIR into alleged anti-national slogans raised by members of students groups All India Students' Association (AISA) and Students Federation of India (SFI) at the Ramjas College.

The plea, which sought registration of an FIR for alleged offences of sedition, criminal conspiracy, waging war against the State and defamation under the IPC, also demanded action against Delhi Police officials for not lodging the complaint.

The police had on August 3 submitted an action taken report in the matter and said it was examining students and teachers to identify the culprits involved in the Ramjas College clashes that broke out between the ABVP and Left- affiliated student bodies.

In the report, the police had said they had lodged an FIR at the Maurice Nagar police station on February 22 for the alleged offences or rioting and obstruction, causing hurt and assault to deter public servant from discharging duty.

However, the complaint had alleged that "anti-national slogans/activities were being carried out by leaders/students of AISA/SFI in Ramjas College, shamelessly and openly which supported India's enemy Pakistan. The criminal acts of accused were also boosting the morale of terrorists against our country."



On February 21, members of RSS' student wing ABVP had gathered outside the college and shouted slogans in protest against the seminar for which JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid were invited. The ABVP members allegedly pelted stones, vandalised the venue and disrupted the seminar.

The next day violent clashes had erupted between the Left and the ABVP students leaving several of them and three teachers injured.

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The situation in flood-battered Bihar, Assam and Uttar Pradesh is gradually improving with no fresh rains over the last few days.

A number of people, who were displaced by the floods, returned home as the water receded from human habitation.

However, 187 blocks and 2,371 panchayats in 19 districts of Bihar are still battling the flooding, the disaster management department said.

Around 11,500 people are putting up in 34 relief camps.

The floods, triggered by torrential rains and excess water released by Nepal, have claimed 514 lives in Bihar.

The department said 1,20,659 beneficiaries received a flood assistance of Rs 6,000 in their bank accounts from the Bihar government to meet their immediate household needs.

So far, a total of 7,25,517 beneficiaries have got the amount.

A total of 50,898 people were served food at 111 community kitchens, it said.

The flood situation in Assam also improved with water receding from one of the seven inundated districts.

However, 45,000 people continue to bear the brunt of the floods in 170 villages where around 6,000 hectares of agricultural land is under water, a government report said.

The waters ebbed from Jorhat district though Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Chirang, Morigaon, Nagaon and Cachar continued to reel under floods.

The Brahmaputra in Jorhat, rivers Dhansiri in Golaghat, Jia bharali in Sonitpur and Karimganj are flowing above the danger level, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said.

Nagaon, where the deluge marooned around 18,000 people, is the worst-affected district.

Altogether, 16 relief camps are being run by the Assam government with 8,079 people taking shelter in them, the report said.

Three waves of floods in Assam snuffed out 158 lives this year.

Meanwhile, the situation in flood-ravaged districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh also inched closer to normal, officials said.

The number of flood-related fatalities in the state has plateaued at 108. No deluge-related death was reported over the last four days, the flood control room at the office of relief commissioner told PTI today.

The flooding in 24 districts of eastern UP affected 27.92 lakh people this year.

A number of deluge-affected people continue to put up in relief camps.

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Foreign liabilities of mutual fund companies in India stood at Rs 71,980 crore for the fiscal ended March 2017, up 23.7 per cent from a year ago, data from Reserve Bank showed today.

The data is based on RBI's survey on foreign liabilities of 44 Indian mutual fund (MF) companies and their asset management companies (AMCs) during 2016-17.

With regard to mutual fund companies, the RBI said their foreign liabilities at Rs 719.80 billion in March 2017, of which 99.8 per cent were the units issued to non-residents.

It stood at Rs 58,168 crore for fiscal ended March 2016.

The remaining liabilities included unpaid income/dividends to non-residents and sale proceeds pending repatriation, the RBI said.

As per the RBI data, UAE, Singapore, UK, USA and Mauritius together accounted for nearly half of the MF units held by non-residents in March 2017.

Units held in Mauritius recorded a 48 per cent decline, coinciding with the signing of the Protocol to amend the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) during 2016-17, showed the data.

The US and Luxembourg were the major overseas investment destinations for MFs companies during 2016-17.

With respect of asset management companies of these MFs, the net foreign liabilities were Rs 5,242.5 crore (USD 0.8 billion) in March 2017, against Rs 4,157.2 crore, showing an increase of 26.1 per cent for the last fiscal.

Foreign liabilities of AMCs were mainly owed to non- residents in Mauritius, the UK and Japan whereas Guernsey was the main destination of their relatively small overseas assets, the RBI said.

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A French court ruled today that a French celebrity magazine must pay 100,000 euros in damages to Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate over topless photos of the duchess published in 2012.

The court also ordered Closer magazine's editor Laurence Pieau and publisher Ernesto Mauri to each pay 45,000 euros (USD 53,000) in fines, the maximum possible.

The couple had sought 1.5 million euros in damages and interest.

Closer magazine's lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins said he was "pleased" with the ruling on the damages to pay, but said the fine was "exaggerated for a simple private matter."



For his part, the royal couple's lawyer Jean Veil declined to comment, adding that Kensington Palace would make a statement.

Two Paris-based agency photographers, Cyril Moreau, 32, and Dominique Jacovides, 59, were each given fines of 10,000 euros, with 5,000 euros suspended.

The grainy snaps of Kate Middleton sunbathing in a bikini bottom were taken while she was on holiday in September 2012 in the south of France with her husband, the second in line to the British throne.

The couple were snapped with a long lens relaxing by a pool at a chateau belonging to Viscount Linley, a nephew of Queen Elizabeth.

The pictures triggered a furious reaction from the royal family in Britain, where several newspapers rejected an offer to buy the pictures.

Closer, a glossy gossip magazine, was the first to splash them on its cover, and they were later reproduced in several other European publications, including Chi in Italy and Ireland's Daily Star.

The royals - who announced Monday they are expecting a third child - filed a criminal complaint for invasion of privacy and obtained an injunction preventing further use of the images.

The court also ordered Closer to hand over the files with the images to the royal couple.

In a letter read out in court in May, William said the case reminded him of the paparazzi hounding of his mother, princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in Paris 20 years ago.

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New Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has decided to convene a meeting with the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh over the Ken- Betwa river inter-linking project, sources said today.

The ambitious project of the Centre, which has got almost all the major environmental clearances, hit a roadblock recently when the Madhya Pradesh government allegedly objected to it.

The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh has allegedly warned that the first phase of the project would not be allowed to take off if it was not reworked to incorporate three other smaller projects.

Another BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has already given a no-objection certificate to the project.

Gadkari, who assumed the additional charge of the water resources ministry yesterday, was expected to hold the meeting with the two chief ministers "soon", a source said without divulging further details.

"The minister had decided to call the meeting soon after taking charge. It is expected to be held soon," he added on the condition of anonymity.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Gadkari, in a different context, had underscored the need for resolving issues through discussions and said the pending projects could be expedited with the cooperation of all the stakeholders.

Referring to his remarks, the source said with Gadkari at the helm of the affairs of the ministry, which was led by Uma Bharti till Sunday's cabinet reshuffle, things were likely to start moving forward.

The Ken-Betwa river inter-linking project came across a new hurdle in July after the Madhya Pradesh government allegedly demanded the Centre to include the Lower Orr dam, Bina complex and Kotha barrage projects in its first phase.

Originally, these three projects were to be undertaken in the second phase of the river-linking project.

"Now, if you are going to add these three barrages and dams to the first phase of the project, it is likely to delay the launch even further, because the Centre may need to procure the environment, forest, tribal and wildlife clearances again," the source added.

The Rs-18,000 crore project aims to link the Ken river in Madhya Pradesh and the Betwa river in Uttar Pradesh to transfer the surplus water of one river to another.

The first phase of the project, worth Rs 9,500 crore, is envisaged to help irrigate an area of 6.35 lakh hectares annually.

Of this, 3.69 lakh hectares fall in Chattarpur, Tikamgarh and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh and the remaining 2.65 lakh hectares in Mahoba, Banda and Jhansi districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The project is estimated to provide 49 million cubic metres of drinking water to around 13.42 lakh people living in the Bundelkhand region annually.

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AAP councillors, volunteers and leaders of opposition in the city's three civic bodies today staged a protest against BJP leader Manoj Tiwari, demanding a concrete solution to the national capital's garbage woes.

AAP's Kirari MLA Rituraj torched the city BJP chief's effigy at the former's constituency to protest the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) decision to dump the city's garbage at Rani Khera, claiming that over five lakh people would be affected by the move.

"People in the area would die and we would not allow the garbage to be dumped in Rani Khera," he said.

The decision to use Rani Khera as an alternative site was taken after a tower of garbage at the Ghazipur landfill site in east Delhi collapsed on September 1, killing two persons.

The AAP blamed the BJP-controlled MCD and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the accident,



The Kejriwal-led party contended that it (BJP-ruled MCD) could not arrange for an alternative site for years, and that the civic bodies lacked a long-term solid waste management plan.

"Manoj Tiwari, during the MCD elections this year, had promised the people of Delhi that if the BJP would win the elections, it would, in the first 100 days, completely eradicate any problem related to garbage," the party said in a statement.

It added that the the "MCD's reality has come out in the open after the Ghazipur accident".

The National Green Tribunal had yesterday came down heavily on the AAP-led Delhi government and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) over the Ghazipur landfill collapse, saying "nothing can be more humiliating than people being killed under garbage hill".

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Russia will ask the UN Security Council to send peacekeepers to patrol the front line in eastern Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin said today, a development greeted by Germany as a new opportunity for detente.

Fighting between Ukrainian troops and Russia-backed separatists in the region has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014. A 2015 peace deal brokered by Germany and France helped reduce the scale of fighting, but regular clashes have continued.

The separatists have opposed Ukraine's suggestion to deploy peacekeepers in the war zone.

Putin told reporters today that peacekeepers could help ensure safety for international observers who are monitoring the cease-fire.

But he insisted that the peacekeepers should be deployed only along the line separating the rebel-controlled territories and the area under government control where the clashes occur. Russia's foreign ministry will file a formal request with the UN Security Council, Putin said.

Ukraine's envoy to the United Nations, Volodymyr Yelchenko, said in comments carried by Russia agencies today that Kiev is ready to work on the draft resolution.

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The government aims to begin work on three river inter-linking projects and building two dams in the next three months, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday



The projects will cost the government around Rs 40,000 crore and will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

Gadkari, who held a review meeting with senior officials of the water resources ministry this evening, said he would hold meetings with chief ministers of the states where the projects will be implemented and resolve various issues.

The river inter-linking projects, he said, were necessary to tackle flood and drought situations.

He said the government will use the latest technology in Ken-Betwa, Par-Tapi-Narmada and Damanganga-Pinjal river inter-linking projects.

Besides, the government aims to begin work on Pancheshwar and North Koel dams.

"These five projects will help irrigate lakhs of hectares. These projects are almost ready. I am fine-tuning it. I will try to see the actual work begins in next three months," he told reporters after the meeting here.

On Ken-Betwa, considered as the first river inter-linking project, Gadkari said that the project would help irrigate around 15 lakh acres of area. With use of drip irrigation, he added, the total area to be irrigated would swell from 25 lakh to 30 lakh acres.

The project envisages fulfilling water needs of Bundelkhand region, which falls in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The minister said the project, when completed, will have bearing on socio-economic life of people in the region.

"This will help end poverty in Bundelkhand. We intend to complete all the projects in transparent and time-bound manner using new technologies," he added.

Gadkari has decided to convene a meeting with the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh over the Ken- Betwa river inter-linking project.

The Par-Tapi-Narmada and Damanganga-Pinjal river inter- linking projects, estimated to cost Rs 16,000 crore, are envisaged to meet the water needs to Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The minister said the India-Nepal bilateral Pancheshwar multipurpose project in Uttarakhand will help mitigate floods, besides generating electricity and irrigating land.

The Centre had last month given its nod to complete the remaining works of the North Koel reservoir project in Bihar and Jharkhand at an estimated expenditure of over Rs 1,622 crore.

Once completed, the project will create annual irrigation potential for 91,917 hectares land in Bihar and 19,604 hectares in Jharkhand.
President Donald Trump's envoy to the United Nations is laying out the argument for the US potentially declaring Iran in formal violation of the nuclear deal.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley says she doesn't know what decision Trump will make on the Iran deal. She says it's his decision alone.

But Haley is detailing a litany of US grievances against Iran and its Revolutionary Guard. Many of the accusations took place before the nuclear deal was negotiated.

Decertification would be a first step toward the Trump administration fulfilling its threat to pull out of the deal. But notably, Haley says if Trump does declare Iran in violation, that doesn't necessarily mean the US will withdraw from the deal. She's leaving open the possibility that sanctions relief could remain.

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The Haryana government today said the state stood at the sixth place in terms of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue with collections to the tune of over Rs 4,500 crore.

"The state has become the sixth highest Goods and Services Tax (GST) depositing state in the country with the deposit of Rs 4,647.94 crore up to August 31, 2017, way ahead of the neighbouring states," Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu said here today.

He thanked the business community for the successful GST implementation in the state.

The minister said 76.98 per cent of the enrolled dealers filed their GSTR 3B returns as against the present national average of 72 per cent.

Abhimanyu also appreciated the efforts of officers of the Excise and Taxation Department in implementation of the GST in letter and spirit.

"Haryana is the sixth highest GST depositing state in the country way ahead of neighbouring states including Punjab which had deposited Rs 1,516.32 crore, Himachal Pradesh Rs 820.67 crore, Jammu and Kashmir Rs 263.99 crore, Uttarakhand Rs 1,688.34 crore, Delhi Rs 3,236.91 crore, Rajasthan Rs 2,535.24 crore and Union Territory Chandigarh Rs 174.1 crore," he said in an official release here.

The only states contributing more GST than Haryana are much largest states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat, he added.

He said the total GST deposited by the state included Rs 794.65 crore as the Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST), Rs 2,246.80 crore as Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), Rs 1,263.84 crore State Goods and Service Tax (SGST) and cess of Rs 342.65 crore.

"As against this, Punjab has deposited GST of only Rs 1,516.32 crore including Rs 311.86 crore as CGST, Rs 612.31 crore IGST, Rs 574.67 crore SGST and Rs 12.48 cess," he said in the release.

The finance minister said that Gurugram (East) topped the list with contribution of Rs 701.623 crore followed by Gurugram (North) with Rs 593.224 crore, Gurugram (West) with Rs 324.631 crore and Gurugram (South) Rs 234.313 crore.

He said that similarly, GST payment of Rs 268.381 crore has been made by district Panipat, Rs 253.489 crore by district Rewari, Rs 244.078 crore by district Sonepat and Rs 215.96 crore by district Ambala.

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Over 20,000 teachers of the state-run schools, majority of those who had completed their five year term at one place, were transferred today by the Haryana government as part of its new online transfer policy.

The transfers were made by Additional Chief Secretary of School Education Department, K K Khandelwal, with the click of a button at Shiksha Sadan in Panchkula, near here, an official release said.

The teachers who were transferred on the "Teachers' Day" today include 17,013 of those who had completed five years tenure at one place.

The other teachers who were transferred include 8,903 Classical and Vernacular (C&V) teachers, 7543 Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) and 567 Principals.

Under the online transfer policy, a teacher is invited to mark their choice for school and place of posting through the Education Department's Management Information System portal.

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The Delhi High Court was today informed that several restaurants, which also served liquor, at the Hauz Khas village here were running in a prohibited area near ancient monuments and a school.

The submissions were made before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and C Hari Shankar which made it clear that "if restaurants have to run, they have to comply with the law" and "we are concerned with safety".

The court's observations came after it was informed by petitioners, social activist Pankaj Sharma and advocate Anuja Kapur, that they conducted an inspection at the Hauz Khas village and some restaurants having bars were serving liquor in close proximity of a school.

"There are some restaurants which are running in prohibited area, near the ancient monument and a school. The common wall on monument is with a restaurant. There is a restriction of 100 meters but it is not even one meter because of a common wall," the petitioners told the court which asked them to file the inspection report in two days.

The court sought to know the reasons from the authorities, including Delhi Jal Board, SDMC, fire department and Delhi Police, for not filing their response on the petitions.

It directed them to place their replies before it within a week and listed the matter for September 11.

During the hearing, the counsel for Delhi Jal Board said they had not filed the reply as they were yet to receive copy of the petition and sought two weeks time.

To this, the bench said "you got the copy of the order of this court, so that is enough".

The court was hearing the petitions which alleged that there were over 120 restaurants and pubs running in the area without any building plan approval or no objection certificate (NOC) from the authorities, including the fire department.

The bench had earlier sent out a strong message to the eateries at the village operating without mandatory clearances, saying "we are here to protect the life and personal liberty of every person in the city".

It had also made clear that it will also consider the owners' right to practice profession, which has been guaranteed under the Constitution.

The petitioners have alleged "unlawful existence" of restaurants, pubs, fashion studios, bars serving liquor without licence, art galleries and other buildings in the village.

They also claimed that these restaurants posed a grave security risk and fire hazard and apart from that the crowd in the area had made it impossible for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks to gain access to the restaurants.

The court had directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation to provide a site plan of the area indicating the width of the street, location of the properties and the village area as well as the permissible usage of the properties according to the master plan of Delhi.

The corporation had said that they had issued closer notices to 19 restaurant owners who had failed to get mandatory clearances from the bodies and the government.

The Delhi Police had informed the court that there are around 5,000 footfalls on weekdays and over 15,000 on the weekends.

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The Delhi High Court and the National Green Tribunal today expressed shock at the massive use of pamphlets, fliers and plastering of Delhi University walls with posters for the upcoming students union polls, with both issuing notices to the authorities and others.

The high court sought the responses of the city police and the civic bodies on a petition seeking a complete ban on the alleged defacement of the public properties by the candidates for the upcoming Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) polls on September 12.

Shocked at the alleged inaction of the authorities on the use of spray paints, posters, banners and hoardings in and around the university campus walls and inside the classrooms, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar sought to know "why action has not been taken".

In a related development, the NGT also strongly objected to the blatant use of paper in the DUSU elections in violation of its order restraining the students' body from using pamphlets and splattering the campus walls with posters.

Issuing notice to the Delhi University (DU) on the issue, a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also sought the responses from the DUSU and the University Grants Commission, asking them to appear before it tomorrow.

The high court bench directed the DU, Delhi Police, municipal corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporations to place their stand before it in one week for allegedly not taking any action against the said violation and illegal act.

The bench also issued notice to the authorities and asked them to inspect the area, where such posters have been put up by all the student wings of major political parties, who are contesting the DUSU election.

The bench sought action taken report by the authorities before the next date of hearing, September 11, a day before the scheduled election.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda alleging that disruption of the classrooms by the candidates and student outfits in "horrible shape and painting (walls) in the classrooms, deals a striking body blow to the Right to life, liberty and education of the students".

He sought direction to the municipal bodies to slap heavy fines on the political parties and the candidates.

It sought directions to the authorities to "refurbish and prevent further defacement of the properties by the DUSU political outfits and aspiring candidates".

"The brazen acts of lawlessness unfurled by the prospective candidates and the student political organisations frescoes is a sad commentary on our education system which leads to a conspicuous sight of diminishing value of ethics and principles," the plea said.

"The aggravated illegal and destructive activities by the DUSU candidates at the present humongous rate and scale which, if left unchecked, will cause further disruption to the tranquility and cleanliness of our city," it added.

The PIL said the unwarranted and unassailable damage to the public property engenders irreparable cost to the exchequer and unnecessary added burden on the tax payer.

It also said no city or town can be allowed to become a jungle of posters, banners, hoardings and advertisements, which also affected the safety of drivers of vehicles or the pedestrians.

"The distasteful display of ugliness spread across the city at public places like Metros, subways, flyovers, over- bridges and so on leads to a negative impact over the environment as also dealing a body blow to the reputation and dignity of our country before foreign tourists", it said.

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The central government was today taken to task by the Delhi High Court for not amending the law to decriminalise begging and rehabilitate the beggars even after an undertaking was given by it a year ago.

The high court said it was "most unfortunate" and a "very poor" and "hopeless" situation that an amendment of a statute like the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which had barely 36 sections, needed over a year for consideration by the government.

The court was annoyed after Centre's counsel said it has been instructed to seek two months more for furnishing the details, which was turned down by the bench considering the challenges made in the petition.

"This is the right of the poor people. This PIL is pending since 2009 and it's such a small matter. It takes almost eight years to draft a bill," the bench said, adding that instead of producing a draft bill, the government was seeking more time.

The court noted that the Centre had last year informed it that the government proposed to bring a legislation and the counsel had undertaken to file the draft bill before it.

"In case they violate the undertaking, we shall be constrained to proceed with the matter. Let a copy of this order be placed before the Secretary of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment," the court said.

It also said that an officer not below the rank of director in the ministry, who is aware of the matter, be present before the court on September 14.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for one of the petitioners, opposed the Centre's plea seeking time and said that thousands of poor persons were detained due to operation of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, which provides drastic sentences.

"Thus, the constitutional rights of poors are being affected and their liberty is taken away only because of poverty. Nobody becomes a beggar by choice. It is out of sheer necessity and due to the need for food, shelter and clothing, they do begging," Gonsalves submitted.

He said it was because of the failure of the government to discharge its constitutional duties and public obligations that citizens are compelled to beg.

The law prescribes a penalty of more than three years of jail in case of first conviction for begging and the person can be ordered to be detained for 10 years in subsequent conviction, he said.

The Centre and the AAP government had in October last year informed the court that the Ministry of Social Justice had drafted a bill to decriminalise begging and rehabilitate beggars and homeless people.

The court had directed the ministry to place on record a copy of the draft legislation - The Persons in Destitution (Protection, Care and Rehabilitation) Model Bill, 2016.

The court was hearing two PILs seeking basic human and fundamental rights for beggars in the national capital and for decriminalising begging.

Petitioners Harsh Mandar and Karnika Sawhney have also sought basic amenities like proper food and medical facilities at all beggars' homes in the city.

Currently, there is no central law on begging and destitution and most states have adopted the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which criminalises beggary, or have modelled their laws on that basis. The two petitions have challenged the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act.

Their pleas were first filed in the Supreme Court from where they were transferred to the Delhi High Court.

The high court in October 2015 was told that Delhi Police was assisting the AAP government in removing beggars from tourist spots, traffic intersections and religious places here.

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The Madras High Court today quashed the detention under the Goondas Act of a 23-year-old post- graduate student, who was arrested for "instigating" her fellow students against the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government.

A division bench of justices A Selvam and Pon Kalaiyarasan quashed the July 17 order of the Salem police commissioner detaining Valarmathi, a journalism student of the Periyar University in Salem, under the stringent Goondas Act.

Allowing a petition filed by the father of the student challenging the detention, the bench said the relatives or friends of the detenu were not informed of her arrest.

"There has been a delay in disposing of the representation made by the detenu. Hence, the detention order is quashed," it added.

The petitioner had contended that the detention of his daughter, who was "fighting peacefully for a people's cause", was "malice in law".

Valarmathi was arrested from Salem on July 12 when she, along with another student, was allegedly distributing pamphlets, seeking support for a protest against the implementation of a proposed hydrocarbon project in Pudukottai district.

Five days after her arrest, charges under the Goondas Act were slapped on her with the police alleging that the pamphlets distributed by her contained slogans which were harmful to the interests of the nation.

The invoking of the stringent Goondas Act against the student was condemned by several opposition parties and forums.

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Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey today released a home care book for spinal cord injuries on the occasion of World Spinal Cord Injury Day.

The minister highlighted the need for setting up more centres in the country for treating spinal cord injuries.

The function was held at AIIMS Trauma Centre.

Para athletes Amit Saroha, Ekta Singh, Sunil Phogat, Navin Gulia and Tasleem Fatima too were felicitated at the event.

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Computing device maker HP today re-entered the enterprise tablet segment with the launch of water-resistant and dust-proof HP Pro8 at a starting price of Rs 19,374.

"We are relaunching tablet for this (enterprise) segment," HP Inc India Managing Director Sumeer Chandra said after launching the 4G-enabled device with 8-inch display.

The company expects 80 per cent of business for HP Pro8 to come from government and companies having workforce of over 1,000 people.

The tablet can be configured with iris scanner and fingerprint reader for Aadhaar based authentication, magnetic stripe reader and thermal printer for transaction management and bar code reader for inventory management and tracking.

HP Pro8 features Android OS 'Marshmallow', quad core processor, 2GB RAM, 16 GB on-board storage expandable up to 64 GB, 4G LTE connectivity with Bluetooth and 6000 mAh battery.

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Stepping up cooperation between the two coast guards, India today formally handed over 'Varuna,' an offshore patrol vessel to Sri Lanka at a colourful ceremony held at the naval base here.

Director General of Sri Lankan Coast Guard Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge received the ship from Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh in the presence of Rear Admiral S S Ranasinghe, Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy, a defence release here said.

Varuna, synonymous with Lord Varuna has remained the 'Alma Mater' for Indian Coast Guard officers for over three decades and has glorious accomplishments to her credit. It would be the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) to be inducted into Sri Lanka Coast Guard and has been allocated pennant number SLCG-60 by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, it said.

Prior to the ship's departure to the island nation, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be imparted familiarisation and 'On Job Training' by ICG Workup team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machinery. In his address, Singh highlighted the significance of mutually beneficial relations shared between both the countries.

He also fondly remembered the contributions of the erstwhile training ship and wished good luck to the Sri Lankan crew in all future endeavours, the release said. The Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard conveyed deep appreciation of Sri Lanka government to the Government of India for the transfer.

The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on August 23 to facilitate the handing over.

It will be commanded by Captain (ASW) Neville Amara Ubayasiri.

The handing over of the erstwhile ICG OPV to the Government of Sri Lanka for training and surveillance purposes is part of India's continuing efforts for cementing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, the release added.

India has earlier handed over two OPVs of the Indian Coast Guard, Varaha in 2006 and Vigraha in 2008.

Handing over ships, patrol vessels, interceptor boats to littoral states in the Indian Ocean like the Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and helping them in capacity-building has been a vital element of the Indian diplomacy.

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Three Malaysians of Indian origin were today sentenced to up to seven years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane each in Singapore for robbing a money changer in 2014, a media report said today.

Vekneswaran Sekaran and Saravanak Kumar Karunanithy, both 30, were each sentenced to seven years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane, while 32-year-old Selvam Karupaya was jailed for five years and nine months and 12 strokes of the cane, Channel Asia reported.

The trio were part of a nine-member gang who had planned the heist months in advance, secretly tailing the money changer to learn his routine, including when he would pick up suitcases full of cash from couriers.

They also staked out his home to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and rehearsed the robbery.

After four aborted attempts in October 2014, the robbers made off with SGD624,036 in cash after ambushing the victim, Ali Yousof Saiboo, 35, on November 5 that year.

The robbers used a crowbar to smash the windows of Ali's vehicle, dragged him out and snatched his suitcases.

One of the robbers threatened to kill Ali's two-year-old son, who was sitting in the front passenger seat.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Michelle Lu said the level of planning that went into the robbery was "unprecedented".

The robbers had even stuck plasters on their fingers to avoid leaving any fingerprints at the scene. All of them fled to Malaysia within two hours of the robbery.

Another three of the nine robbers - Malaysian men of Indian origins and aged between 29 and 35 - remain at large.

The first three to be dealt with were sentenced last year to between seven and nine years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane.

The punishment for gang robbery in Singapore is five to 20 years in jail and at least 12 strokes of the cane.

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Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh greeted the people of the state on the occasion of the historic Chhapar Mela today, while regretting that he would not be able to attend the main event in Ludhiana tomorrow as he is indisposed.

The chief minister has been advised restricted movement by doctors due to a sprained ankle, an official spokesperson said today.

Ministers Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot will attend the programme and address the gathering in Chhapar village tomorrow morning, said the spokesperson.

A host of other cabinet ministers, lawmakers and eminent personalities will be present at the occasion to celebrate the symbol of Punjab's socio-cultural diversity and ode to the revered 'Gugga Pir Ji'.

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Indonesian Naval ship "KRI Usman Harun" today concluded its three-day visit to the city during which its commander called on the Southern Naval Command Chief of Staff and the crew were taken around some Naval training institutes.

The vessel, commanded byCaptainAlan Dahlan, arrived here on Sunday, a Defence release said here.

TheCommanding Officer of the visiting ship, accompanied byMajorMohammad Prima Vega Capella,Assistant Defence Attache of Indonesia,called on Chief of Staff of Southern Naval Command (SNC) Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni yesterday and held discussions onprofessional matters of common interest to both navies.

The foreign ship's crew were given a conducted tour of some of the training units under SNC here such as Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF), Damage Control Training Facility (DCTF) and the Diving School, the release said.

A friendly volleyball match between the teams of SNC and the visiting ship was also played.

In addition, theIndonesian crew visited places of interest here and also had a glimpse of Onam festival being celebrated in a traditional manner.

India traditionally has enjoyed warm relations with Indonesia, due to shared historical and cultural heritage dating back to thousands of years.

In the recent past, India-Indonesia relations had shown an upswing and defence cooperation, in particular, seen many new initiatives in the form of increased number of ship and military delegation visits, as well as training exchanges, the release said.

On departure, a 'passage exercise' was conducted off Kochitoday between Indian naval vessel INSSujata and KRI Usman Harun.

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An inquest into the deaths of eight Indians killedlast monthin one of the UK's worst road accidents and was suspended today pending police investigation, just hours after it was opened.

The inquest by Coroner Tom Osborne at the Crownhill Crematorium site on Dansteed Way in Milton Keynes, southern England, formally identified the victims as Indians based in the UK and some of their friends and members of their families who were in the UK as tourists.

Those who died in the collision have been formally named as Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian,33, and his wife, Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman,32, who were from the Alwarthirunagar area of Chennai; Panneerselvam Annamalai, 63, from the Nagar area of Chennai; Subramaniyan Arachelvan, 58, and his wife Tamilmani Arachelvan, 50, from the Saket area of Delhi; Vivek Baskaran, 26, from the Avaiyambalpuram area of Mayiladuthurai; Rishi Rajeev Kumar, 27, from Kerala and [British Indian] Cyriac Joseph, 52, who lived in Nottingham, a Thames Valley Police statement said today.

Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, from the force's Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said his team is conducting a "substantial" police investigation into the crash after which the inquest into the deaths can be closed.

"We are continuing to support and update the families of those who died in the collision, as well as those who were injured and remain in hospital. Our thoughts remain with everyone involved at this time," he said.

Karthikeyan Ramasubramaniyam Pugalur, Rishi Rajeev Kumar, and Vivek Bhaskaranhad been identified by Indian software company Wipro as its employees who were among those killed in the deadly accident on a highway in Buckinghamshire, southern England, when the mini bus they were travelling in got crushed between two large trucks.

Shravathi Ramasubramanian, the four-year-old daughter of Karthikeyan and Lavanyalakshmi who died in the accident, is being cared for by two of her relatives at Birmingham Children's hospital and her condition is said to be stable.

Three others hospitalised after the crash include Mano Ranjan Panneerselvam, another Wipro employee, at St John Radcliffe Hospital, his wife at Milton Keynes Hospital, and his aunt at Cardiff hospital.

They are in a stable condition and their condition is improving, said Jacob Ravibalan, chair of the World Tamil Organisation (UK) - a group that is providing support on the ground.

"After the coroner hands over the bodies to funeral directors, we are expecting that their reparation to India can take place by this weekend," he said.

Cyriac Joseph, the Kerala-born owner of Nottingham-based ABC Travels and driver of the minibus who was among those who lost their lives in the highway pile-up, is expected to be given his last rites in the UK.

The fatal collision took place on the M1 motorway near Newport Pagnell in the early hours of August 26 as the families from India were en-route from Nottingham to London to set off on a European holiday.

Two lorry drivers - Ryszard Masierak andDavid Wagstaff- have since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and are set to appear in court later this month.

Masierak, who will appear at Aylesbury Crown Court on September 26, has also been charged with being almost twice the legal drink drive limit at the time of the crash.

Wagstaff will appear before Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on September 11.

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With home sharing in the country gaining popularity, a report says that intra-BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) travel to India is dominated by Chinese and Russian guests.

Intra-BRICS travel to India is dominated by Chinese and Russian guests, according to a report by Airbnb, an online marketplace and hospitality service.

The data is based on actual bookings on the Airbnb platform.

"The travel to India from other BRICS countries is dominated by Chinese and Russian guests. In particular, the average Russian guest stay length is double the average of guests from the other three countries, reaching 7.2 days," it added.

New Delhi and Mumbai are the most popular cities among all intra-BRICS travellers, while Agra-Jaipur is one of the favourite routes for the Chinese, it said.

India listings enjoy peak travel from the other four BRICS nations in winter, with January being the peak month.

The report also revealed that Indian hosts shared their homes with 3,75,000 guests last year, with most international guests arriving from the US, the UK, Australia, France and Germany.

Year-over-year growth in guest arrivals to India has increased 159 per cent from the last year.

Women hosts make up 55 per cent of the global Airbnb host community.

Last year, the report added, 5.36 million guests arrived at Airbnb listings in BRICS nations, generating USD 467 million hosts income for local community.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today called on the youth to come forward in nation building saying they are the country's real strength.

"The youth are the country's strength," Das said while addressing the students at Birsa Institute of Technology, Sindri, on the occasion of Teachers' Day.

Stating that there is no big capital than the strength of youth for the development of the state, Das quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying that on the strength of youth power, India would show its identity at the global level, according to an official release.

To make this a success, Skill Development Department has been created, "because time is changing and if we don't change than we will lag behind", he said.

Jharkhand is a prosperous state with enormous possibilities but it has been stung by poverty and unemployment, he said adding, the state government has vowed to eradicate poverty and unemployment.

The chief minister also laid the foundation stones and inaugurated schemes worth Rs 805 crore. He also laid foundation stones to develop the institute for Rs 160 crore.

Das inaugurated a Centre of Excellence set up by Simens and technical skill development institute in five polytechnic centres and laid foundation stones for different tenchinal education institutes.

The chief minister also laid foundation stone for an Engineering College in Palamau.

The chief minister said that centre of excellence would be opened in 12 districts, adding every year 14,000 students would get skill development training.

He said that trainers from Singapur would train the students, the release said.

Education Minister Neera Yadav said that the Centre of Excellence would be beneficial for the students.

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East West Metro authorities today told the Calcutta High Court that JICA, the Japanese agency which is part-funding East West Metro Railway here, has approved variation in expenditure with regard to realignment through Esplanade station.

Kolkata Metro Railway Corporation Ltd (KMRCL) counsel Bikash Bhattacharya informed the court that approval of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been obtained with regard to cost escalation over realignment of route through Esplanade station.

The KMRCL counsel told Justice Dipankar Dutta that necessary instructions on the basis of the approval have been passed on to engineering firm AFCONS on construction of the metro line through the new alignment.

AFCONS had moved the high court seeking direction to KMRCL to give approval for the variation of costs over realignment.

The realignment, as proposed by the West Bengal government, was through Subodh Mallick Square, thus making the passenger interface with the north-south metro railway at Esplanade station and not Central station.

KMRCL also informed the court that out of 91 trees to be felled at Laldighi area at Dalhousie for construction of Mahakaran station, 10 have been identified which would be transplanted.

Asking KMRCL to see if more of those trees can be transplanted, the bench directed that the matter would be taken up for hearing again on Friday.

The 14.67 km-long East West Metro corridor connecting Howrah with Salt Lake Sector V boasts of a major engineering marvel with the recent completion of metro tunnel under Hooghly river.

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Lil Wayne's daughter Reginae Carter has confirmed that the rapper is doing "fine" after after he suffered a seizure in Chicago.

The 34-year-old rapper was rushed to hospital in Chicago after suffering multiple seizures. He was found unconscious in his Westin Hotel room on Sunday.

Carter took to Twitter to thank fans for love and concern.

"My dad is doing fine everyone! Thanks for the concerns ... You guys are amazing (sic)" she wrote.

The New Orleans hip-hop star has long suffered from epileptic disorder and has been hospitalised several times in recent years, including a six-day stay back in 2013 and after an incident on a cross-country flight in 2016 that prompted him to cancel an appearance in Las Vegas.

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An effigy of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee was burnt amidst shouting of slogans at Sadam in South Sikkim district today, in protest against the alleged burning of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's effigy at Siliguri.

The effigy of West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb was also burnt at Sadam for his recent comments accusing the Sikkim government and police administration of helping GJM supremo Bimal Gurung, against whom a look out notice had been issued by the Bengal government, and his associates to flee, police said.

The effigies were burnt at the place where Kalimpong police allegedly shot dead a GJM member who was in Sikkim to attend the central committee meeting of the GJM called by Gurung on Friday.

The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front(SDF) has condemned the alleged burning of Chamling's effigy at Siliguri.

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A US citizen of Indian-origin was today arrested for posing as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary before the divisional commissioner of Gurgaon.

The police said the accused, Atul Kalsi, came to Divisional Commissioner D Suresh's camp office in civil lines area.

"During the conversation with the divisional commissioner, his activities appeared to be suspicious. The official cross-checked with the PMO about his credentials and it appeared to be false. Subsequently, he was apprehended by security staff," Gurgaon Police's public relations officer Ravider Kumar said.

The accused is an American citizen of Indian origin. He also has a Gurgaon voter ID card which is being investigated.

Kalsi was produced before Gurgaon civil court which sent him to 14 days in judicial custody.

D Suresh, the divisional commissioner, told PTI that the PMO was apprised of the incident.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for an organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, as he suggested 10 commitments through which BRICS could drive global transformation.

Speaking at the "BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue", organised by China on sidelines of BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, Modi also assured India's partnership with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world -- brick by brick, or, through BRICS...," Modi said.

"I had spoken about the BRICS driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a Golden Decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies and action," he said.

Apart from Modi, leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and five guest countries -- Egypt, Tajikistan, Thailand, Mexico and Kenya -- attended the dialogue.

Describing these countries as "close and valued" partners of India, the prime minister said he was pleased to exchange perspectives with them on the shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable development and thanked President Xi Jinping for bringing the countries together.

He said that BRICS, which represents almost half of the humanity, can achieve global transformation with a proactive approach, policies and action based on ten "Noble Commitments".

The commitments include creating a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues -- counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

The commitments suggested by the prime minister also included creating a greener world by taking concerted action on countering climate change through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance.

Other noble commitments were -- creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Talking about India's national review of sustainable development goals as per the UN's '2030 Agenda', the prime minister said the bedrock of the country's development agenda lies in the notion of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' (with all, for everybody's development).

"Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner. To cite just one example, our three-pronged approach of providing a bank account to the unbanked, providing a biometric identity to all, and using innovative mobile governance solutions, has enabled direct benefit transfers to almost 360 million people for the first time," he said.

Maintaining that India would like to see such domestic efforts buttressed by strong international partnerships, Modi said the country stands ready to play its part.

"India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing our own aspirations for growth. At every step, we have shared our experience and resources across a range of sectors: from strengthening democratic institutions to deploying high-tech solutions for public good," the prime minister said.

He also noted that India had launched the South Asia Satellite for the benefit of willing regional partners in meeting their developmental goals in education, healthcare, communication and disaster management.

He also said that for over half a century, India's flagship initiative -- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) -- has offered training and skill development to 161 partner countries from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Caribbean and Pacific Island states.

"And, in all of this, our 'no strings attached' model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries," Modi added.

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Pilgrims converging on Velankanni in this district, from Mumbai to participate in the 11-day annual festival have appealed to the Southern Railway to extend the special train scheduled to be operated from Velankanni to Panvel on September 8, upto Bandra or Vasai.

Coordinator of Mumbai-Velankanni pilgrims association, Charlie Rosario claimed that nearly 50,000 pilgrims, including a large number of senior citizens, women and children have arrived at Velankanni this year from Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

"They all need to return home by September 8 and 9 after taking part in the festival.. Most of them have to reach either Mumbai or Vasai," he said.

"But the Southern Railway is operating a special train only till Panvel.. It will be difficult for pilgrims, especially senior citizens to make other arrangements to reach Mumbai from Panvel," he pointed out.

Rosario urged the Southern Railway to extend the special train up to Bandra or Vasai.

Also, to clear extra rush, they should consider operating another special train to Mumbai from Velankanni on September 9, he said.

The annual festival at Velankanni commenced on August 29 and ends on September 8.

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Myanmar President Htin Kyaw today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two- nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi. The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

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The Nashik Cyclists Foundation is eyeing to break the Guinness world record of Bangladesh to form the 'longest single line of bicycles (moving)', with nearly 2,000 cyclists in an attempt scheduled next year.

Chairman of the Foundation, Praveen Khabia told reporters yesterday they will take up the attempt on February 4, 2018 and the process of registration with the Guinness Book of World Records has been completed.

They are expecting school and colleges students in large numbers to take part in the historic event and are in process of approaching various private and government schools and colleges.

Cyclists above the age of 12, senior citizens, women will take part in the event wherein they will peddle in a single line for over 3-km, Khabia said.

Currently, the Guinness World record of forming the longest line of bicycles (moving), is held by non-profit social community BDCyclists in Dhaka in 2015 where 1,186 cyclists peddled for 3.2-km to achieve the feat.

"We also envisage to have 50 per cent women cyclists and are reaching out to women of all ages to participate in the attempt," he said.

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Nepal today paid tributes to the former Indian president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishna on his birth anniversary and called him a great "philosopher" and "educationist".

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education of Nepal Gopal Man Shrestha also said that Dr Radhakrishnan had made significant contribution in spreading the Hindu philosophy across the globe.

"Radhakrishnan was a multifarious personality, who believed that education is not only a means of imparting knowledge to the people, but it should also help in developing their overall personality," Shrestha said while speaking as the chief guest at a function organised by Mahamana Malaviya Mission Nepal to mark 129th birth anniversary of Dr Radhakrishnan in Kathmandu.

Dr Radhakrishna's birth anniversary is celebrated as Teacher's Day across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief of Mission Indian Embassy Ajay Kumar said that Dr Radhakrishnan was accorded warm welcome by the people of Nepal when he visited the country as the second president of India in 1963.

Dr Radhakrishnan was granted an honorary degree by the Tribhuvan University of Nepal at that time, he said.

Professor J S Rajput, an Indian educationist, highlighted the contributions made by the former Indian president, in the area of education and Vedic philosophy.

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A major new outdoor touring exhibition will honour the long history of Indian presence in Britain and the impact Indians have had on British life as part of the ongoing UK-India Year of Culture celebrations.

The 'India in Britain' exhibition opens in Edinburgh on September 17 before travelling to London and then Leeds next month.

"By touring this outdoor exhibition, we want to swivel the perspective and examine India's role within Britain, rather than Britain's well documented historical presence in India," said Professor Susheila Nasta from the UK's Open University, the Project Director of the exhibition backed by the Indian High Commission in London.

"The images trace Indian-British interactions across the divides of race, class, and gender, drawing public attention to the complex realities of both countries' intertwined histories. The accompanying events and online tools will reach wide public audiences. We hope this will fire imaginations and provoke reflection so we remember the huge impact India and South Asia have had on contemporary British life," she said.

The exhibition documents the diverse histories which make up the shared heritage of India and Britain from 1870, the earliest image in the exhibition, to the present day and grew out of a decade-long research project exploring South Asian and Indian-British connections.

Spanning almost two centuries - from the period of the British Raj through to the post-war migration to today - the exhibition, and an accompanying website, has been described as a visual history of India's impact on Britain's cultural, intellectual and political life, national and global politics, human rights and equality, the arts and sport.

Famous personalities are celebrated, alongside images of the ordinary and every day. The images also document moments of adversity and the discrimination faced by those who made their homes in Britain.

"From giants of history to the unnamed and unrecognised, the exhibition shines a light on the many individuals who have shaped British life," the organisers said in a statement.

Queen Victoria is depicted with her favoured Munshi, Abdul Karim; Gandhi is pictured visiting female textile workers in Lancashire; and the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore, is photographed in London.

The exhibition has been directed by Professor Nasta in collaboration with Dr Florian Stadtler of Exeter University and Maya Parmar of the Open University. The project forms part of the wider programme for the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture.

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The world has taken "a step closer" towards justice for alleged war crimes committed in Syria, the judge leading the new United Nations effort to investigate the conflict said today.

Catherine Marchi-Uhel of France is in charge of the body known as the "International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism", which is tasked with preparing prosecutions for major international crimes committed in Syria.

Marchi-Uhel said her panel will work closely with the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI), which has submitted regular reports detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 320,000 people since 2011.

The COI has repeatedly called for the UN Security Council to use its reports as grounds to refer the Syria case to the International Criminal Court.

But permanent Security Council members, including China and Damascus-ally Russia, have blocked those moves.

An alliance of Western powers including the United States, Britain and France last year successfully pushed for the creation of a new body in response to the Security Council's inaction.

Marchi-Uhel said her mandate was to compile prosecutorial files that could be used by any jurisdiction -- domestic or international -- capable of taking action against the perpetrators of major international crimes in Syria.

"We're getting a step closer to prosecution and trials," she told reporters in Geneva, voicing hope that her work will have "a detering effect" on the violence that continues to rage on the ground.

Her broad mandate allows her to pursue cases against all actors in the conflict, including rebels, Islamic State jihadists as well President Bashar al-Assad's government and military.

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One person was injured in a clash between two groups during the immersion procession of Ganesh idols in Savli town, around 35 kms from here today, police said.

The man was injured during stone-pelting between two groups of the same community, a police officer said.

"The incident took place following an argument between the groups over throwing of 'gulal' (vermilion powder)," Saurabh Tolumbia, DSP of Vadodara district rural, said.

Barring this incident, the procession passed off peacefully, he said.

There was no untoward incident reported during the Ganesh immersion procession in Vadodara. Till late evening, over 2,000 idols were immersed in 28 ponds across the city, police commissioner Manoj Shashidhar said.

Over 5,000 security personnel have been deployed in the city to keep a vigil, he added.

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A four-storey dilapidated building in the Posta area of central Kolkata collapsed today, killing one member of a family and grievously injuring two others, police officials said.

The three were trapped inside a room when the building collapsed, they said.

Taraprasanna Saha, Sobha Rani Saha and Beauty Roy were pulled out by local residents and fire brigade personnel, the officials added.

They were taken to the Calcutta Medical College Hospital where doctors declared Taraprassana as "brought dead". The injured, who are in a critical condition, were admitted to the hospital.

It was not immediately known how they were related, and if there were others in the building.

The police said people were living there even after it had been declared a "dangerous structure" by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The area was cordoned off and the building evacuated, they said.

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A group of selected Pakistani envoys, including those in India and China, today began debating key foreign policy issues in an effort to chalk out a response to the new US strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia.

The three-day conference was inaugurated by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif.

The conference could allow various Pakistani envoys to harmonise their understanding of the foreign policy issues facing the country, particularly after the US president last month publicly rebuked Islamabad for harbouring terror groups.

The new US strategy, outlined by Donald Trump, seeks a greater development role for India in Afghanistan.

Other issues to be discussed at the meet may include the BRICS declaration in China's Xiamen city yesterday, calling Pakistan-based terror groups a security concern in the region.

Pakistan's ambassador and high commissioners in the US, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Afghanistan, Iran, and India were attending the conference, the Foreign Office said.

Its spokesman said in a brief statement that the envoys "will deliberate over a range of bilateral, regional and global dimensions of Pakistan's foreign policy."



Diplomatic sources here said Asif in his opening remarks said there was no military solution to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Afghanistan.

He urged the envoys to discuss Pakistan's India ties and the situation in Kashmir, and suggest how Islamabad should highlight the issue.

The sources said the envoys would discuss potential strength of Pakistan's foreign policy and options available in view of the "current geo-political and regional situation".

They would also suggest options for a comprehensive policy to safeguard Pakistan's interests in wake of new US strategy for the region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will chair the concluding session, when the policy formulations would be presented to him.

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Parliament, in its wisdom, had taken a conscious decision to keep the age limit of voidable marriage between 15 and 18 years in case of girls, the government told the Supreme Court today.

It said the legislature kept in mind the socio-economic conditions of the country and was aware of the international conventions, while deciding to keep the voidable clause in case of child marriages.

A bench of Justices M B Lokur and Deepak Gupta questioned the Centre about the logic behind keeping different age limits of voidable marriage for girls under different laws.

"In Indian Penal Code its different, in Prohibition of Child Marriage Act its different, in Hindu Marriage Act its different. What is the logic keeping different age limits for the marriage of girls," the bench said.

It also questioned the government for giving a varying window of age in different laws to women married at an age below 18 years, to walk out of the marriage.

During the hearing, the apex court also expressed concern over the prevalence of child marriages in the country despite a specific law prohibiting it, saying "these are not marriage but mirages."



"These cases will not be reported even if we hold the exception to IPC as void. Hardly any women will come to court. If both man and woman are of the age of 19 years, then the marriage is voidable at the instance of the man. The question still is where can we go? We have to look every aspect," the bench observed.

Senior advocate Rana Mukherjee, appearing for Centre, said child marriage was abhorrent to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), but it still happened.

"These marriages do happen in the society. Legitimacy of the child born from such marriage has to be given. Parliament was aware of voidable marriages happening in the society and therefore it had taken a conscious decision and kept the age limit of 15 to 18 years for marriage of girl," he said.

The court was hearing pleas questioning the validity of a provision permitting a man to have physical relationship with his wife, even if she was aged between 15 and 18 years.

Section 375 of the IPC, which defines the offence of rape, has an exception clause that says intercourse or sexual act by a man with his wife, not below 15 years, is not rape.

Centre's arguments remained inconclusive and will continue tomorrow.

Advocate Jayna Kothari, appearing for NGO Child Rights Trust, said the exception to section 375 of IPC is defeating the very purpose of PCMA and was also in violation of international conventions of which India is a signatory.

She said the right to privacy, as recognised by the Supreme Court in its recent decision, secured for every individual a private space free of intrusion and autonomy over most intimate, personal decisions.

"This is a concomitant ingredient of dignity which is so essential to development of human personality. Exempting sexual violence against minor girls from criminal prosecution within marriage, not only violates such right by depriving of their autonomy but also violates their fundamental right to life and bodily integrity," she said.

Kothari, assisted by advocate Disha Chaudhari, said the PCMA cannot be effectively implemented as the exception with regard to minor women legitimises violence against minor girls within marriage and hinders the provisions of the PCMA.

"Where on one hand it gives minor girls the option to nullify an early marriage, on the other it denies them any legal recourse for sexual abuse suffered within such voidable marriage," she said, adding that several high courts have repeatedly recognised that the PCMA overrides personal law.

Earlier, the bench had expressed dismay over the prevalence of the practice of child marriage despite the existence of the PCMA and termed as unfortunate that this was being done mostly at the behest of girl child's parents.

The Centre, in its affidavits, had admitted that child marriage were still happening in the country due to uneven economic and educational development.

"It has been therefore decided to retain the age of 15 years under exception 2 of section 375 of IPC, so as to give protection to husband and wife against criminalising the sexual activity between them," it had said.

It had said that lawmakers had taken a pragmatic view regarding the issue of 'marital rape' as marriage being a social institution was the bedrock of any society and hence, needs to be protected.

The NGO sought direction to declare exception 2 to Section 375 of the IPC as "violative of Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution to the extent that it permits intrusive sexual intercourse with a girl child aged between 15 and 18 years, only on the ground that she has been married."



It also referred to the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012, and said these were contrary to the IPC provision.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said that the government has decided to open a plus two school in every village as it has found that if all girls in the state are educated upto class 12 it can achieve the national average for fertility rate and "do even better".

Kumar, who was speaking at Teachers Day function here, said it has been found in studies in the country that if the wife is a matriculate than the fertility rate will be two and this is the situation in Bihar.

If the wife has passed the intermediate examination the fertility rate is 1.7 but it was 1.6 in Bihar.

"On the basis of this we thought that we have found the solution to control population. If all the girls in the state study upto class 12 we can achieve the national average in terms of fertility rate or do even better than it ... As a result, we have decided to open a plus two school in every village."



The fertility rate in Bihar is now 3.2 - down from 3.9 earlier, he said adding in order to boost girls' education, the state government has launched several schemes like free bicycle, free uniform as well school bag and shoes.

Kumar said his government is giving topmost priority to education for which more than 20 per cent of the state budget is earmarked. Senior secondary schools were opened in more than 5000 village panchayats and in the rest too it would come up soon.

As part of the sustained efforts to increase literacy among girls, their enrolment in class nine is now almost equal to that of boys in Bihar.

"Earlier the number of girls studying in class nine was only 1.7 lakh and now it has reached nine lakh. The enrolment of girls in class nine is almost equal to that of the boys," he said at the function, where he awarded meritorious teachers.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said that the state government spends Rs 14,434 crore every year as salary to teachers. Out of this, Rs 2925 crore is spent on salaries for college teachers, Rs 4852 crore for primary school teachers, Rs 1997 crore for middle school teachers and Rs 4600 crores for fixed pay teachers..

"When the government spends this much it becomes duty of teachers to become role models for students to inspire them for studies," Sushil Modi, who is also the Bihar finance minister, said.

Three new universities are coming up from the next session in the state. Patliputra University would be carved out of Magadh University, Purnea University from B N Mandal University and Munger university out of Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur university, he said.

In view of the shortage of teachers in science and English in 1000 secondary schools, virtual classes would be run in them, he said.

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Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu today called for adoption of a proactive approach to reach out to global companies with an aim to attract investments.

In a meeting with the team of 'Invest India', the minister deliberate upon ways to promote investments.

"Aligning with the idea of rolling out the red carpet for investors he called for a paradigm shift in approach for enhancing investments," the ministry said in a statement.

The minister "called for a proactive approach to reach out to global companies".

Prabhu also talked about preparation of district wise plan and creation of core competencies for states based on district wise plan.

He said India's long coastline is a natural advantage and they can be focused for bringing in investments.

"Prabhu also called for giving stress not only on Make in India but also on Design In India to be present in entire value chain," it added.

During April-June period of this fiscal, foreign direct investment in India increased by 37 per cent to USD 7.6 billion.

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Rajya Sabha Member and former Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee President, Pradip Kumar Balmuchu today demanded a judicial probe into the investments made by the state government in organising 'Momentum Jharkhand', an investors summit held in February in Ranchi.

"An enquiry should take be conducted by a High Court Judge into the investments made by the state government for the event," Balmuchu said at a press conference held in Tilak Pustkalaya, the Congress Bhawan here.

He said Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has been talking of "zero tolerance on corruption" but if he is really serious about it he himself should recommend a CBI enquiry into it, the Congress leader said.

Referring to the second ground breaking ceremony of Momentum Jharkhand held at Gopal Maidan here on August 19, Balmuchu said Das should have made public the takeaways from the first edition of the event held in February.

"How much investment the state government succeeded to attract...How many projects were implemented and the total number of employment generated following the February event?, he asked adding, the government should have proceeded for the second ground breaking ceremony only after making the details of the first edition public.

Balmuchu claimed that the second ground breaking ceremony of Momentum Jharkhand was aimed to benefit only the some selected persons close to the chief minister's family members.

The investment proposed to be made by investors in 74 projects at the second ground breaking ceremony was Rs 2,100 crore but none made investments of even Rs 1 crore. The minimum investment was Rs 18 lakh, he said alleging that the employment to be generated out of these projects was also very few.

The investment to be made in sector such as bakery, sweet making, agro-food etc and the investors were allotted land worth over Rs 1.5 crore, he alleged.

The state government had invested Rs.500 crore for the Ranchi event and of that Rs 100 crore was spent for the chief minister's pre-event tour to various states across the country as well as abroad to woo investors.

When asked to comment on the allegations, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar said the investments were part of Momentum Jharkhand.

"The focus of the state government was to attract investment in sectors including medium, small and cottage industries and generate employment opportunities," he said. adding, the details of investment made in the second ground breaking ceremony here has already been made public.

As far as cost of land was concerned, he said it depends on the circle it belonged to.

Balmuchu said several industrial units including Tayo Ltd, a Tata venture, have been closed here but no steps were taken to revive the sick/closed industries, which had provided employment to more than thousand people.

Such approach of the government simply indicated which way the mineral-rich state was heading, he apprehended. Reacting on a recent statement of Das that malnutrition has been inherited by his government from the previous governments, Balmuchu said ever since separate Jharkhand statehood was formed 17 years ago, BJP ruled it for 15 years. Even if the opposition was responsible for malnutrition in the state, what step BJP-led governments had taken to curb it, he asked while mentioning 332 death of children due to malnutrition in various hospitals of the state since July including M G M Hospital here.

The chief minister did not mention his line of action post-malnutrition death of children, he said.

About government's zero tolerance on corruption claim, Balmuchu said the corruption in Jharkhand has reached such an extent today that the bureaucrats and cabinet ministers themselves have started raising the issue in public.

Referring the statements of recently ousted Director of Rajendra Institute Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi and Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Affair Minister Saryu Roy, he said while the ousted Director of RIMS admitted non-payment of commission as the reason behind his removal, Roy questioned the illegal mining activities taking place in Jhatijharna under Ghatsila sub-division of his home district East Singhbhum.

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On a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his official visit to Myanmar, human rights organisation Amnesty International urged him to push the country's leadership to provide assistance to Rohingyas in the violence-hit Rakhine state.

The rights body also said the Modi government should "reaffirm" its commitment to protect Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers in India instead of "threatening" them with deportation.

"Prime Minister Modi must also use his visit to push the Myanmar authorities to allow full and unfettered humanitarian assistance to people in need. Nothing can justify denying life-saving aid to desperate people," Aakar Patel, Executive Director at Amnesty International India, said.

The Amnesty's plea came on a day Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that Rohingyas who have crossed over to India are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

He also said that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw today on a three-day visit and called on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

The number of Rohingya refugees that have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar, which flared up late last month, has touched 1,23,000, according to the UN refugee agency.

The Amnesty observed that despite being home to thousands of refugees, India is not a state party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, and does not have a domestic legal refugee protection framework.

"The treatment of refugees falls largely under the Foreigners Act of 1946, which makes no distinction between asylum-seekers, refugees and other foreigners. The Act makes undocumented physical presence in the country a crime," it added.

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The Punjab government today rolled out a programme -- Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobaar Mission -- aimed at creating jobs for about 2.36 lakh youth in the state.

At an Employers' Meet here, the state government formalised 34 MoUs with various industry bodies and employers, said an official spokesman.

Among the participants were leading industry experts such as Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Chairperson, India Council for Research on International Economics, Krish Iyer, India CEO, Walmart, and Paul Oswal, Chairman, Vardhman Textiles.

State Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal assured the industrialists that the Punjab government would extend full support to their existing as well as new ventures in the state with a view to creating employment for the youth.

"We will not let the youth of our state to shift to foreign countries in search of employment. Captain Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government is fully committed to provide jobs to the youth in every household as per their skill," he added.

He called on the employers to join hands for the scheme to accelerate Punjab's development.

"We all must work collectively to boost the economy of the state besides ensuring the constructive growth of our human resources," added Badal.

Speaking on the occasion, Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi announced that the government will set up a university of vocational education.

Iyer urged the Punjab government to bring in a retail policy.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir for three days from Saturday in an apparent outreach attempt to bring peace in the state, a home ministry official said.

Singh will visit Jammu, Srinagar and Leh and meet civil society members, leaders of political and social organisations, business leaders and others, the official said.

During his interactions, the home minister will receive people's representations on how to bring a lasting peace in the restive valley.

The home minister will also meet Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and civil and security officials.

The visit comes about three weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said bullets or abuses will not resolve the Kashmir issue and it can only be addressed by embracing every Kashmiri.

The home minister himself had said on August 19 that a solution to the Kashmir problem, besides terrorism, Naxalism, and the northeast insurgency will be found before 2022.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who heads the Congress' policy planning group on Kashmir, will also lead a team of party leaders to Jammu and Kashmir next week for discussions on the current situation in the state with party workers and "like-minded" groups.

A group of citizens, led by former union minister Yashwant Sinha had visited Jammu and Kashmir on August 17-19 and prepared a report which said the sense of "dismay and despondency" had grown among the people and the situation was "much worse" than their previous visits.

In September 2016, the home minister had visited the state leading an all-party delegation which met about 200 members from 30 delegations from various sections of society and listened to their point of view to arrive at a common solution to the Kashmir issue.

However, the separatists had rebuffed attempts by five opposition MPs to talk to them.

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The decision by President Donald Trump to scrap an amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the US illegally as children will impact the country's economy, US Chambers of Commerce said Tuesday.

Trump today scrapped an Obama-era programme known as Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA), a move likely to impact 800,000 undocumented workers including more than 7,000 Indian-Americans.

US Chamber of Commerce senior vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley said, "Individuals enrolled (in DACA) in good faith and became ingrained in our communities and the nation's economy. To reverse course now and deport these individuals is contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country."



With approximately 700,000 DACA recipients working for all sorts of businesses across the country, terminating their employment eligibility runs contrary to the president's goal of growing the US economy, he said.

"We ask that the administration and the Congress work together to quickly find a legislative solution before the program expires," Bradley said.

The much anticipated announcement was condemned by political leaders, including those from Trump's Republican party, think tanks and human rights groups.

"President Trump's decision to eliminate DACA is the wrong approach to immigration policy at a time when both sides of the aisle need to come together to reform our broken immigration system and secure the border," said top Republican Senator John McCain.

"While I disagreed with President Obama's unilateral action on this issue, I believe that rescinding DACA at this time is an unacceptable reversal of the promises and opportunities that have been conferred to these individuals," McCain said.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said Trump's rescission of the DACA programme marks his cruelest action yet against the immigrant - especially the Latino immigrant - community living in the United States.

Facebook-led FWD.US - which represents corporate sector in the Silicon Valley - said that repealing of DACA will cost 7,234 jobs every week in the United States.

"It will cost the US economy USD 460.3 billion over the next decade. Every business day that DACA is repealed will result in an average of 1,400 dreamers being forced out of their jobs and putting them under immediate threat of deportation," it said.

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China has tried to intimidate, blacklist and squelch the voices of rights advocates who operate within the UN system, Human Rights Watch said in a report today, calling on Beijing to stop such pressure and urging UN agencies to resist.

Presenting the report , HRW Executive Director Kenneth Roth said that China's influence and crackdown on civil society at home "make it a model of bad faith that challenges the integrity of the UN rights system."



The New York-based group's report is based on interviews with 55 people including UN officials, diplomats and civil society representatives between May 2016 and March, and takes aim at a powerful, rising country with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the Chinese government is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, and accused Human Rights Watch of being prejudiced against China.

"We urge the relevant organisation to remove its tinted lenses and view China's human rights development and its contribution to the international rights cause in an unbiased and objective way, and stop its groundless accusations against China," Geng told reporters at a regular briefing.

The report said some UN officials have pushed back at "improper Chinese pressure" at times, while they "have capitulated" at others.

It pointed to detention, travel restrictions and reprisals faced by Chinese activists, as well as efforts to hinder supporters of the Dalai Lama when he travels even within the vicinity of UN venues.

In one instance, the group said, UN officials sent home some of the 3,000 staffers at the UN's Geneva campus during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Switzerland in January, and barred NGOs from attending his speech there.

The UN office in Geneva, in a statement, said it "takes very seriously" the report's comments, insisting that it works to allow UN human rights bodies "to carry out their work in a conducive environment free from interference of any kind."



As for the Xi visit on January 18, the UN building in Geneva "was indeed closed to visitors for security reasons, in accordance with security rules applicable to high-level visits." It said "staff had been invited to work from home in order to facilitate security arrangements for such a high- level event."



The report, in essence, pieces together individual incidents into a broader whole to suggest that China is systematically thwarting efforts to monitor and protect human rights not just in China but abroad, too.

It cites examples of China failing to ratify language on protection of individuals, working to slash funding for human rights officers in UN peacekeeping missions and refusing to affirm civil society's role in a 2015 resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on public health.

"Taken individually, many of China's actions against NGOs might be viewed as an annoyance or an irritant," the report says. "But taken together, they amount to what appears to be a systematic attempt to subvert the ability of the UN human rights system to confront abuses in China and beyond.

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A row erupted today after a state- run auditorium here cancelled the booking for an event which was to be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on October 3, a move denounced by BJP and the Sangh as an act of "vengeance" but defended by the Mamata Banerjee government.

The development set off a slugfest, with the RSS' official twitter handle alleging that it was done to "appease jihadi elements", but the TMC government said the booking was cancelled over "safety and security reasons" as the auditorium would be under renovation and repair around that time.

"To take vengeance on RSS, Mamata cancelled event of Sister Nivedita Mission Trust, which is working among poor & destitute women," the RSS tweeted quoting Manmohan Vaidya, its chief of publicity.

"Mamata's knee-jerk responses r 2 appease #Jihadi elements who have infiltrated the state, upon which she built her political base," said another tweet.

A spokesman for the Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations Committee, which had booked Mahajati Sadan for the programme, claimed that the auditorium authorities had accepted the booking in June.

But last week they first said that police permission was required for holding the event. When told that police permission had already been obtained, they said that renovation work will be undertaken in the auditorium during the time and the programme cannot take place there, said Rantidev Sengupta, general secretary of the committee.

The BJP leadership also came down heavily on the state government and alleged that an "undeclared Emergency" prevailed in the state.

"Earlier when Mohan Bhagwat was supposed to address a programme at Brigade Parade ground, the state government tried to stop it. I was held only after a court order," BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha told PTI.

"Why is the state government so afraid of RSS-BJP? It is a programme related to Sister Nivedita and in that too they are trying to find politics. This is nothing but undeclared Emergency. This is nothing but vendetta politics," he alleged.

The Trinamool Congress government however dismissed the allegations as baseless.

"The allegations are baseless. All scheduled programmes from September 26 to October 6 have been cancelled due to renovation work.

"The decision was taken a few days ago and all the organizations concerned which had booked the hall have been informed about the decision," State Food Supplies minister and chairman of the renovation committee of Mahajati Sadan Jyotipriyo Mullick said.

Sister Nivedita was a Scottish-Irish social worker, writer, teacher and a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.

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South Korea's navy held major live- fire drills today to warn the North against any provocations at sea, it said, two days after Pyongyang's biggest nuclear test to date.

The drills, conducted in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), involved the 2,500-tonne frigate Gangwon, a 1,000-tonne patrol ship and 400-tonne guided-missile vessels, among others, the Navy said in a statement.

"If the enemy launches a provocation above water or under water, we will immediately hit back to bury them at sea," Captain Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said in a statement.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

Yesterday the South's military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site.

US President Donald Trump and South Korea's leader Moon Jae-In agreed during a phone call late yesterday to remove limits on the payload of the South's missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also said he was willing to approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea", according to a statement released by the White House.

Tensions have mounted on the Korean peninsula following a series of missile launches by the North, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range.

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The Supreme Court today ordered a CBI investigation into the death of M K Ganapathy, a deputy superintendent of Karnataka police, saying there were "startling facts" in the case which needed to be probed in a fair manner.

DySP Ganapathy had died at Madikeri in Karnataka under mysterious circumstances on July 7 last year.

A bench, comprising Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit, allowed the appeal of M K Kushalapp, father of the deceased police officer, filed against the order of the Karnataka High Court rejecting his plea for CBI probe into the death case.

"There are certain startling facts in the case. Whether it is murder or suicide, it is required to be investigated in a fair manner," the bench said.

It asked the CBI to file a status report on the probe before it within 3 months.

The top court said it was neither determining the nature of the offence, nor the fact as to who are guilty.

"But public confidence and societal requirement demand that the guilty persons must be reached," the bench said while ordering the CBI probe into the matter.

The Karnataka government had opposed the plea in the apex court saying that a thorough and in-depth probe had been conducted in the case.

It was claimed in the appeal that before the death, the police officer had accused Bengaluru city development minister K J George and senior officers A M Prasad and Pranab Mohanty of harassing him.

The bench considered the allegations and said under these circumstances, the probe should be carried out by an independent agency.

Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the state government, opposed the plea and said the relevant materials could be submitted in the court to establish that the probe has been conducted fairly.

Another senior advocate A M Singhvi, who represented George, argued that the police officer was suffering from depression and had undergone treatment.

Senior lawyer Jayant Bhushan, appearing for the father of the deceased, said the state CID had probed the matter and filed the closure report without getting the forensic report.

The probe cannot be conducted by a state agency when former Home Minister and two senior officers are under the scanner, he alleged.

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Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead here today, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth said she was shot dead at her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar.

Gauri Lankesh had ideological differences with right wing outfits.

Last year, she was convicted in a defamation case filed by MP Prahlad Joshi, who had objected to a report against BJP leaders.

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Responding to a mid-sea medical emergency, the Indian Coast Guard has evacuated a Turkish national from a merchant vessel off the city coast after he complained of chest pain.

The medical evacuation of 39-year old Mehmet Sari Sahin from the ship 'MV Yasa Unity' was carried out yesterday by the Coast Guard, a Defence release said here today.

A medical team onboard the coast guard vessel C-421 evacuated Sahin after it received information about the medical emergency.

The merchant vessel was directed to head towards Kochi and advised to identify a local agent for coordinating further formalities.

After completion of immigration and customs checks, the man was handed over to the local agent and subsequently admitted to a private hospital here, the release added.

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The son of a late Congress leader and three others have been booked in the alleged murder of their friend following a brawl over some dispute while returning from Nepal, the police said here today.

Ashutosh alias Tinku, son of late Congress MLA Surendra Nath Awasthi alias Puttu Awasthi, and three others have been booked in the alleged murder of their friend Brijnandan Tewari alias Mantu, who was also a scribe and property dealer, a senior police official said.

According to police, the five friends had gone to Nepal on Sunday and while returning yesterday they had a brawl over some matter following which Brijnandan sustained serious injuries.

While three of the friends fled the scene leaving Mantu on the Bahraich-Nanpara road, the fourth one informed the police but he succumbed to injuries in hospital.

Additional SP Kamlesh Dixit said that an FIR has been lodged against the four, including Ashutosh, and investigations are on.

Ashutosh had contested the 2007 Assembly polls on the BSP ticket from Haidergarh seat.

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Taiwan's president today appointed a new premier seen as willing to reach out to rival China amid ongoing tense relations between the two sides.

President Tsai Ing-wen named William Lai to head up the government following the resignation of Lin Chuan on Yesterday. Lin had asked to leave the post before local elections next year added an unwanted political element to his work.

The smooth transfer of office "represents that there is absolutely no problem with the communication and handing over of the functions within the Cabinet," Tsai told reporters at a conference attended by both Lin and Lai.

"All the reform projects will be handed over and carried on," Tsai said.

Lai, a 57-year-old Harvard-educated physician, served for 11 years in the legislature and since 2010 has been mayor of the southern city of Tainan.

China cut off all contacts with Tsai's government more than a year ago after she refused to endorse Beijing's position that Taiwan is Chinese territory.

Over the past year, China has persuaded two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies to switch sides as it ratchets up its diplomatic and economic pressure on Tsai's administration, causing her job approval rating to plummet to just 33 percent.

Since the sides split amid civil war in 1949, China has refused to renounce using force to gain control over Taiwan if it were deemed necessary.

China also uses its diplomatic clout to bar Taiwan from United Nations agencies, another sore spot with the public. The two sides were able to reach 23 economic, trade and transit agreements under the previous president, Ma Ying-jeou, because he agreed to the "one-China" precondition.

Lai suggested earlier in the year seeking common ground with China, according to local media reports, and said the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which supports Taiwan's formal legal independence, should have confidence to approach Beijing. The party normally takes a guarded view toward relations with China.

In June, Lai described his outlook on relations between the sides as "feel affinity toward China, love Taiwan." Amid criticism, he said he meant offering China a gesture of friendship to seek understanding.

"He tested the water and shrank back," said Lin Chong- pin, a retired professor and former deputy Taiwanese defense minister. "But we can't say he won't try again" after China's ruling Communist Party holds a key national congress next month, Lin said.

However, Huang Kwei-bo, associate professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Beijing was unlikely to see Lai's appointment in a positive light given his pro-independence background.

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A four-storey dilapidated building in central Kolkata's Posta area, the biggest wholesale hub of eastern India, collapsed today, killing three members of a family.

The three victims -- an aged couple and their middle-aged daughter -- were trapped inside a room when the building collapsed, the police said.

Taraprasanna Saha (94), his wife Sobha Rani Saha (84) and daughter Beauty Saha (56) were pulled out of the structure by the fire brigade personnel with the help of the locals, they added.

They were immediately taken to the state-run Calcutta Medical College, where Taraprasanna was declared brought dead. His wife and daughter died at the hospital subsequently, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central, Mitesh Jain, told reporters.

Two others, who were also trapped in the building, were rescued by the locals. They were released from the hospital after primary treatment.

The structure collapsed at around 11 AM. The other tenants of the building had evacuated it earlier, soon after it was declared "dangerous" by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).

"It was not safe to reside in the building and only one family was living there forcefully," local Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Smita Bakshi said.

Eyewitnesses said the upper floors of the building collapsed and fell on the side where the Saha family had been living.

KMC engineers went to the spot to ascertain the extent of damage. The area was cordoned off by the authorities.

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The Goa Police today booked three senior officials of Vedanta Sesa Goa under charge of endangering life of others, two days after a 31-year-old engineer died after getting trapped in the conveyor belt at the company's Met Coke division.

Umesh Pradhan died while he was attending some maintenance work at the belt carrying coal at the plant, located at Amona, 30 km from here, on Sunday evening.

The Bicholim Police investigating the case filed an FIR against Dinesh Kamat (shift incharge), Adhip Pai (Maintenance Head) and Navnath Vhatte (Head, Value Added Business).

Police Inspector Sanjay Dalvi said all the three officials were booked under sections 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.

Dalvi said Pradhan was "forced" to work beyond the duty hours by the officials "without following the standard operating procedure (SoP) mandated by the company and without providing adequate safety measures".

"Initial investigations have revealed that the accused persons made Pradhan to proceed for maintenance of the conveyor belt at a lesser illuminated though they knew that it could endanger his life and personal safety.

"As a result, Pradhan got trapped in the conveyor belt and sustained serious bleeding injury to his forehead. He died while being shifted to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Sankhalim village," the officer said.

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US President Donald Trump today discussed with leaders of Germany, South Korea and Japan the "reckless and dangerous behaviour" of North Korea and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination on the issue at the UN.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a "perfect success", sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, South Korea President Moon Jae-In and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump underscored the need to give a coordinated response to North Korea.

"The two leaders (Trump and Merkel) condemned North Korea's continued reckless and dangerous behavior and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at the UN. President Trump noted that this latest provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter North Korea's prohibited activities," the White House said in a read out of the call.

"All options to address the North Korean threat are on the table," the White House said.

In a separate phone call, Trump and Moon "underscored the grave threat" that North Korea's latest provocation poses to the entire world.

The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal.

They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities.

"President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities. President Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea," the White House said.

In another phone call with Abe, the two leaders condemned North Korea's continued destabilising and provocative actions.

They confirmed the two countries' ironclad mutual defence commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation.

"President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal," the White House said.

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Turkey will send 1,000 tonnes of aid to Myanmar to help Rohingya Muslims after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with the Asian country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a spokesman said.

Erdogan had condemned escalating human rights violations against the Rohingya minority during the phone call earlier in the day, Turkish presidential sources said.

"After the president's conversation with his Myanmar counterpart... Permission was given for 1,000 tonnes of aid to be sent initially," Erdogan spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a statement.

The United Nations said 123,600 Rohingya had crossed into neighbouring Bangladesh in the past 11 days following a spike in fighting between militants and Myanmar's military in strife-torn western Rakhine state, which raised fears of a humanitarian disaster.

The latest violence, which began last October when a small Rohingya militant group ambushed border posts, is the worst Rakhine has witnessed in years, with Erdogan last week accusing Myanmar of "genocide" against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Unverifiable testimony from those who have fled Myanmar has alleged tit-for-tat mass killings and villages being torched by the army, Buddhist mobs and Rohingya militants.

The Rohingya are reviled in Myanmar, where the roughly one million-strong community are accused of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Kalin said Turkey's aid body known as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) would provide rice, dried fish and clothing working with the Rakhine administration, as well as medicine and health products..

The spokesman said TIKA would be the first foreign aid agency to access the region since the violence began.

"At the first stage, 100,000 (Rohingya) families on both sides of the (Myanmar-Bangladesh) border will receive aid," Kalin said, adding military helicopters would be used because of concerns over safety.

Erdogan has stepped up diplomacy and spoken on the phone with Muslim leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres seeking ways to solve the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

In his phone call with Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner of Myanmar's junta, Erdogan said growing human rights violations against the Rohingya "deeply concerned" the entire world, sources from his office said.

Suu Kyi has come under fire over her perceived unwillingness to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military.

Erdogan said Turkey "condemns terror and operations against innocent civilians", adding that the developments in Myanmar had turned into a "serious humanitarian crisis which caused worry and resentment.

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: A tusker which ran amok while being broght from Kochi after temple festivities, fell into a marshy waterlogged area at nearby Thuravoor and a futile over effort was made to pull out the animal.

The jumbo ran away from the parked truck at the Chertala- Thuravoor junction about 4 AM this morning while being brought from Kochi after participating in the Thrikkakara temple festivital, held as part of Onam celebrations.

According to reports, the animal damaged an autorickshaw and a house before it fell into the muddy area.

The locals, police personnel, elephant rescue workers andmahouts from nearby areas toiled since 8.30 AM to pull out the tusker, but in vain, police said.

The animal's hind legs are still in the muddy pool.

The jumbo, which has become weak, was given drips at intervals.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today warned against using "confrontational rhetoric" over North Korea and said big powers must come up with a single strategy to address the crisis.

Guterres appeared to be taking a swipe at North Korea's leadership and at US President Donald Trump who has warned that Pyongyang would face "fire and fury" if it keeps threatening the United States.

"Confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences. The solution must be political," Guterres told reporters.

"The potential consequences of military action are too horrific."



The UN chief called on the Security Council to show unity and agree on steps forward, a day after the United States traded barbs with Russia and China on a response to North Korea's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

The United States is pushing for tougher UN sanctions, but Russia and China are arguing for dialogue with Pyongyang on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Russia maintains that sanctions alone will not resolve the crisis and are backing a Chinese proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley on Monday rejected the proposal as "insulting" and said the United States would not change its military posture when North Korea is forging ahead with its missile and nuclear programs.

Guterres said he was not supporting one proposal over another, but stressed that a united response was the only way to push for a diplomatic solution.

"The unity of the Security Council is absolutely crucial," he said, urging countries "to come together with a single strategy to deal with the government of the DPRK," the abbreviation for the country's formal name.

The UN chief offered to help bring about a solution, but admitted that the "UN leverage was limited.

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In a break from tradition, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, instead of the president, today gave away the national awards for teachers.

President Ram Nath Kovind later interacted with the 219 awardees at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Constituted in 1958, the National Award for Teachers is presented by the president to teachers, who have rendered exemplary service to the nation by exhibiting meritorious performance. The awards cover teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools in the country.

Congratulating the teachers on the occasion, Naidu called them the "unsung heroes".

"Teachers are 'bharata bhagya vidhatas' (shapers of India's development), dedicating their time and energy to shape individuals for creating New India. They have a formidable responsibility to achieve 100 per cent literacy in next five years," he said at the award ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan here.

"India was once known as 'Vishwa Guru' with people from across the globe flocking to our ancient seats of learning like Nalanda and Takshashila. Today all teachers must pledge to transform classrooms into hubs of joyful learning and raise the education system to a much higher level," he said.

A total of 219 teachers, including 124 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teachers, were awarded today.

The recognition is extended to teachers of CBSE- affiliated schools, independent affiliated schools situated abroad, ICSCE, Sainik School, KVs, NVs, CTSA and schools run by the Atomic Energy Education Society.

The award ceremony was also presided over by Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and the newly inducted Minister of State for HRD Satyapal Singh.

On the occasion, the vice president also launched DIKSHA, a national digital infrastructure for teachers.

"DIKSHA is a customisable national digital infrastructure that states, Teacher Education Institutions (TEI) and private entities can use for their respective teacher-centric initiatives.

"Teachers will be able to use DIKSHA to access and create high quality teaching, learning and assessment resources for all subjects and levels in al Indian languages. They will be able to use DIKSHA to access and create high quality teaching," Javadekar said.

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An unbeaten century stand between David Warner and Peter Handscomb led Australia's strong reply against Bangladesh on day two of the second and final Test in Chittagong on Tuesday.

The visitors were 225-2 at stumps in their first innings, trailing by 80 runs after Bangladesh were bowled out for 305.

Warner was batting on 88 with Handscomb on 69 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Skipper Steve Smith hit a gritty 58 off 94 balls before being bowled by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam as the visitors slipped to 98-2.

The left-handed Warner and Handscomb then put together 127 runs to thwart the Bangladesh bowling attack, which failed to take a wicket in the final session of play.

Handscomb, who recorded his fourth Test fifty in just his 10th game, took regular drinks breaks as he battled exhaustion and dehydration in the final half-hour.

The swashbuckling Warner played a sedate innings, having hit just four boundaries during his 170-ball stay at the crease so far.

Warner rode his luck with two reprieves. He was dropped at short-leg on 52 and then Mushfiqur Rahim missed a stumping when he was on 73, with Taijul and Mehedi Hasan being the unlucky bowlers.

Warner's opening partner Matt Renshaw departed early, dismissed by fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for four before the lunch break.

The left-hander tried to tickle a sliding delivery down the leg side but wicketkeeper Rahim took a stunning catch.

Warner was then involved in a 93-run second-wicket partnership with Smith as the pair steadied the innings.

Smith, who registered his 21st Test half-century, was done in by an arm ball from Taijul that sneaked through the bat-pad gap to hit the middle stump.

Earlier, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon claimed seven wickets to help bowl out the hosts for 305 in the first session.

Lyon returned impressive figures of 7-94 including Rahim's prized scalp for 68.

Bangladesh lead the series 1-0 after registering their first-ever Test win against Australia last week.

The home team has tightened security after the visitors' team bus was hit with a stone following the end of play on day one.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that her government will give stress to teaching English in schools as generations of students were affected as the language was not taught in the state-run schools.

"There were several years when generation after generation were not allowed to learn English language. I want English to be taught (in schools). We want that English should be taught, we will back it," Banerjee said without naming the erstwhile Left Front government, which had stopped the teaching of English in state-run schools till Class VI in 1983.

Preference should be given to one's mother tongue or choice of language but students should also possess knowledge of the local dialect, she said at a Teachers' Day programme hosted by the education department.

"They (students) will also learn Bengali as well as English. They may learn other languages if they want to. They can learn Gorkha, Nepali, Ol Chiki, Maithili or whatever they feel because language is one's prerogative. But because a student is staying in West Bengal, he/she must know the regional language," she said.

Banerjee also said that her government would give importance in the teaching of the mother tongue.

"We will give importance to mother tongues where it is required. Where needed we will give importance to English, and where we need to give importance to Hindi. We will also give importance to Gurmukhi language because of our Sikh brothers and sisters," she said.

Earlier this year the state government had announced that Bengali would be made mandatory for students, including those affiliated to ICSE and CBSE in West Bengal. The move came after a feedback that Bengali was not being offered as an option in many schools.

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The newly-appointed Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani on Tuesday said that the Indian Railways is working to improve "image perception" regarding safety.

Lohani was in Ahmedabad to inspect development works including Sabarmati railway station ungradation, Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed rail project, among others.

The further added that the entire railway system was strong.

"Entire Railways system is strong, fortified, and our processes are strong. If you see safety records from across the country, for 2017-18, overall cases of safety breach have gone down.

"But image perception is also important. There should be right image perception. We are creating awareness among staff, inspections are being carried out and shortcomings being detected and addressed. We are taking all measures that need to be taken for that," Lohani told reporters.

"It is very clear that safety remains our priority. We have taken all steps, and will continue to do so to ensure that our passengers get safe journey and railway safety system remains strong," he further said.

Asked about the reason behind the recent train accidents in Uttar Pradesh, Lohani said inquiry was on in the matter and reasons will be out only after inquiry is completed.

"It won't be right to speculate, because inquiry is going on in that. Reasons will be out only after inquiry is completed," he said.

Lohani also said that the Indian Railways is serious about cleanliness and hygiene in terms of food being served to the passengers.

"We are serious about cleanliness, hygiene. Food has to be good, even though it is simple," he said.

"Safety, cleanliness, and growth are our focus. We want it to be a big contributor to economy in freight carriage," Lohani said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Alister Doyle and Nerijus Adomaitis

OSLO (Reuters) - Norway's government plans to make taxpayers rather than oil companies pay special U.N. fees for any offshore production from remote Arctic regions, according to letters sent to oil firms and seen by .

The plan could serve as an example for other nations looking to fund exploration of the seabed ever further from land.

It was criticised by opposition parties that want tighter limits on exploration in the fragile Arctic environment, days before an election in which the future of Norway's big offshore oil and gas sector is a major issue.

Opinion polls show a neck-and-neck race between Conservative Prime Minister Erna Solberg's centre-right block and centre-left parties headed by Labour leader Jonas Gahr Stoere.

"There is too little risk on the companies, and too much risk on the people of Norway," said Ola Elvestuen, the head of parliament's Energy and Environment committee and a member of the small Liberal Party.

"Neither me, nor the committee were informed about this," he said of the plans, outlined in letters provided to by the Oil and Energy Ministry, for implementing a dormant provision of the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Under Article 82 of the treaty, rich nations are due to pay up to 7 percent a year of the value of any production -- of oil, gas or other minerals -- from their continental shelves more than 200 nautical miles (370 km) from land to a fund to help developing nations.

The money would be channelled to poor nations via the United Nations' International Seabed Authority in Jamaica. The mechanism is untested as there is no production so far offshore.

The Oil and Energy Ministry included a warning about Article 82 when it offered parts of the Arctic Barents Sea, more than 200 nautical miles from land, for exploration in the latest licensing round awarded in 2016.

"The licensees could be required to cover certain costs in this connection," it wrote in the letters to oil companies. "Any such cost will be deductible in the calculation of the petroleum tax."

DRILLING

The ministry viewed the deductions as matching Norwegian petroleum policy, which includes a principle that "an investment project that is profitable before tax is also profitable after tax," an official source said.

Last month, Statoil and partners Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Lundin Petroleum, and Petoro drilled the first well in the Arctic Korpfjell prospect, 410 km from the nearest land.

They found only small, non-commercial quantities of natural gas, but Statoil plans more drilling in the area in 2018.

The government has also offered three additional blocks behind the 200 nautical miles threshold in upcoming licensing rounds, with awards expected in 2018.

Of the 166 nations that have ratified the Law of the Sea, Norway has apparently gone furthest in outlining how it would apply Article 82, legal experts said.

The United States, which has not signed up, tells bidders for oil and gas leases far offshore in the Gulf of Mexico that they might be at risk of extra charges if Washington were to join.

"Norway and the United States are the only two countries that have spent any time talking about Article 82," said Wylie Spicer, a Canadian legal expert who has written reviews of Article 82 for the United Nations.

John Norton Moore, a law professor at the University of Virginia who helped draft Article 82, said Oslo was trying to balance the interests of its citizens, oil companies and developing nations.

"This strikes me as a sound decision by Norway. It recognises that it is an obligation of the state" to pay any charges under Article 82, he said.

He said it was reasonable to give oil companies tax breaks for taking on the risks of operating so far from land. Article 82 makes states responsible for payments but lets them decide how to raise the cash.

OPPOSITION CRITICISM

Rasmus Hansson, the only member of parliament for the opposition Green Party and a member of the Energy and Environment Committee, criticised the government plan.

"This is yet another round of subsidising Norway's future contributions to global warming with taxpayers' money," he said.

Environmental group Greenpeace also criticised the plan, saying that oil and gas in the high north was simply too risky. "There is no anchor in the democratic process," said Truls Gulowsen, leader of Greenpeace Norway.

Legal scholars say Article 82 is based on the idea that the high seas, owned by no nation, usually start 200 nautical miles offshore, the limit of each country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Article 82 lets rich nations exploit resources beyond their EEZs in offshore areas where, such as in Arctic Norway, a shallow continental shelf extends beyond 200 nautical miles.

Under Article 82, countries will have to start paying 1 percent of the value or volume of any production after five years, with the annual rate rising to a plateau of 7 percent after 12 years.

Norway's parliament debated and ratified the Law of the Sea in 1996, and included an assessment that any application of Article 82 was unlikely to have a big economic impact.

(Editing by Timothy Heritage)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opportunities brim in India's defence sector, leading to large scale tie ups between Indian and foreign companies. If it was L&T and Tata led the private sector bandwagon in the earlier days, the stage is set for an Anil Ambani- Gautam Adani battle in the defence business now. Both are new entrants in the sector and have entered into a slew joint ventures in the recent times. Bharat Forge, Reliance Industries, the Tata group, Ashok Leyland, Larsen & Toubro, the Godrej Group and the Mahindra Group are fairly well entrenched in the business.

The JVs are formed at a time when India, the world's top defence importer, is conducting a USD100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware. All the MiG 21s and MiG 27s in the Indian Air Force (IAF) arsenal is due to retire by 2025. IAF has 33 squadrons of fighter aircrafts and the numbers are dominated by single engine fighters.

Modi government has raised the limit on foreign investment in the defence sector and encouraged tie-ups between foreign and local companies under the 'Make in India' campaign where the Indian partner will remain the majority stakeholder. India currently imports at least 90 per cent of its defence equipment including parts for assembly.

India in 2016 agreed to buy 36 Rafale combat planes for around USD8.9 billion. Some of the major JVs formed for win a slice of the defence pie are:

Adani - Saab

Sweden's Saab tied up with Adani Group to bid for defence deals in India, with a focus on manufacturing Gripen fighter jets in the country. "Our plans in India are to create a new defence eco system that would involve many partners, vendors and suppliers. Building new fighters is very similar to doing high technology projects in energy sector," said Hakan Buskhe, president and CEO of Saab.

The partnership will compete with U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin in a two horse-race to win a potential order from India's military for single-engine jets that will be produced locally. Together with the Adani Group, Saab will bid to make about 100 single engine fighters for Indian Air Force (IAF), a contract worth USD 15 billion.

So far, Adani has no presence in the defence sector and no experience in the manufacturing space either.

Gripen E fighter is Sweden's answer to the F-35 of Lockheed Martin. The E fighter, the sixth variant in the Gripen family, is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It is designed to carry more weapons further, and to track multiple threats using the latest type of radar.

Since 2015 a clutch of Adani executives were negotiating with the representatives of overseas defence giants for tie ups, pitching the group's mainstay asset - the country's largest private port and SEZ at Mundra in Gujarat - with its sea and land linkages as a possible manufacturing location. The discussions in some cases were led by Karan Adani, the elder son of billionaire group chairman Gautam Adani.

In 2015 February, the group applied to the department of industrial policy & promotion (DIPP) for a licence to manufacture helicopters under a new entity - Adani Defence Systems & Technologies. Marking its formal entry into defence, the company signed a statement of intent with Elbit-ISTAR of Israel to work together in the field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.

Under the agreement, the companies plan to set up a final assembly and integration line, including MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities by incorporating true transfer of technology for supporting the product range during its lifecycle.

Reliance - Dassault

Large scale entry Reliance Group of Anil Ambani into defence sector was in 2015, when he took controlling stake in Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Co, which made warships and energy exploration vessels. It was later renamed as Reliance Defence and Engineering. Since then, Reliance bought large land parcels to build an aerospace facility and signed more than half a dozen joint venture agreements with foreign companies, including the big one with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems of Israel.

Reliance Aerostructure's incorporated a 51:49 joint venture with Dassault Aviation, with the aim of becoming a key player in executing the offset obligations arising out of the 7.87 billion euro deal for Rafel fighter jets. India and France signed a purchase agreement for supply of 36 Rafale fighter jets for 7.87 billion euros in September last year and the contract includes a 50 per cent offset obligation about Rs 30,000 crore, the largest ever offset contract in India.

DRAL has finalized the infrastructure requirements at Dhirubhai Aerospace Park at Mihan, Nagpur and the production is expected to start by end of the this year.

Reliance Defence, in April, entered into a strategic partnership with a leading South Korean defence major for jointly manufacturing military hardware. As part of the agreement, Reliance Defence and LIG Nex1 will explore opportunities for developing a range of defence products such as air defence and surveillance radar, sensors and missiles. The cumulative value of projects being targeted by the two companies will be worth multi billion dollars. LIG Nex1 is a leader in manufacture of smart heavy weapons in categories of anti-ship missiles, anti-tank-guided missiles (ATGM), and guided rockets.

According to reports, Reliance Defence and Engineering also plans to manufacture Kalashnikov class of weapons for Indian armed forces in a joint venture with an Israeli company. French defence company Thales, which is a world leader in underwater systems and a close partner of DCNS, is looking at building a range of systems with Reliance Defence, including sonar for surface ships and submarines, mine warfare and mine counter-measure equipment, reports said.

Reliance Defence has an agreement with French shipbuilder DCNS. The defence ministry is gearing up to award a Rs 20,000 crore contract to build four amphibious warships under the Make in India programme. Reliance Defence and L&T are in the fray to bag the order.

Reliance Defence will also work with Russia's state-run arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey on the entire range of air defence systems required for India. The two companies will work together on air defence missile systems, (including the TOR-1M missile programme) radars and automated control systems.

Larsen & Toubro- MBDA

Engineering conglomerate L&T formed a joint venture (JV) with France's MBDA to develop and supply missiles and missile systems to the Indian armed forces. MBDA is jointly held by Airbus Group, BAE Systems and Leonardo and has expertise in developing all kinds of missile systems.

In the joint venture, L&T has controlling stake of 51 per cent while MBDA holds the rest. The move to set up a joint venture comes in the wake of the Indian government deciding not to buy missile systems from overseas but source it domestically.

"To begin with, the JV company will look to develop and supply fifth-generation anti-tank guided missiles for coastal and high-speed target drones," both companies said in a joint statement.

Tata Advanced Systems-Lockheed Martin

US aircraft major Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems (TAS) in June to produce F-16 fighter planes in India. The American giant has a plan to shift its Fort Worth, Texas plant to India to win billions of dollars worth of order from the Indian military. They also plan to export the F-16 from the Indian plant.

The multi-role F-16 has been in production since 1978, with Lockheed so far producing a total of 4,500 units of the aircraft of which 3,200 are currently in service across the world. TAS, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, already runs manufacturing partnerships with several global players, including Boeing, Airbus and Sikorsky.

Mahindra - Airbus

Airbus Helicopters, last year, awarded a contract to Mahindra Aerostructures to make airframe parts for the AS565 MBe Panther helicopter. These parts will be produced at the Mahindra facility in Bengaluru. They will be shipped directly to the Airbus Helicopter production line in Marignane, France where they will be integrated with the rest of the airframe assembly and will form a critical part of the Panthers sold worldwide. The contract positioned Mahindra

Aerostructures as the first Indian company to receive a direct manufacturing contract from Airbus Helicopters as a Tier 1 supplier.


In another good news for the central government employees, Modi government might increase their minimum salries from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,000, said a report by OneIndia. Any official confirmation on the report is still awaited.

The last pay panel had pegged basic pay at Rs 7,000, which was increased to Rs 18,000 by multiplying it with 2.57 under the fitment formula suggested by the 7th Pay Commission. Central government employees, however, have been vying for minimum salary to be hiked to Rs 25,000 on the basis of fitment formula of 3.68, the report said.

ALSO READ: IDBI Bank says Jaypee Infratech has gone back to defaulting promoters; moves SC to restore insolvency

If this decision to further hike salaries is approved, chances are that it will be implemented with retrospective effect from January 1, 2016. This was done as the legislation would require an adjustment to the Consumer Price Index, the report added.

Meanwhile, the state government employees of Odisha have a reason to rejoice too, as recommendations of 7th Pay Commission for them could be approved by the State Cabinet scheduled to meet today, reports stated. The Cabinet will deliberate whether the recommendations should be modified or implemented as they are.

The total arrears to be paid to around eight lakh employees and pensioners is likely to amount to Rs 9,000 crore. The Odisha government is yet to decide how these arrears will be disbursed - in instalments or will be transferred to the general provident fund of employees.

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Finance Ministry on Tuesday said that operations of bank accounts of over 2 lakh 'struck off' companies has been restricted by the government.

The existing Directors and Authorized Signatories of such struck off companies will now become ex Directors or ex Authorized Signatories, the Finance Ministry tweeted. "These individuals will not be able to operate bank accounts till such companies are legally restored by an order of the NCLT," it added.

Government has stepped up decisive action against companies falling within the ambit of Section 248 of the Companies Act. The names of 2,09,032 companies have been struck off from the Register of Companies under Section 248 (5) of the Act, a government release said.

These individuals will therefore not be able to operate bank accounts of such companies till such companies are legally restored under Section 252 of the Companies Act by an order of the National Company Law Tribunal. The restoration, as and when it happens shall be reflected by change in the status of the company from 'Struck off' to 'Active'," it added.

Continuing its crackdown on shell companies which are allegedly used as conduits for illicit fund flows and tax evasion, Department of Financial Services has advised all banks through Indian Banks Association (IBA) to take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of struck-off companies.

Since such 'struck off' companies have ceased to exist, action has been initiated to restrict the operation of Bank accounts of such companies. A list of such companies, Registrar of Companies wise, has been published on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, an official release said.

"In addition to such struck off companies, Banks have also been advised to go in for enhanced diligence while dealing with companies in general. A company even having an active status on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs but defaulting in filing of its due Financial Statement (s) or Annual Return (s) of Particular of Charges on its assets on the secured loan should be seen with suspicion as, prima facie, the company is not complying with its mandatory statutory obligations to file this vital information for availability to its stakeholders. obligations," it added.
Fuelled by geopolitical tensions after North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan, international gold prices surged to almost a year's high closing at $1333.1 per troy ounce on September 04, 2017. Gold prices were last seen at this level in September 2016, when they touched the strongest level of $1,348 per troy ounce.

Tensions in North Korea rose as the country may launch additional missiles post its largest nuclear test conducted. Hence, investors purchased safe-haven assets like gold, giving an impetus to gold prices.
Due to the heavy monsoon, cities are flooded; cars, automobiles are damaged along with land properties and houses. Can you claim damage done to your car and property through insurance? In the aftermath of any unforeseen circumstances, for instance, flood or flood like situations, there is typically damage to car body, engine or the windshield; damaged houses are also often seen after any natural disaster. One can claim insurance for the damages of their home and vehicle, if they have a comprehensive motor and home insurance cover in place. In such unforeseen circumstances, here is a quick guide on claiming from your insurance policies.

Motor insurance policy

What is covered?

The insurance companies claim to offer coverage for any loss or damage done to the vehicle insured by them but there are only a list of calamities that are covered by the insurance companies. Cases of natural calamities for which the loss and damage of the vehicle is covered by most of the insurance companies are:

a. Fire, explosion, self-ignition or lightning

b. Earthquake

c. Flood, typhoon, hurricane, storm, tempest, inundation, cyclone, hailstorm, frost

d. Burglary, housebreaking or theft

e. Landslide and rockslide

f. Riot and strike

g. Accident by external means

h. Terrorist activity

i. Whilst in transit by road, rail, inland-waterway, lift, elevator or air

For circumstances like the recent flood that has affected so many places in India, one can file a claim under motor insurance for the car getting washed away or damage to the engine due to heavy floods, or serious damage to the car body mostly due to tree fall etc. or damage to windshield due to some other object strike in case of earthquake, floods, arson/riots etc. (unless the person is part of mob which has created the riots/arson).

Procedure of claiming the insurance policy

In case of natural disasters such as floods, earthquake, heavy rain fall etc, the insured should immediately inform the insurance company about the incident and damage that has happened. The insurance company inspects the damages and estimates the cost of repair. "In case, you get your car repaired after an unforeseen event on your own and without informing insurer, your claim might get rejected. This is simply because the insurer will not be able to trace the damage once the car is repaired" says, Tarun Mathur, Co- Founder and Director, Policybazaar.com

Exclusions

The insurance companies normally mention about their exclusions and exceptions in their terms and conditions. There are certain cases in which the insurance companies refuse to give a helping hand even though you might have your car insured from them. Mostly these cases are quite common for all the insurance providers.

1. The insured has to prove that the loss or damage of the vehicle happened independently and was in no way occasionally done, but if the insurance company finds it otherwise, the company will not make any payments for such a claim.

2. Damage to engine when driving through water logged area. A recent example is the scenario of the heavy rain fall in Mumbai, but if the person has taken an engine protector as an add-on, in that case it will be covered.

3. Depreciation on plastic parts, tyre /rubber parts etc. will not be covered by the insurance company but if the insured has purchased a zero-depreciation add-on, which covers such damages, then the insurance company will pay.

4. Damage to electrical accessories in the vehicle will not be covered unless electrical accessories value has been added to the coverage while taking the policy.

5. Features like assistance on the spot of the vehicle will not be provided unless the policy has roadside assistance as part of the coverage.

Home insurance policy

What is covered?

Insurance companies covering your home insurance usually cover damage due to natural calamities such as flood, rain, earthquake and man-made disasters (like fire, terrorism, riots, etc.) The complete structure of the building and contents are covered under this scenario; but the companies has a list of circumstances based on which your insurance company will pay you

1. Flood, storm, cyclone

2. Fire & lightning

3. Aircraft damage

4. Riot, strike

5. Missile testing operations

6. Burglary and theft cover

Many policies do not cover flood or overflow of the sea, rivers and lakes caused due to earthquake. Read the policy document carefully before buying the policy.

The contents of home are also covered against burglary or theft including silver articles, jewelries, precious stones and other valuable items, but they should kept in a locked safe place, to get claims on it.

Procedure of claiming the insurance policy

Every insurance company has its own time between which one has to inform about their losses, which varies between 7-15 days. But before filing for a claim, they have to lodge an FIR which needs to be submitted with insurance company.

"The claim process after any unforeseen event under home insurance is hassle-free" says, Mathur. The insured needs to provide documents to show that house is in the name of a person filing the claim. The insurance company inspects the damage to property and content, and settles the claim. "However, one needs to be careful and have all receipts in place if something is repaired before informing the insurer" adds Mathur of Policybazaar.



Exclusions

a. The company will not settle claims if they find out direct or indirect involvement of any member of the house in an attempted burglary.

b. No loss or damage will be covered by the company on loss of vehicles, money, securities, deeds, bonds, certificates, documents of any kinds, debit or credit cards, unless it has been previously specifically mentioned by the company.

c. If a house is left unoccupied for more that 30 days consecutively and the insurance company is not informed about it, no claim will be provided by the company.


Mutual Fund schemes have been benchmarking their performances with various indices as the regulations require them to do so. Benchmarking helps in comparing the performance of the scheme with the respective index and tells how much alpha the scheme has generated. It also indicates about the performance of the fund manager.

Currently, all the mutual funds barring Quantum benchmark their schemes against simple price index which capture only the change in price of the stocks that constitute the index. DSP Black Rock Mutual Fund has recently announced that it will be benchmarking all its actively managed equity schemes with Total Return Index (TRI).

Total Return Index is basically an index which captures both the movement in the stock price of the underlying companies as well as the dividend paid by the companies to the investors.

Therefore, it reflects the true returns accruing to the investors over a particular period while a simple price index will give only reflect the price changes of the index and the capital gains arising out of it.

Comparing with a price index will give a sense of generating higher alpha which may not be give the true picture to the investors.

Nifty 50 price index's return over the past one year (as on August 31, 2017) is 13.02 per cent while that of Nifty Total Return Index is 14.48 per cent. So, if a mutual fund is benchmarked against Nifty 50 price index, it will show higher alpha generated than in case of Nifty Total Return Index.

Kalpen Parekh, President, DSP BlackRock Investment Managers said, "Our move to disclose returns against TRI will help in giving the right picture of the real alpha generated by active fund management. The alpha that is shown currently may look overstated as dividends are not added in benchmark returns. By comparing a fund's performance against a Total Returns Index, funds would be adopting a higher standard of reporting which in turn increases the level of transparency to investors.

"At a time like this, when we are seeing very high flows, we want our investors to have a true picture of the alpha generated and also to have the right expectations from their investments. We feel benchmarking to TRI is a step towards responsible and transparent communication with our advisors and investors and also sets high standards in investment management," he added.

Kaustubh Belapurkar, Director Manager Research, Morningstar Investment Adviser India, believes, "This is a move in the right direction. Mutual funds investing in stocks, benefit from both the price movement as well as dividends being paid out by the stocks. Comparing the fund performance to the Total Returns index is a fair and transparent mechanism for capturing the true alpha that is being generated through active management. While this will reduce the perceived alpha being generated, it will give investors a better comparison and truer picture of how their investments are performing."

He also believes that more fund houses are likely to follow the same practice.


The Ministry of Corporate Affairs on June 29, 2017 came out with an important clarification bringing an end to the uncertainty over proceedings for voluntary winding up initiated under the Companies Act, 1956 (1956 Act), once the provisions under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 relating to voluntary winding up were made effective.

Background

The 'winding up' or 'liquidation' of a company denotes one of the processes by which a company ceases to exist. Presently, the winding up proceedings of a company can be initiated in several ways including at the instance of the directors and members of the company to voluntarily liquidate the company (Voluntary Liquidation).

The provisions of the 1956 Act originally governed the process of the Voluntary Liquidation. Subsequently, the Companies Act 2013 (2013 Act) was enacted which replaced the 1956 Act in a phased manner. However, the provisions of the 2013 Act dealing with the process of the Voluntary Liquidation never came into force.

Eventually, on April 01, 2017, the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code governing the process of Voluntary Liquidation came into force, overriding the provisions of the 1956 Act and omitting the provisions of the 2013 Act. It is notable that the process of voluntary liquidation under the Bankruptcy Code is different in many ways from the 1956 Act. The matter had gone awry for the companies which were at a stage of Voluntary Liquidation under the 1956 Act, where all the major steps for the Voluntary Liquidation prescribed under the 1956 Act had been completed but the filing before the High Court had not been made. Such companies were unable to decide if they shall continue with the process under the 1956 Act or initiate the process afresh under the Bankruptcy Code. The confusion would have persisted if no clarification had been issued by the MCA in this respect.

It is pertinent to note that the Voluntary Liquidation proceedings which are dealt with by the High Court have to be in accordance with the provisions of the 1956 Act, on the other hand all the Voluntary Liquidation proceedings which are dealt with by the National Company Law Tribunal (Tribunal) have to be in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code. The provisions of Section 434 (1) (c) of the 2013 Act stated that only such Voluntary Liquidation proceedings under the 1956 Act will be transferred to the Tribunal that are at a stage as may be prescribed by the Central Government. However, there was no prescription made by the Central Government in this regard.



Rule 4 of the Companies (Transfer of Pending Proceedings) Rules, 2016 (Transfer of Proceedings Rules) prescribed that all applications and petitions relating to voluntary winding up of companies pending before a High Court on April 01, 2017 will continue to be dealt with by the High Court in accordance with provisions of the 1956 Act.

However, the said rule failed to provide clarification with respect to the transition of the matters of Voluntary Liquidation where no application or petition has been made and hence such proceedings are not pending before the High Court. Thereafter, the MCA notified the Companies (Transfer of Pending Proceedings) Second Amendment Rules, 2017 on June 29, 2017, which amended the Rule 4 of the Transfer of Proceeding Rules to state that in all proceedings relating to the processes of Voluntary Liquidation which are at a stage where notice of the resolution of the shareholders to liquidate the company has been published in accordance with the 1956 Act and the company has not been dissolved before April 01, 2017, such Voluntary Liquidation proceedings should continue to be governed by the 1956 Act.

The uncertainty on the process of the transition of the Voluntary Liquidation proceedings from the 1956 Act to the Bankruptcy Code was resolved by the MCA in this manner.

How do companies stand to benefit?

Companies which were at advanced stages in the process of Voluntary Liquidation, and were left wondering how the process would be concluded, can now be assured that the process will not be made unnecessarily cumbersome due to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code relating to Voluntary Liquidation being made effective.



Archana Tewary, is Partner and Aastha Srivastava is Associate at law firm J Sagar Associates
India's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has said it will not hold back on electric vehicles once the infrastructure is ready for it in India.

India is the largest market for Suzuki globally with Maruti selling close to 1.5 million cars annually. The company has been in the middle of a purple patch in recent times. In the first 5 months of this fiscal its sales have grown by 26.7 per cent, far outpacing the industry. Its share has also been an outperformer on the Bombay Stock Exchange growing by 47 per cent this year. Analysts say there is still sufficient tail winds for the price to grow by another 18 per cent in the rest of the year.

"For the next 3-5 years the auto industry in India should grow in double digits and I am fairly confident that Maruti, with the support of Suzuki, will certainly grow in the double digits," said chairman R C Bharagava at the firm's 36th annual general board meeting in Delhi on Tuesday.

"We should be able to achieve our target of (selling) 2 million units by 2020 and a further 2.5 million and 3 million cars in the future."

Experts have expressed doubt in the past about Suzuki's weakness in electric vehicles as compared to compatriots like Honda and Nissan or rivals like Hyundai and Volkswagen and that it may be a major roadblock in its long term growth prospects. India is increasingly looking at an electric only future and the government has said it wants only electric vehicles to be sold in the country by 2030.

"Government has announced program to rapidly promote the use of electric vehicles in India. It is a very laudable policy as it will greatly enhance the usage and over time lead to a cleaner environment," Bhargava said.

"Your company will not hold back in the segment. As soon as we can determine the customer preference we will come up with such models. In the meantime, focus will be to increase fuel efficiency (in current models) and bring in new technologies," he added.
Mortgage lender HDFC will raise Rs 2,000 crore by issuing bonds on private placement basis to augment its long-term capital. "The object of the issue is to augment the long-term resources of the Corporation.

The proceeds of the present issue would be utilised for financing/refinancing the housing finance business requirements of the Corporation," HDFC said in a filing. The issue to raise Rs 2,000 crore will open tomorrow and closes the same day.

HDFC said the company will specifically address the persons who are eligible for the debenture issue and no other person can apply for it. Stock of HDFC traded 0.24 per cent up at Rs 1,759.75 on BSE.


The telecom regulator TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has floated a consultation paper on the next round of spectrum auction last week. The auction aims to sell spectrum in different bands, including 3300-3400 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz airwaves that are used for 5G services. It's unlikely that the department of telecom (DoT) will sell airwaves in the current financial year due to various reasons.



In the consultation paper, TRAI has asked for comments on a host of issues including the appropriate time for the next auction, the amount of spectrum to be auctioned, the block sizes of the spectrum to be sold, the need for changes in roll out obligations, and how the spectrum should be valued.



It says that as of January, there are 24 commercial networks in 15 countries that are operating on 3600-3800 MHz band, including UK, Canada, Belgium, Spain, Bahrain and Iran. "GSA also reported that the ecosystem for bands 42 continues to grow with 96 devices operate in this band," the paper says.



The 5G technology is expected to give boost to IoT (internet of things) and M2M (machine-to-machine) communications rather than providing higher speed data on handheld devices. Globally, the use cases of 5G are still being explored in areas like IoT and M2M communications. In addition, there's still limited deployment of 5G across the world. Major 5G trials are expected to begin in 2018 with full-scale commercial deployment expected in 2020. That's roughly three years from now.



Given that 4G technology was introduced in 2012, and the major push to 4G came about only last year with the launch of Reliance Jio, the domestic operators are not prepared - financially and in terms of technical knowhow - to invest aggressively in 5G at this juncture.



While the government may need revenues from the telecom sector in the current financial year, the industry players have so far opposed to such an idea. The operators say that the ongoing consolidation in the sector - Idea-Vodafone merger, Airtel acquiring Videocon Telecom, and others - is expected to take a long time to settle down. As per the budget documents, the finance ministry expects non-tax revenue from telecom sector to drop to Rs 44,342 crore in 2017/18 as against Rs 98,994 crore estimated in 2016-17.



The rationale on why the spectrum auction should not be held now are well covered in the paper itself. For instance, the paper says that telecom sector owes about Rs 4.6 lakh crore to various financial institutions and banks while some Rs 3.08 lakh crore is due to the DoT on account of deferred payment plans opted by operators for the purchase of spectrum in the recent auctions. "Due to hyper competition, concerns have been expressed about the financial health of the sector, its revenue growth and the capability of the companies to meet their contractual commitments," says the paper.



The financial health of the sector did affect the last auctions held in October 2016 when nearly 60 per cent of the spectrum remained unsold. The government's plan to sell 700 MHz spectrum (among other airwaves) last year turned out to be a damp squib. The telecom operators didn't bid for highly-priced spectrum, en masse. Yet another round of auction at this moment doesn't make sense.
| BY Ricki Green |

Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has today launched its annual search for Australias best and brightest talent, the Exception to the Rule program. Exception to the Rule is a commitment to the agencys belief that the future leaders of the creative industry arent solely coming through traditional tertiary pathways.

It doesnt matter whether youve been to university or not, what youve studied, or what path youve chosen, all thats required of applicants are a creative mind, curiosity about what makes the world tick, an interesting story and a life well lived.

Exceptions to the Rule calls on all Australians who are ready to think, to do and to make, and importantly, who are wanting to realise their passion for creativity and willing to bring their own special energy to life in the agency.

This years program builds on from the success of last year, with a number of full time staff being hired from a pool of 150 applicants, including a plumber, stage hand, contemporary dancer and personal trainer, among others.

Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CEO, Nick Garrett, said that the results of last years pilot program confirmed a belief hed had in finding the next generation of creative talent.

Says Garrett: Like a few industry folk, I had a gut feel for a few years that some of the best advertising minds werent coming into the industry because of the barriers to entry presented by traditional pathways. After the success of our pilot program last year, it absolutely confirmed that belief.

The Exceptions we recruited last year have made amazing strides since joining the business and have added immensely to the diversity of thinking and work throughout the building, and continue to add to the culture of the agency. I couldnt be happier with the result and look forward to finding this years recruits.

The recruitment process is in two stages  the first is providing answers to two questions, the first being a video response showcasing what makes the applicant interesting or different, the second being a written response highlighting a recent piece of work from a brand that impressed the applicant, along with their thoughts around what could have been done better.

Following those responses, successful applicants will be invited to participate in the final stage where theyll be assessed in person while completing an agency style group task.
| BY Ricki Green |

The Story Lab has launched a new campaign for the Brown Brothers 1889 wine range, featuring television presenter, cook and MasterChef 2010 winner, Adam Liaw.

The multi-platform content series has been developed to showcase the Brown Brothers 1889 range as the perfect wine to be shared over food with family and friends, whilst educating customers on the range and varietals.

The Story Lab created both video and stills content which will live across both Brown Brothers and Liaws owned channels, encompassing retail point of sale, digital, catalogues and social.

The content heroes the 1889 range as the perfect accompaniment across a variety of meals; the Rustic Barbeque, the Seafood Entree and Margherita Pizza.

Paying homage to the heritage of the brand, the series was shot on location at the Brown Brothers vineyard in Victorias Milawa, which continues to be owned and operated by the descendants of John Francis Brown who founded the wine company in 1889.

Says Jules Lau, group strategy director at The Story Lab: Brown Brothers challenge was simple: drive awareness and engagement with the 1889 range, by showcasing how it is perfectly crafted for sharing.

In response, we devised a digital-first, content-led approach that showcases the beautiful Milawa winery where it all started. Exploring the legacy of the brand, our content delves deeper into each wine in the range with complementary insight from one of Australias most prominent foodie influencers, Adam Liaw. Were excited to see the results of the launch of the Brown Brothers 1889 campaign in September.

Says Marianne Duluk, brand manager, Brown Brothers: September celebrates the launch of our new 1889 packaging. We wanted to showcase this fresh new look while celebrating the essence and history of the range. Our winemakers carefully craft our 1889 range to be an approachable wine to share with food, friends and family, and we thought Adam would be the perfect partner to bring this to life.

Client  Brown Brothers

Influencer Talent  Adam Liaw

Senior Producer  Sarah-Jane Sands  The Story Lab

Group Strategy Director  Jules Lau  The Story Lab

Creative Director  Clalla Morishita  The Story Lab

Video Editor  Tim Melville  The Story Lab
| BY Ricki Green |

In a move that further boosts senior strategic capabilities at the agency, DigitasLBi has appointed Dan Barley (left) to the role of director of media.

Barley, who specialises in strategic development and implementation of data-driven, integrated campaigns, across online and offline media. He has previously held roles including head of digital media at 303MullenLowe and associate director at Mindshare, during which time he oversaw major brands like Harley-Davidson, Kelloggs & Tourism New Zealand. He will bolster the media team, bringing over 12 years of media experience to the agency.

Barley will report to head of media and strategy Maurice Riley (above, right) and will be responsible for leading and growing the agencys media offering and implementing DigitasLBis unique integrated approach to media, creative and data.

Says Riley: Increasingly our clients are looking for complex media solutions that drive real outcomes not just eyeballs. As one of Mindshares rising stars several years running Dan has the creative curiosity and data as DNA mindset to offer our clients well rounded solutions that solve their very real business needs.
| BY Ricki Green |

Media agency Bohemia Group has been appointed by Michael Hill Jeweller. Bohemia will take the lead on communications strategy, media planning and media buying.

Michael Hill is a market leading retailer of jewellery operating in Australia, New Zealand and North America. With a 20 year plus history in Australia and 172 stores nationally, the appointment will challenge Bohemia to unlock the next phase of growth for Michael Hill.

The $10m+ media account was won in a competitive pitch that saw a number of agencies including incumbent OMD compete.

Says Alison Green, global brand manager, Michael Hill: We are excited to be working with a new partner who understands integration art all levels of marketing communications. The passion Bohemia showed for our business and the expertise they have to support our growth plan were key contributors to their appointment.

Says Brett Dawson, Bohemia: From the first time we met Alison and the team we felt a genuine connection. They have a great brand and a real ambition to challenge the traditional retail media model. Its a privilege to partner with them and we are excited to get going.
It is an offence under the NSW Electorates and Elections Act to print, publish or distribute electoral material, such as how-to-vote cards, pamphlets, handbills and posters, that do not show the name and address of the person authorising the advertisement, and the name and place of business of the printer. It is also an offence to publish misleading material.
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
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Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
Just as Toyota Motor Philippines updated the specs of the Hilux pickup truck , theyve done the same for the Fortuner as well.
The 2018 Kia Sorento is finally arriving in Europe, after its unveiling in South Korea earlier this year.



It benefits from those same visual updates, which might not be groundbreaking, although they do make the SUV stand out a bit more.

These include the revised bumpers on both ends, new LED headlights and taillights, dark metallic finish applied to the signature grille, fresh patterns for the alloy wheels that range between 17- and 19-inch in size, and two exterior paint finishes applied to the color palette  Rich Espresso and Gravity Blue.

Inside, the 2018 Kia Sorento is said to have an increased proportion of soft-touch materials and leather for a more premium feel, new steering wheel, instrument cluster, and climate control LCD display, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging within the center console. Buyers can also opt for a new Harman/Kardon sound system, and they can choose between the optional brown or light grey leather upholstery, among others.

New for the 2018 Kia Sorento is the addition of an 8-speed automatic transmission, designed in-house. The gearbox is only available on models powered by the 2.2-liter diesel engine, and it replaces the previous six-speed automatic. In this flavor, drivers can choose between four different modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with each one customizing the powertrains responses to inputs, enhancing fuel economy or acceleration depending on the preference.

Kias 7-seat flagship SUV is now available, for the first time, with the Drive Wise ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which combats distracted or drowsy driving. The system monitors several inputs from the car and driver, and if a lapse in concentration is noticed, it will sound a warning chime and display a graphic in the instrument binnacle.

Other safety features available on the facelifted Sorento are the full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light, High Beam Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist.

Joining the 2018 Kia Sorento is the new sport-inspired GT Line version. This model benefits from a range of upgrades for added style, such as the four-lamp LED fog lights, red brake calipers, prominent sill step, and subtle GT Line badging, while diesels also get a distinctive chrome twin exhaust tip.

Inside, the Sorento GT Line has the same improvements as the regular version, to which it adds quilted seats in black leather with grey stitching, unique gear shift paddles, satin chrome highlights, and the GT Line embroided emblems.

Set to be launched on the European market from Q4, this tweaked SUV will also be displayed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

PHOTO GALLERY
Honda is set to make some serious modifications to the CR-V family in Europe, and the Hybrid Prototype thats coming to the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show previews all of them.



It features the brands first-ever electrified SUV powertrain available in Europe, which combines a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, with an electric propulsion motor, and a separate electric generator motor.

The automaker says that the hybrid system doesnt need a conventional transmission, so instead they went with a single fixed-gear ratio that enables a smooth transfer of torque within the system, and creates a direct connection between moving components, says Honda.

Moreover, the person behind the wheel does not need to adjust between the usual driving modes  EV, Hybrid, and Engine, as the i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system determines how to use the fuel and electrical energy in the most efficient way. In most urban driving situations, the CR-V will move between Hybrid and EV Drive, for optimum efficiency, and when the Engine Drive is engaged, drivers have an on-demand peak power boost available from the electric propulsion motor.

Besides signaling the launch of the new CR-V Hybrid in Europe, Hondas Frankfurt Prototype also previews its evolutionary design, described as sophisticated and sport. The vehicle has a larger footprint than its predecessor, and comes with fresh styling, sharper contours on the bonnet and rear quarters, and the brands latest front end.

Honda will present the CR-V Hybrid Prototype during the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, with the production version to be officially launched in Europe next year. The new CR-V will also be available with a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission, and it wont feature a diesel powertrain in Europe.

PHOTO GALLERY
Remember when the replacement of the 370Z was supposed to arrive as a concept at this years Tokyo Motor Show?



Well, you might want to forget about that, because the automaker reportedly has no plans of introducing such a study anytime soon, according to Motoring, who spoke with the former Nissan Australia Managing Director, Richard Emery, last week.

Mr. Emery said even we dont know, when asked about a new Z Concept that should have debuted at the Japanese automotive event in late October, adding that they would know if there was something pending, so theres nothing pending, not anytime soon.

As far as the current 370Z goes, it will live on for a few more years, as despite being 8 years old, sports cars do tend to have long life cycles, Emery added. Its certainly at the end of its life cycle, but whether its got two years left, or four years left, at this point I dont have anything to the contrary to suggest its not got a few more years left in it.

This report comes just a few days after Nissan unveiled the 2018 370Z in Europe, which benefits from a few visual enhancements on the outside and in the cabin, new wheels, and a fresh red paint. It also gets a new high-performance clutch, and the latest infotainment system with a 7-inch display, but the 3.7-liter V6 engine remains untouched.

These upgrades only apply to the 2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe, as the 370Z Roadster and 370Z Nismo remain on sale without them.

PHOTO GALLERY
This dashcam footage shows the moment when a gang of robbers attempted to escape police, injuring officers during a chase.



Unfortunately, their efforts were successful as they managed to eventually ditch the stolen high-performance Audi and flee the scene after winning their battle with the police.

According to Birmingham Mail, two of the gang members were caught three months later, pleading guilty to a robbery at a pizza takeaway, which is what led to the chase in the first place.

Speaking of the chase, not only was that RS6 had to stop through PIT maneuvers, the robbers even pulled over and backed into the trailing officers BMW 3-Series Touring, which ended up taking quite a pounding.

Backing it up were two Vauxhall Insignias, who were also rammed by the Audi as the bad guys were desperate to get away.

In the end, all four robbers were arrested and convicted, each serving 8 years in prison.

VIDEO
Cartoon Brew spoke to two members of the original team behind Human Face Project to find out more about the Gemini Man test including, interestingly, how the aborted Jim Carrey version of The Incredible Mr. Limpet played a key part.

The test before the test

The goal of creating a living, breathing digital human character, or a human-like creature, has been a goal for some time. Among many of the projects imagined during the boom of cgi work in the late 1990s was a proposed Jim Carrey remake of The Incredible Mr. Limpet in which Carrey would voice a cg fish character that also closely resembled the very expressive face of the actor. Several vfx studios are said to have provided tests for this planned film.

Modeler Hiroki Itokazu was working at Warner Bros. when the Mr. Limpet project was in the testing phase (Itokazu had also modeled the Giant for The Iron Giant). He wasnt assigned to the Mr. Limpet film, but he used the opportunity to research facial expressions, making a realistic facial animation of Carrey without using motion capture (although the actors movements had been captured for the various tests). Itokazu constructed a working model of Carreys head, and used an anatomy textbook to construct preliminary blendshapes of all the human facial muscles for it.

Lance Williams, who was the technical architect on Human Face Project, described for Cartoon Brew how Itokazu approached the Jim Carrey/Mr. Limpet animation. What Hiroki did was he selected a set of characteristic and extreme facial expressions from Carreys performance, and attempted to match them with his model. For each selected frame, he got as close as he could by orienting the head and posing the muscle blendshapes hed built. The next step was fitting the frame by remodeling the control vertices of the head and blendshapes to match the image.

He also mapped the changes hed sculpted back to the blendshapes according to the degree each was activated, added Williams. By the time the remodeled blendshapes fit expression number three, they no longer worked as well for expression number one, so Hiroki painstakingly iterated this process until his model head and blendshapes fit them all.

The result was a portrait model that could be animated by controlling the activation of a complete set of individual facial muscles  facial muscles that were not generic, but captured the surface changes they brought about on a particular performer. We called this technique Hirokimation, Hiroki told Cartoon Brew. It was a very large honor to have my name used.

Gemini methodology

Ultimately, Mr. Limpet did not go ahead, reportedly because of some of the unsatisfactory test results. But the above approach to modeling and animation was one that Walt Disney Feature Animations Jinko Gotoh -a producer on the Gemini Man project  saw as promising. She asked Itokazu to come on board.

What Disney wanted to see in the Gemini Man test was a human actor interacting with their younger self. The approach from The Secret Lab and Walt Disney Feature Animation was to re-create the real actor as a cg avatar and generate this younger version, also in cg, by re-targeting the original performance. That original performance came from Price Pethel, then a creative director at The Secret Lab, which had formerly been Dream Quest Images before being bought by Disney (Pethel also helped develop the compositing software Nuke at Digital Domain).

Pethel was filmed carrying out numerous expressions, with markers on his face, and acquired via a Cyberware laser scan. That was used to generate a 3D model, but what was also required was texture reference. For that, Hoyt Yeatman (an Oscar winner in vfx for The Abyss, and also the visual effects supervisor on films such as Mighty Joe Young and Armageddon), set up a number of synchronized 35mm film cameras around Pethels face. These had polarizing filters to avoid capturing highlights in the skin  an important part of obtaining neutral and clean textures. A life mask of Pethel and dental molds of his teeth, also laser scanned, rounded out the capture techniques.

The team then had a scanned head in 3D form and this is where Hirokis approach to modeling and animation came in. I created all of the actors muscle shapes in Maya using the cyberscan data as reference, said Itokazu. I created blend shapes very carefully to match to the actors expressions. Then we applied motion capture data to the blend shapes. That way, we didnt have to apply motion capture data directly to the model. So the model was clean and easy to edit with blend shapes.

Using the Hirokimation approach, Itokazu would try to match Prices expressions from the footage, essentially by pushing and pulling the 3D model to match facial features (this was also done using what was called an optimizer).

That re-targeting took things to a realistic level in terms of animation (significant work was also done for tracking and animating the eyes), but one of the hardest parts of pulling off the Gemini Man test was rendering skin. Around that same time, sub-surface scattering algorithms were starting to be used to simulate the way light appears through flesh. The Gemini Man team relied on different methods to realize skin textures and craft pores and wrinkles in the face, and to replicate the correct lighting in which Pethel acted out the scene, which was a bar set.

Another crucial aspect of the test, of course, was to produce the younger (cg) version of Pethel. That was the goal, said Williams, but people were actually a little puzzled that we spent as much time as we did taking Price and duplicating his performance, that is, playing Price through the current Price. But that was the only way we could tell if we really got the performance. When you played it back as the younger Price, you could say, Yeah, well, hes sort of doing the same thing. But if you did it through the cg model first then youve established youve got a 1-to-1 mapping.

The team demonstrated a re-mapping to the younger version of Pethel in the final short film, along with other re-mapped models of animated characters. Their method of doing this involved taking tracks of the muscles from Pethels performance and applying them to the different cg character, which could then be adjusted where needed.

A success or failure?

Clearly, since the Gemini Man test, major developments in human and human-like cg characters have been achieved (some very recent examples include the cg Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia in Rogue One, and the cg Hugh Jackman in Logan). The authors of the paper accompanying the 2005 SIGGRAPH course on Human Face Project acknowledged the developments up until that time, but also set out what they feel they had achieved in the test.

Since the time our test film was produced, significant advances in rendering human flesh have been achieved, the authors wrote. In particular, the transillumination of flesh has been modeled by simulated subsurface scattering. In the judgment of the authors, the project was extremely successful in tracking and animating human performance, but less successful in photorealistic rendering. Some of the techniques we developed, however, are complementary to methods of rendering cg humans today, and may be valuable in other contexts. To achieve our goals, we were obliged to animate faces with far more detail than we could track.

I almost achieved the goal but it was not perfect, added Itokazu in his recent reflection of the work to Cartoon Brew. It was pretty good and I was happy about the result. However, there was still some room for improvement. For example, it was very difficult to capture the details such as the sticky corners of lips and inside the mouth. I still want to research more about facial expressions.

Making cg humans is hard

While its obviously too early to know exactly how Ang Lees Gemini Man will generate a younger Will Smith, the approach is likely to draw on recent developments in de-aging or youthification methods, many pioneered by the visual effects studio Lola VFX (see for example, Skinny Steve in the Captain America films or young Michael Douglas in Ant-Man). These de-aged characters have relied on a combination of facial scans and facial capture, 3D modeling, and 2D compositing and smoothing techniques directly onto the performance of the older actor.

In any case, Williams, who continued researched into human face-tracking and animation at Nvidia, notes that replicating facial movement with digital visual effects is always going to be extremely challenging in a world where we are looking at each others faces all the time.

As social beings, Williams said, humans have evolved with acute sensitivity to the signs and signals of others. Much of this sensitivity is unconscious, meaning that people are extremely alert to deviations from the norm, but may not be able to articulate what it is about a face, voice, or glance that alerts them.

EDITORS NOTE: Cartoon Brew has learned that Lance Williams passed away on August 20, 2017, following a battle with cancer. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends.
Nuclear weapons are terrifying in two ways. What they're capable of, and how close they may actually be located to you. You may have spent your entire life living near one and never knew about it, or maybe not. Either way if you want to put your mind at ease or want to get freaked out by it, then this video will tell you with "reasonable" accuracy of where most nuclear weapons are located in the world. Some however, nobody knows of which means that technically... some could be located just about anywhere!
Photo: Google street view

The province will soon be able to provide additional housing and support for individuals in Kelowna who have been homeless or are at risk.

With the purchase and renovation of the Kelowna Good Night Inn at 2639 Highway 97, the 42-unit building will support some of the area's most vulnerable citizens. It will also allow for added shelter spaces during extreme weather conditions.

The former motel will be renovated and operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

"We're committed to helping all residents of Kelowna, and that includes people who are having a hard time and need a helping hand. We have seen this same development model be very successful in Kelowna, and we appreciate the province stepping up again to create more of this kind of housing in our community," said Mayor Colin Basran.

The renovations will include updating the exterior of the building, creating indoor gathering areas for residents, and providing appropriate fencing and landscaping around the property.

The province is providing $6 million toward the project. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2018.

To learn more about services and supports for the homeless or those at risk, click here.
Photo: Google Maps Prime Physiotherapy will soon expand to become Prime Medical

A major new private health centre will soon open its doors in Kelowna.

Occupying four floors of a soon-to-be-built new building, the centre will see Prime Physiotherapy and Performance expand to become Prime Medical.

According to Kevin Danschinko, director of medical services, the new centre will have a diagnostic imaging centre on the bottom floor, a family practice on the second floor, physiotherapy and rehab centre on the third floor, and offices on the fourth.

This is going to be kind of like a mini hospital, Danschinko says.

For more on the new centre, including some of the new-to-B.C. services it will offer, check out the full story on Castanet's sister business news website, Okanagan Edge.
Photo: Castanet Cam Prime Minister Trudeau and his caucus are in Kelowna for two days.

As they prepare to return to the parliamentary hot seat in two weeks, it seems somehow appropriate that Justin Trudeau and his federal Liberal colleagues are holing up in Kelowna  amid smoke from nearby wildfires  to plot strategy.

Liberal MPs are bracing for sparks to fly during the fall sitting of the House of Commons over a host of issues  first among them, controversial proposals to eliminate tax loopholes the government maintains give wealthy small business owners an unfair tax advantage.

They're expecting the Conservatives to fan the embers of public outrage over the prime minister's decision to pay millions in compensation to Omar Khadr, the one-time detainee in the notorious American prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

They're also expecting grief over the flood of refugee claimants arriving at unofficial border crossings and the ongoing fiasco with the Phoenix pay system, which has seen thousands of public servants overpaid, underpaid or not paid at all.

Then there's the legislative agenda packed with potential landmines, including passage of a bill to legalize marijuana by next July  a speedy timetable meeting stiff resistance in some provinces.

And all this at the halfway point in the Liberals' mandate, as all parties begin to sharpen their knives for the next federal election in two years.

For all that, as they arrived in Kelowna for a two-day retreat, Liberal MPs were upbeat about their ability to weather the political wildfires to come. The sluggish economy is finally showing signs of strength, Trudeau's popularity remains high and their constituents, backbenchers say, are relatively satisfied.

"My observation is that the Canadian public, as a general proposition, is still in love with Prime Minister Trudeau and a good part of it has to do with the handling of NAFTA and the related Canada-U.S. relationship," said Toronto MP John McKay.

Trudeau's deft handling of relations with the United States' unpredictable president, Donald Trump, has been the topic most discussed on the summer barbecue circuit, McKay added, and it's won praise even from those "who are pathologically inclined to hate Trudeau."

Fellow Toronto MP Rob Oliphant believes the prime minister has benefited from comparison with Trump. His constituents have been following events in the U.S. closely and what he's heard during door-knocking is "thank God we're not there."

"I've canvassed about 15 polls, 17 polls in the last two weeks ... and people were overwhelmingly happy."

On that score, Liberals are taking seriously the revolt by doctors, lawyers, farmers, financial planners, homebuilders, shop owners and other incorporated small business owners who have inundated MPs over the summer with complaints about the proposed tax changes.

The backlash has been building since mid-July, when Finance Minister Bill Morneau released a controversial, three-pronged plan aimed at closing tax loopholes used by a growing number of small businesses, creating what he called an unfair playing field.
Photo: BC Wildfire Service/Heather Leader This photo shows the Moyie Lake fire on the weekend.

Increased wind activity in the Southeast Fire Centre has resulted in an increase in fire behaviour.

The BC Wildfire Centre issued updates for a number of fires including:

Lamb Creek wildfire located 18 kilometres southwest of Cranbrook

smoke is highly visible in the area and Highway 3/95. Last night, the fire grew two kilometres to the south, on the west side of the lake. No structures have been impacted. The fire is 1,400-hectares and had 50 personnel on-site Monday building fire guards with the aid of 14 pieces of heavy equipment, helicopters and crews are setting up sprinkler protection units

Linklater Creek wildfire located 65 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook

The wildfire is burning on both sides of the Canada-U.S. Border with a 766-hectare portion in Canada that had 19 personnel on site Monday working with air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment.

White River wildfire located about 37 kilometres northeast of Canal Flats.

The fire is currently estimated to be 12,000 hectares and due to increased fire behaviour yesterday resulted in removing crews and equipment to ensure the safety of personnel.

St. Marys River wildfire located approximately 14 kilometres northeast of Cranbrook in the St. Marys Reserve

A total of 29 personnel were at the site of the 398 hectare fire Monday with four pieces of heavy equipment working on completing the machine guard around and extinguishing the perimeter.

Harrop Creek wildfire located 10 kilometres south of the communities of Harrop and Procter
Photo: DriveBC cam File photo of wildfire smoke in Glacier National Park.

DriveBC has issued a travel advisory for Highway 1 due to wildfire smoke.

There is limited visibility on the highway at the east boundary of Glacier National Park because of smoke from the Prairie Hill fire.

Travellers are advised to reduce speed through area.

Highway closures may be required depending on fire behaviour.
A strange light that lit up the sky was spotted across Southern B.C. by multiple people, Monday night.

What exactly that bright object was has yet to be determined.

People from Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland, Okanagan and Kootenays report spotting what appeared to be a "fireball" just after 10 p.m.

A huge ball of multi-colours falls from the sky, seen over Black Mountain and seen moments later in Nelson and so on! Must have hit the earth around Castlegar, said one Castanet news tip.

Another viewer said the sky lit up in West Kelowna at 10:13 p.m.

It came down at a shallow angle from the southeast to the northwest. It was fairly large and appeared to burn up at altitude approximately over downtown Kelowna from our vantage point in West Kelowna Estates, said Robert Frasson.

B.C.'s chief fire information officer, Kevin Skrepnek, took to Twitter after spotting the object in the sky.

Well, that was different: while sitting on a patio in #NelsonBC the entire sky lit up and a meteorite came down. Huge boom about 1m later, he said.

He added: "if we get an alien-caused fire, I am officially done."

Another resident said they were driving near the Tolko Mill towards Clement Avenue, in Kelowna, when they saw the "biggest meteor I have ever witnessed in my lifetime."

"It was a huge orange fireball with fragments trailing and burning up. It disappeared from my view behind Dilworth Mountain area. Incredible, and I'd like to know how many others witnessed this?" said Tim Brown.

There is no confirmation on what it was in the sky, but many are speculating it was a meteorite.
Photo: Snapchat

Rescuers are crediting a trio of hikers' use of Snapchat for helping them locate the group after they got lost near Coquitlam.

The young men posted photos to the social media platform as they hiked the Swan Falls Loop near Buntzen Lake on Sunday afternoon.

But when their phone batteries died and they lost their direction, a friend sent a screen capture to authorities after family members called 911 about midnight.

There was one very clear photo that showed the trailhead and the name of the trail, and then a couple of really identifiable photos from the peak area where they had gotten to the top of the ridge just over on Eagle Ridge," Coquitlam Search and Rescue manager Michael Coyle told CTV.

Unlike most Snapchat photos, which disappear after a few seconds, the images were saved as stories, allowing the rescuers to retrace the hikers steps.

While social media helped in this case, Coyle recommended hikers always tell someone where they're going before heading into the backcountry.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press Charred debris of a home in the Sunland-Tujunga section of Los Angeles.

Dozens of wildfires burning across the U.S. West have blanketed the air with choking smoke from Oregon, where ash fell on the town of Cascade Locks, to Colorado, where health officials issued an air quality advisory alert.

A 14-square-mile fire in Montana's Glacier National Park emptied the park's busiest tourist spot as wind gusts drove the blaze toward the doorstep of the century-old Lake McDonald Lodge.

Outside California's Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees. Fire crews also wrapped 19th-century cabins in shiny, fire-resistant material to protect them from the flames.

Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses. The fire has burned 14 square miles in Helena, about 150 miles south of the Oregon line.

In Los Angeles, a fire that destroyed four homes and threatened hillside neighbourhoods is no longer actively burning, but firefighters remained at the scene in case the wind reignited the blaze, Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A French court on Tuesday fined photographers and gossip magazine executives over topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge. The court also ordered the defendants to pay damages to Kate and her husband Prince William, but the amount was significantly lower than that sought by the royal family.

The court in a Paris suburb ruled Tuesday that three photographers and three newspaper executives invaded the privacy of the duchess by taking and publishing the photos.

Two executives of French gossip magazine Closer were each given the maximum 45,000 euro ($53,500) fine for such an offence.

In addition, the two executives, along with two photographers working with a celebrity photo agency, were collectively ordered to pay 50,000 euros ($59,500) in damages to Kate and the same amount to William.

The amount is far below the about 1.5 million euros in damages sought by the royal couple.

Paul-Albert Iweins, lawyer for Closer magazine, called the fines exaggerated.

The couple, who didn't attend the verdict, had filed a complaint after the photos were published in Closer and a regional newspaper in 2012, the year after their wedding.

The pictures of Kate were taken while she sunbathed on a patio at a private estate in Provence.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the U.S. was poorly handled.

Speaking at a news conference during a summit in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed as "naive" a question about whether he was disappointed in Trump.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic U.S. politics.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further U.S. sanctions on Russia and the U.S. decision to close Russian diplomatic outposts have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

The Trump administration last week ordered the closure of three Russian facilities in the U.S.: The San Francisco consulate and trade missions in New York and Washington. It was the latest in a series of escalating retaliatory measures between the former Cold War foes.

Putin said the U.S. had a right to close consulates but "it was done in such a rude way."
Photo: The Canadian Press

UPDATE: 2:30 p.m.

B.C. drivers will pay an average eight per cent more for car insurance this year.

Basic insurance will go up 6.4 per cent, and optional insurance will jump 3.1 hike, followed by quarterly increases of 2.2 per cent, to a maximum of 9.6 per cent.

Attorney General David Eby announced the rate hikes Tuesday, along with a multi-year plan to turn ICBC's fortunes around.

Individual policy rates will depend on the age of the vehicle, its value and use, as well as where it is being driven. For an average driver, the changes will amount to about $130  or eight per cent.

Immediate measures include an operational audit of the Crown corporation, 24-hour red-light cameras at high-collision intersections, and a pilot program of new technologies to eliminate distracted driving.

An Ernst and Young report had predicted 20 per cent rate hikes might be necessary.

ICBC lost more than $500 million last year.

"Drastic action is needed to fix ICBC's devastating financial crisis, but B.C. drivers should not be forced to pay 20 per cent basic rate hikes today because of mismanagement that goes back years," Eby said.

ORIGINAL: 10:15 a.m.

Brace for higher auto insurance rates.

Attorney General David Eby will announce basic and optional rate increases at a press conference this afternoon in Vancouver. He's also expected to speak about short-term and immediate actions being to rectify "serious financial challenges" at ICBC.

A recent report by Ernst & Young predicted rates would have to jump by 30 per cent over the next two years to cover rising claim costs.

The report found there are more accidents in B.C., and the average settlement is climbing  making current rates unsustainable.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Kelvin Park

UPDATE 3:15 p.m.

The B.C. Wildfire Service is reporting that structures were at the very least, damaged, during the early spread of the Finlay Creek wildfire, burning south of Peachland.

Right near the beginning of the fire initiating, there was structure loss, said fire information officer Heather Rice on Tuesday.

Details are scarce at this point, with another BCWS spokesperson noting that it may not be complete structural loss, but buildings were "impacted" while the fire quickly grew to 1,000 hectares this weekend. No information was available on what type or where the impacted buildings may be.

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen information officer Cameron Baughen said they have not received any confirmation about impacted buildings, adding that they have not dispatched RDOS staff to evacuation areas to evaluate structures yet.

He said that any rumours they have heard about impacted buildings were also from the early stages of the fire.

ORIGINAL 10:50 a.m.

The Finlay Creek wildfire, burning between Summerland and Peachland continues to show aggressive fire activity.

The BC Wildfire Service says while the Finlay Creek wildfire has shown no significant growth, it remains quite active.

"The winds yesterday caused some challenges on the southern flanks, and will probably continue to do so today," said Heather Rice. "It's still very hot, very dry, and anytime the winds pick up, it's going to see increased fire activity."

Rice says the fire is still moving toward the south, but there is still activity in northern areas as well.

The fire has also been more accurately mapped at about 1,000 hectares in size.

"We got some actual aerial views yesterday, so we could more accurately map it from the air.

About 35 firefighters from the BC Wildfire Service will be working the fire today, along with seven helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment.

There is no containment and the cause is still under investigation.

She asked boaters to remain outside the area where helicopters are bucketing on Okanagan Lake, and asked people to stay out of the backcountry, if possible.

All evacuation orders and alerts issued as a result of the fire remain in effect.
Photo: The Guardian

Four serving members of the British army were arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of being members of a banned far-right group, defence officials and police said Tuesday.

The West Midlands Counterterrorism Unit said officers had arrested four people in central England alleged to be members of the neo-Nazi group National Action. The group is banned in the U.K., and an official list of banned groups describes it as "virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic."

The force said the men were suspected of "being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation" of terrorism acts. They were detained as part of a "pre-planned and intelligence-led" operation and there was "no threat to the public's safety." No other details were immediately available.

Britain's Ministry of Defence confirmed that the four men are serving members of the army.

"We can confirm that a number of serving members of the army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far-right group," the army said in a statement.

The men, aged 22 to 32, were held at a police station. Several properties were raided in connection with the arrests.

National Action was established in 2013 and has been linked to the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox in 2016. The brutal murder, a week before Britain's referendum on European Union membership, shocked the country.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd outlawed the group after an assessment that it was "concerned in terrorism" ahead of the trial of right-wing extremist Thomas Mair, who was convicted and sentenced to life in Cox's murder. A judge said Mair carried out the murder to advance a political cause "of violent white supremacism associated with Nazism."
Photo: WLBZ

A group of Mainers says Passy Pete the Lobster has predicted six more weeks of summer at an annual ceremony.

The crustacean has been fished out of the Passagassawakeag River for the past three years in a tradition modeled after famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil's winter prediction in Pennsylvania.

David Crabiel and his business partner, David Brassbridge, thought up the eccentric ceremony as a way to have some fun. Each year, a group of barons flank Passy Pete as he picks a scroll to determine whether Maine will see an extended summer or be greeted by winter. This year's ceremony took place Monday.

Crabiel tells WLBZ-TV Pete's been right the past two years. Brassbridge says they hope to carry on the tradition.
Photo: shipspotting.com

The Federal Court of Canada says the owners of a derelict barge have defaulted and must pay thousands in costs to the Canadian organization that funds the cleanup of marine pollution.

Patricia Wilson, her company Jacobson Marine and Industrial Design, and co-owner Steen Larsen, have been ordered to pay almost $138,000 plus interest to the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund.

The fund filed court action to recover its costs after the 60-metre barge Spudnik broke free of its moorings in Howe Sound, north of Vancouver, during high winds in November 2014.

The oil pollution fund's online file of the incident shows the rusting vessel was adrift and in peril of running aground, potentially spilling some of the 6,500 litres of diesel and lube oil aboard.

Coast Guard officials quickly hired a tug to tow the barge to safety in New Westminster, where another firm was retained to remove all the contaminants aboard.

Administrators of the fund paid all the bills by October 2016 and successfully sought a default judgement against Wilson and Larsen for reimbursement under polluter-pay legislation when the pair failed to respond to the court action.

"The Defendants have failed to make any payment to the plaintiff to date in satisfaction of the principal or the interest accrued thereon," says the Federal Court judgement released Tuesday.

Wilson and Larsen have been found liable for expenses of $137,747 and interest of $3,891.17, while the judgement says further interest will accrue at a rate of 3.0% per year.
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Todays world, rapidly changing because of big data, is encapsulated in trillions of tiny magnetic objects  magnetic bits  each of which stores one bit of data in magnetic disk drives. A group of scientists from the Max Planck Institutes in Halle and Dresden have discovered a new kind of magnetic nano-object in a novel material that could serve as a magnetic bit with cloaking properties to make a magnetic disk drive with no moving parts  a Racetrack Memory  a reality in the near future.

Most digital data is stored in the cloud as magnetic bits within massive numbers of magnetic disk drives. Over the past several decades these magnetic bits have shrunk by many orders of magnitude, reaching limits where the boundaries of these magnetic regions can have special properties. In some special materials these boundaries - magnetic domain walls  can be described as being topological. What this means is that these walls can be thought of as having a special magical cloak  what is referred to by scientists as topological protection. An important consequence is that such magnetic walls are more stable to perturbations than similar magnetic bits without topological protection that are formed in conventional magnetic materials. Thus, these topological magnetic objects could be especially useful for storing 1s and 0s, the basic elements of digital data.



One such object is a magnetic skyrmion which is a tiny magnetic region, perhaps tens to hundreds of atoms wide, separated from a surrounding magnetic region by a chiral domain wall. Until recently only one type of skyrmion has been found in which it is surrounded by a chiral domain wall that takes the same form in all directions. But there have been predictions of several other types of skyrmions that were not yet observed. Now in a paper published in Nature*, scientists from Prof. Stuart Parkins NISE department at the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany, have found a second class of skyrmions, what are called anti-skyrmions, in materials synthesized in Prof. Claudia Felsers Solid State Chemistry Department at the Max Planck Institute for CPFS, Dresden, Germany. The scientists from Halle and Dresden have found these tiny magnetic objects in a special class of versatile magnetic compounds called Heusler compounds that Claudia Felser and her colleagues have explored extensively over the past 20 years. Of these Heusler compounds, a tiny subset have just the right crystal symmetry to allow for the possibility of forming anti-skyrmions but not skyrmions. Using a highly sensitive transmission electron microscope at the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics, Halle, that was specially modified to allow for the detection of tiny magnetic moments, anti-skyrmions were created and detected over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. Most importantly, anti-skyrmions, both in ordered arrays and as isolated objects, could be seen even at room temperature and in zero magnetic fields.



The special cloaking properties of skyrmions makes them of great interest for a radically new form of solid-state memory  the Racetrack Memory - that was proposed by Stuart Parkin a decade ago. In Racetrack Memory digital data is encoded within magnetic domain walls that are packed closely within nanoscopic magnetic wires. One of the unique features of Racetrack Memory, which is distinct from all other memories, is that the walls are moved around the nanowires themselves using recent discoveries in spin-orbitronics. Very short pulses of current move all the domain walls backwards and forwards along the nano-wires. The walls  the magnetic bits  can be read and written by devices incorporated directly into the nanowires themselves, thereby eliminating any mechanical parts. Topologically protected magnetic walls are very promising for Racetrack Memory.



Thus, anti-skyrmions could be coming to Racetrack Memory soon! Going even beyond anti-skyrmions the next goal is the realization of a third class of skyrmions - antiferromagnetic skyrmions  which are tiny magnetic objects that actually have no net magnetic moment. They are magnetically almost invisible but have unique properties that make them of great interest.
What's it really like to work at Chicago startups and tech companies? Blue Sky's Inside Job lets people on the ground tell us in their own words.

Steven Bertrand, 32, User Experience/User Interface Interactive Designer, with a focus on Motion Design, for Keeper

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Keeper is the world's leading password manager and secure digital vault. We have more than 11 million customers worldwide, and we protect about 4,000 businesses.

On the consumer side, the user would download Keeper, and if they have an Amazon account or a Macy's account, they would enter those credentials in Keeper and use that as a safeguard to ensure hackers don't steal their information.

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You don't have to memorize all these passwords; it's only one master password to get into your vault. There are also files, photos, sensitive information stored in people's vaults.

We've been around since 2011. Chicago is our headquarters, and we also have a location in El Dorado Hills in California. We have nearly 100 employees. We have about 10 in the Philippines doing support because we have 24-hour support.

I code, I design as well as animate. Besides creating traditional design, static screens for all platforms  the interface of the application  I do the motion design for support videos. Support videos are pretty much a way of teaching businesses and consumers how to use our product. They're tutorials.

We created animated emojis for the application. We used our lock icon and put faces on it. The clown is my favorite because he does something with his eyes, and his hair wiggles.

I was born in Evanston, and I grew up in Skokie. My parents are from Haiti; I understand Creole more than I speak it. I went to Niles North. I ended up moving midway to Palatine High School. In Palatine, I enrolled in an advanced multimedia class. I was so in tune with creating and animating and entertaining people looking at it. I fell deeper in love with it.

I was an artist growing up. I've always had a fascination with drawing roses, nature and stuff, and I ended up marrying a girl named Rosie. She loves my drawings.

My first application I started designing with was PowerPoint. I was probably 11, 12. I created a multimedia presentation, and my older brother was my client. He wanted something "Simpsons"-related, so I created a multimedia "Simpsons" show for him. It was animation and interactivity at the same time. I was obsessed with it. There were at least 100 slides in that thing!

Prior to coming here, I actually had the Keeper application on my phone prior, to save my passwords.

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I was a victim at one point. Someone had stolen my information and hacked into my Dropbox. I was very scared. It's a terrible feeling because you don't know what they've seen or what they're going to use. That's why we have Keeper, to safeguard. You gotta protect yourself.

We have a giant wall with orcs when you first walk in. They're all trying to break into the Keeper Vault. They're unsuccessful. It's amazing. It's an exaggerated look, but it gives you an idea of what hackers are trying to accomplish, literally every day.

There are a lot of dedicated people here. There's creative freedom, and "let's see what you're thinking, as far as what needs to be done for Keeper." To trace back to "The Simpsons" and my brother, he was like, "Make me happy. Let's see what your thoughts are." Here, it's no parameters: Just do something.

There are four people on our design team. We laser-focus in on the work we do, but we laugh at the same time. We love drawing cartoon characters on the glass board. We just create stories about them. If you sit in that design room, you wouldn't stop laughing. There was a time where my gut was about to explode.

The past few years, we've rented out a movie theater with just our company and have seen the "Star Wars" movies. We rent out Owen & Engine, and then we go to the movies. You can bring your family. I brought my son. We didn't have our daughter yet; she's three months. It was a great time.

We have very close collaborations with a lot of the bosses here. We get immediate feedback as far as what's being created, and I think we love the fact they trust us with their baby, the baby being the company itself. I love it here. This is probably the most important job I've ever had.

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As told to freelance reporter Erin Chan Ding. Stories are edited for length and clarity.

[ Click here to read more Inside Job profiles  ]
In June 2016, the National Enquirer turned its typically overexcited attention to Richard Simmons, the fitness guru. Simmons had been out of the public eye for two years, and the Enquirer claimed to know why.

"RICHARD SIMMONS: HE'S NOW A WOMAN!" the newspaper blasted across its front page.

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Supermarket shoppers who made it to the story inside were told that the then-67-year-old entertainer "has undergone shocking sex swap surgery" that included breast implants, and was "living as a gal named Fiona." There were photos of Simmons in drag.

Simmons, who says not a speck of that was true, filed a libel suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the newspaper's owner, American Media. This week, Judge Gregory Keosian issued a tentative ruling that could strike a major blow for gender equality before the law. He found that whether it's true or not that Simmons underwent the transition as the Enquirer reported, it's simply not libelous or defamatory to call someone transgender.

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Misidentification of a person as transgender is not actionable defamation .... The court will not validate those prejudices by legally recognizing them.  Judge Gregory Keosian

Keosian's tentative ruling dismisses Simmons' lawsuit. It's still up to the judge to make his ruling final, but his meticulously argued 15-page opinion leaves scant room for doubt about what the final version will say. Keosian places sexual identity on the same plane where imputations about race and homosexuality have been for years  as not inherently defamatory.

The ruling is potentially important for several reasons. As Keosian observes, it's the first such ruling in California, which makes it seem like a harbinger of legal rulings to come nationwide. It also chips away at what may be the last legally acceptable standard of prejudice under the law, which is that directed at transgender persons and those exploring their gender identity.

There are plenty of signs that the impulse to discriminate in American society has moved from race and homosexuality to gender identity. That's what underpins President Donald Trump's announced ban on transgender people serving in the military. Laws regulating which bathrooms transgender persons may use and which gender identity they must use on official documents such as drivers licenses are still on the books in some states and making their way through legislatures in others.

(Don't be fooled by Trump's claim that the medical needs of transgender service people are too expensive. A 2016 Rand Corp. study placed the annual cost at a "relatively low" $8.4 million a year, maximum  that's 10% of what the military spends on erectile dysfunction pills and a fraction of what the country spends ferrying Trump to Mar-a-Lago and his other weekend getaways.) Interestingly, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis seems to be slow-walking Trump's order by referring it to a study committee; that could be a sign that distaste for transgender discrimination is more widespread than Trump calculated. Negative reactions by businesses and individuals to anti-transgender laws in Indiana and North Carolina offer further indications that transgender discrimination is becoming socially unacceptable.

Neville Johnson, a lawyer for Simmons, says society hasn't reached that point yet. Transgender people are "still considered immoral and distasteful and looked at with disapprobation in much of the community," Johnson told me. "There's still a question about what bathrooms they can use, and they can't serve in the military."

Those factors and others signify that labeling someone transgender is defamatory, Johnson says. A further indication is that the Enquirer's own article was designed to "humiliate and embarrass" Simmons for allegedly transitioning gender, not to honor him for purportedly seeking out his true gender identity. (Simmons also introduced evidence that the supposed source for the Enquirer disavowed telling the publication Simmons was transgender.)

"The court can't legislate mores," Johnson says. The question the judge should weigh in deciding whether to let the lawsuit proceed is "not what society should be, but what it is." He says he's disappointed in the tentative ruling, but hopes Keosian may change his mind in the wake of a lengthy hearing held on Wednesday, and allow the question whether calling someone transgender is defamatory to be placed before a jury. Attorneys for American Media weren't available for comment.

In his tentative ruling, the judge hewed closely to American Media's position that statements that someone is transgender or transitioning "do not impute the kind of inherently shameful or odious characteristic that can support a defamation claim in modern times."

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Keosian further observed that the history of courts' allowing public prejudices to govern libel law is long and discreditable. At one time or another, judges have found that it's defamatory to accuse someone of having cancer or some other "loathsome disease," of having been born out of wedlock, of being black or being gay.

Recognizing that such social prejudices are transitory, the courts have steadily moved away from accepting them as grounds for defamation judgments. Tom Cruise won a $10-million libel judgment in California against a gay porn actor who falsely said he'd had an affair with Cruise. But that was in 2003 and it's not at all clear that he'd win now. In New York, state and federal judges scrapped the imputation of homosexuality as grounds for defamation in 2012.

Keosian cites a 1989 Georgia ruling that "private biases may be outside the reach of the law, but the law cannot, directly or indirectly, give them effect." The Massachusetts state Supreme Court, in its landmark 2003 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, expressed much the same viewpoint  the court acknowledged that a segment of the community regarded homosexuality as immoral, but public opinion was irrelevant: "If this Court were to agree that calling someone a homosexual is defamatory per se," the judges ruled, "it would, in effect, validate that sentiment and legitimize relegating homosexuals to second-class status."

Treating "transgender" as an actionable slur is especially problematic in California, Keosian ruled, because discrimination based on "gender identity and gender expression" is specifically outlawed. So, too, is the "trans panic" defense in murder cases, which would allow defendants to argue that discovery of the victim's actual gender or gender identity in a romantic or sexual context was a reasonable provocation for homicide.

But the principle the judge laid out is much more broadly applicable. "Even if there is a sizable portion of the population who hold prejudices against these characteristics, misidentification of a person as transgender is not actionable defamation," he wrote. "The court will not validate those prejudices by legally recognizing them."

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

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Return to Michael Hiltzik's blog.
Airplane cabin cleaner Edith Alvarenga, seen Aug. 29, 2017, at home with her dog Pepito, says she is looking forward to the passage of a Chicago city ordinance that would boost the wages of OHare and Midway airport workers and clear the path for them to unionize. I like the work and I want to make this job better, Alvarenga, a native of El Salvador, said in Spanish. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune )

Edith Alvarenga has spent the past 12 years picking up trash, sweeping up crumbs and mopping up spills  and occasional bodily fluids  that passengers leave behind on airplanes. And she loves it.

She loves that nearly everyone at O'Hare Airport knows her. She loves helping passengers, especially Spanish-speaking travelers, when they aren't sure where to go. She loves seeing people arriving and departing, which makes her feel like she is traveling herself.

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What Alvarenga says she doesn't love about her job as a cabin cleaner in Terminal 3 is that she gets no benefits, that her $11.50 hourly wage is barely enough to make ends meet and that workers are sometimes treated unfairly.

So she is excited for Wednesday, when the Chicago City Council is expected to approve an ordinance that would boost the wages of O'Hare and Midway airport workers and clear the path for them to unionize.

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"When we don't like something, the best thing is to fight to make it better," Alvarenga, a native of El Salvador, said in Spanish. "I like the work and I want to make this job better."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced the ordinance in late July after a two-year campaign by the Service Employees International Union to hold the city accountable for the pay and working conditions of airline subcontractors, part of a national push by the union as it seeks to add airport workers to its rolls.

Chicago's ordinance makes labor standards part of the requirements for obtaining a license to provide services at O'Hare and Midway airports. It covers nearly 8,000 workers employed by contractors hired by the airlines, including baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, janitors, security officers, ticket-takers, de-icers and wheelchair attendants.

The ordinance states licensed contractors must pay workers at least $13.45 an hour starting next July 1, and raise the wage in proportion to the consumer price index every subsequent year. That gives them a leg up over Chicago's minimum wage, which recently was raised to $11 an hour as the city gradually steps toward $13 by 2019.

Tipped workers like wheelchair attendants would get $1 more than the city's tipped minimum wage, which currently is $5.95.

Contractors also would have to establish "labor peace agreements" with any union that asks, which means that the union would agree not to picket or call strikes and the company would agree not to resist organizing efforts. Such agreements don't require an employer to recognize a union or enter into a collective bargaining agreement, but they can smooth the path to a union election.

"It certainly makes it easier to organize workers if they aren't feeling threatened," said Izabela Miltko-Ivkovich, spokeswoman for SEIU Local 1, which was behind several strikes and protests at O'Hare over the last two years.

The ordinance is opposed by Airlines for America, an airline advocacy group that counts United and American Airlines among its members. In a letter to Chicago's Department of Aviation, the group argued that the labor peace provision violates federal labor law and is "ambiguous, internally inconsistent, and provides virtually no guidance regarding implementation." In addition, "there is no policy or economic justification for establishing a separate minimum wage for just one small group of private sector employees working for one industry at two locations in the city."

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Other airports abide by airport-specific compensation requirements, including San Francisco; Seattle; Minneapolis; LaGuardia and JFK in New York; and Newark, N.J. Chicago modeled its ordinance after Los Angeles' airport law, which contains a labor peace provision, because it withstood a legal challenge, SEIU said.

"This is about ensuring the highest standard and most efficient operations at Midway and O'Hare," the mayor's office said in a statement Thursday.

It is also about politics as SEIU, the massive union behind the Fight for $15 campaign, appeals to elected officials to advance worker interests and reach the growing segment of low-wage workers it would like to convert into members.

"They are using political maneuvering to gain access to a new labor market," said Bob Bruno, labor professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. SEIU says 110,000 airport workers have won raises since it began its national airport campaign in 2012, and 22,000 have joined an SEIU union.

Emanuel's ordinance came as another proposal to lift wages for airport workers, introduced in January, stalled in committee. Ald. Ameya Pawar, 47th, in late June threatened to invoke a rule that would force that ordinance to the full Council for a vote, where he believed it had enough support to pass even without the mayor's blessing. The next day SEIU issued a press release announcing it was having positive discussions with the mayor's administration and Ald. Patrick O'Connor, 40th, chairman of the Workforce Development and Audit Committee, on legislation.

The Workforce and Aviation committees approved the mayor's ordinance swiftly last week.

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Pawar, a Democratic candidate for governor, said the issue is personal to him. His first internship while in graduate school involved working with refugees, many of whom worked at the airport, and he heard from them about low pay and alleged abuses such as wage theft.

"I told myself that if I was ever in a position to do something about this, I would," said Pawar, who last year supported the union as it announced it had filed 80 complaints accusing O'Hare airport contractors of more than $1 million in wage theft, which can occur when people work off the clock or when employers don't compensate tipped employees whose gratuities don't get them to standard minimum wage.

"I believe, once this passes, that this will be one of the greatest victories for airport workers in the country," Pawar said.

If workers unionize and are able to bargain for health benefits, paid leave, performance bonuses and other improvements, it would be a boon to an economy that has seen a decline in decent-paying middle-class jobs, Bruno said.

"They represent the growing sector of our economy, and something has to happen to lift them into the middle class," he said. "If these workers don't become middle class, then we will continue to see sluggish growth, we will see wages flatten out, we will have a seriously hollowed-out economy."

Many airport jobs used to fetch decent middle-class wages and benefits, but that started to change in the 1980s and '90s as airlines started to outsource the jobs to third-party contractors that paid the lowest wage people were willing to take, said Robert Mann, an airline industry consultant based in New York.

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The change was driven by industry deregulation, competitive pressure from low-cost airlines and other economic shocks that prompted airlines to cut costs, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks and airline restructurings, Mann said. Between 2002 and 2012, the outsourcing of baggage porter jobs more than tripled, while hourly wages declined by 45 percent, from $19 to $10.60 (in 2012 dollars), according to a report from the Center for Labor Research and Education at the University of California at Berkeley.

But while contracting out the work saves airlines money, it also leads to higher turnover and service gaps, Mann said.

"If you try to work the ramp in Chicago in the winter, it's cold, it's windy, it's dangerous, especially at night," he said. "If you have the opportunity to earn money indoors, you take that."

Alvarenga, the cabin cleaner at O'Hare, said she joined the SEIU effort because her loyalty was not met with the respect she felt she had earned.

Alvarenga, 42, came to Chicago on a fiance visa in 2005 to join her now-husband, Saturnino, who had been her childhood neighbor in El Salvador. She got the job cleaning airplanes that same year after seeing an ad in the newspaper.

She started at minimum wage but earned a 25-cent raise each year, and was making $9.50 an hour when a new cleaning contractor took over in 2010. The new contractor, Prospect Airport Services, told the workers their wages would be reduced to $9, and that if they didn't want it they could quit, she said. Most people stayed, she said, because they needed the paycheck and worried they might not find something else.

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"It made me furious," Alvarenga said, noting that her wage has risen to $11.50 not because of raises, but because the city raised its minimum wage.

Des Plaines-based Prospect Airport Services did not respond to a request for comment.

"I think what we need most is a union that sees the injustices and stops the abuses, more than anything against the Hispanics," Alvarenga said, "because the Hispanics are those that are most discriminated against, and if they don't speak English it's worse."

As she sat in her living room on Chicago's Northwest Side, Alvarenga said she has dreamed of what she will do with the higher wage once the city approves the ordinance. She and her husband live with two of their three children and a yappy Chihuahua mix named Pepito in a tidy home on an otherwise industrial street, beside a parking lot for city garbage trucks.

Her first priority is to establish a savings account for her new baby, due to arrive this month, and help her other three other children  aged 21, 18 and 16  go to good colleges.

"That's the best inheritance I can give them, so they can get a career that allows them to support themselves," she said.

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She also wants to get on an airplane herself and take a vacation for the first time in four years. She plans to go to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer
A new report says that after a long pause trigged by the housing crash, new condo construction is picking up in Chicago, but the projects are geared mainly toward the ultraluxury market. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

After almost coming to a halt after the housing crisis, new condo construction is picking up in downtown Chicago and is likely to continue, according to an Appraisal Research Counselors report.

During the second quarter of this year, there were 802 new units available for sale, the report said. Yet, while starting to gain traction, condo development remains minimal compared with the continuing surge in rental apartment construction.

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During the last couple of years, construction of condos and townhouses has almost doubled since the slow years between 2010 and 2014, with about 287 new units coming onto the market annually since 2015. That's far below the 2005-2009 period when more than 3,200 condos and town homes became available in the market annually, and it's also dwarfed by the rental surge. During the last couple of years, more than 3,700 new rental units a year have been coming onto the market.

Both rentals and condos downtown are tapping into an affluent market, but there is a major difference between them, said Gail Lissner, vice president of Appraisal Research Counselors.

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The trend has been to build smaller apartment units so that affluent downtown professionals could afford studios and one-bedrooms with rents of $3.01 a square foot. But the newest condos are much larger than they have been in the past and are designed for an ultraluxury market, Lissner said. Since 2004, the average condo being built has grown from about 1,100 square feet to 2,500, and typically it contains three bedrooms or three bedrooms and a den, Lissner said.

About 86 percent of new downtown condos are priced at over $700 a square foot and 39 percent are over $1,000 a square foot, according to the report.

"There is a great potential for demand at lower price points," said the report. Yet, "developers are building for the well-heeled," Lissner said. "They have struggled to figure out how to deliver this lower-priced product and still generate a reasonable profit."

The expensive condos are "marketable to a rather thin segment of affluent buyers," said the report.

Lower-priced condos are being built in neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village, Lissner said. Caden James in River West also began a marketing program recently with units priced at $430 a square foot, yet at an average size of almost 1,850 square feet, they remain pricier than the more affordable units built for first-time homebuyers before the housing crash.

There is a nascent trend of turning rented condos back into units for sale. After the housing crash, when new condos could not be sold, several condo building developers gave up on selling the units and instead turned them into rentals. Now some developers have stopped renewing leases and are initiating sales programs.

The practice started in 2014 with The Guild at 1555 S. Wabash. The 14-story, 176-unit condo structure had the unfortunate timing of being completed in 2009, just as the housing bust was building. Then, there were only 35 buyers. But now, in a stronger market for condos, the developer halted leasing and pursued sales  and the project sold out during the first quarter of this year. Average units are 1,007 square feet and priced in the mid-$300,000s.

In July, the average condo sold in Chicago went for $325,000, about 1.6 percent higher than the previous year, according to Illinois Realtors. The association contends that sales of both condos and single-family houses have been stunted because there is so little supply on the market as existing owners stay put rather than move.

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In the Gold Coast, 2 West Delaware was among the new condo buildings that switched to renting after the financial crisis. Now the 198-unit building, which formerly was called Walton on the Park, is being updated and units are being marketed to affluent buyers at prices comparable to new construction, said the Appraisal Research Counselors report.

Appraisal Research Counselors analyzed average prices for 65 of the largest and most prominent condo buildings downtown and found prices in the first half of 2017 about 4.6 percent above the peak price in 2008 and 28 percent above the worst point in the housing decline in early 2012. At that time, condos were selling for an average of $338 a square foot compared with $433 a square foot during the first half of this year.

Sales volume of condos in 2016 was up over 50 percent from the low point in 2011, but declined almost 5 percent in both the first and second quarters of this year.

The report asserts that developers in the near future will be broadening the type and pricing of condos they build, but that tough lending standards, escalating construction costs and the city's affordable housing ordinance  which requires new buildings to include some affordable units  continue to provide hurdles.

Currently, the two largest new condo projects under construction downtown, the 406-condo unit Vista Tower, and the 69-condo unit One Bennett Park, are aiming at the ultraluxury market. For example, some units in the Vista building are priced in the $8 million to $10 million range. The building has sold about a third of the units and is expected to open in 2020.

gmarksjarvis@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @gailmarksjarvis
A United Airlines plane is towed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. The airline expects to resume regular service to Houston by Friday. (David J. Phillip / AP)

United Airlines expects to have all scheduled Houston flights back up and running by Friday, a little less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey halted flights to the city, United's second-largest hub.

Chicago-based United, which began gradually resuming flights when Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport reopened Wednesday, initially said its recovery could take weeks. On Friday, the airline said that process was moving faster than expected.

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The airline expected to have about 330 flights take off from Houston's Bush Airport on Tuesday, about 73 percent of what it would operate on a typical day this time of year, said United spokesman Charlie Hobart.

Now, the airline is trying to reassure customers wary of cancellations when traveling through Houston. "Now that our systems are current and the schedule is in place, if the website says a flight is operating, we intend to operate it," Hobart said.

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Ramping back up to its standard schedule is good news for United, which, along with Southwest Airlines, is expected to take a bigger financial hit from Harvey than competing airlines that are less reliant on Houston, according to airline analyst Helane Becker of Cowen and Co.

On a typical day, about 450 United flights depart Houston's Bush Airport. Southwest Airlines typically has about 152 flights depart Houston's William P. Hobby Airport and plans to be back to that schedule on Thursday, said spokeswoman Brandy King. As of Tuesday, Southwest was operating about 70 percent of those flights.

Last week, Becker estimated United and Southwest could take financial hits of about $266 million and $77 million, respectively, from canceled flights. Jet fuel prices jumped as well because refineries in the region affected by the hurricane shut down, but Becker said Tuesday that prices should decline as Houston recovers.

Delta Air Lines, which usually has just 30 daily departures at Bush Airport and seven at Hobby Airport, said its Houston schedule was back to normal. American Airlines, which has a similar number of daily departures at both airports, said it anticipated being back to its full regular schedule Wednesday.

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach
Nurse Doris Carroll, an Illinois Nurses Association co-chief steward at the University of Illinois Hospital, participates in an Aug. 24 rally. About 1,200 nurses at the hospital plan to strike Sept. 13 if they are unable to reach a contract agreement beforehand. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

About 1,200 University of Illinois Hospital nurses plan to strike Sept. 13 if they are unable to reach a contract agreement beforehand.

The nurses voted overwhelmingly for the strike last week, and will strike for 24 hours, said Alice Johnson, executive director of the Illinois Nurses Association. They plan to picket that day, she said.

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The West Side hospital said in a statement Tuesday that it hopes a strike will not occur but it is "taking steps to prepare for a potential work stoppage to ensure our patients' continued care and safety."

A hospital spokeswoman did not respond to requests by deadline Tuesday for more detail on those steps or on how a strike might affect patient services.

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The hospital and nurses have been negotiating a contract for months. Johnson said the union wants 3 percent cost of living increases each year, but the hospital is proposing paying nurses a $500 cash bonus the first year of the contract with 1 percent increases in each of the next two years. The union and hospital are both proposing raises based on experience, though their proposals differ, Johnson said.

Johnson said the hospital is also proposing a number of changes to working conditions and job responsibilties for nurses.

Contract negotiations are expected to continue this week.

During the last round of contract negotiations about three years ago, the union also scheduled a date to strike but reached an agreement with the hospital before then, Johnson said.

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lschencker
Strategies such as shopping for multiple bids on every service and signing multiyear contracts with vendors to avoid rate hikes can help associations save. (Getty )

The days are shorter, and the nights are cooler. It's the time of year when community association boards and finance committees start working on next year's budget.

Your dollars will go further when you consider the following money-saving tips and best practices from a panel of industry professionals:

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Get multiple bids on everything. You'll get better prices, said community association manager Diana Turowski with Lieberman Management Services in Chicago.

"From electric to elevator, architects to tax appeals, knowing that there's competition keeps the vendors honest," she said.

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Turowski recently negotiated a 1 percent cost reduction by changing elevator contractors for a client building with a $1.2 million budget. That was $12,000 the residents didn't have to pay.

"Bidding out service contracts can help the board to change to a more competitive vendor or be used as leverage with the current vendor," said Meaghan Bollenberg, community association manager with Lieberman Management Services in Elk Grove Village.

Sign multiyear contracts to lock in pricing. If you've been happy with a vendor in the past, consider an extended contract with an out-clause included, Bollenberg said.

"Vendors may be more willing to reduce future increases for a multiyear contract now," she said.

Start now on next year's capital projects. Going to bid in the fall and winter often results in lower quotes because contractors are looking to fill their spring schedule, said Diane White, senior vice president of condominium management at The Habitat Co. in Chicago.

"Deferring a major project to the future will generally result in a higher price than what it could be completed for today," she said.

White also recommends hiring a project manager to insure the work is completed on time and per specifications.

"Often, such projects are highly time-consuming and complex," she said.

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Visit a residential loan officer. Lenders assess the finances of both the association and any prospective buyer. Be proactive, and find out what lenders expect from you, said real estate broker Jane McClelland at Re/Max in the Village in Oak Park.

Lenders have criteria based on how much money is put into reserves each year, the percentage of units that are delinquent on assessments and other financial indicators, she said.

You'll learn how well-run associations manage their finances and the benchmarks to reach for  and you won't jeopardize future sales, she said.

Track your energy usage, even if you have a rate contract. If there are spikes in usage on a particular meter that has heavy mechanical equipment hooked to it, that's an indicator something is starting to go downhill, said Ian Novak, vice president and director of condominium management services at Draper and Kramer in Chicago.

"We find tracking utility usage helps identify upcoming problems, so we can budget accordingly," he said.

Ditch the traditional energy providers. Peoples Gas and ComEd are the go-to providers for natural gas and electricity, but associations can save 8 to 15 percent with alternative suppliers, said Gary Kass, president at Kass Management Services in Chicago.

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"I reach out to bulk electric suppliers," said community association manager Elizabeth Mosier-Orman at Lieberman in Elk Grove Village. "They can generally provide the communities with a discounted rate for their everyday electric usage in the common areas. This is an easy way to save money for the association, and the brokers have no fee."

Embrace electronic communications. You'll save money on postage, said Jacqueline Abraham, community association manager at Lieberman in Chicago.

"We are sending electronic statements through email for monthly dues instead of sending paper statements through the mail," she said. "We also help associations adopt rules to allow electronic communication and voting to cut down on paper ballots. These measures have saved associations thousands of dollars each year."

pmckuen@aol.com







Watch our latest Real Estate videos.
Chance the Rapper will appear at the new Nando's location on Lake Street on Tuesday night in a fundraiser for his charity SocialWorks. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

Not content to simply release a string of beloved albums and collect Grammy awards, Chance the Rapper has spent the past few weeks raising money for Chicago Public Schools. Perhaps you've heard of the astonishing $2.2 million that he helped gather for arts education programs? Well, that apparently wasn't enough, as he's back at it tonight.

This time he's aligning himself with the opening of a Nando's PERi-PERi just off Michigan Avenue (117 E. Lake St., to be exact). While it may seem a little unusual to team up with a South African peri peri chicken chain, it's all for a good cause. He'll be there at 6 p.m. tonight (Sept. 5) to greet fans and help raise money for his nonprofit, SocialWorks.

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Of course, restaurants routinely make gestures to local charities, but this time Nando's is donating all of the proceeds (except alcohol) from its first three days to Chance's nonprofit. Which means that even if you can't make it tonight, or are scared of the crowds ready to greet the star, you still have a couple of days to support the cause.

By the way, this is apparently the 12th Nando's location in the Chicagoland area.

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Nando's PERi-PERi, 117 E. Lake St., www.nandosperiperi.com

nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @nickdk






NEAR WEST SIDE  Great Central Brewing Company Tasting Room is a contract brewing facility with the goal of helping breweries expand production. It's also a bar, with 200 seats and 24 taps offering beer from client breweries. Settle in at one of the bar's long wooden tables, and sip offerings like Funk Brewing's Silent Disco hazy IPA. The name "Great Central" is a nod to Chicago's 19th century nickname "Great Central Market." 221 N. Wood St., 855-464-4222, www.greatcentralbrewing.com/tastingroom

AVONDALE  Newly opened B'el Bar + Kitchen serves cozy Midwestern dishes, and cocktails and craft brews to go with them. Dishes include a Cincinnati style vegetarian chili with crispy spaghetti, sharp cheddar, tofu and scallion, as well as a Chi-Coney Dog with all the fixings. Among the cocktails, find the Pulaski Paloma with tequila, Aperol, honey, grapefruit, lime and orange bitters. 3188 N. Elston Ave., 872-241-9032, www.facebook.com/BelBarKitchen

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BUCKTOWN  Starters at new Royal Grocer & Co. include hush puppies with blackberry sofrito, and a panzanella salad with heirloom tomatoes and sourdough bread. Shared plates are inventive, from dashi-braised lamb to radish noodles with smoked char roe. The menu displays a list of farms and purveyors the restaurant partners with, like Gotham Greens and Sparrow Coffee. 2118 N. Damen Ave., 773-904-7805, www.royalgrocer.com

THE LOOP  Pearl Tavern has been transformed into the Pearl Brasserie by former Blanchard chef Jason Paskewitz. The French menu, now in full swing, has all three meals, with pain au chocolat for breakfast and pain-perdu foie gras for dinner. 180 N. Wacker Drive, 312-629-1030, www.pearlbrasserie.com

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ICYMI

AVONDALE  The Beer Temple lives up to its name with 20 rotating taps and one cask line. The bar, a new endeavor from the renowned bottle shop of the same name, serves beer at different temperatures depending on their flavor notes and refuses to tap Sierra Nevada Pale Ale that is over a month old.

STREETERVILLE  Urban Crosta Pizzeria is serving pizzas with toppings like skirt steak and chimichurri, artichoke with roasted cauliflower sauce, and barbecue chicken with pineapple and hot peppers.

NORTH CENTER  Steingold's brings a modernized, New York City-style Jewish deli to Chicago. Couple Aaron Steingold and Elizabeth Abowd combine Middle Eastern dishes with traditional deli food.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

THE LOOP  Dos Toros serves San Francisco Mission District-style burritos by way of New York City to Chicago. Also look for rice bowls, tacos and quesadillas with your choice of pollo asado, carnitas, carne asada or vegetables too.

NEAR NORTH SIDE  The Dana Hotel gets a seafood-focused restaurant with Portsmith. Dishes include a charred shrimp cocktail as well as cacio e pepe with uni butter and caviar. Upstairs, the Leviathan bar has mythically inspired cocktails, like the Kraken with rum, lime, grapefruit, honey, cinnamon, star anise and squid ink tuile.

LOGAN SQUARE  Fans of "Stranger Things" can visit The Upside Down pop-up bar in advance of the show's October premiere. The decor and quirky cocktails are a nod to the series.

CLOSINGS

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NOBLE SQUARE  Chef Edward Kim will close Ruxbin on Sept. 10, just half a year after a massive redesign of the space, during what he calls a "sabbatical" period.

raydin@tronc.com

This post has been updated to reflect changes to the opening menu at B'el Bar + Kitchen.






Chopo Chicken in Lincoln Park looks similar to dozens of other quick-service joints popping up around town that hope to mimic the success of Chipotle (at least before all the health scares). The shtick: a short menu of four or fives proteins that you can endlessly customize with toppings to your liking. Instead of dishing everything out on plates, nearly everything comes in a bowl  the trendiest and most millennial of serving dishes. Chopo even has the gall to call its dishes "amazebowls."

So, what can you eat here? Poke, falafel or maybe acai?

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Nope. Chopo Chicken serves Peruvian food  not exactly the most fashionable cuisine of the moment, though after visiting Chopo a number of times, maybe it should be.

The story of Chopo Chicken begins in Chile, which seems like an odd place to start a story about a new Peruvian restaurant in Lincoln Park. But that's where owner Victoria Orlandi, from Brazil, met Pablo Basurto. He helped introduce her to his native Peruvian cuisine. "There are a lot of Peruvian restaurants in Chile," says Orlandi. "I loved it. So I betrayed my own Brazilian cuisine and got really into it."

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The two separately ended up in the United States, where Basurto introduced Orlandi to his childhood friend, Gabriel Poblete. Still, the idea of a restaurant never occurred to them. "We were in construction," says Orlandi. "But we all faced the same issue: There weren't a lot of good food options. Everywhere in South America, there is good food. We wanted to bring that here."

The first thing you'll notice upon entering the restaurant is the hint of smoldering charcoal in the air, an olfactory declaration that Chopo means business. "We had to grill the chicken over charcoal," says Orlandi. "It's done that way (in Peru), and it tastes better."

The pollo bowl ($11) does taste great. Chopo makes sure each chicken marinates in the restaurant's secret-recipe rub for at least 24 hours before it hits the grill, so each bite is wildly complex from the mix of spices and tinged with a hint of smoke from the grill. Instead of french fries, the chicken is served with yuca fries  oversize and blond, with a crackly exterior and lusciously soft interior. There's also a simple tomato and onion salad, which adds a refreshing counterpoint to the fried yuca.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 6 One of Chopo Chicken's partners, Victoria Orlandi, watches as executive chef Eduardo Gutierrez makes ceviche to order. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune)

But what really sets Chopo apart from dozens of other good roast chicken joints around Chicago is its use of aji, a petite chile native to Peru. "Aji is like the DNA of Peruvian cuisine," says Orlandi. Chopo imports three different kinds of aji chiles (aji amarillo, aji panca and aji limo) from Peru. Aji panca is the only ingredient Orlandi would own up to being in the chicken marinade; she's serious about the recipe remaining a secret.

Aji amarillo forms the foundation of the restaurant's three indelible aji sauces: amarillo, verde and huancaina. Each one is creamy and spicy, exuding the seemingly contradictory qualities of being comforting and aggressive. "The (sauces) taste great on everything," says Orlandi.

While just about anyone (save vegetarians) can grasp the appeal of grilled chicken, the rest of the menu is outfitted with some traditional Peruvian dishes that are in short supply around Chicago. That includes seco de carne ($11), gorgeously green spicy beef stew infused with fragrant cilantro. It's served on a bed of white rice, green rice (watch out, it's spicy) or quinoa, with some beans (canario or black) piled on the side. You can, and should, get some aji sauce drizzled on top. Rich and colorful, intricately flavored and slightly spicy, this dish boasts a vibrant widescreen technicolor that makes traditional American beef stew look like a faded black-and-white photo.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Much milder is the aji de gallina bowl ($11), a stewed chicken dish with a pale yellow aji chile sauce.

When Chopo Chicken first opened, ceviche appeared on the menu, along with a note saying it wasn't ready. Fortunately, it's here. Instead of using fish that's been soaking in citrus for hours, Chopo makes its ceviche bowl ($13) to order, tossing the raw cubed fish with lime juice and aji limo chilies, which have a natural citrus note to them. This results in firm-fleshed bites of fish, with a distinct citrus aroma and sharp heat. The ceviche is served with huge chunks of bright orange sweet potatoes, which add a sweet creaminess to balance the aggressive acidity of the dish. You'll also find two kinds of corn: enormous kernels of white Peruvian corn and crunchy nuggets of canchita, a fried corn popular in Peru.

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While the design of the restaurant is tasteful, if spare, inside, outside is a different story. There's an enormous vibrantly painted wall, designed by Orlandi to look like a Peruvian blanket. "Peruvians are very proud of their textiles," says Orlandi. "I wanted to celebrate that. But it was hard to convince my partners. They said, 'You want to put a blanket on the wall?'"

It's good that they agreed. The wall clues you in that this is more than just another anonymous quick-serve restaurant project. Chopo serves some serious Peruvian food quickly and with real style.

Chopo Chicken, 2460 N. Clark St., 773-666-5925, www.chopochicken.com

nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @nickdk






Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons is scheduled to help launch a program in Chicago on Wednesday that would teach South Siders how to mediate conflict in their neighborhoods.

RushCard, a debit card provider co-founded by Simmons, is giving $50,000 to the Peacekeepers Global Initiative so it can expand to Chicago. The organization  which was founded by Dennis Muhammad, who has long ties to the Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan  trains volunteers on CPR, first aid, self defense and "proper handling of people" to promote peace in communities plagued by crime and gun violence.

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Simmons is set to kick off an hourlong recruitment event starting at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Larry's Barber College, 10456 S. Halsted St. The event is slated to be the first in about a dozen Chicago-area barbershop sessions to recruit potential peacekeepers.

"I think it's very important to get people involved in watching each other's children and also keeping an eye on and supporting, really supporting, law enforcement," Simmons told the Tribune by phone.

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The program is part of RushCard's Keep the Peace initiative, a nationwide effort to reduce youth violence. Representatives for UniRush, the company behind the RushCard, last month announced grants for Chicago and Atlanta peacekeeping training along with a New York City rally, a pledge for peace in Los Angeles and a community outreach event in Cincinnati.

This is not RushCard's first Chicago initiative. A peace walk with the Chicago International Youth Peace Movement and former Bull Joakim Noah was held in 2015.

Also Wednesday, Simmons is scheduled to visit Julian High School in the Washington Heights neighborhood and Bogan High School in Ashburn to speak to students about meditation as part of the Quiet Time transcendental meditation program run by the David Lynch Foundation and studied by the University of Chicago Urban Labs. The idea is that if students are given time to practice transcendental meditation, it can help reduce their toxic stress so they can succeed in school and stay safe.

"I believe at the core, all of this is personal transformation, and one of the tools for that is meditation," Simmons said. "That's something that's also a part of the puzzle."

tswartz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @tracyswartz

Students are meditating during the Quiet Time class at Gage Park High School in Chicago.

Quiet Time is a research program conducted by the University of Chicago Urban Labs.

(Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune). (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

[ Can in-school meditation help curb youth violence?  ]

[ West Side rapper Twista: Chicago needs after-school programs, not troops  ]

[ King Louie: 'The devil's working overtime' in Chicago  ]







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
"Autonomous" by Annalee Newitz, Tor, 304 pages, $25.99

The first novel by Annalee Newitz, founder of the popular science fiction and technology website io9, tackles two issues that are much in the news: the life-and-death power of big pharmaceutical companies and the possibilities of artificial intelligence. One of her two main characters, Jack Chen, is a high-tech pirate, roaming the seas in her private submarine while reverse-engineering proprietary drugs for the benefit of those who can't afford the extortionate prices of the drug companies. But when one of those drugs backfires badly, causing some people to literally work themselves to death, she sets out to find an antidote and expose the drug company's cynical cover-up.

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The other main character is a robot, Paladin, enlisted to help an agent of the all-powerful International Property Coalition pursue Jack for violating intellectual property laws. Designed as a military robot with little capacity for empathy, Paladin becomes fascinated learning about humans, especially since its human companion insists on assigning it a gender. While the cat-and-mouse plot takes us from the Canadian Arctic to a domed Las Vegas and even Casablanca, Newitz gradually reveals a 22nd century when corporations have virtually replaced governments, a new form of indentured servitude has created a huge underclass, and the divide between rich and poor is greater than ever. Newitz's future is almost too plausible for comfort, but her provocative ideas make this one of the strongest first novels of the year.

"Akata Warrior" by Nnedi Okorafor, Viking, 496 pages, $18.99

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In a career of barely a decade, the Chicago area's Nnedi Okorafor has become among the most sought-after writers in the science fiction field. In this sequel to her 2011 young-adult novel, "Akata Witch," she returns to a contemporary Nigeria threatened by supernatural forces, where the teenage Sunny, raised in America until she was 12, has joined the ancient but secretive Leopard society to help protect the world. As before, her band of gifted companions includes a rebellious teen from Chicago's South Side  sent to Nigeria to learn discipline  and her enemies include a tentacled lake monster, a giant spider-god, and the powerful "masquerade" Ekwensu. ("Masquerade" has a more ominous meaning in traditional Nigerian culture than in common usage.)

As always, Okorafor shows particular skill in combining bits of actual Nigerian folklore  a secret language called Nsibidi, a fabulous beast called a Grasscutter, the hidden city Osisi  with a clear-eyed recognition of the real social problems facing the country, such as fake police who randomly stop motorists demanding that they "do Christmas" or the social inequalities in Lagos. Sunny's own brother becomes involved in college with a brutal secret society from which she must try to free him. But the main plot, with Sunny and her friends undertaking a perilous quest, is a compelling and often terrifying version of one of fantasy literature's most enduring traditions, recast in a thoroughly original way.

"Clade" by James Bradley, Titan, 320 pages, $14.95

Science fiction has never really been about predicting the future, but tales of rapid climate change can seem downright spooky. Australian author James Bradley (not the author of World War II histories) begins "Clade" with an environmental scientist, Adam Leith, studying the deterioration of the Antarctic ice shelves, and since the novel was first published in Australia, the largest iceberg in history has broken loose from one of those shelves. Now available in the United States, "Clade" is a richly detailed saga covering decades in the life of Leith and his extended family  which forms the "clade" of the title.

As Leith's daughter grows up, we see more troubling signs. Birds and fish die off, power outages become common, and eventually so do violent weather events like blizzards and tornadoes, even volcanoes and eruptions of methane gas. She eventually ends up in England, alienated from her family, and Leith barely rescues her and her young son from a hurricanelike catastrophe that ravages England. Through other characters, we see the effects of colony collapse among bees, a massive influx of refugees to Australia, and worldwide plague that leads to the creation of virtual "sims" to re-create the personalities of those lost. Using a variety of narrative styles and viewpoints, the novel feels much longer that it actually is. Rather than the usual disaster blockbuster, "Clade" feels more like a literary elegy for a world we're already losing.

Gary Wolfe is a freelancer.






The challenge: tailgate with a twist

The chef: Won Kim of Kimski, known for playing with Korean and Polish flavors

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When we asked chef Won Kim for his take on Chicago's classic fall party  the tailgate  his answer was simple: sausages.

"They're super shareable," says Kim. "The sky's the limit for home cooks. You can cook the sausages in whatever liquid you want to impart flavor, which can be really impressive." Kim suggests experimenting with your favorite beer. Pro-tip: Make some room on the grill to poach your sausages, which makes it easy to grill them post-flavor bath for that snappy, caramelized exterior but juicy interior.

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He finishes off the whole shebang with his signature kraut-chi, a sauerkraut-kimchi hybrid made with spicy gochugaru, aka Korean chile-pepper flakes, and topped with a sinus-clearing mustard made from soju, Korea's national spirit. "I like little surprises of flavor."

Kraut chi

Shred one small or medium-sized red cabbage into a bowl and toss with 1 cup of salt. Set aside for at least two hours to overnight. Using a cheesecloth or clean dish towel, squeeze excess liquid out over a sink and rinse. Combine 1 large knob of fresh ginger and 8 garlic cloves in a food processor, or go medieval and smash in a mortar and pestle. Add 2 cups coarsely ground Korean chile flakes known as gochugaru, and turn into a paste. Combine this mixture with cabbage in clean, sanitized jars. Allow to ferment at room temperature for two to four days. Transfer to fridge until ready to use.

Note: For more on basic fermentation, see Donna Hay's instructions here, or this link from Chicago Tribune Food.

Soju mustard

In a large pot, soak 1 quart mustard seeds in one bottle of soju, and 1 quart of vinegar for at least an hour or two. Over low heat, warm the mustard seeds until the seeds soak up all the liquid. To the soaked mustard seeds, add 3 cups of Dijon mustard and 1 cup sugar, mixing well. If the mixture is too acidic or there is no liquid left in the pot, add water until reaching desired consistency. Put it on everything!

jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @joeybear85







Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 20 Taking flight at the AF Vandevorst Haute Couture collection. (Getty photo)
In a world of shrinking personal space, overstuffed overhead bins and exorbitant airline baggage fees, travelers are rediscovering the convenience and savings of wearing their luggage. For many, the "aha" moment came this summer as they watched a crowd of in-the-know travelers breeze through the terminal unencumbered by extendible handles and the bulk of things they didn't really need.

That crowd is growing. The latest Travel Goods Association market report, released in 2016, found that unit sales had surged 22 percent as American travelers bought a record-breaking 176.1 million backpacks.

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But the modern backpack is a far cry from that rucksack you strapped on when you were a kid - the one with everything inelegantly wedged into a single compartment. The most innovative wearable luggage allows technology, clothing and food to coexist without making a mess. At times, it stretches the very definition of "backpack."

They're being discovered by travelers such as Robby Bearman, an operations manager for a transportation company in San Francisco. He was looking for something to use for short trips and for his daily commute, and a backpack made the most sense.

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His choice: the Everyday Backpack by Peak Design ($259), a Kickstarter-funded pack with lots of clever features. The Everyday is filled with innovations, including its magnetic closing system, expandable external side pockets and a modern aesthetic that looks decidedly un-backpacky. (Okay, I just made up that word, but stay with me.) Bearman liked the easy access to the main compartment from both the top and sides, thanks to swiveling shoulder straps and dual weatherproof side zips.

"The main compartment can be reconfigured with Velcro dividers, which is a handy feature, for example, to keep a banana from being squished," he says.

Some of the new backpacks are built around technology. Take the Razer Tactical Backpack ($119) which has ample room for Jean Paldan's computer and enough space for a headset, a tablet computer, books, snacks and a change of clothes. "It holds everything," says Paldan, a web designer from Oxford, England. "Plus, it's ridiculously comfortable to wear." The Razer is also cool - which is a bonus if you're traveling with your family.

Another trendy backpack is the STM Banks ($129), a new release from its Streets Collection, which is tech-friendly and looks good, too. Among its features: a quilted interior lining that protects your gadgets, side pockets with stretch mesh for water bottles and an ergonomic, curved fit to reduce shoulder strain. It's the backpack my 10-year-old daughter wanted, so if you're interested in impressing your kids, this is the one to buy.

The newest packs also cater to your power needs. Mobile charging company TYLT offers two backpacks that let you charge your devices while you're carrying them. The Energi Pro Power Backpack ($149) offers a full charge to your phone, tablet and laptop, thanks to a powerful battery in its front pouch. And the Energi Backpack ($99), billed as a "next-gen" briefcase, backpack and mobile charging station, can route the cables to any one of the five external pockets or two internal Pockets. The TYLT backpacks are a godsend for travelers who keep pushing their electronics to the limit, like my kids, but they also take up more space than the other backpacks I evaluated.

For sheer coolness, it's hard to match Travelpro's Platinum Magna 2 Business Backpack ($161). It's sleek, black and constructed with the frequent flier in mind. A "checkpoint friendly" carry-on, it's built to Transportation Security Administration specifications so that you can pass through security without removing your laptop. And it also comes with extra safety, including padded corduroy laptop and tablet sleeves and an RFID-blocking interior pocket to keep your ID and credit cards from prying eyes. If you're thinking of taking your backpack on a business trip, this is the one for it.

There are other backpacks for the security-conscious, too. Take Travelon's Anti-Theft Urban Backpack ($130), which has a variety of features that will protect your personal property. Those include an interior locking compartment for your tablet, a locking front zip compartment with RFID-blocking card and passport slots and slash-resistant body construction to protect you from slash-and-grab thieves. Best of all, the Travelon backpack wasn't any heavier than the other luggage I tested.

But sometimes, the best backpack is no backpack. To call the Eagle Creek Converge Weekend Bag ($179) a backpack would be an understatement. It can be used as a traditional carry-on bag, thanks to side handles, but also has a pouch for a large laptop, a tablet computer, a phone and a storage area for your clothes. The best part of the Converge is the fabric, a PU-coated, water-resistant polyester. Spills are inevitable, but at least your gadgets won't get soaked.

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If you're just interested in carrying a laptop, a charger and maybe a tablet computer, you'll probably want to leave the clever compartments behind and go with a more minimalist solution, such as the Knomo James ($229), which does that one thing really well.

Oh, sure, you can strap it to your back if you want, but this bag is meant to be carried, as, indeed, most luggage is. But maybe I'm just old-fashioned that way.

Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at chris@elliott.org.
Check out the autumnal avian action at these three bird-watching spots in the Midwest.

Bird nerds, grab your binoculars and flock to these Midwest spots to watch your feathered friends high tail it out of here in search of warmer weather.

Sandhill cranes in Indiana

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From late September through December, thousands of sandhill cranes can be seen  and heard  as they hang out in the marshes of Indiana's Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, roughly 90 miles from Chicago.

These monogamous, big birds are a lively bunch, prone to "dancing" and making quite a racket. Sporting a blood-red patch on their head, they use pastures and shallow waters around Medaryville as a layover on their long-haul journey from their Wisconsin nesting areas to their winter homes in Florida and Georgia.

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5822 N. Fish and Wildlife Lane, Medaryville, Ind.; 219-843-4841, in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3091.htm.

Hawks in Minnesota

Raptors generally don't like flying over large bodies of water. When it's time to bail on their summer breeding areas in Canada and head south, these birds of prey prefer sticking to the shoreline rather than soaring over Lake Superior.

Nature's aquatic roadblock makes for some spectacular raptor migration viewing at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, on the western tip of the greatest of the Great Lakes. This is one of the premier hawk-watching spots in the country, with big numbers of broad-winged hawks passing by in mid-September. In mid- to late-October, a sizable population of red-tailed and rough-legged hawks make the commute, along with a dwindling number of northern goshawks.

Peregrine falcons, ospreys, eagles, vultures and owls are in the vicinity, too. So are plenty of non-raptors.

Sept. 15-17 is the observatory's annual Hawk Weekend Festival, featuring field trips, hikes and other programs.

3980 E. Skyline Parkway, Duluth, Minn.; 218-428-6209, hawkridge.org.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Canada geese flock to Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin during their fall migration. (Jeffrey Phelps/Getty )

Geese in Wisconsin

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Starting in mid-September, the world's largest migratory flock of Canada geese makes its way to Horicon Marsh, about an hour's drive north of Milwaukee, to rest and feed during the autumn migration.

Peak numbers of these "honkers"  or poop-machines with wings, as many Chicagoans will attest  can climb north of 200,000 in mid-October. That's also when fall colors are typically on fire at Horicon, the country's largest freshwater cattail marsh. But don't get too distracted by the scenery. With all those geese around, you'll want to watch where you step.

N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, Wis.; 920-387-7890, horiconmarsh.org.

lrackl@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lorirackl







Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 A previous maze design at Harvestville Farm near Donnellson, Iowa, paid tribute to Americas farmers. (Harvestville Farm)
Volunteers use their boats to help evacuate residents as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise on Aug. 28, 2017, in Spring, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( David J. Phillip/AP )

Had it been a different point in time, Alonso Guillen's heroic death in Houston might have gone unnoticed.

The 31-year-old disc jockey, who was killed while attempting to rescue people in the wake of storm Harvey, would simply have been one of countless Americans who have sacrificed their lives trying to help other Americans in a time of need.

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Because whenever tragedy strikes, that's what Americans do.

But we are in the midst of a heated debate in our country right now over who should be here and who should not. On Tuesday, Donald Trump is expected to tell us if, or for how long, young people like Guillen will be able to stay.

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Guillen wasn't born in America. He was a Dreamer, living here on borrowed time. He had been granted temporary legal status by the single stroke of a presidential pen. But he understood that it could be taken away with the single stroke of another.

He was born in Piedras Negras, Mexico, and moved to Lufkin, Texas, as a teenager. But at the moment of his death Guillen was the truest of Americans  perhaps more so than you or I.

I won't try to turn Guillen into some sort of superhero. He was most likely an ordinary young man, who worked hard to achieve the things he wanted out of life. America, it seemed, had been good to him, and he apparently wanted to give something back. So he set out during the rains in a borrowed boat.

Though relatives had warned him of the dangers, he and two friends left Lufkin and headed toward Houston. According to the Houston Chronicle, they were trying to reach a flooded apartment complex when the boat struck a bridge off Interstate 45. The boat capsized, and four days later, Guillen's body was found floating in the creek below.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, nearly 790,000 young unauthorized immigrants like Guillen have received work permits and deportation protection through the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

President Barack Obama created DACA through executive action five years ago to protect young immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 as long as they had no criminal record and were enrolled in high school or had a high school degree or GED. They are required to reapply every two years.

It seems ridiculous that anyone would have a problem with such a program. But in America, people disagree with each other over what it means to be an American.

Some would say that Guillen had no right to be here, that he should have been sent home to Mexico long ago. They would have us believe that young immigrants typically are troublemakers and louses that suck up resources from real Americans.

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Others would argue that young people like Guillen are just the kind of immigrants America needs  those who are as committed to making America even greater than it has ever been. They could go through a list of young people who have served in our military, graduated from college and have become leaders in the community.

It is an argument that has gone on way too long. It is time for Congress to settle it.

Trump has threatened to do away with DACA for good. He could do that with an executive order.

House Speaker Paul Ryan told a Wisconsin radio station last week that Trump should keep DACA in place so that Congress could work on a solution.

It's not that Ryan is all that excited about the program itself, but politically, he risks alienating Hispanics from the Republican Party if he fails to come up with a solution that would keep these young Dreamers on the path to citizenship.

It would be a good thing for everyone if Trump goes ahead with his reported plan to offer a six-month reprieve, giving Congress time to address DACA before he does it for them.

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In doing so, Trump has pushed Ryan's back to the wall, and it's high time the speaker showed us what kind of man he really is.

There is no question that Guillen was a young man of fortitude and determination. Even without permanent legal papers, he embodied what it means to be an American.

When the debate over Dreamers is over, will we be able to say the same of Ryan?

dglanton@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @dahleeng
The man who became infamous as H.H. Holmes, one of the first serial killers in the United States, preyed mainly on naive and gullible women  young women who wouldn't be missed amid the thousands of World's Fair tourists streaming into Chicago's fashionable Englewood neighborhood.

As Chicago basked in the bright light of the White City, the 1893 Columbian Exposition that was making headlines around the world, Holmes was remorselessly collecting people, using them and efficiently discarding them. After arriving in Chicago in the late 1880s, he built what became known as his Murder Castle at 63rd and Wallace streets and proceeded to murder, swindle, lie, steal and cheat, all under the facade of upper-class respectability as the friendly neighborhood druggist and businessman.

Holmes gave Americans one of their first well-publicized cases of serial killings. The specter of anonymous victims murdered in the big city runs through our popular culture, kept alive by rare but notorious cases. Among them: the discovery this month of seven bodies, and the search for more, in northwest Indiana.

Readers today likely know Holmes, whose real name was Herman Mudgett, from Erik Larson's 2003 best-seller, "The Devil in the White City." Tribune readers near the turn of the last century met Holmes as the subject of a disturbing story published March 31, 1893, just over a month before the World's Fair was to open. The article detailed how Holmes had failed to pay for hundreds of dollars in furnishings for a hotel he planned to run at the castle to cash in on fair tourists. When angry merchants showed up to demand that he return the goods, they found nothing but empty rooms. Later a hidden room containing much of the furniture was discovered. Other concealed areas held a number of mattresses and box springs. The furnishings were removed; Holmes was left behind.

And Holmes might well have gotten away with it all had his last nefarious scheme not unraveled faster than he could cut away the loose ends.

On Nov. 17, 1894, he was arrested and accused of attempting in Philadelphia his favorite ploy: a life insurance fraud wherein a badly disfigured corpse plays the role of the insured. Though his methods were unsavory, at this point authorities still thought he was a prolific and gifted swindler. But in the following days, the Tribune's headlines revealed the growing, horrifying reality that Holmes wasn't just a con man: "Murder in the case," "Hint of dark deeds" and "Spins his own web." Officials suspected Holmes didn't bother to bring in a corpse this time, and just killed his partner, Benjamin Pitzel.

The man who became infamous as H.H. Holmes, one of the first serial killers in the United States, preyed mainly on naive and gullible women  young women who wouldn't be missed amid the thousands of World's Fair tourists streaming into Chicago's fashionable Englewood neighborhood in 1893. After arriving in Chicago in the late 1880s, he built what became known as his Murder Castle at 63rd and Wallace streets and proceeded to murder, swindle, lie, steal and cheat, all under the facade of upper-class respectability as the friendly neighborhood druggist and businessman.

About a week later, the Tribune's big Sunday paper unspooled a 21/2-page tale of Holmes' long history of chicanery, much of it in Chicago. Headlined "H.H. HOLMES, CROOK," with secondary headlines such as "Bad From His Boyhood" and "Began to Tread Devious Paths When a College Student," it told how Holmes, while attending the University of Michigan, teamed up with a med student there to pull off the corpse-life insurance scheme multiple times.

"As an all around fraud Holmes had a wonderful success with men, but he preferred women and insurance companies. He said they came easier. Swindler of men, betrayer of women, he has left behind him a wake of ruin and tears that not all the courts of America can wash away," the Tribune reported.

The story detailed his goofy swindles, such as his patented water-to-gas invention and his "discovery" of an artesian well in his basement that produced water with amazing curative powers. It also revealed his multiple wives, who were sometimes pretty but always wealthy. Case in point: Minnie Williams, "a singular beauty" whose estate was worth at least $75,000. Both she and her sister were missing.

The story also asked: Whatever happened to Pitzel's three children?

The answer and horrifying truth would have to wait about eight months. On July 15, 1895, the bodies of Pitzel's two daughters, Alice and Nellie, were discovered buried in a cellar in Toronto. Little Howard was believed dead, but his body was still missing.

The swindler was revealed to be a serial killer. It was front-page news across the country. And the search for other bodies began.

In Chicago, authorities looking for clues turned to Holmes' house. The Tribune described it in a 1937 article: "O, what a queer house it was! In all America there was none other like it. Its chimneys stuck out where chimneys should never stick out. Its stairways ended nowhere in particular. Winding passages brought the uninitiated with a frightful jerk back to where they had started from. There were rooms that had no doors. There were doors that had no rooms. A mysterious house it was indeed  a crooked house, a reflex of the builder's own distorted mind. In that house occurred dark and eerie deeds."

Police found a house of horrors.

Holmes had created a "murder factory." Rooms could be locked from the outside. A third-floor room was a veritable bank vault, padded to muffle sound and fitted with a gas pipe to asphyxiate victims. A hidden shaft to the cellar made for easy disposal of bodies. And it was the cellar of the "murder factory" where Holmes undoubtedly worked, the Tribune reported. Behind a fake wall, police found a butcher's table, quicklime vats, bones, bloody clothing  and a crematory. In the oven, "They found a woman's watch chain. They found the buckle of a woman's garter," the Tribune reported.

The watch chain was Minnie's. The garter buckle was her sister's.

Through the summer, Tribune readers learned of Holmes' other victims, including the Conner family. Ned and Julia Conner and their 12-year-old daughter, Pearl, had moved to Chicago from Davenport, Iowa. Holmes hired Ned Conner to handle the jewelry counter in his corner store, installed Julia as a bookkeeper and leased the family rooms in his hotel. He then seduced Julia, breaking up her marriage and sending the "mild, inoffensive" Ned packing. Julia and Pearl went missing in 1893.

A former secretary named Emeline Cigrand and her fiance also went missing. Her remains were reported found in a story headlined "Bones in a trunk."

As the bodies piled up, Holmes, still jailed in Philadelphia, remained cool, admitting only to insurance fraud and denying killing anyone.

But when a jury convicted him of Benjamin Pitzel's death, his facade began to crack. The Tribune reported, "Once in a reckless, or more likely cynical moment, Holmes announced, 'O, sure, I've killed twenty-seven people!'" Authorities doubted that, having identified just 12 victims, but some now suggest he killed many more. Jeff Mudgett, who says he is Holmes' great-great-grandson, claims in a book that his ancestor was Jack the Ripper, who supposedly killed five prostitutes in London in 1888.
Jay Meza, 23, a global administration manager at Miramar Group, attends a Sept. 5, 2017, news conference outside the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago where speakers protested the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Meza, who lives in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood, came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 3 years old and has a work permit thanks to DACA. ( Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

Miramar Group CEO Juan Ochoa knows what it is like to grow up living in the U.S. illegally. Brought from Mexico when he was 8 years old, he heard stories from his uncles about immigration raids, saw relatives get deported, and felt "a sense of desperation and anxiety" about his future.

Ochoa, now a U.S. citizen, feels fiercely protective of the two young employees in his company's Chicago headquarters who are authorized to work thanks to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which the Trump administration announced Tuesday will be rescinded. The two are among more than 42,000 people in Illinois signed up for the program, instituted by then-President Barack Obama for people brought to the U.S. illegally as minors, who now must count on Congress to pass legislation so they can stay.

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"I understand their anxiety because I felt that anxiety for myself," said Ochoa, who is intent on helping his DACA employees keep their jobs.

Anxiety rippled through Illinois' business community after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the "winding down" of DACA, which has allowed nearly 800,000 young people across the country to live and work without fear of deportation. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that it would no longer accept new applications for DACA, while those already enrolled will be able to continue working until their permits expire. Permits that expire before March 5, 2018, can be renewed for another two years by Oct. 5.

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Illinois business leaders voiced disappointment with the move and warned of significant economic harm from ending the program, which permits nearly 37,000 people in Illinois to work. Ending DACA would be a $2.3 billion hit to Illinois' annual gross domestic product, according to a July report from the left-leaning Center for American Progress. The nation would lose $460.3 billion in GDP and $24.6 billion in Social Security and Medicare tax contributions over the next decade, the report said.

"From a business point of view, this has a real effect on high-end jobs in the tech areas, it has a real effect on the entire medical establishment, and of course it has a real effect on the low-end entry level jobs," said John Rowe, chairman emeritus of Exelon and co-chair of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition.

Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted Sunday, "250 of my Apple coworkers are #Dreamers" and that "they deserve our respect as equals." Microsoft's president and chief legal officer said in a blog post that at least 27 employees are DACA beneficiaries.

With their future legal status at the mercy of Congress, DACA recipients could see job prospects in jeopardy as bosses or potential employers don't want to take the chance.

"I can see people being told they can't continue to work and pay taxes, that within six months there will be people who have to be fired by employers," Rowe said.

Sam Toia, CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said he imagines restaurant general managers will think twice about hiring DACA recipients if they could be gone in six months.

"It takes a good six months for someone to really know what they're doing if they're working on the line," Toia said. "If I'm the manager of a restaurant and I'm thinking I will hire them, I think they will take a harder look."

DACA recipients, many of whom have lived in the U.S. since they were infants, were able to pursue better education, careers and promotions after the program was implemented. Two-thirds of DACA recipients got better-paying jobs after getting their permits, and nearly half got jobs in line with their education, according to the Center for American Progress report.

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Carlos Roa, 30, who was brought to the U.S. from Venezuela when he was 2 years old and has never returned, got his architecture degree and works as an assistant project manager at a construction management company that builds the exterior glass facades for Chicago highrises. The idea that that he could be sent back to Venezuela, which most of his family has fled as a result of its political instability, is "unimaginable and unrealistic," he said.

Roa worries Congress won't be able to pass legislation protecting him and his peers in the six-month window the Trump administration has given, considering hurricane relief, budget issues and many other priorities on its agenda. He said the prospect of losing his job is "draining" and frustrating, given his economic contributions.

"I'm working on projects that are worth millions of dollars," Roa said. "It doesn't make sense for me to be stressed about this."

Nearly 80 Illinois executives were among 357 business leaders across the U.S. who signed an open letter to Trump urging him to preserve DACA and urging Congress to pass legislation protecting DACA recipients. Among those who signed the letter  which was organized by FWD.us, a pro-immigration group founded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft's Bill Gates and other technology leaders  were Crate and Barrel co-founders Carole and Gordon Segal, United Airlines' former Chairman Glenn Tilton, and the presidents of the Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern, DePaul and Dominican universities.

The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, a group of leaders urging comprehensive immigration reform, on Monday released a guide for employers and their DACA employees to help them navigate the change. It says, for example, that Social Security numbers issued to DACA recipients are theirs for life, but urges DACA recipients get a drivers license as soon as possible if they haven't done so and advises those traveling abroad to come back to the U.S. as quickly as possible. It is working with the nonprofit Resurrection Project to provide legal help and information sessions to DACA recipients every Tuesday through September.

Terry Howerton, CEO of Chicago-based Tech Nexus, an incubator and venture capital investor for technology startups, said revoking DACA is not only a disservice to the young people who were able to start pursuing careers, but to a nation that could benefit from their drive and entrepreneurship.

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"Technology startups would simply not exist without the participation of immigrants and immigrant entrepreneurs and because of these DACA kids," said Howerton, who said 40 percent of venture-backed companies count immigrant entrepreneurs on their founding teams. He hopes the plight of the group lights a fire under Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Ochoa, of Miramar Group, isn't taking any chances, and is speaking with attorneys to help his employees navigate the tricky months ahead. He sees in his employees with DACA permits ambitious self-starters who are good for his company and his country, based on his own experience.

After he got legal status thanks to President Ronald Reagan's 1986 amnesty, Ochoa served as a U.S. Marine, as CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority before founding Miramar, a commercial facilities management company that employs about 115 people across the U.S.

Jay Meza, 23, who works as a global administration manager at Miramar, is the employee Ochoa is most concerned about. Meza, who lives in the Pilsen neighborhood, came to the U.S. from Guanajuato, Mexico, when he was 3 years old and has never been back. Thanks to DACA, he was able to go to college and get a good job, but his permit expires in about a year.

"We had an opportunity to live correctly and better without the fear, and now it's hard to think that they will take it away," said Meza, who worries about paying bills and making car payments if he has to leave his job.

One idea Ochoa and Meza have been hatching is for Meza to leave the country and live with relatives he's never met in Mexico, and then apply for an H-1B visa, a temporary work permit meant for higher-skilled workers. It's a gamble, as the visas are capped and in high demand, but they aren't sure what their other options are.

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"It's a risk, but it's a risk that we're willing to take," Meza said.

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer
Jarvon Crossley, 36, is charged with scalding a 2-year-old boy so severely in August 2017 when he was caring for him that the child could have to learn to walk again. (Chicago police photo)

A $2 million bond was set Monday for a 36-year old Chicago man charged with scalding a 2-year-old boy so severely that the child could have to learn to walk again.

Jarvon Crossley, an overnight supermarket stock clerk, was home alone Aug. 17 caring for the 2-year-old boy in the South Chicago neighborhood when the child opened the refrigerator, grabbed butter and spread it on the floor and on his arms and legs, according to a police report.

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Crossley told police he awoke from a nap and was infuriated "because he had to clean the butter off the floor and the victim," the report said. Crossley then put the boy in bathwater so hot that "the victim's skin came off" when Crossley took him out of the tub, the police report said.

The boy suffered severe burns over 25 to 30 percent of his body, including his legs, feet and lower back. He already has had two skin-graft surgeries and is being treated at Comer Children's Hospital, Assistant State's Attorney Robert Foss told the court.

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Crossley was arrested Sunday and charged with aggravated battery of a child under 13 years old. He appeared in bond court Monday.

"Your bail is $2 million for harming this child," Cook County Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. told Crossley during the hearing.

Crossley's next court date is scheduled for Sept. 11.
An Arkansas man with ties to the Chicago area was arrested over the Labor Day weekend on charges he sold more than 20 guns, including a number of military-style semi-automatic rifles, to an informant here since spring.

Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested Klint Kelley, 27, in southwest suburban Chicago Ridge on Sunday shortly after he sold eight guns to the ATF informant for $7,000 in cash, the charges alleged. He had sold a combined 13 guns during two earlier sales to the same informant, who grew up in the same neighborhood with Kelley, authorities said.

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Kelley knew the guns would be used in crimes, Chicago police alleged.

The Chicago Crime Gun Strike Force, consisting of ATF agents, Chicago police and Illinois State Police troopers, began investigating Kelley after learning he had trafficked hundreds of firearms to Chicago from Arkansas over a five-year period, according to Anthony Riccio, chief of the Chicago police's Bureau of Organized Crime.

At a news conference Tuesday at police headquarters, Riccio said those guns were sold to gang members in areas of the South and Southwest sides that include the Back of the Yards and Brighton Park neighborhoods  where dozens of rifle shootings have occurred since early 2016. Riccio did not say, however, if any of the guns were directly connected to those shootings, though in answer to a reporter's question he said he believed Kelley to be "one of the main sources" for firearms being brought into those areas.

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"Heavy-duty assault weapons, these are some pretty significant firepower," Riccio told reporters.

In February, the Chicago Tribune reported that gangs in Back of the Yards and Brighton Park were increasingly using rifles styled after AR-15s and AK-47s. At the time, there had been more than 30 shootings believed to have been tied to semi-automatic rifles in the two neighborhoods over the previous nine months. At least 46 people were shot in those attacks, 13 fatally.

In July, the ATF arrested 36-year-old Charles Williams after he allegedly admitted selling a rifle to a street gang associate later used in the shooting of two Chicago police officers in the Back of the Yards in May. A reputed member of the La Raza gang has been charged as the getaway driver in the shooting.

Kelley, of Malvern, Ark., appeared Tuesday in the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on charges of dealing firearms without a license and across state lines and selling firearms to a known felon. The charges carry up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Kelley told U.S. Magistrate Judge David Weisman that he dropped out of school after the 11th grade and worked in Arkansas as a handyman and in landscaping and construction.

Prosecutors want Kelley held without bond pending trial, arguing he poses a risk to flee and a danger to the community. Weisman set a detention hearing for Thursday.

Prosecutors said the informant, who has convictions for robbery, narcotics and other offenses and was paid about $3,000 for his assistance in the investigation, first reached out to Kelley in March.

In a recorded phone call, Kelley talked about an undisclosed Chicago street gang and said he had moved from the Chicago area after he was beaten in the suburbs.

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"It's part of the reason I got the f--- out of (Illinois) and came down here to (Arkansas) cuz I, I wanted to get away from all that s---," a federal criminal complaint quoted Kelley as saying. "It's f------ laid back, country style, you know what I mean?"

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According the complaint, Kelley sold five handguns and three semi-automatic rifles to the felon for $4,750 on April 3 in a residence in southwest suburban Frankfort. On July 3, Kelley sold handguns and one semi-automatic rifle for $3,000 to the same informant in a parking lot outside the United Center, the complaint alleged.

On Sunday, Kelley met up with the felon again in a commercial area of southwest suburban Chicago Ridge and sold him four semi-automatic rifles, three handguns and one semi-automatic shotgun, according to the complaint.

Riccio said Kelley would buy firearms at gun shows and on the internet.

"He was pretty slick about it," Riccio said. "He would never do the ownership papers or the transfer papers because he knew ultimately these guns would be used for crimes in Chicago, and he didn't want his name to be part of the list of owners."

Chicago Tribune's Jason Meisner contributed.

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jgorner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @JeremyGorner
Parents of students at William H. Ray Elementary school speak about their first day of school experience after they dropped off their children, Sept. 5, 2017, in Hyde Park. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

Something's missing from the first day of classes at Chicago Public Schools this year: an immediate source of tension.

There's no labor clash to suck up the oxygen, with the Chicago Teachers Union securing a contract last October minutes before a threatened strike. Pressure on the district's finances has subsided, for now, and the annual budget isn't again dependent on political promises after state lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner reached an accord to overhaul the state education funding model.

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Principals, who have faced the threat of mid-year budget cuts as they got their classrooms ready in the past, have reason for optimism that the coming year will bring a long-overdue feeling of stability to their school communities.

"I'm going into this school year for the first time in years without living in fear of the future, without having a dramatic sense of uncertainty," said Principal Anna Pavichevich of Amundsen High School in the Ravenswood neighborhood.

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"That could be because I'm a more experienced principal, but it definitely is because I'm not creating 14 contingency plans to offset whatever disruptions in the school year that could happen from a strike to budget changes mid-year," she said.

Beth Bazer, principal of the LaSalle Elementary magnet school campus in Lincoln Park, said, "There's definitely a feeling that some of that looming cloud has dissipated."

"We can get on with our primary work, and not be constantly distracted by issues that are outside of our locus of control," she said. "It's nice when we can identify a problem and we can consider ways that problem is actionable within our four walls."

A substantial portion of Bazer and Pavichevich's sense of relief can be attributed to the $450 million flowing into the CPS budget this year courtesy of the state's latest education funding law.

The Chicago Board of Education now has the authority to increase its property tax levy by at least $120 million  and perhaps more  to help cover growing contributions to the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund. The state will contribute $221 million to the pension system.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Crossing guard Pierre Maury holds up a stop sign as students leave John Milton Gregory Elementary School after the first day of school Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in the Homan Square neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

But despite the relative stability brought by the long-delayed action in Springfield, there's still ample potential for friction at the long-troubled district.

The education funding law includes a new private school tuition scholarship tax credit that has infuriated CTU leaders. There are questions as to how CPS will deal with under-enrolled high schools that tend to serve at-risk students. And officials haven't publicly identified a source of cash to fill one remaining gap in the district's budget.

And while one Wall Street rating agency shared some of the principals' optimism about district finances, the junk-level credit ratings that have escalated borrowing costs aren't likely to go away anytime soon.

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Standard & Poors, which last year expressed concerns about the district's "extremely weak" cash position and warned it could downgrade CPS debt absent a "credible and sustainable long-term solution to its financial pressures," said last week that the district could count the legislation as "a win in its efforts to achieve increased revenue from the state."

"The new revenue, including the ability to further increase property taxes, is more than CPS anticipated in its fiscal 2018 budget and is a significant step in its attempts to address its budget gap," the credit ratings agency said.

But the new funding law "only provides marginal budget stability" to school systems across the state, said S&P analysts who noted timely state aid payments will be critical for school districts with limited levels of cash.

CPS also will continue to pay high costs for the borrowing it has used to prop up its budget for many years.

Just one set of short-term CPS loans meant to cover for delayed state grants will cost the district $70,000 a day in interest and cannot be repaid until the end of September at the earliest. Principal Bazer put her perspective on the figure: "That's a teacher a day, and if we're paying that every day that's 365 teachers a year."

"Is every school going to lose a teacher a year or a teacher every other year solely in the service of debt? If so, where is the plan to address sustainability? Nobody's talking about that yet. That's understandable because we've been in crisis and that crisis was only resolved a few days ago," Bazer said.

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Officials also have used a long-term borrowing deal to purchase a sliver of financial breathing room through 2019, at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars in interest to be paid by future generations.

Despite an increase in per-pupil funding largely meant to finance higher salaries etched into recent labor contracts, a projected enrollment decline of about 8,000 students for the 2017-18 school year means district-operated schools receive roughly $43 million less than they did last year.

"Tomorrow is now today," Bazer said. "This other problem has been solved, the budget crisis has been solved. That was certainly the most imminent crisis, but it was not the most serious crisis because I think the debt crisis is as serious. It was just something that was able to be pushed back until the imminent crisis was resolved."

So, as Mayor Rahm Emanuel and district officials plan to celebrate Tuesday's opening of another school year, the CTU and allied organizations plan to rally outside Kelly High School to again demand that the mayor implement new taxes on businesses and pull extra money from special city taxing districts to fund schools.

"The stark reality is that it's premature to celebrate a bill signing that does little to address persistent funding shortfalls and what our schools really need to restore art and music, school librarians, clean classrooms, special education teachers and wraparound services," CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said in a statement last week.

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

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Antwon Green, 15, was looking forward to seeing his friends as he started another year at Corliss High School on the Far South Side.



"He was excited about it," his father Michael Jones said, struggling for words. "But I don't know, he ... I can't talk about it."



The night before classes were to begin, Antwon was standing in front of a West Side home in the 1500 block of South Drake Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood when he began arguing with some men around 7:50 p.m. Monday, police said. One of them opened fire and Antwon was shot in the back.



The teen died about 30 minutes later at Stroger Hospital, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner's office.



"I think he was with people he thought were his friends," his father said as he stood outside the hospital.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 23 A woman believed to be a family member of one of the shooting victims covers her face in distress while talking with a Chicago police officer in the 4900 block of West Washington Boulevard in Chicago, on Sept. 4, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Antwon was among at least 45 people shot over the Labor Day weekend, from Friday afternoon until early Tuesday. Seven were killed. That's down sharply from a year ago, when 63 people were shot, 13 fatally, according to data kept by the Tribune. On Saturday, the city went 11 hours without a shooting.



The weekend toll is closer to 2013 and 2014, according to Tribune data. In 2014, five people were killed and at least 37 others were wounded in Chicago over Labor Day. In 2013, eight were killed and 35 wounded.



The weekend was also the least violent of the summer's long holidays. Over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 100 people were shot in Chicago, 15 fatally, during a violent six-day stretch. Over Memorial Day weekend, at least 53 people were shot, eight fatally, according to Tribune data.



Still, violence this year has been tracking close to last year when the city saw a level of violence not experienced since the 1990s. By the end of 2016, the city had logged nearly 800 homicides and more than 4,000 people had been shot. In 2014, around 2,600 people were shot and there were slightly more than 400 homicides.



So far this year, there have been at least 2,580 people shot and 474 homicides.



The Chicago Police Department said it deployed 1,300 extra officers to keep the peace this Labor Day weekend, many of them on the South and West sides where most of the shootings occurred. The department credited the "very visible police presence" and "real time" data collection with keeping violence in check.

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"This includes increasing our visibility efforts to stop violent incidents before they occur, and gang enforcement missions that helped us to take criminals off the street before they could potentially pull the trigger," First Deputy Superintendent Kevin Navarro said Tuesday.

In Lawndale on Monday night, so many officers responded to a shooting that a large white passenger van was used to take them away.



Navarro also singled out "strategic decision support centers" operating in a handful of patrol districts on the South and West Sides. The centers allow officers to use gunshot detection technology known as "ShotSpotter" to respond to shootings more quickly.



Several rifles were seized on the South and West Sides, including AK-47s, AR-15s and an Uzi-style machine gun, Navarro said.

Six military-style weapons, a shotgun and a semi-automatic handgun were also confiscated during a joint operation between the Chicago Police Department and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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Antwon was the youngest person to be killed over the weekend. He was one of eight children who live in the Far South Side's Pullman neighborhood. The family has relatives on the West Side, but Antwon's father didn't think his son was with them when the shooting took place.



The family gathered at the hospital after hearing about the shooting. Antwon's 9-year-old sister stood with Jones and hid her arms in her shirt. A tear rolled down her face as her father spoke about her brother.



Jones said he fought to keep his son out of the streets, especially at night. He tried to keep him occupied with things to do around their home. The teen had spent the summer selling candy as he slowly gained independence.



"He wasn't no troublemaker or nothing like that," Jones said. "Every kid acts up behind his parents' back so I know he wasn't no saint or no angel. But overall, he was a good kid."

A police detective inspects an SUV that was damaged by bullets at a crime scene in the 4300 block of South Honore Street on Sept. 3, 2017, in Chicago. A 25-year-old man was taken from another SUV involved in the shooting, which was stopped at the 3500 block of South Ashland Avenue, and transported to Stroger Hospital. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

'We're numb to it'



In the Gresham neighborhood on the South Side, a 3-year-old boy was sleeping inside a parked car early Saturday when someone opened fire on a group of people in front of a home, police said. The boy's mother was one of four people who were wounded.



The mother, shot in the thigh, grabbed the boy and was holding him by the time police arrived. Two officers drove the boy about five miles south to his grandmother's home.



James McChristian, 26, who lived on the block where the shooting took place, was struck in the chest and abdomen. He was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.



Late Sunday, Felipe Bautista, 26, was fatally shot and a 29-year-old man was critically wounded in the 5900 block of West Belden Avenue in the Northwest Side's Belmont Central neighborhood. As Bautista's family gathered at the edge of the crime scene, another family partied just west of where police were working.



Music blared from the backyard of a home as people played beer pong. Juan Morales and Robert Vega were among those at the party who heard the shooting. They cautioned each other to be careful but the party continued.



"We're numb to it," Morales said.

Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner contributed
A robbery suspect became unresponsive while in Chicago police custody and later died Monday night, officials said.

Officers investigating a West Side robbery just after 8:10 p.m. Monday detained the 25-year-old man in the 1600 block of South Pulaski Road in the Lawndale neighborhood, police said.

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At some point, the man became unresponsive and paramedics were called to the scene about 8:20 p.m., according to fire officials.

The man was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 9:11 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, which still was not releasing his name as of Tuesday evening.

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Police released no other details of the incident.

Check back for updates.
A fire in an apartment at a Chicago Housing Authority senior high-rise in the East Garfield Park neighborhood was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

The fire in an eighth-floor apartment in the building at 440 N. Drake Ave. was called in just after 6:45 p.m. and declared under control just before 7:15 p.m., according to the department's media office Twitter account.

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The 13-story building, the Elizabeth Davis Apartments, has 149 one-bedroom units, according to the CHA.

The fire was largely confined to one room in one apartment, according to the Fire Department. No one was injured, and there was no indication that anyone was going to be displaced.

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Fire crews were cleaning up after the fire, including getting water out of the eighth floor, according to the department. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
A loaded taser lies on top of a table at the Chicago Police Education and Training Division. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

A record $9.5 million settlement for a man left paralyzed after being felled by a Taser-wielding Chicago police officer won approval Tuesday of a key City Council committee.

The Finance Committee endorsed the settlement, negotiated by city attorneys after a jury determined that Officer Stevan Vidljinovic used excessive force and unlawfully seized Jose Lopez but did not intentionally inflict his severe injuries.

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A jury had yet to determine the amount to be paid by the city, but attorneys for Lopez had demanded $22.5 million, said committee Chairman Ed Burke, 14th.

If the $9.5 million settlement is approved, it will be the largest Taser-related payout in the city's history, public records show.

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"As the guy who votes against the settlements probably more than anybody, we don't have a choice in this $9.5 million," said Ald. Nicholas Sposato , 38th. "None of us want to pay out $9.5 million, but this was explained very well (by city attorneys) during our briefings. We have no choice."

Burke said paramedics responded to the Little Village neighborhood in July 2011 after a call for medical help from Lopez's girlfriend. But they encountered an uncooperative Lopez, he said.

Police tried to intervene, and officers said that Lopez threw a punch at them, although the jury concluded evidence didn't show that.

After Vidljinovic used his Taser, Lopez fell to the ground and hit his head, leaving him a paraplegic and brain damaged, Burke said. "These are serious injuries, catastrophic in nature," Burke said. "He'll require full-time, lifetime care."

The cost of his future care is estimated at $8 million, Burke said. "This is an appropriate settlement," he added.

Lopez's girlfriend sought help because he was having chest pains. At Mount Sinai Hospital, it was determined that Lopez, a former tow truck driver, had cocaine and PCP in his system at the time of the encounter with police, Burke said.

The incident could prove a cautionary tale about the use of Tasers, which are being far more widely deployed in the department as a means of less-lethal force.

The Taser expansion is one of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Police Department reforms in the wake of the late 2015 release of a police dashcam video showing an officer shooting Laquan McDonald 16 times.

Like fatal shootings by police, they too can lead to significant payouts if the courts determine they weren't used properly.

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More than 100 lawsuits involving Tasers have been filed against the city since 2005, the Tribune determined through an examination of public records. In those cases, the city has paid or agreed to pay at least $23.1 million in settlements, verdicts, judgments and attorney fees, city and court records show.

Included in that amount is the $9.5 million Lopez settlement that the full council is expected to approve Wednesday. One alderman worried the settlement would affect officers who are now being outfitted with Tasers.

"It's hard to stop the violence, when people are scared, police officers are scared of doing their jobs," said Ald. George Cardenas , 25th. "Everybody's scared of doing anything because you see this time and time again."

hdardick@chicagotribune.com

dhinkel@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ReporterHal

Twitter @DHinkel
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., left, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, to discuss their bipartisan Dream Act, which would allow young immigrants who grew up in the United States to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP)

WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on Tuesday called for quick approval of legislation this month to protect immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

The Illinois Democrat spoke hours after President Donald Trump announced his administration was phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Durbin echoed a chorus of Illinois Democrats at many levels who pushed back against the decision.

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Durbin appeared at a news conference with Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, calling for legislation known as the DREAM Act to pass the Senate during September.

Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the GOP-led chamber, addressed the young immigrants protected from deportation under DACA.

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"Do not give up hope," he said. "If you are one of those Dreamers ... you need to be part of America and its future."

"So let's stand together, let's take heart and stand together and make sure that we do the right thing for the Dreamers this month of September."

The fast response came as other Illinois Democrats in Congress reacted angrily to Trump's phaseout of the 2012 program that protected from deportation about 800,000 people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. In Illinois, 42,376 people have been granted DACA protections between when the program began and March 31, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Under DACA, these young people were allowed to work, get an education and student aid and enter the armed services if they passed a federal background check.

Comments from U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat and longtime advocate on immigration issues, were among the most pointed.

"America is a better country than its president, and most Americans do not want to see documented immigrants converted into undocumented immigrants," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez accused the Trump administration of being on a "very dangerous trajectory towards the full-throated endorsement of white supremacy  the likes of which we haven't seen in the open from a sitting president for a century."

Rep. Danny Davis, a Chicago Democrat, opposed Trump's phaseout and said it was "questionable" whether Congress could enact a legislative fix in six months. Davis backs comprehensive immigration reform.

Rep. Robin Kelly, a Matteson Democrat, referenced Trump's late mother, who immigrated to the U.S. from Scotland, posting to Twitter that the president "should remember Mary Anne MacLeod's story."

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Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Channahon said Tuesday that he cast a 2015 vote to support DACA. The vote was against a Republican-sponsored bid to defund the program, his spokeswoman Maura Gillespie said.

President Barack Obama bypassed Congress in enacting it through an executive order. Kinzinger said that while it's the job of Congress to pass legislation, Obama "offered a pathway for these individuals to get right with the law."

He added: "... These children, who only know America to be their home, deserve an opportunity to be here legally."

Rep. Peter Roskam, a Republican from Wheaton, did not respond directly to a Tribune question about whether he supported Trump's decision to wind down DACA.

In a statement, Roskam said: "Our immigration system is clearly broken, and it's long past time to fix it. ... We need immigration policies that make our country safer, stronger, and more economically prosperous."

Republican Randy Hultgren of Plano did not immediately respond Tuesday to Tribune requests for comment.

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Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Schaumburg, said the issue was personal to him because he was brought to the U.S. by his parents as a child.

Krishnamoorthi was born in New Delhi, India, and came to the U.S. as a 3-month-old with his father, who was traveling on a student visa to attend graduate school, and his mother, said Wilson Baldwin, the lawmaker's spokesman.

"The hope for a better a life which carried my parents here was no different from that of the parents of Dreamers, and generations of immigrants before," Krishnamoorthi said.

kskiba@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @KatherineSkiba
A Democrat wears a hat with support for many of the Illinois governor candidates Aug. 17, 2017, at the annual Democratic chairman's brunch in Springfield. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Subscribe here.

Topspin

The days when the Labor Day holiday marked the traditional launch of political campaigns are gone  a product of the new era of 24/7 partisan warfare.

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But Tuesday marks a true launching point for candidates in next year's primary elections  the first day to solicit signatures they need to get on the 2018 primary ballot.

Republican and Democratic candidates for statewide office need a minimum of 5,000 valid petition signatures to get on the March 20 primary ballot and can file a maximum of 10,000.

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Independent candidates don't begin the process until after the March primary, and they need 25,000 valid signatures.

Major party candidates for the state House need a minimum of 500 signatures and can file a maximum of 1,500. The requirement for state Senate candidates is double that of House contenders.

For Congress, there are varying signature requirements for major party contenders depending upon the district they seek to represent.

Petitions can be filed with the State Board of Elections starting on Nov. 27, with a deadline of Dec. 4.

Governor hopefuls must file for office with a lieutenant governor candidate, meaning those contenders who haven't selected a running mate can't begin to circulate papers for signatures.

A spokeswoman for Democratic candidate Chris Kennedy said he'll announce a running mate next week. (Rick Pearson)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will mark the first day of classes for Chicago Public Schools by giving early morning remarks at Eric Solorio Academy High School and later at Harold Washington Elementary School. In the afternoon, he will appear at Charles Sumner Math and Science Community Academy.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner has no public events scheduled.

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*The Chicago Teachers Union will hold a morning press conference to call for more money. In the state school funding bill signed last week, CPS gets hundreds of millions dollars more and the opportunity to raise property taxes by $120 million.

*A handful of Chicago City Council committees will meet, including Finance considering a $9.5 million Taser settlement and License and Consumer Protection talking about the one-time exception allowing a Friday night game at Wrigley Field.

*The city Liquor Control Board will hold a hearing about the fate of the liquor license for the River North bar Bottled Blonde.

*The week ahead: On Wednesday, the City Council meets and could consider, among other things, a plan to limit surge pricing for companies like Uber and Lyft and fingerprint their drivers. Also, Illinois Medical District CEO Dr. Suzet M. McKinney will give a lunchtime talk at the City Club of Chicago. On Thursday, Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool and Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson will speak at a City Club breakfast event. Later, Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Jeff Mays will speak at a City Club lunch. On Saturday, Emanuel heads to Israel to talk about water technology.

From the notebook

*Dueling soda pop ads: Retailers backed by the beverage industry are fighting back against former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to build support for the controversial Cook County soda pop tax.

A $1.4 million broadcast ad campaign featuring five Cook County residents expressing anger about the penny-an-ounce tax on sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages will hit cable and broadcast TV stations starting Tuesday.

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"Unfair," a woman identified as Yolanda declares during the 30-second spot. "It's most definitely the last thing I need."

The ad campaign comes several days after Bloomberg, the billionaire owner of a media empire who has long crusaded against sugary beverages, started spending another $3 million to air an ad in favor of the tax that highlights the negative health effects of consuming too much sugar. The $3 million comes on top of $2 million Bloomberg spent to air a previous ad.

The counter-ad, paid for by the Can the Tax Coalition financed by the beverage industry, keeps with the group's theme that the tax is all about collecting money, not the health benefits that have led myriad health advocacy groups to back soda taxes in Cook County and elsewhere across the country.

"This is not promoting healthier lifestyles," a man identified as Marshall declares in the ad. "It's angering people."

"Find a way to balance the budget," adds a man identified as Chuck. "Don't find a way to tax me for something else."

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has maintained the tax is about raising money to avoid layoffs in the county health and criminal-justice systems  but also helps in the fight against obesity, diabetes and other health conditions affected by sugar consumption.

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At the Sept. 13 County Board meeting, an effort to repeal the tax is expected to come up for a vote.

The Can the Tax Coalition is backing that repeal, both through an ongoing radio and digital ad campaign and the new TV commercial.

"I think people should call their commissioner to have the beverage tax repealed," Yolanda declares in the ad. (Hal Dardick)

*A lyrical campaign: Democratic governor candidate Ameya Pawar says every campaign needs a song  and he's chosen the "Journey Song" from the Bollywood movie "Piku."



"The movie and the song are about a family coming together by taking a journey together  a road trip. This reminds me of our campaign," the 47th Ward alderman said in an email to supporters.



"I hope you will enjoy the video and the song. Be proud of who you are. As your governor, I will represent you with care and love no matter what you look like, the language you speak, your religious background, the color of your skin, who you love, your gender identity or where you are from," said Pawar, the son of Indian immigrants.



The song is sung in Hindi by Anupam Roy and Shreya Ghoshal. A loose English translation includes such lines as "It's difficult to walk slowly, so let's move fast," "While there's time, let us live. When there's pain, give us heart (to bear it)" and "There is a story written on a mountain of words and our path is hidden in the envelope of dreams." (Rick Pearson)

*Gutierrez decries potential end to DACA: With President Donald Trump expected to announce Tuesday he is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez on Monday urged House Speaker Paul Ryan to act.

In a Labor Day statement, Gutierrez said Ryan should immediately bring up legislation to protect immigrant youth from deportation.

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The Chicago lawmaker and leading supporter of the so-called Dreamers helped by the program said Ryan "needs to stand up to Donald Trump, stand up to Breitbart, and stand up to the opponents of immigration in his own Republican Conference to bring up a bill and let the House vote and let the majority rule."

Gutierrez chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Immigration Task Force. He has signed on to a measure with Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., that would extend DACA protections for three years to give Congress time to enact a permanent fix.

Gutierrez said the measure has 12 GOP and 13 Democratic supporters. Coffman said on CNN on Monday he is seeking 218 signatures to force the bill to the House floor for a vote.

Gutierrez was arrested Aug. 15 at a pro-immigrant rally at the White House, the latest in a series of his arrests for civil disobedience. (Katherine Skiba)

*Gain a running mate, lose an endorsement: Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider over the weekend withdrew his endorsement of governor candidate Daniel Biss over his running mate selection of Chicago Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.

"I was immediately concerned about some of Alderman Ramirez-Rosa's past comments about the United States support of our ally Israel, and his affiliation with a group that is an outspoken supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel," Schneider posted on Facebook.

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The congressman did not say who his second choice is. Republican Jeremy Wynes, who is running for the 10th Congressional District seat Schneider holds, called on the incumbent to denounce Biss.

*On the Sunday Spin: Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests were state Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Raymond, University of Illinois political scientist Chris Mooney and Dan Montgomery, president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN-AM 720. Listen to the full show here.

What we're writing

*Pair of property tax cut options in new schools bill, but they're limited.



*New education funding law could be lifeline to private schools.

*Illinois spent millions on stalled and canceled university construction projects.

*CPS says high school graduation rate continues to climb.

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*A growing stink over soundproof windows near airports; buses come to I-90 shoulder.

*Rauner asks for federal help for Illinois flooding.

*Emanuel calls on Trump to stop attacking Obama legacy and not dismantle DACA.

*With DACA decision soon, immigration activists march.

*Richard Posner announces sudden retirement from federal appeals court in Chicago.

*Rebranding the South Side: Obama Foundation uses social media push to counter stereotypes.

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*McHenry County jail declines to release man with ICE hold, despite new state law.

*Naperville councilman weighing bid for Foster's congressional seat.

*Highland Park Jewish deli faces backlash over Facebook post featuring Nazi imagery.

*Lake County committees back raising minimum age for purchasing cigarettes to 21.

What we're reading

*NFL player Jake Butt found a natural sponsorship: Charmin.

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*Some Apple "spaceship" neighbors say life has been hell.

*Can you match the odd Illinois landmark to the town?

Follow the money

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

Beyond Chicago



*Trump to end DACA.

*U.S. ambassador to the U.. urges more diplomacy with North Korea, says its leader is "begging for war."

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*Speed of North Korea's weapons development defies predictions.

*Mnuchin says Congress should tie Harvey relief spending to debt limit bill.
Dozens of immigration advocates and supporters attend a rally outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on Aug. 15, 2017, in New York City. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

A former waiter, born in El Salvador, now writes code for a U.S. Navy contractor. A young man from South Korea is using the money he makes selling pastries to help pay for community college. And a psychology major from Ecuador, who feared she'd be stuck babysitting all her life, now plans to earn a doctorate and move to New York.

They are among nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants whose lives were transformed by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era federal program that President Donald Trump appears ready to phase out.

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Trump - who has criticized the program but expressed admiration for the "Dreamers" who benefit from it - plans to announce Tuesday that his administration will stop renewing DACA work permits, starting in six months, those briefed on the situation say. The six-month delay is aimed at getting Congress to pass legislation that would allow the Dreamers to remain in the country legally, these officials said; they cautioned that the president could change his mind at the last minute.

DACA has opened unprecedented doors for young people who arrived here illegally as children or overstayed their visas. It has become, for much of the nation, a new embodiment of the American Dream.

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The initiative shielded young immigrants from deportation and allowed them to get two-year, renewable work permits and drivers licenses and to more easily afford college. It meant opportunities beyond low-wage jobs where no official paperwork is filed, and a chance to climb the ladder and enter the spotlight at work as well as school.

"Taking that away is taking everything from us," said Renata Aldaz, who is studying psychology at George Mason University and joined other DACA recipients last week for a meeting with Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., former running mate to Hillary Clinton, who had vowed to preserve DACA had she been elected.

Without DACA, "I personally will not be able to attend college," Aldaz, who came to this country when she was 3, told Kaine. "I will lose my job. I will lose having to support my family."

Critics of DACA say the program is a classic example of presidential overreach that takes jobs from citizens and legal U.S. residents. They warn that Trump will face massive opposition if he doesn't keep his campaign promise to end it.

"It's actually about protecting American workers," said Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, which has fought to end DACA since the program was created in 2012. The young immigrants in the program "have a compelling case, but struggling American millennials have a more compelling case."

But the program's many defenders say DACA recipients should not be punished for decisions made by their parents, and are making valuable contributions to U.S. society.

Some became high school valedictorians. Others are lawyers, engineers or medical professionals. Hundreds returned to school, because the program required it, and made it easier in some states to seek tuition assistance.

"It helped hundreds of thousands of young people feel as though they belonged," said Roberto Gonzales, a Harvard education professor who runs the largest study of undocumented youth. "It's been a huge game-changer for them."

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If Trump phases out the program, or if it is successfully challenged in federal court, those young people will become undocumented again - eventually losing their work permits, jobs and health insurance and, in many states, their driver's licenses. The job losses alone - about 30,000 a month - would cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars in taxes and retraining, according to estimates by the Center for American Progress and Fwd.us.

Many states with large populations of undocumented immigrants, including California and Texas, already allow them to pay in-state tuition at public colleges - whether they have DACA or not. But those in the program say being allowed to work and drive legally - and being free from the threat of deportation - makes it much more feasible to pursue a college degree.

"I feel like as a country, we would be losing" if DACA was rescinded," Alexandra Duran, a 21-year-old Salvadoran who is a student at Marymount University, told Kaine last week. "We helped build it, in a sense."

Ricardo Amaya, a 26-year-old from El Salvador, waited tables for years before obtaining DACA and went to college part time, paying more than triple the cost for classes with the out-of-state tuition rate. Now he pays in-state tuition at George Mason and works at a Manassas, Virginia, technology company, where he has helped develop a dozen computer applications, including for the U.S. Navy, that have been downloaded by 60,000 people.

If Trump ends his permission to work, Amaya said, he'll have to drop out of school.

"I can only work through DACA," Amaya said at the roundtable. "This has helped me, getting me out of the shadows, off the ground."

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An army of supporters have rallied to save the program, which has the support of 64 percent of Americans, including 41 percent of Republicans, according to an NBC/Survey Monkey poll released last week.

Thousands marched in the streets in New York, Washington, D.C. and California, and a group has kept 24-hour vigil in front of the White House. Twenty attorneys general, all Democrats, urged Trump to keep the program, even as a smaller group of Republican attorneys general and the Idaho governor threatened to challenge the program in court unless Trump rescinds it. Lawmakers filed bills in Congress to create a permanent way for the Dreamers to stay.

But Congress has been unable to pass such legislation in the past. And even if Trump were to grant DACA recipients a reprieve, officials in his administration have said the program may not survive a court challenge.

The DACA recipients who met with Kaine last week sounded grim as they considered their lives without the program. Among them was Min-Su Kang, the 18-year-old from South Korea who just enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale and plans a career in computer science; and Gloria Oduyoye, 25, who was born in England and is finishing up her studies at William & Mary Law School.

They know they have been carefully vetted by the U.S. government, which has their names, photographs, and even fingerprints, and by definition is aware of their undocumented status. They wonder how that data will be used if their deportation relief disappears.

Many have lived here nearly all their lives and are fearful of being forced to return to countries they barely remember.

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Across the table from Kaine sat Alejandro Zuniga, a 19-year-old community college student originally from Bolivia. He wore a tie and aspires to be an aerospace engineer. Now he is afraid of being deported.

"We feel we're Americans, but the society sometimes doesn't see us that way," Zuniga said, adding that DACA has "given me the opportunity to go to school, to work, and to really get to where my parents wanted me to be."

"We're talking about the American Dream," Zuniga said. "Our version of the American Dream."

The Washington Post's Scott Clement contributed to this report
Supporters of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), layout a banner as they demonstrate in front of the White House on Sept. 3, 2017. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press)

Lawmakers and advocates on both sides began to stake out positions Monday for an extended public fight over whether Congress should provide legal status to young undocumented immigrants known as "dreamers" as President Donald Trump is preparing to rescind Obama-era protections for them.

Moderate congressional Republicans, and even some conservatives, suggested that they are open to crafting a legislative deal that could offer permanent legal status to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have been in the country illegally since they were children. Democrats lambasted Trump for his expected decision and called on the GOP to join them to protect the dreamers.

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Urgency on Capitol Hill has mounted amid reports that Trump will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has allowed nearly 800,000 people to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation. Trump, who is scheduled to announce his decision Tuesday, is leaning toward terminating the program but delaying enforcement for six months to give lawmakers time to find a solution, according to people briefed on the White House's deliberations.

Trump faces a Tuesday deadline from Texas and several other states that have vowed to sue the administration over DACA if the president does not terminate it. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an immigration hawk, has suggested that the Justice Department would not be able to defend the program's constitutionality in court and has lobbied Trump to end it. Other top advisers, including Chief of Staff John Kelly, have pushed him to maintain the program until lawmakers act.

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Yet the odds that a sharply polarized Congress could strike a deal - steep in the best of times - are considered especially difficult at a time when lawmakers face a busy fall agenda. Congress is under pressure to raise the federal debt limit, pass a spending bill and approve a defense authorization bill, at a time when Republicans also hope to consider a tax plan and potentially try once again to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who has been involved in previous bipartisan immigration reform efforts, said he would support Trump's plan to end DACA after a six-month delay. In a statement, Graham said the program amounted to "presidential overreach" by President Barack Obama, who created it by executive action in 2012.

But Graham added that he empathizes with the dreamers who "know no country other than America. If President Trump makes this decision, we will work to find a legislative solution to their dilemma."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Trump is poised to "break the hearts and offend the morals of all who believe in justice and human dignity." She called on Republicans to pursue legislation to protect dreamers "from the senseless cruelty of deportation and shield families from separation and heartbreak."

Trump's decision to include a six-month delay could be a bid to shift some of the political pressure and consequences over the dreamers onto congressional Republicans. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Wis., Sen. Orrin Hatch, Utah, and several other GOP leaders have urged Trump not to end the program and to let Congress pursue its own course of action.

The president and his senior advisers continued to deliberate Monday afternoon, and aides cautioned that Trump could still change his mind ahead of the announcement. Important details such as whether the administration would continue to accept DACA applications and issue renewals for two-year work permits during the six-month delay remained unresolved.

It also remains unclear whether Texas and the other states would move forward with their lawsuit if Trump announces that he will end the program in six months.

A deal on the dreamers has eluded Congress before - most recently in 2010, when the Dream Act, which would have offered the younger immigrants a path to citizenship, failed by five votes in the Senate after passing the House.

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Ryan and other GOP leaders have not laid out a new legislative path, including whether the dreamers' future would be addressed in isolation - which would appeal to Democrats and moderates - or be coupled with proposals to increase border security and tighten immigration controls, which could win greater support from conservatives.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., an immigration hard-liner, suggested that he would be open to giving the dreamers legal permanent residence provided that any deal also include his legislative proposal, called the Raise Act, which would slash legal immigration levels by half over a decade.

Trump offered public support for that bill during an appearance with Cotton and Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., its co-sponsor, at the White House last month.

In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Cotton emphasized that he thinks the new class of green-card holders represented by the dreamers must be offset with cuts elsewhere.

"We should find a way to give [them] legal status," he said, "but we also have to mitigate the inevitable consequences of that action."

Others have suggested that Trump could attempt to use the dreamers to bargain for a down payment - an estimated $1.6 billion - on the U.S.-Mexico border wall he promised voters during the campaign. Senior lawmakers have shown no signs that they plan to support the wall in upcoming budget negotiations.

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Such package deals were quickly discounted by immigration hawks and immigrant rights advocates Monday.

"Why would you have to make a bargain with the rule of law?" asked Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), an early Trump supporter who has vehemently opposed legal status for undocumented immigrants. "These are bright lines we're talking about."

Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, an immigrant rights organization, said that advocates are still pressing the White House to maintain DACA and that they hold out hope that Trump will protect the program.

However, if the president moves to unwind it, Sharry said, advocates think they will have the upper hand in a legislative fight, given polls that show broad public support for allowing dreamers to stay in the country.

A trade of the dreamers for tougher immigration restrictions or border wall funding "would not even pass the laugh test," Sharry said. "The momentum is with the dreamers."

Meanwhile, leading Democrats have said privately that they think Trump has been boxed in politically. His inability to secure funding for the border wall is wearing down support among his base, these Democrats said, while his hard-line immigration rhetoric is hurting him with moderates.

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When rumors about Trump's expected actions on DACA first surfaced nearly two weeks ago, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., tweeted that dreamers "are not a bargaining chip for the border wall" funding or to pay for an "inhuman deportation force."

One factor that could alter the political calculus for Democrats is if the Trump administration were to start deporting large numbers of immigrants whose DACA protections have expired. Although administration officials have said they are not targeting dreamers, immigration rights advocates said they fear that more dreamers are bound to be swept up in deportation proceedings as the Department of Homeland Security widens its enforcement net.

Leon Fresco, an immigration lawyer who previously served as an aide to Schumer, said he doesn't think Congress would muster the political will to reach a deal on the dreamers - even if the administration begins ramping up deportations.

"I don't know if that's a strategy Democrats will want to reward or not. I don't know where the advocacy community will be," Fresco said. "Really, I just see a lot of bluster but nothing happening."

Immigration hawks, meanwhile, are gearing up to ensure that Ryan and other congressional moderates do not "give away" the dreamers without getting enough in return. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for lower immigration levels, has proposed a deal that couples legal status for dreamers with the immigration curbs in the Cotton-Perdue bill.

What he does not support, Krikorian emphasized, is legalizing the dreamers for money for the border wall.

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The "appeal of the six-month delay" in rescinding DACA is that "it kicks it beyond the budget fight," Krikorian said.

To Trump supporters outside Washington, the most important part of the president's decision is living up to his campaign promises, said Dale Jackson, a conservative radio host in Huntsville, Ala.

Jackson, who in February asked then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer why Trump had not ended DACA, said he does not expect Congress to close a deal to provide a haven for dreamers. Trump, he suggested, knows that, too.

"Trump is probably doing the best he can do in this situation," Jackson said. "He ends the program and asks Congress to come up with a solution knowing . . . they can't. You see guys like Paul Ryan saying they want to do something to protect these people but they are not able to get anything through Congress."

The Washington Post's Ed O'Keefe, Maria Sacchetti, Sean Sullivan and David Weigel contributed to this report.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries on the sideline of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China, on Sept. 5, 2017. (Wu Hong / AP)

MOSCOW  Russian President Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the U.S. was poorly handled.

Speaking at a news conference during a summit in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed as "naive" a question about whether he was disappointed in Trump.

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In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic U.S. politics.

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Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further U.S. sanctions on Russia and the U.S. decision to close Russian diplomatic outposts have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

The Trump administration last week ordered the closure of three Russian facilities in the U.S.: The San Francisco consulate and trade missions in New York and Washington. It was the latest in a series of escalating retaliatory measures between the former Cold War foes.

Putin said the U.S. had a right to close consulates but "it was done in such a rude way."

"It is hard to hold a dialogue with people who mix Austria with Australia," he continued, an apparent reference to a decade-old gaffe by George W. Bush, who during a 2007 visit to Sydney referred to Austrian troops when he meant Australian troops.

"The American nation, America is truly a great country and a great people if they can tolerate such a big number of people with such a low level of political culture," Putin said.
RALEIGH, N.C.  A North Carolina man who told a 911 operator that he took cold medicine and woke up to find his wife fatally stabbed appeared in court Tuesday.

Matthew Phelps, 28, was arrested last week and has been charged with one count of murder in the death of his 29-year-old wife, Lauren Phelps. He did not enter a plea and is being held without bond at the Wake County jail, according to court records.

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Phelps' attorney Joseph Cheshire did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but he spoke with local media after the Tuesday hearing. He asked that people reserve their judgment until more about the case becomes clear.

"We're just at the beginning of understanding what is happening here," Cheshire said.

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"It's a very tragic situation, sad and tragic," he added. "There's a lot to this story I believe that will be told in the future."

If convicted, Phelps could face the death penalty or life in prison without possibility of parole, according to the judge. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 25.

In a disturbing 6-minute call, made just after 1 a.m. Friday, Phelps appears to confess to killing his wife, Raleigh police said.

"I think I killed my [wife] . . ." a man's low voice says on the phone.

The 911 operator asks him to elaborate: "What - what do you mean by that? What happened?"

"I had a dream and then I turned on the lights and she's dead on the floor," the man says. "Um, I have blood all over me and there's a bloody knife on the bed and I think I did it.

Phelps also said he took cough medicine before he went to bed, according to the call audio published by the Raleigh News & Observer.

"I took more medicine than I should have," Phelps says. "I took Coricidin . . . because I know it can make you feel good. So a lot of times I can't sleep at night, so I took some. . . . She's not moving. Oh, my God."

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The dispatcher repeatedly asks Phelps to check to see if his wife is breathing. Phelps tells him she is not, and that he's scared to get too close to her.

"There's all this blood," he says. "She didn't deserve this."

When police arrived at the home in northeast Raleigh, they discovered his wife with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, a police spokeswoman told the News & Observer.

The couple's Facebook pages indicated that they shared a love for Star Wars and had just gotten married in November. Online albums for both of the Phelpses were filled with photos of the two of them together: at their fall wedding, posing with light sabers, holding a dog and goofing off for the camera.

Matthew Phelps worked at a lawn service company and had studied missions and evangelism at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Ky., according to the News & Observer. He was studying to be a pastor while Lauren Phelps was a Sunday school teacher, ABC News reported.

Coricidin is marketed as a line of cold and cough medicine for people with high blood pressure. Bayer, the pharmaceuticals company that makes Coricidin, told ABC News in a statement that it extended its "deepest sympathies" to the family.

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"Patient safety is our top priority, and we continually monitor adverse events regarding all of our products," Bayer told the network. "There is no evidence to suggest that Coricidin is associated with violent behavior."

Cheshire offered condolences to the victim's family while also saying that Phelps is grappling with the death.

"I know this is difficult for people to understand, but he is going through a terrible trauma," Cheshire said. "You know there are all kinds of stages to these things and he's at the beginning of those stages. So there's a lot of trauma to go around in all of this, in all of these cases, always."

Meanwhile, a YouCaring fundraising page and a Facebook memorial page were set up for Lauren Phelps.

"My heart sank yesterday when I heard the passing of Lauren. I am in disbelief," one friend wrote Saturday on her Facebook remembrance page. "She was one of the purest souls one could ever meet. Her kind heart and sweet nature are an extremely rare find. She was a great friend to anyone lucky enough to call her one."

A memorial service for Lauren Phelps was held Monday in Wake Forest, North Carolina, according to a post on her Facebook page.
Simeon Wright, the cousin of Emmett Till who was in bed with the boy on the night he was kidnapped and later murdered, died Monday morning at his home in Countryside, his wife said.

Wright died after suffering complications from a form of bone cancer, his wife, Annie Wright, said. He was 74.

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Simeon Wright grew up for part of his life in Money, Miss. A 14-year-old Emmett Till traveled to the town from Chicago in August 1955 to visit Wright and other relatives that summer.

Wright was with Till when Till allegedly whistled at a white woman at a convenience store as a prank. And Wright was also with the teen the night Till was ordered out of bed at gunpoint by two angry white men, who accused him of flirting with their relative.

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Till was tortured, murdered and his body was tossed into the river. His death helped galvanize the civil rights movement. He became a symbol of racist violence that persisted in the South when his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, chose to have his mutilated body on display at his funeral. Photographs of Till's wounded corpse were published and circulated around the world.

After a trial where the men accused of killing Till were acquitted, Wright and his family moved to west suburban Argo. He graduated from Argo High School in 1962 and began working as a pipe fitter.

For much of his life, Wright lived quietly in various suburbs of Chicago, his wife said. But in the 2000s, Wright became more vocal about what happened to him.

"He really wanted people to know what happened that night," his wife said. "There were so many versions. When I first met him, he never talked about it. But then he wanted people to know the injustices and indignities."

Wright was 12 when Till was killed and afterward his family fled in fear, said Airickca Gordon-Taylor, a spokeswoman for the family and the co-founding director of the Mamie Till-Mobley Memorial Foundation.

The media spotlight was justifiably on Emmett Till, Gordon-Taylor said. But the rest of the family suffered immensely after the teen's death.

"People often talked about Emmett, but Simeon had a story of his own," Gordon-Taylor said. "That incident changed him as a person. It ripped his own family apart. It disrupted his life. He became bitter and angry."

In 2009, Wright published a book detailing his eyewitness account. After Till whistled at the white woman at the store, he made his cousins promise not to tell any of the adults because he didn't want to get sent back home to Chicago, Wright wrote. But that night, Wright awoke to loud, rumbling voices.

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"When I opened my eyes, I saw two white men at the foot of my bed. One had a flashlight and a gun," Wright told a Tribune columnist in 2014.

"They ordered me back down. Emmett was still sleeping. They had to shake him to wake him up."

The men took Till out of the house. His body was later found in the river, held down by a cotton gin fan.

Shortly after the trial, the two men accused of killing Till bragged to Look magazine that they had murdered the boy. The entire incident filled Wright with an anger that he was able to subdue only with a religious conversion.

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"He got through it with the Lord's help," his wife said. He channeled his energy into mentoring young boys and trying to teach them how to set goals and manage life's setbacks and obstacles, she said.

This year, Carolyn Bryant Donham, the woman at the center of the trial of Till's killers, acknowledged that she falsely testified that Till had made physical advances and verbal threats.

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The confession sparked a renewed interest into the Till tragedy and its role in history.

Besides his wife, Wright is survived mainly by extended relatives.

Services are pending.

lbowean@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lollybowean
In this March 17, 2015 file photo, Cuba's President Raul Castro listens to the playing of national hymns during his welcoming ceremony at Miraflores presidential palace before the start of an emergency ALBA meeting in Caracas, Venezuela. (Ariana Cubillos / AP)

Latin American countries deserve credit for their recent denunciations of what they bluntly refer to as Venezuela's dictatorship, but I have a hard time understanding why they don't do the same thing with Cuba's dictatorship. When it comes to Cuba, they all seem to look the other way.

I was thinking about this when I read about Cuba's Oct. 22 election for municipal council members. It will be the first of several tightly controlled steps leading to the election of a National Assembly that is to decide the successor to Cuban President Raul Castro, 86, who has vowed to step down in February.

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But, of course, Cuba's National Assembly will just rubber-stamp whomever Castro picks. Cuba has been a hereditary dictatorship since 1959, when the late Cuban President Fidel Castro took power by force, and later when he became ill, he passed on the country's government to his brother, Raul, in 2006.

Now, Raul Castro is widely expected to hand the presidency either to his son, Col. Alejandro Castro Espin, or to Cuba's current First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Either way, it will be Castro's decision, with zero real input from the Cuban people.

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Only government supporters are allowed to participate in Cuban elections. Unlike Venezuela  which, for the sake of appearances, still tolerates opposition parties while often jailing their top leaders  Cuba is a one-party system, where only the Communist Party is legal.

In open defiance of the Castro regime, several dissident groups such as Otro 18, Cuba Decide, Un Cubano and the Christian Movement for National Liberation will present more than 170 of their own candidates for the elections. But these candidates won't have access to the media  Cuba does not allow independent newspapers, radio or TV stations  and many of them are already being harassed by state security agents.

Why isn't there any world outrage over Cuba's dictatorship? Granted, President Donald Trump recently made a big show in Miami, claiming on June 16 before an audience of Cuban exiles that he was "canceling" the Obama administration's normalization of ties with Cuba.

But it was just that, political theater: Trump has left intact most key aspects of former President Barack Obama's opening to Cuba. Trump has not shut down the new U.S. Embassy in Havana nor banned U.S. airlines or cruise liners from going to Cuba.

On the contrary, U.S. trade and tourism to Cuba is flourishing under Trump. During the first six months this year, there were 8,287 flights between the United States and Cuba, a 180 percent increase over the same period last year, according to a report by The Havana Consulting Group. That's more than triple the flights in 2014, when Obama started the normalization of U.S. ties with Cuba.

Cuba's imports of U.S. agricultural goods in June reached $24.6 million, up from $9.5 million in June 2015, according to John S. Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council.

Likewise, the European Union, which has recently stepped up its criticism of Venezuela, signed an agreement with Cuba in December to normalize relations. And Latin American countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Argentina rarely utter a hint of criticism of Cuba's dictatorship.

Most foreign diplomats say Cuba can't be compared with Venezuela because the island has been the victim of a decadeslong U.S. trade embargo, which has predisposed the international community against any criticism of its regime. And unlike Venezuela, Cuba is not a signatory of the Organization of American States' Democratic Charter, which commits member countries to respect the rule of law.

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In a video-recorded private meeting with Communist Party members, Cuban Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel lashed out against Cuban dissidents, independent media and embassies of several European countries, accusing them all of supporting subversive projects.

But those are empty excuses. I'm not crazy about the U.S. embargo on Cuba, but I don't think it's right to remain silent about an almost six-decade-long dictatorship responsible for more than 6,100 deaths and disappearances, according to Cuban Archive Project.

And it's not right to remain silent when Cuba's arbitrary detentions of dissidents have soared to 9,940 in 2016 from 2,074 in 2010, according to the Havana-based independent Cuban Commission of Human Rights and National Reconciliation.

Denouncing Venezuela is the right thing to do. But ignoring Cuba's abuses is morally wrong and a political hypocrisy.

Tribune Content Agency

Andres Oppenheimer is a columnist for the Miami Herald.
Michael Cohen, an attorney for Donald Trump, arrives in Trump Tower in New York, on Dec. 16, 2016. Cohen acknowledged Aug. 28, 2017, that the president's company considered building a Trump Tower in Moscow during the Republican primary, but that the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons." (Richard Drew / AP)

Since the Justice Department named a special investigator, Robert Mueller, to handle the government's official inquiry into Russian meddling in the U.S. election, the weight of public expectation has largely fallen on his shoulders.

While the two congressional panels, the Senate and House intelligence committees, continue to hold hearings and question witnesses, including Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner, both are led by members of a party that is, with the exception of Charlottesville, Va., skittish about criticizing the president. The greatest hope for an aggressive and impartial inquest seems to lie with Mueller, whose bosses have either recused themselves from the Russia probe (as Attorney General Jeff Sessions did) or volunteered that he would have autonomy to follow the facts wherever they led (as Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein did).

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The pressure, it seems, is off Congress to act as the primary body holding the president to account.

The two intelligence committees should act as if their investigations will be the final (and possibly the only) ones  because they may be. President Donald Trump has worked hard to undermine Mueller's effort, not only berating it as beholden to a partisan "hoax" but also belittling Sessions in humiliating terms on Twitter in a transparent attempt to force the attorney general's resignation. That way, the president could replace him with an appointee who would stymie Mueller's work. A central role for Congress is the only real way to guarantee a full report, with conclusions and recommendations, for the American people.

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I oversaw a similarly complex and politically fraught inquiry as co-chairman of the joint congressional inquiry into 9/11, so I know what it takes  as a matter of resources, time, perseverance and, yes, occasional political courage  to run an investigation of this size and importance. And I know this, too: The congressional intelligence committees, as they are constituted today, are not ready for this burden.

They must tackle three problems.

 First, the committees need substantially more capacity. After 9/11, the Senate and House leadership decided to merge the two intelligence committees so they could collaboratively and thoroughly investigate the intelligence issues raised by the attacks. The joint committee had a staff of 24 experienced professionals who were dedicated to the inquiry, independent from the regular professional staff of either the House or the Senate intelligence committee. They'd worked at key intelligence and law enforcement agencies and had knowledge of forensic accounting, investigation and intelligence analysis. Staff director Eleanor Hill had previously prosecuted organized crime for the Justice Department and served as staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

Given the number of highly classified documents under review, the joint inquiry also had its own secure office space, separate from each chamber's committee office. It had its own budget of at least $5 million, dedicated solely to the one-year inquiry. By comparison, the Senate committee had $8.1 million and the House panel $8.6 million to address regular legislative and oversight responsibilities for the two years of the 107th Congress.

Right now, the Senate has 38 staffers and the House 31 devoted to the intelligence committees, with budgets for the 115th Congress of $11 million and $12.1 million, respectively. Those personnel and funds are intended to cover all the legislative and oversight work of the intelligence committees, including the Russia investigation. Early in the inquiry, the Senate committee reportedly had only seven staffers working on the probe. It needs many more.

To complete the Russia investigation, the committees need independent staff members who are solely dedicated to this topic: forensic accountants and specialists in international law, financial crimes, counterintelligence investigations, and cybersecurity and coding. Those devoted to Russian meddling should not be regular committee staffers on overtime, unfamiliar with the tasks unique to the Russian inquiry.

After more than six months of separate activity, it is probably too late to merge the current congressional committees. It is not too late, however, to create independent, experienced and substantially larger staffs capable of fulfilling the committees' responsibilities, particularly in a post-Mueller era.

 Second, the House and Senate intelligence committees must quickly begin planning for post-Mueller scenarios. Yes, perhaps Sessions will stick around and Rosenstein will continue to guard Mueller's autonomy. But the congressional committees need to devise protocols now that would be activated if Mueller were fired to ensure the protection of, and access to, all documents, transcripts, communications and other materials amassed by the Mueller and James Comey probes. The protocols should ensure that these materials are made available to the congressional committees in their original form. If Mueller is dismissed, the congressional inquiry would probably expand, as in the Watergate investigation, to the consideration of impeachment.

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 Third, Congress must embrace its investigatory role with renewed urgency. The 9/11 inquiry had a deadline of December 2002, the end of the 107th Congress. This investigation has no such finale. But there are serious consequences to procrastination. If Russia has in fact attempted to interfere with democratic elections in Europe, the United States and elsewhere, disclosing that reality and repelling further intrusions are crucial. Preventing future tampering in elections will require the support of an informed American public, which should be told of Congress' definitive conclusions as soon as possible. Any delay in publicly sharing clear and convincing evidence will add to the already staggering distrust of many Americans in their government. (Portions of the 9/11 inquiry report remain classified even today, limiting the public's understanding of the tragic event and its ability to influence policy, especially regarding U.S.-Saudi relations.)

The nation's best option is for Mueller to continue his investigation until it ends, wherever it leads. Should Trump find some way to remove him, it would spark a constitutional crisis unlike anything since Watergate; Congress must be ready for this worst-case scenario. In our constitutional system of checks and balances, it has the right and duty to exercise full oversight. Now is the time to start preparing for the execution of that responsibility.

The Washington Post

Democrat Bob Graham was a U.S. senator from Florida from 1987 to 2005. He served as chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 2001 to 2003 and as co-chairman of the Joint Inquiry Into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
More than $2 million will help fund music and arts at 20 public schools. CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.

Chicago is home to thousands of philanthropists who generously raise money year-round for worthy causes. But there's something unique about the activist behind SocialWorks, a youth empowerment charity with a young, hands-on founder.

He's a powerhouse hip-hop artist with an entourage of musicians, entertaining sold-out crowds across the country and tweeting recently with Ellen DeGeneres. His roots are here, along the shops of 79th Street and the bungalows of Chatham and the hallways of Jones College Prep High School.

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You might have heard of him? Chancelor Bennett, also known as Chance the Rapper. (It's OK. We missed him at Lollapalooza too.)

Chicago, he's one to watch.

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On Friday, the 24-year-old musician announced his charity had raised $2.2 million in just six months to help Chicago Public Schools supplement art, theater and musical offerings. With the help of the Chicago Bulls and other generous contributors, 20 CPS schools will receive $100,000 for three years of arts programming, from dance classes to theater productions to equipment upgrades. The schools were chosen based on ideas and need.

Mahalia Jackson Elementary School in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood hopes to create a dance studio. Edmond Burke Elementary School near Washington Park wants to offer classes in script writing. Corliss High School in Pullman wants to update its band equipment.

Arnold Mireles Academy in South Chicago hopes to add dance classes, including tap. Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School would like to include media broadcasting in its class offerings. (May we suggest a student newspaper too?)

Keep in mind, many of these options already exist without interruption in wealthier school districts. CPS, however, deeply in debt and losing student population, has struggled to offer consistent art, theater and music classes at its schools, although Jones College Prep where Chance attended is known for its commitment to the performing arts.

So that's where Chance comes in, filling gaps at CPS. Chance the Gapper.

In August, he headlined the Bud Billiken Parade and distributed 30,000 backpacks to Chicago school kids. He has teamed up with nonprofits to expand opportunities for children to learn audio-visual techniques. On Tuesday, he joined global restaurant chain Nando's at its new location, Lake Street and Michigan Avenue, to raise money for his charity via food sales through Thursday.

Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper, center, the Grand Marshall of the 2017 Bud Billiken Parade, points to a certain fan and sends a volunteer with an envelop to the fan during the parade in Chicago, Saturday Aug. 12, 2017. (Abel Uribe / AP)

Fans lined up as early as noon for his 6 p.m. appearance.

"A lot of famous people don't really use their platform for serving causes or things, and he actually gives back to the community," said Stacy Huerta, who took a train from Aurora with her sister to see him.

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"He's very caring, open-minded and kind-hearted and he cares about Chicago," said Ayonna McNairy, who grew up 10 blocks east of where Chance was born and raised. "You actually see what he's doing to give back."

This is not a rich guy giving back to Chicago by merely writing checks. He has been visiting Chicago schools and raising money between tour dates. During a meeting in July at CPS headquarters with the 20 schools chosen as grant recipients, he showed up unannounced, sat on a filing cabinet and brainstormed with principals on program options.

The challenge for Chance, and for Chicago, is to keep the momentum going. Three years of programs is laudable to be sure. But what then? We've seen too many examples of money intended for classroom use being eaten up by other demands  CPS legacy debt, administrative salaries, teacher pension costs.

We've also seen wonderful initiatives start strong and wither. Will Chicago lean back and wait for Chance to do it all, year after year?

Staying on top of the money's distribution and ensuring it is truly impacting the lives of CPS school kids will be the next box for Chance to checkmark. Based on his commitment and hands-on involvement so far, that seems likely.

So here's to the first day of school at CPS, the first big round of funding through Chance's charity and the first of what we hope will be additional editorials that say simply, thank you.

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Gov. Bruce Rauner signs Senate Bill 1947, the education funding bill, surrounded by students at Ebinger Elementary School, Thursday Aug. 31, 2017. The law includes a $100 million tuition tax credit program to provide scholarships for students to attend private schools. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Great news: Thousands of Illinois children trapped in dismally performing classrooms soon will have places other than charter schools to break free and learn.

These schoolchildren will receive tuition scholarships for private schools, thanks to a $100 million program starting in the 2018-19 school year.

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This five-year program  which we hope becomes permanent  is part of a sweeping Illinois school funding overhaul. It will use money from donors to educate low- and moderate-income students.

Students get a chance for a better education. Donors get a 75-cent tax credit for every dollar. And Illinois joins many other states in dramatically expanding school choice beyond charter schools. Win-win-win.

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"This is the largest initial startup of any (scholarship tax credit) program in the country," Scott Jensen of the American Federation for Children tells us. "And it's the largest blue state to ever approve such a program. It's going to help a lot of kids."

Take a bow, all you Democratic and Republican lawmakers who bucked the intense teachers union lobbying against this initiative.

How determined are the unions to keep kids from fleeing to better-performing and often safer schools? You decide. Here's the Chicago Teachers Union's way-over-the-top reaction after the bill that included the scholarship program passed the House: "Illinois legislators have voted to 'reform' the worst school funding system in the country with a ticking time bomb of a voucher scheme and the Illinois Democratic Party has crossed a line which no spin or talk of 'compromise' can ever erase," the union tweeted. The CTU can say whatever it wants, although we wish the public education industry would stop calling the scholarship program a voucher scheme. For what seems like the 99th time: This isn't a voucher program.

Nor is $100 million profligate. By comparison, Illinois school districts spent $31.2 billion on 2 million students in 2015-16.

This superb if too limited move by Illinois lawmakers is all the more dramatic because across the nation, unions and their pet politicians are mounting a ferocious campaign to stomp out school choice. Never mind the strong public support for choice programs, most notably among African-Americans whose children have been treated so shabbily by big-city public schools (and big-city politicians). Among the opponents' increasingly desperate moves against choice:

In Chicago, the backlash against charter schools has been so fierce that few new schools have been authorized in recent years. What a shame for students stuck on wait lists. Stanford researchers report that several of Chicagos largest charter school chains are jamming more than a years worth of learning into a single school year. Students at The Noble Network of Charter Schools received the equivalent of nearly two years worth of math in a single year, according to Stanfords Center for Research on Education Outcomes. Students at the predominantly Hispanic UNO Charter School Network, now Acero Charter Schools, gained about 29 extra days of learning in math and 23 days in reading. Any wonder that parents with children at a poorly performing public school, yet unable to afford the private schools that more affluent families patronize, would want to transfer their kids to a high-quality charter?

The NAACP has urged a nationwide charter expansion moratorium, asserting that charters have aggravated school segregation, eroded local control of schools, wasted public money and disproportionately disciplined minority students. These attacks are often grossly exaggerated or incorrect but also effective: One recent poll released by a national education journal showed that 39 percent of Americans support charters, down from 51 percent a year earlier. Thats not a reflection of suddenly poor performance; by most measures, charters rank high in family satisfaction and in educational achievement. Rather, that poll drop likely reflects the frantic efforts of opponents to discredit charters.

In a July speech to union delegates, American Federation of Teachers leader Randi Weingarten blasted Education Secretary Betsy DeVos as a public-school denier and suggested that school choice has its roots in racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia and homophobia. Weingartens peculiar overreach was a desperate attempt to convince parents they shouldnt move their children from subpar public schools to charters. In other words, its an argument about full employment for teachers union members, not for better educating Americas school students.

In Arizona, anti-choice forces are pushing for a November 2018 referendum to roll back a law that allows parents to receive their child's share of state education funding to pay for private school tuition, home-schooling costs, and tutoring. Nobody honestly asserts that this de facto protection of public school jobs would be for the children.

In many homes across Illinois, a new school year brings mingled emotions among students and their parents  anticipation, anxiety, hope. But in too many homes there's only one reaction: Dread, because parents are forced to send their children to dangerous or dead-end schools. They don't have, or can't afford, a better choice. A better chance.

That changes now, if only for a limited number of Illinois children. Watch the long line of students and their parents who'll apply for these scholarships. Jensen estimates that 15,000 to 20,000 youngsters will gain scholarships annually once the program ramps up.

Think of them as the fortunate vanguard in a new era of Illinois school choice. May it succeed and grow.

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What to read next:

The elitism of opposing school choice

In Illinois, a big day for little people

After the rush job to use public money on private schools, now we wait

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Demonstrators hold a flag during a protest in Washington, D.C., in response to the Trump administration's announcement Sept. 5, 2017, that it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (Zach Gibson / Getty Images)

Before he slithered out of the White House, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon gave Democrats a piece of advice that Trump himself shows no desire to follow: Dump the "identity politics."

"The Democrats," Bannon said in an interview with Robert Kuttner, of the liberal political magazine American Prospect, "the longer they talk about identity politics, I got 'em. I want them to talk about racism every day. If the left is focused on race and identity, and we go with economic nationalism, we can crush the Democrats."

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Here Bannon shows a keen grasp of the obvious. In theory, if the left focuses on race and identity while Team Trump focuses on bread-and-butter economic issues like trade, tariffs and immigration policy, even I  who would prefer to see the Trump regime take a long walk off of a short pier  would give Team Trump favorable odds for re-election, provided the economy is doing well and Trump avoids indictment.

But, so far, Trump has played a more shoot-from-the-lip approach: Instead of focusing our attention on economic nationalism, he has exploited racial anger, fears, resentments and suspicions vigorously enough to alienate voters and scuttle his own economic message and legislative agenda.

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A quick review: Trump's White House quest began with a bogus challenge to Barack Obama's birth certificate, a scam that Trump perpetrated for years. He jumped to the front of the GOP pack by portraying Mexican immigrants as mostly rapists and murderers  "and some," he added, "I presume are good people." He called a federal judge disqualified for a case based on his Mexican-American ethnicity. He waffled on recent deadly violence between white supremacist and white nationalist protesters and anti-racist counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Va., then decided there were "very fine people" on both sides.

Does Trump's racial flame throwing work for him? Like a charm. Polls show he's lost most of his swing voters, but his base remains solid at about 40 percent or less. Even during the presidential campaign, Bannon told Bloomberg's Joshua Green in Green's new best-seller "Devil's Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency": "We polled the race stuff and it doesn't matter. It doesn't move anyone who isn't already in (Democrat Hillary Clinton's) camp."

No, but the presidential election was not just about race and racism either. Of the nearly 700 counties that voted twice for Obama, 207 flipped last November to vote for Trump. Obama's race didn't change but the voters' minds did. In hindsight, it's easy to see how Clinton's campaign blundered by paying too little attention to anxious and frustrated working-class and middle-class voters, especially in crucial Rust Belt swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Against that backdrop, when Republicans say "identity politics," to some ears it's just another way to say "people who are not like you." That might help explain an August poll by liberal-leaning Public Policy Polling that asked which racial group faces the most discrimination in America  45 percent of Trump voters said white people. An additional 17 percent said Native Americans, 16 percent picked African-Americans and 5 percent said Latino Americans.

When HBO "Real Time" host Bill Maher asked the Rev. Jesse Jackson about those numbers, Jackson said, "There may be something else going on" besides racism. He recited figures from an August study by CareerBuilder, showing rising economic anxiety in all racial groups. "Seventy-eight percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, 51 percent make $30,000 a year or less," Jackson said. "There's a deep sense of anxiety where you've had a globalized economy. These people feel locked out. And they start scapegoating. ... So, yes, they're being exploited, but they have tremendous economic anxiety underneath that must not be ignored."

Indeed, the smart message to take away from Bannon's advice, in my view, is don't let voters feel ignored. Everyone likes to be asked for his or her vote, according to an old political motto. No one likes to be taken for granted either. Liberal Mark Lilla's widely discussed new best-seller, "The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity Politics," advises Democrats to come up with a new grand and engaging vision to match that of conservative Ronald Reagan. Barack Obama's "hope" and "change" themes connected with voters at a time when many were looking for both. Today's Democrats, so far, echo George H.W. Bush's problem with "the vision thing." But there's still time.

Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
As the Chicago summer starts to roll into autumn, city parks are preparing for the circus to come to townnot the problematic big tops that have hit big trouble in recent years, but the Midnight Circus, a local troupe of performers that's smaller in size, but still global in scope.

The Midnight Circus embodies the jubilant, over-the-top spirit of the circus. Founded in 2007 by husband and wife Chicagoans Jeff and Julie Jenkins, the circus began as part of an effort to revitalize Welles Park with a benefit show. That event grew into a pair of annual shows, which grew into an annual eight-show tour of Chicago city parks by 2013.

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"Now we get all these great community leaders coming out, and families coming to the show. The ticket price is just so incredibly low, and 100 percent of everything goes right back to (Chicago parks)," Jeff Jenkins said. "That's on top of it being a spectacularly entertaining show. These are world-class performers."

While the Circus does pump all of its proceeds into local parks, the performers themselvesacrobats, tight-rope walkers, jugglers, contortionists, hula-hoopers, musicians and morehail from all over the world.

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And despite so many high-flying acts of human physicality, another act usually steals the show: Junebug and Rosie Rae, the Jenkins' pair of rescued pit bulls.

The dogs are the final act of the Circus, which, Jenkins said, surprises some people after nearly two hours of human feats. But Junebug, 10, and Rosie, 2, are natural performers, and their playful performances serve as outlets for the pups.

"The key is to work to their strengths, just like us," Jenkins said. "These days, Junebug is more of the actress, and Rosie Rae is the acrobat."

The routine usually goes something like this: Jenkins brings out Junebug, who refuses to listen. She steals his hat and the hoops she's supposed to be jumping through, while Jenkins chases her around. Once he and Junebug finish with the comedy, Jenkins brings out Rosie Rae, who does what her partner wouldn't, ripping through the obstacles at "lightning speeds," Jenkins said.

Both dogs are not just part of the show, but part of the family as well.

Jenkins' two kids helped him choose Rosie Rae from Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), an organization Jenkins said he tries to support due to its work with the "daunting" rate of animal overpopulation. Meanwhile, Junebug came to them from a student in one of Jenkins' animal training classes he conducts in the community. Jenkins said he could tell some members of the student's family were not treating Junebug well. Jenkins offered to adopt her, as well as make the young man an assistant in the class. The student agreed, eventually adopting another dog after honing his skills.

Junebug's story illuminates an overlap between the mission of the Circus and Jenkins' work in the community, a mission aided immensely by these dogs: improving lives of community residents through access to activities and arts.

Jenkins works with a number of animal-centric organizations, including PAWS Chicago, Found Boarding and Training Center, the CACC and local humane society. He has taken a particular interest in dogs like Junebug and Rosie Rae, pit bulls and mixes sometimes called "bully breeds" that are often used in dogfights in some communities. The point, Jenkins said, is to help the dogs' owners via their companions.

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"These dogs can be an incredible conduit for these young men," Jenkins said.

Jenkins has also taken his program to correctional facilities. In every place, the dogs have helped "build bridges," as he calls it, fostering honest conversation and reflection among attendees.

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"I can't just stand up there and say how you should take care of your animal and what you should do and what you shouldn't," he said. "Instead, I bring my pit bull in, and I show them what's possible if you take care of your dog. And it brings about potential changes."

The way Jenkins approaches his outreach is largely the same way he and his wife think about the Midnight Circus, which makes the dogs a great fit for the act, he said, and is also the reason the Circus largely sets up in parts of Chicago that are underfunded.

"Kids should have access to whatever inspires them," Jenkins said. "They should be able to go see those things in local park or school; they shouldn't have to drive downtown and pay some obscene amount just to experience the arts."

The dogs, he said, can be a natural vehicle to drive these messages home.

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"Dogs are a great healer for (finding common ground) because they're unbelievably faithful and they love you unconditionally, which is a great lesson for us," Jenkins said. "Because we're all ultimately in this together, whether we like it or not. ... I say this all the time: we're not going to improve lives of these dogs until we improve the lives of the people who own them."

The Midnight Circus runs every weekend through Oct. 14-15. For complete schedule details, visit midnightcircus.net/2017-lineup.

@lucheezy | adlukach@chicagotribune.com

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A proposed referendum to stave off a tax hike in Community Consolidated School District 59 cleared its first hurdle recently, after a resident who questioned the petition's validity formally withdrew her challenge.

The referendum put forth by a loosely organized group of District 59 residents would ask voters from towns including Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village and Mount Prospect whether they would support District 59 issuing up to $20 million in working cash bonds.

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It is unclear whether or not the referendum would be binding.

If the bonds were issued, homeowners in District 59 would pay about $25 more a year in property taxes.

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Raising taxes "should always be up to the people," said Bill Christian, a resident of Elk Grove Village who led the referendum petition drive. "We're bringing up concerns about taxation. Seniors are concerned about making ends meet."

Esther Carrera, secretary of the Elk Grove Township Democratic organization but who District 59 officials said was not acting on the part of the political group, had alleged that many of the petition's 4,368 signatures were illegible. On Aug. 31, Carrera filed a motion with Cook County Clerk David Orr's office to withdraw the challenge she had filed late last month.

Carrera was not available for comment.

But Christian said he and his fellow members of the citizen group were at Orr's office on Aug. 30. Christian said that at Orr's office, an election clerk reviewed each objected signature, line-by-line, comparing them to voter registration cards to confirm their accuracy.

The review found of the 1,342 signatures that were the basis of Carrera's petition objection, 571 were sustained and 771 were overruled  leaving a total of 3,797 signatures, which is 450 signatures more than required according to Orr spokesman James Scalzitti.

"Our citizen group would like to thank all of the people who joined with us to present the case that a tax increase is unwarranted," Christian said.

Still, the effort to place the proposed referendum on the March 2018 ballot still needs to clear several other hurdles, officials said.

A hearing officer is expected to soon make a recommendation to the Electoral Board, as well as informing both parties of her recommendation, on whether or not the referendum will appear on the March, 2018, ballot, Scalzitti said on Sept. 1.

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The Electoral Board will then have to set a date to meet and either accept or reject the recommendation, Scalzitti said.

District officials have been considering issuing between $15 million and $20 million in bonds to fund the construction of a $17.2 million administration building at 1001 Leicester Road in Elk Grove Village.

Opponents of the move, including Christian, say it would raise taxes for the construction of a new administration center  to be used by district employees and school board members  but would not directly benefit students, the majority of whom are from low-income families.

District 59 board member Tim Burns said he voted in favor of moving the district's current headquarters from its longtime home in Arlington Heights to Elk Grove Village, as that is the community where most of the district's students reside.

Yet Burns said Sept. 1 he supports the citizen group's mission to place a referendum on the ballot, as it would leave the decision of whether or not to issue bonds up to local taxpayers, many of whom he said are already struggling with rising property taxes.

"We had thought the new administration building was going to paid for with reserve funds, and I think when the public learned the board wanted to issue bonds and subsidize the project with a tax increase, it woke a sleeping giant," Burns said.

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kcullotta@tribpub.com

Twitter @kcullotta
The deaths of an Aurora stepfather and stepson found in their basement Monday morning appear drug-related, according to police.

Jesus Mancilla-Nunez, 57, and his 29-year-old stepson, Jamie Vazquez Jr., were found dead about 9:45 a.m. Monday in the basement of their home on the 800 block of Columbia, according to a Facebook post from the Aurora Police Department.

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Police said they are investigating the deaths.

Aurora Police Department spokesman Dan Ferrelli declined to elaborate on why the deaths appeared drug-related or describe anything found at the scene, where he said police were called by family members.

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The police department shared the information on Facebook "because of the tragedy of two people losing their lives to suspected drug use," Ferrelli said in an email.

Police said the men were last seen alive about 11 a.m. Sunday at home and pronounced dead at the scene Monday. Their bodies showed no signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected, according to police.

The Kane County Coroner's Office was scheduled to perform autopsies Tuesday, police said.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
David Nelson of Barrington was inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. (Illinois Conservation Foundation)

When David Nelson moved to Barrington, he became a trustee on the Barrington Village Board and soon learned residents cared deeply about open spaces.

His first civic conservation effort was in 1983, when he worked to prevent Bakers Lake on Hillside Avenue from becoming a housing development.

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Today, Baker's Lake Forest Preserve is a well-known, 330-acre heron rookery in the Midwest, as well as prairie and wetlands, according to Forest Preserves of Cook County.

In August, Illinois Conservation Foundation inducted Nelson into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame's Class of 2017 for years of public land preservation work.

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"Baker's Lake was my first entree into listening to the community on keeping open spaces," Nelson said.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation in Springfield said since 2002, the organization's board of directors has honored individuals for supporting the outdoors.

Eric Schenck, the foundation's executive director, said about 10 nominees were considered this year for the hall of fame.

"Common themes for people getting inducted are leadership in the community and at the state level that have championed outdoor heritage and outdoor conservation," Schenck said.

Nelson also is a board member and past president of Barrington Area Conservation Trust, which stepped in and helped make Horizon Farm on Algonquin Road into a 397-acre open space in Barrington Hills for horseback riding and public biking and hiking.

Rebekah Snyder, executive director of Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, said Nelson was the first citizen volunteer to serve as its foundation president in 2009.

She said the organization relies on volunteer leadership because they have strong ties to the community.

"Those relationships translate into gifts of support for Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves," she said.

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She also noted Nelson's decision to become president has its risky side.

"He took a leap of faith because the foundation was new in 2007 and did not have a reputation or track record of success or failure."

Nelson was a trustee on the Barrington Village Board in 1977-85 and board president in 1985-89.

He also was Barrington Township supervisor from 1996 to 2017.

tshields@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @tshields19
Club One in Dolton was the scene of a shooting early May 14, 2017, in which five men were wounded, police said. (Frank Vaisvilas / Daily Southtown)

A Dolton liquor license holder, already facing revocation for a May nightclub shooting that injured five people, must now respond to unrelated alleged tax violations.

Mucho Gusto LLC, 14112 S. Chicago Road, has been summoned to appear Thursday before an administrative law judge appointed by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission for alleged noncompliance with state tax laws.

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The corporation has failed to file and pay sales/use tax, E911 surcharge returns and withholding income tax for all of 2017, according to a citation and hearing notice issued July 12 by the ILCC.

At Thursday's hearing, which is closed to the public, the judge will recommend to the ILCC whether to fine Mucho Gusto, or suspend or revoke its liquor license, a Department of Revenue spokesman said. The ILCC then will accept or reject the judge's recommendation at a public hearing later this month, he said.

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Representatives from Mucho Gusto did not respond to a request for comment on this week's state hearing, which is unrelated to a local liquor license hearing Dolton officials have in the works.

In that case, the village seeks to revoke Mucho Gusto's liquor license for allegedly allowing an unlicensed tenant to operate a nightclub in the building its principal, Robert Terzich, owns.

Dolton asserts that Club One, which opened in January without a valid liquor license, improperly used Mucho Gusto's license after leasing the space from Terzich in early 2017.

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Village officials allege Club One, which has been closed since Mother's Day when a shooting there injured five people, failed to adequately screen and search patrons for weapons before they entered the club, failed to maintain crowd control and permitted drug use within the club.

Terzich and his lawyer have not responded to several phone calls requesting comment on the village's allegations.

Mayor Riley Rogers, who had been set to adjudicate the local hearing, recused himself from the proceedings following a Daily Southtown report that found he received $5,000 in campaign contributions from two companies run by an individual connected to Club One shortly after the establishment opened. Rogers also received a $1,000 donation from Terzich in June 2014, state records show.

Following his recusal, Rogers installed retired Cook County Judge Michael Stuttley to preside over the hearing, which had yet to be rescheduled as of late last week.

Because Illinois is a dual licensed state, Mucho Gusto would no longer be able to sell alcohol if either its local or state liquor license were revoked, a Department of Revenue spokesman said.

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Twitter @ZakKoeske
Adam Frisch keeps calm waiting for all ballots to be counted in CD-3
By Alexander Chipman Koty

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the beginning of a new golden decade in China-Canada relations when he visited Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September 2016.

The trip was the first by a Chinese premier in 13 years, and came only weeks after Trudeau himself paid a visit to China. The golden decade has already borne fruit with Canadas accession to the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the launch of exploratory talks for a free trade agreement (FTA).

The optimistic language surrounding China-Canada relations marked a tonal shift from the previous decade of bilateral relations, when Canada, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, viewed China largely with suspicion and unease. However, while Trudeau has publicly sought to reengage China, barriers remain in the relationship.

One year into the golden decade, how far have China-Canada relations progressed?

Canadas reengagement with China

Canadas engagement with China was inconsistent while Harper was prime minister from 2006 to 2015. Prioritizing human rights and security in dealings with China, Harper personally snubbed the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and his administration expressed scepticism over Chinese investments in Canada. After the Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE) CNOOC controversially purchased Canadian oil and gas company Nexen, the Harper government amended the Investment Canada Act to restrict takeovers by foreign SOEs.

However, after pressure from the business community to deepen ties with China, Canada signed the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with China in 2012, and Toronto became the first RMB trading hub in North America in 2015. Despite increased cooperation, Canada passed on the opportunity to become a founding member of the AIIB when it opened in 2014.

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The Trudeau government has publicly stated its intent to engage with China more comprehensively and strategically. Trudeau perhaps has a head start, as his father, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was instrumental in getting the West to recognize the Peoples Republic in the 1960s and 70s. Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the elder Trudeau for his extraordinary political vision when meeting the junior Trudeau for the first time.

The Trudeau government appears to be making good on its promises to engage China. Besides joining the AIIB and entering exploratory FTA talks, the government has approved controversial Chinese investments into sensitive areas.

Most notably, Shenzhen-based Hytera Communications gained approval to purchase Canadian satellite communications company Norsat, which counts US security interests among its clientele. The takeover passed a standard security review, but did not undergo a national security review, despite calls to do so by opposition parties in the Canadian Parliament.

While increased engagement with China can be contentious with the US, Canadas biggest ally, Canadians are growing more receptive to the idea. Spurred by growing isolationism in the US and Europe, support for an FTA with China has grown from just 36 percent in 2014 to 55 percent in 2017, according to a survey commissioned by the Asia Pacific Foundation.

As Canada is in the process of renegotiating the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the US and Mexico, strengthening its economic relationship with China will help diversify and mitigate risk. For Gary Shaben, Director of Global Business Development at Dezan Shira & Associates, this should not just be a bargaining tactic vis-a-vis NAFTA, but a long-term strategy of engagement.

Shaben, a Canadian expatriate based in Shanghai, said, Under the Harper administration, Canadian trade and investment into China lagged well behind that of other countries. The vast majority of CDIA [Canadian Direct Investment Abroad] targets US markets, and many believe that Canada relies too heavily on trade with the US, which accounts for around 75 percent of its exports, compared to just 4.3 percent to China.

Shaben continued, With NAFTA under review, and global oil prices remaining low, the Canadian economy seems to be in need of further international market and sector diversification, and China may very well offer Canadian companies some important opportunities.

Canadian trade and investment opportunities

Chinas main motivation in pursuing an FTA with Canada is to secure energy, food, and other commodities. Canada is rich in natural resources, which dominate its exports to China.

Commodities and agricultural goods such as timber, canola, metals, and biotechnology products will continue to be highly sought after by China. China is already the worlds largest importer of logs and pulp of wood, and demand is expected to grow despite its generally slowing appetite for commodities.

By 2025, the China Timber Supply Outlook projects Chinas imports of timber and forest products to increase by 60 million cubic metres to account for about 12 percent of the worlds total timber harvest. Canada is rich in forest products, which make up about seven percent of the countrys total exports.

Although China continues to drive demand for many commodities, as its industrial boom ends, and its economy restructures, Canadas economic relationship will need to shift in kind. Whereas China traditionally sought Canadas commodities to supply its massive construction and industrial expansion, now Canadian technology and expertise is in demand as China attempts to move up the value chain.

Take the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, for example. Despite its relatively small population, Canadas 80,000 AI personnel are the third most in the world, according to a recent LinkedIn report. Meanwhile, China only has 50,000 AI personnel despite its huge population and strong government support for the industry.

Canadian firms in such areas can leverage their technology and expertise to scale up in emerging industries in China and utilize government incentives.

China can also benefit from Canadian expertise in areas where it faces immense domestic challenges. For instance, the Chinese government is investing heavily in cleantech to solve its myriad environmental issues, and Chinas rapidly aging population is increasing demand for elder care services and advanced medical technology.

Daniel Schaefer, a Canadian expatriate who serves as Marketing & Operations Associate at Dezan Shira & Associates, notes, As Canada is a medium-sized economy with tons of innovative players, China is an attractive market for Canadian companies to enter. Canadian cleantech companies focusing on renewable energy, engineering advances, battery tech, and solar power tech find viable opportunities in Chinas push to use new forms of renewal energy.

However, while Canada has room to break new ground in higher value technology and service sectors, the country still has untapped opportunities in its traditional resource-based industries, though largely through consumer goods, rather than pure commodities. Shaben remarks, Food and beverage is Canadas second largest manufacturing sector. Its strengths in agricultural and health-based products align well with Chinese demand.

RELATED: China-Mongolia Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

Canadian businesses can capitalize

China and Canada are highly complementary economies.

China needs Canadas natural resources and technical expertise, while Canada needs Chinas affordable manufactured products and access to its vast consumer market. Further, deepening bilateral trade and investment with China would help Canada reduce its reliance on an increasingly unpredictable US.

Under the Trudeau government, Canadas relationship with China has become a higher priority. However, if China and Canada are in the early stages of a new golden decade, Canada needs a more consistent and expansive approach to China than the hot and cold approach of the past decade.

If an FTA comes to fruition, it will be years before negotiators agree upon the terms and the agreement takes effect. In the meantime, Canadian businesses can capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Middle Kingdom.



About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com

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Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.

Payroll Processing in China: Challenges and Solutions

In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we lay out the challenges presented by Chinas payroll landscape, including its peculiar Dang An and Hu Kou systems. We then explore how companies of all sizes are leveraging IT-enabled solutions to meet their HR and payroll needs, and why outsourcing payroll is the answer for certain company structures. Finally, we consider the potential for China to emerge as Asias premier payroll processing center.

Dezan Shira & Associates
A new artificial-intelligence-powered chipset is set to help Huawei Technologies Co compete more effectively with Apple Inc in the autumn smartphone battle, when the two are scheduled to release new flagship models, analysts said on Monday.

Roger Sheng, a senior analyst at research company Gartner Inc, said "the Kirin 970 chipset marks a big improvement from its predecessor, giving Huawei a major edge when competing head-to-head with Apple".

The new processor, unveiled by the Shenzhen-based company on Saturday in Berlin, allows super-fast computation capabilities, a strong image-recognition ability and other features. It will power Huawei's upcoming Mate 10 smartphone, set to launch in October to compete with Apple's 10th-anniversary iPhone, which will be unveiled next week.

The chip is part of Huawei's broad push to better integrate AI into its hardware, as smartphones are increasingly intertwined with the cutting-edge technology to better recognize users' voice and image, as well as understand their demand.

Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, said although AI work will be done in the cloud, on-device AI computation will continue to grow, with the need for sensors to operate without waiting to send any information back and forth over wireless connections.

"Mobile AI must be driven by both on-device AI and cloud AI. That is the focus of Huawei's AI strategy in consumer business," Yu said.

He added that consumers who attach high importance to privacy and security are also driving up demand for smartphones with built-in AI capabilities.

Huawei, which started as a telecom equipment maker, has emerged as the world's third-largest smartphone maker in recent years, following closely behind Apple and Samsung Electronics Corp.

The new Kirin 970 processor is produced using an improved 10 nanometer process instead of the old 12 nanometer process. It can process data faster while using less power, Huawei said in a statement.

Jia Mo, an analyst at global consultancy Canalys, said Apple is highly likely to be working on similar AI chips.

"AI has been a buzzword in the smartphone sector since last year. But innovative products only started to pop up earlier this year," Jia said.

Huawei has been steadily expanding its presence beyond China after it grabbed the top spot at home. In the second quarter, Huawei outcompeted Apple as the second largest smartphone vendor in central and eastern Europe, with a market share of 12 percent, data from Canalys show.
China has banned individuals and organizations raising funds through initial coin offerings (ICOs), a form of fundraising in which technology startups issue their own digital coins, or "tokens," to investors to access funds.

The People's Bank of China, the securities and banking regulators and other government departments said in a statement yesterday: "ICOs, in essence, are a kind of unauthorized and illegal public fundraising, which is suspected of being related to criminal activities such as financial fraud and pyramid schemes."

Individuals and organizations that have completed ICO fundraising should make arrangements to return funds to investors, the statement said.

Digital currencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, tumbled yesterday after the statement was issued.

Bitcoin dropped 10 percent to around 27,000 yuan (US$4,138) while other "virtual coins" fell up to 50 percent, compared with the previous trading day.

In China, ICOs are usually used by startups to bypass the regulated fundraising process required by venture capitalists and banks.

"Most ICO investors don't know investment risk or have related professional knowledge, making the investment like gambling," said Ma Xiao, an analyst with Rong360, a third-party online finance platform.

Some investors, who declined to be identified, said ICO trading was "like a dream with higher profit compared to a drug deal."

In the first half of this year, ICO projects raised 2.61 billion yuan from 105,000 investors, said a state-level online finance risk analysis platform under the National Computer Network Emergency Response and Coordination Center.

Though the boom helped tech companies access much needed funds for development, it also created fertile ground for scammers looking to take money from ignorant investors under the guise of ICOs, which could threaten the country's financial stability if left unchecked, Xinhua news agency reported.

"From the perspective of issuers, investors and the market, ICOs have their risks," deputy head of Renmin University of China Law School Yang Dong told China Financial News, a news outlet of the central bank.

Analysts have advised that regulation of ICOs should focus on registration of financial products, proper information disclosure and underlying project quality.

Governments in other countries have taken note of the risks.

In a notice on August 28, the US Securities and Exchange Commission warned investors about potential scams involving stocks of companies claiming a relationship to or engagement with ICOs.

China's latest regulation came as authorities repeatedly highlighted the importance of containing financial risk as the country faces a build-up of debt, and booming new financial products challenge regulations.

Since China's tone-setting economic conference last December pledged to make preventing financial risk a priority, regulators from the banking, securities and insurance sectors have made solid efforts to clean up the market.

The booming ICO trade fueled the price of digital currencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and many newly invented "coins," whose market value surged several times.

Regulators had already applied the brakes to the heated ICO market. Around 60 ICO trading platforms were inspected and asked to halt ICO business since last week, according to media reports.

Major platforms, including ICOAge and BTCChina, have stopped offering ICO trading.

Unlike IPOs, in which investors buy stocks in companies, investors in ICOs receive digital coins developed by the firms, which could appreciate in value if the companies fare well and demand for their currencies grows.

ICOs, once a game confined to a few, have taken off this year in China, attracting more players  both innovators and scammers  and catching the attention of regulators.

Reaction was swift online, Reuters reported.

"The music has stopped," said one member of a WeChat group set up last week for an upcoming ICO for a fundraising platform called SelfSell.

"Hurry up and sell your Bitcoin," said another.

The organizer of the ICO project said it had been suspended.
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Jinan, capital of eastern China's Shandong Province, has been granted a 150 million U.S. dollar loan from the Asian Development Bank to build an urban transit system.

The loan is to finance a green trolley bus project, the Shandong provincial department of finance said. Total investment of the project is 2.7 billion yuan (about 411 million U.S. dollars).

It aims to develop a modern trolley bus network and to improve urban transport environment in Jinan, by reducing emissions and congestion in the city.

Jinan has a population of 7.2 million, but development of downtown underground metro lines have been restricted by the city's numerous springs, making modern bus services more important.

Jinan ranked as the country's most congested city during the first quarter of 2016, followed by Beijing and Hangzhou, according to a report by map service provider AMAP and a Tsinghua University transport research center.

"Through the project, we aim to build a zero-emissions urban transit system while protecting the environment and culture of the city," said Li Xuechun, director of international cooperation at the department.
Central China's Wuhan has banned any more shared bikes from being stationed in the city from Monday.

The number of shared bikes in the urban area of Wuhan has neared 700,000, which exceeds the carrying capacity of the city (400,000), according to an official statement.

Five shared bike companies including ofo and Mobike have been in Wuhan since December. Their rapid expansion has led to parking chaos, safety hazards and obstructions in crowded areas such as subway entrances, shopping malls, bus stations and even highways.

The government informed the companies and those fail to comply will face further controls.

In the meantime, Wuhan will develop a data monitoring platform to manage the existing shared bikes.

Over the weekend, the city government agreed to mark off or designate about 2,500 km of non-motor lanes in downtown area, mainly for shared bikes.

According to BigData-Research, 19 million people used shared bikes last year and that number is expected to rise to 50 million this year. Authorities in cities such as Shanghai and Tianjin already have regulated the sector.
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The family of a Chinese teacher who died in Japan has brought her ashes back home.

Security footage shows Wei Qiujie leaving a hotel on July 20, 2017. [File Photo/Southern Metropolis Daily]

Wei Qiujie's body was cremated in Kushiro, a city on the northern island of Hokkaido, where her body was discovered.

The 26-year-old went missing in late July after last being seen at a spa on the 23rd.

Despite initial suggestions by her family that she may have been kidnapped, indications are the young woman committed suicide.

Her body was recovered by a local fisherman off the coast of Kushiro on August 27th.
For centuries, the only connection between Mashuping village and the outside world was a narrow, meandering path deep in the mountains. Now, a highway has ended its isolation.

A car travels along the Yan'an section of the Yanhuang Highway in August. The highway, stretching 828.5 kilometers along the west bank of the Yellow River, opened on Aug 28 and is set to benefit more than 2 million residents.[Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua]

It takes just five minutes to walk from the village in Shaanxi province to the Yanhuang Highway, which opened this week. The road, stretching 828.5 kilometers along the west bank of the Yellow River, cost 6.9 billion yuan ($1.05 billion).

In the past, it was not easy to transport construction materials to the village, so many residents lived in cave homes. Children had to walk for hours to get to school, and if a villager became ill, they would be carried by stretcher to the nearest road, where they could be taken by car to hospital.

The lack of infrastructure meant there were no business opportunities. Persimmons would rot on trees, as there was no way to take them to market.

Due to the isolation and poverty, men also struggled to find wives. "When I got married more than 20 years ago, I was brought here on the back of a mule," recalled Shi Bianrong. "I have regretted my decision ever since."

Yet the Yanhuang Highway promises to bring prosperity to the village. Some residents plan to open guesthouses or stores along the road, which links several tourist destinations, including Hukou Waterfall and the sacred Mount Huashan.

The central government unveiled a national strategy in 1999 to accelerate economic growth in the inland west, including building a network of highways, railways and airports. Shaanxi alone now has around 5,000 km of expressways, and that number is expected to surpass 6,000 km in 2020.

The Belt and Road Initiative also aims to link the economies of dozens of countries, propelling growth.

A new bullet train service between Baoji in Shaanxi and Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province, began operation on July 9, connecting the northwest to the national high-speed rail network.

Every Spring Festival, Wang Yadong and his wife travel from Tongwei, one of the poorest counties in Gansu, to Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, where their son and daughter work. The journey used to take more than 36 hours.

"Now I take the bullet train to Guangzhou. The travel time has been cut to 11 hours," Wang, 55, said.

Shaanxi has 46 international air routes as well as freight train routes to Central Asia and Europe, and it has a free trade zone and inland port to facilitate the building of an international logistics hub, according to its Party chief, Lou Qinjian.

"Western China is an important area in the latest round of opening-up," said Zeng Zhaoning, a professor of economics at Xi'an Shiyou University. "Improved transportation infrastructure has transformed western areas and people's lives."
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The Trans-Siberian Railway, with a total length of 9,288 kilometers, offers Chinese tourists an alternative way to travel around Russia. [Photo by YAN HAO/CHINA DAILY]

Russia-bound "red tours" are booming as China's retirees go in search of the music and culture of their youth.

Red tourswhich visit sites associated with early communist activitiesare growing in popularity as the two nations work together to foster tourism cooperation.

A 15-day train journey around Russia, a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, will be launched in mid-September.

The journey, which will focus on cultural exchange, will allow 50 tourists to travel roughly 7,800 kilometers on the Trans-Siberian Railway starting on Sept 16.

Tourists, each paying about 30,000 yuan ($4,460), will fly from Shanghai and Beijing to Russia's Irkutsk, and board a train that will stop at five cities-Krasnoyarsk, Yekaterinburg, Vladimir, St. Petersburg and Moscowalong the route, according to the organizer, the Shanghai Railway International Travel (Group) Company owned by the Shanghai Railway Bureau.

"To travel on a railway route with a history of more than a century will make the journey unusual," said Shen Yugang, a business development manager at the company.

University professors, librarians and graduates from local seminaries who are fluent in Chinese will be invited to serve as tour guides in different cities to enable tourists to learn about the local history and culture of each destination.

In July, an initial trial run of the tour attracted 34 tourists. If the response to the first two trips is positive, the tour could become a permanent fixture, the company said.

The tour is just one of several Russia-bound red tour products launched in China this year, to cater to those who grew up during the era of the former Soviet Union.

Besides the regular Russia-bound tours, more than 1,000 people from Yan'an, in Shaanxi province, and Changsha, in Hunan province, set out for Russia in a convoy in July.

Since 2015, tourism agencies from China and Russia have been conducting red tours in a tourism exchange program. As a result, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Russia has jumped.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the ninth BRICS summit in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday chaired the ninth BRICS summit, calling on the group of five emerging economies to intensify cooperation and contribute more to a world troubled by protectionism and imbalanced development.

"We must redouble our efforts to usher in the second golden decade of BRICS cooperation," Xi told leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa at the summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen, Fujian Province.

It was the first time that Xi had presided over the BRICS summit and the third time for him to chair major international events in a year, following the G20 Hangzhou Summit and the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma were welcomed by Xi before the opening of the summit, themed "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future."

The summit has been widely expected to set the future course for the group, which accounts for about 43 percent of the world's population and has contributed more than half of global economic growth over the past decade.

Xi raised his vision to "comprehensively deepen" BRICS partnership, including seeking practical results in economic cooperation, strengthening complementarity of development strategies and making the international order more just and equitable.

People-to-people exchanges, "a worthy cause that deserves enduring commitment," should be promoted, according to Xi.

He noted the different national conditions of the five countries, but stressed differences can be transcended and win-win results achieved.

He called on BRICS members to bring their comparative strengths in resources, markets and labor force to release growth potential and the creativity of 3 billion people.

Refuting claims that the group is losing its luster, Xi told the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday that the BRICS countries are "fully confident" about their growth potential and future outlook despite headwinds that have caused setbacks in growth.

From G20 Hangzhou Summit in September last year to the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China's approach to global development is becoming more evident via partnership, open economy and win-win cooperation.

A trading port since ancient times and a gateway for China's opening up, Xiamen is where Xi started when he came to Fujian Province to take up a new official post in 1985.

He hoped the BRICS countries could set sail from the city to deliver greater benefits to the people of the five countries and around the world.

RESULTS-ORIENTED

While uncertainties and downside risks persist with inward-looking policies weighing on global growth prospects, Xi stressed promoting results-oriented economic cooperation, "the foundation of BRICS cooperation," he said.

The potential for BRICS cooperation has yet to be fully unleashed, Xi said, citing the five countries' foreign investment totaling 197 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, only 5.7 percent of which took place among BRICS members.

He urged advancing cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, monetary and finance, connectivity, sustainable development and innovation.

In the latest demonstration that BRICS is a task force that gets things done, the president announced China will launch an economic and technological plan for BRICS countries with 500 million yuan (about 76 million U.S. dollars) for the first term to facilitate exchanges and cooperation in the economic and trade fields.

China will also provide 4 million U.S. dollars for projects of the BRICS New Development Bank, which opened in 2015.

FIVE WITH ONE VOICE

As a stabilizer in regional and international relations, BRICS has been working hard to gain a bigger say on the international stage.

The stance was reaffirmed by Xi at the summit.

"We the five countries play a more active part in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved," Xi said. "We should speak with one voice and jointly present our solutions to issues concerning international peace and development."

He said the BRICS should work for a new type of international relations and push for economic globalization that is "open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all."

Xi's speech was echoed by his counterparts at the summit.

Zuma said the BRICS should strengthen contact with other emerging economies and developing countries to pursue common development.

The five countries should strengthen cooperation and improve global economic governance to create a sound external environment, said Temer.

For his part, Putin said the BRICS should build an open world economy, oppose protectionism and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

Modi said BRICS countries should explore potential for economic cooperation, safeguard the multilateral trade system and promote people-to-people exchanges.

To consolidate their common ground, leaders of BRICS countries adopted the Xiamen Declaration, expressing consensus on various issues including the support for the UN's central role in international affairs, opposing protectionism, condemning terrorism and deploring the latest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"BRICS PLUS"

During the Xiamen summit, China will hold a Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, in which leaders of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand will join the BRICS leaders in discussing global development cooperation.

The China-proposed model is considered part of a bid to promote BRICS as a leading platform for South-South cooperation.

For emerging economies and developing countries, "we should stick to openness rather than protectionism, multilateral trade mechanisms rather than benefiting oneself at the expense of others, mutual benefit rather than a zero-sum game," Xi said at a smaller meeting of BRICS leaders Monday morning.

"It is easy to break one arrow, but hard to break 10 arrows bundled together," Xi cited the Chinese proverb in his Sunday speech to call for involving more emerging market and developing countries in cooperation and mutually beneficial endeavors.

Iqbal Surve, head of the South Africa chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said "BRICS Plus" would be warmly welcome among developing countries as the initiative is aligned with the common purpose of shaking off poverty and realizing dreams.
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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]

China confirmed on Monday its Foreign Ministry has lodged solemn representations to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) embassy in Beijing over its sixth nuclear test.

"The representations were lodged to the person in charge of the embassy," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing.

The DPRK Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced. This was the sixth nuclear test the DPRK has undertaken.

"China's adherence to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and opposition to nuclear tests and missile development by the DPRK is well-known," Geng said.

China has proposed realizing denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula while establishing a peace mechanism. China has also expected the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale U.S.-ROK military exercises.

Geng stressed that use of force is not an option for resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, expressing appreciation for a number of countries' calling for a peaceful settlement of the problem.

China's Ministry of Environmental Protection on Sunday started monitoring the radiation levels in the border areas in an emergency response to the nuclear test, and recorded radiation at normal levels.

"China will take necessary measures to protect the safety of citizens and the environment," the spokesperson said.
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Two Russian contract servicemen have been killed in Syria after Islamic State (IS) terrorists shelled their convoy with mortars, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.

The terrorists fired at the convoy of the Russian center for the Syrian reconciliation in the province of Deir al-Zour, killing a Russian contract soldier on the site and seriously injuring another who died later at a hospital, it said.

The Syrian government forces supported by Russian warplanes are advancing towards the IS-held city of Deir al-Zour, one of the terrorist group's last strongholds in Syria.

Russia has been participating in anti-terrorist operations in Syria since September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Russian Defense Ministry has admitted several deaths of its soldiers in Syria but there is no official number of the total casualties.
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Ugandan police on Monday said that they have arrested three suspects in connection with last week's murder of a Chinese woman in the central district of Mukono.

Polly Namaye, the deputy police spokesperson, told Xinhua in an interview that the three suspects are being held over the Friday shooting of the 60-year-old Yang Yeshu, a branch cashier at Nile Steel and Plastics Company Limited in Mukono.

"We have taken witness statements, got exhibits and extracted the video footage from the security cameras to help in the prosecution," she said.

Namaye declined to name the suspects for fear of jeopardizing the on-going investigations.

The footage from the security cameras shows two men armed with a pistol entering the factory premises, located along the Kampala-Jinja highway, using a motorcycle.

The duo briefly talked with the victim before pulling out a pistol and shot her dead.

"From the footage she died while trying to fight for her life. We shall ensure those who carried out this brutal murder are brought to book," said Namaye.

Yang became the third Chinese woman to have been killed in the east African country in less than a year.

The two other Chinese women were stabbed to death in Kikoni in February, a suburb in the capital Kampala.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday voiced opposition to tougher sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after Pyongyang conducted its sixth nuclear test.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," Putin told reporters after attending a summit of BRICS countries in this coastal Chinese city.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims," he warned.

The Russian president called on relevant parties to return to the negotiation table.

"It is necessary to push the issue to a dialogue between all interested parties. All participants in this process, including North Korea (the DPRK), should not have any of these considerations that are associated with the threat of destruction, but, on the contrary, all parties to the conflict should get on the path of cooperation," Putin said.

The DPRK launched its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, which has been widely condemned by the international community, including Moscow.

Members of the Security Council on Monday remained divided over possible new sanctions against the DPRK. In an emergency meeting, the United States, France, Britain and Japan wanted Pyongyang to pay a higher price, while countries like Russia advised diplomacy.
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China said on Tuesday it welcomes Switzerland to play a mediator role in resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Swiss President Doris Leuthard said on Monday that the neutral country is prepared to act as mediator to help resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, including by hosting ministerial talks.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing that China has noticed the statement made by Switzerland.

"China welcomes and encourages all ideas and suggestions that are conducive to easing tensions and confrontation, boosting mutual trust, restarting dialogue at an early date and resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," said Geng.

"We also welcome countries to play a constructive role in resolving the issue," he said.

Geng said the mainstream opinion of the international community is for the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to be resolved via dialogue and negotiation in a peaceful way.

"We hope relevant parties can heed the rational voices of the international community and keep calm, rather than be provocative and fan the flames," he said.

"Military actions are not an effective choice and sanctions are not the fundamental way out for the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," Geng added.

The DPRK launched its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, which has been widely condemned by the international community.
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The German Alternative for Germany (AfD), Greens (Gruene), Free Democratic Party (FDP) and The Left (Linke) parties became embroiled in a heated televised debate on migration on Monday night.

The ARD format was designed as a counterpoint to an earlier TV duel between SPD candidate Martin Schulz and incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU).

In contrast to the Schulz-Merkel exchange, the five small parties were fast to point out their differences to potential voters. The subject of refugee policy assumed special prominence in this context, with candidates offering radically-opposed views on how Germany should respond to the challenge of mass migration.

CSU politician and Bavarian regional Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann called for the prolonging of an existing temporary ban on family re-unification for refugees.

Reports have suggested that 390,000 Syrians could bring relatives to Germany without the ban in place. Given the outcomes of asylum applications between 2015 and 2016, there is a potential for 267,500 individuals to enter the country in this fashion. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has said that she will only decide on whether or not to prolong the existing ban if she is re-elected.

Greens candidate Cem Oezdemir argued in favor of enabling family-reunification which he described as an important condition for successful integration. He was attacked by FDP candidate Christian Lindner who accused the Greens of blocking the deportation of certain groups of migrants without the right to remain in Germany by preventing the classification of their countries of origin as safe.

AfD candidate Alice Weidel advocated in favor of an even stricter regime than the CSU and FDP, proposing an annual limit of 10,000 for migrants who are granted subsidiary protection in Germany. Subsidiary protection is granted to individuals who are not categorized as refugees according to the United Nation's Geneva Convention but face a serious threat to their lives in their country of origin.

Under pressure to take a stance on whether he wanted to impose a limit or not -- a question which has caused serious a rift between the governing CDU and CSU sister parties -- Herrmann said that his party was in favor of a general cap of 200,000 refugees who could be admitted to Germany each year. The CDU, SPD, Greens, The Left party and FDP all reject such a measure.

The Left candidate Sarah Wagenknecht was further keen to emphasize the underlying causes of forced migration. She blamed the Federal Government for allowing the economic exploitation of developing nations which in turn led millions of people to leave their homes in search of a better life.

The five small parties also clashed on the future of the German automotive industry during the debate. Oezdmir reiterated the Green party's demand to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 onwards.

This ambitious plan was met with heavy resistance by Weidel who said that the AfD wanted to guarantee the survival of petrol motors. Addressing the issue as well, Wagenknecht complained about the government's lack of courage in forcing carmakers to conduct and pay for retro-fittings of diesel motors.

If recent opinion polls prove correct, there is a possibility that the Greens, CSU and FDP could become part of a CDU/CSU FDP, a CDU/CSU Greens, or even a CDU/CSU FDP and Greens coalition. A coalition between the SPD and Left party is unlikely to be arithmetically possible. No other party is currently willing to form a coalition with the AfD.
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Israeli forces on Tuesday evicted a Palestinian family from the East Jerusalem home in which they lived for more than 50 years after an Israeli court ruled that Israelis are its legal owners.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that police officer carried out earlier on Tuesday a court order to evict the eight-member Shamasne family from the home in the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, including a mother and a father in their eighties.

It was the first time such an eviction has been carried out in Sheikh Jarrah since 2009.

The Shamasne family ran a legal struggle for years to prevent their eviction, where they lived since 1964.

Following a petition submitted by the Israel Land Fund, a settler association that buys or takes over Palestinian-held property, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the legal owner of the house is a Jewish family that fled the area after the Jordanian army took over East Jerusalem in the 1948 war.

Under Israeli law, Jews are allowed to claim property that they have abandoned before 1948. Palestinians are not allowed to claim back their pre-1948 property.

A spokesperson for Taayush, an Israeli human rights group, said that Israeli settlers already moved in the building.

In the 1967 Middle East war, Israel seized East Jerusalem along with the rest of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Shortly afterward, Israel annexed East Jerusalem and claimed it part of its "indivisible capital," in a move never recognized internationally.
By Mu Xuequan, Xinhua | Sep. 05, 2017

Air transport officials of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are gathering in Laos to discuss the ASEAN Single Aviation Market, which is seen as one of the key milestones in developing the ASEAN Economic Community.

The ASEAN officials reaffirmed their commitment to driving their vision and dreams one step closer to becoming reality in the near future, according to the 36th ASEAN Air Transport Working Group (ATWG) and other related meetings which kicked off Monday in the Lao capital Vientiane.

At the meeting, which is scheduled to last till Thursday, officials will focus on key decisions reached at the previous ATWG meeting, particularly completing key economic and technical elements to implement the open skies policy, Director General of Lao Civil Aviation Department Vanhpheng Chanthaphone said.

Vanhpheng, who is also chair of the ATWG, said the meeting also focused on key performance indicators to monitor the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategy Plan, which is targeted for submission to the 43rd Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) for consideration and approval.

The ASEAN Single Aviation Market, also known as the ASEAN Open Sky Agreement/Policy, is the region's major aviation policy. It is geared towards the development of a unified and single aviation market among ASEAN members in Southeast Asia.
That a new, knottier round of crisis would break out after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday was immediately clear, as was the fact it would not end any time soon.

With the dust the nuclear test raised and the verbal volleys of reactions it invited yet to settle down, come reports of Pyongyang preparing to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile, which, needless to say, would further raise the hackles of the United States and Japan, and make Northeast Asia's security yet more uncertain.

What the US thinks about the DPRK found expression in its ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley's remarks. The DPRK leader was begging for war, she said on Monday while urging the UN Security Council to impose the strongest sanctions possible on Pyongyang to stop its nuclear program.

The same day, US President Donald Trump told ROK President Moon Jae-in on the telephone that he would support "in principle" Seoul fitting its missiles with heavier warheads as deterrence against Pyongyang, while the ROK said it would clear the installation of four more batteries of the Thermal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile.

Such threats of war are the last thing China wants, not least because a war would end its decades of efforts to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula in devastation, which would serve no parties' interest.

Unfortunately, the other stakeholders seem to feel otherwise, as neither the US nor the DPRK is ready to budge from its position. If this vicious circle of US threats and DPRK provocations continues, the situation one day is bound to reach a tipping point. And if either side exhausts its patience and uses even a conventional weapon, the consequences of what would follow would be catastrophic.

It may already be late but not too late to give negotiations, sincere and serious, another chance. All the stakeholders, except perhaps the DPRK, want to denuclearize the peninsula. And perhaps none, certainly not China, wants a war. Why can't then all the stakeholders use these two factors as key to begin, at least, informal talks?

The US is worried that the DPRK is inching closer to possessing nuclear weapons. But the DPRK has reached that point to counter the perceived threats, including those from the US, to its security. If Pyongyang gets a sincere assurance that its security is no longer threatened, it might, as in the past, see some reason for taking part in talks.

Sanctions have not deterred Pyongyang from its quest, nor have military threats. China has been right about their ineffectiveness, and is almost certainly right about the effectiveness of negotiations.
BEIJING - Chinese authorities on Monday ordered a ban on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), a nascent form of fundraising in which technology start-ups issue their own digital coins, or "tokens", to investors to access funds as the rapidly expanding market spawned concerns over financial risks.

Starting Monday, ICO activities should be halted, and ICO platforms should not engage in exchange services between fiat currencies, virtual coins and tokens, said a statement from the People's Bank of China.

"ICOs, in essence, are a kind of unauthorized and illegal public fundraising, which is suspected of being related to criminal activities such as financial fraud and pyramid schemes," the statement said.

Following the news, the value of virtual currencies include Bitcoin immediately plummeted.

ICOs allowed companies to issue "tokens," or cryptocurrencies, to investors in exchange for currencies of more liquid value such as Bitcoin, without the need to follow rules associated with traditional channels such as IPOs.

Unlike IPOs, in which investors buy stocks in companies, investors in ICOs receive digital coins developed by the firms, which could appreciate in value if the companies fare well and demand for their currencies grows.

ICOs, once a game confined to a few, have taken off this year in China, attracting more players -- both innovators and scammers -- and catching the attention of regulators.

The move came as media outlet Caixin reported on Monday that the leading work group for risk prevention in Internet finance had issued a notice asking local authorities to conduct thorough inspections of ICOs and halt new coin issuance.

Last Wednesday, the National Internet Finance Association of China also alerted investors to risks associated with ICOs due to insufficient information disclosure and lack of protections for investors.

As word of possible regulation spread, two of China's leading ICO platforms, ICOAGE and ICOINFO, halted services.

The first token sale occurred in 2013, when Mastercoin sold its own digital tokens and raised 5,000 bitcoins, the most popular cryptocurrency.

In 2014, blockchain-based platform Ethereum raised more than 30,000 bitcoins.

With the value of such virtual currencies surging this year, ICOs have lured more investors eager to make a quick buck.

Data from Chinese trading platform Huobi.com showed the value of Bitcoin had jumped 59 percent in August alone, while Ethereum had surged 88.2 percent.

This year, 65 ICOs in China raised 2.62 billion yuan from 105,000 investors in the country, according to a report from the National Committee of Experts on the Internet Financial Security Technology.

Though the boom has helped tech companies access much-needed funds for development, it has also created fertile ground for scammers looking to take money from ignorant investors under the guise of ICOs, which could threaten the country's financial stability if left unchecked.

"From the perspective of issuers, investors and the market, ICOs have their risks," deputy head of Renmin University of China Law School Yang Dong told China Financial News, a news outlet of the central bank.

Analysts have advised that regulation of ICOs should focus on registration of financial products, proper information disclosure and underlying project quality.

Governments in other countries have started to take note of risks.

In a notice on Aug. 28, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warned investors about potential scams involving stocks of companies claiming a relationship to or engagement with ICOs.

China's latest regulation came as authorities have repeatedly highlighted the importance of containing financial risk as the country faces a build-up of debt, and booming new financial products challenge regulations.

Since China's tone-setting economic conference last December pledged to make preventing financial risk a priority, regulators from the banking, securities and insurance sectors have made solid efforts to clean up the market.
By sharing its Sufficiency Economy Philosophy model, Thailand is helping other developing nations achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Of the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the final one  revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development  may be the most compelling of all. The only way we can build a better world is by working together. So many of the challenges we face, from climate change to eradicating diseases, are borderless. Although we measure results on a nation-by-nation basis, unless nations can find ways to work together for the good of our planet and its people, our future will ultimately be unsustainable.

As the 2016 chair of the Group of 77  the largest coalition of developing nations at the United Nations  the Kingdom of Thailand made its primary mission to enhance cooperation between north and south, as well as strengthen south-south cooperation. This exchange of resources, technology and knowledge between developing countries, often referred to as the Global South, can be complementary to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As chair country, Thailand worked to transform this vision into action. Even before its chairmanship, Thailand had been sharing its own model of development among countries grappling with the challenges of a changing world. That model is known as the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

Initiated by the late monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej through decades of working to improve the lives of his nation's poor people, the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy is an approach that is based on moderation, reasonableness and prudent decision-making. It prescribes living in harmony with the environment and making wise use of resources in order to build resilience and wellbeing. Its principles can be applied to farmers, communities, businesses and nations. In the context of the philosophy, sufficiency does not mean living in isolation. It calls for communities to work together for the common good  the essence of partnerships.

Thailand understands the value of working together. Once a country in need of development assistance, Thailand is now a donor nation, providing funds and sharing its knowledge, technical assistance, scholarships and capacity building with less developed nations. In 2015, the Kingdom provided $78 million in Official Development Assistance to other countries through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, while foreign direct investment surpassed $58 billion, with much of it going to the developing world.

While generous funding is important, even more value lies in Thailand's willingness to share its knowledge and experience with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. To date, representatives from 105 countries have participated in workshops, seminars and training courses hosted by Thailand on the philosophy and its applications.

Thailand has been partnering with several countries to help them implement their own development projects based on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy principles and methods. Timor-Leste is employing decision-making processes based on the philosophy's framework for sustainable agriculture projects and to support the launch of small businesses. Cambodia has established a Sufficiency Economy village as a pilot for more communities. Indonesia is using sufficiency principles shared by Thai advisors for ecological farming projects that raise income and quality of life for villagers. Neighbouring Myanmar is also working with Thai partners to establish sustainable development centers and rural development projects on sufficiency principles.

Far beyond Asia, the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy is being adopted for the benefits of local people. In the southern African nation of Lesotho, Thailand has supported the establishment of a center to introduce integrated farming and agro-forestry farming that is protecting that nation's environment, while providing greater food security and livelihoods for participants. Several nations in South America have also been applying approaches based on the philosophy.

"Development approaches like the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of Thailand, that promote development with values, which not only complement the [SDG] agenda, but our own national development framework, will certainly help us in implementing the SDGs," Guillame Long, Ecuador's Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the UN General Assembly last year.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 will require commitment and perseverance. For some countries in the Global South with limited resources and capacities, the task at hand may appear enormous. Despite its own limitations, Thailand achieved the Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule, owing a significant degree of that success to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Thailand is willing to partner with any country seeking knowledge, expertise and a proven path to sustainable development. Because there is only one way to build a better world  and that way is together.
China Merchants Port Holdings Co Ltd announced on Monday that it had agreed to purchase 90 percent of TCP Participacoes SA, the operator of Brazil's second largest container terminal, for HK$7.23 billion ($924 million).

The move illustrates the Hong Kong-based CMPort's ambition to further expand its presence in Latin America.

According to a public filing, the investment will allow the group to further "consolidate its position globally" by boosting its market share in Latin America.

CMPort's parent company China Merchants Group was established in 1872. Its three core businesses are transportation, finance and property.

The deal is also expected to help CMPort develop its logistics network, increase exports and imports, build more industrial zones and set up potential residential projects.

"Brazil, as the largest economy in Latin America, has huge market potential, coupled with abundant resources and reserves. The transaction will help the two sides achieve their commercial objectives, and enhance bilateral economic and trade ties," the group's announcement quoted Hu Jianhua, its deputy general manager, as saying.

Hu said Brazil is a member of the BRICS group and China's most important comprehensive strategic partner and trading partner. The transaction is in line with CMG's goal to deepen cooperation with BRICS members.

The deal will be funded by a combination of the group's internal resources and external debt financing, according to the filing.

Based in the city of Curitiba, TCP mainly operates a container terminal concession in the Port of Paranagua, Brazil's second-largest container terminal.

Its total assets were around HK$8.042 billion, as of 30 June this year.

TPC's annual container throughput now stands at 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units, which will be increased to 2.4 million TEUs per year upon completion of the company's expansion plan to be carried out from later this year to the second half of 2019, according to the filing.

Located in a sheltered bay that offers good navigating conditions and 24-hour access, TCP is the second-largest container terminal in Brazil.

Bai Jingtao, CMPort's managing director, said: "The TCP project not only lays the foundation for CMPort to enter Brazil, but also serves as a hub to facilitate the ever-increasing commodity and goods trade flow between Brazil and China."

"In future, CMPort will continue to leverage its experience of operating international port and local connectivity to help TCP succeed as one of the leading ports in Brazil as well as in Latin America."
China Communications Construction Co Ltd is close to a deal to invest in and construct a grain handling port in Santa Catarina, the latest move to facilitate grain trade between China and Brazil.

That's according to a memorandum of understanding recently agreed between CCCC and Brazil's Anessa fund, the port's current controlling shareholder.

The two sides are expected to sign a purchase agreement on Dec 31. The value of the transaction and other financial terms were not disclosed.

The port, called Terminal Graneleiro da Babitonga, is located in city of Sao Francisco do Sul. The city sits on the northern end of the Island of Sao Francisco at the entrance to Babitonga Bay.

According to CCCC's announcement, it is the company's first investment in Brazil's grain handling port.

The project was jointly developed by CCCC's unit in South America and Brazil's Anessa fund. The Chinese company will take charge of the port's operations.

Located in the populous southeastern part of Brazil, the Saint Cartarina coast is home to Brazil's major grain production base. The project will also improve the logistics for grain products in southern Brazil and create a lot of job opportunities for local people.
People ride shared bikes in Wuhan, Hubei province, June 26, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

WUHAN - Central China's Wuhan has banned any more shared bikes from being stationed in the city from Monday.

The number of shared bikes in the urban area of Wuhan has neared 700,000, which exceeds the carrying capacity of the city (400,000), according to an official statement.

Five shared bike companies including ofo and Mobike have been in Wuhan since December. Their rapid expansion has led to parking chaos, safety hazards and obstructions in crowded areas such as subway entrances, shopping malls, bus stations and even highways.

The government informed the companies and those fail to comply will face further controls.

In the meantime, Wuhan will develop a data monitoring platform to manage the existing shared bikes.

Over the weekend, the city government agreed to mark off or designate about 2,500 km of non-motor lanes in downtown area, mainly for shared bikes.

According to BigData-Research, 19 million people used shared bikes last year and that number is expected to rise to 50 million this year. Authorities in cities such as Shanghai and Tianjin already have regulated the sector.
Chinese tourists sit at the esplanade of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Oct 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - Chinese outbound tourism has witnessed "explosive growth" in the past 10 years, and the trend is likely to be maintained in the next decade, Ctrip CEO Sun Jie said Monday.

Chinese mainland travelers made more than 120 million outbound trips in 2015, 313 percent more than 2005, according to a report released earlier by Ctrip, China's leading online travel agency, and the think tank Center for China and Globalization.

In the first half of 2017, 62 million overseas trips were made by Chinese tourists, the China National Tourism Administration said in a statement last month.

"About 15 million outbound tourists chose Ctrip annually. Their trips abroad have created, directly and indirectly, up to 100 million jobs worldwide," according to Sun.

Sun said China's tourism cooperation with BRICS countries will become closer and tourists can enjoy benefits in everything from visas to flights in the future.

Figures released by the World Economic Forum in 2017 showed that tourism last year stimulated the economy by generating more than $7.6 trillion globally, supporting over 292 million jobs, or one in 10 jobs worldwide.
[Photo/VCG]

Ma Jun, chief economist of the research bureau of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, called for capacity building for the development of green financing at an event in Beijing on Monday.

Now that the domestic and international community has reached a policy consensus on green financing, "a more arduous task will be capacity building at various levels", said Ma, who is also head of the Green Finance Committee of the China Society for Finance and Banking.

He called for improvement in capacity to develop analytical methodology and tools, to create a variety of green finance products and to train talents.

Capacity building

Many institutions in China are not aware of the tools for analyzing environmental risks, such as scenario and sensitivity analysis tools, which can help them to fund more capital into low carbon and green industries, Ma said.

There is a lack of awareness about how to quantify the benefits and costs of environmental projection projects, he added.

"If you invest in a green project, you should know how much the project can cut carbon emissions, reduce sewage discharge or save energy. These should be all quantified and require a lot of research and development work," he said.

Ma also called for capacity building in development green financing products. He gave examples of how insurance products for green projects, asset-backed securities and carbon emissions rights collateral products can play a positive role in green financing, urging banks, insurance, securities and asset management companies to do more research in this regard.

"Green finance also requires a lot of talents," said Ma, pointing to the shortage of talents at local governments and banking intuitions.

He spoke highly of the efforts made by the International Institute of Green Finance of the Central University of Finance and Economics in training specialty talents and encouraged it to do more.

The institute, established in September last year, was the country's first institution committed to promoting the development of green finance. It aims to become a leading international think tank for green finance, according to Wang Yao, head of the institute.

Policy support

China's State Council specified for the first time that the country will establish a green finance system in a document on ecological system reform released in September 2015.

In August 2016, the PBOC and several ministries published a guideline on building the green finance system which included 35 suggestions.

In June this year, the State Council approved a plan for developing five new green finance pilot zones in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Guizhou and Jiangxi provinces, as well as in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

These indicated green financing has become a national strategy with concrete measures, Ma said.

In the global front, green financing was included into the G20 Leaders Communique at the Hangzhou summit in September last year, signaling another step forward for the mainstreaming of green financing globally, said Ma.

Boosted by the government's pledge to green development and policy incentives, China's green finance market has boomed since last year.

According to credit rating agency Moody's, China accounted for nearly 40 percent of new green bond last year, followed by the United States, France and Germany.

Data from the China Central Depository and Clearing Co Ltd showed China issued 79.39 billion yuan ($11.52 billion) of green bonds in the first six months this year, up 33.6 percent from the same period last year and accounting for 20.6 percent of the global total.

In an earlier event in March, Ma estimated that China needs at least 2 trillion yuan of green investment annually over the next five years to promote environmental protection and reduce pollution.
JINAN - Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, has been granted a $150 million loan from the Asian Development Bank to build an urban transit system.

The loan is to finance a green trolley bus project, the Shandong provincial department of finance said. Total investment of the project is 2.7 billion yuan ($411 million).

It aims to develop a modern trolley bus network and to improve urban transport environment in Jinan, by reducing emissions and congestion in the city.

Jinan has a population of 7.2 million, but development of downtown underground metro lines have been restricted by the city's numerous springs, making modern bus services more important.

Jinan ranked as the country's most congested city during the first quarter of 2016, followed by Beijing and Hangzhou, according to a report by map service provider AMAP and a Tsinghua University transport research center.

"Through the project, we aim to build a zero-emissions urban transit system while protecting the environment and culture of the city," said Li Xuechun, director of international cooperation at the department.
China has issued 1 billion social security cards as it works towards its goal of providing them to 90 percent of the population by 2020, the Beijing News reported Tuesday.

China aims to have full coverage of social insurance, steadily raise the level of social security pooling, establish a more convenient social insurance transfer and renewal mechanism, and implement social security card system to ensure that 90 percent of the population enjoys social security coverage in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

Since the first social security card was issued in Shanghai in 1999, about 72 percent of the Chinese population have received a card, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said.

Six major functions of social security cards including electronic vouchers, information records, self-service inquiries, medical settlement and payment, have been popularized and the functions are expanding, the Ministry said.

People with a social security card can settle their medical bills in over 90 percent of Chinese cities. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security is promoting direct settlement of trans-provincial medical expenses, according to the report.

The social security card has also been approved for other government public services such as civil affairs, health care, provident fund, disabled services and agriculture-related subsidies, the report said.

The Ministry started to distribute the third-generation social security cards on Friday. They have a new swiping function and support direct settlement of trans-provincial medical expenses in cooperation with the People's Bank of China, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The card is also expected to be used online and people can used it via mobiles to reduce the time it takes to register, skip long queues and pay for treatment, according to the 2020 internet plus action plan by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
SYDNEY -- Often overlooked in terms of the broader world view, the nations of the South Pacific are primed with tremendous growth opportunities over the next few decades, with tourism from China pegged as one of the most promising aspects of their development.

In a new report set to be released on Thursday by the World Bank entitled Pacific Possible, and obtained early by Xinhua, coinciding with the Pacific Islands Forum underway this week in Apia, the capital of Samoa, a number of key ways in which the enormous potential of these fledgling nations may be realised over the next 25 years is outlined, with increased tourism from China's burgeoning middle class high atop that list.

One of the key contributors to the report, economist at the World Bank Kim Edwards told Xinhua recently that welcoming these tourists from China with open arms will be vital for the future of the economic success of the Pacific Island nations.

"I think in most cases there is definitely appetite for more tourists, and China obviously has a very significant and growing middle class, which can provide very important market for the tourism sectors in these countries," Edwards said.

"The Pacific countries need to actually take advantage of this market more, and really take full advantage of the opportunities that the Chinese market provides. The region is open and ready for more and more Chinese tourists."

The emphasis on China's middle class is paramount, according to the World Bank report, which said that it is expected to increase from the 54 million people who were classified as middle class in 2005, to over 1 billion by the year 2030, with this unprecedented growth bringing many fruitful pathways to increased tourism in the Pacific.

Taking advantage of these opportunities is inherently difficult for many of these nations, because aside from Papua New Guinea with a population of 8.05 million people as of 2016, none of the other 11 major nations in the region have a population of over 1 million, with Fiji, the second largest country, coming in at roughly 898,000 citizens as of 2016, which makes securing finance for capital investment harder in the region.

In order to source the investment required to fully capture the Chinese tourism market and the economic potential that brings, Edwards said that these Pacific nations must play their part in ensuring that the conditions are conducive to those seeking to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with the region.

"I think in large part it's making sure that the opportunities are viable in realistic and making that case to private sector investors. So, obviously the development of a high end resorts as part of a specific strategy for example, will very much depend on foreign investment coming in to set up these hotels and resorts," Edwards said.

"That, in turn, depends on measures to really improve the investment and business environment in some of these countries. The question is whether the business environment and the environment for investment can improve commensurately to take advantage of those opportunities."

The positive impact of the recent waves of Chinese tourism has been felt in countries such as Vanuatu, with many in the tourism sector there rapidly adapting to and welcoming, more Chinese visitors to their country.

One such operator, Mike Thompson of Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, told Xinhua recently that Chinese tourism to Vanuatu has been a relatively new trend, but one which is rapidly expanding, much to the benefit of the country as a whole.

"We've had our first Chinese cruise ship a couple of months back and it's certainly growing, so Chinese investment in Vanuatu has been growing quite significantly," Thompson said.

"We've seen people, and companies from China buying up large tourism and development sites, and basically looking towards the future, so we expect significant growth."

In order to better cater to people from China who visit, Thompson said he has taken many steps to further enhance the person-to-person communication, and cooperation between his company and others from China, as well as adapting his services to better cater to the tourists who visit his operation.

"We have translated our brochures into simplified Chinese, we have produced the video and safety video in Chinese, making it easier for the guests who come," Thompson said

"When we have days when we are expecting significant number of Chinese guests, we have a couple of teenage Chinese students in Port Vila who we reach out to, and they come and work for us, and also they are able to participate in the tour and translate when required."

One of the key ways that Thompson believed the immense tourism opportunities can be fully realised is by further forging partnership between China and surrounding nations, like Australia, much in the same vein as the recent announcement by Hainan Airlines that will see direct flights between the city of Shenzhen in China, and the northern Australian city of Cairns.

With the city then potentially serving as a hub for the South Pacific for Chinese tourists, Thompson hopes that this will open up direct flights between Cairns and the major capitals of the South Pacific nations which will not only see more travellers from China being able to enjoy the islands, but also being able to do so more conveniently and efficiently.

"If they're using two days to travel to Port Vila, and two days to travel back, it doesn't leave enough time for a holiday. So, they really need a reasonable connection, a two, or three hour gap in the connection, or a direct flight."

But direct flights to the region from places like China are critical to the growth of these nations, according to the World Bank report, which stresses that the dependence of Pacific countries of tourist on-flow from places like Australia and New Zealand must be curtailed in order for them to reach their full potential.

"(The growth potential) requires direct connections between those markets and the Pacific nations, avoiding the hubs of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Guam." the report said.

In order to do this, the report suggests a number of steps to increase the Chinese tourism market in particular, such as the negotiation of new routes between the Chinese mainland and the Pacific islands, tailoring services to Chinese tourists, building relationships with Chinese wholesalers, and importantly, making the visa process easier for Chinese tourists to visit these island getaways.

The hope is that these potential-laden nations can follow the successful lead of other island countries, such as the Maldives and Seychelles, that have experienced significant growth after fostering robust partnership with China, driven by tourists, with tourism accounting for 27.9 percent of the GDP of the Maldives in 2013.

"(The Maldives) have successfully attracted the Chinese market through a combination of marketing and easing direct flight access. China grew from nearly zero to over 30 percent of the market in an eight-year period, making it the top source market since 2010." the report said.

With over 122 million Chinese outbound tourists in 2016 alone - and that number set to skyrocket over the coming decades - the opportunities for the Pacific island nations to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with China are immense, which will lead to a more prosperous, and culturally rewarding future for the region, the report added.
BEIJING -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced Tuesday that it would provide up to $210 million in debt financing to tap renewable energy in Egypt.

The project will consist of 11 greenfield solar power plants with an aggregate capacity of 490 mW, according to an AIIB statement.

"We are supporting this project because it contributes to Egypt's renewable energy capacity and will help position the country as a regional energy hub, which will have economic benefits for the entire region," said D.J. Pandian, AIIB vice-president and chief investment officer.

This solar power project will increase Egypt's power generation capacity, reduce the country's dependence on gas and fuel for electricity generation, and will help the country meet its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement as it moves towards an environmentally sustainable energy mix, according to the AIIB.

Egypt's huge solar resources, together with its strategic vision for green growth, will allow this project to generate global environmental benefits by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions of more than half a million tons of CO2 per year.

The program will increase Egypt's generation capacity so it can export energy during peak hours and improve its connectivity in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, the AIIB statement said.

The project will be co-financed by AIIB and the International Financial Corporation, and is attracting additional lenders from the private sector and bilateral financial institutions, according to the statement.

As of July, the AIIB has approved a total of $2.8 billion in loans for 17 projects.

With 80 members so far, the Beijing-based AIIB was officially established in December 2015 and was opened for business in January 2016. China is the largest shareholder of the AIIB with 27.5 percent of voting rights.

On July 18 this year, S&P Global Ratings announced it had assigned AIIB "its highest possible rating and a stable outlook," following top-notch credit ratings from Moody's on June 29 and Fitch on July 13.
Technical workers assemble engines at a plant in Yiwu, Zhejiang province.[Photo provided for China Daily] Companies should consider outside investment, mergers, premier says

Premier Li Keqiang promised more incentives to boost high-end manufacturing in China during a visit to Huaxiang Group, a private steel-casting company in Linfen, Shanxi provincepart of a two-day visit to the area on Monday and Tuesday.

The company's moves to retain top-level professional engineers have brought success, turning it into a major supplier for a number of overseas automobile companies. Huaxiang provides an annual salary of 3 million yuan ($456,000) to some of its top craftsmen, four times that of the company's CEO.

Li spoke warmly about the approach as he talked with some of the craftsmen from whom young workers have learned, noting that providing better incentives to lure talent in high-end manufacturing is also a key strategy for the country as it seeks to shift from old economic drivers to new ones.

"We should pass on the spirit of craftsmanship from one generation to another, so that the idea of Made in China will be competitive not only in terms of prices but also in quality," Li said.

Also on Tuesday, Li visited Linfen Iron and Steel Co to learn about the region's efforts in cutting outdated capacity. The company, which is affiliated with Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Corp, stopped most of its outdated operations in 2016, and 10,000 workers have been relocated with new jobs. Among them, more than 2,500 have started their own businesses.

"These workers may be seen as a burden for a company with outdated capacity, but their talent may be in demand when they find new and more suitable jobs," Li said, calling on companies to focus on developing high-end products.

Companies that rely on traditional models should be open to private investment, mergers and reorganization, Li said, adding that China is determined to phase out outdated and excess industrial capacity as a key part of its structural reform, especially as coal prices have been rising again in recent months. The idea is to truly make room for new economic growth drivers, he said.

Li also visited the Shigejie Coal Mine, which ceased production of low-quality coal in 2016, and poverty-stricken Chengzhuang village in the Taihang Mountains to learn about local poverty alleviation and medical services.
Visitors gather around the Huawei Stand at the International Radio exhibition held in Berlin, Germany. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A new artificial-intelligence-powered chipset is set to help Huawei Technologies Co compete more effectively with Apple Inc in the autumn smartphone battle, when the two are scheduled to release new flagship models, analysts said on Monday.

Roger Sheng, a senior analyst at research company Gartner Inc, said "the Kirin 970 chipset marks a big improvement from its predecessor, giving Huawei a major edge when competing head-to-head with Apple".

The new processor, unveiled by the Shenzhen-based company on Saturday in Berlin, allows super-fast computation capabilities, a strong image-recognition ability and other features. It will power Huawei's upcoming Mate 10 smartphone, set to launch in October to compete with Apple's 10th-anniversary iPhone, which will be unveiled next week.

The chip is part of Huawei's broad push to better integrate AI into its hardware, as smartphones are increasingly intertwined with the cutting-edge technology to better recognize users' voice and image, as well as understand their demand.

Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, said although AI work will be done in the cloud, on-device AI computation will continue to grow, with the need for sensors to operate without waiting to send any information back and forth over wireless connections.

"Mobile AI must be driven by both on-device AI and cloud AI. That is the focus of Huawei's AI strategy in consumer business," Yu said.

He added that consumers who attach high importance to privacy and security are also driving up demand for smartphones with built-in AI capabilities.

Huawei, which started as a telecom equipment maker, has emerged as the world's third-largest smartphone maker in recent years, following closely behind Apple and Samsung Electronics Corp.

The new Kirin 970 processor is produced using an improved 10 nanometer process instead of the old 12 nanometer process. It can process data faster while using less power, Huawei said in a statement.

Jia Mo, an analyst at global consultancy Canalys, said Apple is highly likely to be working on similar AI chips.

"AI has been a buzzword in the smartphone sector since last year. But innovative products only started to pop up earlier this year," Jia said.

Huawei has been steadily expanding its presence beyond China after it grabbed the top spot at home. In the second quarter, Huawei outcompeted Apple as the second largest smartphone vendor in central and eastern Europe, with a market share of 12 percent, data from Canalys show.
Cheng Wei, Didi Chuxing founder and CEO. [Photo/IC]

Chinese ride-hailing juggernaut Didi Chuxing has invested in the world's top seven ride-hailing platforms in the past two years, according to a report by ifeng.com.

Didi founder and chief executive officer Cheng Wei said China was leading the world in online transportation service so internationalization was the most important strategic next step.

Didi has invested in Brazilia's 99, India's Ola, Estonia-based Taxify that operates in Europe and Africa, Careem in Middle East, Southeast Asia's Grab and Uber, as well as Uber's US rival Lyft.

Cheng, who attended the Business Forum of the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Monday said Didi aims at a future-oriented win-win cooperation rather than a zero-sum game.

He said the internationalization Didi desires is not competitive-oriented but cooperation-oriented.

"Instead of competing with local companies or overturning local traditional industries, what we look forward to is exporting the innovative models and technologies in solving traffic problems that we have learned in China in the past years, as well as capital cities," Cheng explained.

As an example, he said Didi's engineer group in Brazil has greatly advanced the local online transport service.

In January, the company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Brazil's leading ride-sharing firm 99, becoming a strategic investor and taking a seat on its board of directors.

Besides capital, Didi promised it will provide strategic support to 99 such as technology, products, operational experience and business planning, helping the company expand markets in Brazil and Latin America, according to a report by National Business Daily.

Since investing in Indian ride-sharing leader Ola in September 2015, Didi has partnered with Ola in exploring products and technologies, as well as sharing experiences in big data algorithms and business operations, tech.163.com reported.

Back in August 2015, Didi invested in Grab, the taxi-hailing app that rivals Uber in Southeast Asia. That was its first investment in the ride-hailing sector and the first step of the Beijing-based company's global expansion.

Grab co-founder and CEO Anthony Tan said Didi and Grab respect each other like brothers and this kind of partnership ensures the company serves the local market better, the Wall Street Journal reported, National Business Daily cited.

The past two years experience has made Cheng realize the speed of the Chinese new economy's global expansion is faster than other traditional industries.

"China will lead the world in the sharing economy and become the center of transportation reform in the following 10 years," Cheng expected.
Li Jianwen carries his schoolbag and prepares to leave for the Dayandong Primary School in Dayandong village of Guzhai Mulao township in Liucheng county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Sept 4, 2017. The 9-year-old boy climbs two mountains and walks one and a half hour to reach his school every day. The village has about 100 households and 360 villagers. Since last year, all students over the third grade have been transferred to the town, leaving Li Jianwen alone at the primary school. Pan Shanji, the school teacher, once worried whether Li Jianwen would keep going to school, but Li proved that he could not only stick to it but also study hard. [Photo/Xinhua]
New commander pledges more exercises with foreign militaries

The Chinese Air Force will continue to transform from a territorial air defense unit into an extended arm capable of protecting national interests wherever they exist, according to its new commander.

Lieutenant General Ding Laihang said that as China becomes stronger and security challenges continue to emerge, the military is striving to ensure it can safeguard national interests anywhere in the world.

"In the past, our strategies and guidelines focused on territorial air defense. Now we have been shifting our attention to honing our ability in terms of long-range strategic projection and long-range strike," he told China National Radio for an article published on Sunday.

"A strategic force must go out," he said. "We will continue to carry out long-distance training over oceans."

Ding's predecessor, General Ma Xiaotian, who stepped down in late August, had earlier said the Air Force "cannot simply guard on land and not fly out" in response to questions on Japan's concerns about the People's Liberation Army's "increasing activities" over the Sea of Japan.

Ma said it is normal for the PLA Air Force to conduct training exercises over the sea, adding that "the Sea of Japan is not Japan's sea".

Not long after Ma's comments, six Chinese H-6K bombers flew through the Miyako Strait between the islands of Okinawa and Miyako in the East China Sea and approached the Kii Peninsula. This was the first time the PLA Air Force had flown that route, Japanese media reported.

In Sunday's article, Ding pledged that the Air Force will intensify its realistic aerial combat drills and continue to carry out exercises with foreign militaries.

Wang Yanan, editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said the Air Force will have two priorities as it moves toward becoming a capable strategic force.

"First, as a lot of new aircraft have been delivered, it must figure out how to make these new planes combat-ready as soon as possible and how to maintain them, as they are different from the old types," he said.

"For instance, the Air Force now has Y-20 heavy-lift transport jets, but it needs to design methods and gain experience when it comes to airdropping armored vehicles," he said. "Owning advanced weapons doesn't equate to being able to use them well."

The second priority is that the Air Force must improve its capabilities in coordinating different types of aircraft and air defense missiles in an operation, and also nurture joint operation capabilities with other services, like the PLA Navy and Rocket Force, Wang added.

Citing the new-generation strategic bomber that is under development, Wang suggested the Air Force start studying the plane's usage in future warfare and work closely with designers to make sure the engine and flight-control system are good and reliable.
Premier Li Keqiang talks with Zhang Zhiqiang, a coal miner, at Zhang's home in Changzhi, Shanxi province, as Zhang's daughter holds his arm. Zhang was relocated to another mine after the place he used to work was closed amid the country's push to cut overcapacity. LIU ZHEN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Coal mines that are closed during China's push to cut overcapacity should transform their old economic drivers and offer better assistance to miners needing job relocation, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday.

Li made the call on Monday morning while visiting a coal mine in Changzhi, Shanxi province. The mine, Shigejie, which has operated for more than 90 years and was among China's largest coal producers during the 1960s, halted operations last year due to the low-quality coal it produced and its outdated operational facilities.

In 2016, all 2,816 employees at Shigejie were helped to find new jobs.

The closure was part of the 23.25 million metric tons of annual coal capacity Shanxi phased out last yearthe largest cuts across China.

"The mines we phased out were outdated ones, but it does not mean our workforce is outdated. They will improve their skills through training," Li said.

In January 2016, Li paid a visit to the Guandi coal mine in Taiyuan, Shanxi, right after the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2015 that vowed the country would cut industrial capacity, especially in iron, steel and coal.

Most of the employees laid off at Shigejie now work at two coal mines affiliated to the Lu An Coal Mine Group, while others found work in nearby service sectors.

Zhang Zhiqiang, a 32-year-old miner, told Li that coal prices had been low in recent years, and the coal Shigejie produced was of low quality because of its high sulfur content.

"Coal mine workers have made an important contribution to China's economic development over the past decades. While working deep in the dark underground, you've lit the way for the country," Li said as he stood in front of hundreds of miners before leaving Shigejie.

"As China cuts excess capacity, the government will try mightily to ensure that you will be given new jobs and will not be left without an income."

The Government Work Report delivered by Li in March stated that China would continue to cut overcapacity in bloated sectors, with targets this year to slash steel production capacity by around 50 million tons and coal by at least 150 million tons.
A helipad for transferring patients in emergency cases was put into service on Aug 29 at a top hospital in downtown Beijing, which is often congested by traffic.

The helicopter apron, which is atop a newly built four-story car park at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, is the only one specially for medical services in the capital's urban area that integrates aviation and land rescue.

Using the facility, the hospital will be able to cooperate much more frequently with emergency rescue centers to save patients in critical condition from more than 500 kilometers away, said Wang Chen, president of the hospital.

"Based on the experiences of developed countries, transferring patients by helicopter can increase their survival rate by 25 percent," he said.

The helipad, which has a diameter of 20 meters, is designed to handle helicopters up to 17 meters in length and with a maximum takeoff weight of 8 metric tons.

"We launched the facility to improve healthcare services, especially to facilitate patient transfers, which have been impeded due to heavy traffic congestion around the hospital," said Ying Jiaoqian, head of the hospital's medical affairs department.

Ying said there are a few hospitals in Beijing that are equipped with similar apron facilities, but the one at China-Japan Friendship Hospital is the only one in the central urban area.

She said a middle-aged man was flown from Shenyang, Liaoning province, to Beijing for medical treatment by helicopter on Wednesday, making him the first patient to benefit from the new facility.

The patient, who suffered multiple bone fractures after falling from a building, was first transported to the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in a flight that lasted under two hours and then sent by ambulance to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, which specializes in bone injuries.

Ying said the patient, who paid for the transfer, is now in stable condition.

Hospitals around China have been urged to improve services for patients during the new round of medical reforms, aimed at universal coverage of healthcare services.

Most major public hospitals in Beijing have opened online or mobile registration services, so patients can make appointments using smartphones rather than having to wait in long lines in hospitals.

In October, 132 major hospitals in Beijing and neighboring Tianjin and Hebei province started to recognize 27 clinical test results, such as cholesterol level and hepatitis B, so patients do not have to pay for repeat testing at different hospitals, according to the Beijing Health and Family Planning Commission.
A car travels along the Yan'an section of the Yanhuang Highway in August. The highway, stretching 828.5 kilometers along the west bank of the Yellow River, opened on Aug 28 and is set to benefit more than 2 million residents.[Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua]

XI'ANFor centuries, the only connection between Mashuping village and the outside world was a narrow, meandering path deep in the mountains. Now, a highway has ended its isolation.

It takes just five minutes to walk from the village in Shaanxi province to the Yanhuang Highway, which opened this week. The road, stretching 828.5 kilometers along the west bank of the Yellow River, cost 6.9 billion yuan ($1.05 billion).

In the past, it was not easy to transport construction materials to the village, so many residents lived in cave homes. Children had to walk for hours to get to school, and if a villager became ill, they would be carried by stretcher to the nearest road, where they could be taken by car to hospital.

The lack of infrastructure meant there were no business opportunities. Persimmons would rot on trees, as there was no way to take them to market.

Due to the isolation and poverty, men also struggled to find wives. "When I got married more than 20 years ago, I was brought here on the back of a mule," recalled Shi Bianrong. "I have regretted my decision ever since."

Yet the Yanhuang Highway promises to bring prosperity to the village. Some residents plan to open guesthouses or stores along the road, which links several tourist destinations, including Hukou Waterfall and the sacred Mount Huashan.

The central government unveiled a national strategy in 1999 to accelerate economic growth in the inland west, including building a network of highways, railways and airports. Shaanxi alone now has around 5,000 km of expressways, and that number is expected to surpass 6,000 km in 2020.

The Belt and Road Initiative also aims to link the economies of dozens of countries, propelling growth.

A new bullet train service between Baoji in Shaanxi and Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province, began operation on July 9, connecting the northwest to the national high-speed rail network.

Every Spring Festival, Wang Yadong and his wife travel from Tongwei, one of the poorest counties in Gansu, to Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, where their son and daughter work. The journey used to take more than 36 hours.

"Now I take the bullet train to Guangzhou. The travel time has been cut to 11 hours," Wang, 55, said.

Shaanxi has 46 international air routes as well as freight train routes to Central Asia and Europe, and it has a free trade zone and inland port to facilitate the building of an international logistics hub, according to its Party chief, Lou Qinjian.

"Western China is an important area in the latest round of opening-up," said Zeng Zhaoning, a professor of economics at Xi'an Shiyou University. "Improved transportation infrastructure has transformed western areas and people's lives."

Xinhua
Russian cyclists ride public bikes in Blagoveshchensk.[Photo by WANG DIANJIE/FOR CHINA DAILY]

After a 10-minute boat ride across the Heilong River from the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk, Elena Komisarova arrived in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, on Sunday morning.

Using a smart card purchased in Blagoveshchensk, she borrowed a bike from a rental point near the wharf and returned it 15 minutes later at Central Pedestrian Street.

"It's convenient that the card can be used in both Blagoveshchensk and Heihe," said the 29-year-old woman. "Young people like me in our city like shopping in Heihe, and riding on the tidy and clean roads is enjoyable.

"I can return the bike anywhere I want to stop," she said. "There is no worry about it being stolen."

There are 131 self-service docking stations on street cornersevery 300 meters in Heiheand 21 in Blagoveshchensk, which can provide 4,180 bikes for more than 20,000 registered users.

After paying an initial deposit, generally about 260 yuan ($40), users can pick up bikes and return them to any docking station.

The first hour is free, rising to roughly 1 yuan an hour thereafter in Heihe, while users pay 10 roubles (17 US cents) for the first hour in Blagoveshchensk.

Operated by Changzhou Youon Public Bicycle System, public bikes in Heihe started in May 2012 with 1,000 bikes, and developed steadily in the following years.

"People in Heihe have accepted the public bikes," said Cao Lei, deputy manager of the company's Heihe branch. "This green transportation method has motivated more people to start to ride.

"Because the public bikes have immovable racks on which bikes must be locked, there are no users leaving bikes randomly without obeying the regulations, which may cause traffic disorder and unnecessary damage."

The utilization is high, clocking in at more than 30,000 rides in Heihe a day.

In September 2015, the company expanded the business into Blagoveshchensk, less than 1.6 km away across the Heilong River.

"We aim to provide a convenient transportation method for both Chinese and Russian people and deepen friendship," said Niu Hailong, the manager of the company's Blagoveshchensk branch. "The utilization rate is reaching 45 percent in the city, and (the service) is becoming well known by more residents."

Kovtun Aleksandra, 20, a sophomore student at Heihe University, said: "Every time I go to the supermarket or enjoy leisure time along the Heilong River, I will choose the public bikes. I've also experienced the convenience of public bikes in Blagoveshchensk.

"I hope someday the bikes can appear in my hometown, Belogorsk, a town 140 km from Blagoveshchensk," she added.
Starting a new term can be a tough time for any studentespecially when it's at an entirely new school 40 kilometers away because the last one was destroyed in an earthquake.

Huang Siyu, 11, was among 215 students who were transferred to Jiuzhaigou No 3 Primary School at the end of last month ahead of the fall semester.

Zhangzha Primary School, the school they used to attend in Jiuzhaigou county, Sichuan province, was severely damaged on Aug 8 after the town was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

To ensure they could return to lessons, the county education bureau asked Jiuzhaigou No 3 Primary to provide eight classrooms and 28 dormitory rooms for the stranded students as well as 43 teachers.

"We all arrived here on Aug 31 to start the new term," Huang said. "As the new school is far from home, we will eat and live here."

Wang Yaocheng, principal of Jiuzhaigou No 3 Primary School, said he was informed 15 days before the arrival of students and teachers from Zhangzha that his school would host them until their school is rebuilt.

"Before their arrival, we prepared new quilts and bed sheets," he said.

An inspection of all the schools in Jiuzhaigou found 23 had been damaged in the quake, according to Wan Yong, an information officer with the county government.

Students at 22 schools were able to start the fall semester in their own classrooms, but the repairs to Zhangzha Primary could not be completed in time, he said.

Sichuan ranks fourth among the Chinese regions hit most by earthquakes, behind only the Tibet autonomous region, Taiwan and Yunnan province, according to Chen Huizhong, a senior researcher with the China Earthquake Administration's Institute of Geophysics.

Since the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, which killed 69,226 people and left 17,923 missing, the southwestern province has experienced four earthquakes above magnitude 6.0.

A post-quake reconstruction plan will be completed at the end of this month to guide the reconstruction of Jiuzhaigou, according to Song Tao, an information officer for the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture government, which administers the county.

Two days after the quake on Aug 8, the famous Nuorilang Waterfall collapsed. The waterfall had been the widest in China, measuring 24.5 meters tall and 270 meters wide.
A Guangzhou leather ware company, which was once an original equipment manufacturer, supplied bags for State leaders and suitcases for business representatives who attended the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Taking an environmentally friendly approach, the company used synthetic fiber instead of genuine leather to make the gifts, said Chen Riling, chairman of Wanxinda Guangzhou Technology Product Co.

The quality of the fiber matches that of genuine leather  it is water proof and offers strong wear resistance, he said.

The company, based in Guangzhou's Huadu district, produced 6,000 bags and suitcases in 12 days to meet the delivery.

Wanxinda began to focus on research and development and brand building in 2002 after Chen realized the limitations of the OEM model.
A pregnant woman committed suicide after her request to have a C-section was turned down by her husband in Yulin city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, Huashang Daily reported.

The 26-year-old woman surnamed Ma jumped to her death from the fifth floor of the First Hospital of Yunlin on Aug 31.

According to Huo Junwei, director of maternity department at the hospital, the embryo's head was too big, which would have made the labor painful.

The woman, who was admitted on Aug 30, asked for a cesarean section at 5:50 pm on Aug 31 because of the labor pain.

When the hospital staff members asked for her husband's consent, as they are required to, he turned it down.

"She walked out of the delivery room twice to tell her family member that she could not bear the pain and wanted a C-section," Huo said.

The staff members also explained the situation to Ma's husband, but the husband insisted on vaginal birth and signed a form saying that he understood the situation and possible consequences.

The woman jumped out of the delivery room at around 8 pm that day.
BEIJING -- A survey has found that 61.3 percent of people prefer small cities with less pressure and more comfort, while 35.5 percent prefer big cities with higher pressure but more opportunities, China Youth Daily reported Tuesday.

The survey was based on the answers of 2,004 respondents. The top three factors affecting satisfaction in city life were listed as level of consumption, social security and income level.

These were followed by housing price, air quality and natural environment, and public order.

"Satisfaction in life is close to the connotation of what people usually call 'happiness,'" Yao Yongling, economics professor at Renmin University, told China Youth Daily.

"Each person has his or her own requirements for happiness. They have to choose a suitable residence by taking into consideration their own preferences and life and career plan," Yao said.

In the survey, 46 percent of respondents lived in large metropolitan cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, 47.4 percent in smaller cities, 5.4 percent in towns and counties, and 1.1 percent in rural areas.
BEIJING -- A fire broke out at an abandoned refrigeration warehouse in southern Beijing Tuesday morning, but caused no casualties, the Beijing fire fighting authority said.

The fire broke around 11 a.m. when workers were dismantling a refrigeration warehouse at a village in Yinghai township of Daxing district outside the fifth ring road

Forty-two fire engines were sent to put out the fire. The flames have been neutralized and there are no casualties.

Over 400 square meters were burnt. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Barry Callebaut, the world's largest cocoa and chocolate manufacturer, unveils Ruby, a pink, berry-flavored chocolate in Shanghai, Sept 5, 2017. [Photo by Xu Junqian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Barry Callebaut, the world's largest cocoa and chocolate manufacturer, announced on Tuesday in Shanghai that it is aiming to revolutionize the chocolate market with its pink, berry-flavored offering.

Named after its color, the Ruby chocolate achieves its unique hue and flavor through a special processing technique of the cocoa beans and not because of artificial additives. The Zurich-headquartered company said it has not applied for a patent for this processing technique, though it claims to own the intellectual property rights to it.

Barry Callebaut, which was formed following the merger between Belgian chocolate producer Callebaut and French company Cacao Barry, is the supplier of some of the world's best-selling chocolate brands like Mondelez, Hershey and Magnum.

"The main purpose of this new chocolate is to excite the market more than drive consumption. We believe it's one of the biggest breakthroughs since white chocolate was introduced," said Ben De Schryver, president of Barry Callebaut's Asia Pacific region.

White chocolate was first commercialized and mass produced globally in the 1930s by Nestle. But it is not considered to be real chocolate in some European markets as it comprises largely of cocoa butter instead of solids.

Schryver noted that the refreshing sweet and sour flavor of Ruby should be particularly appealing to the Asian market, especially in China where chocolates are generally considered "too sweet".

Barry Callebaut first entered China in 2008 when it established a plant in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. As of this year, the plant, which supplies solely to the Chinese market, is expected to reach its maximum annual capacity of 25,000 tons.

The company, which operates in more than 30 countries, added that China is one of its fastest-growing markets, with growth hitting double-digit in recent years.

Statistics have shown that the Chinese market bears great potential for chocolate makers. According to Euromonitor International, Chinese eat an average of just 200 grams of chocolate a year. In contrast, people in other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea consumes about 10 times more.

Contact the writer at xujunqian@chinadaily.com.cn
China's strengthening of the implementation of environmental laws is yielding results: the number of polluting companies punished almost doubled in July. The strategy and other measures are aimed at deterring polluters and reducing air pollution in winter.

In July, 3,416 cases involving various violations of environmental law and regulations were found and punished nationwide, an increase of 92 percent year-on-year, said Tian Weiyong, head of the Ministry of Environmental Protections environment monitoring bureau, on Tuesday.

Among the violations, 835 companies were required to suspend production or shut down, an increase of 128 percent compared to July 2016, and 255 companies were transferred to judicial organs due to their severe pollution, an increase of 55 percent, Tian said.

The revised Environmental Protection Law and its supportive regulations, effective since Jan 1, 2015, have presented environmental officials a wider range of punishment powers, such as sealing production equipment, issuing daily, uncapped fines, suspending production or shutting down, and transferring cases with severe pollution to judicial organs for further investigation, making it Chinas strictest anti-pollution legislation, as the ministry said.

Tian added that in the first seven months the countrys environmental bureaus issued daily, uncapped fines totaling 761 million yuan ($116 million), a heavy blow to polluters.

Ministry data in the first seven months showed provinces with severe pollution, especially smog-prone provinces, have taken a tougher stand against the polluting companies.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its neighboring Shandong, Shanxi and Henan provinces, in total, have punished over 4,400 polluting companies with the tools granted by the law and regulation, accounting for 21 percent of the national total.

The ministry praised Shandong and three other provinces for their the good performance in implementing the law and regulations in July.

But for the city cluster in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its neighboring provinces, prone to smog, especially in winter, more has to be done to tackle expected air pollution in the coming winter.

The ministry warned on Sunday that weather conditions are likely to be warmer and more humid due to the Arctic icecap melting and warming of the Pacific Ocean, which means it will beunfavorable to disperse pollutants.

The 28 major cities in the region will have extra inspections from the ministry and the central government in autumn and winter, said Liu Changgen, deputy head of the ministry's inspection bureau on Friday. He added that the performance in tackling air pollution will affect government officials' annual evaluation, giving them more attention.

On the other hand, the ongoing inspection sent by the central government, covering Shandong and seven other provincial regions, have received over 44,100 public reports on pollution. Over 4,100 government officials were held accountable for their poor performance in environmental protection, the ministry said on Tuesday.
Three snow leopard cubs huddle in a cave in the Luoxu White-lipped Deer Nature Reserve in Shiqu county, Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Four villagers in Shiqu county in Southwest China's Sichuan province found three snow leopard cubs in a cave in the Luoxu White-lipped Deer Nature Reserve on Friday.

On Thursday afternoon, a villager found a dead blue sheep in the reserve. The next day he and three other villagers found a cave near the site of the dead sheep.

In the cave were three snow leopard cubs, said Wan Xu, a leading official in the reserve's management committee.

Although snow leopards are sighted from time to time in Shiqu, it is rare to find them so near to a village. The three snow leopard cubs are only two kilometers away from the nearest village, he said.

Forestry workers are monitoring the cubs far from the cave. They will withdraw if the mother leopard returns. If something goes wrong with the mother and she does not return, the forest workers will rescue the cubs, he said.

In the past five years, infrared cameras at the reserve have captured images of snow leopards more than 20 times. Villagers have taken pictures of them with their cell phones, too.

There might be more than 30 snow leopards in the reserve, which is Sichuans largest snow leopard habitat, Wan said.

Frequent sighting of snow leopards in Shiqu has much to do with the increase in the number of blue sheep in the reserve, a result of conservation methods, he said.

Chinas number of snow leopards ranks first in the world, accounting for about 40 percent of the total, he said.
President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday at the BRICS Summit. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY

China and India should maintain peace and tranquility along their border region, President Xi Jinping told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, and he called for mutual respect between the world's two largest developing countries.

Each should adhere to the basic thought that both countries present development opportunities rather than threats for the other, Xi said at the meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Fujian province.

China hopes India will maintain a proper and reasonable attitude toward China's development, Xi said, adding that the two should seek common ground while reserving their differences.

The two countries should show the world that peaceful coexistence and cooperation for mutual benefit is the only correct choice for China and India, he said.

The president pointed out that healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their peoples.

China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence put forward by both countries to improve political mutual trust, promote cooperation and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track, he said.

Noting that there is great potential for China-India cooperation in social and economic development, Xi said the two should connect development strategies, expand infrastructure cooperation, boost exchanges of people and enhance global affairs coordination.

Modi congratulated Xi on the summit's success, saying it has great significance for the BRICS cooperation in the current economic situation.

India and China should not regard each other as opponents, but make cooperation the centerpiece of their relations, Modi said, adding that both sides should jointly maintain the peace and tranquility of the border region.

India is willing to make joint efforts with China to ensure stable development of bilateral relations, and the leaders of both countries should maintain close communication to guide the bilateral relations, he added.

Sun Hongnian, a researcher of international relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Xi focused on the prospects of China-India cooperation and highlighted the momentum of ties among the two. "The world is large enough to make China and India gain common development," he said.

Lan Jianxue, a researcher in South Asian studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said China and India should focus on the convergence of their interests.

Zhou Jin contributed to this story.
Chinese Nobel laureate Mo Yan meets some sinologists at the book fair. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Publishers at the 24th Beijing International Book Fair say cooperation and integration are the two words which describe the event that wrapped up on Aug 27.

At the event, 5,262 deals were struck, an increase of 4.9 percent compared with the figures in 2016.

The deals covered 3,244 Chinese titles that were sold or will be co-published overseas, says the fair's organizer.

The ratio of titles sold compared with titles bought was 1.6:1, meaning that China is now selling rights to more titles than it is buying.

The organizer also says that the rights relate to books on China's development, children's books, literature, education, economics and philosophy.

Besides Western markets, the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative are also showing a greater interest in Chinese titles.

More than 300,000 visitors attended the fair.

Fan Jun from the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, says more than 500,000 books were published in China in 2016. And the rights to 9,811 Chinese titles were sold overseas that year.

"Chinese publishers have more influence globally now," says Fan.

At the fair, 500 books in multiple languages were exhibited at a special booth. The books included those by President Xi Jinping and some from the China Book International program besides titles on advanced technology.
People look at photos on display at the 45 Years Malta-China exhibition inside The Cittadella castle in Gozo, Malta. [Photo/Chinacutlure.org]

A photo exhibition celebrating the 45th anniversary of China-Malta diplomatic ties is being held on the island of Gozo, Malta.

Titled 45 Years Malta  China, the exhibition showcases 31 images that document historical moments and economical and cultural achievements between the two countries over the past four decades.

"Tonight's photo exhibition shows us a lot of representative moments in history," Chinese ambassador to Malta Jiang Jiang said.

Looking to the future, Jiang said China hopes to take the opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative to work with the Maltese people to extend and deepen cooperation in all areas.

The two countries are expecting a series of long-term cooperation including in protection of historical heritage, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana said.

The exhibition runs until Sept 30.
Untitled by Ren Hang. [Photo/KWM ART CENTER (BEIJING)]

Selected works of the late Chinese photographer Ren Hang and a rare juxtaposition of four influential Chinese private collections of photography will highlight Photofairs' fourth edition in Shanghai this weekend. The annual fair will be held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, catering to an ever-rising demand for contemporary photography and moving images in China and across Asia-Pacific. An inaugural Spotlight section will display 19 photos of Ren, who died in January aged 30. He was a photographer and poet who represented the best of the younger generations in contemporary Chinese art. In his short-lived career, Ren produced a body of work that explored poetic beauty and abstract features in his theme subjectnude men.

His images were last displayed at an exhibition titled Beauty without Beards at Beijing's KWM Art Center, which opened on Jan 19. Five days later, Ren committed suicide.

Han Peipei, Photofairs' deputy director in China, says the upcoming exhibition is to honor Ren's talent and introduce his work to an international audience.

The Shanghai exhibition is being curated by the KWM Art Center, showing Ren's experimental spirit that made his photos and poems insightful.

"In response to questions about his photographs, often he (Ren) would give monosyllabic answers," says KWM's assistant director Tim Crowley after hearing about Ren's death. "However, when asked about his poetry, his eyes lit up and he became very alert and enthusiastic.

"He was, in a way, a poet who just happened to be a great photographer."
Bike-share giants head to Bangkok

( China Daily )

Updated: 2017-09-05

China's leading bike-sharing companies have launched operations in Thailand in recent months, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency.

Ofo, known for its signature yellow bikes, announced its expansion into Thailand on July 31.

Thailand is Ofo's fifth overseas market, following Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan.

The company said a total of 6,000 bikes would be put into use in the capital city of Bangkok from Aug 1 onwards, after a successful monthlong trial run was completed earlier at a local university.

A ride on an Ofo bike will cost 5 baht ($0.15) per 30 minutes, with a deposit of 99 baht.

The bikes will be offered for free for the first three months.

"Thailand has a population of nearly 70 million and traffic jams have become a big headache in cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai," said Cao Xiao, head of Ofo's Asian-Pacific department. "By offering Thai users customized services, we hope the transport system in major Thai cities can be improved with our shared bikes in the near future."

Xinhua also reported that Mobike, another leading Chinese bike-sharing company, has also launched its Thailand business after signing agreements with local partners on Aug 30. The first Mobike services will hit the campus of Kasetsart University in Bangkok in the near future.

China Daily-Xinhua

(China Daily 09/05/2017 page14)
A Sri Lankan youngster's impression of Shanghai reveals Lujiazui skyscrapers and the Huangpu River. [Photo/WeChat account: lujiazuijirc]

Lujiazui has become the most representative attraction in Shanghai, according to a variety of paintings drawn by Sri Lankan youngsters.

The paintings were entries in a painting competition that started in May, asking Sri Lankan children to paint the image of Shanghai in their eyes.

More than 2,100 paintings have been received so far, most of which depict the dazzling Oriental Pearl TV Tower, high-rise buildings, the winding Hangpu River and other views of Lujiazui.

The painting competition formed part of a city image promotion campaign launched by Shanghai in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka.

Apart from the painting competition, a writing and a speech contest have also been organized, encouraging Sri Lankan people to write down or speak about their feelings of Shanghai.

More than 930 essays have been submitted and over 480 contestants have registered for the speech contest so far.

After strict evaluation from panels of experts, winners in each competition were awarded on Aug 24.

Sri Lanka, an island country known as "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", boasts a beautiful coastal line, mysterious ancient cities, abundant natural resources, and unique history and culture.

Its capital Colombo has held a sister city relationship with Shanghai since 2014. This promotion campaign is expected to further enhance Sri Lankan peoples understanding of Shanghai as well as cooperation between the two cities.
Economist who coined 'BRIC' acronym stresses importance of common policies with a shared interest

Editor's note: Ahead of the BRICS Summit, China Daily interviewed some experts who gave their views on the role and development of the emerging markets' group.

Economist Jim O'Neill, who created the "BRIC" acronym, said China primarily remains the most important economy in the world, leading the economic growth in the five BRICS countries to contribute more than 20 percent of the world's GDP.

"Even though its growth rates have fallen to around 6.5 to 7 percent, in nominal dollar terms, China is still adding the equivalent of a whole new Switzerland or Turkey every year to the world," O'Neill said in an interview with China Daily ahead of the summit of the group. "Or a new UK economy every three years."

It was the former Goldman Sachs chief economist who coined the term in 2001, grouping together four states - China, Brazil, Russia and India - as potential growth powerhouses of the future. Now the group also includes South Africa.

China's economy continued its steady expansion in the first half of the year, with GDP up by 6.9 percent to about 38.2 trillion yuan ($5.6 trillion), according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

O'Neill said China's development can be an example to other developing countries, especially in the area of attracting foreign direct investment.

"Most of the world's largest companies have played an important role in helping China's development, and it is to the government's credit," he said. "Other BRICS countries should take note."

O'Neill said Brazil's and Russia's emergence from recession is another key contributor to the global economy staying strong in 2017.

The recovery of these two, along with the eurozone, is probably the main reason why growth is stronger than for many years, said O'Neill, who forecasts global GDP growth in the first half of this year close to 4 percent.

He encourages China, Brazil, Russia and India to move beyond symbolism and agree on some common policies with a shared interest.

Although he said the BRICS group is less likely to achieve anything alone in terms of world governance due to the exclusion of the world's most important advanced countries, the former UK Treasury minister sees disease prevention as one potential area in which BRICS countries could take a collective position.

"I strongly encourage the BRICS leaders to be bolder in this area," O'Neill said. "It is surprising to me that they have not gone down this path. But if they did, it would be impressive and send a very large positive signal."

O'Neill, however, concedes it is not easy for the BRICS countries to coordinate between themselves to achieve stronger collective growth without ambitious plans for a free trade zone with no tariffs.

Economist Jim O'Neill says other developing countries should learn from China.

1 Starting in 2006, BRICS has entered a new era where protectionism seems to be wielding an increasingly strong influence in the global economy. What can BRICS do to help make the global economy more open and inclusive?

2 Made up of five emerging economies that contribute more than 20 percent of the world's GDP, what is BRICS' role in helping the global economy recover?

3 What can BRICS contribute to global governance to help make the international order more fair and the developing countries better represented?

4 The theme of the upcoming summit is "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future". In what fields can BRICS members strengthen their partnership, and how?

5 China is upgrading its economy into an innovation-and-efficiency-driven one. It is also working with other countries to develop the Belt and Road Initiative. What lessons do you think other developing countries can learn from China's development?

Christopher Bovis, professor of international business law, University of Hull, UK

Protectionism in international trade must be avoided. BRICS can positively influence the introduction of an international regulatory trade system which could strike a meaningful and workable balance between free trade and national concerns in order to alleviate the dangers of protectionism. The WTO is ready for meaningful reform and, if it is to continue as a fit-for-purpose international trade instrument, it must change in a positive manner to accommodate the dynamics of the world in the 21st century. BRICS can influence the reform of the WTO.

2 The recovery of the global economy requires a collective and coordinated approach to address industrial policies at national and regional levels. BRICS can play an instrumental role in instigating a responsive and responsible political and economic leadership. BRICS can help global recovery by instigating contemporary industrial policies which will aim at creating framework conditions under which improvement of national or regional competitiveness would compensate, where necessary, for market failure. Free trade and the aftermath of globalization generates positive externalities on the economy as a whole, increasing the growth potential and vibrancy of the economic fabric, fostering innovation and training as a result of increased demand for skills.

3 Under the auspices of a responsive and responsible political and economic leadership, BRICS should insist on the need to promote sustainable development. The focus of sustainable development should be the assessment of the traditional trade systems raised by developing countries for preferential treatment and the current concerns that such economies in the global trading environment may be vulnerable to marginalization and the problem of managing discrimination. The role of institutional actors such as the UN, the World Bank and the IMF in promoting economic development in developing countries needs to be reviewed.

4 The BRICS nations can strengthen their partnership by promoting the role of the private sector in catalyzing economic recovery and promoting growth. The private sector includes the finance industry, manufacturing industry and high-tech industry. The private sector can also play a pivotal role in delivering and managing infrastructure, assisting growth and sustainable economic performance.

5 We are currently witnessing the transition of Chinese investment strategy from traditional industries, energy and infrastructure, which have been served through sovereign funds, to services and high value interests which are served primarily through private capital. The modality of such transition is the role of private equity and of institutional investors. This appears to be one of the most prolific trends for the years to come and reveals the private sector influence on investment decisions and outcomes and also offers critical insights to developing countries.

Jon R. Taylor, professor of political science and director, Master of Public Policy and Administration Program, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas

The BRICS can help the global economy by leading by example, by taking a united stand against protectionism and by backing a multilateral trade system. The need to be aggressive in warning about the dangers of greater protectionism is particularly important in the aftermath of Brexit and the US presidential election. The growth of emerging countries, particularly the growth that we have seen in China, has clearly underscored the importance for growth to be both sustainable and inclusive.

2 The overall economic conditions of the developing world have improved dramatically, as exemplified by the BRICS - particularly China. China's role has been critical in both the global economic recovery and in championing the benefits of economic globalization. The BRICS role in the global economic recovery should aim at a political goal by supporting open markets and a philosophical goal of encouraging and enhancing South-South cooperation.

3 They can follow China's lead by pushing for win-win cooperation policies that are aimed at common development, maintaining open and accessible markets and trade, and policies that are aimed at poverty eradication and inclusive growth. Given that we appear to be at a potentially pivotal moment in the battle against global economic inequality, the BRICS can be champions of mutually beneficial cooperation. Thanks to close cooperation and coordination between China and the other BRICS nations, the BRICS contribute to safeguarding the interests of developing countries as a whole and improving the global governance system. China's "BRICS Plus" proposal shows promise by offering to build mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral partnerships through dialogue and consensus.

4 Several issues immediately come to mind: income inequality, climate change, energy, trade, e-commerce cooperation, cybersecurity, anti-terrorism, and increasing people-to-people exchanges. What is needed is an emphasis on maintaining economic momentum. While China is doing its part, the other BRICS nations are facing economic and political challenges. They would do well to follow China's lead on economic stabilization and supply-side structural reforms.

5 Developing countries can draw the following from China's development experience: Start small, focus on structural reforms first, invest heavily in a knowledge-based infrastructure, encourage policy and political cohesion, emphasize inclusive development, promote policy experimentation, remove impediments to economic reform and promote financial and market stability.

Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist, IHS Markit

Key examples of how BRICS nations can lead international trade and investment liberalization are China's active role in advancing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership trade negotiations among 16 Asia-Pacific nations, as well as its strategic plan to boost economic cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. BRICS nations have also established the New Development Bank in 2014 to finance infrastructure development in developing countries worldwide. BRICS can champion new initiatives to boost South-South trade and investment flows.

2 The five BRICS nations currently account for approximately 23 percent of world GDP, making these nations an important part of the world economy. China, as the world's second-largest economy, has been the key driver for sustained global economic growth since the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, accounting for around 40 percent of the total increase in world GDP since 2009. The BRICS, led by China, have also been a key driver for growth in world trade and investment flows over the past decade.

3 Ever since the end of World War II, global governance has been dominated by the developed countries. However, the world has changed tremendously since 1945, with many former European colonies having become sovereign developing nations, while the world share of GDP contributed by developing countries has approximately doubled within the last two decades. Consequently the old global governance architecture is no longer relevant and the BRICS need to lead the initiative to create a fairer system of global governance by working together to change existing governance structures in international bodies, as well as to create new international standards-setting bodies that have a modern governance structure with much stronger voting rights for developing countries.

4 The BRICS need to further strengthen their joint initiatives for boosting international trade and economic development. The BRICS countries can act as a core group to build policy frameworks and technological cooperation for a wide range of global South-South development initiatives. One of the greatest challenges facing developing countries is global climate change and meeting the Paris climate change agreement commitments.

5 China's economic development since 1978 has been remarkable, lifting it within just one generation from a poor nation based on subsistence agriculture into the world's second-largest economy that has reached upper middle income status and has become an advanced industrial economy. The Belt and Road Initiative is a great strategic vision through which China is helping many developing countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East to accelerate their economic development through improving infrastructure connectivity. Over the long-term, China's successful experience of rapid economic development will allow it to help other developing countries in many areas of development.

Sikhumbuzo Zondi, research assistant at the Institute for Global Dialogue associated with the University of South Africa

In a global economy that is facing uncertainties, BRICS countries, in collaboration with major economies, should enhance macroeconomic policy coordination and work together to avoid negative spillovers to emerging economies. In addition, the BRICS formation should stress the importance of upholding a more inclusive, stable and open world economy through the creation of an enabling environment for the development of emerging markets and developing countries. To achieve this, they need to encourage human resource development and increasing people-to-people relations, so that all countries and peoples can equally share the benefits of globalization.

2 BRICS countries have been responsible for many initiatives to assist global economic recovery by establishing the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, amongst others. It has enabled BRICS members to obtain funds for development, provided new financing channels for other developing countries and realized financial exchanges, such as currency swaps among BRICS members that expand the capacity of their economies and currencies to withstand the impact of global economic turbulence.

3 BRICS plays a strategic role as a pacesetter for developing countries. Unity and cooperation among BRICS members enhances the rights of developing countries to have a voice and meaningfully participate in global political and economic decision-making. BRICS has become a vital platform for major developing countries to conduct exchanges and dialogues in the spheres of politics, economics, finance, development and culture. In the process, the BRICS formation has established a framework for an inclusive, multilayered and all-round cooperation. Overall, leaders of BRICS continue to meet regularly to discuss major global issues, so as to expand their international influence and provide strategic foundations for the greater participation of developing countries in global economic governance.

4 The BRICS countries should avail themselves of opportunities provided by international economic cooperation in the following areas: trade and investment, manufacturing and minerals processing, energy, agriculture, science, technology and innovation, financial cooperation, people-to-people connectivity, tourism, information and communications technologies.

5 Developing countries can take note of the fact that China's growth over the past 30 years has been driven in large part by the government's market reform policy. In addition, developing countries can learn that China succeeded in achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality, with the world's fastest rate of decline in both maternal and child mortality.

Zhao Huanyu, researcher of Ghent University's Institute for International Studies in Belgium

1 First and foremost, all the BRICS countries must strongly commit to resisting all forms of protectionism and disguised restrictions on trade. Moreover, they must seek a favorable environment for the development of other emerging markets and developing countries - hanging together with them to foster better macroeconomic policy coordination, support a rules-based, transparent, nondiscriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trading system, implement existing WTO rules and commitments. Also, they must collaborate with advanced economies and the international community to fight poverty, social exclusion and inequality.

2 The key role for BRICS is to increase the supply capacity of global public goods - be a global economy stabilizer, booster, and accelerator. In an era of uncertainty, world peace and stability are prerequisites to a sustainable global economic recovery. Therefore, BRICS must be a "stabilizer" for committing to international law and maintaining the core status of the UN to advance the political solution of hot spot issues. Furthermore, to be a real "booster" is to be a learning and sharing platform - the BRICS Plus model of open economic cooperation.

3 BRICS needs to continue pushing forward reform of the Bretton Woods institutions to increase the voice and representation of developing markets in global economic governance - to urge the IMF to complete the 15th general review of quotas, expand and strengthen the role of special drawing rights and facilitate the World Bank voting share review. It needs to make better use of the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

4 Given the complex, contested and connected world situation, BRICS nations can strengthen their partnership in many fields, including economy, finance, foreign policy, health, education, energy, climate change and agriculture.

5 For robust and sustainable development in the long run, China has been working hard on an innovation-and efficiency-driven economy by 1) pushing forward structural reform and implementing innovation-friendly policies; 2) supporting investment for science, technology, innovation and seeking possibilities of inter-BRICS investment instruments, such as the National Development Banks and other existing financing platforms; 3) supporting cross-border cooperation between science, technology and innovation talent, especially young scientists and young entrepreneurs, and fostering industry-academia-research synergy; 4) promoting exchanges and good practices under the rubric of the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing mutual understanding, inclusive growth and socioeconomic progress driven by scientific, technological and social innovation for more countries and people.
President Xi Jinping and other leaders of BRICS countries pose for a group photo before the Ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen, in Southeast China's Fujian province, on Monday. The five leaders then took up many issues at the start of the event. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY

On Sept 4, 2016, while addressing the 11th G20 Summit in Hangzhou, President Xi Jinping urged participating global leaders to make the grouping "an action force, rather than a talking shop".

On Sunday, at the Business Forum of the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Xi made the same reference, only this time he said BRICS is not a talking shop, but "a task force that gets things done".

The delicate contrast in rhetoric is a thought-provoking hallmark of what China, a relative newcomer to the stage of global governance, is seeking. From Xi's two major speeches before the release of the Xiamen Declaration and dozens of cooperation projects endorsed thereby, as well as "BRICS Plus" discussions, there is an explicit Chinese eagerness to maneuver actual changes the world desperately needs in these times of uncertainties.

Obviously, this aspiration is no longer China's alone, as it has been embraced by the other BRICS members as well, and the five emerging economies present in Xiamen under the "BRICS Plus" framework. It derives from a broadly felt imperative to address longstanding injustices in global governance, as the current world order is yet to acknowledge, let alone appreciate, the contribution of developing countries. But, as Xi stated, China and its BRICS partners have no intention of overthrowing the world order. They just want it to help make it fairer, democratic.

BRICS countries have their own troubles, at home and among themselves, which once prompted some to say the nascent grouping was losing luster. But despite that, the BRICS countries, thanks partly to intra-BRICS cooperation, have continued to outperform most of the rest of the world economically. What BRICS leaders agreed upon in Xiamen, including both framework documents and specific cooperative programs, can only consolidate such dynamism.

The "BRICS Plus" mechanism, which was introduced as a formal component of the annual event at Beijing's proposal, is a logical outreach commensurate with the grouping's ambition to make its own achievements deliver wider benefits. By engaging more emerging economies, which usually share extensive common interests in development-related areas, BRICS can indeed make global impacts, and build a stronger case against the anti-globalization trend in some economies.

At the threshold of a new BRICS decade, the Xiamen summit has come up with an inspiring road map for the member states. Whether BRICS can continue growing as it has done, however, rests heavily on how well its members honor their vow of solidarity.
Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on July 29, 2017. KCNA via Agencies

US President Donald Trump's reaction to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's sixth nuclear test on Sunday stood outnot for its condemnation but for its twisted approach. Trump took to Twitter to say the DPRK "is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success". In his second tweet, he said the Republic of Korea "is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with" the DPRK "will not work, they only understand one thing".

He then called an emergency meeting of his national security advisers and had his second telephone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But he did not talk to ROK President Moon Jaein, accusing the ROK of "appeasement".

Condemning the DPRK for its nuclear and missile adventure is justified, but Trump is not helping the situation by criticizing the ROK and China. And China has not succeeded in its efforts, because the US has never heeded its advice on how to resolve the DPRK issue.

After the DPRK fired a missile over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean, Trump said, "all options are on the table", a euphemism for military action. But his former chief strategist Steve Bannon had told The American Prospect earlier that "there's no military solution, forget it". Even US Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have talked about the likely catastrophic outcome of military action.

And Moon, reacting to Trump's threat to the DPRK, said: "No one should be allowed to decide on a military action on the Korean Peninsula without the ROK's agreement."

Although Pyongyang's latest nuclear test poses a serious challenge to Moon's strategy of inter-Korea dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation, Trump should have realized before criticizing Moon for his "appeasement" that sanctions have a worse record than talks.

Asserting that sanctions don't work, Robert Gallucci, chief US negotiator with Pyongyang during the Bill Clinton administration, said that during his contacts with DPRK officials, he realized they were fully aware of the cases of Iraq and Libya, where the US pursued regime change even after those countries had abandoned their attempts to acquire nuclear weapons.

That is something the US should focus on to ease the tensions not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also between Washington and Pyongyang.
The police officer is giving lessons to high school students around school violence topic in Shenyang,Liaoning province,on May 27,2016.[Photo/IC]

TEN DEPUTIES to the people's congress of South China's Guangdong province have called for binding, tailored regulations to end bullying and violence in schools, and make sure all parties concerned shoulder their due responsibilities. West China Metropolis Daily commented on Monday:

The Guangdong people's congress deputies have rightly suggested preemptive measures against juvenile bullies in the wake of increasing school violence, which is a supervisory gray area because of the absence of relevant laws. China's laws on juvenile protection and combating domestic violence are basically about protecting children from being bullied or abused by adults, not by their peers.

Therefore, instead of imposing hefty penalties on young bullies, legislative efforts must be made to end bullying in schools. With relevant laws in place, defining school bullying and holding the bullies accountable would be much easier. So would be judicial intervention, and clarifying the responsibilities of schools and the legal guardians of the abusive students. In many cases, school bullying is confined to students of the same school, which cannot be dealt with through civil conduct rules. That means a sophisticated set of policy tools, from punishing and educating school bullies to assisting the bullied, are also needed.

A ministerial-level guideline on preventing juvenile violence issued in November last year said teenagers with a propensity to use violence and a longtime record of bullying their peers should be transferred to "special" schools if needed. Legal teeth must be added to such proposals, and psychological aid provided for the victims.

But to end school violence, local judicial authorities also have to play their part better by inspiring national legislation on the issue.
Performances on the gala with a theme of "Setting the Sail for the Future" on Sept 4, 2017 in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/Xinhua] Editor's note: With "A Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future" as its theme, the ongoing 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, holds a lot of promise for not only consolidating the economic integration of its five member states, but also better global governance. Three experts share their views on the issue with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng. Excerpts follow:

'BRICS Plus' a new mechanism in time

As a multinational body comprising five major emerging economies, BRICS is catching up fast in terms of global governance. Its member statesBrazil, Russia, India, China and South Africahave a cumulative population of nearly 3 billion, or 40 percent of the world's total. And on the economic front, BRICS is expected to contribute to 60 percent of global growth in the years to come.

That China and Russia are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council also adds weight to BRICS. With globalization showing signs of change and Western economies' growth slowing down, emerging economies have enough reason to take the lead in improving international rules-making.

But BRICS faces challenges from inside and outside both. The United States doesn't seem ready to accept the rise of emerging powers, because it sees them as major challenges to its global hegemony. To better deal with its internal competition and frictions, therefore, BRICS can invite other members for talks under the "BRICS Plus" mechanism at the appropriate time. But while doing so, the "BRICS Plus" mechanism should rise above regional organizations and avoid controversial expansion that could compromise its efficiency.

Yu Hongjun, former vice-minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China, and a senior consultant at Pangoal Institution

Emerging economies deserve greater say

BRICS should accord priority to cooperation in order to play a bigger role on the global stage. But this is easier said than done, as global governance consists of a sophisticated structure in which state and non-state actors have different roles to play and obligations to fulfill in line with established rules and unwritten norms.

In this regard, BRICS has a lot to catch up given its limited role as a bloc in negotiating the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Using their leading positions in the developing world, BRICS members should work closely to contribute more to the betterment of other developing countries, be it through financial aid or transfer of technology. They could even consider establishing a temporary, voluntary fund to help the least-developed economies.

BRICS should also strive to restart the stalled Doha Round of World Trade Organization negotiations. But for that, BRICS members have to first reach a consensus among themselves on issues such as subsidies for agricultural products, market entry and protection of intellectual property rights.

Also, the five BRICS members have every reason to push for the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions, in which developing countries don't have a proportionate say, because International Monetary Fund managing directors and World Bank presidents have always been chosen from Europe and the US, respectively, which in today's world is tantamount to denying the contribution of the emerging economies to global growth.

Jiang Shixue, a distinguished professor at Shanghai University

Enough reason for all members to cooperate

Despite the enhanced coordination between the BRICS economies, they are not always on the same page on the importance of an intra-bloc cooperative mechanism.

Given that BRICS states are at different stages of economic development, China's economic status could prompt the other four members to feel marginalized. Last year China's GDP accounted for about 60 percent that of the US, 2.5 times of Japan, five times of India and eight times of Russia. In short, China today accounts for almost 66 percent of the BRICS economy, 16 percent more than just a decade ago.

Besides, India seems to be focusing on "relative gains" by trying to polarize Asian economies and compete with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Formulated three years ago, India's "Neighborhood First" policy is likely to overshadow the Belt and Road projects in South Asia despite Beijing gaining influence in the region.

Given their shared identity as the world's leading emerging economies, BRICS members should work harder to deepen and diversify their economic cooperation. The establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank is arguably the most notable achievement of the bloc so far, which would not have been possible without the five countries' shared pursuit of optimizing the multilateral trade mechanism under the WTO framework.

Besides, the rise of trade protectionism in the some Western countries has given BRICS economies all the more reason to work together and complement global financial institutions.

Lin Minwang, a researcher at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai
SONG CENG/CHINA DAILY

The challenges and potential business opportunities China's nearly 200 million "single population" has given rise to have been making headlines for some time now. Single population refers to the group of people who are not married despite reaching the legal marriageable age, and those that are divorced or widowed.

According to China's population and employment statistical yearbook 2015, the total single population aged above 20people who are unable to get married as well as those that choose to remain singlewas about 140 million in 2014. According to a survey in 2015 more than 58 million people in China live alone while the number of young people (between 20 and 39) living alone is 20 million.

The rising single population has something to do with the unbalanced gender ratio in China, especially among people of marriageable age. China's population and employment statistical yearbook 2014 said that of the total single population, males accounted for 69.1 percent in the 35-to-39 age group, and the male-female gender ratio in the 20-to-24 age group was 130:100. Besides, the shortage of marriageable age women has made it difficult for men to find a spouse, especially in poverty-stricken rural areas.

The number of marriageable age men in China will be 24 million more than marriageable age women in 2020. And given the huge social pressure single men face in rural areas, they could become the catalyst to many problems, such as sex crimes and trafficking of women, which in turn could undermine social stability and harmony.

The rising single population also has something to do with the current social values. Thanks to the fast-paced economic development and changing cultural norms, it is possible for single men or women to lead a relatively comfortable life, not least because they don't consider marriage and family as necessary. In other words, on the one hand, the rising number of single men in China's rural areas is a social problem, on the other, staying single has already become a global trend.

According to Going Solo by Eric Klinenberg, a professor of sociology at New York University, in 1950 only 22 percent of the total US population was single while the percentage today is more than 50. At present, 31 million people of marriageable age, or one-seventh of the total adult population of the United States, live alone.

Being single is popular among people in Western countries. In Stockholm, Sweden, for example, the ratio of people living alone is as high as 60 percent. In Japan, about 40 percent of the single people don't like the company of others. And in France, 55.8 percent of the children were born out of wedlock in 2012. Even in contemporary China, many among the new generation don't consider marriage necessary.

Unlike men, China's single women are concentrated mainly in large cities, and a huge number of them are highly educated, and have high incomes and enjoy high social status. Such women are single because of their high requirements from their would-be spouse, such as sharing work and being treated as equals. But since traditionally, husbands are supposed to be "superior" to their wives in terms of education, income and social status, it is difficult for highly qualified and successful women to find a suitable spouse, not only because there are few such men but also because many Chinese men prefer to have a wife who is "not better than" them.

Moreover, some women voluntarily choose to be single, because they don't want marriage and family to prevent them from leading a life of their liking. The advantage of being single is being free and relaxed, and its disadvantage is not being able to enjoy a family life and share concerns.

Staying single may be gaining acceptance among some people in China, but it will have a negative impact on the birth rate and sustainable social development, and therefore should not be encouraged.

The author is a professor at the Population Research Institute of Peking University.
Sino-US trade / China Daily

On Aug 18, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer formally initiated an investigation to determine whether the actions, policies and practices of the Chinese government in the fields of technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation are discriminatory and burden or restrict US trade. Based on the findings of the investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, US President Donald Trump will eventually decide whether or not to impose extra tariffs or other trade restrictions on China.

The probe into China's new energy industry in September 2010 was the last the US initiated under Section 301, which it eventually withdrew after the two sides resolved the issue through negotiations, according to which the Chinese enterprises involved made certain systemic adjustments.

Sino-US economic and trade relations have indeed been fluctuating after Trump became US president, but investigation under Section 301 is aimed at not only weakening China's position in certain fields but also compromising the multilateral nature of globalization.

If the US eventually imposes sanctions on China, it will set a dangerous precedent in Sino-US economic and bilateral trade ties.

Using Section 301 against its trade partners is an old Washington trick aimed at promoting US values through trade policies, which could have a severe impact on other economies. The US is known to use its market as a weapon to force its trade partners into accepting so-called international trade ruleswhich are actually made by Washingtonin order to further the US' economic interests.

Section 301 smacks of unilateralism and aggressive parochialism; it is a concrete manifestation of how the US uses its domestic laws for political and economic gains. This suggests the US may be using Section 301 this time to increase its exports to China.

Unlike the earlier probes under Section 301, initiated by some US industrial associations, the latest Section 301 investigation against China has been launched by the US government. And since the Trump administration seems hellbent on playing the roles of judge, jury and executioner in the case, the use of Section 301 investigation in every way is arbitrary.

Thanks to its rapid economic development and corresponding growth in its national strength, China has taken giant strides in developing and protecting intellectual property, and made great achievements in building a strong intellectual property rights mechanism.

Since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, China has implemented many laws and regulations to protect intellectual property rights as part of its commitments to the WTO. China has twice revised its Copyright Law and Patent Law, and one-third of the revision in the Patent Law is related to the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, or TRIPS. China has also revised the Trademark Law twice and introduced more than 20 articles to meet the demands of TRIPS.

If, despite these important changes, Sino-US trade frictions snowball into a trade war, it will only expose the US' hypocrisy on the trade and economic fronts.

More importantly, by launching a Section 301 investigation now, the US is using trade protectionist measure to check China's economic and strategic rise, which it sees as a threat to its dominant position.

Since the delicate balance of power in global trade between China and the US over the past few years has been challenging Washington's dominant role, the Trump administration now wants to manipulate the global markets to continue making international trade rules and leading the world economy, and thus curb China's rapid rise on the trade front.

A full-blown trade war between China and the US still doesn't seem inevitable, but that shouldn't prevent Beijing from taking measures to cope with the US' trade protectionist weapon: Section 301.

The author is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.
A ship loads containers at a terminal in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily]

In his third state of union address to the European Parliament on Sept 13, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker should refer to a check list of his team's 10 priorities when he took office in late 2014, and assess to what extent it has fulfilled them in three yearsor more than halfway into his term.

On the economic front, the European Union has been doing a relatively good jobit has phased out the roaming charges for cellphone users, a big step toward improving connectivity, and struck trade deals with several economies including Canada and Japan.

Even as the progress on internal integration has been slow, the EU now faces three new challenges that Juncker must focus on in his speechrising terrorist attacks and plots, the United Kingdom's departure from the 28-member bloc and the deteriorating relationship (in political terms) between Washington and Brussels.

Juncker has not been able to fully explain the decline in EU-US ties since Donald Trump succeeded Barack Obama as the United States president in January. In late 2014, Juncker sounded confident of consolidating the EU's trade relations with the US through the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. But after 15 rounds of talks since July 2013, the agreement has been shelved.

Trump has also withdrawn the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a deal the Obama administration aggressively promoted in the Asia-Pacific region to isolate China. The TPP's objectives were always in doubt, but the fact that the incumbent US president put it to death, ostensibly to fulfill his presidential campaign promise, speaks volumes about its dubious goals. But then Trump has also dealt a blow to the multilateral global governance system by pulling out of the Paris climate change agreement.

The fate of TTIP, too, seems sealed, as there are no signs of Washington and Brussels engaging in fresh talks, while three rounds of talks on Brexit have not yielded any concrete results. This makes it all the more important for Juncker to explain the current state of Washington-Brussels ties in his address.

Juncker cannot put the entire blame on Trump for the jittery EU-US ties. True, the EU has the capability of taking a more proactive approach while dealing with the Trump administration. But Brussels is yet to do so.

Besides, Brussels has also not engaged with China in accordance with global rules. To begin with, the EU has not yet fulfilled its World Trade Organization commitment of recognizing China as a market economy; instead it is reportedly preparing to launch investment-related new screening policy against China.

This seems strange, especially because many believe Brussels should consolidate its economic relations with Beijing to offset the effects of its deteriorating ties with Washington. Some believe Brussels still has ample trust in Washington despite Trump being at the helm of US affairs, because traditionally the relationship between Europe and the US has always been strong.

Still, Juncker has to respond to EU citizens' query on the future of Brussels-Washington relations and how the TTIP will evolve, if ever. Basically, Juncker and the rest of the EU leaders have to change their mindset, as in today's fast-changing world, Brussels has to rework its policies that are directed at favoring one or a couple of economies. The TTIP is welcome if it helps the world to reduce trade barriers and promote globalization.

But that shouldn't prevent the EU from taking measures to improve trade ties with its other trade partners such as China.

The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
Leaders of BRICS countries pose for group photos after the ninth BRICS summit in the eastern city of Xiamen, Fujian province, Sept 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

For China and other BRICS countries, the current summit in Xiamen is of particular importance. The relationships between the five member countries are continuing to develop and grow. Cooperation in economic, trade, culture, as well as the media sphere, is strengthening too. Therefore, the summit is being watched closely not only by the local community but also by communities in other countries.

First, BRICS is getting more influential on the international arena which can be seen from the attention the summit is receiving. Second, the economics and trade between the countries indicate a lot of positive trends and there is an eagerness to cooperate in even more spheres. Every time the leaders meet at the summit, the new agreements are signed and later implemented. For example, the ministers of culture agreed to make the cultural festivals a regular happening. BRICS film festival, galleries union, museums and libraries unions are already written into the schedule. At this summit, the Saint-Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre dancers will stage performances for the people of Xiamen as Russian ballet is famous all over the world, and in China in particular.

For Russia and China bilateral relations, the summit is another platform where Chinese and Russian presidents can discuss mutual projects. Prompted by the Russian Ambassador to China in the news conference staged several days prior to the summit, the two countries' relations are showing positive dynamics year-after-year. It can be seen from the number of visits and meetings held between the two leaders. Chinese and Russian regions also cooperate closely. One example is the partnership between Fujian Province and Russian Kaluga where the automobile glass factory has been built with the help of Chinese investments. Apart from that, more and more Chinese people are willing to learn Russian and in the city where the summit is held, the Xiamen University offers Russian language as a major.

This 9th summit is also unique because usually for the BRICS-plus dialogue, the host country invites the leaders of neighboring countries, who are not part of BRICS. China has changed the format and instead invited countries from different world's regions, like Tajikistan, Thailand, Guinea and Mexico. The format is known as "outreach" and has been practiced for some years now.

The projects that were confirmed and implemented some time ago still continue to function. For example, the New Development Bank is tasked with improving the economic situation between the BRICS countries. On the whole, another BRICS summit will positively impact the participating nations. It can also be said that BRICS can serve as an example for other nations, as it is a good case of how countries with different cultural backgrounds, languages and levels of economic and social development can cooperate and benefit each other in many spheres.
The BRICS countries' ambassadors and representative (from left) Jose Vallim Guerreiro, Alexander Tokovinin, Rakesh Arora, Qu Xing and Baso Sangqu (from left to right) open a film festival on Monday in Brussels. [Photo by Fu Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

While the leaders of BRICS countries pledged increased cooperation at the annual summit in China's Xiamen, Fujian province, their Belgian embassies echoed the commitment by launching a film festival on Monday in Brussels.

The festival, hosted by the Chinese embassy in Belgium, is scheduled for Sept 4-9 and will be followed by a conference themed on the global role of BRICS on Friday.

Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Qu Xing joined Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Jose Vallim Guerreiro, Russian Ambassador Alexander Tokovinin, Charge d' Affaires at the Indian embassy in Belgium Rakesh Arora, and South African Ambassador Baso Sangqu at the launch ceremony.

From Tuesday to Saturday, two films from each BRICS country will be screened at the China Culture Centre in Brussels. On Friday, movie-goers can watch Chinese films Born in China directed by Lu Chuan and Let's Get Married directed by Liu Jiang.

"The first film is talking about China's wild animals, nature and scenery, and the other is about Chinese young people's life," Qu Xing said at the launch ceremony.

Qu said that the festival has won support from all the embassies of BRICS countries in Belgium. Other ambassadors and representative from BRICS countries have introduced their films at the ceremony.

At the same time, the three-day BRICS summit and the sideline events held from Sunday to Tuesday, which have involved businesses and leaders of developing countries, also have attracted the attention of European politicians.

They urged the BRICS nations to enhance their cooperation with the European Union.

"We hope to see BRICS countries contributing more proactively for the creation of a multi-polar world," said Jo Leinen, chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with China.

"The world needs the BRICS to defend open and fair international trade against the rising protectionism," Leinen said.

Leinen also said that the BRICS nations and the EU should work together to enhance the global governance.

"Climate protection, enforcement of the Paris Agreement and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are all common ground for EU-BRICS cooperation," said Leinen.
Development needs to be addressed through a multi-stakeholder approach and philanthropists have an important role to play in creating a better shared future and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, says Patrick Haverman, deputy country director of United Nations Development Programme in China.

Chinese philanthropists have the potential to transform the philanthropic sector and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, Haverman said, highlighting a new report launched on Monday by UNDP and the China Foundation Center in Beijing.

The Sustainable Development Goals is a set of 17 "Global Goals" with 169 targets proposed by United Nations. It was adopted to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda on September 2015.

The report, Philanthropy for the SDGs in China, aims to mobilize Chinese philanthropists to realize the 17 goals by linking them with philanthropic projects and displaying their contributions through a report on an internet platform.

Based on the center's core data, the newly-developed platform describes the development of the Chinese philanthropic sector and its contribution to SDGs. It provides support for decision-making regarding SDG-related projects by allowing foundations to search for relevant information and look for potential partners.

"Through this report we hope to encourage greater philanthropic engagement on the SDGs. Philanthropists have an important role to play in creating a better shared future, and UNDP hopes that they will be better able to contribute to the SDGs, taking on ever greater roles in shaping a better tomorrow," said Haverman.

The report provides recommendations for an action plan for the further development of the Chinese philanthropic sector under the SDG framework. It also shows that the Chinese philanthropic sector has great potential to promote the achievement of SDGs in China.

UNDP hopes to introduce the SDGs as a standardized international benchmark to evaluate and monitor the growth of the philanthropic sector both within China and abroad. Sustainable data-sharing and collaboration will help normalize the use of the SDG agenda as a basis for communication among various stakeholders and will help encourage China's philanthropic sector to become more aligned with the SDG agenda.

Moreover, the partnership will further promote the effective integration of sustainable development into the strategic plans of China's charitable organizations and foundations, maximizing their contribution to achieving the SDGs.

However, Gu Qing, assistant director of UNDP China, said during the panel discussion that the investment and focus for each goal is imbalanced. She hoped that, through the report, people would pay more attention to unpopular sustainable development goals such as green energy.

Xu Yongguang, president of Narada Foundation, said China's philanthropic sector needs to think more of how it can "go out", especially under the trend of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Photo taken on Sept 4, 2017 shows the United Nations Security Council holding an emergency meeting on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear test at the UN headquarters in New York. [Photo/Xinhua]

UNITED NATIONS - Members of the UN Security Council remained divided on Monday over possible new sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea over its latest nuclear test.

In an emergency meeting of the Security Council Monday, the United States, France and Britain as well as Japan were in favor of new sanctions, while countries like Russia advised diplomacy.

US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called for "strongest possible measures" by the council against the DPRK. "The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the UN Security Council," Haley told the council meeting that she had requested together with representatives of Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve the problem through diplomacy," said Haley. "We have taken an incremental approach, and despite the best intentions, it has not worked."

Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia cautioned that past failure of the council to curb DPRK's nuclear and missile programs was owing to the fact that the resolutions "were only geared toward leveraging sanctions mechanisms."

"Russia calls on the international community not to yield to emotions, (but) to act in calm and balanced ways," he told the same meeting, adding that a comprehensive settlement can be achieved only through political and diplomatic channels.

French ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre called for the adoption of new sanctions by the Security Council, plus autonomous sanctions by the European Union.

He said the threat from the DPRK has changed both in dimension and nature. It has changed from regional to global, from virtual to immanent, from serious to existential.

Japanese envoy Koro Bessho said: "Japan stresses the need for the council to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures."
The "From University to the World 2017" dialogue between Chinese and South African university students is held in Cape Town on Sept 1, 2017. [Photo/China Plus]

A roundtable discussion among Chinese and South African college students was held in Cape Town on Sept 1, 2017, just ahead of the BRICS summit in China.

Five Chinese and five South African students shared their thoughts on the theme "China and South Africa: What Keeps Us Connected?" Over 200 people from South Africa attended the event.

In over two hours, the students exchanged views on the similarities and differences between the two countries. They also discussed how they can complement and cooperate with each other within the BRICS framework and in global affairs, how young people view the future of their countries and what roles they can play in bilateral cooperation. They also touched upon food, culture and renewable energy cooperation.

This is the first time the annual "From University to the World" student dialogue was brought to Africa. It has been held in China and the United Sates previously.

The event was organized by China Radio International, China Plus and Global Max Media Group. It attracted support from numerous renowned local and international organizations including the likes of the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University, Bush Radio, United Nations Development Program, the South African Embassy in China, University of Cape Town's Faculty of Humanities, and Brand South Africa.

The event was attended by Ghaleeb Jeppie, the Chief Director for International Relations of the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa as well as Song Bo, the Education Attache at the Education Section of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.

Ghaleeb Jeppie, Chief Director for International Relations of the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, addresses the "From University to the World 2017" dialogue in Cape Town, South Africa on Sept 1, 2017. [Photo/China Plus]

Jeppie said "the topic of today's event is specifically relevant, because what binds us, what connects us is an important issue, especially when the BRICS nations are meeting in Xiamen during the first week of September for the summit. The manner our leaders will be discussing these issues is indeed in this kind of dialogue form."

The organizers of the event say that it aims to promote cultural and social exchange between young adults of China and South Africa. With the steady trend of globalization, it is important for the future leaders of the two nations to build a relationship and have a better understanding of each other's cultures. As BRICS members, the establishment of friendship should not only exist between the two governments, but also between the citizens as well.

Song Bo, Education Attache, addresses the "From University to the World 2017" dialogue in Cape Town, South Africa on Sept 1, 2017. [Photo/China Plus]

In light of the topics discussed during the dialogue, Song emphasized the importance of the relationship between China and South Africa. He said,"Our two countries, China and South Africa are in a very good relationship right now. Thanks to the joint care of President Xi Jinping and President Jacob Zuma, our two countries not only developed stronger and closer diplomatic and economic ties, but also achieved fruitful results in educational cooperation."

The participants of the dialogue were selected through online competitions. After two rounds of preliminary judgments, the top 10 students received an invitation to attend the finale in Cape Town. 2 came directly from China, 3 are Chinese students studying in South Africa, and 5 are local students.
The Japan-China Economic Association said on Monday that it will send a delegation of 200 Japanese executives to China in November, according to the SankeiBiz.

The business leaders are scheduled to stay in Beijing for talks with Chinese government officials on Nov 20-23 and visit other parts of China including some companies in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, after that.

This will be the 43rd annual association delegation to China. The association is headed by Shoji Muneoka, who is chairman of Nippon Steel  Sumitomo Metal Corporation, Japan's largest steel producer.

It will be the third time for Japan's three business bodies - the Japan Business Federation (also known as Keidanren), the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Japan-China Economic Association - to send a joint delegation to China. Keidanren consists mainly of big companies, and the chamber of commerce represents smaller firms.

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met with the group of Japanese business leaders last year.

A white paper released by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China in June showed that the number of Japanese companies which hoped to expand in China, were on the increase for the first time in recent years. About 40 per cent of 8,852 Japanese businesses were willing to expand their business on the Chinese mainland, compared with 38 percent in 2015. Only 7.1 percent wanted to scale down or withdraw, down from 10.6 percent that wanted to leave China in the previous year.

China is Japan's biggest trading partner. Japan's exports to China rose 17.6 percent in July compared to a year earlier.
Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, is flanked by a group that includes the wives of leaders of BRICS and other invited countries, as they attend an event to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and control at Xiamen University on Tuesday.[Photo/Xinhua]

Wives of the leaders of nations who are in town for the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen and related meetings, accompanied Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, on Tuesday at an event to educate college students about AIDS.

At Xiamen University, the guests visited an exhibition on HIV/AIDS prevention and control and listened to a briefing on efforts made by the Chinese government and universities.

Peng, often greeted by Chinese children as "Mother Peng", has long been active in HIV/AIDS prevention and other health matters.

She was appointed as a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in 2011.

In China, she became the health ambassador for HIV/AIDS prevention for the Ministry of Health in 2006.

"Today we attend an event to promote awareness of preventing and fighting AIDS in the whole of society, especially among young people, eliminating discrimination against AIDS patients and getting spiritually vaccinated," Peng said.

At the same time, China will deepen cooperation in that regard with BRICS nations and developing countries, she said.

An official from the National Health and Family Planning Commission told the visitors that with Peng's support in HIV/AIDS prevention, activities have been carried out at more than 50 Chinese universities. They have drawn crowds of student volunteers as well as celebrities.

The visitors spoke highly of China's efforts after learning about the achievements of Xiamen University's HIV detection and diagnosis programs and talking with volunteers.

The guests also attended a UNESCO awards ceremony at the university on the education of girls and women.

Irina Bokova, UNESCO director-general, expressed her appreciation for China's many contributions to international cooperation in that field as well as the efforts of Peng, UNESCO'S special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education.

Projects from Thailand, Peru and South Africa won this year's awards.

It is a tradition of the Chinese nation to emphasize education, Peng said.

She added people should lend helping hands to women and children who are in need to enable them "have the chance and capabilities to change their fate and live a better life".
Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a banquet for those attending the Ninth BRICS Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian province, Sept 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

XIAMEN - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for solidarity among emerging market and developing countries.

Xi made the remarks when addressing a banquet for those attending the ninth BRICS summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in the southeastern city of Xiamen.

He likened Xiamen to a window of China's opening up and a hot land for innovative development. With leaders from BRICS countries as well as other emerging market and developing countries gathering here to discuss cooperation, the city will be left with a new legacy, he said.

"Though we are far away from each other geographically, common dreams and pursuit have made us good friends and partners," Xi said.

As long as emerging market and developing countries "pull their minds and efforts together, help each other and work hand in hand," they can create more "miracles of development like turning soil into gold" and enable their people to live a life of "being well-fed and well-clothed," he said.

Xi called the BRICS summit in Xiamen a success with fruitful outcomes.

"I sincerely hope that the Xiamen summit will open new doors of cooperation and development, ushering in the second golden decade of BRICS cooperation and a bright future for emerging market and developing countries," the president said.

On Monday, Xi, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma attended the summit, themed "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future."

On Tuesday, China will hold a Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, in which leaders of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand will join the BRICS leaders in discussing global development cooperation.

After the banquet, the guests, accompanied by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, watched a gala at the Banlam Grand Theater.

At the gala, with a theme of "Setting the Sail for the Future," artists performed classic Chinese songs, folk dances, the ancient local music art form Nanyin and a classic Italian aria -- a blend of East and West cultures.

The BRIC grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China was formally established in 2006. In 2010, South Africa joined the group, and the acronym was changed to BRICS.
One of the first things that Richard Parks learned after moving into South Central Los Angeles is that Bible studies and liquor stores dont mix.

In 1992, Parks and a few friends moved to LA following the riots sparked by the acquittals in the Rodney King trial. It was an act of faith, inspired by Parkss experience as a summer intern with John Perkins and the Voice of Calvary Ministries in Mississippi. The friends found a pair of rental houses just off Jefferson Boulevard in the Exposition Park neighborhood and set up a tutoring program at a storefront around the corner.

There was just one problem.

Their new home was not far from Lucky Liquor, a haven for crime in the neighborhood. The store served cheap beer and sold cups full of ice with their liquor, encouraging customers to hang around outside the store and drink, according to city zoning department complaints. Prostitutes and drugs dealers often hung around the store as well, and the street nearby was littered with broken bottles and other trash.

Then there was the violence. In their first year in LA, Parks says, there was one homicide at the store and more shootings than they could count.

We quickly learned that gunfire was a call to hit the floor and pray, he said.

One night as the bullets smashed their walls, the friends prayed the Lords PrayerYour kingdom come, your will be done. Afterward, Parks was furious.

Hed grown up in a quiet suburb, where the kind of chaos he saw on a daily basis in his South LA neighborhood would never have been tolerated. So why was it tolerated in his new community?

The next morning, he and his friends set out to answer that questionand to shut down Lucky Liquor as a public ...

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Unless you are part of the United Church of Christ, you likely do not know that Labor Sunday is coming up September 6, 2009. I've never encountered this observance in a lifetime of attending assorted denominational and non-denominational churches. The UCC website suggests ways to bring the concerns of workers before the congregation, but Web searches on "Labor Sunday" plus the names of other denominations bring up only very old documents like a 1907 Assembly Herald (Presbyterian) and a 1911 Herald of Gospel Liberty (General Convention of the Christian Church). The latter declared, "This day stands for the united action of the churches in the field of industrial life, a fact of supreme importance in the history of religion.  And yet how many preachers, and how many church members are familiar with the Social Creed of the Churches,' and its requirements[?]"

Though Labor Sunday precedes Labor Day on the calendar, Labor Day is the older holiday. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, either Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, proposed the holiday in the early 1880s. In the middle of that decade, municipalities across the country declared a "workingman's holiday" on the first Monday of September. Congress recognized the date in 1894. Typical celebrations included a parade, intended to demonstrate "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," speeches, and amusements for workers and their families.

Churches organized alongside labor interests in the first decade of the twentieth century.

In 1907, the (Northern) Presbyterian Department of ...
Just days after President Donald Trump met with evangelical leaders to discuss the uncertain future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the White House announced Tuesday that the program will end in March.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions called DACAwhich allowed 800,000 young immigrant Dreamers to obtain temporary legal status and enter the workforce over the past five yearsunconstitutional and an overreach of the executive branch. He said the program led to a surge of young immigrants at the border with Mexico, and ultimately allowed undocumented workers to take jobs from Americans.

The phase-out of DACA leaves those students and workers (including young Christian leaders) at risk of deportationand puts pressure on Congress to pass immigration reform legislation in the meantime.

Two-thirds of American evangelicals favor giving work permits to Dreamers (66%) while far fewer oppose the permits (22%), according ...

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Before I went to seminary, I worked as a regular volunteer in childrens ministry. My church at the time was small, so I taught Sunday school lessons to a one-room schoolhouse of tiny primaries and spunky middle-schoolers. After completing my program in theological studies, however, I avoided kids and preferred to teach adults. I wanted to give my time and service to those who could best understand the Scriptures, and childrens ministry didnt seem like the place.

For women like me, teaching the Bible to children sometimes seems like the unrewarding babysitting corner of church lifea place to engage youngsters with stories, crafts, and treats while the adults tend to more important spiritual matters. Beyond a clean background check and a willing spirit, volunteering in youth work doesnt seem to require much, and women who feel tied to this area (and little else) may wonder if their spiritual gifts are being fully used.

Case in point: During a recent #ThingsOnlyChristianWomenHear Twitter conversation, many stressed their concerns over the treatment of women in Christian circles. Among the tweets were stories of restrictive gender roleswomen confined to traditionally nurturing positions regardless of their gifts and abilities. You speak five languages and have a doctoral degree? Childrens ministry is your calling! wrote one woman in sarcasm.

The tweets implicit critique is absolutely right: Educated/gifted women are not strictly called to childrens ministry. In both egalitarian and complementarian settingsbut particularly in the latterwe do well to seek and affirm womens voices in vast areas of church life. ...

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GOD TV Marks The Reformation with a Major Focus on Germany Contact: Fergus Scarfe, Regional Director for UK & Europe, GOD TV, 407-862-5084, fscarfe@god.tv



STUTTGART, Germany, Sept. 5, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- GOD TV is set to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 Theses by airing a series of historic LIVE broadcasts from Germany, the Cradle of the Reformation. The global network will also maximize its impact across Germany by launching on leading cable operator, Unitymedia.



Along with leaders of all denominations, GOD TV is calling for Christians worldwide to stand together to bring a new Reformation into the Church today. This is the aim of Holy Spirit Nights, Reformatiom (The Reformation), which will air LIVE from Stuttgart on September 29 through 30 September with Peter and Markus Wenz of Gospel Forum and top international speakers, Joseph Prince, Reinhard Bonnke and Ben Fitzgerald.



"GOD TV is pleased to mark this historic anniversary by reaching further than ever before," said the network's President, Ward Simpson. "We are committed to the Great Commission and helping to bring revival, renewal and reformation into the Church worldwide."



GOD TV launch on Unitymedia

In addition to the Reformation events, GOD TV is making a lasting impact on Germany by launching on Channel 432 of Unitymedia this month in three German States. A subsidiary of Liberty Global, Unitymedia currently serves 12.8 million homes and is positioned for future growth at the forefront of Europe's media services industry.



GOD TV will now be available to 6.4 million more viewers, which is a significant distribution accomplishment for the network. Established in the UK in 1995, GOD TV has since expanded worldwide and already has an established following across Germany, where it has previously aired LIVE from the cities of Berlin, Stuttgart and Nuremberg.



Speaking about the new launch GOD TV's Regional Director for the UK & Europe, Fergus Scarfe said, "We want to enable more viewers to experience God in fresh and meaningful ways, bringing a powerful message of hope through media to people of all walks of life."



GOD TV is known for its unique blend of interdenominational programming. It airs a wide-selection of prominent Christian leaders with an emphasis on premier events. It is available worldwide via satellite, on cable in certain places and via streaming on smartphone (GOD TV App), PC, or TV (Apple TV and Roku). For more information about GOD TV visit www.god.tv



About GOD TV: GOD TV was founded in 1995 as Europe's First Daily Christian Television Network and has since expanded worldwide. GOD TV is broadcast Free To Air and has a global reach of some 300 million homes, with a potential viewership of one billion people. The network's global broadcast license is held by Angel Christian Television Trust Inc, a US not-for-profit corporation. GOD TV is owned by several Angel Charities, which in addition to its media outreach, assist people in the developing world. GOD TV adheres to the Evangelical Alliance Basis of Faith.



Media contact: email GOD TV's Regional Director for UK & Europe, Fergus Scarfe at fscarfe@god.tv

Telephone 407 862 5084



GOD TV International offices: USA (Orlando, Florida) UK & Europe (Plymouth, England); Asia & Middle East (Chennai, India and Colombo, Sri Lanka), Africa (Cape Town, South Africa and Nairobi, Kenya); Australasia (Melbourne, Australia).

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home World Pope Francis admits he saw psychoanalyst before he became pontiff

Pope Francis has admitted in a recent interview that he had weekly sessions with a psychoanalyst for six months during his time in Argentina.

In a series of interviews with French sociologist Dominique Wolton, the pope revealed that he consulted with a female psychoanalyst between 1978 and 1979, when he was transitioning from the difficult task of provincial superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina to rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel.

"I consulted with a Jewish psychoanalyst. For months I went to her house once a week to clear up some things," Francis said.

"She was a doctor and psychoanalyst, and she always stayed put. Then one day, when she was about to die, she called me. Not to receive the sacraments, since she was Jewish, but for a spiritual dialogue. She was a very good person. For six months she helped me a lot, when I was 42 years old," he added.

The interviews with Wolton were recorded in a new book titled "Pope Francis: Politics and Society," which is scheduled to be published on Sept. 6.

Segments of the book were released by the French Le Figaro Magazine, in which the pope also discusses the Christian roots of Europe, gay marriage, migrants, and the influence of women in his life.

The pope admitted that he had been influenced by the communist female militant Esther Ballestrino de Careaga, who was known to be the founder a movement of mothers who decried the killing of their children by the regime in Argentina.

"She taught me to think about political reality, [...] I owe so much to this woman," Francis recounted. "I was told once: 'But you are a Communist!' No, the Communists are the Christians. It's the others who stole our banner!" he continued.

Francis also reiterated his opposition to abortion and he affirmed that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

On the topic of Islam, the pope expressed his belief that it would be good for Muslims to have a critical study of the Quran, as Christians did with the Bible. He asserted that the historical and critical method of interpretation will help Muslims "evolve."

Crux noted that it was not surprising that Francis had consulted with a psychoanalyst, considering that Argentina has the highest number of therapist per capita in the world.

The Catholic Church had previously projected a sense of mistrust regarding psychoanalysis, but its skepticism seemed to have diminished over time.

Psychologists have been described in the updated Vatican guidelines for training priests as valuable in assessing the psychological health of candidates for the priesthood.
home World Pope Francis reiterates Church's traditional views on marriage

Pope Francis has reiterated the Church's position that marriage can only be between a man and a woman, and suggested that the union between people of the same sex be called "civil unions."

In a series of interviews with French sociologist Dominique Wolton, the Pope contended that the marriage has always been defined as the union between a man and a woman throughout human history.

"Marriage between people of the same sex? 'Marriage' is a historical word. Always in humanity, and not only within the Church, it's between a man and a woman... we cannot change that. This is the nature of things," Francis said, as reported by Crux.

The pope warned that there is "critical confusion" when it comes to the true nature of marriage and gender. He asserted that teaching children that they can choose their own gender also plays a part in fostering such mistakes about the truth or facts of nature.

"In books also, children are learning that they can choose their own sex. Why is sex, being a woman or a man, a choice and not a fact of nature? This favors this mistake. But let's say things as they are: Marriage is between a man and a woman. This is the precise term. Lets call unions between the same sex 'civil unions,'" he said.

Francis said that he wondered whether the new ideas about gender and marriage were somehow based on a fear of differences, and suggested that researchers start studying the subject.

The series of interviews will be published in French in the 417-page book "Politics and Society," which will be released on Sept. 6, according to Catholic Herald.

In the interview, the pope cautioned preachers against condemning only the forms of immorality that fall "below the belt." He lamented that other sins like hate envy, pride, vanity, murder and making illegal agreements "really not talked about that much."

Francis also reiterated his opposition to abortion and said that his decision to give all priests permanent permission to grant absolution to those who obtained an abortion was not intended at trivializing the issue.

On the topic of Islam, the pontiff suggested that it would be good for Muslims to have a critical study of the Quran, as Christians did with the Bible. He asserted that applying the historical and critical method of interpretation will help Muslims "evolve."

Francis also admitted in the interview that he had weekly sessions with a psychoanalyst for six months during his time in Argentina. He revealed that he consulted with a female psychoanalyst between 1978 and 1979, when he was transitioning from being a provincial superior of the Society of Jesus in Argentina to becoming the rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel.
home World UK charity regulator launches investigation on Salvation Army over unpaid bills

The Charity Commission in the U.K. is conducting an investigation on the Salvation Army after it failed to pay thousands of pounds worth of bills due to an accounting system error.

Salvation Army officers were reportedly in "despair" after a digital accounting system called SAASY, which was introduced by the Christian organization in April to "centralize" its finances, failed to process payments on time.

"We want to take this opportunity to unreservedly apologise for the delay in some of our suppliers receiving payment for invoices and the added pressure this has had on some of our officers and staff," a Salvation Army spokesman told Daily Mail.

A source from the Salvation Army has said that officers have been receiving final demand letters for payment because the unpaid bills were in their names.

"Red letters are arriving every day. The officers are being pushed to the edge by the sheer stress of the situation," the source stated, adding that some are already thinking of leaving the Salvation Army due to the financial pressure they are now facing.

The Charity Commission is now conducting an investigation on the Salvation Army's problems with its accounting system. The probe is looking to establish whether regulatory advice or "other action" from the commission is required after the Christian charity reported the incident.

In a leaked email to the workers, Salvation Army trustee Lieutenant-Colonel Alan Read apologized for the disruption caused by the new accounting system.

"I am horrified to learn of the difficulties many of you have encountered during these long weeks and despite the distress and anxiety this has caused and the depths of despair some of you have plumbed, you have continued your mission work," Read said.

"I applaud you and say that it is against the difficult backdrop of SAASY that you have continued working. Sorry will never be a big enough word," he added.

Read also noted in the email that two senior Salvation Army finance officers had already resigned on Aug. 11. It was revealed on Saturday that the joint heads of the Salvation Army in the U.K., commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams, are being reassigned to Sweden and Latvia.

A Salvation Army spokesman said that it would be "inappropriate" to speculate on the reasons for the resignation of the finance officers, adding that a new finance director had already been appointed. He also noted that the relocation of the heads of the U.K. Salvation Army to positions abroad was not connected to the issues related to the new accounting system.

The Christian charity currently has 50,000 members, 4,000 employees and 1,000 officers in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland.
For years CrashPlan was my go-to solution for cloud backups. Last year CrashPlan began behaving badly. So, after uninstalling and reinstalling it countless times and spending hours in search of a solution, I gave up and switched to Backblaze, which offers unlimited backups to its cloud for just $50 a year.

I switched to another provider because Code42's support was lacking, and I was tired of wasting time looking for solutions every time it broke, which was far too often.

Now, everyone who uses CrashPlan for Home will have to switch because Code42 has announced it's leaving the consumer backup market. The product will cease to exist Oct. 23, 2018.

Code42 offers two options for existing customers:

More Information Find itbackblaze.com See More Collapse

Migrate your data to CrashPlan for Small Business ($10 per month per device) and back up for free until the end of your current CrashPlan for Home subscription, then get 75 percent off for the first 12 months of CrashPlan for Small Business, and $10 per device per month after that.

The second option is a new subscription with Carbonite, Code42's partner for home users, which offers a cloud-based backup service similar to Backblaze, starting at $60 per year, with 50 percent off for some length of time. (Because I'm not a CrashPlan for Home subscriber, I couldn't see the actual offer.)

Here's what I recommend for current CrashPlan for Home users. Evaluate your options with and without the promotional discounts for CrashPlan for Small Business and Carbonite. Then, compare prices and features with Backblaze before you make a decision.

After the promotional prices go away, I think Backblaze delivers more bang for the buck. Furthermore, having used Backblaze for almost two years without a single hiccup, I feel comfortable recommending it to anyone needing cloud-based backups.

Bottom line: It doesn't matter which option you choose. What is important is that you choose one and maintain a cloud-based backup of your data.
Even as Houston's morning traffic picked up on Tuesday, some companies including ConocoPhillips and BP are still working on repairing their offices after flood waters blanketed Houston last week.

Houston's Conoco and London's BP both said their main offices in Houston near I-10 remained closed on Tuesday.
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Several south Houston residents lost power late Monday after two police officers dodged a reckless driver and crashed into a pole in Sunnyside.

Two officers were driving southbound in the 9600 block of Cullen about 9 p.m. when a vehicle pulled in front of them, said Lt. Larry Crowson with the Houston Police Department.
A SWAT team swarmed a southeast Houston home after receiving reports an assault at the house.

Members of the SWAT team arrived about 7 a.m. at the home in the 5400 block of Timber Creek, said Lori Bender, assistant chief with the Houston Police Department.

Family members at the scene told them two men inside of the house were armed and fighting.

The men refused to let officers inside. Family members handed police the keys to the home, which they used to enter.

Police found the two men on the couch. Neither were armed, but both appeared to have been fighting.

They took both men into custody by 10 a.m. No charges had been filed as of Tuesday morning.

Officers continued to search the house Tuesday morning to make sure there were not any weapons inside.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will announce Tuesday whether he will lift the overnight curfew put in effect to combat crime in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

The curfew - which starts at midnight and ends at 5 a.m. - was enacted Aug. 29.
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will wind down an Obama-era program providing legal status to young immigrants in the U.S. illegally, making good on a central campaign promise and setting up a lengthy fight in Congress.

In a statement Tuesday morning, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a longtime immigration hardliner in the Senate, said the program is being "rescinded," though other senior administration officials laid out a gradual phase-out that will occur over the next six months.

Here's how Texas university presidents are responding to the news. Recall that many signed onto a statement last fall urging Congress and President Donald Trump to uphold DACA.

University of Houston President and Chancellor Renu Khator said that Sessions' guidance did not change operations for the campus on Tuesday, though she pledged to follow any change in federal law.

She said she hoped Trump and Congress will find a way to allow DACA recipients, known as "dreamers," to continue with their education and said she'd talked to student government about their concerns.

"We don't know who is documented and who is undocumented," she said. "We are here to teach every student who is here until we are told otherwise. Dreamers have dreams, and they are passionate about education."

She added in a statement:

"Today's announcement by the Trump administration regarding the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program is of great concern to the University of Houston System. We are sensitive to the disruption that DACA termination would have on our students who are covered by this law, the work they are doing to further their academic pursuits and dreams and their crucial role in our institution's culture and diversity.

"As a diverse and inclusive community that believes in the power of education, the University of Houston System will continue to support all of its students, including those covered under DACA, through any means afforded under law. The University of Houston System will continue to work with national higher education organizations and our Congressional representatives to find a pathway that allows DACA students to complete their educational goals."

Texas Southern University President Austin Lane said TSU students have not reached out to him about DACA, which he attributed to a campus preoccupation with Harvey. TSU started classes on Tuesday, later than expected.

He pledged to "adjust" to federal decisions as they come.

"We're a state university  we have to do what the law says we have to do," he said. "I can't supersede the law. We have to follow whatever comes to us and make sure we educate our folks as best we can under the situation and circumstances that arise."

He followed up in a statement to campus on Wednesday.

"Texas Southern University is proud of its diverse academic community and values the contribution of our nation's immigrants. As our campus community deals with the announcement about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, we want to remind our TSU family that we value all of our students and support them during this time of uncertainty.

"DACA has provided opportunities for thousands of students to make meaningful contributions to our society. Opportunity for all is part of our core as a Historically Black University (HBCU).

"Please know that the law has not changed yet. We join others in hoping Congress will pass a replacement soon. In the meantime, Texas Southern University will use all available resources to nurture, support and educate our immigrant population. TSU's International Office is a resource for students to obtain information about the program and the facts on what it means for them, the law clinic in the Thurgood Marshall School of Law can also offer support on critical legal matters, and the University Counseling Center stands ready to provide guidance. The University will comply with the law if DACA is rescinded, but until that occurs, this campus will remain focused on the health and well-being of our entire student body.

"The variety of ethnicities on our campus contributes to a vibrant academic community and prepares TSU graduates for life and careers in an ever-changing global community. Our talented students come from 49 countries around the world and each one is a priceless part of the fabric that unites our University community. We are strong and resolute.

"Texas Southern will remain at the vanguard of diversity and inclusion."

Rice University President David Leebron said in a post to Twitter that he is "deeply disappointed by decision on DACA."

He added in a letter to campus, "I was deeply disappointed to learn this morning of the administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) program with six months notice for those currently enrolled, and immediately for those who are not. I have written before to the campus community of my own strong views on this issue, and on the university's official position supporting the continuation of the DACA program. Although the president claimed that Congress should take up this issue, he offered no proposal or expression of support for such legislation.

"I find today's action appalling on its own terms. As a result of the repeal of DACA, parents may be separated from each other and their young children, and siblings from each other as well. Those who were brought to this country as a child are threatened with deportation to countries that they did not grow up in, may have no relationships in, and may not even speak the language. This ought to be unacceptable to all.

"What strikes me as truly unfathomable is the timing of this decision, and its particular impact on Houston at a time of great distress. Houston has the third largest population of foreign born residents in the United States and has accepted more refugees than any other city. The state of Texas has the second largest number of DACA-eligible individuals in the country, and the same is true as a county for our location, Harris County. At the time of a natural disaster like Hurricane Harvey, we are reminded that we are, indeed, "all in one boat." Those suffering in our city include many immigrants who, whether eligible for DACA or not, were brought to the country as children.

"When I met last year with members of HACER, our Hispanic student organization, I was struck by the fact that although no member of the small group was a DACA student, every student I met with had a close relative who was either DACA-qualified or in a similar position. I met also with one of our graduate DACA students, studying to be a scientist and educator, who was forced to travel to his undergraduate college by bus because he could not board an airplane. And although he was an immigrant brought here at a young age, his siblings were not.

"Last fall, when we announced an extension of financial aid support to DACA students, we included those who had DACA-like qualifications, but were not formally part of the DACA program. Unless compelled otherwise by law, we will continue to extend Rice financial aid and other benefits to our DACA students, and indicate in our programs and practices that such students are clearly welcome members of the Rice community. We will take whatever action is permissible under law to avoid increasing the risk that such students are deported or otherwise have their immigration status challenged. We will advocate with our Congress-members to quickly pass legislation extending DACA, and work with organizations we are members of to exercise our collective voice and influence in this regard. You can help, if you so choose, by also making your views known to your political representatives.

"Our primary mission is the education of people to help them realize their ambitions and potential, and to make the greatest contribution they can to our city, country and world. We seek to extend that mission to all highly talented students, regardless of national origin. These values will continue to guide us as we seek to support DACA and other resident immigrant students during these difficult times."

University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven issued a statement Tuesday morning.

"Our state and nation have benefited for decades by attracting and retaining great students, scholars, physicians, and researchers from around the world. As I have said before, the men and women who show up on our shores and at our doors  ready to study, work, and participate  make us stronger, smarter, more competitive, and more attuned to the rest of our ever-shrinking globe. Over time, we have seen that their contributions and discoveries help us secure our nation, care for our people, foster economic growth, and provide scientific expertise and innovation that improves the human condition.

"For years, Texas has supported students who were born in foreign countries but were brought here as children and raised in the U.S. In fact, Texas was among the first states to grant these Texas high school graduates the opportunity to pay in-state tuition, a benefit The University of Texas System continues to support.

"These students consider themselves to be Americans and Texans, proud of the state they see as their home. They, like others, have served our nation with distinction in their academic pursuits, in our nation's military, and as productive members of society. This service should be applauded and honored. Our nation should recognize the potential in these students, granting them the opportunity to pursue their education and enter the workforce in this country.

"The UT System will always follow the law. And while I understand the concern of the President and others about how DACA was implemented, the critical fact is that I and the UT System believe in our DACA students and that their opportunities to contribute to Texas and our nation should be upheld and continued by our leaders in Washington. Congress must now act quickly to provide a bridge for these students to remain in the U.S. and become citizens."

University of Houston-Downtown President Juan Sanchez Munoz, reached before Sessions' official announcement, said he would like to reserve any comment on DACA until after an official statement had been made.

University of Texas at Austin President Gregory Fenves issued a statement early Tuesday afternoon.

"Today's announcement about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program greatly impacts The University of Texas community. It will dramatically change the lives of young people who were brought to the U.S. as children, some of whom have gone on to pursue an education at UT and universities across Texas and the nation. DACA has provided an opportunity for hundreds of thousands of talented individuals to succeed and contribute to society.

"In November of last year, I joined hundreds of other university presidents in signing a letter to President-elect Trump asking that DACA be maintained. And I will continue to join higher education leaders in urging the U.S. Congress to quickly pass long-term legislation to support those whom DACA has enabled  young immigrants who have spent most of their lives in the U.S.

"Some of those young immigrants are UT students and they are vital members of our campus community. Each one of them is valued. Each one of them contributes to the UT experience.

"The International Office is an excellent resource for support and guidance for UT students who have been covered by DACA. Further information is available through the Longhorn DREAMers project.

"At The University of Texas we are defined and elevated by our students. They come from many backgrounds and experiences to learn, to benefit from the diversity of the campus, to be ambitious and to serve. UT brings people together. We don't benefit by shutting people out."

Texas A&M University President Michael Young issued a statement Wednesday.

"The announcement yesterday by the U.S. Attorney General on plans to rescind the executive order for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) unless Congress acts to pass the legislation has generated a number of questions among our students, faculty, staff, former students and community.

"I stand committed to statements made earlier this year and last November, that all students, faculty and staff of Texas A&M University are here legitimately, working and/or pursuing their degrees, and that we benefit from their presence in many ways including scholarship and friendship.

"I sincerely hope that the U.S. Congress can find a way through the various considerations to determine a solution that honors the unique circumstances of these young people and their commitment to lawfully pursuing the "American Dream" of education, employment and tangible contributions to our society."

Baylor University President Linda Livingstone also spoke out Wednesday.

"Following the Trump Administration's announcement on Tuesday regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, I want to reiterate that Baylor University is firmly committed to providing our continued support for any affected students.

"Fostering a caring community that is diverse and vibrant is at the core of who we are as a Christian institution. We are called to spread the love of Christ - at home and abroad - as we strive each and every day to be His hands and feet.

"DACA students have been an important part of the Baylor Family for several years. Since 2012, the Baylor Law School Immigration Clinic has assisted more than 300 Waco-area residents, including Baylor students, with DACA and other immigration needs.

"As Congress considers the future of the DACA program, the University will continually monitor the situation on behalf of our students and will respond to the needs of our community as the situation unfolds.

"To our DACA students, Baylor makes the following commitments:

The University will protect the privacy of student records and information in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);

The Baylor University Police Department will comply with all federal laws and mandates. As a matter of practice, BUPD does not engage in profiling; and

Our Center for Global Engagement will be a beneficial resource for DACA students who are in need of information or assistance.

"As it stands, Congress has six months to pass legislation regarding the DACA program. We encourage you to contact your respective elected officials and share your opinions. You can find contact information on the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate websites.

"I assure you, Baylor will not waver in our commitment to support all of our students and celebrate the diversity of our student body. We endeavor always to love our neighbors as ourselves. Please pray for our DACA students, the broader Baylor Family and our nation's leaders."
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After watching nonstop coverage of the hurricane and the incredible rescues that were taking place, I got in bed at 10:30 on Tuesday night. I had been glued to the TV for days. Every time I would change the channel in an attempt to get my mind on something else for a few minutes, I was drawn right back in.

I finally turned off the TV and picked up my phone to do a quick check of email and Facebook. I read an article about the Cajun Navy and the thousands of selfless volunteers who have shown up to this city en masse. The article explained they were using a walkie-talkie-type app called Zello to communicate with each other, locate victims, get directions, etc. I downloaded the app, found the Cajun Navy channel and started listening.

I was completely enthralled. Voice after voice after voice coming though my phone in the dark, some asking for help, some saying they were on their way. Most of the transmissions I was hearing when I first tuned in were from Houston, but within 30 minutes or so, calls started coming in from Port Arthur and Orange. Harvey had moved east from Houston and was pummeling East Texas.

ZELLO: Hurricane Irma just made a digital walkie-talkie the No. 1 app online

Call after call from citizens saying they were trapped in their houses and needed boat rescue. None of the volunteer rescuers had made it to that area from Houston, but as soon as the calls started coming in, they were moving out, driving as fast as they could into the middle of Harvey.

As I was listening, I quickly figured out that there were a few moderators on the app that were in charge and very experienced in using this method of communication during emergencies. One in particular, Brittney, was giving directions, taking rescue requests, and prioritizing calls and rescues. At one point, she said something that made me realize she's a nurse, so I immediately understood why she was so effective in this situation.

A couple of other women (who were working from other parts of the country, not Houston) who had been taking calls from victims and logging in the information came on the line around 12:30 and said they had to sign off so they could get to bed. They asked if there was anyone who could work through the night to keep taking rescue requests and log them.

I sat up and turned on my light. I timidly pushed the "talk" button and said, "I can."

READ ALSO: How to get around Houston's horrible traffic jams after Harvey

Barbara Pace Mumphrey

I GOT a two-minute "training" session and a "good luck!" One of the key suggestions of the training session was that when I received a rescue request, I needed to try to call the person making the request if possible to get more details and to ensure that it was a legitimate request. Unfortunately, there had been reports of people calling in fake rescue requests and then robbing the volunteers when they arrived. Despicable.

After I received each request and had called the person making the request, I was to log their information on a designated website, let the requester know the ID number they'd been assigned and move on to the next call.

Within minutes, I was on the phone with Karen. Karen was in a house in Port Arthur, sitting on her kitchen cabinet with seven other adults, two teenagers and a newborn. The water was almost to the counter tops. I assured here we would get someone to her as soon as we could and told her to stay safe.

READ ALSO: Flooding causes sinkhole on Beltway 8 frontage road

It was 1:15 a.m..

By this time, Cajun Navy rescuers had begun arriving in Port Arthur. They were begging to be let in the water, but the Coast Guard understandably wouldn't grant them permission because the storm was just too strong.

It was gut-wrenching to hear so many calls coming in and having to tell them there was nothing we could do until the storm calmed down a little. The local authorities were doing the best they could, but they were far outnumbered and also unable to get to everyone in the treacherous conditions.

I took several more calls and quickly realized there was no way I could call to verify every request. They were coming in faster than I could type them into the website data bank. I would listen to the request, write down their info and start typing it in. In the time I could enter one request, three more would come in.

I was originally just sitting up in bed with my laptop on my lap, phone in hand and a notepad on my nightstand. Pretty quickly, I moved to my dining room table, plugged in my computer and phone and poured a huge glass of iced tea.

I started out taking notes nice and neat on printer paper. That quickly turned into chaotic scribbles. I was having trouble reading my own handwriting at times.

I got a request from Chad. I had enough time to call him. Trapped in their house, he and his wife had water up to their chests. He told me they were about to go to their attic. I begged him not to do that and told him he had to go to his roof instead. He said there was no way for them to do that. I told him he didn't have a choice. I asked him to keep calling 911, over and over. When we hung up, I texted him other numbers to try  the Coast Guard, the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management, the Air Force.

It was 2:20 a.m..

I spoke to another woman whose name I can't even remember. I didn't call her directly but we had a few exchanges through the app. She told me she and her kids were sitting on their kitchen counter and needed rescuing, but she was scared to get off the counter when boats arrived because there were snakes in the water in their house.

I took request after request after request. Name...phone number...address...number of adults...number of children...number of elderly...medical conditions. I would then type this information in as fast I could so the dispatchers could send the rescuers out. After submitting the information, I received an ID number that I was supposed to relay to the person requesting the rescue. We asked them to remember the number so they could give it to their rescuers when they were finally picked up. We could then mark them safe in the system, avoiding the dilemma of rescuers looking for people who had already been saved by someone else.

It was around this time that I heard one of the dispatchers who goes by Goose ping in to our channel to let us know that the Cajun Navy still had no boats on the water. Conditions were still too dangerous. I had mistakenly assumed we had boats in the water by then.

No wonder we had so many people desperately begging for rescue. No one was coming for them.

All night long I had been telling them to "hang on, we'll be there soon." I didn't know I had been lying to them.

EDMUND D. FOUNTAIN/NYT

AROUND 3 a.m., I got a request from a teenage boy in Orange who was screaming so hysterically I couldn't even understand him. I got his phone number and told him I'd call him directly. The second he answered, he was screaming that his brother and cousin were laying in the backyard, unresponsive, possibly electrocuted.

I'm sad to say that I don't even remember this boy's name. I know I asked, but in the conversation that ensued, I forgot it. He told me that his brother and cousin had been near a shed in the backyard for over an hour, but they couldn't get to them because of the rising water and the storm.

I told him they needed to try to get to them and that I was getting help to them as soon as I could. I think he thought I was an official 911 dispatcher, as he kept asking me why the police weren't there. He said he'd called 911 "at least 100 times" and they never answered. He then told me he and another cousin were going to go outside to check on the young men in the yard. I told him I'd wait. He put the phone down. I listened. And waited.

I could hear panicked conversation and rain and sloshing water. After a very long seven or eight minutes, I suddenly heard the most blood-curdling, gut-wrenching screaming I've ever heard.

I heard a little girl screaming at the top of her lungs.

I heard a boy's voice screaming "no, no, no, noooooo" over and over.

I felt nauseated. And completely helpless. I started screaming into the phone..."Hello! Hello!"

He picked up the phone.

"Miss, I think my brother is dead! He's not breathing! Should we do CPR? What do we do?"

"Do you know CPR? Yes, try CPR!"

"What do I do?" he screamed.

Before I could answer, he dropped the phone again. More chaos. More screaming. Guttural. Desperate. He came back to the phone.

"He's not moving! I don't know what to do! I have to go get my cousin!"

I asked him to put his mom on the phone.

A woman's voice. Much calmer than I expected.

"Hello?"

"Hello, I'm Holly. I'm trying to get some help to you. Tell me what's going on. What's your name?"

"Margaret. My boy is gone! His lips are purple. He's gone."

I desperately searched for words.

Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

"Margaret, I'm so very sorry. Where is your nephew?"

"He's in the yard. They're trying to get him now."

"Who else is with you?"

Margaret told me she was with her other kids  four or five people total, if I remember correctly  and that they were up to their waists in water.

"My boy is on the table." Her voice cracked. "They're out there trying to get my nephew now. Please get someone here, please," she begged.

I assured her we would. But I knew there were still no boats in the water.

I hung up and called the Coast Guard number we'd been given. They answered immediately, but the person I was talking to was actually in Houston. I quickly explained who I was and what I had just experienced and gave them Margaret's address. He assured me he would let the Coast Guard in Orange know about the family.

I hung up and called the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management. Shockingly, he answered on the second ring.

"Address!" he barked.

"Hi, my name is Holly Har-"

"I know why you're calling! Where are you?"

"I don't need help. I'm working with the Cajun Navy dispatchers and need someone to get to a family I just spoke with."

I explained the situation and gave them the address

"Jesus Christ," he sighed. He sounded completely defeated.

"I know you're doing the best you can. Just please get to this family."

"We will. We're going to have a lot of deaths here tonight."

I got up from my table to take a break and try to process what had just happened. I had just interjected myself into a family's most horrible moment. As quickly as I had crossed paths with them, they were gone. A 15-minute interaction that will stay with me for a lifetime.

I went to the bathroom, refilled my tea, walked around a bit, thinking to myself, "What are you doing?? You're not qualified to do this!"

Then I sat back down and went back to it.

Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

AROUND 4:30, I got a request from a young woman in Beaumont who was trying to get her 87-year-old grandfather, Chester, rescued in Port Arthur. He lived alone and had water to his shins. I couldn't hear her well through the app, so I called her directly. She told me her grandfather couldn't get through to 911 and she was really scared for him. I assured her someone would get to him and that he would be okay.

There were still no Cajun Navy boats in the water.

At some point, I'd heard another volunteer mention that a woman who lived on Sassine Street and her three kids had retreated to their attic to escape rising waters. I pinged in and told the volunteer that she had to call the woman back and tell her to get out of the attic and go to her roof.

The volunteer came back on the line and said that she'd talked to the woman, but she refused to move because her kids couldn't swim. I asked if she had anything they could use to break through the attic roof. No.

We got word around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday  seven hours after the first calls stared coming in from Port Arthur  that the Cajun Navy had finally been let in the water. Reports of rescues started coming in. I was finally able to mark one of my cases "safe."

I kept taking calls all day Wednesday. Throughout the night and into Wednesday, I was texting with Chad and Shaundra, the young woman calling for her grandfather.

Chad told me the water was almost to their necks and they still hadn't gone to the roof.

Shaundra texted me repeatedly, asking why no one had gotten to her grandfather. The water had risen to his chest. I promised her someone would get there.

The rescues and the "safe" status reports were increasing by the hour. I turned on the TV at some point and started seeing scenes of the same people and situations I was listening to on the app.

Around 10:00, I heard one of the rescuers who uses the handle Cowboy ask about "the woman in the attic on Sassine Street." I immediately pinged in, and Cowboy asked me to call him. He wanted the address again and wanted to know when we had last heard from the lady in the attic. I told him I had no idea because the volunteer who originally took that call had signed off.

Cowboy said he was a few minutes away from Sassine St. and didn't know if he should request another boat with "breaching equipment" or a helicopter. I suggested helicopter, hoping the family had somehow made it to the roof.

The calls for rescue were slowing down but continued to come in at a steady pace. Every 20 to 30 minutes, I'd remind the rescuers that Chester, Shaundra's grandfather, still needed a rescue from 19th Street. And I kept telling Shaundra that they would get there.

EDMUND D. FOUNTAIN/NYT

She finally said she was just going to get in the car and drive from Beaumont to Port Arthur to get him herself. I told her to be careful and let me know she made it. 20 minutes later she texted me to say that they'd been stopped by flood waters and couldn't get there. She told she was afraid he was going to die.

Around 11:30, I realized I hadn't heard Cowboy on the line with a report about Sassine Street. I asked on the app if we had had any update.

My phone rang. It was Cowboy.

"We got to Sassine. It's confirmed."

"Confirmed?" I frantically asked. "Confirmed what? What does that mean? Does that mean they're dead?"

"Yes. Water past the roof. They never left the attic. We sent divers in."

I thanked him for letting me know and off he went to the next rescue.

Used by permission.

AT 3:02 p.m., I got a text from Shaundra that said "[Mam], I thank you so much. He is on his way to the bowling alley." A few minutes later: "Thank you [mam]. He was on a boat at first now he is on a truck."

I let out a huge sigh of relief. I think I may have actually said "Thank you, God" out loud.

I texted Chad at 5:30 p.m. to see if he was safe. I didn't hear back from him until 7:30 Thursday morning: "We are safe now."

I pinged Goose to ask him if he knew if Margaret, the mother who lost her son and her nephew, and her other kids had been rescued. He said they had.

I have texted Margaret to ask her how she was doing. I still haven't heard from her. I've been scanning reports from Orange to see if her family has been mentioned. I need to know the names of the two boys who died.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, I closed my laptop. I'd been awake 34 hours and wasn't even tired. I was emotionally drained, but there was no way I could've slept right then. I thought back on the last day and half and couldn't believe what I had just heard and experienced.

Even as I type this, it seems surreal. I don't know how police officers and firefighters and 911 dispatchers and EMTs do this every day.

What I do know: I am grateful beyond measure that they do it.

And thank God for the Cajun Navy. How many more people would be dead today if not for our first responders and the thousands of volunteers here? What if a flood of this magnitude had happened 20 years ago, before cell phones and social media? The deaths would be in the hundreds.

I saw a meme on Facebook today that said, "Someone needs to erect a statue honoring the regular dude with a bass boat." It was meant to be funny, but it's actually spot-on.

On Thursday, I got another text from Shaundra. It was a picture of her and her grandfather. I sent a selfie back to her and told her I was going to find a way to meet them in person someday. I really hope I get to do that.

Used by permission

Holly Hartman has been a teacher for 22 years. She currently teaches journalism and is the yearbook and newspaper adviser at Memorial High School in Spring Branch ISD. This story originally appeared as a post on her Facebook page.

Bookmark Gray Matters. Then pour yourself a huge glass of iced tea.
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Police shot two suspects and a bystander late Monday, after a miles-long chase that ended on a normally quiet street in Bellaire, just a block from a Houston ISD middle school.

The chase started about 11:30 p.m. in southwest Houston, when officers spotted a driver making an illegal u-turn in the 10200 block of West Bellfort, said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.

Police tried to stop the vehicle - a black Cadillac SUV.

Instead of pulling over, the driver of the vehicle sped up and entered Interstate 69.

While on the highway, the driver and sole passenger of the car threw bags that officers believe were stuffed with marijuana out of the window, Acevedo said.

The driver exited Interstate 69 and drove through Bellaire, before reaching a dead end on Sunburst.

There, the driver hit a tree and a fire hydrant. Then, the driver started backing up and rammed into at least one patrol car.

The driver appeared to be trying to hit the car again, when multiple officers opened fire on the Cadillac.

The gunfire sparked concern from nearby residents, who at first walked into their front yards to see the source of the commotion, then, fearing for their lives, ran inside.

As he heard officers fire at least 15 shots, all he could think was, "keep my family safe," said nearby resident Jim Williams.

The gunfire hit the driver and the passenger of the car. One round also hit a bystander, Acevedo said.

Police did not identify the driver, passenger, or the bystander. They said all three are women.

All of the gunshot wounds were minor, Acevedo said.

The three women were taken to Ben Taub Hospital where they were in good condition early Tuesday. None of them sustained life-threatening injuries.

The driver and passenger will likely be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Acevedo said.

It was not immediately clear how many officers actually fired. Acevedo said all officers involved in the shooting would be placed on administrative leave until the end of the department's investigation into the gunfire.

The shooting will be reviewed by the Harris County District Attorney's office and a grand jury, Acevedo added.

Acevedo said the latest gunfire was about the 15th officer-involved shooting the Houston Police Department has had this year.
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Houston's roads, skies and waterways saw increased traffic Tuesday as some of the city's biggest industries continued a slow march toward business as usual.

United and Southwest airlines operated more robust schedules, oil tankers headed toward the shoreline and ship movements returned to nearly normal levels at the Port of Houston.

"Things are getting back to normal," said Capt. Mike Cunningham, director of program management at the Greater Houston Port Bureau. "There are more and more vessel transits every day."

Airports

United and Southwest both described their operations Monday as about 70 percent of a typical day.

United Airlines had more than 300 departures and roughly the same number of arrivals scheduled at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Tuesday. It expects flights to operate at normal levels by Friday.

Spokesman Charlie Hobart said its website and app are current. If these platforms say a flight will operate as scheduled, then United intends to operate it.

"Customers should feel confident about connecting through Houston," Hobart said.

Overall, domestic flights at Bush Intercontinental were at 75 percent of typical operations, Houston Airport System spokesman Bill Begley said. Officials expect domestic and international flight service to be at 100 percent by this weekend.

Hobby Airport had 105 flights Tuesday. A typical day has around 160 flights. Southwest said it plans to resume a full schedule at Hobby on Thursday.

Trucking

Tropical Storm Harvey is being blamed for a price spike to have certain trucks carry goods into the Houston region, said Noel Perry, partner and transportation economist at FTR Transportation Intelligence.

The inbound rate for flatbed trucks, used to haul construction materials and the like, increased 4 percent for the period just before and during the storm. Rates then increased 24 percent in the past seven days, Perry said.

The inbound rate for a standard truck carrying packaged goods increased 7 percent just before and early in the storm. The cost has increased 8 percent in the past seven days.

POST-HARVEY TRAFFIC: Closed roads and displaced commuters create congestion

Both of those rate increases are for the spot market, where customers pay trucking companies for a one-time move as opposed to having a contract for frequent or recurrent moves.

Perry cited three main reasons for the inbound rate increases. First, truck drivers are entering the Houston region with full trucks but leaving with empty trucks since the industrial or manufacturing sectors are still behind in production. Also, people seeking construction materials or post-Harvey supplies quickly are willing to pay more.

A recent runup in diesel prices could also be contributing, and Perry said that impact may grow more noticeable.

"Since this price increase in fuel is so recent," he said, "it's probably not completely included in the price of transportation yet."

AAA reported diesel prices in Houston averaged $2.44 on Tuesday, up from $2.27 a week earlier and $2.15 a year ago.

John D. Esparza, president and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, said the effects from higher-priced diesel are already being felt.

"A slight increase in gas will cause a significant increase in the amount it costs to move that product from point A to point B," he said.

Perry predicted trucking rates will eventually settle down, but they probably won't fall to previous levels. Trucking companies are shy about raising the prices, he said, but they'll use events like this to modestly boost their margins.

Refineries

Some refineries are back to normal while others are slowly ramping up production after Harvey knocked out more than 20 percent of the nation's fuel production at oil refineries, causing price spikes and some fuel shortages.

Refineries in Beaumont and Port Arthur could be the last to return to service, although some are beginning the methodical restart processes.

Motiva's Port Arthur refinery, the nation's largest, should be partially operational at the beginning of next week, Motiva Enterprises said Tuesday. It hopes by Monday to have operations restored to 40 percent - churning out more fuel than many other refineries when fully in service.

San Antonio's Valero Energy said it's in the early stages of restarting its Port Arthur refinery. The other two major refineries in the area are further behind. Exxon Mobil said its Beaumont refinery is shut down because of floodwaters. Paris-based Total, which until recently had no power at its Port Arthur campus, hasn't started work to restore its refinery there.

Meanwhile, the oil refining complex in Corpus Christi is nearly back to its pre-Harvey operations.

Flint Hills Resources confirmed Tuesday that its Corpus refinery is fully back online, just one day after Valero Energy said it had resumed its normal capacity to churn out gasoline and other fuels. Flint Hills is a subsidiary of Koch Industries.

The third major Corpus refinery, owned by Citgo Petroleum, is nearly back to normal operations.

In Baytown, Exxon Mobil said it is in the early stages of restarting the nation's second-largest oil refinery.

Apart from its oil refineries, Exxon Mobil said its Houston fuel terminals are again supplying gasoline and diesel, and that it's making "significant progress" in restarting its petrochemical, pipelines and logistical networks in the Houston area.

Oil tankers

Seaside commerce is also making a comeback, as healthy levels of oil tanker traffic returned to partially reopened ports.

From a satellite feed in Norway, Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, counted around 275 vessels near major ports across the Gulf of Mexico, including 105 off the coast of the Houston and Galveston areas on Tuesday.

The day before, those vessels delivered some 10 million barrels of oil into the Texas energy complex, on top of 4 million barrels imported over the weekend.

"It looks as if nothing happened from here," said Madani.

On Aug. 26, Madani watched his monitor as nearly all of the 166 tankers off the Texas coast fled in the same direction at once, scurrying southeast into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico as Hurricane Harvey approached the Houston area.

When storms threaten the Gulf Coast, tankers usually take shelter near the coastline. But Hurricane Harvey was strong enough to wash out soil and run tankers aground. "It was like, danger, get out," Madani said.

But on Tuesday, 33 tankers lined up in the Houston Ship Channel, two or three times more than usual.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston, overall, had 47 deep-draft vessels enter or leave on Monday, approaching the port's daily average of 51 transits, Cunningham said.

Port Houston, which operates the Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals along the Ship Channel, reported 5,000 containers entering or leaving there on Friday and 3,000 on Monday, Labor Day. Fourteen vessels called on the terminals between Friday and Monday. That's a lot of vessels over the four days as a typical week sees 17 vessels, a spokeswoman said, adding that the longshoremen and others worked Labor Day even though they generally have it off.

Certain portions of the Houston Ship Channel still have draft restrictions. Cunningham added that inland beyond the Loop 610 East bridge is mostly barge traffic, largely due to a sunken dry dock and other obstructions in the channel.

"Everybody is working really hard to get back to normal," Cunningham said.
Marie D. De Jesus/Staff

Residents and owners whose apartments have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey are invited to a free informational session Friday to address landlord and tenant rights.

Judge Laryssa Korduba, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2, and Howard Bookstaff, general counsel for Houston Apartment Association, will host the seminar, from 10 a.m. to noon Friday. The address is Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Courthouse, 7900 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, 77338.
Eddie Seal/Bloomberg

Samir Madani had never seen anything like the satellite images beaming to his monitor in Norway.

Not long before the floodwaters sluiced through Houston homes and highways, almost all of the 166 tankers off the Texas coast fled in the same direction all at once, scurrying southeast into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, leaving a vast blue void where, on a normal day, vessels would have carried fuel supplies and goods to the region's ports.
Exxon Mobil said it is in the early stages of restarting the nation's second-largest oil refinery in Baytown, although its Beaumont refinery remains shut because of Harvey's floodwaters.

Hurricane Harvey knocked out more than 20 percent of the nation's refining capacity, but even hard-hit areas like Baytown and Port Arthur are beginning to come back.
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The post-Harvey spike in gasoline prices is the biggest jump in fuel costs since Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and much of the Southeast 12 years ago.

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is up about 33 cents, to $2.65, since the days before Harvey made landfall Aug. 25, AAA said. After Katrina the average price jumped 49 cents.

POST-HARVEY TRAFFIC: Closed roads and displaced commuters create congestion

In Texas, the increase is larger. Houston-area prices are up about 37 cents, to $2.47, while prices in Dallas ($2.71) and San Antonio have risen by 50 cents or more per gallon, according to data collected by GasBuddy.

Overall, fuel prices are at their costliest since the summer of 2015 more than two years ago.

"Every state has seen average gas prices rise. Texas saw shortages at hundreds of stations. It's been one of the most challenging weeks faced in years," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "Until Texas can recover from Harvey, gasoline prices will likely continue to remain elevated. The situation is beginning to look up, with many refineries either back online or in the process, and gasoline production is ramping back up."

RELATED: First Corpus Christi refinery back online amid Texas gasoline panic

The historic storm triggered fears of gasoline shortages in Texas and beyond. Gasoline hoarding exacerbated shortages, creating long lines and fuel scarcity in many areas.

Countless gas stations are still closed in the Houston area because they were damaged or can't replenish fuel supplies.

As Texas refineries work to restart, shortages will continue to plague the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, DeHaan said.

"While it may be weeks or longer before all refineries are back online," he said, "we now turn our attention to Hurricane Irma," the Category 5 hurricane bearing down on Puerto Rico.
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A week after the rain stopped, the eviction notices started showing up.

By Labor Day, managers of swamped apartment complexes across the Houston area were informing tenants that it's time to pack up their things and find another place to live.

"These first floors units will not be livable and current conditions pose a significant danger to you," warned one sympathetically worded email to residents of a complex in Fort Bend County. "We regret that this damage has occurred, and we are taking steps as rapidly as possible to repair the damage," said another notice, tacked to the inside of a door in Bellaire.

The notices, affecting hundreds of local renters, order the residents out within five days. They also signal a difficult new chapter in the story of Tropical Storm Harvey for people who do not own a home.

More Information General guidance for renters and landlords For tenants Rent is still due, and late fees may still apply. A lease may be void if the unit is uninhabitable and a comparable transfer is not available. Most renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Residents who abandon their apartment may lose their security deposits and be held liable for future rent. For managers and owners Fair housing rules still apply. Many residents will struggle with rent payments. Some owners will waive late fees; some might not. When flooded residents transfer to dry units, it is recommended that all the parties cancel the first lease and sign a new one. If a comparable unit is not available for transfer, management may offer a different unit at a different price. If the non-comparable unit is refused, the resident may cancel without penalty, depending on the amount of damage. Recovery work should begin almost immediately, subject to labor and materials availability and insurance company approval. Management will typically make a courtesy call to notify absent residents their belongings must be removed, but the lease allows that anything not removed may be disposed of without further discussion. Management may put items in storage and charge the resident. How quickly can units be brought back online is a major concern. Owners are not responsible for residents' vehicles or personal possessions. Owners of buildings taken out of service may cancel a lease with a five-day notice. Source: Houston-based apartment investment and property management firm Better World Properties. Renters' next steps Saundra Brown, disaster manager at Lone Star Legal Aid, offers the following tips to apartment tenants displaced by Tropical Storm Harvey: You need to file flood insurance claims and register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Save photographs of ruined possessions, serial numbers of wrecked electronics and records of the high-water level around homes. These can be key to helping prove claims. Still, hiccups are not uncommon during this process. "There's going to be a lot of people who are going to be wrongfully denied," Brown says. Beware of contractor fraud, mediation fraud and consumer fraud. For more information, contact Lone Star Legal Aid's legal hotline for Harvey victims at 800-504-7030. See More Collapse

For residents like Sheri Ilo, whose family was evacuated by boat from the Marquis at Cinco Ranch in Katy, getting back to her apartment will be as hard as getting out. The complex sits in up to 5 feet of water. To vacate within the five-day deadline she'd need another boat - and a moving van. Then she'd have to find a new apartment in a suddenly tight market.

"Where do you expect us to go?" Ilo said Monday. "This is overwhelming to my neighbors and I. ... We all work here in Houston so we have to go back to work. Do you expect us to commute from San Antonio?"

Many management companies are refunding rent and waiving late fees. But the mass evictions like the one at Ilo's apartment complex are increasing tensions between landlords and tenants as both grapple with flooded property, late rent payments and in some cases uncertainty over when the next paycheck will arrive.

Legal hotline set up

Landlord-tenant disputes are often the first to surface after a hurricane, said Saundra Brown, disaster manager at Lone Star Legal Aid. Brown, who says she managed more than 1,000 cases after the 2016 floods in Harris County alone, is one of many volunteer lawyers manning a legal hotline set up for Harvey victims.

"This disaster is going to daisy chain into a huge number of legal issues that are going to show up over a period of days, weeks and months," Brown said. "Right now there are going to be many landlord-tenant issues: people who don't think they should give back the security deposit for flooded properties. There will be people who will try to kick out their tenants because their brother-in-law needs some place to stay. There's going to be a severe shortage of rental space in the community."

For Ilo, a high school assistant principal who had just sold a five-bedroom home to move into Marquis at Cinco Ranch, the first battle will be getting to her apartment.

On Monday, she hitched a ride to Katy and then waded and walked more than a mile, wearing the same joggers she'd been wearing nearly a week ago when she was rescued.

The day before, residents of the 240 units were told many of their apartments were destroyed and needed to be vacated. In a letter, the property manager told residents that all of their leases were terminated. It also said rent for the last few days of August would be refunded.

The complex had previously asked everyone to sit tight and wait for updates and not worry about September's rent, according to a series of emails Ilo supplied to the Chronicle. A representative for the property manager did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Ilo, a single mother of two, considers herself better off than some storm-damaged renters facing eviction - she has a job and a place to go. But she expects to find many of the 2,500 students at Bush High School in Richmond will be dealing with their own grief and loss.

"About half of our school community live in areas that were flooded," she said. "My parents live across the street from the high school and they lost everything. The entire street outside the school is loaded with memories and furniture."

Even as some Houstonians begin the desperate search for a new home, others are struggling to pay for the ones they have. A week without paychecks has driven many apartment complexes to waive late fees on rental payments.

Feds, state can assist

The Metropolitan Organization, a community organizing group, is calling on Houston-area landlords to give renters a grace period of at least three weeks.

A lease agreement may be void if the rental is uninhabitable, but otherwise the law is clear: rent terms remain in place unless a rental company chooses to waive late fees.

Federal and state governments can also help: residents who cannot return home and live in the 32 counties declared eligible for individual assistance can qualify for help with rent. People who have been out of work due to Harvey can apply for disaster unemployment assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In the meantime, without friends or family to turn to, many victims of apartment flooding will remain in the rental market. Anita Morton, evicted last week from her flooded first-floor apartment at a complex on Bissonnet Street, knows she was lucky to find another place to live.

She packed up her belongings from her home of 11 years, moved into a hotel and started looking for a new apartment.

"I got one in the nick of time. I think by the following day, (the complex) was 100 percent occupied," she said. "Had I waited another hour or two there probably wouldn't have been another apartment available."
Houstonians and other Gulf Coast residents wasted no time in applying for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, filing 364,000 applications by last Thursday.

At that point, about 103,000 had been approved, amounting to $66.4 million in aid for short-term rental assistance and rebuilding.

But there's another source of emergency cash that apparently fewer people know about: The U.S. Small Business Administration, which actually gives loans to homeowners and renters as well.

As of Tuesday, the SBA reported that it had approved only 298 loans in Texas, worth $26.7 million.

"As this progresses, that number is going to jump exponentially," SBA spokesman Michael Flores said.

The agency said it has received nearly 8,000 applications to date and anticipates more as people in the affected areas turn to rebuilding their homes and businesses.

Renters are eligible for up to $40,000 in low-interest loans, homeowners are eligible for $200,000, and businesses can receive as much as $2 million. Only 5 percent of the batch already approved have gone to businesses, a ratio that Flores expects to escalate as well.

The SBA has a troubled history of lending during disasters, as Politico explained Monday, having struggled to implement reforms passed following Hurricane Katrina. The agency dispensed more than $11 billion in loans after that disaster, and $2.5 billion in the wake of Hurricane Sandy  but slowly, and with little oversight, the Associated Press reported in 2010 and the Government Accountability Office reported in 2014 and 2015.

The federal government is also offering aid to residents of 39 counties affected by Hurricane Harvey in the form of unemployment insurance for those who lost work on account of the disaster. As of Tuesday, the Texas Workforce Commission said that it had taken 75,300 disaster-related unemployment claims, which still have to be vetted for eligibility.

Applications are due near the end of the month.
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"Everything went as well as it could go," said Katy Police Chief Bill Hastings as he and other city officials talked about the aftermath of Harvey.

Byron J. Hebert, city administrator, said that the two-day rain total was 25 inches with another eight inches on the third day.

Katy City Hall, which was dedicated in June 2016 at Avenue D and Second Street, was flooded by Hurricane Harvey and was to reopen on Sept. 5, but damage cost figures were unavailable Aug. 31 as were the number of homes flooded in the city.

The Katy Fire Department which is off Avenue D, also experienced high water.

Closed until further notice are Katy Heritage Museum, Katy Dog Park, Woodsland Park and VFW Park.

Katy Mayor Charles "Chuck" Brawner said he met Aug. 31 with District 10 U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, to talk about the Cypress Creek watershed and its role in the flooding that occurred in Katy last month and last year.

After the April 18, 2016 Tax Day Flood, city officials hired the Costello firm for about $100,000 to conduct an engineering study.

The City of Katy Flood Protection Study presented April 10, 2017 included a map, which McCaul shared last week. The 1940s map by the Civil Engineer Corps launched to build infrastructure shows the Barker and Addicks reservoirs as well as a levee for Cypress Creek, said McCaul.

McCaul sees a Cypress levee as a long-term project which he talked about with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the governor's office in a search for funding.

"We need to look at long-term solutions from an infrastructure standpoint," he said.

That was repeated by Brawner at the recent council meeting where he mentioned $320 million to build a Cypress levee like Addicks and Barker. "It should have been done earlier," he added. Brawner said FEMA is the only agency that would have the funding needed to get the project done.

McCaul referred to the engineering study the city had done by Costello to examine area flooding. "The city engineer's study has a plan and a price tag," said McCaul, who talked of working on the long-term solution with an appropriation to fix it. "It's not going to go away," he added.

During the April Tax Day flood, from 12 to 22 inches of rain fell over the Katy area, according to an ongoing flood study by the city of Katy, reported by the Chronicle in an earlier article. And, the roughly 14-square-mile city had 110 homes and 25 businesses impacted, according to Hebert, city administrator.

Overflow at Cypress Creek and the Cane Island Branch watershed were the main reasons Katy flooded, the overview says. Cane Island Branch, which feeds into Buffalo Bayou, recorded a peak water surface elevation of 137.90 feet at the U.S. 90 bridge. The rainfall in the city is categorized as being between a "100-year" and "500-year" event, according to the article. Short-term drainage projects also were included in the study including street and drainage improvements to Morton and Franz roads.

McCaul has helped the city with the impact of Harvey already. He met with the Katy mayor and fire chief for what he called "a pretty rough Sunday night."

He helped to involve the National Guard in rescue efforts, with Katy High School serving as an operational center for the National Guard and state and local responders.

Initially, search and rescue operations were the No. 1 priority. McCaul said the National Guard at Katy rescued 10,000 people.

"Some neighborhoods are still flooded," he continued. "Protecting loss of life is the No. 1 priority."

The congressman said among his top priorities now are obtaining FEMA assistance and housing for those affected by Harvey.

Some shelters are winding down in west Harris County and there's talk of transferring people to NRG. McCaul said he thought people in west Harris County would prefer to stay there if they could with relatives, friends and, if necessary, FEMA housing. He added he'd hate to see trailers as they were provided after Hurricane Katrina and spoke of making sure it's done right this time.

He applauded President Donald Trump's swift approval of the governor's request for an expedited major disaster declaration on behalf of the Texas counties impacted by Hurricane Harvey. "Having the major declaration signed in advance helped FEMA provide immediate assistance," said McCaul.

While all the eyes of the nation now are on areas hit by Hurricane Harvey, in a week or two the attention will turn somewhere else, said McCaul. Noting Congress has many issues to tackle when it resumes, he said, "I want to make sure people do not forget about Texas."

At the Aug. 31 council meeting, city officials didn't forget the volunteers and city staff who worked long hours, despite flooding damage to their homes in some cases.

Hastings praised Maria Galvez, Katy's emergency management coordinator. Knowing that her home had five feet of water, Galvez did an excellent job of holding everything together, he said. "For four days that girl ran on Snickers bars and coke. I'm not saying it was all was right but 99 percent was right," he added.

Council also extended the Declaration of Disaster from Sept. 2 to Sept. 8.

Hastings also praised Public Works Department employees for their efforts to blockade flooded streets to keep traffic out of neighborhoods. Brawner noted that not all the help was local. He said all 28 states that have Strike Task Forces came to help. Also receiving thanks were local businesses that helped first responders, including Buc-ee's, Brookshire Brothers and Wal-Mart.
Houston Councilman Dave Martin canceled the upcoming town hall meeting in Kingwood scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12, until further notice. Due to the recent weather events and catastrophic flooding in the area, the District E office is and will continue to focus efforts on the recovery of the council district as well as the City of Houston.

At this time, an alternate date has not been scheduled. The District E office continues to work from remote locations, and the best way to reach the office is districte@houstontx.gov.
Harvey was particularly hard on people with cognitive issues or memory loss  and on their caregivers. With that in mind, the Houston and Southeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers these answers to common questions.

My family member who is living with Alzheimer's had to be relocated during the storm. What strategies can help reduce their anxiety and agitation?

Listen to the frustration.

Find out what may be causing the agitation, and try to understand. Sometimes the words may not make sense, but if the problem is something you can solve, then try to address it. Pay attention to cues such as fidgeting and pacing, which may indicate that the person is overwhelmed

Provide reassurance.

Use calming phrases such as: "You're safe here;" "I'm sorry that you are upset;" and "I will stay until you feel better." Let the person know you are there. Even though you cannot change the situation, you can reassure the person that they are not alone.

Find outlets for the person's energy.

The person may be looking for something to do. Pay attention to signs that might mean they need to go to the bathroom, get some exercise, are hungry/thirsty or need a calming hug.

Check yourself.

Use a patient, low-pitched voice. Respond to the emotions expressed rather than the words. For example,"You're frightened and want to go home. It's OK, I'm here with you

Do not raise your voice, show alarm or offense, or corner, crowd, restrain, criticize, ignore or argue with the person. Take care not to make sudden movements out of the person's view. Always approach the person from the front.

Find the smile maker. This is a stressful time, but try to connect to the thing that the person loves. Is it sports? Babies? Old stories? Connect the person to the conversation topic that makes them feel safe and heard.

Remember to breathe. The persons with dementia can feel your own stress. Try to take some big breaths to help calm yourself down so that you can respond to the person in a more helpful way. Approach the person from the front and use his or her name.

DENNIS ABRAMS: "Disaster 1: My partner's dementia. Disaster 2: Harvey"

My brother has Alzheimer's and his wife is not well. They were evacuated due to flooding in their home, and are now living with us as they have no other family. Do I need a power of attorney to help them file for flood assistance? Is there anyone who can help us navigate how to access flood assistance? Also, who can help me find out what resources are available for individuals living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's who have been suddenly uprooted from their home?

The Red Cross can help with immediate needs. Call (866)526-8300, Option 3, to talk with a caseworker.

The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPline will have updated disaster resources as they come available. Call 2-1-1 from any phone.

You can call the State Bar of Texas' Hurricane Harvey hotline at (800)504-7030. The hotline  answered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese  connects low-income people affected by a disaster with legal aid providers in their area who can help with such issues as replacing lost documents, answering insurance questions, helping with landlord-tenant problems, and handling consumer protection concerns such as price-gouging and contractor scams during the rebuilding process. Callers can leave a message at any time.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers also has an intake line, (713) 228-0732; or visit their website, www.makejusticehappen.org.

If your home was ravaged by the floods or sustained any storm damage, you can register your damage with FEMA at (800)621-3362.

You can also file a personal claim with the Texas Department of Insurance's consumer hotline at (800)252-3439.

My 87-year-old father not only has Alzheimer's but is also suffering from other ailments. He's almost out of his medicine. Where or how can I get his prescriptions refilled?

Rx Open helps patients find nearby open pharmacies in areas impacted by disaster. Combining multiple data feeds from the pharmaceutical industry, Rx Open displays the precise location on Google Maps of open pharmacies, closed pharmacies, and those whose status is unknown.

Visit www.healthcareready.org/rxopen.

Pharmacists may provide emergency refills when the prescriber cannot be reached. Specifically, in an emergency, a pharmacist may use his/her professional judgment in refilling a prescription drug order for a drug (other than a Schedule II controlled substance) provided failure to refill the prescription might result in an interruption of a therapeutic regimen or create patient suffering.

We were concerned about my grandmother being alone during the storm, so we have moved her in with us for a couple of weeks. She is so confused, not knowing why she's here, insisting on driving home even though we've told her a hundred times the roads are closed, and so on. She seemed so capable at home. Now I'm really worried that she has some sort of senility.

Seeing this kind of change in a loved one would certainly be a cause for concern. Disasters can be life-changing events, for older adults, it is especially tough as many see a lifetime of belongings and memories wiped out, and many feel that they are too old to start again. It is not uncommon for otherwise healthy people to become confused or forgetful due to the stress.

However, during times of chaos and emotional trauma, people with cognitive issues and/or memory loss are especially vulnerable and may become more confused and agitated. They may not understand what is happening or they may forget what is happening. Older individuals who have been displaced may exhibit confusion and agitation for the first time.

DAYNA STEELE: Mom's Alzheimer's. Facebook. And a big glass of wine.

We have lots of family members in my house, all of whom have been affected by flooding. I've also been caring for my aunt with dementia in my house. The worry about everything, seeing my beloved city so beleaguered, and her normal issues with toileting, questions, trying to cook and so on, is pushing me over the brink. I can't sleep and find myself snapping at her. What can I do to reduce this stress? How can I get some help?

For support assisting someone with cognitive and memory issues or for caregiver support, we are just a phone call away. Call (800)272-3900 for 24/7 support in over 200 languages. The helpline offers support in more than 200 languages.

Our ALZConnected online community is useful for finding comfort and reassurance.

You can also talk to a professional about emotional distress by calling the Disaster Distress Helpline, (800)985-5990; or texting "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

For more information, see the Alzheimer's Association webpage about Harvey.
As the rain subsides, the people of Houston and east Texas are coming face to face with the realities of the disaster and the challenges they face to rebuild their lives.

In response, the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) and Jewish Family Service Houston (JFS) launched an Emergency Support Line on Friday, Sept. 1. All members of the public will be able to call 832-930-0196 for a free consultation.
The devastation left by Hurricane Harvey is undeniable. Homes were destroyed, families have been displaced and a growing number of lives have been lost.

The monetary damage will continue to grow from day to day in the foreseable future. The destruction could be the story that everyone is talking about and that would be quite understandable.

But if you have had the opportunity to do so, you may have seen more stories of neighbors helping neighbors in the past week. You may have seen countless stories of strangers helping strangers. There were stories of people reaching out helping hands, time and again.

Businesses offering shelter and food to those in need was the norm.

Yes, there were - and still are - bad people out there seeking to capitalize on this natural disaster. There were people out there seeking opportunities to loot empty businesses and make a natural disaster worse. Many people will be looking to scam others out of their meager belongings that survived. It will become a bigger problem.

But these stories are far outweighed by the stories of people doing good things.

People did not ask someone's political affiliation as flood waters lapped up the sides of a person's home and they were looking for a safe escape. There weren't people being turned away from shelters because of the color of their skin.

It was Texans helping Texans, Houstonians helping Houstonians. It was a good thing. If there is anything good that come from all this it is knowing that Texans look out for Texans.

In the days that followed the flood that affected the most people - remember that some homes are still under water and may be that way for some time to come - cities across the state sent help. A slew of Louisiana residents turned out to assist with rescues.

El Bolillo Bakery in Houston posted on its Instagram page a thank you to a group in Arkansas, which sent flour and sugar to the bakery, allowing the employees to bake more bread and treats to donate to first responders.

Those are the kinds of things that make you thankful to be in Houston and Texas.

One thing that should not be lost on those of us in the greater Houston area is the fact that this disaster goes far beyond this region.

For example, the city of Rockport near Corpus Christi is reportedly 60 percent destroyed. Those people will be looking to rebuild as well. Fewer than 10,000 people lived in Rockport but they want to rebuild their homes, too.

Beaumont, a city of about 120,000 people on the Louisiana border, features lines of people hoping to get some water. The city's water system was knocked out by Harvey. Houstonian's line up to get gasoline, Beaumont residents line up to get water.

Beaumont residents want to rebuild their homes, too.

So while the roughly 6.7 million people in the greater Houston region are continuing to feel the effects of Harvey, let's not forget our fellow Texans who are still hoping to recover from the storm.
Having partnered with its restaurants to deliver more than 5,500 meals to local shelters and organizations in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Rice Village District is now putting out the call for other Houston-area restaurants to get involved.

A mainstay in Houston's retail scene, Rice Village is accepting meal donations (either buffet style, chilled for pickup or boxed) from Houston-area restaurants for delivery to Second Servings and other organizations with needs for prepared meals.
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As Hurricane Harvey's floodwaters recede and the cleaning begins, Texans are weary of looters.

One Cypress woman promises a fate worse than being shot if any enterprising criminals decide to target her home.

LOOTERS AFTER HARVEY: 40 arrested in Harris County for looting

"You loot we probably won't shoot," Cypress resident Melissa Palomarez wrote in a sign. "We'll slit your throat, crust your skull, and burn you alive! Castration isn't out of the question either."

Palomarez can probably do worse than what's listed on the sign, noting, "We watch a lot of Game of Thrones."

Chron.com has reached out to Palomarez.

Penalties for looters during the storm have promised to be higher. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office has promised mandatory prison or jail time for those caught looting during Harvey. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said on Good Morning America that police will be tough on looters.

So far, at least 40 people have been arrested in Harris County after being accused of looting.
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A grassroots effort to help those displaced by flooding has evolved into a multi-community campaign, now known as the Backpack Challenge, to put backpacks and school supplies in the hands of 10,000 children in need.

Matthew Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Insurance Group in Willis, and his father got into their boat to help with water rescues as homes flooded north of Houston last week. They were able to help a few people before their boat began experiencing issues, and they only barely made it back to safety.

"We looked at each other and thought, 'You know what? We've just been spared,'" Mitchell said.

They decided to focus their efforts on helping through another means.

They purchased and cooked about 1,000 pounds of meat to donate. It only took a day after posting on social media to get hundreds of shares and thousands of views.

Donating hot food seemed a less efficient way for them to help out as grocers and restaurants started gaining road access to reach people who needed it.

"We thought, 'What else do people need?' We saw all of these kids who have been displaced and need supplies to go back to school," Mitchell said. "Their parents went through the financial burden of getting them supplies for school, and now guess what? They're having to go through it all over again."

That's when Mitchell put out the call for backpack and school supply donations. In five days, they collected nearly 2,300 backpacks.

He was confident they would their original goal of 2,500 backpacks by the end of the day Tuesday, Sept. 5.

He now hopes to raise 10,000 backpacks.

"Our goal is to put a backpack on the back of every kid that needs one," Mitchell said.

The backpacks are filled with school supplies, including spiral notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, glue and crayons.

Mitchell said this was made possible with the help of countless people and businesses who have made donations and given discounts for the cause.

"The community came together," Mitchell said. "It's crazy how much people are doing to help get this done."

Backpack distribution efforts began Monday, Sept. 4. Mitchell has been in touch with several area school districts.

Although the districts do not yet know the specific extent of the need for supplies, Mitchell anticipates the need will be significant.

"In Montgomery County, there will probably be 3,000 to 4,000 backpacks needed to take care of the kids who were affected," Mitchell said. "I was talking to a district earlier, and they said there were 400 kids who were homeless in the district before the storm. Can you imagine how many there are now? That, to me, was mindboggling."

Mitchell has coordinated with Huffman ISD in Harris County as well. He was impressed by the Huffman community's willingness to jump onboard with the effort.

"They came together on Saturday and put together their own drive and raised 100 backpacks on their own," Mitchell said. "They had a huge outpouring from the community of people who said, 'We want to help.' They raised 100 backpacks in a couple hours. That's amazing."

Representatives of Huffman ISD thanked Mitchell, who they call the "Backpack Man," for delivering 106 backpacks with school supplies to the Huffman ISD administration building Monday, Sept. 4.

Mitchell and Huffman ISD are collaborating to get supply-filled backpacks to district students in need.

In the meantime, Mitchell has been working to get the word to retailers and the community to get supplies out to area school districts.

"We're trying to make people aware of what we're doing and make the biggest impact we can," Mitchell said.

He plans to continue the backpack challenge for as long as the need persists.

After this initiative, he wants to continue meeting the needs of children in the area.

"This is where my heart is at, and I think it's something we'll keep doing," Mitchell said. "Displaced kids will need socks, jackets, equipment - and that's our next stage. We'll eventually move our focus to more of that if the backpack challenge is done. We'll do as much with this program as we can. But, we plan to continue from this day forward."

For information on the Backpack Challenge, visit https://www.facebook.com/matthew.mitchell.31392/posts/10105404458324287.
Citizens and leaders of nonprofits gathered on the river's edge on Tuesday to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide additional information on whether dioxin and other toxic waste could be escaping from the San Jacinto River Waste Pits in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Scott Jones, of the Galveston Bay Foundation, said he does not trust recent assurances from EPA and state officials and from one of the companies overseeing the Superfund site's cleanup that the site's cap appears intact.

He said dioxin has already leached from the site in older flood events, poisoning fish and creating "hot spots" in sediments in the river and in the Galveston Bay that the state has failed to adequately monitor because of inadequate resources.

Officials from the EPA and from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality both visited the site over the Labor Day weekend and said the cap continues to cover the site despite damage to markers and other coverings visible in the area around the pits. Separate reviews were conducted Friday by a contractor and Monday by federal and state officials who visited the site on land and via boat. Representatives of both the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality both promised to inspect the site more thoroughly when river conditions allow.

The EPA has said the waste pits, on the west side of the San Jacinto River in Channelview and bordering Interstate 10, were one of 13 Superfund sites in Texas that flooded during Hurricane Harvey and could be damaged. About half of those sites so far have been visited by inspectors who performed preliminary checks for damage, according to the TCEQ and the EPA. Both agencies promised they will also do related air quality and water quality monitoring and share their results with state and local officials.

Several homes in the Channelview riverbottom nearest to the pits were blown off their foundations when the river rose over its banks. At least four houses floated away and several others sunk into enormous sinkholes that formed in the floods.

Channelview resident Jennifer Harpster said tainted water rapidly flooded her entire neighborhood, which she and her neighbors were continuing to clean up on Tuesday.

"When you go down there, it looks like a bomb went off." she said. "The smell of chemicals is inside my house."

Harpster is the lead plaintiff in a civil lawsuit in which 600 people claim their lives and livelihood already have been damaged by the waste pits. She believes dioxins have already affected her family's health - her granddaughter died of a rare form of cancer at age 6.

Activist Jackie Young, who grew up in nearby Highlands and is the founder of the grassroots Texas Health and Environment Alliance, said the members of her grassroots group needs hard "data and mapping to tell us nothing has escaped from these pits."

Young said she also doesn't believe assurances from companies managing the waste pits that they can handle any damage to the barriers around the waste pits through routine maintenance. She wants to see the pits removed from the river entirely.

"Harvey was not a routine event. Let's stop kicking this can to future generations," Young said. "We need the waste pits removed in a controlled, engineered environment, not in a hurricane."

Pam Bonta of another non-profit called Texas Quality Water said she's worried about 6,000 households that depend on well water and are located in the flood plain around the pits in the communities of Channelview, Highlands and on the Lynchburg peninsula -- all in Harris County.

TCEQ and county officials too say they're concerned about those who depend on individual or municipal well water and live in the flood plains of the Waste Pits and other Superfund sites.

"TCEQ and EPA toxicologists and technical experts are on the ground and in the air collecting real-time air monitoring and water quality data," the EPA Monday. "That information is being analyzed by experts now and will be provided to the public as soon as it is available. We encourage the community to continue to follow the expert safety advice of local officials."
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Hurricane Harvey dealt a beating to prison and jail facilities in southeast Texas, triggering evacuations, marooning staff and depriving prisoners of toilets and running water as it cut a bruising path across the state.

Thousands of inmates remained in limbo Monday, including hundreds who fled rising floodwaters only to be taken to a Navasota facility a federal judge had deemed too dangerously hot for inmates with medical conditions.

The crisis now centers on Beaumont, where flooding compromised the water supply at three federal and three state prisons inside the city limits. While city officials scrambled to get treatment facilities up and running, many correctional officers couldn't cross the swollen Neches River to get to their jobs.

"It's a dire situation," said Lance Lowry, who heads the Texas Correctional Employees union in Huntsville. "Several hundred officers in the Beaumont area are unable to get in and staffing is critical at those units."

Lowry said staff-to-inmate ratios don't allow for wiggle room when there is an emergency. A guard said in one online forum that those who made it in to work have been spread very thin.

However, Jason Clark, spokesman for Texas Department of Criminal Justice, said he thought Lowry's estimate that hundreds of prison guards were out of pocket was high.

The state shipped in more than 90 officers from across the state to fill the gap at Mark W. Stiles Unit, Larry Gist State Jail and Richard P. LeBlanc Unit, providing enough personnel to run the facilities safely. He said many guards in the Beaumont and Houston areas had lost their homes and were still making it to work.

In the meantime, however, worried family members have fielded a range of complaints from relatives at the Beaumont prisons  including minimal access to drinking water, barebones meals and poor access to medicine.

At least one inmate reported the floodwaters were immediately at hand.

Clifton Cloer, 42, who is housed in a first floor unit at the Stiles unit, told his wife Lindsey Disheroon there was standing water up to his kneecaps when the storm came through. On Monday, Sept. 4, he called to say the water was calf-high.

But Clark, the TDCJ spokesman, said that he toured the three state facilities in Beaumont on Sunday with top prison administrators and said floodwaters did not get into the facilities.

"There is no water near the units," Clark said. "I spoke with offenders and given the situation they were in good spirits."

At Beaumont's federal units, family members shared complaints from inmates that their health had been severely compromised since the flooding.

Johnathan Grimes, 37, a diabetic with high blood pressure, told his mother, Margaret Greene, that he could not get his medication for days at the low-security federal facility because the infirmary was so understaffed.

David Vergara, 32, an inmate at the medium security federal prison who also has diabetes and hypertension, told his wife Rachel he'd seen people faint from a lack of drinking water. He told her he had resorted to drinking discolored and possibly contaminated toilet water to stay hydrated.

"In the mornings his eyelids will stick to his eyeballs. His tongue is dry  it sticks to the top of his mouth," she said.

Bureau of Prisons officials at the Beaumont facilities do not respond to multiple requests for comment.

However, a website for the facility said that power had been restored to the Federal Correctional Facility on Friday and generators were no longer needed.

Ongoing transfers

The first facilities impacted were four county jails on the Gulf Coast near Aransas Pass that voluntarily evacuated before Harvey made landfall on Aug. 25, said Brandon Wood, executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

All four jails were built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, but wardens opted to evacuate as a precaution, Wood said. Inmates were back on site at all but one of those facilities, he said. The Aransas County Jail sustained some structural damage, he said, but officials expected said it should be operational within a couple of weeks.

Parolees were also evacuated from halfway houses in Gulf Coast communities, Houston and in Beaumont and taken to facilities around the state. Clark, from TDCJ, said that 13 female parolees had been taken from a halfway house in Beaumont to the Goree unit and 158 male parolees were staying at the Stiles Unit.

He said another 232 parolees from the Southeast Texas Transitional Center in Houston, which sustained flooding, were housed during the storm at the Holliday Transfer Facility in Huntsville and the Gib Lewis Unit in Woodville. On Monday, that entire Houston group was moved to Chasefield in Beeville, to a separate building outside the perimeter fence.

"As soon as those halfway houses are operational, we will move them back," Clark said.

'Historic magnitude'

Most of the hastily emptied state prison buildings along the swollen Brazos River were spared the brunt of the storm but outbuildings, a trusty camp and training academy at the Ramsey unit were inundated. The C.T. Terrell and A.M. "Mac" Stringfellow units and training academy also sustained damage, Clark said.

Some buildings also had roof and fence damage.

Before the deluge, the state evacuated 5,900 inmates by the busloads from several prisons along the swollen Brazos River in Rosharon and Richmond and took them to facilities with room generally in gyms and multi-use areas.

On Monday, TDCJ began bringing 1,400 evacuated inmates back to the Jester 3 and Carol S. Vance units in Richmond. The Ramsey, Stringfellow and Terrell Units were not yet operational as of late Monday, Clark said.

Those removed from the Brazos River area went to several state facilities including the Wallace Pack Unit, which is under an emergency federal court order to keep heat-sensitive inmates out of housing areas that do not have air conditioning. More than 1,000 inmates from Stringfellow were sent to the Pack Unit, Clark said.

There was plenty of room for them, since in mid-August, TDCJ moved more than 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates to facilities with air-conditioned dormitories.

"The department evaluated the projections related to the Brazos River and determined that three units needed to be evacuated immediately  4,500 offenders were moved within 24 hours," Clark said. "Inmates were moved quickly and safely to units that could accommodate them appropriately, including the Pack Unit."

Clark said the placement of Stringfellow inmates at Pack was meant to be temporary.

"This is an unprecedented flood of historic magnitude," he said. "The agency will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure staff and offenders are not in harm's way and are safe."

But Jeff Edwards, the lead attorney for the Pack inmates' civil right lawsuit, said he was told that about 600 inmates who came over from Stringfellow may be heat sensitive, which he said could mean they are in violation of U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison's order.

"While Harvey undoubtedly had devastating effects on many parts of Texas and several prisons, the idea that the leaders of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice have chosen to violate a federal order and expose hundreds of its most vulnerable inmates to dangerous heat levels at the Pack Unit that Judge Ellison has already ruled were unconstitutional is beyond disappointing," Edwards said. "It reflects a callousness and indifference not just to the inmates but also to the federal courts.

"You can't fix one dangerous situation with one that has already been ruled unconstitutional," Edwards said.
Hundreds of residents have been told they will be evicted from the flooded Marquis Cinco Ranch apartment complex in Katy and on Sunday were given five days to reach the building and retrieve whatever belongings they can.

In a letter, the property manager told residents that the complex's first floors were a complete loss and that all of their leases were terminated. All residents were given five days to get out, although rent for the last few days of August will be refunded, the letter said.

But for residents like Sheri Ilo, whose family was rescued a week ago from the complex by boat and is staying with friends, getting back in to her apartment will be as hard as getting out. The complex is still submerged in up to 5 feet of water. To vacate within the five-day deadline she'd need another boat - and a moving van, Ilo said.

The complex had previously asked everyone to sit tight and wait for updates and not to worry about September's rent, according to a series of emails Ilo supplied to the Chronicle. A representative for the property manager did not immediately respond to emails requesting comment. Another email to tenants Monday gave the same deadline.

"Where do you expect us to go?" Ilo said. "This is overwhelming to my neighbors and I. ...We all work here in Houston so we have to go back to work. Do you expect us to commute from San Antonio?"

Update: CWS Apartment Homes issued the following statement Tuesday:

"The Marquis at Cinco Ranch has been submerged in stagnate water, debris and with intermittent power for a week. Based on these conditions, the community is uninhabitable. We preemptively released our customers from their lease agreements in the hope that it would expedite their relocation process. CWS reserved a number of apartment homes, in the Houston Metropolitan Area, specifically to accommodate our displaced residents. In addition, we offered a $500 relocation assistance credit to help offset their moving expenses. Given the prolonged status of the mandatory evacuation, we sent all of our residents a notification yesterday morning that we would work with them on an extension to move their belongings out should they need one. Also, we are extending the $500 relocation assistance offer."

Across the Houston area, tensions between landlords and tenants are rising as both grapple with flooded homes and apartments, late rent payments and uncertainty over the next paycheck. Landlord-tenant disputes are often the first to surface after a hurricane, said attorney Saundra Brown, disaster manager at Lone Star Legal Aid.

RESOURCE: An apartment dweller's guide to managing Harvey's aftermath

Brown, who says she managed more than 1,000 cases after the 2016 floods in Harris County alone, is one of many volunteer lawyers manning a legal hotline set up for Harvey Victims (1-800-504-7030.) She said to expect more disputes.

"This disaster is going to daisy chain into a huge number of legal issues that are going to show up over a period of days, weeks and months," Brown said. "Right now there are going to be many landlord-tenant issues: people who don't think they should give back the security deposit for flooded properties. There will be people who will try to kick out their tenants because their brother-in-law needs some place to stay. There's going to be a severe shortage of rental space in the community."

When his employer closed last week due to the storm, Houstonian James Eaton didn't get paid and couldn't pay his rent at the Linda Vista apartment complex in northwest. Residents had been informed that late fees would not be waived and that those who couldn't pay would be locked out of their apartments. The complex confirmed that late fees would not be waived.

Even though a lease agreement may be void if the rental is uninhabitable, rent is still due by law, unless a rental company chooses to waive late fees.

Officials and clergy from The Metropolitan Organization are calling on Houston-area landlords to give renters a grace period of at least three weeks.
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Two documented gang members who allegedly stole cash from a vehicle in a grocery store parking lot led a victim on a high-speed chase through a neighborhood before police caught both suspects.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the victim made a cash withdrawal from the Wells Fargo Bank in The Woodlands on Thursday and then stopped at Randall's.
The Alief Independent School District was lucky.

In southwest Houston, it suffered almost no damage to its 45 schools. Only tiny leaks sprang in the roofs of a handful of schools, but the district had already patched the holes and cleaned up the water earlier in the week.

But schools in Alief will not open until Monday Sept. 11 at the earliest after it, like many of the school districts faced with a natural disaster, confronted a mountain of challenges having nothing to do with soggy campuses.

Our biggest barriers are our staff, said Kim Smith, a spokeswoman for the district. Our staff live in surrounding areas, and a lot of them experienced challenges and damage to their homes. We want to ensure they have time to start to recover before welcoming students back.

School leaders across the area continue to wrestle with how to get back to relatively normal operations after Hurricane Harvey dropped nearly a years worth of rain on the Houston area in less than a week. The storm flooded thousands of homes, soaked hundreds of thousands of cars and left many with only what they were able to lug out of their homes in trash bags.

Some districts - including Conroe, Pearland, Galveston and Tomball ISDs - were able to start Tuesday Sept. 5.

But in the more heavily affected districts, where maintenance workers are drying out water-logged schools, principals are trying to figure out what happened to all their teachers. Teachers are trying to make sure their students are still living in the area. District leaders are trying to figure out whether theyll need to put students from damaged campuses into other, dry schools with extra space.

Their challenges are not new.

Officials in Hurricane Katrina-battered Biloxi, Miss., and New Orleans said flood- and wind-damaged schools were only one of the many struggles they faced as they tried to rebuild their school systems.

They said they learned hard lessons in the storms aftermath about FEMAs federal bureaucracy, unscrupulous construction contractors, the fragility of their previous communications networks, a sudden drop in student enrollment and teachers who never came back to their classrooms.

Where are all the teachers?

In Houston ISD  Texas largest and the states seventh largest school district  Superintendent Richard Carranza said all 190 of the schools inspected by maintenance workers on Thursday sustained some sort of damage, with about 4 percent of those school suffering serious damage and about 60 percent suffering moderate damage. At least 13 will not be able to start school on Sept. 11, according to HISD Board President Wanda Adams.

District staff must submit its report on which schools are damaged and how extensive the damage is to board members by noon Wednesday.

Aside from the damage to buildings, Carranza said two factors have also worked to push back the districts tentative start date to Sept. 11: Damaged and flooded roads that make it difficult for buses to transport children, and teachers and school staff who may have lost everything or fled the area.

We know theyve undergone lots of loss and trauma, Carranza said. Were doing a roll call now - teachers calling teachers, department heads calling their staff.

Carranza said he wants to avoid different schools starting on staggered dates, instead hoping schools with the heaviest damage will be able to be consolidated with drier schools that have space to spare.

We have probably 15 different scenarios weve been working through without the full data set, without knowing all the schools conditions, Carranza said.

Some issues have already been resolved somewhat. The Texas Education Agency said school districts within counties declared disaster areas by Gov. Greg Abbott can apply for waivers that will ensure students will not have to make up days missed due to Harvey at the end of the school year. They waivers will cover the past week that schools missed and the week of Labor Day, when many will remain closed.

The TEA will deal with schools and districts that will remain closed past next week on a case-by-case basis.

Lessons from Katrina

Years after Hurricane Katrina hit Biloxi, Mississippi, the citys school district was still closing campuses.

But it wasnt because of another storm.

So many students had fled the area, enrolling in school systems elsewhere, that once-bustling campuses had turned into ghost towns.

One year, long after the national news blinked its attention elsewhere, the district had to close three schools.

That was a big experience on our end, closing the schools, said Shane Switzer, chief financial officer of the Biloxi Public School District -- who worked for the district when Katrina hit. Weve closed four schools, but we just built back a junior high. But right now, I truly have three schools that were open at Katrina that we will never open back up.

It took Biloxi schools about six weeks to reopen the first of its campuses to students. In New Orleans, where 80 percent of the city flooded after catastrophic levee failures and a record-making storm surge, it took four months.

Both Switzer and Ken Ducote, a now retired director of facility planning for the Orleans Parish Public Schools district, urged school officials to document and take photographs of all the damage done to their schools to facilitate with insurance reimbursements and FEMA aid.

Switzer recommended focusing rebuilding and renovations to schools with the least damage, as those would be the first schools to reopen anyway. Those with significant damage will likely take months, if not years, longer to fix.

Ducote urged Houston school districts not to lay off their maintenance workers like the Orleans Parrish Public Schools did after their storm, opting instead to hire contractors. He said districts should keep on all their maintenance staffers while also contracting out with companies, as the needs are often greater than they first appear.

Grief and crisis counselors are also a key to moving forward for both students and staff who experienced trauma in the storm.

Ducote couldnt help but marvel that Tropical Storm Harvey devastated Houston during the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29. He still remembers how he spent his birthday that year - at a shelter in Cleveland, Miss., without a way to get in touch with his loved ones other than occasional emails.

It took much longer for him to be able to regularly communicate with school staff, and it took years before any sense of normalcy returned to the schools he oversaw.

Although the damage done by Katrina may have been more devastating than the horrors wreaked by Harvey, both Ducote and Switzer said Houston-area school districts, especially the larger ones, have a long road ahead.

The magnitude of the problem may be different, but your numbers are a lot higher, Ducote said. We only had 65,000 students at the time Katrina hit.

Houston ISD, by comparison, was projected to welcome more than 217,000 students to school before Hurricane Harvey.
A 26-year-old man is facing a felony charge after police say he stabbed his mother's boyfriend during an argument last month.

Michael O'Brien was charged with aggravated assault of a family member for the Aug. 31 outburst in the 9100 block of South Allegro, according to a Houston police press release.
Two Houston men are facing murder charges after a Wednesday evening fatal shooting in east Houston, according to Houston police.

Rickey Bridgewater and Donnelle Robinson are accused of gunning down a man with an assault rifle during a shoot-out in the 800 block of Fidelity.
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One of the men who helped push Tex-Mex into the mainstream in Houston, Eugene Ybarra, has died. Ybarra was 81 years old and had been suffering from complications from diabetes.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice. He had one brother, five sisters, eight children, 26 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

RELATED: Top Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants to try in Houston

According to his family, Ybarra founded his first El Toro restaurant in 1960 with a small loan the Pasadena-native had received from mortgaging his own home furniture. This soon expanded to eight locations.

Ybarra's company produced its own corn and flour tortillas at El Matador Tortilla Factory located in Baytown, starting in 1986. Eventually El Matador would supply restaurants throughout Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and as far north as Colorado. In 1997 Sysco began distributing El Matador foods.

El Matador now has over 500 employees.

Ybarra was a part of a wave of Tex-Mex restaurateurs that brought this style of Mexican cuisine to the Houston area, creating memories along the way for all walks of life.

Everyone in Ybarra's family would go on to also strike out with their own Tex-Mex concept.

His son Russell Ybarra owns the Gringo's and Jimmy Changas chains. Son Troy owns Johnny Tamale Restaurants and son Victor owns Iguana Joe's Restaurants. All of the elder Ybarra's children are in the food business.

RELATED: A Houston suburb has the most authentic Mexican restaurants per capita

During the '70s and '880s Ybarra and his wife Alice went on mission trips to Mexico and helped fund the building of churches in La Porte and Pasadena.

He is also credited with the purchase of the very first grand champion steer at the La Porte Livestock Auction in 1977.

"My dad taught me the importance of compassion toward our employees," Russell Ybarra said in a statement to Chron.com late Monday.

Funeral arrangements for Ybarra will be announced in the next few days, according to a family representative.
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As the floods of Hurricane Harvey began to subside last week, Kerry Nelson started planning an impromptu day camp at his Bellaire church, looking to help parents whose children couldn't yet return to school.

Within a few hours of publicly announcing his camp, all 80 available spots were taken.

"I was shocked that it filled up so quickly," said Nelson, the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church. "From my point of view, one of the ways to thumb your nose at this disaster is to help people re-enter normalcy."

Nelson expects the attendance will slowly fall as the region's schools reopen, beginning Tuesday with six districts in the Greater Houston area. Students in the Barbers Hill, Conroe, Galveston, Pearland, Tomball and Waller independent school districts will be the first to return to class, having avoided major damage to buildings.

"We were very fortunate that we only had some minor roofing issues related to the rain, but those have been repaired and we're ready to go to school," said Staci Stanfield, director of communications for Tomball ISD.

Meanwhile, administrators in the area's four largest districts - Houston, Cy-Fair, Fort Bend and Katy ISDs - continue to plan for their scheduled returns early next week.

Houston ISD, home to a projected 218,000 students this year, is still expected to start classes on Sept. 11. District officials have said more than 10,000 students are expected to begin school in temporary quarters after buildings were heavily damaged by floodwaters. Administrators have not announced which schools will be temporarily closed or where students will be sent.

Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Mark Henry has said "very few" campuses sustained damage, though one school, Moore Elementary, will be closed for at least the fall semester. About 1,100 students attended the school last year.

As of Monday evening, Spring Branch ISD, home to about 35,000 students, had not yet established a return date. Homes along the Buffalo Bayou on the district's southern border were among the most flooded in the region, according to initial assessments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sheldon ISD has the region's latest start date, Sept. 18, after four of its eight schools sustained significant flood damage. As construction and safety workers labored through the holiday Monday, administrators were considering how to safely accommodate the district's nearly 9,000 students, spokesman Derik Moore said.

"It's a problem community-wide," Moore said. "We're just trying to get our facilities back up and running as quickly as possible. We've got teams working right now. Even though it's a holiday, it doesn't seem like it right now."

Unique challenges

Across the region, school leaders have sought to balance student safety with the desire to get kids back in the classroom. Of the Greater Houston area's 25 largest school districts, 12 are scheduled to resume classes this week.

"It's a massive impact on the city when we go back to school," Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza said. "We realize that parents and caregivers are going back to work as well, so it's not like we're trying not to get everybody back to school."

In districts that escaped major damage, minor repairs and mopping up were enough to open doors this week. Pearland ISD, for example, patched a few leaks and dried out an inch of water from one school, said Kim Hocott, the district's director of communications.

But even relatively unscathed districts will face unique challenges. Hocott said as many as five staff members per campus, many of whom live outside of Pearland ISD, were impacted by flooding. Some of them will work Tuesday, while others will be allowed time off.

The district is also preparing for the possibility that children displaced from other school districts will show up unannounced at Pearland ISD schools.

"We're not sure if we'll have kids from surrounding districts or not, but we welcome them and we'll get them enrolled as quickly as we can," Hocott said.

Many of the hardest-hit districts are still working out long-term plans. A few administrators, including HISD's Carranza, have suggested some students will be temporarily displaced and sent to another campus.

Humble ISD has already announced that Kingwood High School students will attend classes at Summer Creek High School. District leaders are considering schedules that would either split the day or alternate days between the two groups. Under either plan, students would lose about 15 hours of classroom instruction per week.

Retirees pitching in

Some districts, like Alief ISD, have already patched building problems, but won't open until next week. Kim Smith, a district spokeswoman, said staffing issues are the biggest barrier to returning early.

"Our staff live in surrounding areas, and a lot of them experienced challenges and damage to their homes," Smith said. "We want to ensure they have time to start to recover before welcoming students back."

Zeph Capo, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, said his organization is recruiting retired teachers to work as substitutes, filling in for educators whose homes and families were devastated by flooding. Recently retired Houston ISD teachers, in particular, are being sought because their credentials and paperwork are more up-to-date.

Capo said the organization's surveys found about 600 teachers affected by Hurricane Harvey. Many of them work in the Cy-Fair, Fort Bend, Houston and Sheldon ISDs, among others, he said.

"We have regular teachers worried about their homes, worried about where their kids can sleep at night," Capo said. "The likelihood is that every school will have at least one or two people who will not be ready to come back fully in the next week or two, and we need to have a plan of flexibility."

Staff writer Shelby Webb contributed to this report.
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Houston has been inundated with inspiring stories of rescues, generosity and other things that make #HoustonStrong.

Here's another to add to the list.

Houston police officer Bert Ramon, a 24-year veteran, is battling stage four colon cancer but that didn't keep him from helping to save nearly 1,500 people from the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey, CBS News reports.

GIVING BACK: Here's what J.J. Watt plans to do with the millions he's raised

Now Playing: Tanner Jones and cousins Corey Ellis and Erick Ellis use their boat to rescue people caught in rising floodwaters during Tropical Storm Harvey Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 in Pearland. Video: Submitted

Ramon had been assigned to desk duty before the storm hit, but after he couldn't get into the office, he went to the nearest station - the Lake Patrol - to help. For four days, he worked with the other officers at the station to rescue hundreds of children, seniors and families from the dangers of Harvey.

Ramon's cancer started in his colon and spread to his liver and lungs and for the past year and a half, he has been getting chemotherapy treatments every two weeks, CBS News reports.

"I hope I can inspire other cancer patients that, you know, don't let this hold you back. If you feel strong, don't let it take over your life at all," Ramon told CBS.

Despite the risk, his wife, Cindy, knew he was going to answer the call of duty during the devastation Harvey brought the Houston area.

DARK DAYS: Government faces suit over Addicks and Barker dam releases

"There's no way I can tell him you can't go. He looks at me and says you crazy. He says 'I'm going.' 'I'm going in,'" Cindy told CBS News. Ramon also told the news organization that he never thought to himself that it was a bad idea to go out and rescue people.

Ramon is among thousands of volunteers who tirelessly worked to help rescue people from their homes while the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey rose.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety situation report, more than 32,000 people are still in shelters, displaced from their homes across the Houston area as of Tuesday, Sept. 5.

DPS estimates that more than 141,000 homes had been destroyed by Harvey across the Texas coastline as of Tuesday.
As the U.S. Southeast and Puerto Rico brace for Hurricane Irma, one Floridian is looking for advice from Houston residents on how to prepare.

The Florida resident posted the following question to Reddit's r/Houston forum Tuesday morning: "From Florida, hurricane Irma is threatening my state. What did you wish you got before Harvey hit?"
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AUSTIN -- State officials said Tuesday that are moving quickly to protect Houston from the next storm headed its way: Mosquitoes.

Briefing reporters about continuing recovery and relief from Hurricane Harvey, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday that mosquito control measures are being implemented all across the Houston area to prevent swarms of the pesky insects from adding insult to an already devastated metropolitan area.

Abbott said local spraying already has been started to thwart mosquito breeding in floodwaters across Houston, and state spraying will begin within the next few days.

In addition, the federal Department of Defense is set to begin "wide-area spraying" as a third line of dense to curb any invasion of the pesky, biting skin-stickers.

Abbott said that 100 percent of the funding for the spraying will be paid by the federal government if it is done within the first 30 days after the storm, so state officials were quick to launch the initiative.

"We think this will control what we think will be a meaningful mosquito outbreak" in Harvey-ravaged areas, especially in and around Houston, Abbott said.

Local officials and pest control specialists had warned over the weekend that mosquitos could be the next big storm to move into Houston, as they take advantage of the massive floodwaters to breed quickly after Harvey moved out.

State officials said the spraying will kill the mosquito larvae in any standing or accumulated water.
President Donald Trump was busy meeting with Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston on Saturday, but that hasn't stopped him from taking a jab at people on Twitter.

Trump met with people displaced by Harvey and helped Red Cross volunteers at the NRG Center during his visit. He also retweeted a photo that poked fun at Hilary Clinton.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Hurricane Irma grew into a powerful Category 4 storm Monday as it approached the northeastern Caribbean and was forecast to begin buffeting the region Tuesday.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph late Monday afternoon, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected. Irma was centered 490 miles east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 13 mph.

Emergency officials warned that the storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain, unleash landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 23 feet as the storm drew closer.

"We're looking at Irma as a very significant event," Ronald Jackson, executive director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, said by phone. "I can't recall a tropical cone developing that rapidly into a major hurricane prior to arriving in the central Caribbean."

The storm's center was forecast to move near or over the northern Leeward Islands late Tuesday and early Wednesday, the hurricane center said.

U.S. residents were urged to monitor the storm's progress in case it should turn northward toward Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas.

"This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey," Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement.

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency throughout the state.

"Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared," Scott said. "In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared."

Warnings were posted for several islands in the eastern Caribbean Monday morning when Irma was a Category 3 hurricane.

Hurricane warnings are now in effect for a long list of islands, including the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, St. Martin and Nevis.

Meanwhile, South Floridians started emptying store shelves in early preparation for Irma. Shelves usually brimming with water bottles were bare at several stores Sunday afternoon. In the Caribbean, the director of Puerto Rico's power company predicted that storm damage could leave some areas of the U.S. territory without electricity for four to six months.

But "some areas will have power (back) in less than a week," Ricardo Ramos told radio station Notiuno 630 AM.

The power company's system has deteriorated greatly amid Puerto Rico's decade-long recession, and the territory experienced an island wide outage last year. Meanwhile, the governor of the British Virgin Islands urged people on Anegada island to leave if they could, noting that Irma's eye was expected to pass 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the capital of Road Town.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello activated the National Guard, canceled classes for Tuesday and declared a half-day of work.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration will wind down an Obama-era program providing legal status to young immigrants in the country illegally and known as "dreamers," making good on a central campaign promise and setting up a lengthy fight in Congress.

In a statement Tuesday morning, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the program is being "rescinded," although he and other administration officials laid out a gradual phase-out that will occur over the next six months.

The six-month grace period is designed to kick over to Congress a final decision on a program that has allowed nearly 800,000 people live and work in the U.S. who were brought into the country illegally as children.

In a Tweet Tuesday morning ahead of a Sessions' announcement, President Donald Trump wrote: "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!"  a reference to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program's formal name.

Trump also issued a written statement following the announcement by Sessions, who was left to play the on-camera spokesman for a decision that has long vexed Trump.

"As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America," Trump said. "At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws."

The decision, which faces passionate opposition from Democrats, immigration-rights activists, and some Republicans, comes in the face of a threatened lawsuit by Texas and several other Republican-led states that have been pressing to end the program.

A legal challenge from the states would have put the Justice Department in the position of having to defend the constitutionality of policy which has long been under assault from immigration hawks and Trump himself as a presidential candidate.

In his announcement, Sessions, a former senator from Alabama and longtime immigration hardliner, called former President Barack Obama's 2012 DACA policy illegal. "Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch," Sessions said.

In an unusual move, the former president fired back: "Let's be clear," Obama said in a statement defending the legal basis for the program. "The action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question."

The decision was met by protests outside the White House and at Trump Tower in New York. "An end to this program now or in the next six months without a permanent solution is an attack on families, decency and American values," said Gustavo Torres, a Maryland organizers for CASA, a Latino immigrant organization that advocates for dreamers. "It's going to throw these young people, who are working and contributing to our society, out on the streets and into the shadows."

Administration officials also said that it would be better to have what they called an "orderly wind down" of the program rather than face the jolt of a courtroom defeat.

"This Administration's decision to terminate DACA was not taken lightly," said Acting Secretary Elaine Duke. "We were faced with two options: wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation; or allow the judiciary to potentially shut the program down completely and immediately. We chose the least disruptive option."

The decision comes less than three months after the administration revoked similar protections for certain legal residents and immigrants in the country illegally who have U.S.-born children.

That Obama policy, known as DAPA, had been tied up in court since 2015 when a federal judge blocked it in response to a suit brought by Texas and 25 other states. It never went into effect.

But even as Trump formally shut down DAPA, he left in place the protections for so-called dreamers - immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Sessions said on Tuesday that the court ruling challenging DAPA made clear that its companion program, DACA, would meet the same fate. "The policy is vulnerable to the same legal and constitutional challenges that the courts recognized with respect to the DAPA program," he said. "The Department of Justice cannot defend this overreach."

With the administration's decision, the dreamers' fate still remains in limbo. A deeply divided Congress can either hammer out a deal to continue the program's protections, or end the program and expose illegal immigrants to deportation after they have declared themselves and registered with immigration authorities.

"DACA recipients and dreamers have grown up in this country for most of their lives and consider themselves to be American," said U.S. Rep. Gene Green, a Houston Democrat. "They know no home other than the United States."

Homeland Security officials laid out a gradual process for phasing out DACA protections while at the same time honoring those already in the program, which provides work authorization and protection from deportation for up to two years.

Current dreamer protections will be honored, officials said, and those whose protections expire between now and March 5, 2018  at the end of the six-month phase out  will have until October 5 to reapply and be considered on a "case-by-case" basis. New initial requests are no longer be considered.

Administration officials also said that information gleaned from dreamers through the application process generally would not be proactively forwarded to other law enforcement entities as long as they are not wanted in connection with any criminal cases.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said dreamers "weren't a priority before and they certainly aren't a priority now" for deportation. She sidestepped questions about what would happen to dreamers in the U.S. military if Congress does not address the issue by next March.

"We have confidence that Congress will step up and do its job," she said, suggesting that the six-month delay will give Congress time to respond and, if it chooses, enact a similar program to protect dreamers, a class of immigrants that enjoy widespread public sympathy.

Sanders said Trump "wrestled" with the decision, but brushed aside the suggestion that it is cold-hearted. "It's not cold-hearted for the president to uphold the law," she said.

Some Republican leaders, notably House Speaker Paul Ryan, had urged Trump not to kill the program and let Congress resolve the issue. In effect, he has now given them a deadline.

Among those who said they are committed to finding a solution is Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the chamber's second ranking Republican. Cornyn on Tuesday described the DACA program "well-intentioned" but constitutionally flawed.

"This President now has the chance to work with Congress towards finding a solution to this issue where his predecessor failed," Cornyn said. "These children who were brought here illegally through no fault of their own continue to make positive contributions to Texas and the nation, and it's important for us to achieve a long-term resolution."

Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, whose hard line on illegal immigration rivaled that of Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, has long called for an end to the DACA program, which he has tied to the surge of unaccompanied minors crossing the southwest border.

The grace period also reflected Trump's precarious position after first vowing to end the program on the first day of his presidency, and then promising to treat dreamers with "great heart," suggesting that they would have nothing to fear.

Tuesday's decision came up against a deadline set by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and officials from other states who joined in a letter last June vowing to go to court if the program was not rescinded by September 5.

In a letter to Duke on Monday, Sessions laid out the legal rationale for ending the program, saying it "was effectuated by the previous administration through executive action, without proper statutory authority and with no established end-date, after Congress' repeated rejection of proposed legislation that would have accomplished a similar result."

But critics of Trump's move depict it as an offering to Paxton and the president's conservative base. "In his most cowardly decision as president yet, Trump has reneged on his assurances to Dreamers that they had nothing fear, but has instead cowered to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton," said Mario Carrillo, state director of America's Voice Texas, a pro-immigrant group.

"The Texas attorney general was the force behind ending the successful program, which has benefitted more than 120,000 young Texans," Carrillo added. "As our state continues to rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Paxton made the continued attack on immigrants his top priority. That will never be forgotten."

Paxton applauded the decision. "I applaud President Trump for phasing out DACA," he said in a statement. "Had former President Obama's unilateral order on DACA been left intact, it would have set a dangerous precedent by giving the executive branch sweeping authority to bypass Congress and change immigration laws."
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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This year, we were fortunate to enjoy a number of long stays in our second home in central Italy. Though we savor any trip to our beloved Bel Paese, leisurely visits are by far our favorite. Were able to slow down to match the pace of our quiet Umbrian town, catch up with old friends, venture out on day trips or weekends to explore new places and experiences, and circle back to our old stand-bys a second  or tenth  time around. Though time flies no matter how long our trip lasts, a long stay reminds us of just why it was we fell in love with Italy so many years ago.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

We enjoyed some incredible food in 2017, some at newly discovered eateries in both Italy and Switzerland, and some at long-time favorites that have withstood the test of time. This years list of our five recommendations is a mixed bag of old and new, including restaurants we have been dining at for years and a couple that hooked us at the antipasto.

Regardless of whether you are planning a quick trip or a long stay, keep these spots in mind in 2017 and beyond:

Grill Chadafo in Chesa Veglia (Badrutts Palace)  St. Moritz, Switzerland

We recently announced that we are expanding beyond Italy to include custom itineraries in Switzerland, and we have been venturing across the border for the arduous task of researching the prettiest Alpine towns, most luxurious hotels, and best restaurants. We were pleasantly surprised by the excellent cuisine we discovered along the way, and look forward to sharing our favorite spots with our travelers in the future.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

One of our most memorable dinners was at the rustic-yet-refined Chesa Veglia of the landmark Badrutts Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. Chesa Veglia, Romansh for old house, is a historic farmhouse in the center of town that was converted in 1936 into three small restaurants -a traditional Swiss stuben, a pizzeria, and a grill  and two bars, all part of Badrutts Palace, though not located in the hotel. Though the atmosphere is casual, the doormen outside and exemplary service reflect the five-star luxury of Badrutts Palace and give Chesa Veglia the feel of a private club.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

The Grill Chadafo is the most formal of the three restaurants, and the dishes are quite expensive. Open only in winter, the grill uses the farmhouses original stone oven to prepare their roasted and grilled specialties, has a homey feel with warm wood decor and vintage tableware, and often features live piano music in the dining room. This is the perfect spot for an excellent, hearty meal in a unique historic setting.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland

Website:www.badruttspalace.com

Whats local: Their signature roast Poulet de Bresse seasoned with rosemary is about as good as chicken can get.

Our tip: The menu is almost exclusively roasted and grilled meats, so vegetarians should opt for one of the other restaurants in Badrutts Palace.

Stella DOro  Soragna, Parma

We have long been enamored with the areas excellent cuisine, especially local parmesan and prosciutto makers. Just north of Modena, home to balsamic vinegar, and Bologna, where the worlds best tortellini are turned out by hand, Parma and its surrounding countryside are a mecca for gourmands. It was during a drive through this countryside that we stopped for the first time at Stella dOro in the small town of Soragna outside Parma.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

Stella dOro has been serving local specialties since 1860, but was taken over by chef Marco Dallabona in 2001 and in just over a decade earned a coveted Michelin star. The cuisine is based on updated classics from Emiglia-Romagna, served with elegance in the restaurants formal dining room, and features local specialties like charcuterie aged by the chef, traditional tortellini and ravioli, roasted pheasant or rabbit, a selection of artisan parmesan cheeses, and zabaione.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

Though Stella dOro has all the refinements of fine dining, the welcoming hospitality of the chef and staff (many of whom are family members) makes a meal here the perfect balance of Michelin-star elegance and Italian-style warmth. We enjoyed an excellent lunch of timeless classics, served with straightforward authenticity and genuine service.

Location: Soragna, Parma

Website:https://ristorantestelladoro.it/

Whats local: Their signature roast Poulet de Bresse seasoned with rosemary is about as good as chicken can get.

Our tip: Dallabona is particularly attentive to celiac disease and gluten intolerance, and the lions share of the menu is gluten-free.

Enoteca Pinchiorri  Florence

Where Stella dOro is a Michelin-starred restaurant that was new to us, Florences imposing Enoteca Pinchiorri has been a favorite for aficionados of fine dining  including ourselves  for years. The apogee of Italian gourmet cuisine, this three-Michelin-star restaurant in the center of Florence is where you are guaranteed to have an incredible dining experienceat an incredible price.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

The Enoteca was founded in the 1980s by Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Feolde, who became the first woman outside of France to earn three Michelin stars. Pinchiorri, originally from Modena, became known for his unique wine selection and his innovative wine by the glass service while working at the Enoteca Nazionale, and Feolde, his French partner, began to prepare dishes to accompany these stellar wines. In just a few years, Enoteca Pinchiorri was born and has become one of the most famous restaurants in the world.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

Today, the Enotecas kitchen is run by chefs Riccardo Monco and Alessandro della Tomassini, who carry on the tradition of impeccable traditional cuisine, under the watchful eye of Feolde who monitors both kitchen and dining room. We chose the menu focused on the flavors of Italy and every dish was delicious. The presentation wasnt too fussy and we were especially impressed with the gorgeous decanter and glassware collection used throughout the evening. The restaurant is located in the elegant Palazzo Jacometti-Ciofi, and offers private rooms, smoking rooms, and a 16th century courtyard for dining al fresco in summertime.

Location: Florence

Website: https://www.enotecapinchiorri.it/

Whats local: The Enoteca sources its heirloom breed Mora Romagnola pigs from a farm in Emilia-Romagna, and the pork is particularly flavorful.

Our tip: This is by far the most formal (and expensive) restaurant we have ever been to, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you wont regret.

Al Covo  Venice

Al Covo is one of our go-to restaurants in Venice, and popular among American visitors who appreciate the menu of local seafood with innovative twists on traditional Venetian classics. This family-owned establishment, run by Venetian chef Cesare and Diane, his Texan wife, has been around since 1987 but really became famous after a New York Times review in 1992. Since then, it has been a favorite for food writers and guides but has maintained its excellent quality, warm hospitality, and attentive service in spite of all the attention.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

The dining room is charmingly rustic, with a low wood-beamed ceiling and yellow-stuccoed walls, set on quiet side street with indoor and outdoor seating. The dishes are rooted in Venetian tradition, made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The wine list includes over 200 labels from the best Italian and international producers, with particular emphasis on organic and biodynamic selections.

Location: Venice

Website:www.ristorantealcovo.com

Whats local: No meal at Al Covo is complete without a slice of their signature dark chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, an import from Dianes American heritage.

Our tip: This popular restaurant is often completely booked during high season, so be sure to reserve a table in advance.

Sabatini  Rome

Weve been living in and traveling to Italy for so long now that we even have our comfort food spots, long-time favorites where we know before we even sit down what we are going to order. Ristorante Sabatini in Rome is one of these, a traditional Roman trattoria that we have been eating at for years and where we have never had a disappointing meal. Set right on Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, we amuse ourselves watching the buskers and tourists in the square while enjoying the informal Roman service and old-school dishes.

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

(Photo by CIU Travel via Flickr)

Location: Rome

Website: No website; located at Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, n. 13

Whats local: The menu is very traditional, and it is a great place to sample Romes seafood.

Our tip: We have been going for so long that we always order the same thing: their seafood pasta followed by grilled scampi and porcini mushrooms washed down with bottle of Frascati.
Copiii cu nevoi speciale din Stefan Voda au conditii de reabilitare mai bune, datorita UE si Fundatiei Soros Moldova
The catastrophic flooding unleashed on Texas by Harvey was unprecedented. Elsewhere in the world, flooding associated with wild weather is a challenge confronting all types of communities from coastal cities in Asia to mountain villages in Europe.

In the last two months alone, floods have killed more than 1,000 people across India, southern Nepal and northern Bangladesh. Some 40 million more have seen their homes, businesses or crops destroyed.

Compounding the misery is the fact that many dont have access to insurance and even if they do, it can be prohibitively expensive. At least in the United States, there is a government-backed program that provides flood insurance to residents. But in the Houston area, which bore the brunt of Harvey, many residents didnt have the flood coverage and could have to dip into savings to pay for repairs.

Maryam Golnaraghi, director of the extreme events and climate risk program at global insurance think tank, The Geneva Association, said governments and the insurance industry have to work together to make insurance affordable and give people incentives to buy it.

In the past, that marriage did not work, she said. Now theyve realized that neither the industry nor government can do it alone. They have to work together on provision of insurance.

Here is a glance at how other flood-prone regions deal with insurance.

ASIA

Of all natural calamities, floods are the most frequent and costly in Asia due to the combination of monsoonal weather and burgeoning populations in coastal cities and river flood plains.

Rising sea levels linked to global warming are also expected to increase the frequency of so-called once in a century floods such as those that swept through Thailand in 2011, costing tens of billions of dollars.

In Asias developing countries, which make up the bulk of the regions population, private insurance against flooding and other natural calamities is beyond the reach of most.

From Bangladesh to Indonesia and India, the burden of losses as well as the costs of relief and reconstruction falls on individuals, businesses and the already over-stretched budgets of governments and charities.

The Geneva Association estimates that in 2014 only 10 percent of losses from all types of natural disasters in Asia were insured compared with 60 percent in North America.

In China, government-subsidized insurance against natural calamities has been available for farmers since 2007 _ but crucially only covers crops and livestock. Private insurance is negligible with only 1-2 percent of flood losses insured and flood insurance for property not available at all in rural areas, according to the Geneva Association.

Thailands government set up a National Catastrophe Insurance Fund after the 2011 floods with the intention of backing up hard-pressed domestic insurance companies so they would continue to offer natural disaster insurance. However participation is not compulsory and according to media reports, local premiums have still soared, counter to the governments intention, while insurers have reduced the amounts theyd pay out.

EUROPE

The 28-country European Union has a fund to help member states tackle natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. However, the so called EU Solidarity Fund is intended to help governments meet the cleaning-up costs and rebuilding. It is not meant to cover private insurable losses  that is down to homeowners in member states.

Theres perhaps no country in Europe more alert to the threat of flooding than the Netherlands. The low-lying nation of 17 million has a well-developed network of dikes, dunes and water barriers that have largely succeeded in containing the water.

For a country constantly battling the elements, it may come as a surprise that flood insurance is not so well-advanced. Only one Dutch insurer offers it.

The national association of insurers wants to change that and has long called for a mandatory scheme that would involve adding a small amount  50 cents to a euro  to existing homeowner insurance premiums.

England, France, Belgium have flood insurance. It is crazy that a delta country like the Netherlands doesnt, the associations spokesman Rudi Buis said.

Maybe people think we are so good with our dikes and everything else we can fix it, it wont happen. But we think thats an illusion, particularly in light of climate change.

The countrys Consumer and Markets Authority rejected the proposal back in 2013, however, arguing that consumers must have a choice of whether or not they insure against flooding.

Now, if there is a flood, Dutch homeowners who suffer damage have to hope that the government activates a national program that pays out for damages suffered in major natural disasters or serious accidents.

In France, all insurance contracts covering houses, businesses, public entities or vehicles must by law include protection against natural disasters, including floods, said Stephane Penet of the French Insurance Federation.

Insurers must cover flood losses up to a certain amount, above which a state fund kicks in, he said.

If there is a huge catastrophe in France . from a certain amount of losses its no longer the insurers that pay, its the state, he said.

In Romania, fewer and fewer people are insuring their homes against flooding. The National Pool against Natural Disasters reported that at the end of July about 1.7 million homes were insured, down 4 percent on the previous year.

Of those homes that were covered, only 24.4 percent were in rural areas, which face the highest risk of flooding. It is not clear if the cost of policies is preventing locals, who are generally less well off than those in the cities, from taking out insurance.

In Britain, several damaging floods prompted the government to step in to make insurance more affordable, flooding consultant Mary Dhonau said in a telephone interview.

The government launched Flood Re, a not-for-profit scheme funded by insurers that covers flood losses.

Over time, we estimate that Flood Re will benefit over 350,000 households by having access to those more affordable policies, the organization says on its web site.

(Associated Press writers Stephen Wright in Bangkok, John Leicester in Paris and Alison Mutler in Bucharest, Romania, contributed.)
The shout was for more hose as Capt. Mike Wittenmeier pushed down the smoke-filled hallway.

It was hot and humid, with only a few feet of visibility. Smoke filled the hallway, and Wittenmeier wasnt pleased with the slow progress.

Come on, he yelled to a beleaguered reporter who was attempting to lug the hose down the hallway.

Fortunately, the smoke came from a machine, and there was no fire. But training was as real as possible for the six or seven firefighters who participated.

Every month, firefighters with the Peoria Fire Department practice what to do if there is a fire high off the ground. And by inviting a reporter along, they hoped to convey the difficulties associated with such fires and the need to remain vigilant.

Within the past few months, Peoria firefighters have battled two high rise fires. While that might not seem to be a large number, it is unusual for a city of this size. Battalion Chief Tom Carr said that all fires require training and practice, but high-rise fires require a bit more because they arent very common. Also, he said, there is a definite safety aspect.

With a house fire or a structure fire, there might more than one way in or out of the building. With a high-rise, there tends to be just one way in or out, he said.

Greg Walters, the fire chief in Peoria Heights and also the fire science program coordinator and instructor at Illinois Central College, agreed, saying such fires are more difficult because they happen less often. As a result, training sessions like one last month just north of Downtown Peoria are critical, officials say.

Carr said cities such as Chicago can bring up to 60 to the scene, but in Peoria, the number is about two dozen. Thats five engines and two ladder trucks, each of which has about three firefighters. A few go in to check out what happening, while others find the fire hydrant and then the outside connection on the building. Its there, at the standpipe, that hoses can pump water up to the floor in need.

Yet, most of those arent rushing into the building. Rather, they are manning stations outside to either assist with water or are ready reserves to replace firefighters who were in the building before. Everyone has a place and purpose at the scene and national fire safety protocols dictate a certain number for safety.

Capt. Richard Booth, who has 34 years in the department, says those firefighters are needed because its hard work lugging equipment and gear up to the floor where the fire is. Each firefighter wears or carries about 80 pounds of gear. The turnout coat, which is the jacket most of us see the firefighters wearing, is heavy and feels like the lead protective smock that is used when someone is X-rayed.

The pants and boots are also heavy, and the boots make a foot feel suctioned to the floor. Add on a 19-pound backpack with a oxygen tank, a face mask, a flashlight and a helmet and its easy to see how a person can be worn out. But that doesnt include the high-rise pack, Carr said. The pack is about 50 feet of hose that is tightly bundled and carried by the firefighters on their backs.

Within a house fire or a single story fire, the water is on the same level, for the most part, as the fire. With a high-rise blaze, a firefighter can ride an elevator up a ways, always stopping at least two floors below for safety. From there, they have lug hoses and other equipment. Carr and Booth both say that for safety, policy dictates that a team sets up a few floors below the actual fire. Modern buildings have hose hookups on every floor. Its too dangerous to try to set up a hose on the same floor as the fire, Booth said.

If you do that, you can get into the trouble as there is smoke and heat, and if the fire flashes, you might be trying to screw in the hose while the fire is coming to you, he said.

For that reason, the practice is to hump hose through the stairwell. Usually, its a a floor or two below the actual fire. And even thats a difficult process. Imagine a hose, fully charged with several pounds of water pressure. The hose itself is heavy, and with each gallon of water weighting about 8 pounds, the line becomes almost like a small steel pipe. The gloves used by the firefighters arent the grippiest. Combine that with the practice of staying low to the ground to avoid smoke, and its hard work.

A single tank of oxygen can last between 20 to 30 minutes. A typical rotation for a firefighter is about two tanks or about 40 minutes maximum. Guys are rotated out to rest and rehydrate so they dont get injured.

During the training exercise, the reporter tripped and fell a few times. The hose slipped through his hands and his helmet fell off. Had it been a real fire, the consequences could have been severe. Instead, he was able to get to a ventilated room and drink some water after about 15 minutes of battling the fire. Its for that reason that so many firefighters show up, Wittenmeier said.

Imagine trying to do that with half the guys there, Wittenmeir said.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Rockford Systems, The Master Lock Company Form Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Safety Adoption in Manufacturing Facilities

Rockford Systems LLC and The Master Lock Company announced a new joint initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of safety technologies throughout the North American manufacturing sector. The two industry-leading companies are teaming up to reduce workplace accidents, improve job efficiencies, and help ensure manufacturers are in compliance with the latest OSHA, ANSI and NFPA 79 machine-guarding and lockout/tagout standards.

Even with strict machine and operator safety regulations in place, unguarded hazardous machinery remains a major source of fatalities, amputations and other traumatic injuries in manufacturing plants. According to OSHA, nearly 18,000 machine operators suffer non-fatal injuries each year in the United States. Rockford Systems estimates more than half the manufacturers in the United States do not fully comply with critical requirements for machine safeguarding or lockout/tagout.

The Master Lock Company helps facilities create safer work environments and ensure lockout compliance through comprehensive consulting services. The partnership with Rockford Systems enables The Master Lock Company to broaden its services to include machine guarding assessments and physical safeguarding solutions, providing an end-to-end lockout and machine guarding solution for customers.

In its role, Rockford Systems will provide on-site custom safety consulting services using the Machine Safety Assessment Tool (MSAT), which was jointly developed by the two companies. Performed as a stand-alone service or in conjunction with other services, the MSAT assessment helps companies identify situations that place machine operators or maintenance personnel in serious, life-threatening danger because of the absence of machine safeguarding.

Genex Services Acquires PRIUM from AmeritoxExpands Pain Management Services

Genex Services, a l medical cost-containment and disability management service, announced its acquisition of PRIUM, an Atlanta-based provider of Comprehensive Chronic Pain Intervention programs and Utilization Review services, from Ameritox. Financial terms were not disclosed.

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey served as the exclusive strategic and financial advisor to Ameritox and PRIUM on the transaction.

NORCAL Mutual To Begin Offering Insurance to Nebraska Physicians

NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company will begin offering medical professional liability insurance in Nebraska, beginning September 1.

NORCAL now covers 38 states, including the District of Columbia.

The insurer and its subsidiaries insure more than 27,000 physicians nationwide and offer continuing medical education learning opportunities to help safeguard policyholder practices.
The explosive expansion of Houston subdivisions into prairies far to the west helped make the city affordable for the average 345 people who moved there each day, but it also paved over thousands of acres that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had intended for a reservoir and other flood-control projects to help against deluges like the ones from Harvey.

The push of subdivisions and freeways across what once was hundreds of square miles of flood-absorbing tallgrass prairies was part of the U.S.-leading population growth of Houston and surrounding Harris County. But the go-go-growth placed housing developments across the drainage basin of the two major reservoirs and dams safeguarding downtown Houston.

Thousands living in the western subdivisions that crowd up to the edges of the reservoirs remain under evacuation orders, after Harveys record rains killed dozens of people in the Houston area and beyond, flooded tens of thousands of homes, and sent floodwater roaring around the edge of Houstons Addicks Dam for the first time in its 70-year history.

Guess what was out here when Houstons dams were built, said Gordon Prendergast, who had bought a kayak to come see how his house was faring after his neighborhood was evacuated. Wilderness! Goats and wild coyotes, and nobody had any idea theyd build houses out here when the Army Corps was building that dam.

Prendergast, 65, didnt blame the Corps or the engineers for the flooding of all the houses crowded around reservoirs. The only thing they could have done differently is block off this entire area, and make this a national park, and say you cannot have subdivisions, he said.

They probably would have been fighting developers and lawyers for 20 to 30 years.

Addicks and Barker dams and reservoirs west of downtown anchor the flood protection system of the fourth-largest U.S. city.

The Corps bought land for the two projects and built them in the 1940s after floods inundated downtown.

The Corps plan at the time also called for a third reservoir in northwest Houston, as well as a levee and two grand canals intended to funnel water around the city and out to the Gulf of Mexico, then-local Corps commander Col. Richard Pannell told a Houston town meeting over flooding last year.

But authorities never put together the money to buy land for the additional flood control. Development quickly made the tracts too expensive to buy for the projects.

Development to the west of downtown has brought the area desirable employers such as Amazon and FedEx, and subdivisions that made Houston affordable for the average person in a way that San Francisco or New York are not, said Augustus Campbell of the development-friendly West Houston Association nonprofit.

One of the reasons Houston has been economically successful is you dont have to be rich if youre in Houston, Campbell said.

But each ring of development  covering absorbent grassland and wetlands with concrete  makes for heavier, faster deluges of water rushing on the developments downstream, and further strains the two dams and reservoirs, Pannell said in that talk last year. A Corps spokesman did not return a message for comment this week, amid the record flooding. The city of Houstons public affairs office also did not immediately return a call and message.

Houston is not known for its planning, notes Evelyn Merz of the local Sierra Club. The environmental group went to court five years ago and tried unsuccessfully to block a new parkway on the Katy Prairie to the west of Houston, saying the parkway would draw yet more development and more flooding Houston wasnt prepared to handle.

Houstons push west has consumed all but the last 200,000 acres of the Katy Prairie, said Mary Anne Piacentini, executive director of the Katy Prairie Conservancy, whose work includes managing 20,000 acres of prairie preserve.

With roots stretching well over a dozen feet beneath the soil, native tallgrass can absorb nearly 20 times more water than lawns can, reducing and slowing the cascades of water running off Houstons concrete, Piacentini said. She has worked, with mixed results, to encourage Houstons managers and politically influential developers to promote more prairie open space and so-called pocket prairies within the city.

Houstons long-term planning projects the sprawl across the Katy Prairie will persist, eventually reaching the Brazos River.

Jim Blackburn, lawyer for the Sierra Club in the fight against the parkway and a planning professor at Rice University, hopes to see a revised development scheme given the lessons of Harvey: A Houston with more reservoirs, with protected grasslands and ranches on the citys outskirts, and greenbelts throughout the city.

With the flood, Houston is at a real crossroads, Blackburn said. How we respond to this tragedy will determine  how viable and vibrant Houston will be.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Craig Reeves had been in Rockport, Texas, barely 48 hours when he ducked into the gloomy threshold of the condominium, which was darkened by blinds pulled before Hurricane Harvey and filled with a humid, mildewy funk.

Reeves, a catastrophe claims adjuster for State Farm, crunched over glass shards in his steel-toed boots, stepping over a wet towel, a bottle of Febreze and a copy of Henry David Thoreaus Walden. He made his way past the kitchen, its cupboard doors curling, and into the living room with its soaked teddy bear, upended sewing machine, dog kennel and deck chairs. Reeves lifted the shades, letting in the sunlight that would help him take account of the destruction of Jeannie Jurischks home.

Hurricane Harvey inflicted damage on 1.7 million homes that could top $11.5 billion in insured losses, according to CoreLogic Inc., and workers like Reeves are on the front lines. State Farm, the biggest private home and auto insurer in Texas, alone had 32,500 property claims to handle as of Monday. It deployed more than 1,000 adjusters to the Gulf Coast, and erected a disaster tent, portable toilets and a satellite-equipped recreational vehicle along the freeway in Corpus Christi, 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Rockport.

While the outside world sees storms as televised tableaux, adjusters like Reeves focus on the minutiae of destruction, from water stains and mold specks on a ceiling to a roof sheared off to a concrete pad where a single house once stood. Adjusters are often reconstructions harbingers, and they witness communities reeling and people at their frailest.

Everything that youre involved with is destruction and bad times, Reeves said. Theres no break from it.

Rockport, near where Harvey made landfall Aug. 25, is a fishing village that also attracts tourists and retirees, some who live in million-dollar homes along a pristine marina. This weekend, though, the town was without electricity and water, and many residents lacked any shelter. Jurischks condominium unit was just the first of about 50 cases handed to Reeves after his 1,200-mile drive from Silvis, Illinois. Nearly all of his cases involved homes rendered uninhabitable.

On Saturday, he met Jurischk for the first time outside, where concrete tiles, stucco siding and nails littered the lawn. The swimming pool was filled with brown water, and towering heaps of downed oaks had limbs snapped like toothpicks.

Do you live here? Reeves asked as the woman with cropped blond hair, black shorts and yellow flip-flops walked up.

Well, I used to, Jurischk replied.

In the next two hours, Reeves would reduce the condos sodden disarray to a tidy rendering in red ballpoint ink, a cache of digital photographs, a to-do list and a reassurance that this, too, shall pass. Later, he would spend hours uploading his findings into a computer to calculate the number that homeowners care about most: the sum the insurance company owes them.

Reeves, 39, popped his red pen out from underneath his red State Farm ball cap and took up a clipboard with a pad of graph paper.

Have you been upstairs yet? he asked Jurischk. They walked up the beige carpeted steps covered in glass and leaves. He whipped out his Bosch laser measure and ran its red light over her bedroom, took photos with his iPhone and sketched the floor plan.

Later, in his company-issued van, he would turn that data into a three-dimensional computer model. That would be the basis for estimating damages and adjusting the homeowners claim.

The white Ford Transit is Reevess mobile office, complete with a swivel chair, desktop and laptop computers, a printer, rubber and roofing boots, hip waders, a cooler stocked with Gatorade, a bag of beef jerky, two bottles of bug spray, and, for the rare slow moments, two fishing poles.

You dont know what to prepare for, Reeves said

Hurricanes as large as Harvey defy most preparations. At first, Jurischk, who grew up in coastal Port Arthur, assumed she would easily ride out the storm. But as the hurricane grew, she packed in a bag four pairs of shorts, four tank tops and three pairs of flip flops  her habitual beach attire. She headed to Pearland, a Houston suburb, where her daughter had a friend who took them in, along with two dogs and a cat.

There was no respite. By Monday, Houston was flooding. Jurischk and her daughter were rescued at 11 p.m., carried out in the back of a dump truck. They took shelter at a recreation center, then Pearland High School and then were bused almost 200 miles north to Belton. There, they rented a car and made their way back to Rockport, where they would stay with friends.

Jurischk broke down crying.

Theyre mostly happy tears, she said. I just think we had so many blessings.

She was hoping for one more.

Ive got to find housing, Jurischk said. Well see what Craig has to say, and what my options are. I dont know, its like trying to figure out whats  Her words trailed off as she touched her bedding. Its wet. You can feel it here.

Were gonna start working our way down the steps, maam, Reeves called out.

She walked by a bookshelf lined with seashells and stocked with titles including 14,000 Things to be Happy About.

I dont know where to start getting this place cleaned up, she said. I dont even know where to begin.

After two hours, Reeves wrapped up his investigation. Sweat dripped from his brow and his shirt was damp. Although Reeves had worked most of the last decades monster storms  Katrina, Sandy, Matthew  Harveys enormity was only beginning to sink in.

This is hard for everybody, but for us too, its a very emotional strain, he said.

Reeves grew up near Bloomington, Illinois, the corporate headquarters for State Farm, which got its start nearly a century ago as an auto insurer for farmers. Reevess grandmother worked for the company as a roller-skating office clerk. While in junior high, Reevess home burned to the ground, and State Farm helped the family find temporary housing.

Im not unfamiliar with losing everything youve got, he said.

In 1999, his first job at State Farm was dealing with property lost in house fires. When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, he was deployed for the first time as a catastrophe claims adjuster. Since then hes been sent to dozens of disasters. At home, where he left his wife and their 3-week-old baby, he keeps a bag packed since hes often deployed with less than a days notice.

In Jurischks living room, she and her daughter gathered around him, hanging on every word.

He explained that while the walls appeared salvageable, the ceilings would have to be pulled out and replaced. The carpet, while it didnt get too wet, was embedded with glass. They should make lists of what personal belongings were salvageable. Clothes should be dry-cleaned before being discarded, and they were to send the bill to him. The biggest question Jurischk had was where would they stay and how long would all this take?

Im gonna start building up an estimate, Reeves said. Well move forward from here.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Florida declared a state of emergency before a possible hurricane strike after Irma strengthened to become a Category 5 storm on its approach to the Caribbean.

Irmas maximum winds rose as high as 175 miles an hour (280 kilometers an hour), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in an advisory on Tuesday. The storm is located about 270 miles east of the Caribbean island of Antigua and headed toward the Leeward Islands.

Irma becomes an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane, the NHC said in the advisory. Preparations should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area.

The threat to the southeastern U.S. comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey smashed ashore in Texas, causing widespread damage, power outages and flooding and taking almost a fifth of U.S. refining capacity offline.

There is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week, the National Hurricane Center said in an earlier advisory on Tuesday, after Governor Rick Scott declared an emergency.

In Florida, the citrus crop will be a focus of concern as the state is the worlds largest producer of orange juice after Brazil. The oil and natural gas markets are also keeping a close eye on the storm, worrying whether it could reach the important U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil region.

The expected path has shifted considerably west over the last two days and can still change over the next two, said Olivier Jakob, founder of energy consultant Petromatrix GmbH in Zug, Switzerland. We cannot yet rule out a move further west with a Louisiana risk.

Beyond the threat to people and property in the Caribbean, the focus so far is on agriculture with the storm, being a case of being long orange Juice futures rather than gasoline futures, Jakob said.

Irma will probably cross the northern Leeward Islands Tuesday into Wednesday, according to the NHC, which said its still too early to determine what impact it might have on the U.S. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra. Tropical-storm-force winds could arrive in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by early Wednesday.

About two-thirds of Floridas citrus crop is located in the lower two-thirds of the peninsula. Frozen concentrated orange juice futures in New York already rose last week on speculation the storm could strike, though prices are down almost 30 percent since January.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
State regulators say a judge erred when he overturned $2.39 million in penalties against Tesoro following the 2010 deadly explosion at its Anacortes refinery.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries on Thursday asked the state Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals to review the case and affirm the penalties.

In June, the judge hearing the case, Mark Jaffe, vacated 45 alleged violations against Texas-based Tesoro, now known as Andeavor. He said the department failed to show that Tesoro committed any of the alleged violations.

Five men and two women died as a result of the April 2, 2010, blast about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Seattle. State regulators called it one of the worst industrial disasters and levied the agencys largest ever workplace-safety fine.

Regulators said its six-month investigation determined the incident was preventable. Investigators found that a device called a heat exchanger blew apart along cracks in welded areas, the agency said. It said the company did not properly inspect or test equipment at the refinery.

Tesoro appealed the findings to a state insurance board in 2010. Tesoro had disputed the states characterization of its safety procedures and inspections, and contends the conclusions of the states investigation were mistaken.

Jaffe said in his June 8 ruling that after hearing testimony, reviewing the record and exhibits, he did not find that the department, which has the burden of proof, showed that Tesoro is responsible based on the rules cited in the citation.

The states petition filed Thursday contends that from early discovery to rulings on evidence at hearings to his proposed decision and order, the judge didnt allow the department to present its case to the board. It says evidence supports the departments citations.

The Department stands by its citations. Given a proper opportunity, the Department would prove the facts supporting them, the 220-page petition noted.

Tesoro hires many workers and serves a role in Washingtons economy. But that does not mean it can have a culture of systemic safety apathy, lawyers for the state agency argued.

A spokeswoman with Andeavor said in an email Friday that as a matter of policy, we do not provide comment on legal matters.

In statements to media outlets in June, Tesoro called the accident a tragedy and supported the judges decision to dismiss the claims in their entirety. The company also said that focusing on personal and process safety at the core of what it does at the refinery.

The industrial appeals judge issued a proposed decision and order, but the state Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals reviews that decision and issues a final order.

The board is an independent state agency with three board members appointed by the governor.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Wildfires forced thousands to flee their homes across the U.S. West during a sweltering, smoke-shrouded holiday weekend of record heat.

The fires Sunday caused evacuations in Glacier National Park in Montana and many other parts of the West; compelled crews to rescue about 140 hikers who had spent the night in the woods after fire broke out along the popular Columbia River Gorge Trail in Oregon; and led firefighters to step up efforts to protect a 2,700-year-old grove of giant sequoia encroached by flames near Yosemite National Park in California.

A sudden gusty series of rainstorms allowed Los Angeles, however, to cancel evacuation orders for a wildfire that the mayor called the largest in the citys history and sent beach umbrellas and toy shovels bouncing down Southern California beaches late Sunday.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti had declared a local emergency earlier Sunday and Gov. Jerry Brown did the same on the state level for Los Angeles County after the wildfire destroyed three homes and threatened hillside neighborhoods. More than a thousand firefighters battled flames that chewed through more than 9 square miles (23 kilometers) of brush-covered mountains.

By evening, however, the days record heat in Los Angeles had eased and a spate of brief storms even brought a bit of rain to the burning slopes, slowing the progress of the wildfire. Authorities were able to cancel the evacuation orders that had been issued for three cities  Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale  and allow all of the 1,400 people who had fled to return to their homes.

Conditions slowing the blaze could change again in a moments notice, and the winds can accelerate very quickly, Los Angeles Fire Capt. Ralph Terrazas warned, however. There is a lot of fuel out there left to burn.

Officials were keeping an eye on thunderstorms, which were bringing welcome bursts of rain but also the risk of flash floods, mudslides and lightning. Beachgoers in Santa Barbara filmed one sudden storm there that sent palm trees flapping and toddlers chasing beach toys that the wind was blowing down the beach.

The high at Los Angeles International Airport reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) Sunday, topping the previous mark of 92 (33 Celsius), set in 1982. Records were also set in parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, where the temperature hit 101 degrees (38 Celsius).

San Francisco residents, meanwhile, stifled under a third day of a rare heat wave in the coastal city, although highs in the San Francisco Bay Area fell Sunday from records in the 100s Fahrenheit (high 30s Celsius) set the previous two days.

I went to Home Depot, Walgreens, Office Depot, Target. They were sold out! downtown office worker Alganesh Ucbayonas said Sunday, detailing her unsuccessful search for an electric fan. CVS! she remembered.

On Sunday, Ucbayonas sat at her desk in a building lobby squarely between two whirring fans, both scrounged from her office buildings storage and trained straight at her face.

Fires burning up and down the Sierra Nevada and further to the northwest cast an eerie yellow and gray haze over much of California. Much of the state was under alerts because of poor air quality.

California authorities ordered evacuations for a third small town Sunday in one of the wildfires, a blaze that has burned 9-square-miles (23 square kilometers) near Yosemite.

Firefighters battling that blaze were making it a priority to safeguard the ancient grove of giant sequoia and a pair of historic cabins at the foot of the trees, fire spokeswoman Anne Grandy said. Fire crews had wrapped the two 19th-century cabins and an outhouse in shiny, fire-resistant material to protect them from the flames that had entered the Nelder Grove, Grandy said.

California crews are also protecting homes from a fast-moving wildfire that forced evacuations in Riverside County.

In Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency across all counties as three major fires closed recreation areas and prompted evacuations.

Flames in Montanas Glacier National Park prompted officials to evacuate all residents, campers and tourists from one of the most popular areas of the park. The order Sunday affects the Lake McDonald area, the western side of the dizzying Going-to-the Sun Road and some of the most visited trails in the area. The Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913, closed last week because of heavy smoke in the area.

(Knickmeyer reported from San Francisco. Associated Press writers Matt Volz in Helena, Montana, and Martha Bellisle in Seattle contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Wine events are set throughout Northeast Ohio - Johnny's Downtown in Cleveland, Papa Joe's in Akron, Brix 35 in Uniontown, Corks Wine Bar in Willoughby, Tartine Bistro in Rocky River and many others have tastings and dinners planned. Deadline to submit events is Thursday. Email mbona@cleveland.com:

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, Sept. 7: Rosewood Grill will hold Champagne and Oysters Under the Stars 6-9 p.m. Sparkling wine and Champagne cocktails are $6. Oysters are $1. It will be held each Thursday through fall. It's at 16740 Royalton Road, Strongsville.

Thursday, Sept. 7: Heinen's will hold a Spring Mountain Vertical 6:30-8 p.m. Taste Cabernet Sauvignon vintages from 2000 to 2004 from this Napa Valley, California, winery. Register early; this is limited to 20 people. Cost is $25. It's at 20 Shopping Center Dr., Chagrin Falls.

Thursday, Sept. 7: Johnny's Downtown will hold a four-course dinner at 7 p.m. Hosted by Jordan Winery's affable Marketing Director Lisa Mattson, the dinner costs $125 (includes tax and tip). Johnny's Downtown is at 1406 W. 6th St., Cleveland. Menu:

* Grilled octopus with 2014 Chardonnay.

* Oven-roasted halibut with 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon.

* Pan-roasted veal tenderloin with 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

* Assorted cheeses with 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon magnums.

(The dinner will include 2016 Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the recent Jordan Cuvee by Champagne AR Lenoble. Both have been flown in for this event.)

Friday, Sept. 8: Heinen's will feature three Proseccos 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10. It's at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Friday, Sept. 8: Heinen's will feature wines from near and far 6-8 p.m. Cost is $20. Registration is required, 440-740-0535. It's at 8383 Chippewa Road,, Brecksville.

Friday, Sept. 8: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Cabernet Sauvignon at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Friday, Sept. 8: Heinen's will hold a tasting of 10 Portuguese and Spanish wines 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $10. Reservation requested; call 216-382-4144. It's at 2180 South Green Road, University Heights.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Heinen's will hold an 'around the world' wine closeout sale 1-3 p.m. Cost is $5. Reservations required. Call 440-937-7660. It's at 35980 Detroit Road, Avon.

Saturday, Sept. 9: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Cabernet Sauvignon at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Vino Veritas Winery will hold a wine and canvas event 6:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $35 and includes a 16-inch by 20-inch canvas, paint, materials and glass of wine. Limited tickets are available. Pre-pay to reserve a spot; call 216-650-9877 or stop by 4 p.m. to close Wednesday to Saturday. Vino Veritas is at 4103 Memphis Ave., Cleveland.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Western Reserve Wines' regular Saturday tasting will feature Euro Fine's 90-plus wines. Tom Kramarz will guide the tasting of wines rated 90 or more points. It's 2-5 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes cheese and crackers. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Solon.

Sunday, Sept. 10: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold Canvas and Wine on the Rails at 1:45 p.m. Receive step-by-step painting instructions as you create a work of art. Tickets are $55 and include train ride, glass of wine and the finished painting but not delivery or preservation fees. Train departs Peninsula Depot, 1630 Mill St. West, Peninsula. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Corks Wine Bar monthly tasting, held on the second Tuesday each month, will feature Pinot Noir at 6:30 p.m. Five Pinots from around the world will be poured. Guest is Frank Schullo of Vintage Wine Distributor. Cost is $25 and includes five 2-ounce pours of each wine, along with hors d'oeuvres. Wines will be available for purchase. Only 20 seats are available; call to reserve, 440-918-9463. Corks is at 4084 Erie St., Willoughby.

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Flour will hold a five-course Burgundy tasting dinner 6:30-9 p.m. It will feature the 2015 vintage of Joseph Drouhin. Cost is $90 plus tax and tip. Call 216-464-3700. The restaurant is at 34205 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills.

Thursday, Sept. 14: Rosewood Grill will hold Champagne and Oysters Under the Stars 6-9 p.m. Sparkling wine and Champagne cocktails are $6. Oysters are $1. It will be held each Thursday through fall. It's at 16740 Royalton Road, Strongsville.

Thursday, Sept. 14: Heinen's will feature six wines of Napa, California, 6:30-8 p.m. Wines will be paired with foods emulating traditional California cuisine. Cost is $15. It's at 20 Shopping Center Dr., Chagrin Falls.

Thursday, Sept. 14: The Galaxy will host a "Tour of Italy" wine tasting 7-9 pm. Wine Director Anthony Quinn will present 10 wines representing seven of Italy's wine-growing regions - Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Campania and Sicily. Cost is $45. Reservations required. Call 330-334-3663.The Galaxy is at 201 Park Centre Dr., Wadsworth.

Friday, Sept. 15: Heinen's will hold Zinful Friday 6-8 p.m. Six Zins will be poured. Cost is $15. It's at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Friday, Sept. 15: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Pinot Noir at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Sept. 15-16: Crocker Park Wine Festival will be 4-10 p.m. Friday and 2-10 p.m. Saturday. The fest benefits area health-related charities. Ticket prices vary. The fest is along South Main Street in Crocker Park, Westlake. (For GPS purposes use 228 Market Street, Westlake, 44145.)

Saturday, Sept. 16: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Pinot Noir at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Western Reserve Wines' regular Saturday tasting will be themed "Summer of Love" 50-year anniversary." Darryl Spansky will guide the tasting. It's 2-5 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes cheese and crackers. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Solon.

Wednesday, Sept. 20: Bar Cento will hold a dinner with wines from Swartland, South Africa, served with Braai (barbecue) at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $30. To be served: Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Rose, Pinotage, Shiraz and a Ruby Port are on the menu. Bar Cento is at 1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland.

Thursday, Sept. 21: Rosewood Grill will hold Bubbles and Bites 6-8 p.m. Sparkling wines will be paired with nibbles. Cost is $35, inclusive. It's at 2033 Crocker Road, Westlake.

Thursday, Sept. 21: Rosewood Grill will hold Champagne and Oysters Under the Stars 6-9 p.m. Sparkling wine and Champagne cocktails are $6. Oysters are $1. It will be held each Thursday through fall. It's at 16740 Royalton Road, Strongsville.

Thursday, Sept. 21: Tartine Bistro will host Michele Clerget for a five-course wine dinner at 7 p.m. The dinner will focus on the cuisine and culture of the French Riviera. Cost is $95 plus tax and tip. Seats are limited. Tartine Bistro is at 19110 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River. Call 440-331-0800.

Friday, Sept. 22: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Italian wines at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Sept. 23: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Italian wines at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Sept. 23: Western Reserve Wines' regular Saturday tasting will focus on fall transition wines. Maggie Harrison from Vintage Wines will guide a tasting of cooler-weather favorites. It's 2-5 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes cheese and crackers. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Solon.

Thursday, Sept. 28: Rosewood Grill will hold Champagne and Oysters Under the Stars 6-9 p.m. Sparkling wine and Champagne cocktails are $6. Oysters are $1. It will be held each Thursday through fall. It's at 16740 Royalton Road, Strongsville.

Thursday, Sept. 28: 35 Brix will hold a winemaker dinner 6-8 p.m. Meet winemaker Sara Goretti. The Goretti Cantina has been making wines in Italy for nearly 100 years. Cost is $79 plus tax and tip. 35 Brix is at 3875 Massillon Road, Unit 260, Uniontown.

Thursday, Sept. 28: Western Reserve Wines will hold an educational seminar, Become a Master Taster Through Component Tasting, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $30. Learn to discern components (sweetness, acidity, tannins, bitterness, alcohol). Components help determine quality, origin, ability to age and drinkability. Certified Wine Educator Gary Twining will guide the tasting event. No experience necessary. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Reservations required; call 440-498-WINE (9463) or email info@westernreservewines.com. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Solon.

Friday, Sept. 29: A Frog's Leap wine dinner (four course, six wines) with guest host Jonah Beer will be 6:30 p.m. at Delmonico's Steakhouse. Cost is $95. Delmonico's is at 6001 Quarry Lane, Independence. Call for availability, 216-573-1991.

Friday, Sept. 29: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature autumn reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot and blends) at 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Friday, Sept. 29: Papa Joe's will feature German wines: Classics and New Wave offerings at 7 p.m. Cost is $85. It will be presented by Darryl Spansky. Papa Joe's is at 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron.

Sunday, Sept. 30: The Ohio Wine Producers Association is promoting A Taste of Legacy, a wine tasting at Legacy Village, noon-5 p.m. Legacy Village is at 25001 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst.

Saturday, Sept. 30: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature autumn reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot and blends) at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, Sept. 30: Cork & Fork at Mustard Seed Market and Cafe will feature winemaker Sara Goretti 6-8 p.m. Sample five wines for $7 and enjoy homemade treats from Mustard Seed. Goretti will feature wines from Italy's Umbria region. Mustard Seed is at 3885 West Market St., Fairlawn.

Saturday, Sept. 30: Corks Wine Bar will present a tasting of Tezza Wines at 6:30 p.m. Anna and Mattia Tezza, partner/owners of the vineyard and winery in Italy, are scheduled to attend. Cost is $20 and includes five 2-ounce pours of each wine, along with hors d'oeuvres. Wines will be available for purchase. Only 20 seats are available; call to reserve, 440-918-9463. Corks is at 4084 Erie St., Willoughby. Wines to be poured:

* Pinot Grigio IGT 2015 Corte Majoli

* Ripasso della Valpolicella DOC 2013 Pogian

* Campo di Majoli IGT 2015, Rosso Veronese Tezza

* Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2011 Corte Majoli

* Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2009 Tezza

Saturday, Sept. 30: Western Reserve Wines' regular Saturday tasting will be themed Tour de France. Rick Laning of Heidelberg Distributors will guide a tasting of French wines. It's 2-5 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes cheese and crackers. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Solon.

OCTOBER

Tuesday, Oct. 3: Papa Joe's will hold a five-course meal paired with wines from Ridge Vineyards 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is $85. Papa Joe's is at 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron. Call for reservations, 330-923-7999.

Saturday, Oct. 14: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 4: Surprise varietal. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.

Saturday, Oct. 14: 750ml's Wine 101 class will cover favorites of Master Sommelier Larry O'Brien. Class is at noon. Cost is $49 ($39 for club 750ml members). Includes wine and palate cleansers. RSVP, 440-526-8100. It's at 8903 Brecksville Road, Brecksville.

Saturday, Oct. 14: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold Canvas and Wine on the Rails at 1:30 p.m. Receive step-by-step painting instructions as you create a work of art. Tickets are $50 and include train ride, glass of wine and the finished painting but not delivery or preservation fees. Train departs 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Sunday, Oct. 15: The recently opened Vino Veritas Winery will hold its first Wine, Land & Sea Bash 2-8 p.m. It's a pig roast and clam bake with bocce, corn hole, live music by Phil Turk and complimentary valet parking. Admission is $35. Proceeds from every bottle sold go to Awakening Angels non-profit for adults with disabilities and special needs. Limited tickets are available. Pre-pay to reserve your spot by calling 216-650-9877 or stop by 4 p.m. to close Wednesday through Saturday. The urban winery is at 4103 Memphis Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, Oct. 19: Rosewood Grill will feature wines from Spain and tacos. Cost is $35, inclusive. It's at 2033 Crocker Road, Westlake.

NOVEMBER

Tuesday, Nov. 7: Pier W will hold a Tour of Macedonia wine dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $85 plus tax and tip. To reserve a seat, call 216-228-2250. Pier W is at 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood.

Thursday, Nov. 16: Rosewood Grill will feature Ohio Love, Cocktails and Grub. Cost is $35, inclusive. It's at 2033 Crocker Road, Westlake.

Saturday, Nov. 25: 750ml's Wine 101 class will cover holiday bubbles. Instructor is Master Sommelier Larry O'Brien. Class is at noon. Cost is $49 ($39 for club 750ml members). Includes wine and palate cleansers. RSVP, 440-526-8100. It's at 8903 Brecksville Road, Brecksville.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two members of the notorious MS-13 gang last week in separate incidents near the Sandusky Bay Station in Port Clinton, authorities said.

Juan Carlos Rivera-Flores, an El Salvador national, was arrested Aug. 31 when a Border Patrol agent found his car broken down, an agency spokesman said.

Rivera-Flores has been arrested in El Salvador for possessing firearms, resisting arrest, and claiming MS-13 gang affiliation, authorities said.

Wilson Antonio Miranda-Rivera was arrested Sept. 1 when a State Highway Patrol trooper stopped his car and notified the Border Patrol. Authorities are still working to identify Miranda-Rivera's birthplace, a Border Patrol spokesman said.

Miranda-Rivera's criminal history includes a felony conviction for making terrorist threats, and numerous arrests for illegal reentry into the United States, authorities said.

"These arrests serve as a prime example of our agency's commitment to prevent dangerous people from living in our communities," Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison said in a statement.

Rivera-Flores and Miranda-Rivera are being held at the Seneca County Jail pending removal proceedings, authorities said.

MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a notorious street gang comprised largely of El Salvadoran nationals or first-generation Salvadoran-Americans, according to the FBI. The gang is linked to criminal activity including homicides, drug trafficking and robbery, the FBI says.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A former Laurel School employee said he plans to plead guilty to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the private, all-girls school in Shaker Heights.

Michael Cyc, 42, of Cuyahoga Falls, told cleveland.com that he will plead guilty to theft and money laundering charges after his Wednesday arraignment in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

"I'm very sorry for what happened," Cyc said Tuesday in a brief phone conversation. "I can't change the past, so I'm trying to make amends and do the best I can going forward."

Cuyahoga County prosecutors filed the charges late Friday by information, a sign that Cyc is cooperating in the investigation.

Cyc declined to discuss details of his case. He offered no explanation as to what motivated him to steal the money, and would not say how much money he actually stole.

But he did admit his guilt in the scheme, and he said he has fully cooperated with the investigation since he was first caught in 2015.

Cyc, hired as an account manager in the school's business office in 2008, used his position as a financial representative of the school to siphon somewhere between $7,500 and $150,000 over more than six years.

Investigators did not specify in court records how much money Cyc is accused of stealing, or how he did it.

The school's financial director noticed irregularities in the school's cash processing and account reconciliation in 2015 and then uncovered Cyc's thefts. The school reported the thefts to Shaker Heights police on June 1, 2015, according to a police report.

The schemes did not affect the school's payroll or its endowment, and they did not impact the school's ability to "deliver superb education to its students," a spokeswoman said in a statement released last month.

Chubb Insurance, the school's insurance company, reimbursed the school of nearly all of the stolen money, the spokeswoman said. Prosecutors consider the company a victim.

Cyc confessed to the thefts when the school confronted him, and administrators fired him.

Cyc, who now works as the chief financial office at an Akron-based trucking company, said he went through a year of counseling after he was caught.

"My future will be determined by the courts," he said.

To comment on this story, please visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments page.
NEW CARLISLE, Ohio -- A newspaper photographer was shot by a deputy Sunday night after the deputy mistook the man's camera for a weapon, reports say.

The New Carlisle News reports its photographer, Andy Grimm, was taken to Miami Valley Hospital for surgery and is expected to recover from his wound.

Grimm had his camera and a tripod and was outside at about 10 p.m. Sunday attempting to take photos of lightning during a storm, the News reports.

Clark County Deputy Jake Shaw reportedly was on a traffic stop that didn't involve Grimm when he saw the photographer with the tripod and camera and mistook it for a weapon. Shaw then fired at Grimm, the News reports.

"I was going out to take pictures and I saw the traffic stop and I thought, 'Hey, cool. I'll get some pictures here,'" Grimm tells the News. "I turned around toward the cars and then 'pop, pop.'"

Grimm tells the News he was in full view of Shaw and that the deputy gave him no warning before firing. However, he said he knows Shaw and that he hopes the deputy will not lose his job over the incident.

The newspaper also used its Facebook page to urge that people not criticize the deputy.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into the shooting, the News reports. Clark County is located in southwest Ohio near Dayton.

To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and courts comments section.
TOLEDO, Ohio -- A police officer shot and killed a suspect Monday night after responding to a report of domestic violence, reports say.

It is the first shooting by an on-duty officer in Toledo since March 2015, according to the Toledo Blade.

Police were called to the home on the city's West Side at about 8 p.m., Sgt. Kevan Toney tells the Blade.

Few details were being released on the shooting as it remains under investigation.

"We take these incidents very seriously. We have a trained officer involved shooting team that is walking through the house right now," Toney tells the Blade.

Neighbors tell WTVG Channel 13 they heard police order someone to the ground just before shots were fired. Neighbors also said they heard screaming and yelling before gunshots were fired, according to WTOL Channel 11.

There were no reports of arrests.

To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and courts comments section.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State University will begin an initiative to provide students with grants to reduce financial challenges as they near graduation.

The new initiative is from the University Innovation Alliance of 11 public research universities.

Preliminary data shows that as many as 4,000 seniors who are in good academic standing at its campuses could be at risk of being dropped from classes or not allowed to graduate because less than $1,000 is owed to the institutions, the group said in a statement.

Through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates, colleges will provide completion grants -- a type of emergency aid -- to some students beginning this fall. The funding will allow grants over five semesters.

"Some well-intentioned policies or practices can become a barrier to student completion," Bridget Burns, executive director of the alliance, said in a news release. "Providing needed aid to students who are close to graduation is yet another example of how collaboration among our institutions is bringing new solutions to light."

This project is inspired by Georgia State University's Panther Retention Grants program, which has helped more than 8,000 students persist in their college education.

Georgia State's program was launched in 2011 to support the nearly 1,000 students who withdrew each semester due to outstanding tuition balances of less than $1,500.

The initiative provides an average award of $900 to cover the remaining cost of tuition.

Since the program's inception, more than 60 percent of senior Panther Retention Grant recipients have graduated within a year, and more than 75 percent of non-seniors were still enrolled a year later, officials said.

This is the fourth project undertaken by the 11 campuses since the alliance was launched in 2014. All are intended to help campuses improve student success.

Many Northeast Ohio colleges offer grants to help students with emergency costs. Some offer emergency financial aid to students facing unforeseen costs, such as a car repair or medical bill, that can force them to drop out of school.

In June, Cleveland State University, the University of Akron and Notre Dame College were among 32 colleges to receive grants to provide emergency funds to students.

The Dash Emergency Grant program allows colleges to provide emergency aid to low-income students. Grants, typically of less than $1,000, will be awarded to students in need with the goal of keeping them in school working toward their degree.
Illustrated is a genuine 2009-P Australian $100 gold Kangaroo coin that was graded Mint State 69 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp.. A Minnesota man has been charged with selling a counterfeit example of the coin in a counterfeit NGC holder with the grading label bearing the same grade.

A man charged with selling allegedly counterfeit coins in fake Numismatic Guaranty Corp. and Professional Coin Grading Service holders to pawn shops in the Minneapolis area will get his day in Minnesota state court Sept. 25.

Eric Michael Johnson, 28, from Waite Park, Minnesota, is named in a July 31 complaint filed in Minnesotas 7th Judicial District in Stearns County, charging him with one felony count of theft by swindling.

How can collectors determine a coins value when price guides assign it different values? Also in this weeks print issue, we learn of the first report of a 2017 doubled die variety, found on a Lincoln cent.

If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

The alleged offenses, according to the complaint, transpired between Aug. 18, 2016, and Jan. 20, 2017.

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The offenses allegedly took place at Pawn America shops in Anoka and St. Cloud, and a Max It Pawn shop, also in St. Cloud.

The total value of the sales is purported to have been $4,340.50.

The counterfeit coins alleged to have been involved in the transactions, as well as the counterfeit grading services holders in which they were encapsulated, are:

??1929 $5 Indian Head $5 half eagle, PCGS Mint State 62.

??1902-S Coronet $10 eagle, NGC MS-63.

??1909-O Indian Head half eagle, PCGS About Uncirculated 58.

??1902-S Coronet eagle, NGC MS-65.

??2014 gold American Eagle, NGC Proof 70.

??2014 gold American Eagle, NGC holder.

The value alone of a PCGS MS-62 1929 Indian Head half eagle, if genuine, is $42,500.

Johnson was arrested Feb. 27, 2017, at the Pawn America shop in Anoka by Minnesota Department of Commerce Special Agent Joseph K. Boche.

Boche was coincidentally at the pawn shop to pick up surveillance video to corroborate Johnsons alleged earlier sales when a shop employee alerted the investigator that Johnson was in the store trying to sell an NGC MS-69 Australian 2009-P Kangaroo $100 coin.

The coin and holder were both subsequently determined to be counterfeit. The issue is supposed to be a 1-ounce .9999 fine gold piece.

In a Mirandized statement, according to the July 31 complaint, Johnson admitted to purchasing coins on the Chinese website, Aliexpress. A check of the website on Aug. 30, 2017, by Coin World found offers of 2015-dated Australian $100 replica copy gold pieces for $3 each, but the pieces bore no markings indicating they were copies.

The pieces bear the designs and weight and gold fineness legends of the genuine issues.

According to the complaint, Boches investigation was triggered Feb. 16, 2017, when he was notified by a collector that the 1909-O half eagle he had purchased for more than $5,000 in a PCGS holder from Pawn America in St. Cloud had turned out to be counterfeit, as was the holder.

The collector informed Boche he had fallen on the ice on his way home after his purchase, and the corner of the coin holder was broken. When he brought the piece to Central States Coin shop to resubmit it to PCGS for reholdering, he learned the coin and holder were both counterfeit.

An unnamed member of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force played a role in Johnsons apprehension.

While this may appear to be a small case, it is important to understand that this type of illegal activity is happening throughout the United States, said Beth Deisher, director of anti-counterfeiting at the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. The ease with which dishonest people can order counterfeit coins and bars from China and sell them in the United States makes it a crime of opportunity.

Deisher noted that coins offered at below market value, particularly from a Chinese seller online or from unfamiliar sellers in the United States, have a high probability of being counterfeit.

Its best to deal with professional coin dealers whose credentials you can check and from those who have been in business for years, Deisher said.
Connecticut College to develop campus hub for global study and engagement

A rendering by Centerbrook Architects of the Otto and Fran Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement, which is scheduled to open in the spring

Building on a tradition of innovation and a commitment to international education and social justice, Connecticut College will launch a new center for global study and engagement.

The Otto and Fran Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement will advance dialogue and social justice across disciplines, borders and boundaries. Developed in concert with Connections, the Colleges reinvention of liberal arts education, the Global Commons will open in the spring on the ground floor of Blaustein Humanities Center, following a $1,625,000 renovation.

This vibrant hub for global learning will allow our faculty and staff to infuse courses and off-campus programs with diverse world perspectives, and will afford our students new opportunities to address the most relevant issues of our time, said President Katherine Bergeron. The Walter Commons is the embodiment of our vision for a more deeply connected and engaged education that promotes the intellectual, social, professional and civic development of every student.

The new Walter Commons brings together the Colleges Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity, Global Learning Lab (formerly Language and Culture Center), Office of Study Away, Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts, and Office of Global Initiatives.

The modern, collaborative space unites core elements of the Colleges historically strong global educationlanguage study, research abroad, study away, public engagement, globally focused courses, and co-curricular programswith opportunities for local and global engagement, and ensures every student can integrate a global perspective into their four-year experience.

We see the Walter Commons expanding the context for language learning, harnessing advances in technology to further connect our students to the world, and cultivating new partnerships with colleges and universities at home and abroad, said Amy Dooling, associate dean of global initiatives, director of the Walter Commons and professor of Chinese.

Renovations begin in October and are funded through grants from private foundations, including $750,000 from the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation, $200,000 from The William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and $175,000 from The George I. Alden Trust, as well as a generous gift from Susan Eckert Lynch 62.

The Otto and Fran Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement brings into focus Otto Walters lifelong belief that the way to build global peace tomorrow is to create opportunities for international cross-pollination today, said Martha Peak '75, vice president and grants director at the Walter Foundation. The foundation that bears Otto Walters name is proud that this commons will be located at the heart of the Connecticut College campus, in a place that has long emphasized international study and cross-cultural engagement.

The Walter Commons initiative started in 2007 thanks to an initial planning grant from the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation. It began as a faculty-driven initiative focused primarily on the languages and international studies curriculum. It has evolved significantly over the past decade as stakeholders from across all four academic divisions of the College, and a variety of different offices, have become involved.

Key components of the Walter Commons include:

Curricular and co-curricular activities to promote awareness of the intersections between social justice and deep knowledge of cultures and communities

Enhanced academic advising to enrich student off-campus learning and engagement

Pre- and post-departure study away programs

Events with campus and community partners to promote global understanding

Projects foregrounding spaces and opportunities in the wider New London and New England communities to develop global perspectives

Lectures and seminars with international visiting scholars and artists, including scholars in residence hosted through the IIE-Scholar Rescue Program

Globally networked learning opportunities to connect students on campus with partners and places in other parts of the world

The Walter Commons was designed to align with the pillars of Connections, by enhancing world languages and intercultural knowledge, deepening global and local engagement, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, all while ensuring that students graduate fully prepared for the challenges of todays complex world.

The imperatives of global education in the 21st century require more deliberate integration of social justice and internationalization agendas, Dooling said. This includes realigning our practices to better meet the needs and leverage the cultural wealth of our ever more diverse domestic and international student body while ensuring that a Connecticut College education equips students of all backgrounds with the capacity to put knowledge into action.



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September 5, 2017
SUMMERSTOWN, Ontario  On August 28, 2017, while on patrol in the South Glengarry area, investigators of the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) observed suspicious activity occurring along Chevrier Road. Officers observed a boat, loaded with garbage bags of contraband tobacco, being off loaded on the shore where two (2) pickup trucks were waiting.

As police approached the area, the boat with two (2) occupants, fled the scene. Attempts to stop the fleeing vessel were not successful. Officers also located and arrested two males at the shore. As a result, of the investigation, Blaze WHITE and Tylor ARMSTRONG, both 18 years old from Hogansburg, New York, are charged for Possession of Unstamped Tobacco, pursuant to the Excise Act, 2001. In addition to the 516 kg of contraband fine cut tobacco, police seized two (2) pickup trucks, a 2007 GMC Canyon and a 2017 GMC Sierra, along with five (5) electronic devices. If found guilty, these accused are facing a minimum fine of $139,401 and/or imprisonment.

The accused were released on a Recognizance to appear at the Cornwall Provincial Court on October 24, 2017.

Once again with the assistance of the public we were able to stop organized crime activity in our area, said Sgt. Garry Belair, acting Operational NCO with the CRTF, Following our June surge operation, community members have a better understanding of the importance in reporting suspicious activities, and its working!

If you have any information regarding criminal activity in your area, you can contact the CRTF at 1-613-937-2800 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The CRTF is a joint forces partnership that includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. The CRTF would like to extend their thanks to the OPP K-9 unit for their assistance during this event.
And why did Sam Raimi give us a Wizard of Oz who banged Dorothy's mom? Hopefully we'll never find out.

1 Why Must Filmmakers Always Ruin The Original Ending?

Remake screenwriters love to mess up the original film's ending. For example, the original ending of The Wicker Man is unforgettable: Sergeant Howie screams prayers as he burns to death inside a giant wicker statue while the pagan townspeople dance and sing around it, gleefully assured of a bountiful harvest. It is terrifying, surreal, and absolutely haunting.

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Then Nicholas Cage comes along, doing what he does best, which is soundly wrecking the crap out of the place. Now we finally get to see what happens after the iconic moment. As though anybody needed that. In a tacked-on scene, six months later, we see Cage's ex-fiancee and "Sister Honey" in a bar trying to lure in a new victim played by James Franco. As if you'd have to "lure" James Franco to a weird animal mask sex cult island.

The screenwriter for Dirty Dancing: Dance Harder also tacked on an ending following the famous dance scene. We now flash forward to see that Baby has grown up to become an author, and wrote a book about her time with Johnny. She's married and has a kid with some other random guy -- because Johnny is like the wind, out of your reach -- but she has gone to watch Johnny's "Dirty Dancing" play on Broadway. Because the writer has ironically painted themselves into a corner wherein any flirtation would mean Johnny was trying to wreck a family, the pair simply go their separate ways. In those few minutes of hackneyed dialogue, Johnny has been relegated to the annals of Manic Pixie Dream Boyhood, where he surely rules with an iron crotch.

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Nathan Kamal lives in Oregon and writes there. He co-founded Asymmetry Fiction for all your fiction needs. Winslow thinks we should all give more to charities.

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HPE Buys 200-Person AWS Consulting Workhorse Cloud Technology Partners

Michael Novinson

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise has purchased Amazon Web Services premier consultancy Cloud Technology Partners to bolster its hybrid IT prowess.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based vendor said its acquisition of Boston-based CTP will help end users migrate, innovate and operate in the cloud. The 200-employee solution provider has experience leveraging IoT, big data and machine learning to help its customers build new and disruptive cloud solutions.

"Together with CTP, we will provide customers with the ability to move quickly, build new innovative digital experiences, simply manage and forecast IT costs, and ensure the applications running their business stay secure," Ana Pinczuk, senior vice president and general manager of HPE Pointnext, wrote in a blog post.

[RELATED: HPE Global Channel VP Archer On The Pointnext Partner Offensive, Rules Of Engagement, And Tapping Into The $2.1 Trillion Opportunity]

Terms of the deal, which was announced Tuesday, weren't disclosed, and HPE and CTP didn't immediately respond to requests for additional comment. HPE's stock is down $0.16 (1.12%) to $14.15 in pre-market trading.

CTP initially is looking to follow up its August 2016 Series C round of venture capital with a Series D round of funding, according to CEO Chris Greendale. But during those discussions, Greendale said it became clear that HPE stood out from the rest.

"Uniquely, HPE provided us the opportunity to maintain our industry-recognized brand and rapidly scale through new revenue streams, new markets, larger and more diverse enterprise accounts, and additional human capital," Greendale said in a note on the CTP website.

Joining forces with HPE will enable CTP to scale globally, accelerate its road map and become part of a larger, like-minded community, according to HPE CEO Meg Whitman.

"I believe CTP, with your deep IP and expertise, will play a critical role in helping HPE even more effectively execute its strategy and provide the comprehensive technology solutions our joint customers are looking for," Whitman wrote in a letter to CTP employees.

CTP was founded in 2010 and has grown to 200 employees today from just 104 employees two years ago and 154 employees at this time last year, according to LinkedIn. In addition to the AWS relationship, CTP is a Google Premier Consulting Partner and a Microsoft Azure Silver Partner, according to a company overview on its website.

In April, the solution provider launched a managed cloud controls offering for Amazon Web Services, which provides automated and configurable services to AWS customers that continuously monitor cloud spending and adherence to compliance frameworks. CTP is a NextGen AWS managed services provider, and has achieved AWS competency in migration, IoT, security, DevOps and financial services.

CTP also specializes in helping IT organizations determine which applications are optimal for public and private clouds and executing the migrations, according to HPE. The solution provider has completed almost 500 enterprise cloud transformation projects and works with Fortune 500 clients across a multitude of industries, HPE said.

The company will become part of HPE Pointnext, which is home to advisory services, professional services and operational services. Pointnext is focused on service augmentation so that partners can maintain a 90 percent bench utilization rate and specialize their own internal services resources while teaming up with HPE for the rest, HPE Global Channel Vice President Ken Archer told CRN last month.

"If we provide partners our entire Pointnext portfolio plus complementary solutions and services capabilities from our partner ecosystem, a partner never has to say no  never has to disengage from a customer," Archer told CRN.

Archer said that even large partners are looking for help as they get hit with digital transformation requirements and specifications. As a result, Archer said Pointnext has been looking to partner with value players that already have some services capability and are looking to further increase their capabilities and competencies.

Pointnext is crafting rules of engagement to ensure HPE is supporting partners and helping in an augmentation role, Archer said, and is also monitoring the partner economics to maintain rich margins on both the selling and delivery of services.
Cloud News

HPE Global Channel VP Archer: Acquisition Of AWS Superstar CTP Is 'Huge' Win For Partners, Full CTP Portfolio Will Be Available For Channel

Steven Burke

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise's acquisition of Cloud Technology Partners (CTP), a cloud-agonistic solution provider with deep Amazon Web Services expertise, ultimately will open the door to bigger cloud transformation deals for HPE and its partners, said HPE Global Channel Vice President Ken Archer.

"This is a huge benefit for partners," said Archer, a highly respected 30-plus-year channel veteran who was recently appointed as the head of the Pointnext partner business. "It is going to help us all win bigger and more strategic deals. This acquisition expands our HPE Pointnext [services] capabilities to partners. This enhances our value proposition to partners."

[Related: HPE Global Channel VP Archer On The Pointnext Partner Offensive, Rules Of Engagement, And Tapping Into The $2.1 Trillion Opportunity]

The HPE plan is to make sure partners have "full access" to the complete CTP services portfolio, said Archer in an interview with CRN."This is going to be part of the Pointnext services portfolio and will be available for partners," promised Archer.

The deal with CTP comes with Pointnext in the midst of building out specialized industry expertise that can be shared with partners. "We are building specialized expertise so that partners can get access to these resources, augmenting their own capabilities and further delivering value to customers jointly," said Archer. "This is a huge value-add for partners."

Once the deal is completed, Boston-based CTP will become part of a Pointnext advisory and professional services team led by HPE Pointnext Senior Vice President and General Manager of Advisory Services Parvesh Sethi.

Archer told CRN he is looking forward to making sure the CTP services are rolled out to the partner community "as soon as possible." Archer's reassurances to the partner community came after HPE Monday said it was acquiring CTP  a 200-employee born-in-the-cloud provider focused on the Fortune 500 that has completed 500 cloud transformation projects.

CTP is a premier partner for AWS, Google, a Silver partner for Microsoft Azure and an OpenStack cloud provider. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Archer and his team are currently working in the sales trenches to build deep services partnerships with solution providers for what HPE sees as a $2.1 trillion digital transformation services opportunity.

The HPE Pointnext vision, said Archer, is for solution providers to lead the services effort with HPE intellectual property or augment their own capabilities with HPE Pointnext services.

HPE Pointnext has reached out initially to partners with strong professional services teams that are looking to increase their services portfolio and competencies.

HPE Pointnext is also in the midst of crafting rules of engagement that will act as a sales engagement road map of sorts for partners and the Pointnext advisory services team.

Archer, for his part, has pledged a no-holds-barred focus on partners and partner profitability as HPE builds out the HPE Pointnext portfolio.

HPE said that it will combine with CTP to provide customers with a comprehensive IT strategy that includes private, managed and public clouds, as well as traditional IT. "More and more, customers are seeking a trusted adviser who knows where the market is going, and can shape their long-term road map and provide the solutions that will allow them to keep pace in this digital world," said HPE in announcing the deal. "Together with CTP, HPE will provide customers with the ability to more quickly build new innovative digital experiences, simply manage and forecast IT costs and ensure the applications running their business stay secure. All while optimizing their environment so they can free up resources to grow, innovate and stay ahead of the competition."

CTP was initially looking to follow up its August 2016 Series C round of venture capital with a Series D round of funding, according to CEO Chris Greendale. But during those discussions, Greendale said it became clear that HPE stood out from the rest.

"Uniquely, HPE provided us the opportunity to maintain our industry-recognized brand and rapidly scale through new revenue streams, new markets, larger and more diverse enterprise accounts, and additional human capital," Greendale said in a note on the CTP website.
Cloud News

Partners: HPE Is Walking 'Fine Line' As Its Builds Out Cloud Services Portfolio With Cloud Technology Partners Acquisition

Steven Burke

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise Partners Monday said HPE will have to walk a "fine line" with its enterprise account engagement strategy in the wake of its acquisition of cloud-agnostic solution provider Cloud Technology Partners.

"Anything a vendor does that falls into the services area potentially competes with us," said the CEO for one of HPE's top enterprise partners, who did not want to be identified. "There is a fine line here. Not only does something like this compete with what we do, it competes with the most significant profit stream all of us in the channel have, which is services."

[Related: HPE Global Channel VP Archer On The Pointnext Partner Offensive, Rules Of Engagement, And Tapping Into The $2.1 Trillion Opportunity]

The CEO said the acquisition of CTP  a 200-employee born-in-the-cloud provider focused on the Fortune 500  could lead to channel conflict for Solution Provider 500 partners who have built out their own cloud services organizations.

"If you are fairly good-sized solution provider with an investment in services, whether it is a cloud, data center, AWS practice, Azure practice or a private cloud practice, potentially this could be a competitive threat," said the CEO. "It depends on two things: what is the overall HPE strategy and, even more importantly, what is the go-to-market strategy? How does HPE plan to market these services in a way that is not competitive to partners? HPE needs to really communicate the overall strategy and what the ground rules are and what the flash points are for partners."

The CTP acquisition is more likely than not a non-issue for smaller partners who are more likely to be willing to "resell" CTP services because they don't have CTP-like capabilities and have no other way to get those cloud deals, said the CEO.

HPE Pointnext Senior Vice President and General Manager Ana Pinczuk said in a statement that as a "channel focused organization HPE is excited to help our partners leverage CTPs IP and capabilities to drive larger transformational programs and ultimately drive increased service and product sales."

CTP brings a "unique set of capabilities that expands our Hybrid IT portfolio with differentiated offerings," said Pinczuk. "Our partners will be able to offer these new services alongside their traditional offers to increase overall deal size and drive relevancy. In addition, our partners will be able to present a comprehensive Hybrid IT portfolio that is unique in the industry."

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Global Channel Vice President Ken Archer Monday told CRN that the CTP acquisition will ultimately open the door to bigger cloud transformation deals for HPE and its partners. He said the HPE partners will have "full access" to the CTP portfolio."This is a huge benefit for partners," said Archer , a highly respected 30-plus-year channel veteran who was recently appointed the head of the HPE Pointnext partner business. "It is going to help us all win bigger and more strategic deals. This acquisition expands our HPE Pointnext [services] capabilities to partners. This enhances our value proposition to partners."

Once the deal is completed, the Boston-headquartered CTP will become part of Pointnext's advisory and professional services team, led by HPE Pointnext Senior Vice President and General Manager of Advisory Services Parvesh Sethi.

Partners, for their part, said they are heartened by the leadership of Archer as HPE moves to integrate Pointnext. They said Archer's strong ties with solution providers are going to be critical as HPE integrates Cloud Technology Partners into Pointnext as part of its channel account engagement strategy. "Like a lot of partners, I have a lot of confidence in this with Ken Archer being involved from the channel side," said the CEO of another HPE enterprise partner, who did not want to be identified. "Having someone like Ken who is truly an advocate and really understands channel partners is going to make a big difference. But you know the history with HPE's technology services organization. It is always, 'proceed at your own risk.'"

The CEO said it is no small task to "crack the code" with any large vendor services organization. The devil is going to be in the details of how HPE engages with larger enterprise partners, the CEO said. "I need to sit down with HPE so I understand more about the potential for working together," he said. "The good thing about HPE is things change, so you need to keep an open mind as the business evolves."

The acquisition comes as HPE's cloud strategy has been "moving in a lot of different directions" over the last several years with HPE building out its Helion public cloud starting in 2014 and then shutting down the business effective Jan. 31, 2016, said the CEO.

The HPE acquisition of CTP comes just four days after HPE completed the year-long process of integrating its legacy software business with Micro Focus  part of a spin-merger. That spin-merger led to the creation of the seventh largest pure-play software company with annual sales of $4.4 billion.

It also comes five months after HPE completed the spin-merger of its $20 billion enterprise services  the former Electronic Data Systems- which HP acquired in 2008 for $13.9 billion- with CSC to create DXC, a $26 billion services powerhouse.

HPE launched what it called its newly redefined Pointnext services business  a $7.16 billion, 25,000-employee organization that was formerly HPE technology services organization (TSO) - in March.

The HPE acquisition of CTP also comes as HPE is set to take the next step in its transformation into a smaller and faster-moving company with a plan to take out as much as $200 million to $300 million in additional costs. "With the pending RIFs (reduction in force) that HPE is going through, they are going to really, really need channel partners. That means enabling and empowering partners," said the CEO of another top HPE enterprise partner, who did not want to be identified. "HPE really needs to define what they are looking for from channel partners in that context."

The CEO of an HPE-exclusive solution provider, who did not want to be identified, said he is anxious to hear from HPE on how the CTP acquisition fits into its go-to-market sales motion and account engagement with partners. "I haven't heard anything about this," he said. "If HPE is going to augment my services capabilities, it is a good thing. If they are going to compete against me, it's a problem."

One source close to HPE with direct knowledge of the CTP cloud services business said the new consulting capabilities will be used to boost HPE's hybrid IT tools and resources for partners. "This is just going to make HPE a better resource for the channel, who can use these resources as an extension of their own team," said the source. "This in no way competes with the channel. It is about being up to snuff with what the market needs in terms of hybrid IT services."
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A breakthrough by a Swiss chocolate maker expands the industry's hues beyond just dark, milk and white.

Barry Callebaut AG, the world's largest cocoa processor, has come up with the first new natural color for chocolate since Nestle started making bars of white chocolate more than 80 years ago. The Zurich-based company refers to the product with a pinkish hue and a fruity flavor as "ruby chocolate."

The new product may help boost sales in a struggling global chocolate market that producers hope has touched bottom. As Hershey cuts 15 percent of its staff and Nestle tries to sell its U.S. chocolate business, ruby chocolate raises the possibility that next Valentine's Day may arrive with store shelves full of naturally pink chocolate hearts.

The innovation, based on a special type of cocoa bean, comes after about a decade of development, Chief Executive Officer Antoine de Saint-Affrique said. Unveiled Tuesday in Shanghai, the chocolate has a natural berry flavor that's sour yet sweet, according to the company, which works behind the scenes to produce chocolate sold by all the major producers including Hershey and Cadbury.

"It's natural, it's colorful, it's hedonistic, there's an indulgence aspect to it, but it keeps the authenticity of chocolate," the CEO said in a telephone interview. "It has a nice balance that speaks a lot to millennials."

The new product may also appeal to Chinese consumers, a nascent market for chocolate, De Saint-Affrique said. The company has tested the product in Britain, the U.S., China and Japan through independent consumer research carried out by Haystack and Ipsos.

"We had very good response in the key countries where we tested, but we've also had very good response in China, which for chocolate is quite unusual," he said, noting the color is attractive in that market.

Innovations in chocolate often take years because of the complex structures and the challenge of maintaining texture and taste. Nestle scientists have found a way to reduce the amount of sugar in chocolate by as much as 40 percent, though it won't be available in confectionery products until next year. Barry Callebaut also sells chocolate that withstands higher temperatures, a goal chocolate companies had sought to achieve for decades.

Barry Callebaut's research department came across the possibility of ruby chocolate by chance about 13 years ago as it studied cocoa beans, and Germany's Jacobs University in Bremen cooperated in the development.

"It could be excellent news if the taste works for consumers, as it offers a new branch of manufacturers to explore," Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Duncan Fox said. "If they can use less sugar to make a nice bar, then it will an addition to the current market."

The beans used to make ruby chocolate come from Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Brazil and the unusual color comes from the powder extracted during processing, De Saint-Affrique said. No berries or colors are added. While other companies including Cargill already produce red cocoa powder, this is the first time natural reddish chocolate is produced.

"You could try and copy the color and try to copy the flavor, but making a real chocolate, which is just made out of your normal chocolate ingredients, with that taste and with that color would be extraordinarily difficult," De Saint-Affrique said.

The development comes at time when a large global surplus has sent cocoa futures traded in London more than 30 percent in the past year, resulting in a crisis in Ivory Coast. The top grower earlier this year cut the price paid to farmers by 36 percent for the smaller of two annual crops that started in April.

"If Africa is going to extract more value from cocoa, it has to move away from being a bulk supplier of generic beans and instead focus on enhancing its speciality production," said Edward George, head of soft commodities research at Lome, Togo-based lender Ecobank Transnational Inc. "This has much higher margins."
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BRIDGEPORT - Corinna Martin broke into tears as a second jury in March 2016 announced it was hopelessly deadlocked on whether Jermaine Richards murdered and then dismembered Martins 20-year-old daughter, Alyssiah Marie Wiley, a student at Eastern Connecticut State University.

"No, not again, not again," she cried.

But Martin, of West Haven, will be back in the courtroom on Wednesday as a third jury prepares to hear the case in Superior Court here.

I am praying that justice will finally be served, she said. That hopefully this jury will see through all the smoke and mirrors of his case and decide a verdict based on the evidence.

Martin said she as determined as ever to sit through the case again even though recent events will make hearing the evidence that much harder.

Just weeks ago Martins other daughter, Chaquinequea Brodie, 29, and her 9-year-old granddaughter were found murdered in their Waterbury apartment. Brodies boyfriend, Anthony Rutherford, 28, has been charged with the crime.

I know it is going to be excruciating to be in the courtroom but there is no other place I would rather be, Martin said. The death of my other daughter and granddaughter has only enlarged my passion to see justice done.

Richards, a private-duty nurse from Bridgeport, had been dating Wiley. After her daughters death and Richardss arrest, Martin and Brodie set up a victims family support group called Mothers of Victims Equality in New Haven.

Domestic violence can affect everyone, it knows no boundaries and unfortunately it has affected our family thrice over, Martin said. If nothing else comes out of this case I pray that there is more awareness and education about domestic violence as a result.

Two previous 12-member juries deadlocked six to six on whether Richards was guilty of murder in Wileys death.

Some of the jurors later told Hearst Connecticut Media that they believed Richards was involved in Wileys murder but that the state had not proved Richards guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prosecutors Joseph Corradino and Ann Lawlor may have an uphill battle to convince a third jury with little or no new evidence in the case. They have declined comment.

While the courts have not put a limit on the number of times a defendant can be tried for the case, some judges have limited state prosecutors to three times unless they can show extenuating circumstances.

Richards is on his third defense lawyer, Walter Hussey. He declined comment.

Wiley, a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University, was last seen on video from a surveillance camera outside her dormitory at the Willimantic campus on April 19, 2013, getting into Richards' car.

Twenty-seven days later, after a statewide search and appeals by her mother on television, Wiley's grisly partial remains were found in a wooded area at the end of Quarry Road in Trumbull.

The prosecutors contended during the previous trials that Richards, 34, killed her after she broke up with him.

On the afternoon of April 19, Wiley texted friends she had broken up with Richards and was on her way back to campus. Her-cut up body parts were found less than 2 miles from Richards' home.

The prosecution painted Richards as a vain and obsessive Lothario who stuffed newspapers in his boots to make himself appear taller and while dating Wiley was also seeing three other girls.

Richards did not testify during the first trial, but he told police at the time he had dropped Wiley off near campus later on the night in question.
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Republicans Peter Lumaj and Prasad Srinivasan  both of whom are first-generation immigrants to the U.S. and have ambitions of becoming Connecticuts next governor  are oceans apart over ending a program that protects so-called dreamers from deportation.

The rivals have come to personify a schism in the Connecticut GOP over Tuesdays highly controversial decision by Donald Trump to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for nearly 800,000 children of undocumented immigrants.

Although the president said that DACA recipients are not enforcement priorities for immigration authorities unless they commit a crime, the uncertain fate of the dreamers is expected to rear itself as a campaign issue in the 2018 governors race.

Trump is leaving it up to Congress, which is controlled by Republicans, to determine the status of DACA recipients. His decision, fulfilling a campaign promise, was universally decried by Connecticut Democrats.

Lumaj, an immigration lawyer from Fairfield and native of Albania who was the GOP nominee for secretary of the state in 2014, stood by Trump.

This is the first time that the American people are taking priority over the illegals in many years, said Lumaj, who has raised more than $281,000 for his exploratory committee for governor. Americans should be the priority instead of the illegals.

Lumaj vowed to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement if elected governor, saying he would withhold state funding from so-called sanctuary cities. He did not make a distinction between law-abiding DACA recipients and those who commit crimes.

When you hear that they havent committed any crimes, the word illegal means illegal, Lumaj said. President Trump is making that clear that he was elected by American people and that hes serving the American people.

Srinivasan, a four-term state legislator from Glastonbury who came to the U.S. from India in 1975, panned Trumps decision.

Im very, very clear that this is not the right direction for us to go in at all, Srinivasan said. These people they have no other country other than this. Theyve lived all their life here. Theyre not criminals.

Srinivasan, a physician whos declared his candidacy, predicted that Congress would fail to develop a comprehensive and humane solution for what to do with DACA recipients.

Theyve got to have a process. I agree with that, but saying this has got to be done in a six-month period will be another debacle just like we had with the health care, Srinivasan said. I cannot just accept the fact that we will be heartless and send these people back. Not that were going to, but even thinking about it is heartless.

Perhaps the Republican gubernatorial contender in the trickiest predicament over the end of DACA is Mark Boughton, the longtime mayor of one of the states biggest melting pots, Danbury, who has his own complicated history on immigration enforcement.

Noting that DACA was created by a presidential memorandum under Barack Obama, Boughton said the program is ripe for abuse and that the status of individual dreamers should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The problem with a program like DACA has always been the process, Boughton said. Youre always subject to the whims of the next president coming in.

In contrast to a number of his big city peers, who have bucked Trumps administration over its deportation rules and embraced sanctuary status, Boughton has pledged to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

In 2011, Danbury reached a $400,000 settlement with 11 day laborers who sued the city, claiming they were the victims of racial profiling when an undercover city police officer posing as a contractor picked them up in a van near Kennedy Park on Sept. 19, 2006, and delivered them to federal agents waiting nearby.

When you put in a one-size-fits-all approach for any problem, youre going to get people who arent deserving of the benefit and others who are, Boughton said of DACA protections. Some of the DACA people are over 30 years old. If youre a four-month-old infant and youre brought over the border, then some accommodation should be made.

Dave Walker, the former U.S. comptroller general and governor candidate from Bridgeport, second-guessed Trump.

I would have preferred that they not rescind DACA and that the president call for comprehensive immigration reform that provides a separate path to legal status versus citizenship, as well as other potential reforms dealing with temporary work permits and other matters, Walker said.

State Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, who is testing the waters for governor and was born in Italy, said Congress needs to make accommodations for dreamers.

If they were to phase it out, they should phase something in at the federal level that provides an opportunity for these students that provides legal status, Boucher said. I dont think anyone should be in this country with that shadow over their head that theyre here illegally.

Some GOP gubernatorial contenders avoided saying what should happen to Connecticuts dreamers, explaining that immigration policy is beyond the jurisdiction of the state.

Lawmakers in Congress, including Connecticut's federal representatives, need to work together on a solution that upholds the rule of law but which also provides certainty, compassion and clarity for everyone affected, said Tim Herbst, Trumbulls first selectman.

Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti said there needs to be a consistent policy.

These are really federal issues that are beyond our control, Lauretti said. I really believe that Connecticut has to focus on our financial health because without our financial health were not in a position to help anybody.

Westport businessman Steve Obsitnik, who is exploring a run for governor, said its not realistic that the 800,000 DACA recipients or the overall 11 million undocumented immigrations will be deported.

Im a compassionate person and feel for these families that are going through this, Obsitnik said. This is what happens when Congress kicks another can down the road. This is a Washington, D.C., responsibility to fix for the United States of America.

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Theres not much that Carol Duffy can do for herself.

The 64-year-old Milford resident has several health problems, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis in the neck and a bulging disc. She uses a wheelchair and needs help with many basic tasks, including showering, preparing food and making the bed.

Im like a giant infant, Duffy said.

But, for the past few years, shes gotten help from Bridgeport-based Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut. She said someone comes to her house for roughly two hours every day to assist her with the many things she cant do for herself. Its a service that helps her live her life.

And she recently learned she could be on the cusp of losing it.

Duffy is one of nearly 1,900 VNS patients whose services are covered through Medicaid. In early August, the state Department of Social Services reduced payments to six medical home health agencies, including VNS, which serves clients in 57 communities, from Greenwich to Torrington.

The reduction was laid out in an executive order Gov. Dannel P. Malloy issued Aug. 11, in the absence of a state budget. The cuts are intended to save the state $1.9 million. However, those in the home health industry said the reduction could actually cost the state money, as it will require some agencies to stop serving Medicaid patients, who will then have to resort to more expensive options, such as hospitals and nursing homes.

We get that (money needs to be saved), said Deborah Hoyt, president and CEO of the Connecticut Association for Health Care at Home, which represents 65 of the 90 medical home health agencies in the state. We understand that the state budget is a mess. But we are the savings vehicle.

Add-ons eliminated

The states cost adjustment to Medicaid payments eliminates home health add-ons, said DSS spokesman David Dearborn. These add-ons give extra compensation to home health providers  including VNS  who apply for them, and help cover such services as care for AIDS patients and safety escorts for caregivers who work in potentially unsafe neighborhoods.

VNS outgoing president and CEO William F. Sullivan Jr. said the additional funding has, among other things, helped his agency provide direct care to patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Losing that money will be a major hit for VNS, which already loses $4.5 million a year serving its Medicaid patients, Sullivan said. He said eliminating the add-ons would increase that loss to $5.5 million for this year, requiring the agency to either dramatically scale back Medicaid services or eliminate them entirely.

Moving forward, we have to ask ourselves Can we continue to serve the Medicaid population as we do today?  Sullivan said. The answer is no. 

Sullivan said letters were going out to one group of Medicaid patients on Friday, stating that they had 30 days to find other care. The rest of VNS Medicaid population will likely a get a notice in October alerting them that they are about to lose services, unless something changes.

Changes needed

Hoyt, meanwhile, said eliminating the add-ons is a short-sighted move, particularly if it results in forcing people out of home health services and toward more costly alternatives.

She said the state saves more than $100 million a year on care for Medicaid patients who receive care at home instead of in a nursing home or other institutions.

Home and community-based care is the most effective form of care, she said.

Not only do Hoyt and others argue that cutting the Medicaid payments has financial drawbacks, it has human costs as well. Duffy, for one, doesnt know what shes going to do if she loses access to VNS.

I didnt realize there were going to be such drastic cuts, she said.

Hoyt said she hopes there is a way to avoid the deep reductions in funding and is willing to work with DSS to come to an alternative solution.

Dearborn said it seems unlikely at this time that the state will keep the add-ons, but he didnt close the door on the issue.

In a brighter fiscal environment, the administration and legislature would be in a better position to retain the add-on, he said in an email. Even so, (the) administration is in the beginning stages of looking at alternative ways to modify payments for special complex services.
WESTPORT  The towns first selectman announced that a tax collector has been appointed effectively immediately Tuesday.

Peggy Klein held the position of tax collector until she retired on Sept. 1 after 30 years, a press release said. Harry Whiteley, Jr. was appointed to the position. Whiteley held the position of deputy tax collector prior to the promotion.

First Selectman Jim Marpe said in a prepared statement that Whiteley joined the town of Westport as a part-time tax data processing clerk over 10 years ago. He said Whiteley became deputy ta collector in 2014.

(Whiteley) has displayed leadership qualities and has grown with the department, Marpe said.

A majority of Whiteleys career has been in IT programming systems and performance management, the release said. He worked at UST Inc., a holding company, for over 35 years. During his time at UST Inc., Whiteley was an IT manager in corporate headquarters. In this position, Whiteley was responsible fore the measurement and analysis of all IT activities, performance and service delivery.

Whiteley graduated from IBM Training School in New York City and obtained a Associate of Arts degree in business from Fairfield University.

Together, with the hardworking and dedicated staff, we will continue to assist the public on real estate, sewer, motor vehicle and personal property payment inquiries in the best way possible, Whiteley said in a prepared statement.
Courtesy of Milford Police Dept. via WTNH

MILFORD >> A 34-year-old Meriden man is facing multiple drug charges after police said he tossed a kilogram of cocaine from his car while leading authorities on a car chase ending in New Haven.

Joel Cruz, of Willow Street in Meriden, was arrested Saturday after police said they attempted to stop his vehicle for several motor vehicle violations while he drove northbound on Interstate 95. According to a release from Meriden police, Cruz did not pull over and accelerated away from officers while allegedly throwing objects out of his window while driving.
At the epicenter of the ongoing stalemate between Connecticut Democrats and Republicans over a state budget that should have been in place at least 65 days ago is the working man.

Monday is Labor Day, the day ... dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country, according to the description offered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

On this weekend-long celebration of the worker, what remains in contention is how much is going to come out of the workers pocket and how much from the millionaires.

Last June, Gov. Dannel P. Malloys administration negotiated a package with state employee unions that would save the state some $1.57 billion over two years in exchange for no-layoff safeguards.

In July, both houses of the legislature narrowly ratified the deal: Workers endorsed it by 83 to 17 percent.

Critics say the deal ties the hands of future administrations by locking terms in through 2027.

But one of the reasons the state has reached this point is because, historically, the Connecticut legislature has taken little apparent interest in matter of labor contracts.

According to a report released earlier this summer by the states Office of Legislative Research, of the 189 union contracts that have been presented to the General Assembly since 1991, 124 passed without a vote in either the House or the Senate.

Under Connecticut law, collective bargaining contracts are considered approved if they have not been voted on within 30 days, even though union members must vote to approve collective bargaining agreements.

Of the remaining contracts, 55 were approved through a vote in both the House and Senate, while 10 were approved by the Senate but not voted on in the House, according to OLR.

Lawmakers proposed numerous bills during the 2017 legislative session to require votes on collective bargaining agreements. Republicans in the House of Representatives, for instance, proposed a rule change that would have required the House to vote on all contracts.

Democrats, with their small majority, blocked it, a disappointing move.

Fixed costs like pension and retiree health benefits are set in collective bargaining agreements and those costs have contributed to the states estimated $5.1 billion deficit.

Historically, according to the OLR report, those past contracts include major pension and health care agreements with the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC), wage and hour agreements with individual bargaining units, arbitration awards, and numerous stipulated agreements and memoranda of understanding that make relatively minor revisions to existing bargaining unit contracts.

The unions dont like the idea, of course, but the legislature, the body of individuals elected by the people of Connecticut to represent them, should weigh in on each and every contract.

It might have seemed OK in the past. Now we can see that the past has caught up with us. It wasnt right then, and it certainly isnt in a Connecticut with an ambiguous future.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean
The thought of not wearing underwear during that time of the month is just too risky for most women. And going commando at the gym, where one lunge or squat could send a leak down your workout gear? Forget about it.

One company, though, is looking to change that perception. Dear Kate is one of several brands now selling period-proof underwear, but they've also added period-proof activewear to their line-up.

They're so confident that their yoga pants can be worn during a period without underwear that they call them the 'Go Commando' range  and FEMAIL has put them to the test.

The latest technology: Dear Kate's Go Commando yoga pants can be worn without underwear during that time of the month

How it works: The brand says its yoga pants are absorbent and moisture-wicking, leak-resistant, stain-releasing, and anti-microbial

Go ahead, stretch! A small lined crotch gusset can hold up to a teaspoon of liquid (the average woman loses 6 to 8 teaspoons over course of her entire period) (left: front, right: back)

'Our leggings will keep you protected from sweat, leaks, stains and everything in between,' the brand promises.

The yoga pants, which come in several colors and patterns and cost $99 to $109, can be worn underwear-free even during menstruation thanks to a lined crotch gusset that can hold a teaspoon of liquid.

The average woman loses 6 to 8 teaspoons over course of her entire period, so unless you're on a heavy-flow day, you're unlikely to lose more than that teaspoon of blood during an hour or so at the gym.

They're lined with the brand's 'Underlux' fabric, which is not only absorbent but also moisture-wicking and stain-releasing, meaning that blood should come right out in the wash.

Still, a few important questions remain: Do they really work? Are they comfortable? And do they feel, well, gross? Three FEMAIL reporters tested them out below  and overall, everyone was pretty impressed.

Here are your options: The yoga pants come in several different colors and patterns. Full-length versions cost $109, while capris cost $99

Look ma, no leaks! The brand promises that the yoga pants can be worn without underwear by most women while menstruating

Heavy duty: Three FEMAIL reporters who tested them out agreed that they work but are probably best for lighter-flow days

'I was afraid it would feel like a pad, but they're so comfortable'

'I love these leggings,' said one reporter. 'Period-proofing aside, they're thick and stretchy and comfy. Maybe it's because I usually buy cheaper yoga pants, but these feel really nice and are also slimming.

'When I first looked at them, I was a bit worried about the crotch. There's a seam and additional fabric in the shape of a pantyliner, and I was afraid you'd see that on my butt.

'Luckily, you absolutely couldn't. Someone would have to be really up in your business to notice that seam, and if they are, you have a different problem on your hands. Oh, and you also can't feel that 'pad' area when you wear them.

'Still, going commando on my period was scary. I thought it would be like wearing a pad, when you can feel yourself bleeding. Not the case, though  the fabric sits totally flush against your lady bits, so you feel nothing at all.

'I wouldn't wear them on heavy days, when than blood might come out. But I've now worn them several times during light days and haven't bled through them yet. And the little bit of blood I thought would stain the lining washed right off!'

Don't get that close! FEMAIL found the pantyliner-shaped passing worrisome, but two out of three testers said it wasn't at all noticeable once they were on

Quality pair: All three testers (not pictured) were in agreement that the yoga pants are very comfortable

'They certainly did the job, but I felt icky after'

'I was bit concerned about how the crotch would look, because the fabric was thicker there,' said another reporter. 'But I was pleased to see that it wasn't noticeable once they were on my body.

'I immediately loved these leggings the moment I put them on. Honestly, I was wearing a small when I should have been wearing a medium or large, but the fit was perfect. They were thick and sucked everything in. I really felt like they wicked the sweat away from my body.

'But to be honest, there was no way I was going to let myself bleed all over these leggings, so I waited for a light day and headed to the grocery store with them on without underwear.

'They certainly did the job, and at no point did I feel like I was going to start bleeding through my pants. I'm not trading my tampons for leggings anytime soon, but these were the best leggings I've ever had.

'However, when I returned home and took them off, I just felt icky. I immediately took a shower and threw them in the hamper.'

Phew! There was nervousness that it would be possible to feel bleeding, but none of our testers experienced that

Clean-up: One tester (not pictured) said they worked well and she wasn't afraid of leaking, though she did shower immediately after taking them off

'There's an awkward patch on the crotch, but I was impressed'

'The entire concept of the leggings made me feel slightly uncomfortable, but being the workoutwear-obsessed person that I am, I happily volunteered to give them a go  despite my reservations about their hygiene standards,' said our third tester.

'Design-wise, they're pretty standard. They were comfortable, high-waisted, and the sizing was spot-on.

'There's an awkward patch in the crotch area, which looks like a sanitary pad made out of the same material as the leggings. It's not obvious when you're standing there, but when you're moving and opening your legs, it's fairly easy to spot  and I felt awkward about doing anything that might show off that area throughout my workout class.

'Granted, nobody actually said anything (how would you?), but I felt a bit embarrassed nonetheless.

'In terms of the effectiveness, though, I was pretty impressed. There were none of the hygienic issues I expected: no funky odors (sorry), no leaks, and no discomfort.'
It was a case of 'never meet your heroes' for this girl after she was roasted by a Game Of Thrones actor on social media.

Alfie Allen, 30, agreed to pose for a picture with Instagram user Olivia Bowes, 17, from Northern Ireland, when she bumped into him at Selfridges in London.

After sharing their selfie on her account the teen poked fun at Alfie's Game Of Thrones character Theon Greyjoy - who was famously castrated on the show - in her caption, saying that 'unlike' him she had the 'b***s' to be brave enough to ask for a photo.

However, her cheeky comment backfired as the actor quickly chimed in, posting a comment pointing out that it was actually her mother who had asked him to pose for the snap.

Olivia Bowes, 17, from Northern Ireland got a picture with Game Of Thrones star Alfie Allen, 30, in Selfridges in London

Olivia bragged that she had the 'b***s' to ask Alfie for a picture, unlike his character Theon who was violently castrated by Ramsay Bolton

Olivia, who appeared thrilled to be meeting her idol, shared the selfie with her near 700 followers.

Followed by the eggplant and cherry emojis, she captioned the picture: 'Unlike Theon I grew some b***s and asked for a photo.'

Theon became a victim of torture in the HBO series, and was castrated by one of the show's most hated villains Ramsay Bolton.

The actor, who is Lily Allen's brother, retorted to reveal she hadn't been quite as brave as she claimed.

He revealed that it was actually Olivia's mum who had asked him to pose for a picture with her daughter commenting: 'Actually your mum asked for you.'

Luckily, Olivia found the comment hilarious and joked that her quip didn't work so well now.

'Shh then my caption doesn't work as well,' she said, followed by the laughing face emoji.

Theon ran away from his uncle Euron to save himself, leaving his captured sister Yara to face his cruelty

The riposte from the star saw the photo rack up over 200 comments and nearly 1,500 likes on Instagram.

Users hailed Alfie's comment, including one who said: 'I felt that burn from the end of the earth and came here to witness this wonder.'

'Dragon fire couldn't have burned more than Alfie Allen,' another commented.

A third joked: F****** savage I am screaming.'

The actor, whose sister is singer Lily Allen, clearly didn't find the joke funny and fired back at the teenager

'There's nothing worse than a Greyjoy scorned,' another added.

Alfie's alter-ego Theon has gained a reputation for being cowardly since he became the victim of Ramsay's torture in the earlier seasons of Game Of Thrones.

In the last series Theon ran away from his evil uncle Euron, deciding to save himself rather than rescue his captured sister Yara.

The last episode of season seven saw Theon gather a group of Iron Born men to save Yara, hinting that he is starting to act like his old self again.

The last we saw of Theon he had gathered a team of Iron Born men together and was preparing to rescue Yara from their evil uncle Euron Greyjoy

The ending also confirmed that Jon Snow is the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, which means he is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.

The reveal came as Jon finally got together with Daenerys Targaryen, but shockingly confirmed that the lovers are actually aunt and nephew.

We also saw Daenerys' dragon Viserion get captured by the Night King, before being brought back to life and joining the army of the dead.

The dragon was used to burn down the wall that protects the living from the army, which can only be killed with fire and specially made weapons.
A woman who created a AUD $5 million fashion company from a second-hand clothing blog is now using her internet fame to educate her fans on body image.

Sherlyn Tan, 30, owns her own brand called Twenty3AU and often poses in her own clothes - but not in the way many media influencers do.

Since starting her business, the Malaysian-born Melbourne model has won a legion of fans for her honest photographs and for giving her followers an unfiltered glimpse into her everyday life.

The Malaysia-born business owner poses often in her own clothing items to show how 'real' women wear her fashion

Sherlyn Tan, 30, runs her own successful fashion brand and uses social media to show the distorted reality behind Instagram

'Being the founder of a fashion company, I felt immense pressure to look a certain way. I was very harsh on myself if I thought I was getting fat or didn't feel like I looked pretty enough, that it really took a toll on my mental health,' Sherlyn told FEMAIL.

'I model for my own store. People called me a s**t on Instagram on Facebook... almost everywhere they could.

'They say so many mean things like 'she has a fat armpit, she has fat thighs that ruin the outfit. Her expression is silly and ugly.

The young entrepreneur suffered from poor body image and mental health before sharing her imperfections on social media

'I totally understand how these young girls feel, and that's what makes my posts relatable. But I also receive private messages every day, thanking me for reminding them that it's okay to not look like what Instagram tells you to look like.'

The entrepreneur chooses to model her brand's clothes, including her popular adhesive bra, in the most realistic way possible.

Snapping photos in what would usually be considered 'unflattering' poses, Sherlyn shows her followers the raw truth behind Instagram filters, poses, makeup and lighting.

Sherlyn has attracted 60,000 followers on Instagram for her real portrayal of how women look behind the veil of Instagram

'I do still need to remind myself from time to time that it's okay to release control. I've learned that a healthy mind takes precedence above all. I don't need to look as strong as Wonder Woman. Strength comes from within,' she said.

'You can even look heavier at the end of the day, or when you're on your period, or even just from bad posture and bad lighting. The most beautiful girl on Instagram has her bad days too, she's just not posting those photos.'

Sherlyn posts to her 60,000 Instagram followers to show how contrived social media images can be - and has stripped down her own 'false' image to prove how flaws are part of being human.

After struggling with her own mental health, Sherlyn says being real on social media also helps to remind herself that imperfections are okay.

After admitting to struggled with her own mental health, Sherlyn says being real on social media also helps to remind herself that imperfections are okay

She said 'I don't need to look as strong as Wonder Woman. Strength comes from within'

'I initially started writing openly about it as a means to cope and to come to terms with it. It was cathartic for me. But I began receiving private messages from a lot of my followers who were suffering from depression too, but in silence,' she added.

'I don't want to hide behind the beautiful hair colour, the Instagram perfect life. I wanna be me. The happy me. The me who lives in the moment and cherishes everything.'

'I didn't start with a fashion background nor a passion for fashion. I graduated with a degree in finance and worked in Groupon, where I built up 4 new departments and enjoyed every minute of it,' Sherlyn explains

The entrepreneur has been running her brand Twenty3 for four years, a business venture she started from an online clothing blog and only $5000 in the bank.

It now has over 50,000 customers in over 20 countries and has yearly profits reaching $5million.

'I didn't start with a fashion background nor a passion for fashion. I graduated with a degree in finance and worked in Groupon, where I built up 4 new departments and enjoyed every minute of it,' Sherlyn explains.

'It's been a crazy roller coaster ride since, and we've expanded beyond our online store to open four retail stores in Malaysia and now one pop-up in Melbourne.'
There I was, thinking the Cambridges had planned it perfectly. They'd created the ideal royal family: two sweet toddlers Prince George and Princess Charlotte, a boy and a girl, as pretty as two little bookends.

They had an heir and a spare for the country, third and fourth in succession for the throne (because in these days of equality, of course, both princes and princesses have an equal right to succeed). Well done. They could have stopped there.

It's so practical these days only to have two children, and a good example for a world which worries about overpopulation. Happily, we don't have to over-reproduce as the royals did in the days when child mortality was rife. Tragic Queen Anne had 18 pregnancies, but none of her babies survived. Thank heavens obstetrics and paediatrics have moved on so that George and Charlotte are clearly fit, healthy, clear-eyed and smiling.

Famous five: George, Charlotte, and their parents are set to become a family of five next year

And two is such a convenient number. They fit easily in the car. They'd have a parental hand each. They'd be each other's best friends just as Great-Granny Lilibet and her sister Margaret Rose were. So I assumed Kate would put the royal christening robe back in the vaults, William would make an appointment at the vasectomy clinic and that they would leave any more royal babies to Uncle Harry when he gets around to it.

How wrong I was. Yesterday the cheery royal announcement broke through the gloom of news bulletins dominated by floods and North Korea and told us that another baby is on the way, presumably due around March or April, and according to the official statement 'the Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news'.

I don't want to rain on their parade of course, but I do want to applaud Kate's courage. Her pregnancies are not fun. She will have the best care, obviously, but I wonder if she and William have thought through how different life will be once the baby is born, with three children to juggle?

Princess Charlotte (pictured with her father, Prince William), as a middle child, will have a glowing future, especially with the advantage of a great-granny and granny with experience

From the start it's a struggle. Kate and William have two active toddlers, George is four and Charlotte is two, and both are eager to explore the world (as shown here in London this year)

When I had my third child, Joshua, back in 1982, I remember the former British ambassador to Washington, Peter Jay, saying: 'Having two is much the same as one, you've already got the cot, the car seat and the nappies. But having a third is a quantum leap. It changes everything.'

He was right. From the start it's a struggle. Kate and William have two active toddlers, George is four and Charlotte is two, and both will be eager to explore the world.

With two it was comparatively easy to split your concentration between them. Now somebody has to keep an eye on the new baby  and how do you split yourself three ways? You need a nanny. And yes, of course, the Cambridges will have the best professional support. But nobody replaces Mum and Dad, so Nanny won't do as a substitute. You've got to make sure that everyone gets their turn with you.

Otherwise you will find, as I did, that the little girl who was the cherished baby becomes displaced by a new infant, or so she thinks. She then develops 'middle child syndrome'. That's certainly what happened to my middle child, Rebecca Wilcox.

I assumed Kate would put the christening robe back in the vaults and William would arrange a vasectomy. Pictured: Prince George and Princess Charlotte in mid-May 2015 at Anmer Hall in Norfolk (left) and Kate and Charlotte in Canada in 2016 (right)

I love Rebecca dearly and always have. So I remember my shock when she'd gone away for a school trip and my husband Desmond and I went to King's Cross station to meet her.

She came towards me with friends, and flinched with embarrassment. On the way home she admitted she had told her friends I wouldn't come to pick her up because she wasn't nearly as precious to us as her older sister and her younger brother. I was speechless with indignation.

I deny it, but Rebecca to this day stands by her assertion that as a middle child she missed out. Em, the eldest, was the pioneer, the one who went to school first and to treats like the pantomime; she had new clothes, while Rebecca had her hand-me-downs.

Josh, the youngest, was not just the adored baby of the family, but also the boy. So Rebecca reminds me that he had new clothes too, he was the best man at the family weddings, and he inherited Desmond's car.

Rebecca claims her two siblings have elaborate baby books, in which I lovingly recorded their weights, their first words, and posted in their locks of baby hair. She says that if she has a baby book, I don't know where it is. Stung by the accusation, I looked for it. I know it is here somewhere. But she's right, perhaps it doesn't contain quite as many details.

I don't want to rain on their parade, but I do want to applaud Kate. Her pregnancies are not fun. Pictured: Kate while pregnant with George in 2012 (left) and Charlotte in 2014 (right)

Yet I deny that middle children are always at a disadvantage. The American author Katrin Schumann has written a book, The Secret Power Of Middle Children, which undermines all preconceptions about middle children.

Middle children, so the thinking goes, are far more likely to become outsiders who enjoy nothing like the success or happiness of their brothers and sisters. This analysis seemed to be reinforced by research which suggested eldest children are, on average, more prosperous than their siblings.

Schumann points out that middle children battle for stardom like Madonna and Julia Roberts, they become innovators like Charles Darwin and Bill Gates, or fight for justice like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. And 52 per cent of U.S. presidents are middle children, including Abraham Lincoln and JFK.

Her co-author, Dr Catherine Salmon, is a Californian psychology professor who has researched thousands of middle children.

Both said they were amazed at the ill-feeling they encountered  not just in interviews with middle children, but also in dozens of internet forums, where many said they had in some way been 'abandoned' by their parents.

But the very opposite is true. They found that, having learned to negotiate for what they want, 'middles' tend to have successful friendships and marriages.

The Duchess of Cambridge has never made any secret of the fact she would like to add to her family. Pictured: Kate puts a hand to her stomach at Kensington Palace with Wills last week

The apparent disadvantages they endure in childhood turn out to be beneficial, in many cases giving them empathy, independence, articulacy and creativity.

So Princess Charlotte, as a middle child, will have a glowing future, especially as all three have the great advantage of a great-granny and granny with experience. They know that the trick in any family is to make sure that nobody has any favourites.

The Queen, after all, has two middle children. Carole Middleton has three children, and Pippa, tucked like my Rebecca between a sister and a younger brother, hasn't done badly for herself as one of the world's most famous society beauties.

And, as I shall remind Rebecca, who is a TV reporter and mother of two terrific sons, as the middle child of three I love equally, she hasn't done so badly either.
The Duchess of Cambridge is still hopeful she will be able to take Prince George to his first day of school, sources have said.

But a decision will not be made until the time comes on Thursday morning as Kate battles her debilitating morning sickness.

Last week Kensington Palace announced that George, four, would arrive for his first day at Thomass Battersea primary school, in south-west London, with his parents for a brief photocall.

The Duchess of Cambridge is still hopeful she will be able to take Prince George to his first day of school, sources have said

Both have made clear that they want to do the school run as much possible  even though it will take them up to 40 minutes each way from the palace.

Kates condition, which forced her to cancel a public engagement yesterday, has called Thursdays visit into question.

But an aide told the Mail yesterday: Its an important day in a childs life and like any mother she will do her utmost to be there. Unfortunately the Duchess wont be able to make a decision until nearer the time, when she sees how she is feeling. If she can be there, she will.

Yesterday at Thomass, situated in an exclusive area of London dubbed Nappy Valley for the sheer volume of well-to-do families that live there, extensive building work was still under way in the run-up to the first day of school. An alleged security breach has raised questions of how safe the old grammar school site is.

Guessing game over the name If the third royal baby is a girl, Alice is pegged as the bookmakers favourite  and Arthur if it is a boy. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will keep it classic when choosing a name, as they did for Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Alice is a traditional royal name, given to one of Queen Victorias daughters and to the Duke of Edinburghs mother. The middle names could be more interesting if the Middleton lineage is acknowledged, with Dorothy and Francis as options. Advertisement

One local resident, Sarah Burnett-Moore, 54, said she strolled into the school in recent days after workmen left the main gate and entrance door open.

Describing the lack of security as astonishing, she said it would have been easy to plant a timed explosive device. She argued the princes presence at the school posed a risk to locals. I live just 200 metres from the school and myself and lot of neighbours are worried about the security implications, as the princes presence will make the area a target for attacks, she said.

One pensioner, who has lived on the schools Battersea High Street for 70 years, said she welcomed an increased police presence because it would make the street safer. The woman, who asked not to be named, said she had recently been robbed just a few yards from her doorstep.

I was walking my dog, and a man mounted the pavement on a bicycle and ripped the gold chain from around my neck, she said. Ill be glad if they ramp up security and police here because it will be a lot more safe. Sources have indicated that there will be a permanent police presence while George is at school.
A Melbourne husband and father has pleaded for help after his wife woke from a nightmare, struggling to talk - and was later revealed to have suffered multiple strokes.

29-year-old Jules Lucas' wife Sherie, 28, experienced the distressing episode just days before doctors discovered she had a tumour in her brain.

'She jolted up muttering frantically about a strange nightmare and weird headache that she had and then went back to sleep,' Jules explained on a fundraising page set up for the couple.

Jules Lucas (pictured right) has set up a Gofundme account to raise funds for urgent surgery to save his wife's, Sherie, (pictured left) life

'I want my wife to still be here to see our two year old daughter grow, I want to grow old with her, I want to have more children with her and be a real family again,' Jules wrote

When the pair woke the next morning, Sherie started saying that she didn't feel well, was slurring her words while struggling to get ready and was soon talking about a pain in her head.

'I became concerned and organised my mother in-law to come around and take her to the hospital while I stayed home and looked after our 10 month old daughter,' Jules explained.

'For the next few days, she was sent to three different hospitals and her condition rapidly deteriorated until finally, after several hospitals and doctors later, we had found out that she had had a stroke caused by a brain cavernous hermangioma located in her cerebellar.

'This is where it all started to fall apart.'

The cerebellar is the area of the brain that controls coordination and balance.

For the next following weeks Sherie remained in hospital as she waited to be moved into rehab.

'Please help me save my wife. There is not much i can offer you in return other than as many updates on the situation and my eternal gratitude,' he said

Jules explained on the page that in January 2016 he came home from playing a gig at the pub when Sherie spoke of a 'weird headache'

'This whole time not really having any solution to the illness we kinda [sic] just continued [to] attempt to live life as best we could,' Jules said.

'But I want my wife to still be here to see our two year old daughter grow, I want to grow old with her, I want to have more children with her and be a real family again,' Jules continued in the heart wrenching post.

'I want to see Sherie happy, healthy and be her old self again.'

Sherie started saying that she didn't feel well, was slurring her words while struggling to get ready and was soon Sherie started talking about a pain in her head

Later in the year,the family tried to get their life back on track and Jules explained that things were starting to feel 'normal'.

'We had been told not to worry by the doctors that Sherie's chances of having another stroke again were very slim,' he said.

'Pushing herself to the point of near exhaustion, she attempted to remain the caring mother provider and wife I was lucky to have.'

Later in the year the family tried to get their life back on track and Jules explained that things were starting to feel 'normal'

SHERIE'S DEBILITATING SYMPTOMS * body tremors * headaches every day * dizziness * exhaustion * flickering vision * nausea * feeling of being tipsy * chronic pain in her head Advertisement

Unable to run their hairdressing business any more they were forced to sell, but on the day of the settlement Sherie suffered another stroke and more bleeding from her cavernoma.

This time they rushed Sherie straight to hospital and she was put back into rehab.

'A few months had passed and Sherie had returned to what had become her new 'normal' and we had the amazing news that Sherie had fallen pregnant and we were going to have our second child!' Jules explained.

'We were absolutely stoked after a horrific start to the year that there was something positive in our lives.

'Unfortunately in October 2016, we had a miscarriage and lost the baby.'

'Pushing herself to the point of near exhaustion, she attempted to remain the caring mother provider and wife I was lucky to have,' Jules said

Although the couple were heartbroken by the news, Sherie later found another job in hairdressing and was taking her daily medication.

Her health seemed manageable and she was now 'working within her limits'.

'Unfortunately in March 2017, this year, Sherie had another stroke and a further bleed from the cavernoma,' Jules explained.

'Her deficits became stronger and she could no longer work.'

Sherie found another job in hairdressing and was taking her daily medication - her health seemed manageable and she was now 'working within her limits'

'We were absolutely stoked after a horrific start to the year that there was something positive in our lives'

'The catch is that if the cavernoma bleeds again it could cause disablement where Sherie will be in a wheel chair for the rest of her life, or worse, kill her,' Jules wrote.

At this point the family decided to move into Sherie's parents house as they couldn't afford to live on one wage.

The couple were then recommended well-known neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo who performs surgeries on people that have been told they were inoperable.

The couple have been recommended a well-known neurosurgeon named Dr Charlie Teo who performs surgeries on people that have been told they were inoperable

What is a cavernous hermangioma? Also known as 'cavernomas' and 'cavernous malformations', these lesions arise from the tiny vessels that separate the arterial system from the venous system of the brain. There is some controversy as to whether the cavernomas are true vascular malformations or very slow growing tumors of capillary blood vessels. Cavernomas tend to grow slowly over time, and once they hemorrhage, they tend to do so again. Advertisement

Sherie sent letters to Dr Teo's rooms at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Sydney telling him her story and four days later she was contacted and told that she was a great candidate for surgery.

'So myself, Sherie and her mum jumped on a plane to Sydney from Melbourne to meet Dr Teo,' Jules explained.

'He felt that he could easily remove the cavernoma from her cerebellum with a 50/50 chance of Sherie needing rehabilitation afterwards. This was thrilling news.

'DrTeo also said Sherie needs this surgery urgently. Especially because Sherie has already had multiple bleeds, the next bleed could end her life.'

Sherie sent letters to Dr Teo's rooms at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Sydney telling him her story

Although there is now hope, the couple have to raise $100,000 AUD to be able to afford surgery in Sydney.

'Please help me save my wife. There is not much I can offer you in return other than as many updates on the situation and my eternal gratitude,' Jules pleaded.

'You are just... helping me keep the love of my life alive and giving my perfect kid the chance to grow up knowing her mother.'

Jules Lucas has set up a Gofundme account to raise funds for urgent surgery to save Sherie's life.
Charlotte Halliday, 23, from Queensland, has been documenting her baby boy's journey since he was born on April 18.

The adorable little boy, who was born with a severe cleft palate and lip, has gained a large online following since his mother started sharing stories and photos from their experiences and in July, warmed hearts around the world with his first smile.

And now, eight weeks on, Charlie has had his first surgery on his lip and is experiencing a whole new list of firsts.

Charlotte Halliday, 23, from Queensland, has been documenting her baby boy's journey since he was born on April 18

And now, eight weeks on, Charlie has had his first surgery on his lip (pictured after right) experiencing a whole new list of firsts

'We met the surgeons two weeks ago and they said they couldn't do surgery until he had tubes out - he had been on and off it because he was struggling to eat,' Ms Halliday told Daily Mail Australia.

'My goal was to get him off them. It took a lot of persistence and he eventually started to get more of his bottle so it was a success and then on Thursday he had the surgery.

'It was a three hour cleft lip surgery and he will have his palate done in the next five months.'

Although it was necessary for Charlie's health and wellbeing, Ms Halliday said it was difficult saying goodbye before the surgery.

'It was a three hour cleft lip surgery and he will have his palate done in the next five months,' Ms Halliday said

Although it was necessary for Charlie's health and wellbeing, Ms Halliday (pictured) said it was difficult saying goodbye before the surgery

'I was so scared - my fear was of seeing him afterwards. He had the cleft when I put him down and that was the last time I would see him with it,' she said.

'I was terrified of how I would react - hundreds of mums told me I would miss his cleft and they were right.

'I had to do it for him though, he had to go through it and it has absolutely been for the best.'

Although he came out of surgery a little swollen, Charlie is now back to his smiley self.

'I was so scared - my fear was of seeing him afterwards. He had the cleft when I put him down and that was the last time I would see him with it,' she said

'I was terrified of how I would react - hundreds of mums told me I would miss his cleft and they were right,' she said

'We have had two firsts and it's funny how it's the little things are the most exciting,' Ms Halliday said.

'He sneezed and snot came out of his nose for the first time which is such an achievement - even though it sounds stupid.

'He can also blow bubbles for the first time - he's never done it because he didn't have a top lip. Now he sits there and loves it, I see him going cross-eyed looking at the bubbles and he's thrilled.'

The next operation will be the big one and will give Charlie a roof to his mouth for the first time.

'He can also blow bubbles for the first time - he's never done it because he didn't have a top lip. Now he sits there and loves it, I see him going cross-eyed looking at the bubbles and he's thrilled,' Ms Halliday said

In July, Ms Halliday warmed hearts around the world when she shared adorable photos of Charlie's first smiles

Ms Halliday, who shares updates on her Facebook group, Charlie's Journey, is overwhelmed at the amount of support she's had over the past few months and is excited to be able to raise awareness.

'It's overwhelming but so helpful,' she said.

'It has kept me going at time.'

In July, Ms Halliday warmed hearts around the world when she shared adorable photos of Charlie's first smiles.

'Just got my first smile off Charlie!!! 3 in a row!!!! Proud mummy moment,' Ms Halliday wrote after seeing his first ever smile.

The heartwarming snaps were posted on Ms Halliday's Facebook group, Charlie's Journey , where she shares updates on her son's health and news from their hospital visits

Charlie was in and out of hospital with a number of feeding issues and doctors were unable to operate on him until his feeding tubes were out

Charlie was in and out of hospital with a number of feeding issues and doctors were unable to operate on him until his feeding tubes were out.

Charlie, who now has more than 1,700 people following his journey on Facebook, was born after a 'textbook perfect' pregnancy but was later diagnosed with a severe cleft lip and palate - both of which were not picked up in scans.

'At first I didn't know anything was wrong. He was placed on me but I couldn't see his face as he was facing the other way,' Ms Halliday told Daily Mail Australia in April.

'The look on everyone's faces told me something was wrong - I was so scared because I didn't know if it was to do with me or Charlie.

'At first I didn't know anything was wrong. He was placed on me but I couldn't see his face as he was facing the other way,' Ms Halliday told Daily Mail Australia in April

The little boy was born after a 'textbook perfect' pregnancy but shortly afterwards he was diagnosed with a severe cleft lip and palate (pictured with his mother and father)

'It was terrifying.'

Ms Halliday's mother told her that Charlie had a cleft palate and lip and two minutes later he was taken away to be checked on as his heart rate monitor was buzzing.

'I was devastated and terrified and just had so many mixed emotions - I was wondering how he was, whether he was going to be okay and whether he would be able to survive,' she said.

'The look on everyone's faces told me something was wrong - I was so scared because I didn't know if it was to do with me or Charlie,' she said

Ms Halliday's mother told her that Charlie had a cleft palate and lip and two minutes later he was taken away to be checked on as his heart rate monitor was buzzing

'I was experiencing every single emotion at once. The pediatricians took him away and although he was breathing they had to take him away to check him over and I didn't see him for hours.

It was so nerve-wracking because I was worried he wouldn't take a bottle.

'I had no idea if he was okay and doctors said we should expect to be in hospital for up to a month. Thankfully, except for the cleft lip and palate, he was perfectly healthy and happy and we were able to leave a few days later.'

Ms Halliday and her partner Darren were thrilled to go home with their baby boy and were able to feed him using a specially designed bottle.

'It was so nerve-wracking at first because I was worried he wouldn't take a bottle or that I would hurt his mouth somehow,' Ms Halliday said.

'I was devastated and terrified and just had so many mixed emotions - I was wondering how he was, whether he was going to be okay and whether he would be able to survive,' she said

Ms Halliday and her partner Darren were thrilled to go home with their baby boy and were able to feed him using a specially designed bottle

What is a cleft lip and palate? Cleft lip and cleft palate describe an abnormal gap in either the upper lip or the roof of the mouth. It occurs when some parts of the mouth fail to join together during early pregnancy. The lip and palate develop separately, which means it is possible for a baby to be born with only a cleft lip, only a cleft palate, or a combination of both. Source: Royal Children's Hospital of Melbourne Advertisement

'But he was feeding perfectly and was able to suck so we were very lucky.'

Ms Halliday posted about Charlie on Facebook to thank the hospital for all of their support.

And after receiving hundreds of supportive comments and requests to follow Charlie's updates, Ms Halliday decided to start her page.

'Despite the shock he's absolutely beautiful and perfect in our eyes and he's such a fighter already,' Ms Halliday said.

'I was worried at first about how people would respond to Charlie but people have been so amazing - we have had an overwhelming amount of support.

'I haven't had a single negative comment and everyone has been just amazing. I wouldn't have been able to get through all of this without them.'

'Despite the shock he's absolutely beautiful and perfect in our eyes and he's such a fighter already,' Ms Halliday said (Charlie pictured with his aunty)

'I was worried at first about how people would respond to Charlie but people have been so amazing - we have had an overwhelming amount of support,' she said

Ms Halliday, who has had the support of many parents in a similar situation, urges those who do have a child born with a cleft palate and/or lip to surround themselves with a support network.

'Expect the unexpected, thank God your baby is healthy and that nothing is seriously wrong,' she said.

Updates on little Charlie's surgeries and his progress can be found on his Facebook page, Charlie's Journey.
While many women will be aware that the bodies we see on Instagram are unrealistic, that doesn't stop many from comparing themselves unfavourably to what is on our feeds.

This is exactly why the bikini designer and CEO of Moana Bikini, Karina Irby, felt prompted to act.

The 27-year-old from Port Macquarie posted a comparison photograph of herself on Instagram, in which she aimed to showcase the difference between a real and an edited photo.

She also detailed exactly what she did to her body - from smoothing to shrinking, lifting and more - in order to get the perfect 'Insta girl' snap.

Karina Irby is the founder of Moana Bikini; the 27-year-old from Port Macquarie posted this Instagram comparison snap to show the difference between natural (left) and edited (right)

'Let's play a game. It's called reality vs Instagram,' Ms Irby wrote - she said that every time she saw 'Insta girls' snaps, they were always attracting young girls' comments such as 'GOALS'

'Let's play a game. It's called reality vs Instagram,' she wrote. 'Every morning I wake up and scroll through my personal Instagram feed and spy "Insta girls" posting unrealistic images of themselves,' Ms Irby began her now-viral post.

'The girls I follow that portray these images have big followings, often with hundreds of thousands of young girls looking up to them as a role models.'

She continued by saying that often when she scrolls through Instagram, Ms Irby will find 'young girls tagging their friends "GOALS" and "OMG WHY DON'T I LOOK LIKE THIS'.

'The truth is these girls don't look like this. They look like you, like everyone,' she added.

'The truth is these girls don't look like this. They look like you, like everyone,' the 27-year-old (pictured) wrote

The 27-year-old then listed what she did to get the perfect social media-ready snap, including a 'full body smooth', 'lifted my booty', 'thinned out my arms' and much more

The 27-year-old then explained that she had 'gone ahead and copied the classic "Insta Girl Edit" in my second image' and listed what she did to get the perfect social-media ready snap.

What Karina Irby did to her edited photo * Full body skin smooth * Enlarged my booty * Sucked in my tummy * Sucked in my back * Thinned out my arms * Thinned out my quads * Made my neck a tad skinnier * Got rid of my scars and cellulite * Made my breast rounder * Lifted my booty Advertisement

'Full body skin smooth, enlarged my booty, sucked in my tummy, sucked in my back, thinned out my arms, thinned out my quads, made my neck a tad skinnier, got rid of my scars and cellulite, made my breast rounder, lifted my booty,' she explained.

'After all these little tweaks, can you notice how my horizon is warped? So many girls are so into how their Insta image is going to be portrayed that they don't even notice they have warped the background!'.

Ms Irby concluded the post - which has since racked up close to 23,000 likes in less than 24 hours - by writing that she is 'not here to play mean girl towards others':

'I simply want you to love yourself and stop comparing yourself to unrealistic images online'.

'Look out for the signs of the "Insta girl edit" and don't take social media too seriously. Let's get real,' she concluded.

'Look out for the signs of the "Insta girl edit" and don't take social media too seriously. Let's get real,' Ms Irby (pictured) concluded

Ms Irby's (pictured) post has since gone viral - with close to 23,000 people liking it in less than 24 hours

Earlier on this year, Karina Irby drew plaudits for sharing a candid three-way photograph of her 'fitness journey' from 2013 to the present day, alongside her story.

The transformation saw Ms Irby move from a 'total cardio head' to someone who only does cardio 'once or twice a week', replacing this with weights.

'2013 - I was a total cardio head! I loved going for long runs,' Ms Irby posted.

'I had no idea about what foods I should be eating and no idea about health and fitness in general,' the 27-year-old added.

'I wasn't eating nearly enough of the right food, or food at all to be fuelling my body.'

In the accompanying picture, the designer was visibly slim and toned - but totally different to the third shot in the collage.

Next to the second photograph in the journey, Ms Irby wrote: '2014 - Still a cardio head and loving it! I started at a gym and maybe went twice/three times a week.

'I had no idea what I was doing and how to perform the exercises correctly,' she continued.

In the second photo, the designer clearly had more muscle tone and a bigger bum, but she said she was 'still not eating enough food to fuel my body and muscles'.

Earlier on this year, Karina Irby drew plaudits for sharing a candid three-way photograph of her 'fitness journey' from 2013 to the present day, from 'cardio head' (left) to weights lover (right)

In the last snap, Ms Irby resembled how she looks today - a look which has seen the 27-year-old rack up an impressive half a million followers on Instagram, many of whom want to recreate her figure.

'2017 - Present day. I've been working out, hard, for the past 2-3 years,' she said.

'I started at a personal training gym @starke_fitness and participated in four, 45 min sessions a week. I lift weights, heavy weights!

'I only do cardio once or twice a week, but still incorporate weights into my exercises. I eat well and I eat a lot,' the 27-year-old wrote.

To follow Karina Irby on Instagram, please click here.
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A photographer who captured a series of images of a woman wearing a blue burqa in locations across Australia has spoken about the inspiration behind his work.

Fabian Muir is the award-winning Australian photographer behind the photo series Blue Burqa in a Sunburnt Country.

He told Daily Mail Australia his project was 'spawned by the increasingly hostile treatment of refugees' coming to his homeland and a 'local rise in anti-Muslim sentiment'.

Fabian Muir is the award-winning Australian photographer behind the photo series Blue Burqa in a Sunburnt Country

According to the photographer, his photos seek to suggest that 'newcomers don't have to be regarded as incompatible' with Australian life (pictured is an image of the woman in a Coles supermarket)

''Different' newcomers don't have to be regarded as incompatible and can complement Australian society better than some people fear,' the photographer said.

'Unfortunately the series seems only to have grown in relevance in the meantime.'

Having lived in several European countries himself for several years - most prominently Germany - Mr Muir said most of his previous work had been done abroad.

However, as he maintained a 'very close bond' to Australia, it was important to him to do project that 'engaged with the country that most shaped me'.

Mr Muir said that there was no reaction from the public during this shoot on Bondi Beach - aside from one 'astonished youth originally from Kabul, who couldn't believe what he was seeing'

'Some people in creative fields seem to leave Australia and never look back, but I try to remember where I come from since it's such a unique continent and a key part of who I am,' he said.

The photos in his series, which feature the same model wearing a blue burqa in a range of locations - including the milk aisle at a Coles supermarket and on a packed Bondi Beach - were shot across five months, mainly in Western Australia and New South Wales.

The photographer and his muse had travelled more than 10,000km by the end of the project - with Western Australia leaving the most 'profound' impression, he said, because it is 'so vast and elemental'.

The photos in his series were shot across five months, mainly in Western Australia and New South Wales (pictured is an image taken at a gold mine in WA)

'Perhaps the most memorable shoot was the image with the reflection, where we were positively surprised to be given permission by a gold mine to take the picture,' he said.

During the photography process, Mr Muir said he was often approached by 'European' people, asking questions about what he was doing.

'If Australia features prominently on the news in Europe, it's usually about Manus Island or indigenous issues,' he said.

During the photography process, Mr Muir said he was often approached by European people, asking questions about what he was doing

'I hope people will think beyond the blatantly obvious interpretation of the burqa  that of female oppression,' the photographer said, of what he hopes will come from his work

'Australia's participation in Iraq also attracted a lot of coverage back in 2003.

'When people interrogate me on these matters they express surprise and disappointment because there is otherwise an impression that Australia is a kind of free-thinking utopia, so these crueller sides are jarring.

'My response is one of embarrassment, especially when I'm in a country like Germany, which has learnt from history, strives for an open society and has been handling its immense refugee problems far more compassionately.'

As for what he hopes people will take away from his series, the photographer is clear.

'Ultimately everyone except indigenous Australians is a guest in this country, so those who would now see refugees turned away might do well to ask themselves what 'right' they have acquired to exclude newcomers of any background,' he said

The photographer said that 'too many' people ignore terrible conditions refugees have left in order to come to Australia or elsewhere

'I hope people will think beyond the blatantly obvious interpretation of the burqa  that of female oppression  and open themselves to a more nuanced symbolism that feeds into themes of assimilation, alienation and understanding,' he said.

'Ultimately everyone except indigenous Australians is a guest in this country, so those who would now see refugees turned away might do well to ask themselves what 'right' they have acquired to exclude newcomers of any background.

'Too many ignore the horrific conditions refugees have left behind in order to come to Australia or other countries, as well as the fact that most are perfectly willing and able to integrate and contribute to the nation.'

'Most are perfectly willing and able to integrate and contribute to the nation,' the photographer said of refugees

Previously, Mr Muir has been quoted as saying that he is riled by discussion of a 'burqa ban' in Australia and he told Daily Mail Australia it is something he remains passionate about.

'I believe in self-determination, so if a woman wishes to cover herself, no one should deprive her of this right since it harms no one,' he said.

'That said, the key here is that a woman truly desires to cover herself; again in the spirit of self-determination, I'm completely opposed to the imposed patriarchal compulsion of women to cover themselves as one sees in Saudi Arabia or certain other countries.

Mr Muir believes that if a woman wishes to cover herself, no one should deprive her of this right 'since it harms no one'

'The 'classic' blue Afghan burqa was an obvious choice since the colour is calm and peaceful, like the sky or water, as well as a perfect tonal complement to the settings,' he said

'Coverings of these kinds exert a fascination because of the mystery and curiosity about the person behind them. In the context of this project, the unknown individual can be taken to be anonymous and faceless people forced to leave their homes in search of security and a better life.

'The 'classic' blue Afghan burqa was an obvious choice since the colour is calm and peaceful, like the sky or water, as well as a perfect tonal complement to the settings.'

One image in the series captures the bikini-clad bathers of Bondi Beach captured through the eyes of the woman wearing the burqa.

However, the photographer said he is 'completely opposed' to the 'patriarchal compulsion' of women to cover themselves as seen in some countries

'Unfortunately the series seems only to have grown in relevance in the meantime,' the photographer said of his work

'This is an image that represents in a visceral form some of the cultural differences that inevitably have to be dealt with and asks questions without presenting the answers,' Mr Muir explained.

'"What is the woman's opinion as she contemplates the beach scene? Is she perhaps about to remove the burqa herself or will she leave it on? Is the 'barrier' between her and this environment insurmountable or will it erode over time?"

'It invites the viewer to wonder what will happen next. The image also suggests that integration and acceptance is a two-way street, and the woman is going to have to do her part as well to assimilate into her new world.'

The photographer said that, having concluded his project, he had been left with a greater appreciation of the Australian landscape

Mr Muir said his project was 'spawned by the increasingly hostile treatment of refugees' coming to his homeland and a 'local rise in anti-Muslim sentiment'

Mr Muir said that there was no reaction from the public during that shoot - aside from one 'astonished youth originally from Kabul, who couldn't believe what he was seeing'.

The photographer said that, having concluded his project, he had been left with a greater appreciation of the Australian landscape.

'When you're out there, all the constructs and stresses of big cities melt away and seem irrelevant, and for a time you have a humbling sense that you're a speck upon a living entity that demands respect,' he said.
A New Zealand-born mother has died from a rare medical condition within hours of giving birth to triplets.

Chervonne Magaoa, who was raised in Hawaii, was admitted to the Kapl'olani Medical Centre for Women and Children last Thursday following a routine pre-birth appointment.

According to reports, the 34-year-old was informed by doctors she needed to give birth by emergency Caesarean that day, instead of the predicted September 6 due date.

It's understood there were no issues during the procedure, however after Mrs Magaoa's sons were born she started to experience serious complications which led to her dying a few hours later.

Martin and Chervonne Magaoa with their six-year-old son Tanner

Mrs Magaoa's father Bishop Hyran told the New Zealand Herald his daughter's death was the result of an extremely rare medical condition.

'By 5.30pm, the babies were born. Everything was fine and then she got a complication.

'She had an amniotic fluid embolism and that was her cause of death. The doctor said statistics-wise, it only happens to one in 100,000 [women], so it was a rare event.'

It's understood the rare medical event was the result of an amniotic fluid embolism

The pregnancy complication can occur when amniotic fluid, which surrounds the baby in the uterus, containing fetal cells, hair, urine or other secretions from babies, enters the mother's bloodstream.

It can cause severe reactions including heart failure and uncontrollable bleeding. Although considered rare, the condition has been credited as a leading cause of maternal death in Australia.

The couple, who met and married in 2007, struggled to have children. Although the family have one child, their eldest six-year-old Tanner, Mrs Magaoa underwent IVF treatment to help her conceive.

The couple had struggled to have children and Mrs Magaoa had undergone IVF treatment to help her conceive

The devastating death of Mrs Magaoa has been met by an outpouring of support from the community who have rallied to the aid of the grief-stricken father as he faces the prospect of raising his sons: Tanner, Aayden, Blaise and Carson

Family friends Jan Lesuma and Billy Racule have created a GoFundMe page to help Martin Magaoa with the costs of raising his family.

'With a heavy heart, it pains us to announce that Chervonne Magaoa (nee Smith) sadly passed away Thursday evening while giving birth to her triplet sons,' Ms Lesuma wrote on the fundraising page.

The community has rallied in support to help the grief-stricken dad who now faces the prospect of raising four boys on his own

'During an emergency C-section she experienced an amniotic fluid embolism. She is survived by her loving husband Martin, beautiful six-year old son Tanner and thankfully, her three new baby boys.

'Everyone that knows Chervonne can attest to her witty humor, her true friendship and her fierce love and devotion to her family.'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Lesuma said the fundraiser was a 'small way' to help, and that many had reached out to the family offering their support.

'It has been far more than just financial assistance, there have been many uplifting well wishes and prayers that have help lift his and the family's spirits.'

The special moment Martin Magaoa held one of his triplets (pictured) was shared after his wife's tragic death

A poignant photo posted to the fundraising page showed the special moment 'proud father' Martin Magaoa held one of his triplets.

The heartbroken father penned a touching tribute to his wife in a beautiful Facebook post he shared yesterday.

'This is for you, my sweet babe. Your three baby boys are healthy and progressing as each day goes by,' he wrote.

'You would have been so proud to see and hold your treasures truly gifted from God.

'Your sacrifice and love for them is amazing. Your life lives on in them.

'Love you, Mommy. Aayden, Blaise and Carson.'
Each year, eagle-eyed shoppers band together to name and shame what they believe to be the 'shonkiest' products or services in Australia.

CHOICE, Australia's consumer advocacy group, host the 'Shonky Awards' to allow customers the chance to share their questionable shopping experiences and, next month, will name the worst offenders.

'It's that time of year again when consumers get to dish the dirt on what they believe is the countrys shonkiest product or service,' CHOICE told Daily Mail Australia in a statement.

'If you believe a company is being sneaky, slippery, unscrupulous or even unsafe, we want to hear from you.

Made in Australia? Upon further inspection, this shopper found that while the product was 'made in Australia' it was made using both 'local and imported ingredients'

'Oats and nothingness': Another shared this snap of Uncle Tobys' Ancient Grains Oats made with '100 per cent Australian oats' and 'added rye, puffed millet and quinoa' - but was surprised at how little of the added ingredients there were

'Unfortunately the Shonkys are now in their 12th year. We hoped business would have lifted their game years ago but the steady streams of complaints we receive each year seems to suggest we have a lot more lemon squeezing to do.'

'While not every Shonky Award winner may be breaking laws or breaching regulations, CHOICE believes that consumers deserve better.'

To be worthy of one of these not-so-prestigious awards, products or services must meet criteria including proven faults or flaws, a lack of transparency, false claims or broken promises, consumer confusion, poor value for money or the 'propensity to outrage or amuse'.

In the lead up to the awards, fed up consumers have been sharing their finds using the hashtag #SpotAShonky - with very interesting results.

Whoops! Damora's Seaweed rice crackers were also named by a customer, who spotted soy sauce (made with soy beans, wheat and salt) on the pack which was labelled gluten free

Tasmania's own... plus imported ingredients: Others misleading examples included Tasmania's Own orange juice made with 'imported ingredients'

Which is it?! This $106 dress was described as being made from 'vegan leather' but was also labelled as 'real leather' and described further down on the page as being made from a 'leather-look fabric'

As always, misleading packaging and labelling has been a common gripe, with countless consumers sharing snaps of their own shopping experiences.

One woman shared a snap of Golden Circle's crushed pineapple in juice - each of them sitting in boxes labelled with 'Product of Australia, From Fresh Queensland Pineapples'.

But upon further inspection, the shopper found that while the product was 'made in Australia' it was made using both 'local and imported ingredients'.

Another shared a snap of Uncle Tobys' Ancient Grains Oats made with '100 per cent Australian oats' and 'added rye, puffed millet and quinoa'.

Australian lobster... from Florida? This Florida lobster was stamped with an 'Australian seafood' label at the supermarket

'Undigestive': Despite their name, these biscuits contain no substances 'that assist digestion'

It must be good! Despite being exactly the same, one of these products is 30 cents more than the other

And while this is technically true, the shopper found the product was made with 95 per cent oats and just four per cent rye, 0.5 per cent quinoa and 0.5 per cent millet.

'Delicious blend of oats, and nothingness,' she wrote.

Damora's Seaweed rice crackers were also named by a customer, who spotted soy sauce (made with soy beans, wheat and salt) on the pack which was labelled gluten free.

'Not gluten free! Still on ALDI shelves today after reporting to store management three weeks ago about family members getting sick. ALDI offered a refund, but are continuing to mislead the public,' the shopper wrote.

Great deal! Here, shoppers were promised a whopping 0 per cent off their 'on sale' purchase

Misleading? Despite the name, a customer noticed this product actually takes a little more to work that you'd think

Others misleading examples included Tasmania's Own orange juice made with 'imported ingredients', Florida lobster stamped with an 'Australian seafood' label at the supermarket and Digestive biscuits which, despite their name, contain 'no substances that assist digestion'.

Some also spotted baffling clearance prices and math errors while running errands.

One pillow 'on sale' was reduced from $26.99 to $26.99 while a $7.62 pack of meat was 'reduced' to $8.18.

In another case, a row of $9.95 hairsprays were snapped labelled with a sign that read 'Save $0.00'.

'Not exactly a huge saving!' This sign highlighted just how little of a saving customers would be making by purchasing this hairspray

'Pepper-only if you're lucky': This customer was surprised when she opened her pizza box to find just seven pieces of pepperoni on her pizza

Others took issue with products themselves - from half empty Pringles cans to a McCains pepperoni pizza with just seven slices of pepperoni.

'Pepperoni or "pepper-only if you're lucky!"?' A customer wrote.

Online stores were also a target, with one woman sharing a snap of a dress she was looking at on an e-boutique.

The $106 dress was described as being made from 'vegan leather' but was also labelled as 'real leather' and described further down on the page as being made from a 'leather-look fabric'.

It's all about appearance: Despite holding less, the bottle on the right is more expensive than the one on the left

We've all been there: Pringles were brought up yet again for filling their cans just half way

'Leather? Vegan leather? Leather look fabric? Which is it?!' The customer wrote.

Another spotted a 'reduced' Geoffrey Beene shirt on the Myer website that had been reduced from $49.97 to just $49.95.

Others took issue with insurance companies, Internet services, confusing washing instructions and credit cards.

In 2016, nine companies were awarded the dubious lemon-scented honour, including Samsung, Kelloggs Pringles and Cash Converters.

CHOICE urges those who have their own examples to share their snaps on the Shonky Awards website for consideration.
This is the moment an unsuspecting girlfriend discovered that she was getting married in less than 24 hours - after her partner spent nine months planning the perfect wedding.

Michelle Williams, 37, from Wirral, Merseyside, was over-the-moon after her partner Scott Williams, 42, proposed at a winery in Santorini, Greece.

After she immediately said 'yes', she heard a chorus of cheers  and turned to see over 50 friends and family waving from the rooftop of the building behind them.

Scott then revealed that they were getting married the very next day, explaining how he had organised everything - including the venue, flowers and even her wedding dress - without her suspecting a thing.

While some brides would have preferred to have had a hand in planning the big day, Michelle said she had complete trust in her partner - adding that there was 'nothing' she would have done differently.

Michelle Williams, 37, from Wirral, Merseyside, was over-the-moon after her partner Scott Williams, 42, proposed at a winery in Santorini, Greece (pictured). But she was left completely overwhelmed when he told her the wedding was going to be the next day

Describing the moment she found out she'd be walking down the aisle, Michelle said: 'I was so overwhelmed by it. I get emotional now even thinking about it, as it was all so surreal.

'We were sitting there enjoying the views. We were about to leave to go back to the hotel, but Scott turned to me and said, "I want to do this first.'" He got down on one knee and proposed to me.

'I had always wanted to get married, but never even considered that he might propose then. I was so shocked, but of course I said yes straight away.

'Everyone was saying, "Did you really not know?" I said "Do you think if I knew, I would have been wearing shorts and a t-shirt?"

Michelle said she had 'no idea' that Scott had been planning her a surprise wedding

The wedding took place at a stunning rooftop venue, with breathtaking views across the island

Scott had organised everything, including the dress, the venue and flowers without her suspecting anything

'I would have put something a bit more glam on. I was dressed for comfort, but this was one of the biggest moments of my life.'

As she hugged her new fiance, Michelle heard rousing cheers in the background and was even more shocked when she realised Scott had flown out their closest friends and family to watch.

Michelle added: 'Then he said, "By the way, the wedding is tomorrow." I wasn't worried about anything, though, because I knew he would do a good job.'

While some brides would prefer to have a hand in planning their own weddings, Michelle said the day was 'perfect' adding that 'there was nothing I would have done differently.'

Months before the surprise wedding, Michelle had gone to see Scott's friend, a wedding dress boutique owner, who convinced her to try on some gowns

On the morning of her wedding, Michelle discovered that Shelly had travelled to Santorini, bringing her dream dress

Michelle says she 'still can't believe' that Scott had managed to pull off her dream wedding

Michelle says she had no idea of the enormous surprise that her partner had in store, adding that she 'still can't believe he pulled it all off'.

'Scott had planned everything with all my friends and family and I didn't have a clue,' she said.

'He's quite a man's man, so he's not usually this romantic. He can be at times, but this was really something special.'

Scott had booked a family holiday to Santorini as a treat for Michelle, who was coming to terms with the death of her mum Janet.

Scott had booked a holiday to Santorini as a treat for Michelle (pictured with her father), a year after the death of her mother Janet

She said that she was surprised that her dad (left) was coming with them but thought it would be a lovely family break

She explained: 'My mum passed away last year. I thought this holiday was to help take my mind off the anniversary.

'My brother, sister and my dad were coming with us, as well as my children Molly, 14, and Brandon, 18, from a previous relationship.

'My dad, Michael, is 79 and he hasn't been on a plane since he was in the army, back in 1957. When the others told me dad was coming, I was surprised, but thought it would be lovely.

'I had absolutely no idea that anything else was going on. I just thought it was a big family holiday.'

While some brides would prefer to have a hand in planning their own wedding, Michelle said she 'wouldn't have changed a thing'

She says she gets 'emotional even now' thinking about the moment that Scott proposed

Scott had flown in around 50 family and friends to attend the romantic wedding ceremony

He knew that Michelle would have wanted her mother to be there, so had got a picture of her printed and placed on an easel at the wedding

The morning of her wedding day, Michelle woke up with no idea what was going to happen - and most importantly, what she was going to wear.

Nine months before, she had visited Scott's friend Shelly Jory-Leigh, who owns the dress shop Brides of Southampton.

Over a coffee, Shelly had suggested she should try on some of their new stock, to help them assess the fit.

Michelle explained: 'Before she'd even said that, we'd been looking through some brochures and I saw a dress that I just fell in love with. It was white, fitted lace with a beautiful long train. I was really excited when Shelly brought out the ones to try on and it was one of them.

Scott told Michelle that he was going to Russia to look at a boat, when he was secretly looking at wedding venues

Her partner also picked out matching pale pink dresses for all the bridesmaids. Michelle is pictured with her sister

Scott even chose a second second 50s style dress for Michelle to change into in the evening (right). The couple danced to Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud for their frist dance

'I tried it on and I started crying, because I was thinking of my mum and I wanted her to see me in a wedding dress, but I just kept saying, "I'm not even getting married."

'I had no idea that it was all a ploy so that Scott could pick something that I would like. I thought it was just a bit of dressing up.'

On her wedding day, Michelle was delighted to discover that Shelly had travelled to Santorini, bringing her dream bridal gown - a long fitted, white lace dress together with a shorter frock that Scott had chosen for the reception afterwards.

Shelly, who has no idea what the wedding cost, revealed the dresses, out in the open, with the turquoise sea as a backdrop, with family and friends watching, as she was moved to tears.

Michelle revealed she has no idea what the wedding, which Scott spent months planning, cost

She said he had remembered every last detail, including name tags on the tables

Scott had arranged hair, make-up, flowers and even made sure the eight bridesmaids' light pink dresses were perfectly fitted (pictured)

After making the most of the stunning scenery for their wedding photos, the rooftop was transformed into a splendid party pad

Scott, who Michelle says is not usually romantic, picked out a beautiful bouquet for his bride (pictured)

There were even more surprises to come, as Scott had arranged hair, make-up, flowers and even made sure the eight bridesmaids' light pink dresses were perfectly fitted.

Michelle's dad walked her up the aisle, which had been specially constructed outside at a rooftop venue with spectacular views of the island, to meet her charming groom.

Describing her big day, Michelle said: 'Scott had planned it all so well. He had a photographer, cake and even remembered name tags on the tables. It was amazing.

'I had so wanted my mum to be there and he had got a picture of her printed and placed on an easel at the wedding. That meant so much to me and my dad. When I was walking down the aisle, I had tunnel vision, but when I was saying my vows, I saw the picture and it was just perfect.

Michelle said she had always wanted to get married, but never even considered that he might propose then

After saying 'yes', she turned to see over 50 friends and family waving from the rooftop of the building behind them

'It made me feel like she was with us. He had just done so many little thoughtful things.'

After making the most of the stunning scenery for their wedding photos, the rooftop was transformed into a splendid party pad.

Michelle changed into her second gown, a short fifties style dress, before enjoying the first dance to Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud and then boogying the night away with all their guests.

The wedding party spent two more days enjoying the sunshine, before heading home.

'I think everyone had a great time,' Michelle said. 'Afterwards, I think they were all relieved that they could talk about it and didn't have to keep it a secret any more.

'I had never suspected anything. It wasn't until afterwards that I started putting things together.

Michelle says they haven't had a honeymoon yet, adding she needs a chance to get over the wedding first

Scott said he started planning everything back in January, admitting there were some moments where he thought Michelle was going to find out

'Scott, my daughter and our friends Ken and Lorraine had been out to look at venues, but he had told me he was going to Russia to look at a boat, as he's into powerboat racing.

'I looked at the temperature and said there was no way I was going. That's how they ended up sneaking off to look at venues, without me realising.

'We haven't had a honeymoon yet, but I think I need a chance to get over the wedding first!'

Scott added: 'I started planning everything back in January and it was a challenge but I know that organising a wedding is so stressful. After everything that happened with Michelle's mum, I didn't want her to have to worry about it.

'I knew I could do it and I did have a lot of help but it was a lovely day. There were some moments where I thought she was going to find out but luckily she never caught on.

'I knew she would say yes and I was so glad she did.'
A YouTuber has caused controversy by saying that striking McDonald's workers should get 'decent' jobs instead of 'expecting handouts'.

Suzy Lu from Scotland who has a gaming channel on YouTube with 109,794 subscribers was blasted on Twitter for saying that getting 10 an hour at McDonald's is 'steep' when Scottish care workers make less after years of studying.

Staff in Cambridge and South East London yesterday staged the first strike the company has experienced in Britain, over low pay and zero hours contracts.

Twitter users accused Suzy of looking down on hardworking people who are trying to make a living, and accused her of being blind to her own privilege.

MailOnline has contacted Suzy for further comment.

Suzy Lu from Scotland, who has a gaming channel on YouTube, accused striking McDonald's workers of looking for 'handouts' by asking to be paid a minimum of 10 an hour

The social media star, who has a gaming channel, said fast food workers should get better jobs if they want more pay

She tried to compare the wages that McDonald's workers want with what care workers get paid

Suzy defended her comments, claiming that nobody aspires to work at McDonald's

And she added that the controversy gave her an insight into what Trump experiences when he tweets

A McDonald's worker chimed in, saying that her comments implying his job isn't good enough suggested that she is better than he is.

Even First Dates maitre d' Fred Siriex weighed in, saying: 'You are a nice and wise person aren't you?'

Followers were bewildered by her comments with one asking how a desire to be paid a fair wage for your job is a 'handout'.

However, Suzy was undeterred by critics and posted a meme of grumpy cat, suggesting that people need to calm down.

Twitter users called Suzy out on her level of privelege, but her boyfriend and fellow YouTuber rushed to defend her

A commenter used this angry cat meme to point out the irony of a YouTuber suggested fast food workers are not doing a worthwhile job

And she elaborated on her point further be claiming that nobody aims to work at McDonald's if they can help it, proving that, in her opinion, it doesn't count as a 'decent' job.

She also likened herself to US President Donald Trump saying the row showed her how he must feel every time he tweets.

However, a handful of supporters defended Suzy saying that she's entitled to express her opinion on the situation.

And her boyfriend, a fellow YouTuber, insisted that a lot of sacrifice and effort goes into vlogging that people aren't aware of.
Thank you, Chief Constable. And thank you very much for inviting me here today. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to join you all today as you discuss some important topics, which I know you've been speaking about.

I'd like to start, if I may, by acknowledging the role you play in our society and the considerable pressures you are under. The police service only ever seems to make the news when one of two things happen: either a terrible tragedy or atrocity occurs, and quite rightly the police are praised for their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. Or at the other end of the spectrum, a decision is held up to account and censor.

Amidst all this, the reality of policing day to day is often overlooked. Your officers face the most difficult and chaotic elements of society every day: broken families; serious injury; terrifying assault; alcohol and drugs abuse; trying to maintain the peaceful and ordered society that most of us take for granted, and to do so whilst maintaining the British concept of policing by consent. It's a really difficult job, and the fact that it goes on every day under our noses without most of us noticing is testament to your skill in doing it. Our whole way of being as a nation owes its peaceful existence to what you do, day in day out; and we are very proud of you.

One of the things that I most enjoy about travelling overseas is observing how different nations do policing. There are some terrific examples, but I can honestly say that I have never encountered a culture of policing as it is in this country  discreet, low-key, with a sense of humour and great common sense. It would probably be diplomatically remiss of me to name countries whose policing is different to this. I would never be permitted to make a speech again if I did! So I won't name anyone  but, as an aside, one of my favourite moments on an overseas trip a few years ago was watching two rival tiers in a police force  one local, one state  vying for supremacy to escort a convoy I was in.

The two motorcycle groups repeatedly bumped into one another at high speed, nudging one another off the road, until one force caved in and relinquished the road in favour of the other. What was very funny was that the visit was semi-private but I think that by the end of my very first journey the whole city knew I was there. Discreet policing it was not!

Policing by consent  in the way that you do it, and for which British police services are so rightly praised around the world  is hard work. Policing is physically and mentally tough. The stresses of uncertain and tense situations take their toll. It is also hugely rewarding and at times enjoyable, and I know many of you talk about a policing family.

You have been talking this morning about the issue of mental health and the impact it has on policing. One in four adults will experience a mental health problem, so it is perhaps not a surprise that an estimated one third of all policing demand is connected to a vulnerable person in mental distress. This has a significant impact on policing time and effort, and it can also have a personal impact on those on the front line dealing with these cases. As a former RAF Search and Rescue and Air Ambulance pilot, I know what this feels like.

Over the past two years I worked with the East Anglian Air Ambulance alongside the police and other emergency services. My team was frequently tasked to help people in extreme distress, and I know I was not alone in being affected by some of the calls I attended. One of my first call outs was to a young man who had taken his own life. Looking at the statistics, I was astounded by how prevalent this was. Suicide is the biggest killer of young men in this country. Not cancer, knife crime, or road deaths  but suicide. This had a big impact on me.

I was very fortunate to work with a team where we were encouraged to talk through the things we had seen when we returned to base. There were days when, like you, we would have to watch our colleagues save some lives, and lose others. We saw traumatised parents dealing with the shock of having children involved in catastrophic accidents.

There were patients we lost who we fought hard to save. I know that these real life tragedies can stay with you for a long time afterwards  even when we like to pretend they don't.

Being a member of the emergency services takes considerable mental strength and resilience, and I believe there is more that we can and should do to support all first responders to look after their mental health. You are skilled at helping people in extreme distress  so you should be looked after just as much.

Members of the police service are twice as likely to suffer from mental health problems as the general public. The recent Police Federation survey also showed that officers fear disclosing mental health problems due to stigma, the reaction they would receive from supervisors and colleagues, and the possible impact on their careers. Two thirds of respondents had come to work, despite serious concerns about their mental well-being.

The prince spoke about witnessing 'real life tragedies' that can stay in the mind for a long time afterwards, even if you pretend they don't

This issue is by no means confined to the police force  the fear of stigma and a negative reaction is common in many workplaces. Over the past 18 months, through our Heads Together campaign, Catherine, Harry and I have been working with leading charities to change the conversation about mental health, and I'm really pleased MIND is here today. Don't get me wrong: there is a place for a stiff upper lip, and for a sense of humour to help get through a situation. But there is also a place for openness and mutual support  that has to be part of the mix and, till now, it has not been sufficient. Our aim has been to help tackle the stigma surrounding the issue, and to make it easier for people to get help as soon as they need it, without worrying what others will think of them.

We are beginning to see progress, with more people talking about mental health than ever before, but we still have a long way to go.

The National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing have a real opportunity to lead from the front on this issue. Police Officers are quite rightly respected for their courage and bravery. By creating an atmosphere where colleagues feel comfortable to talk openly and honestly about their issues, you can show that asking for support should be seen as a sign of strength, and not of weakness.

There are a number of organisations able to provide immediate support on the phone or online, an in particular, the MIND Blue Light Infoline that offers specialist support for those serving in the emergency services. I am delighted that MIND's Blue Light programme is represented here today. As you may know, it supports many police services across the country to provide simple and easy access to immediate support.

Building on this work by MIND Blue Light, and the Heads Together campaign, I will be convening representatives of the emergency services to consider ways in which society might better support the work you do. The tragedy at Grenfell, and the conclusion of my work as an Air Ambulance pilot, spurred me to look into doing what I can to support you in a practical way.

The reason I think all of this is important is that being a first responder is tough enough as it is. These pressures are not going to go away. Therefore, it is properly essential you are equipped to withstand the realities of 21st century policing. If more openness about mental wellbeing is part of the solution, as I believe it is, then I would like to help you with that.

I sincerely hope that the remainder of the day goes very well, and that today marks an important milestone in improving the support that you get and so rightly deserve.

Thank you very much indeed for having me to speak.
It doesn't always take years of hard work to become famous these days - as many reality stars will attest to.

But Montana Brown, who shot to stardom on ITV2's popular series Love Island this summer, has insisted that 'being known for "just being famous"' is the 'last thing' she wants.

The 21-year-old beauty, who had sex on screen with her fellow islander Alex Beattie - who she has since split from - has issued a warning to all those youngsters inspired by her rise to fame, warning that to ignore their education would be a big mistake.

'If I could give one piece of advice it is this: Kids work hard at school because there really is nothing more important,' she told The Sun.

Montana Brown found fame on ITV2's reality series Love Island where she lounged around in the sun for the summer

The brunette beauty had sex on screen with her fellow islander Alex Beattie (right) but later split from him after they left the show in fifth place

In her article for The Sun, Montana agreed with a statement once made by former President Barack Obama, that reality stars like the Kardashians 'were to blame for corrupting our children's values'.

The brunette stunner, who has a degree in PR and economics as well as 11 GCSEs and three A Levels, says it's 'troubling' to hear children declare their desire to become a 'reality star' or 'celebrity'.

Montana readily admits that she realises her fame 'might not last' and has worked hard to to make sure she has 'something to fall back on' by securing qualifications.

Although she didn't find lasting love with her boyfriend on Love Island, since leaving the programme in fifth place Montana has already made progress in showbiz career.

She collaborated on a clothing line for online fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing - for which she received a six-figure sum - and had the opportunity to present a slot on This Morning.

She adds: 'I could not have done all this without working hard at school.'

Montana jetted to LA to shoot her new clothing line with online fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing, and has also presented a fashion segment on This Morning

Montana, who made her name by spending most of the summer lounging around in the sun, has also encouraged youngsters to put their phones down and take a break from social media to engage with the real world.

'You can choose to work hard and get ahead, or sit there and waste an opportunity.

'But you don't want to wake up years from now and regret never giving it a go.'
Pressing the flesh is all in a day's work when you're a royal - so Queen Letizia of Spain will be well accustomed to greeting guests by now.

And photographs of the monarch welcoming visitors to Madrid's Zarzuela Palace today suggest Letizia, 44, has perfected a firm handshake.

The Queen's chic taupe and cream striped dress showed off her chiselled arms as she shook the hands of a number of guests in the capital.

Queen Letizia of Spain shakes the hands of a guest at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, revealing her honed arms at the same time

The Queen looked chic as ever in a cream and taupe sleeveless dress with tan high heels

The Queen, who at 44 is mother to two daughters, Princess Leonor, 11, and Infanta Sofia, 10, was snapped smiling as she mingled with guests today.

It was a case of back to business for the fashion forward monarch, who enjoyed a holiday in Palma, Mallorca, with her husband King Felipe VI and their two girls last month.

The family stayed at their summer retreat, Marivent Palace, and were seen shunning private transport to pay a visit to a tourist spot on foot in the pretty resort city.

Queen Letizia, 44, is a mother of two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia

If her athletic physique is any indication, the monarch has a very firm handshake

The family visited the Can Prunera Modern Museum in Soller, to take in a Picasso exhibition.

The King and Queen were seen greeting locals and chatting to shopkeepers as they strolled along with their pretty daughters - the eldest of whom looks just like her mother, Letizia.
A woman has warned against telling a person they don't 'look' suicidal, by sharing two extremely different photos of herself and insisting she was battling suicidal thoughts on both occasions.

Milly Smith, a mental health advocate from Hull, England, took to Instagram on Sunday to post two shots of herself side by side. In the first photo, the 24-year-old mom's face looks distressed, and she is curling wrapping her arms around her legs in a prostrate position.

The other image appears radically different, with Milly posing with a bright smile on her face, wearing a glamorous outfit and evening-ready make-up.

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Opening up: Milly Smith, a mental health advocate from Hull, England, took to Instagram on Sunday to post two shots of herself, explaining she was battling suicidal thoughts in both

Despite the differences in both pictures, the mother, who has a two-year-old son, insisted she was battling suicidal thoughts when each of them was taken.

She also recounted how a doctor told her she didn't look suicidal when she was just 14 years olda comment that discouraged her from seeking professional help for years.

' "You don't look suicidal"... I remember these words coming from the Dr's mouth right after I'd just told him that I was having thoughts of suicide,' she wrote.

'I remember in that moment my 14-year-old self felt invalidation, dumb and embarrassed; something no one in that mindset should have to feel.'

That day, Milly left wondering what a suicidal person was 'supposed' to look like.

'Those words nearly cost me my life, that judgment, those stupid stupid words,' she added.

Years later, Milly overdosed at home, and even at that moment, remained convinced she didn't seem unwell enough to seek professional help.

Past: The mom, now 24, recounted how a doctor told her she didn't look suicidal when she was just 14 years olda comment that discouraged her from seeking professional help for years

Consequences: Years later, Milly, who has a two-year-old son (pictured with her) overdosed at home and remained convinced she didn't seem unwell enough to seek help

'I remember the night just last year that I spiraled and overdosed in my living room. I remember thinking to myself "I can't get help, I don't look suicidal, I don't fit the bill, they'll laugh at me," ' the mom wrote.

It wasn't until she woke up in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones, that Milly realized how serious her state was.

'By then this could have been too late, I might not have been there to see those sad faces if my partner hadn't saved my life,' she continued.

'This, this is the danger of thinking mental health has a "face", a "look". This is how stigma, ignorance and judgement towards mental health/suicide affects those who are poorly.

'In both these photos i'm suicidal, perhaps not in the same way but on both of these days I had suicidal thoughts racing around.

'Stop the judgment. Stop the stigma.'

Advocate: Milly, who once suffered from anorexia, regularly shares photos of herself to help women embrace their bodies, and opens up about her mental health struggles

Impact: Other people shared their own stories of seeing their mental health struggles trivialized by medical professionals, and thanked Milly for spreading her message

Milly, who once suffered from anorexia, regularly shares photos of herself to help women embrace their bodies, and opens up about her mental health struggles and experiences with chronic illness.

Her post about the dangers of telling someone they don't look suicidal resonated with her 163,000 followers, gathering more than 21,800 likes.

'Thank you,' someone wrote in a comment. 'I know it isn't always easy sharing, but the education you are providing is crucial to help people understand and end the stigma of mental illness. I am so sorry you struggle with such an insidious disease.'

Other people shared their own stories of seeing their mental health struggles trivialized by medical professionals, and thanked Milly for spreading her message.

For confidential support in the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255; if you are in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123
Lauren Bush Lauren and her husband, David Lauren, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary at his family's ranch in Colorado over Labor Day weekend.

The 33-year-old FEED founder took to Instagram on Monday to pay tribute to her 45-year-old husband while sharing a sweet photo of them posed outside in front of a tent.

'Happy 6th Anniversary to my one, @davidlauren! I'm the luckiest lady in the world!' she captioned the image, which sees David with his arm thrown around her.

Look of love: Lauren Bush Lauren and her husband, David Lauren, celebrated their six-year wedding anniversary in Colorado over Labor Day weekend

Too cute; The two were enjoying at getaway with their nearly two-year-old son, James, at his family's Double RL ranch in Ridgway, Colorado, where they got married in 2011

Lauren looks radiant in a denim button-up, jeans, and a shawl around her shoulders, while David is sporting a flannel shirt and a cowboy hat.

The couple said 'I do' at his family's Double RL ranch in Ridgway, Colorado, in 2011, and the two looked thrilled to be enjoying some time away from their home in New York City.

Plenty of people took to the comments section of the post to wish them a happy anniversary, including make-up artist Bobbi Brown and Gossip Girl actress Kelly Rutherford.

Lauren's twin cousins Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager also sent well wishes to the couple on their special day.

Tradition: The couple also celebrates the anniversary of their first meeting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit in 2004. They are pictured at the gala in May

Working out: Lauren is training for the annual Run 10 Feed 10 race in New York City this month

'Happy anniversary!! Sending love,' Jenna wrote, while Barbara added: 'Happy anniversary, you two sweet [cat emoji].'

Lauren and David were joined by their 22-month-old son, James, and the proud mom shared a photo of the little boy and his dad walking barefoot in a meadow in Colorado last week.

'My guys,' she captioned the image, which sees David holding James' hand as they head toward the trees on front of them.

In addition to their wedding anniversary, the couple also celebrates the anniversary of their first meeting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit in 2004.

Every May, the two attend the star-studded event wearing ensembles by his father, designer Ralph Lauren, and David even proposed to Lauren at the museum in 2010 by creating an exhibition of pictures of their lives together.

Striped solidarity! Lauren shared a matchy-matchy photo of her family after they arrived home from a trip to Provence, France, in July

Funt trip: Lauren and her family explored southern France during the last weekend in June

Cutie: During the trip, David uploaded this cute photo of their little 'cherub in training'

David and Lauren's trip to Colorado was there latest vacation in a series of summer getaways that included getaways to the Hamptons and a work trip to Africa for her.

In July, a day after Independence Day, Lauren shared a photo of herself, David, and their son, all in nearly identical black-and-white striped sweaters.

The Americana ensembles, which were possibly Ralph Lauren designs, made for a sweet family snapshot at the end of a relaxing vacation in France.

Little James is bearing a toothy smile in the picture, in which he is perched on his mother's hip.

'Smiles and stripes... Traveling together as a little family was such a treat! Even after 19+ hours of travel home today w a toddler, we are still glowing (and exhausted)!' Lauren wrote.

Making memories: While away, Lauren uploaded this snap of James building his first sand castle with her

Stunning view: Lauren celebrated her 33rd birthday at the beach there, and her husband shared this photo of her in honor of her special day

Look of love: Lauren posted this snapshot of herself lovingly resting her cheek on David's head

That 19 hours of travel time may have been due to the unavailability of direct flights from the Provence area to New York City. The family photo was also taken in a very green yard with trees, which is likely somewhere in the suburbs and not Manhattan.

The family had been exploring Provence, and posted pictures of the beautiful landscapes and beaches on Instagram.

David and James had met Lauren there during the last weekend in June for a family getaway. Lauren had been off on her own, visiting Africa for her nonprofit FEED organization.

Once together in southern France, Lauren and her family enjoyed an idyllic beach vacation, with James building his first sandcastle with his mother.

'Building our first sandcastle together...Summer joy!' she captioned an image of herself sculpting the sand with her hands as James watched in awe.
Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia have shared an adorable new photo of their second son, Prince Gabriel Carl Walther, just five days after his birth.

The newest member of Sweden's royal family, who was born on August 31, was photographed by his 38-year-old father at their home, Villa Solbacken.

The precious photo sees the newborn wearing a tiny cream cardigan over a Peter Pan collar shirt while sleeping soundly under a gray cable-knit blanket.

Precious: Prince Carl Philip, 38, and Princess Sofia, 32, shared a photo of their second son, Prince Gabriel Carl Walther, on Tuesday, five days after his birth

Proud parents: The Swedish royals posted a photo of themselves posed with their newborn son on Friday, just one day after his birth on August 31

Although is older brother, 16-month-old Prince Alexander, is blond, the little prince appears to have dark hair like his parents.

On Monday, Prince Carl Philip headed to church with his parents, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, and other family members for a Te Deum service of thanksgiving to celebrate Prince Gabriel's arrival.

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia welcomed their second child on Thursday and on Monday they announced they have named him Prince Gabriel Carl Walther, Duke of Dalecarlia.

The name was revealed during a meeting at the Royal Palace in Stockholm between Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Crown Princess Victoria and King Carl Gustaf.

Event: Prince Carl Philip attended a service of thanksgiving for his newborn son Prince Gabriel at the Royal Chapel with his sister Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel

Family affair: Swedish King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia joined Prince Carl Philip, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel (left to right) at the Te Deum ceremony at the Royal Chapel

The baby's middle name is in honor of his parental grandfather while Walther is the name of Queen Silvia's late father.

Princess Sofia remained at home with her newborn son, while her husband attended the thanksgiving service at the Royal Chapel.

He was joined by his older sister Crown Princess Victoria, who looked glamorous in a head-to-toe rose gold ensemble, and her husband Prince Daniel.

On Friday, just one day after his birth, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia shared the first image of their baby boy, which was taken at Villa Solbacken.

In the photo, the mother-of-two is glowing as she holds hands with her handsome husband, while the new arrival sleeps peacefully in his baby seat.

All smiles: Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Crown Princess Victoria ,and King Carl Gustaf are pictured at the announcement of the prince's name: Gabriel Carl Walther, Duke of Dalecarlia

Growing family: Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are also parents to one-year-old Prince Alexander

The prince was born last Thursday at 11:24 am at Danderyd Hospital in Stockholm.

Just hours after his son arrived fresh-faced Carl Philip - who was present throughout the birth - was ready to face the cameras, giving a press conference to reveal that the new arrival was a baby boy.

He revealed that it was a quick birth and that he had cut the umbilical cord of his son who was born weighing 7.4 lbs and measuring 49 cm.

But he initially seemed to give a rather alarming indication of the size of his son stretching one hand to the height of his face and the other to below the waist, while a member of staff giggled in the background.

The baby boy is the second son for Carl Philip and his former model wife Sofia, who welcomed Prince Alexander in April last year.

Looking back: The couple is pictured with Sofia's sisters (left) and Princess Madeleine and Crown Princess Victoria (right) at Alexander's christening

Surprise: Just 11 months after the birth of her first child, it was announced that the former model was pregnant again

Special event: The family is pictured arriving for thanksgiving service on the occasion of the Crown Princess Victoria's 40th birthday celebrations at the Royal Palace on July 14

On that occasion, the Prince also gave a press conference to reporters within hours of his son's birth.

'When asked if he had cried during the birth, the prince replied, according to People magazine: 'Yes, actually. Of course. Couldn't stop.

'For me and my wife, this is obviously a great day with a lot of emotion. Words cannot describe.'

When Alexander was just 11-months-old, the couple announced that Sofia was already expecting her second child.

In an official statement on the Swedish Royal Court's website, the couple said: 'We are happy to announce that we are expecting a child, a sibling to Prince Alexander.

'We are looking forward to welcoming a new little member to our family.'
The return of Doctor Foster at her vengeful best last night saw fans take to social media in droves to voice their support for TV's ultimate wronged wife.

The first episode of the second series saw Suranne Jones' character show up uninvited to her ex-husband's housewarming, rifle through his new wife's drawers, and dupe him into thinking she wanted to sleep with him - only to repel his advances with a succinct 'I'd rather slit my own throat'.

But the piece de resistance came right at the end of the BBC show, when Gemma - having watched in horror as the former couple's 15-year-old son left to stay with his dad - calmly dissolved her wedding ring in a jar of acid.

One delighted viewer hailed Dr Foster as 'letting out my inner psycho', while others said her cheating ex Simon should the next thing to take a dip in corrosive liquid - with one likening him to 'Satan in human form'.

Simon Foster, played by Bertie Carvel, has already sparked rage in fans of the BBC show

Twitter exploded with memes as fans of the show voiced their rage at the return of Simon

Suranne Jones' character's 'infuriating' ex-husband Simon created a storm on social media

It's been two years since Doctor Foster left screens, and fans had worked themselves into a frenzy over its return this week.

They weren't disappointed by the action-packed series opener, with many left 'fuming' by the return of Gemma's ex husband Simon to their hometown of Parminster.

Fan @mhairi_mackay said on Twitter: 'Watching Doctor Foster lets out my inner psycho and I absolutely love it... DISSOLVE THAT WEDDING RING!'

She also summed up fans' anticipation over what's to come in the remainder of the series when she added: 'GAME ON.'

'I love this woman!' Dr Foster's female fans were out in force on social media during last night's show

Tense: There were several tense moments in the season opener, suggesting the series to come will be action-packed

Dr Foster calmly dropped her wedding ring into a jug of acid in a move applauded by fans

Fans appeared delighted to see Gemma Foster, played by Suranne Jones, back in revenge mode at the end of last night's episode

They applauded Gemma Foster's take-down of her ex at his housewarming party on the show

Fans of the show made it clear where their loyalties lie with a string of memes and GIFs

Fans were gripped by the drama in the opening episode of series two of the BBC show

Having disappeared to London with his pregnant mistress, leaving Gemma and their son Tom to lick their wounds, Simon, played by Bertie Carvel, is back in town and determined to force his former wife out of the picture.

One viewer said watching the 'bloody brilliant' episode left her desperate to 'climb through the screen and choke him'.

Tuesday night saw the return of Suranne Jones in BBC's Doctor Foster as she seeks revenge on her cheating ex-husband

Gemma implied she would sleep with her ex husband again - only to spurn his advances

Simon Foster's new wife Kate was also the butt of viewers' creative jokes on Twitter

Just one episode into the new series, Bertie Carvel's character is inspiring rage in fans

Disgruntled fans also took to Twitter to complain about Gemma's friend and co-worker Ros (Thusitha Jayasundera) describing her as a 'snake' and a 'b****'.

Having been invited to Simon and his new wife Kate's housewarming party, Ros was quick to reassure her friend she wouldn't be attending.

But when Gemma decided to make an impromptu appearance she found a sheepish Ros there mingling with guests, prompting Twitter user Ruth to write: 'Gemma needs some new friends man, they've all been snakes since day one'.

Boo agreed adding: 'Her friends continue to be the absolute worst. Can she take them down next please?'

Meanwhile others dubbed Ros a 'snake' and called for Gemma to take her revenge on her

Simon's return comes two years after Gemma exposed her his betrayal and he left town with his pregnant mistress Kate, played by Jodie Comer, but episode one saw his return threaten his ex-wife's newly peaceful existence - and her mental state.

And despite the time passing it quickly became apparent that Doctor Foster is not yet prepared to forgive and forget.

In a bid to move on herself the scorned Doctor accepted a date from one of her patients, James, who also happens to be her son Tom's teacher.

However, after the date gets off to a rocky start Gemma invited James to accompany her to her ex-husbands wedding reception - despite the fact she was definitely not on the guest list.

Episode one begins with Simon and Kate sending out invitations to their housewarming and wedding party after returning to Parminster

Despite having not received an invite Gemma attends the event where her ex-husband's new wife Kate (pictured) makes a speech thanking her for her attendance

The episode ends with Gemma's son Tom making the decision to go and live with his father

Despite some tense moments Gemma managed to remain calm as Kate thanked her for attendance adding 'hopefully it will be peace and quiet from now on'.

But Simon later found his former wife snooping through the newlyweds' bedroom, at which point she accused him of still being attracted to her.

Simon conceded that he still thinks about his wife and finds her 'very attractive', however, when he propositions her she responds 'I'd rather slit my own throat.'

The episodes ended after Simon paid a visit to Gemma's home the following day and takes Tom to live with him and Kate, and told his ex-wife 'the only way I'm leaving is in a coffin'.

Gemma replied: 'That's good to know.'
It was back to business for Queen Maxima as she attended a charity gala in her native Netherlands on Tuesday.

The Dutch queen, 46, attended a benefit gala at her namesake Princess Maxima Centre for children's oncology in Amsterdam on this evening.

The mother-of-three looked stunning in a flowing blue gown, as she put on a brave face stepping out just a month after the death of her father Jorge Horacio Zorreguieta.

The Argentinian-born royal flaunted her floorlength gown, which featured a low cut neckline.

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Queen Maxima, 46, attended the benefit gala for the Princess Maxima Centre for children's oncology

Maxima's dress featured a feminine floral pattern on the bust, and a darker more elaborate style on the skirt.

The flowing gown had flared sheer sleeves that showed just a hint of her toned arms.

Its neckline was surprisingly low cut and allowed for the royal to showcase a dazzling blue diamond necklace.

Maxima kept her accessories to a minimal with delicate blue diamond earrings and a simple bangle on her wrist.

The queen consort put on a brave face and smiled for the cameras at the glitzy charity gala

Maxima looked elegant in a blue flowing gown, which featured sheer flared sleeves and a low cut neckline

She also carried a simple beige clutch bag and wore her famous blonde tresses in loose waves.

The gala this evening intends to raise money for parent-child rooms and an intra-operative MRI scanner.

Maxima joined other dinner guests where she watched the evening's events attentively.

Polished to perfection, the royal put on a brave face and smiled for the cameras following the death of her father Jorge in August.

Maxima's father, Jorge Horacio Zorreguieta, had a form of non-Hodgkin's and died at the age of 89.

Maxima seemed lost in the glamorous event, which raised money for the Princess Maxima Centre

Maxima seemed to be putting on a brave face just a month after the death of her father

It is believed the funeral of the former politician, who served as Minister of Agriculture in the regime of General Jorge Rafael Videla, was a private affair, restricted to close family and friends.

Zorreguieta stayed away from his daughter's 2002 wedding to the now king because of the Dutch government's concern over his participation in Argentina's 1976-83 military dictatorship.

Known as a technocrat while heading the Agriculture Ministry, he was one of the longest-serving civilian Cabinet ministers during the regime.

Jorge Horacio Zorreguieta died from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 89 in August

The former politician is survived by seven children and 12 grandchildren

He denied knowing anything about human rights abuses committed under the junta.

Despite not being able to attend the wedding, he was present for the christening of Maxima's three daughters princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane.

The former politician is survived by seven children and 12 grandchildren.
She stepped down as judge after seven years on the Great British Bake Off when it moved from BBC One to Channel 4.

But Mary proved there were no hard feelings as she praised her successor Prue Leith and the 'brilliant' show format.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, the 82-year-old said: 'If somebody had asked who would you like to be the new judge, I would have chosen Prue because she knows her stuff.'

Mary, who last night picked up a gong for Outstanding Contribution to TV at a glittering awards ceremony at the Dorchester hotel, also took the opportunity to praise the new crop of contestants.

Prue Leith joins the GBBO cast alongside judge Paul Hollywood and presenters Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding - with an average of 5.8million tuned in to watch last week's episode

Speaking on the TV Choice Awards red carpet, she said: 'They've watched, I would think, seven series, most of them.

'So they're bound to have upped their game and practised like mad. That's how they got there.'

However, the TV veteran admitted she 'wasn't concentrating that hard' when asked who should have been named Star Baker in last week's installment.

Adding that her proudest moment was watching Nadiya Hussain win in 2017, she said of the pressure faced by GBBO finalists: 'When it comes to the final, those three people, they've only got to drop it, or they take it out of the oven too soon and it goes down in the middle and they've lost.'

Accolade: Mary last night picked up a gong for Outstanding Contribution to TV at a glittering awards ceremony at the Dorchester hotel, where she praised the new crop of contestants

She added: 'That does happen, even when you get to the final.'

The show returned to screens last week for its debut episode since switching from the BBC to Channel 4 - a controversial move that also saw hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins step down from their presenting gig to be replaced by Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding.

The octogenarian is said to have turned down a 7million offer to continue as a judge on the new series, citing 'loyalty to the BBC'.

Mary joined former hosts Mel Giedroyc (far right) and Sue Perkins (second right) in stepping down from the show - after bosses announced it would be moving to Channel 4

Sweet success: An average of 5.8million tuned in to watch last week's episode of the eighth series of GBBO with its new line-up, after Channel 4 outbid the BBC for the contract

She said at the time: 'My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one.

'I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision.'

An average of 5.8million tuned in to watch last week's episode of the eighth series after Channel 4 outbid the BBC for the contract.

When catch-up figures were included, the number climbed to 6.5million  the largest audience for Channel 4 since the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games.
The BBC has rubbished claims that they are planning to axe Rosemary Shrager and Giorgio Locatelli from The Big Family Cooking Showdown following poor ratings.

Despite airing the show on a Thursday to avoid clashing with Channel 4's Great British Bake Off, the programme scraped a disappointing 1.35million last week - compared to Great British Bake Off's 6.5million.

And while insiders have reported that the broadcaster is planning to drop two of the shows judges, bosses have since denied these claims.

Insiders claim that Zoe Ball and ex-Bake Off Champion Nadiya Hussain are not threatened with the chop.

The BBC has rubbished claims two judges face the axe from The Big Family Cooking Showdown, insisting they are 'delighted' with all four of their hosts

Insiders have claimed that Giorgio Locatelli and Rosemary Shrager are facing the chop following disappointing ratings

Responding to the rumours, the BBC said: 'The show has got off to a great start and we are absolutely delighted with all four of our presenters and judges.'

According to The Sun, sources claim a restructure will be on the cards if Showdown returns for a second series.

An insider said: 'Bosses like the format and have high hopes for recreating some of the magic of Bake Off, but something hasn't quite clicked.

'The feeling behind the scenes is that there's definitely something there. Nadiya and Zoe have proved a hit as hosts, but it might be the spark between the judges is lacking something.

The family based cooking show scraped in 1.34million viewers last week compared to episode one of the Bake Off (cast pictured) which picked up figures of 6.5million

'If it's to have another series, some new faces look likely.'

The family based cooking show scraped in 1.34million viewers last week - nearly 400,000 down on its launch show three weeks ago.

To make matters worse, BBC even moved it to a Thursday to avoid a clash with Bake Off on Channel 4  which picked up figures of 6.5million for its first show in its new home.

The show sees families of amateur contestants take part in cookery challenges each week, judged by the experts in a bid to be crowned winner.

However, thus far it has struggled to impress with critics describing the programme as 'uninspiring'.

An average of 5.8million tuned in to watch last week's episode of the eighth series of Bake Off after Channel 4 outbid the BBC for the contract.

When catch-up figures were included, the number climbed to 6.5million  the largest audience for Channel 4 since the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games.
Sickness in pregnancy is common  around seven out of every 10 expectant mothers experience nausea, vomiting or both.

For most women, this improves or disappears completely by around week 14. But in one per cent of pregnancies, it can persist and be more serious.

Women who suffer the same morning sickness illness as The Duchess of Cambridge  who announced her third pregnancy yesterday  have shared their shocking stories of suffering hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

This includes one who threw up 42 times in a day and another who considered terminating her baby.

HG often needs hospital treatment and in extreme cases can be deadly.

It is considered to be the second leading cause of hospitalisation during pregnancy and can lead to dehydration  dangerous to both the mother and child.

If dehydration does strike, babies are at risk of deformities because the constant vomiting can deprive the woman's body of amniotic fluid  which the baby needs to thrive.

Here four women speak out about how HG blighted their pregnancies...

Victoria Hopkins, pictured with her husband Scott, says medication has reduced her vomiting from hyperemesis gravidarum from up to 42 times a day to five

WHAT IS HG? Excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and often needs hospital treatment. Unlike regular morning sickness, HG may not get better by 14 weeks. It may not clear up completely until the baby is born, although some symptoms may improve at around 20 weeks. Some pregnant women be sick many times a day and be unable to keep food or drink down, which can have a negative effect on their daily life. Exactly how many pregnant women get HG is not known as some cases may go unreported, but it's thought to be around 1 in every 100. Signs and symptoms of HG include prolonged and severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration and low blood pressure. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

'Vomiting 42 times a day made me consider terminating my baby'

Victoria Hopkins  currently four months pregnant with a boy  was forced to shut down her business because of her severe morning sickness, which has made her sick up to 42 times a day.

The 33-year-old, of Gomersal, West Yorkshire, revealed she considered terminating her pregnancy at one stage, as her morning sickness was so severe.

Now, it is under control but, despite being pregnant, she is taking a chemotherapy tablet, Ondansetron, typically used to treat cancer patients, to ease her nausea.

'HG is not 'morning sickness',' said Victoria, who is married to engineer Scott, 38. 'It's much worse.

'I have felt so ill that there have been times when I've considered having a termination,' said the mother of two.

'During the worst day of my pregnancy, I vomited 42 times. A typical bad day is between 10 to 20 times.

'Now I'm taking tablets and normally being sick between five and 10 times a day.'

Victoria's two boys  Grayson, six, and Jaxon, four  have a different biological father to her current baby and she did not have HG when she was carrying them.

'I think I wasn't sick with the first two pregnancies as they had a different dad,' she said. 'But from five weeks with this one I've been sick non-stop.'

The 33-year-old, from West Yorkshire, believes she wasn't sick with her first two pregnancies as they had a different fathers

Victoria, who was referred to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, when she was seven weeks pregnant, was severely dehydrated.

She had six litres of fluid replenished via a cannula and was given injections of Ondansetron and Cyclizine, anti-sickness medications, into her bottom.

Diagnosed with HG at seven weeks she was forced to close her business making casts of babies' hands for new parents.

'I couldn't go to work,' she explained. 'It was too difficult. It's temporary though.'

Since her initial diagnosis, Victoria has been admitted to hospital a further five times.

'I've had my fluids replenished,' she explained.

The chemotherapy drug has made her feel better. 'I can eat a bit again,' she said. 'At this point, I don't think I would have another baby, but you never know.'

She's hopeful the sickness will go when her son, due on February 4, arrives.

'I can't believe Kate Middleton is pregnant again,' she said. 'It's horrible.

'But I want people to realise that it's not just her  women suffer this every day.'

'I'd vomit up to 10 times a day and started to hallucinate'

Lee-Anne Willis, 37, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, says her morning sickness was so severe she wouldn't have another baby.

The dental hygienist, married to marketing manager Rob, 37, was struck down by hyperemesis gravidarum, before she even realised she was expecting Matthew, now aged 10 months.

Despite being obsessed with healthy eating and nutrition  and intending to fill up on fresh, organic veg throughout her pregnancy  she survived on pickled onion flavour Monster Munch and white bread.

Lee-Anne Willis began suffering from hyperemesis gravidaru even before she realised she was pregnant with Matthew, now aged 10 months

'Bizarrely, these were the only things I could manage,' she said. 'I'd wanted to eat organic veg and fill myself with healthy snacks.

'But I ended up barely able to eat. When I did eat, it was just Monster Munch.

'I'd vomit up to 10 times a day, and felt sick non-stop. I lost a stone in all, while most people put on weight during pregnancy.'

Lee-Anne, who met Rob in her 30s developed HG incredibly early in her pregnancy.

She said: 'Two days before I did a positive pregnancy test, I started feeling sick  and it continued for the next nine months.

She was admitted to King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire numerous times.

Matthew was born healthy, weighing 6lb 14oz  but Lee-Anne says he will be her last

While pregnant with Matthew Lee-Anne had to take anti-sickness drugs given to chemotherapy patients

HOW THIS CONDITION COULD PREDICT YOUR BABY'S GENDER Last year, researchers found those with extreme morning sickness may be less likely to give birth to sons. According to New Scientist, one theory is the Trivers-Willard hypothesis which suggests when times are good, it is best to have a son. However, in tough times, a daughter is safer for a mother to pass on her genes to as weaker males are less likely to succeed. Given a third of pregnancies with HG result in miscarriage, this could help to explain why fewer boys are born to women with the condition, the study said. Advertisement

'At my worst  at 20 weeks  I was put on Cyclizine, a medication for nausea, but I started to hallucinate because of it,' she said.

Lee-Anne can't remember what she hallucinated, only that she was delirious.

'It was terrifying  I was alone and scared in hospital,' she admitted. 'But the sickness was not the worst part  it was the constant, relentless nausea.

'I'd not had a baby before and, initially, I didn't know that the sickness I was experiencing was not normal.

'But my husband eventually said it wasn't. He took me to hospital, where I had IV drips to replenish my fluids and it was there that my diagnosis was confirmed.'

Later in her pregnancy, she was given Ondansetron tablets  anti-sickness drugs given to chemotherapy patients  to make her feel better.

At 40 weeks and four days her boy, Matthew, arrived on November 19, 2016, happy and healthy, weighing 6lb 14oz.

After her placenta was delivered, her relentless sickness vanished.

'I was so, so glad,' she said. 'But, I wouldn't have another baby. I admire Kate Middleton, but her support network is so strong  and she has the best care in the world.'

'I vomited up to 35 times a day'

Elysia Munday, 26, suffered morning sickness so severe during her first pregnancy with her son Dexter, now four, she ended up hospitalised in the first weeks of her second pregnancy after vomiting up to 35 times a day.

Now 10 weeks pregnant with her second child, the sales and events manager, from Weymouth, Dorset, collapsed at work and had to be signed off work as her condition meant she was spending most of the day in the toilet instead of at her desk.

Elysia Munday is so ill with HG that she has been signed off work after she collapsed

During her first pregnancy, travelling in the car caused such severe nausea that meant constantly having to pull over on the hard shoulder and on one occasion, when a police officer stopped to check on her, she vomited over him.

She explained: 'With my first, I was very poorly. I never got diagnosed with HG but I think when I compare it to now, it was the same. I thought it was normal  I don't think I realised that most people aren't like that.

'The worst was when we pulled over in the layby and a police officer came over, I went to say yes but instead just vomited everywhere.

'I just had to keep saying sorry and explain that it was really severe morning sickness.'

After collapsing at work after she fell pregnant with her second child, by team leader Jordan, 21, she was so severely dehydrated she was hospitalised.

She was officially diagnosed with the condition and given a drip and anti-sickness medication.

'It is one of those conditions where you go into recovery for a day and you think you have beaten it and then you go into relapse,' she explained.

'I am being sick at least five or six times but at the worst, I have my head in the toilet for solid hours. I think the worst day I logged was 35 times in one day. I spend most of the day at the toilet or with a sick bowl in my hand.

The 26-year-old revealed she has had her head in the toilet 'for solid hours'

'I had to be signed off work. I was severely dehydrated at my last check-up. I wasn't keeping fluids or food down. I absolutely love my food and I am craving it but I know when I eat it, it will come straight back up.'

Elysia vomits throughout the day and night, affecting her work, sleep and caring for her little boy.

'I have had to ask for help from my friends to help me through the day. He is starting school this week and I want to give him attention but I have no energy. I am being sick through the night because I'm not getting any sleep.

'I barely have enough energy to even get out of bed. People say "oh it's just morning sickness" but it's a completely different condition. Morning sickness means being sick a few times a day but this completely takes control of your whole life.

'I have to plan my life around where the nearest toilet is. If I go into town, I have to think about where I can go. I get really embarrassed by it. I avoid going out as much as I can.

'I think Kate is such a brave woman to have gone through this twice and is willing to go through it again. She needs to be out and about so it's not like she can easily go somewhere if she is caught short.'

Carrie Rivlin was so ill that she questioned whether she should have had another baby

Carrie Rivlin, 40, lives in Leeds, West Yorkshire, with her husband, psychologist Edward, 42, and their three children, Benjy, nine, Chloe, six, and Erin, who is nearly two.

After experiencing bad morning sickness with her first two children, the PR consultant was expecting to suffer, when she and Edward, 42, decided to have a third child.

But by the time she was five weeks pregnant, it was so severe, she was unable to work and sobbed on her GP, telling him she could not cope.

Diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum by six-and-a-half weeks pregnant, she was on her third type of medication, Promethazine, a drug to control nausea and vomiting, which finally kept her dehydration under control.

Carrie said: 'There were times when I felt so ill, I found myself wishing I'd never decided to have another baby, as I felt I couldn't go on.

By nine weeks pregnant, Carrie Rivlin had lost a stone from feeling too sick to eat

'My medication meant I was able to drink enough for me to need to go to the toilet once a day and, thankfully, that kept me out of hospital.

'But I could barely eat anything at all. I had constant, severe nausea  the kind that you get in the few moments before you vomit, when you have a tummy bug, but it was always there.

'I'd dry-retch a lot, too. By nine weeks, I'd lost a stone from feeling too sick to eat and the day after I gave birth, I weighed half a stone less than my pre-pregnancy weight.'

Working from home meant Carrie was able to take time off until she could work on a lap top in bed, from about 18 weeks.

She did try stopping her medication at 26 weeks, but was so ill, she had to go back on it.

She continued: 'I can see why people end up terminating. If I'd needed to go to work to pay the mortgage, I couldn't have done it.'

Carrie admits that she missed out on her children's lives during this time.

She recalled: 'It was difficult for me to have them near me, because I didn't have the energy.

'Also, so many smells set off my nausea, sometimes it happened even with them.

'I couldn't read stories to my children, as it was too much of a physical effort. I couldn't have a shower, as the effort of standing up for that long was too great.

'And anything touching me and the feeling of water constantly dropping on me was too much to bear.

'I just had to lie in bed and sleep.'

The 40-year-old said she lost interest in her children Benjy, nine, Chloe, six, and Erin, who is nearly two and wouldn't have coped without the support of husband Edward

If it had not been for her husband and her mother, Carrie says she would never have coped.

'I sort of lost interest in my other two children because of HG,' she said.

'I did disappear from their lives for a couple of months and I worried in case this had an effect on them and they were resentful of their little sister.

'I was so poorly that my husband would leave me in bed with the TV remote control and if it was just out of reach, I wouldn't bother with it. It just wasn't worth the additional nausea it took to stretch and get it.'

Fortunately, Carrie had read enough about HG to know that while the mother suffered, her baby was unlikely to be harmed.

She said: 'I wasn't worried about my baby. I knew a lot about HG and I knew she was growing.'

The day after giving birth, Carrie recovered. 'I hadn't been able to have hot drinks throughout my pregnancy, but I remember having a cup of tea the day after having my baby and being amazed that it was fine,' she said.

'I do admire Kate Middleton for having a third baby when she knows she is prone to it, as if this had happened in my first pregnancy, I would have found it very difficult to get my head around having any more kids.'
Oxford University scientists went ahead and gave human babies a trial tuberculosis (TB) vaccine that was found to 'not work on monkeys', it has been claimed.

Professor Peter Beverley, a former principal research fellow at the institution, made the allegation, which has since been denied.

He suggested scientists ignored worrying data, collected by Government officials, that showed primates given the booster jab seemed to 'die rather rapidly'.

Professor Beverley told BBC's File on Four that 'there is no evidence whatsoever' that the experimental jab was effective following the results of the trial.

Professor Peter Beverley, a former principal research fellow at Oxford University, said scientists ignored worrying data, collected by Government officials, that showed primates given the booster tuberculosis jab seemed to 'die rather rapidly' (stock)

What was the original study?

The original Public Health England (PHE) monkey study in question, which began in 2006, involved 18 monkeys who were infected with TB.

Of the six primates who were given the experimental booster jab, called MVA85A, five became unwell and had to be put down, The Telegraph reports.

Death rates were lower for those monkeys who were solely given the existing BCG vaccine - which was first used in 1921. The study was published in the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology.

Professor Beverley said: 'It certainly looks, when you look at the rate at which these animals died, that the MVA85A boosted group and the control untreated group all died rather rapidly.'

Application for funding

Oxford University researchers applied for funding for a clinical trial on 2,800 babies 10 months after the PHE monkey study began.

But Professor Beverley claimed regulators weren't given the results of the PHE study, which wasn't testing the effectiveness of the jab but was a quest to find a new delivery mechanism, when they came to assess the application.

A spokesperson for the university hit back and said that the monkey data was shared with South African regulators for them to make a decision.

But an inquiry it set-up following Professor Beverley's complaint said it 'would have been good' for the data to have been shared in a 'more timely fashion'.

The university, which found no wrongdoing, said the reason for the deaths of the monkeys was due to high levels of TB bacteria used in the study.

NHS STAFF INFECTED WITH 'HIDDEN' TB One in 25 medical staff at some NHS hospitals could be infected with a 'hidden' form of tuberculosis, it emerged last week. Scientists from Public Health England screened 469 clinical staff at one hospital trust in the north of England after two became ill with the contagious lung infection. They found that 128 had latent TB, where the bug is dormant but can become infectious at any time. Most hailed from India and the Philippines, where infection rates are high. Scientists said the rate of latent infection at the trust equated to four per cent  one in 25  of its 3,000-strong medical workforce. Dr Onkar Sahota, chairman of the London Assembly health committee, said: 'This is probably the same story up and down the country.' Advertisement

Some 14 clinical trials had already been conducted into the use of the MVA85A vaccine on 424 people. All had found it to be safe.

Results of the human trial

The human trial in South Africa, led by Professor Helen McShane, went ahead based on the data prior to the PHE study, and half of the babies in the trial were given the new vaccine.

Families involved in the study, who were paid the equivalent of 10 to take part, were told the 'safe and effective' vaccine had been tested on both humans and animals.

The vaccine was proved to be safe in all 1,399 infants who were given it, although it offered no increased protection against TB, researchers said in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It killed 1.8 million in 2015.

The disease, which is caused by bacteria, attacks the lungs and typical symptoms include cough, fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, night sweats and weight loss.

It can spread to many parts of the body, including the bones and nervous system. A person can catch TB by being in the same room as an infected person.

Despite years of searching for another vaccine, the only effective jab that exists is the BCG - which protects against TB in eight out of 10 people.

Just last week scientists found that the BCG vaccine offers protection for at least 20 years, suggesting its power has been underestimated.

Before the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine findings, it was thought to work for only 10 to 15 years, The Guardian reports.
A four-year-old girl in Italy has died of malaria  prompting fears that the mosquito-borne disease has returned to the country after decades.

Sofia Zago developed a fever after returning home from a family holiday in Bibione, a seaside resort on the Adriatic coast near Venice.

As her condition deteriorated, she was taken to a hospital in the northern city of Trento. Within an hour, the girl had slipped into a coma and was diagnosed with malaria.

The child was then then transferred to intensive care at a hospital in Brescia which treats tropical diseases, but they were unable to save her and she died on Sunday night.

The girl had never travelled to a country classified as at-risk, raising questions about how she contracted the disease.

An expert suspects climate change may be to blame for the first-home grown case in 55 years.

The death of Sofia Zago, pictured here with her family, has baffled doctors as she had never travelled to a risk-prone country

Sofia came into contact with two children at the Trento hospital who had caught malaria during a trip to Africa.

Her death has puzzled doctors because, while some types of mosquito are able to transmit the disease from person to person, they are not native to Italy.

'I've never seen a case like it, it's a mystery. It shouldn't have been possible for her to get malaria,' said Claudio Paternoster, head of the infectious diseases department at the Trento's Santa Chiara Hospital, where Sofia was first treated.

'But only some types of mosquito are able to transmit the disease from person to person, and they don't exist in Italy,' she told news agency AFP.

While there are a few cases of malaria in Italy a year, 'they are so-called "suitcase" cases, where someone has brought an infected mosquito back with them from Africa,' he explained.

Only certain species of mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus  and only females of those species  can transmit malaria

BREAKTHROUGH IN MALARIA VACCINE A powerful new malaria vaccine could be on its way after scientists found it was a success during a small trial. Four of eight monkeys that were given the injection were completely protected from the deadly blood disease. The modified jab, based on another experimental drug, fought off the tropical infection for nearly a month in three other apes. Only one monkey fell victim to the virus passed on by a mosquito that causes the most serious form of malaria. These anopheles mosquitoes are believed to kill in excess of 440,000 people each year as a result of passing on the virus. The vaccine works by using a combination of two proteins  which better mimic the disease-causing parasite itself. Researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases say their findings show the need for human trials. Advertisement

Climate change could be to blame

Malaria was rife in Italy in the 19th century, particularly in the centre, south and islands.

But after mass draining of marshlands and the widespread use of the medicine quinine, by 1962 the country was declared malaria-free.

Since then, most recorded cases have been linked to tourists who returned from countries where it is common.

Dr Paternoster said he had not seen a single case of 'indigenous malaria' during his 30-year career.

He speculated that climate change may be to blame.

'It was a very hot summer and with climate change we cannot rule out the adaptation of some species [of mosquito] or the re-introduction of others which could transmit the disease,' the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera quoted him as saying.

The country's Ministry of Health confirmed that it has dispatched a team of experts to investigate how the girl contracted the disease.

And on Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) has hosted a meeting in Moscow to discuss how to keep Europe free of the disease. No cases of home-grown malaria were reported in Europe in 2015.

The United Nations agency says Italy could be vulnerable to a return of malaria if mosquitoes are not properly controlled.

According to WHO, there were 212 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2015, and 429,000 deaths.

Ninety per cent of malaria cases and deaths occur in Africa. Children under five are most at risk.
Don't swim while wearing contact lenses if you don't want to contract a flesh-eating eye bug that could potentially leave you blind.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a parasite found in water across the world, can easily be picked up by lenses, researchers warn.

Left to burrow, the amoeba can penetrate through the eyeball, causing total vision loss within just a matter of weeks.

An analysis of all incidents recorded in the last 18 years showed that 86 per cent of patients had gone swimming with their lenses in.

Acanthamoeba keratitis, a parasite found in water across the world, can easily be picked up by lenses, researchers warn

Australian researchers identified 34 cases over the time frame, the study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology states.

As well as the risk of swimming, which is a known risk factor, the scientists also highlighted rinsing lenses with tap water as a cause.

The acanthamoeba parasite, which feeds on bacteria, can be present in all forms of water - such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and even showers.

Of the cases, a fifth required surgical treatment. Corneal transplants are given in extreme circumstances to completely remove the parasite.

Lead author Dr Rasik Vajpayee, from the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, said an early diagnosis is essential.

Eye surgeons have said the research once again lays bare the inherent dangers for contact lens wearers - especially when hygiene is poor.

The parasite can become trapped between the eyeball and the plastic lens with nowhere else to go, forcing it to dig down into the flesh.

AK is a particularly nasty infection - something youd want to avoid at all costs David Allamby, medical director of London's Focus Clinic

David Allamby, medical director of London's Focus Clinic, told MailOnline: 'AK is a particularly nasty infection - something youd want to avoid at all costs.

'It might be tempting to leave your contacts in before taking a swim, particularly if youre planning to wear goggles.

'But, as these new findings prove, there really shouldnt be an excuse; either take them out before you jump in or go to the gym instead.'

There are around 3.5 million lens wearers in the UK - rising from just 1.6 million in 1992, according to the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers.

It comes after MailOnline told the story of a paramedic who was forced to have his eye removed after his contact lenses were infected by the same parasite.

Andrew Carthew, 59, from Wadebridge, Cornwall, described the pain as being like toothache in his eye, it was reported in December.

In 2009, University of Queensland scientists found that instances of AK had doubled over a four year period - the vast majority involving contact lens wearers.
Being tall may have its shortcomings.

For researchers have found that greater height comes with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

A study of 2.7million people concluded taller men and women are far more likely to develop blood clots in their veins - a leading cause of heart problems.

The study, which also compared siblings to rule out genetic factors, found a direct correlation between height and risk of venous thromboembolism.

The taller someone is, the greater their risk.

The Swedish researchers examined two huge datasets - one for women and one for men - who were tracked for between 30 and 43 years.

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Experts have found that greater height comes with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

Among 1.6million men, those who were shorter than 5'3' were 65 per cent less likely to develop a venous blood clot than those who were taller than 6'2'.

Similar findings emerged for women, according to the paper published in the medical journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics Report.

The researchers examined health record of 1.1million women tracked from the time of their first pregnancy - a point at which women are particularly at risk of clots.

They found women who were shorter than 5'1' were 69 per cent less likely to develop a clot than those who measured 6 feet or taller.

Lead researcher Dr Bengt Zoller, associate professor at Lund University in Sweden, suspects the cause may be simple.

'It could just be that because taller individuals have longer leg veins there is more surface area where problems can occur,' he said.

'There is also more gravitational pressure in leg veins of taller persons that can increase the risk of blood flow slowing or temporarily stopping.'

THE OTHER DANGERS OF BEING TALL Tall and overweight men are in greater danger of aggressive prostate cancer. A six foot tall man has a 21 per cent higher risk of high-grade prostate cancer than one who is five feet and eight inches. Middle-aged spread of around four inches around the waist can raise the risk by another 13 per cent, an Oxford University study found. Tall men have higher levels of growth hormones which cause them to shoot upwards as children, but are linked to prostate cancer in adulthood. Men who are overweight, particularly those putting on weight around their middle, are thought to alter their testosterone levels, which may also lead to cancer. Both groups of larger men are also at increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. Advertisement

In order to rule out genetic factors, Dr Zoller's team compared the health records of pairs of siblings.

For pairs of brothers, a 10cm (three inch) height gap was linked to a 31 per cent difference in blood clot risk.

And for pairs of sisters the same height difference was linked to a 35 per cent difference.

Blood clots in the veins - including deep vein thrombosis - are the third biggest cause of heart attacks and strokes.

More than 60,000 people in Britain develop such a clot each year, which in severe cases can even require the amputation of a leg.

In some cases parts of the clot breaks off and get stuck in the lung, triggering a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

Clots often occurs when people sit inactive for several hours - such as on a long-haul flight or when lying in a hospital bed.

Pregnant women are also at risk, as are women who take the contraceptive pill.

Dr Zoller said: 'Height is not something we can do anything about.

'However, the height in the population has increased, and continues increasing, which could be contributing to the fact that the incidence of thrombosis has increased.

'I think we should start to include height in risk assessment just as overweight, although formal studies are needed to determine exactly how height interacts with inherited blood disorders and other conditions.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 'ended the sense of entitlement of our political dynasts'

No one would know the travails of a Prime Minister's job better than Narendra Modi.

Being a 24x7 workaholic leader, he is rooted in people's strife, whether it was in firmly supporting Muslim women's petition for triple talaq, or exulting with the start-up gang of entrepreneurs by being one with the boys.

However, 'those who are governed are entitled to question those who govern,' as critique is the bedrock of a mature democracy.

In comparison to Modi's global peers, fortunately India is not like Vladimir Putin's Russia or Donald Trump's America, a democracy at war with a twitter-neurotic, cyber-bully President.

Nor is Modi an impulsive and nutty Kim Jong-un who could press the trigger on his hostile neighbour just for fun.

Victories

Through a series of electoral victories, Modi has ended the sense of entitlement of our political dynasts.

A 'New India' can only be birthed when 'Old India' cedes to new ideation.

Compared to his political contemporaries like Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Prasad, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati who have failed to anticipate the aspiration of 400 million millennials comprising the neo-middle class, Modi as a modernist gauged that well.

Unlike Sonia Gandhi (pictured), Lalu Prasad, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, Modi has gauged the aspiration of 400 million millennials, writes Bindu Dalmia

However, schemes like Start-Up India and Skill India, though futuristic and well intentioned, have long gestation periods to deliver jobs.

And expecting start-ups to become the new job-creators is unrealistic, as mortality rates of new businesses failing are as high as nine out of 10 globally, according to the Forbes findings.

Employment generation can only be through export facilitation, a robust industrial policy and government spending.

Second, the BJP has yet to throw up a prototype of a model state amongst the 18 provinces it dominates, as to what a New Indian state will feel like to inhabit.

This includes the BJP's hold over two of the most corrupt and apathetic civic bodies - the BMC and MCD.

'Haryana is the antithesis of Modi's idealistic paradigm of a New India' due to 'spiritual cronyism' that allowed Ram Rahim (pictured) and his cult to flourish

Like Gujarat was projected in the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections after Modi's 12-year tenure, the BJP now has no equivalent to showcase a near-perfect state before the 2019 polls.

Gujarat is now beset with the Patidar issue, while Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir are facing anti incumbency.

As for Haryana, it has turned out to be an antithesis to Modi's idealistic paradigm of a New India. Its political establishment has recently been found complicit in what I call 'spiritual cronyism' in allowing Ram Rahim's parallel universe to flourish to leverage his hold on his social constituency for political gains.

Also, Modi must realise that the old alibi of blaming '70 years of Congress misgovernance' won't hold for long.

The negative shock of demonetisation shrank GDP to 5.7 per cent

Fault lines

I enumerate some of the multiple fault lines of Old India: One, the negative shock of demonetisation shrank GDP to 5.7 per cent, lower than the 6.8 per cent of 2008, the year of the global economic crisis.

This, despite the falling oil prices. This is the BJP's last lap of governance to retrieve the economic loss by 2018.

New India would least want to be terrorised by predator taxmen who now go after the honest taxpayers each time tax revenues fall.

Two, weeding out corruption cannot be glorified as achievement enough, because integrity is a prerequisite we demand of elected leaders.

Subsidising Air India's losses of Rs 55,000 crore 'forces the taxpayer to bear the burden of an inefficient system'

Besides, corruption among lower bureaucracy is still rampant among civic bodies, police and IT officials.

Three, our healthcare has become unaffordable and the population is underinsured, while insurance claims are hard to resolve or recover.

Four, police and prison reforms have yet to be undertaken and pendancy of judicial cases is ever mounting.

Five, subsidising Air India's losses of Rs 55,000 crore or recapitalising NPAs of banks only forces the taxpayer to bear the burden of an inefficient system, requiring glitches be fixed with a sense of urgency on cumulative debt.

Freedom

The PM must also take note of one more point: with the growing fear of diminishing freedom of expression, we are increasingly being perceived as a '50:50 democracy'.

Like the right to privacy, we accept that freedom of expression is an inalienable fundamental right, yet not an absolute right.

But when student outcry is regarded as a 'thought-crime' against the state for venting political convictions which are not necessarily seditious, it reflects a mindset of control freaks of the Old India.

Democratic constitutions were framed to curtail state power and allow citizenry to maintain a healthy dialogue and dissent with authority.

When authoritarianism begins to intrude into our daily lives, it also brings down the Fourth Pillar and a strong Opposition, which are the democratic heartbeat of a nation.

In the New India Modi seeks to shape in the likely event of his 'Second Coming' in 2019 lies the destiny and dreams of 134 crore Indians, and thereby renewed burden of trust, which is a privilege and a responsibility.
Nearly 50 children have died in the last 30 days in Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital due to a suspected lack of liquid oxygen, it has been claimed.

The state government quickly removed the collector, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of the hospital in Western Uttar Pradesh's Farrukhabad district on Monday to avoid a 'Gorakhpur-like situation'.

According to reports, the 49 children who died were all between the ages of one and three.

The victims in Farrukhabad were aged one to three years. Pictured here are children in BRD Hospital, Gorakhpur where 414 kids have died in recent months due to 'erratic oxygen supply'

A case was filed against the CMO, doctors and the chief medical superintendent at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital under Sections 176, 188 and 304 of the IPC.

In his defence, the chief medical superintendent of RML Hospital issued a clarification, saying that all women and children coming to the district hospital's SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit) are being provided complete treatment.

He added that all essential and lifesaving drugs, oxygen cylinders and the necessary medical equipment were available.

A government spokesperson clarified that out of the 468 children that were born between July 1 and August 31, 19 died at the time of birth and 69 who were critically ill were admitted in the NBCU but nine did not recover.

Relatives mourning the death of a child at the Baba Raghav Das Hospital in Gorakhpur, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, last month

'The government is on alert and will ensure that a Gorakhpur like incident does not take place anywhere in the state. The government is providing proper liquid oxygen and other supplies in all government hospitals', a state government release said.

Last month, 414 children reportedly died at the Gorukhpur BRD Medical College. The incident hit headlines and forced the health department and Yogi to make several visits and give clarifications.

On August 30, Farukkabad collector Ravindra Kumar, now removed, formed a committee to investigate the deaths of the children and submit a report.

Concerns over oxygen supplies at the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital has led to a case being filed by the government. Here, a child at the BRD in Gorakhpur, which hit headlines last month for similar reasons, is pictured.

The team constituted the ADM, city Magistrate and the Tehsildar. The report found that the the children died from a lack of liquid oxygen and proper medicines.

It was also found that the medical officers and other district officers were misguided.

The city magistrate also registered an FIR in the Kotwali police station against the Ravindra Jain, a member of the enquiry team.

Meanwhile, oxygen suppliers across the state also fell under the government's scanner to prevent any such incident from taking place.

'We hope the situation gets better and ask the government for all necessary help for the poor. We do not want our children to die', said Raj Kumar whose two-year-old son was admitted to the district hospital.

Meanwhile, doctors have gone on strike at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital since the FIR was registered and similar action is also expected in Farrukhabad. Meanwhile the appointment of a new collector, CMO and CMS in Farukkabad are on papers.
All Greek: Tony Blair met with Egyptian telecoms tycoon Naguib Sawiris

Tony Blair was spotted on the Greek island of Mykonos last week meeting Naguib Sawiris, 63, the Egyptian telecoms tycoon who Forbes says is worth 2.5billion.

They lunched at Solymar, a swanky restaurant on the east side of the island famed for its black seafood risotto.

A favourite haunt of Hollywood star Tom Hanks, islanders regard it as mildly less vulgar than neighbouring Nammos, where Sir Philip Green and his posse were recently seen squirting champagne around the place.

Deutsche Bank has finally replaced its staff's Blackberry handsets in favour of iPhones.

Deutsche was one of the last banks to continue using the clunky smartphones, which became objects of derision once Apple entered the phone market in 2007.

Apparently, the poor dears were fed up of being teased by clients about their outdated devices.

Despite resigning as Trade Minister at the weekend, former Waitrose managing director Lord Price has gamely kept his appointment to address next week's Wine and Spirit Trade Association conference.

Does his Lordship, aka 'the chubby grocer', plan to get something off his considerable chest? Some think he quit in a huff over the Government's Brexit strategy.

Royal Mail's exit from the FTSE 100 means that without Moya Greene, the number of female bosses inside the index slips to just six.

A regrettable situation, though one which might be remedied sooner than expected.

Some fancy hoity-toity Moya, 63, for the top job at EasyJet now Carolyn McCall's hung up her tangerine blouson.

Languid vacuum cleaner tycoon Sir James Dyson, 70, is on a property splurge in America.

As well as putting the finishing touches to his flagship store in New York  a vast, 3,200 square foot space on Fifth Avenue  he's also purchased an apartment in an exclusive new development on Park Avenue.

Back home, Dyson's ever-expanding estate, comprising over 25,000 acres, now makes him a bigger landowner in England than the Queen.
Since Donald Trump was elected as President ten months ago, he's promised to build a wall between America and Mexico, threatened war with North Korea and faced repeated allegations of links to the Russian government.

Yet, in that time, the U.S. stock market has shot up. If you'd invested in the U.S. after November's election, you would be sitting on returns of more than 12 per cent now, turning 10,000 into 11,260 in less than a year.

The market has been buoyed by Trump's promise to introduce sweeping tax cuts for businesses and the middle classes, as well as to spend $1 trillion on fixing America's roads, bridges and train tracks.

Hitting the wall? In the 10 months since President Trump was elected US share prices have shot up, but there are now signs the good times may be coming to an end

But share price rises tailed off after his most recent outburst, when he failed to condemn white supremacist groups involved in violent riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month.

Since then, Trump has faced an exodus of his top advisers. He's also failed to get through most of his major reforms, having been blocked repeatedly by Congress, the U.S. parliament.

And now, despite recording the strongest economic growth for more than two years, analysts are warning of a brewing debt crisis in the U.S. as politicians argue over whether to borrow more cash to fund government spending.

So, with the threat of nuclear war intensifying, is the American stock market rally and the so-called Trump Bump coming to an end? Some experts believe so, and they say savers who have made big profits over the past ten months should consider cashing in.

Ben Yearsley, of adviser Shore Financial Planning, says: 'You should always look long-term when you're investing, but the U.S. companies are looking expensive  their share prices are now high compared to the value of the companies  and the political situation is troubled.

'So there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking out some of the profit you've made and investing it elsewhere.'

Global risk firms, which large companies hire to assess the political situation and the dangers  and benefits  of doing business in different countries, are highly concerned about President Trump's war-mongering with North Korea.

Iain Anderson, of Cicero Group, says this is the 'biggest threat' to America's stock market and economy. 'Crazed foreign policy is more likely to have an impact on markets  and that's not a positive effect  than what Trump's budget looks like or what his policies towards trade or financial regulation look like,' says Mr Anderson.

'Trump is increasingly hemmed in by Congress on domestic issues such as tax changes and building his wall. But the area where no president is hemmed in is on foreign policy  and that is where he has real power to act and upset the markets.'

Share price rises tailed off after Trump's most recent outburst, when he failed to condemn white supremacist groups involved in violent riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month

Fund managers who in the past favoured the U.S. are beginning to look overseas, to places such as Europe and China.

Marcus Brookes, manager of the 833 million Schroder Multi-Manager Diversity funds, says if he could, he'd 'short' the U.S. stock market. That means he would bet against it rising further and cash in from any falls.

'This is nothing to do with the economy  it's to do with the value of the stock market,' he says. 'Unless we were to see some new, good news, America doesn't look attractive in any manner to us  particularly when you can go and invest in Europe, where the economic picture is picking up quickly.'

Kevin O'Nolan, manager of the Fidelity Multi Asset Allocator funds, says: 'I just think there are better places to invest. Some of the data we looked at for the U.S. suggests that it is all right, but momentum has slowed.

'The hope that the Trump administration would deliver good things for business has faded through the year  even more so in the past few weeks.

'I like Europe. The most recent trade I made was to ship money out of the U.S. and into Europe.'

Darius McDermott, of broker Chelsea Financial Services, recommends Henderson European Focus for savers who want to switch their money from the U.S. to Europe. It has turned 10,000 into 21,790 in five years.

Ben Yearsley thinks there are good investment opportunities in China and other emerging economies, such as India and Indonesia.

Bogey man: Kim Jong Un inspects a nuclear device. Global risk firms are highly concerned about President Trump's war-mongering with North Korea

He recommends Lazard Emerging Markets, which has turned 10,000 into 15,020 in the past five years, and First State Asia Focus, which has returned 16,620 since it launched in August 2015.

Meanwhile, Jason Hollands, of broker Bestinvest, recommends Stewart Investors Asia Pacific Leaders, which has turned 10,000 into 17,650 in five years. However, Mark Dampier, of stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown, believes getting a better return away from the U.S. is easier said than done.

'I would never make an investment decision purely on who is in power,' he says.

'Yes, America is one of the most expensive places in the world to invest right now, but there are firms there doing well.

'If the American market were to fall 20 per cent, I would say virtually every other market would follow it down. And some of them would fall even further.'

For those who are still keen on America, the best-performing U.S. fund since Trump was elected on November 8 is JPM US Smaller Companies, which has turned 10,000 into 12,696 since then and into 23,110 in five years.

The next best performer is Baillie Gifford American, which has turned 10,000 into 12,140 in that time. If you invested 10,000 in the fund five years ago, you'd be sitting on 24,650 now.

Internet giant Amazon, electric motor firm Tesla and Facebook account for more than a fifth of the money that it invests.

p.thomas@dailymail.co.uk
Trying times: Reckitt boss Rakesh Kapoor is it grappling with weak sales

Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser is facing a management exodus as it grapples with weak sales and the fallout of a crippling cyber attack.

The owner of Dettol disinfectant and Durex condoms has confirmed its heads of human resources, information technology, developing markets and category development are to leave.

It is the biggest shake-up at the FTSE 100 firm since boss Rakesh Kapoor arrived in 2011 and comes at a critical time.

Reckitt has only just completed its acquisition of US nutrition firm Mead Johnson and is also still recovering from a massive cyber attack in June which crippled its global operations.

Meanwhile, sales of its new Scholl footcare product have been lacklustre and a scandal over deadly disinfectants in South Korea has wiped out its business in the country.

A source close to the company insisted the four departures were not linked and they had all quit for different reasons. But shares in the firm still dipped 1.2 per cent, or 85p, to 7290p. eborah Yates, its senior vice-president for human resources, and Roberto Funari, executive vice-president of category development, will leave by the end of the year, the company said.

Meanwhile, IT chief Darrell Stein is also due to depart on October 1. He will be replaced by PepsiCo's Seth Cohen. Frederic Larmuseau, head of developing markets, is also going.

Reckitt denied Stein's exit was connected to June's cyber attack, when more than 15,000 of the company's computers were hit.

Reckitt said: 'RB is transforming itself to become the undisputed leader in global consumer health and hygiene and has taken a number of important steps on this strategic journey over the last six months.

'This journey is driving a change in our portfolio priorities and, over time, how we operate.

'We remain confident we have the right strategy and strength of talent to deliver significant and sustainable value creation for all of our stakeholders.'
Pirelli is seen as one of the world's most glamorous brands thanks to its calendars

Tyremaker Pirelli  renowned for its annual calendar featuring some of the worlds most famous models  is set to return to the stock market.

The Italian firm, bought by state-owned ChemChina two years ago, will sell up to 40 per cent of its equity in an initial public offering as it plans to return to the Milan market in October.

The relisting of the worlds fifth-largest tyremaker will test demand for a business which focuses on high-end tyres.

A study by analysts at Banca IMI valued the group at around 8billion.

Pirelli, which back then included the industrial tyre business, had traded on the Milan exchange since 1922.

ChemChina acquired one of Italys most famous companys for slightly more than 7billion.

Pirelli is seen as one of the worlds most glamorous brands thanks mainly to its calendars.

This years version featured 14 famous actresses including Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Oscar winner Alicia Vikander.
Stock exchange newcomer Destiny Pharma soared 38.5 per cent in its first day of trading.

The firm raised 15.3million at a placing price of 157p per share but jumped as high as 227p yesterday afternoon before finishing at 217.5p.

One of the reasons it is so popular is because of its unique approach to treatment.

The company is developing drugs to fight drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA, which kill an estimated 700,000 people each year.

But rather than focus on traditional antibiotics, it produces drugs which have cut the number of hospital-acquired infections by as much as 60 per cent.

Pioneers: One of the ways Destiny Pharma is fighting MRSA is by reducing the number of bugs in peoples noses before an operation

One way it does this is by reducing the number of bugs in peoples noses before an operation.

The firm also has special status which means its drugs can be seen by the regulatory authorities quicker.

Destiny is only the second life sciences group to join the London Stock Exchange and is a welcome boost for the British biotech industry, which has struggled to emulate the commercial success of the US.

Shares in Acacia Mining fell after the firm revealed it would wind back its operations in Tanzania.

The firm said it had been forced to reduce activity at its Bulyanhulu mine after the Tanzanian governments decision to ban exports of gold and copper knocked production by 35 per cent, costing it 162million so far this year.

STOCK WATCH - RANDALL AND QUILTER Non-life legacy insurance firm Randall & Quilter boasted rising profits despite weaker results in the US. Profits had soared to 5.4million in the six months to the end of June, from 1.2million the year before, after solid results from its core UK business offset a slump in the US. Earnings were boosted by an increase in legacy transactions which contributed 19.1million to its earnings  compared to its contribution of 2.7million the year before. Shares rose 2.1 per cent, or 3p, to 147.5p.

Acacia has been at loggerheads with the government since it imposed an export ban on gold concentrate in March.

The disagreement escalated in May when the government claimed the miners gold output was 10 times greater than it claimed  a level that Acacia said would make it the third-biggest gold miner in the world.

Tensions heightened again when the Tanzanian authorities slapped it with a 147billion bill in July, though Acacia said it had declared all materials produced and paid royalties and taxes in full.

Acacia, which is dependent on its three mines in Tanzania, had stockpiled gold concentrate hoping for a quick end to the dispute.

But the firm said that despite reducing its operating costs to protect jobs, the Bulyanhulu mine was no longer sustainable.

Investors were put out by the news and shares, which plunged more than 13 per cent when markets first opened yesterday, finished down 2.4 per cent, or 4.9p, to 202.2p.

The FTSE 100 finished down 0.36 per cent, or 27.03 points, to 7411.47, while the FTSE 250 finished down 0.45 per cent, or 88.27 points, to 19,697.91.

Investors in Frontier Developments and Arix Bioscience reacted positively to announcements of new senior hires.

Shares in video game maker Frontier jumped 3.3 per cent, or 35p, to 1082.5p, when it revealed it had appointed Stewart Stanbury, a former brand and strategy executive at Google, to serve as its director of marketing.

And Arix Biosciences Artois Pharma soared 3.2 per cent, or 6p, to 193.5p, after it poached former AstraZeneca boss Dr Graeme Smith as it chief scientific officer.

Gas firm Sound Energy soared after it revealed it had received a proposal for financing one of its gas pipelines in Morocco.

It said it had received an indicative non-binding proposal from Advisory & Finance Group Investment Bank of around 46million to 77million.

It comes after the Oil & Gas Investment Fund indicated an interest in funding in July last year. Shares increased 4.5 per cent, or 2.25p, to 52.25p.
The owner of Magners cider and Tennent's lager is to snap up hundreds of pubs as it becomes the latest brewer to buy big chains.

C&C yesterday announced a joint takeover of Admiral Taverns with Proprium Capital Partners, in a deal understood to value the company at 220million.

It will see the brewer gain control of Admiral's 845 pubs across England and Wales and follows a similar 400million takeover of Punch Taverns by Heineken.

Both deals will allow the companies to ensure that their top brands stay prominent at the hand pumps at a time when they are under growing pressure.

Pub takeover: C&C yesterday announced a joint takeover of Admiral Taverns with Proprium Capital Partners, in a deal understood to value the company at 220m

Big breweries are competing for space at bars against popular local craft brewers, with analysts saying a shift toward food and premium drinks at many pubs is also squeezing sales of mainstream beers.

Other players such as Carlsberg and AB InBev have responded by buying out craft rivals. C&C yesterday said its deal would give it 'direct reach' to customers in pubs and provide good returns.

Chief executive Stephen Glancey added: 'The investment will provide our brands with improved distribution in some of the best community pubs across the UK, with an opportunity to enhance on-trade penetration further over time.'

Admiral Taverns posted profit of 15million for the year to the end of May 2016, up from 4.5million the previous year.

Chief executive Kevin Georgel, who will remain in post, said: 'I look forward to working with the support of our new investors to continue to build on the significant progress the business has made over the last five years and take advantage of the opportunities within our markets, as and when they arise.'

Consumers are choosing 'quality over quantity' when it comes to alcoholic drinks, according to market analysis firm Mintel.

Richard Caines, a senior food and drink analyst, said: 'Alcoholic drinks saw an increase in pub sales, in contrast to a decline in volume sales.

'The latter reflected moderation in the consumption of alcohol, more drinking at home and the shift among pubs towards a higher proportion of venues becoming food-led.'

He said more than 90 per cent of British people still went to pubs or bars, however, despite their declining numbers.

Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Nicholas Hyett said: 'Although this is partly to do with distribution it is just as much a brand awareness exercise.

'Large brewers are playing catch-up with the local brewing revolution, which has given landlords a lot more choice, and so being able to make sure your drinks are in front of consumers at bars is a very attractive offer.

'Investors also like pub companies, because they generate pretty consistent revenues.'

C&C made a loss of 63million in the year to the end of February, down from a profit of 56million the previous year.

This was partly due to a one-off writedown of 107million.
Lloyds-owned MBNA offers some of the longest zero-interest deals on the market

The boss of credit card firm MBNA has been promoted by Lloyds to oversee a push of consumer lending.

Elyn Corfield joined the bank when it bought MBNA for 1.9billion earlier this year and is now being put in charge of its overall cards business.

It means she will oversee 26 per cent of Britain's credit card market, with only Barclaycard holding a bigger share.

The appointment is part of a wider shake-up across the bank as boss Antonio Horta-Osorio looks to concentrate on creating growth.

Ministers sold the taxpayer's last stake in Lloyds earlier this year and executives are now focusing on its future as a private sector business.

Its purchase of Cheshire-based MBNA triggered concerns from campaigners that the bank was dipping its toe in risky lending and could forget the lessons of the past.

It offers some of the longest zero-interest deals on the market, at up to 30 months.

Anti-debt groups fear such offers are fuelling a dangerous credit bubble, although MBNA insists it is responsible.

Corfield, 47, is replacing Dan Meredith-Jones.

He is thought to be moving to another role within the bank.

Lloyds declined to comment.

Shares in the bank fell 0.5 per cent, or 0.29p, to 63.4p yesterday.
Small firms have been left unable to pay suppliers, forced to stop new products, and seen reputations destroyed after HSBC locked them out of bank accounts for up to seven weeks.

Business owners say they have had to put orders on hold and stop development of new products after being forced to battle with the bank when it shut down their accounts in a botched crackdown on financial crime.

HSBC was forced to tighten its rules on money laundering after being fined 1.2billion by US authorities for handling cash on behalf of Mexican drug cartels and murderers.

HSBC locked small firms out of bank accounts for up to seven weeks after being fined 1.2bn for handling cash on behalf of Mexican drug cartels and murderers

But its overzealous approach has hit British entrepreneurs who sell their wares overseas. Many have been asked to fill in huge forms demanding highly personal information to prove they are not crooks.

And even after complying with the bank's requests businesses still had their accounts blocked.

Luxury e-cigarette firm Bellmonte, had its account frozen for almost seven weeks until a public outcry forced HSBC to do something.

Another company, Hertfordshire building engineer MHL Consulting, was hit because boss Martin Layzell returned an innocuous-looking questionnaire just two days late.

Because he did not supply the details on time, HSBC said his account would be closed in 65 days and he had no right of appeal.

The decision was reversed only when the scandal came to light, and Layzell said he felt the lender then tried to pin the blame on his branch manager when it wasn't her fault.

Entrepreneurs have told the Daily Mail they were left in the dark. They complain that local bank managers were scrapped, meaning they had to spend hours on hold to employees in a call centre, and that bank staff they knew well were forbidden from sharing information.

Fabric firm couldn't pay suppliers Martyn Fisher's business Fisher Fabrics had its account locked for a fortnight by HSBC. The 61-year-old's business, which he runs from Keighley, West Yorkshire, with wife Beverley, finds clothing material from around the world for manufacturers in Britain and abroad. He said he was sent a 'huge questionnaire' 18 months ago by HSBC, which he filled in. This was followed by a lengthy telephone interview, then follow-up questions including personal queries about his savings and mortgage. But although Fisher insists he supplied all details he was asked for, the bank still told him his account would be frozen. It was released when the bank's behaviour was criticised in public. 'I couldn't make payments and I couldn't transfer money into a sterling account,' he said. 'Fortunately, I have a very good relationship with the people who supply me. I was able to muddle along but I know other people who couldn't pay their wages.'

'I was forced to move accounts' Calan Horsman, who runs London-based toilet brush firm Loogun, has been forced to switch banks after HSBC froze his account. He claims it happened because the lender left him a voicemail and he did not respond to it within 24 hours. The businessman, 41, has had to delay a product launch, cancel a trip to China and let down customers waiting for shipments. He said: It was an awful time for us.

Bank manager wouldnt talk Travel agent Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande had weeks of sleepless nights when her account was frozen by HSBC. Like many others, she said she handed over all the information requested but was still unable to make payments until the bank backed down. The 36-year-old, whose firm Passepartout Homes is based in London, said: My bank manager wasnt allowed to talk to me about it. They treat you like a criminal.

Bosses told the Mail they were also concerned about the harm a frozen account could cause to their good name.

Many faced weeks of deadlock trying to get the problem solved  finding the bank only backed down after it became public.

The number of firms hit is believed to be in the low hundreds, although HSBC refused to give a figure. It also declined to say how many cases had been resolved, and how many firms were still in limbo.

MPs last night accused HSBC of bullying tactics. Conservative Chris Philp, a former member of the Treasury Select Committee, said: 'HSBC's conduct is a complete disgrace  they've treated their customers shockingly, and I call on them to immediately reinstitute their banking services.'

Labour MP Helen Goodman said: 'There are big structural issues already facing small businesses. They certainly don't need their accounts suspended without notice. It is completely unacceptable.'

To avoid a criminal prosecution over Mexico money-laundering  which saw US senators label it a 'financier to drug gangs'  HSBC had to install an independent monitor to oversee anti- money laundering procedures.

HSBC said: 'We allow several months for this process because we may need to speak to customers multiple times to acquire additional data and to clarify what they've told us.

'If we don't receive all the information we may be forced to restrict services or, as a last resort, to close an account.'
Lego is to slash 1,400 jobs as part of a company-wide overhaul to counter falling sales in its key markets of Europe and the US.

The Danish toymaker will effectively cut eight per cent of its 18,200-strong workforce, the majority of whom will leave before the end of the year.

Lego employs around 900 staff in Britain but it is not currently clear how many of these are at risk  a similar eight per cent would equate to 72 British workers.

Job cuts: The Danish toymaker is axing 8% of its company-wide workforce

A spokesman told This is Money: 'The proposed change is subject to local legal processes and consultation plans in each country, and we are not able to share more detailed information at this stage.'

The popular toymaker made the announcement alongside its half-year results, which revealed a five per cent drop in revenue to 14.9billion Danish krone (1.8billion).

It came as a double-digit sales jump in growing markets like China failed to compensate for declining sales in established markets including the US and Europe.

It is the first time Lego has reported a slump in sales since 2004.

Pre-tax profit dropped nearly three per cent to 4.4billion Danish krone (543million).

Lego recently axed its 61-year-old British boss Bali Padda after just eight months in the job.

Lego's chairman Jorgen Vig Knudstorp said the decision was not due to Padda's performance, but because his age meant that he would not have a long tenure.

Popular: Many children and adults alike enjoy building Lego and it is often used promotionally

The company says the job cuts are part of a 'reset' for the group, which has become 'increasingly complex' over the past five years, making it harder for Lego to grow.

Mr Knudstorp, Lego Group chairman, said: 'We are very sorry to make changes which may interfere with the lives of many of our colleagues.

'Our colleagues put so much passion into their work every day and we are deeply grateful for that. Unfortunately, it is essential for us to make these tough decisions.'

Affected staff will be offered redundancy packages and support as they move into new jobs outside Lego, the company said.

Film franchise: Lego has moved into the world of movies, including the Lego Batman film

Mr Vig Knudstorp said the group had to take action over the drop in profits.

He added: 'We are disappointed by the decline in revenue in our established markets, and we have taken steps to address this.

'We are working closely with our partners and we are confident that we have the long-term potential of reaching more children in our well-established markets in Europe and the US.

'We also see strong growth opportunities in growing markets such as China.'

Lego said some of its best-performing toys for the period included Lego City, Lego Friends and Lego Technic, as well as products linked to the hit Lego Batman film.

Lego is popular with both children and adults alike.

Recently, David Beckham revealed he had built a 4,080-piece elaborate 3D Lego Disney castle for his daughter Harper.
An SAS hero of the Iranian Embassy siege has slammed a new film about the daring mission calling it an 'insult' to the memory of those soldiers who took part.

Robin Horsfall said it was totally wrong for the makers of '6 Days', out now in America and released in Britain later this year, to claim the film was an accurate re-telling of the events in 1980.

The former SAS sniper, who helped storm the embassy and shot dead one of the terrorists during one of the most watched and admired military operations in British history, lambasted every aspect of the film.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Betrayal: An SAS hero of the Iranian Embassy siege has slammed a new film about the daring mission calling it an 'insult' to the memory of those soldiers who took part. Pictured: Stills from the film showing a reenactment of the siege

'Appalling': Former SAS man Robin Horsfall, who took part in the Iranian Embassy siege, said it was totally wrong for the makers of ' 6 Days ' to claim the film was an accurate re-telling of the events in 1980. Pictured: Image from the controversial movie

'Laughable': The former SAS sniper, who helped storm the embassy and shot dead one of the terrorists during one of the most watched and admired military operations in British history, lambasted every aspect of the film, which stars Jamie Bell as the SAS hero

Daring: The SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy in 1980 has been made into a Hollywood film starring Jamie Bell as the hero, but one of the real heroes of the SAS rescue has slammed the film

Who dares: Sim Harris, BBC sound recordist is pictured escaping over a balcony at the front of the Iranian embassy in London at the end of a six day siege by Iranian gunmen. The 1980 raid was televised as troops stormed the Embassy to free 26 hostages trapped inside. The film has now been dramatised by Hollywood but has sparked outrage

Hero: Robin Horsfall, pictured above as a young man and now with his medals, was part of the SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy and shot a terrorist dead

'I was just so angry watching the film because it was all wrong,' Horsfall, 60, told Mail Online. 'It was so bad I had to walk away at one point.

'From the supposed training missions to the actual rescue everything in the film is wrong.

'Those watching it would think there were just eight people taking part.

'But there were five teams of eight men who stormed the embassy but they are just left out of the film.

'It is laughable and an insult to the memory of all those who took part.'

The film '6 Days' stars Jamie Bell as the leader of the SAS soldiers who have to rescue 26 hostages from the Iranian Embassy in London.

Bell, best known for his role in 'Billy Elliot,' plays the character of Lance Corporal Rusty Firmin who was among of the members of the elite unit that ended the six day long siege in dramatic style.

'True story': 'I was just so angry watching the film because it was all wrong,' Horsfall, 60, told Mail Online. 'It was so bad I had to walk away at one point'. Pictured: Actors recreating the siege for '6 Days'

Who dares: SAS man Robin Horsfall told MailOnline: 'Those watching it would think there were just eight people taking part, but there were five teams of eight men who stormed the embassy but they are just left out of the film'. Pictured: A scene from 6 Days showing SAS men storming the embassy

'Not true to life': The film '6 Days' stars Jamie Bell as the leader of the SAS soldiers who have to rescue 26 hostages from the Iranian Embassy in London. Pictured: A still from the movie showing an explosion as SAS men storm in

Dramatisation: Jamie Bell, best known for his role in 'Billy Elliot,' plays the character of Lance Corporal Rusty Firmin who was among of the members of the elite unit that ended the six day long siege in dramatic style

Televised: The dramatic raid on the Iranian Embassy was screened on TV and watched across Britain. It led to the secretive SAS being lionised around the world

Major raid: The counter terrorism operation was watched by millions of people on TV over the MayDay Bank Holiday in 1980

Dramatic: 'The film shows the men going in at the front of the building, but there were others simultaneously entering the building from the roof, the basement and the back', says Mr Horsfall

The counter terrorism operation was watched by millions of people on TV over the May Day Bank Holiday in 1980.

The film is based on Firmin's book about the rescue and he was also an advisor on film which is a co-production between GFC Films and the New Zealand Film Commission.

Horsfall was particularly angry that the Jamie Bell character is seen as being the leader of the men from the ultra secretive regiment based in Hereford.

'Those watching the film would come away with the impression that he was in charge of the whole mission,' he said.

'That is just wrong and is a disservice to the more senior people who were there. It also gives the wrong impression to a whole new generation of people who watch the film and take it as being what went on.

'What angered me most was the portrayal of the other SAS men. They all come across as grunting simple-minded men who can't string a sentence together.

Filming: During the filming of the Six Days movie the 'terrorists' played by actors were pictured strolling around in west London

Fear: The movie Six Days was filmed in 2015 but has been released in the United States this summer, sparking claims that it betrays the soldiers who took part in the raid

True story: The Six Days movie portrays the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 when 26 were taken hostage. Two were killed in the aftermath. Pictured: The movie being filmed in London

'When they do speak they all seem to have Scottish accents. That is not what they were like. Those taking part were all excellent, highly trained soldiers. '

In real life the siege began when a group of six gunmen stormed into the Iranian embassy in South Kensington, London, on April 30th 1980.

They took mostly embassy staff hostage but among them was BBC sound recordist Sim Harris who was at the embassy to get a visa.

PC Trevor Locke, a member of the diplomatic protection squad and on duty at the building, was also among those held at gunpoint.

The terrorists demanded the release of prisoners in Khuzestan Province in southern Iran during a series of tense negotiations with the police who sealed off the embassy and surrounding streets. The gunmen also demanded safe passage out of the Britain.

Elite unite: Robin Horsfall, pictured second right in Belfast before the Iranian Embassy raid, said of the film: 'I was just so angry watching the film because it was all wrong. It was so bad I had to walk away at one point

Distressed: Mr Horsfall, who went on to become a mercenary after leaving the SAS, told MailOnline: 'It is laughable and an insult to the memory of all those who took part'

After becoming frustrated with the lack of progress over five days they shot one of the hostages and threw his body out of the embassy.

The death was the signal for the SAS - motto Who Dares Wins  to be sent in.

The SAS teams, who had arrived secretly in London from their Hereford base, were given permission by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to carry out a rescue mission given the code name Operation Nimrod.

On the evening of May 5th TV news cut into normal programming to broadcast the beginning of the end of the siege as the SAS soldiers all clad in black abseiled down the front of the building.

Millions watched in awe as they tossed stun grenades into the building to begin their assault.

BBC cameraman Sim Harris was captured scurrying to safety, jumping over a balcony, while smoke billowed from the building after a curtain caught fire.

What was unseen by cameras were the other teams  including Horsfall and Firmin - sweeping through the building in a race to free the hostages before they were shot.

The raid lasted just 17 minutes and all but one of the six gunmen were shot and killed.

A second hostage was shot dead by the gunmen and two others seriously wounded.

The televised raid was the first time the British public had ever seen the Special Forces soldiers in action and elevated them to superstar status.

Action men: Mr Horsfall says of the film: 'What angered me most was the portrayal of the other SAS men. They all come across as grunting simple-minded men who can't string a sentence together. Pictured: Troops carrying out the rescue in 1980

Show of strength: Iconic images from the SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy went round the world. Now the film '6 Days' stars Jamie Bell as the leader of the SAS soldiers who have to rescue 26 hostages from the Iranian Embassy in London

While the SAS has been formed in the Second World War all their military operations had been conducted with ultra secrecy.

The events of May 5th 1980 made sure people worldwide knew who the Special Air Service soldiers were and what they were capable of.

For his part in the siege PC Trevor Locke was awarded the George Medal, the second highest civil honour.

Fawsi Najad, the surviving gunman, was jailed for life and freed in 2008 after serving 27 years. He was granted leave to remain in the UK.

Mrs Thatcher would later say she was asked about the raid and the SAS on almost every overseas trip as other world leaders marvelled at the heroics of the SAS.

Horsfall, who left the regiment in 1984, was among a small number of ex SAS men involved to publicly talk about the raid.

While the film boasts a member of the SAS team as an advisor, Horsfall believes they must have ignored his advice to make their own version so it appeals to the film going public.

He said: 'There are scenes in the film that are just so wrong and they cannot say it is historically accurate. Take the training scenes where the SAS are rehearsing rescuing the hostages. The building shown in the film is made of plywood. That is just ridiculous as with live bullets lots of people would have been killed or injured.

'When the SAS arrive in London it is just eight men in the back of a van. There were 40 of us and everything was meticulously planned.

'The film shows the men going in at the front of the building, but there were others simultaneously entering the building from the roof, the basement and the back.'

He said: 'There are scenes in the film that are just so wrong and they cannot say it is historically accurate'

'Inaccurate': A former SAS hero who took part in the raid said 'the training scenes where the SAS are rehearsing rescuing the hostages. The building shown in the film is made of plywood'

Disappointment: The film Six Days, which was shot in London, above, features eight men arriving in the back of a van, instead of 40 as in the real raid

Horsfall said in an attempt to create tension in the film it shows the SAS and police at loggerheads.

'That didn't happen,' he said. There was no conflict. We knew what our job was and the police allowed us to carry it out.'

Horsfall said the only credible character in the film is that of police negotiator Max Vernon, played by actor Mark Strong.

Drama: Hostages are pictured being led away from the Iranian Embassy by police after SAS commandos ended the six day siege in 1980. All hostages were handcuffed to avoid a terrorist slipping free in the confusion

Explosion: In this image taken as the SAS ended the siege of the Iranian Embassy in Kensington, London, smoke billows out of the front of the building

'Out of the entire film he is the only one that appears accurate and they have him spot on.'

Horsfall, who after leaving the SAS became a mercenary and also a bodyguard to VIPs including Mohammed al Fayed, said he has spoken other former SAS members and their families about the film.

'There were 40 men who took part and not just those who were filmed by the BBC at the front of the embassy. I know they all cannot be featured but it would have been nice at the end of the film if they could have mentioned those from B squadron. We were the ones that did the job.'

In promoting the film GFC films said of '6 days': 'Developed with detailed input from survivors of the real-life events, this film is a gripping and authentic retelling of the one of the most audacious special forces raids of all time.'

A spokesman for New Zealand based GFC films said: 'The production behind 6 days sleeps easily, knowing that they have produced a respectful, accurate and realistic portrayal of the event surrounding the 1980 siege at Princess Gate.

'If this person wishes to assert otherwise, then they are welcome to challenge those former SAS soldiers (and families of), police personnel and reporters who did take part in the event and whom have unanimously praised the film for its portrayal of the story.'

Lance Corporal Rusty Firmin, the leader of a Special Air Service assault group whose role is played by star Jamie Bell, told Mail Online he was happy with the film and its accuracy.

He said: 'I am proud of the film and feel that it is respectful and accurate in its portrayal of blue team's role in the siege; let's be honest it's been well documented.

'The team who made the film carried out years of work and spoke personally with many of the lads who went in that day. I understand that others who are portrayed in the film share this view. '
The North Korea nuclear crisis could lead to a global planetary catastrophe, Vladimir Putin warned today.

Speaking after a summit in China, the Russian president condemned the rogue state's detonation of a hydrogen bomb on Sunday as 'provocative'.

But he warned against 'useless and inefficient' sanctions, saying they could escalate tensions.

'All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims,' he said.

His comments at a BRICS summit in Xiamen came after North Korea reportedly moved an intercontinental ballistic missile to its coast amid warnings from the US that Kim Jong-un is 'begging for war'.

Stark warning: The North Korea nuclear crisis could lead to a global planetary catastrophe, said Vladimir Putin

Meeting: Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, are both likely to reject US-proposed sanctions on North Korea

Mr Putin called for talks with North Korea, and warned against 'military hysteria'.

He said it was important that all parties, including North Korea, should not face 'threats of annihilation' and 'step on the path of cooperation'.

The Russian leader added: 'Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation. This is a road to nowhere.'

This morning, South Korean media claimed Pyongyang had started moving a rocket towards the country's west coast on Monday, using the cover of darkness to avoid surveillance.

The US is pushing for the 'strongest possible measures' on the rogue nation following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test - but China and Russia are likely to oppose UN sanctions.

But North Korea showed no let-up in its rhetoric this morning, suggesting that South Korea needs to be punished for being at the beck and call of the US.

A ranting editorial in state newspaper Rodong Sinmun said: 'The south Korean puppet forces are not free to fire even a single bullet as they are at the U.S. beck and call. Such guys are crying out for 'punishment'. This would make even the stone Buddha in the temple laugh.'

A separate statement from Kim Myong Gil, officer of the Korean People's Army, said North Korea's nuclear test had been 'heavy punishment and sledgehammer blows to the US imperialists'.

Amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Seoul this morning launched major live-fire naval drills to warn its isolated neighbour against any provocations at sea.

South Korea also said it was talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula and has not ruled out redeploying US tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.

North Korea has 'moved an intercontinental ballistic missile to its coast' amid warnings from the US that Kim Jong-un (pictured) is 'begging for war'

Pyongyang started moving a rocket towards the country's west coast on Monday, using the cover of darkness to avoid surveillance, South Korean media claim. Pictured: North Korea carried out a launch of an intermediate range missile in August

South Korean warships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean threats

The South Korean army's K-1 tanks take part in a military exercise in Paju, South Korea this morning

Defense Minister Song Young-moo said that he asked his US counterpart, Jim Mattis, to bolster defences in the South.

'I told him that it would be good for strategic assets to be sent regularly to the Korean Peninsula and that some South Korean lawmakers and media are strongly pushing for tactical nuclear weapons [to be redeployed],' Song is quoted as saying.

'The redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons is an alternative worth a full review,' Song added.

This morning, South Korean warships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean threats.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

'Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy,' Haley told the meeting Monday called by the United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

The underground blast had a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima, UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the council.

Declaring that 'enough is enough,' Haley said incremental sanctions imposed on Pyongyang since 2006 had failed.

South Korea's airborne early warning and control system aircraft, called Peace Eye, takes off to monitor North Korea's military movements at an air base in Gimhae, southeast of Seoul, South Korea

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya (left) speaks with US Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) and Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi (centre) after a UN Security Council emergency meeting over North Korea's latest nuclear test

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday

Leader Kim Jong-Un's 'abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war,' she said.

'War is never something the United States wants and we don't want it now, but our country's patience is not unlimited,' she said.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea - potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean laborers sent abroad.

The draft text was expected to be presented to the 14 other council members on Tuesday as the United States sought to respond quickly to reports that North Korea was preparing another missile launch.

This morning, South Korea's Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported that North Korea had been spotted moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

South Korean soldiers walk to a checkpoint near the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea, on Ganghwa island

The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the report said.

South Korea's defence ministry, which warned on Monday that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

Pyongyang in July fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range and Seoul has said it could be planning another test.

Meanwhile Japan is planning for a possible mass evacuation of nearly 60,000 Japanese citizens living in or visiting South Korea amid heightened tensions with the North.

PYONGTANG'S NUCLEAR TIMELINE Here are key dates in North Korea's quest to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States: Late 1970s: North Korea starts working on a version of the Soviet Scud-B (range 300 kilometres or 185 miles). Test-fired in 1984. 1987-92: Begins developing variant of Scud-C (range 500 km), Rodong-1 (1,300 km), Taepodong-1 (2,500 km), Musudan-1 (3,000 km) and Taepodong-2 (6,700 km). August 1998: Test-fires Taepodong-1 rocket over Japan in what it calls a satellite launch -- the US and others say it is a missile test. September 1999: Declares moratorium on long-range missile tests amid improving ties with US. July 12, 2000: Fifth round of US-North Korean missile talks in Kuala Lumpur ends without agreement after North demands $1 billion a year in return for halting missile exports. March 3, 2005: Pyongyang ends moratorium on long-range missile testing, blames Bush administration's 'hostile' policy. The tests came after North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday - in violation of UN resolutions - which it said was an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile July 5, 2006: Test-fires seven missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2 which explodes after 40 seconds. October 9, 2006: Conducts underground nuclear test, its first. April 5, 2009: Launches long-range rocket which flies over Japan and lands in the Pacific, in what it says is an attempt to put a satellite into orbit. The United States, Japan and South Korea see it as a disguised test of a Taepodong-2. May 25, 2009: Conducts its second underground nuclear test, several times more powerful than the first. April 13, 2012: Launches what it has said is a long-range rocket to put a satellite into orbit, but which disintegrates soon after blast-off. December 12, 2012: Launches a multi-stage rocket and successfully places an Earth observational satellite in orbit. February 12, 2013: Conducts its third underground nuclear test. January 6, 2016: Conducts its fourth underground nuclear test, which it says was a hydrogen bomb -- a claim doubted by most experts. March 9, 2016: Kim Jong-Un claims the North has successfully miniaturised a thermo-nuclear warhead. Photos show the country's leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the hydrogen device that it promised would be loaded on a new intercontinental ballistic missile April 23, 2016: Pyongyang test-fires a submarine-launched ballistic missile. July 8, 2016: US and South Korea announce plans to deploy an advanced missile defence system -- THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). August 3, 2016: North Korea fires a ballistic missile directly into Japan's maritime economic zone for the first time. September 9, 2016: Conducts fifth nuclear test, its most powerful to date. March 6, 2017: Fires four ballistic missiles in what it says is an exercise to hit US bases in Japan. March 7, 2017: US begins deploying THAAD missile defence system in South Korea. May 14, 2017: North Korea fires a ballistic missile which flies 700 kilometres before landing in the Sea of Japan. Analysts say it has an imputed range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) and brings Guam within reach. July 4, 2017: Test-fires a ballistic missile that analysts say brings Alaska within reach. Pyongyang later says it was a 'landmark' test of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). July 28, 2017: Launches an ICBM with a theoretical range of 10,000 kilometres, meaning it could hit much of the United States. August 26, 2017: Fires three short-range ballistic missiles. August 29, 2017: Fires ballistic missile over Japan and into the Pacific, acknowledging for the first time that it has done so. South Korea says it flew around 2,700 kilometres at a maximum altitude of about 550 kilometres. September 3, 2017: North Korea appears to carry out sixth nuclear test, with seismic monitors measuring an 'explosion' of 6.3 magnitude near its main test site. Japan's government confirms a nuclear test has been carried out. Advertisement

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a meeting: 'We need to remain extremely vigilant and do everything we can to ensure the safety of our people.'

According to Nikkei Asian Review, a government source added: 'If the U.S. decided on a military strike against the North, the Japanese government would start moving toward an evacuation on its own accord regardless of whether the American plans are public.'

At the UN, China's ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasized the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

'China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula,' he asserted.

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Haley rejected the proposal as 'insulting.'

'When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't,' she declared.

Russia said it would study the new US proposals for sanctions, but again stressed those measures alone would not resolve the crisis.

'This is not the way to get parties to the table to seek a political solution,' said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The council has imposed seven sets of sanctions on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, but Pyongyang has repeatedly found ways to circumvent the measures.

South Korea used ballistic missiles in a live-fire exercise simulating an attack on the North's nuclear site

The most recent resolutions, however, have zeroed in on the economy, targeting key exports sectors such as coal that are a source of hard currency for the regime.

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that conduct trade with North Korea, saying these nations will be seen as 'giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions'.

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

South Korea's defense ministry said it was already strengthening its defenses, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile launchers.

The South carried out an early-morning volley of ballistic missiles on Monday simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed on Tuesday by the naval drills.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean leader Moon Jae-In spoke on the phone Monday and agreed to remove limits on the payload of the South's missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also approved in principle, the sale of 'many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea,' according to a White House readout of the call which did not mention any specific new deals.

Seoul was the fourth-biggest importer of US arms between 2010-2016, purchasing nearly $5 billion of weaponry in that period according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

On Sunday US monitors measured a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake near the North's main testing site.

Hours before the test, the North released images of Kim inspecting a device it called a 'thermonuclear weapon with super explosive power' entirely made 'by our own efforts and technology'.

The South's defence minister said Seoul believed the North had succeeded in miniaturising a bomb to fit into a missile.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, and analysts say it is seeking to strengthen its hand for any future negotiations with Washington.
A 106-year-old Afghan woman dubbed 'the world's oldest refugee' is facing deportation from Sweden after her asylum application was rejected.

Bibihal Uzbeki was carried through Syria, Turkey, the Balkans and central Europe by her 67-year-old son, before the family of 12 arrived in Sweden in 2015.

Her family says the centenarian had a stroke when she was told that their asylum request was denied, and has since been bedridden and can barely speak.

Facing deportation: 106-year-old Afghan refugee Bibihal Uzbeki rests in bed attended by her son Mohammadollah and daughter-in-law Ziba, in Hova, south-central Sweden

Ms Uzbeki and her family made headlines in 2015, when the frail grandmother arrived in a migrant camp in Croatia, and she spoke to local media of her dream to reunite with her grandchildren in Sweden.

Two years later, the family had just about settled in the small village of Hova, in south-central Sweden, and were observing Ramadan when the rejection letter came.

While the family avoided telling her, the constant grief from her granddaughters made her suspicious.

'My sisters were crying,' explained 22-year-old Mohammed Uzbeki. 'My grandmother asked, "Why are you crying?'''

The family says that soon after she understood her request was denied, her health started deteriorating and she suffered a debilitating stroke.

Despite being severely disabled and barely able to speak following a stroke, Bibihal Uzbeki is facing deportation from Sweden after her asylum application was rejected

Before their journey to Sweden, the family had been living illegally in Iran for eight years.

They left Afghanistan because of an ongoing war and insecurity, but Mohammed Uzbeki said it's difficult to prove that the family faces a specific enemy if they return.

'If I knew who was the enemy, I would have just avoided them,' he said, citing the Islamic State group, the Taliban and suicide bombers as possible dangers.

'She still cannot speak properly, she has hallucinations,' he laments her son Mohammadollah. 'She says they are coming to kill us, we should run away.'

The Swedish Migration Agency have confirmed that they had 'taken a decision regarding an expulsion in the case,' adding 'generally speaking, high age does not in itself provide grounds for asylum.'

Long journey: The family were living in Iran but are originally from Kunduz. Afghanistan, and travelled through Syria, Turkey, Greece, the Balkans and Germany before getting to Sweden

People whose applications are rejected are allowed up to three appeals, a process that can take a long time. The applications of other family members are in various stages of appeal.

The Uzbeki family feels the plight of Afghans is being ignored by Swedish authorities.

'The reasoning from the migration agency is that it's not unsafe enough in Afghanistan,' said Sanna Vestin, the head of the Swedish Network of Refugee Support Groups. But she said many of the big cities cited as safe are not at the moment.

While many other countries in Europe deny asylum to Afghans from parts of the country considered safe, the issue has been a point of contention in Sweden in recent weeks.

A sit-down protest in the capital Stockholm by Afghan refugees and supporters of their right to asylum lasted for weeks, and caused unrest when far-right groups clashed with campaigners.
Macquarie Bank has been hit with accusations by former employees that men allegedly had harassed women working for the bank.

One male stockbroker allegedly cut off the ponytail of a female colleague and then placed it in front of her, while another male employee took 'upskirt' photographs of a desk assistant.

The claims come as the bank was hit with a 26-page dossier from angry investors claiming the workplace culture in 2012 was out-of-control, with sexist behaviour, reckless trading and drug use,The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

One of the allegations made in the letter claims Macquarie chose not to sack one badly-behaved financial adviser 'because of the amount of commission he earned'.

A letter sent to Macquarie Bank and ASIC by disgruntled former investors alleges the bank had a culture of 'rampant drug taking, reckless trading and sexist behaviour'

A solicitor from Macpherson Kelley Lawyers, confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the firm sent the letter on behalf of several clients 'who have concerns about the financial advice provided by Macquarie in relation to Cleveland Mining'.

Separate to the claims made by the investors, former Macquarie Bank staff told the Sydney Morning Herald a desk assistant had her pony tail chopped off by a male colleague while at work in 2013.

'He put the hair on her desk, right in front of her. She was so shocked she didn't say anything, and really only started talking about it at the Christmas party about a month later,' a former bank employee told the paper.

While it was reported some staff 'laughed' at the incident when it happened, another staff member claimed it was difficult for women working at the bank at the time to 'maintain a sense of respect'.

Another banker allegedly took 'upskirt' pictures of a female senior employee in 2014 on a mobile phone, but is reported to have faced no consequence from the bank other than a request he move desks.

One adviser for the bank was also accused of taking pictures of a female employee and circulating them among staff.

Former staff have claimed a former female employee had her ponytail cut off by a male colleague while at work, but no action was taken (stock image)

The bank has denied the allegations and says employees involved have since left the company, and the bank had not been alerted to the incidents when they happened

In each case of alleged sexual harassment or bullying by male staff, it is claimed no disciplinary action was taken.

Macquarie Bank hit back against these claims on Tuesday morning, with a spokesperson responding: 'None of the workplace behaviour allegations raised involve current staff'.

'The allegations were either never previously put to Macquarie, or those that were made were reviewed and appropriate action taken,' the spokesperson continued.

'Macquarie treats all allegations of inappropriate or illegal behaviour with the utmost seriousness.'

The bank also noted that no formal litigation had commenced against it.

Other male employees have been accused of sexual harassment, with former staff claiming two men took pictures of female colleagues

Macpherson and Kelley are representing disgruntled former investors, who allege two senior employees of the bank had falsely inflated the price of shares in Cleveland, a Brazilian iron ore company.

Macquarie Bank's spokesperson claimed in their retort on Tuesday there had been a 'full investigation' into how shares in Cleveland were traded, which found it was all above board.

'As part of a full investigation into the Cleveland Mining matter, Macquarie wrote in June to clients who owned shares in the company, informing them we are conducting a review,' the statement read.

'That investigation is substantially complete and we have found no evidence of inappropriate trading.'

The bank has further alleged the letter and subsequent leaking of it to Fairfax are part of an 'attempt to solicit clients', and 'lack any credible evidence or source'.

'If Macpherson Kelley is unable to substantiate these assertions or show any relevance to the allegations it is pursuing, it raises real questions about the firms compliance with the Solicitors Conduct Rules,' a spokesperson for the bank said.
Jenna Burleigh's remains were transported more than 100 miles from Jenkintown to Paupack Township in a Lyft car

The suspect accused of murdering Jenna Burleigh transported her remains using a Lyft car service, authorities claim.

Police revealed on Monday a Lyft was used to transport the Temple University student's body more than 100 miles away from the scene of the crime.

Suspect Joshua Hupperterz's allegedly first moved her body from his apartment in North Philadelphia to his mother's house in the nearby suburb of Jenkintown. The next day, a Lyft was ordered to transport her again.

Burleigh was found in a shed at a property in Paupack Township belonging to the suspect grandmother.

Police said Hupperterz kept her remains inside of a storage bin, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Lyft released the statement following the news, saying: 'The allegations are devastating. We stand ready to work with the authorities in their investigation'.

Wayne County coroner disclosed on Sunday that Burleigh died from blunt trauma and strangulation.

Police took a vehicle with the Lyft sticker into custody on Saturday afternoon (stock photo)

Police reportedly found blood, drugs, and $20,000 in cash in the apartment of 29-year-old Joshua Hupperterz (left), who is charged with the murder of Jenna Burleigh (right)

The 22-year-old junior went missing early Thursday morning and was found dead on Saturday. The cause of death was revealed on Sunday and her death has been ruled a homicide.

On Saturday, police charged the 29-year-old with murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and drug offenses after the body of Burleigh, a junior at Temple, was found at his grandmother's home on Saturday.

Police say Hupperterz confessed to 'elements of the crime,' according to WPVI.

Police also discovered blood, drugs, and $20,000 in cash.

Burleigh was last seen on surveillance footage leaving a North Philadelphia bar at 2am on Thursday with Hupperterz.

On Friday night, police obtained a warrant to search the home of Hupperterz, a 29-year-old former Temple University student. His home is located just around the corner from Pub Webb (above), the bar at which Burleigh was last seen early Thursday morning

Hupperterz was taken into custody by police in Paupack Township. Police noticed that Hupperterz had scratches on his face and a cut on his hand, which he told detectives was caused by broken china

A neighbor reported hearing screams coming from Hupperterz's apartment around 4am.

Burleigh's father, Ed Burleigh, posted a heartbreaking message on his Facebook page on Saturday, saying: 'Our Beautiful Angel Jenna is now in Heaven. Now I know for sure that you can have a 'broken heart' RIP honey.'

On Saturday police confirmed that Burleigh's body was found in Paupack Township, Pennsylvania, a town about 140 miles north of Philadelphia.

Investigators allege that Hupperterz moved the body twice - once from his home in North Philadelphia to his mother's house in the nearby suburb of Jenkintown, and a second time to his grandmother's home in Paupack Township, Wayne County, which is 140 miles north.

Burleigh's father, Ed Burleigh, posted a heartbreaking message on his Facebook page on Saturday, saying: 'Our Beautiful Angel Jenna is now in Heaven. Now I know for sure that you can have a 'broken heart' RIP honey'

Pennsylvania State Police released a statement saying that Burleigh's body was found in Paupack Township, about 140 miles north of Philadelphia

Police allege that Burleigh was murdered by Hupperterz at his home in North Philadelphia. From there, he allegedly took her body to his mother's home in nearby Jenkintown. Authorities say he moved the body again, this time to Paupack Township, which is 140 miles north

Burleigh, a resident of the Philadelphia suburb of Harleysville, transferred to Temple. She was majoring in film and media arts

On Friday, Burleigh's sister shared a missing person's notice on Facebook asking anyone with information to come forward to authorities

Hupperterz was taken into custody by police at his grandmother's house, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Sources told the Inquirer that Hupperterz last took classes at Temple this past spring.

A native of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, he reportedly met Burleigh at a bar.

On Friday night, police obtained search warrant for Hupperterz's home, which is located just around the corner from Pub Webb, the bar at which Burleigh was last seen early Thursday morning.

Surveillance footage captured at the time reportedly shows Burleigh and Hupperterz walking together toward his home.

After entering the house, investigators discovered blood spattered near the kitchen sink, rear door, and on a trash can lid.

Burleigh's social media posts are filled with messages in support of social justice. She is seen above at the Women's March shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration

Police also found between 10 and 15 pillow-case size bags of marijuana and approximately $20,000 in cash, the Inquirer reported.

Police noticed that Hupperterz had scratches on his face and a cut on his hand, which he told detectives was caused by broken china, the Inquirer reported.

Investigators also used cadaver dogs to search a nearby home in the area that reportedly belongs to Hupperterz's mother and stepfather.

The image above is a close-up shot of the outside of Pub Webb, a North Philadelphia bar where Burleigh was last seen alive early Thursday morning

Investigators are seen rummaging through garbage outside of Hupperterz's home in North Philadelphia

Investigators also want to interview a roommate believed to have lived in Hupperterz's home.

Police said Saturday evening that Hupperterz has had 'contact' with law enforcement in the past, though investigators refused to elaborate.

Burleigh, a resident of the Philadelphia suburb of Harleysville, transferred to Temple. She was majoring in film and media arts.

The Temple News, a student-run newspaper, reported that Burleigh's family notified campus police of her disappearance on Thursday night.
An online fashion retailer thats built a reputation selling clothing to yummy mummies is opening its first high street store - and, of course, it will be in Chelsea.

Clothing firm Boden is launching its first shop in the fashionable west London district as it rides a wave of soaring sales.

Boden, whose fashions have been worn by Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama, said the store marked a new chapter in the brands expansion.

Johnnie Boden, pictured will be opening his first store in Chelsea after the successful launch of five concessions in John Lewis earlier this year

The firm was founded by father-of-three Johnnie Boden in 1999 and targets married couples between 25 and 50.

Born to a Lieutenant Colonel, Mr Boden was a member of the notorious Bullingdon Club while studying politics, philosophy and economics at Oriel College, Oxford.

Previous members of the raucous student dining society have included Mr Cameron  an avid Boden wearer who was photographed in a pair of its floral shorts while on holiday in Cornwall in 2008 - along with fellow politicians George Osborne and Boris Johnson.

The businessman, who once aspired to work as a writer, is now worth 410m.

He was recruited to edit the menswear Section of the 1997 Harpers & Queen Teenage Edition magazine aged 16, but his father called this a bloody stupid job.

So instead, the entrepreneur followed up his education with an unhappy career at investment bank Warburg.

The fashionable 'yummy-mummy' brand which is targets women over 35 with children, is also favoured by the likes of Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama

He quit five years later after inheriting money from his uncle and eventually took the plunge to set up the firm after his wife Sophie told him he was a failure and had to get his act together.

The firm began selling menswear products, which Mr Boden drew himself, before branching out into womens clothing and childrenswear in 1996.

Since then it has developed an idiosyncratic English style  much like the man himself, who is known for recording the companys out-of-hours answering tone and sends customers who havent shopped with the firm in a while letters saying Johnnie is missing them.

He has even previously said he takes his dog Sprout into work once a week.

Today, Boden has around 1.5 million customers worldwide but calls women aged 35 with children the bulls-eye.

Mr Boden said the new store will allow customers to see the brand in all its glory.

He added: I would like the shop to feel like youre walking into my home.

The expansion also comes as rival retailers close traditional stores in favour of onlineonly businesses.

It will join other well-known brands at Duke of York Square including Cos, Monica Vinader and Joseph and comes Boden its opened five successful concessions in John Lewis earlier this year.

The launch follows the firms successful opening of five concessions in John Lewis earlier this year.

Sales in the company jumped 9% to 308m last year, while profits rose 9.6pc to 26.2m  a turnaround from a slump in 2015.

Bodens original shop in Hangar Green, north west London, is still in operation and has been revamped to offer more products and services.

Chief executive Jill Easterbrook, a former Tesco veteran, who was appointed in February to revive fledgling sales, said: We know that of the customers that love us, there is a proportion that enjoy shopping in stores and we know that we have an opportunity there.
Paul Leighton, 32, of Seaham, County Durham, set up 40 fake Facebook profiles to snare his young

The predatory paedophile who never met his victims set up 40 fake Facebook profiles to snare his young victims, a court heard yesterday.

Paul Leighton posed as a teenage girl online to groom hundreds of youngsters.

Astonishingly, he was on police bail at the time  enabling him to use Facebook to blackmail children into committing rape and incest.

He was jailed yesterday as a serial child rapist, despite never actually meeting most of his victims. In the first case of its kind, the court accepted he had directed the abuse and was therefore guilty of raping children some of whom were thousands of miles away.

The 32-year-old demanded compromising photos of his victims, then threatened to show them to their parents  after he identified their mothers and fathers in their list of Facebook friends.

He blackmailed the teens to force them into ever more horrific acts.

Judge Robert Adams told Leighton, of Seaham, County Durham, he had destroyed the lives of the youngsters.

It emerged that when he committed his worst crimes, including inciting a 14-year-old boy to rape his own niece, he was on police bail.

From his scruffy 70,000 house in Seaham, County Durham, Leighton set up bogus social media accounts and pretended to be a child. The 32-year-old's fake profiles were so successful he was able to groom hundreds in online chatrooms, then film them naked via their webcams

He had been arrested after a single mother he met on a dating website accused him of sexually assaulting her nine-year-old daughter in 2015.

But it was 22 months before he was finally charged for 19 crimes, including rape, sexual assault and grooming.

Newcastle Crown Court heard one 14-year-old boy in America was repeatedly ordered by Leighton to rape his baby niece, who was just 12 months old and in nappies, or risk embarrassing images being sent to his family.

Leighton warned the youth: Do everything I say to her, or I will, forcing him to comply with the perverts twisted demands and subject the baby to a campaign of shocking abuse.

Leighton also forced a 13-year-old girl in America to engage in repeated sexual acts with her own brother.

Prosecutor Paul Reid told the court: He said he had created 30 to 40 Facebook accounts and joined various teen chat groups on Facebook.

Leighton will be jailed at Newcastle Crown Court (file pic) after admitting 19 'sample' offences including three rapes, two sexual assaults on girls under 13 and four counts of grooming

He said this was to enable him to engage in chat with children and persuade them to send illegal images to him.

In order to convince them he was himself a female child, he would send them illegal images which he had in his possession.

He admitted he would search Facebook to identify friends and family of the child concerned, in order to be able to threaten to send the illegal images to their family if they did not send further photographs to him.

The FBI is expected to try to extradite Leighton for trial in the United States, and he also had victims in Canada and Australia.

Two of the boys he used to commit the appalling acts have been arrested in the United States for incest and rape.

A mobile phone belonging to Paul Leighton, who posed as a teenage girl to convince children on the internet to send him graphic images of themselves

Detectives said Leighton was the worst child abuser they had ever come across - and branded him a spine-chilling reminder of the dangers of children talking to strangers online.

One British victim was left suicidal by the abuse while an American girl said she was too scared to sleep.

Leighton first came to the polices attention after a partner accused him of sexually assaulting her a nine-year-old daughter when he touched her inappropriately.

But in February 2015 he was bailed after claiming that he had just been tickling her. In March 2016 he was arrested again, but once again was let go.

It was not until December 2016 that he was charged  and over the three-year period of his offending he groomed hundreds of victims, police said. Leighton filmed the gruesome attacks via a webcam.

In one horrifying attack, he posed online as a young girl called Layla Pattinson, and forced a 13-year-old girl from Tennessee in the US to have sex with her brother.

She sent him pictures of herself, after being reassured by similar half-naked pictures he had downloaded illegally and sent her.

Leighton blackmailed young girls (stock pic), threatening to expose the videos to their families unless they submitted to further sordid demands via webcam

He threatened to send them to family if she did not comply with his wishes. She begged him to stop but unrelenting he forced the girl, who was a virgin, to have sex with her brother.

In all police believe Leighton, who only met one of his victims, may have attacked several hundred children using fake social media profiles that take just five minutes to set up.

Leighton, who spray-painted cars in Sunderland for a living, committed his crimes at night while on a cocktail of cannabis, benzodiazepines, a drug used to treat anxiety, and alcohol.

Jailing him, the judge said the abuse was appalling.

Leighton will serve 16 years behind bars and six years on licence for three counts of rape, two sexual assaults on girls under 13, four counts of causing or inciting grooming, three counts of making and two counts of distributing indecent photographs, three counts of blackmail, one count of assault on a girl under 13, and one count of possessing a class B drug.

The judge made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that prevents him from communicating with children, or using the internet or social media without strict supervision.
Child porn accused TV reporter Ben McCormack is locked in negotiations with prosecutors and will soon enter a plea, a court has heard.

The suspended A Current Affair reporter appeared in front of a magistrate on Tuesday.

His appearance came about six months after he was charged with allegedly using a carriage service to send child pornography.

Suspended A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack (centre) arrives at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday morning

McCormack came close to answering questions from the media - but eventually declined to comment

McCormack's lawyer Sam Macedone told Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson he had negotiations 'on foot' with Commonwealth prosecutors.

He floated the possibility his client may plead guilty.

'If it's a plea of guilty, it'll be committed for sentence to the District Court,' Mr Macedone said.

'There's really negotiations at the moment'.

McCormack's bail conditions were varied so he only has to report to police once a week.

McCormack's lawyer floated the possibility of a guilty plea depending upon talks with the Commonwealth DPP. His bail conditions were relaxed so he only needs to report to police once a week (right)

Channel 9 journalist Ben McCormack (right) is released from Redfern police station after being charged with sending child pornography material in April

A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack (centre) is released from Redfern police station after his arrest on child pornography charges in April

Daily Mail Australia understands the lawyers are negotiating over the facts relating to one of the two offences he has been charged with.

The journalist was the face of the program's coverage of Hey Dad! paedophile Robert Hughes.

Outside court, Mr Macedone said he did not yet know whether his client would plead guilty or not guilty.
Thieves looted a flooded Houston home last week while the 89-year-old homeowner's dead body was still floating inside.

Agnes Stanley drowned on Sunday when floodwaters rose inside her home in the Houston neighborhood of Meyerland.

The elderly woman was found by a neighbor floating in about four feet of water after she insisted on riding out the hurricane in her home.

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Agnes Stanley, 89, drowned on Sunday when floodwaters rose inside her home (above) in the Houston neighborhood of Meyerland

The Houston Police Department say Stanley's home was one of three on her street targeted by looters before the coroner could arrive and get into the property to retrieve her body.

Her neighbor Michele Poche was the one to find Stanley floating in the floodwaters, KTRK-TV reports.

She said she called Stanley's son the morning of August 27 to get permission to break into her home to check on her.

'We saw that she was under the water and we backed out and called 911,' Poche said.

Police say Stanley's home was one of a number in the Meyerland neighborhood (above) targeted by looters before the coroner could arrive and get into the property to retrieve her body

Miguel Moncado, of Oxford Contractors, guts a flood-damaged home in the Meyerland neighborhood in Houston

'We think that the water got too high and she may have drowned.'

Poche also confirmed Stanley's home had been broken into.

'She was still in there,' Poche said. 'The coroner was not able to get in until Thursday to pick her body up. Yeah, they broke into her house and stole stuff, too.'

Officials now blame at least 60 deaths on Harvey after it dumped several feet of rain on southeast Texas in a matter of days.

Many of those deaths confirmed in 11 Texas counties happened when people were caught in quickly rising floodwaters or lost control on water-logged roads, emergency management officials said.
A series of dramatic raids were launched in Sydney on Tuesday, as part of an ongoing operation over the supply of the drugs Ice and heroin.

Two men, aged 40 and 43, and two women, aged 34 and 41, were among four people police arrested during searches in Kings Cross and surrounding suburbs.

Police in riot gear were seen entering properties, with a shirtless man with a bleeding head and bruised eye led away in handcuffs.

A series of dramatic raids were launched in Sydney Tuesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of the drugs

Four people were arrested during the search, with a shirtless man with a bleeding head and bruised eye (pictured) led away in handcuffs

The operation was part of Strike Force Pirrama which was established in June 2017 to investigate heroin and ice in Kings Cross

As part of their investigations police executed two search warrants at properties on Darlinghurst Road, in Sydney's inner east about 6am.

Following the search two men and a 34-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station to assist officers with inquiries.

Later in the day another two search warrants were issued at homes in the nearby suburbs of Redfern and Surry Hills.

During these raids a woman, aged 41, was also arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station.

Police in riot gear(pictured) executed four search warrants, including two in Kings Cross and two others in the neighbouring inner-east suburbs of Redfern and Surry Hills

Two men, aged 40 and 43, and a 34-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station following the early morning raids

At least seven officers in heavy-duty riot gear were seen during the raids, with a police dog (pictured) also used during the operation

At least seven officers in heavy-duty riot gear were seen during the raids, with a police dog also used during the operation.

It was part of Strike Force Pirrama which was established in June 2017 to investigate the supply of heroin and ice in the Kings Cross area.

Investigations are ongoing, with more raids expected to come.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit their online reporting page.

Officers conducted four raids, pictured here arresting a man, with the investigation ongoing

Another 41-year-old woman was also arrested during the ongoing investigation and was also taken to Kings Cross Police Station
A young father-of-two was paralysed after a routine steroid injection to cure pins and needles.

Graeme Foster was forced to give up his job as an electrician when he lost all feeling in his legs and arms after the jab was inserted into the right rear area of his neck.

The 47-year-old had to learn how to walk again after the guided nerve root injection triggered a spinal stroke in 2014.

Graeme Foster (pictured with family) was left paralysed following a steroid injection given to cure pain

Mr Foster was forced to give up his job as an electrician and now works at a desk

Mr Foster of Brisbane now works at a desk after he was forced to give up his job as an electrician.

He immediately lost muscle function in his left leg and both arms and has incomplete quadriplegia after initially opting for the injection to remedy constant pins and needles in three of his fingers.

Will it get better or worse?' he asks.

Things are better than they were but he still has up and down days.

He told Daily Mail Australia he would happily trade to have the tingling sensation he thought of as a nuisance back in place of the ongoing nerve pain and bruising feeling he now suffers.

Today, after grueling rehabilitation, he can walk - until one leg will just give out - enough to make him fall over.

He has functional issues with his upper limbs and is unable to use his left hand. His right tricep just starting to work again.

The father-of-two has since launched a five million dollar lawsuit against a radiologist who injected him which caused the spinal stroke.

In 2014 the guided nerve root injection triggered a spinal stroke when it was inserted at a Brisbane radiology centre

Today, after grueling rehabilitation, he can walk - until one leg will just give out - enough to make him fall over

The father-of-two has a 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. He says without the support of his wife Samantha he wouldnt have been able to get through the hard times.

'She's been fantastic to support me and the kids through.'

It is because of them that he is motivated to maintain a positive outlook and persevere despite trying times.

'It's hard on the kids,' he said. 'When it first happened daughter went into meltdown. She would have nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night screaming.'

His son got angry at the world. 'It forced him to grow up.'

He understands the injection veered into a blood vessel and damaged his spinal cord.

Never in his life did he imagine something like this would happen to him.

'It's actually been one of my biggest fears throughout life. It's very scary.

'I've been lucky to get back to where I am which is through rehabilitation and weekly physio.

'It will never get back to normal, I am just hoping it will get better.'

The father-of-two says without the support of his wife Samantha he wouldnt have been able to get through the hard times

He says that there have been many low points where it has been easy to question if it is all worth it but is determined to not let the situation get the best of him.

He says he doesn't hold any animosity toward the man who solicited the injection as the situation has become something he has just had to accept.

'I was angry, but it doesnt achieve anything, it just eats away at you.

'I just hope he has learnt from this and considers the risks more and informs his patients fully before procedures so they can make an informed choice.

'It is probably something I will probably never fully get over.

'I have had to accept that how I am now with the pain and limitations is the new normal and make the most of it.

'I've been a fairly positive person but you definitely have the times where it is too painful - the constant nerve pain is at times unbearable.'

He is speaking out in a bid to raise awareness of the risks involved. He wasn't told by any health care professionals about any chances that this would be his reality today.

Mr Foster (pictured left with wife and their two children) was initially undergoing the routine steroid injection to remedy pins and needles in three fingers

'The main aim stop this happening to someone else. There are safer alternatives and there are safer ways of doing it.

Margaret Brain of Maurice Blackburn, who represents Mr Foster and two other Queenslanders who are now bound to wheelchairs following the injection, told Daily Mail Australia the trio had not been previously made aware of the risks involved with the injection.

She said all three, who have suffered greatly, want to share their circumstances in a bid to raise awareness and make future patients aware of the 'small but significant' risks.

She emphasised an importance of asking what is being used and what precautions are being taken to prevent a similar instance happening again.

The group will seek individually seek compensation for a chance to ease the burden of their situation.

'Obviously when you suffer an injury like this it has a devastating effect on your life.

'It comes at great emotional and financial cost so compensation obviously can't restore their health but it provides a cushion to enable their lives to be as easy as possible and to access any sort of rehabilitation or aids and equipment to make their lives a little easier.'

Minter Ellison, the law firm who are representing the radiologist in the case, have been approached for comment.
Oxford vice chancellor Louise Richardson said it is 'not her job' to make students feel comfortable as it is good for them to encounter comments they find offensive

Students should not expect to be shielded from lecturers' homophobic views as universities need to protect free speech, Professor Louise Richardson has said.

The Oxford vice chancellor said it is 'not her job' to make students feel comfortable as it is good for them to encounter comments they find offensive.

She added that undergraduates who feel upset by the ideas of their lecturers should 'challenge' them rather than complain to the authorities.

The mollycoddled upbringings of millenials has earned them the reputation as being the 'snowflake generation'.

Her comments come after a number of incidents in which students have campaigned to stop speakers coming to their universities over their controversial views.

Professor Richardson said: 'Universities must not be seen as bastions of a particular political perspective.

'We must be open to the expression of all legal views and be prepared to subject these views to reasoned arguments.'

She said that undergraduates who feel upset by the ideas of their lecturers should 'challenge' them rather than complain to the authorities (file photo)

She added that students needed to be taught how to respond to 'views they find objectionable' as there was no 'right not to be offended'.

She said: 'I have had many conversations with students who have come to me and say they don't feel comfortable because their professor has expressed views against homosexuality.

'They don't feel comfortable being in the classroom with somebody with those views.

'And I say 'I'm sorry, but my job is not to make you feel comfortable. Education is not about being comfortable. In fact, I'm interested in making you uncomfortable.

'And if you don't like his views, you challenge them and engage with them and figure out how a smart person like that can have views like that.

'And figure out how you can persuade him to change his mind.'
A group of scientist will embark on a search in the rainforests of Far North Queensland for the long-lost Tasmanian Tiger next month.

James Cook University's Dr Sandra Abell told Daily Mail Australia that the scientific expedition, led by her, will include six other researchers.

The group will spend four days in a remote Queensland rainforest searching for the Tassie Tiger, the near extinct northern bettong and other mammals and predators.

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Researchers are preparing to launch a search for the long-lost Tasmanian Tiger in October

Dr Abell said: 'We don't want to give the location away as we want to respect the traditional land and property owners.'

She said the probabilities of finding an extinct Thylacine during the expedition would be low, however the group would still embark on the search as there had been many sightings reported in the past, making it hard to ignore.

She said: 'The sightings were mainly recorded at night with some having seen it at a close range using a torch.

'However, most of these sightings came without any concrete evidence.

'We have received reports of more than 50 sightings of the Tassie Tiger since it became extinct.

'The last report was two years ago and the first one was back in the 1960s.

In July a man in South Australia recorded a footage of an animal resembling the Tassie Tiger

'There is low probability of finding (a Tassie Tiger) and there may be a plausible explanation such as it (the sightings) being wild dogs or dingoes with stripes.'

The field survey comes after the university made an announcement that it would conduct such a research following two promising sightings of the extinct predator reported earlier in the year.

In July, a man in South Australia had recorded and uploaded a clip of a mysterious four-legged animal which distinctively resembled a Tasmanian Tiger.

Dr Abell added next month's field survey would use about 50 to 100 high-tech baited camera traps.

A team of six researchers from James Cook University will embark on the search

Dr Abell said since the announcement on the field survey was made in March, work has been ongoing.

'We recently gone and collected some cameras and we will have to go through some 100,000 photos,' she said.

The research co-investigator Professor Bill Laurance, also from JCU, told Daily Mail Australia that the chances of finding a surviving Thylacine was 'very remote but not utterly impossible'.

The search for the Tasmanian Tiger will go for four days in Far North Queensland

'The last known Thylacine died in the Hobart Zoo 81 years ago.

'But the Wollemi Pine was supposed to have disappeared 200 million years ago, and yet was rediscovered in 1994 just a stone's throw from Sydney.

'And the Coelacantha massive lungfishwas supposed to have vanished 65 million years ago, but was rediscovered in 1938 by fishermen in the Indian Ocean.

The last known Tasmanian Tiger (pictured) died in Hobart zoo in September 1936

'And then there's the supposedly extinct Mountain Pygmy Possum, found alive today in a small area of Victoria.

'The list of such 'Lazarus Species'supposedly extinct but then found to have survivedgoes on and on.

'In science, one thing you learn is, 'never say never'.

' Nature is too mysterious to let us get away with that,' he said.
Police say the British family murdered in the French Alps five years ago were the victims of a random unplanned attack by a local person.

Authorities admit, however, they have no leads on the identity of the person who killed engineer Saad al-Hilli, who was shot alongside his wife Iqbal and her mother Suhaila al-Allaf while on holiday in Chevaline in September 2012.

A 45-year-old French cyclist - Sylvain Mollier - was also found dead close to the car but the couple's two daughters, aged four and seven at the time, both miraculously survived the attack.

Police say the British family murdered in the French Alps five years ago were the victims of a random unplanned attack by a local person. Pictured, the car at the murder scene (left) and victim Saad al-Hilli (right)

State Prosecutor Veronique Dizot now says they were the victims of an 'unfortunate encounter,' according to The Times.

'Why not consider the theory that they met someone who for some reason did not want their activities known, and whose personality led them to eliminate all the witnesses?' she said.

She added: 'After five years, we are a bit discouraged and worried. Time is working against us.'

The victims were found in the family's BMW estate in a remote layby close to Lake Annecy in eastern France, where the family were on a camping holiday.

Pictured, the home of murdered aeronautical engineer Saad Al Hilli, in Claygate, Surrey

Pictured, French Gendarmes continue their search along the road to La Combe d'Ire, the scene of the Al-Hilli killings (File photo)

The family originally came from Iraq, and one theory was that their links to the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein may be a reason for their murders.

There have also been claims that Mr Al-Hilli was involved in a dispute over a family inheritance with his brother Zaid Al-Hilli, 54, of Chessington, Surrey.

He was arrested under suspicion of conspiracy to murder in 2013 but then released because of a complete lack of evidence.

At one stage, detectives believed the family had been shot by a serial killer with a hatred of tourists.

The family originally came from Iraq, and one theory was that their links to the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein may be a reason for their murders (File photo)

The caravan and tent used by Saad al-Hilli and his family while on holiday at the Le Solitaire du Lac campsite on Lake Annecy (File photo)

Police said they had linked the murders with the mysterious death of another tourist in July 2012.

Other theories have speculated that the cyclist Mr Mollier, a 45-year-old nuclear industry worker, was the primary target.

There have also been claims that a mystery motorcyclist seen around the Alpine beauty spot could have carried out the killings.
A law student is under investigation by his university after allegedly mocking ISIS on social media and 'putting minority students at risk and in a state of panic'.

Robbie Travers is being probed by Edinburgh University amid claims he committed a 'hate crime', despite no criminal investigation by the police.

The 21-year-old third-year student wrote a Facebook post after the US Air Force bombed an ISIS stronghold in Afghanistan in April.

However his comments sparked a complaint from fellow students, who accused him of 'blatant Islamaphobia'.

Robbie Travers is being probed by Edinburgh University amid claims he committed a 'hate crime'

Following the air attack in April Mr Traves wrote: 'I'm glad we could bring these barbarians a step closer to collecting their 72 virgins'.

Mr Travers has previously caused controversy over inflammatory comments made on gender issues.

The 21-year-old law student is under investigation by Edinburgh University

Mr Travers wrote on Facebook last night: 'Afraid I've been a little more quiet as I have been accused of Islamophobia because I mocked ISIS, and I'm being investigated on such a ground by my University'

Mr Travers wrote on Facebook last night: 'Afraid I've been a little more quiet as I have been accused of Islamophobia because I mocked ISIS, and I'm being investigated on such a ground by my University.

'Mocking ISIS allegedly made Islamic and minority students feel 'threatened' and 'unsafe,' so goes the complainant's ramblings.

'Have engaged legal advice to dismiss this nonsense. Wish me luck.'

Mr Travers has previously caused controversy over inflammatory comments made on gender issues

A University spokesperson said: 'We are committed to providing an environment in which all members of the University community treat each other with dignity and respect and our Code of Student Conduct sets out clear expectations of behaviour.

'We can confirm that complaints alleging misconduct have been received against Mr Travers and these are being investigated. It is, however, untrue to suggest that Mr Travers is 'under investigation' for 'mocking ISIS'.'
Trying to sell your car can be difficult at the best of times.

Most car owners will spend a full day cleaning out trash and leftover water bottles from the passenger seat, put air in the tires, change the oil and make sure there is enough fuel in the tank for a test run.

But even if you keep your car in the best of conditions there might be a cream you use everyday that ruins your chances of a good price at auction.

The chemicals inside your SPF 50+ eat through the clear top coat on your vehicle and result in nearly impossible to remove smudges and hand prints left by well-meaning kids leaning on the bonnet or doors

According to car dealers and panel beaters alike a humble bottle of sunscreen could be causing severe damage to your car - even though it's protecting your skin.

The chemicals inside your SPF 50+ eat through the clear top coat on your vehicle and result in nearly impossible to remove smudges and hand prints left by well-meaning kids leaning on the bonnet or doors.

Usually the only cause of action is an expensive respray.

Business manager at Christchurch's Blackwells Mazda Andy Hallaway described to Stuff the most serious case of sunscreen damage was on a family car which had just been on a camping trip with young kids.

But even if you keep your car in the best of conditions there might be a cream you use everyday that ruins your chances of a good price at auction (stock image)

Almost $3000 was deducted off the trade-in price to cover remedial work. 'I don't think there was a panel other than the roof that wasn't affected,' Mr Hallaway said.

Sunblock damage is also a problem for rental cars - particularly if the driver's haven't taken out a full excess.

Car dealers also second guess purchasing a car worth over $5,000 with lotion damage because they can't get around the cost it would take to fix it.

'Older cars with low value anyway probably wouldn't suffer as there are plenty of dings, stone chips etc,' said national marketing manager at Turners car auctions Sean Wiggans.

Business manager at Christchurch's Blackwells Mazda Andy Hallaway described to Stuff the most serious case of sunscreen damage was on a family car which had just been on a camping trip with young kids (stock image)

While the average cost of a single-coat respray totals $566 on other luxury vehicles the price can double.

But if you decide on a cheaper cut and polish to remove the marks it might only last a humble two weeks before the smudges return.

Youtube videos also promise a simple eraser and orange peel could remove long-wearing sunscreen but this isn't a foolproof plan and may wind up being a similar fix to the cut and polish.

The best option is to make sure kids and adults alike stay clear of the car when applying sunscreen - and wipe their hands before getting inside.
Malcolm Turnbull will discuss the North Korean situation with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning.

Mr Trump will call Mr Turnbull at 7.45am AEST from the White House Oval Office, just hours after receiving a national security council briefing.

The call is believed to be the first since a heated debate between the two men in January when they discussed resettling refugees.

The call is believed to be the first since a heated debate between the two men in January when they discussed resettling refugees (Mr Trump pictured during phone call)

Both leaders have condemned North Korea's recent hydrogen bomb test and are seeking diplomatic solutions to the crisis.

Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe planned to meet with Mr Trump 'at the earliest opportunity' to discuss the North Korean threat.

Mr Trump has not ruled out military action after a series of provocative nuclear threats by North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Marise Payne will head to South Korea for high level security talks.

The meetings follow North Korea's sixth nuclear test on Sunday.

Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe planned to meet with Mr Trump 'at the earliest opportunity' to discuss the North Korean threat

Mr Trump has not ruled out military action after a series of provocative nuclear threats by North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un (pictured)

The call comes months after the pair's infamous call in January.

In the call, which took place eight days after Mr Trump was inaugurated, they shared a terse conversation about a refugee deal between the two nations.

A transcript of the full conversation was leaked online.

'I have had it. I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous,' Mr Trump said to Mr Turnbull.

In the call the new president repeatedly misstated the number of refugees the U.S. had agreed to take on and opined that the deal with Australia put him in a 'bad position' his first week on the job.

'You have brokered many a stupid deal in business,' Mr Trump told Mr Turnbull.

In the call, which took place eight days after Mr Trump was inaugurated, they shared a terse conversation about a refugee deal between the two nations (Mr Trump pictured during call)
Kenya "Mo" Davis, 48, was arrested in August after he admitted to trafficking drugs to residents within the Newark and Licking County area

An extensive and expensive shoe collection that formerly belonged to a convicted Ohio drug dealer was listed for sale Friday on GovDeals.com.

All proceeds collected from the auction will go toward investigative funding for the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force, authorities said.

At least sixty-seven pairs of name brand shoes like Reebok, Puma and K-Swiss were collected at the time investigators seized a 'half-pound of cocaine, 100-plus pills containing fentanyl, digital scales and nearly $2,500 in cash' inside Kenya Davis' Newark home on the 500 block of Vesper Drive, court documents said.

It seems nifty footwear was Davis' preferred form of payment in exchange for the illegal drugs, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

The shoe sizes range from 10 to 12.

Lt. Paul Cortright, of the Licking County Sheriff's Department, said the massive shoe haul was unlike most he's witnessed in prior drug-related raids.

The shoes range from sizes 10-12

At least sixty-seven pairs of name brand shoes like Reebok, Puma and K-Swiss were collected

A large shoe collection that formerly belonged to the convicted drug dealer was listed for sale on GovDeals.com Friday

'I'm not saying it's the most we've seen at a location, but it's unusual,' Cortright told the newspaper.

Davis, 48, was sentenced to 11 years in prison back in August for first-degree felony drug possession charges.

Davis previously admitted to trafficking cocaine and opioids to 'numerous residents within the Newark and Licking County area,' court records said.

He is temporarily being held at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient until further notice.

Davis is temporarily being held at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient until further notice

Licking County officials said they've collected up to '$1.2 million to date' in proceeds from the sold belongings of convicts on GovDeals.com

Licking County officials said they've collected up to '$1.2 million to date' in proceeds from the sold belongings of convicts on GovDeals.com over the course of the past several years.

'Most of those proceeds end up in the county's general fund, though money from the sale of items confiscated as part of drug investigations is directed to further drug task force efforts,' the newspaper said.

Other efforts include 'providing the cash that officers need when making undercover purchases to catch dealers.'
Mort Zuckerman, pictured in June 2015, owned the New York Daily News from 1993 and 2017. The paper was acquired by newspaper publisher Tronc in a deal announced September 4, 2017

Newspaper publisher Tronc has acquired the Daily News, a storied New York tabloid newspaper that won a Pulitzer Prize this year but has been buffeted by the changing media environment.

Chicago-based Tronc Inc., the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, announced the deal Monday night, and the Daily News posted a story on its website.

Tronc acquired the paper from former News owner Mort Zuckerman, 80, for $0 and will assume more than $61million in pensions and workers' compensation, Recode editor Peter Kafka noted.

Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn, 47, said acquiring the paper and its popular website would 'provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers.'

Both Tronc and Daily News executives said the company would maintain the quality of the paper's journalism.

'Over the past near-century, the New York Daily News has served New York City and its surrounding areas with its award-winning journalism and helped shape the dynamics of the city,' Zuckerman said in a release. A New York real estate magnate, he had owned the paper since 1993.

Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn (right) said his company's acquisition of the Daily News would 'provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers.' Zuckerman is pictured at left

The deal puts the Daily News under the umbrella of one of the nation's major newspaper chains, with properties spanning from the Hartford Courant in Connecticut to the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida.

Tronc - which evolved from Daily News founder the Tribune Company - will now have presence in the New York media market, a news site with about 25 million unique monthly visitors and other assets. Under the terms of the deal, Tronc said it assumed the Daily News' operational and pension liabilities and got 100 percent ownership of its Jersey City, New Jersey, printing plant and a 49.9 percent interest in the plant's 25-acre property, which overlooks the Manhattan skyline.

Tronc plans to use the Jersey City printing plant to print the Hartford Courant and the Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania, sources told the New York Times.

The New York Daily News is famous for its flashy headlines. After President Gerald Ford said he would not bail out New York City amid its financial crisis in the 1970s, the News ran a story with the headline: 'Ford to City: Drop Dead.' Pictured is a man holding up a poster with the cover story at a 'Save NYC' Rally in November 1975

The paper has taken a hard-line stance against current US president Donald Trump. A February 2017 cover pictured at right condemned Donald Trump after he barred certain news outlets from attending a White House press briefing

With the deal, News Editor-in-Chief Arthur Browne was also named publisher, though he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Founded in 1919, the Daily News considers itself 'New York's Hometown Newspaper,' informing everyday New Yorkers about their city and more. It has been known over the years for zesty headlines - perhaps most notably 'Ford to City: Drop Dead' during the New York's financial woes in 1975 - gossip, city coverage and star columnists that included Jimmy Breslin, Pete Hamill and Liz Smith.

Lately, the tabloid has also attracted attention with its unsparing criticism of President Donald Trump.

Trump, in return, branded the paper 'worthless' and Zuckerman 'dopey' in tweets last year.

The Daily News and ProPublica together won this year's Pulitzer Prize in public service journalism for uncovering how authorities used an obscure law to evict hundreds of people, mostly poor minorities, from their homes. It was the Daily News' 11th Pulitzer Prize, and the fifth during Zuckerman's tenure.

But the paper has also contended with the shifts in news consumption and advertising that have affected newspapers in general in the digital age. The newspaper industry has been suffering for years from declining print circulation and advertising revenue, as readership and ad dollars have shifted online. Online ad sales have increased for newspaper companies, but not always enough to offset the decline in print revenue.

The Daily News also grappled with a muscular hometown tabloid rival, the News Corporation-owned New York Post.

Zuckerman eyed selling the Daily News in 2015 but ultimately took it off the market.
A married couple from Sand Springs, Oklahoma were killed over Labor Day weekend when their jet ski collided with a boat.

Evan Crocker, 56, and Cathy Crocker, 48, were struck by the boat at 9.15pm on Sunday.

The 2008 Sea-Doo was not equipped with lights, according to officials.

The VIP boat operator James Halford and the three passengers on-board were not injured.

Cathy and Evan Crocker died Sunday night after a VIP boat ran into their Sea-Doo at 9.15pm. They did not have lights on the water vehicle

The pair were riding the 2008 Sea-Doo, pictured above, without lights when another boat hit them, officials say

Cathy and Evan were pronounced dead at the scene, FOX 23 reported.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol did not disclose if they had been drinking before the crash.

The couple gave children battling cancer helicopter flights over Tulsa over Christmas for the last five years according toKJRH.

They called the program Flights for Lights. Dixie, the mother of a seven-year-old with cancer who flew with the Crockers for the last three years, told the station: 'You can only imagine the amount of lives theyve touched and weve seen it from our own two eyes.'

Cathy was the Vice President at Production Air Services, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her husband also flew the helicopters according to Facebook posts.

A friend of Cathy said in a Facebook post that Cathy and Evan used their helicopter to help those in need.

Cady Nicholle Byrnes wrote in part on Facebook: 'Evan and Cathy were some of the craziest and best people I knew. They helped everyone in need no matter how far they had to travel.

'From wildfires to the most recent Houston efforts they have used their helicopter to help those in need or in danger. These two have made lasting impacts on so many families and left a mark on my heart.'

The pair were pronounced dead at the scene. According to a friend's Facebook post, the couple used their helicopter to help those in need

According to her LinkedIn profile, Cathy was the Vice President at Production Air Services. Her husband Evan flew helicopters according to several friends' Facebook posts

They died at Keystone Lake (stock image) when a VIP boat crashed into their Sea-Doo which was not equipped with lighting

Another friend wrote: 'Saying goodbye to another friend. Evan Crocker and his wife Cathy. Grew up on the lake with him.

'Lots of great times especially his wild ass helicopter rides. Btw I'd never rode in a boat with him. He would do anything for his friends. He loved mom and dad. At least he left died doing something he loved. I'll miss him.#

According to the Production Air Helicopter Services' description, it is the only Cherokee Indian (TERO), woman owned, SBA Hubzone certified, small economically disadvantaged, US veteran operated aviation company in the USA.

The memorial services for Cathy and Evan are pending.
Australia Post is hiking up the prices to send parcels, prepaid envelopes and satchels across the country.

From next month, the government-owned post provider will raise the prices of some products by an average of 2.8 percent.

This means consumers would have to pay between 15 cents to 35 cents more to send parcels locally.

Australia Post to increase the prices of several of its products on October 2 (stock image)

However, there will be no change on the cost of domestic stamps.

An Australia Post media spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the cost for sending international letters will rise by 1.9 percent.

But postage for cards sent to regions like USA, UK, Europe will go down.

'These pricing changes will ensure we can continue to invest in our large and trusted delivery network, covering more than 4000 post offices and 11.6 million delivery points each day,' Australia Post said in a statement.

'This will also allow us to manage increasing costs across the delivery network.

'For most products this is the first price increase in over 12 months.'
A 14-year-old netballer is fighting for her life in a Brisbane hospital after contracting a severe case of the flu.

Mercedes King went to bed feeling a little sick on August 30 however by 3am the next day she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

The 'bright' Mackay girl's organs began to shut down at an alarming rate which was too fast for doctors to react so she was put into an induced coma.

A 14-year-old netballer (pictured) is fighting for her life in a Brisbane hospital after contracting a severe case of the flu

Mercedes King (pictured with her family) went to bed feeling a little sick on August 30 however by 3am the next day she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance

'As her health declined, her parents were told that Mercedes would have to be flown to Brisbane for treatment as she needed specialised care,' her aunt, who is the sister of Mercedes' father Troy, wrote on the school girl's GoFundMe page.

Due to her condition, equipment was flown in to keep her alive from Lady Cilento Childrens Hospital in Brisbane along with a team of doctors.

When she was in a stable condition she was flown to Brisbane with her mum by her side.

Doctors have since confirmed Mercedes has influenza B, pneumonia, sepsis and an unidentified bacterial infection.

The 'bright' Mackay girl's organs began to shut down at an alarming rate which was too fast for doctors to react so she was put into an induced coma

She is in Lady Cilento Childrens Hospital in critical condition with her parents and siblings by her side.

As Mercedes is continued to be monitored the family have appealed for any financial assistance to get them through the spontaneous circumstances.

In two days $11,855 has been raised for her ongoing medical care between 140 donations.

Messages of support have overwhelmed the page, which initially set out with a $10,000 goal.
A homophobic pamphlet urging people not to vote for Labor because of the party's support for gay marriage is being circulated in Sydney's western suburbs.

The flyer, which depicts a young girl shielding her eyes from gay couples pictured around her, have been distributed in the Georges River, Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown and Strathfield, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

'Do not vote Labour' is scrawled above the homophobic illustrations, which also includes a man who appears to be performing a sex act and gay couples in compromising positions.

A homophobic pamphlet urging people not to vote for Labor because of the party's support for gay marriage is being circulated in Sydney's western suburbs (pictured)

'Do not vote Labour' is scrawled above the homophobic illustrations, which also includes a man who appears to be performing a sex act and gay couples in compromising positions (pictured)

On the back of the pamphlet are a series of statements slamming Labor.

Residents are told to vote against the party 'if you do not want your children become homosexuality' and if 'you do not want your children to learn how to sponke their monkeys'.

The flyer does not make it clear who created and distributed them.

It has been reported to the NSW Electoral Commission.

'We have had reports of this false and highly offensive flyer being circulated in parts of western and south western Sydney. As local government elections are underway in NSW, and the flyer is unauthorised, we have made a complaint today to the NSW Electoral Commission,' NSW Labor general secretary Kaila Murnain told SMH.

Pictured is another homophobic pamphlet seen in Sydney claiming homosexuality is 'a curse of death in terminating the family line and without descendants'

The homophobic pamphlet is the most recent in a series that have emerged across the country in the lead up to a postal vote on gay marriage.

Another poster was allegedly spotted in Brisbane's West End on August 28 and was shared online by Reddit user jilly32.

'In West End. This is the vile hate the plebiscite is unleashing', the post read.

The plastered sign features a man and woman with a baby, while below was a man with a young boy on his shoulders, with another man leaning in to kiss the child.

The top image was captioned 'this is a family' while the bottom photo 'this is not'.

A horrific homophobic poster has appeared in Brisbane (pictured) following the Melbourne poster found earlier this month

Dozens of Reddit users took to the site to slam the poster and the creator of the sign

At the bottom of the poster, it reads: ' A vote for gay marriage is a vote for child abuse'.

The post was quickly awash with comments lambasting the creator of the poster and the decision to put it up.

'Its the hatred that drives them insane. Rather produce this than sleep', one user wrote.

Another wondered what would happen if the creator were to have a gay child in the future.

'What happens if the person who made this poster has a kid one day that is gay? Will they disown their own child? Ridiculous. We are all human and deserve the same rights and respect', they wrote.

One user pointed out the irony of which picture was more likely to be a 'real' family.

'Its funny because the stock image family is almost definitely not a real family anyway', they joked.

It follows another hateful image allegedly spotted in Heffernan Lane in the heart of Melbourne's central business district on August 19.

A homophobic poster (pictured) appeared earlier this month depicting two men holding rainbow-coloured nooses over a hunched-over and cowering child

The posters were spotted by a Twitter user (pictured) in the heart of Melbourne's central business district

A photo of the poster provoked an outraged response on social media, even attracting the ire of opposition leader Bill Shorten.

The poster, titled 'Stop the F*gs', claims 92 per cent of children raised by gay parents suffer from abuse.

It says that 52 per cent are depressed and 72 per cent are obese.

The poster referenced a discredited 2016 study by Reverend Paul Sullins from the Catholic University of America.

Gay rights activist Rodney Croome said the Australian Institute for Family Studies found children raised by same-sex couples had the same outcomes as other children, contradicting claims made in the poster.

Opposing posters (pictured) telling people to vote 'Yes' can be seen in other parts of Melbourne

One social media user rushed to the scene (pictured) to remove the offending posters but found a clean-up already under way

'Overall, research evidence indicates that children raised in same-sex parented families do as well emotionally, socially and educationally as other children,' he said.

Some Twitter users were quick to take action, with one person arriving at the scene to take it down only to find a clean up already in progress.

Mr Shorten retweeted an article about the offending poster, apologising to those who might have been hurt by it.

'Labor opposed this postal survey because we feared exactly this kind of hurtful filth would emerge,' Mr Shorten wrote.

The posters appeared just days after Sydney was hit by similar anti-gay marriage leaflets, posted in letterboxes in the southern Sydney suburb of Hurstville (pictured is the rainbow flag flying over Sydney's Town Hall.

'This kind of garbage isn't 'debate', it's abuse. I'm so sorry that LGBTI Australians have to put up with it. Let's make sure there's an overwhelming 'Yes' vote in response.'

Former prime minister Tony Abbott warned of potential consequences for religious educators, adoption agencies and school programs if same-sex marriage was legalised.

'If we have officially sanctioned de-gendering marriage, it's very hard not to see de-gendering come in in so many other areas as well,' he said.

'It isn't just about marriage. Sure, marriage is the immediate focus, but there are lots and lots of implications here, and we've got to think them through before we take this big leap into what I think is the dark.'

Bill Shorten (pictured) tweeted about the offending poster, apologising to those who might have been hurt by it

Australia is preparing for a postal plebiscite on gay marriage, and voters have until August 24 to update their details or enrol.

The posters appeared just days after Sydney was hit by similar anti-gay marriage leaflets, posted in letterboxes in the southern Sydney suburb of Hurstville.

The flyers, written in English and Chinese, stated: 'Homosexuality is a curse of death in terminating the family line and without decedents.' (sic)

The letter also warned of HIV/AIDS and a risk to women's safety in public bathrooms.
A female flight attendant who is suspected of trying to smuggle 6kg of cocaine into Perth Airport has been named as Priya Govender.

The 32-year-old South African Airways (SAA) worker was arrested on August 18 after arriving at Perth from Johannesburg with the drugs allegedly hidden inside six hollowed-out books.

The identity of Ms Govender was made public after SAA revealed one of its employees had been placed into custody on drug charges.

The identity of Ms Govender (pictured) was only made public on the weekend after SAA revealed one of its employees had been placed into custody on drug charges

A spokesman for SAA told The Post newspaper in Durban that all flight crews undergo security screening but it doesn't specifically look for drugs

It has been reported that Australian authorities suspected Ms Govender prior to her arrival and chose her for a baggage examination once she reached customs.

Upon the discovery of the six small packages the flight attendant was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

It has not yet been made known whether Ms Govender hoped to pass the drugs onto someone in Australia as no further arrests have been made at this time.

The offence itself carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Priya Govender (pictured) has been identified

According to the 32-year-old's Facebook page Ms Govender is engaged to her South African partner Dane Francis and they were looking to get married in the coming year.

Since her arrest the SAA worker has closed her social media account.

A spokesman for SAA told The Post newspaper in Durban that all flight crews undergo security screening but it doesn't specifically look for drugs.

'Security screening processes are aimed at the detection of explosives, weapons or harmful articles to prevent acts of unlawful interference with aircraft operations and safety issues, and not necessarily to detect contraband,' the spokesman told the newspaper.'

Ms Govender is due to face court on Wednesday.
NSW health authorities are warning of a Hepatitis A outbreak after 12 reported cases of the potentially deadly virus in just five weeks in Sydney.

The viral liver disease, which spreads in contaminated food or through poor hygiene, can in some cases bring upon life-threatening liver failure.

No specific food has yet been connected to the outbreak.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases with NSW Health, said an investigation had been launched to discover the source of the disease spread.

NSW health authorities are warning of a Hepatitis A outbreak after 12 reported cases of the potentially deadly virus in the past five weeks in Sydney (stock image)

The viral liver disease can in some cases bring upon life-threatening liver failure (stock image)

HEPATITIS A: SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF THE VIRUS It is a viral disease which affects the liver

It can be contracted if someone comes in contact with food, drinks or object contaminated with the faeces of an infected person

Fever, nausea and abdominal discomfort are among the symptoms

Dark urine and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) are also common

Epidemics can be explosive and cause substantial economic loss

A very small proportion of people infected with hepatitis A could die from fulminant hepatitis

Source: NSW Health Advertisement

'Hepatitis A is usually contracted overseas in high-risk countries, but 10 of these 12 people notified to NSW Health since July 26 have had no recent overseas travel,' she said on Tuesday.

'Travellers to high-risk countries and anyone at higher risk of infection, including men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sewerage workers and childcare workers, should ensure that they are vaccinated against hepatitis A.'

There have been between 41 and 82 cases of Hepatitis A notified to NSW Health each year since 2013, mostly in people returning from high-risk countries.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads in contaminated food or through poor hygiene.

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever and yellowing of the skin, dark urine and pale stools.

The risk of spreading hepatitis A can be reduced by washing hands thoroughly, particularly after going to the toilet, touching soiled linen or items, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food.

Several hepatitis A outbreaks have been reported internationally in the past six months where hepatitis A is usually uncommon, including in Europe and California.
A man who filmed himself confronting his wife when he busted her in bed with her boss now faces jail time for unlawful surveillance.

Sean Donis, 37, filmed two videos on his phone when he found his wife Nancy in bed with another man in Rockland County, New York in April last year.

He told the New York Post he had used the 'Find My iPhone' app to locate his young son's iPad when he spotted it travelling through Rockland County.

Caught in the act: Sean Donis (left), 37, filmed two videos on his phone when he found his wife, Nancy (pictured right) in bed with another man in Rockland County, New York in April last year

Love nest: This is the house in Rockland County where where Donis caught his wife cavorting with another man

Donis said he was looking after the couple's son because his wife had said she was meeting up with friends for dinner in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

He said seeing the iPad location confirmed fears he had about his wife's infidelity with her boss Albert Lopez.

Donis went to Lopez's house and entered through the unlocked front door.

He then proceeded to film his wife and Lopez in bed as he confronted them.

Nancy (left and right) and Sean called it quits earlier this year. Now, the husband has been indicted for unlawful surveillance

Nancy filed for divorce and it was finalized earlier this year.

Months later in July, Donis was informed he had been indicted by a grand jury for unlawful surveillance and felony burglary.

'I feel like it's unjust what they're doing to me,' Donis told The Post. 'It's like I'm being punished twice.'

He pleaded guilty in August but is due to front court again on September 20.
A five-year-old boy has died hours after he was sent home from hospital after complaining of stomach pains.

The Wahroonga boy was reportedly taken to Hornsby Hospital where he stayed for four hours before going home where he was then rushed to Sydney Adventist Hospital hours later.

The five-year-old woke at 11pm Thursday from a 'considerable amount of pain' but was nursed back to sleep before waking again at 3am where his parents took him to Hornsby Hospital, North Shore Times reports.

Five-year-old boy died on Friday hours after being sent home from Hornsby Hospital (pictured)

A police spokesman said the boy was sent home at 7am because he was feeling better - with doctors asking his parents to monitor him.

Later that afternoon, at 2.15pm, the five-year-old was rushed to Sydney Adventist Hospital and was declared dead two hours later.

A Sydney Adventist Hospital told the publication they could not confirm any details about the boy's death.

An investigation into the boy's death is ongoing.
Lindsey Michaels, 21, died early Sunday while train hopping with her boyfriend

A Carlow University student leaped to her death and was dragged beneath two trains while playing a game with her boyfriend.

Lindsey Michaels, 21, and her partner, whose name has not been disclosed, were jumping trains near South 7th Street and P.J. McArdle Roadway around 2.30am Sunday in South Side Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, WTAE reports.

Norfolk and Pittsburgh police described what they know of the nightmare incident in a written statement, as they continue further investigation.

'The train, moving 130 cars loaded with coal, was traveling at about 3 to 4 mph through this area and then began to pick up speed,' Norfolk Southern spokesman Jon Glass wrote.

'The train crew did not see anyone trying to jump on the train and was not aware that anyone might have been hit.'

Michaels' boyfriend was transported to the hospital to be treated for an ankle injury.

Michaels was horrifically dragged beneath two trains while playing the game

The couple was jumping trains around 2.30am Sunday in South Side Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

'The train, moving 130 cars loaded with coal, was traveling at about 3 to 4 mph through this area and then began to pick up speed,' Norfolk Southern spokesman Jon Glass said

'The train crew did not see anyone trying to jump on the train and was not aware that anyone might have been hit'

A classmate close to the couple told WTAE she felt saddened for Michaels' boyfriend, who came out of accident with an injury and lost his soulmate in the process.

'They literally loved each other so much. They were together for a long time so you just... I know how much she loved him and the other way around,' Danielle Levato said.

'I feel really bad for him and nobody should have to go through that no matter how long they were together.'

Michaels' longtime friend, Lexy Mercurie, remembered her as a fun-loving person who she shared countless childhood memories with.

The nightmare incident happened near South 7th Street and P.J. McArdle Roadway

Friends and family members close to Michaels expressed their sympathy

'We were just always really good friends. I was like a couple streets down. I walked to her house every day. It was like the same routine all the time,' Mercurie said.

'She always just lived in the moment and she always wanted to have fun. I don't think they expected anything like that to ever happen, you know?'

Michaels' mother confirmed to the news station that her daughter's boyfriend has been 'beside himself' since the deadly incident  which she believes may have been alcohol-induced.

Her mother added that Michaels was a 'good kid' who made the Dean's List and had high ambitions for her future.

Michaels' mother said she was a 'good kid' who made the Dean's List at Carlow University

Michaels' mother said she believes the deadly incident may have been alcohol-induced

Carlow University issued a public statement after learning of the sad news Sunday night.

'The Carlow University community extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Carlow junior Lindsey Michaels, who died last night in a tragic accident on the South Side,' the statement read.

'We mourn her loss. Information about a memorial service on campus will be forthcoming. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.'
Cameraman shot: Andy Grimm, a news photographer from Ohio, was shot and wounded by a sheriff's deputy who apparently mistook his equipment for a weapon

A small Ohio news organization says one of its photographers has been shot by a sheriff's deputy who apparently mistook his camera for a gun during a traffic stop.

The New Carlisle News reports photographer Andy Grimm had left the office at around 10pm Monday to take pictures of lightning when he came across a Clark County sheriff's deputy performing a traffic stop in New Carlisle, north of Dayton.

Grimm tells the news organization that he decided to take pictures of the traffic stop on Main Street, noting that he was not the one being pulled over.

He says he got out of his Jeep and started setting up his tripod and camera in full view of the deputy performing the traffic stop when he heard, 'pop, pop,' and then realized he's been shot in the side.

Grimm was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He is expected to recover.

The wounded photographer later said Deputy Jake Shaw gave him no warning before opening fire on him.

'I was just doing my job,' he said.

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Grimm went out Monday night to shoot lightning when when came upon a traffic stop on Main Streetin New Carlisle, Ohio, and decided to take pictures of it

Grimm says a sheriff's deputy opened fire on him without any warning, having apparently mistaken his camera and tripod for a weapon

Grimm, however, added that he knows and likes the deputy who shot him, and he does not want him to lose his job over this incident, reported WDTN.

Speaking to the New York Daily News from his hospital bed, the wounded cameraman said one bullet struck him in the chest and another may have grazed his shoulder.

Afterwards, Grimm said the deputy rushed over to his aid and kept repeating, 'I thought it was a gun.'

The newspaper, whose publisher is Andy Grimm's father, Dale, offered an update on the photographer's condition on its Facebook page overnight, saying that Grimm is very sore but is otherwise 'doing fine.' He is expected to be released home sometime Tuesday.

Grimm, who works for New Carlisle News, was shot in the chest but is expected to recover

The case has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for a review.

A friend has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Grimm with his medical expenses while he recovers from his wounds.
Donald Trump Jr shared an adorable photo of his three-year-old daughter Chloe trying on wigs from old Halloween costumes on Monday.

The president's oldest child was going through his family's closets while they were sorting clothes to send to Hurricane Harvey victims.

Trump wrote on Instagram: 'Spent the day going through clothes (it's amazing how much you accumulate with 5 kids) to donate to those impacted by #hurricane #harvey and Vanessa and I came across some old #Halloween costumes.'

Donald Trump Jr posted a photo of his daughter trying on wigs from old Halloween costumes on Monday

Trump and his wife Vanessa have five children together (pictured: Chloe, Donald John III and Tristan)

'Needless to say Chloe jumped all over it and we may be keeping these gems. #family #weekend.'

Donald Jr has posted several times on social media praising his father's response to Hurricane Harvey.

Last week, he wrote: 'So happy to see @realdonaldtrump on the ground amidst the incredible first responders and volunteers who are risking so much to make a difference and help their fellow Americans. Truly inspirational.'

Chloe, Donald Jr's youngest child, was born on June 16, 2014. Her older siblings are Kai Madison, Donald John III, Tristan Milos and Spencer Frederick.
His photos of war zones and terror ravaged cities led to double-page spreads in top international magazines and more than 130,000 followers on Instagram.

But 'Eduardo Martins' was a fake.

Claiming to be a professional photographer from Sao Paulo, Brazil, for years he took the images of others before photoshopping them to look marginally different.

The supposed 32-year-old - whose identity has never been verified - claimed to have visited everywhere from the Gaza Strip to Iraq and even witnessed ISIS fight in Syria.

Yet after years of claiming to be a United Nations photographer and fooling the BBC, Al Jazeera, the Wall Street Journal and even Getty Images, Mr Martins was caught out last month, leading the conman to reportedly go into hiding somewhere in Australia.

Conman: A wannabe photographer calling himself 'Eduardo Martins' has been caught stealing the pictures of professional war photographers (pictured) and claiming them as his own

Real vs fake: On the right are the real original photos taken by American photographer Daniel Britt, while on the left are the fake images which have been flipped 180 degrees on Photoshop

After taking images from other photojournalists the mystery thief on occasion added a photo from the Instagram of British surf blogger Max Hepworth-Povey.

By photoshopping Mr Hepworth-Povey's head into war scenes, the unknown conman made it look as though he was in the middle of raging battles.

Also sharing casual photos of Mr Hepworth-Povey surfing, the fraudster was able to make it look to his 120,000 Instagram followers like he had a life outside of war.

This all went on with the real surf fanatic completely unaware, until being contacted by concerned photographers who joined the dots together this week.

'When my friend showed me the photos first of all I thought it was a joke, some a***hole (messing) with me,' Mr Hepworth-Povey told BBC Brazil.

'But actually, my photos were stolen, it's crazy that some random guy decided to use my image among so many options across internet.

'I work very far from war zones, with surfing trips. All my pictures have always been taken in that context.

'I was relaxing, sipping wine, when a friend contacted me saying that they had stolen my identity in a kind of internet catch.'

Thief: The fake photographer would steal photos from the Instagram page of surf instructor Max Hepworth-Povey (pictured) and claim them as his own from his travels

Victim: Mr Hepworth-Povey was unaware his original images (pictured) were being taken until this week

Not only did the random thief boost his social media presence and profit from the work of others, but he also fed the media a tale of his battle against the odds.

He told how he had beaten cancer at the age of 25, before combining his love of surfing with travelling around the world photographing war zones for work.

However his downfall came at the hands of a social media friend and blogger who was able to confirm to suspicious outlets his story may in fact be completely fake.

Fernando Costa Netto, who runs surfing site Waves, told how he had spoken to Mr Martins just days before the conman went to ground, claiming to be in Australia.

'The last two times we've been talking about WhatsApp, he told me that he was exhausted, emotionally shaken by the months in Mosul, but that he was going to Raqqa, Syria, for another on,' Mr Netto wrote.

Photoshop: The mystery photo thief would cut selfies or headshots from Mr Hepworth-Povey's page before pasting them into war zones (pictured)

Original: Images such as this proved perfect for the mystery photo thief to claim as his own

But after being contacted by suspicious media he got back in touch with the fake photgrapher to warn him, before he quickly shut down his online presence.

'I'm in Australia. I made the decision to spend a year a van. I'll cut everything, including the internet,' Mr Martins said.

'I want to be in peace, we'll see each other when I get back... A big hug, I'll delete the zap. Stay with God. A hug.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Hepworth-Povey for comment.
Hundreds of cybersecurity attacks are being launched on British universities every year, it emerged last night.

Successful attacks on prestigious universities, including Oxford, University College London and Warwick have doubled in the last two years.

Experts fear the criminals are accessing the sensitive data, which could include military and medical research, to sell onto foreign powers.

Freedom of Information figures showed there were 1,152 security breaches in 2016-17 as well as thousands more thwarted attempts.

Successful attacks on prestigious universities, including Oxford (pictured here, Pembroke College at Oxford) have doubled in the last two years

One university said it received between 1,000 and 10,000 attempted attacks each month, the Times reported.

Data revealed the University of Oxford had experienced 515 cases of unauthorised access to accounts last year while UCL faced 57 cyberattacks in 2016-17.

Targeted files are thought to include new batteries and fuels and 'stealth fabric'  which helps 'disguise' military weapons and vehicles  but also university hospital medical records.

Carsten Maple, head of computing and director of cyber security at Warwick University, said hackers were targeting intellectual property that had been years in the making.

'If someone can get that very quickly, that's good for them,' Mr Maple, also chairman of Britain's council of professors, said.

'Certainly somebody might attack a university and then provide that information to a nation state.'

He was also concerned that too little was being done to strengthen defences against the cyber-physical attacks, which can target areas like hospital heating and management systems.

The University College London (pictured) has also fallen victim to successful cyber attacks

Earlier this year, the head of GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre said Britain had faced 188 high-level security attacks in three months.

Ciaran Martin said 'many of which threatened national security' and tried to hack foreign policy and defence secrets.

A large number of successful attacks used ransomware, which demands money to be paid while software is blocked.

Commenting on the latest figures, Shadow Home Office minister, Louise Haigh said more investment was needed

She said: 'There should be no compromise on cybersecurity but in difficult financial times many public sector organisations are being left with outdated operating systems.'

A spokesman for the National Cyber Security Centre said organisations needed to ensure their security defences were robust.

He said: 'We can't do this alone.'
An Adelaide man who was a VIP member of a child pornography website run by notorious paedophile Shannon McCoole has had his jail sentence slashed after a court found it 'manifestly excessive'.

David Cecchin, 30, pleaded guilty to five child porn offences in the South Australian District Court in 2016 and was jailed for seven years and five months.

But because it was his first offence, and because he has autism, the convicted paedophile's sentence was on Monday cut to just four years, starting when he was first taken into custody in December 2015.

David Cecchin, who pleaded guilty to five child porn offences in the South Australian District Court in 2016, has had his jail sentence slashed after a court found it 'manifestly excessive'

'The sentence imposed is so far outside the range of available sentences that there must have been an error,' Justice David Lovell said in his reasons published online.

'In my view the sentence imposed is too far above the prevailing standard to be regarded as a proper sentence for the conduct which is to be punished.'

The panel of judges at the South Australian Court of Criminal Appeal found Cecchin's 1996 diagnosis of Autism meant it was 'likely he would benefit from a longer than usual period on parole'.

He was given a reduced non-parole period of two years and three months meaning he can walk free as early as March 2018.

When he faced trial in December 2015, a handwritten letter to his former lawyer emerged, showing Cecchin defend child porn.

Cecchin wrote in his letter it was 'powerful' to see children react 'positively' to sexual acts performed on them by an adult, the Adelaide Advertiser reported at the time.

Cecchin was a VIP member of a child pornography website run by notorious paedophile Shannon McCoole (pictured)

The letter, which was read to the District Court on Wednesday, also detailed Cecchin's claim he was only interested in photos where children can be seen 'giggling and laughing'.

When the Adelaide man appeared at the District Court in June ahead of his sentencing, he claimed he had been assaulted by other prisoners the month before.

The judge rebuffed his claims, saying Cecchin's injuries consisted simply of bruises on his arms and legs.

Cecchin told the court early in his trial he had been given the nickname 'Kinder Surprise' during an ongoing relationship with an American site user who he claimed had groomed him for deviant sex.

Shannon McCoole, a former Families SA carer, was found guilty in 2015 of abusing children and running a child pornography website

'During one of our conversations I was eating a Kinder Surprise and he thought it strange I was eating a children's chocolate,' he told the court.

'Sometimes, when I came online, he would call me Kinder Surprise... he later gave me access to an account on [McCoole's site] and the username was Kinder Surprise.'

Shannon McCoole, a former Families SA carer, was found guilty in 2015 of abusing children and running a child pornography website. He was jailed for up to 35 years.

McCoole abused children as young as 18 months old, who were under his care, and at the time of his arrest police found over 53,000 indecent images and videos on his computer.
A motorist has captured the moment when a Sydney taxi driver almost hits a female pedestrian crossing a road while the light was flashing red.

The footage shows the female pedestrian crossing a road with a trolley and abruptly stopping in the middle of the street to make way for the taxi.

The near miss was uploaded at the Dash Cam Owners Australia's Facebook page on Monday.

Motorist captures the moment when a Sydney cab driver almost hits a woman on Sunday

The near miss was uploaded at the Dash cam Owners Australia's Facebook page on Monday

The footage owner said the taxi driver was only moments away from hitting a female pedestrian.

'Near(ly) missed the female pedestrian who is crossing during the permit light and go(es) to (the) flashing warning light,' the caption for the clip read.

He added that the incident occurred at Liverpool, a suburb in Sydney, just before 3pm.

The footage owner also provided details of the cab which he said belonged to 13CABS, a company with taxi presence throughout Australia.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted 13CABS and the footage owner for comments.

The owner of the dashcam footage has provided details of the taxi company which is 13CABS

The footage has been slowed down to show just how close the taxi driver came to hitting the woman.

With the taxi gone the woman is safe to continue crossing the road with her trolley.

One Facebook user criticised the taxi, commenting: 'This normal operating procedure for taxis.'

'No reason to kill innocent people,' the footage owner replied.
Hundreds of Labor Day revelers witnessed a blood bath when a shark attacked a seal close to the shore at a Cape Cod beach on Monday.

The attack happened around 12:30pm, at Nauset Beach, where a similar attack happened just over two weeks ago.

Monday's attack happened about 100 feet offshore, a few yards south of the protected swimming area.

A sunbather was the first to notice the attack. That person ran down to the water and started yelling at nearby surfers and paddleboarders to get out of the water.

Surfers sprint for shore after a shark attacked a seal swimming near them off Nauset Beach in Cape Cod on Monday

The shark's dorsal fin as seen from the beach after the attack, which turned the waters red

Lifeguards from the protected beach noticed the commotion and sprinted down to help clear the area and then ordered everyone else out of the water.

One beachgoer told the Providence Journal that the shark was about 12- to 13-feet long.

'People were just freaking out they were freaking out,' Brandon Latham told Fox 25. 'I just saw like blood.'

'Everyone just ran to the area and just like they do standing on shore trying to see something  people get very excited  it's a shark and it's pretty cool,' Latham said.

Everyone was able to get out of the water safely, and swimmers were kept out of the water for about an hour after the attack

But the sight of the attack was enough to make many of the beachgoers happy for land when lifeguards allowed them to swim again.

'I'd never seen anything like that, that's Shark Week stuff. I'm all set, I'm not going in the water,' Holly Kee told the Providence Journal.

Great white sharks migrate to the Cape every summer because of the large seal population. Above, seals on Nauset Beach on Monday

Michael Bronson of Toronto, Canada came down to Cape Cod to do some surfing, but after he heard that the shark in the water was a great white, he decided to skimboard on the beach instead.

'I'm not surfing,' he said. 'I don't surf with great whites.'

The attack came a little more than two weeks after another seal was attacked by a shark at the beach.

The incident on August 20 happened in the protected swimming area, just 20 feet from shore.

Three days later, a beach in Welfleet was closed when a shark bit a paddleboarder's board.

White sharks, often called great whites, were around millions of years before humans, but only recently have the fearsome creatures been catalogued in large numbers off Cape Cod during the summer. Researchers say they're likely attracted by a seal population that has exploded since the 1972 federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, though additional factors could include changes in ocean currents and the depletion of other food sources by overfishing.

Statistically, risks to people from sharks remain low. The last fatal attack recorded in Massachusetts was in 1936.

No fatal shark attacks were reported in the U.S. in 2016, or so far in 2017. The most recent unprovoked attack of any kind prior to last week's paddleboard incident occurred Aug. 10 off Hilton Head, South Carolina. A 13-year-old swimmer suffered minor cuts to his foot, possibly from a blacktip shark, according to an incident log kept by the Global Shark Attack File.
Jesus, Ganesh, Aphrodite and L Ron Hubbard join the world's religious leaders in the latest, and arguably most controversial lamb ad yet.

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) released the ad on Monday, and by Tuesday it was referred to the Advertising Standards Bureau over an apparent lack of sensitivity in its portrayal of religious leaders and divinities.

In the ad, Jesus is joined by an alien, a Buddhist and other gods and goddesses to enjoy a lamb lunch, with an atheist announcing: 'What about we toast to lamb, the meat we can all eat?'

Jesus, Ganesh, Aphrodite and L Ron Hubbard join the world's religious leaders in the latest, and arguably most controversial lamb ad yet (pictured)

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) released the ad (pictured) on Monday, and by Tuesday it was referred to the Advertising Standards Bureau over an apparent lack of sensitivity in its portrayal of religious leaders and divinities

The advertisement attracted a huge backlash, with viewers slamming it as 'ignorant'.

'This is really disgusting guys! Please bring down this ad. As ignorant as you are, the Elephant God does not eat meat,' one man said.

'This is disrespectful to Hindu religion, hurting our sentiments and a senseless campaign. Your team has got it totally wrong by implying Lord Ganesha is having lamb at the dinner table with other gods,' another man said.

'For your information, Hindu gods and meat do not go together.'

In the ad, Jesus is joined by an alien, a Buddhist and other gods and goddesses to enjoy a lamb lunch, with an atheist (pictured) announcing: 'What about we toast to lamb, the meat we can all eat?'

The advertisement (pictured) attracted a huge backlash, with viewers slamming it as 'ignorant'

Others 'demanded' the ad be withdrawn immediately.

'I demand an unconditional apology and that you revoke this campaign immediately,' one man said.

In the ad, the Gods poke fun at Ganesha and say 'So can we address the elephant in the room?' to which the Hindu god replies 'It's not funny, it wasn't funny two and a half thousand years ago and it's not funny now'.

The ad also makes a joke at Scientology's expense.

Since the ad (pictured) was released on Monday, a Hindu group has issued a formal request to the Australia Advertising Standards Bureau to ban the ad

When Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard discovers Aphrodite is 'famous' he offers her some lamb and says: 'Have you ever thought about scientology?'

Hubbard is urged to steer clear of religious based discussion at the table, to which he replies: 'I gave up dinner with Tom Cruise for this'.

While gods from most religions made an appearance, Muhammad, the prophet and founder of Islam, did not.

The depiction of Muhammad has been a contentious issue, with Islamic teachings prohibiting Muslims from drawing him.

His lack of appearance in the ad prompted backlash.

The depiction of Muhammad has been a contentious issue, with Islamic teachings prohibiting Muslims from drawing him

While there were hundreds of comments calling for the ad to be dumped, some (pictured) were more supportive of its message

'Poor ad. Obviously scared of offending Muslims, leaving Muhammad out, but all other religions are fair game,' one man said.

Since the ad was released on Monday, a Hindu group has issued a formal request to the Australia Advertising Standards Bureau to ban the ad.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said Lord Ganesha was 'highly revered in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling lamb meat for mercantile greed'.

'Linking Lord Ganesha with meat was very disrespectful and highly inappropriate.'

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said Lord Ganesha was 'highly revered in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling lamb meat for mercantile greed'

'Linking Lord Ganesha with meat was very disrespectful and highly inappropriate' said Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, and some online commenters agreed (pictured)

While there were hundreds of comments calling for the ad to be dumped, some were more supportive of its message.

'Oh come on, it's a joke and I find it hilarious, especially the Tinder match and about Tom Cruise,' one man said.

'Didn't you notice the message about 'getting along together'?'

'I demand an unconditional apology and that you revoke this campaign immediately,' one man said (pictured)

Some Facebook users (pictured) did not approve of the ad and took MLA to task over its 'belittling of religion'

The advertisement was not the first to land Meat and Livestock Australia in hot water.

The MLA released a controversial Australia Day campaign in 2016 in which it spoke about racial insensitivity.

The ad garnered more than 400 complaints but was eventually cleared by the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau.
An Australian grandmother is facing a death sentence for trafficking drugs through a Malaysian airport.

Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto was arrested at Kuala Lumpur Airport with 1.5kg of crystal meth in 2014, which she claimed was not hers.

The 54-year-old was escorted into Shah Alam court by a Malaysian policewoman as she arrived at her trial on Tuesday.

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Australian grandmother Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto, 54, is facing a death sentence in Malaysia for drug trafficking

She was arrested at Kuala Lumpur Airport with 1.5kg of crystal meth in 2014, which she claimed was not hers

The mother-of-four may yet escape a death penalty however, after the Malaysian government agreed to scrap mandatory capital punishment for drug trafficking.

Instead, judges could impose a term of imprisonment for anyone caught with more than 50 grams of ice, which is assumed to be trafficking.

Malaysia's Parliament is yet to approve the decision by the country's cabinet but is expected to do so, according to News Corp.

Ms Exposto's lawyer previously told reporters her chance of acquittal was 'more than 50 per cent' because of evidence she had no knowledge of the drugs in the bag.

The 54-year-old was escorted into Shah Alam court by a Malaysian policewoman as she arrived at her trial on Tuesday

The mother-of-four may yet escape a death penalty however, after the Malaysian government agreed to scrap mandatory capital punishment for drug trafficking

Instead, judges could impose a term of imprisonment for anyone caught with more than 50 grams of ice, which is assumed to be trafficking

She claimed to be in Malaysia to lodge documents for her boyfriend, a U.S. soldier serving in Afghanistan, to retire from the army.

The Sydney woman said she only saw clothes when she opened her suitcase, which was given to her at the last minute by a friend of her boyfriend as she left Shanghai.

The drugs were hidden in a secret compartment she claimed not to have known about, and were not heavy enough for her to notice.

There were fears Ms Exposto could have been ensnared by an online dating scam that the U.S. military warned were 'a growing epidemic'.

She claimed to be in Malaysia to lodge documents for her boyfriend, a U.S. soldier serving in Afghanistan, to retire from the army

The Sydney woman said she only saw clothes when she opened her suitcase, which was given to her at the last minute by a friend of her boyfriend as she left Shanghai

The drugs were hidden in a secret compartment she claimed not to have known about, and were not heavy enough for her to notice

They involved stealing photos of soldiers and using them on dating sites to 'lure unsuspecting citizens into providing money to them for such reasons as transportation costs, communications fees, marriages, processing and medical fees'.

Ms Exposto's Malaysian lawyer Shafee Abdullah told reporters after her arrest that his client was a 'responsible mother' who maintained her innocence.

He said she was so anti-drugs that if her four children ever got involved with drugs she would kill them herself.

Mr Abdullah also argued she must be innocent because she voluntarily put her back through the scanner when passengers are randomly chosen.

'She wasnt even asked.If she was a person conscious of the contents, she would ... probably put the bag that was without the drugs,' he said.
Dozens of people who have accused Sir Edward Heath of sexual abuse could now be entitled to compensation - even though he is dead and cannot defend their claims

Dozens of people who have accused Sir Edward Heath of sexual abuse could now be entitled to taxpayer-funded compensation - even though he has been dead for 12 years, it emerged today.

The alleged victims may be able to claim tens of thousands of pounds from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

The cash could be offered to them even though the former prime minister passed away in 2005, cannot defend himself and was never arrested.

James Gray, Conservative MP for North Wiltshire, says the 2million inquiry into Heath is 'an idiotic waste of money' and suggested police are risking opening the door to a slew of fake claims.

He told the Daily Telegraph: 'If somebody is being paid in return for saying they are a victim that runs the risk of somebody making something up.'

Another source said the compensation claims are 'tantamount to winning the lottery'.

Wiltshire Police made a public appeal outside his Salisbury home and were accused of trashing his reputation in the process.

Chief Constable Mike Veale also said previously that claims Sir Ted Heath was a paedophile are '120 per cent' genuine and regarded the allegations as 'totally convincing'.

Chief Constable Mike Veale (left) said previously that claims Sir Ted Heath (right in 1976 with Mrs Thatcher) was a paedophile are '120 per cent' genuine

It emerged yesterday that the 'fantasist' who triggered Scotland Yard's disastrous VIP paedophile ring inquiry has been allowed to keep his compensation.

The man known only as 'Nick' pocketed 50,000 as a victim of crime which he has not had to repay even though his claims were fake.

He is one of several claimants to have been let off without having to repay taxpayer-funded handouts from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Ministers promised yesterday to investigate why no attempt was made to claw back the cash, and to reform the system if they found wrongdoing.

Nick is already under investigation for perverting the course of justice and for fraud.

His false accusations against Field Marshall Lord Bramall and former home secretary Lord Brittan of involvement in a child sex abuse ring sparked Operation Midland.

Officers tasked with 'supporting' Nick even helped him with his application to CICA.

Former MP Harvey Proctor, who lost his home, job and reputation after 'Nick' made bogus accusations against him, said last night: 'The CICA should not be giving money to people just because they say they are victims. It is a nonsense and an affront to justice, and an insult to real victims of crime.'

Nick is already under investigation for perverting the course of justice and for fraud. His false accusations against Field Marshall Lord Bramall (left) and former home secretary Lord Brittan (right) of involvement in a child sex abuse ring sparked Operation Midland

Nick received compensation even though nobody was ever charged over his allegations.

Fantasists who have kept their compensation payouts include Jemma Beale, who made a string of false rape claims and pocketed 11,000 from the CICA.

The 25-year-old from Middlesex made claims against 15 men and later admitted to her partner she made the whole thing up for money. She was jailed for 10 years last month.

A friend of Lord Brammall told the Daily Telegraph: 'Nick has been exposed as a complete fantasist ... The whole thing is completely mad.'

CICA claimed it had a team to investigate fraudulent claims, but critics said there was no easy mechanism to recover money that had already been paid out. Justice minister Phillip Lee said: 'It is vital that the public can have absolute confidence in the system. We will investigate these claims fully.'
Brexit Secretary David Davis today admitted there were still 'significant differences' to be bridged over the Brexit divorce bill.

He warned MPs the row over how much Britain would have to pay would continue through the two years of talks - despite the EU's demand it be resolved before trade talks can begin.

Labour MPs jeered and heckled when Mr Davis said no one had ever 'pretended this would be simple or easy' while he hailed 'concrete progress' on a series of issues.

Mr Davis insisted he had always believed the negotiations would be 'tough, complex and at times confrontational'.

With an October deadline looming to resolve key issues of the Brexit divorce before Brussels will allow trade talks, Mr Davis admitted there was still much work to do.

The Brexit Secretary underwent a lengthy grilling in Parliament as MPs gathered on the first day of term since July. The statement came after a frosty press conference in Brussels last Thursday alongside EU negotiator Michel Barnier.

Brexit Secretary David Davis (pictured in the Commons today today admitted there were still 'significant differences' to be bridged over the Brexit divorce bill

Mr Davis told MPs no one had ever 'pretended this would be simple or easy' as he hailed 'concrete progress' on a series of issues

Britain has suggested stepping up the negotiations from the EU's current one week a month model.

Mr Davis repeated his claim today that Britain's approach was more 'flexible' than the EU's and said he did not know if it was even possible for civil servants in Brussels to work faster.

Mr Davis said his message for chief negotiator Mr Barnier was: 'Let's continue to work together constructively but put people above process.'

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer told Mr Davis he was alarmed at the failure to get closer to outline agreement on key divorce issues and slammed Boris Johnson for undermining the talks with his 'go whistle' jibe about exit payments.

Mr Davis told MPs: 'Ultimately, businesses and citizens on both sides want us to move swiftly on to discussing the future partnership and we want that to happen after the European Council in October, if possible.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer told Mr Davis he was alarmed at the failure to get closer to outline agreement on key divorce issues

'As colleagues know, at the start of these negotiations both sides agreed that the aim was to make progress on four key areas - citizens' rights, financial settlement, Northern Ireland and Ireland, and broader separation issues.

'We've been doing just that.'

In response, Sir Keir warned: 'Round three of five in phase one is gone, we would expect agreement to be emerging on the key issues.

'The last round is in October and that should be for formal agreement. There's now huge pressure on the negotiating round in September.'

He said if phase two is pushed back, there would be 'very serious consequences for Britain' and a no-deal option 'could yet rise from the ashes'.

Sir Keir said it was 'increasingly clear' that the Prime Minister's 'flawed red lines' on issues such as the European Court of Justice and citizens rights were 'at the heart of the problem'.

He urged the Government to be more flexible, warning: 'I fear that these are not just examples which will crop up in phase one, these flawed red lines will bedevil the rest of the negotiations.'

In his statement, Mr Davis (pictured addressing MPs today) repeated his claim today that Britain's approach was more 'flexible' than the EU's and said he did not know if it was even possible for civil servants in Brussels to work faster

BREXIT TRANSITION WILL BE BASED ON 'PRACTICALITIES' David Davis has said any transitional deal with the EU after Brexit will be based on 'practicalities', as he faced calls from senior MPs to stay in the single market and customs union. Tories Ken Clarke and Anna Soubry were joined by Labour's Hilary Benn in urging the Brexit Secretary to maintain Britain's current trading arrangements with the bloc for a period after Brexit. Mr Davis said: 'There is now, I think, widespread agreement across Europe that it will be beneficial to have an implementation period. 'How long that will be and how it will work will be decided straightforwardly on practicalities.' Mr Davis said the details of any transitional deal were dependent on the Government's ability to put in place new regulations and customs arrangements, as well as how businesses and other countries could adapt to them. Advertisement

Ahead of Mr Davis's statement today, the EU scorned a call from Theresa May to step up Brexit talks - jibing that the UK does not have enough to say.

Brussels sources delivered a scathing rebuke as the Prime Minister gathers her Cabinet for the first time since parliament's summer break.

The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, escalated tensions over the weekend by suggesting he was determined to 'teach the British people and others what leaving the EU means'.

Martin Selmayr, Jean-Claude Juncker's chief of staff, then derided the historic Brexit vote as a 'stupid decision'.

The vicious rhetoric has fuelled fears that the talks could stall altogether as Brussels insists on Britain agreeing to a divorce bill before addressing a future trade deal.

Downing Street yesterday made clear the government wants to 'intensify' negotiations - which are currently only happening for one week in every month.

But an EU source told the Times: 'We said we can have more rounds if they want. If they have substance.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was among the Cabinet ministers gathering in Downing Street today

Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom (left) and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling joined the discussions at No10 today

Michel Barnier (pictured at Thurday's press conference with David Davis) has threatened to educate British voters about the 'serious consequences' of their Brexit vote

'But frankly, we have run out of things to explore. We need to negotiate. We already ran out of steam twice in sessions two and three after a few days, so what would we do in these more frequent rounds?'

No10 has insisted the UK will not set out how much money it is prepared to pay the EU until the shape of a trade deal is clear.

European Commission president Mr Juncker has suggested the 'divorce bill' could come to around 50billion, but other estimates put it as high as 80billion.

Lib Dem former leader Nick Clegg warned that talks were moving too slowly to be completed by the deadline of March 2019.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd smiled for the cameras as she arrived at No10 this morning

First Secretary of State Damian Green and chief whip Gavin Williamson, two of Mrs May's closest allies, arrived for Cabinet this morning

Theresa May (pictured at church in Maidenhead on Sunday) is expected to try to push forward the Brexit talks at a summit with EU counterparts next month

'It's a bit like staring at a building site and saying we've made progress because we've made a cup of tea,' Mr Clegg told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The third round of Brexit talks ended on Thursday with Mr Barnier claiming there had been no 'decisive' progress on key issues and suggesting there was a lack of trust as a result of the UK's refusal to accept financial obligations.

But Mr Davis said the Commission's position was 'silly', insisting that Britain would not be pressured into giving up its line-by-line scrutiny of Brussels demands for a multibillion-pound 'divorce bill'.

'They have set this up to try to create pressure on us on money, that's what it's about, they are trying to play time against money,' said the Brexit Secretary.

Mrs May is also facing a domestic showdown over the EU Withdrawal Bill - which arrives in the Commons on Thursday, with a second reading vote due on Monday.

Senior Labour figures have promised 'trench warfare' over the legislation in order to soften the government's approach. Jeremy Corbyn is almost certain to whip his troops to vote against the Bill next week.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm very sorry to see Labour behaving in a way many will see as irresponsible

'What this bill will actually do is ensure there is not a legal cliff-edge when we leave the EU. We have 40 years of European law on the statute books.

'You can't have a situation where, when we leave, there is a complete legal vacuum, so we are taking the existing EU laws, putting them into UK law. This government and future governments will be free to modify as they see fit.'

Martin Selmayr (pictured left), chief of staff to Jean-Claude Juncker (right), yesterday derided the historic Brexit vote as a 'stupid decision'
Grammar schools have now performed a u-turn after throwing out sixth form pupils with poor A level results because ministers said it was unlawful.

Bourne Grammar school in Lincolnshire recently wrote to pupils who were barred and invited them to come back amid fears their parents would take legal action.

It comes after St Olave's school in Orpington, south east London, also performed a u-turn after legal action was taken against the governing body.

Two students were told they could not enter Year 13 and continue their A-level studies after they failed to achieve Bs in any of their subjects, lawyers said.

Grammar schools are starting to perform u-turns after telling Year 12 pupils they were not permitted to return to start Year 13 (stock photo)

And the headmaster of the Bourne Grammar school, Jonathan Maddox, revealed the pupils are now allowed to return because of fears of a judicial review.

In a letter seen by the Daily Telegraph, he wrote: 'In recent days there have been press reports regarding a forthcoming legal challenge to the policy at another school on progression from Year 12 to Year 13.

'Whilst the published policy of that school, and its circumstances, are different from our own, it is possible that the outcome of any judicial review... may possibly have a bearing on our policy.

'In the light of this and with the best interests of our students foremost, the Chair of Governors has agreed that I may suspend our published policy on progression from Year 12 to Year 13 for progression this year.

'This means that those students who were advised, following receipts of AS results, that it would not be in their best interests to progress into Year 13 at this school may now return, should they wish to.'

The Department of Education specifically states schools cannot exclude students because of their 'academic ability'.

The Government is now trying to prevent schools from banning pupils and Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons education select committee, wants to the Government to launch an investigation.

He told the paper: 'It is deeply concerning that other schools are denying young people the opportunity to climb up the education ladder in order to skew exam results. It is absolutely unacceptable. Action needs to be taken on this issue.'

A student at Bourne Grammar was told he could not 'stay on' said it was a 'really stressful time' when he was called in for a meeting.

He told The Telegraph: 'We attended the meeting in which we were told I could not stay on as I didn't get the grades required to do so.

It comes after St Olave's school in Orpington, south east London, (pictured) also performed a u-turn after legal action was taken against the governing body

'It's been a really stressful time for me, my parents and my family as we didn't want to be in this situation and where we had to look for a new school.'

When contacted by MailOnline, the school said headteacher Mr Maddox had 'nothing more to add'.

A Department of Education spokesman told MailOnline: 'All schools have a responsibility to provide a high quality education to every pupil and ensure there is no limit to their potential.

'Students enrolled in a sixth form cannot be removed because of academic ability.

'The law is clear on this and we expect all schools to follow it. We will be taking action to remind headteachers of their responsibility on this point.'

Meanwhile, the decision by St Olave's to invite students back was welcomed by Orpington MP Jo Johnson, the Science and Universities Minister, who called it a 'sensible move' by a 'great school' on Twitter.

St Olave's said its goal has always been to 'nurture boys who flourish' and help them fulfil 'their full potential academically and in life generally'.

The school said in a statement: 'Following a review of the school's policy on entry to Year 13, the headmaster and governors of St Olave's Grammar School have taken the decision to remove this requirement and we have today written to all parents of pupils affected to explain this and offer them the opportunity to return to the school and continue their studies.

An email sent to the school's Year 12 tutors in June said that pupils who scored a C would not be able to pursue that subject through to A-level.

If a student scored a C, they must sign an agreement that the school reserves the right not to enter them for A-level examinations in any subject in which it is considered they will not score a B or above.
A doctor who claims he was 'cured' of homosexuality and can help other people become straight was slammed by Piers Morgan today in a heated TV debate.

Dr Mike Davidson claims to have been turned away from homosexuality by prayer, counselling and psychotherapy  and has been married to his wife for 35 years.

And the father-of-two appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain to explain how he thinks gay conversion therapy is possible for people who want to become straight.

Dr Mike Davidson (pictured) claims to have been turned away from homosexuality by prayer, counselling and psychotherapy  and has been married to his wife for 35 years

Dr Davidson, who lives near Belfast, spoke after a probe in Liverpool by undercover reporter Josh Parry who found gay conversion being offered through a church.

But Dr Davidson was condemned by Morgan for being a 'malevolent and dangerous part of our society' and dismissed as someone talking 'complete claptrap'.

He told Morgan and co-host Susanna Reid: 'I believe that people are not born gay, that they come into homosexual feelings, and that it is something that in some cases is reversible for people who want to make that the trajectory of their lives.

'It's inconsistent with some people's value systems and they want to be true to themselves. I think we're here today because there's clearly a population group who feel they are not comfortable with homosexual expression, and they want out of it.'

But DailyMail.com U.S. Editor-at-Large Morgan slammed him, saying: 'Do you know what we call these people? We call them horrible little bigots in the modern world.

'Just bigoted people who actually talk complete claptrap and are in my view a malevolent and dangerous part of our society.

Dr Davidson (centre right, in black) appeared on Good Morning Britain today alongside presenters Piers Morgan (left) and Susanna Reid (centre) and journalist Josh Parry

Dr Davidson (right) appeared on the ITV show alongside Liverpool Echo senior reporter Josh Parry (left), who found gay conversion therapy being offered by a church in the city

'What's the matter with you? How can you think that nobody is born gay and they all get corrupted and can all be cured?'

Dr Davidson responded by saying: 'Where's your evidence that homosexuality is something that is innate and unchangeable? Not even the American Psychological Association or the Royal College of Psychiatrists have presented that evidence.'

But Morgan hit back, adding: 'Michael, stop talking for a moment, stop banging on about wacky backy scientists in America  I'm asking you a question, it's this: prove to me that you're straight.'

And he replied: 'Why do we have to stick to a binary label system? I have two children, I have been with my wife for 35 years, I have left homosexual practices.'

But an unfettered Morgan said: 'Shut up you old bigot. Sorry, but this is ridiculous.'

Earlier, Dr Davidson had said: 'For Christian people who are orthodox in their faith, yes (being gay is a sin). For me, yes, it was certainly a sinful behaviour.

'It's something that is an abomination in the Old Testament, along with all sorts of other practices the Old Testament condemned, that's true.

Viewers voiced their thoughts on Twitter about the Good Morning Britain interview, with most criticising the views of Dr Davidson - although one social media user insisted: 'He has a view'

'I think science is very clear; even the American Psychological Association said that there's no evidence one way or the other in terms of the effectiveness of therapy.'

Dr Davidson appeared on the programme alongside Liverpool Echo senior reporter Mr Parry, who found gay conversion therapy being offered by a church in the city.

Mr Parry, who is gay, was recommended a three-day programme involving fasting to 'cure' his homosexuality - which a pastor he spoke to described as a 'deceit of Satan'.

Dr Davidson hit the headlines in 2012 when he and his allies were blocked from putting adverts on buses saying: 'Not Gay! Ex-Gay, Post-Gay and Proud. Get over it.'

The then London Mayor Boris Johnson blocked the marketing, which was supposed to mirror a campaign by gay rights group Stonewell, after taking offence.

Dr Davidson, whose doctorate is in education rather than medicine, has previous had his work condemned as 'inflammatory, homophobic and harmful'.

But he insisted in an interview in 2012 that gay people who want to become straight 'deserve to receive professional help that is well trained, well regulated and ethical'.
Two men accused of an execution-style contract killing inside a nightclub have been found guilty of murder for a second time.

Zlatan Popovic, 45, was accused of being the mastermind while Tevi Koloamatangi, 47, was accused of shooting Dragan Sekuljica.

Mr Sekuljica was shot at Splashes nightclub in Wollongong, south of Sydney, early on September 8, 2007.

Zlatan Popovic, 45, was accused of being the mastermind while Tevi Koloamatangi, 47, was accused of shooting Dragan Sekuljica (pictured)

Both accused pleaded not guilty but a NSW Supreme Court jury on Tuesday found them guilty of the decade-old murder.

They were found guilty at their first trial in 2014, but faced the second trial after a successful appeal last year when the Court of Criminal Appeal also acquitted another two men also convicted over the shooting.

The CCA found two witnesses unreliable, and ruled the judge, Acting Justice Robert Shallcross Hulme had been too brief in summing up the defence cases which deprived the men of a fair trial, The Illawarra Mercury reported.

The second jury was told Koloamatangi was working on the orders of Popovic when he ambushed Mr Sekuljica and shot him.

Mr Sekuljica was shot at Splashes nightclub (pictured on CCTV footage of the attack) in Wollongong, south of Sydney, early on September 8, 2007

A wounded Mr Sekuljica ran inside the nightclub but only made it to the foyer before his balaclava-clad killer caught him and finished the job.

With wounds to his back and head, the father-of-two died at the scene.

The Crown had contended the victim and Popovic were good friends until Popovic took another man's side in a dispute over alleged unpaid work.

Justice Natalie Adams adjourned their sentence hearing to October 27.

After the first trial, another judge sentenced Popovic to a minimum of 26 years and imposed a life sentence on Koloamatangi.
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The beauty of British coasts and seas has been captured in a stunning set of photographs submitted to a mariners' charity competition.

Entries were submitted to the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society throughout the summer, with more than 1,300 entries submitted in total.

A breathtaking image of St Abb's Head lighthouse, in Berwickshire, was declared the winner and earned a photographer Tom Pollard 500 voucher for camera equipment.

Other images that emerged victorious from individual categories were one of huge waves crashing off the coast of Tynemouth and the calm beauty of The Stacs of St. Kilda in the Outer Hebrides.

Nigel Atherton, a press photographer who was one of the judges, said: 'We were blessed with some really fantastic entries this year, with a series of captivating, technically accomplished and emotive shots ending up on the shortlist.

'Of the few years Ive enjoyed judging this competition, this was certainly the most difficult. Its so pleasing to see so many talented photographers submit their images in support of the charitys crucial work.'

'Beams' by William Pollard, overall winner of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society's Ultimate Sea View photography competition. The lighthouse at St Abbs Head shining into the North Sea night

'Tynemouth Lighthouse' by Gary McCoy, was the Judge's Choice in the 'Coastal Views' category in the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society's Ultimate Sea View

'The Stacs of St. Kilda' by John Dyer, was the winner of the 'Coastal Views' category, taken off the coast of the Outer Hebrides

'Surfing into the Wind' by Roy Curtis, was the winner of the 'People & Recreation' category. The surfer is pictured riding crashing waves with the sunset glow on him

'Strength' by Matt Menhenett, was highly commended by the judges in the 'People & Recreation' category

'Power and Sail' by Gill Moon, highly commended in the 'Ships & Wrecks' category

'Abyss' by Neil Burnell, was the Judge's Choice in the 'Coastal Views'category. It shows a coast completely shrouded by fog

'The Tide That Never Came' by Alex Iacobet, was the winner of the 'Ships & Wrecks' category, showing an abandoned rowing boat rotting on a pebble beach

'Galactic' by Neil Burnell, was the Judge's Choice in the 'Coastal Views' category. A sky full of starts are picture glowing out at sea

'Homeward Bound' by John Roberts, was the winner of the 'Working at Sea' category, showing two extremely wet men returning from a voyage out at sea. Judges enjoyed the fact the men appear to love their jobs
A nine-year-old boy has been killed in Oklahoma after a man allegedly crashed a boat at a 'high rate of speed' into another vessel carrying several children.

Okmulgee police arrested Jared Trotter, 34, yesterday after accusing him of drunkenly driving his boat into the other boat on Okmulgee Lake.

The nine-year-old boy was pronounced dead the scene and another, older boy - whose age has not been released - was flown to hospital in Tulsa.

Okmulgee police have arrested Jared Trotter (pictured), 34, yesterday after accusing him of drunkenly driving his boat into the other boat on Okmulgee Lake

His condition is not known at this time.

According to police, the second boat contained 'multiple passengers' including the children and was either moving 'very slowly' or completely stationary.

Police also said that witnesses have reported seeing another man on the boat with Trotter at the time of the crash but that he left the scene and has not been identified.

Trotter was booked in Okmulgee county jail on suspicion of operating a boat under the influence of intoxicants and of manslaughter.

The crash took place at about 8pm yesterday.

Anyone who saw the crash or who might know the identity of the second man is asked to call Okmulgee Police on 918-756-3511.
Harrowing video footage shows the moment a massive whale shark is transported to a hotel restaurant in southeastern China.

The marine giant was then butchered into pieces in a parking lot.

The sickening scene has sparked outcry on Chinese social media as web users and animal activists condemned the killing of the protected species.

A giant whale shark was being cut by a man using a crosscut saw at a parking lot in south China

Sickening video shows the majestic animal being butchered up with blood spilling around

The 51-second footage uploaded by Pear Video on September 5, shows a mini truck carrying a whale shark on the main road in Sanshazhen, Xiapu county, China's Fujian province.

Onlookers were stunned as the majestic animal was driven past.

The shark was then chopped into pieces by men using giant crosscut saws in a parking lot belonging to Hongfa Hotel, according to eyewitnesses.

The clip and pictures were then widely shared on Weibo, a Twitter-like social media site, with over 30,000 times of shares online.

Ben, one Weibo user, told MailOnline that he received messages from local onlookers saying a whale shark was carried up at Old Town Pier on September 5 morning.

Earlier onlookers saw the shark being transported by a mini truck across busy street in Xiapu

The shark was delivered to Hongfa Hotel this morning, pictured, according to witness

It's believed that the carcass will then be sold to the restaurant in the hotel

One anonymous web user said the whale shark was alive and later bleeding to death.

It's believed that the whale shark was butchered up before selling to Hongfa Hotel.

Fujian Provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries received inquiries and issued a statement on their official Weibo account.

'We have confirmed that the whale shark incident happened in Sanshazhen upon receiving images of a mini truck transporting the marine animal on shore. Our division in Ningde city and Xiapu county are looking into the matter,' stated the officials.

They had also passed on the information to local police officers for further investigations.

As the biggest fish in the world, the whale shark can grow to more than 40 feet and weigh over 10 tonnes in the open sea, according to WWF.

The marine giant are of high value in international market due to a high demand for their meat, oil and fins.

The species is now listed as vulnerable by WWF and the red list on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Although whale shark is not listed as China's endangered and protected species, it is being treated as the same protection as according to the Washington Convention, a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.
A seven-year-old girl with narcolepsy needs $15,000 to train her new puppy to wake her if she stops breathing during the night.

Maddie Jordan, from Tennessee, suffers from sleep apnea, narcolepsy and asthma, and after a worrying incident at a playground at Waverly Belmont Elementary School her parents decided she needed help.

The youngster was hanging from some monkey bars when she fell asleep and dropped to the ground.

Due to the severity of her condition, the more orthodox treatments would be rendered useless, so Maddie is now the proud owner of Hershey the Labrador puppy.

Senetra Johnson Jordan and her daughter Maddie Jordan with their new service dog Hershey. The youngster, who suffers from narcolepsy, is desperately trying to raise money to train Hersehy to detect when she stops breathing in the night

Maddie , from Antioch, Tennessee, suffers from sleep apnea, narcolepsy and asthma

In order to get the dog up to speed in terms of training, it will cost $15,000 and will take up to 18 months.

Talking of the incident at the school, Maddie's mother Senetra Johnson Jordan told News Channel 5: 'As a parent, it was a big wake up call. All types of signs and flashing warning signs and my mind was like, this has to be done now, and I need some help.'

Hershey (pictured) will have to be trained up to wake Maddie up if she stops breathing

The youngster said: 'My hand was just hanging on, and then I fell. I was crying on the ground. It was scary.'

Having sought the advice of doctors, they advised a service dog was the only option.

The pair are now in the bonding stage of the training, which is going to be a push for the Jordans.

Maddie told Channel 5: 'She's great, but sometimes she nibbles on me... Sometimes she licks on my face and it's salty and fishy

'She like nibbles under my pillow and I was like, "Ohhh". She was telling me a sign that I was doing something.'

Hershey will have to learn to listen to the amount of times Maddie coughs, and if it falls below a certain level the dog will have to wake her because there is a good chance the seven-year-old will have stopped breathing.

Both Senetra and her husband Tolbert work in education and cannot afford the fees of the service dog. To donate, visit their GoFundMe page.

Maddie's condition has often left her in danger and has caused her serious injury. She once fell asleep in the middle of climbing a set of monkey bars
Former foreign secretary Lord Hague made clear that only China holds the key to thwarting the regime's ambitions

Threatening North Korea with 'fire and fury' will not deter Kim Jong Un from developing nuclear weapons, Lord Hague warned today.

The former foreign secretary made clear he believes that only China holds the key to thwarting the regime's ambitions.

If Beijing will not act the rest of the world will have to focus on 'containing' a nuclear-armed North Korea rather than averting the prospect.

The grim assessment comes after the US accused Kim of 'begging for war', cautioning that its patience was wearing thin.

Donald Trump has stepped up his rhetoric by insisting that that 'talking is not the answer', while China has reacted angrily to threats of sanctions.

Russian president Vladimir Putin warned today that there was a danger of a 'global planetary catastrophe'.

Mr Putin condemned provocation from North Korea, but said sanctions would be "useless and inefficient".

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims," he told reporters during a visit to China.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Lord Hague said: 'There are no sanctions that will deter him... necessary as they are to demonstrate international disapproval.

'Nor will threatening 'fire and fury' or saying 'talking is not the answer' as President Trump did, because Kim will calculate that the US will not start a war that could be so catastrophic all round and the stronger he gets the less likely they will be to do so.'

He added: 'It would be worth the White House asking China if they are doing everything possible, with their vast intelligence-gathering power in the Asia Pacific region, to find any network helping North Korea to defy the rest of the planet.

North Korea has 'moved an intercontinental ballistic missile to its coast' amid warnings from the US that Kim Jong-un (pictured) is 'begging for war'

Donald Trump has stepped up his rhetoric by insisting that that 'talking is not the answer'

'In the absence of that, or some other initiative from Beijing to stop the progress of Kim's plans, the world will need to move from preventing his nuclear aspirations to containing them.

'That it will have come to this, opening up a new cold war in the East, will hold lessons for everyone... For the UK, that giving up our nuclear deterrent when proliferation happens so quickly would be utter madness.

'For the United States, that it is indeed correct to threaten massive retaliation as a deterrent. But in addition, that ruling out diplomacy would be a mistake when a paranoid young dictator is getting close to converting a yearning for his own security into a fact.'

Pyongyang started moving a rocket towards the country's west coast on Monday, using the cover of darkness to avoid surveillance, South Korean media claim. Pictured: North Korea carried out a launch of an intermediate range missile in August

The North Korea nuclear crisis could lead to a global planetary catastrophe, Vladimir Putin starkly warned today

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya (left) speaks with US Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) and Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi (centre) after a UN Security Council emergency meeting over North Korea's latest nuclear test

North Korea claimed to have successfully tested its most powerful nuclear weapon yet on Sunday.

The country's state media said it was a hydrogen bomb meant for an intercontinental ballistic missile. The test detonation triggered a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, according to the US Geological Survey.

Writing in the Mirror, fellow former foreign secretary Lord David Owen said 'the world faces a very grave situation over what to do to contain the Korean dictatorship'.

He said: 'If Chinese diplomacy cannot change the mind of the Korean leader, what will short of force?

'Perhaps initially using the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bombs on all nuclear sites will suffice, leaving nuclear bombs as a last resort only if South Korea is attacked.

'These MOAB bombs (also known as Mother of All Bombs) were used for the first time ever in April against an Isis cave complex in Afghanistan. It is an horrendous choice the US is facing.'

South Korean warships have been conducting live-fire exercises at sea today as Seoul continued its displays of military capability following US warnings of a 'massive military response' to North Korea's test explosion.

South Korea's presidential office also said Washington and Seoul had agreed to remove bilaterally agreed warhead restrictions on South Korean missiles, which would allow the South to develop more powerful weapons that would boost its pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North.
A man accidentally shot and killed his friend at a party before turning the gun on himself because he 'could not live with what he had done'.

Bryan Carr shot Jonathan Culp, both 31, during a gathering at a home in Hammond, Indiana, at 9.30pm on Saturday.

Carr, from Hobart, tried to give first aid to Culp, but shot himself after he realized the wound was fatal.

He told witnesses he could not live with the guilt before pulling the trigger.

Bryan Carr shot Jonathan Culp, both 31, during a gathering at a home in Hammond, Indiana. Pictured is a general view of the local area

Officers from Hammond Police Department pulled up at the property to hear the second bullet.

Carr died at the scene, according to the department, while Culp was later pronounced dead at St Margaret's Hospital.

'Witnesses on scene, as well as Mr Carr, attempted to administer first aid to Mr Culp,' a police spokesman said.

'Mr Carr then told witnesses that he could not live with what he had done and shot himself.

'The Hammond Fire Department transported Mr Culp to St. Margaret's hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Mr Carr died at the scene.'

 For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here.

 For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.
Raging wildfires are continuing to tear across the West as high winds drive the inferno towards a century-old hotel.

The Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel, is under threat as hot, windy conditions continue to hamper firefighters.

A 14-square-mile area of Montana's Glacier National Park has been evacuated as the fire blazes its destructive path towards the shores of the lake.

The Lake McDonald Lodge sits on a lake as the Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide

The Lake McDonald Lodge sits on a lake as the Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide.

On Monday, fire crews got bad news: The wind had shifted and gusts were driving the fire down the mountainside toward the lake's shores.

Losing Lake McDonald Lodge on top of the destruction of Sperry Chalet last week would be 'unimaginably devastating,' said historian Mark Hufstetler.

'These are some of the most remarkable buildings anywhere in the United States and they are an integral part of the Glacier experience and the Glacier tradition,' Hufstetler said.

Fire crews understood the significance of the lodge and were ready to protect it, said fire information officer Diane Sine.

'It's important to all of us and a very high priority to do whatever we can to preserve that,' she said.

The Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel, is under threat as hot, windy conditions continue to hamper firefighters

On Monday, fire crews got bad news: The wind had shifted and gusts were driving the fire down the mountainside toward the lake's shores. Picture inside the hotel

Outside California's Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees.

Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove, and had not killed any trees.

Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low intensity fires.

The blaze burned low-level brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.

'They have thick bark and made it through pretty well,' Chipman said.

Tatiana Weed walks to work in Missoula, Montana. as smoke from the nearby Lolo Peak Fire fills the air on Monday

A bicyclist makes his way down Higgins Avenue in Missoula as smoke from the nearby Lolo Peak Fire fills the air on Monday

There are about 100 giant sequoias in the grove, including the roughly 24-story-high Bull Buck sequoia, one of the world's largest.

Fire crews also wrapped 19th-century cabins in shiny, fire-resistant material to protect them from the flames.

The fire threatening the grove was one of several in the area - one of which closed some trails in Yosemite.

A road leading to the park's southern entrance was also closed.

Brenda Negley woke up Monday in her Oakhurst home 14 miles away and found her truck covered with ash.

A fire engine drives past a burned area from a wildfire Monday in the Sunland-Tujunga section of Los Angeles

Kate Kevern guards from dangerous smoke with a mask rated for construction work as she walks home through downtown Eugene, Ore.

Her mother was there, too, after evacuating her own home, but Negley's thoughts were with the peaceful and secluded grove that she has regularly visited since childhood.

'I've been sick with worry over Nelder Grove,' she said.

'As much as Nelder Grove is my home, and I don't want to lose my home, I want to save my mom's home and everyone else's home.'

Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses.

Home owner Craig Bolleson surveys the charred debris left in his burned out home in the Sunland-Tujunga section of Los Angeles

Friends of the home owner survey the charred debris left in a burned out home on Monday

The fire has burned 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) in the community of Helena about 150 miles south of the Oregon line.

In Los Angeles, a fire that destroyed four homes and threatened hillside neighborhoods is no longer actively burning, but firefighters remained at the scene in case the wind reignited the blaze, Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said.

Still, Terrazas said Monday that wind conditions could re-ignite the blaze, so fire officials were not reducing the number of firefighters at the scene.
Crime in Hawaii has sunk to the lowest levels ever recorded - with the attorney general hailing the news as a boost for both tourists and residents.

A new report shows crime in the Aloha State is at its lowest rate since records began in 1975.

Crime across the board is down, with both categories - violent and property - declining.

Hawaii attorney general Doug Chin said: 'It's telling people that are visiting here or living here that while we're not a perfect community, we certainly are at a very good place when it comes to our crime statistics'

Hawaii's attorney general Doug Chin praised the report, saying: 'It's telling people that are visiting here or living here that while we're not a perfect community, we certainly are at a very good place when it comes to our crime statistics.'

He added: 'The record-low crime statistics in 2016 highlight the outstanding work of law enforcement throughout the state and in all four counties.'

The rate is likely to come as great news for the Pacific Ocean state's tourist economy, which benefited from a record 8.9 million visitors in 2016.

Tourists spent a huge $15.6 billion.

Another stat being celebrated is that no police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2016 - but 373 were assaulted

The report, titled 'Crime in Hawaii: A Review of Uniform Crime Reports', showed that aggravated assault, robbery, human trafficking, arson, larceny theft and burglary are all down.

But murder is up by 20.7 per cent and rape by 11.9 per cent.

There were 35 murders reported in 2016.

There were a total of 45,805 crimes reported in the state in 2016 - or 3,206 for every 100,000 residents.

Overall in the US, the rate of property crime in 2015 - the most recent data available - was 2,487 per 100,000 residents and 373 per 100,000 residents for violent crime.

Hawaii's rate is down by 6.2 per cent on 2015 and 27 per cent on 2007.

But there were still 3,452 violent crimes in 2016 and 42,353 property crimes.

Violent crime is down 2 per cent on 2015 and 12.5 per cent on 2007 while property crime is down 6.5 per cent on 2015 and 28 per cent on 2007.

Another stat being celebrated is that no police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2016 - but 373 were assaulted.

Hawaii experiences problems with gang crime, which has been responsible for the some of the state's most shocking murders.

The Company - also called the Hawaiian Syndicate - is one infamous gang that has been around since the late 1960s.

Crime in Hawaii has sunk to the lowest levels ever recorded - with the attorney general hailing the news as a boost for both tourists and residents

Ethnic gangs fought for control of criminal activity throughout the latter part of the 20th century, with Chinese Triads, Japanese Yakuza, Korean Kkangpae and Samoan groups involved in the struggle.

Though they still vie for power, high-profile indictments have helped to limit their power.

From 1985 to 1986, meanwhile, Hawaii's first-ever serial killer - known as the 'Honolulu Strangler' - murdered five women.

The killer has still not been caught.
Police have arrested a 20-year-old asylum seeker and three youths for gang-raping a Polish tourist on an Italian beach as her badly beaten husband was forced to watch.

The Congolese national was arrested on a train between Milan and Pesaro a week after a woman was attacked by a group of men on Rimini beach in the country's north east.

Two brothers aged 15 and 17 and another 16-year-old have also been detained over the 'brutal and bestial' rape on the Adriatic coast.

A 26-year-old Polish woman was repeatedly raped by a group of men on Italy's popular Rimini beach, police say. Pictured above, Italian Scientific Police investigate the site of the incident

Police have arrested (pictured) a 20-year-old asylum seeker and three youths for gang-raping a Polish tourist on an Italian beach as her badly beaten husband was forced to watch

The 26-year-old Polish woman was repeatedly raped in front of her husband who was beaten and robbed by the same group of men on the beach, police say.

Her partner, also 26, passed out after being beaten on the head and robbed, reports said.

The Poles were hospitalised with injuries after passersby saw the couple, bloodied and dazed, on the beach.

The 26-year-old Polish woman was repeatedly raped in front of her husband who was beaten and robbed by the same group of men on the beach, police say

According to police the same gang of men then raped a transgender woman in a park

According to police the same gang of men then raped a transgender woman in a park.

The Congolese suspect, who arrived in Italy in 2015, was arrested by two female police officers.

He had been granted permission to stay in Italy until 2018 on humanitarian grounds following the rejection of his bid for asylum, Italian media reported.

The arrested brothers are said to have handed themselves into police after their father recognised them on CCTV images shared by police and told them to report themselves, The Local reports.

The 16-year-old suspect was held in a town nearby.
Companies are not allowed to snoop on employees' private messages - at least not without letting them know first, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled.

The Strasbourg court ruled that companies need to make sure that employees are aware in advance of monitoring of work email and messaging accounts.

The landmark privacy case involved a Romanian software engineer who was fired for using a company messaging service for personal conversations, including chatting to his fiancee about their sex life.

No snooping: The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, pictured, has ruled that companies need to make employees aware in advance of monitoring of work emails

In an initial decision in January last year, the ECHR ruled against Bogdan Barbulescu's claim that his rights had been infringed.

Mr Barbulescu, 38, was sacked in 2006 after he used the Yahoo messenger system to chat to his fiancee and brother, as well sending messages to clients for company business.

The company had presented him with printouts of his private messages to his family members as evidence of his breach of a company ban on such personal use.

Mr Barbulescu argued that his employer invaded his right to privacy by spying on messages which included details about his health and sex life, but both a Romanian court and the ECHR had previously ruled in support of the employer.

New rules: A previous ruling by the court had been in favour of bosses monitoring their employees electronic communications in the workplace

In its ruling in January 2016, the ECHR said that it was not 'unreasonable that an employer would want to verify that employees were completing their professional tasks during working hours.'

But the Grand Chamber of the court, the apex body comprising 17 judges, agreed to reexamine the case at Barbulescu's request and its final verdict today cannot be appealed.

The European court in Strasbourg ruled by an 11-6 majority that Romanian judges, in backing the employer, had failed to protect Barbulescu's right to private life and correspondence.
Bell Pottinger's founder claimed it was 'curtains' for the PR company as he checked his phone twice during a car crash interview - and insisted he takes no responsibility for the South Africa scandal.

Tim Bell, who made his name as Margaret Thatcher's spin doctor, last night said Bell Pottinger chiefs 'could try and rescue the firm' following its 'economic apartheid' campaign but that it would probably fail in attempts to turn around its fortunes.

The PR man, who founded the company in 1988 but stood down last year, made the comments last night on Newsnight as he refused to accept any blame for the scandal engulfing the company.

Bell Pottinger's founder Tim Bell (pictured on Newsnight) received two phone calls during a car crash interview on Newsnight last night

The 75-year-old claims it is now 'curtains' for the PR company - but that he takes no responsibility for the scandal engulfing the firm

In an excruciating six-minute interview, the 75-year-old also checked his phone twice when it started ringing loudly on air.

When it went off a second time, Ms Wark replied: 'You're obviously a popular man tonight.'

Lord Bell had gone on the show to discuss the company as it was stripped of its trade body membership for stoking 'racial tensions' in South Africa with a controversial campaign.

The campaign was for Oakby Capital, owned by one of the country's most powerful families the Guptas, who are under scrutiny for alleged efforts to leverage ties to South African President Jacob Zuma for their own benefit.

But Bell Pottinger is said to have glossed over those issues, instead creating a 'divisive' campaign against 'white monopoly capital', the term used for the dominance of South African business by a few wealthy white interests.

Despite being instrumental in bringing in the contract at the heart of the row - worth 100,000 until the company resigned the account in April - Lord Bell insisted last night that he had nothing to do with it.

He told Ms Wark: 'I don't take any responsibility, this was 18 months ago. I resigned from the company in August last year and I said one of the reasons was because of it.

'I am the innocent. I don't care if you believe it or not - the fact is, that's the situation.'

In further rambling comments, he added that it was 'probably getting near the end' for the firm, bizarrely adding the Sir Walter Scott quote: 'Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive.'

Lord Bell last night said that Bell Pottinger chiefs 'could try and rescue the firm' following its controversial South Africa campaign but that it probably 'wouldn't be very successful'

Yesterday, the Public Relations and Communications Association terminated Bell Pottinger's membership, with director general Francis Ingham describing it as 'the worst piece of PR work I've seen in 10 years at the PRCA.'

In a strongly-worded statement, it added that the association had 'never issued such a damning indictment of an agency's behaviour'.

Bell Pottinger boss James Henderson with his wife Heather Kerzner in March 2017

'Bell Pottinger has brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with its actions, and it has received the harshest possible sanctions,' the statement read.

'The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agency's behavior.'

The firm is not allowed to reapply for corporate membership for at least five years.

On the weekend, James Henderson sensationally resigned as the firm's chief executive.

But the crisis intensified further today as the PR firm's second biggest shareholder wrote off its investment in the company and a number of UK clients ditched its services.

Chime, an advertising firm, has abandoned an attempt to offload its 27 per cent stake in Bell Pottinger and has instead written off its holding, raising further questions over the beleaguered company's future.

It is understood that Unite and Carillion pulled their business from Bell Pottinger as a direct result of the scandal.

It is also thought that Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury is considering severing its relationship with the firm as it monitors the situation.

Investec and Richemont are among the other clients to have dumped Bell Pottinger over the scandal, with co-founder Lord Bell warning that the company will 'almost certainly' fail to recover from the fallout.

The Bell Pottinger debacle has reverberated far beyond London, creating full-on political upheaval in South Africa

The Gupta brothers  Ajay, Atul and Rajesh  settled in South Africa in 1993 from India, setting up Sahara Computers

It follows an investigation by the law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, which found that Bell Pottinger breached professional ethics over the campaign.

BELL POTTINGER LOSES KEY CUSTOMERS AS SCANDAL INTENSIFIES Chime, the PR firm's second biggest shareholder, today wrote off its investment in the company as the South Africa scandal intensified. The advertising firm abandoned an attempt to offload its 27 per cent stake in Bell Pottinger and has instead written off its holding. It is understood that Unite and Carillion also pulled their business from Bell Pottinger as a direct result of the scandal. Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury is also considering severing its relationship with the firm as it monitors the situation. Investec and Richemont are among the other clients to have dumped Bell Pottinger over the scandal. Advertisement

The report also said senior management failed to scrutinize the campaign's content.

Management also failed to ensure that the team working on the account had the necessary geopolitical expertise for a project of this nature.

Bell Pottinger stopped working for Oakbay Capital earlier this year and commissioned the investigation by Herbert Smith Freehills.

In releasing the findings, Bell Pottinger said it would take steps to ensure it meets the 'highest ethical and industry standards' in the future.

'Bell Pottinger does not believe that the actions taken in relation to this account are representative of the way it works in general,' the company said. 'Nevertheless, Bell Pottinger is determined to learn lessons from this review.'

As he stood down, Mr Henderson, the largest shareholder in Bell Pottinger, said in a statement: 'Although I neither initiated nor was involved in the Oakbay work, I accept that as CEO, I have ultimate executive responsibility for Bell Pottinger.'
Police have arrested two brothers who broke into a church naked, barricaded themselves inside and trashed it.

Paul Vincent Vielkind, 24, and Brandon Joseph Vielkind, 22, have been charged with burglary and felony vandalism after the bizarre incident at Harvest Church in Riverside, California.

They used a fake rifle to smash their way in before wreaking havoc inside, destroying musical and electrical equipment.

Their mother has claimed her boys were sticking up for her and said they were naked because they wanted to 'express their fearlessness'.

Paul Vincent Vielkind (left), 24, and Brandon Joseph Vielkind (right), 22, have been charged with burglary and felony vandalism after the bizarre incident at Harvest Church in Riverside, California

On Wednesday, a security guard at a neighboring business reported two men approaching the church with what looked like a rifle.

They entered through a glass door and the church was unoccupied at the time and the Irvine Police Department responded with the SWAT team.

Officers were able to watch a video feed of the suspects thanks to surveillance cameras inside the church.

After two hours inside, at around 9.20pm, the suspects threw a smoke bomb outside of the church and fled the building, one without clothing and one partially clothed.

The pair's mother Rhonda Hodges (center with the brothers left and right and her husband Brent Hodges) said they were 'sticking up for her' when they broke in because a member of the ministry was racially discriminating her

They used a fake rifle to smash their way into the church (above) before wreaking havoc inside, destroying musical and electrical equipment

Neither got far and both were taken into custody as officers worked to clear the scene and search for weapons.

No one was else was found inside the building, and police found no live weapons at the scene - however, what appears to be a replica rifle was found.

The churchs pastor is popular Evangelical figure Greg Laurie. He regularly appears in in the media and has written more than 70 books.

He released a statement on his website saying there was no service when the pair broke in and his family were not home.

The Irvine Police Department released a statement saying the force is investigating any possible connection the suspects may have to the church.

But in an interview with the Orange County Register, the brothers' mother Rhonda Hodges said they had gone to the church to voice their concerns that she was being racially discriminated against for being a Native American.

She said her sons were sticking up for her, and added: 'In some bizarre way, while they were experimenting with drugs, perhaps they were trying to express their displeasure.

'They wanted to express their fearlessness by walking into the church naked.'
At least 20 survivors and witnesses of the Grenfell Tower blaze have attempted to end their lives while struggling to get images of the burning tower 'out of their minds'.

Silence of Suicide founder Yvette Greenway said the figure was based on conversations with workers in the area as she warned that the area surrounding the charred building has been gripped by a mental health crisis.

Many of those who survived the tragedy now have 'post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression', she said - with council-led services feared to be inadequate.

Former nurse Judy Bolton, from the Justice4Grenfell campaign, told the BBC: 'People are self-medicating to shut out the trauma.

Many of those who survived the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, pictured, now have 'post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression'

Silence of Suicide founder Yvette Greenway, pictured right, said the area around the charred building has been gripped by a mental health crisis

'We were flooded with drug dealers preying on the traumatised. People saw their neighbours falling from a burning building.

'They saw children being dropped from the building. There are still ashes still blowing over us when the train goes past.

'We're being covered in the ash of our dead friends and relatives.'

She suggested that many of the suicide attempts were fuelled by depression, survivor guilt and an inability to cope with the grief of the tragedy.

Mental health experts have previously warned that thousands of people could be experiencing the effects of psychological trauma as a result of the blaze, pictured

Mental health experts have previously warned that thousands of people could be experiencing the effects of psychological trauma as a result of the fire.

The impact is thought to be much wider than those who live in the surrounds of the building - with families of the victims and even motorists driving past the tower feared to be affected.

At a public meeting in late July chaired by the Government's gold command, Sikh leader Bhupinder Singh claimed that one suicide had been successful as he urged the council to intervene.

In August survivors of the tower tragedy were bombarded with vile abuse after a charity offered them free trips to the seaside, pictured

A small group of 15 adults and children visited Felpham Sailing Club, in West Sussex, to go sailing and play on the beach

One resident from a nearby block told the panel at the event: 'We are the silent victims of this tragedy.'

Another added: 'Each time we walk around this place we see an edifice, that reminds me of what happened on 14 June, of the police man stopping me from rescuing anyone I could save.'

Man, 63, is latest victim of Grenfell fire A 63-year-old man is the latest victim of the Grenfell Tower fire to be formally identified, police said. The Metropolitan Police said Raymond Bernard, pictured, was one of 57 people identified in agreement with Westminster Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox. Mr Bernard's family said: 'Gone but not forgotten, you are so dearly loved by us all and will be sadly missed by many. 'May you rest in eternal peace, with love always.' The number of inquests opened and adjourned so far at Westminster Coroner's Court is 54, with two further expected this week. Advertisement

Adding to the trauma, in August survivors of the tower tragedy were bombarded with vile abuse after a charity offered them free trips to the seaside.

A small group of 15 adults and children visited Felpham Sailing Club, in West Sussex, to go sailing and play on the beach.

But sick Twitter users questioned why the families had been offered tickets for free, with one saying: 'The victim card has been played enough.'

The day out was organised by the Play Association, a charity based in Hammersmith and Fulham which usually supports vulnerable children with special needs.

Steve Boeje, chief executive of the Play Association, said the group, which included other youngsters from Sutton and Brent in London, were 'absolutely chuffed'.

But trolls commented under a link to an article about the trip to voice their hatred.

One man said: '#grenfell I didn't get a free holiday when I had a home fire. This is getting totally out of hand.'

Another asked: 'Why are the Grenfell tower residents getting a free holiday? Who's paying? I don't recall any of the Somerset flood victims getting anything.'

Another Twitter user said: 'We have to work hard and save up for our family holidays.'

Others mocked the idea of giving survivors of the disaster, which killed 80, a free break.

One woman said: 'Next door's dog has just killed one of my hens and I'm heartbroken. Can I go? I need cheering up.'
The hunky surfer whose images were stolen and photoshopped into war zones by an Instagram fraudster has revealed it's not the first time he's been a target of online identity theft.

British surf blogger Max Hepworth-Povey had his photos stolen and used by 'Eduardo Martins', a fake photographer who claimed to have visited everywhere from the Gaza Strip to Iraq and even witnessed ISIS fight in Syria.



His photos of war zones and terror ravaged cities led to double-page spreads in top international magazines and more than 130,000 followers on Instagram.

But it was all a lie.

Mr Hepworth-Povey told Daily Mail Australia his first reaction when he saw his face photoshopped into war zones was 'what the f**k?'.

Victim: Mr Hepworth-Povey was unaware his original images (pictured) were being taken until this week

Thief: The fake photographer would steal photos from the Instagram page of surf instructor Max Hepworth-Povey (pictured) and claim them as his own from his travels

'Where did this dude get these pics from. My initial thought was f**k, I havent seen those photos in years.

'This guy has gone to so much to do all this. I havent had a chance to absorb everything.

'It's a very, very strange way to spend a lot of time.'

The British surfer works for a travel company and spoke to Daily Mail Australia from Europe, where he is leading a tour through France and Spain.

He revealed it is not the first time his image has been procured for devious deeds.

Mr Hepworth-Povey said he was messaged by someone claiming to work for surf brand Quiksilver who wanted to interview him for a position at the company about two years ago.

Conman: A wannabe photographer calling himself 'Eduardo Martins' has been caught stealing the pictures of professional war photographers (pictured) and claiming them as his own

'I thought it was weird that they reached out to a very, very average surfer.

'They asked to do a Skype interview... they said their camera wasn't working and then next thing a fake me had come up on Facebook.

'This guy called himself Bruno... Me and a few of my friends reported it.'

The experience caused Mr Hepworth-Povey to delete his Facebook account, and he is now considering getting rid of his Instagram as well.

'I hate the whole social media thing but I understand that it's a necessary evil. The whole Facebook thing... it's all bulls**t.'

Mr Hepworth-Povey said one upside of the photo-stealing scandal has been 'being referred to as a handsome 34-year-old'.

He isn't holding much hope of tracking 'Eduardo Martins' down, with the fraudster reportedly hiding out in a van driving around Australia.

'How the hell are you going to find who this guy is?'

Real vs fake: On the right are the real original photos taken by American photographer Daniel Britt, while on the left are the fake images which have been flipped 180 degrees on Photoshop

'Martins' photos of war zones and terror ravaged cities led to double-page spreads in top international magazines and more than 130,000 followers on Instagram.

Claiming to be a professional photographer from Sao Paulo, Brazil, for years he took the images of others before photoshopping them to look marginally different.

The supposed 32-year-old - whose identity has never been verified - claimed to have visited everywhere from the Gaza Strip to Iraq and even witnessed ISIS fight in Syria.

Yet after years of claiming to be a United Nations photographer and fooling the BBC, Al Jazeera, the Wall Street Journal and even Getty Images, Mr Martins was caught out last month, leading the conman to reportedly go into hiding somewhere in Australia.

After taking images from other photojournalists the mystery thief on occasion added a photo from the Instagram of British surf blogger Max Hepworth-Povey.

By photoshopping Mr Hepworth-Povey's head into war scenes, the unknown conman made it look as though he was in the middle of raging battles.

Also sharing casual photos of Mr Hepworth-Povey surfing, the fraudster was able to make it look to his 120,000 Instagram followers like he had a life outside of war.

This all went on with the real surf fanatic completely unaware, until being contacted by concerned photographers who joined the dots together this week.

'When my friend showed me the photos first of all I thought it was a joke, some a***hole (messing) with me,' Mr Hepworth-Povey told BBC Brazil.

'But actually, my photos were stolen, it's crazy that some random guy decided to use my image among so many options across internet.

'I work very far from war zones, with surfing trips. All my pictures have always been taken in that context.

Photoshop: The mystery photo thief would cut selfies or headshots from Mr Hepworth-Povey's page before pasting them into war zones (pictured)

'I was relaxing, sipping wine, when a friend contacted me saying that they had stolen my identity in a kind of internet catch.'

Not only did the random thief boost his social media presence and profit from the work of others, but he also fed the media a tale of his battle against the odds.

He told how he had beaten cancer at the age of 25, before combining his love of surfing with travelling around the world photographing war zones for work.

However his downfall came at the hands of a social media friend and blogger who was able to confirm to suspicious outlets his story may in fact be completely fake.

Original: Images such as this proved perfect for the mystery photo thief to claim as his own

Fernando Costa Netto, who runs surfing site Waves, told how he had spoken to Mr Martins just days before the conman went to ground, claiming to be in Australia.

'The last two times we've been talking about WhatsApp, he told me that he was exhausted, emotionally shaken by the months in Mosul, but that he was going to Raqqa, Syria, for another on,' Mr Netto wrote.

But after being contacted by suspicious media he got back in touch with the fake photgrapher to warn him, before he quickly shut down his online presence.

'I'm in Australia. I made the decision to spend a year a van. I'll cut everything, including the internet,' Mr Martins said.

'I want to be in peace, we'll see each other when I get back... A big hug, I'll delete the zap. Stay with God. A hug.'
This is the shocking moment a man was slammed into a moving car during a street brawl watched by a wailing toddler.

And at one point during the violent brawl in Inverness, a woman carrying the distressed young child wanders in to the melee to pick up dropped clothing.

The scuffle was filmed yesterday afternoon as shocked bystanders looked on. A man who stepped in to try to stop the fight was assaulted by one of the fighters.

Since being uploaded onto to social media, the fight in the Scottish Highlands has been viewed by more than 320,000 Facebook users and shared by 2,000.

At the start of the clip a man wearing a striped top is heard shouting 'get off me' as another man in a black top is seen pulling him into the road.

As the fight progresses one of the men throws the other against a moving silver car as the driver tries to avoid the fracas.

One of the man's shoes comes off during the battle as they both end up on the ground with the man in the striped top gripping onto the other man's hooded top.

A man was slammed into a moving car during a street brawl in Inverness yesterday afternoon

At one point a woman carrying a toddler wanders in to the melee to pick up dropped clothing

The woman with the toddler, heard wailing, then comes into shot and picks up the shoe as well as other belongings that appear to be falling from one of the men.

An older woman then approaches the two brawlers holding what appears to be a mobile phone while another two men also are seen trying to defuse the fist fight.

Towards the end of the clip, the man in the striped top lunges out and tries to hit another man trying to stop the fight.

As both men eventually part ways there appears to be further shouting between the original two, prompting the man in the strip top to chase the other down the street.

The scuffle in the Scottish Highlands was filmed yesterday as shocked bystanders looked on

The fight has been viewed by more than 320,000 Facebook users and shared by 2,000 people

A Police Scotland spokesman told MailOnline: 'Police in Inverness can confirm that a man has been arrested in connection with alleged assaults within the city centre following a disturbance on the afternoon of Monday, September 4.

'The 28-year-old man has been reported in connection with two incidents - one on Bridge Street and the second on Academy Street.

'The Bridge Street incident happened at at about 3.34pm and the Academy Street incident at 3.44pm.

'The 28-year-old will appear at Inverness Sheriff Court in due course. Two men received minor injuries as a result of the incidents.'

As the fight progresses one of the men throws the other against a moving silver car (right)

The man in the striped top lunges out and tries to hit another man trying to stop the fight

Inspector Mark Rasdale said: 'I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all the members of the public who provided information about these incidents, which allowed officers to respond quickly and apprehend an individual.

'Police Scotland will not tolerate behaviour like this in the city centre and the public will see an increased police presence over the coming days.

'Our enquiries continue and anyone with information who has not already spoken to police should call 101, quoting reference NN22751/17. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
This is the shocking moment a worker is run over as he clambers out of a manhole but miraculously escapes with only a fractured rib.

A man's head and chest poke above the ground when he is suddenly struck by a car as it turns a corner.

The unfortunate incident happened in Nizhnekamsk in Republic of Tatarstan in Russia.

Pictured: A manhole worker was hit by a car leaving helpless man struggling as passersby rushed over to help

CCTV footage shows a Nissan Juke driving around the corner as it hits the man with its front wheels.

The car stops before the female driver reverses away.

At the same time a pedestrian turns behind him to see the worker dangerously pinned to the manhole as he rushes over to help the struggling victim.

Dramatically the injured worker falls into the hole and has to be hauled back above ground by a heroic passerby.

He was later rushed to hospital where remarkably his only injury was a fractured rib.

Russian Police said the car was driven by a so-far unnamed woman but were not clear whether or not she would face charges.

It was noted there were no warning signs or fences around the manhole though it was on a grass verge.

The driver reportedly said her car had mounted the verge after taking a corner 'badly'.
A North Korean mountain above the country's nuclear bomb test site is at risk of collapsing and leaking radiation across the region, China has warned.

Pyongyang staged its sixth nuclear trial at its Punggye-ri base on Sunday, in an underground blast estimated to be up to ten times more powerful than the device dropped on Hiroshima.

US monitors measured a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake near the North's main testing site, felt in parts of China and Russia, with an aftershock possibly caused by a rock cave-in.

Experts in China now fear that a mountain - believed to be above the underground chambers where North Korea has staged all of its tests - is under threat of collapse.

A North Korean mountain above the country's nuclear bomb test site (pictured in January 2016) is at risk of collapsing and leaking radiation across the region, China has warned

Experts in China now fear that a mountain - believed to be above the underground chambers where North Korea has staged all of its tests - is under threat of collapse. A portal leading to an underground chamber is pictured at the test site in May last year

Kim Jong-un staged Pyongyang's sixth nuclear trial at its Punggye-ri base on Sunday, in an underground blast estimated to be up to ten times more powerful than the device dropped on Hiroshima

Wang Naiyan, a former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and a researcher on China's own nuclear weapons programme, said he feared just one more test could 'take the mountain's roof off' sparking a toxic radiation drift across the region.

'We call it "taking the roof off". If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things,' he said, according to the South China Morning Post.

He said North Korea had a lack of suitable places for nuclear tests and that the length of time the mountain continued to stand would depend on where exactly the blasts take place.

If they were put in 'difficult and expensive' vertical tunnels, it would do less damage, he said.

But it is easier to make horizontal tunnels, increasing the risk of the mountain collapsing, Wang added.

Satellite images taken in April this year show the mountainous landscape around the nuclear test site

According to the South's Yonhap news agency, Seoul's National Intelligence Service said it was the fifth blast the North had conducted in the same No 2 tunnel at the Punggye-ri test site, and it was 'likely to have collapsed'.

But it said the North had already completed construction of a third tunnel, so that it could carry out another test at any time it chose, and work was underway on a fourth.

The North hailed the test as 'a perfect success'.

Despite fears of a possible radioactive leak after the apparent collapse, Japanese and Chinese scientists said they had detected no radiation in the atmosphere.

Sunday's test had registered with international seismic agencies as a man-made earthquake near a test site. Japanese and South Korean officials said the tremor was about 10 times more powerful than the one picked up after North Korea's previous nuclear test a year ago.

Wang Naiyan, a former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and a researcher on China's own nuclear weapons programme, said he feared just one more test could 'take the mountain's roof off' sparking a toxic radiation drift across the region

China's National Nuclear Safety Administration said data from radiation monitoring stations near the North Korean border showed no impact on 'China's environment or populace'.

Both China and Japan said on Monday they had not yet detected any atmospheric radiation from North Korea's nuclear test, amid fears of a leak from a 'cave in' during the underground blast.

Japan's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters there was 'nothing special detected from monitoring posts across the country', nor from air samples taken by the Air Self-Defense Force after Sunday's blast.

China's environment ministry said Monday that radiation levels near its Korean border were also normal.

'Results of monitoring make clear that this North Korean nuclear test as of now has produced no effect on our nation's environment or the public,' the ministry wrote on its official website.

Japanese defence minister Itsunori Onodera said Sunday that Tokyo had deployed 'sniffer' planes capable of detecting radioactive particles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has blasted a 'naive' journalist for asking if he was disappointed in Donald Trump.

Speaking at a news conference today, Putin dismissed a question on whether he was unimpressed by the US president by stressing that it would be 'wholly wrong' for Russia to comment on American domestic issues.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is 'not my bride, and I'm not his groom.'

Speaking at a news conference today, Putin dismissed a question on whether he was unimpressed by the US president by stressing that it would be 'wholly wrong' for Russia to comment on American domestic issues

He also dodged a question about how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia.

However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close a Russian consulate have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

During the press conference, Putin also condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test.

He also warned against using military force against the country, however, calling it a 'road to nowhere' that could lead to a 'global catastrophe.'

North Korea conducted its most powerful nuclear test to date on Sunday, triggering US warnings of a 'massive military response.'

Putin also dodged a question about how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached

Rattled by the test, South Korea today conducted live-fire exercises at sea in its second straight day of military display.

Russia condemns North Korea's nuclear test as 'provocative,' Putin told the televised news conference in China.

But he stopped short of expressing willingness to impose more sanctions on North Korea, saying Moscow views them as 'useless and ineffective.'

Putin said North Korea's neighbors should engage with it, not whip up 'military hysteria.'

Russia condemns North Korea's nuclear test as 'provocative,' Putin told the televised news conference in China. Pictured: The Russian president with Chinese premier Xi Jingping

The Russian president told reporters that he had remarked to one of his counterparts at the talks that North Korea 'will eat grass but will not give up the (nuclear) program if they don't feel safe'

'It's a road to nowhere. Whipping up military hysteria - this will lead to no good,' he said. 'It could cause a global catastrophe and an enormous loss of life.'

The Russian president, who was in China for a summit of leading emerging economies, told reporters that he had remarked to one of his counterparts at the talks that North Korea 'will eat grass but will not give up the (nuclear) program if they don't feel safe.'

Putin said it was important that all parties affected by the crisis, including North Korea, not face 'threats of annihilation' and 'step on the path of cooperation.'
The 'stuck up' artist who mocked three scaffolders for only having one GCSE is the daughter of a builder, MailOnline can reveal.

Hetty Douglas, 25, shared a photo on her Instagram of the two men in boots and blue jogging bottoms at McDonald's in London, with the sneering caption: 'they look like they got 1 GCSE'.

One of the men in the picture, Warren Butt, 40, said the painter made him and his workmate 'look like idiots' and called on her to apologise.

But today her father Maurice Douglas, who is a builder himself, said his daughter's comments had been taken out of context.

Speaking from his cottage in a pretty fishing port in Cornwall covered in rubble dust and with his shorts and T-shirt flecked with dry cement, Mr Douglas said: 'She would be very angry with me if I was to speak to you.

'I'd love to defend my daughter but the less anyone says the sooner it will hopefully all blow over.'

Artist Hetty Douglas incensed people on Twitter after this post mocking workmen on her Instagram account

However, a close friend of the family said Hetty was actually speaking up in defence of the McDonald's staff who were being abused by the construction crew.

She said: 'They were being rude and swearing at those youngsters working behind the counter and Hetty thought they were out of order.

'I'm sure the builders would just dismiss it as banter but they were very unkind and intimidating. They thought they were funny but no-one else was laughing.

'Hetty is actually a very nice, polite well mannered girl and she didn't like what she was watching. It was bullying to her mind.

'So she thought she would take these lads down a peg or two. Sadly it has backfired but she meant well.

'It's typical of social media that people go off half cocked with their opinions and threats without knowing the full story.

'Well now the real facts are out there a lot of people will be regretting what they have said about Hetty.

Warren Butt, 40, said the painter made him and his workmate 'look like idiots' and has called on her to apologise

'She's not some posh little rich girl. She's actually as working class as they come it's just as a model some of the pictures of her are upmarket.'

Hetty went to school in Nottingham, where she was born, before leaving for university in London where she is now living.

The artist's family refused to comment on her school achievements at their two bedroomed home in Nottingham this evening.

They live in the terraced house worth 155,000 just two miles from the city centre.

The friend continued: 'Some of the comments directed at her are very threatening and she's terrified of reprisals.

'She hasn't been to work today and won't set foot outside the front door in case someone recognises her and potentially attacks her.'

Mr Douglas declined to confirm the 'true' story about what had happened to his daughter.

Father-of-one, Mr Butt, from Wallington, south London, said he actually didn't have any GCSEs, but Douglas had no 'right' to make such a comment.

He told the Sun: 'It's made us look like a load of idiots when we are just trying to crack on and do some work.

'I'm just working - just earning a living for me and my son. She's no better than me because she can draw.'

Douglas, who has previously worked with fashion giant Fred Perry and lives in trendy Peckham, south east London, received hundreds of angry comments after her Instagram post was shared on Twitter.

Some have accused her of 'fetishising working class culture', while others said she was 'classist.'

Douglas (left) previously posted a picture of herself posing with a work-plan as she went to sign on for Job Seekers Allowance (right)

Replying to Douglas' sneer, a tweeter wrote: 'and you look like a spoiled rich girl gentrifying south London.'

Another fumed: 'Would pay to see her kindly and gently explain to the blokes why she feels she can mock them behind their backs to 15k people.'

One person wrote: 'You wouldn't last two minutes in the shoes of a tradesman.'

Another tweeter added: 'What a ghastly person. They actually look like guys who do a decent days work. Maybe she doesn't.'

One tweeter joked: 'Best thing about this Hetty Douglas saga is that I have zero GCSE's and we go to the same uni.'

Douglas, who comes from Nottingham, studied fashion illustration at University of Arts London before working in retail for Slam City Skates in Covent Garden and Supreme in Soho.

The painter has admitted that university 'wasn't for me' and used it solely as a way of living in London.

London artist Hetty Douglas (left) has exhibited her pieces (right) in both the UK and the US

She previously shared a picture of herself posing with a work-plan as she went to sign on for Job Seekers Allowance, in 2015.

Her post mocking the working men is seemingly in conflict with her usual philosophy.

When asked what she 'stood for', during an interview with Dazed Digitial magazine, she said: 'I think as long as we are kind and gentle to others and, more importantly, ourselves then everything is bless.'

The black-lash on social media has been so severe it has caused the former model and shop assistant to take down her Instagram page.

Douglas, who is based in south London, comes from a creative background with both her mother and brother being artists.

She has exhibited her work at shows in Britain and the US and has aspirations to hold shows in New York or LA because artists are given more freedom.

She told SSense: I'm ready to do something outside of London. I'd say New York, but maybe L.A. I feel like they're a lot more open-minded.'

It is said to mix graffiti with abstract styles, with previous pieces being called 'you're a snake' and 'screw'.

Her works feature scribbled questions or parts of phrases like: 'You're not 363 likes in real life' and 'I'm not f****** cute.'

On her website she writes that her work 'represents both the light and dark that comes with simply existing.'
This is the teenage boy obsessed with the Columbine High School massacre who opened fire inside his classroom north-east of Moscow.

Mikhail Pivnev, 15, set off several smoke grenades in a classroom before attacking his teacher with a meat cleaver and shooting her in the head with an air rifle, shouting that he wanted to 'stage a massacre'.

Three of his classmates have been taken to hospital with fractures after jumping from the second floor in order to escape the teenage gunman.

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School shooter: Mikhail Pivnev, 15, can be seen posing with a weapon on his social media account, where he used the name Mikhail Klebold after Columbine gunman Dylan Klebold

Fleeing: Three of Pivnev's classmates can be seen jumping out of a window to escape the gunfire - they later had to be taken to hospital with fractures

Chaos: Students gather outside the school in Ivanteyevka where a 15-year-old Year 9 pupil shot a teacher in the head and set off smoke grenades after throwing a meat cleaver in a classroom

'There was shooting, explosions. He shot, and shouted that he came here to die,' a witness told Russian broadcaster RBC.

Pivnev, a Year 9 student at 'School 1' in Ivanteyevka, came armed with smoke grenades, a meat cleaver and an air rifle in order to get revenge for classmates 'offending him', his sister claims.

'He did this, because he had accumulated this for three years, because his classmates offended him in different ways and he was annoyed with that,' Daria Pivneva said.

His victim has been named as computer science and mathematics teacher Lyubov Kalmykova, 39, who has been rushed to hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

He then reportedly gave some pupils one minute to flee, at which point they ran to warn school director Olga Mikhailichenko who 'did not believe' her school was under siege from a student.

'No-one believed them,' said a pupil.

Pivnev, a Year 9 student at 'School 1' in Ivanteyevka, came armed with smoke grenades, a meat cleaver and an air rifle in order to get revenge for classmates 'offending him'

Attack: Pivnev reportedly shouted that he wanted to 'stage a massacre' and that he 'came here to die' before he shot his teacher with an air rifle

Obsessed: In addition to his obsession with school shootings, Pivnev had reportedly expressed Nazi sympathies online

The incident took place in Ivanteyevka, a town some 12miles north-east of the Russian capital with a population of around 60,000

Parent Maria Ruzanova said: 'I know the boy, I know his friends and classmates.

'He was preparing this for a long while. No-one believed him.

Shot: Teacher Lyubov Kalmykova, 39, was shot in the head by the teenager

Speaking from her hospital bed, injured teacher Ms Kalmykova said: 'It happened five or 10 minutes after the beginning of school.

'I have been teaching this boy for the second year, I never had any issues with him.

'He was shouting something like 'Ive been waiting for this moment for three years, but he hasn't known me for that long.

'I was struck on my head with a meat carving axe, and I was shot in my face.

'And please pay attention that just this year security in our school has been replaced with a new team from a company which is associated with one of our city mayor's relatives.'

Pivnev was reported to have admired Columbine killers Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, who murdered 12 students and a teacher before committing suicide at Columbine High School, Colorado.

He even used the name Klebold on his social media accounts where he reportedly expressed Nazi sympathies. A video reportedly posted on his social media account showed him making Nazi salutes.

Victim: A 39-year-old computer science and mathematics teacher was shot in the head by the teenage assailant

Injuries: Three of the teenager's classmates jumped from the second-floor windows to escape, and suffered fractures

In a sinister online posting on the anniversary of the Columbine massacre, the boy wrote: 'On April 20, 1999 was the attack on the Columbine school.

'If not to go into details, then as a result, 13 pupils died, 23 were injured and two are alive in my heart.

'Here and again the same day..... No matter what happens around me, how they treat me, I wonder if I'm needed here ...

'Life is beautiful, friends, but sometimes death is better. And it could be better if I was in the place of Eric and Dylan ...

'And now forget everything that is written here and live on. Not everyone loves suicidal thoughts, right?'

The other three victims are two girls and one boy, who have all suffered various fractures as they tried to flee the classroom, according to RBC.

The broadcaster spoke to one of the injured teenagers from her hospital bed, and she told them her classmate had thrown a meatcleaver in the classroom before setting off the grenades and firing a weapon.

The incident took place in Ivanteyevka, a town some 12miles north-east of the Russian capital with a population of around 60,000.

The teenage shooter has been arrested, but his motives are not yet known.

Video from the incident shows dozens of students crowding outside the main school building.
A masked burglar who slashed another man's wrist during a violent home invasion on the Gold Coast has been jailed.

Nathan Briggs, 26, was sentenced to a total of seven years' imprisonment after pleading guilty at the Southport District Court on Tuesday to several violent offences including the September 2015 home invasion at Helensvale.

With time already served, Briggs will be eligible for parole on May 4, 2018.

The court heard Briggs and two other men - Ben John Rowe and Shane Kevin Lemmar - broke into the home of Lemmar's former flatmate Scott Vidler.

A masked burglar who slashed another man's wrist during a violent home invasion on the Gold Coast has been jailed (stock image)

While Lemmar searched the home for property to steal, Briggs and Rowe assaulted Mr Vidler.

During the assault, Briggs cut Mr Vidler's right wrist with a knife so badly it damaged tendons and required surgery.

When the intruders arrived at the property, the court heard Briggs said: 'You're dead (expletive)' before commencing the attack, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Mr Vidler's hands were reportedly bound with electrical tape and he was left on the floor of his kitchen as the men searched for property to steal.

Briggs was also convicted on Tuesday of a road rage incident several months before as well as another home invasion in the weeks before the attack on Mr Vidler.

Rowe, 36, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for his role in the home invasion as well as two years for an attempted armed robbery at a Gold Coast bank in October 2015.

Nathan Briggs, 26, was sentenced to a total of seven years' imprisonment after pleading guilty at the Southport District Court (pictured) on Tuesday

With time already served in custody, he'll be eligible for parole on February 16, 2018.

Lemmar, who the prosecution labelled the 'mastermind' of the home invasion, received a five-year jail term which was immediately suspended for five years by judge David Kent.

The 46-year-old was also granted immediate parole on a two-year sentence for deprivation of liberty after Mr Vidler was bound with masking tape following the assault.
Four British Army soldiers were last night being questioned after being arrested for supporting neo-Nazi terrorism.

The servicemen were among five people held by police on suspicion of being members of National Action, a far-Right group banned by the Government.

The organisation, linked to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, was described by the Home Office as 'virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic' and eager to see the UK embroiled in a 'violent race war'.

The military personnel were seized after investigators uncovered 'inflammatory' far-Right material, including images and slogans, on encrypted social media site WhatsApp.

Three of the soldiers served with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, known as the Poachers, and based in Cyprus, while a fourth was part of 4th Regiment Army Air Corps in Wattisham, Suffolk. The fifth man arrested during yesterday's raids is a civilian.

Four alleged members of banned neo-Nazi group National Action have been arrested on suspicion of preparing acts of terror (file pic)

National Action endorsed the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox by Thomas Mair (pictured right)

The suspected extremists were detained under the Terrorism Act 2000 as part of a 'pre-planned and intelligence-led' operation and there was 'no threat to the public's safety', police said.

Sources said the men were not plotting an attack.

A 32-year-old fitness instructor was the most senior of the four serving soldiers arrested in the swoop on the group. He was based at the Wales HQ of the British Army in Brecon, Powys.

One of his tasks would be to identify private soldiers who have 'potential to be future leaders'.

The experienced soldier was based at the Infantry Battle School, where soldiers from across the UK, including the SAS, come to train.

He is understood to have met the other three soldiers during a training course in the town.

One was arrested at the Army's Dhekelia base in Cyprus, while a 24-year-old servicemen from Ipswich was also detained. The other two held, including the civilian, were a 22-year-old from Birmingham and a 24-year-old from Northampton.

None of the men have yet been named.

An Army spokesman said: 'We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far Right group. These arrests are the consequence of a police-led operation supported by the Army.'

The arrests were carried out with the West Midlands Counter-Terrorism Unit in conjunction with the Wales Extremism Counter-Terrorism Unit and the East Midlands Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Unit.

Four alleged members of banned neo-Nazi group have been arrested by anti-terror police

All four who were arrested in the UK are being held at a police station in the West Midlands. The suspect who was picked up in Cyprus was being transferred to RAF Akrotiri, from where he was to be flown back to Britain.

National Action became the first extreme Right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

The British neo-Nazi organisation was proscribed under powers outlawing the glorification of terrorism  meaning it is a crime, punishable by a maximum ten years in prison, to be a member or supporter of the organisation.

National Action had links to Thomas Mair, the 54-year-old white supremacist who murdered Mrs Cox outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, in June 2016.

The loner received a whole-life sentence after being convicted of the killing, which was described by prosecutors as a terrorist attack.

His only statement given in court was 'Death to traitors, freedom for Britain', the slogan on National Action's former website.

After the killing, the group posted vile messages including, 'Our thoughts go out to Thomas Mair' and 'Don't let this man's sacrifice go in vain. Jo Cox would have filled Yorkshire with more subhumans.' Another read: 'Only 649 MPs to go.'

WHO ARE NATIONAL ACTION? By Ian Drury, Home Affairs Editor for the Daily Mail National Action was the first far-Right group to be banned by the Government under a crackdown on extremists. Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the secretive group, which flourished on social media, was 'racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic'. National Action championed Thomas Mair, 54, the white supremacist who received a whole-life sentence for the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016. Speaking at the time, Miss Rudd said: 'National Action 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.' An entry for National Action in the official list of proscribed groups says it is a 'racist neo-Nazi group' that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which 'conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities'. The document adds that the group is 'virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic' and promotes the idea that Britain will 'inevitably see a violent race war'. The organisation 'seeks to divide society by implicitly endorsing violence against ethnic minorities and race traitors'. Its website also carried images celebrating the terrorist attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando in which 49 revellers were murdered and another depicting a policeman's throat being slit. The Home Office said: 'The images can reasonably be taken as inferring that these acts should be emulated and therefore amount to the unlawful glorification of terrorism.' National Action's activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people. It has also claimed Hitler's major fault was showing 'mercy'. Spokesman Jack Renshaw called for Jews to be 'eradicated' during a secret meeting of far-Right nationalists. Police said 22 suspected members or associates of National Action were arrested in 2016. One member Zack Davies, 26, was jailed for life last year for attempting to behead an Asian dentist in Mold, North Wales, in a racially motivated attack. Before National Action was banned, Hitler-loving Essex University politics graduate Benjamin Raymond, 28, acted as the group's joint leader and public face. Appearing on BBC radio two years ago he said National Action supported Nazism and agreed that Adolf Hitler was 'absolutely' a role model. Once pictured with a rifle, he has said: 'There are non-whites and Jews in my country who all need to be exterminated. 'As a teenager, Mein Kampf changed my life. I am not ashamed to say I love Hitler.' Advertisement

Home Secretary Amber Rudd banned the group after an assessment that it was 'concerned in terrorism' before Mair's trial.

The group also made headlines for hosting a 'Miss Hitler' contest and for posting pictures online of them performing Nazi salutes at the Buchenwald Camp in Germany, where 50,000 people died in the Second World War.

In February, just three months after the ban, anti-extremist campaign group Hope not Hate reported National Action was continuing to operate 'in all but name and poses a serious terrorist threat'.

Last month the charity said the group was actively recruiting and training from a converted warehouse it had rented in Warrington, Cheshire.

Neighbours said a dozen members regularly trained inside using knives and baseball bats.

Last night Matthew Collins of Hope not Hate, said: 'We have maintained that National Action still poses a very serious risk since its ban. We are concerned that some of those tasked with monitoring or disrupting the group do not appreciate how sophisticated and secretive it has become.

'Contrary to belief, the far Right in Britain is in electoral and numerical decline.

'It has abandoned the ballot box almost entirely, and thus while smaller, it is also more dangerous and criminal than at any other time we can recall.'
Storming the beaches of northern France against Nazi guns and bombs, this remarkable footage shows the horrors faced by heroic Allied soldiers during the D-Day landings of 1944.

Terrifying scenes show British and American troops, heavily laden with weapons and supplies, exiting their landing craft in a hail of bullets and wading through rough seas to liberate France from Hitler's forces.

The film also captures RAF and US Air Force planes bombing Nazi strongholds, obliterating railway lines and roads to help their troops below.

Brave: Terrifying scenes show British and American troops heavily laden with weapons and supplies exiting their landing craft

Strength: The film also captures RAF and US Air Force planes bombing Nazi strongholds, obliterating railway lines and roads and helping their troops below

It shows heavily armoured tanks rolling ashore as men crawl prone up the beaches to avoid Nazi machine guns. Poignant scenes depict troops carrying wounded friends on their shoulders.

There are also close ups of smiling Allied troops sitting on the beach and rounding up surrendering German soldiers. It was hoped such footage would raise morale when shown back home.

The extraordinary clip, branded the first D-Day documentary, was filmed by the Public Relations Division of Supreme Headquarter Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF), which was headed by General Eisenhower.

It was then hastily put together in London before copies were sent to Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin.

The footage was archived at the Eisenhower Library in the US and recently restored by researchers.

Liberating France: The clip was then hastily put together in London before copies were sent to Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin

There are also shots of troops rounding up surrendering German troops, which hoped to raise morale when shown back home

The film was described on shot cards as 'a compilation of some of the action that took place from D Day to Day Plus 3, 6-9 June 1944.'

The reels shifted perspective from the sea to the air to the beaches and were described on a shot card as 'a compilation of some of the action that took place from D Day to Day Plus 3, 6-9 June 1944.'

The footage was filmed by professional directors who usually carried 35mm motion picture film cameras which were bulky and heavy, making the brave cameramen stand out as targets on the beaches.

The D-Day invasion of mainland France by a combination of allied forces was the largest naval, land and air operation in military history. It saw some 18,000 paratroopers, 14,000 sorties and 7,000 naval vessels carrying approximately 132,000 ground troops transported from Britain to France between June 6 to June 10.

By the end of June, approximately 875,000 men had disembarked. Allied forces consisted primarily of American, British and Canadian troops but also included Australian, Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, Greek, New Zealand, Norwegian, Rhodesian and Polish naval, air or ground support.

Storming the beaches: Troops waded through rough seas to liberate France from Hitler's forces

Letter of authorization for a Maj. W. A. Ullman to report to Omaha Beach at 1030 hours on D-day to transport footage to London

The beach landings were spread across six beaches named as Omaha, Juno, Utah, Gold, Sword and Pointe Du Hoc. Omaha proved to be the most heavily defended beach, but superior air power coupled with a successful allied counterintelligence strategy saw that the Germans were very ill-prepared for an invasion at Normandy.

The allies suffered heavy losses in their capture of Normandy from the Germans. It is estimated that there were approximately 10,000 casualties on June 6 1944, though several estimates put this figure much higher. At least 2,500 allied soldiers are thought to have died on the beaches that day, though the figure could be as high as 4,200.

However, the successful operation opened up the all-important 'second front' in Europe, meaning the Nazis had to fend off both the Soviets and the allied forces.

D-Day is remembered as the beginning of the end for Hitler and Nazi Germany, with the war in Europe being over less than a year later  May 8 1945 was officially Victory in Europe Day.
Ninotska Love, born a man, will be attending Wellesley College in Massachusetts

A 28-year-old woman has become one of the first transgender students to attend the world-famous Wellesley College after a 147-year-old rule was changed.

Ninotska Love, who was born a man, would have been barred from attending the Massachusetts school as recently as last year.

But she has left her home in New York and will this week break the mold by becoming one of the first people to have changed gender to take classes at Wellesley.

She will follow in the academic footsteps of Hilary Clinton, who attended the school some 50 years ago.

Love said: 'For me to be accepted to one of the best colleges for women in the nation, it is a big validation of the person that I have become.

'At first I couldn't believe it,' said Love, 28, who was born in Ecuador but fled to the US in 2009 after being kidnapped and threatened because of her gender identity.

'I'm so thankful to be here.'

Love is considering a major in women's and gender studies and later hopes to become a civil rights lawyer for LGBT students and immigrants.

It's a goal shaped by her own past - Love says she illegally entered Texas from Mexico before being granted asylum because of her persecution in Ecuador.

Her first job in the US was cleaning dorms at a college in North Carolina.

She later moved to New York City and started classes at LaGuardia Community College, where she earned academic honors and gained support from the Kaplan Educational Foundation, which helps low-income and minority students transfer to four-year universities.

Love was accepted to a dozen colleges but says Wellesley was always her top choice.

'I knew that it would be a challenge; I knew that it would be difficult,' she said, 'but at the same time I knew that I can make a difference - and I knew that I can show to other people that we transgender women are humans, too.'

Ninotska Love, who has been accepted at Wellesley College, opens the door to her dorm room at the school in Wellesley

The groundbreaking transgender woman unloads her goods in her dorm at the world-famous school

Her arrival on campus reflects a quiet but momentous shift that's taking place at a wave of women's colleges that have begun allowing trans women.

But even as many schools embrace shifting views on gender, some have been reluctant to change amid lingering differences over the role of women's colleges.

Since 2014, at least eight women's colleges have moved to allow trans women, starting with Mills College in Oakland, California and in 2015 Smith, Bryn Mawr and Barnard colleges made the change.

Advocates say others have likely done so without advertising it.

Genny Beemyn, director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a resource group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, said: 'I think it's a step forward, one that's long overdue.

'If they say they're women, then saying that they can't attend is denying their identities and marginalizing them.'

The exact number of trans women are attending women's colleges remains unknown.

Many schools that now accept them won't say how many they enroll, if any, citing privacy concerns.

Schools including Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges say they don't track the gender identities of their students.

Chicora Martin, vice president of student life and dean of students at Mills College, said some fear backlash from alumni or donors who don't support the change, and they want to protect students from outside scrutiny.

At Mills, eight percent of more than 700 undergraduates identify as trans women.

Ninotska Love peers out of the window at her dorm having left New York to study at Wellesley

Love said: 'For me to be accepted to one of the best colleges for women in the nation, it is a big validation of the person that I have become'

Martin said: 'I think that's something they don't want to draw to their students.

'Ultimately the attention is drawn to them, and that can be negative attention.'

Colleges of all types have faced increasing pressure to meet the needs of trans men and women, who make up an estimated 0.7 percent of the nation's youths.

Some schools have responded by offering gender-neutral bathrooms and medical insurance that covers hormone treatments, or by letting students pick their gender pronouns .

Still, alumnae of some women's colleges have opposed the admissions change, saying it undermines the institutional mission to empower women.

Leaders at some schools counter that women's colleges were founded to educate those who have been marginalized because of their gender.

'That's always been the historic role of women's colleges,' Martin said.

'The definition of gender and gender identity has broadened, and yet it's still very much that mission.'

Some schools have resisted widening their gender policies.

Wellesley leaders said that they don't comment on the gender identities of specific students but that they welcome Love to the school's 'community of outstanding women'

At Hollins University, a private school of about 800 in Virginia, trans women can be accepted only if they have completed a legal and surgical transition from male to female, which legally entitles them to consideration anyway.

Hollins spokesman Jeff Hodges said the policy 'supports how the university defines its mission as an undergraduate institution of higher learning for women.'

At Wellesley, Love said she knows of at least one other trans woman starting this week.

Wellesley leaders said that they don't comment on the gender identities of specific students but that they welcome Love to the school's 'community of outstanding women'.

Sofiya Cabalquinto, a college spokeswoman, said in a statement: 'As the leading liberal arts college for women, Wellesley's mission is to educate women who will make a difference in the world - and those women represent diversity in every dimension.'
The mother of an 11-year-old girl shot in the head during a neighbourhood dispute says she is still haunted by the bullet being fired into her car.

Phoenix Newitt was hit in the face, skull, and neck by bullet fragments that travelled to her heart after the low-calibre round shattered the car window.

Her mother Sarah Newitt tearfully recalled the horrifying experience from the young girl's bedside in Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

The mother of an 11-year-old girl shot in the head during a neighbourhood dispute says she is still haunted by the bullet being fired into her car

Phoenix Newitt was hit in the face, skull, and neck by bullet fragments that travelled to her heart after the low-calibre round shattered the car window

'The man pulling a gun, aiming, and then pulling the trigger, the glass breaking and Phoenix being hit it's all I keep seeing,' she told 9 News.

The 30-year-old said she wasn't angry and didn't want revenge, just for her daughter, who only woke up from a coma on Monday, to get better.

'Hi everybody, for helping me, thank you,' Phoenix said in a video from her hospital bed.

Police allege the shooting stemmed from a fight between Ms Newitt and another woman, Brianna Mansell, about an hour beforehand in Deloarine, Tasmania.

Phoenix Newitt, 11, shot in the face as she sat in a car in Deloraine, Tasmania

Police allege the shooting stemmed from a fight between Ms Newitt and another woman at a local Woolworths, which gave her two black eyes

Ms Newitt said the fight started when she smiled at a third woman Brianna Mansell (pictured with her boyfriend Nathan Richard Campbell) didn't like

Police alleged Campbell, 25, fired on their car from about 50 metres away with a small-calibre rifle, hitting Phoenix

Ms Newitt said the fight at a local Woolworths, which gave her two black eyes and her opponent a bite mark, started when she smiled at a third woman Ms Mansell didn't like.

'She hit me over 10 times to the face, she just would not stop. She hit me and pushed me to the ground, I hit my head. Phoenix, the little darling, said "don't worry mum i'm videotaping it",' she claimed.

Police were reviewing the footage allegedly showing the fight as they investigate what happened next.

Ms Newitt and her brother Zack drove to Ms Mansell's house on Stagg Court to confront her, with Phoenix and Mr Newitt's four-year-old boy in the back seats.

The shooting stemmed from a fight between the girl's mother Sarah Newitt (pictured with Phoenix) and another woman about an hour before the shooting

The bullet rebounded off the car's passenger door, lodging fragments in Phoenix's (pictured with her brothers) neck and head which travelled to her heart

Ms Newitt then called her brother Zach and they drove to the woman's house on Stagg Court, with Phoenix and the brother's four-year-old boy in the back seats

Phoenix pictured on her first day of year five earlier this year

Police alleged Ms Mansell's boyfriend Nathan Richard Campbell, 25, fired on their car from about 50 metres away with a small-calibre rifle, hitting Phoenix.

'I'm numb when it comes to him, you could clearly see that my daughter was sitting in that car,' Ms Newitt said.

Campbell appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court last week charged with grievous bodily harm and recklessly discharging a firearm.

Phoenix still needs more surgeries to remove bullet fragments still lodged in her heart and lungs and may be in hospital for months.
South Korea is considering moving US 'tactical nuclear bombs' back on to its territory after Kim Jong-un's hydrogen bomb test, it has emerged.

North Korea staged its sixth nuclear test on Sunday, estimated to be up to ten times more powerful than the device dropped on Hiroshima.

Seoul has been ramping up its defenses in response, with some officials even considering asking the United States to bring back tactical nuclear weapons - a generation after their removal from the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea also said it was talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula.

It comes as one of Kim Jong-un's top diplomats said on Tuesday it was ready to send 'more gift packages' to the United States - a reference to its nuclear test.

South Korea is considering moving US 'tactical nuclear bombs' back on to its territory after Kim Jong-un's hydrogen bomb test, it has emerged. A South Korean test rocket launch is pictured

South Korea is also strengthening its missile defense, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju

Kim Jong-un staged North Korea's sixth nuclear test on Sunday, estimated to be up to ten times more powerful than the device dropped on Hiroshim

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the U.N. in Geneva, was addressing the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion.

'I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK succcessfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force,' Han told the Geneva forum.

'The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a 'gift package' addressed to none other than the U.S.,' Han said.

'The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK,' he added without elaborating.

Military measures being taken by North Korea were 'an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right' to counter 'the ever-growing and decade-long U.S. nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country'.

'Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country,' Han declared, adding: 'The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table.'

South Korean warships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean threats

WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS? Tactical nuclear weapons are generally designed for the battlefield and to destroy nearby targets of immediate military value. They became a large part of the nuke stockpile levels during the Cold War and include gravity bombs, short-range missiles, artillery shells, land mines, depth charges, and torpedoes equipped with nuclear warheads. Tactical weapons differ from strategic nukes which are designed for larger targets that will hit an enemy's territory away from the battlefield. These bombs generally have significantly larger yields from 100 kilotons up and might be used to destroy military bases, big industry hubs, infrastructure or towns and cities. Advertisement

His comments come as South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-moo said that he had asked his US counterpart, Jim Mattis, to bolster defences in the South, according to the Washington Post.

'I told him that it would be good for strategic assets to be sent regularly to the Korean Peninsula and that some South Korean lawmakers and media are strongly pushing for tactical nuclear weapons [to be redeployed],' Song is quoted as saying.

'The redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons is an alternative worth a full review,' Song added.

Experts say South Korea would have a hard time persuading the United States to re-introduce tactical nukes to the Korean Peninsula. These were withdrawn in the 1990s.

Even so, that hasn't stopped lawmakers from South Korea's largest conservative party from demanding the return of the weapons.

The South Korean army's K-1 tanks take part in a military exercise in Paju, South Korea this morning

South Koreans who support the return of U.S. tactical nukes often raise fears of rifts in the decades-old security alliance between Washington and Seoul because of North Korea's expanding nuclear weapons program.

If North Korea obtains a fully functional ICBM, the United States might hesitate using its nuclear weapons to defend South Korea because of worries that North Korea might then strike a U.S. city, they say.

Placing U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea would make clear the intent to use nukes in a crisis.

Critics say it is highly unlikely the United States would ever agree because it now relies on homeland and sea-based military assets to provide its allies extended nuclear deterrence.

Some South Korean military experts say the nukes wouldn't meaningfully improve the South's defense and would only provide North Korea more targets to destroy or even attempt to steal.

However, Seoul's new interest in stronger weapons received a boost on Tuesday when the Trump administration agreed to remove previous restrictions on South Korean missiles.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles for a so-called 'kill chain' pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat.

Since the late 1970s, South Korean missile development has been limited by a bilateral 'guideline' between the United States and Seoul. It was updated in 2012 to allow the South to increase the range of its weapons from 300 kilometers (186 miles) to 800 kilometers (497 miles).

South Korea's airborne early warning and control system aircraft, called Peace Eye, takes off to monitor North Korea's military movements at an air base in Gimhae, southeast of Seoul, South Korea

An agreement revealed today removes a 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) warhead limit on South Korea's maximum-range missiles, which would allow the South to potentially target the North's underground facilities and shelters.

In addition to expanding its missile arsenal and holding military exercises, South Korea is also strengthening its missile defense, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju.

North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs. Both diplomacy and severe sanctions have failed to check its march to nuclear mastery.

U.S. President Donald Trump, asked in Washington if he would attack North Korea, said, 'We'll see.' No U.S. military action appeared imminent, and the immediate focus appeared to be on ratcheting up economic penalties, which have had little effect thus far.

In tweets earlier this week, Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with North Korea, a clear warning to China. Such a move would be radical since the U.S. imports about $40 billion in goods a month from China. China called that threat unacceptable and unfair.

Sunday's nuclear detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs, which, when perfected, could target the U.S. mainland. The North also threatened to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12 intermediate range missiles toward the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam, the home of military facilities the North claims are meant to target it.

The U.S. has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.
Britain's longest running planning row has been resolved - but has dragged on so long that the siblings who first contested the status of a 'public' footpath 58 years ago have both died.

The epic battle began in 1959 when a muddy track outside Archie and Ivy Peppard's farmhouse in High Ham, Somerset, was wrongly included on a map of public footpaths, leaving them 'besieged' with walkers traipsing past their front door.

The brother and sister objected to the lane being classed as a footpath and began a legal action - which lasted six nearly decades.

Rodney Peppard (left) with his mother Ivy Peppard and Uncle Archie Peppard pictured in 2009 during their campaign to keep ramblers off the footpath

Archie and Ivy Peppard were 'besieged' with walkers traipsing past their front door after the path was mistakenly listed as public in 1959

After long-drawn out battles playing out all the way to High Court the siblings - now dead - have eventually won.

The Peppard's representative showed a planning inspector maps and documents dating back to 1799 - proving the lane was not historically a public right of way.

He found in favour of the brother and sister who argued the road was never a footpath - and a duck pond and vegetation made it impractical to be classed as such.

It brings to an end what is thought to be Britain's longest running planning spat and the track will now be removed from Ordnance Survey maps - 58 years later.

Both Peppards died before the matter could be resolved but local woman Marlene Masters took up their cause in 1994 and has been fighting for them ever since.

She has been in and out of the High Court on behalf of Ivy's son Rodney, 56, and described the case as a 'David and Goliath battle.'

She said: 'They were just country folk, weren't educated, and the county council took disproportionate advantage.

Local woman Marlene Masters took up their cause in 1994, and has been in and out of the High Court on behalf of Rodney

'The whole case should have been about whether the objectors had evidence of a right of way.

'There is nothing scenic about it, it is a muddy track with a high hedge on one side and woods on the other.

'I am sure anyone aware of this problem would agree that the Peppard family should now have peace and quiet on their own property.'

The cottage was built in 1840 by Archie and Ivy's great-grandfather, in High Ham, Somerset, where the family have lived since the 18th Century.

But in 1959 Somerset County Council wrongly listed the path as a public right of way, and soon the siblings were dealing with ramblers.

They began officially contesting the inclusion of a footpath in 1973.

Eventually their local MP, former barrister Mark Robinson, suggested they get legal representation - and recommended Marlene, now 80, to fight their case.

Both Archie and Ivy died in 2011 - the year before the row appeared to come to an end, but Rodney, 56, still lives in the cottage.

In 2012, Mrs Masters won a High Court judgement against the council, which led to a new public inquiry.

But when the findings were delivered two years later, ordering the council to delete the footpath from maps - two objections were lodged.

But in 1959 Somerset County Council wrongly listed the path as a public right of way, and soon the siblings were dealing with ramblers

One was by a rambler and another by the South Somerset Bridleway Association.

It was hoped the dispute could be concluded once and for all after another public inquiry was held in July - and the findings have now supported Mrs Masters.

Mrs Masters paid an archivist to bring historic documents to the public inquiry, arguing that no right of way would be shown on the 1799 Inclosure Award as the Peppards' house was not built for another 41 years.

Marlene said: 'If the cottage was built in 1840 then how could it show up on a 1799 map. It is so basic that you couldn't make it up.'

Archie had built a gate to keep walkers out of the smallholding but was taken to county court and told to remove it.

Mrs Masters spent 'incalculable hours' helping to fight for the Peppards' after taking their cause to heart - and received no cash for it.

The Peppards' grandfather John was only 18 years old when he built the cottage where generations of his family would live - and dug out the controversial path.

In the early 20th Century the land was farmed as a smallholding, where cows grazed and were milked, and the children would play in nearby woodland..

Archie Peppard was born at Turn Hill Farm in 1925, and his sister Ivy was born there in 1931.

Ivy's son Rodney Peppard was born in the house in 1961, and his grandmother, Violet, left the cottage to him in trust on the condition the siblings could carry on living there.

As well as farming the land, Archie was a keen horseman and kept hounds, which would drink from a duck pond in the middle of the path.

He was often hired for wedding parties to drive the married couple around the village in a horse-and-cart with a brightly painted wagon.

The sole maintenance of the track was carried out by Archie and his brother Joe, according to a statement given to the planning inspector.

When ramblers would come down the path to pick primroses, Ivy would turn them away, it was said.

Archie had built this gate to keep walkers out of the smallholding but was taken to county court and told to remove it

Rodney, 56, works as a farmer and still keeps a smallholding on the land, as well as grazing animals on the Somerset levels.

Planning inspector Alan Beckett has now ruled in favour of the footpath being removed from the official Somerset County Council maps.

He said the 18th Century documents did 'not provide evidence of the reputation of the route as a public right of way.'

And he accepted evidence from the Peppard family that the track was overgrown with plants and had a duck pond in the middle of the route.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: 'The order to delete the public footpath from the Definitive Map and Statement has now been confirmed by the Secretary of State, and we will be publishing formal notice of this in the local press shortly.

'We will be updating our records in the coming days to show that the route is no longer recorded as a Right of Way.

'The Ordnance Survey will also be informed of the change in order that they can update their mapping.'
A keen animal photographer managed to capture the UK's smallest owl on camera despite being perfectly camouflaged by acres of Shropshire woodland - but are you able to spot it?

Wildlife photographer Andrew Fusek Peters managed to get an image of the illusive animal after waiting for six hours at a secret location in south Shropshire on two separate occasions.

The 'little owl' is famous for being extremely difficult to spot, partly due to the species typically only growing to between 21- 23cm in size, but also as the population of the bird has plummeted 24 per cent between 1995 and 2008.

The 'little owl' is famous for being extremely difficult to spot, partly due to the species usually being just 21- 23cm in size

The 52-year-old photographer's steady hand and keen eye managed to capture the owl blending in with the colours of the rusty, old barn near to the pylon - right at the moment the bird was staring directly back at him from afar.

The farmer who let him on the property to photograph the owl was amazed, saying he had never seen them close up of the animal despite nestling in his barns, Mr Peters said.

The dad-of-two said: 'I was waiting for a long while to find one as they are notoriously hard to spot however the farmer had told me there were owls around there.

'They live up to their name - they are little owls. So they are hard to spot at the best of times, but this one had craftily sat on the top of an old farm building where its colours blended right in.

'It took a couple of visits and a lot of patience but it was well worth it to get the pictures of it. I was over the moon.

'And to get the bird looking right at me was incredible. It shows just how alert they are - he was probably watching me for ages and no doubt knew the moment I spotted him but let me have my picture.'

Wildlife photographer Andrew Fusek Peters' steady hand and keen eye managed to photograph the owl blending in with the colours of the rusty, old barn near to the pylon

The dad-of-two said: 'I was waiting for a long while to find one as they are notoriously hard to spot however the farmer had told me there were owls around there'

The little owl was introduced into the UK in the 1800s but has seen its population plummet 24 per cent between 1995 and 2008

Mr Peters took the picture of the owl at a secret farm in south Shropshire, but had to wait for six hours on two occasions to take the pictures
Three far-right demonstrators who beheaded a dummy to protest against a planned mosque in western Victoria have each been fined $2000 and convicted for ridiculing Muslims.

United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell and his supporters Neil Erikson and Chris Shortis staged the mock beheading outside Bendigo Council in October 2015, complete with fake blood.

That political demonstration has seen them become the first people convicted under Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act of 2002, which makes it a criminal offence to incite 'hatred, serious contempt, revulsion or severe ridicule' against a group of people.

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Neil Erikson, 32, was one of three men fined for beheading a dummy outside Bendigo Council

United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell was heckled outside Melbourne Magistrates Court

The men, who represented themselves in Melbourne Magistrates Court during a two-day hearing, were told they had 'crossed the line' by cutting off the dummy's head with a sword and repeatedly chanting, 'Allahu Akbar!', the Arabic term for 'God is great'.

Magistrate John Hardy said their video was designed to incite serious contempt or severe ridicule for Muslims in an effort to induce 'as many like-minded people' as possible to their rally to be held six days later.

Cottrell, 27, Erikson, 32 and Shortis, 46, were spared a six-month jail sentence for their demonstration but they were each convicted and fined $2000 plus $79.50 in statutory costs.

Shortis, a Seventh Day Adventist, indicated he had political aspirations and as a result, would not reoffend.

However, he argued he believed the conviction moved by the Director of Public Prosecutions was unfair.

'While people have mocked my faith as a Christian...a court of law is not the place for hurt feelings,' he said.

'I am concerned here today the DPP has the power to institute a blasphemy law in disguise.

'There is a red line that is crossed that a state has the power to be offended on behalf of a class of persons.'

Mr Hardy thanked the men for behaving courteously in court, but warned them if they repeated the behaviour, another judicial officer would likely order a more severe punishment.

Blair Cottrell is met with vocal left-wing protesters outside Melbourne Magistrates Court

Scuffles broke out between Victorian Police and left-wing demonstrators outside court

Alternative charges of wilfully damaging and defacing the footpath and wall were struck out in light of the inciting contempt charge being proved.

Earlier on Tuesday, Cottrell told the court it was outside his control what people drew from watching the video, and that he did not intend to 'stir up' contempt for Muslims.

'I criticised in that video a tenet of a religion - no specific person or class of people,' he said.

Shortis argued the Australian Constitution allowed for fair comment and that the video made a comment about beheadings, an illegal activity, not a 'lawful religious belief'.

The three men had beheaded a dummy to protest against council approval for a new mosque

The United Patriots Front demonstrators spilled fake blood outside Bendigo Council chambers

Chris Shortis told media commentator Mark Latham Victoria's laws were like blasphemy laws

Last week, he told media commentator Mark Latham the Victorian law, introduced by the Bracks Labor government, amounted to a blasphemy law and needed to be challenged.

'In essence, what they are trying to achieve  it's the same thing if you are in Saudi Arabia,' he said.

'If you mock Islam, you'll be charged with blasphemy laws and it really smells like blasphemy laws in disguise.'

Construction on the Bendigo mosque started in August, following two years of battles and violent street protests against the council's approval of the development application.

The High Court in June 2016 dismissed a challenge to the mosque development and ordered the plaintiff to pay costs.
A senior judge says it's 'unfortunate' he bailed a man who, weeks later, fatally shot another man in the eye with a rifle from a moving car.

Serdar Atesok, 30, shot dead Nathan Knight on New Year's Eve of 2015 in a suburban Melbourne street over an alleged $4,000 debt.

Atesok was originally charged with murder but later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter over the drive-by shooting in Lalor.

'The accused reached across while still driving the vehicle and fired at the deceased, hitting him in the face,' prosecutor Kerri Judd QC told the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday.

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Serdar Atesok (left), 30, shot dead Nathan Knight (right) on New Year's Eve of 2015 in a suburban Melbourne street over an alleged $4,000 debt

The drive-by shooting was captured clearly on a camera mounted to the home Mr Knight had exited before being killed

The killer fled the scene in the stolen car, and 24-year-old Mr Knight died on his way to hospital.

Atesok was facing several unrelated charges at the time but was bailed about a month before the shooting.

He was released by Justice Lex Lasry, who is now overseeing Atesok's manslaughter case.

'I bailed him... and it's unfortunate that occurred,' Justice Lasry told the plea hearing.

'I spoke to him directly. He gave me the impression he had a glimmer of insight into his behaviour but clearly he had none.'

The killer fled the scene in the stolen car, and 24-year-old Mr Knight (pictured) died on his way to hospital

The drive-by shooting was captured clearly on a camera mounted to the home Mr Knight had exited before being killed.

In footage played to the court, Mr Knight is seen chatting with two people on the street, allegedly selling them 'ice'.

The victim sees the oncoming car and begins to flee but only takes a few steps before collapsing.

Atesok fired a single shot with a 0.22 calibre rifle though the retracted passenger window.

'The bullet struck the deceased to the left eye, remaining in his skull and brain, causing him to collapse,' Ms Judd said.

The stolen Mazda station wagon does not slow down throughout the incident.

Atesok (pictured) fired a single shot with a 0.22 calibre rifle though the retracted passenger window

The victim sees the oncoming car and begins to flee but only takes a few steps before collapsing

Ms Judd said it was an 'extremely serious' example of manslaughter, describing it as a 'line ball case' to accept the guilty plea.

'This was an extremely audacious and dangerous act,' she said.

'It's a shooting in a public street. It was preconceived. It was in broad daylight.'

But defence lawyer Richard Maidment QC said it was 'extraordinarily unfortunate' that the bullet struck and killed Mr Knight.

'It's a dreadful tragedy and a very dangerous thing to have done,' Mr Maidment said.

'But that same incident could have occurred 100 times and the result could've been different on most occasions.'

Justice Lasry will sentence Atesok on September 28.
Advertisement

These fascinating pictures show how little rural life in a tiny Somerset village has changed - with the 16th century Cat Head Inn still going strong today.

Situated on the River Parrett, Chiselborough is five miles west of Yeovil and has a population of just 275 people.

Villagers have now collected 600 photos including of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of 1935, of the 1954 fancy dress competition and the oldest resident Freddie Bailey.

 Slide me  The 16th century Cat Head Inn has barely changed since the picture on the left was taken in the 1800s

 Slide me  The village is situated on the River Parrett, Chiselborough is five miles west of Yeovil and has a population of just 275 people. This drawing of the village church in 1848 shows how life there has remained much the same

Villagers are collecting hundreds of images from the 1800s and 1900s to document the history of the village

 Slide me  The images, which date back to the 1860s, highlight many notable events in Chiselborough's history. One of the local farms is shown in 1986 and today

One of the historical events captured was the village's Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1935

This fascinating picture shows the Chiselborough fancy dress competition in 1954 - with local children dressed up as everything from nurses to cowboys

The pictures have been collected by Tony and June Perry, who have been married for 47 years, and celebrate the village's people, traditions and landmarks. They will go on display at an exhibition at the village hall over the weekend.

The images, which date back to the 1860s, highlight many notable events in Chiselborough's history including the renovation of the village's 12th century church in 1971.

 Slide me  The village's oldest resident is pictured during the war and nowadays - he is now aged 83

Pictured left, Freddie Bailey - who is now the oldest resident - at the age of two. Right, he is pictured during the war

 Slide me  The pictures have been collected by Tony and June Perry, who have been married for 47 years, and celebrate the village's people, traditions and landmarks. Here is the Shepherds Cottage compared between the early 1900s and today

 Slide me  The pictures will go on display at an exhibition at the village hall over the weekend. The village's church hall is seen in the 1970s and in modern times

The images are being collected by Tony and June Perry who wish to document the village's history

Mr Perry, 70, a former aircraft engineer, said: 'Over the last 40 years the people of Chiselborough have collected nearly 600 pictures of the village, its people, its celebrations, its socials, its farming and its buildings.

'The people of Chiselborough have always liked to enjoy themselves with dances and socials, carnivals, outings and gatherings in the hall and pub.

 Slide me  The school corner and church are seen in the last century and now. Tony Perry, 70, a former aircraft engineer who is collecting the images, said: 'Over the last 40 years the people of Chiselborough have collected nearly 600 pictures of the village, its people, its celebrations, its socials, its farming and its buildings'

 Slide me  One of the houses even still has flowers outside - although the gardens are far more diverse than in the past

 Slide me  Cow stalls owned by a man named Joseph Harrison have now been turned into a bungalow. The picture on the left is taken at the farm before the war

'Nothing changes, just the clothes they wore from the greys, blacks and browns of the 20s to the multi-coloured 80s.

'Sadly there are not many true Chiselborough people left who were born and still live in Chiselborough.

Villagers who have stayed in Chiselborough for their whole lives are pictured outside the local church in the modern day

This 1900s photograph shows children at the local school dressed in their immaculate uniforms

'Names like Langdon, Bailey, Greenham, Hallet and Holland will soon disappear.

'Their young have flown and soon their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will divorce themselves even further from their roots in Chiselborough.'

Mr Perry's wife, Former go-kart overall maker June, 70, has lived in the village all her life.
Dr Sumit Basu, 59, (pictured) allegedly grouped the breasts of three patients

A heart specialist groped the breasts of three patients for his own sexual gratification while pretending to carry out medical examinations, a court heard today.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Sumit Basu, 59, allegedly abused his position of trust to touch the victims during check-ups at Lewisham Hospital in south east London.

He also sexually assaulted two of the women with his fingers and asked one of them about her sex life, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

Hanna Llewellyn-Waters, prosecuting, said: 'They were all referred by their GPs to the care of the defendant in his capacity as a consultant cardiologist.'

'It is the Crown's case that during consultations with the complainants, the defendant abused his position of trust as their doctor, in order to sexually assault them.

'The defendant purported to carry out such activity under the guise of a medical examination.

'Accordingly, the complainants submitted to the touching. He relied upon their naivety and trust to abuse them for his own sexual gratification.'

Basu, from Lewisham, is said to have carried out the attacks between November 2006 and June 2014 and denies the charges.

The first alleged victim was a second year medical student, who was referred to Dr Basu after complaining of a rapid heartbeat, palpitations and chest pains.

During the first three appointments, Dr Basu examined her breasts and touched her nipples, it is claimed.

She was 'confused' as to why her breasts were being examined but assumed because it was something to do with the heart, the jury were told.

The court heard that the alleged victim was not asked if she wanted to go behind a curtain to remove her bra before the examination which left her feeling 'exposed'.

Ms Llewellyn-Waters added: 'And then the defendant came from behind behind,' the prosecutor added.

'At first he listened to her heart but he then told her that he was going to check her breasts. She placed her trust in him as her doctor.'

At the fourth appointment, she told the doctor that she was having urinary infections.

A court heard Dr Basu abused his position of trust to touch the victims during check-ups at Lewisham Hospital (pictured)

Dr Basu told her he wanted to examine her bladder and asked her to remove her clothing.

The prosecutor continued: 'The defendant put gloves on and used a lubricant on the fingers.

'He asked the complainant to open her legs as if she were in the birthing position. She was given nothing to cover her lower half.

'In the time, in that room, she just complied. He inserted two fingers into her vagina.

'She remembers it hurting her. Whilst the defendant had his fingers fully inserted inside her vagina, he asked the complainant about her sex life.

'He asked her how often she had sex, whether it hurt and whether she bled. As he moved his fingers from side to side, he asked her whether it hurt.'

He also sexually assaulted two of the women with his fingers and asked one of them about her sex life, Woolwich Crown Court heard (pictured)

The first victim reported the allegations to police in March 2016 and he was later charged.

Her mother remembers seeing tears in her daughter's eyes after she learned about Dr Basu's actions, the prosecutor said.

Ms Llewellyn-Waters said: 'Thereafter, she decided that she should report matters to the General Medical Council and the police.'

Reporting of the case on the local news 'independently' prompted the other two alleged victims to come forward, Ms Waters told the court.

It is claimed he touched the naked breasts of both the second and third victims and indecently assaulted one of them with his fingers.

Basu denies seven counts of sexual assault and three counts of assault by penetration.

The trial continues.
The eight victims of the M1 horror crash were so severely injured they had to be identified by their fingerprints, an inquest has heard.

The six men and two women killed when the minibus they were travelling on collided with two lorries were named during a hearing in Milton Keynes today.

The group, from Indian families, were travelling from Nottingham to London and were due to catch a Eurostar, when they suffered the horrific crash at Junction 14 of the motorway at Newport Pagnell, at 3.15am on August 26.

The eight victims of the M1 horror crash were so severely injured they had to be identified by their fingerprints, an inquest has heard (pictured, wreckage of the minibus is taken from the scene)

Lavanya and Karthikeyan Ramasubramanian, who lost their lives in the crash, with their five-year old son

Those who died in the crash were Cyriac Joseph, 52, a father-of-two from Nottingham, who was the minibus driver, Panneerselvam Annamalai, 63 and Subramaniyan Arachelvan, 58.

IT workers Rishi Rajeev Kumar, 27, Vivek Bhaskaran, 26, Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian, 33, three IT workers, also died.

While the two female fatalities were: Tamilmani Arachelvan, 50 and Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman, 32.

Their colleague Mano Ranjan Panneerselvam was named as the man who was critically injured.

Four other people who were in the minibus remain in hospital.

A man in his 30s is in a critical condition. A four-year-old girl, a woman in her 30s and a woman in her 50s remain in a serious but stable condition.

Cyriac Joseph, 52, a father-of-two from Nottingham, was driving the minibus when it collided with two lorries on the M1

The coroner's officer Frederick Howe told the inquest that an articulated lorry was stationary in lane one, the minibus slowed and stopped and a second lorry pushed into the rear of the vehicle.

Four people were taken to hospital and the remaining eight in the minibus died.

The cause of death of all the victims was given as multiple injuries. They were identified via their fingerprints.

The coroner said: 'I have signed the mortuary release forms for the bodies to be repatriated to India.

'The inquest is suspended until proceedings in crown court are concluded.'

He added: 'I would like to thank all those involved in recovering and identifying the dead who worked tirelessly to return them to families as soon as possible.

'My condolences and sympathy to the families for this tragic accident.'

A Polish lorry driver, Ryszard Masierak, 31, has been remanded in custody charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The group were travelling from Nottingham to London when they suffered the horrific crash by Junction 14 of the M1 at Newton Pagnell

A Polish lorry driver, Ryszard Masierak, 31, has been remanded in custody charged with causing death by dangerous driving (pictured, the wreckage of the minibus is taken away)

In addition, Mr Masierak from Evesham, Worcestershire, is accused of four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and eight counts of causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit.

He allegedly gave a reading of 55 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath - the legal limit for driving is 35.

He is due to appear at Aylesbury crown court on September 26.

The other lorry driver David Wagstaff, 53, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has been bailed to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on September 11.

Outside the coroner's court Mathew John, Mr Joseph's cousin, said: 'It has been tragic for the family.

'A memorial mass is being prepared for Friday or Saturday. The plan is to repatriate the bodies at the end of the week or early next week.'
Resham Khan has shared a picture of her as she recovers from the acid attack in June

The aspiring model left with horrific face and neck injuries in an acid attack has shared the first photographs of her impressive recovery.

Resham Khan, 21, was with her cousin Jameel Muhktar when they were allegedly doused with corrosive liquid in June in Beckton, East London.

Three months later Miss Khan, who has been blogging about her painful recovery, has shared pictures of her with no visible scarring from one side.

The business management student told her 16,000 followers on Twitter yesterday: 'Of course my face isn't what it was, the images show mainly one side.'

Miss Khan then added: 'You're all actually making me so emotional. Thank you all so much. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so much positivity.'

Social media users praised her bravery for sharing the photos on Twitter, with Emma Hiley saying: 'Wow, you are so beautiful! So glad you have made a full recovery. Such an inspiration.'

Three months on, Miss Khan has shared pictures of her with no visible scarring from one side

The business management student was praised on Twitter but said her 'face isn't what it was'

Miss Khan told her 16,000 followers on Twitter that the positive reaction made her 'emotional'

Danielle Gee added: 'You look great, definitely, but I think it's also wonderful you are so confident and adjusting. Some people might have withdrawn completely.'

And Amer Khan tweeted: 'You deserve every ounce of positivity, granting hope to those who have none and making a phenomenal recovery. Hate will never win.'

The victim previously said how her injuries had left her too scared to go out, although she was 'thankful' that her face was 'mainly intact'.

Miss Khan has also said in the past how she had the 'luckiest acid attack in the world' and was blessed with support from friends, family and the media.

She has suffered breakdowns and is scared to go to the shops, but is grateful to have had no 'melting' of features or facial surgery after the attack on June 21.

Miss Khan, pictured after the attack, had said her injuries had left her too scared to go out

Miss Khan was with her cousin Jameel Muhktar (pictured) when they were allegedly attacked

Miss Khan is pictured (left) with her cousin Mr Muhktar before the incident. John Tomlin (right), 25, of Canning Town, has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent

Miss Khan, who has told of her 'unbearable pain', also previously revealed how she was called a 'b****' by a cruel Instagram troll for not replying to his message.

Mr Muhktar has previously said of the incident: 'My cousin started screaming. Her eyes were blistered, her face started melting. My face started melting.'

John Tomlin appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court via videolink from Pentonville Prison on August 8, charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 25-year-old from Canning Town will next appear at the same court on September 19, and November 27 has been set as a provisional date for a trial.
On 23 March, we published an article from AAP that suggested Peter Kimlin along with other rugby players had been arrested on suspicion of raping a girl in France.

This was incorrect. While Kimlin did help police with their enquiries, he was not arrested on suspicion of committing rape, for which three players have been charged.

We are happy to make this clear and apologise for the distress caused to Mr Kimlin and his family.
Police have shot dead a pigeon carrying prescription drugs and marijuana into a prison in Argentina.

The bird was spotted approaching the prison in the central city of Santa Rosa by officers who were on the lookout after similar smuggling attempts.

Police found a small pouch strapped to the bird which contained 44 pills of sedatives Rivotril and Clonazepam, 3.5 grams of marijuana mixed with pills and four grams of compacted marijuana. It also contained a USB stick.

Failed attempt: Police have shot down a pigeon carrying prescription drugs and marajuana into a prison in Argentina

Traffickers have been using pigeons, which can make up to 15 deliveries a day, since 2013.

In this latest attempt, they released the bird on the day of a local pigeon-fanciers event, hoping it would be hard for police to spot it among the other birds.

In May, a pigeon was caught in Kuwait near the Iraqi border, carrying a small rucksack filled with 178 ketamine pills.
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Mass evacuations are underway today after Hurricane Irma slammed into the Caribbean with 185mph winds as aid agencies braced for a 'major humanitarian response'.

America's National Hurricane Center said Irma had strengthened into a dangerous Category 5 storm as it made its first landfall in islands of northeast Caribbean on a path that could take it to the United States - causing thousands to start panic buying and preparing to evacuate.

This morning, the eye of the 'potentially catastrophic' hurricane - estimated to be the size of France - lashed Barbuda just hours after officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's 'onslaught' in a statement that closed with: 'May God protect us all.'

Heavy rain and howling winds from the hurricane - measured as the most powerful ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean - also raked Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters. The French islands Saint-Barthelemy and Saint-Martin have also been hit this morning.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate the residents of six islands at the southern end of the island chain.

Experts say Irma is now so powerful it is registering on devices designed to detect earthquakes. Scientists picked up the background noise of winds causing trees to move and crashing ocean waves on their earthquake-detecting seismometers.

It is expected to become the second powerful storm to thrash the U.S. mainland in as many weeks after devastating Hurricane Harvey. A mandatory evacuation is under way in the Florida Keys.

In addition to Irma, Tropical Storm Jose has now formed behind it in the open Atlantic and is expected to develop into a hurricane. A third tropical storm - Katia - has also formed in the Gulf of Mexico with winds but is expected to stay offshore until Friday morning.

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Hurricane Irma strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm on Tuesday. Above, a satellite view of the storm on Tuesday

Social media pictures show how the hurricane ripped through coastal locations in Antigua overnight with cars submerged in water

Storm coming: The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean early Wednesday, churning along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida over the weekend

Howling winds have started to lash the island of Antigua this morning with residents told to protect themselves from the hurricane

This was the scene at Port de Gustavia on the island of Saint Barthelemy overnight as the storm started to lash the coastline

An employee of the Mercure Hotel installs sand bags in a ground floor room on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin

Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma

Stocking up: Residents purchase water at BJ Wholesale in preparation for Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Miami, Florida

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter today to reveal he was watching the hurricane 'closely' and praised rescue teams already working in Texas

The Red Cross this morning said it is preparing for 'a major humanitarian response'.

'The forecast as it stands right now is extremely worrying,' said Walter Cotte, the agency's Regional Director for the Americas. 'We are anticipating major impacts on a number of islands, and we are preparing to respond to needs that may arise. We are especially worried that Irma could affect areas that have been suffering with severe rainfall in the past months.

WHEN WILL IRMA HIT? Leeward Islands: Late Tuesday to Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds start later Tuesday Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands: Wednesday to early Thursday Dominican Republic/Haiti: Thursday to early Friday Turks and Caicos: Late Thursday to Friday Bahamas: Friday to this weekend Cuba: Friday to this weekend Southeast United States: This weekend into early next week, beginning in south Florida on Saturday - Weather.com Advertisement

'One of the main challenges is going to be logistical, given the isolation of some the islands. We need to ensure a reliable channel for relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.'

Four other storms have had winds that strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they have been in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico where the usually warmer waters fuel tropical cyclones. Experts say Irma's strength is a result of unusually warm water for that part of the Atlantic.

The center said there was a growing possibility that the storm's effects could be felt in Florida later this week and over the weekend, though it was still too early to be sure of its future track: 'Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.'

So far, a state of emergency has been called in the state and a mandatory evacuation is under way in the Florida Keys. Schools there are also cancelled until further notice.

Governor Rick Scott activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 more National Guard members were to report for duty on Friday when the storm could be approaching.

Pictures showed people rushing to stock up on drinking water, protective wooden boards for their windows and other supplies.

Meanwhile, tourists have had their Caribbean holiday plans thrown into chaos as Hurricane Irma forces airlines to ground or divert flights.

Antigua airport will be closed on Wednesday and San Juan airport, the busiest in Puerto Rico, has cancelled about 40 per cent of its flights in response to the hurricane.

British Airways sent an empty aircraft to the region to bring customers back early - the full flight of 326 passengers touched down in the UK on Tuesday evening.

It also cancelled a flight from the UK heading to Antigua and then on to Tobago.

Pope Francis flew out of Italy today headed for Colombia, with his plane forced to change route because of Irma. The Alitalia aircraft had been expected to fly over the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, but will instead shift south and cross the islands of Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad, a Vatican official said.

Authorities warned that the storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain, cause landslides and flash floods and generate waves of up to 23 feet.

Moving out: Motorists head north on US Route 1 as Hurricane Irma moves its path in the northeast Caribbean

Mass evacuations have been ordered in the Caribbean amid fears the hurricane will be 'catastrophic'. This was the scene as winds hit Saint Martin

It's still unclear which direction the storm will take as it inches close to the U.S. later this week, but south Florida will no doubt feel some effects of the storm

It's still unclear where the storm will turn once it gets closer to the U.S. later this week. It could go west into the Gulf of Mexico or east into the Atlantic, or make landfall in Georgia, Florida or the Carolinas

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are expected to get severe rainfall from Irma

Hurricane warnings have been in effect for several Caribbean islands since Sunday

PLANE CARRYING POPE IS FORCED TO DIVERT TO AVOID IRMA The plane carrying Pope Francis to Colombia has been forced to change its flight plan to avoid a run-in with monster Hurricane Irma. 'Because of a hurricane, the Holy Father's flight will take a more southern route and will enter the airspaces of three other countries,' Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago, the Vatican said. The special Alitalia flight carrying the head of the world's Roman Catholics to Latin America set off from Rome shortly after 11am and was originally scheduled to arrive at 4.30pm local time in Bogota. The Vatican did not say whether the changes to the flight plan would affect the arrival time. Pope Francis's trip, his 20th since his papacy began four years ago, will see him plead for a 'stable and lasting' peace in a divided country just emerging from a 50-year war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Advertisement

Government officials began evacuations and urged people to finalize all preparations as shelves emptied out across islands including Puerto Rico.

'The decisions that we make in the next couple of hours can make the difference between life and death,' Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said. 'This is an extremely dangerous storm.'

Residents on the U.S. East Coast were urged to monitor the storm's progress in case it should turn northward toward Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas.

'This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey,' Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement.

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared the state of emergency for all 67 counties in the state on Monday after some forecasts showed the powerful storm could be headed for the East Coast.

'Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma's path - potentially impacting millions of Floridians,' Scott said.

'Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm.'

He also ordered the suspension of road tolls across the state and activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to prepare for Hurricane Irma.

BILLIONAIRES' HOMES UNDER THREAT FROM IRMA Richard Branson is refusing to leave his 74-acre Necker Island complex in the British Virgin Islands despite the 'extremely dangerous' Hurricane Irma crashing into the Caribbean. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported that the storm, which is expected to make landfall along the string of French islands that includes Guadeloupe later today before heading to Haiti and Florida, has now become the maximum Category 5. This morning, the eye of the 'potentially catastrophic' hurricane hit Barbuda just hours after officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's 'onslaught' in a statement that closed with: 'May God protect us all.' But Branson, writing on his blog yesterday, said he is not going to leave his island to dodge the storm. Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands could potentially be hit by Hurricane Irma Branson said: 'On Necker Island we have constructed really strong buildings (with hurricane blinds) that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well, though with a Category 5 hurricane almost nothing can withstand it' People put boards on their windows as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma at the Carribean island The monster hurricane, the most powerful on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, is about 270 miles east of the island of Antigua and is packing maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour. The storm was moving towards the west at 14 miles per hour, and is expected to drop between four and eight inches of rain when it hits land. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's $50million pad on St Barts is also in the hurricane's path. British Airways has already cancelled a flight from Gatwick to Antigua in light of the warnings. 'These rainfall amounts may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides,' the NHC warned. The storm is also is expected to 'cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.' Branson fully acknowledged the danger of Hurricane Irma, stressing that the 'devastation' they can cause 'cannot be overstated', but said he will stay on his island regardless. He said: 'On Necker Island we have constructed really strong buildings (with hurricane blinds) that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well, though with a Category 5 hurricane almost nothing can withstand it. 'We had some lovely guests staying on Necker Island who have cut their trip short for safety reasons, and another group of guests have also postponed. The storm was moving towards the west at 14 miles per hour, and is expected to drop between four and eight inches of rain when it hits land The businessman also took the opportunity to discuss the need to support the Paris agreement on clean energy. Pictured: Necker Island 'I will be on Necker alongside our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years.' His main concern, he added, was for the locals on the British Virgin Islands - as well as the wildlife. He explained: 'I am also concerned for the wonderful wildlife of the BVI, not least on Necker and Moskito, where many flamingos, lemurs, scarlet ibis and other stunning species live. 'Hopefully all people and animals can keep out of harms way in the coming days.' Hurricanes, he said, are 'one of the wonders of the natural world', adding: 'The power of the sea breaking over the cliff tops, the eerie hush when you are in the eye of the hurricane and then the roar of the winds, the lightning and the rain.' And the businessman also took the opportunity to discuss the need to support the Paris agreement on clean energy. He said: 'Man-made climate change is a key factor in the increasing intensity of these hurricanes, as many experts have suggested. The damage caused by Harvey all over Texas is a tragic and costly reminder that our climate is changing and that we are not doing enough to tackle this enormous challenge.' Advertisement

Scott says in a statement that the initial 100 troops will be stationed throughout the state. Some 7,000 National Guard members will report to duty Friday, when the storm could be bearing down on Florida.

Scott says tolls will be suspended to keep traffic flowing as residents begin to evacuate coastal areas in the potential path of the dangerous Category 5 storm.

The governor adds that tolls will remain suspended 'for the duration of the storm's impacts to Florida.'

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County's mayor says residents and visitors should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach, as soon as Wednesday evening.

An NFL game to be played between the the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday has also been cancelled.

Water and basic foodstuffs are already flying off the shelves of some stores in Florida.

Pablo Rodriguez surveyed the empty water aisle at a Fort Lauderdale Winn Dixie with dismay, saying 'I was hoping to get a few cases.'

The 65-year-old said he would have to try other shops, because 'all the people are stocking up quick.'

Theresa Webster, 60, of Fort Lauderdale had heard water was sold out at Publix but still available at Winn Dixie, but there was none by the time she got there in the afternoon.

She was also stocking up on canned tuna, crackers and bread.

Said Webster: 'I got some water already but I wanted more.'

By mid-day Monday, many grocery stores across South Florida had been emptied of bottled water and stores were hoping to restock beginning Tuesday morning.

States of emergency were also declared in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands where residents rushed to find last-minute supplies, forming long lines outside supermarkets and gas stations.

Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are already stocking up on supplies for the hurricane, which is expected to hit between Wednesday and Thursday

Jackie Kreuter, 56, of Gulfport, Florida, tosses pool furniture in his pool on Tuesday so it doesn't fly around during the impending hurricane. Kreuter, along with her mother, husband, sister, daughter, grandson, five dogs and a bird are boarding up their home and business and leaving for Ocala to get out of Hurricane Irma's way

Residents walk past a storefront, paneled with steel sheets in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Carolina, Puerto Rico on Tuesday

John Pepper of Miami waits to purchase plywood at Home Depot to cover his french doors in preparation for Hurricane Irma on Monday

After loading the back of her vehicle with food Maria Minier loads a recently purchased wood panel to be used in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Carolina, Puerto Rico on Tuesday

Cyber School Supply employee Christopher Rodriguez installs wood panels on windows in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico on Tuesday

Cyber School Supply Christopher Rodriguez is supported as he installs wood panels over a storefront window in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico on Tuesday

A couple arrive at a store to purchase supplies in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Carolina, Puerto Rico on Tuesday

A photo taken on Tuesday in Saint-Barthelemy, part of the French overseas island of Guadeloupe, shows the Saint-Jean Bay, as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma

Houses and businesses are closed in preparation for Hurricane Irma on the island of Guadeloupe on Tuesday

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Monday for all 67 counties in his state amid fears Irma is set to lash the area

People in Puerto Rico braced for electricity outages after the director of the island's power company predicted that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for four to six months. But 'some areas will have power (back) in less than a week,' Ricardo Ramos told radio station Notiuno 630 AM. The utility's infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans experienced an island wide outage last year.

Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands expected four inches to eight inches of rain and winds of 40-50 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph.

The governors of both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have submitted state of emergency declarations to the White House ahead of the storm.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello says he has spoken to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and thanked him in a tweet for 'the attention given to Puerto Rico' ahead of the storm

Puerto Rico has announced a number of steps in preparation for the storm, including a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol starting 6am Wednesday.

The government has also dispatched inspectors to stores throughout the territory to check for possible price-gouging.

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp says in a news briefing on Tuesday that he doesn't want to frighten anyone but that forecasters predict the storm could skirt the territory or even pass directly over it.

Mapp says people in the islands may start to feel the storm's effects around midmorning Wednesday.

'This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane,' Mapp warned. 'It's not time to get on a surfboard.'

Irma grew into a Category 4 storm on Monday, any by early Tuesday, it's maximum sustained winds increased to near 150 miles per hour. In comparison, Hurricane Harvey had winds of 130 mph when it made landfall in Texas last week. It was centered about 320 miles east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 14 mph.

It is forecast to begin buffeting the region on Tuesday and the US National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected.

Authorities warned that the storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain, cause landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 23 feet.

In the Caribbean, hurricane warnings were issued for 12 island groups, including Antigua, where the governor urged people to evacuate the tiny island of Anegada if they could ahead of the storm.

Sailors secure the anchoring of their boats on Monday at the harbour in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe, as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma

A firefighter helps a sailor to secure the anchoring of his boat on Monday in Guadeloupe]

Windows of a car dealer are protected by tape and sandbags, on Monday in Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin

A shoppping trolley filled with packs of bottled water is pictured in a supermarket on Monday in Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin

People buy materials at a hardware store on Monday after Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma

Puerto Ricans are boarding up for the hurricane expected to hit the island on Wednesday or Thursday

Bottled water is already selling out in Puerto Rican grocery stores. The above grocery store pictured on Monday

A man walks towards his home carrying packs of bottled, in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe on Monday

A woman looks at candles in a supermarket in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe on Monday

STUDY SHOWS PEOPLE PREPARE LESS FOR FEMALE-NAMED HURRICANES People prepare differently for hurricanes depending on whether they have a male or female name, a new study has shown. A team of Princeton University researchers studied data on fatalities in hurricanes in the U.S.dating back to the 1970s, and found that female hurricanes have been consistently more deadly than hurricanes given a male name. The researchers say changing a hurricane's name form Charlie to Eloise could nearly triple its death toll. 'Feminine-named hurricanes (vs. masculine-named hurricanes) cause significantly more deaths, apparently because they lead to a lower perceived risk and consequently less preparedness,' the researchers wrote in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Until the 1950s, hurricanes were tracked each year by the order in which they occurred. It was later decided that it would be easier for people to track these systems if they were given easily remembered names. So now, each storm is given a name and they alternate back and forth between male and female. This year, the first storm of the season was given a female name, Arlene. The first storm of the season is an A-letter name and each subsequent storm takes the next letter in the alphabet. We've had nine storms this season, so we're on the letter I, Irma. The researchers do not suggest a new way of naming storms that might address this problem. They leave that to the media and policy makers. However, they say that educating the public on gender biases might help address the issue of underestimating 'female' storms. Advertisement

Vivian Wheatley, proprietor of the Anegada Reef Hotel, planned to stay behind. She said she would stay in one of the hotel rooms and take advantage of the generator since there were no guests.

'We know it's a very powerful (storm), and we know it's going to be very close,' she said. 'Let's hope for the best.'

A hurricane warning was posted for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and St. Barts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. and British Virgin islands. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Guadeloupe and Dominica.

The storm's center was expected to move near or over the northern Leeward Islands late Tuesday and early Wednesday, the hurricane center said.

'Irma is a serious threat for the Caribbean islands and United States,' AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said on Monday.

It is still unclear what path Irma will take as it inches closer to the US.

Right now, meteorologists say landfall in Georgia, Florida or the Carolinas are all possible. The storm could also move out into the Atlantic and completely bi-pass the East Coast, though that is now the least likely option.

Residents in Florida rushed to stock up on goods with news the hurricane could potentially strike the state

A woman stocked up on bottled water in Florida on Monday as Gov Rick Scott declared a state of emergency due to the hurricane

A woman looks at empty shelves that are normally filled with bottles of water after Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma

Workers put boats on dry docks in preparation as Hurricane Irma was upgraded to a Category 4 storm late on Monday

'This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey,' Evan Myers, Expert Senior Meteorologist and Chief Operating Officer said.

If it does hit the U.S., it won't be until this weekend, but residents in the southern U.S. shouldn't waste time getting an emergency plan together.

'As we saw just 10 days ago with Harvey, it is important to be ready to evacuate and be prepared with at a minimum, a list of items you would take if you had 30 minute notice or 1 hours notice of 6 hours or a day to evacuate,' Myers said.

Meanwhile, government workers on the islands of the eastern Caribbean are clearing drains and pruning trees ahead of Irma.

Hundreds of flights are being cancelled in the eastern Caribbean through Tuesday, and cruise ships are being re-rerouted to stay away from the storm.

American Airlines has added extra flights out of two Caribbean islands Tuesday morning to get people out before the storm hit.

The flights were added in St. Maarten and St. Kitts and Nevis. Those are in addition to regularly scheduled flights Tuesday and Wednesday to Miami.

American says it expects to make additional flight changes as it monitors the storm.

Antigua's airport has closed with an ominous statement from local authorities as Hurricane Irma approaches the Caribbean island.

The statement from the V.C. Bird International Airport says it is shutting down Tuesday and advises all visitors and residents of the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda to seek protection from the 'onslaught' of the Category 5 storm.

It closes with: 'May God protect us all.'

As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Irma was gathering speed to the east of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean

It is forecast to begin buffeting the region on Tuesday and the US National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected

Irma is set to hit the northernmost Leeward Islands on Tuesday. Above, a picture of the storm on Monday

The National Hurricane Center warned that the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are at risk
French celebrity magazine Closer has been ordered to pay 103,000 euros (92,000) in damages to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for publishing topless photos of Kate Middleton.

While the amount is one of the highest ever in a privacy case in France, it is a fraction of the 1.4million the couple wanted over the grainy images, taken while they were on holiday in Provence in September 2012.

Six defendants were in the dock following five years of legal proceedings, as judges in Nanterre, the western suburb of Paris, ordered French Closer magazine to pay the majority of the damages.

A French court today awarded the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured at Kensington Palace in August) 103,000 euros (92,000) compensation for the hurt and upset caused by photographs of Kate topless

Its editor, 51-year-old Laurence Piea, and Ernest Mauria, 71, and the director of the Mondadori group which publishes Closer, were fined 42,000 (45,000 euros) each. Both could have been sent to prison for up to a year, but retained their freedom.

Closer magazine's lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins said he was 'pleased' with the ruling on the damages to pay, but said the fine was 'exaggerated for a simple private matter.'

A Kensington Palace Spokesperson said this afternoon: 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased that the court has found in their favour and the matter is now closed.

'This incident was a serious breach of privacy, and Their Royal Highnesses felt it essential to pursue all legal remedies. They wished to make the point strongly that this kind of unjustified intrusion should not happen.'

The Royal couple, who recently announced that the Duchess is pregnant with her third child, will be donating the damages to charity.

French lawyer Jean Veil, representing the British royal family, leaves court before it rules on whether three photographers and three newspaper executives invaded the privacy of the Duchess of Cambridge by taking and publishing topless photos of her

Six defendants were in the dock following five years of legal proceedings, as judges in Nanterre, the western suburb of Paris, ordered French Closer magazine to pay the majority of the damages. Pictured is the edition that featured the photographs

The case dated back to September 2012 when William and Kate were pictured relaxing on the terrace of a chateau belonging to the Earl of Snowdon, William's cousin and the late Princess Margaret's son, in the southern region of Provence.

Long-lens cameras captured Kate topless, while only wearing a pair of bikini bottoms.

One particularly intimate image showed William rubbing suncream into his wife's skin, and was said to have caused particular upset.

The angry couple considered 1.4million (1.5million euro) from French Closer magazine appropriate compensation for the upset and embarrassment caused by the photographs being distributed around the word.

They also want the equivalent of 42,000 (50,000 euros) from the local newspaper La Provence, which first published pictures of the Duchess in her swimwear five years ago today.

Their barrister, Jean Veil, said it should be paid in addition to 'significant fines' to the guilty parties, a mixture of publishing executives and photographers.

Neither of the Royals has attended any of the court sessions over the years, but William has presented statements attacking the paparazzi.

A French magazine has been ordered to pay 103,000 euros in damages for publishing topless photographs of Kate Middleton, it has emerged

Today's judgement, which was handed down by presiding judge Florence Lasserre-Jeannin, came a day after it was announced that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her third child. They are pictured after the birth of daughter Charlotte in 2015

The case dated back to September 2012 when William and Kate were pictured relaxing on the terrace of a chateau belonging to the Earl of Snowdon, William's cousin and the late Princess Margaret's son, in the southern region of Provence. Police are pictured at the court house today

Reporters waited outside the courtroom earlier today before a judge ruled on whether three photographers and three newspaper executives invaded the privacy of the Duchess of Cambridge

In one written in May, he said the impact of the topless photographs were 'all the more painful' given the harassment linked to the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

She died in a car crash in a Paris underpass 20 years ago last week after her drunk chauffer sped away from pursuing photographers.

Agency photographers Cyril Moreau, 32, and Dominique Jacovides, 59, and Valerie Suau, 53, of La Provence, were accused of invading privacy and complicity.

The sixth defendant was Marc Auburtin, the 57-year-old publishing director of La Provence at the time the pictures were taken.

Moreau and Jacovides were fined 4500 (5000) each, with half the amount suspended for two years. Both denied ever taking the topless pictures.

Suau was fined just over 900 (1000), while Auburtin was told to pay 2750 (3000) compensation directly to the Royal Couple.

Following their appearance in Closer, the French authorities supported the Royal Family by banning any further reproduction of the pictures, before launching an investigation into how they were obtained.

All of the six defendants argued that the Royal couple regularly allow their private lives to be sold to millions of people around the world.

Paul-Albert Iweins, for Closer, said they were sunbathing in full public view, and that the images showed them 'in a positive light'.

Today's judgement, which was handed down by presiding judge Florence Lasserre-Jeannin, came a day after it was announced that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her third child.
Hillary Clinton's frustrations with Bernie Sanders spill out onto the pages of her forthcoming book, What Happened, as she gripes about his campaign tactics and the fact that he was never truly a Democrat.

'Because we agreed on so much, Bernie couldn't make an argument against me in this area on policy, so he had to resort to innuendo and impugning my character,' Clinton writes, according to a page tweeted out by journalist and CauseWired founder Tom Watson.

The Vermont senator, Clinton charged, laid the foundation for Donald Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' charge against her, and didn't have the future of the Democratic Party in mind during his run.

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Hillary Clinton (left) continued to express some bitterness with Sen. Bernie Sanders (right) who she said resorted to 'innuendo and impugning my character' when the two ran against each other in the Democratic primary last year

Hillary Clinton (left) said she was happy Sen. Bernie Sanders (right) eventually supported her, but she also pointed out that he wasn't motivated to help the Democratic Party

'Some of his supporters, the so-called Bernie Bros, took to harassing my supporters online. It got ugly and more than a little sexist,' Clinton recalled.

During the primary, Sanders would often hint that Clinton was corrupt because of financial donations she took from Wall Street and other large companies.

Hillary Clinton wrote about Bernie Sanders' campaign tactics in her new book, suggesting they set up Donald Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' nickname

'When I finally challenged Bernie during a debate to name a single time I changed a position or a vote because of a financial contribution he couldn't come up with anything,' Clinton noted.

'Nonetheless, 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,' she said.

Clinton wondered aloud if Sanders even cared, as he considered himself a Democratic Socialist, and not a Democrat, and thought about running for president as an independent.

'I don't know if that bothered Bernie or not,' she said. 'He certainly shared my horror at the thought of Donald Trump becoming president, and I appreciated that he campaigned for me in the general election.'

'But he isn't a Democrat  that's not a smear, that's what he says,' Clinton continued.'

'He didn't get into the race to make sure a Democrat won the White House, he got in to disrupt the Democratic Party,' she noted.

Clinton said Sanders was right that the Democratic Party needed to pay more attention to working families.

And she also pointed out that there's a 'danger' in spending too much time fundraising, though blamed it on the country's 'insane campaign finance system.'

Clinton also gave credit to Sanders for bringing a lot of young people into the political process.

'But I think he was fundamentally wrong about the Democratic Party  the party that brought us Social Security under Roosevelt; Medicare and Medicaid under Johnson; peace between Israel and Egypt under Carter; broad-based prosperity and a balanced budget under Clinton; and rescued the auto industry, passed health care reform and imposed tough new rules on Wall Street under Obama,' Clinton noted.

'I am proud to be a Democrat and I wish Bernie were, too,' Clinton said.

Clinton also used a couple pop culture reference to explain the Clinton-Sanders dynamic during last year's primary.

She noted how her aide Jake Sullivan had likened it to the scene in 'There's Something About Mary,' when a hitchhiker suggests he's going to create a 'seven-minute abs' exercise regimen.

Ben Stiller's character interjects, 'Well, why not six-minute abs?'

'That's what it was like in policy debates with Bernie,' Clinton wrote. 'We would propose a bold infrastructure investment plan or an ambitious new apprenticeship program for young people, and then Bernie would announce basically the same thing, but bigger.'

'On issue after issue, it was like he kept proposing four-minute abs or even no-minute abs. Magic abs!' Clinton noted.

Clinton also included a Facebook post that she felt hit the catch-22 on the head.

In it 'Bernie' says: 'I think America should get a pony.'

Clinton chimes in and says, 'How will you pay for the pony? Where will the pony come from? How will you get Congress to agree to the pony?'

Sanders responds by saying, 'Hillary thinks America doesn't deserve a pony.'

His supporters interpret that as, 'Hillary hates ponies.'

She interjects and says she loves ponies.

His supporters come back and say, 'She changed her position on ponies!' using the hashtags, #WhichHillary? #WitchHillary.

The headline reads, 'Hillary Refuses to Give Every American a Pony.'

And finally, the debate moderator would ask her, 'Hillary, how do you feel when people say you lie about ponies?'

What Happened will be released on September 12.
The family of Corey Junior Davis (pictured), from east London, took the heartbreaking decision to turn his life-support machine off

A 14-year-old boy, who was blasted in the back of the head with a shotgun near a playground, has died.

The family of Corey Junior Davis, from east London, took the heartbreaking decision to turn his life-support machine off today.

Known to friends as CJ, it was claimed he was in the wrong place at the wrong time when a lone gunman targeted rival gang members.

His loved ones said his death was unfair as he had never had any involvement with gangs, a friend said.

A 17-year-old boy, named locally as Jamal Reid, was also shot and suffered 'life-changing injuries'.

CJ was the youngest of a small group of friends sat in an east London housing estate on Monday afternoon.

He is understood to have been part of a group targeted by a rival gang in retaliation for the stabbing of an 18-year-old during a mass brawl at the nearby Westfield shopping centre on Friday.

It is thought they singled out the youngster because he was an 'easy target'.

Police confirmed a murder investigation had been launched after Corey died in hospital.

A close school friend who was taking flowers to CJ's mum claimed the family had chosen to turn off the teen's life support machine.

She said: 'He used to come to school, he was lively and hyperactive. He was always dancing and trying to make you laugh.

'CJ was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he was the youngest one there.

'There was a group of them and a guy came in a car and shot them in a revenge attack over the stabbing at Westfield in Stratford but CJ did not deserve to go.

'They turned off his life support earlier, he's dead, I'm taking flowers to his mum. I was there I came after the second shot when his friend got shot in the leg.

'By then CJ had already been shot but we didn't realise, we walked into the alleyway and the other boy dropped and his friends were quite emotional about it, everyone was screaming and they were trying to find help.

'We went to the doctor's surgery and told them but we didn't know that CJ had been shot. People were running around and trying to find out who shot him.

'I don't think they were specifically aiming for CJ they were after anyone from that area, he was just with the boys they were after and saw him as an easy target.

'He was shot right in front of the gates, everyone usually chills there.

Police are searching for a suspect in an alleged double shooting in Newham, east London

Police were called to Moore Walk in Forest Gate, east London, after a suspected double shooting left one man fighting for his life and another with potentially life-changing injuries

'His family are annoyed because he was not part of it, they don't think it's fair that the boys targeted him because he is the youngest.

'The gunman was hiding behind a wall, his face was covered and he had red and black gloves on. There was only one gunman he was about 16 or 17 and very quiet.

'CJ was shot first and his friend begged his mates not to leave him and then he was shot in the leg.'

Extra police patrols have been put in place in Newham as the borough braces itself for a revenge attack after the double shooting in broad daylight yesterday.

Officers say firearms incidents are blighting communities in the London borough of Newham

The Metropolitan Police said there were 'serious concerns' of retaliation and have put extra officers on the streets as well as enhanced stop and search powers.

Police said it had taken the action after a spate of shootings in the area.

Inquiries are continuing and no arrests have been made.

The pair were in an alleyway when the gunman approached them from behind and opened fire at 3.10pm in Moore Walk, Forest Gate, east London.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and both boys were rushed to an east London hospital.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'They were just sitting there talking, and then this guy just came from behind and shot him.

'Fourteen-years-old, what can you do to get shot in the head with a shotgun?'

A nearby resident told the Standard: 'The shooting was outside the playground. I heard the noise from my house  pow, pow, it was twice. I looked outside my window and I couldn't see anything, but then I heard people screaming and I went outside.

'The boy couldn't talk, he was just laying down breathing hard. I didn't want to look at him because I saw too much blood. They said he came up behind him and shot him.

'The other guy was talking, he had managed to run but got shot in his leg. They live here, they're local. They're always playing around here. They're very young, they're kids.'

Horrified staff from the nearby Lord Lister Surgery, which backs onto Moore Walk, ran outside to help the victims.

A receptionist said: 'I heard three shots and I thought nothing of it until I heard someone shout 'oh no, they got him in the head'.

'There was quite a lot of people outside and I saw one of my colleagues run outside to see what they could do to help, but there was a lot of people surrounding him.

'There was this old lady holding him like a baby, cradling him in her arms.

'I was phoning an ambulance with the other boy who had been shot in the leg. I was telling him not to worry, but it was as if he was not taking it in.'

A resident of the housing estate near Forest Gate tube station was watching TV when he heard several gunshots.

Police have put a cordon in place after one man was left in critical condition after being shot

Imran Saddiq, 66, said: 'I was watching telly and all of a sudden I heard some gunshots.

'I looked out my window and I saw a boy trying to get away. He had a wound to his leg so I called the ambulance. There was a lady who was helping and comforting him.'

Locals claimed the shooting was the result of a tit-for-tat dispute between the E6 postcode gang and the rival Woodgrange gang.

It is claimed the E6 gang, based in Beckton, east London, arranged the attack on their rivals, who operate around Forest Gate's Woodgrange Road, following last week's brawl at Westfield.

Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekan, head of policing in the London Borough of Newham, said: 'Sadly two young men have been shot on our streets. We are only too well aware that this incident comes after a number of shootings that are blighting our communities and seriously injuring our young men.'

He said extra officers would be on duty in the borough overnight due to fears there could be a revenge attack. He authorised them to use stop and search tactics.

'Proactive work will continue with our borough teams and specialist units such as Trident Area and Crime Command to investigate and catch the people responsible for these offences,' he added.

'Violence has no place on our streets, and we have already made four arrests in connection with recent firearms offences.

'I want the community of Newham to help us tackle this  if you have any information about people carrying or supplying firearms please let us know and we will take action.'

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams said: 'We are pursuing all lines of inquiry to catch the person responsible for Corey's murder and are keen to hear from anyone who believes they might have information.'

Met Police figures published in April revealed a 42 per cent spike in gun offences - up to 2,544 compared to 1,793 between April 2015 and 2016.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call Newham Police on 101.
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Scores of bikini-clad women took to the streets of Brooklyn in elaborate dresses to mark the annual West Indian Day Parade.

Revellers added a splash of colour with feathers, body paint and incredible costumes just hours after the more sombre Caribbean J'Ouvert Festival, which saw marchers donning devil horns, metal chains and doused in motor oil to portray the struggles of the past.

Participants in the march, which kicked off at 11am, paraded their colourful costumes and feather headdresses against the backdrop of steel-pan and calypso bands.

A group of people dressed in purple stand in the street during the festival. One woman, pictured right, can be seen carrying a Jamaican flag and another, pictured in the center wearing an elaborate bikini, holds a drink

Gob-smacking peacock-type dresses and outfits fill the streets of New York for the West Indian Day festival in Brooklyn

Massively elaborate costumes were the theme for the afternoon after the early-morning costumes took on a darker theme

A woman with a decorated face of crystals poses for the camera in front of her elaborate pink-feathered costume for the festival

A woman in blue strikes a pose for the camera as thousands of other revellers gather on the streets of New York in the US

Two women in tiny bikinis take part in the festival. Some believe the J'ouvert traditions may also be in remembrance of the civil disturbances in Port of Spain, Trinidad, when the people smeared themselves with oil or paint to avoid being recognized

A woman with gold bracelets, multi-colored beads, a gold headpiece and matching bag and a neon bikini strikes a pose for the camera

A woman laced in purple at the festival which kicked off in the early hours of Monday morning with tens of thousands of revelers donned in devil horns, metal chains and doused in motor oil to portray the struggles of the past.

There had been talk of canceling this J'Ouvert Festival party, which started at 6am, because of past violence.

Instead, officials tightened security and moved the starting time two hours later with officers patting down revelers, vendors and residents hours before that.

Some people complained of long delays getting into the festival area. Others refused to let the hassles get in the way of a good time.

One woman dancing with her arms outstretched as an officer runs a hand-held metal detector over her.

A participant in the West Indian Day Parade marches down Eastern Parkway in celebration of the Caribbean Carnival on September 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City

Participants in the march, which kicked off at 11am, paraded their colourful costumes and feather headdresses against the backdrop of steel-pan and calypso bands

Two women in elaborate dresses pose up. The festival of J'ouvert, which dates back to the emancipation of slaves in the early 19th century, is celebrated across the Caribbean and in Caribbean communities all over the world

Huge dresses measuring more than 10-foot in height make their way down the street in Brooklyn, New York, as a woman in a snake costume flashes a glance at the camera

A woman laughs in her feather costume at the festival where earlier tens of thousands of costumed, paint-slathered revelers gathered on the streets in Brooklyn in the early hours of Monday for an annual festival honoring their slave forefathers

Jab Molassie dates back to sugar plantation days when recently freed slaves would daub themselves in molasses, a thick black sugar by-product, as a Jab, or devil, costume for J'ouvert. But here is a woman's elaborate take on the festival

A group of colorfully dressed women march through the streets of Brooklyn clad in feathers for the West Indian Day Parade

A man stares at a woman with bright blue hair who is dressed similarly to a crowd of women wandering through the streets for the festival

Earlier on Monday, tens of thousands of costumed, paint-slathered revelers gathered on the streets in Brooklyn in the early hours of Monday for an annual festival honoring their slave forefathers.

The festival of J'ouvert, which dates back to the emancipation of slaves in the early 19th century, is celebrated across the Caribbean and in Caribbean communities all over the world.

Revelers donned devil horns, body paint and even oil at the event which kicked off at 6am this morning.

It is the start of a carnival that includes the separate New York Caribbean Carnival Parade later Monday featuring 'pretty mas,' or masquerade.

But while the masquerade is full of revelers in giant feathery costumes riding on bright floats, J'ouvert marks a darker point in history.

Many of its costumes, called 'ole mas,' are a nod to the original celebrations that began in Trinidad in the mid-1800s when slaves were emancipated.

A woman holds up a placard reading 'Antilla' as an army of pink, blue and purple-themed festival-goers pound the streets

A woman holding a drink poses for the camera with her sunglasses tucked into her bikini as she plays on her phone in the street

Two women in sparkling bikinis made from encrusted jewels and colorful beads and feathers pose for the camera in New York

Women in gold bikinis and headgear made of blue, green and gold feathers dance int he street in front of a Brooklyn museum

Women with Jamaican and Grenadian flags tucked into their bikini bottoms walk around the streets among the festival-goers

A colorful group of festival-goers are pictured mid-dance routine on the street as the carnival gets underway in New York

A woman with her arms stretched high dances during the festival's party afternoon on the streets of Brooklyn in New York

J'ouvert's costumes are called 'ole mas' and are a nod to the original celebrations that began in Trinidad in the mid-1800s when slaves were emancipated

One couple appear to be chained at the neck, in remembrance to the festival's roots during the emancipation of slaves

Devils symbolize slave masters, such as this reveler who donned horns and 'blood' as well as a baby's pacifier

Revelers don colorful costumes, a nod to Caribbean culture, history and emancipation as they take part in the street carnival

J'ouvert, which draws tens of thousands of costumed celebrants, has been plagued by violence in recent years resulting in new intensive security measures

Today's event saw increased security measures, but that didn't prevent revelers from having fun

Some people dress in rags and don helmets with giant horns. Others cover themselves in black paint, grease or motor oil in a very traditional 'mas' costumes, such as a Jab Molassie - meaning molasses devil.

Jab Molassie dates back to sugar plantation days when recently freed slaves would daub themselves in molasses, a thick black sugar by-product, as a Jab, or devil, costume for J'ouvert.

The jab represented both the devil and the former slave masters, and would also often incorporate metal restraints and shackles in the costume.

Some believe the J'ouvert traditions may also be in remembrance of the civil disturbances in Port of Spain, Trinidad, when the people smeared themselves with oil or paint to avoid being recognized.

Some of the participants covered their bodies in motor oil, and wore the devil horns to represent slave masters

The J'ouvert costumes come in many guises. Some people wear rags or pajamas because slaves had no proper clothes. Some don sailor costumes to mimic the U.S. Navy after World War II; they puff talcum powder into the air as both a nod to African rites and to the skin color of the sailors

The event began in New York in the 1920s in Harlem, when Caribbean people first started migrating to the city

The parade was accompanied by people playing the steel drums, a traditional instrument of the Caribbean

Now, New York is home to the largest Caribbean community off the islands. And the J'ouvert festival is a reflection of the celebration of its culture

The festival It took a hiatus during the war years, and moved to Brooklyn where it has become bigger and bigger

In the Caribbean, the celebration happens before Lent in the winter, but in Brooklyn it was moved to the end of August because the weather was better

Other traditional costumes see revelers dress as devils who symbolize slave masters; or dressing as political figures to mock them. People wear rags or pajamas because slaves had no proper clothes.

Some don sailor costumes to mimic the U.S. Navy after World War II; they puff talcum powder into the air as both a nod to African rites and to the skin color of the sailors.

'J'ouvert is pain and pleasure together. It is pain for being enslaved, and it is the pleasure of being free, and these elements exist together in the mas,' said Roland Guy, 74, a longtime player who often dresses in drag for the occasion. One year he was 'Kate and the Prince.'

J'ouvert, meaning daybreak from the French words 'jour' and 'ouvert', has taken place in the pre-dawn darkness of Labor Day in New York for almost a century.

But its origins are even older. Carnival was introduced to the Caribbean by French settlers in the late 18th century where slaves were not allowed to take mart in the elaborate masquerade balls. So slaves would hold their own mini events in the backyards, mocking their masters' ostentatious behavior, and weaving in their own traditions.

When slavery was banned, the former slaves held their own J'ouvert street parties as an expression of their newfound freedom.

One reveler covers her face with a Trinidad scarf and sunglasses during the parade as she walks alongside cops on the parade route

J'ouvert is the start of a carnival that includes the separate New York Caribbean Carnival Parade later Monday featuring 'pretty mas,' or masquerade, revelers in giant feathery costumes riding on bright floats

A woman dances over two men. Another reveler puffs talcum powder into the air as both a nod to African rites and to the skin color of the sailors in the U.S. Navy after World War II

A man painted totally in blue appears to have missed the 'no alcohol' memo as he carries a bottle of Campari

Another revelers rings a bell, while his friend in blue takes a drink at the early morning parade

But's also a collective moment of letting off steam.

The event began in New York in the 1920s in Harlem, when Caribbean people first started migrating to the city. Now, New York is home to the largest Caribbean community off the islands. It took a hiatus during the war years, and moved to Brooklyn.

In the Caribbean, the celebration happens before Lent in the winter, but in Brooklyn it was moved to the end of August because the weather was better.

'People were getting sick! They were dancing and sweating through their costumes and ending up with pneumonia, so when we came to Brooklyn, we moved it to the summer,' said Martin Douglas, 69, the president of the United States Steel Band Association and the leader of the Crossfire Steel Orchestra.

A reveler shows off his muscles by doing push ups in the street in front of his friends

The sun rises over the early morning participants who braved the chilly morning in skimpy costumes for the event

Marchers of J'Ouvert parade marched down Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, New York on Monday September 4

Thousands of people participate to this street party to kick off Caribbean festival. One group dressed all in white marched down Brooklyn's streets for the festival

A woman offers a light to a 'knight' in chain mail headgear and sunglasses at the early morning event

A woman covered in gold, from the glitter to the sunglasses and jewelry, makes an appearance at J'ouvert

Steel pan players practice for months for the event, as do performers who dance along with them. Groups are judged for their mas section and their music

Revelers are searched by police officers during a Caribbean street carnival called J'ouvert on September 4, in New York City

Steel pan players practice for months for the event, as do performers who dance along with them. Groups are judged for their mas section and their music.

'It's really quite a special thing to come hear this music here in Brooklyn,' said Ray Allen, a music professor at Brooklyn College and author of the forthcoming book 'Jump Up! Caribbean Carnival Music in New York.'

At other celebrations in London, and even in Trinidad, the steel drums are drowned out by thumping sound systems.

Shootings near the march route have long been a concern, but the violence got renewed attention in 2015, when the aide to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo was killed by a stray bullet.

Last year, 17-year-old Tyreke Borel was shot and killed and a 72-year-old woman was grazed in the arm. Soon after, a 22-year-old woman, Tiarah Poyau, was shot in the head just a block away and also died.

This year, revelers had to enter the route along 12 designated entry points and pass through metal detector. No alcohol or backpacks were allowed. Thousands of additional officers were on patrol and policed party areas outside the barriers.

Participants say while the event may not have the nostalgic touch, they're pleased it will go on.

'It is a part of our cultural heritage,' said Guy. 'It is a way to link our past with our present and future and to remind ourselves of who we are.'
The mayor of an upstate New York town resigned after he was arrested on child pornography charges.

Rick Nelson, 62, was arrested and charged with one felony count of promoting a sexual performance by a child and one count of possessing a sexual performance by a child after authorities searched his house last Thursday, NBC News reported.

Nelson, who served as the Village of Stillwater mayor, was busted after state troopers with the Computer Crimes Unit became aware of an IP address in the small town that downloaded child pornography images.

Nelson was arraigned in the Town of Saratoga Court and was remanded on a $50,000 bond.

The married father-of-one was released after posting $25,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Rick Nelson (left in booking photo and right), 62, was arrested and charged with one felony count of promoting a sexual performance by a child and one count of possessing a sexual performance by a child. He was arrested after authorities searched his house last Thursday

Nelson (above), who served as the Village of Stillwater mayor, was arraigned in the Town of Saratoga Court and was remanded on a $50,000 bond. The married father-of-one was released after posting $25,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Nelson officially resigned from his post on Friday and has been replaced by Deputy Mayor Frank Tatum.

After he was arrested, the village issued a statement saying it would 'continue to move forward...despite the surprising arrest'.

'This has been an incredibly difficult day for the Village of Stillwater and we're certainly going to be facing some challenging times ahead,' said Tatum as part of the statement.

'But we are a very dedicated group and I am confident that we will get past this.

'In the meantime, we have an important job to do and the village and its residents are still our No. 1 priority.'

Nelson (above center) officially resigned from his post on Friday and has been replaced by Deputy Mayor Frank Tatum

When Nelson was elected in April 2015, he replaced the longest running leader in village history.

At the time of his election, he had promised to 'walk a path of rebirth and new beginnings.'

On his mayoral campaign Facebook page, Nelson wrote: 'Stillwater has been my home for my entire life. I learned the values of community, family, and respect from my parents: Barney Nelson and Lenetta Aldrich Nelson.

'I want to see our village thrive and I am committed to working to build a better future through working with our neighbors and attracting new business developments.

When Nelson (above) was elected in April 2015, he replaced the longest running leader in village history. At the time of his election, he had promised to 'walk a path of rebirth and new beginnings.'

His son, Patrick Nelson (above), is currently running for congress in New York's 21st Congressional District

'We have great people in this community and I take pride not only in our history, but also our future.'

According to the town's website, Nelson served as a deacon and officer in the Stillwater United Church.

His son, Patrick Nelson, is currently running for congress in New York's 21st Congressional District.

The village board was set to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

The Village of Stillwater is located roughly 25 miles north of Albany in Saratoga County.
Osama bin Laden targeted America when the United States made its pursuit of him 'personal' by breaking up his family, a new documentary claims.

The former leader of Al Qaeda became angry because his life was 'turned upside down' when he was forced to leave Sudan in 1996 due to pressure from the US.

According 'Road to 9/11', his only option was to return to Afghanistan and live in poverty where, stewing in his own rage, he wrote a 12 page declaration of war against America.

His second wife left him and his eldest son returned to their native Saudi Arabia without him, later followed by another wife because she wasn't accustomed to the lifestyle.

The film, airing this week on the History Channel, suggests that for all his ideological hatred of the US, bin Laden was just as upset by the damage done to his own family.

Osama bin Laden targeted America when the United States made its pursuit of him 'personal' by breaking up his family, according to a new documentary Road to 9/11. The wealthy Al Qaeda leader was forced out of Sudan in 1996 due to US influence and lived in poverty in Afghanistan

The harsh life proved to be too much for his second wife and eldest son, who left for Saudi Arabia, with his first wife also leaving him shortly before the 9/11 attacks. Pictured: Bin Laden with one of his sons in 2001

Over nearly five hours, the three part mini series outlines in painstaking detail how the events which led to the September 11, 2001, attacks began at least a decade earlier.

Through 60 interviews with key players it also says that the warning signs were repeatedly missed - and multiple chances to kill bin Laden were not taken.

Road to 9/11 describes how by the mid 1990s bin Laden was trying to find a new target for his loyal mujahideen fighters who had stayed with him since the end of the war against the Soviets in Afghanistan in 1989.

At the time he was living in Sudan where virtually every major terrorist group had a base supported by the Islamist regime.

Bin Laden had an office, prestige, land for horses and was living a fairly comfortable life.

The US did not have enough evidence to indict him so the American authorities pressured Sudan to kick him out, and they caved in.

Bin Laden could not go Middle Eastern countries like Iraq, Egypt or even Qatar that was sympathetic to Islamic extremists.

Bin Laden was living a comfortable life before US officials pressured Sudan to kick him out. He went to Afghanistan, a country that barely had electricity. His son Omar bin Laden (left) left Afghanistan before 9/11 after falling out with his father over his descent into violent jihad

Bin Laden, a man whose father was once one of the wealthiest men in Saudi Arabia, was eating stale bread, potato stew and splitting five fried eggs among 14 men. Pictured: The leader with one of his sons; he had about 20 children, 11 with his first wife Najwa

His native Saudi Arabia was not an option as he had criticized its rulers so he had to go to Afghanistan.

According to author Steve Coll, who has written extensively about the bin Laden family, in May 1996 he moved Al Qaeda back to Afghanistan, a country that barely had electricity and was still shattered by the war with the Soviets.

A journalist who interviewed him was shocked to find a man whose father was once one of the wealthiest men in Saudi Arabia eating stale bread, potato stew and splitting five fried eggs among 14 men.

Coll tells the documentary that bin Laden was 'angry' after one of his wives left and his eldest son went to Saudi Arabia.

Coll says in the film: 'He blamed the US not only for all these sins of history and these manipulations of the Islamic world, but now it was personal.

'His own life had been turned upside down by American pursuit of him, American pressure that had forced him out of Sudan and to this broken country again.

'They sent him to Afghanistan thinking surely he will fade from the world scene but the first thing he did after he arrived was to climb up on a mountaintop and write a declaration of war on the United States'.

In bin Laden's 12 page declaration, in which he vowed that America would be 'completely defeated', appears to have been motivated by personal scorn as much as ideology

Two of the leader's wives left him as well as his son, which sparked bin Laden to take revenge on the US for the breakup of his family

The 12 page declaration, in which he vowed that America would be 'completely defeated', appears to have been motivated by personal scorn as much as ideology, Coll says.

Examining his beliefs it makes sense; despite spending decades waging jihad, bin Laden often kept his family close to him on the front lines and valued their company immensely.

In total bin Laden had around 20 children and six wives.

It was his second wife, Khadijah Sharif, a university lecturer, who asked for a divorce when he moved back to Afghanistan because she did not want to live in hardship.

His eldest son was Abdallah bin Laden who is still alive today and living in Saudi Arabia.

Bin Laden's first wife was Syrian-born Najwa Ghanem who followed him back to Afghanistan but left days before 9/11 because she found their life in a mud hut in the wilderness too much.

Osama's son Hamzah (pictured) was detained in Iran before being freed in 2010. He is now attempting to lead Al Qaeda in his father's footsteps, and was declared an 'international terrorist' by America earlier this year

Son Saad (left) and youngest wife Amal (right). After 9/11 they fled first to Pakistan and then into captivity in Iran. Saad escaped in 2008, vowing to find his father and have the family freed, but was killed in a drone strike in 2009. Amal's release was negotiated in 2010 and she went to Pakistan - where she watched as Osama was killed in 2011

She married bin Laden in 1974 in Syria when he was a wealthy teenager and then an anti-Soviet jihadi hero but could not tolerate it when he returned to Afghanistan.

Bin Laden's other three wives were reportedly with him in his hideout in Pakistan when it was raided by US Special Forces in 2011 and he was killed.

They were his third wife, Khairiah Sabar, whose son Hamza bin Laden has become a terrorist like his father.

He has become known as the 'Crown Prince of Terror' and in July last year recorded a video message vowing revenge for his father's death.

Another of bin Laden's sons Saad also joined Al Qaeda and was killed in a US drone strike in 2009.

Bin Laden's fourth wife was Siham Sabar, an Arabic teacher, and his fifth wife was Yemeni Amal al-Sadah who he married in 2000 when she was 15 and he was 43.

All three wives, and 10 of their children, are now living in Saudi Arabia.

The Road to 9/11 says that the pieces that led to the September 11 attacks were like a 'web' that could only be fully appreciated years after the event.

Bin Laden's other three wives were reportedly with him in his hideout in Pakistan when it was raided by US Special Forces in 2011 and he was killed. Pictured: Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton receiving an update on the mission against bin Laden in May 2011

The film says that the danger could be traced back as far as November 1990 with the killing of Israeli Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York.

The killer was El Sayyid Nosair, an Egyptian immigrant who was the first of a new generation of terrorists on American soil.

He had a story that would become all too familiar in the years to come.

Nosair had been radicalized by an extremist preacher known as the 'Blind Sheik' at the Al Farook mosque in Brooklyn, New York.

The Sheik, Omar Abdel-Rahman, preached hate to what became a terrorist cell that carried out the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993.

Only after the attacks did the FBI realize that those attending the mosque - who they had under surveillance for months - were responsible.

The FBI had been watching them go to firing ranges on weekends but without any crime being committed they had been unable to arrest them.

Road to 9/11 has chilling details about a follow up plot hatched by the same men in which explosives would simultaneously go off at New York landmarks: the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, the Statue of Liberty, several bridges and the United Nations building.

Road to 9/11, has chilling details about a plot that would have explosives going off at the Statue of Liberty. FBI informant Emad Salem (pictured), infiltrated the cell and stood at the landmark on a scouting trip. He was told by a terrorist: 'It's not going to stand here anymore'

The film shows FBI informant Emad Salem, who infiltrated the cell, standing at the Statue of Liberty on a reconnaissance trip with Siddig Ali, a Sudanese national who was part of the plot.

Salem says in the film: 'We walked in like regular John Does but we had our eyes for the security because we knew that one day we're going to come with a bomb to the weakest spot and blow it up'.

Siddig took Salem's picture and told him: 'It's not going to stand here any more.'

Salem says: 'It was heart-wrenching to look at that statue and look at this man joking about destroying the statue of liberty'.

Road to 9/11 includes camera footage shot by Salem as he and Siddig drove through the Holland tunnel on another reconnaissance mission.

Siddig directed him to point the camera up in the tunnel so they could see the point where they would stop, get out of the car and set off the bomb so that water would rush in and kill everyone.

With Salem's help the FBI rigged up a warehouse for the terrorists to use and recorded them calmly mixing explosive materials.

In one clip they ask each other if they want coffee while planning mass murder and one says: 'Yes but no sugar please'.

The FBI informant helped the US government discover a plot where terrorists were making bombs in a warehouse and asking for coffee while plotting mass chaos (pictured)

The film also features an extraordinary account by Salem of how he got the crucial evidence that led to the prosecution for the planned attack.

The FBI were desperate to get the Blind Sheik on tape and gave Salem a suitcase with a wire in it to record him.

He told the Blind Sheik that they were planning to attack the UN building in New York but the Sheik began to whisper in Salem's left ear that they should find a different target.

Salem feared the wire would not capture the recording so carefully held up the suitcase to his right ear.

The Blind Sheik - who could not see what was happening - told him to attack the US Army instead and, having made the crucial recording, Salem quickly lowered the suitcase to the floor before anyone walked in.

After the plotters were arrested the documents from Nosair's arrest three years earlier were finally translated from Arabic into English and contained a chilling warning that leaped out at the FBI.

It said bluntly: 'We will bring down your high buildings.'
A sick teenage girl used Siri to call for help during Hurricane Harvey but says the Coast Guard left her stranded in rising floodwaters overnight before she was rescued.

Tyler Frank, 14, of Houston, Texas, was stranded outside in the rising flood waters when she suffered a sickle cell crisis - an excruciatingly painful condition where malformed red blood cells clog up blood vessels, cutting off oxygen to certain organs and tissue.

She says she tried calling 911, and even begged for help on social media, but to no avail, so she turned to her phone.

Tyler Frank, 14, of Houston, Texas, was stranded outside in the rising flood waters when she suffered a sickle cell crisis

Tyler used Siri to call for help and filmed the helicopter arriving - only to be told by the Coast Guard that they couldn't help her

'I was like, 'Siri's smart enough! Let me ask her!' ' Tyler told CNN.

She asked the Apple iPhone assistant to call the Coast Guard who told her she was 'brave' and promised to send a helicopter as soon as they could.

The chopper arrived the following afternoon, by which time Tyler, a ninth-grader at Forest Brook High School, was running a 103 degree fever.

Tyler's mother, Tameko Frank, told the rescue teams: 'I have a child with sickle cell, and she's very sick, and I need you all to take her.'

Eventually, the following day, another helicopter arrived to rescue the sick and stranded teen (pictured being flown to safety)

Tyler was taken to Texas Children's Hospital for treatment, where she remained for several days

WHAT IS SICKLE CELL ANEMIA? Sickle cell anemia is a disease that causes red blood cells to distort into a curved 'sickle' shape. The awkwardly shaped cells can then 'catch' on one another, blocking blood vessels - known as a sickle cell event. The events are said to be more painful than childbirth and can lead to complications, including strokes, kidney failure and blindness. It overwhelmingly affects people with African ancestry - most likely as an evolutionary benefit, because it provides a defense against malaria. Advertisement

But to the family's shock and dismay, the rescue crew told her that they were only taking elderly people. Someone would have to come back for Tyler who burst into tears.

'She was standing right there in front of him. And he turned around and got on the helicopter and left,' Tameko Frank said.

It would be another day before the family were finally rescued from the roof of their home.

The Coast Guard told CNN: 'Coast Guard first responders were faced with an overwhelming request for assistance due to Hurricane Harvey.

'On-scene rescue crews made determinations based upon emergent factors (i.e. immediate, life-threatening situations) and the conditions faced on the scene.'

When the second helicopter did arrive the following morning, Tyler was seen by doctors in Pasadena, Texas, before being taken to Texas Children's Hospital.

The 14-year-old said she's been at a loss at what to do until she asked Siri for help

Her mother Tameko Frank (pictured) was furious the first helicopter crews had left her daughter behind

Tyler, who has been in and out of hospital since she was born, was treated and was discharged on Friday

Tyler, who has been in and out of hospital since she was born, was treated and was discharged on Friday.

But the family faces another upheaval as their home, car and possessions, were destroyed by the hurricane.

Tyler, her four brothers, and their mom, are currently sharing one room at a Super 8 hotel off a Houston highway.

'Everything's gone,' Frank said. 'We have to start over.'
Jeremy Corbyn has been warned he will have to explain to Labour voters why he is betraying the referendum by voting against crucial Brexit laws.

The Labour leader confirmed today he would impose strict orders on MPs to vote against the Government's flagship Repeal Bill, which copies EU rules into British law.

Although the government is still expected to win as Tory backbenchers are not likely to rebel at second reading, the move sets the stage for a bitter battle later in the process - as Theresa May tries to force the crucial measures through parliament without an overall majority.

Brexit Secretary David Davis used a major statement in the Commons to warn Labour MPs they would have to 'face their constituents' if they voted against the crucial Brexit laws on Monday night.

Labour MP Kate Hoey said in the Commons: 'Whilst people might have difficulties with parts of it... anyone who votes against the principle of the second reading is really betraying the will of the British people?'

It came as a former minister predicted that Labour will end up backing a second referendum on Brexit terms.

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Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at a Lush event yesterday) will order his Labour MPs to vote against the EU repeal bill next week

Brexit Secretary David Davis used a major statement in the Commons (pictured) to warn Labour MPs they would have to 'face their constituents' if they voted against the crucial Brexit laws

The crucial EU Withdrawal Bill - which paves the way for Brexit by transferring Brussels law on to domestic statute books - is due to come before the House of Commons on Thursday, with the second reading vote on Monday.

Just a handful of rebel Tory MPs could inflict humiliating and catastrophic defeat on Theresa May if joined by Labour and the SNP.

However, Conservative Remainers are set to keep their powder dry for the committee stage of the bill, when hundreds of amendments could be tabled.

A Labour party spokesman said: 'Labour fully respects the democratic decision to leave the European Union, voted to trigger Article 50 and backs a jobs-first Brexit with full tariff-free access to the European single market.

'But as democrats we cannot vote for a Bill that unamended would let government ministers grab powers from parliament to slash people's rights at work and reduce protection for consumers and the environment.

'Parliament has already voted to leave the European Union. But the government's EU Withdrawal Bill would allow Conservative ministers to set vital terms on a whim, including of Britain's exit payment, without democratic scrutiny.

'Nobody voted in last year's referendum to give this Conservative government sweeping powers to change laws by the back door. The slogan of the Leave campaign was about people taking back control and restoring powers to parliament.

Lord Adonis (left) said he believed the party would be committed to a vote on the terms of our departure within the next six months. Brexit Secretary David Davis is stewarding the Brexit Bill through the Commons

Theresa May (pictured at church in Maidenhead on Sunday) is expected to try to push forward the Brexit talks at a summit with EU counterparts next month

'This power-grab Bill would do the opposite. It would allow the government to seize control from the parliament that the British people have just elected.'

In the Commons Mr Davis agreed with Labour's critics that a No vote on Monday would 'betray they wishes of the British people'.

Tory MP Luke Hall accused Labour of a 'reckless threat' to try and derail laws needed to ensure Brexit is not chaotic

He said: 'They will have to face their own constituents - their own constituents who voted to leave.

'This is a practical Bill designed to protect the interests of British business and British citizens. That is what it is there for and nothing else.'

Tory MP Luke Hall said: 'This is the Bill that gives effect to the referendum result by ending the supremacy of the EU over British Law.

'This reckless threat to vote against the Bill, without presenting any alternative approach, risks defying the result of the referendum, and risks the most chaotic of Brexit scenarios  where our legal systems and institutions cannot function from day one of our exit.'

In an interview with the New Statesman, Lord Adonis said he was convinced Labour would come round to supporting a second referendum.

'Once Labour's in favour it's only a matter of time before the government has to concede  I would be very surprised if we're not committed to a referendum on the exit terms within six months,' he said.

'The thing I only always learned from Tony [Blair] is 'get the policy right and the politics will follow'. The right policy is a referendum on the exit terms, the politics will sort itself out.'

Labour former Cabinet Lord Mandelson said yesterday that his party was preparing for 'trench warfare', warning that the Upper House was in no mood to allow the legislation through unamended.

'Ministers, lacking a clear majority, will enter the minefield of the 'repeal bill' with the opposition benches more united against them,' Lord Mandelson wrote in the Times.

'This paves the way for serious, gruelling political trench warfare. It also means that only a small rebellion by Conservatives would be needed to defeat the government and force them to change course.

'The House of Lords, which feels emboldened given the government's electoral failure in June, will likewise make sure it has its say.'
The Danish inventor accused of murdering a Swedish journalist on his home-made submarine has finally revealed what happened before he dumped her body in the sea last month.

Peter Madsen, 46, told a court in Copenhagen today that Kim Wall, 30, died after the submarine's 150lbs hatch hit her over the head, and that he tried to give her first aid before realising she was dead.

The naked, headless torso of Miss Wall was found in the water off Copenhagen over a week after she went on a voyage with Madsen in his submarine on August 10.

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Admitting: Peter Madsen, 46, told a court in Copenhagen that Swedish journalist Kim Wall died after the 150lbs hatch on his home-made submarine's watchtower hit her over the head

Mystery: The headless torso of 30-year-old Miss Wall, was found in Koge Bay in Copenhagen, not far from where Madsen sunk Nautilus

Speaking in court dressed in his now-famous camouflage jumpsuit, Madsen said the pair had climbed up into the submarine's watchtower after coming up from deep water.

He climbed up ahead of her and when Miss Wall came up to join him, he slipped and the hatch shut by accident, hitting her over the head.

'If I hadn't slipped, then the hatch would not have fallen - we would have had Kim alive and I would not have been sat here today,' he said according to Aftonbladet.

When Madsen went down after her, she was 'bleeding profusely' from her head, and he says he tried to give her first aid, but came to the conclusion that she had died.

Instead of calling for help, he says he then steered out on the Baltic Sea 'to think'. Despite there being 'a lot' of blood in the submarine, Madsen then slept for a few hours, before he decided to get rid of Miss Wall's body.

The UC3 Nautilus was raised from the bottom of Copenhagen harbour the day after it sank, after which police have carried out a thorough investigation of the vessel

Are you ok ? Peter Madsen, who is now charged over the death of Kim Wall, gives the thumbs up after he is rescued from the submarine where police later found traces of her blood

He denies that he dismembered or undressed her, saying he carried her body up to the top of the submarine, at which point he says 'her shoe and tights fell off'.

'Let's get the facts on the table - I threw an intact Kim overboard', he said according to Expressen.

Madsen told the court he tied her hands and feet with a rope and threw her off the submarine into the sea.

When asked by the prosecutor why he lied about dropping Miss Wall off alive on the night before sinking his submarine, Nautilus UC3, he replied he just wanted some time to say goodbye to his wife and cats before 'it all came out'.

The 40-ton submarine was deliberately sunk by Madsen on the day after Miss Wall's disappearance. He was subsequently arrested, and has been charged with murder and indecent handling of a corpse.

Tragedy: Journalist Kim Wall died on the submarine, Madsen has admitted, but he claims it was an accident

Police say Miss Wall's limbs had been 'deliberately cut off' her torso, which had been weighted down with metal to make it sink to the bottom of the sea, police said.

Madsen has admitted that she died on his submarine, and says he then 'buried her at sea', and has today admitted to indecent handling of a corpse.

Footage filmed by Denmark's TV2 as he was fished out of Kge Bay shortly after Miss Wall had died, shows him giving a 'thumbs up', telling journalists he is ok.

As Madsen is known in Denmark for his ambitious projects, which as well as submarines include building space rockets, the TV2 crew were there to report on his rescue.

Wearing camouflage overalls, Madsen is seen speaking to two policemen about Miss Wall, who by then had been reported missing by her family. They ask: 'Do you have any contact information for her?'

Further search: Police and other authorities search a waterway for further remains related to the ongoing Kim Wall investigation at the west coast of Amager, Copenhagen, Denmark

Last moments: One of the last images taken of Miss Wall shows her on board the sub alongside Madsen on Thursday August 10

'It's in my phone at the bottom of the ocean,' Madsen replies according to Ekstrabladet.

'So you don't have her name or what?'

'Just that her name is Kim. I don't check the background of a journalist, they call and ask 'can I have an interview'.'

As the camera follows him, Madsen explains in a chillingly casual way that he submarine sank because of an issue with one of the ballast tanks.

Smiling at the camera, he says: ' I was just out for a practice voyage when there was an issue with a ballast tank - which was not very serious - and when I tried to repair it, it only got worse.

'Nautilus sank in 30 seconds so I did not have time to close any hatches or anything. Which was very good, because otherwise I would be down there,' he adds smiling again.

He smiles again. After this, Madsen can reportedly be heard talking about how they can retrieve the submarine, and how much it's going to cost - not mentioning Miss Wall, but stressing that there is some form of insurance for the vessel.

Police have found traces of Miss Wall's blood inside the submarine, despite having had to retrieve it from the bottom of a Copenhagen bay where it sank on August 11.

Miss Wall was a freelance journalist, who grew up in Sweden but was mainly based in New York and Beijing, whose work had appeared in several major publications, including The Guardian and New York Times.

She had arranged to join Madsen on Nautilus as part of an article she had planned on writing about him and his projects.

Madsen, an amateur enthusiast who had built the UC3 Nautilus himself, has a history of lashing out at journalists who gave his project bad press, his biographer has said.

'He often ends up in conflicts, and has a lot of enemies,' says Thomas Djursing, a journalist who has written a book about Madsen.

'He can throw tools at you. But at the same time, he's not a violent person. I've never been afraid of him,' he told Aftonbladet.

Mr Djursing adds that Madsen would often become angry with journalists who wrote about his ambitious projects in a negative way, and says 'I don't know a journalist who has not been in conflict with him'.

In Mr Djursing's book 'Rocket Madsen', the inventor describes himself as a 'nerd with few friends' who grew up with his elderly father after the parents' separation.

Early on, he joined several rocket and space travel clubs, but his lack of patience and short fuse saw him excluded from the societies in his teens.
It's a tale of international jet-setting, $1,500-a-night hotel rooms and, for good measure, allegations of affairs with models and actresses.

Beyond the tabloid angles, this week's corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and a wealthy friend promises to put the very business of governing under a microscope  and could eventually lead to a Republican taking over his seat in the deeply divided Senate.

Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday in the trial of Menendez and a Florida ophthalmologist, Dr. Salomon Melgen.

Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday in the trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. (pictured) and Florida ophthalmologist, Dr. Salomon Melgen

If Sen. Bob Menendez is indicted it could make it harder for Democrats to retake the Senate, as Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey would select a replacement while the Republican stays in office

Dr. Salomon Melgen (pictured) is the other key figure in the Menendez trial. Prosecutors believe Menendez lobbied on behalf of Melgen's business interest in exchange for campaign donations and gift, like luxury travel

Dr. Salomon Melgen (right) is seen arriving in federal court to be indicted on corruption charges on April 2, 2015

FBI agents and other law enforcement officials leave carrying materials from the medical complex of Dr. Salomon Melgen in January 2013

They are charged with a conspiracy in which, prosecutors say, Menendez lobbied for Melgen's business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts that included luxury vacations, flights on Melgen's plane and stays at his private villa in an exclusive Dominican Republic resort frequented by celebrities including Beyonce and Jay-Z.

The indictment also alleges Menendez pressured State Department officials to give visas to three young women described as Melgen's girlfriends.

The men both pleaded not guilty, and Menendez has vehemently denied the allegations.

Defense lawyers say that the trips described as bribes were examples of friends vacationing together, that most of Melgen's contributions went to committees Menendez didn't control and that he didn't control the people he lobbied on Melgen's behalf.

'I'm looking forward to finally having the opportunity to seek exoneration,' Menendez, who was indicted in April 2015 and has been dogged by some of the allegations since 2013, said recently. 'I do believe we'll be exonerated. I did nothing wrong, and I did nothing illegal.'

Menendez is up for re-election next year.

If he is convicted and steps down or is forced out of the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote before Gov. Chris Christie leaves office Jan. 16, the Republican governor would pick a successor.

While a Democrat has a large polling and financial advantage in November's election to replace Christie, the stakes are high.

A Republican-led partial repeal of the Affordable Care Act might have succeeded this summer if Menendez's seat had flipped before then.

Menendez also tried to persuade Judge William Walls to halt the trial on days the Senate holds critical votes, but he rejected the request on Friday.

Walls said he wouldn't change the schedule for a 'cab driver' or 'construction worker' and wasn't doing it for the senator.

Among the gifts prosecutors say Melgen gave Menendez were flights on Melgen's private jet, vacations at Melgen's private villa in the Dominican Republic and a three-night stay at a luxury Paris hotel valued at nearly $5,000.

Melgen also directed more than $750,000 in campaign contributions to entities that supported Menendez, according to the indictment, which alleges they were inducements to get Menendez to use his influence on Melgen's behalf.

Prosecutors say that lobbying included a three-year effort to help Melgen avoid paying $8.9 million for overbilling Medicare, a meeting with an assistant secretary of state to help Melgen in a contract dispute over port screening equipment in the Dominican Republic, and helping one of Melgen's girlfriends and her sister get into the country after their visas were denied.

Prosecutors say Menendez and staffers also lobbied for a Brazilian model and lawyer and a Ukrainian model and actress described as Melgen's girlfriends to be allowed to travel to the U.S.

Jurors will have to wade through complex legal concepts, including whether Menendez's interactions with executive branch officials were 'official acts' as defined under federal bribery statutes.

That will depend on how a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision reversing the bribery conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, is interpreted.

'This is not a black-and-white area of the law even for people who do this on a regular basis,' said Mala Ahuja Harker, a former federal prosecutor in New Jersey now working in private practice. 'I think people's gut sense of fairness is going to come into play: Does this offend their sense of the way politics is supposed to operate?'

Marvin Overby, a professor of political science at the University of Missouri, said that whether Menendez's meetings and conversations with government officials were run-of-the-mill senatorial activities or illegal attempts to help someone who had given him gifts and campaign cash goes to the central question of what constitutes corruption for lawmakers.

'The general public's sense of corruption and what is legally enforceable as corruption are often quite different,' he said.

The last sitting U.S. senator to go on trial was Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2008.

The conviction was overturned after a Justice Department investigation concluded prosecutors had committed misconduct.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez began his career in public service in the early 1970s in New Jersey's Hudson County, an ethnically and economically diverse Democratic stronghold directly across the Hudson River from New York City.

He rose from school board member to mayor to state lawmaker to congressman before being named to replace Democrat Jon Corzine in the Senate when Corzine became governor in 2006. Christie, then New Jersey's U.S. attorney, began an investigation into Menendez's ties to a local anti-poverty group that rented office space from him at the same time he was helping it get federal funding.

Christie denied the investigation was timed to influence the 2006 election, which Menendez won with about 54 percent of the vote.

The case was closed in 2011 with no charges.

Christie said last month that while he and Menendez have differed on many policy issues, he considered the Democrat 'a very strong advocate for the state' and someone who 'knows how the political system works and is a sharp-elbowed advocate for the things that he believes in.'

Menendez has hardly been a shrinking violet since his April 2015 indictment, and he has made a steady stream of public appearances to tout his legislative priorities and harshly criticize many of President Donald Trump's policies.

He has also remained a leading voice against improved relations with Cuba and praised Trump's rollback of President Barack Obama's plan to re-establish diplomatic relations.

The indictment also hasn't stopped Menendez from receiving financial support.

He has raised more than $6 million since his indictment, between his legal defense fund and campaign, according to a review of federal filings.

At a recent news conference to discuss flood insurance in a town heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy, a middle-aged man in a T-shirt and jeans stood up and thanked Menendez for taking the time to speak directly to his constituents.

Later, Menendez spoke about the people he has represented and who have supported him since the indictment.

'They know who I am, and they know that I have for 43 years committed my entire adult life to public service and I've done it with honest and integrity,' he said. 'They know what I stand for and what I fight for.'
Comedian Rob Sitch has given a very revealing interview with Andrew Bolt, leading the conservative columnist to warn he might not be welcome back at the ABC.

Sitch appeared on The Bolt Report to discuss his ABC series Utopia, which lampoons Australian government bureaucracy.

It didn't take long for the comedian to open up to the Sky News presenter after Bolt attacked socialists and utopian thinkers.

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Comedian Rob Sitch has given a very revealing interview with Andrew Bolt (pictured), leading the conservative columnist to warn he might not be welcome back at the ABC

Sitch (pictured) appeared on The Bolt Report to discuss his ABC series Utopia, which lampoons Australian government bureaucracy

'If you can't organise a picnic, don't tell me you're going to reorganise society,' said Bolt.

Sitch replied by saying he likes reading 'any book that reminds me how stupid I am', before going on to defend Friedrich Hayek, an economist often hailed by conservatives.

'They're trying to point out that price signals matter, markets matter, most order is emergent, it's not top down,' said the Utopia co-creator.

'I'd better interrupt you at this stage because the way you're talking you won't be able to go back to the ABC, you'll reveal yourself as a conservative,' replied Bolt.

'I'd better interrupt you at this stage because the way you're talking you won't be able to go back to the ABC, you'll reveal yourself as a conservative,' replied Bolt (pictured, left)

Utopia (pictured) is a comedy series which airs on the ABC and satirises the inner workings of government via the fictional Nation Building Authority

The exchange came after the television personalities had a laugh at the expense of Malcolm Turnbull's Snowy Hydro 2.0 scheme.

Sitch also expressed his disillusionment with Australian politics in general, saying the 'pantomime' of politics dismays him.

Other targets of Sitch's sharp wit were Melbourne's East West Link road project, the National Broadband Network, desalination plants and partisan comedy.

Utopia is a comedy series which airs on the ABC and satirises the inner workings of government via the fictional Nation Building Authority.

Sitch told Bolt he does occasionally ask retired politicians for factual advice on his show.
A Western Australian man has been fined and banned from lobster fishing for two years after selling hundreds of rock lobsters on the black market.

Graham Thomas Davies, from Yanchep, was ordered to pay a fine and costs of over $90,000 after pleading guilty to multiple charges following an investigation by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries.

'This outcome highlights how serious the court considers these offences,' compliance manager Todd A'Vard said on Wednesday.

A Western Australian man has been fined and banned from lobster fishing for two years after selling hundreds of rock lobsters on the black market (stock image of a cooked rock lobster)

Davies, 67, pleaded guilty in Joondalup Magistrates Court on August 30.

The department says Davies sold more than 300 rock lobsters he had caught recreationally between November 2015 and March 2016.

Mr Vard says the fine and ban sends a strong message.

'Black market fish thieves are on notice,' he said.

'Individuals tempted to sell their catch illegally need to consider the risk of receiving large fines and having boats, vehicles and gear seized.'

Seafood trafficking offences also carry a penalty of four years, he said.
A convicted felon in Florida is accused of dragging his 11-year-old step-granddaughter into the woods and raping her in the middle of the night, police say.

Darrell Mills was arrested and charged with kidnapping a child younger than the age of 13, sexual battery on a child under 12, committing sexual acts, and more according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The horrific ordeal began when the 50-year-old woke up about 1.50am on Sunday and told his wife that he was going to get food, the arrest affidavit said.

The report states that Mill was 'drunk and upset over his daughter's death' after he attended her funeral on Saturday, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Mill's wife went to check on him in their Apopka home when she noticed that the door to her granddaughter's room was locked.

Darrell Mills (arrest booking photo) was arrested and is facing a number of charges, including kidnapping a child younger than the age of 13 and sexual battery on a child under 12, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office

She then picked the lock on the door and discovered Mills inside the girl's room, according to the arrest report.

He then dragged the 11-year-old girl out of the room by the arm and out of the house before taking her into the woods, the report states.

Authorities said the young girl was screaming hysterically and that she was naked from the waist down.

He then forced her into a green Chevrolet SUV where he raped her, police say.

Police who arrived to the home issued an Amber Alert for the girl around 7.33am after she was abducted.

Roughly 100 law-enforcement officials from the sheriff's office, Apopka Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene at the home and launched an extensive search for the 11-year-old girl.

Three hours after the Amber Alert was issued, a citizen flagged police down to report spotting the girl with Mills.

The 50-year-old convicted felon (above) is accused of dragging his 11-year-old step-granddaughter into the woods and raping her in the middle of the night, police say. Mills has been incarcerated at least eight times since 1989, according to the Department of Corrections

'It's so important for our citizens in Orange County to get involved when we have a case like this,' Orange County Maj. Rick Meli, who oversees the Criminal Investigations Division said.

'We did get flagged down by a citizen who told us where they were  it's so important to law enforcement when citizens get involved.'

The little girl told police that Mills, who is married to her biological grandmother, came into her room with a knife and threatened to kill her, the report states.

Deputies say that Mills performed oral sex on the victim.

The girl's father, who has not been named by DailyMail.com to protect the victim, said on Facebook: 'I want to thank the community for [coming] together to help find her but most of all I want to thank the police officer[s] who [were] out there helping to find my baby.

'I hope he get[s] a life sentence cause my daughter didn't deserve that.'

Mills has been incarcerated at least eight times since 1989, according to the Department of Corrections.

In 1996, he was sentenced to five years in prison for a number of charges including stealing a firearm, stealing a concealed firearm and grand theft of a motor vehicle.

Three months after Mills was found guilty of smuggling contraband into a county detention facility and escaping, according to records.

He most recently was sentenced to five years in prison for grand theft of a motor vehicle in Marion County in 2007.

He was released from prison in 2014. and according to his Facebook page, married the victim's grandmother
Jeremy Clarkson has sparked an angry backlash among his neighbours over plans to film The Grand Tour in the Cotswold countryside.

Locals fear the narrow country lanes surrounding the proposed site for the Amazon Prime show will be turned into a racetrack by hundreds of car fans.

They are already exasperated by a recent increase in traffic caused by people visiting celebrity haunt The Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Residents now claim 'enough is enough', with one saying: 'Our village (Sandford St Martin) has already been deeply affected by a huge increase of traffic on account of Soho Farmhouse.

Jeremy Clarkson (pictured) has sparked an angry backlash from people in his village over plans to film The Grand Tour there

Clarkson (pictured with his Grand Tour co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond) has sparked fury among villagers

'The number of Range Rovers, Porsches and various other speeding vehicles blindly following their SatNavs has had a massively negative impact.

'The idea of a further (even temporary) increase of fast cars driven by petrolheads passing through on their way to/from a filming location is highly concerning.'

Plans submitted to West Oxfordshire Council state Chump Productions will want to use the fields for a maximum of 13 weeks.

Filming for the studio segment will take place over just two days - between October and December - with 350 guests invited to the event.

The production team will add a further 30 cars and vans to the narrow country lanes, near Clarkson's farmhouse outside Chipping Norton which he blew up last year.

Locals have rubbished the economic boost the area will receive and fear someone could be killed by the increased traffic on the 'third world' roads.

Michael Holland said: 'The traffic footprint and the impact on local residents added to the existing increased traffic from Soho House is a real concern.

'The Ledwell road is already overloaded and has become a Soho racetrack. When will OCC and West Oxfordshire recognise that this cannot continue, when one of the many local riders on horseback is killed?

'The development of the Great Tew estate has gone from a rural idyl to an outpost of metropolitan London.

'There is no local support for this scheme and the suggestion that this will be economically beneficial for the community is fanciful.'

Gail Bradley said: 'We've lived here a long time, and our infrastructure has been stretched for a long time.

'The infrastructure just isn't built for more and more and more traffic. Some country roads are just third world, and that is one of our overriding concerns.

'These locals roads were not built to carry the ever-increasing volume and size of traffic that now uses them in addition to the local road users - drivers, cyclists, walkers, runners, horse riders and, of course, the large farm machinery - who have no other choice.

Locals fear the narrow country lanes will be turned into a racetrack by hundreds of car fans (pictured here, Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds)

Villagers are already exasperated by a recent increase in traffic caused by people visiting celebrity haunt The Soho Farmhouse (pictured)

'These local roads are already unsafe and more traffic will only exacerbate the situation for local residents. There will be more accidents.

'And it's not just the traffic. It's supposed to be a conservation area here, but frankly that is not worth the paper it's written on.'

Luke Ponsonby, from Chipping Norton, said: 'The lanes increasingly resemble a racetrack with an accident waiting to happen as they are also popular with cyclists and horse-riders.

'A half-mile away down the road at Ledwell we can clearly hear music from the Cornbury festival so there would doubtless be adverse noise implications as well associated with this application.'

Councillor Emily Wheeler-Booth, 64, who lives in Sandford St Martin, added: 'This was a lovely corner of England and people are very upset about the noise.

'It would cause people extreme difficulty. It's very hard because there is always going to be some development there.

'People are talking about petrolheads driving through the village.'
Beyonce and George Clooney will lead a line-up of celebrities at a telethon later this month to benefit the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief will air on ABC, CBS, CMT, Fox and NBC at 8pm EDT on September 12.

It will also be available to live stream at the same time on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Viewers will be able to donate towards relief funds by texting, calling or online throughout the show and for one hour afterwards.

Beyonce (left in Philadelphia on Sunday) and George Clooney (right at the Venice Film Festival this week) will lead stars taking part in the Hand in Hand Hurricane Harvey Relief Benefit on September 12

Proceeds from the show will be distributed across charities including United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas and The Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief.

Barbara Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Rowland, Adam Sandler and Jamie Foxx are among other stars who will take part. Karlie Kloss will also make an appearance as will Hollywood darlings Reese Witherspoon and Mathew Mcconaughey.

The one-hour telethon will take place primarily in Los Angeles with stages in Nashville and New York.

Country music star George Strait will perform from his own benefit concert in San Antonio.

Beyonce is a Houston native who faced calls to lead fundraising efforts from other stars after Harvey hit last week. The star celebrated her 36th birthday on Monday.

Clooney, who is at the Venice Film Festival with his wife Amal and their newborn twins, is from Kentucky which suffered heavy rain as the storm tailed off last week but did not suffer the same devastation as some of the worst hit parts of Texas.

Reese Witherspoon will also appear at the benefit as will Good Morning America host Michael Strahan who was slammed last week for not returning from his yacht vacation to cover the hurricane while it was ongoing. He returned to the airwaves on Tuesday (right) with a live broadcast from Houston

Country music star George Strait will perform from his own benefit concert in San Antonio

Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Streisand are also taking part in the benefit on September 12

Also taking part is Michael Strahan who was rumored to have outraged bosses at Good Morning America last week by refusing to end his vacation in order to cover the devastating natural disaster.

On Tuesday, Strahan returned to the airwaves from Houston.

The Hand in Hand benefit was announced on Tuesday. Its organizer is mega-agent Scooter Braun.

Hurricane Harvey has so far claimed at least 60 lives and destroyed 100,000 homes.

Fundraising efforts have been underway since during the storm and tens of millions of dollars have so far been raised.

NFL player J.J. Watt raised $10million for relief efforts through a YouCare online donations page to which he pledged $100,000 of his own money.

The president gave $1million of his personal fortune, the Kardashians gave $500,000 and Miley Cyrus donated $500,000 through her charity.

Hurricane Harvey brought devastating floods to Houston and other parts of Texas. Above, homes in Orange, Texas, on August 31

Thousands lost their homes as a result of the devastating storm which has left at least 60 people dead

Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel donated $30,000 and raised more through her charity B Strong.

Kevin Hart kicked off celebrity fundraising while Harvey was still ongoing by calling out a handful of stars to donate. He gave $25,000 himself.

Businesses have also donated to relief funds in large numbers. Most notably Walmart has raised $25million by doubling public donations to the American Red Cross and by giving additional cash itself.

Dell, which is run by Texan native Michael Dell, gave an enormous $36million.

Starbucks has pledged $250,000 and Home Depot has given $1million, the same amount pledged by Bank of America.
Pictured are Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in February 2015. West is believed to be wearing the Yeezy 3 sneakers 'Yeezy 750 Boost.' The counterfeit market for Yeezy sneakers is thriving

Kanye West's Yeezy sneakers have become so expensive and hard-to-find that they have necessitated a booming counterfeit market out of China.

Yeezys, which are made by Adidas and designed by rapper Kanye West, are produced in small batches and often sell out quickly. Generally, only 40,000 pairs of any given style are created. Resellers such as StockX and GOAT will then sell them at astronomically higher rates.

As such, prospective buyers who are either unwilling or unable to fork over more than $1,000 for a pair of the famous shoes worn by celebrities from the Kardashians to the Hadids have turned to the next best thing: counterfeit replicas.

The shoes can be found on Reddit forums, specifically Repsneakers, which has 56,000 subscribers, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Redditer Spencelord told the Times: 'The sneaker world in its current state is being controlled by people who [use] bots. These people arent buying to wear, theyre buying to make profit, which then drives the price up for people who genuinely want to buy to wear.'

Can you tell the difference? One Instagram user uploaded side-by-side comparisons of authentic and counterfeit Yeezy sneakers

Very few pairs of any given style of Yeezy sneaker are produced and resellers will buy them up and sell them at higher prices

People who want Yeezy sneakers without the high prices have turned to Reddit forums such as Repsneakers

One Redditer told the Los Angeles Times: 'The sneaker world in its current state is being controlled by people who [use] bots. These people arent buying to wear, theyre buying to make profit, which then drives the price up for people who genuinely want to buy to wear'

On the forum, buyers will communicate with counterfeiters to help them get details right down to the length of a sock liner.

With each successive batch, counterfeiters can create a shoe closer to the original, to the point that they become nearly indistinguishable. A truly indistinguishable shoe, called a 1:1, is the gold standard.

The shoes are sold via e-commerce and average around $100. They are shipped to buyers through discreet, legal means.

Reditters will also write reviews of shoes made by specific counterfeiters and offer advice on what to do if caught and 'shamed' for wearing a counterfeit shoe.

Many of the shoes come out of Putian, a city in southern China that anchors the country's shoe manufacturing industry.

One seller, a Singaporean national named Chan, told the Times that he sells up to 120 counterfeit pairs on any given day.

Pictured is an unofficial store selling knockoffs in Wenzhou, China. The store is called Yeezy

In certain cases, the shoe designs are leaked from China's two official Adidas factories to the numerous unofficial ones.

There is even an unofficial store, called Yeezy, that sells counterfeit and knockoff shoes in Wenzhou, China, reports Mashable.

In 2016, US Customs and Borders agents seized counterfeit property with a total value of $1.38bn.

Adidas has worked with Kanye West on his Yeezy sneakers since 2015, after he stopped working with Nike.

The Yeezy Waverunner 700 had a surprise release this past August. It was priced at $300, reports GQ.
Syrian government forces have driven Islamic State fighters out of their last major stronghold in the country with the help of Russian missile strikes.

Bashar al-Assad's troops today reached the eastern city of Deir al-Zour which was surrounded by ISIS forces for almost three years.

They were supported by a Russian warship in the Mediterranean which fired cruise missiles on a fortified area around the town of el-Shola.

Fire: Assad's troops were supported by a Russian warship in the Mediterranean which fired cruise missiles on a fortified area around the town of el-Shola

Russian frigate Admiral Essen in the Mediterranean Sea firing a Kalibr cruise missile at ISIS targets

After the break-through Syrian state media triumphantly declared: 'The Syrian army and its allies break the siege on Deir al-Zor.' Pictured: Russian cruise missiles are launched

Russia's Ministry of Defence said missile strikes destroyed a communications center, command centers, ammunition depots, and repair shop for armored vehicles

The city of Deir al-Zor is largely ruined after the seige by ISIS which lasted for three years

Russia's Ministry of Defence said missile strikes destroyed a communications center, command centers, ammunition depots, and repair shop for armored vehicles.

After the break-through Syrian state media triumphantly declared: 'The Syrian army and its allies break the siege on Deir al-Zour.'

It said that the advancing forces had linked up with the besieged troops at a garrison on the western edge of the city.

Some 93,000 residents inside the city were said to be celebrating the army's advance after enduring conditions described by the UN as 'extremely difficult'.

Islamic State still controls much of Deir al-Zour province, including half the city.

An image released by Russia's Defence Ministry shows a missile hitting 'an Islamic State target' in Deir al-Zour

Fiery footage purports to show Russian missiles hitting IS targets in the Syrian province

Assad's forces: Syrian soldiers in the eastern city ofDeir al-Zor which was surrounded by ISIS troops

Assad's men standing on pickup trucks with heavy machine-guns mounted before battle

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said a nearby military air base in the south of the city and three adjacent neighbourhoods were still under siege by the jihadists.

Deir al-Zor provincial governor Mohammed Ibrahim Samra said government troops were pushing towards the air base.

'Forces are trying to break the siege on the military airport as well,' he said.

'The coming days will also see the clearing of the city of Deir al-Zour of militants and the start of advances on nearby countryside held by Islamic State', he added.

President Assad congratulates his army Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday congratulated government troops. 'Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city,' Assad said in a call with the commanders of troops who had been besieged in a base in Deir al-Zour. Advertisement

The army and its allies had made rapid advances in recent days and pushed through Islamic State lines with the help of heavy artillery and Russian air strikes.

The city has been cut off from government areas since 2013 after rebel groups rose up against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Islamic State then overran rebel positions and encircled the government enclave and the nearby air base in the city in 2014.

During the long siege, high-altitude air drops supplied the city.

Deir al-Zour is southeast of Islamic State's former base of operations in Raqqa city, most of which has been captured in a separate offensive by US-backed Syrian militias.

Islamic State fighters are believed to have fled to towns around Deir al-Zour as they came under attack in Raqqa.

The latest developments mark a strategic and symbolic defeat for IS, which last month lost its hold over Iraq's second largest city Mosul and is under attack by US-backed Syrian forces in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, northwest of Deir al-Zour.


Louise Linton is courting the spotlight once again, with DC's newest housewife appearing on the cover of local society magazine 'Washington Life.'

The Scottish-born wife of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, 54, is featured in a six-page spread inside the magazine's September issue, where she gives her first stateside interview since moving to the capital back in January.

That sit-down came just a few days after she was widely criticized for lashing out at a woman on Instagram, and Linton, 36, used the opportunity to apologize for her actions.

'I deserved the criticism,' said Linton, who was likened to Marie Antoinette and Cruela de Vil after her social media meltdown.

Her outburst came after Jennifer Miller, a working mother with three children, called Linton 'deplorable' in the comment section of an Instagram photo she posted of her and Mnuchin deboarding a government plane on August 21 following a trip to Kentucky.

Linton responded by openly mocking Miller's financial situation, with the Newlywed then suggesting that she and Mnuchin were more valued members of society because of their wealth and the taxes they pay.

Scroll down for video

Great Scot: Louise Linton appears on the cover of the September issue of 'Washington Life,' a DC society magazine (above), and gives her first interview since moving to the capital

Not a good look: The sit-down came just a few days after Linton was widely criticized for lashing out at a woman on Instagram by bragging about her wealth and pricey wardrobe (above)

'My post itself and the following response were indefensible. Period,' explained Linton in her interview.

'I dont have any excuses, nor do I feel any self-pity for the backlash I experienced.'

She then went on to state: 'I sincerely take ownership of my mistake. Its clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending. I wish I hadnt spoken in such a patronizing tone. It was an out of character, knee-jerk reaction, and I felt so awful about it that I removed it.'

Linton also made her account private for a few days, returning to Instagram just last week by reposting a photo and text shared by 'The Atlantic' detailing the efforts to save animals in Texas following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Linton said at the start of the interview that she purposely kept a low profile in the wake of the incident to try and learn from her mistakes.

'Something like this requires extreme thought and introspection and I had to absorb the criticism and figure out how I can influence the world in a positive way instead of how I did by making that post,' said Linton.

She said later in the interview that her actions on social media at the time were out of character, and something that will not happen again in the future.

'The social media Louise of that week was not me. I should have stuck to posting pictures of rescue dogs and daily life,' Linton, just a few days before her Hurricane Harvey post.

'I dont know why I felt pressure to portray an image that was all about the clothes. It was short lived, and I got my slap on the wrist pretty quick.'

Back in action: Linton rejoined Instagram last week after an extended absence, reporting about Hurricane Harvey (above)

Linton had no problem portraying an 'all about the clothes' image for 'Washington Life' however, appearing in two bridal gowns from Indes di Santo that retail for approximately $10,000 each as well as a $1500 blue sheath designed by Jason Wu.

She did acknowledge that fact however later in the interview, stating: I see the irony of making an apology in a ball gown! But it would be dishonest to proclaim that Im never going to go to another social function.'

Linton went on to say: 'Whether Im in a ball gown or a pair of jeans, its not about me, or what Im wearing, its about what I can be doing to support and empower others going forward.

She then closed out the interview by proclaiming: 'I hope my actions speak more for me in the future than my hashtags!'

The article notes that Linton also requested that the executive editor of the magazine join her for tea before she agreed to the interview, noting she 'wore no makeup for the occasion' and was outfitted in 'exercise pants and a SoulCycle sweatshirt.'

And for those wondering how Linton takes her tea, she served 'a blend of Earl Grey and green tea topped with vanilla soy milk' for the meeting.

That chat came before the Instagram controversy, and Linton did initially cancel before then agreeing once again to the interview.

Linton was a bit 'distracted' during the sit-down as she fielded phone calls from her publicist and husband according to the story, but ultimately decided that this was the best way to explain her side of the story.

The controversy is still not over either, as the Inspector General of the Treasury Department is now looking into the trip to 'determine if all applicable travel, ethics, and appropriation laws and policies were observed.'

Linton and Mnuchin stopped in Louisville for a luncheon before moving on to Fort Knox, where they watched the solar eclipse with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Cabinet members generally travel on commercial flights to meetings and events, with government aircraft used only on official business.

If commercial flights are unavailable cabinet members will at times be permitted to travel on a government plane, which because of the eclipse could have been the case the day that Mnuchin took his wife with him to Kentucky.

Off with her head: Linton played Marie Antoinette in an episode of 'CSI: NY' back in 2007 (above)

May-December nuptials in June: Linton, 36, and Mnuchin, 54, with the Trumps and Pences at their wedding

Tartan-ing it up: Linton in 2010 (left) and 2012 (right) before she began her relationship with Mnuchin

The newlyweds have been inseparable ever since their June wedding, but it was still quite a surprise for some to see that Linton accompanied her husband on a government plane for his trip to Kentucky.

Linton outted herself as having joined Mnuchin by posting the Instagram photo, in which she tagged her designer outfit in the post as well, a mix of high-end brands that included Tom Ford, Valentino, Roland Mouret and Hermes.

'Great #daytrip to #Kentucky!' Linton wrote under the photograph.

She then added hashtags for various pieces of her expensive wardrobe, listing #rolandmouret, #hermesscarf, #tomford and #valentino,' wrote Linton.

Miller responded by writing in the comments: 'Glad we could pay for your little getaway. #deplorable.'

'Have you given more to the economy than me and my husband?' asked Linton in response to Miller's comment.

'Either as an individual earner in taxes OR in self sacrifice to your country?'

A statement was later released by a spokesperson for Mnuchin, which said: 'The Mnuchins are reimbursing the government for [Linton's] travel, and she does not receive compensation for products she mentions.'

That was enough to satisfy Miller, who said of the White House's response: 'I'm actually glad. I'm glad that, you know, they are reimbursing all of us, the government, the taxpayers for this trip that she used to advertise for brands that, I don't know, if her friends own them or what.'

Linton released her own statement at the time, saying:'I apologize for my post on social media yesterday as well as my response. It was inappropriate and highly insensitive.'

Miller meanwhile still seemed to be in disbelief that her comment had resulted in a this very public feud.

'Honestly, it was probably just a weak moment for me,' said an incredibly composed and well-spoken Miller in an interview with CNN one day after the social media spat.

'I was frustrated already by some stories I had just read about the Secret Service running out of overtime money because of the excesses of the administration's travel schedule, and then saw this woman who I didn't know who she was.'

Miller continued: 'I knew who the Treasury Secretary was, so I assumed it was his wife, getting off of a government plane for what I assumed was a government trip and basically advertising for all of these European, you know, high-end brands that your average person couldn't afford.

She went on to add that it was even worse because it had been done in Kentucky, which is 'one of the poorest states in our country.'
Simeon Wright, who was one of a handful of eyewitnesses to the 1955 abduction of his cousin Emmett Till, died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 74.

Till was 14-years-old when he was abducted in 1955 and brutally murdered after an incident with the wife of Roy Bryant. The case has become a symbol of injustice in civil rights.

Wright had written a book about his cousin's racially motivated murder. He never got to see justice served in Till's case.

Emmett Till was 14-years-old when he was brutally murdered in 1955. His cousin Simeon Wright (right visiting Till's grave) passed away Monday after a long battle with cancer

Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (far left), Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (second left) Simeon Wright (center) a cousin of Emmett Till, a black fourteen year old who was the victim of a racially motivated murder in Mississippi

Wright was there when Till made the fateful error of hitting on a white woman in the 1950's in Money, Mississippi.

Till had told friends he had a white girlfriend back home in Chicago so his friends dared him to ask the white woman working the counter at a nearby store out on a date.

He went into the store, bought candy, and said 'Bye baby' to Carolyn Bryant, and whistled at her as he walked out.

Mamie Till Mobley weeps at her son's funeral on Sept. 6, 1955, in Chicago. The mother of Emmett Till insisted that her son's body be displayed in an open casket forcing the nation to see the brutality directed at blacks in the South at the time

Roy Bryant, one of two men charged with the kidnapping and lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till of Chicago, sits in court on the opening day of the trial. With him are his wife Carolyn, at whom Till allegedly whistled

After their acquittal in the Emmett Till trial, defendant Roy Bryant (left), smokes a cigar as his wife happily embraces him Right: Emmett Till in his casket in this image published on the cover of African American Jet magazine, the image sparked rallies for equal civil rights

Emmett Till's murder Emmett Till of Chicago was 14-years-old when he was visting his family in Mississippi Till hit on a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, who was working the counter at a store Days later Bryant's husband Roy Bryant and his half brother J.W. Milam abducted Till from his aunt's home, with guns, and ignored his aunt's pleas and offers of money to stop the abduction The men brutally beat Till, gouged his eye out, and shot him in the head before they dumped his body in a river with a 75lb fan tied to his neck His mother decided to have an open casket funeral to show the world what racism had done to her son The images of Till in his coffin were printed on the cover of African American magazine Jet The men were acquitted by an all white jury of murder, to the outrage of the country They would confess to beating and murdering Till only months after their acquittal in Look magazine The images of Till's body and the injustice served in his case ignited the public to rally for equal rights Advertisement

Days later Carolyn's husband, enraged by his wife's story of what happened, along with his half brother came for Till on August 28, 1955.

Wright and Emmett were sleeping in bed when J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant entered with guns.

'They had come for Bobo,' Wright wrote in his book 'Simeon's Story.' 'No begging, pleading or payment was going to stop them.'

'I must have stayed in the bed for hours, petrified,' Wright wrote.

Bryant and Milam took Till from the home, despite Wright's mothers pleading and offering money to the men.

Till's body was found days later floating in the Tallahatchie River. He had a 75-pound gin fan tied to his neck. The men had brutally beaten him, gouged his eye out and shot him in the head.

His mother held an open casket funeral back in their home town of Chicago to show how her 14-year-old son was murdered by racists. More than 100,000 people attended the funeral.

People fainted, cried and gasped at the sight of Till's body, and the image of him in his coffin ran in African American Jet Magazine.

The image of his inflated, contorted face was published on the cover of Jet, and ignited and mobilized the public to rally for equal rights.

An all white-jury acquitted Bryant and Milam, to the outrage of the country.

It took the jury less than an hour to acquit Bryant and Milam of Tills murder.

A jury member later said: We wouldn't have taken so long if we hadn't stopped to drink pop.

At the time, Mississippi had very few white on black crime convictions, and led the nation in lynchings.

Several months later, the men admitted killing Emmett in an interview with Look Magazine, safe in the knowledge they were protected by double jeopardy laws and were paid $3,000 for sharing their story.

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Keith Beauchamp, director, and Simeon Wright

Simeon Wright, right, cousin of Emmett Till and Cook County sheriff Thomas Dart view the original casket of Emmett Till held in a storage room at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois

Carolyn had said afterwards nothing Emmett could have done would have justified his death, and that she feels 'tender sorrow' for his mother, known as Mamie Till-Mobley, who campaigned for civil rights for her entire life until she died in 2003.

John Milam died at 61 in 1981 from bone cancer and Roy Bryant also died from cancer in 1994.

Wright had gone to great lengths to keep Till's case in the public eye.

Besides writing a book about his cousin's murder he had recently been working on a film project with filmmaker Keith Beauchamp.
President Donald Trump says he has given the go-ahead for Japan and South Korea to buy a 'substantially increased amount' of sophisticated military equipment from the United States.

'I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States,' Trump tweeted on Monday.

The move comes amid high tensions over North Korea's latest nuclear test. The U.S. is weighing a number of military, economic and diplomatic responses.

The White House said that in a phone call with South Korean's president on Monday, Trump gave approval 'in principle' to lifting previous restrictions on South Korean missile payloads.

South Korea is considering moving US 'tactical nuclear bombs' back on to its territory after Kim Jong-un's hydrogen bomb test, it has emerged. A South Korean test rocket launch is pictured

The administration is also approving 'many billions' in weapons sales to South Korea.

South Korea is considering moving US 'tactical nuclear bombs' back on to its territory after Kim Jong-un's hydrogen bomb test, it has emerged.

North Korea staged its sixth nuclear test on Sunday, estimated to be up to ten times more powerful than the device dropped on Hiroshima.

Seoul has been ramping up its defenses in response, with some officials even considering asking the United States to bring back tactical nuclear weapons - a generation after their removal from the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea also said it was talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula.

It comes as one of Kim Jong-un's top diplomats said on Tuesday it was ready to send 'more gift packages' to the United States - a reference to its nuclear test.

South Korea is also strengthening its missile defense, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju

Kim Jong-un staged North Korea's sixth nuclear test on Sunday, estimated to be up to ten times more powerful than the device dropped on Hiroshim

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the U.N. in Geneva, was addressing the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion.

'I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK succcessfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force,' Han told the Geneva forum.

A mock North Korea's Scud-B missile, left top, and South Korean missiles are displayed at Korea War Memorial Museum in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. South Korea's presidential office said on Tuesday Washington and Seoul have agreed to remove bilaterally agreed warhead restrictions on South Korean missiles, which would allow the South to develop more powerful weapons that would boost its pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North

'The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a 'gift package' addressed to none other than the U.S.,' Han said.

'The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK,' he added without elaborating.

Military measures being taken by North Korea were 'an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right' to counter 'the ever-growing and decade-long U.S. nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country'.

'Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country,' Han declared, adding: 'The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table.'

South Korean warships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean threats

WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS? Tactical nuclear weapons are generally designed for the battlefield and to destroy nearby targets of immediate military value. They became a large part of the nuke stockpile levels during the Cold War and include gravity bombs, short-range missiles, artillery shells, land mines, depth charges, and torpedoes equipped with nuclear warheads. Tactical weapons differ from strategic nukes which are designed for larger targets that will hit an enemy's territory away from the battlefield. These bombs generally have significantly larger yields from 100 kilotons up and might be used to destroy military bases, big industry hubs, infrastructure or towns and cities. Advertisement

His comments come as South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-moo said that he had asked his US counterpart, Jim Mattis, to bolster defences in the South, according to the Washington Post.

'I told him that it would be good for strategic assets to be sent regularly to the Korean Peninsula and that some South Korean lawmakers and media are strongly pushing for tactical nuclear weapons [to be redeployed],' Song is quoted as saying.

'The redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons is an alternative worth a full review,' Song added.

Experts say South Korea would have a hard time persuading the United States to re-introduce tactical nukes to the Korean Peninsula. These were withdrawn in the 1990s.

Even so, that hasn't stopped lawmakers from South Korea's largest conservative party from demanding the return of the weapons.

The South Korean army's K-1 tanks take part in a military exercise in Paju, South Korea this morning

South Koreans who support the return of U.S. tactical nukes often raise fears of rifts in the decades-old security alliance between Washington and Seoul because of North Korea's expanding nuclear weapons program.

If North Korea obtains a fully functional ICBM, the United States might hesitate using its nuclear weapons to defend South Korea because of worries that North Korea might then strike a U.S. city, they say.

Placing U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea would make clear the intent to use nukes in a crisis.

Critics say it is highly unlikely the United States would ever agree because it now relies on homeland and sea-based military assets to provide its allies extended nuclear deterrence.

Some South Korean military experts say the nukes wouldn't meaningfully improve the South's defense and would only provide North Korea more targets to destroy or even attempt to steal.

However, Seoul's new interest in stronger weapons received a boost on Tuesday when the Trump administration agreed to remove previous restrictions on South Korean missiles.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles for a so-called 'kill chain' pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat.

Since the late 1970s, South Korean missile development has been limited by a bilateral 'guideline' between the United States and Seoul. It was updated in 2012 to allow the South to increase the range of its weapons from 300 kilometers (186 miles) to 800 kilometers (497 miles).

South Korea's airborne early warning and control system aircraft, called Peace Eye, takes off to monitor North Korea's military movements at an air base in Gimhae, southeast of Seoul, South Korea

An agreement revealed today removes a 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) warhead limit on South Korea's maximum-range missiles, which would allow the South to potentially target the North's underground facilities and shelters.

In addition to expanding its missile arsenal and holding military exercises, South Korea is also strengthening its missile defense, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju.

North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs. Both diplomacy and severe sanctions have failed to check its march to nuclear mastery.

U.S. President Donald Trump, asked in Washington if he would attack North Korea, said, 'We'll see.' No U.S. military action appeared imminent, and the immediate focus appeared to be on ratcheting up economic penalties, which have had little effect thus far.

In tweets earlier this week, Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with North Korea, a clear warning to China. Such a move would be radical since the U.S. imports about $40 billion in goods a month from China. China called that threat unacceptable and unfair.

Sunday's nuclear detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs, which, when perfected, could target the U.S. mainland. The North also threatened to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12 intermediate range missiles toward the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam, the home of military facilities the North claims are meant to target it.

The U.S. has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.
Richard Branson is refusing to leave his 74-acre Necker Island complex in the British Virgin Islands despite the 'extremely dangerous' Hurricane Irma speeding towards the Caribbean.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported that the storm, which is expected to make landfall along the string of French islands that includes Guadeloupe later today before heading to Haiti and Florida, has now become the maximum Category 5.

'Preparations should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area,' the NHC said in its 1200 GMT bulletin.

But Branson, writing on his blog today, said he is not going to leave his island to dodge the storm.

Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands could potentially be hit by Hurricane Irma

Paradise: Necker Island, which Richard Branson bought when he was just 28

Branson said: 'On Necker Island we have constructed really strong buildings (with hurricane blinds) that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well, though with a Category 5 hurricane almost nothing can withstand it'

People put boards on their windows as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma at the Carribean island

The storm was moving towards the west at 14 miles per hour, and is expected to drop between four and eight inches of rain when it hits land

The businessman also took the opportunity to discuss the need to support the Paris agreement on clean energy. Pictured: Necker Island

The monster hurricane, the most powerful on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, is about 270 miles east of the island of Antigua and is packing maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour.

The storm was moving towards the west at 14 miles per hour, and is expected to drop between four and eight inches of rain when it hits land.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's $50million pad on St Barts is also in the hurricane's path.

British Airways has already cancelled a flight from Gatwick to Antigua in light of the warnings.

'These rainfall amounts may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides,' the NHC warned.

The storm is also is expected to 'cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.'

Branson fully acknowledged the danger of Hurricane Irma, stressing that the 'devastation' they can cause 'cannot be overstated', but said he will stay on his island regardless.

Saint-Barthelemy, part of the French overseas island of Guadeloupe, shows the Saint-Jean Bay as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma

One resident has completely filled the back of their truck with timber that will be used to board up their home before the storm arrives

Municipal workers cut trees and remove an advertising sign as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma. British Airways has already cancelled a flight from Gatwick to Antigua in light of the warnings

He said: 'On Necker Island we have constructed really strong buildings (with hurricane blinds) that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well, though with a Category 5 hurricane almost nothing can withstand it.

'We had some lovely guests staying on Necker Island who have cut their trip short for safety reasons, and another group of guests have also postponed.

'I will be on Necker alongside our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years.'

His main concern, he added, was for the locals on the British Virgin Islands - as well as the wildlife.

He explained: 'I am also concerned for the wonderful wildlife of the BVI, not least on Necker and Moskito, where many flamingos, lemurs, scarlet ibis and other stunning species live.

Men work to remove an advertising board ahead of the hurricane's arrival.

'Hopefully all people and animals can keep out of harms way in the coming days.'

Hurricanes, he said, are 'one of the wonders of the natural world', adding: 'The power of the sea breaking over the cliff tops, the eerie hush when you are in the eye of the hurricane and then the roar of the winds, the lightning and the rain.'

And the businessman also took the opportunity to discuss the need to support the Paris agreement on clean energy.

He said: 'Man-made climate change is a key factor in the increasing intensity of these hurricanes, as many experts have suggested. The damage caused by Harvey all over Texas is a tragic and costly reminder that our climate is changing and that we are not doing enough to tackle this enormous challenge.'

This image obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Irma today

Irma, which has triggered alarm and alerts from the French West Indies to Florida, comes after of Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana late last month.

There have been hurricane warnings sent out to Antigua, Barbuda Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius and Sint Maarten.

They have also been issued for Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the northern border with Haiti.

There also been a tropical storm warning issued to Guadeloupe and Dominica and a a tropical storm watch for Dominican Republic from south of Cabo Engao to Isla Saona.

A state of emergency has already been announced in Puerto Rico, with Governor Ricardo Rossello announcing the availability of emergency shelters capable of housing 62,000 people.

A deserted Nikki Beach is shown above as residents make preparations to defend Saint-Barthelemy from Hurricane Irma

Locked up: Shops and houses closed on Guadeloupe as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma

Prepared: A little girl looks on as her hoem in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe, is made ready for arrival of Hurricane Irma

A man leaves a supermarket with a shoppping trolley filled with packs of bottled water in Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin

Schools have also been closed on the island.

Meanwhile schools and government offices in Guadeloupe have been ordered shut, while hospitals are stocking up on medicines, food and drinking water.

People living on shorelines will be moved to safety, authorities said in the Guadeloupe capital Marigot.

Saint Barthelemy and St Martin islands, both popular holiday destinations, are expected to be especially hard hit.

Americans in Puerto Rico are already stocking up on supplies for the hurricane, which is expected to hit between Wednesday and Thursday

The top French official of the islands, Anne Laubies, said the hurricane posed the greatest threat in 20 years, with more people endangered in flood-prone areas because of a rise in population.

Americans in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida are stocking up on supplies for a storm that's expected to hit the Leeward Islands soon.

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared the state of emergency for all 67 counties in the state on Monday after some forecasts showed the powerful storm could be headed for the East Coast.

'Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma's path - potentially impacting millions of Floridians,' Scott said.

WHEN WILL IRMA HIT? Leeward Islands: Late Tuesday to Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds start later Tuesday Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands: Wednesday to early Thursday Dominican Republic/Haiti: Thursday to early Friday Turks and Caicos: Late Thursday to Friday Bahamas: Friday to this weekend Cuba: Friday to this weekend Southeast United States: This weekend into early next week, beginning in south Florida on Saturday - Weather.com Advertisement

'Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm.'

Floridians took advantage of the Labor Day holiday to empty many store shelves of drinking water and other supplies in advance of Irma

By mid-day Monday, many grocery stores across South Florida had been emptied of bottled water and stores were hoping to restock beginning Tuesday morning.

States of emergency were also declared in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands where residents rushed to find last-minute supplies, forming long lines outside supermarkets and gas stations.

People in Puerto Rico braced for electricity outages after the director of the island's power company predicted that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for four to six months.

But 'some areas will have power (back) in less than a week,' Ricardo Ramos told radio station Notiuno 630 AM. The utility's infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans experienced an island wide outage last year.

Hurricane Irma now poses a 'serious threat' to the U.S., meteorologists say. Above, the possible tracks the storm could take

As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Irma was gathering speed to the east of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean

It's still unclear which direction the storm will take as it inches close to the U.S. later this week

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are expected to get severe rainfall from Irma

Hurricane warnings have been in effect for several Caribbean islands since Sunday

Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands expected four inches to eight inches of rain and winds of 40-50 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph.

'This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane,' U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp warned. 'It's not time to get on a surfboard.'

Irma grew into a Category 4 storm on Monday, any by early Tuesday, it's maximum sustained winds increased to near 150 miles per hour. In comparison, Hurricane Harvey had winds of 130 mph when it made landfall in Texas last week. It was centered about 320 miles east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 14 mph.

It is forecast to begin buffeting the region on Tuesday and the US National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected.

Authorities warned that the storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain, cause landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 23 feet.

In the Caribbean, hurricane warnings were issued for 12 island groups, including Antigua, where the governor urged people to evacuate the tiny island of Anegada if they could ahead of the storm.

Sailors secure the anchoring of their boats on Monday at the harbour in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe, as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma

A firefighter helps a sailor to secure the anchoring of his boat on Monday in Guadeloupe]

Windows of a car dealer are protected by tape and sandbags, on Monday in Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin

A shoppping trolley filled with packs of bottled water is pictured in a supermarket on Monday in Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin

People buy materials at a hardware store after Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma

Puerto Ricans are boarding up for the hurricane expected to hit the island on Wednesday or Thursday

Bottled water is already selling out in Puerto Rican grocery stores. The above grocery store pictured on Monday

A man walks towards his home carrying packs of bottled, in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe on Monday

A woman looks at candles in a supermarket in Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French overseas island of Guadeloupe on Monday

Vivian Wheatley, proprietor of the Anegada Reef Hotel, planned to stay behind. She said she would stay in one of the hotel rooms and take advantage of the generator since there were no guests.

'We know it's a very powerful (storm), and we know it's going to be very close,' she said. 'Let's hope for the best.'

A hurricane warning was posted for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and St. Barts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. and British Virgin islands. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Guadeloupe and Dominica.

The storm's center was expected to move near or over the northern Leeward Islands late Tuesday and early Wednesday, the hurricane center said.

'Irma is a serious threat for the Caribbean islands and United States,' AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said on Monday.

It is still unclear what path Irma will take as it inches closer to the US.

Right now, meteorologists say landfall in Georgia, Florida or the Carolinas are all possible. The storm could also move out into the Atlantic and completely bi-pass the East Coast, though that is now the least likely option.

Residents in Florida rushed to stock up on goods with news the hurricane could potentially strike the state

A woman stocked up on bottled water in Florida on Monday as Gov Rick Scott declared a state of emergency due to the hurricane

A woman looks at empty shelves that are normally filled with bottles of water after Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma

Workers put boats on dry docks in preparation as Hurricane Irma was upgraded to a Category 4 storm late on Monday

'This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey,' Evan Myers, Expert Senior Meteorologist and Chief Operating Officer said.

If it does hit the U.S., it won't be until this weekend, but residents in the southern U.S. shouldn't waste time getting an emergency plan together.

'As we saw just 10 days ago with Harvey, it is important to be ready to evacuate and be prepared with at a minimum, a list of items you would take if you had 30 minute notice or 1 hours notice of 6 hours or a day to evacuate,' Myers said.

Meanwhile, government workers on the islands of the eastern Caribbean are clearing drains and pruning trees ahead of Irma.

American Airlines also announced a number of flight cancellations on Monday night to multiple Caribbean destinations.

It is forecast to begin buffeting the region on Tuesday and the US National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected

Irma is set to hit the northernmost Leeward Islands on Tuesday. Above, a picture of the storm on Monday

The storm is expected to pick up speed as it sets its sights on the U.S.

The National Hurricane Center warned that the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are at risk as well
The Nationals are set to vote on a motion to ban the Muslim burqa and niqab from any public place except for mosques.

North Queensland MP George Christensen is leading the charge, and will move the motion at the National Party of Australia's federal conference on Sunday.

He is supported by Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce who has spoken out in favour of a debate on the Islamic head-covering.

The Nationals are set to vote on a motion to ban the Muslim burqa and niqab from any public place except for mosques. The debate about the burqa was reignited when controversial One Nation senator Pauline Hanson (pictured) wore one into the upper house in August

North Queensland MP George Christensen (pictured) is leading the charge, and will move the motion at the National Party of Australia's federal conference on Sunday

'The sensible thing to do is to ban the burqa and niqab in public buildings and spaces, leaving some exemptions for religious places of worship,' Mr Christensen told The Daily Telegraph.

'It's not an attack on religion  it's an attack on a cultural garment which really is not conducive to the Australian way of life. There clearly is a threat to public safety and security and [people] should be forced to take them off if they refuse.'

The outspoken former chief whip of his party, whose seat of Dawson is under threat from One Nation, called for a burqa ban on his Facebook page on August 17.

'I do believe quite strongly that full facial coverings should be banned in all government buildings and in public areas,' he wrote.

'The sensible thing to do is to ban the burqa (pictured) and niqab in public buildings and spaces, leaving some exemptions for religious places of worship,' Mr Christensen said

Pictured is the Nationals party leader Barnaby Joyce

'There are safety reasons for such a ban and it also has to be noted that the cultural reasoning behind facial coverings is quite sexist.'

Mr Christensen, who crossed the floor recently to vote with Labor on penalty rates, said the government needs to start speaking out about radical Islam.

The renegade MP denied banning the burqa and the niqab is racist, saying it creates fear and is bad for community relations.

'If you cant see someones face it immediately creates a tension [and] a discord,' he said.

The outspoken former chief whip of his party, whose seat of Dawson is under threat from One Nation, called for a burqa ban on his Facebook page on August 17 (pictured)

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce (pictured) has supported the motion, which is expected to be backed by Christensen's branch and party members from NSW

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has supported the motion, which is expected to be backed by Christensen's branch and party members from NSW.

He said a debate was welcome and he would be watching and listening along with the other delegates at the party's federal conference.

The debate about the burqa was reignited when controversial One Nation senator Pauline Hanson wore one into the upper house in August.

Attorney-General George Brandis responded with an emotion-filled tirade, causing discomfort in his own ranks.

The burqa (pictured as worn by Senator Hanson) is a full-face veil that covers the entire face and body, and wearers see though a mesh covering over the eyes

The stunt led to a surge in the polls for One Nation, and Nationals MPs are believed to be attempting to distance themselves from Brandis' remarks.

A Sky News/ReachTEL poll conducted on August 23 revealed over 50 per cent of Australians strongly support or approve of a ban on the Islamic garment in public places.

The burqa is a full-face veil that covers the entire face and body, and wearers see though a mesh covering over the eyes.

The niqab is a veil that covers all of the face apart from the eyes, and is worn with a garment that covers the whole body.
A heart surgeon has won a six-figure payout from the health board that sacked him after claiming he was unfairly dismissed for being an NHS whistleblower.

Consultant cardiac surgeon Peter O'Keefe, 52, who went on to become an Uber driver was accused of bullying colleagues at one of Britain's top teaching hospitals.

He was sacked from his 95,000-a-year job at the University Hospital of Wales after being found guilty of misconduct in the workplace, and now earns around 12,000 in his new career with the taxi app.

But Dr O'Keefe took Cardiff & Vale University Health Board to court for unfair dismissal, and claims they wasted 1m of taxpayers' money by unfairly sacking him.

Peter O'Keefe, 52, was accused of bullying colleagues at one of Britain's top teaching hospitals and was fired

Dr O'Keefe earned 12,000 in his first year as an Uber driver, a significant drop from his old 95,000 salary

An out-of-court settlement was reached on the day an Employment Tribunal was about to start.

Dr O'Keefe said: 'It's a bitter-sweet outcome for me.

'It's an enormous relief not to have the pressure any more, but this has gone on so long and I can't go back to medicine. I've tried to get work but I'm the wrong side of 50.

'I came to the conclusion that the best thing was to give myself a job, so I've become an Uber driver, and I'm loving it.'

The health board had recommended Dr O'Keefe for a National Clinical Excellence Award in 2011 - just months before suspending him from the University Hospital of Wales for alleged bullying.

Dr O'Keefe had been recommended for a National Clinical Excellence Award in 2011 - just months before he was suspended

It was claimed up to 40 colleagues came forward to complain about his behaviour at the 1,000 bed hospital in Cardiff.

Dr O'Keefe felt he was being victimised for raising the alarm about a patient left in a 'vegetative state' after becoming disconnected from a ventilator for more than 10 minutes.

An investigation of the patient's treatment identified more than 20 safety failings.

Other doctors on the surgical wards thought Dr O'Keefe's career was ended prematurely because of his management style.

At the time of his suspension a friend of the consultant's said: 'The allegations against him had nothing to do with his clinical competence as a surgeon.

'He is a forceful and assertive character. It can be very stressful in an operating theatre, and some people have taken exception to his manner.

'Ten years ago perhaps people wouldn't have made anything of it.

'A lot of people did make complaints against him, but there was a degree of rounding-up that went on, and some were more keen on complaining than others.'

After three years suspended on full pay the father-of-four was sacked in 2015.

The General Medical Council investigated and took no action but Dr O'Keefe's suspension went on for so long he was unable to retain his licence to practice medicine.

He said: 'I can no longer work as a doctor which is the only work I have known since I was 22. 'My mental health has suffered also.

'When I was working I was a resilient, dynamic, mentally agile individual undertaking a demanding job, but was doing what I had always wanted to do.

Despite his substantially lower income, Dr O'Keefe is enjoying his new career as an Uber driver

Dr O'Keefe reached an out-of-court settlement on the day an employment tribunal was about to start

'I was diagnosed with anxiety straight after being suspended, I haven't slept properly ever since.'

The out-of-court settlement has a confidentiality clause preventing either party discussing its terms.

It is believed to be a six-figure sum but not enough for the doctor to give up work - he still has two children in full-time education.

Dr O'Keefe said: 'I had to do something and the opportunity of driving an Uber came up - it meant I could be my own boss.

'I got my licence on August 1 and I'm enjoying it, I've met some interesting people and had some interesting conversations.'

The date is significant - it was 20 years to the day that he started work as a houseman in London and 16 years to the day that he became a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales.

Dr O'Keefe said: 'The reality is that driving a cab is not what I would have wished for myself.

'But after five years it's difficult to demonstrate to the GMC that you still have the knowledge and skills.

'I miss meeting patients and their families and I miss the surgery a lot.

'But I don't miss the conflicts, the pressures and the atmosphere of working in the NHS - it is such an unpleasant place to work.

'I'm still in touch with colleagues and it sounds awful - a bit of me would not want to go back.'

Dr O'Keefe hopes to earn 12,000 in his first year as an Uber driver - a huge drop from the 95,000 he was earning as a surgeon.

He said: 'I'm enjoying it - you never know who is coming through the door when you pick people up.

Mr O'Keefe worked as a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales (pictured) for more than a decade

'I had one fare who was the son of a lady I had operated on 10 years ago. He was not 100 certain it was me because I was driving an Uber.

'When he realised he became quite emotional and said I'd given his family 10 years with his mum they would not have had otherwise.

'He said he could never thank me enough but I told him: 'You just have.'

A spokesman for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'The settlement which has now been reached in the Tribunal proceedings is on the express basis that the Health Board has not admitted any liability in respect of any of Mr O'Keefe's claims.

'Instead, the settlement was reached on the basis of the saving to the Health Board of both legal costs and clinical/management time which would otherwise have been incurred during the Employment Tribunal hearing.

'The agreed settlement figure reflects those savings and is very substantially less than the amount sought by Mr O'Keefe.

'The Health Board considers this to be a very satisfactory and favourable outcome, saving considerable clinical and staffing time and costs.'
A gang who bragged about drug deals and posed on gold thrones while operating a major heroin ring have been jailed for a total of 40 years.

The four men were at the helm of a drugs operation which saw them use military encrypted mobiles to move drugs around the country, which they hid in boxes of dog food.

As they carried out their crimes, the foursome would pose for pictures and brag about their escapades on Facebook.

In one message before embarking on a deal, one of the men, Mohammed Jabbar, took a picture of himself wearing a balaclava and joked 'for what I'm about to do I could get like 35!'.

In another picture, he was seen posing in a gold throne while wearing sunglasses and a suit.

Mohammed Jabbar, 28, (left), who has been jailed for his part in a drug ring, sits on a gold throne. His accomplice posted a picture before making a drugs deal

But the Manchester gang's huge operation began to unravel in July last year when officers found one of their customers - who had travelled to Cheetham Hill from Northampton - with a quarter of a kilo of cocaine.

It prompted a detailed police investigation which established how Jabbar, 28, and Mohammed Rafique, 40, had supplied the drugs.

Officers uncovered the scale of the racket, other members of their gang and a picture of arrogant Jabbar sitting on a gold throne.

They established that the duo met their Glasgow contact, Jeremy Curran, 34, in Cheetham Hill in August last year.

The next day police swooped as Jabbar, Rafique and a fourth member of the gang, Jonathan Clorley, 25, drove their stash of drugs north from Manchester towards Glasgow.

Mohammed Jabbar (left), of Oldham who was sentenced to 15 years in jail while Mohammed Rafique (right) was sentenced to 12 years

Jonathan Clorley (left) was sentenced to seven years in jail while Jeremy Curran (right) faces more than 14 years behind bars

On board their car were two boxes of dog treats and one of washing powder stuffed with 2.5kilos of heroin.

When their phones were examined, police were stunned to discover the gang had been using military encrypted mobiles.

Officers found the drugs hidden in boxes of dog food (pictured)

Messages sent between the phones revealed the scale and reach of their scam - as well as their arrogance.

The messages revealed that Jabbar had spoken with a colleague in the Middle East, detailing the supply of heroin to Curran.

Jabbar boasted about having 150,000 worth of drugs. Officers found a picture of Curran, wearing a balaclava, in which he appeared to joke about the scam and possible sentence if he was caught.

Under his picture is written: 'For what I'm about to do I could get like 35! Pray to God I get away!'

In another picture seized by police, suited Jabbar is seen smiling as he sits on what appears to be a throne, wearing shades and smiling.

After searching Clorley's address, police discovered a 'significant amount of powdered caffeine' which is used as a cutting agent in drug deals.

The four men were jailed after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin at Manchester Crown Court.

Jabbar, of Oldham, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

Curran, of Glasgow, was handed a 14-and-a-half year prison sentence.

The gang also used boxes of washing powder (left) to conceal the drugs (right)

Mohammed Rafique, of Cheetham Hill, was jailed for 12 years.

Jonathan Clorley, of Heald Green, was handed a seven-year prison sentence.

After the hearing, Inspector Lee Griffin, of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: 'After concealing a large amount of potent and dangerous drugs in household items, I can only imagine the tragedy that could have occurred if these boxes had fallen into the wrong hands.

'Although these men went to great lengths to cover up their illicit dealings, it was their own arrogance which led to the downfall of their carefully laid plans.

'Dealing drugs of any kind is unacceptable and will absolutely not be tolerated in our communities.

'This sentence should be a message to others out there who continue to go against the law and supply drugs, that one day you will be brought to justice.'
Three members of an Asian sex gang who used mephedrone to turn abuse victims into addicts and forced them to have sex if they wanted more drugs were jailed for a total of 56 years today.

Seventeen men and one woman from Newcastle are being sentenced over the next three days for crimes including rape, sexual assault, inciting girls into prostitution and drug dealing.

They were part of a network of nearly 40 men, including Pakistani, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Bangladeshi and Turkish nationals, who preyed on around 100 girls.

Victims said in impact statements they were treated 'like a piece of meat' by their abusers, who they believed were friends, and one woman branded the gang 'monsters'.

Mohammed Azram, 35, was jailed for 12 years for picking up abuse victms from Newcastle's West End and rapist Jahangir Zaman, 45, who gave girls lines of M-Cat and demanded sex if they wanted more, was jailed fore 29 years

One teenager didn't eat for a week because she was so hooked on mephedrone, also known as M-Cat, but her abusers would only give her more after she performed sex acts on them.

Mohammed Azram, 35, picked up vulnerable girls from a courtyard in Newcastle's West End and gave them drugs he referred to as 'god' because of the power it had over victims.

Today he was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years while his rapist accomplice Jahangir Zaman, 45, was jailed for 29 years. A third man, Shafiq Aziz, was jailed for 15 years for drugs offences.

John Elvidge QC, prosecuting, said the victims who gave evidence in court were white British and the male defendants were 'all of Asian extraction' and mostly British-born - but added the authorities decided their offending was not racially motivated.

One victim spoke about seeing a woman during a visit to one of the flats used by the gang, who appeared to be being treated as a 'slave'.

She said men boasted that the 'slave' 'would do anything sexually in return for money and drugs' and described the men 'dropping things on the floor and making her pick them up'.

Shafiq Aziz was jailed for 15 years for drugs offences involving heroin and crack cocaine

Another said about the grooming gang: 'They reel you in and wear you down'.

The gang's victims told of suffering long term effects in many aspects of their lives as a result of their ordeals.

They have been left with trust issues and are wary of forming new relationships.

One woman said: 'These people made me feel like they were my friends and made me feel supported. 'I thought they were my friends, they made me feel nice about myself. '

But the authorities decided their offending was not racially motivated, he added.

He said girls were invited to parties and given alcohol and mephedrone and one victim said she witnessed another being treated like a slave.

Mr Elvidge said: '(The witness) described her as looking upset, she was dirty, the bedclothes were dirty, her clothes were ripped.'

Men would drop things on the floor and make her pick them up.

Azram, who appeared polite, decent and kind, was in fact using grooming behaviour, Mr Elvidge said.

Azram, who married in Pakistan, played a 'leading role' in the conspiracy, he added.

Sex gang: (Top row left to right) Abdul Sabe, Habibur Rahim, Badrul Hussain, Abdulhamid Minoyee, Jahanger Zaman, Monjur Choudhury, (middle row left to right) Taherul Alam, Hassan Ali, Nadeem Aslam, Mohammed Azram, Yassar Hussain, Saiful Islam, (bottom row left to right) Eisa Mousavi, Prabhat Nelli, Mohibur Rahman, Nashir Uddin, Redwan Siddquee and Carolann Gallon, will all be sentenced this week for sexual abuse and other crimes

Immature teenagers were plied with drugs (pictured by police) and alcohol and then raped or persuaded into engaging in sexual activity with older men

Linda Strudwick, defending, said Azram was a drug addict who had enjoyed running a shop his parents bought for him.

His barrister said he hoped to live with his sister, a bank worker, in Dubai when he is released, as the state is drug-free.

She said he attended Grainger Grammar School before moving to 'Durham Boys' School' but got into drugs after moving to Newcastle College for his GCSEs.

Harrowing evidence of 13-year-old victim raped by men 'like they were in a relay race' One girl who gave evidence claimed she was repeatedly raped by men acting as if they were in a 'relay race' at one of the sex parties. The vulnerable 13-year-old, who was in local authority care, told the court how she would regularly be supplied with cash, cigarettes and drugs in exchange for sex. She spoke of how she would be picked up in a Mercedes from the children's home where she was living and taken to flats in Newcastle to be used by anyone who wanted her. Prosecutor John Elvedge QC told the court how during one attack she was high on cocaine while men took turns to have sex with her. Mr Elvedge said: 'She said she felt wrecked. The man who brought the Mcat had sex with her when she was in no position to consent. 'The second man was followed by several others, all taking advantage of her. 'She said it was like a relay race, one man after another, each having sexual intercourse with her to which she did not consent.' On another occasion, the girl was taken to a party at a flat where there was a group of seven men in a room with a Kurdish flag on the wall and was given Mcat, the court heard. Mr Elvedge added: 'She attempted to resist the first man. She was given more Mcat then, one by one, they took their turn having sexual intercourse with her.' The court heard when she left she was driven back to the children's home and given 200 along with more Mcat. Advertisement

He admitted a string of drugs offences and was convicted of one count of sexual assault and one count of inciting prostitution.

Rapist Jahangir Zaman, 45, gave girls lines of M-Cat and demanded oral sex if they wanted more, Mr Elvidge said.

Recalling one victim's evidence, the barrister said: 'She didn't want to do it, but she did want the drugs.

'It was made quite clear sex was the price she had to pay for the M-Cat.'

When Zaman was interviewed by police he denied the offences, saying he was married with daughters the same age as the complainants.

He was convicted of rape, supplying drugs and inciting prostitution.

Roy Brown, defending, said: 'He blames no one but himself.'

A repeat drug dealer, Zaman was also caught in a separate police operation to target the heroin trade.

Their victims today described them as 'monsters'.

In a victim statement, another said she still had flashbacks to what happened to her six years ago at 'sessions' where girls were given drugs and then persuaded or forced to have sex.

And a third said the gang members put her down and thought 'they are superior to women, and girls do not have the same rights as men'.

The statements were read out during a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court where three men were due to be dealt with.

The prosecutions followed the long running Operation Shelter investigation into sexual exploitation, largely in Newcastle's West End.

The inquiry involved the controversial use of a police informant who was himself a child rapist and was paid almost 10,000 by Northumbria Police.

The abuse centred around the use of drugs.

'The girls were expected to offer sexual services in return,' Mr Elvidge said.

'The court heard that the women who were being exploited sometimes consented, sometimes did not consent and sometimes were incapable of consenting.'

Carolann Gallon, known to her friends as 'Chucky', is the only female member of the gang and was responsible for luring other girls into their clutches

The men were more driven by the vulnerability and availability of their victims, Mr Elvidge said.

Eight men were convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution, while others prosecuted were involved in supplying drugs.

The prosecutor described the conspirators' method as 'cynical and systematic' in that they tricked victims into believing they were in a relationship with their abusers.
A pregnant woman has been made redundant just two days before she was due to go on maternity leave.

Australian Caroline Power was employed by energy and welding company BOC for two years before she fell pregnant.

While her maternity leave had been approved to start on November 6 2015, her employment was terminated by the company on November 4.

Australian Caroline Power was unfairly dismissed by energy company BOC just two days before her maternity leave

The Federal Circuit Court found eight employees were made redundant as a result of a nationwide business restructure, but their termination was due to take place on November 12.

As Ms Power would have to return to work while on maternity leave, the court found BOC unfairly made the redundancy by bringing the date forward.

While it is not unlawful for a company to make their employees redundant, Federal Circuit Court Judge Salvatore Vasta said the 'bringing forward of the date of redundancy is adverse action'.

Ms Power was not given the benefit of return to work protections under BOC's redundancy policy, under the Fair Work Act, because that policy had not been applied.

It is legal to make someone redundant while pregnant or on maternity leave but care needs to be taken (stock image)

Sydney lawyer Kerryn Tredwell told the Sydney Morning Herald that there was a 'lesson for employers' in this case to ensure that the timing of a decision to dismiss an employee in similar circumstances was 'crucial'.

'It all comes down to what is the reason for this decision. If any part of the reason is the pregnancy or the parental leave or the carer's responsibilities, then that's when discriminatory considerations arise,' she said.

'I am pleased with the decision. It's been a long and stressful ordeal so I am happy to finally have some closure,' Ms Power told the publication.

While it is legal to make someone redundant while pregnant or on maternity leave, Ms Tredwell said 'real care' needs to be taken when doing so.

'If they had left it and made her redundant with everybody else the following week, then provided they could prove there was no suitable alternative job for her, they could have done it lawfully. It was really that timing error that let them down.'
Two men are behind bars after a police sting allegedly unearthed 14.3kg of meth hidden in lunch boxes, a shotgun, and cash in raids on a drug lab.

Officers swooped on a car driving along the Hume Highway in the NSW Southern Highlands about 2.10pm on Monday with the pair inside.

They found a suitcase with numerous clear plastic containers filled with a white crystalline substance, believed to be the drug ice with a street value of $7 million.

Two men are behind bars after a police sting allegedly found a hidden lab and 14.3kg of meth worth $7 million (pictured) seized in raids across NSW

One of the suspects arrested when police swooped on a car driving along the Hume Highway in the NSW Southern Highlands about 2.10pm on Tuesday

Police then searched a rural property in Towrang and found an inactive large-scale hidden drug lab including custom-made steel apparatus.

The raid also seized another 660 grams of meth, and a 12-guage shotgun and ammunition on a bedside table that was registered but not secured.

Raids on houses in the Sydney suburbs of Claremont Meadows and Chiswick led to the seizure of almost $150,000 in cash, steroids, mobile phones, electronic equipment, designer watches, and documentation.

Christopher Nix, 28 and Brian Farrugia, 34, were arrested and charged with large commercial manufacture and supply of a prohibited drug.

Police searched a rural property in Towrang and found an inactive large-scale hidden drug lab including custom-made steel apparatus

Christopher Nix, 28 and Brian Farrugia, 34, were arrested and charged with large commercial manufacture and supply of a prohibited drug

Farrugia was also charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime. Both were refused bail and will face Goulburn Local Court on September 13.

Drug squad commander Detective Superintendent Tony Cooke said the operation showed the extent of drug manufacture in NSW.

'Not only are we seeing groups producing enough drugs to destroy communities, they are manufacturing them in volatile environments, which present risks of explosion and contamination,' he said.

The car held a suitcase with numerous clear plastic containers filled with a white crystalline substance, believed to be the drug ice

'Clandestine laboratories can produce container loads of drugs here in NSW, which is no different than if it were packed onto a ship and sent from overseas.

'That is a challenge specific to targeting ice.'

Det Supt Cooke said keeping track of the precursor chemicals, many of which were imported legally, was a major priority.

He encouraged the public to call police if they noticed anything suspicious that may be signs of a drug lab.
Job Centre worker Afolake Adeniji pictured outside court

A mother who allegedly tricked a Nigerian teen into flying to the UK to be her family's slave under the pretence of a better life has claimed she was 'part of the family'.

Job Centre worker Afolake Adeniji, 50, arranged for Iyabo Prosper to relocate to London from her home in Nigeria back in 2003, when she was just 13, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Promised a better life and free education, she agreed to come and live with Adeniji - first in Beckton, east London, and then Chelmsford, Essex.

But the teenager was forced to wake up at 5.30am each morning to take care of Adenijis children, spending the rest of her day completing menial household chores, and only eating once the rest of the family had been served, jurors heard last week.

When pressed by prosecutors today about what went on inside her home, Adeniji denied all of the allegations put to her, claiming Ms Prosper, now 27, said she was 'making up stories'.

She was completely submissive to the defendant and her family and any confidence she had was lost and ebbed away, said Ms Prosper's lawyer, Irshad Sheikh.

Effectively that was what she was living - the life of domestic servitude.

It soon became apparent that Iyabo had become miserable, had become extremely depressed, was having negative thoughts and suicidal ideas.

Adeniji denies arranging or facilitating the travel of a person to the UK for exploitation and inflicting GBH, namely post-traumatic stress disorder upon Iyabo.

Giving evidence Adeniji told Southwark Crown Court that Ms Prosper was making up all these stories.

Mr Sheikh said: What I suggest is that Iyabo was brought here to this country to help you and do the chores that she has mentioned.

That is not correct, Adeniji replied, before the prosecutor followed up: And that is what she did, I would suggest.

Adeniji answered: I do not need her to help me. Everything was already in place before she arrived.

She explained to jurors how she got to know Iyabo through her older brother, who worked at the home of Adeniji's parents.

Adeniji refused Mr Sheikhs suggestion that he too was a houseboy, instead describing him as like a son to my parents.

He was part of the extended family, she added.

Adeniji said Iyabo came to live as part of my family after her arrival from Nigeria.

She said the teenager had her own bedroom and woke up whenever she wants.

Mr Sheikh asked: So, she didnt get into the routine of waking up at about 5.30am? She didnt get into any routine like that at all?

Adeniji replied: Iyabo is making up all these stories. It is not correct.

Adeniji described all household chores being completed on Saturdays with all family members chipping in to help.

Afolake Adeniji, 50, allegedly arranged for Iyabo Prosper to relocate to London from her home in Nigeria back in 2003, when she was just 13, Southwark Crown Court (pictured) heard

My husband is an early riser, he will have hoovered the stairs and cleaned the sitting room, she said.

By the time we woke up, whatever was left, washing the bathroom - it could be me, Iyabo, it could be anybody - whatever was left we just took it because whatever needs to be done we just did it.

Following her arrest in October 2014, Adeniji blasted the accusations as untrue, instead claiming that Ms Prosper was part of a loving family and given financial and emotional support.

Describing the time Ms Prosper eventually moved out, she added: There was no fight. There was nothing.

It was amicable when she left and she was coming back as she wished, not to help me.

She added: I didnt need anybody to help me do chores and look after the children. All I did was just to help Iyabo.

Adeniji, of no fixed address but previously of Chelmsford, Essex, denies arranging or facilitating the travel to the UK of a person with a view to exploitation and inflicting GBH.

The trial continues.
Authorities say one of three kayakers from Pennsylvania who went missing during an outing off Lake Ontario's New York shore has been found dead in the water.

The other two made it to shore safely.

Police Chief John Yotter, of the town of Somerset, says the body was found Tuesday morning along the Orleans County shoreline by the crew of a U.S. Coast Guard boat.

He says the other two kayakers made it to shore earlier and asked for help at a lakeside home.

Police say the men left Monday afternoon from a state park boat launch in Somerset, in neighboring Niagara county 35 miles northeast of Buffalo.

Lake Ontario 'got pretty choppy,' Niagara County Sheriff James R. Voutour said.

Authorities say one of three kayakers from Pennsylvania who went missing during an outing off Lake Ontario's New York shore has been found dead in the water. The image shows law enforcement officials investigating near the shore of Lake Ontario in Somerset, New York

The men - one 19-year-old and two 21-year-olds - were reported missing around 6pm

The Coast Guard and local authorities launched a search.

The men's hometowns haven't been released officially, but reports indicate that they are from Pennsylvania.

The dead kayaker is the twin brother of one of the survivors, according to The Buffalo News.

The kayakers were on a trip, visiting the home of the twins' grandfather in nearby Barker.

They were each believed to have had their own kayaks - one of which was green, another red, and the other blue, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said the three men were wearing life vests, but that they paddled out to the lake without their mobile phones, which they left in their cars that were parked at Golden Hill State Park.

The search was aided by a number of agencies, including the Coast Guard, State Parks Police, Somerset Police, the fire departments of Olcott and Barker, and the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Corporal Teather C.V.

The Coast Guard said that the waters on the lake were pretty rough with waves up to four feet high.
A former Liberal Democrat MP today revealed he was the subject of a two-year probe into historical sex abuse allegations after police and prosecutors dropped the case.

John Hemming was interviewed under caution as part of the investigation following allegations made by Esther Baker, who waived her anonymity in May 2015.

The former Birmingham Yardley MP accused his Labour opponent Jess Phillips of using the allegations against him at the 2015 and 2017 general elections.

Mr Hemming said he has asked police to investigate the Labour campaign to discover whether there was an 'attempt to pervert the course of justice'.

John Hemming (file image with partner Emily Cox) today revealed he was the subject of a two-year probe into historical sex abuse allegations after police and prosecutors dropped the case

Staffordshire Police confirmed today there was 'insufficient evidence' to press charges over the allegations.

In May 2015 Ms Baker went public with allegations that she was molested during the 1980s and 1990s in woods in Staffordshire and at Dolphin Square in London.

Mr Hemming, who has not previously been named in connection with the case, issued a lengthy statement on his blog today.

He said he was pleased the police had dropped the inquiry into him and said the 'allegations had no substance whatsoever'.

The ex-MP said: 'I am normally someone who helps other people fight injustice.

'Being subject to an unjust campaign of vilification is something I do not wish to repeat.'

In a direct attack on his Labour rival Ms Phillips, Mr Hemming said: 'Some members of the Labour Party, including my opponent in the last two General Elections, have invested considerable time in promoting these allegations.

'The promotion of the complainant as an expert in this subject area as a consequence of these allegations has caused additional difficulties for my family.

'I am not myself aware of another situation where members and supporters of a political party have promoted such allegations in such a public manner  essentially arming the villagers with torches and pitchforks and setting off on a lynching.'

Mr Hemming was interviewed under caution as part of the investigation following allegations made by Esther Baker (pictured making her allegations on Sky News in May 2015)

Ms Baker went public with allegations that she was molested during the 1980s and 1990s in woods in Staffordshire and at Dolphin Square in London (file image)

Mr Hemming also issued sharp criticism of the defunct news website Exaro for promoting the allegations and Sky News for broadcasting Ms Baker's interview on the allegations.

He said: 'Sky should recognise that not only was their broadcast of the original allegations in May 2015 a complete nonsense, but also had it been based upon truthful allegations that it would have undermined a criminal investigation.

The former Birmingham Yardley MP accused his Labour opponent Jess Phillips (file image) of using the allegations against him at the 2015 and 2017 general elections

'The attempts to drum up additional false complainants through the use of publicity highlights a difficulty with publicising cases whilst a police investigation is going on.'

Mr Hemming praised Staffordshire Police for how it handled the complaint but said processes for investigating such complaints took too long.

Staffordshire Police Superintendent Amanda Davies said 'It was vital we gave the victim the time, space and support she needed to disclose the information.

'Over 100 hours of interviews were conducted by specially trained officers, and throughout the investigation we have kept her informed and continued to provide support.

'In this case Esther made the difficult decision to waive her right to anonymity and we will continue to support her, as we would with all victims of crime. We want to take this opportunity to reassure other potential victims that their identity is protected by law.'

'Supporting victims remains our absolute priority, rest assured you can contact us confident that you will be listened to and we will provide the support you need.'

Three people were interviewed under caution during the investigation, one of whom was arrested.

Ms Phillips declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
Far-right protesters have stormed a Melbourne council meeting with a megaphone and flags to protest against their controversial cancellation of Australia Day celebrations.

The nine Party for Freedom activists interrupted Yarra City Council proceedings on Tuesday night shouting 'shame' and 'nationalism is good'.

They waved Australian flags and placards reading 'Love It Or Leave It' and 'Stop Left-Wing Violence Against Patriots' - three weeks after the hard-left, inner-city council voted to ban Australia Day celebrations to appease indigenous people.

Scroll down for video

Socialist councillor Stephen Jolly was the prime target of the far-right demonstrators

Socialist councillor Stephen Jolly, who was wearing a beanie, was the prime target of their chants after they stormed through a door and filmed the confrontation.

'Stephen Jolly, he's shameful,' a man shouted. 'How dare you.

'Shame on all of you. Stephen Jolly, you are a disgrace.'

Councillor Jolly, who filmed the confrontation on his smartphone, uploaded the right-wing group's YouTube video to Twitter and Facebook afterwards.

'The morons actually posted this themselves,' he tweeted.

The nine Party for Freedom protesters carried Australian flags and a megaphone with them

The far-right demonstrators waved placards accusing the councillors of 'left-wing violence'

A woman in a beanie brought along a 'Love It Or Leave It' sign which had an Australian flag

Yarra council's nine members, including four Greens councillors, last month voted to hold indigenous-themed events on January 26 instead of commemorating Australia Day, the date in 1788 when the First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay in Sydney.

Their decision to boycott the national day was designed to reduce so-called 'distress' to indigenous people, some of whom regard it as 'Invasion Day'.

Councillor Jolly likened the protesters to fascists intent on crushing democracy.

'There is plenty of room for people to have debate, but this was something totally different, it was a direct move against the democratic process that we haven't seen in recent times,' he told The Age.

'Australians fought and died trying to protect people from the Nazis, yet we have this group of people tonight, in modern day Australia, who are saying 'we don't like what you do' so we are going to destroy it'.'

Socialist councillor Stephen Jolly took his own video footage during the night confrontation
The number of Rohinghya Muslims fleeing the violence in Myanmar is now beyond 120,000, the UN reports, and thousands are still trying to make it across the border to Bangladesh.

Images taken at the border show women and young children swimming across the river Naf which separated Rakhine state in Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Parents wade through the river with their children on their shoulders, while older siblings to their best to balance what belongings they have managed to salvage before fleeing their homes.

Fleeing: A Rohingya family reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek of the Naf river , which makes up the border with Myanmmar, in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area

However, once they arrive at one of the refugee camps in Bangladesh, they may face being turned away.

The United Nations' refugee agency (UNHCR) has warned that established camps are beyond capacity, as the number of displaced people swell beyond 123,000.

'The numbers are very worrying. They are going up very quickly,' said UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan.

The agency was pleading for assistance, saying it needed more land so it could set up new camps to accommodate refugees who were arriving hungry, traumatized and in need of medical assistance.

'Most have walked for days from their villages - hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes,' the agency said in a statement. 'An unknown number could still be stranded at the border.'

The number of Rohinghya Muslims fleeing the violence in Myanmar is now beyond 123,000, according to the United Nations' refugee agency

A Rohingya family piles on their meagre belongings on to boat they hired to bring them deeper inside Bangladesh

Nowhere to go: Thousands are trying to make their way into Bangladesh, where the refugee camps are already at beyond capacity

Needing help: The UN is pleading for assistance to set up new camps to accommodate refugees who were arriving hungry, traumatized and in need of medical assistance

The latest round of violence erupted on August 25, when Rohingya militants attacked remote police posts, which saw Myanmar military respond with more force

Rohingya refugees say Myanmar soldiers and local ethnic Burmese mobs have been killing at random, and setting fire to villages to 'cover their tracks'

Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in the majority-Buddhist Southeast Asian country, with tensions flaring on several occasions in recent years following violent riots in 2012.

The latest round of violence erupted on August 25, when Rohingya militants attacked remote police posts, killing 15 officials and burning villages.

Myanmar's army chief has said nearly 400 people have died since then, including 370 Rohingya militants.

Rohingya however, say Myanmar soldiers and local ethnic Burmese mobs have been killing at random, and setting fire to villages to 'cover their tracks'.

Indeed, a Rohingya Muslim whom The Associated Press reached by phone said she and thousands of fellow villagers driven from their homes by the violence in Myanmar are now stuck along the coast, hoping to flee to nearby Bangladesh by boat.

The 18-year-old provided AP with mobile phone photographs she took Tuesday along the beach in southern Maungdaw township in Rakhine state.

Several of the photos show hundreds of people sitting on the ground, with small sacks or plastic bags holding their meager belongings. Only some had tarps or umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

The teenager, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for her safety, said her family's house was burned on August 25, right after Rohingya insurgents attacked Myanmar border guard police outposts.

True story: These images have been taken by an 18-year-old Rohingya Muslim girl showing hundreds of people stuck on a beach in southern Rakhine

Picture from reality: Several of the photos show hundreds of people sitting on the ground, with small sacks or plastic bags holding their meager belongings

The teenager said that since the attacks, Rohingya from Myin Hlut and surrounding villages fled as the army burned houses. Initially they fled into nearby forests, she said, but they moved to the beach in hopes of making it clear to the army that they are not insurgents.

She said she and other villagers reached the beach four days ago and lack adequate food and drinking water. She said villagers have been drinking salty water from the Bay of Bengal.

She said Myanmar soldiers come to the beach two or three times a day to check on the displaced villagers. The Rohingya are barred from returning to their villages, she said.

She added that boats from Bangladesh have come near the shore every day to take villagers north to Bangladesh, and that the price is 150,000 kyats (85) per person.

The villager said she didn't know where the boats end up, but that she and her family will try to get onto one if there is a chance for them to flee.

One of the photos she took shows about a dozen small wooden boats in the background. Many boats along the shore are owned by Rohingya fishermen, but the government has banned them from using them for many months.
A Minneapolis bar was forced to close its doors for good after revelations that the owner contributed to the campaign of former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke led to a mass exodus of employees and a widespread customer boycott, it was learned on Tuesday.

Club Jager, an establishment that offered live music from small, local bands and DJs, shut down operations due to the fierce backlash ignited by news that its owner, Julius DeRoma, donated $500 to Duke's failed run for a U.S. Senate seat from Louisiana in 2016.

News of DeRoma's political leanings, which was first reported by City Pages, prompted the bar's employees to resign en masse and live musical acts to declare that they would no longer play gigs there.

Jake Rudh, a DJ who was a regular act at the bar, posted a notice on Facebook last week announcing his decision to shun Club Jager.

A Minneapolis bar was forced to close its doors for good after revelations that the owner contributed to the campaign of former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke led to a mass exodus of employees and a widespread customer boycott

Club Jager, an establishment that offered live music from small, local bands and DJs, shut down operations due to the fierce backlash

Last week, it was learned that the bar's owner, Julius DeRoma, donated $500 to Duke's (above) failed run for a U.S. Senate seat from Louisiana in 2016

'Like many of you, I was shocked and appalled to hear the news about the venue's owner this morning,' Rudh wrote on his Facebook page.

'I refuse to stay at a venue where the owner supports the likes of David Duke and his messages of hate.

'I thank all of those who have come to the venue to support myself, Transmission and it's hardworking staff.

'This is not the end of the weekly dance night, but it very much is at Clubhouse Jager.'

'All showed up and just wept together and cried about the whole loss and shame of the thing,' Drea Kingston (above), one of the bartenders who along with other staff quit en masse

The bar's employees were also shocked.

'All showed up and just wept together and cried about the whole loss and shame of the thing,' Drea Kingston, one of the bartenders who along with other staff quit en masse, told WCCO-TV.

Kingston said that her boss' donation to Duke told her all she needed to know.

'It says racist, it shows white supremacy, it shows hatred. It's vile and it's disgusting,' Kingston said.

'Hatred was not welcome in my life nor should it be in anyone's in this day and age.'

DeRoma defended himself, saying that his political donation to Duke was 'basically free speech.'

When asked about the backlash, he said: 'Well, whatever. What do you expect?

'It's basically something that is blown up beyond what it should be.'

Kingston said that staff members are now grappling with the economic ramifications of their decision to quit.

'I am just so saddened that everyone is going to be going through financial crisis, undue stress,' she said.

Jake Rudh, a DJ who was a regular act at the bar, posted a notice on Facebook last week announcing his decision to shun Club Jager

'It's been so stressful I've never ever had the thought that I didn't want to go to work there until today.'

While there were a few employees who decided to quit almost immediately as word spread of the donations, others were more reluctant because of financial reasons, according to the Star Tribune.

Angry internet users even started to inundate employees' inboxes with messages accusing them of being Nazi sympathizers.

One employee was allegedly followed by a group of hecklers who accused her of being a 'Nazi lover.' One of the hecklers is said to have spit on her.

A regular at the bar said that De Roma was rarely seen in his bar, but when he did show up, he was a pleasant person to deal with.

'No one had any idea he was of that mind-set,' said Rob Callahan.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help former employees. It raised nearly $2,000.

Ton Up Motorcycle Club Minneapolis, an organization that puts together the largest annual event at Club Jager, released a statement on Tuesday announcing that it would be ending its partnership with the bar.
Radio host Alan Jones has lashed out an Indian company over a controversial planned $16.5 billion coal mine in Queensland.

Jones, a conservative radio host on 2GB, has emerged as the face of a new campaign called Lock the Gate, with the aim of stopping taxpayer money being used to help fund Adanis mega mine in Galilee Basin, according to news.com.au.

In a television advertisement Mr Jones says taxpayers shouldnt contribute to the Indian company's mine construction.

Radio host Alan Jones has appeared in a television advertisement opposed to a new mine

Protesters demonstrate against Adani, which is planning to build a mega mine in Queensland

How is that Australian governments are committed to Adani when no bank in the world will lend them money?

The 76-year-old says the owners of the mine have been accused of transferring tax to the Cayman Islands, and have family members in court in India.

Well Im saying to Adani and the governments of Australia, if you think we are that stupid, you need to think again.

The television ads come after Adani announced it will break ground on its Carmichael coal mine in Queensland next month.

The Lock the Gate Alliance has brought together farmers, traditional owners and conservationists concerned about the impacts of mining.

Mr Jones has been a strong critic of the Adani mine, and the ad featuring him will be aired on Sky TV.

Alan Jones is strongly opposed to the mine and has appeared as the face of 'Lock the Gate'

The Stop Adani group has planned a national day of action to be held in October

The proposed mine would stretch across 280 sq km. Adani is trying to get a $1 million loan from the government to help build it.

The Stop Adani group has planned a national day of action against the mine project to be held on October 7.
The Coalition government has cut unemployment benefits for 1300 young people who refused to participate in its internship program.

Those long-term unemployed who lost their welfare payments had failed to attend compulsory Employability Skills Training as part of the Youth Jobs PaTH scheme.

The $750million PaTH - Prepare, Trial, Hire - program started on April 1, and 9427 young Australians have started the training so far.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash (pictured) said the program involved mutual obligations and was committed to getting young people off welfare and into the workforce

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the program involved mutual obligations and was committed to getting young people off welfare and into the workforce, The Australian reported.

'Australians rightly expect that those in receipt of welfare undertake pre-employment skills training so they obtain the necessary skills to get a job,' she said.

'Young people want to work and they recognise the best way to get a job is to engage in skills training that will provide them with the skills they need.'

Labor MP Ed Husic said the government was using a program intended to help young people find employment to cut welfare benefits.

Labor MP Ed Husic (pictured) said the government was using a program intended to help young people find employment to cut welfare benefits

'The government should fix its job programs instead of punishing young people,' said Mr Husic.

Australian Council of Trade Unions boss Ged Kearney called the cuts 'cruel' and said young people were struggling to buy homes and find work.

He said government was paying businesses to hire low-paid workers, giving those workers training of dubious value and suspending the benefits of those who couldn't take part.

The Coalition government has cut unemployment benefits to 1300 young people who refused to participate in its internship program (pictured is Centrelink, which delivers government benefits)

Ms Cash said government planned to fund 120,000 internships through the program over the next four years, paying businesses up to $10,000 if their interns find a job.

In the last five months 583 young people have finished internships, and 71 per cent of those were able to land a job as a result.

PaTH aims to provide young people with pre-employment skills before they complete a government-sponsored internship to gain work experience.

Companies are then offered financial incentives to employ those who have completed internships.
New York Police Department officers individually scanned every J'Ouvert attendee to create the ultimate bottle neck in a move branded 'crazy' by festival-goers.

Tens of thousands descended upon Brooklyn for the day-long West Indian party, featuring a morning festival called J'ouvert, which combines the French words 'jour' and 'ouvert' and refers to daybreak, and an afternoon Caribbean Carnival parade.

The measures were put in place following violence in previous years, but organizers were still fielding abuse from party-goers who disapproved of security being beefed up.

Women and men draped in the colors of their celebrated countries are searched by police

A woman with a bandana made out of a Barbados flag holds out her bare arms for a police officer to scan

New York Police Department officers individually scanned every J'Ouvert attendee to create the ultimate bottle neck in a move branded 'crazy' by festival-goer

A man with a Union flag tied to a belt loop on his pants holds up his shirt so a police officer can scan him

Christine Lord, a Bedford-Stuyvesant resident, told The Gothamist: 'This is crazy. How're you gonna scan thousands of people with just a few scanners?'

'Everyone else has a parade just fineyou have all the parades in Manhattan, and they don't do this.

'You have police coming from out the city and have no clue about our culture.'

In spite of the extra security, one man was shot and another stabbed near the Caribbean Carnival parade route Monday evening, police said.

It is meant to be a day of dancing, good food and a tribute to Caribbean ancestors, but it has become a day of concern for city officials.

In 2015, an aide to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo was killed by a stray bullet.

Last year, 17-year-old Tyreke Borel was shot and killed and a 72-year-old woman was grazed in the arm.

Soon after, a 22-year-old woman, Tiarah Poyau, was shot in the head just a block away and died.

An unimpressed woman with a Jamaican bandana and flag tied to her shorts and a Grenada flag tied around her neck is searched by police

Revelers are searched by police officers during a Caribbean street carnival called J'ouvert on September 4, 2017 in New York City

This year, a 22-year-old man was shot in the torso Monday evening, and a 20-year-old man was stabbed in the abdomen about an hour and a half later, police said.

Both men were wounded in the same area of Eastern Parkway, which is along the parade route.

It's not immediately clear whether those involved were participating in the festivities.

The men were taken to area hospitals. The shooting victim was in stable condition, firefighters said; the other man's condition wasn't immediately available.

A woman in a Grenada shirt holds out her arms so police can scan her

Later, a man scuffled with, bruised and bit two police officers who instructed him to move from a spot where he was standing along the parade route, police said.

Officers used a stun gun to subdue the 36-year-old man and arrested him on charges including obstructing government administration.

There had been talk of canceling this year's J'Ouvert party because of past violence.

Instead, officials tightened security and moved the starting time for the pre-parade J'ouvert celebration from 4am to 6am, and police officers patted down revelers, vendors and residents hours before that.

Spectators had to go through metal detectors, and thousands of additional officers were on patrol and were policing party areas outside the barriers.

Some people complained of long delays getting past checkpoints and of the change in tone that came with the bigger police presence.

'The police disrupted the festive mood,' Christina Jackson, a 17-year-old wearing shorts and a bandanna emblazoned with the Jamaican flag, told The New York Times.

She said she didn't feel the need for the extra security.

But J'Ouvert City International co-founder Hazel John did.

'It shows they're concerned about our protection,' John, 70, told the Times.

'The people who come to enjoy the event feel more protected.'
A mother-of-two who planned to leave her children behind in Philadelphia to join her ISIS internet husband only did so because she was 'lonely' her lawyers said.

Keonna Thomas, 32, will be sentenced on Wednesday after admitting in October that she had intended to provide material support to a terrorist organization in 2015 by flying to Syria to be with a man she married over Skype.

'Ms. Thomas was a lonely, depressed, anxiety-ridden mother who spent too much time on the internet,' her lawyers have told the judge according to Philly.com.

'By attempting to relocate to ISIS-held territory and marry an ISIS fighter, she never gave ISIS anything of value  except her love.'

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Keonna Thomas (seen in court drawing), 32, had intended to flee Philadelphia to fight for ISIS in Syria alongside her husband in March 2015 until the FBI raided her home

The remarks were sent by Thomas' lawyers, Elizabeth Toplin and Kathleen Gaughan, in a sentencing memo to US District Judge Michael Baylson.

They pleaded for a sentence of just a four-and-a-half-years, saying that despite social media posts saying she wanted to be a martyr, Thomas was just posturing and didn't pose a real terrorism threat.

Toplin and Gaughan added that 'She carries significant guilt, finding it difficult to fathom how she could have ever considered abandoning her children,' and wants to 'rebuild her life with her children'.

She had married Abu Khalid al-Amriki (pictured) online. Her lawyers say she was just 'lonely and depressed' and now feels guilty about considering abandoning her children

But Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in her own sentencing recommendation, said on Friday that Thomas needs to be hit hard to dissuade other women.

'Others who might find themselves dissatisfied with life and excited by online extremists promising acceptance, a meaningful life, and piety must be shown that providing material support to terrorists translates to a very lengthy prison sentence regardless of the circumstances,' she wrote.

Thomas had intended to leave her daughters, aged seven and nine, to fight alongside husband Abu Khalid al-Amriki in Syria on March 27, 2015.

That same morning, the FBI - who had seen she had bought a visa to Turkey, a known ISIS recruitment hub - raided her home and prevented her leaving the country.

She was arrested a week later, on April 3.

That came two months after she was caught communicating with a new ISIS recruit in Syria who said, according to court documents: 'U probably want to do Istishadee [martyrdom operations] with me.'

She responded: 'that would be amazing .... a girl can only wish,' to which the unnamed co-conspirator responded: 'I can make that wish come true.'

This was Thomas' home. Prosecutors are urging the judge to hand down a hefty sentence to deter other women when she goes up for sentencing on Wednesday

Al-Amriki - Arabic for 'the American' - was formerly known as Shawn Joel Parson.

The Trinidadian national lived in the States before moving to Syria in 2013, though precisely where is unclear.

It's not clear when exactly Thomas married him over a Skype session, but he was killed by a drone strike in September of 2015.

Thomas - who called herself Fatayat Al Khilafah and 'YoungLioness' - actively spoke of her desires on a Twitter account that has since been removed.

'I see why the mujahideen [violent jihadi fighters] Sacrifice Dunya [life on earth] for Akhirah [the afterlife] there's no comparison,' read one tweet.

Another said; 'Only thing I'm jealous of is when I see the smiles of shuhadaa [martyrs].'

Her home, which had been under surveillance by FBI in the week leading to her arrest, had American flags lined up outside.

In one exchange with the fighter, they discussed how he would shoot or behead his wife if she turned out to be a spy.

'Cutting head is more personal,' Thomas replied.
The funeral of a woman whose husband claims to have killed her after taking too much cough medicine was held on Monday as he awaited arraignment.

Matthew Phelps, 28, is charged with killing his wife Lauren Hugelmaier, 29, at their home in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Phelps, who worked for a lawn service company but who once studied at a bible college, called 911 to say he had woken up to find his wife dead, himself covered in blood and a bloody knife on their bed.

He later said he had taken the cough and cold medicine Coricidin HBP before going to sleep and suggested that it may have driven him to kill his innocent wife.

On Monday, mourners piled in to Hope Lutheran Church, where the couple married less than a year ago, for Lauren's funeral.

The funeral of Lauren Hugelmaier, 29, was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday. Her husband Matthew (right in his mugshot) is accused of murdering her on Friday

Her obituary in the local newspaper made no mention of her husband or of her married name.

Phelps will appear in court for the first time on Tuesday to face murder charges.

The harrowing 911 call he placed after his wife's death was released by police over the weekend.

In a recording of the call, he can be heard telling an operator coldly: 'I think I killed my...' before tailing off.

In a flat voice, he went on: 'I had a dream and then I turned on the lights and she's dead on the floor.

'There's blood all over me, and there's a bloody knife on the bed and I think I did it. I can't believe this.'

Struggling for breath, he continued: 'I can't believe I did this. I don't even know what time it is.' Through tears, he said: 'I can see her. She's not breathing. Oh my God.'

Phelps called 911 from the couple's home (above) to say he had woken up to find his wife dead and a bloody knife on the bed. He said he too was covered in blood and sobbed: 'I think I did it'

Phelps cried: 'She didn't deserve it' as he waited for emergency services to arrive on Friday morning

Asked if she is beyond help, he sobbed: 'I'm scared to get too close to her.'

'I took more medicine than I should have. I took Coricidin Cough and Cold because I know it can make you feel good so a lot of times I can't sleep at night...'

The cough drug contains the antihistamine Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, a cough suppressant.

Phelps said he took 'too much' Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold before he went to bed

In high amounts, the latter component causes a lack of oxygen in the brain. In 2004, ABC published a worrying report on teenagers who were using the drug to get high.

'It's just like pot, except it's better and it tastes just like candy and your parents won't know if you get high cause your eyes won't be red,' one said at the time.

The drug is known to cause drowsiness. On its box, it advises that 'excitability' may occur during use but it says nothing of hallucinations.

Bayer, the pharmaceuticals giant which owns Coricidin, told DailyMail.com on Tuesday that the drug does not cause violent behavior.

'Bayer extends our deepest sympathies to this family. Patient safety is our top priority, and we continually monitor adverse events regarding all of our products.

On Monday, mourners piled in to Hope Lutheran Church in Raleigh (above) for Lauren's funeral

'There is no evidence to suggest that Coricidin is associated with violent behavior,' a spokesman said.

People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors are warned not to take the drug. It is not known if Phelps was taking any other medication at the time of his wife's death.

At the end of his 911 call, Phelps wailed: 'She doesn't deserve this,' as he waited for paramedics to arrive at the home he shared with his wife.

Before her funeral, Lauren's friends and family launched a YouCaring page to raise money for her grieving loved ones. It has so far raised $7,000.

Her relatives are yet to speak publicly of her killing.


The mastermind behind North Korea's missile programme has been revealed as a middle-aged scientist who was promoted by Kim Jong-un after successfully launching a satellite into space.

Kim Jong-sik, a technical expert with more than 20 years of experience, is the brains behind the rogue state's nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles.

He now holds North Korea's highest honour, the Order of Kim Jong-il, and is a top figure in the the country's munitions industry department.

The mastermind behind North Korea's missile programme has been revealed as middle-aged scientist Kim Jong-sik (circled)

His next launch could be just hours away, with South Korean intelligence warning that a fresh ICBM is being readied for blast off.

Michael Madden, a leading authority on Pyongyang's elite who works with the 38 North watchdog, called the rocket scientist a 'key figure' in the missile programme.

Mr Madden said: 'He's important  pretty much the most consistent person at these missile tests and the things that are related to the defence industry.

'He is a guy that's helped them identify certain technical problems or reach certain technical benchmarks and that's a critical thing.

'That's how he got his current position  because he was involved in the successful launch of the Unha-3 space rocket in December 2012.

Kim Jong-sik (seen over Kim Jong-un's shoulder) is a technical expert with more than 20 years of experience

The mastermind (pictured on the right of Kim Jong-un) now holds North Korea's highest honour, the Order of Kim Jong-il

Building an armoury: North Korea's test launch of a Hwasong-12 intermediate range missile in Pyongyan

'They tried a space launch in April 2012 and it failed after 10 seconds  so they got rid of some people and then, in December 2012, Kim Jong-sik was one of the lead guys.

'He moved from being a sort of a mid-level guy to being one of the lead people and that's where his career gets this big bump.

'Then about a year-and-a-half later he all of a sudden shows up as a deputy director of North Korea's munitions industry department.'

In North Korea, deputy directors tend to have more power than actual directors, Mr Madden said  and though several people share the title, Kim Jong-sik is the only technical wizard.

'There are people that have the position  they have the job title  but have other responsibilities,' said Mr Madden. 'They don't even work in the building itself, they work elsewhere.

'Kim Jong-sik is one of five people that have that title... but he is the guy that is involved because he is an aeronautics engineer and is involved in missiles and space and rocket engines and thrust.'

Kim Jong-sik (pictured left) is a top figure in the the country's munitions industry department

Kim Jong-sik (pictured second from right) is North Korea's top an aeronautics engineer

Kim Jong Un supervised a ballistic rocket launching drill of Hwasong artillery units earlier this year

When Pyongyang tested its first ICBM in July, bringing the continental US within range for the first time, North Korean propaganda named Kim Jong-sik among the leader's entourage.

He was also on hand for the second ICBM test later that month, as well as last week when Kim Jong-un fired a missile that overshot the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Yet the rocket scientist, who's believed to be in his 50s, wasn't born into the North Korean elite  he was promoted in a bid to boost the pace of missile development.

'He's one of these people that Kim Jong-un kind of plucked from obscurity and brought him into the fold,' said Mr Madden.

'And that's because of his accomplishments, not due to him having been the cousin of somebody or something like that, which happens sometimes in North Korea.

'Kim Jong-un has been very good actually about promoting people that didn't have the traditional patronage ties.'
Lord Hain is set to call for Ulster to stay in the same customs union and single market as Ireland

A Labour former Northern Ireland secretary has been accused of trying to 'partition' the UK by urging a joint customs union with the Republic after Brexit.

Lord Hain is set to call for Ulster to stay in the same customs union and single market as Ireland.

But Ulster Unionist chairman Lord Empey accused the Labour peer, a strong Remain supporter, of dangerous thinking which would damage the local economy.

He said: 'This idea amounts to the partition of the UK and is Sinn Fein's policy.

'Unionists will never agree to a border up the middle of the Irish Sea, which would be the outworking of Lord Hain's proposal.'

The UK's only land border with an EU state after Brexit will be between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Its future is one of the first issues for discussion during Brussels negotiations, with those living either side of the frontier fearing they could be particularly disadvantaged by the divorce settlement.

UK Brexit Secretary David Davis said a good discussion was held on retaining the open border between the Republic and Northern Ireland during Brussels talks with the EU last week.

A debate is being held in the House of Lords on Tuesday on the issue.

Former UUP leader Lord Empey said more than 60 per cent of Northern Ireland's trade was with Great Britain.

He said: 'Why on earth would we agree to cut ourselves off from the mainland to protect 15 per cent of our business and put 85 per cent of it at risk? It is simply nonsensical.

'The solution is to agree new arrangements with the EU.

'Other countries on mainland Europe coexist amicably so why can't we do so as well?'

Lord Hain is likely to warn against the risk of the border becoming just another bargaining chip in the negotiations with Brussels during a major speech.

He was Northern Ireland Secretary under Labour from 2005-2007, helping steer the peace process when the IRA was decommissioning weapons and Stormont devolution was being restored.

He is planning to say: 'What is proposed is not a Brexit for the United Kingdom nor even for Britain.

Ulster Unionist chairman Lord Empey accused the Labour peer, a strong Remain supporter, of dangerous thinking which would damage the local economy

David Davis and the EU's Michel Barnier faced off during the latest round of Brexit negotiations last week

'It is a Brexit for the ideological hard right and we go down that path at our great peril, especially for Northern Ireland and the hard-won peace and democratic process which, tragically, this Government seems so airily causal about and so ignorantly indifferent to.'

The peer is expected to claim the Government's latest proposals that the vast majority of smaller cross-border businesses continue trading exempt from restrictions constitutes not so much a frictionless border as a telepathic one.

'This is less a solution to the problem than pie-in-the-sky fantasy.'

The Irish Government has already said Northern Ireland should retain the benefits of the European customs union after Brexit.

Lord Hain is expected to say: 'In my view the only way of resolving the border conundrum is for Northern Ireland to be within the same customs union and single market as the Republic: either Northern Ireland alone or preferably with the whole of the UK.'
Democratic lawmakers reacted with fury to the announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the administration is rescinding the DACA program, blasting the heartless decision and warning President Trump to brace himself for a tough reaction.

Sessions called the executive order issued by President Obama for children who were brought here illegally as immigrants 'inconsistent' with the separation of powers, announcing Tuesday that the Trump administration was winding it down.

Democrats immediately hit back with a coordinated push online that pitched the hashtag '#DefendDACA,' the acronym for the deferred action order.

Ending DACA is a heartless decision that breaks the President's promise to kids who were brought here through no fault of their own, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who was Hillary Clintons vice presidential running mate.

Trumps cowardice is on full display today,' wrote Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi after the DACA announcement

House Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California issued one of many charged statements on the topic.

Trumps cowardice is on full display today. His cruelty must not stand! #ProtectDREAMers, Pelosi wrote.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) warned Trump to brace himself after the move. Mr. President, You went after children. You better brace yourself for the civil rights fight of our generation. #DefendDACA, Menendez wrote. Menendez, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, goes on trial this week on corruption charges.

Menendez wrote in another tweet: This brazen attack on young ppl won't go unanswered. Passing a clean DREAM Act is now a national emergency. #DefendDACA #DREAMAct #DACAWorks.

Democratic lawmakers reacted with fury to the announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the administration was rescinding DACA

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) blasted the decision to wind-down DACA on Tuesday

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was among Democrats who pounded President Trump for the DACA decision

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who is mentioned among a bevy of potential presidential candidates, wrote on Twitter: It's simply wrong to needlessly target hardworking young adults in order to score political points. #DefendDACA.

She said in a longer statement: President Trumps action today is an affront to who we are as Americans. He is needlessly targeting children who know no other country as home than America. This does not make our communities safer or our economy stronger.

Activists asked Trump not to end DACA during a protest Monday outside the White House

President Donald Trump signaled his intent this morning to end a program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation

Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks at a briefing on Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals, at the Department of Justice Washington, DC, USA, 05 September 2017

A weekend report said Trump was planning to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals scheme that his predecessor implemented five years ago at the conclusion of a six-month waiting period

Gillibrand continued: In fact, it does just the opposite. Congress must lead where the President won't and pass the DREAM Act. America does not merely tolerate immigration  we thrive on it, and we are better than needlessly targeting hardworking young adults to score crass partisan points.

It should be evident from the fear and confusion surrounding #DACA that executive actions have a short-shelf life, wrote Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

Ending DACA to fulfill a bigoted campaign promise is cruel, unnecessary & undermines our values, wrote Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who represents part of Miami, wrote: Proudly stand with #dreamers + strongly disagree w/ decision to end #DACA.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the Trump administration will 'wind down' an Obama-era program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation

Their online pushback was reflected by protesters, who took to Trump Tower and the home of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to display their anger.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) called for finding consensus on the topic  although such a consensus has bedeviled Congress for years  and blasted Obamas order as an abuse that may have been well-intentioned.

However well-intentioned, President Obamas DACA program was a clear abuse of executive authority, an attempt to create law out of thin air. Just as the courts have already struck down similar Obama policy, this was never a viable long-term solution to this challenge, Ryan wrote in a statement.

Congress writes laws, not the president, and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches.'

Ryan continued: 'But now there is more to do, and the president has called on Congress to act. The presidents announcement does not revoke permits immediately, and it is important that those affected have clarity on how this interim period will be carried out.'

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) said in a statement he hoped Congress could reach a 'consensus' on the issue

Ryan wrote that the issued involved 'young people who came to this country through no fault of their own, and for many of them its the only country they know.'

But he called their status one of 'many issues,' including border security  a reflection of calls to somehow tie DREAMer legislation to Trump's proposed border wall, which is anathema to Democrats.

'It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country,' Ryan wrote.
Rainforest Cafe has fired an employee after he posted a foul-mouthed Facebook rant calling Hurricane Harvey survivors 'cheap evacuees' who should 'drown'.

The staffer's callous message was in reaction to those who had been evacuated to San Antonio and were not tipping him as much as he'd like at a downtown branch in San Antonio.

Among his vile threats was calling for those fleeing the floods and their families to die a slow death.

The vile Facebook rant posted by a man onto the San Antonio Craiglist page before it was deleted

The man wrote a message on the San Antonio Craiglist Facebook page this week, moaning about customers he had served at the 110 E Crockett downtown branch.

He branded them 'cheap evacuees' for asking for discounts and not leaving tips.

In the astonishing error-strewn rant, he said: 'F*** each and every one of y'all go back to Houston, Galveston, and Corpus, and f***ing drown.

'This is how I get paid. If you not gonna pay me for your good service then die slow b****es you and your family.'

The user deleted his message, but it was screenshotted and shared which sparked outrage among survivors calling for him to be fired.

Restaurant bosses did just that and Keith Beitler, the senior vice president of Landry's specialty restaurants division, Rainforest Cafe's parent company, told mySA.com: 'It was brought to our attention that an employee of Rainforest Cafe in San Antonio shared personal comments on a private group Facebook page,' he said in the email.

'This is not reflective of our company's views and this employee is no longer employed with us.

'Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Harvey's devastation.'
A waiter in San Antonio has lost his job after wishing that Hurricane Harvey survivors would 'drown' in a Facebook post.

The waiter - who is not being named by local media - made the appalling remarks about 'cheap evacuees' on the San Antonio Craigslist Facebook page earlier this week.

He called the victims - who he claimed asked for discounts then refused to pay tips - 'b***hes' and called for them and their families to 'die slow,' leading to him being dropped from his position at Rainforest Cafe, mySA reported.

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Shocking: A waiter in San Antonio made this shocking remark on a Facebook group last week. It was soon deleted, but appalled readers called up his place of work to complain

Fired: The waiter has been fired from a Rainforest Cafe (pictured) in the city after the rand went viral. It had been deleted from the group, but not before people sent out screenshots

'Man, f**k all you cheap evacuees,' the Facebook rant read, 'don't come eat at my retaurant [sic] and ask for a discount and then not tip me!!!

'F**k each and every one of y'all go back to Houston, Galveston, and Corpus, and f**king drown!!!

'Idgaf this is how I get paid if you not gonna pay me for your good service then die slow B***hes you and your family!!! Idgaf!!!'

Unfortunately for the waiter, his employers did 'gaf'.

The message was quickly deleted from the group, but not before screenshots were taken and circulated online.

Furious visitors then called up Rainforest Cafe's 110 East Crockett downtown location, where the waiter worked, and demanded he be fired.

Keith Beitler, the senior vice president and COO of the specialist restaurants division of Rainforest Cafe's parent company, Landry, said his position was then terminated.

'It was brought to our attention that an employee of Rainforest Cafe in San Antonio shared personal comments on a private group Facebook page,' he said in a statement.

'This is not reflective of our company's views and this employee is no longer employed with us. Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Harvey's devastation.'
Police in Leipzig, Germany, have been accused of victim-blaming after suggesting female joggers should run in pairs to avoid being sexually assaulted.

Their statement followed the brutal rape of a woman in her late 50s who had been jogging through the popular Rosental Park in central Leipzig last week.

The woman had been out for a run when an unknown man dragged her from a path, kicked her in the face and punched her, before raping her so violently she needed emergency surgery.

Outrage: Police in Leipzig have been accused of victim-blaming after suggesting women should run in pairs through Rosental Park, pictured, to avoid being sexually assaulted

In response to the attack, Leipzig Police spokesman Uwe Voigt said: 'It is better to jog as a pair or at least to always look around when you might overtake someone.

'Of course, people can still go jogging alone, but one should take care.'

According to local media, citizens and politicians were outraged about the comments and demanded the cops take measures against rapists.

Mayor Burkhard Jung said: 'The state's response to this inconceivable act and previous assaults must be: more policemen on the streets and in the parks as I have been calling for for years.

'We all want to live in a city where it is self-evident that women can jog alone in the park, where everyone can move safely. And for that we need visibly more police.'

Bad advice: The statement by a local police spokesman followed the brutal rape of a woman who had been jogging through Rosental Park last week (pictured are joggers in Rosental Park, photographer at an unknown date)

Jung has said before that while his city has grown by 100,000 citizens over the last ten years, the Leipzig police force has shrunk by at least 200 cops.

Last year, the amount of crimes in Leipzig rose by 15,000 to 88,615 according to newspaper reports citing official crime statistics.

The police say they are 'currently examining whether a photofit can be made with the help of the victim.'

The cops described the attacker as between 25 and 35 years old and dark skinned with dark coloured hair and an unkempt beard.

As of last weekend, the police received 12 tips, although none is said to have put the investigators on the right track to catch the rapist yet.
Linda Watson (pictured) says she wants travellers to take over her plot in Kirtling, near Newmarket in the hope it will create 's*** for the village' - but she could prosecuted if she pursues her plan

A farmer who has offered a two-and-a-half acre plot of land to travellers on Facebook on the condition they 'ruin the village' could face prosecution, it was revealed today.

Linda Watson says she wants travellers to take over her plot in Kirtling, near Newmarket in the hope it will create 's***' because neighbours 'are too far up their own a***'.

Today East Cambridgeshire District Council said Mrs Watson would have to get approval for changing the use of her land before she could invite travellers to camp there.

If she ignores them she could be dragged before the courts.

But the 48-year-old still has two sets of travellers coming to view the land this week and says she will hand it over for free.

She said: 'It's a great plot of land with electric, water and lovely scenery. I have advertised it on Facebook and had lots of interest from people wanting it for horses.

'But I want to give it to travellers and I have two lots coming to take a look already this week.

'I've had no support from anyone in this village. I'm happy to give the land away to travellers if I have to. I hope it will create s*** for the village. Everyone in Kirtling is so far up their own a***.'

Ms Watson has owned the piece of land for the last 17 years and moved into a static caravan on the site with her partner four years ago.

The 48-year-old has two sets of travellers coming to view the land this week (pictured behind her) and says she will hand it over for free

Ms Watson said: 'It's a great plot of land with electric, water and lovely scenery. I have advertised it on Facebook and had lots of interest from people wanting it for horses'

She spent 70,000 renovating the land and creating a stud farm and more recently she has run a horse rehabilitation business.

She recently applied to East Cambridgeshire District Council to have a small home on the site and improve her business.

But the council did not think her business plan was viable, so they rejected the plans.

She added: 'This was just a run-down piece of land when I bought it but I've spent thousands making it look good, with fencing.

Ms Watson had applied to build a small house on the land but says she is moving abroad after it was refused by the council

She spent 70,000 renovating the land and creating a stud farm and more recently she has run a horse rehabilitation business

'I had a meeting with the council about plans to make a permanent home here and they advised me to put forward a business plan, but they've since told me it was rubbish.'

She said she now plans to move abroad next month.

'It's a very well to do village, but they have done nothing for me,' she said.

'Not one of them has helped me with my planning application.

'Travellers will be living here later this month and I'll be moving abroad.'

East Cambridgeshire District Council has been contacted for a comment.

The farmer said that everyone in the village (pictured) is 'too far up their own a***'
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An ABC cameraman who filmed the horrors of the Vietnam War has released stunning images from the war as part of his autobiography.

Yasutsune 'Tony' Hirashiki served as top cameraman for the network during the war, and his footage showing the nightmare of the war helped galvanize anti-war sentiment across the country.

In his book, entitled 'On the Frontlines of the Television War,' Hirashiki recounts his experiences on the job.

'The memoirs are based on my experience of the war as a cameraman,' he told Media Drum World. 'We were told that our coverage of the war was not to be scripted, dramatized, sensationalized, exaggerated or biased in any way. Our job was to record what was happening "as it is" and then be sure we reported it "as it was".'

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Yasutsune 'Tony' Hirashiki is pictured at left chatting with an NBC cameraman. Hirashiki was working as a cameraman for ABC during the Vietnam War

Journalist Don North is pictured recording a stand-up while Airborne troops move out as part of Operation Junction City on February 27, 1967. Pictured mixing the audio is Takayuki Senzaki while Hirashiki films. Hirashiki was called 'Tony' for quicker communication

Pictured is a South Vietnamese soldier. The conflict, which formally began after US troops were deployed to the Southeast Asian nation in 1965, claimed at least three million lives, including 58,000 Americans

Terrence, or Terry, Khoo of ABC is pictured playfully jumping on the back of freelance Associated Press photographer Koichiro Morita. Khoo was killed in the summer of 1972 at the frontline of Quang Tri in South Vietnam

The Vietnam War informally began in the early 1950s and formally began in 1965 after the United States deployed troops to the Southeast Asian nation to fight in the conflict against North Vietnam and South Vietnam. Its objective was to prevent the country from becoming communist. The US withdrew in 1973 and Vietnam became a communist nation in 1975. The conflict claimed at least three million lives, including 58,000 Americans.

'Although people called me "Kamikaze cameraman", I was a bit of a chicken when it came to certain aspects of war,' Mr Hirashiki told Media Drum World. 'I was never afraid during combat but found blood terrifying upon seeing wounded or dead bodies. I often fainted, so I always closed one eye and just saw the bloody scene by recording it through my finder.'

Hirashiki learned how to cover the war while on the job.

'War took the place of journalism school and battles were our classrooms. Veteran journalists and soldiers were our professors,' he said.

Khoo and North are pictured together. Hirashiki said: 'We were told that our coverage of the war was not to be scripted, dramatized, sensationalized, exaggerated or biased in any way. Our job was to record what was happening "as it is" and then be sure we reported it "as it was"'

Pictured is Hirashiki playing a game of poker with colleagues and a government press officer while on standby

A wounded GI is pictured smoking a cigarette. Hirashiki said: 'Although people called me "Kamikaze cameraman", I was a bit of a chicken when it came to certain aspects of war'

Pictured is a scene from May 13, 1967, during which the Airborne unit's outer perimeter was becoming thin and the wounded were retreating into the forest

Hirashiki decided to write his memoirs after two friends, Sam Kai Faye and Terence Khoo, who he met in Vietnam died.

'In the Summer of 1972 they were killed at the frontline of Quang Tri in South Vietnam. It was the saddest experience of my life. We had planned and dreamt of our futures after the war. When we brought back their bodies to the families in Singapore, I promised Terrys mother that I would write a book in his memory to show how great her son was,' he told Media Drum World.

Hirashiki continued to film conflicts across the world until he retired in 2006 at the age of 68. He said he began to write the book in order to 'fulfill the promise made to Terry's mother.'

He added: 'At the same time I wanted to share our experience with the world to show how our media correspondents and crews had covered the war.'

The book, which was published by Casemate in March 2017, is available for order. Its introduction was written by veteran news anchor Ted Koppel.

Pictured is a victim of a massacre by Cambodian government troops. Ethnic Vietnamese living in Cambodia were blamed by the Lon Nol government for its mistakes in its war against Communism. The photo was taken on April 9, 1970

Correspondent Roger Peterson, pictured at right, was wounded while following a unit involved in searching for guerrilla bases near Con Thein, Vietnam, in October 1966

Ron Miller of ABC married his girlfriend in 1971 at the Continental Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Hirashiki served as best man

A medic is pictured applying pressure to the neck of a wounded soldier. Hirashiki said: 'I was never afraid during combat but found blood terrifying upon seeing wounded or dead bodies. I often fainted, so I always closed one eye and just saw the bloody scene by recording it through my finder'

Kyoichi Sawada, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who was killed while reporting in Cambodia in 1971, is pictured in the field

ABC News correspondent David Snell is pictured in an aid station along the Mekong Delta. He was injured by a landmine

Pictured is Elmer Lower, who later became the president of ABC News. He worked as a sound man while in Ho Chi Minh City, which was then known as Saigon

Pictured is ABC cameraman Joseph Lee, who was captured by a rebel unit while living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He hid his Korean heritage from his captors

Hirashiki is pictured labeling film cans while unloading his camera. He retired in 2006 at the age of 68

Pictured is a letter from correspondent Ron Peterson. In the letter, he describes a particularly intense moment during the conflict in Southeast Asia

Pictured is the grave of Terrence 'Terry' Khoo in Singapore. Khoo died will reporting in Vietnam at the age of 35
A man has died trying to save his fiancee from drowning after a storm hit the Tennessee lake they were swimming in.

Amanda Quartz said her fiance Andrew Ehrman, 30, was a 'hero' after he sacrificed himself to save her when disaster struck, Click on Detroit reports.

The couple were visiting relatives in Knoxville over the holiday weekend when they took a trip to Cherokee Lake. The sun was out so they decided to take out Quartz's great uncle's boat and take a dip in the lake, but that is when the weather changed.

Amanda Quartz said her fiance Andrew Ehrman, 30, (pictured together) was a 'hero' after he sacrificed himself to save her when disaster struck

The couple were visiting relatives in Knoxville over the holiday weekend and decided to go swimming in Cherokee Lake. Pictured are authorities looking for his body in the lake

'It was totally calm, and the sun came out, and we'd really wanted to take a dip,' Quartz said. 'So we jumped in, and all of a sudden, in an instant, everything changed. Just like that it got stormy, and we knew something was wrong and we tried to get back on the boat.'

A strong wind began blowing across the lake, pushing the family pontoon far out of reach.

Both began swimming towards the boat as the current and storm made the journey increasingly difficult.

Quartz said she was starting to struggle, and her legs begin to tire, when she felt her fiance helping her.

The sun was out so they decided to take out Quartz's great uncle's boat and take a dip in the lake, but that is when the weather changed

The couple had been together for a year and were planning to get married soon

Quartz says she wants people to remember her fiance as a 'hero' who gave up his life for her

'I just felt him push me really hard, with all his strength, toward the boat as it was coming, and that was it,' she said.

Quartz made it to the boat, but when she looked for her fiance, he had disappeared.

Authorities called off the search for his body after two days.

The couple had been together for a year and were planning to get married soon.

'I want people to remember how funny he was, how smart and clever, and just all the good that he did,' Quartz said. 'He hustles so hard, harder than anyone I've ever met, and I just want people to remember that, and he's a hero because that's what he is.'

Quartz and Ehrman, a mechanical engineer for an auto supplier, lived together in Plymouth.
Ivanka Trump rushed to work Tuesday morning while seemingly hiding in an SUV just hours after DACA protesters stood outside of her luxurious D.C. home begging her and Jared to stop the president from ending the program.

Secret Service agents were photographed putting car-seats into a black SUV that was eventually backed into the home's garage where Ivanka reportedly got in before departing.

Her husband, Jared Kushner, was photographed smiling while exiting their home on Tuesday sporting a business suit. He got into a waiting vehicle to head to the White House.

On Monday night, over a dozen people gathered outside of their home holding candles during a vigil while peacefully protesting against the Trump administration ending an Obama-era program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation.

'Jared = Ivanka Please Protect Dreamers Keep DACA!', a sign held by a member of the group read.

A photo shared to Twitter of the group said they were 'concerned community members' from Washington, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and Virginia.

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In a rush? Ivanka Trump rushed to work Tuesday morning while seemingly hiding in a black SUV just hours after DACA protesters stood outside of her luxurious D.C. home begging her and Jared to stop the president from ending the program

Secret Service agents were photographed putting car-seats into a black SUV that was eventually backed into the home's garage where Ivanka reportedly got in before departing

Her husband, Jared Kushner, was photographed smiling while exiting their home on Tuesday sporting a business suit. He got into a waiting vehicle to head to the White House

On Monday night, over a dozen people gathered holding candles in front of their home while peacefully protesting against the Trump administration ending an Obama-era program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation

A photo shared to Twitter of the group (above) said they were 'concerned community members' from Washington, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and Virginia

Neither Ivanka or Jared, who both work for her father as advisers in his administration, have commented about his announcement ending DACA, which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally announced that Trump is ending the program and said it is an 'unconstitutional exercise of authority' by the executive branch and amounts to 'unilateral executive amnesty,' in a press statement.

The administration is rescind the policy that created the program, Sessions said.

It's up to Congress to pass legislation extending the policy if it see fit, the DOJ official stated.

'We are people of compassion, and we are people of law. But there is nothing compassionate about the failure to enforce immigration laws,' Sessions said.

Sessions did not say how long the 'wind down' that DHS is enacting would take.

A weekend report said Trump was planning to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals scheme that his predecessor implemented five years ago at the conclusion of a six-month waiting period.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Tuesday that the Trump administration will 'wind down' the Obama-era program during a news conference

Protests from supporters of the DACA program broke out of over the weekend and extended into Tuesday at the White House and Trump Tower after the president made the announcement

The move is designed to give Congress the space and time it needs to approve legislation that mirrors the executive branch program that covers 800,000 people.

'Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!' the president had said this morning on Twitter.

Sessions said Tuesday, during a televised statement at the Department of Justice, that Barack Obama had shown disrespect for the legislative process when he went around Congress to put DACA in place.

'The executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions,' Sessions said, claiming that 'such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.'

The law enforcement official predicted that DACA would be slapped down in court if it sustained a legal challenge.

A similar Obama policy, DAPA, that protected the parents of illegal immigrants went down in court earlier this summer.

'If we are to further our goal of strengthening the constitutional order and the rule of law in America, the Department of Justice cannot defend this type of overreach,' Sessions said.

President Donald Trump signaled his intent Tuesday morning to end the program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation

A weekend report said Trump was planning to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals scheme that his predecessor implemented five years ago at the conclusion of a six-month waiting period

House Speaker Paul Ryan argued in a statement just after Sessions had finished that the Obama policy, while well-intentioned, 'was a clear abuse of executive authority.'

'Congress writes laws, not the president, and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches,' the GOP leader of the House stated.

Former President Barack Obama created the program in 2012 without the input of Congress. It provides worker permits and deportation protection to approved applicants on a rolling, two-year basis with an indefinite number of renewals.

Republicans say that Obama overstepped his authority when he mandated that the Department of Homeland Security turn a blind eye to undocumented immigrants who meet the DACA specifications.

GOP lawmakers eventually took him to court on the grounds that he had been veering too far into their lane.

Trump ran on a platform of 'law and order' that centered on pledges to build a wall with Mexico and deport an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants from the country.

He's softened his stance slightly since he was elected, instructing his administration to zero in on violent criminals and leaving the DACA policy in place.

Trump seemed content to leave DACA alone until a group of 10 states, led by Texas AG Ken Paxton, sent a letter to DOJ the last week in June announcing their plans to sue the federal government unless Trump rescinded the executive order Obama used to create the program by Sept. 5.

Tropical Storm Harvey did nothing to slow Paxton down. He affirmed last week that his cadre of state attorneys general would take legal action today unless Trump did what they were asking.
A man arrested in a savage claw-hammer beating of a then-classmate at a Los Angeles prep school for children of multi-millionaires was elected secretary of the Republican Party of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida earlier this year.

Four months later, party officials have discovered the young philanthropist who supports President Donald Trump and is known there as Rupert Tarsey is really Rupert Ditsworth.

And a decade ago, the then-Beverly Hills teenager was arrested and charged with attempted murder after hitting Los Angeles's Harvard-Westlake School classmate Elizabeth Barcay over the head at least 40 times, splitting her skull open.

Rupert Tarsey (left) - whose real name is Rupert Ditsworth - 28, was elected secretary of the Republican Party of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale in May after winning a three-candidate run with 75 votes

Four months later, party officials have discovered the young philanthropist who supports Trump, has been living under a different last name two years after he was charged with attempted murder (Tarsey pictured left with his wife)

Now, Florida Republicans are desperate for Tarsey to resign and worried about the image of the party in the overwhelmingly Democratic area of former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

But according to Tarsey, he was elected as a party executive fair and square and won't tender his resignation no matter what his background is.

'Why should I resign?' he said in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com from his $2 million beachfront condo. 'I did nothing wrong and I was elected. This is just party politics.'

According to records, Tarsey started using his mother's maiden name when he moved to Florida two years after the assault.

'I'm estranged from my dad,' he said, adding he didn't change his name in order to hide his real identity.

After earning an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Tarsey got married and had two children, with another one on the way.

For years, Tarsey volunteered for charities, including the Catholic faith-based Knights of Columbus, and worked on Republican campaigns, including Trump's.

Then in May, Tarsey presented himself at the election for the party's executive board. He won a three-candidate run for secretary with 75 votes.

In 2007 Tarsey was charged with beating his then-classmate Elizabeth Barcay at least 40 times with a hammer, splitting her skull open. She also suffered a broken leg and broken nose

The incident took place while the two were students at a posh Los Angeles prep school, Harvard-Westlake. Tarsey reportedly drove Barcay to Jamba Juice after a big exam - he then allegedly pulled a hammer from a backpack and hit her repeatedly

Tarsey's real identity was discovered by a member who alerted local GOP Chairman Bob Sutton over the Labor Day weekend.

'We were blindsided,' Sutton, a school teacher, told DailyMail.com. 'He's a member of the Knights of Columbus for Christ's sake. And he came highly recommended by the former chair.

'We had no idea what his background is. We want him out but he is refusing to resign. He deceived us. It looks like he even used a reputation management firm to make sure we wouldn't find out who he is.'

Following the path of grandfather Jason Tarsey, owner of the historic Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas, Rupert Tarsey has become himself a successful real estate investor.

Tarsey was rushed into psychiatric treatment and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor. He later earned an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, got married and had two children, with another one on the way (pictured with his wife Beata)

In 2007 in L.A., however, his extended future appeared to be behind bars.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Tarsey was charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon after a strange incident in a car near the school.

Tarsey, according to published reports, invited Barcay, the daughter of Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Barbara Hayden, to drive to Jamba Juice after a big exam.

According to Barcay's statement to police, Tarsey eventually parked the car. He then allegedly pulled a hammer from a backpack and started hitting her over the head with the tool multiple times. He then left the car, opened the passenger's door and pulled her out while choking her before driving away.

Tarsey allegedly hit her more than 40 times, splitting her skull open. The girl also suffered a broken leg and broken nose.

According to the Times, Tarsey's parents rushed him into psychiatric treatment as Barcay recovered painfully and eventually attended the school prom in a wheelchair.

At first, prosecutors filed the case in juvenile court but it was dismissed. Later, they tried it again in adult court.

'In the end, I pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor,' said Tarsey. 'It's not the charges that matter, it's what happens in court.'

At 6-foot 2-inches, Tarsey claims he was just defending himself from Barcay's attack.

'Regrettably, while being pinned against the side of the car and having difficulty breathing, I used this tool in self-defense to try to stop the other person from hitting me,' he wrote in a statement sent to 500 Republican Party members over the weekend.

The fact Tarsey pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor explains why his voting rights were not taken away. In Florida and most states, those convicted of a felony lose their right to vote.

Tarsey registered to vote as a Republican last year in Broward County, records show.

'This whole thing is in retaliation for my speaking out against Bob (Sutton),' Tarsey said. 'It's politics.'
Police released this mugshot of Mark Revill, 50, ahead of his sentencing this month

Police have released a chilling mugshot of the deranged stalker who waged a terrifying campaign of harassment against Keira Knightley.

Mark Revill left the Oscar-nominated actress fearing for her safety when he flouted a restraining order to send her a series of threatening tweets, in which he described himself as a 'public executioner'.

The 50-year-old suggested he would attack the Hollywood star, her husband - former Klaxons keyboard player James Righton, 33 - and two-year-old daughter Edie at their home.

Using his Twitter handle Mark McCattipuss, Revill also posted images of a naked girl on Twitter.

Police today released a mugshot of Revill ahead of his sentencing at the end of the month.

The tweets came just one month after he received a suspended prison sentence and an indefinite restraining order for meowing through her letterbox and writing her threatening letters.

Ms Knightley beefed up security at her 3.9m north London home after Revill made her too scared to leave the house.

Revill suggested he would attack the Hollywood star, her husband - former Klaxons keyboard player James Righton, 33 (pictured) - and daughter Edie, two, at their home

Revill tweeted: 'My campaign of disobedience continues in Canonbury tonight.. JR and KK are not going to get much help from the police.'

'James Righton viewed keiraknightley as an 'asset' at the beginning'.

'If Righton iz play the devil, maybe i iz play public executioner yah? Of course not iz death threat'.

'Righton got too big for his boots last week. I iz cut him down to size yah? I iz top dog Yah Righton. Transfiguration yah?' Righton is just a glorified chastity belt'

'And still The Villain Righton makes his wife suffer'.

Two days later he posted: 'I iz b******ing resigning from my reign of terror against the w**re and the devil. Really dont see why i should have to. F-k the c-s.'

Revill repeatedly delivered letters and postcards to the star's home - in a haunting twist on a scene from Love Actually, in which Mark (Andrew Lincoln) declares his love for Ms Knightley's character using a series of cue cards on her doorstep.

He also dropped off a USB containing a song called 'The Fuzzy Kitty Waltz' he had written for the Pride and Prejudice star, 32.

He made meowing noises through the letterbox of the north London home she shares with husband and their young daughter.

On one visit Revill hung around on the pavement before drawing a large chalk arrow on the paving stones pointing to her front door.

Revill admitted breaching a restraining order as well as producing 324 indecent photographs of children, distributing indecent photographs of children and sending menacing messages

The stalker changed his name to Mark McCattipus and also goes by the name Ziggy.

He sent Ms Knightley a note asking her if she had listened to the music, and also wrote two letters to her mother.

Revill admitted stalking the Pirates of the Caribbean star last December claiming he was in love with her although he had been approaching her primarily to promote his music.

He was then a handed eight week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

As part of the restraining order, Revill was given a mandatory six-month mental health requirement, and a rehabilitation activity requirement of 30 days.

Mark Revill left the Oscar-nominated actress fearing for her safety during his terrifying campaign

He was also banned from contacting Ms Knightley directly or indirectly, banned from going within 100 metres of her family, within 100 metres of any address she uses, and an exclusion zone in Islington until further notice.

Revill, from Hackney in east London, admitted breaching the restraining order against the actress by sending indecent, obscene or menacing messages at Blackfriars Crown Court.

He also admitted one count of producing 324 indecent photographs of children, one of distributing indecent photographs of children and one of sending menacing messages.

Judge Rajeev Shetty ordered further psychiatric reports yesterday and remanded Revill in custody until he is sentenced on September 22.
President Donald Trump defended the decision to end the DACA program protecting roughly 800,000 people from deportation in a written statement sent out by the White House about an hour after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced it.

Sessions announced Tuesday that the administration was rescinding the program, which protects from deportation people brought here as children illegally by their parents, in a press conference.

After reading a detailed statement at 11 am Easter Time at the Justice Department, Sessions walked out of the briefing room where reporters and TV cameras were gathered.

'Thank you,' he said, raising his hand to waive to the cameras before walking off.

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President Donald Trump defended the decision to end the DACA program in a written statement

About an hour later, the White House issued a lengthy statement from President Trump explaining the arguments for the decision. Trump had not planned press events, although Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was to face the media on his behalf Tuesday afternoon.

Having the president step back from the announcement could allow him to gain some separation from a decision he has wrestled with for months, and potentially provide maneuvering room should Congress actually produce a legislative product.

Critics blasting the decision nevertheless focused squarely on Trump, with protesters getting arrested outside his Trump Tower residence and opponents aiming their barbs at him.

'Trump's cowardice is on full display today. His cruelty must not stand! #ProtectDREAMers,' wrote House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California on Twitter.

Jeff Sessions makes announcement on DACA decision in a speech carried live by cable networks

Trump wrote in the statement: 'As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents.'

He continued: 'But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.'

Trump said President Barack Obama's order 'bypassed Congress to give work permits, social security numbers, and federal benefits to approximately 800,000 illegal immigrants currently between the ages of 15 and 36. The typical recipients of this executive amnesty, known as DACA, are in their twenties. Legislation offering these same benefits had been introduced in Congress on numerous occasions and rejected each time.'

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the Trump administration will 'wind down' an Obama-era program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation

Trump referenced a lawsuit brought by states suing over the program, 'requiring my Administration to make a decision regarding its legality.'

He said Sessions and many state attorneys general 'advised that the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court.'

'There can be no path to principled immigration reform if the executive branch is able to rewrite or nullify federal laws at will.'

Trump also tried to rekindle the possibility of 'comprehensive' immigration reform, although such efforts have collapsed in the past.

'Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first. We are facing the symptom of a larger problem, illegal immigration, along with the many other chronic immigration problems Washington has left unsolved,' Trump said.

Activists asked Trump not to end DACA during a protest Monday outside the White House

'We must reform our green card system, which now favors low-skilled immigration and puts immense strain on U.S. taxpayers. We must base future immigration on merit  we want those coming into the country to be able to support themselves financially, to contribute to our economy, and to love our country and the values it stands for. Under a merit-based system, citizens will enjoy higher employment, rising wages, and a stronger middle class,' he continued, mentioning immigration concepts he pitched on the campaign trail.

'I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to finally address all of these issues in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first,' Trump said in the statement.

Trump called for 'heart' and compassion  but said it should also be applied to the group he calls 'forgotten Americans.'

'As I've said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful Democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans,' he said.
Villagers in China's southwest gathered over the weekend for an annual festival which saw revelers dress a dog up in human clothes, parade it through the streets and worship the animal as a god.

Dog Carrying Day has been celebrated for centuries by the Miao people of Jiaobang village in the Guizhou province.

At the climax of the festival, locals use a sedan chair to parade a chosen dog through the streets as it dons a tailor-made shirt, silver necklace and hat.

Villagers in China's southwest honor dogs each year with an annual Dog Carrying Day festival

Dog Carrying Day has been celebrated for centuries by the Miao people of Jiaobang village in the Guizhou province

At the climax of the festival, locals use a sedan chair to parade a chosen dog through the streets as it dons a tailor-made shirt, silver necklace and hat

Legend has it that the first settlers in the area were saved from dying of thirst by a dog who led them to water - thus, a festival honoring the animal was born.

Water shortages are common in the area, and the community's ancestors believe the dog was a heaven-sent miracle, according to the South China Morning Post.

In the parade honoring the legend at the festival, a chosen dog is lifted into a wooden chair carried on freshly cut bamboo poles.

A shaman carrying a black sceptre leads the convoy through the street while other sing to the beat of a drum.

Another event in the weekend festivities sees locals throw mud at one another as a prayer to the gods for peace, health and prosperity

Legend has it that the first settlers in the area were saved from dying of thirst by a dog who led them to water - thus, a festival honoring the animal was born

Water shortages are common in the area, and the community's ancestors believe the dog was a heaven-sent miracle

People gather to watch the parade and give thanks to the dog as they pray for good harvest in the coming year.

It is unclear how the specific dog is chosen for the annual events.

Another event in the weekend festivities sees locals throw mud at one another as a prayer to the gods for peace, health and prosperity.

Some have criticised the festival, however, saying the dog is treated cruelly during the parade because it has a chain tied around its neck.
A hilarious video shows a territorial cat sitting atop a refrigerator and refusing to let the door close after her owner grabs a snack.

When Lele's owner opens the fridge door to get a snack, she stares at the camera.

As the door closes, the cat puts her paw up against the inside of the door and meows forcefully.

A cat named Lele sits atop a refrigerator in Taiwan blocking the door from closing

When Lele's owner tries to close the door she hisses aggressively and pushes it with her paw

The person taking the video laughs and tries to shut the door again, but the kitty is still not allowing it, hissing at the door.

Lele manages to block the door for several seconds before standing up and allowing it to close.

The video was taken in Linkou District, Taiwan, and posted to Jukin Media on September 5.
Cruise ships were forced to re-route and hundreds of flights were cancelled on Tuesday as Hurricane Irma strengthened into a Category 5 storm on Tuesday - ruining the plans of many trying to fit in a late-summer Caribbean vacation.

The hurricane is expected to hit the northernmost Leeward Islands tonight, which include the popular vacation destinations of Nevis, Antigua and St. Martin.

Irma will then push on towards Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and eventually south Florida. Visitors to the Florida Keys are now under mandatory evacuation.

The storm has caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled in the region.

About 20,000 passengers on cruise ships are having their vacations rerouted so that they stay out of Hurricane Irma. The Carnival Pride, one of the three largest cruise ships in the world, is among those ships

American Airlines was one of several airlines cancelling normally scheduled flights to the Caribbean.

But they added extra flights on Tuesday to help vacationers escape the islands of St. Kitts and St. Martin before the storm hits.

Many airlines are offering waivers for travel this week, so that vacationers who planned to fly during the storm can re-book their flights without paying extra fees.

Most of the preemptively cancelled flights were in and out of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory's largest airport.

The storm has also interrupted plans for about 20,000 people booked on Caribbean cruises this week.

Three of Carnival Cruise Line's ships were rerouted form the eastern Caribbean to the western Caribbean in light of Irma.

A fourth Carnival ship, the Pride, will visit Charleston, South Carolina, Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas instead of the original itinerary for Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled for Tuesday and Wednesday as Hurricane Irma set its sights on the eastern Caribbean islands

Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are already stocking up on supplies for the hurricane, which is expected to hit between Wednesday and Thursday

The Carnival Pride is one of the three biggest cruise ships in the world and sleeps 5,400.

MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and the Disney Cruise Line have also been impacted.

MSC's Divina ship was diverted to the western Caribbean from the eastern Caribbean. The Celebrity Equinox is skipping stops in St. Thomas and Tortola to visit Curacao instead and the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are visiting ports in an altered order.
A Florida woman has been arrested after she crashed her car while driving the wrong way with her toddler son, then urinated on herself and was allegedly heard yelling racial slurs at bystanders.

Kimberly Joyce, 33, of Daytona Beach, was booked into the Volusia County Jail on Thursday, charged with three counts of driving under the influence and one count each of neglect of a child and disorderly conduct.

According to police, Joyce was driving with her three-year-old son in her Nissan at around 4.30pm on Thursday when she crashed into an SUV in the area of Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.

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DUI arrest: Kimberly Joyce, 33 (pictured left in her mugshot), has been arrested after she crashed her car while driving the wrong way with her son (rihgt), then urinated on herself

Fender-bender: Joyce was driving in Daytona Beach when she her Nissan crashed into an SUV

Wrong-way crash: Witnesses said that at the time of the collision, Joyce was driving erratically on the wrong side of the road; she also reportedly smelled of alcohol

Joyce allegedly became aggressive and began spouting racial slurs at a group of bystanders, most of whom were African-Americans

Witnesses said that at the time of the collision, Joyce was driving erratically on the wrong side of the road, moving against the flow of traffic, reported ClickOrlando.

A 911 caller reported that Joyce's son was not in a car seat and appeared injured.

The toddler was taken to a hospital suffering from head injury and was subsequently released into the custody of his grandparents.

A police officer responded to the scene of the crash and was in the process of investigating what happened when Joyce allegedly became aggressive. The officer wrote in his report that the woman smelled of alcohol.

Police say the 33-year-old woman was then heard spouting racial epithets at passersby, most of whom were African-Americans, according to the station WESH2.

Joyce (pictured right in an old mugshot) had been arrested four times between September 2010 and February 2011 on charges that included DUI and marijuana possession

Joyces stepfather later defended her, noting that her son's father is black and she is not a racist person.

As the responding officer was waiting for a female colleague to arrive in order to search Joyce, the woman reportedly urinated on herself. She then refused to submit to a field sobriety test or a Breathalyzer test.

According to an arrest affidavit, the 33-year-old, who has a lengthily arrest record, yelled at the cops that she had a drinking problem but insisted that she only had a few drinks before the crash,

She made her initial court appearance on Friday and had her bond set at $9,000. She was also barred from having any unsupervised contact with her young son.

Volusia County Jail records show that Joyce had been arrested four times between September 2010 and February 2011 on charges that included DUI and marijuana possession.
Sir Michael Fallon said ending free movement was necessary to reduce inflows after a leaked document outlined a new post-Brexit system

The government is honouring the result of the referendum by bringing in tough measures to curb immigration, a Cabinet minister said today.

Sir Michael Fallon said ending free movement was necessary to reduce inflows after a leaked document outlined a new post-Brexit system.

The proposals included action to slash the number of low-skilled EU workers and force bosses to put British workers first.

A 'direct numerical cap' on immigration could be imposed when the UK leaves the 28-nation EU in March 2019, according to the Home Office report.

Asked about the document, Defence Secretary Sir Michael stressed that the government would spell out its plans later this year. He also insisted there was no intention to 'close the door' on talent from abroad.

But he made clear ministers' determination to meet the Tory target for reducing annual net migration below 100,000 a year.

'This is our target,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today. 'We need to get immigration down and we need to show the public that it is being properly controlled.'

Under the blueprint, low-skilled workers would be allowed to stay for only one or two years while professionals could apply for five-year visas.

To give preference to British workers, firms would have to pass a rigorous 'economic needs test' before recruiting EU nationals lacking higher qualifications.

The 82-page document says migration policy will be determined by the UK national interest, ensuring social cohesion and reducing the number of arrivals.

Plans for tough new immigration rules that mean an immediate end to free movement after Brexit were revealed tonight in a massive leak from the Home Office, run by Amber Rudd (pictured)

An 82-page document leaked tonight (pictured) revealed plans to make all EU citizens show a passport when they visit Britain after Brexit

The paper said: 'To be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but make existing residents better off.'

Sir Michael told BBC Breakfast: 'I can't set out the proposals yet, they have not yet been finalised, they are being worked on at the moment.

'There is obviously a balance to be struck, we don't want to shut the door, of course not.

'We have always welcomed to this country those who can make a contribution to our economy, to our society, people with high skills.

'On the other hand we want British companies to do more to train up British workers, to do more to improve skills of those who leave our colleges.

'So there's always a balance to be struck.

'We're not closing the door on all future immigration but it has to be managed properly and people do expect to see the numbers coming down.'

The radical proposals include:

An immediate end to free movement after Brexit;

Jobseekers will not be given residence permits;

The rights of EU nationals to bring in family members will be dramatically curtailed;

Transitional controls will last around two years before a new system is imposed;

EU citizens will need passports to enter the UK, not just identity cards.

Last night Whitehall sources insisted the document had not been signed off by ministers and immigration policy was still a 'work in progress'.

Officials have produced at least six subsequent versions, the source added. The measures are likely to be watered down as part of Brexit talks.

Campaigners for controlled migration and Tory MPs hailed the proposals, saying they reflected the public's demands for an end to mass immigration.

Lord Green of Deddington, chairman of the MigrationWatch think tank, said: 'This is very good news. Completely uncontrolled migration from the EU simply cannot be allowed to continue.

Chancellor Philip Hammond (left) and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (right) have both warned about the dangers of slashing immigration too quickly

'These proposals rightly focus on the highly skilled and, by doing so, could well reduce net migration from Europe by about 100,000 a year.'

Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover, said: 'People want a robust approach on tackling the number of low-skilled migrants coming to Britain as they feel deeply this pushes down the wages of working people.'

However, there was an immediate backlash last night with Labour mayor of London Sadiq Khan saying: 'It reads like a blueprint on how to strangle London's economy, which would be devastating not just for our city but for the whole country.'

The leak comes just days after the latest round of Brexit talks ended in acrimony and a row over the so-called divorce bill.

It could anger Brussels if it is seen that the plans downgrade the status of EU citizens too far. Theresa May is reportedly set to deliver a key speech on Britain's future relationship with the EU later this month as negotiations approach a critical stage.

Labour MP Alison McGovern, who campaigns for the Remain-supporting Open Britain lobby group, branding the plans 'mean and cynical' tonight

The document, entitled 'Borders, Immigration and Citizenship System After the UK Leaves the EU'  dated August 2017  was published in full by the Guardian newspaper last night.

It makes clear that in setting future immigration policy ministers will be 'guided' by their policy of hitting the target of cutting net migration to the tens of thousands, and to give 'preference in the job market to resident workers'.

It says that high levels of net migration are 'not inevitable'.

'To be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off,' it says. After Brexit, there would be a transition period lasting at least two years, during which EU nationals would be free to come to the UK for short periods, but would be forced to register with the Home Office after living here for three months.

Anyone who wants to stay will have to show evidence of a employment, study or self-sufficiency. The document defines this as having an income above 18,600  as per non-EU nationals.

There would then be a gradual ratcheting up of controls over years to a new system. In the longer term, low-skilled migration would be limited either using a straightforward cap, a minimum salary level or skill shortage assessments. Tourism, business and other short-term visits would continue as normal.

In a dramatic shift in policy, firms would be allowed to hire migrants only if they could prove they had tried  and failed  to hire a Briton.

The document states: 'We are clear that, wherever possible, UK employers should look to meet their labour needs from resident labour. It is now more important than ever that we have the right skills domestically to build a strong and competitive economy.

'It is not a question of stopping EU migration. But there will be a fundamental shift in our policy in that the Government will take a view on the economic and social needs of the country as regards migration, rather than leaving this decision entirely to EU citizens and their employers.

'We will want to strike the right balance  making sure we attract the people we need to fill key labour market requirements, and ensuring that we continue to support UK businesses to prosper, while addressing concerns about the impact of uncontrolled migration on public services and community cohesion.'

To help farmers ensure they have enough labour to pick fruit, a seasonal workers scheme would give temporary work permits.

Green MP and co-party leader Caroline Lucas said the plans were economically illiterate and 'a profound mistake'.

'Ministers know that ending free movement will damage the British economy  yet they are ploughing ahead regardless,' she said.

'Now they're also planning draconian rules on family members of EU nationals and harsh income requirements too. Britain has benefited from freedom of movement and from the enormous contribution of EU nationals.'
The Icelandic shipping company attributed the 43.6 percent year-over-year drop in net earnings during the quarter primarily to headwinds from currency exchange fluctuations, as revenues still rose 37.2 percent from the same quarter a year ago.



Eimskips net earnings for the second quarter of 2017 fell 43.6 percent year-over-year to 4.9 million euros, but revenues surged 37.2 percent to 173.1 million euros.

Icelandic shipping company Eimskips net earnings for the second quarter of 2017 sank 43.6 percent from last years second quarter to 4.9 million euros (U.S. $5.8 million), mainly driven down by headwinds from currency exchange fluctuations, the company said.

Eimskip also attributed the decline to the finance expense and increased depreciation. Net finance expense for the second quarter of 2017 amounted to 2.8 million euros, compared to a net finance income of 700,000 euros for the second quarter of 2016, while depreciation and amortization reached 7.5 million euros, rising 10.1 percent.

On a brighter note, Eimskips revenues for the second quarter of 2017 skyrocketed 37.2 percent year-over-year to 173.1 million euros.

Liner services revenues totaled 117.5 million euros for the quarter, up 22.4 percent from the second quarter of 2016. Liner volumes grew 3.5 percent, mainly driven by import growth to Iceland, export from the Faroe Islands and liner services in Norway.

Forwarding services revenues stood at 55.6 million euros for the quarter, surging 84.3 percent year-over-year, mainly due to new acquisitions, while volumes grew 39.6 percent.

In 2017 alone, Eimskip has made various acquisitions, acquiring 80 percent of the Antwerp-based forwarding company Mareco N.V. in January; a 51 percent stake in Boston-based seller and lessor of containers, CSI Group, LLC, in March; and 75 percent of Danish freight forwarding company SHIP-LOG A/S in June.

Eimskip also signed a contract in January with a Chinese shipyard to build two, 2,150-TEU ice class Polar Code containerships, which are scheduled for delivery in 2019, Eimskip President and CEO Gylfi Sigfusson said. The first contract payment of 11.7 million euros was submitted in May.

Looking ahead, Sigfusson said Eimskip continues to evaluate additional acquisition opportunities and vessel investments on an ongoing basis.

Eimskip operates 22 vessels  13 owned and nine chartered  with 14 in scheduled services, three in spot services, one that is used for bulk cargo, and four that are in ferry operation, the company said.

Eimskip has several intra-North Europe liner services, with only its Green Line sailing elsewhere, which connects Iceland and Newfoundland with the United States, deploying two vessels averaging 705 TEUs, according to ocean carrier schedule and capacity database BlueWater Reporting.
Two young women claim they had the holiday from hell when they were 'held hostage and robbed' at an Airbnb apartment in Marbella.

When friends Rae Breakwell and Paige Mitchell arrived at the property in Spain they claim the host was nowhere to be found - and they were greeted by the sight of two women passed out in the room they had paid for.

The friends, both from the UK, allege they were later robbed of their personal belongings and 'held hostage', fearing they would be attacked with a kitchen knife.

Friends Rae Breakwell (right) and Paige Mitchell (left) arrived at the property in Marbella to find two girls passed out in the room they had paid for

An Airbnb spokesman said the host had been suspended while an 'urgent' investigation got underway

Rae and Paige said when they contacted their host, they were told she was out of the country and her cousin would be in charge during their stay.

But shortly before they arrived at the apartment on August 21, the cousin refused to answer his phone - so the owner told them to let themselves in using a spare key.

Rae told UNILAD: 'When we got in, the place stank of alcohol and the curtains were drawn.

'We were sitting on the sofa and then the cousin rang and got angry when we told him we were in the apartment.'

She said when they went to their room, they saw 'two girls passed out.'

In a bid not to let it ruin their sunshine break, Rae and Paige went to the room next door and put their valuables in their suitcases before going out.

But they claim they later returned to find their belongings strewn across the room, with items missing.

Rae told UniLad she approached the other girls in the apartment who became 'aggressive and started shouting'.

Rae claims she and her friend returned to find their belongings strewn across the room, with items missing

Paige claims she was trapped inside the apartment before eventually managing to flee

She claims she then saw a knife on the table and feared it 'would be used' - so she and Paige locked themselves in their room and called the police.

Rae said: 'I do think if things had gone even a little bit further it would have ended up with that knife being used.'

Eventually, Rae ended up outside the apartment while Paige was trapped inside after the girls locked the door. Paige says she eventually managed to run and unlock the door.

They moved to a villa after Rae's family arrived in the town a few days later.

Rae said the theft of their belongings and the cost of a new hotel cost them 1,000.

Rae (left) said the theft of their belongings and the cost of a new hotel cost them 1,000

An Airbnb spokesman said: 'We have zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour and are providing the guests with our full support.

'The host has been suspended while we urgently investigate.

'There have been over 200 million guest arrivals in listings and negative incidents like this are incredibly rare.'
A former Tennessee lawmaker who led a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme centered on buying and selling gold and silver coins has been sentenced to 21 years behind bars.

Along with the jail sentence, 73-year-old former Democratic state rep. Larry Bates was ordered to pay more than $21million in restitution to more than 400 customers he swindled.

Bates, his two sons, and daughter-in-law were found guilty in May of mail and wire fraud.

The Democrat who served in the Tennessee House from 1971 to 1976, promoted the company though Christian television and radio programs.

Larry Bates will spend 21 years in prison along with his two sons and daughter-in-law for mail and wire fraud

Ex state legislator Larry Bates is pictured with his son Charles (aka "Chuck") in a promotional video promoting their book

Customers gave more than $87million to First American Monetary Consultants, a Colorado Corporation, for the purpose of buying and investing in precious metals.

Between 2002 and 2013 more than 360 victims lost more than $21million due to the illegal scheme.

By 2009, the company had more than $26 million dollars in unfilled orders.

Prosecutors said Bates and his family kept the money for their personal use, including commodities trading and a 10,000-square-foot house. They used more than four million to create the International Radio Network, a Christian radio network.

And as all good Ponzi schemes go, other costumers' monies were used to fulfill prior orders that had not been fulfilled.

Customers gave more than $87million to First American Monetary Consultants (pictured) believing that Bates was investing in silver and gold

Bate's customers begged the company for their coins or reimbursement. They were told the coins were scarce, they were coming from Europe, and the U.S. Mint was shut down.

More than 45 witnesses testified about losing money to Larry Bates and First American Monetary Consultants.

'Unfortunately, fraud, corruption and embezzlement can occur everywhere, including in the investment world,' said Larry Laurenzi, Acting United States Attorney, who prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard. 'People need to be mindful of this terrible fact and work hard to protect themselves and their families from those who prey on others, like the Bates family preyed on so many innocent victims.

Larry Bates was convicted on all 46 counts in the indictment. His son Chuck Bates was found guilty of 18 counts of mail and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy. His other son Robert Bates was convicted of five counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy. Robert's wife Kinsey Bates was convicted on one count of conspiracy and two counts of wire fraud.
In a phone call with US President Donald Trump today, Prime Minister Theresa May stressed the importance of the UN Security Council quickly agreeing new measures

Britain's Foreign Minister Boris Johnson called on the international community to impose further sanctions on North Korea following the country's latest nuclear test.

He said North Korea's ambassador to Britain had been summoned to the Foreign Office 'to receive a formal protest'.

'We are now pressing the Security Council to pass a new resolution as swiftly as possible, imposing further sanctions and showing the unity and determination of the international community,' Johnson told parliament in London.

In a phone call with US President Donald Trump today, Prime Minister Theresa May stressed the importance of the UN Security Council quickly agreeing new measures.

North Korea triggered global alarm on Sunday with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

The Foreign Secretary told MPs: 'China, which accounts for 90 per cent of North Korea's overseas trade, has a unique ability to influence the regime - and the House can take heart from the fact that Beijing voted in favour of the latest sanctions resolution and condemned Pyongyang's actions in the most unsparing terms.

'I call on China to use all of its leverage to ensure a peaceful settlement of this grave crisis.'

Mr Johnson said the rogue state's latest nuclear test was a matter of global concern.

He said: 'At noon on Sunday, local time, North Korea tested the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated in the history of the regime's quest for an illegal arsenal.

'The regime claimed to have exploded a hydrogen bomb capable of being delivered on an intercontinental ballistic missile.

'We should treat that claim with scepticism, but the House must be under no illusion that this latest test marks another perilous advance in North Korea's nuclear ambitions.'

Commending the 'dignity and restraint' shown by South Korea and Japan despite both countries being 'in the firing line of Pyongyang's reckless ambitions', the Foreign Secretary said there had been a 'steady drumbeat of provocative and dangerous actions by Kim Jong-un's regime'.

'We are now pressing the Security Council to pass a new resolution as swiftly as possible, imposing further sanctions and showing the unity and determination of the international community,' British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said on North Korea

North Korea triggered global alarm on Sunday with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile

Criticising North Korea's 'brazen defiance' of the rest of the world, Mr Johnson said: 'Just as North Korea has pursued nuclear weapons with single-minded determination, so the international community must show the same resolve in our pursuit of a diplomatic solution.'

Mr Johnson's comments came after North Korea's ambassador in London, Choe Il, was summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing down from Asia minister Mark Field.

Following the meeting, Mr Field said: 'North Korea's reckless actions have created a deeply dangerous and unstable situation.

'I urge the regime to end its illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missiles and return to dialogue with the international community.'

Prime Minister Theresa May told a meeting of the Cabinet today that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes represent a 'threat to the whole of the international community'.

In a tweet, Mr Trump said: 'I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States'

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on yesterday that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea - potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean labourers sent abroad.

A spokesman for the premier's office said: 'Mrs May said Britain would work with the US and international partners to continue to exert economic pressure on North Korea through further measures including sanctions.'

A previous UN resolution adopted in early August banned exports of coal, seafood, iron ore and lead.

In his address, Johnson also called on China to 'use all its leverage to ensure peaceful settlement' of the crisis.

China's ambassador to the UN, Liu Jieyi, urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Former foreign secretary Lord Hague has cautioned that Mr Trump's threats of 'fire and fury' will not deter Mr Kim from continuing with his nuclear programme.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Lord Hague said: 'There are no sanctions that will deter him... necessary as they are to demonstrate international disapproval.

'Nor will threatening 'fire and fury' or saying 'talking is not the answer' as President Trump did, because Kim will calculate that the US will not start a war that could be so catastrophic all round, and the stronger he gets the less likely they will be to do so.'

In a tweet, Mr Trump said: 'I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.'

The PM also intends to telephone French president Emmanuel Macron for talks on the crisis.
Sir Michael Caine says he supports Brexit because he doesn't want Britain to be controlled by European Union bureaucrats.

At the Venice Film Festival, the Oscar-winning actor said Britain was 'being run by a man called Mr Juncker' - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, a former prime minister of Luxembourg.

Sir Michael, 84, said on Tuesday that 'up until I was 20, I thought Luxembourg was a radio station. I didn't even know it was a country and now he's running my country - and he doesn't seem to like us.'

Oscar-winning actor Sir Michael Caine said Britain was 'being run by a man called Mr Juncker' - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, a former prime minister of Luxembourg in new comments about Brexit

Sir Michael said in his comments on Tuesday that Juncker 'doesn't seem to like' the United Kingdom

The actor said his decision wasn't based on immigration or economics, but because 'I'd rather be a poor master of my own fate than a rich servant of someone else's'.

This isn't the first time that Sir Michael, who narrates Venice entry 'My Generation,' a documentary about the 1960s, has spoken out about his views on Brexit.

In April, Sir Michael said he was confident leaving the EU would be 'all right', adding: 'I voted for Brexit. What it is with me, I'd rather be a poor master than a rich servant.

'It wasn't about the racism, immigrants or anything  it was about freedom.'

Speaking to Sky News, he added: 'Politics is always chaotic. In politics, you're always going into areas you've never been before, so you're going to get lost and then you're going to find your way, and then it'll be all right.'

Speaking to Sky News, he added: 'Politics is always chaotic. In politics, you're always going into areas you've never been before, so you're going to get lost and then you're going to find your way, and then it'll be all right.'

The Italian Job actor came out in support of leaving the EU before last year's referendum, leading former Ukip leader Nigel Farage to recall his famous line from the film and proclaim: 'Let's blow the bloody doors off!'

Sir Michael made his comments at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday. He's pictured above at the event with Director David Batty

In the run-up to the vote, Sir Michael admitted quitting the EU would be 'scary' but said the UK should not be dictated to by 'thousands of faceless civil servants'.

He has previously been attacked for his pro-Brexit views, with people on social media questioning his opinions and some even wishing he would die.

Meanwhile, a blueprint for tough new immigration rules that mean an immediate end to free movement after Brexit were revealed on Tuesday in a massive Home Office leak.

An 82-page document leaked to the Guardian revealed plans to make all EU citizens show a passport when they visit Britain after Brexit.

New rules could be imposed forcing employers to recruit in Britain before looking abroad.

And the draft plan proposes measures to dramatically cut long-term migration by demanding all new arrivals demonstrate benefit to Britain overall.

The document, dated August 2017 and marked 'extremely sensitive' has not been agreed by Cabinet and could be significantly changed before being officially published.

It will also be subject to the Brexit negotiations underway in Brussels. EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned last week there was no 'trust' on how EU citizens living in Britain would be treated after Brexit.
Donald Trump will announce on Wednesday where he's sending $1 million of his own money to help U.S. charities with their Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

The multi-billionaire president made the pledge last week, and sent a request through his press secretary for ideas from reporters about which organizations should benefit.

'The president will be announcing the donations that he will be personally making to the various charities ... and he'll be doing that tomorrow,' Sarah Sanders said Tuesday in the White House press briefing room.

'I know there were a lot of questions over the weekend. That will be a personal donation of $1 million from the president to various organizations and charities, many of which came from this room,' she said.

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White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that the president will announce Wednesday where he's sending the $1 million he pledged from his personal wealth to help Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas and Louisiana

Trump shown on Saturday in Houston, took some suggestions about qorthy charities from journalists who cover his administration

White House correspondents speculated last week that the $1 million might come from the Trump Foundation, a nonprofit that the president himself stopped funding with his own money years ago.

During the 2016 presidential campaign Trump came under fire for repeatedly announcing charitable donations but not following through.

Sanders said last week that the money would 'help the people of Texas and Louisiana.'

She did not respond to a question after her press briefing about which reporters had submitted ideas that the president agreed with.

Trump isn't the first famous person to donate as many have rallied to aid in the relief efforts for those effected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and along the coast.
The Charlottesville City Council is set to vote on removing a second Confederate monument just weeks after violent white nationalist protests over a statue of Robert E. Lee led to three deaths.

Although the council had initially planned to leave a statue of General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson in place, it is reconsidering in light of what happened at the rally.

A resolution on removing the Jackson statue is on Tuesday night's agenda. The statue would remain, however, while a lawsuit over it and the Lee monument plays out.

In February, the council was divided in its decision to remove the Lee statue, barely passing the measure on a 3-2 vote. Mayor Mike Signer and Kathy Galvin voted against it but have since changed their minds in the wake of the August 12 riots four weeks ago.

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Charlottesville City Council will vote Tuesday night on removing the General Stonewall Jackson Confederate monument

The statue of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson has been shrouded in black plastic since late August

Anger boiled over the last council meeting two weeks ago, where scores of people screamed and cursed at councilors over the city's response to the rally. Tuesday's agenda also includes time for public comment.

Two weeks ago, the mayor, vice mayor and three council members fled the room. Two protestors held a banner saying 'Blood on your Hands.'

The resolution calls for removal of the Jackson statue 'as soon as possible' pending a successful resolution of the Lee court case.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer talks to reporters in front of the covered Stonewall statue on August 23

Protesters march in July in front of the Stonewall statue as they demonstrate against a KKK rally in Charlottesville

'I speak only for myself. I will vote to move it. I think it's time,' Charlottesville City Councilor Bob Fenwick told NBC 29.

'They should be in a museum. If people stop and think, we have no statues, that I know of, to George Washington in Charlottesville, and yet none of us have forgotten his history. So this argument that we have to keep it to preserve history, to me, is irrelevant.'

The statues of both Lee and Jackson have been covered in black tarp since late last month as a memorial to Heather Heyer, the woman who was killed at the rally.

Tuesday night's vote is the latest action in the nationwide debate over Confederate street names, statues and other symbols that is being conducted. Confederate memorials have been under increased scrutiny since the deadly violence in August.

Protesters have defaced several Confederate memorials in the South.

A photo of the woman who was killed in Charlottesville sits in front of a vandalized Confederate memorial in Atlanta, Georgia

Confederate monuments have been coming down all over the country due to rising racial tensions

The first discovered was a statue honoring Confederate officer John B. Castleman in Lexington, Kentucky. It was discovered splattered with orange paint around 8am on August 13.

That same morning, another Confederate memorial in Tampa, Florida, was discovered painted red as well.

The vandals wrote 'f*** fascists' on one of the marble slabs set up to honor Confederate soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War.

In Atlanta, Georgia, a statue commemorating the end of the Civil War was splattered with red paint.

A bust commemorating Confederate lieutenant general Nathan Bedford Forrest in Nashville, Tennessee, was covered with a black sweatshirt, while hand-drawn signs were set up at the base, calling Forrest a 'slaver,' 'traitor' and 'klansman'.
Cancer survivor Chris Geiger has become the second Great British Bake Off contestant to leave the tent, after he failed to play a winning hand with his biscuit board game.

The sailing enthusiast, 50, departed the show after he came last in a fortune cookie technical challenge and produced a showstopper described by judge Paul Hollwood as 'rough and ready'.

Geiger's attempt at a fortune cookie was so unsuccessful judge Prue Leith spat it out, saying: 'Raw batter's not that much fun.'

The baker later admitted on-camera: 'Prue and Paul's comments were probably quite fair, but when they spat them out, that hurt a little.'

Cancer survivor Chris Geiger has become the second Great British Bake Off contestant to leave the tent, after he failed to play a winning hand with his biscuit board game and the judges (right) spat out his fortune cookie

Some Bake Off fans were critical of the new judge for her harsh reaction. One Twitter user Danielle said: 'Mary would have never spat it out!'

Another user said: 'Don't bloody spit stuff out Prue Leith! So rude!'

Twitter user Ben Murray said: 'Prue has the jaded air of an exasperated Home Economic mistress'

And some Bake Off fans were critical of the new judge for her harsh reaction.

One Twitter user Danielle said: 'Mary would have never spat it out!'

Another user said: 'Don't bloody spit stuff out Prue Leith! So rude!'

Afterwards Chris said: 'It has been lovely to receive so many messages from cancer patients, I have received congratulations from people that have either been through treatment, or currently having treatment.

'The letters are so moving, when we read them my wife and I are sobbing away like a couple of babies. Something like that makes a whole sense of the competition, big time.

Geiger's attempt was so unsuccessful judge Prue Leith spat it out, saying: 'Raw batter's not that much fun'

The sailing enthusiast, 50, departed the show after he came last in a fortune cookie technical challenge and produced a showstopper described by judge Paul Hollwood as 'rough and ready'

But not everyone disagreed with the judges' reaction and some viewers thought the writing was on the wall for amateur baker Chris. Callum Thompson said: 'Bye Chris - didn't even put them in the oven'

'Because of my illness, we are an incredibly close family. I hope from being on the show, it raises awareness that cancer can be beaten and inspires anyone who is having treatment, that will be enough for me.

'I hope patients will follow their goals in life, like I am trying to do. I have ticked another ambition off my list by getting on Bake Off and I want to thank Love Productions for the amazing opportunity.'

The second episode of the first series to air on Channel 4 since the programme departed the BBC saw the bakers tasked with whipping up 24 sandwich biscuits, before a technical challenge of two different kinds of fortune cookie.

The showstopper challenge propelled Steven Carter-Bailey to his second week as star baker as the judges were dazzled by his coffee gingerbread chess set with 100 biscuit pieces.

The second episode of the first series to air on Channel 4 since the programme departed the BBC saw the bakers tasked with whipping up 24 sandwich biscuits, before a technical challenge of two different kinds of fortune cookie

Hollywood hailed it as 'Exceptional, sublime, very delicate,' while Leith called it 'a little masterpiece.'

Geiger's rum and ginger sailing-themed game, which substituted a spinning compass for dice, failed to impress, although judges were impressed by the rotating equipment.

Sophie Faldo's chocolate and lemon and bergamot snakes and ladder game was a hit as was James Hillery's spiced orange, chocolate and ginger game of Coppitt.

Liam Charles' chocolate orange classroom games compendium came under fire for lacking in decoration but made up for it with delicious biscuits while Stacey Hart, who baked a game of her own invention based on getting her sons to school, impressed with her design but failed with her 'dry as a bone' biscuits.

Geiger's rum and ginger sailing-themed game, which substituted a spinning compass for dice, failed to impress, although judges were impressed by the rotating equipment
A woman in Brookfield, Wisconsin, thought she had discovered a wallet with $150,000 inside but ended up losing $2,000.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was walking through a parking lot when a woman called out to her and asked if she had dropped anything.

She held up a brown wallet filled with cash that was 'the size of a brick', the woman told Fox6.

They called over a third woman to take a look, and decided to keep the money -- splitting it three ways.

'Well, finders keepers then, huh?' she in an interview.

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A woman who asked to remain anonymous said that she was scammed out of $2,000 on Monday when a woman approached her in a parking lot with a wallet full of cash

She did an interview with Fox6 and said that the woman asked if she had dropped the wallet that was 'the size of a brick'. They called over another woman to look at it

The three women decided to keep the wallet, and the woman who found it said that she worked at a local real estate office (pictured) and her boss would help them handle the money legally

The woman who found the wallet said she worked at First Weber Realty.

She said her office had a money counting machine, and that her boss would help them draw up paperwork to keep the money legally.

The three women drove together to the office, parked in the back and the woman who found the wallet walked inside.

She came back out with unbelievable news.

'That there was $150,000 in cash in the wallet,' she said.

But in order to get the money, she said all three women had to provide some cash to prove they were financially responsible, so the woman walked to a bank and withdrew $2,000.

Back in a parking lot behind the real estate office, the other two women said they had brought their $2,000 in came back with stacks of what looked like real cash.

After pulling $2,000 out of an ATM to prove they were financially stable, the women parked behind the real estate office and went in one by one to collect their cash. The woman interviewed was the last to go in, and the other two drove away with her $2,000 cash

The news station attempted to recreate the wallet in a video segment

When it was the woman's turn she walked into the real estate office and no one knew what she was talking about.

The two women drove away with her $2,000.

'I was completely, completely fooled,' the woman said. 'I just regret being a part of it.'

Brookfield police are investigating the incident. A spokesman said he'd never heard of this type of scam before.

The real estate company told Fox6 that no one matching the description of the scammers worked there.

The victim said she spent three hours total with the alleged scammers, and while she's broke, she's grateful she wasn't hurt.
The son of a slain NYPD cop got a special police escort for his first day at school as dozens of officers stood in for his father.

Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo was gunned down while responding to a domestic disturbance in the Bronx in November 2016.

Today, his fellow officers from the 43rd Precinct came to Tuozzolo's Long Island home to escort his young son, Austin, to school for his first day

The son of slain NYPD cop Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo got a special police escort for his first day at school as dozens of officers stood in for his father (pictured is Auston Tuozzolo with his mom Lisa)

Tuozzolo (left) was shot dead last year, leaving behind his wife, Lisa, and their two young children

'This morning we continued our vow to #NeverForget Paul's family, as we send off Austin on his 1st day of school,' the precinct tweeted.

Pictures show an army of uniformed officers escorting Austin and his mom Lisa from their home to the bus stop, before waving him off as he rode away.

Tuozzolo, 41, was shot in the head while trying to rescue a family being held hostage, and died at a local hospital a short time later.

Tuozzolo's fellow officers from the 43rd Precinct came to Tuozzolo's Long Island home to escort his young son, Austin, to school for his first day

Pictures show an army of uniformed officers escorting Austin and his mom Lisa from their home to the bus stop and waving him off as he rode away

Austin, wearing a striped shirt and backpack, held his mom's hand to cross the street, surrounded by dozens of officers

Officers escorted Austin and his mom Lisa from their home to the bus stop, before waving him off as he rode away

Gunman Manuel Rosales, 35, also shot and wounded Tuozzolo's partner, Sgt Emmanuel Kwo, 30, by theNew York Daily News.

Rosales was shot dead by police.

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio later praised Tuozzolo as a hero who 'gave his life protecting his fellow officers, protecting all of us. He laid down his life for his friends.'

Sgt Paul Tuozzolo, 41, was shot in the head while responding to a domestic disturbance in the Bronx in November 2016

At his funeral, Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins said Tuozzolo was a 'warrior' who lived for his job and his family.

During a eulogy, his voice cracking, Police Commissioner James O'Neill posthumously promoted Tuozzolo to Sergeant-Special Assignment.

Paul was everything we could wish for in a police officer,' O'Neill told mourners. 'Paul protected all New Yorkers and he died while keeping people safe.'

The 41-year-old officer, who would have been eligible to retire next year, is the fifth New York City police officer to be fatally shot in the line of duty in the last two years.

He left behind his wife, Lisa, and their two young children Austin and Joseph.

Tuozzolo died unfolded after an encounter with Manuel Rosales, who had broken into his estranged wife's home. Rosales, of Brentwood, stayed for hours before fleeing. He also was killed in the gunfire.

Partner Kwo, was treated at a hospital for a leg wound. Mullins said Kwo told him that his partner 'saved my life' and shouted 'gun, gun, gun!' before Rosales opened fire.

Authorities say Rosales had a history of 17 arrests and served time in state prison for possession of stolen property.

The gunman, identified as 35-year-old Manuel Rosales (right) also shot and wounded Tuozzolo's partner, who was identified as Sgt Emmanuel Kwo (left)

A lawyer who previously represented Rosales says his client wasn't violent. But records revealed he has 17 prior arrests (pictured are police at the scene)
A man trying to ride his bike down outdoor steps ended up flying over the handlebars.

In the video taken in Palma De Mallorca, a city on the Balearic Islands in Spain, the man starts at the top of the steps on his bike.

He then starts slowly rolling down the stairs but uses his brakes instead of pedaling.

His friend tells him 'to go faster bro' but after a few moments, the man stumbles over his bike, loses a shoe and heads straight for a pole.

Immediately after he hits the pole with his stomach, his friend starts to laugh.

Luckily the novice cyclist laughs and appears to be uninjured from the bike fiasco.

Starting at the top of the stairs, the man attempted to ride his bike down the outdoor steps

He slowly rolled down the steps as his friend who is filming told him 'to go faster bro'

At first, it appeared to go smoothly until he used the brakes and stumbled over his own bike

Bike fail: Instead of pedaling the man hit the brakes and flew over the handlebars
I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army:

T

I

P

S

1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army
The daughter of a foreign diplomat stabbed a schoolmate twice in the shoulder Tuesday with scissors at a preppy international school in Washington, DC  though she will avoid prosecution because of diplomatic immunity.

The incident reportedly took place just before 1pm at the British International School in the Georgetown section of Washington, according to NBC Washington.

The victim was rushed to Childrens National Medical Center.

He was said to be conscious and alert, according to NBC Washington.

Authorities briefly detained the 12-year-old girl, but as the daughter of a diplomat she is legally exempt from prosecution.

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The daughter of a foreign diplomat stabbed a schoolmate twice Tuesday at the British International School (above) in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC

There is no word as to the identity of the children involved or the countries of origin.

'The suspect has been identified, however, because of her diplomatic status, there's going to be no arrest at this time,' Washington police Inspector Mike Coligan said.

'Any questions regarding the diplomatic status can be referred to the State Department.'

Tuition at the school ranges from $24,000 for nursery students to $27,000 for elementary school kids to $33,000 for high school students.

Diplomats are given immunity from the host nations laws as prescribed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

'The suspect has been identified, however, because of her diplomatic status, there's going to be no arrest at this time,' Washington police Inspector Mike Coligan said

The victim was rushed to Childrens National Medical Center. He was said to be conscious and alert. The image above shows police officers outside the school after the stabbing Tuesday

According to the treaty, which has been ratified by 191 countries, including the United States, diplomats must not be liable to any form of arrest or detention.

Article 29 of the treaty states that diplomats are immune from civil or criminal prosecution.

The document also stipulates that family members of diplomats living in the host country are given the same protections as the diplomats themselves.

Host countries are legally permitted to declare diplomats persona non grata, which would give the foreign emissaries a window of time to prepare to leave their post and return home.

If a diplomat refuses to leave despite being declared persona non grata, the host country is entitled to strip him or her of diplomatic immunity.
A married couple have been arrested for allegedly filming outdoor porn films involving a variety of sex acts throughout Jonesboro.

Leslie Sessions, 30, and Derek Calloway, 37, who have two children together, were charged with nine felonies related to their alleged adult movie careers - which reportedly earn them $1,000 a month - on August 27.

The incriminating video reviewed by cops allegedly showed Sessions committing a series of sex acts, including wearing wireless vibrating panties that Calloway operated while they were in a restaurant together.

Leslie Sessions, 30, and Derek Calloway, 37, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, have been accused of creating porn movies in public and charged with nine felony counts

Sessions allegedly wore vibrating panties during a meal in a restaurant - panties controlled wirelessly by Calloway, her husband of two years

Jonesboro cops swooped on the saucy couple on July 14 after receiving a tip-off that the pair had been filming themselves throughout the city.

They allege that Sessions and Calloway had committed a string of sexual acts, beginning at a meal in a Cheddar's restaurant.

There, cops said in a probable cause affidavit, Calloway operated the remote control to a pair of vibrating panties that Sessions was wearing.

The video also showed Sessions inserting an unspecified object into her anus in the Home Depot parking lot while cars were passing, it said.

It climaxed - so to speak - with Sessions performing for camera with a sex toy at the Arkansas Game and Fish Nature Center Trail, then performing oral sex on a man, police said.

They also reportedly filmed a scene on a Rotary playground at the Craighead Forest Park.

The couple promote their videos on Twitter and reportedly make $1,000 a month from their sale, police allege.

Sessions is also accused of inserting items into her anus in the parking lot of this Home Depot while cars and customers were around, among other outlandish behavior

The couple have two children. Their lawyer says the kids were disturbed when police served a search warrant in July. The couple were then charged in August

The affidavit claims that Sgt Brandon King of the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce was also able to obtain two further videos from the couple.

Both of those videos 'showed Calloway preforming [sic] hard-core sexual conduct,' it alleges.

It's unclear whether there were children present on the playground or any of the scenes where the incidents are said to have taken place.

They both face three counts each of public display of hard-core sexual conduct; three counts each of sale, possession or distribution of obscene film; and three counts each of promoting obscene performance.

Each of the class D felonies could lead to a maximum of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Their defense lawyer, Randel Miller, told NEA Report that the charges of possession, distribution and promotion of 'obscene' materials are 'unconstitutional'.

'The [possession] statute would prohibit the videoing of two consenting adults in the privacy of own their bedroom,' he said.

'This is such an over-broad statute that it can't withstand constitutional muster.'

The couple allegedly promote the videos on Twitter and make around $1,000 a month from their sale. They could both get a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine for each charge

Sessions was reportedly in this Cheddar's when the vibrating panty scene was filmed. Their lawyer says that felony counts are excessive, and some of the charges are unconstitutional

'The third statute, dealing with videoing in a public place, is a different matter. First, I think there's going to be a real question of whether there is any witnesses that observe this an actual witness to this,' he said.

'Second they charge is grossly disproportionate to the condo. Clearly, this conduct would have constituted the misdemeanor offense of indecent exposure rather than the more serious felony offense.

He added that the incident had been 'blown out of proportion,' calling the police's arrival at their home 'grossly unnecessary and a clear abuse of state power'.

'These two otherwise law-abiding adults were in the quiet of their home with their children when the police descended on their home with a search warrant, tore their house apart and terrified their children,' he said.

'These two people should be cleared of the felony charges, and at worst, found guilty of a misdemeanor offense of indecent exposure.'

The couple are currently out on bail and have pleaded not guilty to the nine charges, for which they could receive a maximum of six years on each count.

Motions will be made in court on October 30 and a jury trial is expected to begin on November 13.

Calloway, a DJ and former Hot Topic store manager, married Sessions in January 2015.

He doesn't seem particularly upset about the charges, writing on Facebook: 'I have never seen so many friend requests in my life. Wow.'

'I couldn't imagine why,' commented one of his friends.
One Texas family has escaped the worst of Harvey's flooding thanks to an ingenious dam.

Randy and Jennifer Socha's home in Rosenberg, Texas suffered severe flooding last year.

So when they heard that Harvey was on its way, they knew they needed to get inventive to keep their home dry.

Randy quickly went online in search of a way to keep their home dry and found a Louisiana-based company that makes water-fulled dams, called Aqua Dams.

The Aqua Dam is a waterproof fabric tube that is filled with water and used like a sandbag.

Any rain water that comes onto his property is pumped into the tube and then out and into the flood, keeping his home dry.

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A Texas family have kept their home dry from Harvey floodwaters with a product called an Aqua Dam

The aqua dam is inflated with water, then uses pumps to pump out whatever water leaks inside the perimeter

The Socha bought the Aqua dam ahead of Harvey, since their home sustained severe flood damage last yera

Aqua Dam is only one brand of water-filled portable dam.

It is built out of waterproof fabric, and contains two small tubes which sit inside a larger tube.

When it starts to flood, pumps move the water from the flooded area to inside the tubes, and the weight from that water acts as a barrier, similar to a sandbag.

So essentially any water that came into the property was quickly pumped into the tube. When the tubes got too full the water was then pumped to the other side of the tube.

As the flooding continues, water has to be continually pumped outside the barrier, which requires human labor.

The one in Randy's front yard, he explained, came from some rice farmers in El Campo, Texas.

The couple called the company and got a 750 ft dam to wrap around their home delivered from Louisiana within hours.

So far, they say it's been well worth the $12,000 investment, since they had to pay $150,000 to renovate their home last year

Above, Randy Socha walks into his garage, which has been kept dry thanks to the Aqua Dam

'I feel bad for the people who didn't have flood insurance who lost everything. My heart goes out to them truly,' Randy Socha said

They installed the dam on Sunday and so far it has kept the rising floodwaters out, while neighboring homes have drowned in the toxic sludge.

However, they are not quite out of the woods yet.

Randy says if waters in a nearby levee rise three more inches, it could cause more flooding that they may have trouble pumping out.

The dam cost the family $18,000 but they say it's been well worth the money they would have paid. The damage they suffered during last year's flood cost them $150,000 in renovations.

'I feel bad for the people who didn't have flood insurance who lost everything. My heart goes out to them truly,' he told KPRC.
An aspiring pastor who claimed to have accidentally killed his wife in his sleep after taking too much cough medicine appeared in court on Tuesday.

Matthew Phelps, 28, was told by a judge that he could face the death penalty if convicted of murdering his wife Lauren, 29, who was found dead at the couple's home in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday after he called 911.

Dressed in an orange and white striped jumpsuit, Phelps kept his head down throughout the hearing on Tuesday.

He did not enter a plea and was held without bond until his next court date on September 25.

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Matthew Phelps kept his head down as he appeared in court in North Carolina on Tuesday to face murder charges for killing his wife Lauren

Afterwards, his attorney told local media that he was 'traumatized' by his wife's death.

'I know this is difficult for people to understand but he is going through a terrible trauma.

Lauren Hugelmaier, 29, was found dead at the couple's home

'And you know there are all kinds of stages to these things and he's at the beginning of those stages. So there's a lot of trauma to go around in all of this in all of these cases always,' Joseph Cheshire told ABC in North Carolina.

He told DailyMail.com later that his client was emotional and traumatized.

Phelps called 911 in the early hours of Friday morning claiming to have just woken up to find his wife dead, himself covered in blood and a bloody knife on their bed.

He said he had been having a dream and woke up with the lights on to find her already dead.

'I think I killed my...' he told the 911 operator before tailing off.

As he went on, he said that he had taken 'too much' Coricidin Cough and Cold medicine before he went to bed.

'She didn't deserve this,' he wept as he waited for emergency responders to arrive at their home.

Phelps did not enter a plea on Tuesday. He was told by a judge to expect the death penalty or life without parole if he is convicted of his wife's murder

The couple's home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Lauren was found dead in the early hours of Friday morning

On Tuesday, a judge told him to expect the death penalty or life without parole if he is convicted.

Lauren, who sold candles, was laid to rest at a funeral in their hometown of Raleigh on Monday.

Her obituary made no mention of her grisly death of her marriage to Phelps.

The pair tied the knot less than a year ago in the same church where her funeral was held on Monday.

Lauren and Matthew had been married for less than a year before her death on Friday morning

Coricidin is a powerful cough and cold medicine which can cause drowsiness.

The man said he had taken 'too much' Coricidin HBPO Cough and Cold medicine before he went to bed

It has been used by teenagers who want to get high but is not commonly linked to hallucinations.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for Bayer, the pharmaceuticals company which manufactures it, told DailyMail.com it was aware of the woman's death but said the drug was not known to cause violence.

'Bayer extends our deepest sympathies to this family. Patient safety is our top priority, and we continually monitor adverse events regarding all of our products.

'There is no evidence to suggest that Coricidin is associated with violent behavior,' the spokesman said.


Plastic bags will be banned in Queensland under new laws passed by the state's parliament overnight.

The single use bags, both degradable and biodegradable, will not longer be available in stores as of July 1, 2018, according to ABC.

Although most retailers have already stopped handing out the bags, they could face a fine of up to $3,000 if they violate the new laws.

The parliament also voted on Tuesday to allow 10 cent refunds for drink containers that hold between 150ml to three litres, the publication said.

Plastic bags will be banned in Queensland under new laws passed by the state's parliament. The single use bags, degradable and biodegradable, won't be available as of July 1 (stock image)

Environment Minister Steven Miles told The Courier Mail the fact that both parties supported the new laws showed community support for the ban on bags.

'These initiatives will stop the scourge of plastic shopping bags, and put a price on beverage containers so they get recycled,' he said.

'By passing this Bill we say to our young people that we value our wildlife, especially our marine creatures like turtles, sea birds and dugongs.'

'We say that we want our parks, our waterways, Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef to be litter free.'
James Beach, 28, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to killing a man with a single punch outside a downtown Las Vegas bar this past spring

A 28-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to killing a California man with a single punch outside a downtown Las Vegas bar.

James Michael Beach remained jailed on $350,000 bail following his arraignment Tuesday on murder and intimidating a witness charges.

Beach's lawyer, Greg Knapp, says he wants to check medical records to see whether other conditions contributed to 45-year-old Luis Campos' death.

Prosecutors say surveillance video appears to show the April 30 punch was unprovoked.

A second man seen on surveillance video after the attack was interviewed and released.

Campos, a father of five from La Puente, California, was in Las Vegas for a bachelor party.

He never regained consciousness after falling to the sidewalk. He died at a hospital four days later.

Luis Campos, a married father-of-five, was killed with a single punch to the face in Las Vegas on April 30, as he was celebrating his brother's upcoming wedding

Campos, 45, was waiting for his younger brother to enter Vanguard Lounge on April 30 when two men came up to him and one of them punched him without any provocation

Las Vegas police released this surveillance video on YouTube showing the suspects running away after the confrontation with Campos. They believed one of the men was Beach

The judge set trial to start Oct. 2.

Campos was set to be best man at his brother's wedding.

The altercation that left Campos dead took place in the early morning hours outside a nightclub in the 500 block of the iconic Fremont Street, where Campos was enjoying a night out with his younger brother.

Police responded to the scene at 1.30am after getting reports of a fight and found Campos lying unconscious on the sidewalk with what appeared to be a life-threatening head injury.

This is said to be the last photo showing Campos (far right) before the attack, enjoying a meal with his brother and friends

Joyce Garibay, Campos' mother (pictured right in the hospital), rushed to her son's bedside after the attack and was able to bid him goodbye

The victim was taken to UMC Trauma Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on May 4.

According to a statement from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Campos had been standing in line with his brother to enter a nightclub when he was approached by two men.

'A brief verbal altercation occurred, one of the suspects punched the victim, and both suspects fled the scene on foot,' the press release from the police stated.

Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, one of Campos' siblings, Drake Garibay, shed light on the circumstances surrounding the chance encounter that resulted in his brother's death.

Garibay said he and Campos had been drinking on that fateful night but were not drunk when they got in line to enter Vanguard Lounge.

The pair were in town for their sibling's bachelor party ahead of his wedding, in which Campos was supposed to be the best man.

The pair were standing quietly next to a wall when two strangers walked up to Campos, according to Garibay, and the taller of the pair confronted the father-of-five, telling him something to the effect of, 'What are you looking at?' '

Garibay, 30, said a second later, the man sucker-punched his brother in the face, causing him to collapse unconscious to the ground amidst a dense crowd of revelers.

Patriarch: Campos' two children, aged one and two, will never get to know their father (second from right). His three oldest children are in their teens

Police arrested Beach and say the second man from this surveillance tape has been interviewed and is no longer being sought

'He didn't even get a chance to say anything,' Garibay told the Review-Journal.

'It wasn't even like they squared up. My brother turned his head, he didn't say one word, and [the stranger] struck him.'

The siblings' mother, Joyce Garibay, told the station Las Vegas Now that when she got the tragic news, she jumped in her car and drove six agonizing hours from her home in California to Las Vegas so she could say goodbye to her son.

She said Campos' two youngest children, aged one and two, will never get to know their father. His three oldest children are in their teens.

Campos' family have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the dead father's children.

Las Vegas police released a surveillance video on YouTube showing the suspects in the deadly attack running away after the confrontation with Campos.

One of the men in the CCTV footage is seen wearing a white cap, white pants and dark shirt, and the other is dressed in a dark shirt and tan pants.

The suspects ran east on Fremont Street and then turned north on 6th Street.

Now police say that one of the men in the surveillance tape is Beach.

The other man has been interviewed by cops and is no longer being sought, police said.

The arrest of Beach was a victory for the family, he said.

'We got a big win today,' Garibay said. 'It doesn't bring my brother back, but it's good to know they got him.'
Dame Jane Whiteley was married to Ian Gow, the brilliant, charismatic Conservative MP

The anniversary of her first husbands death fell on a Sunday this year. Dame Jane Whiteley passed the day quietly, attending a Holy Communion service at her local church  Thats terribly helpful, I find, she says.

Later, she talked to his older brother and twin sister, just as she has every July 30 since that terrible day in 1990.

We are all very close, she says. We talked about what Ian might look like now.

Dame Jane was married to Ian Gow, the brilliant, charismatic Conservative MP who kissed her goodbye that summer morning as he left their East Sussex farmhouse, got into his car and started it  triggering an IRA Semtex bomb which had been placed under the drivers seat of the Austin Montego.

It was 8.39 am and he died some ten minutes later, having suffered appalling injuries to the lower part of his body. As a fierce pro-Unionist and chairman of the Tory backbench committee on Northern Ireland, Ian Gow knew he was an IRA target, but refused to be cowed.

He had no bodyguard, his address was in Whos Who and he was in the telephone directory.

He had also rejected the offer of a round-the-clock guard, although Sussex police had placed his constituency home on short-patrol, which meant patrol cars regularly cruised the area.

Some might say he was reckless, but friends say the father-of-two was a fearless man determined not to let terrorism dictate his life.

He paid the ultimate price: that life cut brutally short at just 53.

Gow was the third Conservative MP to be killed by Irish terrorists in mainland Britain. Each, like him, was a close associate and friend of Margaret Thatcher.

In 1979, Airey Neave was killed when a bomb planted under his car by the IRA breakaway group INLA (the Irish National Liberation Army) exploded as he drove out of a car park at Westminster; Sir Anthony Berry died in the Brighton bombing in 1984.

After the atrocity, Dame Jane, a woman whose quiet dignity and inner strength is evident to all who meet her, sold the constituency home near Eastbourne where her husband was killed and moved to London to rebuild her life with her sons Charles, who was 22 at the time of his fathers death, and James, who was 20.

She remarried in 1994 and immersed herself in family, friends, charity work and her great passion, music.

It is extraordinary, isnt it, that life goes on from that devastation. Its a very small, mundane little life, but its a jolly good one, she says.

However, in recent days, Dame Jane emerged from her mundane, little life to intervene very publicly in an issue about which she feels she can no longer remain silent: justice, or the lack of it, for British Army veterans of the Troubles.

She says she read with mounting disbelief news reports that thousands of former troops who served in Northern Ireland  now in their 60s, 70s and older  are facing a new witch-hunt over the deaths of suspected IRA terrorists more than 40 years ago.

Collect picture from Dame Jane, showing the family with children Charles, left and James

The authorities in Northern Ireland are calling for witnesses after opening a string of new inquests, and the Ministry of Defence confirmed that it will be asking former troops it believes were present at fatal shootings to provide legal statements.

Senior Army officers are furious, arguing that the move could lead to veterans being questioned as murder suspects and being forced to attend coroners hearings, where their personal security might be jeopardised.

More than 300,000 British soldiers served in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007, with around 25,000 troops deployed during the Seventies and Eighties. The Troubles cost the lives of 1,441 British military personnel.

More than 3,500 killings in the Province were terrorist-related, but coroners and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have angered many by focusing on deaths at the hands of British security forces.

These matters have long preoccupied Dame Jane, not least  as she said in a letter published in the Daily Telegraph last week  because the identities of the two suspects alleged to have planted the bomb that killed her husband are known to the police, yet they have never been named or brought to trial on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

Ian Gow's wrecked car in the backyard of his home. While serving as MP for Eastbourne, he was assassinated by the IRA who exploded a bomb under his car at his home in East Sussex

The Mails own inquiries suggest that one of the pair, both of whom have served jail sentences for other violent crimes, is among nearly 200 IRA terror suspects who received the so-called comfort letters controversially guaranteeing them immunity from prosecution, as part of a secret deal between IRA leaders and Tony Blairs government ahead of the Good Friday Agreement in 1999.

In her letter, Dame Jane wrote: To put soldiers who were doing their duty in very difficult conditions through the stress of further investigations, while allowing two known bombers to live without threat of arrest, seems like cloud-cuckoo land.

In the large, light-filled living room of her home in the pretty village of Biddenden, Kent, Dame Jane, 73, gives a rare interview and shares her thoughts on the injustice and unfairness of the latest developments.

Every time I have read about soldiers being investigated, I quietly boil. I have always felt it, and I have always resisted the temptation to say it, she says.

Now, elderly veterans are being asked to give new witness statements for a fresh wave of new inquests into killings during the Troubles. These are likely to include killings of suspected IRA terrorists that have been repeatedly investigated.

She continues: I am very sympathetic to soldiers and servicemen. They do a very difficult job. I think its incredibly tough that they should be hounded.

People who committed terrible crimes, like the two suspected of being responsible for the bomb that killed Ian, have been given a sort of amnesty.

But the poor soldiers havent. It seems so unjust and unfair.

Mr Gow quickly caught the eye of Margaret Thatcher, who admired his fierce intelligence and patriotism and made him her Parliamentary Private Secretary when she became Prime Minister in 1979

Dame Jane pauses briefly and looks down at Abi, her golden labrador who sits attentively on the floor beside her chair throughout our conversation.

Her voice barely falters as she continues: I cant bear to think about it really, but what happened to Ian was premeditated, cold-blooded murder.

To put soldiers, who were doing their duty in very difficult conditions, through the stress of further investigations, while allowing two known bombers to live without threat of arrest, seems like a nonsense.

Its madness. Its standing the law on its head.

So much for British justice.

Jane met Ian Gow, a former Household Cavalry officer and solicitor, at the London law firm where he worked and she was a legal secretary. They married in 1966 and eight years later he was elected to Parliament, with Jane quickly fitting smoothly into the role of a committed constituency wife.

Mr Gow quickly caught the eye of Margaret Thatcher, who admired his fierce intelligence and patriotism and made him her Parliamentary Private Secretary when she became Prime Minister in 1979.

He was already a distinctive and popular figure in Westminster  instantly recognisable in his three-piece suit cut in the style of the 1950s, adorned by a gold watch-chain, and wearing his old-fashioned spectacles.

There was, a friend once wrote, an air of dry sherry, deed boxes and muniment rooms about him. He was a devotee of Churchill, de Gaulle and Enoch Powell, able to quote them at length.

Gow went on to become a Treasury minister in the Thatcher government, but resigned the post in protest at the 1985 Anglo-Irish agreement which gave Dublin a role in Northern Ireland for the first time in more than 60 years. He saw it as a concession to terrorists.

Having frequently condemned the IRA, it was no surprise when, in January 1989, his name appeared on a hit-list of 100 public figures found at a terrorist bomb factory in South London.

A few weeks before his death, he gave a small drinks party at which the subject of Ulster had come up.

Having frequently condemned the IRA, it was no surprise when, in January 1989, his name appeared on a hit-list of 100 public figures found at a terrorist bomb factory in South London

Jonathan Aitken, then an MP, said: Ian, old lad, I hope you vary your route to the Commons and check under your car.

Gow was emphatic. Certainly not, he replied. I am at less risk than any serving officer in Her Majestys Royal Ulster Constabulary  and anyway, I wouldnt know what to look for.

Now, 27 years on, the circumstances of his murder are playing once more on Dame Janes mind.

Rather than further inquests and the prospect of Army veterans being asked to be subjected to questions about their work from years ago, she would prefer to see a very firm line drawn under all the events of the Troubles.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher arrives at Ian Gow's memorial service

If the MoD were to write a letter to the veterans along the lines of that which Mr Blair wrote to the IRA terrorists, this might become reality, she says, referring to the comfort letters sent to 187 on-the-run paramilitary suspects  the existence of which did not emerge until 2014.

As things are at present, it is grossly unfair that known IRA bombers should get away with their crimes scot-free, while elderly, retired soldiers, who were carrying out their duty in Northern Ireland, should be hounded.

She agrees with the former head of the British Army, General Lord Dannatt, who said there should be no obligation on soldiers to co-operate in the latest trawl for eye-witnesses, because they have previously given evidence on the assurance of no further action being taken  and this has proved a false promise.

For its part, the MoD says it complies with requests from coroners and part of the process involves contacting and supporting veterans.

Dame Jane, who remarried in 1994 to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Whiteley  an officer in the Scots Guards who is now aged 78  says her strong Christian faith helped her deal with her husbands horrific death and what she was confronted with that morning.

I try to get on with my life  Ive had a very long time, she says.

Obviously, I think about Ian a lot, but I try not to think about all that [the suspects] because its pretty awful.

Occasionally, I take it quite far and I try to pray for them, but that really is pushing it. But I do try.

Her philosophy for coping with grief is straightforward: You have to pick yourself up.

She has also found music a great solace. It is a wonderful thing, she says. It takes quite a lot of work and concentration.

A grand piano and an organ take pride of place in the living room. She plays both and is practising hard for a piano recital in aid of a local church, St Mildreds, where she will play Mozart, Schubert, Debussy and Chopin.

My husband Michael has been absolutely wonderful, she continues. He says you must never feel sorry for yourself. Really, it is a day at a time, even still now, and just getting on with ones life and trying to plough a straight furrow. I keep busy.

Mrs Jane Whiteley with sons Charles and James at the funeral of Sir Ian Gow who was killed by the IRA

Of course, there is her charity work, too. Dame Jane is a patron of the JPK Sussex Project, which helps people with learning disabilities to live independently and to find work experience. She received her damehood for political and public service in 1990.

Lots of music, lovely husband, dog walking, swimming . . . And my friends are so wonderful.

People kept saying that I needed counselling [after Ians death]. But all I needed was my wonderful friends  to whom, when you felt really desperate or angry or whatever else, you could say whatever you needed.

You do come through it.

As, indeed, she has  and with the residual strength to speak up now for those treated so unfairly by the country they risked their lives for.

I think its awful that the powers-that-be dont do more about it and other people in authority dont speak up for the soldiers, Dame Jane says.

I cant bear the idea of the soldiers being anxious and stressed by the whole thing. A bit of common sense in all this would be welcome.

There are millions of people who surely agree with a woman whose uniquely tragic perspective and experience has highlighted a gross injustice in the making.
Math teacher Alberta Padilla, 52, was arrested in San Antonio, Texas last week

A high school math teacher is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old male student multiple times, including once in a public park.

Alberta Padilla, 52, was arrested in San Antonio, Texas last week after her own daughters reported her to police.

Padilla, a teacher at Lady Bird Johnson High School, allegedly had sex with the student about 15 to 20 times over the course of a year.

Padilla told police her sexual relationship with the boy started when the victim moved into her home in June 2016 and she began to develop feelings for him.

She allegedly said they first had sex in a public park in June 2016 and continued to have sex multiple times until August 20 of this year.

Padilla, a teacher at Lady Bird Johnson High School (above), allegedly had sex with the student about 15 to 20 times over the course of a year

Police said the alleged relationship was discovered when Padilla's daughters recorded a phone conversation with the victim during which he warned them not to go to the authorities because he was in love with the teacher.

Padilla is now being held at the Bexar County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

A spokesman for the North East Independent School District said Padilla had been placed on leave following her arrest.

The district is now going to propose to the board that Padilla be terminated.
When he turns his key in the lock of his London home at the end of a long day, Daniel Tredget knows he will be greeted by an immaculate house, a hot meal and  more often than not  the delicious, soul-warming smell of a freshly baked cake.

While Daniel, who works as an accountant, has spent his day immersed in spreadsheets and client meetings, his wife, Emily, will have spent hers sieving flour, chopping vegetables and ironing his shirts.

It's a domestic set-up straight out of the Fifties, which bears little resemblance to the frantic, juggling lifestyles of most families today. Yet Daniel and Emily aren't a staid, middle-aged couple set in their ways. At just 30 and 28 respectively, they're the most modern of Britons: millennials.

When 29-year-old Cathy Abrampah announced that she was giving up her 35,000-a-year job for the Financial Ombudsman to be a stay-at-home mum, her friends and family were staggered. Cathy and her husband, Kuma, are pictured above with their one-year-old, Omari

Born between the early Eighties and late Nineties, millennials are from a generation that celebrates its liberal values, priding itself on equality in all things  especially between the genders. But lately, there has been a sense of rebellion among the ranks.

Why? Increasing numbers of high-flying millennial women are turning their backs on the workplace to be stay-at-home mothers.

Recent studies have found that young adults are more likely than their parents to support traditional gender roles, with a study published in the Psychology of Women Quarterly finding that 32 per cent of millennials believe men are best suited to being breadwinners and women homemakers. This figure is up an incredible 27 per cent from the Nineties.

The figures tie in with those showing the popularity of marriage is rising after 40 years' decline and that millennials are more socially conservative than previous generations.

The movement is also fuelled by glossy websites and blogs that promote staying at home to women  one such site offers a support group to millennial housewives, while the hashtag #wifelife has around half-a-million mentions on Instagram.

So, why are young women ditching hard-won  and often lucrative  jobs in favour of homemaking? It's certainly not because of a dearth of career options. Millennial women outstripped their male peers at school and university, entered professions such as medicine and law in greater numbers than men and now out-earn them in the workplace  by an average of 1,111 a year.

Emily has five A-grade A-levels, a degree in material sciences from Oxford and had a high-flying job as a strategic consultant at drinks company Innocent before giving birth to her son, Oliver, who is now two.

'I never in a million years thought I'd be a stay-at-home mum,' she says. Emily returned to work two days a week when Oliver was a year old, but she was quickly disillusioned.

'It just didn't work for me,' she says. 'I've always given 150 per cent to any job I've had  and suddenly, I couldn't.'

Cathy explains that her decision to be a stay-at-home mum was fuelled by a desire to recreate her own idyllic childhood

This fear of no longer excelling is what clinical psychologist Christine Langhoff believes is prompting some high-flying millennial mothers  unused to failure after years of shining educationally  to quit the world of work.

'Women who are highly educated often fall into the perfectionist category, and they don't want to do a mediocre job,' she explains.

'Educated women also understand the benefits of being there when the children are little, and will see their time at home as valuable breathing space from the frenetic pace of life, where they can apply themselves to motherhood wholeheartedly.'

Emily, whose own mother stayed at home, found that trying to juggle her job and motherhood left her feeling inadequate on all fronts.

Emily Tredget has a degree in material sciences from Oxford and had a high-flying job as a strategic consultant at a drinks company before giving birth to her son. Now she's a stay-at-home mum

'One day, my mum was looking after my son while I was at work and we had a meningitis scare. She had to take him to A&E and I had to leave work early to go to the hospital,' says Emily.

'I felt awful. It was in my first month back at work, a new job, and I remember thinking that no one would believe I could be relied on to be there.'

However, while Emily's decision to quit her job left her free to focus on motherhood, it also meant sacrificing a 40,000 salary. Managing solely on her husband's income means the couple must be more frugal  swapping exotic holidays for caravanning and designer baby clothes for second hand  but Emily believes the benefits far outweigh any downsides.

'Dan's a lot less stressed now he doesn't have to do a lot of the chores  though he does still take the bins out and he's a good cook  and I'm more supportive of him and his work,' says Emily. 'It's been good for our relationship.'

While they may be reaping the benefits when it comes to their family life, this new breed of millennial housewife can find themselves criticised for wasting their education  or, worse, they become objects of pity.

'There's a stigma about being a stay-at-home mum,' says Emily. 'When I used to say I worked at Innocent drinks, everyone knew the brand and they'd want to talk about what I did. When I didn't have that, I felt as though I'd lost my identity.'

When 29-year-old Cathy Abrampah announced that she was giving up her 35,000-a-year job for the Financial Ombudsman to be a stay-at-home mum to one-year-old son Omari, her friends and family were staggered.

'They were surprised, because I was extremely career-driven,' says Cathy, whose husband Kuma, also 29, is a financial adviser. 'But things change, people change.'

Indeed, as women have children later  the average age of a first-time mother in the UK is now 28.6  they are more likely to have already enjoyed career success, and so be happy to take a break.

Emily returned to work two days a week when Oliver was a year old, but she was quickly disillusioned

'Our generation is academic and so career-orientated, there's an expectation you'll get a high-powered job and not stay at home with a baby,' says Cathy, who lives in Essex in a four-bedroom house.

'I'm not a feminist. I don't believe in it at all. I think we're trying to fix a way of living, of life and relationships, that wasn't broken.

'I have friends who would describe themselves as feminists, but they are mostly single.'

Cathy explains that her decision to be a stay-at-home mum was fuelled by a desire to recreate her own idyllic childhood, in which she and her five siblings were raised by their mother while her doctor father went out to work.

'My mum stayed at home with us in our early years and she was so involved in our lives  on parent committees, always going to social events and baking for the cake sales  it meant she always noticed any changes in us.

'When I fell pregnant, I knew I wanted to stay at home because I didn't think I could do my job well and be a good mother.'

Kuma, who earns substantially more than his wife did, supported her decision, and Cathy believes their new arrangement has boosted their relationship on every level. 'It has improved our love life, because I have more energy now. We feel very close and we spend more time together,' says Cathy.

She's not the only woman to find that leaving the boardroom  and adopting more traditionally 'womanly' tasks  can lead to greater satisfaction in the bedroom.

Two years ago, Katie Meade, 30, gave up her job as a teacher in Hampshire  and with it, her 22,000 salary  to stay at home. She's pictured above with her husband Jason, and their children, Brooke, 22 months, and 11-week-old Alfie

A 2013 study found that when men did 'feminine' chores around the house  such as washing, cooking or vacuuming  couples had sex 1.5 fewer times a month than when men did traditionally 'masculine' jobs, such as mending the car or mowing the lawn.

The women also reported greater sexual satisfaction if their husband performed more masculine tasks.

However, being a stay-at-home mother is not without its downsides  not least the loss of financial independence that high-flying women take for granted.

For women used to commanding a decent salary, having to ask their husband for 'pocket money' can feel demeaning.

'It's the little things that bother me, like asking to get my nails or hair done or planning a night out with friends,' says Cathy. 'I manage all the bills and Kuma pays money into my account every month to cover them, and then the rest of the time I just use his debit card. While my husband always tells me it's our money, I don't always feel that way, as I'm not putting anything in the pot.'

It's a situation with which 30-year-old Katie Meade, mum to Brooke, 22 months, and 11-week-old Alfie, can sympathise. Two years ago, she gave up her job as a teacher in Hampshire  and with it, her 22,000 salary  to stay at home.

'Fortunately, my husband Jason's career as a project manager has progressed and he's been given a pay rise, so there haven't been any real financial implications of me giving up work,' she says.

Moreover, Katie believes that supporting the family financially has boosted her husband's ego. 'I think Jason feels proud that he's able to give us our lifestyle, and it makes him happy,' she says.

Katie believes that having her husband support the family financially has boosted his ego

Katie said that she found the idea of 'having it all' to be a complete myth in the real world

Indeed, some experts claim that the shift back towards traditional gender roles  man as breadwinner, woman as homemaker  helps men feel . . . well . . . like men again.

'Saying women should be the primary carers in the household may be a powerful way for young men to assert their masculinity, and for women to assert their support of traditional gender roles in a world in which the dominant economic role of men is no longer a given,' says political scientist Professor Dan Cassino.

And just as Theresa May and her husband Philip claimed in an interview earlier this year that there were 'boy jobs and girl jobs', in Katie's home there are 'pink jobs and blue jobs'.

I believe women are better at cleaning and keeping the house nice. If Jason vacuums, he won't do the edges of the room. He doesn't see what I see and I can't help pointing it out. I am a perfectionist. Things have to be my way. - Katie Meade

'The "pink jobs" are the female jobs  my jobs. I look after the children, do the laundry, organise our finances. Jason does the 'blue jobs': he takes out the bins, does DIY, hangs pictures on the wall, mows the lawn,' says Katie.

'I believe women are better at cleaning and keeping the house nice. If Jason vacuums, he won't do the edges of the room. He doesn't see what I see and I can't help pointing it out. I am a perfectionist. Things have to be my way.'

So why do utterly modern young women like Katie hold such old-fashioned views on marriage and family life?

For many millennial women, the key lies in their own childhoods. Having watched their working mothers attempt the juggling act of 'having it all'  and seen them dropping a few balls in the process  they're reluctant even to try to combine motherhood with a demanding career.

'My mum worked full-time when she had me and was head of the department by the time my brother and sister were born,' says Katie. 'We often had child-minders in the morning before school and after school, too, because of her hours.'

Such arrangements are par for the course for the working mother  an expensive merry-go-round of childcare and stress that young women such as Katie, Cathy and Emily are in no hurry to leap on.

Katie says: 'I found the idea that "you can have it all" to be a complete myth.'

Additional reporting: LUCY HOLDEN
The mother of a two-year-old girl and her boyfriend have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the toddler's death, police have said.

Whitney Denise Breslin, 21, and her boyfriend Cashe Kawika Graham, 22, were arrested after Jamie Murdock died on Saturday morning from severe bruising and brain bleeding.

Jamie was rushed to St Anthony hospital in Shawnee after being found unresponsive in her home, NewsOk reported.

Whitney Denise Breslin, 21, and her boyfriend Cashe Kawika Graham, 22 (pictured left and right respectively) were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the death of a two-year-old girl

Jamie Murdock, two, pictured center, died on Saturday morning from severe bruising and brain bleeding. She is pictured with her mother Whitney, left, and another unidentified family member

When doctors realized how serious her injuries were she was transferred roughly 40 miles away to Oklahoma University Medical Center.

The toddler had bleeding and swelling in her brain and there was extensive bruising to her face and abdomen.

A day later she succumbed to her injuries and died.

Detective Jason crouch told NewsOk that police received a call around 11.40am on Friday morning about the girl.

Breslin and Graham told police they don't know how Jamie sustained the injuries.

They were both booked into Pottawatomie County Jail on Tuesday morning and charged with first-degree murder.
But there are actors as well as commentators, walkers as well as talkers, and this is where Queensland-based ex-kiap Paul Oates and some of his colleagues entered the arena  communicating directly with the Hon Eric Abetz, Senator for Tasmania and erstwhile senior minister in a number of Australian governments, but not (to his chagrin) in Malcolm Turnbulls.

Even the think tanks which receive Australian government funding, and in their supplication are mostly reluctant to be harsh, seemed somewhat taken aback.

The reaction from the commentariat to this profoundly inaccurate remark  made all the worse because it was clearly deliberate, not a throwaway line  was savage.

NOOSA  Nothing astounded close observers of Papua New Guineas recent shambolic general election than a public statement by Australias foreign affairs minister calling it successful.

The Australian government congratulates PNG, one of our closest friends and partners, on its successful election and we looking forward to continuing to work with prime minister ONeill and PNGs new government  press statement by Australias foreign affairs minister, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, c 5 August 2017

Senator Abetz (left) wrote to Ms Bishop and received a reply which referred to PNGs election as complex and amongst the most difficult in the world and advised him of how Australia had provided technical advice and logistical support . including through the Australian Electoral Commission and the International Foundation for Electoral Support.

Ms Bishop confessed to being aware of the reports of significant challenges with the delivery of this election, noting that deficiencies in PNG's electoral roll have understandably frustrated those Papua New Guineans who were not able to exercise their right to vote.

The foreign minister continued: Claims of electoral fraud are concerning, including where fraud is alleged to have contributed to more votes being cast than eligible voters. It is not clear whether alleged electoral fraud, if true, would constitute a systematic attempt to manipulate the result.

She also noted that that it was particularly disappointing that the number of women elected to PNG's 111-seat parliament looks set to fall from three to zero and said that Australia will examine and learn from the experiences of women candidates as we continue to support Papua New Guinean women to contest local and national elections.

It is noteworthy that, in her response to Senator Abetz, Ms Bishop did not repeat her public statement that it was a successful election. On the contrary, these later comments express a much more realistic  if still incomplete  view of the incompetency and fraud that marked much of the conduct of the election.

There was a final remark that reads as somewhat cloying (and downplays the terrible bloodshed) but was probably intended to conclude on a positive note:

Notwithstanding the challenges of this election, the PNG people once again demonstrated their proud commitment to the democratic process. The polling period saw less violence than previous elections, although some clashes followed the declaration of winners in PNG's highlands region.

It seems, upon reflection, Ms Bishop showed a willingness to be more candid in her comments to Senator Abetz than she had been in her earlier public statements.

So how flawed was the PNG election. Lets recap the reaction of economist and PNG observer Paul Flanagan to its manifest problems and outrages:

. biased appointment of returning officers, manipulation of the electoral roll (many more ghost voters in Peoples National Congress electorates especially in the highlands), late movements in the electoral roll, selective distribution of ballot papers, disenfranchisement of voters, mathematical impossibilities in the count, selective counting of some ballot boxes with inconsistent application of EC directives, lack of transparency leading to the resignation of the independent Electoral Advisory Committee, manipulation of the final declaration process by some returning officers with accusations of bribes etc

And here's PNG economist and writer Busa Wenogos itemisation of the many ways in which the election was mismanaged and corrupted:

1) The appointment of returning officers and assistant returning officers seems to have been done without proper screening and/or with the appointment influenced externally. Many of these officials are of questionable character and some have been implicated in foul play in previous elections. 2) There has been a gross abuse of electoral rolls and it could be that the majority of the voting population has not been able to cast a vote. In place of this, cronies of some lucky candidates have helped themselves to votes by being able to mark many of those extra ballot papers. 3) Pretty much proven allegations (statistical analysis is compelling) of "ghost names" and extra ballot papers have influenced the result in crucial seats. I suspect the ruling PNC party knew it might not fare well in the elimination process and it did everything in its power to ensure its candidates were declared on the first (primary) count. [Results so far indicate that most PNC candidates leading with a small margin going into the elimination process have been eliminated.] 4) The superficial quality checks of counting favour the ruling PNC against others. Cases in point include quality checks in Moresby South, Ialibu-Pangia and Tari- Pori compared with Moresby North West and Madang Open. These checks were deliberately done swiftly to allow PNC to increase its numbers quickly so that it could be invited by the governor-general to form government. 5) Allowing voting to proceed on a Sunday in Ialibu-Pangia although it is against the organic law on national & local level government elections, that is, unconstitutional. 6) The resignation of the electoral advisory committee over lack of information provided to enable it to do its job. 7) Major election related problems that have lacked effective action from the electoral commission including the return of writs to the governor-general on Friday 28 July without consulting the Registrar of Political Parties & Candidates - and with 20 or so seats still to be declared. 8) The discovery of some 3,000 ballot papers in Goilala District that were been counted. 9) The deliberate delay by the electoral commission in disbursing allowances for staff conducting elections in electorates where non-PNC parties were leading. This was deliberately done to delay the declaration of candidates. 10) Conflicting announcements over who was the duly-elected governor of Hela Province after the earlier declaration of Francis Potape was rescinded. The election manager did this in a very dubious way. 11) William Dumas declaration made while 28 ballot boxes were to be counted (this has led to violence and the lockdown of Kagamuga airport). 12) In the case of Don Polye, the reluctance of the returning to count 11 remaining ballot boxes led to tragic violence in Enga. 13) In the case of Sir Mekere Morauta, the double declaration where the returning officer declared third placed candidate Joseph Tonde in a hotel witnessed by an EMTV crew and probable relatives of Mr Tonde. A failed attempt by PNC (assisted by the electoral commission) to derail Sir Mek's push to rally independents and form the government with the NA-Pangu led team. 14) There was more  much more  right across the country. This election will be studied in Papua New Guinea for many years to come. After analysing these events, I question the neutrality of the electoral commission. The 2017 national election will be seen by many people as a failure.

The informal estimate of the death toll relating to the election is 70-80 people. The true figure is not one that officials in either PNG or Australia care to address, at least not in public.

Paul Oates and his colleagues are to be complimented for taking up this matter with the Australian parliament and Senator Abetz praised for pursuing it.

This PNG election was one in which Australia was deeply involved. Accordingly, the government should not turn its back on its failures.

So was the election free and fair? Did it truly represent the peoples will? Was it successful?

Only a person who was deliberately dishonest or incapable of separating fact from fiction could confidently reach those conclusions.

At least Ms Bishop seems to have walked back from the 'success' word and acknowledge some deficiencies.

But the important question now concerns whether Australia has the will and the capability to assist our friend and neighbour to do better, much better, in future.

She should reflect on the sad words of the respected Catholic priest, Fr John Glynn, 54 years in Papua New Guinea, in a recent article in PNG Attitude:
A crash involving three cars has brought traffic in north-west Sydney to a halt.

The accident occurred at 7.15am, forcing emergency services to close two out of three city-bound lanes, according to the citys live traffic feed.

Heavy traffic has been reported on Epping Road. All lanes were reopened around 8am.

One of the drivers received minor injuries, NSW Ambulance told Daily Mail Australia.

A series of accidents in north-west Sydney, including a crash involving three cars, has brought traffic to a halt and caused massive delays (pictured is North Ryde)

Two additional accidents nearby in West Ryde and Macquarie Park contributed to delays.

A truck broke down on the M2 near Christie Road, closing one of three city-bound lanes. All lanes have since been reopened.

All eastbound lanes in West Ryde have also been reopened after a car and bicycle crash at 6.15am on Victoria Road.

A 55-year-old male cyclist reported having minor injuries but wasn't taken to hospital.
President Donald Trump finally got some face time with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after the two men hadn't spoken for weeks.

Trump hosted McConnell and other leaders of a group known as the 'big six' to discuss tax reform.

If was the first time the two men had spoken since an angry phone call where Trump reportedly complained about the Russia investigation, following McConnell's comments to his constituents that Trump was still learning about the pace of the Democratic process.

McConnell was seated at Trump's left during the meeting, with House Speaker Paul Ryan on his right.

During a June meeting, it was McConnell who was seated on Trump's right.

Scroll down for video

TOGETHER AT LAST: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was seated next to President Donald Trump for a meeting on tax reform and other issues

"It is vital that we reduce the crushing tax burden on our companies and on our workers," Trump said, reading from remarks about tax reform at the top of the meeting.

Afterward, he took a single question, about his DACA decision, and turned down the chance at another, ending with a simple 'thank you' to the press.

A statement from the White House secretary didn't mention McConnell or any of the attendees by name, although the president's middle initial got a mention.

Trump spoke about the 'crushing' burden of taxes

'This afternoon, key leaders from Congress and the Administration had a productive meeting at the White House with President Donald J. Trump to discuss the priority of enacting historic tax reform that is pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-worker, and pro-America,' according to a statement by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

'The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the crushing burden of the Nations self-destructive tax code, which hurts our companies and our workers, and discussed their desire to make the tax code simple, fair, and easy to understand,' she said.

She said they agreed Congress should act through hearings and markups 'as expeditiously as possible.'

'President Trump expressed his resolve to encourage action and build public support for the passage of tax reform that creates jobs and raises wages for American workers. The leaders also discussed the critical need for funding to support the Hurricane Harvey rebuilding and recovery efforts in Texas and Louisiana,' she said.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU: House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, left, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., right, listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with congressional leaders and administration officials on tax reform, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017

Also there were Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, National Council of Economic Advisors Director Gary Cohn.

Vice President Mike Pence and other aides also were there.

At Tuesday's White House press briefing, Sanders indicated that if Congress can't fix immigration, they should 'get out of the way,' after Trump essentially gave Congress six months to prevent 800,000 'DREAMers' from getting deported.

'If they cant then they should get out of the way and let somebody else take their job that can actually get something done,' she said.

McConnell has raised doubts about whether Trump's presidency can be salvaged, the New York Times reported.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement after reports he and President Trump haven't spoken for weeks

Trump blasted McConnell on Twitter for the failure of an Obacare repeal bill. 'Can you believe that Mitch McConnell, who has screamed Repeal & Replace for 7 years, couldn't get it done. Must Repeal & Replace ObamaCare!,' Trump wrote August 10.

Trump and McConnell got into a 'profane shouting match' in early August, The New York Times reported.

In private, McConnell also made sharp remarks about Trump's lack of knowledge about the presidency, and his unwillingness to learn the basics of governing, sources said.

He's also said - in 'offhand remarks,' according to the report - that he is worried and baffled by where Trump is taking his presidency, and questioned if Trump will even be able to lead the party during the 2018 elections.
Donny Lewis Franklin (pictured), 45, was charged with homicide on Tuesday

A suspect in the domestic violence death of an esteemed North Carolina college professor was arrested and charged with her murder on Tuesday.

Authorities said that 45-year-old Donny Lewis Franklin is the prime suspect in the slaying of 35-year-old Jeannine Shante Skinner, whose battered remains were discovered in her apartment over the weekend.

Skinner was an associate professor of psychology and gerontology at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, according to CBS News. Gerontology is the scientific study of aging.

Police say that Franklin was Skinner's boyfriend, and had been convicted of violent crimes in the past, including domestic abuse.

Franklin, according to The Charlotte Observer, plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of assault on a woman in 2003.

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Franklin is accused of the domestic violence death University of North Carolina Charlotte professor Jeannine Shante Skinner

He was also convicted of battery and burglary with intent to commit assault in Roanoke, Virginia in 1996.

Authorities noted that Franklin and Skinner's relationship was relatively new, and that the couple had been together for less than two months.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department found Skinner dead in her home at Ayrsley Town Center on Kings Parade Boulevard after a call was placed with authorities inquiring after her well-being.

The cause of death has yet to be made public, but police said Skinner suffered 'obvious trauma' to her body.

Police found Skinner's body inside her apartment, at Ayrsley Town Center on Kings Parade Boulevard

It remains unclear who made the original distress to call police.

Following the news of her death, peers described Skinner as a dedicated and courteous colleague who started working for the college a little over two years ago.

'It feels like losing a family member in a lot of ways,' psychology department chair, Dr. Eric Heggestad, said. 'She hadn't been here long but she was making a really strong impact.'

Neighbors also said they were shocked to learn about Skinner's sudden slaying.

'Just the thoughts of what could have happened to her in those moments, it's just saddening,' Kathy Shivers told CBS. 'It happens anywhere to anybody, nobody's exempt.'

Franklin's attorney entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, according to WSOCTV.
A pregnant woman in China committed suicide after her family denied her a C section.

Under Chinese law, the woman's family have to give doctors the go-ahead for a cesarean and in this case, her relatives said no, reports Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online.

The 26-year-old surnamed Ma repeatedly told her family on August 30 that she couldn't bear the pain anymore after doctors told her a natural birth would be risky.

Doctors had advised the 26-year-old undergo surgery as natural birth was too dangerous

After telling staff she couldn't bear the pain, she jumped from the fifth floor of the hospital

Ma was admitted to Yulin No 1 Hospital on August 30.

According to doctors, the fetus' large head circumference meant that a natural birth would have been risky to the health of the mother.

Doctors told Ma that in order to be safe, she should have a caesarean section.

However under Chinese law, family members have to give permission before medical staff conduct the surgery.

Chinese law: The woman's family denied her the opportunity to have a cesarean

Her family said no and that they would prefer a natural birth.

Huo Junwei, a doctor at the hospital told reporters: 'The pregnant woman twice walked out of the ward to tell her family that she wanted a cesarean because she could no longer bear the pain but the family were reluctant.'

Despite medical staffs' effort to convince the family, they still did not agree to the surgery.

In the evening of August 31, the pregnant woman fell from the fifth floor of the hospital to her death.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local branch or go to www.samaritans.org.
This is the moment a drug dealer was arrested while sitting on the loo as police raided his home in Peru.

The accused, identified as Jose Spencer Bilbao Rivers, was apprehended by police while he was sitting relieving himself in a small white bucket.

Police had raided his home in the capital city of Lima, Peru, where they discovered large quantities of Class A drug cocaine.

This is the moment a drug dealer was arrested while sitting on the loo as police raided his home in Peru

The man, who is known by the alias Old Toad, 39, was discovered on the first floor of his home.

He claimed that he was suffering from diarrhoea and did not know there were drugs being prepared for sale in his property.

The man pleaded ignorance despite the fact that police had been recording him allegedly selling drugs.

Cops claim he was preparing bags of cocaine on the ground floor and only fled upstairs when he heard them breaking in.

Police had obtained a search warrant for the premises.

At first, the accused denied that the drugs belonged to him, then he admitted to only selling what is left over from his personal use.

He then finally admitted that he has been selling it for several months but claimed that for each bag he makes little more than 4.2 PEN (1 GBP).

It is not known what exact charges the man is facing.
Lawmakers in Hawaii have voted to explore the idea of a universal basic income to guarantee wages to servers, cooks and cleaners whose jobs may be replaced by machines.

The decision was made after research found the majority of tourism jobs will be replaced by robots.

As technological innovations displace people's jobs, retraining for many affected workers may be impossible.

An official in San Francisco also wants to implement a statewide 'tax' on robots that automate jobs and put people out of work.

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The idea of compensating workers has gained support in progressive areas of the country, including Hawaii and San Francisco. The K5 (pictured) is one of a growing menagerie of automated novelties in San Francisco

THE RISE OF ROBOTS A report last year from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development concluded that 9 per cent of jobs in the United States - or about 13 million - could be automated. The tussle points to the tensions that can flare when people embrace both technological innovation and a strong brand of social consciousness. Such frictions seem destined to escalate as automation makes further inroads into the workplace. The universal basic income is the idea that everyone should be able to receive income to live on - regardless of what job they have. Technology leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have also promoted creating a universal income as a way to address the loss of service jobs. Advertisement

The universal basic income is the idea that everyone should be able to receive income to live on - regardless of what job they have.

The idea of compensating workers has gained support in progressive areas of the country, including Hawaii and San Francisco, writes CBS News.

Automation has reduced the need for many blue collar workers such as people in manufacturing and mining.

'Our economy is changing far more rapidly than anybody's expected,' said Hawaii state Representative Chris Lee, who introduced universal income legislation.

It's important 'to be sure that everybody will benefit from the technological revolution that we're seeing to make sure no one's left behind', Mr Lee said.

Politicians, economists and business representatives will meet in the autumn to start collecting data.

They will need to find out how trends in automation could affect social safety nets and will then work out if it makes sense to offer a full or potentially partial universal income.

Tom Yamachicka, who is president of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii estimated that if all residents were given $10,000 annually (7,700) it would cost $10 billion a year (7.7 billion) which he does not think could be funded.

Technology leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have also promoted creating a universal income as a way to address the loss of service jobs.

A report last year from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development concluded that 9 per cent of jobs in the United States - or about 13 million - could be automated.

The tussle points to the tensions that can flare when people embrace both technological innovation and a strong brand of social consciousness.

Such frictions seem destined to escalate as automation makes further inroads into the workplace.

A report last year found 9 per cent of jobs in the US - or about 13 million - could be automated. Pictured is the K5 security robot at Westfield Valley Fair shopping centre in San Jose

Jane Kim, the San Francisco supervisor who is pushing the robot tax, says it's important to think now about how people will earn a living as more US jobs are lost to automation.

After speaking with experts on the subject, she decided to launch a statewide campaign with the hope of bringing revenue-raising ideas to the state legislature or directly to voters.

'I really do think automation is going to be one of the biggest issues around income inequality,' Ms Kim said.

It makes sense, she adds, that the city at the centre of tech disruption take up the charge to manage that disruption.

'It's not inherently a bad thing, but it will concentrate wealth, and it's going to drive further inequity if you don't prepare for it now,' she said.

Jane Kim (pictured), the city supervisor who is pushing the robot tax, says it's important to think now about how people will earn a living as more US jobs are lost to automation

Ms Kim is weighing up the idea of using revenue from a robot tax to supplement the low wages of people whose jobs can't be automated, like home health care aides.

It's too soon to say if the effort will prevail, let alone whether less-progressive jurisdictions might follow suit.

One city supervisor, Norman Yee, has proposed barring food delivery robots from city streets, arguing that public sidewalks should be solely for people.

'I'm a people person,' Mr Yee said, 'so I tend to err on the side of things that should be beneficial and safe for people.'

'Preposterous' is what William Santana Li, CEO of security robot maker Knightscope calls the supervisor's idea.

His company created the K5 robot monitoring the Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose.

The K5 is one of a growing menagerie of automated novelties in a region where you can eat a delivered pizza made via automation and drink beers at a bar served by an airborne robot.

This summer, the San Francisco Chronicle published a tech tourism guide listing a dozen or so places where tourists can observe robots and automation in action.

Yet San Francisco is also where workers were the first to embrace mandatory sick leave and fully paid parental leave.

After speaking with experts on the subject, Ms Kim decided to launch a statewide campaign with the hope of bringing revenue-raising ideas to the state legislature or directly to voters

Voters approved a $15 (11.60) hourly minimum wage in 2014, a requirement that Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law for the entire state in 2016.

The private security industry, Mr Li says, suffers from high turnover and low pay.

As he sees it, having robots handle menial tasks allows human guards to assume greater responsibilities - like managing a platoon of K5 robots - and likely earn more pay in the process.

Mr Li acknowledges that such jobs would require further training and some technological know-how. But he says people ultimately stand to benefit.

Besides, Li says, it's wrong to think that robots are intended to take people's jobs.

'We're working on 160 contracts right now, and I can maybe name two that are literally talking about, 'How can I get rid of that particular human position?''

The question of whether - or how quickly - workers will be displaced by automation ignites fierce debate.

William Santana Li, CEO of Knightscope stands near a K5 security robot as he speaks at company headquarters in Mountain View

It's enough to worry Bill Gates, who suggested in an interview early this year a robot tax as a way to slow the speed of automation and give people time to prepare.

The Microsoft co-founder hasn't spoken publicly about it since.

The spread of automation should also generate its own jobs, analysts say, offsetting some of those being eliminated.

Workers will be needed, for example, to build and maintain robots and develop the software to run them.

Technological innovation has in the past created jobs in another way, too: Work involving new technologies is higher-skilled and typically higher-paying.

Mr Li believes having robots handle menial tasks allows human guards to assume greater responsibilities - like managing a platoon of K5 robots - and likely earn more pay in the process

Analysts say that much of the extra income those workers earn tends to be spent on additional goods and services, thereby creating more jobs.

'There are going to be a wider array of jobs that will support the automation economy,' said J.P. Gownder, an analyst at the research firm Forrester. 'A lot of what we're going to be doing is working side by side with robots.'

What about people who lose jobs to automation but can't transition to more technologically demanding work?

Tech companies insist their products will largely assist, and not displace, workers. Savioke, based in San Jose, makes 3-foot-tall (91cm) robots - called Relay - that deliver room service at hotels where only one person might be on duty at night.

This allows the clerk to stay at the front desk, said Tessa Lau, the company's 'chief robot whisperer.'

'We think of it as our robots taking over tasks but not taking over jobs,' Ms Lau said.

'If you think of a task as walking down a hall and waiting for an elevator, Relay's really good at that.'

Similarly, friends Steve Simoni, Luke Allen and Gregory Jaworski hatched the idea of a drink-serving robot one night at a crowded bar in San Francisco. There was no table service. But there was a sea of thirsty people.

Savioke makes the 3-foot-tall (91cm) Relay robots (pictured) that deliver room service at hotels where only one person might be on duty at night, allowing the clerk to stay at the front desk

Steve Cousins, CEO of Savioke, talks while sitting next to a Relay robot at company headquarters in San Jose. Tech companies insist their products will largely assist, and not displace, workers

'We all wanted another round, but you have to send someone to leave the conversation and wait in line at the bar for 10 minutes and carry all the drinks back,' Mr Allen says.

They created the Bbot, a box that slides overhead on a fixed route at the Folsom Street Foundry in San Francisco, bringing drinks ordered by smartphone and poured by a bartender - who still receives a tip.

Mr Simoni says the company is small and it couldn't shoulder a government tax. But he's glad policy makers are preparing for a future with more robots and automation.

'I don't know if we need to tax companies for it, but I think it's an important debate,' he says.

As for his trio, he says: 'We're going to side with innovation every time. Innovation is what moves the world forward.'
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Nasa's Cassini space probe is approaching its final orbit between Saturn and its rings before its fiery plunge into the gassy planet.

The craft is now undertaking the last of its so-called 'Grand Finale' orbits, each bringing the probe closer to its long-awaited death dive.

Cassini's last orbit begins this week on Saturday September 9, with the craft finally ending its historic 13-year mission six days later with a dive directly into Saturn's atmosphere.

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Cassini's last orbit begins this week on September 9, with the craft finally ending its historic 13-year mission six days later with a dive directly into Saturn. On September 14, the probe will take its final images of Saturn, snapping images of the gas giant's hexagon-shaped vortex at its north pole as well as its moons Titan and Enceladus

THE END OF CASSINI During its final orbits between Saturn's atmosphere and the rings, Cassini has studied Saturn's atmosphere and taken measurements to determine the size of the planet's rocky core. Cassini has been probing Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun, and its entourage of 62 known moons since July 2004, providing enough data for almost 4,000 scientific papers. Since the craft is running low on fuel, Nasa is crashing it into Saturn to avoid any chance Cassini could someday collide with Titan, Enceladus or any other moon that has the potential to support indigenous microbial life. By destroying the spacecraft, Nasa will ensure that any hitchhiking Earth microbes still alive on Cassini will not contaminate the moons for future study. Advertisement

Saturday's orbit will send the craft through the outermost layers of the planet's atmosphere, passing just 1,680 kilometres (1,043 miles) above the clouds.

Two days later Cassini will make a final, 119,049-kilometre (73,973-mile) flyby of Saturn's largest moon Titan, causing the craft to slow down and re-position its orbit for its death dive.

On September 14, the probe will take its final images of Saturn, snapping images of the gas giant's hexagon-shaped vortex at its north pole as well as its moons Titan and Enceladus.

The probe will then turn its antennae toward Earth, transmitting data until the final moment before it burns up as it heads straight into the gas giant's crushing atmosphere on September 15.

Cassini's final dive will end a mission that provided groundbreaking discoveries that included seasonal changes on Saturn, the moon Titan's resemblance to a primordial Earth, and a global ocean on the moon Enceladus with ice plumes spouting from its surface.

'The mission has been insanely, wildly, beautifully successful, and it's coming to an end in about two weeks,' Dr Curt Niebur, Cassini program scientist, said on a telephone conference call with reporters last week.

Cassini's final photo as it heads into Saturn's atmosphere will likely be of propellers, or gaps in the rings caused by moonlets, said project scientist Dr Linda Spilker.

Cassini has been probing Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun, and its entourage of 62 known moons since July 2004, providing enough data for almost 4,000 scientific papers. Pictured are the number of orbits and flybys the craft has performed over the past 13 years of research

The spacecraft will provide near real-time data on the atmosphere until it loses contact with Earth at 7:54 am ET (12:54 am BST) on September 15, Nasa said.

Dr Spilker said Cassini's latest data on the rings had shown they had a lighter mass than forecast.

That suggests they are younger than expected, at about 120 million years, and thus were created after the birth of the solar system, she said.

During its final orbits between the atmosphere and the rings, Cassini also studied Saturn's atmosphere and took measurements to determine the size of the planet's rocky core.

Last week, Nasa shared a stunning new view of Saturn's turbulent clouds, captured the day Cassini first began its Grand Finale. The breathtaking photo shows the swirling clouds 'on top of the world' at the ringed planet just weeks before Saturn's northern summer solstice  a period soon to be followed by years of darkness

THE 'GRAND FINALE' Cassini has circled Saturn for 13 years since reaching its orbit in 2004, spearheading remarkable discoveries about the ringed planet and its icy moons  but now, it's running low on fuel. On April 22 the spacecraft began to transition into its grand finale orbits, taking one last close flyby of Saturn's massive moon Titan. Titan's gravity bent Cassini's flight path, causing the orbit to shrink until it was on course to pass between Saturn and the inner edges of its rings. Cassini then began the first of 22 dives through an unexplored gap before it ultimately plunges through the skies of Saturn to end its mission as 'part of the planet itself.' Cassini's mission will officially terminate on September 15, after a planned plummet through Saturn's atmosphere. And, all the while, it will transmit data from several instruments until the signal is finally lost. Advertisement

Cassini has been probing Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun, and its entourage of 62 known moons since July 2004, providing enough data for almost 4,000 scientific papers.

Since the craft is running low on fuel, Nasa is crashing it into Saturn to avoid any chance Cassini could someday collide with Titan, Enceladus or any other moon that has the potential to support indigenous microbial life.

By destroying the spacecraft, Nasa will ensure that any hitchhiking Earth microbes still alive on Cassini will not contaminate the moons for future study.

Last week, Nasa shared a stunning new view of Saturn's turbulent clouds, captured the day Cassini first began its Grand Finale.

The breathtaking photo shows the swirling clouds 'on top of the world' at the ringed planet just weeks before Saturn's northern summer solstice  a period soon to be followed by years of darkness.

Cassini began the first of its final five orbits mid-August, bringing it closer to Saturn than ever before.

Images from its August 20 dive now offer a mesmerising 'inside out' perspective from the gap between the planet and its rings.

In a strikingly dynamic photo captured on April 26, 2017  the day it approached Saturn for its first dive  Cassini observed the planet's north pole as it remained bathed in sunlight, from about 166,000 miles away.

But soon, the region will be enveloped in darkness.

'Although the pole is still bathed in sunlight at present, northern summer solstice on Saturn occurred on May 24, 2017, bringing the maximum solar illumination to the north polar region,' Nasa said.

Cassini began the first of its final five orbits mid-August, bringing it closer to Saturn than ever before. And, images from its August 20 dive now offer a mesmerizing 'inside out' perspective, shown above, from the gap between the planet and its rings

In a movie stitching together 21 images taken with Cassini's wide-angle camera, NASA reveals a look at the entirety of the main rings. The images were taken over a period of roughly four minutes on August 20, 2017

Nasa's Cassini space probe (artist's impression) is approaching its final orbit between Saturn and its rings before its fiery plunge into the gassy planet. The craft is now undertaking the last of its so-called 'Grand Finale' orbits, each bringing the craft closer to its long-awaited death dive

THE SCALE OF SATURN When it comes to space, it isn't always easy to understand how big objects really are. To put things into perspective, if Earth was the size of a tennis ball, the moon would be the size of a marble. Saturn would be the size of a beach ball and the sun would be the length of seven football fields away from Earth. Advertisement

'Now the sun begins its slow descent in the northern sky, which eventually will plunge the north pole into Earth-years of darkness.

'Cassini's long mission at Saturn enabled the spacecraft to see the Sun rise over the north, revealing that region in great detail for the first time.'

A series of images captured months after its Grand Finale began shows a different perspective of the planet, with an 'inside view' from the gap between Saturn and its rings.

In a movie stitching together 21 images taken with Cassini's wide-angle camera, NASA reveals a look at the entirety of the main rings.

The images were taken over a period of roughly four minutes on August 20, 2017.

It's one of 53 named moons known to be circling Saturn, but this stunning Cassini image shows that the icy moon Tethys appears to be the planet's only companion, bathed in 'Saturnshine.' In this view, Cassini is roughly 930,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Tethys

'The entirety of the main rings can be seen here, but due to the low viewing angle, the rings appear extremely foreshortened,' Nasa said.

'The perspective shifts from the sunlit side of the rings to the unlit side, where sunlight filters through.

'On the sunlit side, the grayish C ring looks larger in the foreground because it is closer; beyond it is the brightest B ring and slightly less-bright A ring, with the Cassini Division between them.

'The F ring is also fairly easy to make out.'

A stunning Cassini view of Saturn revealed waves of clouds swirling above the planet, like 'strokes form a cosmic brush.' The image, captured by the Cassini spacecraft from roughly 750,000 miles (1.2 million kilometers) above the surface, shows the turbulent essence of Saturn's clouds, which move as bands in different speeds and directions

During Cassini's journey around Saturn, it has captured unprecedented views of the ringed planet.

But, it's also revealed critical new insight on its many mysterious moons.

It's one of 53 named moons known to be circling Saturn  but, in a stunning image shared recently by Nasa, the icy moon Tethys appears to be the planet's only companion, bathed in 'Saturnshine.'

The image, captured by the Cassini spacecraft at roughly 750,000 miles (1.2 million kilometers) from Saturn, shows the mid-sized moon illuminated by sunlight reflected off the ringed planet, bringing its night side into full view.

Just days into its Grand Finale mission phase, Nasa's Cassini spacecraft has sent back stunning images of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Titan's surface can be seen in incredible detail, as well as the moon's ever-changing atmosphere

By destroying the spacecraft, Nasa will ensure that any hitchhiking Earth microbes still alive on Cassini will not contaminate the moons for future study

The view of Tethys was captured in visible light by Cassini's wide-angle camera on May 13, 2017.

Sitting roughly 930,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) from the spacecraft at the time the photo was taken, Tethys is just a speck in the dark sky far beyond the massive figure of Saturn and its rings.

But, thanks to sunlight bouncing off Saturn, Cassini was able to view the moon from its night side.

'Tethys was on the far side of Saturn with respect to Cassini here; an observer looking upward from the moon's surface toward Cassini would see Saturn's illuminated disk filling the sky,' Nasa said.

'Tethys was brightened by a factor of two in this image to increase its visibility. A sliver of the moon's sunlit northern hemisphere is seen at top.

'A bright wedge of Saturn's sunlit side is seen at lower left.'
Google's parent company, Alphabet, is looking to hire artificial intelligence experts in Beijing as part of an effort to ramp up its presence in China.

The company is advertising at least 20 positions in Beijing - four of which are AI-related.

These include roles that work on natural language processing, data compression and various types of machine learning.

This is despite Google's search engine being banned in the country.

Its a sign that though foreign firms are wary of Chinas government, they are willing to continue investment to get a slice of the worlds biggest internet market.

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The company is advertising at least 20 positions in Beijing - four of which are AI-related. These include roles that work on natural language processing and machine learning (stock image)

GOOGLE IN CHINA After a large cyberattack in 2010, Google pulled away from China after tracing the attack to Chinese hackers. However, this move suggests the company is now looking to expand their presence in the country again. It has long been speculated Google wants to get its search engine back in China - which could boost the dominance of its web advertising. The company is advertising at least 20 positions in Beijing - four of which are AI-related. These include roles that work on natural language processing, data compression and various types of machine learning. Advertisement

The move comes as the Chinese government set out an ambitious plan to beat the US and become the global leader in artificial intelligence by 2030.

In total there are 60 available positions in Beijing and Shanghai and inside sources say Google is hoping to use the new recruits to improve the quality of its algorithms.

Two of the jobs relate to machine-learning using Google Cloud, which doesn't currently operate in China, writes Fox Business.

'China has a lot of data from mobile payments, gaming, social, search and news,' said Kitty Fok, China managing director at consulting firm IDC.

'Technology companies like Google are keen to learn what's going on and getting large amounts of data to create AI algorithms is very important to them.'

It has long been speculated Google wants to get its search engine back in China, which could boost the dominance of its web advertising.

As well as Google, Facebook and Twitter are among the companies blocked on mainland China.

After a large cyberattack in 2010, Google pulled away from China after tracing the attack to Chinese hackers.

However, this move suggests the company is now looking to expand its presence in the country again.

At the same time, Chinese internet rivals such as Tencent Holdings are looking to open up AI research facilities in the US.

It has long been speculated Google wants to get its search engine back in China which could boost the dominance of its web advertising (stock image)

Alibaba and Baidu already have research and development centres in Silicon Valley.

In June, it was revealed the US wanted to heighten the security of Chinese investment in Silicon Valley to better shield sensitive technologies seen as vital to US national security

Of particular concern is China's interest in fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which have increasingly attracted Chinese capital in recent years.

The worry is that cutting-edge technologies developed in the United States could be used by China to bolster its military capabilities and perhaps even push it ahead in strategic industries.

The US government is now looking to strengthen the role of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the inter-agency committee that reviews foreign acquisitions of US companies on national security grounds.
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Humanity's farthest and longest-live spacecraft, Voyager 1 and 2, are celebrating 40 years of operation and exploration this month.

The Voyagers have set numerous records since they were launched in 1977, including Voyager 1 being the only spacecraft to have flown by all four outer planets  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

And Nasa engineers behind the probes say that they had no idea that they would still be working today.

Nasa's official celebrations will begin at 12:30pm ET (17:30 BST) today, when experts will discuss some of the highlights of the spacecraft's journeys.

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Humanity's farthest and longest-live spacecraft, Voyager 1 and 2, are celebrating 40 years of operation and exploration this month. Nasa launched the Voyager 1 spacecraft on September 5 1977, and the Voyager 2 on August 20 1977

RECORDS SET BY THE VOYAGERS - In 2012, Voyager 1 became the only spacecraft to have entered interstellar space - Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have flown by all four outer planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune - Their numerous planetary encounters include discovering the first active volcanoes beyond Earth, on Jupiter's moon Io, and hints of a subsurface ocean on Jupiter's moon Europa - They also discovered the most Earth-like atmosphere in the solar system, on Saturn's moon Titan; the jumbled-up, icy moon Miranda at Uranus; and icy-cold geysers on Neptune's moon Triton Advertisement

Nasa launched the Voyager 1 spacecraft on September 5 1977, and the Voyager 2 on August 20 1977.

Each spacecraft carries a golden record on board  a record that includes sounds, pictures and messages of Earth.

Mr Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for Nasa's Science Mission Directorate said: 'I believe that few missions can ever match the achievements of the Voyager spacecraft during their four decades of exploration.

'They have educated us to the unknown wonders of the universe and truly inspired humanity to continue to explore our solar system and beyond.'

During their 40 years of operation, the Voyagers have set several records.

In 2012, Voyager 1 became the only spacecraft to have entered interstellar space, which the Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have flown by all four outer planets  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Their planetary encounters include the discovery of the first active volcanoes beyond Earth  on Jupiter's moon Io  and the most Earth-like atmosphere in the solar system  on Saturn's moon Titan.

Voyager 1 is currently 13 billion miles away from Earth, travelling northward through space.

The probe has recently sent back data to Nasa that cosmic rays are as much as four times more abundant in interstellar space than in the vicinity of Earth.

This suggests that the heliosphere, the region of space that contains our solar system's planets, may act as a radiation shield.

This archival photo shows engineers working on the Voyager 2 spacecraft on March 23, 1977. Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have flown by all four outer planets  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune

Voyager 2 was launched on August 20, 1977, from the Nasa Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral in Florida, propelled into space on a Titan/Centaur rocket (pictured left). Pictured right is an artist/s concept depicting one of the twin Voyager spacecraft

Meanwhile, Voyager 2 is now 11 billion miles from Earth, travelling south towards the interstellar region.

The contrasting locations of the two spacecraft allow scientists to compare two regions of space where the heliosphere interacts with the interstellar medium.

Once Voyager 2 crosses into the interstellar medium, scientists will be able to sample the medium from two different locations at the same time.

These two pictures of Uranus - one in true colour (left) and the other in false colour - were compiled from images returned January 17, 1986, by the narrow-angle camera of Voyager 2

The spacecraft discovered the most Earth-like atmosphere in the solar system, on Saturn's moon Titan; the jumbled-up, icy moon Miranda at Uranus; and icy-cold geysers on Neptune's moon Triton (pictured)

WHERE ARE THE VOYAGERS NOW? Voyager 1 is currently 13 billion miles away from Earth, travelling northward through space. The probe has recently sent back data to Nasa that cosmic rays are as much as four times more abundant in interstellar space than in the vicinity of Earth. This suggests that the heliosphere, the region of space that contains our solar system's planets, may act as a radiation shield. Meanwhile, Voyager 2 is now 11 billion miles from Earth, travelling south towards the interstellar region. The contrasting locations of the two spacecraft allow scientists to compare two regions of space where the heliosphere interacts with the interstellar medium. Once Voyager 2 crosses into the interstellar medium, scientists will be able to sample the medium from two different locations at the same time. Advertisement

Mr Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist, said: 'None of us knew, when we launched 40 years ago, that anything would still be working, and continuing on this pioneering journey.

'The most exciting thing they find in the next five years is likely to be something that we didn't know was out there to be discovered.'

The Voyagers' power decreases by around four watts a year, meaning engineers have having to operate the spacecraft under ever-tighter power constraints.

In 2012, Voyager 1 became the only spacecraft to have entered interstellar space, which the Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have flown by all four outer planets  Jupiter (pictured), Saturn, Uranus and Neptune

Voyager 1 took this stunning image of Io (pictured left) showing an active plume of Loki on limb. Pictured right is an image of Saturn taken in Voyager's blue and violet filters and processed to recreate an approximately natural colour and contrast

Ms Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager, said: 'The technology is many generations old, and it takes someone with 1970s design experience to understand how the spacecraft operate and what updates can be made to permit them to continue operating today and into the future.'

Unfortunately, Nasa predicts that it will have to turn off the last science instrument by 2030.

But even after the spacecraft go silent, they will continue their journey, completing an orbit within the Milky Way every 225 million years.

Uranus' icy moon Miranda is seen in this image from Voyager 2 on January 24, 1986. Unfortunately, Nasa predicts that it will have to turn off the last science instrument by 2030. But even after the spacecraft go silent, they will continue their journey, completing an orbit within the Milky Way every 225 million years

Neptune's blue-green atmosphere is shown in greater detail than ever before by the Voyager 2 spacecraft as it rapidly approaches its encounter with the giant planet

To celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Voyager spacecraft, Nasa and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum are hosting a public event at 12:30pm ET (17:30 BST) today.

The event will take place at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, and will also be broadcast live on Nasa's website.

During the event, experts will discuss the Voyagers' creation and mission history, their findings and imagery, impact on Earth and the key and the key scientists and engineers who worked on the spacecraft.
It's used by millions of people every day to convert videos from YouTube into MP3 tracks.

But users will soon have to find an alternative to YouTube-MP3.org, as the site has agreed to shut down indefinitely following a copyright infringement lawsuit.

While the site currently appears to still be online, it will shortly hand its domain over to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and be shut down.

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YouTube-MP3.org allows users to convert YouTube videos to MP3 files  an act that is seen by the music industry as a serious threat to revenues (stock image)

WHAT IS YOUTUBE-MP3.ORG? YouTube-MP3.org is an audio-ripping website that allows users to convert YouTube videos to MP3 files, by copying and pasting a link to a video. But this is an act that is seen by the music industry as a serious threat to revenues. Advertisement

YouTube-MP3.org allows users to convert YouTube videos to MP3 files  an act that is seen by the music industry as a serious threat to revenues, according to TorrentFreak.

But a coalition of record labels, represented by the RIAA, decided to finally take action last year, taking YouTube-MP3 to court.

The complaint filed by the California federal court accuses YouTube-MP3 of various types of copyright infringement, as well as bypassing YouTube's copying protection mechanism.

The complaint states: 'Through the promise of illicit delivery of free music, Defendants have attracted millions of users to the [YouTube-MP3] website, which in turn generates advertising revenues for Defendants.'

Now, one year since YouTube-MP3 was taken to court, both parties have agreed to a settlement.

It's used by millions of people every day to illegally convert videos from YouTube into MP3 tracks. But users will soon have to find an alternative to YouTube-MP3.org, as the site has agreed to shut down indefinitely following a copyright infringement lawsuit

WORLD'S MOST PIRATED TV SHOWS OF 2016 1) Game of Thrones 2) The Walking Dead 3) Westworld 4) The Flash 5) Arrow 6) The Big Bang Theory 7) Vikings 8) Lucifer 9) Suits 10) The Grand Tour Source: TorrentFreak Advertisement

While the details of the deal are not public, it appears that YouTube-MP3 is willing to shut down.

According to TorrentFreak, both parties have asked the court to rule in favour of the music labels on all counts, and Philip Matesanz, owner of YouTube-MP3 has agreed to pay a settlement amount.

A proposed injunction will also prevent YouTube-MP3 from 'knowingly designing, developing, offering, or operating any technology or service that allows or facilitates the practice commonly known as "streamripping," or any other type of copyright infringement for that matter.'

The site's domain will now be handed over to the RIAA.

The injunction states: 'Defendants are ordered to transfer the domain name www.youtube-mp3.org to the Plaintiff identified in, and in accordance with the terms of, the confidential Settlement Agreement among the parties.'
The latest Siena College poll is out and there's a mix of good news and bad news for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is expected to seek a third term in 2018.

First, the good news: Cuomo's favorability rebounded after nine-point decline from May to July. His favorable rating is now at 56 percent, according to the poll released Tuesday.

That's not Cuomo's best favorable rating of the year  he reached 61 percent in May  but it's on par with where it was at the start of 2017.

What's the bad news for Cuomo? His job approval ratings haven't improved. In fact, they're virtually the same as the July numbers. Nine percent say he's doing an excellent job, up from 7 percent in July. A little more than one-third of voters  34 percent  rate his job performance as "good."

But a majority of voters give him average or below average marks. Thirty-five percent say he's doing a fair job. One-fifth of voters give him a poor rating.

Siena pollster Steve Greenberg attributed Cuomo's bump to additional support from Republicans and downstate voters.

"While Cuomo's favorability rating rebounded with Republicans this month  rising from 48 points underwater in July to now 25 points underwater  his slide with upstate voters continues," Greenberg said.

On specific issues, Cuomo's ratings aren't impressive. His handling of higher education issues received the best scores, with 49 percent of voters saying he's doing an excellent or good job. But 60 percent of voters gave him fair or poor scores for how he's dealt with New York's economy.

The low marks continue for the governor's handling of K-12 education, infrastructure and mass transit. His worst subject: taxes. Nearly three-quarters of voters  72 percent  said he's doing a fair or poor job on tax issues.

Even with mediocre grades on key state issues, there's another question in the poll that may matter more to Cuomo.

Half of voters say New York is on the right track. That's an increase from 46 percent in July.

"Downstate voters are significantly more positive now than they were in July, with 56 percent now saying the state is on the right track," Greenberg said. "However, upstate voters  who essentially matched downstate voters in July  now say the state is headed in the wrong direction by nine points."

The right track-wrong direction question is important, especially for 2018. Cuomo will make the case that his work over the last eight years is worth building on and that he's the right person for the job. As long as the responses to the question stay at 50 percent or above, he's in a good place.

The challenge for Cuomo will be if the responses dip below 50 percent, as they did in July. That could open the door for Republicans to mount a serious challenge, especially if downstate voters lose confidence in Cuomo's ability.
The mysterious strandings of 29 healthy young whales on beaches in 2016 have been linked to the Northern Lights, research suggests.

A host of theories had been suggested for causing the deaths of the marine giants  including poisoning, climate change, and even sonar from nuclear submarines.

But now researchers say that solar storms that create the Northern Lights may have been responsible for the stranding by affecting the whales' ability to navigate.

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Pictured is a beached sperm whale in the river Forth at Airth which was the 20th to wash up. The new study says these geomagnetic disruptions may have confused the whales' ability to navigate, diverting them into the shallow waters

By 1 February 2016 at least 23 whales had been stranded across the coastline of northern Europe and may have come from a single whale pod. In total there were 29 strandings last year

SOLAR STORMS AND NAVIGATION Researchers studied the connection between the whale strandings and solar storms in December 2015. They found disruptions caused by the solar flare-ups could have caused these whales to become lost and trapped in shallow water during early 2016. These ejections contain lots of charged particles and radiation which can cause shifts in the magnetic field of up to 460km (280 miles). Sperm whale strandings in the North Sea are rare, but younger bulls are more likely to be misled by solar storms because they have not yet learnt how to adapt to magnetic disturbances at higher latitudes. This theory is backed by the fact the animals spend their early years in the lower latitudes, where disruptions by the sun are weak, so they lack experience of this phenomenon. Advertisement

Researchers found disruptions caused by the solar flare-ups could have caused these whales to become lost and trapped in shallow water during early 2016.

These ejections contain lots of charged particles and radiation which cause shifts in the magnetic field of up to 460km (280 miles).

The study suggests abrupt and random storms may have confused the whales which are believed to navigate using the Earth's magnetic field.

In less than one month in early 2016, 29 sperm whales were left stranded on beaches in Germany, the Netherlands, UK and France.

Six of the whales were washed up on UK beaches  at Hunstanton, Wainfleet and Skegness.

The research, published in the International Journal of Astrobiology said that post-mortem examinations of the whales showed they were disease free.

Many of the animals which were beached last year live around the Azores in the eastern Atlantic, which has deep and warmer waters.

The young males make their way north towards the polar region, attracted by masses of squid, when they are aged between ten and 15 years old.

Dr Klaus Vanselow, from the University of Kiel, Germany, and his colleagues believe the multiple strandings could have been triggered by solar storms in December 2015.

Geomagnetic disruptions may have confused the whales' ability to navigate, diverting them into the shallow waters.

Sperm whale strandings in the North Sea are rare, but younger bulls are more likely to be misled by solar storms because they have not yet learnt how to adapt to magnetic disturbances at higher latitudes.

The magnetic field can be stronger in some places and weaker in others - and whales are generally able to read these anomalies.

This theory is backed by the fact the animals spend their early years in the lower latitudes, where disruptions by the sun are weak, so they lack experience of this phenomenon.

Eight dead sperm whales have washed up on a German beach near the northern town of Friedrichskoog. The 29 strandings generated a great deal of public interest and a large number of theories among scientists

In less than a month in early 2016, 29 sperm whales were found stranded on the coasts of Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and France. Pictured are whales washed up on a German beach near the northern town of Friedrichskoog

Researchers say the 'naive' whales may therefore have become lost in the southern Norwegian Sea and become stranded in the shallow North Sea.

Solar storm disturbances to the magnetic field only last about one day - but that was all that was needed to cause these whales to take a wrong turn.

When they hit Earth they produce displays of polar lights over the Arctic.

Powerful storms can damage communication systems and satellites and have been known to interfere with animal navigation in the past.

The whales should have followed the white arrow but researchers believe the solar storms made them instead follow the red arrow to the North Sea

A bulldozer and a digger move the whales washed up the beach at Skegness, Lincolnshire, to an area where they can be covered in sand

East Lindsey District Council Council workers began covering up the whales' bodies with sand to stop them being moved by the high tide. Researchers studied the connection between the whale strandings and solar storms in December 2015

Researchers studied the connection between the whale strandings and solar storms in December 2015.

'Where the polar lights are seen, that's the region with the most geomagnetic disruptions on the Earth's surface,' Dr Vanselow told the BBC.

'Sperm whales are very huge animals and swim in the free ocean so if they are disrupted by this affect, they can swim in the wrong direction for days and then correct it.

'But in the area between Scotland and Norway, if the whales swim in the wrong direction for one or two days, then it is too late for them to go back, they are trapped.'

He believes that his theory makes sense as the whales were discovered stranded up to six weeks after the storms.
A warped sense of community spirit inflamed the riots that swept across England in the summer of 2011, say psychologists.

Bitter turf-war rivalries dissolved as street gangs joined forces to form a 'band of brothers' pitted against a common enemy - the police, research suggests.

The show of unity amidst the looting, violence and destruction produced feelings of euphoria that contributed to the disorder, the scientists claim.

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A warped sense of community spirit inflamed the riots that swept across England in the summer of 2011, say psychologists. In this 2011 image, Police officers in riot gear block a road near a burning car on a street in Hackney as youths hurl missiles at officers yesterday

THE 2011 RIOTS The rioting that exploded between August 6 and 11 in 2011 was sparked by the death of Mark Duggan, a suspected gang member who was shot by police in Tottenham. Local disorder quickly spread to neighbouring London districts and violence also erupted in other towns and cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Leicester and Bristol. Five people died, property suffered damage estimated at 200 million, and police made more than 3,000 arrests. Advertisement

Dr John Dury, from the University of Sussex, led an ongoing investigation into the early phase of the rioting in the London districts of Tottenham Hale and Haringey.

He said: 'This riot saw traditional post-code rivalries melt away in the face of a common enemy in the police, and the emergence of a new shared identity.

'Our research shows for the first time how that happened.

'Police forces and others may feel that they understand how gang mentalities work but our findings show that at times like this, a fresh sense of community can break down existing loyalties.

'We're talking to police forces and councils about what our research shows. We hope that those responsible for law enforcement and keeping communities safe will take stock.'

The rioting that exploded between August 6 and 11 in 2011 was sparked by the death of Mark Duggan, a suspected gang member who was shot by police in Tottenham.

Local disorder quickly spread to neighbouring London districts and violence also erupted in other towns and cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Leicester and Bristol.

Police detain a man for looting in Clapham Junction, South London, while crowds of people simply stand around and watch. Local disorder quickly spread to neighbouring London districts and violence also erupted in other towns and cities

Five people died, property suffered damage estimated at 200 million, and police made more than 3,000 arrests.

The psychologists studied YouTube videos and Google Street View images, looked at police reports and arrest records, and interviewed 41 rioters.

Dr Dury said: 'People coming together in this location initially talked about feeling in danger, not from the police but from each other.

'They felt they might be stabbed. A lot of people in the interviews talked about this, but they also talked about this being transcended and then coming to form this new group for the first time.

'There was actually a new identity, a new collective sense of self amongst the rioters.

'That matters ... because if people are united for the first time then it's a basis for a sense of empowerment.

'If people all feel the same way and they expect others to feel that way, they expect to be supported and that gives them the confidence to take action.'

A turning point came when the police chose not to respond to one of their cars being torched, said Dr Dury, speaking at the British Science Festival at the University of Brighton.

A fireman walks past the burnt out shell of 140-year-old Reeves Furniture store in Croydon in 2011. Five people died, property suffered damage estimated at 200 million, and police made more than 3,000 arrests

That 'victory' generated a sense of confidence and a belief that the police were weak, encouraging the rioters to move onto other targets including a solicitor's office and shops.

Another key element in the mix was a shared sense of grievance over heavy-handed police tactics such as 'stop-and-search' which provoked a desire for revenge, said Dr Dury.

'The emotions changed from anger to euphoria,' he said. 'Seeing the police defeated led to expressions of joy.'

He said while men were in the thick of the fighting, the looting of shops was largely orchestrated by women.

After the riots ended there was some evidence that the rivalry between gangs in different districts was not as strong as it used to be.

One rioter who was interviewed said: 'I saw the community coming together ... usually it's post-code gangs and that lot, like Hornsey, they have differences with Wood Green.

'But then again, when the riots came, I saw Wood Green and Hornsey people just walking past each other like it was nothing.

'Now, it's like I don't see a problem with any kind of area.'

Dr Dury acknowledged that critics might reject the association of rioting with community spirit.

He added: 'Our task is simply to understand and explain. Some of it might be shocking, but this is what we find.'
The US Air Force's X-37B program is launching a robotic mini-shuttle from Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for the first time.

The upcoming mission - known as Orbital Test Vehicle-5 - is lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 7th, it has been confirmed.

'The OTV is scheduled to launch on Sept. 7, 2017, onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the Navy has revealed.

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The X-37B (pictured) one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit. The upcoming mission - known as Orbital Test Vehicle-5 - is lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida

ORBITAL TEST VEHICLE-5 The upcoming mission - known as Orbital Test Vehicle-5 - is lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. This is the first time a space plane has launched on a Falcon 9 rocket - with the previous four being launching on the Atlas V rockets. The US Air Force's unmanned X-37B space plane has flown three previous secret missions to date. Each time it has carried a mystery payload on long-duration flights in Earth orbit. Media reports suggest the liftoff will take place early in September. SpaceXs first publicly disclosed launch contract for the Air Force was awarded last year for a next-generation Global Positioning System satellite flight in 2018. Advertisement

'The many firsts on this mission make the upcoming OTV launch a milestone for the program,' said Randy Walden, the director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.

'It is our goal to continue advancing the X-37B OTV so it can more fully support the growing space community.'

The secret military spacecraft is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A on the morning of September 7 according to nasaspaceflight.com

SpaceX last week conducted a Static Fire test on the Falcon 9 rocket to be used, a key milestone ahead of the rocket's first launch of a U.S. Air Force X-37B spaceplane for the OTV-5 mission.

Four previous X-37B missions have been launched by United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets.

The US Air Force's unmanned X-37B space plane has flown three previous secret missions to date.

Each time it has carried a mystery payload on long-duration flights in Earth orbit.

According to the Air Force, one on board OTV-5 payload is US thermal spreader which will test the longevity of electronics and heat pipes in the space environment.

'The fifth OTV mission continues to advance the X-37Bs performance and flexibility as a space technology demonstrator and host platform for experimental payloads,' it said.

'This mission carries small satellite ride shares and will demonstrate greater opportunities for rapid space access and on-orbit testing of emerging space technologies.

'Building upon the fourth mission and previous collaboration with experiment partners, this mission will host the Air Force Research Laboratory Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader payload to test experimental electronics and oscillating heat pipe technologies in the long duration space environment.'

SpaceXs first publicly disclosed launch contract for the Air Force was awarded last year for a next-generation Global Positioning System satellite flight in 2018.

A second GPS launch contract was awarded in March.

The contracts are valued at 83 million ($65 million) and 96.5 million ($75 million), respectively.

In May 2016, the US National Reconnaissance Office disclosed it had hired SpaceX to launch a spy satellite aboard a Falcon 9.

The reusable X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (pictured) returned in June, concluding an almost two-year mission in orbit, according to the US Air Force

The mission, which was arranged through an intermediary, Ball Aerospace, took place in May.

In June this year the unmanned military space plane landed at Kennedy Space Centre Sunday with a sonic boom concluding an almost two-year mission in orbit, according to the US Air Force.

The Air Force tweeted shortly after 8am that the vehicle had landed safely, marking the conclusion of its fourth classified mission, which lasted more than 700 days.

The unmanned X-37B, which resembles a mini space shuttle, landing on a runway used by the now-mothballed craft.

The Boeing-built space plane blasted off in May 2015 from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas 5 rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co.

The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit.

It was the fourth and lengthiest mission so far for the secretive program, managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.

The Air Force said the orbiters 'perform risk reduction, experimentation and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies.'

The Air Force tweeted that the vehicle had landed safely, marking the conclusion of its fourth classified mission, which lasted more than 700 days

However, the exact nature of the mission and its cost is classified.

The Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit group promoting the peaceful exploration of space, says the secrecy surrounding the X-37B suggests the presence of intelligence-related hardware being tested or evaluated aboard the craft.

The vehicles are 29 feet long and have a wingspan of 15 feet, making them about one quarter of the size of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's now-retired space shuttles.

The X-37B, also known as Orbital Test Vehicle, or OTV, first flew in April 2010 and returned after eight months.

A second mission launched in March 2011 and lasted 15 months, while a third took flight in December 2012 and returned after 22 months.

THE X-37B MYSTERY The U.S. Air Force's unmanned X-37B space plane has flown three previous secret missions to date. Each time it has carried a mystery payload on long-duration flights in Earth orbit. The spacecraft looks similar to Nasa's space shuttle but is much smaller. The X-37B is about 29ft (8.8m) long and 9.5ft (2.9 m) tall. It has a wingspan of just less than 15ft (4.6 m). At launch, it weighs 11,000lbs (4,990kg). Like a shuttle, X-37B is blasted into orbit by a rocket. However, it lands using a runway like a normal aircraft. The X-37B is too small to carry people onboard, but does have a cargo bay similar to that of a pickup truck, which is just large enough to carry a small satellite The craft is taken into orbit on a rocket but lands like the space shuttle by gliding down to Earth. While its main mission payload is a mystery, Nasa has revealed it has a materials experiment aboard. The Planetary Society is tagging along with a solar-sail demo. Ten CubeSat nanosatellites are also taking a piggyback ride into orbit. Advertisement

The Air Force relocated the program in 2014, taking over two of NASA's former shuttle-processing hangars.

Air Force officials said that several technologies are being tested in the program.

'The primary objectives of the X-37B are twofold; reusable spacecraft technologies for America's future in space and operating experiments which can be returned to, and examined, on Earth,' an official said, according to Click Orlando.

When the plane landed in June at the Kennedy Space Center (pictured) the sonic boom could be heard throughout Central Florida, and some Brevard County residents likely heard them before it even touched down at the Shuttle Landing Facility

Officials also explained that the X-37B is the first vehicle of its kind able to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis. It is the first with this capability since NASA's Shuttle Orbiter.

The X-37B is able to stay in space longer because of its minimum on-orbit time of 270 days, officials said.

According to the Air Force, this is the fourth successful mission for the project, with the first three landing at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

In total, the two craft have spent a total of 2,085 days in orbit.
WhatsApp is hoping to make money by moving into the customer support business.

The company has officially announced two business tools including a standalone WhatsApp Business app and will soon charge companies - from local shops to global airlines - to use some of the tools' new features.

It will allow customer to communicate with firms via WhatsApp messages instead of email or phone calls.

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WhatsApp has officially announced two business tools including a standalone WhatsApp Business app and will soon charge companies - from local shops to global airlines - to use some of the tools' new features

BUSINESSES ON WHATSAPP WhatsApp has announced two new tools for business. One - a spinoff app called WhatsApp for Business - will allow small business to field customer questions and send them updates. The company has also unveiled a tool that will let larger companies plug directly into the WhatsApp platform. While the two business tools announced today are free, WhatsApp will soon start charging companies to use some of their features. WhatsApp is also now verifying businesses on the platform. Facebook is rolling this out as an attempt to finally monetize and earn back some of the $22 billion it spent acquiring WhatsApp three years ago Advertisement

This comes a week after the company announced it has started verifying companies with green check marks.

'Over 1 billion people use WhatsApp every day to stay connected with their family and friends, and over time, more people are using the app to communicate with businesses they care about too,' the blog post announcing the new app reads.

'In fact, many connections are already taking place every day, whether it's someone placing an order with a local bakery or looking at new styles from a clothing store.'

The post goes on to describe how the traditional WhatsApp platform has failed businesses and their customers, citing the difficulties shopkeepers who use the app to stay in touch with hundreds of customers from a single smartphone have faced.

The post also explains the company has gotten feedback from customers who can't tell whether or not a business on WhatsApp is authentic.

'We're building and testing new tools via a free WhatsApp Business app for small companies and an enterprise solution for bigger companies operating at a large scale with a global base of customers, like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks,' according to the blog post.

'In the coming months, we'll be testing new features that aim to solve some of these challenges, and make it easier for people to communicate with the businesses they want to reach on WhatsApp.'

Those features include verification badges, messages that can't be deleted, different color messages, and most likely more that have yet to be announced.

As Facebook rolls out this attempt to finally monetize and earn back some of the $22 billion it spent acquiring WhatsApp three years ago, it will allow small business to field customer questions and send them updates in the new WhatsApp for Business app.

The company has also unveiled a tool that will let larger companies plug directly into the WhatsApp platform.

While the two business tools announced today are free, WhatsApp will soon start charging companies to use some of their features.

As Facebook rolls out this attempt to finally monetize and earn back some of the $22 billion it spent acquiring WhatsApp three years ago, it will allow small business to field customer questions and send them updates in the new WhatsApp for Business app

VERIFIED BUSINESSES WhatsApp is starting to verify businesses accounts The company hopes the green check mark badges will make businesses appear more trustworthy and encourage companies to use the platform to communicate with customers. When talking with a business account, the message bubbles will be yellow. Unlike with regular WhatsApp messages where users can delete message, it's not possible to delete messages exchanged with these verified business accounts. Users can, however, block business accounts as they would any other user. Despite the verified status of these accounts, you can still save them in your address book under whatever name you want - the name you save will be what you see. Advertisement

'We want to put a basic foundation in place to allow people to message businesses and for them to get the responses that they want,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema told the Wall Street Journal in an interview about the new announcement.

'We do intend on charging businesses in the future.'

Reuters had reported in March that a potential revenue source for WhatsApp was to charge businesses that want to contact customers, citing company documents.

There's no word yet on which features will require payment or when WhatsApp will start charging for their use - Idema declined to specify the paid features or say when they would make their debut, saying 'We don't have the details of monetization figured out.'

So far, companies in Europe, India, Brazil, and Indonesia are testing the free services.

Indian healthcare startup 1mg - which sells prescription drugs online - has been working with WhatsApp to test the new tool for larger companies.

Co-founder Gaurav Agarwal has said using the app to talk to customers after they've placed their orders has been 'much easier than through SMS or our app.'

He added that the company's fulfillment rate for such orders has nearly doubled since implementing the pilot.

Another early partner of the new platform is luxury retailer YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP.

'To date we have made countless sales across WhatsApp, even selling a single item for over 80,000,' Gabriele Tazzari, Director of Research & Development, wrote in a company blog post.

The company has been using the platform to communicate with customers after they make purchases and to gather feedback.

'To evaluate the customers' feedback during this experiment, we directly integrated our new OrderManagement System (OMS) with WhatsApp by using its new Enterprise solution, allowing us to use the messaging service as a notification system for order and shipping confirmations,' Tazzari wrote, adding that less than three percent of customers have unsubscribed from the WhatsApp notifications.

The company - which uses personal shoppers - has also found another unique way to conduct business on the app.

Rather than sending customers individual documents and pictures of items like it used to, the personal shoppers are now uploading the items as status updates.

Another early partner of the new platform is luxury retailer YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP. The company has been using the platform to communicate with customers after they make purchases and to gather feedback

This allows ' them to give their customers a real-time, selfserve shopping experience and comment directly on the items shown,' the post reads.

The company says it's received great feedback for its use of WhatsApp, hearing 'Really forward thinking' and 'I love receiving information from you this way' from customers.

Rumors that WhatsApp would be launching a standalone business app started gaining traction last week

The company announced it was starting to verifying firms on the app to help them appear more trustworthy and encourage companies to use the platform to communicate with customers.

Unlike the verification processes on Instagram and Twitter that often awards accounts check marks simply for having a robust following and presence as a public figure, WhatsApp is giving out the green verification badge after confirming the contact number belongs to a business.

'WhatsApp is exploring ways for you to communicate with the businesses that matter to you,' the announcement reads.

'Some business accounts have been verified by WhatsApp - If you see a green badge next to a contact's name, it means that WhatsApp has confirmed that the phone number of this contact belongs to a business account.'

The company has also unveiled a tool that will let larger companies plug directly into the WhatsApp platform. While the two business tools announced today are free, WhatsApp will soon start charging companies to use some of their features

There are a few other differences as well.

When talking with a business account, the message bubbles will be yellow.

Unlike with regular WhatsApp messages where users can delete messages, it's not possible to delete any that have been exchanged with verified business accounts.

Users can, however, block business accounts as they would any other user.

Despite the verified status of these accounts, you can still save them in your address book under whatever name you want - the name you save will be what you see.

If you don't have a business's phone number saved in your address book, however, the name you will see is the name the business has chosen for itself.

Additionally, users must 'opt in' to be contacted by a business.

Only a small group of business accounts being tested in the WhatsApp for Business pilot program have received the check marks and are operating with the aforementioned processes so far.

The company had also advertised for support staff for a separate 'WhatsApp Business app for Android.'

A job posting for a small business technical specialist also mentions a 'WhatsApp Business app for Android.'

It also appears that WhatsApp is readying a standalone Android app for businesses, according to code analysis by WABetaInfo .

TheLeaker also posted images which it claims are from the new support app.

Earlier this month, WhatsApp announced it was updating its terms and privacy policy for the first time in four years as part of its 'plans to test ways for people to communicate with businesses in the months ahead.'

'People use our app every day to keep in touch with the friends and loved ones who matter to them, and this isn't changing - But as we announced earlier this year, we want to explore ways for you to communicate with business that matter to you too, while still giving you an experience without third-party banner ads and spam.'

'Whether it's hearing from your bank about a potentially fraudulent transaction, or getting notified by an airline about a delayed flight, many of us get this information elsewhere, including in text messages and phone calls.'

Getting businesses on WhatsApp is how the Facebook-owned company - which has over 1.3 billion uses but hasn't developed a business model - plans to monetize

WhatsApp announced it's testing a system that would let businesses talk directly to WhatsApp users for the first time in April.

The tests - which are being conducted with a handful of companies that are part of the Y Combinator startup incubator - are an important signal of how WhatsApp plans to make money from its massively popular service.

WhatsApp has not developed a business model in the three years since Facebook bought it for a hefty $19 billion.

Ahead of the new terms announcement, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he wants the company's messaging products - WhatsApp and Messenger - to speed up their efforts to generate sales, according to CNBC.

He also told analysts on a conference call following second-quarter results that the company has to 'move even faster' on its messaging products.

WhatsApp, a pun on the phrase 'What's up?', has helped to upend mobile services by allowing users to text or call friends and family for free, without text message charges.

Zuckerberg has also begun monetizing on the firm's other messaging giant, Messenger, by placing ads in between users' conversations.

Earlier this month, WhatsApp announced it was updating its terms and privacy policy for the first time in four years as part of its 'plans to test ways for people to communicate with businesses in the months ahead'

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Idema wouldn't rule out that the firm may use a similar ad strategy for WhatsApp revenue as well, but he said the company is focusing on connecting businesses with customers.

Last year, however, WhatsApp did start sharing user data with Facebook to improve ad targeting and friend suggestions on the company's flagship product.

So far, Facebook hasn't been very successful with advertsiting in the regions where WhatsApp is most popular.

While Facebook generated $19.38 per user in the U.S. and Canada in Q2, it only mad $2.13 per user in Asia.

Asia is one of WhatsApp's biggest markets, with India being its most robust as it contributes 200 million monthly active users out of the app's total 1.3 billion.

In late July, WhatsApp founder Jan Koum said the app has 1.3 billion monthly users who share 1 billion videos and 55 billion messages per day.

In trying to bring businesses on board, the company is working carefully to avoid problems with spam messages, documents seen by Reuters show.

WhatsApp is also surveying users about the extent to which they talk to businesses on WhatsApp, and whether they have ever received spam.

WhatsApp last year announced its plan to develop the system, known as an application programming interface, or API, citing examples such as a user talking to a bank about a fraudulent transaction or to an airline about a delayed flight.

In March, WhatsApp struck a deal with Y Combinator, which provides training and advice to startups that show potential, to have a small number of companies take part in an early trial, according to emails and messages posted on a Y Combinator forum.
It may be called the iPhone 8, iPhone Edition or even iPhone X, but one thing seems clear - Apple's new handset will be the most expensive the firm has ever made.

Prolific Apple leaker Benjamin Geskin has shared what he claims are the final iPhone 8 prices on Twitter, continuing rumors that some versions of the new phone will cost over $1,000.

He claims the 64GB version will cost $999, the 246GB version will be $1,099, and the 512GB version will be $1,199.

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Prolific Apple leaker Benjamin Geskin shared iPhone 8 prices on Twitter, continuing rumors that some versions of the new phone will cost over $1,000. He claims the 64GB version will cost $999, the 246GB version will be $1,099, and the 512GB version will be $1,199

IPHONE RUMORS Several rumors have been circulating about the new device and suggest it may have: - Dual-lens 3D camera - Augmented reality capabilities - Curved glass casing - Wireless charging - 5 inch (12.7 centimeter) and 5.8 inch (14.7 centimeter) model, will have a wraparound OLED screen - Aluminum back will be replaced with two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle - Facial recognition Advertisement

According to a direct conversion, this would price the new devices at 767, 843, and 920 respectively in the UK, but the British version has typically cost more than the those sold in the US, so these may not be accurate.

Apple is unveiling the next iPhone at a special event at the new Steve Jobs Theater on September 12th.

Shortly after leaking the prices, Geskin shared images of parts that allegedly reveal the colors the devices will come in.

The photos - which he captioned 'blush gold, silver, black' - depict iPhone SIM card trays in gold and silver supposedly designed for the iPhone 8.

Geskin has previously reported 'blush gold' would be a color option.

Shortly after leaking the prices, Geskin shared images of parts that allegedly reveal the colors the devices will come in

The photos - which he captioned 'blush gold, silver, black' - depict iPhone SIM card trays in gold and silver supposedly designed for the iPhone 8. Geskin has previously reported 'blush gold' would be a color option

This echos previous rumors of the three colors shared earlier in August by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known as the most accurate Apple analyst.

Over the last few days, Geskin has also posted several photos he claims show the new device on Instagram and Twitter.

Rumors circulating yesterday suggest Apple's next flagship iPhone will be called the iPhone X.

It was said the company is embracing Roman numerals to mark its 10th anniversary milestone.

Over the last few days, Geskin has also posted several photos he claims show the new device on Instagram and Twitter

Geskin posted what he claims is the new iPhone 8 (left) next to an older version of the device that still has the home button (right)

The source suggests it will be launched alongside two phones, which will be called the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus - and, this could mean Apple is skipping an 's' generation for the first time since it was introduced.

The Dutch technology site iCulture has cited a 'reliable source' as giving them the information about the anniversary handset.

'This source has previously informed us correctly about the existence of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and is working with a worldwide operating telecom company,' explained the site.

Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider Aaron Mason released leaked images of the new release yesterday and called it the 'Apple iPhone X Edition'.

Apple's tenth anniversary iPhone will be called the iPhone X according to Dutch tech site iCulture. Pictured is a mock up of the case posted on Twitter by Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider Aaron Mason

However, previous sources have said the iPhone X will be called the iPhone Edition.

9to5Mac said on Friday that case manufacturers it spoke to at the IFA trade show in Germany have been advised that the top of the range handset will instead be known as the iPhone Edition.

The firm sent invites to key media for the event on 1 September, which is also expected to see the launch of an iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV.

Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider has released leaked mock-ups of the new release and called it the 'Apple iPhone X Edition'

They say 'Let's meet at our place'.

It is believed the new iPhone X along with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will go on sale on September 22nd.

The latest claims from the Wall Street Journal are that 'The company is expected to unveil three iPhones, according to other people familiar with its plans.'

The launch will be the first event at the Steve Jobs theater at Apple Park, the official name for the firm's giant 'Spaceship' HQ.

Aaron Mason posted pictures of the iPhone X on his Twitter. Last week it was revealed the company is unveiling the next iPhone at a special event at its campus in California

The firm sent invites to key media for the event on 1 September, which is also expected to see the launch of an iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV. Pictured is a leaked image of the iPhone X handset

The firm sent invites to key media for the event, which is also expected to see the launch of three phones, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV

The Steve Jobs Theater is situated on top of a hill  one of the highest points within Apple Park  overlooking meadows and the main building. Opening on September 12th, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fibre roof

This graphic shows some of the new features rumoured for Apple's iPhone 8/ iPhone X, which is due for release in mid-September

Even though the theater will be complete, many of the surround areas of 'the ring' remain under final construction it is believed.

It comes as leaked images appear to show parts taken from the upcoming iPhone 8/ iPhone X in unprecedented detail.

The images, posted to Twitter by leaker Benjamin Geskin on 20 August, claim to show the iPhone X's OLED display cover and a variety of cables, including for the Lightning port.

One of the photos, originally found on Chinese social media site Weibo, shows the iPhone Xs' display compared to that of the iPhone 7.

This confirms rumours about the two handsets' similar overall size.

Leaked images from 20 August appear to show parts taken from the upcoming iPhone 8/ iPhone X in unprecedented detail

One of the photos, originally found on Chinese social media site Weibo, appears to show the iPhone 8/ iPhone X's display (left) compared to that of the iPhone 7 (right)

Last week, new leaks suggested the smartphone's classic home button will be replaced with gesture controls.

Users may simply swipe their hands above the device for tasks such as going to the main app grid and opening multitasking.

Apple also plans to introduce a stainless steel band around the phone which the glass curves into, much like the casing used for the iPhone 4 and 4S.

In place of a home button on the iPhone 8/ iPhone X, a thin, software bar will stretch across the bottom of the screen.

Apple's iPhone 8/iPhone X will see the replacement of the smartphone's classic home button with gesture controls, new leaks suggest. Pictured is a concept drawing

This bar can be dragged to the top of the screen to open the iPhone, while users can initiate multitasking using a similar gesture while an app is open.

The iPhone 8/ iPhone X will have an OLED screen that is slightly larger than that of the iPhone 7 Plus (5.5"), but the device itself will be similar to the iPhone 7, people familiar with the phone told Bloomberg.

The firm is not moving to curved screens like the latest Samsung models, instead favoring a flat screen like current and past iPhones, the report says.

Images show that the iPhone 8/ iPhone X's dock has been redesigned to match the interface of the one on the iPad version of iOS 11 (pictured)

HOW WILL THE NEW GESTURES WORK? Apple has tested the removal of the home button in favour of new gesture controls in the iPhone 8/ iPhone X. In its place, a thin, software bar will stretch across the bottom of the screen. This bar can be dragged to the top of the screen to open the iPhone. Users can initiate multitasking using a similar gesture while an app is open. To close the app and go back to the home screen, users can continue flicking the bar upwards. Advertisement

Symmetrical, slim bezels will cover the entirety of the device's front, cutting off the areas where the home button and ear piece sit on current iPhone models.

The front-facing camera, earpiece and facial-recognition sensor are instead housed in a small notch at the top of the screen, the image show.

Images of recent test devices reveal that the left side of the notch displays the time while the right side shows battery life, WiFi and mobile network connectivity.

Apple has opted to remove the square corners seen on current iPhones in favour of rounded ones, possibly as an homage to the shape of the very first iPhone model, which came out a decade ago in November.

The iPhone 8/ iPhone X's power button will be longer to make it easier to press while holding the phone in one hand, the images and people suggest.

A taller screen means that the phone will fit six vertical rows of apps, showing 24 icons on each page excluding the dock, a grey bar at the bottom of the screen containing frequently used apps.

The images show that the dock has been redesigned to match the interface of the one on the iPad version of iOS 11.

Alongside the new high-end device, Apple plans to release two new additional iPhone models.

These will use faster processors but will include the same screens as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

They will debut alongside an update Apple TV set-top box and Apple Watch models.
A smashed-up sculpture unearthed at the site of the ancient city Hazor is, beyond any doubt, the representation of an Egyptian pharaoh, experts say.

Just who the 4,300-year-old effigy was modeled after, however, remains a mystery.

Discussing the find in a new book, researchers reveal the sculpture has raised a number of questions since it was first discovered in the 1990s, leaving archaeologists perplexed as to how it ended up in Hazor, in northern Israel.

And, they say it was deliberately destroyed more than 1,000 years after its creation.

Researchers reveal the sculpture has raised a number of questions since it was first discovered in 1995, leaving archaeologists perplexed as to how it ended up in Hazor, in northern Israel. A cobra carved along the top of the head (shown) indicates its royal nature, the experts say

In the new book, A Royal Head, in Hazor VII, The 1990-2012 excavations, the Bronze Age, the authors note that the concentration of Egyptian statues at the Israel site is surprising.

Along with the mysterious head, fragments of other Egyptian statues have been found there as well, with most thought to be sphinxes.

Adding to the intrigue, the authors note that all statues appear to have been deliberately smashed to pieces.

The the royal head discovered at Hazor had no limbs or body accompanying it, according to the discussion penned by Simon Connor and Dimitri Laboury.

While the smashed-up sculpture is, beyond any doubt, the representation of an Egyptian pharaoh, just who it is remains a mystery

And, it had suffered extensive damage.

The cracks indicate that the nose had been broken and the head detached from the rest of the sculpture before being shattered, the authors wrote.

Although most of the broken edges are sharp, suggesting, along with the fact that the head could be reconstructed almost in full, that it had been broken close to where it was found, the helix  or outer rim  of the right ear shows more weathered fractures, suggesting multiple phases of damage.

The statue was crafted from a type of metamorphic rock known as greywacke, which was commonly used in ancient Egyptian art dating back to the end of prehistoric times.

This provides firm evidence of its Egyptian origin, according to the researchers, with facial characteristics suggesting it may be from the 5th Dynasty.

Based on the nature of the statue itself, the researchers also say it depicts royalty.

The person depicted wears a short, close-fitting curled cap-wig, topped by a urateus, the solar cobra that rises above the forehead of Pharaoh in ancient Egyptian iconography, thus identifying our character as a king of Egypt beyond any doubt, the authors wrote.

THE ANCIENT CITY, HAZOR Hazor is said to be the largest biblical-era site in Israel, and was once the largest and most important city in the entire region, according to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The upper city was first settled in the third millennium BCE, during the Early Bronze Age, followed later by the lower city around the 18th century BCE. It continued to expand until roughly the 13th century, at the end of the Late Bronze Age. Then, the experts say it was violently destroyed. Some experts suspect it may have been wiped out by Israelites, led by Joshua. After winning the battle, Joshua burned and ravaged the city. A Biblical narrative (Jos 11:10-12) describing the fall of the city pains a grisly picture of the aftermath of the battle: And Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor, and smote its king with the sword: for Hazor formerly was the head of all those kingdoms. Everyone in it they put to the sword. 'They totally destroyed them, not sparing anything that breathed, and he burned up Hazor itself. Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds - except Hazor. Advertisement

They also suspect the statuette may once have been propped against a panel or slab, or have come from a group or pair of sculptures, possibly putting it alongside a religious figure, female partner, or a doubled royal representation.

Still, they say theres no way to know who the Egyptian royal represented by the statue really was.

The archaeological site at Hazor is said to be the largest biblical-era site in Israel, and was once the largest and most important city in the entire region, according to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The the royal head discovered at Hazor had no body accompanying it. And, it had suffered extensive damage, as seen above. The cracks indicate that the nose had been broken and the head detached from the rest of the sculpture before being shattered, the authors wrote

The upper city was first settled in the third millennium BCE, during the Early Bronze Age, followed later by the lower city around the 18th century BCE.

It continued to expand until roughly the 13th century, at the end of the Late Bronze Age.

Then, the experts say it was violently destroyed.

Some experts suspect it may have been wiped out by Israelites, led by Joshua.

After winning the battle, Joshua burned and ravaged the city.

A Biblical narrative (Jos 11:10-12) describing the fall of the city pains a grisly picture of the aftermath of the battle:

And Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor, and smote its king with the sword: for Hazor formerly was the head of all those kingdoms.

The archaeological site at Hazor is said to be the largest biblical-era site in Israel, and was once the largest and most important city in the entire region, according to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Everyone in it they put to the sword. They totally destroyed them, not sparing anything that breathed, and he burned up Hazor itself.

Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds - except Hazor.

According to the researchers, there are many mysteries swirling about the discovery of the pharaoh head  one being, how did it come to meet its ultimate end alongside the final destruction of Hazor?

And, as of yet, there are no conclusive answers.

Although many hypothetical scenarios could be suggested, no definite conclusion can be drawn, the researchers write.

The history of the statue was surely quite complex, and the kingdom of Hazor must have been eager to use and display a prestige object connected to Egyptian royal imagery.
New photos shared online show the underground portion of Apple's new 1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater for the first time.

While the upper part has been seen in other photos, this is the first look at the main part of the theater where the firm will unveil the new iPhone next week.

The photos show lower and upper sections that appear to have bleacher seating, natural wood finishes, and a large stage in the front.

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New photos shared online show the underground portion of Apple's new 1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater for the first time. This image appears to have been taken from an upper level of seats and shows the large stage

NEW LOOK AT THE STEVE JOBS THEATER While the upper part has been seen in other photos, this is the first look at the main part of the theater where the firm will unveil the new iPhone next week. The photos show lower and upper sections that appear to have bleacher seating, natural wood finishes, and a large stage in the front. Advertisement

While the photos were just discovered and shared by MacMagazine, a user originally uploaded them to Google Maps at the end of June.

It's probable construction on the theater has come along a great deal since they photos were taken and that these aren't the current conditions.

But while the final aesthetics aren't shown, the images give a good idea of what the buzzed-about theater will look like spatially and set the scene for the launch even next Tuesday.

It is, however, possible to spot what appears to be natural wood finished that contrast the minimal design and 20-foot glass walls of the above ground lobby.

Recent drone footage of the above ground portion of the theatre

Additionally, Above Avalon founder Neil Cybart has shared diagrams of the new theater's layout, noting it's almost entirely underground.

He also inquired as to how Apple will handle the exhibit space, which it appears attendees may have to pass by to get to the auditorium.

The photos show lower and upper sections that appear to have bleacher seating, natural wood finishes, and a large stage in the front

.While the upper part has been seen in other photos, this is the first look at the main part of the theater where the firm will unveil the new iPhone next week. Multiple pictures show the seats, which appear to be bleacher-style

Apple usually keeps the exhibit space - where attendees can try out the new devices - off limits until after the presentation.

Last week, a behind-the-scenes look at Apple's nearly-finished headquarters in Cupertino was revealed thanks to Snapchat.

The Steve Jobs Theater is situated on top of a hill  one of the highest points within Apple Park  overlooking meadows and the main building. Opening on September 12th, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fibre roof

Apple will unveil the new iPhone on this stage next week on September 12. While the buzzed-about Steve Jobs Theater is expected to be ready for the event, the rest of Apple's $5 'spaceship' campus in Cupertino, California is still under construction

Construction workers building the Apple Park have been posting photos and videos of the firm's new $5 billion headquarters, including the Steve Jobs Theater where Apple will unveil the new iPhone during a special event on September 12.

They show the exterior of the spaceship, the sleek walls of the new theater, the 'Apple Campus tunnel,' and several areas still under heavy construction.

Above Avalon founder Neil Cybart has shared diagrams of the new theater's layout, noting it's almost entirely underground

He also inquired as to how Apple will handle the exhibit space, which it appears attendees may have to pass by to get to the auditorium. Apple usually keeps the exhibit space - where attendees can try out the new devices - off limits until after the presentation

While the videos are not showing up on the Snapchat map, they can be found by typing 'Apple Park' into the Stories search feature.

The stories all appear to be coming from construction workers, who are pictured in some of the videos taking breaks and using construction equipment.

A behind-the-scenes look at Apple's nearly-finished headquarters in Cupertino has been revealed thanks to Snapchat. Construction workers have posted photos and videos of sleek walls on the interior as well as the exterior of the 2.8 million-square-foot office

The first video offers a look at the new 1,000-seat glass auditorium honoring Apple founder Steve Jobs, which measures 20 feet tall and 165 feet in diameter.

The theater is expected to open for the first time on September 12th for the launch of the iPhone 8 as well as the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV.

In subsequent videos, both interior and exterior walls of the 360-degree curved glass office building, which has been nicknamed 'spaceship, can be seen.

Trees and foliage can also be seen in the background of some of the videos, lending to the idea that the landscaping is almost complete.

It's expected the final tree count will be around 9,000 and will include apple, apricot, and cherry trees.

Other shots show Apple signs, stairs, parking lots, and a modern-looking tunnel captioned 'Apple Campus tunnel' by one of the construction workers.

Several of the videos show heavy machinery and the construction workers operating various types of equipment.

KEY FEATURES OF THE SPACESHIP-LIKE CAMPUS Appearing as a giant saucer, the Silicon Valley site near the 280 Highway will be home to 13,000 Apple employees. There will be jogging and cycling trails, with more than a thousand bikes kept on site at all times, which staff can use to make their way around. The Spaceship will have 360-degree curved glass fronted walls and central courtyard as well as a 1,000-seater auditorium, a gym and 300,000 square feet of 'research' space. Apple Campus 2 will additionally have underground parking hidden from view, meaning 80 per cent of the site can be covered in trees. The site was previously owned by Hewlett Packard and the majority of the area is currently covered in asphalt. Elsewhere underground, the auditorium will be where Apple's CEO Tim Cook will present the companies keynotes ahead of product launches, for example. This auditorium will be covered with a circular glass pavilion that will also be an access point for employees and guests. Natural gas will, primarily, provide the building's power and the local energy grid will only be accessed in emergencies. The glass structure will also be fitted with solar panels. The circular, four-storey building will be around a mile in circumference and a third of a mile wide and was recently described by the San Fransisco Weekly as a 'massive glass doughnut' . The building stays eco-friendly with natural ventilation that works instead of air-conditioning for 70 per cent of the year, low energy LED lighting where natural light doesn't reach, and on-site recycling. Advertisement

The 2.8 million-square-foot Apple Park campus was originally commissioned by the late Steve Jobs in 2009.

Jobs called it 'the best office building in the world' and the current Apple CEO, Tim Cook, now refers to it as a 'gift' to the future of Apple employees.

Estimated to cost a staggering $5 billion, the campus was built on a massive 175 acres.

The finished product will span 2.8 million square feet and house 13,000 Apple techies.

Inside the circular building, each floor will be lined with fins called 'canopies,' which will be equipped with specially designed vents on the underside that will allow the Ring to 'inhale' air and breathe.

The footage includes a look at the Steve Jobs Theater - where Apple will unveil the new iPhone at during a special event on September 12 - and the signs on the campus.

It is a stunning scene  the sun setting over what Steve Jobs had called the best office building in the world. The video shows parts of the spaceship lighting up as the sun starts to go down and although the main building looks near complete, the landscape suggests otherwise

Shafts placed elsewhere will allow it to exhale warm air to the outside.

It will be mostly self-sufficient with a 'mini forest' of thousands of drought-resistant trees planted in the surrounding area as well as a new micro-grid capable of delivering 17 megawatts of solar power and handling about 75 percent of the facility's power requirements.

In total, it will have 805,000-square-feet of solar paneling.

The campus will also have a 100,000 square-foot Fitness and Wellness Center  and, this will contain a two-story yoga room built from distressed stone from 'the right quarry in Kansas,' to mimic the stone at Jobs' favorite Yosemite hotel.

The building will have a massive four-story atrium as its cafe, with four-story glass doors that will open up on nice days so employees can eat outside.

The building will be home to scores of glass-encased 'pods' designed for the many different activities that will take place within its walls, from work and collaboration to socializing, according to Wired.

Apple began developing the project in 2014 and has since been working around the clock to finish the campus, which opened to employees in April - although the entire space is not yet complete.

THE OBSESSION WITH DETAIL INSIDE 'APPLE PARK' Construction on Apple's futuristic campus has been estimated to cost roughly $5 billion. Apple has specified every part of the project with rules for contractors, and features include: 'Breathing building' that uses soffits beneath the canopies to inhale, and shafts to exhale warm air - as Steve Jobs hated air conditioning and fans

Artificial hills and a mini-forest of 9,000 native trees, all drought-resistant with hopes they can 'survive a climate crisis' with some hand picked by Jobs

100,000-square-foot Fitness and Wellness Center (including a two-story yoga room made of distressed stone to look like Steve Jobs favourite Yosemite hotel)

Canopies (fins along the glass) on every floor to help the building 'breathe'

A cafe with four-story glass doors that will open up on nice days so employees can eat outside 'Pods' designed for the many different activities that will take place within its walls, from work and collaboration to socializing

1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater

805,000 square-feet of solar panelling

755-foot tunnel adorned with thousands of tiny white tiles

Shock absorbers to withstand earthquakes

Offices panelled with 'custom timber veneer' from recycled wood - and guidelines for the special wood used frequently throughout the building ran to some 30 pages

Patented pizza boxes to keep food from getting soggy

Contractors were told no vents or pipes could be reflected in the glass Advertisement

Timelapse videos have shown a birds' eye view of the construction of the site from 2015 to 2017.

The video begins with the spaceship in the center of Apple Park standing as gray, lifeless pieces.

As time goes by, it begins the take shape  the gaps are filled in to make the iconic circle.

The surrounding area also progresses during the timelapse, as viewers can see the Steve Jobs Theater and wellness center rise from the dirt.

And surrounding artificial hills and mini-forests also begin to sprout up.

Although the campus is not yet fully completed, Apple has not shied away from boasting about the wonders that it will soon be home to.

A drone video released in May also shows stunning footage of the developing headquarters as well.

Duncan Sinfield, a YouTuber and independent drone pilot, shared the 4 minute and 41 second video of the progress.

The video shows parts of the spaceship lighting up as the sun starts to go down and although the main building looks near complete, the landscape suggests otherwise.

Parts of the campus still looks very much like a construction zone- there are mounds of dirt and empty space that should be filled with lush vegetation.

This image is an artist's impression of what the Apple Campus will look like from above when its complete. The site will be surrounded by a man-made forest featuring 9,000 trees

Not all of the parking spaces will be hidden. The parts of the multi-storey car park that will be on show, according to this image from Apple, will be covered in plants and greenery to help the concrete structure blend in

During his initial proposals,Jobs said he wanted the building to be covered in 40ft floor-to-ceiling panes of curved glass so that all of the building's four storeys would be visible from the outside and offer a large amount of natural light

More than $1 billion was allocated for the interior of the main building alone, according to a former construction manager.

The campus is something of an exception to the trend of radically open offices aimed at fostering collaboration, said Louise Mozingo, a professor and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at University of California, Berkeley.

Its central office building - a massive ring of glass frequently likened to a spaceship - could be a challenge just to navigate, she noted.

'It's not about maximizing the productivity of the office space, it's about creating a symbolic center for this global company,' she said. 'They are creating an icon.'
Researchers have discovered another clear indicator that life once existed on Mars.

NASA's Curiosity rover has found evidence of boron on the red planet's surface.

It is a key ingredient for life, and scientists say the find is a huge boost in the hunt for life.

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A selfie of the NASA Curiosity rover at the Murray Buttes in Gale Crater, Mars, a location where boron was found in light-toned calcium sulfate veins, adding to the evidence life once existed on the red planet

WHAT IS RNA? RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid present in all modern life, but scientists have long hypothesized an 'RNA World,' where the first proto-life was made of individual RNA strands that both contained genetic information and could copy itself. A key ingredient of RNA is a sugar called ribose. But sugars are notoriously unstable; they decompose quickly in water. The ribose would need another element there to stabilize it. That's where boron comes in. When boron is dissolved in waterbecoming borateit will react with the ribose and stabilize it for long enough to make RNA. Advertisement

'Because borates may play an important role in making RNAone of the building blocks of lifefinding boron on Mars further opens the possibility that life could have once arisen on the planet,' said Patrick Gasda, a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory and lead author on the paper, said.

'Borates are one possible bridge from simple organic molecules to RNA. Without RNA, you have no life.

'The presence of boron tells us that, if organics were present on Mars, these chemical reactions could have occurred.'

The paper was published today in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The boron found on Mars was discovered in calcium sulfate mineral veins, by Curiosity, meaning the boron was present in Mars groundwater, and provides another indication that some of the groundwater in Gale Cater, where the rover currently is, was habitable, ranging between 0-60 degrees Celsius (32-140 degrees Fahrenheit) and with neutral-to-alkaline pH.

The boron was identified by the rover's laser-shooting ChemCam (Chemistry and Camera) instrument, which was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in conjunction with the French space agency.

'We detected borates in a crater on Mars that's 3.8 billion years old, younger than the likely formation of life on Earth,' said Gasda.

'Essentially, this tells us that the conditions from which life could have potentially grown may have existed on ancient Mars, independent from Earth.'

Curiosity is climbing a layered Martian mountain and finding chemical evidence of how ancient lakes and wet underground environments changed, billions of years ago, in ways that affected their potential favorability for microbial life.

As the rover has progressed uphill, compositions trend toward more clay and more boron.

These and other chemical variations can tell us about conditions under which sediments were initially deposited and about how later groundwater moving through the accumulated layers altered and transported dissolved elements, including boron.

THE 2020 INSIGHT LANDER The new lander is equipped with two solar panels, which unfold like paper fans for a total width of about 20 feet. After landing, its robotic arm will inject its two main instruments into the Martian surface. According to NASA, the stationary lander will eventually be deployed to a region near Mars equator. After landing, its robotic arm will inject its two main instruments into the Martian surface These, NASA says, will become permanent fixtures in the ground. The seismometer is sensitive enough to detect movement half the diameter of a hydrogen atom, and will record seismic waves from marsquakes and meteor impacts. And, a heat probe placed more than 10 feet beneath the surface will record energy coming from the planets deep interior. Advertisement

Whether Martian life has ever existed is still unknown. No compelling evidence for it has been found.

When Curiosity landed in Mars' Gale Crater in 2012 the mission's main goal was to determine whether the area ever offered a habitable environment, which has since been confirmed.

The Mars 2020 rover will be equipped with an instrument called 'SuperCam,' developed by Los Alamos and an instrument called SHERLOC, which was developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory with significant participation by Los Alamos.

Both of these will search for signs of past life on the planet.
When a dog sneezes, most of us just ignore it or assume they have something stuck in their throat.

The most information pet manuals give owners is to suggest that their pet is reacting out of excitement or anxiety.

But it might be worth paying a bit more attention to Fidos nasal flare-ups, as they may mean something more intelligent.

A study has found African wild dogs use sneezes as a form of vote to decide when the pack will move off and start hunting

A study has found African wild dogs use sneezes as a form of vote to decide when the pack will move off and start hunting.

The dogs, who like our pets are social and non-aggressive, take almost eight sneezes to have enough votes to set off, a research team including Swansea University found.

But an average of 1.2 sneezes appeared to be too few to convince the group.

Lead author Dr Neil Jordan, from the University of New South Wales, said: The more sneezes that occurred, the more likely it was that the pack moved off and started hunting. The sneeze acts like a type of voting system.

Co-author Reena Walker, from Brown University in the US, said: There is some evidence, mostly found in behaviour guides for dog owners, that domestic dogs sneeze when theyre excited or anxious.

It takes the dogs eight sneezes to have enough votes for the pack to set off

Panting, huffing, and sneezing are signals observed in domestic dogs, coyotes, and jackals that use the exhalation or inhalation of air as a sound to convey an emotional state - messages that range from lets play to I see an unfamiliar object to Im scared.

So finding that sneezes are a signal utilised by African wild dogs is not out of the realm of already understood means of communication in canids, but it is the first time we have seen a signal like a sneeze used in the context of group decision-making.

The researchers looked at five packs of wild dogs in Botswana, including 49 animals to see if they shared noise signals like meerkats use moving calls and monkeys trill.

Previously it had been thought that the dogs were simply clearing their airways when they sneezed.

But the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests not every dogs sneeze is equal.

When the dominant male and female were involved in the rally, the pack only had to sneeze a few times before they would move off.

But if the dominant pair were not engaged, approximately 10 of the exhalations were needed before the pack would move off.

Co-author Dr Andrew King, of Swansea University, adds: The sneezes act as a type of quorum, and the sneezes have to reach a certain threshold before the group changes activity.




For many, the window seat in a plane is a treasured spot  because the views from 38,000ft can be spectacular.

But the best seats in a plane, as these incredible photographs show, is in the cockpit.

Monarch pilots Paul Fox and Ashish Raval now have thousands of Instagram followers thanks to the stunning images that they upload. And theyve allowed MailOnline Travel to publish a selection of their snaps.

Fox took this stunning image as he flew from Leeds early one morning. In his caption he wrote: 'The power stations on the east coast of Yorkshire stand proud above the early morning mists... just love my job!'

An 'epic' view of London at night during a crystal clear evening

Fox captures a lightning storm in a truly stunning image

A thunderstorm as seen from 39,000ft. This is one of many images that has helped Fox win thousands of Instagram followers

Raval captures Nice airport on France's Mediterranean coast in a mesmerising shot

Both pilots picked out the Alps, pictured, as one of the best views for a pilot above Europe

Raval, from London, whos been with Monarch for 18 months and is based at London Gatwick, says that gazing down at the Alps is his favourite view from the cockpit over Europe, where Monarch flies.

The senior first officer said: They leave me speechless. They make for some of the best views I have ever seen from the flight deck.

'Whether it be the Austrian, Swiss, Italian or French Alps, they all make for incredible scenes. Flying into Venice, the descent allows you to get a slightly closer and better view of the Alps.

Captain Fox snapped this while high over the Cantabrian mountains in Spain

Raval explained in the caption for this picture of a Dreamliner soaring past his plane that 'it's all about being at the right place at the right time'

Fox captioned this: 'Missile away! Snow on the Alps and traffic below us on the same routing. Another great day in the office'

This dramatic image shows huge forest fires in Portugal, seen from 39,000ft

It's no wonder that Captain Fox describes his 'office view' as 'the best in the world'

Wind turbines on the North Wales coast captured as Fox few into Manchester. He said that they made for 'a strange and surreal image'

Manchester may be wet and windy - but the weather at least helps to create arty photographs

Another plane streaks away from Fox's aircraft far below. He has been flying with Monarch for 12 years

Captain Fox, whos been flying with Monarch for 12 years, agrees that the range is always an amazing sight, but added that when Monarch used to fly to America, he also enjoyed peering down at the ice sheets over Greenland.

Raval also enjoys the view coming in to land at Lisbon.

He said: If youre landing on the northerly runway into Lisbon, you begin by paralleling the airfield before coming over Sintra, which is absolutely stunning. Then going out towards the Atlantic Ocean passing over Cascais (a small town off the coast, north of Lisbon).

Madrid International Airport captured by Raval, who has been with Monarch for 18 months

Ravals favourite place to stay is the W in Barcelona - and the city has been captured by the pilot here in a superb image

Snowy peaks huddle below Fox's plane as it cruises high above. Fox said he 'particularly enjoys landing at Leeds Bradford Airport' because it is always an interesting arrival due to the shorter runway, often there are strong crosswinds and a great view of the Yorkshire Hills whatever the weather

Of this picture, Fox said: 'It's very rare to have such a clear day over the UK, but a few months ago we were lucky enough to have this amazing view across beautiful Wales. Taken in the cruise, we were heading westbound towards Ireland, just skirting the northern tip of Anglesey. If you look closely you can make out the Menai Straits, the Snowdonia mountain range and the Llyn peninsula'

A huge thunderstorm pictured gathering on the south coast of the UK

This bank of clouds was photographed by Fox as he entered UK airspace. 'It reminded me of an Antarctic ice sheet,' he wrote. 'Never lose your sense of wonder'

Another Monarch aircraft descends into Tenerife amid wispy clouds and a dusky sky

Looping back around you as you come on to the final approach you go over arguably one of the best views imaginable.

As you pass you approach the 25 de Abril Bridge and you can see the stunning statue of Christ in Almada on the right. On the left side of the bridge you have Santa Maria de Belem, where the famous Belem Tower and delicious Pasteis de Belem reside - and further along you have an important historical monument dedicated to Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama.

Fox, meanwhile, always particularly enjoys landing at Leeds Bradford Airport because it is always an interesting arrival due to the shorter runway, often there are strong crosswinds and a great view of the Yorkshire Hills whatever the weather.

Fox describes in the caption for this photograph, taken in Menorca, how it was taken shortly after negotiating a thunderstorm. He wrote: 'Using the weather radar and our training we were able to thread our way through the gathering tempest and land safely at our destination. Shortly after landing I managed to snap this great photo of the storm front'

The Algarve glistens in the sun, with Raval pointing out that the Vale de Lobo resort can be seen below

Another plane streaks across a very snowy mountain range

This shot was taken as Fox accelerated away from Palma de Mallorca as the sun set. He explained that he uses a GoPro to take photos at timed intervals, so that 'flight safety is never compromised'

On your left, another epic view of the Alps, with clouds covering the valleys

Raval added that flying to Gibraltar is also something to savour.

He said: If the winds are favouring the westerly runway you get to hand fly the departure around the Rock of Gibraltar. This makes for some pretty stunning views.

Its a unique airfield. Right in the middle of the runway you have a road that goes across to the other side and on take-off you see the traffic on both sides waiting to pass as the plane departs.

The British territory is also home to a great hotel, according to Fox, who comes from Cornwall.

The Humber snakes towards the sea in this image taken during a beautiful sunrise

Mont Blanc pokes through the clouds in this picture taken from 37,000ft

He said: I really want to visit the Sunborn Gibraltar. I have had colleagues stay and say it really is a fantastic hotel.

Ravals favourite place to stay is the W Barcelona.

He said: W Barcelona is my favourite hotel so far. Ideally located on the beach and within 10 minutes walk to La Rambla, it enables you to enjoy panoramic views of both ocean and city.

The rooms are beautiful and the hospitality is great. Its the perfect combination. I especially love the infinity pool, which overlooks the city. The view from eclipse bar inside the W is amazing, offering awesome views.

Monarch will soon be serving all these destinations with new Boeing 737 Max 8 aeroplanes.

Theyre going to transform the customer experience, said Raval.

And no doubt hell be posting some incredible pictures of them on his feed, along with his Instagramming colleague.
OWASCO  Though raindrops pelted on Michele and Mark Plis' boat Tuesday morning, Owasco Lake looked a picturesque watercolor scene of dark grays and greens. The only waves came from fog billowing across the hillside, both revealing and hiding the landscape as the volunteers made their way about eight miles south.

The Plises are one of two sets of volunteers on Owasco Lake, collecting data and water samples through the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP). The program has expanded to all 11 Finger Lakes this year, and the DEC checked on Owasco Lake Tuesday, conducting an audit on the Plis' work.

For Mark and Michele, however, the research appeared second nature. That may be partially because both worked for three decades in the pharmaceutical industry, using test tubes and following various scientific procedures. Both now retired, Michele said she and her husband volunteer with CSLAP and with a harmful algal bloom monitoring program run by the Owasco Watershed Lake Association.

"We've lived on the lake for a number of years, and we're concerned about the health of the lake," she said. "This DEC program, it's kind of right up our alley, and we have the time."

It was the last lake of four that Tony Prestigiacomo was slated to audit the water quality testing on this season. A research scientist with the DEC's Finger Lakes Water Hub, Prestigiacomo also worked with volunteers on Cayuga, Keuka and Canandaigua lakes, watching them collect their water samples, temperature and turbidity data, among other things. Prestigiacomo collected his own data alongside the Plises Tuesday and things were matching up well.

One test with near instantaneous results is a Secchi disk test. A black and white circular plate is lowered into the water and volunteers can determine the lake's turbidity, or how cloudy the water is.

"This is probably the clearest I've ever seen," Mark said.

Prestigiacomo conducted the same test and agreed the lake was very clear.

After returning from their rainy expedition, the Plises set up a temporary laboratory on their kitchen table. With bottles labeled for each water quality aspect that will be tested  such as pH, total Phosphorous, and total Nitrogen, to name a few  they divvied up samples that will be sent to labs for analysis. Prestigiacomo said that data will be reviewed and compiled toward the end of the year.

Though harmful algal blooms are on the minds of many this summer, the data analysis is meant to focus on a broader picture of the lake's health. Still, HAB testing is part of the program, though Michele said they have not seen any this summer in their coverage area.

Overall, the effort helps educate the public about their resident lake, and makes certified data available for water quality management plans, according to the DEC's website. Owasco Lake is currently in the process of getting a Nine Elements Plan, a water quality mapping program and tool to help identify where the lake's pollution sources are and how to limit them.

In the meantime, Prestigiacomo said CSLAP has received a second year of funding, and he expects to audit the volunteers covering the northern end of the lake next summer.

"It's an impressive amount of work that gets done," he said.
A father-of-one has described his holiday hell after a family break turned into a nightmare - due to the allegedly squalid conditions of the resort.

Jani Jance, from London, travelled to Greece with his wife Mirela, 41, and son Eliot, seven, in early August.

But, despite assurances that the Margaret Hotel in Rhodes was rated three-star with 'recently refurbished' rooms, he found himself confronted with unhappy guests and poor conditions.

Unhygienic: A cockroach runs across the counter of a snack bar in the Margaret Hotel, Rhodes

Unappealing: The sizable insect can clearly be seen next to a patron's glass of red wine

Smile for the camera! A holiday-maker pulls an exaggerated smile as she poses next to it

These included, he alleged, flooring that had completely worn away, unhygienic food disposal and electrical items that failed to work, such as the fridges and air-conditioning in the bedrooms.

He also claims to have found cockroaches on the premises and says one fellow guest discovered a rat in her apartment.

Shocked, Mr Jance complained to management who offered him a replacement room in the same resort - before telling him to contact his travel agent, LoveHolidays, who bill the resort as 'the ideal for a getaway to this spectacular Greek island'.

Subsequently filing a second grievance with them, he says they later referred him to Abta, the travel agents association, which is now investigating the claims.

But, forced to stay on-site for the two-week duration of his stay, Mr Jance also complained to the local Health and Safety executive.

Upon visiting the site, they reportedly found numerous hygiene-related issues as well as concerns regarding employees.

Dilapidated: The flooring around the swimming pool has eroded and hasn't been replaced

Hungry? The snack bar, where the cockroach was seen, serves snacks during the day

Video footage of the hellish holiday also shows Mr Jance and other disgruntled holiday-makers confronting a manager at the hotel.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Jance said: 'It was a nightmare from the very beginning. I saw several guests crying because of the conditions, which were dire.

'The resort was dirty and, although we asked to move, they said we could only have a different room - not a refund or exchange. This meant we couldn't go elsewhere because our money, which we'd paid in full, was tied up in the booking.

Rotting food: Remnants of bread from another guest can be seen lying in the heat

Dirty: A coffee cup filled with cigarette ends rests on a table

'It was supposed to be an all-inclusive holiday, but they regularly ran out of drinks and didn't have any proper cooking facilities - any food they did serve appeared from the back of a car after being rustled-up off-site.

'We also suspect they re-heated items from the previous days.

'We were forced to survive on take-away pizza for the most part. One family had saved for years to be there, but were left devastated with what they found.'

Dinner is served? Mr Jance claimed that food was prepared off-site and brought into the hotel to fulfill its catering promise

Grubby: A filthy drinking glass sits in a holder as guests arrive at the much-maligned venue

Floored: The material around the pool is in a state of disrepair

Unhappy: Mr Jance was left disgusted by the standard of the Margaret Hotel in Rhodes

However, while his complaints remain unresolved, Mr Jamce's sentiments are echoed in numerous one-star reviews for the hotel on both TripAdvisor and Booking.com, the latter of whom no longer appears to take reservations for it.

One furious guest, CheenoF, posted on TripAdvisor: 'worst place ever', while another, Luvmyhols2017, wrote: 'You have to dodge cockroaches in your room and by the pool bar.

'PLEASE read the reviews before you consider & DONT DO IT.'

MailOnline has contacted the Margaret Hotel, but is yet to receive a response.

However, LoveHolidays told us: 'Our customer service team have advised that there have been a small number of complaints raised about the Margaret Hotel this summer.

'These complaints are currently being thoroughly investigated by the loveholidays team. Whilst the investigation is taking place, loveholidays has decided to remove the hotel from sale via its website and call centre.

'As a member of ABTA, loveholidays also advises customers of the option to contact ABTA for independent advice when making a complaint.'

Not exactly mouth-watering: A filthy food tray is left in the baking Greek sunshine

The kitchen: Canisters are left lined-up in the area where patrons' meals are prepared
Ten million Britons had items worth more than 300million confiscated by airport security last year, new figures revealed today.

Nearly 11 years after passengers were banned from taking bottles of liquid over 100ml on flights, more than 81,000 items are confiscated every single day at airports, affecting around 1,183 passengers per hour in the UK alone.

Combined with the items passengers voluntarily bin at the security gates, this total rises to 645million.

Forbidden: Despite the warnings given to people buying airline tickets, passengers still repeatedly pack items that are banned from commercial carriers

One in four UK travellers had items confiscated because they were unaware they had a banned substance in their luggage.

Perhaps more worryingly, one in 11 people admitted trying to sneak restricted items on to a plane without being caught.

Passengers who have had items confiscated at security are also being hit with marked-up prices for those same items in shops located airside.

Researchers said a Lynx deodorant spray was 42 per cent more expensive at an airside retailer at Heathrow airport compared to its typical High Street price.

The survey of 2,000 people was carried out by insurance firm Direct Line, which found water, alcohol skin care products, deodorant and perfume where the top five products likely to be confiscated by airport security.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, said: 'It is astonishing to see the sheer scale of personal items confiscated by airport security every day and the amount of money Brits are throwing away, not forgetting the time it takes airport security services to search for restricted items.

One in four UK travellers had items confiscated because they were unaware they had a banned substance in their luggage

MOST CONFISCATED ITEMS AT UK AIRPORTS 1) Water 2) Alcohol 3) Skin care products 4) Deodorant 5) Perfume 6) Soft drinks 7) Sun cream 8) Make-up 9) Lighter 10) Knife Source: Direct Line Advertisement

'With airport security increasing across Europe to ensure the safety of passengers, it is important that flyers are aware of what is in their luggage and remove any restricted items prior to arriving at the airport.

'This will not only ensure they don't fall foul of airport security guidelines, but also save time and prevent them from losing their personal items.'

Despite the 100ml restriction for liquids taken onto aircraft being in force since August 2006, one in eight adults who had an item confiscated say they did not realise there was a limit.

A further 22 per cent of Brits who had items removed from their luggage were unaware there were any restrictions at all.

It also appears signs in airports go unnoticed, as half of flyers who had items removed have had bottles of water confiscated by security.

Mr Bishop said: 'With thousands of toiletries seized by airport security every day, holidaymakers should ensure they pack any liquids in their hold luggage, or carry only 100ml bottles to avoid them being confiscated by security, and left facing inflated prices to replace them in airport shops.

'Restricted items confiscated by airport security are not covered by travel insurance, which is why we urge all passengers to read the guidelines provided by airports and airlines before they fly and check which items are prohibited.

'It is also advisable to check the destination airport security rules, as these differ from country to country and will ensure no personal items are confiscated when returning home.'
Emmerdale star Adam Thomas has discussed his fairytale wedding to his long term love Caroline Daly, and said that it was the moment he knew he would be with her 'forever'.

Talking to OK! Magazine, the soap star revealed that tying the knot with Caroline has made them even stronger as a couple.

Caroline said of tying the knot with her partner of nine years: We know that we are going to be together forever now.

Scroll down for video

Wedding joy: Emmerdale star Adam Thomas has discussed his fairytale wedding to his long term love Caroline Daly

The couple posed with Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent and Tina O'Brien for the cover shoot. Tina has a close bond with the family as she shares a daughter with Adam's brother, Corrie star Ryan.

Adam added: I keep looking at my wedding ring  its like we have this special bond.

On receiving a wedding surprise from her son, who turns three on September 8th, Caroline said: I was just about ready and Ted walked into the bedroom with a box.

'When I opened it there was a Rolex inside. Wed promised we werent going to buy presents and Adam caught me out! Bless him. That really set me off.

Sweet: Coronation Street star Adam Thomas has discussed his fairy tale wedding to his long term love Caroline Daly, and said that it was the moment he knew he would be with her 'forever'

And on having Teddy there with them on their big day, Adam says: It was really important to have Teddy there with us during the ceremony.

Adams brothers Ryan and Scott took on the roles of joint best men, and opening up in his speech, former Coronation Street star Ryan said: 'I didnt write my speech because it felt like it would all come together.

'Today is about all my family being together and I wanted to reflect that. Theres a lot of love between me, Adam and Scott and thats all I care about.

Adorable: Adam told OK: I keep looking at my wedding ring  its like we have this special bond'

'The three of us have always been ridiculously close, were super blessed.'

Meanwhile, Love Island star Scott admitted: This wedding has completely blown my mind, I didnt think I would get emotional today but its hard not to, seeing what an amazing job theyve done.'

Read the full story in this week's OK! Magazine - out today.

Family portrait: Caroline said of tying the knot with her partner of nine years: We know that we are going to be together forever now'




They tied the knot 29 years ago today.

And Kevin Bacon marked his milestone anniversary with Kyra Sedgwick on Monday with a sweet message.

The original Footloose star posted a throwback snap of the couple holding each other with the caption: 'Happy day to my love life.'

Going strong: Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary and Kevin posted a throwback snap to commemorate

The I Love Dick star posted another adorable photo from their years together with a shout out to their late dogs Tybalt and Jane.

The two lovebirds met on the set of the PBS play Lemon Sky by Lanford Wilson and married in 1988.

He told Cosmopolitan in 1991: 'The time I was hitting what I considered to be bottom was also the time I met my wife, our kids were born, good things were happening.

'And I was able to keep supporting myself; that always gave me strength.'

Lovebirds: The two lovebirds met on the set of the PBS play Lemon Sky by Lanford Wilson and married in 1988; (pictured July)

The two share Travis, 28, and Susie, 25.

Kevin and Kyra have starred together in Pyrates, Murder in the First, The Woodsman, and Loverboy.

The Friday the 13th star spoke to People recently and said that it was 'heroic' that his wife has been by his side for such a long time.

'I was watching videotapes of our family from the early 90s. Hearing me making these cheesy jokes from behind the camera, I said to my wife, "When I look at those tapes and hear the things coming out of my mouth, the fact that you have stayed with me is truly heroic."'

The gorgeous couple has resided on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York for the last 16 years.
She is juggling her weekly job as a judge on America's Got Talent with a messy divorce from ex Stephen Belafonte as well as her motherly duties to her three daughters.

What to speak of claims she has been 'seeing' a married Beverly Hills cop since May of this year.

And on Monday, Mel B, 42, looked like she had a lot on her mind as she stepped out in Los Angeles in a bizarre blue belted one-shoulder peplum top.

Tense: Mel B looked concerned as she made her way to the grocery store on Monday in Studio City, California

Tensely holding her phone up to her ear, she made her way into a grocery store sporting slicked back hair and large sunglasses.

Despite all that she has going on, Mel was still able to color coordinate her look for her errands, sporting a pair of ripped skinny jeans with baby blue heels to match her top.

The former Spice Girl squeezed in her errands by picking up groceries for her family before she returns to judge another round of America's Got Talent on Tuesday night.

She later picked up her step-daughter Giselle Belafonte for a family trip to Disneyland.

Bonding time: The singer picked up her daughter Giselle for a trip to Disneyland

Big hug: Mother and daughter hugged it out as they greeted each other

The Beverly Hills cop that Mel B is rumored to be dating, police officer Ryan Lawrence, 32, is a hostage and crisis negotiator. Mel and the officer have allegedly been romantically involved since May.

The pair were introduced at the beginning of the year by a high-ranking Beverly Hills PD police officer with whom Mel is personal friends sources claim.

Mel's outing comes just days after new claims recently surfaced ahead of her final divorce hearing.

Police officer Ryan Lawrence, 32, who is a Hostage and Crisis negotiator with the Beverly Hills Police Department, has been secretly dating Mel since May behind wife Morgan's back, it's claimed

On the run: The former Spice Girl, 42, was in a hurry as she ran into Ralph's supermarket

Her estranged husband Belafonte claimed in an explosive new legal declaration that she had battled a cocaine and alcohol addiction which impacted their marriage and Mel's ability to care for her three children.

The declaration, said to be backed up by text messages between Beverly Hills marriage therapist Dr Charles Sophy, the former Spice Girl and Belafonte, details the bitter fall out between the ex couple after they separated and how Belafonte feared for the 'safety' of Mel's three children.

Reports claim Mel had failed in an attempt to have the explosive documents sealed at a recent court hearing - she had filed for divorce from the film producer in March earlier this year.

Scary indeed: Her top was quilted, belted, featured one shoulder and lots of peplum pieces

According to Belafonte's declaration, included in a shocking court filing obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, the America's Got Talent judge was said to have a 'habitual and consistent' addiction to cocaine and alcohol.

MailOnline have contacted a representative for Mel.

Belafonte, details the bitter fall out between the couple after they separated and how he feared for the 'safety' of Mel's daughters; Phoenix, 18, Angel, 10, and six-year-old Madison (whom she shares with Belafonte).

Coordinated: Despite her busy schedule she still found time to color coordinate her outfit, matching her shoes to her extravagant top

Family outing: The former Spice Girls star celebrated her daughter Madison's sixth birthday at Disneyland

Good times: The singer spent time with daughter Angel at the theme park

Fan favorite: Mel B wore a flowing pastel dress to the theme park in Anaheim, California

Fantasy land: The singer and her family rode the Alice In Wonderland ride together

Goofing around: Goofy joined Mel and her family for photos

Snack time: The America's Got Talent judge enjoyed a snack at the park

Ears on: Mel wore cute fairy ears while at Disneyland

Holding hands: The singer held hands with the birthday girl as they strolled through the park

A source told DailyMail.com that Mel's drug and alcohol abuse were the real reason for the separation and that Belafonte was blind-sided by the star's subsequent allegations of domestic abuse - something which he had denied and referred to as a 'smear campaign'.

In the declaration, Belafonte, 42, says: 'The biggest reason for my concern with respect to the safety of the children was due to the Petitioners habitual and consistent addiction to and abuse of cocaine and alcohol.

'To make matters worse, my fear for the childrens safety was amplified due to the fact that Petitioner had fired the childrens nanny, who had been in the childrens lives sine 2010 and I did not want Petitioner using drugs and drinking around the children especially without anyone else present to care for the children.

'Petitioners drinking and drug abuse had been a major issue throughout our marriage and was witnessed by the nanny, the children, and her own therapist, Dr Sophy.'

Slick: Mel wore her newly-shorn locks wet and brushed back tightly against her scalp for the outing

The former Spice Girl fired nanny Lorraine Gilles and later accused her of sleeping with her husband behind her back and even falling pregnant with his baby, claims Belafonte and the nanny have denied.

The revealing three-way text message exchanges between Mel, Belafonte and their marriage counsellor came at the height of their troubles shortly after they had separated in March 2017.

In the text messages seen here, Dr Sophy is seen on the messages as 'Dr Sofey', Belafonte is 'baby' and Mel B is 'Mother 2014'

The texts reveal how mother-of-three Mel agreed to take a daily dose of prescription drug Antabuse to tackle her alcoholism, which according to Dr Sophy, would prove she would be 'safe' around her children, the paperwork states.

Belafonte states in the document: 'During the text exchange...in order to try to ease my concerns, Dr. Sophy, a mandated reporter, informed me that he would try to control Petitioner's alcohol and drug abuse and that he and Petitioner made an agreement regarding Petitioner's "substance abuse", as well as "child safety".

Working girl: Mel is currently a judge on America's Got Talent which airs live on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, seen here during last weeks live shows

In a follow up text, Belafonte expressed concern about his chidren, adding: 'What about my kids she took them for (sic) me yesterday and I do not have any idea where they are or who they're with.'

Mel responded: 'We are in a gated community called the summit they are very excited and happy.'

The text messages have been released as part of a filing at LA Superior Court on Friday.

In his declaration Belafonte hits out at his ex for her 'unilateral and calculated' decision to try to restrict his relationship with Angel - whom she shares with actor Eddie Murphy.

The movie producer says a prior agreement that he could see his step-daughter Angel as well as Madison wasn't maintained.

Locking horns: Mel had opposed Stephen's request for unsupervised visits, after claiming he is a danger to her children - a full divorce hearing is scheduled for September 25

Stephen shares daughter Madison with Mel, and it has recently been reported that he is seeking visitation of Mel's daughter Angel, 10, with ex Murphy, 54.

While Mel's lawyer had asked for Angel's involvement to be kept 'private, Belafonte's lawyer Michael Hanasa argued his client has raised the girl from a young age and said she already lacks privacy because she is "paraded around" on TMZ.

Los Angeles Superior Court's Judge Lawrence Riff granted the film producer's request to submit papers allowing him to apply for visitation in the future.

Of the decision, he said: 'The request is granted. Let me just observe that of paramount concern is the best interests of this minor, Angel. Right now before the court are the contentions by the two litigants as to what is in that childs best interests.'

'Mr Belafonte asserts and alleges that it is in that childs best interests for him to have frequent and continued contact with a child he is saying he raised from infancy. The petitioner says it is not in Angels best interest for that to occur.

Split: The declaration, said to be backed up by text messages between Beverly Hills marriage therapist Dr Charles Sophy, the former Spice Girl and Belafonte, details the bitter fall out between the ex couple after they separated

'Whether Mr Belafonte has the rights of a stepparent are not in front of the court today so I take no position on that.'

He said: 'Mr Murphy is entitled to be joined as a party as soon as Mr Belafonte seeks any visitation with Angel'

MailOnline previously contacted representatives for both Mel and Eddie.

Stephen had previously failed to win temporary rights over Angel, who was born three months before he married Mel back in 2007.

Back in April, he had regained visitation rights to daughter Madison - but was told he will only be allowed to see her with heavy supervision.

Drama: According to Belafonte's declaration, included in a shocking court filing obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, the America's Got Talent judge was said to have a 'habitual and consistent' addiction to cocaine and alcohol

Belafonte was granted heavily monitored visitation rights - which state he can see Madison, but in a pre-determined centre in LA with the presence of a court supervisor.

The judge ruled for visits to occur twice a week for four hours, but he must attend alone.

Throughout the messy divorce proceedings, Mel had opposed Stephen's request for unsupervised visits, after claiming he is a danger to her children, due to his 'criminal connections' and 'links to the porn industry'.

The hearings that have taken place so far have been damaging for both sides, with the court being told Mel has "wiped out" her 39 million ($50million) Spice Girls fortune after leading an extremely "extravagant" lifestyle.

A full divorce hearing is scheduled to begin on September 25.
The Malibu Chili Cook-Off thundered ahead on Labor Day, as it has all weekend.

Among the attendees of the celebrity magnet bash was Charlize Theron, who swung by Monday and was spotted in the parking lot by a black SUV.

The 42-year-old actress and mother of two young children was seen bending over a stroller outside the car, implying she'd brought at least one of her children.

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Out and about: Among the attendees of the celebrity magnet Malibu Chili Cook-Off was Charlize Theron, who swung by Monday and was spotted out in the parking lot by a black SUV

She'd pulled on a stylish sleeveless black top over a slightly sheer skirt that featured gold and purple floral patterns flecked over a black background.

Her blonde hair was gathered back into a low bun, and she'd accessorized with sunglasses, as well as with multiple gleaming bracelets and a pendant.

Black straps wound up from the brown soles of the sandals she wore, and at various points she was seen holding a small backpack and a stuffed Smurfette.

On the go: The 42-year-old actress and mother of two young children was seen bending over a stroller outside the car, implying she'd brought at least one of her children

Having adopted her son Jackson in 2012, Charlize also adopted a daughter called August in 2015, and the film star's gushed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this April that her children are 'so in love with each other. It's really beautiful.'

July 18 saw the American theatrical release of her new movie Atomic Blonde, which wound up being released to British cinemas on August 9.

Directed by David Leitch, Atomic Blonde is an action-packed Cold War thriller starring Charlize as a ruthless and talented British spy on a mission in Berlin.

Chic: She'd pulled on a stylish sleeveless black top over a slightly sheer skirt that featured gold and purple floral patterns flecked over a black background

Garnishing the look: Her blonde hair was gathered back into a low bun, and she'd accessorized with sunglasses, as well as with multiple gleaming bracelets and a pendant

Covering a recent issue of W, Charlize has said of her Atomic Blonde character Lorraine: 'I didnt just want to play a girly spy who depends on her flirty ways.'

She's explained: 'It would be so boring to just be "the girl" and wait for the guys to come in when theres a fight. Instead, I thought about Atomic Blonde the way I imagine men think about parts in action films. I was intrigued and challenged.'

Charlize also said of her character: 'Lorraine is a little bit like Bond. He drinks a lot of martinis, doesnt he? Shaken or not stirred, or whatever they are,' she recalled.

'Yeah, Lorraine and James are equally messed up. Maybe they should marry! Maybe they should have a baby! That would be an interesting baby,' the actress quipped.
They dated for two years after meeting on the set of film Ned Kelly.

And Naomi Watts, 48, has recalled the death of ex-boyfriend Heath Ledger, who tragically died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2008 at age 28.

Speaking to I Am Heath Ledger's filmmakers, Naomi said it was 'a very sad day' when she learned of her former flame's death.

'That was a very sad day': Naomi Watts recalls death of ex-boyfriend Heath Ledger ahead of documentary TV premiere

Naomi and Heath dated from 2002 to 2004 after falling in love while filming Australian film Ned Kelly.

The Ring star spoke about Heath for a documentary on his life, set to air on Channel Seven this Sunday night.

Visibly upset and fighting back emotion, Naomi tells the filmmakers behind I Am Heath Ledger what she felt after learning the actor had died.

Emotional: Naomi tells the filmmakers behind I Am Heath Ledger what she felt after learning the actor had died

Tragic: Heath died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2008, aged just 28

'That was a very sad day,' she said.

The documentary includes interviews with Heath's family and friends, as well as hours of home video shot by the actor himself.

Despite parting ways romantically, Naomi has previously said she has nothing but fond memories of Heath.

She previously told More magazine in 2011 the pair had a 'beautiful relationship.'

Inside look: The documentary includes hours of home video shot by the actor himself

'He was really a very special soul and made a great impact on my life,' Naomi told the publication.

'And a great actor, but I know there was so much more to come. And it's such a tragedy for his little daughter.'

After dating Heath, Naomi went on to have a long-term relationship with actor Liev Schreiber, the pair splitting in 2016 after 11 years together.

Film set romance: Naomi and Heath dated from 2002 to 2004 after falling in love while filming Australian film Ned Kelly

Naomi and Liev share two sons Alexander, 10, and eight-year-old Samuel.

Meanwhile after dating Naomi, Heath began a romance with his Brokeback Mountain co-star Michelle Williams, the pair welcoming a daughter Matilda in 2005 before splitting in 2007.

I Am Heath Ledger premieres on Sunday September 10 at 9pm on Channel Seven
She found love with her co-star Jack Ashton while filming Call The Midwife in South Africa last year.

And Helen George debuted her baby bump while leaving the TV Choice Awards on Monday night, after revealing she is expecting her first child with Jack.

The actress - who has been lying low for the past few months - proudly showcased her stomach in a glamorous one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high split as she left London's Dorchester hotel.

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Baby joy: Helen George debuted her baby bump as she left the TV Choice Awards on Monday night, revealing she was expecting her first child with her partner Jack Ashton

Helen cradled her bump protectively as she walked the red carpet solo, before joining forces with her Call The Midwife castmates - including Jack.

The blonde beauty kept her look simple, accessorising with black stilettos and an emerald green clutch bag.

She wore her hair down in old school Hollywood curls and highlighted her pout with a slick of scarlet lipstick.

Happy couple: She found love with her co-star Jack Ashton while filming Call The Midwife in South Africa last year

Looking good: The actress - who has been lying low for the past few months - proudly showcased her stomach in a glamorous one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high split as she left London's Dorchester hotel

Glowing: The actress offset her black gown with a flattering bronzed glow

Killer footwear: The Call The Midwife star rocked a pair of chic black lace-up heels

While Helen has yet to discuss her pregnancy, the Call The Midwife Twitter account retweeted several excited fan messages about her pregnancy news.

MailOnline has contacted Helen's representatives for comment.

The BBC drama's cast had every reason to celebrate after the programme scooped the Best Family Drama prize for the third year running.

Charlotte Ritchie was pictured posing with the trophy following their big win.

Earlier this year, Jack opened up about his relationship with co-star Helen as he revealed it was 'confusing' dating her after their characters split on the show.

Working her angles: The blonde beauty looked sensational in the black gown

Bump: The actress channeled Old Hollywood glamour with her retro curls

Big news: Helen cradled her bump protectively as she walked the red carpet solo, before joining forces with her Call The Midwife castmates

Cute: Helen was joined by partner Jack, who laced a protective arm around her, as well as co-stars Charlotte Ritchie (left) and Laura Main (right)

Speaking on Lorraine earlier this year, the actor - who plays Reverend Tom Hereward on the BBC show - admitted that it was a lot to wrap his head around.

Lorraine Kelly mused: 'In the show you were dating Nurse Trixie (Helen)... now youre dating Nurse Gilbert (Charlotte Ritchie)... but in real life youre dating Helen. Is it confusing?'

Jack confessed: 'Thats the confusing bit,' as he quipped 'as long as I know where were going.'

Beautiful: She wore her hair down in old school Hollywood curls and highlighted her pout with a slick of scarlet lipstick

Elegant: The blonde beauty kept her look simple, accessorising with black stilettos and an emerald green clutch bag

On-screen love interest: Jack previously opened up about his relationship with co-star Helen as he revealed it was 'confusing' dating her after their characters split on the show

Beaming: Helen proudly showed off her baby bump for the very first time

Asked when they began to date, he revealed that they got close in April, when the pair were abroad filming the Call The Midwife Christmas special.

'It blossomed in South Africa I think, around that time,' he explained.

As Lorraine told him that she met her husband at work - as he is a cameraman - Jack reasoned that it's tough to meet anyone outside their field.

Fan reaction: While Helen has yet to discuss her pregnancy, the Call The Midwife Twitter account retweeted several excited fan messages about her pregnancy news

Celebrating in style: The BBC drama's cast had every reason to celebrate after the programme scooped the Best Family Drama prize for the third year running

'Its the long hours,' he claimed. 'Its where you meet people.'

Helen - who plays Nurse Trixie Franklin - has starred on the show since its creation in 2012, while Jack made his debut as handsome Rev. Tom Hereward in series three.

Jack is the first person Helen has been romantically linked with since splitting from fellow actor Oliver Boot.

The couple confirmed their separation in September following three years of marriage.

A representative for the star announced the news in a statement that read: 'I can confirm that Helen separated from her husband some time ago.'

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In character: Helen - who plays Nurse Trixie Franklin - has starred on the show since its creation in 2012, while Jack made his debut as handsome Rev. Tom Hereward in series three
She's become a household name since taking the title of Miss Universe Australia in 2010.

But when quizzed by The Morning Show on Tuesday whether an international career is in her sights, Jesinta Franklin (nee) Campbell revealed content in staying put Down Under.

'I'm a no-one overseas,' the wife of AFL Sydney Swans star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin shared on-air.

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'I'm a no-one overseas': Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell), 26, talked international success and insisted life with husband Lance 'Buddy' Franklin takes priority, on Tuesday's The Morning Show

Speaking candidly on her career as a high-fashion model, Jesinta revealed on the Channel Seven program: 'I'm a no-one overseas. No-one knows who I am and no-one really understands what it is that I'm doing in Australia.

'So it would be really hard. It would be starting from the bottom,' the Dior ambassador continued.

Jesinta also insisted that family will always take priority over her career.

'A lot of people put a lot of focus on their career, but at the end of the day, Bud's going to be keeping me warm when I'm 80 and not my career,' she said with a laugh.

Perception: Speaking candidly on her career as a high-fashion model, Jesinta revealed on the Channel Seven program: 'I'm a no-one overseas. No-one knows who I am and no-one really understands what it is that I'm doing in Australia'

Priorities: The beauty also insisted that family will always take priority over her career, sharing with a laugh: 'A lot of people put a lot of focus on their career, but at the end of the day, Bud's going to be keeping me warm when I'm 80 and not my career'

Jesinta wed Lance, 30, in an intimate ceremony in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, last November.

The brunette stunned in a Vera Wang gown, while Buddy looked dapper in a tailored Hugo Boss suit.

A high-profile couple, Jesinta established herself as a runway and editorial model, since winning the title of Miss Universe Australia in 2010.

High-profile nuptials: Jesinta wed Lance, 30, in an intimate ceremony in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, last November

Notoriety: Jesinta has established herself as a runway and editorial model since winning the title of Miss Universe Australia in 2010

Also landing an endorsement deal with skincare brand Olay last month, the beauty revealed 'hard work and luck' to be the keys to her success, in their Total Effects commercial.

While she jets overseas on occasion for work, Jesinta admitted on the Kyle and Jackie O Show last month, that she's missed the boat, to walk the Victoria's Secret runway.

She told co-hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson: 'I think I'm a little bit too old for that now!

Stellar effort: Also landing an endorsement deal with skincare brand Olay last month, Jesinta revealed 'hard work and luck' to be the keys to her success

'I'm 26 on the weekend, on Saturday, and I think all the girls that kind of get cast (by) Victoria's Secret are a little bit younger.'

Jesinta explained: 'It really is such a process. You talk to all of the girls who have golden dreams to walk in the Victoria's Secret show and it sometimes takes five years of casting, and you've got to base yourself in New York and you've got to do a lot of auditions.

'But I think, me, like I'm married, I'm really settled here in Australia. I can't really be going overseas for months at a time.'

Other Australian and New Zealand models to find global fame on the Victoria's Secret runway include Miranda Kerr, Georgia Fowler, and Bridget Malcolm.
Diana And I (BBC2)

Rating:

Imagine . . Alma Deutscher: Finding Cinderella (BBC1)

Rating:

Diana And I (BBC2) must have seemed like a good idea on paper. In the style of a Richard Curtis movie such as Love Actually, it took four stories and interwove them around the events following the death of the Princess of Wales, 20 years ago.

But we love the frothy Curtis films because they are so light and irreverent. This 90-minute one-off drama was a weighty shovel-load of maudlin sludge, heavy with its own significance.

As if the national paroxysm of mourning in the days after Dianas death was not dramatic enough, this fragmented ensemble piece also preached about arranged Muslim marriages and the agonies of coming out as gay in the Nineties.

The BBC's Diana and I starring Tamsin Greig as struggling florist

With so much piety and liberal angst to be crammed in, the characters had no time to develop naturally. They announced themselves with awkward lines that were more like captions.

One man answered the doorbell to a young woman and cried: Yasmin! Goodness me, Yasmins here, my niece, my sisters girl!  just to make quite certain he, she and all the viewers knew her name and their family relationship.

Another introduced her boyfriend Gordon to her mum with the words: Mother, Ive only just divorced. Gordon and I went to primary school together.

That was actress Tamsin Greig, bringing everyone up to date. She played a sour florist with an all-purpose Scottish accent, who drove from Glasgow to Kensington with a lorryload of cut flowers to sell to the grieving tourists.

Nobody wanted her blooms, which suggested either she was a very bad saleswoman or this was a very improbable story. Or both.

Equally unlikely was the tale of the gay 19-year-old, who after his mum died from cancer cheered up when he discovered that the hunky decorator next door, wearing his dungarees like a Chippendale stripper, knew how to make paper flowers.

Oddest of all was the reporter on his honeymoon in Paris, who was apparently married to a woman from 2017. She wasnt even faintly surprised to learn of Dianas death: from her perspective, the story was all about William and Harry, just as we see it now, 20 years on.

She should have told her hubby that Charles was going to marry Camilla. What a scoop that would have been in 1997.

For sheer improbability, though, nothing could beat the arts documentary Imagine . . Alma Deutscher: Finding Cinderella (BBC1), which followed the child prodigy composer as she rehearsed her new opera Cinderella for its debut in Vienna. The work is lushly classical and bursting with melodies, somewhere between the vividness of Mozart and the melodrama of Verdi.

Alma Deutscher the child prodigy stars in a documentary as she rehearses for her new opera Cinderella for its debut in Vienna

Whats so hard to believe about that? When this film was made, Alma was only 11, and had been writing her opera since she was eight. Now 12 and living with her parents in Kent, Alma played the piano at two, the violin at three and could read music before she knew her alphabet.

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The camera watched her transcribing the music in her head: she seemed to be dancing, and daydreaming, and laughing at a private joke, all at the same time.

Alan Yentob, so pleased with himself that hes perpetually in danger of disappearing in a puff of smugness, interviewed Alma, and asked her to perform her party piece. He selected four notes at random, and she improvised a tune around them.

In seconds, she invented a folk dance melody that sounded 200 years old. But its cheap to present Alma a mere oddity. She is a true prodigy, a phenomenon.
Flagstaff police are investigating a potential hate crime after a downtown business owned by an Iraqi-American was vandalized with Nazi symbols early Tuesday morning.

Maktoob Hookah Lounge, located at 107 N. San Francisco Street in Heritage Square, was broken into by an unknown assailant who spray-painted the walls and windows with black swastikas, broke mirrors in the bathroom and burned the owner's spare clothes and paperwork.

The burnt clothing and files caused smoke to fill the business, alerting the lounge's neighbors, who contacted the fire department. Law enforcement is investigating the incident as an arson.

Money was also stolen from the cash register, according to Maktoobs owner Aaron Jasim.

Jasim has said he has received multiple death threats, including a letter that reads This is not over terorist, with the word terrorist spelled incorrectly.

Flagstaff Police are in possession of the note and are looking for surveillance camera footage around the downtown area that might lead to a suspect.

Maktoob does not have security cameras.

Jasim told police that a man who came to his lounge last week is a potential suspect.

According to Jasim the man was inappropriately accosting women in the lounge and when Jasim kicked him out he began to call him a terrorist.

The man did not give his name when he visited the lounge.

Jasim was eating breakfast at the coffee shop Rendezvous when the incident occurred.

"I saw smoke near Shift and went to go check it out and realized it was my shop." Jasim said, referring to the restaurant he shares a building with.

Jasim said the suspect might have entered the building by picking the lock since there was no sign of forced entry such as a broken door or window.

Phyllis Hogan, owner of Winter Sun Trading Company, said the incident at Maktoob is not typical of Flagstaff.

"This is just devastating," Hogan said. "I have never seen anything like this since I moved here and this is not the type of environment I want my grandkids to grow up in."

Members of the community are looking to help fix the Hookah Lounge. A Gofundme account created by James R. Holeman has received $2,000 out of its $1,000 goal and the donation window is now closed.

The building's owner John Running did not wish to comment about the incident.

Police declined to give more details on the incident, citing an ongoing investigation.
She embarked on a short-lived romance with Nick Knowles last year, which ended abruptly when photographs of them together appeared online and he returned to his then-wife.

And Gemma Oaten endured an awkward run-in with her DIY SOS ex at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night, as he arrived with a glamorous brunette on his arm.

The former Emmerdale star, 33, flaunted her slender figure and trim pins in an ivory bardot dress, with an azure floral overlay.

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Oh dear: Gemma Oaten endured an awkward run-in with her DIY SOS ex Nick Knowles at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night, as he arrived with a glamorous brunette on his arm

Who's that? In an undoubtedly hard sight for the blonde beauty to witness, a dapper Nick, 54, swanned in and posed for photos with a stunning brunette, who looked close as she leaned into him, days after he stepped out with love interest Pascal Craymer

Flaunting her glowing tan, the star styled her beachy blonde locks in soft waves and parted on the side .

Her sparkling peepers were enhanced with fluttery lashes and lashings of liner while she slicked on a berry gloss for her encounter with her former flame.

Adding height to her look, the glamorous star slipped on a pair of nude stiletto sandals.

In an undoubtedly hard sight for the blonde beauty to witness, a dapper Nick, 54, swanned in and posed for photos with a stunning brunette, who looked close as she leaned into him.

Showing him what he's missing: The former Emmerdale star, 33, flaunted her slender figure and trim pins in an ivory bardot dress, with an azure floral overlay

Close: The pair looked pretty happy as they cosied up for the cameras

Nick rocked a fitted ebony suit and tie while his date slipped into a showstopping metallic, sequined strapless dress with a thigh-high split.

Adding a pop of colour, she slicked on some scarlet lipstick.

The run-in comes after Gemma embarked on a short lived romance with Nick, who she was pictured cuddling up to at last year's TV Choice Awards where they had first met

Nick immediately whisked her off for a romantic dinner after the glitzy award ceremony and they began dating, eight months after Nick's separation from wife Jessica Moor.

But when pictures emerged of the pair enjoying a romantic getaway in Edinburgh, the 54-year-old star abruptly broke up with Gemma leaving her in 'tears'.

Polished: The run-in comes after Gemma embarked on a short lived romance with Nick, who she was pictured cuddling up to at last year's TV Choice Awards where they had first met, but ended when pictures emerged of the pair enjoying a romantic getaway in Edinburgh

Nick returned to Jessica, 29, and supported her as she battled cervical cancer.

By January they decided to separate but remained on good terms for the sake of their son, Eddie.

Rubbing further salt into the wound, Nick then claimed he had only been on 'one date' with Gemma and that he was working things through with his estranged wife Jessica Moor.

In the aftermath of their split, Gemma said she had 'been burned' by the dumping.

While Gemma is now loved-up with film producer boyfriend Scott Walker, Nick has been rumoured to be romancing former TOWIE star Pascal Craymer, and even joined her at Tito Jackson's album launch on Friday.

They had enjoyed a date night at Gabeto restaurant in London's Camden last month.

When contacted by MailOnline, a spokesperson for Pascal said: 'It's very early days. They had a wonderful night. Let's see what happens.'

However, a source recently told The Sun Online that the couple's chemistry was 'amazing'.

They enthused: 'Nick and Pascal were introduced a little while ago by a mutual friend, and have been talking ever since.

The evening was their first official public date - they went to Gabeto in Camden and ate loads of amazing tapas and drank cocktails.

'The chemistry between them was amazing - it went so well. He thought she looked really stunning, they were there for hours laughing and talking.'

New flame: While Gemma is now loved-up with film producer boyfriend Scott Walker, Nick has been rumoured to be romancing former TOWIE star Pascal Craymer, and even joined her at Tito Jackson's album launch on Friday
Rhode Island played host to home-state girl Olivia Culpo over Labor Day weekend.

The 25-year-old model, named Miss Universe back in 2012, was spotted lounging back on a sunlit outdoor bench in Providence on Monday.

Not only is she from Cranston on the outskirts of Providence, but she and her family have just opened up a restaurant in the Providence metropolitan area.

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Thrilled to be back: Rhode Island played host to home-state girl Olivia Culpo over Labor Day weekend

Olivia's ensemble that day was a simple white T-shirt that matched white high-heeled boots and clashed elegantly against skintight jeans that played up her knockout legs.

She and her family have just started up a restaurant in North Kingstown area called Back 40, which celebrated its grand opening Tuesday evening last week.

Posing on the joint's porch for Instagram last Monday, she'd gushed in her caption that she was celebrating 'Opening night of the @back40ri right now!!!!'

Enjoyment: The 25-year-old model, named Miss Universe back in 2012, was spotted lounging back on a sunlit outdoor bench in Providence on Monday

The model went on to explain that 'This is the restaurant I'm opening with my family in RI. Tonight is the soft opening for friends and family (basically where everyone tells us what they like/don't like on the menu) but tomorrow will be the official public opening so if you're in RI/South County make sure you check it out :)'.

On Sunday, Olivia - whose father Peter owns multiple eateries in Boston, per The Boston Globe - posted an Instagram photo of herself at Back 40's bar, along with what her caption identified as a 'dirty martini' and the joint's 'lobster roll.'

She'd rhapsodized about her home state to Los Angeles Travel earlier this year: 'There are so many things that make RI special. My favorite place in RI is Newport, home to some of the most beautiful beaches.'

Setting down roots: Not only is she from Cranston on the outskirts of Providence, but she and her family have just opened a restaurant called Back 40 in the Providence metropolitan area

Olivia effervesced: 'All along the coast there are some of the oldest and most grand mansions that you can tour. Definitely stay at Cliffwalk Newport Hotel, which is so beautiful. For a drink, you have to visit the Dorrance. It is such a cool venue.'

Miss Rhode Island 2012 - whose mother's a violist for the Rhode Island Philharmonic - maintained that 'For dinner I would recommend Bacaro and Cafe Nuovo during Providence Water Fire where you can watch the lighting of fire over the river that flows through Providence.'

Earlier in the day, 'You have to go to Iggys for lunch for clam cakes and chowder; it is a RI classic! My favorite treat is ice cream and I would advise going to Brickways.'

Precursor: Last Monday, the day before the restaurant opened to the public, Olivia posted a photo of herself on its porch during the 'soft opening for friends and family'
It has been one of the most hotly-anticipated shows of the year, promising to deliver drama and romance in equal measure.

And the return of Celebs Go Dating didn't disappoint as fans watched Charlotte Dawson get dumped by a Pete Wicks lookalike and James 'Arg' Argent complaining that he had been 'c***-blocked'.

Ex On the Beach star Charlotte, 24, showed she was getting in the flirty mood by downing Prosecco from a bottle in a taxi en-route to the mixer.

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Explosive: The return of Celebs Go Dating didn't disappoint as fans watched Charlotte Dawson get dumped by a Pete Wicks lookalike

Oh dear: While James 'Arg' Argent complained that he had been 'c***-blocked'

She quickly got talking to pirate Pete doppelganger Jordan from Wolverhampton and gushed 'He is fit as f*** I just want to eat him' before passionately kissing him.

She confessed: 'I fancy the f*** out of him'.

But Lady Nadia Essex who match-makes the celebs on the E4 show was fuming, saying 'Charlotte has ignored everything we've said to her and if she carries on like this it's going to be impossible to find her a date.'

Charlotte then asked Jordan to meet for a drink and checked out his body before asking him to flash his derriere .

Chin chin:Ex On the Beach star Charlotte, 24, showed she was getting in the flirty mood by downing prosecco from a bottle in a taxi en-route to the mixer

Smooch: She quickly got talking to pirate Pete doppelganger Jordan from Wolverhampton and gushed 'He is fit as f*** I just want to eat him' before passionately kissing him

Pete? Jordan was almost the spitting image of TOWIE star Pete with his long locks and tattoos

Cheeky: Charlotte then asked Jordan to meet for a drink and checked out his body before asking him to flash his derriere

Unhappy ending: But it wasn't to be a fairytale ending for the pair, with the long-haired hunk saying 'I don't know how to tell you this but I recently split up with someone and I'm trying to get her back'. A furious Charlotte then said 'He's blown it now'

But it wasn't to be a fairytale ending for the pair, with the long-haired hunk saying 'I don't know how to tell you this but I recently split up with someone and I'm trying to get her back'.

A furious Charlotte then said 'He's blown it now.'

TOWIE star Arg, 29, who flaunted his trim frame after a rehab stint in Thailand, entered the first mixer with aplomb, but quickly attracted unwanted attention from busty Heidi

He said: 'She's killing my vibe, I just don't have enough of a heart to tell her.

Nerves: TOWIE star Arg, 29, who flaunted his trim frame after a rehab stint in Thailand, entered the first mixer with aplomb, but quickly attracted unwanted attention from busty Heidi

Not interested: He said: 'She's killing my vibe, I just don't have enough of a heart to tell her' before saying 'She is c***-blocking me to the max'.

Get in: suave Calum Best got a date with Naomi and looked pretty pleased with himself

Arg then started chatting to another singleton before Heidi interrupted the chat, saying 'Can I come and join you? I'm literally on my own.

Arg then said: 'She is c***-blocking me to the max'.

He then flirted up a storm with Scottish blonde Yasmin and admired the tattoos on her arms.

After she teased him about finding out where her other tattoos are he said: 'You can be as dirty as you want'.

Loved up: While TOWIE star Bobby Norris landed himself a date with Paul

Fans tuned in to see Charlotte and Arg join Frankie Cocozza, Calum Best, Bobby Norris, Georgia Toffolo, and Sarah-Jane Crawford as they got back out on the dating scene.

Bobby landed himself a date with Paul while suave Calum got a date with Naomi.

Made In Chelsea star Georgia took onboard some dutch courage by swigging tequila shots before chatting up PHD student Laurent.
Kristina Schulman stormed off Bachelor In Paradise during Monday's episode after confronting Dean Unglert for disrespecting her.

Dean and Kristina had been the closest couple on the show  even staying together during the two-week shutdown in production  and slept together after a recent rose ceremony.

Fan-favorite Dean, 26, just hours later frolicked and kissed Danielle 'D-Lo' Lombard in the pool as heartbroken Kristina looked on.

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No rose: Kristina Schulman declined to offer a rose to anyone during Monday's episode of Bachelor In Paradise

Dean and Kristina had a showdown the next day, with the Russian beauty seemingly ready to end their affair, telling Dean: 'I'm not going to just be there when you want to pursue other relationships and just look away for you.'

'Post rose ceremony we stayed the night together. And 10 hours [later] you're doing that,' she told him. 'That was so disrespectful to me. I did not deserve that.'

'Don't ask me to be patient while you're locking legs, lips, whatever, arms, around someone else. I'm not going to be patient about that,' Kristina added.

However, she later dismissed it as a 'stupid argument,' insisting she had a 'much stronger connection' with him than D-Lo had, and holding out hope for a reconciliation, telling the cameras: 'Honestly, I think it can work.'

Love triangle: Dean Unglert ended his love triangle by choosing Danielle 'D-Lo' Lombard over Kristina

Feelings hurt: Kristina was hurt when she saw Dean playing in the pool with D-Lo just hours after they spent the night together post-rose ceremony

Instead it just set her up for further heartbreak, with Dean finally admitting to her: 'I know what would make me happy, as s****y as it sounds, is to pursue D-Lo.'

Kristina reacted angrily, dismissing D-Lo as 'not even a woman, a girl' and even having a fight with former close friend Raven Gates when she tried to get Kristina to face the reality that it was not a committed relationship.

'The truth is Dean's not that into you and he's into someone else,' Raven said later to camera of the situation. 'And she's just making herself and everyone around her miserable.'

Tough talk: Dean broke it to Kristina that he wanted to pursue D-Lo on the show

Truth teller: The former contestant on The Bachelorette was honest with Kristina about his feelings

It was Wells Adams, who is working the bar rather than looking for love this season, who made her face the truth when he asked her: 'Why are you fighting for someone who's not fighting for you?'

He left her in tears when he called her 'one of the coolest, badass chicks in the world' and insisted: 'You don't deserve it.'

'I know what I have to do. It's not going to be easy, but it needs to be done,' Kristina finally admitted, adding: 'You know what, karma's a bitch.'

Friendly fire: Kristina argued with Raven Gates about her breakup with Dean

Good point: Wells Adams told Kristina that she was fighting on behalf of someone who wasn't fighting for her

Getting emotional: Kristina wiped away tears as she decided on a course of action

When she was called forward at the evening's rose ceremony, she announced that she was quitting the show rather than handing out her rose after her heartbreak.

As Dean looked down and D-Lo smiled awkwardly, she told everyone: 'In my next relationship I want to be valued, I want to be respected, and I want to be put first by someone who admires me for who I am and sees the value in me.

'So I cannot give out this rose tonight.'

Showing resolve: The Russian-born dental hygienist noted that karma was in play

Impassioned speech: The former orphan gave an impassioned speech about how she wants to be valued and respected in her next relationship

Rose ceremony: D-Lo listened as Kristina gave her speech before leaving the show

Dean walked her out  and gave her a long, sad hug, whispering 'I'm sorry' and that he hates himself before putting her in a car.

Earlier, he had admitted: 'I love Kristina but here I am throwing it all out the window for some stupid reason. I fully understand how much I'm going to hate myself  but I'm still letting myself be that person.'

Back inside, Dean seemed convinced that D-Lo was also going to quit because of the awkwardness of the love triangle  but instead got called forward for her rose.

Self hate: Dean walked Kristina out and said he hated himself and was sorry

Rose accepted: D-Lo offered Dean a rose when he got back and he accepted

'I came into the rose ceremony tonight needing some definitive answers. And he accepted my rose so I feel like now Dean and I can really explore our relationship,' she explained later of her decision.

'I'm happy that he chose to step-up  I know that he's 100 percent invested in me,' D-Lo added.

In the final night leading up to the ceremony, Christen Whitney made out with three different men in succession as she quickly became the hottest commodity in Playa Escondida in Vallarta-Nayarit, Mexico.

Next phase: The Los Angeles small business owner was looking forward to exploring her relationship with Dean

In an episode where she found out her to her bemusement that her nickname is Scallop Fingers, Christen seemed even more shocked to be aggressively chased by Jack Stone, 'Tickle Monster' Jonathan, and Paradise newcomer Blake E.

Each man made a strong move as they battled to be her pick for her rose  taking it in turns to kiss her in quick succession.

'I'm so confused  I'm in a love square,' she admitted to the camera.

Love square: Christen Whitney found herself caught up in a 'love square'

'There are a lot of fish in my sea right now. How did this happen?'

Jasmine Goode made her decision easier by picking Tickle Monster ahead of her  cheekily telling him 'hopefully I can tickle your pickle  before Christen finally gave her rose to Jack Stone, the first man she seemed to connect with.

He had arguably the most fun on the episode after several of the other women also decided to kiss him to dispel the rumor started by Christen that he was a bad kisser.

Big decision: The rose ceremony drama featured Christen considering her options

No brainer: Christen ultimately picked Jack Stone

Her rose pick meant that despite taking her for his first date, Blake was sent home almost as soon as he arrived.

It was a fate shared by Fred Johnson, the other man who failed to get a rose after his date pick, Dominique Alexis, went for Kenneth 'Diggy' Moreland instead.

'I'm sorry  that was a short stay in Paradise,' host Chris Harrison told them.

Quick exit: Fred Johnson and Blake E. were newcomers to Paradise but didn't last long

Fred had seemed a threat to the other men, with Raven calling him 'beautiful' and Christen saying he was 'smoking hot' and asking: 'What's wrong with a little ''bad boy''?'

Diggy had also seemed threatened, telling the other guys: 'We need to get Fred the f*** outta here because I was comfortable being the only black dude.'

It was a wildly different story for Blake, however, who got so sweaty when he arrived Dominique joked his shirt was 'a towel'.

The host: Chris Harrison hosted the show filmed at a resort in Mexico

Fred didn't seem quite as sweaty as contestant Josh Murray last season but his perspiration was noticed by everyone.

He quickly bored the women by talking about his Bachelorette feud with Lucas 'Whaboom' Yancey.

When he asked D-Lo what she would say if she asked her out, she bluntly admitted: 'I'd probably say no.'

And when he formally asked Kristina on his first date, she officially turned him down, blaming her confusion over her love triangle and fight with Dean.

Nice try: Blake asked Kristina out on a date but she declined

However, she later admitted about their chat: 'I had low expectations for Blake  and I think he lived up to them.'

Christen seemed to only accept with great hesitation, and had a disastrous double date with him along with Fred and Dominique, admitting she wanted it to end quickly.

But she seemed taken aback when he kissed her passionately before the rose ceremony, only ending when the Tickle Monster cut-in and started kissing her himself.

Popular gal: Christen was popular and kissed three guys in succession

He soon faced the same medicine when Jack cut in with her kissing him, too, but with greater passion after he teased her: 'You're probably the most popular girl in Paradise right now.'

Their kiss belied the cruel rumor she started by telling the girls that Jack was a bad kisser.

They decided to test it out for themselves, with Jasmine saying: 'We care about him  we want to make sure he's not a bad kisser.'

The guys: Two of the contestants were sent home after Kristina declined to offer a rose

'I don't know what Christen is talking about because Jack is a great kisser,' Jasmine said after her smooch, and Danielle made out with him in the pool and agreed: 'Yeah. Jack's a good kisser.'

Raven was also seen kissing him, joking: 'Everyone just wanted to kiss him and he had the time of his life today.'

'I went from hardly kissing anyone in paradise  to kissing literally everyone in paradise,' Jack smiled to camera later.

The gals: The ladies were in control as they handed out the roses this episode

'I don't know why all the girls are kissing me, but Christen has gone on a date with Blake so who am I to get in between them and the best kisser here in paradise?'

Robby Hayes got the episode's other date card, unsurprisingly picking mom-of-two Amanda Stanton for a night that only seemed to strengthen his growing love for her.

He even admitted to her: 'I think it's obvious I'm kinda falling for you. This way blows my mind. I'm having so much fun  I don't want Paradise to come to an end.'

Love match: Amanda Stanton and Robby Hayes were surprisingly becoming a couple

He added later to camera: 'I didn't expect this but it's something so great and so easy and so special that it hit me like a ton of bricks.

'I can see a great future for Amanda and I and I want to continue this all the way to the end of the Paradise and all the way back home to the States.

'Something, something potentially forever, could come out of this, and I'm pumped, I cannot wait.'

Light show: Robby and Amanda enjoyed a date together that ended with fireworks

After she handed him her rose, he added to camera: 'It absolutely blows my mind that we could be the most formidable and comfortable couple in Paradise. I could see a great future between Amanda and I.'

Kristina was not the only person to walk off the show.

Personal trainer Ben Zorn, 28, drank shots with his friends before leaving to reunite with his true love  his dog Zeus.

Mother of two: Amanda offered her rose to Robby and he accepted

But he had no real drama, saying: 'There's nobody here that I'm interested in so it's pointless to stay.

'I love everyone here and I've had an absolute blast, but there is more love than I have for my dog Zeus than there is potential left here in Paradise.

'Start packing up the kennel because Zeus is coming home tomorrow night. I can't wait to see him again,' Ben said.
She's The Bachelor frontrunner who was pictured disappearing for a secret trip over the weekend at the same time as love interest Matty J.

And Laura Byrne was seen walking around near Matty's house in Bondi on Monday.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a spot of shopping at a Bondi boutique, before heading to Wollongong Hospital to visit her grandparents.

Been to see your boyfriend? Laura Byrne pictured walking near Matty J's house AGAIN after she and The Bachelor star disappear for a secret WEEKEND AWAY ahead of the TV finale

Laura showed off her lean figure as she took to the streets of Sydney's Bondi.

The jewellery designer flashed a generous glimpse of her toned legs in a peach wrap dress that also highlighted her cleavage.

Light on her feet in a pair of Vans sneakers, Laura accessorised further with a black zip-up jacket left undone and stylish sunglasses.

Allowing her locks to fall effortlessly around what appeared to be a makeup-free face, the brunette also drew attention to statement pieces from her own jewellery line.

Looking good for Matty? The jewellery designer flashed a generous glimpse of her toned legs in a peach wrap dress that also highlighted her cleavage

Future's looking bright: The brunette allowed her locks to fall effortlessly and shielded her eyes behind a pair of stylish sunglasses

Laura stopped by a trendy boutique in the eastern suburbs and was seen perusing the racks of clothing.

She appeared to purchase a few items, at one stage stationed behind the register.

After a quick look at her iPhone, Laura headed to Wollongong Hospital to visit her grandfather.

She's a natural: Laura appeared to sport a makeup-free complexion

Hoping to impress Matty J? The Channel Ten personality was seen perusing the racks at a trendy boutique

Successful outing: At one stage, Laura was stationed behind the register

Making time for her grandmother, the Channel Ten personality was later seen strolling the streets with her beloved family member.

The duo appeared in high spirits, both beaming and engaging in conversation.

Messaging Matty? The jewellery designer checked her iPhone upon leaving the boutique

Priorities: Following the shopping trip, Laura headed to Wollongong to visit her grandfather in hospital

On the go: The slender personality simply carried her car keys, wallet, phone and earplugs

Leggy lady: Laura drew attention to her trim pins in the ensemble's revealing design

The sighting comes shortly after Laura was pictured disappearing for a secret weekend away, at the same time as Matty J, just weeks ahead of the finale airing on television.

Daily Mail Australia believes Laura was picked up by a Bachelor production vehicle on Friday morning, the car driving up to the Richmond/Hawkesbury area near the foot of the Blue Mountains, and through several red lights to avoid being followed.

Matty J was also absent from his Bondi home last weekend, with him and Laura pictured returning to their respective residences just hours apart on Sunday night, both with overnight baggage in tow.

Family time: After visiting her grandfather, she made time for her grandmother

Taking it in their stride: Laura took her beloved family member for a walk

Patient: The beauty gave her grandmother her full attention

Daily Mail Australia can also confirm Matty's Bondi home was dead quiet all weekend.

His car did not move and the lights inside remained off, confirming he was also away on the weekend.

At 8.45pm on Sunday, Matty returned to his Bondi residence with a driver, making a quick exit from the car and dashing inside.

Precious: The statuesque reality star doted over her grandmother during the outing

Content: They appeared relaxed as they engaged in conversation

Sweet: The pair appeared to be having a heart-to-heart

At 10pm on Sunday, Laura returned to her Sydney home after her weekend away, carrying an overnight bag and wearing the same outfit she left in on Friday.

As she made her way inside, she told Daily Mail Australia she had been staying at her sister's home that weekend.

However, her sister Alisha lives nearby, with her Facebook bio stating she resides minutes away from Laura in Paddington.
He's fashion's male 'it' model, known for his jet-setting lifestyle.

And Jordan Barrett was certainly living it up, on board a boat in Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada on Monday following Burning Man.

A snap shared to Instagram saw the 20-year-old stripped naked alongside an equally bare Elliot Isles.

Boys will be boys! Jordan Barrett (R), 20, stripped NAKED and fooled around with pal Elliot Isles, on board a boat after attending the debaucherous Burning Man Festival

A very relaxed Jordan was pictured naked on board a boat, his left hand concealing his manhood.

Sporting just a statement watch, bracelets and necklace, the runway star tilted his head to the side, closing his eyes and appearing a picture of content.

Jordan stood alongside pal Elliot Isles, who also stripped naked for the photo.

The model captioned the snap: 'We Burnt & We fly & Sink,' alongside the hash-tag #doctorsorders.

Antics: Jordan and pal Elliot's carefree antics comes shortly after the pair attended the debaucherous Burning Man Festival, in the Nevada desert

Fame: Jordan has certainly been living the lap of luxury, since being discovered at age 14 by a model scout working for international agency IMG

Jordan and pal Elliot's carefree antics comes shortly after the pair attended the debaucherous Burning Man Festival in the Nevada desert.

An Instagram snap tagged in Black Rock City, saw the Byron Bay native lying on the ground, offering a glimpse of his toned torso in just a pair of linen pants with a rope-like belt.

Sounding like his weekend was one to remember, Jordan captioned the image: 'SURVIVED----LEAVE THE BURN' alongside a flame emoji.

Jordan has certainly been living the lap of luxury, since being discovered at age 14 by a model scout working for international agency IMG.

The chance meeting took place when he was caught stealing matches from a convenience store in his hometown of Byron Bay on the New South Wales coast.

Appeal: The runway model has been linked to the likes of 'it' girls Bella Hadid (pictured), Hailey Baldwin, Sofia Richie, Megan Blake Irwin, Lara Stone and Sahara Ray

Jordan told New York Magazine about the incident: 'I wanted to have a cigarette, but I couldn't get a lighter because apparently you have to be over 18, so I decided I was gonna take matches from the counter.'

Taking the modelling industry by storm, the genetically-blessed star has graced the runway for Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino and Versace.

Jordan's appeal lies beyond the catwalk, having been linked to the likes of 'it' girls Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, Sofia Richie, Megan Blake Irwin, Lara Stone and Sahara Ray.
She was the snarky Bachelor 'villain' who dramatically walked away from Bachelor Matty J on Channel Ten's matchmaking series.

And on Tuesday, Jennifer Hawke had her sights on a few other hunky bachelors as she helped vote for Cosmopolitan and Tinder's Bachelor Of The Year in Sydney.

The 27-year-old reality star showed off her svelte frame and trim pins in a thigh-skimming white mini-dress.

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White hot! The Bachelor 'villain' Jennifer Hawke flaunts her trim pins in a crochet mini-dress as she attends a Tinder event in Sydney on Tuesday

Flaunting her sculptured legs, she donned a short lace-trimmed frock with semi-sheer long sleeves.

The brunette beauty wore the ensemble with confidence, posing up a storm on the red carpet in high spirits.

Jen's slender waist was highlighted in the tight number, as she revealed her decolletage in the crochet design.

Wow! Flaunting her sculptured legs, she posed up a storm in the short lace-trimmed frock with semi-sheer long sleeves

While at the Sydney event, Jen took to Instagram stories to showcase another Bachelor reject sitting beside her.

'Just trying to have a nice wine and then this chick follows me in... It's Simone from The Bachelor!' she said, pointing to Simone Ormesher.

'Voting on Bachelor Of The Year. I've dated two of the bachelors!' she joked, as the girls broke out in fits of laughter after Simone called out: 'Sl*t!'

Strike a pose! Jen's slender waist was highlighted in the tight number, as she revealed her decolletage in the crochet design

She accessorised with a brown clutch and strappy heels.

Jen made her debut on The Bachelor with long dark brown tresses and has since had her mane trimmed and lightened.

She styled her locks in loose curls, which fell just below her shoulders.

New hair! Jen made her debut on The Bachelor with long dark brown tresses and has since had her mane trimmed and lightened. She styled her locks in loose curls at the event

Stylish: She accessorised with a brown clutch and strappy heels

Despite insisting she enjoyed her time on the show, Jen recently took aim at Matty 'J' Johnson, calling him a 'douche' on KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O show.

During her explosive interview, the brunette firecracker stood by her decision to leave the Bachelor, saying: 'I just wasn't really into Matty, he's just a bit of a douche'.

The feisty TV villain didn't mince words during her interview with Nova's Fitzy And Wippa either, telling the radio duo: 'I wasn't really into Matty if I'm completely honest.

When asked whether she would ever date Matty long-term, Jen candidly said: 'God no. I find him a little bit vanilla. I mean, he's a lovely lovely guy, but yeah, no he's definitely not someone I'd date long-term. I think I'd get bored of him very quickly.'

Matty has six bachelorettes left in the mansion vying for his affection.

The Bachelor airs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on Channel Ten from 7.30pm
He's the comedian who is always quick with a laugh on his Hughesy and Kate radio show.

But Dave Hughes wasn't laughing after he was involved in a hit and run incident while driving with wife Holly and children Rafferty, eight, Sadie, six, and Tess, four, in Los Angeles.

Speaking to Yahoo Be, the lauded funnyman revealed that he fled the scene after side swiping a parked car for fear that the auto belonged to a gang member.

Oops: Funnyman Dave Hughes wasn't laughing after he was involved in a hit and run incident while driving with wife Holly and children Rafferty, eight, Sadie, six, and Tess, four, in Los Angeles

The 46-year old added that jet lag and three children playing up in the back seat contributed to the accident.

'I hadn't slept for three days and I'm trying to navigate the car on the wrong side of the road and the kids are going nuts in the back,' he told the outlet.

He said that Holly was convinced that Dave was going to cause an accident and pleaded with him to pull over.

Moving violation: Speaking to Yahoo Be , the lauded funnyman revealed that he fled the scene after side swiping a parked car for fear that the auto belonged to a gang member

However, the minute she herself, dozed off, Dave side swiped a parked car.

Dave then admitted he kept driving and despite Holly pleading with the comedian to return to the scene.

He revealed he was scared of running afoul of some of LA's more notorious gangs like the Crips or Bloods.

'She [Holly] wanted us to go back to this LA street and leave a note for this car whose side mirror I'd knocked off,' he said.

'I said: "I'm not going back, that could be a gang member's car,' the jokester added.

Jet lag: 'I hadn't slept for three days and I'm trying to navigate the car on the wrong side of the road and the kids are going nuts in the back,' he told the outlet
He's know for partying all over the world.

But on Monday, Scott Disick was spotted ambling out in Calabasas with his two elder children, seven-year-old Mason and five-year-old Penelope.

Scott, the 34-year-old soi disant Lord, had worn a loose-fitting pair of sky blue trousers with a green T-shirt, having flung a patterned sweater over one shoulder.

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Legging it on Labor Day: Scott Disick was spotted ambling out in Calabasas on Monday with his two elder children, seven-year-old Mason and five-year-old Penelope

He'd been seen out at the Malibu Chili Cook-Off on Sunday with a mystery woman - the day after Kourtney attended the selfsame fete with Mason and Penelope.

Scott's got three children by his on-and-off paramour Kourtney , Mason's 2009 birth having been immortalized on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

The co-parents welcomed their now five-year-old daughter Penelope into the world in 2012, and Kourtney gave birth to her youngest child, a son called Reign, in 2014.

Step lively: Scott, the 34-year-old soi disant Lord, had worn a loose-fitting pair of sky blue trousers with a green T-shirt, having flung a patterned sweater over one shoulder

Kourtney and Scott, who'd been introduced in 2006 by Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in Mexico, last ended their romantic relationship in July of 2015.

Scott and Kourtney both paid visits to Cannes during its recent film festival, and she'd been spotted there with her 24-year-old new flame Younes Bendjema.

Scott was photographed in the South of France with a string of women including Bella Thorne, Chantel Jeffries, Ella Ross and Chloe Bartoli.

Background: Scott's got three children by his on-and-off paramour Kourtney , Mason's 2009 birth having been immortalized on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians

His trip abroad also swept him to London, where he was photographed shirtless on a balcony with a male friend - also shirtless - and a topless woman who's been rumored to have been 21-year-old Australian model Ruairi Lake.

Scott had referred to himself as a 'f***ed up, horrible sex addict' on a Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode that aired this May, as Us Weekly had reported.

Yet by late July, he was telling E! News: 'I would say I think it's a little rude that everybody keeps addressing me as a sex addict. I just like sex, but I'm not a sex addict,' clarifying: 'I said that in a humorous, joking fashion on the show and now I'm getting billed as one, and it's not the case. I do like sex, but I am not an addict.'
She's the Australian stunner who is no stranger to slipping into swimwear and flaunting her incredible figure.

And on Tuesday, model Kristina Mendonca was doing what she does best during a photo shoot at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

The 20-year-old stunner struck a series of strong, sultry poses as she modeled multiple skimpy bikinis, including a neon green number.

A flash in the sand! Australian model Kristina Mendonca exposes her ample assets as she goes topless in barely-there bikini at Sydney's Bondi beach during a photo shoot on Monday

The blonde was seen in a partial splits pose, her muscular thighs flexing as she showed off a retro style, deep V-shaped bikini bottom.

Her legs parted, bare feet dug in the sand for balance and her muscles bulging, the model exhibited the effortless physical prowess of a gymnast.

Her bikini top left very little to the imagination, its thin fabric giving a descriptive glance of the outline of the beauty's bust.

However she took it one step further, pulling down a strap and exposing one breast, which he held in her hand as she continued to pose.

Peek-a-boob! Kristina pulled down a strap of her swimsuit and exposed one breast, which he held in her hand as she continued to pose

Not an inch to pinch: The 20-year-old stunner struck a series of strong, sultry poses as she modeled multiple skimpy bikinis, including a neon green number

Leaving very little to the imagination! Her bikini top left very little to the imagination, its thin fabric giving a descriptive glance of the outline of the beauty's bust

Shooting 'blue steel' style expressions at the lens, the leggy stunner was a natural in front of the camera.

Kristina looked confident and fearless while partially topless.

The two-piece showcased her taut stomach and lean legs as she strode across the sand, arranging herself in sultry poses.

Flexible: The blonde was seen in a partial splits pose, her muscular thighs flexing as she showed off a retro style, deep V-shaped bikini bottom

Lets get physical: Her legs parted, bare feet dug in the sand for balance and her muscles bulging, the model exhibited the effortless physical prowess of a gymnast

Kristina chose to wear her blonde hair up in a very high bun for the green bikini look, and added a stripe of bright yellow zinc sunscreen to her cheek.

She crouched low to the ground as she showcased the bright swimwear.

While he had worn her hair up for the green bikini, Kristina had it down for the red Baywatch style look.

Different look! While he had worn her hair up for the green bikini, Kristina had it down for the red Baywatch style look

Wind whipped the stunner's hair into the air, adding to the retro feel of the shoot.

The Australian born beauty - who has a Brazilian background on her father's side, also modelled a fire-engine red bikini in a similar fashion.

The tiny bright red top slid down low, threatening to expose the Vivien model's cleavage altogether.

Windswept: Wind whipped the stunner's hair into the air, adding to the retro feel of the shoot

The Newcastle born babe was seen hooking her fingers into the corner of her V-shaped bikini bottoms, pulling them away from her hips in a risque pose.

Kristina rose to fame through social media and spoke to GQ Magazine about her love of the beach.

The Sunshine Coast local explained: 'Anyone that half knows me would know I love spending time adventuring along the coastlines. Whenever I finish work, I go straight so my boyfriend Hughs house and head down to the beach.

'I also love spending time with my two dogs, Jack and Bella, they love the beach just as much as me, if not more!

She added: 'I also love the Australian beaches, wherever I go I think I am in paradise. I always see dolphins and whales along the coastline, just a few minutes from my house. I couldnt be more happy with where I live.'
As the debate surrounding the Affordable Care Act continues in our nations capital, those of us entrusted to serve the public, particularly the most vulnerable among us, are searching for ways to stretch scarce healthcare resources further. The good news is that we dont have to wait for our representatives in Washington, D.C., to address these problems, there are options available to us right here in Arizona.

As a State Representative serving Coconino, Yavapai, Gila and Navajo Counties, I understand the unique challenges facing the diverse populations in rural Arizona. From senior citizens to college students, those in our cities, widely dispersed rural populations and remote Tribal reservations, our communities need innovative approaches to ensure we have an adequate number of health professionals to serve our community. Providing high-quality affordable care to residents is a top priority.

As in politics, all healthcare is local, and here in northern Arizona we know a thing or two about the fight to increase access to healthcare through attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals in our communities, while keeping costs in check.

Heres why this is important. Currently in our state, there are 2.4 million Arizonans living in areas designated by the federal government as dental health professional shortage areas, which are defined as one dentist for 5,000 or more people. Some suggest that Arizona does not have a problem and that we have enough dentists. This may be true if you live in Scottsdale where, according to the American Dental Association, there were 481 dentists serving a population of about 246,600 in a geographic area of 184 square miles.

In contrast, here in Northern Arizona, in the Coconino, Yavapai, Gila, and Navajo counties that I serve, there are 280 dentists to serve a population of about 530,000 spread out over a geographic area of 41,451 square miles. And this doesnt even factor any of those current practicing dentists who may retire or move in a given year.

One innovative solution to containing costs, while at the same time increasing access to care, is the proposal to license dental therapists here in Arizona. Similar to advanced practice nurses and physicians assistants, highly trained midlevel dental providers are able to extend dental practices  whether public or private  and provide care to more patients.

A licensed dental therapist can perform many of the most commonly needed restorative and preventive dental procedures at a lower cost, all while working collaboratively with a supervising dentist. Arizona should join a growing list of states exploring this smart, proven solution; there are at least 10 states considering legislation that will empower these midlevel providers to increase access to quality care.

That is in addition to the three states that have authorized dental therapists, three additional states where they are practicing on tribal lands and more than 50 countries around the world where they are already having a significant positive impact on the quality of oral health. These include rural Alaska, where dental therapy has been in practice on Tribal lands for more than a decade.

Moreover, this model has allowed dentists in these states to successfully practice in remote, rural parts of the state, thus expanding access where needed. It has also increased the number of chairs and client visits for these dentists  many of whom have successfully grown their practices and incomes after embracing dental therapists.

Lastly, but perhaps most important, where practicing, the mid-level technicians are demonstrating such a high level of care, that they have few, if any, malpractice claims and greatly reduced liability and insurance costs.

As an elected official, the health and well-being of our citizenry and our economy are top-of-mind for myself and my fellow legislators. It is my hope that we come together to support solutions that stretch our healthcare resources while increasing access to care to every corner of our State, all while controlling costs and encouraging choice in the marketplace. The facts show that dental therapy meets those standards and should be afforded a space within our dental care delivery system.

This is why I am eager to see innovative solutions like licensed dental therapists take hold so that we as elected officials can expand oral healthcare throughout rural Arizona and ensure all of our citizens have access to qualified dental providers, where and when needed. After all, the freedom of choice, especially as it relates to ones health and happiness, is deeply ingrained in our American spirit.
She's forged a successful career as a bikini blogger.

And Natasha Oakley flaunted her famed curves, in snaps shared to Instagram earlier this week.

Enjoying a getaway in Hawaii, the 27-year-old accentuated her ample cleavage and lean legs in a high-cut green swimsuit, alongside busty pal Devin Brugman, 28.

Green with envy? Natasha Oakley (L) flaunts ample cleavage and lean legs in high-cut swimsuit on photo shoot with busty pal Devin Brugman (R)

Standing on the Hawaiian shore, Natasha flaunted her enviable figure in a high-cut green swimsuit, from her own label Monday Swimwear.

The design drew the eye to her significant cleavage, slender waist and toned legs.

Running her hands through her signature blonde tresses, Natasha tilted her head to the side.

Bikini babe! Standing on the Hawaiian shore, Natasha flaunted her enviable figure in a high-cut green swimsuit, from her own label Monday Swimwear

The avid traveller sported a glamorous makeup look of a flawless complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a coating of gloss over her plump pout.

'Working on my gradual tan,' Natasha captioned the stunning shot.

An earlier image shared to Instagram saw the blonde bombshell hand-in-hand with pal and business partner, Devin Brugman.

Devin showcased her ample bust in a striped balconette-style bikini top, while a pair of high-cut coordinating briefs accentuated her toned mid-section and lean legs.

Besties: The pair are business partners and friends

Speaking up: Appearing on 60 Minutes recently, Natasha, who co-founded online swimwear portal A Bikini A Day with Devin, denied that she doctors her Instagram photos

Resting one hand behind her wavy brunette tresses, the curvaceous personality beamed for the camera.

Natasha captioned the post with the gushing text: 'My favorite time of day with my favorite girl.'

Appearing on 60 Minutes recently, Natasha, who co-founded online swimwear portal A Bikini A Day with Devin, denied that she doctors her Instagram photos, telling Peter Stefanovic that she'd simply learnt 'how to pose.'

'I have not photoshopped an image... but in saying that there's no way I can say that no one has photoshopped an image of me,' she said.

'It's all about lighting, it's all about angles, we know our angles and we know how to pose for a photo.'
They've been married for six years so it's no surprise proud Georgia Tennant was on hand to support husband David at Monday night's TV Choice Awards.

The couple were snapped leaving the glitzy ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel after David picked up the Best Actor gong for his role as DI Alec Hardy in the critically-acclaimed drama Broadchurch.

Former Doctor Who star David, 46, looked in high spirits as he escorted his wife out of the awards show on one arm while clutching his shiny new gong in the other hand.

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Proud: supportive Georgia Tennant, 32, was on hand to cheer on husband David, 46, as he won Best Actor for Broadchurch at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night

Wearing a navy suit, crisp white shirt and purple tie, the beloved actor cut a dapper figure as he made his way home with Georgia, 32, following the star-studded bash.

Blonde Georgia looked stunning in a chic black jumpsuit with v-shaped neck line and short sleeves, tapered in at the waist, which she teamed with shiny nude courts.

She kept her golden tresses loose and styled them in casual tumbling waves around her shoulders, while opting for minimal make-up allowing her clear complexion and rosy glow to shine through.

Ever the gentleman, David was seen leading his wife out of the Dorchester Hotel on one arm while deep in conversation.

Deep in conversation: the couple left the Dorchester Hotel on Monday night arm in arm, while David clutched his Best Actor trophy in his right hand

Stylish pair: while former Doctor Who star David looked dapper in a navy suit and purple tie, his blonde beauty wife sizzled in a flattering black jumpsuit with v-shaped neckline and short sleeves

The couple met when Georgia had a guest role in Doctor Who opposite David in the 2008 episode The Doctor's Daughter.

Georgia's father Peter Davison played the titular Time Lord between 1981 and 1984.

She wed David in 2011 and they share three children together. Georgia also has a son from a previous relationship whom David has adopted.

A good night! As well as David winning Best Actor, his Broadchurch co-star Olivia Colman picked up Best Actress and the detective series also won Best Drama

Heading home: the pair appeared to duck out of the glam after show parties and head home following a busy and successful night

It was a good night all around for David, who not only picked up the individual Best Actor gong, but also saw Broadchurch crowned Best Drama.

He beat out stiff competition from Poldark's Aidan Turner, Benedict Cumberbatch for Sherlock and Casualty's George Rainsford to win Best Actor, while Broadchurch triumphed over Our Girl, Line of Duty and Poldark.

His co-star Olivia Colman, meanwhile, walked away with the Best Actress prize, after edging out Our Girl's Michelle Keegan, Casualty's Amanda Mealing and Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson.

Brooding: David played DI Alec Hardy in the critically-acclaimed Broadchurch, which aired its third - and possibly last - series in February

Supportive wife: Georgia, who has been married to David since 2011, looked proud as she supported her husband at the bash. He previously won the Best Actor prize at the TV Choice Awards in 2013 for his Broadchurch role

Broadchurch aired its third series back in February as DI Alec Hardy (Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Colman) investigated the rape of Trish Winterman (Julie Hesmondhalgh).

Unfortunately for fans eager to see Hardy and Miller on screen again, the show's creator Chris Chibnall insisted in April that Broadchurch will never get a fourth series.

He said on BBC Radio 4 about the third series: 'That is it and there will be no more after this one, absolutely. Its been an extraordinary journey with the show it has taken us all by surprise.'

No more? Sadly for Broadchurch fans, the creator said in April he does not intend to bring DS Miller (Olivia Colman) and DI Hardy (Tennant) back to screens for a fourth series

Who raped Trish Winterman? The third series of Broadchurch revolved around a harrowing attack on Trish Winterman, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, as DS Miller and DI Hardy tried to work out who attacked her
As with every year, the Venice Film Festival has attracted a host of A-list Hollywood stars and its attendees have exuded glamour at every turn.

But Italian actress Cristiana Capotondi may have attracted attention for all the wrong reasons, when she appeared to inadvertently flash a nipple while attending the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri premiere on Monday night.

As the 36-year-old beauty glided down the expansive red carpet at Venice Lido, her glittering black dress' plunging feature proved to be her sartorial undoing, as she was left just a tad too exposed when one of her breasts popped out.

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Oops! Cristiana Capotondi suffered an embarrassing nip slip when she attended the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Monday night

She seemed oblivious to the issue as she smiled and gamely posed for the group of assembled photographers while dripping in an array of glittering diamond jewellery.

With her brunette tresses styled in a chignon, the actress distracted slightly from the faux pas with her figure-hugging gown's dramatic train and her stunning jewels.

Also in attendance was Kirsten Dunst, 35, who stunned in an unusual blush and polka dot lace dress with a pretty tiered skirt that hugged her toned figure and pert bust.

Plunging: As the actress posed for photographers at Venice Lido, her plunging dress gave way

Strike a pose: She gamely smiled and posed for photographers as as she graced the red carpet

A girl's best friend: She wore an array of stunning diamond jewellery for her big night out

Shower you with kisses: The 36-year-old beauty also blew kisses at the large crowd

The showstopping gown also featured a gem studded floral design across the midriff which drew attention to the star's slender waist.

Her platinum locks were styled sleek, in soft curls and parted in the middle while she opted for soft smoky eye-make-up and a vibrant red pout.

Upping the glam factor, the Spiderman actress accessorised with glittering diamond and pink sapphire earrings which caught the light as she flicked her hair.

Wow! Despite the faux pas, Cristiana wowed as she stepped out in a glittering black dress

Eye-catching number: Her eye-catching dress included a dramatic train and backless feature

Celebrity: The actress was one of a number of local celebrities in attendance on the night

Pretty in pink: Also on hand was Kirsten Dunst, who wowed as she hit the glam red carpet

Siren: The 35-year-old actress stunned in an unusual blush and polka dot lace dress with a pretty tiered skirt that hugged her toned figure and pert bust

Pals: Kirsten laughed as she posed with Woodshock directors Kate and Laura Mulleavy

Statement gowns: The trio of successful women rocked gowns in pastel shades as they posed

She later joined Woodshock directors Laura and Kate Mulleavy with the ladies forming a striking pastel pallette as they posed up together.

Also putting on a glamorous display was Venice Film Festival jury member Rebecca Hall, who showed of her lithe physique in a striking velvet gown which was gathered at the waist with a chic silver buckle.

She added height with a pair of blush peeptoe stilettos. Her brunette bob was styled in soft waves and parted on the side with crystal drop earrings glittering in her ears.

Natural fluttering lashes and a soft pink gloss completed the look.

Chic: Also putting on a glamorous display was Venice Film Festival jury member Rebecca Hall, who showed of her lithe physique in a striking velvet gown which was gathered at the waist with a chic silver buckle

Polished: Her brunette bob was styled in soft waves and parted on the side with crystal drop earrings glittering in her ears

Leading couple: Three Billboards star Woody Harrelson, 56, put on a dapper display in a silver suit as he cuddled his wife Laura Louie

Foursome: Woody and Laura then struck a pally pose with his co-star Sam Rockwell and his partner Leslie Bibb

Hot couple: The couple, who have been married since 2008, were the picture of happiness on the red carpet

Banter: Woody looked over the moon as he wrapped an arm around his co-star and wife

Three Billboards star Woody Harrelson, 56, put on a dapper display in a silver suit and black tie as he cuddled his wife of nine years Laura Louie who was clad in a ebony floral lace dress.

They later joined Woody's co-star Sam Rockwell and his partner Leslie Bibb on the red carpet

Three Billboards tells the tale of mother Mildred Hayes, who takes a stand against the police by using three billboards in her Missouri hometown after her daughter is murdered and no arrests are made months later.

Woody plays Sheriff Bill Willoughby in the flick alongside Frances McDormand

Glamour parade: Italian actress Cristiana Capotondi(L) wowed in a navy studded gown but suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction, while model Lala Rudge donned a slinky ivory number and Russian model Maria Ivakova flashed her bust in a plunging black dress

Sparkling: Socialite Charlotte Groeneveld donned a glittery blue ballgown to the event
She may be a favourite to win The Bachelor this season.

But Tara Pavlovic may have had her eye on someone other than Matty Johnson during her time in the mansion.

According to an insider, Tara was seen flirting with a handsome waiter at cocktail parties over the space of two weeks during filming.

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'Tara even slipped her number to him': The Bachelor's Tara Pavlovic was seen flirting with a handsome waiter at cocktail parties over the space of two weeks during filming, according to a an insider

'She continually flirted with the waiter to the point where she called Matty his name by accident at a cocktail party,' the insider exclusively told Daily Mail Australia.

'Tara even slipped her number to him before a cocktail party, as did Simone,' they continued.

The spy also claimed that the waiter asked Jen Hawke and Elora Murger on a date, while also making sure to flirt with Florence and Leah.

Enough to go around? The spy also claimed that the waiter asked Jen Hawke and Elora Murger on a date, while also making sure to flirt with Florence and Leah

'Two weeks after the flirting began, the waiter was fired after the girls were talking about him on camera,' they said.

It comes amid claims Tara wore the initials of her ex-boyfriend around her neck during the first portion of the competition.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, a well-placed insider revealed that Tara previously dating a recently-separated man named Dan who worked as a pilot for Emirates Airline.

Close to her heart? It comes amid claims Tara wore the initials of her ex-boyfriend around her neck during the first portion of the competition

'Tara wore the letter D around her neck for about four weeks on the show,' the spy divulged.

Indeed, eagle-eyed fans would notice Tara wearing a gold D-shaped pendant necklace in several early episodes this season.

The chain, which also features an engraved rectangle charm, also appears in several snaps uploaded to Tara's Instagram page in the weeks before she started filming the show.
Their romance has sparked controversy since they were spotted kissing on a yacht in June.

But Chloe Green and Jeremy Meeks continued to shrug off the criticism on Tuesday, as they touched down in Israel - where they will no doubt explore Chloe's Jewish heritage by going on a pilgrimage.

The 'Hot Felon', 33, packed on the PDA with the billionaire Topshop heiress, 26, who showed off her tanned legs in a pair of tiny denim cut-offs.

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Loving life: Chloe Green and Jeremy Meeks continued to shrug off the criticism on Tuesday, as they touched down in Israel

Chloe put on an incredibly leggy display in a pair of tiny shorts, which she teamed with an animated white jumper, as she got close to her man.

Opting for comfort in a pair of shiny black boots, the fashionista stood on her tip-toes as she puckered up to her man, who has seen quite the meteoric rise to stardom after his prison mugshot went viral in 2014.

Jeremy was casually clad in an unzipped navy sweat-top, which had white monochrome lining on the shoulder and he paired it with matching joggers.

Despite the shock waves their romance caused after the couple were spotted canoodling on a yacht in Turkey while Jeremy was still married to mother-of-three Melissa Meeks, the duo's relationship appears to be going from strength to strength.

Cosying up: The pair appeared to be in good spirits as they bundled into a waiting car outside the airport

Smitten: The 'Hot Felon', 33, packed on the PDA with the billionaire Topshop heiress, 26, who showed off her tanned legs in a pair of tiny denim cut-offs

Living the high life: The couple appeared to be in relaxed spirits as they strode through the terminal

The pair looked positively smitten as they prepared to embark from Los Angeles for the sacred journey in the Holy Land.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Jeremy to confirm the exact nature of their trip.

Their getaway comes after Chloe denied that she is engaged to Meeks, despite waving a huge faux engagement ring at the camera last week.

'Chloe is not engaged,' her representative confirmed of the pictures in a statement to MailOnline.

Life in the fast lane: The good looking duo were inseparable as they cosied up in the car

Wild thing: Jeremy, who has shot to stardom since his mugshot went viral in 2014, rocked a tiger print backpack

Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe Green on a yacht in Turkey in June.

Last month Jeremy began publicly parading his romance with heiress Chloe as they enjoyed carnival during a sunny Barbados holiday, as his estranged wife Melissa Meeks appeared to take their continuous insensitivity in her stride as she took to Instagram to show off her sizzling physique last week.

The brave nurse, 38, appeared to be beginning a post break-up body make-over, posing in her underwear as she showed off her already enviable figure.

And despite staying maintaining a largely dignified silence over her estranged husband's actions, in July Melissa gave a rare insight into her life post-Jeremy Meeks, as she took to Instagram in a lengthy tirade.

Travelling in style: a beaming Jeremy shared a photo of him and Chloe from their plush first class seats as they got ready to take off

Long haul: the model also got his pals into another shot as the group prepared to embark from Los Angeles to the Holy Land

The mother-of-three, who shares a seven-year-old son with the 33-year-old felon turned model as she took to Instagram.

It read: 'I fed mouths that talked sh** about me. I wiped tears from the same people that caused mine. Picked up people that tried to knock me down. Did favours for those who couldn't do sh** for me. Been there for the ones that left me. Crazy? Maybe.'

Proving she was taking the high road, the brave beauty concluded: 'But I don't lose myself in the hatred of others. I continue to be me because I can't change who I am. Life ain't easy but through the bullsh** I remain solid. Because I know god got big plans for me.'

'Saw this and felt how REAL it was, so I wanted to share it... #haveablessedday #remember #keepitsolid', she captioned the picture.

It's a no! Their getaway comes after Chloe denied that she is engaged to Meeks, despite waving a huge faux engagement ring at the camera last week

Moving on: Meanwhile Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa took to Instagram to show off her sizzling physique last week as she appeared to be beginning a post break-up body make over

Official: Last month Jeremy posted his first public snap with new girlfriend Chloe, heiress to billionaire father Sir Phillip Green's retail fortune at the Barbados carnival

Jeremy and Chloe reportedly met during the Cannes Film Festival in May, where he was modelling for Phillip Plein.

And in July Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with.

He was married to the nurse, who stayed with him throughout his stint in prison, for eight years.

She later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career.

Life of luxury: Meeks sent tongues wagging after pictures emerged of him kissing British Topshop heiress Chloe Green on a yacht in Turkey in June

Family: Melissa is mother to his biological child Jeremy Jr, seven, and Robert, 11, Melissas son from a previous relationship. She also has a daughter, 16-year-old Ellie, and says both stepchildren consider Meeks a father figure

Holding him hostage? Chloe took to Instagram in June, sharing a a photo with Meeks and his manager, before deleting her account due to the backlash

I know it takes two to tango but she knew he was married. To me, thats unforgivable. My whole world has been torn apart by this. What do I tell our children? My heart is broken.

What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened.

Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world.

Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this. And so am I.
She's rarely seen without her adorable baby daughter Luna by her side.

So it's no surprise that model Chrissy Teigen, 31, brought her precious little girl along as she arrived for a photoshoot in Los Angeles on Monday.

Looking every inch the catwalk queen, the brunette beauty put on a leggy display as she exited her car and carried little Luna, one, into a luxury hotel before getting to work on her latest project.

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Juggling work with motherhood: model Chrissy Teigen, 31, looked sensational as she arrived for a photoshoot in Los Angeles on Monday carrying adorable baby daughter Luna, one

Proving she always looks amazing, the wife of musician John Legend turned heads in a bold pair of over the knee heeled brown leather boots which drew attention to her incredible pins.

She teamed her eye-catching footwear with a pretty lace long sleeved crop top and matching loose shorts, which gave her outfit a very boho chic vibe and highlighted her super flat tum.

Finishing the look was a pair of gold-rimmed brown aviator sunglasses and a cream fringed shoulder bag.

On the beauty front, the model tied her dark locks back in a messy bun at the nape of her neck, and opted for a rosy glow and natural looking make-up.

Strutting her stuff: the stunning star flaunted her incredibly long pins in a pair of over the knee brown leather heeled boots, which she teamed with a pretty and ethereal looking white lace long-sleeved crop top and matching loose shorts

No Monday blues! The star laughed and smiled as she arrived at the Los Angeles hotel on Monday ahead of her photoshoot, as an assistant helped carry her bags from the car

There was no sign of husband John, as he was off filming a new music video at a different location.

John, 38, was forced to speak out this week to deny claims a casting call seeking 'out of shape Trump supporters' was issued by his team, tweeting: 'I still think Trump is awful and whoever voted for him did a disservice to the country. But I didn't issue this casting call.'

He added: 'I am shooting a video tomorrow w/ a political scene in it but that casting notice wasn't from our production at all. More on my video soon! Oh, and both sides of the political spectrum have their share of Americans of all shapes and sizes!'

Proud parents: Chrissy and musician husband John Legend, whom she married in 2013, are doting parents to daughter Luna and have spoken about wanting to expand their family in the future

The centre of their world: they welcomed Luna in April 2016 and have been open about using IVF to conceive. Pictured with Luna on holiday in August

Life could get even busier for Chrissy and John soon as they revealed recently hopes of having a second child.

The couple have been open about the fact daughter Luna was conceived thanks to in vitro fertilization, and have said they would use the process again to expand their family.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan, John: 'I wouldn't say we can't conceive naturally, but I would say that it's enough of a challenge where it felt like we needed help.

'We're lucky that we're living in an age where we can conceive in other ways. [IVF] brought us Luna and hopefully it will bring us a few more awesome kids, too.'

He added that having a child is a 'big challenge' for couples and had brought him and Chrissy even closer.

'Going through that together strengthens your bond because if you make it through [having a child], you know you can make it through anything,' he said.

Like mother, like daughter: gorgeous Luna is a frequent fixture on her social media loving mum's Instagram account and already has legions of fans

Doting dad: John, pictured with Luna on holiday, has said he and Chrissy will use IVF again to try to expand their family. 'It brought us Luna and hopefully it will bring us a few more awesome kids, too,' he told Cosmopolitan

Chrissy, meanwhile, has also been open about wanting to expand their family in the future, telling Self magazine in March last year: 'I think I'll probably be pregnant all through my 30s.

'I've always pictured everyone around the table for the holidays and together once a week. It'll be heartbreaking if it doesn't end up happening, but hopefully it will. We've got some embryos on hold.'

She also told Marie Claire earlier this year that she enjoyed the experience of being pregnant with Luna, although has publicly spoken out about her struggle with postpartum depression.

'I would definitely adopt or have foster children. But I loved being pregnant. Maybe I should be scared [of having postpartum depression again], but I dont know. It couldnt be any worse than it was  could it?'
She flew to fame on hit series The Secret Circle, a role which won her critical acclaim.

And Phoebe Tonkin once again proved her acting prowess, as she was spotted recording Smythson's first ever short film alongside Rhys Ifans in London on Monday.

The 28-year-old Australian actress put on a chic appearance as she starred alongside the Welsh Notting Hill star, 50.

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Turning heads: Phoebe Tonkin once again proved her acting prowess, as she was spotted recording Smythson's first ever short film London on Monday

Rocking a military-inspired navy baker boy cap, she let her loose chestnut tresses frame her pretty face, opting for bold brows to accentuate her green eyes.

Teaming it with a matching blue winter coat, the actress flashed a glimpse of her smart Smythson backpack, embellished with a golden zip.

And she was soon joined by Rhys, who put on a dapper display in a checked blazer and polo shirt.

Playing an inquisitive tourist: The 28-year-old Australian actress put on a chic appearance as she alongside the Welsh Notting Hill alongside Rhys Ifans, 50

Another scene sees the actress climbing the gates of Buckingham Palace, surrounded by a cheering crowd.

The film, titled Journey To The Wild Side, celebrates the enchantment of travel and is commissioned by award-winning director and screenwriter Sophie Edelstein.

The story follows an inquisitive tourist, played by Tonkin, who visits London to see Buckingham Palace.

But her journey takes her on all sorts of twists and turns, flitting between reality and a dream-like state.

Adventurous storyline: Another scene sees the actress climbing the gates of Buckingham Palace, surrounded by a cheering crowd

Speaking to Smythson about her time in London, she said: 'Whenever I get to a new city I like to walk around, stretch my legs and get lost. Last time I was in London it was only for 24 hours, so I have a bit longer this time.

'The night that we arrived we were in the mood for sushi (whenever I land off the plane Im always in the mood for a healthy dinner  something rich in greens and nutritious), so we went to

'I also always try and have a glass of red wine that first night, to help me fall asleep,' she added of her jetlag.

Phoebe is known for playing the role of Hayley Marshall in the popular US drama in season four, before leaving to join the cast of the spin-off The Originals.

In June she reunited with her long term actor beau Paul Wesley, after splitting for five months.

The pair first began dating in in 2013 after meeting on the set of the supernatural drama series.

'My partner is incredibly well-versed. He grew up with three sisters so he's definitely been educated about women firsthand!' the brunette beauty said of Paul's supportive traits in an interview with Elle at the time.
She made an explosive addition to Ex On The Beach's sixth season.

And Becca Edwards was as explosive as ever on Friday as she sported a sizzling ensemble while shopping in upmarket lingerie boutique Agent Provocateur in London, where she bared slightly more than intended.

The 25-year-old reality star, who previously dated Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers, opted to go braless beneath a scanty white vest which meant she was showing off the near entirety of her surgically-enhanced cleavage.

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Braless: Becca Edwards was as explosive as ever on Friday as she sported a sizzling ensemble while shopping in upmarket lingerie boutique Agent Provocateur in London, where she bared slightly more than intended

Becca, who emigrated from Newcastle to Australia in 2014, entered the show in episode five of the series, in which she stunned her ex-beau with her emergence from the sea - an instance which led to constant arguments.

While Aaron was enjoying a fling with co-star ZaraLena Jackson, he soon forgot about the Preston-based fashion designer as he locked horns with Becca.

Dismissing her reality star former love, the buxom beauty soon set her sights on Jack Devlin, the cheeky Essex chap who counted former TOWIE star Nicole Bass and Harriette Harper as exes, as she later bedded the hunk.

Moving on from her on-screen flames, the stunning star has now revealed on Twitter than she's got a new boyfriend, who was undoubtedly in for a treat as she scooped a bevy of saucy lingerie from the designer.

Sexy stuff: The 25-year-old reality star, who previously dated Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers, opted to go braless beneath a scanty white vest which meant she was showing off the near entirety of her surgically-enhanced cleavage

Sexy stuff: Becca, who emigrated from Newcastle to Australia in 2014, entered the show in episode five of the series, in which she stunned her ex-beau with her emergence from the sea - an instance which led to constant arguments

All white: Slipping into an all white ensemble to display her sun-kissed complexion to maximum effect, the stunning star wore a skimpy white vest which she knotted at the waist to give a glimpse of her taut abs

Perky: Ensuring it was not just her cleavage on display, she also wore eye-wateringly tight white jeans which showed off her endless legs

Checking things out: She was eyeing up all the sexiest designs stocked in the shop

Slipping into an all white ensemble to display her sun-kissed complexion to maximum effect, the stunning star wore a skimpy white vest which she knotted at the waist to give a glimpse of her taut abs.

Ensuring it was not just her cleavage on display, she also wore eye-wateringly tight white jeans which showed off her endless legs.

She boosted her height with a pair of staggering Valentino wedges, a style favoured by reality stars, while also toting an envy-inducing nude Prada handbag.

Sizzling stuff: She boosted her height with a pair of staggering Valentino wedges, a style favoured by reality stars, while also toting an envy-inducing nude Prada handbag

Blonde beauty: Becca's peroxide blonde locks were styled into a sleek, dead-straight style which she scraped into a high ponytail which made the most of her stunning features and lavishly made-up complexion

Shopping up a storm: She seemed to be plumping for the racier looks stocked by the iconic British brand, which is known for extremely saucy collections with bondage feels

Becca's peroxide blonde locks were styled into a sleek, dead-straight style which she scraped into a high ponytail which made the most of her stunning features and lavishly made-up complexion.

With her Instagram account littered with sizzling lingerie snaps, it is little wonder Becca must keep her underwear stash frequently replenished.

She seemed to be plumping for the racier looks stocked by the iconic British brand, which is known for extremely saucy collections with bondage feels.

Perky stuff: Becca's top did very little to contain her assets as she shopped up a storm
She jetted to Cannes for her friend's wedding, and to enjoy one last holiday before welcoming her first child.

However Ferne McCann perhaps spent too much time in the sunshine on Tuesday, as she revealed she had burned her nose.

The former TOWIE star, 26, took to Instagram to display her painfully red sunburn to followers, as she continued to relax in France ahead of her fast-approaching due date.

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Burning up: Ferne McCann perhaps spent too much time in the French sunshine on Tuesday, as she revealed she had burned her nose

Not long to go: The former TOWIE star, 26, took to Instagram to display her painfully red face to followers, as she continued to relax in France ahead of her fast-approaching due date

The glamorous Essex girl has been sharing a number of snaps from her French getaway, and showing off her blossoming baby bump in an array of bikinis.

However Ferne admitted she had been too daring in the heat on Tuesday as she showed off her recent sunburn - unfortunately placed on the centre of her nose.

Sharing her woes on Instagram, the star admitted sadly to followers, as she zoomed in on her painful and red skin: 'So as you can see guys, I've burned my nose!' to the laughter of the other passengers in the car.

Ouch: Sharing her woes on Instagram, the star admitted sadly to followers, as she zoomed in on her painful and red skin: 'So as you can see guys, I've burned my nose!'

Having a ball: She also shared a snap of her friend Emma Connolly, who is dating MIC's Proudlock, as the pair soaked up the sun on a boat

Later on however, the This Morning presenter turned her attention to her baby, by sharing a photo of her ever-growing bump on Instagram.

Reclining on a sun lounger in the holiday hot spot, Ferne panned the camera to her blossoming belly, which even concealed her bikini bottoms as she enters her last few weeks of pregnancy.

Enthusiastically anticipating her new arrival in the caption, she gushed to followers: 'baby I am getting too excited to meet you. This pic makes me happy...'

Bumping along nicely! Later on however, the This Morning presenter turned her attention to her baby, by sharing a photo of her ever-growing bump on Instagram (above)

She then called on her followers to predict what sex her tot will be, adding excitedly: 'Boy or girl? What do you think...'

Aside from her mishap, Ferne appears to be enjoying her time away with friends - and has heavily documented the trip on Instagram so far.

The reality star, who is expecting a baby in November, first showed off her blossoming bump in a chic snakeskin two-piece as she posed for a sizzling bikini snap.

Giving followers an insight into her pregnancy however, Ferne admitted she was struggling to fight her growing appetite in the caption, writing: 'If you've lost your appetite today... I think I have it.

Stunning: The reality star, who is expecting a baby in November, also showed off her blossoming bump in a chic snakeskin two-piece as she posed for a sizzling bikini snap

'Last day in Cannes. I have not stopped eating on this holiday. Bring me food.'

Ferne is expecting her first child with ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins, who currently faces trial for an alleged nightclub acid attack.

It was reported earlier last month that the former TOWIE star had gone to visit the 25-year-old scaffolder and businessman at HMP Thameside in south London in recent weeks.

Ferne split from Arthur earlier this year, amid allegations that he carried out an acid attack at an east London club, that left 22 people injured.

A source stressed that the couple were 'certainly not' rekindling their romance, claiming that Ferne was visiting Arthur to discuss matters surrounding their unborn child.

The insider told The Sun: 'They are most certainly not back together and she has no intentions of doing so. But she saw him to discuss certain matters, given she is carrying his unborn child. She clearly didn't want to be seen as she went in and kept a very low profile.'

Arthur pleaded not guilty to six counts of causing grevious bodily harm and 11 of actual bodily harm in June, when he appeared at Wood Green Crown Court today via video link from HMP Thameside.

Tense: Ferne is expecting her first child with ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins, who currently faces trial for an alleged nightclub acid attack

Following the news of his arrest, Ferne appeared on This Morning to discuss the prospect of becoming a single mother.

Tearing up to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, the star admitted her pregnancy was keeping her strong amid the tough time.

She said: 'It had been such a stressful, surreal situation to be in but I'm actually feeling good, feeling positive because I'm pregnant.

'I think that has given me strength and hope to get through this.'
Katie Price's terminally ill mother has emotionally revealed she's determined not to die before the star 'gets her life together'.

In an interview on Loose Women on Tuesday, the former glamour model - who is divorcing her third husband Kieran Hayler after he cheated with the family's nanny - went on to drop another bombshell and revealed that she suffered a miscarriage four days before she discovered his latest affair.

Her mother Amy, 64 - who has been diagnosed with progressive lung illness Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which has an average life expectancy of three to five years - insisted she would keep fighting to ensure her the star's life is 'settled' before she goes.

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Heartbreaking: Katie Price's terminally ill mother has emotionally revealed she's determined not to die before the star 'gets her life together'

She said: 'I'm not going to peg off until she's settled. I think its about time you got yourself together properly and took life more seriously and be settled.'

The defensive mother-of-five hit back, insisting: 'Mum I get it off you, you treat me like a kid. We're so close knit, because we've had so many dramas in life we have this defence mechanism. Shes very fit, this is why I don't understand why she has it.'

In another shocking admission, Katie blurted out that she had miscarried her and Kieran's child in the days leading up to discovering he was sleeping with their nanny Nikki Brown.

She said: 'I had a miscarriage four days before. On the Monday I had a miscarriage and then four days later I found out and now this one [pointing at her mum]".

'It's like... Jesus.'

Katie's fellow Loose Women star Andrea McLean admitted such information was known "behind the scenes", but not in public.

In July 2009, Katie revealed she had suffered a miscarriage weeks before the end of her marriage to Peter Andre.

Shock diagnosis: Her mother Amy, 64 - who has been diagnosed with progressive lung illness Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which has an average life expectancy of three to five years - insisted she would keep fighting to ensure her the star's life is 'settled' before she goes

Bombshell: The former glamour model - who is divorcing her third husband Kieran Hayler after he cheated with the family's nanny - went on to drop another bombshell and revealed that she suffered a miscarriage four days before she discovered his latest affair

Tough: The pair shared an embrace during the heartfelt discussion

Terrible: Katie admitted she having one of the worst times of her life, saying: 'She said: 'I had a miscarriage four days before. On the Monday I had a miscarriage and then four days later I found out and now this one [pointing at her mum]'"

Going into more detail about her condition, Amy admitted she was fuming about being diagnosed as she had always been healthy and never smoked

Going into more detail about her condition, Amy went on to explain: 'I was under local doctor for about five years for asthma, I kept going back saying inhalers arent working.

'Then i had a chest infection they said ok go and have an X-ray and something showed up.

'My doctor referred me to a specialist, he said yes, you've got a condition

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis a build-up of scar tissue on the lungs that makes breathing increasingly difficult Usually affects those aged between 70 and 75 Before treatment, around half of sufferers lived at least three years after their diagnosis Symptoms include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath and tiredness Advertisement

'It meas that there's scarring of the lungs and it actually stop you breathing. It's progressive - in the end you wont be able to breath.'

Amy went on to say she was furious to be struck down with such a condition - as she has always worked hard on staying healthy.

She said: 'Ive never smoked. Ive always been a sports person. I go to the gym every morning, I do maybe two hours every morning and Ive done that for years and years and Ive never smoked. And thats why I was so surprised Ive got a lung condition.

'I'm fuming. Im fuming over it because Ive been healthy all of my life.'

The heartbreaking interview came after Katie paid an emotional tribute to her 'fighter' mum Amy after she was diagnosed with a terminal lung illness, days after confirming her marriage to cheating husband Kieran Hayler is over.

Calling her mother a 'fighter' spirit, she praised Amy for carrying on as normal and continuing to 'live life to the full'.

Tough times: The interview comes after Katie paid an emotional tribute to her 'fighter' mum Amy after she was diagnosed with a terminal lung illness, days after confirming her marriage to cheating husband Kieran is over

Devastating news:In a heartbreaking Twitter message the former glamour model, 39, revealed her 64-year-old mother has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis , a condition in which the lungs become scarred and causes increasing breathing difficulty

She wrote: 'Just to clarify for all of you reading.

'My mum has been diagnosed with a lung disease called Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) there is unfortunately no known cure for this.

'As a shock to us all, Me and my family are proud to be supporting the British Lung foundation to help support awareness and raising funds for research of IPF.

'With this we can help in other diagnosis and create awareness for people with IPF.

Love: Calling her mother a 'fighter' spirit, she praised Amy for carrying on as normal and continuing to 'live life to the full'

Unbreakable bond: Katie shares a famously close relationship with her mother, with Amy helping provide care for Katie's disabled son Harvey

Love: Katie wrote: 'My mum is a fighter she is working out every day, going to work and living life to the full please help us in supporting The British Lung foundation so we can make a difference'

'The condition has an average life expectancy of 3-5 years. There are two known pills which if they work can slow things down.

'My mum is a fighter she is working out every day, going to work and living life to the full please help us in supporting The British Lung foundation so we can make a difference.

She added in a tweet: 'Thanks for everyone's supportive messages.'

The news has come as a bitter blow to Katie, as only days earlier she had confirmed she was to divorce third husband Kieran Hayler, over his affair with their children's nanny.

Smiling through it: The news has come as a bitter blow to Katie, as only days earlier she had confirmed she was to divorce third husband Kieran Hayler, over his affair with their children's nanny (pictured here with Katie's son Harvey)

Katie previously said she was determined to stay optimistic following Amys heart-breaking diagnosis  and even attempted to lift her mothers spirits following a recent hospital consultation.

She told The Sun: Shes got something wrong with her lungs and shes been told she hasnt got very long to live. Shes on tablets at least Im making her laugh. Whatever is happening weve got to be upbeat about it.'

Amy, a constant support to Katie throughout her colourful show business career, confirmed her daughter had lightened the mood during her early examinations.

During the tests, which were really quite personal, she was making so many funny comments that both myself and the specialist were in fits of laughter, she recalled.

Thats what I like about Katie  her sense of humour. I was given some bad news. She said, Mum, you havent got long left, you might as well make the most of it.

Emotional: 'Shes got something wrong with her lungs and shes been told she hasnt got very long to live,' she told The Sun

The news comes shortly after the TV personality revealed she was separating from husband Kieran, a former stripper, after discovering his six month fling with their children's nanny.

Discussing the separation on Loose Women, Katie admitted she had thought their 'marriage and sex life was perfect' - before hinting there was 'more to come out' regarding Kieran and their reason for ending the marriage.

She said: 'It is what it is, and what you've read. Years ago I caught Kieran cheating. I paid for therapy to get him help. As far as I knew our marriage and sex life was perfect, our family unit was perfect.

Marriage split: The news comes shortly after the TV personality revealed she was separating from husband Kieran, a former stripper, after discovering his six month fling with their children's nanny

'I employed a nanny to come in and I've caught him again having an affair with my nanny for a year. Sleeping with her in my house - but there's other things that are going to come out.'

Referencing his previous infidelities, she then admitted she had not been hugely shocked by the affair, adding: 'Here I am again! I think when someone stabs the knife in the first time and they twist it, I was literally distraught.

'I suppose this time was I expecting it to happen again? Was my guard up? Because I'm acting completely different this time.'

'My kids are older, they know what's going on and for me I love coming to work. He's got to get help. It's not normal behaviour, especially when you're in a happy marriage.'

Here they come: Katie and Amy were seen leaving the studio later that day

Side by side: Mother and daughter made their way towards a waiting car after an emotional appearance on Loose Women

Cosy: Katie stayed warm beneath a fleece lined hooded jacket outside ITV studios

In good company: Katie's son Junior joined them following their appearance on the show
The following editorial appeared in The Mercury News on Friday, Aug. 31:

President Donald Trump has taken a monumentally bad idea and made it worse by shrouding it in secrecy.

The president should let go of his misguided notion that reducing the size of three or more national monuments would benefit the nation by opening them up to logging, grazing and oil and gas drilling.

The potential damage to national treasures is immense, while the economic gains are seen by a majority of economists as minimal, at best.

Four months ago Trump asked Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review more than two dozen national monuments designated by presidents over the last two decades. Zinke floated the idea and opened it for public comment.

Nearly 3 million Americans told the White House what they thought of it: 99.2 percent were strongly opposed. That didnt deter Zinke. He submitted a report last week recommending the reduction of the size of at least three national monuments  but chose to keep the details from the public.

Coward.

Zinke and Trump have no valid case for shrinking national monuments, but heres their likely reason. It was President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton who expanded the three sites in question. Trump is obsessed with erasing their legacies, particularly in environmental protection.

The Antiquities Act of 1906, signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt, was specifically designed to protect public land from commercial exploitation. Since then, presidents from both parties have designated 200 national monuments.

Trump sees this as a massive federal land grab and says its time to end these abuses and return control to the people.

The people in this case means business and industry  the Citizens United sense of people. The actual public will lose the benefits of the land opened for exploitation.

At the top of the list of monuments Zinke recommends downsizing is the Bears Ears National Monument, home to cliff dwellings, prehistoric villages and rock art panels of ancestral Pueblo Indians in Utah. Obama designated it at the very end of his presidency. The other two are Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Oregons Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

A study released earlier this year by Headwaters Economics, a non-partisan economic research firm based in Bozeman, Mont., examined the economic impact of public lands being designated as national monuments.

The study found no evidence that designating these national monuments prevented continued economic growth. Instead, trends in key economic indicators such as population, employment, personal income, and per-capita income either continued or improved in each of the regions surrounding the national monuments.

All three of the national monuments that Zinke wants to shrink are breathtaking in their beauty. Environmentalists will fight this outrage, and we will cheer them on. But what a shame it may be necessary, despite the overwhelming support of Americans for these treasures.

Stop violence, not speech

The following editorial appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune on Thursday, Aug. 31:

In February, violent protests against a planned speech by Milo Yiannopolous at the University of California at Berkeley drew dozens of police officers  but led to $100,000 of damage on campus as well as damage to more than 10 downtown businesses.

Now a conservative student group at the school that birthed the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s has invited the divisive, far-right speaker back next month for Berkeley Free Speech Week. Yet after deadly protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Sundays latest clash in Berkeley between masked antifa members and conservative protesters, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin sought to cancel Yiannopoulous appearance Monday, fearing mayhem and Berkeley being used as a punching bag.

Thankfully, the university rebuffed the mayor.

We have neither the legal right or desire to interfere with or cancel (student groups) invitations based on the perspectives and beliefs of the speakers, a university spokesman told The San Francisco Chronicle. That follows Chancellor Carol Christs pledge in an open letter last week to invest the necessary resources to ensure safe speeches.

If you choose to protest, do so peacefully, she wrote. That is your right, and we will defend it with vigor. We will not tolerate violence, and we will hold anyone accountable who engages in it.

Amen. Officials should stop violence, not speech.

Lots of voodoo in Trump tax reform

The following editorial appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Friday, Sept. 1:

As expected, President Donald Trump used a speech in Springfield, Mo., Wednesday to kick off his campaign for tax reform. He offered no details, only stilted rhetoric about pro-growth and pro-American reforms that would bring back Main Street.

The U.S. tax code badly needs reform. But White House and congressional Republican negotiators since last spring have been unable to agree on how to do it. Conservative advocacy groups, like the Koch brothers Americans for Prosperity, disingenuously talk about unrigging the tax system, but what they really mean is to rig it further for people like them.

White House negotiators have punted the issue to congressional budget committees. Deadlines have slipped, from August until possibly in 2018. In February, Trump expressed surprise that health care was complicated. Compared with tax reform, health care is a day at the beach.

The last time the tax code was reformed was in 1986, and it took four years and endless compromises between President Ronald Reagan and Congress to do it. Compromise has become a lost art in the past 31 years.

This year, with the GOP in control of the White House and both houses of Congress, tax reform was a top priority for the Republican donor class. It has been imperiled by disagreements among GOP leaders and Trumps inter-party feuds.

Theres general agreement on the goal of boosting economic growth near 3 percent, but vast differences remain about going for the big enchilada of tax reform or settling for minor tax cuts. There are disputes over how many jobs theyd create and whom theyd benefit. And thats even before you invite Democrats to weigh in.

Trump talks a lot about middle class tax cuts, but most of the GOPs proposals would tilt benefits heavily toward wealthier Americans. The Trump campaign tax plan  the only one that was remotely fleshed out  would give Americans earning $48,400 to $83,300 an average annual cut of $1,010. The top 5 percent of earners would get a break of $18,000 a year. The top 1 percent of earners would get 47 percent of all the tax savings, averaging around $214,000.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has long touted reforms that give the richest 1 percent 77 percent of the breaks. Republicans arent eager to defend that in an election year.

Trump is pretending that this largess will trickle down in the form of good middle-class American jobs  a Trumpian version of what then-presidential candidate George H.W. Bush in 1980 called voodoo economics. The idea is that big corporations and super-wealthy Americans will invest their tax savings in Main Street businesses, as they did 50 years ago, not on stock buybacks, exotic financial instruments and huge executive compensation packages.

The devil will be in the details, and the details will not be pretty.

Watch your neck with smartphones

The following editorial appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Monday, Aug. 28:

In his 2010 book I Live in the Future & Heres How It Works, the technology writer Nick Bilton relayed anecdotes about early 19th-century anxieties in Britain at the dawn of train travel. It was thought that people would asphyxiate if carried at speeds of more than 20 mph and reputable scientists believed that traveling at a certain speed could actually make our bones fall apart. So far, that hasnt happened. While adjusting to the future is often alarming, as Bilton illustrated, humans find a way to cope.

A recent article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette drove that point home. Doctors have identified the condition of text neck, found most often in teenagers and young adults who stare down at their smartphones for two to four hours a day. An orthopedic surgeon quoted in the article advises people to simply take a break from that thing. If that proves unrealistic, theres a Pilates class geared for teenagers, which includes a focus on overcoming text neck. The instructor noticed that four girls in a recent class could not drop their heads in a relaxed position during the exercises  a clear sign of TN.

It is beyond doubt that the proliferation of digital devices is changing the way people process information: smaller gulps from wider sources, less sustained attention. When you can pry your hands from your own smartphone for a minute, go ahead and wring them over this decline in intellectual capacity. But the endurance of the human species is testimony to its remarkable ability to adapt. And theres one constant: Each generation is horrified by the decadence of the one following.
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Emily Blunt and husband John Krasinski have put their stunning Brooklyn townhouse on the market.

The couple have had the property for just under two years - purchasing it in late 2015 for $6 million - and are offloading it because they don't spend enough time there.

The actors are asking for $8 million 5,200-square-foot, seven bedroom Park Slope home according to the Wall Street Journal.

On the market: Emily Blunt and John Krasinski have listed their Park Slope, Brooklyn townhouse for $8 million

'Weve been nomads for a while now,' The Hollywood couple are selling up because they don't spend enough time in New York

In the short time they've owned the home the duo did some renovations but kept most of the architectural details including crown moldings, stained glass windows and millwork.

Built in the French Renaissance Revival style, the four-story property has a detailed limestone facade.

'The house is from the early 1900s, and Im a history nerd so it was really exciting to me,' Krasinski, 37, said.

Each room features a neutral decor with grey or white walls and there are several fireplaces throughout the home.

'The house is so specialsomeone who can spend every night there should have it.' Krasinski told Wall Street Journal

Beautiful interiors: The couple bought the home in late 2015 for $6 million and renovated it

Original details: The couple kept most of the architectural details including crown moldings, stained glass windows and millwork

Warm and inviting: The new kitchen is flooded with light and also features heated flooring

Those who like plenty of light when they are cooking up some delicacies might be particularly taken with the kitchen, which has a skylight that runs the length of the room, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows.

The home also has a small paved yard trimmed with a cedar fence.

'Weve been nomads for a while now, but thats the nature of the business,' Krasinski told the Wall Street Journal. 'The house is so specialsomeone who can spend every night there should have it.'

The Office star said that the family travels too much to enjoy the property.

At the moment the couple's two daughters Hazel and Violet, ages three and one, are still young enough to travel with them, Krasinski said.

Cozy: The four-story property boasts several fireplaces and heated floors

'The house is from the early 1900s, and Im a history nerd so it was really exciting to me,' Krasinski, 37, said

Gold touches: The master bathroom features a stained glass skylight and Waterworks fixtures

Karen Talbott and Kyle Talbott of the Corcoran Group have the listing.

Images of the home taken when it was sold to the Hollywood stars in 2015 show an interior with dark wood paneling that the actors have done a wonderful job of updating.

Pictures of the bedrooms and bathroom show walls painted with a buttercream hue ripe for an overhaul.

The multi-national couple - Blunt's English and Krasinski is American - have been on a selling spree over the past year, also selling their Hollywood Hills home for $3.5 million in October 2016.

Calming colors: One of the property's bathrooms is pictured with a soft blue hue on the wall and marble countertop

Eclectic: A contemporary style light fixture adds a pop of color to this dining area

The multi-national couple - Blunt's English and Krasinski is American - have been on a selling spree over the past year, offloading much of their property portfolio

They sold their contemporary triple-story home above the Sunset Strip - bought in 2009 for $1.9 million - to reality star Kendall Jenner $6.5 million in June 2016.

The couple have been working on a project together, titled A Quiet Place, directed by Krasinski.

The supernatural thriller will star both actors and filming will be taking place in upstate New York.

Blunt is slated to appear alongside Meryl Streep in next years Mary Poppins Returns, which filmed in London earlier this year.

Ready to be snapped up: Mid century furniture and muted tones give this bedroom a retro classic feel

Outdoor space: The home also has a small paved yard trimmed with a cedar fence

Overhaul: This image shows the kitchen before the Hollywood stars renovated the property
He has had a meteoric rise to fame after his mugshot went viral in 2014 and has also found himself in a controversial new romance with Chloe Green.

And Jeremy Meeks, who is universally praised for his handsome looks, proved that his talents have been well-placed following his release from prison in a new high-end shoot.

Accompanying the striking black and white snaps, the 33-year-old, famously known as the 'Hot Felon', gave a rare interview where he admitted that he was 'scared of disappointing his son' after previously divulging his less than perfect upbringing.

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New shoot: Jeremy Meeks, 33, who is universally praised for his handsome looks, proved that his talents have been well-placed following his release from prison in a new high-end shoot

Candid: Accompanying the striking black and white snaps, the 'Hot Felon', gave a rare interview where he admitted that he was 'scared of disappointing his son' after previously divulging his less than perfect upbringing

Jeremy has made quite the unconventional journey to stardom after the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website in 2014, following his arrest for gang activity and a misdemeanour charge of resisting/obstructing justice.

The photo promptly went viral, with internet users dubbing him 'the hottest convict ever', and he quickly found himself swarmed with modelling agents hoping to sign him up - a feat achieved by Jim Jordan of White Cross Management.

Meeks made his first official modelling appearance at New York fashion week this year - no doubt, a glamorous affair proving to be a far cry from his upbringing, which he admitted in an interview with Man About Town in April consisted of his 'dad doing life in prison and a heroin-addict mother.'

Hitting the ground running from his prison release, Jeremy is keen on setting a good example for his son Jeremy Jr, seven, who he shares with estranged wife Melissa Meeks.

Past troubles: In an interview with Man About Town in April, Jeremy revealed that his upbringing consisted of his 'dad doing life in prison and a heroin-addict mother'

Doting dad: Hitting the ground running from his prison release, Jeremy is keen on setting a good example for his son Jeremy Jr, seven, who he shares with estranged wife Melissa Meeks

'My son looks up to me': Speaking of his young son, Jeremy admitted that he was 'scared of disappointing as he had a lot of people rooting and riding on him'

Family: Jeremy has one biological son Jeremy Jr, seven, with extranged wife Melissa is mother to his biological child Jeremy Jr, seven. He is step-father to her two children from other marriages, Robert, 11 and Ellie, 16

'Im scared of failure and of disappointing my kids. I have a lot of people riding on me and rooting for me. My son looks up to me. So thats what scares me the most is disappointing him.

'I just want to do my best, be the best Jeremy Meeks and the best father I can be. Thats what keeps me awake,' the model spoke candidly on what keeps him awake at night.'

The confession stems from the very public breakdown of his marriage to Melissa, who stayed with him during his lengthy prison stint. He is step-father to her two children from other marriages, Robert, 11 and Ellie, 16.

Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Topshop heiress Chloe Green, 26, on a yacht in Turkey in June - while he was still married to the nurse, 38.

Former flame: The confession stems from the very public breakdown of his marriage to Melissa, who stayed with him during his lengthy prison stint

Shocking: Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Topshop heiress Chloe Green, 26, (pictured) on a yacht in Turkey in June - while he was still married to the nurse, 38

'It's so hard to put into words': Despite the family hoopla, the hunk proves to be every inch the doting dad, admitting that the most extraordinary moment in his life was the birth of his son

'She did an amazing job': Touching upon his troubled childhood once again, Jeremy praised his sister to adopted him and his brother straight out of bootcamp for the Airforce to give them a 'better life'

'I want to be the best Jeremy Meeks and the best father I can be': The hunk admitted that he was keen on becoming the best version of himself

But despite the recent family hoopla, the hunk proves to be every inch the doting dad, admitting that the most extraordinary moment in his life was the birth of his son.

'It was the most amazing thing Ive ever experienced. Oh, man! Its so hard to put into words. Its so hard to put feelings into words like that,' he gushed.

Touching upon his troubled childhood once again, Jeremy praised his sister to adopted him and his brother straight out of bootcamp for the Airforce to give them a 'better life.'

'She did an amazing job. We travelled a lot. She put her life on hold to better our lives. She had a better living situation,' he reflected.

And while he suffered a life knock back by heading to prison, he knew he had a plethora of opportunities waiting for him on the outside world thanks to the viral memes in his name.

New life: While he suffered a life knock back by heading to prison, he knew he had a plethora of opportunities waiting for him on the outside world thanks to the viral memes in his name

Convict: Jeremy made quite the unconventional journey to stardom after the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website in 2014, following his arrest for gang activity and a misdemeanour charge of resisting/obstructing justice

New career: He quickly found himself swarmed with modelling agents hoping to sign him up - a feat achieved by Jim Jordan of White Cross Management

'It's a blessing': The star, who reportedly prepared for his promised modelling career by doing 500 press-ups and sit-ups each day, has admitted that his new found fame is still 'hard to believe'

Life change: He admitted that modelling was 'very different' from the world he came from

The star, who reportedly prepared for his promised modelling career by doing 500 press-ups and sit-ups each day, has admitted that his new found fame is still 'hard to believe.'

'Its just a blessing. To go from the life that I came from to this new-found career is just so amazing. Im thankful. Gods good,' he revealed - before talking about the modelling game itself.

'Its (modelling) very different from the world I come from. Im learning a lot. And the more I learn, the more I like it,' he stated, before admitting the 'travelling' aspect of the job was its only downfall.

After joking that his 'sex game was crazy', Jeremy got serious as he admitted that his main goal in life was to make sure children didn't go down the 'wrong path', which he had.

Opening up: After joking that his 'sex game was crazy', Jeremy got serious as he admitted that his main goal in life was to make sure children didn't go down the 'wrong path'

He admitted that his passion in life was to: 'I want to help kids and make sure they dont go down the wrong path, those who have no father figures, role models, and get guns out of their hands and show them something different'

All good: Jeremy also confessed in the interview that he was 'very happy. Im in a really good place mentally and emotionally'

Heating up: His candid new interview comes after his shocking new romance to billionaire heiress Chloe came to light, despite him being married

'I want to help kids and make sure they dont go down the wrong path, those who have no father figures, role models, and get guns out of their hands and show them something different.'

Jeremy also confessed in the interview that he was 'very happy. Im in a really good place mentally and emotionally.'

His candid new interview comes after his shocking new romance to billionaire heiress Chloe came to light, despite him being married.

Jeremy and Chloe reportedly met during the Cannes Film Festival in May, where he was modelling for Phillip Plein.

First meeting; Jeremy reportedly met Chloe during the Cannes Film Festival in May, where he was modelling for Phillip Plein

Parting ways: And in July Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with

'Unforgiveable': Heartbroken Melissa later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career

And in July Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with.

Heartbroken Melissa later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career.

I know it takes two to tango but she knew he was married. To me, thats unforgivable. My whole world has been torn apart by this. What do I tell our children? My heart is broken.

What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened.

Melissa continued: Of course Im angry at her (Chloe). What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world'

Wow: It looks like Jeremy's modelling prowess is working wonders, as he cut an extremely handsome figure in the snaps

Going the distance? Meanwhile, Jeremy seems smitten with Chloe and the pair enjoyed a getaway to Barbados last month and are currently in Israel for a pilgrimage

Next step: Chloe's reps also shot down hearsay that she is engaged, after she was spotted flashing a sparkler in a recent Snapchat

Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world.

Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this. And so am I.

Meanwhile, Jeremy seems smitten with Chloe and the pair enjoyed a getaway to Barbados last month and are currently in Israel for a pilgrimage.

Chloe's reps also shot down hearsay that she is engaged, after she was spotted flashing a sparkler in a recent Snapchat.
She was mocked by the girl group Little Mix for her TV advert for Everything 5 Pounds.

But Georgia Kousoulou proved defiant in the name of style, as she stepped out to film for the next series of The Only Way is Essex in London on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old blonde beauty positively stole the spotlight as she showed off her enviable frame in a figure-hugging black PVC dress which flaunted her busty cleavage.

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Daring display: Georgia Kousoulou, 26, positively stole the spotlight in a killer PVC dress as she stepped out for The Only Way is Essex filming in London

Georgia ensured all eyes were on herself, as she strutted down the street in the figure-flaunting ensemble.

The number boasted a raunchy bardot style and injected a slight 80s element with its ruched shoulders and came complete with a daringly low-cut neckline that showcased her more than ample assets and toned arms.

The form-fitting number sheathed Georgia's lithe frame and drew emphasis on her tiny waist, before skimming down to a saucy thigh-grazing length.

Keen on showing off her gym-honed pins, Georgia strutted along in style in a pair of towering strappy, perspex heels.

Stunning: The blonde beauty showed off her enviable frame in a figure-hugging black PVC dress which flaunted her busty cleavage

Risque: Georgia ensured all eyes on herself, as she strutted down the street in the figure-flaunting ensemble

Stylish: The number boasted a raunchy bardot style neckline and injected a slight 80s element with its ruched shoulders - Georgia was joined by Amber Dowding and Ruby Lacey

She injected a further touch of Essex glamour with her immaculate coat of make-up and her locks were pinned back to show off her gold dangling earrings.

Georgia wore her blonde locks back from her face in a voluminous high ponytail that boasted perfectly curled ends.

Her appearance comes after she hit back at Little Mix's Leigh-Anne, after she seemingly mocked her advert for fashion brand Everything 5 Pounds.

The reality beauty took objection to a short clip of the pop princess strutting around her hotel lobby, picking up random objects and declaring they're 'five pounds'.

Beauty: The clingy number drew emphasis on her tiny waist and fell to a saucy thigh-skimming length that flaunted her slender pins

Gorgeous: She injected a further touch of Essex glamour with her immaculate coat of make-up and her locks pinned back into a high ponytail to show off her gold dangling earrings

Dazzling: She and her TOWIE co-stars certainly turned heads as they strutted their stuff down the streets of their hometown

Putting on a faux Essex accent, Leigh-Anne seemingly imitates Georgia's voice in the clip, even recreating one of the poses in the advert.

At one point, the star jokes that viewers can buy her friend for, 'You guessed it ... five pounds', the exact phrase Georgia uses in the campaign.

Georgia hit back at the girl group on social media, writing: 'I'm shocked and upset to see you have used your social media to make a video mocking the advert I did. I'm honestly shocked to see this..

'I have always been a fan of little mix & part of that is because you always talk about 'empowering women' not mocking them & bringing them down.

Here come the girls! Georgia, Amber and Ruby ensured all eyes were on them as they made their way to filming rocking their glam ensembles

'You are the last group of girls I would of ever imagined mocking a girl for trying to make a living ... (sic)'

When fans rushed in, claiming she was taking it too personally, Georgia hit back again.

She shared: 'google the advert and you'll see . The fact she has put on a voice & done the same thing as I did . Of course I'm gonna take it personally xx (sic)'

Georgia told another person: 'Oh okay so because the advert was FUNNY which it was supposed to be ) someone with a MASSIVE following is allowed to take the piss out of me doing it ?'! (sic)'

Brushing off her recent run-in with the songstress, however, Georgia appeared in high spirits as she joined best pals Amber Dowding and TOWIE newcomer Ruby Lacey out in her hometown to film for the show's new series.

Beautiful: Amber Dowding stunned in a pair of white culottes and a leaf printed blouse that loosely tied together at the bust

She told another person: 'Oh okay so because the advert was FUNNY which it was supposed to be ) someone with a MASSIVE following is allowed to take the piss out of me doing it ?'! (sic)'

Brushing off her recent run-in with the songstress, however, Georgia appeared in high spirits as she joined best pals Amber Dowding and TOWIE newcomer Ruby Lacey out in her hometown to film for the show's new series.

Amber cut a chic figure alongside her pals, as she donned a pair of tailored white culottes and a leaf printed blouse that tied together loosely at the bust, flashing a hint of her cleavage underneath.

The starlet sported a pair of studded strappy heels on her feet and finished off her look with her blonde locks styled into tousled curls that cascaded past her shoulders.

Amber opted for shimmering eye make-up and bronzed cheekbones, completing her glamorous beauty look with a nude lipstick.

Chic: She was seen towering over her co-star Ruby in a pair of studded stiletto heels

Sultry! Ruby appeared to go braless underneath an intricate lace crop top that featured a plunging neckline and dainty spaghetti straps

Show newbie Ruby, meanwhile, was clad in pretty all-black ensemble.

The starlet appeared to go braless underneath an intricate lace crop top that featured a plunging neckline and dainty spaghetti straps.

Its sheer design stole a glimpse at Ruby's svelte frame underneath and she paired the garment with a statement pair of tailored trousers that came complete with huge ruffles at the end of the leg on either side.

Sporting a flawless make-up look, Ruby finished off her ensemble with a stylish pair of tasseled earrings and her tresses loosely styled to one side.

Also joining the girls had been Gemma Collins, who opted for a splash of colour for filming by sporting a bright pink blazer that she teamed with a floral blouse underneath.

The gang's all here! Gemma Collins was also present for filming and opted for a splash of colour with a bright pink blazer jacket

Pretty! She paired her statement outerwear with a chic floral printed blouse underneath

Something ticked you, gem? She looked typically in high spirits as she ventured out for filming alongside long-time pal Charlie King

Lovely! A keen lover of the glam look, Gemma donned an immaculate coat of make-up and sported glamorously curled blonde locks

The bubbly blonde completed the look with skinny black jeans and accessorised with a quilted Chanel bag she wore across her frame.

Chloe Meadows, meanwhile, embraced summer chic in an off-the-shoulder embroidered mini-dress.

It came complete with pretty embellishments that added pops of colour along the hem and sleeves, as well as the front of her frock.

It came with a thigh-skimming hemline that made sure her length pins were left firmly on display, along with cute tie-up detailing that featured a tasseled end.

The glamorous blonde enhanced her statuesque height with a pair of chunky, studded heels.

Smile! Chloe Meadows looked just gorgeous as she stepped out in a summery off-the-shoulder mini dress

Stunning! It came complete with colourful embellishments all over and a thigh-skimming hemline that left her slender pins on full view

Glam: Just like her co-stars, Chloe too made sure to sport a glamorous make-up look that came complete with a subtle smokey-eye and a nude lipstick

High spirits: She seemed to be enjoying being out with her co-stars as she shared a giggle outside of filming

Hell for leather: Lauren Pope clad her slender legs in tight PVC trousers

Her perfectly blow-dried locks were styled into a central parting and fell past her shoulders in loose curls.

Just like her co-stars, Chloe too made sure to sport a glamorous make-up look that came complete with a subtle smokey-eye and a nude lipstick.

She appeared in high spirits during filming and was spotted mingling with her co-stars, as well as embarking on a lengthy conversation with returning TOWIE face Charlie King.

The personal trainer rocked a sporty ensemble that teamed a grey t-shirt with a pair of tight shorts.

Sparkly: Gemma Collins went all out in a sequined dress and grey over the knee boots, and carried a box Louis Vuitton handbag

Costume change: Ever the diva, Gemma changed outfits into yet another glittery ensemble, with sparkles adorning the bottom of her leggings

And again! Gemma threw a peace sign as she showcased her third look of the day

Trendy: Newcomer Ruby Lacey plumped for some frilled flared black trousers

Engrossed: She was seen embarking on a lengthy conversation with returning TOWIE face Charlie King

One for the camera? Chloe appeared to speak to him animatedly in the street

Blast from the past: Charlie first starred on The Only Way Is Essex back in 2012 and was famously known for dating ex-flame Gemma

Charlie first starred on The Only Way Is Essex back in 2012 and was famously known for dating ex-flame Gemma - with one of their dates showing the star drawing Gemma as she posed on a couch in a pink bed sheet, re-enacting the famous scene from the Titanic.

He took a four-year absence from the show and had returned last series, where fans saw Gemma enlist Charlie's help as part of her mission to lose weight.

TOWIE is set to imminently return to ITVBe with its 21st series, with the show kicking off with all the action from the cast's recent trip to Marbella.

Baby blue: James 'Diags' Bennewith clad his trim torso in a tight fitting blue jumper

Fancy seeing you here: Bobby Norris was also out in Essex and was seen smoking a cigarette while quenching his thirst with a beverage

Friendly! Gemma, meanwhile, was seen chatting energetically to a mystery man

And he's back! Charlie had taken a four-year absence from the show and had returned last series, where fans saw Gemma enlist Charlie's help as part of her mission to lose weight.
She's an Oscar-winning actress, as well as a successful producer, entrepreneur, wife and mother-of-three.

And Reese Witherspoon offered her advice for women trying to succeed in a male-dominated world as she discussed feminism, racism and misogyny in Hollywood in a striking cover shoot and interview for September's Glamour magazine on Tuesday.

The star, 41, said: 'Run away from a man who can't handle your ambition. So many men think ambition is awesome and sexy!'

She means business! Reese Witherspoon offered her advice for women trying to succeed in a male-dominated world in a cover shoot and interview for September's Glamour magazine

The Oscar-winning actress and mother-of-three - who is married to Hollywood agent Jim Toth - is the epitome of enterprise as a film and TV producer, plus a fashion and lifestyle entrepreneur with her own Draper James line.

Looking fabulous in an orange and white fake fur coat by Miu Miu over a black Wilfred Free for Aritzia bodysuit, the blonde beauty talked about creating a space for all women to grow and thrive.

'Theres no point in toiling away and wasting your ambition on people who dont value your strengths,' Reese added ahead of the Friday release of her new movie, Home Again.

The actress said she was concerned about the tough task minority women have finding work in Hollywood.

Speaking up: The actress and producer, 41, discussed feminism, racism and misogyny in Hollywood as she posed for the magazine

Good advice: The mother-of-three wore a Bottega dress for the shoot as she warned women to 'run from men who can't handle your ambition'

The Wild star revealed she felt like a 'jerk' after asking her friend and collaborator Mindy Kaling, 38, whether she feels 'exhausted' by having to create her own roles.

Reese explained: 'Another thing I think about a lot is how it feels to be a minority woman in America, so rarely seeing yourself onscreen, and its unconscionable.

'When I asked Mindy Kaling, "Dont you ever get exhausted by always having to create your own roles?" she said, "Reese, Ive never had anything that I didnt create for myself."

'I thought, "Wow, I feel like a jerk for asking that; I used to have parts that just showed up for me". I cant imagine how hard it is to write your own parts and simultaneously have to change peoples perceptions of what a woman of color is in todays society.'

'I think a lot about how it feels to be a minority woman in America': The actress said she was concerned about the tough task minority women have finding work in Hollywood

In black and white: Reese modeled a top from her own Draper James fashion and lifestyle brand as she discussed women's issues in the interview

However, the mother of Ava, 17, and Deacon, 14, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, and Tennessee, who turns five this month, with Jim, also thinks families can do a lot to change things.

'Talk to your kids about ambition as a positive trait in men and women,' she said.

And Reese added a message of inspiration to all women, saying: 'All we can do to create change is work hard. Thats my advice: Just do what you do well.

'If youre a producer, youve got to produce. If youre a writer, youve got to write. If youre in corporate America, keep working hard to bust through the glass ceiling.'

Despite her success, Reese revealed she too has had to break through the glass ceiling at times.

Her advice: 'Talk to your kids about ambition as a positive trait in men and women,' she said, while discussing raising strong adults

Kitchen talk: Reese's new romantic comedy, Home Again, is due for release on Friday

Discussing her attempts to get studios to take on board Gone Girl - which starred Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck and went on to become an international smash hit - Reese said it was passed over by all but one.

She explained: 'Ive also had studio heads say to me, "We dont want to make biopics about women", or more simply, "Were not interested in female-driven material".

'My first go-round as a producer with Gone Girl? Every studio passed but one. When the book hit number one on the best seller lists, it was a different story.'

The mother-of-three is gearing up for awards season, her hit HBO show Big Little Lies has eight nominations at the Emmy Awards, which will take place on September 17.

Big Little Lies was meant to be a stand-alone series but due to it's popularity, the possibility of a second installment is being explored.
They tied the knot in a stunning wedding on Italy's picturesque Amalfi Coast over the weekend.

And Lizzy Caplan has now showcased her beautiful bridal gown in as her new husband, British producer Tom Riley, posted the first picture from the couple's Ravello nuptials.

Sitting on the grass and giggling alongside her love, the Masters Of Sex star, 35, dazzled in a striking, flowing long-sleeved white gown and wore flowers in her hair.

Happily ever after: Lizzy Caplan has now showcased her beautiful bridal gown in as her new husband, British producer Tom Riley, posted the first picture from the couple's Ravello nuptials

The producer, 36, posted the image to his Instagram account on Monday evening to celebrate their union.

He joked: 'This one seems fertile. She shall make a satisfactory first wife.'

Tom wore a suit and tie as the newlyweds giggled in front of guests while sitting on the grass in the picturesque location.

The Mean Girls star, had quite the impressive guest list that included Woody Harrelson, James Marsden, Tom Hiddleston, Dave Franco, Octavia Spencer, Dianna Agron, Lily Collins and Chris Hemsworth.

Introducing Mr and Mrs Riley! The Masters Of Sex star, 35, tied the knot with her long-term love, 36 (pictured in London in October 2016) in Italy over the weekend

Lovely: The couple exchanged vows on Italy's picturesque Amalfi Coast in the town of Ravello

Like a postcard: A view from of the hills the town of Ravello; the small Italian town overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea

There were approximately 100 guests, according to the newspaper The Bishopric.

'Lizzy and Tom wanted a destination wedding, and Italy is one of their favorite places,' a source tells Us Weekly.

The small Italian town overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Stylist Ilaria Urbinati wrote on social media: 'Thank you Ravello and the amazing group of friends this weekend.

'I hadn't laughed that hard, eaten so well, stayed up so late, danced, and drank so much wine in way too long.

Happy: The pair first met in January 2015 while the actress was filming Allied with Brad Pitt in London, going public with their relationship at the Prague Opera Ball the following year

The ex: Lizzy dated Friends star Matthew Perry on and off from 2006 until 2012

'And got to witness so much love between two people that I also hadn't been moved to quite so many tears in a while.'

Chef Crescenzo Scotti of the Il Flauto di Pan restaurant prepared the food that was paired with Italian wines.

Caplan and Riley first met in January 2015 while the actress was filming Allied with Brad Pitt in London.

The next year they went public with their relationship at the Prague Opera Ball.

In May they announced they were engaged.

He was there: One of the couple's famous guests was Chris Hemsworth, pictured with Elsa Pataky in Los Angeles in 2016

A star-studded crowd Lily Collins was also at the elegant nuptials (pictured in Beverly Hills last week before traveling to Italy)

Lizzy dated Friends star Matthew Perry on and off from 2006 until 2012.

She has had an enviable career that has included roles in the TV hit series Freaks And Geeks, The Pitts, Related, The Calss and True Blood.

In 2012 she joined New Girl.

The next year she won critical acclaim with her role on Masters Of Sex. She is now filming the miniseries Das Boot with Franz Dinda.
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She was recently spotted enjoying a romantic boat ride with Darren Aronofsky through Italy's famous canals.

But Jennifer Lawrence kept a noticeable distance away from her director boyfriend, 48, on Tuesday night, as she stunned in a dazzling floral floor-length gown for the premiere of her new film Mother! at the Venice Film Festival.

The actress, 27, appeared to go braless underneath the partially sheer yet elegant design and defiantly brushed off the mixed reaction the flick had garnered from critics, as she commanded attention on her arrival.

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Stunning: Jennifer Lawrence, 27, looked sensational as she stepped out onto the red carpet for the premiere of new movie Mother! at the 74th Venice Film Festival on Tuesday night

Jennifer looked sensational in her head-turning Christian Dior dress that boasted a fitted bodice before billowing out into a full pleated skirt around her legs.

The blonde beauty stole a look at her assets, thanks to her gown's low-cut neckline, and showcased her incredibly toned frame underneath, thanks to its semi-sheer top that nipped in at the waist, adorned with polka dots and a pretty floral pattern.

It certainly appeared to make a statement at the prestigious red carpet event in the Italian city, with all eyes following Jennifer as she sauntered past with her frock's netted train trailing behind her.

Keeping her distance: Jennifer posed slightly apart from her director boyfriend Darren Aronofsky on Tuesday night, as she stunned in a dazzling floral floor-length gown on the red carpet at the premiere for her new film Mother!

Head-turner: The actress daringly chose to go braless underneath her Christian Dior frock that featured a semi-sheer bodice

Romance: She and Aronofsky (pictured to Jennifer's left) first began dating in September 2016 after filming had wrapped for Mother! last year

Keeping her distance: Jennifer appeared to sandwich herself between her co-stars instead of sitting alongside her director beau

Stellar turn out: Pictured above L-R; Ari Handel, Darren Aronofsky, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem and Scott Franklin

Leading stars: She was joined on the red carpet with her Mother! co-star Javier Bardem who cut a dapper figure clad in a two piece tux

Star-studded: The duo were then joined by Michelle Pfeiffer, 59, who also stars in the new horror release, and donned a glittering gown that sheathed her age-defying figure

Picture perfect: The trio looked worlds away from their characters in the haunting movie Mother! directed by Jennifer's beau Darren Aronofsky

Beauty: The Hunger Games star's elegant look was completed with glamorous make-up that came complete with blusher-tinted cheeks and lipstick to match while showcasing her flawless complexion

Leading lady: Jennifer had all eyes on her as she struck up a series of poses in her elegant ensemble

The Hunger Games star's elegant look was completed with glamorous make-up that came complete with blusher-tinted cheeks and lipstick to match while showcasing her flawless complexion.

Jennifer wore her shoulder-grazing blonde locks swept back from her face into a tousled chignon and accessorised her ensemble with diamond drop earrings and a dainty necklace around her neck to match.

She appeared in high spirits as she made her way into the premiere, putting on a defiant display amid her new movie Mother! receiving a mixed reaction from critics during early screenings at the film festival.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the much-anticipated horror flick had been met with 'large boos'.

Delightful! Jennifer was perfectly poised as she showcased her stunning attire and glamorous look

It's a handful: Jennifer appeared to master her gown as she maneuvered her way along the steps and red carpet with ease

Red carpet ready: But not before receiving some assistance before making her grand arrival

Oh hey there! Jennifer made sure to give a wave as she sauntered past an array of treats

Like a pro: With plenty of expertise when it comes to the red carpet, she knew exactly how to work the cameras

High spirits: She and Javier made sure to stop photographers as they made their way into the premiere together

Taking its frosty reception within their stride however, the director of the movie Darren Aronofsky had hit back at the response to the Mother! to the publication, suggesting he knew it wouldn't suit to everyone's tastes.

Speaking of the film, he explained: 'I think its a very, very strong cocktail. Of course there are going to be people who are not going to want that type of experience. And thats fine.

Aronofsky defiantly added: 'Ive been very clear that this is a roller coaster, and only come on it if youre prepared to loop the loop a few times.'

What's going on here? The actor appeared to be putting on an animated display as he took to the red carpet

Amicable: Jennifer and Javier displayed their close bond on their arrival, having formed a firm friendship during filming

Close: He wrapped an arm around Jennifer's waist as they posed together while sharing a laugh in between

Ever the gentleman: He appeared to lead the way, gesturing to Jennifer as they walked alongside each other

High spirits: The duo put on a defiant display amid reports Mother! received a mixed reaction from critics during its earlier screening

Smile: Brushing off the controversial response from the show's earlier screening that saw it subject to boos, Jennifer and Javier were caught beaming on the red carpet

Suave: Javier, who plays Jennifer's husband known as Him in the film, cut a dapper figure clad in a black and white suit

Putting on a united front, Jennifer was joined by her co-stars Javier Bardem, 48, and Michelle Pfeiffer, 59, at the premiere.

Javier, who plays Jennifer's husband known as Him in the film, cut a dapper figure clad in a black and white suit.

He posed alongside the starlet, wrapping his arm around her waist, before they were then joined by Michelle.

The What Lies Beneath star put on an age-defying display, as she stepped out donning a glitzy black and gold Michael Kors patterned gown that trailed down to her feet and sheathed her youthful frame.

Ageless: Michelle looked just incredible in her form-fitting number that trailed down towards her feet and highlighted her incredibly toned physique

Gorgeous: She teamed her red carpet look with sultry make-up, boasting a heavy smokey-eye and a glossy lipstick across her lips

Beautiful: The What Lies Beneath star accessorised with a stunning pair of drop earrings

Supportive beau: Michelle was joined at the premiere by her husband David E. Kelley - whom she has been married to since 1993

Hand-in-hand: The couple were seen clutching onto each other's hand as they stopped for photographs together

And pose: Michelle caught the eye in her shimmering ensemble, no doubt wowing onlookers with her ageless looks

She teamed her red carpet look with sultry make-up, boasting a heavy smokey-eye and a glossy lipstick across her lips, while sporting her blonde locks in tousled curls that fell just past her shoulders.

Michelle stars as 'Woman' in the flick, alongside her onscreen partner Ed Harris known as 'Man'. The duo are taken in by Jennifer's character Mother and Bardem's Him, after they mysteriously turn up at their house, leaving Mother uneasy.

She agrees to let the guests stay when urged by her poet beau, who is convinced that their arrival will help to cure his writer's block, and falls pregnant before the movie's drama then ensues.

The movie had been written and directed by Aronofsky, who is now dating Jennifer, with the glamorous couple embarking on a relationship privately in September 2016 after filming for Mother! had wrapped.

Stopping for fans: Jennifer gave onlookers more than they bargained for as she stopped to sign autographs in her plunging attire

In demand! The starlet received plenty of attention from the waiting crowds as they held out pages for her to sign

Following suit: Javier too made sure to meet and greet with the adoring crowds in Venice

Man of the hour: Javier and Jennifer were then joined by her beau and Mother! director Darren Aronofsky (far right) and Michelle

Rubbing shoulders: Javier and Jennifer were seen posing alongside the prestigious film festival's director Barbera

Belle of the ball: Jennifer captivated the crowds as she joined her co-stars at the event

Mesmerising: Silver Linings Playbook star Jennifer put on an enchanting display

Meanwhile, a whole host of stars headed out in Venice to attend the premiere of Mother!, with Victoria's Secret model Stella Maxwell leading the glamour.

Stella was back to her old style tricks as she flashed her trademark limbs in a sizzling blush coloured look, walking the red carpet.

Despite her glamorous arrival, she narrowly missed an awkward wardrobe malfunction as her dangerously high thigh-slit chartered into risky territory while she navigated her way to the venue.

The blonde beauty no doubt thanked her lucky stars for diamond clad hand catching the near-miss as her slinky full-length skirt caught the wind and nearly blew upwards to showcase her underwear.

Tickled pink: Stella Maxwell, 27, was back to her old style tricks as she flashed her trademark limbs in a sizzling blush gown

Near-miss: Despite her glamorous arrival, the Victoria's Secret model narrowly missed an awkward wardrobe malfunction as her dangerously high thigh-slit chartered into risky territory while she navigated her way to the venue

Uh oh: The blonde beauty no doubt thanked her lucky stars for diamond clad hand catching the near-miss as her slinky full-length skirt caught the wind and nearly blew upwards to showcase her underwear

Glam gal: Overcoming the near fashion fail, the Belgian-born beauty - who's parents hail from Belfast - oozed glamour in her silky one-shouldered dress by Twinset which skimmed her model frame with ease

Upping the ante: Stella upped the fashion ante as she added to her towering frame with a pair of statement black heels with a gold frame, while she accessorised her look with a striking diamond-encrusted choker for the evening

Dazzling: And her sparkling display didn't end there as she complemented her statement piece with a pair of drop-earrings and a number of rings across her manicured mitts

Vintage: The supermodel opted to incorporate some old Hollywood glamour into her beauty look as she worked her blonde tresses into a deep side-parting and vintage curl

Doing what she does best: Stella wasn't afraid to pop a leg as she posed for photographers in her daringly cut gown

Show-stopping: Her jaw-dropping display comes after Stella and her actress girlfriend Kristen Stewart threatened legal action earier this week against pornography sites that have published illegally obtained nude photos of the couple

Overcoming the near fashion fail, the Belgian-born beauty - who's parents hail from Belfast - oozed glamour in her silky one-shouldered dress by Twinset which skimmed her model frame with ease.

The dramatic gown highlighted her narrow waist as it flared out to display her incredible lean legs and pert posterior.

Stella upped the fashion ante as she added to her towering frame with a pair of statement black heels with a gold frame, while she accessorised her look with a striking diamond-encrusted choker for the evening.

Model behaviour! Fellow model Tina Kunakey seemed to follow in Stella's footsteps, as she too donned a Twinset design for the evening's festivities

Saucy: Tina appeared to ditch her lingerie underneath and teased a look at her bust, thanks to her gown's low-cut neckline daringly stretching down towards her waist

Fellow model Tina Kunakey seemed to follow in Stella's footsteps, as she too donned a Twinset design for the evening's festivities.

The fashion star looked sensational in the slinky petrol blue gown that framed her assets with its plunging halter-neck style. Tina appeared to ditch her lingerie underneath and teased a look at her bust, thanks to her gown's low-cut neckline daringly stretching down towards her waist.

The stylish number skimmed over her lithe frame, with Tina pairing her gown with a complementing pair of court heels.

Posing with her hands running through her bonce, Tina made sure to command attention on her arrival, showing off her modelling credentials as she sauntered her way inside.

She accessorised her look with a silver bangle on one wrist and matching earrings - completing her getup with a shimmering make-up look around her eyes and a slick of gloss on her lips.

Striking: Actress Rebecca Hall, meanwhile, looked delightful in a stunning black Giorgio Armani dress that featured a glittering mesh overlay and was held up by dainty straps at the shoulders

Glittering: The brunette beauty teamed her attire with De Beers diamond droplet earrings and a stunning pendant to match

High spirits: Rebecca was seen beaming as she strolled along the red carpet ahead of the evening's premiere screening

Sensational: The acting talent decided to pare things back on the beauty front and favoured a subtle make-up look

Elegant: Rebecca stunned on her arrival and happily posed for photographers in her sophisticated gown

Actress Rebecca Hall, meanwhile, looked delightful in a stunning black dress that featured a glittering mesh overlay and was held up by dainty straps at the shoulders.

Seeming to chose a similar look to her fellow guests, Rebecca chose to accentuate her bust in the perilously low-cut Armani design that perfectly highlighted her enviable physique.

The Iron Man 3 star toted her evening essentials in quirky box clutch that perfectly matched her attire and wore her short brunette tresses down in a poker straight style, parted at the centre.

She was joined on the red carpet by film producer Ekaterina Mtsitouridze who made sure to bring a splash of colour to the lavish affair in a vibrant rose-printed design.

She teamed her eye-catching ensemble with a pair of pillar-box red strappy heels, sporting a slick of bold red lipstick to match.

Caught the eye: Film producer Ekaterina Mtsitouridze who made sure to bring a splash of colour to the lavish affair in a vibrant rose-printed design

Extraordinary: Italian beauty Marica Pellegrinelli favoured a royal blue gown by Twinset, that featured a dramatic silk train

Italian beauty Marica Pellegrinelli favoured a royal blue gown by Twinset, that featured a dramatic silk train.

It made sure to highlight the starlet's stunning physique, skimming over her frame while drawing attention to her cleavage too.

Marica paired her gown with a pair of black barely-there sandals and statement earrings that dazzled as she strolled past. Her brunette locks were styled into a 50s-esque glamorous wave and she favoured an immaculate make-up look.

Dancer Klaudia Pepa decided to ditch the trend for floor-length gowns and showcased her lengthy pins in a thigh-skimming indigo bodycon dress. The busty number made for a revealing display, featuring racy cut-outs around the waist and a plunging gold zip at the back. She towered in a pair of patent nude heels and her brunette tresses were perfectly styled into tousled waves.

Klaudia sported a highly-defined brow and fluttery lashes, finishing off her look with a statement jewelled necklace that drew attention to her decolletage.

Busty: Dancer Klaudia Pepa decided to ditch the trend for floor-length gowns and showcased her lengthy pins in a thigh-skimming indigo bodycon dress

Revealing: The busty number made for an eye-popping display, featuring racy cut-outs around the waist and a plunging gold zip at the back

The premiere of Mother! comes after leading lady Jennifer was seen arriving in Venice with her beau Darren.

Director Aronofsky was previously in a relationship with actress Rachel Weisz, 47 - who is now married to Bond actor Daniel Craig, 49 - for nine years.

Meanwhile Jennifer dated X-Men costar Nicholas Hoult, 27, from 2010 to 2014 and was later linked to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 40, for a year before breaking up in summer 2015.

While she is famously tight-lipped about her romantic life, Jennifer recently opened up about her romance with the director in an interview with US Vogue.

Front row seats: Jennifer and Michelle appeared in great spirits as they took their seats for the screening of Mother!

Taking a stand: The actresses took it in turn to receive an applause from the seated crowd inside the screening

In the past: Jennifer has previously dated X-Men costar Nicholas Hoult, 27, from 2010 to 2014 and was later linked to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 40, for a year before breaking up in summer 2015

Enamoured: Completely smitten by her new beau, though, Jennifer said of his work on Mother!: 'When I saw the movie, I was reminded all over again how brilliant he is. For the past year, Ive been dealing with him as just a human'

Speaking about their new horror film to the magazine, the actress admitted she could not believe his 'brilliance' on set, before gushing about him as a boyfriend.

She said: 'When I saw the movie, I was reminded all over again how brilliant he is. For the past year, Ive been dealing with him as just a human.'

Before adding sweetly of their romance: Ive been in relationships before where I am just confused. And Im never confused with him.

'We had energy. I had energy for him. I dont know how he felt about me.'

Hours earlier: Jennifer had onlookers captivated as she ventured to a water taxi to hitch a ride to her big night

Glam entrance: She donned a huge pair of chic shades as she made her way to the premiere, clad in her evening gown

Entourage: Jennifer was seen clutching onto the arm of a female companion, clad in a head-turning floral frock

Easy does it: The starlet was forced to hitch up her gown as she took her seat on the water taxi at the Hotel Excelsior

Mind your step: The beauty was in need of assistance as she made her way to the boat

Enjoying the view? She was no doubt centre of attention during her outing, as she stepped out looking red carpet ready
He threw down the gauntlet in the first week, when making a BLT sandwich out of cake that would have fooled most customers in a cafe.

And Steven Carter-Bailey proved last night that his opening triumph on The Great British Bake Off was far from a fluke, as he created a meticulous biscuit chess board which looked good enough to play.

The 34-year-olds creativity and precision  which saw him top each chess piece with a miniature cake  once again set him apart, making him star baker for the second week in a row.

Steven Carter-Bailey proved last night that his opening triumph on The Great British Bake Off was far from a fluke, as he created a meticulous biscuit chess board which looked good enough to play

He threw down the gauntlet in the first week, when making a BLT sandwich out of cake that would have fooled most customers in a cafe

Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith appeared dumbfounded by his competency for this stage in the competition, describing his bakes as perfect and exquisite.

Responding to being crowned star baker again, Carter-Bailey said: I dont think I will ever get used to this feeling, its alien to me. I have bullied myself so much in my life that finally I am getting praise, I dont know what to do with it.

Although there is no suggestion that the marketing manager from Hertfordshire is anything but a talented home baker, his early performances have led some to question his amateur status.

Some followers on his social media accounts, which are full of photos of other impressive bakes he has made, have gone as far as calling him a secret professional.

Following the first performance, thousands of fans predicted he would win the series, while one said: Everybody else may as well go home.

Another wrote: Not sure where they got Steven from, hes got to be a professional, surely?! #GBBO

Although there is no suggestion that the marketing manager from Hertfordshire is anything but a talented home baker, his early performances have led some to question his amateur status

During last nights episode, which clashed with BBC1s drama Doctor Foster for the final 15 minutes, Carter-Bailey was shown in his own kitchen making an intricate pink wedding cake

One upset fan wrote on Twitter: 'Steven is a fraud. Get him outta here'

Viewer Char Sherm wrote: 'Of course he is very talented but are we 100% sure that Steve isn't actually a professional?'

Commenter James Rock joked: 'That Steven is too good at baking, they should ban him or cut off one hand or something to make it fair'

Kylie Woodgates said: 'You may as well kick off everyone and give Steve the winning prize now'

During last nights episode, which clashed with BBC1s drama Doctor Foster for the final 15 minutes, Carter-Bailey was shown in his own kitchen making an intricate pink wedding cake.

However, he was not the only baker to impress the judges across the three challenges, which included the bakers making 24 sandwich biscuits and 12 fortune cookies.

NHS molecular biologist Yan finished top of the technical challenge for her fortune cookies, and architect Tom Hetherington was praised for his drain pipes and ladders game.

But it was not all smiles and compliments, as Miss Leith dished out some strong criticism for some of the bakers, telling one that she feared she would break her teeth on their biscuits.

But Steven also has many fans on the show. One viewer wrote on Twitter: 'Steven is just a beyond-perfect man in every way'

Marvel-lous: Using the handle Sponge Cake Square Tin, his Instagram account is littered with images of high-quality bakes including wedding and character cakes mastered by the contestant, who walked away with the 'Star Baker' crown in week one

Wow! A representative for Channel 4 earlier told MailOnline: 'The different challenges each week test a huge range of skills over the series and were in place before the bakers identities were known'

Stunning: One of his wedding cakes was of a stunning standard as depicted on his page

The baker's Instagram account shows even more fantastic creations including a Minion cake and one for a wedding

This incredible cake looks the spitting image of a flower pot filled with white petaled flowers

Another incredible cake on the baker's Instagram looks just like a Chanel handbag

Last week, the baker wowed judges and viewers with his incredible creations

The winner: The show kicked off last week, to baited breath following its shock move from BBC to Channel 4, yet Steven stole the show with his illusion cake which was styled as a BLT sandwich and loaf of bread

Overjoyed: Viewers were touched when the hunk was seen calling his mum to tell her he had walked away victorious

The 77-year-old reserved her harshest move for cancer survivor Chris Geiger, when she spat out his fortune cookie and said: I dont think they got to the ovenraw batter is no fun.

Geiger, who also struggled with the showstopper challenge when the biscuit for his sailing boat game was deemed to be burnt, became the second contestant to be eliminated.

He said: It has been lovely to receive so many messages from cancer patients, I have received congratulations from people that have either been through treatment, or currently having treatment.

The letters are so moving, when we read them my wife and I are sobbing away like a couple of babies. Something like that makes a whole sense of the competition, big time.

Because of my illness, we are an incredibly close family. I hope from being on the show, it raises awareness that cancer can be beaten and inspires anyone who is having treatment, that will be enough for me.

Miss Leith dished out some strong criticism for some of the bakers, telling one that she feared she would break her teeth on their biscuits

The 77-year-old reserved her harshest move for cancer survivor Chris Geiger, when she spat out his fortune cookie and said: I dont think they got to the ovenraw batter is no fun'
She welcomed her first child at the end of April.

Yet Storm Keating proved she'd had no problems snapping straight back to her pre-pregnancy weight as she attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the at Tate Modern in London on Tuesday.

Showing off her sensational figure in a sheer black gown, the 35-year-old model dazzled as she walked the red carpet with her husband Ronan.

Scroll down for video

Svelte: Storm Keating proved she'd had no problems snapping straight back to her pre-pregnancy weight as she attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the at Tate Modern in London on Tuesday

Flaunting every inch of her incredible physique, the blonde bombshell donned an entirely sheer gown with lace panels over her underwear.

Ensuring she didn't flash too much, Storm - who was named Sharyn by her parents for fear 'people might make fun of her growing up' - donned a pair of high-waisted briefs to protect her modesty with her skimpy bra.

Wearing her golden locks in loose waves, Storm sizzled as she cuddled up to Ronan - who looked dapper in a tuxedo.

Sheer delight: Showing off her sensational figure in a sheer black gown, the 35-year-old model dazzled as she walked the red carpet

Flashing the flesh: Flaunting every inch of her incredible physique, the blonde bombshell donned an entirely sheer gown with lace panels over her underwear as she cuddled up to her husband Ronan on the night

Storm shares four-month-old son Cooper with Ronan, whilst he already has three children - Jack, 18, Missy, 16 and Ali, 11.

Ronan shares his older children with his ex-wife Yvonne Connolly, who he split from in 2010 after 12 years of marriage.

Their divorce was finalised in March 2015, five months before he tied the knot with Storm.

Chest a glimpse: Ensuring she didn't flash too much, Storm - who was named Sharyn by her parents for fear 'people might make fun of her growing up' - donned a pair of high-waisted briefs to protect her modesty with her skimpy bra

Meanwhile, Ronan has been embarking on the early stages of the eagerly anticipated Boyzone reunion.

Earlier this year, the popular Irish boyband confirmed their reunion for 2018 for their 25th anniversary.

Despite the fact he's been hard at work, the star recently found time to enjoy a holiday with his wife and their newborn.

Blonde bombshell: Wearing her golden locks in loose waves, Storm sizzled as she cuddled up to Ronan - who looked dapper in a tuxedo

Double trouble: Once inside the event Ronan posed with David Walliams

Loving life: The pair seemed in high spirits as they partied together on the night
Newly-single Cuba Gooding Jr. has crashed a party of gorgeous girls in the grotto of a spa in New York City - and there's a selfie to prove it.

The actor, 49, was lounging in the coed section of the ritzy Great Jones Spa in Manhattan's East Village where the women were celebrating a birthday, according to TMZ on Tuesday.

The Pearl Harbor star was partially disguised in goggles and had a towel on his head, but that didn't stop the ladies from flocking to him.

Hot in here! Newly-single Cuba Gooding Jr. was surrounded by a bevy of bikini-clad beauties as he crashed a birthday bash at Great Jones Spa in Manhattan's East Village last Wednesday

Cuba ended up talking to the bikini babes for an hour in the hot tub and even posed for some photos.

One was posted last Wednesday on Instagram by ToniAnn Cusumano-Solarz, a top real estate broker at Corcora.

She captioned it: 'It's HOT in the hot tub #showmethemoney #lol #fun #girls #night #out #nyc #life #thanks #cuba #loving #every #minute.'

The father of sons Spencer, 22, Mason, 20, and daughter Piper, 10, is presently single after filing for divorce from his wife of 22 years Sara Kapfer in January.

Friendly exes: The actor, 49,and his wife of 22 years Sara Kapfer pictured at a Hollywood event in January - the same month that he filed for divorce

The People v. O.J. Simpson actor met Sara in high school and the two were married in 1994.

Sara, a school teacher, filed for legal separation in August 2014 but they didn't proceed with the divorce until Cuba filed.

According to court documents acquired by TMZ at the time, Cuba has requested joint legal and physical custody of Piper and is ready to pay spousal support.

One of his signature roles: Cuba starred as O.J. Simpson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story with David Schwimmer as his lawyer, Robert Kardashian

The actor currently has two films on the go; he is making his debut as a director on Louisiana Caviar from a script he wrote with Eitan Gorling.

Cuba also has a role in the drama, co-starring Richard Dreyfuss, Famke Janssen and Katherine McPhee, about a feared Russian-Israeli oligarch whose banishment from the U.S. sparks a spiraling chain of events.

In Life In A Year, he co-stars with Cara Delevingne and Jaden Smith in the weepie about a 17-year-old who sets out to give his dying girlfriend an entire life in her last year.

Both movies have yet to set release dates.
She gave birth to her second child six months ago.

And Rachael Finch continues to bask in the joys of motherhood, with the model excitedly revealing on Tuesday that her son Dominic has started teething.

The 29-year-old took to Instagram to share a tender clip of what looked like early glimpses of the bub's first tooth.

Mum life: Rachael Finch continues to bask in the joys of motherhood, with the model excitedly revealing on Tuesday that her six-month-old son Dominic has started teething

'I have just discovered a tooth,' she gushed.

'That's why you've been sick I think ... I can feel it.'

Myer ambassador Rachael shares two children with husband Michael Miziner, six-month-old Dominic and Violet, who turns four this month.

'That's why you've been sick I think': Rachael was seen feeling around the bub's mouth

'I have just discovered a tooth': She shared an up close clip of the bub's gums

The pair met on reality television series Dancing With The Stars back in 2010 and later married in 2013.

The star, who is a wife and business partner to Michael, recently told Confidential: 'If anything, working together has strengthened our relationship.'

Earlier in the year, Rachael and Michael launched their fitness company B.O.D. (Body Of Dance) by Rachael Finch program.

Motherhood: Myer ambassador Rachael shares two children with husband Michael Miziner, six-month-old Dominic and Violet, who turns four this month

The four week regime features dance based exercises, healthy recipes, nutritionist-approved meal plans and mediation with the brunette stunner.

'We work out together, we dance together, we do the programs together. So all our business and life is shared. We love it,' she told the publication.

Married life: The star, who is a wife and business partner to Michael, recently told Confidential : 'If anything, working together has strengthened our relationship'

Get moving: The 29-year-old said, 'If anything, working together has strengthened our relationship'

Power couple: Earlier in the year, Rachael and Michael launched their fitness company B.O.D. (Body Of Dance) by Rachael Finch program

Rachael and Michael will feature in the tenth birthday 'power couples' issue of Womens Health magazine alongside Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich, and Michelle Bridges and Steve 'Commando' Willis.

The third runner-up of Miss Universe 2009 and the Latin ballroom dancer first met on season 10 of the defunct Channel Seven series, and began dating after they were eliminated

Loved up: 'We work out together, we dance together, we do the programs together. So all our business and life is shared. We love it,' she said

Happy family! The couple married 2013, and together share two young children, Violet, three (right), and Dominic who is six-months-old (left)

This comes after the Townsville born stunner told Marie Claire magazine that she is teaching her daughter Violet to have self confidence and to respect herself.

'It's important to me that she respects herself, speaks her mind and has her own opinions,' she said, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'That's incredibly empowering. When Violet grows up, I want her to have self-confidence.'
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She had overjoyed fans by sharing an insight into how she achieves her stunning beauty look with a candid Instagram video at the beginning of the month.

And following up her guide to achieving sizzling smokey eyes, Victoria Beckham, 43, has now demonstrated how she gives herself the perfect sun-kissed glow when it comes to her skin regime.

Filming a new make-up tutorial to accompany her Estee Lauder collaboration, the former Spice Girl wasn't afraid to show off her sense of humour, as she braved the camera in an unusual silver face mask, before swearing as she dropped a make-up brush mid-flow.

Victoria, like before, appeared in the clip clad in a personalised 'VB' white kimono robe and with her brunette tresses wrapped up into a towel.

She then went through the motions as she demonstrated how she preps her skin, before contouring her cheekbones and finishing her look with a subtle gloss on her lips.

At the very beginning of the clip, Victoria will no doubt amuse her 16.9million followers on the photo-sharing app, as she appears in bed, pulling the duvet off from over her head to reveal herself sporting a space-inspired silver face mask and shades.

Pucker up! Victoria Beckham, 43, shared the second installment to her beauty tutorial in collaboration with Estee Lauder, promising fans the most 'kissable lips'

Amusing: The former Spice Girl proved she isn't afraid to show off her sense of humour as she paraded around in a space-inspired silver face mask

Funny start: At the beginning of the clip, she appears in bed sporting the face mask and shades while donning a personalised VB robe and shades

She then heads into the bathroom where she ditches the mask, before proceeding to apply a powder to her face, before using a brush to highlight her features through contouring her cheekbones.

Sweeping over the top of her head down towards the lower part of her cheek, fashion designer Victoria accidentally drops her beauty tool mid-video, prompting her to say: 'Oh s**t,' before picking up her make-up brush and adding: 'That was funny.'

She followed up her contouring step by adding moisturiser and primer, before promising her fans 'the most kissable lips' as she added a gloss to her own and blew a kiss to the camera.

Sun-kissed: She then heads into the bathroom where she ditches the mask, before proceeding to apply a powder to her face, before highlighting her features through a contouring

Oops: But moments after contouring her cheekbones, the former Spice Girl dropped her make-up brush, prompting her to cry 'Oh sh*t,' before remarking: 'That was funny'

Finished result: The star was positively glowing as she wrapped up her tutorial

Victoria penned alongside her post: 'The second of my beauty tutorials is here! Learn my formula for perfect skin including my happy contour for a sun kissed glow The finishing touch? My #VBFlatTopVisor sunglasses.'

The star's video is the second installment of her beauty tutorials to have dropped on her Instagram page in the last few days.

It included the products; Morning Aura Illuminating Creme, Skin Perfecting Powder and Aura Gloss in Honey.

The first had shown the fashion icon detailing how to achieve her trademark smokey-eye, as she celebrated her partnership with the make-up giant and displayed the faded tattoo tribute to her husband on her wrist while also flashing a huge diamond.

Victoria's video, named Red Carpet Ready Eyes, saw the star transform from a make-up free look to a stunningly glamorous smouldering vibe.

As she preened and pouted into the camera, she went from bare-faced to red carpet ready in an instant while talking fans through her process while chatting to the camera in an extremely glamorous bathroom - complete with a sequinned jacket in the background alongside a lavish display of flowers and cosmetics.

Victoria described the look as having the 'perfect sexy, smudgy London eye', while also revealing just how she keeps her skin glowing.

Out and a pout: So Victoria Beckham's adoring fans will undoubtedly be overjoyed that the fashion icon has given a candid insight into how she achieves her stunning look as she filmed a new make-up tutorial to accompany her Estee Lauder collaboration

In the clip, she said: 'This is my go-to look, sometimes during the day, but most definitely when Im on the red carpet. I am so excited to be expanding my makeup collection with Estee Lauder and launching a second capsule.

'To work with Lachlan and Estee on the campaign was very special and a real honor. Inspired by my favorite cities in the world, this makeup collection reflects my personal beauty vision.

'I hope it will make women everywhere feel beautiful and confident.'

Bling, bling: The 43-year-old former Spice Girls star looked sensational in the video, which was filmed to celebrate her partnership with the make-up giant, where she displayed the faded tattoo tribute to her husband on her wrist while also flashing a huge diamond

Throughout the clip, the stunning star toys with brushes and displays her make-up prowess, alongside reminders of her famous husband - complete with his faded initials on her wrist and the eye-popping diamond on her ring finger.

Victoria has long moved away from her tattooed image, and over the years she has transformed her look - with her inkings growing more faded with age.

It was reported in 2015 she was undergoing laser treatment to remove the designs, supposedly believing tattoos did not befit the image of a high powered businesswoman after she launched her wildly-successful fashion label in 2008.

The products in Victoria's collection include Eye Palette in Blanc, Noir, Gris, Bordeaux, Smudgy Matte Eyeliner in Graphite, Eye Kajal in Black Saffron/Vanille and Eye Ink Mascara in Blackest.

Smoky look: Victoria's video, named Red Carpet Ready Eyes, saw the star transform from a make-up free look to a stunningly glamorous smouldering vibe
She was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in May this year, more than twenty years after her first diagnosis.

And Olivia Newton-John will open up about her health struggles in an emotional interview, touted by 60 Minutes as 'the interview of the year.'

In a preview clip of the interview that airs on Sunday, the 68-year-old iconic actress looks visibly strained while discussing her cancer diagnosis and the effect it has had on her family.

Emotional: Olivia Newton-John opens up about her health struggles in an emotional interview touted by 60 Minutes as 'the interview of the year'

At one point, the softly spoken star is comforted by interviewer Karl Stefanovic, who also becomes emotional during the candid conversation.

'Of course it's scary, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't scary but I intend to be healthy,' she says.

Karl asks Olivia how her 31-year-old daughter Chloe handled the news: 'How was it to tell Chloe, was she ok?'

Difficult: In a preview clip of the interview that airs on Sunday, the 68-year-old iconic actress looks visibly strained while discussing her cancer diagnosis and the effect it has had on her family

Sympathetic: At one point, Karl Stefanovic sympathetically points out: 'You've had so many battles'

After a brief pause, a teary-eyed Olivia replies: 'Well that was, yeah that wasn't easy.'

In an attempt to look on the bright side, the Grease actress says: 'I've had and I'm having an amazing life, so... everyone goes through something.'

At one point, Karl sympathetically points out: 'You've had so many battles.'

Support: At one point, the softly spoken star is comforted by interviewer Karl Stefanovic, who also becomes emotional during the candid conversation

A walk through nature: The pair are seen walking hand-in-hand while barefoot and surrounded by greenery

But Olivia remains optimistic, saying: 'I'm doing ok.'

The pair are seen walking hand-in-hand while barefoot and surrounded by greenery, and Karl replies: 'Aren't you? you're doing great.'

In May, Olivia shared news of her cancer diagnosis with fans while announcing she had been forced to postpone her concert tour dates in Canada and the US.

Challenging: Karl asks Olivia how her 31-year-old daughter Chloe (R) handled the news: 'How was it to tell Chloe, was she ok?' After a brief pause, a teary-eyed Olivia replied: 'Well that was, yeah that wasn't easy'

The star was first treated for breast cancer in 1992, at the age of 43. She underwent a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction.

The emotional 60 Minutes interview comes after Olivia spoke for the first time about the importance of medical marijuana in her treatment and why Australia needs to take California's lead.

'Its an important part of treatment, and it should be available,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

'It should be available': Olivia recently spoke for the first time about the importance of medical marijuana in her second battle with breast cancer

The actress, who learned in May that breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her lower back, insisted the natural remedy is working wonders.

Olivia also praised California's steps to legalise cannabis, making obtaining it far easier than in back home in Australia.

It also helps that her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, grows the divisive substance on a farm in Oregon.

Important: 'I use medicinal cannabis, which is really important for pain and healing... 'Its a plant that's been maligned for so long, and has so many abilities to heal,' the 68-year-old said

Behind: Olivia also praised her current home of California's steps to legalise cannabis, making obtaining it far easier than in back home in Australia

'I use medicinal cannabis, which is really important for pain and healing... 'Its a plant that has been maligned for so long, and has so many abilities to heal,' she said.

Olivia acknowledged the Australian government's legalisation of cannabis for medical use, but knows that widespread implementation is a long way off.

Then there's her current home of California, that went a step further in the last election, voting to legalise marijuana for both medical and recreational use.

Olivia pledged to the publication that she'll do what she can to 'champion its use' in Australia.

She added: 'Its an important part of treatment, and it should be available. I use it for the pain and its also a medicinal thing to do  the research shows its really helpful.'

The Grammy winner announced her cancer had returned this past May upon postponing a planned concert tour.

A long way off: Olivia acknowledged the Australian government's legalisation of cannabis for medical use, but knows that widespread implementation is a long way off

While she first cited back pain due to sciatica, her doctors later confirmed that her breast cancer had metastasized to her sacrum.

'In addition to natural wellness therapies, Olivia will complete a short course of photon radiation therapy and is confident she will be back later in the year, better than ever, to celebrate her shows,' her reps said in a statement at the time.

The songstress initially was diagnosed with cancer in 1992, undergoing chemotherapy and a partial mastectomy, and subsequently, a breast reconstruction.
A female Syrian Democratic Forces sniper holds a firing point in a building close to the Old City of Syria's Raqa on September 3, 2017, during a battle to seize the city from the Islamic State group

Fighters from a US-backed coalition battling the Islamic State group in Syria walk among heavily damaged buildings in Raqa's Old City as snipers on upper floors monitor nearby jihadist positions.

The smell of decay rises from bodies of IS fighters killed in the battle for the key district as Syrian Democratic Forces field commander Ardlan Hasake patrols in an armoured Humvee.

"We pushed Daesh out of the whole of Raqa's Old City. It was their strategic centre and their main base for foreign fighters," he says, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter patrols inside a building close to the Old City of Raqa on September 3, 2017 during the battle to seize the city from the Islamic State group

"All their forces were here and they tried repeatedly to attack us in large numbers to retake it, but our comrades repelled their attacks."

The SDF announced on Friday that it had taken full control of Raqa's Old City after fierce clashes with the jihadists seeking to defend what remains of their one-time Syrian bastion.

The Kurdish-Arab alliance, backed by an international coalition fighting IS in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, has seized more than half of the city since they first entered it in June.

In a nearby building, commanders lounge on the floor. One holds a tablet computer which he uses to map the positions of IS fighters in a street just south of the Old City wall.

An SDF unit then moves to the front line to strike the jihadists.

Snipers have installed firing points in the upper floors of buildings overlooking other parts of the city.

A US-led coalition air strike hits the Syrian city of Raqa on September 3, 2017, as the Syrian Democratic Forces alliance battles to oust the Islamic State group from its one-time Syrian bastion

One of them sets up a rifle he nicknames "Zagros", after a mountain range that is home to many of the world's Kurds.

He trains his sights on an IS fighter near a mobile phone tower on the edge of the Old City, and prepares to squeeze the trigger.

- 'We pushed them back' -

A coalition air strike slams into a nearby street, sending clouds of grey smoke and dust billowing into the air.

"We're combing the streets around the Old City," Kurdish SDF commander Arkish Siyamand tells AFP.

"Daesh attacked some of our positions today (Sunday) but we pushed them back and the coalition bombed them."

Seizing the Old City has put the SDF in a position dominating the city centre, which includes key IS security bases and some of Raqa's most densely packed neighbourhoods.

SDF fighters use an iPad to map out Islamic State group positions in Raqa on on September 3, 2017 as they battle to seize the city from the jihadist group

Siyamand says the jihadists are likely to try to retake the strategically vital Old City.

The SDF entered the Old City after coalition air strikes punched two holes in its Abbasid-era walls.

Parts of the wall have also been damaged, apparently by clashes.

Cars riddled with bullet holes sit at the entrances to side streets, evidence of intense combat.

In other parts of the Old City, SDF fighters have hung pink and brown curtains across major streets to allow them to move freely by blocking IS snipers' lines of sight.

The SDF's next target is a series of large grain silos around a kilometre (half a mile) south of the Old City.

Female snipers from the Kurdish Women's Protection Units sit on an upper floor of a building, monitoring IS fighters moving around the silos.

Biritan Judi, in her 20s, hovers a finger over the trigger of her rifle which protrudes from a window, the barrel resting on a decorated pillow.

"We monitor Daesh fighters and shoot them if they try to advance," she says.

Buildings in Syria's Raqa show signs of damage on September 3, 2017 as the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces battle to retake the city from the Islamic State group

"We're deployed in this strategic position and waiting for our prey from Daesh so we can smash their heads."
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley speaks during a UN Security Council emergency meeting over North Korea's latest missile launch, on September 4, 2017 at UN Headquarters in New York

The United States on Monday urged the UN Security Council to impose the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea in response to its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency council meeting.

Haley rejected as "insulting" a Chinese proposal for a freeze on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean annual military drills.

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she declared.

The United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea requested the urgent meeting after North Korea detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

South Korea's defense ministry warned Monday that Pyongyang may be preparing another missile launch after two tests in July of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought the US mainland into range.

Haley declared that the "time for half measures is over," suggesting the council must significantly ratchet up the pressure with biting sanctions to be decided in a new resolution.

The US ambassador did not spell out what measures Washington would support, but diplomats have indicated that an oil embargo would have a crippling effect on the North Korean economy.

Japan, France and Britain called for the swift adoption of a new sanctions resolution, but the call was expected to face opposition from Russia and China which maintain that sanctions alone will not resolve the crisis.

Russia and China have called for diplomatic talks with North Korea to address the threat from its missile and nuclear tests.

The council has imposed seven sets of sanctions on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, but Pyongyang has repeatedly found ways to circumvent the measures.

The most recent resolutions, however, have significantly toughened the sanctions, targeting key exports sectors such as coal that are a source of hard currency for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's regime.
Polls indicate popular support in Australia for marriage equality, but a standoff has dragged on for more than a decade amid political wrangling over the best way to decide the matter

Same-sex marriage advocates launched legal action in Australia's highest court Tuesday against a controversial government plan for a postal vote on the issue, calling it divisive and harmful.

Polls indicate popular support in Australia for marriage equality, but a standoff has dragged on for more than a decade amid political wrangling over the best way to decide the matter.

After parliament's upper house, the Senate, last year rebuffed plans for a national plebiscite involving 15 million people, the government opted for a voluntary postal ballot, with papers due to be sent out next week.

Both options are strongly opposed by gay marriage advocates, who argue that a national vote is expensive and will subject gay people and their families to hate speech.

If the ballot goes ahead and a majority of Australians vote "yes", the government would hold a free vote in parliament on the issue, with MPs not bound by party policy or the postal ballot's result.

If there is a "no" outcome, there would be no parliamentary vote.

Anna Brown, from the Human Rights Centre which is representing advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality and Greens senator Janet Rice in the legal action, said she was confident the Melbourne court would rule the vote invalid.

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"The postal plebiscite is unnecessary and is already proving divisive and harmful. LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex) groups strongly oppose the plebiscite and so do we," she said.

"Telling one group of people that their rights have to be decided by a public vote sends a terrible message."

It is one of two legal challenges being heard by the court, both essentially seeking the same thing.

The other, launched last month and being heard alongside Tuesday's challenge, is led by Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and Melbourne mother Felicity Marlowe.

Opponents claim the survey falls outside the powers of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which has been hired to conduct the poll.

They also say Canberra exceeded its executive authority by earmarking Aus$122 million (US$96 million) to carry it out without parliamentary approval.

The government argues it can authorise using the cash under laws that allow it to green-light "urgent" and "unforeseen" spending.

- 'Vile hate and abuse' -

"Our case is very tight," Wilkie told reporters. "It's very much about the power of the executive and whether or not a government has the right to conduct this sort of activity without the approval of the parliament."

The government is expected to make its case on Wednesday, with legal experts saying a result is possible later this week.

Polls indicate strong popular support in Australia for marriage equality

"Nothing in the submissions put by the Commonwealth to the High Court alters my view that the survey will more likely than not be struck down," constitutional law expert George Williams wrote in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull supports marriage equality, but he is battling with right-wing members of his own Liberal Party, who are against legalising such unions.

He has pleaded for respectful debate amid homophobic slurs expressed by opponents.

In signs the debate could turn toxic, a poster emblazoned "stop the fags" was put up in central Melbourne last month and flyers describing homosexuality as "a curse of death" were distributed in suburban Sydney.

Marlow, a lesbian mother-of-three, said since the postal survey was announced, she has suffered "vile hate and abuse".

"Our ability to nurture and love and care for our children has been questioned already on social media, on posters, on flyers, on advertisements in the newspapers," she said.
Tens of thousands of South Africans protest against President Jacob Zuma and the controversial Gupta family in April in Pretoria

British public relations firm Bell Pottinger was expelled from a trade body Tuesday over a controversial campaign in South Africa which was found "likely to inflame racial discord".

The decision by the Britain-based Public Relations and Communications Associations (PRCA) comes after Bell Pottinger ran a campaign which included the phrase "white monopoly capital".

It was carried out on behalf of Oakbay Capital, an investment holding company run by the controversial Gupta family -- itself accused of wielding undue political influence over the South African government.

A PRCA committee set up to investigate the matter said the British firm's campaign "was by any reasonable standard of judgement likely to inflame racial discord in South Africa and appears to have done exactly that".

Announcing the decision to expel Bell Pottinger from the PRCA, director general Francis Ingham said the PR firm had brought the industry "into disrepute with its actions".

"The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agency's behaviour."

The decision has no financial costs for Bell Pottinger, which will be able to operate as normal going forward.

"But they will be doing so with the impact of significant reputational damage," the PRCA's Matt Cartmell told AFP.

"The potential impact on them is large because they've been publicly expelled from the PRCA as a result of their activities," he added.

Bell Pottinger co-founder Tim Bell told the BBC it was "almost certainly" curtains for the firm but said he was not responsible for what had happened.

"I think it probably is getting near the end, you can try and rescue it but it won't be very successful," Bell told the BBC's Newsnight programme.

"I don't take any responsibility. This is 18 months ago... I resigned from the company in August last year, I published my resignation and I said one of the reasons I was leaving was because of the Gupta account," he said.

South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), previously accused Bell Pottinger of having run a "divisive campaign to divide South Africa along the lines of race" on behalf of Oakbay.

The DA criticised Bell Pottinger for promoting "economic apartheid" through its campaign.

On Sunday, Bell Pottinger's chief executive James Henderson resigned from his post.

"Whilst I had no involvement in the account, there were warning signs that I should have heeded. Therefore I must take responsibility," he said.

An independent report conducted by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills released on Monday found senior management at fault for failing to put in place adequate policies to minimise the risks associated with the account.
US businesses in South Korea say President Donald Trump's plan to pull out of a free-trade deal could hurt the economy

The biggest foreign business group in South Korea said Tuesday it supported a trade deal between Seoul and Washington that US President Donald Trump has threatened to abandon, warning of a "damaging effect" on the economy if it is scrapped.

Trump has slammed the five-year-old US-Korea free trade agreement (FTA), known as KORUS, as a "horrible deal" and a "job killer", and said he would discuss the possible withdrawal from it with his aides this week.

"It's very much on my mind," he said.

Tensions are high following North Korea's sixth nuclear test and a series of missile launches, and his comments sparked concerns about the decades-old alliance between Seoul and Washington.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), which serves about 700 businesses in the country, warned withdrawing from the pact will have a "severe damaging effect on the economy" and lead to a "deterioration" of ties.

The trade deal has had a "positive influence" on both economies and most of its members had seen "noteworthy benefits", it said, making clear: "The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea supports the ongoing implementation of the KORUS FTA."

"Now is the time to further solidify the US-Korea alliance given the continued provocation from North Korea," it added.

Trump's push to revise the deal is part of his wider drive to cut his nation's trade deficits with a number of countries including South Korea, a key Asian ally.

The US is the South's second-biggest trading partner after China.

The US trade deficit with the South has more than doubled since the pact took effect in 2012, from $13.2 billion in 2011 to $27.6 billion last year, according to US data.

AMCHAM said US exports rose more than 20 percent in the first half of this year, adding: "It appears that the trade deficit is declining."

The automobile sector accounted for 80 percent of the US trade deficit with South Korea, it added.
Pakistan has been battling Islamist, ethnic and political insurgencies for decades but violence has been reduced in recent years

Eight people including four security personnel have been killed in three separate clashes with militants in southwest Pakistan and Karachi, officials said on Tuesday.

In a major attack on Monday, militants ambushed a Frontier Corps convoy in Panjgoor district of Balochistan province, killing three personnel including a lieutenant colonel and wounding three others.

Nobody has so far claimed the attack in Panjgoor, 520 kilometres (320 miles) southwest of Quetta, but a security official said it was presumably carried out by Baloch separatists.

In a separate incident, police in the southern city of Karachi killed four suspected Pakistani Taliban militants in a shootout.

"We have killed four militants including a cousin of the chief of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulvi Fazlullah in an exchange of fire," Rao Anwar Ahmed, a senior police official in Karachi, told AFP.

"We had raided a hideout in Malir area but it led to the shootout," he said.

In another incident in Karachi, suspected militants killed a police official and wounded another when they raided a house to detain a suspect for an assassination attempt on an MP, which took place on Saturday.

Two people --- a 10-year-old boy and a security guard -- were killed in that attack.

Pakistan has been battling Islamist, ethnic and political insurgencies for decades but violence has been reduced in recent years following military operations across the country.
The plane carrying 233 passengers and 15 crew members landed safely at Tokyo's Haneda airport an hour after taking off

A Japan Airlines flight bound for New York made an emergency landing at a Tokyo airport on Tuesday due to engine trouble, the company said.

The Boeing 777 carrying 233 passengers and 18 crew took off from Tokyo's Haneda airport at 11:00 am (0200 GMT) but returned to land safely an hour later.

The company had earlier said a bird strike could have been the cause of the incident, but later said it had found no evidence to support the theory.

"We did not find any trace that indicates a bird strike," a JAL spokesman told AFP. "We're still investigating what caused the engine trouble."

Private broadcaster TBS showed footage of one of the plane's engines catching fire as it took off.

"Right after taking off, we heard five bangs and the plane shook," a 57-year-old passenger told public broadcaster NHK after landing.

"But all the passengers were calm," he said.

"I was nervous at first. I'm glad we were able to come back safely," said a 17-year-old high school student.

A land ministry official said a grass field next to one of the four runways briefly caught fire after the JAL jet departed but was soon extinguished.

"We closed this runway as there may be some parts that dropped from the plane," he said.

The airline said there was no damage to the plane's structure or injuries to passengers or crew. No major delays were caused by the incident.

Haneda -- officially known as Tokyo International Airport -- is the world's fifth-busiest airport, according to Airports Council International, handling more than 75 million passengers each year.
Kem Sokha was arrested early Sunday in a swoop by hundreds of security forces at his home in the Cambodian capital

A Cambodian court on Tuesday charged opposition leader Kem Sokha with treason and espionage over an alleged conspiracy with unnamed foreigners, a charge that carries up to 30 years in jail.

He is accused of conniving in a "secret plan" with foreign entities which began in 1993, according to a court statement.

Evidence of a conspiracy was substantial enough to charge the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) chief under the penal code section for "treason and espionage", it added.

Kem Sokha was arrested early Sunday in a swoop by hundreds of security forces at his home in the Cambodian capital.

Hours later strongman premier Hun Sen accused the politician of being in cahoots with the United States, although he provided no evidence in a typically bombastic speech.

Kem Sokha's surprise arrest further raises the political temperature in Cambodia.

Hun Sen's opponents, NGOs and the critical press have been smothered by court cases and threats ahead of a crunch general election next year.

Hun Sen is determined to extend his three decade rule and withstand the burgeoning popularity of the CNRP.

On Monday The Cambodia Daily, one of the last independent newspapers in the kingdom, was shuttered bya tax claim it says is trumped up to muzzle its critical reporting.
Inmates during a morning headcount inside Quezon City Jail in Manila

Accused murderer Manuel Cerna has languished in a Philippine jail for 15 years without a verdict, one of countless inmates enduring interminable trials that are expected to get longer as an unrelenting drug war overwhelms the courts.

A notoriously slow and under-resourced judicial system has seen a "tidal wave" of new cases as police have conducted a nationwide crime crackdown in response to President Rodrigo Duterte's order to eradicate all illegal drugs from Philippine society.

The case of Cerna, 60, who almost died of tuberculosis in one of the nation's most overcrowded jails as his hearings dragged on, is not unusual in that his time in jail while on trial is close to reaching the minimum sentence.

The Philippines' notoriously slow and under-resourced judicial system has seen a 'tidal wave' of new cases due to a nationwide war on drugs

"I get depressed. Some others here committed suicide because their wives left them. They lost all hope of freedom," Cerna told AFP in the Manila jail surrounded by rusting barbed wire and the stench of rotting food.

So-called "decader" inmates -- because they have spent 10 years or more behind bars while on trial -- are a symptom of a deeply flawed justice system that helped fuel Duterte's rise to the presidency last year.

Some inmates have spent 10 or more years behind bars while on trial -- a symptom of a deeply flawed justice system

Duterte won the elections on a brutal law-and-order platform, promising swift justice chiefly by killing tens of thousands of criminals and a no-mercy stance on convicted criminals who he said could not be rehabilitated.

Duterte's police have indeed shot dead thousands of people as they have scoured slums hunting drug traffickers and addicts, leading rights groups to express alarm at what they say are a wave of extrajudicial killings.

This has undoubtedly avoided many trials.

But another 96,700 people have also been arrested as part of the drug war since Duterte came to power, according to the presidential spokesman, adding to pressure on jails that were already nearly six times more crowded than they were built for.

Defendants often have to wait months between hearings, only for the session to be delayed because a judge is sick, a prosecutor fails to show up or a lawyer has another engagement. Sometimes the case gets reassigned to a new judge and the whole process starts from scratch.

President Rodrigo Duterte's order to eradicate all illegal drugs from Philippine society has resulted in 96,700 people being arrested since he came to power

In other cases, public attorneys assigned to defend poor suspects change jobs without handing over crucial documents to their replacement, or worse, files get lost, and again the defendant is back at square one.

- 'Vicious cycle' -

"There is a tidal wave flooding the judiciary. (But) there is no attendant increase in the number of courts, judges, prosecutors and public attorneys," Raymund Narag, assistant professor at Southern Illinois University in the United States, told AFP.

"Extrajudicial killings are justified for Filipinos because of the failure of the criminal justice system. It becomes a vicious cycle."

Conditions inside the massively overcrowded jails are squalid and cramped

Trials nationwide last an average of six to 10 years, according to prominent human rights lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno.

A Supreme Court task force on prison decongestion last year also said "an innocent man is jailed for at least five years before he is eventually acquitted".

One of the key problems is simply a lack of courts, prosecutors and judges.

There are just 2,600 criminal, civilian and other types of courts for a population of 100 million, Supreme Court administrator Midas Marquez told AFP.

Thirty percent of those courts have no judges, according to Marquez's office.

This leaves the others with impossible tasks, with judges having to handle up to 5,000 cases at any one time, Marquez said.

- 'Band-aid' solutions -

The Supreme Court has in recent years sought to do what it can, such as by introducing computerised records and setting up a system to lock in a firm timetable for hearings. Otherwise many months pass without hearings taking place.

Inmates eat their lunch inside the Quezon City Jail in Manila

"(But) these initiatives are band-aid solutions. What we need are institutional solutions like adding courts and funding them, which require the support of congress and the executive (branch)," Marquez said.

The government is fast-tracking the hiring of hundreds of prosecutors and improving staff training, justice department undersecretary Antonio Kho told AFP.

Duterte has also promised to pour extra funds into the penal system next year.

But he has also repeatedly made comments that have raised questions about his administration's intent on improving the nation's jails and prisons.

"I prefer that they (inmates) sleep standing," Duterte said in March when discussing the problem of packed jails.

In a lengthy assessment of the justice system, Duterte, 72, last month also claimed many prisoners wanted to stay behind bars because they became homosexuals while serving time and enjoyed regular meals.

"They don't want to go out. Because the food is free and their lover, they are in love, they want to stay there," Duterte said, as he insisted people could not be rehabilitated in the Philippines' jails.

"They are already monsters."

However Cerna, the alleged murderer, insists he is innocent and mourns the wasted years trapped behind bars away from his family.

"When my mother died, I wanted to break down. I wanted to shout but all I could do was cry," said Cerna, whose real name cannot be disclosed while his case is pending, recalling how he was desperate to help her.

"I wasn't able to serve her in her dying years."
Young immigrants and their supporters rally in support of the program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in Los Angeles

President Donald Trump plans to announce Tuesday his decision on whether to end an amnesty for hundreds of thousands of people brought to America illegally as minors and who for the most part are thoroughly integrated into US society.

His predecessor Barack Obama implemented the s0-called DACA program -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals -- five years ago to help bring these young immigrants out of the shadows of illegality, permitting them to study and work without fear.

The debate over DACA has been intense on both sides. For days White House officials have insisted that numerous options are under study, warning against any hasty conclusions before the official announcement.

But one reporting line has repeatedly surfaced: that the US president, determined to keep a central pledge to his political base to fight illegal immigration, plans to end the symbolically important program after a six-month delay intended to give Congress time to find a solution for the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," most of them from Latin America.

Several Republican lawmakers have warned against the temptation to cancel the popular program outright, a decision that could lead to the expulsion of many Dreamers.

Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma summed up the concern of many, saying that "we as Americans do not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parents."

But the prospects of a badly divided Congress reaching a compromise in months on a subject that has eluded agreement for years -- immigration -- seem dim.

Trump, despite his inflammatory campaign-trail diatribes against immigration, has publicly agonized and equivocated over the fate of the young immigrants since arriving in the White House.

Calling his decision one of the most difficult facing him, he has promised to deal with DACA with "great heart."

"We love the Dreamers," he said Friday during a brief exchange with reporters in the Oval Office.

He added, "We love everybody."

- Silicon Valley headwinds -

President Donald Trump said last week "we love the Dreamers" but news reports say he will end the symbolically important DACA program after a six-month delay intended to give Congress time to find a solution for the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," most of them from Latin America

Trump advisers indicated over the weekend that the president's decision would be guided as well by economic considerations.

The president "wants to do what's fair to the American worker, what's fair to people in this country who are competing for jobs," Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox News.

Much of the business world, and particularly the high-tech firms of California's Silicon Valley, stands firmly against a DACA repeal. The program offers the equivalent of a residence permit -- renewable every two years -- to young people who were under 16 when they arrived and who have no criminal record.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed his profile on the social network on Saturday, adding a simple message to his photo: "#Here to Stay -- I support DACA."

CEO Tim Cook similarly offered strong backing for the 250 of his colleagues at Apple who are Dreamers. "I stand with them," he said. "They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values."

Trump's widely awaited decision might also prompt Obama to speak out.

During his final White House news conference, on January 18, Obama said he wanted to stay out of the spotlight, but he also listed the conditions that might cause him to break his silence if the country's "fundamental values" were under threat.

"I would put in that category efforts to round up kids who have grown up here and for all practical purposes are American kids and send them someplace else," Obama said, noting that many were attending community colleges or even serving in the military.

"The notion that we would just arbitrarily, or because of politics, punish those kids when they didn't do anything wrong themselves, I think, would be something that would merit me speaking out."
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet during the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, southeastern China's Fujian Province

Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Tuesday to move past a tense border dispute with India, telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi the two nuclear-armed neighbours should pursue "healthy, stable" relations, according to China's state media.

The exchange occurred on the sidelines of the just-ended summit of BRICS emerging economies hosted by Xi in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Xi told Modi that "healthy, stable bilateral ties" were "in line with the fundamental interests" of the neighbours, the official Xinhua news agency said.

"China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence which were put forward by both countries to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track," the report quoted him as saying.

An Indian foreign ministry spokesman also tweeted that the two leaders had a "constructive and forward-looking" talk.

Map locating the Doklam plateau in the Himalayas, at the centre of a dispute between China and India

Armed forces of the two countries engaged in a bitter, weeks-long military confrontation in a disputed and strategically important Himalayan area.

The contested area, Doklam, is claimed by both China and Bhutan, an ally of India.

The stand-off began on June 16 when Chinese troops started building a road in the area.

India deployed troops to stop the construction project, prompting Beijing to accuse it of trespassing on Chinese soil and sparking one of the worst crises in decades between the two countries, which have a history of mistrust.

The confrontation dragged on as China repeatedly demanded India withdraw its troops before any proper negotiation could take place, while India countered that both sides should withdraw their forces together.

They backed off only last week, possibly to prevent the dispute from marring the summit of the five-nation BRICS, which also includes Brazil, Russia and South Africa.

The two nuclear powers engaged in a bitter, weeks-long military confrontation in a disputed and strategically important area in the Himalayas but backed off last week

The summit had been carefully stage-managed by hosts China to project an image of developing-world solidarity.

New Delhi announced early last week that both countries were pulling back their border forces, while Beijing said only that India had withdrawn "all its border personnel and equipment that were illegally on the Chinese territory".

Afterward, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing "hopes the Indian side will learn lessons from this incident and prevent similar things from happening again".

India does not claim Doklam for itself but is closely allied with Bhutan, which it regards as a buffer against rival China to the north.

India and China have a long history of mistrust and went to war in 1962 over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The city's Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) has relayed the BBC World Service live since 1978 but early morning Monday, listeners woke up to the mandarin broadcast of the China National Radio Hong Kong Edition (CNR)

Hong Kong's public radio station has replaced its 24-hour BBC World Service broadcast with Chinese state-run programming, in a move the British broadcaster called "disappointing" as concerns grow over Beijing's influence on the semi-autonomous city.

Listeners woke up on Monday morning to the Mandarin-language broadcast of the China National Radio Hong Kong Edition (CNR), instead of the World Service, which had been relayed live by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) since 1978.

The BBC said it was "always disappointed when a service our listeners are used to changes" with listeners launching a petition to bring back the World Service.

RTHK has a number of different channels offering some programmes in English. The World Service was broadcast on Channel 6, which is now playing CNR.

The CNR broadcast includes news, culture and lifestyle programming mostly in Mandarin -- the language most commonly spoken in mainland China.

Only some of its content is in Cantonese, which is the dominant language of Hong Kong, leading to criticism that this was another step towards the "mainlandisation" of Hong Kong.

RTHK is still running a reduced version of the World Service on a different channel, but only late at night, from 11pm to 7am.

China stands accused of tightening its grip on Hong Kong, with critics also blaming the pro-Beijing local government for acting as a puppet.

The jailing of prominent young pro-democracy activists last month and the unveiling of a controversial rail link to the mainland that would see a portion of the city come under Chinese law have worsened fears the city's cherished freedoms are being eroded.

An online petition against the change to the World Service programming had received over 1,000 signatures by Tuesday morning.

"The removal of the BBC World Service from the airwaves makes the city feel more parochial and inward-looking," the petition said.

Longtime resident Alex Hofford, who organised the petition, said he had nothing against the CNR broadcast but does not believe it should have come at the expense of the BBC.

"This is a sad day for Hong Kong, I'll really miss the Beeb as I drive around Hong Kong during the day," Hofford said.

RTHK's head of corporate communications Amen Ng told AFP Tuesday that it was a "difficult decision" due to "limited radio frequency".

She described the CNR broadcast as "tailor-made" for Hong Kong.

"This is a cultural exchange between mainland China and Hong Kong," Ng added.

Hong Kong was handed back to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement designed to protect its freedoms and way of life, but there are growing concerns those rights are now under threat.
Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watch (HRW) Executive Director

Human Rights Watch on Tuesday accused Beijing of sabotaging United Nations efforts to promote rights and slammed the world body for often capitulating to Chinese pressure.

"China engages with the UN on human rights but often with the goal of aggressively silencing criticism and eroding access for activists who work on China," HRW chief Kenneth Roth said in a statement.

He acknowledged that China was far from the only country misbehaving at the United Nations.

"But its Security Council membership, global influence, and fierce crackdown on civil society at home make it a model of bad faith that challenges the integrity of the UN rights system," he warned.

His comments came as the organisation launched a new report detailing Chinese efforts to harass independent activists, mainly from China, who attempt to participate in UN human rights forums.

Chinese officials for instance routinely photograph and film activists on UN premises, in violation of UN rules, and bar Chinese activists from travelling to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, HRW pointed out.

Beijing has also used its clout to block non-governmental organisations critical of China from receiving UN accreditation and has managed to blacklist accredited activists from taking part in UN events.

HRW acknowledged that taken individually, the Chinese actions might not seem so serious.

"But taken together, they amount to what appears to be a systematic attempt to subvert the ability of the UN human rights system to confront abuses in China and beyond," the report said.

In the most egregious case, Chinese authorities detained activist Cao Shunli in 2013 as she attempted to travel to Geneva ahead of a UN review of China's rights record.

She died in custody.

With China scheduled for the next so-called Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record in 2018, the organisation voiced concern that many Chinese activists might opt to stay away.

Shunli's death "sends a signal to anybody who dares to stand up to Xi Jinping and his government," Roth told AFP.

HRW's report also decried that the UN often folds to pressure from China.

It pointed to the example of well-known ethnic Uyghur activist Dolkun Isa who in April was ejected without explanation from the UN headquarters in New York, despite being fully accredited to participate in a forum on indigenous issues.

"Unless the UN and concerned governments put a stop to China's efforts to manipulate or weaken UN human rights mechanisms, the UN's credibility and indeed its ability to defend rights in China and around the globe are at risk," Roth warned.
Palestinian Fahamiya Shamasneh, 75, cries as Israeli policemen evict her from her family home, in which they lived for over half a century, in the Arab neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in east Jerusalem, on September 5, 2017

Israeli police on Tuesday evicted a Palestinian family from the east Jerusalem home in which they lived for over half a century, making way for Israelis deemed the legal occupants.

Plans for the eviction had been criticised by the European Union, United Nations and various Western governments, though not the United States.

Fahamiya Shamasneh, 75, told AFP police arrived unannounced before dawn and forced her out of the house along with her husband Ayoub, 84, their son and his family.

The couple had lived in the house in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem near the historic Old City for 53 years.

An AFP journalist saw young Jewish men moving into the building after the family were escorted out.

"It is the hardest day," Fahamiya Shamasneh said tearfully on the street after being evicted.

She said she was heating milk for her grandchildren when "they knocked on the door and said 'open its the police'.

"They took us out and threw us outside.

"What greater injustice is there than this? Maybe we will sleep in the street."

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it would seek to support the family financially to find another home.

The Shamasnehs had for years been fighting a court battle against Jewish claimants who said the building was their family property, which they fled when east Jerusalem was occupied by Jordanian troops in the 1948 war that led to the creation of the Jewish state.

Under Israeli law, if Jews can prove their families lived in east Jerusalem homes before the 1948 war they can demand that Israel's general custodian office release the property and return their "ownership rights".

During that war, thousands of Jews fled Jerusalem as Jordanian-led Arab forces seized the city, while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled from land that was later to become Israel.

No such law exists for Palestinians who lost their land.

- 'Dangerous trend' -

The Shamasnehs say they had paid 250 shekels ($70) a month to the general custodian since 1967, an arrangement used by the settlers' side as proof that the family acknowledged its status as tenants.

Israeli policemen evict Palestinian Ayoub Shamasneh, 84, from his family home, in which they lived for over half a century, in the Arab neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in east Jerusalem, on September 5, 2017

In 2013 the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Jewish claimants.

Tuesday's eviction was the first in the neighbourhood since 2009, according to Israeli anti-occupation group Peace Now.

Israel sees Jerusalem as its undivided capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern sector as their future capital.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

Around 200,000 Israeli Jews now live in east Jerusalem in settlement homes considered illegal under international law.

Scott Anderson, head of UNRWA's West Bank operations, said such expulsions made peace between Israelis and Palestinians harder to achieve.

"We all support the two-state solution and a negotiated peace process. The expansion of settlements is not helpful to that end," he told AFP.

Peace Now says the house is part of a larger process of establishing settlements in Sheikh Jarrah.

"The eviction of the Shamasneh family, who resided in the house since 1964, is not only brutal but it is also indicating a dangerous trend that could threaten a future compromise in Jerusalem," the Israeli NGO said in a statement.

Arye King, director at the Israel Land Fund and a de facto spokesman for much Jewish settlement growth in Jerusalem, told AFP last month he wanted the area to go "back to being a Jewish neighbourhood".

"It is happening slowly, slowly," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday of a global "catastrophe" unless a diplomatic solution is reached over North Korea, rejecting US calls for further sanctions on Pyongyang as useless

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday of a global catastrophe unless a diplomatic solution is reached over North Korea, but rejected US calls for more sanctions as "useless", widening a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang.

Putin's comments appeared to draw the lines for a clash at the United Nations pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies.

The US on Monday demanded the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a missile.

The announcement dramatically upped the stakes in its standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to seven sets of UN Security Council sanctions so far.

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As well as the US, South Korea and Japan, plus permanent Security Council members France and Britain, have called for stronger measures against it, with several arguing for a potentially crippling oil embargo.

But Putin made clear that Russia was opposed to further interdictions, and while China -- North Korea's patron and closest political and economic partner -- has yet to be drawn on the issue, it tends to resist placing pressure on Pyongyang.

- 'Planetary catastrophe' -

Putin, speaking after an international gathering in China, said Russia condemned North Korea's "provocative" actions.

But he called for dialogue and warned against other actions that could escalate the crisis.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims."

World powers are scrambling to react to the latest ominous advance in the North's rogue weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring.

US President Donald Trump has approved in principle the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" for South Korea, the White House said Monday.

South Korea said it fired a volley of ballistic missiles on Monday to simulate an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by major live-fire drills at sea.

South Korea carried out major live-fire drills at sea in a show of resolve after North Korea's provocations

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Washington would present a new sanctions resolution for debate in the coming days.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said existing measures not worked and accused North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un of "begging for war" with the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Seoul estimated the blast's yield at 50 kilotons, more than three times the size of the bomb detonated over Hiroshima in 1945.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said it could target oil supplies to North Korea -- potentially dealing a major blow to its economy.

In a phone call with Putin on Monday, South Korean president Moon Jae-In -- who travels to Russia Wednesday -- told him it was time for the Security Council to "seriously review" the suspension of crude oil supplies to the North, and the export of its workers, many of whom are sent to Russia to earn funds for Pyongyang.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country.

The most recent measures, imposed last month following Pyongyang's July firing of two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range, zeroed in on the economy.

They targeted key exports such as coal that are a source of foreign currency for the regime.

Seoul has said the North could be planning another missile test.

At the Security Council meeting, China's ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasised the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," he asserted.

- Chinese-Russian plan -

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Haley rejected the proposal as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she declared.

China and the US sparred over how to tackle North Korea at the UN Security Council meeting

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that trade with North Korea.

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

South Korea's defence ministry said it was already strengthening its defences, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile launchers.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself, and analysts say it is seeking to strengthen its hand for any future negotiations with Washington.
Newly appointed Taiwan Premier William Lai speaks during a press conference

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen named a staunchly pro-independence city mayor as her new premier Tuesday in a move which some analysts said would rile China.

China still sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, even though they split almost 70 years ago, and despite being a fully-fledged democracy the island has never declared a formal split from the mainland.

Beijing has said that any Taiwanese move towards a declaration of independence would prompt a military response.

New premier William Lai is currently mayor of the southern city of Tainan, a stronghold of Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The doctor-turned-lawmaker has repeatedly stated his support for Taiwan's independence in media interviews and city council meetings.

His appointment could further sour relations between Beijing and Taipei.

Chinese authorities cut official communications with Taiwan after Tsai took office in May last year, because she refused to acknowledge the island is part of "one China" -- unlike her Beijing-friendly predecessor Ma Ying-jeou.

Beijing is highly suspicious of Tsai and the DPP, which is traditionally pro-independence.

"To Beijing, Lai's appointment is one more unfriendly gesture by Tsai's government and adds to the proof that she is not keen to improve cross-strait ties," said Yang Kai-huang, a cross-strait expert in Ming Chuan University.

Tsai said she hoped Lai would deliver "good results" and praised him for being in tune with public opinion.

Lai will take up the position Friday after Tsai Monday accepted the resignation of unpopular premier Lin Chuan, a move seen as an attempt to revive dwindling public support for her administration.

The government's popularity has been hit by a series of controversial policies, ranging from holiday cuts to pension reforms, as well as by worsening relations with China.

Harvard-educated Lai has won praise for his efficient management of Tainan, including his handling of the aftermath of an earthquake in 2016 that killed 116 people.

Earlier this year he seemed to temper his pro-independence message by saying he defined relations between Taiwan and China as "between friends", but he still regularly advocates a split.

"I will shoulder the responsibilities to continue to deepen Taiwan's reforms and transformations," he told reporters Tuesday.

Lin's cabinet is set to resign en masse on Thursday in a formality which takes place after a premier steps down. It is not immediately clear how many ministers will be replaced.

Tsai's popularity has dropped from a high of nearly 70 percent when she came to power last year to below 30 percent in a number of recent polls, with some in the DPP blaming Lin for dragging down her support.
South Korean novelist Ma Kwang-Soo, who died Tuesday in an apparent suicide at the age of 66, was arrested in 1992 and held in custody pending an obscenity trial over Happy Sara, the story of a female student who has an affair with her professor

An avant-garde South Korean novelist whose 1990s prosecution on obscenity charges prompted comparisons between his work and Lady Chatterley's Lover was found dead on Tuesday in an apparent suicide, police said.

Ma Kwang-Soo, 66, was arrested in 1992 and held in custody pending trial over Happy Sara, the story of a female student who has an affair with her professor, with other characters also engaging in various liaisons.

A professor of Korean literature at the prestigious Yonsei University, he was arrested when prosecutors barged into a lecture hall in the middle of a class.

In an extremely rare case in South Korea, he was convicted of spreading obscenity and given a suspended jail sentence.

He was fired from the Protestant-founded university.

At the time the country was in the process of embracing democracy after a period of military dictatorship, and Ma said in an appeal that he had fallen prey to the "piety" of the country's cultural conservatives, who he said had no understanding of avant-garde literature.

But the Supreme Court upheld the lower court's finding.

Ma was found dead in his apartment in Seoul Tuesday in what appeared to be a suicide, police said. News reports said he had been suffering from depression and was found hanging from a window pane with a scarf around his neck.

South Korea has one of the world's highest suicide rates.

Ma's case raised parallels with Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence, the story of an aristocratic wife's affair with her gamekeeper.

Publisher Penguin Books appeared in a British court in 1960, when the prosecutor was ridiculed for asking the jury: "Is it a book that you would even wish your wife or your servants to read?"

Happy Sara remains banned in South Korea to this day.
Syrian pro-government forces stand near an armed vehicle in Bir Qabaqib, more than 40 kilometres west of Deir Ezzor on September 4, 2017

Syria's army faced fierce resistance from the Islamic State group Tuesday as it battles to break a jihadist siege on the government enclave of Deir Ezzor, a local journalist and monitor said.

The jihadist group has already lost more than half of its nearby bastion of Raqa to attacking US-backed forces, and the loss of Deir Ezzor city and the surrounding oil-rich province would leave it with only a handful of isolated outposts.

Government forces and civilians have been under siege in Deir Ezzor city since early 2015, and the regime-held parts are divided into a northern and southern enclave.

On Tuesday, government troops and allied fighters backed by Russian air strikes were within two kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Brigade 137 base on the city's western edge, state television said.

They are seeking to break the siege imposed by the jihadists on regime forces at the military base, which is linked by a single road to the rest of the northern government-held enclave in Deir Ezzor.

"IS has received reinforcements in the area, most of them foreign fighters, and they are fighting to try to stop the army from reaching the forces inside the base," a security source on the ground told AFP.

"The army is using air strikes and heavy artillery in an intensive fashion. There is lots of coordination between the attacking army forces and the soldiers who are besieged" inside the base, he added.

In government-held parts of the city under IS siege, the sound of fighting and powerful explosions could be heard, according to a local journalist contributing to AFP.

In the area, where the siege of more than two years has caused food and medical shortages, the national flag was on display everywhere in preparation for celebrations to welcome arriving troops.

Some local residents were already greeting each other with "Good morning of victory," he added.

"At the moment, the regime forces have not managed to enter the Brigade 137 base because of the minefields" around it, said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor.

"Overnight and until dawn, IS launched multiple counterattacks, without succeeding in recovering the areas it has lost," he added.

"Combat is ongoing and air strikes are continuing," he said.

Syrian government forces are also approaching the southern regime-held enclave in the city, which includes a military airport and three districts and is also under IS siege.

More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011.

The attack on Deir Ezzor comes after a US-backed force captured more than half of nearby Raqa city, which IS overran in 2014, turning it into the de facto Syrian capital of its self-proclaimed "caliphate".
More than 8,400 people, including civilians and combattants, are believed to have died in Yemen's civil war, according to UN estimates

More than 5,000 civilians have been killed in Yemen since March 2015, including 1,184 children, the UN human rights office said Tuesday, renewing its calls for an international probe into the conflict.

The rights office has been mandated to track civilian casualties in Yemen since the start of the Saudi-led offensive in support of the government against an alliance of Iran-backed Huthi rebels and ex-president Yemeni Ali Abdullah Saleh.

"Between March 2015... and 30 August, at least 5,144 civilians have been documented as killed and more than 8,749 injured. Children accounted for 1,184 of those who were killed," the rights office said in a statement.

"Coalition airstrikes continued to be the leading cause of child casualties as well as overall civilian casualties," the statement added, referring to the Saudi-led campaign.

"Some 3,233 of the civilians killed were reportedly killed by Coalition forces."

More than 8,400 people, including civilians and combattants, are believed to have died in Yemen's civil war, according to UN estimates.

The United Nations human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, has repeatedly pushed for an international investigation into violations in Yemen.

That effort has largely been stymied by Saudi pressure within the Human Rights Council, the UN body empowered to set up major international probes.

Yemen's internationally recognised government has said that its own investigation is sufficient to document abuses in the conflict.

The rights office again cast doubt on the credibility of that probe, noting that it is "not perceived to be impartial."

"An international investigation would go a long way in putting on notice the parties to the conflict that the international community is watching and determined to hold to account perpetrators of violations and abuses," Zeid said in the statement.
A Russian warship fired cruise missiles from the Mediterranean at the Islamic State group near the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor where regime forces are battling the jihadists, Moscow said

A Russian warship on Tuesday fired cruise missiles from the Mediterranean at the Islamic State group near the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor where regime forces are battling the jihadists, Moscow said.

The Russian defence ministry said the strike, which was carried out by the frigate "Admiral Essen," hit IS targets near the town of Al-Shula, which were controlled by fighters from Russia and other post-Soviet nations.

As a result of the strike, a "large" group of fighters was destroyed, along with a communications centre, warehouses and ammunition, the ministry said in a statement.

"The launch of the Kalibr cruise missiles has ensured the continued success of the advance by Syrian government troops and helped thwart plans of IS militants to regroup and reinforce the positions of terrorists in the vicinity of the city of Deir Ezzor," the ministry said.

Syria's army faces fierce resistance as it is battling to break a jihadist siege on the government enclave of Deir Ezzor.

The jihadist group has already lost more than half of its nearby bastion of Raqa to attacking US-backed forces, and the loss of Deir Ezzor city and the surrounding oil-rich province would leave it with only a handful of isolated outposts.

Government forces and civilians have been under siege in Deir Ezzor city since early 2015, and the regime-held parts are divided into a northern and southern enclave.
Nigeria, which depends on oil sector for 70 per cent of state revenues and 90 per cent of export earnings, has been battered by lower oil prices since mid-2014

Nigeria and South Africa have both exited recession, notching up economic growth of 0.6 percent and 2.5 percent respectively in the second quarter, official data showed on Tuesday.

Nigeria's economy returned to growth after five consecutive quarters of contraction, driven by a strong performance in the oil, agricultural, manufacturing and trade sectors, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

South Africa's recession was much more shortlived, at just two quarters, and the rebound was fuelled by expansion of more than 30 percent in the agricultural sector, according to Statistics South Africa.

Nigeria, which depends on oil for 70 percent of state revenues and 90 percent of export earnings, has been battered by lower crude prices since mid-2014.

These have slashed government revenues, weakened the currency and caused dollar shortages, frustrating business and households.

The nation's economic woes have been excerbated by militant attacks on key oil infrastructure in the restive Niger delta, slashing output.

The crisis is heaping pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May 2015 on an anti-corruption platform.

His government is also grappling with separatist agitation in the country's southeast, farmer-herders clashes in the central, Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and kidnappings and militancy in the south.

- 'Bright prospects' -

Analysts welcomed the positive outlook for Nigeria, but insisted there was need for caution.

"You can see that there have been improved performances in non-oil sectors in the second quarter," said Bismark Rewane of the Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Company.

"The prospects for more robust growth are bright. I hope the current economic diversification efforts which see attention being given to agriculture and mining will be sustained," he said.

The economy would also benefit if the ongoing truce with Niger delta militants was upheld, the expert argued.

"If there are no attacks on oil facilities and production is increased and Nigeria earns more money, then the economy will stabilise," Rewane said.

Nigeria's oil output has ramped up to an average of two million barrels per day from a low of 1.3 million in 2016 following government peace talks with the oil rebels.

For John Ashbourne of Africa Capital consultancy, however, the growth rate of 0.6 percent fell short of expectations.

"Growth across the economy was pretty soft, but the big surprise for me is the weakness of the oil sector," Ashbourne said.

"The strong recovery that we'd all expected didn't happen," he added.

Razia Khan, economist at Africa Global Research, also welcomed the recovery but said a lot still needed to be done.

Year-on-year growth of 0.6 percent "does not count for much" when the data were starting from a two-percent contraction a year earlier, Khan said.

In addition, first-quarter 2017 GDP was revised downwards, "so the picture is weaker than expected. Market consensus had been for a higher growth print overall," she told AFP.

- Sluggish South Africa -

South Africa which entered a technical recession in March after two consecutive quarters of contraction, was lifted by 33.6 percent growth in agricultural output

In South Africa, the economy had entered a technical recession -- its first in eight years -- in March.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party said the slight improvement provided "little hope" for millions of the unemployed, as low growth was forecast for this year.

"The economy, which is set to grow at just 0.5 percent this year, is growing too slowly to increase the level of per capita income for the 30.4 million people living below the poverty line," it said.

South Africa's economy has experienced sluggish growth in recent years with the jobless rate rising to 27.7 percent.

Last month, official statistics revealed that more than half of the 56.5 million population were living in poverty, despite the government's efforts to ease inequality.

In April, the country lost its investment grade credit rating when the world's two major agencies, Fitch and Standard & Poor's, downgraded its sovereign debt to junk status.
A March 2017 picture shows the inside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The city's leading churches issued a rare statement condemning what they called Israeli attempts to "weaken the Christian presence" in the city

The leading churches in Jerusalem issued a rare joint statement Tuesday condemning what they called "systematic" Israeli attempts to "weaken the Christian presence" in the city.

The statement, signed by the heads of the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Lutheran and other churches, condemned an Israeli court decision allowing a pro-settlement group to take control of church land in a mainly Palestinian area of annexed east Jerusalem, as well as a bill in the Israeli parliament relating to church land.

"We see in these actions a systematic attempt to undermine the integrity of the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and to weaken the Christian presence," the statement said.

On July 31, a Jerusalem court upheld controversial real estate deals involving Israeli pro-settlement organisation Ateret Cohanim and the church for two hotel properties near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City.

The Greek Orthodox church has denied selling the land and called the ruling "politically motivated".

Separately a proposed bill in the Israeli parliament would transfer to the state all previously church-owned land that was sold to private investors, in exchange for compensation, Israeli media have reported.

The bill has yet to be passed but could damage future church property deals.

The statement said the two measures threatened a decades-old agreement between religions about the governing of sites in Jerusalem.

"We cannot stress strongly enough the very serious situation that this recent systematic assault on the status quo has had on the integrity of Jerusalem and on the well-being of the Christian communities of the Holy Land," it said.

They called for support from Christians across the world.
Hamad will be Qatar's largest container port and provide commercial access to some 150 countries

Qatar said Tuesday that a new $7.4 billion port would help to "break the shackles" of a three-month-old boycott of the gas-rich emirate by Arab states led by Saudi Arabia.

The Hamad Port, which began operating in December, is a major hub for imports to Qatar, hit by a land and air embargo by some of its most powerful neighbours.

"This is a gateway to break the shackles imposed on Qatar," transport minister Jassim bin Saif Al-Sulaiti said in a speech during an inauguration ceremony for the port held Tuesday.

"Nothing can stop us and our ambition," he added.

In a relatively rare public appearance since the onset of the crisis, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the inauguration but did not speak.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of bankrolling Islamist extremist groups and having close ties to Shiite Iran.

Qatar denies the charges.

Tuesday's hour-long ceremony, broadcast live on Qatari television stations, included a band, acrobats and fireworks.

The ostentatious display was a clear signal of defiance to Qatar's neighbours after their suspension of economic and diplomatic relations with Doha.

Hamad will be Qatar's largest container port and will provide commercial access to some 150 countries, according to official reports.

These include links to regional ports in Oman and Kuwait, and more distant ports of call from Turkey to India and Pakistan.

Qatar previously relied on neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for food imports.

But as part of the sanctions, Saudi Arabia sealed its land border with Qatar.

Turkey and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran have since stepped in to help meet Qatar's food needs.

The Hamad Port is located on Qatar's south eastern coast, around an hour's drive from Doha.

It has a capacity of 1.7 million tonnes of general freight and one million tonnes of grain, according to Mwani Qatar, the country's port management company.
South Africa which entered a technical recession in March after two consecutive quarters of contraction, was lifted by 33.6 percent growth in agricultural output

South Africa has exited its first recession in eight years after the economy recorded 2.5 percent growth in the second quarter, official statistics released Tuesday showed.

Statistics South Africa said gross domestic product (GDP) "increased by 2.5 percent in the second quarter of 2017, following a decrease of 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2017."

Africa's most advanced economy, which entered a technical recession in March after two consecutive quarters of contraction, was lifted by 33.6 percent growth in agricultural output.

"The industry's increase was mainly as a result of increases in the production of field crops and horticultural products," said an official statement.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party said the slight improvement provided "little hope" for millions of the unemployed, as low growth was forecast for this year.

"The economy, which is set to grow at just 0.5 percent this year, is growing too slowly to increase the level of per capita income for the 30.4 million people living below the poverty line," it said.

South Africa's economy has experienced sluggish growth in recent years with the jobless rate rising to 27.7 percent.

Last month, official statistics revealed that more than half of the 56.5 million population were living in poverty, despite the government's efforts to ease inequality.

In April, the country lost its investment grade credit rating when the world's two major agencies, Fitch and Standard & Poor's, downgraded its sovereign debt to junk status.

Their move was partly blamed on President Jacob Zuma's sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March.

The central bank has reduced its growth prediction for 2018 to 1.2 percent, down from 1.5 percent.
Australian national Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto (L) is escorted by a Malaysian policewoman as she arrives for her trial

An Australian grandmother who faces a possible death sentence in Malaysia for drug trafficking testified Tuesday that she was a victim of an online love scam.

Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto, 54, was arrested on December 7, 2014 at Kuala Lumpur airport with 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of methamphetamine.

Customs officers discovered the drugs stitched into the compartment of a backpack she was carrying.

Malaysia has a mandatory death penalty, carried out by hanging, for anyone found guilty of carrying more than 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of an illegal drug.

Exposto told the High Court she fell for the online romance scam masterminded by a certain "Captain Daniel Smith", who had identified himself as a US soldier based in Afghanistan.

Defence lawyers said that she was lured into carrying a bag -- which she believed contained only clothing -- by "Smith" who asked her to take it to Melbourne from Shanghai.

She was in transit at Kuala Lumpur airport when she was arrested.

"He (Smith) made me feel loved, he made me feel wanted," Exposto told the court, adding that the alleged US serviceman would send her photos of himself.

"Smith would sing to me a few times a day and send love poems as well," she added.

Exposto said Smith had also asked to marry her in September 2013 at a time when her relationship with her husband was getting "a bit sour".

Defence lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah told reporters that Exposto's testimony suggests her close online relationship with Smith.

"There are probably thousands, mostly women, who have been conned into similar situations. Captain Daniel Smith is one of the many scammers," he said.

The trial will continue until Friday.

Two Australians were hanged in Malaysia in 1986 for heroin trafficking -- the first Westerners to be executed in the country.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr greets supporters in October 2016

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that Congress should be involved in getting the family of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to surrender their wealth, since they would likely seek immunity in return.

Marcos and his wife Imelda were accused of plundering about $10 billion from state coffers in their 20 years in power. A bloodless "People Power" army-backed uprising in 1986 chased the family into US exile.

He died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 but his family made a political comeback in the Philippines, with widow Imelda and their children being elected to office.

Duterte has openly supported the family, encouraging the late dictator's son Ferdinand Jnr in his failed bid for the vice-presidency last year. The president and vice-president are elected separately in the Philippines.

Duterte said last week a Marcos family member had consulted him about a proposal to hand over some assets to the government. But on Tuesday the president said such a move would need congressional approval.

"You have to have the consent of Congress because they have to formulate a law. It is a long process. It is not up to me," he told reporters.

Although Duterte said the Marcos family had not asked for immunity, he said they clearly would not offer to return the wealth unless they were given such protection in exchange.

"These Marcoses will not agree to return it and then to be jailed," he said.

Duterte warned that if the government did not agree to offer immunity, "you will look till the ends of the earth to get them," referring to the Marcos wealth.

Duterte had originally said he would accept the Marcos offer and planned to appoint a retired supreme court judge to negotiate with the family on the government's behalf.

But his suggestion was fiercely opposed by victims of the Marcos regime. They say the family has never admitted guilt for widespread rights abuses and corruption during the dictatorship.

No member of the Marcos family went to prison despite the government recovery of part of the family fortune through litigation and out-of-court settlements.

The government announced in June that Duterte may abolish the government agency that has recovered some 170 billion pesos ($3.4 billion) from Marcos and his family.

Duterte also stunned the nation last November by allowing the late dictator to be buried in the national "Heroes' Cemetery" despite a widespread outcry.
South Korean navy vessels taking part in a naval drill off the east coast of South Korea

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would allow Japan and South Korea to buy more "highly sophisticated" US military equipment, amid soaring tensions after Pyongyang's latest atomic test.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump said in a tweet.

Trump's statement came after North Korea on Sunday detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile, sparking global alarm with what was by far its most powerful test to date.

On Monday, the South's military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site.

Trump did not elaborate on the kind of weaponry and equipment he had in mind, but the White House has said the president is willing to approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" to Seoul.

The White House statement also confirmed an earlier announcement by Seoul that the United States would lift restrictions on South Korean missile payload capabilities.

Seoul was previously restricted to a maximum warhead weight of 500 kilograms (1100 pounds) on its ballistic missiles, according to a bilateral agreement with the United States signed in 2001.

The United States on Monday launched a bid at the UN Security Council to quickly slap the "strongest possible measures" on North Korea in response to its sixth and most powerful nuclear test, but China and Russia argued that diplomatic talks were needed to address the crisis.
Young immigrants and their supporters rally in support of the program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in Los Angeles

President Donald Trump was to announce Tuesday whether he plans to end an amnesty for hundreds of thousands of people brought to the United States illegally as minors and who are largely integrated into US society.

But Trump, in an early morning tweet, indicated that he may delay moves to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program known as DACA.

"Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" the president wrote on Twitter.

The tweet suggested that the White House, rather than ending the program outright, plans to give Congress time to find a solution for the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," most of them from Latin American countries.

Barack Obama implemented the DACA program five years ago to help bring the children of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows of illegality, permitting them to study and work without fear.

The debate over DACA has been intense, and for days White House officials have insisted that numerous options are under consideration.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions is to make the announcement on the fate of DACA at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) but will apparently not be taking questions.

According to The New York Times, Trump will delay a decision on whether to end the program for six months and hand the thorny issue over to Congress.

Several Republican lawmakers have warned Trump, who ran for president on a pledge to be tough on illegal immigration, against cancelling the popular program.

"We as Americans do not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parents," said Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, summing up the concern of many people.

But chances of a badly divided Congress reaching a solution on immigration reform in months -- a task that has eluded them for years -- appear dim.

Trump, despite his inflammatory campaign-trail diatribes against immigration, has publicly agonized and wavered over the fate of the young immigrants since arriving in the White House.

Many could face deportation if DACA is rolled back.

Calling his decision one of the most difficult facing him, he has promised to deal with DACA with "great heart."

"We love the Dreamers," he said Friday during a brief exchange with reporters in the Oval Office.

He added, "We love everybody."

- Silicon Valley headwinds -

President Donald Trump said last week "we love the Dreamers" but news reports say he will end the symbolically important DACA program after a six-month delay intended to give Congress time to find a solution for the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," most of them from Latin America

Trump advisers indicated over the weekend that the president's decision would be guided as well by economic considerations.

The president "wants to do what's fair to the American worker, what's fair to people in this country who are competing for jobs," Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox News.

Much of the business world, especially the high-tech firms of California's Silicon Valley, stands firmly against a DACA repeal. The program offers the equivalent of a residence permit -- renewable every two years -- to young people who were under the age of 16 when they arrived and have no criminal record.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed his profile on the social network on Saturday, adding a simple message to his photo: "#Here to Stay -- I support DACA."

CEO Tim Cook similarly offered strong backing for the 250 of his colleagues at Apple who are Dreamers. "I stand with them," he said. "They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values."

Trump's decision might also prompt Obama to speak out.

During his final White House news conference on January 18, Obama said he wanted to stay out of the spotlight, but he also listed the conditions that might cause him to break his silence if the country's "fundamental values" were under threat.

"I would put in that category efforts to round up kids who have grown up here and for all practical purposes are American kids and send them someplace else," Obama said.

He noted that many were attending college or serving in the military.

"The notion that we would just arbitrarily, or because of politics, punish those kids when they didn't do anything wrong themselves, I think, would be something that would merit me speaking out," Obama said.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has threatened to sue the Trump administration if the DACA program is revoked.
A fresh upsurge of violence in mainly Buddhist Myanmar has forced tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees to flee the country for neighbouring Bangladesh, sparking fears of a humanitarian crisis

Malaysia on Tuesday summoned the Myanmar ambassador in a rare diplomatic rebuke in Southeast Asia to voice its "deep concern" over the spiralling violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

A fresh upsurge of violence in mainly Buddhist Myanmar has forced tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees to flee the country for neighbouring Bangladesh, sparking fears of a humanitarian crisis.

The growing crisis threatens Myanmar's diplomatic ties, particularly with Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia where there is profound public anger over the treatment of the stateless Rohingya.

Malaysia summoned Myanmar's ambassador U Sein Oo to the foreign ministry where Kuala Lumpur registered its "deep concern regarding the escalation of violence", warning that it could cause Rohingya refugees to flood into other Southeast Asian countries, a statement from the foreign office said.

"It would also see more people... become increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by extremists. Both have the potential to greatly impact the security and stability of the region," the foreign ministry said.

It was a rare show of disapproval within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a group bound by the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member countries.

The ministry also said that Foreign Minister Anifah Aman has held telephone discussions with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts to convene a special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the Rohingya issue. The date and venue of the proposed meeting has yet to be decided.

Anifah on Monday told AFP he was "dissatisfied" with Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi's silence on the crisis.

Nearly 125,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh since the outbreak of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, the United Nations said Tuesday.

Bangladesh was home to around 400,000 Rohingya refugees before the latest crisis -- most of them living in already crowded camps that are struggling to cope with the influx.

As of June this year, there are 59,100 Rohingya refugees registered with the UN Refugee Agency in Malaysia.

While Malaysia is not a signatory to the UN convention on refugees, it has been sheltering refugees for decades.
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The New York Daily News, the storied century-old tabloid known for its provocative headlines, has been sold for $1, in the latest sign of turmoil in the newspaper sector.

The deal which closed over the weekend allows Tronc, the owner of the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune, to acquire the New York daily for virtually nothing while assuming its pension and operating liabilities, according to a regulatory filing.

"We are excited to welcome the New York Daily News team to the Tronc family, and we look forward to working with them to serve new audiences and marketers while delivering value for our shareholders," said Justin Dearborn, chief executive of the newspaper group previously known as Tribune Publishing.

"As part of the Tronc portfolio, the New York Daily News will provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers."

The Daily News has won 11 Pulitzer awards since its founding in 1919, including a prize this year for its reporting on police abuse of eviction rules to oust poor residents from their homes.

Ironically, the sale returns the newspaper to its roots, founded by Joseph Medill Patterson, who was a co-publisher of the Chicago Tribune, which eventually became part of Tribune Co.

Still, the deal underscores the deep woes of the print newspaper sector, where values have been plummeting over the past two decades as more readers and advertising turn to online sources.

Earlier this year, Tronc acquired the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, also for $1.

Tribune Co. owned the New York paper until 1991, when it was bought by British newspaper magnate Robert Maxwell.

The latest owner, real estate billionaire Mortimer Zuckerman, purchased the daily in 1993.

Throughout its history, the Daily News has been known for its colorful and provocative headlines.

Among its most famous was the "Ford to City: Drop Dead" in 1975 when president Gerald Ford refused federal aid to stave off imminent municipal bankruptcy.

In 2016, it reprised that theme with a headline "Drop Dead, Ted," after Senator Ted Cruz denounced "New York values" in a Republican presidential primary debate.

Tronc announced that Arthur Browne, who has been editor-in-chief, has been named publisher and will stay until the end of 2017.

The transaction gives Tronc the Daily News printing facility in Jersey City, New Jersey, and a 49.9 percent stake in the land on which the printing facility is located and which overlooks the Manhattan skyline.
Lesotho's army commander was shot dead by rival officers at a military barracks, an official told AFP, in an apparent assassination set to revive instability in the mountainous African kingdom

Lesotho's army commander was shot dead by rival officers at a military barracks Tuesday, an official told AFP, in an assassination likely to revive instability in the mountainous African kingdom.

The two senior officers behind the attack were also killed in the gunfight with Khoantle Motsomotso's bodyguards, just two months after elections meant to usher in a new era of peace.

"They attempted to forcefully enter his office. There was a shoot-out between the two... and the commander's bodyguards," a military official who declined to be named told AFP.

Prime Minister Thomas Thabane confirmed the deaths at a press conference, describing them as "a serious setback to vigorous efforts to restore peace and stability."

Thabane's new coalition government took office in June after the third general election since 2012 as Lesotho endures a series of political upheavals.

Thabane, 78, previously served as premier after the 2012 elections but was forced to flee to South Africa -- which entirely surrounds landlocked Lesotho -- following an attempted coup two years later.

In August 2014, soldiers led by sacked army chief General Tlali Kamoli seized control of police headquarters after Thabane had suspended parliament to avoid a no-confidence vote.

- Regional intervention -

Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) party won snap elections on June 3 this year but failed to get an outright majority, leading it to negotiate joint rule with three other parties.

Thabane's estranged wife was shot dead two days before his inauguration.

Known as Africa's Switzerland because of its mountainous scenery, Lesotho has a long history of political instability having also suffered coups in 1986 and 1991.

In 2015, a former army chief was gunned down by soldiers who claimed that he was resisting arrest outside the capital Maseru.

Critics accuse the military of favouring Thabane's old rival Pakalitha Mosisili who ruled from 1998-2012 and 2015-2017.

Lesotho is important to South Africa as it provides much of the water supply to Johannesburg, while the regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) has worked for years to try to resolve its political tensions.

"I am hoping that we can have a peaceful Lesotho," South African President Jacob Zuma told reporters from a summit in China.

"From the SADC point of view, we thought that the Lesotho problem ended and this is what we were promised by the new prime minister who said that now there is going to be peace now in Lesotho.

"Actions that people take there must not lead into another situation."

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Letsie III, who has no formal power.

The country was a British protectorate known as Basutoland before independence in 1966.

Years of political friction have hampered attempts to fight dire poverty and the world's second highest HIV infection rate.
Residents look up at a big video screen in Pyongyang showing the image of a document signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to carry out a hydrogen bomb test on September 3, 2017

Japan's defence minister on Tuesday said North Korea's latest nuclear test was more powerful than initially estimated, with a yield that was around eight times the size of the bomb detonated over Hiroshima.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it blasted what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

Japan's defence ministry had earlier said the bomb had a 70-kiloton yield, based on an estimated magnitude by the preparatory commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

But Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters Tuesday that his ministry had upgraded its estimate to around 120 kilotons in accordance with an upward revision by the CTBTO.

"We can figure out that the nuclear test displayed a fairly high capability," Onodera said.

At 120 kilotons, the blast yield would be around eight times more powerful than the 15-kiloton US bomb which destroyed Hiroshima in 1945.

The estimate also exceeded the yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons indicated by UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman at the UN Security Council.

Earlier in the day, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on the international community to form a united front against Pyongyang's provocations.

"Whether we can contain North Korea's outrageous act or not depends on unity among members of the international community," Abe said when he met visiting Indian defence minister Arun Jaitley in Tokyo.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

But comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday rejecting US calls for more sanctions as "useless" appeared to have widened a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang, pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies.
Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" topped the US singles chart, ending the reign of "Despacito"

Taylor Swift's vengeful new track topped the US singles chart Tuesday with the year's highest one-week sales, halting the historic reign of global sensation "Despacito."

"Look What You Made Me Do," a dark dance track that is the first single off Swift's upcoming album "Reputation," pushed "Despacito" to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week through Thursday.

The pop superstar's song has broken the one-day streaming record on Spotify -- to which Swift recently returned after a high-profile boycott.

Tracking service Nielsen Music said "Look What You Made Me Do" had the second highest number of streams ever over all platforms, trailing the 2013 viral dance craze track "Harlem Shake."

"Look What You Made Me Do" also posted the year's most downloads, at 353,000, the most since Justin Timberlake's feel-good summer song "Can't Stop the Feeling!" in May 2016.

Swift ended the 16-week streak at the top of "Despacito," the reggaeton track by Puerto Rican pop star Luis Fonsi with rapper Daddy Yankee, whose remix featured pop celebrity Justin Bieber.

"Despacito" tied "One Sweet Day," the 1995 ballad by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, for the most weeks at number one. The feat is all the more striking as few non-English songs have dominated the US charts.

- A new side to Taylor -

"Look What You Made Me Do" -- accompanied by a video that opens at a cemetery and depicts Swift dressed ghoulishly and wielding a baseball bat -- marks a more sinister side to a singer long considered anodyne.

The song appears to hit back at Kanye West, who infuriated Swift a year earlier by boasting in a song that she may sleep with him because he "made that bitch famous" -- presumably a reference to how the rapper interrupted her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009.

Swift over the weekend released a second track off the new album entitled "...Ready For It?" Swift reaches deeper into hip-hop on the song, opening with a heavy beat before a lighter pop chorus.

Swift describes her woeful love life, one of her favorite topics, but hints more openly to sex, singing: "In the middle of my night / In my dreams / You should see the things we do, baby."

The song -- like much of Swift's blockbuster previous album, "1989" -- is written with the chart-topping Swedish pop producer trio of Max Martin, Ali Payami and Shellback.
Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia (L), here with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, says that any new sanctions on North Korea should support efforts to open up talks with Pyongyang

Russia on Tuesday expressed doubt that tough new sanctions on North Korea will be quickly adopted by the UN Security Council, and said any new measure should support efforts to open up talks with Pyongyang.

The United States is planning to circulate as early as Tuesday a draft sanctions resolution in response to North Korea's sixth and most powerful nuclear test, with Ambassador Nikki Haley pushing for a vote on the new measures on Monday.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters that a vote on Monday would be "a little premature. I don't think we will be able to rush it so fast."

Russia argues that sanctions alone will not resolve the North Korea crisis and are backing a Chinese proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

Nebenzia said a new resolution should stress the need for diplomatic steps.

"We want a reference to the need for a political dialogue based on the recent initiatives that have been undertaken," Nebenzia said.

Haley on Monday rejected the Russian-Chinese proposal as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she said.

The United States has yet to circulate the draft, but diplomats said it will likely propose cutting oil supplies to North Korea, banning tourism and sending back North Korean laborers working abroad.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said that he expected negotiations on the new measures to move quickly, and suggested that Russia and China could be brought on board.

During an emergency council meeting on Monday, "nobody ... opposed new sanctions so we believe there is clearly some space, some political space to move forward and to move forward fast," Delattre said.

The Security Council last month unanimously decided to impose new sanctions on North Korea after it tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) that some experts say brought the US mainland within range.

Those included a total ban on North Korea's exports of coal, iron and seafood, and a freeze on work permits for North Korea foreign workers whose earnings are a source of hard currency for the regime.

UN human rights investigators estimate that more than 50,000 North Koreans have been sent abroad, mostly to Russia and China, generating between $1.2 billion and $2.3 billion per year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, here shown on September 3, 2017, is to visit Latin America

Benjamin Netanyahu will next week become the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit Latin America on a trip to include a stop in Argentina 25 years after the bombing of his country's embassy there.

Netanyahu will visit Argentina, Colombia and Mexico between September 11-15 before heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, officials said Tuesday.

He will also meet with Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes while in Buenos Aires, foreign ministry spokeswoman Michal Maayan said.

Maayan said it would be the first visit to Latin America by a sitting Israeli premier.

The trip to Argentina will have particular significance as Netanyahu will attend memorial ceremonies for the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy and 1994 bombing of a Jewish centre there.

The embassy bombing left 29 dead and 200 wounded, with members of the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah blamed for the attack.

Eighty-five people were killed and 300 wounded in the Jewish centre bombing.

Argentine investigators accuse five former Iranian officials of ordering Hezbollah to carry out that bombing, the deadliest terror attack in the South American country's history. Iran denies any involvement.

The two attacks devastated Argentina's Jewish population, the largest in Latin America at about 300,000 people.

Netanyahu will begin the trip in Argentina, where he will be September 11-12, followed by Colombia on September 13 and Mexico on September 14.

He will meet the presidents of the three countries as well as members of their Jewish communities.

Israel is in constant search of allies who will vote in its favour at UN bodies, where it is frequently targeted over its occupation of Palestinian territory, and such concerns have played a key role in Netanyahu's foreign relations.

It is also a major player in the defence industry, with some $550 million in exports to Latin America in 2016.

Beyond that, its expertise in areas including high-tech, water technology and agriculture are also sought after by other countries.

A range of businesspeople are expected to travel with Netanyahu.

"There are about 150 Israeli companies functioning in Mexico, over 100 in Colombia, and an increasing number also in Argentina," said Modi Efraim, head of the Israeli foreign ministry's Latin America section.

An Israeli firm's spyware however came under scrutiny in Mexico earlier this year.

International experts investigating the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico in 2014 were targeted with the spyware after it had been sold to the government, the experts said.

It is made by a secretive Israeli firm called NSO Group, owned by US private equity firm Francisco Partners Management.
President Donald Trump said last week "we love the Dreamers" but news reports say he will end the symbolically important DACA program after a six-month delay intended to give Congress time to find a solution for the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," most of them from Latin America

President Donald Trump on Tuesday ended an amnesty protecting 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as minors from deportation, prompting a political firestorm.

The US leader -- who had promised to act "with great heart" in the case of the so-called "Dreamers," many of whom have lived most of their life in the United States -- left it to his attorney general to make his final decision known.

"I am here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama Administration is being rescinded," Jeff Sessions announced, arguing that the amnesty was unconstitutional and "denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs."

Residency permits will not be cancelled immediately, but will instead be phased out as they expire over the coming months and years. The Trump administration said it was now up to Congress to draft new legislation to address the situation of DACA recipients, many of whom come from Latin American countries.

"With the measures the Department is putting in place today, no current beneficiaries will be impacted before March 5, 2018, nearly six months from now, so Congress can have time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions," Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke said in a statement.

If lawmakers fail to agree on new legislation, those impacted would find themselves in the country illegally when their current permits expire.

A senior Department of Homeland Security official said the people -- -- could then be deported, but there is "no plan at this time to target" them specifically.

Barack Obama implemented the DACA program five years ago to help bring the children of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows of illegality, permitting them to study and work without fear.

The decision to scrap the scheme prompted widespread outcry, with business leaders, Democrats and many Republicans arguing that the policy would damage the economy and was not in keeping with US values.

- Dim hope of reform -

Top congressional Republican Paul Ryan called on lawmakers to step in.

"It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the president's leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country," he said in a statement.

Much of the business world, especially the high-tech firms of California's Silicon Valley, stood firmly against a DACA repeal. The program offers the equivalent of a residence permit -- renewable every two years -- to young people who were under the age of 16 when they arrived and have no criminal record.

The chances of a badly divided Congress reaching a broad agreement on immigration reform in months -- a task that has eluded them for years -- appear dim.

Several Republican lawmakers had warned Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to be tough on illegal immigration, against cancelling the popular DACA program.

Trump himself has publicly agonized and wavered over the fate of the young immigrants since arriving in the White House, calling it one of the most difficult decisions facing him, and declaring in the Oval Office last week: "We love the Dreamers."
Catherine Marchi-Uhel of France is in charge of the UN body known as the "International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism", which is tasked with preparing prosecutions for major international crimes committed in Syria

The world has taken "a step closer" towards justice for alleged war crimes committed in Syria, the judge leading the new United Nations effort to investigate the conflict said Tuesday.

Catherine Marchi-Uhel of France is in charge of the body known as the "International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism", which is tasked with preparing prosecutions for major international crimes committed in Syria.

Marchi-Uhel said her panel will work closely with the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI), which has submitted regular reports detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 320,000 people since 2011.

The COI has repeatedly called for the UN Security Council to use its reports as grounds to refer the Syria case to the International Criminal Court.

But permanent Security Council members, including China and Damascus-ally Russia, have blocked those moves.

An alliance of Western powers including the United States, Britain and France last year successfully pushed for the creation of a new body in response to the Security Council's inaction.

Marchi-Uhel said her mandate was to compile prosecutorial files that could be used by any jurisdiction -- domestic or international -- capable of taking action against the perpetrators of major international crimes in Syria.

"We're getting a step closer to prosecution and trials," she told reporters in Geneva, voicing hope that her work will have "a detering effect" on the violence that continues to rage on the ground.

Her broad mandate allows her to pursue cases against all actors in the conflict, including rebels, Islamic State jihadists as well President Bashar al-Assad's government and military.

The COI has previously accused all sides of committing war crimes in Syria.

Marchi-Uhel explained that for now she had no need to travel to Syria, as there was already mountains of evidence available that needed to be analysed and stored.
Immigrants and supporters demonstrate during a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in front of the White House after the Trump administration indicated it would phase out the amnesty program

Silicon Valley titans including Apple, Facebook and Google on Tuesday condemned the dismantling of an amnesty program for young immigrants after President Donald Trump announced a phase-out of the "Dreamers" policy.

The reaction came swiftly after Trump announced a termination of the program protecting 800,000 people brought to the United States as minors from deportation.

"This is a sad day for our country," Facebook co-founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg said in a post at the leading online social network, reacting to the decision on the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA.

"The decision to end DACA is not just wrong. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it."

Top executives from a growing list of technology firms called young people shielded by DACA friends and neighbors who have contributed to local communities and economies.

"I am deeply dismayed that 800,000 Americans - including more than 250 of our Apple coworkers - may soon find themselves cast out of the only country theyve ever called home," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said in an email to employees obtained by AFP.

"They are called Dreamers, and regardless of where they were born, they deserve our respect as equals."

- Fighting for Dreamers -

Dreamers working at Apple include those born in Canada, Mexico, Kenya and Mongolia, with the US being the only home they have ever known, Cook said in the message.

He vowed that Apple would press Congress to come up with legislation protecting Dreamers, and provide employees protected by DACA with support including advice from immigration experts.

Microsoft meanwhile said it will work with other companies to "vigorously defend" the legal rights of all Dreamers.

If the US government tries to deport any of the 39 Dreamers working at Microsoft, the technology giant will provide them legal counsel along with seeking to directly intervene in court, Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith said in a blog post.

"We are deeply disappointed by the administrations decision today," Smith said.

"We believe this is a big step back for our entire country."

- Dreams before taxes -

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was among technology leaders swiftly condemning the Trump administration's decision to end a program protecting "Dreamers," those who immigrated to the United States illegally as children

Microsoft, Google and others called on Congress to make a priority of legislation protecting Dreamers.

"Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a tweet.

"This is their home. Congress needs to act now."

Legislation protecting Dreamers should be a priority ahead of even tax reform, which has been long sought by major US technology companies, Microsoft's Smith said.

Business Roundtable, a group of chiefs of major US firms, put out a statement opposing the elimination of DACA before a viable replacement is created.

Roundtable president Joshua Bolten said in a statement: "Failure to act would have a significant negative impact on businesses that rely on employees who are here and working lawfully."

The Trump administration said it was now up to Congress to draft new legislation to address the situation.

If lawmakers fail to agree on new legislation, those impacted would find themselves in the country illegally when their current permits expire.

Former president Barack Obama implemented the DACA program five years ago to help bring the children of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows of illegality, permitting them to study and work without fear.

DACA was based on sound public policy; wasn't challenged in court, and resulted in "individuals of good faith" becoming ingrained US communities and the economy, according to US Chamber of Commerce senior vice president Neil Bradley.

"To reverse course now and deport these individuals is contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country," Bradley said in a release calling for the Trump administration and Congress to implement a solution before the program expires.
When Curtis Barnes turned 12, he tried needle drugs for the first time.

Barnes mother died seven days before his 12th birthday. His father was in prison and showed up to the funeral in handcuffs. When Barnes finally went to live with his father, they lived in a drug house.

There was a lot of pain in his life, Barnes said, and drugs were the only way he knew how to stop it.

He pointed to a picture of himself taken in 1998 when he was 33 years old. Its a mugshot from his arrest in Oklahoma on multiple drug felonies. In the photo, Barnes is strung out, with greasy hair and wild eyes.

In that picture right there, I was a menace to society, he said. I was shooting dope, cooking dope, thieving. I would thieve from anybody that left theirself (sic) open, just to feed me.

Instead of serving jail time, he was able to sober up and enrolled in the Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands program in Colfax, Iowa. He spent 15 months in the residential Christianity-based substance abuse program, not just keeping clean, but learning about the things that brought him to that point.

It was selfishness, he said. And when you come through the program, you start realizing, it isn't about me.

Nearly 20 years on, Barnes received a full pardon from the Governor of Oklahoma. Now, hes in Beatrice, starting up a branch of Adult and Teen Challenge with his wife, Teressa Barnes, and Program Director Bailey Fossler.

In the building that used to be the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast on South 23rd Road, the Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands Blue River Womens Center is getting ready to open for the first group of residents. On Sept. 18, they will be holding an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Its a four-bedroom, two-story house that was first built in the 1930s as a farm for the Beatrice State Developmental Center, where patients would raise chickens and hogs. It sits on about 10 acres of property and has several outbuildings. In late September, the home will take in its first four students, eventually growing to a residency program of 12.

Its not a detox and its not a drug rehab program, Teressa said, its more of a spiritual rehabilitation.

The 30-day treatment programs address getting you dry, she said. They don't address why you started using in the first place.

Teen Challenge got its start in 1958 when David Wilkersonauthor of the book, The Cross and the Switchbladebegan working with gang members to get them off and away from heroin using Biblical teachings as a basis.

Using many of the same principals, Teressa said, Adult and Teen Challenge boasts a 70 percent success rate, which the Barnes attribute to structure.

When a resident comes in the door, Curtis said, theyll find authority, rules, boundaries and guidelines. Addicts, he said, often have grown up in a home without any of those, so starting with the basic building blocks, like how to write a resume, how to act and dress for an interview and even how to clean up after themselves can be foreign subjects.

We have rules in place just to be a rule, because you're used to doing everything you wanted to do out there. Now it's time to come under authority and learn what it means to be obedient to laws, whether they be legal laws or society, Curtis said.

But the main thing the residents will find, he said, is love: unconditional love and support.

When a girl comes in, she's accepted immediately, he said. She's accepted and she's loved as soon as she gets here. It doesn't matter what your history is, what you've done before you came here. You come in, it's a clean slate.

The Bible verse, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest, from Matthew 11:28 offers a lot of inspiration, Barnes said. Drug users fall into a cycle, spending every dime they have and then stealing to feed their addiction, he said. They swear theyll never do it again, only to repeat the process.

Adult and Teen Challenge is a three-phased approach to break that cycle, Teressa said.

The first step is induction, she said, where students are brought in and taught about Jesus. They get love from the instructors and their fellow residents. Its the beginning of the training process.

Then comes the official training.

The curriculum consists of addressing the resident's issues, including fears of abandonment and rejection. The program also offers parenting and marriage classes, Teressa said.

After the curriculum is completed, the residents then begin looking at reentry.

We reintegrate them into society, Teressa said. They get a job, they have a budget, they pay a portion of their expenses. They have to save some, they have to give some to the local church, they have to volunteer. They volunteer through the whole program.

Its a 12-month residential program, she said, and it costs each resident $750 to enter. The average cost per resident is about $1,200 a month, though oftentimes, Teressa said, theyre unable to pay. If they or their families are able to pay for the program, they are asked to, but if they don't have the money, there are other funding resources, she said.

We are funded by donations from churches, individuals and businesses, she said. We are opening under budget, but we have faith that the community is going to rally around us, knowing that this program is vital.

Theyre also looking into further ventures down the road. Other branches of Teen and Adult Challenge have what Curtis called micro-industries. These include thrift shops, coffee shops and selling crafts, art, jellies and candles.

There are still small issues to be worked out, Teressa said, but theyre hoping to have the first four women who enter the program act as mentors for future residents.

Addiction is a heart issue, Teressa said. It's the reason that 30, 60, 90-day programs have such a high rate of recidivism, because they don't address the heart and addiction is always a manifestation of a heart issue.
Alonso Guillen's body was recovered at the weekend, the latest victim of mega-storm Harvey whose death brought the toll from historic flooding in southeast Texas to approximately 60

A volunteer rescuer who drowned trying to save others from the floods in Houston last week has been identified as a recipient of the immigration amnesty program the Trump administration ended Tuesday.

Alonso Guillen, 31, was a so-called "Dreamer" protected from deportation under the program known as DACA, according to US Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas and immigration advocates.

Guillen's body was recovered at the weekend, the latest victim of mega-storm Harvey whose death brought the toll from last week's historic flooding in southeast Texas to approximately 60.

"Alonso Guillen put the needs of others above his own safety and died while trying to rescue people in need," Castro said.

News of Guillen's death galvanized immigration advocates, as the Trump administration announced it was rescinding DACA, the program protecting from deportation some 800,000 immigrants brought to the US as children.

"Texas's Dreamers were victims of the flood, first responders to the flood, and at least one -- Alonso Guillen of Lufkin -- was a volunteer who gave his life to rescue his fellow Texans from the flood," said Terri Burke of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Guillen and his friend Tomas Carreon, 25, were with a group of rescue volunteers, when they both fell from their boat and drowned in the fast-moving waters, according to US media reports.

The Harris County medical examiner's office said his body was recovered on Sunday.

His mother, who lives in Mexico awaiting the right to legally immigrate to the US, was allowed to travel for her son's funeral in Texas, The Washington Post reported.

"He liked helping people," Guillen's brother Jesus, a US citizen, told The Post.

Typical of many Dreamers, Guillen's family was of mixed immigration status. His youngest brother was deported from the US five years ago, but his father was a legal resident, The Post reported.

As news spread late last week that Trump was looking to rescind DACA, another Harvey rescuer also waded into the debate.

A Houston-area paramedic who spent days rescuing flood victims said he was able to legally work because of the deferral program.

"We're not doing anything but giving back, being model citizens," Jesus Contreras, 23, told MSNBC.
US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, would not say explicitly what her advice on the Iran nuclear deal has been -- but left little room for doubt that she believes it is time to re-examine the "flawed" deal

Washington's ambassador to the United Nations warned Tuesday that, if left unchanged, the Iran nuclear deal could allow Tehran to pose the same kind of missile threat to US cities as North Korea.

President Donald Trump is due to decide in the middle of next month whether he believes Iran is living up to its commitments or whether to seek new US sanctions that could torpedo the accord.

His ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, would not say explicitly what her advice has been -- but left little room for doubt that she believes it is time to re-examine the "flawed" deal.

"I'm not making the case for decertifying. What I am saying is that, should he decide to decertify he has grounds to stand on," she told an audience at the American Enterprise Institute.

"What I am doing is just trying to lay out the options of what's out there, what we need to be looking at and knowing that the end result has to be the national security of the United States.

"We should at no time be beholden to any agreement and sacrifice the security of the United States to say that we'll do it."

Under a 2015 deal signed by Iran and six world powers, Tehran is supposed to roll back its nuclear program and submit to inspections in return for Washington and its allies lifting some sanctions.

Thus far, the IAEA UN nuclear watchdog and the US State Department have reported that Tehran has complied with the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the core of the deal.

But Haley, and other influential figures in Trump's Washington, argue that Iran's continuing alleged breaches of limits placed on its ballistic missile program violate the spirit of the deal.

The previous missile sanctions were listed in an annex to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, under which the world body adopted the JCPOA into international law.

Therefore, Haley argues, Tehran's ongoing development of ballistic missiles and alleged support for global terrorism should be taken into account when Trump judges the success of the deal.

- Credible threat -

And she warned that the terms of the JCPOA begin to expire in ten years' time -- opening the way for them to resume weapons research.

"That's the day when Iran's military may very well already have the missile technology to send a nuclear warhead to the United States, a technology that North Korea only recently developed," she said.

Former president Barack Obama never submitted the JCPOA to Congress to be approved as a binding treaty, and US lawmakers passed a bill obliging the White House to recertify it every 90 days.

If, as seems increasingly likely, Trump now decides next month to declare that Iran is in breach of the agreement, Congress will then have 60 days to debate whether to re-impose some or all sanctions.

European capitals would oppose this, arguing the agreement is still the best mechanism to restrain even an untrustworthy Iran's nuclear ambitions and that world powers should stand by signed agreements.

But hawks in Washington argue that if Trump and Haley make good on their threat to find against Iran this would not collapse the deal immediately -- and may help strengthen it in the longer term.

"Trump's approach is already motivating European countries to discuss options to fix the deal," argued Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

"Another certification by Trump -- especially when he made it clear that he would not certify Iran again -- would undermine that credible threat," he said.
US actress Meghan Markle told Vanity Fair that she and the Prince Harry dated for months before going public about their relationship

American actress Meghan Markle has opened up about her relationship with British royal Prince Harry in a candid interview published Tuesday, confirming the couple are "in love."

Markle, a star of US legal drama "Suits," told Vanity Fair that she and the prince dated for months before going public about their relationship last year.

"We're a couple. We're in love. I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time," she said.

"This is for us. It's part of what makes it so special, that it's just ours. But we're happy. Personally, I love a great love story."

The 36-year-old, speaking publicly for the first time about the couple's relationship, said she met Prince Harry in July in London, introduced by mutual friends.

"We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people's perception," she added, although it was actually four months later, in November, that Prince Harry confirmed the relationship.

"Nothing about me changed. I'm still the same person that I am, and I've never defined myself by my relationship."

Markle acknowledged the situation was sometimes difficult and that "some days it can feel more challenging than others."

"Right out of the gate, it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me and, of course, my boyfriend's support," she said.

A grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and the second son of Prince Charles and the late Diana, Harry is fifth in line to the throne.

News of the relationship sparked a tabloid frenzy, prompting the royal to issue an angry statement in November blasting racist "abuse and harassment" directed toward the mixed race actress.

The Toronto-based Californian's mother is black and her father is white.

Tabloids were quick to point out that the actress, three years Harry's senior, is divorced, unearthing pictures of her first marriage (2011-2013) with an American producer.

Markle, who plays ambitious paralegal turned lawyer Rachel Zane in "Suits," says she doesn't read press stories about her private life or work.

"I haven't even read press for 'Suits.' The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise."
Waiting for relief: Congress is slated to vote on $8 billion in intiial emergency relief for the victims of superstorm Harvey, which brought unprecedented flooding to huge swathes of southeast Texas.

Signing off on $8 billion in emergency relief aid for victims of superstorm Harvey is the top item on a slate of critical but contentious legislation as the US Congress returns from summer break this week.

The unexpected bill from the storm, which flooded swathes of Texas last week leaving tens of thousands homeless, should be one of the few things that can unite a legislature that has achieved woefully little so far this year.

Having failed to pass a top-priority healthcare reform or begin on tax reform since President Donald Trump took office in January, the Republican majority faces an end-September deadline for raising the country's debt ceiling and passing a spending bill for the fiscal year beginning October 1.

Both should be easy in a Congress controlled by the president's party, but the Republicans are torn from within between moderate and conservative factions, and constantly at odds with the opposition Democrats.

That could lead to a bare-knuckled battle with the economy in the balance. If the borrowing ceiling is not increased, the US could default on its debt. And if the budget isn't passed, government could shut down.

As the fall session officially opens Tuesday afternoon, the need to support hundreds of thousands on the Texas and Louisiana coastal plain could create the conditions for an exceptional show of harmony on Capitol Hill.

- Spending battle -

With an urgent need to get the money moving, legislators say they are determined to avoid a political standoff that could paralyze recovery operations.

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Wednesday on $7.4 billion to bulk up the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has led the Harvey relief effort, and another $450 million in disaster loans to support small businesses getting back on their feet. A Senate vote will follow.

But that is only a down payment on the total cost of the disaster, which could surpass $150 billion, according to experts.

In moving quickly, the Republicans want to avoid the drama of 2012, when their politicking stalled relief funds by three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the northeast coast.

Army National Guardsmen and ranchers in Hamshire, Texas load bales of hay onto a CH-74 Chinook helicopter to be dropped to cattle stranded in flooded areas after Hurricane Harvey.

The initial relief will give the Republicans time to determine just how much is needed over the long term.

"I don't think we want to make the same mistake they made with Sandy, which was to ask for way more money than you knew yet what you needed," Senator Roy Blunt told NBC television on Sunday, referring to the $60 billion allocated at the time.

The $1.1 trillion in budget funds the legislature has to pass could be much more of a fight.

Tied to that is funding the government deficit: if Congress does not raise the borrowing ceiling, the country cannot meet its budget commitments.

But fiscally conservative Republicans, adamant about forcing a cutback in government spending, could threaten to stall the debt ceiling and spending bills to exact spending concessions.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Congress in July that he only has enough money to meet all commitments through September 29.

"Without raising the debt limit, I'm not comfortable that we will get the money that we need this month for Texas to rebuild," Mnuchin told Fox News on Sunday.

- Poor relations with Trump -

Such divisions could spell more of the political logjam that has made Congress appear hopeless to many Americans.

That in turn could challenge Trump, whose main goal for the fall is a promised tax reform bill.

The president has repeatedly blamed Congress for failure to push through major legislation. In turn, they have faulted him for poor leadership.

President Donald Trump and Senate majority leader Senator Mitch McConnell recently denied reports of a spectacular falling out

Baring the poor state of relations, veteran Republican Senator John McCain, writing in the Washington Post Friday, urged compromise to get things done under "a president who has no experience of public office, is often poorly informed and can be impulsive in his speech and conduct."

Republican leaders have a chance to smooth things over late Tuesday: Trump has invited them to the White House to mark the new legislative season.

And Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader whose differences with Trump have been on painful display, insisted they were working in concert.

"These are the president's immediate priorities: Pass disaster relief. Prevent a default. Fund the government. They are my immediate priorities as well."
China is keeping a close eye on the United States' nuclear stand-off against North Korea and is resusting calls for new sanctions

International solidarity in the face of North Korea's nuclear threat crumbled Tuesday as Russia rebuffed US calls for new UN sanctions and Washington promised its allies advanced weaponry.

Last month, Pyongyang's latest missile test drew unanimous condemnation from the UN Security Council -- but Sunday's apparent hydrogen bomb detonation revealed an underlying diplomatic rift.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin declared Washington's demand for a vote on new UN sanctions to be "useless," while US President Donald Trump promised Japan and South Korea new advanced arms.

And, while China may be concerned about a threat to the military balance in the region, the North Korean regime itself remained undaunted, vowing to send Washington "more gift packages."

The disagreements appeared to be splitting the world into familiar opposing diplomatic camps, with China and Russia resisting pressure for more action from London, Tokyo and Washington.

Japanese officials, meanwhile, warned that Sunday's test may have been more successful than initially feared and involved a bomb eight times more powerful than that which destroyed Hiroshima.

- Secondary sanctions -

Washington's tough-talking ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is expected to unveil yet another new UN sanctions package targeting Kim Jong-Un's regime this week.

She had demanded a vote as early as Monday -- while Washington is in parallel considering slapping secondary sanctions on Russian and Chinese firms and finance houses that have dealings with the North.

The UN route appears likely to be a dead end. China generally resists pressure on its unruly neighbor, and Putin -- locked in his own showdown with Washington -- appeared in no mood for compromise.

The US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Britain's ambassador Matthew Rycroft are leading calls for a new global package of sanctions

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen after a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims," he said, implying that Washington's stance is as much to blame for the tension as Kim's nuclear brinksmanship.

Trump's administration has said it cannot accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed power with missiles capable of reaching US cities -- but recent tests have shown the limits of its options.

Aside from secondary sanctions, and amid questions about whether a pre-emptive US attack could be effective, Trump has decided to flex US muscle by arming China's regional rivals Japan and South Korea.

- Advanced arms -

"I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," the president said, in a tweet.

Trump did not elaborate on what he had in mind, but the White House has said the president may approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" to Seoul.

Seoul was restricted to a maximum warhead weight of 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) on its ballistic missiles under to a 2001 agreement with the United States, but this limit has now been lifted.

Heightened allied military preparations will alarm Beijing and Moscow, where Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov "urged against giving in to emotions" in a call to his US counterpart Rex Tillerson.

Russia backs a Chinese proposal for peace talks based on a freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

But Haley has rejected this option as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," the US ambassador said.

- 'Gift packages' -

US ally Britain backed the US call for stronger sanctions.

And UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against "confrontational rhetoric," urging world powers to come up with a single strategy to address the crisis.

South Korean soldiers are on alert in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea, amid calls from China and Russia for their joint drills with US forces to be scaled back

But one power was certainly not toning down its language.

"The recent self-defense measures by my country the DPRK are a gift package addressed to none other than the US," North Korean envoy Han Tae Song told the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

"The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK."

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Immigrants and supporters demonstrated outside the White House as the Trump administration announced it was ending an amnesty for 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as minors

Facing potential deportation from the United States -- for many the only country they have ever known -- young people known as "Dreamers" voiced concern Tuesday about their fate.

"I came to the US from Mexico with my parents when I was nine months old," said Ivan Ceja, 26, after the Justice Department announced it was ending an amnesty for 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as minors.

"I've been here for 25 years, since I was a baby," Ceja, a computer science student, told AFP by telephone.

"I'm very vulnerable to deportation without DACA," Ceja said of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program which was rescinded by President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday.

DACA, put in place by Barack Obama in 2012, protected undocumented immigrants who arrived as children from deportation and allowed them to work and attend school.

The so-called "Dreamers" now have between six months and just over two years until they are declared illegal US residents and subject to potential deportation.

Ceja, the co-founder of Undocumedia.org, an immigrants rights group, said that if he was deported "I would do whatever it takes to come back, take the risks to cross the border.

"This is the only country I know," Ceja said. "My future is here. I'm not going to go without a fight."

Martin Batalla Vidal, 27, explained how DACA has benefitted him, during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday organized by the National Immigration Law Center.

"DACA has really changed my life for the better and allowed me to pursue my dreams," said Batalla Vidal, who arrived in New York from Mexico when he was seven years old.

Batalla Vidal, who is studying nursing, said the repeal of DACA, however, had him thinking "what will happen when I graduate?"

"Will I be able to actually work in the field I studied for?" he asked.

- 'You are hunted' -

"Dreamers" Angel Romero and his sister Jennifer were among some 200 demonstrators who attended a protest outside the White House in Washington as Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of DACA.

The pair, who were brought to the United States from Mexico by their parents when they were children, expressed concern about being forced to leave the United States.

A woman holds a sign condemning the Trump administration's decision to rescind the DACA program granting amnesty for 800,000 young immigrants brought to the US illegally as minors

"That is a fear for me -- that I might have to leave the country and go back to my home country," said Angel Romero.

"I was brought here at the age of two and so I have no recollection of my home country," he said.

"I have very few memories of (Mexico)," added Jennifer Romero, "and we really don't know where we would go."

Greisa Martinez Rosas, 28, who was born in Mexico and now lives in Dallas, Texas, also attended the protest outside the White House.

Martinez Rosas, who works for the United We Dream association, said she came to the United States when she was eight years old.

"I'm part of this society," she said. "I came to this country knowing that I would live a better life.

"My parents are undocumented and living like that is not normal," she said. "You are hunted by (immigration) agents, deportation agents and by police.

"You can't do the things normal people do," she said.

Justino Mora, 28, was brought to the United States at the age of 11 by his mother, who fled a life of poverty and domestic violence in Mexico.

Mora said he was not surprised by the move by President Trump, who campaigned for the White House on a pledge to be tough on immigration.

"But we cannot give up," he said. "This is the beginning of a new battle for our rights."
A message of goodwill is being sent to the Voyager spacecraft, seen here in an artist's rendition released by NASA, on the 40th anniversary of its launch

NASA announced the winner Tuesday of a contest to send a message to the Voyager spacecraft which launched 40 years ago on a historic mission to explore the outer planets.

Star Trek actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk, read the message from mission control in Houston, before it was beamed out to Voyager 1, according to a broadcast on NASA television.

"We offer friendship across the stars. You are not alone," said the message, written by Oliver Jenkins, whose Twitter handle is @Asperger_Nerd.

The contest launched by NASA aimed to find the perfect goodwill message -- under 60 characters long -- to commemorate the twin spacecraft that launched in 1977 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The spaceships explored Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and also carried gold records containing messages, songs and images from Earth in case of encountering extraterrestrial life.

Voyager 1 has traveled father than any human-made spacecraft, and made it to interstellar space, about 13 billion miles away from Earth, in August 2012.

Voyager 2 is on its way there too.
President Donald Trump's order to end the "Dreamers" program threatens the futures of some 800,000 people, many now in schools, with jobs and families in the United States

The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered the end of the "Dreamers" program that allowed illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children to remain in the country.

That move threatens the futures of some 800,000 people, many now in schools, with jobs and families in the United States.

- What is the 'Dreamers' program? -

In a presidential order in June 2012, president Barack Obama launched DACA -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals -- a program that aimed to provide a stable future for people who arrived in the country illegally as children and stayed.

Dubbed "Dreamers," they were granted under presidential order the right to remain and study or work legally on two-year, renewable permits.

The program was devised after Congress failed to pass legislation to address the status of millions of illegal immigrants who had lived in the country for decades, many with families, permanent homes and businesses.

DACA applied to people who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and had been continually present in the US since 2007. It covered anyone attending school or who had a graduate certificate, who was serving in the armed forces, and who had never been convicted of a serious crime.

- Why end DACA? -

But Trump argued that DACA protected people who broke US laws, was unfair to legal immigrants and encroached Congress's power to make immigration laws.

The government also argued that legal challenges by a number of states made DACA and a 2014 sister program, DAPA, untenable.

DAPA was a proposed Obama program to open the way for other illegal immigrants, those who came as adults, to gain legal status, but was blocked from implementation by legal challenges.

Texas, which had led a coalition of 10 conservative states threatening court action against the federal government unless DACA was rescinded, said it was dropping a 2015 lawsuit that provided the basis for its legal challenge -- with Attorney General Ken Paxton claiming "victory."

Faced with legal challenges, the Trump administration said it falls to Congress to fix the problem, not the executive branch.

But legal experts say Obama's DACA order was constitutionally sound and would survive court challenges. "The least disruptive alternative would have been to let the DACA program continue," said Stephen Yale-Loehr of Cornell University.

- What happens to the Dreamers? -

Encouraged by Obama's move, about 800,000 people registered under DACA, confident that they would be safe from expulsion. Now, the government has access to all their personal data, making it hard for most to hide.

About 200,000 of them will see their resident permits expire by the end of 2017. Another 275,000 expire in 2018, and the rest between January and August 2019.

Under Trump's order, those with permits are safe until their expiry. People with permits that expire within the next six months -- before March 5, 2018 -- can apply to renew them before October 5. But new applications will not be accepted.

Once their DACA permits expire, individuals will not have the legal right to work, and theoretically could be deported any time -- though current policy only threatens illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes.

The White House has indicated that the six-month grace period gives Congress an opportunity to come up with legislation that could replace DACA and strengthen its legal foundations.

Late Tuesday, Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham announced they would propose a bipartisan Dream Act to protect those previously covered by DACA.
"If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Tuesday denied any warming of relations with regional rival Iran after Tehran thanked Riyadh for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

"If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law," Jubeir told a press conference in London.

"The hajj is a religious obligation, it has nothing to do with politics," he added, referring to the pilgrimage which forms one of the five pillars of Islam.

Despite the two countries having severed diplomatic relations in January 2016 after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, some 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part in the hajj last week.

Iranians had been unable to participate in 2016 after talks collapsed over security concerns, following a stampede the previous year which killed up to 2,300 people, including hundreds of Iranians.

Earlier on Tuesday Iran had thanked Saudi Arabia for running a successful hajj this year, saying it opened the way for negotiations.

"We thank Saudi Arabia... for adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims," said Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organisation in Tehran, according to the state broadcaster.

He added that it marked an opportunity for the two sides to "resolve their bilateral issues in other fields".

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was more cautious, saying he had yet to see "a clear prospect for change" in the relationship.
Beatrice Public Schools Superintendent Pat Nauroth announced Wednesday that he plans to retire next year.

Nauroth was hired by the board in December of 2012 and began his tenure as superintendent of Beatrice Public Schools in July 2013. His final day will be at the end of June 2018. Nauroth announced his retirement to the staff of Beatrice Public Schools on Wednesday through an email to Beatrice Public Schools board and staff.

He said the decision was a tough one and about a year in the making after having talked it through with his wife, Kathy.

He said that after his last day, he would consider moving to Omaha to be closer to his father, who lives in an assisted living facility. Other options include moving to be near family in Phoenix or going to Des Moines, where his wifes family lives.

Though hes not sure exactly where hes heading from here, Nauroth said he plans to continue working and will just be moving onto a different stage in his life and career.

Nauroth said that during his time as superintendent, there were several things that he really looks back on with pride.

I think the work we've done with expanding preschool and having its own facility is just really a positive thing for the community, he said. I think what we've done with extended learning opportunities--so, summer school, the after school program, the scheduling adjustment at middle school and high school--is great for kids and learning.

Nauroth also said growth in college and career readiness programs at the high school was a proud achievement. The programs grew from just one class when Nauroth started to 10 classes offered this year, and Nauroth credited the high school staff with its success.

He said he has seen a growing connection between the schools and the community, which he said is positive.

BPS Board president Lisa Pieper said Nauroth will be difficult to replace, not only for his work with the school district.

Pat has worked tirelessly to move the district forward, and is not only a great education leader, but hes worked tirelessly for the benefit of the community, too, she said. Were going to miss his leadership and we wish him well in his future endeavors and hes going to be a hard man to replace.

We know that Beatrice is a great district and I have every confidence that well hire someone who will step into those shoes, look at our strategic plan and want to do the same job Pat has done. From the day he walked in the door, he took that strategic plan and ran with it.

BPS Board member Janet Byars said Nauroth made it his number one goal to ensure children of the district receive an adequate education, and he will be difficult to replace.

Hes done an excellent job for the district," she said. "Hes been great to work with and I think one of his strongest points is that every decision hes made, he thought of the kids. He always thought, What are we going to do for the kids of this district?

The School Board has yet to discuss what comes next following the announcement, but Byars said its common for districts to hire a search firm to lead the process.

We hope we get good candidates, people who want to come to Beatrice, she said. I think Pat worked well with the staff and administration, probably for the same reasons he worked well with the board. He was open, honest and had that great integrity.

Nauroth, whose current salary is $170,393, said he is announcing his resignation at the beginning of the school year rather than toward the end in an effort to allow the district time to find a replacement for the next school year.

I hope people look at this as a positive thing, because the board now has a great opportunity to have an exceptional pool of candidates to draw from, Nauroth said.

Nauroth said hes hopeful for the future and that the next superintendent has a road map waiting for him or her.

I always tell people the following: if you want to know where we're going as a district, look at our strategic plan, because that's going to tell you where we're headed, he said. That's a real positive for this district as they have a strong board with a very clear focus.
HOUSTON (AP) - The damage Harvey wrought on Texas is testing the state's infrastructure like never before, challenging regulators, politicians and others on several fronts in the hurricane's aftermath. A look at what's happening:

DIRTY WATER

Experts say wastewater treatment plants sprawled across Houston and Southeast Texas are facing unprecedented challenges , with ramifications for human safety and the environment well after the floodwaters eventually recede.

Volunteers unload a truck of relief supplies for people impacted by Hurricane Harvey on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, in Houston. J.J. Watt's Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has raised millions of dollars to help those affected by the storm. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, Pool)

There have been several dozen sewer overflows, private septic tanks in rural areas could fail and the system also faces contamination from spilled fuel, waste site runoff, lawn pesticides and pollutants from petroleum refineries and chemical plants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Sunday that of the 2,300 water systems contacted by federal and state regulators, 1,514 were fully operational. More than 160 systems issued notices advising people to boil water before drinking it, and 50 were shut down.

POLITICS OF DISASTER RELIEF

The demand for federal disaster relief funds comes as the Treasury Department has been using various accounting measures to cover expenses because the debt limit has already been reached.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that Congress should combine a $7.9 billion disaster relief package for Harvey with an increase in the nation's $19.9 trillion borrowing limit. Before Harvey, Mnuchin had said Congress would need the limit to be raised by Sept. 29 to let the government keep borrowing money to pay bills such as Social Security and interest.

"Without raising the debt limit, I'm not comfortable that we would get the money that we need this month to Texas to rebuild," Mnuchin said.

President Donald Trump expressed hope for quick action on relief aid when he visited storm-ravaged areas over the weekend. The aid request would add $7.4 billion to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid and $450 million to finance disaster loans for small businesses.

PREACHING TO PAIN

Each day is now a flurry for a church of unconventional priests perhaps made for this unconventional time.

At the Catholic Charismatic Center south of downtown Houston, the Rev. Mark Goring is in a race to help meet spiritual and material needs at a time when people who come in are searching for all kinds of help.

The lobby of the church is a swarm of volunteers at tables full of donations for the storm's victims. Meanwhile, he bounces from the church to the community center to the streets, looking for signs of need so he can send teams of volunteers to help.

He understands how Harvey's suffering can cause people to lose faith - he decided to become a priest only once he returned to religion after renouncing his Catholic faith as a teen, declaring himself an atheist.

DISPLACED PETS

Their owners in Houston didn't want to give them up, but felt they had no choice.

So volunteers from PAWS Chicago drove three vans with 43 cats and dogs about 1,000 miles (about 1,600 kilometers) to give the pets new homes, according to the Chicago Sun-Times .

Volunteer Mark Lukas says the owners were tearful but happy the animals would find shelter.

WANT TO HELP? HERE'S HOW

Charities and philanthropy experts say the best way to help during times of disaster is to send money directly through a website.

That gets the funds to charity faster than a text donation, even though the text might seem easier. And while sending clothes and other supplies can be a natural urge, household items can complicate and hinder relief efforts, experts say.

The U.S. Center for Disaster Information says unsolicited goods generally compete with priority items for transportation and storage.

___

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In this Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, photo, the Rev. Mark Goring addresses volunteers at a Hurricane Harvey relief drive at the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston. The priest has been inundated with requests for spiritual guidance in the aftermath of the storm, but has also been tending to people's material needs, organizing a huge relief effort. (AP Photo/Matt Sedensky)

Dave Pauli, with the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team, transfers a dog that is being seized in Fulton, Texas, on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017. It was on a property with five other dogs. The team is in Aransas County helping rescue dogs, cats and other animals left by owners before and after Hurricane Harvey. (Rachel Denny Clow/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, via AP)

Volunteer Mark Staerkel removes debris from a home destroyed by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, in Spring, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) - The Peace Corps has evacuated 124 volunteers from Burkina Faso due to security concerns, the United States embassy in Burkina Faso said.

"The Peace Corps has been closely monitoring the safety and security environment in Burkina Faso and will continue to assess the situation," it said in a statement Sunday. "The Peace Corps looks forward to a time when volunteers can return while underscoring that the safety and security of its volunteers are the agency's top priority."

The statement didn't specify a concern, but the evacuation comes following the second major terror attack in less than two years and as fears rise of further violence and kidnappings.

An Aug. 13 attack on a popular Turkish restaurant in the capital killed at least 19 people and wounded 21 others. Days later, three soldiers were killed by improvised explosive devices in the restive north where the extremist movement, Ansarul Islam, is targeting security forces and civilians. Local radicalized preacher Ibrahim Malam Dicko began the movement, which has been declared a terrorist group by the government.

A January 2016 attack at another popular cafe in Ouagadougou killed 30 people.

Late in August, the U.S. embassy in Ouagadougou asked its citizens to be cautious while travelling in Burkina Faso.

More than 2,075 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Burkina Faso since the program was established in 1966.

Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world. It shares a northern border with Mali, which has long battled Islamic extremists.

On Thursday a customs officer was killed by armed men in Djibasso in the country's west, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) from its border with Mali.
BERLIN (AP) - Chancellor Angela Merkel says her government plans to double the size of a fund meant to help improve air quality in German cities and head off driving bans for older diesel cars.

Merkel proposed Monday doubling the "mobility fund" to 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). She said it could fund projects from reorganizing traffic management systems to helping switch to electric cars.

Half the previously planned 500 million euros comes from the auto industry. Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel signaled after he and Merkel met mayors and state governors that he expects automakers to contribute to the increase.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds files prior to a meeting of the German government and mayors of various German cities in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 on air quality protection. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Last month, German automakers committed to fitting over 5 million diesel cars in the country with updated software to reduce harmful emissions and to finance incentives for drivers to trade in older models.
MADRID (AP) - The investigation of attacks that killed 16 people in Barcelona and a nearby town is becoming increasingly international, as police piece together who ordered the carnage and how. The clues include a lightning-fast shopping trip to a Paris suburb and plane tickets to Belgium.

At the center of the probe is a mysterious imam, Abdelbaki Es Satty, who went from trafficking people and drugs to secretly preaching jihad to young Muslims in northeastern Spain.

In addition to the 16 dead, more than 120 people were injured in the attacks, which were claimed by the Islamic State group. Spanish authorities say the cell has been fully dismantled, its members dead or under arrest, but they are still working to piece together how exactly the attacks came together.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 combination file photo, four un-named alleged members of a terror cell accused of killing 15 people in attacks in Barcelona leaves a Civil Guard base on the outskirts of Madrid before appearing in court in Madrid, Spain, The investigation into last month's attacks in Spain is becoming increasingly international. Among the focus of authorities are plane tickets to Brussels, a lightning trip to Paris and an itinerant imam who went from trafficking people and drugs to secretly preaching jihad to young Muslims in northeastern Spain. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017 file photo police officers stand next to the van involved on an attack in Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain. The investigation into last month's attacks in Spain is becoming increasingly international. Among the focus of authorities are plane tickets to Brussels, a lightning trip to Paris and an itinerant imam who went from trafficking people and drugs to secretly preaching jihad to young Muslims in northeastern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

EDS NOTE : SPANISH LAW REQUIRES THAT THE FACES OF MINORS ARE MASKED IN PUBLICATIONS WITHIN SPAIN FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017 file photo, people flee the scene in Barcelona, Spain, after a white van jumped the sidewalk in the historic Las Ramblas district, crashing into a summer crowd of residents and tourists. The investigation into last month's attacks in Spain is becoming increasingly international. Among the focus of authorities are plane tickets to Brussels, a lightning trip to Paris and an itinerant imam who went from trafficking people and drugs to secretly preaching jihad to young Muslims in northeastern Spain.(AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos, File)
PARIS (AP) - A Venezuelan political exile who proposed to his girlfriend during an audience with the Pope is basking in the wonder of his engagement in a romantic trip to Paris.

Catholic Dario Ramirez strolled through the City of Light Monday with his fiancee Maryangel Espinal, reminiscing about the moment last month that thrust the politician-in-exile into the international spotlight.

Ramirez told the Associated Press that the pontiff, his protocol staff and Espinal were shocked when he popped the question. His fiancee thought he was going to ask for a selfie - not her hand in marriage.

Venezuelan politician-in-exile and activist Dario Ramirez, left, and Maryangel Espinal watch a video of his marriage proposal, Monday Sept.4, 2017 in Paris. Ramirez proposed at the Vatican during a brief audience with Pope Francis on Aug. 27, 2017 to talk about the crisis in Venezuela (AP Photo/Oleg Cetinic)

A video recorded on Ramirez's iPhone captures cheers from the surrounding people when Espinal said "Yes."

His audience with Pope Francis came as part of a visit with the International Catholic Legislatures Network.

Venezuelan politician-in-exile and activist Dario Ramirez, left, and Maryangel Espinal watch a video of his marriage proposal, Monday Sept.4, 2017 in Paris. Ramirez proposed at the Vatican during a brief audience with Pope Francis on Aug. 27, 2017 to talk about the crisis in Venezuela (AP Photo/Jeffrey Schaeffer)
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Gay rights advocates went to Australia's highest court on Tuesday in a bid to prevent the government from surveying the public on whether gay marriage should be legalized.

The advocates want the Parliament to decide the issue without consultation with the public and are arguing in the High Court that the government does not have the constitutional power to start the postal survey next week.

Opinion polls show that most Australians want same-sex marriage legalized, but many advocates question how representative of Australian attitudes the postal survey would be.

The seven judges will hear two similar cases simultaneously over Tuesday and Wednesday in the city of Melbourne. The judges could rule on the validity of the survey as early as Wednesday and prevent ballots being posted to voters from Sept. 12.

One case is brought by independent lawmaker Andrew Wilkie and gay rights campaigners Felicity Marlowe and Shelley Argent.

Argent has described the survey as a "demeaning, hate-filled and pointless vote that will go nowhere and resolve nothing."

The second case is brought by Janet Rice, a senator in the minor Greens party who is married to a transgender partner with a male birth certificate, and the Australian Marriage Equality lobby group.

The survey is the second choice of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's conservative government that had promised a rare, compulsory vote known as a plebiscite.

But the Senate refused to approve the 170 million Australian dollars ($135 million) that that vote on Nov. 25 would have cost.

So the government is pushing for a unique, voluntary postal vote without Senate approval at a cost of AU$122 million.

If a majority want marriage equality, Parliament would be allowed to decide the issue by December. But some lawmakers have said their votes in Parliament would not be swayed by public opinion, raising questions about why the public is being surveyed.

Wilkie's case is that the government's power to fund the vote without Senate approval can only be used in unforeseen emergencies and not in the ordinary business of government.

Even if the government could fund the vote, Wilkie argues that it could not make the Australian Bureau of Statistics carry it out.

While the bureau has the power to obtain statistical data from the Australian population, gathering opinions was different, he argues.

Despite the legal cloud hanging over the postal survey, acrimonious campaigns on both sides of the argument are gathering pace.

Turnbull and opposition leader Bill Shorten support gay marriage. But Turnbull's predecessor and intra-party rival Tony Abbott is a vocal opponent.

Abbott has described a vote against gay marriage as a vote against political correctness.

Many yes-vote supporters including Rice, the litigant, argue that marriage equality is, as the U.S. Supreme Court found, a human right that should not be subjected to an opinion poll.
A look at what's happening all around the majors Tuesday:

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STREAKING

Houston Astros' Justin Verlander reaches to catch a ball while signing autographs before a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

J.D. Martinez and the Arizona Diamondbacks try to continue a pair of impressive streaks against the major league-leading Dodgers. Martinez homered in his final four at-bats during Monday night's 13-0 victory against Los Angeles, including the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The Diamondbacks will go for their 12th straight win when the series resumes Tuesday night. Zack Greinke gets the ball for Arizona, while Hyun-Jin Ryu tries to cool off Martinez and company.

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NEW STRIPES

Justin Verlander makes his much-anticipated debut for the Houston Astros when he starts at Seattle. The AL West leaders got the longtime Tigers ace last week minutes before the trade deadline, hoping he can help them win the World Series for the first time. The 34-year-old righty waived his no-trade rights to accept the deal. Verlander (10-8, 3.82 ERA) went 5-1 and his last seven starts for Detroit, striking out 56 and only once permitting more than two earned runs.

GETTING CLOSE

The Cleveland Indians go for their 13th straight victory, which would put them just one away from tying the longest winning streak in team history set last year. Jose Ramirez homered Monday as the AL Central leaders beat the White Sox 5-3 - on Sunday, he tied a major league record by getting five extra-base hits in a game. Danny Salazar (5-6, 4.30 ERA) starts in Chicago vs. lefty David Holmberg (2-3, 3.55 ERA).

CHECK HIM

The Cubs will see how pitcher Jake Arrieta is feeling, a day after he left his start in Pittsburgh because of tightness in his right hamstring. Brilliant in August, Arrieta says he thinks he'll be OK to keep pitching for the NL Central leaders.

HOT AND NOT

Odubel Herrera has an 18-game hitting streak for the Phillies. He extended the string with a pinch-hit single Monday against the Mets. The outfielder was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day after being out because of a strained left hamstring. ... Pablo Sandoval is hitless in his last 33 at-bats for San Francisco. The 2012 World Series MVP for the Giants returned to the team this summer after being cut by Boston, but has just one home run and four RBIs in 27 games following another 0-fer at Colorado.

MIGHTY THIN

The Yankees have only three outfielders on their roster - Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury. Aaron Hicks was put on the disabled list over the weekend, leaving New York without a backup who has a lot of outfield experience. Manager Joe Girardi says the playoff contenders could use infielders Ronald Torreyes or Tyler Wade as a fill-in this week in Baltimore.

HE'S BACK

Angels righty Garrett Richards makes his first start since April 5, when he strained his right biceps in his season debut. That was his first appearance in 11 months after an elbow injury cut short his 2016 season. Richards is set to start at Oakland. He won't be on an exact pitch count, but manager Mike Scioscia said, "there's definitely a range. ... We still have to take baby steps with him."

Houston Astros' Justin Verlander smiles as he is interviewed before a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Cleveland Indians' Abraham Almonte catches a fly ball hit by Chicago White Sox' Matt Davidson during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

Cleveland Indians' Carlos Santana, left, celebrates with Giovanny Urshela, second left, Francisco Lindor, second right, and Jose Ramirez, right, after a final out of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) is accompanied off the field by a trainer in the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Bell in the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval smiles after taking batting practice before facing the Colorado Rockies in a baseball game Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Denver.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
SYDNEY (AP) - A Chinese tourist with no Australian medical license has been charged with the manslaughter after police say she gave a woman an anesthetic during a procedure at a Sydney beauty clinic last week and the woman later died.

Shao Jie, 33, was not required to appear in Sydney's Central Local Court on Tuesday when a prosecutor announced that charges against her had been upgraded. Manslaughter carries a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Shao allegedly administered drugs to Jean Huang, 35, during a breast procedure at Sydney's Medi Beauty Laser and Contour Clinic last Wednesday.

Huang was taken to hospital in critical condition and died Friday, police said.

Shao had been charged last week with causing reckless grievous bodily harm and using poison to endanger life. Each charge carries a potential maximum of 10 years in prison.

Court documents allege Shao administered "an intoxicating substance," tramadol and Lidocaine to Huang during the procedure. Lidocaine is a numbing agent, and tramadol is a painkiller. She also allegedly injected Huang with Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan. It is a restricted substance that is commonly used to the cosmetic industry as a soft tissue filler to smooth facial wrinkles.

Shao's lawyer, Mary Underwood, said last week that her client was a graduate of a Chinese medical university and had arrived in Australia several days before the botched procedure on a tourist visa. Shao was a dermatology specialist who had practiced in Great Britain as well as China, Underwood said.

Shao has been in custody since her arrest and has yet to enter pleas. She will appear on court next on Oct. 31.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Taiwan's president on Tuesday appointed a new premier seen as willing to reach out to rival China amid ongoing tense relations between the two sides.

President Tsai Ing-wen named William Lai to head up the government following the resignation Monday of Lin Chuan. Lin had asked to leave the post before local elections next year added an unwanted political element to his work.

The smooth transfer of office "represents that there is absolutely no problem with the communication and handing over of the functions within the Cabinet," Tsai told reporters at a news conference attended by both Lin and Lai.

Former mayor and legislator William Lai, 57, speaks to media after being appointed as the new premier, Tuesday, Sept. 5,2017, in Taipei, Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday named Lai to head up the government following the resignation Monday of Lin Chuan. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

"All the reform projects will be handed over and carried on," Tsai said.

Lai, a 57-year-old Harvard-educated physician, served for 11 years in the legislature and since 2010 has been mayor of the southern city of Tainan.

China cut off all contacts with Tsai's government more than a year ago after she refused to endorse Beijing's position that Taiwan is Chinese territory.

Over the past year, China has persuaded two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies to switch sides as it ratchets up its diplomatic and economic pressure on Tsai's administration, causing her job approval rating to plummet to just 33 percent. Since the sides split amid civil war in 1949, China has refused to renounce using force to gain control over Taiwan if it were deemed necessary.

China also uses its diplomatic clout to bar Taiwan from United Nations agencies, another sore spot with the public. The two sides were able to reach 23 economic, trade and transit agreements under the previous president, Ma Ying-jeou, because he agreed to the "one-China" precondition.

Lai suggested earlier in the year seeking common ground with China, according to local media reports, and said the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which supports Taiwan's formal legal independence, should have confidence to approach Beijing. The party normally takes a guarded view toward relations with China.

In June, Lai described his outlook on relations between the sides as "feel affinity toward China, love Taiwan." Amid criticism, he said he meant offering China a gesture of friendship to seek understanding.

"He tested the water and shrank back," said Lin Chong-pin, a retired professor and former deputy Taiwanese defense minister. "But we can't say he won't try again" after China's ruling Communist Party holds a key national congress next month, Lin said.

However, Huang Kwei-bo, associate professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Beijing was unlikely to see Lai's appointment in a positive light given his pro-independence background.

"No matter what Lai talks about, he still supports Taiwan independence, so mainland China won't give him much face," Huang said.

The Tainan city news department director declined to answer a question Tuesday about whether Lai would hold to his earlier statements about China.

Neither Tsai nor the new premier mentioned China at Tuesday's news conference, focusing instead on domestic issues such as tax reform and energy supplies.

Taiwan's premier functions as head of all government ministries and commissions. Traditionally, the president rather than the premier sets policies on China and foreign affairs, Huang said.

"Our reform direction is already very clear," Tsai told the news conference. "Premier Lai will lead the administrative team, eliminate extreme difficulties and do his utmost to sprint ahead."
WELLESLEY, Mass. (AP) - Until last year, Ninotska Love would have been barred from attending Wellesley College. She's an accomplished student who has persevered through hardship, but under longstanding rules, the college would have rejected her.

Now the rules have changed. This week, Love will become one of the first transgender women to attend Wellesley in the school's 147-year history.

"For me to be accepted to one of the best colleges for women in the nation, it is a big validation of the person that I have become. At first I couldn't believe it," said Love, 28, who was born in Ecuador but fled to the U.S. in 2009 after being kidnapped and threatened because of her gender identity. "I'm so thankful to be here."

In this Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 photo Ninotska Love, who has been accepted at Wellesley College, unpacks in her dorm room at the women's school, in Wellesley, Mass. Until last year, Love would have been barred from attending Wellesley. She's an accomplished student who has persevered through hardship, but under longstanding rules, the college would have rejected her because she was assigned at birth as a boy. Now the rules have changed. Love will become one of the first transgender women to attend Wellesley in the school's 147-year history. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Her arrival on campus reflects a quiet but momentous shift that's taking place at a wave of women's colleges that have begun allowing trans women. On Tuesday, Spelman College in Atlanta became the latest to say it will accept students who identify as women, "regardless of their gender assignment at birth." But even as many schools embrace shifting views on gender, some have been reluctant to change amid lingering differences over the role of women's colleges.

At least nine women's colleges have moved to allow trans women since 2014, starting with Mills College in Oakland, California. Joining Wellesley in 2015 were Smith, Bryn Mawr and Barnard colleges, the last of the so-called Seven Sisters women's colleges to make the change. Spelman, a historically black college, announced its new policy will take effect for students enrolling in the 2018-2019 academic year.

Advocates say others have likely done so without advertising it.

"I think it's a step forward, one that's long overdue," said Genny Beemyn, director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a resource group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. "If they say they're women, then saying that they can't attend is denying their identities and marginalizing them."

Just how many trans women are attending women's colleges remains unknown. Many schools that now accept them won't say how many they enroll, if any, citing privacy concerns. Schools including Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges say they don't track the gender identities of their students.

Chicora Martin, vice president of student life and dean of students at Mills College, said some fear backlash from alumni or donors who don't support the change, and they want to protect students from outside scrutiny. At Mills, 8 percent of more than 700 undergraduates identify as trans women.

"I think that's something they don't want to draw to their students," Martin said. "Ultimately the attention is drawn to them, and that can be negative attention."

Colleges of all types have faced increasing pressure to meet the needs of trans men and women, who make up an estimated 0.7 percent of the nation's youths. Some schools have responded by offering gender-neutral bathrooms and medical insurance that covers hormone treatments, or by letting students pick their gender pronouns .

Still, alumnae of some women's colleges have opposed the admissions change, saying it undermines the institutional mission to empower women. Leaders at some schools counter that women's colleges were founded to educate those who have been marginalized because of their gender.

"That's always been the historic role of women's colleges," Martin said. "The definition of gender and gender identity has broadened, and yet it's still very much that mission."

Some schools have resisted widening their gender policies. At Hollins University, a private school of about 800 in Virginia, trans women can be accepted only if they have completed a legal and surgical transition from male to female, which legally entitles them to consideration anyway.

Hollins spokesman Jeff Hodges said the policy "supports how the university defines its mission as an undergraduate institution of higher learning for women."

At Wellesley, Love said she knows of at least one other trans woman starting this week. Wellesley leaders said that they don't comment on the gender identities of specific students but that they welcome Love to the school's "community of outstanding women."

"As the leading liberal arts college for women, Wellesley's mission is to educate women who will make a difference in the world - and those women represent diversity in every dimension," Sofiya Cabalquinto, a college spokeswoman, said in a statement.

Love is considering a major in women's and gender studies and later hopes to become a civil rights lawyer for LGBT students and immigrants. It's a goal shaped by her own past; Love says she illegally entered Texas from Mexico before being granted asylum because of her persecution in Ecuador.

Her first job in the U.S. was cleaning dorms at a college in North Carolina. She later moved to New York City and started classes at LaGuardia Community College, where she earned academic honors and gained support from the Kaplan Educational Foundation, which helps low-income and minority students transfer to four-year universities.

Love was accepted to a dozen colleges but says Wellesley was always her top choice.

"I knew that it would be a challenge; I knew that it would be difficult," she said, "but at the same time I knew that I can make a difference - and I knew that I can show to other people that we transgender women are humans, too."

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Follow Collin Binkley on Twitter at @cbinkley

In this Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, photo, Ninotska Love, who has been accepted at Wellesley College, unpacks in her dorm room at the women's school, in Wellesley, Mass. A growing number of women's colleges are welcoming transgender women on campus after refusing to admit them for years. Two trans women, including Ninotska, attending Wellesley this fall are believed to be the first at the school since it decided to start allowing trans women in 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 photo, Ninotska Love, who has been accepted at Wellesley College, opens the door to her dorm room at the school in Wellesley, Mass. A growing number of women's colleges are welcoming transgender women on campus after refusing to admit them for years. Two trans women, including Ninotska, attending Wellesley this fall are believed to be the first at the school since it decided to start allowing trans women in 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, photo, Ninotska Love, who has been accepted at Wellesley College, looks out a window in her dorm room at the women's school in Wellesley, Mass. A growing number of women's colleges are welcoming transgender women on campus after refusing to admit them for years. Two trans women, including Ninotska, attending Wellesley this fall are believed to be the first at the school since it decided to start allowing trans women in 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Beatrice police are searching for two people accused of stealing copper wire, most of which was later returned to the victim.

Surveillance cameras caught two people, a man and a woman, stealing around 350 pounds of cord and wires from Rewound Motorsports on East Court Street at around 9 p.m. Saturday.

The suspects came west down the alley from Hayes Street, said Beatrice police officer Kris Gill. They went around the building and backed up to an open fence area. A male gets out of the drivers seat and a female gets out of the passengers seat. You can see they start throwing these cords into the back of a vehicle and they took off.

The victim contacted police, who posted images from the cameras, including a photo of the small SUV the couple drove, on social media.

Gill said the victim contacted police Monday morning to say that a bag with some of the stolen wire was dumped at the business. The bag contained around 200 pounds of wire.

The total 350 pounds taken was valued at around $245.

Gill said the offense is a misdemeanor charge, and the case is under investigation.

She added its an example of social media helping law enforcement spread the word and close cases.

I love how the community gets involved and engaged in it, Gill said. We have cleared a lot of cases this way and Im pretty happy about that. I know the victims are happy about that, too.
NEW DELHI (AP) - A 54-year-old British man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at a school in the Indian capital, police said Tuesday.

Murray Dennis Ward had been associated for nine years with the New Delhi school run by the National Association for the Blind, initially as a donor and later as a volunteer teacher, police said.

School authorities contacted the police after the boys, aged 14 and 15, complained about the alleged abuse, police said.

Visually impaired children walk in the National Association for the Blind premise in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. A 54-year-old British man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at the school in the Indian capital, police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal)

Ward appeared before a judge after his arrest on Monday and was ordered held in police custody while the investigations continues. Police have seized his laptop computer and cellphone.

Ward, from Gloucestershire in the U.K., had been working with a technology company in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon until April.

A senior police officer, Ishwar Singh, told reporters that the British high commission in New Delhi has been informed of the arrest.

The National Association for the Blind said Ward had offered to help children with their studies and in improving their English and self-confidence.

It said Ward visited the school a few times a month.

"The safety and dignity of our students is our top priority and therefore, when this incident came to light, we immediately informed the police," it said in a statement.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The Latest on North Korea's nuclear test and the world reaction (all times local):

10 a.m.

Australia's prime minister says after a phone call with President Donald Trump that both countries want to avoid conflict with North Korea.

A man watches a television screen showing U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The signs read "Need sanctions on North Korea."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would not detail what steps Trump said he might take against North Korea during a 30-minute conversation.

Turnbull said he concluded after recent discussions with the leaders of Japan, Indonesia as well as Trump that: "Everybody wants to get this dangerous situation resolved, bring this reckless, dangerous, provocative regime to its senses without conflict."

Turnbull told reporters: "A conflict would be catastrophic - everyone understands that."

Turnbull said he agreed with Trump on the need for strong economic sanctions against North Korea.

Australia is a staunch U.S. military ally and hosts a U.S. Marine Corps presence in its north.

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3:45 a.m.

The U.N. secretary-general is warning the U.S. and North Korea that "confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences" and stressing that the nuclear crisis must be solved diplomatically.

Antonio Guterres says it's "absolutely crucial" that the U.N. Security Council is united in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and that the U.S., Russia, China, Japan and South Korea use one strategy.

Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday that North Korea's nuclear and missile tests threaten regional and international stability.

He accused North Korea's leaders of "needlessly and recklessly (putting) millions of people at risk including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights."

Guterres urged communication and offered to support any efforts to peacefully resolve "this alarming situation."

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1 a.m.

Russia's U.N. ambassador says that despite good intentions, sanctions against North Korea aren't working and Moscow wants a new U.N. resolution to focus more on a political solution of the crisis over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Vassily Nebenzia said Russia wants a reference to the need for political dialogue based on recent initiatives.

He told reporters at U.N. headquarters on Tuesday that the only initiative currently on paper is a Chinese-Russian proposal that would halt North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for the U.S. and South Korea halting their joint military exercises.

But Nebenzia said Russia would welcome other initiatives, noting that the Swiss have offered to mediate, and "if that works, I'll be happy."

U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency Security Council meeting called in response to North Korea's Sunday nuclear test that the U.S. wants a new U.N. resolution with tougher sanctions adopted by next Monday.

Nebenzia called that date "a little premature" and stressed that a military option should be "ruled out of any discussions."

He said possible new economic sanctions would affect ordinary Koreans, not the nuclear or missile programs.

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11 p.m.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "not to give in to emotions and show restraint" when dealing with North Korea.

North Korea on Sunday conducted its most powerful nuclear test to date, triggering U.S. warnings of a "massive military response."

The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that Lavrov told Tillerson in a phone call on Tuesday that political and diplomatic tools should be used to find a peaceful solution to the North Korean nuclear crisis.

Lavrov also said Moscow is "willing to consider" a U.S. draft resolution condemning North Korea's nuclear test submitted to the U.N. Security Council if its stance opposing a military response is taken into account.

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9:45 p.m.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he has given the go-ahead for Japan and South Korea to buy a "substantially increased amount" of sophisticated military equipment from the United States.

The move comes amid tensions over North Korea's latest nuclear test. The U.S. is weighing a number of military, economic and diplomatic responses.

The White House said that in a phone call with South Korean's president on Monday, Trump gave approval "in principle" to lifting previous restrictions on South Korean missile payloads and to approving "many billions" in weapons sales to South Korea.

In an early morning tweet Tuesday, Trump said, "I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States."

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4 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as a "flagrant violation" of international conventions, but also said there can only be a "diplomatic and peaceful solution" of the crisis.

Merkel, who was speaking to the German parliament on Tuesday, said North Korea's distance from Germany should not keep the country from helping to end the crisis.

Merkel also talked to U.S. President Donald Trump late Monday to discuss the latest provocation by North Korea.

Both leaders "condemned North Korea's continued reckless and dangerous behavior" and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at the United Nations.

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1:30 p.m.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for talks with North Korea, warning against "military hysteria."

Putin said during a news conference in China on Tuesday that it was important that all parties including North Korea not face "threats of annihilation" and "step on the path of cooperation."

"Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation," Putin said. "This is a road to nowhere."

Russia earlier condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as "provocative," but said it does not support the idea of slapping North Korea with more sanctions.

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1:15 p.m.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as provocation.

North Korea's detonation of a hydrogen bomb on Sunday marked its most powerful nuclear test to date.

Putin said Tuesday at a news conference in China that Russia saw the test as "provocative." But he stopped short of expressing support for imposing more U.N. sanctions on North Korea, and said Russia viewed them as "useless and ineffective."

Putin said it was "ridiculous" that the United States first slapped Russia with sanctions carried in the same bill that penalized North Korea, and "then asked us to help impose sanctions on North Korea."

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noon

Japanese lawmakers are demanding tougher U.N. sanctions on North Korea, after it conducted a sixth nuclear test over the weekend.

The resolution by Japan's parliamentary committee condemns the nuclear test, and urges the Japanese government to take leadership in pushing for tougher punishment against Pyongyang, as measures are being discussed at the United Nations Security Council.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told lawmakers it was time to increase pressure on North Korea and eliminate loopholes that allow some countries to continue trading with Pyongyang.

A man walks near a signboard showing the distance to the North Korea's capital Pyongyang and to South Korea's capital Seoul from Imjingang Station in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. With Seoul expecting another North Korean missile test, South Korean warships on Tuesday conducted live-fire exercises at sea, a second-straight day of military swagger from a nation still rattled by the North's biggest-ever nuclear test. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - The Latest on the flow of migrants in Europe (all times local):

12 p.m.

A district court in Germany has opened a trial against a migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medical student in the southwestern city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy.

Defendant Hussein K. is led into the court room in Freiburg, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The district court has opened a trial against the young migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP)

The trial started Tuesday for asylum-seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg.

The victim vanished in mid-October on her way home in Freiburg. Her body was found in a river. The suspect was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and video footage from near the scene.

The suspect arrived in Germany in 2015 without identity papers. He told authorities he was 17 and came from Afghanistan, but two studies commissioned by prosecutors indicated he was at least 22 at the time of the crime.

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11:40 a.m.

Greek authorities say that 103 migrants picked up off a crippled yacht are being taken to port on the southern island of Crete.

A coast guard statement says the vessel was located by a merchant ship east of Crete early Tuesday, after authorities received a distress call by phone.

The yacht's point of departure and destination were unknown.

On Monday, the coast guard said it rescued another 107 refugees or migrants on small boats, in two incidents off the eastern island of Lesbos.

According to the United Nations, 15,230 refugees or migrants have reached Greece by sea this year - a fraction of the arrivals in 2015.

Flows have been slashed by last year's Balkan border closures and deal between the European Union and Turkey on restricting illegal migration.

Visitors, journalists and police stand in front of the Freiburg, Germany district court, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Thedistrict court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP)

File - In this Sept. 4, 2017 file photo, a paper heart reading "Dear Maria, we will never forget you" is hanging near the site of crime at the river Dreisam in Freiburg, Germany. A district court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing the 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP,file)

Visitors, journalists and police stand in front of the Freiburg, Germany district court, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The district court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP)

FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2016 file photo flowers and mourning ornaments have been attached to a tree along the Dreisam river in Freiburg, Germany, where a 19-year-old university student was killed. A district court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing the 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP, file)
GENEVA (AP) - Europe's top clubs have elected Juventus president Andrea Agnelli to lead them, and Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis will join him on the UEFA executive committee.

The European Club Association, which represents more than 200 clubs, chose Agnelli to replace the outgoing Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as their chairman.

Agnelli, who was Rummenigge's deputy, will serve a two-year term.

The newly re-elected ECA board also chose Agnelli and Gazidis as their two representatives on UEFA's decision-making executive committee.

UEFA is set to give the two club delegates full voting rights on its board at a meeting in Geneva in two weeks.

The ECA is a key UEFA partner in negotiating changes to the entry rules and prize money distribution of the Champions League and Europa League.
TEKNAF, Bangladesh (AP) - As far as the eye can see, they trudge through treacherously deep mud, across rice paddy fields and past rain-swollen creeks into Bangladesh.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, fleeing the latest round of violence to engulf their homes in Myanmar, have been walking for days or handing over their meager savings to Burmese and Bangladeshi smugglers to escape what they describe as certain death.

Exhausted mothers clutched listless infants. Catatonically terrified children clung to bone-weary fathers. Young children with blank eyes carried even younger siblings.

A Rohingya child is carried on a sling while his family walk through rice fields after crossing the border into Bangladesh near Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

"Oh Allah, Oh Allah," one family moaned as they waded Tuesday through the chin-high waters of the Naf River dividing the two countries. One panicking woman handed a 3-month-old infant to a taller man before she slipped momentarily beneath the murky water. For a terrifying moment, the man held the baby aloft with one hand as he steadied himself. Then as the woman remerged, the group moved on to the safety of Bangladesh on the opposite bank.

The Rohingya Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar's western Rakhine state has faced systematic persecution at the hands of the Buddhist majority for decades. The military junta that ruled the nation for decades stripped them of their citizenship. The democratically elected government under the leadership of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Aung San Suu Kyi has looked the other way as the Rohingya were pushed into squalid camps in their own home towns and villages.

For a people who have already lived through unimaginable horrors, including mass rapes and brutal killings decried by the United Nations, it seems as if the misery will never end.

Fresh horror was unleashed on Aug. 25, when fighters of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army attacked government forces and prompted Myanmar soldiers to retaliate with "clearance operations" they say were aimed at flushing the insurgents out from Rohingya villages.

The Myanmar government blames the insurgents for setting fire to their own homes and killing Buddhists in Rakhine.

The exhausted and starving refugees pouring into Bangladesh tell a different story: of targeted shootings by Myanmar troops; of warnings to leave their homes if they wanted to live.

And so they left.

They abandoned all but what they could carry - a few kitchen utensils, a bag of rice, a tattered mattress.

On a mound of river clay, Dilara Begum sat, too exhausted to move as the half-naked son she cradled in one arm ran his tongue over his chapped lips. Two other children filled a plastic water bottle with the swirling brown river water and then each took small sips in turn.

The Myanmar army burnt the houses in Begum's village near the town of Maungdaw as the residents fled.

"I'm very hungry," Begum said in a low moan. She could not remember when the family last ate. She had no food and hardly any money left after paying a smuggler about 10,000 Myanmar kyat, worth about $7.40, for each person in her family to be carried across the river in a rickety wooden boat.

One of the many boatmen plying the Naf River amid the refugee crisis said he has ferried thousands of Rohingya over the last 10 days - an exodus he said was like nothing he's ever seen.

Many of the refugees have washed into the border district of Cox's Bazar, where Teknaf town is located. Huddled with wide-eyed children, they occupied every available space - in little knots along the streets, in large groups on grassy knolls between rice fields.

Having escaped their destroyed homes, they weren't sure what they would do next.

Ahead lay hunger, homelessness or possibly disease in overcrowded refugee camps.

Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest countries, was already sheltering some 100,000 Rohingya refugees before another 123,000 flooded in after Aug. 25, according to the U.N. refugee agency's latest estimate on Tuesday.

With aid groups unable to access violence-ridden areas of Myanmar, it's unclear how many are left behind.

Some of the refugees in Bangladesh have found shelter with relatives in camps built in the 1990s.

Tens of thousands of others squat in open fields or collect bamboo sticks from the nearby woods to build their own shelters.

In the markets of Cox's Bazar, some have sought to profit from the tragedy. Sticks of bamboo that normally sell for about 75 Bangladeshi taka (90 U.S. cents) are now selling for 200 taka (about $2.50).

There are multiple points on the border where Rohingya can cross by foot or by boat. When the tide was low, some boatmen were stopping a few hundred meters (yards) short and asking people to wade in the rest of the way.

Last week, at least three boats capsized, spilling dozens of people into the brackish waters. Some managed to swim to safety, but at least 26 people drowned.

Nur Kabir said he crossed the river on Sunday, and that many more have tried to swim the expanse on their own strength.

"They try to cross the river at night and drown," Kabir said.

Some members of the Bangladeshi Border Guards, moved by the suffering around them, have interpreted the government's silence about the refugee influx in recent days as approval for letting them in.

"This is a time to show humanity," one paramilitary soldier said, asking that he and his colleagues not be named because they were not authorized to speak with the media. Officials "haven't said let them enter. But they haven't said stop them either."

Another guard said they were trying to guide the terrified refugees crossing the river to spots along the slippery bank where it was easier to clamber up out of the water.

"I saw a woman with a 13-day-old baby. Her breastmilk had dried. She was feeding her baby this dirty water," he said.

"That made me cry."

___

Follow Muneeza Naqvi on Twitter at twitter.com/mnaqvi10

Members of Myanmar's Rohingya ethnic minority walk through rice fields after crossing the border into Bangladesh near Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Members of Myanmar's Rohingya ethnic minority walk through rice fields after crossing the border into Bangladesh near Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A Rohingya family reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek of the Naf river on the border with Myanmmar, in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A Rohingya family piles on their meagre belongings on to boat they hired to bring them deeper inside Bangladesh. Thousands of Rohingya have crossed creeks on the Naf river on the border with Myanmmar, in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A Rohingya family reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek of the Naf river on the border with Myanmmar, in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A Rohingya family reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek of the Naf river on the border with Myanmmar, in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

A Rohingya family reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek of the Naf river on the border with Myanmmar, in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf area, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
MASERU, Lesotho (AP) - Lesotho's army commander was killed Tuesday in a gunfight with two rival military officers who also died, the defense minister of the tiny southern African nation said.

Defense Minister Sentje Lebona confirmed the death of Lt. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso in a resurgence of the political instability that has plagued Lesotho.

Witnesses said the gunfight happened after the two officers forced their way into Motsomotso's office at a military barracks.

Lesotho has been beset by power struggles and concerns about military interference in politics. The country has seen a number of high-profile assassinations, including the 2015 killing of a former army chief.

Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's party won elections in June, returning him to power three years after he fled Lesotho to neighboring South Africa because of fears he was an assassination target.

Thabane's estranged wife, Lipolela Alice Thabane, was shot dead two days before he took the oath of office in June in what many supporters believed was an effort to intimidate the new governing coalition.

The military, seen as supportive of Thomas Thabane's rival, former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, has pledged to respect democratic rule.

Thabane took office vowing to stem what he called a "downward spiral of lawlessness" while promoting human rights as well as political and security-related reforms. He said alleviating poverty through economic growth was another priority. Lesotho has high rates of both poverty and HIV infection.
CAIRO (AP) - Egypt's military says it will host war games with U.S. troops later this month for the first time in eight years.

Col. Tamer el-Rifai, a military spokesman, said Tuesday that the 10-day military exercises, known as "Bright Star," would begin September 10.

The bi-annual exercises date back to 1981, but the Obama administration postponed them in 2011, following the uprising that toppled longtime President Hosni Mubarak, and scrapped them in 2013, after Egyptian security forces killed hundreds of protesters while breaking up a mass sit-in.

U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Egypt as a key ally against terrorism, but last month the United States cut or delayed some $300 million in military and economic aid over human rights concerns.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday discussed the fate of two Israeli civilians and the remains of two Israeli soldiers believed to be held by Hamas in a meeting with the leader of the Islamic militant group.

Officials on both sides said the status of the missing Israelis was one of a host of issues discussed in the meeting between ICRC President Peter Maurer and Yehiyeh Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza.

A Hamas official said that Maurer "heard the movement's firm position" Tuesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed.

Sinwar has said Hamas will not release any information about the missing Israelis until Israel frees 54 Palestinian prisoners who were re-arrested after being released in a 2011 prisoner swap.

Alyona Synenko, an ICRC spokeswoman, confirmed that the fate of people detained or missing on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were among the many humanitarian issues discussed Tuesday.

"The objective of this visit is to discuss various humanitarian concerns," she said, declining to elaborate on Maurer's discussions with Sinwar.

Maurer also met with families of Gazans with relatives held in Israeli prisons, spoke to people affected by a 50-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2014, toured Gaza's sewage-contaminated beachfront and met with beneficiaries of ICRC agricultural and medical programs. He also plans to meet Palestinian officials in the West Bank and hold talks in Israel with government officials and relatives of the missing Israelis.

Hamas is believed to be holding the remains of two soldiers killed during the 2014 war. In addition, it is believed to be holding two Israeli civilians who scaled a border fence and entered Gaza. Hamas has not publicly released any pictures or other evidence confirming it is holding the men, and their families have not heard from them.

Hamas, an Islamic militant group that seeks Israel's destruction, has controlled Gaza since ousting troops loyal to the internationally backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007. Abbas now rules autonomous areas of the West Bank, leaving the Palestinians divided between two rival governments.

Israel, with Egyptian backing, has maintained a blockade over Gaza for the past decade. It says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons, but the closure, along with three wars with Hamas, have hit Gaza's economy hard. Unemployment is over 40 percent, and the territory suffers from chronic power outages of up to 20 hours a day.

Israel and its Western allies consider Hamas a terrorist group and have no official contact with it. But as a humanitarian organization, the ICRC maintains a dialogue with Hamas. Synenko said the "pragmatic discussion" is needed to solve humanitarian problems.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is phasing out a program for thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children. He is asking Congress to find a legislative solution to protect the immigrants, who are often called "Dreamers."

A look at how this will work:

TIMING

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the program, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, would be rescinded, but with a six month delay. The administration says that is designed to give Congress time to find a legislative solution for the Dreamers.

Sessions said the phase-out "will enable DHS to conduct an orderly change and fulfill the desire of this administration to create a time period for Congress to act_should it so choose. We firmly believe this is the responsible path."

PARTICIPANTS

People who have work permits through DACA will be able to stay in the U.S. until those permits expire, according to a memorandum from Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke. Those who have permits expiring before March 5, 2018 can apply for a full two-year renewal, but must submit the application by Oct. 5.

New application for permits, as well as applications for renewals, received before Sept. 5 will be reviewed on a "case-by-case" basis. No new applications will be accepted going forward.
The 34th annual Quilt and Needlework Show will be held in conjunction with the 2017 Applejack Festival in Nebraska City from Sept. 15-17.

The show will be held in the lower level of the Bethel United Church of Christ, located at 2400 Central Ave. (The church is across the street - east of the Nebraska City High School, or at the west end of Central Avenue).

A preview night will take place on Friday, Sept. 15 from 5-8 p.m. The show will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There will be nearly 200 quilt and needlework items on display.

Sheri Dowding from Syracuse, Neb. is the featured guild member, quilter/needlework artist. The guest, featured quilter is Sandra Anderson from Lincoln.

The 2017 raffle quilt, Autumn Splendor, was pieced together by Linda Hug and Delta Budt and quilted by Pam Estrada of the Fabric Fairy. These talented ladies are guild members.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the quilt show or from any guild member. Tickets are also available at the Sew Enchanting shop in Nebraska City, the Fabric Fairy shop in Auburn and the Quilters Boutique in Rock Port, Mo. The winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday at 3:45 p.m.

The Heritage Needlework Guild is a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and promoting the diverse needlework of the past, present and future. Guild meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 314 S. 16th St. in Nebraska City. More than 60 members come from Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

Hope to see you at the quilt show!
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - It's a tale of international jet-setting, $1,500-a-night hotel rooms and, for good measure, allegations of affairs with models and actresses.

Beyond the tabloid angles, this week's corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and a wealthy friend promises to put the very business of governing under a microscope - and could eventually lead to a Republican taking over his seat in the deeply divided Senate.

Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday in the trial of Menendez and a Florida ophthalmologist, Dr. Salomon Melgen.

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017, file photo, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference, in Union Beach, N.J. Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the trial of Menendez and Florida ophthalmologist, Dr. Salomon Melgen. They are charged with a conspiracy in which, prosecutors say, Menendez lobbied for Melgen's business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

They are charged with a conspiracy in which, prosecutors say, Menendez lobbied for Melgen's business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts that included luxury vacations, flights on Melgen's plane and stays at his private villa in an exclusive Dominican Republic resort frequented by celebrities including Beyonce and Jay-Z.

The indictment also alleges Menendez pressured State Department officials to give visas to three young women described as Melgen's girlfriends.

The men both pleaded not guilty, and Menendez has vehemently denied the allegations. Defense lawyers say that the trips described as bribes were examples of friends vacationing together, that most of Melgen's contributions went to committees Menendez didn't control and that he didn't control the people he lobbied on Melgen's behalf.

"I'm looking forward to finally having the opportunity to seek exoneration," Menendez, who was indicted in April 2015 and has been dogged by some of the allegations since 2013, said recently. "I do believe we'll be exonerated. I did nothing wrong, and I did nothing illegal."

Menendez is up for re-election next year. If he is convicted and steps down or is forced out of the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote before Gov. Chris Christie leaves office Jan. 16, the Republican governor would pick a successor.

While a Democrat has a large polling and financial advantage in November's election to replace Christie, the stakes are high. A Republican-led partial repeal of the Affordable Care Act might have succeeded this summer if Menendez's seat had flipped before then.

Menendez also tried to persuade Judge William Walls to halt the trial on days the Senate holds critical votes, but he rejected the request on Friday. Walls said he wouldn't change the schedule for a "cab driver" or "construction worker" and wasn't doing it for the senator.

___

GIRLFRIENDS AND 'OFFICIAL ACTS'

Among the gifts prosecutors say Melgen gave Menendez were flights on Melgen's private jet, vacations at Melgen's private villa in the Dominican Republic and a three-night stay at a luxury Paris hotel valued at nearly $5,000.

Melgen also directed more than $750,000 in campaign contributions to entities that supported Menendez, according to the indictment, which alleges they were inducements to get Menendez to use his influence on Melgen's behalf.

Prosecutors say that lobbying included a three-year effort to help Melgen avoid paying $8.9 million for overbilling Medicare, a meeting with an assistant secretary of state to help Melgen in a contract dispute over port screening equipment in the Dominican Republic, and helping one of Melgen's girlfriends and her sister get into the country after their visas were denied.

Prosecutors say Menendez and staffers also lobbied for a Brazilian model and lawyer and a Ukrainian model and actress described as Melgen's girlfriends to be allowed to travel to the U.S.

Melgen's sentencing in a separate Medicare fraud case has been delayed until after his trial with Menendez.

Jurors will have to wade through complex legal concepts, including whether Menendez's interactions with executive branch officials were "official acts" as defined under federal bribery statutes. That will depend on how a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision reversing the bribery conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, is interpreted.

"This is not a black-and-white area of the law even for people who do this on a regular basis," said Mala Ahuja Harker, a former federal prosecutor in New Jersey now working in private practice. "I think people's gut sense of fairness is going to come into play: Does this offend their sense of the way politics is supposed to operate?"

Marvin Overby, a professor of political science at the University of Missouri, said that whether Menendez's meetings and conversations with government officials were run-of-the-mill senatorial activities or illegal attempts to help someone who had given him gifts and campaign cash goes to the central question of what constitutes corruption for lawmakers.

"The general public's sense of corruption and what is legally enforceable as corruption are often quite different," he said.

The last sitting U.S. senator to go on trial was Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2008. The conviction was overturned after a Justice Department investigation concluded prosecutors had committed misconduct.

___

'THEY KNOW WHO I AM'

The son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez began his career in public service in the early 1970s in New Jersey's Hudson County, an ethnically and economically diverse Democratic stronghold directly across the Hudson River from New York City.

He rose from school board member to mayor to state lawmaker to congressman before being named to replace Democrat Jon Corzine in the Senate when Corzine became governor in 2006. Christie, then New Jersey's U.S. attorney, began an investigation into Menendez's ties to a local anti-poverty group that rented office space from him at the same time he was helping it get federal funding.

Christie denied the investigation was timed to influence the 2006 election, which Menendez won with about 54 percent of the vote. The case was closed in 2011 with no charges.

Christie said last month that while he and Menendez have differed on many policy issues, he considered the Democrat "a very strong advocate for the state" and someone who "knows how the political system works and is a sharp-elbowed advocate for the things that he believes in."

Menendez has hardly been a shrinking violet since his April 2015 indictment, and he has made a steady stream of public appearances to tout his legislative priorities and harshly criticize many of President Donald Trump's policies.

After U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday announced the Trump administration will wind down a program protecting young immigrants from deportation, Menendez released a statement saying Trump has "chosen once again to cloak his presidency with a white nationalist flag instead of the diverse fabric of our multicultural American society."

Menendez has also remained a leading voice against improved relations with Cuba and praised Trump's rollback of President Barack Obama's plan to re-establish diplomatic relations.

The indictment also hasn't stopped Menendez from receiving financial support. He has raised more than $6 million since his indictment, between his legal defense fund and campaign, according to a review of federal filings.

At a recent news conference to discuss flood insurance in a town heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy, a middle-aged man in a T-shirt and jeans stood up and thanked Menendez for taking the time to speak directly to his constituents.

Later, Menendez spoke about the people he has represented and who have supported him since the indictment.

"They know who I am, and they know that I have for 43 years committed my entire adult life to public service and I've done it with honest and integrity," he said. "They know what I stand for and what I fight for."

___

Contributing to this report were Associated Press writer Michael Catalini in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and AP data journalist Michelle Minkoff in Washington.
NEW YORK (AP) - Twice a year, New York's Fashion Week crowds have crammed into the lobby of a Chelsea gallery, waiting patiently to descend a staircase and see what bizarre, fantastical, endlessly inventive universe Thom Browne has created for his womenswear show - an otherworldly experience akin to getting lost on the set of a Tim Burton film.

Browne has led his guests into a dark and eerie cathedral, with real pews and crosses, candles and incense. He's brought them to a wood-paneled operating room in an 18th-century hospital. He's created a dreamy winterscape in an urban park in shades of gray, and an eye-popping, multi-hued swimming pool with bathing beauties from another dimension.

New York fashion lovers will have to do without these experiences, now that Browne is moving his womenswear show to Paris. But first, they'll be turning out on Wednesday to see him honored with the prestigious Couture Council award from the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, an annual event that kicks off Fashion Week.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, file photo, designer Thom Browne acknowledges applause at the Thom Browne collection runway show during Fashion Week, in New York. The New York fashion world gathers Wednesday, Sept. 6, to honor designer Browne with the annual Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Browne, who regularly puts on the most fascinating, theatrically stunning shows in all of Fashion Week, won't be showing here: He's moving his women's shows to Paris, where he already shows his menswear. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

"In my view, his womenswear shows have always been the best in New York - so amazing, incredible and creative," says Valerie Steele, director and chief curator at the FIT museum. What's striking, she says, is that given the fantastical nature of Browne's shows - where models are transformed head to toe, with whimsical headdresses and pasty white makeup - his clothes are very wearable.

"Most clothes out there, you kind of think, 'the world doesn't need this,'" Steele quips. "Or, 'I already have this in my closet.' But with him, you're just on tenterhooks, waiting to see what he's going to do."

Given the popularity of Browne's womenswear shows, it might seem surprising that he's still largely known for menswear (he already shows his men's collections in Paris.) Perhaps that's because, with his famous "shrunken" suit - his own personal uniform - he revolutionized menswear, in the eyes of Steele and many others.

But even though his womenswear has been worn by the likes of Michelle Obama - at her husband's second inauguration - Browne should be better known for it, his fans say. And so does he, though he's quick to point out that it's just fine to call him a menswear designer.

"I'm really proud of what I do for menswear, and what I have done for menswear," Browne said in an interview. "But I do want people to see that I am just as focused as on creating something for women. And that is something that I definitely want to change a little bit in the future."

As for the move to Paris - on the heels of similar recent moves by labels like Proenza Schouler, Rodarte and Altuzarra - Browne says it's purely a business decision, aimed at enhancing exposure to his craft, particularly for Asian and European markets.

"It has nothing to do with leaving New York, because I've loved showing in New York and I do see myself as an American designer," he says. "I think in a way, I am putting the pressure on myself to strongly represent American fashion in Paris." Asked if he might reverse the decision one day and bring the shows back to New York, he indicates it's not too likely: "Never say never ... but I'm committing to it."

Steele says she's not surprised by the Paris move. "Paris still has the reputation of first among equals as a fashion capital," she says. "And his clothes are so extraordinary, so out of the ordinary, that everyone thought they deserved the best possible placement in the world."

Browne, a multiple winner of the Council of Fashion Designers of America award - for menswear - says he doesn't design with an eye to winning awards. But he says the Couture Council award, to be bestowed at a Lincoln Center luncheon by Whoopi Goldberg, is nonetheless "just a huge honor." Previous winners have included Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahnik, Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors, among others.

"Just to see who they've given the award to in the past, it's humbling," he says. Besides, he adds, "Anybody that sustains a business in fashion deserves an award. So I think there are a lot of people that deserve them."

FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, file photo, the Thom Browne collection is modeled during Fashion Week, in New York. The New York fashion world gathers Wednesday, Sept. 6, to honor designer Browne with the annual Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Browne, who regularly puts on the most fascinating, theatrically stunning shows in all of Fashion Week, won't be showing here: He's moving his women's shows to Paris, where he already shows his menswear. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
VENICE, Italy (AP) - Michael Caine says he supports Brexit because he doesn't want Britain to be controlled by European Union bureaucrats.

At the Venice Film Festival, the Oscar-winning actor said Britain was "being run by a man called Mr. Juncker" - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, a former prime minister of Luxembourg.

Caine said Tuesday that "up until I was 20, I thought Luxembourg was a radio station. I didn't even know it was a country and now he's running my country - and he doesn't seem to like us."

Director David Batty, left, and actor Michael Caine pose for photographers during the photo call of the film 'My Generation', at the 74th edition of the Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (Claudio Onorati/ANSA via AP)

The 84-year-old actor said his decision wasn't based on immigration or economics, but because "I'd rather be a poor master of my own fate than a rich servant of someone else's."

Caine narrates Venice entry "My Generation," a documentary about the 1960s.

Director David Batty, left, and actor Michael Caine pose for photographers during the photo call of the film 'My Generation', at the 74th edition of the Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Actor Michael Caine poses for photographers during the photo call of the film 'My Generation', at the 74th edition of the Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
LONDON (AP) - Princes William and Harry have offered comfort to the survivors of the west London fire that killed at least 80 people.

The royal brothers met Tuesday with former Grenfell Tower residents during a visit to a center offering psychological support to survivors of the June 14 blaze.

Prince Harry urged them to "be there for each other," noting that some will be reticent to discuss their experiences.

Britain's Prince Harry meets with families affected by the Grenfell Tower apartment fire during a visit to the Support4Grenfell Community Hub in London, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Prince Harry and his brother Prince William visited the newly established royal foundation Support4Grenfell community hub providing bereavement and emotional support to the Grenfell Tower community. (AP Photo/ Toby Melville, Pool)

The brothers, who have made mental health one of their priority causes, toured the Support4Grenfell community hub, which is near the charred tower's remains.

Prince William's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, had intended to accompany them, but cancelled amid severe morning sickness from her third pregnancy.

As William apologized for her absence, one volunteer chimed, "She's got a good excuse."

Britain's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, speaks to families affected by the Grenfell Tower apartment block fire during a visit to the Support4Grenfell Community Hub in London, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Prince Harry and his brother Prince William visited the newly established royal foundation Support4Grenfell community hub providing bereavement and emotional support to the Grenfell Tower community. (AP Photo/ Toby Melville, Pool)

Britain's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, speaks to families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire during a visit to the Support4Grenfell Community Hub in London, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/ Toby Melville, Pool)

Britain's Prince Harry poses with a girl during a visit to families affected by the Grenfell Tower apartment fire during a visit to the Support4Grenfell Community Hub in London, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Prince Harry and his brother Prince William, top right, visited the newly established royal foundation Support4Grenfell community hub providing bereavement and emotional support to the Grenfell Tower community. (AP Photo/ Toby Melville, Pool)

Britain's Prince Harry speaks to families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire during a visit to the Support4Grenfell Community Hub in London, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/ Toby Melville, Pool)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Sen. Luther Strange reversed course Tuesday and sided with President Donald Trump in seeking to change Senate rules to make it easier for Republicans to push through legislative priorities.

The Republican sent a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asking to get rid of the Senate filibuster rule that requires 60 votes to stop debate and pass legislation. He asked for his name to be withdrawn from an earlier letter he signed seeking to maintain the threshold.

Trump has called for an end to the 60-vote rule. Supporters of the threshold said it assures that there must be some degree of bipartisanship cooperation on legislation.

Strange has sought to align himself with Trump, who endorsed him last month, as he tries to hold on to the Senate seat that previously belonged to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Strange is headed into a Sept 26 GOP runoff with former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. Moore finished first in the initial round of voting.

In the Tuesday letter to McConnell, Strange acknowledged his past support, but said he had since become disappointed that some colleagues are unwilling to move the "priorities of President Donald J. Trump forward." He said the rules should be changed to allow a majority to end debate.

"Until this is accomplished, the ability to build a wall on our southern border, defund Planned Parenthood, give the American people tax relief and any number of other important issues will continue to be difficult, if not impossible," Strange wrote.

Moore campaign chairman Bill Armistead sent out a statement saying that Strange was only recently supporting the filibuster rule and reversed course in the face of a tight election.

"This is a blatant flip flop that career politicians do when they're in trouble," Armistead said.

U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, who finished third behind Strange in the August primary, had repeatedly criticized Strange's support for the filibuster rule saying that the threshold would make it more difficult to pass Trump's agenda.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) - The Latest on a California woman believe kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend (all times local):

10:45 a.m.

Authorities say a man who kidnapped his ex-girlfriend in California dropped her off at a Nevada casino before she was rescued.

This undated photo provided by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office shows Joseph Hetzel. The sheriff's office says Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, that investigators are searching for Hetzel, who they say kidnapped Virginia Paris, his former girlfriend, and has been holding her against her will for several days. (Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office via AP)

Santa Barbara County, California, sheriff's investigators say Joseph Hetezel dropped Virginia Paris off in front of the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson on Monday night and drove off.

Authorities say Paris approached security guards at the casino and told them she had been abducted.

Sheriff's investigators say Hetzel may be on his way to Utah.

Investigators believe Hetzel kidnapped Paris in Solvang, California, on Friday and drove away in her black Chrysler sedan.

They were seen Sunday near Phoenix, where Paris approached a customer for help at a coffee shop. Investigators say Hetzel saw the exchange, grabbed Paris and dragged her away.

____

7:10 a.m.

Police say a California woman believed kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend has been found at a Las Vegas-area casino-hotel near the Arizona border.

Henderson Officer Rod Pena says security at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino reported that Virginia Paris approached guards late Monday and told them she had been abducted.

The 55-year-old woman has been taken to the hospital, but it's unclear if she is injured.

The suspect, 52-year-old Joseph Hetzel, is still at large.

Investigators believe Hetzel kidnapped Paris in Solvang, California, on Friday and drove away in her black Chrysler sedan.

They were seen Sunday near Phoenix, where Paris approached a customer for help at a coffee shop. Investigators say Hetzel saw the exchange, grabbed Paris and dragged her away.

Paris previously obtained a restraining order against Hetzel.
CLEVELAND (AP) - Authorities say a police officer who fatally shot an unarmed Ohio man after he was transported to a homeless shelter had used a stun gun on him unsuccessfully before firing.

The man was identified as 30-year-old William Andrew Porubsky by Summit County Medical Examiner Gary Guenther.

Guenther says that Porubsky and the officer got into a fight after they arrived at Haven of Rest in Akron in northeast Ohio on Sunday night. Police say the officer asked for backup from Akron police because the subject was becoming aggressive.

The log shows that shots were fired about six minutes later. Akron police records show that Porubsky was unarmed.

Porubsky's grandparents say they're upset and don't understand why Porubsky was shot and killed.
MADRID (AP) - A Spanish court has billed 11 former Catalan officials 5.1 million euros for holding an informal independence vote three years ago, but the region's leaders say the penalty won't stop them from holding a binding referendum on the issue.

Spain's Court of Auditors ruled Tuesday that the officials should repay as bail the public funds it cost to hold the 2014 vote that the country's Supreme Court had deemed unconstitutional.

Leaders in Catalonia called the bail a "desperate attempt" by Spanish authorities to stop the independence referendum scheduled for Oct 1.

Regional President Carles Puigdemont, said his cabinet would push forward with the binding referendum despite the Spanish government's fierce opposition.

Among the officials ordered to repay the 5.1 million euros ($6.1 million) is Puigdemont's predecessor, former regional chief Artur Mas.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is the only statewide-elected Democrat in heavily Republican North Dakota, where President Donald Trump rolled to a win last year and the GOP is optimistic about knocking out the senator in next year's midterm elections.

Yet Heitkamp hardly resembles many of her hard-charging, Trump-resisting Democratic colleagues in Washington. She welcomed word of Trump's planned visit to the state on Wednesday, expressing the hope that he addresses "the kitchen-table issues that keep North Dakotans" up at night. She has voted for Trump nominees and diverges from Democratic orthodoxy on numerous issues, especially her state's prized energy reserves.

It's why the 61-year-old Heitkamp is acceptable to a good number of the president's supporters.

FILE - In this March 14, 2017, file photo, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Heitkamp is the only statewide-elected Democrat in heavily Republican North Dakota, where President Donald Trump rolled to a win last year and the GOP is optimistic about knocking out the senator in next year's midterm elections. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

"I know she knows North Dakota," said Williston bank employee Steve Slocum, 55, who voted for Trump last year and Heitkamp in 2012. "She's not stupid. She's going to be as moderate as she can be."

Heitkamp hasn't announced whether she will seek a second term, but she would pose a surprising obstacle to Republicans' hope of expanding their 52-seat majority. With $3 million socked away for a campaign, Heitkamp has one little-known Republican state senator as a challenger while her best-known potential GOP opponent, the state's lone member of the U.S. House, bides his time.

Trump's visit to the state Wednesday is in part to pressure Heitkamp to support GOP tax legislation. Whatever warnings he has for her, Trump cannot credibly paint her as purely partisan, Republican former Gov. Ed Schafer said.

"She is a good public servant," Schafer said. "And she has made several votes that were against the Democratic caucus."

Heitkamp is among 10 Democrats in states Trump carried who are up for re-election in 2018. The state's solid Republican trend and Trump's huge margin of victory, 36 percentage points, put her at risk of losing her seat.

But she broke with Democrats on Trump priorities such as business deregulation, was among three Democrats to support Trump's Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, and was among two to vote for EPA Director Scott Pruitt.

That was after Heitkamp's December meeting with Trump in New York, where they discussed a potential Cabinet post. Though she returned to the Senate, the cordiality has played well with some North Dakota Republicans.

"I think she played it right by playing footsies with Trump," said 76-year-old Bismarck Republican Dina Butcher, a private investigator who supports Trump. "She was showing respect for the presidency."

To be sure, Heitkamp has vocally criticized Trump's initial, two-sided assessment of blame after the deadly clash in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month. She also decried Trump's ban on U.S. travel from six mostly Muslim countries. Schafer says Heitkamp angered Republicans in May by voting with her party against allowing oil companies to burn methane gas.

He complains that the Gorsuch vote masks lower-court Trump judicial nominations whom Heitkamp opposed and points to her stand with other Democrats against GOP efforts to dismantle Barack Obama's health care law.

Still, Schafer says her leading role on 2015 legislation to lift the ban on U.S. petroleum exports was "an honest one," that garnered goodwill among Republicans.

"A Republican can win if we expose her true self," Schafer said. "But the reality is she is a very formidable candidate."

Troy Anliker, a 55-year-old rancher from tiny Forbes, voted for Heitkamp and Trump and says North Dakotans see them as balancing each other.

"You kind of have to scratch their backs to get some of your agenda done too," he said. "That's just politics."

Dee Herdebu sees it differently and calls Heitkamp "a fake."

"She's with her party," said the 50-year-old Republican bookkeeper from Bismarck. "I don't she has done anything that has benefited us."

Third-term Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer is viewed as Heitkamp's biggest potential threat. As an at-large House member, he represents the entire state.

Yet, he is in no rush. "I won't be pushed into it," Cramer told The Associated Press in August about running for the Senate. "The goal is for a Republican to win the seat, and the other thing is to do everything I can to keep the House seat."

Cramer is a devout, if sometimes awkward, Trump advocate. He defended former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer's comparison of Syrian President Bashar Assad to Adolf Hitler and recently stood by Trump's comment that some of the white supremacist demonstrators in Charlottesville were "very fine people."

Heitkamp has largely steered clear of partisan attacks on Trump, and aides said Tuesday that she planned to attend Trump's event in the state.

Heitkamp has been skillful at straddling her state's and party's politics, said Bismarck Republican Chuck Reichert.

Referring to the Democratic-leaning neighboring state, the 79-year-old retired coal miner joked, "In Minnesota, she'd be a Republican."

___

Associated Press writer Dave Kolpack contributed from Fargo, North Dakota
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate colleagues are welcoming John McCain back to Washington.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the Senate will soon consider the annual defense policy bill and McCain, who is battling brain cancer, will take the lead on the legislation.

McConnell, in remarks at the start of the Senate session, says lawmakers are "glad to have him back with us."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., walks from his Senate office as Congress returns from the August recess to face work on immigration, the debt limit, funding the government, and help for victims of Hurricane Harvey, in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Earlier, McCain declared President Donald Trump's decision to phase out an Obama administration program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants "the wrong approach" at a time when Republicans and Democrats need to work together. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

McCain is the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. The six-term Arizona senator received radiation and chemotherapy for cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.

In a dramatic turn at the end of July, McCain cast a deciding vote against the Republican health care bill, drawing the wrath of President Donald Trump and conservatives.
Need money for college?

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) gives out more than $2 million in college scholarships every year to students in grades 9-12 through the Voice of Democracy contest.

The topic for this year's contest is "American History: Our Hope for the Future."

Students must write and record a three to five-minute essay on the selected topic using an audio CD or flash drive. Students must then submit their recording, the typed essay and the completed entry form to the VFW by Oct. 31, 2017.

Entries may be sent to VFW Post 1077, P.O. Box 283, Beatrice, NE 68310.

Students in grades 6-8 will also have the opportunity to win scholarships through the VFW's Patriot's Pen contest.

Students must write a 300 to 400-word essay on this year's theme, "America's Gift to My Generation."

The typed essay and the completed entry form must be received by the VFW Post 1077 by Oct. 31, 2017.

Entries may be sent to VFW Post 1077, P.O. Box 283, Beatrice, NE 68310.

For more information on either of these contests, visit www.VFW.org, contact VFW Post 1077 by mail or call Faye Hagan at 402-228-3946.
WASHINGTON (AP) - As worrying as North Korea's nuclear advance is for America, the increasingly realistic threat of an atomic warhead striking a U.S. city might be even more unnerving for South Korea and Japan. So much so that the United States is considering new ways to flex its nuclear muscle to defend its vulnerable allies as they ponder if they'll one day need atomic arsenals of their own.

For decades, the United States has defended South Korea and Japan, the nations most directly threatened by the North's missiles and massive conventional forces, through an extended "nuclear umbrella." The basic premise is that an attack on either ally risked a devastating American response. It's a U.S. commitment that has guided the actions of American friends and foes alike.

Pyongyang's emerging capabilities are upsetting all calculations. The North this weekend exploded its strongest-ever nuclear weapon and in July tested a pair of intercontinental ballistic missiles that might soon be able to threaten the entire American mainland.

FILE, In this Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 file photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, South Korea's Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise at an undisclosed location in South Korea. South Korean warships have conducted live-fire exercises at sea. The drills Tuesday, Sept. 5, mark the second-straight day of military swagger from a nation still rattled by the North's biggest-ever nuclear test. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP, File)

Now that the United States faces its own threat of North Korean retaliation, the most pressing security question of the next years could be: Would Washington risk San Francisco for Seoul?

"It's the core dilemma of extended deterrence for allies in the nuclear era: Will the U.S. actually risk one of their population centers for our defense?" Sheila Smith at the Council on Foreign Relations said. "It's hard to believe the answer is yes."

Speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday, former South Korean Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan acknowledged that North Korea's more powerful bombs and further-reaching missiles are sparking debate about his country's long-term security strategy.

"Worries have begun to appear," he declared of the U.S. commitments, and said a growing minority of South Koreans want Washington to redeploy short-range nuclear weapons that were withdrawn from the country in the early 1990s. Others question if South Korea should have nukes of its own.

Song Young-moo, defense minister of Seoul's currently dovish government, on Monday suggested bringing back the U.S. nuclear weapons was worth consideration. He reportedly discussed the matter with Defense Minister Jim Mattis last week.

The Pentagon declined to outline its position.

"We work closely with our allies but it is always inappropriate to discuss the locations of our nuclear arsenal, or the topics of closed-door discussions," Col. Rob Manning, a spokesman, said.

Japan, the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, is more strongly opposed to having atomic weapons. Its defense planners are weighing if they need an offensive, conventional missile strike capability to respond to a North Korean attack. A nuclear leap isn't unimaginable. From its nuclear energy program, Japan sits on a stockpile of reprocessed plutonium that could be turned into the material for thousands of bombs.

For as long as North Korea couldn't strike the U.S. with nuclear weapons, both allies felt assured that the promise of an overwhelming American military response would deter the communist country. Now, the North's technological progress is adding to insecurities compounded by President Donald Trump's sometimes lukewarm support for defending U.S. allies under his "America First" agenda.

No one knows how North Korea will use its newfound nuclear capabilities.

It could adopt a policy of deterrence, similar to that of the world's established nuclear powers, keeping its arsenal as a defense against what it believes are American designs to overthrow leader Kim Jong Un. It could use the weapons offensively, although that would risk devastating nuclear retaliation.

More likely is a policy somewhere in between.

As it assesses the rest of the world's reluctance to engage in nuclear crossfire, the North could act more aggressively with its conventional forces against South Korea. Or it could simply leverage its atomic arsenal to win international concessions in negotiations.

Under any approach, Trump and future U.S. commanders in chief will have a very persuasive argument for why the North shouldn't directly attack the United States: American military superiority. Trump last month warned of "fire and fury" if the North threatened the U.S.; Mattis this weekend raised the specter of the "total annihilation of a country."

South Korea and Japan can present no picture of apocalyptic retaliation by themselves - which adds to their current vulnerability. Despite Mattis' declaration that such American promises are "ironclad," Pyongyang's potential ability to strike an American city with nuclear weapons will naturally affect U.S. strategic thinking.

Would Washington come to South Korea's aid and take on such a risk if the North shells a southern island with artillery as it did in 2010? What if North Korea, with the world's largest standing army, crosses into the South?

"South Korea may face the most complex strategic environment in Asia," write Sung Chull Kim and Michael D. Cohen, editors of a new collection of scholarly essays titled "North Korea and Nuclear Weapons: Entering the New Era of Deterrence." ''A very weak but heavily armed North Korea, despite being no match for the South Korean military, threatens Seoul with imminent destruction."

Kim and Cohen write of the North's enhanced threat creating a "perceived commitment deficit from Washington."

Such assessments are driving the Trump administration to reassure its allies.

On Tuesday, Trump said he would allow Japan and South Korea to "buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States." The tweet followed Trump giving South Korean President Moon Jae-in an "in-principle approval" for weapons with less restrictions and more powerful warheads.

But sending U.S. nuclear weapons back to South Korea would be a more drastic step, contradicting the efforts of multiple administrations to "denuclearize" the Korean Peninsula.

Twenty-six years ago this month, in the hopeful aftermath of the Cold War, President George H.W. Bush announced the unilateral withdrawal of all land-based and sea-based tactical nuclear weapons, including from South Korea. He then pulled all air-delivered nuclear bombs from the South in part because officials believed they were no longer needed for an effective defense. That was years before the North demonstrated its nuclear prowess with a first explosion in 2006.

Redeploying the weapons to South Korea wouldn't dramatically change the strategic balance, as the U.S. has nuclear assets on submarines that can operate off North Korea's coast. However, doing so could provide the South with a renewed sense that the U.S. would use its nukes in a crisis.

Such action would provoke extreme objections from key regional powers, China and Russia, who would likely accuse the U.S. of fueling an arms race. And it's hardly universally supported among U.S. policy makers or South Koreans.

"It is a bad idea," said James Acton, co-director of the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He said it wouldn't significantly strengthen nuclear deterrence and might spark protests in South Korea that weaken its U.S. alliance.

If the Trump administration were to return U.S. nuclear weapons to the peninsula, they probably would be bombs for delivery by what the Pentagon calls "dual capable" aircraft. These include F-16 and F-15 fighter jets configured to perform either nuclear or conventional attack missions. Security requirements to safely store and maintain the weapons also would require upgrades or additions to U.S. military facilities in South Korea.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A parcel of land bordering Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota may be included in a federal oil and gas lease sale.

Conservationists are urging the Bureau of Land Management not to include the 120-acre parcel in the sale, and they're raising concerns about oil development on the park's boundary, the Bismarck Tribune reported .

Park Superintendent Wendy Ross wrote in comments to the federal agency that the National Park Service is also concerned about oil activity diminishing visitor experience and affecting wildlife habitat. The park is home to bison and elk, and is known for the Maltese Cross Cabin, where President Theodore Roosevelt once lived.

"This small parcel is not going to make or break the lease sale, but it could make or break the park as it relates to the visitor experience," added Valerie Naylor, former superintendent of the park and a consultant for the National Parks Conservation Association.

The bureau received an "expression of interest" to lease the federal minerals, said Al Nash, a spokesman for the bureau's Montana/Dakotas office. The agency didn't say who expressed the interest.

Nash said agency officials are taking public input on whether to include the land in a March sale. An environmental assessment will be available for public review beginning Sept. 30.

"Here the park is named for a guy that's known for his conservation and protection of public land, creation of public land," said Jan Swenson, executive director of the Badlands Conservation Alliance. "And we're making no room for concession to that fact."

The North Dakota Department of Trust Lands manages the surface of the parcel, and the state Common Schools Trust Fund owns minerals in an area adjacent to the federal minerals, said North Dakota Land Commissioner Lance Gaebe. Any operator who wants to develop the oil and gas minerals using the trust land surface would need an easement from the Board of University and School Lands.

___

Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com
Parliament is set for a dramatic clash over Brexit after Labour announced its MPs will vote against the key piece of legislation taking Britain out of the European Union.

Jeremy Corbyns party will hope its decision to oppose the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill at second reading will split the Conservatives when it comes to a vote on Monday.

But Labour was accused of recklessness by Tories, who said failure to get the bill through Parliament would risk a chaotic Brexit at the point of withdrawal in 2019.

A broken Union flag on the backdrop of the EU flag

The row blew up as Brexit Secretary David Davis briefed the House of Commons on the progress of negotiations in Brussels, which he said had been tough but had made significant steps forward on issues like citizens rights and the Irish border.

Mr Davis confirmed that the UK was ready to step up the tempo of talks and urged EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to show more imagination and flexibility, particularly over Britains exit bill, where the two sides took very different legal stances.

But he made clear that he expected the row over money to continue right to the end of the two-year negotiation period.

Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Prominent Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg told the Commons that the EUs proposal for a financial settlement estimated at 50-80 billion amounted to a demand for money with menaces which he branded ridiculous.

But Mr Davis was careful to avoid repeating International Trade Secretary Liam Foxs accusation of EU blackmail, describing it instead as a pressure tactic to make us pay.

The Brexit Secretary was jeered by Labour MPs as he told the Commons: Nobody has ever pretended this would be simple or easy.

Weve always said this negotiation would be tough, complex and at times confrontational. So it has proved.

Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer. (Nick Ansell/PA)

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer reminded him that Dr Fox had said striking an agreement with the EU would be one of the easiest deals in human history, while Mr Davis himself predicted that free trade deals covering an area massively greater than the EU would be in place by the time of withdrawal.

Sir Keir called on the Government to drop some of Mrs Mays deeply flawed red lines in the negotiations, including her insistence that Britain will no longer be subject to the European Court of Justice after Brexit.

It had become clear that the PMs red lines were part of the problem, and it was fantasy to believe that a deep and comprehensive trade deal could be forged while she stuck to them, he said.

Protesters wearing European Union flag masks. (Victoria Jones/PA)

We are reaching the stage of negotiations where fantasy meets brutal reality, said Sir Keir.

Too many promises have been made about Brexit which cant be kept.

Labours announcement that it will oppose the EU (Withdrawal) Bill at the first stage of its passage through the Commons came after a meeting of the shadow cabinet on Tuesday morning.

A party spokesman said: Labour fully respects the democratic decision to leave the European Union, voted to trigger Article 50 and backs a jobs-first Brexit with full tariff-free access to the European single market.

But as democrats we cannot vote for a bill that unamended would let Government ministers grab powers from Parliament to slash peoples rights at work and reduce protection for consumers and the environment.

Parliament has already voted to leave the European Union. But the Governments EU Withdrawal Bill would allow Conservative ministers to set vital terms on a whim, including of Britains exit payment, without democratic scrutiny.
Theresa May has stressed the need to end Yemens civil war and the importance of complying with international law in a meeting with Saudi Arabias foreign minister, following criticism of Britains role in selling arms to the Arab kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has been leading a coalition in support of Yemens internationally recognised government against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in a conflict which has killed thousands.

More than 3.3 billion worth of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia have been licensed since the bombing began in March 2015.

People inspect houses destroyed by Saudi-led air strikes in Sanaa, Yemen

The High Court last month ruled that the UK can carry on selling arms to Saudi Arabia, despite allegations they are being used to commit war crimes in Yemen.

The Government was criticised by Labour last month after highlighting UK efforts to help to deal with the cholera outbreak in Yemen, which has affected hundreds of thousands of people, while continuing to arm the Saudis.

The Prime Minister discussed the issue with Adel al-Jubeir at a short Downing Street meeting on Monday.

A Number 10 spokesman said: "They discussed Yemen, the need to bring the conflict to an end, and the continued importance of demonstrating compliance with international humanitarian law."

People inspect the rubble of houses destroyed by Saudi-led air strikes in Sanaa, Yemen

The meeting also touched on a number of other issues, including the PMs hopes that Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman would be able to visit Britain soon.

The spokesman said: "They discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the ongoing isolation of Qatar in the Gulf region, with the Prime Minister reiterating her call for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the situation and restore Gulf Co-operation Council unity at the earliest opportunity. They also discussed Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 programme for reform and modernisation.

The Prime Minister noted its focus on transformation, innovation and empowerment and said that the UK looked forward to continuing to work closely with Saudi Arabia on this ambitious project. She hoped that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman would be able to visit the UK in the near future to build on the historic partnership between the two countries.
The teenager who stabbed a school pupil to death with a knife he bought online can today be named as Daniel Stroud.

The identity of the youth who killed 16-year-old Bailey Gwynne can finally be revealed as he turns 18 today, Tuesday September 5.

Bailey was attacked after a silly argument at Cults Academy in Aberdeen on October 28, 2015.

Floral tributes were left at the school following the death of Bailey Gwynne

Stroud was detained for nine years by a judge at the High Court in Edinburgh in April last year after he was found guilty of culpable homicide and carrying weapons following a trial.

The trial at the High Court in Aberdeen heard the knife used in the stabbing had been bought online, without the killer having to prove his age.

Bailey, a fifth-year pupil with four younger brothers, died from bleeding caused by a single stab wound to the heart during a fight in his lunch hour.

In a statement released on the first anniversary of Baileys death his family said: It is through remembering all of the beautiful qualities that make Bailey such a special boy to us that we will find a path forward.

Bailey Gwynne was buried last November at Maryculter Parish Church in Aberdeenshire (PA Archive)

A boy with dearly held dreams, with a gentle heart, comic timing and an astronomical appetite. Our beloved boy who we were blessed to have for those sixteen years and is still the cherished centre of his family.

As a family we will always strive to be a credit to Bailey in the very same way that he is to us. We couldnt have asked any more of him.

Our true gent and our beautiful boy. Were proud of you, Bailey boy.

An independent review, led by child protection expert Andrew Lowe, found Baileys death might have been avoided if those who knew his killer carried weapons had reported it to staff.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that giving teachers the power to search pupils could affect their relationships

Announcing his findings in October last year, Mr Lowe made 21 recommendations, including calling on the Scottish Government to consider changing the law to give teachers more power to search pupils.

The Scottish Government said in January that it will not change the law to give teachers more power to search pupils.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that giving teachers such powers would place them on the same footing as police officers which would radically change the teacher/pupil relationship, and potentially damage the school ethos and commitment to positive relationships that currently exists in Scottish schools.
Colourful backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg has topped a survey of Conservative supporters as the best candidate to become the next party leader.

Some 23% of ConservativeHome readers backed the Tory, often known as the MP for the 18th century over his old-fashioned ways, to replace Theresa May.

Brexit Secretary David Davis was supported by 15% of those who voted, but 19% ticked the other box in the 1,309-strong vote.

Brexit Secretary David Davis was supported by 15% of those who voted (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Chancellor Philip Hammond won just 3% of votes, while 7% went to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Mr Rees-Mogg has enjoyed a growing media profile in recent months and has been touted as a right-wing antidote to the increasing popularity of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The young fogey emerged as second favourite in a conservativehome survey in August after supporters wrote him into the other candidate section.

But the North East Somerset MP has previously played down suggestions he is considering a bid for the Conservative leadership, saying he expected his hat would be thrown back at me pretty quickly if he threw it into the ring.

The Prime Minister last week insisted she is not a quitter and vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took 7 per cent of the vote (Victoria Jones/PA)

But the decision sparked warnings that she would fuel moves to oust her before 2022.

When asked if he believes the PM will fight the next election, Damian Green, Mrs Mays de facto deputy, replied: Yes.

In an interview with the Politico website, he said: Theresa is doing what is a very difficult job extremely well, and I would like to see her continue to do this for many years.

International Trade minister Greg Hands said there was all to play for, including the Tory leadership, between Brexit and the general election.

He told the Herald: A lot can happen in five years, and well see what the situation is in 2022. But at the moment Ive got complete confidence in the Prime Minister.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is targeting Sir Alex Fergusons record of the most Champions League matches as a manager.

The Portuguese has taken charge of 133 games in the competition, 61 short of Fergusons all-time high figure, winning it twice  with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. He returns to the Champions League with United later this month looking for an extended stay to give him a run at Fergusons landmark.

I know that I am in the top five or six but Im quite far, especially from the top one but I will fight hard to go for that record, he told MUTV. Last season, I lost a season in the chase for this record (as United won the Europa League) but Manchester United is where Manchester United has to be and Im really happy with that.

Jose Mourinho has won the Champions League with Inter Milan and Porto

But the Champions League is where we want to be and maybe Im too ambitious, I dont know, but I want to be the manager with more matches (in the Champions League). Its good for the players, its good for me, its good for the club.

The Champions League night is a unique experience for everyone. I have some players without that great experience, I think it will be fabulous for them and the fans to be back in the Champions League and to have the initial three matches to be played at Old Trafford, I think is fantastic.

United face Benfica, Swiss champions Basel and CSKA Moscow when the group stage begins next week.
Great Britains Chris Froome tightened his grip on the overall lead at La Vuelta by coasting to victory in the stage 16 time trial from Circuito de Navarra to Logrono.

The Team Sky rider, who is aiming to become the first person to win the Tour de France and La Vuelta in the same year since 1978, clocked 47 minutes exactly over the 40.2km course.

Froomes time was almost a full minute faster than nearest rival Vincenzo Nibali, of Bahrain-Merida, who was third. With five stages left, Froome now leads Italian Nibali by one minute and 58 seconds in the race for the red jersey.

Chris Froome (David Davies/PA)

He's done it! @chrisfroome takes an emphatic stage win in the #LV2017 time trial to extend his overall race lead #VaVaFroome pic.twitter.com/rLkzT2Fwpf  INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) September 5, 2017

Froome said: To extend my lead and to be in this position with four big days of racing left is obviously a great position to be in, but I am going to take it one day at a time.

Ive got a good buffer but the race is not over. I have to keep fighting every day now, but this is one step closer to Madrid.

Team Sunweb rider Wilco Kelderman, meanwhile, climbed up into the top three of the general classification standings after being closest to Froome in the time trial, some 29 seconds off the pace.

Cambios en la clasificacion:



 1. Chris Froome 

 2. Vincenzo Nibali 

 3. Wilco Kelderman  pic.twitter.com/JHDpaLoyDC  La Vuelta (@lavuelta) September 5, 2017

Russian Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) is now fourth, 27 seconds back from Kelderman, as the battle for a podium place in Madrid intensifies, but Fabio Aru (Astana) looks out of contention after only managing 26th place in the time trial.

Veteran Spaniard Alberto Contador, the Trek-Segafredo rider who is set to retire following the conclusion of La Vuelta 2017, moved into fifth place overall after his run of 47mins 59secs.

La Vuelta continues on Wednesday with stage 17 of 180.5km from Villadiego to Los Machucos, which includes another summit finish.
By Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Sept 4 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A Tanzanian court has sentenced six men to 20 years in jail each for chopping off the hand of an albino boy in the hope of selling it as a witchcraft charm.

The men were charged with severing the left hand of 12-year-old Mwigulu Matonange in February 2013 and running away with it, before some were caught scouting for a prospective buyer, the local Daily News reported.

The United Nations estimates that at least 75 albinos were killed in Tanzania between 2000 and 2015 but says that could represent a fraction of the attacks as most occur in secretive rituals in rural areas.

Albinos are attacked for their body parts, which are prized in witchcraft and can fetch a high price.

The four men were convicted on Friday of conspiring to murder and attempting to kill the boy, charges that carried separate jail terms.

However they were not sentenced to the maximum term of life imprisonment due to mitigations and the fact none had previous criminal records, Justice Adam Mambi told the high court in the southwestern Rukwa region.

"Twenty years? Why not the maximum sentence?" Vicky Ntetema, head of the Under the Same Sun charity's Tanzania office, wrote on her Facebook page.

"So it is 30 years in prison for impregnating a school girl and only 20 years for hacking off a minor's hand for witchcraft purposes, conspiring to murder, and for attempting to kill! These laws have to be changed." she wrote.

In 2015, four men were sentenced to death by a Tanzanian court after they were convicted of abducting, killing and dismembering a 17 year-old albino boy.

http://news.trust.org//item/20150701174822-svl74/

Albinism is a congenital disorder that causes lack of pigment in skin, hair and eyes. It is more common in sub-Saharan Africa, and in Tanzania affects an estimated 1 in 1,400. (Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, resilience and climate change. Visit www.trust.org)
PHNOM PENH, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha has been charged with treason and could face a jail term of 15 to 30 years if convicted, a municipal court in the capital, Phnom Penh, said on Tuesday.

Kem Sokha was arrested on Sunday and Prime Minister Hun Sen's government had accused him of plotting with the United States.

Kem Sokha had been charged with "colluding with foreigners" under Article 443 of Cambodia's penal code, the court said in a statement.

"The act of secret collusion with foreigners is an act of treason," it added. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Clarence Fernandez)
Sept 5 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Tuesday.

GDP DATA

Romania's national statistics board to release preliminary second-quarter gross domestic product data at 0600 GMT.

Romania's economy expanded a more than expected 5.9 percent on the year in the second quarter of 2017, a flash estimate showed in August.

COURT TRIALS

The separate trials in which ruling Social Democrat leader and lower house speaker Liviu Dragnea is accused of being an acomplice to abuse of office and in which junior ruling party ALDE leader and senate speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu is accused of giving false testimony have court dates on Tuesday.

Analysts were not expecting rulings at this date.

PPI DATA

Romanian industrial producer prices rose 3.0 percent on the year in July but were flat on the month, data from the National Statistics Board showed on Monday.

DEBT TENDER

Romania sold a planned 800 million lei ($207.33 million) worth of six-month treasury bills on Monday, with the average accepted yield at 0.65 percent, central bank data showed.

BUDGET

Romania's consolidated budget recorded a deficit of 0.8 percent of gross domestic product at the end of August, Prime Minister Mihai Tudose told parliament on Monday citing preliminary data. He also said a budget plan for 2018 will be sent to parliament in November.

CEE MARKETS

An upgrade in the sovereign rating outlook from Fitch helped Czech assets on Monday buck a decline in other Central European markets as risk aversion gripped investors after a nuclear test in North Korea.

CORPORATE BONDS

The International Investment Bank (IIB) has manadated BT Capital Partners and BCR to advise on a corporate bond issue on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. No details over size or maturity were provided. IIB has sold Oct. 2018 bonds worth 111 million lei in 2015 and Sept. 2019 bonds worth 300 million lei in 2016.

Ziarul Financiar

For the long-term Romanian diary, click on

For emerging markets economic events, click on

For an index of all diaries, click on

For other related news, double click on: --------------------------------------------------------------- Romanian equities RO-E E.Europe equities .CEE Romanian money RO-M Romanian debt RO-D Eastern Europe EEU All emerging markets EMRG Hot stocks HOT Stock markets STX Market debt news DBT Forex news FRX For real-time index quotes, double click on: Bucharest BETI Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX --------------------------------------------------------------- ($1 = 3.8621 lei)
Sept 5 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares finished unchanged on Tuesday, with investors remaining in a defensive mood on persistent concerns over North Korea.

South Korean officials believe more provocation from the reclusive state is possible, despite international outrage over Sunday's missile test and calls for more sanctions on North Korea.

The Hang Seng index was unchanged at 27,741.35 points, while the China Enterprises Index, a gauge of mainland industry leaders listed in Hong Kong, gained 0.1 percent, to 11,191.59 points.

Sector performance was mixed.

Gains were led by property developers, as top developer China Vanke posted solid sales growth in August.

Shares of the dual-listed property giant jumped as much as 7.2 percent to a record high in Hong Kong, after it reported a 47.3 percent increase in contract sales for the first eight months of the year.

Material shares also held up with a 0.7 percent gain, thanks to a weaker dollar and expectations China's economic growth will largely remain solid through year-end.

Reflecting relevant strength recently in the mainland market, as well as the impact of a resurgent yuan, an index tracking Chinese shares' premium over their Hong Kong peers stood at 133.73 before hitting the highest level since July, 2016.

A value above 100 indicates Shanghai shares are pricing at a premium to shares in the same company trading in Hong Kong, and vice versa. (Reporting by the Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
BERLIN, Sept 5 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday European Union foreign ministers would discuss taking further sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear missile programme at the weekend and that these were "required urgently".

"North Korea's nuclear tests are a flagrant violation of all international conditions," Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

"I say clearly and in the name of the whole government: there can only be a peaceful, diplomatic solution," she added. (Reporting by Paul Carrel; Editing by Madeline Chambers)
By Mai Nguyen

HANOI, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Vietnam's prime minister has approved a plan to sell a majority stake in brewer Sabeco , a government committee said in a document seen by Reuters on Tuesday, taking the state-controlled brewer one step closer to a long-awaited sale.

Vietnam has one of the world's most attractive beer markets and the biggest in Southeast Asia, thanks to a young population that consumed nearly 4 billion litres in 2016.

Foreign brewers from Kirin to Heineken have been looking at a possible investment in the maker of the Bia Saigon and 333 brews since it was earmarked for privatisation. But long-stated plans for the government, which still owns about 90 percent, to sell a majority stake have met with repeated delays.

A meteoric rise in Sabeco's share price due to high demand and a small float has complicated matters, making it difficult for industry buyers - including Heineken which already owns a 5 percent share - or other investors to step in.

The stock listed at 110,000 dong but is now trading at around 255,000 dong, a more than 130 percent increase.

The government wants to sell 53.59 percent of Sabeco, according to a document by Vietnam's Steering Committee for Enterprise Innovation and Development dated Aug. 30. The document, however, did not mention a timeline for the sale or how much the government wants to raise.

Sabeco, the country's second-biggest listed firm by market value, is a key plank of a broader privatisation effort, which includes dairy firm Vinamilk, Vietnam Airlines and rival brewer Habeco.

The Vietnamese government also plans to sell a further sliver of Vinamilk, around 3 percent, at 154,000 dong each, higher than the previous estimate, according to a government document seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

The divestment out of Vinamilk, Vietnam's top firm by value, is expected to bring in 7.443 trillion dong ($328 million) to the state, Vietnam's Steering Committee for Enterprise Innovation and Development said in a statement dated Aug. 30.

The State Capital Investment Corp, the government's representative in Vinamilk, said it estimated the stake sale would fetch 6.5-7 trillion dong. ($1 = 22,728.0000 dong) (Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Writing by Clara Ferreira-Marques; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Vyas Mohan)
By Joe Brock and Ed Cropley

HARARE/JOHANNESBURG Sept 5 (Reuters) - Some of the thousands of white Zimbabwean farmers evicted from their land in the early 2000s by President Robert Mugabe's supporters continue to hold out hopes of one day receiving compensation and returning to the country.

"I know friends who have gone to Zambia, Britain, South Africa and Australia. They'd love to come back to Zimbabwe," Peter Steyl, President of Zimbabwe's Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), told Reuters in an interview in Harare. The CFU represents white and black farmers.

Senior figures in Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party have acknowledged publicly that white farmers should be compensated for their losses two decades ago, although talks with farmers have yet to produce any major breakthrough. Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa told parliament in July that Harare had paid $134 million in compensation last year; farmers disputed this.

However, Steyl said that overall the relationship between the two sides was improving. "Things have progressed a lot in even the last year," Steyl said. "I think mistakes were made on both sides and we're beginning to talk to each other with a common goal for Zimbabwe."

Land ownership has been a central issue for decades in Zimbabwe as it struggles to deal with racial discrimination dating back to British colonial rule in what was then Rhodesia. At independence, white farmers owned more than 70 percent of the most fertile land and generated 80 percent of the country's agricultural output, according to academics.

Reforms began after independence with a "willing buyer, willing seller" system aimed at redistributing land to poor black subsistence farmers. In the 1990s, compulsory acquisition of land began with some funding provided by Britain. But for many poor Zimbabweans change was too slow.

Mugabe then approved radical land reforms that encouraged veterans from the fight for liberation to occupy some 4,000 white-owned commercial farms. The move secured him loyalty among the army and ruling party.

Most of the land went to Mugabe supporters, but many did not know how to farm. The agricultural economy and exports suffered.

Mugabe has rejected the possibility of mending rifts with white farmers, but his health is ailing and the mood within the ruling party is changing, according to farming and political sources.

One of the key obstacles to any deal is the issue of compensation. White farmers have largely agreed they shouldn't be paid for land that became white-owned under British rule; but they do want to be compensated for the improvements they made and for farming machinery that was either stolen or destroyed during the early 2000s.

The cost of such compensation may be so high that Zimbabwe would need the help of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to foot the bill.

Several farming sources said compensation for fixed assets and loss of income and stock - but not the land - could be as much as $10 billion. International creditors, including Western governments and the IMF, have made clear that farmers' compensation needs to be agreed before wider discussions about rescheduling Zimbabwe's existing $7 billion mountain of defaulted international debt, diplomats said.

Although thousands of white farmers fled after the land seizures, a few hundred chose to remain. "Farming is a difficult life. There are easier ways to make money," said Steyl, the CFU president. But he added: "For a lot of the guys who left, it's in their blood. That's why they want to come back."

(By Joe Brock and Ed Cropley. Editing By Richard Woods)
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Malaysia on Tuesday summoned Myanmar's ambassador to express displeasure over violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State, which has displaced nearly 125,000 Rohingya Muslims.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the latest incidents of violence showed that the Myanmar government had made "little, if any" progress in finding a peaceful solution to problems facing the Rohingya minority, most of whom live in the northwest Myanmar state near the Bangladeshi border.

"Given these developments, Malaysia believes that the matter of sustained violence and discrimination against the Rohingyas should be elevated to a higher international forum," Anifah said in a statement.

Muslim-majority Malaysia has been particularly outspoken in its concern about the plight of the Rohingya.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against "terrorists" responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

The latest violence began on Aug. 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base.

(Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Robert Birsel)
MILAN, Sept 5 (Reuters) - New Zealand's Commerce Commission, the country's competition watchdog, has given the green light to a merger between Italian spectacles maker Luxottica and French lens manufacturer Essilor International, it said on its website.

* The merger is "unlikely to substantially lessen competition in New Zealand," Commission Chairman Mark Berry said in a post on the website.

* "Competition is strong and we believe the merged entity will be sufficiently constrained by the presence of existing competitors with the ability to expand at all levels of the supply chain and in all relevant markets," the commission said.

* Luxottica, the world's biggest eyewear company, agreed in January a merger with Essilor, the biggest lens maker, to create an industry giant with a market value of about 47 billion euros and more than 15 billion euros in revenue.

* The deal needs to clear antitrust hurdles in several countries and if approved is expected to close around the end of the year. (Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi; Writing Francesca Landini; Editing by Mark Potter)
By John Ndiso

NAIROBI, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Kenya's election commission said on Tuesday that different staff will be in charge of the Oct. 17 re-run of the presidential election, after the country's top court last week nullified the result of the August vote.

The Supreme Court ordered on Friday that the vote be re-run within 60 days, saying incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory by 1.4 million votes was undermined by irregularities in the process. Kenyatta was not accused of any wrongdoing.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati said in a statement on Tuesday that it had appointed for three months a project coordinator and officials to run the information technology, logistics, operations and training as well as the national tallying centre during the re-run.

"The appointment takes immediate effect," Chebukati said.

The appointments were announced hours after opposition leader Raila Odinga said his coalition would not participate in the re-run unless some officials were removed and its voting technology audited.

Chebukati's statement did not mention those who previously held the positions.

Kenyatta responded to Odinga's demands by saying there was nowhere in law that required the electoral body to consult Odinga.

Odinga's conditions for participating in the repeat presidential election included the removal of six officials at the election board. He wants criminal investigations to be opened against them.

"You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results," Odinga told reporters. "A number of the officials of the commission should be sent home, some of them should be investigated for the heinous crimes they committed."

The opposition also said it was planning to file dozens of challenges to results from races lower down the ticket, including legislative and local seats contested in the Aug. 8 vote.

COURT CASES

The Supreme Court ruling, the first time in Africa that a court had overturned the re-election of a sitting president, was hailed by Odinga's supporters as "historic".

Analysts have said it is likely to lead to some short-term volatility in East Africa's biggest economy, but could build confidence in institutions longer-term.

On Monday, the election board said it would hold new elections on Oct. 17. But Odinga said he wanted elections held on Oct. 24 or 31 instead.

Odinga's National Super Alliance said in a letter to the chairman of the election commission that before the new vote is held, it needs to audit the technology used to conduct August's election and give an assurance it will be transparent in its conduct.

"There will be no elections on the 17th of October until the conditions that we have spelt out in the statement are met," Odinga said.

Kenyatta rebuffed Odinga's demands. "There is no legal requirement that Raila be consulted. I was neither consulted. Kenya doesn't belong to one man," he said in a statement sent by his office.

Odinga has lost the last three presidential elections. Each time, he has said the vote was rigged against him.

A row over a 2007 poll, which Odinga challenged after being declared loser, was followed by weeks of ethnic bloodshed that killed more than 1,200 people.

The opposition also plans to lodge 62 court cases contesting governorship, lawmaker, and local seats, spokeswoman Kathleen Openda told Reuters.

At least 33 court cases were filed contesting election results before the presidential election was annulled, said Andrew Limo, spokesman for the election board.

The judiciary said in a statement that by Tuesday a total 66 cases had been filed before various courts challenging the outcomes of such seats countrywide. The board received challenges to 189 results in 2013.

(Additional reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Writing by David Lewis and Katharine Houreld; Editing by George Obulutsa and Alison Williams)
LONDON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The mass beachings of sperm whales in countries around the North Sea last year could have been due to solar storms, German scientists have said.

Twenty-nine sperm whales washed up on German, Dutch, French and British shores between January and February 2016, surprising scientists after only 82 previous beaching of sperm whales had been documented since the 1990s.

Klaus Heinrich Vanselow, a marine biology expert at the University of Kiel in Germany, studied the connection between whale strandings and two major solar storms that took place at the end of December 2015.

The solar storms which create the Northern Lights phenomenon could also have caused the world's magnetic field to shift by up to 460km (286 miles) which, he said, would interfere with the whales' sense of orientation.

That could explain why the whales swam into the relatively shallow North Sea rather than follow their traditional routes in the Atlantic where they would find it easier to correct their direction.

"If whales enter the North Sea they cannot navigate back as it's an unnatural environment for them and very shallow, whilst if they were in the Atlantic then they could," Vanselow told Reuters.

In research published last month in the International Journal of Astrobiology, Vanselow and his colleagues argued that the whales would have been unprepared for misleading signals from magnetic shifts because they spend their early years in areas where solar disruptions are weak, such as the waters around the Azores islands in the Eastern Atlantic.

Vanselow said he was aware of 34 theories which seek to explain why whales beach and he plans to carry out further research into the possible link to solar storms and Earth's magnetic field. (Reporting by Nathan Lake; Editing by William Schomberg)
By Kieran Guilbert

LONDON, Sept 5 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The number of children suffering from life-threatening malnutrition across the Lake Chad Basin - about 800,000 - has soared since last year, and could spiral further as Boko Haram ramps up attacks in the region, an aid agency said on Tuesday.

The jihadists' brutal eight-year insurgency has forced millions of people to flee their homes, driven farmers from their land and disrupted aid delivery, leading to a "devastating food crisis", according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

More than 7.2 million people across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad need food aid, while the number of children aged under five suffering from severe malnutrition in the region has risen by two-thirds since last September, United Nations data shows.

Yet the reality could be more bleak as a deadly resurgence by Boko Haram this year has left many areas cut off from help and hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid, said Jackie Okao, protection and advocacy adviser at the NRC in Nigeria.

"We are worried that we aren't aware of all the humanitarian needs, as many areas can't be accessed by aid groups due to the insecurity," Okao told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

"So we don't know the true number of malnourished children, but it is likely to rise further," she added. "Without an immediate response, tens of thousands of children may soon die."

Boko Haram's bid to create an Islamic state has killed about 20,000 people and forced more than 2.7 million to flee their homes across the Lake Chad region.

A regional offensive last year wrested back large swathes of territory from the Islamist insurgents. But the militants have struck back with renewed zeal recently, targeting civilians and camps sheltering the displaced with raids and suicide bombings.

Boko Haram has killed 381 civilians in Nigeria and Cameroon since the beginning of April, double the number for the preceding five months, mainly by strapping bombs to girls and women, said rights group Amnesty International.

Yet a lack of aid funding has restricted the provision of aid to those people most in need, according to the NRC.

"A lack of sufficient humanitarian funding is putting young children's lives at risk," NRC secretary general Jan Egeland said in a statement.

The four countries' aid response plans for 2017 have been 57 percent funded to date - $1.27 billion of a requested $2.24 billion - according to the U.N.'s Financial Tracking Service. (Reporting By Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)
Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.
By Neil Jerome Morales

MANILA, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered the police to conduct anti-drug operations in the presence of media to prove law enforcers were not executing drug suspects.

Duterte took office in June last year after winning an election on a vow to get tough on drugs and crime. He soon launched a "war on drugs" in which thousands of people have been killed.

Duterte and his campaign remain popular but opposition to the bloodshed, including from within the influential Catholic church, has begun to build.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Senate grilled the national police chief about the killings.

Duterte, speaking to reporters at a ceremony at a bank, said the police should maintain their fight and confront the criminals, and they should take the media along too.

"This is what I told the police. Do not make raids now without the media," he said.

"If it's a camera, if there's a reporter, see to it that they are there in the beginning up to the end."

While the campaign retains support, the killing of a 17-year-old boy, Kian Loyd delos Santos, last month, after he was dragged off by plain-clothes anti-drug policemen into an alley, has stirred public outrage.

Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, testifying at a Senate inquiry at which he was asked about the boy, dismissed any suggestion there was a policy to summarily kill suspects.

"We will die for the innocent people. It's painful to say there's a policy of widespread killings," Dela Rosa, appearing to fight back emotion, told the televised hearing.

"The president never told me to kill and kill."

Police say they acted in self defence after delos Santos opened fire on them.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a staunch critic of Duterte, told the hearing the police "should never be used as a killing machine".

"There's a wide policy that allows the killings in the name of war on drugs," Hontiveros said.

Dela Rosa said he would step down if she could prove her accusation.

According to police records, more than 3,800 people have died in police operations since July last year. Police say most were killed resisting arrest.

Thousands of others have been killed by unknown assailants. Human Rights Watch said last month the drug-war death toll was at least 7,000.

Rights groups suspect police, or gunmen working with the encouragement of police, were behind most unexplained killings.

Police reject that saying the murders were the result of gang wars, drug dealers killing informers or vigilantes.

Duterte has long encouraged tough action.

Last month, after 32 people were killed in a night of police raids, he said: "Let's kill another 32 every day."

Senators also asked about the killing of 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz last month in the same neighbourhood where delos Santos was shot.

Arnaiz, who the police accused of robbery, died of five gunshot wounds. A police medical examiner told the inquiry the autopsy showed he was shot while in supine position.

"There is a policy that dictates the culture of killings in our nation. There is a system to the killings, there is a method to madness," Hontiveros said.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Robert Birsel)
LJUBLJANA, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Slovenia sold 89 million euros ($106 million) of treasury bills on Tuesday, more than an initial target of 60 million euros and at a slightly lower cost than in a previous auction, the Finance Ministry said.

It sold 51 million euros of 12-month bills at a yield of minus 0.32 percent versus minus 0.3 percent in May. It also sold 28 million euros of 6-month bills at minus 0.35 percent versus minus 0.3 percent.

In addition, the country sold 10 million euros worth of 3-month bills at a yield of minus 0.38 percent compared with minus 0.35 percent in May.

Total bids amounted to 482.5 million euros, the ministry said. The next T-bill auction is due on Oct. 3.

($1 = 0.8410 euros) (Reporting by Maja Zuvela; Editing by Mark Potter)
MASERU, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The commander of the Lesotho defence forces Khoantle Mots'omots'o and two other senior officers were shot dead on Tuesday at an army barracks, the principal secretary for the southern African nation's military said.

Colonel Tanki Mothae provided no further details about the incident but a press conference was scheduled to be held later in the day. The impoverished mountain kingdom has been through bouts of political turbulence since an attempted coup in 2014. (Reporting by Marafaele Mohloboli; Writing by Ed Stoddard; Editing by James Macharia)
JOHANNESBURG, Sept 5 (Reuters) - South African retailer Shoprite's shareholders approved a buyback of former chief executive Whitey Basson's shares for 1.75 billion rand ($136 million), the company said on Tuesday.

The deal, one of the biggest executive handshakes yet in South Africa, was approved by more than 95 percent at an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders in Africa's largest grocer after Basson exercised a put option in May.

Basson, who retired this year after expanding the retailer from a few stores in Cape Town to a giant in 15 African nations, holds 1.52 percent of Shoprite according to Thomson Reuters data, a stake built up during 38 years at the helm.

The no-frills retailer has a market value of more than 133 billion rand valuing Basson's stake at around 2 billion rand, most of which he will sell back to the company at a discount.

After initially exercising the put option at 211.97 rand in May, the agreement between Basson's firm Bassgro, which holds his shares, and Shoprite was renegotiated to 201.07 per share.

Shoprite's share price was almost unchanged at 222 rand by 1356 GMT.

($1 = 12.9019 rand) (Reporting by TJ Strydom; Editing by Edmund Blair)
By Inna Lazareva

YAOUNDE, Sept 5 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Experience gained taming West Africa's Ebola outbreak is helping Sierra Leone deal with its recent mudslide disaster, but urgent action is needed to prevent future catastrophes, experts say.

As more bodies are unearthed after the mid-August mountain collapse in Regent on the outskirts of the capital Freetown, thousands of people who lost their homes require emergency accommodation and longer-term help to recover, aid workers say.

"People are outside, still waiting for shelter, for proper housing - and meanwhile its still raining heavily in Freetown," said Fatoumata Nafo-Traore, Africa director at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), adding that affected families were "desperate".

"Seeing the community which is only just recovering from the Ebola outbreak that claimed 4,000 lives - and its the same community now losing thousands of people... is really heart-breaking," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Freetown.

The Aug. 14 mudslide on Mount Sugar Loaf killed an estimated 500 people, while hundreds more are still missing, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

EBOLA EXPERIENCE

Humanitarian workers and others are drawing on their experiences of dealing with the 2014-2016 Ebola crisis to respond to the mudslide disaster, Nafo-Traore said.

More than 100 Sierra Leone Red Cross volunteers were on the frontline of the mudslide response, carrying out search and rescue operations. Many are the same people who gave community assistance in the Ebola outbreak, the IFRC said in a statement.

"They were trained in providing psychological support and promoting hygiene and sanitation," said Nafo-Traore - skills that are now being used to aid mudslide survivors.

After the Ebola outbreak, the IFRC helped set up warehouses with emergency stocks such as blankets and medical supplies that are "critical for any response", said Nafo-Traore, adding that financial systems are also in place to ensure accountability.

"All these things help people to respond on time," she said.

HUMAN FACTORS

But aid groups and environmentalists say steps must be taken now to prevent devastating and costly disasters in the future.

Climate change likely played a role in the Sierra Leone mudslide as warmer air can hold more moisture, increasing rainfall - but human factors are also to blame, said Richard A. Matthew, professor of international and environmental politics at the University of California, Irvine.

"The area received three times its normal rainfall in July, creating a lot of mud in the hills," he said by email.

Mud and rain are "a deadly combination" in a hilly city where people build in risky areas. Mud flows fast, and being at least twice as heavy as water, it can overwhelm neighbourhoods "in a matter of minutes", he added.

Deforestation, alongside unplanned and unregulated construction, makes the problem worse, transforming a natural hazard into a flooding and mudslide disaster, he noted.

"People do have the opportunity to increase or reduce vulnerability and hence the damage suffered during an event," he said.

Lansana Gberie, an academic and journalist from Sierra Leone, urged the government to stop illegal construction and commission tree planting on deforested slopes, which are more vulnerable to slips. "Otherwise, these things will keep happening and the tragedy will be much worse," he said.

OPEN DATA

IFRC's Nafo-Traore warned the Freetown disaster could happen elsewhere in Africa, as seen with a recent landslide in the Democratic Republic of Congo that killed at least 200 people.

"The (Sierra Leone) government is clear that we need to really do more on recovery and plan for long-term solutions," she said. "Good information (and) good mapping are critical," she said, adding that leadership and coordination are also key.

Developing plans for safer housing, preventing water-borne diseases and installing a functional early warning system are other important steps to make communities more resilient to shocks, she said.

Since the Ebola outbreak, the Sierra Leone government has strengthened its efforts to reduce the risk of disasters and manage them better if they do occur, said Sunil Saigal, the U.N. resident coordinator in Freetown.

"I think the lesson learnt is that you need strong coordination - you need someone who has an overview who can gather the threads, and... make sure the assistance gets out to where it is needed," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Data management - the ability to quickly obtain a sense of the scope of the disaster, how many people affected and what their needs are - is also "crucial", said Saigal.

Professor Matthew said satellite imagery, drones and locally gathered data and knowledge can help with pulling together relevant information fast, as well as producing high-resolution models of flood and mudslide risk.

"In a place like Freetown, inexpensive flood-risk mapping co-developed with the community could be very helpful," he said.

Floods "could be the single most expensive hazard facing humanity this century", he warned. "So we have to focus on accurate, relevant and clear decision-support tools that are cloud-based and accessible to everyone." (Reporting by Inna Lazareva; editing by Megan Rowling. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate)
BRUSSELS, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The European Commission should ask member states on Wednesday to review again whether the Polish government is abusing democratic standards, piling pressure on Warsaw, three sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

President Jean-Claude Juncker and his fellow commissioners are due to agree during their weekly meeting to ask the Council of EU national governments to put the dispute with Poland on the agenda of a ministerial meeting on Sept. 25, further raising the possibility that the bloc could penalise Warsaw if it persists.

Poland's nationalist government rejects EU accusations that judicial and media reforms jeopardise trust in the rule of law. Brussels has warned Warsaw it may face unprecedented sanctions, although a potential veto from Poland's ex-communist ally Hungary makes it unclear the EU can impose its ultimate penalty.

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Alastair Macdonald)
By Joshua Franklin

ZURICH, Sept 5 (Reuters) - HSBC has reached an agreement to refer some of its Latin American private banking clients, primarily in Central America and the Andean region, to Switzerland's UBS, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

"This decision reflects a refocusing of our strategy on those Latin American markets where we have existing scale in our portfolio and where we have identified growth opportunities for our private banking business, in particular Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico," HSBC's Peter Boyles, chief executive of global private banking, said in the memo, the contents of which were confirmed by a bank spokesman.

Boyles said the bank expects up to 40 employees will be offered roles at UBS to serve the clients, which will be referred to UBS's Wealth Management Americas division.

A spokesman for UBS declined to comment. (Reporting by Joshua Franklin; Editing by Michael Shields)
By Joshua Franklin

ZURICH, Sept 5 (Reuters) - HSBC has reached an agreement to refer some of its Latin American private banking clients, primarily in Central America and the Andean region, to Switzerland's UBS, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

The agreement completes HSBC's efforts to streamline its private banking business, a process which has resulted in a number of disposals in recent years.

"This decision reflects a refocusing of our strategy on those Latin American markets where we have existing scale in our portfolio and where we have identified growth opportunities for our private banking business, in particular Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico," HSBC's Peter Boyles, chief executive of global private banking, said in the memo, the contents of which were confirmed by a bank spokesman.

Boyles said the bank expects up to 40 employees will be offered roles at UBS to serve the clients, which will be referred to UBS's Wealth Management Americas division.

A spokesman for UBS, the world's biggest wealth manager, declined to comment.

HSBC banks these assets out of its office in Miami, a popular hub for Latin American clients to keep offshore wealth.

A source familiar with the business said HSBC's Miami office had around $5 billion in assets under management from Central American and Andean clients at the end of 2015. (Editing by Michael Shields)
By Prak Chan Thul and Matthew Tostevin

PHNOM PENH, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Cambodias government has raised the possibility that the main opposition party could be ruled out of elections if it does not replace its leader, Kem Sokha, who has been charged with treason.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has said it does not plan to replace Kem Sokha and that it fears doing so would be to fall into a trap set by Prime Minister Hun Sens government ahead of next years election.

The arrest of Kem Sokha on Sunday drew Western condemnation and marked an escalation in a crackdown on critics of Hun Sen, who has ruled for 30 years and could face possibly his toughest electoral challenge from the CNRP next year.

"They have to appoint an acting president," government spokesman Phay Siphan told Reuters on Tuesday.

"If they don't comply with the law, they will not exist and have no right to political activity... It's their choice, not my choice."

Kem Sokha's daughter, Kem Monovithya, who is also a party official, said the party would not appoint a new leader.

"The ruling party can drop their divide and conquer plan now," she said.

Opposition officials accuse Hun Sen of trying to weaken or destroy the party ahead of the election after it did well in June local elections in which it nonetheless came well behind Hun Sens Cambodia Peoples Party.

Pro-government website Fresh News said on Tuesday that there could be more arrests linked to the treason charges against Kem Sokha, who has been accused of conspiring with the United States to undermine the Southeast Asian kingdom.

Kem Sokha only became leader in February after predecessor Sam Rainsy resigned, saying he feared the party could be banned under a new law that forbids any party having a leader who is found guilty of a crime. Sam Rainsy fled into exile to avoid a defamation conviction.

Cambodian law says a political party has 90 days to replace a president if he or she dies, resigns or is convicted of an offence.

Western countries have condemned the arrest of Kem Sokha and a crackdown on critics of Hun Sen, including independent media.

"We don't care about people outside," Phay Siphan said. "We care about our national security. We dont belong to anyone."

Kem Sokha was formally charged with treason on Tuesday. China, a close ally of Hun Sen, has said it supports Cambodia in its steps to protect its security. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul and Matthew Tostevin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
LIMA, Sept 5 (Reuters) - China Three Gorges Corp will only buy a hydroelectric plant in Peru from scandal-plagued Odebrecht SA if the Brazilian company agrees to use the revenues to pay the project's debts, Peru's justice minister said Tuesday.

Marisol Perez said she expects the paperwork for Three Gorges' planned acquisition of Odebrecht's 456 megawatt Chaglla plant in northern Peru to be ready in about a month.

Odebrecht, at the center of Latin America's biggest graft scandal, announced on Aug. 24 that it had signed a deal to sell Chaglla to a consortium led by Three Gorges.

"One of the conditions the company is putting on the seller, which we think is great, is that it pay off all liabilities," Perez told foreign media.

"In this way, the money from the sale, about $1.45 billion, will go to paying Chaglla's debt and the Chinese company would be buying a clean project," said Perez, who added that she recently met with representatives of Three Gorges.

Three Gorges did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Odebrecht declined comment.

Odebrecht has been offloading assets as it faces billions of dollars in fines for bribery and bans on bidding on government contracts in some countries.

In Peru, the justice ministry must authorize the sale of Odebrecht's assets and any transfers of its money abroad.

Perez said Chaglla's debts make up nearly all of its sale price and include $100 million for state-owned bank Cofide and $30 million for Peru's tax agency.

Revenues for the sale must also be used to pay a still-undetermined fine for bribery that Peru and Odebrecht must negotiate in coming weeks, Perez said.

Late last year, Odebrecht admitted to paying $29 million in bribes to secure government contracts in Peru over a decade-long period, part of corruption it has said it committed across Latin America and in some African countries. (Reporting By Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
The film "On The Shoulders of Giants," which celebrates the legacy of private land conservation across Montana, will be shown for free on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. in Red Lodge's Roman Theater.

The movie was produced by Bozeman filmmaker and photographer Eric Ian to mark the 40th anniversary of the first conservation easement secured in Montana. It includes interviews with many of the pioneers of private land conservation in Montana such as Hank Goetz, Land Lindbergh, Rock Ringling and Dave Carr. The cinematography gives viewers an overview of conservation projects around the state while celebrating the partnerships that has conserved 2.4 million acres of private land.

The film will be accompanied by remarks from representatives of The Montana Land Reliance, Beartooth Recreational Trails Association and the Beartooth Front Community Forum, which are sponsoring the showing.

Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase.
The Theory of Evolution has hardly seen calmer seas ever since its formulation in Charles Darwins 1859 book On the Origin of Species. Just like HMS Beaglewhich went through the stormiest seas in its five-year long voyage with Darwin on board, the Evolution theory too has been going through many a tempestuous sea.

Despite the ever increasing evidence that authenticate Darwins case, even more than 150 years after its birth the theory continued to be challenged and undermined by a powerful section of society.

The latest attack comes in the form of a book titled Charles Darwin: Victorian Mythmaker by English journalist and writer A.N. Wilson. Besides making a puerile attempt to bulldoze Darwins Theory, Wilson has gone to the extent of ripping off Darwins character by portraying him as a cruel and eccentric totalitarian with very little regard for the poor. Wilsons book however has already come under the scanner by the intelligentsia and reputed media. The Guardian has dismissed the publication as a cheap attempt to ruffle feathers.

One wonders how a layman opts to publish such an outrageous account on a scientist especially after a series of well-researched biographies on the same person by those who are well versed in the subject. Among the many noteworthy books publish in the new millennium is the 2003 biography Charles Darwin: The Power of Place by British science historian, Professor Janet Brownwhich earned accolades from several quarters.

Wilsons book is being released at a time of rising pressure on several governments to play down the evolution theory in the secondary school curriculum. Many nations have been attempting to strike a balance between Evolution theory and Creation by including both in the curriculum. Some have even gone to the extent of referring to the Intelligent Design which proposes that living organisms were created in more or less their present forms by an intelligent designer.

A few weeks back the most secular Islamic nation in the world, Turkey, shocked the rational world with an announcement to scrap Darwins theory from school text books from next year onward.

Turkey, which practises law of laicite that calls for the separation of religion and the State, neither recognizes an official religion nor promotes any, despite Islam being the religion of more than 99% of its population. However, theres strong criticism against incumbent President Tayyip Erdoganby, the international community as well as secular Turks for contravening the national policy and pushing the nation towards religious extremism.

Turkeys main opposition the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) has called the decision to remove evolution theory from school text books as a move to condemn the Turkish public to darkness. Its a well-known fact that the founder of modern Turkey, General Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who declared Turkey a secular State emphasized that education should be based on science and not on religious dogmas.

Turkeys decision comes at a time when Iran is being hailed by global academics for being on par with European nations when it came to dedication of space and information to the Evolution Theory in school text books.

A study by Science magazine published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science has revealed that despite the extensive coverage on evolution in school books, still only about 40% US citizens subscribe to the theory. On the other hand nearly 80% of the population in Britain, France and Japan believe that human beings developed from earlier species of animals. A joint survey by Auspoll and the Australian Academy of Science in 2010 found that 79% of Australians believed in the theory of evolution. Besides an average of 70% of people in Latin American countries subscribe to evolution.

The most intellectually advanced nation Germany was interestingly the first country to embrace Evolution theory and months after publication of Darwins book in 1859, German paleontologist Heinrich Georg Bronn published its German translation. Even today nearly 80% of the population believe in evolution.

Still none of these nations can boast of having the biggest support base for Darwin. The Nordic region which is dominated by Lutheran Christians has emerged the strongest supporter for the theory of evolution. Iceland, one of the most informed nations in the world, leads the pack with nearly 85% acceptance rate while the others in region follow still with more than 80% in almost all countries.

Under these circumstances any attack on Darwin is destined to go down as an assault on the commonsense of the informed human beings in this age of science.
The difficulties of tackling the ballooning issue of corruption

Bribery is omnipresent with a long history starting from the time immemorial and spreading fast at all levels of the community.

It is cancerous, and exists all with no borders and barriers. Efforts made by the State, religious leaders, and social workers to arrest or complete eradication of this menace has miserably failed due to excessive greed.

Corruption erodes trust in Governments, businesses and markets. Bribery is an offence punishable under the Penal Code as far back as 1882. In 1994 Act No 19 was created to combat bribery and corruption. The preamble of the Bribery Act states that it is an establishment to investigate allegations of bribery or corruption and direct institutions for precautions for offences under the bribery act and the declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law No 01 of 1975and the matters connected or incidental.

Chapter 36 provides the definition as an act to provide for the prevention and punishment of bribery and to make consequential provisions relating to the operation of other written law.

Commission to investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council by (Article 41) out of the nominees submitted by the Constitutional Council.

The Commission is given enormous powers to combat Bribery and Corruption in the entire country with a strong support of professional and technically qualified staff with branches.

Bribery is omnipresent with a long history starting from time immemorial and spreading fast at all levels of the community.

Corruption erodes trust in Governments, businesses and markets.

Citizens had high hopes on the learned, and pleasant new Bribery Commissioner who has still not appeared to have started his job in sweeping the dirt.

Is it incompetency or lack of interest of the Government on eradication process is in the minds of the citizen sandwiched between the State corrupt officials and incompetence of the Government?

If the system is not effective short and long effective genuine methods are to be adopted and implemented to curb it.

Surprisingly, so far, only 822 complaints and 639 anonymous calls have been received in 2017, incurring an expenditure of Rs. 1, 515,200,392 (Rs. 1.5 bn) as expenditure for the fiscal year, which indicates the loss of interest or loss of trust in the system on using the institution created to combat corruption.

It is in the mandate of the Commission to educate the citizen on their rights and duties jointly combating this menace which has drastic effects on the life if the citizen and the economy of the country.

Part 2 of the Act deals with such offences and could be considered as the most relevant in todays context to deal with contractors and others offering any gratification as an inducement, solicits or accepts bribe at any given moment at any given place in the country.

Institutionalized Crime and Corrupt Institutions

President Maithripala Sirisena has strongly echoed in the Sinhala daily paper Ada on 31.08.2017 that Bribery, corruption, wastage and inefficiency were in their highest ebb and has become a sickness in society and that it needs a concerted effort of all parties.

Presumably headed by the Bribery Commission, which he carefully picked up to lead, to arrest and eradicate bribery and corruption. President in his official capacity as President during his tenure and also as the powerful Health, and Agriculture Minister in the last regime has tirelessly fought against corruption, bribery, nepotism and misuse of national wealth.

Lacille de Silva the able and honest Secretary of the PRECIFAC and Dilrukshi Wickramasinghe DG/BC, who started the cleaning process with lot of energy and funfair with long marches were compelled to exit with disappointments to themselves and the country raises eyebrows of the concerned citizens ready to help the campaign on the eradication of this menace.

Citizens had high hopes on the learned, and pleasant new Bribery Commissioner, who has still not appeared to have started his job in sweeping the dirt.

Is it incompetency or lack of interest of the Government on eradication process is in the minds of the citizen sandwiched between the State corrupt officials and incompetence of the Government?

This reminds us of the Quotation by Wangars Mathis a Kenyan Activist when you have bad governance the resources are destroyed- there is illegal logging, and soil erosion. I got pulled deeper and deeper and saw how theres issues became linked to governance corruption and dictatorship . Churchill said what worries him in inaction and not action in the right direction.

Police, Court Administration, Customs, Port, Electricity/Energy, Water, Motor Traffic, Immigration, and the highest echelons of the legislature are among the most corrupt institutions the Bribery Commission can deal with at any given moment with no notice.

The President should be credited for attempts made and steps taken and excellent speeches on the subject

While the sharks are free to exploit the nation further with the power gained and money swindled, the small time bribe takers are busy exploiting the masses in the absence of a consolidated disciplined and forceful mechanism country wide with the network of Police officers.

Presidents speeches are fine and attempts to curb corruption are commendable attempting to arrest and prevention corruption, but it appears that there is something wrong somewhere for which an immediate solution is to be found.

It is time the professionals and the genuine activist groups take to the streets. Enough is enough. Bribery and corruption appear to be in the hands of those who are in the office.

The protection of the politicians shows that the menace purely originated and groomed by politicians for personal benefits.

Bribery and corruption is the oldest and most prevalent crime.

In 1931/47 seven members of the Legislature were found guilty and1959/60 six Parliamentarians were found guilty for bribery and corruption by Talgodipitiya Commission.

Since then to date there are no records of any attempts of legal process though the menace was thriving with a terrific speed when Singapore the worst corrupt nation in 1952 has reached the 4th position on clean bill of health in world standards.

The secret is simple- in 1987 Prime Minister inquired into the corruption of Minister Ta Wing Van  while the inquiries are in progress, the Minister committed suicide leaving a letter to the Prime Minister because he knew the Prime Minister is genuine and serious in clamping the menace, which is not the case in Sri Lanka.

This shows that there should be a genuine desire from the above and the top of the pyramid should be straight and clean.

Parliament should be an honourable shrine and the conduct of its members should be serious, educative, and vision based.

Can one compare the CB bond sale controversy-an issue of national importance, to James Bond Episode?

When the economy needs tough measures, one wonders what avenues are left of the citizen helplessly awaiting for justice and fair play from the rulers entrusted with the nation as trustees for a short period of time.

It is noted with regret that only four members of the legislature have provided the declaration of assets in which non-declaration is a criminal offence!

Payment of 21 million for an unoccupied building to date continuously is a day light robbery and Corruption Commission should take steps on its own volition as a matter of urgency!

Way forward

Obviously corruption and bribery cannot be eradicated and the attempts should be made to minimise it as far as possible. If the system is not effective short and long effective genuine methods are to be adopted and implemented to curb it.

It is difficult to combat bribery and corruption as corruption is linked to drug, underworld, politics, money political power and Government machinery on contracts and development projects.

Corruption in the Transparency International - one of the largest money making NGOs have disassociated a lawyer, who has charged 3.5 million for an insignificant inquiry and submitting an substandard report

It is alleged that no receipts were issued and break down is not given as required by the rules of profession. Political intervention and excessive media circus are to be avoided.

Modern IT developments should be made use of for the citizen participation when the citizens are armed with mobile phones and knowledge on Technology and Communication skills.

Witness protection, remuneration, inducements, offers, to be streamlined and modified and modernised.

Payment of 21 million for an unoccupied building to date continuously is a day light robbery and Corruption Commission should take steps on its own volition as a matter of urgency!

Officers should be given incentives and proper training encouragement should be given to the civic minded citizens in the campaign against corruption.

Imprisonment and fine should be increased and incentives to be offered to the concerned activist citizens.

Government Servants are privileged with lot of perks and future stability with pensions and similar benefits over other employees in the Private Sector. They should be educated and trained to live within means a simple and contended life devoid of extravagance to repulse bribe and corruption.

No lenience should be shown to those responsible for bribery or corruption inefficiency and inaction on their duties.

The writer could be contacted sarath7@hotmail.co.uk
Ambalangodas rich but partly-forgotten tradition of puppetry is to be revived and developed with the establishment of Sri Lankas first puppetry museum with funding support from the Commercial Bank of Ceylon.



A regular sponsor of initiatives to preserve the countrys cultural heritage, the bank has pledged to support a proposal by Ganwari Supun Gamini, a science graduate of the Peradeniya University, and a fourth generation descendent of Podisirina Gurunnanse, considered the father of puppetry in Sri Lanka, to set up a museum and theatre dedicated to the artin this southern coastal town.



To be set up in a building leased from Sarvodaya, the proposed puppetry museum will also be supported by final year students of the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, to stage puppet shows for locals as well as foreign tourists.



Commercial Banks funding will pay the costs of rent, decorations and costumes for the puppets, set design, curtains, lighting, sound, stage design, stationery and advertising, enabling the projects proponent torealise a long-nurtured dream.



Traditional Sri Lankan puppetry and the associated folklore are well worth preserving for future generations, Commercial Banks Head of Operations Priyanthi Perera said. They are in danger of being obliterated by the proliferation of new cultural influences. The bank was impressed by the vision of Supun Gamini to revive the art, and happy to fund the project.



The proposed museum will display puppets depicting many well-loved characters from Sinhala tradition and mythology as well as traditional devil masks that inhabit folklore. A stage to be erected in a large hall in the backyard of the building is to be used to perform puppet shows in the diktala kaalagola and Jathaka story genres.



It has also been proposed to use the puppet shows for public awareness programmes and campaigns on important social issues such as drugs, smoking, healthcare and road rules.



Preserving Sri Lankas cultural heritage is one of the focus areas of the CSR Trust of Commercial Bank. Among some of projects the Trust has supported in this sphere are the construction of a Museum at Kirivehera, the donation of lamp posts to Dambulla Temple and their renovation and the repairof the steps to the summit of

Sri Pada.
Journalist J. S. Tissainayagam, a Tamil was arrested under the PTA in 2008 and later indicted on charges of inciting communal hatred.

The recent Supreme Court order handing over a Wellawatte property -- forfeited during the Rajapaksa regime on the instruction of the Police and taken over by the Terrorist Investigation Division -- to its rightful owners, is a typical indicator of the manner in which emergency regulations impinged the legal rights of the citizenry and the excesses that could be carried out with seeming impunity.

The Emergency (Proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) Regulations 2009 allowed the Minster of Defence (who incidentally was the President)to declare as forfeited any property supposedly used by terrorists and to be appropriated by the state. Although the section itself required due prior investigations to be made, but it transpired otherwise.

All attended facts and circumstances considered, I hold that the forfeiture of the petitioners property by the order (P10E) made by His Excellency the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defence has infringed the petitioners fundamental right under Article 12(1) of the Constitution, and the said order forfeiting the premises bearing assessment no. 18/1 Chapel Lane Wellawatte, Colombo 6, in terms of Regulation 7(1) of the Emergency (proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam) Regulations 2009, is null and void and is hereby quashed, Justice B P Aluwihare ruled, with Justices Priyasath Dep and Anil Gooneratne agreeing.

The fundamental Rights enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution do allow restrictions, under emergency regulations as well as the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Yet Superior Court decisions have urged that such wide and sweeping powers vested on the state security apparatus be exercised only according to law and not otherwise. The law lays down procedural safeguards when encroaching upon the constitutionally guaranteed rights of subjects of the Supreme Law which is the Constitution itself. Besides, there are universally accepted rights which are absolute i.e. right to be free from torture, that could not be deprived by any domestic law.

In a constitutional democracy, which we supposedly are, citizens are not susceptible to arbitrary action by the State, be it with regard to their physical person, civil rights or property rights. The classical definition being so, one is not oblivious to the extraordinary circumstances wherein the State found itself and the attendant need to take swift, drastic, not necessarily democratic decisions. The citizenry were not totally averse to being compelled to sacrifice a degree of their Constitutional freedom in face of a dangerous and murderous enemy warring against the state and posing a threat to the very democratic mode of governance the Constitution envisaged; hence the putting up with restriction of their rights. When Chandrika Bandaranaike told the country to tighten their seat belts, it was not merely an allusion to the economical hardships attendant with war, but to this curtailment of civil rights as well.

The judiciary too seemed to have fallen in line with the Legislative and Executive arms of the State allowing the security apparatus sweeping and wide discretion in dealing with those suspected of involvement with terror. The plight of Tamil youth produced before law courts for obtaining detention orders is a case in point of the judiciary becoming a mere stamp of official endorsement of detention orders. As I have pointed out in an earlier article, not only the judiciary , but the entire criminal justice system capitulated to Executive action, to the detriment of the rights of the citizen. It appeared as if a Tamil terrorist suspect was, firstly, not a citizen of this country in terms of whose rights the justice system was a guardian and secondly, found guilty even before trial. A report by the International Bar Association raised concern over this state of affairs and lamented that their right, inter alia, for access to the law was blatantly denied where even the Legal Aid Service, which otherwise does a laudable service, had pursued a silent policy of not representing those youth, who, being brought to Colombo had very slim chance, if any, of being legally represented.

Bleak also, was the Fundamental Rights horizon for of those who had come in to contact with the Emergency Regulations and the PTA provisions. A deferential attitude towards the executive , as Jayantha De Almeida, Kishali Pinto Jayawardena and Gehan Gunatileke point out in their excellent book The Judicial Mind in Sri Lanka: Responding to the Protection of Minority Rights, was the order of the day and rarely did the Judiciary wish to remonstrate on behalf of the citizenry, whose judicial power, it happens to exercise.

One might retort firstly, that it was the past and such occurrences are not the order of the present day and secondly, that those were extraordinary times. But the draconian Emergency Regulations as well as the PTA still constitute part of our law book and could be resorted to any time. If times of war were extraordinary in nature, should it necessarily trigger an extraordinary collapse of the Criminal justice system, which in effect seems to be the case viz a viz all security calamities the nation has faced since independence.

At a time of much hype on Constitutional reforms and talk about the PTA being replaced by alternative counter terror legislation, it is crucial that the legislators are constantly reminded of the excesses committed during periods of civil turmoil under an emergency law regime in dealing with terrorism. Conceded, one must not be oblivious to modern day realities of the threats that terrorism, separatism, extremism and anarchy pose to the nation state and the consequent need to counter them firmly and swiftly; yet the proven delicateness of the judicial and criminal justice components of the rights equation in times of such pressure, too, must send red signals when drafting such legislation for the future.

The rightful owners of the property at Wellawatte are an extremely lucky minuscule portion of our citizenry, hard done by the draconian actions of the State during emergency times; the overwhelming majority have hardly had access to, let alone success in, a court house to vindicate their rights. Some have lost their lives, others their loved ones, yet others have left even their ancestral homes preferring self-imposed exile over persecution. Some youth rounded up on no definite charges at all, languish in detention, seeking either prosecution or release, neither of which , seems forthcoming.

The Supreme Court decision emphasizes that the discretion vested in any State authority, should be exercised cautiously, based on facts and after investigation, which in this case were blatantly absent. As regards drastic measures depriving individuals of their property, in particular, the authority should be doubly sure, as it could impinge on the right of a person to equal protection under the law in terms of Article 12 (1) of the Constitution. Yet again, and invariably, it bottles down to the question of the political will of the authority concerned; whether it is concerned about the rights of the subjects or in utter disregard to them. If the general modus operandi is more reflective of the latter, the outcome is hardly surprising.

Does any one beg to differ?

The Supreme Court decision in Case No. SC FR Application 15/2010 is available online athttp://supremecourt.lk/images/documents/sc_fr_15_2010.pdf

(nothingbutthetruthdm@yahoo.com)
In response to the leasing of the Hambantota Port to a Chinese company, Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Suganuma said his country was against a particular country using a port exclusively in another country.

In an interview, at his office, to a select group of journalists from mainstream newspapers, the Ambassador said the Indian Ocean should remain open and free'.

For that purpose, he said all the ports should be operated in a transparent and open manner. Also, he said Japan was against a particular country using the ports of other countries for military purposes.

So, we hope that in future Sri Lanka ports will be controlled by the Sri Lankan government. We hope they will not be used militarily by another country and that all security matters and Customs operations will be handled by Sri Lanka, the Ambassador said.

He said Sri Lanka was strategically located in the Indian Ocean with access to East Asia, South-East Asia, the Middle East and East Africa.

In the south of Sri Lanka, there are some of the most important sea-lanes in the world. About 100,000 ships pass these sea lanes every year. So, Sri Lanka has deep ports like Colombo. Ships can come here for repairs, refueling, and transshipment. You can cover the entire South Indian Sea and the countries near the Bay of Bengal, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Iran, etc. Japan depends on sea trade for most of it oil, he said.

The Ambassador said Japan depended on transnational trade and therefore these sea lanes were important.

Sri Lanka is in the middle of it. That is why we keep saying that the Indian Ocean should be open and free, he said. (Kelum Bandara)
Leo Burnett Masterclass graduates with management  (From left to right  Seated) Devanga Witharanage, Nihara Jayamaha, Sahithra Ukwatte, Devini Wijeysinghe, Melanki Haththotuwagama, (Middle row) Dilunika Tejwani, Dinuka Solangaarachchi, Kumudini Gomes  Director, People and culture, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, Ahmedh Zufar, Ranil de Silva  Managing Director, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, Sajani Fernando, Dilmi De Silva, (Top row) Murtaza Tajbhoy  Chief Strategy Officer, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, Ravindu Wilegoda, Arosha Perera  Chief Operating Officer, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, Karen Amirthampillai, Haritha Jayasinghe, Sasithi Rambukkanage

Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, the local office of the globally recognized advertising agency Leo Burnett Worldwide, recently completed the fifth annual Leo Burnett Masterclass programme. Being the only programme of its kind in the country, the comprehensive five-week internship catered to 13 industry interns, providing them with valuable exposure into the marketing communications industry. The Leo Burnett Masterclass programme was concluded with a graduation ceremony which was attended by Leo Burnett Sri Lankas senior management, partners of the Masterclass programme, as well as members from the agency team who mentored the interns throughout the programme.

Commenting on the programme, Ranil de Silva  Managing Director, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka said: This internship programme was conceptualized to provide the next generation of professionals an understanding of the diverse opportunities that our industry has to offer. Through its brief history, the Leo Burnett Masterclass programme has been instrumental in discovering and attracting Sri Lankas next generation of talented marketing communications professionals to the industry. The programme enables young and aspiring professionals to gain a better understanding of the diverse roles and avenues that they can pursue, by embarking on an exciting and rewarding career in the field of advertising.

Ranil de Silva  Managing Director, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka addressing the gathering

The 13 young interns who participated in the programme this year hailed from varied backgrounds. They were undergraduates pursuing a wide range of degree programmes at various prestigious institutions in different parts of the world as well as in institutions in Sri Lanka. During the five-week internship program each individual participated in a thoughtfully crafted programme which enabled them to obtain a holistic understanding of the industry and its diversity. The interns were afforded the rare opportunity of working alongside seasoned experts in an array of departments at the agency, ranging from Creative and Media, Brand Management, Brand Planning and Public Relations, to Digital, Activations and events. In addition, each intern was provided with a senior member of the agency as a mentor and they also had a buddy who was responsible for guiding them throughout their internship.

Several clients and partners of the agency were also engaged with the programme. They included Lanka Market Research Bureau (LMRB), Derana, Citrus Events, Serendib Flour Mills, DSI and Coca-Cola. These partners provided the 13 young aspirants with opportunities to understand, research, go behind the scenes at a TV station, be a marketer and even engage with diverse people to understand their behaviour. It is these experience which makes this programme unique and a one of a kind internship programme.

Kumudini Gomes - Director, People and culture, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka addressing the gathering

Kumudini Gomes - Director, People and culture, remarked We are very grateful to each of our partners for joining us with this endeavour and for providing invaluable learning opportunities to our interns. These outside placements, helps enrich the Masterclass and also helps to broaden the outlook of the young Masterclass graduates.

The final week of the program featured a group project where the 13 interns were split into three teams and were assigned a project brief, to which they had to respond to within 48 hours. Their final presentations were judged by senior agency members. Sajani Fernando, Sasithi Rambukkanage, Dinuka Solangaarachchi, Ahmedh Zufar and Devanga Witharanage emerged as the winners of the final project of this years Leo Burnett Masterclass, whereas Ravindu Wilegoda, Karen Amirthampillai, Melanki Haththotuwagama and Sahithra Ukwatte were the 1st runners up and the 2nd runners up of the final project were Haritha Jayasinghe, Devini Wijeysinghe, Nihara Jayamaha and Dilmi De Silva.

Over the years, Leo Burnett has built many powerful brands and meaningful partnerships with its clients, whilst delivering gratifying results and gaining peer recognition in the industry. This year the agency celebrated its 18th anniversary in Sri Lanka whilst the global company commemorated its 82nd anniversary. As Leo Burnett looks ahead to the future, the agency remains dedicated to developing new ideas inspired by HumanKind  Leo Burnetts philosophy which is rooted in the belief that creativity has the power to change human behaviour.
Habitat loss has resulted in elephants coming in to direct contact with humans. The animals, which were long revered in the countrys culture and religion, have now become a symbol of conflict over the past few years. Although wildlife enthusiasts have protested against human encroachment and have suggested possible ways of keeping away from these animals, humans seem to be doing the opposite. As a result, over 2000 elephants have perished in to the soil as a result of this conflict during the past 12 years. The conflict still exists in many parts of the country although many incidents arent reported.

According to Karunasena it has been six years since the human-elephant conflict raised its head

As a result of the human-elephant conflict people dont have any food during the Yala or Maha seasons

Several houses had been destroyed by this ferocious elephant

People want the authorities to pay them an adequate amount of money because a few thousand rupees wont do any justice

Cries from conflict areas

While on a recent visit to Mahiyangana, the Daily Mirror learned that several houses had been damaged as a result of this conflict during early August. Hence, with the help of our guide, Ajith, we then took off to visit the affected. While speaking to the victims the Daily Mirror learned that the electric fences in the area have been switched off and that they were the only solution to the problem.

K.G Ranmanikas house was severely damaged and the vegetable plots too were destroyed. She is currently residing at her daughters house situated a few blocks away from hers. That night I heard a noise outside the house and when I went to see it was this elephant. I stayed indoors just to be safe and he did a lot of damage to the house. A little while later, the DWC officials visited my house and promised to give compensation and asked me to stay away from the house till they capture the elephant,said Ranmanika.

R. M Karunasena is another victim of this human-elephant conflict. Karunasena said that it has been six years since the human-elephant conflict raised its head. We have stopped working in our paddy fields and we dont expect any yield from our vegetation because elephants now thrive on them. As a result we dont have any food during the Yala or Maha seasons. Those days they used to come at night and now they come even during the day as well, said Karunasena.

As we walked further in to this now-peaceful village setting in the heart of Mahiyangana, our guide Ajith showed more houses that had been destroyed by this ferocious elephant. We then stepped in to D. Kanthilathas house to observe the damages. She is a self-employed woman who earns a fair income to feed her family by making hoppers. My son is sick and I have to take him to Colombo every month. For that I need approximately Rs. 3000 or more. A few days back this elephant destroyed our kitchen and now I have to fix those damages as well. I even wrote a letter to the DWC officials because they dont compensate us on time. This is the first time that we were attacked by an elephant, but there have been instances when elephants loitered around the village quite often. We want them to pay us an adequate amount of money because a few thousand rupees wont do any justice,she said.

Karunarathne and his sister live in close proximity to Kanthilathas. The following day, after Kanthilathas house was damaged, the elephant had gone in search of more food and had stopped at Karunarathnes residence and consumed a gunny bag full of paddy. I was at home with my sister when we heard a noise outside. Then the neighbours shouted warning us to stay indoors that an elephant was trying to bring down the house. Luckily there wasnt much damage except for the front door which had a few cracks. The Maduru Oya forest reserve lies in the boundary of this village. As a result many untamed elephants frequent our village. We urge the DWC officials to take this elephant away before it takes away an innocent life,Karunarathne pleaded.

I was at home with my sister when we heard a noise outside. Then the neighbours shouted warning us to stay indoors that an elephant was trying to bring down the house. Luckily there wasnt much damage

We dont have water and have to walk miles to collect one gallon and then we have an elephant adding to the burden, said Wijerathne carrying a plastic can filled to the brim with water. The prevailing drought has affected over 1.3 million individuals including those in Mahiyangana. There is no permanent solution to this human-elephant conflict. A few months ago there were electric fences, but they dont work anymore. If the electric fences were switched on this issue would have been solved to a greater extent, but that doesnt seem to be the case. So far the DWC officials havent visited us to inquire about the latest incidents, but we hope that they would take the necessary measures,said Wijerathne.

Compensation given isnt enough : Grama Niladhari for Orubandiwewa and Serana Divisions

Wildlife officials offer compensation, but that isnt enough, said D. M. P Dissanayake, the Grama Niladhari for Orubandiwewa and Serana Divisions. Elephants frequent in Divisions such as Abeypura, Gemunupura, Arawatta, Serana and Orubandiwewa where there are tanks. The officials offered compensation depending on the extent of the damage caused. Therefore some claim to be underpaid in most instances. Some have been promised two bags of cement, but that wouldnt solve the problem. Even the electric fences have been switched off and the elephants trample them down and charge in to the villages, Dissanayake said.



We are trying to promote coexistence rather than confrontation : Gamini Jayawickrama Perera

On this note we contacted the subject minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera who said that the sum has been increased to Rs. 500,000. During the Rajapakse regime it was only Rs. 100,000, but we increased the amount. The usual procedure is for the Grama Sevaka (GS) to send a letter to the office of the Ministry of Health. The letter in turn goes to the Divisional Secretariat (DS). This is then sent to the area DS and he pays the amount with his funds. But now this transaction has been made easier. So its up to the DS and the GS to provide funds for the victims. On the other hand we arent offering contracts to put up electric fences and it is a responsibility vested upon the people. So we provide residents with raw materials and they have to put up the fence. In the case of crop damage we have introduced an insurance scheme so that the affected can recover the damages. Hence we are trying to promote coexistence rather than confrontation with these elephants,the minister said.

Statistics

Deputy Director (Elephant Conservation) at the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) U.L Thaufeeq told the Daily Mirror that 129 elephants have been killed due to the prevailing human elephant conflict within this year. In addition to that 44 people have been killed as well. So far we have offered compensation worth Rs. 500,000 to each victim whose house was damaged and to those families who have lost a member during an encounter. If a person is injured we offer Rs. 75,000 as compensation. So far we havent implemented any compensation scheme for crop damage, but if the cultivation has been insured then they will be paid accordingly,explained Thaufeeq.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is banning campfires and restricting smoking and other activities at its properties in Stillwater County starting Thursday, Sept. 7, because of wildfire danger.

FWP will follow the lead of Stillwater County commissioners and enter stage II fire restrictions. Stillwater County has been under stage I fire restrictions for several weeks.

FWP properties that will be affected in Stillwater County include the Buffalo Jump, Moraine, Castle Rock, Cliff Swallow, Absaroka, Jeffreys Landing, Whitebird, Swinging Bridge and Firemans Point fishing access sites along the Stillwater River south of Columbus as well as the Rosebud Isle fishing access site on the West Rosebud River and Indian Fort, Holmgren Ranch, Homestead Isle and Buffalo Mirage fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River.

Stage II fire restrictions ban campfires and restrict smoking to buildings, vehicles or areas cleared of flammable materials. They also prohibit operating internal combustion engines between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. each day. People may use stoves that can be turned on and off.

The restrictions are in response to hot, dry weather that could increase the danger of human-caused wildfires. They will be in effect until further notice.
September has been a dreadful month since 2016 for Tamil Nadu. In September 2016, Jayalalithaa - the uncrowned queen of Tamil Nadu -was hospitalised and never recovered. In 2017, an innocent medical aspirant killed herself with her dreams to be a doctor shattered into a million pieces.

Anitha Shanmugam's death shook people across Tamil Nadu regardless of their backgrounds. Perhaps a teacher could have given her hope that she was born in a state where a former chief minister called Kamaraj did a lot to ensure that all children get education and a fair chance in a competitive world.

Maybe hearing to such tales of hope would have helped Anitha keep her dream to be a doctor alive.

Anitha lost her mother when she was seven years old to an unknown illness. She became a mother to four of her brothers and began to take care of them as her daily-wager father had to go and earn a living.

The innocent girl, unlike others didn't concentrate on childhood fantasies, nor playing with toys or chatting with friends as she was taking care of five lives, feeding them and keeping the house tidy and together.

She used whatever time she could manage to study and scored 486 out of 500 in Class 10. This surprised many, including her family.

Anitha maintained her fight was for all disadvantaged children.

When she told her brothers that she wants to be a doctor because she doesn't want another child to lose her mother due to lack of medical care, they decided to her help her out. Anitha joined a boarding school at Perambalur with the help of a scholarship.

She stayed away from friends, studied day and night and scored 1,176 with Centum in two papers. Her cutoff for medical exam was 196 out of 200, ensuring a seat in a medical college. And then NEET crossed her path.

As the AIADMK was busy in internal strife after Jayalalithaa's demise, the NEET issue didn't get the required state attention. Many resolutions were passed in the assembly due to pressure from the Opposition parties and these were communicated to the Centre as well but nothing beyond that happened.

Anita, who was now scared to lose out, decided to fight to defend her one chance. The girl, who never used her Dalit identity to evoke pity, stated her fight wasn't only for herself but countless students from the marginalised sections as she empathised with them.

Anitha was hopeful that the state government will manage to get an exemption from NEET 2017. She was right in hoping so. Every time, chief minister EP Palaniswami, then rebel AIADMK leader OPS, Rajya Sabha deputy speaker Thambidurai and health minister Vijayabhaskar visited Delhi, they assured people their visit was aimed at getting Tamil Nadu an exemption from NEET. Little did she realise that the leaders had their own agenda.

Every time the state government was asked why it wasn't pressing hard to get an exemption, AIADMK told them that the Central government was considering the situation.

The real shocker came when a Union minister claimed that the requisition sent by the state government did not reach them hinting at the importance the AIADMK government attached to raising and pursuing the issue.

Anitha along with some other students moved Supreme Court, which on August 23 upheld that NEET is the only way to assign medical seats. Anita was outside the Supreme Court premises when the judgement came. She could not comprehend the order. When interviewed by the media, she kept reiterating that she did not know what NEET was and that she was fighting for students whose interests were in danger.

Ten years of education, countless hours of study, the promise she made to herself to make a difference, had all gone in vain.

"Many from my village don't get a second chance. Why doesn't the government understand this?" she asked.

On September 1, Anitha killed herself after being failed by the system.

With her death, the hope for children from downtrodden communities believing that they can make a difference and can have a better life has distanced itself further from them.
"Alt-facts" have become a favoured device of the establishment in the post-truth era. At an earlier age, this was termed as "inexactitude" in parliamentary language or a "pack of lies" in common parlance.

An apposite exemplar is the set of claims recently made in a statement issued by the Union ministry of finance regarding the immense benefits of demonetisation which have accrued to the Indian economy and people.

These official assertions were made on the same day when the RBI finally reported that almost 99 per cent of the proscribed currency notes of 500 and 1,000-rupee denomination had returned to the banking system by June 30, 2017.

The finance ministry claims that the government had actually expected 99 per cent of the cash to return to the system at the very outset. If that was so, why weren't new currency notes adequately printed well in advance, leading to an acute shortage of cash which afflicted the entire economy between November 8 and end of December, 2016?

So, the revenue inflow post demonetisation stands below Rs 4,000 crore so far. Photo: Reuters

The chief economic advisor of the SBI had argued through two op-ed pieces in the Business Standard (November 14 and November 23, 2016) that since 25 per cent of the proscribed currency notes did not return to the banking system during the 1978 demonetisation episode, it is reasonable to assume that 25-50 per cent of the proscribed currencies will not be exchanged in the present instance. He projected that currency notes' worth between Rs. 2.5 to 4.8 trillion, in which illicit wealth were stored, would not return and consequently RBI's liabilities will get "extinguished" by an equivalent amount, which can then be transferred as surplus to the government, in order to spend on infrastructure et al.

Even the then attorney general argued in the Supreme Court that cash worth Rs 4-5 lakh crore will be "neutralised". It was the expectation of a fiscal windfall that prodded the prime minister to ask for a 50-day window during his November 13 speech in Goa. Once those expectations were belied by subsequent events - with currency exchange and bank deposits surpassing official expectations - the government changed its narrative to the promotion of digital payments and formalising the informal economy.

The finance ministry claims that demonetisation has helped in "flushing out black money". However, the data provided by the ministry itself shows that between November 2016 to May 2017, the total amount of undisclosed income unearthed is Rs 17,526 crore, out of which Rs 1,003 crore was seized. The crackdown on benami transactions so far has yielded another Rs 600 crore. The second income disclosure scheme of 2016-17 announced after demonetisation fetched another Rs 2,300 crore as revenue.

So, the revenue inflow post demonetisation stands below Rs 4,000 crore so far.

The annual report of the RBI has informed that its surplus transferred to the central government in 2016-17 came down by around Rs 35,000 crore from 2015-16, mainly due to demonetisation. An additional Rs 4,544 crore was spent on printing new currency notes and a whopping Rs 18,004 crore had to be spent in 2016-17 on account of interest payments due to absorption of surplus liquidity in the banking system post-demonetisation.

This Rs 22,500 crore loss incurred by the RBI in 2016-17 should be added to the loss in tax revenues owing to the economic growth slowdown following demonetisation. The Gross Value Added (GVA) growth rate fell from 6.7 per cent in the third quarter to 5.6 per cent in the last quarter of 2016-17 and has remained at 5.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2017-18. Therefore, it is fair to assume at least a 1 per cent reduction in the real GVA growth rate in 2016-17 due to demonetisation.

The loss in GVA comes to approximately Rs 1 lakh crore and assuming a tax-GVA ratio of 9 per cent (same as CSO estimates for 2016-17); the tax revenue loss of the government would amount to another Rs 9,000 crore.

Thus, a Rs 4,000 crore revenue gain has accrued to the government after losing Rs 31,500 crore. Can this be considered a rational policy? Within the 29 crore bank accounts opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana, the rapid reduction in the proportion of zero-balance accounts from 77 per cent to 21 per cent post-demonetisation should be a pointer to where the illicit cash has actually gone.

The ministry does not seem to have any clue as to how to bring this within the ambit of taxation.

The finance ministry's claims on elimination of fake currency also fly in the face of facts. The government had presented an estimate of Rs 400 crore worth of fake currencies circulating in the Indian economy to the Supreme Court, on the basis of a 2016 study conducted by the Indian Statistical Institute (commissioned by the ministry of home affairs).

The RBI annual report has now revealed that the total counterfeit currency notes of Rs 500 and 1,000 detected till March 2017 was worth only Rs 41.5 crore, which is around one-tenth of the ISI-MHA estimate for 2014-15. Moreover, the RBI's annual report shows that Rs 13.75 lakh worth counterfeit currency in the newly issued Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes was detected by March 2017.

Thus, the infrastructure of counterfeiting Indian currency notes appears to have remained untouched by demonetisation.

As far as ending terrorism is concerned, data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal shows that fatalities in terrorism-related violence in 2017 had touched 541 till August, against a total of 893 and 722 in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total number of fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir till August 2017 alone is 239, compared to 267 in 2016 and 174 in 2015.

Does it signal a decline in terrorist violence since demonetisation?

The finance ministry has cited the decline in cash circulation in the economy and the increase in digital payments as successes of demonetisation. It is not possible to conclude on the basis of available data how much of the shift to digital payments post-demonetisation is a result of the imposed currency shortage and hence a transient, rather than a permanent and voluntary shift to digital payments.

Moreover, was a massive liquidity shock like demonetisation at all necessary to shift cash-users to digital payments? The gains to the larger economy from such a shift should not be exaggerated. Digitisation may enhance the convenience and transparency of transactions, but it can also increase transaction costs as well as possibilities of misuse, given India's abysmal levels of financial and digital literacy and the deeply unequal socio-economic structure.
Humanity must take precedence over religious biases in dealing with Rohingya refugees.

According to the United National High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) data, 20,000 Rohingya migrants from Myanmar live in different cities of India. India, however, claims the number is 40,000.

Going by UNHCR figures, four per cent out of more than 5,00,000 registered Rohingya migrants across the world live in India. The ethnic minority group that comprises mostly Muslims have faced persecution at the hands of the powerful military and extremist groups in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. The continued persecution has forced Rohingyas to become one of the largest internally displaced communities across the world.

Forced to flee the country through maritime routes into neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand, Rohingyas have come to be known as the boat people. Most Rohingyas entered India through Bangladesh.

Since India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it can't be forced to allow the entry of any displaced person or community, however, India has selectively allowed entry to refugees such as Tamils from Sri Lanka, Tibetans from Tibet and China and Hindus from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Despite a large-scale displacement due to the recent violence in the Rakhine state, India hasn't officially recognised Rohingyas as refugees.

Migration into India from other countries is not a new problem. India is confronted with an influx from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China and now also from Myanmar.

A large number of Nepali nationals also live in India. It is difficult to estimate their number since people from India and Nepal and can enter each others' territory without visa and passport. Many migrants have overstayed their visas and many are trespassers.

India hasn't officially recognised Rohingyas as refugees.

Two major policy changes towards foreign nationals and refugees have been observed over the last few years which seem religiously biased in granting citizenship and dealing with the refugee.

Firstly, the government is planning to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 and intends to grant citizenships based on religion. The amendment would make illegal migrants who belong to minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship. Rohingyas from Myanmar or persecuted Muslims from the aforementioned countries will not have the luck.

The second aspect relates to dealing with refugees. On the one hand, the government is planning to deport Rohingya Muslims living in the slums of India without any government support. On the other hand, the Indian government has sanctioned a package of ?2,000 crore for 36,000 displaced families of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) now sheltered in India. The government has also formulated schemes to provide relief and rehabilitation to Tamils and Tibetans.

Vulnerable minority populations fleeing either from Pakistan or Myanmar - both parts of undivided India - must be treated equally or at least should be allowed to live in peace till the normalisation of circumstances in their home countries.

Before deporting Rohingyas, India must initiate multilateral talks with the Myanmar government and other countries for a peaceful resolution of their internal conflicts so that refugees can return home safely.

In a declared secular country such as India, governments should refrain from dealing with the refugees on the basis of their religious affiliations.
On Sunday, September 3, 2017, North Korea tested its sixth and most powerful hydrogen bomb in a controlled nuclear test that set off a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the countrys Punggye-ri testing site, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Pyongyang had detonated a hydrogen bomb with a 100-kiloton yield, which was seven times stronger than the bomb that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

The Little Boy that wiped out the Japanese city, however, is miniscule compared to what North Korea, under its boy leader Kim Jong-Un, tested on Sunday.

North Korea, past week.- Launched missile over Japan- Loaded hydrogen bomb into an ICBM- Hydrogen bomb nuclear test pic.twitter.com/jaNQWJQ1a4 September 3, 2017

North Korea hydrogen bomb blast believed to be 'five times bigger than Nagasaki' https://t.co/WTh6yuD11R pic.twitter.com/6qkujXxCHu  Sky News (@SkyNews) September 3, 2017

Evidently, this has sparked off fears of a global nuclear meltdown, with South Korea, the United States, Europe and China, on high alert, as also issuing condemnations of the latest test, capable to wiping out a major city. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Koreas state-run public broadcaster, had released images of Kim Jong-Un examining the hydrogen bomb load into an intercontinental ballistic missile that could in fact target and wipe out major US and European cities.

How the world reacted to North Korea's hydrogen bomb test https://t.co/OpCJR6eZoI pic.twitter.com/EszpcAbgdi  dwnews (@dwnews) September 4, 2017

US president Donald Trump was visibly exasperated as issued stern tweets aimed at North Korea, saying other countries doing business with Pyongyang too could be impacted by sanctions. He called North Korea a rogue nation and said their actions continued to be hostile and dangerous to the United States.

North Korea has conducted a major Nuclear Test. Their words and actions continue to be very hostile and dangerous to the United States.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

..North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

Speculations are also rife whether Pyongyangs tests meant that their nuclear weapons capability has gone up by several notches. Nuclear literacy among global powers is basically about scrambling power nuclear weapons and very little about the concerted effort to ensure and achieve worldwide disarmament.

What is a hydrogen bomb and can North Korea deliver one? https://t.co/w9F7dKQi4d pic.twitter.com/zH4S4ZcxWg  CNN (@CNN) September 3, 2017

In retaliation, South Korea has simulated a nuclear site attack and conducted major drills to offset a possible strike from Pyongyang.

Pyongyang had earlier said that the test was carried out on Sunday to examine and confirm the accuracy and credibility of the weapon.

Experts at various US universities seem to concur that the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are capable of destroying big US cities, leaving trails of destruction behind, in addition to nuclear contamination and ushering in a nuclear winter.

US and South Korea rattled

Its with extreme caution that experts are watching the North Korean threat assume gigantic proportions, even as POTUS Trump returns equally churlish counter-responses to the Pyongyang dare. On the other hand, Seoul and Tokyo are rightfully concerned about their safety, and South Korean president Moon Jae-in has already convened high-level meetings and thereafter Mondays live drill.

Sanctions aside, the North Korean threat seems to loom large, and Washington has responded by saying it is not ruling out the military option. Japan is more concerned because on August 29, Tuesday, Pyongyang launched a missile into the Japanese airspace that eventually landed 733 miles east of the island country in the Pacific Ocean. The latest nuclear test has been widely condemned by the Japanese officials.

Chinas handwringing

Many are looking at China to intervene and make North Korea to climb down from its high horse of nuclear hubris. But increasingly, Xi Jinping seems powerless to move Kim Jong-Un, despite their seeming bonhomie.

China's Xi hosts annual BRICS summit in the shadow of North Korea's latest nuclear test https://t.co/z8mJA4LDl7 pic.twitter.com/tBIiCLw9jr  AFP news agency (@AFP) September 4, 2017

The latest provocation has been condemned at the BRICS summit and Beijing has categorically chided Pyongyang for its rash, nuclear dare at the world. But that also demonstrates that Xis direct hold on Kim is slipping, or has already slipped away.

North Korea announces it has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. Follow live updates: https://t.co/C84HyneUbe pic.twitter.com/0nCC6ZA87S  CNN (@CNN) September 3, 2017

We strongly deplore the nuclear test conducted by DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea): BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration #NorthKorea  ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017

Sanctions from China can work to put massive economic pressure on North Korea, but that would make the Chinese territory vulnerable to a possible North Korean missile attack. Evidently, the unpredictability of Kim Jong-Un has meant that deterrence as a factor fails to work with Pyongyang, which is increasingly falling back on its nuclear nationalism to dare the world over and over again.

Xi Jinping just began his opening speech for Brics summit...which has been upstaged by North Korea nuclear test pic.twitter.com/cm2l2q4bZs  Eva Dou (@evadou) September 3, 2017

Xi begins his speech at BRICS Business forum Xiamen. North Korea's announcement came around 20 min before. Timing. pic.twitter.com/FIY0RJ0diW  Ananth Krishnan (@ananthkrishnan) September 3, 2017

Pyongyangs demand that the US and other major global powers undergo complete nuclear disarmament first before asking the same from North Korea is unsound, precisely because of its own rashness. Despite UN sanctions, with some Chinese help and trade embargoes, cutting off oil supplies, Pyongyang can be brought under control somewhat.

Though, thats drastic and risk-laden path, and its becoming increasingly unclear whether Xi would be willing to take such considerable measures, beyond the platitudes at multilateral forums such as BRICS. The state media mouthpiece Global Times has asked Beijing to avoid a full embargo on North Korea, given historic and close ties.

Global Times mentioned a "deadlock", while reiterating that China needed "a sober mind and must minimise the risks Chinese society has to bear".

It added that China "should avoid imposing overly aggressive sanctions on North Korea". But it trained its guns at the US too: "The root cause of the North Korean nuclear issue is that the military pressure of the Washington-Seoul alliance generates a sense of insecurity for Pyongyang, who then believes that owning a nuclear strike capability is its sole guarantee for the survival of its regime."
The ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyas in Myanmar by its military junta is now the biggest international headline of the day, with ghastly accounts of how their homes are being burnt down to cinders, how landmines are littered all over in the fields as these hapless, stateless people cross to escape the firing squad. When they are not drowning or facing bullets, they are being massacred by majority Buddhists of Burma, who are citing the 1982 citizenship law to perpetrate one of the worst excesses of 21st century anywhere in the world.

But the Indian government, as well as a substantial section of the media, wants to deport the Rohingyas who have braved unfathomable dangers and literally cheated death to arrive here in India, mostly via Bangladesh, or by sea on the Bay of Bengal shores, saying that most of them are illegal Bangladeshi migrants, with terror links.

Thats not just a travesty of Indias secular tradition of giving refuge to those suffering religious persecution in their homelands regardless of the religion, its also thoroughly unconstitutional and against international humanitarian laws guiding these policies.

In fact, the Supreme Court has asked the Centre why it wants to deport the Rohingyas, almost 1,20,000 of whom have fled Myanmar in the recent past as the military junta tries every means to obliterate their existence from the countrys territory. Centres hypocrisy has been duly exposed because it had adopted a completely different stance when Modi said that Bangladeshi Hindus would be given refuge during the Assam elections. Similarly, the persecuted Hindus in Pakistan are often cited in various high-octane speeches by various members of the ruling regime, to whip up Hindus under threat hysteria.

Until 2014, India has had a golden tradition of welcoming victims of religious persecution, whether they are Hindus and Christians of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, millions of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists of East Pakistan in 1971 after the Bangladesh war, many religious minorities of Afghanistan, Tibetans persecuted by the Chinese. However, under the Narendra Modi regime, we have unequal treatment for the Rohingyas of Myanmar, who are clearly facing as big a genocide as those that were carried out in Rwanda, Kosovo, Bosnia and more.

Its unbelievable that the ministry of home affairs September 2015 notification under the Passports Act and the Foreigners Act welcomes Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis and Buddhists facing religious persecution, clearly omitting Muslims. How is it that the fundamental right to religion, right to equality, right to life and liberty are ignored when it comes to Muslim refugees, particularly the Rohingyas?

It has been amply demonstrated that Rohingyas are neither terrorists as many in the right-leaning, Islamophobic media, as well as the government, would like us to believe, nor are they economic migrants like some Bangladeshis or Afghanis. Rohingyas face the worst plight in South and Southeast Asia, and calls to rescind the Nobel Peace Prize of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese Iron Lady for her deafening silence on the Rohingyas, have already been sent out.

Yet, despite this international humanitarian disaster unfolding in our immediate neighbourhood, and a terribly discriminatory citizenship law being used to exterminate an entire group of people, rendering them stateless and landless despite them staying in the land for 13 centuries, the Indian government would be in talks to deport the Rohingyas, practically back to being slaughtered in their own country. This is unacceptable and unpardonable complicity in a war crime, and can never be condoned by the secular citizens of India.

Its appalling that even as PM Narendra Modi is visiting Myanmar as we write, the rhetoric from the Centre, if MoS Home Kiren Rijiju is to be believed, is this: Rohingyas are all illegal immigrants, who have no basis to live here and anybody whos an illegal immigrant will be deported. However, the stunning silence on where they would go once are in fact deported is proof enough that Centre doesnt want to rock that boat.

How can any government in a democratic republic that is still ruled by its Constitution turn back people who are facing sure death  either by bullets, or starvation, or by being hacked, or by being burnt down, or by drowning  in their homeland which refuses to call them their own?

First of all, instead of the deportation talk, what the Centre must do is put pressure on Myanmar to change its draconian citizenship laws, while accepting the refugees in this land of multiple religions and constitutional plurality.
After having burned nearly 100,000 acres, the Sartin Draw fire located 20 miles northeast of Ashland was at 85 percent containment Monday.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation said that a red flag warning would remain in effect through 9 p.m. Monday, as it is throughout most of the state.

Cooler temperatures were expected to continue through Tuesday, followed by a warming trend Wednesday and Thursday.

The fire has containment lines along its perimeter, but interior islands will continue to burn, and portions of the fire with large diameter fuels will continue to smolder.

The East Fork fire south of Havre in the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation was at 21,500 acres Monday. The fire is 40 percent contained, and fire bosses said that good progress toward full containment is being made.

In a news release, Gov. Steve Bullock called the current fire season long and incredibly difficult.

Conditions this week will continue to be challenging, he said.

On Sept. 1, Bullock declared a state fire disaster. That declaration allows him to mobilize additional state resources and the Montana National Guard to combat fires.

Bullocks latest executive order was issued along with a directive to the Montana Department of Transportation that temporarily suspends certain regulatory requirements to facilitate the transport of heavy firefighting equipment.

State officials remain in regular communication with the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding possible assistance to support state and local firefighting costs for businesses and individuals impacted by fires.

"The reality is Montana is in a severe drought and the conditions are ripe for continued severe fires throughout September," Bullock said. "This has been a long and incredibly difficult fire season and conditions this week will continue to be challenging. Everyone  residents, visitors, volunteers  must continue to stay safe, stay informed, and continue to support our firefighters, our communities and businesses impacted by fires."
A doctor at Memorial Hospital of Converse County died in a climbing accident in Colorado over Labor Day weekend, the hospital announced Tuesday.

Dr. Jamie Rupp died after slipping and falling Sunday while climbing Challenger Point, a 14,000-foot peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range southwest of Pueblo, Colorado, the Saguache County coroner said Tuesday.

Rupp tumbled approximately 1,000 feet down a gully covered with loose shale, the coroner Tom Perrin said. He was climbing alone but the route was busy and at least three people saw him slip and fall, Perrin said.

Rupp's wife, Sandy, received notification Monday from the Saguache County coroner that her husband had died, according to the announcement from the Douglas hospital.

"We are shocked and devastated at the passing of a great husband, father, physician, colleague and friend," hospital CEO Ryan Smith wrote in an email to staff.

Rupp was one of the state's only nephrologists, a type of medicine that focuses on the kidneys. He spent his entire career treating patients in Wyoming, Smith noted. He worked at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Casper before joining the Douglas hospital in 2014.

"He was not only a brilliant physician and constant advocate for his patients, sta and profession, but a confidant and friend to me, and my family," Smith wrote. "I can't imagine all of the family, providers, patients, employees, students, and many friends he impacted during his life and career, and the collective hurt we will share at his untimely passing.

Services for Rupp are pending. The hospital plans to release more information when it's available. The final autopsy results will be available in about a month.
Audemio Orozco-Ramirez, father of seven U.S. citizens, was cruelly snatched from his family one month ago. We call on Immigration, Customs and Enforcement to release him.

Audemio Orozco-Ramirez has lived in the United States for 20 years, is considered a valued employee by his employer, and has raised a family. Six of his children are U.S. citizens and one is a legal resident under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. The last time he was in ICE custody, Audemio was raped. He applied for permanent status years ago and never heard from the Department of Homeland Security about his application.

The 10 Commandments begin with Gods reminder to the people that God delivered them as immigrants and refugees out of Egypt. Throughout the Judeo-Christian tradition, we are reminded to treat the foreigner, the alien, the stranger with hospitality and care, for our faith ancestors were once aliens in the land of Egypt and, by doing so, we might just be welcoming angels unaware. We formed Billings Sanctuary Rising to bear witness to the treatment of immigrants and refugees in our community.

We are heartbroken by the actions of our local Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. The local ICE agent promised to let us know if and when Audemios status changed. Instead of telling us, he sent an email to Audemios attorney at 6 a.m; ICE had detained Audemio through subterfuge by 9 a.m. The agent changed Audemios regular appointment time, asked if those church people were with him, and when Audemio told him no, the agent immediately detained Audemio. The agent also falsely stated that Audemio had committed crimes. The agents deceptive and cruel actions have ripped Audemios family apart.

During periods of his detention, Audemio was denied meals. When he asked about food, ICE employees threw saltine crackers and a bottle of water at him  hate and physical abuse piled upon lies and deception to treat a husband, a father, and a community member as if he were something less than human. Such shameful behavior from our government employees should not be tolerated.

Audemio Orozco-Ramirez is the main source of income for his family. If he cannot be the main source of income, his oldest son will be forced to forego his college education and return home to earn money to feed his family in his dads absence. Our countrys policies and practices are actively destroying the dreams of Audemios and other hardworking families and arbitrarily extracting important members of our communities.

We strongly reject the hateful language of our president, who would have all of us believe that every immigrant is a murderer or a rapist, a bad hombre. We know Audemio to be a devoted husband, loving father, and valued employee.

For years, our government's trade and foreign policy has decimated the lives of the poor in Mexico and Central America. This, in turn, created an immigration crisis as people naturally immigrated toward the center of trade power and influence, the United States, seeking out new lives for their families. After having made immigrants victims through our policies and practices, we have then made them victims twice-over with accusation and blame. And now, with the current administrations policies, we are unwilling to take responsibility for anything but the profit we make off immigrants lives.

Audemio Orozco-Ramirez is in detention in Aurora, Colorado, far from his family, his job, and his community. As Billings Sanctuary Rising, we pray that our community and country return to values of hospitality, mercy, and kindness, and that our government returns Audemio to his home in Montana.

Pharaoh, in fear of the Israelite people, enacted and practiced spiteful and cruel policies. Jesus taught us to practice extravagant hospitality. May we return to our values and return Audemio to his family.
Dear Annie: I would like your opinion on a very distressing problem that I -- along with a lot of other females, I'm sure -- have. It concerns my desire to have control over who sees my body while in a non-emergency medical situation.

I recently was confined to a hospital bed for four days because of a non-emergency situation. While there, a male nurse tried to pressure me into letting him conduct very private and intrusive exams and procedures on me. He became almost belligerent in trying to make me believe that he had ''every right'' to do what he wanted simply because he was a trained nurse.

Annie, I was sexually abused in the past and am traumatized at the mere thought of a strange man -- even if he is a nurse -- touching me. Please don't write me off as just some kook who doesn't want to be hassled; it goes so much deeper than that, and unless people have been through what I've been through, they can't understand. The philosophy of a lot of hospitals and medical settings seems to be that a male nurse is entitled to tell me what he can do with or to my body.

Fortunately, I was given a female nurse after I spoke with a supervisor and convinced her that I would leave the hospital and die before allowing this strange man to take care of me. It's not as if the majority of nurses aren't women and readily available anyway. Please help by putting out the word of how much damage can be done to people like me. -- Tortured in New York

Dear Tortured: Health care providers should put each individual patient's needs front and center. When you made clear that you were uncomfortable with this nurse's touching you, he should have stopped, even if he was just trying to administer care. After all, it's not ''care'' if it's unwanted and distressing. Though hospitals aren't required to give female nurses to female patients, many will try to accommodate such requests, especially if the patient has been a victim of abuse in the past. The next time you're scheduling a visit to the hospital or doctor's office, let the staff know your needs upfront.

Additionally, this might be a good time to revisit counseling to address the trauma of your abuse. If you need help finding a counselor, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 800-662-4357.

Proper thanks

Dear Annie: I suspect that most millennials do not even read newspapers, but here is my message for them.

If you are planning a wedding, find someone to advise you on wedding protocols, including writing proper thank-you notes. Do not use the internet to thank gift givers. Do not use Facebook, email or even a telephone. It should be a handwritten note; the note should mention the gift; and it should be sent out as soon as possible. Wedding gifts are more expensive than in the past, yet they receive less acknowledgment.

Your generation seems to be focused on making weddings big affairs -- yet often without the level of expertise or manners that should accompany such an event. Keep it small, gracious and welcoming for the folks giving you their best wishes. Forgo trying to throw an affair more lavish than you are knowledgeable enough to manage! -- Disgusted in Florida

Dear Disgusted: I agree that modest weddings are wonderful weddings. Social media have contributed to the ''go big or go home'' attitude many people seem to have toward wedding planning these days. I encourage young couples to celebrate their love, not their Instagram likes.
It is still unclear what James C. Justice Cos. Inc. plans to do with its 4,500 acres in Albemarle County.

The company, owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justices family, owns 55 parcels in southeastern Albemarle and has cleared portions of it for an unknown purpose.

What is it that they plan to do with this 4,500 acres?, adjacent land owner Alice Bibb asked at a meeting last week.

Thats what we would all like to know, County Assessor Peter Lynch said.

Mark Graham, the county director of community development, said he is unaware of anybody that has been able to contact James C. Justice Cos. recently.

We have phone numbers, we leave messages, weve sent correspondence, Graham said. We have not had any response.

Albemarle County staff, members of the Board of Supervisors and a handful of community members gathered at the County Office Building last week to discuss concerns about the clearing of the property and potential regulations that could be used to mitigate effects.

Mimi Hirsch, who owns land on the opposite side of the Justice property, said materials from ground-up stumps on the property were washing onto her property and driveway, so she installed a silt fence. She said she has shared her concerns with many local and state agencies.

The material still pours down the main road and into the streams every time it rains, she said.

David Powell, with the Virginia Department of Forestry, said he became aware of the activities on the property after he was contacted by Hirsch.

We opened up an investigation immediately and ... we went out there and looked at it, Powell said. In this case, we looked at what was going on with the property and notified the county that we did not believe that what we were seeing being done on that particular piece of property next to Ms. Hirsch fit the definition of normal silviculture, so at that point we notified the county that we did not believe it was forestry.

Powell said the department knew logging and forestry activities were occurring on other portions of the property, and had monitored those and then closed out on the projects.

He said the next step is to start talking to the land owners about the future plans for the property.

There are times where multiple jurisdictions and the landowners sit around the table and we have that conversation: We see what youre doing out here, we dont understand it. Here are the rules that the state and the county has in general, here is essentially what you need to be compliant with, Powell said.

Graham mentioned provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, which the county voluntarily participates in, as potentially providing relief, depending on the planned use for the property.

One of the things we do is we require a 100-foot protective buffer for all development adjacent to the perennial streams in the county and a 100-foot buffer for those intermittent streams in the rural areas, he said.

There are some exemptions, Graham said, where stream buffers are not required, such as silvicultural operations.

David Hannah, the countys natural-resource manager, is looking into potential changes the county could make. One is that the county could try to go beyond the state minimum requirements of the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control program or the stormwater management program, but that would have to be authorized by the state Water Control Board and a comprehensive study would have be completed.

The county also could establish setbacks or open space areas within the zoning ordinance, County Attorney Greg Kamptner said.

***

James C. Justice Cos. also owes more than $19,000 in delinquent real estate tax payments, penalty fees and interest from June and December of 2016 and June 2017.

Most of the companys parcels had been under a county program that permits a lowered real estate tax rate for land in agricultural, horticultural, forest or open-space use.

If a property owner is delinquent in their taxes, the law states that, specifically for this year, if they were delinquent in their 2016 taxes as of June 1st of this year, they are automatically removed from the land use program for the current year, Lynch said, speaking generally about the program.

Because these properties were removed from the land use program for 2017, James C. Justice Cos. owes more than $53,000 in real estate supplement bills to cover the assessment change from land use to market value.

Albemarles finance director, Betty Burrell, said a property owner may be delinquent for up to two years before the county can pursue putting the property up for auction.

That process takes not less than six months, sometimes as much as a year, particularly if the title work is very complicated, so it could be that the property owner would be delinquent for up to three years before its sold at auction, she said.

There are no tax administration regulations that would prohibit the use of the property while delinquent, Burrell said.

***

Graham said there are no pending development applications on the property in the community development department.

There are a number of allowed by-right uses that they could do. They can do a subdivision on that property if they have development rights to create additional lots, he said. They could build houses on those properties.

Bibb said what she heard at the meeting doesnt make her happy.

I just feel a bit frustrated about this whole thing ... we may need to address with state legislatures some sort of process, put something in place that will prohibit this from occurring, or perhaps avoid in the future a similar type of devastation of some beautiful land, she said.

Graham said he couldnt respond directly except to say that the property owner does have rights as to the use of their property.

Up to the point that theyre within those rights, they have the right to use their property, he said.

Hirsch said that she thought last weeks meeting was very informative.

Im not sure that I heard any solution to my particular issue but I think everybody that was here was made aware that there is an existing problem, she said.
Updated at 7:40 p.m.

A Georgia man accused of felony assault in the Aug. 12 beating of a local man was ordered held in jail until he can meet with his court-appointed attorney.

Alex Michael Ramos, 33, is being held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail until he can meet with local attorney Michael Hallahan, who was appointed on Tuesday to represent Ramos by Judge Robert Downer Jr.

Ramos is scheduled for an Oct. 12 hearing unless his attorney asks for a bond hearing prior to that date.

Ramos is charged with malicious wounding of DeAndre Harris after the Aug. 12 Unite the Right rally erupted into violence and was broken up by police. Harris assault was caught on video that has been shared widely on social media. The video shows 20-year-old Harris cornered in the Market Street Parking Garage, being beaten by six men.

Harris suffered a broken wrist and a head injury that required 10 staples, according to his attorney.

Ramos surrendered to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, where FBI agents and U.S. marshals also were present, according to Monroe officials.

Ramos agreed to be extradited to Virginia.

In an interview with Atlanta TV station WGCL, Ramos said he hit Harris once and that others beat Harris with sticks and shields. He said he went into the incident in defensive mode.

Ramos also denies being part of a white nationalist group. He said he went to the event as a conservative in the interest of free speech.

Harris, a special-education instructional assistant at Venable Elementary in Charlottesville, attended the rally with friends to show his opposition to the white nationalist groups, his attorney said. When a member of Harris group got into an argument with a white supremacist, Harris stepped in to help, and thats when the assault occurred, the attorney has said.

Daniel P. Borden, 18, also is charged with malicious wounding in the Harris assault. He is being held in Cincinnati, where he is fighting extradition to Charlottesville.
When I took a new job at Prairie Public Education Services three years ago, I didnt know what to expect.

Of course, I was aware of the fine reputation of Prairie Public. But I had no idea that the organization had its own education division, dedicated exclusively to promoting and disseminating PBS learning materials.

My background is communications, not education. But before long, I was tooling around the state in a blue van emblazoned with PBS characters and accompanying a ginormous Curious George to child care centers.

It wasnt always easy work. It required a lot of travel; one year our team traveled 22,000 miles bringing our resources to schools, preschools, community events and educational conferences. We packed and unpacked iPad labs and heavy bins from that blue van in the thick of August heat and the coldest of North Dakota winters. (I plan to commemorate at least three arthritis-crusted vertebrae in my back to this job.)

Yet it was rewarding. Our department brought free books, fantastic teaching resources, and training to teachers and parents. We would bring our Family Learning Events  events that brought standards-aligned activities, a free meal, our iPad learning lab and free books to schools  to communities like Halliday or Plaza. The gratitude shown by teachers and administrators was incredible. We want to do events like this  events that encourage parent engagement, one North Dakota grade school principal told me. We just dont have the resources and staff to do it on our own.

These resources werent just about cute characters. PBS routinely hires independent research firms to measure the efficacy of its materials. One study shows that children who do nothing more than watch Super WHY! across an eight-week period will score higher on standardized measures of early reading achievement when compared with preschool children who watched an alternate program.

But if studies dont impress you, the stories would. Ive seen moms who have track marks on their arms, but who said their child never misses Daniel Tiger. That childs home life probably was chaotic, but at least he was watching a program that teaches important skills like resilience.

Parents have told me that their child on the autism spectrum became more verbal and socially appropriate after watching Bob the Builder. A mother told me her daughter with learning differences learned to read with PBS learning apps. We heard about homes that had no childrens books or reading materials at all. The free book we sent home with those little ones might be the only age-appropriate thing they had to read.

One year, our department handed out thousands of resources to people who take part in FirstLink's incredible Giving Tree of Hope program. These people had to stand in line for hours to get holiday gifts for their children. One family waited by the door to get a ride back home afterward, but their ride was unreliable and didn't show up for two hours. The mom had two young sons - age 5 at most - dressed in snowmobile suits. My co-worker, a former kindergarten teacher, entertained them by reading to them. She taught one of the little boys his colors in a very short time - he was that bright and anxious to learn. Yet something as simple as a ride across town was a hardship for them.

PBS certainly has its detractors, but, personally, I support any network that has taught so many children how to read, tackle equations, learn about dinosaurs, ask questions and act appropriately in a classroom. It's baffling why people would want to slam an organization that hands out materials to parents on how to best talk to your child after a divorce, a death in the family, a natural disaster, bullying or incarceration.

Yes, it's ideal if parents can teach their children all these things themselves. But some families struggle so hard to simply survive that they don't have much left to build that crucial educational foundation. And we already know that a good education  especially early learning  can save children from a lifetime of poverty and hardship.

I loved that I could work for a place that realized this and wanted to give little ones all they needed to succeed.

Unfortunately, these are tough times for public media. Due to state budget cuts, the education departments budget was cut in half  and who knows what will happen in the next biennium. Jobs dont grow on the easy tree for mid-career workers, so I felt it was time to be proactive and find a job that was less dependent on state coffers. I was grateful to find a communications position with Lutheran Social Services, which has fantastic people and an admirable mission.

Even so, I will miss it. My accidental job turned out to be interesting and rewarding, which just goes to show that we sometimes need to veer off the career track and take a side trail instead.

Or maybe we can even take a street 
Charlottesville city councilors on Tuesday evening will try getting back to business after an emotional crowd of constituents and protesters took over their last meeting two weeks ago to chastise officials for failing to prevent the white nationalist rally that resulted in three deaths.

Though questions remain amid a pending third-party investigation of the citys preparations and the police operations for the Aug. 12 rally and ones that took place in May and July, the council Tuesday is expected to amend a resolution from earlier this year to make clear that all of the councilors now support the removal of the citys statues depicting Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson.

The recent rallies were organized by white supremacist and white nationalist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis. All of the groups say they believe removing Confederate monuments is an attempt to erase white and Southern culture from public spaces.

In February, the council was divided in its decision to remove the Lee statue, passing the measure on a 3-2 vote. Mayor Mike Signer and Kathy Galvin voted against it, but changed their minds following the Aug. 12 rally.

As a compromise, the council unanimously passed that night in February a separate resolution to have a professional firm redesign Emancipation Park independent of the Lee statue. The resolution, which is likely to be amended Tuesday, also called for a firm to redesign Justice Park to include space for a memorial to those who were enslaved in the city.

The resolution to redesign the two parks made no mention of the Jackson statue in Justice Park, reflecting the councils previous lack of resolve to remove that monument.

Now, per the proposed amendments, the city is effectively voting to remove both statues, pending court decisions and/or changes in the Virginia Code.

Attorneys for a team of local plaintiffs who sued the city earlier following the councils decision to remove the Lee statue were back in court last week.

A six-month moratorium on moving the Lee statue that was issued in May remains in place, but Charlottesville Circuit Judge Richard Moore indicated again Friday that his impression is that the Lee statue is a war memorial, which consequently would mean its protected by a state law prohibiting the removal of certain war monuments. Among other arguments, attorneys representing the city argue that the statue is not a war memorial. An official determination by the court has yet to be made.

In addition to voting to amend the resolution regarding the redesign of the two downtown parks, the council on Tuesday plans to focus on other initiatives related to public monuments and racial equity.

Previously recommended by members of a blue ribbon commission that suggested the city either transform the Lee statue in place or move it to a new location in the city, the city will talk about participating in a nationwide initiative to recognize victims of racial lynchings between the late 19th century and mid-20th century.

By partnering with the Montgomery, Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiatives Memorial to Peace and Justice Project, the city would install a marker in Justice Park. The marker would observe the lynching of John Henry James, an African-American who was killed by a mob in Albemarle County after being accused of assaulting a woman.

The council, per other recommendations from the blue ribbon commission, also is expected to discuss previously established plans for a monument to a historic majority-black neighborhood that used to be part of the downtown area.

Designed about five years ago, plans for a memorial to the Vinegar Hill neighborhood remain in place, but the public campaign to raise approximately $300,000 to fabricate the monument has all but stalled.

On Tuesday, according to the meeting agenda, the council will discuss providing financial assistance for the project.

After celebrating the day last year in a ceremony co-organized with University of Virginia officials, the council plans to vote Tuesday to officially recognize March 3 as Liberation Day to commemorate when the city surrendered to Union forces on that day in 1865, resulting in the emancipation of approximately 13,000 slaves who lived in the area.

City staff is recommending the council approve the resolution to officially adopt Liberation Day. However, its observance would not be recognized as an official holiday in which city offices are closed.
Updated at 7:57 p.m.

Several Virginia politicians and University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trumps cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, saying the move will create hardship for DACA beneficiaries and cause the state to lose jobs and diversity.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that in six months it will end the program that protects people living in the United States who were brought illegally into the country as children  an estimated 800,000 nationwide.

DACA, an executive order signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012, provides a work permit and protection from deportation for two years for many undocumented immigrants who were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and who came to the U.S. when they were younger than 16, if they meet specific requirements.

More than 1,200 recipients of DACA  often referred to as DREAMers, a reference to the failed Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act  are enrolled at Virginia universities, according to the Virginia attorney generals office. In many states, undocumented students are required to pay out-of-state tuition and international fees, but in 2014, state Attorney General Mark Herring advised that Virginia residents protected under DACA qualify for in-state tuition at Virginia colleges and universities.

According to information provided by the university, there are fewer than 30 DACA students at UVa. The school does not provide information about individual students to anyone except as required by law, such as by a court order. Piedmont Virginia Community College has 28 DACA students.

Sullivan issued a statement Tuesday offering support for students and asking for a legislative solution.

The decision to end the DACA program could damage the diversity and vibrancy of our community and undermine the global leadership of Americas colleges and universities, Sullivan said.

Sullivan also said she wrote Trump and members of Virginias congressional delegation to ask them to support a rapid legislative solution to provide legal status for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been protected by DACA.

The student group DREAMers on Grounds issued a statement asking the university to maintain its current tuition and protection for undocumented students.

We expect the university to continue to provide in-state tuition, continued enrollment and continued employment of DREAMers, the group wrote on Facebook. We expect the university to continue to keep DREAMers information private and protected.

Hannah Melissa Borja is a third-year student at UVa who is involved with DREAMers on Grounds and advocates for undocumented immigrants. The child of immigrants, Borja said she grew up with Latino friends who were undocumented and couldnt drive or vote, and many of her friends at the university are immigrants of various backgrounds.

Then when they got their papers, their whole lives opened up, she said. We want to make sure they get to keep DACA, and we also want to make sure they keep in-state tuition.

UVa students and faculty have been vocal about supporting undocumented students before.

In 2016, students and faculty circulated a petition, signed by more than 700 faculty members and students, which asked the university to affirm its commitment to the safety and security of all students; give DACA students equal scholarship and financial aid opportunities; and make the school a sanctuary campus for DACA students. The university has not made the decision to declare itself a sanctuary campus for undocumented immigrants.

Sanctuary campuses protect DACA and undocumented students unless under a direct court order or warrant. The term is derived from the concept of sanctuary cities, which refers to cities that refuse to turn over undocumented immigrants to federal immigration authorities.

On the campaign trail, Trump noted several times that such cities are breaking the law in declaring themselves sanctuaries, and said they should not receive federal funds.

Universities frequently have advocated for sanctuary status and for reconsideration of federal immigration policies. In 2016, after Trump was elected, more than 600 college and university presidents signed a statement urging that DACA be upheld, continued and expanded.

Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, asked Congress this week to consider bipartisan bills that would provide work authorization and a temporary reprieve from deportation.

State officials and political candidates also criticized the move.

Herring noted that, as of March, more than 12,000 young people in Virginia have been approved for DACA, according to the federal Citizenship and Immigration Services, and that removing them from the workforce would cost Virginia more than $711 million in annual GDP losses.

This decision is harmful and heartless. It will hurt our economy, make our communities less safe and literally tear families apart, Herring wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe also criticized the ruling.

Todays decision will not make America great again  it will damage our economy, make us less safe and even further diminish our nations standing as a leader on the world stage. As the governor of a state where DREAMers make a significant contribution, I urge President Trump to reconsider this terrible decision and work with Congress to pass real immigration reform that will bring these young people out of the shadows for good.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee and current lieutenant governor Ralph Northam said he disagrees with the presidents action and that DREAMers are an economic and cultural benefit to the commonwealth.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform, a conservative group that calls for changes to immigration policy, applauded the presidents action, noting that the program was instituted by executive order rather than an act of Congress.
Bismarck teacher contract negotiations are drawing to a close after district officials and the teachers union met last week and came to an agreement over salaries and establishing a new safety committee.

Members of the Bismarck Education Association have until the end of the week to approve the new teacher contract, according to Lisa Kudelka, the districts lead negotiator and human resources manager at Bismarck Public Schools.

The Bismarck Education Association wanted safe workplace language added to teacher contracts. This would include how the district responds to violence against teachers and staff.

Instead, both sides agreed to establish a new safety committee, following a recommendation made by the North Dakota Fact-Finding Commission, which was tasked with helping the teachers union and district reach an agreement. The commission released a report last month that called for the creation of a safety committee.

The district already has a policy in place on safety, but a new administrative rule will be added to outline the work of the new committee.

We specifically put in the language that really came out of what the Fact-Finding Commission recommended on having a safety committee that will be made up of four members from the BEA and then four district-appointed members," said Kudelka, adding district officials will work to get the administrative rule in place this month.

After that, the committee would be established within 30 days, and it will meet at least monthly, she said.

Kudelka said both sides agreed to a two-year contract with increasing salaries. They were at odds on second-year wages, but, after the BEA team saw the district's budget for that year, they agreed to go with the district's proposal.

The Bismarck School Board will approve the new teacher contract at its meeting next week after the BEA does, Kudelka said.
The University of Mary plans to memorialize a hill that was key to the school's beginning in the late 1950s.

In 1957, a Bismarck farmer and rancher named Charles "Chick" Swenson, donated land south of town that overlooked the Missouri River Valley to the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation. The sisters accepted the offering and named it Gift Hill.

The sisters then purchased adjacent property, which they used to build a junior college called Mary College.

In 1958, a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony was held at the site. A cross was erected  an old monastic tradition  at the highest peak on top of the hill. It was later encased in stainless steel to protect it from the weather.

The college opened a year later, and the cross on the hill became a gathering place for students to study while enjoying the view of the valley. As the school grew, more space was needed on the hill, so the cross was removed in 1995 and stored in Monastery archives.

Now, 22 years later, the University of Mary will memorialize the hill by placing the cross back on it in a newly created plinth. Sen. John Hoeven and his wife, Mikey Hoeven, made a donation to support the memorial.

A ceremony will be held Friday at 4:30 p.m. during the grand opening of the new Lumen Vitae University Center.
Mumbai: The National Company Law Tribunal on Tuesday turned down a contempt petition brought in against American fast food chain McDonald's Corporation. Vikram Bakshi, estranged partner of the US based company, had challenged termination of franchise agreement by McDonald's.

"NCLT dismisses Vikram Bakshi's plea challenging termination of franchise agreement by McDonald's," PTI reported on Tuesday. The company law tribunal has asked Bakshi's counsel to seek relief from appellate tribunal where matter is already pending.

Besides, the NCLT has issued show-cause notice to Mcdonald's Corporation over contempt petition filed by Bakshi. Earlier, the American fast food chain had terminated franchise licence agreement to run 169 outlets in the North East.

Bakshi accused McDonalds Corporation of mismanagement and oppression in his plea before the NCLT. He also alleged interference by the US firm into the affairs of their 50:50 joint venture -- Connaught Plaza Restaurant (CPRL).

Bakshi's lawyer Tejas Karia in his submission to the court had argued that by terminating the agreement with CPRL, McDonald's has violated the NCLT order dated July 13.

On July 13, the NCLT had reinstated Bakshi as MD of CPRL and also barred McDonalds Corporation from interfering in the functioning of CPRL. McDonald's Corporation is the parent company of McDonalds India (MIPL).
India, China and three other members of the BRICS group pledged to exchange tax information to address the problem of tax evasion. Photo: AP

Xiamen: India, China and three other members of the BRICS group on Monday pledged to exchange tax information to address the problem of tax evasion and provide technical assistance to other developing countries.

In the Xiamen Declaration issued at the end of the BRICS Summit's plenary session, the influential grouping -- comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- reaffirmed their commitment to "achieving a fair and modern global tax system".

The declaration said the members nations will work for promoting a more equitable, pro-growth and efficient international tax environment, deepening cooperation to address Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), promoting exchange of tax information and improving capacity-building in developing countries.

"We will strengthen BRICS tax cooperation to increase BRICS contribution to setting international tax rules and provide, according to each countrys priorities, effective and sustainable technical assistance to other developing countries," it said.

The members drew satisfaction from the many fruitful results of BRICS cooperation, including establishing the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).

"We will enhance communication and coordination in improving global economic governance to foster a more just and equitable international economic order," the declaration said.

The members resolved to foster a global economic governance architecture that is more effective and reflective of current global economic landscape, increasing the voice and representation of emerging markets and developing economies. "We reaffirm our commitment to conclude the IMF's 15th General Review of Quotas, including a new quota formula, by the 2019 Spring Meetings and no later than the 2019 Annual Meetings," they said.

BRICS members also said they will continue to promote the implementation of the World Bank Group Shareholding Review. The countries also reaffirmed their commitments to the implementation of the outcomes of G20 summits, including the Hamburg Summit and the Hangzhou Summit.

They emphasised on the importance of an open and inclusive world economy enabling all countries and peoples to share in the benefits of globalisation. "We remain firmly committed to a rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO," the declaration stated.
RBI has included HDFC in its list of 'too big to fail' banks.

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank on Monday included HDFC Bank in its list of too big to fail lenders, also referred to as D-SIB or domestic systematically important banks.

With the inclusion of HDFC now, there are three D-SIBs in India, the other two being SBI and ICICI Bank.

The term to too big to fail is every bit daunting as it sounds. Simply put, it refers to banks that are systematically so important that their failure would have a domino effect, leading to the disruption of the banking system. In the event of its failure, the govnernment would have to come to its rescue.

So how was this term coined?

The phrase too big to fail came into existence in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2007-08 when big lenders collapsed, affecting several economies around the world.

How does RBI define too big to fail banks?

In its framework to deal with D-SIBs, RBI defines them as: banks [that] assume systemic importance due to their size, cross-jurisdictional activities, complexity, lack of substitutability and interconnectedness. The disorderly failure of these banks has the propensity to cause significant disruption to the essential services provided by the banking system, and in turn, to the overall economic activity. These banks are considered Systemically Important Banks (SIBs) as their continued functioning is critical for the uninterrupted availability of essential banking services to the real economy.

It goes on to say that SIBs are perceived as ones that are Too Big To Fail (TBTF). This perception of TBTF creates an expectation of government support for these banks at the time of distress. Moreover, due to this perception of these banks as being TBTF, they enjoy certain advantages in the funding markets.

How does RBI identify these banks?

RBI follows a certain assessment methodology to identify D-SIBs that was prepared by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) as part of the various measures that were taken to prevent global economic disruptions like the economic crisis of 2007-08.

In a two-step process, RBI first creates a sample of banks to be assessed for their systemic importance which mostly excludes smaller banks of low systematic importance.

Then the RBI, through a detailed study of various indicators, selects D-SIBS that have systemic importance above a threshold.
Mandan Public Schools is warning parents about possible traffic congestion and delays on Wednesday for President Donald Trump's visit.

Trump is scheduled to arrive at the Bismarck airport at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, and then he will speak just after 3 p.m. at the Andeavor, formerly Tesoro, refinery in Mandan. Trump's travel route has not been confirmed.

MPS suggests parents speak to their children about possibly arriving late to pick them up. Buses may also run late. School staff will prepare to accommodate late arriving parents and make adjustments to bus schedules.
New Delhi/Jerusalem: Indian state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp plans to bid for Israeli offshore oil-and-gas exploration blocks, Indias oil minister told Reuters, the first major deal between the two countries since a groundbreaking trip by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July.

India and Israel have deep defence ties but Modi and his right wing ruling group are pushing to expand the relationship into other sectors such as energy and technology with a country they see as a natural ally against terrorism.

A high-ranking delegation from India, the worlds third-biggest oil consumer, visited Israel last month to discuss taking part in the tender for blocks in the Mediterranean Sea and Israeli officials said they were pleased with the visit.

We will definitely bid for Israels oil-and-gas blocks, Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from Israels energy ministry.

When Modi visited Israel in July, both sides showed interest to build a broader economic relationship, rather than one based on defence, which had drawn them together because of similar concerns about militant threats they face. They are starting from a relatively low economic base as bilateral trade was just $2 billion in 2016.

Many oil majors have been hesitant to enter the Israeli market, fearing a backlash from oil-rich Arab states hostile to the country.

Israel put 24 exploration blocks up for auction in November 2016 and the countrys energy minister, Yuval Steinitz, has said he would be happy to choose two or three foreign explorations groups. The auction closes on Nov 15.

India is conducting a technical and commercial analysis to participate in the Israels bidding process, said Sanjay Sudhir, a joint secretary in the federal oil ministry, who led the delegation.

We dove into all the relevant details of the tender - geological, technical - and familiarised them with Israels oil and gas ecosystem, an official at Israels Energy Ministry said on the Indian teams visit, declining to be identified in the absence of permission to speak to the media.

Israel wants to open up its hydrocarbon sector, which is currently dominated by a partnership of Noble Energy and Delek Group. They control the Tamar and the much larger Leviathan fields.

India also wants to participate in the upcoming auction to explore and develop gas fields off the coast of Lebanon, Pradhan said in July. Three of those blocks border waters with Israel, with which Lebanon has a long-standing maritime border dispute.

ONGC is Indias biggest energy exploration firm and a source at its overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh said the firm would not bid for any block in areas disputed by Israel and Lebanon.

Israel has said that none of the blocks it has offered are in disputed waters, said the source.

Another state-run explorer, Oil India Ltd, has not yet decided to bid in Israels licensing round, the Indian companys chairman, Utpal Bora, told Reuters.

Indias decision to bid for blocks off Israel and Lebanon comes after a setback in getting development rights for a giant gas field in Iran.

Indian companies discovered the Farzad B gas field in Iran in 2008 and have bid several times for the development rights, but media reports suggest that Tehran has decided to award the field to Russias Gazprom.
New Delhi: Regulator DGCA took the decision to have one-year notice period for pilots as there is shortage of commanders, according to union minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju who also observed that flights cannot be held to ransom due to non-availability of pilots.

Last month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) decided to extend the notice period to be served by senior pilots to one year from six months. Some pilots' unions have voiced their opposition to the move.

"The logic (of the decision) was that commanders are in short supply. Basically, that is what it is and there are no restrictions on anything else. Flights can't be held to ransom," Raju told PTI in a recent interview.

The civil aviation minister's response came to a query on the DGCA extending the notice period for pilots.

"It has been decided that pilots working in an air transport undertaking shall give a 'notice period' of at least one year in respect of commanders, and six months in respect of co-pilots to the employer indicating his intention to leave the job," the DGCA said last month.

The notice period, however, may be reduced if the air transport undertaking provides a no-objection certificate to a pilot and accepts his resignation earlier than the period stipulated in the amended rules, as per the amended Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).

Provision of this CAR would be subject to the outcome of writ petition pending before the Delhi High Court. Sometime back, a petition was filed against the DGCA's proposal to increase the notice period for pilots and it is pending before the court.

At present, both senior and junior pilots are required to serve a six-month notice period. When the draft rules were put up for consultations, a large number of respondents had opposed the proposal to extend the notice period.

"There are people for or against, we don't go into that," the minister said.

On pilots being miffed over DGCA citing that notice period is an HR function, Raju remarked, "I know one thing that government will not interfere. We facilitate things".

With the domestic airlines embarking on expansion plans, the demand for pilots and cabin crew across various levels is on the rise.
Mumbai: Bobby Deol has had a glorious fan following through the 90's and early 20002. However, his career went through a serious lull later, and people wrote him off mercilessly. After a sabbatical, the actor is back with Shreyas Talpade's 'Poster Boyz', in which he stars alongside brother Sunny Deol. In an exclusive chat with Deccan Chronicle, the actor was candour personified, baring his heart.

How do you maintain your private lifestyle?

I am someone who gets along with almost everyone. I am a peoples person, a little shy but I am more outspoken than my brother for sure. I wanted to work with everybody but ended up working with a few people and then this whole groupism comes out and everyone talks about it. I have never been into any groups but everyone doesnt want to work with me. Everyone has personal choices. I wasnt working for four years so people were choosy about me and not me. Now I have changed as a person. I have become more disciplined and positive and it reflects now. I feel personal PR has become very important these days. The Deols have never done that. I had to come on social media and trying to be savvy.

What kept you away from films for this long?

I have never really understood the pattern of how to get work. People used to come to us earlier but lately the younger lot grabbed the roles but this is how the system has become now. I was upset, went into my own struggle within me, took support of certain things which I thought would comfort me but they brought me down. In the last two years, I went and approached so many people but things wont just work overnight and then Poster Boyz happened to me. It is something different from what I have done before. I was very excited and nervous when Shreyas narrated me the story. I thought I dont look like a small town teacher. He is funny and has inbuilt humour. I did a lot of workshops to learn basic Hindi.

You never had qualms about being directed by your contemporary in Poster Boyz?

I dont care who is directing it. I feel the director is the captain of the ship. I give myself to the director but I do certain improvisations. Beyond a point, I dont interrupt in the directors work.

Tell us something about Poster Boyz?

It is not about vasectomy but at the same time it is based on vasectomy. People are embarrassed to talk about it. The story is about three innocent people who get trapped when a poster comes out and how these three fights against the system to come out of it. The situations are very funny in the film.

How was it working with Sunny Deol?

This is my fifth film with him. We did Dillagi in 1999 then did Apne followed by YPD 1 & 2. We stay in the same house but never really meet since we both have different timings. I used to wake up at 3:30am to workout and sleep by 8:30pm. We played Volleyball on Sundays. We used to talk about our meals though my stomach gets upset usually. I am very English in a lot of aspects. We have started shooting YPD 3 and should come out early next year.

Did you feel that the industry didnt help you much?

Well, I think I didnt look fresh or that exciting to them back then. I only know that I have to work since I have kids. Why should I pity myself or let people pity me? I want work based on my merits.

Would you say something about that famous DJ fiasco?

I wasnt a DJ ever. I went for an event as Bobby Deol and no one trolled me back then. After a month, someone wanted to do some nuisance. I dont even know how to work on the console. People thought that since I am not doing any films so I became a DJ. (laughs)
Mumbai: Its all about the survival of the fittest in this field of glitz and glamour. Directors too have to face loads of ups and down in their life. So much so that a female director wishing to pursue her dreams has to let go of wanting to become a mother too. Unless one is satisfied professionally and have things in place financially, it becomes a Herculean task to even think of bringing a new entrant into your family.

In an exclusive chitchat debutante director Paakhi, who is ready with her first Assamese film, Pahuna from Priyanka Chopras production house Purple Pebbles, opened up to Deccan Chronicle.

Paakhi, whose real name happens to be Punarnava Mehta, married Abbas Tyrewala after they fell in love while she was assisting him in, Jaane Tu Jaane Na.

I always wanted my directorial debut to begin with a Nepali film. Initially, I wanted to narrate it on the silver screen in Hindi. However, as I was teaching Art of Living in Assam, which I learned from my Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, I was carried away with their love and affection. These people took me not only into their homes but took me into their hearts. The conditions 13 years ago were not as welcoming to them as despite being Indians they were looked down upon as if they were from somewhere else. With films like Chak De and Mary Kom things have drastically changed for their betterment. If at all I am given a chance to rest finally, I will choose Sikkim. I would like to die in Sikkim, Paakhi ruminated.

Speaking of working with PeeCees production house, Paakhi said, Having directed Pahuna for Purple Pebbles is indeed a privilege to me. The film is all set to release all over India very soon.

Speaking about her experience as a filmmaker, Paakhi elaborated, A director should never possess any ego at all. Also having worked with director Nagesh Kukonoor, I have learned to finish every sphere of filmmaking, learning all the hardships and facing them to the best of my ability. My husband Abbas has taught me to keep writing a few drafts unless you feel satisfied. Also you need not crave for sleep or any their comforts until you have finished your film. During the course of directing a film, even if you get just three hours sleep you need to be contented.

Having worked with Aamir sir, John Abraham and now Priyanka Chopra, I find them all very grounded. About Aamir sir, everyone asks me if he is of the interfering sort. I never experienced any such thing. In fact he never came to the sets even single day. John is a sweetheart. He helped me move forward teaching and helping me at every step. Priyanka is also very passionate producer must say. She will call me and pat my back stating that, You have done a wonderful job. But if she finds something not fitting, she will tell me frankly and we make changes. If things go wrong they will me questioned and not me. So I am a producers director always. I have always got whatever I needed while producing this film Pahuna. I am more than happy.

About her future films she confirms, I have a political thriller written and have got a producer too for it. I will be directing the film as well. I also like to take care of the screenplay. Its been my ambition to write/direct and write the screenplay as well by myself and bring it alive onto the silver screen.

Speaking on not starting a family as yet, Paakhi said, Having been married for some time now, Abbas and I are of the opinion that unless we settle down well in our lives, we cannot bring a child into this world. Unless we are satisfied professionally and are capable enough of looking after a new entrant in the family, it is not advisable to get him in our lives. However, now that Im satisfied a little bit with how things are going and Abbas is also busy writing Robot 2.o and the lyrics for a play by Mira Nair, we will think over and plan accordingly.
Actor Nanis last release Ninnu Kori received a phenomenal response by audiences and critics alike. While the film was looked at as progressive, the performances of the lead cast Nani, Nivetha Thomas was widely applauded too. And it looks like now the film is off to B-town.

Buzz is that the films writer Kona Venkat, who co-produced the film along with D.V.V. Danayya, has initiated talks with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the matter. Before the release, Sanjay had contacted the team because he heard that the films script was similar to that of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. However, the doubt was cleared and he ended up liking the story line of the film. After release, he watched the film and was all the more impressed, shares a source in the know.

While it isnt clear whether the Telugu producers will be a part of the Hindi version or not, it is learnt that Sanjay suggested Varun Dhawans name for the lead role. It will take a while for things to materialise, adds the source.
Albert Einstein's letter where he warned of Adolf Hitler's rise has reportedly sold at auction for 25,000.

In it, Einstein slammed British PM Neville Chamberlain for appeasing the dictator. He also questioned Chamberlains ability as a leader and the future of Europe. "I do not have any hope left for the future of Europe," Einstein expressed in the letter, according to the Daily Mail.

The physicist wrote the letter in 1938, 10 days after the Munich agreement was signed allowing Hitler to annex part of Czechoslovakia, which is known as the Sudetenland.

"While most people praised Chamberlain for avoiding war by appeasing Hitler, Einstein accurately predicted that it would embolden Hitler and do further damage to European alliances," the spokesman for auctioneers Nate D Sanders told the Daily Mail.

The letter was addressed to his best friend Michele Besso, a Swiss/Italian engineer. The two-page letter came complete with its original envelope postmarked Princeton, October 11, 1938.

An anonymous private collector by Nate D Sanders has bought the remarkable item.

"This is an exceptional and lengthy autograph letter signed by Albert Einstein," the Nate D Sanders spokesman told Daily Mail. Adding, "Einstein showed that his sharp mind extends beyond physics to also include the nuances and repercussions of international diplomacy."
Aaliyah Hart was born three months prematurely and given a 1% chance of survival. (Photo: Youtube)

In 2003, Aaliyah Hart was smallest baby born in Britain and was given only a 1% chance to live.

Today she is a healthy happy 14-year-old living in Birmingham, the Daily Mail reported.

Aaliyah, born three months prematurely, weighed only 12oz at the time of her birth. She was so tiny that she could sit on her mother Lorraine's palm.

Doctors told Lorraine her baby had a strong possibility of dying as her lungs had not fully developed.

However, miraculously she was able to fight off her weaknesses and pull through with no health issues. As a baby, she received hormone treatment to help her grow, according to the report.

While it was a lot of work to help save her life, Aaliya has not been affected by her struggle. "I was never aware of the fuss when I was born and it has never affected me," she told the Daily Mail. Adding, It was a shock when I saw the clothes I used to wear as a baby they look like they would be small enough to fit a doll."

Aaliya also revealed she enjoys her drama class at school and hopes to one day become an actress.

"She has grown up to be a nice child," social worker Lorraine told the Daily Mail. "She's very popular at school with her teachers and her peers and she's a well-grounded teenager."

"We never thought she would get to this point, she is a miracle baby," the proud mother revealed.
European court to rule on whether it is legal for bosses to snoop on their employees.(Photo: Pexels)

Strasbourg, France: Europe's top human rights court is set to rule Tuesday whether bosses have the right to spy on employees who use company messaging systems, in a landmark decision for privacy in the work place.

In an initial decision in January 2016, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the French city of Strasbourg ruled against a Romanian software engineer who claimed his rights had been infringed.

Bogdan Mihai Barbulescu, 38, was sacked in 2006 after he used the Yahoo messenger system to chat to his fiancee and brother, as well sending messages to clients for company business. He argued that his employer invaded his right to privacy by spying on messages which included details about his health and sex life.

In line with rulings in Romanian courts, the ECHR said that it was not "unreasonable that an employer would want to verify that employees were completing their professional tasks during working hours." But the Grand Chamber of the court, the apex body comprising 17 judges, agreed to reexamine the case at Barbulescu's request and will deliver its final verdict on Tuesday, which cannot be appealed.

The judges are expected to clarify if and when an employer is able to access private internet messages sent by employees while at work, which remains a legal grey zone in some countries.

Union criticism

Barbulescu was asked by his employer to set up the Yahoo messenger system to liaise with clients. A lawyer representing the Romanian government at the ECHR said the engineer had been well aware of the firm's rules prohibiting the use of company resources for personal purposes.

But Barbulescu contested this, arguing that he had been unaware his online exchanges were being monitored because the company had used "spyware" software to read his messages. The ECHR held a hearing on November 30 2016, at which it heard arguments from experts and the European Trade Union Confederation.

The union group criticised the first ruling by the ECHR, judging it to be too harsh. It recommends that a verbal warning should be the first stage of any disciplinary process with dismissal only possible for repeat offenders or serious misconduct. Experts also say that companies should also have a clear policy governing the use of professional software and the internet during work hours.
KOZHIKODE: The work on the ocean gallery at the Regional Science Centre and Planetarium here is nearing completion. The Ocean Gallery, which explains the complex world of marine life in simple ways using interactive models, a first of its kind in Kerala, will replace the Human Endurance gallery. The centre's director V. S. Ramachandran said its completion is expected next month at the cost of Rs 50 lakh. At present, the only ocean galleries functioning in India are in Lucknow and Goa. It would help the public and students to better understand the complex scientific phenomena of ocean life and its characteristics in a simpler way," he told DC.

Despite taking most of the planet's space, oceans are still highly unexplored," said RSC technical officer Jayant Ganguly. "The interactive exhibits, large marine and sweet water live aquaria, video displays, multimedia games and scenic recreations here not only explain the concepts of underwater phenomena but vast resources held there in terms of food, minerals, energy, medicine, transport, tourism, sports, trade and so on. The gallery would have various sections dealing with mythology related to ocean, continental drift and plate tectonic theories, frozen ocean concept, physical and chemical nature of water in the sea, coral reefs and the biodiversity, marine migration, ocean current, marine archaeology, mud bank phenomena (chaakara), etc.
Hyderabad: A servant and his associate were arrested by Rajendranagar police for robbery and attempt to murder the employer, a senior journalist, on Tuesday at Budwel.

The arrested man Patla Nagaraju, 28, is the servant and a milk vendor, and Kodige Mallesh, 35, a labourer. Both are residents of Budwel in Rajendranagar. Naga-raju had been working as a servant at V. Shivarama Krishnas place and also stays with him. Shivarama Krishna is an ex-employee of TV5, TV9 and other TV channels.

Nagaraju found that his owner had cash and valuables. He discussed it with Mallesh with whom he came in contact with around three months back. Mallesh agreed to kill the man for Rs 1 lakh. Ever since, the duo had been observing Shivarama Krishna, said Cyberabad police commissioner Sandeep Shandilya.

On Monday night the two met and consumed alcohol at around 9 pm and Nagaraju went to sleep at the senior journalists place. Around 11:40 pm Mallesh entered the house with a spade and hid it in back of the house.

At 2 am, Nagaraju switched off the power supply to the house, which was the cue for Mallesh to attack. Shivarama Krishna came out of his bedroom to ask Nagaraju about the power cut and Mallesh hit him on the head and robbed him before escaping. Nagaraju also left the house pretending to be startled and scared, added Mr Shandilya.

The two fled with two gold chains weighing about 3.5 tolas, two gold rings weighing around one tola, a silver ring weighing about one tola, a smart phone, three SBH cheques of Rs 4.5 lakh, two blank cheques, two pass books of ICICI Bank and an ATM card.

Based on a complaint from the victim, police booked a case and started an investigation.

As the investigation was in progress Nagaraju was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon from his house for questioning and he confessed to the offence. He then escorted the cops to Malleshs residence who was leaving to sell the gold and silver ornaments. Police recovered the stolen goods along with the spade which was used in the offence from him.

The two were sent to judicial custody.
A look at control of Congress. What will happen if Republicans win a majority in either chamber  and if they don't.
Bengaluru: Editor, social activist and a virulent critic of right-wing groups, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead Tuesday night outside her residence in tony Raja Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru by three unidentified bike-borne assailants, setting off a public outcry, with her gangland style murder drawing comparisons to the murders of writers and thinkers Dr M. M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar, who were all gunned down in similar fashion.

Ms Lankesh, in her early 50s, was editor of the edgy Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike".

She was gunned down in her own home just as she returned from office at around 7.45 pm on Tuesday evening. She had parked her car, and was about to enter her home, where she lived alone when two of the three men fired at her at point-blank range with a small pistol or revolver, police said.

She suffered bullet injuries to her head and her chest, and died instantly.

Neighbours from an apartment complex next door, who came running up at the sound of gunshots found her lying in a pool of blood on her patio. Police, who arrived shortly thereafter said there were four empty cartridges by her body, leading them to suspect that four rounds of were fired at her.

A post-mortem will be conducted on her body which was moved to Victoria Hopspital. Without CCTV cameras, police will have their work cut out to track the killers, although 3 teams, one headed by the DCP Crime, and two more have thrown a security ring around her home, and the city and are checking all bikers.

Gauri was tailed last week but did not seek security

It is learnt that journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead in front of her house on Tuesday evening, had noticed two suspicious men following her on a bike in Gandhi Bazaar a week ago.

The two men had reportedly followed from her office till her home last week. Gauri had told her mother Indira about it. But she did not alert the police or seek protection. Gauri lived alone in the house, while her mother lived with the younger daughter Kavita Lankesh, a film director.

The vacant sites next to Gauris house have bushy growth and anyone could have easily hidden behind them. The assailants might have also taken advantage of this, the police suspected.

Gauri Lankesh

Activists stage protests

Following Gauri Lankeshs murder, many progressive organisations held protests across the state against the BJP and RSS. Around 60 persons staged a protest near her house while another group of activists held protests at Corporation Circle late in the night. Protests were held even in Dharwad and other districts. The agitators shouted slogans against BJP & RSS, blaming them for the incident. They also demanded immediate arrest of the assailants.

Twitter reactions

B.S. Yeddyurappa

Shocked to hear the murder of #Gauri Lankesh strongly condemn this inhuman barbaric murder. Law &Order in the state has completely collapsed

Office of RG

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished

Ramesh Srivats

They say the pen is mightier than the sword.Unfortunately, today, the gun is mightier than the pen. RIP #gaurilankesh

May voices never die.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw

Shocking and blood curdling to hear about the murder of Gauri Lankesh. These monstrous criminals must be nailed n dealt with sternly.

Shehla Rashid

You are not dead. We are not afraid. This strengthens our resolve to fight. #GauriLankesh was a strong supporter of students'

Siddaramaiah

In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.

Dinesh Gundurao

#GauriLankesh murder is indeed a challenge for our Govt. Finding the truth is vital as her death strikes at the very root of our democracy.

Did her FB, Twitter rant do her in?
The rebelling members, led by Dhinakaran, have been demanding CM Palanisamy to prove his majority in the Assembly after they broke away from the AIADMK faction. (Photo: File

Chennai: The 19 MLAs of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), supporting sidelined deputy chief TTV Dhinakaran, were served a notice by the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker for the second time, and were asked to explain their position by September 5.

The Speaker had earlier sent a notice on August 25 seeking a clarification on a plea for their disqualification.

The 19 MLAs had submitted a memorandum to state Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for withdrawing their support to the Chief Minister, as they were upset over the coming together of the two major factions of the AIADMK.

The MLAs, who are currently lodged at a resort at Puducherry, are part of the faction led by the now jailed AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran.

The rebelling members, led by Dhinakaran, have been demanding Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy to prove his majority in the Assembly after they broke away from the AIADMK faction, and demanded for Dhinakaran to be made the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Hyderabad: Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E.S.L. Narasimhan and Telangana underwent a surgery of for a corn in the right foot at the Gandhi Hospital on Monday morning. The Governor came in the morning and was in the hospital for 20 minutes. Head of the department of plastic surgery Dr Subhod K. and general surgery professor Dr N.V.N Reddy attended on him.

On August 23rd, the governor had visited the hospital and was evaluated by both the doctors.
BJP Yuva Morcha in Bengaluru organised Mangaluru Chalo rally against the alleged murder of 18 Hindu activists and repeated incidents of violence against them. (Screengrab ANI)

Bengaluru: A clash broke out between police and Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Bengaluru on Tuesday when the youth wing of the party decided to take out a bike rally.

A large team of police personnel was deployed at the route since morning to prevent the bikers to hold Mangaluru Chalo rally.

Several BJP workers were detained after they set out on the bike rally organised in protest against the alleged killings of Hindu activists in the coastal districts.

Among those detained were former deputy chief minister R Ashoka, Lok Sabha member Pratap Simha and MLAs Arvinda Limbavali and Satish Reddy.

According to PTI, Ashoka and other leaders sat in protest near the Freedom

Park and demanded that police furnish an arrest warrant, resulting in a heated argument between the officials and the leaders, following which they were frisked away.

#MangaluruChalo rally: Clash between Police and BJP workers in Karnataka's Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/giu9Sb9bIo  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

The protest and resultant chaos lead to traffic snarls around Freedom Park which is located near one of the busiest junctions in the heart of the city, causing inconvenience to commuters.

BJP, on Monday, was denied permission by the local police to carry on with its protest plans.

The Bengaluru police had put in place prohibitory orders late on Monday, while Mangalore police has denied permission to hold the rally.

The BJP leaders on Monday alleged that the government was creating a situation of an 'undeclared bandh', with an intention to stop the rally and asked the government not to stop the rally, being held democratically.

The rally by the party's youth wing was against the alleged murder of 18 Hindu activists and repeated incidents of violence against them in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

They were also seeking action against organisations like Popular Front of India, which they term as "fundamentalist", and the resignation of district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, holding them responsible for the killings.

According to the programme announced by BJP, the rally towards Mangaluru commenced from different places, including Bengaluru and Hubballi, on Tuesday and from Shivamoga, Mysuru and other nearby areas to Mangaluru on September 7.

Senior party leaders, including state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa, was expected to take part in the rally at Mangaluru on September 7.

There were reports of police crackdown on BJP workers who were going ahead with the rally in different parts of the state, including Bengaluru, Hubballi, Kalaburgi, Belagavi and Ballari.

BJP leaders have alleged that there were also incidents of lathi-charge on party activists.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had on Tuesday said, "We have no objections to do a rally...we have asked police to ensure that there is no disturbance to law and order and public."

With inputs from PTI.
Lucknow: After Gorakhpur, it is now Farukkhabad that is making news for all the wrong reasons.

According to reports, 49 children have died during the period of one month in the government-run Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply.

The deaths reportedly took place between July 21 and August 20 in the Sick Newborn Care Unit of the hospital.

While 30 children died in the sick newly-born care unit (SNCU) of the hospital alone, 19 others died at the time of delivery or soon after the delivery at the hospital.

The SNCU in-charge, Dr Kailash Kumar, however, claimed there were reasons ranging from children born prematurely to being underweight for the death of children.

Three doctors, including the Chief Medical Officer, have been charged and sacked. The district magistrate has also been removed.

DM shifted over delay in action

The doctors named in an FIR filed Sunday night include chief medical officer (CMO) Uma Kant, medical superintendent Akhilesh Agarwal and Kailash Kumar.

They have been booked under sections 176 (omission to give notice to public servant), 188 (disobedience) .and 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC.

After the series of deaths took place in the hospital, the district magistrate Ravindra Kumar and city magistrate J.K. Jain conducted an inquiry after some people complained of shortage of oxygen.

The officials did not inform the state government and conducted the inquiry last week after they received a number of complaints from the families of the children .They did not even forward the report to the government.

The matter came to light after a local TV channel reported the matter when the FIR was lodged. The district magistrate has been transferred on Monday, reportedly for delay in action.
Chennai: The opposition parties on Monday decided to give a few days time to the central and state governments to take steps for exempting Tamil Nadu from Neet before launching into a series of protests on the issue.

The leaders also decided to bring all the major opposition leaders on a single platform before commencing a co-ordinated movement against Neet. The campaign against Neet will start with a public meeting in Tiruchy city near Ariyalur on September 8.

After the all-party meeting convened by the DMK, leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin said "If the Central and state governments failed to take action for scrapping Neet, a decision on the kind of agitations will be announced at a public meeting to be attended by all party leaders in Tiruchy".

Reacting to a question on the allegations made by state BJP president Tamilisai Soundarrajan and Puthiya Thamizhagam leader K. Krishnasamy against the DMK, Stalin said they were trying to divert the issue and added that legal action would be taken against them.

More opposition leaders including MDMK general secretary Vaiko are expected to join the anti-NEET platform in the Rockfort city, the heart of the delta districts.

The opposition would fight for bringing education entirely to the state list and its removal from the concurrent list.

A resolution condoled Anitha's death and added that her sacrifice had sown the seeds of awareness on protecting social justice. Another resolution graphically described Anitha's poor background and termed her death as a murder by the central and state governments. It condemned both the governments for playing with the future of 4.2 lakh students who studied in state board schools.

The resolution pointed out that the standing committee of Parliament on health and family welfare department had clearly stated that Neet could be implemented leaving out the states which did not want the examination.

But, the examination was imposed on Tamil Nadu due to the arrogant attitude of the BJP government, the resolution said and added that the centre did not send the bills passed in TN Assembly to the President.

Another resolution flayed 'the false campaign' that there was no quality in the education provided by the state government. It said the centre had trampled on the state's rights on education. Those who took part in the meeting included TNCC president S. Thirunavukkarasar, CPM state secretary G. Ramakrishnan, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan and DK president K. Veeramani.
Bengaluru: Senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh, who last year lost a defamation case against a BJP MP, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence here today, police said.

Karnataka police chief R K Dutta said Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar.

She took more than one bullet and died instantaneously. Lankesh, said to be in her 50s, edited a Kannada tabloid 'Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications, and was known for her forthright views against hardline Hindutva politics.

Quoting police, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the journalist was shot dead by unidentified assailants soon after she had alighted from her car. "She was returning from Gandhinagar after attending some official work," he added. The chief minister said three police teams have been constituted to probe the killing. Instructions have been issued to crack the case and bring the culprits to book at the earliest, he said.

Siddaramaiah also said he has asked police to get in touch with their Maharashtra counterparts probing the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. Parallels were being drawn between the gunning down of Lankesh and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Dabholkar was shot dead in August 2013, while Kalburgi was gunned down in August 2015.

Police have cordoned off the area around Lankesh's house. Senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth, rushed to the spot to supervise investigation. Dutta said Lankesh had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.

Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first." Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said it would be premature to say who could be behind the killing.

"It will not be appropriate for me to make any comments as to who is behind the incident. It could be for personal reasons or for ideological reasons," he said. Veteran BJP Leader K S Eshwarappa rapped the Siddaramaiah government for "failing" to protect the lives of people, including those of noted writers like Kalburgi and Lankesh. Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore took to twitter to denounce the incident. "Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists," he said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said "truth cannot be silenced" and demanded that the culprits be tracked down and punished. "The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished," his office said in a twitter post.

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, "The murder of #GauriLankesh is condemnable outright. Onus is on Siddaramaiah to ensure proper investigation." "If it is BJP ruled state, Liberals would have cried for emergency, Intolerance, Fascism," tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!"
A number of protests were witnessed in the past few days after 17-year-old Anitha committed suicide at her house on Friday. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Chennai: Student federations took to streets on Tuesday, demanding justice for Anitha S, who hanged herself at her home in Ariyalur district for not getting admission in a medical college, and also for the cancellation of National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET).

Student federations carried out protest outside Chennai Central railway station.

Protests were also seen outside Chennai's Loyola College for the cancellation of NEET.

Read: Dalit girl who fought NEET exam in SC commits suicide

A number of protests were witnessed in the past few days after 17-year-old Anitha committed suicide by hanging herself to death at her house at Kuzhumur village near Sendurai on Friday.

Anitha had scored 1,176 out of 1,200 marks in her higher secondary examination and had a cut off of 196.75 for medicine. But she got mere 86 marks in NEET examination. She could not bag an MBBS seat as NEET score was the basis for medical counselling in 2017.

Anitha had challenged the apex court on NEET, told media then that she wanted to be a doctor. She said, "I want to be a doctor and I will be assured of a seat if the admission is based on Plus Two marks."

Read: Family of Anitha, who committed suicide over NEET, rejects Rs 7 lakh financial aid

The Supreme Court on August 22 directed the Tamil Nadu government to complete counselling process for medical admissions in the State on the basis of the NEET merit list by September 4.
A Bench of Justices A.K. Goel and Uday Lalit told former Madras high court judge and senior counsel Nagamuthu your prayer is against the mandate of law.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday pulled by AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran seeking stay of the Madras High Court order directing completion of trial in three months in the Fera violation case.

A Bench of Justices A.K. Goel and Uday Lalit told former Madras high court judge and senior counsel Nagamuthu your prayer is against the mandate of law.

Everyone wants speedy trial, but you are objecting to an order directing completion of trial in three months. You (Dhinakaran) wanted to be heard before framing of charges. You were heard and High Court directed completion of trial in three months. You are responsible for the delay. Obviously you want to delay the trial. We will impose exemplary cost of Rs. 10 lakhs. The Bench told the counsel, It is the responsibility of the bar to file such frivolous appeals.

The counsel then sought permission to withdraw the appeal and it was dismissed as withdrawn.

Dinakaran is facing two cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against him for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA). The case of against Dinakaran is that he had allegedly acquired $10.49 million in foreign exchange without obtaining prior permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Dhinakaran then deposited the money in the current account of a company in the British Virgin Islands.

The trial court had framed charges against him for illegally routing U.S. dollars in foreign exchange without taking permission from RBI and depositing in the current account of Dipper Investments Ltd, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with Barclays Bank, Sutton, UK.

The second case pertains to the transfer of Pounds 4.437 million through West Bank Ltd, Ireland, allegedly breaching FERA provisions. Dhinakaran is facing two cases filed by the ED against him for alleged violations of the FERA, which has now been repealed.

Initially Dinakaran challenged the framing of charges on the ground that he was not heard when charges were framed. HC vacated stay on framing of charges and asked the trial court to complete the trial in three months. The present appeal by Dhinakaran was directed against this order.
Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar said as many as 111 MLAs reposed their faith in the chief minister at a meeting of legislators. (Photo: PTI/File)

Chennai: Amid calls for a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by the opposition parties, 111 MLAs of the ruling AIADMK in the state on Tuesday attended a legislators' meet convened by Chief Minister K Palanisamy in Chennai.

State Fisheries Minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar told reporters in Chennai that as many as 111 MLAs reposed their faith in the chief minister at the meeting.

The development is being considered as a boost to Palanisamy, whose earlier meeting on August 28 reportedly witnessed a much less attendance with some claiming that only 75 MLAs were present at it.

Jayakumar said the MLAs had "wholeheartedly extended their full cooperation" to the chief minister and unanimous resolution was adopted reposing faith in his leadership.

He also claimed that nine MLAs of the Dhinakaran camp had contacted Palanisamy over phone and extended their support to him.

Also, three MLAs who are allies of the ruling party had promised their support to Palanisamy, he added.

The Peravurani MLA had intimated that he would not be able to attend the meet as he was indisposed, Jayakumar said.

He alleged that some legislators had been "illegally confined against their wishes" (at Puducherry) and asserted that the meet signalled the dashing of hopes of those who wanted to "thrust" an election on the people.

The AIADMK has 134 MLAs in the 234-member state Assembly with one vacancy.
A government watchdog group is looking into a trip that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin made recently with his wife, Louise Linton, aboard a government plane. On the trip, Mnuchin attended a luncheon for a local chamber of commerce and took a tour of Fort Knox, where he was joined by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The trip made headlines earlier this week after Linton posted to Instagram about it and set off a social media storm when she fired back at one commenter who criticized her. Linton has since deleted the post and apologized.

Now the Citizens for Responsiblity and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is investigating whether the purpose of the trip was actually to view the total solar eclipse.

The ethics watchdog filed a freedom of information request for records concerning the trip.

"The requested records would shed light on the justification for Secretary Mnuchin's use of a government plane, rather than a commercial flight, for a trip that seems to have been planned around the solar eclipse and to enable the Secretary to secure a viewpoint in the path of the eclipse's totality," according to a statement.

On Monday, August 21, the eclipse view at Fort Knox had 97 percent totality.

Sen. McConnell's press team posted a photo to Instagram showing the senator and Mnunchin "at Fort Knox before viewing the solar eclipse from the rooftop."

The Treasury Department responded to the allegation, defending Mnuchin's trip as "official government travel."

"The Secretary was on official government travel to Kentucky where he and Leader McConnell met with members of the business community to discuss tax reform. Later in the day, the Secretary, Leader McConnell, Governor Bevin, Congressman Guthrie and US Treasurer Carranza visited the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. Secretary Mnuchin is reimbursing the government for Mrs. Linton's travel, as is longstanding policy regarding civilians on military aircraft. The trip was originally planned for earlier in August but was postponed to accommodate the Congressional calendar."
Bhopal: A government hospital in the tribal-dominated Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh witnessed the death of 36 infants in August this year.

Officials of the districts health department however described the number of newborn deaths in the hospital as normal when compared to the total number of sick infants admitted at the hospital.

A total of 195 infants were admitted in the Special Newborn Care Unit in the district hospital in Shahdol in August this year. Out of them, 36 children had died due to multiple reasons such as low weight at the time of birth, premature births and other serious pre and post natal ailments, chief district medical officer of Shahdol, Dr Rajesh Pandey, told this newspaper on Tuesday.

The infant death figure (in a month) is normal considering number of newborns admitted at the hospital. The death figure has come down in the later part of the month, he added.

However, hospital sources said lack of basic infrastructure particularly the life-saving ventilator facility in the SNCU has contributed to the infant mortality at the hospital which is also the lone government health centre for newborns in the district.

Sources said, the district has a total population of around 10.66 lakh, nearly 80 per cent of whom are tribals.
The notice also stated that unmonitored usage of mobile phones in school buses will warrant disciplinary action from the board. (Photo: Pixabay)

Hyderabad: Due to the rising cases of accidents and emergencies in school buses, the CBSE issued a circular stating that mobile phones should be made available in school buses. The circular further stated that the mobile phone should have Internet connection and data storage facilities to be used in case of any an unprecedented emergency.

CBSE officials claimed that this step should not encourage students to use mobile phones in school buses. The principal in charge and the transport-in charge should ensure that the mobile phone is always with the attendant.

The notice also stated that unmonitored usage of mobile phones in school buses will warrant disciplinary action from the board.

Leading CBSE schools in Telangana claimed that the transport in-charge is often in touch with the school bus drivers throughout the trip with a basic phone. However, they will follow new guidelines soon.

Veena S., a teacher said, The idea of a mobile phone is good as parents can check in case of any emergency. The school can also be notified through the official mobile number.

Through this step, each bus will have a mobile number assigned to it which makes the identification easier.
Hyderabad: The Union Home Ministry has reportedly submitted a report to the Supreme Court stating that the Telangana Rashtra Samiti MLA from Vemulavada, Channamaneni Ramesh, had been a German citizen and obtained Indian citizenship by submitting fake documents and simultaneously cancelled his Indian citizenship.

Mr Ramesh was elected for the first time from Vemulavada Assembly segment on a TD ticket in 2009. Later he shifted his loyalties to the TRS and resigned his seat and contested and won from the same constituency as a TRS candidate in the 2010 byelection.

Adi Srinivas, the unsuccessful Congress candidate, filed an election petition in the then AP High Court challenging Mr Rameshs election, alleging that he fraudulently obtained Indian citizenship by submitting fake documents about his residence in India.

In 2013, the AP High Court quashed his election. Mr Ramesh then approached the apex court and obtained a stay. While the stay order was in operation, he contested the 2014 election on a TRS ticket and won again. Adi Srinivas then moved the apex court seeking vacation of stay orders.

The court asked the Union Home Ministry to file a report on the contentious issue of Mr Rameshs citizenship and according to sources, on Tuesday, the Home Ministry submitted its report confirming that he did have German citizenship.

Should the court rely on the Union Home Ministry report which confirms Mr Rameshs German citizenship, and vacates the stay, the High Court verdict quashing his election will be effective.

As per the Representation of Peoples Act, no person who is not an Indian citizen is eligible to contest or vote in any election.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night, Mr Ramesh said he is going to file a fresh petition with the Union Home Ministry for a revision of their report.

He said from 1992 to 2009, he had done yeomans service for the people of Vemulavada, even though he was not their representative, and he is going to use every legal opportunity to challenge the Union Home Ministry report. He said it was an attempt to malign him in public by some vested interests.
Hyderabad: Two soldiers including one from Andhra Pradesh were electrocuted in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The soldiers are P. Jaypal Reddy of Andhra Pradesh and I. Vasudevan of Tamil Nadu.

Police said they were electrocuted while doing some work at a workshop of the Armys northern command in the district on Monday evening.

A case was booked by the local police and the bodies were handed over to the Army after post-mortem at a local government hospital.

The bodies of the soldiers would be send to their hometowns by the authorities.
Hyderabad: The dispute between teachers of mathematics and physical science (physics & chemistry) in Telangana government schools regarding the amount of workload each one has to bear, continues unfettered. Math teachers allege that they have more work than physical science teachers as they are forced to teach Class VI and Class VII grades which are supposed to be taught by physical science teachers.

As per the Right to Education norms, a teacher should teach only 30 periods a week but math teachers are forced to take 36 periods a week. Though Telangana Teachers Associations have approached the higher authorities many times to resolve this, the issue continues to be a bone of contention since the last couple of years.

To reduce the huge burden on math teachers, physical science teachers posts were created. Physical science teachers were appointed in 2002 to teach physics and chemistry from eighth to tenth grades. However, due to a protest by physical science teachers a few years back, math teachers were asked to teach math subject to Class VI and Class VII grades.

Pasupuleti Narendra Swamy, state president from Telangana Mathematics Forum, said, We are demanding that the same pattern that we have had from 2002 onwards, should be continued. If at all any changes are required, it should be scientifically researched by SCERT. If it is compulsory to make changes we are demanding two teachers for math for the classes 6-10. As per NCERT guidelines, equal importance is to be given for math and science.

Karantoth Mahipal, a physical science teacher said, Due to Continuous Comprehensive Evalu-ation(CCE) in the state syllabus, now even science teachers are more burdened due to science practicals and other extra-curricular activities in the syllabus. We also have to teach around 33 periods in a week due to which we are unable to teach math subject to Class VI and Class VII. According to Right to Education Norms, only math teachers should teach math subject for Class VI and Class VII grades. As there is no clarity among the teachers about this, the education department should resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Chava Ravi, general secretary, Telangana United Teachers Federation, said, Already there is less enrollment in government schools and if these kind of disputes continue, why would parents be willing to enroll their wards in government schools?
Vijayawada: YSRC leader Vangaveeti Radha Krishna on Monday said Gowtham Reddy, who looted poor and faces allegation in land scams, has no right to comment on Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga. Radha Krishna alleged that Gowtham Reddy, who was accused in two murder cases and also faced extermination from city, is intentionally blaming Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga for political gains. He said followers of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga represent different political parties and they still revere him and lakhs of his followers got hurt with Gowtham Reddys statement.

He alleged that Gowtham Reddy earned huge money in the name of the CPI and later joined the Congress and the YSRC. Radha Krishna said the YSRC initially encouraged such downmarket politicians and welcomed the partys move to suspend him. Gowtam Reddy could have scolded me or other party workers if he was not happy and intended to shift party rather than abusing a leader who died two decades ago. Gowtham Reddy had opened up his opinion on Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga and his community and followers of Ranga will answer him, he said.

Mr Radha Krishna said the police overreacted during his arrest on Sunday. I have the right to express my opinion on Gowtham Reddys statements and I held a press meet in my office. Some police officials blocked me from leaving my office and were harsh with me and created a scene to impress their higher officials, he alleged. Mr Radha Krishna found fault with the city police who did not even deployed women constables during the arrest of his mother Ratna Kumari and said that he would soon complain in writing on this matter.

Meanwhile, tension continued on Monday at Gowtham Reddys house in Satyanarayanapuram where hundreds of his followers gathered in his support. The police cleared the crowd and filed a case on Gowtham Reddy under Section 153A of IPC for his comments promoting disturbances between communities. Meanwhile, Kapu associations have continued agitations across district demanding serious action on Gowtham Reddy who hurt the sentiments of Kapus.

Vangaveeti family was always in hearts of Telugu people. Radha Krishna was maintaining peace even after facing insults from public. We thank the YSRC for suspending him and the police should take stringent action on him, said Chandana Suresh, a YSRC leader. The city police increased security in Krishna Lanka, Ajith Singh Nagar, Satyanarayanapuram areas and deployed special teams at Radhas office and home.
During this time of the year, markets are filled with varieties of flowers creating unique aroma in the environment and a magnificent view for the commuters. (Photo: ANI)

Thiruvananthapuram: People in Kerala offered prayers at temples and performed various traditional activities as a part of the culmination of '10-day long' celebration of 'Harvest festival, or Onam' on Monday.

'Onam' is an annual celebration of the homecoming of mythical 'King Mahabali', who is believed to come from the nether world to check on his citizens.

During this time of the year, markets are filled with varieties of flowers creating unique aroma in the environment and a magnificent view for the commuters.

A city college celebrated the festival in a grand manner. As women were busy in floral rangoli competition, a man dressed as mythical 'King Mahabali' walked among them, as if inspecting his subjects, mirroring the centuries-old folk tale that the king during this time of the year visits citizens of his kingdom.

While speaking to ANI, a college student expressed her exciting for the festival saying, "Today is Onam, so our cousins, parents and grandparents are gathered here in our ancestor's home to celebrate. So we are planning to do some activities today, we have already done Thiruvathira."

Thiruvathira kali, also known as Kaikottikkali, is a very popular group dance performed by women. It is Kerala's traditional dance form.

Meanwhile, a group of girls, in the other part of the city, created memories by clicking selfies with their friends and playing on a swing.

The celebration for the 'Harvest festival' starts on Atham day, ten days before Thiruvonam, which is the most important day of Onam.

This year, Thiruvonam was on last week of Friday .

Onam falls in the month of 'Chingam', which is the first month according to Malayalam calendar. It is an ancient Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates the harvest of rice.
Chennai: A 28-year-old woman and her six-month-old infant were electrocuted in their residence in Moolakothalam near Seven Wells on Monday when the woman touched a live wire in a table fan.

The deceased woman has been identified as S. Aruna. She was living with her husband, Siva, an autorickshaw driver and three children Keerthana (5), Keerthini (3) and the six-month-old boy child at MS Nagar in Moolakothalam.

Police investigations revealed that the woman slept alone as she had to tend to the infant. Siva and the two girls were sleeping some distance away.

On Tuesday morning, the womans brother, Suryah returned home from work and found the woman lying unconscious. He alerted his brother-in-law and the woman and the child were moved to the Government Stanley Hospital where they were declared brought dead.

She had come in contact with the wire from the table fan from which there was an electricity leak. The baby was hugging the mother and was electrocuted too, a police officer said.

Seven Wells police registered a case and are investigating. The family was unaware that the woman and the child had been electrocuted until Tuesday morning, police said.
KOCHI: Indonesian Navy Ship KRI Usman Harun departed from Kochi on Tuesday after a three-day official visit lasting from September 3 to 5. The ship commanded by Captain Alan Dahlan had reached Kochi on Sunday. The Commanding Officer of the visiting ship accompanied by Major Mohammad Prima Vega Capella, Assistant Defence Attache of Indonesia, called on Rear Admiral R.J. Nadkarni, VSM, Chief of Staff (COS) , Southern Naval Command (SNC) for interactions and professional matters of common interest to both navies on Monday.

The visiting ships crew was given a conducted tour of some of the training units under SNC at Kochi like Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF), Damage Control Training Facility (DCTF) and the Diving School. A friendly volleyball match between teams from SNC and the visiting ship was also played. India-Indonesia relations have shown an upswing in defence cooperation with many new initiatives in the form of increasedmilitary delegation visits, as well as training exchanges.
Though he was not at his house when the money was seized, he later told the I-T officers that he could give account for the cash.

Chennai: A day after Rs 2.07 crore cash was seized from the house of a cab operator, the income tax officials on Tuesday said that the said cab operator had been summoned to give a statement. He was summoned to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. But has not appeared till evening, an income-tax officer said.

A city police team stumbled upon huge bundles of Rs 2,000 notes in a bath tub in the house of cab operator Tamilan, 35, at VGP Avenue when they went there looking for narcotics based on an anonymous call.

Police informed the income-tax department about the seizure and handed the over the cash to the I-T men for further probe. Tamilan manages over 200 cabs running for software firms in South Chennai.

Though he was not at his house when the money was seized, he later told the I-T officers that he could give account for the cash. But he is yet to come and give us account, an income-tax officer said.
North Dakotas Congressional delegation is expected to attend Wednesday as President Donald Trump gives a speech from the Mandan refinery.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., will attend and Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., indicated they plan to be there unless there are critical votes that require them to be in Washington, D.C.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also will travel to North Dakota for the speech, Hoeven said.

Cramer said the refinery will be a good backdrop for Trump to discuss his thoughts on tax reform.

People want to get a sense of whats in it for the average worker, Cramer said.

Gov. Doug Burgum, First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford plan to greet Trump at the Bismarck airport and then attend the speech, said governor spokesman Mike Nowatzki. Several members of Burgums Cabinet and other state officials also plan to attend the speech.

Kathy Neset, a geologist and owner of Neset Consulting, said she was asked to be part of a small group to greet Trump at the refinery on behalf of the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

That in itself is a monstrous honor to me, said Neset, also a member of the State Board of Higher Education. Im happy to see hes putting North Dakota so high on his list of places to go as president.

Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling said the community is honored to host Trump.

Its probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing for many people, Helbling said.

The speech, scheduled to begin shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday, is an invite-only event.

Several area businesses leaders are expected to be among those who attend.

Its pretty exciting, said Scott Meske, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. From where I sit, from a business standpoint, for us to have a sitting president come to our area in the first year of his administration, its a pretty big deal.
Vijayawada: The Telugu Desam has decided to select N.M.D. Farooq for the AP Legislative Council. It will be a cakewalk for him in the event of an election as the Opposition numbers are not strong enough Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had proposed nominating Mr Farooq to woo the Muslim community during the Nandyal bypoll. Likewise, Mr Naidu is trying to dispel the notion that he might ignore his commitments after the immediate requirement has been met.

Mr Naidu is concentrating to fulfilling all the 2014 election promises in a year as that has become a weapon for the YSR Congress. The TD has to fulfil its commitment given to a few leaders to be given nominated posts. The party is indented on giving the TTD chairmanship to a member of the BC community. It has kept on hold the decisions on its organisational committees, which are generally announced in Mahanadu, to avoid upsetting certain leaders.


Bengaluru: Apparently disappointed over not finding a ministerial slot in the latest reshuffle, Belagavi BJP MP Suresh Angadi on Monday faulted the state leadership for the dominant Lingayat community from north Karnataka not being included in the Union Cabinet.

At present, there is no Lingayat representation in Union cabinet from Karnataka. It has two Brahmins, a Vokkaliga and a Scheduled Caste member. BJP banks heavily on the Lingayat vote base.

100 per cent Lingayats from North Karnataka, especially from Belagavi have not been represented in the Union Cabinet.. I will definitely air this grievance before Javadekarji, if he invites me, Angadi told PTI here.

Angadi's name as a probable candidate for ministerial berth was doing the rounds in the state BJP circles while Ananth Kumar Dattatreya Hegde, who has been appointed Minister of State for Skill Development emerged as a surprise pick.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, in-charge of BJP affairs in Karnataka, is holding deliberations with state party leaders here today on party matters. Angadi said there are many MPs from North Karnataka and whoever is capable should be made the cabinet minister.

There are many MPs from our region (North Karnataka), not only me... Whoever is capable let them be made, he said. To a query, Angadi said the state BJP leadership should have made a favourable plea before the central leadership for giving representation to North Karnataka. "Our state leadership or the team should have pleaded properly before the central leadership... Entire team should be united. My friend (Hegde) has become a cabinet minister. I am very happy for him," he said. Angadi said he is a sincere worker of the party from the beginning, and rose to be a Parliamentarian from an ordinary post of Belagavi city vice president. "My people have elected me thrice, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. The best testimony is that I have won elections from an area which boasts of having more than 50 per cent Marathi votes, he added.
Chennai: In a show of strength as many as 109 MLAs are said to have attended the meeting convened by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami held in the city on Tuesday.

The meeting passed a resolution to support the continuation of EPS as the leader of legislators and vowed to support his actions. The district secretaries meeting, which was held later, discussed measures to conduct the general council meeting.

Fisheries minister D. Jayakumar who spoke to the media claimed that 109 MLAs attended the meeting. He asserted that former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaas soul would not pardon those who were trying to topple the government.

There is also a claim that nine MLAs of the Dhinakaran camp have been in touch with the CM over phone and that they are reportedly prepared to support him.

Three other MLAs of parties which are allies of AIADMK are also reportedly in favour of the CM. Although the government is still short of the critical mark of 117 needed for a show of majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the government seems under less of a threat with so many MLAs showing up amid frequent calls for a floor test from the Opposition as well as a statement of no confidence in the CM by a few of his own party MLAs belonging to the TTV Dhinakaran faction.

Jayakumar alleged that some legislators had been illegally confined against their wishes (at Puducherry) and asserted that the legislators' meet signalled the dashing of hopes of those who wanted to thrust an election on the people.

In a related development, Speaker P. Dhanapal had ordered the 19 MLAs to be present before him on September 7.
Hyderabad: Finance minister Etala Rajender on Tuesday blamed the greed of the local VRO for the suicide attempt by two dalits in Manakondur. The two youths had attempted suicide alleging they were not getting the three acres of land promised by the government.

Mr Rajender said that the VRO has already been kept under suspension following allegation that he was collecting bribes from dalits for allotting lands.

The minister said that Mahankali Srinivas, one of the victims, had been to Dubai twice in search of a job. He had returned to his homeland and applied for the free land scheme announced by the government.

The minister, along with Government Chief Whip Koppula Eswar, Karimnagar Zilla Parishad chairperson Tula Uma and Karimnagar municipal chairman Ravinder Singh, told the media in Karimnagar that so far, 650 acres have been acquired by government in Illinthakunta mandal and handed over to dalits.

In Gudem village too, so far 60 acres were acquired and 48 eligible dalits have been identified by the government for the land scheme.

We heard complaints that the local VRO was collecting Rs 20,000 each from dalits. We ordered his immediate suspension. We are trying to do justice to all dalits but the two victims thought they wouldnt get the land and attempted suicide, Mr Rajender said.

He continued: Our government is not against dalits. In fact, it is the only government that is trying to do justice to dalits, when compared to any other previous government.

The minister said that though the Congress and TD ruled the state for 57 years, only Rs 100 crore was provided for purchase of land for dalits.

The TRS government so far spent Rs 479 crore and 11,279 acres have been bought and allotments made to eligible dalits. Another Rs 800 crore has been earmarked for purchase of land for dalits, Mr Rajender said.
The Xiamen Declaration issued at the end of the 9th Brics summit held in that city in Chinas southeastern Fujian province earlier this week is a 70-odd-paragraph peroration entitled Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future that captures the consensus among five major emerging economies of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Brazil, Russia and South Africa are oil and commodity exporters. With oil prices dropping precipitously since 2014 and the Chinese hunger for commodities abating sharply as their economy slowed, analysts started referring to loose bricks in Brics wall. President Donald Trumps rise heralded precipitous change in Americas strategic posture, creating a strategic vacuum. It took the United States from undisputed global hegemony underwriting the existing economic, financial and political post-World War II geopolitical order to America First. Initially it appeared like an anti-globalisation and isolationist stance, abandoning allies in Europe and the Far East. Mr Trumps subsequent actions only confused the picture as he approved a limited surge of troops in Afghanistan, declared a war till victory against terror groups threatening the US and the West, chastised Pakistan and locked horns with China over North Koreas missile and now sixth nuclear test, simultaneously opening an inquiry into Chinese purloining of the intellectual property of US companies. The current Brics summit was held against this evolving background. In addition, for India, the negative trend lines of Sino-Indian relations raised questions about the utility of China-dominated groupings. After decades of clandestine propping up of Pakistan to stymie India, Chinese support became bolder. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), involving investment of $46 billion, was finalised, ignoring likely Indian objections as it traversed Gilgit and Baltistan, claimed by India. Further, China tied it to its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)  a modern resurrection of the old Silk Road with a maritime dimension.

India reacted by standing alone and boycotting the Beijing Forum, attended by most of Indias South Asian neighbours. Two additional provocations were already irritating India. China had been vetoing Indian membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), arguing that membership of non-signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty needed to be settled first. India saw it as an attempt to obtain nuclear legitimacy for Pakistan, a recipient of Chinese nuclear technology and serial proliferator via the A.Q. Khan network. China had also been blocking the listing of terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammad head Masood Azhar by the UN Security Councils 1267 committee. India responded by boycotting the BRI Forum and critiquing it. India said sovereignty issues could not be ignored when China was over- sensitive to any breach of its perceived sovereignty. Further, financial viability of the projects was questionable. The inability of Sri Lanka to repay the Hambantota debt, leading to land being ceded on lease to China for a free zone, only confirmed Indian doubts. The Doklam stand-off brought the lingering tension to a head. Had India not gone to Bhutans aid, it would have allowed China to draw it into its sphere of influence by offering territorial concessions elsewhere, having gained an advantage in a region vital for India. The resolution of the imbroglio days before the Xiamen summit and the Chinese willingness to let Pakistan-based terrorist groups to be listed in the declaration raises the question of whether there is a strategic rethink by China on India?

The Xiamen Declaration has three subsections  Brics Practical Economic Cooperation; Global Economic Governance and International Peace and Security. There is least dissonance between the five on the second subject. All want a WTO-led open and inclusive trading system. All seek amending of IMF voting rights to reflect the current economic strength of members. Brics is also an important G-20 ginger group and could push its agenda through that forum. But this ignores Russia facing sanctions by the US and pilloried by Europe over Ukraine. India has played along, but is best served dealing with its friends in the West directly and eschewing the nonaligned-type trade unionism. The first issue is intra-Brics dealings which will be driven by China as the largest economy and trader. There are, however, limits due to the geographical spread of members, and failing governance in Brazil and South Africa. The Indian economy is also struggling after the twin shocks of demonetisation and GST. The Russian economy is still oil and gas dependent, besides diminished export of arms.

The latest US sanctions may make it difficult even for India to trade with Russia without breaching US laws. Information Communications Technology (ICT) figures prominently in the declaration. Against the background of the hacking charges against Russia and commercial and other Internet-based espionage by China, surely the Web is unlikely to be more neutral were autocratic regimes to get control over the servers. India has to be careful about the company it keeps as freedom of information is involved. The third segment relates to international peace and security. Apropos the listing of Pakistan-based terror groups, China makes strategic shifts gradually. It is possible that to get India on board the BRI and realising that the far enemy US is more challenging than the immediate rival India, it is possible that a genuine detente with India may be attempted. China can see growing convergence between the US, Japan and India economically, technologically and militarily. India too, having obtained their concession, concurred in the mild deploring of North Koreas testing, in defiance of the global community, of a hydrogen bomb. But this would be noted in both Tokyo and Washington. Brics, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Russia-India-China forum called RIC are Chinese means to impose an order on the old global structures of governance. India requires a balancing game between the emerging and the old orders. The test for Indian diplomacy in the coming decades will be in its ability to bridge these two worlds without unconditionally espousing either.
MUCH as many are finding it hard to say anything good about Donald Trump, it cannot be denied that he has delivered the world a wake-up call. Gone is the complacency about a whole host of topics that had seemed firmly settled  democracy, capitalism, globalisation, trade, to name a few. Fresh thinking has been unleashed on a number of other issues  climate change, identity, immigration, terrorism, among them. There was dire need to rethink many of these and if the world required Trump to revitalise the debates, it has only itself to blame. In large measure, Trump is an outcome of not paying heed to what was going on under our noses. The boiling frog analogy comes to mind: a frog dropped in boiling water will jump out but if placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it would not perceive the danger. With the continuation of the mainstream status quo, had Hillary Clinton been elected president of the United States, there is little doubt we would have died in many ways because nothing would have changed till it was too late. Either climate change would have overtaken us before we reacted to its dangers or the wars in the Middle East would have intensified to promote American values.

With Trump, we have been dumped into boiling water. Many of the simmering threats are being desperately examined anew, some, ironically, because Trump has a much more cavalier attitude towards them. Take global warming, for example, where the Trump team is stocked with climate change deniers. It is precisely because the threat is now so in ones face that activists have shed their complacency and are seeking new ways to revitalise their efforts. The same is the case with many other issues in which there has been a surge in theoretical revision, community activism, and grass-roots mobilisation. South Asians ought to look particularly carefully at Professor Amartya Sens critique of poll systems based on the first-past-the-post criterion, a contributor to Trumps success. One way to think of this radically new environment is in terms of a lottery. The status quo offered an almost sure bet of muddling through for another few decades before ending in catastrophe. Trump offers a 50 per cent chance of instant extinction and a 50 pc chance of a political order in which existing pathologies would be addressed.

Consider, as an example, prevailing attitudes to democratic governance compared to its degradation. While Fukuyama hailed liberal democracy in the West as the end of history, Huntington lauded Ayub Khan as the ideal leader for the modernising world that was not ready for democratic rule. Richard Holbrooke characterised the backwardness of developing countries as follows: Suppose elections are free and fair and those elected are racists, fascists, separatists. That is the dilemma. The fact that democracy had produced a Hitler much before it produced any racists in the developing world was overlooked but now that it has produced Trump in the heart of the developed world, the doubts about the way democracy has evolved are out in the open. Or take the flip side of this alleged lack of fitness of the often-repressive countries. This rebirth of the white mans burden argued that the world needed to evolve towards American values while assigning responsibility to the US Enlightenment was to be bestowed on the rest of humanity, making it fit for democracy through selective regime changes and by saving its women from the clutches of oppression.

As recently as a year ago, Obama had declared with pride and conviction that I believe in American exceptionalism with every fibre of my being. Now, barely six months into the Trump presidency, the veil has been ripped off American values regarding women and minorities and the reality of the US first policy that has wreaked havoc in the world exposed for all to see. As a result, European countries are already envisioning a future with a severely diminished political and ideological leadership role for the US. Nearer home, ordinary Pakistanis, if they pause to reflect, should also be grateful to Trump for calling out their countrys selective cat-and-mouse game with terrorism. Pakistans Afghanistan policy has been unsuccessful at best and at worst has imperilled the future of the nation via its economic cost, social damage, and political isolation. It would have continued unchallenged but for Trump raising the ante by laying aside the niceties and evasions that characterised the US-Pakistan dialogue under earlier presidents. The new bluntness and proposed regional realignment offer a glimmer of hope for an overdue questioning and a review under duress of Pakistans damaging security paradigm. The world may not survive Trump, but if it does, many, including long-suffering Pakistanis, would have a lot to thank him for.

By arrangement with Dawn


The September 3-5 Brics summit at Xiamen in China came at a specific moment for India - just days after the end of the military standoff at Doklam. In fact, there is a strong probability that China diplomatically agreed to the disengagement as it is the current chair of Brics and the summit was being held on its soil. It couldnt have risked Indias absence, for that would have meant devaluation of the conference, if not its cancellation - as was the case with Saarc in Islamabad that India declined to attend. As such, President Xi Jinping went out of his way to be charming with India. In his hour-long one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, the Chinese leader appeared statesmanlike. He spoke of the need for the two neighbours to look ahead in their ties (right after Doklam).

In addition, Mr Xi didnt hesitate to permit the inclusion of the names of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, the two anti-India terror outfits that operate out of Pakistan with the open support of the Pakistani military, in the document emanating from Xiamen.At the Goa Brics summit last year, China had prevented the mention of Pakistani terror outfits in the summit document. Predictably, the Indian media has been encouraged by our top officials to tom-tom the mention of Pakistani terrorist groups as a win for India, facile as it may seem to experts. We really should be wary of such self-congratulation.The mention that gladdens us in no way means Beijing will now change its stance and agree to let Lashkar and Jaish and their leaders be sanctioned by the UN in order to meet an Indian concern.

The reference in the Brics document to the terrorist outfits doesnt cost China anything with Pakistan. It must be kept in view that at the UN, the Chinese view is that India hasnt mustered the evidence against Jaish and its leader Masood Azhar. Such a cynical view can be sustained easily.Two important institutions Brics has created are the Shanghai-based New Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement - to meet adverse foreign currency fluctuations of members. But for both institutions, these are early days. It is doubtful Brics can prosper as an economic, financial and trade-enhancing grouping - either to correct international economic governance or offer a counter-thrust - if the shadow over the political relationship between India and China is not removed fairly soon. Glib summit documents or tactical charm on Beijings part wont do it. Nor will Indian officials and medias meaningless crowing about a win. New Delhi and Beijing should get serious if they seek to grow a healthy bilateral relationship. A good place to start is to settle the boundary, and for Beijing to stop playing games in Pakistans company.
Doklam defused. Dragon gives in to Doklam diplomacy. Doklam standoff ends  screamed the Indian media headlines on August 29. So does one now go by the euphoric, ecstatic rejoicing by a few, and assume that all is sugar and honey between Delhi and Beijing; and hereinafter the two Asian neighbours live happily to eternity?

That all border disputes would vanish into the vortex of history? All papers, documents, the agreed minutes of various bilateral/multilateral talks, meetings, treaties, understanding and conference would infuse a new lease of life? The unresolved point, however, still stands where it stood  Doklam was not a bilateral Sino-Indian issue before June 2017; if anything it was a bilateral issue between Thimphu and Beijing. But its sudden transformation into a trilateral Sino-Bhutanese-Indian issue has enlarged the old canvas of Sino-Indian (bilateral) border dispute. Thus, Doklam offers an unexpected new opportunity to both China and India to make a fresh approach in their next bilateral border dialogue. They could revisit all past diplomatic or extra-diplomatic activities that started in the 20th century.

Its important to remember that the fundamental point around which the Sino-Indian bilateral issue revolves is not political, ideological, economic or commerce. It is entirely the question of territory or land  boundary delineation and demarcation. Thus, going beyond post-Doklam, it is essential to probe what led to Doklam  wherein lies the crux of the territorial/land dispute in the Himalayans. Like the Himalayan ranges, the issues linked to the geography thereof constitute problems which are complex and knotty; with dramatis personae, which may not be akin to the black and white bilateral diplomacy of small nations of Europe or those of Greek city states with few a hundred sq. km. area with a few thousand inhabitants.

While the Himalayan terrain delineation, delimitation or division today appears to concern only China and India, it was not so before 1947. It was not then a bilateral but a quadrilateral issue, imvolving the British, Tibetans, Chinese and Indians. From 1947 to 1949, when it should have been a bilateral matter, it was China that unilaterally and illegally forced itself upon the Pakistan Army to convert Jammu and Kashmir from an India-Pakistan bilateral matter into a trilateral one, involving China, by entering J&Ks Gilgit-Baltistan region, illegally occupied by Pakistan. Having done so, theres no way China can now come out of the impasse created by its own past actions and claim Doklam as a bilateral issue.

The bottomline of the present dispute is that both China and India are, and were, not the creators of the border imbroglio. If China thus claims that the McMahon Line is unacceptable to Beijing as it was signed by Tibet and not China, then the Chinese must accept that the 1890 treaty which Beijing refers to, pertaining to Doklam, following the same logic, cant be acceptable to India as it was signed by the British and not by India or Indians. The British certainly were not legitimate rulers of the people of India. They were illegitimate rulers. If the Chinese logic claims that Tibet couldnt have signed for Beijing at the Simla Conference in 1914, India too can counter-argue that the illegal British occupiers could not have done it on behalf of India. Again, as China does not accept any treaty signed during their inglorious days till 1949, the same formula would apply equally to the contemporary Indian claim, even though belated, that they too werent at the high table of several treaties signed prior to 1947 by the British, which went against the interest of Indians then, and the Republic of India now.

There certainly cant be two different formulas to settle border disputes. One, for Chinese glory, honour, convenience and advantage; and another for Indias humiliation, disgrace, inconvenience and territory loss. As a test case, see what Neville Maxwell says in Indias China War. Maxwell, a London Times reporter, writes on the basis of so-called top secret reports leaked to him by a few treacherous Indians who were never caught or punished. Understandably, Maxwell produces magnum opus, based solely on Indian documents, and this one-sourced history becomes the authentic version for the world. (He had no access to any Chinese papers, nor does he know Chinese.) Welcome to this brave new world! Thus the 1914 Simla Conference is referred to as diplomatic hugger-mugger. Why? Because there were two participants (London and Lhasa)  which was meant to be a tripartite conference (including Beijing)  openly signing a secret declaration; with one text of a draft convention initialled by all three parties (Lhasa, London, Beijing); another initialled by two (Lhasa, London), and a map initialled by all three (Lhasa, London, Beijing). Note. The fourth party, India, is just not there. The irony here, of course, is that Beijing was present in two out of three places, yet it blames the British. It has never been said by anyone, till date, that Simla should have been quadrilateral, with an Indian presence too. If the British were unacceptable to China in 1914, then British were more than unacceptable to India, and much more than before, even today. India thus should not accept any treaty, conference or convention signed by the British during their forced rule over India. Hence any, or every past bilateral or trilateral matter, which did not have at least the token presence of an Indian, must be annulled at once on the sole ground of their illegitimate status. Thus British-made treaties with non-South Asian countries, beyond the Himalayas, which create friction and pose a threat, should be deemed ultra vires of Indias sovereign international status and position.

It is therefore time to start afresh. If India could start afresh with the November 8, 2016 demonetisation, theres no reason not to experiment with a fresh bilateral with China, where Beijing should also reciprocate with all sincerity. For the sake of an Asian century, China must discard its present perceived anti-India policy and start afresh. The United States dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945; today the two are the closest of allies. The British, French, Americans and the Soviets were at war with Germany in the 1940s; today Germany is an intrinsic part of the Western alliance, and Moscow too is not its enemy. Doklam has given Beijing and New Delhi a chance to resolve thir territorial dispute out of the box. They should grab it, and look ahead, on the basis of the mutual humiliation they have faced at the hands of the West.
Some years ago, the venerable Keshub Mahindra, one of the proponents of the reviled Bombay Club, revealed to me how gentleman industrialists of India Inc sat in Oberois Belvedre Club in August 1991 to discuss how to petition the government on the rising heft of MNCs who would inundate India with their cheaper goods and kill domestic industry. In the first flush of the unfettering of the command economy, liberalisation was a dirty word for Indian industry. The underlying anodyne fear over how MNCs would sweep them away with their financial firepower, making them form a conglomeration of forces. They petitioned then finance minister Manmohan Singh on November 10, 1993, saying while they welcomed competition in the market, they urged the government to take steps to enable them [Indian businesses] to play their rightful role in the industrial development of the country. One of the sharp waiters serving this elite group leaked the story to the media, which then went to town on how India Inc wanted protectionist barriers set up in their battle with the firangs. Its another matter that Indian industry became more competitive and agile in the years ahead, to not just survive but thrive. Socialism, swadeshi, insularity and inward-looking  synonyms which could be used interchangably. How dare anyone equate swadeshi with socialism? After all, one is a dogma and the other a boilerplate of economic nationalism. Bottomline, they all reflect a mindset which is backward. Its orientation, origins and template going deep into a concentric circle called narrow-mindedness. After all, India remains capital, energy, infrastructure and power-deficit. Policy stasis of different kinds continue to impede its progress.

It has to open up, yet it has chosen not to. It remains illiberal and suspicious of foreigners and foreign capital. For a country which was invaded and ruled by foreigners till 1947, this is a remarkable metamorphosis. Perhaps this rigidity stems from this being ruled and colonised credo dominant over centuries in this country. That is why this inherent reservation and scepticism, a lingering doubt that eats innards, like an ulcer, it leaves you in discomfort. So, batten down the hatches roll out the mattresses and be defensive. For UPA, there was a default mechanism which crept into their thinking after returning to power with 206 seats in 2009, the setting signalled a return to its socialist moorings. For the BJP, a right-wing, muscular nationalism-practising party, the default mechanism is swadeshi  be Indian, buy Indian  a clarion call first given by Mahatma Gandhi against the British Raj. Neo-swadeshi rooted in age-old canons, an extension of the Gandhi-inspired phenomenon which swept India. Economics tells you that market forces determine and discover pricing. That is the only way if the true potentiality of the axis of commerce needs to be exploited. Instead of being progressive, what does India choose to do? It opts to hound you with retrospective, retrograde and regressive taxes. This cuts across party lines. It goes beyond the pale because at heart we are all Luddites. The latest instance is an offshoot of the Doklam crisis  boycott Chinese products, goods and imports; as articulated by the Swadeshi Jagaran Manchs S. Gurumurthy and the Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolans K. Govindacharya. India has imposed anti-dumping duties on 93 products like chemicals, machinery, steel and other metals, fibres, yarn, rubber, plastic, electrical items, electronics and consumer goods imported from China.

Another 40 cases relating to imports from China have been initiated by the Directorate-General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD). Protectionist policies are good for they are probably wreaking havoc on Indian-made products, but free market economics avers that let competition be the only whetstone to decide who the winner is. Sometime in August 2012, late attorney-general Goolam E. Vahanvati, Indias highest law officer, opened a brand new front. He argued India can raise a demand on Hong Kong-based Hutchison as it was liable to pay tax on the sale of its Indian assets to the UKs Vodafone Group in 2007  India could legally send a notice to Hutchison, which exited the country in 2007, after selling its operations to Vodafone for over $11 billion. Ultimately, the tax has to be paid by either of the two companies, or both. The government doesnt quite care, but legally a notice can be served on Hutchison  the argument went. The ghost returned last week. In a bizarre move, the income-tax department sought Rs 32,230 crores in tax, interest and penalty from Hong Kong-based Hutchison for alleged capital gains on the $11 billion deal for sale of its mobile business in India to the UKs Vodafone Group in 2007. In a regulatory filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange, CK Hutchison Holdings said its unit Hutchison Telecommunications International had been served with a tax demand of about Rs 7,900 crores, along with interest of Rs 16,430 crores and penalty of Rs 7,900 crores. The company, of course has disputed this claim. This is the first time that the I-T department has raised a tax demand on the Hong Kong firm. So far, it insisted on tax payment from Vodafone. It may be noted that the tax department had earlier offered companies locked in tax disputes to settle the issues, but none of the top firms came forward.

They preferred to challenge the tax demand in international arbitration tribunals. So if you cant get Vodafone, which has taken you to arbitration, open a spanking new front and target the other party to the transaction, but wake up to that reality a decade later. Meanwhile, swadeshi protagonists like Govindacharya, S. Gurumurthy and Baba Ramdev are ratcheting up the pitch on the old bogey of economic nationalism. My view on economic nationalism is become strong like the chaebol in South Korea or the zaibatsu in Japan and manufacture world-class products. Produce them with the best cost efficiencies and flood the world. That is an economic model India should pursue, become a global hub of Indian-manufactured products and export them. It could be an automobile or a two-wheeler or a handset. Today we have Hero Motocorp as a shining example of Indian manufacturing  on the Delhi-Jaipur expressway it has three manufacturing plants and its assembly lines are churning out 678,797 two-wheelers (in August alone, the highest-ever monthly sales recorded). Another Indian iconic bike maker Royal Enfield sold 67,977 units in August 2017, compared to 55,721 units in August 2016. Its going toe to toe with Harley Davidson worldwide. But wait, both are a part of a competitive set which includes Honda, Heros erstwhile partner, and their numbers for August are staggering. It sold 622,180 units last month, creeping up on Hero and besting Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor. Now this is a function of competitive and free market forces. Shuttering yourself will not help. Nor will policy flips-flops like the ones on luxury cars and SUVs where anomalies were detected  that prices actually went down after GST kicked in, so levy a cess making it prohibitive to buy them (53 per cent). Then luxury cars become a homologous unit where the Toyota Etios, Honda City, Maruti Ciaz and similar vehicles are mistakenly seen as luxury cars due to their 4m-plus length and over 1500cc engine capacity. There is no logic or rationale in such a move. Economic activity moves on wheels, the more cars we sell, the deeper will be the tax collections under GST. Dont raise these old bogies now, for if you want the world to perceive you as a genuine free market economy, the law of supply and demand, rather than a Central government, should regulate production and labour. Companies sell goods and services at the highest price consumers are willing to pay, while workers demand the highest wages companies are willing to pay. We are a far cry from that.
Billionaire technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has again expressed his concerns over the race to develop artificial intelligence, claiming it is most likely to cause World War 3.

China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

The Tesla founders comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the nation which controls the artificial intelligence will come to rule the word. Opposing his idea, Musk took to Twitter and wrote: China, Russia  soon all countries with strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3.

Musk added that the nation needs to be more worried about addressing killer robots than Kim Jong Uns North Korean regime, which escalated tensions across the globe when it claimed to have tested a new nuclear missile. He believes the dangers of artificial intelligence pose vastly more risk than the apparent of North Koreas nuclear capabilities. If you're not concerned about AI safety, you should be. Vastly more risk than North Korea, wrote in a Twitter post last month.

In the recent thread of tweets, Musk spoke out his fears about artificial intelligence in the future. He claimed that it may be actually the AI itself that launches the World War 3.

[WW3] May be initiated not by the country leaders, but one of the AIs, if it decides that a pre-emptive strike is most probable path to victory, Musk added.

Musks fear of AI warfare in public statement has been drawing attention since a long time now. Last month, Musk led more than 100 robotics and AI leaders in calling for the United Nations to take action against the lethal autonomous weapons.

Once developed, lethal autonomous weapons will permit armed conflict to be fought at a scale greater than ever, and at timescales faster than humans can comprehend, the letter read. These can be weapons of terror, weapons that despots and terrorists use against innocent populations, and weapons hacked to behave in undesirable ways. We do not have long to act. Once this Pandoras box is opened, it will be hard to close.

And Musk is not alone, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and renowned physicist Stephen Hawking have also warned of the threats AI pose to mankind. However, on the contrary, Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet Larry Page believes AI could help mankind and should be allowed to do so. On the other hand, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerber, criticised Musks scepticism about AI as pretty irresponsible. With AI especially, I'm really optimistic, Zuckerberg had said.

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MEDINA  Around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, a semi pulled into Diamond W Feeds and started unloading.

Thats some of our first product, manager Kenny Hoffer said.

The delivery was a big deal for a feed store that hasnt been able to make feed in its own location for nearly a year.

On Oct. 16, 2016, a fire destroyed most of the feed stores buildings at the old grain elevator in Medina. Since then, feed for Diamond W customers has been made at other Purina locations in the area. Staff from Diamond W have brought semi loads back to Medina before heading out for customer deliveries in the companys more than 125-mile service area.

It was a long winter and spring, Hoffer said. But that all should be done now.

Malard Elevator Construction of Hazelton, is finishing a $1.2 million project that will have Diamond W Feeds back up and running.

Diamond W is a partnership among Hoffer, and Terry, Tracy and Marvin Wanzek. The feed company opened in 2003 in the former Medina Farmers Union Grain Company. It covers a large footprint, delivering feed west to Dickinson, south to McIntosh, S.D., and east past Valley City, Hoffer said. Diamond W also grinds and delivers semi loads of feed to seven other Purina locations stretching into eastern Montana.

Hoffer said Diamond W struggled all winter and spring to keep up with the needs of its feed customers, but they were willing to put on the extra miles to keep the business. He expected to start up the new grinder, which will grind 50 tons an hour  double the old grinder, late last week.

Hoffer said the new facility was built for expansion, adding bin capacity as well as providing more bins in which to hold different rations and different input products. Theyll be able to store 110,000 bushels of corn in two old bins that werent lost in the fire, and theyll have eight or nine bins for other inputs. On the outgoing side, there will be five or six 4,000-bushel bins to hold various products.

Were trying to look into the future, he said.

New rations may include horse products as well as additional sheep and lamb rations, supplements and feedlot products, he said.

There are rumors that maybe down the road there might be a pelleting plant being added to this location, Hoffer said. While there is nothing in writing, Diamond W left room to the east of its new building in case that comes to be.

After the fire, plenty of other communities offered space for Diamond W, Hoffer said. But staying put and rebuilding in Medina made the most sense. The company employs six full-time employees, all local. Two 55,000-bushel bins, which will be incorporated into the new system, and a Quonset didnt burn in the fire. Plus, the Corn Belt begins around Medina and gets heavier to the east, while more cattle are fed toward the west, making Medina an ideal location for processing and hauling, he said.

(We want to) thank the town of Medina for support. And all of the customers have been very patient with us, Hoffer said. Were ready to rock n roll.
EU Commissioner of Competition Margrethe Vestager hit Google with the mega fine in June 2017 for illegally favouring its shopping service in search results. (Photo:AFP)

Europe's anti-trust chief Margrethe Vestager on Monday said Google's proposals to comply with an EU order to modify its shopping service pointed in the "right direction".

"It is less than a week since we got the letter so we have to go a bit more in depth before we can say anything," Vestager told AFP just months after slapping Google with a record 2.4-billion-euro ($2.8-billion) fine over the issue.

"But so far from the look of it... there are things that point in the very right direction," she said.

Hard-charging Vestager, a former Danish finance minister, hit Google with the mega fine in June for illegally favouring its shopping service in search results.

Google, which was given 90 days to comply or face further fines, submitted details of its offer to the EU last week, which Vestager said her teams were carefully evaluating.

"We are in the process to see if they are sort of on the right track, but we do not approve it before they go ahead," Vestager told AFP during an interview at her office at EU headquarters.

"It is for Google to take their responsibility to comply," she said.

The fine over Google Shopping broke the previous European Union record for a monopoly case against US chipmaker Intel of 1.06 billion euros in 2009 and made the EU the global leader in regulating Silicon Valley giants.

Brussels accuses Google of giving its own service too much priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services, such as TripAdvisor and Expedia.

The verdict came less than a year after Vestager shocked Washington and the world with an order that iPhone manufacturer Apple repay 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland -- against Dublin's wishes.

Vestager insisted that the issue "will not delay anything" in a separate case over Google's Android mobile operating system.

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South Korea's Hyunmoo II Missile system fire missiles during the combined military exercise between the US and South Korea against North Korea (Photo: AP)

Seoul: South Korean warships conducted live-fire exercises at sea Tuesday as Seoul continued its displays of military capability following US warnings of a "massive military response" after North Korea detonated its largest-ever nuclear test explosion.

South Korea's presidential office also said Washington and Seoul have agreed to remove bilaterally agreed warhead restrictions on South Korean missiles, which would allow the South to develop more powerful weapons that would boost its pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North.

The South's military exercises on Monday involved F-15 fighter jets and land-based ballistic missiles simulating an attack on North Korea's nuclear test site to "strongly warn" Pyongyang over the recent detonation.

The heated words from the United States and the military maneuvers in South Korea are becoming familiar responses to North Korea's rapid, as-yet unchecked pursuit of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can strike the United States. The most recent, and perhaps most dramatic, advance came Sunday in an underground test of what leader Kim Jong Un's government claimed was a hydrogen bomb, the North's sixth nuclear test since 2006.

The UN Security Council held its second emergency meeting about North Korea in a week on Monday, with US Ambassador Nikki Haley saiding the North's actions show that Kim is "begging for war," and the time has come for the Security Council to adopt the strongest diplomatic measures.

"Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," Haley said.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles while it pursues a so-called "kill chain" pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat.

Since the late 1970s, South Korean missile developments have been limited by a bilateral "guideline" between the US and South, and it was updated in 2012 to allow the South to increase the range of its weapons from 500 kilometers (310 miles) to 800 kilometers (497 miles).

The agreement revealed Tuesday removes the 500-kilogram (1,100 pound) warhead limit on South Korea's maximum-range missiles, which would free the South to develop more powerful weapons potentially targeting the North's underground facilities and shelters.

In addition to expanding its missile arsenal, South Korea is also strengthening its missile defense, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery currently deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju.

On Tuesday, a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in drills off the eastern coast aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean provocations, the Defense Ministry said. The ministry said more naval drills are planned from Wednesday to Saturday in the country's southern seas.

The ministry said on Monday that North Korea appeared to be planning a future missile launch, possibly of an ICBM, to show off its claimed ability to target the United States with nuclear weapons, though it was unclear when such a launch might happen. Ministry official Chang Kyung-soo told lawmakers that it was seeing preparations in the North for an ICBM test but didn't provide details about how officials had reached that assessment. Chang also said the yield from the latest nuclear detonation appeared to be about 50 kilotons, which would mark a "significant increase" from North Korea's past nuclear tests.

Each new North Korean missile and nuclear test gives the country's scientists invaluable information that allows big jumps in capability. North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs.

Both diplomacy and severe sanctions have failed to check the North's decades-long march to nuclear mastery.

President Donald Trump, asked in Washington if he would attack North Korea, said, "We'll see." No US military action appeared imminent, and the immediate focus appeared to be on ratcheting up economic penalties, which have had little effect thus far.

Trump in tweets earlier had threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with North Korea, a clear warning to its patron and closest ally, China. Such a move would be radical since the US imports about $40 billion in goods a month from China. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China regarded as "unacceptable a situation in which on the one hand we work to resolve this issue peacefully but on the other hand our own interests are subject to sanctions and jeopardized. This is neither objective nor fair."

In brief remarks after a White House meeting with Trump and other national security officials, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that America does not seek the "total annihilation" of North Korea, but then added somberly, "We have many options to do so."

Mattis also said the international community is unified in demanding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and that Kim should know Washington's commitment to Japan and South Korea is unshakeable.

Sunday's detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs. The North saids its missile development is part of a defensive effort to build a viable nuclear deterrent that can target US cities.

North Korea has made a stunning jump in progress in its nuclear and missile programs since Kim rose to power following his father's death in late 2011. The North followed its two tests of Hwasong-14 ICBMs, which, when perfected, could target large parts of the United States, by threatening to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12 intermediate range missiles toward the US Pacific island territory of Guam in August.

It flew a Hwasong-12 over northern Japan last week, the first such overflight by a missile potentially capable of carrying nuclear weapons, in a launch Kim described as a "meaningful prelude" to containing Guam, the home of major US military facilities, and vowed to launch more ballistic missile tests targeting the Pacific.

Beyond the science of the blast, North Korea's accelerating push to field a nuclear weapon that can target all of the United States is creating political complications for the US as it seeks to balance resolve with reassurance to allies that Washington will uphold its decades-long commitment to deter nuclear attack on South Korea and Japan.

That is why some questioned Trump's jab at South Korea when he tweeted that Seoul is finding that its "talk of appeasement" will not work. The North Koreans, he added, "only understand one thing," implying military force might be required. The US has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.
Paris: A French court ruled on Tuesday that a French celebrity magazine must pay 1,00,000 euros ($1,19,000) in damages to UKs Prince William and wife Kate over topless photos of the duchess published in 2012.

The court also ordered Closer magazines editor Laurence Pieau and publisher Ernesto Mauri to each pay 45,000 euros ($53,000) in fines, the maximum possible. The couple had sought 1.5 million euros in damages and interest.

Closers lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins said he was pleased with the ruling on the damages to pay, but said the fine was exaggerated for a simple private matter.

The grainy snaps of Kate Middleton sunbathing in a bikini bottom were taken while she was on holiday in September 2012 in the south of France with her husband.
Dhaka: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations including Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after nearly 125,000 of them fled to Bangladesh.

Indonesian foreign minister met the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Monday to call on Myanmar to halt the bloodshed. The minister, Retno Marsudi, was due in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term, Retno said after her meetings in the Myanmar capital.

The latest violence in Myanmars northwestern Rakhine state began on August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

The treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmars roughly 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya, is the biggest challenge facing Suu Kyi, who has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against terrorists responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blamed Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths but rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force Rohingya out with a campaign of arson and killings.

Indonesia is taking the lead on this and ultimately there is a possibility of ASEAN countries joining in, H.T. Imam, political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters, referring to the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, of which both Myanmar and Indonesia are members.

If we can keep the pressure on Myanmar from ASEAN, from India as well, that will be good.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to Myanmar later on Tuesday, during which he is due to meet top officials, including Suu Kyi.

PM Modi is going there and our foreign secretary has already briefed the foreign secretary of India on this. If international conscience is awakened then that would put pressure on Myanmar, said H.T. Imam.

The latest estimate of the number of people who have crossed the border into Bangladesh since Aug. 25, based on calculations by U.N. workers on the Bangladeshi side, is 123,600.

That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October, when Rohingya insurgents staged much smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counteroffensive and sending about 87,000 people fleeing into Bangladesh.

The new arrivals - many sick or wounded with burns or bullet wounds - have strained aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims and urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take immediate and effective action to bring an end to all human-rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population.

Pakistan is home to a large Rohingya community.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, on Monday called on Suu Kyi to condemn the shameful treatment of the Rohingya, saying the world is waiting for her to speak out.
Kathmandu: Nepals Parliament has endorsed an electoral law for upcoming elections to the federal and provincial council which bars people involved in corruption and criminal offences to stand as candidates.

The bill was endorsed by holding three rounds of meetings.

Lawmakers of the ruling Nepali Congress demanded flexibility over the provision, but allowed the bill to be presented in Parliament.

Home affairs minister Janardan Sharma, while presenting the bill concerning elections in province and federal councils, briefed Parliament over questions raised about the provisions.

The provisions included in this bill are also mentioned in previously passed bills by this Parliament. The concerns over the threshold and other provisions do not tend to bar the political parties but to manage and help the functioning of Parliament and improve the participation and representation, Sharma said.

The newly endorsed bill bars a person, accused of corruption, rape, extortion, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and property purification, misusing passport, kidnapping or moral turpitude or any other kind of criminal offence, from contesting election.

None of the candidates, who faced punishment over aforementioned offences and one spent more than 20 years of imprisonment over various issues, are said to be illegible to stand as candidate in the election.

The new bill has also fixed the threshold for the parties to win the seat. A candidate, who fights for proportional seat in the House of Representatives, should acquire at least 3% of the votes cast to acquire a seat in the Provincial Assembly.

But the new electoral law ruled out the provision of No Vote or vote to reject, breaching the ruling by the Supreme Court.

Nepal is set to hold two rounds of provincial and federal elections in November and December this year, a new test towards the implementation of the new Constitution promulgated in 2015.
Islamabad: Over 500,000 Pakistanis have been deported from 134 countries, including countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India and China, in the last five years, according to a media report today.

While it is commonplace for Pakistanis to be deported from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and a number of European Union member states, many smaller and lesser-known countries have also booted Pakistani nationals for a number of reasons, the Express Tribune reported.

Some of the places where Pakistani nationals were kicked out from are countries like Laos, Togo, Port Louis, Liberia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Burundi, Madagascar, Malawi, Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Mozambique, Angola, and Ethiopia.

In response to a question put forward by Senator Jehanzeb Jamaldini, the Interior Ministry placed before the Senate a list of countries from which Pakistanis have been deported and their annual breakdown from January, 2012 till June, 2017.

Of the 544,105 Pakistanis deported, 71,723 were expelled in 2012; 79,539 in 2013; 78,409 in 2014; 116,185 in 2015; 111,084 in 2016; and 87,165 in just the first six months of 2017.

Saudi Arabia topped the overall list, followed by the UAE, Oman, Malaysia, the UK, Turkey, and Greece.

India deported 12 Pakistanis in 2012; six in 2013; 13 in 2014; 10 in 2015; five in 2016; and three by June this year.

China deported 240 Pakistanis. Of these 26 were in 2012; 39 in 2013; 36 in 2014; 46 in 2015; 80 in 2016; and 13 by June this year.

The Interior Ministry started tabulating reasons for deportations from 2014.

Overstaying visas, lost passports, passport retained by visa sponsors or employers, illegal immigration, entry refused, and other illegal entries are the most common of the over 115 reasons for which these people were sent back home by the authorities of these countries.

Data placed before the Senate shows an 280,052 Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia.

In 2012, a total of 17,369 Pakistanis were deported from the kingdom in 2012; another 33,351 in 2013; followed by 45,456 in 2014; 61,404 in 2015; and 57,784 in 2016.

The record from 2015 has already been broken this year, as 64,689 have been deported from January to June 2017.

The UAE did the second-most deportations  10,235 in 2012; 9,597 in 2013; 8,434 in 2014; 8,690 in 2015; and 9,987 in 2016.

The Emirates had deported 5,115 Pakistanis by June 30 this year.

Oman was third, having sent home a total of 20,416 Pakistani nationals during this period.

It was followed by Malaysia, which deported 16,124 Pakistanis in this period.

The UK deported 13,700 and Turkey 9,776 Pakistani nationals during this period.

Among non-Brexit EU countries, Greece tops the list with 16,591 Pakistani deportees, followed by Italy with 887, Germany with 815, France with 798, Spain with 408, Belgium with 315, Norway with 265, and Austria with 248 deportees from January 2012 till June, 2017.

Other notable European deporting states were Sweden with 98, the Netherlands with 123, Bulgaria with 165, Cyprus with 316, Romania with 145, and Switzerland with 58 Pakistanis deported during this period.

The US deported 832 Pakistanis, while Canada sent home 337.

Interestingly, Pakistanis were also deported from war- torn countries in the Middle East.

Iraq deported 27 Pakistanis in 2012; 85 in 2013; 79 in 2014; 102 in 2015; 121 in 2016; and another 90 till June this year.

Yemen deported 16 each in 2012 and 2013; seven in 2014; 49 in 2015; and seven by June of this year.

Syria deported 33 Pakistani nationals, all of them in 2012.

Libya deported 50 Pakistanis in 2012; 59 in 2013; 129 in 2014; 48 in 2015; one in 2016 and four by June this year.

Iran deported 10,346 Pakistanis in 2012, followed by 6,358 in 2013, declining sharply to 50 in 2014; 71 in 2015; 78 in 2016; and 50 by June this year.

Meanwhile, western neighbour Afghanistan deported a total of 32 Pakistanis  one each in 2012 and 2013; 29 in 2014; and one in 2016.
India is likely to tread cautiously on the issue of violence against Rohingyas in Rakhine State of Myanmar during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the neighbouring country.





Modi, who will commence his visit to Nay Pyi Daw on Tuesday, will be the first foreign leader to meet Myanmar's State Counsellor or de-facto head of government Aung San Suu Kyi after she drew flak from around the world in the wake of the recent military crackdown on Rohingyas in Rakhine State of her country.





With Modi's Government in New Delhi itself signalling its plan to deport Rohingyas illegally taking shelter in India, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Monday reminded it of its international obligations and nudged it not to send back the persecuted people to same place where they were displaced from and could still face danger.





Prime Minister is visiting Myanmar at a time when the security forces of the neighbouring country have been accused of committing atrocities against Rohingyas while carrying out an offensive against insurgents of rebel Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in its northwestern Rakhine State.





The military crackdown started after the rebels killed 12 security personnel on August 25. Several human rights organizatioins alleged that nearly 400 Rohingya Muslims  mostly civilians  have been killed and a large number of villages were burnt down by the armed forced of Myanmar over the past few days. This resulted in an exodus of Rohingyas from Myanmar and the United Nations on Monday said nearly 87000 people of the community had so far crossed over to neighbouring Bangladesh.





The minority Rohingyas have since been victims of persecution in the Rakhine State, where Buddhists constitute the majority. They have been denied citizenship and most of them have been stateless, despite living for generations in Myanmar.





Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for leading the people's movement against the military junta in Myanmar, however, was criticized for failing to end atrocities against Rohingyas although her National League for Democracy now runs the government after winning the November 2015 elections.





Her posts in social media on the recent violence in Rakhine State were also accused to be biased against the Rohingyas. She was called upon by Malala Yousafzai, another Nobel Peace Laureate and education activist, on Tuesday to condemn the violence against Rohingyas.





Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, expressed his deep concern over reports of excesses during the security operations conducted by Myanmar's security forces in Rakhine State. He called for restraint and calm to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Indonesian President Joko Widodo also said that violence against Rohingyas in Rakhine should end immediately. Widodo sent his foreign minister Retno Marsudi to Nay Pyi Daw to discuss the situation with Suu Kyi and other leaders of Myanmar. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan too condemned the violence against Rohingyas and called up leaders of several other nations to discuss the issue.





Though Suu Kyi and the government led by her have come under renewed pressure to stop the violence against Rohingyas, Modi is unlikely to embarrass his hosts in Nay Pyi Daw.





New Delhi is rather relying on Myanmar Government's assurance that it is giving very careful and positive consideration to the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, which was headed by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.





We will be discussing (during Prime Minister's visit) how India can help them in addressing the situation that is prevailing in the state (Rakhine), said Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh-Myanmar) at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in New Delhi.





India has been focussing on encouraging Myanmar Government to find ways of stimulating socio-economic development in the Rakhine State.





We have also tried to focus some of our own direct developmental work by activities in the (Rakhine) State, as you know the Kaladan Multi Modal Transport Transit Project actually commences in the Rakhine State, Ranghathan told journalists in New Delhi. We are very confident that once that complete corridor is functional, there will be a positive impact on the situation in the state and we will continue to work with the Government of Myanmar to see how much more we can do to support this.





The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Transit Project is being funded by Government of India. It is aimed at linking Mizoram state in northeast India to the Bay of Bengal through Chin and Rakhine State of Myanmar. The project consists of a new jetty in Sittwe Port in Rakhine State, an inland water transport corridor to Paletwa in southern Chin State and a highway from Paletwa to India-Myanmar border. If completed, the project could significantly improve connectivity in the area, and possibly improve Rakhines access to markets in India, Annan-led panel wrote about the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Transit Project in its report.





The Sittwe Port, the Inland Water Transport terminals at Sittwe and Paletwa, back-up facilities and navigational channel have already been completed. All the six self-propelled Inland Water Transport vessels are also ready. The work on road component has begun and is targeted to be finished in three years. Certain additional waterway works are scheduled for completion by April 2019, Minister of State for External Affairs, V K Singh, has informed Parliament in response to a question on July 26.





Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, had early last month told Parliament that the Government had initiated moves to identify and deport illegal immigrants, including the Rohingyas. This prompted many human rights organizations express concerns over fate of the Rohingyas refugees in India, mostly in camps in Delhi, Hyderbad and Jammu.





The UNHCR's office in New Delhi on Monday said that around 16, 500 Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers registered with the agency were living in India. The UNHCR appreciates the protection afforded by India to this group and notes the countrys long proud history of solidarity with people fleeing violence, it said in response to a query from the DH.





India is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. The UNHCR, however, stated that the principle of non-refoulement (or not sending back refugees to a place where they face danger) was considered part of customary international law and therefore binding on all states whether they have signed the Refugee Convention or not.





In addition, it reminded, India is party to major international human rights instruments such as International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Putting behind the Dokalam standoff, India and China today agreed to move forward in their ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he wants to put the relationship on the "right track".



Days after the prolonged standoff in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector was defused, the two leaders held an hour- long meeting which Modi described as "fruitful".



During their meeting here, the two leaders agreed that the two countries should make more efforts, including strengthening cooperation between their security personnel, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.



"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," Modi tweeted after meeting Xi.



Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the approach was "forward-looking" during the "constructive" meeting in which it was reaffirmed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a pre-requisite for the development of India-China relations.



Asked if both the countries have left behind the Dokalam episode, he said, "It was a forward-looking conversation...and not a backward-looking one."



prime minister Modi and president Xi talked about inter- governmental mechanisms such as joint economic group, security group and strategic group which can help both countries move forward, Jaishankar said.



The two leaders also emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding that it was felt that "the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently does not recur."



Jaishankar said it was natural between two neighbours or large powers to have differences but they should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find common ground in addressing them.





He said that there was a reaffirmation of the Astana spirit that the two sides will not allow differences to become disputes.



There was a very strong affirmation at the leadership level that it is in the interest of both the countries to keep this relationship on an upward trajectory, the foreign secretary said.

In his initial remarks during the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on hosting a "very successful" BRICS Summit, saying that the conference was a success in making the grouping more relevant in a fast-changing world.



Xi told Modi that, "China would like to work with India to uphold the five principles of peaceful coexistence (Panchsheel), advance political mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation and move forward the development of bilateral relations along the right track," according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.



Geng, while briefing reporters in Beijing, said that during the meeting, "President Xi stressed that China and India are each others' opportunities not threats."



"We hope India can view China's development in a correct and rational way," Geng quoted Xi as saying.



Asked whether the recent standoff at Dokalam figured in the talks, Geng said, "Xi pointed out that China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas."



The Modi-Xi meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area.



The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.



On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.

Geng, in his remarks said, "As far as I know, Prime Minister Modi agreed that the two sides should work together to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas."



During the meeting, Xi told Modi that if the bilateral relationship can grow in a sound and steady way it would serve the interests of the two countries and also serve the joint aspirations of the region, according to Geng.



"Xi stressed that China and India are each other's important neighbours and two important markets and emerging countries," Geng said.



The Chinese President said that "in recent years the two sides reached wide consensus on developing bilateral relations including strengthening partnership. The two sides have been moving forward and making headway upholding this principle," according to Geng.



Geng quoted Xi as telling Modi that, "We need to show to the world that the peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the only right choice between the two countries. The two countries should shelve differences and seek common ground and together ensure peace and tranquillity at the borders."



Xi also called for alignment of strategies to expand economic cooperation.



"On the economic and social development, the two countries have great potential for cooperation which should see greater synergy in strategy alignment, expand cooperation in infrastructure connectivity as well as international affairs," the Chinese president said.



"Together we can move the international order in a more equitable and reasonable way," Xi told Modi, according to Geng.



"China would like to work with BRICS countries to implement the outcomes of the BRICS Summit to usher in a new chapter for the BRICS cooperation," Xi said.



Modi's meeting with Xi was his last engagement here before he flew to Myanmar for his first bilateral visit.
Karpa Pungati, a resident of Juwwi village in the district, complained of vomiting and stomachache on Sunday morning following which his family members contacted the Bhamragarh rural hospital, Dr Pranay Mandal, the medical officer in charge of the hospital's emergency cell, said today.



The hospital authorities then sent an ambulance to carry the patient.



However, the vehicle could not reach the destination as the bridge, connecting Bhamragarh to Juwwi, over the nullah was not fit for travelling after it got severely damaged during the recent heavy rains, said Mandal, who was in the ambulance to attend to the patient.



Pungati's relatives and fellow villagers then carried him on a cot for around one km, crossed the nullah and later moved him into the ambulance to reach Bhamragarh, he said.



The patient passed away on Sunday evening while undergoing treatment at the hospital, Mandal said.



Later, the hospital informed about the incident to the police who registered an accidental death report (ADR), Bhamragarh police station's sub-inspector N D Mazumdar said.



The ADR has been transferred to Dhodraj police station (near Juwwi) for further investigation, he said.



According to locals, the residents of other villages in the vicinity were also facing a lot of hardships in the absence of a proper bridge over the nullah.



The doctors too were finding it difficult to reach the patients in the remote areas in case of an emergency, they said.

A 65-year-old man died despite his family and villagers making all efforts to save him by carrying him on a cot for about one km to reach an ambulance in the absence of a proper bridge over a nullah.
FARGO  A funeral for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, whose killing has prompted outpourings of grief around the region, will be this week in Fargo.

The funeral is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at First Assembly Church, 3401 25th St. S.

Thursdays service will be open to the public, a representative from Boulger Funeral Home said. The maximum capacity of First Assembly Church is unknown, but it hosts an average of about 1,200 people for services each Sunday, according to the churchs website.

LaFontaine-Greywind, 22, was born in Belcourt, N.D. on Aug. 9, 1995, and grew up in Fargo, according to the funeral homes website.

She moved to Spirit Lake in 2005 and graduated from Warwick (N.D.) High School in 2013.

She earned a certified nursing assistant license in 2014 and started working at Eventide Nursing Home in Spirit Lake before transferring to Eventide in Fargo in January 2016.

She and her boyfriend Ashton, 21, began dating her freshman year of high school, and the two were looking forward to raising a family, the obituary said.

Family was everything to Savanna, the obituary said. She loved horses, all animals, the residents that she helped, and all the children in her life. She helped raise her niece, Odessa, and nephew Shane Jr. Those kids were a huge part of her life and everything she did revolved around them. Savannas grandparents, Clarence Lafontaine and Edward Greywind were an important part of her life. All of Savannas family and Ashton will miss her tremendously.

LaFontaine-Greywind went missing from her north Fargo apartment on Saturday, Aug. 19. At the time of her disappearance, she was eight months pregnant.

On Thursday, Aug. 24, police found a baby girl in an apartment above where LaFontaine-Greywind lived with her parents. The missing womans body was found in the Red River on Sunday, Aug. 27. In the wake of her death, memorial services were held in Fargo and other nearby cities.

Brooke Lynn Crews, 38, and William Henry Hoehn, 32, who lived in the apartment where the baby was found, were arrested, and both have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping and giving false information to police.

Police have not released when or how LaFontaine-Greywind died. A preliminary autopsy report said she was a victim of a homicide. The baby found is believed to be hers, but the child was placed under the care of Cass County Social Services, while authorities await DNA confirmation.

According to her obituary, LaFontaine-Greywind is survived by her daughter, Haisley Jo; her parents, Norberta and Joe Greywind; her brothers Joe Greywind Jr. and Casey Greywind; her sister, Kayla Greywind; her grandparents Clarence and Edward; and niece and nephew, Odessa and Shane Jr.
Amid mounting pressure from the Opposition parties for conducting a floor test in the Assembly, the unified ruling AIADMK convened its crucial legislators meeting on Tuesday with 111 MLAs participating in it.



The meeting, which was also attended by AIADMK district secretaries, passed a unanimous resolution that all the supporting legislators will go by the decisions taken by the chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.



Emerging out of the party headquarters, senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries minister D Jayakumar claimed that a total of 111 MLAs have attended the meeting and it was a big victory for the party".



"All the MLAs duly signed the resolution supporting Palaniswami", the minister said adding "two MLAs could not attend the meeting due to health reasons".



Jayakumar further claimed that of the 21 MLAs, who were supporting "ousted" leader TTV Dhinakaran, nine legislators staying at a resort in Puducherry called Palaniswami on Tuesday morning and extended their support.



"Those nine MLAs could not come to the meeting since they were forced to stay in the resort", Jayakumar alleged.



According to the minister's claim altogether the united AIADMK has the support of 125 legislators with three friendly party MLAs--Karunaas, Thamimun Ansari and Thaniyarasu, who won the polls on AIADMK symbol, too extending their cooperation.



AIADMK sources also said that the meeting also discussed removing jailed VK Sasikala from the party during the general council meet, which will be held on September 12.



Meanwhile, MLAs supporting Dhinakaran said that the legislators meeting conducted by Palaniswami was against the law.



"Only party's general secretary VK Sasikala has the powers to call for the legislators meeting. Since she is in prison, the meeting should be conducted by the party deputy general secretary Dhinakaran. Therefore, the meeting organised by Palaniswami is against the party law", MLA Thangatamilselvan, the staunch supporter of Dhinakaran, said.



The AIADMK had 134 members in the Assembly (excluding the Speaker) and this had fallen to 113 without the support of the Dhinakaran faction, which consists of 21

MLAs.



To prove the majority Palaniswami government need 117 members. At this juncture, If there is a floor test conducted in the Assembly, Palaniswami government will fall short of four legislators. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats. One seat is vacant due to the death of AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa.



Of the 233 members, the DMK has 89 members, the Congress-8 and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)-1. Speaker P Dhanapal can exercise his vote only in case of a tie.


The Supreme Court today said it would consider setting up a five-judge bench to hear the AAP government's appeals against the high court order holding the lieutenant governor the administrative head of Delhi.



A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar considered the submission of the Arvind-Kejriwal-led government that the Constitutional issue needed to be adjudicated upon urgently.



The bench assured senior advocates Gopal Subramanium and Indira Jaising, representing the Delhi government, that it would fix a date to hear the appeals after the bench finishes the lengthy hearing in the inter-states Cauvery water dispute.



Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, representing the Centre, said the appeals would be listed after the Diwali vacation.



On July 11, when the Delhi government approached the apex court for early adjudication of the matter, it had said this was "a very difficult an complicated problem" and would consider setting up the Constitution bench.



The Delhi government had on February 23 and April 17 approached the apex court for setting up the constitution bench.



On February 15, a bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and R K Agrawal referred the batch of pleas filed by the AAP government against the high court verdict -- which had held that Delhi is not a state and that the lieutenant governor is its administrative head -- to a Constitution bench.



The bench had said important questions of law and the Constitution were involved in the matter and it should be adjudicated upon by a Constitution Bench.



The Delhi government had on February 2 told the apex court that it has exclusive executive powers in relation to matters falling within the purview of the Legislative Assembly and the Centre, the president or the LG could not encroach upon these.



The apex court said it was correct that the elected government should have some powers, but whether it would be according to the Delhi High Court verdict or as being perceived by the Delhi government needed to be looked into.



The city government had told the bench that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), except for public order, land and police, possessed exclusive powers in relation to all other entries in state and concurrent lists.



The AAP government had said that since the law rules out the LG's discretion on all matters that fall within the purview of the elected government, there was no occasion for him to differ or have an opinion on these matters.



The apex court had on December 14 observed that the Delhi government should have some powers otherwise it cannot function while hearing the appeals of the city government.



On September 9, the apex court had refused to grant an interim stay on the verdict of the Delhi High Court of August 4 last year.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered CBI probe into the death of deputy superintendent of police M K Ganapathy on July 7, last year.



Before his death, the officer had, in Television interviews, accused Bengaluru city development minister K J George and senior officers A M Prasad and Pranab Mohanty of hounding him.



Acting on a plea by Ganapathy's father M K Kushalappa for CBI probe, a bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit said in the interest of justice, the matter should be investigated by the CBI.



"There are certain startling facts in the case. Whether it is murder or suicide, it is required to be investigated in a fair manner," the bench said.



"We are not determining the nature of the offence or who is guilty. But public confidence and societal requirement demand that the guilty persons must be reached," the bench added.



The court pointed out on that fateful day, a DySP rank officer openly accused Home Minister and two high rank officers of harassment and also said if due to this disclosure, anything happened to him, only they will be held responsible, in that circumstances, the investigation must be carried out by an independent agency.



Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Karnataka government, contended that handing over the matter to CBI would have other repercussions. He said the state can produce all relevant materials and satisfy the court about the manner of investigation.





Senior advocate A M Singhvi, who appeared for George, submitted that the deceased suffered from depression and had undergone treatments. He denied the charges made by the officers, saying there was no "spatial and temporal proximity" of the allegations made by the deceased with George.





Representing Kushalappa, senior advocate Jayant Bhushan submitted that the CID, which probed the matter, filed closure report even without awaiting the forensic report. When the deceased named former Home Minister and two senior officers, the investigation cannot be done by the state agency, he said.



During the probe, the Minister had resigned and two officers were also transferred. However, he was inducted again in the Ministry with a different portfolio.



A judicial probe by former HC judge Justice Keshavanarayan was also ordered on demand raised by the opposition leaders in Karnataka Assembly. The report from Commission of Inquiry is awaited though it has examined 45 witnesses.



Kushalappa and his other son have challenged the Karnataka HC's order of October 19, declining a plea for the CBI probe.



During the hearing, the Minister and two officers and the state government tried to cite "depression" treatment having taken by the deceased to submit that his interview to TV channel before his death should not be relied upon.



The court, however, preferred to hand over the probe to the CBI with a direction to submit investigation report within 3 months.




Rahul Gandhi is likely to be elevated as the Congress President next month after the culmination of the organisational elections currently under way across the country.



Though there is no opposition from within the party to the much-anticipated change of guard at the helm, Rahul is expected to take the election route to the post instead of being appointed by the Congress Working Committee.



Rahul will take over as Congress President after the culmination of the election process next month, a Congress leader said.



The elevation comes ahead of the year end Gujarat assembly elections, where Rahul has challenged the supremacy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah in their home state.



Rahu's leadership skills will also be put to test in Himachal Pradesh where Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has raised a banner of revolt against the state unit chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and declared that he will not contest the November assembly elections.



However, Rahul's team is expected to be a mix of the old guard and new faces as senior leaders such as Ashok Gehlot, Sushilkumar Shinde, Kamal Nath have been given key responsibilities in the organisation.



It has almost 10 months now since the Congress Working Committee urged Rahul, who was appointed as vice president in 2013, to take over the reins of the party.



The November 7 meeting last year was attended by top leaders including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former Defence Minister A K Antony among others. Congress President had skipped the CWC meeting on account of ill-health.



Organisational elections in the Congress have begun last month and according to the schedule approved by the CWC are expected to conclude by October 15.



Sonia Gandhi, who has been keeping indifferent health off late, has already withdrawn from day to day running of the organisational work and delegated most of the responsibilities to Rahul.



Sonia Gandhi has created a record by being the Congress President for nearly two decades since she assumed the post in 1998 after the ouster of Sitaram Kesari. Her term had ended in December 2015, but the CWC had been delaying internal elections which prompted the Election Commission to set a deadline of December this year to complete the process.




North Korea is "begging for war" with abusive use of missiles and nuclear threats, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, pushing for the "strongest possible measures" against Pyongyang following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.



On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called it a "perfect success", inviting worldwide condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.



Haley said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un's action cannot be seen as defensive and he wants to be acknowledged as a nuclear power. "But being a nuclear power is not about using those terrible weapons to threaten others."



"Nuclear powers understand their responsibilities. Kim Jong-Un shows no such understanding," Haley told members of the UN Security Council during a meeting on North Korea.



The Indian-origin US ambassador to the UN said that his abusive use of missiles, and his nuclear threats show that he is "begging for war".



"War is never something the US wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory," she said.



The idea that some have suggested of a so-called freeze- for-freeze is insulting, she said.

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM (Inter-continental Ballistic Missile) pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she said, adding time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis.



"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy. We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left," she said.



Haley and her counterparts from Japan, France, the UK, and the South Korea requested the emergency meeting in response to North Korea's latest nuclear test.



"To the members of the Security Council, I must say: enough is enough," she said.

British Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft said North Korea has created a deeply dangerous and unstable situation.



"The UK will work with our partners on this Council and beyond to tackle the challenge," he said.



Dialogue, he said, will always be the "end goal".



"But returning to dialogue without a serious sign of intent from Pyongyang would be a set up to failure. North Korea must change course to allow a return to dialogue. Were they to do so, the opportunity exists to end this crisis. Until that moment, we must stay the course on sanctions, and continue, as the Secretary-General has called for, to present a united front," Rycroft said.



Ambassador Koro Bessho of Japan said it was clear how belligerent and dangerous the North Korean actions were, posing a problem, not only for that country's neighbours, but the entire international community.



The sixth nuclear test had exhibited a magnitude of explosion far greater than the previous one and had raised the threat to an unprecedented level.



In that context, he stressed the need for the Council to swiftly adopt a new resolution with further robust sanction measures Firmly supporting the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi strongly urged Pyongyang to comply with international measures.



The situation on the Peninsula had deteriorated, he said, stressing that China would never allow chaos or war to erupt.





Haley told the 15-membered body that US will be circulating a draft resolution soon, with the expectation to have it passed by Monday  September 11.



The South Korean Ambassador Cho Tae-yul said the Security Council must respond to this serious provocation with the adoption of a new resolution containing much tougher measures, corresponding to the magnitude and gravity of the test.



"Now is the time to take measures that are strong and robust enough to compel North Korea to seriously engage in dialogue. The new resolution must include not only additional measures to further block funds that could possibly flow into North Korea's illegal WMD program, but also truly biting and robust measures such as cutting off crude oil and oil product supplies," he said.
With over 350 kids dying, many from an alleged shortage of oxygen, at two state hospitals in Gorakhpur and Farrukhabad within a period of one month, an embarrassed Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath, seems to have launched a cover up exercise.



UP government's ''flip-flop'' was clearly exposed on the deaths at Farrukhabad district hospital, where as many as 49 kids, many of them new born, died allegedly owing to shortage of oxygen and medicine within a span of one month, on the question of acting against the doctors.



The state government, which had, on Monday afternoon, directed for registration of FIRs against the chief medical officer (CMO) and the chief medical superintendent of the hospital after the magisterial probe revealed that the deaths were caused by shortage of oxygen and medicine, made a complete u-turn by the evening and stayed action on the FIRs.



The government rejected the report of the Farrukhabad district magistrate apparently fearing a massive loss of face after Gorakhpur tragedy after ordered his transfer. It even claimed that there was a ''deliberate attempt'' to make it ''sensational''.



Interestingly the government officials had also rejected the Gorakhpur DM probe report in the matter of death of 30 children owing allegedly to a shortage of oxygen at BRD Medical College. Then also the DM report had admitted that supply of oxygen had been disrupted at the hospital for over two hours.



Later a high-level team headed by the chief secretary probed the tragedy and its report denied that oxygen shortage had caused any death.



Now again a high-level team would probe the deaths at Farrukhabad district hospital.



The doctors at the district hospital did not attend the OPD on Tuesday in protest against registration of cases against the CMO and CMS. They have threatened to resign if the cases are not withdrawn.




A pilot and an air hostess of a private airline were booked by Jaipur police for creating nuisance at the Jaipur international airport on Sunday late night.



As per sources at the airport, an air hostess who was off duty got into a heated argument with the pilot who was standing next to the exit gate. The air-hostess was identified as Arpita, a resident of Gurgaon, and the pilot as Aditya Kumar. "Both used to work for Indigo airlines and were allegedly in a relationship. The reason behind the spat is said to be their fall out from the relationship and that too on a bad note," an employee working at the airport told DH.



According to the eye witness, air hostess slapped the pilot twice who in return slapped her. While both were quarrelling and arguing the phone of former fell and got damaged. Both were detained by the airport authorities who also informed the nearest Sanganer Police station. The CISF personnel posted at the airport informed the Sanganer police station who took them along. Both were booked under section 151 CrPC.





"We booked Indigo airlines pilot and air hostess after we received a complaint from CISF team. As per the eye witness and CISF team at the airport spat continued between the two for near about one hour. We registered a case against them under section 5,000. Now both have been released after producing a bond of Rs 5000 before a magistrate," SHO Sanganer police station Latoor Prasad told media.



After making repeated attempts to get a response from Indigo team, the airlines refused to comment on it.








It was a huge pond but for Rs. two thousand offered by his friends if he crossed it, Anil Kumar, a resident of Badka Gaon in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district, about 500 kilometres from here, accepted the challenge.



As it happened, Anil lost the bet and also his life. The tragic incident occurred on Monday.



According to the reports, four friends of Anil, who were also residents of the same village, offered to pay Anil rs. two thousand if he managed to swim across the pond, which was not only huge but also very deep.



Anil, who was said to be in an inebriated state, accepted the challenge and jumped into the pond. Though he knew how to swim, he ran out of steam midway and drowned, the police said.



The friends, instead of helping Anil, panicked and fled from there, police sources said. Locals too rushed to the spot on seeing the youth drowning in the pond but they did not gather the courage to jump into the pond.



They said that Anil's body was fished out by the divers after several hours.



Police said that Anil's three friends have been arrested and a hunt was launched to nab the fourth one, who had been absconding.



Sources said that all of them had consumed liquor on the bank of the pond. ''It was not a serious offer...it may have been made by them under the influence of the liquor,'' said a police official in Baghpat.



It would be difficult to guess if Anil would have received rs. two thousand if he had crossed the pond.




Cara Mund, Miss North Dakota 2017, was honored as a Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award finalist at the 2018 Miss America Competition in Atlantic City, N.J.

Named for Miss America 1943, the prestigious Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award finalists are chosen from qualified applicants who excel in their commitment to enhance the quality of life for others through volunteerism and community service, with emphasis on the depth of service, the creativity of the project and the significant effects upon the lives of others. Mund is the first representative from North Dakota to be named as a finalist for this award.

Mund qualified for consideration based on her work with her personal platform issue, "Make-A-Wish Passion with Fashion." Mund has partnered with Make-A-Wish North Dakota for the past 10 years to organize a fashion show which benefits North Dakota Wish Children; in those 10 years, she has raised $78,500 and granted 23 wishes for North Dakota children.

The winner of the Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award will be announced during the Preliminary Competition at Miss America 2018, and she will receive an $6,000 scholarship.

Preliminary competition for Miss America 2018 will be held Wednesday through Friday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Mund will compete in the lifestyle and fitness and evening gown phases on competition on Wednesday, the talent phase on Thursday and the on-stage question phase on Friday.

The final night of competition and crowning of Miss America 2018 will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday asked the untrained school teachers to register at 'Swayam' by September 15 and pursue an online diploma programme in teaching to become qualified for the job until March 2019.



"This is the last chance for you. If you do not acquire required qualification by 2019, you will lose your job," he said while addressing a function organised to confer national awards on the best of the school teachers of the country on the occasion of the Teachers' Day.



About 11.09 lakh untrained teachers with no basic qualification in teaching are deployed at elementary schools across the country even as the Right to Education (RTE) Act stipulates that they must have a diploma in elementary education (D El Ed) first in order to be recruited for the teaching job.



As most of the States failed to get these teachers undergo in-service training and acquire the basic qualification in teaching by March 31, 2015, the Centre recently amended the RTE Act to extend the deadline by two more years so that all untrained teachers pursue a D.EL.ED programme and get a diploma to retain their job.



HRD Minister recently announced that such teachers can consider pursuing a D El Ed programme at 'Swayam,' a platform created to conduct massive open and online degree, diploma and certificate courses online. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) will conduct the 18-month long programme.



Addressing the event, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu asked teachers to imbibe "spirit of nationalism" among school students. He also asked Javadekar to revise the school curriculum to give due importance to India's culture, heritage and value system.



He also called for keeping the atmosphere of the university campuses free from trouble. Educational institutions are temples of learning. We must not pollute their atmosphere, he said, without taking the name of any university.



The Vice President made a strong pitch for use of mother tongue in teaching-learning, saying that students should learn more than one Indian languages.



Social harmony and peace are the need of the hour. We must learn to live together. I have no problem with English. But what is this Mummy, Daddy...? Call Amma or Ammi once and then you realise that these words come out from your heart, he said.



Vice President conferred the national award on a total of 319 teachers under various categories at the function.






In a bid to avoid Dokalam-like situation, India and China today decided to make more efforts, including strong contact and cooperation between their defence personnel.



This was announced by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar after a "constructive and forward-looking" bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.



The two leaders emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding it was agreed that "the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently do not recur."



The prime minister met the Chinese leader for more than an hour during which they also talked about inter-governmental mechanism such as joint economic group, security group and strategic group which can help both countries move forward.



This was the first substantive meeting between the two leaders after the 73-day Dokalam face-off.



The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.



On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.



India and China had set up a working mechanism in 2013 to ensure peace and tranquility along the border between the two countries.



Under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), officials from the foreign ministries and militaries of both the neighbours meet periodically to resolve issues that may affect maintenance of peace along the border.



The two sides also hold sectoral commanders meeting at various border points.



India asserts that the border dispute covered nearly 4,057-km long Line of Actual Control, while China claims that it confined to about 2,000-km to the area of Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers as Southern Tibet.



In 2003, both the countries had set up the Special Representatives mechanism to resolve the boundary dispute and several rounds of talks were held since then on the vexed boundary dispute.



The Indian side is led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval while State Councillor Yang Jiechi represents China as the SR.
Following the suicide death of a 19-year old student in Madurai due to Blue Whale Challenge, Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday warned of stringent action against internet users forwarding any links related to the online game.



Stating the Russian-based online game was being spread on the internet which incite the players to inflict harms on themselves in the name of challenges and as a final challenge make the player commit suicide, the government urged public and the internet users to refrain from forwarding any online links related to this game and make someone vulnerable and any such act was illegal and will be punished as per the law.



"They are also advised not to forward any such viral messages originated without credible sources discussing this game", a communique from the State Secretariat said.



Advising the parents and teachers to observe the childrens behavior closely to identify any unusual changes, the government said ''If they find out any incidences of children playing this game they are advised to stop them from using the internet from any devices and to inform the incident to local police authorities, besides providing psychological counseling to the player through the government hospitals/NGOs.




Water returns as a major election plank in Gujarat so do joblessness as the BJP reaches out to youth and also celebrate "Narmada Utsav" with an eye on parched regions of Kutch and Saurashtra.



With unemployment, a cause of worry, BJP president Amit Shah will engage about one lakh youths through "Adig Khamb Gujarat" Town Hall at Ahmedabad on September 10. With the theme "Gujarat is committed to development", Shah will respond to queries from youths who would go live from about 100 places in the state. The party is galvanising 1000 youths at each of the stations. Apart from that, the BJP is seeking questions through social platforms and by asking them to give a missed call on a designated number -- a move leaders hope will give them feedback on government's initiatives and food for thought as well which would help the party ahead of assembly polls due later this year.



Shah had used Town Hall event for a dialogue with masses in the run up to the Uttar Pradesh elections, the proposed one at Ahemdabad is being planned at a much grand scale, a senior BJP leader stated.



A week later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate closing of Narmada Dam gates at Kevadiya which would raise the water level and help the state to wet the Kutch and Saurashtra regions that are prone to droughts. He is also expected to address people in Vadodara district as the party is gearing up to take on Congress for what it alleges creating hurdles for years on the Narmada project which forced people to remain without water.



To milk the water issue politically, 80 chariots are doing the rounds of the state to explain benefits of the Naramada project. It will conclude with the function PM will be attending along with other religious heads and leaders.



Shah has given a target of 150 seats to the party to achieve in the coming electoral battle -- a feat the BJP has never achieved even during Modi's tenure as chief minister of the state. For that, BJP chief has deployed a team of five ministers under the leadership of Arun Jaitley.




The Delhi High Court today said it was too early for Sukesh Chandrashekar, arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran, to seek bail as there were other cases pending against him.



Justice Ashutosh Kumar also raised concern over recovery of fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession during the investigation, saying it gave him access to enter any place, which was a serious security threat.



"You need to wait for sometime. There are over 21 cases on you and that too are of serious in nature. You cannot ask for bail at this point of time," the court observed orally.



It, however, asked senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, appearing for Chandrashekar, to give a list of cases against him and their status by the next date of hearing, September 8.



The court's direction came after Chandrashekar, an alleged middleman, urged the court to grant him bail on the ground that he had been in jail for over four months.



"The investigation has been completed and charge sheet was also filed in the (EC bribery) case," his counsel said, adding that other accused have been granted bail.



Chandrashekar, who was arrested on April 16, has been denied bail once by the high court and thrice by the trial court.



The high court had on June 15 rejected his bail plea on the ground that the police had seized a fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession.



A chargesheet was filed by the police before the trial court in the case on July 14 alleging that Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar had conspired to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials to get the 'two leaves' symbol for their party.



The Delhi Police Crime Branch also included in the charge sheet allegations of forgery for purpose of cheating, using forged document as genuine, possessing a forged document, intending to use it as genuine and criminal conspiracy.



Chandrashekar had moved the high court alleging that he was tortured despite an order not to subject him to violence inside the Tihar Jail where he is in custody.



The claim was denied by the jail authorities, who said it was an "afterthought of the shrewd mind of the accused".



The high court on July 24 had warned of "serious action" over the allegations of torture and said any such incident would not be tolerated.



Besides Chandrashekar and Dhinakaran, his close aide Mallikarjuna, suspected hawala operators Nathu Singh and Lalit Kumar have been granted bail.



Chandrashekar was arrested for allegedly taking money from Dhinakaran to bribe EC officials to get the AIADMK 'two leaves' symbol for the Sasikala faction in a by-election to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu.



Dhinakaran was arrested here on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe EC officials for the symbol.



His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented the constituency.



The EC had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after the two factions -- one led by Dhinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam -- staked a claim to it.



Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50 crore deal between Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar.



Dhinakaran has been accused of arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels.


The National Investigation Agency (NIA), probing terror funding to separatists and militants, Tuesday arrested two alleged ring leaders of stone pelters in south Kashmir.



The arrested have been identified as Javed Ahmad Bhat from Kulgam and Kamran Yousuf, a photo journalist from Pulwama. An NIA official while confirming the arrests said the duo was involved in stone pelting incidents besides organising groups of youths who would throw stones at security personnel during counter insurgency operations.



"Yousuf was mobilising the stone pelters and clicking their pictures for circulation in local and national newspapers. The duo was also involved in circulating the pictures and videos on social networking sites to incite violence in the Valley," he alleged.



The latest arrests come in the backdrop of reports that the premier probe agency has identified 117 suspects who allegedly used 70 Whatsapp groups to organize stone-pelting protests in the valley.



The NIA is probing alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in Kashmir Valley. The anti-terror probe agency has so far arrested seven separatist leaders, including Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani's son-in-law and a renowned Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali in the case. They were arrested on charges of receiving funds to "create unrest" in Kashmir.



The NIA has also questioned dozens of people, including Geelani's sons-Nayeem and Naseem in Delhi in its effort to unearth the scam. The probe agency also questioned Faheem Ali, a Deputy Superintendent of Police who was personal security officer of moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The NIA has also asked Kashmir Bar Association President Mian Qayoom to appear before it on Wednesday in Delhi.
Sounding the bugle for the coming Assembly polls in three north-eastern states, BJP chief Amit Shah today said he was confident its alliance NEDA would soon rule the entire region, building on the development work done by the Narendra Modi government there.



Shah chaired a strategic meeting of the six-party North- East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which was attended by the chief ministers of five states -- Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland -- from the region.



"The BJP-led NEDA is in power in five states but I am confident that in the coming days, the alliance will be in power in all the eight states in the north-eastern region," he said at the inaugural session of the NEDA conclave here.



At present, the BJP is in power in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, while its allies rule Nagaland and Sikkim.



Assembly elections are due in three non-NEDA states -- Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Elections in Tripura, where the Left is in power, will be held later this year. Congress- ruled Mizoram and Meghalaya will go to polls early next year.



He said the region was top priority for Prime Minister Modi. Development in the eight states was essential for the overall growth of the country, he added.



"The development work done by the Modi government in the last three years for the long-neglected north-eastern region is several times more than the work done by Congress-led governments in the last 65 years," Shah said.



The work had not finished but just started, he added.



Citing numerous initiatives of the Modi government for the region, Shah said a Union minister visited one of the eight states in the region every 15 days.



He termed the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh a milestone in the history of the north-east and said the government was committed to the overall development of the area.



The BJP president expressed the confidence that all eight chief ministers would be from the alliance at the next NEDA meeting.





Emphasising the importance of NEDA, he said, "It is not only a political platform but a platform to culturally unite all eight north-eastern states and increase their involvement in national affairs".



Talking to reporters, NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma later said it was confident of seeing a "Congress mukt" (Congress-free) north-east by November 2018.



Sarma, a minister in the BJP government in Assam, has been a key figure in expanding the party's footprints in the region.



Safe borders, inclusive development and national integration were on the agenda of the day-long NEDA meeting.



North-east states have used the NEDA platform to sort out boundary, law and and other disputes, Sarma said at the meeting.



The BJP-led NEDA consists of the Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front.
School teachers from Karnataka won as many as 16 national awards for their outstanding contribution to the field of teaching in the State.



Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu presented the wards to these teachers at a function organised to mark the Teachers' Day here on Tuesday. The award carried a Silver Medal, Certificate and a cheque of Rs 50, 000.



Assistant teacher Rathnamma BM got the national award from the Vice President for her contribution to increasing the enrollment in her school and checking the drop rate of the students. She is an assistant teacher at the Government Model Primary School Mayasandra, Bangalore.



She is intelligent, hardworking, honest, dutiful and a sincere teacher, a citation about Rathnamma read.



V Ashok Kumar, who teaches at the Government Lower Primary School Cinnenahalli, Srirangapatnam, in Madya district, won the national award for excellent teaching and working hard to increase the enrollment in his school.



Assistant teacher SR Achutharao from the Government Lower Primary School, Kadur, in Chikmagalur district, and M Krishnappa, head master of the Government Primary School Pulagurkote, Srinivasapur, in Kollar district also got a national award.



Other award winners from the State were Kumara HC, assistant master at the Government Lower Primary School Soppugudde, Thirthahalli, Shimoga; Diwakar Parmeshwar Hegde, assistant teacher Government Higher Primary School Neelemav, Siddapur, Uttara Kannada.



H Govindappa, a graduate assistant teacher at the Government Deaf School, Cantonment Bellary, won the national award under a special category for making an exemplary contribution to the field of teaching.



Under the secondary school category, the national awards went to Purandaranarayana Bhat K from Vidyabodhini High School, Balila, in Dakshina Kannada district; Pandit K Balure from PV High School, Ghal Borol, Hummnabad, in Bidar district; and GM Manjunatha, who is a senior teacher at Government Pre-University College High School, Srinivasapura, in Kolar district.



Sanskrit teachers Gangadhar R Bode of Kendriya Vidyalaya, 18th Cross Malleswaram, Bangalore, and Shridhar N Hegde from Kendriya Vidyalaya Rajnagar, Hubballi also received the award.



Other awardees from the State were Ramachandra G Deshpande from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Hanagal, Haveri; Murlidhar Shingri from Government High School, Karkihalli, Koppal; Gulzar I Dambal from Government High School, Thyamagondlu, Bangalore; cluster resource person Prashantha G, Kanakapura, Ramanagara district.



Vice President also launched a new web-portal, 'Diksha,' which seeks to empower teachers with teacher training resources, classroom resources. It will also share information on teacher practice, observation, assessment and evaluation tools, besides maintaining a profile of the teachers. President Ram Nath Kovind later met the awardees at Rashtrapati Bhavan.






Its the type of photo that Saudi Arabian and U.S. officials dont want you to see.

Its of a young Yemeni boy, acutely malnourished like 2 million other children in Yemen  caught up in what the United Nations calls the worlds largest humanitarian crisis.

Their suffering is largely a result of monstrous misconduct by a Saudi-led coalition that is supported by the United States and Britain. Lets be blunt: With U.S. and U.K. complicity, the Saudi government is committing war crimes.

The country is on the brink of famine, with over 60 percent of the population not knowing where their next meal will come from, the leaders of the U.N. World Food Program, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said in an unusual joint statement.

Yemen, always an impoverished country, has been upended for two years by fighting between the Saudi-backed military coalition and Houthi rebels and their allies (with limited support from Iran). The Saudis regularly bomb civilians and, worse, they have closed the airspace and imposed a blockade to starve the rebel-held areas into submission.

That means that ordinary Yemenis, including children, die in bombings or starve.

Human Rights Watch has repeatedly concluded that many Saudi airstrikes were probable war crimes and that the U.S. shares responsibility because it provides the Saudis with air-to-air refueling and intelligence used for airstrikes, as well as with much of the weaponry.

Yet victims arent on our television screens and rarely make the news pages, in part because Saudi Arabia is successfully blocking foreign journalists from the rebel-held areas.

With commercial flights banned, the way into rebel areas is on charter flights arranged by the United Nations and aid groups. But Saudi military jets control this airspace and ban any flight if theres a journalist onboard.

The situation in Yemen is a disgrace that brings shame to our global community, says Michelle Nunn, president of CARE USA. More than 20 million Yemenis are in need of emergency assistance, and a child dies every five minutes. Yet few Americans know about the daily bloodshed, near-famine conditions and a raging cholera epidemic.

If we feel that shame, we should cut off military transfers to Saudi Arabia until it ends its strangulation of Yemen.

The civil war in Yemen started as a local conflict, but Saudi Arabia rushed in because of exaggerated fears of Iranian influence there. All parties have behaved outrageously. But its our side that appears to be responsible for the most deaths: A draft U.N. report says that the Saudi-led coalition is responsible for 65 percent more deaths of children than the Houthis and their allies, and its the Saudis who have imposed the blockade that is leading to starvation.

The Saudis say, correctly, that they are also providing large amounts of aid to Yemen. But bombing and starving civilians is not excused if one provides Band-Aids afterward.

This catastrophe started under President Barack Obama, although he tried  not nearly enough  to rein in Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump has removed the reins and embraced the rash and inexperienced Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who is overseeing the assault on Yemen.

A glimpse of moral leadership has come from the U.S. Senate. A remarkable 47 senators in June voted to block a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia, largely because of qualms about Saudi conduct in Yemen. Those senators are right, and we should halt all arms transfers to Saudi Arabia until it ends the blockade and bombings.
Alive or dead, Islamic State (IS) founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi remains one of the most influential figures on the world scene. He has been far more successful in inspiring and recruiting young Muslims than al-Qaeda central, ISs parent organisation. Al-Qaedas chief disadvantage is being based on the Pakistan-Afghan frontier, while Baghdadis cult arose in the strategic West Asian heartland and seized wide swathes of territory once ruled by the Umayyad and Abbasid empires. History matters in West Asia.



Baghdadi made his headquarters the Syrian city of Raqqa, the summer capital of Harun al-Rashid, the eighth century Arab ruler who presided during the Golden Age of Islam. After IS fighters swept into Iraqs second largest city Mosul in June 2014, Baghdadi declared a caliphate with himself as caliph, a ruler considered to be chosen by God. While Baghdadis ambition might appear demented to political savants, to unsophisticated Muslim youngsters ignored and alienated by their governments, he appeared to be a saviour offering life in a Muslim utopia.



IS recruiters benefitted from a wide range of computer connections. Young men who played wargames sought to replace the virtual world with the real world and become fighters on battle-fields they had previously seen only in films.



Potential recruits were personally groomed by IS activists based in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere. Arrangements for those who decided to join IS were made by underground travel agents who, with the cooperation of the Turkish government, smuggled thousands of volunteers across the Turkish border into Syria and Iraq.



IS provided recruits with identities as mujahedin, or holy warriors, training, guns, uniforms, salaries and captive women. This empowered powerless and forgotten men, and some women, who did not hesitate to exercise their authority over residents of conquered cities, towns and villages.



Baghdadi also attracted scores of clerics who staffed Islamic courts and educated opportunists who saw IS as a means to secure jobs as IT specialists and propagandists in the cults well-developed outreach programmes.



Doctors, engineers and other professionals flocked to the caliphate. It engaged Turkish middlemen to buy crude from Syrias captured oil fields and provide occupied areas with essential goods. During 2014-15, IS was the worlds richest terrorist organisation.



While the US military believes Baghdadi is still alive  and Washington has posted a $25 million bounty on his head  and Russia claims to have killed him in an airstrike in May, his fate remains unknown and may remain unknown unless he decides to surface or proof of his death is discovered. He is an elusive figure who wore a mask when meeting aides and commanders but chose to show his face when proclaiming his caliphate in mid-2014 from the pulpit of the main mosque in Mosul.



Baghdadi was born Ibrahim Awwad in 1971 in the Iraqi town of Samarra. He became a reclusive religious scholar and, from 1994 to 2004, lived in a room attached to a small mosque in a poor district on the edge of Baghdad. He is reported to have studied at an Islamic institute which provided him with credentials as a scholar.



The 2003 US invasion and occupation of Iraq transformed Baghdadi into a resistance fighter. Arrested in February 2004, he was held at Abu Ghraib prison, infamous for American abuse of inmates, and the notorious Camp Bucca on the Kuwait border. During confinement, Baghdadi and other fellow prisoners formed cells and planned operations against US forces once they were released.



In 2006, he co-founded the group which became the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria  later rebranded as IS  and became its head in 2010. He made his name by mounting deadly attacks against US troops and Iraqi police and civilians. Following the eruption of unrest in neighbouring Syria, he dispatched fighters there, capturing Raqqa in 2013. In 2014, the cult returned to Iraq, where it quickly seized 40% of the country.



In conquered territory, the IS forced men to grow beards and attend mosque prayers five times a day. Women were confined to their homes and had to cover themselves completely on the rare occasions when they went out, accompanied by male relatives. Schools were closed; boys attended IS courses on religion and combat; smoking was punished by fines, beatings and imprisonment; mobile phones were prohibited; and opponents were decapitated or crucified.



Despite well-publicised IS beheadings of US and European captives, Western and Arab governments did not launch their air campaign against the IS until it captured Mosul. Although Baghdadi has disappeared, his absence has not reduced or halted recruitment to his cause.



The ruthless dismantling of his caliphate has not dampened the enthusiasm of followers, who remain ready to follow orders from commanders in West Asia to mount attacks in Europe or to launch independent operations in the name of IS.



The cruel cult has spread to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and many countries in North and Sub-Saharan Africa and continues to secure recruits elsewhere.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will host Afghanistans foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani next week.



Sushma and Rabbani will discuss what more India could do to support the conflict-ravaged country in its pursuit of development. Rabbani will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



The Afghan foreign minister may hold a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, a source told DH.



New Delhi is hosting Rabbani just days after US President Donald Trump called upon India to do more to help America in Afghanistan.



India was relieved last month as Trump decided against hasty withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan.



India welcomed the US presidents decision to step up efforts to decimate Taliban, Islamic State, al-Qaeda and other terror networks in Afghanistan, and his tough talk asking Pakistan to stop providing safe havens to Taliban and other terror networks operating in the region.
The JD(U) has taken another step in its fight with Sharad Yadav by approaching Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu seeking termination of his Rajya Sabha membership on charges of anti-party activities.



Senior JD(U) MPs R C P Singh and Sanjay Jha submitted a 100-page memorandum to Naidu, who is also the Rajya Sabha chairperson, requesting him to cancel Yadavs membership, sources said.



The JD(U) had earlier removed Yadav from the Parliamentary Party leadership soon after the monsoon session ended.



Yadav has been leading a rebellion against Kumar for his decision to break the grand alliance in Bihar and then joining hands with the BJP to form a government in the state.



He did not attend the National Council meeting on August 19 in Patna called to clear the decision on joining the NDA, but organised a parallel convention.



In its memorandum, the JD(U) has invoked Schedule 10 of the Rules of Procedure and Business of the Rajya Sabha against Yadav.



As per this, an MP can be disqualified if he voluntarily gives up the membership of

the party by which he got elected.



According to the memorandum, the party had told Yadav last month that if he attended the RJD rally in Patna, he would be indulging in anti-party activities and his presence at the rally would mean that he has voluntarily given up the party membership.



The JD(U) also submitted copies of resolutions passed in its National Executive, National Council and Bihar Legislature Party to sever ties with RJD due to the latters corruption, sources said.



The party was also of the view that the Rajya Sabha chairman is well within rights to take a decision on the memorandum and if he does not wish to do so, it should be referred to the Privileges Committee.




An alert police constable nabbed a notorious inter-state robber and a chain-snatcher who has around 50 cases of robberies against him.



The arrested is Mohammed Syed Ali (33), a native of Thane in Maharashtra, but settled in Kalaburagi, police said.



Cases have been registered against him in Thane, Pune and Mumbai in Maharashtra, Ballari, Shivamogga and Kalaburagi in Karnataka and in Haryana.



Raghavendra, 32, attached to Girinagar police station noticed a man wearing a full-masked helmet at a tea shop. On seeing the constable, he felt uncomfortable and left the place.



Ali and his friend tried to escape on a bike, but Raghavendra gave them a chase. The duo hit a dead-end in the area. Ali and his friend hit the constable with a helmet and the duo ran in different directions abandoning the bike. Raghavendra chased Ali, who hid inside an under-construction building. The constable then sought additional forces. They rushed there and nabbed

Ali.



I was sure that we were behind a notorious chain-snatcher who committed a robbery on October 2. The victim, Pushpa, had identified the culprit in the CCTV footage, Raghavendra told DH.



Ali is a resident of Irani Colony in Kalaburagi.



He used to come with his gang members on bikes and rob elderly women in the city. Ali told police that he and his gang members would take shelter in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh. Recently, he was involved in four chain-snatching cases in Jayanagar, Girinagar and Mahalakshmi Layout.


The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Bombay High Court to dispose of within three months petitions challenging the validity of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA).



A bench presided over by Justice Arun Mishra directed all other high courts to await judgement by the Bombay High Court.



The court refused to allow a plea by the Centre for transferring about 21 petitions challenging the validity of the new law, pending before various high courts to the Delhi High Court.
Two years after the killing of rationalist and writer Prof M M Kalburgi, the state received a shock on Tuesday as Gauri Lankesh, a journalist who was a vocal against Hindutva brigades, was shot dead at her house.



The journalist, along with many progressive thinkers, had recently expressed disappointment over the state governments inability to trace the killers Kalburgi.



Within two months after she stepped into the shoes of P Lankesh, her father, Gauri had transformed from a regular reporter into an editor who was not afraid of continuing the legacy of her father who left behind Lankesh Patrike, a hard-hitting tabloid. I am not afraid of physical attacks at all. I used to come home at 3 am alone many nights, she had told Rediff.com



Born in Shivamogga, Gauri grew up in Bengaluru. After finishing her Bachelor of Arts at Central College, she obtained a masters in journalism in Delhi and started working as a journalist in 1984. She worked for Times of India, Sunday and ETV. Her job took her to several places in India as well as France and the United States. She was working as ETV correspondent in Delhi when her father died in January 2000.



Though she came to the spotlight after publishing a story on Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi and BJP leader Umesh Dushi that led to a long-drawn defamation case and culminated in her conviction, it was her progressive stance seen at platforms such as Komu Sauharda Vedike or rehabilitation of Naxalites that brought her the attention and criticism.



As a citizen of India, I oppose the communal and totalitarian politics of the BJP. I oppose the twisted interpretations of Hinduism and I stand against its caste system, inequality and gender discrimination, she recently said in an interview to the newspaper.



As a civil society member of the committee set up to oversee implementation of Surrender/Assimilation and Rehabilitation Policy for Left Wing Extremists, she worked steadfastly to bring to the Maoists to mainstream.



Shivasundar, a close associate of Gauri for years, said: She was finalising the proofreading for this weeks edition which was supposed to go for print on Wednesday. She stood in support of Yogesh Master, who was assaulted for expressing his views.



Theatre person K Y Narayana Swamy said the series of murders, where one after another rationalists and free thinkers have been killed, shows that we are going far away from our roots of tolerance. Those who are using violence in the name of religion are setting a dangerous trend, he said
The shocking murder of noted journalist Gauri Lankesh on Tuesday night shook the peaceful, though dimly lit Ideal Homes locality in West Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar.



Gauri Lankesh, the daughter of writer and journalist P Lankesh, was switching on the light in her verandah after returning from work when three unidentified assailants tailing her on a

two-wheeler dropped in and fired four bullets at point-blank range.



Neighbours did hear the sound but mistook it for firecrackers. When they realised that it was actually gunshots, it was too late. They called the police. As soon as the news spread, the usually quiet locality started buzzing with people  residents, womens rights activists, human rights activists, et al. The crowd soon started raising slogans.



One of the slogans  'Yesterday it was Kalburgi, today it is Gauri, tomorrow who?'  pierced through the night sky. As the crowd gathered and the sloganeering continued, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy was one of the first people to arrive at the spot. He was heckled by the crowd who demanded why hasn't the state government been able to hunt down the killers of Prof M M Kalburgi. It also asked how long will it take to bring Gauri's murderers to book.



The crowd also wondered aloud how emboldened the Hindu right-wing groups had become while the government remains inept.



Gauri's family, too, rushed to the spot. Her sister, Kavitha Lankesh, a filmmaker, and her mother Indiramma were inconsolable. Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar, too, reached Gauri's residence. Forensic experts got to work soon after. Hundreds of people were camping around the house until midnight.



K Y Narayana Swamy, theatre person and a close friend of Gauri's, said: "The series of murders, where one after other rationalists and free thinkers have been killed, shows that we are going away from our roots of tolerance. Those using violence in the name of religion are setting a dangerous trend."


The Sadashivanagar police are yet to arrest the Ola driver who allegedly attacked a 33-year-old businessman from Hyderabad on Saturday with an iron rod following an argument over switching off the AC in the cab.



Police said that a notice has been issued to the Ola office seeking more information about the accused. A separate team has also been formed to nab the accused.



G Keshava Reddy, the Hyderabad businessman, who filed a criminal complaint against the driver, has been discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.



Speaking to DH, Reddy said that he and his friends, Jagan Reddy and Janardhan, had booked a cab from Yeshwanthpur, to reach St Marks Road on Saturday at 5.45 am.



"Since it was cold inside I asked Arif, the cab driver, to switched off the AC. But Arif was busy over the phone and when Janardhan tried to switch off the AC, Arif slapped him stating that it was his cab and he dared not to operate anything. This was followed by heated arguments and we got out and tried to book another cab. Just then, Arif came from behind and attacked me with an iron rod," he said.



Reddy further said that before attaching any cab driver, companies should train the drivers properly on good behaviour and etiquette. This was not the manner in which the passengers are treated, he added.


 Report: Al Jazeera Airs False Testimony on IDF Child Killing | Main | Palestinian Terrorist Group Runs for German Parliament 

September 05, 2017

AFP Dissembles: Palestinian Clown Incarcerated for Activity in 'Leftist' Group

Well, I'll put it on, and I will dissemble myself in't; and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown. I am not tall enough to become the function well, nor lean enough to be thought a good student; but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar. -- Feste the Clown, Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night"

According to Agence France Presse photo captions last week, Israel had imprisoned a Palestinian clown for 20 months for alleged involvement in a "banned leftist group." In fact, Israel's Shin Bet security agency accused him of being a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, designated as a terror organization by the European Union, the United States, Canada and Israel. A sampling of the numerous captions follow:

Palestinian clown Mohammad Abu Sakha poses with his mother at his family home in the West Bank city of Jenin, following his release on August 31, 2017 from administrative detention, the controversial measure under which Israel detains suspects without trial for periods of several months, renewable indefinitely. The 26-year-old circus teacher was accused by Israel of membership in a banned leftist group and held without charge for 20 months. He had been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit in the occupied West Bank since 2008, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher.

Palestinian clown Mohammad Abu Sakha poses under a national flag near his family home in the West Bank city of Jenin, following his release on August 31, 2017 from administrative detention, the controversial measure under which Israel detains suspects without trial for periods of several months, renewable indefinitely. The 26-year-old circus teacher was accused by Israel of membership in a banned leftist group and held without charge for 20 months.

He had been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit in the occupied West Bank since 2008, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher.

Palestinian clown Mohammad Abu Sakha poses next to a banner bearing his picture at his family home in the West Bank city of Jenin, following his release on August 31, 2017 from administrative detention, the controversial measure under which Israel detains suspects without trial for periods of several months, renewable indefinitely. The 26-year-old circus teacher was accused by Israel of membership in a banned leftist group and held without charge for 20 months.

He had been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit in the occupied West Bank since 2008, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher.

Israel did not incarcerate Abu Sakha because of his membership in a "leftist" group. Rather, Israel incarcerated him because his membership in a terror group. Why do the captions dissemble?



While the captions fail to accurately portray the cause for Abu Sakha's incarceration, they do include the wholly irrelevant biographical details that "he had been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit in the occupied West Bank since 2008, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher."



The AFP article from Thursday likewise highlights the irrelevant fact that he was a Palestinian clown ("Israel frees Palestinian clown held without charge for 20 months") over the relevant fact that he is active in the PFLP terror group. The first sentence says he is "A Palestinian clown accused by Israel of membership in a banned leftist [sic] group" and the fifth paragraph includes detail not germane to his incarceration: Abu Sakha had been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit in the occupied West Bank since 2008, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher. Only in the seventh paragraph does the article finally mention PFLP (and even here it downplays PFLP's status as a terror group), ie the reason for his imprisonment: Israel's Shin Bet security agency accused him of being a member of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which the Jewish state considers a terrorist group because of its armed wing. As previously noted, it's not just the Jewish state which considers PFLP a terrorist group -- also the European Union, the United States and Canada have bestowed this inglorious status on the organization. Notably, the organization pioneered numerous international airlines hijackings in the 1970s. (On his Facebook page, Abu Sakha includes a photograph of notorious PFLP hijacker Leila Khaled.) According to the organization's "Editorial Standards and Best Practices," AFP journalists are "expected to provide accurate, balanced and impartial news coverage." In other words: no dissembling. See also: Independent 'Reveals' Israel's Secret War on Palestinian Clowns

Posted by TS at September 5, 2017 02:59 AM

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By Evan Bush

5 September 2017

(The Seattle Times)  Ash fell like snow in Seattle Tuesday morning as Washingtons wildfires sent plumes of smoke into the atmosphere.

It was so thick that dispatchers serving Eastside Fire Rescue received concerned calls about smoke in the area and ash settling on cars.

There is no local fire, reported the firefighters, who serve the Issaquah, North Bend and Carnation areas. If you do see flames, please report it to 911 and crews will check it out.

In the Seattle area, Tuesday will likely see record-breaking heat, said Art Gaebel, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

Highs were expected to rise into the 90s, he said, though, Its kind of tricky to forecast highs with the smoke in the area.

The record for this day at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 88 degrees, Gaebel said.

Insulated by clouds of smoke, overnight temperatures never dipped below 71 degrees at Sea-Tac, making for an uncomfortable night for the 85 percent of Seattleites without air conditioning.

Haze covered the state from corner to corner, satellite images showed. [Desdemona can confirm that Seattle is covered in smoky haze, and the sunlight has an eerie orange cast.] []
1 September 2017 (Global Footprint Network)  This month, the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) will convene in New York City for its 72nd Regular Session. The summits theme is Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet. The phrase closely echoes Global Footprint Networks vision that all people can live thrive within the means of our planet.Which prompts us to raise the question, why wont the significance of resource security, planetary boundaries, environmental resilience, or any of these themes be included in the topics of discussion at UNGA 72?This blind spot is nothing new. In a recent article published by Frontiers in Energy Research, Global Footprint Network highlighted how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted two years ago this month are vastly underemphasizing sustainability. The authors of Making the Sustainable Development Goals Consistent with SustainabilityFootprint Network CEO and Co-founder Mathis Wackernagel, Program Director Laurel Hanscom, and Director of Research David Linfound that countries scoring high on a recently developed SDG index also had, without exception, high Ecological Footprints per person. Using the Bertelsmann and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)s SDG index to quantify SDGs, the article reveals that the sustainable development goals are largely (short-term) development goals, vastly underperforming on sustainability.Global Footprint Network and the authors of the paper are strongly in favor of the SDGs. The trio explains this contradiction by highlighting the SDG index rankings within a sustainable development framework that uses the Ecological Footprint and UN Human Development Index (HDI). The Footprint-HDI framework describes necessary outcomes for sustainability and well-being: to have high human development (as measured by HDI) within a resource demand that fits on this planet (as measured by an Ecological Footprint per person that is smaller than the world average biocapacity of 1.7 global hectares per person). What becomes evident is that higher performance on the SDG index correlates across the board with high Ecological Footprints.The Ecological Footprint of the indexs top 20 ranking countries is so large that if all other countries consumed at the same rate, it would take the ecological capacity of over three planet Earths to materially support all of humanity, they write. This level of demand on the planet is clearly not sustainable.The conclusions in the paper make sense if we consider that countries who are the most economically well off have achieved economic well-being through traditional economic means involving exploitation of natural resources and carbon-intense industrialization. Post industrialization, the now high-income countries are in the strongest position to implement and achieve the targets set by the SDGs. Most importantly, the paper points out that the SDGs need to increase their focus on resource security and environmental resilience in order to deliver lasting results. After all, sustainability is a prerequisite for well-being.Wackernagel, Hanscom, and Lin conclude that the SDGs need to more robustly embrace the reality of resource constraints and climate change. The near-exclusion of resource security aspects makes the current SDGs fall short of actively advancing human wellbeing without further depleting the very natural capital on which human wellbeing and development depends, they write.The SDGs are aimed at creating a pathway towards a sustainable future. Therefore, the SDG initiative is imminently important and needs to be strengthened as humanitys future depends on it. However, it has to be consistent with the outcome of thriving lives for all within the means of the planet, as Wackernagel explained in a TEDx talk on measuring sustainable development outcomes.Wackernagel, Hanscom, and Lin conclude in their recent article:

Ignoring physical constraints imposed by planetary limits is anti-poor because with fewer resources to go around, the lowest-income people will lack the financial means to shield themselves from resource constraints, whether it is food-price shocks, weather calamities, or energy and water shortages. All the legitimate and important development gains the SDGs seek to achieve will fall tragically short without the natural capital to power the economy of each nation, region, city, or village. If we want to have a future, the SDGs need to robustly embrace the reality of resource constraints and climate change. Also, we need robust accounting tools that track the outcomes. Without such rigorous metrics, there is great risk to misallocate development investments.
 AFP Dissembles: Palestinian Clown Incarcerated for Activity in 'Leftist' Group | Main | After UCI Sanctions for SJP, LA Times Gives Voice Only to Those Who Drowned Out Other Voices 

September 05, 2017

Palestinian Terrorist Group Runs for German Parliament



The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S. designated terrorist group, is campaigning as a political party in the September general election to the Bundestag,? according to a Jerusalem Post report by Benjamin Weinthal (Germany to Permit Palestinian Terror Group to Run for Parliament,? Aug. 31, 2017). The European Union also considers the PFLP to be a terrorist organization.

A spokeswoman for Germanys Interior Ministry told Weinthal candidates from parties and candidates in Germany cannot be banned or allowed by the Interior Ministry in Germany.? The PFLP is running on a joint list with the Marxist-Leninist Party.

The Interior Ministry noted that Article 21 of Germanys constitutional law prevents the PFLP from being considered a political partyaccordingly the group cannot campaign independently.

As CAMERA has pointed out, the PFLP is responsible for dozens of terrorist attacks that target the Jewish state and its citizens. Indeed, in Nazi-like fashion, the PFLP has a history of murdering Jews worldwide, irrespective of their citizenship. In one infamous instance, on Oct. 7, 1985, PFLP terrorists hijacked a cruise ship named the Achille Lauro and murdered a 69-year-old American Jewish man, Leon Klinghoffer, who was confined to a wheelchair.

As the Middle East analyst Barry Rubin noted in his 2005 biography Yasser Arafat, one of the PFLP terrorists involved in that operation was a British neo-Nazi skinhead? who was working for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), an umbrella group dominated by the Fatah movement. Both Fatah and the PLO are currently led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbasa man often described by media outlets as a moderate.?

Weinthal, a research fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, asked if the Interior Ministry planned on outlawing the PFLP. He was told that the Ministry does not, in general, comment on bans.?

Several German lawmakers and the Israeli political party Yesh Atid have sent a letter to Interior Minister Thomas de Maizere requesting that Berlin ban the PFLP and Hezbollah, another U.S.-designated terrorist group whose operatives are permitted free reign in Germanys borders. A 2016 German intelligence report indicated that there are at least 950 active Hezbollah members operating in the country. Like the PFLP, Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based, Iranian-proxy, is responsible for murdering Jews throughout the world, including during the 1992 and 1994 bombings in Argentina of the Israeli embassy and the AMIA Jewish community center ("Hezbollah Backgrounder 2016," CAMERA).

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called it a national duty? for Germans to remember the Holocaust shame.? However, some Germans seem content to allow antisemitic terrorist groups to operate in their country and, like the Nazis, to mask themselves as a legitimate political party.

Many major U.S. news outlets have ignored this story. A Lexis-Nexis search showed that The Washington Post, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun, and others, failed to carry it. By contrast, in addition to Weinthals report in The Jerusalem Post, Fox News also detailed Germanys decision to allow the PFLP to run for elections (Palestinian terror group allowed to run in German parliament elections,? Sept. 2, 2017).

Posted by SD at September 5, 2017 10:52 AM

Must visit Germany to see my grandfather turning in his grave!

Posted by: Martin Freye at September 8, 2017 10:57 AM

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Commentary: Cabinet reshuffle casts uncertainty over Taiwan AI, IoT development

Premier Lin Chuan, who once served as chairman of Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS), and his Cabinet members will resign en masse on September 7, casting uncertainty over the future policies concerning Taiwan's development of AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), innovation startups and other technologies.

Lin has disclosed he tendered his resignation at the end of a national security meeting on September 3 on grounds that he had finished his phased missions. President Tsai Ing-wen has appointed Tainan Mayor William Lai as his succesor, who will take office on September 8.

Having served as VIS chairman during 2006-2009, Lin has shown deep understanding of and given high priority to the development of Taiwan's semiconductor and electronics industries. The outgoing premier has identified AI as a key to improving national competitiveness in the next three decades, and has given great support for the Ministry of Science and Technology's (MOST) proposal to build an AI innovation ecosystem in Taiwan. He has instructed the ministry to set up an AI innovation R&D center, and establish robot manufacturing bases in Central Taiwan Science Park and Southern Taiwan Science Park, as well as other related infrastructures.

Lin also has stressed that in order to build a complete AI industry, it is highly imperative to cluster existing ICT industries, as well as software and haerdware talent, and how to master diverse AI software programs for different fields and achieve extensive AI applications are also a very crucial task. He has also noted that the government should guide academic and research organizations as well as private enterprises to join the task.

As MOST has yet to receive budgets for implementing the AI development strategies, it remains to be seen whether the imcoming premier will endorse and continue Lin's policies. The incoming premier might have his own ideas about AI and other technological development projects, and could adjust related policies and budgets, including those for energy transformation, industrial transformation, AI, IoT, software development, innovation startups, and introducing tech talents from abroad, among others.

Taiwan Premier Lin Chuan, center, to step down on September 7.

Photo: Shihmin Fu, Digitimes, September 2017
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SEATTLE  An office/industrial building at 1421 S. Dean St. has sold for $9 million, according to King County records. The seller, through an LLC, was Urban Visions, which acquired the property last year for $5.95 million.

The buyer was Store Master Funding XIV LLC, which is associated with STORE Capital of Scottsdale.





. . .
A planning application is due to be made early next week to Donegal County Council for a cinema in Donegal town.

The application, made by WJ Dolan Construction (Ireland) Limited, would see the establishment of a five-screen cinema with a total capacity of 714 seats, and the development of a family restaurant.

The proposed project would be located to the rear of the Lidl foodstore on Ballybofey Road, near the junction of the N16 and N56, and proposals would also see the creation of 159 car parking spaces.

Donegal is one of the few major centres without a cinema, Willie John Dolan of WJD Construction (Ireland) Limited said. The last cinema in town closed more than 20 years ago, and was never replaced with a modern cinema complex. It is not fair on locals to have to make a journey to other towns to enjoy the movies with their friends and families. It is also a missed opportunity for the local economy.

He said if the application is approved, they hope to begin construction in spring 2018, and complete construction within 12 months.

The nearest cinemas to Donegal town currently are in Bundoran, Letterkenny and Lifford to watch the latest movies.

Construction is expected to create approximately 60 new jobs, and when completed the cinema and restaurant are estimated to create a further 15 new jobs.
Liz Hunt developed her love for fitness as a matter of survival.

Hunt, a retired Air Force technical sergeant, served for 15 years and six deployments. Hunt knew that keeping herself and her subordinates in good condition was essential for them to do their jobs and to handle dangers that arose. Her commitment served her well in 2007, when she was injured in a rocket attack and had to rehabilitate her knee after surgery.

Liz now hopes to share her enthusiasm for fitness with Dothan, and a grant from Anytime Fitness is helping her to do it. The gym company recently awarded Hunt a substantial grant to start her own Anytime Fitness franchise in Dothan as part of its Operation Heartfirst program.

The company and a nonprofit called Tee It Up for the Troops work together to provide a $125,000 grant and a $125,000 loan to veterans to start franchises. The Operation Heartfirst program helps one vet start a gym each year.

We didnt have to go into this with any capital of our own, she said.

Liz, who has a bachelors degree in physiology/kinesiology, worked at an Anytime Fitness location in North Dakota before her husband got orders to transfer to Dothan, where he works as an instructor pilot at Fort Rucker.

Lizs former employer urged her to check into the Operation Heartfirst program, which chooses a new location and solicits applications from local veterans each year. When she found out the location was Dothan, she knew it was a sign.

There were too many coincidences, she said. Clearly, this is Gods work.

Liz and Corey will co-own and manage the gym. The gym will be located in the storefront next to the movie theatre at the Dothan Pavilion. Liz plans to open the gym in January.

Im excited, Corey said. This is something shes wanted to do for a long time. Im happy to support her.

Liz said that her plan for the gym includes offering some services that may not be available at other local gyms. Liz said she hopes to make rehabilitative fitness a focus of her business.

Its going to be so dope, she said.
The finalists of this year's Louth Business Awards were announced yesterday by Dundalk Chamber.

The winners will be announced at the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday 21 October.

Last years event was a sell out with over 590 in attendance

Bookings for this years event are already coming in, according to Dundalk Chamber and tickets cost 50 per person plus vat.

There will be a competition for the Best Dressed Gent on the night sponsored by Tony McDonnell Menswear Earl St. Dundalk and Best Dressed Lady sponsored by Mizu and the Chambers Presidents Prize for Most Glamorous Couple.

There will be plenty of prizes given away during the evening. Local dignitaries, business leaders and fellow members of the Chamber will attend what promises to be the highlight of the social calendar in Dundalk.

To book tickets for the night, call Brenda or Tina on Tel: 042 9336343 or email brenda@dundalk.ie

The list of finalists in each category have been compiled and are below.

Best Customer Service Award in the retail sector (sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel and Spa)

Brendan Marmion Paint & Advice Centre

Conlons Food Hall

Smyths Life Pharmacy

Elmay Boutique

Best Shop Front (sponsored by The Argus)

John McCabe Nissan Garage

Kierans Avenue Pharmacy

Mizu Hair and Beauty

Sybil

Relish Cafe

Best Licensed Premises (sponsored by Diageo)

Carlingford Arms

Fitpatricks Bar & Restaurant

McKeowns Bar

Russells Saloon

Lisdoo Bar & Restaurant

Best Dining Experience (sponsored by Dundalk Stadium)

Ballymascanlon House Hotel

Carrickdale Hotel & Spa

PJ OHares

Riva Restaurant

The Rum House

Relish Cafe

Best Cafe / Fast Food Outlet (sponsored by AV Direct)

Bakers Takeaway

Coffee Lounge

Kingfisher Restaurant

Treet & Green

Greenmount Restaurant

Tourism Award (sponsored by Crowne Plaza Dundalk)

An Tain Arts Centre

Boyne Boats Ltd.

Dundalk Stadium

Dundalk Tennis, Badminton & Squash Club

Walking Holiday Ireland

Special Communtiy Group Award (sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union)

Cooley Peninsula Cardiac First Responder Scheme

Dundalk Special Olympics Club

Louth Volunteer Centre (LVC)

Parksrun Dundalk

Special Needs Active Parents

St Patricks Parish Soup Kitchen / Food Parcels

Best New Business Under 5 years (sponsored by Oriel Hub)

3rd Place Coffee House

Knead Artisan Bakery, Cafe & Deli

Simply Fit Food

The Drone Guys

Best Emerging Business (sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Louth)

CX+ Sport

ECC Design & Engineering LTD

Smarmore Castle Private Clinic

Sync IT

Vava Voom

Corporate Social Responsibility Award (sponsored by Prometric)

Marshes Shopping Centre

Leinster Environmentals

Matthews.ie

Business Growth Award (sponsored by VHI Healthcare)

Intact Software

Value Centre Cash & Carry

Sevens Cabs and Coaches Rental Ltd

Leinster Environmentals

Professional Services Award (sponsored by M1 Document Solutions)

DFP Pension & Investment Consultants

Friel & McGahon Dental

Keystone Insurance Ltd

PKF-FPM Accountants Limited

Sherry FitzGerald Carroll



Innovation & Technology Award (sponsored by Net1.ie)

OpenHydro Group Ltd.

Prometric

Suretank Limited

Climote LTD

Best Training Initiative Award (sponsored by Louth Meath Education & Training Board)

Aura Leisure Centre Dundalk

Colourtrend Paint and Wallpaper Store

DkIT Sport

Inglot Cosmetics Dundalk

Clarks Shop Dundalk

Best Exporter of the year award (sponsored by Enterprise Ireland)

Bellurgan Precision Engineering Ltd.

Foxpak Flexibles Ltd.

Horseware

The Authentic Food Company

Business to Business Award (sponsored by AIB Bank)

Dash

Gecko Governance

The Digital Bakery

McArdle Skeath

Employee / PA of the year Award (sponsored by Servisource Recruitment)

Niamh Hoey  Keystone Insurance

Caoimhe Nugent  Loughran Family Malt

John Foran- Sevens Cabs and Coaches

Niamh Hanlon  McArdle Skeath

Environmental Awareness Award (sponsored by Recruitment Plus)

Cleaner Earth Recycling

Crowne Plaza Dundalk

Imperial Hotel

Climote LTD

Leinster Environmentals

Matthews.ie

McArdle Skeath

The Authentic Food Company

Lifetime Award for Contribtion to Louth
Government moves to reduce regulatory barriers to challenger banks entering the market should improve access to finance for small business, according to Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).

The Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, welcomed news that the Treasury is consulting on proposed changes to the Banking Act, which would remove restrictions on the use of the term bank.

[This] should enable more industry participants to compete with established institutions and make it easier for small business operators to borrow funds, she said.

The power and control of the established banks remains a barrier for small businesses seeking capital to start or expand their operations, the Ombudsman said. Another barrier is a general requirement by the major banks for bricks-and-mortar security.

Unless a small business is able to meet this requirement, often by using a business owners home as security, they have few options to obtain finance.

Many young people do not own a home or have limited equity in their home, and therefore struggle to borrow to start or expand a business.

Carnell noted the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authoritys guidelines currently require banks to hold at least $50 million in Tier 1 capital.

APRA will need to review its guidelines for minimum capital requirements if new entrants are to compete equally with the major banks, she said.

Jamie Osborn, CEO of fintech lender GetCapital said the Ombudsman is spot on in her views and that government moves to reduce regulatory barriers for new challenger banks is good policy and good for small business  if done right.

Reducing regulatory hurdles that encourage Challenger Banks will lead to more options for small business and creates the best chance of adding liquidity to segments of the market where supply and demand imbalances exist, he told Dynamic Business.

The UK market offers a great precedent here as it relaxed its requirements for new Banking licenses 4 years ago, he said. Since then, it has added 14 new banks and importantly none of the new entrants have launched traditional bank offerings. Instead, they have targeted under-served niches in the market, such as small business lending.

Aldermore and Shawbrook are two such examples in the UK  both are new Challenger Banks created following the relaxation of new Bank licensing in the UK. Each of these Banks targets segments within the SME market that are under-served by the traditional lenders and both now have multi-billion pound loan books.

Osborn said Australia currently has one of the most concentrated banking markets, with the top five banks accounting for over 80% of the market share.

Compare that to USA, where the top banks account for approximately 50% or to Germany, where they account for 35%, he said. When you have a concentrated market, small changes in market conditions or regulation can have big impacts on the supply of credit, especially in segments of the market that the Banks see as non-core. The results of the recently completed Small Business Credit Survey suggest that small business is one of those segments. The search costs are high and credit supply is low.

Related: Inability amongst Aussie SMEs to access credit deepens economic downturns, slows recovery.
Australian ATM provider Stargroup has entered into a joint venture with blockchain technology company DigitalX to roll-out two-way Bitcoin ATMs across its global network, commencing with Australia.

At present, there are only 16 ATMs in Australia that can facilitate a Bitcoin transaction. A vast majority are one-way ATMS, meaning users can only acquire Bitcoin to add to their Bitcoin Wallet via the ATM, and conversion fees range between 4% and 8% of the transaction value, according to website Coin ATM Radar.

Within Australia, Stargroup has deployed approximately 500 ATMS and manages a further 2,400 ATMs via its subsidiary StarLink.

In a press release announcing the joint venture with DigitalX, Stargroup stated: the development of two-Way ATMs means StarATMs will not only enable users to acquire Bitcoin but also to instantly convert their Bitcoin to AUD cash at the ATM. For current Bitcoin users looking to cash out, the process can often take a number of days using existing Australian online digital currency exchanges, Once implemented, the two-Way StarATMs are expected to solve a significant pain point for Bitcoin users.

The global Bitcoin market has grown from less than $20 billon at the start of the tear to over $70 billion today. As seen through the growth in Australias Bitcoin Exchange volume and Australias internet search interest, Bitcoin has reached a level where a large-scale ATM roll-out provides a commercial opportunity.

Todd Zani, Stargroups CEO told Dynamic Business said the joint venture will address a significant pain point for bitcoin wallet holders; namely, Bitcoin can quite easily be bought through a number of exchanges but it is difficult to cash out.

This joint venture will enable Bitcoin wallet holders to instantly cash out their bitcoin instead of having to wait several days or weeks to convert bitcoin into cash via effectively a peer-to-peer network, he said.

Having the ability to dynamically convert that currency like you would any other currency will be extremely attractive to Bitcoin holders.

Zani noted two-way Bitcoin ATMs could assist businesses with their cashflow and that the development may also be able to be applied to other cryptocurrencies and be distributed internationally. Leigh Travers, DigitalXs CEO added that the joint venture was an opportunity to offer ordinary Australians exposure to crypto currency ad blockchain security.
The federal government has offered 11 businesses a share of $6.6 million in funding to help launch innovative products, processes and services locally and abroad.

The commercialisation grants are available to successful recipients through the Accelerating Commercialisation element of the Entrepreneurs programme, which is delivered by the AusIndustry division of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

Accelerating Commercialisation provides businesses with access to expert advice and matched funding of up to $1 million to cover eligible commercialisation costs to help them to take novel products, processes and services to market.

Recipients will use the funding to conduct commercialisation activities to help bring their innovative idea to market. Commercialisation Advisers from the Programme will help navigate through the challenging stage of product development.

To date 253 Australian businesses have benefited from the commercialisation funding provided under the Entrepreneurs Programme.

According to the federal Government, the latest round of funding will assist:

A world-first, fully recyclable suite of packaging containers for transporting temperature-sensitive perishable products.

An automated motor vehicle crash alert device, to help save lives around the world.

A chilled baby food range for Australian retail and export markets.

For more information, click here

See also: Previously, the government wouldnt have engaged SMEs in this way: Jobs for NSW CEO
Few people have heard of Lumavate but at the conclusion of this post youll be convinced that they likely point to the future of at least one segment of the IoT market.

Before we get into the company, lets delve into the companys latest news. Don Brown has led a $2 million dollar seed investment.

The reason this matters has to do with integration.

Dr. Don Brown is someone who gets a fraction of the press he deserves. If he lived in Silicon Valley, the tech media would worship him 247. Because his last company was located in Indiana, he flew somewhat under the radar of the general media while revolutionizing the way trillions of dollars were spent in the call center market.

I first met Don when he launched Interactive Intelligence around 1995. His company had a simple message, stop buying your technology in silos  IVR, ACD, voicemail, etc.

For the next ten-plus years, Interactive Intelligence had massive crowds at its trade-show booths as it explained why its approach was superior. Over time, the competition either caught up with much of their technology or at least their messaging was similar enough that it made it tougher for the company to stand out.

At this point, the company started to focus on targeted marketing and its sales skyrocketed as a result.

Today, all call center solutions have been shaped by this man  toiling quietly in Indianapolis.

So integration was important to Don, right? yes. In fact, it was so important it allowed him to sell his company for 1.4 billion dollars to Genesys.

Now Dr. Brown is in the IoT space and once again he is focusing on integration but this time. The companys CEO Paul McGrath sets up what the company does nicely so lets take his words and share them:

Lumavate provides a unique, controlled channel that allows manufacturers to maximize additional revenue throughout a products lifecycle and also reduce operating and support costs along the way. Our customers are using this channel in a variety of ways, from aiding in their sales efforts to capturing aftermarket revenue opportunities. There is also tremendous potential to become an innovative leader in the emerging market of customer experience within the sphere of the Internet of Things.

The way the company accomplishes this is as follows. They have three clouds.

The Experience Cloud allows customers to securely connect with the company to receive personalized experiences. The Designer Cloud allows drag-and-drop building of cloud based apps which can be activated by text, QR code, NFC or short URL. The Integration Cloud allows the simple connection of customers with CRM systems social media platforms.

Through the use of these clouds, customer support improves, the ability to up-sell and cross-sell improves and the cost to service customers decreases. Its the holy grail of IoT integration with customer sales and support.

We think this is the future and we further would not be surprised to see others start to copy Lumavate in the near future.

To learn more, be sure to attend the Enterprise IoT Event, IoT Evolution Jan 22-25, 2018 and see IBM, Ingenu, Cradlepoint, TellientARM, McAfee & other major companies. Special focus on Smart Cities, Security, IIoT and case studies.
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2) To the FTC: In the course of my work, I accept free samples, meals and other considerations. I do not trade positive reviews or coverage for money or any financial considerations, unlike certain famous print publications which have for-profit wine clubs but, because they are not classified as "bloggers," are not required by the FTC to post a notice like this.


Councillor David Millican writes about his visit to Africa

Dragons Den in Rwanda Related Links Participate Sign up for our Ealing newsletter Comment on this story on the There was huge excitement from budding entrepreneurs across Rwanda where Project Umubano held Dragons Dens in three towns in August to provide grants for their burgeoning businesses. All the young people were survivors from Rwandas appalling genocide of 1994, where one million people were murdered within six weeks. It is such a privilege to be able to support these young people to create businesses, which will support the development of this ravaged country. The training was held in three towns, Kigali, Rwamagama and Huye, where the entrepreneurs developed business plans for presentation to a Dragons Den, with money granted to support their burgeoning businesses. I have returned each year for the past six years. A personal highlight has been to witness the development of Rwanda Clothing, where the founder attended our business training in 2011 and now has a thriving business employing 20 staff. Project Umubano was established 10 years ago, as a Conservative Party programme by MPs, Councillors and party activists. Medical professionals volunteer providing medical treatment and have established a clinic; education professionals and teachers provide training for teachers and have built a new primary school; and business people volunteer with business training and mentoring. I have organised the business programme, whose aim has been to equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to start and develop their business  everything from growing beans and raising pigs and chickens, to a motor spares business, a bakery, and high-end fashion. The Orphanage of Hearts Burundi I always love visiting the orphanage in Burundi to see how the children and young people have developed from the year before. I was volunteering in Burundi four years ago, on the Project Umubano business mentoring programme, when several of us visited an orphanage for street kids in the capital Bujumbura. The Orphanage of Hearts was in dire need of financial support just to pay the rent and basic utilities. So when we returned to the UK we decided to establish an independent charity to support them. The country is highly unstable politically but it is important to keep in regular close touch with the orphanage. So when I was in Rwanda this month I made the short journey again to Bujumbura. We have remained in contact with many of the young people, who have outgrown the orphanage and moved on. One of the orphanage leavers, who had just graduated as a teacher of English from the University of Burundi, was thrilled to invite us to meet his professor. (see photo). Sadly though, due to the political instability, the economy is so poor that there are no teaching jobs. Councillor David Millican Represents Northfields Ward Ealing 29 August 2017
Boosting the countrys economy and supporting private sector competitiveness

The EBRD is to start investing in Lebanon after the Banks Board of Governors decided in favour of Lebanons application to become a country of operations.

The EBRD will contribute to the development of Lebanons economy through investments and advisory services. The Bank will support private sector competitiveness, promote the sustainable supply of energy, and enhance the quality and efficiency of public service delivery.

EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti said: We are very pleased to welcome Lebanon today into our family of countries of operations. We are looking forward to launching swiftly our activities in Lebanon and establishing an official representation in the country. The EBRD can apply its financial resources and expertise to boost the countrys economy and provide new opportunities to its people.

The EBRD supports economic development and transition to strengthen the private sector with investments based on a sound business approach and policy dialogue. While the EBRD is working closely with donor governments and benefitting from their support, the Banks funding is provided on commercial terms.

As a country of operations, Lebanon joins the EBRDs southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, which also includes Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia where the EBRD has been investing and engaged in policy reforms since 2012.

In May 2017 the EBRDs Board of Governors also approved the Banks engagement in the West Bank and Gaza for an initial period of five years to support the development of the economy with investments through trust funds.

To date the Bank has invested some 5.2 billion in 130 projects across the SEMED region in natural resources, financial institutions, agribusiness, manufacturing and services as well as in infrastructure projects such as power, municipal water and wastewater , and transport services. Of these investments, 71 per cent are in the private sector.

The EBRD was established in 1991 with the goal of supporting market economies and promoting the private sector. Having started in central and eastern Europe, today the Bank operates on three continents in 37countries, from Morocco to Mongolia and from Estonia to Egypt, and in the West Bank and Gaza.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness on Wednesday announced that Google on mobile now provides people who search for the term clinical depression with a direct link to the PHQ-9 questionnaire used by medical professionals in the United States to evaluate patients for the disorder.

People can conduct a self-assessment by filling in the questionnaire online.

When someone conducts a Google search on mobile for information on clinical depression, a link to check if youre clinically depressed will appear in the depression knowledge panel.

Clicking on the link will take the user to the PHQ-9 questionnaire.

NAMI hopes teaming up with Google will help raise awareness of clinical depression and lead sufferers to determine their level of depression and the need to seek help, said Mary Giliberti, the organizations CEO.

Clinical depression is a treatable condition, and the PHQ-9 can be the first step to getting a proper diagnosis, she noted.

Noble Effort

One in five Americans experience an episode of clinical depression in their lifetime, but only about half the sufferers receive treatment, Giliberti pointed out, and generally only after six to eight years.

By making PHQ-9 easily accessible in the Clinical Depression Knowledge Panel, we hope that will help provide useful and insightful information to spur deeper research on the Web or to help you have more in-depth conversations with your doctor, said Google spokesperson Susan Cadrecha.

The effort is noble, though Id feel better if this project was managed by someone other than Google, with the appropriate medical background, oversight and protections, such as a major hospital, remarked Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Privacy Questions

Because Google stores user data, there may be legitimate concerns that information entered into the PHQ-9 form would be retained.

The privacy and security of our users is of the utmost importance, Googles Cadrecha told TechNewsWorld.

We recognize that this information is sensitive and private, and Google will not store your responses or your results, she said.

This speaks to trust, and whether management actually knows what the engineers who have set this up actually did, Enderle told TechNewsWorld.

In the past, Google has been lax with regard to oversight, he added, so concerns about data retention are reasonable, even though it clearly isnt an executive intent.

Google parent Alphabet already collects some data on consumers health.

Its Verily Life Sciences division, formerly Google Life Sciences, in 2014 launched Project Baseline, which seeks to collect phenotypic health data from about 10,000 participants over four years.

The project will make de-identified data from the study available to qualified researchers for exploratory analysis.

Google Is Watching You?

Google sees everything that moves through their portal, said Michael Jude, a research manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

At some level, everythings stored for some period of time, he told TechNewsWorld.

Google is asking us to trust them not to store anything long term, Jude added. However, the act of seeing this data lets it build profiles of users.

The company probably already can build a psychological profile of its users from their searches and other user data, he speculated. If a profile leaked, they could claim that it was simply from publicly disclosed data. How could anyone prove otherwise?
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In March I wrote, Relationships around the world are shifting, which means that the logisticians world is becoming more uncertain. Some people make money from uncertainty, but in our world we earn profits by making uncertainty go away.

Well, things arent getting any better. It's our job to make the supply chain work, to make things move, and it sure looks like the time has arrived to have the contingency plans ready.

According to the US Census Bureaus 2016 statistics, the Top 3 trading partners of the United States are China, Canada and Mexico. A few slots below, at Number 7, is South Korea. The United States is involved in difficult trade discussions with all of them, and things are more than a bit unsettled.

And while trade with Japan is no longer top of mind in our collective consciousness, as it was thirty years ago, they still rank Number 4 on our list of trading partners. With ICBMs flying overhead launched by North Korea things feel a little bit more uncertain in Japan these days.

Lets lump the individual European Union countries together, and we can add Top 10 trading partners the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands to the list. There is more than a little uncertainty over just where Europe is headed as they thrash through Brexit.

The only country on the Top 10 trading partner list we havent talked about is Hong Kong. As each day passes it is harder and harder to think of Hong Kong as somehow distinct from China, so Im going to lump Hong Kong into the a bucket of radioactive uncertainty that includes Hong Kong, China, Japan, and South Korea. A little round guy with a funny haircut named Kim Jong-un is putting them the notional shadow of a mushroom cloud and that's not good for trade.

This Top 10 look should be a disturbing perspective for any logistician. If you are reading this it is a pretty fair bet that you, like me, are a logistician. Its our job to remove uncertainty, promote stability, and in general make things flow smoothly, but the world is not cooperating. My advice is that it is time to start hedging your bets. If you export heavily, start looking for new markets, hopefully domestic. If you import heavily, start looking for domestic sources. And start dual sourcing everything.

As I said in the March article, We can deal with uncertainty, but are we descending into chaos or simply witnessing a global realignment? Either way, its going to be interesting. We may have passed simply interesting a few stops back. May you live in interesting times is a proverbial Chinese curse. Logisticians are now living through some very interesting times  getting more interesting by the day - and it surely feels like a curse.
Florida farm laborers protest outside of a Tampa Publix in March, 2011. (Photo: Fritz Meyer)

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has stressed a properly ordered understanding of work, which prioritizes the worker and the family, in their 2017 statement for Labor Day,

This vision of work must ensure safe working conditions, show solidarity with those in poverty, and seek to emphasize the dignity of the worker rather than solely economic gain, the statement emphasized, Catholic News Agency reported Sept. 4

"Economic stresses contribute to a decline in marriage rates, increases in births outside of two-parent households, and child poverty," said Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development at the U.S. bishops' conference.

He called for legal safeguards to protect workers' rights and defend against exploitation.

He noted that legal protections is incapable of solving all problems when the culture itself must also change, saying such changes must go beyond politics, and aim to recover the understanding of work as "a cooperation with God's creative power."

Despite a growing economy, the bishop expressed concern that there is still a "stagnant or ... decreasing [wage] for the vast majority of people" and that the newly generated wealth is only going to a small percentage of people.

"The dignity of the individual and the demands of justice require, particularly today, that economic choices do not cause disparities in wealth to increase in an excessive and morally unacceptable manner," said Dewane.

He stressed that, "We continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady employment for everyone," repeating the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the encyclical Caritas in veritate.

That encyclical has also been echoed by Pope Francis, the bishop noted, pointing to the pontiff's challenge "to confront a twisted understanding of the purposes of labor which does not recognize talents as gifts from God."

"With such a mindset, it becomes possible to improperly justify economic and societal injustices," he added, and warned that "merit" can be used to unjustly excuse inequality in the work place.

"The poor person is considered undeserving and therefore to blame. And if poverty is the fault of the poor, the rich are exonerated from doing anything," said the bishop, repeating the words of Pope Francis.

Bishop Dewane said that seeing wealth as the basis for right or wrong, opposes the message of the Gospel and aligns itself to the opinions of Job's friends, who saw Job's misfortune as the result of his sin.

Pope Francis has said that this view contradicts God's "gaze of love" which is best reflected in the parable of the Prodigal Son, whose father "thinks no son deserves the acorns that are for the pigs," even when the son has failed.

However, this potential crisis is also an opportunity to regain the true nature of work, Bishop Dewane said, highlighting the importance of legal protections, unions, and rest.
(Photo: REUTERS / KCNA)Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American Christian missionary who has been detained in North Korea for more than a year, appears before a limited number of media outlets in Pyongyang in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on January 20, 2014. U.S. missionary Bae said he wants to return to his family as soon as possible and hopes the United States will help, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported.

WASHINGTON D.C. (Reuters) - A U.S. missionary being held in North Korea was moved from a hospital back to a labor camp last month on the same day he made a public appeal for Washington to help get him home, the U.S. State Department said on Friday, citing Swedish diplomats who met the prisoner.

Kenneth Bae, 45, has been held for more than a year in North Korea after being sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for trying to overthrow the state. From last summer until Jan. 20, he had been kept at Friendship Hospital in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, his family said.

"The Department of State has learned that the DPRK transferred Mr. Bae from a hospital to a labor camp, a development with which we are deeply concerned," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"We also remain gravely concerned about Mr. Bae's health, and we continue to urge DPRK authorities to grant Mr Bae special amnesty and immediate release on humanitarian grounds," she said, referring to North Korea by the acronym of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Psaki said Swedish Embassy representatives had met Bae 10 times since his detention, most recently on Friday in a labor camp.

"We continue to work actively to secure Mr. Bae's release," Psaki said, adding that Washington remained prepared to send its human rights envoy for North Korea, Robert King, to Pyongyang for that purpose.

North Korea has rejected this offer in the past and withdrew an invitation for King to visit Pyongyang last August.

Bae said in an interview with a pro-North Korea newspaper published in Japan that a Swedish Embassy official had visited him on Friday and told him King would visit as early as Monday and by the end of the month at the latest.

The United States had offered to send civil rights activist Jessie Jackson but North Korea has instead approved the visit by King, Bae said in the interview with the Choson Sinbo newspaper issued on Friday. It did not have further details on King or Jackson's plans.

A State Department official said Bae was moved back to the labor camp on Jan. 20.

Bae's sister, Terri Chung, told Reuters Bae had been held in a labor camp from May 14 last year until Aug. 5, when he was moved to the hospital.

She said the family did not know where the camp was, except that it was far from Pyongyang and Bae was working eight hours a day, six days a week.

HEALTH WORRY

Chung said her brother suffered from a variety of health issues, including diabetes, an enlarged heart, kidney stones and severe back pain.

"We are very concerned about his health," she said.

Bae, a Korean American, last appeared in public at Pyongyang Friendship Hospital on Jan. 20 when he was paraded in front of a group of reporters and asked Washington to help him get home.

Bae's media appearance was his second since his arrest in 2012 when he led a tour group into the country. North Korea's state KCNA news agency reported Bae himself had asked to hold the news conference.

Bae has acknowledged being a missionary and has said he conducted religious services in the North, one of the most isolated states on earth and long hostile to Westerners advocating religious causes.

On Thursday, President Barack Obama offered prayers for Bae and U.S. prisoners held in other countries during remarks at an annual prayer breakfast that highlighted his Christian faith.

"His family wants him home. And the United States will continue to do everything in our power to secure his release," Obama said.

On Tuesday, the last surviving members of the U.S. Congress to have served in the Korean War sent a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un asking him to release Bae.

North Korea in December released 85-year-old Korean War veteran Merrill E. Newman, a former U.S. special forces soldier who had been held since October after visiting the country as a tourist, and the members of Congress applauded that in the letter seeking Bae's freedom.

The letter, signed by Democratic Representative Charles Rangel from New York, Democratic Representative John Conyers Jr. from Michigan, Republican Representative Sam Johnson from Texas and Republican Representative Howard Coble from North Carolina, is not seen as having nearly as much influence on the North Korean leaders as a possible visit from a U.S. envoy.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Alex Dobuzinskis; additional reporting by Jack Kim in Seoul; Editing by Eric Beech and Robert Birsel)
UPDATED

President Donald Trump will end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program that gives protection to an estimated 800,000 immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the order to end DACA Tuesday morning at the U.S. Department of Justice.

The decision leaves the undocumented residents, an undetermined number of whom work and learn in the nations K-12 schools, in a state of limbo. The Washington-based Migration Policy Institute estimates 250,000 school-age children have become DACA-eligible since President Barack Obama began the program in 2012.

The Trump administrations decision could also affect the lives of children born in the United States. Millions of students in the nations public and private schools are the children of undocumented immigrants, the Washington-based Pew Research Center estimates.

The announcement drew widespread condemnation from K-12 leaders and education associations from across the country, from Washington and New York to Los Angeles and Denver.

The mission of public schools is to create opportunitynot for some children, but for all. The public-school system has not always been true to that dream, but it is striving to meet the needs of those dreamers now. For urban public schools, whose classrooms are filled with students from all over the world, our mission is not to reflect or perpetuate the walls that others would build. Our job is to tear them down, to educate future generations of informed, engaged citizens. said Michael Casserly, the executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, which represents more than 60 of the nations largest urban public school systems.

Students in one of those districts, the Denver Public Schools, walked out of classes Tuesday to protest the decision.

#Breaking : Students at Denver schools are walking out of classes in protest of #DACA announcement

WATCH: https://t.co/fYKBG4jvCA pic.twitter.com/ErH0Hz86oq  Channel 2 KWGN (@channel2kwgn) September 5, 2017

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Michelle King, and former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., the CEO of The Education Trust, and Chiefs for Change, a bipartisan group of district and state-level school leaders, also weighed in.

We are deeply troubled by the Trump Administrations decision to cease protections for the law-abiding young people known as Dreamers, Chiefs for Change officials wrote in response to the announcement.

This move by the Administration heightens the urgency for Congress to take action to protect Dreamers in the form of common-sense immigration reform. Pushing these young people into the shadows will hurt our schools and communities.

The Trump administration will begin a wind-down of the DACA program, allowing Congress time to find a legislative solution to address the status of the so-called Dreamers, the young undocumented people who benefit from the program.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

The House and Senate now have until March 5 to pass an immigration reform bill, something theyve tried and failed to do for more than a decade.

In a statement issued by the White House on Tuesday, President Trump wrote that the federal government will honor all existing DACA permits until their date of expiration up to two full years from today. Applications already in the pipeline will be processed and DACA recipients whose eligibility expires between now and March 5 have until Oct. 5 to apply for renewal.

However, Trumps decision slams the door on DACA-eligible who havent yet applied. A Department of Homeland Security memo issued Tuesday indicates all new applications for DACA protection will be rejected. Heres a link to a Homeland Security fact sheet explaining the full details of the DACA phase-out .

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) praised Trumps move.

The winding down period announced today will not only give DACA recipients time to get their affairs in order, but also gives Congress a unique opportunity to reengage in the immigration debate, the organization said in a statement.

FAIR supports a merit-based immigration system and construction of a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Citing its ties to white supremacist groups, the Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled the organization a hate group.

While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to repeal DACAwhich offers a two-year deportation stay to young undocumented immigrants who can prove they meet a number of criteria including that they came to the U.S. before age 16, have lived here for at least five years continuously, attend or graduated from high school or college, and have no criminal convictions.

We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassionbut through the lawful Democratic processwhile at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans, Trump said in the statement issued Tuesday.

Above all else, we must remember that young Americans have dreams too. Being in government means setting priorities. Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families.

Protesters arrested in front of Trump Tower as crowds come out to protest the Trump administration rescinding DACA. https://t.co/rI6mHd9RVl pic.twitter.com/Nws8IJRurW  ABC News (@ABC) September 5, 2017

Trumps decision comes on the day that Republican attorneys general in nine states planned to file suit against the federal government if the president did not end the program. It was not immediately clear if they still look to sue the White House.

Acting on tainted and biased legal advice, Donald Trump caved to the overstated demands of the Texas attorney general and a dwindling number of other states, said Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund. The fecklessness of the Trump White House and the Sessions Justice Department now endangers countless families, employers, and communities across the country.

Attorneys general in New York and Washington state have announced plans to file a countersuit in an effort to stop the Trump administration from ending DACA.

Heres a copy of Trumps statement .
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A nursery owner in Witham has been left "overwhelmed" by the response of the local community after she claims her business was vandalised by travellers.

Claire Micallef, 37, called Essex Police after she was informed that children had climbed into the play area of Mini Marvels Nursery, in Spa Road, on Saturday morning (September 2).

Worried about these trespassers, she decided to lock away the larger equipment inside the nursery before heading home.

But she was horrified when an officer sent her an email with photos that showed the play area of her beloved business been trashed less than 12 hours after she locked up.

She arrived the next day to see the outdoor space had been covered in paint, with bird seed scattered everywhere and that the shed had been broken into and emptied.

Those responsible managed to climb the eight foot high fencing to get into the area and wreak havoc, just days before the nursery was due to open for the start of term.

"I saw photos initially which were sent to me by the police," said Claire, who lives in Witham.

"I was obviously very upset and very distressed and I confirmed to the police that this was an act of vandalism and it wasn't the normal state of the nursery.

"I wasn't able to get in until the following day.

"When we saw it in person it was a lot more distressing - people had warned me but I wasn't prepared to see it in person."

Mini Marvels is adjacent to Witham Rugby Club , which was invaded by a horde of travellers at around 6.30pm on Friday (September 1).

Several of the club's events had to be cancelled while the encampment remained, with the group eventually moved by police officers the following day.

Considering the task before her, Claire had to make the difficult decision to let parents know that she would not be able to open the nursery as planned on Monday.

"It was just very, very upsetting and very invasive," she said.

"We were faced with the task of trying to sort it all out.

"What wasn't stolen had to be binned.

"Luckily I had taken in our larger outdoor equipment - thankfully none of that was damaged."

In addition to the loss of toys, items stolen included tools and paint, some of which had only recently been bought.

But thanks to the hard work of a small army of helpers, Claire was able to turn the chaos into order within 48 hours.

She said: "I had family come and help me in on the first day and the rugby club had a lot of volunteers who also helped us clear the area.

"We had to remain closed yesterday but staff came in and gave the area another good clean up."

Now that the area has been thoroughly disinfected, Claire has been able to establish what needs to be replaced thanks to the CCTV footage.

"It gives us a starting point, as we have been inundated with requests to help and to fundraise," she said.

"Now we know what we have lost we can start doing an appeal."

Priti Patel, the MP for Witham, has also lent her support to the effort by sending a letter to the nursery promising to help appeal for replacement items.

"I was really concerned about the reputation of the nursery but people have been so supportive," said Claire, who's been running the nursery for two years.

"It's just been really overwhelming.

"I have had some low moments but it's also been really overwhelming in a positive way.

"I didn't expect all of that."

Anyone who wishes to donate items to the nursery is asked to contact the dedicated Facebook page directly here .
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Tesco has closed their store at Gallows Corner until further notice after travellers took over the car park.

Residents have been left annoyed after the large contingent arrived at the Tesco Extra off the A12 and forced the closure of the superstore - the largest in the Romford area.

Around 20 caravans have been parked up on the site since yesterday (Monday, September 4).

Police are aware of the incursion and attempts are being made to move the camp on.

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A Harlow drug dealer has been jailed after police seized a knife and 24 wraps of heroin from him.

Bradley Boateng, 20, of Fairview Close, Walthamstow, will serve six years behind bars after being arrested in The Briars, Harlow , on May 25.

After a call, officers from Operation Raptor division spotted Boateng leaving a house and found the five-inch knife.

They then carried out a search of the house Boateng had come from, where they found 430 in cash, 24 wraps of the Class A drug heroin and various items of drug paraphernalia including scales and a grinder.

A search of his north London address uncovered 300 in cash, six bags of cannabis and letters making references to gangs.

(Image: Google)

Boateng was charged and pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug, possessing a knife in a public place, possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and breaching a criminal behaviour order.



He was given a total of six years in prison and the court ordered the forfeiture of the cash, knife and drugs.

Sergeant James Paget, of the Operation Raptor team, said: "This case demonstrates partnership working at its best.

"Our colleagues from the Harlow Council Community Safety Team were rightly suspicious of Boateng and told us straight-away enabling us to search him, arrest him and seize a sizeable knife and class A drugs.



"We have now succeeded in removing a drug dealer, class A and class B drugs and a dangerous weapon from the streets of Essex.



"Whether it is our partners or members of the community, we will act on tip-offs about gang and drug-related crime in the community."
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The 'killer clown' craze which has swept the country and recently reignited in Essex could be down to the release of Hollywood horror movie IT, police say.

Stephen King's hit horror-novel IT has recently been adapted into a new film which is due to be released this weekend.

It follows the story of an evil demon who takes the shape of a clown and terrorises children in Maine, America.

Reports of people dressing as clowns have been seen across the country and in America with a spate of clowns also spotted in Essex.

The clown craze, which originated from America, involves people dressing as clowns who are then photographed or filmed carrying out various acts with the intention of scaring or causing fear.

Police in America have now linked the worrying craze with the release of the upcoming horror film IT.

The Pennsylvania State Police department said they are expecting to see some sightings tied in with the film release and have urged the public to be vigilant.

A community awareness bulletin was issued warning the public of the possible danger and encouraged the public to report such sightings.

The statement read: "It is anticipated that 'creepy clown' sightings could be reported starting as soon as September, in part due to the fact that the movie IT will be released in theatres."

In Essex, just this week social media suggested that someone dressed up as a clown was roaming the streets of Springfield on Sunday (September 3).

Police were also hunting for someone dressed as a clown in Chelmsford in the early hours of Friday morning (September 1).

The recent sightings come almost a year after a spate of clown-incidents in Chelmsford.
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This is the moment a motorcyclist smashed a car wing mirror in the midst of a road rage incident at a roundabout in Ongar.

The biker had been overtaking traffic on Romford Road between Little End and Ongar as part of a group of motorcyclists, but was blocked as they went to overtake a blue Hyundai.

The driver of the Hyundai swung out of their lane to block two bikers as they attempted to overtake.

Sean Bone, who filmed the incident on his dashcam, said: "Both myself and my passenger said 'what an idiot' and I even said, 'he is going to get hell from the bikers'."

(Image: Twitter/@seanbone007)

He said: "As the Hyundai driver approached the roundabout before Coopers Hill, the motorbike rider smashed the wing mirror off the Hyundai.

"There was two motorcyclists that gave the Hyundai driver a bit of hell."

Sean, from Chelmsford, was driving back from Cardiff when the group of motorcyclists rode past him on the country road.

After the riders were blocked in front of him, Sean tried to stay as far left as possible in case of other riders attempting to get past but the Hyundai driver in front was not of the same mind.

When the convoy stop at a roundabout on the outskirts of Ongar, the lead biker can be seen taking exception to the Hynudai, striking out at the side of the car and shouting at those inside.

(Image: Twitter/@seanbone007)

The second rider follows suit by also shouting at those in the Hyundai before the pair ride off down Coopers Hill.

The driver of the Hyundai then sets off in the same direction with hazard lights flashing and the wing mirror hanging off.

Sean reported the incident online to Essex Police after his dashcam captured the footage.

To send Essex Police dashcam footage of any incident email driving.complaints@essex.pnn.police.uk
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Essex Police are appealing for information after a teenager was attacked and stabbed repeatedly by a gang in Southend.

An 18-year-old man was punched in the face following an argument with suspects in Seaway Car Park at around 4am, on Friday (September 1).

His attackers, described as being both men and women, proceeded to chase him before knocking him to the floor in Queen's Way.

The victim was then punched, kicked and suffered a number of stab wounds to his torso.

He was was taken to hospital shortly afterwards.

A 25-year-old man from Shoeburyness, a 21-year-old man from London, a 22-year-old man from Barking, a 22-year-old man from London and a 20-year-old man from Southend were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and were released under investigation.

Investigating officer Pc Rachel Martin, of Southend CID , said: This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack on a man who was enjoying a night out with friends.

He was attacked by a large group of people and stabbed.

"Fortunately the injuries he sustained were not life threatening and he has since been discharged from hospital.

The victim ran from his attackers and we urge anyone who witnessed or has information about the incident to get in contact with us.

"We also urge anyone with CCTV in the vicinity or dash cam footage to get in contact with Southend CID on 101.

"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The European Commission said no to the request of the Hungarian government to co-finance its border fence with Serbia. We are not financing the construction of fences or barriers at the external borders, EU commission spokesperson, Alexander Winterstein, said at the end of last week. Budapest said it would erect a 175km fence along the Serbian border, which it completed last year, and then built another one on the border with Croatia. A second border fence on the Serbian border is currently being built and more than 3,000 border-hunters have been trained and put into service.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had earlier addressed a letter to the EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker asking for a gesture of solidarity  about 400 million  a half of Hungarys border protection spending. Mr. Orban, in his letter, said that his country deserved the money for having protected not only itself but all of Europe against the flood of illegal migrants. He also reminded that both Italy and Greece had received large sums from the EU commission to manage migration.

Budapest requested the EU to foot the bill on the grounds that all EU member states should share the burden but Commission spokesperson took the issue, noting Hungarys refusal to take in asylum seekers from Greece and Italy. Solidarity is a two-way street, and all member states should be ready to contribute. This is not some sort of a la carte menu where you pick one dish, he said. The EU has already provided Hungary with more than 93 million from both the EUs Asylum, Migration and Integration fund (AMIF) and the Internal Security fund (ISF). It also gave Hungary an additional 6 million in emergency funds.
Hi there GuysToday i got an email from TLSContact, saying that my application was assessed by the UKVI, thing is, my wife did never get our documents back yet, so is that a good sign or not ? as i did notice that many got their documents back earlier than the decision by weeks and got their applications successul, now i know i got to wait till passport is back to application center, but i feel so stressed out, can anyone help me ?Thanks in advance
Hi all,



My Brazilian wife and I have just recently married and she is here on a fiance visa. We have a same day premium appointment booked for the flr-m application on 18th September.



When we had our notice appointment and submitted the marriage notice forms, they asked for my fiancees occupation and as she isn't employed they asked for her last occupation, which was a student prior to moving here. Thus, our marriage certificate has "student of business studies" under occupation for her.



We are concerned this will be a problem for our application as she is not a student now, nor is she otherwise employed.



Is this a problem or are we creating a problem for ourselves where one doesn't exist?



Many thanks for all your help.


If you want to move to the most beautiful country in the world then Scotland is the place to consider, having taken the top spot in an annual poll by a global travel guide.Scotland has been voted the world's most beautiful country by Rough Guide readers, beating Canada into second place, followed by New Zealand and Norway. It seems the UK is popular among travellers as England was placed seventh and Wales in the top 10 with the tenth spot.Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, believes the title will attract more people to Scotland. 'We are delighted that Scotland has received this remarkable accolade from Rough Guide readers, but of course it will not be a surprise to anyone who has encountered our wonderful country, he said.From our awe-inspiring landscapes to our remarkable historic attractions, to our bustling but beautiful urban centres, Scotland takes people's breaths away. Of course, with great beauty comes great responsibility and we urge both visitors and residents alike to respect Scotland's natural assets to protect and preserve them for many generations to come, he added.And there has been some concern expressed about whether Scotland can cope with even more visitors. At the height of the summer all campsites, hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishment in the island of Skye were full, prompting calls for a tourist tax to be introduced.Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, which hosts the biggest international arts festival in the world alongside the equally famous Fringe festival, has also been full during August. Hotels had few spare rooms and some reported not being able to hire enough staff to cope in restaurants and bars.Locals in Edinburgh tend to avoid the city centre during the festivals as the narrow streets can be hard to negotiate due to the crowds attending comedy and other shows which are held from 11am until the early hours of the morning. Buses are often late due to the demand and the crowds.Edinburgh World Heritage, which is responsible for protecting the citys World Heritage status, wants the city to conduct an experiment of staging its major events at different times to ensure the capital properly balances the needs of local residents and businesses.The organisation has warned that Edinburgh is in danger of suffering the same fate as Venice, which it described as a hollow museum shell, adding that Edinburgh is a fragile historic city. It has backed calls for the festivals to be stretched out from June through to September to ease congestion in the city centre, help visitors find accommodation and allow more locals to attend events.Land owners in popular areas, such as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, have voiced concerns about an increase in so called wild campers who arrive with chain saws and hack down trees to make a fire while camping and leave their throw away cheap tents and rubbish behind.The national park has recently introduced a camping permit scheme for four lochside camping management zones which means that anyone camping without a permit could face criminal charges between March and September. The camping management zones are focused around the national parks busiest lochshore locations which attract very high numbers of campers year on year in a bid to protect the environment and stamp out antisocial behaviour.Our focus as always is to encourage and support people to enjoy the national park while at the same time protecting its special environment. Our rangers will continue welcoming people and educating them on all the aspects of the park. This is not about looking to catch people out who might be camping in the wrong place, as taking formal action would always be a last resort, but helping them understand where and how they can camp responsibly, said chief executive Gordon Watson.
The nations widening the political divide, the rise of social media postings and higher visibility of emboldened hate groups are giving employers headaches, especially when their workers are involved.

Employers find themselves in difficult situations when employees reveal themselves as hate group members or post racist or sexistmessages online, especially when the conduct or beliefs can spill back into the workplace, lawyers say.

If a member of a hate group is engaged in hateful conduct, the employer usually is within his rights to take action  Its legal to separate an employee under most circumstances, said Charles Wilson, a member of Cozen OConnor law firms labor and employment practice and the firms Houston office managing partner.

Texas employers have a lot of leeway to take action against employees who behave in an offensive manner, said Tiffany Cox, a shareholder in the San Antonio office of Ogletree Deakins, a national law firm specializing in employment law and workplace issues.

Some states make it lawful (to engage in) outside conduct and political activities, but Texas is not one of those. Texas has fewer statutes that make exceptions. In Texas, political affiliation is not protected, like race, age or disability is. Employers can take action, and thats OK, Cox said.

In many cases, employers can take disciplinary action, including termination and reprimands with orders for additional training, when employee conduct is considered offensive and harmful to a company policy of inclusion and respectful treatment of employees and customers, Wilson said.

Public employers have more restrictions since U.S. constitution rights, such as the First Amendment protecting free speech, are observed more closely, Wilson explained.

The National Labor Relations Act protects certain employee conduct. Employees are OK when it comes to meeting with one or more other employees to discuss labor conditions, workloads, shifts, compensation and benefits, Wilson said. So are employees who take concerns with policies to supervisors on behalf of themselves and groups of employees.

But outside activities and communications and treatment of customers are another matter, including when it comes to participation in public protests and social media postings, Wilson said.

To defend themselves from any unfair labor practice complaints after discipline and terminations, companies may have to beef up their work rules and employee handbook language.

The language and rules must be specific. In my experience, the NRLB (National Labor Relations Board) tends to penalize companies when the language is too broad, Wilson said. Employers should compare their language to a recent memo from the NLRB general counsel to make sure they would not be in violation of the NLRA.

The specific memo can be found online at nlrb.gov/search/documents and is coded GC 15-04, dated March 18, 2015.

Wilson said workplace rules should be accompanied by language that gives context to the rules, to spell out the rule and explain why the rule is important, especially for outside-of-work conduct and in communications with customers.

At the front end, employers can create an expectation that certain behaviors are not consistent with a company culture and ideals, Wilson said.

Before taking action, employers should investigate the matter, collecting the facts of a situation and proof, such as a photo or a social media posting, Wilson said. It could be as simple as getting the employee to explain, he added.

Employers might face situations where an employee complains about favoritism for minorities at their company in a social media post or an online blog, and other employees join in on the discussion. That may be different from talking about the matter around a company watercooler, which is protected, Cox said.

A company should seek legal counsel before taking an adverse employment action, Cox said.

Can employees have politically charged or offensive bumper stickers on their vehicles?

Theres good arguments on both sides, Wilson said. I think its a good idea to implement a policy on that. Employees will have different political views, and that slips into the workforce. Theres the other argument that it shouldnt matter, that employees should be free to place a bumper sticker.

But if there is no policy, some employees might display a derogatory bumper sticker expressing racial hate or sexual discrimination, Wilson said. It depends on the type of workforce the employer is involved in and the type of workforce culture the employer wants, he said.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Cox said employers can best enforce rules restricting bumper stickers if the vehicle is used for company business. Private employers can have regulations. If vehicles are used for company business, the employees are representing the company, she said.

Employers should avoid bringing up personal and political views when interviewing employment candidates.

I think employers at the interview stage should focus on whether candidates are able to perform the job and steer away from political discussion. Its not advisable and likely illegal to ask an applicant about politics, Wilson said.

CEOs and organization executives often find themselves in the political spotlight, such as those who serve on presidential advisory boards and especially if they leave the boards in protest.

Earlier this month, two presidential advisory councils disbanded, the Strategy & Policy Forum and the Manufacturing Council, after many of the chief executives on the boards resigned over President Trumps remarks that equated the actions of white supremacists with those of anti-hate group protestors.

Private (sector) CEOs are looked to more often as an individual in charge of a companys position on issues, Wilson said. Its a good thing when a CEO steps up and indicates their views.

If the company is large, the CEO likely is going to be sued at some point for discrimination, Cox said. The plaintiff lawyer could point to the CEO as participating (on a board) that endorsed this particular view  As CEO, you set the tone, you set the example for the company. It could be a hindrance for attracting talent to a company, she said.

Ogletree Deakins is a national law firm, and employers everywhere are dealing with the issue of employee behavior. But the issue is not big in San Antonio at the moment, Cox said.

Most of our clients are refreshingly inclusive. Weve not heard of any instances, Cox said.

dhendricks@express-news.net
040917BUKA TOWN HIGH RISK OF FIRE

By Aloysius Laukai



Buka town needs to follow physical Planning guideline to avoid a major disaster that could result in the event of a fire.

This is more so with Business houses operating the town.

This was the message from staff from the National Fire service who visited Buka last week and returned to Port Moresby today.

Before returning to Port Moresby today, they told New Dawn FM in a live interview that Buka town is a high risk town in an event that fire occurs in one of the buildings.

Officers, EREMAS and WAIRA said that their trip to Buka was to meet with the ABG and stakeholders like the Buka Urban Council and the Technical Office plus the Disaster office to establish their office in Buka.

They said that their discussions followed a MOU signed between the ABG and the Fire Services.

They said that were satisfied with all discussions they had in Buka and hope to establish in Buka soon.

Ends






Mark Eads has already overcome one symbolic hurdle on the path to stabilizing the Southside Independent School District.

Well, for one thing, Ive been superintendent now for over a year, Eads said.

Thats something like longevity at the rural South Bexar County school district. Southside operated under three interim superintendents between summer 2015 and spring 2016, when Eads was hired. The last permanent superintendent, Ricardo Vela, held the title for a year and four months before he was fired. His predecessor lasted longer  but was also fired.

Eads said he understands that improving the troubled district means more than just hanging on to his job, and this school year, he has a fresh start with the board of managers appointed in May by Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, in a wholesale replacement of elected trustees.

Community members are counting on Eads success. Eads said hes also counting on himself and his leadership team.

Southside ISD has about 5,700 students, 81 percent of them considered economically disadvantaged based on federal income benchmarks. In recent years, the district has been known for high employee turnover at all levels and board mismanagement that prompted the Texas Education Agency takeover. As the district went through leader after leader, its scores on some standardized tests plummeted to the lowest in Bexar County.

Since Eads took over, he said, employees have constantly told him that standard procedures either did not exist or were not being followed. Eads attributed the disorganization to employees being left for years to rely on their individual, differing judgments.

One of Eads first actions as superintendent was to undertake a complete review of district finances, personnel and curriculum. He used the findings to completely overhaul the districts administrative team, especially at the secondary school level.

More active and visible administrators helped the district pass all four categories of the state accountability system this year, he believes. Last year, Southside came close to failing as a district because it fell short in the overall performance category. Southside also brought two schools out of improvement required status this year, leaving no failing schools in the district.

When I first got here, probably for the first six months or more, I dealt with a lot of angry, upset, unhappy people, Eads said. Sometimes, he said, theyd been misinformed about actions the district was taking, but other times the district was at fault.

TEA investigators concluded in November that Southsides elected trustees had been asserting their authority individually and not complying with state contract procurement laws. Eads also found the district had been overstaffed for years, to the tune of $2 million in unnecessary payroll costs. A finance directors miscalculations caused a $4 million budget gap, which community members found out about in April, along with the administrations proposed cuts to close it.

Yet voters in May approved a bond of nearly $60 million to address projected growth and renovate aging facilities. That election night was one of Eads best moments of the year.

I felt that we had trust and buy-in from our community, he said. It was almost a validation for me, and I didnt care if it was one vote or a thousand votes. I think it showed that the community was showing their faith in me and trusting me and our school district.

Two weeks after the bond passed, Morath appointed the new slate of managers. Eads said he believes the board that hired him meant well, but trustees had made the mistake of getting involved in the districts daily operations. The managers have delegated operational responsibilities to Eads, eliminating problems that arose when elected trustees pushed for certain programs or buildings.

Southside started this school year with a fully aligned curriculum, a change from previous years when each school operated as an island, Eads said. Teachers are also being trained in the Leader in Me and Boys Town models, standardizing leadership education and discipline across the district, Eads said.

Eads, 55, grew up in the Corpus Christi area. The son of a minister, he was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He said education was his first-choice profession but teacher salaries were dismally low, so he got a degree in banking and finance. He worked in finance until 1989, when his wife got a raise and he decided to become a classroom teacher in Alice.

He taught seventh-grade math, making $18,500 per year  about $36,000 in todays dollars. He next taught in Corpus Christi, then took an assistant principal position there. That meant a raise, but Eads said he also thought he could be a better leader than some of the supervisors hed observed.

Overall, what I saw were leaders who were not servant leaders, Eads said. Their overall desire was really not what was best for the staff and students, but what was best for them.

Either as a teacher or administrator, Eads doesnt believe hes yelled at anyone in his entire career. Being a servant leader is being willing to model, show compassion and serving others, he said.

Eads became a principal in Medina ISD, then trained principals in San Antonio at the Region 20 education service center. He said his subsequent job as director of human resources in Medina Valley ISD taught him the characteristics of the best applicants, helping him hire the right educators later in other districts.

A love for children is the most important requirement, Eads said, adding, I cant take a person who knows the technical skills but doesnt love kids.

His first superintendency was in Snyder ISD in West Texas. The San Marcos school board voted unanimously in 2011 to hire Eads over two other finalists for superintendent, said Kathy Hansen, who is in her 11th year as a trustee there. In San Marcos, Eads worked to hire staff who would help improve test scores and oversaw the construction of a new high school and a stadium, Hansen said.

Trustees wanted a Jumbotron for the stadium, but the district couldnt afford it, she said, so Eads went out and found sponsors in the community. Hansen also was impressed that Eads and his wife both participated in the districts mentorship program  Ive never had a superintendent do that, she said.

The couple chose to pair up with two brothers who were getting into trouble, sons of a single mother who worked long hours, Hansen said.

Eads was one of five finalists for state Superintendent of the Year in 2014, but after three new trustees were elected the following May, the board was divided in its relationship with him, said Hansen, who was president at the time. Eads announced his resignation in September 2015, but stayed until the following spring to help the transition to a new superintendent.

Southside trustees said they hired Eads because they believed he could stabilize the district, restore the communitys trust and improve academics and employee morale.

Gabe Farias, vice president of the board of managers and president and CEO of the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, comes from a family with ties to Harlandale ISD. He said Eads reminds him of Robert Jaklich, the Harlandale superintendent who led that district to statewide acclaim before leaving five years ago amid board turmoil.

Farias said he hopes the Southside board and the TEA will change the districts culture permanently so future elected boards give Eads the support he needs.

On a recent morning, Eads sat in his office in front of a white board, where Southside ISD soaring to excellence  the districts new motto  was scrawled in dry-erase marker. Eads thinks Southside will be perceived as an excellent school district in three to five years, despite a much longer era of controversy and underperformance.

Its going to happen, Eads said. Its already happening.

AMalik@express-news.net

Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN
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Theyve been rescuing victims and delivering supplies, but some members of the Texas National Guard deployed for storm relief have one more task: contacting their colleges. Or, at the very least, having family members do it for them.

Were here to support them, said Elisa Perkins, associate director of veteran and military affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Its still really early for a lot of them to know how long theyll be gone and if they have to drop classes.

Abbott called out the entire Texas National Guard  about 14,000 troops  on Aug. 28 to help with the response to Hurricane Harvey. Local colleges and universities are now trying to contact students who are serving in the Guard or deployed with other branches of the military or reserves, to talk through their options. As of Friday afternoon, they had spoken to scores of affected students.

The Texas Education Code requires public colleges and universities to excuse students from classes to participate in active military service, for a maximum of 25 percent of each courses total hours.

The students must be allowed to make up assignments and exams within a reasonable time after their return, the law says. Those who miss so much time that they have to withdraw are eligible for full refunds of tuition and fees for the semester, incomplete grades in all courses with withdrawn-military listed on their transcripts or final grades if they have completed enough coursework, the law says.

Students who drop out for active military service must be allowed readmission within a year of completing their service, without having to reapply or pay fees.

UTSAs veteran and military affairs department emailed about 140 students who are in the National Guard and reserves, and asked professors contacted by deployed students to let the department know, Perkins said. Classes started Aug. 22, and some students in the National Guard received orders Aug. 25.

The Alamo Colleges District is urging deployed students to contact their community colleges vice president of student success. The colleges have emailed students and posted the appropriate phone numbers and email addresses on their web pages.

San Antonio, Northwest Vista and Palo Alto colleges were in contact last week with almost 50 students total. The college district started classes Aug. 28, but students can push their start dates to later in the semester under the condensed, accelerated Start Two or Flex II schedules. Some can also switch to online classes, said Adrian Jackson, spokeswoman for St. Philips College.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio heard from a dozen students in the Texas National Guard by Friday afternoon, said Richard Delgado, director of the universitys office of military affairs. Most have been ordered into service for two weeks, he said, but that could be extended. Some courses, such as biology classes with lengthy lab sessions, might be too difficult to make up, Delgado said.

All the students that we have talked to do not want to drop, he said.

College and university officials said they were proud of their military students.

They are doing a very critical job in the state of Texas right now, Delgado said.

amalik@express-news.net
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Four days after a post-hurricane panic sent drivers to drain gasoline stations over the Labor Day weekend, the end of waiting in lines behind hoarders may be in sight.

According to gas price tracker GasBuddy.com, the number of empty stations in San Antonio decreased Monday.

Only 376 gas stations were reported without fuel as of 4 p.m. Monday, according to GasBuddys gasoline availability tracker, which is updated by consumers and subject to some inaccuracies. That would mean nearly 60 percent of San Antonios roughly 630 gas stations remain without fuel, down from a peak of 575 gas stations, or 91 percent, that were reportedly without fuel Saturday night.

In light of the shortages, VIA Metropolitan Transit announced Monday that transportation services Tuesday would be complimentary.

Fares will be waived for the day on VIAs fixed-route bus service, Park & Ride Service, and scheduled VIAtrans trips, the agency said in a news release Monday. Fares for registered VIAtrans customers using its Taxi Subsidy Service also will be paid by VIA.

As residents continue to help us manage this situation by being conscientious neighbors, I am grateful to VIA for doing what they can to provide additional transportation solutions, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement released Monday afternoon.

Average gas prices in San Antonio spiked to nearly $2.55 a gallon Monday, up from around $2.29 Thursday, when widespread shortages were first reported in San Antonio, according to GasBuddy.

The U.S. average price per gallon also jumped from $2.51 on Thursday to nearly $2.64 on Monday.

San Antonio-based refiner Valero Energy Corp. announced Monday afternoon that its two Corpus Christi refineries, which shut down before Hurricane Harvey made landfall on Aug. 25, were back to pre-hurricane production levels. Spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said that the refineries provide fuel supplies to the region from Austin through South Texas.

A smaller Valero refinery in Three Rivers, which also serves the region from Austin to South Texas, continued its post-hurricane restart Monday.

Harvey disrupted supplies across Texas, taking more than a fifth of U.S. refining production offline. Fuel shortages in Texas have been reported from the Rio Grande Valley up to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Since Thursday, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has used both official channels and Facebook to address fuel supply issues. On Sunday evening, Nirenberg put out another message on his Facebook page, saying hes asked for more regular updates from state regulatory authorities but that fuel demand in San Antonio remained high.

Demand has not decreased, with our city consuming more fuel than average largely due to panic and hoarding, Nirenberg said in his post. I am listening and as much as I would like to impose restrictions, which we have urged retailers to observe, that authority lies within the state government, not local municipalities.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that gasoline is being shipped in from the neighboring states of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana to make up for any supply disruptions.

We will not run out and we will be back into our normal pattern before you know it, Abbott said.

Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, said in a statement that Harvey had been a historic disruption to our states fuel production and distribution system but urged calm.

Every single Texan can help themselves and their neighbors during this period of recovery by not overbuying fuel. All of us can play a role as we conserve, restore and rebuild, Staples said.

Hoarding has taken place in many forms, with residents posting photos on social media of people filling up large containers mounted on the flat beds of pickups to 55-gallon drums and even trash cans.

Some on social media blamed media reports for creating a run on gas and thus the shortages, while others blamed unnecessary panic and greed for the lack of fuel.

Jesus Azanza, spokesman for the Texas Food and Fuel Association, which represents convenience stores, said that despite the U.S. being awash in domestically produced crude oil, it doesnt have a glut of gasoline. He said the Valero refineries coming back online will help with their branded gas stations getting the fuel they need. But no regulations exist to limit hoarding.

There isnt a law in place limiting the amount of fuel a gas station owner can sell to an individual consumer. That decision is up to the individual gas station owner and their software capabilities, said Azana.

The rush for gasoline has caused another shortage of sorts.

Sid Lipscomb, the store manager of Napa Auto Parts on North Alamo Street, said the companys local distribution center has sold nearly 2,000 jugs, a tripling of normal sales, since Friday.

On social media the sky is falling, Lipscomb said, and thats why he thinks people are buying more jugs than normal.

At a Northwest Side AutoZone, commercial manager Thomas Gerald said as soon as a new shipment comes in they come in and buy them.

One customer came in and bought all six, he said, adding that the stores supply of gas cans are snatched up almost as soon as they come in.
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Local authorities say San Antonio could have survived a direct hit from Hurricane Harvey, though the potential rainfall in their planning models would have caused widespread flooding like the city saw in 1998.

But no amount of preparation or planning could have saved the city from disastrous flooding of 30 to 50 inches of rain, the amount Harvey dropped in three days over Houston in whats being called the largest downpour in U.S. history.

"If we had 50 inches in San Antonio, it would be a catastrophe," said Chief Larry Trevino, emergency management coordinator for Bexar County.

Trevino said in the days leading up to the storm two rooms were set up at the Bexar County Emergency Operations Center at Brooks City Base - one full of emergency responders and local officials prepared to assist the state and neighboring cities and another preparing for a San Antonio crisis.

As the storm approached, National Weather Service forecasts were calling for life-threatening and catastrophic flooding in San Antonio if then-Hurricane Harvey moved to the northwest after making landfall.

A 1 p.m. forecast on Aug. 24 showed Harveys center headed straight toward San Antonio, then doubling back toward the coast. Forecasters warned of 20 to 25 inches of rain and damaging winds, especially east of Interstate 35 and south of Interstate 10.

As the storm moved inland, the San Antonio River Authority used a computer model called Flood Works to predict what would happen to the city if it got 9 inches, 15 inches and 20 inches of rain, SARA watershed engineering manager Patrice Melancon said. They were then feeding that information to emergency planners, she said.

We were doing what-if scenarios, she said. That tool is a planning tool to let them know, Hey, you might need to barricade off streets in that area. You might want to be prepared to maybe evacuate people in this area.

The plan was then to stage law enforcement and city and county work crews to barricade streets in places prone to flash floods, Trevino said. San Antonio has at least 179 of these low-water crossings.

By 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 the forecast changed, predicting the storm would linger more along the coast before heading for Houston. That path would have brought 6 to 12 inches of rain along the Interstate 35 corridor from San Antonio to Austin, with more possible in isolated areas.

That amount of rain would still have caused significant flooding. In press conferences, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff urged people to stay off the roads.

At no point were authorities considering evacuating neighborhoods, Trevino said.

In the end, the Alamo City only got 2 to 5 inches, but it could have been much worse.

If that hurricane had been 60 miles farther to the west, it would have been a whole different story, SARA assistant general manager Steve Graham said.

Now, engineers at SARA are combining rainfall data with computer models to better understand the bullet that we missed. as Melancon puts it.

Most of San Antonios small stormwater structures are designed to handle 100-year storms, those that have a 1-in-100 chance of happening each year. In San Antonio, thats 10 inches in 24 hours, Graham said.

For perspective, the most severe floods in San Antonios recent history came after more than 16 inches fell in July 2002 and more than 15.5 inches in October 1998.

The 1998 storm left San Antonio looking much like Houston has since Harvey, with whole neighborhoods turned into lakes and people evacuating by boat. The flooding killed 31 people in the region and caused $750 million in damage, according to Texas Department of Public Safety

That could have been repeated if San Antonio got the 20-to 25-inch rainfall forecasters were predicting ahead of Harvey, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.

(US) 281 would have been underwater, he said. There are parts of downtown that probably would have been islands. Thats been our experience with heavy flash floods.

The immediate risk would have been flash flooding, with roads inundated by rising creeks, especially in the citys relatively wrinkled North Side, the southern edge of the Hill Country.

Were different in Houston in that regard, SARA General Manager Suzanne Scott said. Were flashier; theyre more like a bathtub. We have topography changes.

To help prevent downstream flooding, SARA maintains 28 flood-control dams in Bexar County, most built in the 1960s and 1970s. These are built to withstand 44 inches in 24 hours.

To protect downtown, theres also the Olmos Dam first built in the 1920s and later upgraded. Stormwater tunnels drilled below downtown in the 1990s also channel floodwater from the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek and release them downstream. All of these structures held in 1998, Scott said.

Still, that storm forever changed the way San Antonio, Bexar County and SARA approach flooding, Scott said. It was sort of our wakeup call here in San Antonio, she said.

The community, SARA, the city of San Antonio, Bexar County, all of our suburban cities, we all kind of rallied after 1998, she continued.

SARAs first steps were to update its very outdated watershed maps and computer models using a $1.4 million grant from FEMA, combined with $12 million of SARAs money. The maps went into effect in 2010. Developers must now use SARAs models when they plan projects to deal with the rain that falls on their offices, malls and housing developments.

Over the past 10 years, San Antonio, Bexar County and other municipalities have also spent hundreds of millions on new flood-control dams, channels and basins.

Over three bond issues in 2007, 2012 and 2017, San Antonio is on track to spend $424.1 million on 61 major projects, bolstered by another $70 million derived from developers stormwater fees.

The Bexar County Flood Control Program, a partnership among the county, city, SARA and 20 suburban cities, is also on track to spend $500 million over 10 years on more than 80 drainage projects and studies.

None of this would stop a Harvey-level flood, which dropped over a few days on Houston what the city normally receives in a year. For storms like that, you cant simply build your way out, Scott said.

You could build a structure that would hold 50 inches of rain, but then what would it cost and how often would you need that? Scott said.

Even for smaller storms, many people remain at risk of taking severe out-of-pocket losses in Bexar County. The county has 15,000 structures in the flood plain of creeks and rivers, which have a relatively high risk of flooding compared to higher ground, Graham said.

Of those, only 7,300 are insured against floods, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

bgibbons@express-news.net

Twitter: @bgibbs
In 2001, as Tropical Storm Allison pummeled central Houston, I found myself stranded south of I-10, which had transformed into a raging canal. With friends, I tromped around Montrose all night, marveling at the rising water.

When I finally made it home to Oak Forest the next day, I resolved never to be caught unprepared for such a dire situation again. As a science writer for the Houston Chronicle, I wrote stories about flooding and tropical weather. I became a meteorologist. And when hydrologists estimated Allison to be a 500-year-flood, the region had its benchmark inland rainfall event. It was bad, but at least now we knew how bad it could get here.

Only we didn't. We're only now coming to grips with how bad it can really be to live in a sprawling city built on a warm, tropical body of water prone to developing low-pressure systems during the summer months. Harvey dumped more than a feet of rain on an area larger than West Virginia, with a seam of 40 to 50 inches running roughly along I-10 from south Houston through Beaumont. The economic damage from this storm will almost certainly exceed that from the previous record holder, Hurricane Katrina ($108 billion in 2005 dollars).

For all of that, the most lasting damage from Harvey may be psychological. This region has a flooding problem, a really bad one, and what we're doing now isn't working. It seems to me that the region really has one chance to recognize and confront this threat. Can you imagine what they're thinking on the coasts about Houston today? Poor city, but that's what you get when you keep paving over wetlands with new developments.

The five days of hellish rainfall from Harvey have felt soul-crushing for those of us who live here. We have fretted and feared through sleepless nights as the waters have risen ever upward. The return of the sun on Tuesday evening, and an actual sunset, felt almost spiritual. We have certainly been through it - but as dark as the tragedy of the last five days has been, returning to business as usual would be a darker and perhaps fatal tragedy.

I am not sure that our city, county, state and federal officials quite get it. During Hurricane Ike, the principal threat came from storm surge, which is deadlier than flooding but affects only coastal areas. Storm surge requires a different set of protective measures, such as a coastal berm or flood gates at strategic points in Galveston Bay.

Recognizing the threat of storm surge to Galveston, as well as to rapidly developing communities in Clear Lake and League City and to the substantial economic assets in the Port of Houston, academics devised solutions. Bill Merrell at Texas A&M UniversityGalveston proposed the Ike Dike. Rice University's Phil Bedient and Jim Blackburn, among others, suggested a system of gates to protect the ship channel and prevent chemical releases.

Ike made landfall early on the morning of Sept. 13, 2008, at the northern end of Galveston Island. Two days later, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, precipitating the Great Recession.

Had Houston's business community worked with state officials and federal representatives, they might have steered some of the money from President Barack Obama's 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to shore up Texas' coastal defenses and strengthen the U.S. oil and chemical industry from future storms. But no. Not a single local elected official in Houston spoke favorably about such a solution for years, and the only state official to show a modicum of interest was George P. Bush, after becoming land commissioner. In 2015 Bush commissioned a multi-million dollar study of the issue. And here we are, nine years after Ike, with nothing but a study.

With Harvey, the situation is yet more daunting. Although it may cost a few billion dollars to protect the Houston area from storm surge, it is a straightforward engineering challenge compared to dealing with inland flooding. Dealing with floods is a far more complex feat of engineering, involving hundreds of thousands of homes; dozens of bayous; rivers and creeks; roadways; and, horror of horrors, placing some limits on development.

Moreover, it will require some honesty from our elected officials. Although Hurricane Harvey and its devastating rains were not directly caused by climate change - blame steering currents and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico - warmer water created by global warming had some effect on increasing the intensity of the rainfall. It is not enough to say this was a terrible and unforeseeable act of God, then go back to making the same development mistakes we've making for decades. Harvey, or something like it, will happen again.

If Houston is to remain the prosperous, vibrant, great city that it was before Harvey, we are going to have to take a hard look at our unrestrained development and willingness to let almost anyone build almost anything almost anywhere - even if it's in a floodplain. Our state officials are going to have to recognize that these events will become more frequent in a warmer world.

During the last two years, I have run a website devoted to forecasting local conditions, Space City Weather. You may have read our no-nonsense approach to weather during the storm. Looking forward, I feel it is part of our mission to see that Houston learns from this tragedy. We will be watching, and writing.

Everyone who cares about Houston should be invested in this. If we fail to meet this challenge, Houston faces a graver long-term threat than tropical systems or the terrible rainstorms that caused the Tax Day and Memorial Day floods. We risk Houston becoming a place shunned by new people and new businesses as not worth the trouble.

Heat and humidity, people can live with. But not this.

Berger is editor of Space City Weather. Previously he worked 17 years for the Houston Chronicle, and wrote about science and weather as SciGuy.
040917LANDOWNER QUESTIONS MIRIORI

By Aloysius Laukai



A Panguna landowner today questioned who mandated PHILIP MIRIORI to say that because the ABG had no opposition, he was acting as the Opposition to the ABG.

The landowner was responding to a news release by MR MIRIORI against the ABG and its deals with the BCL which is owned by the PNG National Government, the ABG and the landowners themselves.

The former owner, RIO TINTO withdrew and gave shares to the PNG Government and the ABG plus the landowners.

The landowner called on MR. MIRIORI to meet with the ABG leaders instead of creating unnecessary tension by going straight to the media on issues that can be sorted out peacefully as Bougainvilleans.

The landowner said if the Landowners from the PANGUNA are greedy they must be prepared to compensate Bougainvilleans who fell fighting for Panguna.

Ends


President Trump may pull out of KORUS

By Diego Flammini

Assistant Editor, North American Content

Farms.com

U.S. dairy producers are concerned that, if President Trump pulls out of the South Korea-U.S. (KORUS) trade agreement, it could have significant impacts on the industry.

In April, Trump called KORUS a horrible deal that has destroyed the United States.

And on July 12, United States Trade Representative Robert Lightizer called for special sessions of discussions to address concerns.

South Korea imported 94 million pounds of U.S. cheese last year. Early estimates indicate the country could import more cheese by 2021, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Only Mexico imported more American cheese than South Korea.

If the trade agreement between South Korea and the United States dissolves, U.S. cheese exports to Korea would be subject to the pre-FTA tariff of 36 percent, while all of our key competitors could keep shipping millions of pounds of cheese duty-free, the USDEC said.

Dairy cows dont produce milk based on the world markets and farmers looking for new customers as a result of a loss of a trade relationship would be doing so from a position of weakness.

We cant cut supply to match the fall of demand that would happen if (South) Korea quit buying dairy products from this country, Ken Nobis, president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, told Michigan Radio on Sept. 3. It could have an impact globally. Because we would in turn try to find another customer and the way you try to find another customer is you cut prices. Its very tenuous.

Other farm groups have also voiced their concerns with the Presidents proposed action.

South Korea imports 1.3 million tons of soybeans annually, about half of which come from U.S. producers.

And the American Soybean Association (ASA) is frustrated it has to continually defend global trade to the President.

The idea that were the only game in town when it comes to selling soybeans or other agricultural products abroad is false, ASA president Ron Moore said in a Sept. 3 statement. Trade makes our local businesses and our communities stronger.

Yet whether its South Korea, Mexico and Canada, or our neighbors on the Pacific Rim, we once again find ourselves fighting to communicate the value of trade to farmers.

American wheat farmers are forecasted to ship 4.56 million metric tons of wheat to South Korea in 2016-2017, according to wheat grower organizations. South Korea is the third-largest market for American wheat.

Therefore, the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and National Association of Wheat Grower (NAWG) are also urging President Trump to stay the course and keep KORUS as is. Walking away from the negotiating table creates opportunities for other countries.

Any disruption in the relationship (American) wheat growers have built in (South) Korea over more than 60 years gives Australia, Canada and even Russia an opening to move in and take business away from us, Mike Miller, USW chairman, said in a Sept. 4 statement.
As well, DPIRD had commissioned a study to identify businesses "under relocation pressure" in metropolitan Perth, identify their infrastructure needs and develop strategies to help transport, supply chain logistics and other forms of agribusiness to relocate to the business park, she said.
"It was good to talk to many of those farmers who were affected by seasonal conditions in that area and certainly they are at a pointy end now where they will have to decide about whether or not to spray out their crops, to feed off their crops, to keep their crops," Ms Simson said.
But the message I would like to get out there is to talk to your local manufacturers because they have a lot of expertise.
Entertainment / Celebrity

by Staff reporter

Award winning gospel musician Mathias Mhere is set to perform at the Carnival Music Concert slated for this Saturday at the Civic Centre Grounds in Harare.The concert which will mark the end of the carnival will see Mhere sharing the stage with the likes of Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba, Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu among others.International artistes to perform include the like of Werrason Ngiama Makanda from Democratic Republic of Congo, Uhuru, Dr Malinga, Babes Wodumo, Kalawa and Busiswa from South Africa.Mhere has promised to give fans a polished act, where he will dish out various tracks from his wide discography spanning over five years. "It is a great honour to be performing at the carnival and music fans should get ready to put on their dancing shoes as l will give them the best of my music especially songs from the latest album," he said.The "Favour" hitmaker last week launched a DVD for the new album and a single titled "Ndakunzwa Mweya". On the same day, there will be street parade and processions that will start along Simon Muzenda Street (Fourth Street), down Jason Moyo Avenue to the Civic Grounds.More than 20 countries are participating at this year's carnival that is running under the theme "One Love: Our Unity, Our Pride". Brazil and Cuba will clash at the samba night that will take place at the Harare International Conference Centre on Wednesday.On Friday, rhumba ace Werrason will also headline Rhumba Night at Cresta Oasis Hotel where he will share the stage with the likes of Diamond Musica, BV Labien Musica and Lady Storm.Zodwa Wabantu who was banned to participate at the carnival street party will now be performing at Private Lounge only on Friday night.Other events to take place during the carnival include dancehall fiesta, cultural show and comedy night.
Mitigation options include building broad-based banks to allow machinery to drive over the bank and through the drain, for slopes with gradients of between two and six per cent, lowering existing banks, establishing grassed waterways or catch-drains along access tracks to safely dispose of water.
Abortion rights, inflation, crime, the radicalization of U.S. politicians and the survival of democracy itself were among the issues weighing heavily on the minds of some of the voters who c
The DOJ announced last week that a retired U.S. Army colonel, Joseph Baptiste, was charged in a complaint for his alleged role in a foreign bribery and money laundering scheme in connection with a planned $84 million port development project in Haiti.

While we know that Baptise was on the board of a company whose mission was to promote the development project, its hard to tell right now if that project was real or a scam. But we do know that the person who was interested in investing in the project, and the person Baptiste allegedly solicited the bribe from, wasnt a businessman at all but an FBI undercover agent, also known as a UC.

That would make the Baptiste case an FCPA sting. And as the Wall Street Journals Sam Rubenfeld recently wrote, in the FCPA world thats an unusual tactic.

My immediate reaction to the Baptiste case was also, Uh oh, here we go again.

An earlier FCPA sting, which involved 22 defendants, was known as the Africa sting. In that operation, which ended in January 2010, FBI UC agents had posed as intermediaries and representatives of the government of Gabon, Africa. The DOJ said the defendants agreed to pay bribes to the undercover agents to win contracts to sell body armor, weapons, and military gear.

But the cases collapsed. In two separate Africa sting trials that lasted a total of six months, there was a dismissal, and a mix of acquittals and deadlocked juries without a single conviction. In a series of evidentiary rulings, and courtroom issues that have been well reported, including the handing of the cooperating witness (me), the DOJ finally, in 2012, dismissed all of the indictments.

And as Sam Rubenfeld said last week, The only person associated with that case to serve prison time was businessman Richard Bistrong, who was the cooperating witness in the sting after pleading guilty to his own unrelated bribery crimes.

After my sentencing came speculation that we had seen the last of the FCPA stings, which brings us back to Joseph Baptiste.

After reading the affidavit of one of the FBIs Special Agents on the case, I could see that all FBI stings arent created equal, even though undercover operations in FCPA cases are not new or unique. For example, in the 2014 prosecution of Joseph Sigelman, the former co-chief executive officer Petrotiger, the companys attorney, Gregory Weisman, was a covert human source for the FBI, or what we think of as an informant. Weisman wore undercover video and audio devices when meeting with Sigelman.

But while Sigelmans conversations with the company lawyer were covertly monitored, the elements of that case and those monitored conversations addressed real-world situations which would ultimately be charged. In contrast, in a sting operation, at least some of the structural components of the alleged crime are fabricated by the government, even when the cash is the real thing. That is certainly the case with the Haiti port operation in the Baptiste case. In other words, all stings are undercover, but not all undercover operations are stings.

So how is the Joseph Baptiste case different from the Africa sting?

In the FBI affidavit, there does not appear to be an informant who, like myself, would have been working down what might be a long jail sentence as part of cooperating with the Justice Department. And if there was an informant cooperating with the FBI, his or her role doesnt appear to have been significant.



The absence of a critical cooperating witness dramatically reduces the reliance on testimony from a person whose past, and prior criminal conduct would be subject to long and brutal cross examination that could impact the jury. In my case, cross-examination in the second Africa sting trial went on for almost three calendar weeks.

In the Baptiste case, however, it appears that evidence would be presented on direct examination by FBI agents who are trained to provide testimony. While there would likely still be robust cross examination, it wouldnt be mixed with questions about colorful tales of past behavior, which are fair game when an informant is testifying.

For example, when I was sworn-in during the second Africa sting trial, I was so nervous that my hand was shaking. I would later be scolded on cross-examination by a defense attorney who proclaimed to the court that the reason for my shaking was that I was still high on drugs (I wasnt). Those are the types of distractions the government doesnt have to deal with when using experienced agents to present their evidence instead of informants.

The Baptiste case is also different because the DOJ obtained court authorization to record the defendants phone calls under Title III provisions of the federal wiretap statute. That means a federal judge approved the intercepts based on the governments detailed application. It also means neither Joseph Baptiste nor the person or persons he was speaking to knew that their conversations were being monitored and recorded.

In the Africa sting, calls were only consensually monitored, meaning that a judge didnt approve the wiretaps because I had consented to having the calls recorded.

Thats a subtle difference. But typically Title III intercepts might carry more evidentiary value as opening a window into what transpires after conversations between the defendant and the UCs.

But despite those differences, there are still some telling similarities between the Africa sting and the Baptiste case. In both those cases, including numerous others, we see how the world of foreign bribery involves many colorful and interesting words used to describe a bribe. In the Baptiste case, according to the DOJ, there was tipping, making sure to take care of a lot of people on the ground, advances, and the well-known grease.

In my testimony in the Africa sting trials, I was subject to draining cross-examination as to why I never used the word bribe in my conversations with the defendants. For several evidentiary reasons I couldnt share those details in the courtroom, but I share them now, especially when addressing compliance and commercial teams: Its because people dont say bribe!

Another similarity: The DOJ said Joseph Baptiste allegedly used money he took from the undercover FBI agent for personal expenses but he intended to seek additional money from the undercover agents to use for future bribe payments in connection with the port project.

As I found out the hard way, FCPA prosecutions can be all about the promise. I was convicted of conspiring to bribe a Nigerian official on a deal that never happened, and no money ever changed hands.

While the Baptiste case isnt another Africa sting, its still a dramatic FCPA prosecution. Ill be writing more as it unfolds.

* * *

As a final note, I am not presenting a commentary on the Baptiste case or the veracity of the evidence, just my observations (as a former cooperator), contrasting and comparing certain aspects of that case and the Africa sting. And as the DOJ says, an indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant, Joseph Baptiste, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

____

Richard Bistrong is a contributing editor of the FCPA Blog and CEO of Front-Line Anti-Bribery LLC. In 2010 he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to violate the FCPA and served fourteen-and-a-half months at a U.S. federal prison camp. He was named to Compliance Weeks list of Top Minds in 2017 and was one of Ethispheres 100 Most Influential in Business Ethics in 2015.

His popular real-life compliance training video, Behind the Bribe, produced in cooperation with Mastercard, was released in June.

To request a demo of the full eleven-minute video or a licensing fee schedule, please click here.
The Duchess of Cambridge's uncle thinks she and Prince William will have more than three children.

The Cambridge's

Gary Goldsmith was overjoyed to hear that his niece - who already has Prince George, four, and two-year-old Princess Charlotte with William - is set to become a mother for the third time and has predicted they will continue to add to their family.

The wealthy business owner told the MailOnline: "It's the best news I've had so far this year.

"She's a natural mother.

"I wonder if she will stop at three? I doubt it. They are having such fun with the babies."

The British royal couple announced their baby news to the world on Monday morning (04.09.17).

Kensington Palace said in a statement: "Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child.

"The Queen and both their families are delighted with the news."

Unfortunately for Catherine she is once again suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum - a debilitating form of serious morning sickness - and was forced to cancel a planned official engagement in London later in the day.

The statement concluded: "As with her previous two pregnancies, the Duchess is suffering from Hyperemisis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer carry out her planned engagement at the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London today. The Duchess is being cared for at Kensington Palace."

William's younger brother Prince Harry was one of the first to congratulate the couple on their baby news.

The 32-year-old royal was meeting with victims of the Manchester terrorist attack - which saw a bomb detonated at an Ariana Grande concert in May - when he was asked about the news.

He told reporters: "[It's] fantastic, great. Very, very happy for them."

And he also reassured well-wishers that Catherine is doing "OK" despite being poorly.

He said: "I haven't seen her for a while but I think I she's OK."

The arrival of the royal baby will see Harry bumped to sixth in line to the throne, behind his father Prince Charles, brother William and his sibling's brood.
Prince Charles has been made a patron of The Old Vic theatre.

Prince Charles

The 68-year-old royal is thrilled to have been asked to keep up the tradition of the royal family's involvement in the historic venue which dates back to 1818.

The theatre, which is now an established education provider, was originally called the Royal Coburg until 1833 when Queen Victoria paid a visit at the age of 14.

Of his new title, the Prince of Wales said: "As The Old Vic celebrates this remarkable milestone, I can only congratulate its staff and supporters on all that has been achieved so far and I wish this great national institution every possible success for the next 200 hundred years."

The executive director of the theatre, Kate Varah commented: "The Old Vic is more than a theatre. A commitment to educating the next generation has been part of its DNA for 199 years - for 40 years oft hem a college was run backstage.

"As we approach our bicentenary in 2018, with the prince as our patron, this happy collaboration with The Prince's Trust allows us to demonstrate the wide benefits that theatre -- this theatre -- brings. Creativity, confidence, perseverance, problem solving, are all skills we impart young people that take part in our employability programmes."

Dame Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust added: "This partnership will give even more young people the opportunity to create a brighter future. We hope The Old Vic's bicentenary year is an amazing celebration of British culture."
News / Africa

by Staff reporter

The commander of the Lesotho defence force has been shot dead this morning.There are reports that there was gunfire at an army barracks between high-ranking officers earlier today.It has emerged that at least two high ranking army officers have died in an exchange of fire at Lesotho's Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru.The commander of the army Lt General Khoantle Motsomotso has allegedly been shot dead and one of the top suspects in the assassination of late Lt General Maaparankoe Mahao, Lt Colonel Bulane Sechele.The minister of defence Sentje Lebona has confirmed the in-fighting and that some soldiers have run away but could not confirm deathsIt is not yet known what was the source of fighting between high ranking army officers.The incident takes place some days after the leader of opposition, Democractic Congress (DC) Mathibeli Mokhothu and the former deputy leader and leader of a second biggest opposition party, Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) escaped from the country saying they fear for their lives.
SALT LAKE CITY  Alpha Warranty Services was honored at an awards ceremony for the Utah Business Fast 50 as the 11th fastest growing business in the state. The Utah Fast 50 is an annual event that celebrates the fastest-growing companies in the state for their entrepreneurial spirit, innovative business strategy and revenue growth.

This year marked the 10th annual Fast 50 event and the first entry for Alpha Warranty Services.

In a state that is growing faster than any other, the companies in this room are the fastest of them all, said Donnie Welch, publisher of Utah Business magazine. Each of you are expanding and contributing to the vibrancy of our economy.

To read the full list of honorees, click here.
Brother International Australia has launched its next generation digital direct-to-garment printers with the new Brother DTG, GTX printer. Consistently standing by its high performance and high-quality products, Brother has designed the new GTX with accelerated next generation print heads, resulting in high quality prints at production level speeds.Notable features such as a colour preview screen eliminate the need for a computer to verify ready-to-print designs. The new GTX also comes with impressive self-maintenance features meaning users no longer need to manually unclog nozzles thanks to the new white ink circulation system, which keeps white ink in suspension and a wet capping station that stops ink drying on the bottom of the nozzle plate.

Brother International Australia has launched its next generation digital direct-to-garment printers with the new Brother DTG, GTX printer. Consistently standing by its high performance and high-quality products, Brother has designed the new GTX with accelerated next generation print heads, resulting in high quality prints at production level speeds.#

Brother has also released Graphics Lab, a new proprietary printing software that comes with the GTX which will be available for both Mac and PC operating systems. The programme together with the GTX print driver reduces the need for the user to be proficient in supplementary graphic and image editing software, allowing users to import artwork, add text, rotate/size/position elements and apply artistic effects.As with earlier models, Brother has created the GTX print heads to have a large print head-to-substrate gap that makes it easier than ever before to print over fabrics such as seams, pockets and zippers. In addition to shirts, the GTX can be used to decorate a variety of headwear, shoes, tote bags and bulky apparel such as hoodies and jackets.Greg Benardos, Brother national channel manager  DTG said The technology and reliability of these models stem from our success with previous GT series and our extensive range of consumer and commercial printers. Brothers experience in printing technology is merged with our experience in commercial development by manufacturing the printer, print heads, ink, and software development, to insure a fully integrated system This ability to produce a product with all critical components designed and manufactured by Brother makes the GTX our finest digital garment printer line yet.This new and improved model allows for a fast-tracked workflow, meaning users experience less downtime, whether the GTX is used as a single printing machine, or part of a production line. The print head contains approximately three times the number of nozzles than its previous print heads, a huge improvement over previous print heads. To further increase speeds and efficiency, the GTX stacks the white print head behind the CMYK so there is only need for one pass-through on dark fabrics.Brother DTG has also released a new ink formulation with the GTX printer. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
HanesBrands, a leading global marketer of everyday basic apparel under world-class brands, has come out with its carbon emissions and related information in the CDP 2017 Climate Change Report. Compared with its 2007 baseline, in 2016 the company reduced its energy use by 16 per cent, carbon emissions by 16 per cent and water use by 25 per cent.The company reports progress against its environmental performance goals on an annual basis. This marks the seventh year that the company has participated in this volunatry initiative.

HanesBrands, a leading global marketer of everyday basic apparel under world-class brands, has come out with its carbon emissions and related information in the CDP 2017 Climate Change Report. Compared with its 2007 baseline, in 2016 the company reduced its energy use by 16 per cent, carbon emissions by 16 per cent and water use by 25 per cent. #

Hanes also shifted 25 per cent of the energy the company uses to renewable sources and diverted 84 per cent  or 118 million pounds  of waste from its company-owned supply chain from landfills.Hanes earned a B score for carbon emissions in the CDPs 2016 report. The company, unique in the apparel industry because it owns the significant majority of its manufacturing and supply chain operations, achieved the score for transparency, effectively managing emissions, implementing best practices and taking coordinated action on climate-change issues.Hanes voluntarily discloses its environmental-performance data to the CDP because the company and its employees are committed to building a sustainable legacy, according to Michael E Faircloth, Hanes president and chief global supply chain officer and a finalist in Ethical Corporations Responsible Business Awards for the 2017 Sustainability Leader of the Year.HanesBrands has significantly reduced its energy use and carbon emissions since 2007, Faircloth said. By embracing environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources, Hanes and its 68,000 worldwide employees are creating value for our company, our investors, our consumers and our communities. We are focused on continuing to make significant strides in protecting the environment, and publicly reporting progress against our goals is an important part of that effort.The company, an eight-time winner of the US Environmental Protection Agencys Energy Star partner of the year/sustained excellence award, has aggressive 2020 goals to continue reducing its environmental footprint.Hanes is committed to a 40 per cent reduction in energy use and carbon emissions, 50 per cent reduction in water use, sourcing renewable energy for 40 per cent of the companys needs, and achieving zero waste by diverting company-owned supply chain waste from landfills. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Armenia has expressed its desire to cooperate with major Vietnamese textile firms to revive the local garment industry and boost exports. This was conveyed to a delegation from the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) that visited Armenia in August to seek partners and explore avenues to develop production projects in Vietnam.Armenia also promised to create favourable conditions for foreign investors and provide special mechanisms for Vietnamese investors through cooperation policies, cooperation agreements, and granting of work visas, a news agency report said quoting Vinatex general director Le Tien Truong.

Armenia has expressed its desire to cooperate with major Vietnamese textile firms to revive the local garment industry and boost exports. This was conveyed to a delegation from the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) that visited Armenia in August to seek partners and explore avenues to develop production projects in Vietnam.#

Truong said Vinatex will consider production and business cooperation with big Armenian companies that already have distribution networks in Russia and the European Union.Vietnam is the first country to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia.Vinatex representatives met Armenian deputy foreign minister, the minister of economic development and investment, and some major businesses in the countrys capital Yerevan.Armenia has 94 businesses in the textile and garments sector and some of its companies have experience working with big fashion brands of Italy and Germany. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Indias domestic cargo registered a compounded annual growth rate of 8 per cent between fiscals 2006-07 and 2016-17, whereas international cargo grew at 6.2 per cent annually during the same period, says a study by Yes Bank and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The air trade to GDP ratio doubled in the last 20 years.The ratio rose from 4 to 8 per cent in 20 years. Air cargo contributes about 20 per cent of airlines revenue and the industry employs around 70,000, according to the joint study on civil aviation released recently in New Delhi by ASSOCHAM. The growth of the industry will be driven by auto components, banking & finance, garments, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and IT hardware sectors.

India's domestic cargo registered a compounded annual growth rate of 8 per cent between fiscals 2006-07 and 2016-17, whereas international cargo grew at 6.2 per cent annually during the same period, says a study by Yes Bank and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The air trade to GDP ratio doubled in the last 20 years. #

The study suggests that air cargo be treated at par with other logistics sectors like roads and its tax rate may be reduced from 18 per cent.As the air cargo sector is fragmented and air traffic is concentrated at only a handful of airports, the challenge is to connect cargo volumes of tier 2 and tier 3 cities with major cities.To increase capacity of the existing players, airport infrastructure should be integrated with air cargo facilities and dedicated unused infrastructure at airports may be marked to air cargo operators, the study says.Substantial investment is needed to develop dedicated on-airport cargo terminals and air freight stations to handle air cargo across the country.To develop transshipments, customs and security policies and procedures for transhipment need to be standardized at various airports. A proper plan should also be made to connect rail cargo with air cargo, the study adds. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
BRASILIA (dpa-AFX) - The Mercosur and the European Union (EU) will focus on the final stage of a trade agreement negotiation, according to the conclusion of a meeting in Brasilia between the foreign ministers of the South American bloc and the vice-president of the European Commission, Jyrki Katainen. 'While some want to build walls, we want to build bridges. The proposed partnership agreement and the prospects for trade negotiations are essential because they reaffirm our stance against protectionism,' Katainen said. After the meeting, Argentinean Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie said he was confident with the final result of the agreement with the EU. 'I am sure that, if we achieve this agreement, we will get from now on a gesture of greater confidence for investors,' he said. For its turn, the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, noted that Mercosur 'moves ahead and is in talks with several blocs and countries, but the negotiations with the EU are the parameter for all the others.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Press Release

Opens a Nokia Cloud Collaboration Hub in Singapore to efficiently provide multivendor cloud wise services to operators

Further Collaboration Hubs will be opened in Irving, US and Reading, UK in February

Hubs enable operators to visualize, develop and execute tailored use cases based on their cloud strategies

26 January 2018

Espoo, Finland - Nokia is strengthening its cloud and data center services by opening a Nokia Cloud Collaboration Hub in Singapore. Another hub will be opened in Irving, Texas in February 2018, to be followed by a third one in Reading, UK. The hubs are execution centers where multivendor cloud services from strategy and design to execution and delivery are provided. They offer innovative tooling and automation, as well as DevOps based cloud development and delivery.





The Nokia Cloud Collaboration Hubs include a multivendor lab set-up with experts co-located to help operators visualize, develop and execute tailored use cases based on their cloud strategies. The global network of hubs provide support to operators to speed up their transition to cloud. The Cloud Collaboration Hub is an evolution of the Cloud Design Center, opened in 2016 in the UK, which has already been delivering multivendor cloud solutions to operators globally.

The Cloud Collaboration Hubs are supported by a network of cloud delivery centers for industrialized infrastructure staging and delivery. Nokia is also opening a new cloud delivery center in India to complement one in Hungary.

Nokia cloud solutions cover integration to virtual network function (VNF) and IT applications, as well as hybrid cloud solutions. The hubs provide services for Nokia specific, multivendor and open source solutions. The strong partner ecosystem linked to the hubs enable Nokia to provide best in class cloud solutions to meet the digital service provider needs.

Deepak Harie, head of Systems Integration, Global Services at Nokia said: "We are excited to announce the first of our network of Cloud Collaboration Hubs. This represents the next phase of our cloud professional services offering. The Cloud Collaboration Hub model helps make services tangible, and accelerates operators' move towards becoming digital service providers."

Resources

Infographic: Nokia's Approach for Cloud Journey (https://resources.nokia.com/asset/201857)

Video: Nokia Cloud Collaboration Hub (https://resources.nokia.com/asset/201858)

Webpage: Nokia Data Center Services (https://networks.nokia.com/services/data-center-services)

Webpage: Nokia Cloud Wise Services (https://networks.nokia.com/services/cloud-wise-services)

Press release: Nokia accelerates operators' move to multi-vendor cloud networks with new dedicated facility and services (https://www.nokia.com/en_int/news/releases/2016/09/15/nokia-accelerates-operators-move-to-multi-vendor-cloud-networks-with-new-dedicated-facility-and-services)

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About Nokia

We create the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing.

From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. nokia.com (http://www.nokia.com/)

Media Inquiries

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Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com (mailto:press.services@nokia.com)

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: NOKIA via Globenewswire


HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/24/17 -- This article was first published in the China Business Knowledge (CBK) website by CUHK Business School: https://goo.gl/eTgbeS. There is no doubt the Internet has changed our way of living. We can now do everything online: reading the news, shopping for the latest fashion, purchasing a movie ticket or the plane ticket for our next trip, and ordering our meals while sitting in our office or home. In fact, many fast food chains such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC enable customers to order food online through their websites or mobile apps. Likewise, in many restaurants, iPads are offered to customers who can select their food and drinks with a touch on the digital menu.

While we are enjoying the convenience brought by technology, have we thought about how the digital world has really changed our lives, and perhaps also our choices?

The findings of the research titled "Computer Interfaces and the Direct-Touch Effect: Can iPads Increase the Choice of Hedonic Food?" at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School have offered some interesting insights to the question.

Conducted by Associate Professors Hao Shen and Meng Zhang, both from CUHK Business School's Department of Marketing, with their collaborator Prof. Aradhna Krishna, Dwight F. Benton Professor of Marketing from University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, the study observed the increasing use of technology such as customized mobile apps in the domain of food choice, and asked the question: What effect do these digital devices have on customers' choice of food?

The Studies

In five laboratories studies with various groups of undergraduate students in two universities in Hong Kong, the researchers tested whether customers using different computer interfaces with and without a touchscreen would affect their choices of food. In other words, will there be any difference in their choices when they browse a pictorial menu online and select the food by touching the picture on the screen or by clicking the mouse on the desktop?

In the first study, students were asked to choose from a pair of products online, one hedonic (a piece of cheesecake) and one utilitarian (a bowl of green salad). These two choices were pretested to be affectively superior (i.e., enjoyable and tempting) and cognitively superior (i.e., better for health). The group was divided into two with some participants using an iPad (i.e., touch), while others using a desktop with a mouse (i.e. non-touch).

To test whether the distance of choice buttons would affect their selections, another study asked participants to choose between a cup of hot chocolate and a cup of tea. But this time, the choice buttons were either next to or distant from the food items.

To test whether non-direct touch would make a difference, another study offered some participants a stylus to choose their food on the iPad, while others were using their fingers directly to touch on the iPad. Another group was using a desktop with a mouse. The choices this time were between a food item (a bowl of ice cream) and a non-food item (a USB flash drive).

Direct-Touch and Mental Interaction

All studies supported the researchers' hypothesis -- touching the screen facilitates the mental interaction with the product and makes consumers choose hedonic over utilitarian food items, a phenomenon which the researchers called the 'Direct-Touch' effect.

In the study when participants were using a stylus to touch the screen, the 'Direct-Touch' effect did not happen. In other words, using a stylus is the same as using a mouse to click on the screen.

"When consumers use an iPad and select the food by touching the pictures, they tend to select hedonic food over utilitarian food," says Prof. Shen. "They would be more likely to choose a cheesecake rather than a bowl of salad," he adds.

So what does touching the screen do to our brain?

"The Direct-Touch effect is similar to our natural reaction towards hedonic food -- the spontaneous urge to grab it. When we touch the picture of cheesecake on the iPad menu, it is like reaching out to grab the cheesecake in real life. Such an urge, however, is less strong for utilitarian food (e.g. a bowl of green salad)," explains Prof. Zhang.

"So touching a hedonic food picture rather than clicking it with a mouse leads to a higher purchase intention," she adds.

Implications

The study has significant implications for public policymakers and marketers, according to the professors.

"Previous research has found that touch can increase affective response towards an object and increase impulsive buying behavior. Our study has gone a step further to show simply asking consumers to order by touching the hedonic food image would be sufficient to increase their mental simulation of grabbing the food and wanting to purchase it," says Prof. Shen.

In a larger scope, the study has relevant implications for public policy, as different response modes can affect food choices, including unhealthy food, in our community.

"Our study result reveals that direct touch increases the choice of hedonic options. If computer interfaces can influence our food choices, consumers and public policy officials should be made aware of the effect so that they could adopt strategies to facilitate the choice of healthy food," he adds.

In terms of marketing, in today's technological world where more and more restaurants are offering touchscreen menus for efficiency, the study also implies that specific marketing strategies using different computer interfaces could be explored to yield desirable choices among consumers.

Reference:

Hao Shen, Meng Zhang, and Aradhna Krishna (2016) Computer Interfaces and the "Direct-Touch" Effect: Can iPads Increase the Choice of Hedonic Food?. Journal of Marketing Research: October 2016, Vol. 53, No. 5, pp. 745-758.

About CUHK Business School

CUHK Business School comprises two schools -- Accountancy and Hotel and Tourism Management -- and four departments -- Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. Established in Hong Kong in 1963, it is the first business school to offer BBA, MBA and Executive MBA programs in the region. Today, the School offers 8 undergraduate programs and 13 graduate programs including MBA, EMBA, Master, MSc, MPhil and Ph.D.

In the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2017, CUHK MBA is ranked 36th. In FT's 2017 EMBA ranking, CUHK EMBA is ranked 32nd in the world. CUHK Business School has the largest number of business alumni (34,000+) worldwide -- many of whom are key business leaders. The School currently has about 4,400 undergraduate and postgraduate students and Professor Kalok Chan is the Dean of CUHK Business School.

More information is available at: http://www.bschool.cuhk.edu.hk or by connecting with CUHK Business School on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cuhkbschool and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/3923680/.

About China Business Knowledge (CBK)

CBK is a portal belonging to the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School which provides easy access to the China-related research conducted at CUHK Business School. Through feature articles, mini case studies, discussions and a research paper database, CBK aims to narrow the knowledge gap between China and the rest of the world, providing in-depth knowledge and practical tips about doing business in China. Free content is available at http://www.bschool.cuhk.edu.hk/faculty/cbk/index.aspx or by connecting with CBK@CUHK on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CBKCUHK, Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBK_CUHK and LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/1B8cGdU.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Edmond Siu

Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager

Tel: +852 3943 1842

Email: Email Contact




News / Education

by Staff Reporter

The third International Science and Mathematics Conference has been held at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) in line with the government trust to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.Over 300 delegates attended the conference, among them STEM teachers.The conference enabled delegates to share knowledge on modern trends in STEM education.Officially opening the conference, the Permanent Secretary of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Dr Francis Gudyanga said the promotion of STEM education is key to ensuring sustainable socio-economic transformation.Bindura University of Science Education Vice Chancellor, Professor Eddie Mwenje reaffirmed his institution's commitment to continue promoting STEM education in the country.The 3-day conference ran under the theme: 'Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.'
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Asian stocks were trading mostly lower on Tuesday as escalating geopolitical tensions kept investors on edge. After North Korea's nuclear test, the White House said that 'all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table'. Separately, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called for more diplomacy and urged the 15-member U.N. Security Council to consider imposing the 'strongest possible' sanctions to deter Pyongyang. The Japanese yen remained little changed, gold held firm to trade near its highest level in nearly a year on safe-haven demand and copper hovered near three-year high on expectations of solid economic growth in China, while crude oil prices traded mixed amid easing supply concerns. Japanese shares hit a one-week low as the yen extended gains and Fast Retailing reported a 3.4 percent fall in August same-store sales at Uniqlo Japan. The Nikkei average was down 90 points or 0.47 percent at 19,417 after hitting as low as 19,392 in early trade. Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was down 22 points or 0.39 percent at 5,679, with banking, healthcare and utility stocks coming under selling pressure. Higher gold and copper prices helped lift mining stocks, offering some respite. The Australian dollar rose sharply after the release of balance of payments data for the June quarter. South Korea's Kospi average was marginally lower at 2,327 even as LG Electronics shares soared 4.6 percent on expectations about its V30 smartphone launched recently. China's Shanghai Composite index was little changed at 3,378 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was rising 0.2 percent while New Zealand's benchmark NZX-50 index was moving down 0.3 percent in cautious trade. The U.S. markets were closed on Monday on account of Labor Day. In Europe, stocks fell to snap a three-day winning streak after North Korea said it had tested an advanced hydrogen bomb and the U.S. warned it could launch a 'massive' military response if it or its allies were threatened. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index fell half a percent. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 and France's CAC 40 both dropped by 0.4 percent while the German DAX declined 0.3 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

Kiadis Pharma N.V. ("Kiadis Pharma" or the "Company") (Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels: KDS), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative products to make bone marrow transplantations safer and more effective for patients suffering from blood cancers and inherited blood disorders, today announces the appointment of Dr. Karl Hard as Head of Investor Relations and Communications.

Karl has spent almost 20 years at AstraZeneca PLC based in Sweden and the UK. Over a period of 10 years, he held senior roles within Investor Relations, latterly as head of IR. Prior to that, he worked as Global Program Director, establishing new external collaborations, and as Director in Biological Chemistry, leading research into novel pharmacological targets. Karl's scientific experience covers numerous fields, including oncology and immunology, as evidenced by over 40 published scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals.

In the 1990s Karl was Assistant Professor in Chemistry at Leiden University, The Netherlands, and he holds a PhD in Chemistry from Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Arthur Lahr, CEO of Kiadis Pharma, commented: "I am very pleased to welcome Karl Hard to Kiadis Pharma as Head of Investor Relations and Communications. Karl is a highly regarded IR professional with excellent relationships within the international investment community. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to further prepare the Company for the potential European commercial launch in 2019 of our wholly-owned product ATIR101."

Karl Hard added: "It is an exciting time to be working within the cellular immunotherapy field and I am particularly enthused by the potential of ATIR101 to help patients. I am looking forward to working with the highly experienced management team to further increase visibility of the unique opportunity that Kiadis Pharma offers to investors.''

About Kiadis Pharma

Kiadis Pharma is focused on cell-based immunotherapy products, as an adjunctive to a haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), for the treatment of blood cancers and inherited blood disorders. The Company's product candidates have the potential to make allogeneic HSCT safer and more effective for patients.

Based on the positive results from the single dose Phase II trial with lead product ATIR101 in patients with blood cancer, the Company submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in April 2017, for approval of ATIR101 across the European Union as an adjunctive treatment in HSCT for malignant disease. In addition, Kiadis Pharma has received regulatory approval in various countries to start dosing patients in a Phase III trial with ATIR101 that will be performed across Europe and North America. ATIR101 has been granted Orphan Drug Designations both in the US and Europe.

The Company's second product candidate, ATIR201, will address beta thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder.

Kiadis Pharma was granted an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) certificate for manufacturing quality and non-clinical data by the EMA.

The Company's shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels.

Company website: www.kiadis.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect Kiadis Pharma's or, as appropriate, Kiadis Pharma's directors' current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, Kiadis Pharma expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither Kiadis Pharma nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170904005335/en/

Contacts:

Kiadis Pharma:

Karl Hard

Head of IR Communications

Tel. +31 611 096 298

k.hard@kiadis.com

or

Consilium Strategic Communications:

Mary-Jane Elliott, Philippa Gardner, Lindsey Neville, Hendrik Thys

Tel: +44 203 709 5708

kiadis@consilium-comms.com
Randomized Control Trial Reports 66 Percent Reduction In Moderate To Severe AKI; $2,000 Per Patient Savings

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Astute Medical, Inc., developer of biomarkers for better healthcare, said a newly published trial showing improved patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and cost savings associated with a 66 percent reduction in moderate and severe acute kidney injury (AKI) following noncardiac surgery further validates the case for early AKI risk assessment in combination with guided therapy. The randomized trial, published online in Annals of Surgery,[1] utilized Astute's NephroCheck Test to identify patients at high risk of developing AKI, triggering the implementation of preventative intervention. Patients in the intervention group spent fewer days in the intensive care unit (ICU) (approximately one day) and hospital (approximately five days) yielding net savings of more than $2,000 per patient.

"Interestingly, it appears the prediction of imminent AKI at the very early stage, followed by optimal fluid resuscitation with less positive fluid balance and kidney protection, led to the improved outcomes, meaning the reduced incidence and severity of AKI, as well as a decrease in postoperative creatinine levels and length of hospital stay," said Ivan Gocze, M.D., the trial's lead author. "In fact, these benefits were present soon after intervention," Gocze said.

The findings add to the evidence gathered in a trial published earlier this year in the journal Intensive Care Medicine,[2] in which the NephroCheck Test was used to evaluate patients after cardiac surgery, resulting in a 33.9 percent reduction in moderate to severe AKI.

"Again, we are seeing that a biomarker-guided protocol can reduce AKI, providing medical and economic benefit," said John Kellum, M.D., a critical care physician and past president of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI). "The cell-cycle arrest biomarkers are ushering in a new era in which AKI can be reduced by identifying patients destined to develop it. More protocols are needed especially for the most vulnerable patients," Kellum said.

AKI is a frequent complication in patients undergoing major surgery, and is known to increase morbidity, mortality risk and costs.[3] A recent estimate of AKI-associated increases in U.S. hospitalization costs ranged from $5.4 billion to $24.0 billion.[4] Although the complication can be managed, today's standard indicators of AKI, such as elevated levels of serum creatinine, may not be present until kidney damage has already occurred.[5] Recent studies have called for the pursuit of innovative strategies to combat this major public health concern.[4],[6]

"Today's health care environment not only emphasizes outcomes, but also value and cost," said Paul McPherson, Ph.D., Astute's co-founder and chief scientific officer. "We believe the $2,000 per-patient savings from shorter hospital stays demonstrated in this trial could represent as much as a 10-to-1 return on investment in the NephroCheck Test system."

The NephroCheck Test detects two biomarkers, urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), that increase in a patient's urine in response to the earliest kidney cell stress which, if left unmitigated, can lead to AKI. The two markers, usually elevated before serum creatinine, are involved in G1 cell-cycle arrest, a protective mechanism that prevents stressed cells from dividing in case of DNA damage. This allows the biomarkers to function as an early alarm of kidney cell stress before major damage and progression to AKI.[7]

In the prospective randomized control trial at University Hospital in Regensburg, Germany, patients who had undergone major noncardiac surgery were screened with the NephroCheck Test immediately after admission to the ICU. Patients found to be NephroCheck Test positive (AKIRisk Score > 0.3) for the risk of AKI were then randomized to standard care (61 patients) or intervention (60 patients). The intervention group received treatment with a kidney-sparing care bundle based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) clinical practice guidelines, which can be provided in any ICU.

The study's primary endpoint was the incidence of AKI during the first seven days after surgery. In the intervention group, 19 patients (31.7 percent) developed some level of AKI, while 29 patients (47.5 percent) in the control group developed some level of AKI.

Biomarker-guided therapy significantly reduced the incidence of moderate and severe AKI in the intervention group to 6.7 percent compared to 19.7 percent in the standard care group, a 66 percent reduction.

About Astute Medical, Inc.

Astute Medical is dedicated to improving the diagnosis of high-risk medical conditions and diseases through the identification and validation of protein biomarkers that can serve as the basis for novel diagnostic tests.

The Company's focus is community- and hospital-acquired acute conditions that require rapid diagnosis and risk assessment. Astute Medical's current areas of interest include abdominal pain, acute coronary syndromes, cerebrovascular injury, kidney injury and sepsis.

Astute Medical is a founding corporate partner of 0by25, a human rights initiative aimed at eliminating preventable and treatable deaths from AKI worldwide by 2025.

Astute Medical's NephroCheck Test received 510(k)-clearance through the FDA's de novo classification. The test is CE-marked and available in Europe.

For additional information, please visit AstuteMedical.com.

The NephroCheckTest Intended Use (United States)

The NephroCheck Test System is intended to be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation in patients who currently have or have had within the past 24 hours acute cardiovascular and or respiratory compromise and are intensive care unit (ICU) patients as an aid in the risk assessment for moderate or severe AKI within 12 hours of patient assessment. The NephroCheck Test System is intended to be used in patients 21 years of age or older.

For more information on the NephroCheck Test visit NephroCheck.com.

Astute Medical, the AM logo,Astute140,NephroCheck, theNephroChecklogo, andAKIRiskare registered trademarks of Astute Medical, Inc. in the United States.Forinformation regarding trademarks and other intellectual propertyapplicable to this product, including international trademarks, please see AstuteMedical.com/about/intellectualproperty. PN0650 Rev B 2017/09/04

[1] Gocze I, Jauch D, Gotz M, et al. Biomarker-guided intervention to prevent acute kidney injury after major surgery: the prospective randomized BigpAK Study. Ann Surg. Published online August 2017.

[2] Meersch M,Schmidt C,Hoffmeier A, et al. Prevention of cardiac surgery-associated AKI by implementing the KDIGO guidelines in high risk patients identified by biomarkers: the PrevAKI randomized controlled trial. Intensive Care Med. 2017 Jan 21.

[3] Hobson C, Ozrazgat-Baslanti T, Kuxhausen A, et al. Cost and mortality associated with postoperative acute kidney injury. Ann Surg. 2014;00:1-8.

[4] Silver SA, Chertow GM. The Economic consequences of AKI. Nephron. https://doi.org/10.1159/000475607. Published online June 9, 2017.

[5] McCullough PA, Shaw AD, Haase M, et al. Diagnosis of acute kidney injury using functional and injury biomarkers: workgroup statements from the tenth Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative Consensus Conference. Contrib Nephrol. 2013;182:13-29.

[6] Thakar CV. Acute Kidney Injury: A Paradigm In Quality and Patient Safety. Adv Chronic Kid Dis. 2017;24(4):192-193.

[7] Kellum JA, Chawla LS. Cell-cycle arrest and acute kidney injury: the light and dark sides. Nephrol Dial Transplant. (2015) 0: 1-7doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfv130.
ASCHHEIM, Germany, September 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Integrated payment and marketing approach for Alipay and WeChat Pay, the leading Chinese payment solutions

Wirecard, the leading supplier of digital payment solutions and internet technology, has entered into a new cooperation to expand the portfolio of value-added services for Alipay and WeChat Pay customers. Together with Storymaker, specialists in marketing for China, and Premier Tax Free, the partners will be offering European merchants an integrated payment and marketing approach for the two leading mobile payment solutions in China, Alipay and WeChat Pay.

The average Chinese tourist spends EUR 520 per day in Europe, representing huge sales opportunities for merchants. However, Chinese tourists prefer paying via their smartphones, as they are used to doing so back home. The mobile payment solution WeChat Pay has over 600 million active users, while its competitor Alipay has 520 million. With the expanding tourism market, the proportion of merchants who want to offer Chinese payments methods is also on the rise, so as to make their business more attractive to Chinese tourists.

In order to do this quickly, easily and comprehensively, Storymaker and Premier Tax Free are now offering numerous advantages to merchants together with the technology supplier Wirecard, which also acts as the acquirer. Due to the partnership with Premier Tax Free, merchants are able to expand their range of value-added services by integrating VAT refunds for Chinese consumers at the point of sale. Local companies can leave an enduring impression with Storymaker's storytelling and attract customers in a targeted manner with digital discount campaigns on WeChat and Alipay's marketing platforms.

Michael Brinkmann, Executive Vice President Partner Management at Wirecard: "Chinese tourists are a huge target group with enormous sales potential for European merchants. By agreeing new strategic cooperations to facilitate payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay, our intention is to enhance our customers' understanding of Chinese consumers and offer them value-added services from a single source. This allows European merchants to significantly increase both customer satisfaction and, consequently, their sales figures as well."

Wirecard Media Contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363

Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com



About Wirecard:

Wirecard AG is a global technology group that supports companies in accepting electronic payments from all sales channels. As a leading independent supplier, the Wirecard Group offers outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments. A global platform bundles international payment acceptances and methods with supplementary fraud prevention solutions. With regard to issuing own payment instruments in the form of cards or mobile payment solutions, the Wirecard Group provides companies with an end-to-end infrastructure, including the requisite licences for card and account products. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060, WDI). For further information about Wirecard, please visit http://www.wirecard.com or follow us on Twitter @wirecard.

Premier Tax Free Media Contact:

Alison Hicks, Four Communications

Tel.: +44(0)20-3697-4200

alison.hicks@fourcommunications.com



About Premier Tax Free:

With over 30 years' experience, Premier Tax Free is one of the world's leading Tax Free shopping companies, providing international shoppers with VAT refund and dynamic currency conversion services, in partnership with over 150,000 retail stores worldwide. Premier Tax Free is part of the Fintrax Group, an international financial payments organisation established in 1985, now operating in 33 countries worldwide. Fintrax became part of the Eurazeo portfolio of growth companies in December 2015.

http://www.premiertaxfree.com

Storymaker Media Contact:

Storymaker Agentur fur Public Relations GmbH

Bjorn Eichstadt

Tel.: +49(0)7071-93-872-0

info@storymaker.de



About Storymaker:

Storymaker is a communications agency with offices in Tubingen, Munich, Berlin, Beijing and Shanghai. The agency's customers above all include technology-driven companies from the following sectors: information technology, engineering, mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, telecommunications and consumer electronics as well as retail firms. As the first German agency partner for WeChat, Storymaker allows German companies to open up a WeChat account without the need to be registered in China. As an official marketing partner of Alipay, the agency provides access to special marketing features within the Alipay app to its customers.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 20, 2017) - Diamond Fields International Ltd. (TSXV: DFI) ("DFI" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Namibian, offshore, diamond concessions.

Agreement on Mining Program

DFI is pleased to report that International Mining and Dredging Holdings (Pty) Limited ("IMDH") and the Company have agreed to an initial mining program on its ML 111 licence. The initial mining program is scheduled to commence in 2018 and will extend over a sea floor area of approximately 55 hectares. The program is to be executed using the state of the art Ya Toivo mining vessel which is equipped with a 4 point-mooring-system integrated anchor-assist and a dynamic positioning (DP2) system which ensures vessel stability during turbulent sea conditions. The vessel is further equipped with a Remotely Operated Subsea Tractor, capable of highly efficient and selective mining on the sea floor.

The Company has further concluded discussions with IMDH concerning its share of the 2016 bulk sampling program. All costs associated with this multi-million dollar program were paid for by IMDH. The parties have agreed that the Company will be paid US$670,000 within 30 days. The results from the bulk sampling program were extremely encouraging, with an unexpected high frequency of large, high value stones. Diamonds recovered from the Company's ML 111 in Namibia are typically of the highest gem quality, but recent bulk sampling results have exceeded our expectations.

It has been agreed for the duration of the forthcoming initial mining program, and dependent on monthly production levels, that the Company's share of net proceeds (after costs) shall be not less than five percent and the Company anticipates that it could approach fifty percent of its joint venture interest (i.e., 10% of total proceeds before tax and after deduction of export levies). The parties expect to review mining costs and other parameters during the initial mining program to find a balance for sharing exploration and mining costs going forward beyond the initial mining program, particularly regarding resource and reserve development.

Sybrand Van Der Spuy, CEO of DFI said: "We are extremely excited at the prospect of being back in production in the very near future. Our product is recognized throughout the world for its exceptional quality, being 98% gem and we look forward to bringing this niche product back to the market again. This program will provide our Company with the opportunity to generate significant cash-flow in short order."

The Company is pleased to reaffirm its ongoing commitment to its Namibian operations with this announcement.

DIAMOND FIELDS INTERNATIONAL LTD.

SIGNED: "Sybrand van der Spuy"

Sybrand van der Spuy, CEO and Director

Contact: Earl Young at +1 214 566 3709

Website: www.diamondfields.com

The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedar.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in Diamond Fields' periodic filings with Canadian Securities Regulators. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Diamond Fields does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Tuesday. The Australian dollar fell to 1.4979 against the euro and 86.85 against the yen, from early highs of 1.4904 and 87.44, respectively. Against the U.S., the Canadian and the New Zealand dollars, the aussie dropped to 0.7948, 0.9854 and 1.1085 from an early 4-day highs of 0.7985, 0.9896 and 1.1129, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.52 against the euro, 84.00 against the yen, 0.77 against the greenback, 0.96 against the loonie and 1.09 against the kiwi. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
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.
Calls on Offshore Equipment Manufacturers to Collaborate to Make All Mobile Devices Intrinsically Safe



ABERDEEN, United Kingdom, 2017-09-05 10:17 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aegex Technologies, the leader in intrinsically safe mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for hazardous area industrial operations, has announced it will license access to its intrinsic safety designs for mobile devices. It will also provide production and testing services to other technology companies serving the oil & gas industry. This strategy leverages Aegex's proprietary intrinsically safe technology to promote collaboration and further innovation in the offshore equipment industry, enabling greater operational safety and efficiency.



Aegex made the announcement today during the SPE Offshore Europe 2017 exhibition, Europe's largest oil & gas exploration and production technology showcase. The company is demonstrating its Aegex10 Intrinsically Safe Tablet and IoT Platform at Stand #2C120 in the event's Technology Zone.



"In the same spirit that the OGTC [The Oil & Gas Technology Centre] here in Aberdeen is aggregating the strengths of technology companies to create new solutions for the offshore industry, Aegex will license and provide other manufacturers access to our intrinsically safe technology, manufacturing facilities and testing grounds," said Aegex CEO Thomas P. Ventulett. "The goal is to make sure every device used in hazardous area operations is the absolute safest possible."



"Intrinsically safe" (IS) devices, such as Aegex's flagship product, the Aegex10 IS Tablet, are certified under international standards for the most potentially explosive conditions, including Zone 1 areas of oil & gas operations. IS devices are designed to limit a concentration of heat or energy that could ignite combustible environments, or "hazardous areas." This is distinct from "explosion-proof" devices, which do not necessarily prevent an explosion but encapsulate it in a protective housing. The benefit of the Aegex design is that equipment is intrinsically safe "from the inside," rather than relying on heavy and expensive explosion-proof form factors.



Aegex will use its proprietary methodologies to assist companies to make offshore solutions intrinsically safe, such as IoT sensors, wearables, accessories, peripherals and scanners that help increase efficiency and safety across operations, from inventory management to equipment maintenance to personnel health.



The new Aegex services include support from the company's research and development division, AegexLabs, which is comprised of an innovation center, engineering and design studio, and manufacturing facilities in Hungary, plus an 800-acre testing facility in the United States, where it tests hazardous area products under realistic conditions.



"Oil and gas operators are increasingly seeking IoT technologies that can help them work more efficiently and more safely. Aegex wants to offer our expertise to other innovators and collectively develop new technologies that can truly reduce costs, increase productivity and enhance safety in offshore industries," Mr. Ventulett added.



Multiple regional and international standards govern the safety and quality of all equipment used in oil & gas operations. These standards - including directives regulated by ATEX, IECEx, UL and other standards bodies - exist to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible atmospheres by an electronic device.



The Aegex10 tablet is globally certified as intrinsically safe for ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 and UL Class I, II, III Division 1 hazardous areas, where flammable materials are likely to be present during normal operations.



About Aegex Technologies With world headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., USA, European headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands, sales offices in Southampton, UK and Dubai, UAE, and distributors worldwide, Aegex provides intrinsically safe mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for hazardous locations in oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, public safety and other industries with explosive environments.



Contact Aegex for more details. Watch an Aegex overview video to learn more. LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Google+ Instagram



Leigh Villegas Marketing & Communications Director +1 229 220 9660 press@aegex.com

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 4:30 am ET Tuesday, IHS Markit is set to release U.K. services PMI data for August. Economists forecast the index to fall to 53.5 in August from 53.8 in July. Ahead of the data, the pound showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the pound rose against the euro, the Swiss franc and the yen, it fell against the U.S. dollar. As of 4:25 am ET, the pound was trading at 0.9192 against the euro, 1.2408 against the Swiss franc, 1.2921 against the U.S. dollar and 141.53 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2017 / Stans Energy Corp. (TSX-V: HRE, OTC PINK: HREEF), ("Stans" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the company has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding ("BMOU") which will allow Stans to acquire up to 100% of Pervomayskiy GOK LLC (PGOK), a Russian limited liability corporation, the owner of a lithium mineralization stockpile (the "Stockpile") the Zabaikalsky Mill (the "Mill") and supporting infrastructure (together the "Project")

Stans and PGOK initially entered into a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") on August 25, 2016, Since that time Stans has undertaken a legal due diligence review on the PGOK ownership rights of the Project. In this time, PGOK has been addressing land parcels ownership issues identified by Stans' counsel Norton Rose Fulbright Moscow. Furthermore, Stans also secured an MOU for a strategic partnership with Atomredmetzoloto JSC (ARMZ), the mining arm of ROSATOM, the Russian State Atomic Agency, (see Stans press release dated July 27, 2017) to develop business in specialty and energy metal production and processing including lithium.

ARMZ and PGOK have also entered into a MOU on August 18, 2017 so that ARMZ can begin its own due diligence process on the Project as required by its regulatory and compliance departments. This due diligence will be separate and parallel with the due diligence that Stans is undertaking on the Project.

Stans and ARMZ will proceed to complete their separate due diligence work programs to satisfy both Russian Federation subsoil requirements and NI 43-101 standards. This BMOU between Stans and PGOG represents a significant step forward in Stans' plans to produce lithium and related products within the Russian Federation with ARMZ as Stans' strategic partner.

As a first step in the implementation of this Project, a site visit to Pervomayskiy township was conducted with representatives from Stans, ARMZ and PGOK in attendance. The objective of the site visit was to formulate a detailed plan and coordinate efforts for the due diligence work required by Stans and ARMZ to produce an economic assessment of the Project to their respective standards.

Upon completion of the due diligence and assessments, Stans will be able to enter into a definitive purchase option agreement with PGOK, and a Project development agreement with ARMZ. The goal for all parties is the resumption of lithium concentrate production at the Pervomaiskiy site and associated downstream products at existing ARMZ facilities located in the same region.

"Now that Stans and ARMZ are moving forward with complete project due diligence, Stans will be able to capitalize on some of the synergies that exist between Russian subsoil requirements and NI 43-101 standards. ARMZ has already begun research and work programs that will assist our team with our technical due diligence." states Rodney Irwin, CEO and President, "The goal of the due diligence process is for Stans, PGOK and ARMZ to be able to determine the best structure for jointly developing the Pervomayskiy Project."

About Atomredmetzoloto JSC

ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. (JSC Atomredmetzoloto or the "Uranium Holding") is the mining arm of ROSATOM, State Atomic Energy Corporation, one of the leaders of the global uranium market. The Holding controls Russian uranium mining assets situated in the Trans-Baikal Territory, Republic of Buryatia, Kurgan region and Republic of Yakutia, in addition to other global assets. ARMZ concentrates on multi-year field development and unique competencies that enable ARMZ to perform a wide range of uranium projects - from geological exploration, development and design to reclamation of production facilities.

About Pervomayskiy GOK LLC

Pervomayskiy PGOK LLC ("PGOK") is the owner of the stockpile and mill which are associated with the historic mining operations of Zabaykalskey Mining Complex (ZMC) which starting from 1942 had overseen over 60 mining projects in the Trans-Baikal Region of Russia. The ZMC main operation (the Mine) was centered around Zavitinsky Lithium deposit. A full array of infrastructure is available at the Mine site including: electricity generating power station and substation, heat and water supply, tailings storage and railways terminals. The mill is directly connected with the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The Mine was in production from 1942 through the mid 1990's, and was the Soviet Union's only active lithium mine. The Mine produced over 100,000 tonnes of lithium in concentrate form over its life span. A cut-off grade of Li20 of 0.3% was set by the state for mining operations, as the primary use of lithium at that time in the Soviet Union was for military purposes and market economics were not a consideration. The mill produced concentrates of both beryllium and lithium while the mine was in production, and after the mine was closed the mill continued to process fluorite, gold, and antimony ore through to 2010 when it was put under care and maintenance due to a lack of feed material. The stockpile contains according to historic estimates approximately 19,000,000 tonnes of mineralized material grading at or below 0.3% Li20, This historical estimate does not constitute a current mineral resource or mineral reserve. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources, Stans is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources. Stans will be confirming both the volume and grade as part of its' due diligence process.

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.

About Stans Energy

Stans Energy Corp. is a resource development company focused on advancing rare and specialty metals properties and processing technologies. Stans is now transitioning into a supplier of materials and technologies that will assist in satisfying the future energy supply, storage and transmission needs of the world. Previously, the Company acquired, among other things, the right to mine the past producing rare earth mine, Kutessay II, in the Kyrgyz Republic. Due to the expropriation actions taken by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Company is undertaking international arbitration litigation to protect the Company's rights and recover damages estimated at over US$210,000,000, caused by the Republic.

We seek safe harbour.

Contact Details

Rodney Irwin

Stans Energy Corp

Interim President & CEO

rodney@stansenergy.com

647-426-1865

David Vinokurov

Stan Energy Corp

VP Corporate Development

david@stansenergy.com

647-426-1865



FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This document includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, use of proceeds from the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the continued advancement of the company's general business development, research development and the company's development of mineral exploration projects. When used in this press release, the words "will", "shall", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intent", "may", "project", "plan", "should" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Although Stans Energy Corp. believes that their expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include the potential that fluctuations in the marketplace for the sale of minerals, the inability to implement corporate strategies, the ability to obtain financing and other risks disclosed in our filings made with Canadian Securities Regulators.

SOURCE: Stans Energy Corp.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Harare woman forced her 17-year-old granddaughter into marriage with a Murehwa businessman, who allegedly raped the teenager on several occasions at gunpoint.The businessman, Wonder Nyanhiki (40), who owns a night club, is also alleged to have assaulted the teenager with a belt and fists whenever she refused to be intimate with him.It is the State's case that after marrying off her granddaughter, she then ordered Nyanhiki to transfer money into her account, which she said was for "chiredzwa".She allegedly further advised Nyanhiki not to consult the teenager's mother for lobola negotiations saying that since she was the one who took care of the victim, she was entitled to the money.She then demanded "chiredzwa". Nyanhiki appeared in court before Mr Noel Mupeiwa, who remanded him to September 7 for trial.He is facing three charges of rape, pointing a firearm and assault. Mr Tapson Dzvetero is acting on his behalf while Mr Timothy Makoni is representing the State.It is alleged that sometime in February, the grandmother, who intended to travel to South Africa, presented the teenager to Nyanhiki as his wife before demanding "chiredzwa" money.She then took the girl's clothes and gave them to Nyanhiki, who then took the teen to Murehwa where she started working as a bar lady in his night club. Fearing that the girl would report the abuse to people, Nyanhiki is said to have stopped her from working in the club.One night during the same month, Nyanhiki, the State alleged, went to the room where the girl was sleeping and asked to have sexual intercourse with her, but she refused.This did not go down well with Nyanhiki, who then removed his belt and started assaulting her all over the body, it is alleged. It is alleged that he also drew his pistol and threatened to shoot the girl together with her mother if she did not comply with his demands.He then raped her, the court heard. Since that day, Nyanhiki would rape the girl on several occasions, it is alleged. Sometime in May, the complainant managed to send a message to her aunt in South Africa on her mobile phone narrating how she was being assaulted by Nyanhiki.In response, the aunt is said to have advised her to flee. The following day she asked for permission from Nyanhiki to travel to Harare and he allegedly chose to escort her.While in the CBD, she lied that she wanted to meet her friend and give her some school textbooks. When she disembarked from Nyanhiki's vehicle, she then escaped and went to her friend's house and narrated her ordeal.The court heard that Nyanhiki later learnt of the girl's whereabouts before proceeding to where she was and forcibly took her back to her grandmother's house.While at the grandmother's house, during the night, the grandmother ordered Nyanhiki to sleep in the lounge together with the girl.When he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her, the girl refused and Nyanhiki allegedly clapped and punched her before assaulting her with a belt in the presence of her grandmother.The teen later escaped after some days and sought refuge at a church before she was helped to get to a police station where she made a report.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2017 / Canadian Zeolite Corp. (TSX-V: CNZ / OTCQB: CNZCF) is pleased to announce it has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. to handle its investor relations activities.

"We are pleased to announce we have selected Renmark to reinforce Canadian Zeolite Corp.'s profile in the financial community and enhance the visibility of our Company. We chose Renmark because its standards and methodologies fit best with the message we wish to communicate to the investing public," noted Ray Paquette, Chief Executive Officer.

In consideration of the services to be provided, the monthly fees incurred by Canadian Zeolite Corp. will be a cash consideration of up to $8,000 per month, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, starting September 1, 2017 for a period of six months ending on February 28, 2018 and monthly thereafter.

Renmark Financial Communications does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in Canadian Zeolite Corp. or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

For further information please contact:

Ray Paquette, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (604) 684-3301

www.canadianzeolite.com

Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

Shushu Feng: sfeng@renmarkfinancial.com

Tel.: (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989

www.renmarkfinancial.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.

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, the ability to complete contemplated work programs and the timing and amount of expenditures. Canadian Zeolite does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.



Source: Canadian Zeolite Corp.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. ("Volcanic",) (TSX VENTURE: VG) is pleased to announce that Jeremy Crozier has been appointed as CEO of the company, succeeding Mike Iverson, who stepped down from his position as CEO effective August 29. Mr. Iverson is warmly thanked for his service to Volcanic, and remains a Director of the company's Board. Simon Ridgway has joined Volcanic in the capacity of Executive Chairman, adding considerable strength to the company's Board and management team. John Barry (P.Geo, EurGeol) joins Volcanic as the company's Technical Advisor.

Jeremy Crozier, the current President of Volcanic has been actively involved in the management of Volcanic's technical programs and in-country operations since inception. He has led the teams that have defined the mineralized targets identified during Volcanic's 2017 exploration programs, and continues to be responsible for Volcanic's strategy of property consolidation in Guinea and beyond. Mr. Crozier holds MBA and M.Sc. degrees in geology, and has 22 years of exploration, discovery, business development, and operating experience gained in North America, Africa (including Guinea) and Europe. Mr. Crozier's previous roles include those of Exploration Manager for Taseko Mines Limited, where he held responsibility for a portfolio of large remote, complex and politically sensitive exploration programs at all stages of development from grass roots to feasibility, as well as extensive service as an independent mineral exploration and business development consultant in Europe and Africa.

Simon Ridgway is a co-founder of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., a prospector, mining financier and a Casey Research Explorer's League inductee. Under Mr. Ridgway's guidance exploration teams have discovered gold deposits in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and since 2003 have raised over CAD$450 million for exploration and development projects. Mr. Ridgway is the Chairman of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., CEO of Focus Ventures Ltd., President and CEO of Radius Gold Inc.

John Barry has worked as a consulting geologist for 30 years. Over his career he has founded and managed several public resource companies, and has worked for respected international resource consultancies including CSA Global, and Chlumsky Armbrust & Meyer. Mr. Barry played a pivotal role in the discovery of several major gold deposits in Africa, including Nyanzaga in Tanzania while serving as Exploration Manager for Maiden Gold NL, and Ahafo Deeps in Ghana for Moydow Mines Ltd. He sourced Yanfolila - in Mali - for Glencar Mining in 2003, and more recently led the discovery of the Mandiana Project on behalf of Sovereign Mines of Africa plc. Mr. Barry holds a Master's Degree in Geology from Pennsylvania State University, and an MBA from the Edinburgh School of Business, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

About Volcanic

Volcanic brings together a deeply experienced and successful mining, exploration and capital markets team focused on building a multi-million ounce gold resource in the underexplored West African country of Guinea and its neighbouring countries. Through the strategic acquisition of mineral properties with demonstrated potential for hosting gold resources, and by undertaking effective exploration and drill programs, Volcanic is seeking to become a leading junior gold resource company.

Visit our website at www.volgold.com.

Volcanic Gold Mines Inc.

Jeremy Crozier, President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about the Company's exploration plans for the Mandiana Project. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

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 results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether the Company's exploration work on the Mandiana Project will proceed as intended; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company's exploration work on the Mandiana Project will proceed as intended; that the Company's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. 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, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Volcanic Gold Mines Inc.

Alex Langer

VP Capital Markets

604-765-1604

www.volgold.com




OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE.TO, CVE) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Pelican Lake heavy oil operations, as well as other miscellaneous assets in northern Alberta for gross cash proceeds of $975 million. The company said its proceeds from the sale will be applied against the $3.6 billion asset-sale bridge facility put in place to help fund Cenovus's acquisition of assets from ConocoPhillips earlier in the current year. With the close of the asset sale, the company intends to retire the first tranche of the bridge facility. The remaining two tranches mature in November 2018 and May 2019. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- CannaRoyalty Corp. (CSE: CRZ)(CSE: CRZ.CN)(CNSX: CRZ)(OTCQX: CNNRF) ("CannaRoyalty" or the "Company"), an active investor and operator in the legal cannabis industry, is pleased to announce that one of its investee companies, Alternative Medical Enterprises LLC ("AltMed"), has opened its inaugural MuV by AltMed dispensary in Phoenix, Arizona. The dispensary launch represents an important milestone as both AltMed Arizona and AltMed Florida expand to become fully integrated leaders in medical cannabis production and dispensing. In Florida, MuV products are expected to be available for patients during the first quarter of 2018. CannaRoyalty receives a 3.5% royalty on the net sales of MuV products until July 2026. CannaRoyalty also currently holds an 8.3% ownership stake in AltMed, as well as the right to license MuV products in Canada, California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, and Puerto Rico.

"This is a significant milestone toward the achievement of AltMed's strategic objectives and value creation for CannaRoyalty shareholders," said Marc Lustig, CEO of CannaRoyalty. "We are proud to be partnered with the experienced team at AltMed, we congratulate them on this significant step and look forward to continuing to work closely together on the outstanding opportunities that exist within the Arizona and Florida markets."

AltMed Enterprises CEO Michael Smullen added, "we are in the very enviable position of being able to master all facets of fully integrated operations with our experience in the development, production and now dispensing of medical cannabis in Arizona. Our Arizona platform will also enable us to transfer our expertise and proven success in that market, to Florida."

AltMed's first dispensary in Phoenix will make the entire line of MuV cannabis infused products available in one location for Arizona patients. It will offer order-ahead pickup and delivery, and beyond the MuV line, a wide selection of flower strains and products will be available to meet every patient's needs. Beyond the new dispensary, AltMed will also continue to offer its popular MuV products wholesale to many other dispensaries throughout the state.

MuV

The MuV brand of cannabis infused products was launched in Arizona in 2016 and has quickly gained international attention and recognition. In its first six months alone, MuV received four best of Arizona medical cannabis awards, including two first prizes for its proprietary extractions that are the basis of all MuV products.

About AltMed

Alternative Medical Enterprises, LLC, headquartered in Sarasota, FL and doing business as AltMed Enterprises, is a fully integrated company that brings pharmaceutical industry precision to the development, production and dispensing of medical cannabinoids.

About CannaRoyalty

CannaRoyalty is an active investor and operator in the legal cannabis sector. Our focus is building and supporting a diversified portfolio of growth-ready assets in high-value segments of the cannabis sector, including research, consumer brands, devices and intellectual property. Our management team combines a hands-on understanding of the cannabis industry with seasoned financial know-how, assembling a platform of holdings via royalty agreements, equity interests, secured convertible debt, licensing agreements and its own branded portfolio.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in CannaRoyalty's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward- looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements including the Company's expectations with respect to pursuing new opportunities and its future growth and other statements of fact.

Although CannaRoyalty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under US Federal Laws; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. CannaRoyalty disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and CannaRoyalty does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

Contacts:

Marc Lustig

CannaRoyalty Corp.

1-844-556-5070

info@cannaroyalty.com

www.cannaroyalty.com



Jonathan Ross, CFA

LodeRock Advisors Inc.

416-283-0178

jon.ross@loderockadvisors.com




VAL-D'OR, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Abitibi Royalties Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RZZ) ("Abitibi Royalties" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Rico De Vega has agreed to join the Company as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 5, 2017. Mr. De Vega is a CPA, CA (Ontario), CPA (Illinois) with over 20 years of financial management and reporting experience. Mr. De Vega was most recently Senior Manager, Finance and Investor Relations with First Quantum Minerals Limited and previously held Controller roles at various gold mining companies listed on the TSX with producing mines, exploration and development projects in Central and South America.

The board wishes to thank Mr. Daniel Poisson, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, for all his dedication and hard work. Mr. Poisson has been the Company's CFO for the past 7 years and played a key role in the development of Abitibi Royalties since its inception. The Company is pleased that Mr. Poisson has agreed to remain as Corporate Secretary and will continue to work in a managerial role supporting Abitibi Royalties' financial and accounting activities.

Canadian Malartic Mine - 3% NSR (East Malartic) (Fig. 1)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited stated in its Q2 2017 news release (July 26, 2017) that exploration was ongoing to evaluate the potential to mine portions of the East Malartic deposit, which is located adjacent to the Canadian Malartic Mine. The Company's 3% net smelter royalty ("NSR") covers portions of the historic East Malartic Mine. Abitibi Royalties believes that the areas at East Malartic covered by its NSR include the deep portions of the respective Main/East Zones and the Porphyry Swarm, East Porphyry and Chert/Wedge Zone (Fig. 1). The latter three zones may straddle the southern property boundary of the Company's NSR at depth and the Chert/Wedge Zone along strike to the east. These zones are in addition to the Norrie Zone (for more information on Norrie please see news release - August 19, 2014).

Shareholders who are interested in learning about the historic East Malartic Mine, including previous production, an overview of the geology, different gold zones, exploration and historic estimates can access this information here (Report: Metallogeny of the East Malartic Gold Deposits, Quebec - Michael Issigonis, Travelling Professor, BUNTEP, Brandon University, Manitoba - 2006) and here (Report: Porphyry Swarm: The high grade gold - Michael Issigonis - 2017). Abitibi Royalties has not independently verified, and takes no responsibility for the contents contained within the report and the Company is supplying this for informational purposes only. Abitibi Royalties believes that in addition to the exploration success at Odyssey North, the portions of East Malartic contained within its 3% NSR could potentially become an important asset for the Company. Abitibi Royalties believes that East Malartic has both lower grade bulk tonnage and high-grade gold potential. The Company has no knowledge or information pertaining to whether the current drilling at East Malartic will include the areas covered by the Company's NSR. There can be no assurance that all or any of the zones contained in the reports lie within the portions covered by the Company's NSR as they have not been independently verified by Abitibi Royalties.

Normal Course Issuer Bid and Investments Update

Under the current Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB"), Abitibi Royalties has acquired through the TSX-Venture Exchange, an additional 4,700 shares (since last reported on July 31, 2017) for a total of 65,200 shares at an average cost of approximately CDN$9.24 per share in 2017. The Company now has approximately 11,396,000 shares outstanding.

As of the date of this news release, the Company's income from dividends, interest, covered calls and puts in 2017 totals approximately CDN$1.3 million. The proceeds have been used to purchase additional royalties under the Abitibi Royalty Search, share repurchases under its NCIB and for general corporate purposes. The board of directors also amended its previously announced call option policy. The amended policy removes the maximum number of covered calls that can be written during a quarter. This was done to provide the Company with greater financial flexibility. The Company's policy remains unchanged in that any calls must be covered by the Company's ownership in the underlying shares.

For more information on the Company's investments, dividends, interest, individual covered call and put contracts and NCIB, please see the Company's Q2-2017 MD&A (prepared as of August 18, 2017) and Q2-2017 Financial Statements, which can be found on Sedar or the Company's website www.abitibiroyalties.com.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Glenn Mullan, Chairman, is the Qualified Person (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) who has reviewed this news release. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves at East Malartic and that Abitibi Royalties is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or reserves and as such the information cannot be relied upon.

About Abitibi Royalties

Abitibi Royalties holds a 3% NSR on the Odyssey North and other portions of the Odyssey Project, Jeffrey Zone, eastern portion of the Barnat Extension and parts of the historic East Malartic Mine, where the mineralization is located inside the Malartic CHL property and a 2% NSR on portions of the Gouldie and Charlie zones, all at the Canadian Malartic Mine near Val-d'Or, Quebec. In addition, the Company is building a portfolio of royalties on early stage properties near producing mines. The Company owns common shares in Agnico Eagle Mines and Yamana Gold (Market value CDN$34.2 million - September 1, 2017), plus cash (Cash balance $7.3 million - Q2 June 30, 2017) of approximately CDN$41.5 million. The Company is debt free.

Golden Valley Mines Ltd. and Rob McEwen hold approximately 49.2% and 12.2% interest in Abitibi Royalties, respectively.

Forward Looking Statements:

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 the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

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 Fig. 1 Schematic Longitudinal Section of Malartic CHL Property, please follow this link: http://abitibiroyalties.com/maps/rzz-longitudinal-nr-09052017.png

Contacts:

Abitibi Royalties Inc.

Shanda Kilborn

Director, Corporate Development

1-888-392-3857

info@abitibiroyalties.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- White Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: WGO) (the "Company") applauds the announcement made on September 2, 2017 by Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and Yukon Premier Sandy Silver committing more than $360 million in combined federal and territorial funding to improve road access in two mineral-rich areas in Yukon, including the Dawson Range which hosts the White Gold District. In total, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project will help upgrade over 650 kilometres of road and build or replace numerous bridges, culverts and stream crossings. In the Dawson Range, four separate public road systems will be upgraded.

The Company is the largest landholder in the White Gold District, Dawson Range, owning 390,000 hectares which represents approximately 40% of the district. The properties range from grass roots to more advanced exploration projects, including approximately one million ounces of gold grading between 2.7 and 3.19 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) on the Golden Saddle area based on historic estimates of measured and indicated resources on its White Gold property, in addition to the Arc zone, where the historic resource included 170,470 ounces of gold at a grade of 1.21 g/t Au in the inferred category.

White Gold Corp. is run by a highly experienced technical team with a track record of multiple discoveries in the White Gold District, and is currently carrying out a fully financed three year exploration program including the expansion of the historic resources. As at the date hereof, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited and Kinross Gold Corporation ("Kinross") each own approximately 19.9% of the Company.

Shawn Ryan, Chief Technical Advisor and a Director of the company, commented: "The historic Yukon Resource Gateway project as announced by Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and Yukon Premier Sandy Silver represents a major step forward towards unlocking Yukon's mineral potential. White Gold Corp. is fully committed and looks forward to continue working with the Federal, Territorial and First Nation Governments as we advance our exciting portfolio of Yukon projects for the benefit of all Canadians."

The White Gold Property

The White Gold property is located approximately 95km south of Dawson City, Yukon and consists of 1,835 claims covering approximately 36,265 hectares. The property was historically explored by Underworld Resources Inc. ("Underworld") from 2007 - 2009 and included the discovery of the Golden Saddle and Arc zones. In 2010, Underworld reported a resource estimate of 1,004,570 ounces contained in 9.80 Mt at a grade of 3.19 g/t Au in an Indicated category, with an additional 407,410 ounces contained in 5.02 Mt at a grade of 2.5 g/t Au in an Inferred category on the Golden Saddle. At the Arc Zone, the initial resource included 170,470 ounces contained within 4.37 Mt at a grade of 1.21 g/t Au in the inferred category (reported in Underworld Resources New Release UW2010-NR#2 dated January 19, 2010 and the 43-101 report titled "White Gold Property Dawson Range Yukon, Canada" dated March 3, 2010, prepared by Lars Weiershauser, P.Geo, Marek Nowak, P.Eng and Wayne Barnett, Pr.Sci.Nat. of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.) (the "Technical Report"). Kinross purchased Underworld shortly after the initial resource was released in 2010 and explored the property from 2010 - 2012. In 2013, Kinross released the results of a resource estimate on the Golden Saddle zone and reported a resource of 840,000 ounces within 9.79 Mt at a grade of 2.67 g/t Au in an Indicated category, with an additional 125,000 ounces within 2.17 Mt at a grade of 1.8 g/t Au in an Inferred category (reported in Kinross Gold Corp.'s 2016 Mineral Reserves and Resource Statement). Both Underworld's and Kinross' resource estimates are considered historical estimates and the Company is not treating them as current mineral resources. On June 14, 2017, the Company acquired the entities holding the White Gold Property from Kinross. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. In addition to the Golden Saddle and Arc zones, there are numerous other targets known on the property that warrant follow-up work (for more information see Yukon Assessment Report #'s 095338, 096206, & 096207).

Qualified Person

Unless otherwise indicated, the scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jodie Gibson, P.Geo, of GroundTruth Exploration Inc. who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101. GroundTruth Exploration Inc. is owned by the spouse of a director of the Company.

About White Gold Corp.

The Company owns a portfolio of 19,438 quartz claims across 30 properties covering over 390,000 hectares representing approximately 40% of the Yukon's White Gold District. Preliminary exploration work has produced several prospective targets. The claim packages are bordered by sizable gold discoveries owned by Goldcorp Inc. and Western Copper and Gold Corporation. The Company has outlined an aggressive exploration plan to further explore its properties. For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the anticipated benefits to the Company and its shareholders respecting the exploration activities to be conducted at the White Gold Properties; future growth potential of the Company; and future exploration plans.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the proposed completion of the Yukon Resource Gateway project; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the White Gold Properties and the Company's other properties; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; and those factors described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Information Regarding Historical Resources

All scientific and technical information relating to the White Gold Property is based on and derived from the Technical Report. The information contained herein is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Technical Report and reference should be made to the full details of the Technical Report which may be obtained from the Company by contacting dschmidt@whitegoldcorp.ca. Disclosure of the historical estimate in this news release is derived from the Technical Report and has been judged to be relevant and therefore suitable for disclosure, however should not be relied upon. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the historical estimate, which is subject to all of the assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare such historical estimate and reference is made to the full text of the Technical Report with respect thereto. The historic estimate of mineral resources was estimated in conformity with generally accepted CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practices" Guidelines. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There are no other recent estimates or data are available to the Company as at the date of this news release and a detailed exploration program is required to be conducted by the Company in order to verify or treat the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources.

Contacts:

White Gold Corp.

David D'Onofrio

Chief Executive Officer

(416) 643-3880

ddonofrio@whitegoldcorp.ca




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Maricann Group Inc. (CSE: MARI)(CSE: MARI.CN)(CNSX: MARI) ("Maricann" or the "Company") a low cost, greenhouse producer of medical cannabis with market leading technological differentiation, is providing this operational update. On March 8th, a windstorm with gale forces up to 115 kph hit the peninsula on the shores of Lake Erie near the Company's Langton, Ontario site. An unusual event, the storm resulted in sand and foreign materials from nearby fields being blown into two of the Company's five main flowering greenhouses.

In Canada, under Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), all aspects of cultivation must be controlled and no outside matter is permitted to enter the greenhouse unless introduced intentionally and through an approved process. Since the occurrence of the storm, the Company has spent significant time trying to determine the full consequences and impact of the storm. The Company was not immediately aware whether any contaminants had impacted the flowering areas of the greenhouses and it was not until the first harvests were completed from both affected greenhouses that the Company became aware of the remnant presence of trace sand in the trim. The Company also spent several weeks consulting experts in the field to determine whether the flower could still be used for oil production, as that process could potentially eliminate any trace amounts of contamination. The opinions received were mixed and the Company's Quality Assurance team ultimately determined that it could not definitively state that there was no contamination in the lots that were planted following March 8, notwithstanding that the lots showed no visible contamination when harvested.

With the environment no longer sealed and thus compromised following the storm, Maricann made the decision to destroy all of the plants in the two affected greenhouses which reduced its available inventory,. During the time that inventories were low, the Company purchased limited bulk product from a reputable licensed producer, who, like Maricann, has never had a recall of product. The Company also worked with its patients' physicians to split prescriptions to other trusted licensed producers until it was again able to supply its own product. Maricann's shelves are now fully stocked with a wide variety of strains, and our oil inventory is fully available. Since the storm, the affected greenhouses have been steam cleaned, pressurized and inspected by Maricann's Quality Assurance (QA) team. The Company has worked tirelessly to seal the HVAC system and install additional perimeter safeguards to ensure the greenhouses are not penetrated in the future. Maricann has commenced regular production, achieving exceptional yields of dry flower up to 79 grams per plant, per cycle.

The Company is properly insured to cover the losses in inventory. This natural weather event nevertheless had an effect on its short-term revenue stream. Late last year, Maricann tracked up to C$600,000 revenue per month. As a result of a natural weather event, revenues for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2017 were $661,602 and $1,804,769 as compared to $906,246 and $1,864,019 during the same period in 2016 and the Company has revised the forecast of revenue for 2017 from C$6.7 million to C$4.3 million. The total loss to be borne by the Company as a result of the incident is not yet determined; as it will be reduced by the not yet determined amount of the insurance recovery.

"Patient safety is our ultimate concern. We could have attempted to salvage the plants, however, there is no way to ensure that spot contamination didn't occur," said Ben Ward, CEO of Maricann. "Our commitment to the creation of long term shareholder value surpasses short term profits."

"As we build for a greater future, we're willing to take the necessary steps to ensure long term shareholder value creation, never putting our shareholders at risk, explaining the near-term ups and downs in share price - tracking to our ultimate goal," said Ward.

The Company's financial statements and related management discussion and analysis for the period are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.

About Maricann Group Inc.

Maricann is a vertically integrated producer and distributor of marijuana for medical purposes. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Toronto with a facility in Langton, Ontario, where it operates a medicinal cannabis cultivation, extraction and distribution business under federal licence from the Government of Canada. Maricann, which has federal licences to cultivate, process and distribute cannabis, services a patient base with more than 8,000 total registered patients since inception. Maricann is currently undertaking an expansion of its cultivation and support facilities in Canada in a fully funded 217,000 sq. ft. (20,159 sq. m) build out, to support existing and future patient growth.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this document contain forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "desires", "will", "should", "projects", "estimates", "contemplates", "anticipates", "intends", or any negative such as "does not believe" or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. No assurance can be given that potential future results or circumstances described in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. By their nature, these forward-looking statements, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed herein, that could cause actual results to significantly differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the view of the Company with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions, which it considers reasonable. Management cautions readers that the assumptions relative to the future events, several of which are beyond Management's control, could prove to be incorrect, given that they are subject to certain risk and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: fluctuations in operating results; the impact of general economic, industry and market conditions; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow; increased levels of outstanding debt and obligations under a capital lease; expectations regarding market demand for particular products and the dependence on new product development; the impact of market change; and the impact of price and product competition. Management disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

Shawn Alexander

VP Investor Relations

289-288-6284

salexander@maricann.ca



Media:

Carrie Booze

North 6th Agency

212-334-9753 ext.142

maricann@n6a.com



Corporate Headquarters (Canada)

Maricann Group Inc. (Toronto)

845 Harrington Court, Unit 3

Burlington Ontario L7N 3P3

Canada

289-288-6274



European Headquarters (Germany)

Maricann GmbH

Thierschstrasse 3, 80538 Munchen, Deutschland




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Aurvista Gold Corporation ("Aurvista" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: AVA)(OTCQB: ARVSF)(FRANKFURT: AV2) is pleased to report that the Company has increased the Douay Gold Project (the "Project") size by more than 26 km2. The Company's exploration team has been diligently tracking specific claims and staking as soon as they become available to expand Aurvista's already commanding property package. In total, the Project now consists of 624 claims covering 331.7 km2. Aurvista has also submitted applications for additional claims that will increase the property size to 345 km2. Aurvista's Douay Gold Project will now cover a 50km segment of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt.

The additional claims are contiguous to the additional ground that was staked in April (see press release April 5, 2017) and cover two of the three main faults in the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone. The main Douay mineralization is located on a splay fault off the northern most fault of the Casa Berardi Break in an area of chaotic magnetic signatures due to the presence of intrusive porphyries, magnetic units and alteration. The recently staked claims cover another area of chaotic magnetic signatures 20km to the northwest. The figure below outlines the Company's updated claim boundary.

To view Figure 1: Aurvista Regional Map with Projected 345 km2 Project Size Outlined, please visit this link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Aurvista_1101821_fig1.pdf

Aurvista's President and CEO, Matthew Hornor, stated: "Our property-wide exploration program will now cover 345 km2 of prospective ground. We are excited about the new discovery potential and believe the next phases of exploration will generate high-quality drill targets within and beyond the known resource areas." Hornor added, "Aurvista's geologists are currently coordinating with members of the Technical Advisory Committee to refine the Company's go-forward exploration and drilling plans. We all see great potential for this project and want to make sure the appropriate steps are taken in the right sequence to bring this asset to the next level."

The Company will be announcing the details of its updated fall-winter exploration and drilling plans as soon as the program is finalized.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Jean Lafleur, M. Sc, P. Geo., Technical Advisory Committee member, a non-independent Qualified Person to Aurvista Gold Corp., who is responsible for ensuring that the geologic information provided in this presentation is accurate and acts as a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Douay Gold Project and Company Profile:

Aurvista Gold Corporation is a well-funded gold exploration and development company focused on advancing one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in Quebec. The Company's district-scale 345 km2 Douay Gold Project is located along a 50km segment of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt in northern Quebec. The Project hosts an inferred gold resource that remains open in several directions, with excellent infrastructure and several large scale operating mines within 150km. The Douay Gold Project's high-grade lenses have never been mined and the Company has property-wide exploration and drilling plans, with the aim of establishing high-quality ounces in one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world.

ON BEHALF OF AURVISTA GOLD CORPORATION

B. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements. 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. When used herein, words such as "anticipate", "will", "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify 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 Aurvista Gold Corporation's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.aurvistagold.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.

Contacts:

Mr. Joness Lang

VP, Corporate Development

+1 416.682.2674

jlang@aurvistagold.com




In order to help policymakers come up with an energy framework that would better reflect the solar power generation potential across Europe, the European Commission's science and knowledge service Joint Research Center (JRC) has produced a dataset of solar energy production at national, regional and local level, by the hour for the last 30 years, based on the existing PV fleet at the end of 2015.Assessing the impact of climate variability on the generation of solar power, the Knowledge Management Unit at the directorate for Energy, Transport and Climate, DG-Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed the EMHIRES dataset (European Meteorological High resolution RES time series) looking into the solar power time series at both national and regional levels covering the whole of Europe. Namely, the solar power time series are produced at hourly granularity and at different aggregation levels: by country, power market bidding zone, and by the European Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) defined by EUROSTAT; in particular, by NUTS 1 and NUTS 2 level. The time series ...

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.
Remotely-Managed Private Cloud Eliminates Configuration and Operational Headaches

ZeroStack, Inc., creators of the self-driving on-premises cloud, today announced it has joined the OpenStack Marketplace for Remotely-Managed Private Clouds, a collection of leading private cloud solutions for enterprises that want the self-service and agility of on-premises cloud without the pain of configuring and managing complex cloud infrastructure. ZeroStack achieves this using Z-Brain a SaaS-driven operations portal that leverages machine learning combined with on-premises infrastructure to "bring the cloud home." Enterprise application developers can now rapidly build, test, and deploy on-premises, production-ready, distributed web applications, mobile applications, containerized applications, and big data analytics workloads.

"Remote IT management has been a rapidly-growing trend over the past two years, beginning with cloud-managed Wi-Fi systems and moving into other IT infrastructure areas like security and SD-WAN," said Zeus Kerravala, principal analyst at ZK Research. "Remotely-managed clouds like the ZeroStack Intelligent Cloud Platform deliver the security, performance, and control of private cloud combined with the ease-of-use of public cloud, and they use a SaaS portal to automate provisioning, configuration, monitoring, and management."

ZeroStack's implementation of OpenStack leverages machine learning technology in the Z-Brain SaaS portal to eliminate capacity planning, VM sizing, software maintenance, patching, and performance monitoring so IT administrators and software development teams can focus on delivering cloud-native applications.

"ZeroStack's unique SaaS-driven operational model securely automates remote management and delivers continuous innovation using AI and machine learning technologies, dramatically reducing dependence on human experts," said Kamesh Pemmaraju, Vice President of Product Management at ZeroStack. "We invite enterprises to compare our self-driving cloud with any other remotely-managed private cloud solution on the market."

Helpful Links

ZeroStack on the OpenStack Marketplace

ZeroStack Inc.

ZeroStack Inc. Blog

ZeroStack Inc. on Twitter

Suggested Tweet: ZeroStack Joins Remotely-Managed Private Cloud Marketplace

About ZeroStack

ZeroStack uses intelligent software to deliver a self-driving, fully integrated private cloud platform that offers the agility and simplicity of public cloud at a fraction of the cost, along with the control, security, and performance of a private cloud. We leverage advances in distributed computing, computer science and AI to self-manage your on-premises cloud coupled with a Software-as-Service (SaaS) portal to handle management and operations with complete health monitoring and predictive analytics. Founded by senior engineers from VMware and Google, the company is funded by Formation 8 and Foundation Capital, and is based in Mountain View, California. For more information, visit http://www.zerostack.com or follow us on Twitter @ZeroStackInc.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005267/en/

Contacts:

StoryPR for ZeroStack

Michael Schoolnik, 415-420 2391

michael@storypr.com
News / National

by Staff reporter

VICTORIA Falls Municipality has embarked on a massive water disconnection exercise in violation of a recent High Court ruling that such action is illegal without a court order.Hundreds of Victoria Falls residents in Mfelandawonye suburb in Ward 11 were cut off by council on Friday for failure to settle outstanding rates.Those targeted owe hundreds of dollars while some defaulted in the payment plans entered into a few months ago.Responding to emailed questions yesterday, the municipality Chamber Secretary Ms Kholwani Mangena said the council is owed $6 623 288 by residents.Both residents and businesses owe the council in excess of $15 million while the local authourity owes service providers more than $8 million."Those currently affected are mainly the non-responsive clients who do not come to make payment plans as well as those who are not paying anything towards their monthly consumption and those who have defaulted on their payment plans," said Ms Mangena.She said the exercise is not a blitz."As an operational norm, VFM has been inviting all its debtors to come forward to make payment plans towards their obligations so that the local authority continues to offer them high- quality services and be able to buy raw water, pay for electricity and procure chemicals and spares," the Chamber Secretary said.She could not be drawn into revealing the number of those disconnected, saying the figure continues to fluctuate.Ms Mangena said some residents have honoured their obligations by making arrangements to settle their bills.She said even though they do not have a court order authourising them to cut water supplies, they had not violated the High Court ruling as the amounts they were demanding were not in dispute.Residents from the affected suburb have resorted to asking for water from neighbours who were not disconnected as there are no public boreholes around the area.Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association chairman Mr Morgen Dube urged affected residents to approach the association to find the way forward.On Sunday, some residents from Mfelandawonye convened and selected six representatives to engage the council on their behalf.In May this year, the High Court upheld previous rulings that it is illegal for Harare City Council to disconnect water supplies to defaulting businesses and residents without a court order.In 2004, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu ruled that Section 8 of the Water By-Law, which empowers local authorities to cut water supplies without a court order, was in breach of Section 77 and 44 of the Constitution.The two sections guarantee the right to safe and clean water and compel Government to respect fundamental human rights.
Deutsche Business Schools aus der ersten Reihe nutzen cloudbasierte und offene digitale Lernumgebung fur soziales, kollaboratives und integriertes LernenFrankfurt, Deutschland (ots/PRNewswire) - Canvas von Anbieter Instructure (NYSE: INST), eine Lernplattform (Learning MANAGEMENT System - LMS), die Lehren und Lernen vereinfacht, hat zwei neue Nutzer uberzeugt: Mannheim Business School und Frankfurt School of Finance & Management setzen Canvas zukunftig ein, um Studierenden das Lernen zu erleichtern und ihre kontinuierliche berufliche Weiterbildung zu unterstutzen.Die beiden BUSINESS Schools werden mit Canvas eine immersive Lernumgebung aufbauen, die zwei zentrale Ziele erreicht: eine Brucke zwischen Industrie und Studierenden zu schaffen und Berufstatigen Moglichkeiten zur kontinuierlichen beruflichen Weiterentwicklung zu bieten. Ob gemeinsames Lernen, Teamarbeit oder der Einsatz neuer digitaler Technologien im Studium sowie am Arbeitsplatz - mit Canvas entwickeln Nutzer die Fahigkeiten, die sie fur Berufseinstieg und Karriere benotigen.Wolfgang Weicht, Innovations- und Digitalisierungsbeauftragter der Frankfurt School of Finance & Management: "Das war wohl die schnellste Beschaffungsentscheidung, die wir jemals getroffen haben. Nachdem wir Benutzeroberflache und Funktionen gepruft hatten, wussten wir sofort, dass unsere tech-versierte und anspruchsvolle Studierendenschaft Canvas begeistert annehmen wird. Canvas ist einfach zu nutzen und spiegelt die Online-Erfahrungen auf Social-Media-Plattformen wider, die unsere Studierenden gerne und mit Gewinn nutzen. Benutzerfreundlichkeit und gutes Design konnen nicht hoch genug eingeschatzt werden - und Canvas ist in beidem erstklassig."Mannheim Business School erwartet schnellen Effizienz-GewinnDie Mannheim Business School, die vom Lernsystem Blackboard zu Canvas wechselt, verfolgt eine institutionsweite cloudbasierte IT-Strategie mit flexiblen IT-Assets, die mit ihr zusammen wachsen konnen. Canvas ist ein integraler Bestandteil dieser Strategie, um Kurse jederzeit und auf jedem Endgerat anzubieten. Dieser Ansatz erlaubt flexibles und kollaboratives Lernen.Dr. Florian Heger, IT-Direktor der Mannheim Business School, schatzt die Effizienz, die Canvas bietet: "Canvas stellt sicher, dass unsere Dozenten das tun, was sie am besten konnen: lehren. Die Erstellung von Inhalten, Benotung und Feedback werden mit Canvas schneller und einfacher, bleiben aber dennoch umfassend und damit wertvoll fur die Studierenden. Dozenten und Studierende werden sehr schnell vom neuen System profitieren und weniger Zeit mit der Verwaltung verbringen - und damit mehr Zeit furs Lehren und Lernen haben."Chance fur Business Schools: Lebenslange berufliche FortbildungKenny Nicholl, VP Instructure EMEA, sagt: "Business Schools wie Mannheim und Frankfurt sind entscheidend fur die Ausbildung qualifizierter und fahiger Arbeitskrafte fur die Industrie. Aber ihre Arbeit hort nicht mit dem Studienabschluss ihrer Absolventen auf. Eine der groten Chancen fur Business Schools ist es, kontinuierliche berufliche Weiterentwicklung anzubieten und Unternehmen bei der beruflichen Weiterqualifizierung ihrer Mitarbeiter zu unterstutzen. Canvas ist der ideale Partner fur diesen Ansatz, denn unsere flexible Online-Plattform bietet ein optimales Umfeld fur kollaboratives und unabhangiges Lernen. Das hat sofortigen Einfluss auf den Arbeitsalltag und unterstutzt lebenslanges Lernen. Wir freuen uns darauf, die Mannheim Business School und die Frankfurt School of Finance & Management bei ihrem Bildungsauftrag zu unterstutzten."Uber Instructure Inc.Instructure Inc. ist ein fuhrendes Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Technologie-Unternehmen, dessen Software Menschen smarter macht. Mit dem Ziel, Menschen ihr Potenzial mittels Technologie verwirklichen zu lassen, hat Instructure die Angebote Canvas und Bridge geschaffen: Beide Lernplattformen ermoglichen es Organisationen auf der ganzen Welt, analoge und digitale Lerninhalte einfach zu entwickeln, bereitzustellen und zu verwalten. Bisher hat Instructure Millionen von Lehrenden und Lernenden in mehr als 3.000 Bildungseinrichtungen und Konzernen in der ganzen Welt erreicht. Erfahren Sie mehr uber Canvas for Higher Education und Bridge for Corporate Education unter www.instructure.com.OTS: Canvas-EMEA newsroom: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/128148 newsroom via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_128148.rss2Pressekontakt: Rachel Matthews Director International Communications Instructure Inc. +44 (0)7585 977270 rmmatthews@instructure.com Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567533/INSTRUCTURE_CANVAS_LOGO.jpg
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/26/17 -- Sphinx Resources Ltd. ("Sphinx" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: SFX) is pleased to announce that strong zinc anomalies, with values up to 5,650 ppm zinc and 271 ppm lead, have been identified following a soil sampling survey carried out earlier this fall on its 100% owned Tessouat project (the "Project"). These results defined anomalous zinc and lead values over an area of about 400 m by 400 m, located in the central portion of the Project. The detailed soil survey was designed to test for the presence of zinc mineralization in the underlying bedrock and to delineate areas where follow-up trenching and stripping can be performed. Samples were taken at a spacing ranging from 25 m to 100 metres.

Sphinx is designing a follow-up trenching and rock sampling program to be executed during the month of November. The program will aim to investigate the most prospective areas and to define drill targets in this high grade metamorphic environment. The Project consists of 22 claims (13 km2), and is located 5 km northeast of the municipality of Waltham. Excellent road access throughout the year is available. Sphinx recently acquired the Project and a definitive agreement has been executed between Gardin Inc. and the Corporation.

The Project is part of the larger "Ziac" zinc district located in high grade metamorphic rocks of the Grenville geological province. This emerging zinc play is a 40-km long northwest trending corridor defined by zinc and lead-bearing dolomitic marbles (see press release of August 8, 2017). These are typical of the Balmat-Edwards-Pierrepont zinc district, located in the state of New York, United States. The Ziac also covers meta-volcanic rocks that host the historic New Calumet Mines Limited zinc-lead-silver-gold mine, which produced 3.8 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 5.8% Zn, 1.6% Pb, 65 g/t Ag and 0.4 g/t Au from 1944 to 1968 (reference: Annual report New Calumet Mine 1968).

The team that collected 406 soil samples was under the supervision of Geo-Envirofor inc. of Chibougamau with the participation of Explo-Logik inc. of Saint-Hyppolyte and GFX Exterior Services of Bryson, Quebec. Soil analysis for the survey was carried out directly in the field using a portable XRF using standardized procedures. The Corporation did not rely on determinations by a certified analytical laboratory. It is to be noted that the sampling protocols are comparable to those used for the soil sampling program on the Calumet-Sud project (see press release of October 11, 2017). For the soil analysis of the 2016 and 2014 surveys on the Calumet-Sud program, analytical determinations were performed by ALS Global, Val d'Or and Laboratoire Expert i nc. of Rouyn-Noranda respectively. The comparison between XRF-generated value and those obtained by analytical labs showed that that the XRF measurements tend to be lower than the laboratory values.

The technical information presented in this press release has been approved by Normand Champigny, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sphinx, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Quebec and Sphinx

Quebec has established itself as one of the world's most attractive mining jurisdictions, ranking 6th globally (Fraser Institute press release, February 28 2017). The Quebec government has created market confidence by following a proactive approach to mining policy. Quebec's mining sector has also been encouraged by the clarity and certainty of the legal and regulatory framework adopted by its government. Sphinx is engaged in the generation and acquisition of exploration projects in Quebec.

For further information, please consult Sphinx's website.

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 press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and activities to vary materially from targeted results and planning. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Sphinx's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Sphinx from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

Contacts:

Sphinx Resources Ltd.

Normand Champigny

President and Chief Executive Officer

514.979.4746

info@sphinxresources.ca

www.sphinxresources.ca




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/20/17 -- Canstar Resources ("Canstar" or "the Company") (TSX VENTURE: ROX) announces that due to a scheduling obstacle, the conference call scheduled for today, Monday, November 20 at 1:00pm EST will have to be postponed. A new time and date for the call will be announced shortly.

About Canstar Resources

Canstar Resources is a well-funded, Canadian mineral exploration and development company led by a professional, highly technical management team and an experienced board of directors. The Company's objective is to discover and develop economic mineral deposits primarily in North America. Currently, the Company's focus is on the Kenora Gold Project located in Kenora, Ontario.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Danniel J. Oosterman, P.Geo

President & CEO

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward- looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. 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 made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Danniel J. Oosterman, P. Geo.

President & CEO

E: doosterman@canstarresources.com



Karen Willoughby

Director Corporate Communications

T: 1-866-936-6766

E: kwilloughby@canstarresources.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/13/17 -- Detour Gold Corporation (TSX: DGC) ("Detour Gold" or the "Company") reports that the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change has declined to designate the West Detour project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The project will therefore remain under the provincial environmental assessment permitting process.

The Company filed the draft Environmental Study Report ("ESR") on January 30, 2017. The ESR was subsequently distributed to impacted Aboriginal communities with whom the Company has had ongoing consultation.

"Detour Gold has been in meaningful engagement with its Aboriginal partners on the development of West Detour. While this decision provides clarity on the jurisdiction of the regulatory process, it does not change our commitment to engage with our Aboriginal partners to ensure that their environmental, spiritual and cultural concerns are addressed," stated Paul Martin, President and CEO.

The Company does not intend to change the overall timing for the development of West Detour which, as reflected in the Company's current life of mine plan, is scheduled to commence in 2025.

About Detour Gold

Detour Gold is an intermediate gold producer in Canada that holds a 100% interest in the Detour Lake mine, a long life large-scale open pit operation. Detour Gold's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol DGC.

Detour Gold Corporation, Commerce Court West, 199 Bay Street, Suite 4100, P.O. Box 121, Commerce Court Postal Station, Toronto, Ontario M5L 1E2.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information as defined in applicable securities laws (referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets", or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the overall timing for the development of West Detour scheduled to commence in 2025 as per the current life of mine plan.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are beyond Detour Gold's ability to predict or control and may cause Detour Gold's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any of its future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, gold price volatility, changes in debt and equity markets, a reduction in the company's available cash resources, the uncertainties involved in interpreting geological data, risks relating to variations in recovered grades and mining dilution, variations in rates of recovery, changes or delays in mining development and exploration plans, the success of mining, development and exploration plans, changes in project parameters, risks related to the receipt of regulatory approvals, increases in costs, environmental compliance and changes in environmental legislation and regulation, delays in the consultation and permitting process for West Detour, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations, general economic conditions and other risks involved in the gold exploration and development industry, as well as those risk factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of Business - Risk Factors" in Detour Gold's Annual Information Form and in the continuous disclosure documents filed by Detour Gold on and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof, or such other date or dates specified in such statements. Detour Gold undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Paul Martin

President and CEO

(416) 304.0800



Laurie Gaborit

Vice President Investor Relations

(416) 304.0581




DUBLIN, Dec. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Timing Relay Market by Timer (On-Delay, Off-Delay), Mounting Type (Panel Mounted, Din Rail Mounted), Function (Single, Multi-Function), End-User (Utilities, Industries), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe) - Global Forecast to 2022" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global timing relay market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.32%, from 2017 to 2022, to reach a market size of USD 573.5 Million by 2022

Market growth can be attributed to rising investments in the power sector and growing industrialization globally. The increasing use of control devices in end-use industries and rising demand for electrical equipment are expected to boost the demand for timing relays.

The report segments the timing relay market, by timer, into on-delay, off-delay, and others. Others includes one shot, interval, repeat cycle, flashers, and on/off delay timers. The on-delay segment is estimated to lead the timing relay market in 2017 and is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period due to ease of operation of on-delay timers.

The panel mounted segment of the timing relay market, by mounting type, accounted for the largest market size in 2016. Panel mounted timing relays are deployed in applications such as heating/air conditioning, heat pumps, waste treatment, medical equipment, access control, and water and air treatment. The growing demand for HVAC applications and rising investments in the water and wastewater sector are expected to drive the panel mounted segment of the timing relay market.

Based on function, the timing relay market is segmented into single function and multi-function. The single function segment is estimated to hold the largest share of timing relay market in 2017 due to the need for high accuracy timing control for OEM and industrial applications. The multi-function segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR, from 2017 to 2022, as these timers provide broad timing ranges, voltages, and functions compared to single function timing relays.

In this report, the timing relay market has been analyzed with respect to five regions, namely, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to lead the global timing relay market by 2022 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Market growth in this region can be attributed to increasing electricity demand and rising industrialization and urbanization. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are the key markets for timing relays in Asia Pacific. The increasing infrastructural developments in the Middle East & Africa are expected to drive the timing relay market in the region.

Control systems based on timing relays are difficult to configure when compared to PLCs and smart relays. PLCs and smart relays are simply programmed through software to control processes while timing relays need to be connected by hardwiring them to control system logics. Thus, PLCs and smart relays are replacing timers and relays for control system logic in various applications such as manufacturing plants and new machines. The availability of alternatives such as PLCs and smart relays is expected to act as a restraint for the timing relay market.



The leading players in the timing relay market include Siemens (Germany), ABB (Switzerland), General Electric (US), Schneider Electric (France), Eaton (Ireland), and Rockwell Automation (US).

Market Dynamics



Drivers



Increasing Demand for Control Devices in End-Use Industries

Availability of Broad Time Delay Ranges in Timing Relays

Growing Demand for Electrical Equipment

Restraints



Availability of Alternatives Such as PLCs and Smart Relays

Opportunities



Rising Demand for Hvac Applications

Challenges



Technical Challenges in Relays

Presence of A Large Number of Local Players

Companies Mentioned



ABB

Eaton

Fuji Electric

GE

Infitec

Littelfuse

Macromatic Industrial Controls

Mitsubishi Electric

Mors Smitt

Omron

Phoenix Contact

Rockwell

Schneider

Siemens

TE Connectivity

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/zcj2fn/global_timing?w=5

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
DJ Maricann Group Inc.: Maricann Group expandiert in den Spirituosenmarkt - genau wie Canopy Growth!

Dow Jones hat von EQS/DGAP eine Zahlung fur die Verbreitung dieser Pressemitteilung uber sein Netzwerk erhalten.

DGAP-Media / 2017-11-30 / 08:39 *Maricann Group expandiert in den Spirituosenmarkt - genau wie Canopy Growth!* Mit heutiger News (LINK [1]) gibt die kanadische Maricann Group Inc. (WKN A2DQR6) [2] eine Expansion in den kanadischen Spirituosenmarkt bekannt. Die Maricann Group (WKN A2DQR6) [2] hat eine Absichtserklarung mit der Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE) im District British Columbia unterzeichnen konnen. Diese beinhaltet die Lieferung von Maricann Produkten an die Vertriebsstruktur der ABLE BC. *Neuer Absatzmarkt auerhalb von Apotheken* Durch die Zusammenarbeit mit ABLE BC sichert sich die Maricann Group (WKN A2DQR6) [2] neue Vertriebskanale auerhalb des Apothekensystems. Dadurch bietet sich der Maricann Group (WKN A2DQR6) [2] der ideale Absatzmarkt fur ihre Palette an Produkten fur den Freizeitgebrauch. Exemplarisch hierfur stehen die Produkte von JuJuRoyal. Die JuJuRoyal ist eine von Julian Marley, dem Sohn von Bob Marley, mitgestaltete Cannabis Produktlinie fur den Freizeitgebrauch, mit der die Maricann Group (WKN A2DQR6) [2] Anfang Oktober 2017 eine exklusive Partnerschaft abgeschlossen hat. Die uber 1.000 Vertriebskanale der ABLE BC, bestehend aus privaten Spirituosenladen, Nachbarschaftskneipen, Bars/Nachtklubs und Alkohollizenznehmer im Hotelsektor, erhalten durch die Maricann Group (WKN A2DQR6) [2] nun Zugang zu einem Angebot an hochwertigen Cannabis Produkten. *Jeff Guignard, Executive Director von ABLE BC sagt zur Unterzeichnung der Absichtserklarung:* "Wir sind zufrieden, eine Partnerschaft mit Maricann als Lieferanten von Cannabis fur den Freizeitgebrauch durch Erwachsene an unsere Einzelhandelsmitglieder einzugehen, (.) und wir sind sehr begeistert von der Zusammenarbeit mit einem Produzenten, der die Kapazitat und das Engagement besitzt, gleichbleibend hochwertige Cannabis-Produkte zu liefern." *Maricann Group schliet zu fuhrenden Cannabis Produzenten auf!* Die Absichtserklarung mit der ABLE BC macht einmal mehr deutlich, wie sehr sich die Maricann Group bereits auf dem kanadischen Cannabis Markt etabliert hat. Bisher ist es nur den absoluten Branchengroen wie z.B. der Canopy Growth (WKN A140QA) [3] gelungen eine Partnerschaft im Spirituosenbereich abzuschlieen. *Der Maricann Group ist mit der Zusammenarbeit mit der ABLE BC ein echter Clou gelungen. Nicht nur die groeren Absatzmoglichkeiten, sondern auch der Zugang zur Spirituosenbranche sind Alleinstellungmerkmale die sonst nur den groen Branchenplayern vorbehalten sind! Daher sollte sich der Aktienkurs der Maricann Group weiter in eine positive Richtung entwickeln, wie es auch bei der Canopy Growth der Fall war!* True Research ist ein Produkt der BlackX GmbH Schwetzingerstr. 3 69190 Walldorf E-Mail: info@true-research.de * Webseite: www.true-research.de Disclaimer / Haftungsausschluss: Die Markteinschatzungen, Hintergrundinformationen und Wertpapier-Analysen, die True Research auf ihren Webseiten und in Newslettern veroffentlicht, stellen weder ein Verkaufsangebot fur die genannten Notierungen, noch eine Aufforderung zum Kauf- oder Verkauf von Wertpapieren dar. Die Markteinschatzungen, Hintergrundinformationen und Wertpapier-Analysenstellen auch keine wertpapiermarktanalystische Beratung dar. Den Ausfuhrungen liegen Quellen zugrunde, die der Herausgeber als vertrauenswurdig einstuft. 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Bei Derivaten ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit extremer Verluste mindestens genauso hoch wie bei Small-Cap-Aktien. Jeglicher Haftungsanspruch auch fur auslandische Aktienempfehlungen wird daher ausnahmslos ausgeschlossen. Obwohl die in den Aktienanalysen und Markteinschatzungen von True Research enthaltenen Bewertungen und Aussagenmit der angemessenen Sorgfalt erstellt wurden, ubernehmen wir keinerlei Verantwortung oder Haftung fur etwaige Fehler, oder falsche Angaben. Dies gilt ebenso fur alle von unseren Partnern in den Interviews geauerten Zahlen, Darstellungen und Beurteilungen. True Research ist um Richtigkeit und Aktualitat der auf dieser Internetprasenz bereitgestellten Informationen bemuht. Gleichwohl konnen Fehler und Unklarheiten nicht vollstandig ausgeschlossen werden. Daher ubernimmt True Research keine Gewahr fur die Aktualitat, Richtigkeit, Vollstandigkeit oder Qualitat der bereitgestellten Informationen. Alle die den vorliegenden Analysen zugrundeliegenden Aussagen sollten als zukunftsorientierte Aussagen verstanden werden, die sich wegen verschiedener erheblicher Risiken (z.B. politische, wirtschaftliche oder ahnliche andere Veranderungen) durchaus nicht bewahrheiten konnten. True Research gibt daher weder eine Sicherheit noch eine Garantie dafur ab, dass die gemachten zukunftsorientierten Aussagen tatsachlich eintreffen konnten. Daher sollten sich die Leser von True Research nicht auf die Aussagenverlassen und nur auf Grund der Analysen genannte Wertpapiere kaufen oder verkaufen. Durch notwendig werdende Kapitalerhohungen konnten zudem kurzfristig Verwasserungserscheinungen auftreten, die zu Lasten der Investoren gehen konnen. Alle vorliegenden Texte, insbesondere Markteinschatzungen, Aktienbeurteilungen und Chartanalysen spiegeln die personliche Meinung von Herrn Nicholas Hornung wider, die durch Artikel 5 des Grundgesetzes gedeckt ist und durfen keineswegs als Anlageberatung gedeutet werden. Es handelt sich also um reine individuelle Auffassungen ohne Anspruch auf ausgewogene Durchdringung der Materie. True Research ist kein registrierter oder gar anerkannter Finanzberater. Bevor Sie in Wertpapiere investieren, sollten Sie einen professionellen Anlageberater kontaktieren. Des Weiteren behalten wir uns das recht vor samtliche Materialien welche auf unserer Website dargestellt werden ohne Ankundigung zu verandern, erweitern oder zu entfernen. Wir weisen nochmal ausdrucklich daraufhin, dass es sich bei den veroffentlichten Analysten um keine Finanzanalysen nach deutschem Kapitalmarktrecht handelt, sondern um journalistische / werbliche Beitrage in Form von Texte, Videos und Grafiken. 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Bei Bekanntwerden von Rechtsverletzungen werden wir derartige Links umgehend entfernen. Urheberrecht Die durch die Seitenbetreiber erstellten Inhalte und Werke auf diesen Seiten unterliegen dem deutschen Urheberrecht. Vervielfaltigung, Bearbeitung, Verbreitung und jede Art der Verwertung auerhalb der Grenzen des Urheberrechtes bedurfen der schriftlichen Zustimmung des jeweiligen Autors

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bzw. Erstellers. Soweit die Inhalte auf dieser Seite nicht vom Betreiber erstellt wurden, werden die Urheberrechte Dritter beachtet. Insbesondere werden Inhalte Dritter als solche gekennzeichnet. Sollten Sie trotzdem auf eine Urheberrechtsverletzung aufmerksam werden, bitten wir um einen entsprechenden Hinweis. Bei Bekanntwerden von Rechtsverletzungen werden wir derartige Inhalte umgehend entfernen. Offenlegung der Interessenskonflikte: Die auf den Webseiten oder anderen Werbemitteln von TRUE RESEARCH veroffentlichten Empfehlungen, Interviews und Unternehmensprasentationen erfullen grundsatzlich werbliche Zwecke und werden von den jeweiligen Unternehmen oder sogenannten third parties bezahlt. Aus diesem Grund kann allerdings die Unabhangigkeit der Analysen in Zweifel gezogen werden. Diese sind per definitionem nur Informationen. Dies gilt auch fur die vorliegende Studie. Die Erstellung und Verbreitung des Berichts wurde vom Unternehmen bzw. von dem Unternehmen nahe stehenden Kreisen in Auftrag gegeben und bezahlt. Damit liegt ein entsprechender Interessenkonflikt vor, auf den wir Sie als Leser ausdrucklich hinweisen. Ferner geben wir zu bedenken, dass die Auftraggeber dieser Studie in naher Zukunft beabsichtigen konnten, sich von Aktienbestanden zu trennen oder Aktien am Markt nachzukaufen. Der Auftraggeber konnte von steigenden Kursen der Aktie profitieren. Auch hieraus ergibt sich ein entsprechender Interessenkonflikt. True Research handelt demzufolge im Zusammenwirken mit und aufgrund entgeltlichen Auftrags von weiteren Personen, die ihrerseits signifikante Aktienpositionen halten. Auch hieraus ergibt sich ein entsprechender Interessenkonflikt. Weil andere Research-Hauser und Borsenbriefe den Wert auch covern, kommt es in diesem Zeitraum zu einer symmetrischen Informations-/ und Meinungsgenerierung. True Research oder Mitarbeiter des Unternehmens sowie Personen bzw. Unternehmen die an der Erstellung beteiligt sind (Auftraggeber) halten zum Zeitpunkt der Veroffentlichung Aktien an dem Unternehmen uber welche im Rahmen der Internetangebote berichtet wird. True Research oder der Autor / Verfasser behalten sich vor - wie andere Aktionare auch - jederzeit (auch kurzfristig) Aktien des Unternehmens uber die im Rahmen des Internetangebots www.true-research.de berichtet wird, einzugehen (Nachkauf) oder zu verkaufen und konnte dabei insbesondere von erhohter Handelsliquiditat profitieren. Ein Kurszuwachs der Aktien der vorgestellten Unternehmen kann zu einem Vermogenszuwachs von True Research oder des Autors fuhren. Auch hieraus ergibt sich ein entsprechender Interessenskonflikt Vollstandiger Haftungsausschluss und weitere Hinweise gema 34b Abs. 1 WpHG in Verbindung mit FinAnV (Deutschland). Naturlich gilt es zu beachten, dass das behandelte Unternehmen in der hochsten denkbaren Risikoklasse fur Aktien gelistet ist. Die Gesellschaft weist noch keine Umsatze auf und befindet sich auf Early Stage Level, was gleichzeitig reizvoll wie riskant ist. Es gibt keine Garantie dafur, dass sich die Prognosen der Experten und des Managements tatsachlich bewahrheiten. Damit stellt das Unternehmen einen Wechsel auf die Zukunft aus. Wie bei jedem Explorer gibt es auch hier die Gefahr des Totalverlustes, wenn sich die hohen Erwartungen des Managements nicht auf absehbare Zeit realisieren lassen. Deshalb dient das vorliegende Unternehmen nur der dynamischen Beimischung in einem ansonsten gut diversifizierten Depot. Der Anleger sollte die Nachrichtenlage genau verfolgen. Die segmenttypische Marktenge sorgt fur hohe Volatilitat. Der erfahrene Profitrader, und nur an diesen und nicht etwa an unerfahrene Anleger und Low-Risk Investoren richtet sich unsere Empfehlung, findet hier aber einen hochattraktiven spekulativen Wert, der uber ein extremes Vervielfachungspotenzial verfugt. Ende der Pressemitteilung Emittent/Herausgeber: Maricann Group Inc. Schlagwort(e): Finanzen 2017-11-30 Veroffentlichung einer Pressemitteilung, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. Die DGAP Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter http://www.dgap.de 634117 2017-11-30 1: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=2084ab58daf91ce878f18fc910ac3267&application_id=634117&site_id=vwd&application_name=news 2: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=197ed0eb98a20c263e7e7413cd5759e4&application_id=634117&site_id=vwd&application_name=news 3: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=2e6a8d03ee21577386c618574889acd3&application_id=634117&site_id=vwd&application_name=news

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 30, 2017 02:39 ET (07:39 GMT)
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - September 05, 2017) - Western Copper and Gold Corporation ("Western" or the "Company") (TSX: WRN) (NYSE American: WRN) (NYSE MKT: WRN) is pleased to announce that complete funding for upgrading the initial 82 km of the existing access road to standards required for the Casino Project and 30% funding for the additional 126 km of new access road to the Casino site has been secured through commitments from the Yukon Territorial Government and Federal Government to fund the Yukon Resource Gateway Application ("Funding Approval").

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada made the announcement along with Yukon Premier Sandy Silver at a formal press conference in Whitehorse, Yukon on September 2 nd . They were joined by Paul West-Sells, Western's President and CEO, First Nations Chiefs and other industry and government representatives. The details of the joint government announcement can be found here: http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/17-177.html

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

"This Funding Approval is a significant commitment from both the Territorial and Federal Governments. I look forward to working with these Governments and First Nation Governments to finalize agreements to build the road," said Paul West-Sells, Western's President and CEO. "Construction of this road will provide jobs and business opportunities to the communities and First Nations in the short term, and will provide much needed infrastructure to the Casino Project that will provide significant benefit to these communities, First Nations, and the Yukon in general for the long term.

Since 2006, we have been working with the Federal, Territorial and First Nations Governments and top environmental consultants to ensure that the planned road leading into the Casino site will have the lowest possible environmental impact and will ensure maximum benefit for local communities and First Nations.

While the people of Yukon are the true beneficiaries from this Funding Approval, shifting the roadwork commitments to the Government will also reduce the capital expenditure for Casino."

ABOUT WESTERN COPPER AND GOLD CORPORATION

Western Copper and Gold Corporation is developing the Casino Project, Canada's premier copper-gold mine in the Yukon Territory and one of the most economic greenfield copper-gold mining projects in the world. For more information, visit www.westerncopperandgold.com.

On behalf of the board,

"Paul West-Sells"

Dr. Paul West-Sells

President and CEO

Western Copper and Gold Corporation

Cautionary Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in Western's operations in future periods. Statements that are not historical fact are "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward looking information" as that term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 ("NI 51-102") of the Canadian Securities Administrators (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Certain forward looking information should also be considered future-oriented financial information ("FOFI") as that term is defined in NI 51-102. The purpose of disclosing FOFI is to provide a general overview of management's expectations regarding the anticipated results of operations and capital expenditures and readers are cautioned that FOFI may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding perceived merit of properties; mineral reserve and resource estimates; capital expenditures; feasibility study results (including projected economic returns, operating costs, and capital costs in connection with the Casino Project); exploration results at the Company's property; budgets; permitting or other timelines; economic benefits from the mine and/or the access road; strategic plans; market price of precious and base metals; or other statements that are not statement of fact. The material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include prevailing and projected market prices and foreign exchange rates, exploration estimates and results, continued availability of capital and financing, construction and operations, the Company not experiencing unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, equipment failures, permitting delays, and general economic, market or business conditions and as more specifically disclosed throughout this document, and in the AIF and Form 40-F.

Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual results, performance or achievements of Western and its subsidiaries may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks involved in fluctuations in gold, copper and other commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs, recovery rates, production estimates and estimated economic return; risks related to joint venture operations; risks related to cooperation of government agencies and First Nations in the development of the property and the issuance of required permits; risks related to the need to obtain additional financing to develop the property and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in construction projects and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in Western's AIF and Form 40-F, and other information released by Western and filed with the applicable regulatory agencies.

Western's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and Western does not assume, 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 otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:



Chris Donaldson

Manager, Corporate Development and Community

604.638.2520

cdonaldson@westerncopperandgold.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Revelo Resources Corp. ("Revelo" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: RVL) is pleased to announce that it has signed definitive documentation with Hochschild Mining PLC ("Hochschild"), which gives Hochschild the option to earn a 100% interest in Revelo's Loro gold-silver project located in northern Chile, as previously announced (see Company's news release dated June 06, 2017).

Hochschild can earn a 100% interest in the Loro Project over a maximum of five (5) years in exchange for a series of in-ground investments and/or drilling commitments totalling US$13 million and/or 30,000 metres, and a series of cash payments to Revelo totalling US$5.3 million. After exercising the option, Hochschild must also pay a further US$15 million in cash together with a NSR Royalty on future production to Revelo of 1%.

Exploration activity is expected to commence on or before October 2017. Revelo will initially operate Phase 1 and 2 of the exploration program, and Hochschild has the right to request that Revelo continues operating beyond Phase 2 subject to mutual agreement.

Loro, which is a new discovery, is located in an important precious metals mineral district in northern Chile and is situated just 25 Km south of the important El Penon mine, which has produced several million ounces of gold and hundreds of millions of ounces of silver over the last 20 years or so. For further details of the Loro Project please refer to the Loro Project page on Revelo's website (http://www.reveloresources.com/projects/loro).

In addition, as per the LOI previously signed and announced on June 6, 2017, definitive documentation has been signed for Revelo to re-acquire the Victoria Sur property from Hochschild for a nominal fee together with a 1% NSR royalty in favour of Hochschild, and also for the existing 2% NSR royalty agreement in favour of Hochschild that covers the majority of the Cerro Buenos Aires, Las Pampas and Cerro Blanco projects of Revelo, to be reduced to 1%.

ABOUT REVELO

Revelo has consolidated an outstanding portfolio of 26 projects prospective for copper, gold and silver located along proven mineral belts in one of the world's top mining jurisdictions - Chile. Revelo's total exposure to mineral tenements in northern Chile is around 300,000 hectares. Revelo has signed an LOI with Hochschild Mining PLC for an Option, Sale and Royalty Agreement at its Loro gold-silver project, and has also signed an LOI for a Sale and Royalty Agreement with Austral Gold Ltd. for its San Guillermo and Reprado projects.

Revelo is a Canadian company and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: RVL). For more information, please visit Revelo's website at www.reveloresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Timothy J. Beale, President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Revelo expects to occur, are 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", "indicate" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Revelo 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.

Contacts:

Revelo Resources Corp.

Chiara Orrigoni

Investor Relations Manager

+1 604 687-5544

info@reveloresources.com

www.reveloresources.com




LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 10/18/17 -- LED Lites USA, a division of Renewable Energy and Power, Inc., (OTC PINK: RBNW), a diversified corporation with markets in energy-saving technologies of LED lighting, solar and wind energy, is in talks to distribute in the United States several innovative products manufactured by ARK Lighting of Shenzhen, China.

LED Lites USA is negotiating to be the distributor of a versatile magnetic-mounting and dimmable LED lighting strip, which allows easy replacement of non-LED lighting in virtually any application. The magnetic backing of the LED strip lighting, with a lifespan of over 80,000 hours, allows the strips to be placed in an existing fixture in seconds.

The full plastic shatterproof housing, especially designed for safety in food service applications such as restaurants and grocery stores, does not require a cover which provides higher lumen output with no increase in power requirements. Each 9 watt strip provides 1,350 lumens, with the 18 watt version providing 2,695 lumens per strip, each fixture able to contain multiple strips for any illumination desired.

Additionally, LED Lites USA will offer LED Tube Lighting designed to allow rotation of the tube to direct the lighting to specific areas, a dramatic improvement over existing LED Tube Lighting. ARK Lighting can deliver a million tubes a month at a very competitive price.

"We believe that virtually anyone considering switching to LED Lighting will choose these two products as they are an obvious improvement over all competing LED products," said company president Donald MacIntyre. "LED Lites USA believes being the distributor for the products will significantly advance overall sales in the coming months."

LED lighting lowers energy costs directly and by lowering cooling bills as less heat is generated by LEDs. The expertise LED Lites USA provides, for both new and retrofit LED Lighting, allows businesses to take advantage of these savings with the lowest costs for the most advanced LED products, and with the least disruption to their on-going business.

LED Lites also provides learning material, both directly and through its website and social media, to those interested in learning more about LED Lighting. LED Lites USA constantly evaluates the LEDs being used in the products it provides, stocking those with the newest LEDs that provide the most effective illumination at the lowest cost. Upgrades to imported product increase the reliability and ease of installation, making the products of LED Lites USA stand out as manufactured in the USA from domestic and imported components rather than just passing on products supplied from overseas.

Renewable Energy and Power, Inc.'s website, www.reappower.com, illustrates the important services and products Renewable Energy and Power, Inc. (REAP) provides to the Green Energy market to make it competitive with fossil fuels by employing proprietary new technologies in combination with existing solar and wind-power electric generation and LED lighting. REAP functions in both domestic and international markets that are in vigorous growth stages with long-term prospects. Federal and state legislation in the United States, including many tax incentives, are driving businesses and consumers to replace older technologies with the new solar and LED alternatives offered by REAP.

Safe Harbor Act: Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Adam Macintyre

702-294-0111

brucem@reappower.com




MOSCOW, October 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

On October 16-18 Skolkovo Technopark will host Moscow International Open Innovations Forum. About 15,000 participants from more than 90 countries of the world are expected to attend this main 2017 event for digital ecosystem delegates.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/568800/Open_Innovations_Logo.jpg )

The key theme of the Forum in 2017 is Digital Economy. The discussion will focus on corporations, the role of the state and the human being.

The Forum will consist of three thematic day-long sections:

1 st day - CorpTech. DNA of the Corporation of the Future;

day - DNA of the Corporation of the Future; 2 nd day - StateTech. Manifesto of the Digital State;

day - Manifesto of the Digital State; 3rd day - HumanTech. Tech for human & human for Tech.

Singapore - will be the chief partner of the Forum's second day, which will be devoted to the advancement of innovations in the public sector. One of the featured events of Open Innovations 2017 will be the Russia-Singapore Business Forum "Smart Cities". The visionaries behind the Smart Nation programme will tell Forum participants about the initial results of its launch in Singapore, and will share with their Russian colleagues their experience in implementing global urban programmes.

One of the headliners of the Forum will be the founder of the world's largest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, the richest man in Asia - Jack Ma.

The Alibaba Group CEO will take part in the main event of the Forum's second day - a plenary session featuring the participation of Russian Federation Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Headliners of the Forum include:

Rick Tumlinson - founder of Deep Space Industries

- founder of Deep Space Industries Marvin Lao - startuppers' guru and a partner of 500 Startups

startuppers' guru and a partner of 500 Startups Michio Kaku - futurist, popularizer of theoretical physics and a single grand unified theory of everything

- futurist, popularizer of theoretical physics and a single grand unified theory of everything Nick Sampson - Vice President of Faraday Future

More on the Open Innovations Forum: link

Registration Form for participants in the Forum: link

Reference information

Open Innovations Forum

Annual Open Innovations Forum has been held in Moscow since 2012 under the auspices of the Government of the Russian Federation. The Forum's co-organizers are: Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Government of Moscow, RUSNANO Foundation of Infrastructural and Education Programs, Russian Venture Company, Foundation for Assisting Innovation, Skolkovo Foundation, and Vnesheconombank.The event will be attended by the members of the Consulting Board for Foreign Investments.

https://forinnovations.ru/


News / National

by Staff reporter

History is chock-full of those moments when those who hold the indistinct title or office of the First Lady have let down their guard, embarrassing nations and husbands alike.There is the story of Edith Wilson, the second wife of the President of the United States who purportedly became the de facto president of the country while her husband, Woodrow, was ill.It is said that she would monitor what she felt was important for state and present to her husband who had stroked and was bedridden.In Zimbabwe, it has long been held as a view and observation that Grace Mugabe, the infamous First Lady, is taking advantage of President Mugabe's old age and is effectively running the country to the irritation of powerful politicians who believe she is not cut out for that work.There have been other scandals that have painted the office of the First Ladies as an unnecessary addition to the politics of any nations.Take the luxury experienced by Swazi King Mswati III's 13 wives who often take tours in chartered planes to opulent and shopping havens like Italy and the US. With them they take bodyguards and children.Other First Ladies have been bored by the opulence and ended up looking for a bit of more than the marriage vows tied them to.One example is when the media was abuzz after South African President Jacob Zuma woke up to the shock of learning that one of his three wives was sleeping with her bodyguard.But none showed their martial prowess than the late Luck Kibaki, one of the two wives of Mwai Kibaki.A story is reported by The UK Guardian that Kenya's then First Lady entered the offices of the country's biggest-circulation newspaper, where she allegedly slapped a television cameraman and seized reporters' notebooks and tape recorders to protest at stories about her eccentric behaviour.She is said to have arrived at the offices of the Daily Nation, accompanied by a six-man security detail.She was often referred to as the most violent First Lady but Grace Mugabe might have that moniker for now, given the recent reports of her physical and verbal confrontations.The news of today is that Grace is suspected to have beat up a 20 year old young woman she found in the hotel room with her party-loving sons  Robert Jnr and Chatunga.Grace has since been granted immunity amid protest from various pressure groups.But it appears for her she has little care how she is seen by the public considering the South Africa incident is not the first.Just last month, Grace was reportedly detained briefly in Singapore where she had allegedly taken her husband for medical check-up.It is reported that after being irritated by the presence of journalists at the hospital, she allegedly assaulted the media practitioners and threw their cellphones into a pond.According to reports, she had to reimburse the victims with approximately $1300 to secure her release.According to the Huffington Post, the violence wouldn't end there, however as she is additionally alleged to have paid money to reporters in Singapore to prevent the incident making front-page headlines. When it did, a member of Mugabe's close protection unit was accused of leaking information and allegedly tortured and beaten.Eight years ago, a British photographer claimed he was beaten and punched repeatedly by Grace while trying to photograph her in Hong Kong.The Mirror UK reported that Grace lost her temper when she saw photographer Richard Jones waiting outside a five-star hotel where she was staying.As witness and Sunday Times (UK) correspondent, Michael Sheridan, recollected, Grace reportedly instructed her bodyguard to attack Jones."The bodyguard grabbed Mr Jones, wrestled with him,  then held him while Mrs Mugabe struck him in the face repeatedly," Sheridan reported.In 2009, Grace reportedly Mugabe assaulted a member of airport security staff at an airport in Malaysia.According to reports, she grabbed a member of security staff by the collar and "bellowed that she was the wife of a President and could do whatever the hell she wanted to whenever she wanted to".With such incidences, and many other controversies that surround her life as President Robert Mugabe's wife, Grace could as well have earned her place on the list of the most scandalous First Ladies.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/25/17 --

-- Barrick reported a net loss attributable to equity holders ("net loss") of $11 million ($0.01 per share), and adjusted net earnings(1) of $186 million ($0.16 per share) for the third quarter. -- The Company generated third quarter revenues of $1.993 billion, net cash provided by operating activities ("operating cash flow") of $532 million, and free cash flow(2) of $225 million. -- Gold production in the third quarter was 1.243 million ounces, at a cost of sales applicable to gold(3) of $820 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(4) of $772 per ounce. -- We have reduced our total debt by nearly $1.5 billion year to date, exceeding our target for 2017. -- We have narrowed full-year gold production guidance to 5.3-5.5 million ounces, at a cost of sales(3) of $790-$810 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(4) of $740-$770 per ounce. -- Feasibility level projects at Cortez Deep South, Goldrush, Turquoise Ridge, and Lagunas Norte continue to advance on schedule and within budget. A prefeasibility study for Pascua-Lama remains underway. -- Barrick and the Government of Tanzania have reached an agreement on a proposed framework that would redefine Acacia's relationship with the Government, creating a path for the resolution of outstanding matters impacting Acacia's operations.

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: ABX)(TSX: ABX) ("Barrick" or the "Company") today reported third quarter results for the period ending September 30, 2017. Lower revenues, earnings, and cash flow for the quarter reflect lower gold production compared to the prior-year period, as well as the impact of lower sales from Acacia. Despite these factors, a stronger balance sheet and robust cash flow generation allowed us to increase investments in the future of our business, with the ultimate objective of growing free cash flow per share over the long term.

We allocated more capital to our pipeline of low risk, organic projects, located at or near Barrick's core operations. These projects have the potential to contribute more than one million ounces of annual production to Barrick, beginning in 2020. In addition to organic growth and exploration, the impact of our ongoing investments in digital transformation and innovation, including improvements in safety, productivity, efficiency, and transparency, are expected to accelerate as we broaden the implementation of these projects across our operations.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Company reported a net loss of $11 million ($0.01 per share) for the third quarter, compared to net earnings of $175 million ($0.15 per share) in the prior-year period. The decrease in net earnings primarily reflects lower gold production and lower gold prices, as well as the impact of Tanzania's concentrate export ban on Acacia. Net earnings were also impacted by a tax provision of $172 million related to the proposed framework for Acacia's operations in Tanzania (see page 4 for more details).

In addition, debt extinguishment costs, direct mining costs, exploration and evaluation costs, and depreciation expenses were higher than the prior-year period. These increases were partially offset by higher earnings from equity investees, lower interest costs as a result of debt repayments, and lower tax expense.

Adjusted net earnings(1) for the third quarter were $186 million ($0.16 per share), compared to $278 million ($0.24 per share) in the prior-year period. Significant adjusting items (pre-tax and non-controlling interest effects) in the third quarter include:

-- $101 million in losses on debt extinguishment; and -- $172 million in a tax provision relating to the proposed framework for Acacia operations in Tanzania; partially offset by -- $93 million in tax effects and non-controlling interest impacts, primarily in relation to the two adjustments discussed above.

Refer to page 50 of Barrick's third quarter MD&A for a full list of reconciling items between net earnings and adjusted net earnings for the current and prior-year periods.

Operating cash flow was $532 million, compared to $951 million in the third quarter of 2016. Lower operating cash flow primarily reflects lower gold sales, combined with higher cash taxes paid, and higher direct mining costs. Operating cash flow was also impacted by lower cash flows attributable to non-controlling interests, an increase in exploration, evaluation and project expenses, and lower gold prices.

Free cash flow(2) for the third quarter was $225 million, compared to $674 million in the third quarter of 2016. Lower free cash flow primarily reflects higher capital expenditures combined with lower operating cash flows. In the third quarter of 2017, capital expenditures on a cash basis were $307 million, compared to $277 million in the third quarter of 2016. This includes a $27 million increase in project capital expenditures, primarily at Barrick Nevada, relating to the development of Crossroads, the Cortez Hills Lower Zone, and the Goldrush project. Minesite sustaining capital expenditures were also higher at Barrick Nevada and Veladero, in line with plans.

RESTORING A STRONG BALANCE SHEET

Achieving and maintaining a strong balance sheet remains a top priority. So far this year, we have reduced our total debt by nearly $1.5 billion, exceeding our target of $1.45 billion for 2017. During the third quarter, we completed the redemption of approximately $731 million of May 2023 notes, and fully repaid the amounts outstanding on our Pueblo Viejo project financing agreement.

Our goal is to reduce our total debt to $5 billion by the end of 2018, using cash flow from operations, and through further portfolio optimization, including potential divestments and the creation of new joint ventures and partnerships. The Company will continue to pursue debt reduction with discipline, taking only those actions that make sense for the business, on terms we consider favorable to our shareholders.

At the end of the third quarter, Barrick had a consolidated cash balance of approximately $2.0 billion(5). The Company has less than $100 million(6) in debt due before 2020. Three-quarters of our outstanding total debt of $6.4 billion does not mature until after 2032.

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS AND OUTLOOK

Barrick produced 1.243 million ounces of gold in the third quarter, at a cost of sales(3) of $820 per ounce. This compares to 1.381 million ounces, at a cost of sales(3) of $766 per ounce in the prior-year period. Production levels were expected to be lower in the third quarter, with higher gold production and lower costs expected in the fourth quarter. On a per ounce basis, cost of sales applicable to gold was higher due to the impact of fewer ounces sold, combined with higher direct mining costs, and depreciation expense.

All-in sustaining costs(4) in the third quarter were $772 per ounce, compared to $704 per ounce in the third quarter of 2016. Higher all-in sustaining costs primarily reflect a planned increase in minesite sustaining capital expenditures at Barrick Nevada and Veladero, and higher cost of sales on a per ounce basis.

Cash costs(3) increased from $518 per ounce in the third quarter of 2016, to $546 per ounce in the third quarter of 2017, primarily driven by higher direct mining costs. Cash costs have decreased by five percent over the first nine months of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

We have narrowed our full-year gold production and cost guidance ranges. We expect full-year gold production to be 5.3-5.5 million ounces, at a cost of sales(3) of $790-$810 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(4) of $740-$770 per ounce. This compares to our most recent production guidance of 5.3-5.6 million ounces, at a cost of sales(3) of $780-$820 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(4) of $720-$770 per ounce.

The Company produced 115 million pounds of copper in the third quarter, at a cost of sales(3) of $1.67 per pound, and all-in sustaining costs(7) of $2.24 per pound. This compares to 100 million pounds, at a cost of sales(3) of $1.43 per pound, and all-in sustaining costs(7) of $2.02 per pound, in the third quarter of 2016.

Our full-year copper production guidance range has narrowed to 420-440 million pounds. We have increased our copper cost of sales(3) guidance to $1.70-$1.85 per pound, primarily as a result of higher costs in Zambia. Our copper all-in sustaining cost(7) guidance range has narrowed to $2.20-$2.40 per pound.

Please see page 34 of Barrick's third quarter MD&A for individual operating segment performance details. Detailed mine site guidance information can be found in Appendix 1 of this press release.

Gold Third Quarter Current 2017 Original 2017 2017 Guidance Guidance ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Production(8) (000s of ounces) 1.243 5.300-5.500 5.600-5.900(i) Cost of sales applicable to gold(3) ($ per ounce) 820 790-810 780-820 All-in sustaining costs(4) ($ per ounce) 772 740-770 720-770 Copper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Production(8) (millions of pounds) 115 420-440 400-450 Cost of sales applicable to copper(3) ($ per pound) 1.67 1.70-1.85 1.50-1.70 All-in sustaining costs(7) ($ per pound) 2.24 2.20-2.40 2.10-2.40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Attributable Capital Expenditures(9) ($ millions) 296 1,350-1,500 1,300-1,500 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i)Original 2017 gold production guidance was adjusted to 5.3-5.6 million ounces to reflect the sale of 50 percent of Veladero to Shandong Gold Mining Co., Ltd effective June 30, 2017.

APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER

Digital transformation is helping Barrick generate more value from its assets by leveraging data, analytics, and deep machine learning to make our business more safe, productive, and transparent.

In August, we appointed Sham Chotai as Barrick's first Chief Digital Officer. Under Mr. Chotai's leadership, Barrick will accelerate its digital transformation by bringing together the Company's Information Technology, Digital, and Operating Technology groups. This will ensure an integrated approach to developing and adopting digital solutions across the Company, and will build on the success of our pilot implementations this year.

Those pilots have demonstrated the ability to capture productivity gains and cost reductions at the Cortez mine by optimizing mining cycle times, digitizing maintenance work, and introducing autonomous operations. As we scale up the use of these products across Cortez and other Barrick operations, we expect to see a corresponding acceleration of the benefits we have achieved thus far.

Mr. Chotai comes to Barrick with 25 years of experience in digital technology, business intelligence, and software development. Prior to joining Barrick, he was Chief Technology Officer and Head of Software for GE's Power business. Mr. Chotai also served as Vice President, Cloud Computing for Hewlett-Packard.

PROPOSAL FOR A NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ACACIA AND TANZANIA

Following three months of discussions, the Government of Tanzania and Barrick have agreed on a proposed framework, which, if adopted, would redefine Acacia's relationship with Tanzania for the long term, moving to a partnership characterized by trust and transparency. This proposal is subject to review and approval by Acacia.

We believe the proposed framework represents the optimal path for the resolution of outstanding disputes between Acacia and the Government of Tanzania, and for the resumption of normal operations. Such a partnership has the potential to provide greater near-term certainty to Acacia and Barrick shareholders, and mitigate risk of future business disruptions; thereby improving the long-term stability and sustainability of Acacia's operations in Tanzania.

Under the proposed framework, economic benefits from Acacia's operations would be split on a 50/50 basis with the Government of Tanzania. The Government's portion will be delivered in the form of royalties, taxes, and a 16 percent free carried interest in Acacia's Tanzanian operations, in line with the country's new mining law.

A new Tanzanian operating company will be created to manage Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi, and North Mara. The principle of transparency between partners will define how this company operates. The Government of Tanzania will participate in decisions related to operations, investment, planning, procurement, and marketing. This operating company will maximize employment of Tanzanians, building local capacity at all levels of the business, from board membership to operations. It will also increase procurement of goods and services within Tanzania.

Having agreed on a proposed partnership framework, the Government of Tanzania and Barrick have created a working group to resolve outstanding tax matters relating to Acacia. In support of the working group's ongoing efforts, the proposed framework agreed between Barrick and the Government of Tanzania provides for the payment of $300 million to the Government of Tanzania by Acacia, on terms to be settled by the working group. Given Acacia's current financial position, these payments would be made over time, using Acacia's ongoing cash flows. As such, payment would be also conditional on Acacia's ability to sell dore and concentrate.

Barrick will also be working with the Government of Tanzania to establish the basis upon which the concentrate export ban can be lifted as expediently as possible, including protocols for joint oversight and verification of concentrate shipments.

Barrick and the Government of Tanzania will now work to complete detailed documentation and final agreements for review and approval by Acacia. We expect this work to be completed in the first half of 2018. Barrick has engaged with independent directors of Acacia during this process, and will continue to do so.

PROJECTS UPDATE

Our four most advanced projects continue to progress according to schedule and in line with initial capital estimates, with the potential to contribute more than one million ounces of annual gold production to Barrick beginning in 2020, at costs well below our current portfolio average.

This includes three significant projects in Nevada: the Cortez Deep South underground expansion; the development of an underground mine at Goldrush; and the construction of a third shaft at the Turquoise Ridge mine. At Lagunas Norte in Peru, we are advancing a phased approach to extending the life of the mine by optimizing the recovery of carbonaceous oxide ores, followed by mining and processing of refractory material.

In addition, we continue to advance a prefeasibility study for underground mining at the Pascua-Lama project on the border between Argentina and Chile.

Cortez Hills Deep South Underground Project, Nevada, USA(10)

The Deep South project, located within the Lower Zone of the Cortez Hills underground mine, is expected to contribute average underground production of more than 300,000 ounces per year. The prefeasibility study anticipated a cost of sales(3) of $840 per ounce, and average all-in sustaining costs(4) of $580 per ounce, for mining in the Deep South area. The project remains on schedule and within budget, with initial capital costs estimated to be $153 million.

The Deep South project will utilize infrastructure which has already been approved under current plans to expand mining in the Lower Zone. This includes construction of new twin declines, a conveyor haulage system, fuel and lubrication system, shotcrete and cemented rock fill plants, and an underground maintenance shop.

At the end of the third quarter, the twin declines had advanced a total of 6,581 feet, or 44 percent of the total distance, in line with schedule. Mass excavations for key underground infrastructure have also begun, and contracts for underground construction works have been awarded. Activities in the fourth quarter will include mobilizing contractors, advancing the twin declines, and completing temporary warehouses, in addition to continued procurement for construction activities.

Permitting for Deep South was initiated in 2016 with the submission of an amendment to the current Mine Plan of Operations to the Bureau of Land Management. Permitting is expected to take approximately three to four years, including the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. A record of decision is expected by 2020. On this basis, initial production from Deep South could commence by 2023.

Goldrush Project, Cortez District, Nevada, USA

Goldrush has the potential to become Barrick's newest underground operation in Nevada, with first production expected as early as 2021, and sustained production by 2023. The mine is expected to produce approximately 450,000 ounces of gold per year during its first full five years in operation. Cost of sales(3) is expected to be $800 per ounce, with average all-in sustaining costs(4) of $665 per ounce. We continue to anticipate initial capital costs of approximately $1 billion.

The first phase of the project involves the construction of an exploration twin decline to provide access to the orebody at depth, which will enable further exploration drilling, as well as the conversion of existing resources to reserves. The exploration declines can be converted into full production declines in the future.

Initial site preparation works for the portal have been completed, and construction on the portal pad is now under way. We have also completed a surface drilling program in the Red Hill zone of the deposit, which is expected to support additional resource conversion.

Work during the fourth quarter will focus on advancing portal pad construction, and the selection of an underground contractor for decline development, which is expected to begin in early 2018. Permitting is expected to commence in 2018, initiating a three- to four-year Environmental Impact Statement process.

Turquoise Ridge Third Shaft Project, Nevada, USA

Through the development of a third shaft, combined with improvements in mining productivity, Turquoise Ridge has the potential to increase output to an average of 500,000 ounces per year (100 percent basis) at a cost of sales(3) of $750-$800 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs(4) of about $625-$675 per ounce. The project is expected to require capital expenditures of approximately $300-$325 million (100 percent basis) for additional underground development and shaft construction. All necessary permits for a third shaft are already in place.

Surface preparation works began in the third quarter, and included moving 95,000 cubic yards of earth, setting up storm water diversion infrastructure, and extending utilities to the shaft site. This work is expected to be complete by the end of 2017. Contracts and materials to support medium and high voltage electrical distribution, water handling and sewage treatment have been purchased, and a tender process is now open for the shaft sinking contract.

In keeping with our phased approach, construction on a ventilation shaft could begin in the second half of 2018, at roughly half the total capital expenditure of a full production shaft. This ventilation shaft would allow for expanded underground mining using existing infrastructure, and could be equipped and converted to a full production shaft to increase the mine's output to approximately 500,000 ounces per year.

During the quarter, Turquoise Ridge also took delivery of its first road header. Building on the successful use of this technology at Cortez, the road header will enable the mine to transition to mechanical cutting, rather than traditional drilling and blasting, improving overall productivity and throughput at the operation, and supporting the increased hoisting capacity that a third shaft will support.

Lagunas Norte Life Extension Project, La Libertad, Peru(11)

In 2016, the Company completed a prefeasibility study for a 6,000 tonne per day grinding-flotation-autoclave and carbon-in-leach processing circuit. The project has the potential to extend the life of the Lagunas Norte mine by approximately 10 years by treating refractory material located under the mine's existing oxide ore body.

By employing strategies to optimize and increase the recovery of carbonaceous oxide ore from existing stockpiles at the mine, we have been able to re-sequence this project in two parts, deferring the capital expenditures necessary for refractory ore processing.

The first component of the project would involve the construction of a grinding and carbon-in-leach processing circuit that would treat remaining carbonaceous oxide material at Lagunas Norte. Environmental permits for these facilities are already in hand. Pending completion of the feasibility study, a positive investment decision, and receipt of construction permits, work on these facilities could begin in late 2018, with first production in 2020. Construction of the flotation and pressure oxidation circuits would follow this, subject to Environmental Impact Assessment approval and a positive investment decision by the Company.

Work in 2017 has focused on completing a feasibility study, including additional drilling to improve orebody knowledge, and further metallurgical testing.

Pascua-Lama Project, San Juan, Argentina/Atacama Region, Chile

We have made significant progress on a prefeasibility study for the development of an underground, block caving operation at Pascua-Lama. The project would utilize the existing process plant and tailings facility on the Argentinean side of the border, construction of which is already well advanced.

In order to complete the prefeasibility study, de-risk the project and improve economics, we are undertaking a number of optimization studies, along with a focused drilling campaign during the 2017/2018 summer season in the southern hemisphere. Previous drilling on the deposit was primarily undertaken in support of open pit mining plans. This campaign will focus on improving ore body knowledge on the Argentinean side of the deposit where further data is needed to validate underground development plans and metallurgy.

A switch to underground mining addresses a number of stakeholder concerns by significantly reducing surface land disturbance and therefore the overall environmental footprint of the project, as compared to an open pit operation. In addition, an underground mine would be less susceptible to weather-related production interruptions during the winter season.

In keeping with Barrick's strategic cooperation agreement with Shandong Gold, representatives from Shandong will also work with the project team to exchange knowledge, experience and technologies that have the potential to further optimize Pascua-Lama.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Steven Haggarty, P. Eng., Senior Director, Metallurgy of Barrick, Rick Sims, Registered Member SME, Senior Director, Resources and Reserves of Barrick, and Patrick Garretson, Registered Member SME, Senior Director, Life of Mine Planning of Barrick, each a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Appendix 1

2017 Updated Operating and Capital Expenditure Guidance

GOLD PRODUCTION AND COSTS

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in Production Cost of sustaining Cash costs(4) (millions of sales(3) ($ percosts(4) ($ per ($ per ounce) ounces) ounce) ounce) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barrick Nevada 2.280-2.320 790-830 620-650 450-470 Pueblo Viejo (60%) 0.635-0.650 650-670 540-560 410-430 Veladero (50%)(i) 0.430-0.465 870-940 920-990 580-610 Lagunas Norte 0.380-0.400 610-650 470-510 390-410 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub-total 3.700-3.800 770-800 640-660 450-470 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acacia (63.9%) approx. 0.480 860-900 880-920 580-620 KCGM (50%) 0.375-0.425 810-900 665-715 585-635 Turquoise Ridge (75%) 0.210-0.230 700-750 770-830 580-610 Porgera (47.5%) 0.235-0.255 850-910 940-1,010 700-750 Hemlo 0.195-0.210 940-1,010 1,020-1,130 780-810 Golden Sunlight 0.035-0.050 1,200-1,550 1,200-1,300 1,150-1,250 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Gold 5.300-5.500(12) 790-810 740-770 520-535 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i)Reflects our 50% equity share of Veladero from July 1, 2017 onwards.

COPPER PRODUCTION AND COSTS

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in Production Cost of sustaining C1 cash (millions of sales(3) ($ percosts(7) ($ percosts(7) ($ per pounds) pound) pound) pound) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zaldivar (50%) 115-125 2.10-2.30 2.10-2.30 approx. 1.60 Lumwana 250-270 1.40-1.60 2.20-2.40 1.50-1.70 Jabal Sayid (50%) 35-45 2.00-2.70 2.10-2.60 1.50-1.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Copper 420-440(12) 1.70-1.85 2.20-2.40 1.60-1.75 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine site sustaining 1,100-1,200 Project 250-300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Attributable Capital Expenditures(9) 1,350-1,500 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix 2

2017 Outlook Assumptions and Economic Sensitivity Analysis

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Impact on Impact on 2017 Hypothetical Impact on Cost of All-in Guidance Change Revenue sales(3) sustaining Assumption (millions) (millions) costs(4,7) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold revenue, net of $1,050/oz +/- $100/oz +/- $142 +/- $4 +/- $3/oz royalties Copper revenue, net of $2.25/lb + $0.50/lb + $58 + $4 + $0.03/lb royalties(13) Copper revenue, net of $2.25/lb - $0.50/lb - $46 - $3 - $0.03/lb royalties(13) Gold all-in sustaining costs(4) WTI crude oil price(14) $55/bbl +/- $10/bbl n/a +/- $5 +/- $3/oz Australian dollar 0.75: 1 +/- 10% n/a +/- $8 +/- $5/oz exchange rate Argentine peso exchange rate 16.50: 1 +/- 10% n/a +/- $2 +/- $1/oz Canadian dollar exchange rate 1.32: 1 +/- 10% n/a +/- $8 +/- $6/oz Copper all-in sustaining costs(7) WTI crude oil price(14) $55/bbl +/- $10/bbl n/a +/- $1 +/- $0.01/lb Chilean peso exchange rate 675: 1 +/- 10% n/a +/- $1 +/- $0.01/lb ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Endnotes

ENDNOTE 1

"Adjusted net earnings" and "adjusted net earnings per share" are non-GAAP financial performance measures. Adjusted net earnings excludes the following from net earnings: certain impairment charges (reversals) related to intangibles, goodwill, property, plant and equipment, and investments; gains (losses) and other one-time costs relating to acquisitions or dispositions; foreign currency translation gains (losses); significant tax adjustments not related to current period earnings; unrealized gains (losses) on non-hedge derivative instruments; and the tax effect and non-controlling interest of these items. The Company uses this measure internally to evaluate our underlying operating performance for the reporting periods presented and to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results. Barrick believes that adjusted net earnings is a useful measure of our performance because these adjusting items do not reflect the underlying operating performance of our core mining business and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other companies. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick's financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Earnings per Share, Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings per Share

($ millions, except per share For the three months For the nine months amounts in dollars) ended September 30 ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company $ (11) $ 175 $ 1,752 $ 230 Impairment charges (reversals) related to intangibles, goodwill, property, plant and equipment, and investments(1) 2 49 (1,128) 54 Acquisition/disposition (gains)/losses(2) (5) 37 (882) 35 Foreign currency translation (gains)/losses 25 19 60 181 Significant tax adjustments(3) 174 5 183 59 Other expense adjustments(4) 103 1 130 75 Unrealized gains on non-hedge derivative instruments (9) (12) (6) (23) Tax effect and non-controlling interest(5) (93) 4 500 (48) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted net earnings $ 186 $ 278 $ 609 $ 563 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings (loss) per share(6) (0.01) 0.15 1.50 0.20 Adjusted net earnings per share(6) 0.16 0.24 0.52 0.48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Net impairment reversals for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 primarily relate to impairment reversals at the Cerro Casale project upon reclassification of the project's net assets as held-for- sale as at March 31, 2017. (2) Disposition gains for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 primarily relate to the sale of a 50% interest in the Veladero mine and the gain related to the sale of a 25% interest in the Cerro Casale project. (3) Significant tax adjustments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 primarily relate to a tax provision relating to the impact of the proposed framework for Acacia operations in Tanzania. (4) Other expense adjustments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 primarily relate to debt extinguishment costs. (5) Tax effect and non-controlling interest for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 primarily relates to the impairment reversals at the Cerro Casale project discussed above. (6) Calculated using weighted average number of shares outstanding under the basic method of earnings per share.

ENDNOTE 2

"Free cash flow" is a non-GAAP financial performance measure which excludes capital expenditures from net cash provided by operating activities. Barrick believes this to be a useful indicator of our ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or usage of existing cash. Free cash flow is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other companies. Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick's financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

For the three months For the nine months ($ millions) ended September 30 ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities $ 532 $ 951 $ 1,475 $ 1,929 Capital expenditures (307) (277) (1,046) (800) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free cash flow $ 225 $ 674 $ 429 $ 1,129 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENDNOTE 3

Cost of sales applicable to gold per ounce is calculated using cost of sales applicable to gold on an attributable basis (removing the non-controlling interest of 40% Pueblo Viejo and 36.1% Acacia from cost of sales), divided by attributable gold ounces. Cost of sales applicable to copper per pound is calculated using cost of sales applicable to copper including our proportionate share of cost of sales attributable to equity method investments (Zaldivar and Jabal Sayid), divided by consolidated copper pounds (including our proportionate share of copper pounds from our equity method investments).

ENDNOTE 4

1 "Cash costs" per ounce and "All-in sustaining costs" per ounce are non-GAAP financial performance measures. "Cash costs" per ounce starts with cost of sales applicable to gold production, but excludes the impact of depreciation, the non-controlling interest of cost of sales, and includes by-product credits. "All-in sustaining costs" per ounce begin with "Cash costs" per ounce and add further costs which reflect the additional costs of operating a mine, primarily sustaining capital expenditures, general & administrative costs, minesite exploration and evaluation costs, and reclamation cost accretion and amortization. Barrick believes that the use of "cash costs" per ounce and "all-in sustaining costs" per ounce will assist investors, analysts and other stakeholders in understanding the costs associated with producing gold, understanding the economics of gold mining, assessing our operating performance and also our ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and to generate free cash flow on an overall Company basis. "Cash costs" per ounce and "All-in sustaining costs" per ounce are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Although a standardized definition of all-in sustaining costs was published in 2013 by the World Gold Council (a market development organization for the gold industry comprised of and funded by 18 gold mining companies from around the world, including Barrick), it is not a regulatory organization, and other companies may calculate this measure differently. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick's financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Reconciliation of Gold Cost of Sales to Cash costs, All-in sustaining costs and All-in costs, including on a per ounce basis

($ millions, except per ounce information in For the three months For the nine months dollars) ended September 30 ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Footnote 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of sales applicable to gold production $ 1,147 $ 1,202 $ 3,544 $ 3,633 Depreciation (357) (373) (1,125) (1,108) By-product credits 1 (32) (59) (105) (143) Realized (gains)/losses on hedge and non-hedge derivatives 2 9 15 19 71 Non-recurring items 3 - 34 - 24 Other 4 (24) (9) (71) (24) Non-controlling interests (Pueblo Viejo and Acacia) 5 (73) (92) (218) (267) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash costs $ 670 $ 718 $ 2,044 $ 2,186 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- General & administrative costs 69 71 186 217 Minesite exploration and evaluation costs 6 16 10 39 26 Minesite sustaining capital expenditures 7 248 236 830 646 Rehabilitation - accretion and amortization (operating sites) 8 14 16 51 41 Non-controlling interest, copper operations and other 9 (67) (75) (199) (209) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in sustaining costs $ 950 $ 976 $ 2,951 $ 2,907 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project exploration and evaluation and project costs 6 84 34 217 129 Community relations costs not related to current operations 1 1 3 6 Project capital expenditures 7 53 35 192 124 Rehabilitation - accretion and amortization (non- operating sites) 8 3 2 16 7 Non-controlling interest and copper operations 9 (6) (7) (12) (38) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in costs $ 1,085 $ 1,041 $ 3,367 $ 3,135 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ounces sold - equity basis (000s ounces) 11 1,227 1,386 3,930 3,984 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of sales per ounce 10 $ 820 $ 766 $ 791 $ 803 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash costs per ounce 12 $ 546 $ 518 $ 520 $ 549 Cash costs per ounce (on a co-product basis) 11,12 $ 565 $ 550 $ 539 $ 575 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in sustaining costs per ounce 12 $ 772 $ 704 $ 750 $ 730 All-in sustaining costs per ounce (on a co- product basis) 12,13 $ 791 $ 736 $ 769 $ 756 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in costs per ounce 12 $ 884 $ 751 $ 856 $ 787 All-in costs per ounce (on a co-product basis) 12,13 $ 903 $ 783 $ 875 $ 813 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 By-product credits Revenues include the sale of by-products for our gold and copper mines for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $32 million and $105 million, respectively, (2016: $50 million and $110 million, respectively) and energy sales from the Monte Rio power plant at our Pueblo Viejo mine for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $nil and $nil, respectively, (2016: $9 million and $33 million, respectively) up until its disposition on August 18, 2016. 2 Realized (gains)/losses on hedge and non-hedge derivatives Includes realized hedge losses of $8 million and $22 million, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 (2016: $15 million and $59 million, respectively), and realized non-hedge losses of $1 million and gains of $3 million, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 (2016: losses of $nil and $12 million, respectively). Refer to Note 5 to the Financial Statements for further information. 3 Non-recurring items Non-recurring items in 2016 consist of $34 million in a reduction in cost of sales attributed to insurance proceeds recorded in the third quarter of 2016 related to the 2015 oxygen plant motor failure at Pueblo Viejo and $10 million in abnormal costs at Veladero. These costs are not indicative of our cost of production and have been excluded from the calculation of cash costs. 4 Other Other adjustments for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include adding the net margins related to power sales at Pueblo Viejo of $nil and $nil, respectively, (2016: $1 million and $5 million, respectively), adding the cost of treatment and refining charges of $nil and $1 million, respectively, (2016: $3 million and $12 million, respectively) and the removal of cash costs and by-product credits associated with our Pierina mine, which is mining incidental ounces as it enters closure, of $25 million and $73 million, respectively (2016: $14 million and $42 million, respectively). 5 Non-controlling interests (Pueblo Viejo and Acacia) Non-controlling interests include non-controlling interests related to gold production of $103 million and $317 million, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 (2016: $124 million and $381 million, respectively). Refer to Note 5 to the Financial Statements for further information.

6 Exploration and evaluation costs Exploration, evaluation and project expenses are presented as minesite sustaining if it supports current mine operations and project if it relates to future projects. Refer to page 30 of Barrick's third quarter MD&A. 7 Capital expenditures Capital expenditures are related to our gold sites only and are presented on a 100% accrued basis. They are split between minesite sustaining and project capital expenditures. Project capital expenditures are distinct projects designed to increase the net present value of the mine and are not related to current production. Significant projects in the current year are stripping at Cortez Crossroads, underground development at Cortez Hills Lower Zone and the range front declines, Lagunas Norte Refractory Ore Project and Goldrush. Refer to page 29 of Barrick's third quarter MD&A. 8 Rehabilitation-accretion and amortization Includes depreciation on the assets related to rehabilitation provisions of our gold operations and accretion on the rehabilitation provision of our gold operations, split between operating and non-operating sites. 9 Non-controlling interest and copper operations Removes general & administrative costs related to non-controlling interests and copper based on a percentage allocation of revenue. Also removes exploration, evaluation and project expenses, rehabilitation costs and capital expenditures incurred by our copper sites and the non- controlling interest of our Acacia and Pueblo Viejo operating segments and South Arturo. Figures remove the impact of Pierina. The impact is summarized as the following: For the three months For the nine months ($ millions) ended September 30 ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-controlling interest, copper operations and other 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- General & administrative costs $ (5) $ (8) $ (13) $ (31) Minesite exploration and evaluation expenses (6) (2) (13) (6) Rehabilitation - accretion and amortization (operating sites) (2) (2) (8) (5) Minesite sustaining capital expenditures (54) (63) (165) (167) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in sustaining costs total $ (67) $ (75) $ (199) $ (209) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project exploration and evaluation and project costs (3) (3) (9) (8) Project capital expenditures (3) (4) (3) (30) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in costs total $ (6) $ (7) $ (12) $ (38) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Ounces sold - equity basis Figures remove the impact of Pierina as the mine is currently going through closure. 11 Cost of sales per ounce Figures remove the cost of sales impact of Pierina of $38 million and $119 million, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 (2016: $17 million and $52 million, respectively), as the mine is currently going through closure. Cost of sales per ounce excludes non-controlling interest related to gold production. Cost of sales applicable to gold per ounce is calculated using cost of sales on an attributable basis (removing the non-controlling interest of 40% Pueblo Viejo and 36.1% Acacia from cost of sales), divided by attributable gold ounces. 12 Per ounce figures Cost of sales per ounce, cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and all-in costs per ounce may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding. 13 Co-product costs per ounce Cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and all-in costs per ounce presented on a co-product basis removes the impact of by- product credits of our gold production (net of non-controlling interest) calculated as: For the three months For the nine months ($ millions) ended September 30 ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- By-product credits $ 32 $ 59 $ 105 $ 143 Non-controlling interest (7) (14) (24) (40) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- By-product credits (net of non- controlling interest) $ 25 $ 45 $ 81 $ 103 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENDNOTE 5

Includes $105 million of cash, primarily held at Acacia, which may not be readily deployed.

ENDNOTE 6

Amount excludes capital leases and includes Acacia (100% basis).

ENDNOTE 7

"C1 cash costs" per pound and "All-in sustaining costs" per pound are non-GAAP financial performance measures. "C1 cash costs" per pound is based on cost of sales but excludes the impact of depreciation and royalties and includes treatment and refinement charges. "All-in sustaining costs" per pound begins with "C1 cash costs" per pound and adds further costs which reflect the additional costs of operating a mine, primarily sustaining capital expenditures, general & administrative costs and royalties. Barrick believes that the use of "C1 cash costs" per pound and "all-in sustaining costs" per pound will assist investors, analysts, and other stakeholders in understanding the costs associated with producing copper, understanding the economics of copper mining, assessing our operating performance, and also our ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and to generate free cash flow on an overall Company basis. "C1 cash costs" per pound and "All-in sustaining costs" per pound are intended to provide additional information only, do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similar measures of performance presented by other companies. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Further details on these non-GAAP measures are provided in the MD&A accompanying Barrick's financial statements filed from time to time on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Reconciliation of Copper Cost of Sales to C1 cash costs and All-in sustaining costs, including on a per pound basis

($ millions, except per pound For the three months For the nine months information in dollars) ended September 30 ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of sales $108 $66 $292 $235 Depreciation/amortization (26) (10) (59) (30) Treatment and refinement charges 44 40 116 124 Cash cost of sales applicable to equity method investments 53 64 170 150 Less: royalties (12) (7) (27) (32) By-product credits (1) - (4) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C1 cash cost of sales $166 $153 $488 $447 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- General & administrative costs 3 - 9 11 Rehabilitation - accretion and amortization 4 1 9 5 Royalties 12 7 27 32 Minesite exploration and evaluation costs 4 - 5 - Minesite sustaining capital expenditures 50 44 137 121 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in sustaining costs $239 $205 $675 $616 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pounds sold - consolidated basis (millions pounds) 107 102 298 298 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of sales per pound(1,2) $1.67 $1.43 $1.72 $1.41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C1 cash cost per pound(1) $1.56 $1.50 $1.64 $1.50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in sustaining costs per pound(1) $2.24 $2.02 $2.27 $2.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Cost of sales per pound, C1 cash costs per pound and all-in sustaining costs per pound may not calculate based on amounts presented in this table due to rounding. (2) Cost of sales applicable to copper per pound is calculated using cost of sales including our proportionate share of cost of sales attributable to equity method investments (Zaldivar and Jabal Sayid), divided by consolidated copper pounds (including our proportionate share of copper pounds from our equity method investments).

ENDNOTE 8

Barrick's share.

ENDNOTE 9

Includes our 60% share of Pueblo Viejo and South Arturo, our 63.9% share of Acacia, our 50% share of Zaldivar and Jabal Sayid and our share of joint operations, including our 50% sale of Veladero from July 1, 2017 onwards.

ENDNOTE 10

For additional detail, see the Technical Report on the Cortez Joint Venture Operations, Lander and Eureka Counties, State of Nevada, USA, dated March 21, 2016, and filed on SEDAR and EDGAR on March 28, 2016.

ENDNOTE 11

For addition detail, see the Technical Report on the Lagunas Norte Mine, La Libertad Region, Peru, dated March 21, 2016, and filed on SEDAR and EDGAR on March 28, 2016.

ENDNOTE 12

Operating unit guidance ranges for production reflect expectations at each individual operating unit, but do not necessarily add up to the corporate-wide guidance range total.

ENDNOTE 13

As at September 30, 2017, utilizing option collar strategies, the Company has protected the downside on approximately 33 million pounds of expected remaining 2017 copper production at an average floor price of $2.39 per pound and can participate in the upside on the same amount up to an average of $2.97 per pound. In addition, the Company has protected the downside on approximately 60 million pounds of expected copper production for the first half of 2018 at an average floor price of $2.83 per pound and can participate in the upside on the same amount up to an average of $3.25 per pound. Our remaining copper production is subject to market prices.

ENDNOTE 14

Due to our hedging activities, which are reflected in these sensitivities, we are partially protected against changes in these factors.

Key Statistics Barrick Gold Corporation Three months ended Nine months ended (in United States dollars) September 30, September 30, -------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Results (millions) Revenues $ 1,993 $ 2,297 $ 6,146 $ 6,239 Cost of sales 1,270 1,291 3,889 3,951 Net earnings(1) (11) 175 1,752 230 Adjusted net earnings(2) 186 278 609 563 Adjusted EBITDA(2) 899 1,211 2,932 2,976 Total capital expenditures - sustaining(3) 248 236 830 646 Total project capital expenditures(3) 53 35 192 124 Net cash provided by operating activities 532 951 1,475 1,929 Free cash flow(2) 225 674 429 1,129 Per share data (dollars) Net earnings (basic and diluted) (0.01) 0.15 1.50 0.20 Adjusted net earnings (basic)(2) $ 0.16 $ 0.24 $ 0.52 $ 0.48 Weighted average diluted common shares (millions) 1,166 1,165 1,166 1,165 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Results Gold production (thousands of ounces)(4) 1,243 1,381 3,984 4,001 Gold sold (thousands of ounces)(4) 1,227 1,386 3,930 3,984 Per ounce data Average spot gold price $ 1,278 $ 1,335 $ 1,251 $ 1,260 Average realized gold price(2,4) 1,274 1,333 1,250 1,259 Cost of sales (Barrick's share)(4,5) 820 766 791 803 All-in sustaining costs(2,4) $ 772 $ 704 $ 750 $ 730 Copper production (millions of pounds)(6) 115 100 314 314 Copper sold (millions of pounds)(6) 107 102 298 298 Per pound data Average spot copper price $ 2.88 $ 2.16 $ 2.70 $ 2.14 Average realized copper price(2,6) 3.05 2.18 2.81 2.17 Cost of sales (Barrick's share)(6,7) 1.67 1.43 1.72 1.41 C1 cash costs(2,6) 1.56 1.50 1.64 1.50 All-in sustaining costs(2,6) $ 2.24 $ 2.02 $ 2.27 $ 2.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- As at As at September December 30, 31, --------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Position (millions) Cash and equivalents $ 2,025 $ 2,389 Working capital (excluding cash) $ 1,346 $ 1,155 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Net earnings represents net earnings attributable to the equity holders of the Company. (2) Adjusted net earnings, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted net earnings per share, realized gold price, all-in sustaining costs and realized copper price are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information and a detailed reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable IFRS measure, please see pages 49 to 63 of this MD&A. (3) Amounts presented on a consolidated accrued basis. Project capital expenditures are included in our calculation of all-in costs, but not included in our calculation of all-in sustaining costs. (4) Includes Acacia on a 63.9% basis, Pueblo Viejo on a 60% basis, South Arturo on a 60% basis, and Veladero on a 100% basis up to June 30, 2017 and a 50% basis thereafter, which reflects our equity share of production and sales. 2016 includes production and sales from Bald Mountain and Round Mountain up to January 11, 2016, the effective date of sale of the assets. (5) Cost of sales per ounce (Barrick's share) is calculated as cost of sales - gold on an attributable basis excluding Pierina divided by gold ounces sold. (6) Amounts reflect production and sales from Jabal Sayid and Zaldivar on a 50% basis, which reflects our equity share of production, and Lumwana. (7) Cost of sales per pound (Barrick's share) is calculated as cost of sales - copper plus our equity share of cost of sales attributable to Zaldivar and Jabal Sayid divided by copper pounds sold. Production and Cost Summary Production --------------------------------------- Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, --------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold (equity ounces (000s)) Barrick Nevada(1) 520 547 1,782 1,554 Pueblo Viejo(2) 154 189 468 511 Lagunas Norte 96 101 274 325 Veladero(3) 99 116 322 367 Turquoise Ridge 68 72 147 201 Acacia(4) 122 131 396 394 Other Mines - Gold(5) 184 225 595 649 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,243 1,381 3,984 4,001 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copper (equity pounds (millions))(6) 115 100 314 314 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of Sales per unit (Barrick's share) --------------------------------------- Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, --------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Cost of Sales per ounce ($/oz)(7) Barrick Nevada $ 762 $ 838 $ 791 $ 881 Pueblo Viejo 717 514 661 609 Lagunas Norte 612 658 601 662 Veladero 1,187 912 878 860 Turquoise Ridge 755 558 740 605 Acacia 808 840 796 861 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 820 $ 766 $ 791 $ 803 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copper Cost of Sales per pound ($/lb)(8) $ 1.67 $ 1.43 $ 1.72 $ 1.41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in sustaining costs(9) --------------------------------------- Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, --------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold All-in Sustaining Costs ($/oz) Barrick Nevada(1) $ 597 $ 611 $ 603 $ 613 Pueblo Viejo(2) 604 425 536 509 Lagunas Norte 470 530 457 557 Veladero(3) 890 651 1,000 693 Turquoise Ridge 793 583 788 631 Acacia(4) 939 998 907 961 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 772 $ 704 $ 750 $ 730 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copper All-in Sustaining Costs ($/lb)(6) $ 2.24 $ 2.02 $ 2.27 $ 2.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Reflects production and sales from Goldstrike, Cortez, and South Arturo on a 60% basis, which reflects our equity share. (2) Reflects production and sales from Pueblo Viejo on a 60% basis, which reflects our equity share. (3) Reflects production and sales from Veladero on a 100% basis up to June 30, 2017 and a 50% basis thereafter, which reflects our equity share. (4) Reflects production and sales from Acacia on a 63.9% basis, which reflects our equity share. (5) In 2017, Other Mines - Gold includes Golden Sunlight, Hemlo, Porgera on a 47.5% basis and Kalgoorlie on a 50% basis. In 2016, Other Mines - Gold includes Golden Sunlight, Hemlo, Porgera on a 47.5% basis, Kalgoorlie on a 50% basis and production from Bald Mountain and Round Mountain up to January 11, 2016, the effective date of sale of the assets. (6) Reflects production and sales from Lumwana, Jabal Sayid and Zaldivar on a 50% basis, which reflects our equity share. (7) Cost of sales per ounce (Barrick's share) is calculated as cost of sales - gold on an attributable basis excluding Pierina divided by gold equity ounces sold. (8) Cost of sales per pound (Barrick's share) is calculated as cost of sales - copper plus our equity share of cost of sales attributable to Zaldivar and Jabal Sayid divided by copper pounds sold. (9) All-in sustaining costs is a non-GAAP financial performance measure with no standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information and a detailed reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable IFRS measure, please see pages 49 to 63 of our third quarter MD&A. Consolidated Statements of Income Barrick Gold Corporation (in millions of United States dollars, except per share data) Three months ended Nine months ended (Unaudited) September 30, September 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue (notes 5 and 6) $ 1,993 $ 2,297 $ 6,146 $ 6,239 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Costs and expenses (income) Cost of sales (notes 5 and 7) 1,270 1,291 3,889 3,951 General and administrative expenses 69 71 186 217 Exploration, evaluation and project expenses 100 44 256 155 Impairment (reversals) charges (note 9B and 13) 2 49 (1,128) 54 Loss on currency translation (note 9C) 25 19 60 181 Closed mine rehabilitation 14 16 19 46 (Income) loss from equity investees (note 12) (25) 3 (50) (5) Gain on non-hedge derivatives (8) (4) (10) (7) Other expense (income) (note 9A) 37 39 (800) 42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before finance costs and income taxes $ 509 $ 769 $ 3,724 $ 1,605 Finance costs, net (238) (189) (561) (562) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes $ 271 $ 580 $ 3,163 $ 1,043 Income tax expense (note 10) (314) (335) (1,180) (694) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) $ (43) $ 245 $ 1,983 $ 349 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attributable to: Equity holders of Barrick Gold Corporation $ (11) $ 175 $ 1,752 $ 230 Non-controlling interests (note 17) $ (32) $ 70 $ 231 $ 119 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of Barrick Gold Corporation (note 8) Net income (loss) Basic $ (0.01) $ 0.15 $ 1.50 $ 0.20 Diluted $ (0.01) $ 0.15 $ 1.50 $ 0.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The notes to these unaudited condensed interim financial statements, which are contained in the Third Quarter Report 2017 available on our website are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Barrick Gold Corporation (in millions of United States Three months ended Nine months ended dollars) (Unaudited) September 30, September 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) $ (43) $ 245 $ 1,983 $ 349 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Movement in equity investments fair value reserve: Net unrealized change on equity investments, net of tax $nil, $nil, $nil and $nil 5 5 9 16 Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax ($1), $1, $2 and ($6) 8 (4) (12) 8 Realized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax ($4), ($2), ($6) and ($6) 4 15 12 51 Currency translation adjustments, net of tax $nil, $nil, $nil and $nil (3) 6 12 99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total other comprehensive income 14 22 21 174 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (29) $ 267 $ 2,004 $ 523 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attributable to: Equity holders of Barrick Gold Corporation $ 3 $ 197 $ 1,773 $ 404 Non-controlling interests $ (32) $ 70 $ 231 $ 119 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The notes to these unaudited condensed interim financial statements, which are contained in the Third Quarter Report 2017 available on our website are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Barrick Gold Corporation (in millions of United States Three months ended Nine months ended dollars) (Unaudited) September 30, September 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ (43) $ 245 $ 1,983 $ 349 Adjustments for the following items: Depreciation 390 389 1,213 1,156 Finance costs 243 192 574 572 Impairment (reversals) charges (note 13) 2 49 (1,128) 54 Income tax expense (note 10) 314 335 1,180 694 (Gain) loss on sale of long- lived assets (5) 37 (882) 35 Currency translation losses 25 19 60 181 Change in working capital (note 11) (96) (105) (474) (362) Other operating activities (note 11) (144) (109) (249) (135) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating cash flows before interest and income taxes 686 1,052 2,277 2,544 Interest paid (47) (45) (270) (313) Income taxes paid (107) (56) (532) (302) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 532 951 1,475 1,929 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property, plant and equipment Capital expenditures (note 5) (307) (277) (1,046) (800) Sales proceeds 1 86 13 96 Divestitures (note 4) - - 960 588 Funding of equity method investments - (2) (8) (8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (306) (193) (81) (124) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Debt Proceeds - - - 3 Repayments (1,023) (465) (1,508) (1,445) Dividends (31) (21) (94) (64) Funding from non-controlling interests 3 28 11 55 Disbursements to non-controlling interests - (64) (67) (95) Debt extinguishment costs (76) (30) (102) (70) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used in financing activities (1,127) (552) (1,760) (1,616) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents - 1 2 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents (901) 207 (364) 193 Cash and equivalents at the beginning of period 2,926 2,441 2,389 2,455 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and equivalents at the end of period $ 2,025 $ 2,648 $ 2,025 $ 2,648 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The notes to these unaudited condensed interim financial statements, which are contained in the Third Quarter Report 2017 available on our website are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Balance Sheets Barrick Gold Corporation (in millions of United States dollars) As at As at (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets Cash and equivalents (note 14A) $ 2,025 $ 2,389 Accounts receivable 224 249 Inventories 2,038 1,930 Other current assets 455 306 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets $ 4,742 $ 4,874 Non-current assets Equity in investees (note 12) 1,243 1,185 Property, plant and equipment 13,961 14,103 Goodwill 1,286 1,371 Intangible assets 270 272 Deferred income tax assets 863 977 Non-current portion of inventory 1,563 1,536 Other assets 1,144 946 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $ 25,072 $ 25,264 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 1,118 $ 1,084 Debt (note 14B) 63 143 Current income tax liabilities 266 283 Other current liabilities 291 309 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities $ 1,738 $ 1,819 Non-current liabilities Debt (note 14B) 6,384 7,788 Provisions 2,409 2,363 Deferred income tax liabilities 1,447 1,520 Other liabilities 1,472 1,461 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities $ 13,450 $ 14,951 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity Capital stock (note 16) $ 20,889 $ 20,877 Deficit (11,428) (13,074) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (168) (189) Other 321 321 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total equity attributable to Barrick Gold Corporation shareholders $ 9,614 $ 7,935 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-controlling interests (note 17) 2,008 2,378 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total equity $ 11,622 $ 10,313 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contingencies and commitments (notes 5 and 18) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and equity $ 25,072 $ 25,264 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The notes to these unaudited condensed interim financial statements, which are contained in the Third Quarter Report 2017 available on our website are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity -------------------------------- Attributable to equity holders Barrick Gold Corporation of the company ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated other (in millions of United comprehensive States dollars) Common Shares Capital Retained income (Unaudited) (in thousands) stock deficit (loss)(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- At January 1, 2017 1,165,574 $20,877 $(13,074) $ (189) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income - - 1,752 - Total other comprehensive income - - - 21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total comprehensive income - - 1,752 21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transactions with owners Dividends - - (94) - Decrease in non- controlling interest (note 4B) - - - - Funding from non- controlling interests - - - - Other decrease in non- controlling interest - - - - Dividend reinvestment plan (note 16) 689 12 (12) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total transactions with owners 689 12 (106) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- At September 30, 2017 1,166,263 $20,889 $(11,428) $ (168) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- At January 1, 2016 1,165,081 $20,869 $(13,642) $ (370) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income - - 230 - Total other comprehensive income - - - 174 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total comprehensive income - - 230 174 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transactions with owners Dividends - - (64) - Funding from non- controlling interests - - - - Other decrease in non- controlling interests - - - - Dividend reinvestment plan 350 6 (6) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total transactions with owners 350 6 (70) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- At September 30, 2016 1,165,431 $20,875 $(13,482) $ (196) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity ------------------------ Attributable to equity Barrick Gold Corporation holders of the company -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total equity (in millions of United attributable Non- States dollars) to controlling Total (Unaudited) Other(2) shareholders interests equity -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At January 1, 2017 $ 321 $ 7,935 $ 2,378 $10,313 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income - 1,752 231 1,983 Total other comprehensive income - 21 - 21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total comprehensive income - 1,773 231 2,004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transactions with owners Dividends - (94) - (94) Decrease in non- controlling interest (note 4B) - - (493) (493) Funding from non- controlling interests - - 11 11 Other decrease in non- controlling interest - - (119) (119) Dividend reinvestment plan (note 16) - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total transactions with owners - (94) (601) (695) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At September 30, 2017 $ 321 $ 9,614 $ 2,008 $11,622 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At January 1, 2016 $ 321 $ 7,178 $ 2,277 $ 9,455 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income - 230 119 349 Total other comprehensive income - 174 - 174 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total comprehensive income - 404 119 523 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transactions with owners Dividends - (64) - (64) Funding from non- controlling interests - - 55 55 Other decrease in non- controlling interests - - (127) (127) Dividend reinvestment plan - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total transactions with owners - (64) (72) (136) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At September 30, 2016 $ 321 $ 7,518 $ 2,324 $ 9,842 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Includes cumulative translation losses at September 30, 2017: $70 million (September 30, 2016: $78 million). (2) Includes additional paid-in capital as at September 30, 2017: $283 million (December 31, 2016: $283 million; September 30, 2016: $283 million) and convertible borrowings - equity component as at September 30, 2017: $38 million (December 31, 2016: $38 million; September 30, 2016: $38 million). The notes to these unaudited condensed interim financial statements, which are contained in the Third Quarter Report 2017 available on our website are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. HEAD OFFICE Barrick Gold Corporation Brookfield Place TD Canada Trust Tower 161 Bay Street, Suite 3700 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1 Telephone: +1 416 861-9911 Toll-free: 1-800-720-7415 Fax: +1 416 861-2492 Email: investor@barrick.com Website: http://www.barrick.com/ TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS AST Trust Company (Canada) P.O. Box 700, Postal Station B Montreal, Quebec H3B 3K3 or American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC 6201 - 15 Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11219 Telephone: 1-800-387-0825 Fax: 1-888-249-6189 Email: inquiries@astfinancial.com Website: http://www.astfinancial.com/ SHARES LISTED ABX The New York Stock Exchange The Toronto Stock Exchange

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements'. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words

"believe", "expect", "anticipate", "target", "plan", "objective", "assume", "intend", "project", "goal", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "potential", "may", "will", "can", "could", "would" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: (i) Barrick's forward-looking production guidance; (ii) estimates of future cost of sales per ounce for gold and per pound for copper, cash costs per ounce and C1 cash costs per pound, and all-in-sustaining costs per ounce/pound; (iii) cash flow forecasts; (iv) projected capital, operating and exploration expenditures; (v) Barrick's expectations regarding the potential benefits resulting from a new partnership between Acacia Mining plc ("Acacia") and the Government of Tanzania; (vi) potential improvements to operating performance, production and mine life at Barrick's Cortez, Turquoise Ridge and Lagunas Norte mines; (vii) potential developments at Barrick's Goldrush project; (viii) targeted debt and cost reductions; (ix) mine life and production rates; (x) potential mineralization and metal or mineral recoveries; (xi) savings from our improved capital management program; (xii) Barrick's Best-in-Class program (including potential improvements to financial and operating performance that may result from certain Best-in-Class initiatives); (xiii) the timing and results of the prefeasibility study at Pascua-Lama; (xiv) our pipeline of high confidence projects at or near existing operations; (xv) the benefits of unifying the Cortez and Goldstrike operations; (xvi) our ability to convert resources into reserves (xvii) asset sales, joint ventures and partnerships; and (xviii) expectations regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlook or guidance.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information.

Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper or certain other commodities (such as silver, diesel fuel, natural gas and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation and exploration successes; risks associated with the fact that certain Best-in-Class initiatives are still in the early stages of evaluation and additional engineering and other analysis is required to fully assess their impact; the duration of the Tanzanian ban on mineral concentrate exports; the ultimate terms of any definitive agreement between Barrick Acacia and the Government of Tanzania to resolve a dispute relating to the imposition of the concentrate export ban and allegations by the Government of Tanzania that Acacia under-declared the metal content of concentrate exports from Tanzania; the status of certain tax re-assessments by the Tanzanian government; the manner in which amendments to the 2010 Mining Act (Tanzania) increasing the royalty rate applicable to metallic minerals such as gold, copper and silver to 6% (from 4%), and the new Finance Act (Tanzania) imposing a 1% clearing fee on the value of all minerals exported from Tanzania from July 1, 2017 will be implemented and the impact of these and other legislative changes on Acacia; whether Acacia will approve the terms of any final agreement reached between Barrick and the Government of Tanzania with respect to the dispute between Acacia and the Government of Tanzania; the benefits expected from recent transactions being realized; diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; increased costs, delays, suspensions and technical challenges associated with the construction of capital projects; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities, including geotechnical challenges and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; uncertainty whether some or all of the Best-in-Class initiatives, targeted investments and projects will meet the Company's capital allocation objectives and internal hurdle rate;

the impact of global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; adverse changes in our credit ratings; the impact of inflation; fluctuations in the currency markets; changes in U.S. dollar interest rates; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; damage to the Company's reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Company's handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups, whether true or not; the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks that exploration data may be incomplete and considerable additional work may be required to complete further evaluation, including but not limited to drilling, engineering and socioeconomic studies and investment; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; litigation; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to water, power and other required infrastructure; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or complete divestitures; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortages, related to climate change; availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor; and the organization of our previously held African gold operations and properties under a separate listed Company. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

We disclaim 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 applicable law.

Contacts:

INVESTOR CONTACT: Daniel Oh

Senior Vice President, Investor Engagement and Governance

+1 416 307-7474

doh@barrick.com



MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Lloyd

Senior Vice President, Communications

+1 416 307-7414

alloyd@barrick.com




The Dutch materials specialists have conducted new field tests in China that show how its new anti-soiling coating can deliver up to 3% additional yield on solar modules.The problem of soiled solar panels is an issue as old as PV itself. Contemporary understanding of soiling, however, is helping to mitigate the negative effects of dusty or dirty modules - which can not only lead to reduced power output but can also cause hotspots to occur. The Netherlands-based backsheet and coatings specialist DSM has recently introduced a new anti-soiling coating for solar modules that it claims can boost the average power output against modules treated with its own anti-reflective coating. These gains in efficiency were recorded at the TUV SUD test site in Dunhuang, China, in ongoing field tests that began last year. Here the anti-soiling coating outperforms DSM's own anti-reflective coating - that already provides 3% extra power ...

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.
ATLANTA (dpa-AFX) - Delta Air Lines (DAL) Tuesday reported that total system traffic expressed in revenue passenger miles for August increased 6.9 percent, while year to date traffic was up 2.3 percent. International traffic climbed 3.2 percent, while domestic traffic increased 9.5 percent. Load Factor improved by 3.5 points to 84.4 percent. Available Seat Miles or capacity for August for the total system were up 2.7 percent and it carried 17.6 million passengers. Cargo ton miles grew 19.4 percent. For the September quarter, the company expects passenger unit revenue growth to be up 2 to 3 percent, as the recovery in domestic close-in yields has been slower than anticipated. The airline expects the normalized cost per available seat miles excluding fuel to be up approximately 2%. Cost per available seat mile or CASM for September on a reported basis is expected to grow 4 percent and 2 percent and on a normalised basis up 2 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Pure Hospitality Solutions, Inc. (OTC PINK: PNOW), the developer of multiple and diverse business ventures relevant to Central America and the Caribbean, announced today that the Company has significantly increased its revenue potential, by expanding its operations to include 'importing' to Central America; expanding the Company's distribution and sales strategy.

"Meso Numismatics has been successfully exporting its inventory from Costa Rica to the United States, where the majority of revenues have been generated," stated Melvin Pereira, President and CEO of Pure Hospitality Solutions. "This strategy has worked remarkably well, producing scalable revenue, in an extremely short period of time."

"However, there is a large market for foreign metals, coins and currency here in Costa Rica and other parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Borrowing from the 'Ox Cart Phenomenon,' we are efficiently scaling our operations by importing U.S. and other international inventory into Central America at an increased rate, leading to an overall increase in sales."

The 'Ox Cart Phenomenon,' which is essentially the efficient use of a transport and distribution vehicle, influenced management's decision to begin importing inventory from its American distribution and sales channels, to be sold throughout Central America and the Caribbean; complementing the current exporting business. Meso Numismatics has now scaled its operations by importing rare U.S. goods which have a large market within the Meso region. This has quickly increased the Company's distribution and sales channels, adding a new revenue stream.

Pereira concluded, "In less than a year, Meso is already participating on a global scale, selling inventory around the world, through both local and international distribution centers. Given that the 2nd QT disclosures did not reflect consolidated numbers, we will offer full transparency by adding and updating the sales figures to our website, until properly reflected in the 3rd QT disclosures. This is particularly important as our business is quickly scaling up and we want investors to clearly see our revenue and growth potential."

With total sales surpassing $70,000, inventory growing to $129,500, and debt obligations significantly eliminated, management is confident that they are on track to making the Company an extremely successful investment opportunity."

While the Company awaits its 3rd QT Disclosures, shareholders can find updated financial data on Meso's website, showing month-over-month sales and growth.

About Pure Hospitality Solutions, Inc.

PURE, through its developed or acquired assets and subsidiaries, operates multiple business ventures throughout Central America and the Caribbean, promoting opportunities for tourism to the Region.

Meso Numismatics is the Company's emerging numismatic company. The Company has a global inventory of coins and bank notes, and specializes in pieces from Central America and parts of the Caribbean. The Company has rare and exquisite inventory available for sale at www.MesoCoins.com, as well as at some of the largest and most prestigious auction houses in the world.

Contact:

Team PURE

IR Div. (800) 889-9509






WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After meeting with Democratic leaders at the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said an agreement on the undocumented immigrants protected under the rescinded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is 'fairly close.'



Trump briefly spoke to reporters as he prepared to depart for Florida on Thursday, a day after meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.



'We want to get massive border security, and I think that both Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, I think they agree with it,' Trump said. 'And I think we're fairly close but we have to get massive border security.'



He added, 'Look, 92 percent of the people agree on DACA, but what we want is we want very, very powerful border security.'



Earlier in the day, Trump denied in a post on Twitter that an agreement was reached on DACA in an apparent response to a statement by Schumer and Pelosi.



'No deal was made last night on DACA. Massive border security would have to be agreed to in exchange for consent. Would be subject to vote,' Trump tweeted.



Schumer and Pelosi said in the statement that they had reached an agreement with Trump to enshrine the protections of DACA into law and to work out a border security package that excludes the construction of the border wall.



A subsequent statement from Schumer and Pelosi said Trump's tweets were not inconsistent with the agreement reached at the meeting, noting that there was no final deal.



'We agreed that the President would support enshrining DACA protections into law, and encourage the House and Senate to act,' Schumer and Pelosi said.



They added, 'What remains to be negotiated are the details of border security, with a mutual goal of finalizing all details as soon as possible.'



Schumer and Pelosi said both sides agreed the border wall would not be part of the deal, although they acknowledged Trump made clear he intends to continue to pursue the wall.



In his comments to reporters, Trump declared that the border wall is 'going to be built' but said funding would come 'a little bit later.'



The news of the tentative agreement angered conservatives, who accused Trump of going back on his campaign promise to crack down on illegal immigration.



Breitbart News, which is run by former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, featured headlines referring to Trump as 'Amnesty Don.'



Congressman Steve King, R-Iowa, an immigration hardliner, claimed in a tweet that as a result of the agreement Trump's political base would be 'blown up, destroyed, irreparable, and disillusioned beyond repair.'



(Photo: Gage Skidmore)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
SIOUX FALLS, SD -- (Marketwired) -- 09/29/17 -- GroGenesis, Inc. (OTCQB: GROG) (the "company"), a global sustainable pioneer in AgriTech and producer of AgraBurstPRO, an organic, non-GMO nano-surfactant and emulsifier for farmers, fertilizer manufacturers and commercial lawn and turf companies, announced today the Company will be hosting a two day Global Distributor Conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia at the Sofitel Phnom Penh October 5-6, 2017.

Richard Kamolvathin, CEO of GroGenesis, will be presenting "Accelerating GDP Growth through Agriculture" to more than 150 attendees. Countries with agricultural sectors that make a significant contribution to GDP have the ability to increase their GDP growth rate by maximizing efficiencies and encouraging organic farming practices. With the increases in yield, farmers can earn the discretionary income to have a positive impact on a country's economy-at-large. AgraBurstPRO can become an integral part of farmers' farming practices to achieve this national goal.

Upon the conclusion of the presentation, an in-depth AgraBurstPRO Technical Information Presentation and Question and Answer Forum will be conducted to review field testing results on various crops and answer questions from interested parties on the science of AgraBurstPRO and its application protocols. Country distributors, sub-distributors and prospective distributors from nine (9) South East Asia countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam), two (2) South American countries (Colombia and Peru) and one distributor from Switzerland will be participating in the forum.

Mr. Richard Kamolvathin, President and CEO/CSO of GroGenesis, said, "All countries have challenges in increasing their GDP growth rate. But countries with a large agriculture industry have a unique opportunity to dramatically accelerate their GDP growth by assisting their farmers to be good custodians of their soil while, at the same time, increasing their crop yields with a cost-efficient organic input. Improving the lives of farmers by introducing a totally safe to handle, non-toxic input that helps increase the family farmers' income is a core mission of GroGenesis."

Kamolvathin added, "We, at GroGenesis, are excited to be traveling to South East Asia to introduce AgraBurstPRO to our distributors and prospective distributors, media and government dignitaries. We have worked diligently over the past two years to perform the appropriate field tests with AgraBurstPRO to validate its efficacy, confirm the recommended protocols and document the increases in yield. We look forward to sharing this data with our distributor/partners next week."

About AgraBurstPRO

AgraBurstPRO is a proprietary, all-natural, non-GMO agricultural input which improves the ability of the plant (crops, fruit trees, palms, etc.) to efficiently access applied nutrients incorporated in fertilizers (and thereby reducing fertilizer costs), improving drought tolerance and increasing crop yields. By optimizing the plant's uptake of applied pest and weed controls and fertilizers, food producers can minimize other input costs, reduce the health risk to workers and produce healthy food for farmers' families and consumers. AgraBurstPRO is an Organic, Broad Spectrum Nano Surfactant agriculture input which enhances the ability of the plant to more efficiently use the added nutrients incorporated in fertilizers resulting in less fertilizer required. The product improves the natural health of all plants --including crops, trees, vegetables and grasses--by dramatically stimulating the nutrient and water uptake in plants. The spray solution is a plant-based extract which is organic, non-toxic, carcinogen-free, biodegradable and safe for use in all soil conditions. Its application amplifies the plant's natural capacity to absorb nutrients through its own foliage while augmenting root development and soil uptake. AgraBurstPRO facilitates the rapid nutrient transport at the cellular level, resulting in improved photosynthesis and increased absorption of the primary keys to growth: water, sugars, and minerals. AgraBurstPRO is formulated for organic and non-GMO producers and those food growers seeking to convert to non-GMO and organic food production.

Investor Database for Future Press Releases and Industry Updates

Interested investors and shareholders are invited to be added to the corporate e-mail database for corporate press releases and periodic industry updates by sending an email to info@grogenesis.com.

About GroGenesis, Inc.

Headquartered in the heart of the US Farm Belt, Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based GroGenesis, Inc. is a sustainable AgriTech services enterprise offering food producers a revolutionary, proprietary, all-natural, non-GMO nano-surfactant which enhances soil and crop health and reduces the health risk to farm workers due to its non-toxic properties. GroGenesis' flagship product, AgraBurstPRO, is a non-toxic concentrated solution agricultural input which enhances the ability of the plant to more efficiently absorb nutrients in fertilizers resulting in lower fertilizer cosys. The application of AgraBurstPRO can begin the process of improving the health of the soil while minimizing the use of conventional chemical agricultural inputs. AgraBurstPRO also provides turf maintenance companies servicing homeowners, resorts, parks and golf courses with an organic input to improve the health and appearance of lawns and landscapes.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.GroGenesis.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial uncertainties and risks. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections and reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this release. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to, the development of our products, our limited financial resources, our ability to raise the working capital needed to fund the expansion of our current and future distribution commitments, our ability to retain key employees, our competitors' ability to develop better or less expensive alternatives to our products and the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason.

Contact Information

GroGenesis Investor Relations

(605) 836-3100

info@grogenesis.com



Media and Product Inquiries:

GroGenesis, Inc.

(605) 836-3100

info@GroGenesis.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 5, 2017) - Cornerstone Metals Inc. (TSXV: CCC) ("Cornerstone" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its due diligence on the Carlin Vanadium Project and is proceeding to Definitive Agreement stage. The Company announced on August 11, 2017 it had entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Americas Gold Exploration Inc. (AGEI), a private Nevada corporation, to acquire 100% interest in its underlying option agreement on the Carlin Vanadium Project, Nevada. The Carlin Vanadium Project has one of the largest known primary vanadium deposits in the U.S.A. The latest utility-scale battery storage technology to emerge on the commercial market is the vanadium redox flow battery.

The Carlin Vanadium Project is located in Elko County 22km by road (14 miles) from the town of Carlin, Nevada, and is comprised of 72 contiguous unpatented mineral claims totaling 461 hectares (1,140 acres). The Carlin Vanadium deposit was discovered by Union Carbide Corp. (UCC) in the 1960's, which completed surface mapping, trenching and 152 rotary drill holes in 11,133m (36,525 feet) of drilling. The average drill hole spacing was 60m (200ft) apart within the more densely drilled areas. Drilling indicates a zone of mineralization approximately 55m (180 feet) thick striking north-south over 1,860m (6,100ft) in length and dipping 5-30 east and west averaging 760m (2,500ft) of down dip extent from surface. By 1967, UCC completed a vanadium resource estimate that was completed prior to the adoption of NI 43-101.

SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. reported an NI-43-101 Inferred mineral resource within a Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources, EMC Metals Corp., Carlin Vanadium Project, Carlin, Nevada and dated April 30, 2010 (the "Technical Report") on the deposit, following the guidelines of the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The Technical Report, which was prepared according to the disclosure requirements of NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, outlined an Inferred mineral resource, at a 0.3% vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) cut-off-grade, of 28 million tons at a weighted average grade of 0.515% (V 2 O 5 ), having a total metal content of 289 million pounds V 2 O 5 .

Notes to accompany Carlin Vanadium Mineral Resource:

The 0.3% V 2 O 5 cut-off-grade (CoG) was chosen for resource reporting based on the reasonable potential for economic extraction under a conceptual open pit mining and milling scenario. The CoG was calculated using $2.30/short ton ("st") mining cost, $35/st milling cost, $0.50/st admin cost, 65% recovery, 95% selling pay-for, 1% freight charge, 0% royalty and a $10.46/lb V 2 O 5 value. The V 2 O 5 price was based on a five year trailing average value. This analysis resulted in a break-even CoG of 0.30%. The results reported in the resource statement are rounded to reflect the approximation of grade and quantity, which can be achieved at this level of resource estimation. Tonnage and grade measurements are in US units. Grades are reported in percentages.

The historic Carlin Vanadium mineral resource estimate that was prepared by SRK for EMC Metals Corp. (EMC) had an effective date of April 9, 2010. Results of the study were disclosed previously by EMC in accordance with NI 43-101 and are considered historic in nature by the Company. This historical estimate was prepared using currently accepted methods and assumptions but the costs and prices assumed are not current. It is considered reliable since the geologic model developed by EMC geologists was used. The historical estimate uses the same resource classes described in Section 1.2 of NI 43-101. The historical estimate does not include any more recent data or estimates available to the Company. The work needed to upgrade the historical estimate as current mineral resources will be to use current costs and metal prices. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Paul Cowley, Cornerstone's President and CEO, comments, "The project has an exceptional setting, location and infrastructure available to it. We are looking to finalize the acquisition expeditiously and begin work advancing the project."

A Finder's Fee is payable in relation to this transaction within guidelines of TSX-V policy. The acquisition and Finder's Fee are subject to TSX-V approval.

About Cornerstone Metals Inc.

Cornerstone's objective is to advance exploration/development stage copper, precious and strategic minerals properties to production in the Americas. The Company's Management and Board Core Competence is in exploration, permitting, development, construction, and operation of mining projects.

Cornerstone owns 100% (subject to 1.5% NSR) of the West Jerome property, near Jerome, Arizona, on the west side of Freeport McMoRan patented lands. The property, in a Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide camp, is a high-grade, massive sulfide target located 2.4 km south of the past-producing United Verde (32 million tons grading 4.4% copper, 1.5 oz/t silver and 0.04 oz/t gold). The West Jerome property has attractive untested drill targets.

Technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul Cowley, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and President and CEO of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF CORNERSTONE METALS INC.

per:

"Paul Cowley"

CEO & President

For further information, please contact:

Paul Cowley

Tel: 604-340-7711

Email: pcowley@cornerstonemetals.ca

Neither the 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 information

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance and include the potential acquisition of the Carlin Vanadium project as described in the news release. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to other risks, the Company's potential acquisition may prove to be unsuccessful and the Company may be unable to complete such transaction. Further, the Company may not attract capital in the future to finance the transaction costs or obligations under the assignment, which could affect whether the Company proceeds with the acquisition.Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 5, 2017) - Augusta Industries Inc. (TSXV: AAO) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that Enbridge Inc. ("Enbridge") has published on its website a complimentary article on the Corporation that highlights its technology and capabilities and benefits to Enbridge. The article can be found by following the link provided below and the Corporation has taken the liberty to republish the article below.

"We are honored and pleased that Enbridge has the confidence in the Corporation and its technology to publish the article," stated Allen Lone, the President of the Corporation. "The article reaffirms what the Corporation believes - its technology is invaluable to its clients and is reliable and solid."

The article is titled, "Taking 'charge' with real-time, continuous pipeline monitoring FOX-TEK's Electric Field Mapping (EFM) technology monitors pipe walls for internal corrosion."

It's highly accurate, it's non-intrusive, it's continuous and it goes with the flow. Electrically speaking, that is. For the past decade, Electric Field Mapping (EFM) technology-developed by Toronto-based FOX-TEK Canada Inc.-has been helping to keep Enbridge's pipeline network healthy and fit for purpose by staying "current," in a manner of speaking. "If you put your finger in a stream, the water goes around your fingers. And that's essentially how our EFM technology works," says Allen Lone, President and CEO at FOX-TEK Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Augusta Industries Inc. "Based on a continuous EFM monitoring system, we're measuring the minute changes in electrical current density through a segment of the pipe where our sensor array is mounted," adds Lone. "If there are any localized changes in the pipe wall-such as metal loss due to corrosion-our EFM system will detect a change in the current density." FOX-TEK's EFM technology, as well as the company's fiber optic-based optical strain gauges and sensor cable-based leak detection systems, are used all over the world-on anything from tanks and vessels to overpasses and bridges to refineries and electrical towers. For energy pipelines in particular, EFM is a complementary technology that can be used to supplement a pipeline operator's inspection and maintenance tactics. Where a high-tech in-line inspection (ILI) tool has detected a localized area of minor internal corrosion that warrants monitoring, FOX-TEK will install an array of up to 200 wired metal pins, reflecting the size and the shape of the affected area, to monitor changes in the pipe wall's electrical field. Significantly, EFM systems are:

Built for remote applications, with each pin sensor array fully autonomous through solar-powered battery packs;

Continuous, as opposed to monitoring systems that must be manually checked;

Non-intrusive, allowing operators to monitor the effectiveness of their pipe cleaning regimens; and

Accessible, with wireless data transmission and cloud-based data storage that's available 24/7 via web-based portals.

"Crude oil transmission pipelines are typically at low risk of internal corrosion due to the cleanliness of the transported products, as well as their high flow rates," says Trevor Place, a senior engineering specialist with Enbridge's liquids pipelines division. "Nevertheless, over the very long term, there may be periods when accumulated sediment and water have caused corrosion. These locations are easily detected through our in-line inspection programs, and some of these may become suitable for supplemental monitoring using EFM technology. "Because they're real-time and continuous," adds Place, "FOX-TEK monitoring systems are capable of a high level of precision-and they provide validation for our ongoing mitigation activities, like interior cleaning or chemical additives that minimize bacteria and prevent corrosion." FOX-TEK's EFM technology is currently providing continuous monitoring at several locations along Enbridge's 17,511-mile (28,181-km) North American crude oil and liquids network. "Because the EFM system is monitoring the actual pipe wall, there really is no better representation of what's happening inside the pipe," says Place. "FOX-TEK has been a solid performer for Enbridge for years."

About the Corporation:

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Marcon International Inc. ("Marcon") and Fox-Tek, the Corporation provides a variety of services and products to a number of clients.

Marcon is an industrial supply contractor servicing the energy sector and a number of US Government entities. Marcon's principal business is the sale and distribution of industrial parts and equipment.

FOX-TEK provides world leading solutions to various sectors including the oil and gas industry. With non- intrusive technologies including: fiber optic sensors and electric field mapping systems; we are able to accurately measure changes that could negatively impact our client's operations.

Corporation contact:

Allen Lone, President, CEO, Augusta Industries Inc.

Tel: (905) 275 8111 Ext 226, email: atlone@fox-tek.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimates of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are detailed from time to time in the Corporation's periodic reports filed with the Ontario Securities Commission and other regulatory authorities. The Corporation has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (ICAGY.PK, IAG.L), formed by the merger of British Airways plc. and Spanish flag carrier Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana S.A., said that its traffic in August 2017 increased 1.2% from August 2016, on a capacity increase of 0.4%. Group traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres or RPK for the latest-month increased 1.2 percent to 24.77 billion from 24.48 billion RPK in the same month last year. Group capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres or ASK rose 0.4 percent to 28.62 billion from 28.51 billion ASK in the previous year month. Passenger load factor for the month rose 0.6 points to 86.5 percent from 85.9 percent in the prior year. The airline carried a total of 10.65 million passengers in the recent month, up 0.7 percent from last year's 10.57 million passengers. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The White House has ruled out any health hazards for President Donald Trump and announced that his medical records would be released next year after conducting a physical check-up. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was forced to answer a question at a routine press briefing Thursday why Trump slurred through part of his speech about recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocating the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Towards the end of his speech Wednesday, Trump was seen slurring and mispronouncing his words, notably, 'God bless the United States'. There was speculation about the President's health, and that Trump wears dentures. After leaving the lectern, Sanders returned to answer a shouted question about the president's health, saying 'I'll break the rules and I'll come back.' 'I know that there were a lot of questions on that -- frankly, pretty ridiculous questions. The President's throat was dry. Nothing more than that,' she told reporters. 'He does have a physical scheduled for the first part of next year, the full physical that most Presidents go through. That will take place at Walter Reed (National Military Medical Center), and those records will be released by the doctor,' she added. Trump, who repeatedly mocked Senator Marco Rubio over his 2013 mid-speech water consumption, paused during a live address at the White House on November 15 to awkwardly sip bottled water, which he lifted to his mouth with two hands. Rubio responded with a trolling tweet recommending the 70-year old Commander-in-chief to work on his water-guzzling form. 'Has to be done in one single motion & eyes should never leave the camera,' the Florida lawmaker retorted using the exact words Trump used to tease him in multiple platforms. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Opposition parties and protest movements under the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) have castigated Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo for threatening to arrest those criticising the First Family.This comes after Chombo said police must arraign everyone criticising the first family, in apparent reference to Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA) secretary-general Victor Matemadanda, who came out recently with a T-shirt which castigated the First Lady as a bad mother."We note with rage, the unrepentant character of Zanu-PF of perpetually capturing and abusing State institutions for their partisan interests. The remarks by ...Chombo at the recently-held Grace Mugabe solidarity march that those insulting or demeaning Grace Mugabe face imminent arrest' are not just reckless, they amount to blatant abuse of the constitutional mandate of the police service as qualified in Chapter 11 Section 219 (1) and 219 (3)," Nera Youth Forum said in a joint statement signed by chairman Tawanda Kalonga and information director Davies Mukushwa."In particular, his orders that police apprehend anti-Grace citizens are a flagrant breach of Sections 58, 59 and 61 of the Constitution which bestow upon all citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe freedom of assembly and association, freedom to demonstrate and petition and freedom of expression."Recently, Matemadanda was arrested for wearing a T-shirt mocking Grace.The T-shirt was written; "Control your children first, say war vets. Grace a failed mum; her sons unruly rogues. Failing with only two boys, can't mother 14 million."The first family has been in the eye of a storm, with Grace being a talking point for weeks, following allegations that she assaulted Gabriella Engels, a 20-year-old South African model she found in the company of her sons at a Johannesburg hotel."Instead of immortalising Grace Mugabe, we challenge minister Chombo to be exemplary and handover Grace ... to the South African courts for prosecution in her alleged grievous assault of ...Engels to save the worsening Zimbabwe-South Africa diplomatic ties from further deterioration," Nera's statement said.Civic society groups and opposition political parties both in Zimbabwe and South Africa have been calling for Grace's prosecution on the allegations." . . . Chombo should be kindly reminded of Section 219(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe which reads: The police service must be non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional and subordinate to the civilian authority as established by this Constitution'," Nera said.
This public and open call seeks to identify innovative solution proposals from entrepreneurs, research groups and/or companies that make selective coffee harvesting in Colombia more efficient.



BOGOTA, Colombia, 2017-09-05 17:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) recently launched a global call for making selective coffee harvesting in Colombia more efficient.



This public and open call, called "CoffeepickINN", is a challenge that seeks to identify innovative solution proposals coming from entrepreneurs, research groups and/or companies that make selective coffee harvesting in Colombia more efficient.



The call will have the support of Connect Bogota-Region, an expert organization in facilitating open innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer processes.



"What we want is to generate shared value between the proponents and the FNC through joint development of innovations that solve the problem of high labor costs in coffee harvesting in Colombia, aiming at higher profitability of producers," said the FNC CEO, Roberto Velez.



Those submitting their proposals must be aware that, to achieve greater efficiency in coffee harvesting, they need to address, under the specific conditions of the Colombian environment, the different causes of this problem, including technological, agricultural, human, and economic factors.



Those interested in taking part will find detailed information about the challenge, the registration form, deadlines and other terms and conditions of the call, which goes from July 10 to September 29, 2017, on www.coffeepickinn.com.



As an incentive, the FNC has a pool of resources (in cash and in kind) to be invested in the development of solutions and their implementation in Colombia through profitable, scalable businesses, or through partnerships or partnership agreements.



Aimed at entrepreneurs, companies and/or researchers



The call is aimed at groups of entrepreneurs, companies and/or researchers at the national and international level with the ideas, talent and technology needed to solve the challenge through scientific or technological innovations:



-- Groups of entrepreneurs: Natural and legal persons who are creating a new business or company. -- Companies: Legally constituted enterprises. -- Research groups: Master's or PhD level at universities.



The solutions can be partially developed in other industries or be in the process of research. Therefore, this call also encourages proponents to adapt solutions to respond to the challenge proposed.



Contact information: Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) Oscar Bernal (57+1) 3136600 Ext. 1546 oscar.bernal@cafedecolombia.com

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responsAbility and Cleantech Solar have signed an agreement for $20 million to finance rooftop solar energy for commercial and industrial customers in South-East Asia and India.A Switzerland-based asset manager, responsAbility Investments AG and Singapore-based solar energy provider, Cleantech Solar have signed an agreement for a $20 million long-term corporate loan. The fund will be used for financing new pan-Asia rooftop solar power plants in the commercial and industrial sector to increase the momentum of rooftop solar energy adoption in South-East Asia and India. The two companies highlighted the sustainability ...

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.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2017 / The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on behalf of investors who purchased Sequans Communications S.A. ("Sequans") (NYSE: SQNS) securities between April 29, 2016 and July 31, 2017 .

Click here to learn about the case: http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-sb/sequans-communications-s-a?wire=1. There is no cost or obligation to you.

According to the complaint, throughout the Class Period, the Company issued materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company was improperly recognizing revenue; and (2) as a result, certain public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On August 1, 2017, Sequans revealed that its revenue in the second quarter was negatively affected by a product return from an early 2016 sale related to the tablet business. When this news was announced, shares of Sequans declined in value materially, which caused investors harm.

If you suffered a loss in Sequans, you have until October 10, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. To obtain additional information, contact Vincent Wong, Esq. either via email vw@wongesq.com, by telephone at 212.425.1140, or visit http://www.wongesq.com/pslra-sb/sequans-communications-s-a?wire=1.

Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney that has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Vincent Wong, Esq.

39 East Broadway

Suite 304

New York, NY 10002

Tel. 212.425.1140

Fax. 866.699.3880

E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com

SOURCE: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong
Royalty Portfolio Growth at 400% Within One Year

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 5, 2017) - Ely Gold & Minerals Inc. (TSXV: ELY) (OTC Pink: ELYGF) ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nevada Select Royalty, Inc. ("Nevada Select") has entered into a definitive sale agreement with Wolfpack Gold (Nevada) Corp. ("Wolfpack") a wholly owned subsidiary of Timberline Resources, whereby Nevada Select will acquire a 100% interest in four deeded royalties and one leased property (the "Transaction") for a cash consideration of US$40,000. The closing date of the Transaction is expected to be on or around September 8, 2017 (the "Closing").

The deeded royalties include;

a 1% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") on the Gilbert South property in Esmeralda County, Nevada, currently operated by Renaissance Gold; a 1% NSR on the Maggie Creek property in Eureka County, Nevada, currently operated by Renaissance Gold; a 1% NSR on the Mt. Hamilton property in White Pine County, Nevada, currently operated by Waterton Global; and a 3% NSR on the Danbo property in Nye County, Nevada, currently operated by VR Resources.

The leased property in the Transaction is comprised of 19 unpatented mining claims in Pershing County, Nevada. The claims, known as the Antelope Springs Project, are under a Mining Lease with Purchase Option to Pershing Gold Corporation (the "Pershing Lease"). There are advance minimum royalty payments, to be paid to Nevada Select, on the Pershing Lease as follows;

Year 1-9 US$10,000;

Year 10-14 US$12,500;

Year 15-19 US$15,000; and

Year 20+ US$20,000

At Closing, the deeded royalties will be assigned to Nevada Select, The Antelope Springs claims will be transferred to Nevada Select by mining deed and the Pershing Lease will be assumed by Nevada Select. Also, Nevada Select will receive all Wolfpack's data on Nevada projects.

Trey Wasser, President and CEO of Ely Gold commented on the Transaction, "We are very pleased to add these five quality assets to the Nevada Select portfolio. We are also adding some excellent counter-parties with active exploration teams working on four of the properties and a permitted mine at Mt. Hamilton. In the past twelve months, we have grown our deeded royalty portfolio from five to twenty royalties. In addition, our option portfolio has grown from five to fifteen optioned properties. The counter-parties to our royalty and option portfolio include major gold companies, mid-tier producers and some of the most talented exploration teams in Nevada."

Stephen Kenwood, P. Geo, is director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Kenwood has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

About Ely Gold

Ely Gold is focused on developing recurring cash flow streams through the acquisition, consolidation, enhancement, and resale of highly prospective, un-encumbered North American precious metals properties. Ely's property development efforts maximize each property's potential for acquisition, while reserving significant royalty interests. Additional information about Ely Gold is available at the Company's website, at www.elygoldinc.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Signed "Trey Wasser"

Trey Wasser, President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Trey Wasser, President & CEO

trey@elygoldinc.com

972-803-3087

Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer

jjobin@elygoldinc.com

604-488-1104

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 including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
Technavio's latest report on the global aerosol propellants marketprovides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005356/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global aerosol propellants market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The aerosol propellants are widely used by aerosol spray manufacturers across the world to provide customers with the desired product. The global aerosol propellants market has significant growth opportunities during the forecast period. The is growing due to the increased consumption of aerosols in the personal care segment. The strategic adoption of personal care products by manufacturers to launch gender specific products contribute more toward the growth of the market.

Ajay Adhikari, a lead analyst from Technavio, specializing in research on specialty chemicals sector, says, "The increased extraction of natural gas and crude oil around the world, especially in new areas, also drives the market for aerosol propellants by providing a regular supply of raw materials. The market in APAC is expected to witness the highest growth and holds the highest share after Europe."

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free

The top three emerging trends driving the global aerosol propellants marketaccording to Technavio research analysts are:

Increase in production of low cost and low GWP aerosol propellants

Rising popularity of aerosols in food industry

Health and environmental concerns leading to stringent rules and regulations

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Increase in production of low cost and low GWP aerosol propellants

The global aerosol propellants market has experienced a lot of changes over time. Spray can propellants that deplete the ozone layer are long gone, and new alternatives have filled the demand supply gap as the years passed by. In the current scenario, after banning harmful variants of CFCs from applications in all areas, including aerosols, the ozone layer is recovering slowly.

"Using technological advances and investing in R&D, many organizations have developed products that are less harmful to the environment, thereby reducing their potential for global warming. For instance, Honeywell International has developed a Solistice propellant that has minimal environmental impacts," according to Ajay

Rising popularity of aerosols in food industry

Aerosols are increasingly becoming popular in the food industry, owing to their convenience of use and waste reduction. They are used by food grade packaging material manufacturers to provide consumers with food grade aerosol sprays. Propellant gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, are used in whipped creams.

Experts in the market say that efficiency and practicality are the main factors leading to the rise of aerosol food products. Aerosol packaged food products also ensure quality, without exposing the food to light and air, thus making it free of contaminants. They also help in waste reduction as consumers will be able to use the precise amount according to their requirements.

Health and environmental concerns leading to stringent rules and regulations

There are various health and environmental concerns associated with the use of aerosol propellants. The use of CFCs was extensive at one point of time. However, its unchecked use led to significant levels of ozone depletion, which is considered as a high-level environmental breach. After years of banning the product from use with respect to the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery.

Regulatory bodies and governments worldwide are cautious about the use of propellant gases and have released properly set guidelines and regulations regarding their use. This increases the cost of production, thus affecting the players in the market. Also, regulations pertaining to the use of aerosols and aerosol containers affect the market.

The key vendors are as follows:

Aeropres

Akzo Nobel

Honeywell International

National Gas

Royal Dutch Shell

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About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005356/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

www.technavio.com
Awarded to the Agilent IQFISH Panel for Lung Cancer

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has received a 2017 Scientists' Choice Award for Best New Clinical Laboratory Product: the IQFISH Panel for Lung Cancer. The IQFISH panel for lung cancer makes it easier for pathology labs to integrate fast, high-quality FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) into their IHC workflows.

The announcement was made during a special ceremony held during the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting Clinical Lab Expo 2017 held early August in San Diego, USA. AACC highlights the most exciting clinical developments from institutions all over the world. As it does each year, scientists around the world were invited to participate in the Scientists' Choice Awards by nominating, voting and reviewing online.

"We are delighted and honored to receive this award, especially because the voters were scientists themselves," says Jeff Heimburger, head of genomics marketing for Agilent. "Not only is this a recognition of product quality and innovation, it also shows that we're listening to our customers and developing the right products that help them fight cancer."

Non-small-cell lung cancer can involve certain genetic aberrations. The IQFISH panel for lung cancer can help detect rearrangements involving those genes, yielding information that can help guide treatment options. With this technology, multiple FISH slides can be processed in just four hours, whereas traditional FISH can take two or more days.

The IQFISH panel launched in Europe in 2016 and is CE-IVD labeled. It is not available for sale in the U.S.

The annual Scientists' Choice Awards celebrate the laboratory products and manufacturers that make a difference to the industry. SelectScience began the Scientists' Choice Awards in 2007 to enable scientists to voice their opinions on the best laboratory products. Scientists are then invited to vote for their favorite products within each category, and the winners are announced at scientific conferences.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets.With more than 50 years of insight and innovation, Agilent instruments, software, services, solutions, and people provide trusted answers to its customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenues of $4.20 billion in fiscal 2016 and employs about 13,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005851/en/

Contacts:

Agilent Technologies

Naomi Goumillout, +1 978-314-1862

naomi.goumillout@agilent.com
Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) announced today that Debbie Weiser has joined Everest Insurance as the newly appointed leader of Excess Casualty within Everest Specialty Casualty.

Commenting on the addition, Connie Germano, Head of Specialty Casualty, stated, "Debbie brings to Everest extensive experience in the Umbrella and Excess space, particularly in the valued middle market client segment. With over thirty years in the insurance business, Debbie is a highly respected underwriter within the Excess Casualty community with longstanding broker and client relationships. Her unique combination of leadership in Claims and Underwriting in the Middle Market space is a significant advantage for Everest and our clients."

Based in New York, Debbie joins Everest from AIG where she was Head of Excess Casualty Strategic Growth and Innovation. Prior to her role at AIG, Debbie was President of Excess Casualty at Travelers, a position she held for four years after several roles of increasing responsibility within that organization. Debbie began her career at Chubb as a Casualty Claims Adjustor. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University.

Everest Re Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda holding company that operates through the following subsidiaries: Everest Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance to property and casualty insurers in both the U.S. and international markets. Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., including through its branch in the United Kingdom, provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers. Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland), dac, provides reinsurance to non-life insurers in Europe. Everest Insurance refers to the primary insurance operations of Everest Re Group, Ltd., and its affiliated companies which offer property, casualty and specialty lines insurance on both an admitted and non-admitted basis in the U.S. and internationally. The Company also operates within the Lloyd's insurance market through Syndicate 2786. In addition, through Mt. Logan Re, Ltd., the Company manages segregated accounts, capitalized by the Company and third party investors that provide reinsurance for property catastrophe risks. Additional information on Everest Re Group companies can be found at the Group's web site at www.everestregroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006067/en/

Contacts:

Everest Global Services, Inc.

Elizabeth B. Farrell, 908-604-3169

Vice President, Investor Relations


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The majority of the European markets ended Tuesday's session in the red. The markets fluctuated between small gains and losses throughout the session. Investors were in a nervous mood due to the rising tensions between the United States and North Korea. However, traders were encouraged by some activity on the M&A front.



North Korea successfully tested a hydrogen bomb over the weekend, which has put traders in a nervous mood. President Donald Trump condemned the nuclear test, saying North Korea's words and actions continue to be very hostile and dangerous to the U.S. Trump said the U.S. is considering stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea in response to the test.



The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index weakened by 0.08 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks decreased 0.28 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, lost 0.15 percent.



The DAX of Germany climbed 0.18 percent, but the CAC 40 of France fell 0.34 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. declined 0.52 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished lower by 0.81 percent.



In Frankfurt, Volkswagen rallied 1.29 percent on reports that it has put the 1.5 billion-euro ($1.8 billion) sale of Ducati motorcycles on hold temporarily.



Merck KGaA jumped 2.32 percent after announcing that it is preparing strategic options for its consumer health business, including a potential full or partial sale of the business as well as strategic partnerships.



In London, TalkTalk Telecom rose 0.84 percent. The Financial Times said the company is exploring an exit from its mobile operations.



Aveva Group soared 25.73 percent after the engineering software firm agreed to a takeover offer from France's Schneider Electric. Shares of Schneider Electric rose 0.26 percent in Paris.



Reckitt Benckiser Group fell 2.72 percent after the company confirmed that four of its senior executives are leaving.



Admiral Group weakened by 1.51 percent after Berenberg downgraded its rating on the stock to 'Sell' from 'Hold.'



Eurozone retail sales declined in July due to a fall in food sales, data from Eurostat showed Tuesday. Retail sales volume decreased 0.3 percent month-on-month in July, partially offsetting June's 0.6 percent increase. The pace of decline matched economists' expectations.



Eurozone private sector logged steady growth in August, final data from IHS Markit showed Tuesday. The composite output index came in at 55.7 in August, matching July's reading but down slightly from the flash estimate of 55.8.



The British service sector expanded at the slowest pace in almost a year in August as subdued client demand and heightened uncertainty about the domestic economic outlook weighed on business activity.



The services Purchasing Managers' Index fell more-than-expected to 53.2 in August from 53.8 in July, survey data from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed Tuesday. The expected reading was 53.5.



Like-for-like sales in the United Kingdom climbed 1.3 percent on year in August, the British Retail Consortium said on Tuesday, accelerating from the 0.9 percent increase in July. Food sales remained firm, advancing an annual 3.2 percent, slowing from 3.4 percent in the previous month.



China's private sector expanded at the strongest pace in six months in August underpinned by increased activity at both manufacturers and services providers. The Caixin composite output index rose to 52.4 in August from 51.9 in July, survey data from IHS Markit showed Tuesday. A score above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.



After reporting a substantial increase in new orders for U.S. manufactured goods in the previous month, the Commerce Department released a report on Tuesday showing a sharp pullback in factory orders in the month of July.



The Commerce Department said factory orders plunged by 3.3 percent in July after surging up by an upwardly revised 3.2 percent in June. Economists had expected orders to tumble by 3.2 percent compared to the 3.0 percent jump originally reported for the previous month.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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PHILADELPHIA, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- The family of Christopher Allen today issued a statement in response to the journalist's wrongful death in South Sudan, East Africa. Allen, 26, was one of 19 people killed Saturday, August 26, 2017, during fighting between government troops and rebels in Kaya, near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Allen was a freelance reporter and photographer who covered stories for several news outlets, including the Independent, Telegraph, Guardian and Al-Jazeera. Both UNESCO and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the killing and affirmed Allen was deserving of civilian status in keeping with the Geneva Conventions, which should have protected him in a time of war.

To follow is the statement from Christopher Allen's parents, Joyce Krajian and John Allen:

"As we deal with our profound grief, we, the parents of Christopher Allen, join the Committee to Protect Journalists in the push for a credible and independent investigation of any parties involved in his wrongful death.

We respect and admire our son, whose unyielding passion for journalism was driven by his desire to tell some of the world's most critical stories. As loving parents, we were fearful whenever he entered a war zone and our hearts sank when we learned he was going to South Sudan. Yet Christopher was a truth seeker, committed to uncovering the full context of the stories he reported even when this required personal risk. His research was firsthand and thorough, and he cared deeply about the real people involved in and affected by conflict.

We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son and cannot begin to imagine our lives without him. Like Christopher, we believe access to information is fundamental to a free and thriving society and we must continue to protect journalists in order to maintain press freedom in the United States and across the globe. Just as Christopher sought the truth of the tragedies and difficulties of others, we will now work to establish the truth of the circumstances of his killing."

The family of Christopher Allen has launched a crowdfunding campaign in Christopher's memory, raising money to support the work and safety of freelance journalists. The fundraiser is online at https://www.gofundme.com/christopherallenlegacyfund.

CPJ, an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes journalistic freedom worldwide, urged authorities to respect all journalists' status as civilians.

"Taking photographs and reporting events is not attacking. It is journalistic work done by civilians, who are protected under international law," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal in New York. "We call for a credible, independent investigation into the killing of Christopher Allen so that those responsible can be held to account."

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3166613



Media contact:

Rosemary Ostmann

201-615-7751

rostmann@rosecomm.com




Leveraging her 30 years of experience in asset management, Seitz will lead the next growth phase of the global multi-asset firm

Global asset manager Russell Investments today announced that Michelle Seitz has been named chief executive officer and a director on the firm's board. She will become chairman of the board effective January 1, 2018 and will be based in the firm's headquarters in Seattle. She succeeds Len Brennan who will serve as chairman of Russell Investments through the end of 2017, after which time he will become a strategic advisor to the firm.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006159/en/

Michelle Seitz, CEO, Russell Investments (Photo: Business Wire)

Seitz, a recognized industry leader with more than 30 years of asset management experience, assumes leadership of Russell Investments to drive continued growth at a time when the firm's multi-asset approach is directly aligned with investors' growing needs for outcome-oriented solutions, and when the global capital markets are demanding agile, risk-managed total portfolio management.

"For more than three decades, Russell Investments has been at the forefront of asset management capabilities that are critical for success in today's investing environment-from cutting-edge asset allocation and unparalleled money manager insights, to some of the earliest forays into factor exposures and a competitively recognized implementation capability," said Todd R. Crockett, managing director, TA Associates, which, along with Reverence Capital Partners, acquired Russell Investments in 2016. "We are excited to welcome Michelle as Russell Investments' new CEO, and believe that her forward-looking leadership will help propel the firm into a new phase of evolution and growth that will benefit clients and associates alike."

Milton R. Berlinski, managing partner, Reverence Capital Partners, added, "We thank Len for his numerous contributions to Russell Investments over the course of more than two decades serving the firm's clients. Under Len's leadership for the past six years, the firm has built on its legacy of asset management innovation to offer industry-leading multi-asset solutions and recognized OCIO capabilities that position Russell Investments for the future and address the exacting demands of investors globally."

Seitz joins Russell Investments following 16 years leading William Blair Investment Management (WBIM) and serving on the seven-person executive committee of William Blair, which has more than 1,400 employees and offices in 10 cities across four continents. During her leadership tenure, Seitz drove the transformation and five-fold growth of WBIM from a regional high net worth franchise to the internationally recognized, global asset management business that it is today. Of note, she led the exponential growth of WBIM's institutional business from $2.3 billion in AUM to $65 billion in AUM while also cultivating a culture of client-centric excellence, integrity and employee engagement that led to WBIM being a four-time recipient of the 'Best Places to Work in Money Management' recognition by Pensions Investments

Based on her demonstrated track record of success, Seitz is well-positioned for her new role at Russell Investments where she will lead growth by leveraging the firm's brand and pursuing the opportunity to help institutional investors and financial advisors navigate the dynamic global markets and achieve investors' desired outcomes.

Prior to assuming leadership of William Blair Investment Management in 2001, Seitz led the firm's private wealth management businesses. Her previous experience also includes senior portfolio management roles with WBIM, Concord Investment Company, and Nationsbank.

Seitz was named one of the 'Top Women in Asset Management' in 2016 by Money Management Executive and was recently awarded the Kelley School Alumni Association Academy Fellows Award, which honors the most accomplished leaders from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. An active industry participant, she is a long-standing board member of the U.S. Institute, an association of asset management CEOs, and actively involved in The European Institute. She has held several leadership roles with the Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF), which is responsible for the oversight, administration, and finances of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). These include a recent five-year term on the FAF board of trustees, as well as roles on the executive committee and as chair of its finance and compensation committee. Seitz was awarded her CFA designation in 1990.

About Russell Investments

Russell Investments, a global asset manager, offers multi-asset portfolios and services which include advice, investments and implementation. Russell Investments stands with institutional investors, financial advisors and individuals working with their advisors-using the firm's core capabilities that extend across capital market insights, manager research, asset allocation, portfolio implementation and factor exposures-to help each achieve their desired investment outcomes. The firm has more than $277 billion in assets under management, including more than $123 billion in multi-asset solutions (as of 6/30/2017).

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Russell Investments operates globally with 21 offices, providing investment services in the world's major financial centers such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Toronto and New York. For more information about how Russell Investments helps to improve financial security for people, visit russellinvestments.com or follow @Russell_Invest.

Russell Investments' ownership is composed of a majority stake held by funds managed by TA Associates with minority stakes held by funds managed by Reverence Capital Partners and Russell Investments' management.

Frank Russell Company is the owner of the Russell trademarks contained in this material and all trademark rights related to the Russell trademarks, which the members of the Russell Investments group of companies are permitted to use under license from Frank Russell Company. The members of the Russell Investments group of companies are not affiliated in any manner with Frank Russell Company or any entity operating under the "FTSE RUSSELL" brand.

CORP-11123-2017-09-04

For real-time news updates, follow @Russell_Invest on Twitter

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006159/en/

Contacts:

Russell Investments

Kate Bauman, 206-505-1858

newsroom@russelllinvestments.com

or

Christian Brebbia, 347-839-8764

russell_investments@neibartgroup.com


News / National

by Staff reporter

Commissioner-General of police Dr Augustine Chihuri yesterday urged the police to use Godly wisdom in the execution of their duties, saying bad behaviour within the force must stop.He was delivering a sermon at Orange Groove Motel here during a meeting with police officers in Mashonaland West Province. "Everything requires Jesus and all police officers need to understand that," he said."True wisdom comes from God, not from traditional healers. If they are wise, why do they die? Why do they live in poverty? Why do they take money from you after engaging their services?"We want police officers who are led by Jesus in doing their daily duties. Police officers must pray for Godly wisdom in serving the nation and must do so with all their heart. The divine plan of wisdom is in Jesus."Comm-Gen Chihuri conceded there was corruption in ZRP and vowed to weed out bad apples. "Police officers must desist from misconduct," he said. "Pane zvinhu two zvinoitika pauhori. They are quick to grab money and conceal the act. "They want to do so in the dark and cover up everything. It is unlike when there is transparency in the system. Things are done in broad day light."The country is grappling with corruption in both the private and public sectors and the dire situation had been worsened by police officers, who chose not to fear God in their day to day work. We want police officer who are afraid of sin."Comm-Gen Chihuri said leadership started at home. "There is no way one can be expected to lead a certain department when he is failing his life," he said. "Kana uchitadza kutungamira mhuri yako, unotungamira sei kubatira nyika basa."We must be great leaders for Zimbabwe and be able to work and provide for our families. Why do you stay at home when your family is going to church? What example are you giving to your children?"We want police officers, who are well trained both at home and work. We do not want people to curse us when we are walking in public because of our conduct at home."
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- AlarmForce Industries ("AlarmForce") (TSX: AF) will release its third quarter results for 2017 on Monday, September 11th, 2017 after market close. The Company will subsequently hold a conference call on Tuesday, September 12th, 2017 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time hosted by Graham Badun, Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Lynch, Chief Financial Officer. A question and answer session will follow the corporate update.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS Date: Tuesday, September 12th, 2017 Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time Participant Dial-in Numbers: Local - Toronto: 647-788-4965 Operator-Assisted Toll Free - North American: 1-877-277-0232 Conference ID: 80419701 ENCORE REPLAY A digital recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the call's completion. To access the recording: Local - Toronto: 416-621-4642 Toll Free(Canada/US): 1-800-585-8367 Passcode: 80419701 Expiry Date: 26/09/2017 at 23:59 ET

About AlarmForce

AlarmForce provides security alarm monitoring, personal emergency response monitoring, video surveillance and related services to residential and commercial subscribers throughout Canada and the United States. More information about AlarmForce's products and services can be found at alarmforce.com.

This press release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained or referred to in this press release includes, but may not be limited to, AlarmForce's future enhancement and development of products, AlarmForce's proposed write down and possible other write downs of assets or investments (and the timing thereof) and other actions which may impact financial performance.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the inability of AlarmForce to reach an agreement with one or more specialty manufacturers, the inability of specialty manufacturers to meet the demands and requirements of AlarmForce, the actual amount of the proposed write down being different than the estimated amount, a change in AlarmForce's decision to complete the proposed write down, as well as certain other risks set out in AlarmForce's public documents, including its annual information form dated January 27, 2015, filed under AlarmForce's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information in this press release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of AlarmForce based on information currently available to AlarmForce. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this press release, AlarmForce has made assumptions about: AlarmForce's business, the economy and AlarmForce's industry in general. AlarmForce has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of AlarmForce's normal course of business. Although AlarmForce believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, AlarmForce disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Contacts:

News Media:

Hugh Mansfield

(416)-599-0024/(212)-370-5045

hugh@mansfieldinc.com



Securities Analysts:

Chris Lynch

(416) 445-2414

clynch@alarmforce.com




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the "Company" or "Osisko Metals") (TSX VENTURE: OM)(FRANKFURT: 0B5) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Robin Adair, P. Geo, as Vice President Exploration and Mr. Gary Woods, P.Geo, as Senior Exploration Manager, Bathurst Project.

Mr. Adair is a Professional Geologist with over thirty-three years of experience in base metals exploration and development including project acquisition, exploration and discoveries, development and production. Mr. Adair spent the majority of his career working for Noranda/Falconbridge, holding several senior positions including Senior Manager, Zinc Exploration. During this time, he spent 11 years in the Bathurst camp where he is credited with a number of significant discoveries leading to production. In later years, Mr. Adair worked in base metal exploration throughout Quebec and Canada as well as internationally. He was also a key member of the team that discovered and developed the Bracemac-McLead mine in the Matagami camp in Quebec. His technical experience encompasses resource estimation, predictive metallurgical studies, environmental impact assessments, NI 43-101 reporting, negotiation of joint-venture agreements, corporate development and community relations. Mr. Adair received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Alberta and is a Registered Professional Geologist and Qualified Person. He is currently an Honorary Research Associate at the University of New Brunswick and works with the mineral deposits group.

The Company is also pleased to welcome Mr. Gary Woods as Senior Exploration Manager, Bathurst Project. Mr. Woods has close to 40 years of professional experience in mineral exploration with a specialization in volcanogenic massive sulphide and porphyry/skarn base metal deposits. In 1982, Mr. Woods joined BP Minerals where he was first introduced to the Bathurst Mining Camp, and where he played a key role in the discovery of the Daniels Pond Zn-Pb deposit and other massive sulphide deposits in central Newfoundland. He later joined Noranda Exploration where he progressed to Exploration Manager for Eastern Canada and was involved in exploring for porphyry/skarn copper and volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits in both New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Mr. Woods was involved in the Mt. Fronsac North and the Halfmile Deep discoveries in the Bathurst Mining Camp. He then became Exploration Manager for Noranda in Mexico, focusing on porphyry copper exploration. Most recently he was Exploration Manager for Starcore International Mines Ltd, managing mineral exploration for an underground gold/silver mining operation in central Mexico. Mr. Woods holds a B.Sc. in Geology from Western University in Ontario and is a Registered Professional Geologist and Qualified Person.

Jeff Hussey, President and CEO of Osisko Metals comments: "We welcome Robin and Gary to our management team and look forward to benefitting from their extensive base metal experience in the Bathurst Mining Camp. They will no doubt contribute to making new discoveries and advance projects towards development and production."

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals is a Canadian base metal exploration and development company creating value in the zinc space in Canada. In 2017, the Company acquired over 40,000 hectares in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"), a major historical zinc-lead-silver producing district. The objective is to develop a multi-deposit asset base in the BMC that would feed a central concentrator. In Quebec, the Company acquired 42,000 hectares that cover 12 grass-root zinc properties that will be selectively advanced through exploration. In parallel, Osisko Metals will be monitoring several zinc-oriented peers for other acquisition opportunities. Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (TSX: OR)(NYSE: OR) and Osisko Mining Inc. (TSX: OSK) are significant shareholders of the Company.

For further information on Osisko Metals, visit www.osiskometals.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking 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 provided in this news release about the exploration and/or resource development projects, including new results from drill programs, the significance of assay results, potential mineralization, including the discovery of new mineralized zone, the potential to extend mineralization in any direction, 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 all 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", "management's 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 Company, 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 Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; errors in management's geological modelling; the ability of Company to complete further exploration activities, including drilling; property interests in the relevant projects; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals and complete transactions 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, Company cannot guarantee shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company 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 Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward looking information. Company 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.

Contacts:

Jeff Hussey

President & CEO

Osisko Metals Incorporated

(514) 861-4441

info@osiskometals.com

www.osiskometals.com



Christina Lalli

Director, Investor Relations

Osisko Metals Incorporated

(514) 861-4441

info@osiskometals.com

www.osiskometals.com






For immediate release 26 January 2018



Serabi Gold plc ('Serabi' or the 'Company')



Serabi Announces Filing of Technical Report for its Palito Mining Complex



Serabi Gold (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI), the Brazilian focused gold mining and development company, announces the filing of the technical report for its Palito Mining Complex (the 'Study'), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101') and in particular updated estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for each of the Palito and Sao Chico orebodies. A summary of the updated estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources was previously announced in the Company's news release dated December 11, 2017.



The Study was prepared by SRK Consulting (US) Inc. in accordance with NI 43-101 and has been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and is available on the Company's website www.serabigold.com.



Highlights * A combined estimated Proven and Probable mineral reserve for the Palito and Sao Chico ore-bodies of 182,000 ounces of contained gold (703,000 tonnes at an average diluted grade of 8.05 g/t) supporting in excess of four years of production.



* Mineral reserves for the Palito ore-body are estimated at 157,000 ounces of contained gold (613,000 tonnes at an average diluted gold grade of 7.99 g/t).



* Mineral reserves for the Sao Chico ore-body are estimated at 24,000 ounces of contained gold (90,000 tonnes at an average diluted gold grade of 8.43 g/t).



* Measured and Indicated mineral resources for the Palito ore-body increased by 31 per cent., compared with the previous resource estimation of June 2012, to 271,000 ounces of contained gold with a further Inferred mineral resource of 177,000 ounces of contained gold.



* Measured and Indicated mineral resources for Sao Chico ore-body increased by 44 per cent., compared with the October 2012 resource estimation, to 36,000 ounces of contained gold with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 54,000 ounces of contained gold.



* The mineral resource and reserve estimates exclude previously announced gold discoveries made by Serabi including the Currutela, Copper Hill, Piaui and Palito South areas, where there is currently insufficient geological data to estimate a mineral resource for these discoveries.



* An infill drill programme is currently underway that will provide additional geological date on each of these project areas. (Note: All reserve and resource figures stated above are both gross and net attributable to Serabi.)



Mike Hodgson, CEO of Serabi, commented:



'I am very pleased with the results of this Study. It is a great comfort to me that the Study has confirmed that the Company has, what I consider to be, significant mineral resources and mineral reserves defined at both Palito and Sao Chico, and, in my experience, it is a very healthy position for an underground, vein mining operation to have over four years of mineral reserves defined. This is a reflection of the investment that the Company has made in ensuring that exploration and development is completed well in advance of production, thereby generating the levels of geological data required to define new mineral resources and mineral reserves.



'With the recently announced acquisition of the Coringa gold project that was completed on 21 December 2017, the Company now has, in aggregate, declared Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of over 500,000 ounces and aggregate Inferred Mineral Resources of over 410,000 ounces. '



Mineral Resource Estimates The current Mineral Resource estimates for the Palito Mine (Table 1) and Sao Chico Mine (Table 2) are based on data as at June 30, 2017. Table 1 - Mineral Resource Statement, Palito Mine, Para State, Brazil, as of June 30, 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vein Width Quantity Grade Contained Metal -------------------------------------------------------- Classification Gold Copper Gold Copper



m 000't g/t % 000'oz t ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Underground



Measured 0.52 274 15.21 0.77 134 2,110



Indicated 0.57 371 10.91 0.57 130 2,115 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Surface Stockpiles



Measured - 12 3.15 - 1 -



Tailings



Measured - 60 2.70 - 5 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Combined



Measured - 346 12.62 0.61 140 2,110



Indicated - 371 10.91 0.57 130 2,115



Measured and Indicated - 717 11.74 0.59 271 4,225 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Underground



Inferred 0.77 784 7.02 0.20 177 1,568 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to Table 1:



1. Mineral Resources have been rounded. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Underground Mineral Resources are reported within classification domains inclusive of in-situ dilution at a cut-off grade of 3.10 g/t gold assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of US$1,500/oz, a 3.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recovery of 91%. Polygonal techniques were used for mineral resource estimates. Surface stockpiles and tailings are reported at a cut-off grade of 1.65 g/t gold assuming a gold price of US$1,500/oz, a 3.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recovery of 78%. 2. Serabi is the operator and owns 100% of the Palito Mine such that gross and net attributable mineral resources are the same. The mineral resource estimate was prepared by the Company in accordance with the standard of CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101, with an effective date of 30 June 2017, and audited and approved by Mr Glen Cole of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., who is a Qualified Person under the Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Table 2 - Mineral Resource Statement, Sao Chico Mine, Para State, Brazil, as of June 30, 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thickness Quantity Grade Contained Metal -------------------------------------------------------- Classification Gold Gold



M 000't g/t 000'oz ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Measured 1.82 60 13.34 26



Indicated 1.79 22 14.70 10



Measured and Indicated 1.81 82 13.70 36



Inferred 1.80 123 13.77 54 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to Table 2:



1. Mineral Resources have been rounded. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Underground Mineral Resources are reported within classification domains inclusive of in-situ dilution at a cut-off grade of 2.85 g/t gold assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of US$1,500/oz, a 3.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recovery of 95%. Polygonal techniques were used for mineral resource estimates. 2. Serabi is the operator and owns 100% of the Sao Chico Mine such that gross and net attributable mineral resources are the same. The mineral resource estimate was prepared by the Company in accordance with the standard of CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101, with an effective date of 30 June 2017, and audited and approved by Mr Glen Cole of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., who is a Qualified Person under the Canadian National Instrument 43-101.



Mineral Reserve Estimates The current Mineral Reserve estimates for the Palito Mine (Table 3) and Sao Chico Mine (Table 4) are based on data as at June 30, 2017. Table 3 - Mineral Reserves Statement, Palito Mine, Para State, Brazil, as of June 30, 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantity Grade Contained Metal ----------------------------------------------------------- Classification Gold Copper Gold Copper



000't g/t % 000'oz T ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Underground



Proven 265 9.77 0.46 83 1,219



Probable 276 7.64 0.39 68 1,076 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Surface Stockpiles



Proven 12 3.15 - 1 -



Tailings



Proven 60 2.70 - 5 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Combined



Proven 337 8.28 0.36 90 1,219



Probable 276 7.64 0.39 68 1,076



Proven and Probable 613 7.99 0.37 157 2,295 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to Table 3:



1. Mineral Reserves have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Proven Underground Mineral Reserves are reported within the Measured classification domain, and Probable Underground Mineral Reserves are reported within the Indicated classification domain. Proven and Probable Underground Mineral Reserves are inclusive of external mining dilution and mining loss and are reported at a cut-off grade of 3.70 g/t gold assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of US$1,250/oz, a 3.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recovery of 91%. Proven Mineral Reserves surface stockpiles and tailings are reported at a cut-off grade of 1.95 g/t gold assuming a gold price of US$1,250/oz, a 3.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recovery of 78%. 2. Serabi is the operator and owns 100% of the Palito Mine such that gross and net attributable mineral reserves are the same. The mineral reserve estimate was prepared by the Company in accordance with the standard of CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101, with an effective date of 30 June 2017, and audited and approved by Mr Timothy Olson of SRK Consulting (US) Inc., who is a Qualified Person under the Canadian National Instrument 43-101.



Table 4 - Mineral Reserves Statement, Sao Chico Mine, Para State, Brazil, as of June 30, 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantity Grade Contained Metal ----------------------------------------------------------- Classification Gold Gold



000't g/t 000'oz ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Underground



Proven 65 8.15 17



Probable 25 9.15 7



Proven and Probable 90 8.43 24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to Table 4:



1. Mineral Reserves have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Proven Underground Mineral Reserves are reported within the Measured classification domain, and Probable Underground Mineral Reserves are reported within the Indicated classification domain. Proven and Probable Underground Mineral Reserves are inclusive of external mining dilution and mining loss and are reported at a cut-off grade of 3.45 g/t gold assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of US$1,250/oz, a 3.5:1 Brazilian Real to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, and metallurgical recovery of 95% 2. Serabi is the operator and owns 100% of the Sao Chico Mine such that gross and net attributable mineral reserves are the same. The mineral reserve estimate was prepared by the Company in accordance with the standard of CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101, with an effective date of 30 June 2017, and audited and approved by Mr Timothy Olson of SRK Consulting (US) Inc., who is a Qualified Person under the Canadian National Instrument 43-101.



Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Coringa project



The Company acquired the Coringa project on 21 December 2017 from Anfield Gold Corp which was a reporting issuer as at that date and had filed a Feasibility Study prepared by MTB Project Management Professional Inc of Colorado USA, entitled 'Coringa Gold Project Brazil, Feasibility Study NI 43-101 Technical Report' (the Feasibility Study') and dated September 6, 2017.



The Feasibility Study has been reviewed by Michael J Hodgson, the Chief Executive of Serabi. Mr Hodgson is an Economic Geologist by training with over 30 years' experience in the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognising him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009.



All information regarding the Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources and potential economics of the Coringa project and contained in this announcement are extracted from the Feasibility Study. The Company is not aware of any new material scientific or technical information that would make the disclosure of the mineral resources, mineral reserves or results of the preliminary economic assessment inaccurate or misleading.



Qualified Persons and Quality Control



The scientific and technical information contained in this news release pertaining to the Palito Mining Complex only has been reviewed and approved by the following qualified persons under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101'):



* Glen Cole, MSc Geology, P.Geo., Principal Consultant (Geology), SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. * Timothy Olson, Bsc Mining, FAusIMM, Principal Consultant (Mining), SRK Consulting (US) Inc. The mineral resource estimates for the Palito and Sao Chico mines were prepared by Serabi Gold plc and audited and approved by Glen Cole of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.



The mineral reserve estimates for the Palito and Sao Chico mines were prepared by Serabi Gold plc and audited and approved by Timothy Olson of SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc.



The qualified persons have verified the information disclosed herein pertaining only to the Palito Mining Complex, including the sampling, preparation, security and analytical procedures underlying the information or opinions contained in this announcement in accordance with standards appropriate to their qualifications and have not reviewed or verified the information pertaining to the Coringa project.



This announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.



The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Clive Line, Director



Enquiries:



Serabi Gold plc



Michael Hodgson Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830



Chief Executive Mobile: +44 (0)7799 473621



Clive Line Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830



Finance Director Mobile: +44 (0)7710 151692



Email: contact@serabigold.com



Website: www.serabigold.com



Beaumont Cornish Limited Nominated Adviser and Financial Adviser



Roland Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396



Michael Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396



Peel Hunt LLP UK Broker



Ross Allister Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000



Chris Burrows Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000



Blytheweigh Public Relations



Tim Blythe Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3204



Camilla Horsfall Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3224



Copies of this announcement are available from the Company's website at www.serabigold.com.



Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, nor any other securities regulatory authority, has approved or disapproved of the contents of this announcement.



GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following is a glossary of technical terms:



Note: Mineral resources and reserves were estimated in conformity with the widely accepted CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (the 'Guidelines') and are reported in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101' and the definitions applicable to individual categories of reserves and resources are set out in the Guidelines. The Glossary below includes only a summary of these definitions and readers can access the full definitions at http://web.cim.org/standards/menupage.cfm'sections=177&menu=178



'Au' means gold.



'CIM' means Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.



'development' - excavations used to establish access to the mineralised rock and other workings.



'grade' is the concentration of mineral within the host rock typically quoted as grams per tonne (g/t), parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb).



'g/t' means grams per tonne.



'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.



'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.



'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.



'Mineral Resource' is a concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals 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.



'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 allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined.



'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. 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.



'Proven Mineral Reserve' is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.



't' means tonnes



'Vein' is a generic term to describe an occurrence of mineralised rock within an area of non-mineralised rock.



AIM Qualified Persons' Statement



The scientific and technical information contained within this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Michael Hodgson, a Director of the Company. Mr Hodgson is an Economic Geologist by training with over 30 years' experience in the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognising him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009.



Forward Looking Statements



Certain statements in this announcement are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as 'believe', 'could', 'should' 'envisage', 'estimate', 'intend', 'may', 'plan', 'will' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements.



This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.



Source: Serabi Gold plc via GlobeNewswire



B4T0YL7R2



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/04/17 -- Dividend Select 15 Corp. (the "Company") today announced that the Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular relating to the previously announced special meeting to be held at 11:30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on October 25, 2017, has been mailed to the shareholders of record on September 26, 2017.

The primary purpose of the meeting is to consider a special resolution to allow shareholders to continue their investment beyond the currently scheduled termination date of December 1, 2017. Shareholders will also be asked to approve a proposal authorizing the Board of Directors to amend the terms of the Management and Investment Management Agreement with the Manager to lower its management fee from 0.75% to 0.70%, to the immediate benefit of shareholders and to change the fee structure of the Company to pay a single management fee to the Manager out of which any service fee payable to the dealers will be paid.

For full details, please review the Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and the Management Information Circular which is available on www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

1-877-478-2372

Local: 416-304-4443

www.dividendselect15.com

info@quadravest.com




According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Lexmark made materially false and/or misleading statements, and/or failed to disclose, that: end-user demand and growth for the Company's supplies business was deteriorating; that pricing increases were the primary driver of supplies revenue growth, not end-user demand; that customers in the supplies channel reacted by buying ahead of anticipated pricing increases; and that, as a result, there were excessive inventory levels at its European wholesale distributors. On July 21, 2015, Lexmark reported poor results for its second quarter ending June 30, 2015 and lowered its 2015 sales guidance. The Company revealed its supplies growth was not attributable to end-user demand but rather the result of its European customers buying ahead of customary price increases which produced excessive inventory. Following this news, Lexmark's stock price dropped materially, which caused investors harm according to the Complaint.

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.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- Men age 40 and older rarely talk about some of the embarrassing symptoms of the aging prostate -- interrupted sleep and urgency of urination, but are often quietly seeking out ways to address these issues. According to Harvard Health, an estimated one-third of American men with prostate concerns use at least one form of complementary therapeutics, herbs or supplements. Traditional herbal remedies, such as saw palmetto, have typically been in demand when it comes to the prostate, but an ancient herb known as "the king's herb" or Crila is emerging as a go-to for many American men.

"Crila, derived from the patented Crinum latifolium L. var. crilae Tram and Khanh, was often referred to as the king's herb because it was secret, rare and historically reserved for the Vietnamese royal family," said Sue McKinney, an entrepreneur and lawyer who served as California's Chief Assistant Secretary of State engaged with Asian trade delegations, and has spent the last 10 years researching the Crila herb to bring to the U.S. market after its rediscovery nearly 30 years ago. "Vietnam especially has become a bio hot spot for medicinal herbs. The plants here are organically grown and hand-harvested."

Clinical trials on Crila are promising. This estrogen-free herbal supplement has been shown to help support and maintain healthy prostate function, to promote healthy urinary function and to support immune system health. In one uncontrolled study of 157 men, 89 percent saw improvement in prostate function within 60 days. Clinical research is ongoing. Scientists have identified key alkaloids and flavonoids in Crila that make it unique. McKinney says, since bringing Crila to market in the U.S., testimonials have been persuasive about its benefits for prostate health.

"And we know it's beneficial for women too," says McKinney, who divides her time between the U.S. and Vietnam, meeting and documenting Crila success stories all over the world. "This herb is not only useful for prostate but it also has positive results in alleviating menopause symptoms and supporting healthy uterine structure and function. It's intriguing that Crila is beneficial for both men and women."

While women often report hot flash relief after 2 to 14 days, most men report improvement in prostate related symptoms after 1 to 2 months of taking Crila. Ralph Neate of Reno, Nevada was so impressed with his Crila results, he invested in bringing Crila to market with McKinney.

"Within a month I noticed improvement that I never got from saw palmetto," said Neate. "I've experienced no negative side effects and have recommended Crila to several friends who are also highly satisfied with their results."

Crila Health offers a 30-day supply with a 100-day money back customer satisfaction guarantee for $129.99 at: www.crilahealth.com.

"We are finding that Crila is truly 'the king's herb' when it comes to supporting and maintaining healthy prostate function," said McKinney. "Our message to men is don't give up when it comes to improving your quality of life."

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3166691



Media Contact:

Amy Summers

212-757-3419 or Email Contact

Pitch Publicity




Regulatory News:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) today announces that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's ordinary shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"):

Date of purchase: 5 September 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 29,982 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 1,041 pence 13.55 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 1,025 pence 13.34 USD Average price paid per Share: 1,030.41 pence 13.41 USD

PSH intends to cancel these Shares. The net asset value per Share related to this Share buyback is USD 16.71 GBP 12.92 which was calculated as of 31 August 2017. After giving effect to the above Share buyback, PSH has outstanding 238,012,779 Shares. The prices per share in USD were calculated by Jefferies.

The number of PSH Management Shares and the 1 special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) has not been affected.

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006397/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Maitland

James Devas, +44 20 7379 5151

Media-pershingsquareholdings1@maitland.co.uk
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/05/17 -- IGM Financial Inc. (IGM) (TSX: IGM) today reported preliminary total investment fund net new money in August of $168.5 million as shown in Table 1. Total assets under management were $147.3 billion at August 31, 2017, compared with $147.1 billion at July 31, 2017 and $139.8 billion at August 31, 2016. Investment fund assets under management were $141.9 billion at August 31, 2017, compared with $141.7 billion at July 31, 2017 and $133.1 billion at August 31, 2016. Assets under management are shown in Table 2.

Table 1 - Net New Money Month ended August 31, 2017 ($ millions) Investors IGM (unaudited) Group Mackenzie Counsel Financial(1) ---------------------------------------------------- Mutual Funds Gross Sales $724.7 $578.0 $50.8 $1,350.7 Net New Money $94.7 $52.2 ($40.3) $106.2 ETFs Net New Money $91.5 $91.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Net New Money $94.7 $114.5(2) ($40.3(3)) $168.5 (1) Excludes $2.8 million and $0.4 million respectively in Gross Sales and Net New Money of Mackenzie mutual funds by Investors Group mutual funds. (2) Excludes $29.2 million in net new money of exchange traded funds ("ETF") by Mackenzie mutual funds. (3) Includes redemptions of $39.7 million relating to a rebalancing within the IPC Private Wealth program out of Counsel mutual funds into other securities. IPC Securities Corp., a subsidiary of IGM Financial, earns management fees on the entire IPC Private Wealth program, of which $483 million resides in assets outside of the Counsel funds and are currently not included within reported assets under management.

(i)Mutual Fund Net New Money is defined as Gross Sales less Gross Redemptions and is consistent with the terminology used by The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC). Total Net New Money includes ETF net creations.

Table 2 - Assets under Management % Change % August July August Last Change ($ billions) (unaudited) 2017 2017 2016 Month YOY ---------------------------------------- Total Assets under Management(4) $147.32 $147.11 $139.75 0.1 5.4 Investment Funds(5) Assets under Management $141.92 $141.66 $133.10 0.2 6.6 Investors Group Mutual Funds $83.82 $83.63 $78.64 0.2 6.6 Sub-advisory, institutional and Other $0.55 $0.57 $0.48 (3.5) 14.6 ---------------------------------------- Total IG $84.37 $84.20 $79.12 0.2 6.6 Mackenzie Mutual Funds $53.05 $53.03 $49.96 - 6.2 ETFs $0.84 $0.74 $0.05 13.5 N/M ---------------------------------------- Investment Funds(6) $53.56 $53.47 $50.01 0.2 7.1 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $14.66 $14.58 $13.89 0.5 5.5 ---------------------------------------- Total Mackenzie $68.22 $68.05 $63.90 0.2 6.8 ---------------------------------------- Counsel Mutual Funds $4.64 $4.66 $4.45 (0.4) 4.3 (4) Excludes assets managed by Mackenzie on behalf of Investors Group and Investment Planning Counsel. These assets had a value of $9.8 billion at August 31, 2017 ($9.7 billion at July 31, 2017 and $7.7 billion at August 31, 2016). (5) Excludes assets in accounts invested in Mackenzie Financial Corporation mutual funds held by Investors Group. These assets had a value of $107.8 million at August 31, 2017 ($106.2 million at July 31, 2017). (6) Mackenzie investment funds total assets under management exclude Mackenzie mutual fund investment in ETF's of $329.9 million as at August 31, 2017 and $300.6 million as at July 31, 2017.

Preliminary average investment fund assets under management and average total assets under management for the quarter to date are set out in Table 3.

Table 3 - Average Assets under Management(7) ($ billions) (unaudited) Quarter to Date -------------------- Total Average Assets under Management(8) $147.46 Investment Funds Average Assets under Management(9) $142.06 Investors Group Mutual Funds $83.87 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $0.56 -------------------- Total Investors Group $84.43 -------------------- Mackenzie Mutual Funds $53.19 ETFs $0.73 -------------------- Investment Funds(10) $53.62 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $14.61 -------------------- Total Mackenzie $68.23 -------------------- Counsel Mutual Funds $4.67 (7) Based on daily average investment fund assets and month-end average institutional, sub-advisory and other assets. (8) Excludes average assets of $9.8 billion managed by Mackenzie on behalf of Investors Group and Investment Planning Counsel. (9) Excludes average assets of $107.1 million in accounts invested in Mackenzie Financial Corporation mutual funds held by Investors Group. (10) Mackenzie investment funds total assets under management exclude Mackenzie mutual fund investment in ETFs of $303.6 million as at August 31, 2017.

IGM Financial Inc. is one of Canada's premier personal financial services companies, and one of the country's largest managers and distributors of mutual funds and other managed asset products, with over $147 billion in total assets under management. Its activities are carried out principally through Investors Group, Mackenzie Investments and Investment Planning Counsel.

A MEMBER OF THE POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION GROUP OF COMPANIES.

Contacts:

Media Relations:

Allan Hiebert

204-956-8535

media.relations@igmfinancial.com



Investor Relations:

Paul Hancock

204-956-8103

investor.relations@igmfinancial.com




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 5, 2017) - XBRL Canada is pleased to announce that it will be holding a Workshop on September 27, 2017 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Offices of CPA Canada 9th floor, 277 Wellington St, Toronto, Ontario.

The Workshop will be geared towards SEC Reporting Issuers and address the SEC announcements on March 1, 2017 regarding XBRL for IFRS Reporting Issuers and the SEC announcement regarding Inline XBRL.

Rule 33-9002 of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires all US domestic and foreign private issuers who submit financial reports using US GAAP or IFRS to the SEC to provide financial statement information in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language). While US GAAP filers have been providing XBRL versions of their reports for many years now, IFRS filers were unable to comply because of the lack of a supported IFRS taxonomy.

In March, 2017, the SEC announced support of the IFRS taxonomy, a move that brings into force the SEC rule for IFRS users.

In this session, you will learn:

How the SEC's support for the 2016 IFRS Taxonomy means IFRS Filers will be required to provide XBRL, and when. What filers and those that support them need to know about Rule 33-9002, the EDGAR Filer Manual, and other resources to help prepare XBRL files. About Inline XBRL, and plans that may impact all XBRL filers, including experienced US GAAP Filers and new IFRS Filers.

The workshop will be presented by Eric E. Cohen, an internationally known XBRL specialist who has been involved in educating the XBRL community on behalf of XBRL International, XBRL US and XBRL Canada for many years.

CPA Credit is available for this event.

To Register for this event, click here or visithttp://xbrl.ca/63-slider/178-slide-5

About XBRL Canada

XBRL Canada (www.xbrl.ca) is the Canadian jurisdiction of XBRL International and largely funded and administered by CPA Canada. The purpose of XBRL Canada is to provide support and encouragement for the adoption of eXtensible Business Reporting Language in Canada. XBRL is widely used around the world and recognized as the leader in advanced electronic business and financial reporting.

To strive towards its goals, XBRL Canada holds seminars and webinars and issues various publications, including its bi-monthly Newsletter. It also leads projects to test and explore XBRL usage in various settings.

For further information, please contact: XBRL Canada, Gerald Trites, Project Director, (416) 602-3931, Email: gtrites@cpacanada.ca
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) released earnings for third quarter that retreated from last year. The company said its bottom line dropped to $497 million, or $0.30 per share. This was lower than $840 million, or $0.49 per share, in last year's third quarter. Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.26 per share, according figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company said revenue for the quarter rose 2.5% to $8.21 billion. This was up from $8.01 billion last year. Hewlett Packard Enterprise earnings at a glance: -Earnings (Q3): $497 Mln. vs. $840 Mln. last year. -Earnings Decline (Y-o-Y): -40.8% -EPS (Q3): $0.30 vs. $0.49 last year. -EPS Decline (Y-o-Y): -38.8% -Analysts Estimate: $0.26 -Revenue (Q3): $8.21 Bln vs. $8.01 Bln last year. -Revenue Change (Y-o-Y): 2.5% -Guidance : Next quarter EPS guidance: $0.26 to $0.30 Full year EPS guidance: 1.36 to $1.40 Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwean contingent to the SADC Special Forces' training exercise in Tanzania has returned home after successfully completing the 44-day military programme codenamed Exercise Matumbawe in Tanzania.The Special Forces' training programme was focused on enhancing security of coastal member states from the threats of pirates.Head of the Zimbabwean delegation to the exercise, Colonel Philip Kupe told reporters upon arrival in Chinhoyi that critical lessons were learnt from the Tanzanian experience, especially in terms of logistical organisation for vehicular and naval fleet management.Colonel Kupe also pointed out that the Tanzanian terrain is characterised with coral reefs where terrorists can take refuge for years before they can strike, and as such, the SADC Special Forces had to acquaint themselves with such realities.The SADC Special Forces are there to augment the stand-by brigade in enhancing security among the regional group's member states.Regular exercises are conducted by the Special Forces every two years under a rotational basis by host countries, the idea being to harmonise military drills and have a common approach to specific threats.Zimbabwe hosted SADC Special Forces for a similar exercise in 2015, which was code named: 'Exercise Mahombekombe.'
Technavio's latest report on the vacuum packaging market in Europeprovides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005410/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the vacuum packaging market in Europe from 2017-2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

The vacuum packaging market in Europe is expected to grow, owing to increased consumption of dairy products and packaged food and drinks. However, there are certain factors such as decreasing consumption of meat and environmental concerns regarding plastics among European countries. The production of beef and veal is expected to decrease because it is directly linked to the dairy industry.

Shakti Jakhar, a lead analyst from Technavio, specializing in research on packaging sector, says, "Certain trends in the industry that are expected to drive the market in future include an expected increase in demand from developing countries and rising popularity of high barrier plastics. Developing countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia are showing good signs of economic progress, due to which the disposable income is expected to increase."

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free

The top three emerging trends driving the vacuum packaging market in Europe according to Technavio research analysts are:

Rise in popularity of smart packaging

Expected demand from developing countries of Europe

Rising popularity of high barrier plastics

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Rise in popularity of smart packaging

The term Smart Packaging refers to the packaging systems used in various sectors such as food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. Smart packaging helps extend shelf life, monitor the freshness of food, and display information such as quality and safety. There are predominantly two types of smart packaging active packaging and intelligent packaging.

"Active packaging provides functionalities such as moisture control whereas intelligent packaging provides helps in communicating product changes. Europe had the highest market share of more than 40% in the global smart packaging market in 2016 and is expected to lead the market during the forecast period," according to Shakti

Expected demand from developing countries of Europe

Europe has several developing countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia. These countries are expected to drive the vacuum packaging market in future. The rising GDP growth rate signifies the overall increasing central economy of the countries. This means that the income of citizens is increasing, which would lead to more expenditure on various goods and services such as food, healthcare, and education. Hence, it is expected that developing countries in Europe would drive the vacuum packaging market in future.

Rising popularity of high barrier plastics

The use of resins, which have high barrier properties, is expected to become a major trend during the forecast period. Resins such as EVOH and biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) are used for improving the barrier properties in flexible packaging. Despite being costlier than films made from conventional materials, BOPET films are gaining popularity as there is a need for films with high barrier property. EVOH films also have many advantages, such high impermeability to gases, which helps to retain the original texture, aroma, and flavor of packaged items.

The key vendors are as follows:

Amcor

Bemis

Berry Global

Sealed Air

Browse Related Reports:

Global Air Cushion Packaging Market 2017-2021

Food and Beverage Metal Can Market in North America 2017-2021

Specialty Paper Market in EMEA 2017-2021

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005410/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

www.technavio.com
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against TechnipFMC plc ('TechnipFMC' or the 'Company') (NYSE: FTI) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, and docketed under 17-cv-02368, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired TechnipFMC securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you are a shareholder who purchased TechnipFMC securities between April 27, 2017, and July 24, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until October 2, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

TechnipFMC plc provides oilfield services. The Company offers subsea, surface, onshore, and offshore solutions for oil and gas projects. TechnipFMC serves customers worldwide. TechnipFMC was formed through the merger of FMC Technologies Inc. and French oil-services Technip SA.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) TechnipFMC had a material weakness in its internal control over rates used in the calculations of the foreign currency effects on certain of its engineering and construction projects; (ii) accordingly, the Company lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, TechnipFMC's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On July 24, 2017, post-market, TechnipFMC issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC, announcing that the Company would restate its financial statements as of March 31, 2017, as these statements could no longer be relied upon.

On this news, TechnipFMC's share price fell $0.48, or 1.71%, to close at $27.56 on July 25, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN) Tuesday announced its plans to build a $320 million poultry complex in eastern Kansas, in response to strong demand for chicken. The company said it will build a processing plant, hatchery and feed mill near the city of Tonganoxie, in Leavenworth County, that will create about 1,600 jobs. The company will also contract with northeast Kansas farmers and ranchers to raise chickens. The operation, currently scheduled to begin production in mid-2019, will produce pre-packaged trays of fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide. 'More people want fresh food and as one of the world's leading protein companies, we're well-positioned to provide it,' said Tom Hayes, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. 'We believe this new operation, which will incorporate the latest production technology, will enable us to meet the sustained growth in consumer demand for fresh chicken.' The plant will be capable of processing 1.25 million birds per week. The payroll and payments to farmers from the new operation, along with its purchase of grain and utilities, is expected to generate an annual economic benefit to the state of Kansas of $150 million. Tyson Foods anticipates purchasing about 300 acres of property south of Tonganoxie and currently plans to break ground sometime this fall. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Finaeo, a Toronto, Canada-based insurtech fintech company, closed its $2.25M seed funding round.

The round was led by Impression Ventures with participation from Toronto-based angel investors, 500 Startups, Robo Ventures and iGan Partners. In conjunction with the funding, Christian Lassonde, Founder and Managing Partner, Impression Ventures, will be joining the Finaeo Board.

The company intends to use the funds to hire engineers to continue development of the core platform and marketplace.

Led by Aly Dhalla, CEO, and Donald Chu, COO, Finaeo provides financial advisors with a software as a service based platform to automate their back-office administration via a digital assistant powered by a custom-built CRM engine.

The platform is built for financial advisors, particularly with a focus towards group benefits and individual/voluntary insurance.

FinSMEs

05/09/2017
ForgeRock, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of digital identity management solutions, closed an $88m Series D funding.

The round was led by Accel with participation from new investor KKR and existing investors Meritech Capital Partners and Foundation Capital. In conjunction with the funding, Arun Mathew, partner at Accel. will join Accel partner Bruce Golden on the board of directors along with Dave Welsh, Head of TMT Growth Equity at KKR.

The company, which has now raised more than $140m in capital since its founding, will use the funds to accelerate ongoing global expansion and product innovation, specifically to broaden research and development efforts in further enhancing the ForgeRock Identity Platform, as well as hire new people.

Founded in 2010 and led by Mike Ellis, CEO, ForgeRock provides a digital identity management platform for organizations to monetize customer relationships, address stringent regulations for privacy and consent (GDPR, HIPAA, FCC privacy, etc.), and leverage the Internet of Things.

The company currently serves hundreds of brands, including Morningstar, Vodafone, GEICO, TomTom, and Pearson, as well as governments such as Norway, New Zealand, and Belgium, among many others. It achieved record sales of more than $100 million in FY2016.

ForgeRock has offices in Austin, London, Bristol, Grenoble, Munich, Paris, Oslo, Singapore, Sydney and Vancouver, Washington and employs 400 people.

FinSMEs

05/09/2017
Lilium, a Munich, Germany-based developer of a five-seat electric jet, raised $90M in Series B funding.

Backers included:

 Tencent;

 LGT, an international private banking and asset management group;

 Atomico; and

 Obvious Ventures.

The company, which has raised more than $100m in total funding, intends to use the funds for the development of the five-seat Lilium Jet that will fly commercially, as well as to grow the current team of more than 70.

Led by Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO, Lilium is developing the Lilium Jet, a Low Noise, High Speed, Emission Free five seat jet, which will be able to travel at up to 300 km per hour for one hour on a single charge. The Lilium Jet consists of a rigid winged body with 12 flaps. Each one carries three electric jet engines. Depending on the flight mode, the flaps tilt from a vertical into a horizontal position. At take-off, all flaps are tilted vertical, so that the engines can lift the aircraft. Once airborne, the flaps gradually tilt into a horizontal position, leading the aircraft to accelerate. When they have reached complete horizontal position, all lift necessary to stay aloft is provided by the wings as on a conventional airplane.

In April, a full size prototype successfully performed its most complicated manoeuvre  transitioning between hover mode and horizontal flight.

FinSMEs

05/09/2017
Mercedes-Benz Vans is investing US$50M in new joint venture with Via, a New York-based shared taxi mobile company.

In addition, Daimler Mobility Services joined in as a strategic investor in Via (the investment reportedly amounted to $200m). Daimler Mobility Services Volker Mornhinweg will be joining Vias board of directors.

Led by Daniel Ramot, CEO, and Oren Shoval, CTO, Via has developed a scalable and on-demand shared ride solution which leverages an algorithm to support smart public transport, enabling a dynamic mass transit system that reduces traffic volume in urban areas. Its shared ride service in New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. provides over 1 million rides per month, while its technology is licensed by partners around the world.

Through the joint venture, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via will bring Vias on-demand shuttle service, already operating in New York, Chicago and Washington D.C., to European metropolises. London will be the first city to launch the joint service this year.

The joint venture will also partner with public transit operators across Europe, licensing Vias On-Demand Shuttle Operating System to enable cities to improve mobility while reducing congestion without incurring any additional infrastructure costs.

FinSMEs

05/09/2017
Virometix, a Schlieren, Switzerland-based biotechnology company, raised CHF1.2m in in an extension to its recent Series A financing round.

Furthermore, the company announced the appointment of senior executive Harry Welten, MBA as new independent member of its Board of Directors. He will replace Prof. John Robinson, who stepped down from the Board of Directors earlier this year to now support the company as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.

The additional funds will be used to further speed up development of its vaccine candidates for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and cancer immunotherapy.

Led by Arin Ghasparian, CEO, and Pierre Morgon, Chairman, Virometix is a biotechnology company developing a new generation of vaccines and immunotherapeutic drugs for the prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic human diseases.

The company is developing a portfolio of preclinical candidates for a vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), two broad-spectrum next-generation vaccines for HPV/cervical cancer and for S. pneumoniae diseases as well as vaccines for the treatment of cancers.

FinSMEs

05/09/2017
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has told a parliamentary panel that it has "no information" on how much black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation of Rs 500/1,000 notes or about unaccounted cash legitimised through exchange of currency post note ban.

Stating that an estimated Rs 15.28 lakh crore in junked notes has come back "subject to future corrections based on verification process", the Reserve Bank also said it has "no information" whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.

The RBI has been facing flak from the Opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the 8 November, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits.

Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15.28 lakh crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Replying to queries from the panel, the RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500/1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests.

The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved.

The process is "going on in full swing" with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.

"Till such time these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in estimation of SBNs [Specified Bank Notes] received back is possible. Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion," the RBI said in its written reply to the panel.

To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "the RBI has no information in this regard."

The RBI gave a similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.

The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss. The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector.

Last week, several members of the panel had sought redrafting of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500/1,000 notes.

The acceptance of the report was deferred as member Members of Parliament (MPs) across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, SP MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panel's report on demonetisation needed to be "redrafted" while some of them stated that it "lacks punch".

In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 percent of the scrapped currency notes have come back into the system.

The government had on 8 November banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country. The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.

The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post-note ban.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF Central Committee members have called upon the party leadership to show genuine unity and fully support President Robert Mugabe in the forthcoming 2018 harmonised elections.Addressing thousands of Buhera South residents at Mutiusinazita Secondary School, Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa called for unity of purpose and genuine support of the party's presidential candidate for next year's polls.Fellow Central Committee member, Mandi Chimene said Manicaland province stands solidly in support of President Mugabe and Zanu-PF.Buhera South legislator, Joseph Chinotimba said his constituency is one of the most united Zanu-PF strongholds and the 2018 election offers the constituency an opportunity to silence the Zimbabwe will hold its general election in 2018 and the ruling party is already gearing up for it with campaigns and voter mobilisation activated.
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday included HDFC Bank in the list of too big to fail lenders, referred to as D-SIB or domestic systemically important bank.

India's largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI) and private sector major ICICI Bank were classified as D-SIBs in 2015.

With the inclusion of HDFC Bank in the list, there will now be three 'too big to fail' financial entities in the country.

SIBs are subjected to higher levels of supervision so as to prevent disruption in financial services in the event of any failure.

"The additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) requirement for D-SIBs has already been phased-in from April 1, 2016 and will become fully effective from April 1, 2019," the Reserve Bank said in a statement.

The additional CET1 or core capital requirement will be in addition to the capital conservation buffer, it added.

The RBI categorises SIBs under five buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs). "Based on the bucket in which a D-SIB is placed, an additional common equity requirement has to be applied to it. In case a foreign bank having branch presence in India is a Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB), it has to maintain additional CET1 capital surcharge in India as applicable to it as a G-SIB, proportionate to its Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs) in India," the RBI said in the statement.

Accordingly, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are in the first bucket. The banks need an additional tier I capital of 0.1% of loans for the current financial year. From 1 April 2018, the requirement will be an additional 0.15 percent. SBI, meanwhile, is in the third bucket. It requires requires additional tier I capital of 0.3 percent this year and 0.45 percent for the next financial year.

The RBI had issued the framework for dealing with D-SIBs in July 2014.

As per the framework, RBI has to disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs every year in August starting from 2015 and place these banks in appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs).

SIBs are seen as 'too big to fail' (TBTF), creating expectation of government support for them in times of financial distress. These banks also enjoy certain advantages in funding markets.

On the downside, according to some experts, expectations of government support amplifies risk-taking, reduces market discipline, creates competitive distortions and increases probability of distress in future.

(With inputs from PTI)
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the insolvency proceedings against real estate firm Jaypee Infratech at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and sought the firm's response on a plea seeking protection of the interests of hassled home buyers who have neither got homes, nor their money back.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also asked Attorney General K K Venugopal to assist it in deciding a batch of petitions opposing the insolvency proceedings and seeking protection of the home buyers' interests.

"We will pass a stay order on the proceedings at NCLT (at Allahabad). Issue notice (on pleas of home buyers)," said the bench, which also comprised justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

Flat buyers, under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016, do not fall in the category of secured creditors like banks and hence they can get back their money only if something is left after repaying the secured and operational creditors, one of the pleas filed by some home buyers said.

It was alleged by senior advocate Ajit Sinha, appearing for petitioner Chitra Sharma, that around Rs 25,000 crore worth of money of flat buyers and others has been at stake and the insolvency proceedings were initiated "for a petty sum of Rs 500 crore".

Around 32,000 persons had booked flats in the projects of Jaypee Infratech.

Sharma, in her amended PIL filed through lawyer Ashwarya Sinha, has challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code on grounds including that they do not protect customers.

Besides seeking a "forensic audit" of Jaypee infratech and one of its sister concerns, the plea has also sought a direction to the Centre to ensure the home buyers' interests.

The NCLT at Allahabad had initiated the insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech based on IDBI's charge that the company has defaulted in loan repayment.

The home buyers, in the plea, referred to the provisions of the Code and the order passed by the Allahabad bench of the NCLT and said that even decrees, passed by civil courts and consumer fora, in their favour cannot be executed once insolvency proceedings begin.

"The actions as have been taken under the Code has led to a situation wherein the life-long savings of the flat owners will go waste with no prospects of them recovering the same, if their interests are not saved by this court," the plea filed by Sharma said.

The PIL also said that a direction may be issued to the government that flat owners/buyers be declared as as a secured creditor like banks and FIs.

Around 32,000 buyers have booked their homes in 27 different housing projects of Jaypee Infratech and they have been "left in the lurch as the insolvency proceedings have been started against it," the senior lawyer had said.

He said the financial interests of secured creditors will be safeguarded first in the insolvency proceedings and flat buyers, being unsecured creditors, would virtually get nothing.

Hundreds of home buyers have been left in the lurch after the NCLT, on 10 August, admitted the IDBI Bank's plea to initiate insolvency proceedings against the debt-ridden realty company for defaulting on a Rs 526-crore loan, the plea said.

Jaypee Infratech is into road construction and real estate business. It has constructed the Yamuna Expressway, connecting Delhi-Agra.
Chennai: Speaking of the government's relations with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday said that personally he had enjoyed a substantial degree of independence from any interference in his functioning.

"I basically had a fair amount of independence... I worked with two governments," Rajan said at the release here of his book "I do what I do", which he described as essentially a compilation of the speeches he delivered as the RBI Governor.

"I managed to carry out the agenda that I had set out in my first speech," he said.

Rajan recalled he became RBI Governor in September 2013 at a time of crisis for the Indian economy.

"There was no interference in carrying out my agenda. I had a good relationship with both governments... and I kept them informed," he added.

In 2016, however, on completion of his three-year term, Rajan became the first Indian central bank governor since Independence not to have his tenure renewed.

A few months before his term finished, Rajan announced that he would be returning to his teaching position in the US at the end of his tenure at the RBI.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday announced it has added private lender HDFC Bank to its list of "domestic systemically important banks" (D-SIBs) considered too big to fail.

"In addition to the SBI (State Bank of India) and ICICI Bank, which continue to be identified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs), the Reserve Bank of India has also identified HDFC Bank as a D-SIB, under the same bucketing structure as last year," an RBI release said.

Here are all the key facts related to the development:

What does the D-SIB categorisation mean?

D-SIBs are large and highly interconnected financial institutions which are important to the system. Any problems faced by these institutions can hamper the orderly functioning of the financial system, which in turn, can negatively impact the real economy. The categorisation is done based on indicators such as size, interconnectedness, substitutability and complexity. The criterion to decide the primary sample of D-SIBs was done by selecting banks with asset size beyond 2 percent of GDP. The Reserve Bank started identifying D-SIBs in 2015, and a list is disclosed every year in August.

What does this mean for the banks in the list?

The D-SIB categorisation imposes additional capital requirements on the banks. The banks are placed in appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs). Based on the bucket in which a D-SIB is placed, an additional common equity requirement has to be applied to it. In case a foreign bank having branch presence in India is a Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB), it has to maintain additional CET1 capital surcharge in India as applicable to it as a G-SIB, proportionate to its Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs) in India.

Accordingly, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are in the first bucket. The banks need an additional tier I capital of 0.1 percent of loans for the current financial year. From 1 April 2018, the requirement will be an additional 0.15 percent. SBI, meanwhile, is in the third bucket. It requires requires additional tier I capital of 0.3 percent this year and 0.45 percent for the next financial year.

What are the concerns?

First and foremost, The categorisation creates expectation of government support for them in times of financial distress. These banks also enjoy certain advantages in funding markets. On the downside, according to some experts, expectations of government support amplifies risk-taking, reduces market discipline, creates competitive distortions and increases probability of distress in future.

Secondly, are there only three systemically important banks in India? An analysis of Indian banks shows that there are 11 of them with total asset size more than 2 percent of GDP. Moreover, a look at the table below shows that there are at least three state-run banks - Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda and Bank of India - with much more branches than that of the private sector lenders that are now part of the list.

Bank with assets size of above 2% of GDP Bank Total assets in Rs cr No of branches State Bank of India (SBI) 27,05,966 17,365 HDFC Bank 8,63,840 4,715 ICICI Bank 7,71,791 4,850 Punjab National Bank 7,20,331 6,937 Bank of Baroda 6,94,875 5,481 Bank of India 6,26,309 5,045 Axis Bank 6,01,468 3,304 Canara Bank 5,83,519 6,083 Union Bank of India 4,52,704 4,282 IDBI Bank 3,61,768 1,922 Central Bank of India 3,33,402 4,464

Moreover, after the RBI came out with the first list in August 2015, Moody's had raised three issues (read here):

1) Indias D-SIB framework is less rigorous than those of other jurisdictions;

2) With only two banks in India designated as D-SIBs, the country has the least number of D-SIBs among those that have implemented the framework;

3) The RBIs capital surcharge is lower at less than 1 percent, and the RBIs timeline for complying with the capital surcharges is longer, despite the presence of the less stringent capital requirements. Canada and Australia require compliance by 2016, and in Singapore, locally incorporated banks have had to comply with the higher capital requirements since June 2011, Moodys said.

All these are still relevant.

Data by Kishor Kadam

(With inputs from agencies)
Dulquer Salmaan isnt one of those actors who have qualms about opening up. He speaks from his heart and he doesnt mince words which makes interacting with him fun. With an exciting line up of films in his kitty, including Bejoy Nambiars Solo and the Telugu-Tamil biopic Mahanati, on the life of legendary southern actress Savitri, he explains what makes these projects exciting, why he would like to surprises audiences with his choice of films and why hes more afraid to do out-and-out commercial films.

Excerpts from an interview:

What drew you to Solo, which has already created quite a buzz with its teasers and music?

Bejoy was the drawing factor. But even before he pitched the idea of Solo, he wanted to work with me and I found his energy exciting. We discussed a bunch of ideas and we met a few times. We thought of this idea and it got us both excited.

I dont see many people interested in doing an anthology with one actor and Bejoy was also excited that I was willing to give it a shot. Its our excitement to attempt something different that brought us together.

Anthology is not something southern audiences are used to and the general perception is that its arthouse kind of cinema. How have you addressed that perception through this film?

From the beginning of my career, I have always tried to push content and make it as commercial as possible. Its what that stays with you that matters when you watch a film. Even when we watch western cinema, I dont think you watch art house as art house and the same applies to commercial films as well. What really stays with you is a good mix of both.

I have been trying to entertain audiences with memorable content. These are the kind of films that give me more courage. Im more afraid to attempt an out-and-out commercial film. I feel it can either click or go all the way down. When you pick good content, irrespective of its box-office fate, people at least appreciate the intent, its effort or just the desire to make good cinema.

Shooting an anthology  where you play four characters - in two languages must have been a grueling experience

It definitely was taxing, physically as well as mentally. But what kept us going was that at the end of shoot every day, we feel like weve accomplished so much. It was a good days work that gave us the kick. There are shoots which are easy and you feel relaxed but at the end of the day, theres no feeling of accomplishment. If I sleep after a tiring day of shoot, I know Ive earned that sleep. It gives you lot of energy.

Initially, we thought we will treat it as four short films. I thought Ill do a regular film and do a short film in between. But nothing worked out as per our plan. We shot in Kerala, Bombay, and Lonavala. We didnt know where all the stories were taking us. We had to treat the stories differently. Except Bejoy and I, even the technical crew changed for each story. Even the assistant directors changed. The cameramen were different. As an actor, I felt like doing four different films, four different ideas and four different experiences.

The film has been made as a bilingual. Why didnt you think of making it in Hindi as well when Bejoy is already a well established name in Bollywood?

We needed the story to be told on a big canvas and it was only possible if we could cater to a bigger market. I dont like doing bilinguals and Im against the idea. However, now is an interesting time to make bilinguals because of the acceptance of such films among audiences. People are willing to oversee the language and see the story of a film.

The story of Solo is very universal but culturally, its more rooted in south. Hence, we didnt want make it in Hindi. Our idea from the beginning was that it has to resonate both to Tamil and Telugu audiences. We had to culturally adapt it for each story. Im talking about very small details to ensure the audiences didnt feel alienated. Its as simple as the sub cast we changed. Even the costumes of the junior artists in the crowd had to be changed to suit the sensibility of the industry.

Solo will be your third straight Tamil outing. How do you think the audiences will accept this film?

I think audiences come to watch cinema for an experience. My desire has always been to entertain and give them a great film. The first two films  Vaaya Moodi Pesavum and Ok Kanmani - have registered me in their minds. I do want to surprise audiences with different kinds of films and I think Solo is one such project.

Youre playing actor Gemini Ganesan in Telugu-Tamil biopic Mahanati, which looks like a very ambitious project.

There has always been a desire to be part of a period drama. In Malayalam, we dont have those kinds of budgets. Mahanati is being made on a massive scale, and Im lucky I was offered this project. I dont know Telugu but they (the makers) wanted me to give it a shot. Its a young team; young director, young producer. The intention is to make something special. I have always believed if the intention is right, itll be a good film. As far as my character of Gemini Ganesan goes, Im not going to look like him. I cant, honestly, and I dont want to wear prosthetic. My approach is simple. I would like to be me in the 1950s and play myself if I was a big movie star. I dont think I should attempt to play Gemini Ganesan, and the director also agreed. You dont really have any off screen footage of him. You dont know what kind of person he was off screen. We only know his persona on screen and I cant use that to play him of screen.
Nivin Pauly is thrilled with the response for his latest Malayalam film Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela, which loosely translates to An Interval In The Land Of Crabs. Directed by newcomer Althaf Salim, the film is a family drama and narrates the story of how a family comes together in the time of crisis. Its the second time that Nivin has produced a film (his previous endeavour was Action Hero Biju), and he confesses that this was close to his heart.\

Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela is a family drama which is very realistic in its treatment of the characters. The humour too is quite realistic. I loved the sincerity in Althaf Salims story and what he was trying to do, and thats the reason why I decided to produce the film as well, Nivin says.

Admittedly, he first heard the story of this film during the scripting stage of his blockbuster film Premam way back in 2015 and it was Premams director Alphonse Puthren who introduced him to Althaf.

Ask him what took him so long to make the film, Nivin says, Back then, Althaf had a brief storyline in mind and he wanted time to complete the story. And after that, I got busy with my other projects. By the time Althaf was ready, I was amazed with the level of research and detailing that he came up with for the film. Its great when you work with such passionate people. You know that you are going to be part of a wonderful journey and such films happen very rarely. And once a film is made, its going to be part of Malayalam cinemas history. So, you might as well do a good job.

The films cast and crew had numerous people who had worked on Premam and it almost ended up being a reunion of sorts. However, Nivin insists that it was just a pure co-incidence since it was Althafs decision to go back to the same people just like he had approached Nivin.

In the film, Nivin plays Kurien, a day-dreamer, who is based in London. One day, his mother, played by Shanti Krishna, insists that he come back home immediately, and this sudden phone call leads him to believe that his mother has fixed his wedding with someone. However, the film touches upon a very important topic - How a family deals with cancer. The title of the film too is perfect in that sense and critics too praised Althaf for handling the subject in an interesting manner.

One of the things that I loved the most about the script was how different the relationships between the characters were. Most commercial films have a lot of cinematic characterisations for artistes. We see the lead actor beginning his journey as an underdog and gradually within six to 12 months, he transforms into a hero. However, thats rarely the case in real life. We dont change as much. And Althaf captured it quite well in the film. Thats what I meant when I said everything is so real about this film. Theres no special consideration for the hero or heroine, he adds.

Over the past few years, Nivin has played a wide range of roles and he is so natural that it becomes hard to draw a line between where his real persona ends and where the reel character takes over. And his performances in films post Premam are proof enough that he doesnt want to get trapped in a particular image. In 2015, he became a sensation among the youth following the phenomenal success of Premam; however, he was clear that he doesnt want to repeat the act one more time.

I was confused about what to do next after that film and I really wanted to get out of the Premam fever. Thats when I decided to do Action Hero Biju, which was a very realistic take on a policemans life. When you think of a film about a police officer, your mind is automatically tuned to imagine a Dabangg where everything is exaggerated but Action Hero Biju was in a very different space altogether. Jacobinte Swargarajyam too was a very different project and I fell in love with the story when I first heard it from Vineeth Sreenivasan. Initially, he wanted to act and also direct the film. A week later, I called him back asking him to consider me to play the lead role. Its the only time where I had to literally convince the director (Srinivasan) to cast me in the lead role. He finally agreed to my request after six months (laughs), Nivin says, adding, I want good roles and well-written scripts. I want to be part of good cinema. I dont know if I am greedy as an actor, but I cant compromise on the quality of cinema.

Of late, there has been an explosion of great talent in Malayalam cinema. Right from the stories that filmmakers are keen on telling to the roles that the lead actors have donned, everything has changed to the extent that the industry has in turn inspired others to take a cue. Ask Nivin if it gets really tough to say no to a good script owing to lack of time, the actor agrees saying, Sometimes, it is. Once you listen to the story, you get a hunch whether itll work or not. You want to do whats best for that time - if its a festival time, then you end up doing a family drama instead of an experimental film. If I really like a script, then I have to consider whos backing the film because even if you make a great film, if the distribution isnt good, then theres no point. But then, theres only so much you can work on at any given point of time.

Currently, hes filming for his upcoming Tamil film Richie, directed by Gautham Ramachandran, and then, there is Shyamaprasads Hey Jude, and Dhyan Sreenivasans Love Action Drama in the making. While the actor is juggling between Malayalam and Tamil cinema effortlessly, he is clear that he does not want to be part of multilingual films.

I like making films in one language. I have nothing against bilinguals or multilinguals, but you have to understand that not every film can be made in multiple languages. I was part of Neram which was a Tamil-Malayalam film and the script was apt for both the languages. Besides, its a very stressful job for both the director and the actor to make a film which everyone can relate to, Nivin signs off.
As the date for the submission of films to the 2018 Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, approaches, the chairman of the jury which will select India's official entry for the Best Foreign Lanuage Film has been picked. Telugu producer CV Reddy, who has previously served as a member of the jury in 2012, will serve as its head this year, reports Times of India.

This appointment marks the first time that a Telugu filmmaker has been picked to be the head of the jury. Over the course of his career, Reddy has produced 12 films in Telugu, as well as Kannada and Tamil.

He will watch and review potential entries between 16 and 23 September. Film trade bodies have been asked by the Film Federation of India (FFI) to submit their works by 10 September. The FFI must send the chosen entry to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by 1 October.

The president of the FFI is also a member of the Telugu film industry  producer C Kalyan.

Last year's selection for this category was Tamil film Visaranai directed by Vetrimaaran. In the year that CV Reddy served as a jury member, Anurag Basu's Barfi! starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra was chosen.

The 90th edition of the Oscars will be held on 4 March, 2018 at Los Angeles.
Kolkata: Actor Joy Sengupta has joined Hindi web series Made in Heaven, which will be co-produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti.

"This will be my first web series in Hindi. The storyline of Made in Heaven will revolve around a marriage company propagating the age-old wedding plans and its competitor which is all about catering to the modern weddings," Joy, who is currently being seen in Bengali feature film Bilu Rakkhosh, told PTI.

The actor will also be a part of a web series in Bengali titled Hello to be produced by Shree Venkatesh Films.

He will also be seen in upcoming Hindi feature film Jhalki - a film based on Kailash Satyarthi's 'Bachpan Bachao Andolan'. "Jhalki is a film about child labour and has been shot in Mirzapur-Varnasi. I am very keen to see the audience's response to the film."

Joy said from Teen Kahon in 2014 to Bilu Rakkhosh this year, he is happy to be part of Bengali films by young, intelligent directors, who are familiar with the trends in world cinema, and explore the independent space.

Talking about Bilu Rakkhosh, which has been to different film festivals around the world, Joy said, "I agreed to be a part of Bilu Rakkhosh as it mirrors this age of transition, social and economic change, when our society remains partly developed and partly feudal.

Bilu Rakkhosh has been directed by Indrashis Acharya and features popular Bengali actor Koneenica Banerjee as the female lead.

Asked about the problems plaguing the Bengali film industry, he said, "There is dearth of halls to release films, little tax benefits and the present day audience is split into three segments. The older generation is watching TV, the middle age generation is hooked on to sentimental, melodramatic stuff on the big screen, while the young generation loves to watch Bollywood movies with some from Hollywood thrown in," he said.

"The government here should ensure every multiplex has a mandatory show for Bengali films just like Marathi films are screened in Maharashtra," he said.
Chennai: In a show of strength, the unified AIADMK led by Chief Minister K Palaniswamy on Tuesday held a meeting of its legislators and claimed the backing of 124 MLAs, including nine from the sidelined deputy chief TTV Dhinakaran's camp.

The assertion came after the meeting convened by Palaniswamy amid persistent demand by the Opposition for a floor test after rebellion by 21 MLAs loyal to Dhinakaran.

Senior minister and key supporter of the chief minister D Jayakumar told reporters that 111 MLAs attended the meeting expressing support to Palaniswamy and signed the party register.

Nine MLAs from "that camp" (Dhinakaran faction) also extended support to the chief minister over the phone, he claimed, emerging from the meeting held at party headquarters.

Jayakumar said three MLAs of allied parties, who contested last year's Assembly polls on AIADMK's Two Leaves symbol, have also pledged support to Palaniswamy as also another party MLA who could not attend due to health reasons.

The three MLAs are: S Karunaas (Mukkulathor Pulipadai), M Thamimun Ansari (Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi) and U Thaniyarasu (Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai).

However, the Dhinakaran camp, which has been pressing for replacement of Palaniswamy, disputed the claim and dared them to name the nine MLAs.

It may be recalled that a group of 19 MLAs loyal to Dhinakaran had met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on 22 August expressing lack of confidence in the chief minister.

This came a day after the merger of factions led by Palaniswamy and O Panneerselvam, presently the deputy chief minister.

The internal strife in AIADMK prompted the Opposition parties to claim that the Palaniswamy government has los the majority and seek a floor test in the Assembly.

In the 234-member Assembly which has one seat vacant, the AIADMK has 134 MLAs excluding the Speaker while the DMK-led Opposition has 98 legislators.

The presence of 111 MLAs at today's meeting is seen as a boost to Palaniswamy, whose earlier meeting on 28 August reportedly witnessed less attendance with some reports even claiming that only around 75 MLAs took part in it.

Jayakumar claimed that though the nine pro-Dhinakaran MLAs were unable to take part in today's meet, they assured "their support for all the decisions and steps" (to be taken by Palaniswamy).

Besides MLAs, the meeting was attended by party district secretaries and MPs.

Incidentally, invitation had been extended to all the AIADMK MLAs, including the rebels who are staying put in neighbouring Puducherry since revolting against Palaniswami.

Jayakumar said Peravurani MLA, M Govindarasu, though could not take part in the meeting due to his indisposition, spoke to the chief minister ove the phone and pledged his support.

He termed as 'historic' the decision of the MLAs (to support Palaniswamiy) and said hopes of some to thrust election on people had been dashed.

Besides the MLAs' meeting, separate deliberations were held with district secretaries and MPs in which the participation can be termed "even 100 percent", he said.

He said only two district secretaries could not attend the meet due to some reasons, though they confirmed participation in the general council meet, slated for 12 September.

"Detractors" (Dhinakaran camp MLAs) will not be pardoned by the people and they cannot go to their constituencies as well, he said in reply to a question.

When asked if jailed party general secretary VK Sasikala will be removed from the post at the 12 September general council meeting, he said it will not be proper to comment on the proposed deliberations of the meeting.

Questioning the claim of the ruling group, a key Dhinakaran loyalist, Thangatamilselvan, MLA, dared them to come up with the names of those nine legislators.

He also said: "If governor does not quickly taken a decision in two days, we will decide on our next move."

Another prominent Dhinakaran camp leader and former minister P Palaniappan said the attendance in today's meet was by itself a "proof" that the government was in a minority.

"Governor would have come to know that he (Palaniswamy) does not have majority," he said claiming that Palaniswamy ceased to have the locus standi to be the chief minister.

Palaniappan said "we expect" that the governor will fix a date for Palaniswamy to prove his majority in Assembly.

DMK working president and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, M K Stalin said Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao should immediately order a floor test and direct Palaniswami to prove his majority.

Quoting some media reports, he said only 109 MLAs attended the meeting.
Kochi/Mumbai: An Air India Express aircraft carrying 102 passengers and six crew members on-board veered off the taxiway at Kochi airport after it arrived from Abu Dhabi early Tuesday morning.

However, all passengers were evacuated safely.

"All passengers were evacuated through ladder. All safe. No casualties," a Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) spokesman said.

The nose-wheel of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft also collapsed after it went off the taxiway, an airline source said.

The incident took place at around 2.40 am when the Abu Dhabi-Kochi Air India Express IX-452 approached the parking bay from taxiway after its landing at 2.39 am, the CIAL spokesman said.

The aircraft has been grounded after the incident, the source said, adding an internal inquiry as well as a probe by the aviation regulator DGCA has been initiated.

Air India Express spokesperson was not available for comments.
Opinion / Columnist

I prayed for my mother all night long after she had been involved in an accident but I never saw her alive ever again. She was on the way back from a funeral in Watsomba when the bus she had boarded veered off the road on the Mutare-Harare highway and killed scores of innocent souls. My aunt, brother, sister and I, had sat in the living room at home, absolutely unaware of what had happened to my mother, and prayed faithfully and anxiously, until my dad confirmed she was gone for good.Survivors claimed the driver was speeding, and they had implored him to slow down, but to no avail. Others claimed the driver had not slept for two days and mental fatigue, rather than anything else, had been the cause of the fatal accident. I could not understand it all. She looked so pure and peaceable in her casket when we viewed her body in church. And I did not cry much. I just wished she would come back soon. Our home had been filled with relatives and strangers and women and men from our local Anglican Church for about three days. It was such a disheartening occasion and the nastiest experience you can wish upon a young child.Mourners sang touching songs and cried all night long: it was so painful. So I prayed harder for her quick return. Then, I think my brother explained that she would never return. Yet I held on for her dear homecoming. I prayed to God and made Him promises and cried and explained how distressed I had become. Then I changed tact and pleaded with my mother. I was certain she could hear my frantic prayers. I was confident she could see me. I simply had to wait until she walked into the house and the dreadful dream would end.So I felt extraordinarily empty when I went back to school without my mother alive: a mother is not supposed to die in her prime and leave behind three small children. Later on I realised that Zimbabwe has an extremely foul life force that shakes the bare fabric of the land. It is a malevolent spirit that espouses unbelievable hardships and unscrupulous luck. So, I do not know whether God heard the daily invocations of a seriously wounded Grade 5 boy, over a long and difficult period in my life, but my heartfelt apprehensions of losing close family in traffic accidents never subsided in my childhood, while life elsewhere, never changed, as people kept dying in bus and car accidents, and devastating corruption at the VID offices in Harare, flourished abundantly, year in, year out.As well as I could drive a car  after I had done about 30 learner lessons  I could not pass my driver's licence test without bribing a VID official in Eastlea. While Lela, my cousin, only obtained her licence on her 7th attempt, for she refused to bribe her way to getting a licence. Yet people continued to die in horrific calamities and not one state official, from various ministers of transport and permanent secretaries, cared enough to annihilate the sleaze that had inundated the whole transport sector. The malfeasance extended to ZRP traffic officers, whose livelihoods, it turned out, thrived on extorting bribes from an assortment of taxi drivers, bus drivers and drunken drivers. A deathly situation, where the traffic police regulated traffic for self-enrichment only, arose and found a life of its own.Nonetheless, my faith in God remained strong and I prayed for the best, as I had been baptised and christened in the Anglican Church, so I never stopped praying for the extended family and society at large. We prayed for President Robert Mugabe to lead the nation with distinction at church. We prayed for peace and development in Zimbabwe. We donated money, so the church could help the less fortunate in society. Life however, simply never changed, and official lawlessness of an inhumane kind sunk in. Edwin Nleya died in mysterious circumstances, amid allegations that he had witnessed corruption in the highest echelons of the army and wanted to report the matter to the police. Rashiwe Guzha went missing and people blamed a then-senior CIO official, Eddison Shirihuru, for her still-unresolved disappearance. Maurice Nyagumbo committed suicide after a spate of high-level corruption had battered national confidence in the state.God has remained an omnipresent force throughout the ceaseless labours the nation has endured unchangingly. Tony Gara infamously described Mugabe as "God's other son". Lately, Zanu-PF Junior Spokesperson, Psychology Maziwisa, has claimed Mugabe shares the same noble vision of life as Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, are the road accidents that maim thousands of commuters and wound the bleeding soul of Zimbabwe, fulfilments of a holy nature? When the Fifth Brigade desecrated the blessedness of life in Matabeleland North province during the Gukurahundi massacres, was that a practical realisation of saintly aspirations? When a CIO officer shot and disabled Patrick Kombayi, was that done on the orders of God or man-made gods?When hundreds of people went missing and were shot and injured and beaten in run up to the 2008 elections, was that a prophetic realisation of the will of Jesus Christ? When Dr. Nolbert Kunonga waged a holy battle against white farmers and the MDC, was that a logical fulfilment of divine determination? The political resolve to smother a spate of corruption and ungodly economic and social traditions has never emerged in our hearts. That inclement wind that shakes the wholesomeness of life appears to have a life of its known that no one can pacify. Which manner of earthly soul is in control of the nation when so much criminal action can happen and authentic liability can be so subdued?Border Gezi portrayed himself as a devout Christian, but the rowdy youths, whom he recruited and trained, terrorised the nation. His life also fell victim to a familiar tale when he died in a car accident. God always has the last word on earth and above. But recently, his word has been debased by the shady and shameful actions of countless pastors who profit from his word. But it is not just the rich pastors who use His word for social and economic gains, a whole coterie of senior Zanu-PF officials, regularly invoke the name of God in public and profess to express His wishes with mendacious abandon.Kudzai Chipanga has proclaimed Mugabe is an angelic figure. Grace Mugabe had an accident in July and promptly claimed the hand of God had appeared before her. Her blasphemous hand, however, drew blood from an unsuspecting South African woman's forehead in seemingly sinful fashion last month. Still, the First Lady has, unendingly, called on God, and described her husband as a prophet sent by the Lord above to educate African leaders.What can African leaders from Mugabe, when Zimbabweans have prayed relentlessly for healthier economic times, but the now audible cries for help have led to increased unhappiness and advanced uncertainty? How can Zimbabweans live life on earth to the fullest when the bare essentials, like civilised jobs, reasonable accommodation, nutritious food, safe transport and financial security, remain the collective and priceless substance our daily prayers are made of? And  in spite of our prayers for enhanced existences, 31 passengers were burnt to death after their South Africa-bound bus collided with a haulage truck in April. Equally worrying, irrespective of our enthusiastic prayers, Itai Dzamiri remains missing, and no substantial attempt has been made to find him.And although devout believers attend churches on Saturdays and Sundays and pray for peaceful and productive days, the situation continues to deteriorate and thousands of despairing Zimbabweans who have left the country for economic reasons, survive on the charitable endeavours of individual actors and church-run organisations in South Africa, such as the Methodist Church in downtown Johannesburg. Oliver Mtukudzi asked God for crucial answers in his hit song Pindurai Mambo. So let us all pray for the millions who live in poverty in Zimbabwe.Pray for the parents who cannot afford to buy food and menstrual pads for young and vulnerable girls. Pray for the girls who drop out of high school and never make into tertiary institutions as a result of poverty, unplanned teenage pregnancy, early marriage, violence perpetrated in school and home environments, a lack of role models, inadequate sanitation facilities for girls, the burdens of gender roles at home, harmful religious and traditional practices, negative attitudes towards girls' education and vulnerability to HIV and Aids.Perhaps God will hear our prayers for once and the horrendous wind that shakes the lifeblood of society with incessant fervour will cease to cause unruly commotion now. Perhaps the next presidential election will be free and fair and the result will be uncontested and economic stability can settle for the first time in 20 years. Let us pray that the nation with the highest literacy rate in Africa can actually compile an unquestionable voters' roll without the need for protests in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.I still pray at night and during the day. I still pray for the whole family. I pray for a long and productive life. But I have lost all faith in the people that I, and fellow worshippers in the Anglican Church, prayed for religiously in the past. No one in the public eye needs to invoke the name of God arbitrarily in my humble opinion. Righteous accomplishment and magnanimous leadership will forever be clear for all to appreciate and applaud.
22:20 (ist)

12 dead as 12-day Ganeshotsav ends in Maharashtra

At least 12 persons, including minors and an on-duty policeman, lost their lives during immersion ceremonies on Anant Chaturdashi, marking the end of the 12-day long Ganeshotsav celebrations throughout the state on Tuesday, officials said.

Four persons drowned in the Indrayani river in the twin cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, three in Aurangabad, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed during the day as thousands of the gigantic, large, medium and small idols of the popular elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, were taken out for immersions in various water bodies.

In Mumbai, an Assistant Sub-Inspector who was posted on Ganeshotsav duty at Lalbaug in Parel, suddenly collapsed and died. Further details were awaited.

One person was reported to be missing in Indrayani river in Pune and a search is on to trace him, officials said.

IANS
Tokyo: India and Japan on Tuesday resolved to further strengthen military cooperation as the two countries held wide-ranging talks on bilateral defence and security ties amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the powerful nuclear test by North Korea.

A range of bilateral and regional issues relating to security and defence were deliberated at length during talks between defence minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera in Tokyo, officials said.

Jaitley also called on Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and discussed ways to deepening defence and security co-operation.

In the meeting, Jaitley conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to Abe, Indian envoy to Japan Sujan Chinoy said.

The annual India-Japan Ministerial Defence dialogue took place at a time when tension was mounting in the region due to North Korea's nuclear pursuits and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Jaitley and Onodera also launched a business-to-business meeting of Indian and Japanese industries to promote defence production.

Prior to the annual defence ministerial meeting, Jaitley was given a guard of honour.

The defence and security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upswing and both countries are exploring ways to further deepen it.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Japan in November last year during which both sides had decided to ramp up bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Jaitley, who was holding the additional charge of defence, has attended the security dialogue though Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed defence minister in Sunday's Cabinet reshuffle.

Jaitley had said on Sunday that he is attending the dialogue with Japan as there were logistical constraints for Sitharaman to go for it.

Sitharaman is likely to take charge of the ministry on Thursday.
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena died at a private hospital in Guwahati after a prolonged illness, family sources said on Tuesday.

Kena (52) died Monday night. He was a resident of Gensi village in Lower Siang district and was undergoing treatment in Guwahati from the past one month, the sources said.

Kena, who represented Likabali constituency, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2004. He was re-elected to the House from the same constituency in 2009 and 2014.

Kena was elected as the deputy speaker during the Nabam Tuki government and served as a parliamentary secretary under the Dorjee Khandu and Jarbom Gamlin ministries.

He is survived by his wife, four daughters and two sons.

The mortal remains of Kena would be flown to Naharlagun on Tuesday from Guwahati and then to his native village Gensi where the last rites would be performed on Wednesday.

The state government has declared state mourning for two days from Tuesday and announced a holiday on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock and grief over Kena's demise.

Khandu, who is in Delhi for an official meeting, conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and the people, especially those of his Assembly constituency.

In a message, he said, "In his demise, our state has lost a seasoned politician and I have lost an elder brother who was more than a friend."

"On behalf of the people, I convey my deep condolences to the members of his family, friends and well wishers. I pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace," it added.
Patna: The flood situation in Bihar showed further signs of improvement on Tuesday as water receded in several places and people continued to return to their homes.

Disaster management department said 187 blocks and 2371 panchayats in 19 Bihar districts are still affected forcing 11,583 people to remain in 34 relief camps. The toll in the devastation remained at 514.

The department said 1,20,659 beneficiaries received flood assistance of Rs 6000 in their bank accounts from the

Bihar government during the day to meet their immediate household needs.

So far, a total of 7,25,517 beneficiaries have got the amount of assistance totalling Rs 535.31 crore so far, a statement from state Disaster Management department said.

The government is giving away Rs 6,000 to each flood affected family for food and gratuitous relief.

A total of 50,898 people were served food at 111 community kitchens, it said.

Meanwhile, donations kept pouring in the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for flood victims. Representatives of oil companies including those from ONGC, BPCL,HPCH, GAIL and NRL handed over a cheque of Rs 15 crore to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for flood relief, an official statement said.

Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi was present at the time.

Building Construction department minister Maheshwar Hazari gave a cheque of Rs 1.50 lakh to the CM for flood works while JD(U) MLC Gulam Rasool Balyawi handed over an amount of Rs 1.10 lakh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping held their first substantive bilateral meeting today after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

The meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit lasted an hour. No statement on Doka La was issued, which seemed to indicate a maturity on the part of both nations and a willingness to move on from the standoff.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from the port city.

Modi arrived in Xiamen on Sunday and attended the BRICS Summit on Monday.

Xi Jinping is reported to have said, "India is a valuable partner. We seek guidance from India on the five principles of Panchsheel. India and China are world's two largest economies in the world."

Jaishankar said: "There was a forward-looking and constructive approach taken by both sides during the Modi-Xi meeting. The two leaders reaffirmed that it is in the interest of both India and China to have good relations."

Jaishankar said that while there were differences, they should not become disputes. "Peace and tranquility at the border areas is a prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China.

Urging better communication between the military personnel of India and China, Jaishankar said, "The two leaders felt that there should be closer communication between the defence and security personnel of India and China."

On the issue of counter-terrorism, which dominated the BRICS summit Monday, Jaishankar said that that was not discussed separately during the bilateral meeting.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army. On 28 August, India's external affairs ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Doka La area.

Asked if there was any link between the BRICS declaration which for the first time named Pakistan-based terror groups for their violent activities and resolution of the Doka La standoff, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran answered in the negative, saying BRICS is a multilateral forum where outcomes are based on consensus. "It cannot be linked," she added.

Earlier, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing that "details of the meeting we will release in due course."

Apart from Xi, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Egypt president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Egypt is among the five countries  Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan  invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.

Xi and his wife hosted a banquet for the BRICS leaders Monday evening followed by Chinese cultural extravaganza. Modi, who attended the banquet along with other leaders, also interacted informally with the leaders of the guest countries.
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After the bilateral meeting with the host, Modi will be travelling to Myanmar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in China to attend the 9th annual BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. The summit is taking place just days after India and China decided to defuse Doka La standoff. Last year, India hosted the summit at Goa.

Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi to hold bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, nearly a week after India and China announced resolution of the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff.

North Korea stole the spotlight on Sunday by announcing it had detonated a powerful hydrogen bomb and claiming it could fit the device on a long-range missile, dramatically raising the stakes in its standoff with the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday opened the annual summit of BRICS leaders but that already has been upstaged by North Korea's latest nuclear weapons provocation.

Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other leaders including Russian president Vladimir Putin and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, which is among the five counties  Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan  invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.

The nuclear test on Sunday, which also led to a 6.3 magnitiude earthquake, came just before Xi took the stage for a pre-BRICS address in Xiamen. The timing of the test seemed deliberate and will no doubt anger Beijing, which swiftly condemned the explosion.

After the BRICS Summit at Xiamen is over on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Myanmar. The prime minister will be in Myanmar between 6 and 7 September 2017. This will be his first trip to India's eastern neighbour since taking office in 2014.

"The export of terror from Pakistan is a fundamental concern of India. After its oldest ally, the US has clearly named and shamed Pakistan as being not only a promoter of terrorists but also a protector of terrorists, it would be remiss of the Prime Minister if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit," IANS quoted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari as saying.

The Congress on Sunday said it would be "remiss" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit in China.

China had already said that India's concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistan will not be discussed at the BRICS Summit which started in Xiamen City on Sunday. However, India had rejected China's suggestion, IANS reported.

The correlation (if any) between the Doka La resolution and BRICS Summit has been well explored. India should have no beef with Chinese position. It certainly doesn't stand to gain by walking out of BRICS. But it must equally consider how best to align BRICS with its core interests. And there needs to be at least a working relationship between New Delhi and Beijing. Short of these conditions, BRICS may rapidly dwindle into a propaganda platform for a China-led global order where India will appear a misfit.

India has been seeking deepening ties with Myanmar, which is considered a key pillar in India's Act East policy. Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has been growing steadily but, it lags behind China and Thailand in terms of presence in the Myanmarese market. India has committed $2 billion for development assistance to Myanmar, but projects have been slow in getting implemented. The Kaladan multi-modal transport project was the first major project undertaken by the Indian government in Myanmar. Modi's visit is expected to give a boost to these projects. 

For India, more worrying signs emerged on Friday when Russian president Vladimir Putin, writing for The Times of India newspaper, touched on a range of issues to be discussed during BRICS Summit including terrorism but made no mention of Pakistan. In calling for a "broad counterterrorism front" on terrorism, Putin's words were suitably vague, indicating the growing distance between the two nations. It is quite clear that bilateral trade is failing to bridge the geopolitical gap. Putin invoked Syria, tension on Korean Peninsula but had nothing to say about India's long struggle with cross-border terror.

China's assistant foreign minister Kong Xuanyu and Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui were there to receive Modi, who reached Xiamen on a rainy evening. Modi arrived at the Wyndham Grand hotel where some 50 locals were present to welcome him.

"We the BRICS countries should show our responsibilities to uphold global peace and stability," he said.

Xi also appeared to take a reconciliatory tone when he, without directly referring to the recent Doka La standoff with India, underlined that "peace and development" should be the underpin to resolve issues as the world does not want "conflict and confrontation."

Xi on Sunday underscored that the BRICS must uphold the value of diplomacy to resolve "hotspot issues" as the leaders of the grouping, arrived for the Summit, which is starting on Monday.

China has invited Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand as guest countries for the upcoming BRICS summit but clarified that the invitation is not an attempt to expand the group under its 'BRICS Plus' approach.

Explaining the 'BRICS Plus' approach, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the member countries have been inviting different countries during the annual summits of the group and referred to India's decision to invite leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) for last year's Goa summit in which Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members.

According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, Xi Jinping has served in Fujian province, of which Xiamen is the capital city, between 1985 and 2002. Xi served as the governor of the state between 1999 and 2002. According to him, the Summit is also a show of strength for the president ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on 18 October.

The $76 million loan with a maturity length of 17 years was granted to Shanghai Lingang Distributed Solar Power Project, under an agreement signed in December 2016.

The first project funded by The New Development Bank, set up by India and other members of the BRICS grouping of emerging economies, has started operation in Shanghai, reported PTI.

"I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping today called on BRICS countries to adopt a holistic approach to fight terrorism in all its forms and address both its "symptoms and root causes" so that terrorists will have no place to hide.

On Thursday, China stopped just short of warning India against raising the issue of terrorism, specifically Pakistan's role in it. "China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and protect regional security and stability. We have taken note of the concerns of the Indian side on counter-terrorism issues of Pakistan, but I don't believe that it should feature prominently during the Xiamen Summit," China's foreign ministry said at a media briefing in Beijing.

India may find itself sidelined again if it seeks to deliver a strong message against Pakistan's role as the 'mother ship of terrorism', as it did during last year's edition in Goa.

This is a transformational design because so far the government in Kabul, Afghan security forces, the US and NATO forces have targeted the Taliban as the enemy.

Since April 2016, a group of countries under the auspices of what came to be known as the Moscow initiative began to analyse the Taliban as an Afghan, nationalist category which was not fired by transnational aspirations like the IS and Al Qaeda. The Taliban, in other words, should be brought into the tent, to borrow Lyndon Johnson's colourful expression.

Moscow and Beijing view Afghanistan as the centre where terrorist groups like the Islamic State can breed and threaten countries in the neighbourhood and beyond.

Xi Jinping stresses on structural reforms and sustainable development to boost economic development. He said that it is important to strike balance between fast growth and quality of growth. Xi added that it is important to bring inclusive development as part of 20130 sustainable development goals.

News18 reported that despite the apprehensions of China and Russia to include cross-border terrorism in the joint declaration, India has succeeded in including the major issue into the joint declaration which is expected to come out in the afternoon. The report added that terror outfits like Jaish-e-Muhammad have also been named in the declaration.

Kamath, who was earlier with ICICI bank, added that the recent events have had 'no impact on the economic front and that relationships have grown on the economic front'.

Speaking to CNN News18, KV Kamath, the cheif executive of the New Development Bank, said that there is an 'enormous need for all the countries to get the work done'.

"In 10 years of existence, we contributed in establishing growth for world which is drifting towards instability. Our endeavors touch diverse areas of technology, energy, environment ,ICT, culture. NDB is dispersing loans for infrastructure and sustainable development. Our central banks are making arrangements to make reserve funds operational. I am happy to know China has taken steps to improve people-to-people contact with India. National progress of Ganga cleaning, Digital India, housing for all. Skill India are laying the base of inclusive development," says Modi

"We want to bury the ghost of the D-word (Doklam) for the engagement in future," a source told IANS.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, India has hinted that it wants to move on from the tense Doklam dispute, which had plunged bilateral ties to a new low.

Xinhua reported that Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to work together to tackle the growing crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme.

Modi was the third leader to reach the convention centre, venue of the 9th BRICS Summit in this port city of China and was followed by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Modi is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi on Tuesday.

The BRICS Summit began on Monday in Xiamen with a group photograph of leaders of the five countries and was preceded by a warm handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping, who received the leaders of Brazil, Russia and South Africa ahead of the restricted meeting of the grouping.

Apart from the restricted, the leaders will participate in the plenary during which they will explore ways to enhance cooperation within the members of the grouping in key areas. They will also deliberate on international issues of significance, including global economy and challenges. The Summit will end with the adoption of a Xiamen declaration, which will capture the essence of the deliberations and future road map.

What will happen over the course of the summit?

"I wish to announce here that China will launch the economic and technical cooperation plan for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries with 500 million yuan for the first term to facilitate policy exchange and practical cooperation and in the economic and trade field," Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the opening ceremony of the bloc's 9th summit.

China on Monday announced 500 million yuan (about $76 million) for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries. Beijing also said it will allocate $4 million to the New Development Bank(NDB), IANS reported.

Modi also called for the creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

Addressing the plenary session of the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen city, PTI quoted Modi as saying that trade and economy were the foundations of the cooperation among BRICS -- Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

The prime minister said a strong partnership among member nations on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the sustainable development goals.- PTI

The prime minister stressed for accelerating track of cooperation in smart cities, urbanisation and disaster management - continuing dialogue at Goa in India and said that "we are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty, to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education". - IANS.

The prime minister welcomed cooperation for capacity building between BRICS and African countries in area of skills, health, infra, manufacturing and connectivity. He also asked to grab the youths in m.ainstream in the joint initiatives, scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices. - IANS

News18 reports that Narendra Modi raises the issue of money laundering for financing terrorism at BRICS plenary. The prime minister asked for joint action action against terrorism and also ideated on a de-radicalisation drive against terrorism.

News18 reports that the BRICS joint declaration has condemned Pakistan-backed terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in the joint declaration at Xiamen. This is being considered a big diplomatic win for India as it could not include terrorism in the joint declaration at Goa last year.

BRICS voices concern on security situation in the region and violence by terror groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistan-based LeT and JeM.  PTI

Touched upon several aspect of bilateral ties. Recalled Modi's visit. Putin thanked Modi for participation in Eastern Economic Forum. Both deliberated on economic ties and co-operation on oil and gas sector.

Leaders have adopted Xiamen Declaration. This has picked up on the positive impetus from Goa. Prime Minister gave a very future looking blueprint for BRICS next decade. "Our leaders of our countries have contributed to emergence of BRICS. It has spurt world growth and also driven transformation," Modi said. Modi spoke of taking affirmative action in global governance. Modi also spoke on reforms in United Nations Security Council. He also proposed an idea of counter radicalisation conference in India.

The leaders are holding their annual summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen through Tuesday.

He also called on his BRICS partners to oppose a growing tide of protectionism across the world.

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable," he told the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa in his opening address. Xi said they should "speak with one voice" to jointly present their solutions to global problems and safeguard their common interests.

Five major emerging economies opened BRICS summit on Monday to map out their future course, with host Chinese president Xi Jinping calling on them to play a bigger role in world affairs.

MEA says that for the first time, a specific list has been issued by the BRICS pointing out various terror outfits affecting security in member states. MEA also said that the BRICS leaders have also have agreed to implement UNSC resolution for combating terrorism. Preeti Saran, Secretary, East, said that Modi also discussed counter-terrorism at the Summit. The BRICS leaders also said that there is a need for joint action against terrorism, Saran said.

"We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," the fourty-eighth point of the Xiamen declaration said.

"We stress that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The BRICS also called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition and support the UN's central coordinating role in this regard.

"We call for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by the United Nations General Assembly," the BRICS said.

The declaration also mentioned terror groups like the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Tehrik-i-Taliban and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

In a declaration, the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) also called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism including countering radicalisation and blocking terror financing sources.

"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," the Xiamen Declaration says.

A Reuters report notes that the future of the BRICS looks toxic. it adds that China and India stepped back from a border dispute just in time for a summit of the bloc of large emerging market countries, which helps Xi Jinping to keep up appearances ahead of a crucial political reshuffle. But the unusual tensions between the two Asian giants suggests the three-day gathering underway could be a last hurrah.

The BRICS, which accounts for nearly 29 percent of global GDP at purchasing power parity, shares less in common than other blocs. The Group of Seven (G7) are all rich, industrialised nations with broadly similar democratic politics. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council are composed of countries that at least live shoulder-to-shoulder. In everything from history to demographics, politics, and resource dependence, the BRICS vary enormously. The huge differences have rightly seen the acronym panned as a bloody ridiculous investment concept.

We strongly deplore the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK (official name of North Korea). We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned.

"The two sides basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship. President Putin recalled prime minister's visit to Russia earlier this year. And, he thanked the prime minister for high-level participation from India at the Eastern Economic Forum," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment, especially in the oil and natural gas sector.

"We recall the 2005 World Summit Outcome document and reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges. China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN," the BRICS Declaration said.

Apart from the five members of the BRICS, this summit will also include five other nations as part of China's outreach efforts. The five invitees to the BRICS Summit this time are: Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand. India is also expect to hold talks with the leaders of each invitee nations on the sidelines of the summit.

The declaration said the leaders acknowledge that illegal flow of the proceeds of corruption impairs economic development and financial stability and support enhanced cooperation in asset recovery.

The leaders said that they were keenly aware of the negative impact of corruption on sustainable development and declared their support to efforts to enhance BRICS and anti-corruption cooperation.

The BRICS Summit of five emerging economies on Monday pledged itself to creating a fair and modern global tax system that will address issues like tax evasion by shifting of profits to safe havens and to promote exchange of tax information that will seek to curb the practice.

He also urged central banks of the member nations to further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement of the grouping and the International Monetary Fund. The prime minister said BRICS countries can work closely with International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched by Indian and France in November 2015.

The prime minister said a strong partnership among member nations on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the sustainable development goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought a strong partnership among BRICS nations to spur economic growth, saying that the bloc of emerging countries has contributed to the stability in a world "drifting towards uncertainty".

Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF (International Monetary Fund), the prime minister said, urging early creation of the BRICS rating agency.

Prime Minister Narendra Moday, today called for the creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

It was India, which had first mooted the idea of an independent CRA for the BRICS grouping at last years BRICS Summit in Goa, pinpointing the problems the current CRA market posed for the emerging market economies.

A BRICS CRA will be a counter to the western credit rating agency, which enjoy unchallanged market dominance. Entreprenuers in East and South East Asia often face impediments because of the hegimony enjoyed by CRA's like Moody's Fitch and S&P. These three western rating agencies hold over 90% of the sovereign ratings market now.

Why is it a good idea for BRICS nations to have a their own Credit Rating Agencies?

"I believe there are three important practices that should be carried forward," Xi said in the Summit's opening address.

Both leaders discussed several aspects of bilateral issues in sectors like cooperation in the natural gas and oil sector, Kumar added. Both sides also discussed how to promote bilateral trade and investment.

The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here, "basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship", Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, briefing reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting here on Monday with trade and investment, natural gas, tourism and youth exchanges featuring in their discussions.

Second, by getting a variety of countries at international summits (including Monday's summit in Xiamen) to express concern about Pakistan-based terror outfits, India appears to have put the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China under pressure. China, which is already facing an increasingly hostile international community because of its continued support to the North Korean regime, will now be under immense pressure to step back from providing any moral or diplomatic support to Pakistan's terror groups.

This is also of vital strategic importance in two ways; first, Pakistans strategy of 'death by a thousand cuts' is now under an international spotlight, with its civilian and military government facing intense pressure to rein in militant groups.

At the BRICS Summit on Monday, India was able to secure a major diplomatic victory for itself after the member countries backed the UN resolution on terrorism, specifically naming Pakistan-based terror groups.

Earlier, addressing the plenary session of the BRICS Summit, Modi said trade and economy were the foundations of the cooperation among BRICS - Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

The two leaders met in this southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen on the sidelines of the ninth BRICS Summit.

The BRICS also called upon all states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and terrorist actions from their territories.

At a restricted session of the BRICS leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also articulated India's position on the issue and offered to host a conference on de-radicalisation.

In the BRICS declaration, the grouping deplored all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever.

China will provide $76 million for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan and another $4 million to support the projects of the bloc's New Development Bank, President Xi Jinping announced on Monday. Calling on the five nation grouping to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development, Xi said the BRICS countries should make economic globalisation open and inclusive, and beneficial to all.

He also said that during the Modi-Putin meeting several bilateral issues were discussed like the cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector.

"The two sides basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship. President Putin recalled prime minister's visit to Russia earlier this year. And, he thanked the prime minister for high-level participation from India at the Eastern Economic Forum," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters at a briefing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment along with the security situation in Afghanistan.

The four documents are: BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation; BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-20); Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation; and Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation (NDB).

To boost cooperation in different areas, including economy and trade, BRICS member states on Monday signed four agreements at the 9th Summit of the five-nation bloc here.

"Renewable energy is particularly important on multiple counts. BRICS countries can work closely with International Solar Alliance (ISA) to strengthen the solar energy agenda. Our five countries have complementary skills and strengths to promote use of renewable and solar energy," Modi said. The ISA was launched by India and France in November 2015 and aims to bring together a coalition of 121 countries for mutual gains through enhanced solar energy utilisation.

Asserting that affordable and sustainable access to energy is crucial for the growth of the BRICS nations, Prime Minister Narendra today called on the member countries to work closely with the International Solar Alliance to strengthen the solar energy agenda.

"These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue," Geng told PTI in a written response to a strong reference in the BRICS countries about these terror groups.

Defending the move to include these terror groups for the first time in the BRICS joint declaration, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".

China on Monday said that Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like JeM, LeT and the Haqqani network have been included in the BRICS joint declaration due to concerns about their violent activities in the region .

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

The Business Council comprising business organisations from all the five countries has done a lot in the fields of e-commerce, technical development, standard setting, and the experience sharing in the digital economy, PTI quoted XI as saying.

In his remarks during talks between the BRICS Business Council and BRICS leaders attending the ninth BRICS summit, Xi praised the achievements of the council and the NDB.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank (NDB) to ensure greater cooperation among BRICS countries.

The leaders also attended the opening ceremony of the BRICS Cultural Festival and Photo Exhibition and watched the trailer of "Where Has Time Gone", the first film co-produced by the five countries.

IANS reported that the party also said China did not have a moral or legal right now to stand in the way or to prevent the United Nations from declaring Azhar an international terrorist.

The Congress on Monday said it hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now take up the issue of declaration of Maulana Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as his outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been declared a terrorist organisation by BRICS nations.

"India is changing fast into one of the most open economies in the world today," Modi said while addressing the BRICS Business Council meet in Xiamen as part of the 9th BRICS Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in July this year is the biggest economic reform ever in India.

India and four other BRICS nations today pledged to abide by the principle of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, PTI reported.The Xiamen Declaration, issued at the end of the BRICS Summit's plenary session, said the member countries will also work together to promote the most effective use of fossil fuels and wider use of gas, hydro and nuclear power.

" China faced the same problem in Xiamen that India faced in Goa last year  pressure of being the host. As host, the onus is on China to find a consensual joint declaration that can be adopted. The host has to walk the extra mile. Therefore the host's scope for taking extreme positions in these negotiations is crippled. Part of the reason why India couldn't push through similar language in the Goa declaration was precisely because of this."

According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, China was under pressure due to its position as a host to come to a consensus on a joint declaration. According to his report, this helped India to push to add LeT and JeM as foreign terror outfits in the declaration.

News18 reported that a gamut of issues may be taken into consideration during the meetign with Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping. Some of the issues that may be discussed during the meeting are India's concerns over CPEC transgressing Jammu and Kashmir, India's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese reluctance to ban Masood Azhar and its backing of Pakistan despite terror concerns.

Just like on Monday, Modi also spoke of diigtisation and sustainable development for emerging economies.

Talking about India's long-standing partnership with Africa, Modi noted that India is a major partner of the countries in the continent and added that the African Development Bank chose India for its first meeting outside Africa.

Pitching India's strong support for development of the South Asia region, Modi said that the South Asia satellite is an example of India's commitment to the development of India and its neighbourhood.

While talking about a three-pronged approach to development , Modi spoke of India's aim to bring banking to those whoa re unbanked through various mobile technology.

Narendra Modi, while talking about co-operation with developing economies, hardselled India's economic approach. Modi said that development is a key focus for India. He said his government is focussing on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

It is important not to draw all the wrong inferences from Monday's turn of events. As the news broke out, some Indian TV channels enthusiastically interpreted it as a case of 'China dumping Pakistan', some said it was a 'resounding win' after Doka La. Let's be clear. The breakthrough that India achieved on Monday at BRICS is significant. It represents a softening of China's stance on Pakistan-sponsored terror. But neither is it an unqualified 'victory' nor does it signal a dramatic change in Beijing's Pakistan policy.

Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi asked BRICS to team up with the International Solar Alliance for mutual gains through solar energy and utilisation of solar power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that changes can be brought about by BRICS' proactive approach and co-ordination.

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable. Our ever closer ties require that we five countries play more active in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved," Xi told the gathering.

Speaking at the opening of the plenary session at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Xi was quoted by PTI as saying the five-nation grouping need to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development.

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Monday called on the BRICS countries to make the international order more just and equitable, asserting that many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved without their participation.

An Indian government functionary told The Indian Express on Tuesday that they would try to bury the D-word. The D-word stands for Doka La. The Indian Express quoted sources as saying that after a bitter experience, it is time to move on."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will also also look at the trade and commerce aspect of the India-China relationship, News18 reported. The report also noted that Doka La may also feature in the discussions between the two leaders.

Our 'no strings attached' cooperation model is driven purely by requirements of partner countries, PTI quoted the prime minister as saying at BRICS developing nations dialogue. Modi also suggested 10 noble commitments to be taken up by BRICS leadership for global transformation.

Narendra Modi has pitched for organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management at the summit, PTI reported.

"Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change is encountering resistance," Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.

Xi didn't refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement on climate change.

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

The declaration will come as a major setback for Pakistan that will now find itself further isolated in the global community on the issue of terrorism. It happens to be the second time in a week that Pakistan has been rapped on its knuckles for its support to terrorists operating in the region. US president Donald Trumps recently-announced policy on Afghanistan also sought to shame Pakistan on the issue. Now, the expression of concern over Pakistan-based terror groups at the BRICS Summit will work to double the diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Speaking at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, Xi said: "Four years ago, I put forward the idea of building a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st century Maritime Silk Road. The initiative received a warm response from the international community. In May this year, China hosted a successful Belt and Road forum for international cooperation."

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed the Belt and Road project at a BRICS forum in Xiamen, saying that the initiative has received a good response.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.

Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Xi Jinping is reported to have said, "India is a valuable partner. We seek guidance from India on the five principles of Panchasheel. India and China are world's two largest economies in the world." - News18

While there were speculation over a possible media briefing after the bilateral meeing, reports now suggest there will be no such thing. There will only be a few sound bytes by Foreign Secretary Jaishankar before he leaves. This is the last event before Modi leaves for Myanmar.

On counter-terrorism issue, which dominated the BRICS summit on Monday, Jaishankar said that they were not separately discussed during the bilateral meeting.

Urging better communication between the military personnel of India and China, Jaishankar said, "The two leaders felt that there should be closer communication between the defence and security personnel of India and China."

"Peace and tranquility at the border areas is a prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China," Jaishankar said on the border issue between the countries.

Jaishankar said that while there are differences, they should not become disputes. "The two leaders also reaffirmed the understanding reached at Astana between Modi and Xi to not allow differences to become disputes," Jaishankar added.

"There was a forward-looking and constructive approach taken by both sides during the Modi-Xi meeting. The two leaders reaffirmed that it is in the interest of both India and China to have good relations," Jaishankar said on the overall outcome of the meeting.

"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world  brick by brick, or, through BRICS....," Modi said.

Modi, while speaking at the 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue' organised by China on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, said India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management, as he suggested 10 'noble commitments' through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved.

Xi told Modi that the two countries should pursue "healthy, stable bilateral ties", China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel), which were put forward by both the countries, to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-India ties along the right track, Xi was quoted as saying.

Ways to deepen security and defence cooperation, implementation of India-assisted development projects and the issue of cross border activities by certain insurgent groups along the India-Myanmar are likely to figure during Modi's talks with leadership of the country during the three-day visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Myanmar on Tuesday on his first bilateral state visit during which both sides are expected to ink a number of agreements and deliberate on key issues including exodus of Rohingya community.

Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later in the day. The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.

Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

In Yagon, the prime minister will visit the Shwedagon pagoda and will go to martyr's mausoleum to pay tribute to General Aung San, the Burmese nationalist leader who was assassinated. General Aung is father of Suu Kyi.

Modi will travel to Yangon where he will have a series of engagements including interaction with the Indian community.

"I do not think there is any misunderstanding between us and the Myanmar government on what we sought to do," she said. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-kilometre-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

"I think it is very well known that actions were carried out along the border. It is a difficult border. It is a border on which the exact location of the boundary sometimes may be difficult to make out.

Asked about the Indian Army's action last year along the India-Myanmar border, Ranganathan said there was no misunderstanding between the two countries over the issue.

"Myanmar is a very very important partner in our Act East policy and neighbourhood first policy," said MEA.

India would also convey to Myanmar about the kind of project it has on its priority list and whether it would like to partner with India in their execution. "We will be guided by Myanmar government in its choice of projects," the MEA said.

She said the Kaladan project and the trilateral high-way project will be discussed during the prime minister's visit.

On the exodus of Rohingya community, the MEA said, "The issue of the Rakhine state is a matter of great concern. There has been a prominent attack recently and a large no of people have lost their lives. We have reached out to Myanmar government after the attacks on what can be done."

Myanmar is the only ASEAN country which shares a border with India. Therefore, it is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largesteconomy in the world if it were a single nation.

Should India manage to upgrade the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard, while Myanmar develops the Yargyi-Monywa portion, it will greatly improve Indias connectivity and relationship with both Myanmar and Thailand.

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number according to The Economic Times. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in Northeast India according to the Livemint report. Indeed, some Indian insurgent groups operate from Myanmar. Therefore Myanmar's cooperation would go a long way in helping India deal with these insurgent groups.

China has been steadily increasing its influence (both economic and political) in the country. It is Myanmar's largest trade partner, has investments in the country and has played a proactive role in bringing various armed groups to the negotiating table. This cooperation on ethnic issues has reaped economic dividends as Myanmar has shown interest in China's One Belt One Road initiative.

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," he said.

The burning issue of the Rohingyas and India's capacity building measures and infrastructure projects are expected to figure during Modi's visit to Myanmar. "During the visit, we will review developments in our bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas in which we can work together," Modi said in a pre-departure statement.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in North East India.

Myanmar is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largest economy in the world if it were a single nation. It can be India's gateway to Southeast Asia and give an impetus to India's Look East Policy.

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

On Wednesday, Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi, following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed. During the course of the visit, Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in the restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon, where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

India is also attempting to counter China's influence in other ways. India is developing a road which runs through Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM), a 2,800 km-long corridor that starts from Kolkata and passes through Bangladesh and Myanmar before ending at Kunming in China.

Experts say that when it comes to Myanmar, China has repeatedly beaten India to punch repeatedly and continues to do so. China regards Myanmar as a land bridge to the Indian Ocean China has also shielded Myanmar from western criticism in the UN, on the issue of Rohingya Muslims.

As India seeks to deepen ties, experts fear China may have already beaten her to punch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the 1105 AD Ananda Temple which is another prominent Buddhist shrine in Myanmar. He will also visit the Martyrs Mausoleum which contains remains of Aung Sang after his assassination in 1947.

Modi also hopes to convince Myanmar about its seriousness in strengthening ties as China keeps a close watch.

Here is the list of agreements expected to be signed between India and Myanmar

Myanmar troupes and artistes have participated in South Asian and ASEAN cultural events in India. India has also responded to Myanmar's interest in restoring and renovating two historic temples in Bodh Gaya built by Myanmar rulers King Mindon and King Baygyidaw.

India and Myanmar share close cultural ties and a sense of deep kinship given India's Buddhist heritage. Building on this shared heritage India is undertaking some key initiatives: Restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan and GOI donation of a 16 foot replica of the Sarnath Buddha Statue which has been installed at the premises of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said the government was very clear that the Rohingyas should go back. - IANS

Rijiju said no force will however be used. "We are not going to use force to throw out anybody. Such image may be painted that we are very inhuman; we are not. In fact, no other country has accepted as much refugees as India," he said.

The Centre and the Assam government on Tuesday made it clear that Rohingya immigrants from Myanmar have to return to their native country. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of the North-East Democratic Alliance in the national capital, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said, "They (Rohingyas) are illegal immigrants in India. Deportation has to be through legal process."

Modi's visit is certainly a step in the right direction to mend Indo-Myanmar ties. He is scheduled to hold discussions with the holders of high office as he will call on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Htin Kyaw. The bilateral visit should serve to give a boost to political and economic ties with a strategic eastern neighbour.

Myanmar, for its part has tried to follow a policy of preserving its independence from India and China. There has been a tendency in Myanmar to fear China while trying to cultivate friendship with India. This has changed with the actions of China as well as those of General Ne Win who imposed martial law in the country in 1962.

"You need to play it very smartly. You need to make it clear that Rakhine violence has regional implications... but India will not get into saying, This is how you should resolve it.'" - Reuters

The violence in Myanmar could hit development of a transport corridor that begins in Rakhine, with the Indian-built port of Sittwe and includes road links to Indias remote North East, analysts said. "Its going to be a very vexed and complex issue," said Tridivesh Singh Maini, a New Delhi-based expert on ties with Myanmar.

"If there is active economic activity in the state, many of the problems will be at least reduced," said Joint Secretary, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Ministry of External Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan at a press briefing before Narendra Modi's Myanmar visit. She said India was working in that direction.

Ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, India, which has maintained that there is no change in policy on illegal immigrants, has said that New Delhi would encourage the Myanmar government to "find ways of stimulating socio-economic development" in Rakhine, reported India Today .

Apart from his engagements in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, he will visit Yangon and Bagan. His visit will end on 7 September.

This is Prime Minister Narendra Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. During the visit, according to Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will hold discussions with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on matters of mutual interest and also call on President U Htin Kyaw.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state. He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

"We hope that all stakeholders can together find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected," Modi said. "At the same time, we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all." - IANS

"We share your concerns about the extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been lost," Narendra Modi said in a joint address to the media along with Aung San Suu Kyi following delegation-level talks.

India shared its concerns with Myanmar over the situation in the country's Rakhine state, where the army has launched a crackdown on the Rohingyas, triggering a mass exodus.

In the bigger picture context it is hugely indiscreet and tactless but if a display of Indian confidence is the yardstick well, China would certainly be miffed that this visit does not bode well for the present plastic cordiality.

What Modi probably has to lose is the wobbly friendship with the military regime and the hawkish General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces. By stopping over en route from the BRICS Summit in China where he and Xi Jinping played genteel footsies and little else in the thaw after the Doka La impasse Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by big brother.

By visiting Myanmar, Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by 'big brother'

- In field of elections (between Election Commission of India and The Union Election Commission of Myanmar).

- Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation (Between Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and Food and Drugs (FDA), Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar on Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation)

India and Myanmar on Wednesday signed eleven agreements in a range of sectors, including one to strengthen democratic institutions in this country, to further build their multifaceted partnership. The following are the MoUs signed:

The prime minister, at a joint press statement with Suu Kyi, asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing. Modi and Suu Kyi held talks and discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations. - PTI

Modi's first bilateral visit comes at a time when the Myanmarese government is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

India said today that it shares Myanmar's concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the country's unity and territorial integrity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's foreign minister and Minister of President's Office on Wednesday. Following the discussions, Modi gave a speech at the joint press statement with Suu Kyi.

The temple was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and then last year when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar. India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated $3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).- PTI (Read more here )

The temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

This is where Subhas Chandra Bose had said 'Tum Mujhe khoon do, mai tumhe azaadi doonga', says Modi.

Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.

We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming India, says PM Modi

Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.

We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming India, says PM Modi

We are not merely changing India, we are building a new India: PM Modi addresses the Indian community in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/i74d6zhna9

EAM Sushma Swaraj is very active. She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help: PM pic.twitter.com/fvfL1Vwpn6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Modi had arrived in China on Sunday and attended the BRICS Summit on Monday. During the meeting, which is taking place amid efforts from the two sides to leave the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in Doka La in the Sikkim sector, sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures.

However, they refused to divulge details about the issues to be discussed. The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff. The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army. On 28 August, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Doka La area.

Asked if there was any link between the BRICS declaration which for the first time named Pakistan-based terror groups for their violent activities and resolution of the Doka La standoff, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran answered in the negative, saying BRICS is a multilateral forum where outcomes are based on consensus.

"It cannot be linked," she added. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing that "details of the meeting we will release in due course."

Apart from Xi, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, which is among the five counties  Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan -- invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.

Xi and his wife hosted a banquet for the BRICS leaders this evening followed by Chinese cultural extravaganza. Modi, who attended the banquet along with other leaders, also interacted informally with the leaders of the guest countries.
Opinion / Columnist

Vazet2000@yahoo.co.uk

Nurses have a professional duty to respect patients' dignity. But a visit in our hospitals back home is a chilling experience. Where starting from the door the security guards treat relatives of patients as criminals. You will be humiliated embarrassed and dehumanised. The compassionate atmosphere of hospital is turned to a prison or a war zone. Diasporas shudder to get sick in Zimbabwe. Those in the country wish to run away. The situation is not due to the decay of our health system. It is mostly the attitude of the health staff to their work. Nurses and doctors are now money oriented and in money they heal.Incidents of verbal and physical patient abuse in health care settings continue to occur, in the maternity ward beating up of patients is a norm and seems to be highly accepted. Nurses have a professional and ethical responsibility to advocate for their patients when incidents of abuse occur. But in some wards they team up against their patients. They make you feel that its your fault to get sick. Nursing as we know it has lost meaning. Tolerating or ignoring inappropriate behaviors occurs for multiple reasons, including ignorance, fear of retaliation, the need for peer acceptance, and concerns for personal advancement. Nurses need to reflect on their biases before they can truly respect patients' autonomy. There is a serious need for a change in hospital culture and abusive nature of our hospitals. The primary steps in eliminating patient abuse are opening communication, providing education, establishing competency, eliminating tolerance of unacceptable behavior, and creating a code of mutual respect. A change in culture to one of mutual respect and dignity for staff members and patients will lead to the best outcomes for all involved.But the situation on the ground is indeed appalling nurses play God with the lives of the patients. It does not matter whether its a public hospital or private hospital. The treatment is not only bad for diaspora but mot of the sick. Simple respect is glaringly absent.Patient's dignity is a thing of the past. Patients no longer feel comfortable, sin control and valued), physical presentation and behaviour. The environment, staff behaviour and patient factors impacted on patient dignity. Lack of environmental privacy threatened dignity. A conducive physical environment, dignity-promoting culture and other patients' support promoted dignity. Staff being curt, authoritarian and breaching privacy threatened dignity. Staff promoted dignity by providing privacy and interactions which made patients feel comfortable, in control and valued. Patients' impaired health and older age rendered them vulnerable to a loss of dignity. patients no longer retain ability and control they are made to feel inferior.Patients are vulnerable to loss of dignity in hospital. Staff behaviour and the hospital environment can influence whether patients' dignity is lost or upheld.A prominent Doctor was left grey faced after her dying 88-year-old mother was allegedly abused by nurses who threatened to hit her and then slapped and "knuckled" her on the head for screaming in pain. She was called names asked why she can not die. Nurses literally refused to assist her.No one is determined to highlight the alleged abuse to "get caring back in the nursing profession" and to prevent other patients from suffering the same plight.Gogo Matika 88, an Alzheimer patient with lucid moments, was admitted on her deathbed to the hands of angry and pompous nurses. They refused ton attend to her because she was making noise. One nurse had to knuckle her head to subdue her screams. She died two days later.Mr Magaya (true name) When his mother was admitted, she had been very weak, had vomited and her stomach appeared distended. She was frightened and " I knew that, due to her condition, she would need someone with her all the time," Magaya said. Her mother's caregiver, who asked to remain anonymous, stayed with her in the hospital at night and witnessed the alleged abuse."The caregiver was quite distressed as she said that on the night when two nurses came to attend to his mother they were very rough with her. Mom, who had a catheter and a drip, must have lashed out at the one nurse as she was frightened and was actually on her deathbed. The nurse, then slapped my frail, 88-year-old mother""The nurse hit (her) on the arm and then knuckled her a couple of times on the top of the head. She told (the caregiver) that that was what she needed to do to patients so that the family would not see marks on the patient's head because hair covers the head," Magaya said.The nurses also apparently tied her mother's hands to the bed but the caregiver advised them to untie her when the family arrived.The hospital Magaya sent his mother is a private hospital where the fees are by no means cheap, therefore one would expect top class nursing service and care. This is contrary to what the public is paying for. And in my opinion, the many so-called nurses attending to the sick do not have the compassion to be in the profession," Magaya said.There are several incidents of poor nursing services experienced by many Zimbabweans In one incident a patient was almost burned after she was offered cooked oats in a drinking cup. It had been poured into the cup from an urn and was burning hot.In another circumstance a nurse treating a child was so snappy and intimidating and the child would quiver in fear of this ghost in white. What happened to courtesy."My sister and I were just outside the room when we heard a loud "clang" and a pitiful (cry) from my mother's mouth. The nurse had dropped her bed so suddenly, she was obviously hurt," one relative complained. When she enquired of what had happened she was told to nursing if she wants to see how it works.Another lady alleged she had to alert nurses to change her mother's drip and her medical chart had not been accurately completed. But she was told off and escorted off the ward. When she came back her mother was bruised. The treatment of patients is giving our health system a bad name and indeed soiling the honest laddies in white. Sometimes you feel that the nurses must be in red to show that there is danger in the hospital.That helping compassionate profession has been overtaken by greedy cruel stubborn money hunters in white.Yes we do agree that nurses are innocent until proven guilty, but the allegations are extremely serious. Our health managers must subscribe to the values of care, truth, passion, dignity and participation. As an institution it must exist to care for patients when they are at their most vulnerable. Elderly patients and young children in particular should feel nurtured and safe in the care of our nurses.Most people are afraid to complain. But surely the devil must not dawn white let him be in red.
Xiamen: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management, as he suggested 10 'noble commitments' through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved.

Modi, while speaking at the 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue' organised by China on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, said India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world  brick by brick, or, through BRICS....," Modi said.

"I had spoken about the BRICS driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a golden decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies, and action," Modi said while putting forward ten noble commitments through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved.

The ten noble commitments suggested by Modi included creating a safer world by "organised and coordinated action on at least three issues: Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security and Disaster Management".

Other noble commitments suggested by the prime minister were  creating a greener world, creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Apart from Modi, leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and five guest countries  Egypt, Tajikistan, Thailand, Mexico and Kenya  also attended the dialogue.

"Our 'no strings attached' model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries," Modi said.

"Our development partnerships, projects are providing water, electricity, roads, healthcare, tele-medicine, and basic infra in dozens of countries," he said.

He said recently India completed its first voluntary review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner," Modi said.

Click here for live updates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to fly to Myanmar on Tuesday after his meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit.

This will be the prime minister's first bilateral visit to Myanmar and the two countries are slated to sign a slew of agreements and discuss key issues such as the fate of the Royingya community and economic projects.

However, some analysts fear that it may be too little too late for India. Experts say that when it comes to Myanmar, China has repeatedly beaten India to punch repeatedly and continues to do so.

China plays nice

A report in The New York Times argues how China is playing the peacemaker to secure its investments: When Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi wanted to hold a peace conference to put an end to her country's long-running insurgencies, a senior Chinese diplomat set to the task, gathering together many rebel leaders, some of whom had longstanding relationships with China and flew them on a private jet to Myanmar's capital. The rebels were introduced to Kyi, the group was wined and dined and ended up singing Karaoke into the wee hours of the morning, according to the report.

China has also been looking to claim a stake of up to 85 percent in the strategically vital deep sea port of Kyauk Pyu on the Bay of Bengal, as part of its ambitious One Belt, One Road infrastructure investment plan to deepen its links with economies throughout Asia and beyond.

Kyauk Pyu is vital to Chinese interests because the port serves as an entry point for a Chinese oil and gas pipeline thus giving it an alternative route for energy imports from the Middle East that avoids the Malacca Straits, a shipping chokepoint heavily monitored by the United States, according to the report.

China's vision of global conquest

Experts say Myanmar is simply a piece in the puzzle of China's grand plan: World domination.

According to a report in The Hindu Business Line, China regards Myanmar as a land bridge to the Indian Ocean. According to the report, while it was initially concerned about Kyi's victory, it has since used its security and economic leverage to persuade her to give China a say in any peace agreement she reaches with separatists. China has also shielded Myanmar from western criticism in the UN, on the issue of Rohingya Muslims.

According to a report in Foreign Policy, the most direct route to southern China from India runs across Kachin State, along the old Ledo Road constructed by the Allies during World War II to supply their fight against the Japanese. Chinas plan to create the One Belt, One Road project, a new set of Eurasian infrastructure connections both on land (the belt) and at sea (the road), has singled out the Ledo Road as a comparatively easy and low-altitude way to cross the Himalayas compared with the steep routes of the far north.

One Belt, One Road (OBOR), the signature policy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is central to its political and economic health. Peace could usher in a chance for China not only to have better access to Myanmars markets, but even more significantly a better land route between two of the worlds most important economies, according to the Foreign Policy report.

India tries to fight back

The Hindu Business Line reports that while India is the ninth or tenth largest investor in Myanmar and only has a $2.2 billion trade with that country, Modi has been aggressively pushing for projects that were initiated more than a decade ago to be completed. Budgets have escalated manifold, and contracts have been awarded to start construction, according to the report.

India is also attempting to counter China's influence in other ways. According to this Firstpost report, India is developing a road which runs through Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM), a 2,800 km-long corridor that starts from Kolkata and passes through Bangladesh and Myanmar before ending at Kunming in China.

India has also attempted to make inroads through diplomacy. According to a report in The Indian Express, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Nay Pyi Taw in 2014 and in 2016, Modi went to Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014, calling on former Myanmar president U Thein Sein, meeting Kyi and interacted with 300 members of the Indian community.

According to a report in BBC, India's announcement that it will deport Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar is an attempt to curry favour with the Buddhist-majority nation. The intent seems to be to try to connect to India to hardline Buddhist nationalists in Myanmar, according to the report.

Sanjay Pulipaka, writing in The Economic Times, stated that Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, while visiting Myanmar in August referred to Myanmar as Brahmadesh and spoke to his hosts about improvements to the Buddhist circuits in India. The fact that a chief minister of India's most populous state chose Myanmar for his first overseas visit suggests that it has acquired a prominent position in the cultural map of the ruling party in India, Pulipaka opined.

'China more significant to Myanmar than India'

According to a report in the state-run Global Times, after Kyi took power in April 2016, she chose Beijing for her first visit outside the ASEAN region and called on the Chinese president and prime minister. Liu Zongyi from the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, wrote that Kyi's visit indicated that in her estimation, China had a place of greater significance than India.

"Suu Kyi has chosen China for her first overseas trip outside ASEAN probably not because she is emotionally close to Beijing, but out of Myanmar's domestic politics and national interests. She will lead the country to seek a balance among major powers," Liu wrote.

Last year, another Chinese think-tank stated that India was "cozying up" to Myanmar because it was threatened by the growing strategic ties between China and Myanmar. Zhao Gancheng, director of Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies, Shanghai Institute for International Studies, also publishing an op-ed in the Global Times, warned India that Myanmar would seek to maintain neutrality at all costs in order to gain benefits.

With inputs from agencies
As Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping met in a bilateral on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Xiamen  their first since the end of a military standoff in high Himalayas, one thing became immediately clear. Doka La may have unintentionally triggered a positive change in the bilateral equation and it is possible that the differences, which threatened to descend into a bitter dispute and even a conflict, might end up becoming an opportunity.

Usual disclaimers must apply to such conclusions because of the complexity inherent in the proximate rise of two major powers. More so when both are so dissimilar in nature. India's position as a status-quoist, liberal democracy makes it vulnerable before a revisionist superpower such as China which has shown repeated disregard for sovereign boundaries or international rules-based order as it seeks to throw its neo-colonial weight driven by a deep, historical resentment.

It was interesting to note, therefore, as Modi-Xi bilateral came to an end in Xiamen, that both sides showed a concerted effort to move beyond Doka La and seek a new modus vivendi through a "forward-looking" dialogue. The phrase "forward looking", which foreign secretary S Jaishankar repeatedly stressed on during his brief media interaction, deserves a bit of decoding.

It suggests that during the bilateral (which went on for an hour of which at least half was spent on discussing post-Doka La complications) Modi and Xi were keen to avoid appearing resentful over the conflict and were more intent in understanding the ramifications of the issue, and discuss ways to avoid such an eventuality in the future. It is possible that discussions on fresh dispute mechanisms and confidence-building measures have taken place.

India and China already have a very robust dispute redressal mechanism erected over a period of time but Doka La was a different beast. The unprecedented dispute involved Indian and Chinese troops facing off on the soil of a third country which may yet give rise to countless future complications. During the standoff, Chinese propaganda machinery issued repeated threats of breaching India's boundary through PoK. It is therefore important to put a structure in place.

Though Jaishankar didn't mention the word 'Doka La' even once, he hinted at exactly such a trajectory of dialogue during the meeting: "The discussions were forward-looking and constructive and concluded that both governments need better communication to avoid recent issues Both the leaders at their meet at Astana in July had agreed that India and China are natural large powers and that there will be areas of differences. So whenever there is an area of difference, that will be handled with mutual trust and efforts will be made to maintain strong contacts between the personnel of defence of both the countries to maintain peace and cooperation," added the FS, according to ANI.

The stress on "mutual trust" is noteworthy because the Doka La standoff was triggered essentially by lack of trust. Indian troops moved into the plateau because Beijing breached India's trust by unilaterally changing the status quo in a territory claimed by both China and Bhutan. On a much broader sense, the standoff brought to the fore the profound mistrust among the neighbours that causes each side to eye the other's capacity-building along the LAC with deep suspicion.

In this context, what may point us to the trajectory of the relationship post-Doka La are the statements that emerged. Jaishankar added that: "President Xi and Prime Minister Modi laid out a positive view of where our ties could go and there were some detailed discussions about the mechanisms, which could help both the countries go forward in that direction with the help of inter-governmental groups like strategic institutions, and that can be used to build that relationship. There was a constructive sense of the relationship to keep the ties on an upward trajectory," according to ANI.

Amid this apparent intention of both countries to reengage, China's stress on Panchsheel principles of co-existence, along with a stress on "healthy, stable bilateral ties", was even more intriguing.

"China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence which were put forward by both countries to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.

Xi's invoking of Jawaharlal Nehru's formula  a throwback to the rosy but doomed slogan Hindi-Chini-Bhai-Bhai  is designed to convince the Indians of China's "peaceful rise". So far, Xi has demolished every tenet of Hu Jintao's foreign policy. To invoke the past as a platform for Sino-Indian reengagement appears constrained at best and insincere at worst. But we must still note China's conciliatory language and measured tone.

It is tempting to interpret China's 'new-found respect' for India as a fallout of Doka La, but that would be misleading.

China's attempt to recalibrate the bilateral relationship is necessitated by its own piquant position. Apart from a recognition of the fact that both countries have more to gain in conciliation than in conflict, it is an acknowledgement that Xi might be more vulnerable than is generally believed.

The One Belt One Road Initiative, where Xi has put all his eggs, is increasingly running into geopolitical headwinds. China's chequebook diplomacy may have worked to convince some nations of OBOR's viability but to many still, the expansive maritime and land connectivity project is little more than a tool of economic coercion. Japan has stood out against it, and so has Indonesia. Many European nations, who are keenly watching the developments, haven't committed fully to it. Antagonising India further and pushing it closer to US axis in no way serves China's interest. Convincing India to participate in it is a smarter move.

China knows that CPEC violates India's core concerns but it is in no position to rescind the plan. Analysts have pointed out that Beijing has expressed private concerns about the safety of its workers from Pakistan-based terrorists. Amid this scenario, the least it can do is not to make a hostile enemy out of a country with which it has historical ties and an advantageous trade equation.

India is also the quietest part of the neighbourhood for China, more so at a time when Kim Jong-Un is out to test the limit of Donald Trump's patience resulting in a very volatile situation in Korean Peninsula. The olive branch to India is rooted in these realities.

India has shown maturity in not falling into the trap of trying a game of one-upmanship with Xi. It may be counter-intuitive to suggest so, but Doka La may have actually rescued the bilateral relationship from a freefall.
In a shocking move on 3 September, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government dropped all plans to identify trans-people and incorporate the rights of the third gender within Indias labour law framework.

In 2014, in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) vs Union of India judgment, the Supreme Court recognised transgender persons as the 'third gender' and affirmed that all basic human rights and constitutional freedoms of the transgender community are absolute and non-negotiable.

The judgment asked the Centre as well as the states to provide them with equitable opportunities for education and employment. However, besides a few draft legislative bills, there has been no concrete move to align the extant laws in the country with the NALSA verdict. This has, in many ways, re-entrenched the stigma and discrimination against the community.

The law ministry has made reservations towards the inclusion of provisions to codify wages and protect the rights of trans-people from discrimination, and therefore, such provisions in the labour ministry's draft law have been shelved.

The new wages bill (The Code on Wages, 2017) was drafted so that Indias 44 labour laws could be streamlined into four codes that would cover all regulations regarding wages, social protection and safety, industrial relations and health and working conditions.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment had proposed the insertion of clauses for recognising the rights of transgender workers in these four labour codes, but the law ministry opposed it stating that according to the General Clauses Act of 1897, all trans persons would fall within the definition of 'person', hence, no separate provision was added for them.

In the previous version of the wages bill in 2015, provisions prohibiting stigma and discrimination against the transgender community in the payment of wages was inserted by the labour ministry, and this was done to honour the NALSA verdict. Even the proposed amendments to Factories Act, 1948 had certain special protections for workers from the transgender community.

The proposal read as follows: Every transgender worker shall have equal right to work opportunities in a factory. The state government may make rules providing to secure the rights of transgender workers to ensure respect for inherent dignity, non-discrimination, full and effective participation and inclusion in society, respect for difference and acceptance of transgender persons as part of human diversity and humanity." But even this provision has been removed in the latest draft amendments.

While the verdict spurred two separate legislative bills  a unanimously passed private matter bill presented by Tiruchi Siva, Rajya Sabha member of the Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (DMK) in 2014, and another bill by the central government  what it couldnt do was to provide for welfare measures and affirmative action to erase discrimination and stigma against the community.

Moreover, none of the tenets of the NALSA judgment have been incorporated in the marriage, adoption, succession and criminal laws of the country. Criminal offences, especially those dealing with sexual assault and gender-based violence, also remain based on the heteronormative, binary gender constructs, and therefore, the transgender community remains unprotected.

Very recently, a transgender woman was sexually assaulted and gang-raped by four men in Pune; her perpetrators, however, were granted bail since, as the courts decided, in sections 377 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code, there is no mention of 'third gender'.

According to Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a trans-rights activist, this move is "hypocritical". "The dignity of our body needs to be protected at the workplace as well with basic facilities such as restrooms and equal wages, she said.

The transgender community has been subject to discrimination, abject violence and increased societal stigma for centuries, and a historically oppressed group is deserving of affirmative action at all levels of government. The removal of the word, transgender and replacing it with the gender-neutral term person creates more issues than it solves.

What the law ministry has done by opposing the usage of transgender identity within the wages bill is draconian. It has suggested that transgender identity and rights be negated, and this goes completely against the tenets of the NALSA verdict. Moreover, while policymakers understand the need for a more comprehensive labour law paradigm with a nuanced understanding of how gender affects wage policy and discrimination within the workforce, there is little effort to make lasting changes in the law.

The NALSA judgment recognised the right of self-determination of trans-people and its substantial value with reference to Principle 3 of the Yogyakarta Principles, which says, Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. Persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities shall enjoy legal capacity in all aspects of life. Each persons self-defined sexual orientation and gender identity is integral to their personality and is one of the most basic aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom....

Why, then, are our politicians and policymakers discounting this right of self-determination of transgender individuals? What is the real implication of the NALSA verdict three years on, if there are reservations about using their identities for changing laws and affecting policy?

At this juncture, we cannot deny the fact that transgender individuals are immensely vulnerable to physical and sexual violence as well as mental torture in workplace settings. This is because they have been discriminated against all their lives. Moreover, as the government creates more opportunities for them, whether it be in education or employment, it would be essential that such opportunities and their place in the system are protected by strong legislation.

It is evident that the mere declaration of transgender rights by the judiciary is not enough, and unless other organs of the government work together to distort and destroy the years of marginalisation that trans-people have gone through, there is no way that their interests and their constitutional freedoms will be upheld.
As the standoff between the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and citizens heightens, the situation is fast becoming a serious threat to the health of Delhi's citizens.

The EDMC was forced to stop collecting garbage after the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal banned the Ghazipur landfill site from being used in the wake of a collapse that killed two people. Ghazipur had been used as a dumping ground since 1984. After the trifurcation of the MCDs, the ground was used to dump solid waste generated in East Delhi.

Worse, the corporation is facing protests from citizens and environmental groups in the two spots it plans to dump garbage: Rani Khera and the Yamuna floodplains.

Our garbage trucks went to Rani Khera but locals wouldn't let us. Now we are at a loss," said EDMC mayor Neema Bhagat.

Dumping of solid waste has become a contentious issue between the EDMC and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC): The new Rani Khera dumping ground falls under NDMC jurisdiction.

Jayendra Kumar Dabas, councillor, Rani Khera said the EDMC ought to be allotted a site within its own area. "If no such place is available, the new dumping ground should be at least four or five kilometres away from where people live," Dabas said.

Dabas, a BJP member in the NDMC general body, also met the Lieutenant Governor and NDMC mayor Preeti Agarwal. Dabas said he requested the governor to not allow the EDMC to use Rani Khera as a dumping ground.

The Lieutenant Governor assured us that the ground will be used only for week as an interim arrangement. After that, it will be shifted to a new place, he said.

But the people of Rani Khera village are adamant: They will not allow garbage to be dumped there even for a day.

"Lakhs of people live near Rani Khera," Dabas, who is front and centre of the protest, said. "Why would anyone expect them to sacrifice their health?"

Dabas said thousands of people have gathered in the Rani Khera area to stop the EDMC trucks from dumping garbage. "They are keeping vigil day and night," Dabas said.

Little wonder that a new site in the Yamuna floodplains was quickly suggested as a dumping spot to the EDMC. However, a source in the civic body said the EDMC never seriously considered that spot. "There would be protests against any use of Yamuna floodplains as dumping ground, the source said.

Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan, an NGO working for protection of the Yamuna River, immediately wrote to the Lieutenant Governor after the plan went public.

We are gravely alarmed at the efforts of the EDMC to revive its plans to raise a landfill and solid waste management complex spread over 150 acres in the Yamuna river bed / floodplain in east Delhi, to push through a thoroughly illegal and ill-planned move which has already been assessed and been rejected in the past by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Committee as being not only in the teeth of the NGT judgment dated 13 January, 2015, but also against the provisions of the Solid Waste management Rules and the Ganga Authorities Notification, the letter read.

In 2015, the NGT issued issued 28 directions for implementation of the project called, Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project. Under these directions, the bench directed a fine of Rs 5,000 for anyone spotted littering and imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 for throwing constructioin debris in the Yamuna.

The directions were issued to take stringent and effective steps, with a determined mind, to ensure that none fail in performing their respective functions, duties and obligations to achieve the ultimate goal of converting Maily Yamuna into Nirmal Yamuna under the project.

"The Delhi Development Authority allotted us another plot in the Gonda-Gurjan area to use as dumping ground. We are still discussing the viability of the new site, said Bhagat.
Despite numerous Queer Pride parades and lesbian, gay, intersex and transgender (LGBIT) rights marches, homosexuality remains a cause for discrimination in India. From getting fired because of their sexual orientation to tackling disturbing questions about their marital status, homosexuals in India continue to face harassment and discrimination while battling for equality.

The latest example of this comes from Mahila Maha Vidhyalaya (MMV), affiliated to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. According to an The Indian Express report, an undergraduate student was allegedly asked to leave the girls' hostel of MMV, which is inside the main BHU campus in Uttar Pradesh, last week for showing tendencies of homosexuality and indiscipline.

While the college maintains that the student was suspended for harassing other boarders, a professor  a member of the institutes disciplinary committee  told The Indian Express that the first year BA student was showing tendencies of being homosexual.

Another student of the Mahila Maha Vidhyalaya said that the FYBA student was suspended without inquiry or counselling.

This is, however, not the first time when homosexual students have faced discrimination in educational institutions.

St Joseph's College in Bengaluru sacked professor Ashley Tellis in March this year citing his involvement in "anti-college activities" and for hurting the "sensitivities of undergraduate students from heterogeneous backgrounds," The New Indian Express had reported.

Tellis, who is an LGBT rights activist, wrote in a Facebook post that the principal of the college penalises a girl and a boy for sharing headphones and accused the college of carrying out a charade to expel him from college. He also alleged that the management of the Catholic institute was against him as they did not approve of his homosexuality.

The issues with homosexuality also became the subject of the much-acclaimed film Aligarh, based on the life of Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor of Marathi at Aligarh Muslim University. Siras was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation. In 2010, two men found Siras getting intimate with another man and subsequently AMU suspended him citing "gross misconduct" by the professor.

He filed a case with the Allahabad High Court and went on to win it because homosexuality was not a crime back then, according to a Business Insider report. However, he died under mysterious circumstances a day before he was to get an official letter from the college revoking his suspension.
Allahabad: India has made clear that it will not be cowed down on security and defence matters, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Tuesday as he credited the Modi government for enhancing the country's global standing.

Bhagwat's comments come in the backdrop of India and China mutually resolving the recent Dokalam standoff.

"It has been demonstrated clearly that the nation is no longer ready to be cowed down in matters relating to defence and security," the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief said.

The RSS 'Sarsanghchalak' was addressing an event organised in the memory of Lal Bahadur Shastri at a college named after the late Prime Minister in Manda, about 65 kilometres from Allahabad.

Bhagwat also lauded the Modi government's 'Swachh Bharat' initiative and "India's higher international standing".

The policies of our government have led to India's higher international standing, he said. People all over the world have started looking up to us, he added.

Referring to the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', Bhagwat compared Modi's ability to mobilise public support with that of Shastri during the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

"We have seen what an inspiring leadership can achieve.

In the past, the entire nation had taken to observing a fast on Mondays. Today (Tuesday), once again, the entire nation is making efforts to make the country clean," Bhagwat said.

Besides the RSS chief, others present on the occasion were Shastri's maternal grandson and Uttar Pradesh health minister Siddharth Nath Singh, the late prime minister's sons Anil Shastri and Sunil Shastri, who are respectively with the Congress and the BJP, and former city Congress chief and Mayor Chaudhary Jitendra Nath Singh.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a CBI probe into the death of Karnataka Deputy SP MK Ganapathy, ANI reported. The CBI has been ordered to file a report on it within three months.

Ganapathy's family moved the Supreme Court after Karnataka CID gave a clean chit to the accused Congress leader and Karnataka minister KJ George, Mirror Now reported.

SC ordered CBI investigation into death of Dy SP Ganapathy. He had accused then Home Min KJ George & two IPS officers of harassing him  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

The Deccan Herald reported that a bench of justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and UU Lalit said in the interest of justice, the matter should be investigated by the CBI.

"There are certain startling facts in the case. Whether it is murder or suicide, it is required to be investigated in a fair manner," the bench said.

"We are not determining the nature of the offence or who is guilty. But public confidence and societal requirement demand that the guilty persons must be reached," the bench said.

In July, MK Ganapathy was found hanging in a lodge in Madikeri area by the police. He left a suicide note in which he accused Additional Director General of Police (intelligence) AM Prasad, Lokayukta Inspector General of Police Pronab Mohanty and Bengaluru development minister KJ George of harassing him and putting pressure on him in various criminal and corruption cases.

Hours before he hanged himself, Ganapathy also gave an interview to a private news channel in which he named them and accused them of harassment.

Ganapathy's suicide sparked protests from the state's opposition parties disrupting the Karnataka House proceedings and ultimately led to the resignation of KJ George as the home minister of Karnataka.

With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: At least 12 persons, including minors and an on-duty policeman, lost their lives during immersion ceremonies on Anant Chaturdashi, marking the end of the 12-day long Ganeshotsav celebrations throughout the state on Tuesday, officials said.

Four persons drowned in the Indrayani river in the twin cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, three in Aurangabad, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed during the day as thousands of the gigantic, large, medium and small idols of the popular elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, were taken out for immersions in various water bodies.

In Mumbai, an Assistant Sub-Inspector who was posted on Ganeshotsav duty at Lalbaug in Parel, suddenly collapsed and died. Further details were awaited.

One person was reported to be missing in Indrayani river in Pune and a search is on to trace him, officials said.

Earlier in the morning, idols of Lord Ganesha were taken down from their pedestals amid chanting of the "Udvasana Mantra" and carried out of the various marquees, societies and individual homes in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nashik, coastal Konkan districts and other towns in the state.

This was the 125th year of the state's biggest public festival, started in a modest way by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1894 to rally the masses during the Independence movement and bypass restrictions imposed by the British rulers on public meetings.

The idols were brought onto the roads to the accompaniment of 'dhols' (drums), cymbals, with thousands dancing and chanting "Ganpati Bappa Moraya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" (Lord Ganesha bless us, come soon next year), in clouds of auspicious red 'gulaal'.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and is family members immersed their idol in an artificial pond outside his home, while several ministers and lawmakers joined the festivities by dancing, playing 'lezim' and beating drums with the public.

Tight security by multiple agencies was in place in Mumbai since the Ganesh Chaturthi on August 25 with over 40,000 personnel of the Mumbai Police, teams of Fire Brigade, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, disaster management units deployed. Besides, helicopters, high-speed patrol boats and hovercrafts watched over the coastline, and over 5,000 CCTVs closely monitored the western megapolis.

Drones too kept an eye in Mumbai and other cities both for aerial surveillance and for beaming real-time images to the monitoring agencies during the immersion ceremonies.

A team of Disaster Amateur Radio Emergency Services, an amateur HAM radio operators' group, was also active at various spots in Mumbai.

The main immersion site in Mumbai was the the historic Girgaum Chowpatty which attacted several lakh people, including domestic and foreign tourists.

Top officials like Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar and BrihanMumbai Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ajoy Mehta personally kept a tab on all the developments.

Thousands of domestic idols also joined the giants for immersions at the Dadar Chowpatty, Mahim seaface, beaches of Juhu, Versova, Gorai, Madh, Marve, Manori, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Aarey Milk Colony, natural ponds and artificial water bodies created for an eco-friendly immersion all over Mumbai.

Besides Mumbai, the other major immersions have begun in the coastal district of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg since daybreak, in the presence of lifeguards provided by various civic bodies and volunteers at the seashores, beaches, local rivers, lakes and ponds. The immersions are expected to continue till late in the night.

This year, Mumbai hosted around 11,550 big Ganeshotsav celebrations with budgets running into several crores of rupees; 190,000 medium or small groups with budgets of around Rs 500,000 to Rs 5 million, and millions of individual households in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra.

Naresh Dahibhavkar, the President of BrihanMumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, said this year there were around 300 gigantic idols in public marquees within the prescribed height limit of 18-feet.

This year, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation made special arrangements for domestic and international tourists from the US, Europe, Japan, Thailand and other countries to view the immersion ceremonies at Girguam and other places as part of its new intiative -- the Ganeshotsav Tourism.

As usual, some of the biggest idols were seen in Mumbai at the famed Lalbaug-cha Raja, Ganesh Gully, Borivali's Kastur Park, Sewri-cha Raja, Andheri-cha Raja, Fort-cha Raja, Khetwadi, Bandra and Shivaji Park which are due for immersions later in the night, with the ceremonies likely to continue till Wednesday dawn.

Post-immersions, several NGOs, celebs, students and volunteers have announced elaborate beach cleaning programmes in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and other parts of the state.
Baking The Resistance, One Protest Cake At A Time

As any six-year-old will tell you, the power of cake is undeniable. So it makes a lot of sense that BFF bakers Tess Wilson and Leah Rosenberg decided to use the versatile dessert to make bold political statements. The Instagram feed for the duos Protest Cakes project features pic after pic of frosted deliciousness, each with a different theme, like their Climate Change cake (baked at ever-increasing temperatures and submerged in 2.6 inches of saltwater) or their Mexican Hot Chocolate Rice Krispies Treat Wall (to be torn apart and eaten by the handful until it is no more).



Wilson came up with the project while flying from her home in Illinois to visit Rosenberg in California right after President Trumps travel ban was announced earlier this year. I was thinking about all these things we dosign petitions and call our reps and go to marches, says Wilson. Thats all super important, but Im not really the organizing marchestype. I asked myself, What am I good at that means something to me? For Wilson and Rosenberg, who met while working at Miette bakery in San Francisco, the answer was clear.





Contraception Cake: Made in protest of the GOPs plan to defund Planned Parenthood

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Endangered Species Act Cake: To encourage senators to vote against the Congressional bill attempting to reform the Endangered Species Act



Less than a week later, the two were at a #NoBanNoWall protest handing out slices of their Seven Nations Cake, which incorporates ingredients from each of the countries included in the original travel ban (xawaash spice blend for Somalia, mastic from Yemen). They now make an average of five or six cakes a week, offering up pieces at protests, giving them away to folks who help them research and track down hard-to-find ingredients, or donating them for consumption at fundraisers, like the recent pink cupcakes they made for a party benefitting Planned Parenthood. We never made a plan for how long we were going to do this, it was just really reactionary, says Rosenberg. It was important to have something to focus on in which I was able to learn more about what was happening. Their creative process differs with each cake. Sometimes one comes up with the concept and the other does the baking; other times they go back and forth about each stepoften via text, since they live in different states.



Theres a quote from comedian Samantha Bee that the pair finds especially inspiringit even showed up on one of their earliest creations. Bee said the Womens March was like waking up from a nightmare to find that the monster was real, but all your friends were there with sticks and torches and unflattering hats to beat back the darkness. Wilson says thats exactly how the Protest Cakes project makes her feel: Im not only doing it with my best friend, but also with all these people that weve met via Instagram and at events who are with uswith spatulas, beaters, and fierceness.

Tess Wilson and Leah Rosenberg



Climate Change Cake III: Made in response to the president's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord



Coal Is Not the Goal Cake

Want to do your own resistance baking? Try this dark chocolate vegan cake that Wilson and Rosenberg made to protest Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord. Its made with black cocoa powder, which is extra-roasted so it tastes fantastically toasty (its also what gives Oreos their magic flavor!), and activated charcoal. Think about how delicious a future based on clean energy could be with every bite.

Black Cocoa Cake

Adapted from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero

Ingredients

1 cup soy or almond milk

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.? Prepare a 9" x 9" (or 9" round) baking pan with spray oil. Whisk together the non-dairy milk and vinegar in a large bowl, and let curdle for a couple of minutes. Add the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture and whisk until foamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet by the cupful while beating with whisk until no major lumps remain. Pour batter into prepared pan (pan should be about 2/3 full) and bake for approximately 35 minutes (until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Once cool to the touch, remove from pan and chill in the refrigerator.



Charcoal Buttercream

Adapted from Bake and Destroy by Natalie Slater

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

 tsp. maple or vanilla extract

2 tsp. activated charcoal ? (available in capsules at health food stores and Amazon)

2 cups powdered sugar

 cup room temperature vegan margarine ? (Earth Balance is best)

 tsp. sea salt

Directions

Stir together maple syrup, extract, and charcoal in a large bowl until completely incorporated. Add all other ingredients and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy.

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To Finish

Ingredients

Black piping gel

Chocolate coal*

Directions

Once cake has chilled, frost with buttercream (either just on top or covering the sides as well, depending on how thick you like your buttercream). Place frosted cake in fridge for approximately 30 minutes, until buttercream has firmed up. Pipe Coal Is Not The Goal on top of the cake, leaving room for a border of chocolate coal, rock candy, and/or coal candy rocks.

*Chocolate coal can be hard to find if its not Christmastime, but broken-up black rock candy is an excellent substitution. Black coal chocolate candy nuggets are another awesome option!



By Julia Herbst

Top photo: NO Cake: To be sent to reps considering voting to defund Planned Parenthood

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Mumbai: The Ganesh idol immersion process in Maharashtra was on Tuesday marred by the death of three persons in Aurangabad, even as devotees in the state thronged in large numbers to bid adieu to the popular elephant-headed God.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district, police said. In Mumbai, the idol at the official residence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was immersed in an artificial pond.

In Nashik, minister Girish Mahajan joined the lezim players during the immersion procession, while Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire tapped a foot in the Ganesh visarjan procession in Aurangabad city. Lezim is a folk dance from the state, named after a musical instrument with jingling cymbals.

In Aurangabad, the Sansthan Ganpati idol was showered with petals from a drone.

In Mumbai, among the early starters for the immersion were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja, which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival, that began on August 25 and concludes on 'Anant Chaturdashi' on Tuesday.

Several devotees performed Koli dance, a traditional dance of the fishermen, at the Lalbaughcha Raja pandal in central Mumbai before the 'visarjan' (immersion) procession began.

The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by 'Lokmanya' Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj.

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes will be immersed on Tuesday. By 3 pm, around 80 public idols and 3,600 'gharguti' (home) idols were immersed, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The smaller idols were immersed first, and will be followed by the big ones like Lalbaugcha Raja, which will be

immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai.

The BMC, police, Coast Guard and Navy have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and safe immersion of the idols.

The prime locations for immersion are Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve in Malad.

The BMC has appealed the devotees to inform the civic authorities as and when they need any assistance or if they

are stung by jelly fish or sting ray.

Police have beefed up security and companies of the State Reserve Police Force are also being deployed.

Cranes, watchtowers, drones, CCTVs and floodlights have been arranged to keep a watch on every movement of the revellers and devotees, a police official earlier said.
India and China's decision to have a "forward-looking" discussion at the bilateral meeting between the heads of the two governments during the 9th BRICS Summit underlines the growing need for policy realignment in a rapidly changing world.

Both India and China, as Chinese premier Xi Jinping reaffirmed, need "healthy and stable" relations in a world where the US influence is waning rapidly, leading to new geopolitical concerns in Asia and Europe.

Beijing, it is evident from the BRICS declaration on terrorism, has realised it doesn't gain anything from alienating India at a time when China is busy asserting its role as a global power and an alternate to the US. India, on its part, has realised that not making China unhappy will serve New Delhi's interest because of changing global equations.

To understand why China is becoming an important geo-political player, we need to take a step back to look at the ongoing battle of words between the US and its ally South Korea amid the standoff with Pyongyang.

Two days ago, President of the US Donald Trump stumped everyone by criticising South Korea for engaging with North Korea. His verbal attack on Seoul came within hours of North Korea claiming a successful test of hydrogen bomb, which it is now threatening to use against the US.

According to CNN, Trump's aides say the President has grown frustrated by what he regards as a soft stance toward North Korea by President Moon Jae-in, who has pressed for negotiations with Pyongyang in an attempt to tamp down rapidly heightening tensions.

Seoul has been a US ally ever since its creation. It has stood by Washington through various crises. So, why is Seoul suddenly in Trump's line of fire? Why is it advocating a "soft stance" towards North Korea in spite of the fact that Pyongyang almost seems to be begging for war with the US and its allies in east Asia?

One of the reasons, of course, is domestic politics. President Moon Jae-in came to power in May on the promise of speaking with North Korea and dealing with corruption. So, he has his domestic constituency to address. But, the other reason is also compelling: South Korea's desire to not annoy China, Pyongyang's only friend in the region.

As The Guardian writes, Seoul is advocating dialogue because its people have realised China is the emergent hegemonic force in the Pacific. "The unipolar world is being replaced with a chaotic system in which China and Russia are creating weak local polarities. Working out whose polar attraction will shape your region in the 21st century is not hard if you live on the Korean peninsula," the newspaper argues.

In short, everyone is noticing the growing influence of China in a world where the US is weakening.

That India is coming to terms with the impending chaos was evident in its handling of the Doka La crisis. Though it stood up to China and took timely action by blocking construction of road by Beijing through the Doka La plateau, India avoided shrill rhetoric and did not go out of its way to humiliate or challenge China (in spite of shrill warnings from the state-controlled media of its neighbour). Instead, India kept its focus on dialogue through diplomatic channels. It realised that even though US is tilting towards New Delhi, it is in India's interest to strike the right balance in an emerging multi-polar world.

Peaceful resolution of the border stand-off and the latest bilateral talks between the two countries during the BRICS Summit shows how the two countries have adjusted to the new realities instead of sticking to conventional positions. By accommodating India's concerns on terrorism, China has indicated it realises the importance of a stable and healthy neighbourhood. India, on its part, has come to terms with China's ambitions of filling up the vacuum created by a receding US.

This new evidence of pragmatism, as opposed to ideologies dictated by the past, is a welcome development. India and China benefit from mutual respect and peace in many ways. China benefits from a stable and democratic neighbour that is a major consumer of its products and, thus, a major contributor to its trade. Annoying India makes little political or business sense.

India, meanwhile, can go about the task of building its economy without bothering about a hostile neighbour with a huge military and financial muscle. Keeping China in the good books also helps India to hedge it bets in a world where there could soon be multiple powers competing for political, strategic and business partners.
New Delhi: Stepping up cooperation between the two coast guards, India on Tuesday handed over an off-shore patrol vessel, Varuna, to Sri Lanka, the Indian maritime security agency said.

The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on 23 August to facilitate the handing over at Kochi.

India had earlier handed over two OPVs of the Indian Coast Guard, Varaha in April 2006 and Vigraha in August 2008.

"The handing over of the Indian Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel to government of Sri Lanka for training and surveillance purposes is a part of India's continuing efforts for cementing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries," the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The ship has been allocated pennant number SLCG-60 by Sri Lanka Coast Guard and will be commanded by Captain Neville Amara Ubayasiri.

Prior to the ship's departure to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be imparted familiarisation and on job training by Indian Coast Guard workup team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machineries.

Rear Admiral SS Ranasinghe, chief of staff, Sri Lanka Navy was also present during the ceremony.

Handing over ships, patrol vessels, interceptor boats to littoral states in the Indian Ocean like the Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and helping them in capacity-building has been a vital element of the Indian diplomacy.
Agartala: Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar on Tuesday alleged that there were efforts to change the country's secular fabric to create a "Hindu Rashtra".

"Those who betrayed India's Independence movement and acted as agents of the then British government are now active to change the secular fabric of the country and form a Hindu Rashtra," he said at a Teachers' Day function but did not name any organisation or party.

Sarkar said his party (CPM) was not against Hindus or Hinduism or any religion.

"The country should be for all people irrespective of religion, caste and creed," he said, adding that democracy and secularism, which are the mainstays of the country are now under attack.

Sarkar also expressed dismay over education being turned into business enterprises.

"Educational managements are now privatised as a result of which it has turned into a business, which is disastrous for the people," he said.

Sarkar handed over this year's Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar Award, the state government's highest award for a teacher to renowned educationist and writer, Aparajita Roy.
Jammu: Pakistan on Monday violated ceasefire twice by firing on forward posts across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Poonch and Jammu districts respectively, forcing Indian forces to retaliate.

In Poonch, there was unprovoked firing from the Pakistan side at Degwar and Maldalyan areas, a police officer said.

He said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively to the provocation. "The firing has stopped", the officer said.

This is second consecutive day that the Pakistan Army opening fire along the LoC.

Earlier, Pakistan Rangers opened fire on forward areas along the IB after the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled an infiltration bid and killed a terrorist at SH Way post in Jammu district's Arnia today, a BSF official said.

Yesterday, the Pakistan Army initiated firing from small arms, automatic weapons and mortars in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch along the LoC.

On 1 September, BSF Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kamaljit Singh died after suffering injuries due to enemy fire from across the Line of Control while he was deployed at a forward post in Krishna Ghati Sector.

On 30 August, Pakistani troops initiated firing and shelling from across the border in Nowshera sector, targeting forward posts and civilian areas.

Three days before that, five civilians, including a woman and two minor boys, were injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Shahpur belt of Poonch district.

This followed the killing of three Pakistani Rangers by the BSF after the force's jawan was injured in sniper fire along the International border in Jammu.

The year 2017 has seen a sharp increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Till 1 August, there were 285 violations by Pakistani forces while in 2016, the number was significantly less at 228 for the entire year, according to army figures.

Eleven people, including 9 soldiers, were killed and 18 injured in Pakistani ceasefire violations in the month of July, according to the data.

There were 83 ceasefire violations, one BAT (border action team) attack and two infiltration bids from the Pakistani side in June in which 4 people, including 3 jawans, were killed and 12 injured. In May, there were 79 ceasefire violations, according to officials.
To ensure that no violence erupts at "Mangalore Chalo" rally organised by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) youth workers to protest political killings of Hindus in the region, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has deployed hundreds of policemen at Bengaluru's Freedom Park, where the rally began, ANI reported.

Clashes, however, erupted between BJP workers and police after several protesters were stopped on the outskirts of Bengaluru and a few others were detained.

#MangaluruChalo rally: Clash between Police and BJP workers in Karnataka's Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/giu9Sb9bIo  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

The bike rally has set the ground stage for a bitter showdown between the saffron party and the ruling Congress party in the state. BJP leaders R Ashoka, Shobha Karandlaje and BJP Yuva Morcha president Pratap Simha have reportedly been taken into preventive custody by the state police, along with over 500 other workers. Despite blockades, over 200 bike riders went ahead with the rally. However, The Hindu reported that the rally was aborted minutes after it was flagged off after Simha blocked traffic, protesting arrests by the police.

Ashoka and Simha had to be forcefully dragged out and detained after they alleged that the police had no power to arrest them as there were no prohibitory orders in force in the area.

Former DCM R Ashok being dragged by Bangalore Police during Manglaore Chalo bike rally. #EmergencyinKarnataka pic.twitter.com/C9o2nqxXpD  BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) September 5, 2017

The protesters are also demanding the resignation of district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai, reported Livemint. The report further quotes former chief minister Jagdish Shetter as saying, "Nearly 18 of our workers (BJP/right wing organisations) have been murdered and there are daily attacks on them as well across the state."

The BJP planned to mobilise 20,000 of its youth workers for the bike rally. Around 1,000 police personnel and one RAF company, with 120 members, have been deployed to ensure that no violence erupts during the rally.

Bengaluru Police on Tuesday refused permission for the rally and imposed prohibitory orders for three days under the Karnataka Police Act. A Deccan Herald report states that apart from Dakshina Kannada, permission has also been denied for the rally in Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada districts coming under the western range.

However, the BJP declared that the rally will be held at any cost. The party alleged that the government was creating a situation of an "undeclared bundh", with an intention to stop the rally and asked the government not to impede the rally, which is being held democratically.

"It is the ruling party's responsibility to ensure protection for such rallies. Though party workers had applied for police permission in the jurisdictional stations, they haven't got the sanction yet. Siddaramaiah is indirectly trying to impose an undeclared emergency on the state," Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament, Dakshin Kannada was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Shettar pointed out that when BJP was in government, it had ensured protection to Congress organised padyatras against the government. "We have asked the home minister to ensure the same," he added.

Assuring of cooperation in ensuring peace from BJP's side, Shettar said "in case you are unable to provide protection, or police indulges in high handedness to stop the rally by arresting our workers, it will bring a bad name for the government, which will ultimately be responsible for the consequences."

The government had earlier asked the BJP not to hold the rally considering the 'delicate communal situation' in Dakshin Kannada district. "If the BJP has any concern for the district and respects harmony and brotherhood, it should ask its youth wing to cancel the rally," food and civil supplies minister UT Khader had said. Siddaramaiah had said that he has no problems with an Opposition rally but the government cannot risk the safety of people.

The rally was scheduled to start from Bengaluru and Hubballi on Tuesday, from Shivamogga, Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru on Wednesday and culminate in Manguluru on 7 September with a massive rally, reported The New Indian Express.

With inputs from PTI
Srinagar: After a three-day visit of the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir, a groups of eminent citizens, led by ex-minister Yashwant Sinha has concluded that the sense of "dismay and despondency" had grown among the people and the situation was "much worse" than their previous visits.

In a release, the Concerned Citizens Group (CCG) has said that during its visit to the state on 17-19 August, they met with some representatives of prominent political parties, office-bearers of the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, civil society members from Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, and Kupwara in North Kashmir.

They also met with college students.

The report of the CCG, comprising Sinha, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Kapil Kak, Sushobha Barve (Executive Director, Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation) and journalist Bharat Bhushan was released on Monday.

"The most disquieting conclusion of the interactions this time around was that as compared to the previous visits, the sense of dismay and despondency in the people had grown", the group said.

They said the proximate reasons for this not only seemed to be the "lack" of dialogue with the Kashmiris but also because tourism had plummeted, hotel business was in dire straits, there was flight of capital and an overall economic downturn leading to greater unemployment and economic distress.

The CCG had visited the Valley several times during the unrest last year.

"The situation (this time around) was much worse than the previous two years", the release said quoting the third report of the Concerned Citizens Group (CCG).

Sinha, a BJP veteran leader, was the Minister for Finance and External Affairs in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

The group said the distance between rest of India and the Kashmiri youths seems to have "increased". This was evident in the fact that even the people who used to talk reasonably earlier were using "the language of the militants and separatists this time".
New Delhi: The CBI has received the court's nod to conduct lie-detector test on five suspects in the Kotkhai rape case in Himachal Pradesh, agency sources said on Tuesday.

The Himachal Pradesh Police had arrested Ashish Chauhan alias Ashu (29), a resident of Sharaal village in Mahasu area of Kotkhai; Rajender Singh alias Raju (32), a driver; Subash Singh Bisht (42) and Deepak alias Deepu (29), both residents of Pauri Garwal; Suraj Singh (29) and Lok Jung alias Chotu (19), both hailing from Nepal.

Among these, Suraj Singh was found dead in police custody in which a separate case has been registered by the CBI.

The sources said the agency had moved a plea in a Shimla court seeking permission to conduct polygraph test on these arrested suspects which has been granted after taking their consent.

A 16-year-old girl had gone missing after school hours on 4 July from Haliala forest in Kotkhai area of Shimla district.

Her naked body was found in the forest on 6 July and the post-mortem report confirmed rape. The rape case has created furore in the state which goes to polls later this year.

The DGP constituted an SIT headed by an officer of IG rank which arrested six persons.

The case was handed over to the CBI by the Himachal Pradesh High Court on 19 July on the state government's plea amid public outburst against the state police. The CBI filed two FIRs on 22 July.
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Monday ordered the conduct of polls for local bodies in Tamil Nadu before 17 November, 2017.

The court also ordered the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission to issue the notification for the polls before 18 September.

Hearing a case filed by DMK's RS Bharathi seeking conduct of local bodies' polls at the earliest, the court also ordered that the details of criminal cases against candidates should be uploaded on the election commission website.

The local bodies' polls were to be conducted in October 2018.
Psychologists Find Your Mindset Has A Major Effect On The Quality Of Your Sex Life

Trending News: Unhappy With Your Sex Life? It's All Between Your Ears

Long Story Short

Want better sex? Its all in your mindset, new research says.

Long Story

When it comes to intelligence, you might have heard of the idea of a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset. Basically its like this: there are those who believe that their smarts are set in stone  that intelligence is fixed, stable and will not change over time. Then there are those who think intelligence is flexible, that it can grow over time much like a tree. These people are said to have a growth mindset.

The trick is, its peoples very beliefs about the malleability of intelligence that can actually lead to better brain power. So, if you have a growth mindset you will try new strategies to develop your intelligence, which in turn leads to better cognitive skills, higher levels of challenge-seeking and motivation.

It makes sense, with multiple studies over the last seven years (see here, here and here) finding evidence of this phenomenon. Thing is, researchers now believe it applies to your sex life. In short, if you have a growth mindset in the sack  you believe that you can change your sex life for the better  it will in turn get better.

This was the focus of a study conducted by psychologists in Hungary. Published in an upcoming volume of the scientific journal Personality and Individual Differences, it found that people who believed they had the power to change their sex life tended to be happier in their relationships.

We supposed that sex mindset can be similar to relationship mindset, but in this case not only relationship satisfaction but other aspects (such as sexual satisfaction) can be affected, said Beata BA'the of Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, in an interview with Psypost.

BA'the and her fellow researchers also wanted to look at how pornography use impacted peoples beliefs about the changeability of their sex life.

The study involved 1,544 Hungarian participants being measured on what the researchers called a Sex Mindset Scale (SMS), which illustrated peoples beliefs regarding the changeability of their sexual life. It basically asked a bunch of questions, such as how much participants agreed or disagreed with statements such as, Your sexual life is something about you that you cant change very much.

The researchers found that those with a growth sex mindset tended to report higher levels of both relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction than those who exhibited more of a fixed mindset. Porn, on the other hand, got a pass (phew)  use of what was described as problematic pornography illustrated a weak link to lower levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction, but sex mindset beliefs had a stronger link to relationship and sexual satisfaction than pornography, suggesting there could be some sort or protective effect going on here.

BA'the cautions in the Psypost story that the findings are preliminary but says the main takeaway can be summarised by one particular item listed on their sex mindset scale: It doesnt matter who you are you can always change a lot about your sexual life.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

How quickly can this sort of thing have an effect?

Drop This Fact

Studies show that regular sex can relax you, lower your stress and anxiety levels and help with blood pressure problems.
Nay Pyi Taw: Indian prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Myanmar amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.

Soon after his arrival, he called on Myanmar president U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he had come. Prior to the meeting, the visiting dignitary was presented a guard of honour on the presidential palace grounds.

"PM @narendramodi welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw; both leaders inspect the guard of honour," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

PM @narendramodi welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw; both leaders inspect the guard of honour. pic.twitter.com/2v1vHDXbKi  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to India's eastern neighbour. He had come to Myanmar in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit.

On Wednesday, the prime minister will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's foreign minister and Minister of President's Office. Following the discussions, a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Suu Kyi is under mounting international pressure to stop the alleged human rights violations against the Rohingyas, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh  where they are sparingly given refugee status  to escape from the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over.

The latest exodus began on 25 August, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile, India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living in the country illegally but the country's Supreme Court has said that it will hear on 11 September a plea seeking a direction to the Central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.

This apart, India's capacity building measures and infrastructure development projects are expected to come up for discussion during the Modi-Suu Kyi meeting.

India has committed grant-in-aid assistance amounting to Rs 4,000 crore to Myanmar, out of a total commitment of around $1.7 billion.

The projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar with the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a trilateral highway connecting North Eastern India with Myanmar and Thailand, and the Rhi-Tiddim road.

In terms of capacity building, New Delhi is assisting the eastern neighbour in setting up institutions of higher learning like the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Myanmar-India Centre for English Language Training and India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres.

India has also provided humanitarian relief following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora this year, Komen in 2015 and Nargis in 2008 and an earthquake in Shan state in 2010.

In a media briefing in New Delhi ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Indian external affairs ministry, said both sides would take stock of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also discuss the kind of projects which the new Myanmarese government has on its priority list and which they would like to partner India with in the process of execution.

"We will be guided by the government of Myanmar in terms of the choice of projects," Ranganthan said.

"The stated priorities of this government are infrastructure, power and energy and we believe these could be the areas where there is a great deal that Indian agencies can bring to the table."

With both countries sharing a 1,600-kilometre-long boundary, the issue of security cooperation is also expected to come up for discussion.

During his stay in Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

Modi arrived in Myanmar from Xiamen, China, where he attended the 9th BRICS Summit from 3-5 September.
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After the bilateral meeting with the host, Modi will be travelling to Myanmar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in China to attend the 9th annual BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. The summit is taking place just days after India and China decided to defuse Doka La standoff. Last year, India hosted the summit at Goa.

Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi to hold bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, nearly a week after India and China announced resolution of the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff.

North Korea stole the spotlight on Sunday by announcing it had detonated a powerful hydrogen bomb and claiming it could fit the device on a long-range missile, dramatically raising the stakes in its standoff with the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday opened the annual summit of BRICS leaders but that already has been upstaged by North Korea's latest nuclear weapons provocation.

Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other leaders including Russian president Vladimir Putin and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, which is among the five counties  Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan  invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.

The nuclear test on Sunday, which also led to a 6.3 magnitiude earthquake, came just before Xi took the stage for a pre-BRICS address in Xiamen. The timing of the test seemed deliberate and will no doubt anger Beijing, which swiftly condemned the explosion.

After the BRICS Summit at Xiamen is over on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Myanmar. The prime minister will be in Myanmar between 6 and 7 September 2017. This will be his first trip to India's eastern neighbour since taking office in 2014.

"The export of terror from Pakistan is a fundamental concern of India. After its oldest ally, the US has clearly named and shamed Pakistan as being not only a promoter of terrorists but also a protector of terrorists, it would be remiss of the Prime Minister if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit," IANS quoted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari as saying.

The Congress on Sunday said it would be "remiss" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit in China.

China had already said that India's concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistan will not be discussed at the BRICS Summit which started in Xiamen City on Sunday. However, India had rejected China's suggestion, IANS reported.

The correlation (if any) between the Doka La resolution and BRICS Summit has been well explored. India should have no beef with Chinese position. It certainly doesn't stand to gain by walking out of BRICS. But it must equally consider how best to align BRICS with its core interests. And there needs to be at least a working relationship between New Delhi and Beijing. Short of these conditions, BRICS may rapidly dwindle into a propaganda platform for a China-led global order where India will appear a misfit.

India has been seeking deepening ties with Myanmar, which is considered a key pillar in India's Act East policy. Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has been growing steadily but, it lags behind China and Thailand in terms of presence in the Myanmarese market. India has committed $2 billion for development assistance to Myanmar, but projects have been slow in getting implemented. The Kaladan multi-modal transport project was the first major project undertaken by the Indian government in Myanmar. Modi's visit is expected to give a boost to these projects. 

For India, more worrying signs emerged on Friday when Russian president Vladimir Putin, writing for The Times of India newspaper, touched on a range of issues to be discussed during BRICS Summit including terrorism but made no mention of Pakistan. In calling for a "broad counterterrorism front" on terrorism, Putin's words were suitably vague, indicating the growing distance between the two nations. It is quite clear that bilateral trade is failing to bridge the geopolitical gap. Putin invoked Syria, tension on Korean Peninsula but had nothing to say about India's long struggle with cross-border terror.

China's assistant foreign minister Kong Xuanyu and Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui were there to receive Modi, who reached Xiamen on a rainy evening. Modi arrived at the Wyndham Grand hotel where some 50 locals were present to welcome him.

"We the BRICS countries should show our responsibilities to uphold global peace and stability," he said.

Xi also appeared to take a reconciliatory tone when he, without directly referring to the recent Doka La standoff with India, underlined that "peace and development" should be the underpin to resolve issues as the world does not want "conflict and confrontation."

Xi on Sunday underscored that the BRICS must uphold the value of diplomacy to resolve "hotspot issues" as the leaders of the grouping, arrived for the Summit, which is starting on Monday.

China has invited Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand as guest countries for the upcoming BRICS summit but clarified that the invitation is not an attempt to expand the group under its 'BRICS Plus' approach.

Explaining the 'BRICS Plus' approach, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the member countries have been inviting different countries during the annual summits of the group and referred to India's decision to invite leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) for last year's Goa summit in which Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members.

According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, Xi Jinping has served in Fujian province, of which Xiamen is the capital city, between 1985 and 2002. Xi served as the governor of the state between 1999 and 2002. According to him, the Summit is also a show of strength for the president ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on 18 October.

The $76 million loan with a maturity length of 17 years was granted to Shanghai Lingang Distributed Solar Power Project, under an agreement signed in December 2016.

The first project funded by The New Development Bank, set up by India and other members of the BRICS grouping of emerging economies, has started operation in Shanghai, reported PTI.

"I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping today called on BRICS countries to adopt a holistic approach to fight terrorism in all its forms and address both its "symptoms and root causes" so that terrorists will have no place to hide.

On Thursday, China stopped just short of warning India against raising the issue of terrorism, specifically Pakistan's role in it. "China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and protect regional security and stability. We have taken note of the concerns of the Indian side on counter-terrorism issues of Pakistan, but I don't believe that it should feature prominently during the Xiamen Summit," China's foreign ministry said at a media briefing in Beijing.

India may find itself sidelined again if it seeks to deliver a strong message against Pakistan's role as the 'mother ship of terrorism', as it did during last year's edition in Goa.

This is a transformational design because so far the government in Kabul, Afghan security forces, the US and NATO forces have targeted the Taliban as the enemy.

Since April 2016, a group of countries under the auspices of what came to be known as the Moscow initiative began to analyse the Taliban as an Afghan, nationalist category which was not fired by transnational aspirations like the IS and Al Qaeda. The Taliban, in other words, should be brought into the tent, to borrow Lyndon Johnson's colourful expression.

Moscow and Beijing view Afghanistan as the centre where terrorist groups like the Islamic State can breed and threaten countries in the neighbourhood and beyond.

Xi Jinping stresses on structural reforms and sustainable development to boost economic development. He said that it is important to strike balance between fast growth and quality of growth. Xi added that it is important to bring inclusive development as part of 20130 sustainable development goals.

Sustainable development is essential for the world, says Xi

News18 reported that despite the apprehensions of China and Russia to include cross-border terrorism in the joint declaration, India has succeeded in including the major issue into the joint declaration which is expected to come out in the afternoon. The report added that terror outfits like Jaish-e-Muhammad have also been named in the declaration.

Kamath, who was earlier with ICICI bank, added that the recent events have had 'no impact on the economic front and that relationships have grown on the economic front'.

Speaking to CNN News18, KV Kamath, the cheif executive of the New Development Bank, said that there is an 'enormous need for all the countries to get the work done'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin at 11 am, say TV reports

"In 10 years of existence, we contributed in establishing growth for world which is drifting towards instability. Our endeavors touch diverse areas of technology, energy, environment ,ICT, culture. NDB is dispersing loans for infrastructure and sustainable development. Our central banks are making arrangements to make reserve funds operational. I am happy to know China has taken steps to improve people-to-people contact with India. National progress of Ganga cleaning, Digital India, housing for all. Skill India are laying the base of inclusive development," says Modi

Modi spoke at the plenary after Xi, Zuma and Putin

"We want to bury the ghost of the D-word (Doklam) for the engagement in future," a source told IANS.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, India has hinted that it wants to move on from the tense Doklam dispute, which had plunged bilateral ties to a new low.

Xinhua reported that Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to work together to tackle the growing crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme.

Modi was the third leader to reach the convention centre, venue of the 9th BRICS Summit in this port city of China and was followed by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Modi is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi on Tuesday.

The BRICS Summit began on Monday in Xiamen with a group photograph of leaders of the five countries and was preceded by a warm handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping, who received the leaders of Brazil, Russia and South Africa ahead of the restricted meeting of the grouping.

Apart from the restricted, the leaders will participate in the plenary during which they will explore ways to enhance cooperation within the members of the grouping in key areas. They will also deliberate on international issues of significance, including global economy and challenges. The Summit will end with the adoption of a Xiamen declaration, which will capture the essence of the deliberations and future road map.

What will happen over the course of the summit?

"I wish to announce here that China will launch the economic and technical cooperation plan for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries with 500 million yuan for the first term to facilitate policy exchange and practical cooperation and in the economic and trade field," Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the opening ceremony of the bloc's 9th summit.

China on Monday announced 500 million yuan (about $76 million) for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries. Beijing also said it will allocate $4 million to the New Development Bank(NDB), IANS reported.

Modi also called for the creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

Addressing the plenary session of the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen city, PTI quoted Modi as saying that trade and economy were the foundations of the cooperation among BRICS -- Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

The prime minister said a strong partnership among member nations on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the sustainable development goals.- PTI

The prime minister stressed for accelerating track of cooperation in smart cities, urbanisation and disaster management - continuing dialogue at Goa in India and said that "we are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty, to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education". - IANS.

The prime minister welcomed cooperation for capacity building between BRICS and African countries in area of skills, health, infra, manufacturing and connectivity. He also asked to grab the youths in m.ainstream in the joint initiatives, scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices. - IANS

News18 reports that Narendra Modi raises the issue of money laundering for financing terrorism at BRICS plenary. The prime minister asked for joint action action against terrorism and also ideated on a de-radicalisation drive against terrorism.

News18 reports that the BRICS joint declaration has condemned Pakistan-backed terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in the joint declaration at Xiamen. This is being considered a big diplomatic win for India as it could not include terrorism in the joint declaration at Goa last year.

BRICS voices concern on security situation in the region and violence by terror groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistan-based LeT and JeM.  PTI

Touched upon several aspect of bilateral ties. Recalled Modi's visit. Putin thanked Modi for participation in Eastern Economic Forum. Both deliberated on economic ties and co-operation on oil and gas sector.

Leaders have adopted Xiamen Declaration. This has picked up on the positive impetus from Goa. Prime Minister gave a very future looking blueprint for BRICS next decade. "Our leaders of our countries have contributed to emergence of BRICS. It has spurt world growth and also driven transformation," Modi said. Modi spoke of taking affirmative action in global governance. Modi also spoke on reforms in United Nations Security Council. He also proposed an idea of counter radicalisation conference in India.

The leaders are holding their annual summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen through Tuesday.

He also called on his BRICS partners to oppose a growing tide of protectionism across the world.

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable," he told the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa in his opening address. Xi said they should "speak with one voice" to jointly present their solutions to global problems and safeguard their common interests.

Five major emerging economies opened BRICS summit on Monday to map out their future course, with host Chinese president Xi Jinping calling on them to play a bigger role in world affairs.

MEA says that for the first time, a specific list has been issued by the BRICS pointing out various terror outfits affecting security in member states. MEA also said that the BRICS leaders have also have agreed to implement UNSC resolution for combating terrorism. Preeti Saran, Secretary, East, said that Modi also discussed counter-terrorism at the Summit. The BRICS leaders also said that there is a need for joint action against terrorism, Saran said.

"We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," the fourty-eighth point of the Xiamen declaration said.

"We stress that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The BRICS also called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition and support the UN's central coordinating role in this regard.

"We call for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by the United Nations General Assembly," the BRICS said.

The declaration also mentioned terror groups like the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Tehrik-i-Taliban and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

In a declaration, the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) also called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism including countering radicalisation and blocking terror financing sources.

"We call for expeditious finalization and adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by UNGA," BRICS Declaration states.

"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," the Xiamen Declaration says.

A Reuters report notes that the future of the BRICS looks toxic. it adds that China and India stepped back from a border dispute just in time for a summit of the bloc of large emerging market countries, which helps Xi Jinping to keep up appearances ahead of a crucial political reshuffle. But the unusual tensions between the two Asian giants suggests the three-day gathering underway could be a last hurrah.

The BRICS, which accounts for nearly 29 percent of global GDP at purchasing power parity, shares less in common than other blocs. The Group of Seven (G7) are all rich, industrialised nations with broadly similar democratic politics. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council are composed of countries that at least live shoulder-to-shoulder. In everything from history to demographics, politics, and resource dependence, the BRICS vary enormously. The huge differences have rightly seen the acronym panned as a bloody ridiculous investment concept.

We strongly deplore the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK (official name of North Korea). We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned.

"The two sides basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship. President Putin recalled prime minister's visit to Russia earlier this year. And, he thanked the prime minister for high-level participation from India at the Eastern Economic Forum," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment, especially in the oil and natural gas sector.

Recap: What the MEA said about terrorism

"We recall the 2005 World Summit Outcome document and reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges. China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN," the BRICS Declaration said.

Apart from the five members of the BRICS, this summit will also include five other nations as part of China's outreach efforts. The five invitees to the BRICS Summit this time are: Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand. India is also expect to hold talks with the leaders of each invitee nations on the sidelines of the summit.

The declaration said the leaders acknowledge that illegal flow of the proceeds of corruption impairs economic development and financial stability and support enhanced cooperation in asset recovery.

The leaders said that they were keenly aware of the negative impact of corruption on sustainable development and declared their support to efforts to enhance BRICS and anti-corruption cooperation.

The BRICS Summit of five emerging economies on Monday pledged itself to creating a fair and modern global tax system that will address issues like tax evasion by shifting of profits to safe havens and to promote exchange of tax information that will seek to curb the practice.

He also urged central banks of the member nations to further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement of the grouping and the International Monetary Fund. The prime minister said BRICS countries can work closely with International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched by Indian and France in November 2015.

The prime minister said a strong partnership among member nations on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the sustainable development goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought a strong partnership among BRICS nations to spur economic growth, saying that the bloc of emerging countries has contributed to the stability in a world "drifting towards uncertainty".

Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF (International Monetary Fund), the prime minister said, urging early creation of the BRICS rating agency.

Prime Minister Narendra Moday, today called for the creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

It was India, which had first mooted the idea of an independent CRA for the BRICS grouping at last years BRICS Summit in Goa, pinpointing the problems the current CRA market posed for the emerging market economies.

A BRICS CRA will be a counter to the western credit rating agency, which enjoy unchallanged market dominance. Entreprenuers in East and South East Asia often face impediments because of the hegimony enjoyed by CRA's like Moody's Fitch and S&P. These three western rating agencies hold over 90% of the sovereign ratings market now.

Why is it a good idea for BRICS nations to have a their own Credit Rating Agencies?

"I believe there are three important practices that should be carried forward," Xi said in the Summit's opening address.

Both leaders discussed several aspects of bilateral issues in sectors like cooperation in the natural gas and oil sector, Kumar added. Both sides also discussed how to promote bilateral trade and investment.

The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here, "basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship", Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, briefing reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting here on Monday with trade and investment, natural gas, tourism and youth exchanges featuring in their discussions.

Second, by getting a variety of countries at international summits (including Monday's summit in Xiamen) to express concern about Pakistan-based terror outfits, India appears to have put the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China under pressure. China, which is already facing an increasingly hostile international community because of its continued support to the North Korean regime, will now be under immense pressure to step back from providing any moral or diplomatic support to Pakistan's terror groups.

This is also of vital strategic importance in two ways; first, Pakistans strategy of 'death by a thousand cuts' is now under an international spotlight, with its civilian and military government facing intense pressure to rein in militant groups.

At the BRICS Summit on Monday, India was able to secure a major diplomatic victory for itself after the member countries backed the UN resolution on terrorism, specifically naming Pakistan-based terror groups.

Xiamen Declaration will go some way in dismantling terror, Pakistan-China friendship

Earlier, addressing the plenary session of the BRICS Summit, Modi said trade and economy were the foundations of the cooperation among BRICS - Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

The two leaders met in this southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen on the sidelines of the ninth BRICS Summit.

The BRICS also called upon all states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and terrorist actions from their territories.

At a restricted session of the BRICS leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also articulated India's position on the issue and offered to host a conference on de-radicalisation.

In the BRICS declaration, the grouping deplored all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever.

Xi said the grouping should endeavour to promote practical economic cooperation.

China will provide $76 million for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan and another $4 million to support the projects of the bloc's New Development Bank, President Xi Jinping announced on Monday. Calling on the five nation grouping to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development, Xi said the BRICS countries should make economic globalisation open and inclusive, and beneficial to all.

He also said that during the Modi-Putin meeting several bilateral issues were discussed like the cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector.

"The two sides basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship. President Putin recalled prime minister's visit to Russia earlier this year. And, he thanked the prime minister for high-level participation from India at the Eastern Economic Forum," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters at a briefing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment along with the security situation in Afghanistan.

The four documents are: BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation; BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-20); Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation; and Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation (NDB).

To boost cooperation in different areas, including economy and trade, BRICS member states on Monday signed four agreements at the 9th Summit of the five-nation bloc here.

"Renewable energy is particularly important on multiple counts. BRICS countries can work closely with International Solar Alliance (ISA) to strengthen the solar energy agenda. Our five countries have complementary skills and strengths to promote use of renewable and solar energy," Modi said. The ISA was launched by India and France in November 2015 and aims to bring together a coalition of 121 countries for mutual gains through enhanced solar energy utilisation.

Asserting that affordable and sustainable access to energy is crucial for the growth of the BRICS nations, Prime Minister Narendra today called on the member countries to work closely with the International Solar Alliance to strengthen the solar energy agenda.

"These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue," Geng told PTI in a written response to a strong reference in the BRICS countries about these terror groups.

Defending the move to include these terror groups for the first time in the BRICS joint declaration, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".

China on Monday said that Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like JeM, LeT and the Haqqani network have been included in the BRICS joint declaration due to concerns about their violent activities in the region .

JeM, LeT included in joint declaration due to violent activities, says China

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

The Business Council comprising business organisations from all the five countries has done a lot in the fields of e-commerce, technical development, standard setting, and the experience sharing in the digital economy, PTI quoted XI as saying.

In his remarks during talks between the BRICS Business Council and BRICS leaders attending the ninth BRICS summit, Xi praised the achievements of the council and the NDB.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank (NDB) to ensure greater cooperation among BRICS countries.

The leaders also attended the opening ceremony of the BRICS Cultural Festival and Photo Exhibition and watched the trailer of "Where Has Time Gone", the first film co-produced by the five countries.

IANS reported that the party also said China did not have a moral or legal right now to stand in the way or to prevent the United Nations from declaring Azhar an international terrorist.

The Congress on Monday said it hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now take up the issue of declaration of Maulana Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as his outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been declared a terrorist organisation by BRICS nations.

"Foreign direct investment inflows are at an all-time high, rising by 40 percent," he said.

"India is changing fast into one of the most open economies in the world today," Modi said while addressing the BRICS Business Council meet in Xiamen as part of the 9th BRICS Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in July this year is the biggest economic reform ever in India.

India and four other BRICS nations today pledged to abide by the principle of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, PTI reported.The Xiamen Declaration, issued at the end of the BRICS Summit's plenary session, said the member countries will also work together to promote the most effective use of fossil fuels and wider use of gas, hydro and nuclear power.

What is the New Development Bank?

" China faced the same problem in Xiamen that India faced in Goa last year  pressure of being the host. As host, the onus is on China to find a consensual joint declaration that can be adopted. The host has to walk the extra mile. Therefore the host's scope for taking extreme positions in these negotiations is crippled. Part of the reason why India couldn't push through similar language in the Goa declaration was precisely because of this."

According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, China was under pressure due to its position as a host to come to a consensus on a joint declaration. According to his report, this helped India to push to add LeT and JeM as foreign terror outfits in the declaration.

News18 reported that a gamut of issues may be taken into consideration during the meetign with Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping. Some of the issues that may be discussed during the meeting are India's concerns over CPEC transgressing Jammu and Kashmir, India's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese reluctance to ban Masood Azhar and its backing of Pakistan despite terror concerns.

Several issues may be discussed during the bilateral meeting

Just like on Monday, Modi also spoke of diigtisation and sustainable development for emerging economies.

Talking about India's long-standing partnership with Africa, Modi noted that India is a major partner of the countries in the continent and added that the African Development Bank chose India for its first meeting outside Africa.

Pitching India's strong support for development of the South Asia region, Modi said that the South Asia satellite is an example of India's commitment to the development of India and its neighbourhood.

While talking about a three-pronged approach to development , Modi spoke of India's aim to bring banking to those whoa re unbanked through various mobile technology.

Narendra Modi, while talking about co-operation with developing economies, hardselled India's economic approach. Modi said that development is a key focus for India. He said his government is focussing on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

It is important not to draw all the wrong inferences from Monday's turn of events. As the news broke out, some Indian TV channels enthusiastically interpreted it as a case of 'China dumping Pakistan', some said it was a 'resounding win' after Doka La. Let's be clear. The breakthrough that India achieved on Monday at BRICS is significant. It represents a softening of China's stance on Pakistan-sponsored terror. But neither is it an unqualified 'victory' nor does it signal a dramatic change in Beijing's Pakistan policy.

Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi asked BRICS to team up with the International Solar Alliance for mutual gains through solar energy and utilisation of solar power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that changes can be brought about by BRICS' proactive approach and co-ordination.

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable. Our ever closer ties require that we five countries play more active in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved," Xi told the gathering.

Speaking at the opening of the plenary session at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Xi was quoted by PTI as saying the five-nation grouping need to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development.

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Monday called on the BRICS countries to make the international order more just and equitable, asserting that many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved without their participation.

Here is what prime minister said at the meeting

An Indian government functionary told The Indian Express on Tuesday that they would try to bury the D-word. The D-word stands for Doka La. The Indian Express quoted sources as saying that after a bitter experience, it is time to move on."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will also also look at the trade and commerce aspect of the India-China relationship, News18 reported. The report also noted that Doka La may also feature in the discussions between the two leaders.

Trade, an important part of Indo-Sino ties, likely to be discussed

Our 'no strings attached' cooperation model is driven purely by requirements of partner countries, PTI quoted the prime minister as saying at BRICS developing nations dialogue. Modi also suggested 10 noble commitments to be taken up by BRICS leadership for global transformation.

Narendra Modi has pitched for organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management at the summit, PTI reported.

"Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change is encountering resistance," Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.

Xi didn't refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement on climate change.

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

The declaration will come as a major setback for Pakistan that will now find itself further isolated in the global community on the issue of terrorism. It happens to be the second time in a week that Pakistan has been rapped on its knuckles for its support to terrorists operating in the region. US president Donald Trumps recently-announced policy on Afghanistan also sought to shame Pakistan on the issue. Now, the expression of concern over Pakistan-based terror groups at the BRICS Summit will work to double the diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

News18 reports that Narendra Modi is being accompanied by Foreign SecretaryS Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval.

Who are with Modi in the meeting?

Speaking at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, Xi said: "Four years ago, I put forward the idea of building a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st century Maritime Silk Road. The initiative received a warm response from the international community. In May this year, China hosted a successful Belt and Road forum for international cooperation."

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed the Belt and Road project at a BRICS forum in Xiamen, saying that the initiative has received a good response.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.

Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Xi Jinping is reported to have said, "India is a valuable partner. We seek guidance from India on the five principles of Panchasheel. India and China are world's two largest economies in the world." - News18

While there were speculation over a possible media briefing after the bilateral meeing, reports now suggest there will be no such thing. There will only be a few sound bytes by Foreign Secretary Jaishankar before he leaves. This is the last event before Modi leaves for Myanmar.

On counter-terrorism issue, which dominated the BRICS summit on Monday, Jaishankar said that they were not separately discussed during the bilateral meeting.

Urging better communication between the military personnel of India and China, Jaishankar said, "The two leaders felt that there should be closer communication between the defence and security personnel of India and China."

"Peace and tranquility at the border areas is a prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China," Jaishankar said on the border issue between the countries.

Jaishankar said that while there are differences, they should not become disputes. "The two leaders also reaffirmed the understanding reached at Astana between Modi and Xi to not allow differences to become disputes," Jaishankar added.

"There was a forward-looking and constructive approach taken by both sides during the Modi-Xi meeting. The two leaders reaffirmed that it is in the interest of both India and China to have good relations," Jaishankar said on the overall outcome of the meeting.

Narendra Modi says BRICS is for peace and development

"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world  brick by brick, or, through BRICS....," Modi said.

Modi, while speaking at the 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue' organised by China on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, said India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management, as he suggested 10 'noble commitments' through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved.

Xi told Modi that the two countries should pursue "healthy, stable bilateral ties", China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel), which were put forward by both the countries, to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-India ties along the right track, Xi was quoted as saying.

Ways to deepen security and defence cooperation, implementation of India-assisted development projects and the issue of cross border activities by certain insurgent groups along the India-Myanmar are likely to figure during Modi's talks with leadership of the country during the three-day visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Myanmar on Tuesday on his first bilateral state visit during which both sides are expected to ink a number of agreements and deliberate on key issues including exodus of Rohingya community.

Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later in the day. The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.

Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

In Yagon, the prime minister will visit the Shwedagon pagoda and will go to martyr's mausoleum to pay tribute to General Aung San, the Burmese nationalist leader who was assassinated. General Aung is father of Suu Kyi.

Modi will travel to Yangon where he will have a series of engagements including interaction with the Indian community.

"I do not think there is any misunderstanding between us and the Myanmar government on what we sought to do," she said. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-kilometre-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

"I think it is very well known that actions were carried out along the border. It is a difficult border. It is a border on which the exact location of the boundary sometimes may be difficult to make out.

Asked about the Indian Army's action last year along the India-Myanmar border, Ranganathan said there was no misunderstanding between the two countries over the issue.

"Myanmar is a very very important partner in our Act East policy and neighbourhood first policy," said MEA.

India has an overall commitment of $1.75 billion for developmental programmes in Myanmar.

India would also convey to Myanmar about the kind of project it has on its priority list and whether it would like to partner with India in their execution. "We will be guided by Myanmar government in its choice of projects," the MEA said.

She said the Kaladan project and the trilateral high-way project will be discussed during the prime minister's visit.

On the exodus of Rohingya community, the MEA said, "The issue of the Rakhine state is a matter of great concern. There has been a prominent attack recently and a large no of people have lost their lives. We have reached out to Myanmar government after the attacks on what can be done."

Myanmar is the only ASEAN country which shares a border with India. Therefore, it is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largesteconomy in the world if it were a single nation.

Should India manage to upgrade the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard, while Myanmar develops the Yargyi-Monywa portion, it will greatly improve Indias connectivity and relationship with both Myanmar and Thailand.

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number according to The Economic Times. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in Northeast India according to the Livemint report. Indeed, some Indian insurgent groups operate from Myanmar. Therefore Myanmar's cooperation would go a long way in helping India deal with these insurgent groups.

China has been steadily increasing its influence (both economic and political) in the country. It is Myanmar's largest trade partner, has investments in the country and has played a proactive role in bringing various armed groups to the negotiating table. This cooperation on ethnic issues has reaped economic dividends as Myanmar has shown interest in China's One Belt One Road initiative.

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," he said.

The burning issue of the Rohingyas and India's capacity building measures and infrastructure projects are expected to figure during Modi's visit to Myanmar. "During the visit, we will review developments in our bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas in which we can work together," Modi said in a pre-departure statement.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in North East India.

Myanmar is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largest economy in the world if it were a single nation. It can be India's gateway to Southeast Asia and give an impetus to India's Look East Policy.

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

On Wednesday, Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi, following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed. During the course of the visit, Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in the restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon, where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

Modi arrives in Myanmar: Here is his itinerary for Wednesday

India is also attempting to counter China's influence in other ways. India is developing a road which runs through Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM), a 2,800 km-long corridor that starts from Kolkata and passes through Bangladesh and Myanmar before ending at Kunming in China.

Experts say that when it comes to Myanmar, China has repeatedly beaten India to punch repeatedly and continues to do so. China regards Myanmar as a land bridge to the Indian Ocean China has also shielded Myanmar from western criticism in the UN, on the issue of Rohingya Muslims.

As India seeks to deepen ties, experts fear China may have already beaten her to punch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the 1105 AD Ananda Temple which is another prominent Buddhist shrine in Myanmar. He will also visit the Martyrs Mausoleum which contains remains of Aung Sang after his assassination in 1947.

Modi also hopes to convince Myanmar about its seriousness in strengthening ties as China keeps a close watch.

Here is the list of agreements expected to be signed between India and Myanmar

Myanmar troupes and artistes have participated in South Asian and ASEAN cultural events in India. India has also responded to Myanmar's interest in restoring and renovating two historic temples in Bodh Gaya built by Myanmar rulers King Mindon and King Baygyidaw.

India and Myanmar share close cultural ties and a sense of deep kinship given India's Buddhist heritage. Building on this shared heritage India is undertaking some key initiatives: Restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan and GOI donation of a 16 foot replica of the Sarnath Buddha Statue which has been installed at the premises of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon.

A look at shared cultural ties between India and Myanmar

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said the government was very clear that the Rohingyas should go back. - IANS

Rijiju said no force will however be used. "We are not going to use force to throw out anybody. Such image may be painted that we are very inhuman; we are not. In fact, no other country has accepted as much refugees as India," he said.

The Centre and the Assam government on Tuesday made it clear that Rohingya immigrants from Myanmar have to return to their native country. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of the North-East Democratic Alliance in the national capital, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said, "They (Rohingyas) are illegal immigrants in India. Deportation has to be through legal process."

Modi's visit is certainly a step in the right direction to mend Indo-Myanmar ties. He is scheduled to hold discussions with the holders of high office as he will call on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Htin Kyaw. The bilateral visit should serve to give a boost to political and economic ties with a strategic eastern neighbour.

Myanmar, for its part has tried to follow a policy of preserving its independence from India and China. There has been a tendency in Myanmar to fear China while trying to cultivate friendship with India. This has changed with the actions of China as well as those of General Ne Win who imposed martial law in the country in 1962.

"You need to play it very smartly. You need to make it clear that Rakhine violence has regional implications... but India will not get into saying, This is how you should resolve it.'" - Reuters

The violence in Myanmar could hit development of a transport corridor that begins in Rakhine, with the Indian-built port of Sittwe and includes road links to Indias remote North East, analysts said. "Its going to be a very vexed and complex issue," said Tridivesh Singh Maini, a New Delhi-based expert on ties with Myanmar.

"If there is active economic activity in the state, many of the problems will be at least reduced," said Joint Secretary, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Ministry of External Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan at a press briefing before Narendra Modi's Myanmar visit. She said India was working in that direction.

Ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, India, which has maintained that there is no change in policy on illegal immigrants, has said that New Delhi would encourage the Myanmar government to "find ways of stimulating socio-economic development" in Rakhine, reported India Today .

Apart from his engagements in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, he will visit Yangon and Bagan. His visit will end on 7 September.

This is Prime Minister Narendra Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. During the visit, according to Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will hold discussions with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on matters of mutual interest and also call on President U Htin Kyaw.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state. He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

"We hope that all stakeholders can together find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected," Modi said. "At the same time, we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all." - IANS

"We share your concerns about the extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been lost," Narendra Modi said in a joint address to the media along with Aung San Suu Kyi following delegation-level talks.

India shared its concerns with Myanmar over the situation in the country's Rakhine state, where the army has launched a crackdown on the Rohingyas, triggering a mass exodus.

In the bigger picture context it is hugely indiscreet and tactless but if a display of Indian confidence is the yardstick well, China would certainly be miffed that this visit does not bode well for the present plastic cordiality.

What Modi probably has to lose is the wobbly friendship with the military regime and the hawkish General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces. By stopping over en route from the BRICS Summit in China where he and Xi Jinping played genteel footsies and little else in the thaw after the Doka La impasse Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by big brother.

By visiting Myanmar, Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by 'big brother'

- Cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and the Press Council of India

- In field of elections (between Election Commission of India and The Union Election Commission of Myanmar).

- Extension on MoU on establishment of India-Myanmar Center for Enhancement of IT-Skill

- Cooperation in the field of Health and medicine

- Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation (Between Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and Food and Drugs (FDA), Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar on Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation)

- Enhancing the Cooperation of the Upgradation of the Women's Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar.

India and Myanmar on Wednesday signed eleven agreements in a range of sectors, including one to strengthen democratic institutions in this country, to further build their multifaceted partnership. The following are the MoUs signed:

The prime minister, at a joint press statement with Suu Kyi, asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing. Modi and Suu Kyi held talks and discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations. - PTI

Modi's first bilateral visit comes at a time when the Myanmarese government is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

India said today that it shares Myanmar's concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the country's unity and territorial integrity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's foreign minister and Minister of President's Office on Wednesday. Following the discussions, Modi gave a speech at the joint press statement with Suu Kyi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Myanmar amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.

Here are key points where India will cooperate with Myanmar on defence

More images coming in from Modi's visit to Anand Temple in Bagan

India is collaborating with Myanmar for the conservation and restoration of Anand Temple

The temple was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and then last year when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar. India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated $3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).- PTI (Read more here )

The temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

PM Narendra Modi arrives at Yangon where he will be meeting Indian diaspora

Along with physical connectivity, we have negotiated a land border crossing agreement, says Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar

The modalities of India-Myanmar bus service has been worked out, says S Jaishankar

PM Modi says India is proud to be a part of Myanmar temple's restoration work

India to aid in building hospitals and industrial training centres in Myanmar

This is where Subhas Chandra Bose had said 'Tum Mujhe khoon do, mai tumhe azaadi doonga', says Modi.

Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.

We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming India, says PM Modi

Modi says India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created

Our government has taken decisions on demonetisation and GST fearlessly, says Modi

Modi says he has decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen lodged in Indian jails

For us nation is bigger than politics, says PM Modi

Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.

We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming India, says PM Modi

We are not merely changing India, we are building a new India: PM Modi addresses the Indian community in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/i74d6zhna9

An India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/HDtSQNAqgC

Modi says India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created

Our government has taken decisions on demonetisation and GST fearlessly, says Modi

EAM Sushma Swaraj is very active. She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help: PM pic.twitter.com/fvfL1Vwpn6

Have decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen presently lodged in Indian jails: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/Hv7X9kL3Fl

Modi says he has decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen lodged in Indian jails

For us nation is bigger than politics, says PM Modi

Infraculture is important. By infraculture I mean quality infrastructure that benefits our farmers: PM @narendramodi

I read somewhere five Bs are base of India-Myanmar relations - Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak...: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counter-terrorism.

"I thank the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," Modi said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister left for Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of Myanmar, from this southeastern Chinese city where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday.

Modi had said India and Myanmar will look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

He hoped his visit will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister said both countries will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.

Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.

Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to go to Myanmar while there is an ongoing violence of a massive scale occurring as of this moment. No one forced him to go but he has landed there and to spend 48 hours in that country and not grasp the nettle over the Rohingya crisis would be unacceptable.

India is an interested partner in that there are over 40,000 possible refugees waiting to escape being scythed at the border of Bangladesh and through it, to India.

Having already given safe harbour to Tamils from the LTTE and Bangladesh aspirants all the way to creating inner cities in our metros, saving the Rohingya Muslims is not only a humane step but also sits well with the community in India and the Islamic world at large.

What Modi probably has to lose is the wobbly friendship with the military regime and the hawkish General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces. By stopping over en route from the BRICS Summit in China where he and Xi Jinping played genteel footsies and little else in the thaw after the Doka La impasse Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by big brother. In the bigger picture context it is hugely indiscreet and tactless but if a display of Indian confidence is the yardstick well, China would certainly be miffed that this visit does not bode well for the present plastic cordiality.

But having walked the talk Modi now has to choose from commerce or charity.

Competing with China in the marketplace with a nation whose cultural ethos is still an enigma isnt going to be easy. It will be uphill all the way.

Also the military junta isnt an easy authority to deal with. Even Aung San Suu Kyi has blanched at the idea of frontally condemning the Rohingya killings and maintained an intriguing silence.

Holding hands and sharing hugs in photo ops does not cut the ice. The list of atrocities is long and shocking. Soldiers burning the evidence of mass killings. Escaping rural men and women and children shot or drowned in rivers currently in spate. Thousands of refugees pouring into Bangladesh. Rohingya militants in pitched battles with government troops and it is the poor villagers facing the collateral damage. The death toll has crossed 400 and rising and there is no calculation of the wounded and the displaced but it is said to be in the range of 125,000 to 150,000 already.

If the prime minister settles for shibboleths and soda water and reduces his trip to the level of a little cocking of the snoot at Beijing it might come with a price tag in the future. Yangon is deep in the fiscal pocket of China and India is a pretty distant second.

So if Modi can use these two days to produce a balm or some strategy that ends the present killings and brings about some uneasy peace he will be lauded by several nations and Indias standing on the global stage will be enhanced. Turkey has already labelled it as 'genocide'. Not just that but this exercise in goodwill and grace and mercy will create a solid platform for future trade and commerce and give India an inner track for co-operative ventures. To be brutally honest, neither the Indian government's or the Indian people have cared much for Myanmar or know anything about it.

If we wish to rip apart this bamboo curtain here is a perfect opportunity for Modi to stamp his imprimatur on that country and its regime.

If you have the ability to persuade use it, Sir.
Nay Pyi Taw: Myanmar President Htin Kyaw on Tuesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two-nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi. The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

PM @narendramodi welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw; both leaders inspect the guard of honour. pic.twitter.com/2v1vHDXbKi  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's state counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them.

Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
New Delhi: The burning issue of the Rohingyas and India's capacity building measures and infrastructure projects are expected to figure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Myanmar starting on Tuesday following the conclusion of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to India's eastern neighbour. He had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the Asean-India Summit.

Soon after his arrival in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, Modi will call on Myanmar's president U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he is going.

On Wednesday, the prime minister will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's foreign minister and minister of president's office following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Both Kyaw and Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi had visited India last year after the National League for Democracy assumed power in that country.

Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

"During the visit, we will review developments in our bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas in which we can work together," Modi said in a pre-departure statement.

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," he said.

India has committed grant-in-aid assistance amounting to Rs 4,000 crore to Myanmar, out of a total commitment of around $1.7 billion.

The projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar with the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a trilateral highway connecting northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand, and the Rhi-Tiddim road.

In terms of capacity building, New Delhi is assisting the eastern neighbour in setting up institutions of higher learning like the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Myanmar-India Centre for English Language Training and India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres.

India has also provided humanitarian relief following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora this year, Komen in 2015 and Nargis in 2008 and an earthquake in Shan state in 2010.

In a media briefing ahead of Modi's visit, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that both sides would take stock of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also discuss the kind of projects which the new Myanmarese government has on its priority list and which they would like to partner India with in the process of execution.

"We will be guided by the government of Myanmar in terms of the choice of projects," Ranganthan said.

"The stated priorities of this government are infrastructure, power and energy and we believe these could be the areas where there is a great deal that Indian agencies can bring to the table."

With both countries sharing a 1,600-km long boundary, the issue of security cooperation is also expected to come up for discussion.

The issue of Rohingyas on whom Myanmar's security forces have launched a crackdown in the country's Rakhine state is expected to figure in the discussions. India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living here illegally but the Supreme Court has said that it will hear on 11 September a plea seeking a direction to the Central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.

In her media briefing, Ranganathan said that there was no change in India's long stated policy on refugees.

"In so far as illegal immigrants are concerned, that is again a very long standing and established procedure on the basis of Indian law which we will continue to follow," she said.

Follow our LIVE blog on Narendra Modi in Myanmar here
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted the teaching community on Teacher's Day and said they had a central role in realising the vision of a New India.

The prime minister also paid tribute to former president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary on Tuesday.

The day is celebrated in his honour.

"On Teachers' day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds and spreading the joys of education in society.

"Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a 'New India' that is driven by cutting edge research and innovation," Modi said.

He added that the next five years should be about teach to transform, educate to empower and learn to lead.

"My tributes to Dr S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary," Modi, who is in China for the BRICS summit from where he will be going to Myanmar, said his message.
After wrapping up his visit to Xiamen for the 9th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Myanmar on his first bilateral state visit during which the two countries are expected to ink a number of agreements and deliberate on key issues including exodus of Rohingya community.

That Modi chose to go to Myanmar right after his China visit is interesting because the two Asian powers are vying for better relations with Nay Pyi Taw. China has been steadily increasing its influence (both economic and political) in the country. It is Myanmar's largest trade partner, has investments in the country and has played a proactive role in bringing various armed groups to the negotiating table. This cooperation on ethnic issues has reaped economic dividends as Myanmar has shown interest in China's One Belt One Road initiative.

Myanmar has also shown an inclination towards China as after winning the elections in 2015, Aung San Suu Kyi chose China for her first visit outside the ASEAN region and called on the Chinese president and prime minister.

All of this gives China a tremendous head-start. And as Modi arrives in Myanmar, his job has hardly been made any easy due to the lethargy shown by the earlier UPA government in its ten-year rule, as per Business Line. The projects embarked upon jointly by the two nations have amounted to little as the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project still has a missing road link while the Tri-Lateral Highway is still unfinished. The economic investments have totalled to over $500 million with little to show for it.

The actions of China and India have thus made the India-Myanmar relationship far from ideal. Modi will certainly try to do what he can to improve it. He has already described Myanmar as a "key pillar" of Indias 'Act East' policy and has expressed his commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship in all areas.

But the question which arises is: why should that effort be made at all?

Strategic importance

Myanmar is the only ASEAN country which shares a border with India. Therefore, it is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largest economy in the world if it were a single nation. It can be India's gateway to Southeast Asia and give an impetus to India's Look East Policy, according toThe Diplomat. Should India manage to upgrade the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard, while Myanmar develops the Yargyi-Monywa portion, it will greatly improve Indias connectivity and relationship with both Myanmar and Thailand.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in Northeast India according to the Livemint report. Indeed, some Indian insurgent groups operate from Myanmar. Therefore Myanmar's cooperation would go a long way in helping India deal with these insurgent groups. An example of this was the operation carried out by India in 2015 which left 38 Naga insurgents dead and seven injured. These operations will become much easier if Myanmar's attitude towards India is one of cooperation.

Economic relations

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number according to The Economic Times. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

As discussed above, better land link between the countries will further bolster the trade numbers. The report also adds that there is a possibility that new connectivity projects or cooperation on Special Economic Zones could be announced during Modi's visit.

Rohingya crisis

The Rohingya crisis has kept Myanmar in the news as Bangladesh and India have looked to deport these refugees. While New Delhi has made clear where its commitment lies with respect to Myanmar's fight against the Rohingyas, 'non-refoulement' (the principal of not sending back refugees to a place where they face danger) will haunt India, as The Indian Express points out.

New Delhi has always felt it unwise to make any statements that would be seen in Myanmar as "pro-Rohingya". After the fresh crackdown launched by the Myanmar Army, thousands of Rohingyas are fleeing to Bangladesh and far from improving, the situation only seems to be exacerbating.

Amid this crisis and criticism for deciding to deport the Rohingyas, all eyes are on Modi and if he will say anything about these refugees living "illegally" in India during his visit to Myanmar. He is however, not expected to change stance on the Rohingya issue in a bilateral visit, which India hopes, will give a boost to political and economic ties with a strategic eastern neighbour.

Modi's visit should boost ties

Myanmar, for its part has tried to follow a policy of preserving its independence from the two giants, according to Frontline. There has been a tendency in Myanmar to fear China while trying to cultivate friendship with India. This has changed with the actions of China as well as those of General Ne Win who imposed martial law in the country in 1962.

Modi's visit is certainly a step in the right direction to mend Indo-Myanmar ties. He is scheduled to hold discussions with the holders of high office as he will call on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Htin Kyaw. The bilateral visit should serve to give a boost to political and economic ties with a strategic eastern neighbour.

Follow our LIVE blog on Narendra Modi in Myanmar
Large swathes of South Asia, especially the middle and lower Gangetic basin as well as the Brahmaputra basin, were affected by devastating floods this year. The flood continues to affect lives in many areas.

The worst thing that any government can do while battling a human tragedy that cuts across language, caste, creed and class, is be partial on the basis of political loyalty of the affected state to the ruling dispensation at the Centre. The Narendra Modi government at the Centre did just that during the 2017 floods.

It's also tragic when one has to bring attention towards a tragedy by comparing the depth of a tragedy that went ignored to a tragedy that received attention.

West Bengal witnessed devastating floods in 2017 which killed at least 152 people and affected 27 lakh people in 14 districts. According to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state suffered loss to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore as of 30 August, but is yet to receive any financial aid from the Modi government. The 152 lives lost in the West Bengal floods are West Bengals alone and the loss of Rs 14,000 crore is of West Bengal's alone.

West Bengal pays direct and indirect taxes to New Delhi, and thus into the magical central funds, so, one would assume that the fact that West Bengal didn't receive any relief aid from the Centre does not reflect a special vindictiveness against West Bengal. But that would have been the case only if no other Indian state had received any relief  an equal denial of relief, one can say  but that is not the case.

Could it then be a case where West Bengal didn't ask for relief and hence didn't get it? That isn't the case either: Banerjee demanded from New Delhi a flood relief and compensation package multiple times this year.

Did the Union government send some flood damage assessment team to West Bengal who assessed the ground situation and then decided  on the basis of first hand data and observations  that West Bengal did not deserve any such assistance? Nope. In fact, New Delhi has not send any official observer as yet.

What's really the matter then, one wonders. West Bengals citizens have never even defaulted in sending money to New Delhis central funds in the form of taxes, or, opposed New Delhis control over West Bengals mines, ports, jute and tea industries and other such lucrative assets. Why is it then that West Bengal didn't get any flood compensation grants from New Delhi when it needed them the most? After all, isnt mutual cooperation of paying taxes and then receiving them in the form of benefits, the precise reason why states are part of the Indian Union?

New Delhi seems to hold a very different view about whom to offer grants and aid after receiving tax money from the states for the "central funds".

While West Bengal has not even been given a single paisa as flood relief, Bihar has received Rs 500 crore. Modi announced that "all assistance" would be given to Nitish Kumar, who did an ideological somersault to align with BJP in July. This announcement came right after that. Modi also did an aerial survey of Bihars flood-affected areas. Banerjee on the other hand did the same, but on foot, going into flood-affected areas in knee-deep water.

In Bihar, Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh per flood-related death and Rs 50,000 per person for flood-related injuries from the "central funds". Mamata Banerjee announced a similar Rs 2 lakh compensation per flood-related death, except that in West Bengals case, it was the West Bengal treasury that would provide the money.

There would be no central funds for West Bengal. Unlike with West Bengal, Modi sent a team to assess losses, which hints at the possibility of further flood relief funds for Bihar from New Delhi.

Bihar was not the only state that received central money for flood relief. Gujarat, the prime ministers native state, also received Rs 500 crore for flood relief and a Bihar-style ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 per person to those seriously injured in the floods.

Modi also announced an Rs 2,350 crore flood relief package for the North East, the major chunk of which will go to Assam. And if this was not starkly partisan enough, the Union government even announced a flood relief package for Nepal, a foreign nation, to the tune of 400 million Nepali Rupees. So, from the flood-affected geographical stretch that includes Bihar, lower Nepal, West Bengal and then further on to Assam, only the state of West Bengal was left out of this central flood relief funds distribution.

If we rank the entities that got Centres funds for flood relief, at the top are 'new converts' like Assam and other states who have recently switched to BJP. Then comes Gujarat, which is Modis home state.

While propagating "India first, Modi chose to play Gujarat first and gave Rs 500 crore to his home state from a fund created from the contributions of every Indian state. Then comes Bihar, whose death toll is many times more than Gujarat but whose compensation package is the same as that Gujarat's.

Thus, in Modis book, India first means Gujarat first and Bihar second. And then comes Nepal, but no West Bengal. The rule changes during elections. Still, then, it's "India first" only for those states which voted BJP to power, else its Nepal first and non-BJP states are placed last. In the case of West Bengal, it's not even on the list.

When the people of a state elect a state government, they have in their minds what is best for the state and vote for the political party that best serves those interests.

But when finances are allocated by the central government to a state based on how the ruling party of a state is politically aligned with the ruling party at the Centre, then it becomes a case of clear subversion of the basic democratic rights of the people to choose a government of their choice without the threat of external consequences: In this case withholding of central funds.

This is a dangerous assault on the federal structure of the Indian Union as it impinges on the autonomy sharing model between states and the Union government in a diverse, multi-national, federal polity.

The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) doesn't help either. With GST, this discrimination has become more sinister as states no longer have the power to change the individual tax rates of goods and services, and raise funds when they are confronted with unforeseen disasters like floods. The states no longer have much of the elastic sources of revenue.

The Centre, on the other hand, has retained the power to impose a cess on goods and services according to its own wish or when it wants to raise extra funds like it does under several dubious heads like the Swachh Bharat mission. Thus, after the introduction of GST, the states have become much more dependent on the Centre than earlier when it comes to disaster relief. In this scenario, a partisan attitude of the Centre translates into life for the loyal states and death for the opposition states, based on their political leanings.

West Bengal is not the first victim of such a biased central policy. Unfortunately, it won't be the last.

When the Union government talks about "cooperative federalism", what it actually practices is coercive federalism.

The distribution of flood relief funds is only the latest instance of that 'criminal' policy. It is criminal because it means that though in theory all the flood-affected people are equal, in the eyes of the Centre, some victims are more equal than others.
This is a post-truth era. Even so, its difficult to swallow the feminist spin thats being given to Nirmala Sitharamans surprise appointment as defence minister in Narendra Modis latest Cabinet rejig.

First of all, she certainly hasnt shattered any glass ceiling. That credit goes to Indira Gandhi, India's first woman defence minister. She held the portfolio twice  for a month in 1975 and then again between 1980 and 1982  she affirmed through this move that no male bastion is sacrosanct. Sitharaman is simply walking through a door already opened by Indira.

A television commentator trilled her delight that male soldiers would now have to salute a woman. Surely, protocol formalities in a hierarchy driven set up like the armed forces cannot be seen as a step forward for womens empowerment.

Secondly, the gender logic reeks of tokenism. Arun Jaitleys comment on Sitharamans appointment was an unfortunate reminder of the patronising attitude that continues to colour male perceptions of women in high places. This is the first time in the nations history, he boasted, that the Cabinet committee on security will have two women members. The other is Sushma Swaraj.

Two women in the all-important Cabinet committee that takes decisions on all sensitive matters related to national security should be a matter of pride. This is the high table of governance, reserved for the Big Four in the Cabinet: the ministers of home, finance, external affairs and defence. It is chaired by the prime minister.

But drawing a parallel with Sushma Swaraj cannot augur well for Sitharaman in her new role. It is no secret that Swaraj has no say in foreign policy decisions and functions on the margins of her ministry. This is unique to the Modi dispensation.

Traditionally, all prime ministers have been involved in crafting foreign policy since it has to do with the countrys geopolitical and geostrategic interests. But external affairs ministers have always been kept in the loop and have been part of the consultation process.

In the government, foreign policy has become the exclusive domain of the prime minister with primary inputs from National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and secondary inputs from foreign secretary S Jaishankar. Swaraj has little or no idea about key foreign policy initiatives. For instance, she had no clue about Modis unannounced visit to Lahore on Christmas Day in 2015 to wish former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his birthday.

To her credit, Swaraj has managed to carve a small niche for herself as an agony aunt to Indians in distress across the world. She is active on Twitter and provides help and succor to abducted NRIs, Indians who have lost their passports, anyone who needs urgent medical attention and so on, for which she receives condescending pats on the back from Modi.

Swarajs plight is all the more tragic because not only is she a heavyweight in terms of experience and seniority, she has a track record of being a performing minister from her days in the Vajpayee government.

Sitharamans profile as defence minister will be shaped by the responsibilities assigned to her and the role she plays in decision making. All the rah-rah rhetoric surrounding her appointment cannot hide the harsh reality of her vulnerabilities. Unlike her illustrious predecessors, which includes heavyweights such as VK Krishna Menon, YB Chavan and Jagjivan Ram, Sitharaman is a political lightweight.

She joined the BJP only in 2006 and became a Member of Parliament for the first time in 2014 after Modi inducted her into his Council of Ministers and gave her the commerce portfolio. Although she is known as an efficient and articulate person, her performance as commerce minister was marred by falling exports and obdurate negotiating positions which at times, proved to be a handicap in her dealings with foreign diplomats.

To be sure, there is plenty of work for a defence minister. And Sitharaman, with her methodical approach and capacity for hard work, may turn out to be an asset and help Modi carry forward his "Make in India" project for defence equipment. But can she be more than a practical implementer of schemes?

Sitharaman certainly brings no domain expertise to her new job. She has little experience of national security and is not known as a visionary. Like Swaraj, she may find herself restricted to a narrow brief and excluded from key policy decisions, especially with respect to our armed forces.

As it happens, even her predecessor Manohar Parrikar was kept out when Pakistani terrorists struck at the Pathankot air base. Doval was in charge of the counter operation and he reported directly to the prime minister. That's the way this government works.

All talk of "nari shakti" or womens empowerment is just window dressing. Here are some interesting statistics that underline how hollow the rhetoric is. Although the Modi government boasts that 20 percent of the Union Cabinet are women, the Council of Ministers is only 12 percent women.

The scarcity of women is evident in the BJP as well. Only one of the eight general secretaries and one of the seven vice-presidents are women. And less than 10 percent of the members of the partys national executive are women.

Tokenism was the Congress' hallmark. It prided itself on plucking out nonentities from marginalised groups such as Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims, then appointing them to high places without responsibility or power.

It is unfortunate that Modis BJP seems to be going down the same path.
Weird phrases sometimes sting me like a sweat bee, making themselves unforgettable and unavoidable.

So one day Im attempting to pray, as its not only part of my job description, but also has become like oxygen for me.



By habit Ive learned the Psalms are a favorable prayer cliff from which to jump. I employ these God-inspired words as a sturdy platform for leaping into Gods air, much like those insane folks down the street, more technically referred to as hang-glider pilots, use Lookout Mountain as their launching pad for flight. I open to Psalm 109.



As Im warming up to prayer, I observe the Psalmist struggling to rouse the God who never sleeps, or at least, to compel Him to speak up, because his life has become flanked with treacherous back-stabbing. His moments all sprinkled in a betrayal stew to boil in a cast-iron cauldron of hatred.



Funfetti Gooey Bars anyone?



Consolation is no place near.

In return for my friendship, they accuse me He cant catch a break. Even his closest confidants have joined in the alienating assault.



But then, instead of stuffing his face with Funfetti Gooey Bars that he found from a recipe on Pinterest; in lieu of a long reassuring look into the national treasury (over which he presided); and rather than merely reminding himself of the good things in his life--- Things could certainly be worse. Im a king, after all. Ive won a ton of battles. Ive got 30 wives who support me and lots of lovely, marginally well-adjusted children.... he, instead, self-consoles with this bewilderingly weird phrase: But I am a man of prayer. Huh? Whats that got to do with anything? A man of prayer? Seriously?



An Instructively Weird and Emboldening Phrase



That weird phrase instructs me. It also emboldens me.

It can, if we heed it, shake us from sleep-walking through the moments of our days. It can re-direct our earnest but wrong-headed obsession with forming our own identities and needing to self-define.



He has come up with a life-label that pertains, neither to his biological urges, nor to his own wishes or accomplishments. Instead, like any conferred identity a created man or woman receives, his is rooted in relationship with Another, despite the deficits within himself and the defects in his environs.



He identifies as one who lives off Gods intervention through asking. He is a man of prayer.



Neutralize the Wackadoo



Would it shock us if the POTUS, or the chief of staff at the hospital or the principal of your local elementary school decided that the deficit was so bad, employee morale so sour, test scores so gloomy and home-life so dilapidated that a prayer retreat was in order?

Wouldnt their advisors chide, You cant do that you kook, theres actual work to be done. You cant be off gallivanting by the lake, prayin for Petes sake, not when therere national security issues, public health troubles, and were falling behind in STEM fields!



Would you faint if a politician suggested in a CNN debate that before we can act wisely, we must pray expectantly? And if he elaborated, no wise leader should presume to serve as an agent of Christs providential rule on this sorrowful and magnificent planet apart from a vital life of communication with him in prayer?



Such a wackadoo would instantly be neutralized, possibly arrested, and likely admitted to a lab at the National Institutes of Health to be carefully observed and examined; deemed an invader from another planet, sent to spew lamebrain, fanatical, and simpleton fiction in the face of such grown-up problems.



The Height of Irresponsibility?

And if you yourself decided, but I am a woman of prayer and then determined to act like it, would you expect to be untampered with corrosive inner indictments?

Wouldnt you expect self-critical messages if you decided to take off early from your normal duties next Tuesday to be, for a couple of hours, a mother of prayer?



My kids need me, theres too much wash to be done, supper to prepare, a budget presentation at work tomorrow...my peeps are depending on methis is the height of irresponsibility for me to be out here praying like this!



Wed all be susceptible to such a reasonable internal backlash if we bothered to realize this ideal in the middle of demanding lives.



But, the author of this Psalm, I have to remind myself, was the King of Israel. He wasnt just some doofus afflicted with dad-bod, poking around with nothing to do, little to trouble his vacuous head about, and therefore, clear-scheduled with plenty of time to play World of Warcraft while pounding seasonal, locally brewed IPAs on a couch in his mothers basement.



He was Head of State!



And Jesus too, the One we consider reigning King of the Universe and Savior of the entire planetwas censured by well-meaning cabinet members who couldnt find him while he was at prayer (cf. Mark 1)----they reprimanded his priorities, Everyone is looking for you!...AKA There are clumps of human need screaming for your attention and you arent on the job!



But Jesus was off praying on a mountainside...in the sort of lonely place to which we are told the planets Redeemer often retired to labor in prayer.



Curious isnt it?

Consolation from a Seemingly Mad Moniker



Ive not noticed many (including myself) who console themselves with the seemingly mad moniker man of prayer.

But Im starting to think its a worthwhile consolation.



What if we adored our distressed neighbors and troubled communities so ardently, and so despised the vandalization of indifference, the atmospheric toxins of disregard, and the viral imprisonment of many in the gloomy little dungeon of themselves, that wed refuse to be anything except men and women of prayer with intentions that our prayers would find feet?



What if we learned King Davids resourceful mantra and applied it to the unwellness all around us: Ive lost my job, but I am a man of prayer!



My anxiety is extreme, but I am a woman of prayer!

They say its stage IV cancer, but we are a community of prayer!



My husband doesnt love me anymore, but I am a wife of prayer!



The violence is frightening and destructive but we are a neighborhood of prayer!



I dont know the best way to nurture and guide my children, but we are parents of prayer!

Were not sure where the money will come from, but we are people of prayer!

The ailments are so severe, the issues so thorny and complex, but we are a city of prayer!



Babies need rescue, foster children, relief, but we will be activated and empowered to act....as we are compassion seeking in prayer!

The poverty is debilitating and the pornography immobilizing, but we are pleading for emancipation and glad-making revitalization in prayer!



The Power of Reversal

To be a person of prayer is simply an affirmation that there is reversing power and sustaining love the likes of which we easily forget to expect from the One whose listening is like a vacuum that sucks prayer out of us.



And any person or community that leans into this identity as pray-er will soon detect that the material of our prayers frequently becomes the actions of our lives, especially as we plead for alignment of our wants with the wants of Jesus who has propped himself him against the ruin of the world.



So give weirdness a chance. Risk being called a dingbat. Endeavor to embrace this kooky but consoling calling of prayer so that when you stumble upon but I am a man of prayer you can nod with King David in a knowing sort of relief.

---



Contact Eric Youngblood, pastor of Rock Creek Fellowship on Lookout Mountain, at eric@rockcreekfellowship.org




A day after a cache of 33 weapons was recovered at jailed Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters, Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday allowed the Haryana police and the district administration to search the sect's headquarter in Sirsa.

Punjab & Haryana HC appointed Rtd judge KS Pawar as Court Commissioner for search on #Dera. He will submit report to HC in a sealed cover.  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

Retired judge KS Pawar, appointed as the court commissioner by the Punjab and Haryana High Court will conduct the search on Dera's headquarters and will submit the report to the high court, ANI reported.

Earlier, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar's had issued a statement saying that the Punjab and Haryana High Court was monitoring the Dera Sacha Sauda issue and the administration will enter the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters only after the court appoints a judicial magistrate for the purpose.

According to India Today, police will prepare a SWAT team and a bomb squad to conduct the search operations as the aim is to sanitise Dera headquarters to ensure no illegal activities are carried out in the premises. It added that the entire operations will be video recorded.

The Dera headquarters was at the centre of controversy soon after the self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in jail after his conviction in two rape cases.

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday had said some "objectionable items" were seized during a search at the headquarters. He was quoted as saying, "As many as 117 naam charcha ghars linked to the Dera has been sanitised in the state," however he did not elaborate on the items seized from the Dera.

In another incident, the family of a girl, who was living in the Dera Sacha Sauda complex in Sirsa, had claimed that she has been missing after the rape conviction of the sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is headed to the United States where he is likely to meet the pioneers of research on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the science of making machines that think like humans. Gandhi, who recently returned from Norway, is gearing up for another offshore visit, this time to the Silicon Valley in the US to "expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence", party sources here said.

The sources said Gandhi wants India to lead in the niche area which comes after software development, in which India has already won global recognition.

While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.

A senior Congress leader said the idea was to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress party's vision documents.

Facilitating Gandhi's US visit is the chairman of Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, a technology innovator who was brought back to India by Rajiv Gandhi and was among those behind the telecom revolution in the country.

The Congress VP had met leaders in the field of biotechnology during his Norway visit.

He is currently grappling with the party's sliding electoral graph after a series of defeats. The Congress is set to lose Himachal Pradesh to the BJP in the upcoming state assembly poll.

The party is weighed down by anti-incumbency sentiments and infighting in the state unit in Himachal Pradesh. In Gujarat, where elections are slated to be held later this year, it lost a veteran when party leader and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela walked out of the Congress.

Gandhi will also address a conference on 'India At 70: Reflections On The Path Forward' at the University of California, Berkeley, on 11 September.
New Delhi: Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said, asserting that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human

Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India," Rijiju told reporters in New Delhi.

The minister of state for home said that since they are not legal immigrants, "they stand to be deported". "As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. We are a nation with great democratic tradition

"India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees," he added.

Taking a strong position on the reported criticism of the government's stand on the issue, Rijiju said, "We are following the legal path then why have we been accused of being inhuman."

He said that the Centre has instructed all state governments to start the process of their deportation.

Meanwhile, two Rohingya immigrants have approached the the Supreme Court urging it to direct the central government to not deport them to Myanmmar. The Rohingya Muslims fled to India after violence in the western Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in the country are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.
Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, reports said.

#FLASH: Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar. More details awaited.  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

Though police said that the exact number of assailants are not clear yet, reporters on the ground said that three assailants allegedly fired nine bullets at Gauri outside her door. Gauri took three bullets and collapsed.

Police officials said that her body has been sent for post mortem, and the area has been cordoned off. CID officials have been called to investigate the murder.

"People in front of her house heard gunshots, they saw Gauri Lankesh collapse in the verandah before entering the house," T Suneel Kumar, Police Commissioner, Bengaluru, said while speaking to press reporters outside Lankesh's residence.

Kumar said that any threats to her life was not known to him, however, "The police will thoroughly investigate if she had expressed about threats anywhere."

Gauri, a well-known critic of Right-wing and Hindutva politics, was the editor of weekly tabloid magazine Gauri Lankesh Patrike. She was also a columnist for various newspapers where she openly aired her anti-establishment views. In the 6 September. 2017, edition of her magazine, Lankesh had written against former Karnataka chief minister BS Yedyurappa.

Last year, Gauri was convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi for a report against the party.

Sources said that two people had come to her home, and since, Gauri was under attack from people with ideological differences, the police suspect that her murder could be related to the defamation case she was embroiled in against Joshi.

Modus operandi same as killing of Pansare, Dabholkar and Kalburgi

A police official said that the modus operandi in Gauri's murder is very similar to what was witnessed in the murder of activists Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi.

The official also added that like Pansare, Dabholkar, and Kalburgi, Gauri was also not very influential. "She was not someone who could bring down a government. So, why these kinds of killings are taking place also warrants investigation," the official added.

Though no eyewitnesses have come forward as yet, three teams have been appointed to gather footage from the two CCTV cameras in the area, Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy told ANI.

You can't kill Gauri's task, says sister Kavita Lankesh

Dwarkanath, friend of Gauri, termed the attack cowardly while her sister Kavita Lankesh said that her work will never stop.

"I would like to tell all those who are behind this, you can kill us but you can't kill our guts. You can kill Gauri, but not her task," Kavita said.

As news spread of Gauri's murder, people thronged outside her house and started shouting slogans, reports said. In Gulbarga, a candlelight vigil was also lit organised.

Political leaders express shock

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. "Shocked to learn about the murder of tall progressive force and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Such cold blooded acts deserve the highest condemnation," Siddaramaiah said while stating that a thorough investigation has been ordered.

I have spoken with the DGP, and instructed him to ensure prompt and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury tweeted: "The cold-blooded murder of Gauri Lankesh is reprehensible. Dabholkar, Pansare, Kalburgi  such murderous violence has an eerie pattern."

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also expressed shock. "Shocked to hear that the brave Journalist-Activist Gauri Lankesh has been shot dead in Bengaluru. Culprits should be nabbed at the earliest," he tweeted.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought to know the stand of the government on a petition challenging its decision to deport illegal Rohingya Muslim immigrants back to Myanmar.

The matter came up before a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud which asked Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instruction from the Centre about its response to the petition which has challenged the decision on various grounds including that it violated international human right conventions.

While the bench posted the matter for 11 September, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the two Rohingya immigrants, wanted an assurance that during the pendency of the petition, the Centre will not take any step including deportation of the immigrants. The ASG made it clear that he was not making any statement.

The bench asked the petitioner to hand over the copy of the petition and relevant documents pertaining to the matter to the law officer.

Violent attacks allegedly by Myanmarese armymen have led to an exodus of Rohingya tribals from the western Rakhine state in that country to India and Bangladesh. Many of them, who had fled to India after the earlier spate of violence, have settled in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.

The plea, filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, who are registered refugees under the United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR), claimed they had taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.

"Proposed deportation is contrary to the constitutional protections of Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and Article 51(c) of the Constitution of India, which provides equal rights and liberty to every person. This act would also be in contradiction with the principle of 'Non-Refoulement', which has been widely recognised as a principle of Customary International Law," the plea said, while seeking a direction to the government not to deport them and other members of Rohingya community.

It has also sought a direction that Rohingyas be provided "basic amenities to ensure that they can live in human conditions as required by international law". It also said that India has ratified and is a signatory to various conventions that recognise the Principle of "Non-Refoulement', which prohibits deportation of refugees to a country where they may face threat to their lives.

The principle of non-refoulement  or not sending back refugees to a place where they face danger  is considered part of customary international law and is binding on all states whether they have signed the Refugee Convention or not.

The petition further said that India has traditionally been hospitable host of refugees and displaced people, both from South Asia and across the world.

The government had raised "serious concern" over reports of renewed violence and attacks in Myanmar and extended its "strong" support to the Myanmarese government at this "challenging moment".

On 18 August, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued notice to the Centre over its plan to deport the Rohingya immigrants, who are residing in various parts of India.
A faction of the banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has demanded that the BJP-led government in Assam should change the names of educational institutes christened after "outsider Indians" and replace them with the names of Assamese leaders, or face "punitive" actions, reports said.

According to NDTV, the BJP government in Assam has been a six months time to comply with the demand.

According to Shillong Times, the anti-talk faction of the banned outfit led by fugitive commander-in-chief Paresh Barua, emailed a statement to the media, where it said that educational institutions in Assam should be named after "eminent sons of the soil within six months failing which it would take 'punitive' action against those institutions if they fail to comply".

In the statement, ULFA publicity secretary Arunodoi Asom questioned the government's motive, behind setting up a university after the name of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, The Economic Times said.

It also criticised the BJP-led Assam government's decision to set up 22 new model colleges after Jana Sangha ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya.

The iconic leaders of Assam like Gomdhar Konwar, Pioli Phukan and many others, who had laid down their lives for Assam are yet to get their due recognition. The 855 martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the Assam Movement are still ignored by the government. The governments move to set up 22 model colleges after the name of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, who is in no way connected to Assam, is an insult to the iconic leaders of the state," Arunodoi said, according to the Daily Pioneer.

In the statement, the ULFA warned the institutions of armed actions and asked parents and guardians to "withdraw their wards from such institutions in the 'interest of their security'", Shillong Times said.

The (BJP-led) alliance government which had come to power on its promise to protect 'jaati-maati-bheti' (identity, land and homes) of the indigenous people, should immediately give up its policy of unleashing Indian national dominance and rename such institutions after eminent persons of Assam, it added.

The ULFA also blamed the huge volume of water released from the dam of the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation's (NEEPCO's) 405 MW Ranganadi hydro-electric project for the recent devastating flood in Lakhimpur district of Assam.

ULFA "asked NEEPCO and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to quit the region or face 'military action'," Shillong Times report said.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday suspended the director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Lucknow over an allegedly "misleading" report which held that the suspicious substance recovered from the state Assembly on 12 July was highly explosive PETN, an official said.

The state government has initiated a probe in the matter, he added.

The director, Shiv Bihari Upadhyay, has been suspended for allegedly giving a wrong, misleading, incomplete and unconfirmed report about the substance recovered in the state Assembly, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said.

"Upadhyay got the substance recovered from the state Assembly examined and in the report it was held to be PETN positive. When the National Investigation Agency (NIA) got it tested from CFSL, Hyderabad, it was found to be silicon oxide (Quartz) and not the dangerous explosive," Kumar added.

While adding that Upadhyay had been suspended for allegedly getting the substance tested using an explosive detection kit whose usage date had expired in March 2016, Kumar added that another charge against him was that the test was conducted by a person not an expert in the field.

The charges against Upadhyay will be probed by Hitesh Awasthi, Director, Vigilance, the official said.

There were also complaints against Upadhyay pertaining to irregularities during his tenure as the acting director of a laboratory in Patna from 28 February, 2008 to 20 August, 2012, Kumar said.

The Uttar Pradesh administration was rattled on 12 July after a packet of white powder was found near the seat of the Leader of Opposition, which the Lucknow forensic laboratory later claimed was a highly explosive material called Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had asked for an NIA probe in the matter. He had said that it was a "dangerous tendency that the security of the Assembly has been breached when the House is in session.... So far the government was worried about security outside the Assembly now this has become a more serious matter."

The Opposition had picked up the matter to corner the Adityanath government on the law and order situation in the state, even as security was tightened at the state legislature complex.

With inputs from PTI
Kolkata: The RSS on Tuesday alleged that a state-owned auditorium where its chief Mohan Bhagwat was scheduled to attend a programme on 3 October has cancelled the booking for the event.

The move to cancel the booking was condemned by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) but the auditorium authorities said renovation and repair work would be undertaken around that time and therefore the facility cannot be provided due to "safety and security reasons."

"This is not the first time that such a move was taken. Earlier also the state (West Bengal) government had done it. We condemn this move," Jishnu Basu, RSS spokesperson in the state, alleged.

A spokesperson for the Sister Nivedita 150th birth anniversary celebrations committee, which had booked Mahajati Sadan for the programme, claimed that the auditorium authorities had accepted the booking in June.

"But last week, officials of the auditorium first said that we need police permission. When we informed them that we have already informed the police about the programme, they said that renovation work will be undertaken in the auditorium during the time and our programme could not take place there," said Rantidev Sengupta, the general secretary of the celebration committee.

Sources in the auditorium said that renovation and repair work would be undertaken and therefore the facility cannot be provided for the event due to "safety and security reasons."

The bookings for other organisations during that time have also been cancelled, the sources said.
Chennai: Amid calls for a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by the opposition parties, 111 MLAs of the ruling AIADMK in the state attended a legislators' meet on Tuesday convened by Chief Minister E Palaniswamy in Chennai.

State Fisheries Minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar told reporters here that as many as 111 MLAs reposed their faith in the chief minister at the meeting.

The development is being considered as a boost to Palaniswamy, whose earlier meeting on 28 August reportedly witnessed a much less attendance with some claiming that only 75 MLAs were present at it.

Jayakumar said the MLAs had "wholeheartedly extended their full cooperation" to the chief minister and an unanimous resolution was adopted reposing faith in his leadership.

He also claimed that nine MLAs of the Dhinakaran camp had contacted Palaniswamy over phone and extended their support to him.

Also, three MLAs who are allies of the ruling party had promised their support to Palaniswamy, he added.

The Peravurani MLA had intimated that he would not be able to attend the meet as he was indisposed, Jayakumar said.

He alleged that some legislators had been "illegally confined against their wishes" (at Puducherry) and asserted that the meet signalled the dashing of hopes of those who wanted to "thrust" an election on the people.

The AIADMK has 134 MLAs in the 234-member state Assembly with one vacancy.
With Sunday's much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed his reorganised team, and Anantkumar Hegde as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

A five-time BJP MP from Uttar Kannada constituency, Hegdes induction came as a surprise to many in Karnataka political circles as speculations peculations suggested selection of an MP from Lingayat community, BJPs strong vote base, would be chosen.

Hegde, who is currently the member of parliamentary standing committee on External Affairs and Human Resources, comes with much baggage.

In March 2016, the hardcore RSS member had sparked a controversy over his reported remarks allegedly linking Islam to terrorism.

"Until we eradicate Islam from the world we will not be able to eliminate terrorism from the world... Islam is a bomb placed to disrupt world peace. As long as there is Islam there will be no peace in the world," he had said at a press conference, according to News18. He had asked all reporters to ensure they quote him verbatim.

For his inflammatory speech in Sirsi town, Hegde was booked under Section 295 A (intent to outrage religious feelings) of the IPC.

Interestingly, Hegde on Sunday took oath in Hindi amid a row in Karnataka over imposition of the language at the cost of Kannada.

Even though the newly-inducted minister posted a string of tweets hailing Modi on Sunday, a little amount of digging through Hedge's Twitter account would further reveal his intense love for controversy.

Indeed the so called #SecularHindus badly needed this treatment! The lady killer after all is a true follower of #Islam & don't blame her! https://t.co/YtQe4t9pWV  Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) June 23, 2017

Terror activities could now be sourced to converted Hindus & Islamists could escape from its consequences, reducing the casulties! https://t.co/rtfohdLCMe  Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) August 17, 2017

The Taekwondo expert was once also in the news for assaulting doctors, after CCTV images of the January 2017 incident involving Hegde went viral. Hegde was reportedly furious at the staff of the private hospital for not giving proper treatment to his mother.

Hegde was booked for causing damage to property in medical facility, and under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), reported Bangalore Mirror.

The politician has previously also faced multiple cases of rioting and inciting violence. In 1993, he was first accused of rioting, unlawful assembly and promoting enmity, when he was allegedly involved in Bhatkal riots, The Indian Express reported.

However, Modi is clearly unaffected by, if not unaware of, Hegde's controversial past.
Average retail gasoline prices in Chattanooga have risen 39.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.52 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 170 gas outlets in Chattanooga. This compares with the national average that has increased 23.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.64 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Chattanooga during the past week, prices on Monday were 52.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 45.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on Sept. 5 in Chattanooga have ranged widely over the last five years:

$1.99 per gallon in 2016, $1.94 in 2015, $3.14 in 2014, $3.32 in 2013 and $3.59 in 2012.

Areas near Chattanooga and their current gas price climate:

Knoxville- $2.58, up 43.1 cents per gallon from last week's $2.15.

State of Tennessee- $2.56, up 37.3 cents per gallon from last week's $2.19.

Huntsville- $2.45, up 31.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.14.

"Thanks to Harvey shutting down an extensive amount of refining capacity, the national average gasoline price saw its largest weekly jump since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005 when the national average jumped 49 cents in a week. Every state has seen average gas prices rise, Texas saw shortages at hundreds of stations- its been one of the most challenging weeks faced in years," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "Until Texas can recover from Harvey, gasoline prices will likely continue to remain elevated. The situation is beginning to look up, with many refineries either back online or in the process, and gasoline production is ramping back up. While it may be weeks or longer before all refineries are back online, we now turn our attention to Hurricane Irma. With the Colonial Pipeline having shut down last week due to a lack of products, Florida and the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic may be a touch and go area for gasoline. Products are flowing to the region, but we'll have to keep a close on the storm, as Irma's path continues to be updated. GasBuddy has expanded our emergency gas availability tracker to Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and we are prepared to again expand coverage in case motorists need help finding gas in other areas. Much remains in the air, but the situation promises to be challenging if Irma threatens the U.S. mainland."
For all the euphemisms rampant in the social media taunting at his dexterity as a politician, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday tore into the ruling BJP in Gujarat like a veritable papa who knows exactly what hurts and where, and in the process established a direct connect with the mom and pop stores who constitute the mercantile ethos of the state.

The Gandhi scion kicked off the beleaguered Congress campaign in Gujarat, picking all national issues but homing in on each one of them to find a resonance with the State and its small and medium industry  pop business establishments  that have traditionally been the bread and butter of Gujarats vibrant economy.

When someone from the crowd of thousands of party workers present at the venue, shouted Jamnagars brassparts industry and Rajkots ceramics (being in bad shape), Rahul Gandhi knew he had hit the nail bang on the head.

"Modiji gave Rs 60,000 crore to one company (Tata group for Nano project). If this money was given to small and medium enterprises of Gujarat, think of the jobs they would have generated?"

"You all move around in Gujarat, can you see any Nano cars? How many youngsters got employment there?" Rahul asked, as he deftly moved a double-edged sword into the biggest issue facing the country today of unemployment and stated Gujarat was the best placed to solve this problem in a big way.

He used the same instance to speak of the farmers and the tribals in the State. "The debt of farmers in Gujarat is to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore but Tata Nano has been given Rs 60,000 crore loan at 0.01 per cent. This speaks of the priorities of the government." He also spoke of the violation of land rights of the farmers, Dalits and tribals in Gujarat in the same breath.

As he ambled along on a T-shape ramp set up by the party for him to communicate directly with the rank and file, Rahul said, "It is only the growth and sustenance of the small and medium-scale sector primarily of Gujarat that could help the country compete with China and generate employment, not the big industry."

He connected this with demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST), calling it a double whammy for the small businesses, apparently keeping in mind an internal survey of the party that reveals GST is a huge issue with the mercantile class in Gujarat. He was quick enough to clarify that, There is a huge difference between the GST that the UPA was seeking to introduce than what has come. We were never for so many slabs and there was no way of taking the tax as high as 28 per cent, we were for a cap at 18 percent."

On demonetisation, he again connected it to the small and medium businesses stating that the two per cent fall in the GDP was the result of a negative fallout of demonetization on this sector.

As Rahul delineated the larger campaign theme of the Congress, it is clear the party does not want to give the BJP a walkover in the urban regions of the state as has always been. Being in the commercial capital Ahmedabad, Rahul also went over to call on representatives of civil society organizations, industrialists, businessmen and traders.

"The Narendra Modi government works for a select and handful of corporates. Some 50 of them. The priorities are totally wrong and they are hitting Gujarat the most." Even as he said this, he was quick on the uptake to balance it out saying, I am not saying the big corporates should not be there, I am not saying that. I am saying they cant be ceded the complete space in a country like India.

The 20,000-plus crowd of party workers from across the length and breadth of Gujarat alternately applauded, cheered and listened with rapt attention.

It is for the time in many years that the Congress party appears to have worn a thinking cap to touch upon real issues in Gujarat, right at the beginning. If it happened in earlier elections, it was often too late in the day.

The entire format of Mondays event was quite un-Congress-like when the Gandhi scions speech did not look like a soliloquy but he was holding a live dialogue with the partys workers, who one by one asked the real questions in full public view and extracted key promises from him.

Two vital questions from partymen gave away their biggest concern, which according to insiders, often seals the Congress fate in the wrong box. The very first question was: What does the party propose to do with influential people cornering election tickets at the cost of merit? Another, the third one, was: What do we do with senior leaders of the party sabotaging prospects of genuine candidates just because they were not recommended by them?

His reply to the first one: Some months ago, I sent Ashok Gehlot-ji (AICC general secretary in-charge of Gujarat affairs) to Gujarat. I told him you are the general secretary, you have to ensure everything goes right. No candidate will be decided on parachute system in any constituency. Imported candidates will not be allowed, only those who are dedicated hard-working partymen wedded to the Congress ideology will fight.

Referring to sabotage by senior leaders, Rahul warned, Whoever, howsoever big or small, tries to defeat the Congress will not be tolerated. There is no space for such persons in the Congress party.

Both the replies received the loudest applause and cheer.
New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is headed to the United States where he is likely to meet the pioneers of research on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the science of making machines that think like humans.

Gandhi, who recently returned from Norway, is gearing up for another offshore visit, this time to the Silicon Valley in the US to "expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence", party sources here said.

The sources said Gandhi wants India to lead in the niche area which comes after software development, in which India has already won global recognition.

While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.

A senior Congress leader said the idea was to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress party s vision documents.

Facilitating Gandhi's US visit is the chairman of Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, a technology innovator who was brought back to India by Rajiv Gandhi and was among those behind the telecom revolution in the country.

The Congress vice-president had met leaders in the field of biotechnology during his Norway visit.

He is currently grappling with the party's sliding electoral graph after a series of defeats. The Congress is set to lose Himachal Pradesh to the BJP in the upcoming state assembly poll.

The party is weighed down by anti-incumbency sentiments and infighting in the state unit in Himachal Pradesh. In Gujarat, where elections are slated to be held later this year, it lost a veteran when party leader and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela walked out of the Congress.

Gandhi will also address a conference on 'India At 70: Reflections On The Path Forward' at the University of California, Berkeley, on 11 September.
Chennai: DMK working president MK Stalin on Tuesday claimed that only 109 AIADMK MLAs reportedly took part in a meet chaired by chief minister K Palaniswai and renewed his party's demand for a floor test in the Assembly to prove the majority of the government.

"News is coming that only 109 MLAs took part in the meet," Stalin said adding the turn out at the meet strengthened his party's view that delaying a floor test would lead to horse-trading.

Speaking to reporters at DMK headquarters, he said the governor should convene the Assembly and direct Palaniswami to prove his majority in the floor of the House.

If this was not done, it will lead to "horse-trading at a larger level."

"If the governor does not order a floor test even now (when only 109 MLAs reportedly took part in the meet chaired by chief minister Palaniswami), we will initiate next course of action after deliberations," he said.

After the MLAs meeting, finance minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar claimed that 111 party legislators attended the meeting while 13 others, including nine from sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran camp, also expressed their support

to Palaniswami.
Reuters

China on Monday banned and deemed illegal the practice of raising funds through launches of token-based digital currencies.

The move was targeted at so-called initial coin offerings (ICO) in a market that has exploded since the start of the year.

ICOs have become a bonanza for digital currency entrepreneurs, globally and in China, and have provided the fuel for a rapid ascent in the value of cryptocurrencies this year that has driven fears of a bubble that could burst.

Individuals and organisations that have completed ICO fundraisings should make arrangements to return funds, said a joint statement from the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC), the securities and banking regulators and other government departments that were posted on the central banks website.

In total, $2.32 billion has been raised through ICOs, with $2.16 billion of that being raised since the start of 2017, according to cryptocurrency analysis website Cryptocompare.

Bitcoin rival Ethereum, which token-issuers usually ask to be paid in and which has therefore seen unprecedented growth this year, fell sharply on the news, last trading down almost 20 percent on the day at $283, according to trade publication Coindesk.

Bitcoin was also down 8 percent, while the total value of all cryptocurrencies was down around 10 percent, according to industry website Coinmarketcap.com.

The large price falls can be attributed to panic amongst traders and profit-taking, said Cryptocompare founder Charles Hayter.

The rapid ascent of ICOs prompted the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to warn in July that some ICOs should be regulated like other securities. Singapore and Canada followed with similar warnings.

Zennon Kapron, director of the Shanghai-based financial technology consultancy Kapronasia, said he suspected regulators were putting the brakes on ICOs in order to better understand the phenomenon, but could ease off in the future.

Regulators globally are struggling to understand what ICOs are, what the risks are, and how to ring-fence and regulate them, he said.

China, in many ways, is no different than the US or Singapore in saying, ok, we need to push back on these for now until we figure out how to deal with them...I think it will be slightly a temporary measure.

The music has stopped

By creating and issuing digital tokens, entrepreneurs can raise large sums quickly  sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars in minutes  with little or no regulatory oversight. But unlike traditional fundraising, token holders are generally not given any share in the particular project, nor any security.

For the buyer, therefore, the main reason for buying these highly risky tokens is often simply a bet that their value will rise. Once the tokens have been issued they can be traded against other cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, the first successful digital-only currency.

The popularity of coin offerings has surged in China this year.

In July, the state news agency Xinhua cited data from a government organisation that monitors online financial activity to report that there had been 65 ICOs so far during the year raising a combined CNY 2.62 billion ($394.6 million) from 105,000 individuals in the country.

Oliver Bussman, previously chief innovation officer at UBS and now president of the Switzerland-based Crypto Valley Association that promotes blockchain-based technology, said Chinese authorities had to be especially vigilant about protecting consumers because of the lack of financial advice in the country, compared with Europe or North America.

Reaction to the ban was swift online.

The music has stopped, said one member of a chat group on the social networking platform WeChat that was set up last week for an upcoming ICO for a fundraising platform called SelfSell.

Hurry up and sell your bitcoin, said another.

The organiser of the ICO project, who recently went on a six-city roadshow, said the project had been suspended.

But Bussman said that once there was some regulatory clarity, and once it had been worked out how to classify different types of ICO, the token-based fundraising would continue.

The initial coin offering is a new business model leveraging blockchain technology and it will remain, he said.

This is not the end of the ICO  absolutely not.
tech2 News Staff

Google is celebrating Teacher's Day today with a doodle where the alphabets of the Google logo transform into students and teachers, with a virtual blackboard behind them highlighting different subjects.

In the animation, the 'g' in the centre of the Google logo is transformed into a teacher while the other alphabets look like attentive students. In the background, you have a slideshow of animated posters which touch upon different subjects such as mathematics, music, geography, science, environmental studies and so on.

Teacher's Day is celebrated in India on 5 September. It is a day to thank your teachers, not just from school or college, but anyone in general who has taught you important lessons in life. In India, Teacher's Day is celebrated in the honour of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary. Dr Radhakrishnan was the first vice-president and the second president of independent India. He also happened to be a respected scholar and was a teacher of philosophy as well.

On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds & spreading the joys of education in society.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted out a salutary message for the teaching community.

While the world Teacher's Day is celebrated on 5 October, the date varies from country to country. For instance, in Malaysia it is celebrated on 16 May, in Vietnam it is celebrated on 20 November and so on.
Mishi Choudhary

The unanimous nine-judge bench decision affirming the fundamental right of privacy under the Indian Constitution arose out of the petitions that had challenged the Aadhaar scheme. Under this scheme, the government of India collects biometric and demographic data about residents to be used for different purposes. One of the grounds of challenging the Aadhaar scheme was that it was violative of the Right to Privacy.

There was an apparent unresolved conflict between two old judgments of the court which had to be clarified by a larger bench, therefore this large bench was constituted to provide a final settlement of the question. The decisions of the Supreme Court are significant not only because they provide a final adjudication of disputes but also because in doing so they embody a declaration of law operating as a binding principle in future cases. This promotes certainty and consistency in the application of law.

Now that the Justices have created history and have provided leadership to the world, on jurisprudence over civil liberties in the digital age, the Aadhaar cases will be heard. The hearing will be by the original bench which was hearing the challenge to Aadhaar scheme in the light of a fundamental right of privacy, unless the Chief Justice decides otherwise.

Why such controversy?

Aadhar has been controversy's child since its inception, for reasons ranging from mission creep, inadequate legal safeguards, security vulnerabilities to enablement of state surveillance. What started as a voluntary scheme has been extended first stealthily and then openly, to several schemes that have de-facto become compulsory, thereby amplifying concerns about the motivation behind the scheme.

Surveillance and life-tapping

Privacy, no longer an amorphous concept, affects our autonomy. A scheme such as Aadhaar will facilitate profiling disparate pieces of information collected by different agencies and entities will help create an exhaustive profile of each citizen. Technological advancements in the networked society have made life-tapping possible.

In contrast to the narrow scope of "phone-tapping", life-tapping is the ability to collect massive amounts of data on the locations, movements, wishes, thoughts, activities, and habits of entire populations. Life-tapping leads to data-mining, the recognition of large-scale patterns of human behavior that allow the prediction of individual human desires and actions. Businesses use these outputs to sell advertising. Governing regimes, like the Chinese Communist Party, explicitly intend to use those results to eliminate political disagreement, to extinguish the very ideas of democracy and the rule of law through perfect political repression.

Such a scenario, already being practiced across the Himalayas or in other repressive regimes like Russia or Iran is what skeptics have been warning about. Earlier this year, a Bangalore-based company OnGrid that markets itself as a consent-based trust platform that offers verification services and background checks, put up a picture identifying random people in the crowd using their Aadhaar numbers that sparked controversy and invoked Orwellian dystopia.

Technical vulnerabilities

For those of us who study cyber security Yahoo, MySpace, Tumblr breaches, US voters database breach, US Department of Health and Human Services loss of data of 5 million individuals, Democratic National Committee hack are only a few of the instances that expose vulnerabilities of centralised databases.

Aadhaars database will cover the worlds second largest population. If (or when) the database is compromised, it will not be possible for people to change their passwords. Biometric data is essentially unchangeable. Whether the retinal data currently stored, or the entire human genomes that may eventually be stored there, a breach in the Aadhaar data store will disperse information crucially identifying each Indian and that cannot be modified in response to the loss. Several reports of data leakages through third parties are already trickling in.

Our society will be well-served if Aadhaar was restricted only to the six schemes as ordered by the Supreme Court in 2015 for receipt of subsidies. We should demand an architecture for Aadhaar that has a "privacy by design" that is built-in and not bolted on the top at a later stage as a jugaad. It would serve us well if we stopped seeing Aadhaar as a panacea for all problems that plague us today.

India has a lot to gain from developing our own for-profit, pro-privacy IT for humanity, instead of obsessing over a system, the likes of which have been rejected by democratic economies for a long time. India can not only secure its strategic economic role in the 21st-century global order by securing its own population in the way the Supreme Court judges have envisioned, but also restoring a new privacy respecting the technical environment.

The author is a technology lawyer and founder of SFLC.in
tech2 News Staff

Indian banks are becoming smarter by the day, and are not afraid to try out new means to assist customers. HDFC Bank had recently announced the launch of a humanoid robot Ira in some of its branches. Now it's the turn of India's largest public sector bank to show its technology chops.

State Bank of India (SBI) is currently beta-testing its intelligent assistant called SIA  SBI Intelligent Assistant. SIA is a chatbot which is aimed at handling customer queries and help guide them through the various retail products and services offered by SBI. SIA works on artificial intelligence and is an effort by SBI to identify work processes that can be transferred to robots so that human resources can be more creatively used.

The SIA chatbot has been developed by Allincall, a startup backed by IIT Bombay. It makes use of machine learning and bot experience to be able to respond to customer queries.

Using technology for its services is not new to SBI. According to NDTV Profit, SBI has claimed in its blog that platforms such as SBI inTouch do indeed use bots and AI such as IBM Watson to get work done and improving customer experience.

According to SBI, around 80 percent of the bank transactions are done via machines. SIA has been made to help answer customer queries when it comes to home, education, car and personal loans along with recurring and term deposits.

Speaking to Financial Express, SBI deputy MD and chief information officer Mrutyunjay Mahapatra said, "Most of the time, customer touchpoints with the bank are for three things  sales, service and enquiry. We found that for enquiry and navigation, a customer has to navigate quite a bit or go to call centres, where the agent may not be fully knowledgeable." It is to ease the process of finding solutions to their queries that SBI has release SIA.

There are no details out on when SIA will be rolled out for the general public.
tech2 News Staff

The Supreme Court on Monday sought details of complaints received by internet majors like Google, Yahoo and Facebook and instant messaging application WhatsApp in India regarding uploading of objectionable contents on child pornography, rape and gangrape.

A division bench of Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice UU Lalit asked them to submit details in 2016 and in 2017 till 31 August.

The bench also sought to know the action taken by them on such complaints.

The Ministry of Home Affairs was also asked to inform it about the number of prosecution under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, during this period.

The court's order came on suo moto cognisance it took on a letter sent to the then Chief Justice of India HL Dattu by Hyderabad-based NGO Prajwala, along with two rape videos in a pen drive.

The letter stated about posting of these videos on WhatsApp and sought the Central Bureau of Investigation be asked to launch a probe and apprehend the culprits.

Earlier this year, the government had expressed helplessness about checking objectionable content uploaded on WhatsApp.

On being asked whether the government had any plans to stop sharing of objectionable videos through mobiles and WhatsApp, then IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad cited laws that deal with offences of publishing or transmitting objectionable content. He admitted that instances of objectionable videos being uploaded through mobile phones and shared through WhatsApp have been noticed but added that messages are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be seen by a third party.

"Instances of objectionable videos being uploaded through mobile phones and shared through WhatsApp have been noticed. According to WhatsApp, the messages are end-to-end encrypted and they and any third party cannot read them. In other words, the messages are only seen by the sender and the receiver," he said in the reply.

With inputs from IANS
Kshitij Pujari

Xiaomi Mi A1 has been unveiled in India at a launch event in New Delhi on 5 September at a price of Rs 14,999. This time apart from its aggressive pricing, it looks like Xiaomi is also banking on the phone's dual-camera setup to garner a large audience. The Xiaomi Mi A1 will be selling on Flipkart from 12 September at 12 pm on wards.

The phone comes in Gold, Black and Rose Gold colours. The Rose Gold variant of the phone will be available in a month's time, while the Gold and Black colour variants will start selling from 12 September. Apart from Flipkart, the Mi A1 will be available online on mi.com while offline sales will be conducted via Mi Home stores across the country, as well as other retail outlets associated with Xiaomi.

One thing that immediately makes the Mi A1 stand out, is the lack of the MIUI skin. Yes, the Mi A1 runs on stock Android 7.1.2 Nougat. The phone is the first Android One device by Xiaomi and is therefore devoid of the standard MIUI user interface which is seen in all Xiaomi phones. Many had pegged the A1 to be almost the same as 5X however, the stock Android experience in the A1 feels refreshing.

I managed to get my hands on the phone and tried out some of its features. What follows is our first impressions of the device. The full review will be out soon.

Build and Design

The Xiaomi Mi A1 comes with a metal unibody design. The corners of the phone have been rounded to give a better grip in the hand and at 7.3 mm thickness, it is a sleek device. The antenna lines have merged with along the top and bottom edges of the phone's metal body. Much like what we have seen on the Apple iPhone 7 or the OnePlus 5. The phone feels pretty light in the hand weighing 165 grams without any external case on the phone.

The navigation buttons are all capacitive and there is a fingerprint sensor placed on the rear side of the phone and is easily accessible by the index finger. The right side of the phone has the volume and power buttons and on the left side, there is a compartment for placing your SIM/microSD card. The phone seems very easy to handle and one-handed operation is not an issue. On the rear side, at the base you will notice the Android One branding on the Mi A1.

Display

There is nothing extraordinary about the phone's display. Xiaomi has provided a standard 1080p display on the phone's 5.5-inch screen which is protected by 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass. There are thick bezels on the top and bottom of the phone and also some bezels on the screen's left and right. Understandably, Xiaomi has not gone for QHD display on the A1 or on any of its other phones as cost of the phone would then rise considerably, which defeats Xiaomi's budget friendliness. Pictures and graphics appeared quite crisp to me during my short time with it and the touch screen was highly responsive as well.

Camera

The Xiaomi Mi A1, as mentioned earlier, is the first Xiaomi smartphone with a dual-camera setup that has been introduced in the Indian market. The phone makes use of one wide-angle lens and a one tele-photo lens. Both these sensors have a 12 MP resolution and are supported with dual-flash positioned just beside them. The camera can give up to 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. The bokeh effect, in which only the subject appears in focus while the background is blurred, can also be achieved by the Mi A1. While using the camera to check this effect it appeared as though the camera had blurred out some of the subject's outline as well. This could have been a one off incident but otherwise, the camera seemed decent enough for the price it is being sold at. The phone can shoot videos at 4K resolution at 30 fps and take time-lapse and slow-mo shots as well. A more detailed review of the camera will be available alongside the full review.

The bokeh effect, in which only the subject appears in focus while the background is blurred, can also be achieved by the Mi A1. While using the camera to check this effect it appeared as though the camera had blurred out some of the subject's outline as well. This could have been a one-off incident. But otherwise, the camera seemed decent enough for the price it is being sold at. The phone can shoot videos at 4K resolution at 30 fps and take time-lapse and slow-mo shots as well. A more detailed review of the camera will be available alongside the full review.

Chipset, RAM, Storage, OS

The Mi A1 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset which houses an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz and an Adreno 506 GPU. The phone has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage which can be expanded by a microSD card. While operating the phone, I was able to switch between different apps quite fast and was the phone was quick to open these apps as well. On the software front, as told above, the A1 is an Android One smartphone and comes with the stock Android OS. Currently, it is running on Android 7.1.2 Nougat but it will most definitely be getting an Android Oreo update in the coming months, according to top Xiaomi officials. This means that there will be no MIUI interface on this phone nor will the company be providing any official custom ROM for installing MIUI separately for the Mi A1.

On the software front, as told above, the Mi A1 is an Android One smartphone and comes with the stock Android OS. Currently, it is running on Android 7.1.2 Nougat but it will most definitely be getting an Android Oreo update in the coming months, according to top Xiaomi officials. This means that there will be no MIUI interface on this phone nor will the company be providing any official custom ROM for installing MIUI separately for the Mi A1.

Connectivity and Battery

The phone has a hybrid dual-SIM slot, which means that you can have either two SIM cards or a SIM and a microSD card. Both the slots support 4G LTE connectivity. There are also options for connectivity using Bluetooth along with Wi-Fi and hotspot capabilities. The phone has a USB Type-C port which is just beside the 3.5 mm audio jack. The phone has a 3,080 mAh battery and also an IR blaster, so you can use the phone as a remote for controlling your TV or AC.

Conclusion

The Mi A1's stock Android experience combined with Xiaomi's reputed hardware and design language may pave a refreshing new path for the Android One program, which did not taste much success in its first outing. At Rs 14,999, Xiaomi has priced the Mi A1 quite aggressively. This pits the phone against the Moto G5S Plus which was launched on 29 August, at Rs 15,999, which also comes with stock Android.

Xiaomi also gets to woo an increasingly savvy audience who prefers stock Android user interface. So users who were staying away from Xiaomi phones as they were not completely sold on the MIUI skin atop Android OS, now have an alternative. While a detailed review will be coming out soon, the limited time that I spent with the Xiaomi Mi A1 makes the phone look promising.

But will this phone signal the resurrection of the Android One program? Only time will give us that answer.
Chester Martin's father, Woodfin B. Martin with his first cousin, Charlie Harper, at west side of Charlie's house. This, and all pictures here were taken about 1970. A close-up of the "banjo-work" on Charlie's front porch. (Not original). A "classic" road-view of the house From the northwest side showing the new kitchen (white) and the original log residence, which later became the "summer kitchen". A Polaroid shot which shows some interior graffiti made by wounded Civil War soldiers Photo of McConnell House from the Chattanooga Railroad Book photo by Wes Schultz Previous Next

As an artist, this house held a great fascination for me as a young person. I thought it looked like the very heart and soul of early America - and I still feel the same today! I was fortunate to have close ties to this old place and have been able to piece together its long history from its very origins.

There were several "Cherokee Land Lotteries" organized and carried out before Removal of the Cherokee people from the entire North Georgia region, and the lottery of 1837 seems to have been the one which opened both Chattooga and Walker Counties, Georgia, to white settlement.

Drawing was held at Milledgeville, then the state capital.

A wealthy young man named William McConnell drew the lot which ultimately provided Broomtown Road with one of its most beautiful houses and which was to figure so heavily in the later history of the area. It is pictured in its "restored" condition on page 84 of John Wilson's highly informative book titled, Railroads In And Around Chattanooga. This book of numerous photographs and fully descriptive text is highly entertaining, and will appeal to both young and old alike.

Mr. McConnell arrived, obviously, well before his new brick structure was built, improvising a one-room log cabin to live in while the new home was under construction. He and his small party lived in that space, having determined where the new house should be erected. An ample supply of suitable red clay was found nearby for the bricks - and these were hand made and fired directly on the premises. One brick near the front door gives the date, 1841, and the walls are well over one foot thick - definitely not a veneer! Too early for classification as Victorian, the old house fits better as being Early American. Interestingly, both McConnell and later owners of the house kept the original log cabin, using it as a "summer kitchen" to keep summer heat out of the main part of the house while cooking. Last time I visited, that log house was still standing!

Being a man of some wealth and influence, William McConnell desired a home that could provide a sense of elegance to his two-storied "mansion" while serving simultaneouly as a farm house. He had the builders draw up plans to include a kind of porticoed wooden front with several columns. This portico was centered on the front door area of the house, not extended for its entire house width. This portico has been restored by a more recent owner after finding the holes in the brick masonry where the original portico was attached. (See the restored "portico" front porch in the Railroad book mentioned above).

Inside the front door was a comfortably large space which led directly to an elegant stairway which had marbleized wooden risers. These were artistically done in the old European way. The banisters were of solid walnut and made a complicated U-turn at the north-facing landing. Six large rooms downstairs, and two upstairs, plus a kitchen, comprised the entire original house.

When the Civil War erupted, McConnell became concerned for the safety of his wife and two daughters, sending them to Nashville for the war's duration. There, it is said, that one daughter, of marriageable age, fell in love with a northern soldier whom she married - never to return home to Georgia.

Mr. McConnnell's house became part of living history when it saw troops from both north and south move along Broomtown Road. General Sherman's troops who had followed the crests of both Lookout and Pigeon Mountains southward after the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, had come down from those mountains at Neal's Gap, near the McConnell house, and battles ensued. Hospital space was immediately needed for all the wounded soldiers, and the spacious McConnell house was consequently requisitioned as a hospital.

Anxiety must have run high among the wounded soldiers housed in the McConnell house as the path of war moved southward toward Atlanta. Most likely the skimpy news available to them increased that anxiety. Thoughts of "home" set in, along with total boredom. They began to write and draw on the walls - something that cooped-up men have done since the beginning of Time. I remember that house well, as it was in my family for many decades, and the inside walls were mostly intact - just as the builders had left them. No paint or wallpaper had hidden those wonderful old writings and drawings - and I understand that subsequent owners have also wished to preserve at least some of them. Looking back at my Polaroids I can see the "purity" of those old drawings, having been made by un-schooled hands, and totally un-influenced by either a Walt Disney or a Marvel comic book. Many of the wall-writings were done in ornate "bankers' script cursive" perhaps about six inches high and scrolled across half a wall, while others were much smaller and tighter, Some of these writings gave birth and death dates of cherished family members, while other writings were simply Bible verses or other quotations. One of the much-later owners whom I knew, told me he had been forced to paint one of the upstairs rooms due to a discoloration or damage. In order to save some of the best artwork he had special picture frames made to preserve the choicest examples. I never got to see this framed work unfortunately.

William McConnell was a man of both wealth and influence in the community. I have his signature here on an old deed, and his name pops up often enough to make me think he was a "mover and shaker" in his Broomtown Road community. One daughter (above) married a northern soldier, and the second daughter seems to have returned to the family home in Chattooga County with her mother following the war, as she was buried in nearby Macedonia (Methodist Church) Cemetery. Her grave was marked with a number of large fieldstones - one of which gave her name and dates. These were very difficult to see, however, because of a wooden enclosure over the grave, The inscription was at last clearly revealed when that wooden structure finally collapsed and was removed around 1970. That structure was interesting in its own right, as it was the only such addition to a grave I had ever seen. It stood about five feet high and was gabled at both ends, and made out of strong cedar slats. It resembled a tiny "board and batten" house. Roof was of the same type of slats. Whether it lacked the "boards" or the "battens" is debatable, of course, but the end effect was it was very difficult to see inside to read any name and dates. Very picturesque, I never saw another similar grave enclosure for years until in an old cemetery near Helen, Georgia. (I only include this detail to enforce the character of Mr. McConnell and the love for a daughter who died young (of sickness?) and unmarried).

Another anecdotal McConnell story tells of how some member of that family - possibly William's brother - went off to the Mexican War in 1840, never to return.

Unable now to visit courthouses where records are kept, I can only surmise that McConnell's fine house and lands were sold to my own Harper people. I could be wrong about that, but farms are usually long-term investments so that the thought of an intermediate owner is not really very probable. McConnell's farm, then, went directly to my father's uncle, Cicero Harper, brother of my grandmother. Cicero Harper soon died, at age 43, leaving the house to his wife, Jessie. Known to my dad and his siblings as "Aunt Jessie", my dad was a frequent visitor there. The Harper son, Charles, (Charlie) was the cousin nearest my dad's age. But Charlie married and left for Texas.

("Texas fever" was quite the rage around 1900 and many of my Martin people wound up there - predominantly in the vicinity of Waxahachie - where a much later kinslady (Ina Bess Lumpkins) found two of the long-lost families some 70 years later, living very near one another yet totally unaware of the other's existence! She was able to organize some very successful family reunions.)

Charlie Harper actually made three trips to Texas - each time returning due to strong cases of homesickness. On his third return home to Chattooga County it was following the death of his mother - Aunt Jessie - and he inherited all her house and grounds. Charlie and Minnie had no children and were aging, so that they lived comfortably in two downstairs rooms, with no need to alter other parts of the house. Charlie DID make one noticeable alteration: he removed the portico entrance to create a very fine porch which extended all the way across the front. The photos that accompany this story show that 2-story porch which I always found full of character, though not the original. The old wall-drawings and inscriptions remained intact, exactly as they had been drawn by wounded Civil War soldiers. And the well, barn, smokehouse, and other out-buildings remained as they had always appeared - since the early 1840's.

Truly an historic old place, it continued in its state of preservation by a Mr. Crowe who went to extremes to insure that the house could easily be returned to a near-pristine original condition. And I am informed that the present owner is of similar intent. Its modern aspect can be found in John Wilson's book (see above). And its restored portico presumably gives it its original look of Early American elegance.

---

Chester Martin is a native Chattanoogan who is a talented painter and artisan as well as local historian. He and his wife, Pat, live in Brainerd. Mr. Martin can be reached at cymppm@comcast.net.








Washington: Sanctions on North Korea have been tried, and failed. Serious negotiations seem like a pipedream. And any military strike would almost surely bring mass devastation and horrific civilian casualties.

The Trump administration's options are going from bad to worse as Kim Jong Un's military marches ever closer to being able to strike the United States mainland with nuclear weapons. Just as President Donald Trump seeks to show global resolve after the North's most powerful nuclear test, his leverage is limited even further by new tensions he's stoked with South Korea, plus continued opposition from China and Russia.

With South Korea, the country most directly threatened, Trump has taken the unusual step of highlighting disagreements between the United States and its treaty ally, including by floating the possibility he could pull out of a trade deal with South Korea to protest trade imbalances. He also suggested on Twitter the two countries lacked unanimity on North Korea, faulting new South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has been more conciliatory to the North, for his government's "talk of appeasement".

It's an inopportune time for grievances to be aired, and on Monday the two leaders sought to show they were confronting North Korea together  and with might. The White House said that in a phone call with Moon, Trump gave approval "in principle" to lifting restrictions on South Korean missile payloads and to approving "many billions" in weapons sales to South Korea. Though no details were released, the idea was to show the countries were collaborating to bolster defences against Kim's government.

"He is begging for war," United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said of the North Korean leader Monday at the Security Council, where diplomats were called into emergency session despite the Labor Day holiday in the United States.

Haley called for exhausting "all diplomatic means to end this crisis." But to those who tried and failed over a decade-plus to resolve it, there appear to be few such means that haven't already been tried  and tried again.

What has changed is the sense of urgency, and the growing view among national security analysts that it may be time to abandon "denuclearisation" and accept North Korea into the nuclear club. The North claimed Sunday's test, its sixth since 2006, was a hydrogen bomb designed to be mounted on its new intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Short of allowing Pyongyang's weapons programs to advance, Trump's options all appear to variations on what's been considered before:

The Military Option

The United States military for years has had a full range of contingency plans prepared for potential strikes on the North to try to disrupt its nuclear program or dissuade it from developing further. On Sunday, Trump dispatched Defence Secretary Jim Mattis to warn of a "massive military response" if the North keeps threatening the United States, while Trump hinted in a call with Japan's leader that the United States could even deploy its own nuclear arsenal.

But over the years, the military options have consistently been viewed as unworkable, owing to the sheer horror that would ensue if North Korea retaliated  as would be expected  by striking South Korea. The North Koreans have massive military assets stockpiled on what is the world's most heavily fortified border.

The United States has roughly 28,000 troops in South Korea, and there are hundreds of thousands more American citizens just in Seoul, the capital, with a metro area population of 25 million. General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said if war broke out, there would be heavy civilian casualties in the first few days before the United States could mitigate the North's ability to strike Seoul.

Trade Shutdown

Trump on Saturday declared on Twitter that the United States was considering "stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea." That would be a dramatic escalation of the longstanding U.S. strategy: increasing economic pressure on North Korea by restricting its access to funds needed for its weapons programs.

The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

But many countries do business with North Korea  especially China, a top United States trading partner and economic behemoth. Cutting off trade with China, not to mention the others, would devastate the American economy and be incredibly difficult to enforce. Countless American businesses would be shuttered or hard hit, eliminating jobs along with them.

Sanctions and Isolation

A total trade shutdown aside, the United States has worked for years to squeeze Pyongyang financially and encouraged others to do the same  especially China. In a diplomatic victory for the Trump administration, the United Nations last month approved sweeping new sanctions targeting roughly one-third of the North's economy, with China's support.

But the latest nuclear test and recent missile tests suggest Kim is undeterred by those sanctions. And there's strong reluctance from countries including China and Russia, both permanent Security Council members, to do more sanctioning.

Advocates for more sanctions say there's still room to up the pressure. Anthony Ruggiero, a sanctions expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the next logical step is for the United States to impose "secondary sanctions" targeting banks or businesses in China that do business with North Korea, a tactic the United States used effectively to push Iran to the table over its nuclear program several years ago.

"The chance for sanctions to work is that playbook," Ruggiero said.

Diplomatic Talks

China, backed by Russia, has been urging an immediate return to talks, predicated on the United States halting joint military exercises with South Korea and the North suspending its weapons development. But few in the United States government have advocated direct talks with the North Koreans until their behavior significantly changes. In the past, talks with the North have failed to prevent it from advancing its weapons program for long, and the United States has accused Pyongyang of cheating on an earlier agreement.

The Trump administration has left the door open to talks with the North, and has tried to coax Kim into abstaining from provocative tests long enough to justify a United States return to the table. So far, that coaxing hasn't worked.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US president Donald Trump condemned North Koreas nuclear test on Monday and urged the United Nations to quickly agree on tougher sanctions against Pyongyang, a German government spokesman said.

Both agreed that the test of a hydrogen bomb means a new and unacceptable escalation by the North Korean regime, Steffen Seibert said in a statement after they spoke by telephone.

The German chancellor and the American president expressed the view that the international community must continue to exert pressure on the regime in North Korea and that the United Nations Security Council has to quickly adopt further and stricter sanctions, Seibert added.

For her part, Merkel told Trump that Germany would push for tougher sanctions against North Korea by the European Union, Seibert said, adding: The aim is to dissuade North Korea from its violations of international law and to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Xiamen: Chinese president Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

Xi didn't refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement on climate change.

"Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change is encountering resistance," Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.

The agreement under which countries set their own national plans for cutting climate emissions went into effect in November.

"Some countries have become more inward-looking and less willing to take part in international cooperation, and the spillovers of their policy adjustments are deepening," he said during a summit of BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Xi's criticism came at the opening of a dialogue between the leaders of BRICS countries and five other developing nations invited to take part in the discussions on the sidelines of the summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

On Monday's opening day of the summit, the BRICS countries called for reform of the United Nations and tougher measures against terrorist groups, while denouncing North Korea's latest nuclear test.

The five also pledged their opposition to protectionism, a theme increasingly taken up by Xi despite what critics say are substantial barriers to foreign investment in key Chinese sectors such as electricity generation and telecommunications.

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Bogota: Colombia's government will sign a bilateral ceasefire with the nation's last remaining major rebel group ahead of Pope Francis' visit this week, President Juan Manuel Santos announced on Monday.

Santos said the agreement will be signed later in the day in Quito, Ecuador, where negotiations with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, have been taking place since February.

The ceasefire, whose details were being ironed out as late as Monday morning, would take effect 1 October and initially run through 12 January, at which time it can be renewed if the two sides agree, he said. "The pope is arriving amid a unique moment in our history, as we turn the page on an absurd conflict and look to the future with hope," Santos said in a televised address.

The cease-fire, five years to the date after the signing of a framework agreement that kicked off ultimately successful talks with the much larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, could be a major step toward securing a lasting peace.

More than five decades of conflict in involving the two rebel movements, the army and right-wing paramilitary groups have resulted in more than 2,60,000 deaths, the disappearance of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of 6 million.

Reconciliation is expected to be a central theme of the visit by Francis, who in 2015 publicly urged government and FARC negotiators not to waste a chance to strike a lasting peace.

Under the deal between the government and the FARC, the group has turned over its weapons and is in the process of reorganizing as a political movement to compete in elections 2018. But negotiations with the more ideological and less centralised ELN have been slower since exploratory talks began more than three years ago.

Unlike the FARC, which financed itself through involvement in Colombia's flourishing drug trade, the ELN funds its insurgency mainly through kidnappings and extortion. Until now it has refused to abandon those practices, earning the enmity of many Colombians who want Santos to take a tougher line in talks than he did with the FARC.

"The priority is protecting citizens," Santos said. "That's why during this period the kidnappings, attacks on oil pipelines and other hostilities against the civilian population will cease."

Labeled a terrorist group by both the United States and the European Union, the ELN has also stepped up its attacks on the nation's energy infrastructure in 2017.

Last week state-run oil company Ecopetrol was forced to close the country's second-largest pipeline after it was blasted by a bomb, dumping crude into an adjacent watershed. It was the 43rd attack in 2017 against the Cano Limon-Covenas pipeline.

The ELN, whose founders five decades ago included radical Roman Catholic priests, is believed to have about 1,500 active fighters.
Hurricane Irma surged to a dangerous Category Four storm on Monday as it churned toward the Leeward islands, sparking alarm and alerts from the Caribbean to Florida, which declared an emergency.

The National Hurricane Centre said at 12.01 am GMT (on Tuesday) that the storm was packing top sustained winds of 220 km/h. "Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours," the NHC warned.

Its center was about 725 kilometers east of the Leeward islands, grinding westward at 20 kilometers per hour, the NHC said.

"On the forecast track, the center of Irma will move near or over portions of the northern Leeward Islands on Tuesday night and early Wednesday."

A Category Four storm on the Saffir Simpson scale is capable of doing widespread major structural and infrastructure damage; it can easily tear off roofing, shatter windows, uproot palm trees and turn them into projectiles that can kill people.

Category four strength was the maximum attained by Hurricane Harvey, which recently devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana.

Irma is projected to reach the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles chain by late Tuesday or early Wednesday, bringing water levels up to 3 meters above normal levels, rainfall of up to 25 centimeters in areas, and "large and destructive waves," BBC reported.

In Puerto Rico, a United States territory of 3.5 million, Governor Ricardo Rossello activated the National Guard and announced the opening of storm shelters able to house up to 62,000 people. Schools will be closed Tuesday, the report said.

Philip Klotzbach, a meteorologist specialising in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasts, says Hurricane Irma is the strongest hurricane at this time of the year over the past several years.

#Irma has now produced more major hurricane days this September than all Atlantic major hurricanes combined over the past 6 Sept (2011-16) pic.twitter.com/Dhdn1AIvLT  Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) September 5, 2017

A United States aircraft carrier carrying a field hospital and dozens of aircraft able to conduct rescue or supply missions has been positioned protectively in the area, according to Alejandro de la Campa of the Caribbean division of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Local press identified the carrier as the USS Kearsarge.

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto ordered 900 municipal employees  police, emergency personnel, and aid and social workers  to report for rotating 12-hour shifts.

Even if that island is spared a direct hit, the mayor said, three days of pounding rain will do heavy damage. Irma's precise path remains unclear, but several projections have it passing over the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before turning north toward Florida and then possibly swinging up the American East Coast. Scrambling amid the uncertainty, Florida declared a state of emergency to facilitate preparations.

Rick Scott, Governor of Florida, said he spoke to President Donald Trump who has assured help and offered full resources of the federal government.

Just spoke to @POTUS - he offered the full resources of the federal government as Floridians prepare for Hurricane Irma.  Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) September 5, 2017

For now, hurricane warnings have been issued for the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Martin, Sint Maarten, St Barthelemy, Saba and St Eustatius. A warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the next 36 hours.

Anne Laubies, prefect of Saint Barthelemy warned the hurricane posed the greatest danger the island had faced in 20 years with more people endangered in flood-prone areas because of a rise in population. Long queues of people rushed to get batteries and bottled water, while many cut trees around their dwellings and sought to tie down objects and caulk their windows.

Hurricane watches  meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours  have been issued for some of the more populous parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico; as well as Guadeloupe and the United States and British Virgin Islands, The Guardian reported.

Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said, "This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the east coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of [Hurricane] Harvey," according to the report.

Irma is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 7.6-15 cm across the Leeward Islands, with isolated maximum amounts of 25 cm across the northern Leeward Islands. These rainfall amounts may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides," the NHC said.

The Haitian authorities issued an early alert for a storm that said could hit them for three days, with potential for landslides and flooding.

On the French island of Guadeloupe, people have been stocking up on provisions, leaving some store shelves empty.

Schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and hospitals have been asked to stock 72 hours supplies of medicines, food and drinking water, according to authorities, who are also evacuating low-lying areas.

Authorities elsewhere in the region were alerting residents to the location of storm shelters, and urging them to closely monitor the developing storm.

With inputs from AFP
Seoul: President Donald Trump took to Twitter following North Korea's strongest-ever nuclear test explosion to criticise both Koreas and China. But his tweets will get as much attention in Asia for what's missing as for their tough words.

Following the clearest sign yet that North Korea is fast approaching a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the US mainland, Trump again skipped what for decades has been the bedrock of US policy on the Korean Peninsula: a firm assurance that the United States would defend South Korea against any attack.

This feeds a growing worry that has many in South Korea and Japan asking a startling question. Could Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un want the same thing, namely a separation, or "decoupling," of the decades-old security alliance between the United States and its top Asian allies, South Korea and Japan?

The White House has occasionally issued statements in which Trump has repeated what past presidents regularly declared about the US commitment to defend its Asian allies, and he reportedly did so in a private phone call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in nearly 36 hours after the nuke test. But his public comments on the alliance, which are what South and North Koreans hear, have more often reflected deep skepticism  and skipped any security reassurance.

Trump, for instance, previously questioned the expensive stationing of US troops in South Korea and Japan, and suggested that Seoul and Tokyo pursue nukes themselves, instead of relying on the so-called US nuclear umbrella. Trump also appears to be taking a shot at another pillar of the US-South Korean alliance, a hard-fought free trade deal, by considering triggering a withdrawal from the agreement, a US business lobbying group said over the weekend.

Then came Trump's five tweets after the nuclear test which criticised North Korea's main ally and aid provider, China, for failing to contain the North; South Korea's liberal president for "talk of appeasement" (despite what many see as a consistent hard line toward the North's weapons tests) and, of course, "rogue" North Korea.

Nowhere did he seek to reassure a frazzled South Korea that the United States would have its back if attacked.

This matters because North Korea's relentless pursuit of nukes is seen by many analysts less as a way to beat the United States in a war than as a way to separate Washington from its Asian allies. The goal is to cause the United States to seriously consider whether it's worthwhile to fulfill its treaty obligations by treating an attack on Seoul as it would an attack on San Francisco.

Ironclad US vows of protection were easier before North Korea's recent demonstrations that it may be very close to actually being able to hit San Francisco and other parts of the United States with nuclear missiles.

"What people in South Korea worry about most is whether the United States will defend South Korea at a time when the US mainland is under threat (by North Korean missiles). If you look at what Trump said now, the answer seems to be no," said Shin Hee-Seok, a graduate student in international law at Seoul's Yonsei University. "While it still remains a fringe opinion, some South Koreans are wondering if we should now build our own nuclear deterrent. If the US is not a reliable ally, South Korea may have to think about Plan B."

The possibility of losing the free trade deal seemed for some here yet another hit to the alliance. "The United States now is not the United States we used to know," the Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's largest daily newspaper, said in an editorial. "The president prioritises dollars over the alliance."

Some see a not-too-distant future where North Korea's possession of dozens of nuclear-tipped ICBMs allows it to attack Seoul or Tokyo without US intervention because of American fears that North Korean retaliation could kill millions in American cities. "I'm worried about whether the US is really serious about defending its ally, South Korea, or if it's putting its own national interest first," said Woo Young-soo, a law lecturer at a university in Seoul. "As a true ally, I wish Trump would have a defense policy that is truly meant for South Korea."

Others believe North Korea can still be checked with firm statements from Washington that make clear how strongly the United States will respond if its allies are attacked. Because Kim Jong-Un cares deeply about keeping power, this argument goes, he won't risk an attack if an overwhelming US response seems more likely than not.

Trump's experienced lieutenants have sought to signal this. Defence secretary Jim Mattis said all the right things after the test when he repeated what Seoul and Tokyo long to hear  that Washington's commitment to them is unshakeable.

"A lot of reassurance comes down to trust," Colin Kahl, a Georgetown University professor and former Obama administration national security official, said in a Twitter thread. "Our allies have to 'believe' we would trade San Francisco for Seoul or Toledo for Tokyo if push comes to shove. Yet instead of reassuring our democratic allies in East Asia, Trump has done the opposite."

"Undermining alliance solidarity at this moment is dumb and dangerous. It emboldens Pyongyang, increases the risk of (North Korean) miscalculation (and) potentially incentivises (South Korea) and Japan to seek their own independent nuclear arsenals," Kahl wrote.
Seoul: South Korea's navy held major live-fire drills on Tuesday to warn the North against any provocations at sea, it said, two days after Pyongyang's biggest nuclear test to date.

The drills, conducted in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), involved the 2,500-tonne frigate Gangwon, a 1,000-tonne patrol ship and 400-tonne guided-missile vessels, among others, the Navy said in a statement.

"If the enemy launches a provocation above water or under water, we will immediately hit back to bury them at sea," Captain Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said in a statement.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

On Monday, the South's military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site.

President Donald Trump and South Korea's leader Moon Jae-In agreed during a phone call late on Tuesday to remove limits on the payload of the

South's missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also said he was willing to approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea", according to a statement released by the White House.

Tensions have mounted on the Korean peninsula following a series of missile launches by the North, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the United States mainland into range.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by the five emerging-market BRICS powers that militant groups in Pakistan pose a regional security concern, with its defense minister saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.

The ministers response follows a statement on Monday by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that also called for patrons of the Pakistan-based militant groups to be held to account.

These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning, Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organisation has any complete safe havens.

The groups named by the BRICS include anti-India militant factions such as Jaish-e-Mohammad, which was blamed for a 2001 attack on Indias parliament, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blames for cross-border attacks including a 2008 assault in its financial capital Mumbai in which 166 people were killed.

Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network, which is allied with the Afghan Taliban militants waging war on the US-backed government in Kabul and foreign forces there.

The United States has been calling on Pakistan to do more to tackle alleged Haqqani network sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, or it might cut military aid.

China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region, where some members of a Muslim minority chafe at Chinese Communist Party rule.

Countries attending a December conference aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan made a similar statement, naming several Pakistan-based groups as a source of concern.

Pakistan has always strongly denied offering safe havens to militants groups.
Dhaka: At least 1,23,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border into Bangladesh fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, a UN official said on Tuesday.

Joseph Surjamoni Tripura, the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh, told Efe news agency that the recently arrived refugees  more than 30,000 arrived in a 24 hour period  are staying in makeshift camps.

According to UN sources, only 6,000 out of the 1,23,000, are staying with family members in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district.

The influx of Rohingyas, who are denied citizenship by Myanmar and sparingly given refugee status by Bangladesh, had accelerated earlier on Tuesday. In the Teknaf area, boats continue to arrive with Rohingya refugees reaching the coast through the Bay of Bengal, reports Efe news.

Unlike in land border crossings like Ghum Dhum, local authorities in Teknaf did not try to stop the influx, despite border guards on Monday sending back more than 2,000 Rohingyas from the Saint Martin island.

The latest exodus began on 25 August, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile international pressure is mounting on Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to stop the alleged human rights violations against the Rohingyas. Suu Kyi has been urged to condemn the incidents by many international activists, including Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai who has made a public appeal to stop the violence.

An estimated one million Rohingyas live in Rakhine, where the Myanmar Army carried out a similar campaign nine months ago in response to another rebel attack that led to more than 70,000 members of the community fleeing across the border to Bangladesh.

Between 300,000 and 500,000 Rohingyas live in Bangladesh, and only about 32,000 of them have refugee status and live in camps in Cox's Bazar.
Yangon: The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) extremists have set ablaze hundreds of houses in villages of northern Myanmar over the last two days, a government committee said on Tuesday.

They burned down 50 houses after clashing with the security forces in Aukpyuma village. They set fire to around 120 houses in Ountaw village, Xinhua news agency reported.

More than 90 houses in Dingar, Sawkeenama and Hontarya were also set ablaze where explosive devices were detonated.

In Thinbawgwe village, terrorists burned down more than 400 houses, the security forces said.

The extremists launched renewed attacks on 30 police posts in northern Rakhine on 25 August and as of 31 August, more than 52 terror attacks have taken place killing 13 security forces personnel.

Fourteen civilians including seven Hindu and five Daingnet ethnic people were also killed while fleeing the attacks.

About 38,000 Muslims from Rakhine state have reportedly fled to the Bangladesh border.

Amid threat from the ARSA, the security forces have evacuated 11,720 ethnic villagers to safer places and provided them with aid, the military said, adding that clearance operations were on.
Spook Handy will give a Sermon in Song on the topic "A Time to Build Up: The 3rd Part of Resist, Protect, Rebuild Sunday at Christ Unity of Chattanooga, 105 McBrien Road during the 11 a.m. service.

Review for Spook Handy:

Folk Musician and National Medal of the Arts recipient Pete Seeger said, You dont have to tear down a house in order to rebuild its foundation. How often do we hear someone say they would like to make the world a better place? Would you believe that each one of us has a profound impact every day on the world we live in  starting with ourselves and extending out to our communities and the world as a whole? In the personal lives, our communities and our work, our actions reflect and promote our values. So, the question becomes: What values are we reflecting and promoting? Are we promoting cynicism, division and individualism or are we promoting empowerment, integrity and solidarity? Are we helping to rebuild the foundation or are we only helping to tear down the house?



A Student of Pete Seeger: No individual has had as profound an effect on Spook Handys outer path as Pete Seeger. Spook performed alongside Pete at festivals and concerts more than 50 times from 2003-2013. He learned firsthand many of Petes songs and the stories behind them. Even more, he learned who Pete Seeger was and what he stood for. To Spook, Pete was the embodiment of the highest ideals  a man who lived the belief that we have all the tools we need to shape ourselves and our world into what we wish them to be.

The Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour: In the months after Pete passed away in 2014, Spook took it upon himself to Keep the Flame Alive  continuing Petes tradition of using songs and stories as tools to build and nurture community. He embarked on an ambitious Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour with the goal of bringing Petes songs, stories and especially his message to all 50 U.S states, all 10 Canadian provinces and many other countries, as well as all 21 New Jersey counties.

Pete, Woody & Me, Volume I  Keep the Flame Alive: In 2016, Spook released his fifth full length CD. Recorded with his backup band The Seed Planters, the CD is more than just a tribute to Pete. Heeding Petes advice to write new verses to old songs to keep them up to date, Spook reworked Banks of Marble, (a song recorded by The Weavers in 1950) to include new verses he wrote about the college loan burdens of the bright eyed student and the low wage burdens of the retail worker. The song charted at no.3 for two months on the Folk DJ Charts. Heeding Petes advice to write new songs that everybody can sing, Spook wrote Vote which Pete Seeger himself sang at concerts. The song charted at no. 2 on those same charts. Other songs from this CD and past CDs have received ample airplay and have charted in the top 20. And new songs that build on the tradition are being written for a follow up CD.

An Evolving Message: In 2017, Spook added a new element to his offers. At the International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City, Spook introduced his new workshop/panel A Time to Build Up: part 3 of Resist, Protect, Rebuild. The message is clear. Pete once told Spook, You dont have to tear down a house in order to rebuild its foundation. The workshop/panel addresses the profound influence that songwriters, performers, presenters, DJs and even volunteers have on the public consciousness through the values reflected in the songs we bring to the world. It asks: Are we promoting cynicism, division and individualism or are we promoting empowerment, integrity and solidarity? Spook carries even further his mission to Keep the Flame Alive by bringing his workshops and panels to conferences and festivals around the country. A variety of workshops Spook offer is described at www.spookhandy.com/wp/workshops.
Moscow: Two Russian soldiers have been killed by artillery fire from the Islamic State group in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor, where the army is battling jihadists, Russia's defence ministry said on Monday.

One serviceman was killed instantly and a second died from his wounds in hospital, according to a ministry statement quoted by Russian news agencies.

The soldiers were travelling with a convoy that was hit by "mortar fire from Islamic State terrorists", according to the ministry.

Moscow announced earlier on Monday that it was providing support to Syrian government forces in their push to take Deir Ezzor, one of the last remaining cities controlled by the jihadists.

Russia intervened in Syria's six-year-old civil war in September 2015 on the side of President Bashar al-Assad's government, and has conducted thousands of air strikes against targets it labels as "terrorists".

It also has a troop presence on the ground and the two soldiers reported killed on Monday bring to 34 the number of Russian service personnel killed in Syria, according to defence ministry figures.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ended an Obama-era scheme popularly known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) that protected from deportation 800,000 people brought into the United States illegally when they were minors. Trump said he will give lawmakers six months to act, putting the fate of these 800,000 'Dreamers' into the hands of Congress. The White House says Trump wants really big fixes on immigration, not just a solution to DACA.

Protests have erupted across US cities including outside Trump Tower in Manhattan, where more than 30 people have been arrested.

We will not stand by as the lives of 42,000 New York Dreamers are destroyed. #DACA pic.twitter.com/EuB4DTTK6C  Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 5, 2017

Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire.

If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5.

If their permits expire beyond that March date, they will not be able to renew and could be subject to deportation when their permits expire.

Trump's attorney general Jeff Sessions who announced the shock U-turn said that Obama-era amnesty was unconstitutional and "denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs.

Former US President Barack Obama carved out DACA in 2012 granting young illegal immigrants a two-year reprieve that could be extended by issuing them a work permit and a social security number.

DACA recipients had to satisfy certain criteria: No criminal record, proof they were brought to the U.S. before age 16, be under 31 when the program was launched but at least 15 years of age while applying. DACA does not bestow legal US residency, it only offers temporary reprieve from deportation and also permission to work during US domicile.

Reactions to Trumps latest whiplash against illegal immigration came thick and fast. Below is a collation of who said what Tuesday afternoon soon after the announcement.

Barack Obama: Trump repeal of immigrant amnesty 'wrong' and cruel.

Mexico: The Mexican government deeply regrets the cancellation of the program known as DACA

Trumps DACA decision undermines our nations values & is a betrayal to the Dreamers who make our nation strong & represent the best of us.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 5, 2017

#BREAKING PHOTOS: Pennsylvania Avenue in Downtown DC shut down as #DACA protesters who marched to Trump Hotel are now sitting down. pic.twitter.com/HVBtYZoSBg  ABC 7 News - WJLA (@ABC7News) September 5, 2017

Pediatrics group: Trump DACA decision a "cruel setback for immigrant children" https://t.co/Qasdnhu1c7 pic.twitter.com/zkajhqcuTz  The Hill (@thehill) September 5, 2017

Former President Obama defends DACA in a statement after Trump White House announces it will end program in March https://t.co/9ghU0eMEa8 pic.twitter.com/epi6nmD4Wt  NPR (@NPR) September 5, 2017

Below is the full text of Donald Trumps statement on DACA Tuesday.

As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

The legislative branch, not the executive branch, writes these laws  this is the bedrock of our Constitutional system, which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend.

In June of 2012, President Obama bypassed Congress to give work permits, social security numbers, and federal benefits to approximately 800,000 illegal immigrants currently between the ages of 15 and 36. The typical recipients of this executive amnesty, known as DACA, are in their twenties. Legislation offering these same benefits had been introduced in Congress on numerous occasions and rejected each time.

In referencing the idea of creating new immigration rules unilaterally, President Obama admitted that I cant just do these things by myself  and yet that is exactly what he did, making an end-run around Congress and violating the core tenets that sustain our Republic.

Officials from 10 States are suing over the program, requiring my Administration to make a decision regarding its legality. The Attorney General of the United States, the Attorneys General of many states, and virtually all other top legal experts have advised that the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court.

There can be no path to principled immigration reform if the executive branch is able to rewrite or nullify federal laws at will.

The temporary implementation of DACA by the Obama Administration, after Congress repeatedly rejected this amnesty-first approach, also helped spur a humanitarian crisis  the massive surge of unaccompanied minors from Central America including, in some cases, young people who would become members of violent gangs throughout our country, such as MS-13.

Only by the reliable enforcement of immigration law can we produce safe communities, a robust middle class, and economic fairness for all Americans.

Therefore, in the best interests of our country, and in keeping with the obligations of my office, the Department of Homeland Security will begin an orderly transition and wind-down of DACA, one that provides minimum disruption. While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today. Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration. This is a gradual process, not a sudden phase out. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months. Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act.

Our enforcement priorities remain unchanged. We are focused on criminals, security threats, recent border-crossers, visa overstays, and repeat violators. I have advised the Department of Homeland Security that DACA recipients are not enforcement priorities unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang.

The decades-long failure of Washington, D.C. to enforce federal immigration law has had both predictable and tragic consequences: lower wages and higher unemployment for American workers, substantial burdens on local schools and hospitals, the illicit entry of dangerous drugs and criminal cartels, and many billions of dollars a year in costs paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Yet few in Washington expressed any compassion for the millions of Americans victimized by this unfair system. Before we ask what is fair to illegal immigrants, we must also ask what is fair to American families, students, taxpayers, and jobseekers.

Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first. We are facing the symptom of a larger problem, illegal immigration, along with the many other chronic immigration problems Washington has left unsolved. We must reform our green card system, which now favors low-skilled immigration and puts immense strain on U.S. taxpayers. We must base future immigration on merit  we want those coming into the country to be able to support themselves financially, to contribute to our economy, and to love our country and the values it stands for. Under a merit-based system, citizens will enjoy higher employment, rising wages, and a stronger middle class. Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue have introduced the RAISE Act, which would establish this merit-based system and produce lasting gains for the American People.

I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to finally address all of these issues in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first.

As Ive said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful Democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans.

Above all else, we must remember that young Americans have dreams too. Being in government means setting priorities. Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families.

It is now time for Congress to act!
Ankara: A top Turkish official has taken to social media to criticize comments on Turkey by German chancellor Angela Merkel and her opponent during a televised pre-election debate.

Spokesman to the Turkish presidency Ibrahim Kalin tweeted on Monday that Merkel and Martin Schulz were attacking Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a diversion from more urgent problems, such as a surge in discrimination.

Kalin said Europe's attitude toward Turkey served to create populism in German politics which would fuel discrimination and racism, Xinhua news agency reported.

In Sunday's debate, Schulz said he would end talks on Turkey joining the European Union because of Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian policies.

Merkel, who has previously expressed doubts about Turkey joining the EU, said Turkey "is departing from all democratic practices at breakneck speed".

Merkel said that Turkey should not become a member of the European Union (EU) but declined to close the door for Ankara.

"I don't see Turkey entering the European Union, I never did, it was different for the SPD however," said Merkel on Sunday in the TV duel with her major election rival Martin Schulz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Merkel argued that the cease of the accession talks with Turkey can only be decided in the concert of the EU states. "Such a step must be well considered," said the German chancellor.

Merkel said she did not want to break Germany's ties with Turkey or cease Turkey's opportunity to join the EU, as at least 50 per cent Turkish people hope to join. The decision needs careful consideration.

Schulz said at the TV duel that if he becomes German chancellor, he will stop accession talks with Turkey.
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Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC in partnership with the State of Tennessee and the Hamilton County Department of Education celebrated the grand opening of the Sale Creek Middle High School Volkswagen eLab during a ribbon cutting ceremony.Volkswagen eLabs, which are the result of a $1 million donation by Volkswagen Chattanooga and the State of Tennessee, will provide approximately 8,000 Hamilton County students access to science labs featuring rapid prototyping technologies including renewable energy components, laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, robotics, microcomputers, and vinyl cutters.The laboratories will be administered in partnership with the Public Education Foundation an independent, nonprofit organization that provides training, research and resources to teachers, principals and schools in Hamilton County.The Sale Creek Middle High School Volkswagen eLab is one of eight Hamilton County Schools that were selected for the first phase of installations in March of 2017.The additional seven schools, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, Dalewood Middle School, East Hamilton Middle High School, The Howard School, Hunter Middle School, Normal Park Museum Magnet School, and Red Bank High School, are all operational as of the start of the fall 2017 school term.At Volkswagen Chattanooga we hold a deep, active and ongoing belief that education, whether at university, a middle school lab or an apprenticeship on the shop floor, is crucial to a successful career, said Ulrich Heimann, executive vice president of Finance & ITP Volkswagen Chattanooga. These Volkswagen eLabs will teach hands-on, engineering-based learning, and we are excited that eight labs around the county are opening this school term to engage and inspire the imagination of children throughout the community, Heimann said.Education is one of Tennessees top priorities and its because of programs like the Volkswagen eLabs that our education system is continuing to succeed, Governor Bill Haslam said. Through the eLabs, Hamilton County middle and high school students will have access to innovative programs that will equip them with skills they need to be successful in the future. Volkswagen has been a great partner for more than a decade, and we thank the company for its continued commitment to the state of Tennessee and Hamilton County.Each Volkswagen eLab is staffed with a Volkswagen eLabs Innovation Team to ensure utilization to the maximum capacity. The teams are made up of highly trained teachers with specialized skills in facilitating learning through digital fabrication.It is great news that eight of the Volkswagen eLabs are opening in Hamilton County, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. The eLabs are a great opportunity for Hamilton County students to learn new skills that will help each student be better prepared to enter the workforce. I want to thank Volkswagen for bringing this incredible opportunity to Hamilton County and the state of Tennessee and I look forward to seeing what the eLabs can do for our education system.STEM fields are one of the fastest-growing in our state and our country, and the need for integrated STEM education in Tennessee has never been more critical, Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said. These eLabs will give our students the opportunity to lead the nation in exceptional, hands-on STEM education, uniquely preparing them for college and the workforce.The schools are each responsible for raising $5,000 annually in cash or contributed materials to ensure that the lab is continually refreshed and materials are replaced.HCDE Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson is excited to see what the Volkswagen eLabs will mean to Hamilton County students. We all know STEM is one of the most important learning tracks for twenty-first century students as there will be 42,000 STEM jobs in the state of Tennessee alone within the next few years. Our amazing partnership with Volkswagen means our students will get the hands-on learning they need to truly be career and post-secondary ready, said Dr. Johnson.This summer, teachers engaged in more than 112 hours of professional development in addition to the countless hours they spent setting up equipment and preparing the spaces. Through this process, a truly collaborative community emerged. From Sale Creek to Howard, from Dalewood to East Hamilton, schools are discovering and sharing strategies to capitalize on this investment in order to maximize the impact on student learning, said Michael Stone, director of Innovative Learning for PEF. Volkswagen eLabs will help prepare Hamilton County students for college and career success and they have already marked Hamilton County as an emergent international leader in digital fabrication education, said Stone.Schools were selected by representatives from Volkswagen Chattanooga, Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Hamilton County Department of Education, and Public Education Foundation.Hamilton County middle and high schools will be able to apply for funds in 2018 to be chosen for the remaining eight Volkswagen eLabs. By opening 16 Volkswagen eLabs over the course of the next 15 months, Hamilton County schools will lead the nation in digital fabrication in formal education settings.
It looks like Netflixs list of HDR-compatible devices is growing rapidly. The popular US based streaming service has added HDR support to Samsung Galaxy Note8 and Sony Xperia XZ1. Other flagships that come with HDR streaming support include the LG G6, LG V30 and Sony Xperia XZ Premium.

The HDR support will allow Samsung Galaxy Note8 and Sony Xperia XZ1 users to beam higher-contrast, richer color content right to their phone. The Note8 is the first Samsung device to be officially Netflix HDR compatible. Netflix is yet to support the Galaxy S8, the Galaxy S8+ and the Galaxy Tab S3 which are compatible to to display HDR videos.

It must be noted that you will need a Netflix subscription with the 4k streaming plan to watch HDR video on these flagship phones.

Source | Via




On Monday, Sept. 18, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, in partnership with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, will present a free, 45-minute program on the experiences of African Americans who participated in the Battle of Chickamauga. This program will take place at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 East Martin Luther King Blvd. in Chattanooga. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the formal program begins at 5:30 p.m."On the final day of the Battle of Chickamauga, Thomas Coles found himself filling water buckets for a Union artillery battery during the Confederate breakthrough.Terrified, it was in this moment that Coles, who just a few weeks earlier had been enslaved in Alabama, realized that 'this was war and they was rebels.' He was not alone. Accompanying both armies were hundreds, if not thousands of African Americans. Some, like Coles, escaped slavery or had been liberated by passing Union Armies. Others, like Silas Chandler, remained in bondage and were forced to accompany their enslavers into the Confederate ranks as laborers and personal servants. Regardless of their status, these men experienced the terror of battle and its gruesome aftermath. As part of the 154th Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga, we hope you will join us at the Bessie Smith Center to explore the experiences of African Americans who participated in the battle," organizers said.For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the parks website at www.nps.gov/chch
After confirming that it is working on Twitter-like Business features, Facebook-owned WhatsApp has announced that it its testing new tools through a closed pilot program that will allow people to communicate with the businesses they want to reach on WhatsApp. Business accounts will have a verified profile with a green badge so people can identify a business from another person so it will be easier to respond to messages.

Our approach is simple  we want to apply what weve learned helping people connect with each other to helping people connect with businesses that are important to them, said WhatsApp.

WhatsApp also said that it is building and testing new tools via a free WhatsApp Business app for small companies and an enterprise solution for bigger companies operating at a large scale with a global base of customers, like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks. This will offer customers notifications like flight times, delivery confirmations, and other updates.

WhatsApp will eventually charge companies to use some future features. In an interview with WSJ, WhatsApp chief operating officer Matt Idema said We want to put a basic foundation in place to allow people to message businesses and for them to get the responses that they want. We do intend on charging businesses in the future.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines said that it is the first airline with verified WhatsApp business account that will let customers directly contact KLMs social media service agents, 24/7, via WhatsApp to know about booking confirmation, check-in notification, boarding pass, flight status updates and asking questions in 10 different languages.

WhatsApp went completely free back in January last year and said that it doesnt plan to introduce ads. Last August it changed its privacy policy to allow businesses to send messages directly to people using the platform.
As the recovery and rebuilding process begins following Harvey, the challenges many Texas residents will face will be aggravated by their lack flood insurance.

Its going to be a problem and its going to be a difficult problem to resolve over the next four or five months, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria.

Wilson explained that flooded out cars are less of an issue, telling Bartiromo, So private insurance companies like Allstate, if your car gets caught in a flood, we cover that. And we have many cars that were already talking to customers about either getting them dried out or getting them replaced, and that process is relatively easy for us to do.

Though cars are covered in the private market, Wilson said houses are covered by the federal government, and unfortunately, the number of people with coverage is low.

Only about 50% of the people in some of the coastal areas that got hit hard by Harvey, by wind were covered. If you get to Harris County, where Houston is, its less than 15% of the population, so 85% of the people are going to be coping with losses that were not covered by insurance because they didnt purchase it and thats where its going to get hard.

According to Wilson, the company works with its customers to navigate the process with the government.

Now, what were doing is were working with our customers to help them understand how to access the federal government programs - some is aid, some is insurance. For our customers, if they have a federal policy, well actually adjust it for them and work with them to make sure they get their home rebuilt.

But Wilson warns it will be a slow process for Texas residents to get the money they need to rebuild.

Its going to be a difficult situation over the next couple months as people struggle to find the money to rebuild their homes.
Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has landed a post-White House gig, announcing Tuesday that he is hitting the paid speaking circuit. Spicer, who resigned as President Trumps spokesperson in July, said on Twitter that he has signed with the Worldwide Speakers Group as one of its paid speakers.

Very excited to announce that I will be working with the amazing & talented team at @WWSGconnect https://t.co/PTvTgT96ty  Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) September 5, 2017

According to Politico, Spicer has already signed up for this first paid speaking gig, which is set for Sept. 11 in New York City at the annual conference at the investment bank Rodman & Renshaw.

However, a spokesperson for Worldwide Speakers Group would not confirm to FOX Business on how much Spicer would be paid. But according the companys website, fees range from $10,000-$25,000 to as high as $40,000-$60,000 per speech. Jen Psaki, former White House Communications Director under Obama who is also a listed speaker, makes around $10,000-$15,000.

Other WWSG speakers include former Secretary of the Treasury and former Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs Henry M. Paulson, Jr., former World Bank President Robert Zoellick, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Chairman of the FDIC Sheila Bair, and former CEO of HP Carly Fiorina. However, speech fees for these speakers were not listed on the companys site.

We are very proud that, after an extensive vetting process, Sean has selected Worldwide Speakers Group for exclusive representation. Our many customers around the world (multinational corporations, major trade associations, colleges & universities, and public lecture series) seek out thought leaders from politics, industry, the economy and contemporary life. Their audiences seek individuals who have unique experiences and can provide context and insight to the events shaping the news. Sean is uniquely qualified to shed light on the people, policies and philosophies that will impact business and society in the coming months and years, Daniel Sims, Principal at Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) told FOX Business.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

Xi didn't refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and decided to pull the U.S. out of the Paris agreement on climate change.

"Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change is encountering resistance," Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.

The agreement under which countries set their own national plans for cutting climate emissions went into effect in November.

"Some countries have become more inward-looking and less willing to take part in international cooperation, and the spillovers of their policy adjustments are deepening," he said during a summit of BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Xi's criticism came at the opening of a dialogue between the leaders of BRICS countries and five other developing nations invited to take part in the discussions on the sidelines of the summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.
The owner of two of the country's largest newspapers has purchased the Daily News, a New York tabloid that is famous for generations of hard-punching reporting and irreverent headlines but that has struggled recently to find its place in the digital age.

Chicago-based Tronc Inc., the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, announced the deal Monday night.

The purchase gives Tronc and its chairman, Michael Ferro, who spent most of his childhood on Long Island, another big brand name in old-school journalism.

The big question will be whether the company can find a way to make the newspaper lucrative again. The Daily News won a Pulitzer Prize this year but has gone through rounds of layoffs and declining circulation.

Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn said acquiring the paper and its popular website would "provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers," and both Tronc and Daily News executives said the company would maintain the quality of the paper's journalism.

"Over the past near-century, the New York Daily News has served New York City and its surrounding areas with its award-winning journalism and helped shape the dynamics of the city," said outgoing News owner, Mort Zuckerman. A New York real estate magnate, he had owned the paper since 1993.

The deal puts the Daily News under the umbrella of one of the nation's major newspaper chains, with properties spanning from the Hartford Courant in Connecticut to the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida.

Tronc  which evolved from Daily News founder the Tribune Co.  has said it aims to focus on tech-driven initiatives involving artificial intelligence and global expansion in entertainment news and video. With the Daily News, Tronc gets a presence in the New York media market, a news site with about 25 million unique monthly visitors and other assets.

Under the terms of the deal, Tronc said it assumed the Daily News' operational and pension liabilities and got 100 percent ownership of its Jersey City, New Jersey, printing plant and a 49.9 percent interest in the plant's 25-acre (10-hectare) property, which overlooks the Manhattan skyline.

With the deal, News Editor-in-Chief Arthur Browne was also named publisher, though he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Founded in 1919, the Daily News considers itself "New York's Hometown Newspaper," informing everyday New Yorkers about their city and more. It has been known over the years for zesty headlines  perhaps most notably "Ford to City: Drop Dead" during the New York's financial woes in 1975  gossip, city coverage and star columnists who included Jimmy Breslin, Pete Hamill and Liz Smith.

Lately, the tabloid has also attracted attention with its unsparing criticism of President Donald Trump. (Trump, in return, branded the paper "worthless" and Zuckerman "dopey" in tweets last year.)

The Daily News and ProPublica together won this year's Pulitzer Prize in public service journalism for uncovering how authorities used an obscure law to evict hundreds of people, mostly poor minorities, from their homes. It was the Daily News' 11th Pulitzer Prize, and the fifth during Zuckerman's tenure.

But the paper has also contended with the troubles that have affected newspapers in general as readership and ad dollars have shifted online, without making up for the decline in print revenue. Total newspaper revenue fell 11 percent from 2012 to 2016 as average daily print circulation slipped 13 percent, according to a June report by the consulting and audit firm PwC. It added that while newspapers' online advertising revenue has been increasing, other entities have captured much of the growth in digital ad dollars.

The Daily News also grappled with a muscular hometown tabloid rival, the News Corp.-owned New York Post.

Zuckerman eyed selling the Daily News in 2015 but ultimately took it off the market.

The newspaper's struggles are "really typical of former print powerhouses in the digital age," said former Editor-in-Chief Kevin Convey, now a journalism professor at Quinnipiac University. He said the competing pressures of building a big online audience without abandoning print readers and revenue were tangible even during his tenure, from 2010 into 2012.

"You have to execute that pivot really, really quickly, and it's really, really hard," he said Tuesday. But with the Daily News' sale, "at least it lives to fight another day."
Lawmakers returned to Washington Tuesday facing a daunting to-do list and three months left in the year to show that Republicans can actually get things done. President Donald Trump immediately added a huge complication by rescinding immigration protections for younger immigrants and ordering Congress to come up with a fix.

The immigration issue has defeated Congress' best efforts in the past and proven enormously divisive for the GOP. But for now there's not even room for it on the front burner as lawmakers, just back from a five-week summer recess, face a series of more immediate tasks.

First up: Speeding relief aid to Texas and Louisiana in the wake of the Harvey storm. A first $7.9 billion installment was set for House passage on Wednesday, with leaders hoping for a big bipartisan vote to demonstrate Congress' support for Harvey's victims.

That will be the easy part.

GOP leaders are also wrestling with how to raise the government's $19.9 trillion debt limit, something that must happen by month's end, at the latest, to avoid a first-ever default on U.S. payments. The administration and GOP leaders were making plans to add the debt limit increase to the Harvey relief bill in the Senate and send it back to the House, a plan that quickly provoked conservative ire and a familiar intramural GOP dispute.

"We're $20 trillion in debt, our brand, the Republican brand, is fiscal responsibility, so we got to show it," said Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., a member of the House Freedom Caucus that has been arguing for spending cuts to be included with any debt ceiling increase.

Despite the conservative outrage, leaders were pressing forward with the plan as a way to sweeten the perennially unpopular debt limit vote. As usual they planned to rely on Democratic votes to get it over the finish line without conservative support, though Democrats were withholding judgment.

And, Congress must also approve new spending by Sept. 30 to stave off a government shutdown. The plan for dispensing with that issue was a short-term extension of existing spending levels, which would kick the funding fight into December. At that point lawmakers could add more money for Texas and Louisiana and fight it out over Trump's call for money for a wall along on the U.S.-Mexico border.

"We have three critically important things before us right now that we need to do quickly," Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said as he opened the Senate session. "Pass disaster relief. Prevent a default so that those emergency resources can actually get to Americans who need them. And keep the government funded."

There is no time to waste. Federal disaster funds run out on Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is warning lawmakers. FEMA has just $1 billion remaining in its disaster accounts.

In addition to the tasks Congress must do, McConnell also made a pitch for the big issue GOP lawmakers want to do in the remainder of the year: overhaul the U.S. tax code to lower rates for businesses and individuals. After failing to make good on promises to repeal and replace Barack Obama's health care law, Republicans feel a real sense of urgency to accomplish a tax rewrite so that they can have something to show to voters ahead of midterm elections next year where the House majority is at stake.

Top GOP House and Senate leaders met with Trump and key administration officials on the issue Tuesday afternoon at the White House.

"If we're going to keep momentum going and allow the economy to truly take off as it should, it is vital that we reduce crushing tax burden on our companies and on our workers," Trump said as McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan and others gathered with him for the meeting.

"This is more than just tax reform. This is tax cutting," said Trump "We're going to cut taxes, we're going to reduce taxes, for people, for individuals, for middle income families. We're going to reduce taxes for companies."

Despite feuding with Trump over the summer as the president attacked him for the Senate's failure on health care, McConnell earlier praised Trump as "very engaged on this issue."

The White House meeting on taxes drew sniping from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who complained about the GOP's plans to try to write a tax bill on a partisan basis and leave Democrats out.

And then there's the consequential decision announced Tuesday by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to phase out former President Barack Obama's program that protected some 800,000 immigrants brought illegally to the country as kids. The phase-out will happen in six months' time, a period meant to give Congress a chance to come up with a solution.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders made clear the administration is not looking for a fix just for the young immigrants, known as Dreamers to advocates, but also for other aspects of the immigration system including visa programs and Trump's border wall.

"Really big fixes and big reform," Sanders said.

"That's their job," she said of Congress. "And if they can't do it, then they need to get out of the way and let somebody else who can take on a heavy lift and get things accomplished."

Lawmakers were already calling for presidential guidance on the issue, although leaders and aides said that, given the six-month time frame, they did not expect to turn to it immediately.

"It is important that the White House clearly outline what kind of legislation the president is willing to sign," said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.

___

Associated Press writer Andrew Taylor contributed to this report.
North Carolina officials took legal and administrative actions Tuesday to stop a chemical company from discharging compounds with unknown health risks into a river that supplies hundreds of thousands of people with drinking water.

The state environmental agency said it gave Chemours Co. a required 60-day notice before suspending a key permit needed by its chemical plant near Fayetteville that employs nearly 1,000 workers. The Fortune 500 company can't release any wastewater into the Cape Fear River without the permit. It's not clear whether losing the discharge permit would force the plant's shutdown.

A Chemours spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

The river is the main source of the water utility serving about 200,000 people in and around Wilmington, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) downstream of the Chemours plant.

The Department of Environmental Quality notified Chemours that it's taking action because the Wilmington, Delaware-based company didn't adequately disclose releases of GenX, an unregulated and little-studied compound used to make Teflon.

Only after a North Carolina State University researcher's findings were publicized in June by news organizations did Chemours inform the state agency that GenX byproducts had been discharged into the river for decades, DEQ said in a letter to the company Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, Attorney General Josh Stein's office began seeking a state court order to stop the discharges.

Federal prosecutors last month issued a subpoena demanding documents, research and monitoring data from the state agency as they investigate Chemours' chemical releases.

GenX has been used since 2009 to make Teflon and other non-stick products, replacing the suspected carcinogen PFOA. There are no federal health standards for GenX. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as an "emerging contaminant" to be studied.

DuPont spun off Chemours two years ago. In February, DuPont and Chemours agreed to pay nearly $671 million to settle 3,500 lawsuits related to the release of PFOA from a Parkersburg, West Virginia, plant more than a decade ago. That was two months after a federal jury determined DuPont should pay $2 million to an Ohio man who says he got testicular cancer because of the company's negligence over PFOA.

GenX is part of a broader problem of chemicals deployed into industrial production before their risks are clear. For example, researchers are increasingly finding a likely human carcinogen called 1,4-dioxane in water supplies in North Carolina and dozens of other states.

___

Follow Emery P. Dalesio on Twitter at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio. His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/emery%20dalesio
COS Business Products and Interiors donated approximately 1,200 books to the Hamilton County Read 20 program. Over the summer months, the company dispatched delivery trucks and vans to various businesses throughout the County with collection boxes. Businesses encouraged workers to bring copies of the books they enjoyed reading as children or gently loved books to be given out to Hamilton County children.



This is the latest project for the company as a means to give back to the community that has been their home for the last 76 years, officials said.



Company CEO Skip Ireland said, One of the greatest gifts a child can be given is the gift of being able to read. It was our hope that children throughout Hamilton County would enjoy many of the same books that we enjoyed growing up. Our delivery team went after this effort with a great deal of gusto to see who could collect the most books for Read 20. Were pleased with the effort and look forward to assisting in the future.

MORE



Hamilton County Chief Reading Officer Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee noted the difference the gift of books will make for Read 20. Reading to a child allows us to share our favorite stories; however, having a child read to us, allows that child to expand his vocabulary, put sentences into context and develop an understanding of story concepts. Reading aloud engages children and adults in speaking and listening to one another, which encourages the love of reading through an exchange of ideas and storytelling. Imagine a child building his or her own library of favorite books to be shared with younger siblings or handed down to a next generation of readers. Thats just what COS gift has done for us and were very appreciative.
Crude oil prices rose and gasoline fell about 3 percent on Tuesday as the gradual restart of refineries in the U.S. Gulf that were shut by Hurricane Harvey raised demand for crude and eased fears of a fuel supply crunch.

Texas was edging towards recovery from the devastation of Harvey that hit its coast late on Aug. 25, as shipping channels, oil pipelines and refineries restarted some operations. At its peak, the hurricane knocked out almost a quarter of all U.S. refining capacity.

"This is kind of a boomerang," said John Kilduff, partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital, noting that just after the storm, the fear was gasoline shortages. "Today, there's a bit of a worry in the short term that there could be an issue around crude supply."

Eight U.S. oil refineries with 2.1 million barrels per day of refining capacity, or 11.4 percent of the U.S. total, were shut as of Monday afternoon, the Department of Energy said.

U.S. gasoline futures dropped around 3 percent from their last close, to $1.69 per gallon and were down from $2.17 on Aug. 31 and back to levels last seen before Harvey hit the U.S. Gulf Coast and its large refining industry.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures jumped $1.54 to $48.83 per barrel by 11:37 a.m. EDT (1537 GMT) , their highest levels in two weeks.

Brent crude was trading $1.13, or more than 2 percent higher at $53.47 a barrel.

Signals that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could extend its output limits beyond the first quarter of 2018 also boosted prices, as did a weak U.S. dollar .

But another hurricane - Irma - strengthened on Tuesday into a Category 5 hurricane, the most powerful storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale with sustained winds of over 157 miles (253 km)per hour.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center's forecast path for the storm has Irma passing south of Florida on Sunday on its way into the Gulf of Mexico.

Again Capital's Kilduff said worries that Irma could veer into the U.S. oil and gas platforms in the Gulf, also underpinned prices, though the NHC said it is too early to determine the direct impacts Irma might have.

September is typically the peak of the hurricane season. Another storm is developing behind Irma in the Atlantic, and an area of bad weather in the southwest Gulf of Mexico threatens to become a tropical storm in the next two days.

(By Libby George; Additional reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
U.S. President Donald Trump agreed "in principle" to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles in the wake of North Korea's sixth nuclear test, the White House said on Monday.

During a call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump also gave "conceptual approval" for South Korea to buy billions of dollars of weapons from the United States, the White House said in a statement.

Separately, South Korea's presidential office said the two leaders had agreed to scrap the weight limit and to apply the strongest sanctions and pressure on North Korea through the United Nations.

In a separate phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin also on Monday, Moon said the U.N. Security Council should seek ways to sever North Korea's foreign currency income, including from its workers employed abroad and oil shipments, according to the South Korean statement.

Under the existing missile pact between the United States and South Korea, Seoul's warheads currently face a cap of 500 kg (1100 lb).

The agreement, last amended in 2012, was in the process of being changed in the wake of a series of missile tests by North Korea this year after Moon took office in May, including two intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, prompting global condemnation and a U.S. warning of a "massive" military response if it or its allies were threatened.

An unlimited warhead weight allowance would enable the South to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of a military conflict.

The missiles would still be bound by a flight range cap of 800 km. No changes to the flight range were mentioned in the Blue House statement.

Most analysts and policymakers agree cutting off supplies of oil to North Korea would hurt its economy. It remains to be seen whether China, the North's biggest ally and trade partner, would cooperate.

South Korea said earlier in the day it was talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula after signs North Korea might launch more missiles.

(Reporting by Christine Kim in Seoul and Valerie Volcovici in Washington; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and James Dalgleish)
Puerto Rico's governor has activated the entire National Guard in the commonwealth ahead of powerful Hurricane Irma, which has strengthened into a Category 5 storm.

aWeave activated the whole National Guard. I did so a couple of days ago, making sure that we have all the prep going,a Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello told FOX Businessa Neil Cavuto of Cavuto: Coast-to-Coast.

As a U.S. commonwealth, Puerto Rico is able to activate the National Guard and the governor said the stormas estimated strength caused him to declare a state of emergency on Monday.

aWe are talking about a 180 miles an hour hurricane with gust at the center going upwards of 200 miles per hour. Right now itas scheduled to pass somewhere about 40 miles northeast of Puerto Rico, but still the winds would be very damaging and ravaging to Puerto Rico,a Rossello said.

Gov. Rossello said the Trump administration has been very supportive in its efforts to activate certain provisions for the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.

aI actually solicited to the president a pre-landfall emergency declaration so that we can get things moving and have the right resources for the storm,a he said.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Irma is a apotentially catastrophica storm with 185 mph winds and gusts up to 220 mph as of before 2 p.m. ET Tuesday.

The Puerto Rico governor said his administration has been working on public safety protocols for the past 5 months to provide food supplies and shelter in c critical areas of flooding.

aThe critical component is based on the nature and the danger of Irma, making sure we get people into safe shelter, protect lives over infrastructure, which there really at this point is no telling how damaging it can be,a Gov. Rossello said.
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President Donald Trump on Tuesday scrapped a program that protects from deportation almost 800,000 young men and women who were brought into the United States illegally as children, ordering a phased-out dismantling that gives a gridlocked Congress six months to decide the immigrants' fate.

Trump's action, announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, rescinds a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The administration presented the move as necessary to show respect for the country's immigration laws, and said nobody covered by the program would be affected before March 5.

The program, created by Democratic former President Barack Obama, is supported by Democrats and many business leaders, and hundreds of people protested outside the White House over Tuesday's announcement. Democrats and civil liberties advocates blasted Trump.

"President Trump's decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America," said Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives.

Sessions said the action does not mean the DACA recipients are "bad people."

"To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. It's just that simple. That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that," Sessions said.

In a statement issued by the White House, Trump said, "I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws."

The move to end DACA marked the latest action by Trump that is sure to alienate Hispanic Americans, a growing segment of the U.S. population and an increasingly important voting bloc. Most of the immigrants protected by DACA, dubbed "Dreamers," came from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Trump's order, deferring the actual end of the program, effectively kicks responsibility for the fate of the Dreamers to his fellow Republicans who control Congress.

But Congress has been unable since the president took office in January to pass any major legislation and has been bitterly divided over immigration in the past.

Obama bypassed Congress and created DACA through an executive order in 2012. Sessions said the Trump administration concluded that Obama exceeded his authority in setting up the program, which has long been the target of conservative hard-liners on the issue of immigration.

Elaine Duke, acting head of the Homeland Security Department, issued a memo rescinding DACA. The department will provide a limited window - until Oct. 5 - for some DACA recipients whose work permits expire before March 5 to apply to renew those permits. This would mean that some beneficiaries of DACA could be in the country through 2019.

DACA recipients whose work permits expire will be considered to be in the country and eligible for deportation, but will be a low priority for immigration enforcement, administration officials said.

Trump appeared determined to pressure U.S. lawmakers to act. "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" the president wrote on Twitter on Tuesday morning before the policy announcement was made.

There were some signs that Congress might be willing to act, with a number of senior Republican lawmakers coming forward to express an interest in protecting the Dreamers.

The president's decision may have been forced by nine Republican state attorneys general, led by Texas, who had threatened a legal challenge in federal court if Trump did not act to end DACA. A number of Democratic state attorneys general have threatened legal action to defend the program.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan called on lawmakers to find a long-term solution for the young people affected by the reversal of the program.

"At the heart of this issue are young people who came to this country through no fault of their own, and for many of them its the only country they know. Their status is one of many immigration issues, such as border security and interior enforcement, which Congress has failed to adequately address over the years," Ryan said.

'PEOPLE OF LAW'

Trump made a crackdown on illegal immigrants a centerpiece of his 2016 election campaign and his administration has stepped up immigration arrests. But business leaders say immigrants make important economic contributions and that ending the DACA program would hit economic growth and tax revenue.

There are deep divisions in the United States over the fate of roughly 11 million illegal immigrants, most of them Hispanics. As a presidential candidate Trump promised to deport all of them.

He left the DACA announcement to Sessions, with whom the president has had tensions arising from the investigation into potential collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia.

"We are people of compassion and we are people of law. But there is nothing compassionate about the failure to enforce immigration law," Sessions said.

DACA was created by Obama after the Republican-led Congress failed to pass comprehensive bipartisan immigration reform legislation that would have created a pathway for citizenship for certain illegal immigrants.

The program protects nearly 800,000 young men and women from deportation and allows them to work in the United States legally. The group is a small fraction of the overall population of illegal immigrants in the United States.

DACA supporters argue that the people covered under the program were raised and educated in the United States and were integrated into American society, with scant ties to their countries of origin. Opponents of the program argue against amnesty for illegal immigrants and say that such immigrants take jobs from U.S. citizens.

The program's demise would mark the latest action by Trump to erase key parts of his Democratic predecessor's legacy.

This includes pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord, abandoning a 12-nation Pacific trade deal, seeking to dismantle the Obamacare healthcare law, rolling back environmental protections, reversing parts of Obama's opening to Cuba and removing protections for transgender people.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Makini Brice; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Leslie Adler and Frances Kerry)
Industry experts estimate that up to 1 million cars were damaged in flooding caused by Harvey in Southeast Texas and Louisiana, many beyond repair.

Now owners and insurers must decide how to deal with the vehicles, while car shoppers need to keep a wary eye for any that end up back on the market illegally.

Here are a few things all of the affected parties need to know:

Q: SHOULD I START MY CAR IF IT'S BEEN FLOODED?

A: No, in almost all cases. If the car was only in a few inches of water that didn't rise past the bottom of the body, maybe. Water higher than that can get into wires, transmission parts, the exhaust or other places. Deeper water could enter the cylinders that surround the pistons. Trying to start the car could bend parts that connect the pistons to the rest of the drive train, said John Nielsen, managing director of automotive engineering for AAA.

DRIVING DURING FLOODS: WHAT TO KNOW

Oil, gasoline, antifreeze, brake fluid and other liquids could have water in them that could cause damage if not replaced. Nielsen recommends having the car towed to a mechanic for inspection. Depending on the severity of flood damage, he says the cost of refurbishing a car likely will be more than replacing it.

Q: IF IT'S REPAIRED, WILL MY CAR BE SAFE?

A: Probably not. Water could have damaged sensors, electrical connectors, computer chips and wiring that are under the carpet, behind the dashboard or in the engine compartment. That could disable lights, air bags, ignition, gas and brake pedal sensors or other essential systems. Corrosion can form beneath wiring insulation. Salty water from the Gulf of Mexico would make that worse. Damage may not surface for years. "Maybe it's OK. Maybe it's not. I would be really worried about it," says Nielsen.

Q: WILL INSURANCE COVER A FLOODED CAR?

A: Depends on your coverage. If you're financing or leasing, your lender likely requires comprehensive insurance, which typically covers flood damage along with fire, vandalism or falling objects. But if you own a car outright, or it's old and would be more expensive to repair than it's worth, you may choose not to get comprehensive coverage. As of 2013, 78 percent of U.S. insured drivers had comprehensive coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Q: HOW DO INSURERS HANDLE FLOODED CARS?

A: Once an owner files a claim, the insurer will evaluate the damage. Many states have guidelines for a vehicle to be considered a total loss, including the extent and type of damage and the cost of repair, says Missy Dundov, a spokeswoman for State Farm. If the insurer determines the vehicle is a total loss, it will pay the owner  minus a deductible that's typically $500 to $1,000  and take the vehicle and the title.

Q: WHERE DO FLOODED CARS GO?

A: Insurers will turn the cars over to auctions or salvage yards. Undamaged parts will be salvaged and many vehicles will be scrapped. Some will go to salvage auctions, says Tim West, vice president and North American auction director for Black Book, a service that calculates used car prices. Everything that's ruled a total loss by an insurance company should get a salvage title. But consumers should be careful. A vehicle considered a total loss in one state might not require a salvage title in another state, says Ron Montoya, a senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com.

Q: HOW CAN I AVOID BUYING A FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLE?

A: Flooded cars could be shipped to other parts of the country or even other nations. To find out where the car came from and if it has a salvage title, experts suggest keying the vehicle identification number into services (there's a charge) that search car histories such as Autocheck or Carfax. Carfax and the National Insurance Crime Bureau offer free services to check for flood damage. Buyers can ask to take the car to a mechanic for inspection. Buyers can also look for signs of flooding, including musty or moldy odors or overpowering use of air freshener, discolored carpet or new carpet in an old car, water lines in the engine compartment or trunk, fogging inside headlights or taillights, rust or flaking metal under the car, and dirt buildup in unusual areas such as around seat tracks. If you see any signs, don't buy the car, AAA's Nielsen says. "You're liable to face gremlins with that car forever," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
William Friedkin, who won an Academy Award for the 1973 horror film The Exorcist, said he filmed an actual exorcism for his new documentary.

Friedkin, 82, told Variety that he contacted a priest, Father Gabriele Amorth, who has conducted exorcisms for the Vaticans Rome Diocese after reading a few of his books. Friedkin said he was aware that Amorth thought the classic horror film had special effects that were over the top.

I had never tried to meet him; I never thought I could. But I was in Lucca [Italy] a year or so agoand someone casually mentioned that Lucca was about a half-hour drive to Pisawhere there was an airport where I could catch a one-hour flight to Rome. Something clicked, and through a friend I was able to write Father Amorth. Two days later he wrote me back, and said he would meet me, Friedkin told Variety.

A LACK OF NEW RELEASES CAUSES U.S. BOX OFFICE TO SUFFER

Amorth allowed Friedkin to come with him to perform a ninth exorcism on an Italian woman. Friedkin shot the footage for his documentary The Devil and Father Amorth.

Friedkin filmed the experience alone and called it frightening.

It was terrifying. I went from being afraid of what could happen to feeling a great deal of empathy with this womans pain and suffering, which is obvious in the film, Friedkin said.

GEORGE CLOONEY: ANGRY AMERICAN DREAM FLICK INSPIRED BY TRUMP CAMPAIGN

Amorth died in Sept. 2016 before the documentary was completed. Friedkin said the priest was performing exorcisms all day every day until his death.

The French Connection director screened the documentary at the Venice Film Festival last week.
Meghan Markle is finally opening up about her relationship with Prince Harry.

The 36-year-old actress spoke to Vanity Fair for its October issue, proudly calling the British prince her boyfriend.

"We're a couple. We're in love, Markle said in the interview published on Tuesday.

"I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us, Markle said. "It's part of what makes it so special, that it's just ours. But we're happy. Personally, I love a great love story."

Markle and Prince Harry met in July 2016 and their relationship has caused a media storm since it became public. Harry confirmed in November he was dating Markle when the Kensington Palace issued a statement on the harassment currently being experienced by Meghan Markle and her family. He also slammed media reports and "social media trolls" focusing on Markle being biracial, calling it outright racist and sexist.

The couple has worked to avoid being in the public eye and keep their relationship as private as possible, but Markle admitted it has its challenges.

And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriends support, she said.

Markle currently lives in Toronto to film "Suits" and often travels to London in between. She is passionate about her philanthropy work, a bond she shares with Harry. As to avoiding and moving past the tabloid rumors and stories, Markle said its really simple.

Were two people who are really happy and in love, the Suits actress said. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was peoples perception. Nothing about me changed. Im still the same person that I am, and Ive never defined myself by my relationship.
Denver International Airport is part of a plan to allow bison from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to roam on 200 acres of land belonging to the airport.

The proposed deal would allow the bison to roam up to Pena Boulevard  the road travelers take to the airports terminal, the Denver Channel reported.

NEED TO START A FIRE? USE THESE 2 KINDS OF TREE FUNGUS

Having that wildlife refuge next door is an unbelievable opportunity for us, airport manager Kim Day said according to Denver Channel.

But, the main concern is keeping the bison contained to a certain area and making sure they dont interfere with the nearby roadway.

How do we keep them enclosed and still allow you to see them from the road? Day said.

To solve that, Governor John Hickenlooper has suggested viewing stations to overlook the 16,000-acre refuge.

This stems from an attempt to protect the wild bison and restore the animals to the Wests natural landscape  over a century after hunters had nearly decimated the species.

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The bison herd is up to 122 after 18 calves were born this year, the news channel says, and there are 25 expected to be imported to the refuge in October.

Bison being able to roam freely has been compromised by the decrease of open prairie land due to widespread city expansion and agriculture.
A single-family home subdivision with 21 lots is being planned at 3205 Hixson Pike.

Gary Crowe of Chattanooga Homes is the owner, and ECGT, LLC is the developer.

The applicant is seeking a Special Exceptions Permit for a Planned Unit Development for the project that includes a new road constructed connecting the proposed development with Hixson Pike.

The single-family detached dwellings will front on a private dead-end street. The majority of lots are locate on the southern side of the proposed private drive due to topographic issues.

Density is approximately 1.92 dwelling units per acre.

The site is located on Hixson Pike between Olde Towne Lane and Van Buren Street.

The case goes before the Planning Commission on Monday at 1 p.m.

The Regional Planning Agency staff is recommended approval.
A 4-year-old girl in northern Italy died on Sunday of cerebral malaria, raising fears that the deadly blood disease is back in a region that has been free of it for decades.

Sofia Zago, of Brescia, was rushed to the hospital on Saturday with a high fever and died sometime between Sunday and Monday, Reuters reported. Her death has puzzled Italian doctors, who are trying to pinpoint exactly how she contracted the disease in a malaria-free country.

"It's the first time in my 30-year career that I've seen a case of malaria originating in Trentino," said Dr Claudio Paternoster, an infectious diseases specialist at Trento's Santa Chiara Hospital, told the BBC.

BABY'S LEAD POISONING CAUSED BY 'HOMEOPATHIC MAGNETIC' BRACELET

Luigi Gradoni, an infectious disease researcher at the state health institute, said though its unclear how Zago contracted malaria, residents nearby shouldnt worry because the disease cant be transmitted from person to person.

Health officials are investigating several theories. Zago didnt travel to any countries where malaria is common, but had recently visited Bibione, an Adriatic resort near Venice, for vacation. Anopheles mosquitoes, that carry the disease, can live in suitcases that are taken on planes.

Zago, who had diabetes, was also recently hospitalized and could have been exposed to malaria from two girls who were recovering from the disease in a separate room. The girls had contracted malaria in Africa, according to Reuters.

Officials said Zagos hospital room will be fumigated as a precaution.

Italy was declared malaria-free in 1970 after marshes with the disease-carrying mosquitoes were drained in the country. Others have worried an unusually hot and humid August have brought back the mosquitoes in the region.
A Missouri mother has donated 1,040 ounces of breast milk to victims left devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Danielle Palmer, of Owensville, said she was moved to help after watching footage of the storm on television, KMOV.com reported.

Palmer, who has three children, has an excess supply of breast milk because of her youngest sons health issues.

Truett has a congenital heart defect along with other underlying anomalies, Palmer told KMOV.com. For a big chunk of his life, he was unable to take my milk. Most of his nutrition came through IV.

With the help of her sons speech therapist, who is part of the Guiding Star Missouri organization, Palmer packed her donation into a freezer and shipped it along with other supplies to a breast milk bank, where it will be tested before being distributed to moms in need.

HOUSTON POLICE OFFICER BATTLING CANCER BRAVES FLOODWATERS TO RESCUE HARVEY VICTIMS

The goal is for the milk to reach mothers who lost their supply when the power went out, or who lost it to the floodwaters.

I cant imagine being in a situation where youre losing everything and just the fear of all of that, Palmer told the news outlet. All I could do was sit and pray for the moms and dads and kids. Beauty can come from this. It wont be bad forever.

Palmer shared a photo of her donation on Facebook where it has been picked up by various news outlets and parenting blogs. The post has received praise from moms across the country.

We have each others backs, Palmer told KMOV.com. We take care of each other. Breast-feeding is hard. Whether youre pumping or feeding or however it may be, its hard. And were like momma bears. We protect one another.
One woman in the U.K. who is allergic to nuts was left paralyzed and brain damaged after accidentally eating nuts at a restaurantand her family is speaking out about her experience.

Amy May and her parents Sue and Roger recently went on the British show ITV This Morning to talk about the devastating incident. According to Sue, Amy was on a trip to Budapest with her friends in 2014 when she ordered a meal at a restaurant.

Amy, who was 26 at the time, told the wait staff about her allergy, showed them an allergy information card printed in the local language that said she had a potentially fatal allergy, and was assured several times that the food she ordered was nut-free.

SAN DIEGO DECLARES HEALTH EMERGENCY TO COMBAT HEPATITIS A OUTBREAK

Unfortunately, it wasnt.

According to the website for the Amy May Trust, Amy suffered anaphylaxis (a severe and acute allergic reaction that can cause a persons throat to close, among other things) after taking her first bite of food.

The reaction was so severe that Amy suffered a cardiac arrest, the site reads. With her friends watching helplessly, paramedics fought to save Amys life in the road outside of the restaurant, she was then rushed to the Peterfy Hospital in Budapest and immediately put into an induced coma.

Amy suffered a severe brain injury due to a lack of oxygen and she was put on a life-support machine. After three weeks in a hospital in Budapest, she was airlifted back to her native Britain, where she was hospitalized for 11 months. Shes now undergoing therapy, is wheelchair bound, and is unable to speak, even though she can understand what people say.

Her story is terrifying for anyone with a severe food allergy, and for those who have children with a nut allergy.

While food allergies overall affect about 4 percent of U.S. population, we have found a three-fold increase in peanut allergies over the last few decades, says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network.

As with most allergies, there are varying degrees of severity and symptoms, including nasal and eye symptoms, hives, skin redness, itchiness, swelling of the mouth, face, and/or throat, as well as trouble breathing and wheezing, says Clifford Bassett, M.D., founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York and author of The New Allergy Solution: Supercharge Resistance, Slash Medication, Stop Suffering.

Some people may only experience vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort, he adds, but for others, the consequences are much worse.

"Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis and data indicates that every three minutes a person is seen in an ER for a severe food reaction resulting in anaphylaxis," Bassett says.

Amys family said that two EpiPens were used on their daughter after she ate nuts, which sounds like a lot, but isnt uncommon.

Anaphylaxis is a severe multi-organ reaction and often patients need multiple doses of epinephrine for survival, Parikh says, adding that thats why she advises all of her patients to carry at least two EpiPens at all times.

REFRIGERATOR BLAMED FOR BOY'S CARBON MONOXIDE DEATH

If you or a loved one has a nut allergy, Parikh recommends being extremely proactive about the allergy.

Do not be afraid to be vocal, ask questions, and advocate for yourself, she says.

She also recommends carefully vetting all places where you eat and, if possible, bringing your own food that you know is safe when you travel.

Sadly, the general public may not take allergies seriously and even if they do, mistakes get made, she says. With food allergy, someone else's error can cost you your life.

This article first appeared on Women's Health.
The Superintendent of Georgias Cherokee Schools District has apologized after a teacher banned students from wearing pro-Trump t-shirts.

A River Ridge High School math teacher told two students their Make America Great Again t-shirts violated the schools dress code and that they would not be allowed to wear them to class. The teacher then expressed personal political opinions about the pro-Trump apparel.

DONALD TRUMP AND MELANIA'S TEXAS HAT CHOICES CAUSE CONTROVERSY

The teacher was filmed and the footage was released online by River Ridge students, sparking a firestorm.

Now the Superintendent has issued an apology for the teachers errant ban, stating that the shirts were not a violation of the schools dress code. The school followed-up with a reminder to teachers that they should not share political opinions with students.

A statement in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Barbara Jacoby, a Cherokee County Schools spokeswoman, said, [The teachers] actions were wrong, as the Make America Great Again shirts worn by the student are not a violation of our School District dress code.

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Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is deeply sorry that this incident happened in one of our schools, Jacoby said. It does not reflect his expectation that all students be treated equally and respectfully by our employees.

Jacoby added that the students wearing the shirts were not facing disciplinary action. It is unclear whether the teacher will receive any penalty.
A tattoo artist in Ireland is dedicating his time to help those whove struggled with self-harm by covering their scars with beautiful works of art for free.

Ink Factory artist Ryan Sean Kelly founded Scars Behind Beauty earlier this year after he met a client who couldnt find a tattoo artist who would work with her.

"A girl just randomly came in looking for a tattoo to cover up some scars and I got talking to her and she started telling me her story and at the end of that it didnt really feel right to charge her. It kind of felt like it meant more to her than that, Kelly told the Independent.

HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMS NEED THESE HEALTH ITEMS; HERE'S HOW TO HELP

Kelly said tattoo artists often refuse to work on scarred skin. His project is important because for those whove struggled with mental illness, their scars are often a painful reminder of a dark time.

"A lot of tattoo artists avoid doing tattooing over scars. Understandably to a certain degree because obviously if you want your best piece its going to be better on flat skin. It can take a little bit more time sometimes, but for me it means a lot more than that because you're helping someone move on from a difficult time," he said to the Independent.

Word spread about Scars Behind Beauty and Kelly now has a waiting list of over 300 people wanting to get inked.

One of Kellys clients, 19-year old Aoife Lovett told the Independent her scars brought back bad memories from a difficult period in her life, so getting them covered has helped in her recovery.

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"Its very hard when youre a couple of years clean from doing it and every day youre constantly reminded of what you did. It brings back memories of how you felt thenRyan is helping people to move on. It's putting something beautiful over something ugly. It gives you a new sense of freedom and you get your confidence back because its very hard to go into jobs and wear t-shirts with scars because you get looks and you get questions a lot about it, she said.
Hurricane Harvey forced thousands of people from their homes in Texas and Louisiana  and now President Trump is threatening to force me and 800,000 other undocumented immigrants brought to America as children out of our homes throughout the United States.

My heart goes out to those made homeless by Harvey. That tragedy, unfortunately, was unavoidable. But Presidents Trumps decision announced Tuesday to end a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in six months is a man-made disaster.

In making the announcement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the delay in ending DACA will give Congress time to pass legislation, if it chooses, to provide the protection DACA now gives to me and the other immigrants known as Dreamers. If enacted, such legislation would enable us to stay in the U.S., where we have lived since childhood.

But with Congress gridlocked on so many issues, no one can say for sure if efforts to reform Americas immigration laws will succeed in six months, after years of failure. So those of us protected by DACA have no idea if we will be able to stay here or if we will be deported to countries where we have few if any memories.

This is torture for all 800,000 of us  a giant question mark hanging over our heads.

Almost all of us have jobs or are in school. We have friends, relatives, partners and many ties to our communities. And we love America. We desperately want to stay.

But its not just we Dreamers who would be hurt by the end of DACA. America would suffer.

The Center for American Progress estimates that ending DACA would remove about 685,000 workers from the U.S. economy over the next 10 years  creating hardships for employers who would have to replace them.

And the center estimates ending DACA would reduce the U.S. gross domestic product  the total value of all goods produced and services provided  by about $460 billion over a decade.

Businesses would lose 800,000 customers. Government at all levels would lose billions of dollars in tax revenue. Colleges and universities would lose tuition and fees from students. The armed forces would lose brave immigrants willing risk their lives to defend America.

So why are we Dreamers being threatened with deportation? The anti-immigrant hysteria that motivates those who want to send us packing makes no sense.

I ask everyone born in the U.S. to look at us as you looked at your parents, grandparents or earlier ancestors who came to this land of immigrants, making your lives possible. Do you think the Native Americans, who were here first, should have deported members of your families?

I have been a beneficiary of DACA since 2012. It changed my life, as it changed the lives of other Dreamers. Before DACA, I felt like a criminal on the run. I was terrified of being deported. I thought it would be impossible to ever go to college due to my undocumented status.

Yet I feel as American as anyone born here. My parents took me from Cali, Colombia to Miami in 2002, when I was 4-years-old. We fled after rebel forces of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) killed my grandparents. My parents feared wed be in danger if we stayed.

Like other Dreamers, I didnt ask to come here. Contrary to the dire warnings President Trump has voiced about undocumented immigrants, I was not a rapist, drug dealer or any other sort of criminal at age 4. Nor have I become one.

My parents started a business and created jobs for Americans. They worked every day of the week and paid their taxes. They taught me an unwavering sense of respect and gratitude for everything that living in the United States made possible.

In school I dedicated myself entirely to my studies and was a straight-A student, scoring at the highest levels on state and national academic tests.

I am currently a sophomore at Columbia University in New York City and if I am allowed to stay in the United States I hope to go to law school.

I could never afford an Ivy League education on my own. But my education is funded and supported by scholarships from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Alexander Hamilton Scholars, Golden Door Scholars and Questbridge.

I speak six languages. I held internships with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. I became an accomplished violinist and gave free violin lessons to impoverished Miami youth.

I visited the White House and met first lady Michelle Obama when I was appointed to the student advisory board for her Better Make Room initiative, which encourages college attendance. I was one of 22 students worldwide to win the Future Global Leaders Fellowship.

For the rest of my life, I will be grateful to all the organizations that have supported me and given me new opportunities on the basis of my abilities and hard work, not my birthplace. And I will be grateful to President Obama for signing the DACA executive order.

President Trump is the grandson of German immigrants, son of a Scottish mother, husband of an immigrant and former husband of another. Im sure hes glad members of his family were allowed to stay in America. We 800,000 Dreamers ask that we be allowed to do the same.
By executive fiat, President Obama granted amnesty to immigrants living illegally in the United States.

It was an unconstitutional act, to be sure. Obama had previously admitted he had no authority to end deportations of illegal aliens when he said, The notion that somehow I can just change the laws unilaterally is just not true. Then he went about doing it anyway, conjuring a new breadth of hypocrisy.

His successor, President Trump, is now taking the first step toward restoring sanity to the rule of law as it applies to the Constitution and immigration.

By rescinding the Obama-created Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that gave a deportation reprieve to illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, Trump is returning legislative authority to the legislature. He is reinstating the separation of powers that are fundamental to our democracy.

Usurping Legislative Authority

Under the Constitution, congress is vested with writing laws and the president is charged with executing those laws. This is especially true when it comes to immigration.

At the end of the 19th century, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that congress has plenary power (meaning full and complete) to regulate immigration. Derived from Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, the doctrine is based on the concept that immigration is a question of national sovereignty, relating to a nations right to define its own borders and restrict entrance therein.

As the high court observed,Over no conceivable subject is the legislative power of Congress more complete. (Oceanic Stem Navigation Co. v. Stranahan, 214, U.S. 320)

Nevertheless, Obama decided to usurp this power by unilateral directive, unconstrained by established checks and balances. In so doing, he granted himself extra-constitutional authority and upset the carefully balanced separation of powers. He also subverted the nucleus of our constitutional design: the rule of law.

The only exception to the power of congress in dictating immigration is the 1952 statute in which the legislative branch transferred its authority to the president in cases involving national security. The president is specifically empowered to restrict foreigners from entering the country to protect the safety and security of Americans. This law formed the basis for President Trumps travel ban.

In all other immigration matters, only congress is authorized to make laws which the president must enforce.

Distorting Prosecutorial Discretion

Those who supported Obamas actions not to enforce the law argued that he was merely engaging in prosecutorial discretion. It is one of those wonderfully fungible phrases in the law. Elastic because it is vague and ambiguous. Useful because it can be easily abused.

Obama appropriated this doctrine to justify his near boundless discretion to amend, revise, waive or suspend the execution of immigration laws. As chief executive, he empowered himself to decide what laws may be enforced or ignored and what persons may come or go across our southern border irrespective of what the law actually states.

In past decisions, the Supreme Court cautioned the executive branch that its prosecutorial discretion, while broad, is not unfettered. (U.S. v. Batchelder, 442 U.S. 114) It is subject to restrictions. The doctrine may not be used to adopt a sweeping policy of non-enforcement of the law. It applies only to decisions not to prosecute or expel specific individuals or small groups of people, typically for exigent reasons like war, civil unrest or political persecution.

By contrast, Obama bestowed a wholesale, blanket amnesty for an entire class of people. He did so not for the reasons allowed by law, but for purposes that were purely political. It was a flagrant abuse of prosecutorial discretion.

The centerpiece of Obamas 2014 amnesty program was the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, widely known as DAPA. But this law never went into effect because a federal judge blocked it, declaring that the program was a likely abuse of executive powers. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit agreed, and that decision was left intact by the Supreme Court.

With several states vowing a similar challenge to DACA, it was destined for the same judicial fate. That is, an unconstitutional order.

Breaching His Sworn Duty

Obama insisted he was forced to act because congress failed to act. It was an appealing political argument, but utterly untrue. Congress did act by passing a law in 1996 requiring federal agents to deport illegal immigrants, with few exceptions. The statutory language is mandatory. That law remains in effect today. Yet, Obama breached his sworn duty by failing to enforce the law. Instead, he ordered immigration agents, in effect, to break the law.

Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution requires that the President shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed. Nowhere is it written that the chief executive is granted the latitude to pick and choose which laws he wants to enforce. He cannot ignore or nullify laws he does not like because the Constitution gives him no power not to execute laws.

To infer such latitude would invite an authoritarian rule anathema to our Founding Fathers vision. Obama admitted as much when he said, The fact of the matter is, there are laws on the books that I have to enforce. He was specifically referring to immigration laws. The Constitution does not permit a president to engage in a de facto repeal of an existing law. To do so is, quite simply, lawlessness and a dereliction of duty.

If a president can refuse to enforce a valid federal law, are there any limits to his powers? What is to stop a president from rewriting other laws with which he disagrees? Or to act where congress has declined or refused to act? Why even have a legislative branch of government at all? What is the point of a Constitution which enumerates and circumscribes powers and duties?

President Trump will be criticized for revoking his predecessors immigration program. But his decision bears fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Only congress is empowered to alter immigration laws that affect those who are here in the U.S. illegally. It can either pass a new law or decline to do so. A determination not to act is, by itself, a deliberate act. This is how the Framers constructed our system of government.

Congress considers and debates a great many bills. Not all of them pass. This is not a failure in a conventional sense, but a decision by declination. It constitutes a prudent and calculated process.

Obama twisted the law, ignored the Constitution, and abdicated his primary responsibility as chief executive.

President Trump is moving in a different direction.
What happened?! Hillary Clinton obviously left off the question and exclamation marks from her book title, but no worries. If anyone has been confused about what happened last November, things were just cleared up by a simple meme on Twitter.

The photo shows a copy of Hillarys upcoming campaign memoir, What Happened, next to another book  titled I Happened. The second book cover shows a picture of a grinning President Donald Trump.

Simple, funny and most of all, true.

But if that answer isnt enough for Hillary supporters, they have a chance to have Hillary personally tell them a fairy tale, but only if they cough up $150 to nearly $2,400 for tickets and the privilege of seeing her in the flesh.

Hillary abandoned her supporters on election night, but hey, why go down to speak for free when you can wait until your book is finished and then charge everyone an arm and leg to hear your excuses for losing?

The promotional material for the book tour wants to make sure you know how much of a victim Hillary really is: She speaks about the challenges of being a strong woman in the public eye, the criticism over her voice, age, and appearance, and the double standard confronting women in politics.

The book tour promo material goes on to talk about the Russians. She lays out how the 2016 election was marked by an unprecedented assault on our democracy by a foreign adversary. By analyzing the evidence and connecting the dots, Hillary shows just how dangerous the forces were that shaped the outcome.

Oh, so the Russians told Hillary to call half the electorate deplorable and irredeemable? Got it.

The truth is, in fact, boring and predictable. Hillary lost because of Hillary, including the conspiracy nonsense she peddles promoting dangerous forces as an excuse for her desperate inability to be honest and face reality.

During the election, Hillary took supporters  and the American people in general  for granted. And now shes taking them for a ride. Just ask Democrats in Wisconsin, a state she couldnt be bothered to visit during the campaign because, as the Borg know full well, resistance is futile.

Until its not.

So dont fret Milwaukee! You are now on the list as Hillary is deigning to pay you a visit on the book tour. Yes, a year late, but shes confident in her contempt, and shes sure youll pay her to lecture you.

On this day, as Houston is only really beginning to assess the damage of Hurricane Harvey, one wonders who could really use that $150 to nearly $2,400 that Hillary is pocketing for the pleasure of her company. People, their pets, and other animals who need rescuing from a hurricanes bacteria-laden flood waters? Families who need shelter and food to survive the aftermath? Or a twice-failed multimillionaire politician looking to cash in on her latest fiasco?
A Georgia middle school is apologizing after middle school students were presented a poem that described God as a mythical creature like a unicorn.

The Aug. 30th lesson was part of a classroom discussion about Greek mythology at Cedartown Middle School.

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God is like a mythical creature, a unicorn with silver blood, the controversial poem declared.

The idea of god makes young children laugh and feel safe at night, the poet wrote. But when you grow older and see the evil in the world and the face of death like a shadow behind the eyes of every living thing, then where is God?

And if that wasnt enough to convince the youngsters to renounce their faith and become godless atheists, the poet concluded with a final splash of anti-deity flourish.

Then God is revealed in all his foolishness, a naked like, a childish dream, a mythical creature like the unicorn, the poet wrote.

Lets just say the poem went over like a unicorn blowing pixie dust out its backside.

Outraged parents contacted Fox 5 in Atlanta and faster than you could say Puff the Magic Dragon  the school district apologized.

We recognize that it was an unfortunate mistake to have included the work as part of our classes here at our school, the Polk County, Georgia school district stated.

We had meaningful conversations and believe that the inclusion of this article to have been made not by malicious intent nor the desire to denounce the faith or beliefs of any of our students, staff or community members, the district went on to state.

Principal Shannon Hulsey said she completely understands why parents were upset.

They felt that it was very disrespectful to God and it (the poem) didnt really have anything to do with unicorns, she told Fox 5.

She said the teachers involved in the lesson pulled the poem out of a folder full of material on ancient mythology.

This was a mistake. In no way whatsoever would we want to defame God or go anywhere in that direction at the school, she told the television station.

The lesson here is that parents saw something and said something. Thats the message in my latest book, The Deplorables Guide to Making America Great Again.

If we are truly going to restore American values, we must be willing to take a stand in our hometowns.

Together, we can make a difference. Just ask the good people of Cedartown, Georgia.
As expected, members of the United Nations Security Council met in emergency session on Monday to condemn North Koreas test of what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb, its sixth and by far its most powerful ever. Then came the unexpected.

Rather than offer yet another resolution denouncing North Korea and calling for even stronger sanctions against dictator Kim Jong Uns brutal rogue regime, Ambassador Nikki Haley attacked China, the only country capable of isolating North Korea, calling its ambassadors proposal to the U.N. for defusing the crisis insulting. Then she reiterated her administrations threats to use military force and total economic warfare against the North, both widely seen as empty threats given the grave damage either would inflict on America and our Asian allies.

As a result, key permanent members of the council displayed not a unified political front against Kim Jong Uns relentless, seemingly unstoppable quest for a sophisticated nuclear weapons arsenal, but deep divisions over how best to defuse the escalating conflict and change North Koreas behavior.

Chalk up a victory, however temporary, for North Korean chief nuclear narcissist Kim Jong Un.

Ambassador Haleys short statement seemed designed to out-Trump President Trump in bellicose rhetoric and empty threats. By saying that Mr. Kim was practically begging for war and that enough is enough, she echoed Secretary of Defense James Mattis threat to use military force to stop Kims nuclear program and protect America and its allies. She also repeated Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins threat to sever trade with any country which trades with North Korea, calling for the toughest sanctions possible. Since more than 80 percent of its trade is with China, Ms. Haley was yet again threatening the only country capable of inflicting sufficient pain on North Korea to tempt it back to the negotiating table.Ditto the administration's plans to try to cut off all oil and other fuel supplies to Pyongyang. Without China, that is a non-starter.

Her performance left seasoned U.N. and Asia analysts perplexed or downright alarmed. Abraham Denmark, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia called the administrations response chaotic. Robert Einhorn, a former senior State Department nonproliferation expert now at the Brookings Institution, called President Trumps tweets and conflicting policy statements an incoherent mess.

In the administrations defense, neither previous Republican nor Democratic administrations have figured out how to persuade North Korea to relinquish a nuclear weapons capability that many experts say Pyongyang considers vital to its survival.

Earlier administrations have resorted to almost every conceivable diplomatic and economic tactic to persuade North Korea to end or suspend its ambitious nuclear weapons program since Pyongyang tested its first atomic device in 2006. Nothing has worked for long: not U.N. resolutions, diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions, shoring up our allies defensive capabilities, enhancing efforts to interdict North Koreas trade in nuclear materials, and nuclear agreements like the so-called 1994 Agreed Framework, which Pyongyang soon violated.

But administration officials, President Trump, in particular, have made a jumble of contradictory statements about North Korea and how to handle Kim Jong Un that has worried Americas allies.

Its rhetoric grew hot several weeks ago after Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles capable of striking the U.S.. In response, President Trump said that North Korea would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen if it continued to threaten the U.S. and that U.S. jets headed for the region were locked and loaded. But Mr. Trump later said that he thought the 33-year-old dictator was beginning to respect him.

In an essay in the Wall Street Journal in mid-August, Defense Secretary Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson further softened the administrations tone. Washington, they said, did not seek either "regime change or reunification of Korea," but denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. The secretaries also courted China, praising it for supporting tougher economic sanctions against North Korea and urging President Xi Jinping to do more to exercise decisive diplomatic and economic leverage over North Korea. Quietly, some administration officials fumed over the fact that while China supported the sanctions, trade between China and North Korea increased this year.

Senior officials, including President Trump, also talked to South Koreas liberal new President Moon Jae-in, who said the administration had vowed not to use force without first consulting him, a claim the White House has never confirmed. But even before this weekends latest test, President Trump began criticizing Seoul.

Days before the test, he threatened to withdraw from the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement, a move criticized by many Asian experts, among them Gordon Chang, who argued in the Daily Beast that Washington should work to strengthen its regional alliances, not antagonize its key Asian ally, the nation facing the greatest strategic threat from Pyongyang. But as South Korean and U.S. forces engaged in joint military exercises, Mr. Trump criticized both China and South Korea in a tweet, saying that North Korea had become a great threat and embarrassment to China, and that President Moons talk of negotiating with North Korea was a form of appeasement.

Recently, North Koreas Kim scoffed at President Trumps bombast as ego-driven tweets. And he has moved doggedly ahead, conducting more than 80 missile tests since taking power and four of the countrys six underground nuclear tests. Despite having the worlds fourth largest army, Pyonyang seems unshakably committed to acquiring an advanced nuclear arsenal capable of targeting the United States to preserve the regime. Neither economic sanctions nor diplomatic seduction nor threats of military force alone seem likely to shake that.

Issuing empty threats, moreover, is widely seen as dangerously counter-productive. As Robert Joseph, a former National Security Council official and superhawk on North Korea, argued recently in the National Review, the preemptive use of armed force carries a high risk of escalation and the potential loss of millions of lives.

Roughly 20 million people live in Seoul, within range of North Korean artillery, among them, roughly 140,000 Americans, 20,500 of them U.S. soldiers. Empty, too, is the bluster about cutting off all trade with countries which trade with North Korea. U.S.-China trade accounts for roughly 4 percent of U.S. GPD. Ending it would throw Americas and the worlds economy into turmoil.

Leave bombast and bellicose showmanship to the little man who has brutalized North Korea.

President Trump needs to stop tweeting threats and let his officials cement ties with U.S. allies and the Asian allies whose support he will need to stand any chance of altering Kim Jong Uns dangerous trajectory.


From left, HCSO Deputy Chris Walker, Tynne, and HCSO Sergeant Mark Williams HCSO Deputy Chris Walker and Tynne Tynnes early days in tracking training in Georgia Tynnes early days in tracking training in Georgia Tynnes early days in tracking training in Georgia Tynnes early days in tracking training in Georgia Previous Next

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office welcomed a new K-9 tracking dog Tynne on Tuesday.

HCSO currently has three full-time K-9 deputies assigned to drug detection and apprehension. All HCSO K-9 deputies are trained in the art of tracking, but only Tynne is dedicated solely to tracking.

HCSO currently has a three man tracking team dedicated to Tynne for Tracking and Trailing. They include Sgt. Mark Williams, the primary handler, and Deputy Chris Walker and Deputy Danny Stone.

K-9 Deputy Tynne is a female Hanoverian hound, raised in Slovakia although formally trained in South Carolina by the world renown K-9 training company, Georgia K-9 Training. Tynne has her own Passport from the European Union.

Tynnes cost and training equals approximately $10,650, which was donated by the AEGIS Law Enforcement Foundation.

The Hanover Hound is sometimes called a Hanoverian Hound and is an offspring of the big bloodhounds (Liam Hounds) of medieval era and known as tracking and hunting dogs. They originated in Germany in the 17th century. The life expectancy of Hanover Hound is 10-14 years. Hanoverian Hounds are considered scent hounds which are a type of hound that hunt by scent rather than sight. They are generally regarded as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines. Scent hounds do not need to be as fast as sight hounds, because they do not need to keep prey in sight, but they need endurance so that they can stick with a scent and follow it for long distances over rough terrain.




Leaders of the GOP-controlled House purportedly plan to vote Wednesday on a $7.9 billion Hurricane Harvey relief package separate from deciding on whether to raise the federal debt ceiling, setting up a potential White House showdown and adding another twist to what will be an action-packed next several weeks on Capitol Hill.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox News Sunday that he and President Trump wanted Congress to have a combined vote on the relief package and increasing the debt ceiling, amid concerns that they wont have enough money to help clean up from the deadly storm that flooded much of southeast Texas, then parts of Louisiana.

However, two of the Houses most fiscally conservative groups -- the House Freedom Caucus and the Republican Study Committee -- have already balked at the White House plan.

What happened in Texas is a tragedy and it needs an urgent Congressional response, North Carolina Rep. Mark Walker, leader of the Republican Study Committee, said Monday. Congress is united behind this effort, but I worry about jeopardizing an agreement with such legislative games.  The debt ceiling should be paired with significant fiscal and structural reforms.

Meanwhile, Congress top two Democrats have signaled some support for the idea.

"Providing aid in the wake of Harvey and raising the debt ceiling are both important issues, and Democrats want to work to do both," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, of California, said in a joint statement Sunday. "Given the interplay between all the issues Congress must tackle in September, Democrats and Republicans must discuss all the issues together and come up with a bipartisan consensus."

In addition to having to raising the debt ceiling by Sept. 29 and appropriate billions to hurricane victims in dire need, Congress also must pass a separate spending resolution to avoid a government shutdown after Sept. 30.

The linking of the emergency money and the debt ceiling is just the latest in a recent series of such proposals -- including Trump vowing before the hurricane to close down the government if the spending resolution doesnt include money for his campaign-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The Associated Press reports the House will vote separately on the debt ceiling and the Harvey funding.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told Fox News on Monday the chamber will indeed vote Wednesday on the hurricane money. He also said he fully realizes Mnuchins concerns about having enough money but was not specific about whether the issues would be combined into one vote.

The GOP-controlled Senate has not said when or how it will vote on the issue.

Trump plans to meet with congressional leaders from both parties this week as lawmakers upon their return.

The government's cash reserves are running low because the debt limit has already been reached, and the Treasury Department is using various accounting measures to cover expenses.

Mnuchin originally had said that Congress would need to raise the $19.9 trillion borrowing limit by Sept. 29 to avoid a catastrophic default on the debt, allowing the government to continue borrowing money to pay bills like Social Security and interest.

But on Sunday, he said that deadline had moved up due to unexpected new spending on Harvey.

"Without raising the debt limit, I'm not comfortable that we would get the money that we need this month to Texas to rebuild," he said.

Trump's aid request would add $7.4 billion to dwindling Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid coffers and $450 million to finance disaster loans for small businesses. An additional $5 billion to $8 billion for Harvey could be tucked into a catch-all spending bill Congress must pass in the coming weeks to fund the government past Sept. 30.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday described the federal aid package as an important initial "down payment" on Harvey relief that he expects will come to $150 billion to $180 billion.

GOP lawmakers also head into the final quarter of the year trying pass Trumps plan to overhaul the federal tax code.

Meanwhile, Trump may be poised to throw another tricky issue Congress' way.

The White House says the president on Tuesday will decide the fate of the younger immigrants brought to the United States as kids and protected from deportation by former President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. If Trump ends or phases out the program, there will be pressure for Congress to step in with a fix to save nearly 800,000 from the threat of deportation.

Some Republicans have even begun to talk about the possibility of a deal to protect this group in exchange for funding Trump's border wall, despite Democrats called the proposal a nonstarter.

Fox News' Mike Emanuel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trumps busy Labor Day was jam-packed with phone calls and meetings with advisors on a number of hot button issues including North Korea, DACA, and Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.

"He has been in the office all day," a senior White House aide told Fox News.

Trumps Monday morning included phone calls to South Korean President Moon Jae-In and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the North Korean threat following the regimes claim to have successfully conducted a hydrogen bomb test.

In his call with Moon, the "two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal," according to a White House readout of the discussion. Trump also agreed to lift limits on South Korea's missile payload capabilities -- a first since the late 1970s.

Fox News has learned that the president also spoke to United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and his Chief of Staff John Kelly to discuss the latest on North Korea. Earlier, Haley warned in an emergency meeting of the U.N.'s Security Council that North Korea's Kim Jong Un was "begging for war" following their provocative progression with nuclear capabilities .

A senior White House official told Fox News that Trump held a separate call with Kelly, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Trump also spoke to various stakeholders on DACA, the Obama program which allowed nearly 800,000 unauthorized immigrants who came to the United States as children to remain in the U.S. He is expected to announce the end of the program Tuesday.

"I think that this isn't a decision that the president takes lightly and he is taking time and diligent effort to make sure that he goes through every bit of the process," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters last Friday. "I think the decision itself is weighing on him, certainly."

A White House official told Fox News Sunday that Trump will likely end the deferred program Tuesday but offer a six month window to allow and encourage Congressional lawmakers to create a similar program that protects illegal immigrations through legislation.

Trump also spent his Labor Day ramping up recovery efforts for parts of Texas devastated by Hurricane Harvey last week. The president spoke to FEMA Chief Brock Long on Harveys aftermath, as well as the 30 active wildfires in the state of California. The conversation also focused on the possible next threat Hurricane Irma, which strengthened to a Category 4 Monday afternoon.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Monday evening with possible landfall expected later this week.
The former top campaign lawyer for failed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is behind yet another lawsuit against a state's voter identification laws, the latest in a series of challenges that stem back to 2015.

Previous efforts launched against voter ID laws were backed by millions from liberal billionaire George Soros, who has a personal goal of enlarging the electorate by 10 million people by 2018, as documents leaked last year show.

The League of Woman Voters and three individuals are suing the state of New Hampshire in an attempt to block a law on voter registration that includes requirements such as providing a driver's license to prove an individual's primary residence is in the state and will be living in the state for a substantial time.

The lawsuit is supported by Priorities USA, the largest liberal super political action committee that backed Clinton's campaign. Priorities received $9.5 million from Soros throughout the 2016 election cycle.

Marc Elias, a partner at the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Perkins Coie and Clinton's former top campaign lawyer, is listed as an attorney on the New Hampshire lawsuit. Elias joined the board of Priorities earlier this year when the group absorbed Every Vote Counts, a nonprofit created by Clinton allies to mobilize African American and Latino voters. The group is in the process of building a "one-stop inventory" on voting measures that will be shared with other liberal groups.

Elias was behind a number of lawsuits that were filed against voter identification laws in recent years.

Click for more from The Washington Free Beacon.
Hillary Clinton takes aim at former Democratic presidential rival Bernie Sanders in her soon-to-be-released campaign memoir, accusing him of paving the way for the relentless Crooked Hillary attacks she endured from Donald Trump in the general election.

According to excerpts that have surfaced online, Clinton accused Sanders of resorting to innuendo and impugning my character during the contentious primary because the Democratic socialist couldnt make a policy argument against her.

Nonetheless, his attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary campaign, Clinton wrote.

Clintons book -- "What Happened  isnt set for release until Sept. 12. But several supporters who obtained the book have published early purported excerpts on social media.

In the book, the former Democratic presidential nominee compared Sanders to the deranged hitchhiker in the 1998 Ben Stiller movie Theres Something About Mary.

A deranged hitchhiker says hes come up with a brilliant plan, Clinton wrote, describing a scene in the movie. Instead of the famous eight-minute abs exercise routine, hes going to market seven minute abs. Its the same, just quicker. Then the driver, played by Ben Stiller, says, Well, why not six-minute abs?

Clinton added: Thats what it was like in policy debates with Bernie. We would propose a bold infrastructure plan or an ambitious new apprenticeship program for young people, and then Bernie would announce basically the same thing, but bigger. On issue after issue, it was like he kept proposing four-minute abs, or even no-minute abs. Magic abs!

Clinton lamented in the book how she was pressured  including by President Obama  not to hit back against Bernies attacks.

My team kept reminding me that we didnt want to alienate Bernies supporters, Clinton wrote. President Obama urged me to grit my teeth and lay off Bernie as much as I could. I felt I was in a straitjacket.

She also accused some of Sanders supporters  the so-called Bernie Bros  of harassing her supporters online and being more than a little sexist.

I dont know if that bothered Bernie or not, Clinton writes. He certainly shared my horror at the thought of Donald Trump becoming president, and I appreciated that he campaigned for me in the general election. But he isnt a Democratthats not a smear, thats what he says. He didnt get into the race to make sure a Democrat won the White House, he got in to disrupt the Democratic Party.

She added, I am proud to be a Democrat and I wish Bernie were, too.

HILLARY CLINTON CHARGING BIG BUCKS FOR BOOK TOUR EVENTS

Clinton is planning to embark on a tour across the United States and Canada to promote What Happened. The steep ticket prices for these live events have not gone unnoticed in the publishing industry.

For $2,375.95 (or $3,000 in Canadian dollars), Clinton fans in Toronto can obtain a VIP platinum ticket for her Sept. 28 talk, for example. That ticket includes two front-row seats, a photo with Clinton backstage and a signed book.
Hillary Clinton recalled aide Huma Abedin bursting into tears after learning Clintons emails were again under FBI scrutiny because of Anthony Weiners sexting scandal, according to a leaked excerpt from Clintons forthcoming book.

This man is going to be the death of me! Abedin said at the time, Clinton wrote in the excerpt obtained by RadarOnline.com.

Clinton reportedly added, Anthony had already caused so much heartache. And now this.

Abedin, a longtime aide to Clinton, served as vice chairwoman of Clintons 2016 campaign. She was married at the time to Weiner, the former New York Democratic congressman, who was repeatedly caught sending explicit messages online to young women.

In July of 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey announced that he was not recommending charges over Clinton's past email practices, which the bureau investigated, saying at the time that the investigation was finished.

But just days before the election, Comey notified top members of Congress in a letter that the bureau had learned of the existence of emails that appear to be pertinent to the investigation.

It turned out the new emails were discovered after the bureau seized devices belonging to Weiner and Abedin during its probe of texts Weiner sent to a 15-year-old girl.

In May, Abedin filed for divorce from Weiner hours after the disgraced former congressman pleaded guilty to sexting a minor.

Clintons book about the 2016 election  "What Happened  isnt set for release until Sept. 12. But excerpts have started to surface.

CLINTON BLASTS BERNIE SANDERS FOR INSPIRING CROOKED HILLARY ATTACKS

Several supporters tweeted excerpts of Clinton taking aim at former Democratic presidential rival Bernie Sanders, accusing him of paving the way for the relentless Crooked Hillary attacks she endured from Donald Trump in the general election.

Clinton, in the book, accuses Sanders of resorting to innuendo and impugning my character during the contentious primary because the Democratic socialist couldnt make a policy argument against her.

Nonetheless, his attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary campaign, Clinton wrote.

Fox News Alex Pappas contributed to this report.
Mayor de Blasio claims hes running the city so well that youd assume theyd be having parades out in the streets  and insisted hed be more popular if it werent for the time in history.

When I think about how crimes gone down for four years, graduation rates up, test scores are up, more jobs than ever in our history  I think, Wow, just that quick profile, any candidate anywhere would want it,  he boasted to New York magazine.

Youd assume theyd be having parades out in the streets. But thats not the time in history were living in, he arrogantly added.

De Blasios job-approval rating plummeted over the summer to a 50 to 42 percent margin, according to a Quinnipiac University survey released in late July.

New Yorkers are split  46 percent to 46 percent  on whether he deserves a second term, the poll found.

The mayor admitted he had made missteps and had insufficiencies as a communicator  but said New Yorkers were simply taking out their frustrations with the current economic climate on their leaders.

The Great Recession, specifically, but really the decades of people being economically stagnant, deeply affected peoples views, understandably, de Blasio said. And the increased cost of living around here.

Click for more from NYPost.com
The most eye-popping figure in the latest Fox News poll is that 56 percent of those surveyed say President Trump is tearing the country apart.

Another 33 percent say he is drawing the country together.

Not surprisingly, theres a dramatic partisan split in those numbers: Some 68 percent of Republicans say the president is drawing the country together, while 93 percent of Democrats (and 59 percent of independents) say he is tearing the country apart.

But I want to pose a deeper question: Is this entirely Trumps fault, or is it alsoours?

Lets look at recent history. Barack Obama campaigned on changing the tone in Washington, and many supporters thought his election would usher in a new era of racial healing. He failed on both counts.

George W. Bush explicitly ran as a uniter, not a divider. But after Iraq and Katrina, he was viewed as a very divisive president.

Bill Clinton promoted the notion of third way policies that rejected the brain-dead politics of both parties. He wound up getting impeached on a largely party-line vote.

So if four straight presidents have found themselves at the center of a hyperpartisan divide, maybe its not entirely their fault.

Both parties, aided by gerrymandered districts, have moved further to the right and left, shrinking the number of moderates in Congress.

The media have become increasingly partisan, as some outlets largely or completely cater to those who agree with their politics.

Social media have become more polarized as well, as millions of people engage in shouting matches or unfriend each other.

And the rise of independent advocacy groups, liberated by the Supreme Court, is fueled by a fundraising machine that often demonizes the other side.

Now a case can be made that Trump, especially in recent weeks, has played to his base, the 36 to 40 percent that seem to support him no matter what. He has pushed a transgender ban for the military, ended Obama-era equal pay monitoring, threatened a government shutdown over his border wall, pardoned ex-sheriff Joe Arpaio, and is considering ending the Dreamers program after a six-month delay.

Then again, its no accident that Obama embraced gay marriage and said he would stop deporting the dreamers--younger illegal immigrants brought here by their parentswhen he was running for reelection in 2012.

Its easy for Trumps detractors to work themselves into a frenzy over the notion that he is a uniquely polarizing president. But this has been going on in one form or another for two decades.
Some top Republicans have spoken out to challenge President Trumps expected announcement Tuesday that reportedly calls for the end of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans urged Trump to hold off on scrapping the program and allow lawmakers some time to come up with a legislative fix.

Trumps reported plan calls for a six-month delay that would give Congress some time to pass legislation that would address the hundreds of thousands of immigrants covered by the program.

Some see Trumps reported delay as an attempt to kick the can down the road, and putting the pressure on Congress. One vocal opponent called it Republican suicide.

Ending DACA now gives chance 2 restore Rule of Law. Delaying so R Leadership can push Amnesty is Republican suicide, Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, said on Twitter.

King, who believes that DACA is unconstitutional, warned that pushing the decision to Congress would be a mistake. "We've got enough of never-Trumpers in Congress that are undermining the president's agenda," he said last week.

Under DACAwhich was created through executive action by President Obama in 2012-- people who come to the U.S. illegally when they are children are protected from deportation and granted work permits.

It is right for there to be consequences for those who intentionally entered this country illegally, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said in a statement, according to The New York Post. However, we as Americans do not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parents.

Ryan, for his part, told a Wisconsin radio show that ending DACA would affect kids who know no other country.

Many House Republicans represent highly conservative districts, and if the president goes through with the six-month delay  creating a March deadline  the pressure is likely to be amplified as primary races intensify ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.

The New York Times reported that Trump himself will not make the Tuesday announcement. The job will reportedly be left to Attorney General Jeff Sessions at an 11 a.m. briefing. There will not be questions.

Trumpwho made campaign promises of getting tougher on immigration-- has reportedly personally struggled with the issue. Ten states have already threatened to sue the administration over the issue.

It is time for President Trump to stop breaking one of the clearest campaign promises he made, Roy Beck, the president of Numbers USA, an advocacy group that aims at reducing the amount of both legal and illegal immigration, told The Wall Street Journal.

Todd Schulte, the president of FWD.us, a progressive immigration group, told the paper that the federal government has the contact information of every DACA recipient, which is about 800,000.

They grew up here, they work at nearly every major company in America, serve in the military and many are working on recovery efforts in Texas, he said. If DACA is repealed and no permanent legislation passed, they will all be fired and our government will begin the large-scale deportation of people raised in the United States, using information they volunteered to the government with the promise it would never be used against them or their families.

South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham said he backs Trumps purported announcement but also suggested Congress take matters into its own hands.

I will be supportive of such a position, said Graham, who is part of bipartisan legislation on the issue. I have always believed DACA was a presidential overreach.

"However, I equally understand the plight of the Dream Act kids who -- for all practical purposes know no country other than America. If President Trump makes this decision we will work to find a legislative solution to their dilemma.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Congressional Republicans indicated Tuesday they will take up the Trump administration's call to consider legislation to replace the Obama-era DACA program, though condemnation from Democrats over the decision to end it points to a heated battle ahead.

In a show of unity, Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., spoke to reporters about their push for a bipartisan "Dream Act"-style bill Tuesday afternoon.

The Congress is going to have to up its game, Graham said, urging congressional colleagues to work with them  and the president to get involved personally by working the phones.

Durbin said the "countdown to deportation" sets a clear timetable for lawmakers to act.

Other Democrats, though, hammered the president for ending the program at all, leaving unclear how much bipartisan cooperation will be seen.

Im heartbroken  and Im outraged, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement. The Trump administration should preserve DACA until a long-term solution is passed into law.  We need sensible immigration reform, not senseless intolerance.

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, whose corruption trial starts Wednesday, tweeted: Mr. President, You went after children. You better brace yourself for the civil rights fight of our generation. #DefendDACA.

Though Democrats wanted Trump to keep the program in place, the administration announced Tuesday it will wind down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program over the next six months.

The program enacted by former President Barack Obama in 2012 protected illegal immigrants brought to the United States when they were young. An estimated 800,000 young people have been protected from deportation under the program.

In announcing the decision, Trump put the onus on Congress to come up with a replacement.

As president, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents," he said in a statement. "Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first.

The six-month delay gives Congress time to craft a legislative solution. And while Democrats condemned the decision, they also voiced hope that the legislative branch can come up with an alternative.

Whether the two parties can find common ground on an immigration deal that has eluded Congress for years, however, remains to be seen.

Republican leaders made clear Tuesday they would try.

However well-intentioned, President Obamas DACA program was a clear abuse of executive authority, said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Just as the courts have already struck down similar Obama policy, this was never a viable long-term solution ... . It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution."

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., already has been working on a conservative version of the so-called Dream Act.

Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, argued Tuesday that Congress, not the president, must find a reasonable, compassionate alternative.

DACA was an illegal abuse of executive power, and its important to reaffirm that the president cannot unilaterally rewrite the law, he said. Todays decision puts the ball in Congress court.  A balance between compassion and deterring future illegal immigration can be found.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions also made clear Tuesday that no new initial (DACA) requests or associated applications after today will be acted on.

The administration framed the decision as the result of legal pressure.

Sessions argued that attorneys general from several states are challenging the constitutionality of DACA, so the administration chose to act instead of risking the courts abruptly shutting down the program.

Today is a dark day in America, said California Democratic Rep. Lou Correa, whose Orange County district in majority Latino. The only crime DACA students are guilty of is aspiring for the American Dream.  I hope the president will not go after children, and will reconsider his decision.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Tuesday in a press briefing that the Trump administration would be rescinding former President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The administration also said it would wind down the program that protects hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. Sessions said DACA would be rescinded, with a six-month delay.

Trump asked Congress to find a legislative solution to protect the immigrants, who are often called Dreamers. He also defended his decision to phase out the program, saying he was giving Congress a window of opportunity to act.

Many political figures and lawmakers have responded to the Trump administrations latest announcement.

New York Democrats Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo both criticized Trumps decision to end DACA.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., tweeted that it was up to Congress to now act and create legislation. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said this is a real problem we should solve in a bipartisan fashion.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., criticized the decision, as did Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., called Trump the worst president in modern history. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said it was heartless to end DACA. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the decision cruel.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said the DACA decision was a wrong approach at a time when both sides need to compromise on immigration reform.

Democratic Senators Dick Durbin and Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez all said all mentioned the 800,000 people DACA protected.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel criticized the decision and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said that she stood with the Dreamers.

Vice President Joe Biden called the decision cruel and not America.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, released a statement that he asked the president not to rescind DACA but agreed with Trump that the solution must come from Congress.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he stood with Democrats to defend DACA. Sen. Dianne Feinstein retweeted Apple CEO Tim Cooks tweet that he would stand with his employees who are protected under the act. Feinstein commended Cook for his fight.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., supported Trumps decision to have Congress come up with a solution.


The Trump administration on Tuesday announced the orderly wind down of the Obama-era program that gave a deportation reprieve to illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children  putting pressure on Congress to come up with a replacement.

I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws, President Trump said, in a lengthy written statement explaining the decision.

The Department of Homeland Security formally rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, with a six-month delay for current recipients. According to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, the interval is meant to give Congress time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions.

However, I want to be clear that no new initial requests or associated applications filed after today will be acted on, Duke said in a written statement.

READ TRUMP'S DACA STATEMENT

The decision touched off a firestorm on Capitol Hill, where Democrats blasted the president and Republicans blamed the prior administration for putting Trump in a legal bind.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, speaking to reporters, decried what he called the Obama administration's "disrespect for the legislative process" in enacting the 2012 policy. He said the unilateral executive amnesty probably would have been blocked by the courts anyway.

The executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions, Sessions said, blaming the policy for the recent surge at the border. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.

The Trump administration was facing a Tuesday deadline to make a decision on DACA or face legal action by Republican state AGs who hoped to force the presidents hand in discontinuing the program. A day earlier, Sessions sent Duke a letter with his legal determination that the 2012 executive action was unconstitutional.

Administration officials cast their approach Tuesday at the least disruptive option.

In his statement, Trump stressed that while new applications for work permits wont be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today.

Trump also said applications in the pipeline will be processed.

This is a gradual process, not a sudden phaseout, he said. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months. Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act.

Trump vowed to resolve the issue with heart and compassion, only this time working through Congress.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump had promised to terminate DACA, though he appeared to soften his stance since taking office. In ending the program with a six-month delay, Trump put the onus on Congress to pass a legislative fix.

According to DHS, no current beneficiaries will be impacted before March 5, 2018.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA! Trump tweeted Tuesday morning.

While some Republicans support the goals of the DACA program, many opposed the use of executive action to institute it, describing the move as a presidential overreach.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is among those who now support the call to protect so-called Dreamers with legislation.

I have always believed DACA was a presidential overreach, he said in a statement. "However, I equally understand the plight of the Dream Act kids who -- for all practical purposes -- know no country other than America.

On a conference call, administration officials said Tuesday they are still prioritizing criminal aliens for deportation. But they described the original DACA criteria as very broad and cited the legal determination of the Justice Department.

During the presidential campaign, Trump referred to DACA as illegal amnesty. However, he seemed to edge away from that stance in April when he told the Associated Press that DACA recipients could rest easy.

WHAT IS DACA AND WHY WOULD TRUMP DISMANTLE IT?

The DACA program was formed through executive action by former President Barack Obama in 2012, allowing recipients to get a deportation reprieve  and work permits  for a two-year period subject to renewal. Under the program, individuals were able to request DACA status if they were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, came to the U.S. before turning 16 and have continuously lived in the country since June 15, 2007. Individuals must also have a high school diploma, GED certification, been honorably discharged from the military or still be in school. Recipients cannot have a criminal record.

Congress had been considering legislation to shield young illegal immigrants from deportation for years, dating back to the George W. Bush administration. Lawmakers tried again to pass a bill during the Obama administration, but couldnt muster the votes amid flagging Republican support before Obama formed the program in 2012.

Nearly 800,000 undocumented youth are currently under the program's umbrella.

HILL REPUBLICANS REVIVE DREAM ACT TALKS AS TRUMP DECIDES FATE OF OBAMA PROGRAM

On Friday, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said he supported a legislative solution to protect undocumented minors, but also urged the president to reconsider scrapping DACA.

Following Tuesday's announcement, however, Ryan called DACA a clear abuse of executive authority and urged Congress to act.

Congress writes laws, not the president, and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches. But now there is more to do, and the president has called on Congress to act, he said in a statement. At the heart of this issue are young people who came to this country through no fault of their own, and for many of them its the only country they know.

But opposition to the DACA termination is already fierce.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said in a statement that, with the decision, "Donald Trump has secured his legacy as a champion for cruelty."

"President Trumps decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement

Even as they blasted the president, Democrats called for legislative action, leaving open the possibility that the two parties could pass a bill in the coming months.

Fox News John Roberts, Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Brooke Singman and Alex Pappas contributed to this report.
President Trump on Tuesday met with key Republicans involved in crafting tax policy, calling for a legislative package that lowers taxes and makes America a jobs magnet as Congress returns to Washington.

It is vital that we reduce the crushing tax burden on our companies and on our workers, Trump told reporters. We pay the highest tax of any country in the world on businesses. And we cant keep doing that.

The president made the comments at the beginning of a meeting in the Roosevelt Room with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the leaders discussed plans for "historic tax reform that is pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-worker, and pro-America.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the crushing burden of the nations self-destructive tax code, which hurts our companies and our workers, and discussed their desire to make the tax code simple, fair, and easy to understand, Sanders said.

The meeting comes as Congress returns to Washington after the August recess.

Last week, Trump traveled to Springfield, Mo., to deliver a speech formally kicking off his push for comprehensive tax reform, making a case for drastically simplifying the tax code.

I don't want to be disappointed by Congress, Trump said in his speech last week.

TRUMP PLAYS HARDBALL IN TAX REFORM KICKOFF

The White House has not yet released a detailed tax reform plan. But describing his principles for reform, Trump last week called for a code that is simple, fair, and easy to understand.

This enormous complexity is very unfair," the president said in Missouri. "It disadvantages ordinary Americans who dont have an army of accountants while benefiting deep-pocketed special interests."

The president said in his speech hed like to ideally bring the corporate tax rate down to 15 percent from 35 percent, saying it would make us highly competitive.
President Trump announced early Tuesday that he would allow Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of sophisticated U.S. military equipment in the wake of the latest threat out of North Korea.

I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States, Trump tweeted Tuesday.

His message comes just one day after he held a call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss North Koreas claimed test of a hydrogen bomb. According to the White House, the two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea by using all means at their disposal.

On the call Monday, the White House said, Trump provided his conceptual approval for South Koreas purchase of many billions of dollars worth of U.S. military weapons and equipment. Though details have yet to be released, the leaders hoped to signal that the countries were working together to boost a defensive response to Kim Jong Uns threat.

South Koreas presidential office also said in a statement that Trump and South Korea's president agreed to remove the limit on the payload of South Korean missiles as part of the countries response to the Norths move.

The U.S. currently has approximately 28,000 troops in South Korea, and hundreds of thousands of American citizens in the capital.

The president also spoke with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday to discuss the rogue regimes Sept. 3 bomb test.

President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal, the White House said in a statement Sunday after the call.

But according to a Japanese magazine, Nikkei Asian Review, Japan is reportedly planning for possible mass evacuations of its citizens in South Korea as tensions rise with the rogue regime.

And South Korea had held two live-fire exercises in an effort to show its military capability. The exercises were in an effort to strongly warn Pyongyang, according to South Korean officials.

But U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that the time for half measuresis over.

We cannot kick this can down the road any longer, Haley said Monday at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wantsBut our countrys patience is not unlimited.

Other members in the Trump administration, like Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, warned North Korea that any threats to the U.S. or its allies would be met with an effective and overwhelming military response.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Trump administration announced last year its plan to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA)  which provides a level of amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants, many of whom came to the U.S. as children  with a six-month delay for recipients. But a federal appeals court ruled against the proposal in early November, declaring the government couldn't immediately end the program.

The Executive wields awesome power in the enforcement of our nations immigration laws, the ruling said. Our decision today does not curb that power, but rather enables its exercise in a manner that is free from legal misconceptions and is democratically accountable to the public.

Trump had initially set a March 5 deadline for the program and called on Congress to pass legislation pertaining to the young immigrants. But the deadline came and went, with no congressional action but several lawsuits challenging the administration's decision to end the program.

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULES AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ON DACA

Federal judges in New York and Washington also have ruled against President Trump on DACA.

President Trump has repeatedly blamed Democrats for inaction.

Heres a look at the DACA program and why the Trump administration wants to dismantle it.

What is the DACA program?

The DACA program was formed through executive action by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and allowed certain people who came to the U.S. illegally as minors to be protected from immediate deportation. Recipients, called Dreamers, were able to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, which was subject to renewal.

Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

Individuals were able to request DACA status if they were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, came to the U.S. before turning 16 and continuously lived in the country since June 15, 2007.

Individuals also had to have a high school diploma, GED certification, been honorably discharged from the military or still be in school. Recipients could not have a criminal record.

It did not provide legal status.

How many people are affected by DACA?

Nearly 800,000 youth, called Dreamers, are under the program's umbrella.

Daniel Garza, president of the conservative immigration nonprofit Libre Initiative, told Fox News that DACA offers a reprieve from a life of uncertainty for innocent kids who didnt break the law.

Its rather disappointing to think they could return to a state of anxiety and fear, he said.

What did the Trump administration do?

The Trump administration announced in September 2017 that it planned to phase out DACA for current recipients, and no new requests would be granted. But a lower court order required the administration to continue accepting renewal applications for those under the DACA program, and the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's request to intervene.

Since the announcement, Trump had offered to work with lawmakers on a solution for the hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. who fell under DACAs umbrella of protections. But at the same time, he has repeatedly blamed Democrats on social media for lack of a solution.

Earlier this year, Trump released his four pillars of immigration reform, which included a provision for legal status for DACA recipients and others who would be eligible for DACA status. The White House estimated that total to be 1.8 million people. The Senate rejected the plan.

Republicans  and some Democrats  opposed Obamas directive establishing DACA from the start as a perceived overreach of executive power.

Obama spoke out on social media after the Trump administration announced a plan to dismantle the program, stating that it's "self-defeating ... and it is cruel" to end DACA and questioned the motive behind the decision.

Do any DACA recipients serve in the military?

Despite some rumors circulating online to the contrary, Dreamers were eligible to serve in the U.S. military since 2014 when the Pentagon adopted a policy to allow a certain amount of illegal immigrants to join.

In fiscal year 2016, 359 DACA recipients had enlisted in the Army  which is the only branch to accept immigrants of this category.

Fox News' John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Most people had never even heard of the left-wing meme-maker until Hillary Clinton gave her stamp of approval over the weekend.

I'm excited to sign up for @Verrit, a media platform for the 65.8 million! Clinton tweeted Sunday. Will you join me and sign up too?

So what, exactly, is Verrit?

The creation of former Clinton aide Peter Daou, the website brands itself as media for the 65.8 million as in the 65,853,516 people who voted for Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Helping explain why Clinton might endorse this message, the site is decidedly pro-Hillary -- and against the Trump administration. And for those who share those views, the site essentially offers ready-made social media memes (called "Verrit cards") for the casual user to tweet or Facebook.

In a post at the top of the website, Daou writes that Verrits purpose is to provide a sanctuary in a chaotic media environment for Clinton voters distraught over Donald Trumps election as president.

Examples of recent meme headlines: The Republican Party Is Harmful to Americas Children, Democrats Face Voter Suppression, Gerrymandering, Rightwing Media, and Equal Pay for Women of Color Is Still Centuries Away.

CLINTON BLASTS SANDERS FOR INSPIRING 'CROOKED HILLARY' ATTACKS

The sudden attention has come with downsides. Since Clinton touted Verrit, Daou said hackers have attacked the site.

Hillary Clinton endorsed @Verrit, our new media platform, an hour ago and we've already been subjected to a denial-of-service attack, he tweeted Sunday.

Conservative bloggers also have mocked Daou over the project.

His approach to Hillary could best be described as that of a devoted fanboy, John Sexton of HotAir.com wrote. If Hillary was a fictional character, he would be the guy who owned every action figure in mint condition (still in the original package).

I have no idea why anybody would want this service, or if it even qualifies as a service, blogger Jim Treacher of the Daily Caller wrote. But Mr. Daou seems like a lost soul whos trying to find some purpose in his life ever since Hillary Clinton lost, so maybe this will give him some comfort.

The website is unapologetically pro-Clinton and still holds a grudge against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for challenging Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primary.

We are now discovering more about the harmful aftermath of Bernie Sanderss negative campaigning: More than 20% of Sanders voters did not vote for Hillary Clinton in the general election, Daou writes in a recent post.

The website launched in June but didnt get much attention until Clintons endorsement Sunday.

In his post introducing the site, Daou portrays Clintons voters, and his target audience, as victims in need of an online safe space.

With the essence of American democracy at stake, 65.8 million people saw through the lies and smears and made a wise, patriotic choice, he said. But they continue to be marginalized and harassed.
Theres a huge array of tile types and finishes available, so it can be hard to choose the right ones. The location where the tile will be used  on walls or floors, in the bathroom, in the kitchen or elsewhere  will affect your choice, as will your budget and personal tastes. Check out these beautiful spaces as a starting point.

RELATED: How to Choose the Shower Tile Thats Right for Your Bathroom

1. Bounce the light with gloss. Tiles with a highly polished finish can add a light and luxurious touch to rooms. Their smooth, reflective surface means theyre also easy to wipe down and keep clean (though watch out for smears and smudges). However, if youre going to use them on the floor, always check with your tile supplier to find out about their slip resistance and traction.

Porcelain is often a good choice over ceramic, as it tends to be more durable.

2. Go for a cool matte. If youre opting for shaped or patterned tiles, choose a flatter matte finish to prevent them from looking too overwhelming. If youre going for matte tiles, be aware that they dont have the same wipe-down properties of gloss tiles, so they might be a bit harder to keep clean.

3. Add shimmer with metallics. Gold, silver or coppery tiles can add sparkle, glamour and a touch of luxury to your home. If you dont want wall-to-wall bling, try using them in a contained area, such as a backsplash. This look works particularly well with mosaic tiles for a jewel-like effect.

RELATED: See More Mosaic Tile Trends

4. Jazz up subway tiles with a colorful glaze. White subway tiles are the trend that keeps on giving, but a brick tile in a bright color can take the look to another level. The finish is also super practical as it makes it easy to wipe up those tomato sauce splatters and coffee splashes.

5. Add another dimension. Theres a growing trend for 3D wall finishes, which let you add texture and interest to plain color. Lots of 3D designs are quite subtle.

Talk to your retailer about maintenance before you commit, and bear in mind that textured tiles may be trickier to clean and that matte tiles may need to be sealed or have a protective barrier applied to prevent damage.

6. Choose encaustic for character. Classic encaustic tiles can add a historical or Moroccan feel to your room, and the patterned designs allow you to keep the rest of the room simple.

Genuine encaustic tiles dont have a pattern printed on top. Instead, the design runs through them, so if you chip the tile, it wont affect the design. However, they can be porous and prone to damage from acidic substances, so ask your tile manufacturer about the best way to seal them.

7. Hone your stone. If you want a smooth finish without the high polish, go for a honed travertine. Smoothing out the surface of this limestone variety allows the natural pattern in the stone to shine through, and it has a subtle sheen without the surface being too slippery. Honed travertine can come in satin or more matte finishes, so choose the one that will work best for you.

8. Warm up with terra cotta. Terra-cotta tiles have a classic, timeless look, and their warm color instantly makes a space feel cozy. Theyre made from clay thats been fired at high temperatures, and they tend to have a naturally matte finish. To prevent staining, the tiles must be sealed. For a more affordable option, you can also buy terra-cotta-effect ceramic tiles.

9. Go for rustic tumbled limestone. To give your room a bright but natural feel, try limestone tiles. It will give a distressed, rustic and naturally aged look. (The tiles are tumbled with sand and grit to achieve this.)

Limestone is hard-wearing, so its a good option for areas that get a lot of foot traffic, such as a kitchen. When youre choosing tiles with a more natural finish, think about cleaning and whether it will annoy you that there are pits and crevices where dirt can get trapped.

10. Lay down some honed slate. Slate is a timeless choice in kitchens, though its dark shade means it works best in rooms that have plenty of light. Choose a honed surface that has been polished to a flat, matte finish. It will be easier to mop, as honing smooths the materials natural surface undulations. For a more natural, rugged look, try a riven finish.

As well as being beautiful, slate is tough, durable and should last a lifetime, though it should be sealed to protect it. However, slate can be rather chilly underfoot, so it may not be suitable for a bathroom (though underfloor heating can be a good solution here). It can also be expensive, so look at the many slate-look ceramic tiles around for a more affordable option.
A sculpture of an unknown Egyptian pharaoh's head, found at the ancient city of Hazor in Israel, dates back around 4,300 years, to a time when Egyptians were building pyramids. The sculpture was smashed apart around 3,300 years ago, possibly after an Israeli force led by Joshua destroyed the city, researchers have found.

Researchers said the sculpture, excavated and reconstructed in 1995 and discussed in the recently published book "Hazor VII: The 1990-2012 Excavations, the Bronze Age" (Israel Exploration Society, 2017), leaves them with a number of questions: Which pharaoh does it show? Why was it transported to Hazor? And why did it survive for a millennium before being smashed apart when Hazor was destroyed?

"The history of the statue was surely quite complex, and the kingdom of Hazor must have been eager to use and display a prestige object connected to Egyptian royal imagery," wrote Egyptologists Dimitri Laboury and Simon Connor in a report published in the book. [Biblical Battles: 12 Ancient Wars Lifted from the Bible]

"The person depicted wears a short, close-fitting, curled cap wig, topped by a uraeus, the solar cobra that rises above the forehead of [a] pharaoh in ancient Egyptian iconography, thus identifying our character as a king of Egypt beyond any doubt," wrote Laboury, a senior research associate at the Belgian National Foundation for Scientific Research (F.R.S.-FNRS) at the University of Liege, and Connor, a curator at the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy.

"The rendering of these facial features on the piece from Hazor are characteristic of the 5th Dynasty [circa 2465-2323 B.C.], although it does not seem possible to determine with any certainty which king it depicts," wrote Laboury and Connor, who also noted that the head was once part of a larger statue.

Destroyed city

Hazor was destroyed in the mid-13th century B.C., possibly by an Israeli force led by Joshua. A passage from the Book of Joshua in the Bible claims that Joshua's force destroyed a large army led by "Jabin," a king of Hazor. The passage also says that after destroying the army, Joshua sacked Hazor.

"Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword," the biblical text from Joshua 11:10-11 reads. "Everyone in it, they put to the sword. They totally destroyed them, not sparing anyone that breathed, and he [Joshua] burned Hazor itself."

Whether the Israelis were actually the group that destroyed Hazor is a matter of debate among scholars, but research shows that the city was sacked and this sculpture was one of many statues that were smashed. "The cracks indicate that the nose had been broken and the head detached from the rest of the sculpture before being shattered," wrote Laboury and Connor in their report. "Interestingly, no other part of the statuette to which it had originally belonged was recovered at the site."

A number of Egyptian statues have also been discovered at Hazor, including one found in 2013that has the paws of a sphinx. "Given Hazor's location in northern Israel, the number of Egyptian statues and statuary fragments uncovered at the site is surprising," a team of scholars wrote in another report published in the book. "All statues appear to have been deliberately smashed to pieces."

Editors Note: This article was updated to indicate that in the Hebrew Bible Joshua acts as the leader of the Israeli people, though he is not referred to as a king.

Original article on Live Science.
Renowned for his concerns over artificial intelligence and its potential negative impact on humanity, tech titan Elon Musk has made his most concerning comments yet surrounding AI.

It could be the cause of World War 3.

In a series of tweets on Monday, the Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and OpenAI co-founder wrote that artificial intelligence could be the eventual cause of the next world war.

ELON MUSK SAYS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS 'HUMANITY'S BIGGEST RISK'

Musk expanded his comments, saying the war may not be caused by a country itself, but rather one of its' AI's, which could decide a "prepemptive strike is most [the] probable path to victory."

He is less concerned about North Korea and any potential build-up the country has made to its military stockpile, but rather what countries could do to grab any AI's, specifically those developed by various companies.

Musk's comments were in response to comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said that the country "who becomes the leader in this sphere [artificial intelligence] will be the ruler of the world."

Putin also warned that the development of artificial intelligence raises "colossal opportunities and threats that are difficult to predict now."

VLADIMIR PUTIN SAYS THE LEADER IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 'WILL BE THE RULER OF THE WORLD'

Musk's companies, specifically Tesla, have used artificial intelligence to enhance its products and services. In the case of Tesla, artificial intelligence has been used to aid the autonomous driving capabilities of its vehicles.

Tesla has not yet responded to a request for comment from Fox News surrounding this story.

This is not the first time Musk has sounded the warning bells about AI. In recent months, he has verbally sparred with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for underestimating the potential negative impact of AI, saying Zuckerberg's "understanding of the subject is limited."

He's also said that artificial intelligence will "beat humans at everything" within the next few decades, labeling it humanity's "biggest risk."

The tech exec has even gone so far as to make pleas to the United Nations for a global ban on the use of killer robots, including drones, tanks and machine guns. Once this Pandoras box is opened, it will be hard to close, Musk and 115 other specialists from around the globe wrote in a letter to the U.N.

ELON MUSK JOINS OTHER EXPERTS IN CALL FOR GLOBAL BAN ON KILLER ROBOTS

AI, as defined by Merriam Webster, is "the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior."

It's not just Musk sounding the warning bells though: other luminaries, such as Stephen Hawking, have also expressed their concern about artificial intelligence. Hawking has previously said humans need to leave Earth in about 100 years due to concerns from overpopulation, climate change, disease and artificial intelligence.

STEPHEN HAWKING SAYS HUMANS MUST FLEE EARTH WITHIN CENTURY

Musk, for his part, has tried to address these concerns via his latest ventures, the aforementioned OpenAI and Neuralink.

OpenAI is a non-profit, co-founded by Musk and Y Combinator president Sam Altman "that aims to promote and develop friendly AI in such a way as to benefit humanity as a whole."

Neuralink appears to be a bit more ambitious than OpenAI, having already received nearly $27 million in funding, according to the business information platform website, Crunchbase.

According to the company's sparsely populated website, Neuralink is "developing ultra high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect humans and computers."

In an April 2017 interview with the website Wait But Why, Musk alluded to the fact that Neuralink wants "redefine what future humans will be."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Chris Ciaccia on Twitter @Chris_Ciaccia
A phone thief in Malaysia was caught on the Facebook live streaming service.

While a Malaysian man was celebrating neighbourhood's Hari Raya Haji celebrations this past weekend, two thieves stole his phone. Interestingly enough, one of the thieves was spotted while the 78-second video continued to play, with his face shown on camera.

The video, which has gone viral, shows the thieves pulling up on a motorbike, fighting for the phone and ultimately pulling away, according to CNET, which first reported the story.

FACEBOOK IS MATCHING DONATIONS ON HURRICANE HARVEY

The caption is in Malay, the native tongue of Malaysia. A translated version of it reads: "Please viralkan face / criminal yg hand.. please ni.. Let the police Pleased to identify this suspect!"

According to CNET, the local police force said the event had not yet been reported, so it's unknown at this time if the man will get his phone back.
Prominent cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab poses a danger to U.S. security, warns Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who is pushing to prohibit the federal government from using the Moscow-based companys products.

In a New York Times column, Shaheen alleges that the company has extensive ties to Russian intelligence, noting that the firms founder Eugene Kaspersky graduated from the KGBs elite cryptology institute. The company, she adds, provides security services to U.S. government agencies such as the Department of State, the National Institutes of Health and, reportedly, the Department of Defense.

To close this alarming national security vulnerability, I am advancing bipartisan legislation to prohibit the federal government from using Kaspersky Lab software, the New Hampshire senator wrote.

THE SCENT OF CYBERSECURITY: KASPERSKY LAB LAUNCHES PERFUME

Citing a Bloomberg news report, the senator asserts that Kaspersky Lab has links to Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, which is a successor to the KGB. Shaheen also cited a recent public hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee where the heads of the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency said they would not be comfortable with Kaspersky Lab software on their agencies computers.

Kaspersky Lab slammed Shaheens description of the company as a threat to U.S. security. Kaspersky Lab doesnt have inappropriate ties with any government, which is why no credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization to back up the false allegations made against the company, it said, in a statement emailed to Fox News. The only conclusion seems to be that Kaspersky Lab, a private company, is caught in the middle of a geopolitical fight, and its being treated unfairly even though the company has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts.

The company added that, while it has provides products and services to governments around the world, it does not have unethical ties or affiliations to any government, including Russia. More than 85 percent of its revenue comes from outside Russia, it said.

ISRAEL SECURITY CHIEF: TECH PREVENTED MORE THAN 2,000 'LONE-WOLF' TERROR ATTACKS LAST YEAR

In addition, CEO Eugene Kaspersky has repeatedly offered to meet with government officials, testify before the U.S. Congress and provide the companys source code for an official audit to help address any questions the U.S. government has about the company, but Kaspersky Lab has only received a general reply from one agency at this time, the company said, in its statement.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
Tech executives ranging from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Google CEO Sundar Pichai have slammed the White House's decision to end DACA, an immigration policy founded by the Obama administration in 2012.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy allows certain illegal immigrants who have entered the U.S. as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit.

The program will have an orderly wind down and there is pressure on Congress to come up with a legislative alternative. There will be a six-month delay for current recipients.

TECH EXECS SLAM TRUMP'S TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN

Almost immediately, Silicon Valley execs took to social media to express their dismay.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called it "a sad day for our country," adding the decision to end DACA is "not just wrong," but also "particularly cruel."

Box CEO Aaron Levie tweeted that Congress should work on allowing Dreamers, as they are known, to stay. "This should be priority # 1 given the confusion and stress ending DACA will cause," Levie wrote.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed similar sentiments, saying Congress needed to act now.

"Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers," Pichai wrote. "This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA."

Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote that Apple would fight for "Dreamers" to be treated as equals.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also expressed his displeasure, tweeting: "Dreamers make our country & communities stronger. We stand for diversity and economic opportunity for everyone."

Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith penned a blog post, saying the company intends to help its DACA workers even if Congress doesn't act.

"If Congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees," Smith wrote. "If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel. We will also file an amicus brief and explore whether we can directly intervene in any such case. In short, if Dreamers who are our employees are in court, we will be by their side."

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the policy would be coming to an end. In a statement obtained by Fox News, Sessions said:

"This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens.

In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch."

TECH EXECS CONDEMN CHARLOTTESVILLE VIOLENCE AS TRUMP DENOUNCES KKK, WHITE SUPREMACISTS

The Trump administration faced a Tuesday deadline to make a decision on DACA or face legal action by Republican state AGs who hoped to force the presidents hand in discontinuing the program. According to the Department of Homeland Security, no current DACA beneficiaries will be impacted before March 5, 2018.

On Tuesday morning, President Trump tweeted that Congress needed to "get ready to do your job - DACA!," referring to any upcoming passage of legislation surrounding the policy.

Fox News John Roberts, Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Brooke Singman and Alex Pappas contributed to this report. This story has been updated to include information from Apple.

Follow Chris Ciaccia on Twitter @Chris_Ciaccia
You probably couldnt pay me to do this but travellers are loving this weird tourist attraction in Brazil where you get swallowed by rocks.

Pedra Que Engole, which roughly translates to Swallow Rock," is a rock formation with a small waterfall above a river in Trindade, about 170 miles south of Rio de Janeiro.

TOURIST IN ST. MARTIN KILLED BY BLAST FROM JET

What you do is slide your body through a crevice between these two rocks, letting the water take you, until you disappear into a small, dark cave  as the name suggests, it looks like you are literally swallowed by the rocks.

Once inside the cave, you keep sliding down the natural water slide until you are spat out into the river below.

You then hike back up  about 20 minutes  and repeat.

9 AMAZING BEACHES YOU'VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD OF

As terrifying and claustrophobic as it sounds, tourists are flocking to this little spot and giving it raving reviews.

Pedra Que Engole has a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, with travellers saying it is a must when visiting that part of Rio de Janeiro.

I loved it so much I went three times! A MUST in Paraty, wrote one reviewer.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Its awesome! It just literally swallows you! And then you swim underneath this big rock until you make it out of it. Did it twice, wrote another.

Travellers are also loving it on Instagram, with thousands posting photos and videos of being swallowed whole.

This story originally appeared on News.com.au.


Hurricane Harvey has dumped historic levels of rainfall on southern and eastern areas of Texas, causing catastrophic flooding. Harvey was the single-greatest rainstorm in the history of the continental United States, with rainfall up to 51.88 inches.

The storm is responsible for at least 40 fatalities, and officials fear that the death toll will rise dramatically now that floodwaters are receding.

A 2012 systematic review published in Environment International assessed the impacts of flooding events on human health. The study covered the longer-term health effects and found that the long-term impacts are not well understood. However, the study found that mortality rates were to increase by up to 50 percent in the first year post-flood.

Flooding events place major immediate stresses on human health ranging from floodwater injuries and drowning, to the effects of exposure to contaminated water. But there are many long-term mental and physical health impacts that threaten flood-affected areas.





Contaminated water poses both immediate and potential long-term threats. Industrial and hazardous waste sites leak human waste and other dangerous toxins into floodwaters, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

Waterborne and communicable respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases often spread as a result of the contaminated water. While some of these diseases appear immediately, others will linger post-flood.

The level of water contamination from Harvey is currently unknown. The flood-affected regions are home to dozens of Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites that hold dangerous toxins and chemicals.

"There is going to be a level of contamination that we have never seen before in floodwater because of the proliferation of chemical plants and oil refineries," Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, said to NBC News.

The risk of the spread of infectious diseases is further increased by the rise in mosquito populations. While mosquito populations were initially wiped out during the storm, populations will surge following the flood. The remaining floodwater will serve as an optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

A year after Hurricane Katrina in 2006, a study found that the number of cases of West Nile infection increased by two-fold in affected areas. The study suggested that exposure was widely the cause of the increase, as evacuees often spent days outside waiting for rescue.

Flooding and water damage in buildings from Hurricane Harvey will likely contribute to the growth of mold, as demonstrated in previous natural disasters.

Many molds reproduce by forming spores that are released into the air. Spores will land and begin to grow on a suitable moist surface. Mold penetrates porous materials and release chemicals, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

"Most molds are harmless but some can cause infections, allergy symptoms and produce toxins. Infections are rare in healthy individuals and the effect of toxins is still not well understood," according to OSHA.





There is evidence that breathing in mold can also worsen existing respiratory problems like asthma, exacerbate allergies and sicken those with weakened immune systems, according to the World Health Organization.

The increase in mold following Hurricane Sandy led to serious debates among officials. In 2013, the New York congressional representatives asked the federal government to help resolve what they called, this emerging crisis.

Similarly, mold also caused panic following Hurricane Katrina. Some studies found that mold was present in about half of the flooded homes. Fear arose among relief workers and residents, who felt they were not adequately protecting themselves from breathing in mold particles.

The long-term health effects of Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina are still being monitored. The potential long-term health threats posed by Hurricane Harvey will further be assessed as the floodwater continues to recede.


As Major Hurricane Irma churns across the northern Caribbean and towards the United States, residents along the Gulf and East coasts of the U.S. need to be on alert.

Irma will blast the northern Caribbean with flooding rain, damaging winds and rough surf this week, bringing life-threatening conditions to the islands.

A similar scenario could play out somewhere along the Gulf or East coasts this weekend or next week, depending on where Irma tracks. Residents are urged to prepare now.





This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey, Evan Myers, expert senior meteorologist and chief operating officer, said.

A landfall in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas is all in the realm of possibilities. Irma could also head into the Gulf of Mexico.

Another scenario still on the table is that Irma curve northward and miss the East Coast entirely. This would still generate large surf and rip currents along the East Coast. However, this scenario is the least likely to occur at this point.





The exact path of Irma beyond the end of the week remains uncertain and will depend on a variety of moving parts in the atmosphere.

A large area of high pressure across the central North Atlantic is helping to steer Irma, AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said.

This feature will be the main driving force of Irma over the next few days. As the weekend approaches, other factors will come into play.

The eastward or northeast progression of a non-tropical system pushing across the central and eastern U.S. this week will highly impact the long-range movement of Irma, Kottlowski said.

How fast or slow this non-tropical system moves will be an important factor on where Irma is steered this weekend into next week. The speed of this feature will determine when and how much Irma gets pulled northward or whether Irma continues on more of a westward track.

This amount of uncertainty means that the entire southern and eastern U.S. should monitor Irma this week. Residents along the coast are urged to start preparing and making sure plans are in place to deal with the worst case scenario. This includes plans on how to evacuate and what is important to bring with you and your family.

"As we saw just 10 days ago with Harvey, it is important to be ready to evacuate," Myers said. Be prepared with a list of items you would need to take if you had 30 minutes' notice or one hour's notice or six hours or a day to evacuate.

Due to Irma following so closely on Harvey's heels and since FEMA and other government resources will be strained, more preparation and storm aftermath may rest on individuals, Myers said. It may be crucial to evacuate ahead of the storm, so preparation is key.

If Irma were to make landfall as a Category 4 or 5 storm somewhere in the U.S., it would be in historical territory.

"The U.S. has not sustained a direct hit from two Category 4 or above hurricanes in more than 100 years, Myers said.

Keep checking back to AccuWeather for updates on the status of Irma and where it may track in the days ahead.


Dangerous and life-threatening conditions are expected across the northern Caribbean this week as Major Hurricane Irma barrels through.

Irma is expected to bring deteriorating and perhaps devastating conditions across the Leeward Islands Tuesday and Tuesday night into Wednesday, AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said.

Irma, currently a Category 3 hurricane, will pass near or over the Leeward Islands Tuesday night into Wednesday, and may undergo further intensification.

The hurricane remains in a very favorable environment for further intensification, including low vertical wind shear, deep moist unstable air and warm water, Dan Kottlowski said.

The current track of Irma will put Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, in the brunt of the storm's rain and wind during this time. Impacts could also be felt across the far northern Windward Islands as well.





Irma poses an imminent danger to these areas. Preparations for the storm should be rushed to completion in these areas.

Widespread power outages and damage to trees and structures are likely where the eye of the storm passes directly over or makes its closest approach.

Rough surf will spread outward from the storm, leading to dangerous swimming and boating conditions along the east-facing beaches of the Lesser Antilles. Small craft should head to port and remain there until Irma has passed.

We are expecting very rough and dangerous surf along with damaging tropical-storm-force and hurricane-force winds over the northern Leeward Islands, and tropical-storm-force winds over the southern Leewards to perhaps the northern Windward Islands, mostly in gusts, Kottlowski said.

Irma will track near Puerto Rico Wednesday and Wednesday night, delivering flooding rain and damaging winds along with the threat for mudslides.

Rainfall will be heavy enough to trigger flash flooding, mudslides and road washouts. Amounts of 4 to 8 inches of rain can be expected on the islands.





Farther to the west, residents and interests on Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and eastern Cuba should closely monitor the progression of Major Hurricane Irma, Kottlowski said.

A track near or over these locations is becoming increasingly likely towards the end of the week, which would bring life-threatening conditions to residents and any vacationers.





However, fluctuations in Irmas strength and track are expected over the next couple of days, so the exact track the hurricane will take is still unknown. Regardless, residents are urged to prepare now and have a plan in place.

Uncertainty greatly increases heading into the weekend and next week as Irma tracks closer to the United States coastline.

Given the uncertainty that remains, all interests along the Gulf and East coasts should closely monitor the forecast path of Irma this week and review emergency and evacuation procedures in case they need to be implemented.





Behind Irma, a disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms located hundreds of miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands will need to be monitored for potential development.

This system will move into a favorable environment for organizing and gaining strength as it moves to the west-northwest toward the Lesser Antilles during the latter part of this week.

The next storm in the Atlantic Basin would acquire the name Jose.
As was routine, Randy Cuddy left his home in the desert of California's San Bernardino County on an August night three weeks ago to pick up his truck 40 miles away for an assignment.

But Cuddy -- a 60-year-old father and grandfather who was in regular contact with his family -- never made it to the job.

The longtime truck driver left his home in Apple Valley at 11 p.m. on Aug. 16 and was reported missing four days later. While police have classified the search as a missing-person investigation, Cuddy's daughter said Tuesday she fears her father is a victim of foul play.

"He just left for work and never showed up," his daughter, Terri

Scheerer, told Fox News.

"He's missed the birth of his grandson and his son's wedding," Schreerer said. "That's not something he would do. Hes never gone three or four days without contacting us."

The family launched an extensive search for Cuddy, renting a plane to fly over remote areas along the route from Apple Valley to Fontana, where Cuddy kept his truck. But Scheerer said Tuesday the search turned up no trace of Cuddy or his vehicle -- a green 1993 Buick Park Avenue.

"Weve been searching the area day in and day out. We rented a small plane and we found nothing," Scheerer said. "He would never voluntarily leave the area."

Detectives with the Victor Valley Sheriffs Station are calling on the public to help them locate Cuddy, who is described as 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing glasses, a short-sleeved shirt with buttons and blue jeans.

"This is an ongoing investigation and were following all leads and tips that we get," Detective Bill Doemner with the Victor Valley Sheriffs Station said.

While Doemner added "there's no indication of any foul play," he said authorities are working to obtain Cuddy's cell phone records in an effort to find him.

"Hes very funny and hes very kind," Scheerer said of her father. "We just want him home."

Anyone with information on Cuddy's whereabouts is urged to contact the Valley Sheriffs Station at 760-248-7655 or 760-552-6800.
Larry Bates told listeners of Christian broadcast programs that they should buy gold and silver coins to give them financial protection during a supposedly looming religious and economic collapse termed "Mystery Babylon."

Trusting Bates' status as a former Tennessee lawmaker and believing he was an honest Christian man, hundreds of people sent him money, and waited for their shiny coins to arrive.

So many times, the coins never came.

Bates was sentenced Tuesday to more than 21 years in federal prison for leading a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that prosecutors said defrauded more than 400 people from 2002 through 2013.

Bates, his two sons and his daughter-in-law were convicted in Memphis federal court in May of wire and mail fraud. His relatives await sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman ordered Bates, 73, to repay more than $21 million to victims. A large number of those victims were elderly Americans who lost life savings and the ability to pay for health care, prosecutors said.

The Bates family worked through First American Monetary Consultants, which had offices in Memphis and Boulder, Colorado. But they found customers from all over the country.

Bates, a Democrat who served in the Tennessee House from 1971 to 1976, promoted the company though Christian television and radio programs. He used the airwaves to question the stability of the world economy as it faced what he described as a religious and social collapse.

Gold and silver can protect people from fluctuating and volatile money markets because they always will be exchangeable, even in "end times," he said.

Customers gave $87 million to the company for the purpose of buying precious metals. But the Bates family kept money from the payments for their personal use, spending it on commodities trading and a 10,000-square-foot house (930-square-meter) in Middleton, Tennessee. By 2009, the company had more than $26 million dollars in unfilled orders.

Victims begged the company for their coins or reimbursement. They were told that the coins were scarce, the coins were coming from Europe, and the U.S. Mint was shut down.

Judith Ponder, from Kerrville, Texas, testified at trial that she and her mother gave Larry Bates more than $1.8 million dollars. Charles Grimsley, a pastor in Mesa, Colorado, said he and his wife gave the company more than $200,000 of their retirement money.

They got little, if anything, in return.

Lipman said there were customers who received the coins for which they paid, but noted "that is how Ponzi schemes work."

Bates' wife and friends spoke on his behalf during the sentencing hearing. Friend Tim Foster said Bates was very principled and called him a "fine Christian man."

Bates said in court that he was "very sad for these clients of ours." He accused business competitors, and private and government lawyers, of conspiring against him.

"God is my defender," he said. "He knows the truth. He will expose the lies."

Bates' lawyers argued he should be sentenced to six to nine years, saying that his age and declining health would make him vulnerable in prison. Dr. Robert Burns, a specialist in geriatric medicine, testified Bates suffers from short-term memory loss and early dementia.

Sentencing Bates to a long prison term is a "death sentence for him," defense lawyer Mary Catherine Robinson told the judge.

The judge disagreed. Bates altered the course of people's lives, causing them to suffer significantly, she said.

Lipman did not criticize Bates for his religious and world views.

But she did say this: "Your use of religion to gain trust is appalling."
A Florida police officer had a close encounter with an unwanted 5-foot long slithering guest at a power plant Sunday.

Lakeland Police said they received a call about a "female suspect nestled under a stairway" at the Lakeland Electric McIntosh power plant: a "very healthy" female rattlesnake curled up and considered dangerous.

Officials then contacted off-duty Officer Scott Wisneski, who has "extensive experience with snakes and other exotic animals."

Wisneski arrived with grasping tongs in hand, and then, "with one calm and steady move of the tongs," he lifted the snake and secured it in a container to remove her from the plant.

"It's not something you typically associate with the police department, but if we can assist we do," Wisneski said in the police department's Facebook post.

A local handler then was contacted in hopes the rattlesnake can be sent to a venomous snake farm, where she can be used for creating anti-venom.

"She might be able to help save someone else's life one day," Wisneski said.
Beachgoers at a Massachusetts beach on Labor Day were sent scrambling back to the shore after a great white shark attacked a seal about 100 feet off shore.

The shark was seen eating the seal around 12:30 p.m. at Nauset Beach, where a similar attack happened just over two weeks ago.

Lifeguards say some surfers and paddleboarders were nearby, but were able to get to shore safely. Beachgoers were kept out of the water for about an hour after the attack.

People were just freaking out they were freaking out, Brandon Latham told Fox 25 Boston. I just saw like blood.

On Aug. 20, a shark devoured its prey close to surfers at the same beach. Three days later, a mans paddleboard was likely bitten by a great white shark in nearby Welfleet at Marconi Beach.
Two hoverboards burst into flames while charging in a Missouri womans basement, nearly starting a house fire, according to a report.

Rachel Ferguson, from Lees Summit, told Fox 6 she had her Swagway hoverboards charging beneath a window in her home when it happened.

She quickly put out the fire and said shes lucky her home didn't burn to the ground completely.

Its a mess. Its scary. All I saw from over in this direction was sparks and it looked like a firework, she said. They said just being able to kick off that kiddie fire extinguisher saved the house.

HOVERBOARD CAUSES HOUSE FIRE IN SW PORTLAND, NO INJURIES REPORTED

She and her family will be staying in a hotel and with family until the house can be professionally cleaned, according to reports.

In the meantime, investigators from the hoverboards manufacturing company will reportedly visit the house and assess the damage.

Both of these hoverboards are 2015 or newer so all these glitches and problems were supposed to be worked out, Ferguson told Fox 6.

Click here for more from Fox 6.
Celeb Chef Graham Elliot Teams With Matthias Merges For New West Loop Spot

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Sep 5, 2017 8:40PM

One of Chicago's most prominent celebrity chefs is finally heading back to some familiar digs, and he's taking another famous culinary face with him. Graham Elliot confirmed on Tuesday that he's teaming up with Matthias Merges on a new restaurant, called Gideon Sweet, which will take up shop at the former Graham Elliot Bistro location (841 W. Randolph St.), in the West Loop.

"Psyched to be working with my mentor Matthias Merges again!" wrote Elliot on Twitter. "Gideon Sweet opening this fall in former" bistro space. The two came up working together at the famed Charlie Trotter's.

Psyched to be working with my mentor @matthiasmerges again!GIDEON SWEET opening this fall in former @gebistro space. pic.twitter.com/iXc5HWLKir  GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) September 5, 2017



With his signature specs, love of emo, multiple James Beard Award nods, profile-boosting stint at MasterChef cohost, and the now-shuttered concepts that bore his name, Elliot remains one of the city's most notable chefs. But he's been noticeably absent from the limelight since Graham Elliot Bristro closed for good in August of 2016. It'll be great for the West Loop and the Chicago dining scene in general to have him back involved in a restaurant.

Elliot will help create the menu at Gideon Sweet, which includes everything from pastry with salmon mousse to Thai curry, according to Eater. The restaurant will also feature revamped patio seating and vintage spirits for cocktails, the site reports. Mergeswell known for restaurants like A10 and bars such as Billy Sundaysaid that Elliot owns a portion of the venture, but it wasn't clear how much.

However it shakes out, Graham Elliot will be back on Restaurant Rowand that's comforting to know.
Hurricane Irma continued to strengthen Tuesday as an "extremely dangerous" Category 5 storm, prompting states of emergency in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida -- with the powerful storm forcing evacuations in the Florida Keys.

Irma's maximum sustained winds had increased to near 185 mph, and the storm was located about 180 miles east of Antigua, moving west at 14 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 2 p.m. ET advisory.

"Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 or 5 hurricane during the next couple of days," the NHC said.

Irma's center was expected to move over portions of the northern Leeward Islands late Tuesday and early Wednesday, and the storm's eye was then expected to pass about 50 miles from Puerto Rico late Wednesday.

Fox News Senior Meterologist Janice Dean said Irma is now "one of the strongest hurricanes we have witnessed in the last decade."

Outside of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the NHC said Irma is the strongest hurricane in the history of the Atlantic basin according to agency records.

Hurricane warnings were issued for 12 island groups in the Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands, where the governor urged those who could to evacuate the tiny island of Anegada ahead of the storm.

TRACK HURRICANE IRMA AT MYFOXHURRICANE.COM

Irma is the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Rita in 2005, officials said. Puerto Rico has not seen a hurricane of this magnitude in almost 100 years, Carlos Anselmi, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Juan, told The Associated Press.

"Florida and the Southeast U.S. should be paying close attention to the forecast and any changes over the coming days, while South Florida and the Florida Keys should be preparing for potential impacts from a dangerous Category 4 hurricane this weekend."  Janice Dean, Fox News Senior Meteorologist

The forecast for Irma remains tricky during the weekend as it approaches South Florida Saturday night into Sunday. The storm is expected to make a sharp turn to the north as a trough moves into the region, according to Dean.

"Florida and the Southeast U.S. should be paying close attention to the forecast and any changes over the coming days, while South Florida and the Florida Keys should be preparing for potential impacts from a dangerous Category 4 hurricane this weekend," she said.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello warned that all decisions made in the next couple of hours could make a difference between life and death.

Authorities warned the storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain on parts of the Caribbean, cause landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 23 feet.

"This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane," U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp warned. "It's not time to get on a surfboard."

While Irma's potential impact on the U.S. mainland is not yet fully known, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Monday to ensure "local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this dangerous storm."

"In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared," Scott said in a statement.

FLORIDA GOV. RICK SCOTT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AHEAD OF HURRICANE IRMA

Scott activated 100 Florida National Guard members Tuesday to assist with preparing for Irma, while officials issued mandatory evacuations for visitors and residents of the Florida Keys.

Monroe County officials said a mandatory visitor evacuation is expected to begin at sunrise on Wednesday. An evacuation for residents also will be issued, though a time has not yet been set.

Officials strongly encouraged tourists and residents to start evacuation plans now, and said the earlier people leave the Keys, the less traffic they were likely to encounter.

If ever there was a storm to take seriously in the Keys, this is it, Monroe County Emergency Management Director Martin Senterfitt said in a statement. The sooner people leave, the better.

U.S. 1 was the only route in and out of the island chain off the southern peninsula of Florida.

Some residents across South Florida spent Labor Day stocking up on supplies in case Irma nears, instead of buying items for barbecues.

Obviously, get ready ahead of time. We have food, as you can see," shopper Jacqueline Kimbrough told WSVN of her preparations. "We have our music. We just have a good time. We dont worry about it and we pray."

People across South Florida were spending Tuesday stocking up on supplies, causing many stories to run out of water and generators, WSVN reported.

Customers at a Costco in Miami Lakes were lined up outside the wholesale store until the moment doors opened up at 10 a.m., and lines snaked throughout the store.

Further north on Florida's Gulf Coast, residents weren't taking any chances, and spent Monday making sure their disaster kits are ready for whatever the storm brings.

"Definitely better now than when it's too late," Chance Burnett told FOX 13 Tampa as he loaded cases of water bottles into his trunk.

"We've got a lot of cases of water and a lot of canned foods, tuna, Chef Boyardees," said Burnett. "And then, we are on our way to Home Depot and we are going to stock up on flashlights and batteries."

At Home Depot in Tampa, tarps, gas containers and generators were among the most popular items being bought by shoppers. The generator shelves were restocked on Monday morning, but were already sold out by the afternoon.

Assistant store manager Chrissy Lenze told FOX 13 the store expects a new shipment this week, and they have plenty of other supplies.

"Mostly plywood, water, flashlights, tarps for afterwards, sandbags to prepare," Lenze said. "We want to be the last ones to close, first ones to open during a storm."

On Puerto Rico, which will feel Irma's effects by Wednesday, residents braced for electricity outages after the director of the island's power company said that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for four to six months.

Ricardo Ramos told radio station Notiuno 630 AM "some areas will have power [back] in less than a week." The utility's infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans experienced an island-wide outage last year.

Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands expected 4 inches to 8 inches of rain and winds of 40-50 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph.

The last Category 5 storm to hit the United States was Hurricane Andrew in 1992. An estimated 250,000 were left homeless and the storm caused more than $20 billion in damage in the Bahamas, Florida and Louisiana. Fifty-five people were killed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
"It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey."  Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather

A weakened but still dangerous Irma pushed inland Monday as it hammered Florida with winds and floodwaters.

Irma was downgraded Monday morning to a tropical storm. On Sunday, it made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm hurricane after leaving a deadly path of destruction in the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm has already knocked out power to more than 6.5 million homes and businesses across Florida. More than 100,000 customers in Georgia and more than 80,000 in South Carolina were without power.

The storm killed at least 35 people in the Caribbean.



Nearly 7 million people in the Southeast were warned to leave in one of the largest U.S. evacuations, including 6.4 million in Florida alone. Officials estimated that about 25 percent of Key Wests residents stayed through the storm despite evacuation orders.

More than 120 homes were being evacuated early Monday in Orange County, the region where the city of Orlando is located, as floodwaters started to rise. Firefighters and the National Guard were going door-to-door and using boats to ferry families to safety.

Heres what you should know about Tropical Storm Irma and its trajectory.

Where is Tropical Storm Irma now?

By Monday evening, the tropical storm was continuing to push its way into Georgia.



FLORIDA KEYS AND HURRICANES, A LONG HISTORY

The tropical storm was about 55 miles southeast of Columbus, Ga., as of the National Hurricane Center's 8 p.m. ET advisory. It has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving in a north-northwest direction at 16 mph.

Over the next two days, Irma is expected to move into Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

What else should I know about the storm?

"This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey," Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement.

AS IRMA ARRIVES, ANIMALS ARE HAULED OFF TO JAIL  FOR PROTECTION

Georgia officials declared a state of emergency in all 159 counties on Sunday in preparation for Tropical Storm Irma after the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning in Atlanta  for the first time in the citys history.

South Carolina and North Carolina also declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.

Fox News' Jake Ingrassia, Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Zoe Szathmary, Nicole Darrah and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Pennsylvania man accused of murdering a Temple University student used Lyft to transport her body to his grandmothers home, local media reported.

Joshua Hupperterz, 29, transported 22-year-old Jenna Burleighs body more than 100 miles in a storage bin using the ride-share service Lyft after he allegedly beat and strangled her to death, NBC10 reported.

Hupperterz, a former Temple student with a criminal background, was arrested in Pennsylvania Sunday on murder charges after Burleigh was reported missing by her family Thursday night. The Waynes County Coroners Office determined over the weekend Burleighs death was a homicide, caused by a combination of blunt trauma and strangulation.

SUSPECT IN TEMPLE UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT'S MURDER HAS CRIMINAL PAST

Burleigh was last spotted in surveillance footage leaving a bar near Temples campus with Hupperterz at about 2 a.m. Thursday, according to police. Officials said she was killed in Hupperterzs apartment and stuffed into a storage bin, which Huppertz used to transport her body first to his mothers house in Jenkintown and then  via Lyft  to his grandmothers home in Paupack Township, NBC10 reported. Police found Burleighs body in the storage bin at his grandmothers house Saturday.

Hupperterz was questioned by Temple University police Friday by telephone, officials said. He said he was so drunk leaving the bar he couldnt remember who he was with, police said in a statement. Philadelphia detectives then obtained a search warrant for his apartment, and state police went to his grandmothers house where they took him into custody.

2 EX-TEMPLE UNIVERSITY OFFICERS ACCUSED OF KILLING WOMEN

In a statement to Fox News, Lyft called the allegations devastating and said, We stand ready to work with the authorities in their investigation.

Hupperterz was charged Sunday with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, evidence-tampering and abuse of a corpse, in addition to separate drug-related charges. In 2013, police say Hupperterz was charged with burglary after breaking into a home near Scranton, Pa., and stealing property.

Court records show Hupperterzs preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 20.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A reputed Connecticut mobster who authorities say is the last surviving person of interest in the largest art heist in U.S. history is set to be sentenced on unrelated weapons convictions.

Robert "The Cook Gentile is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Hartford.

Prosecutors have said they believe the 81-year-old Manchester resident has information about the still-unsolved 1990 heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

Thieves stole an estimated $500 million worth of artwork, including works by Rembrandt, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas and Johannes Vermeer.

The mobster plead guilty in April in connection with the seizure of firearms and ammunition from his home by federal agents. The plea deal calls for him to serve three to six years in prison.

Gentile was indicted after authorities say they seized a .22-caliber Browning semi-automatic pistol and several other weapons during a May 2016 search of his Manchester property.

FBI officials first identified Gentile in April 2015 as the last surviving person of interest in the Gardner heist, in which two men posing as police officers stole 13 pieces of artwork including paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas and Johannes Vermeer. No one has been charged in the art theft, and the paintings have never been found.

When federal agents searched Gentile's house in Manchester in 2012, they found a handwritten list of the stolen paintings and their estimated worth, according to prosecutors, who also said a polygraph test showed there was a 99 percent chance that Gentile was lying when he denied knowing where the paintings were.

Convinced that he still had information related to the heist, Feds searched his home again in May 2016 but came up empty handed with evidence related to the case but found his cache of weapons.

Gentile has continually denied knowing anything about the theft.

Nearly three decades later, an investigator independently working the case said he's "100 percent convinced" the most valuable collection of stolen artwork is somewhere in Ireland, specifically in the possession of associates with the Irish Republican Army, or the IRA.

"I have been talking with several former IRA members -- individuals I've built a trust with over the years," art investigator Arthur Brand told Fox News in July.

"I'm convinced they are there," Brand said of the artworks. "The Ireland angle has been one of the most promising leads from the beginning."

It was just after midnight on March 18, 1990, two men dressed as police officers buzzed the side door at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and claimed they were there to investigate a disturbance.

A little more than an hour later, the men left with a collection of artwork valued at around half-a-billion dollars -- 13 masterpieces including Rembrandt's only seascape, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee," and Vermeer's "The Concert," a masterpiece said to be worth more than $200 million.

The thieves also snatched an ancient Chinese bronze beaker or "Ku" from the Shang Dynasty and a finial that once stood atop a flag from Napoleon's Army.

The suspects, described as white men in their 30s, convinced two inexperienced security guards that they were police officers responding to a call, before overtaking the guards and tying them up. They spent 81 minutes inside the museum, walking the dark hallways before making their way to the Dutch Room, where the most valuable works were found.

Fox News Cristina Corbin and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The body of a missing three-year-old boy found in a concrete structure over the weekend has been tentatively identified as Evan Brewer, whose grandfather served two terms as mayor of Wichita, Kan.

In a statement Tuesday, Carl Brewer said he and his family "are devastated by the death of our sweet and loving grandson. We can not begin to make sense of this tragedy but are thankful the suspects are in custody."

Wichita police Lt. Jeff Gilmore said investigators were waiting on the results of DNA tests before positively identifying the body. He declined to comment on the nature or size of the concrete structure, which he said was found by the property's landlord Friday after he had served an eviction order.

Evan Brewer's mother, 36-year-old Miranda Miller, was arrested Wednesday last week on suspicion of aggravated interference with parental custody. Miller's boyfriend, 40-year-old Stephen Bodine, was arrested the same day on suspicion of aggravated assault and aggravated interference with parental custody.

Gilmore added that Kansas welfare officials had investigated reports that Evan was being abused earlier this year. In July, a protection from abuse order was issued to Evan's father, Carlo Brewer, on the boy's behalf. However, Gilmore said, authorities were unable to find Miller to serve the order to her.

The police spokesman said Miller had been "actively eluding police" and was thought to have left the state at one point.

Miller and Bodine are each being held on $25,000 bond. No charges have yet been filed in Evan's death.

Click for more from The Wichita Eagle.
The mother of a missing Michigan woman says her daughter messaged her that she was "in a dark room she thinks is a basement."

Jasmin Cheyenne Brickey, 20, was last seen near an intersection in Grand Rapids Sunday evening. Her mother, Barbara, posted repeatedly on Facebook asking for information about her daughter.

"If it was your child you would be posting til your fingers bleed," Barbara Brickey wrote at one point.

Jasmin Brickey is described as 6-foot-1, 190 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing dark blue jeans with holes in the thighs, black sandals, white shirt, and a black hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department, at 616-456-3403.
A former prosecutor in Hinds County, Mississippi, could be sentenced to up to five years in federal prison this week for accepting money to sway court proceedings.

Ivon Johnson served as the assistant district attorney for Hinds County which includes Jackson, the state capital.

In October of 2014, Johnson made a big cut to a defendant's bond in exchange for $500, according to court documents.

Court documents also showed that between October 2013 and September 2015, Johnson accepted at least $15,000 from an unnamed person to help criminal defendants. He pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge.

Johnson also served as an FBI informant in a case against current Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith, who was acquitted of slowing prosecution of defendants this year, The Clarion-Ledger reported.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys office for the Western District of Louisiana after the Jackson office withdrew itself from the case.

Fox News reached out to the U.S. Attorneys office and Mr. Johnson for comment but did not immediately receive a response. A sentencing hearing for Johnson is scheduled for Thursday.


Some top Republicans have spoken out to challenge President Trumps expected announcement Tuesday that reportedly calls for the end of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

Trumps reported plan calls for a six-month delay that would give Congress some time to pass legislation that would address the hundreds of thousands of immigrants covered by the program.

The New York Times that Trump himself will not make the Tuesday announcement. That job will be left for Attorney General Jeff Sessions at an 11 AM ET briefing. (WATCH FOX NEWS AND FOXNEWS.COM FOR FULL COVERAGE)

LIZ PEEK: Trump, GOP should keep DACA but scrap birthright citizenship

NORTH KOREA ON THE MOVE?

North Korea has been spotted at night moving a possible intercontinental ballistic missile towards its west coast, Reuters reported, citing a South Korean paper.

The Asia Business Daily, citing an unnamed source, reported Tuesday that the rocket began its move on Monday. The report said that the rocket was being moved at night to avoid detection. (US AMBASSADOR TO THE UN, NIKKI HALEY, DELIVERS REMARKS ON PLAN OF ACTION ON IRAN NUKE DEAL. WATCH FOX NEWS CHANNEL AND FOXNEWS.COM FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE)

LOCKING UP SECRETS?

A reputed Connecticut mobster who authorities say is the last surviving person of interest in the largest art heist in U.S. history is set to be sentenced on unrelated weapons convictions.

Robert "The Cook Gentile is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Hartford.

Prosecutors have said they believe the 81-year-old Manchester resident has information about the still-unsolved 1990 heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER SHOT

A small Ohio news organization said one of its photographers was shot by a sheriff's deputy Monday night while he set up to take pictures of a random traffic stop.

Andy Grimm "had his camera in his hand" when he was shot in his side by a Clark County sheriff's deputy in New Carlisle, which north of Dayton, The New Carlisle News said in a Facebook post.

COMING UP ON FOX BUSINESS CHANNEL

6 AM ET: Gordon Chang, author of The Coming Collapse of China, will be on Mornings with Maria

8 AM ET: Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader, will appear on Mornings with Maria

8:30 AM ET: Tom Wilson, CEO of The Allstate Corporation will be on Mornings with Maria

5 PM ET: Kayleigh McEnany, RNC spokesperson, will be on Risk & Reward
A small Ohio news organization said one of its photographers was shot by a sheriff's deputy Monday night while he set up to take pictures of a random traffic stop.

Andy Grimm "had his camera in his hand" when he was shot in his side by a Clark County sheriff's deputy in New Carlisle, which north of Dayton, The New Carlisle News said in a Facebook post.

He was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital for surgery and is expected to recover.

Grimm had left the newsroom around 10 p.m. on Monday to take pictures of a lightning storm, the paper said. While he was taking pictures, a traffic stop occurred on the same road, according to the article.

"I was going out to take pictures and I saw the traffic stop and I thought, 'Hey, cool. I'll get some pictures here.'" he told the newspaper. He said he pulled into a parking lot in full view of the deputy, got out of his Jeep and started setting up his tripod and camera. "I turned around toward the cars and then 'pop, pop."

The newspaper speculated that the deputy may have mistaken the camera for a weapon. Grimm said the deputy, identified in reports as Jake Shaw, gave him no warning.

"I was just doing my job," he said. "I know Jake. I like Jake. I don't want him to lose his job over this."

Sources told the newspaper that there was some confusion surrounding the shooting.

I just talked to Andy and he said that he is very sore, but in good spirits, Dale Grimm, the photographer's father and publisher of the New Carlisle News, told Fox News. He said the hospital expects to be releasing him Tuesday. He also stressed that he does not want the deputy to lose his job over this.

The Dayton Daily News reports the case has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

This is a small town. Everybody knows everybody. It was just a terrible misunderstanding, his father said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story
Hundreds To Rally Downtown Amid DACA Rescission's 'Gut-Wrenching Betrayal Of American Values'

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 5, 2017 4:45PM



Photo: Tyler LaRiviere

A potentially large-scale, pro-DACA rally is set for Tuesday evening downtown as Attorney General Jeff Sessions, as expected, announced today that the programwhich protects from deportation some 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as childrenwill be "rescinded" within six months.

Even before the official announcement was made by the Trump administration, more than one thousand people had responded on Facebook that they will attend the rally/press conference, which takes place at Federal Plaza (230 S. Dearborn St.) at 5:30 p.m.

"Individuals who will be impacted" by the Trump administration's decision will offer testimony and urge supporters to defend "all immigrants."

"Directly impacted individuals, allies, and organizations will gather at Federal Plaza to show the 800,000 impacted people that they are not alone," states the event page, which is supported by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Indivisible Chicago, and other activist organizations.

As expected, the Trump plan to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals allows for a six-month window during which DACA recipients can seek permit renewals andshould the support prove evidentallow Congress to pass new legislation that would protect the hundreds of thousands who rely on the program. But no new DACA applications will accepted during that half-year timeframe, and it remains unclear if the political support will materialize to pass a protection program similar to DACA.

DACA, an executive action signed into effect by Obama, allowed those who came to the country as undocumented minors to request renewable two-year periods against deportation.

Chicago and Illinois legislators and political leaders have spoken out against Trump's controversial decision. "Chicago will always be a welcoming city," Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who added in a statement that the city would "pursue every legal option" to protect DREAMers.

To all #DREAMers: You are welcome in the City of Chicago. This is your home. Come to school and pursue your dreams. #DACA #ChicagoisOne pic.twitter.com/YbnEpxqbuG  Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) September 5, 2017 President Trumps decision to end #DACA strikes a blow against our core American values and is an affront to basic human decency. pic.twitter.com/bGZ0iws8Y2  Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) September 5, 2017



Democratic governor candidate called on Gov. Brucer Rauner to "stand up for Dreamers" and "speak out against Donald Trump" on the issue.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth called the anti-DACA decision "a gut-wrenching betrayal of American values." She said in a statement on Tuesday:



Make no mistakethis decision is not about rule of law, as Attorney General Sessions claims... DREAMers and DACA recipients are doctors, teachers, students and Servicemembers. They have mortgages and jobs. They know only one nation: the United States, which is where they were raised. To end a program that allowed these patriots to come out of the shadows and more fully contribute to this country is irresponsible and heartless. Congress must act immediately and pass legislation to make DACA the law of the land.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez said he would not support any federal funding bill that fails to include "a safe harbor for DREAMers." He said in a statement:



America is a better country than its President and most Americans do not want to see documented immigrants converted into undocumented immigrants. It just takes the country in the wrong direction and will be devastating to individual immigrants and families. The disruption, chaos and fear that this action precipitates will also strain state and local governments, educators, and employers. DACA is a program that has been a smashing success, yet the President, purely out of spite and incompetence is smashing DACA."

Sen. Dick Durbin said on Sunday that the rescission could portend "humanitarian and economic disaster."



If #DACA is ended in this way, it will not show heart for the #Dreamers. It will be a humanitarian and economic disaster  Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) September 3, 2017



DACA impacts more than 40,000 Illinois residents, according to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and a recent study found that termination of DACA could lead to a $460 billion loss in the national gross domestic product over the next 10 years, according to Huffington Post. A recent report by the Center for American Progress found that 91 percent of DACA-recipient respondents were employed.
Police arrested a 40-year-old man on a murder complaint in connection with two hit-and-run crashes that investigators believe targeted homeless people in Tulsa.

Jeremy Thacker was arrested Tuesday on complaints of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon, Tulsa police spokeswoman Jeanne (GEE'-nee) MacKenzie said. MacKenzie said Thacker didn't speak to detectives, but that damage on his truck was consistent to both crashes.

It was not immediately clear if Thacker had an attorney.

Police first recovered a white pickup truck near a rock quarry in north Tulsa that detectives linked to the attacks. Thacker was arrested nearby a short time later.

The first crash occurred Monday morning under an interstate overpass and appeared to be a deliberate attack, Tulsa Police Sgt. Stephen Florea told the Tulsa World.

"The pickup truck actually circled the block a couple of times before coming back, driving up over the curb and driving down the sidewalk to run over these individuals," Florea said. "There's just no way this could have been an accident."

He said the vehicular assault killed 46-year-old Shawn Birdo and hospitalized 49-year-old Cynthia Wallace, who suffered severe injuries. Both victims were sleeping at the time. Another man suffered a minor leg injury.

Hours later, another homeless woman was hospitalized after her legs were run over in a separate crash. Florea said evidence suggests that the driver swerved to hit the woman, who was sitting on a curb. Witnesses described the driver as a white man in his 40s.

The man who suffered a minor injury in the first crash, James Russell, said many homeless people sleep on the streets because they have nowhere else to go.

"I was very lucky today, and I'm very sorry that the people who were hit were hurt so bad and one lost his life," Russell said. "What the man did was terribly wrong, and I hope he's caught."

___

This item has been updated to correct the spelling of the victim's name to Shawn Birdo, not Shaun Birdough, following updated information from authorities.

___

Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com
It started out unremarkable enough: A 55-year-old woman ordered a drink and gave her first name at a Starbucks in Goodyear, Ariz., on Sunday morning. But police say Virginia Paris then went to the bathroom and told a female customer she needed help upon exiting, only to be yanked from the store and shoved into a car by the man police say kidnapped her on Friday in Solvang, Calif.: Paris' 52-year-old ex-boyfriend, Joseph Hetzel.

ABC15 reports that as the pair drove away, Paris tossed the car registration info out of the car and police collected it. The two were spotted a second time in Arizonaleaving a Grand Canyon-area hotel on Monday morning, the AP reportsbefore Paris was able to get away.

Police had said that based on witness statements, the pair were believed to be heading for Las Vegas, and the AP reports Paris was indeed found Monday night at a Las Vegas-area casino-hotel.

Paris reportedly told security guards at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson, Nev., that she had been kidnapped. She was taken to the hospital; Hetzel remains at large.

Officials say Paris had been granted a restraining order against Hetzel, who they also say should be considered armed and dangerous. He has previously served time on convictions including possession of items used to make explosive devices.

KTLA reports those charges appear to be connected to an ex-girlfriend whose dogs Hetzel poisoned and whose home he vandalized. (The FBI says this woman's trunk "kidnapping" was really an elaborate suicide.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Cops: Kidnapped Woman Found Safe at Hotel
A San Antonio high school math teacher was arrested Thursday on suspicion she had sexual relations for more than a year with her 17-year-old student -- including once at a public park.

Alberta Padilla, 52, an educator at Claudia Taylor Lady Bird Johnson High School in the North East Independent School District is accused of a relationship that allegedly began in June 2016 and lasted until Aug. 20, 2017, according to WCVB.

MAN WHO CLAIMS HE KILLED WIFE IN COUGH MEDICINE-INDUCED STUPOR WAS ASPIRING PREACHER

Padilla allegedly admitted to having the relationship with the teenager after she let him stay at her home and gave him clothing and food, saying she and the student developed feelings for one another over time.

The educator reportedly confessed to police that she and the student had sexual relations about 15 to 20 times over the year -- including at a towns public park.

Authorities reportedly discovered the relationship after Padillas daughters taped a conversation they had with the teenager who cautioned them not to go to the police and tell them of the relationship. The student also reportedly told the girls that he loved their mother.

Police said the student confessed he and Padilla had sexual relations.

WISCONSIN WOMAN LOSES $2,000 AFTER BEING COMPLETELY FOOLED BY WALLET SCAM

Padilla has been booked into the Bexar County Jail and was being held on a $20,000 bond, according to KTSA.

Aubrey Chancellor, a spokesperson for the school district, said they were determining whether to terminate Padilla, who has been placed on leave, according to Fox San Antonio.
The University of Utah Hospital is enacting new restrictions on law enforcement officials following the controversial arrest of a Utah nurse who refused to draw blood from an unconscious patient.

Instead of interacting with nurses as a first point of contact, police will now make requests to house supervisors, who are highly trained in medical laws and hospital rules, medical officials said Monday. Additionally, police will no longer have access to patient-care areas.

Margaret Pearce, chief nursing officer for the University of Utah hospital system, said the job of nurses is to take excellent care of the patients. She added, We never want them to leave patient care to deal with a police officer issue  so we are taking them totally out of the loop.

The new policy, announced at a news conference Monday, follows the July 26 arrest of nurse Alex Wubbels after she refused to allow police to draw blood from an unconscious crash victim in accordance with hospital policy and the law. The incident has attracted national attention after dramatic body cam footage of the confrontation was released last week.

I need to make sure this never, ever, ever happens to another one of our care providers again, Pearce said, calling the officers treatment of Wubbles appalling and totally unacceptable.

Pearce said the new policies had already been put into place, before the incident went public, to prevent similar situations. So far, 2,500 nurses have been trained in the new rules.

Gordon Crabtree, interim chief executive of the hospital, said he was deeply troubled by Wubbles arrest.

Praising Wubbles strength and devotion to patients privacy and safety, Crabtree said, her actions are nothing less than exemplary. She handled the situation with utmost courage and integrity.

This type of situation won't happen again, Crabtree said. We simply will not let Alex down.
She thought she had discovered a wallet with $150,000 in it, and she decided "finders keepers," but what she thought was good fortune turned out to be a huge mistake.

"I was completely, completely fooled," the woman, who asked that we not reveal her identity said.

The woman said she's filled with regret.

"I just regret being a part of it," she said.

She said she was walking through a parking lot on Bluemound Road in Brookfield when a woman called out to her.

"She asked me if I had dropped anything," the woman said.

She said the woman held up a wallet filled with cash.

"It was brown and it almost looked like the size of a brick," she said.

They called over a third woman to take a look, and decided to keep the money -- splitting it three ways.

"Well, finders keepers then, huh?" she said.

The woman who found the wallet said she worked at First Weber Realty. She said her office had a money counting machine, and that her boss would help them draw up paperwork to keep the money legally. The three women drove together to the office, parked in the back and the woman who found the wallet walked inside.

She came back out with unbelievable news.

"That there was $150,000 in cash in the wallet," she said.

But in order to get the money, she said all three women had to provide some cash to prove they were financially responsible, so they drove to Educator's Credit Union.

"I walked to the bank and withdrew the money," the woman said.

Back at First Weber Realty, they parked behind the building again, and the woman said one at a time, the other two women walked around the building and came back with stacks of what looked like real cash.

Then it was this woman's turn.

"That's when she hit me that something was wrong," she said.

Inside First Weber, no one knew what she was talking about. Meanwhile, the car and the other two women disappeared, along with her $2,000.

"The whole thing is horrendous," she said.

Brookfield police say they are investigating the incident. A spokesman told FOX6 he'd never heard of this type of scam before. FOX6 also spoke with First Weber Realty, which says no one by that description or name works for them.

The victim said she spent three hours with the alleged scammers, and while she's broke, she's grateful she wasn't hurt.

Click for more from Fox 6 Now.
The South Korean navy has conducted a live-fire exercise in an effort to show its military capability following North Koreas recent hydrogen bomb test.

The navy used warships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1,000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided missile vessels in drills aimed against potential North Korean provocations, Seouls Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

More drills are planned from Wednesday to Saturday of this week in the countrys northern seas.

The exercise follows a joint drill by South Koreas army and air force on Monday involving F-15 fighter jets and land-based ballistic missiles that simulated an attack on North Koreas nuclear test site to strongly warn Pyongyang.

North Korea claimed on Sunday that it has successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb. Hours before the test, photos emerged showing regime leader Kim Jong Un inspecting what it said is a new thermonuclear warhead in a lab.

SOUTH KOREA HOLDS LIVE-FIRE DRILL SIMULATING ATTACK ON NUCLEAR SITE TO 'STRONGLY WARN' NORTH KOREA

The drills come after the North appears to be preparing for a future ballistic missile launch. South Korean media reported Monday that North Korea appeared to be planning a launch in order to show off its claimed ability to target the U.S. with nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Japan is reportedly planning for a possible mass evacuation of its citizens in South Korea as tensions continue to rise in the area.

"There is a possibility of further provocations," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, according to a Japanese news outlet. "We need to remain extremely vigilant and do everything we can to ensure the safety of our people."

NORTH KOREA REPORTEDLY APPEARS TO BE READYING FOR NEW LAUNCH

At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council Monday, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. requested the body of the council hit the communist regime with the strongest possible sanctions, saying "the time for half measures ... is over."

"We cannot kick this can down the road any longer," Haley said following North Korea's recent test. "Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. ... But our country's patience is not unlimited."

The hydrogen bomb detonation was North Koreas sixth nuclear test, and the first since September 2016.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Russian defense ministry says two Russian troops have been killed in shelling in Syria's east.

The ministry's statement quoted by Russian news agencies late on Monday said the two men died when a convoy escorting Russian cease-fire monitoring staff came under mortar fire outside the eastern city of Deir el-Zour.

The ministry said one man died on the spot and the other died later of wounds in a hospital.

Russia has been providing air cover for Syrian President Bashar Assad's offensive against Islamic State group militants since 2015. The Russian defense ministry said Monday that Russian jets had made 80 flights to back Assad's offensive on Deir el-Zour, a key city that has been under IS siege for three years.
A young Christian man remains behind bars in Pakistan weeks after he was arrested for allegedly burning pages of the Koran outside a Muslim shrine, but jail may be the safest place for him - at least for now.

Asif Massih, 18 was arrested Aug. 12 on blasphemy charges stemming from an incident in Jam Kayk Chattha village Wazirabad, a central town of the Punjab province.

He is on judicial remand on the order of the judge, Alipur Chattha police spokesman Malik Irfan told Fox News. People had witnessed that Massih had burnt the Holy Koran by pouring petrol on it outside Muslim shrine.

After Massih was arrested, an angry crowd of around 200 men gathered outside the police station and demanded that he be handed over, Irfan said. Police moved him to another police station to save him from angry mob, Irfan added.

Massih is charged under 295-B of Pakistans penal code, the murky part of the Pakistans constitution that can lead to a death sentence for anyone convicted of desecrating the Koran.

Blasphemy is highly sensitive issue in predominantly Muslim majority Pakistan, where dozens sit on death row for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad or mistreating the Koran. Even mere accusations are enough for huge uproar that can ultimately lead to mob lynching and riots.

A court is recommending that parliament review Pakistans controversial blasphemy law and make changes that will prevent people from being falsely accused of the crime. Islamabad's highest court recently recommended parliament amend the law to require the same punishment - the death penalty - for those who falsely allege blasphemy.

Pakistan top courts ruling for falsely using these laws is welcome initiative and at least it can bring some debate about reviewing these draconian laws, said Farzana Bari, an Islamabad-based human rights activist.

In recent months, several violent blasphemy allegations have alarmed the human rights groups across the country. Critics believe blasphemy allegations are often used to settle personal and political scores.

The blasphemy accused persons in Pakistan are not properly investigated and innocents are being victimized on false accusations, said Kapil Dev, another Islamabad-based human rights activist.

According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, around 40 people are on death row or serving life sentences in Pakistan for committing blasphemy.

It is my hope that the new prime minister and his government will promote interfaith harmony and protect the rights of religious minorities, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said while releasing the annual US report on religious freedom for 2016.

Hardline mobs have killed at least 71 people over alleged blasphemy since 1990, according to reports.

In April, outspoken university student Mashal Khan was killed by a student mob after being falsely accused of blasphemy in the northern city of Mardan, which prompted huge calls for a change in the law. Police are currently probing more than 50 students and some faculty members at the school Khan attended in connection with his lynching following a dorm debate Islam.
Four years ago, a missionary pilot from Minnesota disappeared during a flight from South Africa to Mali and was never heard from again. Though no wreckage of the Beechcraft 1900C was ever found, South African authorities declared two months later that Jerry Krause had crashed and died.

Now his family says new evidence has caused the South African government to remove their official report and that Krause is actually alive and has been seen, CBS Minnesota reports.

The family even says the US government knows Krause's whereabouts but the Department of Defense doesn't have authorization to act on the information. According to the family's "Find Jerry" Facebook page, their understanding is that President Trump or Vice President Pence would need to approve any rescue attempt.

The family is asking people to contact their senators and representatives. As for the new evidence, "although we have sought to learn what [it] is, we have been denied access to it," per the Facebook post.

The family claims Krause was kidnapped while making the flight on April 7, 2013, but no group has claimed responsibility. Per the family, "All contact was lost on his approach to Sao Tome, a small island off the coast of Africa" where he was headed to re-fuel.

(This kidnapped woman tried to get help at a Starbucks.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Family of 'Dead' Pilot Believes He's Been Found Alive
Four men who served in the British army were arrested on suspicion of being members of a banned neo-Nazi group and preparing acts of terror, officials said.

The men are alleged to belong to National Action, a far-right group that was banned in the U.K. in December 2016, with membership or support carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in jail.

The West Midlands Counterterrorism Unit said Tuesday the men were detained as part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation and there was no threat to the general publics safety.

Police told Sky News the men being held are a 22 year old from Birmingham, a 32 year old from Powys, a 24 year old from Ipswich and a 24 year old from Northampton.

BRICS PUSH FOR UN REFORM, COOPERATION TO DEFEAT TERRORISM

The men are being held at the West Midlands police station.

Several properties were raided at the time of the arrests, as well.

National Action is a racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organization which stirs up hatred, glorifies violence and promotes a vile ideology, and I will not stand for it," British Home Secretary Amber Rudd told Parliament at the time of National Action's banning, Sky News reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
14 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week

Back at it this week with movies, food, music and more.



TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5

WAYNES WORLD: Party time! Excellent! The classic comedy film set in suburban Aurora turns 25 this year, and the Millennium Park Summer Film Series presents a special anniversary screening at 6:30 p.m. It was also just announced that rock legend Alice Cooper will introduce the film and talk about his "we're not worthy" cameo performance. Free.

BASE CAMP: The Field Museum and The Whistler team up for an after-hours spelunking party from 6 to 9 p.m. The Base Camp pop-up bar has a new theme each month, and this month theyre talking Caves. Learn about stalactites and stalagmites, cave bats and early humans with experts. Enjoy cocktails from The Whistler's Co-Owner and Beverage Director, and live music from Ben Babbitt. Free with admission.

MIDWEST PILOT SHOWCASE: Every First Tuesday, the Midwest Independent Film Festival presents works from local filmmakers, and this week is the annual Pilot Showcase. Theyll be showing all eight Midwest nominated pilots from this years New York Television Festival (NYTVF) plus a pre-show panel and post-screening discussion with producers. Tickets are $10-$15.



WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6

SPANISH WINE TASTING: III Forks Prime Steakhouse invites you to be "Sommelier for a Day" with a Spanish Wine Tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. Try six different wines from Spain paired with hors d'oeuvres from Chef Hans Aeschbacher, and pick your favorite to be the wine of the month. $20 per person. To RSVP, call 312-938-4303.



THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7



George Takei. Photo courtesy of Alphawood Gallery.

THATS SO TAKEI: George Takei comes to Chicago in a more serious capacity in honor of Alphawood Gallerys exhibition, Then They Came for Me: Incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII and the Demise of Civil Liberties. In An Evening with George Takei at the Athenaeum Theatre at 7 p.m., the beloved actor and activist will share his own story of incarceration as a child with his family. Tickets are $15.

PAELLA COOK OFF: Top Chicago chefs will face off, but you are the real winner with an evening of paella, tapas and wine at Mercat a la Planxas 4th Annual Paella Cook Off from 6 to 9 p.m. Chefs from TWO, Animale, Travelle and more will participate in the lively event that will also have traditional Spanish music and flamenco dancers. Tickets are $50.

KEN BURNS: Historian and documentary legend Ken Burns comes to Auditorium Theatre to discuss his new 10-part documentary, The Vietnam War. An Evening With Ken Burns and Lynn Novick will feature excerpts from the 18-hour masterpiece and include a discussion on the making of the film. Burns and Novick will also answer audience questions. 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets available on their website.

POET READING: Poet (and Chicagoist contributor) Carrie McGath will read from her new chapbook, Dollface: Poem-Songs at Quimbys at 7 p.m. The book is comprised of lyrical strains representing conversations between two Surrealist artists who had a tragic love affair. Free.

SHOEGAZE ICONS: Swervedriver were never ones for understatement during their initial run throughout the '90s, building walls of guitars into trance-inducing musical sculptures shot through with a dash of hard pop. So while most other groups currently tour behind recreating one classic album from their past, Swervedriver ups the ante on their current tour by performing two, their 1991 debut Raise and its 1993 follow-up, Mezcal Head. Chicago gets the first taste of this double-header when the band kicks off their tour at The Metro on Thursday night.



FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8



Seun Kuti. Photo by Romain Rigal.

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 19th Annual World Music Festival Chicago comes to Millennium Park and a variety of venues Sept. 8 to 24. The lineup includes a number of styles celebrating the citys diverse culture, including Ragamala: A Celebration of Indian Classical Music and FELABRATION! Featuring Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his band Egypt 80. Visit the festival website for a full schedule of performances.

THROWBACK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Head on up to the northwest side Gladstone Park for the 2nd annual Throwback Music Festival this weekend. The Gin Blossoms are one of the headliners for the fest crossing decades and generations. Break out the retro attire for the "Miss Throwback Pin-up Contest" on Sunday, plus a pet parade and vintage car show. Admission is a $5 gate donation benefiting the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce's scholarship program.

WURST MUSIC AND BEER FEST: The Wurst Music and Beer Fest kinda came out of the blue, and were all for it! Three-day passes are only $25 for the fest at Randolph and Ogden, with a music lineup that includes Murder By Death, The Anniversary, Diarrhea Planet and many more. There are also food and drink packages for purchase with GutenBucks.

AFTER HOURS COMEDY LAB: The Museum of Science and Industry + The Second City = Laughter. Step into The Second City Comedy Lab at the next MSI After Hours, the adults-only evening event featuring cocktails, snacks, music and after-hours access to museum exhibits. 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $30.



Image courtesy of Festival de La Villita.

LITTLE VILLAGE FEST: Festival de La Villita in Little Village celebrates Mexico's independence from Spain with authentic food, music, carnival rides and a parade. The neighborhood festival has been going for 28 years, with local restaurants and vendors taking part. Sundays 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade steps off at Noon at Albany and ends at the fest on Kostner. Free.
A German police department is under fire after an officer suggested women run in pairs following the rape of a female jogger in one of the citys parks on Friday by a man of "southern" appearance.

Local newspapers reported a woman in her 50s running at the popular Rosental Park in Leipzig early Friday said a man pushed her onto the ground, dragged her into a field and raped her.

During the sexual assault, the man also allegedly kicked and punched the woman in the face so hard she underwent emergency surgery after she was found, The Local reported.

Police said the suspect is still on the lam. They described him as being 25-35 years old, with dark hair, a short unkempt beard and a "southern" appearance. He was wearing grey knee-length pants and a blue-green checkered shirt.

Authorities are also investigating whether the suspect is linked to two other sexual assaults that took place in the same area recently.

A spokesperson for the local police told a newspaper it would be better if women jogged in pairs, or at least that they make sure that there is always someone else around.

The spokesman added: When they run past someone, joggers should always look back to make sure they are not about to be attacked.

The police departments suggestions sparked immediate backlash, many asking if the police department was encouraging women to reduce their personal freedoms rather than assuring them they would be protected, the Local reported.

Leipzigs Mayor Burkhard Jung told German newspaper Bild on Monday the states response to this terrible incident and to previous such incidents must be to put more police on the streets and in the parks.

We all want to live in a city in which it is self-evident that women can go jogging alone in the park, a city in which everyone is safe, he said. We clearly need a more visible police force for that.
A Danish judge has extended the detention of Peter Madsen, the inventor suspected in the death of a Swedish woman aboard his home-made submarine.

In the first public hearing since Madsen was arrested on Aug. 11, the 46-year-old claimed freelance journalist Kim Wall died after she was accidentally hit by a hatch in the submarine's tower, and denied all accusations of sexual assault.

Madsen is being held on preliminary charges of manslaughter and indecent handling of a corpse.

He told the court he slipped when in the tower and tried to hold the hatch, but it fell down. The journalist, who was on her way up the tower, was hit in the head by the 70-kilogram (155-pound) hatch and bled from an open skull fracture, he said.

He explained the accident horrified him and that he hauled her up using a rope, which resulted in her clothes being pulled off. He then dropped her body into the sea and intended to commit suicide.

Wall, 30, disappeared during an outing on Madsen's submarine on Aug. 10. Her naked torso was found off the Danish shore more than 10 days later. Police say her head, arms and legs had been deliberately cut off and have not been found.

Tuesday's hearing was not aimed at determining Madsen's guilt, but rather whether there was sufficient evidence to maintain his detention as police investigate. Madsen appeared calm in court, though irritated by the prosecution, which says the suspect is changing his explanation of the event as more information comes to light.
Iran is aiming to boost its missile program and export weapons in an attempt to forge allies with neighboring countries, its new defense minister said.

Gen. Amir Atami, who was appointed Irans defense minister earlier this month, said in a speech on ISNA News Agency on Saturday the country seeks to arm neighboring allies to prevent war and conflict, according to AFP.

"In combat fields, especially in missiles, we have a specific plan to boost Iran's missile power," Hatami said. "God willing, the combat capabilities of Iran's ballistic and cruise missiles will increase in this term.

He added: "Wherever a country becomes weak, others become encouraged to raid it...Wherever necessary, we will export weapons to increase the security of the region and countries, to prevent wars."

IRAN: OBAMA TRIED TO PLAY NICE AND FAILED. TRUMP SHOULD USE THESE OPTIONS TO TRY TO BRING THE REGIME TO ITS KNEES

Hatami did not specifically name countries it would be supplying weapons to, though Iran has been known to be involved in military conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Israel also see Iran as a threat to the Middle East region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in August that Iran was making an escalated effort to base itself militarily in Syria. That presents a danger to Israel.

"Iran is already in the advanced stages of taking over Iraq and Yemen, and in practice already controls Lebanon," he said.

U.S. State Department announced a fresh round of sanctions in July on 18 Iranian entities and individuals for supporting Irans ballistic missile program or military purchases by the nations Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Speaking to lawmakers in Parliament, Rouhani threatened to revitalize its nuclear program, though he emphasized he intended to remain loyal to the 2015 nuclear deal brokered during former President Barack Obamas presidency.

"The U.S. has shown that it is neither a good partner nor a trustable negotiator," Rouhani said. "Those who are trying to go back to the language of threats and sanctions are prisoners of their past hallucinations. They deprive themselves of the advantages of peace."

The Iranian president added, "In an hour and a day, Iran could return to a more advanced [nuclear] level than at the beginning of the negotiations, predating the 2015 deal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Journalist Kim Wall died after she was hit by a hatch cover aboard the homemade Nautilus submarine, the Danish inventor charged with killing her testified in court Tuesday.

In the first public hearing since being arrested on Aug. 11, Peter Madsen, 46, said he had been holding the hatch for 30-year-old Wall and slipped, causing the 155-pound cover to fall on the journalist, who then bled to death from an open skull fracture.

"I lost my foothold and the hatch shuts," Madsen said, according to Sky News. "Kim had been severely hurt and was laying with an intense bleeding. There was a pool of blood where she had landed."

Madsen claimed the accident happened as the pair were sailing in the strait between Denmark and Sweden.

He then explained the accident horrified him and he hauled her up using a rope, which resulted in her clothes being pulled off. He then dropped her body into the sea and intended to commit suicide.

Special prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen also pressed Madsen about his sexual desires, and if he has been interested in "suffocation sex," according to the Danish BT tabloid.

Madsen acknowledged he and his wife live in an open relationship and that he has had contact with the sadomasochist environment, BT reported.

"No, but many years ago, with a mistress in an erotic roleplay, I told her that she should hold her breath. But it was her own invitation," he said in court, according to the BT tabloid.

The inventor stressed his relationship with Wall was exclusively professional, that she was going to interview him and nothing else.

The hearing Tuesday was not aimed at determining Madsen's guilt, but rather whether there was sufficient evidence to maintain his detention as police investigate, which a judge later said there was.

Madsen appeared calm in court, though irritated by the prosecution, according to the Associated Press.

Wall's naked, headless body was found Aug. 21 on a Copenhagen beach, 10 days after she was last seen entering Madsen's sub as part of a story she was writing.

Police said earlier Wall's head, arms and legs had been deliberately cut off and a piece of metal had been attached to the torso "likely with the purpose to make it sink." Police also said marks on the torso indicated that someone had tried to press air out of the body so it wouldn't float.

Copenhagen Police, who are still searching for Wall's head and the location and manner of her death, brought in a mobile truck scanner typically used to scan shipping containers last week to search for any hidden compartments on board.

The 40-ton, nearly 60 foot-long submarine, which sank earlier this month, now stands on land in a remote corner of Copenhagen's harbor.

The inventor was detained after being rescued Aug. 11 from the submarine and charged with indecent handling of a corpse.

Strict reporting restrictions in Danish courts mean only limited information has been available on the case, but the cause of Wall's death has not been determined, according to Sky News.

Wall's family has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise donations for the "Kim Wall Memorial Fund" -- a grant that will fund a young female reporter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Norwegian Refugee Council says nearly 800,000 children under the age of 5 are severely malnourished in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad because of lack of sufficient humanitarian funding.

The group's head, Jan Egeland, says that six months after countries pledged financial support to the Lake Chad region, "57 percent of the $2.2 billion needed to meet the most basic humanitarian needs in 2017 are still lacking."

Egeland said Tuesday that a conference in Berlin on Wednesday with representatives from Germany, Norway and the United Nations, plus the four countries surrounding Lake Chad, must have humanitarian funding and access at the top of the agenda.

The region is suffering from several years of Boko Haram's Islamic extremist insurgency.
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Latest on North Korea's nuclear test and the world reaction (all times local):

noon

Japanese lawmakers are demanding tougher U.N. sanctions on North Korea, after it conducted a sixth nuclear test over the weekend.

The resolution by Japan's parliamentary committee condemns the nuclear test, and urges the Japanese government to take leadership in pushing for tougher punishment against Pyongyang, as measures are being discussed at the United Nations Security Council.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told lawmakers it was time to increase pressure on North Korea and eliminate loopholes that allow some countries to continue trading with Pyongyang.
Holy guacamole!

Mexico is a country obsessed with breaking world records  albeit obscure ones  and on Sunday around 1,000 volunteers in the state of Jalisco stirred up the largest batch of guacamole ever. More than 600 students from a local culinary school and 400 people from a nearby town helped peel, mash and mix some 25,000 avocados to make 6,600 pounds of the green dip.

Jaliscos governor was on hand to receive the official recognition presented by a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records.

The gigantic guacamole is only the latest in a slew of world records that has been set in Mexico over the last few years.

From the most people kissing simultaneously (39,897 people on Valentines Day 2009) to the largest pork taco (about 240 feet long and weighing 330,000 pounds in November 2011), the country under siege by a bloody drug war is on a mission to be known as something else: the country that has the largest, the biggest and the most of everything.

Besides holding the worlds record for most people kissing at the same time, the country also holds the record for the most people hugging at the same time. And a year before dancers in Guadalajara grabbed the 2011 folk dancing record, another local group claimed most people twirling lassos simultaneously.

And so hundreds, sometimes thousands, at a time descend on Mexico to try to break the record for the worlds largest zombie walk (about 9,800 people in November 2011) or the most mariachi musicians ever gathered in one place (about 549 in August 2009) or whatever record the country is trying to break at that moment.

Some, like former Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Jorge Castaneda, deride the world record push and say it is troublesome.

As a people, Mexicans shun genuine competition, Castaneda wrote in the Los Angeles Times. Claiming Guinness records is a way of winning something without actually having to compete one-on-one.

But others say that Guinness offers escapist fun. Consuming the worlds largest cheesecake distracts from Mexicos real problems: the drug wars rising death toll and the countrys rampant corruption.

Likewise, some believe Mexicos record-seeking is a push for attention in a world that doesnt take it seriously.

Guinnesss own analysis is less harsh.

Teamwork and cultural pride are two cornerstones to [Mexicos] record attempting, Mike Janela, head of the Guinness U.S. records management team, told Fox News.

Ruth Samuelson contributed to this report.
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As far as the eye can see, they trudge through treacherously deep mud, across rice paddy fields and past rain-swollen creeks into Bangladesh.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, fleeing the latest round of violence to engulf their homes in Myanmar, have been walking for days or handing over their meager savings to Burmese and Bangladeshi smugglers to escape what they describe as certain death.

Exhausted mothers clutched listless infants. Catatonically terrified children clung to bone-weary fathers. Young children with blank eyes carried even younger siblings.

"Oh Allah, Oh Allah," one family moaned as they waded Tuesday through the chin-high waters of the Naf River dividing the two countries. One panicking woman handed a 3-month-old infant to a taller man before she slipped momentarily beneath the murky water. For a terrifying moment, the man held the baby aloft with one hand as he steadied himself. Then as the woman remerged, the group moved on to the safety of Bangladesh on the opposite bank.

The Rohingya Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar's western Rakhine state has faced systematic persecution at the hands of the Buddhist majority for decades. The military junta that ruled the nation for decades stripped them of their citizenship. The democratically elected government under the leadership of the Nobel Peace Prize winning Aung San Suu Kyi has looked the other way as they have since been pushed into squalid camps in their own home towns and villages.

For a people who have already lived through unimaginable horrors, including mass rapes and brutal killings decried by the United Nations, it seems as if the misery will never end.

Fresh horror was unleashed on Aug. 25, when fighters of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army attacked government troops and prompted Myanmar soldiers to retaliate with "clearance operations" they say were aimed at flushing insurgents out from Rohingya villages.

The Myanmar government blames the insurgents for setting fire to their own homes and killing Buddhists in their home state of Rakhine.

The exhausted and starving refugees pouring into Bangladesh tell a different story: of targeted shootings by Myanmar troops; of warnings to leave their homes if they wanted to live.

And so they left.

They abandoned all but what they could carry  a few kitchen utensils, a bag of rice, a tattered mattress.

Dilara Begum sat on a mound of river clay, too exhausted to move as the half-naked son she cradled in one armed ran his tongue over chapped lips. Two other children filled a plastic water bottle with the swirling brown river water and then each took small sips in turn.

The Myanmar army burnt the houses in Begum's village near the town of Maungdaw as the residents fled.

"I'm very hungry," Begum said in a low moan. She cannot remember when the family last ate. She has no food and hardly any money left after paying a smuggler about 10,000 Myanmar Kyat, worth about $7.40, for each person to be carried across the river in a rickety wooden boat.

One of the many boatmen plying the Naf River amid the refugee crisis said he has ferried thousands of Rohingya over the last 10 days  an exodus he said was like nothing he's ever seen.

Many of the refugees have washed into the border district of Cox's Bazar, where Teknaf town is located. Huddled with wide-eyed children, they occupied every available space  in little knots along the streets, in large groups on grassy knolls between rice fields.

Having escaped their destroyed homes, they weren't sure what they would do next.

Ahead lay hunger, homelessness or possibly disease in overcrowded refugee camps.

Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest countries, was already sheltering some 100,000 Rohingya refugees before another 123,000 flooded in after Aug. 25, according to the U.N. refugee agency's latest estimate on Tuesday.

With aid groups unable to access violence-ridden areas of Myanmar, it's unclear how many are left behind.

Some of the refugees in Bangladesh have found shelter with relatives in camps built in the 1990s.

Tens of thousands of others squat in open fields or collect bamboo sticks from the nearby woods to build their own shelters.

In the markets of Cox's Bazar, some have sought to profit from the tragedy. Sticks of bamboo that normally sell for about 75 Bangladeshi taka (90 U.S. cents) are now selling for 200 taka (about $2.50).

There are multiple points on the border where Rohingya can cross by foot or by boat. When the tide was low, some boatmen were stopping a few hundred meters (yards) short and asking people to wade in the rest of the way.

Last week, at least three boat capsized, spilling dozens of people into the brackish waters. Some managed to swim to safety, but at least 26 people drowned.

Nur Kabir said he crossed the river on Sunday, and that many more have tried to swim the expanse on their own strength.

"They try to cross the river at night and drown," Kabir said.

Some members of the Bangladeshi Border Guards, moved by the suffering around them, have interpreted the government's silence about the refugee influx in recent days as approval for letting them in.

"This is a time to show humanity," one paramilitary soldier said, asking that he and his colleagues not be named because they were not authorized to speak with media. Officials "haven't said let them enter. But they haven't said stop them either."

Another guard said they were trying to guide the terrified refugees crossing the river to spots along the slippery bank where it was easier to clamber up out of the water.

"I saw a woman with a 13-day-old baby. Her breastmilk had dried. She was feeding her baby this dirty water," he said.

"That made me cry."

___

Follow Muneeza Naqvi at www.twitter.com/mnaqvi10.
A mountain in North Korea believed to have served as the site of five of the rogue regimes nuclear tests -- including Sundays supposed hydrogen bomb explosion -- is at risk of collapsing and leaking radiation into the region, a Chinese scientist said Monday.

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Anhui province, examined the Punggye-ri site and said they were confident underground detonations were occurring underneath the mountain, South China Morning Post reported.

Wang Naiyan, a former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and a researcher on China's own nuclear weapons program, said another test underneath the mountain can cause an environmental disaster if the site caves in on itself, allowing radiation to escape and drift across the region, including into China.

We call it taking the roof off. If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things. Wang told the South China Morning Post.

NORTH KOREA WARNS MORE 'GIFT PACKAGES' TO US AS EUROPE WORRIES ABOUT MISSILE STRIKE

Wang said there are limited mountains in North Korea that are suitable to conduct a nuclear test and vertical tunnels could reduce the likelihood of the top of the mountain being blown off. However, horizontal tunnels are easier to build  but more likely to cause the mountain to implode with a bigger blast.

North Korea claimed it detonated a hydrogen bomb over the weekend, calling the test a perfect success. The test triggered an artificial magnitude 6.3 earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A second tremor was detected minutes after the first, described as a cave-in or collapse by USGS and Chinas earthquake administration.

The test was estimated to have a yield of 100 kilotons, meaning a blast that was four to five times more powerful than the explosion in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945, a South Korean defense official told the country's Yonhap News Agency. The precise strength of the underground nuclear explosion has yet to be determined and experts are still working to confirm the nuclear device was in fact a hydrogen bomb.

KIM JONG UNS NORTH KOREA: BRINGING THE WORLD TO THE BRINK

Despite Wangs warning about radiation, readings conducted after the test on Sunday showed no change in the air sample near Chinas border with North Korea, the South China Morning Post reported.

The regimes nuclear and missile program has made huge strides since Kim Jong Un took power in 2011 after his fathers death. It conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile test in July following a series of missile launches earlier this year.

North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
North Korea has been spotted at night moving a possible intercontinental ballistic missile towards its west coast, Reuters reported, citing a South Korean paper.

The Asia Business Daily, citing an unnamed source, reported Tuesday that the rocket began its move on Monday. The report said that the rocket was being moved at night to avoid detection.

South Koreas Defense Ministry said a day earlier that Pyongyang appeared to be planning a future launch.

An official with South Korea's Defense Ministry told lawmakers that Seoul was seeing preparations in the North for an ICBM test but didn't provide details about how officials had reached that assessment.

The South Korean military and Fox News could not immediately confirm the report.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday asked the bodys Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions against North Korea in response to the rogue nations most recent nuclear test, saying the time for half measures  is over.

North Korea is begging for war, Haley also said Sunday. The time for half measures by the Security Council is over.

Her statements follow President Trump a day earlier condemning the test in the strongest terms.

North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success, Trump said in one of several tweets Sunday.

The precise strength of the Norths underground nuclear explosion has yet to be determined. South Koreas weather agency said the artificial earthquake caused by the explosion was five times to six times stronger than tremors generated by the Norths previous five tests.

Sundays detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs. The North says its missile development is part of a defensive effort to build a viable nuclear deterrent that can target U.S. cities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Hotel Group Never Did Reach Out To Jane Addams' Museum Before Rebranding In Her Name

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 5, 2017 7:20PM



Flickr / Photo: Niklas Hellerstedt

When owners and new management announced last week that the Hard Rock Hotel would be rebranded as St. Jane Chicagoa reference to Jane Addamsthe move garnered a fair share of quizzical reactions and social-media side eyes. Why exactly was a boutique-y downtown hotel invoking the name of the city's most hallowed, indefatigable pioneer of social work? It all culminated in a potent op-ed in Chicago magazine, written by Anjulie Rao, called "Jane Addams Is Not Here to Sell Your Fancy Hotel Rooms" in which Rao, editor of Chicago Architect magazine, admonishes that Jane Addamsadored warrior against unregulated labor and unfair housing practices"is not your brand, bro."

But what does Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, the local institution that actually stewards Addams' legacy, think? It turns out they weren't consulted ahead of the announcement, and a week later, Jennifer Scott, director of the museum, has yet to be contacted by either Becker Ventures, which owns the hotel property, or Aparium Hotel Group, its new management firm.

Scott told Chicagoist by email last week that Hull House "appreciates the awareness that invoking Jane Addams name and legacy can bring to her life-long accomplishments and to her tremendous contributions to social change," and added that the institution is "encouraged by the promise of philanthropy on the part of the hotel owners." (Becker will reportedly contribute portions of revenue to charity and use hotel space to host charitable events.)

Scott then also floated a suggestion in the event that the hotel group might want to "deepen their connection to Addams' legacy": "[P]erhaps they can create a new hotel modelone that champions equitable and inclusive labor practices, emphasizes public engagement and contributes regularly to causes that promote more humane living in Chicago.

While the new owners never reached out to us, we would be happy to inform them more deeply about Addams' legacy," Scott told Chicagoist.

But as of Tuesday, a week removed from the announcement, the hotel has yet to contact the museum, as far as the director is aware. (A public-relations representative working with Aparium declined to comment to Chicagoist; and a spokeswoman for Becker told the Tribune that the "concept for the St. Jane Chicago has been developed independently.")

The rebranded St. Jane Chicagowhich is housed in the historic Carbide & Carbon building and will reportedly also reportedly include a new coffee shop, restaurant and microbreweryis slated to open in the spring of next year. We'll follow should any developments occur along the way.
North Korea vowed Tuesday to send more of its sinister gift packages to the U.S. -- similar to the Hermit Kingdom's recent nuclear test -- as the French defense minister warned of the rogue nations missiles reaching Europe sooner than expected.

Han Tae Song, the ambassador of North Korea to the U.N. in Geneva, said at the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament that Sundays supposed hydrogen bomb test was addressed to none other than the U.S, Reuters reported.

"The U.S. will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," Han said.

NORTH KOREA REPORTEDLY MOVES ROCKET -- THAT MAY BE ICBM -- AMID TENSIONS

North Korea also said it will "respond in our own ways" to new sanctions imposed, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported.

The volatile dictatorship claimed to have detonated a hydrogen bomb that triggered an artificial magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Sunday. It later called the test a perfect success. It was the sixth nuclear test North Korea has conducted and the first since September 2016.

French defense minister Florence Parly said Europe could also face North Koreas wrath sooner than expected, according to Reuters. North Korea test-launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile in July, following a series of other missile launches earlier this year.

The scenario of an escalation towards a major conflict cannot be discarded, Parly said during a speech to the French military. Europe risks being within range of [North Korean leader] Kim Jong Uns missiles sooner than expected.

The comments come as North Korea reportedly moved a possible ICBM toward its west coast. The Asia Business Daily, citing an unnamed source, said the rocket was moved overnight to avoid being detected. South Koreas defense Ministry also said earlier Tuesday the regime appeared to be planning a future launch.

KIM JONG UNS NORTH KOREA: BRINGING THE WORLD TO THE BRINK

North Korea has continuously threatened to send bigger and increasingly more unexpected "gift packages" to the U.S. in order to quell President Trump's rhetoric and international pressure on its missile and nuclear program. It previously claimed America was "on the knife's edge of life and death."

Sundays nuclear test drew global condemnation. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Monday North Korea was begging for war, adding that the time for half measuresis over.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the latest nuclear test was a "flagrant violation" of international conventions, but also said there can only be a "diplomatic and peaceful solution" of the crisis.

On Sunday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the test "absolutely unacceptable and South Korea said it planned to ramp up its defenses in response.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked the state of U.S. politics, and criticized former President George W. Bush, in new remarks on Tuesday, saying that Moscow finds it difficult to have a dialogue with people who confuse Austria and Australia.

The remark from Putin, made while speaking to reporters, was in reference to Bushs 2007 gaffe, in which he confused the two countries, according to state-run Russian media outlet RT.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RETALIATES AGAINST RUSSIA, FORCES CLOSURE OF US POSTS

At a summit in Sydney, Bush reportedly recalled how then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard visited Austrian troops in Iraq the previous year, rather than his own Australian troops.

Apparently thats the level of political culture of a certain part of the American establishment, Putin said about Bush, before adding, America is a really great nation and the Americans are a great people if they can endure so many people [in the government] with such a low level of political culture.

The comments came after the U.S. forced several posts in San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York to close.

The closures served as retaliation after Putin moved to expel more than 700 U.S. diplomats in Russia by Sept. 1. The U.S. Embassy in Russia was asked to reduce its embassy and consular staff to 455.

PUTIN EXPELS 755 DIPLOMATS IN RESPONSE TO US SANCTIONS

Putin reportedly said that the U.S. government was acting like bullies, and that technically, of those 455 Americans, 155 of them are working with the United Nations. Putin said he reserved the right to remove more American staff from Russia.

When asked whether he was disappointed in President Donald Trump, Putin told a reporter his question was naive, and said Trump is not my bride and I am not his. We are statesmen.

Putin said its not Russias place to publicly speak of what could happen for Russian-American relations if Trump were to be impeached, according to RT.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday cautioned global leaders against amplifying military hysteria over the North Korea crisis for fear of triggering a global catastrophe."

Putin, speaking to reporters during a visit to China for the BRICS summit, urged a peaceful approach, which would involve both the United States and North Korea stepping back from threats of military action. He condemned North Koreas latest nuclear test on Sunday, calling it provocative.

Ramping up military hysteria will lead to nothing good. It could lead to a global catastrophe, Putin said. Theres no other path apart from a peaceful one.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CRISIS OVER NORTH KOREA

The Russian president also slammed the useless sanctions imposed on North Korea, and called the U.S. ridiculous for asking for Moscows help while sanctioning Russian companies.

"Sanctions of any kind would now be useless and ineffective, Putin said, adding it leads to a road to nowhere.

Its ridiculous to put us on the same [sanctions] list as North Korea and then ask for our help in imposing sanctions on North Korea, he said. This is being done by people who mix up Australia with Austria.

Putin refrained from outwardly criticizing President Trump, but said the U.S. leader was not my bride, and Im not his groom.

NORTH KOREA MOUNTAIN USED AS NUCLEAR TEST SITE AT RISK OF COLLAPSING, CHINESE SCIENTIST SAYS

Putin added North Korea would rather eat grass than abandon its nuclear and missile program in order to feel safe among world leaders. He also claimed leader Kim Jong Un was convinced he needed nuclear weapons to survive after what happened in Iraq and Libya.

We all remember what happened with Iraq and Saddam Hussein. His children were killed, I think his grandson was shot, the whole country was destroyed and Saddam Hussein was hanged...We all know how this happened and people in North Korea remember well what happened in Iraq, Putin said.

Russia and China, which both share a border with North Korea, have repeatedly called for all parties to return to the negotiation table for talks.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Monday North Korea was begging for war and the time for half measuresis over.

We cannot kick this can down the road any longer, Halley also said at the special U.N. meeting. Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants...But our country's patience is not unlimited.

President Trump also tweeted the U.S. will be allowing Japan and South Korea to buy more highly sophisticated military equipment in response to Sundays alleged hydrogen bomb detonation. South Korean President Moon Jae-in is seeking to boost his country's military strength to include nuclear-powered submarines.

Seoul's defense minister said the idea of bringing back U.S. tactical nukes to South Korea should be "deeply considered" by the allies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Russian high school student reportedly injured at least four people during a school rampage Tuesday in which he assaulted his teacher with an ax, shot an air gun and flung smoke grenades at fellow students, officials said.

The student, identified only as 15-year-old "Mikhail," allegedly came to the Ivanteyevka school near Moscow armed with a kitchen ax, homemade firecrackers and an air gun, RT reported.

Mikhail reportedly attacked his science and math teacher with the ax, hitting her on the head before using an air gun to shoot the teacher. At least three students were injured after leaping from windows to escape the attack, authorities said.

US TAKES CONTROL OF RUSSIAN POSTS IN THREE CITIES AFTER EXPELLING DIPLOMATS

A 15-year-old student attacked an IT teacher...with a kitchen ax and hit her on the head. Then the teenager started detonating homemade firecrackers and shooting with an air gun, a Russian prosecutor told RT.

Russian police confirmed four people were injured, including a teacher who was reportedly in serious condition. The attacker has been arrested and taken into custody for questioning. His motive was not immediately clear.

I heard shots, sounds of firecrackers. We escaped via emergency exits. There was smoke everywhere. I heard shouting, an unidentified student told RT.

The student described the assailant as introverted.

Everyone says that he was strange. Some say that he had wanted to do this for a long time. But everyone thought he was joking, a student told RT.

Russian media reported that Mikhails social media page had references to Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, the two teenagers who carried out the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. His page reportedly had numerous photos of firearms and he allegedly adopted Klebolds last name, according to RT.

The school announced that it canceled classes for the day and would resume Wednesday.
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South Korean warships have conducted live-fire exercises at sea. The drills Tuesday mark the second-straight day of military swagger from a nation still rattled by the North's biggest-ever nuclear test.

Pyongyang said it conducted a test of a hydrogen bomb Sunday. It puts the North a huge step forward in its push for viable nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States.

But it has also resulted in South Korea boosting its own military capabilities. Washington and Seoul agreed to lift warhead restrictions on South Korean missiles that the allies had previously agreed upon.

This allows for the development of more powerful weapons needed to improve Seoul's pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North.

Seoul says North Korea appears to be planning a future missile launch, possibly of an ICBM.
Syrian government forces and their allies reached the eastern city of Deir el-Zour on Tuesday, ending a nearly 3-year-old ISIS siege on government-held land near the Iraqi border, Syrian state TV reported.

State TV said troops advancing from the west reached the outskirts of the city and broke the siege after ISIS defenses collapsed.

Breaking the siege, which has been divided between an ISIS and a government-held part since January 2015, marks another victory for President Bashar Assad, whose forces have been advancing on several fronts against ISIS and other insurgent groups over the past year.

Syrian troops and allied militiamen, backed by Russia's air force, have for months been advancing toward Deir el-Zour, the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name. The breach is expected to end a nightmare siege for tens of thousands of people trapped in a handful of neighborhoods controlled by the government, and a nearby airport.

Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said advancing troops and those defending the city have met.

The DeirEzzor 24, an activist group that has reporters throughout the eastern province, reported heavy clashes near the village of Jabra that is adjacent to the besieged area.

The latest developments mark a strategic and symbolic defeat for ISIS, which last month lost its hold over Iraq's second largest city of Mosul and is under attack by U.S.-backed Syrian forces in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, northwest of Deir el-Zour.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday a Russian warship in the Mediterranean fired cruise missiles toward Islamic State group targets in Deir el-Zour province.

A Russian frigate in the Mediterranean Sea fired the missiles early Tuesday on ISIS targets near the city. The defense ministry said it targeted a fortified area around the town of el-Shola where most of the militants are believed to hail from Russia and former Soviet republics.

The ministry said its drone footage showed that the missile strikes there destroyed a communications center, command centers, ammunition depots, a repair shop for armored vehicles and killed an unspecified number of militants.

Tuesday's breakthrough came after government forces dismantling mines around a besieged government-held air base known as Brigade 137.

The firing of cruise missiles came a day after the Russian defense ministry said two Russian troops were killed in shelling in Syria's east.

The ministry's statement quoted by Russian news agencies late on Monday said the two men died when a convoy escorting Russian cease-fire monitoring staff came under mortar fire outside the city of Deir el-Zour.

The ministry said one man died on the spot and the other died later of his wounds in a hospital.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Two new reports suggest that violence in western Myanmar fueled by tensions between Buddhists and ethnic Rohingya Muslims reflects and reinforces broader anti-Muslim sentiment in the country and could result in more violence elsewhere.

The International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank, said in a report on Buddhism and Politics in Myanmar that the crisis triggered by Rohingya attacks on police posts and massive retaliation by the army has boosted anti-Muslim sentiment nationwide, opening the possibility of even more communal violence. It says Buddhist nationalists who preach against Muslims have significant support in the overwhelmingly Buddhist nation.

A separate report by Burma Human Rights Network charges that Muslims throughout the country, not just the Rohingya in Rakhine state, face increasing harassment and their stigmatization could also beget more violence.
Guangdong province was battered by its third typhoon in 12 days on Monday, with torrential rains again flooding urban areas in several cities.

People walk across a flooded street in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Monday. Kindergartens and primary and middle schools were closed after Typhoon Mawar battered the city.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Typhoon Mawar, the 16th typhoon formed in the northwest Pacific this year, made landfall in Lufeng at 9:30 pm on Sunday, packing winds of up to 72 kilometers per hour.

Although weaker than the previous two typhoons in recent weeks, Hato and Pakhar, authorities issued red alerts for rainstorms, while kindergartens and primary and middle schools were closed in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Shanwei, Shantou, Chaozhou and Guangzhou.

Many roads in Zhuhai and Shenzhen were flooded, cutting off traffic. More than 20 bus lines were suspended in Zhuhai, a city that felt the full force of Typhoon Hato on Aug 23.

The wind caused by Mawar was not very strong but rain was heavy, said Zhou Shuying, a resident in the city.

Roads were seriously waterlogged and many cars were submerged by water. Traffic was brought to a standstill on some roads.

Water and power supplies remained normal in Zhou's neighborhood and the floodwater began to retreat gradually after 3 pm on Monday, she said.

Police officer Tan Jiaguang waded in water up to his waist in Zhuhai's Nanyangpu village to reach a gong, which he rang to warn residents to relocate to emergency shelters. His station helped transport about 600 people, including in speed boats, Zhuhai Daily reported.

A minor landslide occurred in Jigongsan Street in Zhuhai on Monday morning and people living in adjacent areas were evacuated. No casualties were reported.

Several students were rescued and taken to safety in a dinghy by firefighters after their school bus stalled in a flooded street in Huangjiang town, Dongguan.

Mawar, which forced the evacuation of 57,120 people in Guangdong before it made landfall, affected power supplies to 115,000 homes and businesses. Services were fully restored by 10:30 am, according to China Southern Power Grid.

The arrival of Mawar marks the fifth time Guangdong has witnessed three typhoons in half a month since meteorological records began, with the previous case in 1993, Wu Zhifang, chief forecaster for the Guangdong Meteorological Observatory, told Xinhua News Agency.

In the past two weeks, subtropical high pressure and southwestern monsoons have remained stable, which has seen tropical depressions formed near the Philippines mostly move northwestward onto the Guangdong coastline, said Zhang Ling, chief forecaster for the National Meteorological Center.
Starting Thursday night, the National Park Service and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library will offer a series of programs focused on the complex and difficult years that followed the Civil War in the Fredericksburg region.

This is the most in-depth program the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park has ever put together on the Reconstruction period, which park historian John Hennessy calls, the most important misunderstood period in American history.

The five programs will be led by park historians and guests, including University of Mary Washington Professor Jeffrey McClurken, who has written a book about the difficult transition that Confederate soldiers faced as they returned to their homes in Southside Virginia.

McClurkens talk will explore this transition from Confederates to Americans once again.

Emmanuel Dabney, curator at the Petersburg National Battlefield, will talk about how the Freedmens Bureau operated in Virginia.

He has done a tremendous amount of research on this topic, and probably knows more about it than anyone around, Hennessy said. His talk will look at the whole process of assimilating 4 million formerly enslaved people into a society that was reluctant to accept them as equals.

The programs will shed light on how the war affected Fredericksburg and its residents, both physically and psychologically.

For most of the South, Reconstruction was a political and social process, Hennessy said. In Fredericksburg, it was also a physical process. Just under 10 percent of the town was destroyed. There was a literal reconstruction in Fredericksburg.

The programs will look at both the progress and the tensions that resulted from the presence of federal authorities who oversaw the Reconstruction process and the creation of what is today perhaps the most visible monument of the Reconstruction era in the regionthe Fredericksburg National Cemetery.

Congress authorized the cemetery to be built on Maryes Heights just three months after the war ended. It became the final resting place for more than 15,000 United States soldiers.

While we see it as a placid, almost comforting, though sad, part of the landscape today, its creation right after the Civil War was not quite as calm and reflective as that, Hennessy said. There was a good deal of conflict among the burial crews and the community here, there was discomfort that it was going to be created at all, and there was fear among Northerners that graves would be desecrated.

As Americans today struggle with the question of how to recognize Civil War figures in public places, the speaker series will conclude with a Nov. 2 talk by Hennessy about how the nation treated Civil War battlefields in the years after fighting ended.

My goal is to wrap all of this up into what it all means to us today and look at how the legacy of the war and the legacy of Reconstruction still affects our struggles as an evolving society, he said.

The one-hour programs take place at the Headquarters, Salem Church and England Run branches of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. All are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m.

The schedule is as follows:

Sept. 7: Headquarters Branch, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg. Going Home: Wars End, Jeff McClurken, University of Mary Washington.

Sept. 25: Salem Church Branch, 2607 Salem Church Road, Spotsylvania. The Past Living in Them: Veterans Coping with Civil War, Frank OReilly, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Oct. 5: Headquarters Branch. The Freedmens Bureau in Virginia, Emmanuel Dabney, Petersburg National Battlefield.

Oct. 19: England Run Branch, 806 Lyons Blvd., Stafford. A Troubled Place: Reconstructing Fredericksburg. Rebekah Oakes and Elizabeth Parnicza, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Nov. 2: Headquarters Branch, Hallowed Places: Remembering and Forgetting and a Nation Moving Forward, John Hennessy, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

ON THE NET
Republican Congressman Dave Brat praised the Trump administrations plan to end an initiative that protects undocumented immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.

Brat, whose 7th District includes parts of Spotsylvania County, released a statement Tuesday criticizing the 5-year-old program as executive overreach by then-President Barack Obama. I applaud the decision made by the White House today to restore and respect the laws of our country, stated Brat, whose hard-line stance on immigration helped him defeat former House majority leader Eric Cantor three years ago in a stunning GOP primary upset.

Without offering specifics, Brat said Congress should pass legislation that repairs our broken immigration system, enforces our borders, protects American workers and taxpayers, and establishes strong interior enforcement.

It is clear the American people want to see Congress enact laws that place the American worker first, Brat said in his statement. It is time we keep our promises.

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, the other Republican congressman representing parts of the Fredericksburg region, had not offered a reaction to the announcement as of late Tuesday afternoon. A spokesman for Wittman did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will end in six months, giving Congress time to find a legislative solution for the nearly 800,000 immigrants, or dreamers, who have work permits through the program.

Democrats assailed the announcement, with Virginias U.S. Sen. Mark Warner calling Republican President Donald Trumps anti-immigration policies disgraceful and fellow Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine calling them heartless.

Both called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that provides a fair path to citizenship.

Over the years, the dreamers have shown us their true characterworking hard to become this nations next generation of students, entrepreneurs, and military men and women, Warner stated. He later added: Going back on our word threatens their safety, harms our economy and speaks volumes about who we are as a country.
Will farms that Culpeper recruits to participate in the countys annual farm tour soon be required to fill out paperwork to determine if that participation will be legal under Virginias three-year-old Agritourism Act?

The Board of Supervisors took the first step in that direction Tuesday by approving a policy designed to requestnot requireanyone contemplating an activity that might fall under the Agritourism Act guidelines to fill out two forms that will help the Planning Department determine the impact of that event.

This is a by-right use and we cant regulate it, County Planner Sam McLaren told the supervisors.

However, McLaren went on to add that if his office determines that a proposed agritourism event might jeopardize the health, safety or welfare of the public, then that farm owner would be required to apply for a conditional-use permit. Some of the questions McLaren proposes to ask those who voluntarily provide paperwork would deal with road access, amplified music and catering arrangements.

Does this mean that someone who has a pumpkin patch event before Halloween should register? asked Supervisor Sue Hansohn. What about a Christmas tree farmer who is only open three or four weeks a year?

Tommy OHalloran, who lives near Amissville, brought up the same question following the meeting.

Ive been in the Christmas tree business for almost 30 years, he said. Does that mean I have to register?

Tuesdays policy approval was prompted by the state law that permits farms to engage in virtually any activity from selling jams and jellies to holding weddings without a use permit. That law was prompted by a Fauquier County decision to prohibit certain activities that officials felt didnt qualify as farm-related.

While the state law is broad in scope, the only loophole is that localities can regulate activities that create a substantial impact on the health, safety and welfare of the community.

McLaren conceded that some farmers need outside activities to survive financially and that agriculture is a great asset to Culpeper. But he added that being a rural county within an hours drive of congested Northern Virginia, Culpeper is a market area for events that are loosely farm-related.

Having a policy in effect is a good first step, he said. And again I want to emphasize that this is just a policy and not a code.

But McLaren added: This is an evolving issue.

In other action Tuesday, supervisors voted unanimously to hold a public hearing that would be the first step in eliminating the annual dog tax. If enacted, dog owners would be required to buy only one tag at a cost of $10 that would be good for the life of the dog.

The suggestion comes at the request of county Treasurer David DeJarnette, who told the supervisors that it is costing his office more to sell the tags than the $20,000 the tax is bringing in.

Since veterinarians are already required by law to provide the treasurers office with rabies vaccination certificates, an animal need only be registered once to be placed in the system in case it bites someone.

DeJarnette said he would like to see the change enacted before the first of the year.

The supervisors made one change in the voluntary tax contribution that accompanies real estate and personal property tax bills, which go out Oct. 4. Currently there are six categories available for citizens to contribute extra tax money. The supervisors decided to drop the school improvement program item and replace it with one that would allow citizens to contribute toward a proposed youth community center.

The supervisors voted to give their blessingand a $5,000 local matchto a Virginia Broadband grant application that would help bring high-speed internet access to about 450 more households, mostly in the Stevensburg District. The program would use power poles on private property to produce microspot towers.

The Virginia Telecommunications Initiative Grant would provide $120,000, with Virginia Broadband contributing $25,000 and the county $5,000.

The board voted to rent the American Institute of Welding space at the Carver Center for $1,200 a month for a certified welding school. Owner Bob Hodge expects the school, which provides a one-on-one education to as many as 10 students, to be open within several months. Tuition will be $1,850 for the course taught by certified instructors.

I have four employers looking for welders right now, Hodge told the board.

During its evening meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved several minor changes to its parks and recreation ordinance including prohibiting metal detecting without staff permission and driving golf balls.
Fredericksburgs two elementary schools are launching a new style of learning this school year.

Hugh Mercer and Lafayette Upper Elementary are switching to the International Baccalaureates Primary Years Programme (PYP), which encourages students to take a more active role in the classroom.

Most of the lessons that were utilizing are inquiry based, said Sonya Walsh, the Fredericksburg City Schools supervisor of professional development and special programs. Students do the leading and ask lots of questions.

PYP covers six related, interdisciplinary themes including who we are, where we are in place and time and how the world works. The idea is to incorporate skills such as reading and spelling in each unit so students can see how theyre related, and to help them see how underlying concepts can apply in similar situations.

Because its more engaging and interesting, it will make more neuron connections and do more to cement it in their brain, said Hugh Mercer Principal Marjorie Tankersley. Its better learning. Its more solid learning. Its I know how to spell Titanic because it was so interesting to learn about undersea exploration. Its not just a word on a spelling test.

Hugh Mercer and Lafayette have been revving up for the switch for about a year, she said. Theyve been talking with parents, teachers and students about the IB learner profile, which focuses on 10 attributes that students are expected to strive to achieve. They include being inquirers, thinkers and risk-takers, all of which have been used as the school systems Word of the Month.

Hugh Mercer will celebrate its launch by giving out special IB T-shirts to everyone from staff to students on the first day of school, and asking them to wear them for a group photo on Wednesday. Lafayette will hold assemblies for each grade level to lay out whats expected, and will spend the first week focusing on promoting a culture of building relationships, said Principal T. Matthew Terry.

Both schools are in the candidacy phase of the Primary Years Program, which lasts at least two years. Theyll have their authorization visit in March 2019 to see if they can become IB World Schools.

Lead teachers for each grade level worked over the summer to plan three of the six units covering IBs interdisciplinary themes. Theyll begin using units 46 in the second semester, and then develop the first three to be used in fall 2018.

Were really taking a lot of time to work on these interdisciplinary units so we can have a really well-written plan, said Katya Zablotney, Lafayettes PYP coordinator.

Stephanie Teri, PYP coordinator at Hugh Mercer, said that the biggest change is that teachers will focus on helping students learn underlying concepts instead of just facts. If theyre studying the life cycle of a butterfly, for example, theyll be asked to apply that concept to the life cycle of other critters such as tadpoles. Students will also have more choices in how they demonstrate what theyve learned.

I think it will be very, very good for our children, she said. It will broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding.

Hugh Mercer and Lafayette are the last schools in the city school system to offer IB. James Monroe High School was the first to begin the two-year process toward becoming an IB World School in 2015 and IBs Middle Years Programme was implemented at WalkerGrant Middle two years later.

This school year, there will be 14 seniors and 11 juniors in the program at JMHS, and students are able to sign up for just one or two IB courses for the first time.

We decided to go with the IB program to be marketable and to make sure we were offering not only AP classes, Walsh said. Since were not a member of a governors school, we felt IB would be a better option.

She said school systems have the option of starting the IB program with its youngest or its oldest students. Fredericksburg school administrators decided to start small by offering it as an option at the high school. Both James Monroe and WalkerGrant have been authorized as IB World Schools for several years.

We started small and we definitely had a vision of continuing the IB philosophy downward, Walsh said. If we knew what we wanted at the end, we could build from that and make sure we were implementing it with fidelity.
A fight was going on inside CB Auto Repair and Sales in Colonial Beach on Sunday morning.

But it was a curious fight. The two men grappled in slow motion, tried not to hurt each other and shouted in whispers, while a woman in black watched them and took notes.

The men were actors working out the blocking of their climactic fight scene on the set of the indie short film Broken, which has been shooting in Colonial Beach and King George County since Aug. 31. The film was set to wrap Monday.

Broken examines the aftermath of a church shooting similar to the one carried out by white supremacist Dylann Roof at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., in 2015

In the fight scene that filmed Sunday, the main character, a young black man named Ray, confronts the man who killed his mother and brother in a racially motivated shooting 10 years prior.

Broken was written and produced by La Trycee Fowler, a Los Angeles-based actress who grew up in Dale City. She also stars in the film.

Fowler said she wrote the script to help herself process the 2015 Charleston shooting.

I couldnt understand why someone would do something like that, she said. How such deep-rooted hate could drive someone to take a life. The film is supposed to show how one persons hateful act causes a ripple effect.

A few months after the church murders, her father, Lonnie Fowler, died. She put the project on hold while she grieved. Earlier this year, she decided it was time to bring the movie back to life.

She reached out to Roofs victims families to get their approval.

Theyre in support of the film, she said. Theyre completely on board and they know it from beginning to end.

She became familiar with King George when her parents bought a house in the county, and she decided she wanted to film her script there.

The film is set in Mississippi, but Virginia is so beautiful and colorful that I wanted to shoot here, Fowler said. Theres so much hate going on right now, and Virginia is for lovers, so I wanted to be here.

Little Ark Baptist Church, a private home, a beach area near the Potomac River Bridge and King George High Schooldressed up to look like a hospitalall appear as locations in the film.

Fowler said her dad used to bring his car to CB Auto and she found the shops business card when she was going through his things after he died.

Theres a ripple effect in real life, she said.

Professional actors from New York play the main characters, but Fowler cast four partsincluding a 3-year-old boy who plays Ray as a youngsterfrom local talent. Many of Little Arks parishioners appear as extras in the scene that was shot in their church.

King George has shown us a lot of love, Fowler said. Businesses have provided food, drinks, coffeeeverything we needed.

She hopes to complete the film, which will be about 20 minutes long, in time to submit it to the Sundance Film Festival.

Were hoping to premiere it there, she said. Even if we dont make that deadline, well still do the festival circuit. Ultimately, Id love to expand it into a feature film, to flesh out these characters even more.

Fowler is running a fundraising campaign for Broken on Hatchfund. It includes cuts of her interviews with family members of the Charleston victims. She hopes to raise a minimum of $5,000 to pay the cast and crew for five days of filming.

No ones been paid, she said. Everyone is here because they believe in this.

Her stretch goal is to raise $49,500 to cover post-production expenses.

Fowler and cast members said its important for art to examine difficult issues.

Mark A. Keeton, a Texas-born actor who will appear in director Todd Haynes upcoming film Wonderstruck, plays the role of the killer in Broken. He said he was initially uncomfortable playing a white supremacist.

Its very tense, but I feel like it has to be examined in art because if not, were doomed to repeat it, he said. I felt like I could re-create it, being from the south. Ive seen the face of hate. I loathe this character, but at the same time I know there are human beings like him. If we dont shine a light on them, theyll continue to lurk in the shadows.

DeShawn Wyatte plays the main character, Ray.

As an actor, you have a responsibility to be honest and truthful, he said. I want this to be more than a hashtag. I want it to be real and provide a sense of healing and closure.
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Ancient villages join hallowed ranks of China's most beautiful A 900-meter canal runs through Xiamei ancient village in Fujian province. [Photo by You Qinghui/China Daily]

More than 10 ancient villages in Fujian province joined the designated ranks of China's most beautiful rural areas at a recent tourism summit.

Judges mainly took three criteria into consideration: a candidate village's popularity, its history and potential for tourism, how well the architecture is preserved and how unique it is.

One of the winners from Fujian was Liancun village in Fuan, noted for its well preserved architecture.

It has been home to more than 50 distinguished literati from the Tang (618-907) to the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, who elbowed their way through a series of examinations to qualify as candidates for the highest imperial exam that took place before the emperor.

With its strong cultural ambiance, the village was the birthplace of many poets, who were inspired by the local folk culture and its haunting landscape.

"Look at this, this is what our ancestors left for us," said Chen Mucheng, former Party chief of the village, gazing at art carvings in a local temple.

Chen, born in the village, is now in his 60s. After he retired from the position, he served as a voluntary tourists guide.

The village demolished a bamboo forest to make way for a modernization development project several years ago. Chen said that ever since he lobbied local residents and government officials to restore it.
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Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian province, is a popular tourist destination. [Photo by You Qinghui/China Daily]

Fujian province in East China is famed as an intangible cultural heritage hub for its profound and rich multiculturalism, as well as its close connections with Taiwan.

A total of 33,251 immovable cultural relics are registered in Fujian, ranking the province the 10th-largest in China. The relics include three world cultural heritage sites: Wuyi Mountain; Fujian Tulou known as Hakka earth buildings; and Gulangyu Island.

Gulangyu Island joined UNESCO's world cultural heritage list at the 41st United Nations World Heritage Committee meeting on July 8, as China's 36th world cultural heritage site.

The Ancient Quanzhou Citong Relics site plans to apply for UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2018. The Maritime Silk Road, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Timber Arch Lounge Bridge and Red-brick Facades are already on UNESCO's tentative Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The Longevity Rock Cultural Ruins in Sanming and the Wuyi Mountain Chengcun villages are on the National Archaeological Site Parks list.
NOTE: this is an archived page and the content is likely to be out of date.

The Japan Marine Recreation Association (JMRA) and Fujitsu Limited today announced the deployment of a cloud-based emergency position reporting system developed by Fujitsu for JMRA's pleasure boat rescue service, the Boat Assistance Network (BAN). The service will be offered beginning in the fall of 2017.

When pleasure boats run into mechanical problems or other difficulties, owners can simply access the online emergency position reporting system from their smartphone or other internet-enabled mobile device, and automatically transmit the correct position of their craft to JMRA using a GPS information service. Through GPS coordinates and an automatically updated map, the rescue ship can obtain constant positional information of the help-seeking pleasure boat as it is carried along by currents and tides, to quickly reach the rescue location. Those who requested help can also get real-time map updates on the position of the rescue boat, giving them peace of mind while they wait for assistance.

JMRA will support increased safety for pleasure craft operation using Fujitsu's cloud-based emergency position reporting system, which can be easily operated from smartphones and other mobile devices.

Picture: Real-time display of rescue boat and in-need pleasure craft positions Picture: Pleasure craft being towed by a rescue boat

Background

In 2016, there were as many as 1,300 pleasure craft boat incidents in Japanese waters, of which about 850, or roughly 65%, needed help with relatively minor problems such as equipment failure, dead batteries, or fuel outage.

JMRA operates a variety of businesses relating to marine leisure including BAN rescue services that are offered 24/7 to pleasure boat owners who have run into minor troubles. Since July 1992, BAN has helped over 400 boats per year (445 in 2016), contributing to safe marine recreation.

When pleasure crafts encountered problems, there were often challenges in confirming their location. Due to the lack of reference points on the sea, and as tides and currents can carry vessels away, those requesting help had difficulties conveying their position to BAN's Rescue Operations Center. Therefore, there was a demand for a system that could enable more efficient, rapid rescues.

About BAN's New Features

Figure: Diagram of the new BAN system implementing emergency position reporting

1. Rapid rescues through accurate position information

This system enables both the Rescue Operations Center and the rescue boats they dispatch to continually know the accurate position of those requesting help through GPS coordinates and an automatically generated map. As a result, rescuers can reach the location more quickly using the GPS information from their smartphones or other mobile devices. Because the system can share the real-time position of the rescue boat on the phones of those who request help, they can wait for rescue with peace of mind. Furthermore, the Rescue Operations Center, the rescue boat and the craft requesting assistance can all see the movements of the boats on the same map, significantly reducing time until the rescue and preventing the risks of secondary accidents such as collisions that occur while the craft drifts.

2. Simple rescue requests from smartphones

The service can be used both by smartphones and internet-enabled mobile phones. In case of trouble, one can easily access the emergency position reporting system on the internet, generating an urgent report to the Rescue Operations Center while transmitting necessary information including location and contact details. This will enable those requesting rescue to calmly respond to the problem and accurately convey their position, which would otherwise be difficult to determine as it may change with the current.

Future Plans

JMRA will further expand BAN, contributing to a safer and enriched marine recreation experience.

Fujitsu will ensure the stable operation of this cloud-based system and continue to develop new services and information databases to support safe ship voyages.
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Liu Jieyi (C, Front), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear test at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Members of the UN Security Council remained divided on Monday over possible new sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its latest nuclear test.

In an emergency meeting of the Security Council Monday, the United States, France and Britain as well as Japan were in favor of new sanctions, while countries like Russia advised diplomacy.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called for "strongest possible measures" by the council against the DPRK. "The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the UN Security Council," Haley told the council meeting that she had requested together with representatives of Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve the problem through diplomacy," said Haley. "We have taken an incremental approach, and despite the best intentions, it has not worked."

Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia cautioned that past failure of the council to curb DPRK's nuclear and missile programs was owing to the fact that the resolutions "were only geared toward leveraging sanctions mechanisms."

"Russia calls on the international community not to yield to emotions, (but) to act in calm and balanced ways," he told the same meeting, adding that a comprehensive settlement can be achieved only through political and diplomatic channels.

French ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre called for the adoption of new sanctions by the Security Council, plus autonomous sanctions by the European Union.

He said the threat from the DPRK has changed both in dimension and nature. It has changed from regional to global, from virtual to immanent, from serious to existential.

Japanese envoy Koro Bessho said: "Japan stresses the need for the council to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures."

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Liu Jieyi, condemned the DPRK for the latest nuclear test and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

The envoy said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.

At the end of the emergency meeting Haley said her mission was circulating a draft resolution on the DPRK among council members.

The DPRK Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology violate UN Security Council resolutions.

Sunday's nuclear test was within a week of UN Security Council condemnation of Pyongyang's ballistic missile launch on Aug. 28.
So, how was it?

Recall your experience of the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017. Were you amazed, astonished, exuberant, gobsmacked or even frightened? Did you join in or at least hear the cheers, exclamations, and utterances both reverent and profane when the moons shadow swept over us?

What you couldnt be, if in fact you actually saw totality that perfect summer morning, was blase. The memory of an emotional event such as last months darkness at daytime will remain with you for the rest of your life.

It likely seemed shorter than the two minutes or less of its actual duration. It may have left you with a strong desire to see another one, and if so, you probably asked the question, Whens the next one?

If thats the case, then welcome to the ever expanding club of eclipse chasers, umbraphiles who travel long distances to see the most impressive event one can experience standing on Planet Earth.

The next total solar eclipse in the mid-valley isnt for another 601 years, so youll probably have to travel if you want to see another one. If you cant wait, there are two of them in South America: one in 2019, the other in 2020. A few hardy souls may experience the 2021 event over Antarctica. An eclipse lasting barely over one minute visits a sparsely populated desert peninsula in Western Australia in the year 2023.

Perhaps your eclipse glasses will still be around in October of 2023, when an annular, or "ring of fire," eclipse visits the United States starting in, yes, Oregon, and stretching southeastward through Texas. Corvallis will get a couple of minutes of annularity as its called, but it will be eccentric.

To see the perfectly concentric ring of sunlight youll need to be on the center line which crosses the Pacific coast near Dunes City, intersects I-5 at Yoncalla, visits Diamond Lake in the Cascades and Lakeview before passing into Nevada. Along the center line the moon will spend 4 minutes crossing in front of the sun but never covering it completely, so youll have to wear your eclipse glasses the whole time. There wont be a diamond ring, but you will see a 6,000 K band of gold. Not as impressive as a total solar eclipse, but well worth a trip to observe it.

But for most of us the good news is that its less than seven years until a total solar eclipse revisits the United States. On April 8, 2024, umbraphiles from around the world will experience over four minutes of totality in central Texas. The weather prospects are good.

So, where will you be on April 8, 2024?

Resource: HVA club

The Heart of the Valley Astronomers is a group of amateur astronomers dedicated to sharing our passions for the night sky with the local community in the central Willamette Valley of Oregon.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the Walnut Community Room located at the Scott Zimbrick Memorial Fire Station No. 5, 4950 NW Fair Oaks Drive in Corvallis. Meetings are free and open to everyone.

We also regularly schedule star parties, technical assistance, astronomy classes through Corvallis Parks and Recreation and educational outreach for public and private groups.

For more information, see www.hvaastronomy.com, or look us up on Facebook.

Question of the Month

Rank these solar eclipses in order of rarity: Total eclipse, partial eclipse, hybrid eclipse, annular eclipse.
A single-vehicle fatal crash closed Century Drive near Millersburg late Monday afternoon, and the Linn County Sheriffs Office was quickly at the scene to investigate the incident. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Joshua Garcia, 29, of Jefferson, was pronounced dead on the scene.

The automobile in the wreck, a 2000 Mazda pickup, rolled in the roadway shortly before 4 p.m. Garcia was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol and speed are believed to be contributing factors to the crash.

According to a news release from the Linn County Sheriffs Office, Garcia was traveling northbound on Century Drive when for unknown reasons, the pickup entered the right gravel shoulder and he lost control, rolling multiple times and coming to a rest on Century Drive. Garcia was thrown from the vehicle.

Northbound traffic on Interstate 5 was nearly stopped in some areas as motorists slowed down while they passed the crash. Some citizens stopped in an attempt to help.

The Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Jefferson Fire Department, and Linn County Medical Examiner assisted the sheriffs office in the incident response.

The investigation is ongoing.
Jan. 12, 1944  Aug. 30, 2017

Grace Mary Miller, 73, of Lebanon passed away surrounded by family members on Aug. 30, 2017 in Lebanon from multiple health issues including adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer).

Grace was born in Lebanon on Jan. 12, 1944, to Ray and Era Cooper. She was the youngest sister to Loretta Dixon and Ray Cooper, Jr. both of Sweet Home.

She resided in Sweet Home until she married David James Miller, Sr. on Jan. 4, 1961, who was enlisted in the United States Air Force in England. While residing in England, they welcomed their first two children, Kathy Perkins of Albany and David Miller, Jr. of Depoe Bay. After his service in England, they moved back to the states where he received an honorable discharge. After returning to Oregon, they welcomed three more children, Kay Anderson of Lebanon, Kim Burbach of Lebanon and Karen Tallman of Milwaukie.

Grace worked as a school bus driver, grocery clerk and store manager in the Astoria area. She received her GED and later her CNA certificate from LBCC. Over the years, she was a home caregiver.

In 1981, her husband was ordained as a Minister of Christ. She supported her husband in his ordination while she herself worked in the ministry as a Christian School Aide, volunteering, womens ministry, childrens ministry as well as many other ministries. While in ministry, they moved to various churches. In Oregon, they ministered in Sweet Home, Albany, Siletz and filled in at many other cities. From 1984 to 1988, they lived in the Reno, Nevada area. They spent one year in Yakima, Washington before returning to Albany where David passed away in 1989 at the age of 48. She was later married to Harold Westbrook from 1993 to 2016.

Over the years, she had a great love for her family and countless others that she considered to be family. Her and her husband Dave enjoyed opening their home to friends, family and church members. She enjoyed playing games, embroidering, sewing, knitting sweaters for family, latch-hook, Trichem painting, baking, talking on the phone, writing letters, taking yearly coast trips with her family and garage sales. She was a collector of all things. She showed her love of the Lord through fellowship, prayers, meals, cards and words of encouragement. She was a servant to all and loved to help others.

Grace is survived by her brother and sister; five children; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as many stepchildren and step grandchildren. She was also referred to as grandma by many other people as she had a great love for everyone. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Highway 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. (www.sweethomefuneral.com)
So North Korea has the H-bomb it doesn't dare use because the retaliation would destroy the regime and the country as well. After the initial bombastic rhetoric the Trump administration will fall back on the usual response: building more missiles to shoot down the Korean missiles. All our allies will want their own defense systems and should ensure larger defense budgets for the immediate future. While extremely wasteful and of doubtful effectiveness this is preferable to the "military options" often mentioned as "no good ones."

Nuclear disarmament is impossible because the North views the bomb as insurance against an invasion from the south with U.S. backing. Since nukes only have value as a deterrent when not used we are left with a stalemate.

Provoking North Korea with yearly war games serves no purpose; rather, it might be better to offer trade talks with North Korea. South Korea has a lot of merchandise to sell and North Korea offers millions of consumers. Rather then spend billions on defense systems of questionable value, allow North Korea credit on consumer goods. Even considering this debt would not be repaid, it is still a better investment then endless military spending which does nobody any good. South Korean industry would benefit and we could bring home our troops as a good-will gesture.

If South Korea cannot defend itself with its huge economy against North Korea, which occasionally has trouble feeding itself, a few thousand U.S. troops will not make any difference.

George Novak

Corvallis (Sept. 4)
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Prince William, Princess Catherine and their two children. [File Photo]

Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince William and his wife Princess Catherine are expecting their third child, the royal couple announced Monday.

The couple's official spokesperson at their home, Kensington Palace in London, said Princess Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, had pulled out of an official engagement because of severe morning sickness.

In a brief statement posted on social media the palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child."

Royal observers in London said the couple had hoped to keep details of the pregnancy private for a longer period of time, but the princess's illness had meant the announcement being brought forward.

The duchess had been due to visit the Hornsey Children's Center in London later on Monday.

Her spokesperson said Princess Catherine was being cared for at Kensington Palace.

Queen Elizabeth was said by Kensington Palace delighted to hear that her grandson and his wife would soon have a third child joining their two other children Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte who is aged two.

A message posted from Clarence House in London, home of the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, said he and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, were delighted with the news.

Prince William's younger brother Prince Harry, on an official visit to Manchester, said he was "very, very happy with the fantastic news".

Prime Minister Theresa May was among the first public figure to welcome the announcement, saying: "This is fantastic news. Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge."

Media reports recalled that Princess Catherine, who is 35, suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum in her two previous pregnancies.

When the baby arrives he or she will become the fifth in line to the British throne, behind its grandfather Prince Charles, its father Prince William and siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The announcement sent social media sites into overdrive, with fans of the monarchy hailing the news.

Bookmakers William Hill offered odds of 33/1 for gamblers wanting a flutter that the Duchess will give birth to twins. Bets are also being taken on potential names, with Alice is the bookmakers' favorite if the baby is a girl, with James, Arthur and Phillip the favored boy's names.
The Federal Presidents visit : Steinmeier spends two days in Bonn

Bonn Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is staying at the Villa Hammerschmidt for two days, keeping appointments in Bonn. On Monday he visited the Haus der Bildung and the Beethoven house.

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Before the special visitor arrived in a dark limo outside the Haus der Bildung at the Mulheimer Platz on Monday morning, 21 students of the August-Macke-Hauptschule and the Amos-Comenius-Gymnasium practice for the event: They pose already for the final picture on the staircase in the atrium of the building.

Outside, bomb-sniffing dogs were checking garbage bins and benches for explosives as part of the security measures ahead of Frank-Walter Steinmeiers visit with his wife Elke Budenbender. It is his second visit to Bonn as Federal President since the end of May. As part of the two-day stay he visits the Haus der Bildung and the Beethoven house, he also meets up with representatives of the National Anti Doping Agency and various science organisations and learns about the High-Tech Founder Foundations.

At 9.06 am the convoy arrives at theHaus der Bildung. Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan and his wife Petra Fendel-Sridharan are expecting the visitors. Good Morning, Lord Mayor, salutes Steinmeier the host. The last visit isnt very long ago, but I am happy to be back. As the patron of the Stiftung Lesen (a foundation that promotes reading) since April, Steinmeier learns about the offers in the Haus der Bildung and the reading festival Kaptn Book. While the head librarian, Helga Albrecht, shows the guests through the library premises, the students are waiting excitedly for the meeting with the head of state.

They are seated on a circle of chairs. Hello, good morning, Steinmeier says when he arrives in the room. He is happy to see so many children and teenagers interested in books and is glad that they dont only look at their smartphones. Reading, he says, helps to form your own opinion. He said he spent a lot of time reading on his business trips and travels over the past few years. At the moment, Das Gluck des Zauberers by German writer Sten Nadolny is waiting on his nightstand. I will borrow it when he is done with it, Steinmeiers wife admits. On their way through the library they noticed books they read their daughter when she was small - books by Kirsten Boie, Cornelia Funke and also Petterson and Findus. Proudly, young student Melina shows the Federal President a handmade book - with Paper made from used denim.

Together with German actor Hanno Friedrich as Kaptn Hook, the students are reporting on the readers club at the August-Macke-Schule, which is supported by the foundation Rzund and Ride for Reading. During the reading festival they also met their favorite authors. They can read their books way better than our teachers, a pupil recalls to a round of laughter.

Children ask: "What is your favorite book?"

According to Cornelia Kothe, organiser of the reading festival, already 300 authors applied to take part in this years events. The authors apply? Thats a great achievement, praises Steinmeier. The project in Bonn and the surrounding region is in its 14th year already. But he wants to know: Is the success of the festival noticeable in the libraries as well?

At the end of the get-together, its the students turn to ask questions: What is your favorite book? The politician hesitates briefly: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. When reading to pupils he reverts to Astrid Lindgrens work usually. Before saying Goodbye, the photo the students practiced for gets taken on the steps.

On foot the visitors continue past the Munster- and Marktplatz to the Beethoven house. On the way the Federal President takes the time for selfies with pedestrians, waves and calls Hello to a few waiting people. They wave back, delighted. In front of the Bonn-Information a group of cyclists explains: We came from Munich, specially.

Briefly, Steinmeier and his entourage get mixed in with an English speaking tourist party - much to the confusion of the tour guide. In front of the Beethoven statue its time for a souvenir photo shoot. One of the journalists asks, if Steinmeier listens to Beethoven at home too. Sometimes, says Steinmeier. In the current situation in Europe it may be good to listen to the Ode to Joy.
felicilin at 5-09-2017 02:19 PM (5 years ago) (f)

An Osogbo Magistrates court on Tuesday docked a septugenarian, Mr Adebayo Kareem, for allegedly using his sons name, who is a military officer to defraud a man to the tune of N250,000.

An Osogbo Magistrates court on Tuesday docked a septugenarian, Mr Adebayo Kareem, for allegedly using his sons name, who is a military officer to defraud a man to the tune of N250,000. The prosecutor , Inspt Adegoke Taiwo informed the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in 2014 at Ofatedo area in osogbo.

According to the prosecutor, the accused used the name of his son Madasiru, who is a military man serving in Benin, Edo state to received the sum of 250,000 from one Olawunmi, under the pretense of assisting his son to secure a military job, which turned out to be false.

The accused, who was arraigned on a two-count charge bothering on fraud and stealing, however, failed to refund the money.

The prosecutor explained that the offence committed by the accused was contrary to and punishable under section 419 and section 390(9) of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11, laws of osun state 2003.

The accused, therefore, pleaded not guilty to the two count charge preferred against him by the police.

His counsel, Okobe Najite, applied for his bail in the most liberal and affordable terms.

The magistrate, Mrs Awodele Olubukola granted the bail in the sum of 200,000 with one surety in like sum.

She, thereby, adjourned the case to Nov. 24 for hearing. The prosecutor , Inspt Adegoke Taiwo informed the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in 2014 at Ofatedo area in osogbo.According to the prosecutor, the accused used the name of his son Madasiru, who is a military man serving in Benin, Edo state to received the sum of 250,000 from one Olawunmi, under the pretense of assisting his son to secure a military job, which turned out to be false.The accused, who was arraigned on a two-count charge bothering on fraud and stealing, however, failed to refund the money.The prosecutor explained that the offence committed by the accused was contrary to and punishable under section 419 and section 390(9) of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11, laws of osun state 2003.The accused, therefore, pleaded not guilty to the two count charge preferred against him by the police.His counsel, Okobe Najite, applied for his bail in the most liberal and affordable terms.The magistrate, Mrs Awodele Olubukola granted the bail in the sum of 200,000 with one surety in like sum.She, thereby, adjourned the case to Nov. 24 for hearing.

Post Reply Posted: at 5-09-2017 02:19 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
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A Mozambican media delegation visits China Radio International (CRI) on Sept. 4, 2017. [Photo by Li Xiao/China.org.cn]

A group of Mozambican media officials and leaders of top media outlets, led by Emilia Jubileu Moiane, director of the Information Office of Mozambique, are visiting China from Sep. 3 to 9 to discuss enhanced media exchanges and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Invited by China's State Council Information Office, the delegation was scheduled to visit Beijing and Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the nation's major grain producing area and commodity grain base.

Jiang Jianguo, minister of the State Council Information Office, met with the group in Beijing on Sep. 5. The delegation also exchanged views with their Chinese counterparts during visits to China Radio International (CRI), China Central Television (CCTV), China International Publishing Group (CIPG), and the Star Times Group during their stay in Beijing.

While in Harbin, the delegation will visit local agricultural enterprises and research institutions to gain a better understanding of the development of modern agricultural industry and innovations.

Moiane said the seven-day trip was a time of learning and experiencing. She expressed the wish to learn from Chinese mainstream media about their development experiences, as well as the advanced technologies they used in news reporting and information dissemination.

Other members of the delegation were: Faruco Sadique Ibraimo, president of Radio of Mozambique; Jaime Alfredo Cuambe, president of Television of Mozambique; Bernardo Gabriel Mavanga, president of Mozambique News Agency; Joao Antonio Manasses, director of Information and Communication Department of the Information Office of Mozambique; Cecilia Napido Goncalves, director of Department of Research, Planning and Cooperation of the Information Office of Mozambique; Calisto Fernando, director of General Office of the Information Office of Mozambique.
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An Indian economist told China.org.cn on Monday that the future of BRICS will depend on the relationship between China and India.

Mohammed Saqib, secretary-general of the India China Economic and Cultural Council, speaks to China.org.cn about China-India relations in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 4, 2017. [Photo/China.org.cn]

"I think BRICS is going to play an important role in the future, it has major new economic powers together and it can be expanded to the BRICS Plus to have more countries come in," said Mohammed Saqib, secretary-general of the India China Economic and Cultural Council. "India also can play an important role because it is one of the biggest markets. China is going to take a lead in all the multilateral organizations. As I see it, the development of the mechanism of BRICS and the contribution it will make to the world in the future will depend on the relationship between China and India.

In his eyes, China and India will never be rivals. "China is too big and too powerful for India to treat China as a rival. China is our biggest trading partner, and the most direct investment in India comes from China.

"The recent stand-off was an unfortunate incident between India and China and it has an impact on peoples perceptions and real relations between India and China. Thank God it is behind us now," Saqib observed. "I hope that recent incident has taught both countries some lessons and it might have a positive influence in bettering the relationship. What India and China needs is more interactions beyond general protocol and diplomacy and more concern regarding sovereignty and sensitive issues."

Saqib has worked at renowned Indian think tanks including the Institute of Economic Growth, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies, and has been a consultant to various organizations, such as the World Bank, European Union, UNDP, UNCTAD, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India.

"I am confident that the past is over and India and China will work together bilaterally and multilaterally. Although China is much more developed than India, we still need each other for peace and prosperity of our people and to make it a truly Asian Century. We have a lot to offer to each other and there is no way that we can progress without each other," he continued.

Saqib also stressed that cultural exchanges in his opinion can play a very important part. "Cultural and people-to-people exchanges... I have already been saying it for last 15 years. India-China cooperation should not depend on economics; it should be more culturally related."

The think tank researcher pointed out, "We, peoples of India and China, are actually cultural people. We are not really business people. At end of the day, what gives us happiness and satisfaction, it is culture. I think culture is going to be a very important part of India-China exchanges. And cultural exchanges actually take our relationship forward. We need more cultural, tourism events and activities, but currently there are very few."

Speaking on the phenomenal success of Indian wrestling drama "Dangal" in China, Saqib said he never expected that, but similar things happened in India. "For example, we have been organizing the Chinese New Year celebrations every year with the Chinese embassy. Initially when we started doing it, we invited some cultural groups from China, and had to find 50 people to watch it. It was so difficult that sometimes we needed to ask our family and friends to come to fill the seats.

"But today, we have 3,000 seated guests, and we even have to put screens outside and hire more security guards to control people. It has become so popular. When it finishes, people will start calling us the next day asking about when it will happen again next time."

Saqib also mentioned Indian people are very interested in Chinese culture and kung fu movies. He invited Jackie Chan to the first China Film Festival in New Delhi in 2013.

"If you want to win Indian people's hearts, rely on culture," he added.

Mohammed Saqib was invited to attend the BRICS forums held in Fuzhou in June, one of a series of activities preceding the ongoing BRICS summit which will conclude on Sept. 5 in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province.
Dominion Energy got a one-two punch Friday from state regulators: A report said the monopoly utility is holding as much as $133 million it would be required to return to customers but for the 2015 rate freeze law. Another ruling severely curtails a pricey plan to recoup from customers the cost of putting more power lines underground. The line burial decision could raise the ire of state lawmakers who have supported Dominions plan.

In 2015, the Virginia State Corporation Commission rejected as too expensive Dominions $2 billion plan to bury about 4,000 miles of outage-prone tap lines, which would have cost ratepayers about $6 billion over the life of the project. Last year, the commission approved a scaled-down pilot, allowing the utility to recover $122.5 million from ratepayers to bury about 412 miles of lines.

In the meantime, the General Assembly passed and Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed a law instructing the commission, which regulates utilities, to cast a more favorable eye on undergrounding projects, directing that it should presume they are in the public interest and that the associated costs are reasonably and prudently incurred,  though that presumption is rebuttable.

This time around, Dominion sought approval for cost recovery for a second phase of 244 miles of lines, which could have ultimately cost ratepayers $270 million factoring in financing costs and the utilitys rate of return.

The commission determined that its staff and the Consumer Counsel Division of the Attorney Generals Office had successfully knocked down the case for the program on a cost-benefit basis.

The proposed new underground facilities are not cost beneficial and, in addition, the costs associated therewith are not reasonable and prudent, the commission wrote in an order Friday.

Of note, the commission found that Dominion was not considering cost as a factor in determining which facilities should be put underground and that some undergrounding facilities for a single customer would cost others more than $476,000 over the life of the project.

Challenging the companys case that the program would dramatically improve its ability to restore power after storms, the Consumer Counsel Division testified that Dominions phase 2 projects would improve the companys existing distribution system reliability performance by at most .00002 percent if the phase two conversions eliminated all outages on the converted lines.

There is no evidence that any other electric utility in the country has implemented an undergrounding plan at such a high cost its customers, the commissioners wrote, referencing the eventual $6 billion price tag.

The commissioners, however, did find it reasonable and prudent to continue the pilot project, allowing Dominion to recoup about $40 million of the phase 2 cost.

Theres just one complication for the utility giant, though: It has already completed phase 2, and the SCCs order took care to remind Dominion it had incurred the cost before seeking approval to recover the money from ratepayers.

The commission notes that Dominion initiated its phase 2 underground conversions prior to the 2017 legislation creating the rebuttable statutory presumptions addressed herein, the order says. Dominion also initiated phase 2 without prior commission approval and with full notice that any costs it voluntarily chose to incur therefor may not be recoverable through rates.

A Dominion spokesman said the company would review the order before deciding how to proceed.

We are extremely disappointed in todays SCC decision, Dominion spokesman David Botkins wrote in a statement. The strategic underground program is one our customers have said they want and one that has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the General Assembly. The ability to restore power more quickly after a storm benefits all of our customers. We are reviewing todays order to determine our next steps.

Sen. Richard L. Saslaw, D-Fairfax, a longtime lawmaker who is among the top recipients of Dominion campaign cash, carried the undergrounding law in the past session and was incensed that the commission didnt take the hint.

I dont know what it is with those people, he said. The biggest complaints I get and the only complaints I get about utilities is when we have a storm or an outage. Those people at the SCC cant get it through their heads that this is what the General Assembly wants. ... Theyre not looking out for the consumer, theyre screwing the consumer.

He pledged to revisit the subject in next years session.

I dont know what it takes, he said. Probably that legislation has to be written in the form of a two-by-four.

***

To what degree the historically utility-friendly legislature can bludgeon the commission into submission, particularly the SCCs ability to review and set base electric rates, is currently before the Virginia Supreme Court.

In 2015, the General Assembly, raising the specter of the Clean Power Plan, then-President Barack Obamas signature initiative to cut emissions from power plants, passed a law suspending biennial rate review for Dominion until 2022 and for Appalachian Power until 2020.

A group of large industrial utility customers is challenging the law before the Supreme Court. Opponents charge that the law was never about environmental compliance costs, rather it was about locking in rates that were already too high and restricting the ability of the commission to fulfill its constitutional duty to set rates and return overearnings to customers.

That seems to be borne out by the other report the commission issued Friday, which included a review of earnings last year for Dominion, which has about 67 percent of Virginia electric customers, and Appalachian Power.

The commissions staff found that Dominion earned a return on equity of nearly 12.9 percent last year. That exceeds both the 9.6 percent return the commission approved for Dominions riders, or charges that pay for transmission lines, new power plants and other costs, and the 10 percent return approved by the commission in its last review of base rates in 2013.

Depending on which rate of return is used, that works out to about $221 million to $252 million in excess revenue. Had Dominion not expensed nearly $174 million in coal ash cleanup costs, its excess revenue would have been between $396 million and $426 million, the commission said.

Because of the way excess earnings and customer credits are calculated, the commission can credit customers bills for only about 70 percent of Dominion earnings that are a certain level higher than the allowable return determined by the commission. That means that if rate review was not frozen, Dominion customers would be due between $133 million and $176 million depending on which rate of return was used.

While the report acknowledges the low rates our customers pay, we disagree with the way it calculates our allowed earnings and how it accounts for some of the significant real-world costs we incur, Botkins, the Dominion spokesman said in a statement. The report also does not acknowledge the sizeable investments we have made in Virginia in solar energy as well as other enhancements.

The SCC report notes that Dominions average bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours was $90.59 in 2007. This year, it was $117.20, though the commission noted both Dominion and Appalachian Powers rates were fairly competitive with peer utilities.

For Sen. J. Chapman Petersen, a Democrat from Fairfax City who unsuccessfully fought to reverse the rate freeze law during the last session, the report Friday was additional proof that the states regulated utilities are pocketing money they arent entitled to keep.

It simply proves what we suspected all along, he said, also vowing to revisit the fight in the next session. Everything I filed last year that was even mildly controversial will be coming back.
Vancouver, BC -- Aben Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ABN) (OTCBB: ABNAF) (Frankfurt: E2L2) (the "Company") is pleased to provide the following progress update on its 2017 exploration and drilling program at its 23,000 hectare Forrest Kerr Gold Property located in British Columbia's Golden Triangle region. Drilling at Carcass Creek intersected several discrete zones of massive quartz veins and quartz-sulphide vein breccias that have historically reported high grade gold mineralization. At Boundary, massive to semi-massive sulphide horizons were encountered in association with strong quartz carbonate veining and breccias. Sulphides within these packages are relatively enriched in chalcopyrite, a copper mineral that has shown a strong correlation with gold mineralization both on the Forrest Kerr Property and in several localities within the Golden Triangle. The drill core has been sent to the assay labs and final geochemical assays are pending.

Golden Triangle Claims Map:

http://www.abenresources.com/i/maps/ABN_Golden_Triangle_map.jpg

Cornell McDowell, Vice President of Exploration of Aben noted: "We elected to expand this first-phase drill program given the encouraging visual indicators that were witnessed in the drill core. Numerous copper-enriched mineralized zones were encountered over notable widths during drilling at the Boundary Zone. The Boundary rock has been strongly sericite-silica altered with locally intense quartz-sulphide and quartz-carbonate-sulphide veining, the product of a robust and wide-spread hydrothermal system. This type of geochemical and alteration signature has historically been strongly indicative of the potential for significant gold mineralization. This is particularly exciting given the mineralogic similarities between the sulphide horizons we have drilled and those that GT Gold is reporting from their Tatogga Property, located north of our Forrest Kerr Project."

Aben's Forrest Kerr Project Map:

http://www.abenresources.com/i/maps/FK-007.jpg

The Company recently announced it expanded its diamond drill program from 2,100 metres to approximately 2,500 metres. The expanded drill program includes drill holes testing the Boundary Zone to confirm and extend the high grade gold mineralization discovered in historical drilling. Drilling conducted in the early 1990's and 2000's at this zone returned some of the highest grades on the Forrest Kerr Property and the Company feels there is the potential for the expansion of the known zone based on recent data compilation, structural geological interpretation and additional field reconnaissance work.

Forrest Kerr Gold Project Summary:

Historical drilling results at the Forrest Kerr Project have ranged from trace values to several high-grade intercepts such as 9.97 g/t gold over 29.3 metres, including 125 g/t Au over 0.8 metres and 91 g/t Au over 1.9 metres, in hole RG91-21 in the Carcass Creek Zone as well as 33.4 g/t gold over 11 metres, including 326 g/t over 0.5 metres, in hole RG91-16 at the Boundary Zone. This high grade mineralization is within 200 metres vertical depth of surface and the Carcass and Boundary Zones are approx. 4 kilometres apart leaving robust discovery potential along strike, at depth and at other regional targets on the property.

The historical drill holes at the two main target areas, the Carcass and Boundary Zones, were drilled decades ago with limited follow up work due to limited accessibility, high drilling costs, and a less comprehensive understanding of the geology. Since then, major infrastructure improvements have been made including the Galore Creek access road on the north end of the property as well as roads and powerlines on the south end of the property where hydroelectric facilities have been built in recent years. In addition, rapid glacial retreat over the past 25 years have exposed extensive new areas of outcrop exposure in this highly prospective region. Aben's technical team has spent over a year analyzing and reinterpreting the historical exploration and geological data with the help of structural geologists to gain a stronger understanding of the existing targets and high-grade gold mineralization at the project.

*Note: Aben has not been able to independently verify the methodology and results from historical work programs within the property boundaries. However, management believes that the historical work programs have been conducted in a professional manner and the quality of data and information produced from them are relevant. In addition, management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Forrest Kerr property.

Cornell McDowell, P.Geo., V.P. of Exploration of Aben Resources, has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release and is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Aben Resources:

Aben Resources is a Canadian gold exploration company developing projects in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, the Yukon, and Saskatchewan. Aben's flagship Forrest Kerr Gold Project is located in the Golden Triangle of BC where the Company currently owns certain mineral tenures outright and has agreements in place with various third-parties whereby it has the exclusive right to a 100% interest in the 23,000-hectare property area.

For further information on Aben Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ABN), visit our Company's web site at www.abenresources.com.

Aben Resources has approx. 52.8 million shares issued and outstanding.

Aben Resources Ltd.

"Jim Pettit"

______________________

JAMES G. PETTIT

President & CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Don Myers

Aben Resources Ltd.

Director, Investor Relations

Telephone: 604-639-3851

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@abenresources.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 release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 5, 2017) - Asian Mineral Resources Ltd. ("AMR" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:ASN) today announces that it has completed its Technical Report supporting the potential of its regional exploration prospects at the Company's 90% owned Ta Khoa Concession in Son La Province, Vietnam, covering a 49.7 km2 area surrounding the Ban Phuc Nickel Mine. The report has been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("43-101"). This technical information, based on drilling, geophysics, geochemistry, and structural analysis completed to date, suggests attractive exploration potential for both high-grade massive sulphide deposits, as well as large-tonnage, lower-grade disseminated sulphide deposits.

The effective date of the report is March 3rd, 2017 and is entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Ta Khoa (Ni Cu Co  PGE) Prospects, Son La Province, Vietnam" and was prepared by Mr. Darryl Mapleson, FAusIMM, Principal Geologist and Director of BM Geological Services Pty. Ltd. and Mr. Ben Grgiruc, FAIG, Principal Geologist and Director of Mineralium Pty. Ltd, each independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in NI 43-101).

The Report highlights the excellent exploration potential of the area due to nearby analogous Ni/Cu deposits across the border in China, as well as the giant Norilsk-Talnakh system in Russia, which is identical in age. Not only does the exploration potential suggest that additional massive sulphide deposits may exist in the area, but there is also potential for large-tonnage, lower-grade disseminated sulphide deposits - all of which could be processed using the existing processing infrastructure, power, access roads, and work camp, which remain in good order due to the current care and maintenance program. Exploration efforts made thus far have advanced several historical prospects and have also resulted in the discovery of new prospects, including Kingsnake, Suoi Phang, Ban Mong, Ban Khang, and Ban Khoa.

Highlights of the NI 43-101 Report:

The exploration potential of the area is considered excellent given the geotectonic address, identical age to the giant Norilsk-Talnakh system (Russia), and the fact that the ultramafic intrusive bodies form part of (and possibly feeders to) the Emeishan large igneous province. The Red River Fault Zone continues north into China where is it host to additional Ni-Cu deposits.

Exploration work conducted by AMR has focussed on additional sources of massive or matrix sulphide mineralisation which could be readily processed using the existing metallurgical plant. Their work has advanced several historical prospects and resulted in the discovery of new prospects. Of these the most advanced and highest ranked include Kingsnake, Suoi Phang, Ban Mong, Ban Khang and Ban Khoa.

Considerable potential also exists in the district for large-tonnage, lower-grade deposits of disseminated sulphides within ultramafic intrusions, similar to the low grade disseminated sulphides in dunite style mineralisation. Regional exploration in the Ta Khoa corridor has identified an extensive system of mafic-ultramafic intrusives, a remarkable number of which have associated Ni-Cu massive or disseminated sulphide mineralization.

The massive sulphide vein mineral resource at Ban Phuc Nickel Mine has been depleted, having been mined from 2013 to 2016, however, all processing infrastructure, power, access roads and site-based accommodation remains in good order through a care and maintenance programme. Given the existence of this modern infrastructure, the threshold size requirement for a new massive or matrix sulphide discovery is considerably smaller than for a purely greenfields exploration play.

ABOUT AMR

AMR owns and operates a nickel mine with historical nickel sulphide production, and is exploring for additional high-grade nickel assets in Vietnam. AMR commenced commercial production from its 90%- owned Ban Phuc Nickel Mine in Vietnam in mid-2013. As of 30 June 2016, the Ban Phuc Nickel Mine has produced a total of c. 20,000 tonnes of nickel and c. 10,000 tonnes of copper contained in concentrate, plus a cobalt by-product since the beginning of its mine life. Mining and processing operations at Ban Phuc were suspended in September 2016 and operations were transitioned to a care and maintenance scenario. In addition to in and near-mine expansion projects, Ban Phuc provides a platform from which AMR can continue to focus on developing a new nickel camp within its 150km2 of concessions located throughout the highly-prolific Song Da rift zone, where AMR has a number of advanced-stage nickel exploration targets.

For further details on AMR, please refer to the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report - Ban Phuc Nickel Project" dated February 15, 2013 available on SEDAR or the AMR website www.asianmineralres.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding future exploration and development of AMR's projects, the commencement of production and the achievement of expected benefits, potential mineralization and reserve and resource estimates, exploration results and future plans and objectives of AMR are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of AMR to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from AMR's expectations are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in AMR's Annual Information Form, and elsewhere in AMR's documents filed from time-to-time with the TSX Venture Exchange and other regulatory authorities. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including: that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed timeframes; that on-going contractual negotiations will be successful and progress and/or be completed in a timely manner; that application for permits and licences will be granted/obtained in a timely manner; that no unusual geological or technical problems occur; that plant and equipment work as anticipated and that there is no material adverse change in the price of nickel. Although AMR 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release. AMR disclaims any 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. 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 due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Neither the 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.

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been compiled and approved by Darryl Mapleson (BSc (Hons), FAusIMM) who is a Geologist retained by Asian Mineral Resources Ltd. and a Competent Person as defined by JORC guidelines and a Qualified Person for NI 43-101. He has been engaged by Asian Mineral Resources Ltd. as an independent consultant.
Towns and cities across the country seek development that promotes vibrant, people-oriented, mixed-use communities. The federal government, which owns significant tracts of land in prime areas for redevelopment, could be a key partner, but genuine collaboration between community leaders and federal officials is essential.The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is the nation's largest holder of commercial property, with more than 375 million square feet of space in 9,600 buildings housing more than a million federal employees. Virtually every American community has federal property, including some of the most valuable local real estate. Ignoring this reality will lead to missed opportunities.Across the county, local and federal officials have coordinated on a number of successful redevelopment efforts: In Fresno, Calif., the federal government aligned its property strategy to complement local efforts to revitalize the city's historic Main Street by relocating two federal agencies when their leases came up for renewal. One of the new tenants, a Social Security Administration office, has created an influx of 4,300 patrons a month to the heart of Fresno's historic district. In Boston, the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse contributed to a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly waterfront plaza. As a result of coordinated federal and local leadership, roughly half of the site is devoted to a public park that invites visitors and pedestrians to enjoy the waterfront of Boston Harbor. In Washington, D.C., The Yards development has transformed a former federally owned munitions site and wastewater plant that had sat underutilized and partially empty since World War II. Local leaders and developers teamed with the GSA in creating a vision for a beautiful mixed-use waterfront property. Multiple historic buildings on the 42-acre site were refurbished and put back to use.Projects like these, where localities and the federal government have successfully collaborated, invariably have something in common: Community leaders created a vision and a plan for what they wanted, and they leveraged their influence to make it happen.But where such collaboration is lacking, communities can find themselves in situations like that of Des Moines, Iowa, where local officials and residents object to the planned location of a new federal courthouse along the river in the city's downtown, believing it will preclude the kind of mixed-use development they want. If the project proceeds in the announced location, it will occupy one of the community's most attractive and economically valuable sites.However, viewed from another perspective, and with the right community engagement, Des Moines could promote the new federal courthouse as an anchor of the kind of development the city seeks. Many federal courthouses prove to be hubs of activity, attracting a steady flow of employees and visitors that support other mixed-use redevelopment in adjacent areas.Several important factors combine to make federal and local cooperation increasingly attractive. Federal tax dollars are best leveraged when they are complemented by local and private dollars. Local communities can benefit from new federal construction when it serves as an anchor for broader redevelopment. Meanwhile, the federal government benefits when its property is enhanced with local improvements such as walking paths, transit and commercial development.However, serious disconnects sometimes occur. For example, federal agencies sometimes invest in one location while community and private developers invest across town. Federal decisions sometimes do not take into account the highest and best use of land. And the time that it takes the federal government to dispose of underutilized and empty properties can undermine redevelopment efforts.How do community leaders build a good partnership with the federal government to strengthen revitalization plans? In short, they must lead the way.Local leaders should approach this challenge as a community effort, inviting the participation of the best minds from both the public and private sectors. Communities that have federal property should assess the status and viability of those sites, and then engage federal officials in discussing the future of those properties, just as they would partner with local developers and property owners. This is especially true for sites that are underutilized or sitting vacant.Cities with viable redevelopment plans in place are best positioned to pursue a successful partnership with federal agencies. So communities must be proactive and take responsibility for hashing out zoning issues, engaging private partners, seeking financing, and collaborating with local and federal political leaders.Developing strong relationships with federal officials can influence the decisions made about the development of federal property, potentially unlocking its economic potential. It's a great opportunity to develop smart strategies for making communities better places to work, live and play.
Any legal challenge of a court decision related to the construction and operation of a proposed $10 billion liquid-crystal display panel factory in southeastern Wisconsin would go straight to the state Supreme Court under a proposal lawmakers advanced Tuesday.

Lawmakers on the Legislatures finance committee voted 12-4 to pass legislation needed to provide Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn with nearly $3 billion in tax incentives and exemptions from state environmental regulations to convince the company to build its first U.S. factory in Wisconsin.

All Democrats on the committee voted against the bill.

Ahead of the committees Tuesday vote on the bill authored by Gov. Scott Walker, lawmakers added a new provision that would require parties to lawsuits related to the Foxconn project to appeal circuit court decisions directly to the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, bypassing state appeals courts.

A lower courts decision also would be automatically stayed if it is appealed under the proposal.

The new provision is another way Wisconsin lawmakers are proposing to speed up the process of getting the proposed 20 million-square-foot facility off the ground. The Foxconn incentive package proposed by Walker also includes exemptions from sales taxes and environmental-impact analyses.

Environmental groups have said lawsuits were a possibility because of the proposed exemptions.

Democrats on the finance committee blasted Republican authors of the proposal, saying state lawmakers shouldnt be changing the states legal process for one company.

The un-level playing field youre creating in the business community alone is staggering, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Your constituents are being cut out of due process if they happen to live in the area where Foxconn can build.

But finance committee co-chairman Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, on Tuesday emphasized the magnitude of the project, saying its the biggest thing to happen to Wisconsin since the cow.

The Wisconsin work ethic is worth what were investing in it, Nygren said.

The proposed changes introduced Tuesday also include requiring the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to attempt to ensure Foxconn has sought or is seeking to satisfy hiring goals, but the proposal did not include a specific number of new jobs needed before tax credits could be paid.

Under the proposal, the state also would send up to $15 million to local governments that spend money for the Foxconn project and require the Legislative Audit Bureau to review payments sent to Foxconn every five years starting in 2018.

The state Assembly already passed the Foxconn incentive package in August, but the bill the finance committee passed Tuesday would have to be approved by the Senate and then by the Assembly before Walker can sign it into law.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, tweeted Tuesday that the full Senate will vote on the Foxconn legislation next week.
Gov. Greg Abbott estimated Sunday that Texas will ultimately need between $150 billion and $180 billion in federal aid to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.In appearances on FOX News Sunday and CNN's State of the Union, the governor said the destruction wrought by Harvey far exceeds, in geographic scope and in numbers of people and homes affected, both Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which he said cost the federal government $40 billion to $50 billion, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which he said cost more than $120 billion."I think this will cost well over $120 billion, probably $150 (billion) to $180 billion," Abbott said on FOX.Of President Donald Trump's initial request for $7.9 billion in aid, Abbott said, "What the president has done is make an additional request before the end of this funding cycle to get things up and running.""I think Congress understands this is a down payment on something that will cost far more," Abbott said."We have a long row to hoe if we are going to rebuild the fourth largest city in the United States as well as the entire geographic region," Abbott said."The president both is and has made a lot of specific commitments," Abbott said. "Basically he has told me, and he has acted upon what he has said, that whatever Texas needs, Texas is going to get."Abbott was with Trump Saturday for the president's second trip to Texas since the storm and flooding. The president was criticized for not expressing empathy for victims of the disaster during his visit Tuesday to Corpus Christi and Austin, but, Abbott said Sunday on FOX, "yesterday, I got to tell you, the president was warm and compassionate and caring."Abbott said that at a visit to a large shelter in Houston, the president was "holding and kissing and hugging" young children displaced by the flooding, and, "we fed lunch to people who were evacuees."Abbott also appeared Sunday on ABC's This Week in an interview taped Saturday after the president's visit."Texans have already gone to work rebuilding," he said."Texans have grit," the governor added. "They will respond with speed and with fellowship."But, asked about rebuilding in areas prone to flooding, Abbott said, "It would be insane for us to rebuild on property that has been flooded multiple times. I think everyone is probably in agreement that there are better strategies that need to be employed."Abbott was asked on both FOX and CNN about the perils of flood waters contaminated by chemicals from 13 toxic waste sites in the area.On FOX, Abbott said that in any flood situation there are going to be contamination concerns: "It could involve chemicals, it could involve waste, and people need to be very cautious as they go through the rebuilding process."Of the impact of flooding on 13 Superfund sites, Abbott said, "the EPA is monitoring that. The EPA is going to get on top of that.""We're working with the EPA to make sure we can contain any of these chemicals from harming anybody in the Greater Houston area or any place," he said.Abbott said those concerns shouldn't inhibit Texans who are already involved in cleaning up and restoring their homes and businesses, but people should take precautions and "wear gloves, wear masks, wear clothing," so their skin doesn't come in contact with contaminated water.On FOX, Abbott said that search and rescue operations remain the top priority, especially in Beaumont, where the water is still rising.And elsewhere, he said of the recovery and rebuilding to come, "This is where the long haul begins."Abbott invited viewers to help in that effort by contributing to "RebuildTX.org run by the state of Texas."He did not mention the role played by Michael and Susan Dell, who launched the fund, in cooperation with the state of Texas, on Friday with an initial contribution of $18 million and a commitment to donate another dollar for every $2 contributed over the Labor Day weekend up to another $18 million, with a goal of raising $100 million altogether.Sunday evening, the governor released a statement encouraging donations to the Rebuild Texas Fund noting that the donations made by midnight Monday would be eligible for the match from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and that those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.rebuildtx.org or by texting "Rebuildtx" to 91999."With the match deadline looming, I encourage those who can to contribute to this fund that will help those affected by Hurricane Harvey rebuild their lives," Abbott said in the statement. "A Texas-sized storm requires a Texas-sized response, and I have no doubt that those throughout the country will assist in this response effort."On both CNN and ABC, Abbott sidestepped a direct answer to what the president should do about the future of DACA -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program protecting from deportation undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as young children and meet certain requirements. Trump has promised a decision on the future of DACA, which President Barack Obama imposed by executive action in 2012, on Tuesday.Texas has more people -- commonly call "dreamers" -- protected by DACA than any state but California.Abbott said the ultimate answer was immigration reform. But he notably did not join some other prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, who are urging the president not to do away with the program.In 2014, in one of his last acts as attorney general before becoming governor, Abbott led an ultimately successful effort by Texas and 25 other states to block Obama's expansion of DACA by executive order.His successor, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Paxton's counterparts in nine other states have vowed to file a lawsuit to end the program if Trump doesn't take action by Tuesday.
After a monthslong legal fight, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala on Friday walked back her ban on pursuing the death penalty, saying a panel of seven assistant state attorneys will review all future first-degree murder cases and seek capital punishment when appropriate.The announcement came a day after the Florida Supreme Court declined to return 29 capital cases to her office that Gov. Rick Scott took away with executive orders after she announced in March that she would not seek the death penalty for anyone."My personal opinion, the facts of the case, none of that changes," Ayala said Friday. " ... When the Supreme Court believes and they interpret the law in a way that may be different from how I interpret it, it is absolutely up to me to abide by that regardless of how I interpret the research and the data."Ayala said she believes she could petition to get the 29 reassigned cases back. However, Ayala said she does not intend to because she does not want a "ping-pong" effect to impact victims and their families. Two of those cases have gone to trial since March, with both defendants being found guilty and jurors unanimously recommending the death penalty."I don't think it is in the best interest of families of homicide victims or their cases at this point," Ayala said. "There's a difference between giving up and letting go. At this time I think the most compassionate and human response is to allow them to remain with the current prosecutor."She declined to say what she thought about Scott's actions."My job here is to follow the law, not to interpret his conduct," Ayala said.The prosecutors are Chief Assistant State Attorney Deb Barra; Kenneth Nunnelley, who was in charge of many death penalty cases under Ayala's predecessor, Jeff Ashton; Kelly Hicks; Candra Moore; Gabrielle Sanders; and Chris Smith.The seventh member of the panel will be the prosecutor assigned to each case, who will meet with victims' families. If all seven panel members agree that the death penalty is legally appropriate and feasible, they will pursue it, Ayala said.Each member has pursued the death penalty before and has not expressed opposition to the death penalty, Ayala said. Two of them _ Barra and Nunnelley _ prosecuted the Orange-Osceola death penalty cases that have gone to trial under Ocala-based State Attorney Brad King in recent months.In the opinion, Justice C. Alan Lawson said the blanket policy to avoid the death penalty under any circumstance gave Scott a "good and sufficient" reason to reassign the cases. The justices ruled each first degree murder case must be reviewed before a determination about the death penalty is made.A governor's spokesman on Thursday said he did not have enough information about the panel to know whether Scott will continue to reassign future cases."State Attorney Ayala needs to make it clear that her office will seek the death penalty as outlined in Florida law, when appropriate," John Tupps said. "State Attorney Ayala's statement today leaves too much room for interpretation."
The California Supreme Court decided Thursday that data from millions of vehicle license plate images collected by the Los Angeles police and sheriff's departments are not confidential investigative records that can be kept from public disclosure.The unanimous opinion came as civil liberties groups raise concerns about the increasing use of police cameras mounted on cruisers or street poles to take photographs of passing vehicles. The devices use software to almost instantly compare the plates with vehicles linked to crimes and the information can be stored for years.Law enforcement officials say the data are invaluable for tracking down stolen cars, catching fugitives or solving other types of crimes. But the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California and the Electronic Frontier Foundation have criticized the indiscriminate nature of the surveillance and how the movements of innocent drivers are captured alongside potential criminals.The latest legal dispute arose when the two groups sought data from about 3 million license plate images that the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department collected in a week. The organizations said they planned to analyze the data to determine if police were disproportionately capturing license plates in particular neighborhoods.The Supreme Court stopped short of ordering the agencies to release the raw data, saying that doing so would violate the privacy of motorists whose licenses were captured. But the justices said there may be other ways to make the information publicly available by redacting some of the information or replacing each license plate number with a random unique identifier."It is an enormous win for disclosure and transparency," said Peter Bibring, director of police practices for the ACLU of California. "The court recognized California's sweeping public records exemption for police investigations doesn't cover the mass collection of data."The city and county did not immediately respond to requests for comment.The civil liberties groups submitted their requests in 2012. At the time, the LAPD gathered about 1.2 million images of vehicle plates a week while the Sheriff's Department collected as many as 1.8 million, the Supreme Court said. The data are stored on confidential computer networks. The LAPD keeps its data for five years; the Sheriff's Department keeps its for two.The two departments declined to release the data, arguing that they were investigative records protected from disclosure.But the Supreme Court disagreed, noting that the vast majority of the images were from vehicles not linked to any crime. The justices said at least some disclosure should be attempted."It is hard to imagine that the Legislature intended for the records of investigations exemption to reach the large volume of data that plate scanners ... now enable agencies to collect indiscriminately," the court noted. It pointed out that the scans are not gathered as part of a targeted investigation.The court cautioned, however, that disclosing the raw data could help someone figure out where a motorist lives, works or frequently visits."The act of revealing the data would itself jeopardize the privacy of everyone associated with a scanned plate," the court said, adding that with so many scanned images, the "threat to privacy is significant."The justices sent the case back to the trial court to consider whether the raw data can be redacted or turned over in another form that protects the identity of drivers.Jennifer Lynch, a senior staff attorney with the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the court's privacy qualms validate her organization's concerns about police collecting huge volumes of data to track the movements of millions of people. Agencies could misuse the data to obtain personal information about department critics or target people based solely on their political activities, she said."Location data like this, that's collected on innocent drivers, reveals sensitive information about where they have been and when, whether that's their home, their doctor's office, or their house of worship," she said.
On Monday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey departed Brisbane for an official visit to the Gold Coast.

Following, at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, Bundall, the Governor, with Mrs de Jersey, officially launched Gold Coast Open House 2017 and addressed guests, and then returned to Brisbane.

In the afternoon, at Government House, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey hosted a reception in support of Bravehearts, where His Excellency addressed guests.
Description

GIS - 05 September, 2017: Mauritius and the Russian Federation share a close political tie since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1968 and both countries have been strengthening bonds on the political and economic fronts.

This was at the fore of discussions during a farewell call by the outgoing Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Mauritius, Mr Vyacheslav Nikiforov, on the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, yesterday at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis.

In a statement, the Russian Ambassador spoke of the longstanding ties of friendship that exist between Russia and Mauritius, and expressed satisfaction that both countries have been supporting each other in international fora on several issues of mutual interests. He recalled that Mauritius and Russia share an excellent mechanism which eventually harmonises the relations for political consultations. Ambassador Nikiforov also announced that a political consultation forum will shortly be held in Moscow which will be attended by a Mauritian delegation.

Other avenues of cooperation discussed, pertained to the education sector especially the medical field whereby every year some 1 000 young Mauritians graduate from Russian universities. Mauritius has also benefitted from several training courses offered to public officers in different domains, in particular to officers of the disciplined forces.
What Does It Mean? ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Computers or software simulating human intelligence by changing the way they behave without explicit human intervention.



MACHINE LEARNING: A specific component of AI wherein algorithms learn and change automatically based on patterns in data.



NEURAL NETWORK: A computing paradigm that achieves machine learning by feeding data through multiple layers. Neural networks are named after connections made in the brain, and are structured to learn in the same way as a brain.





deptgovai-infographic.jpg

It used to be that the term automation meant robotic arms in factories doing repetitive tasks  fastening one part to another, drilling a screw, folding a piece of material. These days, the word means a lot more.AI means automation beyond the physical. It means automation of the tasks that previously took a living brain to complete  things like conversation, data analysis, even driving.And ultimately, AI isnt anything new; computer scientists have been discussing and building it for decades now. Whats changed is the availability of cheap computing, advances in algorithm coding and an abundance of newly available data.Weve just finally had this really good synergy as the technology and the algorithms both matured at the same time, said Daniel Castro, vice president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.What remains, then, is to apply AI to everyday purposes. And people are doing so, both in and outside government  its just hard to tell sometimes. Because AI, as buzzy as the term is right now, mostly functions as part of a product. AI is just one step  it doesnt necessarily involve gathering data, or doing anything meaningful with it.I think people are waiting around for the killer app, said Steve Nichols, Georgias chief technology officer. Knowing that its coming  and reading about it is one thing, but then you ask yourself the question, Now what I do? How do I apply this? So I think theres going to be a gestation where people are figuring out the use cases.The technology is, by nature, broadly applicable. If a thing involves data  data itself being a nebulous word  then it probably has room for AI. AI can help manage the data, analyze it and find patterns that humans might not have thought of. When it comes to big data, or data sets so big that they become difficult for humans to manually interact with, AI leverages the speedy nature of computing to find relationships that might otherwise be proverbial haystack needles.One early area of government application is in customer service chatbots. As state and local governments started putting information on websites in the past couple of decades, they found that they could use those portals as a means of answering questions that constituents used to have to call an office to ask.Ideally that results in a cyclical victory: Government offices didnt have as many calls to answer, so they could devote more time and resources to other functions. And when somebody did call in, their call might be answered faster.With chatbots, governments are betting they can answer even more of those questions. When he was the chief technology and innovation officer of North Carolina, Eric Ellis oversaw the setup of a system that did just that for IT help desk calls.Turned out, more than 80 percent of the help desks calls were people who wanted to change their passwords. For something like that, where the process is largely the same each time, a bot can speed up the process with a little help from AI. Then, just like with the government Web portal, workers are freed up to respond to the more complicated calls faster.But theres more to it than that. When it comes to a customer service-type situation, AI can streamline the process by getting information from a caller while they wait for somebody to take their call.Youre sitting on the phone for five minutes waiting and then a real person asks you, Hey, whats your name, tell me this, this and this. And instead a chatbot could have gathered that information from you in a very conversational way to begin with, Ellis said.Other governments have taken notice and started tinkering with chatbots in other contexts as well. In Los Angeles, a city-built chatbot answers business-related questions for citizens. In Mississippi, people can use the Amazon Alexa artificial intelligence service to plug into government information about things like taxes and vehicle registration. In Utah, people can use the states drivers license test studying materials through Alexa.Others are using AI to recognize and report objects in photographs and videos  guns, waterfowl, cracked concrete, pedestrians, semi-trucks, everything. Others are using AI to help translate between languages dynamically. Some want to use it to analyze the tone of emails. Some are using it to try to keep up with cybersecurity threats even as they morph and evolve. After all, if AI can learn to beat professional poker players, then why cant it learn how digital black hats operate?Castro sees another use for the technology, a more introspective one. The problem is this: The government workforce is a lot older than the private sector, and that can make it hard to create culture change. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, about 27 percent of public-sector workers are millennials, compared with 38 percent in the private sector.The traditional view [of government work] is you fill out a lot of forms, there are a lot of boring meetings. Theres a lot of bureaucracy in government, Castro said. AI has the opportunity to change a lot of that, things like filling out forms  going to routine meetings and stuff.As AI becomes more and more ubiquitous, people who work both inside and with government are coming up with an ever-expanding list of ways to use it. Heres an inexhaustive list of specific use cases  some of which are already up and running and some of which are still just ideas.
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(TNS) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently helping folks affected by Tropical Storm Harvey file claims on any possible damage through the end of the week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Fire Station No. 1 located at 1987 Veterans Memorial Parkway.FEMA staff will be working to register all claims filed by folks, with claimants not needing to be Walker County residents. Helen Marr, crew leader for the disaster assistance specialist team, says those needing FEMA assistance need to register quickly in order to receive assistance as soon as possible.We are not going to deny anybody that has to file. What FEMA helps with is the primary residence, however when you register, it opens the door for other assistance. You can claim disaster-related loses on your income tax if it has been presidentially declaration, for example. There is a lot of assistance that people can get. It opens the door once you register and the sooner you register, the sooner it get the process going.Claims can also be registered online by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by telephone at 1(800) 621-FEMA (3362). FEMA staff will also be helping register residents throughout the week. Marr urges people to check for proper identification.Weve been trying to get the word out to reach as many people as possible, Marr said. We will be going door to door in the neighborhoods and FEMA staff will have a federal ID on. People need to always check because there are always a lot of scams that go on after disasters. Always make sure that you check identification.Those who register need to know their Social Security number, but do not need to bring any other documentation for this registration process. After registering, residents will be visited by an inspector who will assess the property.Marr says folks will need to show proof of residency, such as a utility or electrical bill.To file, we will need to know their information, including their income and social security number but they do not need to bring anything with them at this point. When the inspector comes around they will need to show proof that they were living there, such as a light bill. If they own the house, they may need to show a deed, homeowners taxes or insurance.FEMA staff will be available on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for citizens still needing to register or need help registering.2017 The Huntsville Item (Huntsville, Texas)Visit The Huntsville Item (Huntsville, Texas) at www.itemonline.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




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(TNS) -- SACRAMENTO  A bill co-authored by a Bay Area assemblyman that would block the ability of cities and counties to control the installation of microwave radiation antennas is doing more than alarming many local officials.Its also frightening grass-roots activists and scientists, who argue that if Senate Bill 649 becomes law, a projected 50,000 new cellular antennas will be installed on public buildings and utility poles in California neighborhoods, creating a risk to public health because of the possible dangers of radiation and electromagnetic frequencies emitted by cell towers.My analogy is to cars, said Ellen Marks, a San Francisco-based leader of the California Alliance for Safer Technology, a group that is trying to keep cellular antennas away from homes, schools, offices and parks. The auto industry made them as safe as possible with air bags  and reduced their pollution. But nobody is putting pressure on the telecommunications industry to do that.For months, as the bill has sailed through legislative committees, she and members of other environmental and health organizations have been trying to educate lawmakers about the potential dangers of cell towers.They point to research, such as a partial study released in May 2016 by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The research showed theres a link to two types of cancer, prompting the American Cancer Societys chief medical officer to note that the results mark a paradigm shift in our understanding of radiation and cancer risk.Similar concerns about cell tower radiation were raised in 2015 by two Southern California firefighter unions. Those concerns led Assemblyman Bill Quirk, D-Hayward, to agree to exempt all fire stations in the state from a related bill he authored that year that streamlined the time for wireless telecommunications system permits.Now, as SB 649  authored by Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, co-authored by Quirk and sponsored by the main trade group for the U.S. wireless telecommunications industry  awaits a vote Friday by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, fire stations are once again exempted.Both Quirk and Hueso have called the criticism of their legislation overblown, contending the scientific consensus is that having a cell tower in your neighborhood is safe.For most of his career, Quirk wrote in an op-ed piece this summer, he has worked to safeguard the publics health and safety locally and globally.SB 649 is primarily supported by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, which says it will help boost the economy.Repeated phone calls this week by the Bay Area News Group to the Washington, D.C.-based CTIA seeking comment on potential health concerns related to cellular antennas were not returned.Joel Moskowitz, director of the Center for Family and Community Health at UC Berkeleys School of Public Health, said the trade group has a habit of ducking the issue, and instead points their finger to the federal government and the Federal Communications Commission and the health agencies that claim its safe.The CTIA never says its safe because the industry will be in deep water when the lawsuits play out finally before a jury, said Moskowitz, who has studied and written about the issue for eight years.SB 649 also caps how much a local government could charge phone companies for leases to $250 a year. Thats another reason the bill remains strongly opposed by the California State Association of Counties, the League of California Cities and the Rural County Representatives of California.Why are fire stations exempted in the bill?Huesos chief of staff, Ana Molina, said the exemption was included in SB 649 to be consistent with Assembly Bill 57, Quirks bill that sped up the permit process and was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2015.Quirks chief of staff, Tomasa Duenas, said that her boss original decision to exempt firefighters in that 2015 bill stemmed from concerns they (firefighters) raised about their ability to negotiate working conditions.But Lew Currier, a director of the Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014, said the working condition that worried his members the most was exposure to radiation or electromagnetic fields emitted by cell towers. So the union, as well as the union representing firefighters in the city of Los Angeles, directed its Sacramento lobbying group to intervene and amend Quirks legislation with a carve-out for fire stations in the state.The urgency to amend the bill, Currier said, was prompted by a 2004 brain scan study by a Los Angeles neurotoxicologist of a group of firefighters in Carpinteria who had lived and slept inside a station near a large cell tower for five years. The study found brain abnormalities in all the men tested, including delayed reaction time, lack of impulse control and cognitive impairment.The California Alliance for Safer Technology and similar grass-roots groups say theyre worried that the placement of the antennas will also affect average Californians, particularly children.Other activists point to recent tests done by the Sausalito-based Scientists for Wired Technology that determined 19 small cell antennas installed in high-density fashion in a 3- by 6-block area in Palo Alto are exposing residents, workers and visitors to hazardous levels of microwave radiation.In the recent op-ed, Quirk took umbrage at the criticism of SB 649.Before he was elected to the Assembly, Quirk noted, he worked as a climate scientist at NASA. And while at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab, he helped negotiate the ban on nuclear weapons testing.There is a scientific consensus that wireless antennas do not expose the public to undue radiation risks, and the safety limits adopted by the Federal Communications Commission have been validated by every agency of the federal government responsible for health and safety, Quirk wrote.But at least 230 leading international electromagnetic field scientists and health experts from 41 nations who have reviewed thousands of peer-reviewed, published studies on the health risks of wireless radiation exposure disagree with him.In 2015, they issued an appeal to the United Nations and all member states to encourage the World Health Organization to exert strong leadership to develop more protective electromagnetic field guidelines, encourage precautionary measures and educate the public about health risks  particularly the risk to children and fetal development.
Were just passing through. Thats a story often repeated by those who consider a life hereafter. And I can easily accept the term that we are pilgrims.

Those early colonial days always left a challenging thought with me. I would often conjure up a life consisting of muskets, double-buttoned coats, and a glamorous feast with Native American friends patterned after that first Thanksgiving described in school text books.

Sure wish I had paid more attention about our so-called Indians back then. Im always interested in reading about how they viewed life back then, whether on the plains or other sections of our country. As they lived, they offered important lessons of life.

There is one particular television commercial that struck a chord in my life. The Indian on horseback, had a tear in his eye, as he overlooked a city and surrounding countryside. The commercial conveyed to the viewer that the environment was being abused.

As I was thinking back to that commercial, I pulled out a copy of How can one sell the air? Its a rendition of Chief Seattles Vision back in 1854 when his eloquent plea to respect the Sacred Web of Life was presented. His desire was for all people to live in harmony with each other and the earth. The speech was prompted by an offer from Washington to buy the land and reserve enough land on which the Suquamish tribe could live.

So we will consider your offer to buy our land. If we decide to accept, I will here and now make one condition: the white man must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers. Another condition followed:  We will never be denied the right to walk softly over the graves of our fathers, mothers, and friends, nor may the white man desecrate these graves. The graves must always be open to the sunlight and the falling rain. Then the water will fall gently upon the green sprouts and seep slowly down to moisten the parched lips of our ancestors and quench their thirst.

Even further along is what I will call the wrap of the proposal. What is it that the white man wishes to buy? The idea is strange to us. How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land, the swiftness of the antelope? Is the earth yours to do with as you will, merely because the red man signs a piece of paper and gives it to the white man? If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them from us?

God put wonders into human hearts to show us the grandeur of all His works.

Other thoughts:

If you havent grown up by the age of 50, you dont have to.

If things get better with age, then us seniors must be getting close to being magnificent.

When Im an old lady, Im going to leave snacks in little bags on the floor all over the house in case I fall down.

These days, carrying health insurance is like wearing a hospital gown  you only think youre covered.

Whether a man winds up with a nest egg or a goose egg depends on the kind of chick he marries.

The handle on your recliner does not qualify as an exercise machine.

I asked my wife what old men wear, boxers or briefs? She said Depends.

Will Rogers said, Never miss a perfect chance to shut up!
Identify and establish best practices for planning.

Design and implement regional communications strategies.

Create collaborative training opportunities to build a high-quality workforce.

Create a shared-services model to support local governments

Improve redundancy and resilience through mutual networks and shared services.

Establish a sustainable funding source to support a regional response to cyberthreats.

Officials in the Kansas City metropolitan area, which includes 119 cities and nine counties across two states, are in the early stages of forging a strategic framework that is expected to yield some quick wins in enhancing regional cybersecurity.Though it could take years to complete, officials hope the undertaking will greatly improve the overall cybersecurity stance of all involved.The effort is being spearheaded by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), which serves as the council of governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, which includes areas of Kansas and Missouri.Agencies that took part in recent planning sessions in July ran the gamut from the University of Kansas to the cities of Raymore, Mo., and Olathe, Kan., the Northland Regional Ambulance District and federal partners.Among their areas of interest, MARC leaders want to look at creating a purchasing pool representing all municipalities, to drive reasonable and potentially cooperative prices for technology, Stephen Arbo, city manager of Lees Summit, Mo., and a leader of the initiative, told. He used firewalls as an example of a technology where improved pricing might benefit all.The group may also consider standardization and redundancy to guard against threats including bad actors and natural disasters by giving organizations the option to maintain their online presence across multiple emergency operations centers; and by making language and practices universal among first responders and public safety agencies.A common approach, Arbo acknowledged, could mean architectural weaknesses would be shared along with strengths. But such gaps as well as scalability issues, he said, could be resolved by working out technological challenges in pilots, before scaling them to the larger group.These and other ideas permeate six key steps the group has identified as key to achieving its vision:The groups vision statement indicates that it believes local governments can successfully operate under constant technology change and cybersecurity threats.The Kansas City region, it said, will collaboratively create a secure environment where agencies can maintain resilient infrastructure, public trust and support that benefits from organizational interconnectivity and innovation.The leadership group will meet again later this month, Arbo said, to outline time frames for each step and work on planning the upcoming year. Assessment of local governments is a possible first step, and procurement of protective software could be another early move.After the group of around 20 adopts a work plan, officials will call a mass assembly of all local governments to get their feedback, support and buy-in, he said.Arbo, who is also co-chair of the Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee, said it is clear technology can continue to create efficiencies, serve agencies future needs and help them better serve citizens  but only if cybersecurity threats are properly addressed.Technology will continue to be the answer to that, but if we cant fix the cybersecurity threat issue, that will come to a complete stop. And we wont have an environment where we can be creative and focused on improving our game, Arbo said.Officials at municipal agencies in Kansas and Missouri that would be part of the framework agreed streamlining procurement is a goal with shared dividends.One of the items that we discussed is the ability for certain agencies to prototype certain services, such that we can make a determination of how beneficial those services would be regionally. And that would certainly help us lower the cost of acquiring some of those services, said Tony Sage, IT services director at Liberty, Mo., a city of around 30,000.I do believe that the larger metro area, we might be able to get better pricing than I can get today on some of these things even though Im a pretty big agency. I also believe that we may have some opportunities that havent really been presented to [us] yet, that will come because we are doing this, said Vicki Irey, chief technology officer of Overland Park, Kan.Both also identified the potential for enhanced collaboration  already a strong point with both agencies  as another plus for the framework.The framework finds its origins in two surveys: an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) regional poll in June 2016; and an October 2016 meeting of regional city and county managers and IT managers, which identified five areas of cybersecurity concern.The ICMA survey identified strong support for cybersecurity initiatives, from 50 percent of executive-level officials and 33 percent each of elected and department-level officials.More than half, or 26 out of 50 organizations that responded, indicated a high level of interest and some cybersecurity actions underway. Ten agencies indicated a very high interest level and significant actions underway, and another 10 showed moderate interest and beginning actions.Of the agencies surveyed, 31 indicated an interest in developing shared regional cybersecurity strategies. Best practices and information sharing were identified by 17 respondents as the type of help needed right now, with seven agencies each indicating theyd like to see threat notifications and planning support.Six organizations said theyd like help with cooperative procurement software and consulting services.In October, the regional city manager/IT manager forum agreed cooperative group purchasing should be weighed, and regional information sharing would be helpful. It also found the best solution would be a people solution and not rest solely on technology; and cybersecurity should be raised to the level of a serious issue for all jurisdictions and public employees.Additionally, the form agreed a cybersecurity employee awareness campaign in Overland Park was a best practice.Based on these findings and further consideration, Arbo said officials realized cybersecurity threats needed to be treated as a potential hazard similarly to a tornado or a terrorist act such as a bomb or an active shooter scenario.Developing a framework would enable agencies to use resources strategically and work as a unit, he said, instead of a diverse set of interests all well-intentioned but maybe not getting as far as we should.Bringing all regional communities up to sea level could also yield exponential benefits.Weve got to find a way to bring them up to a baseline to where they are consistent with all the other cities that do have these resources. Because we are becoming more and more interconnected between governments, with each other. So we have to do this, if not for them, then for ourselves, Arbo said.Which steps could result in the quickest wins isnt yet clear, but the city manager said one swift move  possible within about three months  could be forming a regional work group to provide leadership and guidance as part of identifying and establishing best practices.At their next meeting, leadership representatives will examine possible revenue sources for each of the six action steps, he added.From their perspectives, Irey and Sage said improving regional cybersecurity and achieving a certain consolidation through redundancy and standardization could save agencies money.One example could simply be showing agencies the free cybersecurity resources available to them, Sage said.Thats certainly a quick win for us as a regional group by identifying the right resource that we as a region feel is most valuable to our efforts, he said.Irey said her agency, like Liberty, has long emphasized active protection against cyberthreats  but more training and support, particularly for smaller municipalities would be on her wishlist.Thats a big one for us is raising the awareness, providing support, helping with the training, Irey said, noting cybersecurity is constantly on the minds of many IT officials because their agencies are continually threatened."Theres almost nothing more important than this right now as far as  it feels like a war. Were holding hands together and giving support the best we can together, because were stronger together than we are singly, Irey said.
(TNS) -- WASHINGTON  After a sustained assault from lawmakers, investigators and victims groups, the website Backpage.com agreed early this year to shut down its lucrative adult page, which had become a well-known sex-trafficking hub.It wasnt long before the company was back in the headlines.The adult section was gone, but the sex traffic was not. In May, authorities in Stockton charged 23 people with involvement in a trafficking ring that was using another corner of Backpage to market sex with girls as young as 14. A Chicago teenager allegedly trafficked on Backpage had her throat slit in June.The resilience of this platform  host to an estimated 70 percent of online sex trafficking at its peak  is a long-running public relations mess for the tech industry. Internet freedom laws held sacred in Silicon Valley have helped shield Backpage from prosecution and lawsuits by victims of gruesome sex trafficking.Now the tech industrys Backpage problem has evolved into a full-blown political crisis. An unexpectedly large coalition of lawmakers is aiming to hold sites like Backpage liable for trafficking, sparking panic in Silicon Valley over the far-reaching consequences for the broader internet.The noisy political battle is forging unusual alliances in Washington. And caught in the middle are some of the most influential lawmakers in California.They find themselves struggling to reconcile a sex trafficking scourge that has hit their state hard with a remedy that Silicon Valley cautions would be a disaster for a free and open internet.Trade groups representing Google, Facebook and other internet giants warn of a devastating impact on the tech industry if the 1996 Communications Decency Act is tinkered with in the way lawmakers envision to hold Backpage and others liable for criminal material on their pages.They project mass removals of legitimate content by social media and other firms scrambling to shield themselves from a deluge of lawsuits from trial lawyers and prosecutors. The ACLU joined the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other groups in warning lawmakers that if they pass the law, every one of the millions of social media postings placed online daily becomes a potential liability for the company hosting it.But much of Congress is unimpressed by the predictions of calamity.The lawmakers have grown impatient with Silicon Valleys limited success at self-policing, and its flat-out refusal to consider modifications to its cherished immunity from the illegal behavior of posters, as enshrined by the two-decade-old act.Judges keep returning to that immunity in dismissing claims against Backpage, sometimes in the face of what they acknowledge may be compelling evidence that the firm condoned trafficking.The Communications Decency Act is a well-intentioned law, but it was never intended to protect sex traffickers, said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.More than a quarter of lawmakers in Congress have already signed on as sponsors of the nascent bill Portman is taking a lead on that would change the act, or to a similar measure in the House. It is a formidable show of bipartisan support that is jolting tech companies. The momentum grew in August, when a Sacramento judge threw out state criminal pimping charges against Backpage, citing the immunity from such prosecution the company receives under the act.California prosecutors had built much of their case around allegations that Backpage helped traffickers and pimps edit their ads to evade law enforcement. Until Congress sees fit to amend the immunity law, the broad reach  of the Communications Decency Act even applies to those alleged to support the exploitation of others by human trafficking, wrote Superior Court Judge Lawrence Brown.The judge is allowing prosecutors to proceed with money-laundering charges against Backpage, which is accused of illegally using shell companies to trick credit card firms refusing to do business with Backpage into processing the payments of its customers.The company denied helping to craft any of the sex trafficking ads that landed on its site. It is fighting the money-laundering charges. Company officials declined to comment on the congressional effort it has inspired, directing a reporter instead to the opposition campaign mounted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center for Democracy and Technology  groups that receive substantial funding from big technology companies.Almost every attorney general in the country wants the decency act changed to strip legal immunity for sites that condone or promote trafficking. Fifty of them wrote a letter to Congress a few weeks ago citing several horrific cases in which Backpage was used to traffic teenage girls. They warned the act has resulted in companies like Backpage.com remaining outside the reach of state and local law enforcement in these kinds of cases.California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the site would have been shut down long ago if not for the immunity. We would have been able to stop the abuse and in some cases the death of some of these young people who got caught up in these sex trafficking rings, Becerra said.Missing from the long list of sponsors of Portmans bill is California Sen. Kamala Harris, who aggressively went after Backpage while serving as the states attorney general, and in 2013 joined colleagues in other states in signing a letter with the same demand state attorneys general sent Congress last week.The hesitance of Harris and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein to sign on reflects how cautiously lawmakers close to Silicon Valley are treading.The indictment Harris filed against Backpage last year was a memorable career moment, with a three-year investigation leading to the arrest of the company chief executive as he returned from a trip abroad, and a large raid on corporate headquarters in Dallas. But stripping immunity under internet law from companies like Backpage is complicated business that could have unexpected fallout. Harris still wants the decency act changed, but appears unpersuaded that the Portman plan is targeted enough.Other California lawmakers are also uneasy about it. Only a smattering of the states immense delegation has signed on to the House measure.Among those opposing it is Rep. Ro Khanna, the former Stanford University economist now representing Silicon Valley in Congress. He is loath to tinker with what he says is a pillar of the internet economy. The protection online companies are given against illegal material that users lob on their platforms was foundational to the explosive growth of the industry, he said.It is a reason America dominates tech instead of Europe or China, where such immunity doesnt exist, Khanna said. He said he feared even a narrowly targeted tweak could be exploited by lawyers and activists to attack a broad range of internet content they find objectionable.Opponents also warn that stripping the immunity may merely force web companies to less aggressively police their content, because knowing what illegal material is on their sites could increase liability under the proposed changes to the act. They say companies should instead be pressured to step up their enforcement efforts and innovation of anti-trafficking software.Tech companies, one of the most dominant lobbying forces in Washington, have been caught off guard by the fight. It wasnt long ago that there was scant support for changes to the immunity laws that internet firms rely on, according to Eric Goldman, co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University.This has moved faster than tech companies can even respond to it, said Goldman, who argues that the measure would merely drive sex trafficking to places where it is harder for law enforcement to find and undermine the innovation economy in the process. Can you come up with a topic more troubling to a legislator than sex trafficking? The argument that the bill may not solve the problem and actually create new problems is hard to make. Legislators are thinking, if it has a chance to help, why not try?
(TNS) -- A couple of years ago, a reader took issue with a column on cybersecurity. Why are we developing technology that connects everything in your home to the Internet, I asked, when we cant even stop hackers from stealing credit card numbers or the latest episode of Game of Thrones?The readers query: What are we supposed to do? Not innovate? Stop all progress?Well, not exactly. But perhaps we should think twice about creating software or devices for consumers we cant adequately protect. Cybersecurity should not just be a matter of technology but also one of morality. Is it ethical to market and sell technology that leaves consumers and their homes vulnerable to hackers?Malcolm Harkins thinks these are worthy questions. Harkins spent 24 years at Intel Corp., rising to the position of chief security and privacy officer. Given the increasing number and audacity of hacks, he thinks we have reached a tipping point of sorts where corporations need a fundamental rethink of cybersecurity.And Harkins really does mean fundamental. He argues that companies should formally classify protecting consumer data and privacy as a social responsibility, akin to combatting climate change, fighting poverty, or promoting diversity. Codifying cybersecurity into a companys ethical DNA is the only way, he argues, to force businesses to weigh consumer safety and privacy risks before creating new products and services.We are focusing on the wrong things, said Harkins, now chief security and trust officer for Cylance Inc. in Irvine. Companies and boards should act on behalf of shareholders and society.Companies should ask themselves Should we do this? versus just doing it, Harkins said.In America, especially in Silicon Valley, we place a premium on the future, not the present. We equate new with better. We frequently create technology for the sake of creating technology.At the same time, hacks are only getting more frequent and daring, from the 40 million credit card accounts stolen from Target to emails pilfered from Sony and the Democratic National Committee. And yet were already full steam ahead with autonomous vehicles, connected smart homes, and artificial intelligence.Theres a multibillion-dollar industry of software security firms that claim they can protect this stuff. But in reality, they only offer patches and temporary fixes because the underlying architecture of the Internet was not supposed to manage so much data, said Basheer Janjua, founding chair and president of the CTO Forum, a group of top chief technology officers.The Internet was not originally designed for billions of people to be on it every day, he said.Making matters worse, the source code for popular technology like the Windows operating system is poorly written, said Junjua, noting hackers have frequently attacked flaws in Microsofts flagship product.We dont do enough to protect customers, Janjua said. What is Microsoft waiting for? For Jesus to come down from heaven and fix these problems? (Microsoft has drawn praise for the security features in Windows 10, its newest operating system, but older versions remain widely used and vulnerable.)To go back to the drawing board would be costly and time-consuming, so companies choose to push forward and hope for the best, Janjua said.Thats when cybersecurity becomes a matter of ethics.Janjua asks: Why are companies allowing consumers to interact with services and products that are not secure, especially when they have the means to make them more secure?What bothers Harkins the most is that many companies have now accepted hacking as just a cost of doing business. In a sense, they have already surrendered, he said.Companies are saying, Weve got to accept that we are going to get hit, Harkins said. You are giving up. You are going to have to compromise.Yes, nothing is 100 percent secure. But that doesnt mean companies shouldnt try. We know we cant cure many diseases or completely eliminate poverty. However, people still attempt to do so.An ethical code will force companies to rethink how they approach research and development. Instead of making stuff first and then worrying about data security later, companies will start from the premise that they need to protect consumer privacy before they start designing new products and services, Harkins said.There is precedent for this. Many professional organizations like the American Medical Association and American Bar Association require members to follow a code of ethics. For example, doctors must pledge above all else not to harm a patient.A code of ethics for cybersecurity will no doubt slow the pace of innovation, said Maurice Schweitzer, a professor of operations, information and decisions at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School.Ultimately, though, following such a code could boost companies reputations, Schweitzer said. Given the increasing number and severity of hacks, consumers will pay a premium for companies dedicated to security and privacy from the get-go, he said.In any case, whats wrong with taking a pause so we can catch our breath? The ethical quandaries technology poses to mankind are only going to get more complex as we increasingly outsource our lives to thinking machines.Thats why a code of ethics is so important. Technology may come and go, but right and wrong never changes.
The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter ( earlier post ), jointly developed by Intelligent Energy and Suzuki Motor Corporation, has obtained European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA). WVTA qualifies the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter design as safe to use on public European roads without having to be inspected and tested individually.

First exhibited at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, equipped with the latest version of Intelligent Energys air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell system, has been participating in a UK public road testing program run by Intelligent Energy and supported by the UK Governments Technology Strategy Board. The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter design has now met with specified EU performance standards meaning that the vehicle and its components are approved for production and sale within Europe.

Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce that the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter has become the worlds first fuel cell vehicle to earn Whole Vehicle Type Approval in the European Union. Our aim is to make eco-friendly fuel cell scooters increasingly common in Europe, in line with the establishment of hydrogen filling stations and other necessary infrastructure. O. Suzuki, Chairman and CEO, Suzuki Motor Corporation

The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter was jointly launched in Europe at Londons City Hall in February 2010.
Unlike other ride-hailing companies, Via has focused on developing, from the ground up, a scalable and on-demand shared ride solution. The intelligent Via algorithm supports smart public transport, enabling a dynamic mass transit system that reduces traffic volume in urban areas.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is entering the ride-sharing sector by setting up a joint venture with the US startup company Via. Daimler Mobility Services additionally joins in as a strategic investor in Via with a $50-million stake. For Daimler Mobility Services, Volker Mornhinweg will be joining Vias board of directors.





Via passengers request rides through a mobile app, and Vias algorithm finds a vehicle that best matches the passengers route, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without detours that take riders out of their way.

Headquartered in New York, Vias successful shared ride service in New York, Chicago, and Washington DC provides more than 1 million rides per month; its technology is licensed by partners around the world. Together, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via aim to introduce on-demand shared rides in Europe.

With Vias intelligent shared rides, passengers headed in the same direction are matched with a single van, increasing vehicle utilization while relieving the strain on inner-city roads. London will be the first city to launch the new joint service this year. Other European metropolises will soon follow.

On-demand ride-sharing offers many new ways of making city traffic efficient, needs-based and sustainable  especially when it involves the use of spacious, safe and comfortable vans. optimizedVia is one of the most successful providers in the growing ride-sharing sector while Mercedes-Benz Vans has the perfect vehicles that are being continuously optimized for this job. By deepening our cooperation with Via, we are thus taking the next logical step in the context of our strategy for the future and are expanding our range of new mobility services. Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans

The cooperation is another milestone of the adVANce strategy of Mercedes-Benz Vans focussing on the transformation from a vehicle manufacturer to a provider of holistic van system solutions. (Earlier post.)

The investment is part of the Daimler strategy focussing on pioneering innovations and digitization, especially in the four future fields of connectivity (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use and services (Shared & Services) and electric drive systems (Electric).

With our mobility services like car2go, mytaxi and moovel we are already today reaching more than 15 million customers worldwide. As one of the leading providers of digital mobility services our investment in Via is a logical step to expand our portfolio according to our customers needs. We are thus further expanding our digital mobility services. We have the financial resources that are required for this growth path. Klaus Entenmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Financial Services AG

Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via have been successfully cooperating since 2015. The joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via will operate as a new entity with headquarters in Amsterdam. The joint goal is to bring on-demand shared rides to Europe. The joint venture will not only launch its own service in European cities, but will also license Vias proprietary technologythe On-Demand Shuttle Operating Systemto third parties, such as transport service providers and local public transit operators.

By enabling vans to be dynamically routed between thousands of virtual bus stops distributed across the city, this innovative approach to public transit helps reduce traffic volume in cities without requiring the construction of costly new infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via will in the future cooperate on the further development of intelligent mobility, including optimizing the design of Mercedes-Benz Vans vehicles for shared ride use. The models mainly used will be the Vito Tourer (up to nine seats) and the V-Class (up to eight seats) being continuously adapted for this intended use. Beyond developing advanced software and sensors, another focus of the long term strategic partnership lies on the use of the locally emission-free electric-drive Mercedes-Benz Vito and autonomous driving.
The hydrogen fuel cell scooters will be used by Police Community Support Officers within the Roads and Transport Policing Command and will be based at Alperton Deployment Centre. The trial will last for 18 months and will enable assessment of the suitability of the fuel cell scooters for various roles. On a broader scale the trial will help The Metropolitan Police to understand where this clean technology could be adopted across its fleet in the future.

The London Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has begun a trial to test Suzuki Burgman hydrogen-powered scooters. The Burgman was the worlds first fuel cell scooter to achieve the EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval. ( Earlier post .)

The Burgman Fuel Cell scooters are not yet commercially available. The MPS is the only organization outside of Japan that Suzuki has approached to undertake such a trial. These scooters will be fitted with telematics to enable Suzuki to gather data on the scooters systems to assist further development.





The 4kW stack from Intelligent Energy offers power for other applications, including range extension for battery-powered electric vehicles, four wheel vehicles and auxiliary powerespecially for diesel replacement.





The trial is being run at no cost to the Met, with the loan of the vehicles from Suzuki Motor Corporation. The maintenance and fuel costs will be met by a collaborative project which is being part funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). Lead partner of this project is British fuel cell technology company Intelligent Energy in association with Suzuki GB and Cenex.

This trial complements a Metropolitan Police Service decision made in late 2015 to stop mandating diesel fuel for its fleet. Since then, it has been actively exploring ways to hybridize and electrify its fleet in addition to exploring other new technologies such as hydrogen. This is enabling The Metropolitan Police Service to make great strides towards its ambition of procuring 550 vehicles as zero or ultra-low emission by 2020 while ensuring a 24 x 7 fleet operational capability.

The hydrogen powered scooter trial follows the Greater London Authority (GLA) signing a letter of intent in March 2016 with Suzuki Motor Corporation to test these vehicles as a patrol vehicle within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Fleet.

The scooters will be located at a central London location and will be re-fueled using a private re-fueling station provided by Fuel Cell Systems. This mobile re-fuelling facility enables the scooters to be deployed elsewhere, or on deployment for long periods, as required.

The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell has a range of around 120 km (75 miles) before refueling is required.

Intelligent Energy and DIGIMAN. In May 2017, the EU launched the 3.5-million DIGIMAN program to provide a blueprint to enable fully automated future mass manufacture of fuel cell stacks for the automotive market. (Earlier post.) Intelligent Energy is the programs technology lead with overall coordination provided by CEA Tech-Liten. The two companies will front a pan-European industry group to further commercialize fuel cells for the mass automotive market.

Also involved in the three-year program are Freudenberg Performance Materials SE&Co.KG, WMG at the University of Warwick, and Toyota Motor Europe. The latter will be responsible for best practice requirements for future automotive stack production. Project management support and communication activities will be provided by the SME Pretexo.
Renault will unveil SYMBIOZ, an autonomous, electric and connected concept car at Frankfurt Motor Show. The company says that the concept will describe its vision of mobility by the year 2030.

This new concept addresses customer expectations in the future related to mobility and lifestyle, as well as the environmental and urban challenges that lie ahead.

The name Renault SYMBIOZ is derived from sumbiosis, the Ancient Greek word for living together. Renault believes that the automobile of the futureembodied by its latest concept carwill function harmoniously and in permanent interaction with its environment, road network infrastructure and the digital lifestyles of its occupants. The letter Z at the end refers to the all-electric Z.E. technology that powers the car.
In essence, myths are false beliefs. Myths range from a belief in the flatness of the earth to ones insistence that he is a worthless human being. Over the centuries, various people have believed such lies, or myths, to their own embarrassment or even their own destruction.

The apostle Paul predicted that in the latter days people would turn aside from truth and believe in myths. This is why he urges in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

All pastors need to make this the purpose of their minds, because they are not immune to myths, either. Unfortunately, in prayer ministry over the years I have found some false beliefs that exist among pastors about prayer and about prayer ministry. However, it is my hope that, in discussing these myths, we together can dispel some of them. If they can be dispelled, I believe significant progress can be made in the arena of prayer.

Myth #1: The people in my church know how to pray.

This is a particularly dangerous myth. This myth says that a pastor does not need to teach his people how to pray because the Holy Spirit does that. Some may even say prayer comes intuitively and does not really need to be learned or taught. The foundational thought is that a pastors time and resources would ultimately be better spent elsewhere, like in the teaching the Word.

But let us take this same line of thought with the ministry of the Word. A pastor can say that he does not need to teach his people the Word because the Holy Spirit teaches them. It is true that the Holy Spirit teaches the Word, but he uses the context of the church and pastoral leadership to do that. It is much the same with prayer. We learn to pray by praying with others together.

It is interesting to note that the only recorded instance in the Gospels of the disciples asking Jesus to teach them to do something was their request, Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1, NKJV).

It is my opinion that most of the people in our churches really dont know how to pray. They have not taken Jesus example seriously, and they have misinterpreted Scripture. Instead, many have turned prayer into an emotional vent, or a gossip session, or simply just telling God our laundry list of wants.

I also think that there are people sitting in our pews that are dying to know how to pray but with no one to show them how to pray by praying with them. I am fully convinced that the only way you learn to pray is by praying. The best way you learn to pray is by praying with others who have maybe prayed a little more than you have. Clearly there is a lot of learning that is to take place if effective prayer is to be the norm in our churches again. Fortunately, we can help each other in this goal because were always being mentored when we pray together.

Even if it were true that a pastor and his people already know how to pray, loads of statistics suggest that they simply dont pray much at all. Research by Peter Wagner indicates that the average pastor in America spends less than thirty minutes a day in prayer. Other recent research from Denver Seminary professor Bruce Demarest puts this estimate at approximately seven minutes per day, with the average Christian spending five minutes per day in prayer. In addition, Jonathan Graff, editor of Pray Magazine, notes that, at best, 5 percent of churches have a significant mobilized prayer ministry. When was the last time you got together spontaneously with your Christian friends and just prayed?

Again, I think many pastors assume that their people already know how to pray and that teaching them to pray is superfluous. Prayer is just instinctive because everybody prays, they may say. Yes, everyone like a child to its parent knows how to cry out to God, but if you look at a biblical definition of what prayer is (fundamentally depending on God) and the way it ought to be impacting our lives, the fact of the matter is that the people of the church largely dont know how to pray.

Paul himself said in Romans 8:26, Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. This doesnt mean the believer passively lets the Holy Spirit do everything for him. He must learn to pray himself, and the way to do that is from other believers. Of course, this verse uses all plural pronouns, which means this concept was conveyed to the Roman church en masse. Clearly, Jesus and Paul refute the notion that Christians know how to pray on their own.

Heres an instance of how true prayer can change a church and community.

Myth #2: We do not need (corporate) prayer to have an effective ministry.

A lot depends here on how we define effective ministry. If we define it in terms of bigger church buildings, more programs, or more congregants, we fall short of what effective ministry is supposed to look like in the church. What we really need when we talk about effective ministry is a vision for real revival and an astounding sense of the Spirit of God doing things that only he can do. There is a difference between sailboat ministry and powerboat ministry. Sailboat ministry brings glory to the power and mystery of the wind (the Spirit is called a mighty, rushing wind), while powerboat ministry brings glory to the engine that man has created.

There is a direct connection between extraordinary prayer and church health. Researcher George Barna demonstrates several points about this. First, North America is the only continent in the world in which the church is not growing. Second, there has been a consistent decline in church attendance in North America over the past decade. Finally, two-thirds of pastors strongly agreed that spiritual revival is the single most pressing issue facing the church in America today. As I have already mentioned, prayerless-ness in America is rampant. Therefore, it is no wonder church growth has grinded to a halt. We dont pray much anymore, and we dont think we need to do so to advance the Gospel.

According to Outreach Marketing, a Christian research and advertising firm, 500 billion dollars has been spent on ministry in the U.S. in the last 15 years with no appreciable growth in the impact of the church. Church attendance has actually decreased 9.5% in the last 10 years, while the overall U.S. population has increased 11.4%. In 2001, half of all churches in America did not add one new member through conversion growth. This stands in stark contrast to the daily adding and multiplying of the members of the church in the Book of Acts. 85% of American churches are declining or are at a plateau. Of the 15% that are growing, most are doing so at the expense of other churches. This means that much of the growth that is happening is when believers switch from one church to another church (like when a Christian family moves to a new area or switches denominations). Fresh converts to the faith in 21st Century America are few and far between.

In 2013, it is apparent that we have never had more money, technology, talent, formal training, leadership textbooks, or educational resources at any time in the history of the church than we do today. Yet our impact here in America continues to diminish. We pour extraordinary resources into programs and new methodologies, but we seem to fall further behind because of our neglect of prayer. We are trying so hard with so many of our resources and tools to impress this culture and impact them for the Lord, yet we are not making a difference.

Now dont get me wrong. I am not against using the tools. Tools like bigger auditoriums, technology, carpet on the floors, and even air conditioning are all good and well. But theres a difference between using the tools and depending on the tools. When we depend on bigger buildings and better sound systems instead of on the living God, we lose our focus. There is a certain glitter and allure to technology that would seem to render its omission impossible. After all, who wants to go to a church that doesnt have a big screen or air conditioning? But there again emerges the difference between use and dependence. Another way to understand this difference is in the contrast of the end and the means. When tools like technology are ends in themselves (or things to be sought because of their inherent value), there is a problem. But when tools are a means to some other end (i.e. the glory of God), tools become a great resource without being supremely sought.

If so much depends on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, then we should be spending much more time in prayer than we are currently. Five minutes a day is not enough time for us to properly acknowledge the glory and majesty of God and beseech him for his power in our ministries. And we should be praying together, not just privately. God is our heavenly Father. Like an earthly father, we must talk to God in respect and submission to sustain the relationship we have with him.

For me, the myth that prayer is not necessary to perform effective ministry concerns the glory of God in the church, and specifically whether it is there or not. The church is a supernatural community. When the church is doing its job and unbelievers are coming in and seeing the church for who it really is, the unbelievers sense what God is doing there. They then fall on their face, and the secrets of their hearts are exposed. They say, Truly God is among you. I believe that ought to be the mark of effective ministry: the manifest presence of Christ in our midst.

As we look to the future of the church, we must incorporate prayer into our daily modus operandi, so to speak. We must pray that God will move among the new generations of young people, who are the leaders of future times. These new generations have an interest in the supernatural and a fascination with spirituality. Young people are looking for answers, and they are not finding them in the church. They are leaving the church in huge numbers, many of whom may never return, even if they have grown up attending church. Oftentimes we are trying to impress them with their own game, using technology and other modern tools, which they are clearly better at understanding than older generations are. Instead, we should be impacting them with our game, which is the manifest presence of the power of the living Christ in the church. Of course, this is always directly related to prayer. As tech-crazy as young people are these days, I doubt they would stop attending a church where Christ is truly doing amazing things just because the churchs technology is not up to par.

Myth #3: Private prayer is more important than corporate prayer.

People ask me all the time, Which is more important: private prayer or corporate prayer? My answer is yes, both are important. We need both legs to walk on. However, most people in our church are primarily hopping on only one leg, private prayer, and its pretty lame. Then we wonder why were not running the race. Its because we havent learned the power of prayer in the corporate setting.

The Book of Acts is crucial in understanding how the church is supposed to operate. Acts 2:42 says, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. It is impossible to miss the prevalence of the community of believers in this verse, and in the entire book of Acts, for that matter. Everything mentioned above, including the apostles doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers, was experienced in community. Believers could not download the apostles teaching to their iPods and listen to them anytime they wanted. If they missed Peters latest teaching, they missed it for good. In this context, prayer also had to be experienced in community. This does not mean prayer was never done privately; nevertheless, the early believers highly valued corporate prayer.

Acts 1:14 also mentions corporate prayer. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. In the early days after Jesus ascension into heaven, turning to fellow believers was important for everyone in the church. Most everything the twelve disciples had personally experienced with Jesus had been in a group setting. Since Christ was no longer with them in person, the early believers needed each other to press on in the faith. Without this strong community, Christianity would likely have died out because of lack of communication and fellowship.

Consider if each believer in Acts went his own way, trying to figure out Christianity by himself. As farfetched as this sounds, this scenario is not unlike what many American Christians experience today. Gene Getz, in his (year of book?) book Praying for One Another, makes some keen observations about how we have subjected the biblical teaching on prayer to our bias, rather than testing our assumptions by the original intent of the Scriptures. He writes,

It is understandable why so much has been written and presented on personal prayer. But why have we neglected the corporate emphasis on prayer found in the Book of Acts and the Epistles? Since this biblical content relates specifically to the life of the church, the body of Christ, its here we discover the most relevant biblical teaching on prayer for 20thcentury Christians.

Getz describes his take on why corporate prayer has been deemphasized. Western civilization, he says, is highly characterized by rugged individualism.

Because of our philosophy of life, we are used to the personal pronouns I and my and me. We have not been taught to think in terms of we and our and us. Consequently, we individualize many references to corporate experience in the New Testament, thus often emphasizing personal prayer Dont misunderstand. Both are intricately related. But the personal dimensions of Christianity are difficult to maintain and practice consistently unless they grow out of a proper corporate experience on a regular basis.

This rugged individualism affects everything we understand about spirituality. We even read the Bible through a lens of rugged individualism. Modern American culture advocates the freedom of the individual to do whatever he wants in life. The whole idea of the American Dream is to be unfettered in pursuing a successful career. But in the days of the early church, such individualism did not exist. According to Gett, there are more commands in the New Testament about praying together than there are about praying individually. It is clear, then, that an integral and powerful part of the Christian experience is corporate prayer.

Private prayer and corporate prayer are not polar opposites, as we sometimes believe. There is a private aspect of public praying: the motives of the heart. One must decide personally to pray in a group. Instead of an either-or dynamic, I would suggest a both-and dynamic. Praying corporately sets the private heart aflame with thought, musing, and reflection of the glory of God and the sinfulness of man. So there can be some very deep, intimate things going on inside that may not be verbalized, but are still very real. Unfortunately, sometimes the devil has us right where he wants us, struggling alone in our closets, not knowing how to pray. Pastors sometimes also tell their congregation they can figure praying out on their own, but were not learning how to do it. Were missing the power of the both-and there. Again, were trying to run the race on only one leg, private prayer. In reality, corporate prayer is also very personal.

Part of the reason I think private prayer is more common than corporate prayer in America is that there is a discomfort in group praying that has not allowed us to experience intimacy because we have not done it enough. Some of the most intimate and deep things Ive ever experienced in prayer have been in the context of a group (specifically, a gender-specific small-group time of people bearing their burdens). We in America suffer from Spiritual AIDS: acute intimacy deficit syndrome. The individualistic bent in modern life reduces intimacy between and among human beings, especially at the group level.

On the other hand, Korean culture emphasizes the group and collectivism. Korean believers in particular cannot understand why Americans pray by themselves. Why dont you always pray together? they ask. To Koreans, praying together is a necessity.

In one of my other books, I take all the commands Paul gives about prayer, and I chart them into two options. First, I say how we would understand a verse through the lens of rugged individualism. Second, I say how I believe the early church understood the application of the same verse, which was originally dictated in a community context. Since we tend to apply everything individualistically, a fresh dive into the context of the verses is refreshing and enlightening.

Now I hope I have made clear that both private prayer and corporate prayer have their place. I am not saying never to pray alone. However, in this culture the pendulum has swung way over towards private prayer, and the result is an anemic, spiritually-deprived people that dont know how to pray because theyve never done it together effectively. Generally, corporate prayer broadens prayer experience, while private prayer deepens prayer experience. However, this is not necessarily a formula, because in praying with others my prayer life is deepened incredibly. The point is that both private and corporate prayer are necessary for all Christians.

Myth #4: The prayer ministry will grow without my leadership.

The idea of this myth is that the pastor does not need to participate in the process or progress of the prayer ministry of his church in order for it to grow. Inherent in this myth is a flawed idea of leadership. Remember the Acts 6:4 paradigm of leadership? The twelve apostles gave themselves regularly to prayer and the ministry of the Word. They demonstrated the power of praying leaders to catalyze the imagination and involvement of the people in seeking the face of God. The fact is, without a leader pushing a Christian, in many cases the Christian will fall flat in his growth or perhaps even step backward.

The prayer level of a church will never rise any higher than the personal example of the senior pastor. Why is this? The leader represents the best of the entire group. You cant get better than the best, can you? The twelve apostles led the early church in prayer. This is not to say that Christians who are not leaders are not strong or capable of performing a good work in Christs name. However, the concept of leadership is everywhere in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Joshua led them to conquer the Promised Land, and David led various men into battle. In the New Testament, Christ is the head of the church, man is the head of the family, and God is the head of everything. In the mentor-disciple relationship, the mentor is the leader of the disciple. Every leader sets the tone for his followers.

Some apt churchgoers may reply with a statement like this: Yes, Daniel, but thats why its all about delegation. Delegation is an exercise of proper leadership. Moses delegated the judgment of lesser cases to save his time for more important matters. The U.S. Supreme Court delegates cases by state and county to the appropriate courts, but the body of nine Supreme Court justices in Washington, D.C. is still the head of Americas judicial system. The pastor is the overarching leader of his church, and as such, he must delegate only what is necessary. Not everything can be delegated. A pastor cannot delegate the leadership of the prayer ministry any more than he can delegate the leadership of the preaching ministry. The administration of the prayer ministry can be delegated, but the leadership is really in the pastors heart and hands.

Myth #5: I must be a prayer giant before I can lead my people.

As I mentioned before, pastors need not have spent years in the realm of prayer before they can lead their people there. Pygmies are welcome. Pastors must just start somewhere and be willing to go up from there. How do you become a prayer giant? You pray consistently and powerfully. Who has any idea where everyone in a pastors congregation is in this area? The joy of a praying church is that, together, everyone learns how to pray and teaches others to pray at the same time.

I learned a powerful truth once while praying with the staff at my ministry. There is a young lady who had come out of a Buddhist background to Christ just a few years ago. She grew up in a very difficult home in Japan, and she did not have a good relationship with her father. When this young lady prays, she says, Father, thank you that you are the kind of father who always says to me, Oh, Im so glad you asked. We are always learning in prayer. It goes beyond merely learning what other people say. By praying with your closest Christian friends you can learn their take on the Christian life as well as a new angle into a common truth or concept.

This article originally appeared here.
Sept. 5, 1882

The nations first Labor Day was celebrated with a parade in New York City. Although Labor Day now takes place on the first Monday of September, the first celebration occurred on a Tuesday. The first true event was held on Dec. 28, 1869, by a labor union of tailors in Philadelphia, but the first annual celebration occurred in 1884 when the American Federation of Labor voted at its convention that the first Monday in September be set aside as a laborers national holiday. History.com reports that in 1887, Oregon became the first state to designate Labor Day a holiday, and in 1894 Congress made the day a legal holiday for all federal employees.
GREENSBORO  Avaceli Garcia called it stepping out of the shadows.

I am here to defend and ensure my future, the Bennett College freshman said Monday as hundreds gathered around her for a march downtown to protest President Donald Trumps plan to end a program that blocked the deportation of children of undocumented immigrants who were brought here as minors.

About 300 people rallied by the marchs end at LeBauer Park, as Garcia and other recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  also known as DACA  said they wished the president would listen to their plea.

Others there included undocumented parents with children in grade school who worry about what could happen next.

Many spoke out about what they called the unfairness of it all.

My heart breaks for them, said City Councilwoman Marikay Abuzuaiter, who made the march alongside Garcia and the others. They are doing everything they are supposed to do and still their dreams could be snatched away.

Swarming downtown, they marched with signs such as Immigrants Make America Great in their hands and Down with deportation. Up with education on their lips.

They could be heard for blocks downtown.

We are trying to keep our spirits up, said Nikki Marin Baena of La Linea Triad, one of the organizers. We also want them to know we are paying attention.

Not far away stood 31-year-old America Bedolla of Thomasville, who never got to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse because her parents were undocumented. Near her was daughter Solange, a 14-year-old honor student who wants to become an orthodontist or nurse and has her eyes set on High Point University.

I want the president to hear our voices, Bedolla said.

Garcia was able to pursue her dreams and go to college by earning a full scholarship to Bennett, a private school. She knows thats a rare opportunity because children of undocumented workers dont qualify for federal financial aid, which most students need.

Those around her spoke of honor students who had no other choices except manual labor jobs.

Her parents told Garcia they crossed into the United States to give her better opportunities. Her father is a landscaper and her mother works in a factory. She is the first person in her family to graduate from high school and the first to go to college.

I want to make sure my parents sacrifices were not in vain, said Garcia, a business administration major. I also need to know that I fought until the last moment.
GREENWICH  A college fund has been established for a former Brunswick School student whose life was upended by a brutal outburst of domestic violence.

Friends and classmates of William Dym, 20, have started an account to help him recover from the loss of his parents and sister. New York State Police said Steven Dym took the lives of his wife, Loretta, and daughter, Caroline, before killing himself at their house in Pound Ridge, N.Y., late last month.
TungCheung | Shutterstock.com

Its that time of year again: Today, Sept. 12, Apple will make its next big product announcement. As ever, the launch has been accompanied by rampant rumors and speculation, but it wouldnt be an Apple event without a little bit of mystery.



If you want to tune in, you can stream the event from the Apple website beginning at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. But be aware that you wont have access to the livestream if youre using the Chrome or Firefox browsers -- only Safari. If you have Apple TV, you can also download the Apple Events app for that platform to watch live.

So what can Apple fans expect from the announcement? Its going to double as a peek into the companys brand new Apple Park campus in Cupertino, Calif., and its the first event to be held in the Steve Jobs Theater.
Small and medium businesses represent 90 percent of all businesses, and consume 40 percent to 50 percent of the nations energy. One in 10 small business owners states that energy is his or her single greatest cost -- more than wages, salaries, materials and supplies. Another 25 percent say that energy is their second or third largest business cost. But, often, small businesses struggle to reduce their energy bills through improved efficiency.

Related: You Can Embrace Green Building Without Breaking the Bank

Why arent more small businesses going green?

For business owners who work around the clock, energy improvement often takes a backseat to other time-sensitive priorities. This constraint is especially difficult to overcome for organizations that dont have dedicated energy managers on staff.

Many small businesses and startups are also hesitant to invest capital in energy-efficient equipment when the non-efficient versions are working properly, such as a new fryer in a restaurant kitchen or standard office equipment for employees.

Misconceptions about energy-efficient products create more barriers for businesses. Many retail, hospitality and grocery organizations believe that these products arent able to create the same desired environment preferred by their customers. Forty years ago, that may have been true. Since then, however, technology has evolved and improved, with an increasing variety of products that often improve the customer experience and employee productivity.

Related: The Unexpected Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Overcoming these challenges has never been more achievable. A key step in this process is to partner with your local utility -- the very same company that sells you energy in the first place. Most utilities have better energy-efficient programs and support for small business than ever before. Yet, only 2 percent of small businesses participate in these programs each year.

The time is now for small businesses to seek ways to reduce their energy costs, and there are four easy strategies to do so:

1. Think of your utility company as a trusted energy advisor.

Its no surprise that utilities understand how to manage energy, but they are often an undervalued resource. Utilities can make unbiased, comprehensive recommendations by evaluating the top sources of energy consumption and operational considerations for a customer -- such as business hours, temperature requirements and supply chain schedules -- and help improve how businesses operate. Utilities understand that small businesses have diverse needs, and they can analyze data from their energy meters to develop a unique solution that works for any organization. Data analytics provide significant value for organizations when it comes to managing energy resources.

One of our customers, Sharis Cafe & Pies, found that the dipper wells used to clean ice cream scoops were wasting 8 million gallons of water each year with their perpetual flow systems -- so the company switched to a new system that instead adds water in regular increments. This shift reduced water usage by an average of 35 percent and reduced natural gas by 15 percent to 20 percent.

Related: How This Company Is Driving Down Energy Bills

2. Tap into utility incentives.

Many organizations are unaware that their utility providers subsidize the cost of implementing energy-efficient technology, which can dramatically increase their return on investment. The average small business that operates around 50 light bulbs can save more than $500 each year simply by switching to LEDs, which also last 25-50 times longer than standard light bulbs. Businesses can work directly with their local energy management contractors or distributors to install the latest high-efficiency products and appliances in their facility.

When Mitchell's Ice Cream in Ohio partnered with public power COSE for its Energy Assessment Program to conduct an energy audit and identify the most efficient light bulbs, insulation and thermostats, the small business saved thousands and became more sustainable.

3. Review financing options.

For small businesses looking to begin their sustainability journey and cut down on energy costs, green financing options are increasingly available through financial organizations, utility providers and state agencies. Its now possible to pay loans back through the energy bill, whether its a loan for a full efficiency transformation with new smart and connected equipment or just to purchase new lighting.

Related: 15 Ways to Take Control of Spiraling Energy Costs

4. Market the success.

Energy management not only saves money, but also can help bring in more business by appealing to customers that increasingly identify with sustainable businesses and products. Marketing successful initiatives once theyve been completed will help engage customers that consider a businesss environmental impact in their purchase decisions. A recent international study revealed that one-third of consumers now choose to buy from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good.

Another of our customers, furniture retailer Havertys, benefited from this green trend after it was prominently recognized by the Department of Energys Better Buildings Challenge for LED upgrades that reduced electricity use by over 40 percent and lowered heating loads, which reduced HVAC tonnage by 20 percent. Ssmall businesses that inform their utility company of their energy efficiency achievements can also increase their visibility as a spokesperson for sustainability with the local community.

By embracing energy efficiency, small businesses can significantly save money and improve their customer engagement. New connected technology, from lighting controls to smart thermostats and energy management systems, can cut energy costs and reduce maintenance headaches for years to come. Beyond operational efficiencies and savings, sustainable initiatives help businesses build stronger relationships with environmentally focused customers and create more jobs for a rapidly growing energy management market.

Related:

Your Small Business Could Save Thousands of Dollars by Working With Your Energy Utility

You're Free! So Cut the Cord and Save Money Like the Millennials Do.

How to Build a Financial Nest Egg While Growing Your Startup



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Protesters in Boston, one of many cities where workers went on strike yesterday. Photo: Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe via Getty Images

On Labor Day, fast-food workers across the country once again went on strike for workers rights. They were joined by teachers, hospital employees, day-care workers, and others in the latest nationwide demonstration by the Fight for $15 campaign. The last major protest was on the campaigns four-year anniversary on November 28, when hundreds of demonstrations were held across the country just weeks after Donald Trumps election. This time, protesters gathered in cities  including Boston, Chicago, Kansas City, Phoenix, Des Moines, Orlando, Detroit, Richmond, and numerous others. Many of the strikers walked out of work on a holiday ostensibly meant to celebrate the American labor movement, and the contributions of working people to the United States, but which they are seldom able to enjoy.

Since the Fight for $15 campaign began, states, including California and New York, have passed legislation to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15. Illinois governor Bruce Rauner vetoed such a bill in August, while in May House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi promised to pass a $15 minimum wage if Democrats take the House of Representatives next year. The protests werent just for livable wages, but for unions and against exploitation of workers. A Fight for $15 release said that workers were striking to declare unions as the best way to fix the economic and political systems that have been rigged, an argument repeated at protests. In Des Moines, Iowa, congressional candidate Pete DAlessandro said, The fight for 15  starts at $15, and that the goal is that everyone in this country has a chance to organize in a proper union. Major political and activist figures attended once again, including Representative Keith Ellison in St. Paul, Minnesota; Reverend Dr. William Barber II in Chicago; and Representative Emanuel Cleaver in Kansas City.

"We are fighting for the soul of the nation," says Rev William Barber at speech during Chicago #LaborDay rally #WorkersStrikeBack pic.twitter.com/JosOb08W5c  Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) September 4, 2017

In Phoenix, the shadow of recently pardoned and disgraced former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio loomed over the protest. County supervisor Steve Gallardo spoke out against Arpaio and President Trump, saying that unless we are united, people like them and corporations like McDonalds will continue to use Latino workers, and not give us the decency we deserve. The sentiment that workers need to be united was echoed in Kansas City, where McDonalds employee Kenya Banks shared how her close encounter with death on the job pushed her to strike. In April, the Kansas City Star reports, Banks was rushed to the emergency room and discovered that she was bleeding from fibroid tumors in her stomach and uterus. After turning down a recommended operation because she lacked insurance, Banks bled out again in May, and doctors performed an emergency hysterectomy on her. She has been unable to pay for the bills, afford the antibiotics she was prescribed, or take the time off of work that doctors say she needs to recover because she has no paid sick time. Recognizing that she cant change these alone, Banks turned to the theme of unions, saying, Its about getting things done together that we cannot do alone.
Enlightenment Wines kvass is made from dark rye bread and served with a pasta straw. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

At most bars, nonalcoholic options run to fruity mocktails and ginger ale. At Honeys in East Williamsburg, theres kvass, the ancient Russian beverage and purported health tonic fermented from rye bread. While this Slavic staple might seem an odd thing to stumble across in the wilds of artisanal Brooklyn, its not, when you consider that Honeys is actually the tasting room of Enlightenment Wines, the adjacent meadery that has made a mission of injecting local terroir into lost-in-time elixirs.

Kvass can be found elsewhere in New York, but not on tap like at Honeys, and nowhere near as lively and refreshing. The amber, fizzy liquid, made from chunks of toasted dark sourdough rye soaked in water, lacto-fermented, sweetened with a bit of honey and keg-conditioned, is nothing like the malty soda gathering dust on Brighton Beach supermarket shelves, or even the invigorating pickle-briny beet and kraut alt-kvasses that have ridden the probiotic marketing wave. Kvass has been a decade-long obsession of Enlightenment co-owner Raphael Lyon, but not just any kvass  rather, the pre-industrial, home-brewed kind that people drank in the sixteenth century.

What makes our kvass special is that its alive, he says, referring to the lacto-fermentation that gives it its characteristic flavor  pleasingly tart, with a satisfying roundness. You might compare it to that other K-drink, though Lyon wishes you wouldnt: Kombuchas filled with caffeine and sugar, he says, which is why people become addicted to it. His kvass has an ABV of under 1 percent, but if you want something stronger, you could order a Kvass Kollins, one of the drinks on an appealingly original list created by Lyons partner, Arley Marks, and bartender Torrey Bell-Edwards to showcase Enlightenments repertoire. The sweet-sour cocktail combines kvass with barrel-aged Brooklyn gin and the foamy chickpea cooking liquid called aquafaba, which Honeys sometimes sources from Dizengoff. Its served with a biodegradable straw thats actually a strand of uncooked bucatini, and it just might be the embodiment of Brooklyn mixology today.

93 Scott Ave., at Randolph St., East Williamsburg; 401-481-9205

*A version of this article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Apple has announced a new pair of headphones from its Beats by Dr. Dre brand today. The new Beats Studio 3 Wireless are in fact the flagship headphones offered by the company from this point on, retailing for $349 in the US and 299 in the UK.

The Studio 3 use the W1 chip for instant connections to other Apple devices. In this regard, they're similar to the previously launched Beats Solo 3, Beats X, and PowerBeats 3.

However, the Studio 3 are over-ear headphones, and they come with adaptive noise cancellation (ANC). This means the headphones are essentially always listening to the surrounding environment and making adjustments to the intensity of the feature.

With ANC on, the Beats Studio 3 will last an impressive 22 hours of playback before the battery needs recharging. With ANC off you're looking at an insane 40 hours of battery life.

The headphones will be available in October in the six hues you can see above. The Apple website is already taking orders.

Source 1 | Source 2
In the past few months, Netflix has begun rolling out HDR support for a few smartphones including the LG G6 and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. More recently, Netflix has officially gained HDR streaming support for the Sony Xperia XZ1 and the LG V30. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Note8 was the first device to officially support HDR streaming.

The LG G6 at least has support for Dolby Vision, but Netflix has neither HDR nor Dolby Vision support for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ despite having HDR displays with wide-gamut output.

Netflixs HDR streaming enables a picture with a higher dynamic range than standard video. This means that youll see darker darks and brighter highlights for an enhanced visual experience.

Source | Via
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Haiti - Social : The First Lady of Haiti in Belize





Monday, the First Lady of Haiti, Martine Moise, left Port-au-Prince to Belize to attend the Forum of First Ladies and Wives of Heads of State and Prime Ministers from CARICOM member countries.



This meeting, which will establish a Caribbean network of first ladies, aims, among other things, to highlight the health and well-being of women, girls and adolescents in the Caribbean by 2030, objective #5 of sustainable development.



Martine Moise will participate in a series of discussions to support proposals for the promotion and valorisation of women from all Caribbean countries, notably through the Caribbean Child Initiative (CARIWAC) networks, which also intend to :



Promoting the health and well-being of adolescents in the Caribbean and reducing teenage pregnancy by 20% ;



Encourage the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, improve access to screening and strengthen infrastructure through the promotion and use of HPV vaccine ;



Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis in the Caribbean ;



Support advocacy for the reduction of gender-based and sexual violence against women and children (including trafficking in persons) through appropriate legislation, psychosocial support for victims and the inclusion of men and boys in solutions.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Bibendum to launch 100 Old World wines

By Jo Gilbert

Bibendum is gearing up to introduce 100 new European wines at its autumn tasting.

Wines range from Bordeaux and Languedoc to Puglia and Rheinhessen, with a focus on latest trends and emerging regions from across Europe.

The new launches hail from 13 new producers across the Old World, from Masseria Li Velli in Puglia and Chateau dArche in Sauternes, to more off the beaten track locations such as Joh. Bapt. Schafer in Nahe and Weingut Glatzer in Carnuntum.

Austrian Reds will be an area of focus for the Conviviality-owned company, highlighted by new addition Weingut Glatzer.

Located in Carnuntum, east of Vienna and south of the river Danube, Walter Glatzers vineyards cover 54ha and produce fruit-driven reds.

The on-trade supplier has been using its insights tool, Mode, to outline trends this year.

One of those trends was the rise in popularity of Austrian reds, the company said, with over 1 in 3 wine bars currently listing one.

Other new producers include Joh. Bapt. Schafer, in Nahe - one of Germany's smaller wine regions  and Chateau d'Arche in Bordeaux.

Chateau dArche was established in 1580 by Henry dArche, who was dean of the city of Bordeaux at the time.

Masseria Li Velis Apuglian range includes six reds and two white wines, including using a selection of wines made from extremely rare, ancient grape varieties.

Bibendum's autumn tasting will be held at Phonica Records, London on Tuesday 12th September, from 2pm  6pm.









(Photo: Joh. Bapt. Schafer, Nahe)






As a company, we are trying to build a company that outlasts us for many generations, she said.

Doing so requires a workforce as diverse and inclusive as humanly possible.

They are the main reasons why we are treating diversity and inclusion as a top-of-mind business imperative.



HRD also spoke to Burke about the need to create a fast-moving culture in an agile business.

Start-ups are great and they get glorified as amazing places. We see a lot more students coming out of university excited to work for a start-up, said Burke.



Burke added that HubSpot is 11 years old and very much in a scale-up phase.



What a scale-up is to me is something that brings the agility of a start-up environment, but with the agility of an established business and an established customer base, she said.



So the way I see it is the employees get the opportunity to innovate as they would at a start-up, but they also get a great brand and a solid platform from which to work.



From my perspective, a scale-up is a great place to build your career. In our Sydney office we are giving our people a lot of latitude to do great things, get global exposure and continue to improve on behalf of our customers.




(Bloomberg) Like many other big investors, the largest private-sector pension fund in Finland has more cash than it knows what to do with. Thats why its management is confident that asset prices, high though they are, will be forced even higher. Reima Rytsola, the chief investment officer of Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co., says markets are already super expensive. It has been the story of this year that everyone seemed to wait for a correction in the equity market, and then there is a 2 to 4 percent correction, and scream-on buying, Rytsola said in an interview in Helsinki. Investors like us have so much parked capital that will come rushing into the riskier markets as soon as there is any kind of a correction.

To read this article:
Terho on Thursday revealed that the government agreed to raise the appropriations of security authorities by 12 million and those of the Ministry of Justice by five million euros.

Security and terrorism were naturally among the main items on the agenda of the government as it sat down to draft its budget for next year in Helsinki on 3031 August, says Sampo Terho (BR), the Minister of European Affairs, Culture and Sports.

Money alone isnt the answer, however, he said. Weve also agreed on measures.

The Finnish government will according to him review the anti-terrorism legislation and address any shortcomings in order to ensure security and law enforcement authorities have access to all the tools required to combat terrorism.

Well revise the nationality act to strip dual citizens who have committed terrorist offences of Finnish citizenship. Well make sure the police have the authority to use all necessary forcible measures to respond to serious acts of violence. Well criminalise efforts to facilitate illegal residence, including harbouring illegal immigrants, more clearly than before, listed Terho.

He stressed that security authorities must have the means to intervene in such cases and return illegal immigrants to their country of origin. Unsuccessful asylum seekers will also be subjected to a threat assessment and, if necessary, taken immediately into custody to ensure they can be removed from Finland.

We'll revise the aliens act and nationality act so that we can if necessary in the future revoke a residence permit, impose an entry ban, revoke citizenship and revoke refugee status on grounds of national security, he told.

Terho said many of the measures were being prepared already before the knife attack that left two dead and eight injured in Turku, South-west Finland, on 18 August.

The Ministry of the Interior reminds in a press release that several measures have already been taken to promote security in Finland. The Police of Finland, it points out, has seen its appropriations increase by 44 million euros and the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) by six million euros for 2018.

Security authorities have reviewed the measures already taken and the measures proposed that require additional resources after the suspected terror attack a fortnight ago in Turku, Paula Risikko (NCP), the Minister of the Interior, states in the press release.

The 12 million euros added to the budgets of security authorities will be used to acquire, process and analyse information on terrorism and extremist activity and to respond to the information by, for example, monitoring counter-terrorism target individuals.

The Finnish government earmarked a total of 98 million euros on defence and security in its framework session in April.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Mikko Stig  Lehtikuva
Rachel Carson's expose shocked the world. And we're better for it

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In the backdrop of the BJPs massive political spread in the Hindi heartland, the recent RJD rally in Patna with leaders from 12 parties in attendance was impressive. Though Lalu Prasad has been convicted of corruption and is now facing a slew of fresh charges from the CBI related to financial irregularities, he can still galvanise his core constituency of Yadavs and Muslims.

Earlier, by catapulating his two sons, Tejashwi and Tejpratap to Nitish Kumars coalition cabinet, he had signalled his succession plan . The rally in Patna that brought his two sons on a common platform further scripted their hegemony before a galaxy of leaders. Even though Lalu Prasad is still the mascot of the party, it was Tejashwi who had done the mobilisation of supporters for the rally in various districts and the blowing of the conch shell was done by Tejpratap. This indicates the shape of things to come in his family domain. Between the two sons, the quintessential vintage Lalu Prasad, may turn out to be Tejpratap whose brief address was applauded rapturously.

If one deconstructs the present rally, it had a much smaller turnout in comparison to the earlier ones. Lalu Prasads earlier rallies, Garib Rally or Garib Raila or Lathi Bhajawan Tel Pilawan, were all organised in the backdrop of a Bihar whose economy was almost stagnant. After the liberalisation of the economy in 1991, most of the undeveloped states, including Bihar, were further disadvantaged. Later, with the vivisection of the state between Bihar and Jharkhand, the public finance crisis in Bihar had reached a critical level. Productive capital accumulation was practically absent. Poverty and misery got aggravated. Yet Lalu Prasads political supremacy was intact and his rallies attracted a substantial congregation of the backward castes, thanks to the mesmerising appeal of the Mandal Commission. Even though the state was in retreat, the subaltern had hoped to enter its sanctum sanctorum on the basis of positive discrimination. In the process, he became electorally invincible and leader of the broadest section of the poor in Bihar. After the demolition of Babri Masjid, his stopping of LK Advanis chariot and controlling a string of riots, Yadav added a new social constituency of the Muslims to his fold. But with his involvement in the fodder scam and the installation of his wife Rabri Devi at the helm after his arrest, his support system started dwindling. He became essentially a leader of his own caste. Further, during the Rabri Devi period, the nefarious activities of his two notorious brothers-in-law shrunk his support even more.

The two high-profile leaders in the social justice movement from the socialist rank, Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav, who revolted against Lalu Prasad earlier, ultimately combined to form the Janata Dal (U). It was a formidable combination. Even though Sharad Yadav was a rootless leader, his projection helped in providing a contrarian view away from Lalu Prasads social base. In the parliamentary election, he could defeat Lalu in the Yadav-dominated Madhepura election. Even after the emergence of JD(U), Lalu Prasad could retain his core social support, because they thought their leader was merely implicated in the scam, and he is not really an offender. But interestingly, in the present financial misdemeanour which is an open and shut case of individual accumulation, the support of his core constituency continues unabated.

However, the class complexion of this social base has changed. Contrary to the earlier multi-caste congregation of the poor, the RJD now draws its support from a relatively upward mobile well-clad youth of the same caste background. They have reaped the fruits of Bihars double-digit GSDP growth in the last 15 years since 2005 under the stewardship of Nitish Kumar. They are bottom up contractors, power brokers, entrepreneurs and financially empowered youth.

Lalus rally, Sharad Yadavs exit and the perceived snub of the party in the recent cabinet reshuffle will not affect Nitish Kumar electorally. With Sharad Yadav in the RJD fold, the Yadav and Muslim combination, as it has resurfaced now, may get further consolidated. But, this will also ensure a counter mobilisation and help Nitish Kumar in easily crafting a coalition of extremes with the BJP. The proposed positive discrimination in favour of the lower backwards by the Union Government, a variant of the Karpoori Formula, will be the icing on the cake to stitch a coalition of upper castes, a section of the upper backwards, lower backwards, Dalits and a section of the Muslims as well. Thus Bihar may celebrate the authentic empowerment of its subalterns but it is yet to banish the brash criminalisation of the pre-2005 era from its world.

Shaibal Gupta is Member Secretary, Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), Patna

The views expressed are personal
BJP ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya will now become part of school syllabus in Madhya Pradesh.

Addressing teachers and students at a programme organised on the occasion of Teachers Day on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh school education minister Vijay Shah announced that life and teachings of Upadhyaya would be taught to students to motivate them to do better in life.

The ministers diktat covers both government and private schools. The exercise will start from class 1 and will continue till class 10. New books on Upadhaya will be introduced in the syllabus for different classes.

Shah also said that students would be taught about the history of Tri-Colour and the flag code to infuse a sense of respect in them about the national flag.

On the occasion, teachers were felicitated by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh school education department had asked government schools to display the portraits of Upadhyaya and Swami Vivekanand along with the pictures of President, Prime Minister and chief minister on Teachers Day.

Madhya Pradesh is not the first BJP-ruled state to push Upadhyaya into school syllabus. The Rajasthan government had done it earlier while the Uttar Pradesh government organised a general knowledge test on the late Jan Sangh leader.

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--eom--
In a desperate bid to placate farmers in the state after the June agitation in Mandsaur, the BJP in Madhya Pradesh is planning to organise a massive farmers convention in the district.

As per the plan, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will not only apprise farmers of what he has done for them over the past one decade during the BJPs rule, but will also spell out his plans for them for the next five years, party sources said.

Suwasara village, 80 km from Pipliya Mandi where farmers were hit by police bullets during their agitation, will be the venue of the convention.

The police firing killed five farmers, triggering massive protests in the Malwa region of the state, following which the district collector, CSP and some other police personnel were suspended.

Party sources said not choosing Pipliya Mandi as the venue of the convention could be attributed to the fact that farmers might be reminded of the police firing.

The party planned to organise the convention on September 17 but the leaders were reminded of the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday falls on the day. Hence, now a fresh date will be decided in the BJP Kisan Morchas executive meeting to be held at Chitrakoot on September 9 and 10 this month, said a senior party leader on the condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media.

The leader said BJP would organise more such programmes in the state, to be decided by the Morcha.

In the recently-held polls for 44 civic bodies, the Congress increased its tally significantly from 8 to 15 whereas the BJPs numbers decreased, though marginally. Most of the civic bodies are situated in tribal areas.

The chief minister announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the kin of the deceased farmers who were killed in police firing. Such a big amount was never given before to kin of any martyr, farmer or anybody else in the state. Also, the chief minister observed a fast for more than a day for maintaining peace, besides a slew of announcements for him for farmers welfare.

However, party leaders feel there is still resentment among farmers which needs to be addressed at the earliest. For, Congress has been raising the issues of farmers constantly since the farmers death and organised satyagrah on farmers issues in several parts of the state led by senior Congress leader and MP Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Also read: No money to buy ox, MP farmers minor daughters pull plough

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Actor-filmmaker Shreyas Talpade has said his directorial debut, Poster Boys may be based on vasectomy, a subject that is considered taboo, but it will not be an embarrassing movie watching experience for the family audiences.

The 41-year-old actor-turned-director, who also features in the film alongside Sunny and Bobby Deol, said people do not like discussing such topics due to social stigma and therefore focusing on such subjects is the need of hour.

Actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Shreyas Talpade during a press conference to promote their upcoming film Poster Boys. (IANS)

Its a full-fledged family film. It has got U/A certification. And I can assure that people wont find anything wrongful in the film. Im sure that they wont be embarrassed to see this film with their families, Shreyas said.

The film is a Hindi remake of the 2014 Marathi film Poshter Boyz, which starred Dilip Prabhavalkar, Hrishikesh Joshi, Aniket Vishvasrao in lead roles. It was produced by Shreyas.

The actor, who is also busy shooting for Golmaal 4, said it was not pre-decided that he would foray into filmmaking with this subject. It was only because of the reaction we got from the audience that we started writing it in Hindi. The response to the Marathi film was overwhelming. I never thought I would make my directorial debut with this film. I just wanted Sunny sir to be a part of the Hindi version of this film so I straightaway went to him and narrated the story, he said.

Sunny, who is the action icon of Hindi film industry, said he immediately decided to do the project because of its unique concept. I wanted to do a film with Bobby. So we were looking for a good script. Then I came to know about this film. The moment I heard Shreyas idea, I said yes.

Poster Boyz is set to hit the screens this Friday.

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Film industries across the globe are often accused of being male-dominated. Several female stars have spoken out against issues such as pay gap (disparity in the fees of male and female stars for roles with similar weightage) and non-recognition of the female leads contribution to a films success. In this context, Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin feels its high time that people accepted the existence of gender discrimination in the film industry.

I am sorry, its not an opinion. Its a fact that the film industry is male-dominated. You cant have any arguments about that, says the 33-year-old actor. However, Kalki adds that she understands the circumstances leading to this male dominance. Its true that things are a bit complicated. Filmmaking is a business model, and you cant expect to be paid equally just on the basis of your sex, she says. This is a reference to the fact that most major male actors are the chief draw in any regular Hindi film, though thats changing now in films driven by content rather than star power.

Kalki continues, [The] success of films like Piku (2015) or Queen (2013) does point to the fact that women, too, can carry films forward, and that films with female protagonists also do good business and bring in good amounts of money. If that happens, then women have every right to ask to be paid as [much as] the male counterparts.

The actor, who will soon be seen in Jia aur Jia, co-starring Richa Chadha, insists that shes not a pessimist and is hoping things would change. The solution to this entire thing is to have more content, says Kalki. For a female actor, the role should be much more than [being] just an addition to the heros plot. Thats happening. With more and more woman writers and directors coming into the industry, that stance is changing, and you wont see films that talk about the male gaze only.

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The most attention grabbing thing about the full page advertisements of Julie 2, which were run in leading national dailies on Monday, wasnt the sight of bikini-clad Raai Laxmi was lounging on a beach, but the words in the top left corner - Presented by Pahlaj Nihalani.

The controversial ex-chief of the Central Board of Film Certification - whose tenures overpowering takeaway was his love for sanskaar - had decided that he was the man for the job when it came to bringing the bold, beautiful and blessed erotic film to the world.

He defended this decision in a press conference (via Scroll) held on Monday. Also in attendance were star Raai Laxmi, who until recently was known as Laxmi Rai, and director Deepak Shivdasani.

You might all be wondering why I started off distribution with Julie 2 of all the films, said Nihalani, the man who refused to grant a certificate to Lipstick Under My Burkha for being too lady oriented. People might think how I can be back with such a film even after being a sanskari. You all are looking at the film from the point of view of an erotic film. But every film has its own framework and its own ideas. When I listened to the story of Julie 2 in its initial stages, I found it to be very interesting as it is an inside-the-industry story.

Always on the defensive, Nihalani, referring to Julie 2 being described as a womans fantasy said, I know what you are referring to and all I would like to say is that there is no burkha here.

It does not have scenes of obscenity or vulgarity and is a completely adult family film, Nihalani, who refused to allow the word intercourse in the recent Shah Rukh Khan movie Jab Harry Met Sejal, said.

I am grateful that I am associated with this film, he said about a movie which is a sequel to a 2004 film in which Neha Dhupias character - also called Julie - deals with a breakup by becoming a professional call girl.

Calling himself a soldier Nihalani said he will stand by the CBFCs decision when it comes to his own films. Whatever decision the CBFC gives on Julie 2, I will accept it.

Nihalani, who made a grotesque short film in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, managed to steer a conversation about an erotic movie to the PM Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. Every human being cleans his own house and not his entire country or neighborhood, Nihalani said But now that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has started, it dawns on peoples minds that they should keep the entire country clean. Likewise I have always thought that ones mind should always be clean, no matter what. And films are nothing but mirrors of the society. This is why we should show audience-appropriate content.

Julie 2, it should be noted, isnt Nihalanis first brush with suggestive material. He had a hand in several 90s films which featured double entendres in the lyrics of their songs. The most infamous of which is Anil Kapoor singing khada hai in the film, Andaz.

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Speaking of the governments relations with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday said that personally he had enjoyed a substantial degree of independence from any interference in his functioning.

I basically had a fair amount of independence... I worked with two governments, Rajan said at the release here of his book I do what I do, which he described as essentially a compilation of the speeches he delivered as the RBI Governor.

I managed to carry out the agenda that I had set out in my first speech, he said.

Rajan recalled he became RBI Governor in September 2013 at a time of crisis for the Indian economy.

There was no interference in carrying out my agenda. I had a good relationship with both governments... and I kept them informed, he added.

In 2016, however, on completion of his three-year term, Rajan became the first Indian central bank governor since Independence not to have his tenure renewed.

A few months before his term finished, Rajan announced that he would be returning to his teaching position in the US at the end of his tenure at the RBI.
Novartis CEO Joe Jimenez will step down on February 1 and hand over to drug development chief Vas Narasimhan to decide the fate of $50 billion in assets and make good on a pledge to return the Swiss company to sales growth.

Jimenez, who will have been at the helm for eight years when he retires, has hived off animal health, vaccines and over-the-counter drugs businesses at Novartis to focus on generally more profitable prescription medicines, particularly in cancer.

But sales have been hit as top-selling drugs such as blood cancer treatment Gleevec have lost patent protection, while eye business Alcon has lagged expectations and generics arm Sandoz has faced intense pressure on prices in the United States.

Today we announce Vas Narasimhan as new Novartis CEO from Feb 1, 2018. Thank you  Joe Jimenez for your achievements https://t.co/2VauFSX2Be pic.twitter.com/80YIKxip4I  Novartis (@Novartis) September 4, 2017

Novartis got a boost last week, when the United States approved its $475,000-per-patient Kymriah treatment for young people with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one of a series of new drugs it expects to revive sales growth starting next year.

Jimenez, 57, said on Monday now was a good time to move on.

I really believe a leader has to be in place at the beginning of that growth phase to see it through, he told reporters on a call. And that wouldnt be me, given that Im already eight years into my tenure.

Narasimhan, 41, is among a new generation of youthful leaders at Novartis, including head researcher Jay Bradner at the Novartis Institutes For Biomedical Research.

Together, they have sought to improve the companys way of moving drugs from the laboratory into commercial products, something they acknowledge has not always worked efficiently.

Thats going to continue to be the focus of the company: To translate that innovation into commercial success, said Narasimhan, a US citizen.

Analysts said Narasimhans skills as a Harvard-trained medical doctor and former McKinsey consultant may be the blend Novartis needs to balance research and business.

The appointment ... brings deep medical and commercial knowledge plus strong communication, and we expect this fresh start to be taken very well by the markets, said David Evans, a Kepler Cheuvreux analyst.

Decisions

But there will be plenty in Narasimhans in-tray.

His appointment comes as Novartis is reviewing Alcon for a possible sale that could bring in $25-$35 billion.

He must also decide what to do with its $10 billion stake in its over-the-counter (OTC) drugs venture with GlaxoSmithKline. Novartis faces a deadline of March 2018 to decide whether to exercise a sell option for its 36.5 percent stake.

Narasimhan will have to weigh up too what to so with Novartiss $14 billion stake in cross-town rival Roche, which the company has said could be sold.

Novartis shares have lagged the Stoxx European Health Care Index by around 9 percent during Jimenezs tenure. At 1025 GMT, they were down 0.9 percent at 80.10 Swiss francs.

Having held various roles at Novartis since 2005, Narasimhan became global head of drug development and chief medical officer in 2016.

Jimenez said his departure would not affect a strategic review of Alcon, with an update due by years end.

Were going to consider all options ranging from keeping the business up to a capital markets exit, he said. There really is no change, so dont read anything into it.

He also hailed last weeks US approval of Kymriah, the first so-called CAR-T therapy to win the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations blessing.

We started this five years ago, it was a big bet, a lot of people thought we were crazy and its paying off, Jimenez said. We have big plans.
Murray Denis Ward, the 54-year-old British man arrested on Sunday for alleged sexual abuse of three visually-impaired children in Delhi, had been a regular visitor to the National Association for the Blind, the scene of the incident, for eight years.

Interviews with an official of the Association (known as NAB) and two policemen on Tuesday gave a more detailed picture of the accused and the progress of the case against him.

Ward had image of an uncle who loved interacting with kids until the incident came to light, said Prashant Ranjan Verma, the general secretary of NAB.

Verma denied reports that Ward gave NAB any cash donations, but he had been giving children books and study material.

A press release published by NAB on Tuesday morning said that until September 2, when a member of the staff saw Ward in an objectionable position with a few children and the organization informed the police, it was not aware of any abuse.

We had never received any objection from kids attending his sessions, said Verma. He added that NAB has restricted access to its facilities by all people it does not employ, including volunteers.

According to RP Upadhyay, the joint commissioner of the south-eastern range of Delhi police, Ward was unwell and not cooperating with the police on Monday. He suffered a paralytic attack after a massive stroke a few months ago, Upadhyay said. His doctors also suggested postponing the detail interrogation for another one day.

Police now hope to conduct an interrogation on Tuesday. They are also interviewing, in the presence of a lawyer and a NAB representative, the three children Ward was allegedly seen abusing.

Though Upadhyay said that no other child has complained of abuse, he also said that police had seized objectionable videos from Wards laptop.

A native of Gloucestershire, Ward was arrested from his rented house in Vasant Kunj Enclave. He is charged under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act.

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When Nikki Sharma, 17, fell sick and missed two days of school last month, catastrophe loomed.

In that little time, her fellow students in class 12 had started and completed two poems in English, a poem in Hindi, and two sections of a chapter in economics, while her political science class had ploughed through its sections on partition and on the status of the country immediately after partition, and moved on to an entirely new chapter.

"You can miss a lot in two days," said Nikki.

This is a regular feature of the autumn rush undertaken by teachers at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Sangam Vihar, where Nikki is a student. The Delhi department of education stipulates that schools citywide complete their syllabi between April and the end of November, when students must start preparing for the exam season of January to March.

As a result, Nasreen Bano, Nikki's political science teacher, has at most seven months for 18 chapters of material. That means that she gets only a week to teach sections on World War I and World War II.

Nasreen Bano, who teaches political science at the pahadi school, has to finish 18 chapters of material in just seven months.

Every minute counts. The first 15 minutes of Bano's classes are spent on review. If students have questions, answering them also usually takes 15 minutes. That leaves only another 15 minutes to sprint through new material.

The frenzy to finish by November means teachers have less time to explain their material and answer questions, while students strain to keep up and discard extracurricular activities on the way. These are the results of a school schedule that prizes test-taking over learning.

The test dominates

The schedule's emphasis on exams has a pronounced effect on how teachers at the pahadi school organize their classes. Priyanka Gupta, a history teacher, said she skips over entire "unimportant" chapter sections  those that haven't been tested in the board exams for the past 10 years or so  if she thinks she does not have the time.

Rather than teaching them, she tells her students to read about the material at home and then ask her if they have any questions.

The schedule is just one example of the pressures that the exams put on teachers. Bano attributed the tendency of teaching to focus on test preparation to the fact that the government's appraisals of schools and the school's appraisals of teachers are both tied to students' board results.

Teachers say that if they taught the way they were trained to in their B.Ed programme, they would never complete the syllabus.

These appraisals do not affect salaries, but they do help determine, Bano said, what classes the vice principal assigns teachers. "I know she would probably not let me teach the 12th standard students if my students don't perform well."

Lakhan Singh, the vice principal of the boys division of the pahadi school, is resigned to this state of affairs. "If we were to teach the way we were trained to in our B.Ed and teacher training programmes, we would probably never really complete the syllabus," he said.

"According to our training," he continued, "we are supposed to review what we did before, link it to the current topic at hand, and then ensure that the student has understood it enough to be able to link it to other relevant topics in the future. This becomes almost impossible to do in the time we have."

Learning takes its own time

The emphasis on test-taking teachers are forced into does not make for an effective approach to learning.

"By completing the syllabus well in time, students get time to reflect and that is important," said Saumen Chattopadhyay, a professor at the Zakir Husain Centre for Educational Studies at JNU. "However, actual learning takes its own time. It is difficult to assess if somebody has learned something by using tests or exams. The peculiar thing about learning is that you can't be sure if you have learned anything unless you are able to apply it in real life."

Nikki suggested that the current schedule leads to a vicious cycle. "We learn quickly, but we forget just as fast too, so we need to revise," she said.

Bano and her colleagues agreed that some classes should be devoted to revision, but also said that more time spent on teaching new material would mitigate the need for revision while also enabling more detailed, explanatory lessons.
NAINITAL: In what could be termed as an embarrassment for the Trivendra Singh Rawat-led BJP government, the high court on Tuesday quashed the order to dissolve the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) that manages Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines.

Justice Sudhansu Dhulia gave a relief to the high-profile committee, saying that the governmentwrongly dissolved the BKTC.

The term of the BKTC is fixed at three years. BKTC chairman Ganesh Godiyal, a former Congress MLA, and other members were nominated during the erstwhile Congress rule. Soon after assuming office in March, the BJP government dissolved the committee in April even as the BKTC had more than two years to complete its term.

The state government first dissolved the committee without any reason in April. We moved against the order and got the relief. The government again came up with a special appeal to the court of Chief Justice where from they were instructed to go back to the same court to decide. Now the single bench has quashed the state government order dated 8th June 2017 and resumed the BKTC, petitioner Diwakar Chamoli, who moved a writ petition against the government decision, told Hindustan Times.

VBS Negi, former advocate general and cousel for the petitioner, said the court after hearing the two sides decided that the reasons that were given by the government to dissolve the committee were unconstitutional and does not have a meaningful reason.

The opposition Congress had earlier strongly protested against the move, dubbing it as muzzling of democratic norms. The talk was that the government intended to indirectly control the temple committee and later appoint its leaders to the powerful body after dissolving the committee. Lakhs of Hindu devotees visit every year to the two revered shrines in Garhwal Himalayas.

In fact, this is the second time in the five months of the BJP government when the move was aimed at removing those appointed during the Congress regime. Earlier, the government had removed the chairpersons from the agro bodies called Mandi Parishads. But many of them moved the high court against the decision and managed to get relief.
State employees have threatened to go on a statewide strike if the BJP government fails to withdraw its decision to constitute a committee to examine the rules allowing relaxation in promotions of personnel. This had been put in abeyance by the previous Congress regime.

The order to constitute the committee is nothing but an attempt to deny lakhs of employees their early promotions. We will go on a statewide strike if the government fails to withdraw its directive, said Manohar Kumar Mishra, the state president of Uttaranchal Parvatiya Karmachari Karmachari-Sikshak Sangh, an association of lakhs of teachers and state employees.

The announcement came a day after chief secretary S Ramaswamy issued the order directing officials to constitute a panel to examine the rules granting state employees 50% relaxation in the length of service necessary for promotions. The related rules had originally been framed in 2010.

They permitted state employees fast promotions in their jobs in view of their acute paucity during the early stages after the states formation in 2000.

According to the secretariat sources, the previous Congress regime had put the 2010 promotion rules informally in suspension. But the informal decision has now been validated by the latest order whereby a committee has been set up to examine the rules granting employees fast promotions.

Such an order is nothing but a ruse on the part of the state government to deny us fast promotions that we are legally entitled to, said an office bearer of the state secretariat association, who did not wish to be named. He alleged that some Tehsildars were promoted to the post of sub divisional magistrates (SDMs) under the previous Congress regime. Secretariat employees accused the incumbent BJP government of granting promotions to four additional secretary level cadre officials recently as in-charge secretaries in a brazen violation of rules. They were all Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre officials and there is no post like in-charge secretary under the department of personnel and training (DOPT) rules meant for that cadre, said a secretariat employee.

Mishra said the governments decision to set up a committee to examine the 2010 promotion rules would affect promotions of lakhs of state employees. We are opposing the decision as it will lead to stagnation in their careers, he said.

We will speak to the representative of all the employees unions on the issue. I am confident that their grievances will be resolved, said Cabinet minister, Madan Kaushik.

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Uttarakhand wants Delhi to expedite the construction of three sewerage treatment plants (STPs) for giving a fillip to the Yamuna rejuvenation and cleaning plan in north India.

The state government expressed its view at a meeting of a high-level monitoring body of five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi formed on the orders of the National Green Tribunal.

The Uttarakhand representative asserted that the Yamuna could be kept clean but for Delhis share of pollution having a negative effect. The state said the Yamuna is least polluted in its course of two Himalayan states but gets polluted from the time when it enters Haryana and is almost dead in Delhi due to massive entry of sewerage, industrial and domestic waste. Uttarakhand made it clear to the apex body - constituting of irrigation secretaries of five states - that it has no role in contribution to pollution.

The apex body constituted on the NGT order wanted to know our views and suggestions on how to make the Yamuna clean in the meeting of stakeholders in Delhi. We made it clear that Delhi was going too slow over completion of works for its three sewerage treatment plants that could prevent the flow of nearly 70% pollutants in the Yamuna once commissioned. Its finishing work is being stretched without any need for the same, said AK Dinakar, engineer in chief, state irrigation department.

The apex body also agreed and directed the Delhi representative to complete it (the STPs) in six months instead of nine as stated by them.

According to sources, the apex body meeting discussion will be presented to the NGT in its next hearing over the Yamuna pollution case in order to assess the compliance of certain directives issued by the tribunal in its last hearing in the first week of August.

The green tribunal had found the Delhi government as the main culprit mainly for its inability to prevent inflow of pollutants in the Yamuna. It had also asked the government to present a detailed report on the action taken by it to make the Yamuna pollution-free.
Centenarian Krishna Devi hobbles around in a leaky soot-stained hut she shares with her daughter-in-law, also a widow, in a remote village set in Uttarakhands panoramic Kedarnath valley.

Their neighbour is 72-year-old Shankari Devi, a war widow. Her husband, a soldier, died in the 1971 war against Pakistan.

She lives with her 34-year-old widowed daughter-in-law and two grandkids.

Kyuri village is a spattering of wood, tin and stone hutments; uneventful but a constant struggle of crushed souls to survive on bare minimum supplies. Wild berries, greens, little produce from the terraced farm and the long-saved coins to buy salt, sugar and soap.

It is a living example of a failed government system.

The four women are entitled to government benefits such as widow and old-age pensions. But social welfare schemes are too sloth to reach this mountainside settlement.

Krishna Devi applied for the widow pension years before the killer flash floods of 2013 devastated Kedarnath valley, one of the holiest places for Hindus.

She met the babus  government officials  in their offices umpteen times advancing her case. Nobody cared. In the last leg of her life, she has no energy left to trudge all the way to these offices.

Still she remains hopeful, and that perhaps keeps her going in the gloom.

Kedarnath witnessed a slow but massive reconstruction after the floods from a freak cloudburst. Survivors of the tragedy were compensated.

Krishna Devi, 57-year-old daughter-in-law Bageswari Devi, neighbour Shankari and her family were not included. The outpouring of public sympathy and funds skipped them, much like the storms full force that skirted their village.

My husband died years ago, my mother-in-law and I made several requests to the officials and leaders. But noting came our way, Bageswari said.

Krishna Devi was a teenager when she lost her husband, a railway employee when the British ruled India.

Neighbour Shankari gets a meagre military pension, hardly enough to feed a family of four.

The women recounted their ordeal when Kedarnath legislator Manoj Rawat visited the village.

I feel ashamed to be called a public representative. I visited them on Monday and I will see that they live with dignity, he said after sharing his experience on Facebook.

The government machinery appears to have woken up too, as Rudraprayag district magistrate Mangesh Ghildiyal promised an investigation.

I have asked the sub-divisional magistrate to find out how they were left out if they had applied for widow or old-age pensions, he said on Tuesday.
In a meeting with officials of the three municipal corporations of Delhi, lieutenant governor Anil Baijal directed the civic bodies on Tuesday to increase the capacity of waste-to-energy plants in order to cater to more municipal garbage, which is otherwise being dumped at the landfill sites.

The direction came just four days after a portion of the garbage mound at Ghazipur collapsed on September 1, killing two people. The Ghazipur dumping site had long outlived its lifespan and had also exceeded the permissible height of 20 metres. It was nearly 50 metres when it came crashing down.

Baijal directed the commissioner of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) to immediately expand the capacity of the existing waste-to-energy plant so that it can tackle an extra 650 metric tonnes of municipal waste. Similar directions were also given to the North Delhi Municipal Commissioner to increase the capacity of the Narela-Bawana plant to take an additional load of 1,900 metric tonnes of municipal waste. The plant caters to around 2,000 metric tonnes of waste at present.

The civic bodies were also urged to use compactors for transportation of garbage.

The L-Gs ordered these two steps to ensure that there would not be any further increase in the mounds of garbage at Bhalswa and Ghazipur.

Baijal was chairing a meeting at Raj Niwas to discuss the programme for processing of entire solid waste generated in Delhi with specific timelines and immediate solution for solid waste management at Ghazipur and other landfill sites.

Senior officials also informed Baijal that the garbage mound at Ghazipur would be cleared within two years beginning November. The garbage would be used by NHAI for construction of service roads.

The lieutenant governor has also convened a meeting on Thursday to find out a solution for the piling garbage at Bhalswa. The meeting would be attended by experts from IIT Delhi.

East Delhi garbage

In the meeting, the L-G also ordered the EDMC to send 500 metric tonne of garbage to Okhla waste-to-energy plant in south Delhi from Wednesday.

After the collapse of a potion of Ghazipur landfill on Friday, the L-G had banned dumping of garbage at the east Delhi site and issued directions to dump garbage in Rani Khera area under North MCD. However, EDMC trucks could not dump garbage at the new location after the locals protested the move.

As a result, garbage was not lifted from east Delhi areas for two consecutive days. Having failed to find any solution on Monday evening, the EDMC decided to continue dumping garbage at the Ghazipur landfill (at a portion of land near methane plant) under strict supervision.

In the meeting today, we shared the details with L-G after which he issued directions to send 500 metric tonne of waste to Okhla waste-to-energy plant. In addition to that, another 1,300 tonne is being utilised at Ghazipur waste-to-energy plant. And rest 1,000 tonne will be dumped at the Ghazipur landfill, EDMC commissioner Ranbir Singh said.

As per senior EDMC officials, 1,600 tonne of garbage was removed from dhalaos on Monday and 2,200 tonnes removed on Tuesday. We will be able to clean all dhaloas by Wednesday evening, said senior official from department of environment management services.

Meanwhile, no clarity emerged from the meeting of EDMC officials with NGTs special committee members. However, later in evening, the committee members shared the plan to visit the site at Ghonda Gurjan. We are keeping our fingers crossed, an official said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to leave for a Vipassana session in Maharashtra on September 10.

The chief minister will go to Igatpuri in Maharashtra on September 10 to attend a 10-day Vipassana session at a meditation centre, a government spokesperson said.

Kejriwal is known to be an ardent practitioner of Vipassana, type of meditation. After a hectic campaign for the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and Delhi Assembly polls in 2013, the AAP chief had taken a break for practising Vipassana.

After months of hectic campaigning for elections in Punjab and Goa, Kejriwal had also gone to Bengaluru this year to undergo a naturopathy treatment for high blood sugar.

In August last year too, Kejriwal had gone to Himachal Pradeshs Dharamkot to attend a 10-day Vipassana session at a meditation centre.

The chief minister this time is headed to Maharashtra. The location is decided by the centres management, depending on the seniority of the practitioner, an official said.

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What could be a better platform than social media to connect with the youth? Using Twitter as a medium, Delhi Police has come up with a campaign called #KhaasHaiItihaas. To share the long history of Delhi Police, the organisations social media team is uploading graphics  that have historical information  every Thursday.

The first picture posted on the Twitter account of Delhi Police shows the First Information Report (FIR) that was filed for the first time by Delhi Police, which was in 1861. Delhi Police is the oldest police force, and there is a very rich history associated with this department. We even have police stations that were built before Indias independence, but most of the youngsters are unaware of such interesting facts. We have started this initiative to connect with the youth. The interesting facts about Delhi Police will attract more youngsters to our Twitter handle, and we can keep them informed about our other plans too, says Madhur Verma, DCP and PRO, Delhi Police.

The facts that are being shared on #ThrowbackThursdays will include rare things such as the first original stamp and the first maps of Delhi. These documents and artifacts add to Delhis rich history. Rizwan Quaiser, professor at Department of History in Jamia Millia Islamia University, says, Delhi is a city of monuments, heritage and rich culture. Its the Capital of India and everybody should know about the intellectual past of the city. Its a wonderful thing for the Delhi Police to inform people about their history and Delhis history through social media. We should all welcome this step.

This graphic shows the first FIR filed in Delhi in 1861. (Twitter/ Delhi Police )

The followers of Delhi Polices Twitter handle are happy about being intrigued over such historical trivia. When I saw the graphic created around the first FIR filed in Delhi, I couldnt believe that it was just for some annas (one sixteenth of a rupee). I was so surprised that I tagged my college friends in that post and everyone found it so cool that now we keep a look out for every Thursday, so that we can check out a new fact about Delhis history and then discuss and share it with others. In fact, my friends and I think that instead of just Thursdays, they should post it everyday, says Mansi Khanna, a student from Gargi College, Delhi University.

Any guesses for what will be uploaded next Thursday?

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Having failed to find a place for disposing the garbage in east Delhi, the municipal corporation on Monday decided to continue dumping garbage at Ghazipur landfill site. This is despite Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal ordering an immediate stop on dumping waste at the landfill after a part of it collapsed on September 1 killing two persons.

Municipal officials said trucks go to the top and dump waste near the waste to energy plant. The dumping will be done under technical supervision so as to avoid any risk/accident in future, said EDMC commissioner Ranbir Singh.

It was decided that till an alternative site is found, garbage collected from east Delhi will be dumped at north Delhis Rani Khera village. However, in face of stiff resistance from the local residents, the garbage could not be dumped. Angry villagers stopped trucks and deflate tyres.

More than half of the garbage generated in east Delhi could not be lifted on Monday. Around 3,000 metric tonne of waste is generated daily in east Delhi. We utilise 1,300 metric tonnes at the waste to energy plant but the rest could not be removed from the dhalaos (local dumping sites), said senior official from Shahdara North zone.

Therefore, a meeting of senior officials decided on Monday that a portion of the Ghazipur landfill will be used for dumping waste now. As soon as the decision was taken, EDMC trucks started picking waste from the colonies. We hope to clear all waste by Tuesday evening, said senior official. The EDMC also plans to send some waste to Okhla landfill.

Singh said the EDMC was trying to increase the capacity of the waste-to-energy plant from 1,300 to 2,500 metric tonne of waste. Also, in the next few months, National Highways Authority of India will establish a plant for segregating waste and using it for embankment of roadside, said Singh.

Meanwhile, no decision could be reached on the allotment of land at Ghonda Gunjan in a meeting between EDMC and the NGT-appointed principal Committee. DDA had allotted the land to EDMC for constructing a landfill but since the land falls in zone O, the project needs NGT approval.

On Monday, EDMC gave a presentation before the committee for an integrated solid waste management facility at Ghonda Gurjan.

The bench heard us patiently and acknowledged the problem. However, they asked us to approach the NGT as they dont have power to give sanction for allotment of land, said a senior official.

Meanwhile, river activist and convener of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, Manoj Mishra, has written a letter to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal against setting up a landfill site on Yamuna floodplains.

The leader of opposition in North MCD Rakesh Kumar has announced to gherao Delhi BJPs chief Manoj Tiwari house on Tuesday. Being an MP from North East Delhi, we will question him the reason for delay in shifting the landfill from Ghazipur. The situation is nowhere different in Bhalswa and Okhla. They cant escape the responsibility by giving R 1 lakhs as compensation to the kins of deceased people. It is important to fix responsibility and penalise defaulters, he said.
It was a 16-year-old boy who had snatched a womans bag, causing her to fall from a moving train and die on the railway tracks near Old Delhi Railway Station on Sunday morning, the RPF said on Tuesday.

The boy and his adult associate were nabbed within 48 hours after the 43-year-old woman bled to death in front of her helpless son. The woman, Sudhir Bansal, had lost her hand and leg and lay on the railway tracks even as her son pleaded with passersby for help.

Sanjay Kishore, Chief Security Officer, Railway Protection Force, said the boy had spent time in a juvenile home in the past after being apprehended in a robbery case last year.

He had come out of the juvenile justice home and continued committing crime. The two accused live in jhuggis in the railway colony near the tracks where the woman died. Their modus operandi was to target passengers in the trains passing through that area, said Kishore.

The officer said that on Sunday morning, the two accused took position on the either side of the tracks as the Haridwar Mail crawled towards the Old Delhi Railway Station.

The boy had taken position on the side where the woman was standing near trains gate. When the boy tried to snatch her purse, she tried to pull it back. That caused the woman to fall from the train. She landed on the tracks below and was run over by the train, said Kishore.

The RPF had formed a special team to nab the snatchers who caused the gruesome death. We had suspected it to be the handiwork of the youths living in the railway colony nearby. Snatchers from Sadar Bazar neighbourhoods (also notorious for such crimes) were unlikely to travel so far, said an investigator.

Local intelligence helped the RPF team nab the 18-year-old suspect by Sunday evening. At his instance, his 16-year-old associate was apprehended on Monday night. The womans snatched hand bag, her documents and a little of the Rs 5,000 cash, have also been recovered.

The victim was accompanying her 19-year-old son, Gaurav, to Delhi to help him with his college admission formalities. Gaurav was to attend his first day of BSc (Honours) at DUs Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences on Monday, but ended up cremating his mother instead.
A Kuwaiti national and three women travelling with him were sent back to Dubai from Delhi airport on Monday, after the man refused to unveil the faces of the women and created a ruckus at the immigration counter.

Police was called as the passenger tried to damage the immigration counter.

The male passenger was probably drunk as initially he even refused to fill the immigration form. After immigration officials managed to convince him, he refused to take off the burqa of female passengers accompanying him for face identification. When the matter could not be resolved for hours, the immigration officials decided to send them back, said a source at the airport.

The incident took place at around 9 pm when the passenger arrived from Dubai by Emirates flight. As he reached the immigration counter, the officer on duty asked him to fill the form.

He got angry and refused to fill the form. He even abused the official and Indian system. While the officials were trying to pacify him, another passenger, who had arrived from Bangkok, also requested him to fill the form. Instead of listening to the other passenger, the Kuwaiti national entered into an argument with him. The passenger from Bangkok slapped him, the official added.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was also called as the incident was turning violent. They brought the matter under control and asked the passenger, who had come from Bangkok to leave and convinced the Kuwaiti to fill the form.

He filled the immigration form but the women refused to unveil their faces for face identification. Female Immigration officers were called but even then he they did not cooperate. All of them started abusing immigration officials and tried to damage the counter, he added.

At this point police was called and they were deported back to Dubai.

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The Delhi High Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) turned up the heat on the citys civic bodies on Tuesday over the upcoming Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) polls. The Delhi High Court sought responses of the city police and civic bodies on a plea seeking ban on defacement of public properties by DUSU candidates while the NGT rapped authorities over the blatant use of paper in poll campaign.

Issuing notice to the Delhi University on the issue, a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also sought the responses from the DUSU and the University Grants Commission, asking them to appear before it on Wednesday. The NGT had earlier issued an order restraining the students body from using pamphlets and splattering the walls of the varsity campus with posters.

The order came after advocates Piyush Singh and Aditya Parola mentioned the matter before the bench and referred to media reports citing contempt of the tribunals 2015 order.

The directions came on a plea by Delhi University law student Nithin Chandran, who had approached NGT against indiscriminate wastage of paper during the students body elections.

Meanwhile, the high court expressed displeasure at the alleged inaction of authorities on use of spray paints, posters, banners and hoardings in and around the university campus walls and inside the classrooms.

It directed DU, Delhi Police, municipal corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporations to place their stand before it in one week for allegedly not taking any action against the said violation and illegal act.

It also issued notice to the authorities and asked them to inspect the area, where such posters have been put up by all the student wings of major political parties, who are contesting the DUSU election.

The court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda alleging that disruption of the classrooms by the candidates and student outfits in horrible shape and painting (walls) in the classrooms, deals a striking body blow to the Right to life, liberty and education of the students.

He sought direction to the municipal bodies to slap heavy fines on the political parties and the candidates. It sought directions to the authorities to refurbish and prevent further defacement of the properties by the DUSU political outfits and aspiring candidates.

The aggravated illegal and destructive activities by the DUSU candidates at the present humongous rate and scale which, if left unchecked, will cause further disruption to the tranquility and cleanliness of our city, it added.
IDBI Bank moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday against its day-old order that put on hold National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT) directive to initiate insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech on the banks plea.

IDBI Bank counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, told a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that the top courts order had unintentionally benefitted the embattled company. The bench posted the banks plea for hearing on September 11.

Your (lordships) order reversed the position and, as a consequence, the company has gone back to the defaulting promoters, Singhvi submitted before the bench.

The banks money was also public money and we are seeking modification of that order, he said.

The senior lawyer said the IDBI would like that the insolvency resolution process should settle the claims of home buyers along with the banking institutions.

Senior advocate Ajit Sinha, appearing for one of the home buyers, vehemently opposed the contention of the bank and said the home buyers were happy because of the apex court order which need not be changed.

The top court had on Monday stayed the insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech at NCLT on a plea by some homebuyers, who have neither got homes nor their money back and are seeking protection of their interest.

According to the flat buyers they do not fall in the category of secured creditors like banks and hence can get back their money only if something is left after repaying the secured and operational creditors, a plea read.

The buyers had contended that around Rs 25,000 crore worth of money of flat buyers and others had been at stake and the insolvency proceedings were initiated for a petty sum of Rs 500 crore.

Around 32,000 persons had booked flats in Jaypee Infratech projects.

NCLT had on August 9 issued a moratorium order, restraining the Jaypee Infratech management from functioning and appointed the IRP after IDBI moved an application when the company defaulted in loan repayment.

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One of the big problems of massive urban agglomerations and cosmopolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai is that of waste management. Solid waste generated in a city the size of Delhi needs to be immediately reduced, reused, and recycled if we want to save our cities from becoming choked with garbage. The collapse in the Ghazipur landfill that led to the death of two people is a warning to all civic agencies. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has even issued show cause notices to the Delhi government, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and others over the collapse.

This 70-acre garbage dump is situated in the middle of a densely-populated part of the city and has been a disaster waiting to happen for a few years now. It is estimated that about 3000 metric tonnes of garbage are dumped at the Ghazipur site every single day; in spite of the fact that this landfill was supposed to have shut down in 2002, when it was filled to capacity. The piles of unsegregated garbage lead to the formation of highly flammable methane gas; that has caught fire in pockets, several times, putting at risk the lives of many of the ragpickers who work there every day. Delhi has learnt no lessons from Mumbai, where in March 2016 a massive fire had broken out in the Deonar landfill that took nearly 10 days to bring under control.

While half-hearted attempts have been made to segregate waste at source and to create waste to energy plants within these landfills, there has been no real change in the way that Delhi deals with the problem of waste management  be it e-waste, biodegradable waste or plastic. As a report in the Hindustan Times has highlighted, 50% of the generated garbage is fit for composting and 30% is recyclable; which means that only 20% should reach the landfill. Building new landfills is not the solution. Apart from the fact that they are dangerous and dumping garbage like this causes the leaching of hazardous chemicals into the soil, it would be unfair to citizens of that neighbourhood to export the citys garbage to their locality. What is needed is dedication and discipline from both the civic agencies and the citizens to effectively implement segregation of waste at source to reduce the amount of garbage that reaches landfills.
In July 2016, Georgia Tech professor Ashok Goel hired Jill Watson, a teaching assistant for the spring semester. Jill was great at online student interactions, answering questions and was nominated as an outstanding assistant by students. The difference between Jill and other assistants? Jill is a chatbot. Her DNA is based on an open source platform (with pre-fed customized data) developed specifically to handle an enormous amount of students posts on the forum. And thus began an interesting new phase in one of the most respected sectors in the world - the education sector.

In India too, personalized digital learning platforms, new learning models delivering customized knowledge and flipped classrooms are finally dismantling the one size fits all approach towards student learning and education. Learning is becoming immersive (inside and outside the classroom); spurring creativity, critical thinking and meaningful real-world experiences.

Technological disruption is revitalising the education industry, enabling both students and teachers to strengthen their skills and knowledge to adapt to the new requirements of a 21st-century work force. These are exciting times to be an educator and a student.

But, the growth is disparate and still rudimentary. Understandably so for a country like ours with widespread geographical, cultural, gender and financial differences. Coupled with limited infrastructure, the dream of a truly literate India has a long time coming. There is a wide gap between expectations and reality both in terms of physical infrastructure and technological adoption.

While the government and academia work on improving the former, the latter has the power to really turn things around. What it needs in that endeavour is a solid data led backbone. Educational institutions today hold large amounts of data collected from online applications, classroom exercises/testing and student surveys. Social media too provides a rich source of information to capture student learning styles, preferences, concerns, reactions and perceptions.

This unstructured but valuable resource can be effectively analysed for insights to boost student achievement, increase faculty and staff productivity and improve operational effectiveness via better financial management and streamlined operations.

On a student level, the right utilisation of data sets will provide educators with real-time feedback on students performances, strengths and weaknesses. Data analytics can track student learning curves based on learning style and capability. Teaching techniques can accordingly be altered based on student pace and skill level, further augmented with technology innovations. If we can Dial in a Doctor, why not a teacher?

On a national level, a central repository can help make better decisions for the entire sector. The ball has already started rolling with the Digilockers and the National Repository of Open Educational Resources (high-quality digital content in local languages). The next step would be to make data accessible to institutions and academia alike - so that they can build customised techniques basis local and individual differences.

However, this is not a small undertaking. Challenges include low awareness, an absence of a data driven, insight - oriented culture, availability of uniform data sources and the apparent cost associated with data mining. Greater efforts are needed to adopt data management and infrastructure backbone for informed decisions, increased efficiency and greater accountability.

One of the foremost ways to address these issues is to increase collaborative efforts between educational institutions and data management enterprises. India must invest in a strong technology backbone, focused on hardware and software development across schools and higher education institutions. Educators need be trained to integrate technology in their pedagogy for effective learning.

But is the future of education solely dependent on technology? While data is set to move the educational landscape, educators are also working incessantly to build a sustainable and meaningful education system for all. The future will be about putting students first - with an innovative new curriculum focused on real-world needs, class design revamps for greater collaboration, rehashing educator roles and harnessing big data and artificial intelligence. The global conversation on innovative education is growing much louder and the urge to get rid of antiquated education systems has never been stronger and we should definitely not sit this one out.

There are tremendous growth opportunities for big data and analytics in the education sector. The Digital India drive can catalyse such initiatives by creating an enabling environment across the country.

Therefore, as we adapt to the needs of a 21st-century workforce, the sector needs a robust infrastructure background with measured approaches to manage life critical, business critical, real time, and mobile data. Backed up with investment, coherent strategies, and top-notch human talent, its now time to change the education sector with data.

(Valluri is the president of NetApp India and SAARC. Views expressed here are personal.)
The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, 2018, of the worlds top 1,000 universities in 77 countries, published today, had plain bad news for India. Most of the countrys universities were knocked down from their previous positions with star performer Indian Institute of Science (IISc) slipping from the 201-250 band to 251-300. The good news, however, was that most of Indias varsities showed improvement in research income and quality.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Kanpur and Madras came down to the 501600 band from last years 401-500 rankings.

THE attributed IISCs poor showing to drops in its research influence score and research income, and said most of the institutes performed poorly on the internationalisation pillar. The number of international students coming into India was limited, thanks to government policy. International scholars also were not being hired for long-term faculty positions.

Improved performance from other countries too impacted India while in neighbouring China universities rapidly climbed year-on-year. Peking University went up to 27 from last years 29 and Tsinghua to 30 from 35.

China, Hong Kong and Singapore all invest very heavily in their university systems. This year, almost all universities in the three regions improved their standing in the ranking, signalling that their commitment to investment has bolstered results year-on-year, Phil Baty, editorial director, Global Rankings, THE, said

Though disappointed with Indias showing, Baty however, said things were likely to improve because of the really positive news in that Indias overall research income and research quality has risen this year, and the countrys world class university plan shows that it recognises the importance of investing in higher education.

Research income and quality were the two key metrics in the rankings methodology and revealed that the country was seeing significant progress when it came to its scholarly output. If India continues to increase its research income then this will pay dividends for the nation in future editions of the ranking, he said.

UK led the rankings with University of Oxford retaining first position. The University of Cambridge climbed two places to second, overtaking California Institute of Technology and Stanford University, both joint third. The United States continued to dominate the rankings.

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No Indian university or institution of higher education figures in the global top 100, but the latest rankings released on Tuesday show that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which was in the 201-250 band last year, has slipped into the 251-300 band.

In the Times Higher Education's 14th annual edition of its World University Rankings  which ranks the top 1,000 universities from 77 countries  performance of Indian centres of learning has deteriorated, with its share of universities falling from 31 to 30 in the top 1,000.

IISc has fallen largely due to drops in its research influence score and research income. The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Indian Institute of Technology Madras have also dropped by at least one band, it said.

Globally, the University of Oxford retains first place, the University of Cambridge climbs two places to second, overtaking California Institute of Technology and Stanford University, both joint third. While the United States continues to dominate the rankings, Chinese universities are rapidly climbing year-on-year.

Phil Baty, editorial director, Global Rankings at Times Higher Education (THE), said: It is disappointing that India has declined in the THE World University Rankings amid increasing global competition.

As leading universities in other Asian territories such as China, Hong Kong and Singapore are consistently rising up the rankings, in part thanks to high and sustained levels of funding, Indias flagship the Indian Institute of Science moves further away from the elite top 200.

Baty added that there was some really positive news of Indias overall research income and research quality rising this year; and that Indias university plan showed that it recognises the importance of investing in higher education, which may reverse Indias decline in the rankings in future years.

Indian universities performed poorly on the internationalisation pillar, with all except one dropping places when ranked on this measurement, mainly due to other universities rising at a faster rate, a statement on the rankings said.

Government policy strictly limits the number of students from abroad who can study in India and prevents international scholars from being hired into long-term faculty positions. However, India may recover on this metric because of its world-class university plan, which aims to provide additional funding for selected public and private universities for infrastructure and academics, it added.

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Environment minister, Harsh Vardhan, met senior officials from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi to receive a briefing on the actions taken to tackle air pollution on Tuesday.

On top of the agenda was the stubble burning, where farmers burn the residual crop to clear their fields, releasing vast plumes of smoke that are carried by winds to neighbouring Delhi. Delhi has historically had two severe episodes of air pollution, that coincide with stubble burning episodes in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.

Taking note of their contribution to poor air quality the National Green tribunal banned crop residue burning in the five states in November 2015. However, there have been multiple challenges to implementing this ban. Farmers have resisted such a move because they do not have other viable ways of getting their fields ready for the next cropping season. The governments are required to provide incentives to small farmers to stop the practice.

The NGT also put in place fines for those found to be burning their residual crops depending on the size of their landholding the penalty ranges from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 15 000.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the countrys apex regulatory body for pollution, said that they had formed 40 teams to monitor compliance.

The Delhi NCR region grapples with acute smog problem during the winter months when air is relatively still, especially during Diwali time, which is falling on October 19 this year.The environment ministry has launched a sustained campaign to spread awareness among school children,about burning crackers which aggravates Delhis air pollution problem. The part played by school children in banning of cracker use has been a bright spot in Indias battle against air pollution.

The National Green Tribunal has taken a dim view of state governments failure to check crop burning. The NGT warned that officials in August that they would not receive their salaries if they did not come up with action plans to tackle stubble burning.

The environment minister , however, said he expects the Delhis air to be much cleaner this winter season, and over a period of five years the government expects air pollution levels to drop by 30-35 %.

Delhis graded action plan, which was formulated on the direction of the Supreme Court, will come into force on October 15th this year. The plan includes provisions like closing down the highly polluting Badarpur power plant. Power plants are the other major contributor to Delhis air pollution. They a lone contribute to 11% of the capitals PM2.5 load (Particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter).

At the national level, the government had set a deadline of end of 2017 for coal powered plants to meet pollution standards However, sources within the ministry said it was unlikely the plants will be able to meet them and they are likely to get extensions on the deadline to meet the norms.

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Two Indian rock pythons, one male and another female, were rescued by the wildlife team from Gurgaon and Manesar on Tuesday morning and Monday night. While the male python is 10 foot long, the female is 8.5 foot long. It took half an hour to rescue the pythons and they were released in Aravallis forest on Tuesday evening after being kept under observation for several hours.

During the 30-minute rescue operation, the pythons tried to slip away but they were under the surveillance of locals until the wildlife rescue team reached the spot.

According to the wildlife officials, the male four-year-old reptile, weighing 25kg was rescued from Tau Devi Lal Park, Sector 22, Gurgaon on Monday night. They had received a call from a resident who visited the park while on a stroll after dinner. The park is located near the residential area and there is a lot of green areas adjacent to it.

The python is believed to have wandered out of the green area. It was kept in observation overnight after which the it was carefully released into its natural habitat.

The three-year-old female python, weighing 17 kg, was rescued from a private automobile company in Manesar Industrial area on Tuesday around 2 pm.

The employees of the company were shocked after discovering a large python in the premises.

The reptiles was found unhurt and were released back into their natural habitat after they were reported healthy, officials said.

We are glad to see that residents are becoming more sensible about handling these reptiles as, instead of taking matters into their own hands, they immediately report such incidents to the wildlife officials and cooperate with them during the rescue operations, said Dr. Ashok Khasa, veterinary surgeon, wildlife.

Read I Gurgaon: Rescued Indian rock python in good health, set free in Aravallis

Earlier, the people used to attack the reptiles with stones and stick and in few cases, even killed them, said, officials.

According to wildlife officials, nine Indian rock pythons have been rescued in the district over the last three months. Earlier, pythons were sighted and rescued from Sohna Dhani, Baliyawas in Faridabad and Ghata in Gurgaon.

Wildlife activists said that the number of python sightings in the district has gone up considerably over the last few months.

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A 13-year-old class 5 student, who is alleged to have been sexually abused by the staff at the Ujwal Niketan, a Child Care Institute (CCI), several times during last one year revealed her ordeal during counselling to Child Welfare Committee (CWC) officials on Tuesday.

The victim and her seven-year-old brother were brought to the CCI at Sector 4 in year 2014. Their mother left them at the child care centre as their father was unable to take care of them.

The 65-year-old caretaker of the centre, Sister Lilly Baretto, was arrested on Sunday night from a church in Sukhdev Vihar, Delhi on charges of handing over children under her custody for adoption against the norms. She is also accused of child trafficking and was booked under relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Indian Penal Code.

According to the inmates, the victim used to be a fun loving child but after the alleged sexual abuse, she went into a shell and had been largely reserved.

On Tuesday, while she was being counselled, she requested the CWC chairperson to shift her to another CCI saying other inmates of the centre were harassing her for raising her voice against Sister Baretto.

I have been asked not to reveal anything during the session. The girls who are close to Sister have threatened me and told me that she will take revenge for putting her driver behind the bars, the victim said. The driver Madan was arrested in mid-July by the Sector 10 police.

The victim said she was under immense pressure and was not ready to speak in front of other girl inmates. Sources said the moment she was taken to the counselling room, she revealed that many other girl inmates were victims of sexual abuse but were not disclosing the truth.

She cried and revealed that she was tortured for revealing the sexual abuse and torture at the centre. She said other girl inmates, who were close to Sister Lily and were among her favourites, assaulted her and isolated her from fellow inmates for raising her voice against their Didi (Baretto), Shakuntala Dhull, chairperson, CWC, said.

The victim, who was not aware of Barettos arrest, was relieved at the news.

If Didi comes out (of jail), she will kill me. When I was coming for counselling today, the girls told me to deny the rape allegation and asked me to keep quiet. I was scared to come here, as I thought even didi will be here and will beat me for opening my mouth, the victim said.

She has also told us that several men visited the CCI and sexually abused other girls as well. When they complained to Sister Lily, she used to assault them and even threaten them with rape. Many girls had refused to get their medical examination done at the hospital. Since the accused is arrested, we will get their medical tests done as it would help us in our investigation, Dhull said.

The three-member observation committee was formed in February by the high court. It comprises Suruchi Atreja, chairperson, Arun Shokeen, member, Panel Advocate DLSA- district legal services authority and Nisha Saini, legal probation officer, district child protection unit.

The committee members visited Ujwal Niketan CCI for routine inspection after receiving a complaint on cruelty to child inmates and missing children and also found irregularities with regard to adoption of children at the centre.

The victim was shifted to another CCI after her counselling session on Tuesday evening.

Seven children, including two girls of the centre, were counselled on Tuesday. They also alleged that they were brutally assaulted when they tried to complain about the torture.

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Ipsita Pati

htreporters@hindustantimes.com

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Tuesday submitted a report of an enquiry before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stating that the area where more than 10,000 trees were chopped in Sarai Khajwa village in Faridabad for a group housing society was deemed forest. It said the permission to cut trees was incorrect.

The land in question is recorded in the Jamabandi as Gair Mumkin Pahar and thus clearly a part of the Aravalli and thus would automatically be part of NCZ. This has been the view of the MoEF&CC before the NCRPB..Thus letter granting felling permission.is legally incorrect, stated the enquiry report.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday.

The NGT had asked the ministry to submit an enquiry report on a petition filed by Lt. Col. (retd) Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi, who wants realty projects out of the Aravalli gair mumkin pahar area, considered as deemed forest.

The former additional chief secretary (forest) to the Haryana government, SK Gulati, had in June ordered clearing of land for the housing project. The enquiry report said the order should have been avoided.

Gulatis order stated .the said land of Ms Bharti Land is not a protected, reserved or unclassed forests; not notified under section 4 and/or 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, and no plantation under Aravalli Project has been undertaken by the Forest Department on the above said land. The area is not being treated as forest for the purpose of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Therefore, the land does not constitute forest component of NCZ. The area if comes under Section 4 of PLPA, it can get permission from the department for tree felling(sic).

This area does not constitute forest component of NCZ as per the NCRPB meeting dated 20.12.2016, stated Gulatis order.

But the ministry said this order was incorrect by the enquiry as nothing such is recorded in the meeting of NCRPB.

The ministry analysed the land status and maintained the area should be treated as forest as per the dictionary meaning.

The definition covers all statutorily recognised forests, whether designated as reserved, protected or otherwise for the purpose of Section 2(1) of the Forest Conservation Act, said the ministry.

The area is also considered as deemed forest, which has been derived from the December 1996 Supreme Court (SC) Godavarman judgment that stated that in addition to notified forests, areas recorded as forests in government records will be treated as forests for the purpose of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).

The MoEF report said the Lafarge judgment should have been followed in this case. The Lafarge judgment implies that in the event of a dispute regarding status of the land, a committee constituted by the principal chief conservator of forest with representatives of the ministry should examine and determine the status.

Read I Gurgaon: Filling of water pits in parched Aravalli forest underway

The petitioner highlighted that in the minutes of the meeting of the NCRPB Board held in June 2015, the state government had promised to maintain status quo in about 50,000 acres of forest land under the status to be decided category, till the forest definition issue was settled, which is also not followed in this case.

The area comes under natural conservation zones where construction beyond 0.5% is not allowed, said Vivek Kamboj, a green activist.
In an unusual surgery, a team of doctors in the US successfully removed a brain tumour from a patient while he played a saxophone in the operating room.

When 27-year-old New York-based music teacher Dan Fabbio was diagnosed with a brain tumour, he was concerned about losing not only his livelihood, but also one of his greatest passions in life during the surgery.

The tumour, though not cancerous was located near the part of the brain responsible for music function. So a team of physicians, scientists and a music professor, reported ABC, came up with a novel way to ensure Fabbio did not lose his musical abilities.

It was strange because I was lying on my side, and thats not how you usually play the instrument, Fabbio, 27, told the Daily News. And, also, my skull was open.

Removing a tumour from the brain can have significant consequences depending upon its location, said neurosurgeon Web Pilcher, from Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Centre in the US.

Both the tumour itself and the operation to remove it can damage tissue and disrupt communication between different parts of the brain, he said.

It is, therefore, critical to understand as much as you can about each individual patient before you bring them into the operating room so we can perform the procedure without causing damage to parts of the brain that are important to that persons life and function, he added.

The pair also brought Elizabeth Marvin, a professor of music theory at the universitys Eastman School of Music, on board.

Together, they developed a series of cognitive musical tests that Fabbio could perform while the researchers were scanning his brain. They also made him perform language tasks that required him to identify objects and repeat sentences.

Using this information the research team produced a highly detailed 3D map of Fabbios brain - with both the location of the tumour and music function - that would be used to help guide the surgeons in the operating room.

The research team produced a highly detailed 3D map of Fabbios brain - with both the location of the tumour and music function. (Screengrab from YouTube video uploaded by UR Medicine)

The ability to process and repeat a tune was an important measure, but the team also wanted to know if they were successful in preserving Fabbios ability to perform music.

So they decided to bring his saxophone into the operating room and have him play it during the procedure.

The challenge was the pressure caused by the deep breathes required to play long notes on the saxophone could cause the brain, which would be exposed during the procedure, to protrude from his skull.

The doctors ultimately selected a piece - a version of a Korean folk song - that could be modified to be played with shorter and shallower breaths.

During the procedure, the surgical team used the map of Fabbios brain to plan the surgery.

During the procedure Fabbio was awake and repeating the humming and language tasks he performed prior to the surgery.

A music professor was present in the operating room and scored Fabbios performance to let the surgeons know whether or not they had targeted an area that disrupted music processing and, therefore, should be avoided during the procedure.

Once the tumour had been removed the surgeons gave the go ahead to bring over the saxophone and let Fabbio play.

Fabbio isnt the only musician whose abilities assisted surgeons during an important surgery. (Screengrab from YouTube video uploaded by UR Medicine)

Fabbio has since completely recovered and returned to teaching music within a few months of his surgery.

Fabbio isnt the only musician whose abilities assisted surgeons during an important surgery. Professional violinist Roger Frisch played his instrument throughout a procedure to determine the source of tremors in his brain that was affecting his playing.

In 2015, Anthony Kulkamp Dias played a Beatles tune on his guitar during his surgery. It never gets any less astonishing.

In July, a video and photos of 37-year-old Abhishek Prasad strumming the guitar as surgeons at Bengalurus Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital operated on his brain went viral.
A French court ruled Tuesday that a French celebrity magazine must pay 100,000 euros in damages to Britains Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton over topless photos of the duchess published in 2012.

The court also ordered Closer magazines editor Laurence Pieau and publisher Ernesto Mauri to each pay 45,000 euros ($53,000) in fines, the maximum possible. The couple had sought 1.5 million euros in damages and interest.

Closer magazines lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins said he was pleased with the ruling on the damages to pay, but said the fine was exaggerated for a simple private matter.

For his part, the royal couples lawyer Jean Veil declined to comment, adding that Kensington Palace would make a statement.

The grainy snaps of Kate Middleton sunbathing in a bikini bottom were taken while she was on holiday in September 2012 in the south of France with her husband, the second in line to the British throne. The couple were snapped with a long lens relaxing by a pool at a chateau belonging to Viscount Linley, a nephew of Queen Elizabeth.

The pictures triggered a furious reaction from the royal family in Britain, where several newspapers rejected an offer to buy the pictures. Closer, a glossy gossip magazine, was the first to splash them on its cover, and they were later reproduced in several other European publications, including Chi in Italy and Irelands Daily Star.

The royals filed a criminal complaint for invasion of privacy and obtained an injunction preventing further use of the images. In a letter read out in court, William said the case reminded him of the paparazzi hounding of his mother, princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in Paris 20 years ago.

Two Paris-based agency photographers, were each given fines of 10,000 euros, with 5,000 euros suspended.

Positive image

The prosecution had called for very heavy fines for the editor of the French Closer and Mondadori France, which is part of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconis media empire. The royals had joined the case as civil plaintiffs.

During the trial, Closers lawyers argued that the pictures were in the public interest and conveyed a positive image of the royals.

The court also ordered the magazine to hand over the files with the images to the royal couple.

They learned of their impending publication while on an Asia-Pacific tour to mark the diamond jubilee of Williams grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday the country was prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the Panchsheel agreement as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Brics summit in Xiamen.

Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar said the two leaders emphasised that peace in their border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of their relationship.

Indias first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Chinas first premier, Zhou Enlai, held talks to define the ties between the two countries and on April 29 1954, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence or Panchsheel was signed, assuring each others territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.

Under the agreement, India gave up all extra-territorial rights and privileges it enjoyed in Tibet, which it inherited from the British colonial legacy. India formally recognised Tibet to be a region of China. The five principles agreed upon were:

1. Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty

2. Mutual non-aggression

3. Mutual non-interference in each others internal affairs

4. Equal and mutual benefit working relationship

5. Peaceful co-existence

After the 1962 war, which made the agreement null and void, India and China restored full diplomatic ties after a hiatus of 15 years.

Later, during a visit by Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi to China in 1988, Chinas leader Deng Xiaoping proposed that the countries present Panchsheel as the basic framework for defining the new world order of post-Cold War world. During the visit, the nations agree to set up a joint working group on boundary disputes.

With inputs from agencies
A senior army officer and two soldiers died in two separate incidents in Jammu region on Monday and Tuesday

The two soldiers were electrocuted in Udhampur on Tuesday.

Udhampur SHO Inspector Sanjeev Gupta said that the soldiers died due to electric shock at 3 Advance Base Workshop.

The dead soldiers have been identified as P Jaipal Reddy, son of P N Reddy of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh and I Vasudevan, son of I Irrulappan in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.

The bodies have been shifted from the military hospital to district hospital Udhampur for post-mortem.

A day earlier on Monday, a Lt. Colonel died of an apparent heart attack in Chatha near Jammu.

Lt. Col. Saibal Subash Dutta fell unconscious during morning exercise at an Army formation in Chatha on Monday morning. He was rushed to the military hospital at Satwari where he died, said Chatha police post in-charge sub inspector Sandeep Charak.

Charak said that as a part of morning regimen the officer was running inside the army formation when he suddenly collapsed.

It seems that the officer suffered a cardiac arrest, he added.

The police have initiated inquest proceedings.
The army will brief its former chiefs on significant developments during the last two years, including the recent border standoff with China, the 2016 surgical strikes and ongoing military reforms, at an upcoming conclave, sources said on Tuesday.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat will host the three-day brainstorming session that begins on September 7 in Delhi, with around 10 of his predecessors expected at the biennial event.

We will be given detailed briefings by important appointment holders, including the heads of military operations and military intelligence wings, former army chief General JJ Singh told Hindustan Times.

Known as the Army Chiefs Conclave, the platform provides an opportunity to the force to draw on the collective experience of its former leaders and seek their inputs on key issues.

The meeting comes a week after India and China ended a 73-day border face-off in Doklam plateau near Sikkim and almost a year after the army carried out surgical strikes against militant launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a strike on a camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Uri that left 19 soldiers dead in September 2016.

From border standoffs, surgical strikes to modernisation, all national security aspects would be discussed, Gen Singh said.

If the army had not confronted the Chinese troops in Doklam, the neighbour would have built the road and presented it to India as a fait accompli, he said.

China had accused India of trespass and preventing its troops from building a road in the remote Himalayan plateau, claimed by both China and Bhutan. The standoff ended with withdrawal of troops and China removing road-building equipment.

The restructuring of the army and its modernisation would be another point of discussion, officers said. On August 30, India announced an extensive restructuring of the army, an exercise that will see 57,000 soldiers being redeployed in combat roles.

The revamp is aimed at improving the armys tooth-to-tail ratio -- the number of personnel (tail) required to support a combat soldier (tooth).

The changes are in line with the recommendations made by an 11-member expert panel, headed by lieutenant general DB Shekatkar (retd), on enhancing the militarys combat capability and endurance.

The government, however, is yet to usher in key reforms, including creation of a chief of defence staff as principal military adviser to the government, restructuring the Defence Research and Development Organisation and setting up special operations, space and cyber commands to fight future wars.

The army is also dealing with a lack of basics, shortage of critical weapons and ammunition and red tape holding up purchases, though steps are being taken to fill critical gaps.

Modernisation has to happen at a faster pace. Take the case of the M777 ultra-light howitzers. The plan to buy the guns was mooted during my term more than a decade ago. But the guns have started coming in only now, said Singh, who was the chief from January 31, 2005, to September 30, 2007.

The army design bureau (ADB), set up in August 2016, has listed out 78 problems that need to be addressed quickly to provide the best protection to front-line soldiers and develop cutting-edge weaponry.

An initiative of the Modi government, the ADB is tasked with promoting research and development and act as a bridge between the force and the private sector to meet the armys requirements.

Everything ranging from troop welfare to modernisation will be covered. The inputs provided by the former chiefs are taken seriously and implemented as required, an army officer said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are likely to be more involved in Gujarat affairs in the coming months as elections are expected to be held in November.

Modi will address Narmada Utsav in Gujarat on September 17, an event to celebrate the completion of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river.

Fifty-six years after the foundation stone was laid, the Gujarat government on June 17 got permission from the Centre to shut the gates of the controversy-hit structure, marking the completion of the project.

Modi will also receive Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad on September 13 for a series of programmes, including the foundation stone laying of Indias first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The BJP will also organise a town hall programme for party president Amit Shah at 100 places simultaneously. This is Shahs second such event. More than one lakh youth will participate in the event on September 10, a BJP leader said. We have got confirmation from 22,000 participants till yesterday, he said.

Adikham Gujarat (resolute Gujarat) is the tagline for this event. Shah will attend the town hall event in Ahmedabad and answer queries related to youth.

Questions for the event have been invited via phone calls, SMSes, website and other means. BJP leaders call it an outreach programme for youths, who are becoming important in deciding poll outcome.

Although Vijay Rupani is the chief minister of the state, the focus is on these top leaders. The reason is two-fold. First, Rupani is a relatively lightweight politician. Second, Modi continues to remain the most popular figure in Gujarat and Shahs organisational efforts converts his popularity into electoral success.
Boss is always right and failed to communicate my good work to bosses is how Rajiv Pratap Rudy reacted on Tuesday to a query on the possible reasons for his being dropped as the minister for skill development and entrepreneurship in the latest reshuffle.

I tried my best... Even my successor will need some time to deliver visible changes, Rudy told NDTV.

Rudy was replaced by petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was not just elevated to Cabinet Minister rank but also given additional responsibility of the Skill Development Ministry.

When I was made minister in 2014, I had to look for officers, create a roadmap and structure... All that is there now across the country. There are centres imparting training to youths as per the Prime Ministers vision, he added.

Rudy told NDTV: I cant take my certificate if the boss (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) thinks that I failed. The boss is always right.

But yes, I failed to communicate to people and my bosses (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) the work done under their guidance in such a short time, the MP from Saran in Bihar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped six ministers from his council of ministers in the latest reshuffle on Sunday.

How can I create employment? My brief was to raise an employable workforce. Getting jobs to them was never there in the brief given to me, he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping agreed on Tuesday that more must be done to improve mutual trust and avoid future border standoffs, as they sought to mend ties damaged by a two-month-long tense military faceoff on an icy Himalayan plateau.

The two spoke for more than an hour after the Brics nations summit, a meeting described by Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar as a forward looking conversation that recognised that peace along the border was a prerequisite for better ties.

Talks between Xi and Modi had been in question after Chinese and Indian troops faced off in the Doklam border region, their most serious military confrontation in decades that ended last week as abruptly as it had begun in June.

It is natural that between neighbours and large powers there would be areas of difference. But where there is an area of difference, it should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find common ground, Jaishankar said.

On both sides there was a sense that more efforts need to be made to ensure that these kinds of situations dont reoccur.

Jaishankar said the two leaders affirmed that peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of our relationship and that there should be more effort made to really enhance and strengthen the level of mutual trust between the two sides.

In response, Xi told Modi that healthy, stable ties were in the interest of both countries, a statement from Chinas foreign ministry said.

China is willing to work with India ... to increase political trust, advance mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the further development of China-India relations along the correct path, it said.

The two sides agreed that Chinese and Indian defence and security personnel must maintain strong contact and cooperation to prevent future border standoffs.

The trouble in Doklam, known as Donglang in Chinese, started when Chinese soldiers started to extend a road, prompting India to deploy troops to stop the construction. Doklam is claimed by both Bhutan and China. India does not claim Doklam for itself but is closely allied with Bhutan, which it regards as a buffer against China.

Meanwhile, Islamabad on Tuesday rejected a Brics statement that militant groups in Pakistan  including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed  pose a regional security concern, with its defence minister Khurram Dastagir Khan saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.

These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning, Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to. The Brics statement on this was seen as a diplomatic victory for India.

Asked if Modi and Xi discussed fighting terrorism on Tuesday, Jaishankar said that issue did not come up, and that the counterterrorism issues were largely taken up in the discussions leading to the Brics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Doklam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Modi met Xi at around 10 am, the prime ministers last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Earlier in the day, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Below are the highlights:

12:11 pm: Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit: PM Modi

12:10 pm: The various deliberations during the BRICS Summit were extremely productive. Looking forward to building on these in the times to come: Modi.

I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit: Modi

12:05 pm: PM Modi says we held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China.

11:55 am:

"personnel invlvd with defence must maintain strong contacts, ensure the sort of situations that happened recently dont recur," @htTweets  sutirtho patranobis (@spatranobis) September 5, 2017

11:52 am: PM Modi and President Xi Jinping had a constructive and forward looking meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit: MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar

11:52 am: MEA briefing ends.

11:50 am: Peace and tranquillity are a pre-requisite for border security... Defence personnel must be in greater touch so such differences dont occur again, says Jaishankar, adding that both governments need better communication to avoid recent issues.

The two nuclear powers engaged in a bitter, weeks-long military confrontation in a disputed and strategically important area, Doklam, in the Himalayas.

11: 45 am: A forward-looking approach by both sides, discussion was constructive about where the India-China relationship should be going: Jaishankar

As agreed at Astana, we would not let differences become disputes. At a time the world was changing, we would not let India-China relations change.

11:40 am: MEA briefing begins. Foreign secretary S Jaishankar says the Modi-Xi meeting lasted more than an hour.

11:30 am: Meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping concludes.

11:15 am: Jinping calls for putting its bilateral relationship with India on the right track during a meeting with Modi in Xiamen, the official Xinhua news agency reports.

11:10 am: Xi tells Modi healthy, stable China-India ties necessary: AFP quotes Chinese news agency Xinhua

11:05 am: India and China are neighbours and also two of the worlds largest and emerging countries: President Xi

11 am: China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel: Jinping tells PM Modi

Panchsheel treaty was a Jawaharlal Nehru-proposed agreement between India and China. It was signed on April 29, 1954. The five principles are:

 Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty.

 Mutual non-aggression

 Mutual non-interference in each others internal affairs

 Equality and cooperation for mutual benefit

 Peaceful co-existence

10:55 am: The summit has been successful in boosting cooperation between the BRICS countries, says PM Modi.

The Chinese delegation comprises of President Xi Jinping, chief spokesperson Lu Kang, foreign minister Wang Yi and state counsellor Yang Jiechi

10:50 am: PM Modi congratulates China for the successful execution of BRICS Summit at the bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping: ANI

#WATCH IMMEDIATE PLAY OUT: PM Modi held bilateral meet with Chinese pres Xi Jinping in Xiamen. https://t.co/2UsWaBILBr  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

10:30 am: The MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meet will begin soon.

10:23 am: Bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping begins in Xiamen.

10:07 am: PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on sidelines of BRICS Summit in Xiamen

9: 45 am: Foreign secretary S Jaishankar to talk about Modi-Xi bilateral after the much-anticipated meeting between the two leaders in Xiamen.

9: 43 am: PM Modi says Indias no strings attached model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries, at the BRICS developing nations dialogue.

9:40 am: The road ahead of the Doklam impasse will likely be the broad focus of discussions in the meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping.

The atmosphere for the meeting was suitably smoothened  at least for India  by Xiamen Declaration for this BRICS summit which bracketed Pakistan-based terror groups JeM and LeT with ISIL and Taliban.

9:15 am: PMs suggestions at the BRICS dialogue.

PM suggests that BRICS leadership for global transformation can be achieved through Ten Noble Commitments pic.twitter.com/w12HnDXcXM  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

9:09 am: XI Jinping warns that world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change.

I wish to announce that China will provide $ 500 million for assistance fund for South-South Cooperation, Xi

9:03 am: PM urges BRICS nations to work collectively for a digital world, skilled world, healthier world, equitable world and harmonious world.

9:00 am: Modi calls for an inclusive world, where the poorest of the poor are integrated into the financial mainstream.

8:57 am: Modi says we need to work together to create a greener world and mitigate the menace of climate change.

8:55 am: The bedrock of our development agenda lies in the notion of sabka saath, sabka vikas, says PM Narendra Modi in Xiamen.

We need coordinated action and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management: Modi

8:52 am: PM Modi highlights Indias growing engagement with Africa in multiple sectors and the International Solar Alliance.

8:49 am: PM addresses the Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue.

PM @narendramodi at BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue for promoting mutually beneficial coop'n for Common Development pic.twitter.com/S37vOgdpkT  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

8: 11 am: President Xi Jinping chairs Emerging Market Economies and Developing Countries Dialogue. He says countries need to oppose protectionism and rebalance globalisation to make it more sustainable.

8:10 am: Modi arrives for the dialogue on emerging markets and developing countries.

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping & Russian Pres Vladimir Putin arrive at Dialogue of Emerging Market & Developing Countries in Xiamen. pic.twitter.com/v1hq1pzC4r  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

7:35am: PM Narendra Modi arrives at International Conference Centre, Xiamen for group photo of BRICS leaders and leaders of guest countries.

7:30am: On Monday, Brics declaration names LeT, JeM, Haqqani network, Taliban, al Qaeda, ISIL-DAISH among groups causing violence, security concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held on Tuesday their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Doklam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.

During their meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on a very successful BRICS Summit, Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, Indias external affairs ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on expeditious disengagement of their border troops in the disputed Doklam area.

Indian officials had earlier indicated that the two leaders were expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures. The sense is that both countries want to move on after the standoff.

Earlier, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Ahead of BJP president Amit Shahs three-day visit to Odisha from Wednesday, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday voiced confidence that the party would achieve the goal of winning 120 of the 147 assembly seats in the state.

He (Amit Shah) has entrusted the job of achieving this goal through hard work to lakhs of party workers in 36,000 booths across Odisha. The target would certainly be met, Pradhan said, while responding to queries about the Mission-120 target set by Shah.

The petroleum minister said the BJP president has set the target of partys victory in 120 assembly seats in 2019 polls, after a thorough assessment of the political situation during his visit to the state in July this year.

Read more: Promoted to cabinet rank, Dharmendra Pradhan faces two key challenges

Pradhan was on a visit to Odisha, the first to the state after he was elevated to the rank of Cabinet Minister in the ministry reshuffle effected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. Besides petroleum, he has been given additional charge of the skill development ministry.

Stating that the confidence and faith of the people in the leadership of Narendra Modi is growing across the country, the BJP leader said he would work sincerely for the development of Odisha and welfare of its people.

Pradhan said he was humbled at the trust and confidence reposed on him by the Prime Minister.

Noting that there are now two Cabinet Ministers at the Centre from Odisha, he said his elevation showed Modis love for the state.

Pradhans statement on Mission-120 comes a day after the ruling BJD in the state exuded confidence that the regional party would win in 123 of the 147 seats in the state assembly.

BJD vice president and food supplies and consumer welfare minister SN Patro made the claim in reply to Shahs earlier statement that BJP would secure 120 seats in the next assembly elections.

Besides Pradhan, other senior BJP leaders of Odisha maintained that Shahs calculation had never gone wrong. We are confident of achieving our Mission-120, state BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra had said, rejecting Patros claim.
More than 20 persons were injured when an irate mob clashed with police during an anti-encroachment drive at Ghurdaur Road in Rajeev Nagar locality of Patna on Tuesday.

The trouble started when a team of district administration and police reached the colony to demolish illegal constructions on the land acquired by the Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB) in the 1970s.

As soon as the team began demolishing illegal constructions, one of them belonging to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Achal Singh, the mob started pelting stones on the police, which was largely unprepared for such an organised retaliation. At least eight policemen, including Digha police station SHO Rajiv Dubey, were injured in the attack.

The situation deteriorated after the mob set on fire three JCB machines and a police vehicle and blocked the Danapur-Digha main road by placing burning tyres.

Enraged over the anti-encroachment drive, angry people blocked the Danapur-Digha road in Patna. (HT photo)

With the situation going out of control, the police had to make a retreat.

Eyewitnesses claimed that both the sides also exchanged fire. Over 50 rounds were fired, creating panic in the area, said the locals. The police said they had to open fire in self-defence. They also claimed that the anti-encroachment drive was being carried put on the orders of the Patna high court.

DIG (central range) Rajesh Kumar said a team comprising the additional district magistrate, deputy collector of land reforms (DCLR) and housing board officials had gone to Rajeev Nagar to remove encroachments, but there was heavy stone pelting, causing injury to many police officials. A detailed inquiry will be conducted into the entire incident, he added.

The irate mob also set on fire a police vehicle. (HT photo)

The dispute in Rajiv Nagar is quite old and in the past also attempts by the district administration had met with dharna and protests. The BSHB had in 1974 decided to acquire 1054 acres of land in the present Rajeev Nagar for the proposed Digha Housing Colony. After acquisition of the land, the BSHB invited applications for giving plots and about 12,000 persons applied for it by submitting the requisite amount. In course of time, a private co-operative society, having purchased land from farmers, allotted them to its members who constructed their houses. However, they still do not have absolute right on the plots.

To resolve the dispute, the Bihar government enacted a law on April 20, 2010. The state cabinet subsequently approved the Digha Land Acquisition Settlement Rules and Scheme 2014, fixing the rate to settle the disputed lands, but the landowners were not convinced and maintained that their land had not been acquired by the government. Those who have already constructed houses on the disputed plots are also not ready to pay to the government as per the prevailing MVR rate.

The administration swings into action only when the situation gets out of hand. Why did they allow constructions to go on the encroached land. Had they acted on time, things could not have reached such a pass, said the locals, blaming the administration for conniving with encroaches and harassing the house owners.
Lack of oxygen killed at least 14 of the 49 children who died at a government hospital in Uttar Pradeshs Farrukhabad last month , an official report of the institutions top medical officer has said, contradicting the stand taken by the state administration.

The report of the chief medical superintendent of the womens section of the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital noted that 14 out of 30 children who died between July 22 and August 20 at the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) perished only of peri-natal asphyxia  a condition where a child cannot breathe properly after birth and has to be immediately put on oxygen supply.

The report says another four of the 30 died because of peri-natal asphyxia along with other complications. Twelve others died of other reasons ranging from septicemia to premature birth. Hindustan Times has a copy of the report accessed through hospital sources.

Read more: Parents recount horror, say babies died for want of oxygen

Other than these 30 children, 19 more babies died at birth in the hospital during the same period.

There could be several reasons for perinatal asphyxia or what be call a difficult birth, and these babies need oxygen support. In fact they might even need a ventilator, says Dr Deepika Deka, professor, gynaecology and obstetrics department, New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Every hospital in its labour room must have adequate oxygen and the facility to ventilate in case of emergency.

Officials said that this document became the basis for a report by the city magistrate, which indicted the hospital authorities for gross negligence. Within hours, the state government dismissed the magistrates report as superficial on Monday and insisted that the deaths werent due to an oxygen supply crisis.

This came at a time when chief minister Yogi Adityanath is facing a storm of criticism over a string of similar deaths at a government hospital in Gorakhpur roughly a month ago. The government has swept aside charges of negligence in both cases despite mounting attacks on the states poor health infrastructure.

Local officials point out to a crucial difference between the two cases. In the case of the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, it was alleged that a snag in oxygen supply caused the deaths. But in Farrukhabad, both the magistrate and parents of the newborns blame the doctors and hospital staff for being careless and not providing oxygen, which was available, to the children.

This underlines gross negligence on the part of the hospital authorities and staff members, said a district official who didnt want to be named. The government wrongly presumed the local report puts the blame on shortage of oxygen as was the case in Gorakhpur. The official said the magistrates team had a doctor on board.

The SNCU is functioning with just one doctor on staff, as against a requirement of four.

Health department officials, however, continued to set aside charges that doctors didnt give adequate oxygen to children. There can be many reasons behind peri-natal asphyxia. A child can get asphyxiated in mothers womb, said a doctor, not willing to be identified.

It would have been prudent for the inquiry team to consult the experts broadly rather than hurriedly reaching a conclusion and blaming the hospital for deaths, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Naypyidaw on Tuesday for a two-day trip to Myanmar, his first bilateral visit to the only Southeast Asian country India shares land boundary with.

The trip comes at time when Myanmar is facing intense scrutiny over latest round of violence against roughly 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar opened up to the world after an oppressive junta in 2011 gradually made way for a civilian government but India has not particularly hit it off with the neighbour, which has warmed up to China.

Myanmar is Indias gateway to the East and it was in capital Naypyidaw that Modi launched Act East policy in 2014 but a lot remains to be done.

1. Making up for lost time

India has struggled to read the domestic churn in Myanmar. In the first decade of this century, New Delhi was close to the generals running the country, leaving Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who came to symbolise the countrys struggle against the oppressive military rulers, miffed.

Though Suu Kyi went to college in Delhi, India failed to build on that goodwill when her party came to power in 2016, allowing China to make inroads. The de facto leader of her country, Suu Kyi chose Beijing as the first major capital for her visit abroad ahead of New Delhi.

India has a lot of catching up to do with the country that could prove strategically important as China steps up activity in the Indian Ocean.

The bilateral trade is valued at just $2 billion. India is seventh biggest importer to Myanmar and its third biggest export destination but trade and economic ties havent picked up in recent times, a field that has a lot of potential.

2. The China factor

Ties between China and Myanmar have strengthened after Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party swept to power. Robust economic and business ties apart, China continues to provide diplomatic fig leaf to Myanmar at a time when most Western nations are piling pressure on the government, Suu Kyi and military over the violence and exodus of Rohingya Muslims.

Moreover, China is vital to the peace negotiations as it mediates between armed ethnic groups and the government.

3. Rohingya Muslims

The Rakhine state in Myanmars northwest is politically sensitive and is also important to both India and China.

It is the starting point of the much-delayed $484-million Kaladan multi-modal transport projects that aim to connect Myanmar to India.

India has already completed work on Sittwe port, at the estuary of Kaladan river, in Rakhine.

Similarly, the troubled state is also the spot from where the Myanmar end of the oil and gas pipeline with China will open.

Beijing and New Delhi have their reasons for the state to be peaceful. A road and rail network across northern Myanmar to the Bay of Bengal will allow Beijing to increase trade with West Asia without taking the contentious South China Sea route.

Exodus of Rohingya Muslims  about 90,000 of them have fled in the last few days alone  poses a problem to both Bangladesh and India.

4. Security cooperation

Along with a maritime border, Myanmar shares 1,643-km land boundary with Indias four northeastern states. Several insurgent groups have set up bases and training camps in Myanmar, a constant headache for India. The two countries have been increasingly working together but more needs to be done to address Indias security concerns.

5. Act East

In geographical terms, Myanmar is the first stop for Indias Act East policy.

The two countries are also members of various regional groupings such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) and Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

At the 2016 summit in Goa, Bimstec stressed the need for strengthening transit agreements and early conclusion of a free trade agreement. Myanmar also remains an important country for various regional connectivity plans.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a ward councillor of Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation on Monday night in connection with the mysterious disappearance of Navruna Chakravorty, a 14-year old girl, from the north Bihar town in 2012.

Rakesh Kumar Sinha Pappu was arrested following his interrogation at the CBI office in Patna. Pappu was on Tuesday produced in the court of special CBI judge AK Dixit at Muzaffarpur, who remanded him to 14-day judicial custody.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE INCIDENT September 17-18, 2012: Navruna goes missing from her house at Muzaffarpur September 19, 2012: Muzaffarpur Town police register FIR November 26, 2012 : Skeleton recovered from a drain near Navrunas house September 13, 2013: CM Nitish Kumar recommends CBI probe. CBI refuses to take up case. November 25, 2013 : Supreme Court directs CBI to inquire into the matter February 14, 2014 : CBI begins probe. August 20, 2014 : On basis of DNA test, CBI tells court that skeleton was of Navruna September 4, 2107: CBI arrests Muzaffarpur ward councillor Rakesh Kumar Sinha Pappu

Pappu had visited the CBI office on Monday after receiving summons from the premier investigating agency.

Though, this was the first arrest made by the CBI in the case, three persons, including an electronic media journalist, were taken into custody by the district police after a month of the incident. They are now released on bail.

Navruna Chakravorty, who went missing in 2012. (File photo)

Navruna had gone missing from her house on Jawaharlal Road in Muzaffarpur, 71 km north of Patna, on the intervening night of September 17 and 18, 2012. The CBI was assigned the investigation on the direction of the Supreme Court after the district police as well as state-run criminal investigation department (CID) failed to make a breakthrough in the case.

On November 26, 2012, a skeleton was found from the drain near the house, and, on the basis of forensic tests, CID said it was that of Navruna, but the family did not accept it.

On the basis of DNA report, CBI on August 20, 2014, told the court that the skeleton belonged to Navruna.

READ| PMO initiative: CBI set to probe Navruna case

The agency had interrogated some big names involved in illegal land deals as well as a couple of politicians, including former MLA Bijendra Chaudhury, after the recovery of the skeleton during the cleaning of the drain on the direction of Pappu.

A CBI official, not wishing to be identified, said the role of Pappu was suspicious as he was present when the exercise to clean the drain was being carried out.

It is not a common practice. Secondly, the cleaning was done only in front of the missing girls house. So, we have quizzed Pappu many times. We have also sought a detailed report on Pappu from the district police. He is a habitual offender as many cases, including one of train loot, are pending against him, the official said.

Meanwhile, Navrunas father Atulya Chakravorty welcomed the arrest, saying it was big day for him as the CBI had finally done something in the case.
Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday, was a journalist-activist, known for her anti-establishment, pro-poor and pro-Dalit stand.

Among very few woman editors in Kannada journalism, she was a fierce activist, who openly expressed her pro-Naxal and Leftist views.

Born in 1962, Gauri was the daughter of legendary Kannada journalist and founding editor of Kannada weekly tabloid Lankesh Patrike.

Her siblings  Kavitha and Indrajit Lankesh  are film and theatre personalities.

Gauri started her own Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike in 2005 after quitting as editor of Lankesh Patrike following differences with her brother and papers proprietor and publisher Indrajit.

She was convicted by a magisterial court in Hubballi last year in connection with a defamation case filed by BJP MP Pralhad Joshi and party office bearer Umesh Doshi who had objected to publication of a report against them in her periodical on January 23, 2008.

Gauri had in the past worked for the rehabilitation of Naxals who wanted to return to the social mainstream and was one among those involved in the founding of Citizens Initiative for Peace (CiP) in the state.
Haryana Police came looking for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahims close aide Honeypreet Insaan in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh as she is suspected to have left for Nepal through the porous border.

Additional superintendent of police Ghanshyam Chaurasiya confirmed the arrival of two Haryana Police personnel at the Gaurifanta border in Kheri.

The ASP told PTI that Haryana Police shared some information with Gaurifanta police and inquired about her suspected movement towards the neighbouring country through the porous India-Nepal border.

However, when no clue about Honeypreets departure for Nepal could be gathered, Haryana Police returned, the ASP said.

He said an unclaimed vehicle bearing a registration number of Punjab was seized from the border and a probe was on to ascertain its ownership and its connection with Honeypreet.

Honeypreet, who is in her 30s, is the adopted daughter of Ram Rahim whose conviction in a rape case triggered mob violence that killed at least 36 people across Haryana.

She had accompanied the Dera head when he was brought to the special CBI court in Panchkula for the pronouncement of the verdict in 15-year-old rape case. She also travelled with him in a special chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction.

Police had issued a lookout notice against Honeypreet who has emerged as the Dera heads likely successor to head the controversial sect.
A study said Indians have a more optimistic view of Donald Trumps presidency and believe the US role in the Indian and Pacific region will be favourable, The Hindu reported on Tuesday.

Former Australian defence minister Stephen Smith, who released the study in New Delhi, said India has contrary views to the other Indo-Pacific nations surveyed by the institute. Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and China believe that the American influence in the region has reduced since Trump took charge earlier this year, said Smith.

Theres no doubt that the rise of the Trump presidency has seen a diminution of the US influence in the rest of Asia. On the other hand, if you look at the US through the eyes of India, it is the most robust country in its view of US influence. In terms of our results, Indians take a very positive view of the current position of the US and of its future role here, Smith told The Hindu .

The study, which surveyed public opinion on US role in the Indo-Pacific region, was conducted in six countries by the Australian think-tank, Perth US Asia Centre.

If India has a more positive view, the Japanese who are close allies of the US have the most pessimistic opinion about the Trump presidency. Most other countries said China was likely to have a greater impact on Asias future.

India is really an outlier, on every question they have a more optimistic view of the United States as compared with even allies like Japan, Australia and Korea. Japanese who are the closest allies were very pessimistic that the US has its best days behind it. In India, 61% say they are ahead, said CEO of the Perth US Asia Centre Gordon Flake.

Trumps presidency, however, has evoked mixed reactions among Indians in America. While there is support within their neighbourhoods, and often outrage against the tell them to go home attitudes surfacing in pockets of the country, the sense of being different and standing out in a crowd has heightened since the start of the Trump administration.

I have become acutely aware of my skin colour in the last few months, after the rise of alleged hate crimes against Indians and Indians mistaken for Arabs, an Indian student in Washington DC, Sushovan Sircar told HT in July.

Trump, in his campaign speeches ahead of the election, had promised policies that focus on America First. The administration has introduced curbs and tougher criteria for issuing H1-B visas -- a programme used for hiring foreign workers in the IT sector, which could hit many Indian companies and employees in the US.

But Indians were more likely to see Trump coming down heavily on Pakistan for providing safe haven to terrorists favourably. Trump said in an address last month the US can no longer be silent about Pakistans safe havens and that American policy in South Asia and Afghanistan will change dramatically. He warned about the threat of conflict between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan if terrorism wasnt thwarted and said America has to further develop its strategic partnership with India.

The survey found that Indians also believed a conflict between India and Pakistan was more likely as opposed to other nations, who said it would be between North and South Korea.
Internet services were suspended in seven districts under Kosi and Purnia divisions of Bihar following communal tension after a large number of alleged cow carcasses were found floating in a canal at Tinkonwan village under Murliganj police station of Madhepura district on Monday.

The decision to ban the services till Tuesday would affect the districts of Madhepura, Supaul and Saharsa under Kosi division and Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar in Purnia division, also known as Seemanchal.

A posse of security personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the district police were camping at Murliganj.

Principal secretary, home, Amir Subhani told Hindustan Times: The situation is absolutely normal in Murliganj now. The ban in internet services was only till today and will be lifted tomorrow.

Asked if the carcasses could be of bovines, which died in recent floods that affected a population of 1.71 crore in 19 out of 38 Bihar districts , Subhani said, The police are investigating the matter. How can you expect that I, as the home secretary, will pre-empt their findings and share them with the media. What will the police inquiry then be about?

Efforts to contact superintendent of police, Madhepura, Vikash Kumar proved futile, as he did not respond to HTs call or text message on his cellphone. The staff on phone duty at his official residence said the SP had left for Murliganj.

An angry mob overturned a police jeep before pushing it into the canal in which alleged cow carcasses were seen floating in Madhepura on Monday. (HT file photo)

Madhepura district magistrate Mohammed Sohail said the situation was normal in the district on Tuesday morning and that the decision to suspend internet services was taken at the state headquarters level to prevent spread of rumours, which could lead to law and order problem in the area.

As the word about the carcasses spread on Monday, a large number of people along with members of cow vigilante groups reached the spot and protested the alleged cow slaughter. People also burnt tyres and demanded stern action against the culprits.

Giving vent to their ire, the mob targeted police personnel for their alleged slackness in arresting the culprits. The mob manhandled a policeman as the protestors started pelting stones on the police team and chased it away. The mob damaged the police vehicle and even pushed it into the canal. They also blocked the road and disrupted traffic on the state highway.

Policemen and curious onlookers at the spot where carcasses were found in Madhepura on Monday. (HT file photo)

Police sources said it looked like those bovines were allegedly sacrificed on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) and later their carcasses were dumped in the canal. However, another theory floating around was that these carcasses were of bovines, which had died in flash floods that swept the state on August 12.

The police have registered a case under the Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act against unidentified persons, but were yet to arrest any. The carcasses were sent for postmortem examination to ascertain the cause of death, the Sohail said.

Earlier on Saturday, Araria was tense after rumours that a Muslim family had carried cow meat to their home located on Bus Stand road on the occasion of Bakrid.

Tension had also gripped Ara town in Bhojpur district on Sunday after suspected cow carcass was found on the residential campus of a Muslim family, leading to the arrest of two persons on charges of animal cruelty and hurting public sentiments.
The Karnataka Police is tracing the killers of senior Kannada journalist, Gauri Lankesh, a critic of Hindu extremism, who was shot dead at her house in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening.

The three special teams set up to crack the case are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are taking the movements of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders, deputy commissioner of police (West) M N Anucheth told IANS in Bengaluru.

According to the police, at least three suspects were involved and Lankesh was found dead on her verandah around 8pm with bullet wounds to her head and chest. Television reports said seven bullets were fired at her and three hit her.

Lankesh, 55, was the daughter of famous poet-turned-journalist P Lankesh. She was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, writing often against Sangh organisations and communal violence in the country.

This is not the death of a journalist, but the death of democracy and constitutional values. She had raised her voice against communal violence with us and we know that all our lives are in danger. But we did not expect this, said KL Ashok of the Karnataka-based Komu Souharda Vedike (Communal Harmony Forum), who worked closely with Lankesh.

Ashok said there was no doubt that Lankeshs killing was part of a larger conspiracy to kill rationalist ideas. Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh. They were all rationalist thinkers, and that is why they have been murdered, he added.

Read more: 54 attacks on journalists in 16 months, says report

In 2015, Left ideologue and Kannada author Prof MM Kalburgi was shot dead in a similar manner by an unidentified gunman at the doorstep of his home.

Bengaluru deputy commissioner of police MN Anucheth said, It is too early to comment on the issue, we cannot reveal any further details at the moment.

Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy said there were two CCTV cameras and three police teams were working on the case.

People began gathering outside her residence as news of her murder spread and protests started at the Corporation Circle in the heart of Bengaluru and near her home.

Protest being held outside senior journalist #GauriLankesh's residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar; she was shot dead this evening. pic.twitter.com/q8MwyJJkT9  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

In November, Lankesh was convicted by a court for defaming two BJP leaders for articles published in her periodical in 2008. She was sentenced to six months in jail and asked to pay Rs. 10,000 penalty. Lankesh had been granted bail.

Journalists as well as several politicians condemned the killing.

Shortly after the murder, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah expressed shock in posts on Twitter: In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi too spoke out against the murder.

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 5, 2017

In an interview she gave to Newslaundry in 2016, Lankesh expressed concerns over freedom of expression being under attack from right-wing trolls.

Read more: Reporting under duress: Journalists in India work amid increasing danger

She recounted the 2015 murder of Left ideologue and Kannada author Prof MM Kalburgi, who was shot dead in a similar manner by an unidentified gunman at the doorstep of his home

Two months after Kalburgis murder, a young Dalit writer of a book critiquing the Hindu caste system was abducted and assaulted by goons in Karnataka. Writer Huchangi Prasad said his assaulters kept calling him a traitor.

Before Kalburgi, Maharashtra rationalist and communist leader Govind Pansare was shot along with his wife during a morning walk on February 16, 2015, near their home in Kolhapur. He died in hospital four days later.

The main suspect in the Pansare murder is allegedly associated with Sanatan Sanstha, a Hindu right-wing group.

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The NIA on Tuesday said it has arrested two stone-pelters in Kashmir in connection with an ongoing probe into terror funding to stoke unrest in the Valley.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) official identified the arrested accused as Javed Ahmad Bhat and Kamran Yusuf of Kulgam and Pulwama districts, respectively, of Jammu and Kashmir.

On August 17, the counter-terror agency had arrested Zahoor Ahmed Watali, a prominent businessman of Kashmir.

On July 24, the agency had arrested seven separatist leaders in connection with its probe into terror funding from Pakistan and militant groups based there.

The NIA had asked Kashmir Bar Association President Mian Qayoom on Monday to appear before it on Tuesday as a witness, and not as an accused, in the case.

Valley-based lawyers on Tuesday boycotted courts in protest against the summoning of Qayoom by the agency.
The Congress leadership is trying to work out a compromise formula to set its house in order in Odisha where the BJP is threatening to occupy its political space ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in 2019.

Sources said the leadership has almost decided to change state chief Prasad Harichandan over his failure to stem the growing dissidence in the party.

Apart from naming a new chief, the Congress leadership will also appoint a few working presidents to strike a balance between different factions.

Rahul has also summoned party legislators from Bihar for a discussion following reports that some of them might join the ruling Janata Dal (United).

Read more: Once a powerhouse, the Congress is now a faceless entity in Odisha

On Tuesday, as many as 35 leaders, including legislature party leader Narasingha Mishra, legislators, former state chiefs and ex-MPs, met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to press for the demand for Harichandans removal, arguing that the move will resurrect the party and re-energise the cadre.

Former state chief Niranjan Patnaik has emerged as the front-runner for the top post.

The sources said Gandhi assured the leaders that the changes will be announced in next few days and told them that he has already received a report from a three-member team constituted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in July to assess the political situation in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-ruled state.

Read more: In Odisha, Modi is the new hero; Naveen Patnaik has a fight on his hands

The Congress leadership is worried over the BJPs expanding foothold in the eastern state as evident from the outcome of the panchayat elections.

The BJP pushed the Congress to the third spot and occupied the space of the principal opposition party.

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After implementing recommendations of the seventh Pay Commission for regular employees and pensioners, the Odisha government on Tuesday decided to enhance the remuneration of the contractual employees by about 25%.

A decision to this regard was taken at the Cabinet Meeting presided over by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

The monthly consolidated remuneration of contractual employees will be increased by about 25% at their initial appointment and 10 per cent increase every year till their regularization as per rules, chief secretary A P Padhi told reporters.

Padhi said the Cabinet also approved amendment of the Odisha Group-B Posts (contractual appointment) Rules, 2013 and Odisha Group-C and Group-D Posts (Contractual appointment) Rule, 2013 in a bid to enhance the remuneration of the contractual employees.

The chief secretary said the revised remuneration will come into effect from January, 2016. Annual increase in remuneration will be payable after completion of one year from the next date on which employee completes one year of continuous service subject to satisfactory performance.

The increased remuneration will be paid from the month of September, 2017. The contractual employees will also avail the arrears like the regular employees, said finance secretary TK Pandey.

While the minimum remuneration for the lowest category of contractual employee will be Rs 8,070 at the time of joining, the highest initial amount is fixed at Rs 16,880.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the implementation of fitment committees recommendation on 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales on pay and pensionary benefits for the state government employees.

The formulation of pay and pension as per the revised scale approved by State Cabinet will be in 17 different levels starting from level 1 with minimum pay of Rs 16,600.

Pay and pension are to be fixed in the revised structure by multiplying a factor of 2.57, Padhi said adding that the prevailing revised assured career progression (RACP) scheme is substituted by modified assured career progression (MACP) scheme on the lines adopted by the Government of India, he said.

Dearness allowance will be included with emoluments for determination of Death cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG). The earlier gratuity was calculated on the basic pay only, he said.

The existing ceiling of gratuity of Rs 7.5 lakh is enhanced to Rs 15 lakh, Padhi said adding that the minimum pension/family pension is determined as Rs 8,300 in the revised rate.

However, the employees appointed on or after January 1, 2005 and are governed on the new pension scheme, will be extended with DCRG on same terms and conditions as applicable to the employees governed on the OCS (pension) rules, 1992.
The air on the second floor office of the Nirman Bhawan in Delhi was full of chants of hymns and blowing of conch shells when Ashwini Kumar Choubey assumed charge as the minister of state for health.

With a photograph of Goddess Durga on his table, Choubey -- a Brahmin face from Bihar in the Narendra Modi-led government  took over as four priests performed rituals and sprinkled water from the Ganga  considered holy by the Hindus.

Choubeys family members and friends who spoke to Hindustan Times said his belief in god went up several notches after he survived the 2013 flash floods and landslide following cloudburst in Uttarakhand that led to massive destruction and loss of thousands of lives.

Choubey, who was then inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Kedarnath temple, had a providential escape, as he lay unconscious there. He lost three family members  brother-in-law, his wife and a nephew. Their family priest and his security personnel also died in the floods along with scores of other pilgrims.

Choubey was stranded inside the Kedarnath temple for nearly two days on June 16 and 17, 2013, without food and water.

Recounting his horror after his return to Patna, Choubey had said that it was at the behest of the then BJP national president Rajnath Singh that a rescue team airlifted his family and him to Delhi.

Like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Choubey, too, fasts all through the nine-day long Navratri (Dussehra festival) during which he worships 4-5 hours a day.

Later, talking to reporters at his office on Monday, Choubey said, as a health minister, his endeavour would be to ensure that every single person in India was disease-free and happy.

With inputs from New Delhi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar to chart out a roadmap for closer cooperation in areas like security and counter-terrorism.

Modi tweeted on his arrival,

Landed in Naypyitaw, marking the start of my Myanmar visit. I will join a wide range of programmes during my visit to Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/xZEhAvKzpv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Soon after this arrival, Modi met Myanmar President Htin Kyaw in Nay Pyi Taw.

Modi arrived on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Later in the day, Modi is scheduled to attend a banquet hosted by Kyaw for him.

The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday.

Modi had said India and Myanmar will look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

He hoped his visit will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister said both countries will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.

Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEAN- India Summit.

Both Kyaw and Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi had visited India last year after the National League for Democracy assumed power in that country.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

Rohingya issue, infrastructure projects to figure during visit

The burning issue of the Rohingyas and Indias capacity building measures and infrastructure projects are expected to figure during Modis three-day visit.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the countrys Foreign Minister and Minister of Presidents Office following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

During the visit, we will review developments in our bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas in which we can work together, Modi said in a pre-departure statement here.

We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture, he said.

India has committed grant-in-aid assistance amounting to Rs 4,000 crore to Myanmar, out of a total commitment of around $1.7 billion.

The projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar with the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a trilateral highway connecting northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand, and the Rhi-Tiddim road.

In terms of capacity building, New Delhi is assisting the eastern neighbour in setting up institutions of higher learning like the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Myanmar-India Centre for English Language Training and India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres.

India has also provided humanitarian relief following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora this year, Komen in 2015 and Nargis in 2008 and an earthquake in Shan state in 2010.

In a media briefing here ahead of Modis visit, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that both sides would take stock of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also discuss the kind of projects which the new Myanmarese government has on its priority list and which they would like to partner India with in the process of execution.

We will be guided by the government of Myanmar in terms of the choice of projects, Ranganthan said.

The stated priorities of this government are infrastructure, power and energy and we believe these could be the areas where there is a great deal that Indian agencies can bring to the table.

The issue of Rohingyas on whom the Myanmarese security forces have launched a crackdown in the countrys Rakhine state is expected to figure in the discussions. India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living here illegally but the Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the Central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.

In her media briefing, Ranganathan said that there was no change in Indias long stated policy on refugees.

In so far as illegal immigrants are concerned, that is again a very long standing and established procedure on the basis of Indian law which we will continue to follow, she said.

(With agency inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday suggested 10 commitments to be made by the Brics nations, including counter-terrorism efforts, for their role in global transformation.

Speaking at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries in the course of the 9th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Xiamen, Modi said that the bedrock of Indias development agenda laid in the notion of sabka saath, sabka vikaas (collective effort, inclusive growth).

Stating that India has mapped each of the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to its own development programmes and scheme, he said: Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner. To cite just one example, our three-pronged approach of providing a bank account to the unbanked, providing a biometric identity to all, and using innovative mobile governance solutions, has enabled direct benefit transfers to almost 360 million people for the first time.

Stating that the Brics nations represented half of humanity, he said that for the bloc to play a role in global transformation, it should follow the 10 noble commitments.

Creating a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues: counter-terrorism, cyber security and disaster management; Modi said.

The Prime Minister called for creating a greener world by taking concerted action on countering climate change, through initiatives such as the India-initiated International Solar Alliance.

Another suggestion was for creating an enabled world by sharing and deploying suitable technologies to enhance efficiency, economy and effectiveness.

Reiterating his vision for a digital economic and financial system, Modi called for creating an inclusive world by economic mainstreaming of our people including in the banking and financial system.

Creating a digital world by bridging the digital divide within and outside our economies.

Creating a skilled world by giving future-ready skills to millions of our youth.

Modi also called for creating a healthier world: by cooperating in research and development to eradicate diseases, and enabling affordable health care for all.

In creating an equitable world, he said the Brics nations should provide equality of opportunity to all, particularly through gender equality.

In terms of a connected world, he suggested enabling of free flow of goods, persons and services.

He also called for creating a harmonious world by promoting ideologies, practices, and heritage that are centreed on peaceful coexistence and living in harmony with nature.

Through these agenda points, and action on them, we will be contributing directly to the welfare of the global community in addition to welfare of our own people.

And in this, India stands ready as a willing and committed partner to enhance cooperation and support each others national efforts, Modi added.
Politicians and journalists expressed their shock and anger over the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Lankesh, a senior Kannada journalist known for her criticism of Hindu extremism, was shot dead at her home on Tuesday evening.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said it was a shocking news. He told the media in Bengaluru: No one who has faith in humanity will ever kill anyone. Gauri Lankesh was secular and helped government bring the Naxals back to the mainstream.

Police have formed three teams and begun investigations, Siddaramaiah said, adding that he had directed police to nab the killers at the earliest.

Lankesh, 55, was the daughter of famous poet-turned-journalist P Lankesh. She was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, writing often against Sangh organisations and communal violence in the country.

BJP state chief BS Yeddyurappa tweeted saying that the law and order in the state had completely collapsed.

Shocked to hear the murder of #GowriLankesh strongly condemn this inhuman barbaric murder. Law &Order in the state has compleately collapsed  B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) September 5, 2017

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the incident had taken place at a time when progressive secular thoughts were getting strengthened in Karnataka, and added that Lankesh was killed in a manner similar to that of MM Kalburgi.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee described Lankeshs murder as most unfortunate and very alarming, and demanded justice.

Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice (sic), Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle.

Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore took to Twitter to condemn the incident.

Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists, he said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said truth cannot be silenced and demanded that the culprits be tracked down and punished.

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished, his office said in a twitter post.

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, The murder of #GauriLankesh is condemnable outright. Onus is on Sh.Siddaramaiah to ensure proper investigation.

If it is BJP ruled state, Liberals would have cried for emergency, Intolerance, Fascism, tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

A number of prominent journalists took to Twitter to express their shock over Lankeshs killing.

Numbed by news of Gauri Lankesh's murder. She was gutsy, level-headed, defianteverything we need in a journalist in these troubled times.  Siddharth (@svaradarajan) September 5, 2017

Poisonous violence of mind being spread on social media to browbeat critics; on street, its the gun that silences dissent. #GauriLankesh  Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 5, 2017

When culprits roam free, attackers handled with kid gloves, a section of police force criminalised, what do you expect? #RIPGauriLankesh  nikhil wagle (@waglenikhil) September 5, 2017
The policemen looked bored and the parents who had gathered at the police station were panic-stricken, as their teenage sons sulked behind the bars of the lockup in this sleepy rural district headquarters along the Nepal border.

Ma tum jao ... just leave, a skinny young man in a saffron vest shouted as his teary-eyed mother tried to negotiate the release of her son.

Several parents nervously peered at a policemans phone as he played footage of the violence from the night before when an mob of hundreds of angry Hindu men lit a fire not far from National Highway 57, blocked traffic, and pelted stones at a convoy of policemen to protest against the alleged sacrifice of a cow on Eid ul-Adha.

While approximately 30 people were initially detained for questioning, Dhurat Sayli Savlaram, Ararias superintendent of police, said a total of 13 people  both Hindu and Muslim  had been arrested for cow slaughter, and for rioting.

A month after Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar dumped his former ally and formed a new government by forging a mid-term alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), experts say the events in Araria reveal how the BJP and its affiliates are leveraging their influence in the state government to expand their muscular brand of Hindutva to regions where they had no previous presence.

The Bajrang Dal has made steady inroads in Bihar, particularly amongst non-Yadav groups, said Mohammed Sajjad, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University and author of Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours, With Nitish tying up with the BJP, we will have to see if he can hold onto his extremely-backward caste base, or if it gravitates towards the BJP.

In Araria, the incident began, the police said, in the afternoon of September 2, when Hindus in an unauthorised settlement on the Araria-Raniganj road said their Muslim neighbours had sacrificed a cow for Eid ul-Adha. Police were called and they confiscated several pieces of meat from one of the huts and sent it for analysis. By then, a crowd had gathered, which was dispersed at almost 11pm after heavy police deployment.

We defused the situation by the evening when we promised to arrest the accused, said a senior police officer involved in pacifying the crowd. Then a crowd re-appeared, someone waved a Bajrang Dal flag, and the mob demanded the accused be handed over to them for punishment.

The intensity of this most recent demonstration, which resulted in injuries to at least three policemen, surprised city officials. Senior police officers said this was the first time the Bajrang Dal, an affiliate of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, had participated in a demonstration in Araria town.

Local leaders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have made representations to the district administration to release those arrested for rioting.

The police has detained several innocent people, said Shishir Kumar, the RSSs city representative, insisting that no Hindu organisation was involved in the fracas, A false impression of RSS involvement is being created.

We control the central government, the state government, and the local administration, said his deputy, Nagendra Mishra. We dont need to riot to put our point across, we can do so through the proper channels.

WhatsApp Violence

While the Bajrang Dal has no presence on the ground in Araria, its small unit in nearby Forbesganj has been quite active on social media.

In September 2016, for instance, a Facebook page affiliated to the group exhorted followers to join the Dal in a post with a meme wittily titled, Keep Calm and Join Bajrangdal Forbesganj, along with a number for a WhatsApp group.

Young people today will disregard what their parents say, but will treat a WhatsApp forward as the truth straight from the mouth of Gandhiji, said a senior police officer, who said the viral transmission of information make it possible to organise huge crowds at a moments notice, They will say, look what is happening in Kashmir, look what China is doing, and try and connect it to Araria town.

For Anil Kumar, a bank collection agent, the arrest of his college-going son Sushant for rioting came as a shock.

Ninety per cent of my clients are Muslim, Kumar said, We dont want any communal tension in this town.

Sushant, his father surmised, had probably made contact with the Dal when he participated in a religious rally last year. There had been a significant increase in such rallies since 2014, he said, including this year when a rally celebrating the Hindu god Ganapati was organised for the first time.

Im really going to shout at Sushant when he is released. Who does he think he is? said Kumar, as he paced nervously outside the police station. If a cow has been killed, let the police handle it. Has he taken a contract to protect Hinduism?

None of those arrested had any jobs, Kumar said. They just spend the whole day staring at their phones.

The Bajrang Dals Forbesganj unit was unavailable for comments as they had switched off their phones, and were not replying to WhatsApp messages.

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Hundreds of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders were detained by police in several parts of Karnataka ahead of motorcycle rally by its youth wing to protest the alleged killings of Hindu activists in the coastal districts of the state, an action officials said, taken to avoid communal tension from flaring up.

Police across the southern state denied permission for the Yuva Morchas Mangalore Chalo rally to ostensibly maintain peace but the BJP insisted they would go ahead with the plan. The rally was set to begin from the Freedom Park in capital Bengaluru and expected to reach Mangaluru on Thursday.

Around 200 BJP workers managed to reach the Freedom Park, where several senior leaders, including former home minister R Ashoka and Yuva Morcha president and Mysuru MP Pratap Simha, were present. However, the police seized their vehicles and took the activists into custody.

Ashoka and other leaders sat in protest near the Freedom Park and demanded the police to furnish arrest warrants, resulting in a heated argument between the officials and the leaders, following which they were frisked away.

The chaos caused traffic snarls around Freedom Park, located near one of the busiest junctions in the heart of the city, causing inconvenience to commuters.

#MangaluruChalo rally: Clash between Police and BJP workers in Karnataka's Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/giu9Sb9bIo  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

Leaders were detained in Hubli as well, where the rally was to be flagged off by former chief minister Jagadish Shettar. Shettar was also detained.

The rally was organised to protest the alleged murder of 18 Hindu activists and repeated incidents of violence against them in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

They called for action against fundamentalist organisations such as the Popular Front of India, Social Democratic Party of India, and Karnataka Forum for Dignity accusing their members of killing Sangh activists. They also demanded the resignation of district in-charge and state environment minister Ramanath Rai.

Speaking at the rally, Ashoka said the government was the crackdown was proof that the government was scared of the support that his party has received.

If the government has the guts they should have allowed us to protest ... They are using the police against us ... It is our right as an opposition party to protest against the government and we will go ahead with our rally, news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah denied Ashokas claims, saying permission was denied as the rally could result in a traffic congestion.

Instead of organising Mangaluru Chalo which is divisive, the BJP should organise a Delhi Chalo rally demanding the waiver of farmers loans, in which we too will participate, Siddaramaiah tweeted from his personal account.

The saffron party plans to go ahead with its rally in Mangaluru on September 7 despite being denied permission, setting up a potential clash with the police. Senior party leaders, including state unit chief BS Yeddyurappa, are expected take part in the rally at Mangaluru.

Communal tension has been on the rise in the coastal areas of the state, especially since the murders of Social Democratic Party of India member Ashraf Kalayi and Sharath Madivala, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist.

With the assembly elections set for early next year, the state government has increased vigil in the areas, which has been a hub of communal violence in the state.

Siddarmaiah, who held the home affairs ministry before Ramalinga Reddy took over from G Parameshwara, conducted a series of moves to stop further instances of communal violence.

He ordered a slew of transfers of senior police officials, removing those in charge of Dakshina Kannada after violence erupted in the area after the murders.

Among those removed were intelligence chief MN Reddi, who Siddarmaiah was displeased with over the handling of the incident, and the inspector general of police (western Range) responsible for the coastal districts.

(With PTI inputs)

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Union home minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir for three days, starting September 9.

During his stay, he will visit Srinagar, Jammu and Leh where he will meet civil society

members, political leaders and business delegations to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem.

The state government led by chief minister Mehbooba Mufti will make a detailed presentation beforethe minister on the current situation in the state, especially in the Valley.

The ministers visit comes against the backdrop of a crackdown on the top separatists leaders in the Valley for alleged funding from Pakistan.

The NIA has arrested more than half a dozen separatists and questioned two sons of top

Hurriyat leader SAS Geelani in the case.

Exactly a year ago in September, Rajnath had also led an all-party delegation to Srinagar that met about 200 members from 30 delegations belonging to various sections of society.

Besides Rajnaths visit, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will also lead a team of Congress leaders to the state next week for discussions on the current situation in the state.

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Union minister Uma Bharti has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi scolded her when she handled the water resources and Ganga rejuvenation portfolio, but that was for her weight and not her work.

Bharti told reporters on Tuesday Modi scolded her twice in the last three years. Lekin woh ek hi baat par padi hain ki main bahut moti ho gayi hoon aur mujhe apna weight kam karna hain. Iske alava mujhe aur kisi baat par data nahin pari. (PM scolded me twice in the last three years. But it was only for one thing, that I had gained weight and I had to lose it. Besides this, I was not scolded for anything), she said.

Bharti, who on Sunday was divested of water resources and Ganga rejuvenation portfolio and given the relatively low profile drinking water and sanitation ministry, announced that she will go on a padyatra (march) for the river from Gangasagar in West Bengal.

She, however, said that it was not an act of defiance. It would have been defiance if I had announced the decision to undertake the yatra today I had announced my plan last year itself.

Bharti also refuted reports that she was divested of her water resources and Ganga portfolio in Sundays Cabinet reshuffle because of non-performance.

The minister said she was herself interested in a portfolio change.  it was my wish to undertake a yatra along the banks of Ganga. Last year in Prayag when I was the water resources minister I had announced it at a function of the ministry that I will request PM to allow me to undertake a yatra. I also said that I will leave it to the PM to decide if I should undertake the yatra while remaining in the ministry or after leaving it, she said.

She also denied that the Prime Minister had ever pulled her up.

Bharti insisted that there had been no failure in implementing the Ganga programme.

I have not failed in the Ganga programme. Yesterday after Gadkari ji took charge he said that he was associated with me in this project for the last three years. So if we failed, how did he get the portfolio? This means we did not fail., Bharti said.

In fact, the minister said that when she raised the issue of delay in Ganga mission with the PM, the latter said that it is a difficult task. The PM has always supported me. I am grateful to the PM for encouraging me and bringing me close to Ganga, she added.

Bhartis new ministry pilots the governments flagship Swachh Bharat program in rural areas. She said that there are 4000 villages on the banks of Ganga that has been made Open Defecation Free (ODF) but cleaning of the river is yet to be completed. She will do it now using funds from the Namami Gange Mission. Earlier Gadkari was helping me in cleaning Ganga, now I will help him, she said.

Giving a list of programmes that was implemented under her watch, Bharti said whatever was required in the Ganga programme have been done. New schemes have been made, cabinet approval sought. Tenders for projects called. There is nothing that has not been implemented, she said.

Secondly, the NDA governments river linking program was also put on the fast track during her tenure. It was in a file. It came out. Ken Betwa link is almost ready to take off. Other water linking projects are also in various stages of preparation, she said.

She also said that under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, 20 projects were completed during her tenure.

Spelling out her priority in the drinking water and sanitation ministry, which is piloting the Swachh Bharat programme in rural areas, Bharti said that public support is required to bring cleanliness.

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Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said, asserting that nobody should give India lessons on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India, Rijiju told reporters here.

The minister of state for home said that since they are not legal immigrants, they stand to be deported.

As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. We are a nation with great democratic tradition

India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees, he added.

Taking a strong position on the reported criticism of the governments stand on the issue, Rijiju said, We are following the legal path then why have we been accused of being inhuman.

He said that the Centre has instructed all state governments to start the process of their deportation.

Meanwhile, two Rohingya immigrants have approached the the Supreme Court urging it to direct the central government to not deport them to Myanmmar.

The Rohingya Muslims fled to India after violence in the western Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in the country are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.
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This workshop, organised jointly by the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) & the European Commission, aims to provide a forum for a fruitful discussion between COTER Members, EU institutions and local and regional representatives of various Integrated Territorial Instruments (ITI) set up during the current programming period 2014-2020.

The event will be structured in two parts:

morning information session on EU funding opportunities regarding Integrated Territorial Investments ;



on EU funding opportunities ; and an afternoon working session which will be organized within the framework of the TAIEX/REGIO PEER 2 PEER only for COTER members and pre-selected regional experts involved in the management of ITI, with the goal of exchanging knowledge, best practice, and practical solutions to concrete problems.

The results of the discussions will be directly linked to the evaluation of the current Cohesion Policy implementation at local and regional level, with a view to an early debate on the future perspectives of the integrated instruments.

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Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) are a new instrument of the current programming period 2014-2020 and as such managing authorities can face uncertainty at some point in their design and implementation since there is little previous experience. In this light, the European Commission launched a study on territorial strategies supported by EU territorial tools with the goal to set up a data base and to map out the state of affairs at European Union level.



At this point of the programming period, it is necessary to undertake serious steps towards an effective implementation, through addressing specific queries, exchanging practices and learning from success stories.



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Registration is closed

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Nearly 8,000 students of eight schools and three colleges at the curfew-bound Dera Sacha Sauda and three nearby villages are a worried lot these days as these institutions have been closed for the last 10 days.

Since curfew has not been lifted at the dera and these villages so far in the wake of violence after the sect heads conviction on August 25, parents of students along with their wards and teachers on Monday sought clarity from the district administration as when the studies will resume.

They met the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Munish Nagpal seeking answer to as what connection is there between education and the dera issue.

Nikita Rani of Sardulgarh in Punjabs Mansa district travelled 30km to Sirsa. I am a Class 12 student at Shah Satnam Senior Secondary School on the dera campus. I came to Sirsa to know when the schools will reopen.

These schools and colleges are closed since August 24, a day before a CBI court in Panchkula was to pronounce verdict in the rape case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, and curfew was imposed in the area. Though curfew has been lifted from Sirsa town but it is still remains in force at Nejiakhera, Bajekan and Begu villages located adjacent to the dera.

The teachers at the dera schools and colleges are an equally worried lot as they wanted to know when the local administration is planning to lift the curfew. They along with other staff members also submitted a memorandum to the ADC.

Arun Kumar, who teaches English at Shah Satnam Boys College (dera campus), said, We have no information whether the college will open or remain close for the last 10 days. All the teachers and other staff members want to know that the colleges and school will get open or will remain close.

There are about 1,800 students at Girls Senior Secondary School, 1,600 students at Boys Senior Secondary School, 400 students at MSG International School (all on dera campus).

Paramveer Singh, a resident of Sirsa and a student of mass communication said, How will we complete our syllabus? The ADC assured us that it will take 10 more days for the schools and colleges to reopen.

ADC Munish Nagpal said, I met the students, their parents and teachers. I asked them to give us 10 more days. The situation will be back to normal soon. I have also asked the district education officer (DEO) to look into the matter and to arrange classes for the students. DEO Yagyadatt Verma said, There are about 1,800 students at Girls Senior Secondary School, 1,600 students at Boys Senior Secondary School, 400 students at MSG International School (all on dera campus). There are 850 students at Boys College, 1,100 students at Girls College and 50 students at BEd College at the dera (all at dera).

While Primary School, Dhani Sawanpura, has strength of 60, High School, Begu, has 500 students. Nejia Middle School has 400 students while Primary School near Shah Satnam Chowk has nearly 200 students, Verma said.
Slowly but surely, protests over Dalit girl S Anithas suicide are building into another Jallikattu type stir with student unrest spreading across Tamil Nadu even as politics on the issue heated up

Bitter exchanges between the principal opposition party, the DMK and the BJP, which sees a conspiracy against Narendra Modi in the suicide and protests occurred on Tuesday.

Whether in Chennai or Coimbatore or at Ariyalur, from where Anitha hailed, the protesters are demanding justice for Anitha that can come only with abolition of NEET and a judicial probe into her suicide.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief, Tamilisai Soundarrajan went as far as to allege that suicide of Anitha and protests were a conspiracy against the Centre.

Our government only wanted to help, but the we all have to accept the court verdict, the BJP leader said .

DMK working president MK Stalin meanwhile convened an all party meet on the issue, where it was decided to seek transfer of education to the state list so that the state government had full control.

There was no letup in protests across the state. Thousands of college students across the state went on protest sit ins, shouting slogans and courting arrest. State and central governments are responsible for Anithas death, said SFI convenor P Uchimakali.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the teaching community on Tuesday on the occasion of Teachers Day and said teachers had a central role in realising the vision of a New India.

The Prime Minister also paid tributes to former president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary. The day is celebrated in his honour.

On Teachers day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds and spreading the joys of education in society.

Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a New India that is driven by cutting edge research and innovation, Modi said.

Let us make the next 5 years about 'teach to transform, educate to empower & learn to lead.' https://t.co/4fdnDPf6lF  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

He said that the next five years should be about teach to transform, educate to empower and learn to lead.

My tributes to Dr S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary, Modi, who is in China for the Brics summit from where he will be going to Myanmar, said in his message.
Asking the teachers to imbibe the spirit of nationalism and patriotism among students, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday gave away national awards for teachers.

President Ram Nath Kovind later interacted with the 219 awardees at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Naidu also said the atmosphere in universities should not be polluted as they are places of worship like Temples.

Time has come we must get back to roots. We must understand the heritage of this land and compete with the world. Educational institutions are places of worship like temples. We must not pollute atmosphere in universities and campus should not be disturbed... Teachers must imbibe spirit of nationalism and patriotism among students, he said at the award ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan.

He also urged upon the government to ensure mother tongue is used in teaching learning process. We must pay attention and focus on using mother tongue for teaching and learning. Students should learn many Indian languages, he said.

The Vice President said that Indias value system, culture and heritage should be accorded due importance in the syllabus.

Constituted in 1958, the National Award for Teachers is presented by the president to teachers, who have rendered exemplary service to the nation by exhibiting meritorious performance. The awards cover teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools in the country.

Congratulating the teachers on the occasion, Naidu called them the "unsung heroes".

Teachers are 'bharata bhagya vidhatas' (shapers of India's development), dedicating their time and energy to shape individuals for creating New India. They have a formidable responsibility to achieve 100 per cent literacy in next five years, Naidu said.

A total of 219 teachers, including 124 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teachers, were awarded.

The recognition is extended to teachers of CBSE-affiliated schools, independent affiliated schools situated abroad, ICSCE, Sainik School, KVs, NVs, CTSA and schools run by the Atomic Energy Education Society.

The award ceremony was also presided over by Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and the newly inducted Minister of State for HRD Satyapal Singh.

On the occasion, the vice president also launched DIKSHA, a national digital infrastructure for teachers.

"DIKSHA is a customisable national digital infrastructure that states, Teacher Education Institutions (TEI) and private entities can use for their respective teacher-centric initiatives.

"Teachers will be able to use DIKSHA to access and create high quality teaching, learning and assessment resources for all subjects and levels in all Indian languages. They will be able to use DIKSHA to access and create high quality teaching," Javadekar said.
Tripura governor Tathagata Roy took to Twitter on Tuesday to slam the West Bengal government for allegedly trying to impede an event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at a state-owned auditorium in Kolkata, spurring a war of tweets with Trinamool Congress leader Derek OBrien.

Bhagwat was supposed to be the main speaker during an event meant to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Scots-Irish social worker Nivedita at the Mahajati Sadan on October 3. The booking was confirmed in July, and the fees and municipal taxes were paid for.

However, as the Hindustan Times reported on Monday, auditorium authorities informed the Sister Nivedita Mission Trust that their booking stands cancelled due to scheduled maintenance work at the establishment. Roy, a former BJP leader who describes himself a swayamsevak, tweeted his displeasure over the turn of events the very next day. Mahajati Sadan was booked for Nivedita Mission Trust, in which PP Mohan Bhagwatji was to speak. Booking suddenly cancelled on a langda excuse, he alleged.

OBrien, who happens to be the Trinamool Congress leader in the Rajya Sabha, retweeted Roys post with the comment: Ladies and gentlemen, he is the governor of an Indian state. He was voicing his disapproval over somebody in a supposedly neutral position proclaiming his political leanings so openly.

Roy, however, wasnt deterred. Those who cancelled Mahajati Sadan booking are so sick, no courage to say out loud the real reason. Instead, they give the stupidest of excuses, he remarked in another tweet.

OBrien shared this as well, adding: Is this man really the governor of a state?

The battle, however, was far from over. Later that day, Roy shared OBriens tweet and posed a question: Arrow struck bullseye, huh?

The Trinamool leader responded by expressing surprise over being picked on in this manner. Oh wow, the governor of a state is not done yet. Now engaging on @twitter with me. Huh! And all, he quipped.

Roy, however, could not be quelled by mere references to his constitutional position. The next tweet posted from his handle went: Gawd, the same tired old howl: How can a governor, are you a governor, blah, blah! Cmon, engage with me on merits! Im claiming no privileges.

But OBrien refused to be coerced into an unnecessary tussle on the Internet. Where did the Governor go? he tweeted after a few minutes. Wanted to ask him what the wi-fi speed is like in his Raj Bhavan. Enough fun had. Now going offline.

The governor, who has often been accused of stirring controversies by posting pro-Hindutva tweets that do not befit his official position, defended himself when HT contacted him later that evening. I am only expressing my opinion. Derek OBrien does not interpret the Constitution. If Im not adhering to the Constitution, there are high courts and the Supreme Court to look into that, he said.

The Kolkata police also appeared on the social media platform to deny playing a role in the booking cancellation. The reason for denial by the Mahajati Sadan authority is a 10-day yearly renovation (exercise thats taken up) during the Puja holidays. (Theres) No renting of halls during that period, it tweeted. OBrien shared this post as well.

Organisers of the event told HT that they will go ahead with the event despite the turn of events. They are now scouting for another venue to host Bhagwat.

Apart from the RSS chief, Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi will also attend the event. Bhagwat will speak on the role played by Sister Nivedita in Indias freedom struggle.

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The Vatican has cleared the canonisation process to promulgate the decree of the blessed on nun Rani Maria Vattali, who was stabbed to death in Madhya Pradesh 22 years ago, the public relation officer of MP Catholic Church said on Tuesday.

A representative of the Pope will come down to Indore Catholic Diocese to officially announce her the blessed on November 4, PRO of the Church Father Maria Stephen told PTI.

The Blessed, a rare sacred title, is considered to be a prelude to beatification of sainthood as was the case with Mother Teresa, he added.

In case of canonisation of sainthood, an extraordinary miracle will be required, he added.

The Pope has cleared the Franciscan Clarist Nun to be called the blessed recently. She was a member of Syro- Malabar Franciscan Clarist Congregation, the Bhopal-based cleric said.

Rani Maria Vattali, popularly known as Sister Rani, then 41, was stabbed around 50 times on board a bus in which she was travelling in Dewas district on February 25, 1995, the cleric said.

Hired assassin Samunder Singh stabbed her, as some landlords in MPs Indore region were upset with her work for uplift of landless people, he said.

Singh was sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of killing the nun. Later, his sentence was commuted due to his good conduct during imprisonment, he added.

In 2002, Nun Paul, who belongs to the same congregation of nuns that Rani belonged to and happens to the biological sister of the deceased as well had visited Singh in jail to accept him as her brother, he said.

Then Indore Bishop George Anathil initiated the cause for Sister Ranis canonisation process of the blessed in 2001 by setting up two panels - historical and theological, to examine her life, he said.

The two commissions submitted their findings to the three-member diocesan inquiry tribunal in June 2005 to carry forward the process, he recalled.

She was found to have led a heroic life of Christian virtue. Thereafter, her name was sent to Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which reviewed the gathered information and recommended that the Roman pontiff declare the candidate venerable, he said.
Uttar Pradeshs saffron-clad ascetic chief minister Yogi Adityanath owns a licensed revolver and rifle, a sport utility vehicle, wears a gold earring and a chain with rudraksha beads around his neck, and has movable assets worth Rs 95.98 lakh.

Also, the 45-year-old priest-politician is facing trial for four lawsuits against him.

He revealed all these in an affidavit accompanying his election nomination papers for the state legislative council on Tuesday.

Known as a firebrand Hindu leader, he is the head priest of Gorakhpurs influential Gorakhnath shrine and a five-term parliamentarian.

The BJP leadership chose him the chief minister after the party and its allies won a landslide victory  with 325 seats  in the February-March assembly elections. Adityanath is expected to resign as MP once he is elected to the legislative council.

According to the affidavit, the revolver is worth Rs 1 lakh, the rifle Rs 80,000, the gold earring Rs 49,000 and the chain Rs 26,000.

He owns a 2014 model Toyota Fortuner registered in Gorakhpur and a New Delhi-registered Toyota Innova. The combined price of the two cars is Rs 21.83 lakh, as shown in the affidavit.

He owns a Samsung Galaxy Grand smart phone and is active on Twitter and Facebook.

Among the four cases registered against him, one heard in the court of the additional chief judicial magistrate in Gorakhpur, two in Maharajganj and another in Siddharthnagar.

Read more: UP CM-designate Yogi Adityanaths public image can be his bane and a boon

A science graduate from HN Bahuguna University in Uttarakhand, Adityanath has five bank accounts  two with the State Bank of Indias Parliament House branch in New Delhi and the rest in Gorakhpur.

He has total deposits of Rs 37.94 lakh with the SBI in New Delhi and approximately Rs 10 lakh in banks in Gorakhpur.

He has invested Rs 22.57 lakh in the National Savings Scheme and Rs 68,000 in postal savings.

He has no immovable assets. The earnings are said to be from his salary as Lok Sabha MP.

His biological father is Anand Singh Bisht, a retired forest ranger and resident of Panchur village in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. But Adityanath mentioned his guru, the late Mahant Avaidyanath, as his father in the affidavit.

The chief minister said he renounced his family after joining the Nath Panth sect to lead an ascetic life. Thereafter, the guru is considered the father.

He mentioned his home address as 361, Purana Gorakhnath, Gorakhpur.

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A pilot and an air hostess of Indigo Airlines got into an ugly scuffle at Jaipur airport on Sunday night that lasted for about an hour.

Eyewitnesses said that the air hostess, who was off duty and had come to the airport in a car, got into a heated argument with the pilot, who was also off duty and standing near the exit gate.

She slapped him twice and he, in turn, slapped her once, an eyewitness said. The pilots phone was also damaged in the scuffle. The reason for the quarrel was said to be a relationship gone sour, sources said, although the police refused to comment.

CISF personnel posted at the airport tried to intervene and calm them down but the duo ignored the security personnel and continued to bicker. The CISF later called the Sanganer police who took them to the police station and booked them under section 151 for causing nuisance at a public place.

They were produced before a magistrate on Monday morning and released on bail.

Indigo pilot Aditya Kumar Singh and air hostess Arpita Bhattacharya entered into a scuffle at Jaipur airport that lasted for a long time. On a complaint received from CISF, a team of Sanganer police brought them to the police station where they were detained and a case was registered under section 151 CrPC. On Monday morning, they were produced before a magistrate and released on a bond of Rs 5,000 each, Sanganer police station head constable, Latoor Prasad, told HT.

Singh is a resident of Dehradoon while Arpita lives in Gurugram.

We do not comment on personal matters of our colleagues, Indigo Airlines senior manager (corporate communications) Sakshi Batra said in reply to a mail.
A day after the health department took action against erring doctors and nursing staff of the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Banswara, HT on Tuesday got a copy of the inspection report which points towards glaring discrepancies.

After the death of 81 neonates at the district hospital till August 31, the health minister formed a committee to probe the deaths. The report was submitted on September 4 and based on it health minister Kali Charan Saraf on Monday suspended three doctors and put five on awaiting posting orders. Disciplinary action has been initiated against three doctors and four nursing staff.

The report states that the committee inspected the reproductive and child health (RCH) and high risk pregnancy (HRP) registers and gathered information about the treatment and facilities provided to the pregnant women by visiting their homes.

They found that the age of some pregnant women have been shown to be above 19 in the indoor ticket, while in reality they appeared to be between 17 and 19 years. Pregnancy at a young age can result in low birth weight and premature delivery, which can result in the death of newborns.

During the visit, the team found that the age of two mothers whose babies had died was 18 and 20. The 18-year-old had delivered for the first time, while it was the second delivery for the 20-year-old. The age of six other pregnant women who appeared to be between 16 and 18 years was shown between 22 and 25 years in the indoor ticket.

The four-member team, headed by Dr SM Mittal, also found that though the hospital has eight gynaecologists, the nursing staff was carrying out most of the deliveries. This could also be a reason for infant deaths. The gynaecologists were not there in the labour room except in case of caesareans. Necessary partograph was also not filled. Partograph is a composite graphical record of mother and foetus during labour and helps curb neonatal deaths.

It also came to notice that children born through caesarean are not regularly checked by paediatricians.

The committee also found that in few cases oxytocin was used for inducing early labour. According to rules, it should be used only when necessary.

Out of the eight nursing staff in the labour room, only two were skilled birth attendants (SBA). Due to a lack of trained SBA nurses, proper suction of newborn did not take place. At the hospital, the still birth figure is at 73/1000 per live births. It shows lack of quality services in the labour room.

The cloth used to clean newborns was found to be unsterilised and could lead to infections.

The district hospital had referred many delivery cases to Udaipur, which could have been performed at the hospital in Banswara.

Out of four operation theatres, radiation warmers were available only at one. There are high chances of a newborn catching an infection while being transferred to the radiation warmer in another OT.

The committee at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) also found that out of total eight nursing staff, two were untrained. Dr Pradyuman Jain at SNCU had not undergone 12-week ??? training. Also infection prevention protocol is not properly followed at SNCU.

On visiting the house of a newborn at Ragawa village in Talwara block it was found that the weight of a 24-year-old mother was not mentioned. On seeing her it appeared that she was around 35kg and the newborn weighed just 1,400 gram. Her husband said that they had visited the anganwari centre where she was vaccinated and given a few tablets. But not given nutritional supplement during pregnancy. The committee directed the chief medical and health officer to bring the woman to the district hospital and give her and the newborn proper care.

The team also found that the nursing staff often fought with each other and demand money for getting deliveries done.

Out of 81 deaths at SNCU, 42 were due to asphyxia, 20 due to prematurity with respiratory distress syndrome, five died of infection, two had congenital anomaly and 12 were of extremely low birth weight.

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After analysing the inspection report of the four-member committee, which probed the death of 81 newborns at Banswara district hospital, it is clear that apart from the hospitals negligence, the woman and child development (WCD) department, too, is responsible for the deaths.

Hindustan Times is in possession of the report. The Rajasthan government on August 31 had set up a four-member committee, headed by Dr SM Mittal, to probe the infant deaths in the last two months at the state-run hospital in Banswara.

On Monday, the government suspended three doctors, including a principal medical officer, and put five doctors on awaiting posting orders. Disciplinary action has been initiated against three doctors and four nursing staff.

The inspection revealed that a 24-year-old woman, who was pregnant with her third child and weighed just 35 kgs, had been to anganwari centre thrice. Her husband said that though she was immunized and given tablets (like iron folic acid), during her entire pregnancy she was not given nutritional supplements even once. The woman delivered an underweight baby weighing just 1,400 grams.

The probe committee found that pregnant women whose age was mentioned to be above 18, in reality, were between 16 and 18 years and even younger. Becoming a mother at a young age increases chances of neonate deaths because of low birth weight and premature delivery.

The committee has recommended writing to the integrated child development services (ICDS) to ensure nutrition supplements are given to all pregnant women.

WCD minister Anita Bhadel said that child marriage is the biggest problem for which the department has launched a campaign. It is a serious issue and efforts are being made to make people aware of the consequences of child marriage. It is a tough job to change the mindset but efforts are on and soon results will be visible, she said.

She also mentioned that the department has stopped many child marriages and FIRs have also been lodged. In many cases, child marriages have also been nullified.

Talking about the anganwari centres not giving nutritional supplement to pregnant women, Bhadel said, Pregnant women registered with anganwari centres are given nutritional supplement. Those who are not registered wont get the supplements. It is a serious problem if a pregnant woman, who is registered, has not been given nutritional supplement. I have not received any such complaints as of now. Action will be taken if I get such complaints.

The issue came to light when the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), Banswara, Dr HL Tabiyar noticed that the district hospital has recorded deaths of 81 neonates (newborns who are less than four weeks old) in July and August, following which he conducted a probe.

Of the deaths, 37 were due to birth asphyxia. Those 37 newborns could have been saved. We will find out the doctors responsible for this and initiate action against them, Tabiyar had told HT.

Birth asphyxia is a medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn during the birth process.

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Railways authorities have denied allegations that it did not provide medical assistance to a 55-year-old woman leading to her death onboard a Jodhpur-Howrah train early on Monday.

Kanchan Devi had boarded the train at Jodhpur in Rajasthan along with her teenage son, and was bound for Dhanbad in Jharkhand. She complained of stomach ache near Baandikui railway station, which falls after Jaipur, and before Bharatpur. The train doesnt have a scheduled stop at Baandikui.

Denying allegations of negligence on its part, Agras divisional railway manager, Ranjan Yadav said they had made all medical arrangements at Agra Fort station, but she died before the train reached there, possibly due to cardiac arrest.

Reportedly, Kanchans son had accused the train ticket examiner (TTE) of being drunk and misbehaving with him when he pleaded for help. Officials dismissed the allegation.

Also, the train was scheduled to reach Agra Fort at 5.55 am, but reached at around 7 am.

Passengers then staged a protest at the station, demanding the arrest of the TTE and delaying the train for more than an hour.

RAILWAYS VERSION

ADRM, Jaipur division, Harish Chand Meena said the train left Jaipur station at 2:15 am and before the train crossed Baandikui railway station, the RPF control room at 3.05 am got a message that a woman needs medical attention.

We informed the Baandikui railway station where the train was stopped at 3:28 am although it doesnt have any scheduled halt, Meena said.

The RPF wanted to de-board the lady from the train. We had made the ambulance ready and contacted the doctor also but she refused to get down and wanted to be treated at Bharatpur, he said.

Meena said they then passed the message to the Kota division as Bharatpur falls under it.

ADRM, Kota Division, Alok Aggarwal said the station master attended her but she didnt say that she wants to get down there.

After Bharatpur, the train has a stop at Achhnera Junction and then Agra Fort. When the train reached Agra Fort, she was dead.

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JAIPUR: The Aam Aadmi Party, a new entrant to Rajasthan politics, has sprung a surprise on its rivals with its student wing  Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS)  putting up a better-than-expected show in the students union elections, results of which were declared on September 4.

CYSS had fielded 83 candidates, of whom 12 won the presidents post in colleges. Though none could win in university elections, 28 candidates won posts in colleges.

In two colleges in Bikaner, entire panels won unopposed. Our candidates won as president in two colleges in Ganganagar and one each in Sikar, Jaipur, Alwar and Ajmer, said Devendra Shastri, Rajasthan AAP spokesman.

The performance has given a boost to the image of AAP leader Kumar Vishwas who took over the reins of the state unit four months ago as a trade-off for not quitting the party.

This is a victory of our selfless volunteers and our strategy of going back to the basics. The students have won because of their talent and not because of caste, money or muscle power, Kumar Vishwas told HT over the phone from Delhi.

We have CYSS units in many states where AAP has a presence but never have we registered such a big victory. Our performance in the two universities of Ajmer and Jaipur is very impressive and the vice-presidents win in the prestigious Maharani College is an icing on the cake, Vishwas said.

Party president Arvind Kejriwal and most senior leaders in Delhi are yet to acknowledge the win or tweet congratulatory messages.

Sources said student union elections in Rajasthan have also bared factionalism in the AAP with some party leaders, who had cut their teeth in university politics, refusing to campaign for CYSS candidates.

We were expecting senior leaders to acknowledge the win and congratulate the victorious students, but their silence is disappointing, said an AAP leader requesting anonymity.

Asked whether AAP would contest by-elections to Ajmer Lok Sabha and Mandalgarh assembly constituencies, Vishwas said a decision was yet to be taken.

CYSS has decided not to contest student union elections in Delhi University this year. Launched by AAP in 2014, CYSS contested the DU students union (DUSU) polls in 2015; of the four central panel posts, the AAP wing could manage to come second in one, third in two and fourth in one.
Do not hesitate to beat up policemen for ruling party supporters are beating them up regularly, BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh has told his party men.

Speaking on Monday at a meeting of party workers in Howrah, Ghosh came up with the logic that Trinamool Congress supporters are getting away after beating up policemen.

Read: FIRs lodged against BJP leaders Roopa Ganguly, Dilip Ghosh over inflammatory remarks

Trinamool supporters are regularly beating up BJP supporters and the police are framing charges against the victims. So from now onwards, every time our activists area beaten up by Trinamool workers we will complain to the police. If the police refuses to lodge our complain, we will have to beat up those policemen. If Trinamool Congress activists can get away by assaulting the police, why cant BJP supporters follow the same line, Ghosh said.

This is not the first time that Ghosh has triggered controversy. In December last year, he said that Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee should be grabbed by her hair if she goes to Delhi.

Read: Bengal BJP banks on social media to spread its message

The chief minister has lost her mind after the demonetisation, and therefore, she visited Delhi and Patna to stage protests. If we wanted, we could have grabbed her hair and thrown her out of Delhi since we have our police force there, Ghosh said at a public programme.

In April, he described the Ram Navami celebrations in Bengal as a fight between Ramzada (one born of Lord Ram) and Haramzada (illegitimate born) .

Reacting to Ghoshs Monday statement, Trinamool MLA and the partys Howrah district president (rural), Pulak Roy said his statements are a reflection of BJPs culture. He is deliberately trying to create violence in the state, said Roy.

Senior police officers refused to comment.

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A day after the Bengal police claimed to have unearthed a bomb making factory in the Darjeeling hills, expelled Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Binoy Tamang claimed that top leaders of the party knew about such activities.

Read: Explosives, IED-making equipment seized in Darjeeling, one arrested

The former assistant secretary and chief coordinator of GJM said, I cautioned party president Bimal Gurung and general secretary Roshan Giri about such undemocratic activities.

He claimed that his differences with senior leaders developed only after he took up this issue.

Police on Monday claimed to have found bomb making materials in the house of GJM supporters at Dabai-Pani Bustee, about 20 km from Darjeeling town.

Read: Bengal to seek Centres intervention in urging Sikkim to help arrest GJM leader Gurung

Tamang is now believed to be sharing a cordial relationship with the state government. We should not turn Darjeeling into another Kashmir, he said on Tuesday. No leader of any party, including the Trinamool Congress, has so far compared the north Bengal hills to the Kashmir valley. Tamangs statement came as a shock to many because the Bengal police too have brought charges against Gurung under sections of anti-terror law. The state government has also accused GJM of having connection with militants from the North East.

Read: Darjeeling unrest: Sharp shooters hired to kill him, alleges Binay Tamang

Tamang, who led the GJM team at the August 29 meeting with Mamata Banerjee, was always a softliner while Gurung is a known hardliner. Tamang and Anit Thapa, who too attended the meeting, were expelled because their unilateral decision to withdraw the bandh was condemned by GJM supporters. The bandh entered its 83rd day on Tuesday.

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A three-storeyed building, which was declared dangerous by civic authorities, collapsed in a densely-populated area of north Kolkata on Tuesday, killing three members of a family, officials said.

A portion of the building at Posta near Nimtolla collapsed at around 11am trapping Taraprasanna Saha, 95, his 86-year-old wife Shobharani Saha and 54-year-old daughter Beauty Roy. Locals rushed to their rescue and pulled them out of the rubble.

All three were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where Taraprasanna was declared dead on arrival. His wife and daughter died a few hours after being admitted to the hospital.

They were residents here, said Bijoy Ojha, local councillor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Officials said the building lacked maintenance and there were disputes between the owners and tenants.

Fire brigade personnel said the neighbourhood was extremely crowded and more people could have become victims of the disaster.

Tuesdays collapse was the second in Kolkata in a little over a month. On July 25, a portion of an almost 100-year-old building collapsed in the city killing two people. That building, too, was declared hazardous by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Biju Pal, a 22-year-old trainee constable died on Tuesday at the training facility of the West Bengal state armed police at Salua in West Midnapore.

Other trainees staged an agitation alleging that Pal, a resident of Ashoknagar in the North 24 Parganas district, died because of the physical challenges the authorities made them face.

The trainees blocked the Kharagpore-Keshiary road for more than two hours. The agitation was lifted after IG (western range) Rajeev Mishra and director of Swami Vivekananda State Police Academy, J Jayraman, talked to the trainees and assured them that an inquiry would be conducted.

Salua houses the head quarters of the Eastern Frontier Rifles and the training institute of the state armed police.

The Bengal Police constables joined the training session two months ago. They alleged that four trainees fell ill on Tuesday because they couldnt take the physical challenge. The authorities refuted the charges, saying the youths were going through standard drills.

The trainees were taken to Kharagpore Hospital where doctors referred Pal to Midnapore Medical College Hospital. Pal died on the way. News of his death triggered the agitation.

Senior police officers said the training module was prepared following standard rules and the constables faced no extra pressure because of the physical exercise and drills. Pal might have had a heart problem that was never detected, the officers said.
Days after Gorakhpur tragedy, oxygen crisis has returned to haunt the UP health and family welfare department with the death of 49 children at the special newborn care unit (SMCU) of Farrukhabad district hospital in the past one month.

Between August 9 and 11, 33 children had died at Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur due to disruption in oxygen supply.

Though the high-level committee headed by chief secretary Rajive Kumar ruled out oxygen crisis as a reason for the deaths but FIRs were lodged against oxygen supplier Pushpa Sales Pvt Ltd as well as medical college principal Dr Rajiv Mishra for not clearing the bills of the company.

In Farrukhabad case too, the committee constituted by the then district magistrate Ravindra Kumar to probe into the deaths blamed oxygen crisis for the deaths of children.

On the basis of the report, the DM ordered FIRs against the chief medical officer (CMO), chief medical superintendent (CMS) and a few doctors of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital under Sections 176, 188 and 304 of the IPC.

In his complaint to the police, city magistrate, Farrukhabad, Jainendra Kumar Jain said the majority of deaths were due to perinatal asphyxia. When contacted over the phone, mothers of the children as well as the family members said the doctors did not provide oxygen to their babies on time. Even medicines were not given to the children, he said.

It is clear that the children died due to short supply of oxygen. The doctors were aware of the fact that children would die due to oxygen crisis but failed to save their lives, Jain added.

He recommended strict legal action against the errant medical officers and doctors.

However, the state government reacted the same way it did in Gorakhpur case.

The state health and family welfare department rejected the report of the Farrukhabad DM blaming oxygen crisis for the deaths.

Terming the report as superficial, principal secretary, health and family welfare, Prashant Trivedi on Monday said instead of visiting the spot, conducting proper investigation and meeting the parents of the deceased, members of the committee constituted by the DM talked to parents over the phone.

Trivedi said according to experts there were many reasons for perinatal asphyxia.

Though the DM has ordered lodging of FIRs, no action will be taken against the accused, he said.

There was no crisis of oxygen in the hospital. Media is creating a hype over the issue. A technical team headed by the director-general, health, will visit Farrukhabad hospital to probe into the deaths. Action will be taken against the culprits on the basis of the report submitted by the committee, he said.

Trivedi said there was a lack of coordination between the district administration and health department officials. The CMO did not alert senior health department officers that the DM had rejected his report on deaths, ordered magisterial inquiry and FIRs in the case. The state government has decided to transfer the DM, CMO and CMS, he said.

Read more| Farrukhabad child deaths: Doctors go on mass leave to protest FIR against colleagues

He said from July 20 to August 21, 468 babies were delivered at the district women hospital, Farrukhabad. There were 19 stillbirths. Out of remaining 449 babies, 66 were critical and were shifted to newborn care unit. As many as 66 recovered while 6 died. A total of 145 children referred by health centres were admitted to the district hospital and 121 of them returned home, he said.

After the death of children at BRD Medical College, the Gorakhpur DM had said in his report that the college administration was aware of the impending oxygen crisis but did not alert senior officers.

The clerks did not maintain the log book of oxygen supply. The supplier Pushpa Sales stopped oxygen supply due to delay in the payment of outstanding dues to the tune of Rs 69 lakh, the report said.

Ruling out oxygen crisis at the medical college, the government had said three-tier oxygen supply system had been activated in the wards  liquid oxygen supply, cylinder oxygen supply and artificial manual breathing unit (AMBU) bags.

In Farrukhabad case, the DMs report has turned out to be bone of contention between the Health Department and district administration. The report of the technical team may clear the cloud.

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said India will henceforth adopt a no-compromise formula on matters pertaining to its strategic policies.

It has been demonstrated clearly that the nation will no longer be cowed down on matters like defence and security, Bhagwat said during a function held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Technical Intermediate College in Manda, around 70 km from Allahabad. His remarks come in the backdrop of India and China arriving at a mutual resolution to the Doklam stand-off last month.

The RSS chief claimed that the country was progressing at full steam under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has always remained true to its word. This has been our tradition and culture, and we are proud of following it even today. This is why the trust reposed in us by other nations has only increased with time, he said.

Bhagwat said it was after many years that the people were following a leader with the same enthusiasm that Lal Bahadur Shastri evoked when he  as the Prime Minister  called on lakhs to fast every Monday for feeding the needy. Today, so many are taking part in initiatives like Clean India Mission (Swachh Bharat) and embracing yoga on a mere call. Its rare for people to follow a leaders request out of sheer respect. But this is being witnessed once again today, he said, without referring to Modi by name.

The RSS chief also urged the people to fulfil their duties towards themselves, their families and the society as a whole.

The event was attended by Shastris sons Anil and Sunil, grandson Sidharth Nath Singh, Allahabad MP Shyama Charan Gupta and former mayor Chaudhary Jitendra Nath Singh. Sunil, chairman of the Shastri Sewa Niketan, welcomed Bhagwat at the function. Earlier, he unveiled statues of Lal Bahadur Shastri and his wife, Lalita Shastri, at the Lalita Shastri Public School in Manda Khas.

The RSS chief later attended a shakha session at Civil Lines.

(With PTI inputs)
In a gesture aimed at correcting the impression that the ruling party and the government werent on the same page in Uttar Pradesh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath led nearly his entire council of ministers to greet the new state BJP chief and Chandauli MP Mahendra Nath Pandey, 59, who took charge on Monday evening.

Warmly welcomed on his arrival from Delhi, Pandey took over the key organisational post from deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya who quit under the BJPs one-man, one-post rule.

Adityanath, the head of the government as per protocol usually speaks last in public functions. But on this occasion, he expressed his views ahead of Pandey during the welcome function in a gesture indicating the party protocol was bigger than the government one.

That was also evident as former state BJP chiefs Om Prakash Singh, Vinay Katiyar, Surya Pratap Shahi (a UP minister but on dais as former chief) and Ramapati Ram Tripathi among others were on the dais, but the ministers sat with the cadre.

The public display of bonhomie between the new BJP chief and the chief minister  both upper caste leaders from east UP  was in abundance with Adityanath describing Pandey as sajjan rajnitigya (gentleman politician) and the latter returning the compliment by describing Yogi as saintly CM. Both had an identical message for the cadre  gear up for the November local bodies polls followed by the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It is in these two elections that the Pandey-Yogi chemistry will be put to test with the duo expected to ensure partys winning streak in the state.

Not surprisingly then, Adityanath urged the party to market the schemes of his government among the masses, Pandey told the cadre to act as a bridge between the people and the government by carrying genuine demands to the government.

Now, with the appointment of a new chief, the BJP leadership is working on a plan  first reported by HT on July 31  under which each minister could get to work with an organisational hand as part of a plan to ensure that satta aur sangathan (the government and the party) are in sync on various issues.

This strategy was finalised during the three-day July end visit of partys national chief Amit Shah to Lucknow. The organisational hands deployed with the ministers will give monthly feedback on the ministrys and perhaps even the ministers functioning to Adityanath as well as organisational pointpersons Mahendra Nath Pandey and state general secretary (organisation) Sunil Bansal.

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The state government on Monday suspended the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Lucknow, director Shiv Bihari Upadhyay after the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad, confirmed that the suspicious substance recovered in the legislative assembly on July 12 was not the high-potential explosive PETN but silicon oxide (quartz).

Principal secretary, Home, Arvind Kumar said Upadhyay was suspended on the charge of submitting an incomplete, misleading, inauthentic and defective report on recovery of the suspicious substance from Vidhan Bhavan.

The state government has ordered a probe against Upadhyay. Director, Vigilance, Hitesh Awasthi has been made the enquiry officer. Upadhyay has been attached to Vigilance Establishment till completion of the probe.

Upadhyay not only misguided the top state government functionaries, but also used an explosive detection kit, whose usage date had expired in March 2016, to test the substance, Kumar said.

The test was conducted by specialists of the non-explosive wing of the FSL, Lucknow. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) that was handed over the investigation into the case sent the sample to CFSL, Hyderabad, for further tests. The Hyderabad laboratory, in its report, stated that the substance was not PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) but non- explosive silicon oxide (quartz), Kumar said.

In an inquiry conducted by the state government it was found that Upadhyay had indulged in financial irregularities and took salary benefits illegally.

There were also complaints against Upadhyay pertaining to irregularities during his tenure as the acting director of a laboratory in Patna, Bihar, from February 28, 2008, to August 20, 2012, Kumar said.

He allegedly submitted fake reports regarding laboratory test and gave benefits to the laboratory employees illegally, the official said.
Do your employer track your electronic communication at work? Do they check if you use your official mail account or messaging channels to send personal messages?

On Tuesday, Europes top human rights court ruled that employers snooping on their employees electronic communications violates the right to privacy.

The court was hearing a complaint by Bogdan Barbulescu, a Romanian software engineer at a sales company, who was fired after his company found he was using his Yahoo Messenger account to message his fiancee and brother.

Barbulescu had argued that though the companys rules prohibited the use of official communication channels for personal use, his employer had overstepped bounds and infringed on his right to privacy when they spied on his messages.

Barbulescus appeal was dismissed by Romanian courts, but the European Court of Human Rights upheld his right to privacy in the landmark ruling on Tuesday. A statement released by the court said, an employer cannot reduce private social life in the workplace to zero. Respect for private life and for the privacy of correspondence continues to exist, even if these may be restricted in so far as necessary.

In January, six out of seven judges at the human rights court in Strasbourg had found that firm was not in the wrong, since they scanned Barbulescus messages under the impression that it was all work-related. It was not unreasonable that an employer would want to verify that employees were completing their professional tasks during working hours, the court had said.

But Tuesdays ruling in the higher chamber overturned that decision and sided with Barbulescu. The top court found that Barbulescu had not known that his employers would actually read his chat logs.

The judgment has bearing on European companies where Facebook messenger, WhatsApp and Gchat are used for official communication.
After our parents, the people who most significantly impact our lives  and a life-long love or dislike for a particular subject  are our teachers. Teachers Day is an occasion to celebrate this unique role that gives adults the power to shape young minds and thereby the future of a country.

At every stage of life, the significance of the Day evolves but it never diminishes. For the middle-schoolers, it means getting roses and chocolates and making cards to profess their affection for their teachers. While for those in senior school, it is a day of role reversal and celebration. And when school and college become distant memories, our appreciation and respect for our teachers only grows.

The man behind it all

Though World Teachers Day falls on October 5, every country celebrates it on different dates. In India, it is observed on September 5  the birthday of a great teacher, philosopher and statesman, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. Dr Radhakrishnan always held that teachers should be the best minds in the country.

Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India (19521962) and the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. He was born in a village in the erstwhile Madras Presidency near the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He was a bright student, who despite lack of finances, completed his education by winning scholarships. After completing his MA in Philosophy in 1908, Radhakrishnan taught the subject at Madras Presidency College.

Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India (19521962) and the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. (Wikimedia Commons)

He held the post of the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936 and succeeded Madan Mohan Malviya as the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1939. He was knighted in 1931, was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, in 1954, and made an honorary member of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.

The story goes that when Dr Radhakrishan became the President of India in 1962, his students approached him for permission to celebrate September 5 as a special day. But he in turn made a request of them, which was to observe September 5 as Teachers Day, to recognise the contribution of teachers to society.

How Teachers Day is celebrated

In India, Teachers Day is celebrated across schools on his birthday. Cultural programmes and events are organised in schools and colleges. Students bring flowers, sweets and cards for their teachers to express their gratitude and love. Senior students dress up in formals and take/supervise classes so that teachers can take a break and enjoy the celebrations. The role reversal also helps them put themselves in their teachers shoes.
The Noida authority carried out a massive demolition operation on Tuesday to free its 20,000 square metres of commercial land in Gejha village next to sector 105, triggering protests by farmers.

The authority said the farmers had allegedly built shops and other buildings on government land without any sanction as per building norms.

The authority started the demolition exercise at 8am with nine JCBs and a team of 250 police personnel and continued it till 6.30pm.

The demolition drive will continue for the next two days as we want to free 20,000 square metres of commercial land worth Rs 200 crore. The farmers had accepted compensation for this land and also filed cases in the Allahabad high court but did not get any relief. The authority will allot residential plots soon. Farmers should not construct buildings without approval, said RK Mishra, additional chief executive officer of the Noida authority.

Opposing the demolition exercise, farmers led by Bharatiya Kisan union leaders from Gejha village staged a protest against the Noida authority outside its headquarters in sector 6. They were upset after the authority demolished the commercial structure in Gejha.

The farmers - Devendra Tyagi and Bobby Tyagi - who own the building alleged that they built the structure on their land because earlier in 2011 the authority had allowed it.

Farmers alleged that the authority had not allotted 10% residential plots against the land acquired for development as per the rules.

The farmers had constructed the building because the authority is yet to allot residential plots. Why did not the authority provide plots for farmers use? said Begraj Gurjar, a BKU leader.

The farmers said if the authority continued the demolition, they will protest once again.

We stopped the protest after additional CEO AK Shrivastava assured to look into our issue. If the authority will not listen to us, then we will stage a bigger protest, said Sheoraj Singh, a farmer leader.

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Students of RKGIT College on Meerut Road in Ghaziabad protested and complained of negligence by college authorities after a first-year BTech student died following an ailment last week.

The students said the girl was from Gorakhpur and suffered from health issues, allegedly from inferior quality of food served at the college hostel.

As the news of the girl, Jahnavi Rai, succumbing at a hospital in Delhi reached students, they gathered and protested against the college authorities.

They later held a meeting with college officials and complained about inferior quality food, water and other issues at the college hostel.

The hostel wardens attitude is not proper. She asks for Rs 5,000 to arrange for ambulance if there is some medical emergency, said a protesting student, who did not wish to be named.

The quality of food is also not good. There are insects in the rice while RO water systems are just showpieces. They dont work for days, said another student.

College officials said there are nearly 4,000 students in two colleges, including 1,200 who stay at two hostels.

Police vans arrived at the campus and remained stationed there as a group of students, including girls, held a meeting with college authorities about their issues.

I had gone to meet the student in the hostel. She told me she had not told the warden about her health condition thinking that it was normal ailment. Later, we took her to hospital and informed her parents. Her father is in the Indo Tibetan Border Police and he had said he will take her to Delhi for treatment. On Monday, he informed us the girl was showing improvement but on Tuesday morning he informed she died, said HG Garg, college dean, while talking to the protesting students.

He said a food menu chart was being prepared and all grievances of students would be resolved soon.

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Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh has recently pledged to free the central Indian state of Maoism before 2022. Theres little mention on how this is going to be achieved, but based on the past one can anticipate that this would entail the injection of more armed capacity in the state  as usually happens after high-profile incidents or when new strategies are announced. To take an example from earlier this year: Maoists ambushed a CRPF battalion at Sukma in April killing 25 paramilitary personnel. There were reports subsequently that the government was bracing for its biggest anti-Naxal operation that included plans to deploy a fresh squad of 2,000 CoBRA commandos in and around Sukma who will specifically be used to increase the kill ratio of the forces and deliver a heavy blow to the Naxals, according to an official.

It is not clear how successful such efforts will ultimately be. An internal report by the CRPF blamed the lack of intelligence, poor leadership on the ground, low morale and a lack of adequate training for the Sukma attack. This assessment aligns with experts who say that the CRPF has struggled for years with the lack of intelligence in the state and that the local police must do more to tackle the insurgency.

While security agencies see their failings as essentially technical deficits which can be fixed by more funding and gadgetry, the reasons for intelligence shortcomings are more complicated. The fact is that the security forces continue to profoundly lack the trust, goodwill and standing amongst the Adivasi populations of Chhattisgarh, because years of fighting the Maoist insurgency has seen a high civilian toll and an alarming erosion of democratic institutions. Counterinsurgencies that operate amid a disaffected population take that much longer to succeed, if at all. The first task for governments, therefore, is to get their understanding of the conflict right than pursue militarist methods which exact a heavy human cost and largely yield stalemates rather than ending insurgency.

Policymakers interested in a more rounded look at the situation can do no better than consult Nandini Sundars compelling book The Burning Forest: India War in Bastar. Sundars work as an anthropologist overturns the official one-dimensional view of the insurgency, which represents it as merely the fault of Maoists and human rights activists while glossing over the states own role in fomenting conflict. Based on 26 years of research and travel in the region and drawing on conversations with a range of interlocutors, Sundars book offers a more complex history of Chhattisgarh than what mainstream India is exposed to.

By way of quick introduction: The region of Bastar is home to several gondi speaking Adivasi groups, OBCs and Dalits. Adivasis have seen their mineral-rich forests and land appropriated over time; their way of life threatened by different state-making projects  first by the British who wanted timber and then by independent India which sought to build dams, power projects and mines. The region is known for its tribals but political and economic power is actually concentrated in the hands of non-Adivasi immigrants who moved in since the 1950s i.e. traders and businessmen from Rajasthan, UP, Bihar and Punjab, those working in Bailadilla mines and lower state bureaucracy and Bengali refugees from the 1971 war settled in the forests of Koraput and Bastar.

Maoists from Andhra Pradesh developed a base in the region since the 1980s using a combination of advocacy and violence to ensure better wages for Adivasis, land for those who needed it and relief from harassment by government officials and police. In a milieu where Adivasis were humiliated and derided for being dirty and uncivilised, Maoists were able to build state-like structures through their armed squads (dalams) and sanghams (village level workers), settling disputes, exerting pressure on teachers and health workers to provide services and ensuring shopkeepers didnt cheat villagers. Maoists extracted tribute from contractors and traders but selectively allowed projects and business to continue and because they enjoyed support of Adivasis they became a part of the local ecology of power.

The situation evolved quickly after Chhattisgarh became a new state in 2000. Mining was liberalised in 2003 amid the global commodity boom, land was grabbed from poor villagers by fraudulent and coercive means, roads and highways expanded to ferry minerals, and the state began a campaign to take back control of the Maoist strongholds of Bastar and Dantewada  where resistance to land acquisition was pronounced  often setting off atrocities against adivasis.

In 2005, the state government started arming civilians and formed a militia called Salwa Judum comprising non-Adivasi youth and Adivasis disaffected by Maoist excesses  who were turned into special police officers (SPOs) to ostensibly fight Maoists. The Judum unleashed a reign of terror on civilians marked by murder, rape and the burning and looting of hundreds of villages. The state pursued a policy of strategic hamletting which was used by the Americans in Vietnam, the British in Malaya etc whereby civilians were forced to leave villages and moved to camps in order to isolate them from insurgents.

Sundar powerfully relates the experience of adivasis who lived in dread of Judum raids. Their only option was to escape to the forest only to come back to find their homes destroyed and those they knew killed and (or) raped. The Judum burned houses to force people into camps and deny provisions to Maoists. In their turn, Maoists would booby trap the houses to prevent Judum looting them and so the latter found it more expedient to burn the houses. Thousands were arrested. Those who could not resist any more moved to the camps. Around 100,000 fled to neighbouring states, particularly Andhra Pradesh. Maoists retaliated by killing Judum leaders and those they suspected of cooperating with the state.

The first phase of Salwa Judum lasted from 2005 to 2007. There was a lull in 2008 when people began returning home. But Maoists killed 38 Greyhound commandos in June and ambushed the convoy of West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya in November that year. Security forces retaliated brutally against civilians and in 2009, the Centre launched Operation Green Hunt as a war against Maoists in several states, involving combing operations by the police, CRPF and other paramilitary forces. 2009-10 were the bloodiest years in Chhattisgarh. From 2011 to 2013 there were some major human rights violations that generated public attention  and villagers were beginning to muster the courage to testify in courts. By 2016, however, the third phase of the intensification of the war was on continuing the cycle of violence and counter-violence.

Burning Forest points out that alongside outright violence the State was also focused on subverting democratic institutions to manage the narrative and suppress the bad news. Newspapers linked to mining interests did not cover atrocities against Adivasis, journalists compromised by governmental favours did not either and even the State legislature failed to take up human rights issues. The Adivasis had no say about the form of development that was thrust on them nor were they allowed to tell their own story.

What is worse, when scholars and civil society petitioned the courts, the Union and state government did all they could to thwart the judicial process. In 2007 Nandini Sundar, historian Ramachandra Guha and former civil servant EAS Sarma filed a PIL petition seeking an appropriate remedy to act on systematic human rights violations and an end to the practice of arming civilians. The Chhattisgarh governments strategy was to reduce the case to politics and to divest it of any legal principles. It essentially claimed that the petitioners were fronts for Maoists and that the states actions were justified because of Maoist attacks. Mukul Rohatgi, the former attorney general, then appearing for Chhattisgarh, called Ashok Desai  Sundars counsel and a former attorney general himself  a Maoist at one point. Senior police officials showed journalists fake pictures of Sundar posing with armed Maoist women cadres.

In 2008, Chief Justice Balakrishnan tasked the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)  which had earlier refused to heed appeals from civil society actors  to appoint a fact-finding committee. The NHRC chose to appoint a committee composed almost entirely of police personnel; it did not take the help of civil society organisations who volunteered to accompany them, facilitate depositions etc. The NHRC team stayed in a police mess, employed Salwa Judum leaders as translators and went around in villages in convoys accompanied by police. All this unnerved villagers and yet many testified. In cases the Salwa Judum cut off all rations and road access to the villagers in retribution for testifying against them. Some villagers who had returned from Andhra Pradesh to testify were beaten up and their houses set on fire.

In the end, the NHRC went along mostly with the police version of events but it could not but expose some of the horror  and recommended rehabilitating villagers, compensating them for losses of houses and belongings, preparing a list of missing persons, evacuating security forces from schools and filing FIRs on all complaints. In 2011, the Supreme Court directed the state to disband Salwa Judum and disarm all SPOs and it ordered an investigation into all human rights violations. The judgement did not, however, provide for a monitoring committee.

The litigation has gone through other phases since. The Chhattisgarh government has failed to comply with NHRC recommendations and the Courts orders. The SPOs were quietly integrated into Armed Auxiliary Forces. All investigations into past excesses are still incomplete. A CBI team sent in 2012 to investigate violations at Tadmetla was attacked by SPOs and had to be rescued by the CRPF, which was also fired at during the process. Sundar writes that the sense of confidence and impunity these lengthy investigations have given the security forces has emboldened them to undertake a new wave of killings on a daily and weekly basis.

Sundar chronicles state depredations against adivasis but does not flinch from criticising Maoists, including their brutalities, ambushes of security forces, the risk Naxal violence poses to Adivasis, the punishments meted out to suspected collaborators, the bombing of schools security forces stay in and the attacks on ambulances ferrying villagers. She is critical of their calls for election boycott, their failure to appreciate the need to work both inside and outside elected bodies and their disdain for NGOs working on rehabilitation or providing legal aid.

What Burning Forest demonstrates is that all the elements for the continuation of conflict in Chhattisgarh remain in place  from the non-Adivasi political leadership and economic interests which are insensitive to the rights of Adivasis, the acquisition of land through unfair methods, a middle class that wants growth regardless of the cost to indigenous people and the environment, a Maoist movement that sees violence as an inevitable tool to protect adivasis from exploitative forces and an counterinsurgency approach that takes a huge toll on villagers because it cannot distinguish between insurgents and rebels. The CRPF and other forces are also paying a heavy price and many personnel are just eager to leave as this report points out. In the midst of this the State has no capacity for development. Urban official infrastructure has expanded while villages remain without basics like schools, electricity and health centres.

Sundars book is an exceptional expose of the scandal of rural governance in India, a chronicle of State excesses, an anthropologists view about how conflicts perpetuate themselves and an account of how Indias democracy is degraded when few are watching. Policymakers ought to take away one the key lesson from it that there really are no military solutions to social conflicts. Paramilitaries like the CRPF can contain Maoists but it is ultimately not their job to address the issue of gross political inequalities in Chhattisgarh, which are the root cause of conflict in the state. If insurgency has to end, the past must be accounted for and Adivasis have to be beneficiaries of development and not its victims. Managing and resolving conflict also depend on the governments ability to listen to voices that disagree with its approaches. Failing this, the insurgency is set to continue long into the future.

(The writer tweets @SushilAaron)

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You hear of journalists being killed in Mexico city, Turkey, Ukraine and all the other far away cities and countries. You sigh, and move on with life. But, when the killers turn up a few kilometres from your house and shoot dead someone you have known for years and admired for her spunk, the shock is paralysing. That is the feeling uppermost in me on hearing the news of the murder of a dear colleague Gauri Lankesh.

Memories of the times spent with Gauri discussing stories over coffee, talking politics and general gossip about this and that flit through the mind in a mad jumble spread across 35 years. Hard to believe that so much time has elapsed since I first met her when I joined the then weekly newspaper Sunday Mid-Day in Bangalore. She was there as well, as a trainee.

Gauri was a typical reporter  sniffing out stories, reporting on events of all kinds and having fun like most others. She shifted to Delhi for a while after her marriage and I remember visiting her a couple of times at home for dinner and gup shup.

Over time, we did move our own ways. Gauri returned to Bangalore in the 90s if my memory serves me right. That was the turning point for her...she metamorphosed into a political activist-journalist. Gauri emerged in a different form from what one had known of her earlier. Post the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, she made it to the newspapers as a strong votary against communalism.

The Gauri one had known all along was now taking the lead in condemning growing communal polarisation. She was constantly in the media glare at the head of the Forum for Communal Harmony (Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike). In the middle of all this, she got embroiled in a filial fight over her legendary journalist-father Lankeshs newspaper called Lankesh Patrike. The business split into two newspapers, and she became the editor of one of them.

Karnataka has had a minor strand of the Naxal movement. And, lo, Gauri was in the thick of this too  arguing for justice to tribals and forest-dwellers in parts of the state. She, along with her band of activists, was responsible for influencing a few Naxal activists to give up their armed movement and return to open political life.

When one referred to Gauri as spunky, there was good reason. She took on right-wing activists belonging to the RSS, BJP and their various fringe organisations. There was no doubt she had made a considerable number of enemies. There were times when she became the target of verbal attacks from her political opponents. She was roughed up a few times. But she never seemed to give up.

There were defamation cases as well, filed by irate Sangh Parivar politicians. She was convicted too recently, but that was par for the course for this journalist.

For someone like me who knew her all these years, I must confess that we were not friends on Facebook, nor on WhatsApp or any other social media. Yet, it was as if I did not need all these to stay in touch with her. For, either she was writing columns in various newspapers, or part of the news itself with her in your face opposition to the Hindutva brigade or for her participation in some event or the other in favour of communal harmony.

Gauri was among those strongly condemning the murder of the noted writer MM Kalburgi. She probably never imagined that one day she would fall in the exact same fashion  four armed men shooting her point-blank at her residence, in Rajarajeshwari nagar, a well-populated and busy middle-class locality.

One thing one can say with certainty  in recent years there has been no other journalist in Karnataka with the courage to speak her mind openly, publicly without mincing words. Our most recent meeting was a few months ago during the release of journalist Rana Ayubs book on the Gujarat riots. After the event, Gauri told me it was a long time since we had a coffee and that we should meet and talk things.

That, as it happens in most such situations, remained just a plan. And, now, it is too late.

(The writer is an independent journalist based in Bangalore)
United States President Donald Trumps August 21 speech, outlining his administrations much-awaited strategies and goals in Afghanistan, had, from Indias perspective, some welcome new elements and emphases, including on Indias role in Afghanistan, the unfortunate resurrection of some unproductive approaches especially on India- Pakistan issues, and the continued lack of clarity on the end game.

Trump had, for years, described the continued involvement in Afghanistan as wasteful, and the Obama strategy as flawed. There was, therefore, relief in the US strategic community and in India that he has decided for now to support a conditions based engagement, seek to achieve an honorable and enduring outcome, and was sharply critical of Pakistans support to terrorist groups.

A decision to pull US troops out of Afghanistan would have been popular with his base. But a collapse of Afghan government, or a Taliban takeover post the pullout, would be seen as a US defeat, for which he would be held responsible. Similarly, any major terrorist incident on US soil, from a safe haven in Afghanistan, would be blamed on his decision. So, he has decided to stay the course, but, contrary to Obama, give the military some leverage in adding to numbers and in taking operational decisions. He has also not set any end date for involvement or transitioning from one strategy to another.

Driven by his personal and political compulsions, Trump has sought to project his strategy as different. He claimed that he would plan for victory, while earlier US was fighting a war without victory. But Obama had also declared on March 27, 2009, while outlining his administrations first major policy pronouncement on Afghanistan, that: to the terrorists who oppose us, my message iswe will defeat you.

Trump, energising his base by the slogan of Make America Great Again, has said US will have a narrower focus on pursuing its own security interests, rather than doing nation-building abroad. Obama had also said on December 1, 2009, during his second major policy pronouncement on Afghanistan, that it is the Afghan government and people who would be ultimately responsible for their own country.

There are essential similarities and tonal differences in articulations on Pakistan and India.

Obama had come a long way since telling Time magazine in October 2008 about working with Pakistan and India to resolve the Kashmir crisis in a serious way, and devoting serious diplomatic resources to get a special envoy in there. Seeing the intensely negative reactions in India, he did not pursue this, and kept India out of Richard Holbrookes Af-Pak mandate. But, he did say in the March 2009 speech that to lessen tensions between two nuclear armed nations that too often teeter on edge of escalation and confrontation, we must pursue constructive diplomacy with both India and Pakistan.

Trump has gone a step ahead and specifically described his strategy as laying the path forward in Afghanistan and South Asia, and made comments similar to Obama about nuclear arms, tensions and potential for conflict between India and Pakistan. Talking to the press on August 22, secretary of state Rex W Tillerson went even further, and talked about India taking steps of rapprochement and removing some of the reasons why (Pakistan) deal(s) with these (terrorist) elements, turning on its head the US position that there can be no justification for terrorism.

Comments on Pakistan and its negative role are this time harsher, at the level of president. There is growing frustration in US at their inability to change Pakistans behaviour either through incentives or coercion. In December 2009, Obama had said that success in Afghanistan was inextricably linked to partnership with Pakistan, but that we cannot tolerate safe haven for terrorists whose location is known and whose intentions are clear.

US first sought to incentivise Pakistan through the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill of $1.5 billion annual aid commitment. Relations deteriorated when Osama bin Laden was located in Pakistan and taken out in 2011. In June 2011, Obama had said: our efforts must also address terrorist safe havens in Pakistan. Chairman joint chiefs of staff Admiral Michael Mullen had, in a Congressional testimony in September 2011 described the Haqqani network as a veritable strategic arm of the ISI. Trump now said: no partnership can survive a countrys harboring of militants and terrorists.

US recognition and welcome for Indias role in Afghanistan was this time upfront. Earlier US had been more mindful of Pakistans sensitivities, and in the early post Taliban period even attempted to slow down our involvement.

India will no doubt build on its economic assistance effort, in partnership with the Afghans. A greater effort needs to be made for capacity and State building in Afghanistan, and reconciling the various elements that are already a part of the post-Taliban structure.

The US will need to ensure that its new effort creates sufficient space for the Afghan government and institutions to consolidate themselves in an enduring way. That will be the only honorable outcome befitting the efforts over decades by the Afghans and their international partners.

Arun K Singh is a former Indian Ambassador to the United States

The views expressed are personal
Slogans that had originated in student struggles of 1970s and 80s have travelled down to mainstream parties here in Panjab University, Chandigarh. In order to lure students, parties use these slogans without knowing the significance of them, said Amandeep, former presidential candidate, Students For Society (SFS).

I feel that the parties are not aware of the context in which the slogans are used, said Amandeep.

Slogans used by Leftist parties popular

In the night rallies, PUSU uses slogans like Ikki dukki chakk deyange, dhaun te goda rakh deyange (Every Tom, Dick and Harry will be knocked out, their necks will be under our feet) and awaaz do hum ek hain (shout out that we are united). The last two are the slogans used mainly by the leftist student organisations and have been made popular during their struggles.

Originated in 1970s, 80s

Ikki dukki chakk deyange , dhaun te goda rakh deyange  this slogan actually originated in the student and youth struggles in 1970s and 80s. It was made popular by the common youth, said Mukhtiar Poohla, former secretary, PSU.

Ikki dukki chakk deyange , dhaun te goda rakh deyange.

Poohla further added, This particular slogan actually signifies the anger of the common lot against the bureaucracy. The slogan was used by the people when they were united and felt stronger than those who ruled them.

Unaware of origin

When asked if he knew the origin, Nishant Kaushal of PUSU said, I am not aware of the origin. When I joined the university 8-9 years ago, student parties used it. These are formal slogans that every party uses here.

Amandeep of SFS said, This shows the ideological hypocrisy and shallowness of such parties. They do not have any slogans of their own so they pick up popular ones .
It was five minutes of rage that devastated the lives of Praveen Yadavs family. His wife Pallavi is trying to come to terms with the tragedy and her sons Arush (9), and Arnav (7), are still waiting for their father to return. The family resides in Sector 37 and the victim worked as a distributor of LED equipment.

Papa kahan hai, mumma kyun ro ri hai itna, are the questions which the children have been asking from the relatives. The children have been concerned about why their mother is falling unconscious ever since they, along with their grandfather Shyam Lal Yadav, lit the pyre of their father. Pallavi, as per the relatives, is in a state of shock and is falling unconscious repeatedly. She calls out for Yadav refusing to believe he is no more.

Yadav was the sole bread earner of the family. His father is associated with religious associations and mostly stays out of station. The family had rented out a floor, which supplements their household income.

Eyewitness account in FIR

Navpreet Chopra (45), a resident of Sector 32 and working as a munshi to an advocate in Sector 43, said he was going home on his motorcycle when around12.45pm on the Sector 34/44 dividing road he saw Skoda driving ahead of Chevrolet and the driver shouting out to Yadav to stop his vehicle.

Chopra said that near the park in Sector 34, Skoda intercepted Yadavs vehicles and stepped out. Col MS Bains had held Yadav by his neck and lifted him in the air twice and rained blows. In the meantime, another white Honda Jazz stopped from which two youths  Amit and Neeraj Mann stepped out, who tried to intervene. Chopra all this while was there at the spot and said as the crowd started gathering, the colonel sat in his vehicle and left the spot.

Praveen, who was a patient of hypertension and sugar, could hardly breathe, and his condition deteriorated as he collapsed on the floor. He was rushed to GMCH-32, where he was declared brought dead.
The Shimla court has extended the police custody of inspector general of police (IG) Zahur Zaidi and seven other cops, arrested last week for the custodial death of Suraj, an accused in the Kotkhai rape and murder case, by three days, till September 7, here on Monday.

After the completion of seven-day remand, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an application seeking extension of the custody by a week. The CBI said that it is yet to recover the danda (stick) and patta (belt) for which the custody is required.

However, the defence counsel has opposed the demand of CBI stating that the recovery of these items can be made even without keeping the cops in custody. Different defence counsels engaged by the accused said that the CBI took them to New Delhi and then on Sunday, they were taken to Kotkhai. Trial court judge Ranjit Singh Thakur heard the argument.

The CBI had arrested IG Zaidi, deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Manoj Joshi, sub-inspector (SI) Rajinder Singh, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Deep Chand Sharma, head constables Surat Singh, Mohan Lal, Rafiq Ali and Ranjit Singh last Tuesday, and took them to New Delhi. Few days after the arrest, CBI summoned superintendent of police (SP) DW Negi, assistant superintendent of police (ASP) BD Negi, DSP Rattan Singh Negi to Delhi.

Initially, DSP Manoj Joshi was asked to investigate the Kotkhai rape case. The then Shimla SP DW Negi was sent to the spot on July 7, a day after the naked body of the minor school girl was found at Halaila forest in Kotkai of Shimla district.

CASE HISTORY

Unable to make any headway in the case, Shimla police had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) on July 9.

On July 13, the SIT arrested six accused  Ashish Chauhan (29), Rajender Singh (32), Subhash Singh Bisht (42), Deepak alias Deepu (29) Suraj Singh (29) and Lok Jung (19). A day before the arrest, photographs of some youth, purportedly behind the case, went viral. The pictures were uploaded on chief minister Virbhadra Singhs Facebook page, but were later removed.

Not satisfied with the arrests, the locals staged violent protests at Theog, demanding a CBI probe and accusing the SIT of shielding the real culprits. Alarmed by the situation, the Himachal government recommended a CBI probe in the case.

The case took another turn on July 18, when Suraj, one of the accused, was found murdered in police custody. Police claimed that he died due to a scuffle with another accused Rajender Singh. Infuriated by this, people torched the Kotkhai police station. The Himachal Pradesh high court handed-over investigation of both cases to the CBI.

On July 22, the CBI registered two FIRs, one under Sections 302 (murder) and 376 (rape) of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the Kotkhai case, and the other case under Section 302 (murder) for the custodial death of Nepalese national, Suraj.

CASE AGAINST SIT

After sentry Dinesh Kumar turned approver, the CBI recorded statements of all SIT members. Some members, however, did not cooperate during the investigation. Sources said, they told CBI that the high court has asked them to file an affidavit, so they will depose before the probe agency only after that. The CBI counsel then moved a separate application in this regard.

Barring ASP Bhajan Dev Negi and DSP RS Negi, all other members of the SIT have been arrested by the CBI and charged under Section 302 (murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

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Going all out to welcome Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who was scheduled to visit Ludhiana on Wednesday, the Congress party has put up numerous illegal hoardings across the city.

The chief minister was to reach the city to lay down the foundation stones of various development projects, including reconstruction of 129-year-old Jagraon Bridge and a railway overbridge on Pakhowal Road, but his trip was cancelled at the eleventh hour on Tuesday, with Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu being tasked to arrive in his place.

Having no approval of the municipal corporation (MC), unipoles have been splashed with pictures of Congress leaders, in violation of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act 1976 and the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 1997.

The green direction boards, a safe canvas for politicians, have again fallen prey to their publicity tactics, with the civic body ostensibly looking the other way. The ones on Ferozepur Road have been covered up with vinyl banners sporting faces of senior Congress leaders, including the chief minister and local bodies minister, smiling down at the commuters.

Ironically, illegal hoardings of Congress leaders were being installed in the open view of civic body and police officials on Jagraon Bridge on Tuesday.

Under Section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 1997, anyone defacing any property in public view by, writings or making with ink, chalk, paint or any other material or by erecting staffs, banners or by pasting notices and writing slogans without the written permission of the owner of the property, will be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to six months, or with fine, which may extend to 1,000, or both.

Yet, in absence of any action or police complaints by the civic body, illegal vinyl banners and flex boards by political parties continue to spring up across the city throughout the year.

A JCB machine demolishing a wall to make way for the CMs convoy at Jagraon Bridge in Ludhiana on Tuesday. (Gurminder Singh/HT)

Meanwhile, commuters remain at the receiving end, with the direction boards having been covered up. Political banners have been installed on roadsides and centre verges, which has made it impossible for commuters, that include many tourists, to see the directions, said Rajesh Verma, a visitor to Ghumar Mandi.

Notably, the civic body in July had sent notices to some shopkeepers for displaying unauthorised advertisements, warning them of a Rs 50,000 fine if the boards were not removed.

The situation remains the same, no matter which party is in rule. While earlier Akali leaders promoted their leaders through illegal hoardings, now Congress leaders are following suit. If the MC can act against shopkeepers for defacement, they should also bring these parties to book. The law should be equal for all, Satinderpal Singh of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, said, adding that the local bodies department needed to look into these illegalities.

MC superintendent, headquarters, Harvinder Singh said the party did not approach the civic body for permission to display the hoardings on unipoles. I will look into the matter. Notices will be served to those violating the law, MC commissioner Jaskiran Singh said.

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After a confusion regarding two presidential candidates from the same student organisation, the National Youth Association (NYA) withdrew both its nominations, on Monday. Now there are seven candidates in the fray for Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) elections scheduled for September 7.

Panel codes announced NSUI-HIMSU-GGSU-HSA: 5162 SFS: 4323 ABVP: 1 PUSU-PPSO-NSO-ISA: 7254 SOI-SOPU-PUHH: 3436 SFI: 2

On Saturday, both the candidates made it to the final list. Armaan Gohil from University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) and Priyanka from University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) filed

nominations for all posts. Now, the NYA will only contest the election for the post of joint secretary.

Meanwhile, with another 48 hours left for the voting to begin, campaigning was at its peak, right from the morning. Student organisations were busy forming alliances and making announcements at the Student Centre.

RECAP OF SUPER SEVEN Kuldeep Singh, PUSU Harman Singh Lubana, SOI Hassanpreet, SFS Jashan Kamboj, NSUI Avinash Pandey, ABVP Devinder Singh, SFI Kashmir Singh, Independent

The National Students Union of India (NSUI), which initially planned to contest on its own, announced an alliance with the Himachal Students Union (HIMSU). However, the Hindustan Students Association (HSA) offered to give unconditional support to the NSUI. It already made an alliance with the Gandhi Group Students Union (GGSU), on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), whose nominations were not cleared by the authorities, offered to give unconditional support to the Students Organisation of India (SOI), which already has an alliance with the Panjab University Helping Hands (PUHH).

Campaigning tents were put up on campus. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a street play at the Student Centre. Other student bodies claimed that the ABVP brought in outsiders for the play.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday issued a notice against the Kapurthala senior superintendent of police (SSP) asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for failing to act on a complaint against self-styled godwoman Sukhwinder Kaur, alias Radhe Maa.

The single bench of justice Daya Chaudhary passed the orders against the SSP on the complaint filed by Phagwara resident Surinder Mittal. The matter will now be heard on October 13.

The high court issued a show-cause notice to Kapurthala SSP as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for the intentional disobedience of the (earlier) court order, counsel for the complainant Krishan Singh Dadwal said.

Mittal had lodged a complaint against Radhe Maa, seeking registration of a case against her in 2015 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by posing as Hindu goddess Durga at a function in Phagwara in 2012.

Dadwal claimed that when no action was taken by the police, Mittal approached the high court, seeking appropriate directions in the matter. The then single bench of the court directed the Kapurthala SSP to look into the allegations levelled by the complainant, determine if any cognisable offence was made out and then act accordingly, Dadwal said. He claimed that despite reminding the police about the court order, no action was taken on the complaint by the police.
The war raging in the AIADMK intensified on Tuesday, with rebel MLAs from the TTV Dinakaran camp declaring that chief minister Edapaddi Palanisami does not have the support required to continue in power.

Dinakaran was sacked from the post of the partys deputy general secretary on August 10 as part of a strategy to unify the Palanisami faction with that of former chief minister O Panneerselvam.

Although Palanisami has supposedly managed to shore up his strength to 111 MLAs, his government is still short of six legislators to achieve the magic figure of 117 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly.

As many as 109 MLAs attended a party meeting called by the chief minister on Tuesday, while two excused themselves because they were otherwise indisposed. The attendance at this gathering, held ahead of the September 12 general council meeting, was significantly higher than a previous one on August 28 that saw only 70 MLAs drop by.

A visibly cheerful D Jayakumar, the state fisheries minister, told mediapersons that Palanisami enjoys the support of 111 MLAs  as seen from the attendance at the meet. Moreover, as many as nine members from the Dinakaran camp are in touch with us. We will win any trust vote, if needed, very comfortably, he said.

According to Jayakumar, all the MLAs who attended Tuesdays meet reposed faith in Palanisamis leadership. They unanimously resolved to back the decisions taken by the chief minister and the co-convenor of the AIADMK coordination panel, he said.

However, the ministers claims were rubbished by P Vetrivel  a senior leader close to Dinakaran. All our 19 MLAs are here with us, he said.

Thanga Tamil Selvan, another MLA from the Dinakaran camp, dared Jayakumar to disclose the names of the nine legislators who have supposedly promised their support to Palanisami. Dismissing the September 12 general council meeting called by the ruling camp, he said: Only Dinakaran has the powers to call a meeting. Everything they do and all the decisions they take are illegal and thereby unacceptable.

Tamil Selvan also rejected Jayakumars claims that the Palanisami faction is capable of proving its majority in the state assembly. The government has no majority. How can we give the party and the government to EPS when he is such a cheat? he asked.

The dissident AIADMK MLAs, who had been served notice by Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal, on a plea from Chief Government Whip S Rajendran seeking their disqualification, sought 15 more days for their individual appearance.

Dinakaran loyalists Thangatamilselvan and P Vetrivel met officials at the Speakers office and presented a request in this regard.

Thangatamilselvan later told reporters that the MLAs received another communication recently calling for their individual appearance on September 7 over the issue. We need some clarification. So we informed we cant come on September 7 and told them we need 15 days time, he said.

Seeking to crack down on the 19 pro-Dhinakaran AIADMK MLAs, Rajendran had sought their disqualification for alleged anti-party activities and Dhanapal had issued notice to the MLAs that day itself.

Meanwhile, the opposition DMK on Tuesday busied itself in making hay as the two factions clashed. If only 109 MLAs were present at the meeting, it is clear that the government does not enjoy a majority. The governor must hold a trial of strength immediately. Any delay would result in horse trading, party working president MK Stalin told mediapersons on Tuesday.

A decision on former party head VK Sasikalas ouster is likely to be taken at the AIADMKs general council meeting on September 12.

(With PTI inputs)

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Meghan Markle has said she is really happy with Prince Harry. The 36-year-old American actor opened up on her relationship with the 33-year-old prince in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Markle said they met in London through friends in July 2016 and have been dating for about a year. She added that they were together about six months before the relationship became news.

Markle plays ambitious paralegal turned lawyer Rachel Zane in the popular TV series Suits.

While she expects that she and Harry will have to come forward as a couple at some point, Markle refers to the quiet start to their romance as our time.

Talking about handling fame, Markle told the magazine, It has its challenges, and it comes in wavessome days it can feel more challenging than others. And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriends support.

The interview has prompted British bet-maker Betfair to offer 6-to-4 odds that the couple is engaged by the end of 2017 and 3-to-1 odds that they marry in 2018.

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A spurt in attacks by Boko Haram Islamists has claimed nearly 400 lives since April in Nigeria and Cameroon, double the figure of the previous five months, Amnesty said on Tuesday.

The increasing use of suicide bombers  often young women and girls forced to carry and detonate explosives in crowded areas  has killed at least 381 civilians in the two countries, the rights group said in a statement.

Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can, said Alioune Tine, Amnesty Internationals director for West and Central Africa.

This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians... Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror.

Amnesty said at least 223 civilians died in Nigeria since April, underscoring that the real toll could be far higher.

Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone, it said.

Boko Haram is waging an insurgency in a bid to establish a hardline Islamist state in Nigerias mainly Muslim north.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

More than five million people are starving as the fighting has devastated farmland, leaving farmers unable to sow or cultivate crops for several years.

In neighbouring Cameroon, Amnesty said since April at least 158 civilians died in Boko Haram strikes, a figure four times higher than the preceding five months.

The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30  more than one per week

 carried out since the beginning of April, it said.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Waza on July 12 when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

Xi didnt refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and had decided to pull the US out of the Paris agreement on climate change.

Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change is encountering resistance, Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.

The agreement under which countries set their own national plans for cutting climate emissions went into effect in November.

Some countries have become more inward-looking and less willing to take part in international cooperation, and the spillovers of their policy adjustments are deepening, he said during a summit of BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Xis criticism came at the opening of a dialogue between the leaders of BRICS countries and five other developing nations invited to take part in the discussions on the sidelines of the summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

On Mondays opening day of the summit, the BRICS countries called for reform of the United Nations and tougher measures against terrorist groups, while denouncing North Koreas latest nuclear test.

The five also pledged their opposition to protectionism, a theme increasingly taken up by Xi despite what critics say are substantial barriers to foreign investment in key Chinese sectors such as electricity generation and telecommunications.
A UK industry body has banned Bell Pottinger, a PR and communications multinational, for conducting a campaign on behalf of the Indian-origin Gupta family in South Africa that reportedly raised racial tension in the country, sending ripples through the sector.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) said on Tuesday the company with offices in London and elsewhere had breached its code by the nature of its work for the family in South Africa. The unprecedented five-year ban is likely to severely affect the companys future.

PRCA director-general Francis Ingham said: Bell Pottinger has brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with its actions, and it has received the harshest possible sanctions. The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agencys behaviour.

The controversial Gupta family has been in the news in South Africa for its growing business interests and links with President Jacob Zuma. Bell Pottinger, which describes itself as a leading integrated, international reputation management agency, was hired to manage the Gupta narrative.

The ban, considered unprecedented for a firm of Bell Pottingers size, was announced after PRCA investigated a complaint from South Africas main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, that the firm sought to stir up anger about white monopoly capital and economic apartheid.

The company was reportedly paid 100,000 a month by client Oakbay Capital, the holding company of the powerful Gupta family, which faces allegations of benefiting financially from close links to Zuma. Both have denied such a relationship.

The PRCA said in its ruling: The targeting of white corporate South Africa is a material consideration hereThe committee found that the nature of the programme depicted in the documents submitted to Oakbay Capital by Bell Pottinger, and as conducted by Bell Pottinger on Oakbay Capitals behalf, was by any reasonable standard of judgement likely to inflame racial discord in South Africa and appears to have done exactly that.

The India-born Gupta family with roots in Uttar Pradesh has major business interests that include computer equipment, media and mining. Leading members of the family are reported to be brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta and Atuls nephew Varun Gupta.

According to Ingham, while firms do not have to be a member of the PRCA to operate, it is the norm for respectable companies. Expulsion from the group could make it hard for the firm to continue.

Pretty much every respectable agency is a member. It is seen as a requirement to trade, a stamp of ethical behaviour and professional practice. Having it taken away will significantly hurt (Bell Pottinger). It makes a very public statement  we do not believe it to be an ethical and professional PR agency, he told The Guardian.

Some senior executives of the company have resigned, while there are reports that clients have either terminated their accounts or are in the process of doing so.

The National Union of Journalists welcomed the PRCA ruling. Phil Morcom, chair of the NUJ public relations and communications industrial council, said: The NUJ firmly endorses the ruling against Bell Pottinger. Unethical behaviour in the public relations industry brings a stain on our profession.

PR companies that actively mislead the public are not only unethical, they run the risk of being seen to be contaminated by their behaviour. The NUJ offers valuable support and protection to PR and communications workers who are prepared to stand up to pressure to behave unprofessionally and unethically.

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A North Carolina resident called emergency services and told the 911 operator, in between sobs and pauses, that he thought he might have killed his wife.

I think I killed my (wife) . . .  Matthew James Phelps confessed to the 911 operator in a six-and-a-half minute recording of the call released by The News & Observer on Friday.

Phelps, who was studying to be a pastor, said he had a dream and then he woke up to find his wife dead on the floor. The police found Lauren Phelps, 29, with multiple stabs at the couples house in northeast Raleigh.

I had a dream and then I turned on the lights and shes dead on the floor, Phelps said.

Theres blood all over me, and theres a bloody knife on the bed. I think I did it.

I cant believe I did this, Phelps said. I cant believe I did this.

The operator can be heard through the conversation asking a bewildered Matthew to check if Lauren, a Sunday school teacher, is breathing. He says shes not.

Matthew then tells 911 he took more medicine than he should have. I took Coricidin Cough and Cold because I know it can make you feel good and sometimes I cant sleep at night.

The company that makes Coricidin -- a cough and cold medicine for people with high blood pressure -- told ABC News the medicine is not associated with violent behaviour and it extended its condolences to the family.

Towards the end of the call, Matthew keeps repeating: She didnt deserve this.

Matthew has been arrested by the Raleigh Police and taken to the Wake County jail where he is being held without bail, The Washington Post quoted a prison spokesperson as saying.

The accused worked at Dunlap Lawn Service and graduated from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Kentucky.

The couple were married in November last year and shared their love of Star Wars, according to pictures on his Facebook profile.
Iran thanked Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage, saying it opened the way for negotiations between the regional rivals.

We thank Saudi Arabia... for adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims, said Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organisation in Tehran, according to the state broadcaster.

Some 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part last week in the hajj. They were unable to attend in 2016 after talks collapsed over security concerns.

Iran had been highly critical of Saudi Arabias organisation efforts in the wake of a stampede during the 2015 hajj that killed up to 2,300 people, including hundreds of Iranians.

There are always differences arising among countries but the important thing is for the parties to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, said Ghazi-Askar, according to the ISNA news agency.

Right now, after holding a successful hajj, it is a good time for both parties to negotiate to resolve their bilateral issues in other fields.

The two countries severed diplomatic relations after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran in January 2016 in response to Riyadhs execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif remained circumspect, however, saying he had yet to see a clear prospect for change in the relationship.

If such a development occurs in the Saudis mentality, it will definitely be a positive development and will be met with Irans positive reaction, he told Khabar Online newspaper.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he had a wonderful meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the historical relationship between the two neighbours.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.

Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw. pic.twitter.com/XGZVkYbVwq  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

He also presented the Myanmar president a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two- nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi.

Act East and Neighbourhood First Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship, he said in a tweet.

The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The prime ministers visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmars State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow. He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
More than 5,000 civilians have been killed in Yemen since March 2015, including 1,184 children, the UN human rights office said Tuesday, renewing its calls for an international probe into the conflict.

The rights office has been mandated to track civilian casualties in Yemen since the start of the Saudi-led offensive in support of the government against an alliance of Iran-backed Huthi rebels and ex-president Yemeni Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Between March 2015... and 30 August, at least 5,144 civilians have been documented as killed and more than 8,749 injured. Children accounted for 1,184 of those who were killed, the rights office said in a statement.

Coalition airstrikes continued to be the leading cause of child casualties as well as overall civilian casualties, the statement added, referring to the Saudi-led campaign.

Some 3,233 of the civilians killed were reportedly killed by Coalition forces.

More than 8,400 people, including civilians and combattants, are believed to have died in Yemens civil war, according to UN estimates.

The United Nations human rights chief, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, has repeatedly pushed for an international investigation into violations in Yemen.

That effort has largely been stymied by Saudi pressure within the Human Rights Council, the UN body empowered to set up major international probes.

Yemens internationally recognised government has said that its own investigation is sufficient to document abuses in the conflict.

The rights office again cast doubt on the credibility of that probe, noting that it is not perceived to be impartial.

An international investigation would go a long way in putting on notice the parties to the conflict that the international community is watching and determined to hold to account perpetrators of violations and abuses, Zeid said in the statement.
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations including Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after nearly 125,000 of them fled to Bangladesh.

Indonesian foreign minister met the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Monday to call on Myanmar to halt the bloodshed. The minister, Retno Marsudi, was due in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term, Retno said after her meetings in the Myanmar capital.

The latest violence in Myanmars northwestern Rakhine state began on Aug 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

The treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmars roughly 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing Suu Kyi, who has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution.

Updated map of northern Rakhine state in Myanmar showing areas where fires were detected from satellite imagery. (AFP)

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against terrorists responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blamed Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths but rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force Rohingya out with a campaign of arson and killings.

Indonesia is taking the lead on this and ultimately there is a possibility of ASEAN countries joining in, H.T. Imam, political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters, referring to the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, of which both Myanmar and Indonesia are members.

If we can keep the pressure on Myanmar from ASEAN, from India as well, that will be good.

Conscience awakened?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to Myanmar later on Tuesday, during which he is due to meet top officials, including Suu Kyi.

PM Modi is going there and our foreign secretary has already briefed the foreign secretary of India on this. If international conscience is awakened then that would put pressure on Myanmar, said H T Imam.

A Rohingya refugee woman holds her child as they walk on the muddy path after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Teknaf, Bangladesh on September 3. (REUTERS)

The latest estimate of the number of people who have crossed the border into Bangladesh since Aug 25, based on calculations by UN workers on the Bangladeshi side, is 123,600.

That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October, when Rohingya insurgents staged much smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counteroffensive and sending about 87,000 people fleeing into Bangladesh.

The new arrivals - many sick or wounded with burns or bullet wounds - have strained aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.

Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims and urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take immediate and effective action to bring an end to all human-rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population.

Pakistan is home to a large Rohingya community.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, on Monday called on Suu Kyi to condemn the shameful treatment of the Rohingya, saying the world is waiting for her to speak out.
Nepals Parliament has endorsed an electoral law for upcoming elections to the federal and provincial council which bars people involved in corruption and criminal offences to stand as candidates.

The bill was endorsed by holding three rounds of meetings.

Lawmakers of the ruling Nepali Congress demanded flexibility over the provision, but allowed the bill to be presented in Parliament.

Home affairs minister Janardan Sharma, while presenting the bill concerning elections in province and federal councils, briefed Parliament over questions raised about the provisions.

The provisions included in this bill are also mentioned in previously passed bills by this Parliament. The concerns over the threshold and other provisions do not tend to bar the political parties but to manage and help the functioning of Parliament and improve the participation and representation, Sharma said.

The newly endorsed bill bars a person, accused of corruption, rape, extortion, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and property purification, misusing passport, kidnapping or moral turpitude or any other kind of criminal offence, from contesting election.

None of the candidates, who faced punishment over aforementioned offences and one spent more than 20 years of imprisonment over various issues, are said to be illegible to stand as candidate in the election.

The new bill has also fixed the threshold for the parties to win the seat. A candidate, who fights for proportional seat in the House of Representatives, should acquire at least 3% of the votes cast to acquire a seat in the Provincial Assembly.

But the new electoral law ruled out the provision of No Vote or vote to reject, breaching the ruling by the Supreme Court.

Nepal is set to hold two rounds of provincial and federal elections in November and December this year, a new test towards the implementation of the new Constitution promulgated in 2015.
North Korea said on Tuesday it had addressed a recent gift package to the United States and that more would follow.

Han Tae Song, the ambassador of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth and largest nuclear test.

The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han told the Geneva forum.

The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he said.
Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by Brics that terror groups based on its soil such as JeM and LeT pose a threat to regional security, with defence minister Khurram Dastagir Khan saying the country does not provide safe haven to such organisations. (Brics updates)

We have already said that there are no terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan, Khan told the media after a meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet in Islamabad.

Terrorist safe havens are found in Afghanistan. Pakistan does not fear any external aggression as its army, navy and air force are keeping a strict eye on the situation, he added.

These organisations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning, Khan also told Geo News channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organisation has any complete safe havens.

Khans response followed a declaration on Monday by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that called for patrons of Pakistan-based terror groups to be held to account.

A brief statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson in response to the Brics declaration said Pakistan was seriously concerned about the threat posed by terrorism in South Asia. It noted that groups based in the region, including Afghanistan, such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and its associates like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar have been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people.

The statement, however, was silent on anti-India terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), blamed for the 2001 attack on Indias parliament, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which killed 166 people during a brazen assault on the financial hub of Mumbai in 2008.

It added that Pakistan was deeply concerned by the presence of Islamic State, Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to regional security.

For the first time, Brics bracketed the JeM and LeT with the Islamic State and al-Qaida in the Xiamen Declaration that was issued after the groupings summit in the coastal Chinese city.

The declaration also named the Haqqani Network, which is part of the Afghan Taliban and targets US-led foreign forces in Afghanistan, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

The US warned Pakistan that it could cut military aid if the country doesnt do more to tackle terror sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border. China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region.

Countries attending a December conference aimed at stabilising Afghanistan made a similar statement, naming several Pakistan-based terror groups as a source of concern.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was on Tuesday accused of a weak response by a group of Hindu, Sikh and Christian leaders for forcing his party MP Sarah Champion to resign from the shadow cabinet after she singled out men from the Pakistani community who target white girls for sexual abuse.

The row characterised by themes of political correctness and racism escalated following another string of convictions in August, when 17 men and a woman, mostly of Pakistani-origin, were convicted in Newcastle for abusing girls who were plied with alcohol and drugs before being forced to have sex.

The groups backed Champions stand in a letter to The Times on Tuesday. The letter was signed by representatives of groups such as the Network of Sikh Organisations, Hindu Council UK, British Pakistani Christian Association and the National Council of Hindu Temples.

They wrote: We commend Sarah Champion and the Muslim councillor Amina Lone for speaking up on a clear trend in criminality: the conviction of men of largely Pakistani Muslim heritage in sexual-grooming cases.

The letter added, However, its not just white girls who fall victim. For decades Hindu, Sikh and Christian organisations have raised concerns about grooming gangs. The latter have plagued our communities, so much so that a BBC documentary on the targeting of Sikhs was aired a few years ago. The common denominator is that victims almost always tend to be non-Muslim girls.

Champions article on the subject in The Sun on August 10 found support from a Pakistani-origin cabinet minister in the Theresa May government, Sajid Javid, who said Corbyn was wrong to sack her from his shadow cabinet.

Champion had written: Britain has a problem with British Pakistani men raping and exploiting white girls. There. I said it. Does that make me a racist? Or am I just prepared to call out this horrifying problem for what it is?

For too long we have ignored the race of these abusers and, worse, tried to cover it up. No more. These people are predators and the common denominator is their ethnic heritage.

The letter by the Hindu, Sikh and Christian groups expressed dismay at what they called the Labour leaderships weak response. The groups said they were not willing to see the betrayal of victims, who are being sacrificed on the altar of political correctness.

Its not racist or Islamophobic to raise a matter of significant public concern. Smearing those speaking an inconvenient truth is unacceptable. Champion is undoubtedly right that we cannot ignore the race of the perpetrators, but neither can we ignore the fact that victims of sexual grooming gangs are almost always non-Muslim, the letter added.

Responding to the letter, a spokesman for Corbyn said: Sexual abuse is an extremely serious crime that requires effective action to tackle it. To do so, we must focus on the perpetrators and how we can prevent grooming of women and girls.

These heinous crimes are committed by people of all backgrounds. Stigmatising entire communities is wrong, and damages the interests of victims of sexual abuse and the rigorous investigation into the underlying causes of that abuse.

There are also allegations of grooming gangs exploiting Asian girls. Labour MP Preet Gill told Eastern Eye, a leading British Asian publication, that Asian girls were being exploited across Britain but victims were afraid to report it to authorities and seek justice because they fear for their safety and concerns over bringing shame to their families.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has refrained from making any criticism of US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Putin dismissed a question whether he was disappointed in Trump as naive.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is not my bride, and Im not his groom.

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be absolutely wrong for Russia to discuss domestic US politics.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close a Russian consulate have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday of a global catastrophe unless a diplomatic solution over North Korea is reached, saying imposing further sanctions on Pyongyang would be useless.

Putins comments, following an international summit in China, came after the United States called for the strongest possible measures against North Korea for detonating what it called a hydrogen bomb on Sunday.

The announcement and North Koreas claim that it could mount the warhead on a missile, dramatically upped the stakes in Pyongyangs standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes.

Putin said Russia condemns North Koreas actions as provocative.

But resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient, he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following the annual summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

Putin called for dialogue on the crisis and warned against other actions that could cause the situation to escalate.

All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims, he said.
South Koreas navy held major live-fire drills on Tuesday to warn the North against any provocations at sea, it said, two days after Pyongyangs biggest nuclear test to date.

The drills, conducted in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), involved the 2,500-tonne frigate Gangwon, a 1,000-tonne patrol ship and 400-tonne guided-missile vessels, among others, the Navy said in a statement.

If the enemy launches a provocation above water or under water, we will immediately hit back to bury them at sea, Captain Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said in a statement.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

On Monday, the Souths military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the Norths nuclear test site.

US President Donald Trump and South Koreas leader Moon Jae-In agreed during a phone call late Monday to remove limits on the payload of the Souths missiles, fixed at 500 kg, according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also said he was willing to approve the sale of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, according to a statement released by the White House.

Tensions have mounted on the Korean peninsula following a series of missile launches by the North, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday arrived in Russian port city of Vladivostok on a three-day visit to attend the third Eastern Economic Forum which will deliberate on pressing issues relating to global trade.

She will also hold bilateral talks with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during which various issues relating to trade, investment and defence cooperation are likely to figure.

Swaraj is visiting Russia at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev.

The External Affairs Ministers visit reflects the importance attached by India to emerging opportunities in the Russian Far East, and to its strategic partnership with Russia, the external affairs ministry had said last week.

The Eastern Economic Forum is considered as the biggest international communication platform for cooperation between businesses leaders and senior government representatives from Russia, the Pacific Region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Delegates from at least 24 countries including the US, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, Britain and Germany are attending the gathering, as per Russian media report.

Swarajs trip to Russia follows the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as guest of honour at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.

Yesterday, Modi had held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Chinese city of Xiamen and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment.

They also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan.
US President Donald Trump agreed in principle to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles in the wake of North Koreas sixth nuclear test, the White House said on Monday.

During a call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump also gave conceptual approval for South Korea to buy billions of dollars of weapons from the United States, the White House said in a statement.

Separately, South Koreas presidential office said the two leaders had agreed to scrap the weight limit and to apply the strongest sanctions and pressure on North Korea through the United Nations.

In a separate phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin also on Monday, Moon said the UN Security Council should seek ways to sever North Koreas foreign currency income, including from its workers employed abroad and oil shipments, according to the South Korean statement.

Under the existing missile pact between the United States and South Korea, Seouls warheads face a cap of 500 kg (1100 lb).

The agreement, last amended in 2012, was in the process of being changed in the wake of a series of missile tests by North Korea this year after Moon took office in May, including two intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, prompting global condemnation and a US warning of a massive military response if it or its allies were threatened.

An unlimited warhead weight allowance would enable the South to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of a military conflict.

The missiles would still be bound by a flight range cap of 800 km. No changes to the flight range were mentioned in the Blue House statement.

Most analysts and policymakers agree cutting off supplies of oil to North Korea would hurt its economy. It remains to be seen whether China, the Norths biggest ally and trade partner, would cooperate.

South Korea said earlier in the day it was talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula after signs North Korea might launch more missiles.
Close to 8,000 Indian Americans are among an estimated 800,000 people facing deportation after the Trump administration announced on Tuesday it was rescinding an Obama-era regulation that temporarily protected undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children.

I am here today to announce that the programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama Administration is being rescinded, said attorney general Jeff Sessions, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme.

Through DACA, he said, the Obama administration deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorise on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive Branch.

President Donald Trump, who had seemed conflicted on the issue and had said he would deal with it with heart, did not wait for the announcement and signalled the decision in a tweet earlier in the day, asking Congress to enact a law to allow dreamers to stay:

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!, he wrote.

The White House said in a statement Congress has six months  until March 5, 2018, when the programme ends  the opportunity to consider appropriate legislative solutions.

An estimated 787,000 people had been granted protection from deportation under DACA, a regulation ordered by President Barack Obama in 2012.

They are mostly from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru. But 7,881 came from India, according to the latest data published by the regulating agency, the US Customs and Immigration Services.

Also, an additional 14,000 undocumented immigrants from India were among the 1.9 million people eligible for DACA, according to the Migration Policy Institute, which tracks and studies immigration in the US. India has also emerged as a top country of origin for legal immigrants.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a separate announcement it would no longer accept new applications under DACA, which has provided two-year renewable work permits to Dreamers.

Those with work permits will continue to work till the expire of the documents. Those whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, will be permitted to apply for two-year renewals. Such individuals must apply for renewal before October 5.

Former DACA recipients whose work permits expire will be considered to be in the United States without permission and are eligible for removal, but they will be a low priority for immigration enforcement, the administration officials said.

Tuesdays announcement is likely to face judicial challenge, with two Democratic-ruled states having already declared their intention to sue Trump.

We should not and cannot sit on the sidelines and watch the lives of these young people ruined, New York mayor Mario Cuomo said on Monday.

DACA is an emotive issue involving immigrants who were brought illegally by their parents  they did not come on their own  as children and who grew up in the United States knowing no other country or culture; they have probably never been to their countries of origin.

But it was also a political issue tied to the larger question of illegal immigrants. A large number of Republicans  including Trumps base and officials such as Sessions and White House policy adviser Stephen Miller  are opposed to legalisation their status, calling it amnesty.

Eleven Republican-ruled states, led by Texas, had jointly threatened to challenge the regulation in court, and had in June posted a deadline of September 5 for the federal justice department to phase it out.

However, some Republicans including House speaker Paul Ryan favoured retaining some elements of DACA, and Trumps own daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner  both advisers to the president  had supported the Obama-era regulation and pushed the president to stay with it.

So did leading Silicon Valley CEOs, who wrote to Trump jointly last week, saying, Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy.

With them, we grow and create jobs. They are part of why we will continue to have a global competitive advantage, the executives wrote.

(With Reuters inputs)
A massive influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing recent violence in Myanmar has pushed aid services in Bangladesh to the brink, with established camps already beyond capacity, aid workers said Tuesday.

The U.N. refugee agency said a total of 123,000 refugees have fled western Myanmar since Aug. 25.

The numbers are very worrying. They are going up very quickly, said UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan.

The agency was pleading for assistance, saying it needed more land so it could set up new camps to accommodate refugees who were arriving hungry, traumatized and in need of medical assistance.

Most have walked for days from their villages  hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes, the agency said in a statement.

An unknown number could still be stranded at the border, it said.

Indeed, a Rohingya Muslim whom The Associated Press reached by phone said she and thousands of fellow villagers driven from their homes by the violence in Myanmar are now stuck along the coast, hoping to flee to nearby Bangladesh by boat.

The 18-year-old provided AP with cellphone photographs she took Tuesday along the beach in southern Maungdaw township in Rakhine state. Several of the photos show hundreds of people sitting on the ground, with small sacks or plastic bags holding their meager belongings. Only some had tarps or umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

The teenager, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for her safety, said her familys house was burned Aug. 25, right after Rohingya insurgents attacked Myanmar border guard police outposts.

The military has said nearly 400 people, most of them insurgents, have died in clashes. Security forces responded to the attacks with days of clearance operations the government says were aimed at rooting out insurgents it accuses of setting fire to Rohingya villages.

Many displaced Rohingya, however, said it was Myanmar soldiers who set their homes aflame and fired indiscriminately around their villages in Rakhine state. Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in the majority-Buddhist Southeast Asian country.

The teenager said that since the attacks, Rohingya from Myin Hlut and surrounding villages fled as the army burned houses. Initially they fled into nearby forests, she said, but they moved to the beach in hopes of making it clear to the army that they are not insurgents.

She said she and other villagers reached the beach four days ago and lack adequate food and drinking water. She said villagers have been drinking salty water from the Bay of Bengal.

She said Myanmar soldiers come to the beach two or three times a day to check on the displaced villagers. The Rohingya are barred from returning to their villages, she said.

In Bangladesh, aid agencies said there was an urgent need for emergency shelters and medical aid as more refugees arrive.

The UNHCRs new refugee estimate of 123,000 Tuesday was the result of aid workers conducting new, more accurate counts that revised Mondays estimate up from 87,000, Tan said.

Roughly 1 million Rohingya were believed to have been in Myanmar previously, though estimates vary.

Tens of thousands of new refugees have been taken in at established camps that have been housing Rohingya since the 1990s, but those camps have reached breaking point, the U.N. refugee agency said. Thousands of others were now sheltering under emergency tents, in makeshift camps or out in the open wherever they found space.

In Myanmar, the stranded villager and her father told the AP that boats from Bangladesh have come near the shore every day to take villagers north to Bangladesh, and that the price is 150,000 kyats ($110) per person.

The villager said she didnt know where the boats end up, but that she and her family will try to get onto one if there is a chance for them to flee.

One of the photos she took shows about a dozen small wooden boats in the background. Many boats along the shore are owned by Rohingya fishermen, but the government has banned them from using them for many months.
The US has accused North Korea of begging for war and pushed for the strongest possible measures on Pyongyang following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

As world powers scramble to react to the latest grave step in the Norths rogue weapons programme, South Korea launched major live-fire naval drills to warn its isolated neighbour against any provocations at sea Tuesday morning.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy, Haley told the meeting Monday called by the United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

The underground blast had a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima, UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the council.

Declaring that enough is enough, Haley said incremental sanctions imposed on Pyongyang since 2006 had failed.

Leader Kim Jong-Uns abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war, she said.

War is never something the United States wants and we dont want it now, but our countrys patience is not unlimited, she said.

Insulting

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea  potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean labourers sent abroad.

The draft text was expected to be presented to the 14 other council members on Tuesday as the United States sought to respond quickly to reports that North Korea was preparing another missile launch.

Pyongyang in July fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range and Seoul has said it could be planning another test.

At the UN, Chinas ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasised the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula, he asserted.

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Haley rejected the proposal as insulting.

When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly wont, she declared.

Russia said it would study the new US proposals for sanctions, but again stressed those measures alone would not resolve the crisis.

This is not the way to get parties to the table to seek a political solution, said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The council has imposed seven sets of sanctions on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, but Pyongyang has repeatedly found ways to circumvent the measures.

The most recent resolutions, however, have zeroed in on the economy, targeting key exports sectors such as coal that are a source of hard currency for the regime.

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that conduct trade with North Korea, saying these nations will be seen as giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions.

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

South Koreas response

South Koreas defense ministry said it was already strengthening its defenses, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile launchers.

The South carried out an early-morning volley of ballistic missiles Monday simulated an attack on the Norths nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by the naval drills.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean leader Moon Jae-In spoke on the phone Monday and agreed to remove limits on the payload of the Souths missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also approved in principle, the sale of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, according to a White House readout of the call which did not mention any specific new deals.

Seoul was the fourth-biggest importer of US arms between 2010-2016, purchasing nearly $5 billion of weaponry in that period according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

On Sunday US monitors measured a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake near the Norths main testing site.

Hours before the test, the North released images of Kim inspecting a device it called a thermonuclear weapon with super explosive power entirely made by our own efforts and technology.

The Souths defence minister said Seoul believed the North had succeeded in miniaturising a bomb to fit into a missile.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, and analysts say it is seeking to strengthen its hand for any future negotiations with Washington.
As debate rages in the US over how the white supremacist movement has resurfaced, triggering violent clashes, a letter written by a woman on the issue is being widely shared on social media.

US President Donald Trump was recently assailed from across the political spectrum for failing to respond more forcefully to violence in Charlottesville, where a rally by white supremacists turned deadly recently.

In the letter, published in The Salt Lake Tribune, the 67-year-old woman talks about how white people were claiming supremacy and Nazis were openly walk(ing) the streets of America.

Read the letter here:

'Letter of the Week' or 'Letter of the goddamn YEAR?' pic.twitter.com/oNESYtnYM1  Alicia Mayer (@RealAliciaMayer) September 4, 2017

Here are a few reactions to the letter, which was tweeted by a user named by Alicia Mayer and retweeted more than 37,000 times:

This applies worldwide beyond borders, such a great letter, many of us can 'insert parents/grandparents' into this and it applies #goJonna  Naomi Andersson (@naomiandersson) September 4, 2017

It's refreshing to read something sane.  Marion Farrell (@LadyMarion_) September 4, 2017

Eloquent letter! Thank you to the writer and to all who are sharing this most worthy message!  Carol (@carolsstudio1) September 4, 2017

With inputs from agencies
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged BRICS nations to deepen coordination on global matters, and push for a more just world order, by boosting representation for emerging and developing countries in international bodies.

Reiterating that emerging and developing markets have been the primary engine of global growth, Xi called for a bigger role for BRICS in speeding economic governance reforms and promoting trade, especially as rising risks veil a global recovery.

BRICS countries should push for a more just and reasonable international order, Xi told a summit of the grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

We should work together to address global challenges.

In his closing remarks, Xi urged the grouping to battle for more representation power for emerging and developing countries, which some analysts say are often under-represented in global institutions such as the World Bank, by comparison with the dominance of the United States and Western Europe.

The summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen has given host China its latest chance to position itself as a bulwark of globalisation in the face of U.S. President Donald Trumps America First agenda.

Xi appeared to rebuke the United Statess resistance to international pacts - including the Paris climate accord - in a separate speech earlier on Tuesday to leaders of BRICS and other developing countries.

Multilateral trade negotiations make progress only with great difficulty and the implementation of the Paris Agreement has met with resistance, Xi said.

Some countries have become more inward-looking, and their desire to participate in global development cooperation has decreased.

In talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Trump has sought improved terms for the United States, under threat of leaving the pact, and has said he will withdraw his country from the Paris climate accord.

Xi gave $500 million for a South-South cooperation fund to help other developing countries tackle famine, refugees, climate change and public health challenges, besides an earlier $80-million summit pledge to support BRICS cooperation.

Egypt, Guinea, Tajikistan, Thailand and Mexico joined the three-day summit as observer nations, and Xi called for a BRICS Plus plan to potentially expand the bloc, although no new member has been formally announced.

Xi lauded smooth progress in the groupings cooperation in areas such as anti-terrorism and internet security.

Leaders from the BRICS countries are determined to work towards another golden decade, he added.
T he Vietnam War was a national trauma that fundamentally altered American cultureincluding motion pictures.

In Hymns for the Fallen: Combat Movie Music and Sound after Vietnam, the author explores 35 Hollywood war movies, from Apocalypse Now to American Sniper, and describes how sound of all kindsdialogue, sound effects, musicis used to depict American soldiers fighting abroad. In this excerpt, he discusses the general characteristics of serious war films that were made after Vietnam and sought to re-create for American audiences the experience of American soldiers fighting overseas. He calls these movies prestige combat films.

At the most basic level, prestige combat films, or PCFs, tell stories of U.S. soldiers fighting abroad in actual historical conflicts. Excluded are feature films about the American Civil War, which lack a foreign enemy, and fantasies of American forces at war with imagined foes (the alien invaders of Independence Day). Also omitted are movies that depict the U.S. military in a fantastical context, such as Top Gun, a 1986 movie that never pauses to reflect on the seriousness that would have attended a dogfight between American F-14s and Communist MiGs in the 1980s and instead celebrates winning.

PCF narratives engage seriously with historical fact and insert the viewer, assumed to be an adult, into a complex context. As the director Oliver Stone said of Platoon two years after its 1986 release: It became an antidote to Top Gun and Rambo, a series of films that first appeared in 1982.

(Orion/Photofest)

Nearly every PCF presents the battlefield from the point of view of the individual soldier, frequently from the lowest rank: the grunt. Central characters in these films seldom rise above lieutenant. The PCF is generally not about officers and never about famous figures of military historyas were many war films made during the 1960s. To borrow the words of the military historian John C. McManus, the PCF typically strives to capture the very essence of the infantrymans decidedly personal war. Describing Platoon, Stone said, I did a white Infantry boys view of the war.

Trauma in War Films

Many PCFs about Vietnam redirect the heroic narratives of the combat film, as forged during and after World War II, toward a war story that ends in failure and defeat, a deeply ambiguous outcome for a nation as accustomed to victory as the United States. Vietnam, scholars have noted, marks the disruption of the American story and remains a traumatic site which violates all images and assumptions of American identity. Or as Michael Herr put it in his 1977 Vietnam memoir, Dispatcheszeroing in on the sense of national shame with not a trace of sentimentalityTheres nothing so embarrassing as when things go wrong in a war.

Disruption, trauma and shame are all manifest in most PCFs, regardless of the war they depict. As David Kieran, a historian who has written about the Vietnam War, argues, The evolving and contested memory of the American War in Vietnam has shaped Americans commemoration of other events in ways that inform their understanding of themselves, the nation, and the global interests and obligations of the United States. The Hollywood war film offers a space to explore how the experience of Vietnam has resonated across American memory.

And the memory these films build is explicitly national. Media scholars Karina Aveyard and Albert Moran have noted, Watching a film is also about the people with whom the experience is shared, as well as the moment in time and the place in which it occurs. The assumed audience for a PCF is American. Hollywoods commercial focus on a global audience is largely set aside in the PCF subgenre.

Similar to war memorials, PCFs recognize the sacrifices soldiers make for the nation. The experience of viewing these filmsthe time spent watching, especially when done collectively in a movie theaterbecomes part of the viewers specifically American identity, somewhat like a journey to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Most PCFs spend valuable screen time on memorializing sequences. Some, like Hamburger Hill, Saving Private Ryan and We Were Soldiers, visit real memorials. We Were Soldiers, based closely on the November 1965 battle of Ia Drang, ends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Lt. Col. Harold G. Moore, the officer in command played by Mel Gibson, stands before the panel on the Wall where the names of his soldiers killed in the battle are listed. Their names, familiar to the viewer as characters in the film, are shown, and a title card pinpoints the location of the American dead on the Wall, implicitly inviting the audience to go and stand in Mooresand Gibsonsplace. If they cannot, watching We Were Soldiers serves as a surrogate act of remembrance.

Some PCFs add images of the fallen and those who survived. The HBO limited series Band of Brothers, which recounts the combat service of a celebrated unit of paratroopers in Europe during World War II, includes actual veterans of the unit in documentary-style interviews at the start of almost every episode. With even greater impact, Lone Survivor, an account of Operation Red Wings in the mountains of Afghanistan, closes with images of the 19 Navy SEALs and special operations aviators who died on a single day in 2005. The images are personal, in the context of a feature film uncomfortably intimate.

PCFs incorporating images of actual soldiers and veterans intensify a common trope in Hollywood combat films reaching back to the beginnings of the genre: enhancing the closing credits with a visual roll call, one final glimpse of each man in the films story. Almost all of the combat films about Vietnam made in the 1980s incorporate this old war movie device. The visual roll call that ends Platoon left many Vietnam veterans in tearsa common human-interest story in local newspapers during the films theatrical release.

Representing American Soldiers At War

The action-adventure genre has dominated Hollywoods business model since the mid-1970s, around the time the PCF emerged. The PCF, with its de rigueur inclusion of violent combat action, is without a doubt a form of action-adventure filmmaking. But while standard commercial action films might set ever-higher box-office records, they typically earn low marks from critics and seldom win anything but technical awards at the Oscars. Serious combat movies, by contrast, manage to be both action films and critical successes judged worthy of major awards, recognition that buttresses their claim to prestige.

PCFs are typically special projects initiated by a director or a producerless often a writer or actor. Most PCF makers are driven by a desire to represent American soldiers at war in a manner that contributes to the larger, ever-changing national conversation around soldiers and veteransa crucial element in their films claims to importance. Preproduction pitches, press packs, publicity and media discourses consistently present PCFs as more than mere movies.

The PCF often springs from a sense of moral urgency, typically in response to veterans and their families. Vietnam veteran Jim Carabatsos script for Hamburger Hill, about the May 1969 battle at Ap Bia Mountain, bounced around Hollywood for years before producer Marcia Nasatir took it up, in part because her son had fought in Vietnam. Nasatir hired director John Irvin, a documentarian with experience in Vietnam, who noted, All I can say is the film is a labor of love. It was made out of a great sense of compassion for the kids who fought there. As Carabatsos explained when he was still trying to get Hamburger Hill made, Its for the guys who were there, for their families. Im hoping maybe some wife [of a veteran] will understand her husband a little better, or some kid will understand his father a little better.

Apocalypse Now

This moral urgency linked to action filmmaking dates to the earliest prestige Vietnam movie to enter production: Apocalypse Now, released in 1979. Director Francis Ford Coppola pitched Apocalypse Now in this way to United Artists: This is a high-quality action-adventure spectacle. . . .Its big and entertaining, mature and interesting. In the press kit, Coppola articulated his goal to put an audience through an experiencefrightening but violent only in proportion with the idea being put acrossthat will hopefully change them in some small way.

In his introduction for the printed program distributed at Apocalypse Nows premiere showings in 70 mm film, Coppola stated, It was my thought that if the American audience could look at the heart of what Vietnam was really likewhat it looked like and felt likethen they would be only one small step away from putting it behind them. Coppola makes an astonishing claim for what a film can do in the public sphere: The experience of seeing Apocalypse Now could begin to heal the trauma of Vietnam.

Many PCFs have had long lives, shaping how generations of young men think about war and soldiering. Their impact was amplified by the arrival of the VCR in the 1980s. Iraq War veteran Colby Buzzell says in his 2005 memoir My War that his generation grew up watching [movies like Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Hamburger Hill and Black Hawk Down] over and over again and can recite word for word countless lines from each, and most of us were probably here in the Army because we watched these movies one too many times. The PCF is a part of popular military culture, even as filmmakers continually adjust its representation of the military.

While action films, Hollywoods bread and butter since the late 1970s, are typically not morally complex, PCFs are or aim to be. This flows in part from the context and content of their stories. As critic Andrew Sarris said, The war film is the one cinematic genre that can exploit massively homicidal violence while professing to make a moral statement about it. The PCF, forged as it was in a delayed cinematic reaction to Vietnam, can push such moral statements into new territory, where an American defeat must be accounted for and where the actions of the U.S. government and military can be open for debate. Most PCFs dwell on the soldier and the veteran, filtering any larger questions through the experiences of individual characters with whom the movie audience can identify and allowing viewers to selectively read these films.

Most of the time the response sought by PCFs is one of thankfulness for the sacrifice of the fallen, the posture proper to ritual acts of memorialization.

No list of famous movie quotes is complete without Lt. Col. William Bill Kilgores line I love the smell of napalm in the morning from Apocalypse Now. But thats an exception to PCF dialogue, which typically avoids the memorable one-liner. The men seldom talk like action-movie cartoon characters. And when they do, the colorful language is put to meaningful work toward larger goals.

(Alamy)

In contrast to action film norms, the overall tone of the language in PCFs is restrained and plain. These are not especially articulate or clever-speaking fellows. They generally dont shout obscenities while firing on automatic or sling witticisms along with their weapons. With some notable exceptions, the PCF is defined on the dialogue track by a reserved sort of male speech and verbally constrained central characters.

Portrayals of Leadership

Contrasting tones of voice and personas often display certain kinds of leadership. The contrast between excited, usually inexperienced, soldiers who shout and experienced soldiers who speak in measured tones recurs in several films, at times as a matter of disciplining young soldiers to remain calm under pressure. While calling in an airstrike, the young radio operator in Hamburger Hill shouts, Blow the sh out of them, to which the voice on the radio replies, Use proper radio procedure.

There is one great exception to the PCF practice of moderating generic action-film speech: the drill instructor or sergeant. The cinematic origins of a shouting drill instructor reach back to the 1957 film The D.I. actor Jack Webbwho directed and produced it and appears with a cast of active-duty Marines deployed to the film as actors (similar to Act of Valor in 2012)made ample room in his performance for the drill sergeants offstage humanity. Military discipline is presented as a learned performance: To be a soldier, first learn to act like a soldier, but never to the loss of depth as a person.

R. Lee Ermeys drill instructor in The Boys in Company C also makes plenty of room for humanity. We see him offstage showing genuine concern for the lives of his men. The innovation in this film is the excessive profanity that almost every reviewer noted. It seems like every-other-word is a swear word, one reviewer said. While this may be Vintage Marine Talk, the cumulative effect is soon wearying and takes an unnecessary toll on an audience. It depends, of course, on the audience. Another reviewer described Ermey as a former Marine drill instructor who acts with a naturalness to be admired. Its hard to imagine a reviewer making the same comment about Ermeys more famous performance as drill instructor Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, where he gives a completely stylized performance with no offstage moments.

War films have always taught audienceschiefly young menhow war works. People watching these films also learn the lingo and litanies of soldiering. A basic plot trajectory provides ample opportunity for such education. New and inexperienced soldiers or replacements show up prominently in Platoon, Hamburger Hill, Casualties of War, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers and The Pacific. They need things explained, and their learning curve becomes that of the audience. As veteran Jim Carabatsos notes late in the script for Hamburger Hill, The new guys are picking up the cadence and slang of the Nam. Films with extended training sections, such as The Boys in Company C, Full Metal Jacket, We Were Soldiers and Jarhead provide a group immersion experience: The audience learns with the men.

The Vietnam War And Slang

Certain military sayings and poems have had a recurring place in the PCF, linking films to each other and to military tradition. The Riflemans Creed, written by Marine Corps Maj. Gen. W.H. Rupertus in the early 1940s, remains part of Marine recruit training. Beginning with the line This is my rifle, the poem shows up in several films. Each inflects the text differently.

The Boys in Company C only nods toward the Creed, with the fragmentary line without my rifle I am useless signaling those in the know. Full Metal Jacket incorporates the Creed in full. Drill Instructor Hartman has the men climb into their bunks as if on the parade ground with rifle in hand and recite the Creed together as pillow talk to their rifles. To ensure that the men spoke in perfect unison, director Stanley Kubrick had actor Matthew Modine, playing Joker, record the creed to a click tracka metronome cadence used, in Modines words, to keep us all in sync. Then, while shooting the sequence, each man in the shot listened to and recited with the recording by way of a wireless earpiece.

The Vietnam War was particularly rich in soldier slang. Most films in the 1980s PCF cycle draw on this lingo, a strategy that ties these films to the realities of soldier life (as well as to the literature of the war) and links the films to one another. Its difficult to know if a film from later in the cycle is quoting an earlier film or simply tapping the same rich vein of authentic soldier talk. For example, The Boys in Company C tosses in a fragmentary reference to a common soldier adaptation of Psalm 23: Yea tho I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil. Cause Im the baddest motherfer in the valley. The ever-menacing Sgt. Tony Meserve, played by Sean Penn, recites the full text in Casualties of War.

The phrase sorry bout that turns up regularly in the literature of Vietnam: in oral histories such as Headhunters: Stories from the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry in Vietnam, 19651971; in literary memoirs like Philip Caputos A Rumor of War; and in novels like Daniel Fords Incident at Muc Wa (source for Go Tell the Spartans), where the phrase is spoken seven times, each time by a different soldier at a different rank, always in response to a bad situation. The dismissive imperative sorry bout that takes on a central role in Casualties of War. Just before Brownie, an experienced soldier is shot, he tries to teach Pvt. 1st Class Max Eriksson (Michael J. Fox)whos been in country three weekswhen to use the phrase and how to say it. The goal is to harden Eriksson toward the Vietnamese people. The young man never quite gets it right.

Todd Decker is a professor of music at Washington University in St. Louis. The author of four books on American commercial music and media, he has lectured at the Library of Congress, Londons Victoria and Albert Museum, and LabEx Arts-H2H in Paris.

Published in the October 2017 issue of Vietnam magazine.
Canadian military officer and historian Ian C. Hope combed through the records of West Point graduates and turned up 1,135 who served the North or the South. He began studying their education and how it influenced the Civil War. He found that about one-third of West Point graduates had prewar military experience, almost one-third served as general officers, and they also commanded most military departments. He gathers his results and how they fit into the history of American military doctrine in A Scientific Way of War: Antebellum Military Science, West Point, and the Origins of American Military Thought (2015).

CWT: Is the West Point education uniquely American?

ICH: Selection into the academy and class ranking within the institution was based strictly upon merit, and not social class or accidents of birth, or birth right. The second unique practice was the requirement that every cadet become competent in all tactical branches; mastering the basics of infantry, artillery, engineering and, eventually, cavalry tactics. The curriculum also provided every cadet with a body of knowledge of ordnance and logistics, military engineering and fortifications, and the science of military movementor strategy. The last distinct practice was the inculcation in cadets of a sense of duty to federal political masters, and not to the office of a commanding general. This was a very important distinction. West Pointers on both sides understood that their military power served political purpose.

CWT: What advantage does that give?

ICH: Cadets left the academy equally capable of mustering, training and fighting an infantry battalion, an artillery regiment, or a cavalry squadron, and could also perform ordnance functions and duties of a military engineer or topographical engineer. The West Point graduate was a true generalist, useful in the vast variety of circumstances that existed across the United States in the antebellum period.

CWT: What is military science?

ICH: Antebellum military science included three specific branches of learning that each relied upon mathematics. These wereartillery applications, fortifications and engineering, and logisticsthe organizing, supplying, encampment and administration of armies. In addition, military science included something called the science of war (or what some referred to as strategy). This was a common theory used to understand and to plan military campaigns, using common terms such as depots, lines of communication, bases of operation, lines of operation, strategic points, and objective points. Thinking in terms of these elements required knowledge of the particular topography of the region of a campaign, called the theater of war. The doctrine of military science used geometric models to portray a variety of options for campaign planning.

[quote style=boxed float=right]The West Point graduate was a true generalist[/quote]

CWT: What are some outstanding examples?

ICH: Where it becomes really interesting is the point at which the commanders become aware of the advantage of having an alternative base of operations, allowing an army to cut its line of communications to a base, maneuver free and reattach to a separate basethis allowed superb maneuvers for some armies, Grant at Vicksburg, Sherman in Georgia. But Grants Overland Campaign demonstrates this best. Grant in Virginia did what Sherman could not in Georgia: switch bases of operation and swivel around the enemys flank with great dexterity. Historians later called his operation the Overland Campaign; the fact is that his overland movement was facilitated only because of his use of maritime lines of communication and shoreside bases of operation, just as he had done in Mississippi.

CWT: How do you see this kind of strategy influencing the outcome?

ICH: If the Union did not have Grant and Sherman, with their appreciation of how to maneuver large armies across great distances using alternate bases of operation to outmaneuver Confederate forces, the South might well have won. And in conducting these maneuvering campaigns Grant and Sherman were applying military science that they had first learned at West Point in the antebellum period. Their campaigns became examples for instruction at West Point after the war, perpetuating the doctrine of military science well into the 20th century.

CWT: Which side benefited more from well-prepared officers?

ICH: Both benefited. It is hard to imagine the South lasting so long without the knowledge of Lee, Jackson, and other West Pointers. Generals Jackson, Beauregard, Sherman, etc., were experienced artillery officers of the antebellum Army, who rose to command infantry formations and armies. Grant had served as a regimental quartermaster, so in the Civil War he understood logistics. Sherman had the same experience from California, and Stuart from his days as quartermaster and commissary. Leean engineerhad comprehensive knowledge of artillery, infantry, and cavalry tactics because he was inculcated in military sciencea complete system of knowledge.

CWT: What was surprising to you?

ICH: The clear influence of doctrine and training of officers was not un-

covered before. Too many histories are written using the assumption that performance on the battlefield or in command or armies, was based strictly on innate powers of genius and character. It is also surprising how historians have debated whether the Civil War was the last Napoleonic war or the first modern war. My research tells me that the Civil War was really part of a continuum; and that military science explains better the place of the Civil War in military history.

CWT: Talk about how the military campaigns influenced industrialization.

ICH: In the North, a national logistics system emerged in early 1862 that militarized the Unions economy in a manner never before experienced or contemplated. It gave enormous powers to the federal government. The quartermaster general became the single biggest employer in the Union, paying over 100,000 employees to make clothing, equipment, and wagons, to purchase horses and mules, and to move large quantities of men and material throughout the North. The long term impact was profound and changed the constitutional relationship between the United States military and the national industry. The centralization that occurred in the North never really went away after the Civil War. 

Interview conducted by Senior Editor Sarah Richardson
By Abby Stephens and Keegan Engelking

What is the first thing you think of when someone says space weather? Is it raining storms with zero gravity with rain drops going every direction? Or is it flashing interstellar clouds with space lightning? Although it is neat to daydream about space weather being this way, the reality is very different from these depictions. Dr. Patricia Reiff, a professor from Rice University specializing in space plasma and magnetospheric physics, took us on a journey to understand space weather.

Space weather basically happens because what happens on the Sun doesnt stay on the Sun. Sometimes it will affect Earths environment. The Sun burps (without excusing itself) and sends plasma  energetic charged particles  towards Earth. Fortunately, we are spared the destructive nature of the space environment by Earths magnetic field.

You might have heard of those beautiful lights in the northern sky that seem soooo magical. Those are called the aurora. The blast of charged material from the Sun hurtles toward us, but our magnetic field runs interference for us. The electrons are deflected around the Earth, but, just like a leaf caught in a swirling current, some of the particles get caught and thrown backwards into our upper atmosphere. When they hit the atoms up there, they create a glowing plasma: The aurora.

Professor Reiff also told us about the MMS, the Magnetospheric MultiScale mission, a suite of four spaceships launched by NASA in March 2015. Designed to help us better understand how Earths magnetic field responds to space weather, and orbiting closer to each other than any other set of spacecraft in history, this mission brings in more data than we could imagine. Through these data we are learning amazing things about a subject most of us in the BLAsT class never even knew existed. Needless to say, Dr. Reiff was incredibly knowledgeable, and we gained a new appreciation for Earths magnetic field and how it plays with particles from the Sun.

But thats not all! Dr. Reiff is also an eclipse chaser! She has traveled to see seventeen total eclipses. She tried to describe how amazing it was going to be when we got to experience totality, but her words and videos and obvious excitement about it still didnt convey a fraction of what we felt on August 21. What is cool to see in hindsight, though, is how close scientists came to predicting what it would look like. Not just the totality (darkness, obviously), but the shape of the hot, luminous outer layers of the Sun, or the corona. In Reiffs line of work, understanding the Sun is part of the job description, and solar scientists had predicted the basic shape and extent of the corona based on their knowledge of the Suns activity. We were amazed to see just how close they were!

Its highly doubtful that we will ever think of the Sun and Earth as being two separate things anymore. And we sure wont think people are overreacting when theyre cheering on a cosmic event. We have been thrilled to be able to hear from so many different scientists with different passions like Dr. Pat Reiff.
Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are unlikely to surrender their spots in the pantheon of Southern war heroes anytime soon. Under their leadership, Southern armies won victories at places like Chancellorsville, Manassas and the Shenandoah Valley that have long fascinated students of military history. But Lee and Jackson are by no means the only Rebels to achieve lasting fame. Some are infamous for defeats suffered under their direction, including Braxton Bragg, John Bell Hood, John C. Pemberton and Gideon Pillow. Others, like P.G.T. Beauregard, Jubal Early, Nathan Bedford Forrest and J.E.B. Stuart, won kudos for their distinctive personalities and storied exploits, while some like James Longstreet, Patrick Cleburne, George Pickett and A.P. Hill owe their renown to fabled engagements such as First Manassas, Chickamauga and, above all, Gettysburg. Yet for all the ink devoted to the conflicts history over more than 150 years, there remain Confederate commanders who are underappreciated or underrated. Here are 10 whose contributions to the cause of Southern independence merit a second look.

10. Francis Marion Cockrell

Named for the American Revolutions legendary Swamp Fox, Cockrell left his law practice in western Missouri in 1861 to enlist in the Missouri State Guard. He first saw service in the campaigns of 1861-62 that effectively secured Missouri for the Union, and his performance at places like Carthage, Wilsons Creek and Pea Ridge was reflected in a rise in rank and responsibility. He and his brigade forged a distinguished record during operations around Iuka and Corinth in the fall of 1862 and then participated in the Vicksburg Campaign, where he was wounded. Cockrell was promoted to brigadier general shortly after Vicksburg and participated in the campaign for Atlanta as part of Leonidas Polks and Alexander P. Stewarts corps, as well as the futile effort to take Allatoona. Cockrell was struck three times during the November 1864 fight at Franklin, where his brigade led the assault by Samuel G. Frenchs Division against Union defenses near the Carter Cotton Gin. More than half the Missouri Brigade fell in that battle. Cockrell recovered in time to lead a division in the unsuccessful defense of Fort Blakely in Alabama in April 1865, where he was captured for the third time. Following the war, he became one of Missouris leading politicians, serving for 30 years in the U.S. Senate and for five years on the Interstate Commerce Commission.

9. John Gregg

Though born in Alabama, Gregg (pictured with a button from his first Rebel unit, the Waco Guards) cast his lot with Texas long before the war, which for him began when the newspaper he was editing championed secession. Elected as a delegate to the Texas secession convention, he became one of the Lone Star States representatives to the Provisional Confederate Congress. But he soon resigned his seat and returned home to lead the 7th Texas Infantry. Greggs command was among the units forced to surrender at Fort Donelson in February 1862. After being exchanged that August, he became a brigadier general, assigned to the Army of Mississippi. His brigade saw action at Raymond and Jackson during the Vicksburg Campaign, fighting with conspicuous valor at the former, where the general managed to hold up a Union force over three times larger than his own for six hours. Gregg and his command were next assigned to the Army of Tennessee and fought at Chickamauga, where he was severely wounded in the neck during the battle for the Viniard Field on September 19. Returning to the field in time for the start of the 1864 campaign, he next led the Texas Brigade. At the Wilderness, his brigade played a crucial role in turning the tide of the fight along the Orange Plank Road on May 6, though Gregg himself was again wounded. But he remained with his command throughout the Overland Campaign and the opening stages of the RichmondPetersburg Campaign. On October 7, 1864, Gregg and his brigade were part of the force that Robert E. Lee tasked with driving the Federal cavalry from the Darbytown Road. Greggs unit continued pushing south until it ran up against Federals defending the New Market Roadwhere the general fell mortally wounded in the Army of Northern Virginias last offensive north of the James.

8. William B. Bate

At Shiloh, where William Bate commanded the 2nd Tennessee, he witnessed his brothers death and also suffered a severe leg wound. Brandishing a pistol, Bate managed to convince a surgeon that amputation was unnecessarythough he would never regain full use of his leg. Despite that, he went on to forge an enviable record, although his strait-laced manner earned him a reputation as a martinet. By the end of 1862, the Mexican War veteran, former newspaper editor and former member of the Tennessee legislature had secured command of a brigade. During the Tullahoma Campaign, his brigade put up a tough fight at Hoovers Gap but was compelled to fall back with the rest of the Army of Tennessee. At Chickamauga his brigade was in the thick of the fighting, suffering over 50 percent casualties, and at one point on September 19 threatened to break the Union center before coming to grief in Poe Field. Bate was soon elevated to division command. But he complied with misconceived directions about where his force was to be posted, which enabled the Federals to successfully assault his position at Chattanooga. In February 1864, having rejected efforts to convince him to run for governor of Tennessee, Bate was promoted to major general. During the Atlanta Campaign, he saw action at Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Utoy Creek. He recovered from a leg wound in early August, then resumed command of his division in time to play a prominent role in Hoods Tennessee Campaign. After participating in the futile assaults at Franklin, Bate and his command found themselves defending Shys Hill at Nashville. Though Bates performance in that struggle was later criticized, he probably performed about as well as could be expected given the circumstances in which Hood had placed his entire command. Bate made his way to the Carolinas along with other remnants of Hoods army and, after directing a corps at Bentonville, surrendered with the rest of Joseph Johnstons command in April 1865. Elected Tennessees governor in 1882, he moved over to the U.S. Senate four years later.

7. Cadmus Wilcox

North Carolina-born, Tennessee-raised Cadmus Wilcox began his service at the head of an Alabama regiment and quickly rose to brigadier general. He led his command with distinction at Williamsburg, Seven Pines, the Seven Days and Second Manassas. Yet despite his impressive record, not to mention the reputation he had established in the antebellum Army as an authority on tactics, when the Chancellorsville Campaign began he was still only a brigade commanderundoubtedly due in part to illness that forced him to miss the Maryland Campaign. Wilcoxs skill as a tactician was on display on May 3, 1863, west of Fredericksburg, when he slowed the advance of a Union force far superior in numbers to his own. The brigadier generals performance at Chancellorsville was critical to Lees ability not only to avoid disaster but also to claim victory. But Wilcox remained a brigade commander when the Army of Northern Virginia marched into Pennsylvania, while officers with less impressive resumes, like George Pickett, commanded divisions. At Gettysburg, Wilcoxs Brigade came close to cracking the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge on July 2, compelling the Union to sacrifice nearly an entire Minnesota regiment to save it. Wilcox subsequently received promotion to major general and command of a division in the Third Corps. Under his leadership, Wilcoxs division remained among the true stalwarts in the Army of Northern Virginia during the brutal campaigns of 1864-65. The fierce defense his men put up of Forts Gregg and Whitworth on April 2 proved critical to the Confederates ability to evacuate Petersburg. Wilcox was liked and respected on both sides of the conflict. Both Union and Confederate general officers served as pallbearers at his funeral in 1890.

6. Henry Heth

After a stint commanding Virginias Quartermaster Department early in the war, Henry Harry Heth turned in solid performances in western Virginia and the Kentucky Campaign. Returning to Virginia in February 1863, he was assigned to A.P. Hills Division in the Army of Northern Virginia, but his brigade endured a difficult debut at Chancellorsville in May. Still, he was elevated to division command after Stonewall Jackson and Hill were wounded. Unfortunately for Heth, he is mainly remembered for his performance at Gettysburg, where he was largely responsible for the Confederate armys troubles on July 1, despite Robert E. Lees desire to avoid a general engagement with the Federals. Heth also suffered the indignity of leading his men while wearing a hat stuffed with papers so it would fitthough that likely saved his life when he was struck in the head by a bullet. His injuries, though, meant he had to watch another man lead his men during Picketts Charge on July 3. What merits greater appreciation is that Heth was one of Lees stalwart leaders during the campaigns of 1864-65. His performance in the fighting south of Petersburg has rarely received its full due. At Globe Tavern, Reams Station, Squirrel Level Road and Hatchers Run, attacks led by Heth proved crucial in prolonging the fighting until the spring of 1865. After A.P. Hill was mortally wounded on April 2, Lee gave Heth command of the Third Corps. But Heth became separated from the corps during the Union breakthrough that morning, and his men came under Longstreets supervision. (Heth later managed to catch up and surrender with Lee at Appomattox.) Today scholars are indebted to Heth for his contributions to the compilation of the Official Records.

5. Daniel C. Govan

While Patrick Cleburne is remembered as one of the few stars of the Army of Tennessee, the same cannot be said of Daniel C. Govan, who helped raise the 2nd Arkansas Infantry in May 1861. Assuming command of the regiment in January 1862, Govan led it through its first engagement at Shiloh even though he was ill at the time. He performed commendably at Perryville, after which Cleburne, his former neighbor, became his division commander. Colonel Govan and his men saw heavy fighting at Stones River, during which Govan temporarily commanded a brigade. In August 1863, he was formally given brigade command, then turned in a stellar performance at Chickamauga and contributed to Cleburnes defense of Tunnel Hill on November 25, 1863, and led part of the Confederate rear guard two days later at Ringgold Gap. Govan was promoted to brigadier general in December. The following month he bravely endorsed Cleburnes controversial proposal to bring slaves into the Confederate Army. He led his command through the Atlanta Campaign, seeing action at Resaca, Picketts Mill, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro. During the latter engagement, Govan experienced his first real defeat when his command was overrun. He and several hundred of his men were captured. The general was exchanged in September and returned to his brigade in time to participate in Hoods ill-fated Tennessee Campaign. Govans skepticism regarding what would be a doomed assault at Franklin inspired Cleburnes famous reply, Well, Govan, if we are to die, let us die like men. With his command now reduced to fewer than 600 soldiers, Govan and his men still put up a tough fight at Nashville before the general was wounded in the throat. After a brief convalescence, he took his brigade to North Carolina, where he surrendered with Joe Johnstons army. One of Cleburnes staff officers called Govan one of the best soldiers it was my good fortune to knowa true Christian gentleman, a noble patriot.

4. Stephen D. Lee

Like Heth, Stephen Lee merits a spot on any list of underappreciated Confederatesnot least because, like Heth, Lee played a notable role in shaping how the war would be remembered. And few if any of the 17 lieutenant generals in the Confederate Army saw as varied service as Lee, the youngest man to achieve that rank. An 1854 West Point graduate, Lee began the war as a member of P.G.T. Beauregards staff at Charleston and participated in negotiations with the Union garrison commander at Fort Sumter preceding the wars first clash. In 1862 Lee won praise as an artillerist during the Peninsula Campaign and for his service at both Second Manassas and Antietam. Promotion to brigadier general followed shortly after the Maryland Campaign, and by December Lee was commanding an infantry brigade at Vicksburg. At the end of that month, he defeated William T. Shermans assaults at Chickasaw Bayou. His conduct in the operations around Vicksburg in following months did little to dim his star, with his performance at Champion Hill (where he was wounded in the shoulder) drawing special notice. After being paroled with the rest of General John Pembertons luckless command in July 1863, Lee was rewarded with a much-deserved promotion to major general and appointment to command all the Confederate cavalry forces in Mississippi and Alabama. In May 1864, he was elevated to command of the Department of Mississippi and Alabama and did what he could to manage affairs in that region, turning in a mixed performance. He was promoted to lieutenant general on June 23. In July he received orders to go to Georgia, where he assumed command of a corps in Hoods army. At Ezra Church and Jonesboro, Lee launched unsuccessful attacks on the Federals. Though his forces suffered casualties that undoubtedly hastened the fall of Atlanta, Lee remained in command throughout the FranklinNashville Campaign, during which he was wounded twice. After Johnstons army surrendered in April 1865, Lee settled in Mississippi. He became a leader in the United Confederate Veterans, also serving as Vicksburg National Military Parks first superintendent.

3. Carter Stevenson

Stevenson is one of relatively few Virginians whose legacy is based on fighting mostly outside the Eastern Theater. After serving in the Second and Third Seminole wars and the Mexican War, he was on duty in Utah in 1861 when Virginia seceded, and immediately submitted his resignation from the U.S. Army. Stevenson soon took command of a regiment that saw service in the Shenandoah Valley. In March 1862, he traveled to east Tennessee, where he defended the Cumberland Gap. That September he participated in the campaign in Kentucky that culminated at Perryville, though his command was not part of that battle. A few months later Stevenson was transferred to Vicksburg, where he helped thwart Federal operations in Steeles Bayou. His command was next tasked with trying to fight off a superior Union force at Champion Hill. The following day he commanded Confederates falling back to Vicksburg after their defeat at the Big Black River. Stevenson surrendered with the rest of Pembertons army at Vicksburg. After being paroled, Stevenson returned to the Army of Tennessee and ably commanded a division in the defense of Tunnel Hill at Chattanooga. The Confederate commanders service during the Atlanta Campaign, especially in the fighting at Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek, led briefly to his promotion to corps command. At Nashville he once again ascended to corps command and, as at Vicksburg, found himself overseeing a defeated Confederate armys withdrawal. After leading his division one last time in the Carolinas Campaign, where he saw action at Bentonville, he surrendered with the rest of the Southerners. Stevenson is not remembered for any truly brilliant achievements. But his record as a competent commander in one of the Confederacys most important armies merits more appreciation from history.

2. Richard H. Anderson

When friendly fire knocked James Longstreet out of action on May 6, 1864, it was hard to imagine anyone filling his shoes as commander of the Army of Northern Virginias heralded First Corps. That responsibility fell on the shoulders of South Carolinian Richard Andersonwho along with Longstreet and Wade Hampton were the only non-Virginians to exercise corps command for any extended period in Robert E. Lees army. An 1842 graduate of West Point, Anderson began the war at Charleston Harbor and was wounded for the first time during an engagement in Florida. He received command of a brigade in Longstreets Division in early 1862, establishing a solid combat record at Williamsburg, Seven Pines and the Seven Days. He next ascended to division command, playing conspicuous roles at Second Manassas and in the Maryland Campaign, suffering another wound at Antietam and at Chancellorsville. Anderson and his division were then transferred to A.P. Hills Corps, and on July 2 participated in the fighting that nearly broke the Union center at Gettysburg. After Anderson succeeded Longstreet as First Corps commander, he reached Laurel Hill before the Federals, which secured Confederate possession of Spotsylvania Court House. Anderson led the corps for the rest of the Overland Campaign, during which he received temporary promotion to lieutenant general. Then Andersons command was responsible for keeping the Federals contained north of the James and at Bermuda Hundred. Elements from his force were also sent to the aid of Jubal Early in the Shenandoah Valley. After Longstreet resumed command of the First Corps in October 1864, Anderson led a newly organized Fourth Corps during the final stages of the Petersburg Campaign. Andersons military career came to an end after his command was overwhelmed at Marshalls Crossroads on April 6, 1865. Few officers played as conspicuous a role in the Army of Northern Virginias history as Anderson. But while Longstreet, Hill, Stuart, Hood and others are now household names, Anderson remains relatively unknown and unappreciated.

1. Richard S. Ewell

Old Bald Heads appearance on this list might seem unwarranted. Why should a general who figures so prominently in histories of the war in the East and is the subject of an outstanding biography by Donald Pfanz be listed here? In Ewells case, its because he is underappreciated. Stonewall Jackson would have, of course, cast a huge shadow over whoever succeeded him as commander of the Army of Northern Virginias Second Corps. To make matters worse, during Ewells convalescence from the gruesome leg wound he suffered at the Brawner Farm in August 1862, he married a cousin whom many found overbearinginspiring the quip that between Second Manassas and his ascension to corps command, Ewell lost a leg and gained a wife, with both developments being to the detriment of the Confederacy. Add that Lee conspicuously chastised Ewell for losing his temper at Spotsylvania and historian Douglas Southall Freeman titled a chapter on the first day at Gettysburg Ewell Cannot Reach a Decision, and you can see why this officer has never received the credit he richly deserves. In 1862 Ewell was crucial to Jacksons success in the Valley Campaign, playing critical roles at First Winchester and Cross Keys, and fought a textbook delaying action at Kettle Run. Upon promotion to corps command, Ewell demonstrated impressive skill at Second Winchester in June 1863. In 1864 he performed admirably in the Saunders Field fighting at the Wilderness, and at least one modern student insists that Ewells success in stopping a Federal offensive that produced Rebel losses at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison made September 30, 1864, the best of Ewells many exemplary days of service to the Confederacy. Why has Ewell never been accorded a place in the Confederate pantheon that he deserves? Remember that Lee initially had concerns about Jackson but, once they began working directly together, was able to overlook Stonewalls eccentricities and appreciate his merits. Ewell never really got that chance. His finest hours came when he was not under Lees direct supervision, while Lee was closer at hand for his less-impressive efforts. (That said, were Ewells miscues really less forgivable than Jacksons, for example, at First Kernstownwhen he didnt have the benefit of Ewells assistanceor during the Seven Days?) Plus Ewells stint as a corps commander came during and after the Gettysburg Campaign, when Confederate fortunes in the East began to decline. Whatever the reason, Ewell was one of the Confederacys truly outstanding officers. He deserves far better from history.

Ethan S. Rafuse, who teaches at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., is the author of Robert E. Lee and the Fall of the Confederacy, 18631865.
 Westminster's historic core is experiencing its biggest injection of new homes since the mansion block boom a century ago.

The district traditionally favoured by MPs and senior civil servants is opening to a wider audience of home buyers searching for a prestigious address in a surprisingly quiet central London pocket.

The prettiest and most peaceful patch is the micro neighbourhood just south of Westminster Cathedral, far enough away from the bustle of Victoria station and the tourists thronging Parliament Square.

High-quality new-build flats here are a step up from an earlier phase of ministry office-to-residential conversions. Behind a stone and red-brick facade with elegant geometric railings sit 23 exquisitely designed new apartments at 33 Greycoat Street.

Big, bronze-framed windows throw in light, while interiors have high ceilings, comfort cooling and underfloor heating, sleek Poliform kitchens and wardrobes, marble-walled bathrooms, sliding internal doors and solid oak floors.

A wow-factor penthouse also comes with a wraparound roof terrace. Prices from 765,000 to 3.16 million. Call Savills on 020 3811 1304.
Following the release of the video, 'New York' taken from her upcoming untitled sixth album, Annie Clark, AKA St. Vincent has put out a series of absurd sketches scripted by Carrie Brownstein of Portlandia and Sleater Kinney.

Satirizing inane filler questions typically asked by interviewers, the clips feature Clark offering suitably ridiculous responses that, on the surface sound like articulate and coherent answers.

Given such titles as 'Insert light banter' or 'Insert question about Annie Clark and St. Vincent being the same person', the vague replies are delivered in a deadpan tone, as Clark makes observations such as "I think that relevance is an act of political fluency", or "The glass is half full of emptiness."

In her recent New Yorker profile, Clark said the idea for this sarcastic interview kit came about as a result of feeling like a "factory worker" during press junkets. "When you have to say something over and over, theres a festering self-loathing. No better way to feel like a fraud."

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So, while we wait for the new St. Vincent LP to drop, instead, why not listen to the album she would have with her on a desert island, which is apparently "a flare gun, a first aid kit, a cell phone and a boat."

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Looking out his window at Galveston Bay last week, Raz Halili, sales manager for Prestige Oysters in San Leon, saw water that looked like a melted chocolate bar - distastrous for oysters.

"I don't see how they can survive through this," said Halili. "There's just too much fresh water."

PREVIOUS: Photo of 'angry' cat in Harvey floodwaters sparks memes, controversy

The surge of silt-choked floodwater runoff into Galveston Bay upsets the balance of fresh and salt water that oysters need to thrive. The Texas oyster industry supplies about 30 percent of all oysters harvested in the Gulf of Mexico. Halili, whose family runs Prestige, one of the nation's leading oyster distributors, predicts there will be shortages in upcoming harvests - perhaps as bad, if not more so, than after Hurricane Ike.

Hurricane Harvey's deluge also has impacted, and will continue to impact, other regional food producers, in the water and on land, said Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

According to Miller, the Texas shrimp industry will be affected because 25 percent of the shrimp fleet was damaged or lost in the storm.

RELATED: FEMA flood data shows Harvey's broad reach

He also said that about 100,000 acres of rice farms in coastal areas will not get a second harvest this month because of flooding. Three counties - Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda - generate 60 percent of the state's rice crop. Wind and water also likely damaged storage bins leading to more loss, according the Agriculture Department.

Now Playing: Houston Chronicle photojournalism Mark Mulligan returned to several sites he photographed in the Meyerland area of Houston on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, later in the week to document how much they had changed since flood waters roared through the area. These photographs show just how high the water was in the area. What they do NOT show are the thousands of homes here and elsewhere in the region that are having to be completely gutted. Parts of the city and region are still underwater. Video: Houston Chronicle

Rice production and processing adds $200 million per year to Texas' economy, according to the USA Rice Federation.

Miller estimated $200 million in crop damage from Corpus Christi to Houston.

Floodwaters hit some Houston area farmers particularly hard, including Gundermann Acres in Wharton County, whose 400 acres were all underwater, said Tyler Horne, director of Houston's Eastside Farmers Market for Urban Harvest.

"Nothing that they planted recently is going to survive," he said. "They're our largest grower in the market. They lost entire fields for the fall planting."

The regular vendors at Eastside Farmers Market have been affected by the heavy rain in different ways, not all dire.

RELATED: Some apartment dwellers face post-Harvey eviction

"It's a farm-specific issue as opposed to a widespread issue," Horne said, adding that some farms lost livestock as well.

Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1.2 million beef cows are farmed in the 58 Texas counties that Gov. Greg Abbott has declared state disaster areas.

Horne predicts that there will be less produce coming to the market in two months, or some crops will show up later than normal.

Houston chefs who work with local farms are concerned about how flooding will affect produce availability. Circle S Farm in Cypress, which grows and mills the grits that chef Chris Shepherd uses at Underbelly, flooded but lost only peppers. Atkinson Farms in Spring, which fared well, has continued its deliveries to his restaurant, Shepherd said.
"It looks like the Dead Sea," reported the stunned journalist as he waded across the city. "Looking blankly," he wrote, at what "was now a sheet of filthy, brown, smelling water," he noted "an omnibus office, a newspaper kiosk all askew, two or three drunken lamp-posts were islands. Hotels, cafes, shops  all empty and dead." Describing the sidewalks as soggy as jelly, the reporter wondered if the entire city was doomed.

Can this be Houston after Harvey? Not unless news kiosks and omnibuses were installed under the cover of the storm.

It is, instead, an account filed by a British journalist, of the "grande crue de la Seine de 1910." Not an ancient bottle of French wine, but instead something equally rare: the great flood that submerged great swaths of Paris slightly more than 100 years ago.

The two events, of course, are separated by vast expanses of space and time. And yet, in certain ways, they strangely resemble one another. In part, this is because of the privileged roles observers have assigned to the two cities. Just as Paris has been called the capital of the 19th century, Houston might well be the capital of the 21st century.

Herein lies the ties between these two capitals, and the devastation visited upon them both.

TO CONTEMPORARY admirers and critics alike, Paris radiated the spirit of modernity. Churning within the defensive fortifications, built in the 1840s, that looped around the city was a great stew of the century's political and cultural, commercial and social, architectural and cultural trends. The population grew at a dizzying rate, leaping from about 500,000 at the start of the century to nearly three million by 1910.

In a nation stricken by a severe case of "denatalite," or decline in the birth rate, Paris had to look elsewhere for its growth. Elsewhere turned out to be both inside and outside France. Along with great waves of young men and women from rural France, immigrants from southern and central Europe also surged into the city, determined to make new lives.

Michael Ciaglo/Staff

Paris was not just the cultural and political capital of France, but also its commercial and industrial capital, with cathedral-sized department stores and factories slowly smothering smaller shops and artisans during the last decades of the century. Impressionist landscapes reveal the distant smokestacks and railways already scarring the city's periphery.

The problem, though, was that modern Paris was still largely a medieval city. In the collision between demography and topography, something had to give. In mid-century, something did give when a previously obscure government official, Georges-Eugene Haussmann, became, in effect, the city's manager.

Appointed by the newly anointed Emperor Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, Haussmann's task was to transform Paris into a worthy stage for his employer's authoritarian and imperial ambitions. Unburdened by the usual brakes imposed by democracies, Haussmann went on to become one of the most influential historical figures from France you never heard of.

The magnificent boulevards lined with broad sidewalks and uniform six-story apartment buildings, the vast traffic circles, bucolic parks and splendid train stations that now mark Paris were Haussmann's handiwork. He is commonly believed to have been obsessed with preventing yet another revolution from bursting in Paris; hence his creation of avenues he (wrongly) thought were too wide to build barricades.

Boyer / Roger Viollet / Getty Images

In reality, though, Haussmann was mostly concerned by the need to bolster the city's bowels. As with ancient Rome, so too with modern Paris: Any imperial capital worthy of the name requires adequate sewer and water pipes. Whereas the Seine had long been the city's source of water, as well as the resting place for its wastes, Haussmann built aqueducts to bring in fresh water, as well as modernized and quadrupled the size of the sewer system. By the time Victor Hugo wrote the novel that inspired the musical "Les Miserables," the infernal sewer that Jean Valjean trudges through was already a thing of the past.

And yet it was this very same system, built to dispose of waste and water, which nearly proved Paris' undoing in 1910. On January 21, the Seine, swollen by nearly unprecedented winter rains and melting snow, started to spill over it banks.

At first, Parisians were fascinated by the novel spectacle of the Seine nearly splashing across the bridges that spanned it, as well as entire streets that were filling with water. The city's no-nonsense police commissioner, Louis Lepine, seemed to master the situation. Levees were raised, ferries launched and wooden passageways built along the flooded streets.

In his superb account of the flood, Jeffrey Jackson notes that Parisians placed bets on which piece of flotsam or jetsam (from houses upstream) approaching their bridge would be the first to appear on the other side. Others gazed in wonder at streets, like Rue Jacob on the literary Left Bank, where hundreds of books floated like the toy boats in the Parc de Luxembourg.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

But by January 25, Lepine realized that he had been outflanked  or, really, underflanked  by the flood. Spillage from the Seine cascaded into the subterranean galleries built under Haussmann, engorging the several subway lines dug for the 1900 World Exposition. Built to carry people across Paris, the tunnels were now, quite literally, undermining the city. The British journalist described the sidewalks as turning into jelly. Like breaching whales, train stations began to belch great amounts of water on both banks of the city, overwhelming the ramparts built by Lepine.

Eventually, the flood covered nearly a quarter of Paris.

When the waters finally began to recede in early February, more than 80,000 people were left homeless in their wake. Moreover, the city's economy  the heart of the nation's wellbeing  had been devastated. The total cost was placed at 400 million francs, which translates into a hefty one billion euros.

Fortunately, the death toll was not as dramatic. Only one individual, a police officer, died, his small boat capsized by the rapid water as it ran past the Eiffel Tower.

In his book, Jackson notes that the flood "challenged many of the era's most basic assumptions about the inevitable force of progress." Will the same be said about our own experience? As Houston begins to recover, many observers are questioning widely held assumptions over the desirability of rapid growth and loose zoning.

Nineteenth-century Paris was as dense as 21st-century Houston is dispersed, but they share the conceit that, no matter how rapid their growth, they can ride roughshod over nature. Is it possible that, just as Haussmann's sewers gave Parisians a false sense of security a century ago, the channels and reservoirs built by the Houston County Flood Control District have done the same for us?

If so, we risk a future paved with deja vus.

Robert Zaretsky is a professor in the Honors College at the University of Houston. His most recent book is Boswell's Enlightenment. And his book A Life Worth Living: Albert Camus and the Quest for Meaning has just been released in paperback.





Bookmark Gray Matters. It radiates the spirit of modernity.


The destructive power of water in the wake of Hurricane Harvey leaves billions of dollars of devastation along the Gulf Coast while record-shattering rainfall tests the Addicks and Barker reservoirs on Houston's west side.

Built by the federal government in the 1940s - before Interstate 10 existed, before the city had sprawled that far west - these reservoirs remain essential to the region's flood control system, but they are little-understood.

How do they work? What were they designed to withstand? We talked to Richard Long, the natural resources manager at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to answer these questions.

How the dams work

The reservoirs are designed to connect Houston's watersheds and bayous that traverse the region like the veins of a leaf and lead to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

North of I-10 is the Addicks Reservoir, fed by Bear Creek, South Mayde Creek, Langham Creek and Horsepen Creek. Water then flows outward to Langham Creek and Buffalo Bayou.

South of I-10 is the Barker Reservoir, fed by Mason Creek and upper Buffalo Bayou from the Katy Prairie, its origin. They bayou then continues toward downtown Houston.

Evan O'Neil

Long explained that the reservoirs have three main structural components. There are earthen embankments, which are the highest walls. The embankments are 121 feet high at Addicks and 112 feet high at Barker.

Each reservoir also has a "gated water control structure," or flood gate. It opens and closes like a heart valve.

And each reservoir has two "auxiliary spillways." The spillways at Addicks are 111.5 feet high, 105 feet high at Barker. They are designed to back up the gated structures and work like the overflow holes in a sink, keeping water from going over the top or "overtopping" the embankments.

"We have designed the dams so that, in an extreme event larger than Harvey, water will go over the auxiliary spillway and never over the main embankment," he said. "The dams are prepared for events beyond what we are experiencing right now."

Evan O'Neil

Additionally, both Barker and Addicks, which are designed similarly but are not identical, are undergoing a maintenance project. Two new gated structures are expected to be completed by 2020 with Granite Construction Company as the contractor.

"We are building new water control structures adjacent to the current [ones]. They are under construction. They don't work yet," Long said. The existing gated structures will hold up longer, he said, but for how long is not known. Once the new structures come online, the old ones will be decommissioned.

The new gated structures will have current technology and standards. "[They] will have similar water control capability but will be more robust, more repetitive and more resilient," Long said.

More robust, he explained, because they will be in an all-concrete tower with embedded steel; the old gated structures were lined with steel. More resilient, because their conduits will be lined with steel to prevent deterioration. And more repetitive, because the new structures will have two gates. If one were to fail, it would have a backup.

What they are designed to withstand

Normally, water is held behind the earthen embankments and flows through the gated structures into creeks and streams. The dams control the flow into Buffalo Bayou, which keeps downtown Houston from flooding. Under normal, day-to-day conditions, and even during heavy rain events, the gated structure at Addicks releases water into Langham Creek and Buffalo Bayou; Barker releases into Buffalo Bayou.

But Harvey was not a normal storm. Its rainfall would fill the Astrodome 3,200 times, said meteorologist Jeff Lindner of the Harris County Flood Control District, or HCFCD. So much rain has necessitated the high-volume controlled releases of water from the reservoirs over the next two weeks.

HCFCD officials said the reservoir levels peaked on Aug. 30 at 109 feet at Addicks and 101.5 at Barker. With the releases, the reservoir levels are dropping.

Once these high-volume controlled releases are over, normal releases will continue for about three months until the reservoirs are drained. These releases are designed to avoid a larger catastrophe and to empty the reservoirs in the event of another storm.

The Army Corps of Engineers now must decide how to handle the competing demands of upstream development and downstream neighborhoods along the bayou.

Evan O'Neil

When overflow is activated at Addicks, it heads to Turkey Creek, Rummel Creek and possibly White Oak Bayou. At Barker, it would head to Buffalo Bayou, and possibly Brays Bayou and Oyster Creek. Barker also has two surrounding ditches, Barker and Clodine, that serve as support arteries. They collect water outside the reservoir and carry it to the bayou.

Because Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain in a matter of days, the auxiliary spillways have had to come into use, Long explained. Inside Addicks, water is passing around the spillway. But not at Barker.

But once there is too much water on both sides of the dam, the flow is impacted. Further complicating matters, when channels like Buffalo Bayou fill up, water finds all the other spaces it can fill up. And that is causing the serious issues that neighborhoods and homeowners are currently facing.

Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes near the reservoirs, as they were built on vulnerable property that lies in what Long calls "a gray area."

Evan O'Neil

Long explained that when the reservoirs were built, the federal government acquired a certain amount of land. At that time, the surrounding land was undeveloped. Historically, information sessions were conducted by the government as requested by private developers and homeowners. Public sessions were held when information was provided about the potential of water from the reservoirs encroaching on the surrounding land. But whether everyone who lives there now has been able to be fully informed is another matter.

"We can hold approximately a 100-year-flood within the boundaries of the government property," Long explained. "People have built on the land that is above the government property, but below the max possible pool level the dams can hold."

In short, the capacity of the dam is beyond government property, and the Army Corps of Engineers is handling a complex emergency situation by controlling high-volume releases to protect the city as a whole.

"It has never flooded before above the property," Long said. "This is the first time we have flooded homes located adjacent to and upstream from the property."

If more water from upstream enters the reservoirs, the water level will continue to rise. If the inflow and outflow match, the water is level. If the inflow is less than the outflow, the water level will start to fall.

Long, who has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers for 36 years, unknowingly predicted this perfect storm that has sent so many along the Gulf Coast scrambling for dry land, safety and shelter. In the span of a week, Houston has shown the rest of America and the world what it is made of.

The city has come together in collective grief while maintaining its indomitable spirit. More than 50 people have died. But teams with inflatable boats and human chains have rescued people trapped amid swirling waters, and many volunteers are sending surplus supplies to Beaumont and other ravaged communities.

The storm is challenging us to co-exist with our watersheds, creeks, streams and, most importantly, Buffalo Bayou. Managing flooding is our city's greatest challenge and biggest opportunity.

Florence Tang is a journalist, architectural designer, manager at Kendall/Heaton Associates and executive board member of the Rice Design Alliance. Evan O'Neil is a graphic designer in Houston. Andrew Albers, vice president at OJB Landscape Architecture, and Ernesto Alfaro, associate at SLA Studio Land, provided analysis and graphics support. Raj Mankad, editor of Cite: The Architecture + Design Review of Houston, provided additional analysis, editing and reporting.

Editor's note: This article was produced in collaboration with the Rice Design Alliance, a civic engagement organization at Rice Architecture.

Bookmark Gray Matters. If the inflow and outflow match, the water is level.
German soldiers had surged across vulnerable countryside toward Paris within weeks of their World War I invasion. Fearful that a second war was looming, French generals made sure to heed the lessons of the war before. They built hundreds of miles of fortresses, air-conditioned garrisons and even underground railways along their eastern border, fortified to withstand barrages from tanks and planes.

Protected by this Maginot Line, France was fully prepared to fight the last war. But the Germans fought a new one. Their blitzkrieg outflanked the Line, capturing Paris in a month.

In the decade since Hurricane Ike, have we too been fighting the last storm? And as we pick ourselves up from Hurricane Harvey, how can we better prepare for the next weather and climate disaster?

Hurricanes Ike and Harvey each took a brutal toll on our region. But they did so in different ways.

HURRICANE IKE smashed directly over Galveston and Houston on my birthday in 2008. But within two days, weather patterns had steered Ike across the Canadian border.

Ike wreaked its damage with 110-mph winds and substantial storm surge, destroying roofs, knocking trees into buildings and flooding coastal communities. Its damage to property ranked second only to Hurricane Katrina at the time.

Terrible as Ike was, experts quickly recognized that it could have been far worse. Ike weakened just before making landfall, sparing us from its most ferocious winds. And while a direct hit on Houston sounds ominous, it isn't a worst-case scenario. Storm-savvy Texans know the strongest winds, surge and rain from a hurricane occur not along the center, but on its right, "dirty" side.

Had Ike come ashore a bit southwest of town or at its peak intensity, we would have been pummeled by even stronger winds. Such a storm could have pushed more than a 20-foot storm surge into the Ship Channel, threatening catastrophic damage to refineries and chemical plants in its path.

GRAY MATTERS: Can we enjoy and protect Galveston Bay?

Fears of massive storm surge prompted bold proposals for protections. A Texas A&M professor proposed an Ike Dike stretching the length of Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, with flood gates to block surge into Galveston Bay.

Meanwhile, colleagues at Rice University proposed a Centennial Gate to prevent surge into the Ship Channel.

Like a Maginot Line, neither of those defenses would have protected us from Hurricane Harvey. Harvey came ashore even stronger than Ike, but 200 miles to our southwest. That left us safe from devastating storm surge and wind.

But in doing so, Harvey snuck behind what would have been the Ike-style defenses. It did so not with Ike's rapid blitz, but by plodding along while dropping deluges of rain.

Elizabeth Conley/Harvey2017

Harvey's stalling over Houston resembled Tropical Storm Allison from 2001, but with a breadth commensurate with its landfalling, Category 4 status. Whereas Allison inflicted scattershot flooding on individual Houston watersheds, Harvey swamped a domain stretching from Houston to Louisiana.

Harvey's rains classify it as what was thought to be a 1,000-year storm. That comes on the heels of the Memorial Day Floods of 2015 and Tax Day Floods of 2016, each classified as 500-year events for Houston.

Maybe it's just that lightning has struck thrice. But few would mistake this as an opportunity to grow complacent, having endured in three years our share of megastorms for the next two millenia.

More likely, our warming climate has washed away our previous notions of the frequency of extreme events. Warmer waters mean more evaporation. And with warmer air, that moisture falls in more extreme events, as anyone who has experienced Texas thunderstorms and New England drizzle will know. Warm waters also provide the fuel that intensifies hurricanes and drives their gusting winds.

All these factors intensify the ferocity of Ike-style winds and surge, as well as the depths of Allison- and Harvey-style deluges. Far less certain is whether a climate-driven shift in the jet stream will impair the windflow needed to keep such storms from stalling.

SO HOW can we prepare for the next disasters? Unlike the French, we never actually built a mile of our proposed defenses against the last disaster.

Just because those defenses would have been worthless against Harvey doesn't mean they won't be crucial for our next Ike-style storm. But we also must prepare for catastrophic inland rains and flooding that no coastal defense can thwart.

GRAY MATTERS: Twelve steps Houston can take to address our flooding problem

Perhaps Houston will never again endure rains that were unprecedented in the history of the continental United States. But climate change will continue stacking the odds toward more extreme events. The world has warmed just 1 degree Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) so far. Even fully achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement would double that; failing to act means risking an additional doubling, and the even more extreme weather events that would come with it.

Thus, we face a future when both deluges of rain and blitzes of wind and surge will become ever greater risks.

Evolving scientific understanding suggests that hurricanes might not become more frequent, but those that do form might become more severe and intensify with such astounding rapidity as Harvey did and Hurricane Patricia before it.

Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Even without Houston's urban planning woes, no city can fully protect itself from 140-mph winds, 25-foot surge, or 40 inches of rain that arrive with only brief warning.

As an atmospheric scientist, I don't have the answers for how to design the infrastructure, drainage and response systems needed to defend against the next storm. But I can say that past won't necessarily be prologue, and we'll need to be careful not to overlearn the lessons of history as we enter a future climate that tosses our old benchmarks away with the floods.

Daniel Cohan is an associate professor of environmental engineering and faculty scholar at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.





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CROSBY - Weary residents in the 1.5-mile evacuation zone around a chemical plant started returning to their flood-ravaged homes early Monday, just hours after a controlled burn destroyed six final trailers of decomposing chemicals at the troubled Arkema facility.

But even as the week-long ordeal came to a close, the French-owned company declined to disclose key details, including the full chemical inventory for the 18000 Crosby Eastgate site or how officials ignited the trailers.

Meanwhile, some upset residents said they are considering suing the company for the ordeal, which kept them from returning to their waterlogged homes and businesses for several days.

"It's been a nightmare," said Elda Garza, who lives with her special-needs son in a trailer near the plant.

Arkema apologized to the Crosby community during a Monday morning news conference at the local fire station, less than 12 hours after authorities lifted the evacuation order.

"I hope that they can know how profoundly sorry we are for the impact that we've had on their lives," Arkema CEO Richard Rowe said, vowing to help the community recover.

The storm knocked out power to the plant, along with primary and backup generators and even a nitrogen cooling system. With no ability to cool nine trailers of highly volatile organic peroxides, the company warned there was "no way" to prevent an explosion.

Employees were evacuated early last week and authorities set up a 1.5-mile evacuation zone that was not enforced until after the first trailer burst into flames early Thursday.

Two more followed suit Friday, but initially the company said that waiting for the remaining six trailers to combust on their own was the safest course of action, even after the 6-foot-deep floodwaters began to recede.

HIDDEN DANGER: Chemical facilities face danger during Harvey shutdowns



Then, Saturday, officials saw signs of decomposition in the remaining six trailers. But that decomposition didn't lead to a fire, and eventually aerial surveillance showed the chemicals leaking from their containers. So on Sunday - with no warning to the public - officials ignited the remaining containers.

"We passed a very critical milestone yesterday that I'm glad we achieved," Rowe said Monday.

Rubber burned in fire

Arkema confirmed that the chemical trailers had rubber tires and insulation that burned in the fires, which could be present in the ash that falls from the sky.

The company declined to estimate any losses to revenue and said it had five plants in the Gulf Coast impacted by the storm, though Crosby was the hardest hit.

Travis Morales, an activist from New York City, held a news conference in Crosby on Monday, accusing the company of "poisoning" the community and demanding free medical care in the aftermath of the blazes. Some locals shared his concerns as they moved back into their homes early Monday.

"I just wish they would have done what they did yesterday three days ago," said one man living in the evacuation zone.

Down the street, Bridget Smith worried whether it was safe to eat food that was in the refrigerator and eggs from the chickens she'd let run free during the evacuation.

"I know they said they took all the right measures but I don't believe that because we would have been able to come home sooner," she said, adding that time away from home meant revenue losses for her family's towing company.

Smith said she and some of her neighbors have consulted with a lawyer.

Garza said she didn't necessarily plan to sue, but was annoyed by the company's failure to provide information.

"Everything we heard was from the news," she said. "Other than that, nothing else."

Although Garza didn't have a business impacted by the evacuation, she had a different worry: Her 8-year-old son has cerebral palsy and needs three medical machines. The equipment was too heavy to move, so she found portable alternatives for two of the machines - and the third her son had to do without.

"He seems fine," she said, adding she would need to take him to a doctor to be sure.

Now, questions - and controversies - remain for Arkema, which has drawn the attention of national media and officials for both its handling of the incident and unwillingness to disclose detailed breakdowns of the materials in its chemical inventory.

The company Thursday provided a list of what chemicals were at the site, but did not clarify the amounts, location or types of containers used.

It also refused to specify where even more potentially dangerous chemicals are located on site.

Arkema under fire

Rowe said at the time his company was balancing "the public's right to know and the public's right to be secure."

An Arkema spokesperson said a more detailed breakdown would have to be obtained through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, a claim that TCEQ has since refuted, saying Arkema is free to release the so-called Tier Two chemical inventory "if they so choose."

The company Monday pledged to examine how it prepared for and responded to the crisis, adding that they've helped with housing for roughly 100 residents and set up a hotline and claims center to assist evacuees kept out of their homes for days.

"Obviously it's been a devastating week on top of a extraordinary, unprecedented storm," Rowe said. "We will go forward with a commitment to help the residents of Crosby and beyond once again return their lives to normalcy."

Robert Downen contributed to this report.

CHEMICAL BREAKDOWN: In November 2014, four workers died at a DuPont plant in La Porte after being exposed to a toxic gas. Responding emergency workers weren't sure what was in the air. The surrounding community wasn't, either. A Houston Chronicle investigation dives deep into Houston's hidden world of explosions and toxic releases and probes the regulatory failures that put us in jeopardy. Click here to read our series.
By Zoe Pappas and Jeffrey Berg

We had the honor of hosting Graeme Jenkinson, who was visiting Wyoming all the way from Australia, for a presentation about observing double stars on a tight time budget.

Unlike many of our speakers, Jenkinson is an amateur astronomer that does not have the luxury of observing full-time, or even for more than a few hours a week. He explained that double stars are a great way to do some observing that will provide useful data, particularly if you lack a significant amount of time. Double stars also do not require pristine skies to observe, which makes this easier for Jenkinson to observe even from his backyard in Queensland. He is not retired so he is has a fulltime job that he works at during the day, and then during his free time which is at night, he observes the binary systems because they are cool, quick and easy. They are so easy to observe; in fact, you are able to observe them with even a good amount of light pollution present, which automatically eliminates the ability to observe many other cosmic object.

Observing binary stars helps astronomers determine the total mass of a binary system, and then they can look closer at the motions to figure out each stars mass. Jenkinson told us about a star he had observed that had last been studied by William Herschel in the 1800s, so he was able to update the data on it.

Jenkinson plans his observations by first going to the Washington Double Star Catalogue (http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astrometry/optical-IR-prod/wds/WDS).

He looks for objects that havent been updated in a while  apparently sometimes quite a long while - and then uses his relatively modest equipment to take several images over several nights. Then he combines his images and, after a fair bit of analysis, publishes the information that he has spent months working on.

Most of us didnt realize that amateur astronomers made important contributions to the field, but people like Jenkinson, who observe for the love of the subject, showed us that even part-time astronomers can help us understand this incredible universe.
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WASHINGTON  Emboldened by Republican control of the White House and both houses of Congress, President Donald Trump had hoped to replace Obamacare and overhaul the entire tax code by the end of the year.

With the health care repeal effort in shambles, the administration's hopes now turn to tax reform, where a prominent Texan, The Woodlands' Kevin Brady, is taking center stage.

Standing outside the Reagan's ranch in California last month, Brady declared that "2017 is the year we make history." But with a Trump presidency increasingly embroiled in battles with the Congress, the press, and even itself, some analysts have their doubts.

Facing political turbulence in Congress wrought by the GOP setback on Obamacare, and the national furor over Trump's handling of the white supremacist clash in Charlottesville, a number of prominent Republicans are scaling back their ambition.

Among them are former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New York U.S. Rep. Peter King, who tweeted recently that "the GOP must go first with tax cuts and not get bogged down in tax reform."

Brady, one of the six top policy makers in Washington responsible for pushing the GOP tax overhaul, says he is not throwing in the towel.

"I believe we can do it, and that's what we're working on right now," Brady said in an interview.

In an effort to jump start the process, Trump delivered a speech Wednesday heavy on populist, "pro-American" declarations, promising a simplified plan of lower tax rates for everyone, eliminating special interest loopholes , and a heavy dose of corporate tax cuts.

Despite its surface appeal, the plan won't be an easy sell in Congress, where Democrats are decrying the proposed tax cuts as a massive giveaway to the rich, who would reap the lion's share of lower rates. Getting rid of loopholes also is easier said than done.

Altogether, a complicated smorgasbord of federal tax deductions and credits is estimated to cost the government more than $1.5 trillion in lost revenue this year, a sum that would go a long way toward reducing overall tax rates  if only those lobbyist-written tax loopholes could be drastically reduced or eliminated.

Brady and House Speaker Paul Ryan travelled around the country in August to build support for their plan, selling it as a lynchpin for economic growth and boon to middle- and lower-income Americans.

"There is no perfect way to tax, but there are proven ways to grow jobs and paychecks," said Brady, who chairs the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee. "That's what we're trying to stuff into this tax reform plan."

His committee's website trumpets an analysis by the conservative Tax Foundation estimating that the gains in after-tax income for a median-income household in Texas would be $4,913. It also promises 140,374 more jobs in Texas.

Filing tax returns would be so simple, Brady says, the average taxpayer could do it on a postcard.

But everything rides on the details on whose ox is getting gored. It's been more than a year since Brady rolled out the GOP's "Better Way" tax reform blueprint, but there's is still no bill.

Now with Congress set to return from its August recess after Labor Day, Brady still is setting no timetable for a written draft, other than to promise to get a bill through Congress and on the president's desk by the end of this year.

Given the upcoming congressional battles over raising the nation's debt limit and passing spending bills to keep the government open past Sept. 30, some observers see little cause for Brady's optimism. Appropriating emergency funds for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts will only make the tax bill's uphill climb steeper.

"I don't think it's very likely," said San Antonio Democrat Lloyd Doggett, the top Democrat on Ways and Means. "I certainly think they're making every effort, but the tax bill is tied to all the distractions."

The distractions include Trump's recent attacks on top Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whom he has blamed for the Obamacare debacle in July.

The president didn't make the task any easier in a recent campaign rally in Phoenix, when he threatened a government shutdown if Congress doesn't pony up the money to fund a border wall.

Republican leaders in Congress have all but sworn off a government shutdown - especially in the wake of the massive Gulf storm. But even the threat of a shutdown could occupy the congressional agenda throughout the month of September, and possibly into October, leaving the tax reform agenda to the holiday season, traditionally a period where major legislation languishes.

Unified on taxes

On tax reform, however, Brady maintains that Republicans are united. "My experience with the president and with Leader McConnell on tax reform is that they're very much on the same page," he said.

That unity, however, has come at a price. Brady was forced to drop a plan to slap a 20 percent "border adjustment" tax on imports, a measure that sharply divided Republicans and the business community. That concession meant the loss of some $1 trillion in projected revenue meant to help offset the proposed tax cuts.

He has yet to propose an alternative funding mechanism, though he suggests that some of the needed revenue is hidden in labyrinth of the U.S. tax code. "We're scrubbing the tax code to identify those provisions that don't create growth, or don't make us more competitive," he said.

Significant procedural hurdles remain as well. To get around a likely Democratic filibuster in the Senate - which requires 60 votes - Republicans will need to rely on a special budget "reconciliation" process that allows for a simple majority to pass a tax package.

But there are limits. The reconciliation rule means that any Republican tax cuts would require offsetting revenues within a 10-year budget window, making them "budget neutral"  meaning they couldn't increase the deficit. Most analysts say that will limit how far Republicans can go to rewrite the tax code, cut taxes, or make any changes permanent.

A more immediate problem facing Brady is that the reconciliation process first requires that Congress pass a budget resolution for 2018, agreement on which has so far has eluded Republicans. The main sticking point? Top line spending limits that some moderates think go too far, and which conservative members of the House Freedom Caucus say don't go far enough.

"No budget, no tax reform," Brady said.

To beat a filibuster, White House officials also have said they are also reaching out to Democrats, particularly fiscal conservatives who represent states Trump carried in the 2016 election. But with partisan rancor intensifying under Trump, the cooperation of any Democrats is far from assured.

"The idea is not just to roll it out, but to roll over us as they did in the health-care bill," Doggett said. "It ought to be a lesson that locking things up from view and pushing things through in a high-handed manner won't work."

Conservative groups behind the tax reform push say they are heartened by what they see as greater Republican unity around the tax agenda than there was for repealing the Affordable Care Act.

But the issue is every bit as complicated and wonky, and the collision of divergent interests perhaps even more intense. Only two cherished write-offs seem to be off the table: the deduction for charitable giving, and the popular mortgage interest deduction, though there have been calls to cap the mortgage interest write-off.

"There's a reason tax reform hasn't been done since 1986," said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, the influential advocacy group funded by the conservative Koch brothers. "It's difficult. The most powerful and most wealthy interest groups in the United States all want to protect their carve-outs, and every individual in America has a stake too."

Corporate loopholes

Liberal groups see the entire tax reform project as a cover to reduce corporate tax rates, while at the same time preserving cherished tax breaks like the so-called carried-interest loophole for certain fund managers, venture capitalists and private-equity investors.

The issue came to a head recently when Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the White House's point man on tax reform, said during an appearance with McConnell in Kentucky that the president might preserve the controversial loophole in some cases, contrary to Trump's campaign promises.

"Secretary Mnuchin's private equity friends are rejoicing," said former BlackRock managing director Morris Pearl, chairman of Patriotic Millionaires, a group of business leaders and wealthy investors who argue that taxes from billionaires and corporations should comprise a higher proportion of federal receipts. "The treasury secretary made it clear. The Trump administration stands with Wall Street."

Compounding the public relations hit was Mnuchin's new wife, Louise Linton, who mocked an Oregon mother's humble circumstances after the woman criticized her for bragging on social media about her all-designer wardrobe on the trip to Kentucky. The incident became a rallying cry for critics.

Brady said no decisions have been made about the carried interest loophole, which allows fund managers to pay income taxes at lower investment rates, rather than as wage or salary income, even though their own money is not at risk.

Democrats say they're all in favor of ridding the tax code of special interest tax breaks, many of which, they claim, were passed by Republican majorities in Congress. The real battle may focus on corporate tax rates which, Republicans like to point out, are the highest in the world.

Democrats counter that the top statutory rate of 35 percent is misleading, since a passel of business tax breaks and credits often bring the actual rates down to a fraction of that.

They also warn that even more tax breaks for the super rich, who pay the majority of all taxes, would undermine the nation's commitment to infrastructure and social programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Brady's argument is that the economic stimulus of tax relief will translate into more revenue, an argument that echoes the supply-side economics of the Reagan era. "Nothing strengthens Social Security and Medicare like more Americans back at work with higher paying jobs," he said.

But even Brady's backers say that his opportunity, which he often describes as "once in a lifetime," may be short-lived.

"If they go into 2018, the odds of achieving tax reform go down," Phillips said, "because election-year politics make politicians even more timid."
The TV reporters kept saying that people should stay put in their homes, but once the water had started bubbling out of the septic system at Marie Harper's Sienna Plantation home early Monday, she decided she wasn't going to take any chances.

After all, she had six foster children under her care, all of them with special needs.

"I know to cry wolf," Harper said.

She called for help, and within an hour, five trucks and three boats had arrived to transport the kids, aged 7 to 17, one in a wheelchair. Harper and her adult daughter joined them in a Red Cross shelter set up at Thurgood Marshall High School in Missouri City.

Harper made the right call. A mandatory evacuation of her neighborhood was ordered later that morning.

"I got them out of there before it got bad," she said.

She managed to calm the kids until the rescue trucks arrived by keeping them busy and not letting them look out the windows.

"We made it fun," she said, by treating the kids to movies. "They really didn't know what happened."

Even the four nights they spent sleeping in the shelter seemed like an adventure to the kids.

Scores of volunteers were waiting for the evacuees to get them into warm clothes, cook them a meal and set them up with a place to sleep.

More than 50 other kids were running around, playing with donated games and toys.

"They just thought we were at a big game place," Harper said.

She felt the shelter community understood her children were different and accepted them.

But as officials prepared Friday morning to load them into a bus to NRG Center, which is expected to house 10,000 people as shelters throughout the region close and consolidate, Harper was scared.

"I don't really want to leave," she said.

She's afraid that in the mass shelter. her foster children might not be understood or treated with the kindness they've experienced at Marshall.

"I just don't want them to get embarrassed," Harper said, her voice breaking with emotion. "We were protected here."

She has no idea what state her home is in and won't be able to check on it until the mandatory evacuation order is released, so, for now, NRG is their only option.

A FEMA worker came over to push the 17-year-old's wheelchair to the bus as Harper looked on, worried.

"Come on, Ms. Harper," the 17-year-old said.

The worried look turned to one of resolve. She would just have to take extra care of these children.

"This is my calling."
President Donald Trump agreed to support billions of dollars in new weapons sales to South Korea after North Korea's largest nuclear test, while his ambassador to the United Nations said the U.S. would seek the strongest possible sanctions against Kim Jong Un's regime.

Ambassador Nikki Haley said Monday at a meeting of the UN Security Council that Kim was "begging for war" after testing what he claimed was a hydrogen bomb.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," she said.

Trump later spoke with South Korean President Moon Jae-In and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in separate phone calls. He told Moon he'd support "in principle" South Korea fitting its missiles with heavier warheads, which would give the country a potentially greater deterrent against its neighbor.

Trump and Moon "agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal," according to the White House statement. Trump "provided his conceptual approval" for South Korea to buy "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" from the U.S.

Haley said the U.S. will circulate new draft sanctions and wants the Security Council to vote on them Sept. 11.

South Korea, meanwhile, said it had detected preparations by North Korea for another possible intercontinental ballistic missile launch in the aftermath of its sixth and most powerful nuclear detonation. The standoff between North Korea and the U.S. has become the most dangerous foreign crisis facing Trump.

Chang Kyung-soo, acting chief of the Defense Ministry's policy planning office, told lawmakers in Seoul on Monday that North Korea was readying a missile firing, but didn't give a time frame. The Yonhap News Agency cited the South Korea spy agency as saying there is a chance Pyongyang could fire an ICBM into the Pacific.
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Equal Employment Opportunities Trust  now operating as Diversity Works New Zealand  has announced the appointment of three new private sector trustees to its board of directors.John Christie, Adrienne Lee Miller and Ranjna Patel were confirmed as the latest members with board chair Michael Barnett saying the trio would make outstanding additions to the team.Christie, director of Enterprise Dunedin, is a senior management executive with previous director, CEO and project manager experience at several high-profile New Zealand organisations.His governance experience includes roles with Otago Polytechnic, South Canterbury District Health Board Audit Committee, Warbirds Over Wanaka, Taiera-Strath Taieri PHO and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce.Miller  GM of corporate services for Watercare  has also held several senior executives roles, including acting as legal counsel for major NZ corporates such as Downer New Zealand, Carter Holt Harvey and Waste Management New Zealand.She currently sits on the Women in Infrastructure Board and the Infrastructure New Zealand Advisory group in an effort to further gender diversity in the infrastructure industry.Finally, Patel  director of Nirvana Health Group  joins the board with a wealth of business and governance experience in the health care and community sectors.She spent four decades growing Nirvana Healthcare from a family business to 34 clinics with more than 1,000 staff. As well as ministerial appointments to NACEW, the Lottery AK Distribution Committee, and the Ethnic Communities Development Fund, she is also a Trustee of the Kootuitui ki Papakura Trust, Deputy Chair of the NZ Asian Leaders Group Board of the Middlemore Foundation, Director of the Bank of Baroda and Executive Trustee of Total Healthcare Otara.
Thai cuisine continues to grow in popularity. With healthy ingredients, aromatic flavors and spices that tingle the taste buds, its no wonder that it consistently ranks among the top 10 favorites in polls. For me, the cuisine is among my top five, so I really have no excuse for not visiting Bangkok Wok until just last week.

I must say that I was surprised when I learned how long the restaurant has been serving the community. Its a tough business, particularly for BYOBs, many of which have difficulty standing the test of time. Bangkok Wok took a gamble before Thai cuisines popularity exploded, and it turned out that they were onto something. The family-owned business has been in operation for more than 20 years now, and is located at 125 Gateway Drive, Mechanicsburg.

Business was brisk when we arrived on Friday night around the dinner hour, and the first thing that I noticed upon entering the establishment was a bench decorated with about a half-dozen eye-catching cushions embellished with color sequins depicting beautiful hummingbirds. I stopped to admire them before a hostess escorted us to a nearby booth.

The low-lit, zen-like atmosphere features attractive wall hangings, twinkling lights, plenty of greenery and colorful fish happily swimming around in a large, saltwater aquarium. Umbrellas in a variety of hues hang upside down near sequined wall hangings and attractive awnings crafted from wood and bamboo line the walls.

In an era where restaurants are downsizing their dinner menus, Bangkok Wok continues to do what works for them. The tome of a menu offers scores of dishes and spans 12 pages.

Listings are divided into appetizers, soup, beef, poultry, pork, seafood, curries, rice, noodles and vegetarian dishes, and each category contains at least 10 options.

Rather than enumerate all the dishes here, I recommend you visit their website to take a look for yourself, keeping in mind that prices have changed a bit recently.

If youre a fan of curry, you can pair meat, vegetables or seafood with red or yellow curry. If youre really adventurous, you can order the green curry, touted as the hottest curry they serve. I do understand, however, that they will tweak the level of spice to individual specifications upon request.

Sweet and sour dishes are offered with a choice of protein options like pork, chicken and seafood, and popular noodle dishes like Pad Thai are also available.

After a bit of dithering, we settled on a shrimp summer roll ($3.95) to share as an appetizer to buy us more time to peruse the menu. The summer roll didnt take long to arrive and featured shrimp, herbs and vegetable matchsticks. The light bite was a nice prelude to the entrees to come, and the peanut sauce served on the side was a bit sweeter than others Ive tried elsewhere.

My dining companion finally narrowed down his choice to chicken with garlic and white pepper sauce, which was described on the menu as tender slices of chicken stir fried with spicy, white pepper and crispy garlic on a bed of fresh chopped cabbage. ($15.95).

Because coconut milk makes everything better, I chose the Kang Kai curry with beef ($15.95).

The wait staff was attentive and pleasant, and the restaurant well-staffed, so dishes emerged from the kitchen at a rapid pace. Our entrees hit the table within just a few minutes.

The white pepper chicken dish arrived on a platter big enough to feed two and was served with a pyramid of white rice. I decided to help myself to a taste and then went back in for more. The savory cabbage was a nice juxtaposition to the semi-sweet brown sauce, and the mild pepper flavor tied it all together quite nicely.

I enjoyed my flavorful Kang Kai curry with beef, ordering it with brown rice that I added to absorb the delicious broth. The savory beef complemented the heat of the spicy finger hot peppers, which were tamed a bit by the sweetness of the coconut milk. The fresh Thai basil added a hint of anise for an extra dimension of flavor that had me craving more.

In the end, there was too much food to finish, so ordering dessert was out of the question. The restaurant likely counts on that because that particular section of the menu is considerably smaller, listing fried bananas with crushed peanuts and Thai tapioca peals with coconut milkbecause, as I mentioned before, everything is better with coconut milk.

If you find yourself craving Thai cuisine, Bangkok Wok is the place to visit. Judging by its longevity, I think its safe to say that many others likely agree.

Next Up: Lunch at Red Sky Cafe in Camp Hill
A leading employment lawyer has called on the government to overhaul the Holidays Act, saying the legislation is now outdated and overly convoluted.



Holiday laws are important for both employers and employees  we urge the government to simplify the Holidays Act, said Phillipa Muir, a partner at Simpson Grierson.



Muirs comments come after the firm released a report that looks into the most significant issues facing employers ahead of the general election.



Conducted last month, the survey found that 88 per cent of respondents want the government to change and simplify the Holidays Act.



It is anachronistic, overly complex and extremely difficult to apply, said Muir, who heads up the firms employment law group.



The overwhelming majority of our employer clients continue to rate this as their number one workplace issue for reform, she added.



In a similar survey the firm conducted prior to the 2014 election, Holidays Act reform was also a top priority, with 77 per cent of respondents calling for change. The 11 per cent increase suggests this legislation has become even more of a headache for employers.



Other important priorities identified by the study were fixed tem agreements, cited by 44 per cent of respondents, and pay equity, cited by 32 per cent of respondents.




Less than a year after the conservation community commended Romania for introducing a critically-needed ban on the hunting of brown bears, wolves, lynx and wildcats, Environment Minister Gratiela Gavrilescu has released an executive order confirming that lethal population control and trophy hunting of bears and wolves will resume.

The temporary prohibition saved the lives of many as 1,691 bears, wolves and wildcats. While the new bear and wolf hunting quotas effectively eliminate the protection these animals had been afforded over the past nine months, the order also clears the way for trophy hunters to shoot bears and wolves as long as they do so in the presence of technical staff. According to the order, by the end of 2017, the local authorities and independent hunters may kill up to 140 bears and 97 wolves deemed to be nuisance animals.

Under the terms of EU legislation (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC) lethal population control is only permitted once the Member State has exhausted all non-lethal methods. This requirement is notable by its absence from Romanias new order. In the past, the Romanian Academys Commission for the Protection of Natural Monuments has strongly cautioned against unjustified lethal take, since it may be detrimental to the survival of bears and wolves in Romania. Key scientists and experts also dispute the effectiveness of lethal population control or trophy hunting in mitigating human-wildlife conflict. In fact, human persecution of carnivores can actually lead to greater conflict with humans and farm animals, because it disrupts social structures and alters predation patterns, leaving these predators more reliant on farm animals as food.

Humane Society International/Europe and the Romanian conservation organisation, Agent Green, together with other worlds leading wildlife organisations have urged the Romanian Government to rescind the order and require a case-by-case analysis for each problem bear or wolf. The groups also urge the government to direct the majority of the resources toward educational programmes for the affected communities and non-lethal mitigation strategies, such as electric fencing, visual deterrents (known as fladry) and bear-proof rubbish bins.

Ruud Tombrock, executive director for Humane Society International/Europe said, The Romanian Governments U-turn on the trophy hunting of brown bears is beyond disappointing. Less than a year ago, the conservation community praised the previous government for taking decisive action to stop the unjustified persecution of Europes large carnivores. This change of policy is clearly in response to strong lobbying efforts from the trophy hunting and animal agriculture industries. This order threatens the very survival of bears and wolves in Romania.

Gabriel Paun, CEO of Agent Green, said, This new order not only allows the lethal population control of bears and wolves as we feared it would, but outrageously just made it possible for trophy hunters to openly participate in these killings and sell the parts of the animals remains, shamelessly making a business out of it.

Background and facts:

Romania announced the prohibition on trophy hunting of brown bears, wolves, lynx and wildcats in October of 2016.

Brown bears play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem in Romania, and while official figures put the Romanian bear population at more than 6,000, HSI and our partner groups fear that may be an over-estimate due to inaccurate counting methods.

Scientific experts also strongly dispute the effectiveness of lethal population control or trophy hunting to manage these iconic mammals.

Brown bears face a number of threats to their survival, including habitat destruction, increased motorized activity near their habitat, climate change, and human persecution.

The population estimates on which the proposed brown bear and wolf kill quotas are based are biologically implausible and biased.

The effect of human persecution on brown bears and wolves is super additive, meaning that hunting kills result in mortality exceeding the simple 1:1 ratio and generates pressures on the population that far exceed what would occur in nature.

One study found that killing large wild predators has, in some cases, the reverse effect of increasing their predation on livestock and only two non-lethal mitigation techniques proved to have preventive effects.

Co-adaption and coexistence are key if carnivores are to persist. Humans must be willing to share the habitat and tolerate the small level of risk these animals pose.

Media contact: Wendy Higgins, whiggins@hsi.org, +44 (0)7989 972 423
We know the images: colossal, glistening bodies, resting lifelessly on the shore, sometimes in the hundreds. Whale strandings are a sadly common occurrence often baffling local communities and scientists alike. So how do these majestic creatures end up stranded on shore, often en masse? The reason behind such tragedies remains a mystery... Whilst there is no universally agreed conclusion, several prevailing theories point towards some likely causes.

In February of this year, 407 pilot whales were discovered on New Zealand's South Island. In 2016, 29 sperm whales were found off the coasts of Germany, the Netherlands, England and northern France. This is by no means a modern occurrence - in Europe at least, records of mass whale strandings date back to 1577. The year 1918 saw the stranding of around 1000 pilot whales off the coast of the Chatham Islands, which remains the largest recorded stranding to date. Deeper-dwelling whale species make up the most fatalities, with long and short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, melon headed whales and sperm whales being the most common casualties. These species all travel in water around 1000 metres deep and form large, cohesive groups that rely on strong social bonds with each other. The fact that they are deeper sea-dwelling creatures means that they can get into trouble when they find themselves in shallow areas with sloping seabeds.

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Wikipedia Commons | Bahnfrend

There are several hypotheses regarding the causes of whale strandings, some pointing to human, and others to natural, causation. When hunting, for instance, their prey may lead them into dangerous territory. A whale's echolocation, used for navigation and hunting, will fail them once the waters become too shallow - pointing towards the fact that some strandings may simply be down to a navigational error. Another rationale may be the fact that already diseased whales may seek shallower waters in order to be able to surface more easily. While they may do this to conserve energy, remaining in such shallow waters will often contribute to internal bleeding caused by the compression of their chest walls against the hard surface of the shore.

The incredibly social nature of many whale species must also be taken into account when searching for reasons behind mass strandings. There have been several cases in which a significant portion of washed up whales seem to be healthy and rescuable, whilst the other half is not. Furthermore, there have been incidents during which one half of the group is simply there to vocally communicate and comfort the individuals in their group that are suffering. An incident in west Wales, for instance, when two dolphins became stranded alive, revealed that whilst one of the two was suffering from a severe parasite infection, the second dolphin was perfectly healthy yet showed signs of great distress and remained close to its companion. The strong social bonds that exist between the species may therefore mean that far from being some sort of mass suicide, en masse whale strandings may simply be an (albeit tragic) reflection of their incredible sociality.

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Whilst whale strandings can seemingly be put down to a variety of natural causes, there is also reason to believe that some of them may be due to human activity. A particularly well-known example of this is the link between mass strandings and the use of sonar, the underwater echo navigation method often used during naval exercises. The connection was first made in 1996, when a NATO military exercise coincided with the stranding of 12 Cuvier's beaked whales. Similar occurrences followed in 2000 and 2002, with veterinary pathologists identifying acoustic trauma and haemorrhaging around the ear. Furthermore, they found some whales to be suffering from decompression sickness, indicating that naval sonar may interfere with a whale's ability to manage the gasses inside their body, hence making surfacing and diving very difficult. Whilst ultimately the absolute number of sonar-related strandings is small, it is the fact that strandings increased with the use of sonar that points towards the detrimental effects of this anthropogenic activity.

Recent studies are examining the hypothesis that strandings could also be caused by exhaustion as a result of human underwater activity. While of course these marine creatures do not get tired following their usual speed, unknown activity (such as sonar or seismic exploration) may force them to alternate movement patterns. Most whales pick up speed by repeating a cycle of short energy bursts and gliding, using this method to move rapidly when hunting prey, for instance. However, researchers are hypothesizing that human interferences are causing whales to ascend from their dives much more rapidly, switching to faster and more constant strokes which use up to 30% more energy than normal. This may explain not only the decompression sickness (which is often also experienced by scuba divers if they ascend too quickly) that has been documented, but also the increased likelihood of disorientation.

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A definitive, singular reason behind strandings will probably never come to light. Instead, it is likely that such tragedies are simply caused by a multitude of both natural causes and anthropogenic interference. By continued study however, humans may be able to figure out the detrimental effects of our increased underwater activity - and work towards preventing such devastation.

By Laura Hallensleben - Online Journalism Intern

Frontier runs conservation, development, teaching and adventure travel projects in over 50 countries worldwide - so join us and explore the world!
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Once known for being one of the world's most prominent political prisoners, Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has remained deadly silent as the Rohingya, "the world's most persecuted minority" have been slaughtered on her streets.

Since 2012, over 168,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar according to a UNHCR report, published in May, with an additional 73,000 fleeing in the past week alone as military violence has escalated.

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The Rohingya, an ethnic Muslim group of over one million people, have lived in Myanmar (formerly Burma) for centuries, although since 1982 they have been denied citizenship, leaving them stateless and labelled 'illegal immigrants' in the country of their birth.

Aung San Suu Kyi, currently Myanmar's State Counsellor - a position akin to Prime Minister - and Leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was expected to change all this. Many thought that with her at the helm, this minority group would finally be given their rights and their persecution ended. It now seems that this was a fallacy.

Rising to power in 2016 following a landslide election win, Suu Kyi's party took 86% of the Assembly of the Union seats. However, this wasn't her first election win.

Back in 1990, Suu Kyi and her newly formed party (the NLD), won 81% of available seats, but were refused power by the military, who ran the country. Arrested and placed under house arrest, she remained imprisoned for nearly 15 years. Offered freedom if she would leave the country and never return, Suu Kyi refused to leave the fight, sacrificing years of her life with her family, including her two young sons. In 1991, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and used the money to fund health and education for the people of Myanmar.

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That year, in her book 'Freedom from Fear', Suu Kyi wrote: "It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it."

It seems, given the current crisis, that's exactly what has happened. Succumbing to her own prophecy, we are forced to assume that Suu Kyi is either afraid of losing her power, by going against the societal view on the Rohingya Muslims as illegal Bengali's and terrorists, or the attacks on this minority group are not something she feels are worth speaking out against.

As children have been beheaded on the streets, she has remained silent. As innocent civilians have been attacked, raped and burned alive, she has remained silent. When faced with those who have needed her the most, she has turned her back.

In May of last year, Suu Kyi even asked the US not to use the term 'Rohingya' as she does not recognise them as an ethnic group. Two months previously, following an intense interview by BBC's Mishal Husain, during which she was questioned over the Islamophobic attitudes known in the country, Suu Kyi became rattled, refusing to condemn the anti-Islamic views and was supposedly heard saying "no one told me I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim."

The case against the Nobel Peace Laureate has been building and was brought to a head in June of this year, when Myanmar's government denied entry to a UN team following their report which stated, that the treatment of the Rohingya could amount to crimes against humanity and even ethnic cleansing.

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Since then there have been reports of torture, mass killings and gang rapes by the military.

This week, as Muslims around the world were getting ready to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha, many Rohingya were fleeing into bordering Bangladesh, which has now started to block and deport those it catches, trying to find safety.

The Guardian have now reported that Myanmar have blocked all UN aid from reaching the Rohingya people at the heart of this conflict, leaving thousands stranded without food, water or medical help. The situation is becoming ever more desperate.

So, what does the future hold for these stateless and persecuted people? As the likes of Malala Yousafzai step up to condemn the violence and call for action from Suu Kyi, "The world is waiting and the Rohingya Muslims are waiting", will she allow it to continue?
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"Smarmy bastards," I remember thinking when the boys from Bell Pottinger wafted into a newsroom I was working in to bring former Oakbay chief executive Nazeem Howa for an interview.

Associate partner David Bass and partner Nick Lambert had the look of experienced public relations (PR) practitioners from London, the heartbeat of spin. They were suited, smooth and dressed in the manipulation that comes naturally to them. With business cards at the ready and shoes shone almost as much as their slicked-down hair, they were doing what Bell Pottinger does.

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They were putting lipstick on pigs and convincing journalists (and by extension, the public) it was a supermodel. Bell Pottinger is a multinational and, unlike the better ones where localisation is an imperative, the company's model is neocolonial.

As the company's PR campaign for the Gupta family and its main investment vehicle, Oakbay, unfolded, the neocolonial quality of Bell Pottinger's work became clear. The executives, led by Victoria Geoghegan, cultivated relationships largely with white Anglo-Saxon editors in Johannesburg as they sought to soothe the suppurating coverage their dodgy clients were attracting almost everywhere.

Those journalists engaged in uncovering the model of state capture the Gupta family was engaged with were targeted and attacked by the dark ops part of the campaign, which spewed out the white monopoly capital campaign that rode on the coat-tails of legitimate demands for social justice, but served only to provide cover for their clients' looting.

I have no idea if Bass and Lambert were part of the black ops, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were. What's left of Bell Pottinger is trying desperately to suggest that what happened in South Africa was an aberration: the record shows this is a lie. The company's founder, Sir Tim Bell, was a brilliant strategist who succeeded in portraying the British Labour Party as a self-interested anachronism in a campaign that propelled Maggie Thatcher into 10 Downing Street.

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But Bell Pottinger has lost its way: it became a practitioner of dark arts and it manufactured propaganda, usually across the Third World. It traded on its ability to buy influence and to put words in the mouths of politicians as it did here when it wrote speeches for the ANC Youth League and for the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans' Association as the #Guptaleaks have shown.

Bell Pottinger's clients manipulated the digital world, recreating Wikipedia profiles for their clients. They did it for the Guptas too. And while an investigation into their work by the law firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has found they did not run Twitter bots that created the campaign of misinformation, they were clearly the strategists for the mayhem that unfolded.

Bell Pottinger strode the globe like a colossus making a mint from manipulation. It works in countries where accountability is not great and so it grew a shield of impunity. That was until it got to South Africa where a robust media and a cottage industry of internet sleuths quickly uncovered their campaign.
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It's just under a year since I was part of a Facebook discussion about the alarmingly xenophobic drift of post-referendum UK society. We were people from many different nationalities, backgrounds and political persuasions. Some of us were migrants, others the descendants of migrants or British nationals who know migrants as our friends, colleagues, partners, carers, workmates and classmates.

All of us were appalled by the dangerous convergence of street-level violence towards migrants with the anti-immigrant rhetoric used by too many politicians. We were disgusted with the cynical references to three million EU citizens as bargaining chips, and the persistent denigration and stigmatisation of migrants in sections of the British press. We did not see migrants as intruders, outsiders or interlopers, but as valuable and valued members of British society and our local communities.

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So on 20th February we invited migrants and their supporters to take part in a national day of action celebrating the presence of migrants and the contributions they have made to British society. For 24 hours, we asked the British public to imagine what a 'day without immigrants' might be like.

We were bowled over by the response. Tens of thousands of people held protests, rallies and other events up and down the country. There were One Day Without Us events in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; fetes in tiny villages, rallies in city centres, stalls in town markets. Members of the public, businesses, trade unions, NGOs, charities, and universities all supported what was in effect the first-ever national day of solidarity with migrants in British history.

It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. In providing a platform for migrants and their supporters to make their voices heard, One Day Without Us presented the UK with a very different vision of migrants and migration that the one that has presented to the public by politicians and the media alike. Eleven months later the need for this vision remains as urgent as it was then. And so next year, on 17th February, we're planning another national day of action. For 24 hours we're inviting migrants and their supporters to take part, and organise events in their local communities, under the slogan 'Proud to be a migrant/Proud to stand with migrants.' We've chosen that date to coincide with the week of UN World Day of Social Justice, but this time we've chosen to stage it on a weekend, so that everyone can get involved.

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Our message is simple: we refuse to accept the divisive 'us versus them' political rhetoric that presents migrants as interlopers and outsiders and immigration as burden. We believe that migration had been broadly positive both for migrants and for UK society, and we want to celebrate that. We think it is shameful and disturbing that the word migrant has become a dirty word in British politics; that EU citizens living in Britain are still living in limbo or leaving the country because of the hostility directed towards them; that families with non-EU migrant spouses remain permanently separated because they can't meet arbitrary income thresholds; that migrant workers are described as if they were nothing but economic commodities.

We want to change that. We do not believe that migrants are intrinsically better or worse than anyone else, but no one should ever have to feel ashamed, vulnerable or under threat because of who they are or where they came from. It should not even need saying that migrants have the same hopes, dreams, aspirations as British citizens, but the debased debate about migration too easily ignores this simple truth and prefers to scapegoat migrants and blame them for problems that they did not cause. Too often migrants are described as if they were nothing but takers and migration is depicted as something unnatural and even sordid.

We want to restore the courage, heroism and dignity, the adventure and discovery that is part of the experience of migration. As migrants and non-migrants, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions that migrants have made to our country in the past and continue to make today.

We are proud that the UK is a country that people want to come to in order to live, work, study, or seek safety and protection. We do not want a 'hostile environment' that turns doctors and nurses into immigration police and presents deportations of tens of thousands of foreign students on the basis of flawed or inadequate evidence as a badge of honour. We want a UK that is welcoming, open, and inclusive in its attitude towards migration.

In celebrating migrants and migration we do not only refer to EU nationals. Though we recognize that migrants who have come to the UK fall under many different legal categories, we do not recognize hierarchical distinctions between worthy and unworthy migrants, between EU citizens and non-EU nationals, between refugees and asylum seekers, between migrants past and presents.

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The hostility directed towards migrants in post-referendum UK does not confine itself to any single target. It can equally be directed against Polish schoolgirls, Muslims of Pakistani heritage, Bulgarians, Romanians, refugees or 'failed asylum seekers' . It might be aimed at EU citizens or it might be directed against people who were born here who simply look or sound like foreigners.

Once confined to the extremist fringe, such hostility has begun to permeate the mainstream to the point when it threatens the very foundations and the character of our society, and drives government policy in ways that are harmful to migrants and to our common future. One of the reasons why this has happened is because millions of people with a very different view of what UK society could be like have not made their voices heard.
Stand Up To Cancer

It's a cliche but as we get older, sooner or later we're all touched by cancer. Of those of us born after 1960, one in two will at some point receive a diagnosis of cancer so you'd have to be bloody lucky not to be, or know, one of them at some point.

Cancer made its presence felt early in my life. I never met my mum's dad who died from bowel cancer on Christmas Day when she was just ten. She remembers that he bought her an umbrella that year.

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My mum's sister was then diagnosed with breast cancer when I was at primary school. Only recently my dad has mentioned that he didn't see her for months at a time as whenever we would visit she would stay in her room, perhaps conscious of the frightening sight she might present. She went through treatment in the mid-eighties and he alluded that it was perhaps more brutal than it is today, although I don't really know what that is supposed to mean.

In response to my dad's comment my mum looked confused. "I saw her," she said. "I went over to the house, once I'd dropped the kids at school, to make sure she got out of bed." Even typing those words makes my breath catch in my throat.

To be honest though, there is a lot that I don't know and as I type this I'm wondering whether it's appropriate to text my mum. She is away on holiday in Italy but I can't remember the name of the new (at the time) drug she was given, alongside her other treatment in 2000, when the same disease that took her father and sister came so cruelly knocking for her.

I don't know what my mum looked like after her first or second (in 2004) mastectomy. She asked me at the time if I wanted to see - I think perhaps as a way to help me process what was happening - but I shied away. I don't know how she felt about that either.

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I don't know whether I carry the gene that makes it more likely that I'll develop breast cancer early in my life too. "What difference would it make?" I've always said, hiding perhaps behind my assumption that living with the knowledge would somehow make it worse.

But now I'm a mother too I'm starting to wonder if that is the right decision. When my mum received the all clear I remember feeling completely underwhelmed. I had never allowed myself to imagine the worse that could happen so my attitude was, "Of course. Didn't we know that already?" But the thought of leaving my own children alone in the world makes me understand the magnitude of what I could have lost, and now I cry ten-year-old tears of relief.

As my grasp on reality has improved over the years however, so have cancer treatments. Thanks to the research undertaken by Very Clever People, in part funded by campaigns and charities such as Stand Up To Cancer for Cancer Research UK, 2 in 4 people now survive their cancer for 10 years or more. This is double the rate of survival compared to 40 years ago when my aunt was receiving her first diagnosis.

Staring down a microscope at breast cancer cells during a recent lab tour at The Imperial Cancer Research UK Centre I was surprised at how overwhelmed I felt. At one point one of the doctors thanked us for helping them raise awareness. I think we all felt a little embarrassed about that and for me meeting the people responsible for twice saving my mum's life, no matter how far removed they are, was humbling.

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I watched as another woman called a cancer cell "a fucker" when it came to her turn to stare it down, and saw two women, mothers, currently undergoing treatment, so brave and dignified, but also raw and scared. It hit hard how cancer touches everyone, but at the same time how effing unfair it all is.

Feeling useful in the face of cancer is pretty much impossible. All we did that day was wander around a lab, dress up in 'Rebel Hero' costumes as part of Stand Up To Cancer's push to get people across the UK to join the rebellion against cancer, and act like wallies on social media.

But I also realised that while we need the Very Clever People to keep on being clever, us ordinary people don't have to sit on the sidelines.

By shouting about the science, by donating whatever we can, and through our own ordinary fundraising efforts we can all contribute. And for me that feels empowering, less helpless, and definitely less like the ticking time-bomb I've always joked I am.

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Because cancer might indeed be a fucker, but together we can tell it to get fucked.

Nicola is supporting Stand Up To Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to accelerate ground-breaking cancer research and save more lives, more quickly. To support the launch of this years campaign, Nicola, along with other social influencers has dressed up as her Rebel Hero, Princess Diana.

Nicola said: I wouldn't really describe myself as a Royalist and I've never really paid much attention to what the Royal family gets up to, even so Diana really stands out to me as someone who was determined to do things her way. In the face of considerable opposition and criticism she pursued what she thought was right and just - love her, loathe her, or feel completely indifferent towards her, I still think that is something to be admired. As a mother, it seems to me that her greatest legacy is two sons who have taken up the mantle of doing things differently. Their relationships, their commitment to charitable work, and their willingness to be open about taboo subjects are surely thanks to the strength of character of their rebel mother.
Terrorists are advised to look away now, for I'm thrilled to report that Paris has regained its unique je ne sais quoi. The latest statistics, published at the end of August, indicate that tourists are falling head over heels for the French capital; visitor numbers in the first half of 2017 reached the highest in a decade. And after experiencing the feel-good spirit for myself in early September, I can confirm that the French capital is back to its stylish, swaggering and sexy best.

Paris is a particularly special place for me and my wife, as it is where we enjoyed our first foreign holiday together, six years ago, long before thoughts of wedding bells and nappies. We returned this month (sans enfant) and were heartened to witness first hand how its hotels, cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions are positively bustling with activity again.

It is coming up to two years since November 13, 2015, when 130 innocent people were brutally murdered by seven jihadis in Paris. The single deadliest terrorist incident on French soil was epoch-defining and inflicted a wound that may never fully heal. In the aftermath of the attacks, residents and sightseers alike were twitchy, understandably.

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Fear took hold initially and it has taken a while for the damaged tourist industry, which is so vital to the French economy (as it generates more than 7 per cent of the country's annual GDP), to recover. Consider that in 2014 visitors to Paris spent some 13.50 billion, making it the third most popular destination behind London and New York that year.

When figures released in August 2016 indicated that there were a million fewer visitors to Paris between January and June of last year compared to the same period in 2015, the regional tourist board head labelled it "an industrial disaster". The situation has drastically improved, thankfully.

In the first half of this year the number of people making a trip to Paris and the surrounding Ile de France region reached a 10-year high, according to figures published at the end of August by the Regional Tourism Committee (CRT). Further, Paris-based hoteliers welcomed 16 million guests in the same period, again the best in a decade.

Those encouraging findings tallied with my recent experience, too. The Eurostar train - one of the slick, spacious new e320 fleet - my wife and I took from London St Pancras International was teeming with passengers. Granted it was Friday afternoon, and those aboard included weekly commuters as well as weekend holidaymakers, but it was still hugely impressive.

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Less than two-and-a-half hours later, in Gare du Nord it was immediately clear that security had tightened significantly since our last visit in 2011. However, the presence of four armed army officers patrolling the station was more reassuring than worrying. Similarly, the sight of two orange-vested police dogs sniffing for explosives close to the taxi queue was balanced out by an amusing and amorous long goodbye kiss between a loved-up couple not two metres away from the bushy-tailed bomb detectors. It provided a delightful vignette that neatly sums up the prevailing attitude in Paris right now.

And at our splendid hotel, Le Pavillon de la Reine, in Le Marais - historically the aristocratic district which spreads across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements - all but a few of the rooms were occupied. The champagne at breakfast never dried up, pleasingly, and without our three-year-old son we shamelessly luxuriated. Is there a better city in which to do so?

On Friday evening we dolled up and dined at L'Oiseau Blanc, a restaurant atop the sensational Peninsula Hotel which boasts a clear view of the Eiffel Tour and has an aviation theme (after the 1927 mystery when a plane of the same name attempted to cross the Atlantic and went missing). There was not a spare table in sight, all night, and the convivial atmosphere was as remarkable as the food. It was the same at Rech, Alain Ducasse's seafood-lovers' mecca, the following evening. At one point in the eatery par excellence everyone lauded and applauded when a 100-year-old lady blew out the candle of her birthday eclair, typifying the bonhomie.

Between five-star feasts and extended, energy-restoring sleeps, my wife and I ambled the streets of Paris, hands linked, and saw no obvious signs of nervousness or fear, from either locals or tourists. Rather, the opposite was true. And on our hour-long Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise along the Seine we found it heart-warming to see such a vast number of folk cheerily going about their business, or pleasure.
For a technology that started out as the basis of cryptocurrency, blockchain has evolved to be so much more. Today, blockchain is poised to disrupt the way dozens of industries are operating, and set to revolutionise the public sector. Indeed, nine in ten government organisations globally plan to invest in blockchain for use in financial transaction management, asset management, contract management and regulatory compliance by 2018, and here in Australia, the trajectory looks similar.

Last year, Data61 and Australian government agencies announced that they are undertaking a detailed study to determine what blockchain could all mean for both government and industry. The review will look to provide practical use cases where blockchain technology could be piloted in government services and the private sector, such as sharable registry information, verifiable supply chains and assessment of aggregate risk exposure in the financial services sector.

Blockchain is a distributed database that can be used by individuals who want to complete transactions involving multiple parties. Large organisations can use it to collaborate across multiple organisational silos. Large, cross-industry ecosystems may want to use blockchain to handle complex transactions across multiple jurisdictions, and governments may want to use blockchain to help their citizens or in the delivery of new government applications.

Trust has never been more important for governments in Australia and around the world. Globalisation means that governments need to find ways to expand the economy, and new ways to improve citizen engagement and accountability. The integration of blockchain technology into government activities will help local, state and federal governments move past a lack of trust, providing transparency for transactions.

Ledgers have been used for centuries by governments and businesses to keep account of assets and liabilities, property, records and relevant transactions. But traditionally, ledgers were private and guarded, seen only by an internal few, or auditors. Blockchain takes this old and simple concept and takes it to a new level. Simply put, blockchain acts as a distributed open ledger that can be used to register and record property transactions, healthcare initiatives to track medical records, citizen services and much more. Day-to-day, blockchain can also help government processes and purchases more efficient, reducing the chances of fraud and error.

In Australia, private sector organisations are already looking to blockchains as a potential new disruptor. For example, Agricultural technology business AgriDigital, executed the worlds first live settlement of the sale of an agricultural commodity on a blockchain with the sale of 23.46 tonnes of grain in central NSW. Australia Post, announced last year that it was looking at a blockchain technology project for the storing of digital identities, while AGL Energy will test how using blockchain technology could allow households to trade surplus energy from their rooftop solar panels. This initiative will also involve IBM and distributed energy advisers Marchment Hill Consulting and it is hoped it will highlight the regulatory and system changes needed to make the market work effectively, the value in peer-to-peer energy markets, as well as how blockchain technology can be leveraged to make it more effective.

Because participants in a transaction on a blockchain have access to the same records, there is no need for third-party intermediaries to validate transactions or verify identities or ownership. Business licenses, property titles, vehicle registrations and other records could all be shifted to blockchains, freeing citizens from the need for lawyers, notaries and trips to government offices to certify that transactions are legal. Additionally, with blockchain consumers, business partners and government groups alike could know with certainty how things are made, stored, transported and sold  whether those assurances relate to child labor, materials or the environment.

In a recent global study by IBMs Institute for Business Value (IBV) and the Economist Intelligence Unit, it was found that government organisations around the world are prioritising blockchain to help reduce innovation roadblocks and inaccurate or incomplete information across their organisations. The results of the study show:

Seven in ten government executives predict blockchain will significantly disrupt the area of contract management, which is often the intersection of the public and private sectors

14% of trailblazer government institutions expect to have blockchain in production at scale by 2017, and are utilising blockchain to help reduce time, cost and risk in regulatory compliance, contract engagement, identity management and citizen services.

Six in ten governments recognise regulatory constraints as the greatest barrier to the adoption of blockchains, followed closely by what they perceive as immature technology and lack of executive buy-in

The study also found that Asia Pacific is setting the pace of adoption along with Western Europe, with North America trailing. But unlike Western Europe (which ranked financial transaction management as the top area for new business models) and North America, (which focused on the potential of borderless services), Asia Pacific governments expected citizen services to be the area that delivered the greatest innovation through blockchain.

Countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, are set to be among the first to really grasp blockchain technology, with the government agencies taking on the technology. This could potentially see these governments begin to make transactions that in the past, they wouldnt have  this comes down to blockchain addressing the lack of trust issue.

Disruption, especially in bureaucratic institutions is rare. Decades later, even the Internet hasnt drastically changed how governments operate and rarely do they compete in personalized citizen services. That could change as blockchains evolve to bring closer collaboration among citizens and government institutions. Open data (e.g. data that helps pinpoint the optimal location for a new retailer or record soil conditions for farmers) is arguably among a governments greatest assets. As the societal value from that data grows, government organisations will need to ensure that their data is easily accessible, free to use and available in a consumable format. Likewise, institutions will need to take greater safeguards to protect that data from cyber-attacks. Open data on blockchains meets these imperatives, and can help governments become open governments.

Through blockchain technology, government will be better able perform its dual role of facilitating the business innovation of citizens and, at the same time, co-creating better services for citizens, founded on openness and trust.

Michael Aaron is the Blockchain leader at IBM.

Source: https://governmentnews.com.au/2017/08/blockchain-e-government-open-government/
The Parkland Health Center Foundation Board is pleased to announce that Carla Crocker has accepted the position of foundation coordinator. She began in this position Aug. 3.

Crocker is native to the Parkland area, having graduated from North County High School and later earning a bachelors degree in psychology from Central Methodist University at Mineral Area College. For 14 years, Crocker served in several positions with the Southeast Missouri Family Violence Council, including volunteer coordinator, outreach advocate, administrative assistant, prevention education specialist and childrens advocate, and she ultimately served for nine years as executive director.

Crocker has two children; her son, Nash Davis is a senior at Central High School and her daughter, Hattie is in fifth grade.

In reflecting on her new position, Crocker recalled being influenced years ago by the quote, Bloom where you are planted, while at the same time others her age wanted to leave the area.

I have a passion for staying in this area and working to improve the lives of people in this community, said Crocker. I believe this is a natural fit with the mission of the Parkland Health Center Foundation, and I am blessed to have this opportunity.

Jill Colson, president of the Parkland Foundation, stated, We are delighted to welcome Carla to the team. We have a very solid and capable board, and with Carla in this new position, we can look forward to future growth and enhanced effectiveness in carrying out our Foundations mission.

The Parkland Health Center Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that was established in 2009.
Rail ties stacked and ready for installation at the cleared rail line to Hoosac Street.

Adams Hopes Scenic Railway Finished This Fall



Completion of the rail will bring the line to Hoosac Street. ADAMS, Mass.  The final 6/10th of mile of track for the Berkshire Scenic Railway should be laid in time for fall.

Director of Community Development Donna Cesan said recently that the town hopes to see a complete track by October that will attract riders for the fall foliage.

"They are constructing the track to Hoosac Street and are working hard to allow downtown-to-downtown excursions in time to catch some of the fall foliage tourism season," she said. "They are hoping for completion of the track project in October."

The railway, which travels between Adams and North Adams, was cut short at Renfrew Street because of the condition of the long unused tracks. Last fall, the state kicked in $2.6 million in MassWorks funding to complete the last 6/10th of a mile of track, which it owns.

The rail will ultimately end at the Adams Station, a former car wash on Hoosac Street that was recently renovated to act as the railway's terminus.

The extension received approval from the Conservation Commission in early August and construction began soon after.

Cesan noted that the October deadline may be tight with both finishing construction and needed inspections upon completion.

MassDOT's Rail Division is responsible for the construction project and hired Wright Rail America to oversee it.

Cesan said the town is also working with DOT's design consultant HDR Inc. on the design and bidding of the passenger platform at Adams Station. That project is likely to commence in the spring.

"We anticipate issuing an Invitation for bids by mid-September but construction of the platform will not begin until early spring to avoid any conflicts with the track construction project," she said. "We would expect the passenger platform will be ready for use by June but this schedule could be negatively affected by weather."

The rail line runs parallel to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail extension, which was initially delayed to allow for redesign when the scenic rail line became a reality.

Some 9,600 passengers rode the rails between North Adams and Adams during the Hoosac Valley Service's freshman year. Operated by the nonprofit Berkshire Scenic Railway, the 8-mile ride had an abbreviated fall season in 2015 and its first full season last year. Town officials are hoping that the rail will bring visitors to downtown Adams.
In 1937, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover claimed, The sex fiend has become a sinister threat to the safety of childhood and womanhood. Unfortunately, many folks still feel that way.

Here in Missouri, Sexually Violent Predator civil commitment, never used as the legislature originally intended, has become one of the most ineffective and expensive programs taxpayers are forced to support.

Even if a former sex offender is 70 years old, the government will still do everything possible to lock him away forever under the guise of providing treatment. Men whose crimes were committed in the last century are being actively pursued to guarantee the continuation of the SVP program. Thousands of high paying government jobs and $30 million annually of taxpayer dollars at stake.

These escalating costs continue to be one of the reasons why so many states have not adopted similar SVP commitment laws of their own. Thirty states have decided not to enact SVP civil commitment viewing it both ineffective and too costly. Public policy is not well served if extraordinary resources are squandered on those who pose low risk to public safety.

In thirteenth century England, the King confined then took control of the property of anyone he designated an idiot. Missouri is apparently stuck in the 13th century. The governments function is meant to determine whether an individual currently presents such a danger that he cannot safely function within the parameters of normal society and therefore requires confinement. The result of an unnecessary and unjust commitment is not that the government gains at the committed persons expense, rather the outcome is an unnecessary deprivation of liberty and a systematic delegitimization of the entire SVT commitment process.

Overburdened taxpayers now recognize that the obvious huge drain on public resources, well over $100,000 per committed individual yearly, is economically disadvantageous to provide confinement and needless treatment to those who pose little or no risk to reoffend.

Such waste is magnified by the fact that the fundamental reason for the extraordinary amount of taxpayer money spent on SVP civil commitment is the belief that the resources are being expended efficiently  going toward keeping only the most dangerous offenders confined. Arguably, there are some dangerous offenders at the Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services (SORTS) in Farmington. But also confined are many men in their 60s, 70s and 80s, whose crimes were long ago and no longer pose a level of risk which meets the threshold of SVP civil commitment. Elderly men, many in wheelchairs, some who can no longer feed or dress themselves, have become a constant drain on taxpayer dollars because the government simply refuses to let them go.

SVP is certainly not about rehabilitation or mental health treatment. If mental health treatment was part of the governments game plan, they would bring the SVP charges as soon as possible after the offenders conviction and initial incarceration. The government has every right at that point to invoke the SVP statute. But they wait until after prison sentences are completed.

The SVP jury trials are so weighted to favor the government that nearly 98% result in the former sex offenders being committed. Prior to every trial months are spent in court arguing what the jurors will not be allowed to hear. The government almost always has their way with the courts, manipulating the trial rules to gain an insurmountable advantage. Jurors wont be allowed to hear about the ineffective treatment, the abusive and restrictive conditions, and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness civilly committed men must endure, hence several recent suicides.

All the jurors hear about is the past. They will hold that people never change. They will be told that a 70 year old man is the same man he was 40 years ago. They wont be told about all of the research which conclusively proves that elderly men no longer pose a risk, they will be told a lot, but what they wont be told is the truth.

Politicians and judges will never stop this travesty. Who wants to face re-election and have their opponent call them an advocate of former sex offenders? No, it will take inquiries by concerned citizens, taxpayers who have had enough bureaucratic funneling of their hard earned dollars into programs that simply dont work.

Stan Schell

Farmington
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Bibi Opens New School Year, Blasts Palestinian Brainwashing

The Fellowship | September 5, 2017

As children around the world return to their classrooms, Israeli pupils were welcomed with a video message from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Jerusalem Posts Yocheved Laufer reports that Netanyahu also blasted his Palestinian counterparts work of educating Palestinian youth with hatred and incitement:

Coinciding with the first full day of classes in Israel for the 2017-2018 (5778) school year, the prime minister lashed out at the Palestinian Authoritys means of educating hate to children through the installment of statues of terrorists throughout the Palestinian territories.

In the video, Netanyahu guides viewers through an imaginary walk to and from school with a seven year-old Palestinian girl named Fatima and her mother.

Throughout the hypothetical walk, Fatima and her mother passed by several statues erected in the past year. After asking her mother by each statue who they are dedicated to, the seven year-olds mom explained that each of the statues are in memory of people that killed Israelis.

Fatima doesnt deserve to be brainwashed with this hatred. No child does, the prime minister stated
Lessons from FTCs Lenovo case: Pay attention to the man in the middle

Washington, DC - The Wizard of Oz was right: Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Thats because according to an FTC settlement, computer company Lenovo should have been paying attention to the man in the middle. In this case, the man in the middle was preloaded ad-injecting software that put consumers personal information at risk from harmful man-in-the-middle attacks.

When people first browsed a shopping site with their new Lenovo computers, they got a one-time pop-up notice that said, Explore shopping with VisualDiscovery: Your browser is enabled with VisualDiscovery which lets you discover visually similar products and best prices while you shop. What was VisualDiscovery? It was adware customized to Lenovos specifications by Palo Alto developer Superfish. And what did VisualDiscovery do? Anytime a consumer hovered over a product image on a shopping site, VisualDiscovery would deliver pop-up ads of similar looking products sold by Superfishs retail partners. But thats not all.

At Lenovos direction, Superfish modified VisualDiscovery so it would work on all browsers, including browsers that consumers installed after purchase. To do that, the software incorporated a tool that compromised security precautions used by sites with encrypted connections. (Consumers recognize an encrypted connection by the s in the https:// URL.) Youll want to read the complaint for details, but heres the shorthand version of why that proved to be a fateful decision.

Https:// websites use digital certificates as a form of electronic credentials that are presented to consumers browsers to help verify that the site is authentic and not an imposter. VisualDiscovery, however, replaced the digital certificates for https:// websites with its own certificates. The softwares certificates tricked both the site and the browser into believing there was a direct, encrypted connection when, in fact, the software was setting itself up as a man-in-the-middle. That gave the software access to all the sensitive information a consumer transmitted over the internet, including on encrypted sites. Whats more, the software sent to Superfish the URLs of sites consumers visited, IP addresses, and a unique identifier assigned to each laptop. And all that happened without consumers knowledge or consent.

The complaint alleges that the softwares man-in-the-middle status created two serious security vulnerabilities. First, when a consumer visits a site with an untrusted connection  for example, one where hackers can intercept sensitive data  the consumer should get a warning. But all that finagling with the certificates meant that consumers didnt get the usual alert, thereby putting their data at risk and rendering useless a fundamental form of protection offered by browsers.

The software created an additional risk that put consumers personal data in harms way. To facilitate the desired functionality, Superfish licensed a tool from a third party. Rather than using a unique password for each laptop, the tool used the same private encryption key with the same easy-to-guess password on every laptop installed with VisualDiscovery. Once the bad guys cracked the password, they could target all Lenovo owners with VisualDiscovery installed on their laptops with man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept highly sensitive information like Social Security and account numbers, medical data, login credentials, and email. The vulnerability also made it easier for attackers to trick consumers into downloading malware onto any affected Lenovo laptop. Just how easy was the password to crack? It was the name of the company that sold the tool, a choice so obvious that security researchers were able to figure it out in less than an hour.

Count One of the complaint alleges that Lenovo deceptively failed to disclose that VisualDiscovery would act as a man-in-the-middle between consumers and sites with which they communicated, including sensitive communications on encrypted https:// sites. That count also alleges that it was deceptive not to disclose that software would send consumers browsing data to Superfish. Count Two charges that it was an unfair practice for Lenovo to preinstall man-in-the-middle software without giving consumers adequate notice and getting their informed consent. Count Three alleges that Lenovos failure to take reasonable steps to assess and address security risks created by the pre-installed software was an unfair practice, too.

The proposed order prohibits Lenovo from making misrepresentations about a host of features for certain preinstalled software, including whether it will display advertising, including pop-up ads, or transmit consumers personal information. The order also bars Lenovo from pre-installing certain kinds of software without first getting consumers affirmative express consent. In addition, Lenovo will have to put a comprehensive software security program in place. You can file a public comment about the proposed settlement by October 5, 2017.

What can other companies learn from the Lenovo lawsuit?

When it comes to the privacy of consumers personal information, transparency is the best policy. According to the complaint, Lenovo got in trouble because it didnt tell consumers  and it didnt get their consent  that VisualDiscovery would intercept all of their internet communications, including on sensitive websites, and would transmit certain browsing information to Superfish. Some might ask why consumers didnt just disable VisualDiscovery. The problem was that Lenovo never clearly explained to consumers what was going on behind the scenes  and behind the screens. Among other things, the proposed order requires Lenovo to have a mechanism for consumers to revoke their express consent by opting out or disabling covered software. Order provisions apply just to that company, of course, but for any business, explaining things clearly up front and offering easy-to-exercise options encourage consumer loyalty.

Consider the risks of modifying existing security features. As Start with Security makes clear, security protocols are in place for a reason and monkeying with them can be risky. Make sure any third-party software you include with your product doesnt put consumers personal information at risk.

Oversee your software vendors. Even if you hire third-party vendors, the security of your products is ultimately your responsibility. The complaint alleges that Lenovos failure to take reasonable measures to assess and address the security risks created by its installation of third-party software was an unfair practice. Whats the takeaway tip for your business? Do your due diligence. Before you hire vendors, make sure theyre capable of maintaining reasonable security. Include provisions in your contract to address security. And either conduct your own testing or insist that your vendors provide you with rock-solid documentation confirming that theyve done their own appropriate testing.
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Music Box is back!

Over the summer we were busy lining up artists to perform stripped-down sessions in our tiny studio.

I wanted to begin season 2 with Tamino, who is, I think, the artist I've been most excited about in 2017. We were the first English-language publication to write about him, and once you watch his Music Box session hopefully you'll understand the enthusiasm.

This 20-year-old Belgian-Egyptian artist grew up on the Serge Gainsbourg and Tom Waits records in his mother's collection, played in punk bands at school, and eventually landed on the sound he has today.

Inspired by his own grandfather, renowned actor and musician Moharam Fouad, he explained: "There's a certain kind of raw emotion in his singing, and in Arab music in general.

"Even when the tunes are kind of cheesy, there's always something real - something sincere - embedded in the voice. Complete surrender, much less calculated than most Western music."

I stand by what I wrote about him back when we premiered an acoustic version of his song "Habibi":

"The voice is the thing. There's a richness and weight to it that seems steeped in the culture of his Egyptian heritage, a solemnness and intensity that belies his age, and an astonishing vocal range that goes from a sombre, deep moan to a deeply affecting falsetto cry."

Travelling from Belgium to our offices in London, he performed three tracks from his astonishing self-titled debut EP: "Indigo Night", "Habibi" and "Cigar".

We hope you enjoy it.

Thanks to: Tamino and his team, James Parrish, Sennheiser, and The Independent video team

Music Box season 2 continues every Tuesday at 12pm

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Sophie Skelton had to wait a year between her audition for popular time travel series Outlander and her call back. I just figured I hadnt got the role.

Following the template of the popular books by Diana Gabaldon, the character of Brianna was originally going to arrive on screen at the end of season 1, but a last minute rewrite postponed the arrival of the American-accented rebel for a season.

Brianna is a university student in the 1960s and discovers that her mother has been lying to her about who her father is, and its not the man she thought it was. He is a highlander called Jamie, who her mother wants to travel back in time to see. Brianna has to overcome her state of shock and skepticism that time travel is possible.

That delay turned out to be good news for both the Cheshire-born actress, as in the intervening period she had her breakthrough role in action adventure web series Ren, and took the lead in Day of the Dead: Bloodline, a remake of the George Romero classic. She also made a bank heist movie, #211, with Nicolas Cage.

Consequently, the blossoming of her character in the upcoming series of Outlander coincides with Skelton being raved about as one of the most exciting upcoming British actresses of the moment.

Skelton is taking her first cinematic lead role in 'Day of Dead: Bloodline' (Rex)

In Season 3, Skelton says of her role: You see a lot of the mother and daughter relationship develop. Her mother wants to go back in time to meet the love of her life, and you see Brianna mature into this woman who can say, I love you enough that I can let you go back.

We meet in a cafe in London. The actress arrives with a newspaper folded under her arm; its open on the puzzles page, all of which have been completed. Im a geek, I mean I cant really pretend to be cool, if I bought the puzzles with me.

But she doesnt have to pretend, as being beguiling seems to come naturally to her.

The interest in games becomes all the more intriguing when she reveals that her parents met creating childrens games. They now run their own company, and create toys for Disney and their ilk: Yeah, I used to be their guinea pig.

They were also movie obsessives, and as a family they would watch movies that run the gamut from Star Wars and Mamma Mia! to more artsy fare.

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Skelton as Brianna with love interest Roger Wakefield, played by Richard Rankin (Outlander)

From an early age she wanted to work in the performing arts: she danced ballet, sung, and wanted to act. Her first job was in a commercial with Jamie Oliver, in which she played Snow White. Then at the age of 17 she landed her first TV role, a part in DCI Banks.

But she says: I didnt tell anyone of my friends I got the role. She carried on working part-time in the make-up department of John Lewis, and occasionally customers would recognise her. She only quit her part-time job after three years working there, when she started to realise that with all the auditions she was doing in London, paying the train fare to return to Manchester just to go to work involved spending more on train fare than she was receiving working.

But even then, she says she felt bad for her boss when she left.

Her parents wanted her to have a fall back plan in case acting didnt work out, but when her acting career blossomed they didnt mind that she shelved her university plans to study medicine.

Marcus Vanko, Skelton and Jeff Gum in the remake of George Romaros classic zombie film (Day of the Dead: Bloodline)

She is also, she says, a bit of a perfectionist. It also means that for her the most difficult part of the job is letting go.

The hardest thing is that you finish a movie and then its out of your hands. Its down to the edit and everything else. Its kind of nice to wrap things up and move onto the next thing, but its hard to let stuff go. I always feel that I can do more with each shot.

The perfectionist streak is definitely pleasing casting directors. Her first cinematic leading role in Day of the Dead: Bloodline is the second time the 1985 classic zombie film has been remade. There was a poorly received remake in 2008. Its a bit different, she says. It has a bit of a psychological twist  there is a zombie stalker and it has a cool twist.

It tells the story of a post-apocalyptic, zombie-filled society, where she plays Zoe Parker, a former med school student is tormented by a half-human, half-zombie figure from her past.

She watched the original Romero film before her audition. I know, no pressure! she says, almost preparing herself for the fact that reboots and sequels of this ilk almost always get slammed because fans cant see beyond the original.

Yet she seems quietly confident that it will surprise audiences.

Skelton came onto the project late in the day. The role I play, they were going to get Ariana Grande to play. She signed and they were actually scheduling to do it. So some of the producers when I walked into the room, they were expecting her! I was like Hi, little me.

Its a really cool part; shes kind of really she at the beginning, quite shy and keeps to herself and then you have this really ballsy, militaristic cool girl surface.

Her experience working on #211 was quite an eventful affair. The film had to go on a hiatus when leading man Cage broke his ankle on set. We kind of got shipped home for a while.

She seems less star struck by the Moonstruck actor then she had been of Jamie Oliver as a kid, but then says, Cage is really cool; hes just such a super nice dude, so quick-witted.

#211 is based upon the North Hollywood shootout of February 28, 1997, sometimes called the Battle of North Hollywood, which saw a gunfight between two armed robbers and the Los Angeles Police Department.

I play Lisa, who at the beginning of the movie is pregnant, and her husband is the partner of a character played by Cage, then they get a call in for the heist.

Skelton then lets slip a spoiler, revealing that her part is much bigger than this description appears. She quips, Well now youre not going to have to watch that one!

But for now, all eyes will be on Outlander and how Skelton shakes the new series up.

'Outlander' season 3 will premiere on 11 September on Amazon Prime
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A chocolate firm says they've created a fourth type of chocolate after milk, dark and white - the first new type in 80 years.

Swiss chocolate giant Barry Callebaut says it used the ruby cocoa bean to create a confectionery with berry-fruitiness and luscious smoothness.

The new sweet, named Ruby after its characteristic red hue, is only the fourth ever type to be created since the white version in the 1930s - according to the firm - which hopes it'll be a hit among chocoholics and foodie millennials alike.

Recommended 6 easy steps to tasting chocolate like a connoisseur

The flavouring comes from the cocoa bean itself, which means the flavours and colouring are entirely natural with no berries or berry flavour added.

Angus Kennedy, an industry expert, told The Sun, that it's "very different and clever stuff. Its refreshing and has a light, creamy texture."

It tastes so light and fruity you don't really realise you're gobbling up one chocolate the other, so it means consumers will be able to eat more of it than other types of conventional chocolate.

What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate Show all 5 1 /5 What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate Can you see the resemblance? Rachel Hosie What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate Rachel Hosie What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate Rachel Hosie What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate Rachel Hosie What it's like to recreate your head using chocolate Candy Mechanics

Whether this a good or bad thing depends on your point of view.

British chocolate expert Dom Ramsey told The Independent that he is "sceptical" of the claim that a fourth type of chocolate has been created.

"A few years ago, French chocolate company Valrhona launched a caramelised white chocolate that they also sold as the 'fourth type of chocolate', and that turned out to be little more than marketing.

"Barry Callebaut are not giving much away about what this new chocolate is, or how it is made, but as I understand it, theyve used a combination of processing techniques and specific cacao varieties to produce a milk chocolate that has lightly fruity colour and flavour.

"Ive heard from my own contacts who were at the launch event in Shanghai that this does appear to be something quite different and potentially interesting, but even at there, nobody has seen the ingredients and Barry Callebaut arent giving anything away about the processes involved in making it. Im told it will be at least a year before most people will get to try it, so it remains to be seen if it really is something exciting, or if its just a marketing gimmick."

While it remains to be seen whether this is just a marketing gimmick or heralds a new type of chocolate as widespread as the others, the fact that it is made by one of the largest manufacturers of both chocolate and cocoa products is encouraging.

Headquartered in Switzerland, the Barry Callebaut Group has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1998 and resulted from the merger between Belgian chocolate maker Callebaut and French chocolate producer Cacao Barry.

Recommended The truth about supposedly healthy chocolate

Consumer research in very different markets confirms that Ruby chocolate not only satisfies a new consumer need found among millennials - Hedonistic Indulgence - but also high purchase intent at different price points, said Peter Boone, Barry Callebauts chief innovation and quality officer.

Were looking forward to working with our partners on introducing this innovative breakthrough to the market and making the new Ruby chocolate category available to chocolate manufacturers and consumers around the world as the fourth reference next to dark, milk and white chocolate."
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The concept of schizophrenia is dying. Harried for decades by psychology, it now appears to have been fatally wounded by psychiatry, the very profession that once sustained it. Its passing will not be mourned.

Today, having a diagnosis of schizophrenia is associated with a life-expectancy reduction of nearly two decades. By some criteria, only one in seven people recover. Despite heralded advances in treatments, staggeringly, the proportion of people who recover hasnt increased over time. Something is profoundly wrong.

Part of the problem turns out to be the concept of schizophrenia itself.

Recommended Good hearing could mean you suffer from schizophrenia

Arguments that schizophrenia is a distinct disease have been fatally undermined. Just as we now have the concept of autism spectrum disorder, psychosis (typically characterised by distressing hallucinations, delusions, and confused thoughts) is also argued to exist along a continuum and in degrees. Schizophrenia is the severe end of a spectrum, or continuum, of experiences.

Jim van Os, a professor of psychiatry at Maastricht University, has argued that we cannot shift to this new way of thinking without changing our language. As such, he proposes the term schizophrenia should be abolished. In its place, he suggests the concept of a psychosis spectrum disorder.

Another problem is that schizophrenia is portrayed as a hopeless chronic brain disease. As a result, some people given this diagnosis have been told cancer would have been preferable, as it would be easier to cure. Yet this view of schizophrenia is only possible by excluding people who do have positive outcomes. For example, some who recover are effectively told that it mustnt have been schizophrenia after all.

Schizophrenia, when understood as a discrete, hopeless and deteriorating brain disease, argues van Os, does not exist.

Breaking down breakdowns

Schizophrenia may instead turn out to be many different things. The eminent psychiatrist Sir Robin Murray has described how he expects to see the end of the concept of schizophrenia soon.

Writing in the Schizophrenia Bulletin earlier this year, he argued the syndrome is already beginning to breakdown, for example, into those cases caused by copy number [genetic] variations, drug abuse, social adversity.... presumably this process will accelerate, and the term schizophrenia will be confined to history, like dropsy.

Research is now exploring the different ways people may end up with many of the experiences deemed characteristic of schizophrenia: hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking and behaviour, apathy and flat emotion.

Indeed, one past error has been to mistake a path for the path or, more commonly, to mistake a backroad for a motorway. For example, based on their work on the parasite toxoplasma gondii, which is transmitted to humans via cats, researchers E. Fuller Torrey and Robert Yolken have argued that the most important etiological agent [cause of schizophrenia] may turn out to be a contagious cat. It will not.

Evidence does suggest that exposure to toxoplasma gondii when young can increase the odds of someone being diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, the size of this effect involves less than a twofold increase in the odds of someone being diagnosed with schizophrenia. This is, at best, comparable to other risk factors, and probably much lower.

For example, suffering childhood adversity, using cannabis, and having childhood viral infections of the central nervous system, all increase the odds of someone being diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (such as schizophrenia) by around two to threefold. More nuanced analyses reveal much higher numbers.

Compared with non-cannabis users, the daily use of high-potency, skunk-like cannabis is associated with a fivefold increase in the odds of someone developing psychosis. Compared with someone who has not suffered trauma, those who have suffered five different types of trauma (including sexual and physical abuse) see their odds of developing psychosis increase more than fiftyfold.

Other routes to schizophrenia are also being identified. Around 1 per cent of cases appear to stem from the deletion of a small stretch of DNA on chromosome 22, referred to as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. It is also possible that a low single digit percentage of people with a schizophrenia diagnosis may have their experiences grounded in inflammation of the brain caused by auto-immune disorders, such as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, although this remains controversial.

Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. 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All the factors above could lead to similar experiences, which we in our infancy have put into a bucket called schizophrenia. One persons experiences may result from a brain disorder with a strong genetic basis, potentially driven by an exaggeration of the normal process of pruning connections between brain cells that happens during adolescence. Another persons experiences may be due to a complex post-traumatic reaction. Such internal and external factors could also work in combination.

Either way, it turns out that the two extreme camps in the schizophrenia wars  those who view it as a genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder and those who view it as a response to psychosocial factors, such as adversity  both had parts of the puzzle. The idea that schizophrenia was a single thing, reached by a single route, contributed to this conflict.

The dopamine factor

Many medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, can be reached by multiple routes that nevertheless impact the same biological pathways and respond to the same treatment. Schizophrenia could be like this. Indeed, it has been argued that the many different causes of schizophrenia discussed may all have a common final effect: increased levels of dopamine.

If so, the debate about breaking schizophrenia down by factors that lead to it would be somewhat academic, as it would not guide treatment. However, there is emerging evidence that different routes to experiences currently deemed indicative of schizophrenia may need different treatments.

Preliminary evidence suggests that people with a history of childhood trauma who are diagnosed with schizophrenia are less likely to be helped by antipsychotic drugs. However, more research into this is needed and, of course, anyone taking antipsychotics should not stop taking them without medical advice. It has also been suggested that if some cases of schizophrenia are actually a form of autoimmune encephalitis, then the most effective treatment could be immunotherapy (such as corticosteroids) and plasma exchange (washing of the blood).

Yet the emerging picture here is unclear. Some new interventions, such as the family-therapy based Open Dialogue approach, show promise for a wide range of people with schizophrenia diagnoses. Both general interventions and specific ones, tailored to someones personal route to the experiences associated with schizophrenia, may be needed. This makes it critical to test for and ask people about all potentially relevant causes. This includes childhood abuse, which is still not being routinely asked about and identified.

The potential for different treatments to work for different people further explains the schizophrenia wars. The psychiatrist, patient or family who see dramatic beneficial effects of antipsychotic drugs naturally evangelically advocate for this approach. The psychiatrist, patient or family who see drugs not working, but alternative approaches appearing to help, laud these. Each group sees the other as denying an approach that they have experienced to work. Such passionate advocacy is to be applauded, up to the point where people are denied an approach that may work for them.

What comes next?

None of this is to say the concept of schizophrenia has no use. Many psychiatrists still see it as a useful clinical syndrome that helps define a group of people with clear health needs. Here it is viewed as defining a biology that is not yet understood but which shares a common and substantial genetic basis across many patients.

Some people who receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia will find it helpful. It can help them access treatment. It can enhance support from family and friends. It can give a name to the problems they have. It can indicate they are experiencing an illness and not a personal failing. Of course, many do not find this diagnosis helpful. We need to retain the benefits and discard the negatives of the term schizophrenia, as we move into a post-schizophrenia era.

What this will look like is unclear. Japan recently renamed schizophrenia as integration disorder. We have seen the idea of a new psychosis spectrum disorder. However, historically, the classification of diseases in psychiatry has been argued to be the outcome of a struggle in which the most famous and articulate professor won. The future must be based on evidence and a conversation which includes the perspectives of people who suffer  and cope well with  these experiences.

Whatever emerges from the ashes of schizophrenia, it must provide better ways to help those struggling with very real experiences.

Simon McCarthy-Jones is asssociate professor in clinical psychology and neuropsychology at Trinity College, Dublin. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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There has been much interest in the fact that the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is no longer running its Campaign for Normal Birth. After 12 years of focusing on normal birth, the end of the campaign is not a kneejerk reaction to a specific event, but rather a natural progression. In any organisation  commercial or public  campaigns need to be revitalised and adjusted to serve a changing social and cultural environment.

It is also not a recent change as the Better Births Initiative had already succeeded the Campaign for Normal Birth in 2014. However, the RCM did not remove all references to the campaign from the website until May this year.

One key question is why the campaign was necessary in the first place. While appropriate interventions save lives, there is considerable evidence that too many women are having unnecessary interventions in childbirth. The consequence is disparities in care, with very high rates of intervention in some countries while in others women cannot get the interventions they need. For example, the caesarean section rate in urban Brazil exceeds WHO recommendations, but in others, such as rural Nepal, too few women can access this life-saving procedure.

Achieving a balance is clearly important, as too much intervention can also be harmful. A caesarean section is a major operation that comes with serious risks.

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So what do we mean by a normal birth and who gets to decide what normal is? Normal is a socially constructed concept and therefore will be interpreted differently depending on the context. Normal can be seen as cultural  how a specific culture expects a person to behave. But normal can also be seen as statistical  something that is close to the average and within a normal range.

Paradoxical views

A sociological perspective may help here. Society holds paradoxical views on childbirth, where most people agree that pregnancy is not an illness. But at the same time we have come to expect health surveillance and a hospital birth. The social model maintains that pregnancy and childbirth are largely physiological events that occur in most womens lives. Those following this model argue that pregnancy and childbirth do not normally need medical interventions.

The medical model portrays a very different view, namely that childbirth is potentially pathological, and therefore every woman is at risk when she is pregnant or in labour. A frequently heard expression is: birth is only safe in retrospect. If you believe this, it makes sense to argue that every woman should deliver in high-tech hospitals supervised by experts.

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Everybodys views will sit somewhere on a continuum between the medical and the social model. The challenge is to find a balance that is workable in society, but also in a particular maternity unit. It should be clear that an obstetric hospital is operating on the more medical model of the spectrum than the freestanding midwifery-led unit 20 miles away.

We live in rather a risk-adverse society. At a time in history where childbirth in the UK is at its safest (compared to 100 or 1,000 years ago), we intervene more than ever before, and often unnecessarily. Changing this perception of childbirth being risky, and our response to this, requires that birth is seen in society as a normal life event.

Our view of birth has changed over time (Shutterstock)

The Campaign for Normal Birth was one way of addressing the imbalance in maternity care, which in the UK had swung towards a more medical model of childbirth. However, the media also has an important role to play in this regard. For many women, the only opportunity they have to witness birth is on television, through programmes such as Channel 4s One Born Every Minute. These programmes often feature dramatic stories that might make childbirth appear inherently risky and always requiring medical intervention.

Appropriate decision

One of the challenges with changing societal narratives is how any health message is conveyed. The term normal birth carries with it a value judgement. It follows that if you do not conform then you are not normal, and for many women (and partners) this could translate into a sense of failure. Hardworking midwives in the UK and across the globe aim to help women to have the best, evidence-based maternity care, which meets womens needs and wishes. Therefore it is entirely appropriate that the RCM changed its terminology to better births to recognise the sensitivity around the word normal.

One could be mistaken for thinking that such a change would universally be regarded as good news  unfortunately, this is not the case. Although there are plenty of examples of high quality NHS maternity care where normal birth is encouraged, it is the problematic cases that often get a lot of attention. Thats what happened following an inquiry into the deaths of 11 babies and one mother at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which claimed midwives desire for normal births had been a factor in unsafe practices.

It not surprising to see people making the link between the end of the RCM campaign with the Morecambe Bay report and portraying this as a battle between medical staff and midwives. In fact, this could not be further from the truth, as both professional groups are working collaboratively to reduce unnecessary intervention. The challenge is how we change the current maternity system so that it enables midwives and doctors to provide the evidence-based, woman-centred care that supports women to give birth without unnecessary intervention.

Also, there are political advantages to be gained from talking about the end of the campaign. The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, recently linked the end of the RCM campaign with the Governments ambition to reduce neonatal deaths. Tweets like these, linking childbirth and pregnancy to risk and death are very damaging in that they can influence the views and expectations of pregnant women, their families, midwives and the media.

The focus on single cases that are unrepresentative of wider practices in the NHS is extremely unhelpful. The lack of political support for midwives and other undervalued health workers in the NHS undermines trust. Furthermore, it detracts from where our focus should be  on ensuring that all women have the best birth possible, according to their needs and wishes.

Vanora Hundley is a professor of midwifery and Edwin van Teijlingen is a professor of reproductive health research, both at Bournemouth University. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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Exotic holidays, decadent organic meals, product launch parties... it sure is a far cry from the harsh, sleepless realities of motherhood that the rest of us will experience.

Alas, canny Insta-mums somehow manage to make it look like a blissful, Valencia-filtered dreamland, complete with coordinating pyjamas and overnight oats.

However, people are wising up as to the envy-inducing feeds of bloggers such as Mothers of Daughters and Mother Pukka, who have been criticised on Mumsnet for perpetuating a romanticised vision of motherhood.

Hundreds of commenters took to the forum to vent their frustrations.

I love my son and I post pics of him on my (private) Instagram account. But I can't imagine taking pictures of him wearing things to make money. It doesn't sit well with me. Not to mention holiday pics, all fully hashtagged and geotagged as per the client's request, wrote one aggravated user.

It started getting me down they are all so perfect with perfect houses and lives, with every child-related gadget going because they are given it to endorse, added another.

Some critics argued that these accounts were trying to turn motherhood into a commodity by peddling products under #ad and #spon whilst presenting themselves as normal mums.

They're business women masquerading as our friends, frequently referring to themselves as our 'sisters' - that's what I find most troubling, one wrote.

Though it's unclear how much money these Instagrammers make from sponsored posts, one user lamented that they couldn't identify with people "on 100k a year in Farrow & Ball houses."

However, others were quick jump to their defence, pointing out that blogging is a job like any other and that it was simply a means by which these women were providing for their children.

Are people really so naive that they think these women are surviving on fresh air? They are self-employed business women, thats all, insisted one.

Lets face it, the reason they have this ability to attract brands who want to give them things is because of their huge following, one wrote.

Clemmie Hooper, the midwife and author who runs @mother_of_daughters (355k followers) in her spare time works at one of the busiest labour wards in the UK.

I love what I do. Its just like Call the Midwife as half of us are riding around on bikes, she says. The only difference is, were not nuns, she told The Telegraph.

Anna Whitehouse (@MotherPukka) isnt exactly sitting around at home twiddling her thumbs either.

The mother-of-one recently launched a campaign calling for more flexible working hours that would hugely benefit family lives.

Its not just enraged Mumsnet users who are feeling the brunt of the mummy-bloggers.

Research found that celebrity Instamums  like Miranda Kerr and Myleene Klass  often make women feel as inferior as their own friends edited feeds, data from mothers meet-up app Mush found in February.

More than 80 per cent claimed that Instagram and Facebook induced pressures to be the perfect mum.

Social media can really play havoc with your mind, Nadia Tavernier-Gustave told the Evening Standard, especially when you see these celebrities who had babies two days ago and their bodies are insane. It can be a little bit depressing, the mother-of-two confessed.
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A 34-year-old woman has died after giving birth to triplets due to an amniotic fluid embolism.

Chervonne Magaoa, who was born in New Zealand and lived in Hawaii, was informed by doctors during a routine pre-birth appointment that she had to give birth that day by caesarean, one week before her due date.

The emergency procedure was carried out without complications, however, Magaoa passed away just hours after her three sons were born.

(GoFundMe (GoFundMe)

By 5.30pm, the babies were born. Everything was fine and then she got a complication, Magagoas father Bishop Hyran told the New Zealand Herald.

According to Hyran, his daughters death was caused by an amniotic fluid embolism, an extremely rare condition which affects just one in 100,000 women.

The complication arises when the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby enters the mothers bloodstream, causing foetal cells to disrupt maternal circulation.

In most cases, this leads to severe bleeding, clotting and cardiorespiratory collapse.

Though symptoms include low blood pressure and profuse bleeding, they can be entirely non-existent, making AFE that much harder to diagnose.

The couple married in 2007 and, after struggling to have more children following the birth of their first-born, Tanner, 6, underwent IVF treatment in order to conceive the triplets: Aayden, Blaise and Carson.

Devastated friends of the family have launched a GoFundMe page to support Magaoas widower, Martin.

(GoFundMe (GoFundMe)

In just three days they have raised $47,667 of their $50,000 goal.

Everyone that knows Chervonne can attest to her witty humour, her true friendship and her fierce love and devotion to her family, family friends Jan Lesuma and Billy Racule write on the page.

(GoFundMe (GoFundMe)

We ask that you please donate what you can to help Chervonnes family at this truly devastating time. Funds will be used to cover these unexpected funeral expenses. Excess funds will be used to help Martin and their four young sons as they, and the rest of Chervonnes family and friends, adjust to life without dear Chervonne.

Just 11 cases of the condition were reported between 2009 and 2012.

Despite its rarity, the condition is the fifth leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK.
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A mum is being praised on social media for her unique donation of 30 litres of breast milk to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Like so many others, Danielle Palmer, from Owensville, Missouri, was devastated watching the floods in Houston and wanted to find a way to help families who had lost everything.

I cant imagine being in a situation where youre losing everything Palmer told News 4.

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All I could do was sit and pray for the moms and dads and kids.

But, the mother-of-three eventually found a way to show her support after she was approached by her sons speech therapist, who is part of the organisation Guiding Star Missouri, to donate some of her extra breast milk.

Born with a congenital heart disease, Palmers youngest son, Truett, was unable to take his mothers milk for a big chunk of his life with most of his nutrition coming through IV.

And as such, all the milk that Palmer pumped went straight to the freezer leaving her with a surplus supply.

After being approached, she gladly filled a cooler with almost 30 litres of milk that will go to mums who lost their frozen supply due to power cuts, whose pumps got lost in the flood waters, or who just arent able to produce right now.

With breast feeding, stress plays a big role in your supply. If you become stressed, your supply will drop, Palmer explained.

We gave 1,040 ounces and we figured that, if a normal baby gets three ounces, that's 346 feedings.

While some have voiced concerns over the safety of sharing breast milk, Palmer has been quick to explain that milk donated to bank is rigorously tested while the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) insist that human breast milk is not a body fluid that requires special handling precaution.

The image of Palmer, her son Truett and their generous donation has since gone viral gaining over 13,000 likes and a flood of glowing comments on the Breastfeeding Mama Talk page.

Well done!! What a tremendous gift! one person wrote.

Another added, I'm so proud of this girl for staying strong and donating to babies that need it most.

Palmer hopes that each bottle will bring nutrition to babies and relief to mothers affected by the floods.

We have each others backs. We take care of each other. Breastfeeding is hard. Whether you're pumping or feeding or however it may be, it's hard. And we are like momma bears. We protect one another, she concluded.
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Distinguishing an authentic Louis Vuitton bag from a well-made fake is a subtle art that involves counting stitches, feeling the leathers grain and poring over print patterns.

A New York start-up says it has a technology that can spot counterfeits without the guesswork.

Entrupys solution is a handheld microscope camera that lets anyone with a smartphone check a luxury accessory within minutes. Since launching the service a year ago, the company says its accuracy has improved to better than 98 per cent for 11 brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.

Holographic tags, microprinting and even radio beacons woven into fabric have been used by fashion labels for years to help establish the authenticity of their products.

Apparel makers will spend $6.15bn (4.75bn) on anti-counterfeit technologies in 2017, according to London-based researcher Visiongain, but the anonymity of internet shopping and the growing popularity of second-hand dealers is making the war against fakes harder.

Even 10 years ago, a woman going to buy a second-hand bag would know very well that Chanel, Gucci and Prada dont sell on the street corner, said Susan Scafidi, director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University in New York. But now, with so much legitimate and illegitimate commerce occurring online, it is very difficult for consumers to tell the difference.

The issue was highlighted last year when the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition suspended the membership of Chinas biggest online retailer, Alibaba, amid criticism that it and other e-commerce marketplaces werent doing enough to cull fakes.

Alibaba founder Jack Ma didnt help matters when he said that Chinese-made knockoffs today can offer better quality than the genuine articles.

Second-hand online stores such as RealReal and Vestiaire Collective use experts with years of experience to determine the authenticity of the goods they buy and sell. Its a painstaking process that isnt absolutely foolproof, according to some online reviews from customers who complain theyve been sold counterfeits.

Entrupy says its camera magnifies objects 260 times, so features invisible to the human eye become telltale signs: misshapen stamp marks, tiny gaps in leather grain, and paint overruns.

The device, which looks like a bulky flashlight with a wireless connection, can be leased for an initial fee of $299. Monthly plans start from $99. So far, about 160 businesses including pawn shops, wholesalers and online retailers have signed up.

Today everything is done by humans, Entrupy co-founder Vidyuth Srinivasan said by telephone. For businesses that are growing, thats not a scalable solution.

Mr Srinivasan and two New York University researchers, Ashlesh Sharma and Lakshminarayanan Subramanian, started Entrupy in 2012, a year that was a turning point for computer vision.

A breakthrough in algorithms at a science competition called ImageNet vastly improved the ability of machines to identify everyday objects in photographs by using massive data sets to find patterns.

It was a watershed moment for deep learning technologies that also underpin self-driving cars and better speech recognition software.

With some help from Yann LeCun, Facebooks director of artificial intelligence research and an angel investor in Entrupy, Mr Srinivasan and his partners started with a hunch that computers could be trained to look at pictures of luxury goods and extract a kind of genome, an essence of, say, a Fendi or an Hermes handbag.

The problem was that deep learning requires tons of data they didnt have: none of the founders had a closet full of designer handbags, fake or otherwise.

After some unfruitful spy missions to the womens sections of department stores, they convinced several New York second-hand shops to give them access to their inventories.

Getting the knockoffs was easier: one of the co-founders brought a suitcase-full back from a trip to China. Entrupys database now has tens of millions of photographs from about 30,000 different handbags and wallets. The software learns as clients upload new pictures.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

Mr Srinivasan says the company has no relationships with any of the fashion brands whose products they authenticate.

The parent company of Louis Vuitton and other makers of luxury goods prefer not to acknowledge that there is a second-hand market for their merchandise.

Entrupy in July raised $2.6m from investors led by a venture between Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities.

The money will be used to design a faster and more portable camera and add more brands to Entrupys list, according to Mr Srinivasan, who said the company is also looking at other uses for its software.

The technology works pretty well on everything except for diamonds and porcelain, because those are refractive and we use optical analysis, Mr Srinivasan said. Weve already tested it on auto parts, phones, chargers, headphones, jackets, shoes, even crude oil.

Bloomberg
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Florida has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a possible hit by Hurricane Irma, which is about to blast through the Caribbean and could also clip the US mainland.

Irma has been upgraded to a powerful Category 4 hurricane as the Caribbean islands in its path brace themselves for its arrival.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said: Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irmas path  potentially impacting millions of Floridians.

In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared, he added.

Hurricane advisories have been issued for territories that dot the West Indies, including parts of the Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in preparation for the intensifying storm that could pummel the area with life-threatening wind, storm surges and torrential rain by Tuesday evening, according to the American National Hurricane Centre (NHC).

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

A Category 4 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale means sustained winds of 130-156 miles per hour (209-251 kph) with catastrophic outcomes, including uprooted trees and downed power lines, water and electricity outages, and significant property damage causing uninhabitable conditions, according to the Miami-based hurricane centre.

Irma, which is carrying 130 mph (215 kph) winds, also threatens the US East Coast, said the NHC, which warned it was still too early to forecast the storm's exact path or what effects it might have on the continental US.

There is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and this weekend.

In addition, rough surf and dangerous marine conditions will begin to affect the southeastern US coast by later this week, a statement from the centre said.

Irma will be the second powerful hurricane to hit the US and its territories in as many weeks.

Residents in Texas and Louisiana are still reeling from the catastrophic effects of the deadly Hurricane Harvey, which struck Texas last month and dumped several feet of rain, destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Irma is predicted to gather in strength over the next 48 hours and could directly affect Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Cuba as a dangerous major hurricane later this week, the NHC said.

In preparation for the storm, the economically struggling Puerto Rico government has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard.

Despite the economic challenges Puerto Rico is facing, the approved budget has $15 million for the emergency fund, Governor Ricardo RossellA said in a statement.

The island nation of about 3.4 million people has 456 emergency shelters prepared to house up to 62,100 people.

To help residents prepare for the storm, the Puerto Rican government activated a price freeze on basic necessities, including food and water, medicines, power generators and batteries.

Reuters
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It starts when children are young. The moment a child is born, relatives start comparing siblings skin colour. It starts in your own family. But people dont want to talk about it openly.

Kavitha Emmanuel is the founder of Women of Worth, an Indian NGO that is standing up to an ingrained bias toward lighter skin. The Dark is Beautiful campaign, launched in 2009, is not anti-white, she explains, but about inclusivity  beauty beyond colour. It carries celebrity endorsement, most notably the Bollywood actor Nandita Das.

A blog provides a forum for people to share their personal stories of skin colour bias. And the campaign runs media literacy workshops and advocacy programmes in schools to convey messages of self-esteem and self-worth to young children. This is to counteract what Emmanuel says she has seen even in school textbooks, where a picture of a fair-skinned girl is labelled beautiful and a darker one ugly.

Some children are really shocked that this is something that has affected them so intensely. Some are in tears, Emmanuel says.

***

The perfect life from perfect skin, a life thats only bestowed upon those of the right shade  thats the message, the attitude, the mindset thats being passed down.

Its spawned a multibillion-dollar industry, encompassing not just cosmetic creams but invasive procedures such as skin bleaching, chemical peels, laser treatments, steroid cocktails, whitening pills and intravenous injections  all with varying effectiveness and health risks. Its more than a bias, its a cultural obsession, and one thats becoming dangerous.

***

Multinational cosmetics brands have found a lucrative market: global spending on skin lightening is projected to triple to US$31.2bn by 2024, according to a report released in June 2017 by the research firm Global Industry Analysts.

The driving force, they say, is the still rampant darker skin stigma and rigid cultural perception that correlates lighter skin tone with beauty and personal success.

Preference for fair skin was perpetuated and strongly reinforced by colonialism (Xavier Mas)

This is not bias. This is racism, says Sunil Bhatia, a professor of human development at Connecticut College. Bhatia has recently written in US News & World Report about deep-rooted internalized racism and social hierarchies based on skin color.

In India, these were codified in the caste system, the ancient Hindu classification in which birth determined occupation and social stratum. At the top, Brahmins were priests and intellectuals. At the bottom, outcastes were confined to the least-desired jobs, such as latrine cleaners. Bhatia says caste may have been to do with more than occupation: the darker you looked, the lower your place in the social hierarchy.

This preference for fair skin was perpetuated and strongly reinforced by colonialism, not just in India but in dozens of countries where a European power established its dominance. Its the idea that the ruler is fair-skinned, says Emmanuel. All around the world, it was a fact that the rich could stay indoors versus the poor who worked outside and were dark-skinned.

The final wave of influence is modern-day globalisation. There is an interesting whiteness travelling from the US to malls [in other countries] featuring white models, Bhatia tells me. You can trace a line from colonialism, post-colonialism and globalisation. Western beauty ideals, including fair skin, predominate worldwide. And with these ideals come products to service them.

In Nigeria, 77 per cent of the countrys women use skin-lightening agents, compared with 59 per cent in Togo and 27 per cent in Senegal. But the largest and fastest-growing markets are in the Asia-Pacific region.

In India, a typical supermarket will have a wall of personal care products featuring whitening moisturiser or lightening body creams from recognisable brands.

Pooja Kannan, a 27-year-old from Mumbai, spent years buying cosmetics that promised to lighten her complexion. For a while she put her faith in a cream, face wash and soap for treating skin fairness problems. She used the products sparingly, since buying new ones still cost her 200300 rupees every two months  equivalent to a weeks worth of travel to her college campus. Over four years of use, she tells me, her skin did lighten up a little, though she wonders whether that was due to the cream or her taking more care when going out in the sun.

Kannans natural skin tone looks a healthy light brown to me, but when she was growing up, her elder aunts would shake their heads in disappointment over her complexion. A tan would lead some relatives and classmates to admonish her. Youve turned black, they said. And in India, where skin tone often defines a persons success in society and their ability to find work or a spouse, that sort of thing matters. Kannan says she brushed off her relatives criticism as being from a different generation, but her classmates comments made her feel insecure.

It didnt affect me right then but when I was getting dressed up to go out, I would remember what they said and put on more make-up, she says. Especially when I was in 11th and 12th grades, there were two or three girls who would say these things a lot. They were trying to be helpful but to me it sounded condescending. And it was hypocritical too because it wasnt like they were fair or beautiful or perfect themselves.

Society reminded Kannan of it too. She is a professional dancer, and says, The prettier, skinnier and fairer girls are positioned at the front of the stage. That gets to you.

This preference for fair skin is reinforced in movies, television programmes and especially advertising. In 2016, actor Emma Watson (of Harry Potter fame) had to issue a statement saying she would no longer endorse products which do not always reflect the diverse beauty of all women after criticisms of her earlier appearance in ads in Asia for Lancomes Blanc Expert line, used for skin lightening. (In a statement, Lancome emphasised the products evening rather than lightening properties, saying that it helps brighten, evens skin tone, and provides a healthy-looking complexion. This kind of product, proposed by every brand, is an essential part of Asian womens beauty routines.)

Western beauty ideals, including fair skin, predominate worldwide (Xavier Mas)

The Advertising Standards Council of India has attempted to address skin-based discrimination in 2014 by banning ads depicting people with darker skin as inferior, but the products are still marketed.

Ads for skin-lightening creams still appear in newspapers, on television and on billboards, featuring Bollywood celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

In multiple Facebook posts in April 2017, actor Abhay Deol called out several of his colleagues for endorsing fairness creams, following it up with an opinion piece in the Hindustan Times in which he wrote that advertising preaches that we would get a better job, a happier marriage, and more beautiful children if we were fair. We are conditioned to believe that life would have been easier had we been born fairer.

***

Skin lightening is not the sole preserve of the modern cosmetics industry.

Indias traditional Ayurveda medical system teaches that pregnant women can improve their fetuss complexion by drinking saffron-laced milk and eating oranges, fennel seeds and coconut pieces. In early 2017, an Ayurvedic practitioner in Kolkata led a session for expectant couples, promising that even dark-skinned, short parents could have tall and fair children.

And a 2012 study by a womens health charity in India found that childless couples often insisted on and paid more for surrogates who were beautiful and fair, though the woman contributed no genetic material to the baby.

Arguably, nowhere is the fair skin preference as ingrained as in classified ads placed in newspapers seeking a marriage partner. Along with requirements for the prospective brides or grooms caste, religion, profession and education, physical characteristics are listed too.

Someone described as dusky may be skipped in favour of one who is of a fair complexion.

In April 2017, the Times of India media group placed its own notice exhorting parents to emphasise a daughters profession and educational qualifications ahead of whether she was fair.

Potential brides spend a lot of money, its really unlimited, in the months before the wedding, says Ema Trinidad, a Filipina beautician who runs a spa in Bengaluru. I was so surprised when I came here that your chances of getting married depend on your skin colour. We dont have that in the Philippines.

The mindset is so normalised that people accept treatments as a part of wedding preparations  men as well as women. When Karthik Panchapakesan got married in 2001, he was intrigued by ads for a complete makeover and decided to try it out before his wedding reception, along with his brother-in-law.

I had never gone to a salon before, says Panchapakesan, a 50-year-old media specialist working in community radio. They went to an unnamed salon in Hyderabad where, he told me, The massage felt really good. Then they put this fruity and flowery white paste all over my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. They promised it would even out my skin.

Panchapakesan says his eyes started burning after about five minutes and he got an irritation around his nose because the sweet smell turned to acrid fumes. He suspected it was based on ammonia.

It was more chemical than horseradish, he says. I didnt know what it is because they were pumping it out of toothpaste-like tubes. I say, Im not liking this. They say it will rejuvenate the skin and kept it on for 20 minutes.

When it was all done, the two mens faces looked as if they had been dusted with talcum powder. When they arrived at Panchapakesans wedding reception, his wife asked him, Why are you both looking so strange and funny? What have you done to yourselves? He says, It was not a transformation, it was a deformation.

To cool the burning sensation and moisturise his dry skin, he applied coconut oil as a healing balm for three days. He has sworn off beauty parlours ever since.

Bleaching is a common treatment that lightens not the skin itself but the fine hairs on the face. Most skin-lightening treatments target the skins ability to produce pigment, or melanin, which gives your skin, hair and eyes their colour. Everyone has about the same number of cells to make melanin but how much you actually produce is down to your genes. Darker-skinned people produce more.

When exposed to the sun, the body produces more melanin to absorb harmful UV rays and protect skin cells. And having more natural melanin also means that darker-skinned people tend to develop fewer wrinkles and are less at risk of skin cancer.

Skin-lightening creams often aim to interrupt the production of melanin or just improve the general health of the skin. They can contain a natural ingredient such as soy, liquorice or arbutin, sometimes combined with the medical lightening agent hydroquinone (though not all creams contain this  hydroquinone is a potentially carcinogenic ingredient and products containing it are banned or restricted in Ghana, South Africa, Cote dIvoire, Japan, Australia and the European Union, though they are still used illegally).

Vitamin B3 is another common ingredient, but another previously found in lightening creams and soaps is mercury, the World Health Organisation has warned. Mercury suppresses the production of melanin but it can also damage the kidneys and brain if it is absorbed by the skin and accumulates in the body.

Indian couples often paid more for fairer surrogate mothers  even though the woman contributed no genetic material to the baby (Xavier Mas)

Other lightening methods include a chemical peel, which removes the top layer of your skin. This leaves fresher skin exposed to harmful solar radiation and environmental pollutants. Laser treatments offer an even more aggressive approach by breaking up a skins pigmentation, sometimes with skin-damaging results.

Dr Mukta Sachdev, a clinical and aesthetic dermatologist in Bengaluru, recalls two cases of Indian men who came to her after undergoing laser treatments while working in South Korea. They were each in their late 20s and getting ready for marriages. One man developed redness on his face and the other had little white dots  confetti-like depigmentation. Sachdev suspects the technicians in South Korea werent used to working with darker skin. You need to use less aggressive settings when doing laser. Its very hard

when losing pigmentation, she says. She was able to treat the redness, but the white patches remained despite her efforts to stimulate the pigment to return.

Many prospective patients come to her seeking skin lightening, but before offering them any treatment she counsels them to think less about light and dark and more about evenly toned, healthy skin. Im trying to get away from this fairness obsession, she explains. Being hung up on dark skin can lead to low self-esteem and lower on the quality of life index.

Theres a pressure on Indian men and women, among themselves, says Dr Sujata Chandrappa, a Bengaluru-based dermatologist. They have some role model in their head and they want to get there no matter what. Thats the wrong concept. Chandrappa says clients often come in wanting the skin tone of a favourite Bollywood celebrity.

If your obsession is just with colour, then I would outright tell them that Im more worried that youre unnecessarily seeking something you dont need, she tells me. If I encourage them too much, I get the sense that Im promoting racism.

***

Shannah Mendiola spends 3,200 rupees (US$50) a month on skin-lightening supplements  a lot by local standards, but Mendiola has a well-paying job with a multinational company. Originally from the Philippines, but now working in Bengaluru, Mendiola says she has been taking the pills for the last five years, not just for lighter skin but for their antioxidant properties.

I like going to the beach and I feel really dark after a holiday, she tells me by email. I would always prefer to buy and use skincare products that contain skin-whitening ingredients  like my body lotion, face wash and moisturizer. In the Philippines, its always a plus if you are fair.

Mendiola describes herself as morena  not too fair and not too dark  and says that her skin returns to its natural colour faster when she uses the pills. Having an even skin tone thats healthy and glowing gives me more self-confidence when I meet people for work. Why not? Dont we all want to look good?

The pills she takes are glutathione, an antioxidant naturally produced by the liver that can protect the skin from UV rays and free radicals, which contribute to skin damage and pigmentation.

A more direct form of treatment is glutathione injections. These are commonly used to counteract the side-effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, hair loss or difficulty breathing, but their growing popularity for skin lightening has led to official concern.

In 2011 the Philippine Food and Drug Administration issued a public warning about an alarming increase in the unapproved use of glutathione administered intravenously, reporting on adverse effects which included skin rashes, thyroid and kidney dysfunction, and even potentially fatal StevensJohnson syndrome, in which the skin peels from the body as if burned.

And in 2015 the US Food and Drug Administration warned of the potentially significant safety risk to consumers: Youre essentially injecting an unknown substance into your body  you dont know what it contains or how it was made.

Nevertheless, there is growing consumer demand. Mendiola has taken two treatments of injectable glutathione but mostly relies on pills.

Dr Mukta Sachdev refuses to administer the injections despite repeated requests from her patients  I practise on evidence-based dermatology and theres not enough literature supporting the use of injectable glutathione. Worryingly, there are YouTube videos showing how to self-inject glutathione.

Dr Sujata Chandrappa does administer glutathione injections. She says she has seen no side-effects so far, but is nonetheless wary, always starting with the lowest possible dose. I ask if it really works. She tells me of a woman who dreaded injections but whose yearning for lighter skin overrode her fear. Three months after the injections, her entire body was about two shades lighter and any dark spots had lessened. It lasted for a year. Chandrappa says the woman is considering repeating the procedure.

***

From a medical perspective, it is not possible to lighten skin permanently, but you can even it out, Sachdev tells me. In fact, many of Sachdevs and Chandrappas patients are actually people seeking treatment for problems with other skin-lightening procedures  primarily the use of topical steroid creams.

Indias pharmaceutical regulator has approved at least 18 different corticosteroids for topical skin use, ranging from mild to super-potent. These usually cost less than US$2 a tube and most pharmacies across the country will dispense them, even without a prescription.

People apply them indiscriminately to treat pimples or for fairer skin, but steroid creams take off the protective outer layer of the skin so it is more exposed to UV rays and environmental pollutants such as smog and cigarette smoke. But more worrying is that they can be addictive, says Dr Shyamanta Barua, a dermatologist and honorary secretary general of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists.

The moment the patient stops using the cream, the skin reacts, gets irritated, develops rashes, he says. So the patient starts the cream again and its a vicious cycle. They become psychologically addicted. He thinks users should be counselled as if they were addicted to recreational drugs or alcohol.

The dermatologists association is lobbying for topical steroid skin medications to be added to the Schedule H list, which would restrict their availability in pharmacies by requiring a doctors prescription. They met with the Drug Controller General of India in March 2017, though Dr Shyam B Verma, the dermatologist who heads these efforts, seems pessimistic as to whether any action would be forthcoming. These products are just a minuscule part of the overall drug industry so its not a priority, he tells me.

[Pharmacies] dispense them like boxes of cookies. The drug companies know this is a drug and its not supposed to be used to lighten constitutive skin. But they label them with suggestive names like Skin Bright, Skin Light, Skin Shine, Look Bright.

Furthermore, only around 35 per cent of pharmacies have a legitimate pharmacist on staff, so there is often no one to counsel the buyer on appropriate dosage and use of the cream.

A common ingredient of lightening creams is mercury, which can damage the kidneys and the brain (Xavier Mas)

Even worse, there are signs that improper steroid prescriptions  often in cocktails containing a mix of steroids, antibiotics and antifungals  may be fuelling a surge in bugs resistant to normal treatments. An editorial in the dermatologists associations online journal last year says, Today, we are facing an onslaught of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis [fungal infections] in volumes never encountered previously. Over the last 34 years, the frequency of such cases has increased alarmingly.

Dr Rajetha Damisetty, a cosmetic dermatologist based in the southern city of Hyderabad, tells me of one combination containing clobetasol  the most potent steroid known to man, which is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema  mixed with two antibiotics and two antifungals. Only India has this crazy combination, Damisetty says, and the result is a nightmare.

Normally, she says, around 7090 per cent of those affected by fungal infections would have used topical steroids for treatment and they would respond within two weeks. Now we have to give four times the dosage for eight to 12 weeks. Its an epidemic across the entire country.

The dermatologists association is trying to educate physicians, especially general practitioners who indiscriminately prescribe steroid creams, about proper prescriptions. They are also engaging with pharmaceutical companies, which has borne some fruit  in April 2017, one company distributed flyers to 50,000 pharmacies warning: Steroids are potentially harmful. Do not use without a prescription.

***

But theyre fighting more than just bad medical practice or even consumer habits. Theyre fighting millennia-old preferences for lighter skin. Erasing those will require a change of mindset. This is perhaps easier to do in the young  after all, social signals about the value of fair skin begin as soon as they are born.

Kavitha Emmanuel believes that people are more aware of the issue than ever before and hopes that the next generation will see things differently  not just in India but across the world. In 2016, three students at the University of Texas, Austin, started an Instagram campaign called Unfair & Lovely  a play on India

Lovely. The #unfairandlovely hashtag invited darker-skinned people to share their photos. And in 2013, a young woman in Pakistan, Fatima Lodhi, launched the countrys first anti-colourism movement, called Dark is Divine. Lodhi has written about the prejudice she faced as a child: I never got a chance to become a fairy in my school plays because fairies are supposed to be fair-skinned! Now, she leads sessions at schools to make students more aware about skin colour discrimination.

Attitudes are already starting to change, some say, especially among girls, who are gaining confidence with education, employment and financial independence outside the home. Emmanuel tells me of one Dark is Beautiful session at an all-girls middle school in the southern Indian city of Chennai last January. A dark-skinned teen  stunningly beautiful but with deep self-esteem issues  came up front. She was weeping because just that morning her brother had taunted her about her skin tone. But Emmanuel was more surprised when another, lighter-skinned, girl stood up. She said shed believed dark was ugly until that moment, but apologised to her classmates with a promise to treat them better. They all started clapping, Emmanuel says. Thats a big move for a teenager. She really had the bigness of heart to say something like that.

But activists fear the market for skin-lightening treatments will endure as long as they are available. Beautician Ema Trinidad recalls one woman who came to her spa. Her fiance had lighter skin and her future in-laws wanted her to be lighter before their wedding. I felt sorry for her. She wasnt really dark, she just had very dry skin, so I gave her a moisturising treatment, Trinidad says. She advises clients about which products and treatments are effective and safe, but adds, I cannot judge that its bad that you want to be white. My job is to give you what you want.

This is an edited version of an article first published by Wellcome on mosaicscience.com, and is republished here under a Creative Commons licence
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Two men have been stabbed to death in London in the space of four hours, prompting fresh concern about violent crime in the capital.

A 20-year-old man was attacked in broad daylight in Camden at 11.45am on Friday, with passers-by attempting to save his life before he died on the pavement.

Then shortly after 3.30pm, police were called to a fight in Hounslow and found a 29-year-old man with stab wounds, who also succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The unrelated killings came on a bloody day in the UK capital that also saw two teenage boys shot in Newham, sparking increased police patrols.

The first killing came on Camdens busy Hampstead Road, where witnesses said they saw the victim lying on the pavement with a neck wound as members of the public tried to save his life.

Cristina Serrao, who was passing in her car shortly after the attack, told The Independent she saw a woman was trying to stop the man bleeding from his neck.

I saw a black male on floor with a woman holding blue roll of tissue to his neck, he was laid on his back quite near the road, she added, saying a white van also pulled up to help.

The victim was stabbed in front of passers-by at the junction of Hampstead Road and Granby Terrace in Camden (Google Streetview)

There were no crowds or anyone else nearby - I initially thought maybe he had been knocked down by a van until I saw her holding his neck.

By the time the lights changed, police vans and cars were rushing down Hampstead Road and some went down side roads.

Police have arrested an unnamed 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and said enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.

Investigators are appealing for a potential witness, who is not being treated as a suspect, to come forward.

The cyclist rode through Harrington Street shortly after the incident and assisted an officer who was arresting a suspect.

Less than four hours later, police were called to reports of a fight between two gangs in Rosebery Road, Hounslow.

When officers arrived, the groups had dispersed but officers found a 29-year-old man suffering from a stab wound, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said, adding that the London Air Ambulance and paramedics attended.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA

The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics, however they were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene 4.18pm.

No arrests have been made over the stabbing and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

In a third incident on Monday, two teenage boys were shot in Newham, leaving one fighting for his life in hospital.

The boys, aged 14 and 17, were shot in Moore Walk at around 3.10pm and are being treated in hospital as police hunt the gunman.

The younger victims injuries are life-threatening, police said, while the older boys wounds were described as life changing.

Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekan, who is in charge of policing Newham borough, said: We are only too well aware that this incident comes after a number of shootings and firearms discharges that are blighting our communities and seriously injuring our young men.

He said extra officers would be on patrol using stop and search powers, and that proactive work to prevent gun and gang crime would continue.

 Hundreds of mopeds block road outside Parliament in protest over acid attacks

It comes amid mounting concern over a knife crime epidemic in London, where 11 people were stabbed to death in 16 days earlier this year, as well as a spike in acid attacks and robberies using mopeds.

There have been several murders in recent weeks, including another shooting in Newham and Enfield and deadly stabbings in Islington, Manor Park, Brixton, Eltham, Peckham and Croydon, with the victims as young as 15.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, met with his London Crime Reduction Board at City Hall on Tuesday.

Keeping Londoners safe is my top priority as mayor, he said.

But senior police officers have warned of a perfect storm of staff cuts and new threats, including terrorism.

Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, president of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales, said services across the country are based on fewer people working longer hours.

He urged the policing minister, Nick Hurd, to review funding and resources at the Association's annual conference, adding: We have a perfect storm developing comprised of fewer resources, reduced public services, new threats and a worrying increase in some types of traditional crime.

"If the model for delivering policing services in the future is fewer people working longer, each doing ever more, then I suggest that model is fundamentally flawed.
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Four alleged members of a banned neo-Nazi group arrested on suspicion of terror offences are serving members of the British Army, it has been revealed.

We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group, a spokesperson said.

These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office police force led operation supported by the Army.

This is now the subject of a civilian police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Sources told Sky News the soldiers were arrested in Brecon, Ipswich and at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which is the base of British operations against Isis territories in Syria.

Three of the four reportedly serve with the Royal Anglian Regiment, which has its main bases in Woolwich and Cyprus and has been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

West Midlands Police said the suspects are a 22-year-old man from Birmingham, a 32-year-old man from Powys, a 24-year-old man from Ipswich and a 24-year-old man from Northampton.

A spokesperson added: They have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation, National Action.

 National Action spokesman says he's a Nazi whose role model is Hitler

All four men are being held at a police station in the West Midlands.

The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led - there was no threat to the publics safety.

Section 41 gives police the power to arrest anyone reasonably suspected to be a terrorist without warrant.

West Midlands Police would not give further details of the mens activities but the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism encompasses a wide spectrum of acts include directly planning an attack, joining a prohibited group or giving effect to that intention.

The arrests come months after a far-right terror cell was uncovered in the German army.

A Bundeswehr soldier was found to have posed as a Syrian refugee for more than a year as part of an elaborate plan to launch a false flag terror attack that would be blamed on asylum seekers.

The man, named by prosecutors as Franco A, was also a suspected neo-Nazi.

A neo-Nazi rally in Darlington (National Action)

An assault rifle case carved with a swastika was found in his room, where the letters HH [Heil Hitler] were inscribed on the wall and a Nazi-era pamphlet depicting a Wehrmacht soldier was discovered.

A second German soldier was arrested in relation to the plot amid fears of a wider neo-Nazi network within the countrys army, sparking a government investigation.

National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned in the UK in December, but investigations have shown its members are still meeting in secret.

The Governments list of proscribed terror groups describes it as a racist neo-Nazi group that was established in 2013 and had several branches in the UK that launched provocative protests and activity aimed at intimidating local communities.

Its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people, the document says.

The group is virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic. Its ideology promotes the idea that Britain will inevitably see a violent race war, which the group claims it will be an active part of.

The group rejects democracy, is hostile to the British state and seeks to divide society by implicitly endorsing violence against ethnic minorities and perceived race traitors.

National Action, which describes itself as a "National Socialist youth organisation", was known for using the phrases "Hitler was right" and "Britain is ours, the rest must go" at marches and online.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA

Its online propaganda included images showing members performing Hitler salutes inside a German concentration camp, praise for the man who murdered Jo Cox and posts glorifying terrorism.

National Actions slogan death to traitors, freedom for Britain, was the only statement given by Thomas Mair in court.

Being a member of National Action or inviting support for the group is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, said the organisation had absolutely no place in a Britain that works for everyone.

Speaking in December, she said the ban hoped to prevent its membership from growing and curtail the ability of its poisonous propaganda to radicalise vulnerable young people.

While counter-terror efforts in the UK are largely focused on Islamist extremism, the number of suspect far-right radicals flagged to an anti-terror programme has soared.

Just under a third of all people being monitored under the Channel programme in 2016/17 part of the Prevent anti-extremism programme  believe in extreme right-wing ideologies and are vulnerable to radicalisation, according to unpublished Home Office figures.

Following the terror attack targeting Muslim worshippers in Finsbury Park, which left one man dead, the security minister warned that online propaganda was fuelling both jihadi and far-right extremism.

Ben Wallace, the security minister, said the Government was aware of a rise in the far-right, while the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation said the threat from the murderous extreme right-wing must not be underestimated.
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A grooming gang that preyed on vulnerable girls and young women in Newcastle did not target their victims by race or religion, a judge has ruled.

The former director of public prosecutions, Lord McDonald, claimed the abuse of white women by predominantly Asian men was a profoundly racist crime after the scandal was revealed last month.

But while sentencing members of the gang at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Penny Moreland said they picked out their victims not because of their race, but because they were young, impressionable, naive and vulnerable.

She added: This is extremely serious offending against vulnerable members of society and that is the basis on which I intend to sentence."

The court had heard how teenagers and young women were groomed and given alcohol and drugs, before being coerced or forced into sex in Newcastles West End.

Prosecutor John Elvidge QC said the victims who gave evidence in court were all "white British".

But the ethnicity of other potential targets was not known, he said, and one vulnerable girl who did not engage with police was black, and an Asian girl was seen at a party.

 Ken Macdonald on Newcastle sex ring: "This is a profoundly racist crime"

Mr Elvidge added that targets were selected because of their vulnerability, with the groomers believing their circumstances and other factors like drug dependence made them less likely to go to police.

There is no evidence the defendants expressed any racial malice to the complainants, he added.

One defendant, who was not sentenced on Tuesday, once told a female ticket inspector: All white women are only good for one thing.

Recommended Muslim community responds to Newcastle grooming gang

For men like me to f*** and use like trash. Thats all women like you are worth.

Two members of the gang were jailed at Tuesday's hearing and sentencing will continue on Wednesday.

Jahangir Zaman, 45, of Hadrian Road in Newcastle, was jailed for 29 years after being convicted of raping a girl by forcing her to perfrom oral sex.

The drug dealer was also found guilty of conspiracy to incite prostitution, drugs offences, and following a separate police investigation, conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine.

His privately-educated associate Mohammed Azram was jailed for 12 years and six months.

Canning Street in Newcastle, where grooming gang member Yassar Hussain lived (Lizzie Dearden)

The 35-year-old, from Croydon Road in Newcastle, picked up girls from a courtyard in the city's West End known as The Box.

One victim said he took her to a party where she saw another girl, who did not make a complaint to the police, being treated like a slave.

Prosecutors said Azram, who married in Pakistan, played a leading role in the conspiracy.

Recommended Neighbours in shock over exposure of Newcastle grooming gangs

The abuse dates back several years and was only revealed by an investigation codenamed Operation Shelter that started in 2014 after two victims separately came forward to police.

Northumbria Police defended the decision to pay a former child rapist almost 10,000 to spy on defendants movements to and from sex parties where vulnerable girls and young women were given drugs and alcohol and abused.

Juries heard how the men would often threaten their victims with violence if they did not take part in sexual activity with them, while others were assaulted when they were incapacitated and unable to resist.

A total of 17 men and one woman have been convicted of offences including rape, sexual abuse, supplying drugs and trafficking for sexual exploitation in a series of trials.

Police said the convicts were mainly not white but came from a diverse range of backgrounds including Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Kurdish, Turkish, Albanian and Eastern European.

Canning Street in Newcastle, where grooming gang member Yassar Hussain lived (Lizzie Dearden)

Local authorities rejected claims of political correctness influencing the probe  an accusation that was levelled at Rotherham Council by Theresa May during her time as Home Secretary.

Steve Ashman, the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, said a wider investigation throughout the North East called Operation Sanctuary had identified 700 potential victims of sexual exploitation.

He told The Independent that his officers work was not impacted by religion, race or nationality, adding: Were not politically correct, I dont care about the background of individuals: we find them, we arrest them and we put them behind bars.

Newcastle City Councils director or people, Ewen Weir, who is responsible for social services, said he had seen no evidence of racial or religious motivations.

There are men from all sorts of backgrounds, including white men, in this, he added.

In terms of religion, Ive seen no evidence personally that it is a big driver and I think its over-simplistic to claim otherwise.

The scandal sparked intense public debate last month, resulting in Rotherham MP Sarah Champion being forced to resign as the shadow equalities minister after writing an opinion piece in The Sun that appeared under the headline: British Pakistani men ARE raping and exploiting white girls  and its time we face up to it.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon 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news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. 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Lord Macdonald, the former head of the Crown Prosecution Service, said there was a serious issue about the way that young women are regarded in these casesregarded as trash, regarded as available for sex.

This seems to be a recurring theme, he added. This is a major problem in particular communities and it has to be confronted not just by law enforcement but by communities themselves.

Dipu Ahad, Newcastle councillor, told The Independent local Muslims were absolutely disgusted by the crimes and feared a possible backlash.

Recommended More than 700 victims of sexual exploitation in North East

We need to challenge deep-rooted issues in the community, where some men looking at women  not just white women  in a way thats not acceptable, Mr Ahad added, while accusing racists of trying to exploit exploitation.

Far-right groups have seized on the Newcastle case to vindicate a long-running narrative claiming a widespread conspiracy among Muslim men and certain immigrant groups to target white women.

The scale of the abuse has been compared to similar cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford, with the chief executive of Newcastle council warning that exploitation could be happening in every town and city across the country.

Whats different here in Newcastle is that we are going out and looking for it, Pat Ritchie said.

Additional reporting by PA
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A trio of convicted paedophiles who shared plans to drug and rape babies via the WhatsApp messenging service have been released from jail after serving a fraction of their sentence.

Kevin Barnett suggested drugging youngsters so he could enact his sick desires, while his wife Susan said she would be willing to comfort a child as it was raped. A second woman Nikita Moore shared their plans.

In February 2015, Kevin Barnett was jailed for six years, Susan Barnett was jailed for four and-a-half years and Moore, now known as Nicola Williams, was jailed for four years.

Despite their lengthy sentences, and being convicted after a trial, it is understood all three have now been released from prison.

Recommended How to find out if a sex attacker is living in your neighbourhood

Barnett and his wife, then both 28, were found guilty of arranging the commission of a child sexual offence and Moore, 22, was convicted of conspiracy to commit child sexual offences with Barnett.

Moore, of St Vincent Street in Barrow, had even discussed having a baby with Barnett for them to abuse together - although prosecutors conceded this particular horrific exchange was just fantasy.

The 22-year-old was sending messages to Barnett saying she thought about sexually abusing children "all the time" when sick exchanges between the married couple were still continuing.

Moore began an affair with Barnett shortly after the death of her long term partner Jason Baines, who killed himself in October 2013.

The 22-year-old, originally from Birmingham, said the two had indulged in "unconventional" sexual practices.

Their relationship ended in early 2014 when Moore discovered Barnett was also having an affair with another woman.

After admitting the affair to Mrs Barnett, Moore said the two women had become "really close" and began living together in Barrow.

But Moore continued to secretly exchange messages with Kevin Barnett discussing underage sex and sharing indecent images of children.

Kevin Barnett, Susan Barnett, and Nikita Moore (Cascade News)

Summing up the case, Judge Christopher Cornwell told the jury: "You have heard the text exchange which at times no doubt disgusted you. We could go on and on with the disgust but the central question never goes away.

"Was there a conclusive agreement and was there an agreement that it should be put into action?"

Moore and Kevin Barnett had previously pleaded guilty to offences relating to indecent images of children.

Mrs Barnett had also pleaded guilty to possessing extreme pornography depicting sex with animals.

Detectives were able to stop the would-be child abusers after a stroke of luck when officers were called to a domestic disturbance between Barnett and a woman unrelated to the case.

Officers examined his phone after a tip off and the three defendants were arrested after detectives trawled through the sick messages.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red 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Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. 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All three had denied the charges but were found guilty after a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

Kevin Barnett was spotted in Barrow at the end of last month but police have confirmed all three are not believed to be in the Barrow area now.

A prisoner serving a fixed-term sentence is normally released automatically halfway through their sentence. If the offence was committed before 2005 and the sentence was for four or more years they will need to apply for parole.

The decision to grant parole is made by a panel, who consider a convict's behaviour in prison, how likely they are to re-offend or if they are a danger to public or any medical, psychiatric and psychological evidence.

Once granted parole, an offender is released on probation, and must comply with various conditions including regular offender management meetings or unpaid work.
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People being held at an immigration detention centre are treated like animals and told to f*** off back to [their] own country, a former detainee has said.

I dont like to use the word racism, but what else is it? Michael, who did not want his full name published, told The Independent. Can you imagine a British person  even a British prisoner  being treated like this? Nobody cares.

Michael was held at the Brook House immigration detention centre between September and December 2014. But three years after his release, the memories of regular staff bullying, rampant unaddressed mental health suffering and being routinely treated like an animal, remain with him.

Following a recent Panorama documentary that saw G4S guards secretly filmed choking, mocking and abusing detainees, Michael, who is now a member of Freed Voices  a group of experts campaigning for detention reform  has decided to speak out about what he witnessed.

As a Samaritans-trained peer supporter during his time at the centre, he said he saw two or three people every couple of days who had attempted suicide  but that the widespread mental health problems usually went completely unacknowledged by staff.

I saw people come into the centre with prescribed mental health medication, and have staff take it off them and chuck it in the bin, he said. I remember this guy had had his medication taken away from him and put in the bin at reception, and then he went to healthcare to try get medication and they said they couldnt prescribe it.

Then when this guy got agitated and angry, staff didnt understand why. He had obviously been on this medication for a long period of time, and he relied on it. They just put him in segregation where he got locked. Nobody was listening to him or trying to resolve the situation. The staff would just record that he was being disruptive and stuff like that. You are in a no-win situation in there, whatever you do.

Michael added that there was a culture of disbelief in the system when it came to mental health conditions. Staff were reluctant to accept that any detainee was mentally unwell because, according to official guidelines, this would mean they should not legally be in detention, he said.

If, for example, someone said they were sick and went to healthcare, healthcare often wouldnt want to look after these people or assess them properly, because if they do that they are admitting that these people shouldnt be in detention, he said.

Theres a huge mental health issue going on in detention centres. The Governments own guidelines say if someone is mentally ill they should not be in detention. So if they yes, this person has mental health problems, theyre breaking their own rules and laws.

Michael said he had once witnessed officers laughing as a man cut himself with a razor.

This guy had been working in the kitchen all afternoon and he told staff he needed to shower before he came down for dinner. They had agreed to save food for him, he said. But when he came down, no food has been saved for him. He complained that he was hungry but staff said they didnt care. If you f***ed off back to your country you wouldnt be in here, they said.

This guy told them, If you dont let me eat Im going to cut myself. They still did nothing, and he cut himself in front of them, then and there. The staff just sat there and laughed. He cut himself so badly that the blood was just pouring out. It was a mess. It was disturbing.

He added that the detainees suffering was particularly noticeable at night, when he heard people screaming, shouting and banging their heads against the wall.

He said: The amount of times I had to put a wet towel over my ears to sleep because of the noise. There was a bloke in the cell next door to me who used to bang his head on the wall at night time, and shout that they were trying to kill him.

I thought he has someone in his cell, so I called staff to check on him. They said, Oh, he does that all the time, dont worry about it. But when I saw this guy in the morning, I could see he had blood all over him. He had hurt himself.

G4S guards responding to a detainee who had taken spice at Brook House (BBC) (BBC Panorama)

The longer youre in there you start to think, God, how long is it going to be until I reach that stage? You start to understand what that person is going through.

Asked for help, staff at the centre would routinely tell detainees to f*** off to their country, he said.

They just werent bothered to do anything. If, say, I had spoken to my solicitor and they said they had sent me a fax and I need to sign it and send it back to them, I would go into the office and theyd tell me no, he added.

The answer you get is why dont you f*** of to your country and stop harassing us. That was just the norm. You hear things like that every day in Brook House.

The attitude that most of the staff have is that these people are being sent to their countries, so they will never see them again.

However badly they treat them, nobody cares, and its true  nobody cares. The Home Office doesnt care, G4S doesnt care.

Michael said that unlike in a prison, there was no effective reporting system in detention for cases of staff misconduct, with staff often able to cover their own backs by choosing not to file complaints.

I had at least eight detainees who came to me reporting abuse of staff. But when they made a complaint they were just transferred to another centre. It wasnt reported and they were just moved to another centre, he said.

Whos going to log it? The problem is, you make a complaint and you put it in a box, but its the same staff members who you complain about who are going to empty the box and take that paperwork to wherever it needs to be processed.

When The Independent put Michaels allegations to the Home Office, identifying who he was and when he was in Brook House, a spokesperson did not deny them.

They said: We condemn any actions that put the safety or dignity of immigration removal centre detainees at risk. We are clear that all detainees should be treated with dignity and respect and we expect G4S to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations made by BBC Panorama and that all appropriate action be taken.

A G4S spokeswoman said: There is no place for the type of conduct described in the allegations anywhere in G4S. Such behaviour is not representative of the many G4S colleagues who do a great job, often in difficult and challenging circumstances, across the country.

The Home Office has a complaints procedure, which is independent of G4S, to allow detainees at Brook House to raise any issues or concerns. We take all complaints seriously and allegations brought to our attention will be investigated.

Michaels account of sordid conduct by G4S staff in the centre is synonymous with what was revealed in the undercover footage aired by BBC Panorama on Monday.

The documentary showed distressing scenes, including the response to a man who was trying to strangle himself and put a mobile phone battery in his mouth, prompting one officer to say: Plug him in and hell be a Duracell bunny.

Another incident saw a G4S guard allegedly denying urgent medical assistance to a detainee who was chewing his face off, while a third custody officer was filmed openly confessing to assaulting a detainee by banging his head and bending his fingers back.

Since the Panorama documentary was aired, there have been fresh calls for the Government to reform the detention system, which has not seen any changes despite an independent review commissioned by the Home Office last year stating that the UK must drastically reduce the use of detention.

Michael said: Its really hard to explain the extent to which staff just didnt care. People are treated like animals in there. And unless youve been treated like that, you wont know how it feels.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA

Its not just G4S or a few bad apples, its a systematic problem. You have G4S pointing fingers at a few individuals, saying there are a few bad apples. But there is no smoke without fire, and the fire is the fact that we have indefinite detention in this country.

If you give a contract to someone to fix your house and they did a bad job, would you go back and give them another contract? But year in, year out  even though the Governments own report has clearly said that the whole detention estate needs reforming  ministers keep pushing that aside and rewarding these companies more contracts.

The Government cannot point fingers this time. They are all to blame.
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A French court has ordered Closer magazine to pay 100,000 (91,700) in damages over topless photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge.

The publication's editor, Laurence Pieau, and owner, Ernesto Mauri, must also each fork out the maximum fine of 45,000 (41,300).

Photographs of the Duchess and the Duke of Cambridge holidaying in France snapped by paparazzi were published in September 2012.

The court in Nanterre in west Paris has now ruled the photographs, which were taken with a zoom lens, were an invasion of privacy.

While the amount awarded in damages is relatively high for a French court it was significantly lower than the 1.5m the couples legal team had sought.

Several British papers turned down offers to buy the photos but they appeared in the French version of the magazine Closer.

They were later reproduced in several other European publications including Ireland's Daily Star, Italian magazine Chi, which is also owned by former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconis Mondadori media group, and celebrity magazines in Denmark and Sweden.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA

The royal couple filed a criminal complaint for invasion of privacy and got an injunction barring further use of the images which showed the royal couple relaxing by a swimming pool at a private chateau owned by Viscount Linley, the Queens nephew, in the Luberon, Provence.

The damages will be paid by the two Closer magazine executives and photographers Cyril Moreau and Dominique Jacovides who had denied taking the photos.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's lawyer previously said the published photos were particularly distressing for the pair as it reminded them of difficult memories of Princess Diana's death in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi.

The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and all the more upsetting to the duke and duchess for being so, a spokesperson for the Prince of Wales office said at the time.

News the five-year-old case had finally wound to a close comes a day after it was revealed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child.
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A 46-year-old woman has been charged with six counts of fraud in relation to the Grenfell Tower fire, Scotland Yard has said.

Joyce Msokeri was arrested in July after allegedly making fraudulent claims for support offered to the survivors of the devastating blaze that killed at least 80 people.

Ms Msokeri from Sutton appeared today at Westminster Magistrates Court where the case was sent to the Crown Court by District Judge Elizabeth Roscoe.

It comes after 52-year-old Anh Nhu Nguyen was charged with five counts of fraud after claiming he lost family members in the disaster.

Southwark Crown Court heard he pretended to be a victim of the fire for nearly two weeks and was living in a Holiday Inn in temporary accommodation provided for the survivors.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

Mr Nguyen gave multiple television interviews in the aftermath of the tragedy. But he maintains what he told the media was true, and that he was in the tower block that night.

He was the second person to be arrested in the wake of the fire, after a 43-year-old was detained for posting photos showing a victims body on social media.

Omega Mwaikambo plead guilty to two offences contrary to section 127 of the Communications Act, Scotland Yard said.

He was sentenced in June to three months jail time.

Ms Msokeri is due to next appear in custody at Southwark Crown Court on 3 October.
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The murder of a man who spent years searching for the debris from missing plane MH370 has fuelled conspiracy theories surrounding the plane's disappearance in 2014.

Zahid Raza, Honorary Consul of Malaysia, was shot dead in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, last week. Authorities are still trying to identify a motive.

His death has prompted speculation by French news website ZINFOS 974 that he was involved in a kidnap conspiracy in 2009, while others have expressed concern about possible links between his death and his work to piece together the puzzle of the doomed Malaysian Airlines flight.

Recommended New crash site identified for missing MH370 plane

US lawyer Blaine Gibson, an amateur investigator who is retrieving washed up debris from the Malaysian Airlines plane, said his friend Raza had been due to deliver new items to Malaysian investigators when he was killed.

Mr Gibson said he had received death threats about his attempts to retrieve debris, but he told Malay Mail that irresponsible speculation could harm the investigation of the missing plane and that of Razas death.

Let the authorities investigate the tragic death of Zahid Raza, who appeared to have been specifically targeted, he said.

 MH370: A timeline

Hasty assumptions on whether this tragedy was related to his consular capacity, MH370, or other business or personal matters is premature.

Mr Gibson wrote on his blog last week: For the protection of those involved we decided not to make this report public until the debris was safely delivered to Malaysia.

However tragic events have intervened. Under the agreement between the two countries, debris is supposed to be collected by Hon. Zahid Raza, the Honorary Malaysian Consul in Madagascar, and delivered by private courier to Malaysia.

On August 24 the Hon. Zahid Raza was assassinated in Antananarivo. The debris is still safely in the hands of the Madagascar Authorities. However new arrangements must be made for the collection and delivery of debris.

Potential passenger belongings from MH370 Show all 13 1 /13 Potential passenger belongings from MH370 Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A bag and pen Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The sole of a shoe Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A satchel with pen Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The inside of a bag Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A shoulder bag Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The word Mensa, from the high-IQ organisation, on an item Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A phone case and pen Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A wash bag Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A backpack Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A camera case Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A prayer hat Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The sole of a shoe Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A luggage bag and pen Blaine Gibson

Dr Victor Iannello, who was an original member of the independent group of specialists that helped Australian investigators try to locate MH370s crash site, wrote in his blog: Last December, Reuters reported that Mr Raza assisted Blaine Gibson in transferring the custody of pieces believed to be from MH370 from Madagascar to Malaysia.

At that time, six pieces were transferred. This has raised questions as to whether there was a link between those MH370 parts and Mr Razas death.

What makes a possible link to MH370 even more suspicious is that in the time period surrounding his death, Mr Raza was expected to visit the Malagasy Ministry of Transport, retrieve additional recovered pieces, and deliver those pieces to Malaysia.

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

Malaysia Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai told the Strait Times that he had sent officers to retrieve a small piece of debris from Madagascar.

Asked about Razas death and the missing plane, he said: I don't think that it is related. It is also irresponsible and premature to speculate as the case is still under police investigation.

Flight MH370 was carrying 239 people between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing when it vanished on 8 March 2014. Despite intensive searches for three years, the plane was not recovered and the black box has not been found.

Theories surrounding the death of Raza add to the litany of unproved hypotheses surrounding the missing plane, including that it was deliberately crashed by the pilot or co-pilot, that it had been hijacked by the Russians, and that the US shot it down fearing a terror attack on its military base on Diego Garcia.
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The UK and EU continue to have significant differences over the Brexit divorce bill, David Davis has said.

The Brexit Secretary said the two sides had very different legal stances on the amount owed, and that some points of the general negotiations would be very stormy.

It is clear that the two sides have very different legal stances, he said.

[EU chief negotiator] Michel Barnier and I agreed that we do not anticipate making incremental progress on the final shape of the financial deal in every round [] it is also clear there are significant differences to be bridged in this sector.

He added that the UK would not be bounced into an agreement.

Does Labour want to pay 100bn to get progress in the next month? he told MPs. I hope not. We will do this the proper way.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

When pressed to decide the final bill via an independent audit, Mr Davis replied that both sides were working their way to a number via a legal basis, and that Frankly, we will not agree on the outcome.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said the final divorce bill could be around 55bn. Mr Davis has dismissed reports the UK secretly agreed a bill of up to 50bn. Others suggested the divorce bill could reach 92bn.

In his question and answer session with MPs, Mr Davis said the Government was carrying out technical work on the matter of the Irish border and that concrete progress was being made on trade, health care and protecting the rights of British expats in the EU.

His comments came days before MPs will vote on the EU withdrawal bill, which allows the Government to adopt or abandon thousands of EU laws.

Labour and the SNP said they would vote against the bill due to fears the Government will take the chance to reduce worker and environmental protections. Late last month Labour changed its position to back the single market and customs union for a four-year transition period.

Mr Davis recently said the UK was ready to intensify the pace of talks, in response to EU officials saying progress in negotiations was falling short of what was needed, rather than stick to the original one-week-per-month schedule. He blamed some delay on the German elections and the formation of its new government.

The so-called divorce bill has caused controversy for months. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson faced criticism in July for suggesting the EU could go whistle if they expected the UK to pay any money to leave.
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Jacob Rees-Mogg has topped a survey of Conservative party members for the next leader of the party following weeks of speculation regarding his leadership ambitions.

The survey for Conservative Home found that more than 22 per cent of those who responded believed the Old Etonian should be the next leader of the party, while David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, enjoyed the support of 15 per cent of members.

But Mr Rees-Mogg, who became an unexpected favourite over the summer months to replace Theresa May in Downing Street, played down speculation yesterday, insisting interest in him would fade as Parliament resumes after the summer recess.

He also hinted he would turn down a ministerial post if offered one by the Prime Minister in the coming months, after a report in the Times said Downing Street is considering offering the eccentric MP for North East Somerset a role in the Government to test his suitability for higher office.

But asked, on the Daily Politics show, whether he was ambitious for a ministerial job, the prominent backbencher replied: Im not ambitious to do anything other than to get returned in North East Somerset and to contribute to develop the ideas in the Conservative party.

In a way you have a great deal more freedom to discuss issues from the backbenches because Im not bound by collective responsibility, he added.

I dont have constraints upon me as to what Im allowed to say or not allowed and that is perhaps an easier position to be in to discuss broad issues rather than ministers who are, quite rightly, confined to their own subject area.

He also insisted that he was very happy serving the people of North East Somerset, adding: Heaven knows, next youll be offering me the papacy.

Asked whether he was surprised he had become a favourite in the non-existent leadership contest, he continued: Im as astonished as you are. Its all jolly August stuff and now were in September I imagine it will calm down.

Explaining the result of party members, Paul Goodman, the Editor of Conservative Home, said: In our view, Jacob Rees-Mogg is the beneficiary of party member disillusion with the present senior options for replacing her [Ms May].

For all his intelligence, wit and fearlessness, this site suspects that Rees-Mogg as leader would be unable to overleap the legend of the nanny and the poshness and the supposed out-of-touchness, and cut through in the marginal seats, especially in the Midlands and the North, that the Tories need to win. added Mr Goodman.
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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has denied he is becoming a vegan after it was reported that he was considering the switch.

Mr Corbyn, who has been a vegetarian for decades, told retail workers that he is going through the process of eating more vegan food.

Vegans abstain from anything containing dairy produce and eggs as well as meat and fish. As a vegetarian, Mr Corbyn does not eat meat.

Workers at Lush cosmetics, a brand which markets itself as cruelty free but not vegan, asked Mr Corbyn whether he was going to make the next logical step to veganism because one employee remarked, Britains first vegan Prime Minister would be something worth fighting for.

The Labour leader replied: It's a fair question. I eat more and more vegan food, and have more and more vegan friends. There are quite a lot of vegan MPs actually - not a lot, but there are some.

I think what has improved so much is vegetarian and vegan food has got so much better in recent years.

I got fed up of going on a plane in the 80s and everyone would get their regulation rubber chicken and whatever with it.

I would say 'where is my lunch?' and they would say 'yours is a special meal', like there is something badly wrong with you and they would bring this thing along. It was usually pretty grim when it got there.

Mr Corbyn continued: The food has got a lot better and vegan food - one of my close relatives has just become a vegan and I went to her house for dinner and it was absolutely brilliant.

So I'm going through the process, all right? I won't go any further than that.

Speaking in 2015, Mr Corbyn explained why he stopped eating meat almost 50 years ago.

I became one at 20 when I was working in a pig farm. I got attached to the pigs.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA

A Labour Party spokeswoman later said that Mr Corbyn simply meant he was eating more vegan food rather than giving up dairy altogether.

She told Metro: Jeremy Corbyn isnt turning vegan. Theres been a bit of mischief in the reporting of what he said He actually meant that he is 'n the process' of eating more vegan food. Thats all."

Sam Calvert, a spokeswoman for The Vegan Society, welcomed the fact that Mr Corbyn is eating more vegan food.

Its always good news to hear that anyone is eating more vegan food, because it means theyre consuming less dairy, eggs and other animal products, she said.

We would encourage Jeremy  and anyone else who is interested  to do our week-long or month-long vegan challenges.

It can be hard for people to give up animal products in one go, so the challenges help people ease into it and do it gradually.
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Emily Thornberry, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, has described the combative rhetoric of Donald Trumps administration over the latest North Korean nuclear tests as irresponsible and reckless.

Speaking in the Commons Ms Thornberry said there must be a deliberate de-escalation of rhetoric and actions over the crisis and urged Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, to pursue a policy of dialogue, diplomacy and peace.

Referring to recent interventions from the US administration in relation to Pyongyangs increasingly frequent testing of missiles in the region, Ms Thornberry added: We have a US ambassador to the UN saying the time for talk is over.

"We have a President who says talking is not the answer and while usually in his case Id agree, for the US to turn their backs on diplomacy is simply irresponsible. As their closest ally we have got to be prepare to say so.

Urging Mr Johnson to discount all military solutions, she added: If they [the Government] pretend that military options, involving decapitation, annihilation, fire and fury, belong anywhere but in the bin  if they swear blind loyalty to Donald Trump no matter what abyss he drags us towards then they will be risking a hell of a lot more than just losing our support.

During his statement in the Commons, Mr Johnson insisted that the UK was at the heart of international efforts to bring about a diplomatic solution and urged China to use all its influence to end the grave crisis provoked by the regimes latest nuclear test.

He told MPs: China, which accounts for 90 per cent of North Korea's overseas trade, has a unique ability to influence the regime - and the House can take heart from the fact that Beijing voted in favour of the latest sanctions resolution and condemned Pyongyang's actions in the most unsparing terms.

I call on China to use all of its leverage to ensure a peaceful settlement of this grave crisis."

Recommended Trump has enraged every country he needs to end North Korea crisis

On Monday, the US ambassador to the United Nations told an emergency meeting that Kim Jong-un was begging for war after the testing of a thermonuclear device more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Mr Johnsons comments also came after Theresa May called President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing crisis in the region.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the Prime Minister stressed that the regime poses a threat not simply to its region but to global peace and security, adding it was important for the international community to send out a clear message that such irresponsible and provocative actions must end.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

They added: Mrs May said Britain would work with the US and international partners to continue to exert economic pressure on North Korea through further measures including sanctions.

The Prime Minister noted the importance of the UN Security Council continuing to present a strong and unified international voice by reaching swift agreement on new measures.

Earlier, the North Korean ambassador in London, Choe Il, was summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing down from Asia minister Mark Field.

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

Over the weekend, the regime claimed to have tested an advanced hydrogen bomb that was capable of being launched inside a long-range missile. While the nature of the nuclear missile is unclear, the US Geological Survey reported a seismic event of 6.3 on Richter scale as a result of the test. Previous Pyongyang tests have resulted in events closer to five on the scale.

In July, US intelligence officials said they believed North Korea had been able to make a nuclear warhead capable of fitting on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as well. And just last week, the regime also launched a missile over the Hokkaido island of Japan.
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Labour is set to order its MPs to vote against the Governments Brexit Repeal Bill, a meeting of the partys senior figures has agreed.

The Independent understands that if key amendments to the Repeal Bill fail in the Commons then the party will vote against the legislation next week  forcing the Prime Minister to rely on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party.

But even with opposition to the bill from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP the legislation is predicted to pass its first parliamentary hurdle as no Tory MPs are currently planning to vote against the Government.

It comes after Labour shifted its position on Brexit in recent weeks, calling for continued participation in the EU customs union and single market during any transition period. The Government has made clear Britain will leave both in March 2019  the deadline for the conclusion of the Brexit negotiations.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the amount of power given to the executive as ministers are able to use so-called Henry VIII clauses to change legislation without the usual parliamentary scrutiny.

Speaking after Labours first meeting of the Shadow Cabinet following the parliamentary recess, a Labour spokesperson added: Labour fully respects the democratic decision to leave the European Union, voted to trigger Article 50 and backs a jobs-first Brexit with full tariff-free access to the European single market.

But as democrats we cannot vote for a bill that unamended would let government ministers grab powers from Parliament to slash peoples rights at work and reduce protection for consumers and the environment.

Parliament has already voted to leave the European Union. But the Governments EU (Withdrawal) Bill would allow Conservative ministers to set vital terms on a whim, including of Britains exit payment, without democratic scrutiny.

Nobody voted in last years referendum to give this Conservative Government sweeping powers to change laws by the back door. The slogan of the Leave campaign was about people taking back control and restoring powers to Parliament.

This power-grab bill would do the opposite. It would allow the Government to seize control from the Parliament that the British people have just elected.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, however, claimed that Labour was behaving in an irresponsible manner and risked creating a legal vacuum with its opposition to the Repeal Bill, which will copy and paste existing EU laws onto the UK statute book in March 2019 when Britain leaves the bloc.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Mr Grayling added: What this bill will actually do is ensure there is not a legal cliff-edge when we leave the EU. We have 40 years of European law on the statute books.

 Anna Soubry attacks hardline Brexiteers for macho governing

You cant have a situation where, when we leave, there is a complete legal vacuum, so we are taking the existing EU laws, putting them into UK law. This Government and future governments will be free to modify as they see fit.

Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman, has previously echoed Labours position, insisting the party will fight to fix this bill and, if nothing is changed we will vote against it at second reading.

Parliamentary debate over the bill will begin in the Commons on Thursday and votes will take place next Monday.
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Theresa May has spoken with Donald Trump to agree the need for "swift" measures to tackle the nuclear threat of North Korea.

The Prime Minister spoke with Mr Trump in a phone call after which they urged China to do all in its power to deter the rogue state from further provocation.

It comes after ministers were warned during their regular Cabinet meeting that Kim Jong-un's nuclear weapons are stationed closer to London than they are to Los Angeles.

Recommended US calls for more North Korea sanctions after latest nuclear test

Following the trans-Atlantic call, a Downing Street spokesman said: "Ms May said Britain would work with the US and international partners to continue to exert economic pressure on North Korea through further measures including sanctions.

"The Prime Minister noted the importance of the UN Security Council continuing to present a strong and unified international voice by reaching swift agreement on new measures.

"The Prime Minister said she would also work with EU leaders on further measures the EU could take to pressure the North Korean regime."

The spokesman also said: "The Prime Minister and the President agreed on the key role which China has to play, and that it was important they used all the leverage they had to ensure North Korea stopped conducting these illegal acts so that we could ensure the security and safety of nations in the region."

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also told MPs China needed to try and end the stand off on the Korean peninsula.

He said: "China, which accounts for 90 per cent of North Korea's overseas trade, has a unique ability to influence the regime and the House can take heart from the fact that Beijing voted in favour of the latest sanctions resolution and condemned Pyongyang's actions in the most unsparing terms.

"I call on China to use all of its leverage to ensure a peaceful settlement of this grave crisis."

Earlier in the day Ms May, Mr Johnson and other cabinet ministers met to discuss the on-gong situation, during which time they were warned in a briefing that Pyong Yang is closer to London than Los Angeles.
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Theresa May has stressed the need to end Yemen's civil war and discussed the importance of complying with international humanitarian law in a meeting with Saudi Arabia's foreign minister.

Britain's ally has been accused of committing war crimes "with impunity" with its bloody air campaign against Houthi rebels, who are fighting President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi's government.

More than 10,000 people have been killed and three million displaced in the two-and-a-half year conflict, with the Saudi-led coalition's air and naval blockade driving millions more to the brink of famine and sparking the world's largest ongoing cholera outbreak.

The British Government stands accused of being complicit in the devastation by selling arms to the Saudis that have been used in the campaign.

Activists launched a judicial review of the trade, with UK and EU export licences banned if there is a "clear risk" equipment could be used to break international law.

 May denies suppressing report into Saudi Arabia's funding of extremism to protect arms deals

But the High Court ruled that the Government's position was lawful and sales could continue in July.

More than 3.3bn worth of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia have been licensed since the bombing began in March 2015.

The Government was criticised by Labour last month after highlighting UK efforts to help to deal with the cholera outbreak in Yemen, which has affected hundreds of thousands of people, while continuing to arm the Saudis.

The Prime Minister discussed the issue with Adel al-Jubeir at a short Downing Street meeting on Monday.

A Number 10 spokesman said: "They discussed Yemen, the need to bring the conflict to an end, and the continued importance of demonstrating compliance with international humanitarian law."

10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty

The meeting also touched on a number of other issues, including the Prime Minister's hopes Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman would be able to visit Britain soon.

The spokesman said: "They discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the ongoing isolation of Qatar in the Gulf region, with the Prime Minister reiterating her call for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the situation and restore Gulf Co-operation Council unity at the earliest opportunity.

"They also discussed Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' programme for reform and modernisation.

"The Prime Minister noted its focus on transformation, innovation and empowerment and said that the UK looked forward to continuing to work closely with Saudi Arabia on this ambitious project.

"She hoped that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman would be able to visit the UK in the near future to build on the historic partnership between the two countries."

Additional reporting by Press Association
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Growing marijuana has run in Junes family for three generations, a stretch that has seen universal prohibition give way to accelerating legalisation.

For well over a decade, June  who asked her real name not be used  and her husband have been among the thousands of Californians who cultivate pot in a state where the marijuana leaf has become as much of a symbol as the surfboard.

But, despite the grand opening of Californias recreational marijuana industry being mere months away, many of the people who have tended their plants beneath the evergreens and oaks of the states undulating hills arent sure they can stay in the business. A crop that should be becoming a boon risks becoming a burden, as many will have nowhere to sell what theyve grown.

June and her husband, who built a consistent business supplying dispensaries and hoped to get right with the law, arent sure they can meet the necessary regulations  and costs  to keep selling what they grow in a newly legitimised industry.

Its putting us in a situation where if were not able to sell to that market any more were having to find new, illegal channels in a saturated market, says June. We would either have to shut down or find new avenues of sale on the black market or the unregulated market.

They had moved from a location in the so-called Emerald Triangle, three counties in Northern California that form the states cultivation epicentre, to a discreet property in Sonoma County they thought would be better suited to meet the regulations they were sure were coming. But it may not be enough.

Junes struggles embody a contradiction at the heart of Californias burgeoning legal marijuana economy, which is set to fully launch in 2018. By sheer volume, the amount of cannabis grown in the state will vastly outstrip demand. But the market will also face a dearth of marijuana as farmers grapple with the prohibitive costs of going mainstream.

Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry Show all 8 1 /8 Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591453.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591446.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591448.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591452.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591449.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591450.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591451.jpg Sam Adams Mile high city: Inside Denver's billion-dollar marijuana industry 5591454.jpg Sam Adams

Heres the irony: there will be a huge oversupply of product and a shortage of regulated product, says Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Association. We are looking at a unique situation where theres a boatload of product and a lot of folks arent going to make it into the market.

It was not supposed to be like this. The last 10 years have been boom years for cannabis cultivators. Growers who have spent decades in the business say there has been a frenzy of new and larger grows. Many attribute the explosion to California easing marijuana penalties and approving a business model of cannabis collectives that made it easier to get buds to distributors without having to worry about its final destination. Farmers have planted more to compensate for plummeting prices.

A study prepared for the state as part of the regulation effort offered a conservative estimate that California grows about 13.5 million pounds of marijuana a year and consumes about 2.5 million pounds. But the most probable scenario is not a glut of pot for sale, not yet anyway.

Theres always been vastly more pot grown here than sold here, and the vast majority is shipped out to the rest of the country and that will continue, says Charley Custer of the Humboldt Mendocino Marijuana Advocacy Project. But with the price going down because of looser strictures against growing or possessing it overproduction is finally going to kill the golden goose.

 Hollywood sign changed to Hollyweed' to promote cannabis legalisation

Participating in Californias legal pot economy requires both a state license and a local permit. Obtaining official permission costs money and requires navigating a bureaucratic labyrinth unfamiliar to many pot farmers, who have worked for years without having to worry about disabled access or zoning regulations or stringent testing. One indoor grower said he would need to spend more than $200,000 (150,000) on a sprinkler system.

These are folks who are used to jury-rigging things for themselves, says Terry Garrett, who serves on a cannabis advisory board for Sonoma County and has studied the regional pot economy. Record-keeping is anathema to running a clandestine, secretive business, and now youre having to introduce QuickBooks into your operation.

Even for larger operations with the resources and sophistication to obtain correctly zoned property and pay experts to conduct needed inspections, the road to compliance has been steep.

Its been a lot more difficult than we thought, says Shivawn Brady, operations director for an Illinois-based medical cannabis company called Justice Grown that operates a farm in Sonoma County. She urges financial assistance to be given to smaller-scale growers, noting a single permit can cost $10,000 to $20,000  not to mention land use requirements that can compel people to relocate. Its hurting a lot of people, she says.

Brandon Levine, director of a dispensary called Mercy Wellness, says he doubts 10 per cent of the hundreds of growers he currently works with will be able to get licensed.

There wont be legal outlets for all the people that cultivate and have gone to dispensaries, so the black market is going to explode, Levine says, calling the situation hugely urgent.

Suppressing the black market was a central argument for proponents of legalisation, who argued that legal outlets would undercut the illicit trade. While it is an open secret in marijuana country that the black market absorbs some of what is grown, many cultivators have embraced legalisation as a way to come out of hiding and grow conscientiously, touting environmental protections and a way to finally jettison the ever-present threat of prosecution.

But some of them wont be able to get their products into the regulated market, and people who work with dispensaries and cant get permitted arent going to stop growing, says Sonoma cultivator Julie Terry, voicing a widely shared sentiment.

Many, many people will not be in that regulated market, says Sam Magruder, a Sonoma County grower who has sunk millions into obtaining properly zoned land and getting it up to code for his growing operation.

Growers hoping to keep their businesses alive must make a rational decision, Garrett says, that balances the cost of getting state approval against the risk of selling to the black market and getting caught. And theyre vying for coveted space in a finite market, with a new track-and-trace requirement clamping down on the flow of weed outside the system.

Its the equivalent of blocking the exits and setting the building on fire with everyone inside, Garrett says.

The solution, says Tawnie Logan, chair of the board for the Sonoma County Growers Alliance, is there must be a commitment to working with the growers who would happily submit to regulation but dont have the resources to make that leap, a group she believes generates around half the pot grown in California.

How do we bring that 50 per cent into compliance instead of pushing them into the black market? If this does not stay at the forefront of the conversation over the next two years were creating a massive problem, Logan says. We have to find a way to rehabilitate the business practices that are the response to decades-long prohibition and help them learn how to operate responsible businesses.

States that preceded California in legalising cannabis provide some clues about who will survive in the nascent pot economy. Large-scale operations that can take advantage of economies of scale will likely prosper, says former Colorado pot czar Andrew Freedman, pushing out people who lack the capacity or the capital to meet the new regulations.

Eventually, according to Mark Kleiman, a marijuana policy expert and professor at New York University, the legal players are going to drive the illegal players out of the system in California.

In the very long run, the illegal stuff just goes away  theres no substantial moonshining in the US, he says.

That scenario is too distant to inform what June and others like her do now. She hasnt yet decided whether to compete with the big growers she sees proliferating around her, even though she knows the potential consequences.

If theres still lax enforcement then were going to continue and a lot of people will and theres going to be a huge glut, June says. If it seems like things are going to be really grey and unorganised and the transition time will be a while, then we may just take that risk.
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A man considered armed and dangerous kidnapped his former girlfriend in California and was spotted in Arizona as he held her against her will, authorities said.

Investigators believe Joseph Hetzel, 52, kidnapped Virginia Paris, 55, in Solvang on Friday and drove away in her black Chrysler sedan.

They were later spotted in Arizona and may be headed to Las Vegas, Santa Barbara County sheriff's officials said.

Investigators say they are deeply concerned' about the safety of Paris.

Paris had obtained a restraining order against Hetzel after a domestic incident, sheriff's investigators said.

They were seen on Sunday at a Starbucks in Goodyear, Arizona, where Paris approached a customer and said she needed help.

Hetzel saw the exchange, grabbed Paris, dragged out her out of the shop and kicked her into a car before driving off, investigators said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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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. 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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 FBI is assisting with the investigation.

AP
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With the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump a long shot at best, there is another way to provide the country some protection from our unfit president: congressional government. The idea may seem far-fetched in this era of the "imperial presidency," but there have been times in the nation's history, especially in the decades after the Civil War but also to a lesser extent during the 1920s, when Congress ran the show on many critical matters and the president dared take no action without the approval of powerful committee chairmen.

The clearest example of this, and the one most relevant to the current situation, was in 1865, when a Republican Congress seized control of federal administration of the defeated South from then-President Andrew Johnson. A Tennessean who saw himself as the defender of Southern white supremacy, Johnson refused to pursue the agenda of the Radical Republicans who wanted to break the power of the white ruling class in order to ensure the rights and the physical safety of newly freed blacks. When Johnson refused to compromise, Congress took charge. For some months, Congress wielded control not only over national policy but also over its implementation by the military.

Congressional power even reached into the Cabinet. The secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, shared Congress's aims and carried out congressional policies in the South, not Johnson's. When Johnson fired Stanton, the House voted to impeach him. Johnson escaped conviction in the Senate by one vote - thus showing the difficulty of removing a president even in extreme circumstances - but for some months Congress controlled the most important national policies and during that time prevented the president from undermining the achievements of the war.

There's no reason Congress could not do the same now. On some issues, it already has. On two important policies - sanctions on Russia and health care - a working majority of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate has already thwarted Trump. Another bipartisan majority appears to have formed against Trump's threat to shut down the government unless he gets significant funding for a wall along the Southern border. In fact, on any number of issues, there are enough anti-Trump Republicans in the Senate not only to block the president but also to push their own policies contrary to the president's - as was the case with Russia sanctions.

Congressional government would not have to address every question. On matters where Republicans and Democrats sharply disagree, there could be a truce or partisan business as usual. But on matters where they both see a threat to the nation's interests - from the president's encouragement of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and racist, law-breaking local government officials, to his appeasement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to his efforts to impede criminal probes - Congress can wield the power of the purse. It can prevent a secretary of state from destroying the United States' diplomatic corps. It can provide support to officials who refuse to carry out irresponsible and dangerous directives. It can find some compromise on a few fiscal matters to prevent a demagogue from undermining the U.S. economy by defaulting on the debt.

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

All this could be done informally, with different majorities naturally emerging on different issues, as has already occurred. But it would be better if it were formal. In 1865, Congress established a bipartisan Joint Committee on Reconstruction to review and formulate policy toward the former Confederate states. Today, one or more joint committees could be formed to oversee those areas necessary to protect the country from the president's most dangerous excesses - a joint national security committee headed by the chairs and ranking members of the foreign relations, armed services and intelligence committees, for instance. The virtue of this arrangement would be that Congress would not merely react anew to each new threat. It would have a body in place that would be ready to respond, one that carried greater weight than individual committees and would therefore be more effective in deterring dangerous presidential actions.

Could Republicans possibly agree to such an arrangement? The party's leaders should at least think about it. Trump ran against them in 2016 and is now once again firing up his base to attack them. Party leaders do have another option besides being Trump punching bags - depriving him of as much power as possible while they can. It's a risky strategy, but a little bravery in the short term might pay off later. Is there any bravery to be found in Congress? Or as the great Radical Republican congressman Thaddeus Stevens asked in the spring of 1865, "Can't we collect bold men enough to lay the foundation for a party to take the helm of this government and keep it off the rocks?"

Washington Post
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US-bound Hurricane Irma has been upgraded to an "extremely dangerous" Category five storm, with winds reaching up tp 175 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

The hurricane is moving west at around 14 mph, and is located around 270 miles east of Antigua, said the National Hurricane Center.

Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have declared a state of emergency, and other states are bracing for the possible impact of extreme weather.

Recommended Flights to the Caribbean cancelled as Hurricane Irma strikes

Florida Governor Rick Scott said: "Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared." He said that the exact path of the storm was not known, but it could affect "millions of Floridians".

The Governor of the British Virgin Islands has urged those who could to evacuate the small island of Anegada before the storm hits.

Authorities anticipate Irma to cause flash floods by dumping up to 10 inches of rain, landslides and even produce waves of up to 23 feet.

The centre of the storm, which is the most powerful, is set to approach the northern Leeward Islands on Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning, before hitting Puerto Rico by Thursday, possibly leaving residents without electricity for months due to a decade-long recession and crumbling infrastructure.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew Show all 14 1 /14 The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 A woman illuminates her family with a candle as they sleep on the floor in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Mist rises off the water as a flooded building is pictured after Hurricane Matthew passes in Lumberton, North Carolina, US Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Children sleep over metal sheets in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 People carry the coffin of a woman who died during Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Destroyed houses are seen after Hurricane Matthew passes Grande Cayemite, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Clothes hang in an area destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Anglais, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 A woman with cholera symptoms receives medical atention at the health center of Les Anglais, in Les Cayes in the southwest of Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Residents line up for food after Hurricane Matthew in Anse D'Hainault, Haiti. Nearly a week after the storm smashed into southwestern Haiti, some communities have yet to receive any assistance, leaving residents who have lost their homes and virtually all of their belongings struggling to find shelter and water AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 People sick with cholera receive medical assistance at Saint Antoine hospital in Jeremi, Haiti. According to the UN after hurricane Matthew the disease has spread EPA The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A woman and a child sit on a buckets amid the ruins of their home destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, Haiti AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 UN blue helmets load aid which arrived in US helicopters onto a truck for people affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A UN helicopter lands next to aid sent by the United States for the people affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A boat passes a church in Nichols, South Carolina. Nearly 1 million homes and businesses still did not have power Monday morning in the Carolinas after Hurricane Matthew AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 9 October 2016 Boats sit washed up on shore amongst the twisted docks at Palmetto Bay Marina damaged by Hurricane Matthew in Hilton Head, South Carolina AP

Irma formed in the far eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde islands, and these storms frequently become the most intense, such as Hurricane Hugo, Floyd and Ivan.

Hurricane warnings have been issued to 12 Caribbean islands. By the time Irma reaches Puerto Rico, winds are expected to range between 40 and 50 mph, and between four and eight inches of rain.

Weather experts said the storm looks to be the strongest since Hurricane Felix in 2007, the most recent Category 5 hurricane to reach the US.

The National Hurricane Center said as of 8am ET Tuesday that it was too early to determine what direct impact Irma would have on the continental US, but it is expected to turn right and head north by the end of the week, along the eastern coast of the US. Local reports in Florida saw people spending Labor Day stocking up on goods to bunker down during Irma if needed, emptying shelves in supermarkets.

Poverty-struck islands like Haiti are still reeling from recent storms which caused humanitarian disasters.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

Last year, Hurricane Matthew, another Category five, reached winds of 165 mph, causing great damage to the Caribbean Islands and more than 600 people died. In Haiti alone, more than 500 people died.

Hurricane Irma follows at least 63 deaths related to Hurricane Harvey, a Category three, which dumped as much as 1.3m rain in southeast Texas over a few days, as people were trapped in quickly rising floodwater. The storm caused billions in damage to reapri and many people are still out of their homes.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott suggested repair costs could total $180 billion. President Donald Trump requested a $7.9 billion downpayment from Congress towards Harvey relief efforts.
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Donald Trump declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record barreled down on the southern United States.

The declarations authorise the Federal Emergency Management Agency to oversee disaster relief in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Mr Trump acted after government meteorologists warned that Hurricane Irma could batter the country with catastrophic damage.

As the storm headed west toward Caribbean islands, putting it on a trajectory to slam into Florida, the National Hurricane Center recorded winds gusting at up to 185 miles an hour. That would make Irma one of the most powerful storms to emerge from the Atlantic.

Several islands in the storms path are on hurricane watch, the National Hurricane Center said said, warning in an advisory that preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

Four other storms have had winds that strong in the overall Atlantic Ocean but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which are usually home to warmer waters that fuel cyclones. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Key storm all had 185 mph winds.

Irma is so strong because of the unusually warm waters for that part of the Atlantic.

The Leeward Islands will be first to experience hurricane conditions, the NHC said, with Irma likely hitting there on Tuesday night before churning onward and bringing hurricane conditions to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

Puerto Rico has not seen a hurricane of this magnitude in almost 100 years, National Weather Service meteorologist Carlos Anselmi told The Associated Press.

Islands imperilled by the storm are likely to see a life-threatening storm surge, the hurricane center advisory warned, with the Virgin Islands potentially seeing large and destructive waves as waters rise by seven to 11 feet.

Those warnings have authorities bracing for the worst even as Houston still sifts through the wreckage of Hurricane Harvey.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

The storm was moving west at 15 mph (24 kph), and the hurricane center said there was a growing possibility its effects could be felt in Florida later this week and over the weekend.

If it stays on the forecast track and reaches the Florida Straits, the water there is warm enough that the already intense storm could become much worse with wind speeds potentially reaching 225 mph, Kerry Emanuel, an MIT meteorology professor told the Associated Press.

People who are living there (the Florida Keys) or have property there are very scared, and they should be, Mr Emanuel said.
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US-bound Hurricane Irma has grown so strong that it is showing up on equipment designed to measure earthquakes.

Stephen Hicks, a seismologist at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, said seismometer recordings on Guadeloupe, an island group in the southern Caribbean Sea, show the now-Category 5 storm approaching the Lesser Antilles, another Caribbean island group.

Seismometer recordings from the past 48 hours on Guadeloupe show Cat. 5 #Hurricane #Irma driving closer toward the Lesser Antilles, Dr Hicks tweeted.

In a later tweet, Dr Hicks clarified that background noise  for example, wind causing trees to move and crashing ocean waves  was causing seismographs to pick up Irma.

Irma, which is already the strongest hurricane ever recorded outside the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, is likely to make landfall somewhere in Florida over the weekend.

Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have declared states of emergency.

Rick Scott, the governor of Florida, has said Irma's exact path is unknown, but that the storm could affect millions of Floridians.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

Because of Irmas size and power, very dangerous weather could also occur up to 200 miles away from the eyewall, the most devastating region of a hurricane.

The hurricane force winds in Irma are wider than Florida, tweeted Bryan Norcross, hurricane specialist at the Weather Channel. You wont need a direct hit to get Wilma-type winds & storm surge on both coasts.

As Florida and nearby states and territories prepare to be battered by Irma, Texas continues to reel from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in August.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suggested repair costs could total $180bn. Donald Trump sent Congress a $7.9bn request for an initial down payment for Harvey relief and recovery efforts.
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A North Carolina man called emergency services to report that he thinks he may have killed his wife in his sleep.

Matthew Phelps of Raleigh told a 911 dispatcher that he "had a dream and then I turned on the lights and shes dead on the floor  I have blood all over me and theres a bloody knife on the bed."

"I think I did it," said Mr Phelps during the seven-minute phone call in which he explained he had taken the cold medicine Coricidin for his trouble sleeping.

He believed he had accidentally killed his wife Lauren Ashley-Nicole Phelps in his sleep.

The dispatcher repeatedly asked Mr Phelps "How?"

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

Shes not moving at all. Oh my God. She didnt deserve this, Mr Phelps cried.

A full police investigation is underway. Coricidin

Mr Phelps is currently being held in jail without bond and due to appear in a Raleigh court on 5 September.
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An American teacher has prohibited students from wearing t-shirts bearing President Donald Trumps signature campaign slogan Make America Great Again.

A Maths teacher at River Ridge High School near Atlanta asked two secondary school students wearing the shirts to leave her classroom and then used the lesson to voice her personal opinions about the slogan.

The school district has now been forced to apologise for the incident which took place on 31 August and made it known the principal immediately apologised to both the students and their families.

Her actions were wrong, as the Make America Great Again shirts worn by the students are not a violation of our School District dress code, Barbara Jacoby, a spokeswoman for Cherokee County School District, said in a statement.

Recommended Teacher suspended after Trump logos removed from yearbook

The teacher additionally - and inappropriately - shared her personal opinion about the campaign slogan during class, it continued. Superintendent of Schools Dr Brian V Hightower is deeply sorry that this incident happened in one of our schools; it does not reflect his expectation that all students be treated equally and respectfully by our employees.

Ms Jacoby said she could not say whether the teacher would be facing any disciplinary action but remained insistent the students would not be subject to such action. The school district said they were ordering all principals to meet with their teachers and staff to remind them their political views should not be shared with pupils.

Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images

Just after the furore took place, a Change.org petition sprung up calling for the teacher to stand down.

This is not the first time President Trump has found himself at the centre of controversy inside the classroom. In June, a New Jersey student called Grant Bernardo wore a Trump Make America Great Again t-shirt on school picture day. However, when his yearbook arrived he found the lettering on his shirt had been digitally removed and he had been left simply wearing a plain black top.

"He was disappointed. This was the first election he has been interested in," his father, Joseph Berardo, told CNN at the time.

He added: "I want the yearbooks to be reissued and I want a letter from the administration explaining why they are reissuing the yearbook.

Recommended Teacher suspended after assignment telling students to defend KKK

A similarly controversial incident took place at picture day for Mariah Havard, a tenth-grade student at Buckeye Union High school in Arizona, last August. She was asked to remove her Black Lives Matter t-shirt by the schools vice principal because she was told it created a disruption in the learning of education.

Describing the incident in a widely shared Facebook post, she said she was asked to change into a plain white t-shirt because of a previous row she had with "a young caucasian boy who said 'black lives don't matter' and 'that shirt is meaningless'."

She then walks out of the office and hands me a white shirt that's meaningless and nonpolitical and has nothing to do for what I'm standing for, the student said in the post.

Just a week later, another pupil at the school was asked to remove a Black Lives Matter shirt and a small group of students staged a walkout over the incidents.
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Until last year, Ninotska Love would have been barred from attending Wellesley College. She's an accomplished student who has persevered through hardship, but under longstanding rules, the college would have rejected her because she was assigned at birth as a boy.

Now the rules have changed. This week, Love will become one of the first transgender women to attend Wellesley in the school's 147-year history.

For me to be accepted to one of the best colleges for women in the nation, it is a big validation of the person that I have become. At first I couldn't believe it, said Love, 28, who was born in Ecuador but fled to the US in 2009 after being kidnapped and threatened because of her gender identity. I'm so thankful to be here.

Her arrival on campus reflects a quiet but momentous shift that's taking place at a wave of women's colleges that have begun allowing trans women. But even as many schools embrace shifting views on gender, some have been reluctant to change amid lingering differences over the role of women's colleges.

Since 2014, at least eight women's colleges have moved to allow trans women, starting with Mills College in Oakland, California. Joining Wellesley in 2015 were Smith, Bryn Mawr and Barnard colleges, the last of the so-called Seven Sisters women's colleges to make the change. Advocates say others have likely done so without advertising it.

I think it's a step forward, one that's long overdue, said Genny Beemyn, director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a resource group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. If they say they're women, then saying that they can't attend is denying their identities and marginalising them.

Just how many trans women are attending women's colleges remains unknown. Many schools that now accept them won't say how many they enrol, if any, citing privacy concerns. Schools including Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges say they don't track the gender identities of their students.

Chicora Martin, vice president of student life and dean of students at Mills College, said some fear backlash from alumni or donors who don't support the change, and they want to protect students from outside scrutiny. At Mills, 8 percent of more than 700 undergraduates identify as trans women.

I think that's something they don't want to draw to their students, Martin said. Ultimately the attention is drawn to them, and that can be negative attention.

Colleges of all types have faced increasing pressure to meet the needs of trans men and women, who make up an estimated 0.7 percent of the nation's youths. Some schools have responded by offering gender-neutral bathrooms and medical insurance that covers hormone treatments, or by letting students pick their gender pronouns.

Still, alumnae of some women's colleges have opposed the admissions change, saying it undermines the institutional mission to empower women. Leaders at some schools counter that women's colleges were founded to educate those who have been marginalized because of their gender.

That's always been the historic role of women's colleges, Martin said. The definition of gender and gender identity has broadened, and yet it's still very much that mission.

Some schools have resisted widening their gender policies. At Hollins University, a private school of about 800 in Virginia, trans women can be accepted only if they have completed a legal and surgical transition from male to female, which legally entitles them to consideration anyway.

Hollins spokesman Jeff Hodges said the policy supports how the university defines its mission as an undergraduate institution of higher learning for women.

At Wellesley, Love said she knows of at least one other trans woman starting this week. Wellesley leaders said that they don't comment on the gender identities of specific students but that they welcome Love to the school's community of outstanding women.

As the leading liberal arts college for women, Wellesley's mission is to educate women who will make a difference in the world  and those women represent diversity in every dimension, Sofiya Cabalquinto, a college spokeswoman, said in a statement.

Love is considering a major in women's and gender studies and later hopes to become a civil rights lawyer for LGBT students and immigrants. It's a goal shaped by her own past; Love says she illegally entered Texas from Mexico before being granted asylum because of her persecution in Ecuador.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

Her first job in the US was cleaning dorms at a college in North Carolina. She later moved to New York City and started classes at LaGuardia Community College, where she earned academic honors and gained support from the Kaplan Educational Foundation, which helps low-income and minority students transfer to four-year universities.

Love was accepted to a dozen colleges but says Wellesley was always her top choice.

I knew that it would be a challenge; I knew that it would be difficult, she said, but at the same time I knew that I can make a difference  and I knew that I can show to other people that we transgender women are humans, too.

AP
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Two transgender people from California who sought to join the armed forces along with four serving personnel, have filed a lawsuit against Donald Trumps intended ban on such people entering the military.

The lawsuit, targeting Mr Trumps directive issued last month that would prohibit transgender people from joining all branches of the armed forces and ban military healthcare plans from funding sex-reassignment surgeries, had been backed by the advocacy group Equality California

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Aiden Stockman, 20, of Yucca Valley, who has identified as a transgender male since the eighth grade, and Tamasyn Reeves, 29, who first attempted to join the Navy when she was blocked by the so-called Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy that banned gay people from serving openly in the military, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Mr Stockman had been preparing to enlist in the Air Force and now fears Mr Trumps order will prevent him from doing do. He delayed enlisting last year because he wanted to complete a double mastectomy before joining the Air Force, the newspaper quoted the lawsuit as saying.

 Transgender troop at VMAs: 'It's a great opportunity to build awareness'

President Trump has attacked American heroes who have risen above discrimination, hostility and lack of acceptance to serve our country by putting their lives on the line in its defence, Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California, said in a statement.

Transgender in Pakistan Show all 16 1 /16 Transgender in Pakistan Transgender in Pakistan Dancing at Shakeela's party, an event to celebrate a transgender life in middle-age Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Venue staff members watch people dance at Shakeela's party in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Security searches guests as people arrive at Shakeela's party in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Members of the transgender community dance at Shakeela's party in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Shakeela, a member of the transgender community, works in the kitchen at home in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan 'It's the first time a transgender party has been held openly,' says activist Farzana Jan Transgender in Pakistan Farzana Jan, a member of the transgender community, poses for a photographer ahead of Shakeela's party in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Guests at Shakeela's party Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Money thrown by the guests is used by people to help them start a new business or project Transgender in Pakistan Rani smiles from behind her make-up as she prepares for the party Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Shakeela resting at her home in Peshawar Reuters Transgender in Pakistan A photo hangs on the wall in the home of members of the transgender community in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Make up lies on the floor as members of the transgender community prepare for Shakeela's party in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters Transgender in Pakistan A guest counts money she plans to throw at Shakeela's party Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Bubbly helps Shakeela with her dress as members of her own family watch on Reuters Transgender in Pakistan Chahat, a member of the transgender community, prepares for Shakeela's party in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters

Last week, a group of transgender troops asked a court in Washington DC for an injunction to stop the Trump administration from instituting any part of a transgender service ban while a suit it had filed several weeks earlier was being heard.

Similar lawsuits were filed in August by the American Civil Liberties Union in Maryland and Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN in Washington state.

Mr Trump has ordered Defence Secretary Jim Mattis to scrap plans to begin recruiting transgender troops, eliminate coverage for transgender surgeries by March, and decide what to with those transgender people currently serving in the military.


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Hawaii is considering introducing a basic income for all its citizens.

The US states congress voted to look into the idea as research suggests a large number of current jobs are likely to be replaced by automated technology in the coming years.

State representative Chris Lee, who introduced the legislation, said: "Our economy is changing far more rapidly than anybody's expected.

He added that it was important "to be sure that everybody will benefit from the technological revolution that we're seeing to make sure no one's left behind."

The bill declares that all families in Hawaii are entitled to basic financial security  paving the way for a policy that would guarantee this.

It also tasks several government offices with analysing the states economy and finding ways to ensure all families have basic financial security, including an evaluation of different forms of a full or partial universal basic income."

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

Universal basic income (UBI) involves paying every citizen a set amount of money each month to live on, regardless of whether or not they are in work.

Hawaii is the first US state to pass legislation in support of UBI but a number of countries around the world have taken steps towards introducing the policy.

Finland and Germany have implemented pilot schemes and the Canadian province of Ontario is set to follow suit. The Dutch city of Utrecht is also trialling the policy.

Advocates say UBI is a more effective way of distributing money than current social welfare systems and will help people cope with the job losses resulting from new technology.

Critics, however, say it will discourage people from working and is prohibitively expensive.

Research suggests that Hawaii workers could be hit particularly hard by technological advances because many of the jobs in the tourism industry that fuels the states economy, such as waiters, cooks and cleaners, will eventually be replaced by machines.
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Former President Barack Obama has responded to Donald Trump's decision to repeal legal protections for young immigrants in the United States who came to the country as children, saying that the young dreamers have done nothing wrong.

In what was probably most Mr Obama's most pointed public comments yet about the actions of the man who replaced him in the White House, he said the move to phase out the so-called DACA programme was cruel and self-defeating.

Mr Obama said repealing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme he implemented in 2012 was not about national security, the economy, or securing borders. Instead, he said, the measures unfairly targeted many young undocumented immigrants who know no other life than the ones they've built in the US.

This is about young people who grew up in America - kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag, Mr Obama wrote on Facebook. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.

They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants. They may not know a country besides ours, he continued. They may not even know a language besides English. They often have no idea theyre undocumented until they apply for a job, or college, or a drivers license.

 Trump defends Arpaio pardon

The decision to scrap the plan was announced not by the President but by Jeff Sessions, his Attorney General, who called the DACA programme an unconstitutional overreach by the previous administration. Mr Sessions said there would be an orderly, lawful wind-down.

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday it was rescinding the scheme and leaving it to Congress to come up with an alternative. It said it was giving legislators six months to act.

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

In his statement, Mr Obama did not mention Mr Trump by name but said a shadow has been cast over some of the nations best and brightest young people. He said targeting them was wrong because they have done nothing wrong".

Reuters said that as the so-called dreamers who have benefited from the five-year-old programme were plunged into uncertainty, business leaders, mayors, Democratic politicians and civil rights leaders condemned the move.

After Mr Sessions appearance before the cameras, Mr Trump issued a written statement that said: I do not favour punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

But by deferring the actual end of the programme, Mr Trump has kicked responsibility for the fate of those covered by DACA to the Republicans who control Congress.

The Democratic Attorney General of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, said a coalition of states planned to file suit in the coming days to defend DACA, and one advocacy group announced its own legal action.

President Trumps decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America, said Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives.
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Students in Denver have walked out of their schools in protest at Donald Trump's decision to end a programme that protected 800,000 young immigrants from deportation.

It was the first day back to school for many across the US, with students looking to make their feelings about the move to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) scheme clear.

The protests in Denver included a number of schools in Denver, with hundreds of students walking out.

Recommended Meet the Dreamers facing a nightmare as Trump scraps DACA

As well as Colorado, other student protests are expected in Albuquerque and a number of other areas. Students have also joined protests against the decision outside of the White House in Washington DC.

Beyond the protests, Democrats and civil liberties advocates blasted Mr Trump.

President Trump's decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America, said Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives.

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

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the decision to end the programme, said the action does not mean the DACA recipients are bad people.

To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. It's just that simple. That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that, Mr Sessions said.

In a statement issued by the White House, Mr Trump said, I do not favour punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

Protests were held around the country in response to the DACA announcement as well. In New York City, activists marched from Centarl Park down Fifth Avenue to Trump Tower, the private residence of the President. For some at that demonstration, Mr Trump had opened their eyes to the importance of issues like the DACA programme and of speaking out on issues they care about.

"Donald Trump's election made me more active," Zoe, a 16-year-old soon-to-be Sophomore told The Independent. Zoe's last name is being witheld because she is a minor and was not with her parents at the demonstration.

Zoe said that she is an American citizen, but had been compelled to begin speaking out since November in order to help the undocumented immigrants she knows at her school, and whom she is friends with. "A lot of people didn't necessarily talk about it."

The DACA program was enacted five years ago by the administration of former President Barack Obama. The programme was geared toward helping young immigrants who had come into the United States illegally as children, when they were too young to make their own decision on the matter. The programme did not provide protections for parents of those DACA recipients, however another programme pushed by the Obama Adminstration sought to do so.

Since 2012, nearl 800,000 undocumented immigrants have received protections throught DACA, which allows young immigants to apply for and receive work permits. Many of those DACA recipients have been able to pursue careers and study in American schools and universities. Many have also started families during that time. A considerable portion of DACA recipients have been in the United States long enough that they known no other home than America, and would not know what to do if forced to move back to their countries of citizenship.

Reuters contributed to this report
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The head of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has resigned from a group that advises Donald Trump on diversity following the announcement he was scrapping a plan that has allowed up to 800,000 young people remain in the US.

Mr Trumps Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme was being terminated - with a six-month window to allow congress to consider an alternative.

The programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded, said Mr Sessions. The executive branch through DACA deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorise on multiple occasions.

The announcement sparked widespread outcry. Across the country there were reports that students were walking out of schools and colleges in protest.

Also among those to voice their dismay was Javier Palomarez, the head of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). He announced he was leaving the Presidents National Diversity Council in protest over the administrations move.

 Donald Trump's immigration crackdown encapsulated in poignant footage of father being deported

This disgraceful action goes against not only the values of this country, but also against the promise of this administration to focus homeland security resources towards individuals who have committed violent crimes and pose a threat to communities across the country, he said in a statement.

Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Show all 20 1 /20 Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-1 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-2 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-3 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-4 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 28: Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against a ban on Muslim immigration at San Francisco International Airport on January 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends entry of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the entries of all Syrian refugees, as well as barring entries from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days. Stephen Lam/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-5 A crowd of protesters gathers outside of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse as a judge hears a challenge against President Donald Trump's executive ban on immigration from several Muslim countries, on January 28, 2017 in Brooklyn. The judge issued an emergency stay on part of Trump's executive order, ruling that sending refugees stopped at U.S. airports back to their countries would be harmful. Yana Paskova/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-6 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-7 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-8 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-9 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-10 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-11 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-12 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-13 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-14 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-15 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-16 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-17 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-18 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-19 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-20 Passengers wait in line to check in at the American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport August 10, 2006 in the Queens borough of New York City. British authorities arrested 21 people and halted a anallegedly terrorist plot to use liquid explosives concealed in carry-on luggage to blow up airliners traveling between Britain and the U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said that the plot appeared to be directed at U.S. carriers flying out of Heathrow. such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines. Stephen Chernin/Getty

Moreover, rescinding the work permits of almost 800,000 people and forcing them into the shadows is reckless economic policy. Ending the DACA programme will increase the undocumented population in the US and cost the country $280bn in lost economic growth over the next decade, according to a recent study by the CATO Institute.

Mr Palomarez and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton over Mr Trump in last year's election. But since the New Yorkers victory, Mr Palomarez has sought to work with the White House on several policy issues and agreed to be a member of his diversity council.

I tried to work as hard as I could with this administration on this issue and I continue to want to work with them on other issues, like tax reform, like health care reform, and so many other important things, he told CNN.

But I really don't see the logic in doing what we're doing right now.
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Donald Trump has ended a policy that has shielded nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation  but has called on Congress to pass legislation to let the so-called 'Dreamers' stay in the US.

Immigration has been a difficult issue for Congress, with former President Barack Obama having implemented the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme after a lack of action on immigration reform.

The move by Mr Trump is likely to expose deep rifts in the Republican party over the issue, which could make passing new legislation difficult  and leave hundreds of thousands with uncertain futures.

Recommended Barack Obama hits out at Trump over DACA in moving statement

I do not favour punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents, Mr Trump said in a statement. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. Mr Trump had pledged to end DACA during his presidential campaign.

The President later on Tuesday told reporters that he has great love for Dreamers.

Mr Trump's Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision to scrap the DACA programme, calling it an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws and an unconstitutional use of executive authority.

The programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded, Mr Sessions, a longtime DACA opponent, said, adding that the policy was implemented unilaterally, to great controversy and legal concern.

The executive branch through DACA deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorise on multiple occasions, Mr Sessions said.

Mr Obama, who had personally appealed to Mr Trump to keep the programme, called the termination of DACA a political decision and said the targeting of Dreamers was wrong.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us, Mr Obama said. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.

After Mr Sessions' remarks, more than a hundred protesters marched past the Justice Department in Washington singing This Land Is Your Land, This Land is My Land in Spanish and Venceremos, or, We shall overcome.

Hundreds of Dreamers and activists also marched on Trump Tower in New York, stopping traffic along Fifth Avenue. The activists crowded the sidewalks and were corralled by metal barriers that police set up at the last minute to keep order.

 Donald Trump's immigration crackdown encapsulated in poignant footage of father being deported

At least 10 were arrested after sitting down in a line that crossed the avenue, peacefully disobeying the police's orders to evacuate voluntarily. None elected to do so, and each was cheered on by the watching crowds as they were escorted, hands held behind their backs by plastic zip-ties, to a police van.

I think that its a call to action to go put pressure on Congress to put something more permanent in place, Sarai Bravo, a 24-year-old DACA recipient, told The Independent.

Ms Bravo came to the United States from Mexico 20 years ago with her mother to visit her father, who was working in the US. They decided to stay together as a family.

It was a step forward, Ms Bravo said of Mr Obamas decision to implement the DACA program. It showed were not criminals.

Mario Bueno, 24, said he was brought to the US when he was four years old. Receiving DACA has allowed him to try and keep being a good role model for his two younger siblings, allowed him to visit his sick grandmother a year ago in Mexico  and return, legally  and, recently, allowed him to get a barbers license.

Im very worried because I have big dreams, and now that thats happened, my dreams wont be able to come true, Mr Bueno said. I dont know whats going to happen. I dont know if Ill be able to live my dream. Its sad, you know? I want to keep on dreaming. Im only here for a dream, you know?

A majority of the 800,000 Dreamers came to the US from Mexico, and Mexico's Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Sada, said that Mr Trump's decision has created anxiety, anguish and fear.

The term Dreamers comes from the proposed DREAM Act, which would have given unauthorised immigrants legal status in exchange for attending college or joining the military. The bill was first introduced in 2001, and the latest version was voted down in the Senate in December 2010.

The Trump administration has given Congress until March 5 to pass legislation to replace DACA. According to administration officials, the government will no longer accept new applications from undocumented immigrants to protect them from deportation under the programme. But the nearly 800,000 current DACA recipients will not be immediately affected by what Mr Trump referred to as an orderly transition and wind-down of Mr Obamas policy.

Elaine Duke, the acting Homeland Security secretary, said that Mr. Trump chose to wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation.

Under DACA, Dreamers were able to apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the US for two years. After that, they could apply for renewal.

Administration officials have said current programme participants whose permits expire before March 5, 2018, will be able to renew their status if they file applications by October 5. But if Congress fails to act by March, thousands of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children could face deportation.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

White House officials  seemingly realising there is popular support for the 'Dreamers' outside of Mr Trump's base  have made clear in recent weeks that deporting criminals is still the priority. Our enforcement priorities remain unchanged, Mr Trump said in his statement on Tuesday. We are focused on criminals, security threats, recent border-crossers, visa overstays, and repeat violators.

Mr Trump is said to have agonised over the decision, having previously told Fox News in 2011: You have people in this country for 20 years: Theyve done a great job, theyve done wonderfully, theyve gone to school, theyve gotten good marks (and) theyre productive, Now were supposed to send them out of the country? I dont believe in that, he added at the time.

Democrats and immigrant advocacy groups quickly denounced Mr Trump's choice to terminate the programme.

House Minority Nancy Pelosi tweeted, Trumps cowardice is on full display today. His cruelty must not stand! #ProtectDREAMers.

While House Speaker Paul Ryan said last week that he didnt think Mr Trump should rescind DACA, saying it was something that Congress has to fix, he released a statement on Tuesday declaring that the programme was a clear abuse of executive authority even if it was well-intentioned.

At the heart of this issue are young people who came to this country through no fault of their own, and for many of them its the only country they know, Mr Ryan said. Their status is one of many immigration issues, such as border security and interior enforcement, which Congress has failed to adequately address over the years. It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said passing the DREAM Act would be a defining moment for this party. Right means taking care of these kids, he added.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio called on the White House to clearly outline what kind of legislation Mr Trump is willing to sign into law.

Congress now has less than six months to deal with this the right way, through the legislative process, Mr Rubio said in a statement. We have no time to waste on ideas that do not have the votes to pass or that the president won't sign.
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Donald Trump has suggested that he intends to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration programme, but give Congress time to deal with the issue.

What is DACA?

DACA shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Who is protected by the programme?

DACA applies to unauthorised immigrants who were brought to the US as children, a group often referred to as Dreamers.

Immigrants are eligible for DACA if they came to the US under the age of 16 and have lived in the country since June 15, 2007. They cannot have been older than 30 when the Department of Homeland Security enacted the policy in 2012.

Since the Obama administration began DACA, 787,580 people have been approved for the programme, according to government data.

In a recent survey of 3,063 DACA recipients, the average age that respondents said theyd arrived in the US was 6-and-a-half years old. The survey was conducted in August 2017 by Tom Wong of the University of California-San Diego for the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, and other immigrant advocacy groups.

What does DACA do for Dreamers?

If their applications are approved by US immigration officials, Daca recipients can obtain valid driver's licenses, enroll in college and legally secure jobs.

The programme does not give Dreamers a path to become US citizens or legal permanent residents.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

What has the President said about DACA?

DACA is a very, very difficult subject for me, I will tell you. To me, it's one of the most difficult subjects I have because you have these incredible kids, Mr Trump said in February, less than a month after taking office. We're gonna deal with DACA with heart."

Last week, when asked whether Dreamers have anything to worry about, Mr Trump said, We love the Dreamers.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!, the President tweeted on Tuesday morning, suggesting that he is punting the issue over to the legislative branch.

What is expected to happen?

Pulling the plug on the programme could upend the lives of nearly 800,000 people. Mr Trump reportedly plans to end DACA but have a six-month delay in any action regarding the programme, CNN reported.

This would give Congress time to pass legislation that would allow the undocumented immigrants to stay in the country. But it is still unclear how Congress will address the matter and what will be included in a bill.

What have other government officials and politicians said about DACA?

A group of Republican state officials from 10 states, led by Texas, called on Mr Trump to end DACA. They have threatened to sue if he doesnt.

But last week, Tennessee's attorney general said he had changed his mind: Many of the DACA recipients, some of whose records I reviewed, have outstanding accomplishments and laudable ambitions, which if achieved, will be of great benefit and service to our country. They have an appreciation for the opportunities afforded them by our country. ... At this time, our office has decided not to challenge DACA in the litigation, because we believe there is a better approach, Attorney General Herbert Slatery wrote in a letter to his state's US senators.

Democrats and several Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, have asked the President to keep the programme in place while Congress works to find a solution.

I actually don't think he should do that, Mr Ryan said last week regarding Mr Trump's possible termination of DACA.

I believe that this is something that Congress has to fix, the top House Republican told a Wisconsin radio station.
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Donald Trump has announced his is selling Japan and South Korea a substantially increased amount of US military equipment, as the President and his allies look for ways to counter the threat from North Korea.

Amid mounting tension over North Korea aggressiveness, and the USs bellicose rhetoric and sabre-rattling, Mr Trump said he was ready to increase the amount of military hardware in the region - presumably as a bid to deter Pyongyang.

I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States, Mr Trump said on Twitter.

Mr Trumps comment came after the US and its allies scrambled to decide how to respond to recent actions from North Korea.

The East Asian nation has tested up to six missiles in recent months and over the weekend it apparently detonated a thermonuclear device, many more times powerful than the bomb the US dropped on Japan seven decades ago. It has fired missiles over the Japanese mainland, and threatened to fire such devices close to the US territory of Guam.

As Mr Trump made his announcement, a senior North Korean diplomat said his country was ready to send more gift packages to the US.

 Key moments in North Korea's nuclear programme

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion.

I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force, he said, according to Reuters.

He added: The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US.

Ri Chun-hee broadcasting on North Korea TV (The Washington Post)

The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK.

US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said North Korea had defied the international community once again.

We look forward to working with our partners in the (Security) Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK, he told the conference, according to the news agency.

Advances in the regime's nuclear and missile programame are a threat to us allnow is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated. It can no longer be business as usual with this regime.

The White House said on Monday that Mr Trump had agreed in principle to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles in the wake of the Norths latest test. The United States accused North Koreas trading partners of aiding its nuclear ambitions and said Pyongyang was begging for war.
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US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has admitted she is not sure that sanctions will work to deter North Korea from moving forward with developing nuclear weapons, as North Korea promised more "gift packages" for the US following the nation's latest missile test.

Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily, Ms Haley told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington, DC. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles.

The previous day, Ms Haley had accused Pyongyang of "begging for war" as she pushed for harsh sanctions from the UN after the sixth - and largest - nuclear test conducted by the regime of Kim Jong-un.

Recommended Trump has enraged every country he needs to end North Korea crisis

After the latest bomb testing, an official for for North Korea said that the US can expect more shows of military might if it does not stop trying to put pressure on the country.

The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK [North korea] Han Tae Song, an ambassador to the UN in Geneva, said, stating that the bomb tests were the gifts.

He did not elaborate on what he meant by more gift packages.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

The likelihood that the UN Security Council will impose new sanctions on North Korea is pretty slim at the moment. Russia, a permanent member of the 15-country council with veto power, does not seem keen on letting the measures be implemented.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called more sanctions a road to nowhere on Tuesday, and his UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said: I dont think well be able to rush it so fast.

Russia condemns North Korea's nuclear test as provocative, Mr Putin told a televised news conference in China. But he stopped short of expressing willingness to impose more sanctions on North Korea, saying Moscow viewed them as useless and ineffective.

Mr Putin said North Korea's neighbours should engage with it, not whip up military hysteria.

It's a road to nowhere. Whipping up military hysteria  this will lead to no good, he said. It could cause a global catastrophe and an enormous loss of life.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters during her daily press briefing that the Trump administration views the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as a priority, and ruled out no future course of action.

Were going to continue to push for a safer and denuclearised Korean Peninsula, and thats the priority here, Ms Sanders said. All options are on the table to deal with North Korea, including diplomatic and economic measures.

Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been strained this year since Donald Trump took over the Oval Office, with Pyongyang repeatedly testing weapons systems. The North Korean government has raised the stakes in its relationship with Washington through repeated missile and nuclear tests, and is said to have the capacity to place a nuclear warhead on the tip of a missile.

The country tested intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) earlier this year, raising concerns that the country may be able to launch a missile capable of hitting the US mainland soon.

In response to those tests, which were perceived in Washington as threats either against the US itself, or allies in the region, Mr Trump promised fire and fury if North Korea continued to test weapons. The escalation in language between North Korean media sources and Mr Trump has not stopped since then, and the President has indicated that available diplomatic solutions are becoming rarer the longer the conflict continues.

North Korea launched another missile over Japan late last month, adding to concern that the concerns could boil over into full-on war. The United States has pledged to defend both Japan and South Korea in the case of aggression impacting either country, and any attacks on those countries would likely pull the US into a war in the Pacific theatre.

Mr Trump has steadfastly promised to honour those protection commitments since the tensions have flared.

The missile launch over Japan did not yield any casualties, and the warhead landed harmlessly in the sea. Still, the launch was enough to worry the government in Tokyo enough to encourage residents in the flight path to take cover. The missile, which flew nearly 1,700 miles, has also been seen as a powerful and provocative propaganda tool.
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Vladimir Putin has mocked the state of US politics by joking that it is "difficult to have a dialogue with people who confuse Austria and Australia".

"There is nothing to do about it. Apparently thats the level of political culture of a certain part of the American establishment," the Russian President said, according to state funded broadcaster, RT.

He added: "America is really a great nation and the Americans are a great people if they can endure so many people with such a low level of political culture."

Mr Putin was referring to a 2007 gaffe by former US President George W Bush, when he thanked then-Australian leader John Howard for visiting Austrian troops in Iraq.

Mr Bush also mixed up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) during a speech to business leaders in Sydney.

Speaking at a news conference, Mr Putin refrained from making any criticism of current President Donald Trump. He dismissed a question about whether Mr Trump was "naive."

Instead he said Mr Trump was "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Mr Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic US politics.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Russian officials cheered Mr Trump when he was elected last year, and Mr Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with his country.

However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close the Russian consulate in San Francisco have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

Additional reporting from agencies
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Saudi Arabia gave Donald Trump 83 gifts including an artwork of himself and a robe lined with cheetah fur during his state visit to the kingdom, it has emerged.

Mr Trump made his first foreign visit as president to the Gulf state in May, where he lavished praise on the "magnificent" country during a keynote address.

And the response to a Freedom of Information request lodged by The Daily Beast revealed the White House accepted gifts also included a wool robe lined with white tiger fur, nine pairs of leather sandals and a number of swords, daggers and holsters.

A number of traditional Saudi Arabian outfits and head scarves also featured among the gifts

The trip proved controversial after the US President failed to address Saudi Arabias record on human rights in his keynote speech, instead saying: "We are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship."

During the visit, Mr Trump announced a $110bn (77bn) arms deal with the country expected to be worth a total of $350 billion (269bn) over 10 years.

Despite being critical of the Gulf nation in his presidential campaign, the 71-year-old broke with the presidential tradition of visiting Canada or Mexico first and was accused of using the visit to Saudi to shift focus away from domestic uproar over his firing of FBI director James Comey.

The President fired Mr Comey at the start of May, claiming he was "not able to effectively lead the bureau". Critics claimed the dismissal was linked to Mr Comeys role in investigating Mr Trumps allies over alleged dealings with Russia during the 2016 election.

News of the Saudi gifts comes as the President turns his focus to North Korea, as international condemnation of their nuclear weapons testing escalates.

Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images

The US President and South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, have agreed to "maximise pressure" on North Korea, with Mr Trump approving a weapons deal with Seoul worth billions of dollars.

North Korea has threatened to send "more gift packages" if the US continues to put pressure on the regime.
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The man who ghost wrote Donald Trumps most famous book and who famously fell out with the subject, has claimed he will be giving all his royalties to endangered immigrants.

On the day the Trump administration said it was terminating a programme introduced by Barack Obama that had permitted 800,000 undocumented children to remain in the country, Tony Schwartz attacked the President over the royalties from Art of the Deal.

Trump hasnt given $1of Art of Deal royalties to charity. I give 100 per cent of mine. All my donations for now will go to endangered immigrants, he said on Twitter.

Mr Schwartz spent 18 months interview and shadowing Mr Trump for the 1987 The Art of the Deal. During the election campaign, the New York television reality star cited the book as proof of his skills as a negotiator.

But Mr Schwartz fell out with Mr Trump long ago. Last summer, he said that making Mr Trump appear like a smart, sharp businessman was akin to putting lipstick on a pig.

 Eric Trump says his father ignores much criticism so he doesn't kill himself

In an interview with The Independent during the election campaign, Mr Schwartz predicted that Mr Trump would impose martial law if he was elected.

I started out saying  that my highest fear was that because he was so thin-skinned, and because he is so insecure, he is a huge risk to set off, to punch in, the nuclear codes, because he happens to be irritated or frustrated by an enemy, Mr Schwartz said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. 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When I said that, I got a lot of rolling of the eyes from people in the media and other people to whom I was making that case. I think today, people do really begin to understand that this is a volatile man with very low self control.

Last week, the White House said Mr Trump would donate $1m of his own money to relief operations in Houston. Mr Schwartz responded to the news by saying there was no way Mr Trump would follow through with his promise.

No way Trump donates $1m of own money to Harvey victims. He only promises to give. Never actually does, he said on Twitter.

The White House has said it has yet to decide where the funding would be allocated and asked reporters to suggest who should receive it.
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The University of Utah Hospital, where a nurse was manhandled and arrested by police as she protected the legal rights of a patient, has imposed new restrictions on law enforcement, including barring officers from patient-care areas and from direct contact with nurses.

Gordon Crabtree, interim chief executive of the hospital, said at a Monday news conference that he was deeply troubled by the arrest and manhandling of burn unit nurse Alex Wubbels on 26 July. In accord with hospital policy and the law, she had refused to allow a Salt Lake City police officer to take a blood sample from an unconscious patient. Wubbels obtained a copy of the body cam video of the confrontation and, after consulting her lawyer, the hospital and police officials, released it last week.

This will not happen again, Crabtree said, praising Wubbels for putting her own safety at risk to protect the rights of patients.

Recommended Nurse arrested for refusing to take blood from lorry crash victim

Margaret Pearce, chief nursing officer for the University of Utah hospital system, said she was appalled by the officer's actions and has already implemented changes in hospital protocol to avoid any repetition.

She said police will no longer be permitted in patient-care areas, such as the burn unit where Wubbels was the charge nurse on the day of the incident and from emergency rooms.

In addition, officers will have to deal with house supervisors instead of nurses when they have a request.

This will guarantee that nurses devote themselves entirely to patient care without interruptions, she said, while other officials deal with police requests.

The policy was implemented quietly in August, before the incident became public.

The incident, which has attracted nationwide attention in part because of the dramatic video, involved Detective Jeff Payne, who persisted in demanding a blood sample from an unconscious truck driver at the hospital who had earlier been involved in an accident stemming from police pursuit of a suspect.

The hospital and the law in Utah and nationwide require police to have a warrant or permission from the patient to draw a blood sample in such circumstances. Payne had neither.

After Wubbels politely and repeatedly read hospital policy to him and had a supervisor back her up on a speakerphone connection, Payne snapped. He seized hold of the nurse, shoved her out of the building and cuffed her hands behind her back. A bewildered Wubbels screamed help me and you're assaulting me as the detective forced her into an unmarked car and accused her of interfering with an investigation.

On Friday, the police department said two of its employees had been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation but did not give details. A criminal investigation is underway, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, and the city's mayor and its police chief apologised to Wubbels in a statement.

Wubbels recounted the altercation with Payne in interviews with NBC's Today show and CNN's New Day on Monday morning. She told Today hosts that weeks after the incident she didn't feel like police were being held accountable.

The conversations I had with the Salt Lake City police initially were progressive, they wanted to walk down a path of positive change. But I did not have that same response from the university police and the university security, Wubbels said. So it was a little bit of a trigger to say, all right, this is what you need to see. If you're not willing to see it then I'll show it to you.

Wubbels told Today that she didn't want to police the police, but said she and her attorney were considering a lawsuit if the departments involved in the incident didn't update their policies.

On CNN's New Day, Wubbels said she felt betrayed by both Salt Lake City police and university security. She described how she tried to get guards to intervene, saying that Payne seemed angry from the moment he arrived. In the video, university officers can be seen standing by as Payne violently arrests the nurse.

I was scared to death, Wubbels said. I went down into the emergency department to get help, to have someone protect me because I felt unsafe from officer Payne from the beginning.

In Monday's news conference, University of Utah Police Chief Dale Brophy apologised to Wubbels and hospital staff for his early response to the incident. He said he didn't watch the body camera footage until Thursday evening and realised then that he didn't take it seriously enough.

I was able to see firsthand how poorly this situation was handled, Brophy said. This is not how law enforcement professionals should act. He added that Wubbels should not have been subjected to arrest for doing her job and vowed to put his officers through de-escalation training.

The patient Wubbels sought to protect was 43-year-old William Gray, a truck driver who is also a reserve officer with the police department in Rigby, Idaho. Gray was driving down the highway near Logan, Utah, when a suspect fleeing police crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into his tractor trailer. The truck caught fire, and Gray was severely burned in the blaze. The suspect died in the crash.

The Rigby Police Department praised Wubbels's professionalism in a statement Friday and thanked her for standing firm.

Protecting the rights of others is a truly heroic act, the statement read.

Gray was still recovering in the hospital, according to the department. He was not suspected of any wrongdoing in connection with the crash.

Wubbels, 41, has worked as a nurse at the hospital since 2009. She was previously a member of the US alpine ski team and competed in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics. I think many of you know she was an Olympian, said Crabtree. In this event she was truly an Olympic-size hero.

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Hospital officials said she returned to the burn unit about a week and a half after the arrest. Wubbels said Monday she needed the time to give my emotions a rest so that I could come out and be pragmatic and effective in my communication.

I stood my ground. I stood for what was right, which was to protect the patient, Wubbels told CNN. Any nurse, I think, would have done exactly what I did.

The Washington Post
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A 54-year-old British man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at a school in India.

Murray Dennis Ward had been associated for nine years with the New Delhi school run by the National Association for the Blind, initially as a donor and later as a volunteer teacher, police said.

School authorities contacted the police after the boys, aged 14 and 15, complained about the alleged abuse.

Ward appeared before a judge after his arrest and was ordered to be held in police custody while investigations were going on.

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. 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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. 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Police have seized his laptop computer and found some "objectionable videos," local media reports say.

His mobile phone is also being examined over claims he also circulated some videos on WhatsApp.

Ward hails from Gloucestershire in the UK.

He had been working with a technology company in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon until April.

A police officer Ishwar Singh told reporters the British high commission in New Delhi had been informed of the arrest
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The systematic persecution of minority Muslims is on the rise across Burma and not confined to the northwestern state of Rakhine, where recent violence has sent nearly 90,000 Muslim Rohingya fleeing, a Burma rights group said on Tuesday.

The independent Burma Human Rights Network said that persecution was backed by the government, elements among the countrys Buddhist monks, and ultra-nationalist civilian groups.

The transition to democracy has allowed popular prejudices to influence how the new government rules, and has amplified a dangerous narrative that casts Muslims as an alien presence in Buddhist-majority Burma, the group said in a report.

The report draws on more than 350 interviews in more than 46 towns and villages over an eight-month period since March 2016.

Burma's government made no immediate response to the report. Authorities deny discrimination and say security forces in Rakhine are fighting a legitimate campaign against terrorists.

Besides Rohingya Muslims, the report also examines the wider picture of Muslims of different ethnicities across Burma following waves of communal violence in 2012 and 2013.

The report says many Muslims of all ethnicities have been refused national identification cards, while access to Islamic places of worship has been blocked in some places.

At least 21 villages around Burma have declared themselves no-go zones for Muslims, backed by the authorities, it said.

In Rakhine state, the report highlighted growing segregation between Buddhists and Muslim communities and severe travel restriction for the Muslim Rohingyas, which limited their access to health care and education.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh since 25 August, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people.

Rohingya mothers face persecution Show all 10 1 /10 Rohingya mothers face persecution Rohingya mothers face persecution Ramida Begum holds her 10-day-old daughter in their shelter in Kutupalang, an unregistered refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. 'The military caught my husband and burnt our house down a week before I left Myanmar. Since then I don't know whether my husband is dead or alive' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Minara Begum sits inside the shelter, cradling her one-month-old son Ayub. Minara fled to Bangladesh from Nasha Phuru village in Myanmar with her husband and mother-in-law. 'My child doesn't get enough breast milk as I don't eat enough nutritious food. I have to buy milk powder from local market though it's not very good for my son' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Amina, pictured with her 16-day-old daughter Sumaiyin, is in a refugee camp Balukhali that neighbours Ramida and Minara's. 'One and a half months ago the military came to our village and kept firing their guns. I ran away with my neighbours to save our lives. You see us alive here only because the God was so kind. They caught my uncle and my younger brother and we don't know whether they are dead or alive' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Fatema sits beside her one-day-old daughter Aasma in Kutupalang. Fatema fled to Bangladesh from Jambuinna village in Myanmar two months ago after her house was burnt down by the military. She crossed Naf River by boat during the night. 'Our situation is better than many other refugees as my husband Mohammad Alom works here as a day labourer. Many of the new refugees have no work here, so they have to rely on relief' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Jamalida cradles her two-month-old daughter Shahida. Jamalida came to Bangladesh with her husband from Nasha Phuru village in Myanmar Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Rehana Begum lays her one-day-old daughter in front of her inside their tarpaulin shelter. Rehana fled her village of Jambuinna in Myanmar three months ago. 'We were in our home and suddenly the military came to our village and started shooting. When we heard the sound of gun shots we immediately went to our relatives. We walked for four hours without any food and water to reach the border at 1 a.m. We paid 25,000 Myanmar kyat (14) to a broker to cross.' Intercepted by Bangladesh border guards, Rehana's family narrowly escaped being sent home. 'They wanted to send us back, but then we heard gunshots from the Myanmar side and the guards released us, saying, "Stay in Bangladesh and save your lives"' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Noor Begum sits next to her one-day-old daughter Sumaiya as she stares into the camera. Noor came to the camp one-and-a-half months ago from Nagpura village with her husband Jahangir Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Rajuma Begum observes her one-month-old son Raihan. 'I fled to Bangladesh because of fear, because I needed to save my children. I was pregnant and suffering from fever while crossing the border. I also have an 11-month-old boy, so it was very difficult to reach the border from our village Wabek in Myanmar. I had to rest frequently. After six hours of horrible walking we finally reached the border at 2am and crossed after paying a broker' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Eighteen-year-old Asmot Ara rests her newly born daughter on her lap. Asmot said she came to the camp one month ago with neighbours from Nagpura village. In Myanmar her father-in-law was killed and their home burnt down by the Myanmar military Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution As Marijaan holds her 25-day-old daughter Noor Habi, her son peers over her shoulder. Marijaan fled to Bangladesh from Khyeri Prang village in Myanmar one month ago after her house was burnt down by the Myanmar military. 'I reached the border at night and crossed by the boat. I paid the boatman to cross the Naf River' Reuters

The treatment of Burma's roughly 1.1 million Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing Burma de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who critics say have not done enough to protect the Muslim minority from persecution.

The London-based Burma Human Rights Network has been advocating among the international community for human rights in Burma since 2012, it says on its website.

Reuters
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Cambodia's opposition leader has been formally charged with treason and could face up to 30 years in jail if convicted.

Kem Sokha was arrested last weekend for allegedly conspiring with the United States to topple Cambodia's government.

Mr Sokha had been expected to lead his Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in next year's election in a strong challenge against the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power for more than 30 years.

In a message from prison, he wrote: "I may lose freedom, but may freedom never die in Cambodia."

He had been charged with "colluding with foreigners" under Article 443 of Cambodia's penal code, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said in a statement.

"The act of secret collusion with foreigners is an act of treason," it added.

 Archaeologists in Cambodia discover ancient city near Angkor Wat temple

The evidence the government presented is a video of Kem Sokha from 2013 in which he tells supporters of the CNRP he has had American support and advice for his political strategy to win power.

One of the opposition leader's lawyers, Pheng Heng, said what appeared in the video was no crime.

"The legal procedure is wrong and the charge isn't correct," he said. "What he talked about was elections in a multi-party democratic way."

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Sokha's arrest came amid a crackdown on the media. Radio stations among the few mass media to carry voices critical of the government were shut down for alleged breaches of regulations, and the English-language Cambodia Daily, also independent of the government, was forced out of business after being presented with a huge but disputed tax bill.

The arrest and growing pressure on independent media and rights groups have drawn condemnation from the United States and other Western countries, which have raised doubts over whether a general election next year can be fair.

But Hun Sen, one of Asia's longest serving rulers, has won support from China, which has made him one of its closest regional allies and provided billions of dollars in infrastructure loans.

Mr Sokha's predecessor as party leader, Sam Rainsy, was found guilty of defamation in absentia. He lives in exile in France to avoid the conviction, which he says was politically motivated.

Additional reporting by agencies
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China is reportedly expected to back tighter sanctions against North Korea including choking off its oil supply following the country's latest nuclear test.

Analysts believe the latest test, the biggest yet, "hurt Chinas national interests and damaged regional stability".

The detonation which came shortly after two successive missile tests, provoked international outrage.

Wang Sheng, of Jilin University, told the South China Morning Post that Beijing might consider tougher restrictions on trade with Pyongyang, including reducing oil exports, because it was "seemingly the only way to show pressure at this moment,"

Donald Trump's US administration was pushing China to take the step, according to The New York Times reported, adding that senior US officials described it as a last best chance to resolve the crisis by non-military means.

China, North Korea's sole major ally, accounts for about 90 per cent of its international trade and most of its imported energy supply. Beijing sends some 500,000 tonnes of crude oil and 270,000 tonnes of refined products over the border each year, according to United Nations (UN) figures.

But Jia Qingguo, of Peking University, told the South China Morning Post that China would not cut off its neighbour completely to avoid the collapse of the Kim regime and a potential influx of refugees.

Asked at a briefing whether Beijing would consider reducing oil shipments, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said his country "will promote denuclearisation and the maintenance of stability on the peninsula, and promote solving problems on the peninsula through dialogue and consultation."

Vladimir Putin said that imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear missile programme would be counter-productive and said threats of military action could trigger "a global catastrophe".

Speaking after a BRICs summit in China, the Russian President criticised US diplomacy in the crisis and renewed his call for talks, saying Pyongyang would not halt its missile testing programme until it felt secure.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

"Russia condemns North Korea's exercises, we consider that they are a provocation ... [But] ramping up military hysteria will lead to nothing good. It could lead to a global catastrophe," he said.

Russia exports about 40,000 tonnes of oil and related products to North Korea per quarter, Mr Putin said, calling the quantity "negligible".

Germany's leader Angela Merkel, however, said new sanctions were "required urgently".

Additional reporting by agencies
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An annual festival that sees a dog being dressed up in human clothing, carried on a sedan chair and worshipped as a god, has been celebrated by villagers in an area of China.

Conducted every year by the Miao people of Jiaobang village in the Guizhou province, The Dog Carrying Day festival has seen the creatures worshipped for centuries.

Legend has it that the first settlers in the area were saved from dying of thirst by a dog which led them to a water source in the area, an act the settlers believed to be a sign of divinity, according to the South China Morning Post.

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The annual celebration is marked with a parade for the dog which is dressed in a tailor-made shirt and a hat. It is then placed on a wooden sedan chair and carried over a rice paddy, while people sing and beat drums.

A shaman leads the parade and people have mud thrown at them as part of a symbolic gesture to the god for peace, health and prosperity.

People will gather in the streets alongside the parade to show gratitude to the animal and pray for a good harvest in the coming year, according to the Peoples Daily newspaper.

The celebrations include dressing a pooch up in human clothing, and placing it on a sedan chair (REX FEATURES)

The tradition has been observed for generations (REX FEATURES)

Some have criticised the parade however, with people last year claiming online that the parade mistreats the dog by tying a chain around the animals neck.

Others have compared it to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, where thousands of dogs are slaughtered at the event which was founded by traders in 2010 hoping to boost sales.
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North Korea has been observed moving what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast, South Korean media reported, citing an unidentified intelligence source.

The Asia Business Daily said the rocket started moving on Monday, a day after North Korea's sixth nuclear test, and was spotted moving at night to avoid surveillance.

North Korea has launch facilities for its missile programme on its west coast.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

South Korea's defence ministry said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

Yesterday, the defence ministry said in parliament the North was considered to be ready to launch more missiles, including ICBMs, at any time.

"We have continued to see signs of possibly more ballistic missile launches. We also forecast North Korea could fire an intercontinental ballistic missile," said Chang Kyung-soo, a defence ministry official.

In July, North Korea tested two ICBMs that could fly about 10,000km (6,200 miles), putting many parts of the US mainland within range and prompting a new round of international sanctions against Pyongyang.

The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was "begging for war" and urged the 15-member UN Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

US President Donald Trump held calls with foreign leaders on Monday, including South Korean President Moon Jae-in and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the White House declared "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table".

South Korea is talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences in the meantime.

Me Trump and Mr Moon agreed to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles, South Korea's presidential office said, enabling it to strike the North with greater force in the event of a military conflict. The White House said Mr Trump gave "in-principle approval" to the move.

"We believe the unlimited warhead payload will be useful in responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said.
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Every path for North Korea leads to "catastrophe" if Kim Jong-un is toppled, according to a journalist who reported from the country undercover.

Opening up North Korean society is "a completely bleak problem" because citizens "have been deprived of any tools that they need, education, information, sharing tools", Suki Kim said.

Ms Kim authored the book Without You, There Is No Us after working as an English teacher at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, and smuggling notes out of the country.

"Its not a system that they can moderate. The Great Leader cant be moderated. You cant be a little bit less god. The Great Leader system has to break. But its impossible to imagine," she told The Intercept.

She added: "[Military] intervention is not going to work because its a nuclear power. I guess it has to happen in pouring information into North Korea in whatever capacity.

"But then the population are abused victims of a cult ideology. Even if the Great Leader is gone, another form of dictatorship will take its place. Every path is a catastrophe. Id love to offer up solutions but everything leads to a dead end."

The news comes as the crisis on the Korean peninsula threatens to worsen even further, with reports from South Korea on Tuesday that its neighbour was moving a rocket, apparently an intercontinental ballistic missile, towards its west coast.

The Kim regime had conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday, detonating what it claimed was a thermonuclear device measured as being several times more powerful than its previous effort.

Ms Kim warned: "North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons. Never."

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

It echoed the claims of the North's highest-ranking defector, Thae Yong-ho. Mr Thae was the deputy ambassador in London and defected to the South last year.

He said the Kim regime was determined to complete its nuclear weapons development by the end of 2017, and that it would not relinquish them "even if the country is offered $1 trillion or $10 trillion in return".

After North Korea's most recent missile test, Asia expert John Nilsson-Wright told The Independent that gaining a credible long-range nuclear arsenal would provide Mr Kim leverage to focus on economic growthpotentially using it as a bargaining chip to weaken sanctions.
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North Korea's mountainous nuclear test site may be at risk of collapse due to repeated seismic shocks from the blasts, a Chinese scientist has claimed.

The Punggye-ri site is believed to be the location of all the regime's five most recent bomb tests and a researcher said any further detonations could cause the entire mountain to collapse.

It could cause radiation to leak out across the region, including into China, Wang Naiyan, of the China Nuclear Society, told the South China Morning Post. The increased size of the bombs made the risk of blowing the top off the mountain more likely, he added.

The paper said geophysicists at the University of Science and Technology of China in Anhui province had pinpointed all five blasts to the Punggye-ri area.

The US ambassador for the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un was "begging for war" after the latest nuclear test on Sunday, the regime's biggest yet.

North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site (AFP/Getty Images)

Pyongyang claimed to have detonated a thermonuclear warhead which could be fitted onto an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICMB). Then on Tuesday morning the North was reportedly seen moving a rocket resembling an ICBM towards its west coast.

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 test resulted in South Korea boosting its own military capabilities. Washington and Seoul agreed to lift restrictions on South Korean missiles, according to the South Korean presidential office, allowing Seoul to improve its pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North.

Donald Trump has agreed with South Korea's leader, Moon Jae-in, to "maximise pressure" on Pyongyang.
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North Korea has warned it is ready to send "more gift packages" to the US if it continues to put pressure on the regime.

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth and largest nuclear test.

"I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK succcessfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force," Mr Han said.

He told the Geneva forum: "The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US.

"The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

It came after South Korean media citing an unidentified intelligence source said North Korea had been observed moving what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

The Asia Business Daily said the rocket started moving on Monday, a day after North Korea's sixth nuclear test, and was spotted moving at night to avoid surveillance.

North Korea has launch facilities for its missile programme on its west coast.

South Korea's defence ministry, which said the North was considered to be ready to launch more missiles including ICBMs at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

Mr Han went on to say military measures undertaken by North Korea were "an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right" to counter "the ever-growing and decade-long US nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country".

"Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country," Mr Han declared, adding: "The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table."

 Key moments in North Korea's nuclear programme

US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said North Korea had defied the international community once again with its test.

"We look forward to working with our partners in the [Security] Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK," he told the conference.

"Advances in the regime's nuclear and missile programme are a threat to us all... now is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated," Mr Wood said.

"It can no longer be business as usual with this regime."

North Korea's latest test, which it said was a hydrogen bomb, was a huge advance in its push for nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States.

It has led to South Korea boosting its own military capabilities, with Washington and Seoul agreeing to lift restrictions on South Korean missiles they'd previously agreed upon.

The Korean Peninsula has been in a technical state of war since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953.

The near-constant unease has worsened in recent months as North Korea has displayed rapid improvement in its weapons capabilities. The state has tested intercontinental ballistic missiles and a string of other missiles meant to target US forces in Asia and the US mainland.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles for a so-called "kill chain" pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat.

The US has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.
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North Koreans would rather "eat grass" then give up their nuclear weapons programme, Vladimir Putin has said.

The Russian President condemned North Korea's latest military test, but also warned against using military force against the country, calling it a "road to nowhere" that could lead to a "global catastrophe."

North Korea conducted its most powerful nuclear test to date on Sunday, triggering US warnings of a "massive military response."

Rattled by the test, South Korea conducted live-fire exercises at sea in its second straight day of military display.

 Key moments in North Korea's nuclear programme

While Mr Putin condemned the North's nuclear test as "provocative," he stopped short of expressing willingness to impose more sanctions on North Korea, saying Moscow views them as "useless and ineffective."

Mr Putin said North Korea's neighbours should engage with it, not whip up "military hysteria."

"It's a road to nowhere. Whipping up military hysteria  this will lead to no good," he said. "It could cause a global catastrophe and an enormous loss of life."

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

The Russian president, who was in China for a summit of leading emerging economies, told reporters he had remarked to one of his counterparts at the talks that North Korea "will eat grass but will not give up the [nuclear] programme if they don't feel safe."

He said it was important that all parties affected by the crisis, including North Korea, not face "threats of annihilation" and "step on the path of cooperation."
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A rescue ship that has plucked tens of thousands of migrants from the Mediterranean is shifting operations to South East Asia to help Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Burma, the aid group said.

The Malta-based MOAS, or Migrant Offshore Aid Station, announced the decision after Pope Francis had called for an international response to help the Rohingya Muslims.

It said in a statement on Monday it would provide aid on the Burma-Bangladesh border where a deadly exodus is unfolding.

Rohingya mothers face persecution Show all 10 1 /10 Rohingya mothers face persecution Rohingya mothers face persecution Ramida Begum holds her 10-day-old daughter in their shelter in Kutupalang, an unregistered refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. 'The military caught my husband and burnt our house down a week before I left Myanmar. Since then I don't know whether my husband is dead or alive' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Minara Begum sits inside the shelter, cradling her one-month-old son Ayub. Minara fled to Bangladesh from Nasha Phuru village in Myanmar with her husband and mother-in-law. 'My child doesn't get enough breast milk as I don't eat enough nutritious food. I have to buy milk powder from local market though it's not very good for my son' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Amina, pictured with her 16-day-old daughter Sumaiyin, is in a refugee camp Balukhali that neighbours Ramida and Minara's. 'One and a half months ago the military came to our village and kept firing their guns. I ran away with my neighbours to save our lives. You see us alive here only because the God was so kind. They caught my uncle and my younger brother and we don't know whether they are dead or alive' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Fatema sits beside her one-day-old daughter Aasma in Kutupalang. Fatema fled to Bangladesh from Jambuinna village in Myanmar two months ago after her house was burnt down by the military. She crossed Naf River by boat during the night. 'Our situation is better than many other refugees as my husband Mohammad Alom works here as a day labourer. Many of the new refugees have no work here, so they have to rely on relief' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Jamalida cradles her two-month-old daughter Shahida. Jamalida came to Bangladesh with her husband from Nasha Phuru village in Myanmar Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Rehana Begum lays her one-day-old daughter in front of her inside their tarpaulin shelter. Rehana fled her village of Jambuinna in Myanmar three months ago. 'We were in our home and suddenly the military came to our village and started shooting. When we heard the sound of gun shots we immediately went to our relatives. We walked for four hours without any food and water to reach the border at 1 a.m. We paid 25,000 Myanmar kyat (14) to a broker to cross.' Intercepted by Bangladesh border guards, Rehana's family narrowly escaped being sent home. 'They wanted to send us back, but then we heard gunshots from the Myanmar side and the guards released us, saying, "Stay in Bangladesh and save your lives"' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Noor Begum sits next to her one-day-old daughter Sumaiya as she stares into the camera. Noor came to the camp one-and-a-half months ago from Nagpura village with her husband Jahangir Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Rajuma Begum observes her one-month-old son Raihan. 'I fled to Bangladesh because of fear, because I needed to save my children. I was pregnant and suffering from fever while crossing the border. I also have an 11-month-old boy, so it was very difficult to reach the border from our village Wabek in Myanmar. I had to rest frequently. After six hours of horrible walking we finally reached the border at 2am and crossed after paying a broker' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Eighteen-year-old Asmot Ara rests her newly born daughter on her lap. Asmot said she came to the camp one month ago with neighbours from Nagpura village. In Myanmar her father-in-law was killed and their home burnt down by the Myanmar military Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution As Marijaan holds her 25-day-old daughter Noor Habi, her son peers over her shoulder. Marijaan fled to Bangladesh from Khyeri Prang village in Myanmar one month ago after her house was burnt down by the Myanmar military. 'I reached the border at night and crossed by the boat. I paid the boatman to cross the Naf River' Reuters

The ship - named Phoenix - has rescued tens of thousands of migrants from smugglers boats that were distressed, sinking or capsized in the Mediterranean since it began operating in 2014.

However, the number of migrants leaving Libya's lawless coast has plummeted since July. The decrease has been attributed to increased Libyan coast guard patrols and an Italy-backed deal cut with the Libyan militias that long facilitated trafficking to crack down on smuggling instead.

AP
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Adolf Hitler was a sexually confused serial killer whose violence was driven by lust, according to bestselling German author and psychologist, Volker Elis Pilgrim.

In his new book, Hitler 1 and Hitler 2: The Sexual No-Mans-Land, Mr Volker claims the Nazi leader had an orgasm while watching a film in which Austrian soldiers massacre French troops.

He quotes Marianne Hoppe, an actress who was an acquaintance of Hitler, describing a time that she went to the cinema at the dictator's Berlin palace to watch a film called The Rebel.

It featured Austrian troops hurling boulders from a mountain onto the French below.

"Hitler got some kind of thrill and rubbed his knees at this event, as the stones rolled down on the French, and groaned. I don't know if he was crazy, but he got some kind of orgasm," she said. I wanted to leave during the show. The man was creepy.

Mr Pilgrim said he had long had a suspicion that there was a connection between sexuality and violence in Hitler  even more precisely, that it gave him the desire to force men into killing.

He added: However, since the lust for killing is the decisive feature of serial killers, the question inevitably arises: 'Was Hitler a serial killer who murdered for the purpose of his gratification?'

A Day That Shook The World: Hitler elected German Chancellor Show all 3 1 /3 A Day That Shook The World: Hitler elected German Chancellor A Day That Shook The World: Hitler elected German Chancellor 541841.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: Hitler elected German Chancellor 541843.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: Hitler elected German Chancellor 541842.bin Getty Images

"Hitler's...sexuality, I believe, drove the dictator into the most colossal annihilation that man has witnessed," he said.

Mr Pilgrim also speculates about Hitlers sex life, claiming he abstained from sexual relations with his mistress and then wife, Eva Braun.

He references Hitlers friend Ernst Hanfstaengl, who described the Nazi leader as being in a sexual no-mans-land. The Fuhrers former landlord also said he had inspected the bed sheets and found no indication of sex.

Hitler himself wrote that he had overcome the urge to possess a woman physically and said the German nation was his true bride.
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Brexit is a "stupid decision" the British public could still reverse, a senior EU official has said.

Martin Selmayr, a lawyer and chief of staff to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said it was legally possible for the UK to backtrack on it's decision to leave.

Yet he added that he was a "dreamer" and that he anticipated Britain would leave the EU.

Recommended Labour set to order MPs to vote against Brexit repeal bill

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage told The Telegraph the comments were "pig-headed" and showed "a desire to be uncooperative at every step of the way".

Exchanges between British and European negotiators have become increasingly bombastic in recent days

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said he wanted to "teach people" in the UK the consequences of leaving the "club".

Brexit minister David Davis told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that Mr Barnier had appeared "a bit silly" during a news conference.

Continuing the war of words on Monday, Mr Selmayr said: Brexit is bad, and its a stupid decision.

The only people who can reverse it would be the British people and I am not a dreamer, I am a realist. Brexit will happen on March 29, 2019.

He added that it was legally possible for the UK to reverse its decision, but that it would be "arrogant" for EU officials to think they could force it to happen.

The former Ukip leader Mr Farage said: His comments amount to a pig-headed denial in Brussels that Brexit is happening and a desire to be uncooperative at every step of the way.

"He is directly appealing to the Tory rebels and the Labour Party.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

It comes as it emerged that Labour was set to order its MPs to vote against the Government's Brexit repeal bill.

The decision, thought to have been made at a meeting of senior party members, would force the Prime Minister to rely on the Democratic Unionist Party to pass the bill.

Labour has repositioned itself in favour of "soft Brexit", with shadow Brexit minister Sir Keir Starmer saying the party would ask for the UK to remain in the single market, customs union and under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice during any Brexit transition period.
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A tax inspector has smashed the world record for the number of beer tankards carried at once after he managed to carry 29 brimming vessels over 40 metres.

Oliver Strumpfel, a tax inspector, clinched the title at a festival in Bavaria on Sunday after carting dozens of the litre sized glasses which weighed almost 70 kg (154lbs) in total.

The 45-year-old almost carried 31 glasses but unfortunately one glass dropped at the very last moment and another ended up losing more than 10 per cent of its beer.

He was cheered on and then applauded by 1,500 onlookers yelling Oli, oli at the Gillamoos Fair in Abensberg where he carried out the Makrugtragen  otherwise known as beer tankard challenging - challenge.

"I first did 27, because I wanted to be sure and then at the end I said, 'Let's add another one and get over 30'," Struempfel said.

"Unfortunately it didn't quite work, but having managed to put 29 down ... I think it's amazing."

But preparing for the festival in the southeastern Germany city, which is also home to the infamous Oktoberfest which is the worlds biggest beer festival, was no mean feat. Mr Struempfel said he had been training at the gym three to four times a week since February.

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

"When I think about it, it's 200 hours for about 40 seconds of walking," he said afterwards.

The tax collector, who has also done shifts at beer festivals, set the previous world record of 25 jugs in 2014, Munich daily Merkur said.



Additional reporting by agencies
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Swedish journalist Kim Wall died in an accident when she was hit by a heavy hatch cover on board a homemade submarine, the Danish owner of the submarine told a court.

Peter Madsen was holding the hatch for Wall as they sailed in the strait between Denmark and Sweden last month on a submarine he had built, he told a Danish court on Tuesday.

I lose my foothold and the hatch shuts, he said. Kim had been severely hurt and was laying with an intense bleeding. There was a pool of blood where she had landed.

Recommended Mother of Swedish journalist Kim Wall pays tribute after remains found

He said he tried to bury her at sea and intended to take his own life inside the submarine. On 23 August, police identified a headless female torso that washed ashore in Copenhagen as Walls. The cause of her death has not been determined .

The police have charged Madsen with killing the Swedish journalist, a charge carrying a sentence of five years to life in prison. He was arrested after his submarine sank and he was rescued.

The Copenhagen district court will rule on whether to extend his custody and on what charges.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Ms Wall was an experienced foreign correspondent who had reported from Uganda, Haiti and Sri Lanka. Her mother said: She gave voice to the weak, vulnerable and marginalised people. That voice had been needed for a long, long time, now it has been silenced.

Police announced last month they believed Ms Walls body had been weighed down likely with the purpose to make it sink.
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A Russian politician has threatened to "hit Donald Trump with our Kompromat" on state TV.

Speaking on Russia-24, Nikita Isaev, leader of the far-right New Russia Movement, said the compromising material should be released in retaliation over the closure of several Russian diplomatic compounds across the US.

When asked whether Russia has such material, Mr Isaev, who is also director of the Russian Institute of Contemporary Economics, replied: "Of course we have it!"

The exchanges were first translated and reported by Russian media analyst Julia Davis.

Tensions between Russia and the US have been mounting in recent weeks following an order by the state department for the Russian government to vacate three diplomatic compounds.

The measure came after the Kremlin forced the US to reduce its staff in Russia by more than 750 people.

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

State department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the US had complied with Russias demands and had made its own in the spirit of parity invoked by the Russians.

In December, former President Barack Obama closed two of Russia's compounds in Maryland and New York State as part of sanctions on the Russian government for its alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Mr Trump has been plagued by allegations of Russian collusion since his election campaign.

 Ex-MI6 agent behind Trump Russia dossier breaks silence

An explosive dossier compiled by a former British spy earlier in the year included salacious allegations about the former real estate mogul's personal conduct, which many speculated could leave him vulnerable to blackmail by the Kremlin.

The claims made in the dossier remain unverified, with Mr Trump labelling them "fake news", but the special investigation into Mr Trump's ties to Russia has been heating up in recent months.

In September, it emerged Robert Mueller, the special prosecutor assigned to the case, had teamed up with the Internal Revenue Service as part of the investigation.

Last month, Mr Trumps son-in-law and White House adviser, Jared Kushner, met with the Senate Intelligence Committee, telling investigators that he neither colluded with Russians nor knew anyone in the campaign who did.

Mr Trump's former chief of staff Reince Preibus is also due to be interviewed as part of the investigation.
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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has deployed thousands of air, sea and land personnel to the Lebanese border for its biggest military drill in almost two decades, a show of strength designed to intimate Hezbollah and Iran even as their power grows in neighbouring Syria.

Beginning Monday night, soldiers and reservists are simulating a 10-day-long war with the Lebanese militant group to prepare for preserving the current stability in the northern sector, a military official said, as well as scenarios well be facing in the next confrontation with Hezbollah.

The Or Hadagan or Light of the Grain drill - which has taken 18 months to plan - will utilise fighter planes, ships, submarines, drones, cyber and canine units and Israels missile defence system. Two field hospitals and trucks and helicopters for evacuating casualties will also be set up.

 Top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine killed in Syria  group confirms

Elite units will also practice disarming bombs and locating and fighting in the tunnels Hezbollah is believed to have dug in south Lebanon.

The exercise will begin with small border skirmishes and escalate into a full-scale war - with the ultimate aim of permanently vanquishing the Lebanese opponents. Soldiers playing the role of the enemy will don Hezbollahs signature yellow and green flag and guerilla-style uniforms as well as fake weapons and explosive vests.

Both the Shia Lebanese militant organisation and its allies in Iran have sworn the destruction of Israel. Following the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, the two sides agreed to a ceasefire but never signed a formal peace deal, meaning they are technically still at war.

Hezbollahs war in Syria threatens to engulf Lebanon Show all 2 1 /2 Hezbollahs war in Syria threatens to engulf Lebanon Hezbollahs war in Syria threatens to engulf Lebanon nasrallah.jpg Getty Images Hezbollahs war in Syria threatens to engulf Lebanon hezbollah-rocket.jpg Getty Images

Officials in Jerusalem and Tel Avivs main worry as the more than six-year-long conflict next door in Syria has evolved has become Irans political influence over the government of Bashar al-Assad, making Syria a potential site for missiles aimed at Israel, as well as the presence of Irans Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah and other Shia militias which take part in the fighting.

Israeli officials have been keen to stress that Or Hadagan is not a reaction to recent events over the border in Syria, but a long-planned exercise designed to smooth out problems encountered in the 2006 war.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has frequently boasted of how the group has replenished and expanded its arsenal since the last round of conflict, as well as how its 40,000 guerilla fighters have evolved into skilled combatants thanks to battlefield experience in Syria. It is now thought to possess 100,000 short-range rockets as well as medium-range missiles capable of landing deep inside Israel.

Every time an Israeli official refers to Hezbollah's growing power, he admits Israeli defeat in the summer of 2006, he said in a recent speech.

Last month, the Israeli and US delegations to the UN accused international peace keeping forces of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah arms smuggling into Syria.

While the IDF largely stays out of the complicated conflict next door, the border region is restive and Israeli air strikes in Syrian territory in the last few years have aimed to prevent the movement of weaponry.

The last time the IDF held a drill of this scale was in 1998, when it simulated a seven-day war with Syria. The two countries have technically been in a state of war for decades.
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The Syrian army has managed to break an Isis siege on the eastern town of Deir Ezzor for the first time since the militants surrounded it three years ago, Syrian state TV has said.

Activists and UK-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed that government troops and their allies had reached the western outskirts of the city amid fierce fighting on Tuesday.

Isiss defences collapsed, SOHR said, allowing the army to dismantle the mines around the besieged Brigade 137 airbase, allowing besieged troops and advancing forces to reunite.

 Footage shows Isis schoolgirl Linda Wenzel being captured in Iraq

Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have made steady gains on the jihadi militants desert position for several months with help from Lebanons Hezbollah and Russian air support. In the past few days, the pace at which the Syrian army has retaken territory has increased rapidly.

The army command said in a statement that reaching Deir Ezour marks "a strategic turn in the war against terrorism", and that the city will be used as a "launching pad to expand military operations in the region".

The offensive is being led by General Suheil al-Hassan, who is known as the Tiger.

Gen Hassan has been behind several recent government victories - including the capture of east Aleppo in December 2016, the government's biggest victory since Syria's conflict began in March 2011.

President Assad's office released a statement saying he had called to congratulate the commanders who were fighting for Deir Ezzor.

Russias Defence Ministry confirmed that a Russian warship in the Mediterranean had fired cruise missiles toward Isis targets in Deir Ezzor province on Tuesday, destroying a communications and command centre, ammunition depots and an armoured vehicle repair shop. Opposition activists reported heavy fighting in an area adjacent to where the siege line had been broken.

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

Liberating the city will mean relief for Deir Ezzors estimated 70,000 residents, who have been reliant on erratic UN air drops of food, medicine and other supplies since fighting over the city broke out in late 2014.

Syrian media has said that civilians have already begun celebrating Isiss defeat. Pictures and video widely shared on social media could not be independently verified.

Ousting Isis from Deir Ezzor will be the latest victory for Mr Assad, who has slowly gained the upper hand against Islamist and other rebel groups since Russia intervened in the conflict in 2015.

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The militants are also under significant pressure in their de facto capital of Raqqa, south of Deir Ezzor, where the US-backed Arab and Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has retaken the Old City in a battle which has seen significant civilian casualties.

Kurdish militia flags now fly over the city's ancient mosque as fighters prepare to take the jihadists on in the most well-defended neighbourhoods of the town.

Isis lost control of its largest city, Mosul in neighbouring Iraq, in July.

The crumbling of Isiss caliphate is leading the militants to adopt increasingly desperate measures to hang on to their remaining territory and impose their rules on people under control.

New research from IHS Markits Conflict Monitor suggests that the jihadis are urging women to the front line as the number of available men decreases  a significant detour from their previous stance on appropriate roles for women.

 Liberated from Isis, women burn their burqas and men shave off their beards

Despite Isiss claims to the contrary, urging women to seek an active role in combat is most likely an attempt to reduce the impact of severe manpower shortages caused by the decimation of male fighters, and a recruitment crisis, said Ludovico Carlino, a senior analyst.

While the group has used female suicide bombers in the past, it has not done so in the concentration seen in Mosul, he added. It is as yet unclear whether the spike in female suicide bombings is simply a result of the final pockets of Isis resistance with women compelled by the group to execute those attacks, or whether it represents the beginning of a wider trend of female fighters willing to take part in the groups battles.

The latest issue of the groups propaganda magazine Rumiyah has called on women to take up arms during the current times of intense trials and extreme hardships.

Even so, observers believe that Isiss days as a land-holding force are numbered. The organisation is expected to mount a fierce insurgency across both countries, however, and step up its terror attacks around the world.

News agencies contributed to this report
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Portland is perhaps, the most parodied city in the US. Known for earnest obsessions with local breweries, third-wave coffee, street food and a music scene unembarrassed by the ukulele, it can seem more like a sprawling, ongoing hipster meet-up than the West Coast state of Oregons largest city.

Its rep has so far inspired seven seasons of sketch comedy Portlandia, which affectionately and mercilessly lampoons Portland culture. Take the Is the chicken local? sketch (to which the waitress responds, His name was Colin, here are his papers; and the Dream of the 1890s song (When kids grew up to be artisan bakers and everyone pickled their own vegetables).

But though many have taken it upon themselves to represent Portland, how does Portland represent itself? I thought Id find out by exploring a time-honoured Portland tradition  the Pickathon music festival.

On paper Pickathon, which rambles across farm and woodland just east of the city, is a Portlandia sketch made flesh. Stages double as art installations: this year, the Treeline stage was made from interlocking wooden gable trusses that, post-festival, are to be converted into sleeping pods for the homeless. (Yes, really.) Its also aggressively eco-friendly: theres no litter, as everyone gets one cup and one plate to reuse for the three-day duration. (Somehow, Portlanders make toting their dishware look cool, steel cups hanging artfully from belt loops.)

The Treeline stage at Pickathon, which will be converted into shelter for the homeless (Dylan Van Weelden)

There is also a ticketed Curation Series, where a reservation gets you into a secret field to eat a meal matched to a band. The band performs as youre served food by Portlands latest hot chefs, and a local mixologist pairs the drinks. Plus, the Pickathon line-up is wilfully obscure and often improbable: Saturday night kicked off with Swedish prog-rockers Dungen playing along to a screening of a German animated film from 1926, The Legend of Prince Achmed, and ended with a Mongolian throat-singing group.

Guests sit down to dinner at the Pickathon Curation Series (Dylan Van Weelden)

The Curation Series matches food to a special set from a band (Dylan Van Weelden)

In person Pickathon is, in fact, exactly like it is on paper: incredibly, unapologetically Portland. Only, turns out thats not to be mocked  its utterly, revealingly brilliant. Pickathon is very much like oddball Portland, says Zale Schoenborn, who founded the festival almost 20 years ago. I love this city; theres no other place like it in the States. Terry Groves, the man who books the music, agrees: Weve definitely become a Portland thing  were this festival in this town.

Things that make Pickathon perfectly Portland: thousands of music fans dutifully scraping leftovers into composting bins. A head-banging set by garage rockers Meatbodies on a fantastical stage made entirely of sticks. A line of glowing, giant singing mushrooms tucked into the dark depths of the woods. (It was a piece called Fungully, by artists Nickie B and Ryan Ramage.) People sleeping out in hammocks strung between trees. A woodland reading room featuring a book of illustrations called Upset Cats.

The magical Wood Stage, constructed from sticks (Laura Chubb)

Obscure tomes in the woodland reading room (Laura Chubb)

But, most of all, that when Pickathon stages shows in a trippy shed called the Galaxy Barn, or serves vegan soba noodle bowls, it doesnt do so cynically; its just being Portland. I came to think of it as the best of the city concentrated into one long, summer weekend. Even the weather plays along, forgoing the typical gloom for 38C sunshine. Its a fantasy wonderland, a hopeful little utopia, where you just camp in the woods, eat fried chicken and biscuits for breakfast and enjoy art. What could possibly be wrong with that?

It doesnt make much money, but thats sort of the point. Pickathon is a horrible business model, because there is a whole laundry list of things we do that fall under bad festival math, says Zale. But the things we do make for an awesome human experience. Like: they only sell 3,500 tickets per day, so the site isnt rammed full. (And believe me, that makes a wonderful and welcome difference to the festival toilet situation.) They pick acts according to who their cool friends say are killing it right now, as opposed to big ticket draws  which is why youll have heard of basically no-one on the bill. It makes every time you wander by a Pickathon stage a potential portal to discovery. And well never sell water or charge $11 for a crappy beer, says Zale. (You fill up your allocated cup at free water stations, and pick from local brews priced from a decent $6 a cup.) Like Zale said: There are enough festivals that are just business models. Its the art of the better party.

Sweet Spirit perform in the Galaxy Barn, essentially a trippy shed (Dylan Van Weelden)

Something else about Pickathon  remember that time someone edited the Reading festival poster to show only bands on the line-up featuring females, and it looked completely bare? So not Pickathon. The best acts I stumbled across were invariably genre-confounding women: Xenia Rubinos, a fierce Puerto Rican-Cuban from Brooklyn playing furious and vital hip-hop-meets-funk-meets-rock; Jay Som, a Filipina-American multi-instrumentalist who writes dreamy bedroom pop; and A-Wa, a trio of Israeli sisters fusing traditional Yemenite folk music with EDM. Theres a lot of female-driven music from the indie world, Terry told me ahead of the festival, because I feel women are doing the best work in that arena right now. Praise be.

Art installations are tucked into the woods (Dylan Van Weelden)

Pickathons main stage at night (Dylan Van Weelden)

So, how does Portland represent itself? With hipster tropes aplenty, sure. But rather than sneer at diverse and excellent music, thoughtfully sourced food and drink, fun, interactive art and man-plaited-pigtails (at Pickathon, the new man bun), I think Ill just enjoy them instead.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Delta Air Lines (delta.com) launched seasonal, non-stop flights between Heathrow and Portland this summer, taking off four times weekly between late May and October.

Pickathon runs a free shuttle bus between the festival site and the Clackamas Town Center MAX light rail stop (trimet.org/max). Its easily reached by taking the MAX red line towards town directly from the airport, and changing onto the green line at Gateway/ NE 99th Transit Center. Tickets cost $2.50.

Staying there

Camping is by far the best way to experience Pickathon. Theres plenty of space to pitch up in the woods, plus designated quiet camping zones if you need your shut-eye, and designated jam zones if you want to meet up with fellow musos and, you know, jam. Camping is included in the weekend ticket price, which in 2017 was $310.

More information

Pickathon takes place annually in early August. Keep up to date on Pickathon 2018 at pickathon.com.

More on Portland at travelportland.com.
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Plastic water bottles and cups, Styrofoam take-out containers with half-eaten food, plastic carrier bags; a trail of waste mingling with carbon dioxide fumes erupts from miles of cranky buses, carrying tired yet exultant pilgrims alongside dusty desert roads. These are the environmental remnants of the worlds largest annual pilgrimage. Its a sorrowful sight  the antithesis to the once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience that is Hajj.

Going green may seem the obvious choice as we continue to learn more about the effects of climate change, but for Muslims, the protection and maintenance of nature isnt just a social responsibility  its also a religious one. According to the Quran, every human being is a steward of the earth, responsible for the care and wellbeing of nature in all its forms, due to, in the words of environmentalist Othman Llewellyn, humanitys enormous ability to do both good and evil; with ability comes responsibility.

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So, when approximately three million pilgrims descend upon Mecca and Medina  Islams most holy places  during the Hajj pilgrimage, the environmental impact is cause for concern.

Six years ago, Dr Husna Ahmad OBE, CEO of the UK-based international development NGO Global One, created the worlds first Green Guide to Hajj in collaboration with ARC. She reflects that perhaps Muslims in 2017 are more aware of their responsibility to the environment and more active in contributing to positive change.

I set out with a very ambitious plan for the guide but unfortunately I think six years ago when it was produced the Muslim world was not ready to really take action, she says. I am still very hopeful that others will continue this work and really push pilgrims to walk lightly on this earth, and use their consumer power to demand that travel agents think about climate change.

Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage that must be done by Muslims once in their lifetime (Getty Images)

The guide uses extensive theological grounding from the Quran and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad to ponder the environmental destruction pilgrims may be causing, as well as offering practical guidance on how to experience a more spiritual, sustainable pilgrimage.

Dr Ahmad argues UK Muslims should be at the forefront of creating a greener Hajj: While we need to be aware of the poor economic condition of Muslims in the UK, that is still not a good enough excuse for our lack of engagement on climate change. Muslims are becoming more aware of the responsibilities as stewards of this planet, especially Millennial Muslims who are very conscious of the environmental impact of our actions.

A significant factor in the environmental impact of Hajj tourism is the rise in the number of pilgrims and Saudis extensive and continuous expansion and reconstruction of holy sites and hotels. Its not unusual to hear Hajjis (the title given to those whove performed the Hajj) declaring the number of times theyve performed this ritual pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of the Prophet of Islam. Although it isnt forbidden to undertake Hajj multiple times, the environmental teachings of Islam together with scientific findings should, in theory, discourage excessive journeys.

Over three million people undertake Hajj each year (AFP/Getty Images) (AFP/Getty)

It is important that people realize its irresponsible to take multiple Hajj trips, because the pressures of having a convergence of three million people mean theres inevitably an environmental impact, says Dr Ahmad, who suggests quotas as a practical way of tackling the problem.

The Saudi government undoubtedly faces a colossal challenge in managing this unique form of tourism, but progress is being made. Saudi Arabia is working hard to bring solar energy to the Kingdom with a $50 billion push to promote solar and wind energy, and has installed the Makkah Metro for pilgrims, says Dr Ahmad.

By 2018 there should be a fully functioning high-speed railway line, serving Mecca, Medina and the entry city for Hajj pilgrims, Jeddah. Some hotels, such as the Movenpick Anwar Al-Madinah, pride themselves on educating both staff and members of the community on sustainable practices. Sameh El Nashar, the hotels general manager and head of its environment committee, has implemented a detailed action plan, which ensures business activities do not impact cultural and natural heritage sites; prioritises environmentally friendly waste products; and continually raises awareness of sustainable practices.

There are guides for pilgrims to have a greener Hajj (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Others have joined Dr Ahmad on her quest to create a greener Hajj. Dr Fachruddin Majeri Mangunjaya of Universitas Nasional in Jakarta has long been encouraging Indonesian travel agents to consider sustainable travel, and is now offering pilgrims the worlds first Green Hajj app. Like the Green Guide to Hajj, the app aims to educate pilgrims about their responsibilities as stewards of the earth and to motivate them to do their bit for the environment.

So what can pilgrims do to be environmentally responsible travellers, reduce their carbon footprint and experience the Hajj in a way that is more spiritually rewarding?

Conserve water

Prophetic tradition teaches Muslims to use water sparingly, even if one finds themselves at the mouth of a river.

Choose a green airline

The newest aircrafts tend to fly the most efficient and least polluting planes.

Walk or cycle

It may seem like a hefty and daunting task, but some pilgrims choose to travel to Saudi by foot or bicycle. It may take longer to get there, but a worthwhile endeavour considering the environmental value and spiritual satisfaction.

Pick a hotel that cares

Dont leave it up to your travel agent to book your hotel; often theyve bought rooms a year or two in advance and environmental responsibility doesnt tend to feature in decision making. Do your own research to discover which hotels are committed to green practices.

Pack a re-usable water bottle

Refill, rather than purchase bottled water which contributes to the creation of waste.

Avoid plastic bags

Use reusable cloth totes instead.

Buy local

Swap familiar fast-food chains which tend to import their ingredients from Europe and South America for independent cafes and restaurants using local produce. The same goes for souvenirs; buy from vendors selling locally crafted products.

Get involved

Join climate action groups, such as IFEES and MADE NGO, and help educate the UKs Muslim community on their responsibility as caretakers of the earth. Vocalise your environmental concerns to travel agents, airlines and hotels.
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Gusts of up to 185mph have been predicted for the north-east Caribbean as Hurricane Irma gather strength in the Atlantic. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) is warning that the eye of Hurricane Irma will move near or over portions of the northern Leeward Islands Tuesday night and early Wednesday.

Antigua, Anguilla and the Virgin Islands are likely to be badly affected by high winds as the hurricane progresses west. Puerto Rico, the north coast of the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Cuba could also sustain damage.

The NHC predicts water levels could rise by as much as 9 feet above normal tide levels. "Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves," it says.

The Florida Governor, Rick Scott, has declared a state of emergency for every county in the state to help state, federal and local governments work together .

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The Foreign Office is warning: "Hurricane Irma is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to north eastern parts of the Caribbean from around 6 September; you should follow the advice of the local authorities and any evacuation orders."

British Airways has already started cancelling flights, saying: "As a result of the expected storm caused by Hurricane Irma, we have been advised by Antigua airport authorities that operations will be significantly impacted on Tuesday 5 September.

BA has cancelled the morning flight from Gatwick to Antigua, which normally continues to the island of Tobago.

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It says: We are doing all we can to get our customers to their final destinations and some customers will be able to re-book with Caribbean Airlines via Port of Spain or with our partner American Airlines via Miami.

We are keeping our flights to other Caribbean islands under review, pending the latest information from the airport authorities.

Virgin is rearranging its Antigua flights on Tuesday, and is allowing passengers due to travel to, from and through Antigua to postpone their journeys until the end of September.

Delta Airlines is allowing passengers booked on Tuesday and Wednesday to San Juan in Puerto Rico, St Croix and St Thomas in the Virgin Islands and St Maarten to postpone their journeys without penalty.
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Young clubbers are shunning Ibiza as the island becomes more popular with middle-aged holidaymakers according to new data.

Thomas Cook has revealed that millennials are staying away from the famous party island and booking more affordable breaks in Greece.

Over the past five years one in six bookings for Ibiza have moved from those under 30 to people in the 30-39 age range, as those who enjoyed the destination in their twenties keep on returning.

These older visitors to the White Isle have more money to spend and different tastes, which has seen a rise in VIP clubbing experiences, designer hotels and wellness activities during the day.

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Thomas Cook has also seen family holidays rise by 6 per cent as Ibizas regulars move into the next phase of life.

Greece has benefited from the change, with year-on-year bookings increasing for the under-25 age group. Kos and Zante have seen bookings double for under 25s since 2009, while bookings for over 50s are declining year on year.

The young partygoers are heading to Kardamena in Kos and Zantes Laganas Strip according to the travel agent.

Tony Hopkins, Thomas Cooks UK product director, said: Ibiza is changing as its customers tastes change. The happy hardcore of the 1990s and early 2000s is giving way to chillout beats to suit a growing band of thirty-somethings and their young families. Its always been a cool destination and its now getting more exclusive. The hotels on the island have invested wisely in their offer to customers which has kept them coming back as their tastes and priorities change.

Kos and Zantes dedicated party areas are attractive to young revellers looking for a more affordable alternative to Ibiza. Greece is having a bumper year and these emerging party islands just help to broaden Greeces offer even more.
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We are repeatedly told that the 2016 referendum means that Parliament has no choice but to deliver Brexit. Failure to do so would be undemocratic, and would demonstrate that Parliament holds the voters in contempt.

It is high time to expose this nonsense.

Leave aside for a moment the question of what voters thought they were voting for although, as Philip Hammond has argued, it seems unlikely they were voting to make themselves poorer.

Leave aside also the question of why it was legitimate for opponents of the European Union to argue their case following the 1975 referendum, but it is now illegitimate for their opponents to maintain their arguments following the 2016 referendum.

 Keir Starmer: Theresa May must 'face down' the Brexiteers in her Government

The real reason why repeated attempts to silence the argument against Brexit are so dangerous is that by claiming democratic authority for their position the Brexiteer faction  for that is what they remain  demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of the nature of democracy itself.

They reduce a democratic culture to the status of a transaction. The voters are asked a question; they provide an answer; go, do.

No democrat should entertain this diminished understanding of democracy for a single moment. Real life is lived in real time. Circumstances change; reality changes; opinions change.

Democracy is the means by which the ministers who make these decisions are subject to constant challenge, and required to provide day by day explanation and justification for the actions they take in our name.

It is hard to imagine a more important time for a vigorous and challenging democratic debate.

 Anna Soubry attacks hardline Brexiteers for macho governing

For most of the post-war period the majority of voters, and a larger majority of political and other leaders, regarded it as obvious that Britains interests lay in developing closer links with our neighbours in Europe with whom we share common bonds of history, geography and culture.

For all its faults, the European Union has been the means by which we have pursued these interests and it has been an essential part of our governance.

There are irritants of course. Like all organizations the EU is capable of saying and doing silly things, and it is sometimes slow to recognize the blindingly obvious. It regularly presents easy targets for populist politicians and journalists.

But that hardly makes it different. The NHS is frequently likened to a national religion, and the values it represents secures virtually unanimous support in Britain, but any news editor will confirm that even so widely supported an organization as the NHS provides a ready source of easy stories about bureaucratic tin ears.

 'No decisive progress' on Brexit, says EU negotiator Michel Barnier

The real scandal of current British politics is not the fact that the EU is no more perfect than any other human organization; it is the unwillingness of Parliamentarians of all political colours to provide effective democratic challenge to a government which is prejudicing relationships and institutions which, until a few short months ago, were regarded as vital national interests.

Far from improving the accountability of decision-makers, the effect of the EU referendum has been to provide ministers with a shield which prevents their decisions being questioned.

For nearly half a century, successive British governments of all political complexions have believed that it is in our essential national interests to be part of the process which makes the decisions which shape our continent.

Those decisions have never been purely economic. Is it a matter of economics or food safety to decide whether we eat chlorine-soaked chicken? Is it a matter of economics or environmental concern to decide whether we drive diesel cars? The answer in both cases is both. They are important because they shape the food we eat and the air we breathe and they are also important because they shape the market in which our businesses trade.

The democratic question is who makes the decisions and how are they accountable?

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The EU answer is that the Single Market, supported by the Customs Union, has allowed us to make these decisions in ways which balance different interests and create an open market across Europe for the resulting goods and services. No-one believes it is perfect, but it has underwritten both continued expansion of the economies of Western Europe, including our own, and the successful development of the economies of central Europe following the collapse of their Russian-inspired communist regimes at the end of the 1980s. It has also underwritten an unprecedented growth of trade between Europe and the rest of the world.

The result has been not merely the creation of the worlds largest free trade area but, much more importantly, the development for the first time in history of open liberal societies across the whole of Europe; and it has allowed Europe as a whole to play a full part in the development of liberal societies across the globe.

By any normal political standards this would be regarded as a stunning success. Successive generations of European politicians have set out reasonably consistent objectives, pursued them reasonably consistently, and ultimately delivered them.

Britain has been part of the process, partly because we embrace the objectives for ourselves, but also because we believe their adoption by others makes our continent a safer and more stable place to live.

That is what is now at risk.

The referendum is being used as an excuse to withdraw Britains support for this process and to describe any opposition as undemocratic.

In place of the successful commitment of half a century to build a community of like-minded nations with a commitment to mutual security and common interests, our government is pursuing a destructive agenda which owes more to short term political calculation than it does to any coherent view of Britains interests and security.

Britain's Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis and European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (Reuters)

And what is the response?

Despite the welcome recent willingness of the Labour leadership to make the case for an extended transitional period, it remains true that no party has set out a remotely credible version of what lies at the end of the transitional period  however long it may be.

Our politics is a masterclass in cynicism. The government is embarked on a course which the majority of ministers and backbench MPs continue to believe  as they argued last year  will profoundly prejudice our essential national interests. The majority of opposition MPs share the view of their government colleagues but choose to watch the process unfold largely in silence.

That is why it is so important for cross-party, pro-European voices to come together to challenge Britains drift towards Trumpian isolationism.

Of course we must hear the voters voice. But democracy is a dialogue in which all voices should be heard. And it must allow voters to change their mind.

It has never been more important.

Stephen Dorrell is chair of the European Movement UK and a former cabinet minister. Follow the European Movement UK on Twitter @euromove
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With rather less ermine, no gilded carriages and no sign of silver-stick-in-waiting around the place, the Scottish government has unveiled the equivalent of the Queens Speech at Westminster. As with Nicola Sturgeons style generally, it is a brisk, businesslike affair, concentrating on what even she has conceded is her day job.

This time round, pushed back by the uncertainty of the Brexit talks and, more definitively, a disappointing result in the UK general election earlier this year, there is little talk about indyref2, and less about Scotland trying to stay in the single market when (or if) the UK leaves the European Union. The focus has shifted.

This is as it should be. Ms Sturgeon, though she seems unwilling to be entirely candid on the point, has heard what the Scottish people have had to say about another great painful national argument about seceding from the UK. They would, on balance, like their politicians to stop banging on about independence, and to get on with fixing Scotlands schools, which have shown an alarming slide in basic standards in recent years, on the Scottish National Partys watch.

She is to reform, on surprisingly Blairite lines, the governance of Scottish secondary education, devolving more power to headteachers. She has placed in charge of her reforms a man considered (at any rate) to be one of her most able lieutenants, John Swinney. That is a token of the importance the Scottish First Minister attaches to this particular task. Besides, she has always been passionate about securing the best possible future for Scotlands children and young people  and has come to realise that her administration has failed to deliver it. To see the Scot Michael Gove pushing exam standards up across the border might have been doubly galling. At any rate, Ms Sturgeon seems to be on a better track than she was before.

 Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP: All you need to know

There are other initiatives which show how devolution can spur innovation, especially in social reform, making changes, as before, in the nations and regions that will no doubt be adopted nationally in due course (though one can never rely on Northern Ireland, even when it did have its own government).

The Alan Turing law, by which gay men convicted of sexual offences in the dark ages of intolerance and persecution will be pardoned, is a prime example of that moral and political leadership. While Whitehall has dithered, content with making a few token gestures to high-profile cases, there has been less interest in the many thousands of prosecutions for acts that were considered, even by many in their time, as harmless matters of private sexual mores. Some, as we know now, were the product of police entrapment. Scotland was no less brutal at that time than England in the 1950s, say, but it is now leading the way towards comprehensive equality. It will be something for Scotland to be especially proud of.

It may be that lifting the cap on public sector pay increases in Scotland helps drive the Treasury to a wider relaxation of austerity across the country, but in both cases the conundrum remains about funding, or lack of it. Brexit is never far away from most issues of public policy, and the Chancellor knows that the UK's public finances have to be as steady as they can be as a chaotic Brexit looms ever larger. The potential shock to the UK economy is real and would be severe; even a soft Brexit with a leisurely transition period would hit investment, as it has already.

Ms Sturgeon, like Mr Hammond, has the option of moving expenditure from elsewhere or to raise taxes to pay for the rise, but, unlike her, he can also borrow. So far she has proved remarkably unwilling to use the new financial powers to raise taxes that have been granted to her.

Ten years into the SNPs rule in Scotland, more or less in control of the Scottish parliament for the whole decade, the SNP is taking on the mantle and role of the establishment, where it was once an insurgent. Nowadays the protest votes go to Labour, or the Scottish Conservatives even. As problems in schools, in the Scottish NHS, and in the public finances build up, Ms Sturgeon can no longer fling the blame south, or at least she can do so with less conviction than in the days when Labour ran everything. She knows that getting the day job right is essential if she wants to then push on for another try at independence. That is why she is concentrating on it with especially sharp attention: it is a means to an end she still has her gimlet eyes on.
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In remarks of staggering condescension, Michel Barnier, the European Unions chief negotiator for Brexit, recently said that it was his job to educate the UK about the price of leaving the EU club. Brexit would be an educational process for the UK, he added.

How Barnier must have loved patronising us with these remarks. For Barnier was a Gaullist during his lengthy career in French politics. And for reasons that went back to the Second World War, General de Gaulle, who was President of France from 1958-1969, strongly disliked Britain. My guess is that Michel Barnier does too.

Is it really necessary, you may ask, to excavate the history of seventy years ago to explain off-the-cuff remarks made at a conference in Italy last week? In this case it is. When German forces overran France in 1940, De Gaulle, with a few followers, was able to escape to London. It was from London that he made his famous broadcast on 18 June exhorting the French people not to be demoralised and to continue to resist the occupation of France.

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year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. 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However, and this is the key, de Gaulle ever afterwards remembered his four years in London as a series of humiliations. The sinking of Frances Mediterranean fleet at Mers-el-Kebir in July 1940 by the Royal Navy in order to keep it out of the hands of the Germans always rankled. He also felt he was a largely ignored in London. At American insistence, he was not informed of the Allied landing in French North African territory before they took place. France was not invited to the wartime negotiations between the Allies such as the Yalta talks. And after the war was won, France was effectively shut out of all major decisions over Germany.

So Barniers remarks should be seen as a bit of a payback for wartime humiliations on one of the few occasions when such revenge became possible. But while he gets on with educating us, I should like to remind him of some aspects of Frances policy towards Europe.

 Emmanuel Macron reiterates that there is only one Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier

It is powerfully driven by fear of Germany. This has been a constant. In 1950, for instance, following the start of the Korean War, US President Truman, proposed that Germany should be rearmed and integrated into the defence of Western Europe. The French vehemently opposed the American plans. Then five years later, when negotiations to form the European Economic Community, a predecessor of the European Union, were under way, Frances default position was that French industry should be protected until it was strong enough to meet German competition. But finally France agreed to open its market in return for preferential access for its meat, dairy and grain products (the famous Common Agricultural Policy).

The last time that France was able to control Germany was at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In French eyes, Germany divided was reassuringly weak; Germany united would be frighteningly strong. Faced with this, the French President, Francois Mitterrand, came to believe that a single European currency was the only way for other European countries to regain the sovereignty they had already lost to Germany  and in particular to the German central bank, which maintained a super-strong Deutsche Mark.

 Michel Barnier: A 'fundamental divergence' remains between the EU and the UK

Hans Kundnani tells in his recent book, The Paradox of German Power, how in September 1989, the French President remarked to Thatcher that without a common currency we are all already subordinate to the Germans will. In due course this deal was enshrined in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992. Thus the eurozone and the euro were created not for profound economic reasons but to assuage Frances perennial fear of German power.

With such origins, it is not surprising that the eurozone has not worked well. Nor did its invention prevent Germany gaining leadership of the European Union with France trailing behind. So no surprise, really, that on the very day that Emmanuel Macron was elected French President (7 May 2017), he had a 10-minute phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and told her that he would travel to Berlin very quickly. He duly arrived in Berlin on 19 May.

No newly appointed British Prime Minister feels he or she should take the first plane to Berlin. Indeed I suspect that what really sticks in Barniers throat is that the British, unlike the French, are not the least bit frightened of Germany.
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With reference to the article about recruitment to the UK's armed forces (Britain's armed forces being 'hollowed out' as recruitment stalls, Government-commissioned study finds), I would like to share my son's experiences in trying to join the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.

George sat the entrance exams for the Royal Navy, passing well enough to be recruited as a trainee chef. Then came the medical. He was declared fit, but when asked to wink, he could not wink with his left eye and so was banned from ever joining the Navy.

He next attempted to join the Royal Air Force, again passing the exams and this time the medical. There was no requirement to wink. But at this point he was rejected because for some years he had been living in Cyprus, which the Royal Navy did not mind but the Royal Air Force did. The reason he was living in Cyprus was because I, his mother, and his father live there. We are not retired expats  my husband is the serving Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, and our residence is in Nicosia.

I should like to make two further points. The first is that Cyprus is a Republic within the Commonwealth and the EU. The second is that the UK has two armed forces' bases in Cyprus. But my son was rejected to serve because he lived outside the UK, albeit with his family who themselves are serving the Anglican Church.

Is it surprising that with the current criteria of selection there is a shortage of serving personnel in the UK's Navy and Air Force?

Julia Lewis

Nicosia

Jeremy Hunt has time on his hands, so he should answer our questions

As your columnist Ellen Manning points out, Jeremy Hunt seems to have plenty of spare time to have a pointless and pitiful ongoing Twitter spat with Stephen Hawking. Can I invite him instead to read Ellens column in The Independent (Who would want to be a GP when the job is little more than delivering bad news?) and make a detailed reply to it, not the usual Ministry statement to the effect that everything in the NHS is better than it ever was, because we are spending more money than the last Labour lot ever did.

His detailed reply to Ellens column would make fascinating reading, so come on minister  you obviously have time, so lets be hearing from you.

David Curran

Feltham

There is still time for Theresa May to make another U-turn

I trust that Theresa May and the few adults in her Brexit team will take seriously the observation by Martin Selmayr, chief of staff to the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, that it is still legally possible for the UK to reverse its decision to leave the EU.

A fearsomely intelligent lawyer and diplomat, Selmayr comes from a distinguished Bavarian family which has produced generations of high-ranking administrators and army officers. He is a graduate of both the University of Geneva and Kings College London with a PhD in law.

He has repeatedly warned that there were few economic positives to Britain leaving the EU and the impact would range from "pretty bad to very, very bad. While the only people who can reverse it are the British, he said the EU should be careful not to slam shut any doors.

Rev Dr John Cameron

St Andrews

We need to rethink the naming of hurricanes

Thinking about Josie Cox's article on naming hurricanes, why do we have to upset ordinary people by associating their names with violent weather? If natural phenomena must be personalised, why cannot these disastrous storms be named after some of the many murderous figures (female and male) who litter our history?

Peter Morgan

Cardiff

Homophobia will never be academically acceptable

Im an elected city councillor in Oxford, my city councils Executive Board Member for Community Safety, and an LGBTQ person and I am responding to the news that the vice-chancellor of Oxford University said students did not have a right not to be offended when professors expressed views against homosexuality.

Students should confront uncomfortable and difficult subjects as part of their education. It's right that students and their tutors should hold different views about classical texts, ending poverty, or any other appropriate subject for debate. Homophobia is not one side of a balanced debate.

It's simply not acceptable for students to face prejudiced tutors who will propagate hateful views and pass off discrimination as debate. The university has a responsibility to provide a supportive environment for all students. I have to disagree with you: it is your job to stop homophobic views in your university.

As I understand your recent remarks, you are proposing debates  conducted in the academic settings provided by the University  which centre on whether or not students are equal human beings on the basis of their sexual orientation. That's wrong. You could replace the word homophobia in your comments with racism, sexism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and any other closed-minded prejudice. Is it also your intention to tell young black or Asian, Jewish or Muslim students that they should, to quote your words, "engage" with "smart" professors who "express views against them"?

The assumption that a homophobe, racist or sexist will go on discriminating because they haven't been debated properly is misguided.

Students need encouragement to report inappropriate comments, especially if they fear adverse repercussions for their academic studies and the possibility of tutors withholding references. They don't need a vice-chancellor saying prejudice would be acceptable in an academic environment.

Cllr Tom Hayes

Oxford

The third Forth bridge is a wonder to behold

It's wonderful that for once, under the SNP, a bridge has been constructed to join communities, rather than walls built to divide us.

Martin Redfern

Edinburgh
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A few years ago in the run up to the publication of my debut novel Secrets of the Henna Girl, I was asked to provide a list of female role models as part of the publicity drive on the blogosphere. As my novel was about a British girl who stands up for herself against the odds and wins, my publicist thought it would be interesting to list the women who have inspired me enough to write a story about defending human rights.

History is full of empowered female figures that have stood up to tyrants and oppressive systems and won despite living in extremely patriarchal times. But who were the more modern day heroines who deserved to be in a list with the likes of Rosa Parks known as the First Lady of Civil Rights?

One of the obvious candidates was of course Aung San Suu Kyi, the tireless campaigner for democracy and human rights in her home country of Burma, now known as Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights against Burmese military rule.

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. 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Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

There was also a personal connection to the Aung San Suu Kyis commitment to democracy.

As a British citizen with Indian heritage, I have grown up with stories of relatives who lost livelihoods and fled Burma following the coup detat on the 2nd of March 1962 when the military replaced the civilian government. My relatives were not Rohingya, who have been a Burmese minority for centuries and are being ethnically cleansed now, but Indians from Gujarat who had settled in Burma as traders with the encouragement of the British Raj. Burma was then a province of British India. For me, Aung San Suu Kyi was a heroine who was fighting not just for the future, but for justice for those who lost everything and became refugees in 1962/63. Many of these relatives later settled in Britain in the mid 60s to start their lives all over again in the wool and cotton factories of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

 Aung San Suu Kyi pushes back against criticism of handling of Rohingya abuses

So of course she made it on my list. How could she not with her commitment to her principles for which she endured fifteen years of house arrest. She was a modern day Mandela, King and Gandhi all rolled into one, and extremely photogenic to boot with her high cheekbones and flowers in her hair. She became the darling of the west, known as The Lady, the underdog we loved to support, and with whom we could relate to that much more because she had read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University and married an English academic. In other words, she was one of us who was fighting for democracy and human rights over there.

It was the American President Abraham Lincoln who said: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a mans character, give him power.

Lincolns quote sadly seems to fits Aung San Suu KyI like a glove.

To the despair (disappointment is too soft a word) of the many who held her up as a modern day saint, her attainment of power on has shattered what in the end was apparently an illusion.

Aung San Suu Kyis political party own the election on November 2015, but instead of a decrease in the state violence against the Rohingya, we have witnessed an increase. Since the weekend, there have been United Nation reports and survivor testimonies that ethnic cleansing is being committed.

 Video shows Rohingya flee burning villages in Myanmar

And Aung San Suu Kyi has chosen to remain silent on it all.

She has refused to allow United Nations investigators and the worlds media to access the area known as Rakhine state where the Rohingya are being slaughtered and has also blocked all UN aid. The UN estimates that 87,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh in the last few days and thousands more who failed to escape are hiding in the jungle. Reports of bodies being burned by the military to hide evidence are also circulating.

Such is the alarm at the genocide being committed by the military that Malala, another Nobel Prize laureate, issued this statement this week calling for Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn the violence.

Aung San Suu Kyi is seemingly not the 21st century icon that we in the west imagined and wanted her to be. The one who deserves to be on a list of female role models which inspires a sense of justice for all. Her silence suggests that Aung San Suu Kyi only wanted democracy and human rights for her own kind  and not the Rohingya whom she regards as the other.

Barack Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi at the end of a meeting in Oval Office of the White House (AP)

Still, there are some who have excused and chosen to interpret Aung San Suu Kyis silence on the Rohingyas suffering as neutral. But as Paulo Friere said: Washing ones hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.

Aung San Suu Kyi cannot claim neutrality on the genocide of the Rohingya. As the leader of her country, she is complicit. There are many human rights activists who feel betrayed by her. I would imagine this includes previous Presidents (Obama) and Prime Ministers (Gordon Brown) who lauded her before she rose to power. Perhaps it is her betrayal of the principle of human rights for ALL which has stopped them from tweeting their condemnation. I like to imagine they are still in shock at who she turned out to be when it mattered the most...and they have no words.
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Donald Trump did not create the raging sore that North Korea has become, but he does done little to soothe it. On the contrary, his instinct, as with so many other things, has been to prod and scratch. If you think this sounds dangerous, you are not alone. The whole world is nervous.

Lets be clear, though, this is not pure fecklessness. Trump is in part a victim of timing. If previous US presidents, going back to Bill Clinton, were able one way or another to sweep the North Korea conundrum under the rug it was because the threat it posed remained largely theoretical. The regimes quest for nuclear mastery was still in the slide-rule stage.

Recommended Trump announces he is selling Japan and South Korea military equipment

The detonation of what may or may not have been a hydrogen bomb last Sunday  rattling pantries as far away as northeastern China  and the lobbing of a missile over Japanese territory a few days earlier were reminders that that latitude is now largely gone. If Pyongyang cannot yet land a nuclear-tipped missile on San Francisco, it appears to be approaching that point. The theoretical may very quickly become a terrifying doable.

Barack Obama warned then President-elect Trump back in January that this would be his most vexing foreign policy test, an assessment that probably didnt require much prescience. That Trump is meeting it head-on is arguably to his credit.

So far, so good. But its one thing to acknowledge the dragon in the room and another to find a way to slay it without collateral calamity. Trump and his crew have yet to convince that they have the necessary talent, let alone diplomatic finesse, to bring this situation to an acceptable conclusion  ie without hundreds of thousands dying.

Some consistency of message would help. While Kim Jong-un has been coolly single-minded, undistracted by the Wests assorted remonstrations against him, the United States has given us the opposite. Trump is the worst culprit here. What was that he said about Kim in May? Oh yes, that his holding on to power at such a young age means he must be a pretty smart cookie.

If the South Koreans were puzzled then they were bamboozled at the weekend when Trump chose the most dangerous moment in the crisis so far to cast aspersions on them, of all people. On Twitter, he faulted President Moon Jae-in, South Koreas new President, for what he called talk of appeasement. This as the White House was publicly musing about pulling out of the US-South Korea free trade deal negotiated a decade ago. When youre in a jam, undermining your best friend who is in it with you does not seem the smartest tactic.

By Tuesday morning, we had a more supportive tone from Pennsylvania Avenue, with Trump announcing plans, via Twitter, allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States. Seoul could relax. Trump loved them again. The South Korea-US-Japan alliance had been mended again even if pointing a lot of new conventional weaponry at Pyongyang is unlikely to change things much.

 Trump, May and other world leaders condemn North Korea's nuclear test

Along the way, Trump has frayed relations with two other countries key to getting this resolved, China and Russia. North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success, he noted in one tweet. He has meanwhile floated the notion of an American embargo against any country doing trade with North Korea. That would clearly involve China, which made this an empty, even absurd, threat. The US ending all commerce with China would plunge the world into recession and will never happen. So why say it?

That the Moscow-Washington axis is tense right now barely needs explaining. But it was while in China on Tuesday that Vladimir Putin offered a sharp rebuke to Trump for his handling of the crisis, warning that, whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation. Putin was referring to Trumps pledge to rain fire and fury on North Korea if it continues on its current course. He also voiced opposition to new sanctions that the US is now seeking, perhaps not surprisingly given that it is only a few weeks since Trump signed a new law imposing sanctions on three countries all at once  North Korea, Iran and also Russia.

If massive loss of life is to be avoided, even whole cities or countries destroyed, then this confrontation will have to be resolved with legal treaties and diplomatic salves, not the firing of missiles and interceptors. Maybe some members of the Trump administration understand this. We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea, Secretary of State James Mattis said on Sunday. (Although, how reassuring that was, we are not quite sure.)

Trump is right not to understate the problem that is Pyongyang. But his urgent priority now is to decide what he can bring to the table to resolve it, up to and including accepting the North as a new nuclear power and  more trickily  accepting a reduction of its military activity and operations in the south of the peninsula.

So far, he has managed instead only to insult, anger and alienate almost every government that will be crucial to making any of this happen while at the same time walking directly into a trap set for him by Kim by speaking of a war he cant possibly engage in.
Direct rule from London cannot be imposed in Northern Ireland without Irish government input, the Irish foreign affairs minister said.

The British government has warned it may pass legislation to fund public services in Belfast.

Powersharing talks are at a high-stakes stage and cannot continue for many more weeks, minister Simon Coveney added.

He said: "The status quo is not sustainable in Northern Ireland."

Dublin is under a legal obligation to be consulted on issues involving North/South co-operation under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments.

Mr Coveney was in Belfast to try to kick-start powersharing at Stormont and said all parties wanted to see progress made.

But he reminded them while the negotiations continued Northern Ireland has no voice at the Brexit talks table.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule.

"That is the Irish Government's position."

The 1998 Agreement bestowed a legal obligation on the Irish Government over North/South issues affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Coveney added: "It would be very difficult to even contemplate how direct rule would function in that context.

"We don't want to go there, it is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the Government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."

He said there was an opportunity cost for Northern Ireland as tough decisions needed to be made over funding for health and education.

"Essentially Northern Ireland is in limbo at the minute because those decisions cannot be made, that is not a sustainable situation for many more weeks and that is why the stakes are very high now," he said.

He said he had no objection to a mediator but bringing somebody totally new into the talks when everyone else has such a detailed knowledge of the political complexities may not be helpful.

"If the parties want that we will try to facilitate that but I think it is unlikely," he said.
European (right) and Union flags are displayed outside Europe House, the European Parliament's British offices, in London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 21, 2016. Photo credit should read: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire

Stability in Northern Ireland and closer UK-Irish relations must not become "collateral damage" of Brexit, a former top diplomat has warned.

Independent crossbench peer Lord Jay of Ewelme also backed calls against the Government using the issue of the border between the Republic and Ulster "as a pawn" in divorce talks with Brussels.

Lord Jay, who served as British ambassador in Paris and is a former head of the diplomatic service, told peers the potential implications of Brexit for Ireland, both north and south, were "far too serious for game-playing".

The peer made his comments during a debate on a report by the House of Lords EU Committee, entitled Brexit: UK-Irish Relations.

The UK's only European land border is between Northern Ireland and the Republic and the committee said Brexit was a "huge challenge" for Ireland.

The report called for continuation of the open land border between the UK and Ireland and ease of movement across the sea boundary between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Opening the debate, committee member Lord Jay pointed to its findings that "strengthened checks for UK and Irish citizens at the sea boundary between Northern Ireland and Great Britain would be politically divisive and inherently undesirable".

He said: "Maintaining an open Irish land border is essential.

"Any re-imposition of border controls or restriction on the movement of goods would be fraught with danger, but moving the border to the Irish Sea is not a price worth paying."

Highlighting recent warnings against the Irish border being used "as a pawn to press the EU into agreeing a broader trade deal", Lord Jay added: "The potential implications of Brexit for Ireland, north and south, are far too serious for game-playing."

He went on: "Closer UK-Irish relations and stability in Northern Ireland need not and must not become collateral damage of Brexit.

"In an era of blossoming bilateral relationships, after long years of mistrust and misunderstanding, the Government must be sensitive to the implications of its actions for the people and communities of Ireland, north and south.

"Anything less would diminish the efforts of all those people who have worked so long and so hard for peace across these islands."
The IFA is losing its chief economist Rowena Dwyer, as she moves to a role in Enterprise Ireland.

Dwyer is moving to head up the department of policy, Government relations and secretariat in Enterprise, a role that is focused on setting the strategic direction of Enterprise Ireland.

Dwyer is well known throughout the organisation since taking over the role from Con Lucey in 2008. She was just three weeks into the role when the financial crash came and the then 28 year old was left to explain it and the fallout to farmers.

Since then, Dwyer has grown to become one of the most senior and respected figures in IFA and has guided farmers around the country with patience and understanding.

She said since that her baptism made her feel like she'd aged overnight, but it was probably the ideal introduction she needed to IFA members and them to her.

Dwyer is from Boherlahan-Dualla, Co Tipperary, and grew up in a very progressive household where farming, education and a strong sense of community were central pillars to her development, she said.

Her father, Willie, was a lecturer at Rockwell Agricultural College and a part-time beef farmer, while her mother was a teacher and both were involved in IFA.

Dwyer studied in Trinity College Dublin and credits Alan Matthews, Professor of European Agricultural Policy at TCD at the time, for sparking her interest in agri economics.

Before joining IFA she worked for two years working in Ghana, west Africa in their ministry of education.

Dwyer took over from Con Lucey in 2008, who was stepping down after 30 years work with the organisation.

Landing such a role during an economic downturn meant she was able to ensure her vision that agriculture could provide a beacon of hope was realised.

"It was our role to make the strongest possible argument to minimise cuts to farmers and give a credible argument to government that economic growth will arise out of this," she said.
Chris Johnston farms a 95ac suckler farm with this father and brother outside Fivemiletown, Tyrone.

But, in 2013 he started a scanning business as he wanted a new career partly because lack of land means he cant increase his herd size.

At the time, he noticed farmers were using more scanners and he thought he could provide a service to meet the growing demand.

He now travels across Ireland scanning cows, goats and sheep. Chris also does AI and embryo work he estimates that he scans 20,000 sheep and 90,000 cows a year.

According to Chris, the scanning business and farming work well together. It does take planning though, he says.

"I generally do the work early in the morning and late at night."

But he's a farmer at heart. I love keeping my own cattle its a way of life. I pass no remarks.

I enjoy getting out at nights working with my own cattle. Im looking at cows every day but I still enjoy working with my own stock.

I dont know that I would like to see anyone else farm our own ground either. Its a big advantage to look after your own ground."
The former Tanaiste and Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, has returned to having an agricultural brief, with her new role as an consultant and registered lobbyist.

Coughlan, who became a TD at 21 in 1987, was the Minister for Agriculture from 2004 to 2008, before moving on to become Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The former Deputy Leader of Fianna Fail has now turned her attention to consultancy work, including lobbying. A registered lobbyist, Coughlan and the board of Cre met with the Minister for Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten in Dail Eireann to discuss industry challenges, specifically public policy on composting and anaerobic digestion.

Cre is a non-profit membership association that aims to promote composting and anaerobic digestion in Ireland and Coughlan, with her extensive agricultural background, has been working with them to raise industry issues.

She told FarmIreland that Minister Naughten was very helpful and supportive and that the issue of food waste was an important one. The meeting took place before the summer Dail recess.

Ireland Inc needs to reach the levels of brown bin usage that we had hoped to achieve a number of years ago.

To do this, she said, there must be increased awareness and knowledge of brown bin usage and composting.

Brown bin usage is much less than the targets set out and we want to find out why people do not seem to want to use them.

Coughlan also said there are challenges for the sector around collection.

It is an environmental issue and one that is set down in policy at Irish and EU level.

Ireland wants to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, she said, and this is a way of doing that.
Former TD, Michael McNamara (43) appeared in court today charged with dangerous driving and obstructing a Garda during the course of his duties.

At Killaloe District Court sitting at ODonovans pub in Ballina, the former Labour TD for Clare, Mr McNamara appeared in relation to the two alleged offences.

Mr McNamara is pleading his innocence to the charges and is to fully contest the prosecution at a hearing later this year.

Lawyer and farmer McNamara has hired road traffic law expert and barrister, Martin Dully BL to lead the defence team in the case.

In the case, McNamara is charged with dangerous driving contrary to Section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act near his home at Tobernagath, Scarriff in east Clare on December 10, 2016.

McNamara of Ballyglass, Tulla is also charged with resisting and obstructing Garda Darren McLaughlin during the course of his duties under Section 19 of the Public Order Act at the same location of the alleged dangerous driving on the same date.

Those convicted in the district court of obstructing a Garda in the course of their duties face a jail sentence of up to six months or a fine of 635 while those convicted of dangerous driving in the district court face up to six months in jail and a fine of 127.

The alleged offences took place almost 10 months after Mr McNamara lost his seat in the 2016 General Election.

At ODonoovans pub in Ballina, Mr Dully told Judge Brian OShea that the case will take two hours when evidence is heard in the case in December.

The former TD was in court for the brief hearing into the case where Judge OShea ordered all that State documents be disclosed to the defence following an application by Mr Dully.

McNamara consulted with his legal team outside court after the brief hearing into the case.

McNamara lost his Clare seat in the February 2016 General Election to GP, Dr Michael Harty after the east Clare man polled 4,472 first preference votes.

McNamara lost his seat following the 11th count at the election. At the time, a despondent McNamara spoke of an incredibly tough campaign where he said that he was subject to a lot of vitriol on Facebook.

He said that "I look forward to the day that you lose your seat" was one of a number of messages that he received via his Facebook account during the campaign.

He said at the time: I dont fully understand what drives someone to go out at nighttime and sit down and post something on their Facebook page telling them that I look forward to your demise'. It is a phenomenon of social media - it is not unique to politics.

McNamara was first elected to the Dail in 2011.

He crossed the political divide during the lifetime of the last Dail when he married Sarah-Jane Hillery, a fellow barrister and granddaughter of former president and Fianna Fail Minister, Patrick Hillery.

He also worked as a human rights lawyer in Eastern Europe and with the United Nations in Afghanistan before returning to Ireland in 2005 to run the family farm and practice as a barrister.

In court, Judge OShea adjourned the case to October 25 to Ennis District Court for mention to get an update on the disclosure issues and adjourned the case for hearing to Killaloe District Court to December 5.
The ESB's 200m green technology fund lurched into the red last year in a sign its bets on emerging technologies have so far failed to bear fruit.

According to the latest filed accounts for ESB Novusmodus GP Limited, which is managed by London-based adviser, Greencoat Capital, the fund's 148,000 profit in 2015 withered to a 518,000 loss in 2016.

The ESB declined to explain the performance, stating "for commercial reasons" it was unable to "discuss the status of individual investments".

But the State-owned electricity board said "we expect, as a fund that invests in emerging companies and industries, that there will be gains and losses across the portfolio of investments".

So far Greencoat has deployed 85pc of the vehicle's funds. It's thought the London-headquartered manager, which also runs the recently floated 270m Irish energy company Greencoat Renewables, has pumped a sizeable amount of the vehicle's money into emerging technologies in the UK. In the past Novusmodus has booked write downs on an investment in Geothermal International, a UK designer and installer of heat pumps.

Close to 8.9m was injected into a US VC fund of Vantage Point Venture Partners, which has backed electric car maker Tesla, but delivered varying annual returns, some as low as 1.9pc, since 2009, according to the 'Sunday Independent'.

Another estimated 3m was invested in Dublin firm Intune Networks, a broadband fibre company supported by Dermot Desmond and telecoms entrepreneur Barry Maloney, but which subsequently lapsed into receivership.

Back then the ESB described cleantech investing as "high risk" but said "ultimately the return on successful investments should outweigh the losses on those that are unsuccessful", According to the accounts Novusmodus racked up an operating loss of 521,000 for the financial year ending in December 2016 - marking a dramatic reversal to the 144,000 chalked up in the previous year.

Last year the ESB asserted Novusmodus is performing above average for its sector and said the fund is expected to exit its investments within the next five years. On its website Greencoat states its management of Novusmodus aims to exploit commercial opportunities brought about by a large-scale transition to a low carbon global economy.

The firm was unavailable for comment.
Admiral Taverns, the UK pub chain in which Bulmers owner C&C has agreed to buy a 47pc stake, is understood to have plans to significantly boost its estate of 845 pubs over the next three years.

The ambitious expansion plan will give C&C a greater direct-to-market platform for its broad range of drinks, with its craft drinks likely to be among the biggest beneficiaries, according to C&C chief commercial officer Mark Boulos.

C&C has agreed to pay 37m (40.2m) for its stake in the pub chain, which operates mainly in England and Wales.

The remaining 53pc of the chain is being acquired by Admiral management in conjunction with Proprium Capital Partners, an employee-owned real estate fund manager spun out from Morgan Stanley in 2013.

Admiral has been sold by US hedge fund firm Cerberus, which acquired it in 2012 for 200m from banking group Lloyds, which in turn took a 500m hit when it sold to Cerberus.

Admiral Taverns is a tenanted pub chain, where its pubs are rented by and managed by landlords.

It competes with managed pub chains such as Mitchells & Butlers, one of Britain's largest operators of pubs and restaurants. Irish horse-racing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus are substantial shareholders in Mitchells & Butlers, with their Elpida vehicle owning 23.1pc of the company.

In a hugely competitive UK cider market, C&C - whose Bulmers brand is sold as Magners there - has often struggled to find momentum in the on-trade sector.

Read more: UK pub deal can help C&C get back on track

But Mr Boulos said the deal will provide an important entry point for its stable of brands, particularly its niche, higher margin products.

"The tenanted pub model is much more fluid and dynamic, and you can be much more responsive to consumer demand," he said. "We think that we can get a lot of our more craft and niche portfolio of brands into the estate. That's what appeals to the consumer at the moment."

The brands likely to benefit most include its recently acquired Orchard Pig cider. Mr Boulos said C&C's English cider brands - it owns drinks including Gaymers and Addlestones - should also betnefit from better exposure.

"The beauty for the tenant and the customer is that these are brands you can't find in a supermarket for a quid a can," he said, adding that Admiral will continue to focus on drinks rather than food offerings.
'We're now at a crossroads of legal innovation. We can either forge ahead and embrace technology, which is what we're doing, or we can slowly become irrelevant," says Barry Devereux, who is leading McCann Fitzgerald's efforts to be at the cutting edge of legal services provision.

Where once a law firm was seen as a place where people came for advice on legal disputes, he wants McCann Fitzgerald to become something of a tech company too.

The firm has just signed a partnership with Neota Logic, an American firm that makes artificial intelligence (AI) software, to explore ways to come up with products that create value for clients.

Devereux wants to grow McCann's revenue by licensing these kinds of products to clients, and says the firm is already in talks about doing this.

Last year McCann started using artificial intelligence for reviewing large numbers of documents. Devereux says this can be as much as 30pc to 40pc cheaper than the traditional way. It also serves to free up solicitors to spend more time on other tasks.

In one example, the firm reduced 11 million documents that were of potential relevance in a matter down to 11,000 within six weeks. A specialised unit called the Data Investigations Group - where techie types work alongside lawyers - has been set up to manage this process. It started out with discovery, the process whereby the parties to a legal dispute exchange documentary evidence, and has now been expanded to corporate transactions like IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and loan book sales. The firm has also recently rolled out a service it calls Knowledge Hub where it collates data on particular topics and sends alerts to clients depending on the area they're interested in.

But just as advances in technology help McCann develop, so too do they bring increased competition.

"We used to compete with other Dublin law firms. We still do. But now our competitors are different and they come from the United States - it might be legal process outsourcing firms like Axiom, and Riverview Law and they're providing alternate legal services to clients with different models," says Devereux.

"With the global economic crisis in 2008, that's accelerated the rate of progress that law firms have had to make because all our clients have faced existential threats to their business and the 'more for less' philosophy is now with us. The clients expect more from their suppliers so they can give more to their customers. It's no different for us, we have to find ways of delivering more for less."

That raises questions about whether a firm will need fewer solicitors in future. Devereux doesn't think so.

"Our experience has been that the capacity of the market will grow in line with us demonstrating that we can do things faster. We don't think there's a finite pool of work there.

"The firm is growing, and the work for lawyers is less of the day-to-day document review and it's more tactical and strategic advice, negotiating deals and getting the best deals for clients."

The company doesn't disclose details of its financial performance but total employee numbers are up 6pc on last year to 564. Last year, it added 28 new solicitors - more than any other Irish law firm.

Going forward, Devereux's strategy is to invest resources in the sectors that have high-growth potential. "We have lots of different businesses inside this firm and some are showing exponential growth. So aircraft finance for example has always been a very strong part of our business and is growing fast. The funds area, with over $3trn of funds located in Ireland - that's a growing area.

"I see fintech as a big area for us. There's 100,000 people working in technology in Ireland and 40,000 in the financial services industry. When you combine them that's a lot of smart people doing things that are broadly aligned with each other," Devereux says.

"The other area of growth is around cybersecurity and privacy. The technology and innovation team here is very engaged in dealing with cyber risk and I suppose the explosion in data creation by the tech companies has been a boon for our team here."

Asked about buying other law firms, he won't rule anything out. "We're always looking for opportunities whether it's to open an office in the US or make judicious hirings," Devereux adds.

The Laois native (54) spent many years working on corporate transactions before being elected managing partner nearly three years ago. It was a steep learning curve in the early days, but a challenge that Devereux relished.

"The job of a managing partner is to lead a firm and set a direction for the firm with the partners, and to be crystal clear about where you're going and how you get there. My job is to create the environment where people want to do their best and encourage them to do that. I learned a lot about people and dynamics and getting the best out of people," says Devereux, who wanted to take the job because he felt he could make a greater contribution as leader.

Many lawyers come from families with legal backgrounds, but not him. Instead it was the US fictional television series The Paper Chase - tracing the lives of students at Harvard Law School - that made him want to enter the profession.

Becoming a barrister didn't appeal; helping businesses do deals excited him more than bringing cases to trial and so he became a solicitor, qualifying in the late 1980s. The Irish economy was a mess and so like most of his class Devereux emigrated, in his case to London, where he ended up working for Clifford Chance.

After seven years, he moved to work in the firm's Singapore office, which helped fuel his love of technology. "Singapore is the size of Laois but yet it moved from being an agrarian society 50 years ago with no natural resources, to becoming a huge trading port and making the most of what they had by investing in R&D and innovation and technology," says Devereux.

"I see a lot of parallels with Ireland, which is on the western periphery of Europe but now making a lot out of the resources we have.

"If I'm to say why am I so fascinated with technology, some of it has to be traced back to what I could see could be done by that advanced thinking."

Devereux has his ear close to the ground in the Irish business world and has noticed a number of trends emerging in recent times. One is an increasing acceptance of venture capital and private equity, which is helping businesses grow to a greater scale before selling out to multinationals.

"We've acted on many deals where a US or an Israeli company has come in and bought an Irish company for 50m-100m. Mostly the reason for selling is that the indigenous firm hasn't the resources to scale up.

"While we've made a lot of progress with those businesses and obviously they've been clients of ours, it is a source of concern that we are selling out the companies at an earlier stage."

Another trend Devereux notes that might help with that is the return of the IPO market - led this year by AIB and Greencoat Renewables. A third is the emergence of alternative lenders like Broadhaven or Bluebay.

Change is afoot, too, in the construction sector due to the shortage of completed investment properties.

Institutional investors are now getting involved with projects at the development stage as they search for yield, while an uplift in regulatory investigations from the likes of the Central Bank or the European authorities has also been a boon to the firm.

Inside McCann, the types of people the business is hiring is also evolving. "In the past we would traditionally have hired law students or arts students but now in the last few years we have people whose degrees are in music, technology, engineering and psychology. We're mixing up the backgrounds because all the studies show and our own experience shows that the more diverse the input, the better the product you have."

Brexit presents another challenge, with law firms like Pinsent Masons and DLA Piper outlining plans to set up a presence here, while a huge number of solicitors from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have sought entry to the Irish roll of solicitors. Is Devereux concerned about this competition?

"If there's a migration as there will be of financial services clients coming to Ireland because of Brexit, and we're seeing a lot of that, it's to be expected that the big law firms who service those clients out of London won't simply be happy to pass them over to Irish law firms.

"So I think you will see some judicious hiring by these firms of lawyers in the financial services space. I don't see them having huge operations but I would imagine they'll want to have a capability to service those clients in conjunction with us.

"Am I concerned? I would say we're taking note of what's happening and our job is to continually ensure that we are providing the best service. Competition brings out the best in you and it's bringing out the best in us.

"We have to continually come back to reinvent ourselves, which is where technology I think is for us a differentiator. And we feel we've made a lot of ground in the last two years."

Devereux is entering the third year of his four-year term as managing partner and before too long his fellow partners in McCann will pass their judgment on whether his technology drive has been a success.

For now, he just wants to stay on the journey.

Name

Barry Devereux

Age

54

Position

Managing Partner, McCann Fitzgerald

Education

Qualified as a solicitor in Ireland and the UK

Bachelor of Civil Law, UCD

Previous experience

Head of Corporate Group, McCann Fitzgerald

Head of Corporate Finance, McCann Fitzgerald

Partner, McCann Fitzgerald

Partner, Clifford Chance

Associate, Clifford Chance

Pastimes

Cycling, golf
Analysts have reacted positively to C&C's move into the pub business. The deal could finally see the low-tide stain that was C&C's foray into the US recede from investors' memories. C&C slashed the value of its North America assets by 129m last year to 45m.

But it's the Admiral Taverns deal that C&C hopes will now play a key part in a growth story. "For C&C, this is an attractive opportunity to create a new long term investment in the important on-trade channel, without taking significant financial and operational risk," said chief executive Stephen Glancey.

There are a number of pub portfolios in Britain for sale, and it will be interesting to see if Admiral makes moves on them to expand its footprint.

Admiral Taverns generated revenue of 69.5m (75.6m) in the financial year to May 28, 2016 - the last year for which audited accounts are available. It made an operating profit, excluding exceptionals, of 21.9m (23.8m) that year.

Admiral directors noted that the group business model "balances risk and reward" and gives licensees "the freedom to respond to the challenges and opportunities within their local market".
Bitcoin tumbled as much as 11.4pc, the most since July, to $4,326.75

So-called virtual currency bitcoin tumbled the most since July after China's central bank said initial coin offerings are illegal and asked all related fundraising activity to be halted immediately - issuing the strongest regulatory challenge so far to the burgeoning market for digital token sales.

The People's Bank of China said yesterday that it had completed investigations into ICOs, and will strictly punish offerings in the future while penalising legal violations in ones already completed. The regulator said that those who have already raised money must provide refunds to investors.

It also said digital token financing and trading platforms are prohibited from doing conversions of coins with fiat currencies.

Digital tokens can't be used as currency on the market and banks are forbidden from offering services to initial coin offerings.

"This is somewhat in step with, maybe not to the same extent, what we're starting to see in other jurisdictions - the short story is we all know regulations are coming," said Jehan Chu, managing partner at Kenetic Capital in Hong Kong, which invests in and advises on token sales.

Bitcoin tumbled as much as 11.4pc, the most since July, to $4,326.75. The rival ethereum cryptocurrency was down more than 16pc.

A cross between crowdfunding and an initial public offering, ICOs involve the sale of virtual coins mostly based on the ethereum blockchain, similar to the technology that underpins bitcoin. But unlike a traditional IPO in which buyers get shares, ICO backers gets virtual tokens - like mini-cryptocurrencies that may grow in value if the startup's business succeeds. (Bloomberg)
Escalating fears over North Korea's nuclear capabilities helped drive up demand for safe haven assets yesterday as markets reacted to the rogue nation's claims it had developed and tested an advanced hydrogen bomb capable of being mounted on a long-range missile.

But the flight to safety was relatively muted with benchmark German bond yields dipping to recent two-month lows while the Japanese Yen and gold prices rose. Stocks fell marginally too with London's main bourse the FTSE 100 edging into the red along with the pan European Stoxx Europe 600 index, which closed .5pc lower at 374.20.

Yet even as North Korea's sabre-rattling showed little sign of abating amid dire warnings from the US, Davy's global strategist, Donal O'Mahony, argued markets had dismissed the latest elevation in tensions "as noise".

While Wall Street was closed for the Labour Day holiday, Mr O'Mahony pointed out markets are unable to hedge for the "miniscule risk" the Korean crisis turns into nuclear war. "So the best option is just to ignore it ... If this was a legitimate flight to safety you'd see a lot weaker equity markets and lower bond yields.

Merrion Capital's chief economist, Alan McQuaid pointed out US bond yields have slumped to their lowest level since Donald Trump was elected after North Korea fired a missile over Japan last month.

But he claimed the mounting geo-political uncertainties were adding to jitters ahead of Thursday's meeting of the ECB.
Nwolfe35 said: johnwk said: Hey, Mr. Smarty Pants, you made the following comment to me: "Are you still looking for Obama's "real" birth certificate? Found any evidence yet that Hillary Clinton has had people killed? Proof that Obama is actually a Muslim? Evidence that Michelle Obama used to be a man?" And my answer to you was, when you find the evidence that I was, get back to me.



You haven't provided the evidence and I am not interested in your clap trap, adolescent nonsense. Learn to conduct yourself in a mature manner.





JWK







There was a time not too long ago in New York when the able-bodied were ashamed to accept home relief, a program created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1931 when he was Governor. Now, New York City and many other major cities are infested with countless government cheese factions, including recent immigrants, who not only demand welfare, but use it to buy beer, wine, drugs, sex, and Lotto tickets.



Click to expand...





The question may have been directed at you but the point was that these were actual "issues"' bandied about by RW conspiracy nuts. While you, personally, may bot have been pushing such claptrap there were many on your side of political spectrum that were. Including one that you helped get elected President. The question may have been directed at you but the point was that these were actual "issues"' bandied about by RW conspiracy nuts. While you, personally, may bot have been pushing such claptrap there were many on your side of political spectrum that were. Including one that you helped get elected President. Click to expand...





American citizens are sick and tired of being made into tax-slaves to finance a maternity ward for the poverty stricken populations of other countries who invade Americas borders to give birth.





My side? I helped get elected President? There you go again, making adolescent charges you cannot back up and more importantly are irrelevant at this point in time.I have no idea who you include in my side or what metrics you use to define my side. Just for your information, my side would include those who support and defend our written Constitution and its documented legislative intent, and also support advancing our countrys general welfare and common defense as a priority.Instead of making unsubstantial comments and innuendoes, and making me the subject of the thread, why dont you grow up and discus the specific issues which are distressing you, and those which pose a threat to our constitutionally limited system of government and our nations general welfare?Donald Trump has been elected President of the United States and I would hope all those who supported his campaign, and all those who were opposed to him being elected, would, at this juncture in time, come together, or at least try to work together to advance our nations common defense and general welfare.Keep in mind that disagreeing with the President on specific issues, and stating your case why you disagree, can lead to a healthy and productive discussion. But when you constantly wander into the abyss, and your primary object upon waking up in the morning is to express your hatred for Trump and agitate Trump supporters, you have then become part of the problem and not the solution.Get over it. Trump is our President, let us hope he does well for our country.JWK
More than 100,000 has been spent over the past two years to fly destitute foreign nationals back to their native countries.

Figures from the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) show that last year the agency spent 44,942 flying home 198 non-Irish nationals from EU accession states.

This followed a spend of 59,633 flying home 243 destitute EU accession state citizens in 2015.

The figures show that of the 198 flown home in 2016, 131 were Romanian.

Peak

The RIA figures show that the peak period for the repatriation of foreign nationals was in July and August of last year when the RIA booked 29 flights for each month.

The spend on flights for the month of July last year was 9,176.

The outlay on flying Romanians home in 2016 totalled 27,360.

This followed a spend of 38,016 in 2015.

The next highest amount in 2016 flying home EU accession state citizens was 3,064 spent returning Latvian nationals to their home country.

The detailed figures for 2016 show that 13 Latvians were flown back along with 11 Slovakians, 10 Poles and nine from Hungary and Lithuania.

The RIA does not itself determine whether the EU citizen is destitute - individuals are assessed and referred to RIA, in the main, by the Asylum Seeker and New Communities Unit (ASNCU) of the Department of Social Protection.

The RIA does not accept direct referrals from embassies, third party or NGO groups, or by individuals themselves.

The RIA states that if absolutely necessary, and subject to availability of accommodation, it will accommodate the persons concerned for one or two nights in its designated Dublin centre and provide them with transport home as soon as is practicable and cost efficient.

Failed

It states: "Those who have previously availed of the scheme will not be repatriated a second time, while those who fail to take a flight arranged for them will not be offered a second flight."

Separately, the numbers of foreigners deported by the State last year soared by 50pc to 428, and it cost the State 698,814 in deportation flights.

The 428 deported last year is an increase of 142 on the 286 deported in 2015.

In addition to the 428 deportation orders effected, 1,200 Deportation Orders were signed in 2016.

This represents a 56pc increase on the 765 orders signed in 2015.

According to the Department of Justice, the top six countries of origin of those deported were Nigeria, China, Ghana, Brazil, Albania, and South Africa.

In addition, the numbers of foreigners blocked at Irish air and sea ports last year increased by 20pc from 3,450 to 4,127.

Of the 4,127 refused entry, 396 were subsequently admitted to pursue a protection application.

Under long-standing international aviation rules, the airline that has brought a refused passenger is required to take that passenger back from where they have come.
Dace Zarina and Sara Gibadlo died in a fire in their accommodation in Leuven

The landlord of a house where two Irish students died in a fire has been found guilty.

Malachy Vallely, director of the Leuven institute for Ireland in Europe and owner of the student accommodation where Dace Zarina (22) and Sara Gibaldo (19) died in 2014 was found guilty this morning.

RTE News reports that the Institute was fined 60,000 and Mr Vallely has been ordered to pay 6,000 by a Belgian court, he has also been given a one year suspended sentence.

It was heard that another student who lived in the house, Shane Bracken, accidentally started the fire when he fell asleep after lighting a cigarette following a night out.

He has been found guilty of causing involuntary death and received a three-month suspended sentence and has been fined 600.

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Ms Zarina, who was from Longford, and Ms Gibaldo, from Galway, were both second-year students at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and were doing a work placement at the Leuven Institute.

Ms Zarina and Ms Gibaldo died when a blaze ripped through the student house they were living in Leuven city on January 31 2014.

Their remains were found huddled together and the court heard that their second-floor bedroom window was too high to escape safely from.

Eight other students - including six Irish people - managed to escape the fire.

During the trial the court heard that there was a string of fire safety issues in the accommodation - including a lack of fire alarms, empty fire extinguishers and an inadequate fire safety layout for the amount of people living in the property.

Mr Vallely and the Institute's legal team denied the charges and said local authorities knew how many people lived there.

The prosecutor said fire safety measures were "completely lacking".

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Colin Lynch, solicitor for the Zarina and Gibaldo families, said that their heartbroken relatives still have questions about what happened to the young women.

Speaking outside of court, he said: "The families of the late Sara Gibaldo and Dace Zarina wish to thank Belgian police and Leuven fire services for their efforts to investigate the circumstances of the deaths of their beloved young girls.

"Dace and Sara were bright young students with immense promise and potential who came to Leuven believing they were embarking on an exciting chapter of their lives.

"For the families it has been a long and difficult road and only now are they getting an understanding of the circumstances surrounding their tragic loss.

"Unfortunately a lot of questions remain, how did two young and vulnerable students from GMIT end up being placed in what prosecutors have described as 'substandard and inappropriate accommodation?'

"The families hope that no other families will suffer this kind of loss."
A mother-of-one is facing trial accused of bringing a loaded gun to a Dublin railway station.

Nikita Murtagh (20) had the case against her adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence, after a judge ruled it was too serious to be dealt with at district court level.

Ms Murtagh, from Mariner's Port, Sheriff Street, Dublin, is charged with unlawful possession of a CZ model semi-automatic pistol with two rounds of 7.65 Browning calibre ammunition and one shotgun cartridge.

The offences are alleged to have happened at Connolly Station on July 19.

Ms Murtagh had been the subject of a gagging order, which banned the media from naming her. However, Judge Alan Mitchell subsequently discontinued that reporting ban after accepting submissions from the media that there was "no legal basis" for it.

When the case came back before Judge Mitchell, the district court heard the directions of the DPP were still outstanding.

Judge Mitchell refused jurisdiction and the case will be sent to a higher court for trial.
Families were prepared to spend all week sleeping in their car in a bid to get on the property ladder in a north-Dublin development.

Liam Kelly and his girlfriend Ruth were just two of many desperate house hunters queuing for over three days in St Marnock's Bay, Portmarnock.

The Ballymore development was originally not due to be launched on the market until this Saturday, but the properties went on sale yesterday morning. They range from a mix of three- and four-bedroom houses, valued between 460,000 and 665,000.

Mr Kelly, from Portmarnock, said that the long wait was a gruelling but necessary process.

"We started lining up in our car on Friday afternoon and gradually more and more people followed suit," he told the Irish Independent. "Obviously, it was a pain, but I suppose in today's climate this is what it takes when buying a house. It wasn't all bad though, as we had the opportunity to get to know our future neighbours and have a bit of craic with them."

The long wait was not in vain for the young couple, who managed to secure one of the three-bedroom houses yesterday morning.

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"We were actually prepared to wait here until Saturday, but it feels great knowing that our search for a home is finally over," Mr Kelly added. "Our twin daughters are turning one on Christmas Day and spending the holidays in our new home will be a massive relief."

Another couple who spent two nights queuing in the coastal estate said those already living at St Marnock's Bay were very hospitable.

"Those who bought houses here in the first phase were all really nice to us throughout our stay," said a man currently living in Sandymount.

"When they saw us queuing up, they came out with tea and sandwiches and allowed us to use their bathrooms.

"They must have sympathised with us, as they were in the exact same boat earlier this year," he said.

A mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she managed to secure a property without having to wait at all.

"I just came up today with my daughter and noticed that most of the cars that were here over the past few days were gone.

"When I arrived to inspect the developments, I was told that there were more left and was then given a number. I was delighted that I didn't have to wait, but I suppose many people can't take the risk since it's first come, first served," she said.

There are a total of 101 houses in St Marnock's Bay, with 25 up for grabs in the current phase.

Those intending to buy have to pay a 10,000 deposit, along with an additional 10pc on whatever the house is worth.

An IT worker living on Dublin's northside said he has been searching for a home for nearly two years.

"It's been such a stressful experience and I'm constantly taking time off work to view showhouses across the capital," he said. "I've been renting with my girlfriend for about three years while saving for a deposit, but even though we had enough it was still a huge struggle finding a place. Thank God we have now found a place we really like."

A spokesperson for estate agent Savills told the Irish Independent the company didn't like to see people spending long periods queuing for a home.

"It's definitely not something we would encourage, which we try to make very clear," he said.

"However, there is a supply imbalance in the market and queuing up for long periods is what many people feel is necessary in order to secure a home. Thankfully, many people that queued up here are satisfied with these houses and happy to put down a deposit. We'll have our official launch here on Saturday at 12pm and hope to sell the remainder of the houses by then."
The education system was ill-prepared for a massive surge in enrolments that became evident in primary schools about a decade ago, which came on top of decades of under-investment in school buildings.

Pressure for places grew in the face of high-birth rates and the influx of immigrants since the late 1990s.

In September 2007, it was particularly obvious in north and west Dublin, in suburbs and towns that had expanded during the Celtic Tiger era, where some parents could not get a place for their child in a local school.

Today, there are 80,000 more pupils in primary schools than there were 10 years ago - up to more than 545,000 - an enrolments bulge that is now transitioning to second-level. New schools were needed, and quickly, to cope with demand from young families settling in the new estates and apartment complexes around Dublin. If not a new school, then a major extension to replace dilapidated prefabs on which some principals had been depending for up to 40 years.

The scale of the challenge meant the Department of Education could not rely on the traditional school building programme, often criticised for the stop-start nature of progress through its processes, to deliver the additional accommodation in the necessary time-frames.

Among the responses was the rapid build programme, a feature of which, Education Minister Richard Bruton explained, is that the contractor undertakes the design work and acquires the fire certificate.
More than 26 years on, family and friends of IRA murder victim Tom Oliver are terrified to speak publicly about the brutal killing for fear of retribution, the Irish Independent has been told.

Some of those closest to the murdered father-of-seven have expressed outrage after Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams publicly suggested that his death was "politically motivated" and the killers should go unpunished.

"Does Gerry Adams know what he is doing to us?" a close friend of the victim told the Irish Independent last night. "We just want to know who killed Tom."

Mr Adams's extraordinary claims to his local radio station LMFM last week will overshadow Sinn Fein's annual think-in in north county Dublin today. Mr Oliver, a sheep farmer, was abducted, tortured and brutally murdered by the IRA on July 19, 1991.

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A local priest who attended the post-mortem remarked that "it looked like they'd dropped concrete blocks on every bone in his body". It has emerged that Mr Adams himself was "by fluke" holidaying with family in the Cooley area of Co Louth on the day Mr Oliver was murdered.

"I was actually in, by complete fluke, I was on holidays down in Galway and came back up. I was in the Cooleys at the time Tom Oliver was killed. I was with my family in the Cooleys at that time," the Louth TD said.

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In the 'Prime Time' interview in 2015, the Sinn Fein leader reacted angrily when it was suggested by presenter Miriam O'Callaghan that he was the "court of appeal" that sanctioned the murder. Mr Adams denied the claim, describing the accusation as "reprehensible".

But the Sinn Fein president is under extreme pressure after he told broadcaster Michael Reade last week that jailing the IRA murderers of the farmer would be "absolutely counterproductive".

A spokesman for Sinn Fein said last night Mr Adams will make a "significant address" to the party's think-in today but sources say he will not announce plans to step aside.

A close friend of Mr Oliver said he and others are afraid to speak publicly for fear of retribution.

The friend said he believes Mr Adams and gardai "have the answers" and that he and the family want justice. "We don't know what's going on with the investigation. But we want to know the truth."

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The source said Mr Adams has not reached out to the family since gardai announced a review of the murder. A number of Louth politicians, including Fianna Fail's Declan Breathnach and Fine Gael's Peter Fitzpatrick, have strongly condemned Mr Adams. Senior Government ministers have warned Mr Adams that there will be "no amnesty" for those who committed "senseless" killings during the Troubles.

Mr Oliver was dragged from his home in the Cooley Peninsula before being murdered by IRA terrorists. His body was found the following day in Armagh.

The IRA claimed responsibility for the murder and made the announcement in Sinn Fein's official magazine 'An Phoblacht'. It claimed he was murdered because he was an informant who tipped off gardai to the whereabouts of weapons. Mr Oliver's family categorically deny he was a member of the IRA.

Adams accused of role in Provos killing of farmer

Gerry Adams was asked about the murder of Louth farmer Tom Oliver in an interview with Miriam O'Callaghan on RTE's 'Prime Time' in March 2015.

MOC: In relation to another infamous murder, that of Tom Oliver, Tom Oliver in Louth, you know that case do you?

GA: I do, yes.

MOC: In Cooley, he was taken by the IRA, murdered horrendously. In fact, the local priest said it looked like concrete blocks had been dropped on every bone of his body.

GA: Of course that's to be condemned if that's the case, that's to be condemned, of course it is. I was actually in, by complete fluke, I was on holidays down in Galway and came back up. I was in the Cooleys at the time Tom Oliver was killed. I was with my family in the Cooleys at that time.

MOC: There is a strong belief though that in fact you were the court of appeal that said that Tom Oliver should go to his death.

GA: How can you, there is 'strong belief'. How can you come on this programme and say that, Miriam? You're a journalist. How can you come on that programme and say that?

MOC: Because in the same way I suppose Garda commissioners, PSNI constables, Taoisigh, prime ministers (interrupted)

GA: Excuse me Miriam, you're making the most, the most (interrupted)

MOC: But you can deny it.

GA: Excuse me. But you should not be. You would not have the leader of the Labour Party who was a very, very prominent member of The Workers Party, at the time for example of Seamus Costello. You wouldn't have Pat Rabbitte in here and put that accusation to him?

MOC: But I'm entitled to put it to you (interrupted).

GA: You're not entitled to put it to me. You're not entitled to put it to me.

MOC: But you can deny it.

GA: Well I clearly deny it. But I do think it is a very, very reprehensible accusation to make. I am on this programme trying to make sense out of what was a conflict which marked this entire island and also very grievously the number of thousand of people who were killed.

MOC: But I'm speaking to you about the actions of republicans and you're here as a leader of republicans, so I have to put those questions to you.

GA: That's very different than accusing me. What are your sources? No, sorry Miriam, you cannot just come on a programme and say, it is widely believed or it is believed that you were on a court of appeal?

MOC: Widely believed by members of his family?

GA: Miriam, Miriam.

MOC: Yes that is the case Gerry Adams.
The single mountain under which North Korea most likely conducted its five most recent nuclear bomb tests, including the latest and most powerful on Sunday, could be at risk of collapsing, a Chinese scientist said.



...



The team from the seismic and deep earth physics laboratory made the claim in a statement posted on their website on Monday. Its leader, geophysicist Wen Lianxing, said that based on data collected by more than 100 earthquake monitoring centres in China, the margin of error was no more than 100 metres.



Wang Naiyan, the former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and senior researcher on Chinas nuclear weapons programme, said that if Wens findings were reliable, there was a risk of a major environmental disaster.



Another test might cause the whole mountain to cave in on itself, leaving only a hole from which radiation could escape and drift across the region, including China, he said.



We call it taking the roof off. If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things.



Sundays blast was followed by an earthquake eight minutes later, which Chinas seismic authorities interpreted as a cave-in triggered by the explosion.



...
Senior gardai have privately hit out at claims by a member of the independent Policing Authority that Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has faced "internal challenges" due to "difficulties with her own team".

The claims were made by former PSNI deputy chief constable Judith Gillespie, who called for Ms O'Sullivan to be given the time to "turn the organisation around".

Ms Gillespie said in an interview that she has "known Ms O'Sullivan for many years" and that she deserves a "fair chance" to transform the force.

"I think Noirin is an incredibly resilient person. I have known her for many years. I think she has had a very difficult job to take over with the history of the organisation. I do think she has had difficulties with her own team as well and that has posed internal challenges as well as external challenges she has had to face," Ms Gillespie said.

"I think she has to be given time to turn the organisation around. You are never going to be able to make these cultural changes overnight. It is going to take time," said Ms Gillespie.

In the interview with the Press Association, Ms Gillespie added that the Policing Authority, which she joined in January 2016, will be watching her performance very closely.

"There will soon be a time when we expect to see tangible evidence of changes delivered, and the [Policing] Authority is watching very closely in terms of the implementation of the Garda Inspectorate report."

However, the Irish Independent understands that Ms Gillespie's comments have caused considerable disquiet in Garda Headquarters, particularly the suggestion that members of management are responsible for some of the difficulties she has faced.

A number of sources last night said they want to know whether the comments made were in Ms Gillespie's personal capacity or whether they are shared by the Policing Authority as a whole.

The Policing Authority did not respond to queries from the Irish Independent.

However, in February its chairperson Josephine Feehily declined to express full confidence in Ms O'Sullivan and Garda management pending the outcome of the Disclosures Tribunal.

"I would say we have a degree of confidence, but we are concerned," Ms Feehily said.

Ms O'Sullivan is due to return to work today, having enjoyed a five-week holiday.

She will undoubtedly face questions in the coming weeks over her failed application for a specialist post in Europol, the EU policing body.

Ms O'Sullivan has also been at the centre of several other controversies, including the Templemore 'slush fund' scandal, the Garda whistleblower controversy and the revelations that almost one million breath tests were falsified.
Several A&E departments have been hit with a shortage of doctors as they face into the annual winter trolley crisis.

A number of freelance doctors, who are crucial to working shifts left vacant by a lack of permanent medics, did not turn up for work yesterday in wildcat work stoppages.

The decision follows the start of a pay cut for these locum doctors that came into force last Friday.

Senior consultants fear that some A&Es could "cease to function" if the shortage escalates.

The warning was sounded last night by the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, representing A&E consultants.

It comes as figures showed 7,781 patients who should have been given a hospital bed were on trolleys for hours last month, the worst August for overcrowding in a decade.

A spokesman for emergency consultants said the significant pay cut for locum doctors has meant some did not turn up for their shifts yesterday.

"It has also made the filling of short-term vacancies less timely and more likely to be unsuccessful."

He said the association "is acutely aware that in some hospitals the majority of medical staff are employed through locum agencies and in these hospitals the emergency department will cease to function in the absence of doctors".

Overcrowding

The emergency task force, attended by Health Minister Simon Harris, met yesterday to discuss plans for winter overcrowding.

Mr Harris said a national hospital bed review is nearly complete. This will provide information on which hospitals need beds, and how many, over the coming months.

However, the 2016/2017 40m winter initiative plan launched last autumn missed several targets.

It included a proposal to look at putting up prefabs in some hospital grounds where some patients could be appropriately care for.

This led Independent TD Michael Lowry to declare that a "patient hotel" that would accommodate people who were attending South Tipperary General Hospital would be built.

Asked what progress has been made, a spokesman for the hospital said it is not possible to provide an update at this stage.

"Funding approval for the modular build is still awaited," he said.

The Inmo's figures yesterday show that South Tipperary General Hospital suffered the third-highest level of overcrowding last month.

Some 489 were on trolleys compared to 82 during the same month a decade ago.

Plans for a similar prefab building in Mayo General Hospital have also made slow progress.

A spokeswoman said: "Mayo University Hospital is currently seeking to progress to a mini competition locally. At this stage in the process, we are not in a position to confirm timeframes or costs."

Other missed targets included those for staff getting the flu vaccine and, crucially, waiting times for patients on trolleys needing a bed. Hospitals outside Dublin suffered the worst conditions last month, including University Hospital Limerick, which has the newest A&E in the country.

The nurses' union called for senior emergency consultants to be present in A&Es over seven days. It also wants nurse managers to be given full powers to recruit additional staff. Hospital managers should also be on site on a 24/7 basis, it added.
The heartbroken father of the Dublin mother of two who took her own life in her emergency hotel accommodation has said he will never forget her.

Speaking at the funeral of Danielle Carroll (27) in Tallaght yesterday, Frank Carroll told mourners that she was a lovely girl.

Expand Close The remains of Danielle Carroll are taken from the Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn following her funeral mass. Picture; Gerry Mooney / Facebook

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Whatsapp The remains of Danielle Carroll are taken from the Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn following her funeral mass. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Danzer was my daughter and always will be my daughter. Ill miss her coming in with my two grandchildren, he said emotionally from the altar at the Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn.

Danielle died last Wednesday in the Leixlip House Hotel where she had been living in emergency accommodation since the beginning of the year when the rented accommodation she had near her family was sold by its owner and she was left homeless.

Her family say Danielle had been offered one house only to have the offer withdrawn later and another property suggested to her.

They said Danielle felt the second option was in no way suitable for bringing up two young boys and she had become anxious and upset about her housing situation.

Danielles friend Linda Woods said Danielle was always hopeful of eventually finding a place to live.

She would say All I want is a little house where my boys can have their own beds and she hoped that someday that would happen, Linda explained.

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Her eldest son DJ is seven, and his little brother Carter is just 20 months.

She was trying her best in the hotel room, but she had to drive from there every day back to Tallaght where DJ is in school, and wash and feed Carter in her mothers house. It was very difficult, she added.

Danielles mother Margaret said her daughter became very down and was seeking help for her anxiety for a period of time.

Symbols of Danielles life brought to the altar included a photograph of her with her boys, a Budweiser bottle, and a CD of her favourite songs.

Fr Jimmy McPartland said our consolation will be the joyful memories we have of Danielle.

Our sadness is that Danzer is gone from us at an age we did not expect, he added.

Danielles family embraced each other, wearing yellow ribbons pinned to their clothes.

In front of Danielles ornate casket, a floral tribute in the word Mum stood.

During his homily, Fr McPartland prayed for her family.

She will be sadly missed by all, he said.

All of us are stunned by the sudden death of Danzer. The biggest difficulty we have is we feel so powerless. Events have moved in a swift and unforeseen way, beyond our control, and we have been left behind almost as feeble spectators, he added.

He said Danielle was a young woman with a big heart, full of love for her children and her family, whose life has been nipped in the bud.

After the funeral mass Danielles casket was brought to Newlands cemetery a in carriage drawn by black horses with black plumes.
A number of shops were seriously damaged Photo: Gavin White

A man arrested in connection with a fire that broke out at a popular shopping centre has been released without charge.

However, Independent.ie has learned that the 25-year-old man has been charged in connection with a separate arson attack and is due to appear before Dublin District Court this morning.

A number of shops were left seriously damaged after a fire broke out at the Coolock Shopping Centre in the early hours of Thursday.

Gardai arrived at the scene at 5am and the fire was brought under control by Dublin Fire Brigade.

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Popular local Chinese restaurant Jazz, which is situated on the top level of the centre, said it has been forced to close tonight while numerous shops below have been destroyed.

The St Vincent de Paul shop received major damage.

"There was a fire beside Jazz last night. Thankfully there was no major damage to the restaurant and nobody hurt, a restaurant spokesperson said.

Gardai said the incident is under investigation and a 25-year-old man was arrested on Thursday.

A garda spokesman confirmed that he was released without charge. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosectutions.

Independent.ie has learned that the man has been charged in connection with a separate arson attack on a clothes bank in 2016.

He is scheduled to appear before Dublin District Court this morning.
A man is in a serious condition after being injured in a Cork assault.

The man, who is understood to be an East European national, was injured when he was attacked along with two others in Ballincollig, Co Cork.

Initial reports indicated that the trio were confronted by a number of other men armed with a variety of weapons.

These included knives and clubs.

The confrontation occurred at a property in the Castle Park estate less than 1km from the town centre shortly before 9pm on Tuesday night.

A melee erupted which only ended when the middle-aged East European man was seriously injured.

The other group then apparently fled the scene on foot.

Gardai were at the scene within minutes and the injured man was rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH).

His injuries - which are understood to include stab wounds and blunt force trauma injuries - were described as serious.

He was expected to undergo emergency surgery on Tuesday night.

The other two men - one of whom is believed to be the injured man's son - sustained multiple non-life threatening injuries.

Both men are also understood to be East European.

Gardai sealed off the scene pending a full examination by technical bureau experts.

Door to door inquiries began with Gardai appealing for anyone who may have information on the incident to contact them.

Gardai will also review CCTV security camera footage from a number of business premises in the general area to determine if anyone fleeing the scene was caught by cameras.
He said Moore's father was disgusted and mortified by his son's behaviour but was still in court to support him. Stock picture

A 14-year-old teenager has been reported missing from Dublin.

Gardai are seeking the public's help in locating Ned Cash Connors, missing from Cowper Drive in Dublin 6.

Ned was last seen at 4pm on Monday September 4.

He is described as being 5 5" in height, blue eyes, slight build and sandy coloured hair.

It is not known what Ned was wearing when last seen.

Anyone who has seen Ned or who can assist in locating him is asked to contact Donnybrook Garda Station on 01-6669200, The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA
Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen said he expects the company will announce around 150 redundancies at the semistate peat board next year. Photo: Tom Burke

Have you ever searched for an old book to check a detail, found it and then lost half an afternoon reading it? Well, this is a case in point: I write with 'Republican Days - 75 Years of Fianna Fail' at my elbow.

Trust me, there is a link with the housing crisis and homelessness. The book's publication in 2002 coincided with the party archives being donated to UCD, and this handsome tome is a beguiling slice of Irish popular history.

But it was also remarkable that across 272 pages of text, there were more than 40 advertisements from builders, developers, engineering companies and other entities engaged in building, offered up to defray production costs.

That was three times the advertising from the next biggest category, motoring and transport.

Yep, Fianna Fail has often been dubbed the "builders' party". Part of it was a cultural thing, a big part of it was the reality that this was more usually the party of government, and business and money goes where the political action is happening.

So, when Barry Cowen, son of Ber and brother of Brian, talks of a tax holiday, levy reductions and better financing schemes for builders, what are we looking at? Is this 'F and F' reverting to type - or a recognition that a deepening crisis requires radical moves?

This debate will run and run and we can all check our prejudices. But it was interesting that Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy did not blow it out of the water - and that Barry Cowen stressed the need to avoid party politics.

Cowen may have a point.
The son of murdered prison officer Brian Stack has begun gauging support within Fianna Fail about a potential run in the upcoming general or European elections.

Austin Stack is understood to be interested in putting his name forward at an upcoming selection convention.

He expressed interest in entering politics at a recent meeting with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and is believed to favour a tilt at the European elections in 2019 in the Midlands-North-West constituency.

Mr Stack confirmed that he has nearly completed his period in the prison service and will "look at all of my options at the appropriate time".

He added: "I have always had a strong interest in community and voluntary issues and have also done a lot of peace-building work behind the scenes. These are the things that interest and motivate me."

Fianna Fail effectively has no representation in the parliament after Ireland South MEP Brian Crowley quit the ALDE group, of which Fianna Fail is an affiliate.

Although Mr Crowley remains a member of Fianna Fail, he is aligned to the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), which is seen as being eurosceptic.

Paralysed from the waist down, Mr Crowley has not attended the parliament since 2014 because he has been hospital-bound.

His substitute, Kieran Hartley, has repeatedly called on Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin to intervene.

However, senior party figures have completely dismissed Mr Hartley's calls.
Retired RTE reporter Valerie Cox has revealed that the same virus that causes cold sores resulted in her husband getting a rare, near-fatal, illness on a remote Greek island last year.

Valerie and her husband Brian were working as volunteers in the refugee crisis last March when Brian was struck down with herpes viral encephalitis (HSE), which occurs when the virus enters the brain, and lapsed into a coma.

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Two people in a million have the virus hit their brain, Valerie explained. Most people get a cold sore. And for these two people in a million, the virus causes patients to go into a coma, and 66pc pass away immediately, she said.

"When he was in the coma, they told me he might never wake... I never believed that he was going to die, the consultants did," she told Today With Sean O'Rourke this morning.

For two months, Brian was in the care of doctors on the Greek island where the couple had been volunteering, and in Athens.

"He had to be intubated immediately, and there was very little in the way of medical services there... The priority was to get him to Athens which was a wonderful, hi-tech hospital."

"After two months there, he was still in a coma, but he was well enough to be transported back to Dublin to St Vincent's hospital."

"Day by day he gradually got a bit better. There were really bad days too when he got all of the hospital bugs, and you'd be going so far forward, and then suddenly everything would shatter. Brian couldn't talk anymore. There were horrific days."

Eventually, when Brian woke up in St Vincent's Hospital, he was completely paralysed.

"He couldn't move anything. The kids were wonderful. They stayed with him all the time, we had a roster in the family. One day Emily was with him and she said, 'oh my God' he moved his eyebrow... that's how excited we got about something tiny."

"He couldn't talk of course. He had 15 different tubes going into him."

She added: "A friend of Brian's, Fr Stephen Monaghan was able to lip read and was able to work out that Brian was asking if he was dying, and we were able to say 'no, you were, but you're not anymore. You're getting better."

Valerie and the couple's five children were able to find a place for Brian to be rehabilitated in Leopardstown Park Hospital, and since then he's made massive progress.

"I knew in my heart and soul that if Brian got that bootcamp in rehab, it would make a huge difference.

"He went in there for six weeks. When he came out of the coma he had been all twisted to one side... but in two weeks they had him walking straight.

"He's learning to walk still but he's able to career around on his walker. He's able to write, read and he's putting the finishing touches to a book he's written."

Two weeks ago, after defying the odds and making a remarkable recovery, Brian was allowed back into the family home.

"He has absolutely no memory of getting sick, the hospitals, and it's just as well because he was so ill and they were doing such horrible things to him... Being in ICU, it's not a nice place to be."

But she said: "I always believed he was going to make it."

Valerie spoke of how lucky her family have been, crediting great friends, staff and those they had worked with in Greece.

"We had half the Muslims praying for him, all the refugees, we had Atheists praying for him, we weren't a bit fussy," she joked.

"Last October, consultants told me that Brian had reached his peak. They were totally wrong," she said.

Having been told that he was going to a nursing home last October, Valerie and her family were determined not to let that happen.

"We're a very strong very family and I knew that we'd work together. I mean, if we'd listened to the consultants, where would Brian be now?

"I love him and we've been married for 43 years and I knew we'd get the resources no matter what.

"Against all the odds, he has survived, he has gotten better. He's been to rehab, and I got him home two weeks ago," the former RTE reporter said.
Aer Lingus has sprung a winter sale offering flights from as little as 22.99 each-way, and dramatic reductions on transatlantic fares.

School is back, and the shutters have come down on summer, but the airline's September seat sale sees flights to North America from just 169 each-way.

The new 'Saver Fares' are billed as "the lowest possible Aer Lingus fares across the Atlantic," but do not include 23kg checked baggage (from 37 to 50), seat selection (from 20), blankets (5) and headphones (3).

'Smart Fares', the traditional all-inclusive offering, remain available to transatlantic customers - starting from 209 each-way on east coast routes.

All sale fares, including 29.99 rates to Europe, are valid for travel between November 1 and February 28 for Europe and November 1 and March 31 for North America.

Aer Lingus launched its inaugural flights to Miami this month, and is adding 350 transatlantic flights in what it says is its biggest ever winter schedule.

It comes at a time when low-cost carriers Norwegian and WOW air are offering sale fares to the US from as little as 99 and 129.99 each-way, respectively.

In a survey accompanying its sale, Aer Lingus says New York, Florida, Malaga, Faro and Barcelona are the places Irish adults most wish to spend their winter months.

80pc of respondents want a winter break this year, it adds, though less than one in five Irish adults (22pc) are actually planning an autumn/winter getaway.

Sale fares are available on aerlingus.com.
When historians come to look back on the coverage of Irish politics in these times, they will be struck by how much space was given to the process of politics rather than focusing on the substance of the real issues facing people on a daily basis.

A dramatic example of this was seen in the months leading up to the General Election in 2016. The dominant topic was speculation about who would be in government. That's why there was such a gap between commentators' predictions and the actual result.

I said at the time that the debate on various scenarios was futile and more debate should be on what type of Ireland people wanted, and to vote for the party that they believed were in the best position to deliver change.

And yet it looks as if the same thing is happening again. The coverage on "coalitionology" is already crowding out serious debate on the many urgent issues facing our country.

The new pet obsession is the absurd idea that Fianna Fail would be willing to go into government with Sinn Fein - something which is being actively encouraged by the always insincere briefers around our media-obsessed Taoiseach.

A Fine Gael minister has even been sent out to concern-troll Fianna Fail members with the idea that their leader can't be believed.

Isn't it striking that they could find a minister in August to talk about what my party would do after the election but couldn't find one to talk about the CSO's shocking homelessness figures?

This has been followed by other commentators, including those whose primary topic in recent months has been their prediction of a so-far unseen dramatic new direction for our country under a changed leader.

The reason why Fine Gael would prioritise this piece of disinformation is, of course, the absence of any change of substance in the Government. The first and so far only priority has been 'strategic communication'.

As various reports have confirmed, there is now in Government Buildings an absolute focus on positioning for an election. This is why the Taoiseach's Department now has, for the first time, a marketing expert in place.

They have decided that talking about what Fianna Fail might do is a good distraction from the reality of what's happening in different policy areas.

Let's put this Sinn Fein coalition nonsense to bed so more time can be spent discussing solutions to the rising emergencies in housing, homelessness, health services and Brexit planning. There is still a two-tiered recovery, which is still being ignored by government.

Fianna Fail's established policy on Sinn Fein is that it is unfit for government in Dublin and we will oppose any and all efforts by them to get into government.

And for those who say "ah sure ,why should we believe you?" the answer is equally clear - Fianna Fail is the only party in the current Dail which was true to its pre-election statements on government formation.

While others changed their position in a most cynical way, we kept to a policy which we had been told in hundreds of interviews and columns wouldn't be honoured.

We differ with Sinn Fein profoundly on many issues but particularly on economic and business policies.

And as far as more fundamental matters go, it does not adhere to many of the most basic principles of democratic republicanism which are a prerequisite to any party being in government.

I have compared its behaviour in the past to that of a cult and I see no reason to change this assessment.

In the 20 years since the last ceasefires, Sinn Fein has a 100pc record in putting the interests of the Provisionals' movement ahead of the interests of the State.

In relation to Europe, Sinn Fein is our most consistently anti-EU party, which has campaigned against every single treaty, especially those which have been central to economic growth here.

When under pressure about crimes committed, Sinn Fein calls for people to "bring what they know to the authorities" - but no one ever comes forward.

People remain in Sinn Fein in spite of knowing the identities of people who committed repugnant crimes well after the Good Friday Agreement.

We had the grotesque reality of kangaroo courts being used to deal with child sex abuse cases - something which Sinn Fein leaders defended as they believed it was caused by distrust of the State.

So, quite frankly, we don't think government is a place for a party which puts loyalty to its own movement first, which actively justifies appalling crimes committed and which has policies which could permanently destroy much of the economy and marginalise Ireland internationally.

Sinn Fein's behaviour in Belfast shows that its only skill is in bringing down governments, not in using them to work on behalf of all people.

The Northern Executive is not the government of a sovereign republic and there are direct limits on what any one party or the Executive and Assembly can do. A striking one is that access to security information is limited.

These limits do not and cannot apply to a government nominated by the Oireachtas.

The next time another Provisional IRA crisis emerges, such as those concerning sex abuse, punishment beatings or the murder of an innocent man sitting in a pub, how can the unreformed Sinn Fein be given a role in the response of our forces of law and order?

We've seen in recent years, when either Dublin or London steps back from the North, or takes sides on the part of one or more parties, things break down.

Sinn Fein has had opportunities for more than nine months now to return to government in Stormont and it has not done so, even though Ireland faces its biggest challenge ever with Brexit.

It even rejected the latest attempt by the DUP to get talks back on track without giving it any consideration.

Sinn Fein has stood back while the working people in Northern Ireland are being deprived of public services because of the lack of any ministers being in place.

It has also chosen not to participate in Westminster despite having seven members elected. They have decided to wash their hands of challenging a potential hard Brexit by the Tories. This is in stark contrast to the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales.

So for once and all, let's put to bed this recent nonsense about a post-election coalition with Sinn Fein. Instead Fianna Fail is going to continue to insist that the focus needs to be on what government does to serve the people.

We are committed to bringing up constructive proposals and to holding this government to account. There needs to be less attention paid to starring in government and more attention paid to running a government.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is a TD for Cork South-Central
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meets scientists and technicians in the field of researches into nuclear weapons in this photo released by North Koreas Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang last year. Photo: Reuters

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, yesterday told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that "enough is enough", adding that while America does not want war, "our country's patience is not unlimited".

Military leaders in South Korea claim to have seen indications that the North is preparing an attack and believe it has successfully miniaturised a nuclear weapon to fit onto an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Sunday's nuclear test by North Korea had an estimated strength of 50 kilotons - three times bigger than the US device that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945 - Seoul defence ministry officials told a parliamentary briefing yesterday, as they agreed "it is time to strengthen" a military response.

The South responded to the nuclear test, which the North claimed was of a hydrogen bomb, with live-fire drills off its eastern coast yesterday that were meant to simulate an attack on the North's main test site.

North Korea responded that its enemies are "hell-bent on escalating confrontation", as it launched a scathing attack on the "warmongers" in Seoul.

The UN Security Council is holding its second emergency meeting about North Korea in a week in New York to discuss responses to the test. Last August, it imposed sanctions targeting North Korean exports.

Expand Close United Nations US ambassador Nikki Haley speaks with her Chinese counterpart before the Security Council meeting. Photo: Getty Images / Facebook

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China has warned North Korea against proceeding with plans to launch another ballistic missile, saying it should not worsen tensions, but said Donald Trump's trade threat was "unacceptable".

America has warned that any threat to itself or its allies would be met with a "massive military response", but British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson cautioned against a military strike.

Downing Street yesterday restated the UK's "overwhelming" preference for a "peaceful and diplomatic resolution".

Ms Haley urged the UN Security Council to impose the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," she said.

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard.

"No one would do that. We certainly won't."

The United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea requested the urgent meeting after North Korea detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

Ms Haley declared that the "time for half measures is over", suggesting the council must significantly ratchet up the pressure with biting sanctions to be decided in a new resolution.

The US ambassador did not spell out what measures Washington would support, but diplomats have indicated that an oil embargo would have a crippling effect on the North Korean economy.

Japan, France and Britain called for the swift adoption of a new sanctions resolution, but the call was expected to face opposition from Russia and China which maintain that sanctions alone will not resolve the crisis.

Japan has urged the UN Security Council to agree on a plan to draft a new sanctions resolution to punish North Korea after its sixth nuclear test.

The Brics group of five major emerging economies on Monday denounced North Korea's latest nuclear test at a summit in China that seeks to enlarge the organisation's presence on the world stage.

The nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - agreed in a joint declaration to strengthen cooperation against a range of organisations it described as terrorist, including some based in Pakistan.

In the 43-page declaration, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma said they would work together to improve global economic governance to foster "a more just and equitable international order".

They also strongly condemned North Korea's sixth - and most powerful - nuclear test that took place Sunday and has overshadowed the two-day Brics summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen that China is using as a showcase for its growing international status.

Meanwhile, neutral Switzerland said it was prepared to act as mediator to help resolve the North Korea crisis, including by hosting ministerial talks, Swiss President Doris Leuthard said.

She said Swiss troops were deployed on the demarcation zone between South Korea and North Korea and the country had a long history of neutral diplomacy. But China and the United States had to take their share of responsibility, she added.

"We are ready to offer our role... as a mediator," Ms Leuthard told a news conference. "It is really time now to sit down at a table. Big powers have a responsibility."
South Korea's Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise at an undisclosed location in South Korea, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

South Korea's Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise at an undisclosed location in South Korea, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

South Korean officials believe more provocation from North Korea is possible, despite international outrage over Sunday's test and calls for more sanctions on the reclusive state.

South Korea's Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported on Tuesday that North Korea had been spotted moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the report said.

South Korea's defence ministry, which warned on Monday that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

North Korea tested two ICBMs in July that could fly about 10,000 km (6,200 miles), putting many parts of the US mainland within range and prompting a new round of international sanctions against Pyongyang.

On Monday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war" and urged the 15-member U.N. Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

US President Donald Trump held calls with foreign leaders on Monday, including South Korean President Moon Jae-in and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the White House declared that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table".

Russian president Vladimir Putin has condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as "provocative".

South Korea is talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences in the meantime.

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Moon and Trump agreed on Monday to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles, South Korea's presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of a military conflict. The White House said Trump gave "in-principle approval" to the move.

"We believe the unlimited warhead payload will be useful in responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told a briefing on Tuesday.

Under the current guidelines, last changed in 2012, South Korea can develop missiles up to a range of 800 km (500 miles) with a maximum payload of 500 kg (1,102 pounds)

South Korea's navy also held more drills on Tuesday.

"Today's training is being held to prepare for maritime North Korean provocations, inspect our navy's readiness and to reaffirm our will to punish the enemy," an unidentified South Korean naval officer told the same Defence Ministry briefing.

"PATIENCE NOT UNLIMITED"

Speaking at the United Nations, Haley said the United States would circulate a new Security Council resolution on North Korea this week and wanted a vote on it on Monday.

"War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory," Haley said.

China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, and Russia called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," said Liu Jieyi, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, urging North Korea to stop taking actions that were "wrong" and not in its own interests.

Russia said peace in the region was in jeopardy.

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"Sanctions alone will not help solve the issue," Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said.

North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes. Typically, China and Russia only view a test of a long-range missile or a nuclear weapon as a trigger for further possible U.N. sanctions.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned of a "massive" military response if the United States or its allies were threatened in the wake of Sunday's test. Pyongyang said it had successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, something experts believe it has now achieved or is very close to achieving.

Trump has previously vowed to stop North Korea developing nuclear weapons and said he would unleash "fire and fury" if it threatened US territory.

Despite the tough talk, the immediate focus of the international response was on tougher economic sanctions.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could now consider banning North Korean textile exports and its national airline, stop supplies of oil to the government and military, prevent North Koreans from working abroad and add top officials to a blacklist to subject them to an asset freeze and travel ban.

The sanctions imposed after July's missile tests aimed to slash Pyongyang's $3 billion annual export revenue by a third by banning exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood.
A Rohingya family reaches the Bangladesh border after crossing a creek on the border with Burma (AP)

A massive influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Burma has pushed aid services in Bangladesh to the brink, with established camps already beyond capacity, aid workers said.

The UN refugee agency said 123,000 refugees have fled western Burma since August 25.

"The numbers are very worrying. They are going up very quickly," said UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan.

The agency pleaded for assistance, saying it needs more land to set up new camps to accommodate refugees who are arriving hungry, traumatised and in need of medical assistance.

"Most have walked for days from their villages - hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes," the agency said. "An unknown number could still be stranded at the border."

Many said their homes had been set alight and Burmese soldiers fired indiscriminately around their villages in Rakhine state.

In the border town of Kutupalong, an elderly woman bleeding profusely from where her lower right leg had been blown off in an explosion was bundled into a rickshaw to be taken to hospital.

Family members said she was wounded in a land mine blast. Her left leg and parts of her hands also appeared seriously wounded.

Tens of thousands of new refugees have been taken in at established camps that have been housing Rohingya since the 1990s, but those camps have reached "breaking point", the UN refugee agency said.

Thousands of others are sheltering in emergency tents, in makeshift camps or out in the open wherever they find space.

Aid agencies said there is an urgent need for emergency shelters and medical aid as more refuges arrive.

The UNHCR's new refugee estimate was the result of aid workers conducting new, more accurate counts that revised Monday's estimate up from 87,000, Ms Tan said.

Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in majority-Buddhist Burma.

They began streaming into Bangladesh after August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked Burmese police posts, prompting security forces to respond with days of "clearance operations" they said were aimed at rooting out insurgents from villages.

Burmese security officials and Rohingya insurgents accuse each other of committing atrocities in the past week.

AP
Gay rights advocates have gone to Australia's highest court in an attempt to prevent the government from asking the public whether same-sex marriage should be legalised.

The campaigners want parliament to decide the issue without public consultation and are arguing in the High Court that the government does not have the constitutional power to start the postal survey next week.

Opinion polls show most Australians want same-sex marriage legalised, but many supporters question how representative of national attitudes the survey would be.

The seven judges will hear two similar cases simultaneously over Tuesday and Wednesday in Melbourne.

They could rule on the validity of the survey as early as Wednesday and prevent ballots being posted to voters from September 12.

One case is brought by independent MP Andrew Wilkie and gay rights campaigners Felicity Marlowe and Shelley Argent.

Ms Argent has described the survey as a "demeaning, hate-filled and pointless vote that will go nowhere and resolve nothing".

The second case is brought by Janet Rice, a senator in the minor Greens party who is married to a transgender partner with a male birth certificate, and the Australian Marriage Equality lobby group.

The survey is the second choice of prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's conservative government that had promised a rare, compulsory vote known as a plebiscite.

But the Senate refused to approve the 170 million Australian dollars (105m) that the vote on November 25 would have cost.

Instead, the government is pushing for a 122 million-dollar unique, voluntary postal vote without Senate approval.

If a majority want marriage equality, parliament would be allowed to decide the issue by December. But some MPs have said their votes would not be swayed by public opinion, raising questions about why the public is being surveyed.

Mr Wilkie's case is that the government's power to fund the vote without Senate approval can only be used in unforeseen emergencies and not in the ordinary business of government.

Even if the government could fund the vote, Mr Wilkie argues that it could not make the Australian Bureau of Statistics carry it out.

While the bureau has the power to obtain statistical data from the Australian population, gathering opinions is different, he argues.

Despite the legal cloud hanging over the postal survey, acrimonious campaigns on both sides of the argument are gathering pace.

Mr Turnbull and opposition leader Bill Shorten support gay marriage but Mr Turnbull's predecessor and party rival Tony Abbott is a vocal opponent.

Mr Abbott has described a vote against gay marriage as a vote against political correctness.

Many Yes vote supporters including Ms Rice, the litigant, argue that marriage equality is, as the US Supreme Court found, a human right that should not be subjected to an opinion poll.

AP
The man had been associated with the school in New Delhi for nine years

The National Association for the Blind building in New Delhi (AP)

A 54-year-old British man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at a school in the Indian capital.

Murray Dennis Ward had been associated with the New Delhi school run by the National Association for the Blind for nine years , initially as a donor and later as a volunteer teacher, police said.

School authorities contacted the police after the boys, aged 14 and 15, complained about the alleged abuse.

Ward appeared before a judge after his arrest on Monday, and was ordered to be held in police custody while investigations continued. Police have seized his laptop computer and mobile phone.

Ward, from Gloucestershire, had been working with a technology company in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon until April.

Police officer Ishwar Singh told reporters that the British High Commission in New Delhi has been informed of the arrest.

AP
Members of a grooming gang who sexually abused vulnerable girls (top row left to right) Nadeem Aslam, Mohammed Azram, (bottom row left to right) Abdul Sabe and Jahangir Zaman

A victim of a grooming gang that sexually abused vulnerable girls in Newcastle described the men who got her addicted to drugs as "monsters".

In a victim statement, another said she still had flashbacks to what happened to her six years ago at parties, known as sessions, where girls were given drugs and then persuaded or forced to have sex.

And a third said the gang members put her down and thought "they are superior to women, and girls do not have the same rights as men".

The statements were read out during a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court where three men were due to be dealt with.

The prosecutions followed the long-running Operation Shelter investigation into sexual exploitation, largely in Newcastle's West End.

The inquiry involved the controversial use of a police informant who was himself a child rapist and was paid almost 10,000 (10,900) by Northumbria Police.

John Elvidge QC, prosecuting, said girls were invited to parties and given alcohol and mephedrone.

"The girls were expected to offer sexual services in return," he said.

"The court heard that the women who were being exploited sometimes consented, sometimes did not consent and sometimes were incapable of consenting."

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Mr Elvidge said the victims who gave evidence in court were white British and the defendants were "all of Asian extraction" and mostly British-born.

But the authorities decided their offending was not racially motivated, he added.

The men were more driven by the vulnerability and availability of their victims, Mr Elvidge said.

Eight men were convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution, while others prosecuted were involved in supplying drugs.

The prosecutor described the conspirators' method as "cynical and systematic" in that they tricked victims into believing they were in a relationship with their abusers.

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In victim statements, one called them "monsters" and said she no longer trusted men.

Another said: "The way they tricked us into thinking they were our friends was disgusting."

A third added: "They made me feel like a piece of meat, and that makes me feel sick."

The sentencing hearing and more gang members will be dealt with throughout the week.
A "sadistic" man who waterboarded a six-year-old girl and forced her to run barefoot on a treadmill for up to four-and-a-half hours so she would sleep at bedtime has been jailed for 12 years.

Garth Gatland, 39, of Austin Drive, Cambridge, was convicted of two counts of child cruelty at an earlier trial and was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday, Cambridgeshire Police said.

He had denied the charges against two children, a girl aged six and a 15-year-old boy, but a jury found him guilty.

The court heard that Gatland had also hit the girl with a wooden spoon, made her stand naked in a window, made her stand in stress positions and tipped her out of her bed while she was sleeping on regular occasions.

Evidence of cocaine was discovered in the girl's system, and significant bruises and burns were found on her back, legs, feet and neck.

The boy was the victim of regular assaults and made to dispose of and hide drugs for Gatland.

The abuse, said to have happened between 2014 and 2016, was reported to police by an acquaintance of Gatland last year.

Detective Constable Chris Down said: "Gatland subjected his victims to a catalogue of sadistic abuse.

"I hope this sentence will allow the victims to move on with their lives.

"I would encourage anyone who suspects offences have been, or are being committed against children to report their concerns to police, children's social services or the NSPCC.

"No matter who we are, we all have a responsibility to report child abuse."
WATERLOO  Aiden Witney spent Labor Day floating along the South Santiam River with about 30 family members and friends in an armada of inner tubes, kayaks and inflatable rafts.

It was relaxing but also thrilling, said the 11-year-old Albany resident, who enjoyed going over rapids between Bates Bridge and Waterloo County Park, east of Lebanon.

They were probably my favorite part, he added.

The two-hour journey was Aidens last splash of summer. He enters the sixth grade at Calapooia Middle School on Tuesday.

School starts tomorrow. This is the last big hurrah, said Michael Rasmussen of Albany, as he pulled a raft out of the water. Rasmussen, clad in a cowboy hat, sunglasses and swim trunks, had six children along on the trip.

He was quick to point out that everyone in his group had a lifejacket  some of them on loan from the Albany Fire Department  and that no one had a drop of alcohol.

Better safe than sorry on the river, after all.

Waterloo County Park, with its beach, picnic shelters, campsites and more, was the destination on the Labor Day holiday weekend for numerous mid-Willamette Valley residents, as well as people from out of the area.

Joy Lapping and her husband arrived on Thursday from Westlake, near Florence, for their annual church campout with Calvary Open Bible of Springfield. The church group had about 30 spots reserved at the park.

Its been good, Lapping said, though she added that the conditions were a bit smoky compared to the coast.

Marilyn Scharen of Eugene had a different take on the haze caused by numerous Oregon wildfires. This is wonderful, said Scharen, who added that air conditions were far worse in the south Willamette Valley.

Scharen and her husband David Scharen had just arrived in their fifth-wheel trailer on Monday, and planned to stay until Wednesday. Theres nice hiking trails here and you can do some retail therapy close by if youre so inclined, David Scharen said.

They also were hoping to see the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum.

The Santiam was the main attraction for many people visiting Waterloo, however.

Aiden said this was the second year floating the river with family and friends, and he hoped it would become a longstanding tradition.

Well probably continue going and invite more people, Rasmussen said.
A 54-year-old British man has been arrested in India for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at a school.

The man had been volunteering at the school in New Delhi run by the National Association for the Blind.

Police said on Tuesday that they had been contacted by school authorities after the boys complained about the abuse.

The school told police that Ward had been associated with the school for nine years, initially as a donor and later as a volunteer teacher.

Following his arrest the Briton appeared before a judge after his arrest and was ordered to be held in police custody while investigations continued.

The man, from Gloucestershire, had been working with a technology company in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon until April.
Thousands of people have been displaced by torrential rains and catastrophic flooding since Harvey slammed into south-east Texas last week (AP)

Texas cities are receiving financial help towards reconstruction after Hurricane Harvey brought floods and damaged homes across the region.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) approved loans to help keep struggling cities operating after the storms.

Texas governor Greg Abbott announced the approval on Twitter, saying the loans are critical to providing services in some communities.

It is an early step in a massive clean-up effort, beginning with people leaving emergency shelters.

More than 50,000 people are in government-paid hotels. Fema officials are weighing up other options, like mobile homes.

The storm is now blamed for at least 60 deaths in 11 counties.

Harris County, which is home to Houston and saw the worst flooding during the storm, reports 30 confirmed deaths as of Monday evening.
Israeli police remove the Palestinian family from their home in east Jerusalem (AP)

Israeli police have evicted a Palestinian family from their home in east Jerusalem to make way for new Jewish tenants who claimed ownership.

Municipal officials backed by armed police enforced a court order to remove the six-member Shamasneh family from a home claimed by heirs of a Jewish family forced to abandon it in 1948 when it came under Jordanian control.

Israel took control of the area after the 1967 war and continued existing rental arrangements with Arab tenants, but a law allowing Jews to reclaim former homes or repurchase them have set up such conflicts.

The armed officers escorted the Shamasnehs out of the home, with the elderly Ayoub Shamasneh carried out by his relatives.

Mr Shamasneh, 79, said his legal case was still pending. "How can they do this to us?" he said.

His wife Fahima, 75, called it "pure injustice" that after more than 50 years in the house they "throw us out in the street".

Palestinians claim the evictions aim to increase east Jerusalem's Jewish population and change the area's demography, making it harder to divide the city in any eventual peace deal. Israel says it is merely enforcing the law.

Shortly after the eviction, Jewish settlers entered the house accompanied by a private security guard. An Israeli flag hung in the entrance to the kitchen.

Yonatan Yosef, a spokesman for the Jewish residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem, said he was pleased to see another home "redeemed".

"Another house in the Land of Israel, another house in Jerusalem, close to the Western Wall, close to the Old City, close to the Temple Mount, which is the heart of the people of Israel," he said.

"We hope that all the houses in this neighbourhood ... will return to Jewish hands."

Israel captured east Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians claim those territories for their hoped-for state.

Also on Tuesday, Israel's Shin Bet security service said it had arrested a senior Palestinian security official for inciting violence on his Facebook page.

It said Muhammad al-Sawiti posted a picture of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Holocaust mastermind Adolf Eichmann, called for attacks against Jews and praised those who had carried them out.

Overnight, Israeli troops shut down a printing shop in Ramallah it accused of producing "inciting and terror-related material". Ali Obedat, the shop's owner, denied the charge.

An Israeli human rights group warned the country's leaders that reported plans to demolish two Palestinian communities in the Israeli-controlled West Bank would constitute a war crime for which they would bear personal liability.

B'Tselem said it was trying to "stop the commission of such a crime" with its written warning to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Avigdor Lieberman and others.

AP
Passengers disembark from a Japan Airlines plane after its emergency landing at Haneda International Airport (Kyodo News/AP)

A Japan Airlines plane bound for New York has made an emergency landing in Tokyo after the pilot reported a bird strike to an engine during take-off.

Television footage showed flames coming from the left engine as the plane took off from the runway.

JAL said the Boeing 777 carrying 233 passengers and 15 crew members requested an emergency landing minutes after take-off from Haneda International Airport on Tuesday.

No injuries were reported.

AP

Haneda has the worst record for bird strikes in Japan last year with 182 cases, followed by Osaka, with 73 and Narita's 57, though not all of them affected flight operations, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

AP
The Polish defence minister has accused the leaders of Germany and France of trying to "erase from Europe's historical memory" the tragic fate Poland suffered during World War II at German hands.

Antoni Macierewicz made his remarks during a visit to Sulejow, a small town in central Poland that yesterday marked the 78th anniversary of being bombarded by the German Luftwaffe at the start of the war.

The minister said he wanted to remind German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron of the Polish wartime suffering, when six million Polish citizens were killed and Polish cities and villages were destroyed.

The comment comes amid growing tensions between Poland's conservative-nationalist government and both Mrs Merkel and Mr Macron, who have recently criticised perceived rule of law violations by the Warsaw leaders.

Earlier, Turkish officials denounced Mrs Merkel and Martin Schulz, her main opponent in this month's general election, for their anti-Turkish rhetoric during a televised debate.

Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman for the Turkish presidency, said that Mrs Merkel and her Social Democratic Party rival are seeking to divert attention from urgent issues in their country and in Europe, such as a surge in discrimination and racism.

In Sunday's debate, Mr Schulz said he would seek to end long-running but currently stalled talks on Turkey joining the EU over what he perceived to be Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian policies.

Mrs Merkel, who has previously expressed doubts about Turkey ever joining the EU, refused to commit firmly to the same move, which would have to be agreed among EU members. However, she sharply criticised Mr Erdogan's rule, saying: "Turkey is departing from all democratic practices at break-neck speed."

Turkey has blamed Germany for harbouring people with alleged links to last year's failed coup against Mr Erdogan.
British billionaire and adventurer Sir Richard Branson will stay on his private Caribbean island, Necker, for the potentially devastating arrival of Hurricane Irma, the founder of the Virgin group of companies said on Tuesday.

Packing 185 mph (295 kph) winds, Hurricane Irma is due to reach the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday before grinding west across Haiti and Cuba then heading for the southern United States.

The storm is classified as a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the scale used by the National Hurricane Center to measure strength.

"We had some lovely guests staying on Necker Island who have cut their trip short for safety reasons, and another group of guests have also postponed," Branson said in a statement on the Virgin Group website.

"I will be on Necker alongside our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years."

Necker, which has a large main house and several small Balinese-style houses that can accommodate about 34 people in total, is rented to private groups for $80,000 a night, according to its website. The island has more than 100 staff and two infinity pools.

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Branson said Necker boasts "really strong" buildings with hurricane blinds "that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well." He said their main concern was for British Virgin Islanders, who should make themselves as prepared as possible.

"Whatever happens, keep inside, away from the ocean and away from flying debris," Branson wrote.

Recalling seeing two powerful hurricanes, Earl and Otto, strike the British Virgin Islands in 2010, Branson said he had beheld nature "at its most ferocious."

And he noted the damage done in Texas and Louisiana by Hurricane Harvey, which came ashore as the second-strongest Category 4 storm and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, killed an estimated 60 people and displaced more than 1 million more.

Harvey was a "tragic and costly reminder" that society is not doing enough to tackle climate change, Branson wrote.

"If Irma is any indication, we must brace ourselves for more of these catastrophic weather events."
Since the early 1990s, the state of Oregon has maintained a hotline for citizens to report government waste, fraud and abuse; the state Legislature, recognizing a good idea, made the hotline part of state law in 1995.

Over the years, the hotline has been credited with shedding light on some $16 million in wasteful spending, according to a recent report in The Oregonian newspaper. The hotline helped to identify $1.4 million in wasteful spending by the Oregon Commission for the Blind in 2010, $1.2 million in questionable expenses by the Sisters School District in 2006 and $2.3 million by the Department of Human Services in 2003.

The number of calls that the hotline takes each year is increasing. But, as The Oregonian noted, it's been at least three years since a tip has identified any significant wasteful spending.

In part, that's simply because of the nature of this sort of tip line: The vast majority of the complaints turn out to be unfounded or beyond the scope of state government. The problem, as The Oregonian reported, is that the hotline costs real money to operate: nearly $200,000 a year. And it involves some significant investment in staff time: The newspaper found that auditors in the Secretary of State's office required 1,700 hours last year to analyze tips.

The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by operators who contract with the state. State auditors check submissions every day, and eight auditors review tips in detail every two weeks, the newspaper reported.

It's the nature of these hotlines that most of the complaints quickly can be dismissed. But there's a substantial number that require at least some digging  and others require considerable work to analyze. Last year, 96 percent of the tips turned out to be unsubstantiated, irrelevant or more appropriately handled outside state government.

Still, with a yearly investment of more than $200,000 in expenses and staff time, legislators were vowing to take a hard look at the hotline and whether it should be continued.

We understand how tight state budgets have been. But here's an area where the Legislature should move with caution. And if legislators decide the time has come to pull the plug on the hotline, they'd better be sure that there's a suitable substitute ready to go.

Simply as a symbolic gesture, it doesn't send a good sign to taxpayers to shut down the government-waste hotline  even if you can make the case that it's been losing money the past few years. It especially looks bad to shut it down in a period when state government keeps trying to find new ways to increase the amount of money it takes from taxpayers, not to mention the fact that so many state agencies seem to be struggling. Having an active hotline in place helps send a message to taxpayers that the government is serious about running efficiently.

And the argument that the vast majority of complaints to the hotline don't pan out doesn't hold much water here: That's always going to be the case with any sort of waste-reporting system.

Granted, there may be ways to make the system more efficient. But any kind of substitute program, regardless of the form it takes, needs to be simple to use and well-publicized. We presume that the hotline is relatively simple to use: You dial a phone number or access a website and file your report. But it certainly isn't well-publicized: In fact, we were unaware that the hotline existed until we read The Oregonian's story.

So, yes, the time may be right to review the hotline program, with an eye toward making it more effective. But until the day comes when government operates at peak efficiency (and that day may never come), we need to have a way for taxpayers to report government waste. (mm)
US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley exits after a Security Council emergency meeting over North Koreas latest missile launch at UN Headquarters in New York. Photo: Getty Images

North Korea's leader is "begging for war", the US ambassador has said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ambassador Nikki Haley said the US would look at countries doing business with the North and planned to circulate a resolution this week with the goal of getting it approved by September 11.

"Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," Ms Haley said.

"The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country, that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions."

The move came as US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and agreed that Sunday's underground nuclear test by North Korea was a grave provocation that was "unprecedented".

The two leaders also agreed to remove the limit on the payload of South Korean missiles.

Scheduled after North Korea said it detonated the hydrogen bomb, the emergency UN session also came six days after the council strongly condemned what it called Pyongyang's "outrageous" launch of a ballistic missile over Japan.

Less than a month ago, the council imposed its stiffest sanctions yet on the reclusive nation.

But the US resolution faces an uncertain future. Russia and China have both proposed a two-pronged approach: North Korea would suspend its nuclear and missile development, and the United States and South Korea would suspend their joint military exercises.

Washington and Seoul say the manoeuvres are defensive, but Pyongyang views them as a rehearsal for invasion.

The North recently requested a Security Council meeting about the war games.

The US says there is no comparison between its openly conducted, internationally monitored military drills and North Korea's weapons programmes, which the international community has banned.

Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters after yesterday's meeting that sanctions alone will not solve the issue and there needs to be negotiations too.

"Resolutions aimed solely at sanctioning North Korea have not worked well before," Mr Nebenzia said.

Speaking one after the other, diplomats from France, Britain and Italy reiterated demands for the Kim regime to halt its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes and urged further sanctions.

French ambassador Francois Delattre said France was urging the adoption of new UN sanctions, swift implementation of existing ones and new, separate sanctions by the European Union.

"Pyongyang poses a clear threat to international peace and security and is increasingly and seriously challenging the global non-proliferation regime," said Sebastiano Cardi, the UN ambassador from Italy, which heads the North Korea sanctions compliance committee.

He noted that North Korea is the only country to have tested a nuclear device in the 21st century.

The North trumpeted that its sixth nuclear test blast since 2006 was a "perfect success".

"We cannot waste any more time. And in order to do that, we need North Korea to feel the pressure, but if they go down this road there will be consequences," Japanese ambassador Koro Bessho told reporters ahead of the council meeting.
Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have agreed to "maximise pressure" on Pyongyang after the US President approved a weapons deal with Seoul worth billions of dollars.

Mr Trump pledged to strengthen joint military efforts and approved to lift restrictions on South Korea's missile payload capabilities.

The two leaders spoke on the phone, and said they would "use all means at their disposal" to up pressure on North Korea.

The news comes after Mr Trump has lambasted China for "failing" to help in the effort against North Korea and the US ambassador for the UN, Nikki Haley, said North Korea's leader is "begging for war".

Ms Haley said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that the US would look at countries doing business with the regime and circulate a resolution this week and try and get it approved before 11 September.

"Enough is enough," she said.

"War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited.

The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country, that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions.

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, prompting consternation from world leaders.

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The UN Security Council meeting came just six days after it condemned Pyongyang's "outrageous" launch of a ballistic missile over Japan.

The US promised a "massive" military response if it or its allies were threatened.

Ideas how to approach the regime differ. Russia and China have suggested that North Korea suspend its nuclear and missile development, but that also the US and South Korea stop their joint military exercises.

Pyongyang has blasted the joint exercises, viewing them as a rehearsal for invasion, while the US and South Korea say they are acting defensively.

Mr Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the United Nations to quickly agree on tougher sanctions against Pyongyang, with German authorities calling the missle test a "new and unacceptable escalation" by the North Korean regime.

Ms Merkel told Mr Trump she would push for tougher sanctions from the European Union.
Amid international uproar over North Korea's latest and biggest nuclear weapons test, one of its top diplomats said on Tuesday it was ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States.

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion.

"I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK succcessfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force," Han told the Geneva forum.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a 'gift package' addressed to none other than the US," Han said.

"The US will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating.

Military measures being taken by North Korea were "an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right" to counter "the ever-growing and decade-long US nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country".

"Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country," Han declared, adding: "The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table."

US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said that North Korea had defied the international community once again with its test.

"We look forward to working with our partners in the (Security) Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK," he told the conference.

"Advances in the regime's nuclear and missile programame are a threat to us all ... now is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated," Wood said.

"It can no longer be business as usual with this regime."

The White House said on Monday President Donald Trump had agreed "in principle" to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles in the wake of the North's latest test.

The United States accused North Korea's trading partners of aiding its nuclear ambitions and said Pyongyang was "begging for war".
Donald Trump said the change would be 'a gradual process, not a sudden phase-out' (AP)

US President Donald Trump has started dismantling a government programme which protects hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared the Obama administration's programme "an unconstitutional exercise of authority" that must be revoked.

New applications will be halted for President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the US in the form of two-year, renewable work permits.

The administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix - "should it choose to", according to Mr Sessions - before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the programme.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, people with permits whose renewals are set to expire between now and March 5, 2018 will be able to re-apply - so long as their applications are submitted by October 5 this year.

No permits will be revoked before their existing expiration dates and applications already in the pipeline will be processed, they said.

In a statement, Mr Trump said the change would be "a gradual process, not a sudden phase-out".

He added: "I n effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act."

He said he did not favour punishing children for the actions of their parents but added "we must also recognise that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of law" and "young Americans have dreams too".

His action drew swift criticism from many immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Mr Trump's decision "a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America".

Some Republicans objected, too, with senator John McCain of Arizona saying Mr Trump was taking "the wrong approach".

The announcement came the same day as a deadline set by a group of Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the Trump administration rescinded the programme.

Administration officials argued the programme might not hold up in court - and said that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would throw the programme into far more chaos than the move they chose.

Mr Trump has spent months wrestling with what to do with DACA, which he criticised during his campaign as illegal "amnesty".

Many of his closest advisers, including Mr Sessions, policy adviser Stephen Miller and former chief strategist Steve Bannon, argue the programme is unconstitutional and have urged Mr Trump to follow through on his campaign promise to end it.

However, Mr Trump has repeatedly expressed sympathy for the young people protected by the programme.

"I think the Dreamers are terrific," he said last week, using a term popularised by supporters of the programme, which was created in 2012 as a stop-gap as the Obama administration pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress.

AP

The Mexican government said it "deeply regrets" the decision to phase out the programme and is urging US lawmakers to pass a replacement.

A Foreign Relations department statement said: "It is undoubtedly the sole responsibility of US citizens and institutions to determine US immigration policy ... but in the current situation the Mexican government has a moral imperative to act."

The department said Mexico would provide legal defence services for any of its citizens affected by the decision.

Former President Barack Obama called the decision to phase out the so-called DACA programme "cruel" and "self-defeating".

Mr Obama did not mention Mr Trump by name in his statement but says a "shadow has been cast" over some of the nation's best and brightest young people. He says targeting them is wrong "because they have done nothing wrong".

According to Mr Obama, it is up to members of Congress to act and he joins his voice with the majority of Americans who hopes Congress will step up.
Taiwan's president hopes new premier William Lai will be willing to reach out to China amid ongoing tensions

Former mayor and legislator William Lai has been appointed as the new premier (AP)

Taiwan's president has appointed a new premier seen as willing to reach out to rival China amid ongoing tense relations between the two sides.

President Tsai Ing-wen named William Lai to head up the government following the resignation of Lin Chuan. Mr Lin had asked to leave the post before local elections next year added an unwanted political element to his work.

The smooth transfer of office "represents that there is absolutely no problem with the communication and handing over of the functions within the Cabinet", Ms Tsai told reporters at a news conference.

"All the reform projects will be handed over and carried on."

Mr Lai, a 57-year-old Harvard-educated physician, served in the legislature for 11 years and has been mayor of the southern city of Tainan since 2010.

China cut off all contacts with Ms Tsai's government more than a year ago after she refused to endorse Beijing's position that Taiwan is Chinese territory.

Over the past year, China has persuaded two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies to switch sides as it ratchets up its diplomatic and economic pressure on Ms Tsai's administration, causing her job approval rating to plummet to just 33%.

Since the sides split amid civil war in 1949, China has refused to renounce using force to gain control over Taiwan if it were deemed necessary.

China also uses its diplomatic clout to bar Taiwan from United Nations agencies, another sore point with the public. The two sides were able to reach 23 economic, trade and transit agreements under the previous president, Ma Ying-jeou, because he agreed to the "one-China" pre-condition.

Mr Lai suggested earlier in the year seeking common ground with China, according to local media reports, and said the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which supports Taiwan's formal legal independence, should have confidence to approach Beijing. The party normally takes a guarded view toward relations with China.

In June, Mr Lai described his outlook on relations between the sides as "feel affinity toward China, love Taiwan". Amid criticism, he said he meant offering China a gesture of friendship to seek understanding.

"He tested the water and shrank back," said Lin Chong-pin, a retired professor and former deputy Taiwanese defence minister. "But we can't say he won't try again" after China's ruling Communist Party holds a key national congress next month, Mr Lin said.

However, Huang Kwei-bo, associate professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Beijing was unlikely to see Mr Lai's appointment in a positive light given his pro-independence background.

"No matter what Lai talks about, he still supports Taiwan independence, so mainland China won't give him much face," Mr Huang said.

The Tainan city news department director declined to answer a question on Tuesday about whether Mr Lai would hold to his earlier statements about China.

Neither Ms Tsai nor the new premier mentioned China at Tuesday's news conference, focusing instead on domestic issues such as tax reform and energy supplies. Taiwan's premier functions as head of all government ministries and commissions. Traditionally, the president rather than the premier sets policies on China and foreign affairs, Mr Huang said.

"Our reform direction is already very clear," Ms Tsai told a news conference. "Premier Lai will lead the administrative team, eliminate extreme difficulties and do his utmost to sprint ahead."

AP
The magazine provides a general overview of the options available to foreign firms to sell to the online India...
After Doklam stand-off, Modi and Xi shake hands

A military stand-off in Doklam  an area bordering India, Bhutan, Tibet, and China  came to a dramatic close last Monday as China and India opted for an expeditious disengagement.

The next day, Prime Minister Modi confirmed his participation at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China  a three day affair from September 3rd to 5th.

The ongoing summit began on a positive note with a much awaited handshake from Modi and President Xi Jinping.

Giving political context to the summit are tensions that erupted between India and China in late June after Chinese troops began building a road in the border region of Doklam. After two and a half months of military posturing, media propaganda, and aggressive missives, both countries agreed to mutually de-escalate tensions.

India and China are facing testier times of late as China seeks Indias support for its One Belt, One Road (OBOR)  renamed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India remains reluctant as the BRI project includes plans to build power plants, roads, and railways connecting Pakistan with Xinjiang  all of which will impact the regions political status quo.

Nevertheless, economic interests trump geopolitical concerns, and both countries are still committed to growing trade and investment ties. Chinese outbound investments have increased in Indias startups and manufacturing sector. India is also looking to balance its trade with China.

During the course of the stand-off, India had tightened FDI rules in sectors with Chinese investments, namely power transmissions and telecom equipment, while Indian SMEs in the solar power sector faced difficulties in procurement with their Chinese suppliers. These sectors will be watching India  China ties more closely.

Job creation, infrastructure, 2019 elections behind Modis latest cabinet reshuffle

In his third cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Modi appointed new ministers in three key ministries, namely, labor and employment, skill development and entrepreneurship, and the ministry of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Lagging job creation continues to be a problem for the Modi government, now in its third year, as it looks to consolidate its position before the 2019 general elections.

At the center of the governments ambitions has been the improvement of Indias infrastructure. Key federal ministers  Piyush Goyal and Nitin Gadkari  were rewarded with additional responsibilities for their efforts in furthering clean energy goals, national highway construction, and boosting the profitability of Indias ports.

Goyal will now take on the increasing corporatization of Indias railways while Gadkari is expected to focus on the development of inland waterways.

India manufacturing hub for foreign automakers

Foreign automakers are increasingly looking to manufacture in India for exports.

The latest move comes from South Koreas Hyundai Motor Company, which is completely shifting the production of its mid-size sedan  the Verna  to India. Taking advantage of the Make in India initiative, Hyundai will use its manufacturing facility near Chennai to supply the Verna to almost all its global markets, starting January 2018.

Hyundai has already been manufacturing a range of small cars to larger vehicles at its India base, shipping about 45,000 units of the Creta SUV to overseas markets in 2016.

Other foreign automakers manufacturing in India for exports include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Volkswagen. MG Motors India Ltd, a subsidiary of Chinas largest automaker SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd, will take over General Motors manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat in 2019.
A day heavy in green Indian equity markets saw a day, heavy in green, today. Nifty 50 ended, up by 321.5 points. Sensex ended, up by 1181.34 points. Top Gainers today were HDFC, HDFC Bank, Infosys. Top Losers ... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 3:43 pm

In early trade, Rupee rises 71 paise to 80.69 / $ Early on Friday, the rupee strengthened 71 paise to 80.69 against the dollar as investors' attitudes were bolstered by easing US CPI data and a decline in the dollar index. Forex traders claime... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 2:24 pm

Sensex zooms over 1,100 pts; Nifty above 18,300; IT index top contributor Domestic benchmark indices in the fast lane today led by IT and Metal stocks outperforming. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks were nearly 2% higher amid positive global cues. On the se... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 2:00 pm

NIBE receives order of Rs11.88 crore from Goa Shipyard; Stock slips 1% Nibe Limited stocks in focus as the company announced the receipt of purchase orders. As per the regulatory filing, it has received two purchase orders dated November 08, 2022 from G... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 12:53 pm

Ashoka Buildcon receives provisional certificate for NHAI road project; Stock up 2% Ashoka Buildcon Limited has informed the declaration of October 26, 2021 as the Commercial Operation Date (CoD) for its Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) Project of National Highways Authority of ... November 11, 2022 | 11-11-2022 12:26 pm
Kangana is back in news and unfortunately, its again Kangana Ranaut and the curious case of silly exes! Hitting back at people from her past, she has indeed created a blast. In her recent interview with Rajat Sharma, Kangana hit out openly at Roshans and the Pancholis.

Twitter

In Rajat Sharmas Aap Ki Adalat, Kangana said,

Screengrab

He got an apartment for me but didnt allow my friends to come there. It was a kind of house arrest. Then I went to meet his wife. His daughter is a year older than me. My film Gangster was about to release then. I was a minor. I remember going to his wife (Zareena Wahab) and meeting her, and I was like Please save me! Im younger than your daughter. Im a minor and I cant tell my parents. She said to me that they were relieved that he was not at home otherwise he raised his hand on domestic helps and others. She said its actually good for us if he is not around, so I cant help you.

While most of the people on the internet are clearly divided into two, some people think Kangana is doing all this for publicity.

The first person who has reacted to Kanganas claims on the show is Aditya Pancholi. In a recent interview with BollywoodLife, Aditya Pancholi spoke about the whole fiasco and said that he will take legal action against Ranaut. She already had a legal battle going on with the Roshans.

In a conversation with Bollywoodlife, Pancholi said,

Twitter

She is a mad girl, what to do, did you see the interview? Didnt you feel like some mad person was talking? Who talks like that? We have been in the industry for so long, nobody has ever spoken anything so evil about anyone. What should I say, shes a mad girl. If you throw stones in mud, it will only spoil your clothes.

Pancholi also went to say that hes really hurt with whatever Kangana has said. Threatening to sue her, he added,

Screengrab

I am going to take a legal action against her. She is lying thats why I am taking legal action against her. I dont know about other people, but as far as my story goes and what she has spoken about me, she has said all lies. She has to prove that I have done that. My family is very much affected by it. My wife and I will take legal action against her.

Umm. We wonder what Hrithik has to say now.
Heart disease and type 2 diabetes could soon be preventable by popping a single pill!claims this group of scientists from Pennsylvania.

A large analysis of genetic data found that both the conditions, which are the leading causes of death and illness across the world, are linked by the same genes.

Representational Image

The team led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania first looked into what causes Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and second clarified how T2D and coronary heart disease (CHD) are linked.

Examining genome sequence information for more than 250,000 people, the researchers first uncovered 16 new diabetes genetic risk factors and one new CHD genetic risk factor; hence providing novel insights into the mechanisms of the two diseases.

health.harvard/Representational Image

They then showed that most of the sites on the genome known to be associated with higher diabetes risk are also associated with higher CHD risk. For eight of these sites, the researchers were able to identify a specific gene variant that influences risk for both diseases. The shared genetic risk factors affect biological pathways including immunity, cell proliferation, and heart development.

The findings add to the basic scientific understanding of both these major diseases and point to potential targets for future drugs.

Identifying these gene variants linked to both type 2 diabetes and CHD risk in principle opens up opportunities to lower the risk of both outcomes with a single drug, said co-senior author Danish Saleheen. From a drug development perspective, it would make sense to focus on those pathways that are most strongly linked to both diseases, Saleheen said.

Representational Image

The researchers found evidence that, on the whole, the genetic link between the diseases appears to work in one direction, so that risk genes for type 2 diabetes are much more likely to be associated with higher CHD risk than the other way around. Additionally, there could be some pathways where pharmacological lowering of one disease increases the risk of the other.

The scientists also found that diabetes-linked gene variants tend to differ in their apparent effects on CHD risk, depending on their mechanisms. Variants that increase the chance of obesity or high blood pressure, for example, appear to boost CHD risk more strongly than variants that alter insulin or glucose levels.

The scientists discovered that the genomic regions implicated as dual diabetes-CHD risk loci encompass targets of some existing drugs. One such drug is icosapent, an omega-3 fatty acid component of some fish oils, which lowers cholesterol and is sold in concentrated form as a prescription pharmaceutical.

Representational Image

The dual-effect risk loci also include the region covering the gene FABP4, which is already being investigated for its potential as diabetes and heart-disease drug target. In mouse studies, inhibition of this genes protein has been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic, i.e., helps fight thickening and hardening with fat on the inside of arteries and anti-diabetic effects.

Saleheen, co-senior author Benjamin F. Voight and their colleagues now plan further investigations of the dual-risk genes uncovered in the study.

The researchers also hope to learn more about the biology of the newly discovered dual-risk genes by studying people who have mutations in those genes, Saleheen said.
Scores of Rohingya Muslim refugees offered Eid prayers on Saturday in Bangladesh, many of them recent arrivals fleeing a surge in communal violence in neighbouring Myanmar.

reuters

The festival comes as renewed violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state forces thousands of Rohingya -- a stateless ethnic minority -- to seek refuge in Bangladesh, with many drowning as they attempt to cross the border river in makeshift boats.

It is the bloodiest chapter yet in a bitter five-year crisis that has torn apart Rakhine along ethnic and religious lines, displaced the Rohingya in huge numbers and heaped international condemnation on Myanmar's army and the government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

reuters

"I had everything at my home... but now I've become a refugee. There's nothing much to celebrate. Yet it is our duty to perform the Eid prayer," said 39-year-old Makbul Hossain who made the dangerous crossing from Rakhine to the Bangladesh border town of Cox's Bazar last week.

Goats, sheep and cows are slaughtered worldwide to celebrate the major Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha, which is known as the Feast of the Sacrifice.

"I used to sacrifice my own animals during Eid," said 60-year-old farmer Deen Mohammad.

reuters

But he was forced to flee for his safety after the latest round of violence erupted late August when Rohingya militants swarmed police posts, killing 15 officials and burning villages.

"When the fighting started I left my homestead with everything. I am penniless here," he told AFP, breaking down in tears.

Amid monsoon rains, small-scale festivities were under way in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, where many have taken cover in schools that have closed for Eid.

The Rohingya are reviled in Myanmar, where the roughly one million-strong community are accused of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

reuters

Since violence broke out, the UN has estimated 40,000 people -- mostly women and children -- have fled to Bangladesh, while nearly 400 people have died in the fighting between Myanmar troops and Rohingya militants, according to the army chief.

Around 20,000 more have been stranded in the no man's land between the two countries' borders.

Rakhine has been the crucible of religious violence since 2012 when riots erupted killing scores of Rohingya and forcing tens of thousands of people -- the majority from the Muslim minority -- into displacement camps.
A 24-year-old youth in Mumbai was thrashed for assaulting a dog with an iron rod on Saturday. The atrocity was recorded on a CCTV camera of the residential building and people later thrashed the youth outside Vakola police station. The stray dog has received skull fracture and is in a critical condition. The residents of Rizci building in Kalina, Mumbai were left shocked after they found that Haroon Khan, a resident of the building, was battering a stray dog in the compound with an iron rod.

DNA

Surekha Kharat, 52, an animal lover who feed the stray dogs in the area saw the incident and checked the CCTV footage where she found Khan picking up an iron rod and battering the stray dog on its head. Dabbu, the stray dog was passing by when Khan started beating the dog mercilessly. The stray dog collapsed and was rushed to Parel Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

"We feed Dabbu every day and he is friendly. We rushed the dog to a veterinary clinic for treatment and later shifted him to SPCA at Parel," said Kharat. Dattatray Khade, Police Sub Inspector, Vakola police station spoke to DNA, "During investigation , e found that the accused had hit the stray dog with an iron rod. We arrested the accused under section 429 (Mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the IPC and under relevant sections of the Prevention of Animals to Cruelty Act.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is headed to the United States where he is all set to address a gathering on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the science of making machines that think like humans.

Reuters

According to a PTI report, Gandhi is hoping to "expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence." He also hopes to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress party's vision documents.

But this news has given Twitterati enough fodder to go on a trolling spree. Take a look:

1. #Burn

Rahul GANDHI will, in the United States, be speaking on Artificial Intelligence. No one knows more about the subject than HIM.  SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) September 4, 2017

2. Taking punnery to the next level

Mahatma Gandhi ji ne kaha tha, "An AI for an AI will make the whole world blind"

- Rahul Gandhi in his speech on Artificial Intelligence  Punk (@punk_hardik) 4 September 2017

3. Touche?

Rahul Gandhi Is Perfect Choice To Speak On Artificial Intelligence. His Mom Governed World's Largest Democracy Through A Robot For 10 Years. pic.twitter.com/Q8iK2YPFoD  Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) September 4, 2017

4. Truth be told

Elon Musk: Artificial intelligence is a threat to humanity

*Rahul Gandhi speaks on AI*

Elon: I was wrong...this man is the greatest threat  InGenious (@Bees_Kut) 4 September 2017

5. Even the AI is baffled!

Reactions reported when they heard that Rahul Gandhi is addressing gathering on Artificial Intelligence : pic.twitter.com/MYJRe1rKpw  Beanology (@followTheGupta) 4 September 2017

6. Just an AI taking 'Chullu Bhar Pani Mein Doob Maro' literally

When Robot heard Rahul Gandhi is coming to address on Artificial Intelligence  pic.twitter.com/4aCZDzwsVT  Vishal Surywanshi (@vsurywanshi87) 5 September 2017

7. Actions speak louder than words.

Rahul Gandhi - am here

Artificial Intelligence - *Self Destruction Mode ACTIVATED* pic.twitter.com/yUImnVBrqy  Hardik (@Humor_Silly) 4 September 2017

8. LOL

https://t.co/6zCJG9Uiz6 Someone just please tell him this AI is not Air India.  Arnab Ray (@greatbong) 4 September 2017

9. This one takes the cake
In one more move, which is likely to give the government some jolt, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has told a parliamentary panel that it has no information on how much black money has been extinguished due to demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 notes last year.

Stating that an estimated Rs 15,280 crore in junked notes has come back "subject to future corrections based on verification process", the Reserve Bank also said it has "no information" whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.

PTI

The RBI has been facing flak from the opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits. Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15,280 crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Reuters

Replying to queries from the parliamentary panel, RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500/1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests. The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved. The process is "going on in full swing" with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.

"Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in the estimation of SBNs received back is possible.

Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion," the RBI said in its written reply to the panel. To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "The RBI has no information in this regard." The RBI gave similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.

The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss.

PTI

The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector. Last week, several members of the panel had sought to redraft of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500/1,000 notes.

The acceptance of the report was deferred as member MPs across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, SP MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panel's report on demonetisation needed to be "redrafted" while some of them stated that it "lacks punch". In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 per cent of the scrapped currency notes have come back into the system. The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country.

PTI

The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny. The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes have been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.
The Supreme Court has sought the response of the Modi government on the deportation of some 40,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar living illegally in India.

AFP

"What is your stand? Are they (Rohingyas) as a class entitled to stay in India as refugees? Tell us by September 11," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta on Monday.

Bobins Abraham/ Indiatimes

The apex court sought the response from the government to a petition filed by two Rohingya Muslims, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir challenging the Modi government's decision to deport them, both documented and undocumented Rohingyas living in India. The court has however refused to stay the deportation as of now.

There are an estimated 40,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims living across six states in India, though just around 14,000 are registered with the United Nations High Commission For Refugees (UNHCR).

AFP

Most of these people came to India through Bangladesh in the past ten years from Myanmar's western Rakhine state where they have a sizeable population. They were uprooted from their homes in the beginning of this decade in what began as clashes between the majority Rakhine Buddhists and the Rohingyas.

Thousands who were displaced after their houses and shops were burned down initially fled to Bangladesh and from there to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and some to India.

India had so far allowed the Rohingya to stay in the country despite the fact that the country is not a signatory to the UN Convention on Refugees and thereby not mandated shelter any refugees.

AFP

But Human Rights Watch (HRW) said: While India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, it is still bound by customary international law not to forcibly return refugees to a place where they face a serious risk of persecution or threats to their life or freedom.

The Modi government is blaming the security threats they pose to deport the Rohingyas.

As far as we are concerned they are all illegal immigrants They have no basis to live here. Anybody who is illegal migrant will be deported, MoS Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had said.

Bobins Abraham/ Indiatimes

According to the union home ministry, these refugees who live in unregistered camps are easy recruits for Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
A total of 87,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since violence erupted in neighbouring Myanmar on August 25, the United Nations said today.

Reuters/Representational Image

Thousands of the stateless Muslim minority have poured over the border since the latest round of fighting broke out, piling pressure on the already overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.
Do the Indian forces patrolling the border know when and where terrorists are likely to cross over into Indian soil? The answer, surprisingly, is rather precise.

The next incursion is likely to happen in the wee hours of the morning - around 2 am - about eleven or twelve days after a herd of cattle meanders close to the border.

AFP

Sounds unbelievable, right? But that's precisely the kind of insight that Indian defence forces and police are getting to crack down on everything from minor riots to armed militants crossing the border - all thanks to a bunch of data analytics organisations.

"We have more than 20 terabytes of data on the border movement which earlier used to be recorded in physical log books of soldiers. These include thermal images, instances of people going near the fence from across the border, activity at late night etc," says 26-year old Tushar Chhabra, co-founder of Gurgaon-based driver-less truck company Cron systems, which helps the army in predicting border infiltration patterns.

For instance, terrorists on the other side of the border usually send a herd of cattle to check for mines that the armed forces have placed on the border. Analysis of past data has shown that typically an incursion, usually early in the morning, follows 12 days later.

AFP

Similarly, Tarun Wig, founder of Delhi-based Innefu Labs provides analytics services to BSF, CRPF and Police departments across the country. Using the power of data science and analytics, Innefu Labs predicts mob violence, agitations, and protests across the country.

"For example, when an agitation happens anywhere across the country, there are multiple factors like social media posts, hashtags or news articles, religious group's posts. Based on these correlation metrics, we merge all the data with the intelligence data from police agencies. Then our machine language algorithm and data mining techniques help predict a protest or agitation," says Wig.

Originally published in ET Tech
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The third official visit to Athens by a different French president over the crisis years in Greece  set for Thursday  is viewed by the leftist-rightist coalition government as an opportunity to highlight the still bailout-dependent country as an investment destination and to provide a much-needed political fillip.
September 05, 2017 "

Information Clearing House

" - 07/02/2017 - At least 350 diplomatic Silk Way Airlines (an Azerbaijani state-run company) flights transported weapons for war conflicts across the world over the last 3 years. The state aircrafts of Azerbaijan carried on-board tens of tons of heavy weapons and ammunition headed to terrorists under the cover of diplomatic flights.

Documents implicating Silk Way Airlines in arms supplies were sent to me by an anonymous twitter account  Anonymous Bulgaria.

The leaked files include correspondence between the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Bulgaria with attached documents for weapons deals and diplomatic clearance for overflight and/or landing in Bulgaria and many other European countries, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, to name a few.

According to these documents, Silk Way Airlines offered diplomatic flights to private companies and arms manufacturers from the US, Balkans, and Israel, as well as to the militaries of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and the military forces of Germany and Denmark in Afghanistan and of Sweden in Iraq. Diplomatic flights are exempt of checks, air bills, and taxes, meaning that Silk Way airplanes freely transported hundreds of tons of weapons to different locations around the world without regulation. They made technical landings with stays varying from a few hours to up to a day in intermediary locations without any logical reasons such as needing to refuel the planes.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, operators, transporting dangerous goods forbidden for transportation by air by civil aircrafts, must apply for exemption for transportation of dangerous goods by air.

According to the documents, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry has sent instructions to its embassies in Bulgaria and many other European countries to request diplomatic clearance for Silk Way Airlines flights. The embassies sent diplomatic notes to the Foreign Ministry of the relevant country to request such exemption. The Foreign Ministry sent back a note signed by the local civil aviation authorities giving exemption for the transportation of dangerous goods.

The requests for diplomatic clearance included information about the type and quantity of the dangerous goods  heavy weapons and ammunition. However, the responsible authorities of many countries (Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Turkey, Germany, UK, Greece, etc.) have turned a blind eye and allowed diplomatic flights for the transport of tons of weapons, carried out by civil aircrafts for military needs. Under IATA regulations, the transport of military cargo by civil aircrafts is not allowed. To get around this legality, Silk Way Airlines applied for diplomatic exemption through local agencies.

U.S. sends $1 billion worth of weapons

Among the main customers of the diplomatic flights for weapons service provided by Silk Way Airlines are American companies, which supply weapons to the US army and US Special Operations Command. The common element in these cases is that they all supply non-US standard weapons; hence, the weapons are not used by the US forces.

According to the register of federal contracts, over the last 3 years American companies were awarded $1 billion contracts in total under a special US government program for non-US standard weapon supplies. All of them used Silk Way Airlines for the transport of weapons. In some cases when Silk Way was short of aircrafts due to a busy schedule, Azerbaijan Air Force aircrafts transported the military cargo, although the weapons never reached Azerbaijan.

The documents leaked from the Embassy include shocking examples of weapon transport. A case in point: on 12th May 2015 an aircraft of Azerbaijan Air Forces carried 7,9 tons of PG-7V and 10 tons of PG-9V to the supposed destination via the route Burgas (Bulgaria)-Incirlik (Turkey)-Burgas-Nasosny (Azerbaijan). The consignor was the American company Purple Shovel, and the consignee  the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. According to the documents, however, the military cargo was offloaded at Incirlik military base and never reached the consignee. The weapons were sold to Purple Shovel by Alguns, Bulgaria, and manufactured by Bulgarias VMZ military plant.

According to the federal contracts registry, in December of 2014 USSOCOM signed a $26.7 million contract with Purple Shovel. Bulgaria was indicated as the country of origin of the weapons.

On 6th June 2015, a 41-year old American national Francis Norvello, an employee of Purple Shovel, was killed in a blast when a rocket-propelled grenade malfunctioned at a military range near the village of Anevo in Bulgaria. Two other Americans and two Bulgarians were also injured. The US Embassy to Bulgaria then released a statement announcing that the U.S. government contractors were working on a U.S. military program to train and equip moderate rebels in Syria. Which resulted in the U.S. Ambassador in Sofia to be immediately withdrawn from her post. The very same weapons as those supplied by Purple Shovel were not used by moderate rebels in Syria. In December of last year while reporting on the battle of Aleppo as a correspondent for Bulgarian media I found and filmed 9 underground warehouses full of heavy weapons with Bulgaria as their country of origin. They were used by Al Nusra Front (Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria designated as a terrorist organization by the UN).

Another U.S. contractor involved in the same program for non-US standard military supplies is Orbital ATK. This company received $250 million over just the past two years. Information as to what type of weapons and to whom those weapons were supplied is classified.

According to the documents, Orbital ATK transported weapons on 6 diplomatic Silk Way Airlines flights in July and August of 2015 flying the route Baku (Azerbaijan)-Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina)-Baku-Kabul (Afghanistan). The weapons were exported by IGMAN j.j. Konjic, (Bosnia and Herzegovina) commissioned by Orbital ATK. The consignee was the National Police of Afghanistan. Interestingly, all these diplomatic flights with weapons had technical landings and a 7 h 30 min stop at Baku before their final destination  Afghanistan.

Military aircrafts of Azerbaijan transported 282 tons of cargo (PG-7VL and other grenades) on 10 diplomatic flights in April and May 2017 to the destination Baku-Rijeka (Croatia)-Baku. The consignor was the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, and the consignee  Culmen International LLC, USA. This same company has been awarded two contracts ($47 million each) along with other contractors for non-US standard weapon supplies on 18 February 2016 and 19 April 2017 respectively. Culmen International LLC has also signed a $26.7 million contract for foreign weapons with the Department of Defense and a $3.9 million contract for newly manufactured non-US standard weapons.

Chemring Military Products is another main contractor in the program for non-US standard weapon supplies to the US army through diplomatic Silk Way Airlines flights. This military supplier has 4 contracts for $302.8 million in total. The weapons were purchased from local manufacturers in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania and according to documents transported to Iraq and Afghanistan via diplomatic flights.

One of those flights in particular, on 18 October 2016, carrying 15.5 tons of 122 mm rockets bought by Chemring in Belgrade, Serbia, was diverted from its destination  Kabul, and instead landed in Lahore, Pakistan. After a 2-hour stop, the aircraft took off to Afghanistan. The only possible explanation for the extension of the flight by a thousand kilometers is offloading in Pakistan, even though documents stated that the cargo was destined for Afghanistan.

The largest non-US standard weapons supplier to the US army is Alliant Techsystems Operations-USA with contracts totalling $490.4 million. In December of 2016, this company transported tons of grenades (API 23115 mm, HE 23115 mm, GSH 23115 mm) from Yugoimport, Serbia to the Afghani Defense Ministry on diplomatic flights to the destination Baku-Belgrade-Kabul.

Saudi Arabia  sponsor and arms distributor

Besides the USA, another country that has purchased huge quantities of Eastern-European weapons and exported them on Silk Way Airlines diplomatic flights is Saudi Arabia. In 2016 and 2017, there were 23 diplomatic flights carrying weapons from Bulgaria, Serbia and Azerbaijan to Jeddah and Riyadh. The consignees were VMZ military plant and Transmobile from Bulgaria, Yugoimport from Serbia, and CIHAZ from Azerbaijan.

The Kingdom does not buy those weapons for itself, as the Saudi army uses only western weapons and those weapons are not compatible with its military standard. Therefore, the weapons transported on diplomatic flights end up in the hands of the terrorist militants in Syria and Yemen that Saudi Arabia officially admits supporting.

The Arab Kingdom also distributes military cargo to South Africa  a region plagued by wars over the control of the wealth in gold and diamonds found in African countries.

On 28 April and 12 May this year, Silk Way carried out two diplomatic flights from Baku to Burgas-Jeddah-Brazzaville (Republic of Congo). The military cargo on-board of both flights was paid for by Saudi Arabia, according to the documents leaked from Azerbaijans Embassy to Bulgarian sources. The aircraft made a technical landing at Jeddah airport with a 12 h 30 min stop for the first flight and 14 h stop for the second one.

The aircraft was loaded with mortars and anti-tank grenades including SPG-9 and GP-25. These very same weapons were discovered by the Iraqi army a month ago in an Islamic State warehouse in Mosul. Islamic State jihadists are also seen using those heavy weapons in propaganda videos posted online by the terrorist group. Interestingly, the consignee on the transport documents, however, is the Republican Guards of Congo.

Coyote machine gun 12,7108 mm appeared in videos and photos posted online by militant groups in Idlib and the province of Hama in Syria. The same type of weapon was transported on a diplomatic flight via Turkey and Saudi Arabia a few months earlier.

In February and March of 2017, Saudi Arabia received 350 tons of weapons on Silk Way diplomatic flights flying to the route Baku-Belgrade-Prince Sultan-Baku. The cargo included 27 350 psc. 128-mm Plamen-a rockets and 10 000 pcs. 122 mm Grad rockets. The consignor was Tehnoremont Temerin, Serbia to order by Famway Investment LTD, Cypruss.

On 5 March 2016, an Azerbaijan Air Force aircraft carried 1700 pcs. RPG-7 (consignor: Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan) and 2500 pcs. PG-7VM (consignor: Transmobil Ltd., Bulgaria) for the Defense Ministry of Saudi Arabia. Diplomatic flights from Burgas Airport to Prince Sultan Airport on 18 and 28 February 2017 each carried a further 5080 psc. 40 mm PG-7V for RPG-7 and 24 978 psc. RGD-5. The weapons were exported by Transmobile, Bulgaria to the Ministry of Defense of Saudi Arabia. Such munitions and RPG-7 originating in Bulgaria can often be seen in videos filmed and posted by the Islamic State on their propaganda channels.

UAE is another Arab country that has purchased Eastern European weapons which are not compatible with its military standards and were apparently re-supplied to a third party. On three flights to Burgas-Abu Dhabi-Swaihan in March and April of 2017, Silk Way transported 10.8 tons of PG7VM HEAT for 40 mm RPG-7 on each flight with technical landing and a 2-hour stop in Abu Dhabi. The exporter is Samel-90, Bulgaria, the importer  Al Tuff International Company LLC. The latter company is involved with Orbital ATK LLC, which is the Middle East subsidiary of the American military company Orbital ATK. Although the ultimate consignee is the UAE army, the documents of the flight reveal that the sponsoring party is Saudi Arabia.

Cash Payments

On 26 February 2016, an Azerbaijan Air Force aircraft took off from Baku and landed in UAE, where it loaded two armored vehicles and one Lexus car. The request for diplomatic clearance indicated the payment as cash  US dollars. The aircraft landed in North Sudan and, the next day, in the Republic of Congo. The exporter was Safe Cage Armour Works FZ LLC, U and the receiving party was the Republican Guards of Congo. The sponsoring party, however, was Saudi Arabia.

Diplomatic Flights carry deadly white phosphorus

White Phosphorus is an incendiary weapon whose use is very controversial due to the deadly harms it can inflict. On 31 March 2015, Silk Way transported 26 tons of military cargo including white phosphorus from Serbia (exporter: Yugoimport) and 63 tons from Bulgaria (exporter: Arsenal). On 22 March, another 100 tons of white phosphorus were exported from Yugoimport, Belgrade to Kabul. No contract is attached to the documents of those flights.

On 2 May 2015, a Silk Way aircraft loaded 17 tons of ammunition, including white phosphorus, at Burgas airport. The exporter was Dunarit, Bulgaria. The aircraft made a technical landing and a 4-hour stop at Baku before reaching its final destination  Kabul. The consignee was the Afghani police. No contract is attached as proof.

Baku  international hub for weapons

Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense was repeatedly the consignee of weapons which it actually did not receive. On 6 May 2015, an Azerbaijani military aircraft flew to Burgas (Bulgaria)-Incirlik (Turkey)-Burgas. It carried aviation equipment from Bulgaria to Turkey with the consigner: EMCO LTD, Sofia, and consignee  Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. However, the cargo was offloaded in Turkey and never reached Azerbaijan.

Some of the weapons that Azerbaijan carries on diplomatic flights were used by its military in Nagorno-Karabakh against Armenia. In 2016, Azerbaijan accused Armenia of using white phosphorus. Armenia denied the allegations and in turn accused Azerbaijan of fabrication, as the only piece of evidence was based on a single unexploded grenade found by Azerbaijans soldiers. According to the documents from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Sofia, white phosphorus munitions were carried on a diplomatic flight via Baku the previous year.

Baku plays the role of an international hub for weapons. Many of the flights make technical landings with stops of a few hours at Baku airport or other intermediary airports en-route to their final destinations. Moreover, these types of aircrafts flying to the same destinations do not typically make technical landings. Therefore, a landing for refueling is not actually required. Despite this, Silk Way aircrafts constantly made technical landings. A case in point: in December of 2015 Silk Way carried out 14 flights with 40 tons of weapons on each flight to the destination Ostrava (the Czech Republic)-Ovda (Israel)-Nososny (Azerbaijan). The exporter is not mentioned in the documents while the receiver is consistently the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan. Strangely, the aircraft diverted and landed at Ovda airport (a military base in Southern Israel), where it remained for 2 hours.

In 2017, there were 5 flights from Nish (Serbia) via Ovda (Israel) to Nasosny (Azerbaijan). Each flight carried 44 tons of cargo  SPG Howitzer, RM-70/85. The consignor is MSM Martin, Serbia, the consignee: Elbit Systems, Israel, and the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. All aircrafts landed in Israel and stayed for 2 hours en-route to Azerbaijan.

The same Israeli company Elbit Systems on a flight from Barno (the Czech Republic) via Tel Aviv (Israel) to Bratislava (Slovakia) re-exported armored vehicles (TATRA T-815 VP31, TATRA T-815 VPR9). They were sent by Real Trade, Prague to Elbit Systems. The ultimate consignee, however, was the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. The aircraft landed in Tel Aviv and then in Bratislava, where the cargo was imported by another company  MSM Martin, Slovakia. It is not clear why the plane flew from Europe to Asia and then back to Europe with the same cargo on-board. Ultimately, it did not reach its final destination  Azerbaijan. This type of aircraft, IL 76TD, can carry cargo of up to 50 tons. This one carried only 30 tons according to the documentation provided. Therefore, it could carry additional cargo of 20 tons. Since the flight was diplomatic, it was not subjected to inspection.

A military coup after a diplomatic flight to Burkina Faso

Some diplomatic flights carry weapons for different conflict zones crossing Europe, Asia and Africa. Such is the case with two Azerbaijan Air Forces flights to the destination Baku-Belgrade-Jeddah-Brazzaville-Burkina Faso on 30 August and 5 September 2015. The consignors were CIHAZ, Azerbaijan, and Yugoimport, Serbia. The consignee was the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Congo. The aircraft made two technical landings  in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The 41.2-ton cargo from Baku and Belgrade included: 7, 62 mm cartridges, 12 pcs. sniper rifles, 25 pcs. 12 Black Spear calibre 12,7108 mm, 25 psc. RBG 4046 mm/6M11, and 25 pcs. Coyote machine gun 12,7108 mm with tripods. The same heavy machine gun appeared in videos and photos posted online by militant groups in Idlib and the province of Hama in Syria a few months later. The aircraft also carried: 1999 psc. M70B1 7,6239 mm and 25 psc. 69 82 . On 26 February 2016, a video featuring the same 69 82 mm weapons was posted to Youtube by a militant group calling itself Division 13 and fighting north of Aleppo.

Interestingly, the aircraft that carried the same type of weapons landed in Diyarbakir (Turkey), 235 km away from the border with Syria. Another type of weapon, RBG 40 mm/6M11, which was from the same flight and supposedly destined for Congo too, appeared in a video of the Islamic Brigade of Al Safwa in Northern Aleppo.

After Turkey, the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia and remained there for a day. Afterwards it landed in Congo and Burkina Faso. A week later, there was an attempted military coup in Burkina Faso.

300 tons of RPG-s, machine guns and ammunition for the Kurds

In March of 2017, over 300 tons of weapons were allegedly sent to the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Northern Syria. Six diplomatic flights transported 43 tons of grenades on each flight from VMZ Military Plant, Bulgaria, to the Defense Ministry of Iraq. There are no contracts applied, however. On 28 March, 82 tons of cargo (AKM 7,6239 mm and AG-7) were sent from Otopeni (Romania) to Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan). The consignor was Romtechnica S.A., the consignee  again the Ministry of Defense in Baghdad. No contracts are provided for this flight either.

On 16 March 2016, yet another Silk Way diplomatic flight carried 40 tons of military cargo from Slovenia to Erbil: the exporter is ELDON S.R.O., Slovakia, the importer  Wide City Ltd. Co, Erbil, the final consignee  the government of Kurdistan.

Wide City Ltd. Co has three offices  in Limassol (Cyprus), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Erbil. The office of the Bulgarian company Techno Defence Ltd is at the address in Sofia. On the website of the company, the owner of Techno Defense Ltd Hair Al Ahmed Saleh claims that he has an office in Erbil and that his company manufactures Zagros weapons in Azerbaijan (K15 zagros, 919 mm and automatic K16 zagros). These types of Zagros weapons appeared in propaganda footage posted by the military wing of the Kurdish PKK party, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkey. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev is also an ethnical Kurd.
Stop Working With Israeli Torturers





By Ali Abunimah

September 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Palestinian academics are urging their European counterparts to end their cooperation with a European Union project that funds Israeli torturers.

The Palestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees and PACBI, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, are calling on Belgiums KU Leuven university and Portugals INESC-ID research institute to pull out of the EU-funded LAW-TRAIN program.

They also urge three British academics listed as advisors  Portsmouth Universitys Claire Nee and Jo Taylor and William Finn, both of the College of Policing  to end their roles in the project.

LAW-TRAIN began in May 2015 with the ostensible aim of harmonizing and sharing interrogation techniques between the countries involved in order to face the new challenges in transnational criminality.

It is a joint project with the Israeli public security ministry, police and Israels Bar-Ilan University.

But international legal experts said in June that LAW-TRAIN violates EU regulations and international law because Israels public security ministry is responsible for or complicit in torture, other crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Funding war crimes

Israels police and Bar-Ilan University are also directly involved in numerous transgressions, including extrajudicial executions, torture, war crimes and collusion with Israels secret police, the Palestinian academics say.

Cooperation with these institutions through LAW-TRAIN not only disregards Palestinians human rights, they add, it provides a green light for these torture methods to continue, and worse yet, presents them as an example to follow in Europe.

EU officials claim that LAW-TRAIN passed an ethical review and evaluation, but according to the legal experts , the process was flawed and ignored key EU regulations that prohibit funding to individuals and entities engaged in grave misconduct.

LAW-TRAIN is funded under Horizon 2020 , an EU program that provides millions of dollars to Israeli arms makers and human rights violators under the guise of supporting research.

For instance, Horizon 2020 is giving millions of dollars to Elbit Systems , an Israeli company that is helping the Israeli military evade an international ban on cluster weapons.

Earlier this year EU science commissioner Carlos Moedas visited Israel to celebrate Israels role in Horizon 2020.

European appeasement policy

The official logic of the EUs unconditional support for Israel seems to be that by engaging in dialogue and reassuring Israel, that Israel will feel safe enough to take steps towards peace and the mythical two-state solution .

But EU appeasement has had precisely the opposite effect, merely emboldening Israel to commit more crimes. In 2014, for instance, the EU launched a dialogue aimed at convincing Israel to freeze demolitions of Palestinian homes and structures in the occupied West Bank.

According to one analysis, Israel responded by accelerating its demolition of EU-funded structures .

In recent years, Israel has destroyed at least $74 million worth of EU-funded projects with total impunity.

Last month, Israel demolished several European taxpayer-funded schools and projects in the West Bank. The EUs response was a weakly worded statement, followed by more rewards for Israel.

Ironically, one of the most sharply worded  though still toothless  protests against the demolitions came from the government of Belgium, which is deeply complicit in LAW-TRAIN: several Belgian judicial officials are involved in the program.

But the most spectacular failure of the EUs appeasement policy came in the form of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus recent vow that Israel will never remove any settlements from the occupied West Bank  demolishing the cover of even the most naive and complicit EU officials that Israel is interested in a two-state solution.

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All of Israels settlements are illegal under international law, and even the EU claims to oppose them.

But its hardly surprising that Israel is accelerating its theft and colonization of West Bank land: the EU ambassador to Tel Aviv publicly stated last year that goods made in Israels settlements are  welcome  in European markets  even as major human rights groups are calling for a total ban on business with settlements.

Oblivious

Acting as if they are oblivious, EU bureaucrats continue to reward Israel this week with the visit of Elzbieta Bienkowska, the 28-member blocs entrepreneurship commissioner.

Her goal is to promote further  cooperation  in such fields as science and technology  often code for weapons development and the arms trade.

Bienkowskas visit is the latest of a high-profile parade of EU officials to Tel Aviv that included science commissioner Moedas.

Another senior official recently pledged EU support for Israels efforts to silence criticism of its policies, under the guise of fighting anti-Semitism .

EU officials also continue to smear the nonviolent boycott, divestment and sanctions movement with claims the EU cannot substantiate , like the assertion that BDS activities have led to a rise in anti-Semitic incidents.

The clear and consistent message from Brussels to Tel Aviv is that the EU not only tolerates Israels crimes, but enthusiastically supports them.

That is unlikely to change until European citizens amplify the message that they will no longer allow their money to be misused by EU officials and European academic institutions to support Israels regime of occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid .

This article was first published by Electronic Intifada -

 2000-2017 Electronic Intifada.net

Inside the Hotbeds of Israeli Settler Terror
Nikki Haley: Neocon Heartthrob

By Jim Lobe

September 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - With the eviction of Steve Bannon and Sebastian Gorka from the inner precincts of the White House and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson besieged and taking fire from virtually all sides, neoconservatives  even the NeverTrumpers among them  must be quietly harboring renewed hopes that their restoration may soon be within reach.

And, as should become clear Tuesday, those hopes reside largely with the Trump administrations ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, whos been on a tear against Iran for several weeks now. Her campaign culminated recently in her unsubstantiated claims in contradiction to the most recent findings of her own State Department and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), not to mention Washingtons P5+1 partnersthat Tehran is not in full compliance with the two-year-old Iran nuclear deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Why Tuesday? Because Haley will give a formal policy address on Iran policy at Neocon Central, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Thats the same think tank that acted as the Bush administrations principal cheerleader for the 2003 Iraq invasion and provided the Pentagon with a number of its scholars as consultants to put together the totally failed strategy that followed Washingtons conquest of Baghdad. Who can forget the machismo-filled black coffee briefings featuring the likes of then-Defense Policy Committee chair Richard Perle, serially mistaken Iran experts Michael Rubin, Michael Ledeen, and Reuel Marc Gerecht (the last two now with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies), and former CIA director James Woolseythat bolstered the propaganda blitz about Saddam Husseins alleged ties to al-Qaeda, his enormous WMD factories, his fast-developing nuclear weapons program, and the gratitude which we should all feel toward the tremendous sacrifices and promise of Ahmad Chalabi as the George Washington of Iraq? If ever there was a highly developed echo chamber for going to war in modern U.S. foreign policy, it was AEI that provided the initial shouting points. All of that makes the title of Haleys impending address, Beyond the Echo Chamber: Considerations on U.S. Policy Toward Iran, especially ironic, not to say ominous.

Haley, who has hardly been camera-shy since her appointment and will no doubt get an additional media boost from her demands Monday that the UN Security Council take much stronger action against North Korea following its latest nuclear test, clearly has her eyes set on higher office, no doubt including the presidency itself. As the countrys most influential national-security reporter, The New York Times David Sanger, noted just a few days ago, she appears to be the front-runner to succeed an increasingly beleaguered and publicity- and media-averse Tillerson should he or Trump decide that its not worth his sticking around. A total foreign-policy novice just eight months ago, Haley could soon find herself running U.S. foreign policy, at least to the extent that the State Department remains a factor in the policy-making compared to the Pentagon and the White House itself.

A Darling of the Neocons

As noted by Phil Weiss in April, Haley had become been a darling of the neocons well before she arrived at Turtle Bay. Part of the credit or blame belongs to her close ties to fellow South Carolinian Sen. Lindsay Graham, long a neoconservative favorite for his staunch defense of Israel, belligerence toward Iran and Russia, and chronic interventionist instincts, especially as regards the U.S. military. Its not coincidental that her most influential adviser , by all accounts, is David Glaccum, who served for years as Grahams chief counsel.

Not coincidentally, however, neocon hopes may lie as well with the generous political funding provided to Haley by Sheldon Adelson, the GOPs and Trumps single biggest donor.

Between May and June, 2016, Sheldon Adelson contributed $250,000 to Haleys 527 political organization, A Great Day, funds that she used to target four Republican state senate rivals in primaries. (Only one was successfully defeated.) Adelson was the largest contributor to her group, which raised a total of $915,000. The next largest donor, Koch Industries, contributed $50,000.

Perhaps Adelson gained an unusual interest in South Carolinas state senate, but it seems more likely the investment was a show of support for Haleys hawkish pro-Israel positions. Adelson, who is also the largest donor to the extreme right-wing Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), has long pushed stridently anti-Iran positions, suggesting in late 2013 that Washington detonate a nuclear weapon in Irans territory unless Tehran complied with demands that it completely abandon its nuclear program.

And, as Weiss wrote, Haley had come through for Adelson already in 2015, when she signed without any reservation the first law against boycotts of Israel  about the same time as Adelson convened an anti-BDS summit in Las Vegas.

Courting AIPAC

Although she reiterated support for the eventual, if hypothetical, creation of a Palestinian state in February when Trump himself put that traditional position very much in doubt, her tenure at the UN has been characterized by staunch support for Israel against virtually any criticism. At the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in March she became the belle at the ball, as Weiss put it, by serving up the kind of red meat that gets them going :

I wear heels. Its not for a fashion statement. Its because if I see something wrong, were going to kick them every single time. So how are we kicking? Were kicking by, number one, putting everybody on notice, saying that if you have our backwere going to have the backs of our friends, but our friends need to have our back too. If you challenge us, be prepared for what youre challenging us for, because we will respond. The next thing we did was we said, the days of Israel-bashing are over. We have a lot of things to talk about. There are a lot of threats to peace and security. But youre not going to take our number one democratic friend in the Middle East and beat up on them. And I think what youre seeing is theyre all backing up a little bit. The Israel-bashing is not as loud. They didnt know exactly what I meant outside of giving the speech, so we showed them. So when they decided to try and put a Palestinian [former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister and Bush administration favorite Salam Fayyad] in one of the highest positions [Special Envoy to Libya] that had ever been given at the U.N., we said no and we had him booted out. That doesnt mean he wasnt a nice man. That doesnt mean he wasnt good to America. What it means is, until the Palestinian Authority comes to the table, until the U.N. responds the way theyre supposed to, there are no freebees for the Palestinian Authority anymore. So then they tested us again. And a ridiculous report, the Falk Report, came out. I dont know who the guy is or what hes about, but hes got serious problems. Goes and compares Israel to an apartheid state. So the first thing we do is we call the secretary general and say, this is absolutely ridiculous. You have to pull it. The secretary general immediately pulled the report. And then the director has now resigned. Last thing. So for anyone that says you cant get anything done at the U.N., they need to know theres a new sheriff in town.

You get the picture. Its the kind of attitude that one heard a lot at those black coffee briefings.

Since then, Haley has made attacking Tehran at the world bodyeven making a special trip to Vienna with the apparent intention to press the IAEA to make demands of Iran that go beyond the letter of the JCPOA a top priority. Only the escalating crisis over missile launches and nuclear tests by North Koreaa nation that, in contrast to Iran, actually has nuclear weapons and the means to deliver themhas consumed more of her attention. And, consistent with her actions as governor, she has most recently threatened to slash U.S. funding toand possibly withdraw fromthe UN Human Rights Council if it follows through on its mandate to publish a list of international companies that do business with Jewish settlements on the West Bank by the end of the year.

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Romancing AEI

Like the black coffee briefings of yore, AEIs public programs ordinarily involve panel discussions or, perhaps, one featured speaker followed by comments by selected discussants. Single-speaker events speeches are usually reserved for important annual occasions, like the presentation of the Irving Kristol Award dinners to such recent winners as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2015  when he was actively campaigning against the JCPOA), David Petraeus (2010), and Iraq War booster Bernard Lewis (2007 shortly after he predicted that Iran would launch a nuclear attack on Israel on Aug 22, 2016). Dick Cheney, a member of AEIs board of trustees, has been accorded the platform there on a number of occasions, most recently in September 2015 at the height of the congressional debate over the JCPOA, which he denounced in the strongest terms, suggesting that war with Tehran might be a better option. Indeed, that occasion was the last one in which a single speaker at AEI devoted an entire remarks to Iran. Haley will now follow in his path, albeit as an incumbent U.S. official.

But perhaps the most memorable of the single-speech events at AEI was a fierce attack delivered by Newt Gingrich one month into the Iraq invasion on the State Department for gross incompetence, especially compared to the military. The former House speaker, who was also a member of the Defense Policy Board chaired by AEIs Perle and an AEI fellow at the time, clearly used the occasion to campaign for secretary of state to replace the increasingly hapless Colin Powell, then a victim of a Cheney-Rumsfeld cabal, as Powells long-time chief of staff, Col. Larry Wilkerson put it, that, with AEIs help, led the charge to war within the administration. The speech was considered so over the top that it ultimately backfired against Gingrich, who was reduced to uncharacteristic silence, particularly after Powells deputy, Richard Armitage, tartly observed , It is clear that Mr. Gingrich is off his meds and out of therapy.

Haley will not likely make the same mistake, but its a precedent worth bearing in mind. After all, Adelson spent $15 million on Gingrichs failed 2012 presidential campaign.

Jim Lobe served for some 30 years as the Washington DC bureau chief for Inter Press Service and is best known for his coverage of U.S. foreign policy and the influence of the neoconservative movement. http://lobelog.com
Victory at Last!





In Americas Wars, Failure Is the New Success



By Tom Engelhardt

September 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - It was bloody and brutal , a true generational struggle, but give them credit. In the end, they won when so many lost.

James Comey was axed. Sean Spicer went down in a heap of ashes. Anthony Scaramucci crashed and burned instantaneously. Reince Priebus hung on for dear life but was finally canned. Seven months in, Steve Bannon got the old heave-ho and soon after, his minion, Sebastian Gorka, was unceremoniously shoved out the White House door. In a downpour of potential conflicts of interest and scandal, Carl Icahn bowed out. Gary Cohn has reportedly been at the edge of resignation . And so it goes in the Trump administration.

Except for the generals. Think of them as the last men standing. They did it. They took the high ground in Washington and held it with remarkable panache. Three of them: National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, Secretary of Defense and retired Marine General John Mattis, and former head of the Department of Homeland Security, now White House Chief of Staff, retired Marine General John Kelly stand alone, except for President Trumps own family members , at the pinnacle of power in Washington.

Those three generals from Americas losing wars are now triumphant. One of them is the ultimate gatekeeper when it comes to who sees the president. All three influence his thoughts and speeches. They are the civilians who control the military and American war policy. They, and they alone, have made the president go against his deepest urges, as he admitted in his address to the nation on the war in Afghanistan. (My original instinct was to pull out and historically I like following my instincts.) Theyve convinced him to release the military (and the CIA) from significant oversight on how they pursue their wars across the Greater Middle East, Africa, and now the Philippines . They even convinced him to surround their future actions in a penumbra of secrecy .

Their wars, the ones that began almost 16 years ago and just keep morphing and spreading (along with a proliferating assortment of terror groups), are now theirs alone to fight and... well, well get to that. But first lets step back a moment and think about whats happened since January.

The Winningest President and the Losingest Generals

The most surprising winner of our era and possibly -- to put ourselves fully in the Trumpian spirit -- of any era since the first protozoan stalked the Earth entered the Oval Office on January 20th and promptly surrounded himself with a set of generals from Americas failed wars of the post-9/11 era. In other words, the man who repeatedly promised that in his presidency Americans would win to the point of tedium -- Were going to win so much, youre going to be so sick and tired of winning, youre going to come to me and go Please, please, we cant win anymore -- promptly chose to elevate the losingest guys in town. If reports are to be believed, he evidently did this because of his military school background, his longstanding crush on General George Patton of World War II fame (or at least the movie version of him), and despite having actively avoided military service himself in the Vietnam years, his weak spot for four stars with tough monikers like  Mad Dog .

During the election campaign, though a general of his choice led the chants to lock her up, Trump himself was surprisingly clear-eyed when it came to the nature of American generalship in the twenty-first century. As he put it , Under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton the generals have been reduced to rubble, reduced to a point where it is embarrassing for our country. On coming to power, however, he reached into that rubble to choose his guys. In the years before he ran, he had been no less clear-eyed on the war he just extended in Afghanistan. Of that conflict, he typically tweeted in 2013, We have wasted an enormous amount of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. Their government has zero appreciation. Let's get out!

On the other hand, the careers of his three chosen generals are inextricably linked to Americas losing wars. Then-Colonel H.R. McMaster gained his reputation in 2005 by leading the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment into the Iraqi city of Tal Afar and liberating it from Sunni insurgents, while essentially inaugurating the counterinsurgency tactics that would become the heart and soul of General David Petraeuss 2007  surge  in Iraq.

Only one small problem: McMasters much-publicized victory, like so many other American military successes of this era, didnt last. A year later, Tal Afar was awash in sectarian violence, wrote Jon Finer, a Washington Post reporter who accompanied McMaster into that city. It would be among the first Iraqi cities taken by Islamic State militants in 2014 and has only recently been liberated (yet again) by the Iraqi military in a U.S.-backed campaign that has left it only partially in rubble, unlike so many other fully rubblized cities in the region. In the Obama years, McMaster would be the leader of a task force in Afghanistan that sought to root out the rampant corruption that had taken hold in the American-backed government there, an effort that would prove a dismal failure .

Marine General Mattis led Task Force 58 into southern Afghanistan in the invasion of 2001, establishing the first conventional U.S. military presence in the country. He repeated the act in Iraq in 2003, leading the 1st Marine Division in the U.S. invasion of that country. He was involved in the taking of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in 2003; in the fierce fighting for and partial destruction of the city of Fallujah in 2004; and, in that same year, the bombing of what turned out to be a wedding party, not insurgents, near the Syrian border. ( How many people go to the middle of the desert... to hold a wedding 80 miles from the nearest civilization? was his response to the news.) In 2010, he was made head of U.S. Central Command, overseeing the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan until 2013 when he urged the Obama administration to launch a dead of night operation to take out an Iranian oil refinery or power plant, his idea of an appropriate response to Irans role in Iraq. His proposal was rejected and he was retired from his command five months early. In other words, he lost his chance to set off yet another never-ending American war in the Middle East. He is known for his Mattisisms like this piece of advice to U.S. Marines in Iraq in 2003: Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.

Retired Marine General John Kelly was assistant division commander in Iraq under Mattis, who personally promoted him to brigadier general on the battlefield. (Present head of the Joint Chiefs, General Joe Dunford, was an officer in the same division at the same time and all three reportedly remain friends.) Though Kelly had a second tour of duty in Iraq, he never fought in Afghanistan. Tragically, however, one of his sons (who had also fought in Fallujah in 2004) died there after stepping on an improvised explosive device in 2010.

McMaster was among the earliest figures in the Pentagon to begin speaking of the countrys post-9/11 wars as generational (that is, never-ending). In 2014, he said ,

If you think this war against our way of life is over because some of the self-appointed opinion-makers and chattering class grow war weary, because they want to be out of Iraq or Afghanistan, you are mistaken. This enemy is dedicated to our destruction. He will fight us for generations, and the conflict will move through various phases as it has since 9/11.

In short, you could hardly pick three men more viscerally connected to the American way of war, less capable of seriously reassessing what they have lived through, or more fully identified with the failures of the war on terror, especially the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. When it comes to the rubble of American generalship in these years, Mattis, McMaster, and Kelly would certainly be at the top of anyones list.

Think of them, in fact, as the ultimate survivors of a system that at its upper levels is not known, even in the best of times, for promoting original, outside-the-box thinkers. They are, in other words, the ultimate four-star conformists because thats the character trait you need to make it to generalship in the U.S. military. (Original thinkers and critics never seem to make it past the rank of colonel.)

And as their new Trump-era Afghan policy indicates, when faced with their wars and what to do about them, their answer is invariably some version of more of the same (with the usual, by-now-predictable results).

All Hail the Generals!

Now, lets take one more step back from the situation at hand, lest you imagine that President Trumps acts, when it comes to those generals, are unique to our time. Yes, two retired generals and one still active in posts previously (with the rarest of exceptions) reserved for civilians do represent something new in American history. Still, this Trumpian moment should be seen as the culmination of, not a departure from, the policies of the two previous administrations.

In these years, Americas generals have failed everywhere except in one place, and that just happens to be the only place that truly matters. Call Afghanistan a  stalemate  as often as you want, but almost 16 years after the U.S. military loosed the power of  the finest fighting force the world has ever known (aka  the greatest force for human liberation the world has ever known), the Taliban are ascendant in that benighted land and thats the definition of failure , no matter how you tote things up. Those generals have indeed been losers in that country, as they and others have been in Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and someday undoubtedly Syria (no matter what immediate victories they might chalk up). In only one place did their generalship work effectively; in only one place have they truly succeeded; in only one place could they now conceivably proclaim victory at last!

That place is, of course, Washington, D.C., where they are indeed the last men standing and, in Trumpian terms, absolute winners.

In Washington, their generalship has been anything but rubble. Its always been another kind of more -- more of whatever they wanted, from money to surges to ever-greater power and authority. In Washington, theyve been the winners ever since President George W. Bush launched his Global War on Terror.

What they couldnt do in Baghdad, Kabul, Tripoli, or anywhere else across the Greater Middle East and Africa, theyve done impressively in our nations capital. In years when they unsuccessfully brought the full power of the greatest arsenal on the planet to bear on enemies whose weaponry cost the price of a pizza , they continued to rake in billions of dollars in Washington. In fact, its reasonable to argue that the losing conflicts in the war on terror were necessary prerequisites for the winning budgetary battles in that city. Those never-ending conflicts -- and a more generalized (no pun intended) fear of (Islamic) terrorism heavily promoted by the national security state -- have driven funding success to staggering levels in the nations capital, perhaps the single issue on which Repubicans and Democrats have seen eye to eye in this period.

In this context, Donald Trumps decision to surround himself with his generals has simply brought this reality more fully into focus. Hes made it clear why the term deep state, often used by critics of American war and national security policies, inadequately describes the situation in Washington in this century. That term brings up images of a hidden state-within-a-state that controls the rest of the government in some conspiratorial fashion. The reality in Washington today is nothing like that. Despite both its trove of secrets and its desire to cast a shadow of secrecy over government operations, the national security state hasnt exactly been lurking in the shadows in these years.

In Washington, whatever the Constitution may say about civilian control of the military, the generals -- at least at present -- control the civilians and the deep state has become the all-too-visible state. In this context, one thing is clear, whether youre talking about the countrys panoply of intelligence agencies or the Pentagon, failure is the new success.

And for all of this, one thing continues to be essential: those generational struggles in distant lands. If you want to see how this works in a nutshell, consider a single line from a recent piece on the Afghan War by New York Times reporter Rod Nordland. Even before the presidents [Afghan] speech, the American military and Afghan leaders were laying long-term plans, Nordland points out and, in that context, adds in passing, The American military has a $6.5-billion plan to make the Afghan air force self-sufficient and end its overreliance on American air power by 2023.

Think for a moment about just that relatively modest part (a mere $6.5 billion!) of the U.S. militarys latest plans for a more-of-the-same future in Afghanistan. As a start, were already talking about six more years of a war that began in October 2001, was essentially an extension of a previous conflict fought there from 1979 to 1989, and is already the longest war in American history. In other words, the idea of a  generational struggle  there is anything but an exaggeration.

Recall as well that, in January 2008, U.S. Brigadier General Jay Lindell, then-commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force in Afghanistan, was projecting an eight-year U.S. plan that would leave the Afghan air force fully staffed, supplied, trained, and self-sufficient by 2015. (In 2015, Rod Nordland would check out that air force and find it in a woeful state of near ruin.)

So in 2023, if that full $6.5 billion is indeed invested in -- perhaps the more fitting phrase might be squandered on -- the Afghan air force, one thing is a given: it will not be self-sufficient. After all, 16 years later with not $6.5 billion but more than $65 billion appropriated by Congress and spent on the training of the Afghan security forces, they are now taking terrible casualties , experiencing horrendous desertion rates, filled with ghost personnel, and anything but self-sufficient. Why imagine something different for that countrys air force $6.5 billion and six years later?

In Americas war on terror, such things should be considered tales foretold, even as the losing generals of those losing wars strut their stuff in Washington. Elsewhere on the planet, the U.S. militarys plans for 2020, 2023, and beyond will undoubtedly be yet more landmarks on a highway to failure. Only in Washington do such plans invariably work out. Only in Washington does more of the same turn out to be the ultimate formula for success. Our losing wars, it seems, are a necessary backdrop for the ultimate winning war in our nations capital. So all hail Americas generals, mission accomplished!

Tom Engelhardt is a co-founder of the American Empire Project and the author of The United States of Fear as well as a history of the Cold War, The End of Victory Culture . He is a fellow of the Nation Institute and runs TomDispatch.com . His latest book is Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World .

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook . Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dower's The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II , as well as John Feffer's dystopian novel Splinterlands , Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead , and Tom Engelhardt's Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World .
Neocon Creep





By Karen Kwiatkowski

September 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Those of us who closely observed, and tried to stop, the neoconservative takeover of the Presidency, and the nations security and intelligence leadership between 1999 and 2004, may have thought it was so well publicized and so destructive that it couldnt happen again.



Others, while blaming the Bush and Cheney crowds for bringing cavalier interventionist chickenhawking perspectives into the White House, figured that at least it wouldnt happen again with an outsider like Mr. Trump.



Still others, falsely believing that the eight Obama years were years of neoconservative silence, may have thought, given Trumps non-interventionist America First campaign last year, that at least neoconservatism wouldnt be the main thing theyd need to worry about.



These days, most everybody is wrong when it comes to politics in the US.



The neoconservatives have already crept into key parts of the national security state decision-making process.



As pointed out by The Guardian recently , we are seeing pressure from US political appointees on the intelligence agencies to produce data to support interventionist decisions already made. Honest men and women are again retiring and leaving their positions, rather than participate in the politicization of US intelligence.



The layman, perceiving the United States to be a democratic republic and a force for peace and goodwill around the world, may wonder why war decisions would be made before the intelligence case supporting those decisions had been put forth. But those less trusting souls, here and around the world, perceive correctly that the United States is a military corporate machine, and those who control its foreign policy not only get the chance to play war around the world, but to alter and create markets for goods and services, markets from which these individuals directly and indirectly benefit. Crony capitalism is far too kind a label for this system; it is very nearly the fascist-elitist Mafiosi-style kidnapping of the powerful and dangerous structural organs of a great empire.



When I mention fascist, many will think I am speaking of Mr. Trump himself. But he is far less fascinated by the sweet promises of a fascist state than have been most modern presidents, FDR, the Bushes, and Obama included. Elitist? Surely I am speaking of Mr. Trump again  but no, he is a striver, and a builder, a man who takes public pride in his straightforward and simplistic manner, and is deeply despised by the US elite for that reason, among others. When I mention mafias, I dont mean the New York mob that all builders and politicians in that city must deal with, but rather a certain private and clannish criminality, where threats, blackmail and deadly force are used, and the limelight is avoided.



But enough silliness. Lets talk about who is doing what and where, in the Trump White House, eight months into what had been a very promising presidency  for those who hate the centralized warfare welfare state circa 2016.



Last fall , I observed reports of specific neoconservatives positioning themselves for places throughout the new Trump administration. Rest assured, these emplacements were already fixed for the expected Clinton win, but late in the race, signs of neoconservative bet-hedging were seen. Woolsey was one such potential appointee. Then, radio silence.



After the election, there was a lot of exposure of Trumps advisors, and the ever-present focus on something  anything  about Russia. I was happy to see General Flynn out regardless of the reason, but for every sacrificed appointee and advisor we found out about, it was those waiting in the wings we should have been screaming about.



Just like a cheap horror flick, the audience is advising the next hapless victim to Look behind you! or Get out now! to no avail. The script is written.



It is interesting that National Security Advisor McMaster is credited for changing the Presidents mind on Afghanistan. Was the reversal in Trumps thinking a ploy to gain time, a nod to the fantasy that this is a winnable war? Is he now convinced that the mineral, gas, and a strategic location for strikes against all other enemies makes Afghanistan a good occupation? Or was it a deal with the CIA and the money laundering global banks to keep the opium supply stable?

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McMaster conducted a devastating study of politicization of war , and was passed over for flag officer twice before finally being promoted above Colonel. He is rather a remarkable intellect, but he is perhaps human, fallible. But theres more.



Throughout the intelligence and strategic advisory arms of the federal government, key names are popping up as new appointees, many of them awaiting new clearances. The inner circle of Trump advisors includes not just Betsy DeVos in the education propaganda department, but DeVoss brother Erik Prince of Blackwater, Xe and Academi fame. Now owned by Constellis , the security services firm is bigger than ever, and Erik Prince has been advising the president, although according to him, not effectively . The sure to fail new policy in Afghanistan is already being blamed on McMaster and the generals. Hold that thought.



Richard Perle is reportedly ensconced in the Pentagon again, and neoconservative advisors like Paul Wolfowitz, who  might have had to vote for Hillary , and a host of other interventionist chickenhawks may be found in the American Enterprise Institute lineup, incidentally including Erik Princes brother-in-law, Dick DeVos as an AEI Trustee, along with Dick Cheney and others. Wayne Madsen also wrote about the neoconservative invasion into the Trump administration back in November. The only bright side of the story, as it unfolded, was that someone or some thing in the administration was pushing back  and some dangerous advisors like General Flynn were eliminated.



But the urge to shape and control US foreign and war policies is strong in neoconservative circles. The critiques from the AEI stable of advisors and op-ed writers alone on a Presidency under constant attack from the domestic left and a generally neoconservative TV, radio and print media, can be very effective. The center and left leaning thinktanks in D.C. all embrace aggressive interventionism abroad, and advocate for it.



Meanwhile, the neoconservative war drums beat steadily, messaging each other and any who care to listen, like those infamous aspens in the letters of Scooter Libby . No one is calling out the cowards for what they are. War profiteers and globalists, they are just about back in power, and they have a long-term strategy that both enriches them and keeps them out of prison. We are not hearing enough about them, and in an age where 25 percent of the population doesnt remember 9/11 , a far smaller percentage remembers how the neoconservatives deceitfully engineered Iraq and Libya and Syria.



We might hope that the context of Trumps Afghanistan speech contained the makings of a deal with the warfare establishment, one where clear parameters of success were outlined, and the ball will be in Trumps court when they come back within months asking for more money, more troops, more time, and lowered expectations.



But given what we are seeing and what we all know about how policy is made, the neoconservative strategy in Washington is proceeding apace, with a B-team at the ready, including at the very top of the political food chain . It may be that we can begin the official autopsy of the Trump promise to his America First, non-interventionist, hopeful beyond hope supporters  and it is not because Mr. Trumps instincts were wrong, but rather because he had no idea how the swamp operates and what was at stake for its reptilian inhabitants.



Am I suggesting that Trump will be taken down, and replaced by a neoconservative compliant elite government, one that will put the hammer down both at home via a militaristic surveillance state, and abroad in expanded war, leading to an America even the modern pessimists cannot imagine? I only know what I read in the papers .

Karen Kwiatkowski, Ph.D., a retired USAF lieutenant colonel, farmer and aspiring anarcho-capitalist. She ran for Congress in Virginia's 6th district in 2012.

This article was first published by LewRockwell -
Home The Rohingya Of Myanmar - Pawns In An Anglo-Chinese Proxy War Fought By Saudi Jihadists By Moon Of Alabama September 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Media attention is directed to some minor ethnic violence in Myanmar, the former Burma. The story in the "western" press is of Muslim Rohingya unfairly vilified, chased out and killed by Buddhist mobs and the army in the state of Rakhine near the border to Bangladesh. The "liberal human interventionists" like Human Rights Watch are united with Islamists like Turkey's President Erdogan in loudly lamenting the plight of the Rohingya. That curious alliance also occurred during the wars on Libya and Syria. It is by now a warning sign. Could there be more behind this than some local conflict in Myanmar? Is someone stocking a fire? Indeed. While the ethnic conflict in Rankine state is very old, it has over the last years morphed into an Jihadist guerilla war financed and led from Saudi Arabia. The area is of geo-strategic interest : Rakhine plays an important part in [the Chinese One Belt One Road Initiative] OBOR, as it is an exit to Indian Ocean and the location of planned billion-dollar Chinese projectsa planned economic zone on Ramree Island, and the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, which has oil and natural gas pipelines linked with Yunnan Provinces Kunming. Pipelines from the western coast of Myanmar eastwards to China allow hydrocarbon imports from the Persian Gulf to China while avoiding the bottleneck of the Strait of Malacca and disputed parts of the South China Sea. It is in "Western interest" to hinder China's projects in Myanmar. Inciting Jihad in Rakhine could help to achieve that. There is historic precedence for such a proxy war in Burma. During World War II British imperial forces incited the Rohingya Muslim in Rakhine to fight Burmese nationalist Buddhists allied with Japanese imperialists.

bigger The Rohingya immigrated to the northern parts of Arakan, today's Rakhine state of Myanmar, since the 16th century. A large wave came under British imperial occupation some hundred years ago. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh continued over the last decades. In total about 1.1 million of Muslim Rohingya live in Myanmar. The birthrate of the Rohingya is said to be higher than that of the local Arakanese Buddhists. These feel under pressure in their own land. While these populations are mixed in some towns there are many hamlets that belong 100% to either one. There is generally little integration of Rohingya within Myanmar. Most are officially not accepted as citizens. Over the centuries and the last decades there have been several violent episodes between the immigrants and the local people. The last Muslim-Buddhist conflict raged in 2012. Since then a clearly Islamist insurgency was build up in the area . It acts under the name Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and is led by Ataullah abu Ammar Junjuni, a Jihadist from Pakistan. (ARSA earlier operated under the name Harakah al-Yakin, or Faith Movement.) Ataullah was born into the large Rohingya community of Karachi, Pakistan. He grew up and was educated in Saudi Arabia. He received military training in Pakistan and worked as Wahhabi Imam in Saudi Arabia before he came to Myanmar. He has since brainwashed, hired and trained a local guerrilla army of some 1,000 Takfiris. According to a 2015 report in the Pakistani newspaper Dawn there are more than 500,000 Rohingya in Karachi. They came from Bangladesh during the 1970s and 1980s on the behest on General Ziaul Haqs military regime and the CIA to fight the Soviets and the government of Afghanistan: Rohingya community [in Karachi] is more inclined towards religion and they send their children to madressahs. It is a major reason that many religious parties, especially the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, the JI and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, have their organisational set-up in Burmese neighborhoods.

...

A number of Rohingya members living in Arakan Abad have lost their relatives in recent attacks by Buddhist mobs in June 2012 in Myanmar, said Mohammad Fazil, a local JI activist. Rohingyas in Karachi regularly collect donations, Zakat and hides of sacrificial animals and send these to Myanmar and Bangladesh to support the displaced families. Reuters noted in late 2016 that the Jihadist group is trained, led and financed through Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: A group of Rohingya Muslims that attacked Myanmar border guards in October is headed by people with links to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Thursday, citing members of the group.

...

Though not confirmed, there are indications [Ataullah] went to Pakistan and possibly elsewhere, and that he received practical training in modern guerrilla warfare, the group said. It noted that Ata Ullah was one of 20 Rohingya from Saudi Arabia leading the groups operations in Rakhine State. Separately, a committee of 20 senior Rohingya emigres oversees the group, which has headquarters in Mecca, the ICG said. The ARSA Jihadists claim to only attack government forces but civilian Arakanese Buddhists have also been ambushed and massacred . Bugghist hamlets were also burned down. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Your Free Daily Newsletter The government of Myanmar alleges that Ataullah and his group want to declare an independent Islamic State. In October 2016 his group started to attack police and other government forces in the area. On August 25 this year his group attacked 30 police stations and military outposts and killed some 12 policemen. The army and police responded, as is usual in this conflict, by burning down Rohingya townships suspected of hiding guerilla forces. To escape the growing violence many local Arakanese Buddhist flee their towns towards the capitol of Rankine. Local Rohingya Muslim flee across the border to Bangladesh. Only the later refugees seem to get international attention. The Myanmar army has ruled the country for decades. Under economic pressure it nominally opened up to the "west" and instituted "democracy". The darling of the "west" in Myanmar is Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Her party won the elections and she has a dominant role in the government. But Aung San Suu Kyi is foremost a nationalist and the real power is still held by the generals. While Aung San Suu Kyi was propped up as democratic icon she has little personal merit except being the daughter of Thakin Aung San , a famous leader of the Burma Independence Army (BIA) and the "father of the nation". In the 1940s Thakin Aung San was recruited by the Imperial Japanese Army to wage a guerrilla war against the colonial British army and the British supply line to anti-Japanese forces in China: The young Aung San learned to wear Japanese traditional clothing, speak the language, and even took a Japanese name. In historian Thant Myint-Us The River of Lost Footsteps, he describes him as apparently getting swept away in all the fascist euphoria surrounding him, but notes that his commitment remained to independence for Myanmar. The ethnic strife in Rakhine also played a role in the British-Japanese conflict over Burma: In April 1942, Japanese troops advanced into Rakhine State and reached Maungdaw Township, near the border with what was then British India, and is now Bangladesh. As the British retreated to India, Rakhine became a front line. Local Arakanese Buddhists collaborated with the BIA and Japanese forces but the British recruited area Muslims to counter the Japanese. Both armies, British and Japanese, exploited the frictions and animosity in the local population to further their own military aims, wrote scholar Moshe Yegar When the British won against the Japanese Thakin Aung San change sides and negotiated the end of British imperial rule over Burma. He was assassinated in 1947 with the help of British officers. Since then Burma, later renamed to Myanmar, was ruled by ever competing factions of the military. Thakin Aung San's daughter Aung San Suu Kyi received a British education and was build up for a role in Myanmar. In the 1980s and 90s she quarreled with the military government. She was given a Nobel Peace Price and was promoted as progressive defender of human rights by the "western" literati. But she, and the National League for Democracy (NLD). she leads, were always the opposite - ultra-right fascists in Buddhist Saffron robes. The hypocrites are now disappointed that she does not speak out in favor of the Rohingya. But doing so would put her on the opposite side her father had famously fought for. It would also put her in opposition to most of the people in Myanmar who have little sympathy for the Rohingya and their Jihadi fight. Moreover - the Chinese OBOR projects are a huge bon for Myanmar and will help with its economic development. The Saudis and Pakistani send guerilla commanders and money to incite the Rohingya to Jihad in Myanmar. This is a historic repeat of the CIA operation against Soviet influence in Afghanistan. But unlike in Afghanistan the people of Myanmar are not Muslim they will surely fight against, not join, any Jihad in their country. The Rohingya are now pawns in the great game and will suffer from it. This article was first published by Moon Of Alabama - Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. 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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, has ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge, OC, Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism Squad, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CSP Akinade Adejobi over alleged N50,000 bribe.

The CSP and his officers were alleged to have taken N50,000 for the bail of one Blessing Taiwo, over an alleged theft.

They were also alleged to have seized the victims phone pending when a balance of N20,000 would be paid on Tuesday.

According to reports, Blessings sister, Florence, had claimed she (Florence) was sexually harassed by the policemen who put hands into her private parts and breasts anytime she took food to her sister in the cell where Blessing was locked up with a mad woman.

She had said one of the policemen had been pestering her with telephone calls, asking to see her.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
A student of Ambrose Alli University who specializes in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public using cloned websites has been arrested.

A 300 level student of Ambrose Alli University, studying Library and Information Science identified as Mayaki Best has been arrested by men of the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command after he was traced to Edo state.

He was arrested for posing as an online custom auctioneer after he cloned the website of Lagos State College of Health Technology and duped several admission seekers of large sums of money.

Mayaki was tracked to Edo State following a petition signed by the Provost of Lagos State College of Health Technology, Dr Moyo Kasim, on the fraudulent activities of one Dr. Odeh Philip Oteche, who cloned the website of the institution and requesting for varied sums of money from admission applicants.

He had cloned admission application and bank details, stating that applicants pay N2,500 for admission form. Mayaki who was in possession of the phone line given in the fraudulent bank details, was arrested with three ATM Cards, which carried Otache Philip Odeh, the owner of the fraudulent account.

He was also found with other ATM cards of Access bank and UBA with the name, Abua Sunday. In his confession to the police, Mayaki stated that he was the brain behind the cloning of the institutions website and he had withdrawn series of deposits made to the accounts by different applicants.

He added that he started admission racketing when online custom auction of automobile and seized items failed to yield expected returns. Apart from these, the suspect disclosed that he also uses dating platforms for scamming.

Through the cloned institutions website, Mayaki stated, he had collected deposits ranging from N2,500 to N157,000, adding that one Charles and Ganiyu Balogun now at large were accomplices. He stated that he opened Access Bank and UBA accounts with Sunday Abua for Nigerian Customs auction vehicles and goods.

He disclosed that the three facebook accounts of female custom officers he had been using. Also found in his possession, were different soft copies of unfilled custom papers.
Actress Juliet Ibrahim says she will be donating N1million to the victims of Makurdi, Benue flooding.According to her, she once lived as a refugee hence knows what it means to work for something and lose it all in the blink of an eye. Read her post below

Waking up to news about so many natural disasters happening around the world has been extremely devastating. The most recent ones that struck me were Hurricane Harvey in Houston Texas, the mudslides in Sierra Leone, and now the flooding in Makurdi. Many families have lost everything, and even worse, many lives have been lost.

Ive once lived as a refugee, and I know what it means to work for something, and lose it all in the blink of an eye. Hence my decision today, to donate. Starting with the most recent and nearest, I will be donating the sum of 500,000 Naira and another 500,000 Naira on behalf of The Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, to the Makurdi flood victims.

I am also using this opportunity to challenge my fellow colleagues, friends, and fans to join in. Lets help out by donating to this cause. #MakurdiFloodReliefChallenge

I need my friends to step up to the challenge. Once youve accepted the challenge, simply post or tweet stating you have accepted and then tag those youd like to challenge. You dont have to announce the amount you are donating. The goal is to raise 10 Million Naira.

Celebrities are doing their bit abroad for the Hurricane Harvey victims, and I pray we can also do it over here for the Makurdi flood victims.
Some National Diploma (ND) students of the MAPOLY (Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) in Abeokuta, Ogun, have been detained by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos zonal office, and charged with conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses and possession of forged documents.

The arrested suspects who were living a flamboyant life linked to internet scam, forgery of financial instruments and lottery scam, include; Adesina Olalekan, Makinde Noheem, Toheeb Ogunowo, Somotun Olusola, Somotun Sodiq, Tajudeen Hafeez Bolaji and Kareem Olaseni, studying different courses in the institution.

The EFCC officers also arrested Iyun Ifeoluwa, Odusanwo Ibrahim, Obanijesu Opeyemi Soneye, Azeez Olayinka, Babatunde Ajala, Ojejimi Ademola, Aderowunmi Ayomide and Oluokun Oluwaseun following a petition received by the Commission about their activities.

Confessing to newsmen, 21-year-old Business Administration student, Olaseni said he created a Facebook account with the name Dean Robert, with which he interacted with his victims.

I tell them (his victims) that they have won Facebook Lottery. I have people who receive the money sent by the victims. Then, the money is remitted into my personal accounts domiciled in GTBank and Skye Bank he said.

A number of items, laptops, forged documents, and more were recovered from the suspects during their arrests. The suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

See more photos below;
Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah, has cleared the air on his real nationality, despite speculations among movie fans in the country that he is a foreigner.

While fielding questions as a guest of Classic 97.3 FM radio recently, the actor, who was the subject of a death rumour that went viral on the social media in July, insisted that he would prefer to be addressed as a Nigerian and not as an Israeli

He said, I am Nigerian. Although I am also partly Israeli and Lebanese, I carry only the Nigerian passport. I was born and raised in Nigeria. All my life I have lived in this country and I have never been to either Israel or Lebanon where my paternal grandparents come from. Basically, this is my home and where I have found myself.

However, anyone who has seen Nouahs latest comic film, My Wife and I, in which he co-stars with Omoni Oboli for the first time in nine years (since the production of Kunle Afolayans Figurine), may be having other ideas about his ability to keep a marriage intact. But, the actor gave a different impression during the interview.

Nouah revealed that, apart from being happily married, he is blessed with three children  two daughters and a son  that he cherishes so much. Just to show how much he adores and appreciates his wifes contributions to the success of their marriage, he described her as the power-house of the family.

My wife is the power-house of my family. If it were not for her, I would not have been able to keep a family together. She is such a wonderful woman. I always price her above other women, he said, in response to a question about his family.

Noting that sometimes people asked him how his wife had managed to cope with the romantic roles he played in the movies, he added, I would just laugh at their questions and reply that my wife had been able to cope because she was a triple woman, he said.
Three suspects have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command over last Sundays assassination of Hector Oluwaseun Jobarteh, winner of the 2006 Gulder Ultimate Search, GUS, reality TV, Season 3.

Jobarteh was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence in New Oko-Oba, area of Lagos State.

The new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, yesterday, said three persons are being interrogated over the killing of Jobarteh, a father of one, who was reportedly trailed to his house and shot dead.

Giving insight into how the incident happened, Edgal, Lagos Police boss told Vanguard:

Some yet-to-be identified hoodlums, pretending to be friends of the deceased, gained access into the apartment of Hector Jobarteh, 38, in the presence of his brother, one Victor Joberteh, at 8, Olufowora Close, New Oke-Oba.

They shot the said Hector on the chest without any dialogue and fled from the scene. The Divisional Police Officer and a team of policemen quickly rushed to the scene after a distress call and the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died.

Nothing was removed from his house.

The corpse was taken to Orile/Agege Hospital morgue for autopsy. Enquiries carried out from neighbours revealed that the deceased may have been a victim of business transaction that went sour. To us, this is a clear case of murder and all angles are being investigated.

I want to use this opportunity to assure the family and indeed, Lagosians that the police will use every asset at its disposal to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous act are not only brought to book, but diligently prosecuted.

The late Jobartehs wife is said to be also a former GUS contestant, who just moved to New Jersey to have their second child. Hector Jobarteh was said to have returned to Nigeria in July.

 LubeyNaija




There's going to be violence in New York today when DREAMers and their allies in New York stage an aggressive protest at Trump Tower and the police try to stop them. Tragic! There were some GOP congressmen who are demanding that Paul Ryan, as Speaker, stop playing politics with this issue and allow a vote to enshrine DACA in law. But that's exactly what other Republicans fear. The leader of the racist faction of the House Republicans, Iowa xenophobe Steve King tweeted yesterday that it would be "Republican suicide" if Trump followed through on a report that he was planning to end DACA with a six-month delay, insisting that the program instead needed to be ended immediately. "Ending DACA now gives chance [to] restore Rule of Law. Delaying so [Republican] Leadership can push Amnesty is Republican suicide." Most congressional Republicans with King's perspective are keeping the ugliness to themselves, but it is likely the majority of House Republicans. What the Steve Kings of Congress fear, however, is that the Republicans who disagree with that perspective will make common cause with the Democrats and push through a solution favored by most Americans, namely to "legalize" the DACA kids.





Wisconsin congressman Mark Pocan's response to Trump's announcement that he's ending the DACA program was exactly what every sane member of Congress should be saying: "Trump is once again disregarding the core values that guide our country by dismissing DREAMers contributions to our nation." Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) added something else all members of Congress should be saying: "We will resist with everything we have." And Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) reminded her Republican colleagues that "The onslaught of injustice continues. It's time for leaders in Congress to do what is right and defend." Mark Takano (D-CA) added that "If the president is unwilling or unable to provide this country with moral leadership then Congress must do it for him."





10 Republican congressmembers mustered the courage to publicly agree, sending Ryan a letter demanding congressional action that would circumvent Trump:

Dear Mr. Speaker,



As you are aware, due to potential legal action being led by Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton and attorneys general from nine other states, President Trump is currently facing a September 5 deadline to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Created in 2012 by President Barack Obama, the DACA program provides prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against people who entered the United States illegally as children.





Since its inception, the federal government has approved approximately 795,000 initial DACA applications and 924,000 renewals. DACA recipients have contributed both to the U.S. economy and our society. Since being approved for DACA status, an overwhelming majority of these individuals have enrolled in school or found employment. Most have also increased their average earnings and many have served in the military, opened businesses or purchased homes.



We did not support the way that President Obama established this program and usurped Congressional law making authority. However, these individuals have come forward and provided the federal government with their personal information and biometrics. It would be wrong to go back on our word and subject these individuals to deportation.



In February, President Trump stated that DACA recipients are incredible kids and that he was going to deal with DACA with heart. We are encouraged by previous statements made by the White House. Regardless, these individuals status in the United States should not be left to the political winds of different administrations that come to power. Congress has a responsibility and a duty to address this problem legislatively and was robbed of the opportunity to do so when President Obama issued his June 2012 memorandum. We are willing and ready to find a solution no matter what action is taken by President Trump in the coming days and encourage you to work with us as soon as possible to do so.









The only Republicans willing to sign it were:

 Martha McSally (AZ)

 Dan Newhouse (WA)

 Don Bacon (NE)

 Carlos Curbelo (FL)

 Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)

 John Faso (NY)

 Dave Reichert (WA)

 Scott Taylor (VA)

 David Valadao (CA)

 Jeff Denham (CA)

Just two in California? Where were Darrell Issa, Mimi Walters, Ed Royce, Steve Knight, Kevin McCarthy, Devin Nunes, Paul Cook, Dana Rohrabacher, Paul Cook, Duncan Hunter and the other Republicans with big DACA populations in their districts? Hiding under their beds, cowering? Or rooting for Steve King? Ted Lieu is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, an assistant Democratic whip, and the vice-chairman of the DCCC for the West Coast. His statement didn't hide his anger: "I am outraged by the Presidents foolish decision to end DACA. This decision will cost our economy $460 billion over the next decade. More importantly, it ignores our nations rich immigrant heritage. Our nation can never be great without embracing immigrants. Ending DACA is an unconscionable assault on thousands of young Americans who know no other home than the United States. I will stand firmly with my Democratic colleagues to fight this action and do whatever we can to protect DREAMers."





I don't doubt that Lieu will pass on the opportunity to talk with the Democratic House candidates about how Trump's crazy posture towards DACA-- and the GOP inability to respond coherently-- can play in the 2018 midterms. Below are the Latino populations in some of the most heavily contested California districts:

 CA-10 (Denham)- 40.0%

 CA-21 (Valadao)- 72.1%

 CA-22 (Nunes)- 45.9%

 CA-23 (McCarthy)- 5.4%

 CA-25 (Knight)- 37.9%

 CA-39 (Royce)- 34.6% (28.1% Asian)

 CA-45 (Walters)- 18.7% (20.9% Asian)

 CA-48 (Rohrabcaher)- 20.2% (17.8% Asian)

 CA-49 (Issa)- 25.7%

 CA-50 (Hunter)- 29.7%

Those in Republican leadership who have enabled his behavior by standing silent or making excuses for him deserve the reckoning that will eventually come for the GOP. It makes me terrifically sad to be honest-- sad for the party of ideas that I supported for over 30 years-- even more sad for the country and the fact that we can no longer have a credible and important debate about issues that will lead to problem solving. I am a conservative. But I cant and wont be a Republican as long as Donald Trump is the leader of the Republican Party." Notice that the fewer Hispanics they have in their districts, the less likely are Republicans ready to standup to Trump. In an interview with BuzzFeed , former top Republican strategist Sally Bradshaw said that "Trump is anti-woman, anti-Hispanic, anti-black, anti-anything that would bring the country together. The only thing he is for is himself.It makes me terrifically sad to be honest-- sad for the party of ideas that I supported for over 30 years-- even more sad for the country and the fact that we can no longer have a credible and important debate about issues that will lead to problem solving. I am a conservative. But I cant and wont be a Republican as long as Donald Trump is the leader of the Republican Party."





Trump rubber stamp Devin Nunes has been losing a great deal of support in his Central valley district-- Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Tulare-- and 53% non-white-- because of his on-goiing efforts to sabotage a congressional investigation of Putin-Gate. But his refusal to stand up for the DREAMers. May turn out to be far more consequential for his ability to be reelected. A progressive Democrat running for the seat, Ricardo Franco, told us that "Nunes has been silent thus far on the issue. This is yet another example of how out-of-touch he is with his constituents and even his own immigrant history. My great-grandparents settled in this area over 100 years ago. My own parents were born in poverty, but made something of themselves. I grew up solidly middle-class, but I never forgot where I came from nor whom I came from. Mr Nunes, apparently, has. I fully support DACA, but what we need is comprehensive immigration reform. The economic numbers are clear: immigrants, documented and undocumented are a net-positive effect for our country, period. Our laws must be reformed to account for this while still keeping our borders safe. Ending DACA would signal a step in the opposite direction towards xenophobia. Trump and I went to the same school, the University of Pennsylvania, which was founded by Benjamin Franklin. The university motto is, "Leges sine moribus vanae," which means "laws without morals are useless." The president (and Nunes) would do well to remember this and work towards reforming our immigration laws to reflect our morals and values of welcoming hard-working human beings to this country. As a member of Congress I would not only support such reforms, but actively lead the effort to gain more support for bipartisan legislation to reform our immigration system as a representative who is responsible to his community. Nunes, on the other hand, will continue to ignore working-class people from the Central Valley."





A bit south, Katie Hill, is running for the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley seat held by Steve Knight, who has a virulently racist and homophobic voting record going back to his days in the state legislature. Now that Democratic registration had surpassed Republican registration in his district, he's being a little more careful about stating his ugly racist agenda publicly. This is what he posted on his Facebook page:

Many of the children impacted by the DACA program were brought to the United States and have known no other country. Their status deserves a thorough and thoughtful review. While the program may be ending, it should still receive attention by Congress. I encourage my colleagues to take the opportunity to now review this policy closely to see the impact this decision will have on the affected children.

Confused by what the hell that non-statement even means? So is Katie Hill. She told us that it "acknowledges the fact that those affected by DACA have never known another home besides the United States. Since he can agree on that basic fact, and since our district is more than 30 percent Latino, it seems like it should be easy for him to take a leadership role and call for real, permanent protections for Dreamers. Instead, he passively calls for 'a thorough and thoughtful review' and says the program should 'receive attention from Congress.' What on earth does that mean?"

The fundamental disconnect between Representative Knight and myself on DACA is that for me, there is no 'review' needed to determine that it's wrong to deport people who have no memory of any country other than the US, and who are Americans in all but name. This is a basic, clear, moral issue and Representative Knight either does not agree or does not care. He votes to support the radical agenda of Donald Trump almost 100 percent of the time. I sincerely hope that he will break this pattern by doing the right thing and not only voting for but leading the way with legislation that will protect those whose lives will be thrown into turmoil with the repeal of DACA.

Harley Rouda is one of the Democrats taking on Dana Rohrabacher, who doesn't like any immigrants exception Russian ones. Rouda sent me the statement he posted on his Facebook page:

Heartless, vindictive, hateful, and cruel. Trump and Rohrabacher are like two peas in a pod. Both have an inhumane view of what makes America so great-- our diversity which stems from the fact that immigrants around the world come here in search of a better life. Today's DACA decision is abhorrent and goes against everything that we stand for in this great country. Many of these Dreamers have been here since they were small children. This is their country, these are their schools, they pledge allegiance to the American Flag, they are Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and serve in the Armed Services.They are every bit American as you and I.

Kia Hamadanchy is running for the CA-45 Orange County district that Trump-Ryan rubber stamp Mimi Walters doesn't live in but claims to represent. Walters is trying to skate by without taking any form stand on DACA. Kia told us that "DACA protects thousands of individuals who may not have been born here but who are as American as it comes and whose undocumented status is through no fault of their own. I condemn Trump's efforts to end the current DACA protections and I hope Rep Mimi Walters will stand up to him. Unfortunately, I know she won't and her silence helps hurts countless number of people in this country. I am committed to fighting for the rights of DREAMers and all other undocumented immigrants under attack by the Trump Administration."

Ed Royce used to be an outspoken xenophobe who publicly catered to racists. Now that CA-39 is no longer an all-white bastion, he seems to have toned it down. We asked his progressive opponent, Sam Jammal, if people in CA-39, can make heads or tails about Royce's stand.

We have two Ed Royce's here in the 39th. There is "Reasonable Royce" who says nice things and seems approachable the 10-12 times a year he is in the district. He showed up a few days ago and denounced the Trump pardon of Arpaio. And then there is "Extreme Ed." This is the guy who voted against DACA in the past, is a consistent "no" vote on comprehensive immigration reform and has time to give hates speeches and photo ops with white supremacists



Recently, Ed is all about trying to sound reasonable. He still denies climate change, but joined a "Climate Solutions Caucus" aimed at saying nice things while doing nothing. He still doesn't support comprehensive immigration reform, but we can expect him to try to moderate his rhetoric and hope no one back home pays attention to what he does in DC. As someone who has fought for immigration reform for over a decade, it's always nice to see someone change their mind on the issue, but this wreaks of political expedience. We'll see where Ed stands if DACA receives a vote or if Ed will speak up for a vote and risk upsetting his base.



DACA is common sense for our economy here in California. There are 188,000 works with DACA in our state. Our state's economy would lose $11.3 billion annually if DACA is eliminated. But beyond making economic sense, DACA is the right thing to do. You can't leave young people-- who are here through no fault of their own-- in limbo because Washington remains broken when it comes to solving big issues like immigration reform. It shows a complete inability to govern, but beyond that, it doesn't reflect the values we have as a nation. America is a welcoming country. We don't slam our doors on the next generation.

But it's not just California where Trump's DACA announcement is roiling the political climate. We asked some of the Texas candidates as well. Jason Westin is still helping at the hospital he works at in Houston, post-Hurricane Harvey but he told us that his opponent, "John Culberson signed a letter in 2014 demanding that President Obama suspend efforts to 'weaken enforcement of our immigration laws,' like DACA. As per his usual practice, Culberson has refused to release a public comment on how he would deal with the 800,000 DREAMers. When I replace Culberson in Congress, I will defend DACA and stand up for the DREAMers who have never known any home other than the US. Our nation is better because they are here and sending them home accomplishes nothing other than filling empty and mean campaign promises."





Southwest of Westin's Houston district, Derrick Crowe is running for the Austin-San Antonio corridor seat occupied by old style racist Lamar Smith. Derrick told us that "Smith has consistently been the face of the ugliest anti-immigrant strain of Republican politics. He has openly attacked DACA for years. But the Anne Frank Center has it right: the Trump/Smith attack on DACA is child abuse. These children are Americans. Many of them have no memory and no roots in any other home. Well, if they want to deport the DACA recipients in our communities, they are going to have to arrest me first, because I will stand between Trump and these kids-- who are right where they belong."













All of the Blue America candidates are standing in solidarity with what Pramila Jayapal has been saying on TV over the long weekend, namely that "DREAMers are doctors and lawyers. They're paramedics rescuing people from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. They're our coworkers and our friends, our neighbors and our fellow Americans. DREAMers are just as American as you or me. They make us proud with their resilience, their passion and their work to build bright futures-- that's really what makes America great." She went on:
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on Monday stated that he does not want to live up to 120 years.

Adeboye said this at the birthday service held in honour of Pastor Yerima El-Samaila of the Faith Foundation Church who turned 70 years.

The event held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, Nigeria.

Adeboye said;

It is not how long you live but how well you spend your life, I dont want to be 120 years old, longevity is good but there is a limit.

People dont want to die because they dont know where they are going, I know where I am going, I have seen heaven, I have seen my house in heaven, I know what is waiting for me there, heaven is beautiful, and I cant wait to go.

I want to finish what I have to do here and finish it well, any of us can go at any moment we have to get ready for home,

He therefore challenged Christians to be committed to God more than ever before, saying that:

Many Christians are getting distracted from God.

Christians should not forget the most important reason why they are here, adding that it was to show Gods glory.

The RCCG leader advised other men of God to;

stop playing church and become committed to the almighty God and do their utmost so that when they are leaving they can also say they have fulfilled their purpose.

It takes a man like you to bring me to Minna at a time like this and I rejoice that I could come.

Source: Naijaloaded
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Americans Are Saving Less. Heres How to Save More. Young & The Invested - Sat Nov 12, 6:00AM CST Several recent data studies show that Americans, after saving heavily during the pandemic, are starting to pull money from those savings. We discuss how to maintain healthy savings habits.
Self-storage marketing has changed greatly during the last 10 years. Printing costs have increased, resulting in higher advertising rates. Social media has provided additional opportunities. Fewer people are reading printed magazines and newspapers, having switched to digital versions. Mobile-friendly ads are necessary for customers using smartphones. Increased media competition has provided more advertising channels.

When formulating your marketing budget, one trap to avoid is planning to get a specific dollar-for-dollar return. It isnt wise to say, Well, if I spend $300 on this magazine ad, then within two weeks I should have 2 percent of its subscribers rent a storage unit. Advertising doesnt work that way. Specific returns on investment are difficult to quantify.

If you ask people how they heard about your business, many may not be able to tell you. They may say they found you online, but where? On your website? Your Facebook page? On the local newspaper website where you purchased a digital ad? In many cases, its difficult to determine where a customer saw information about your business.

The Need for Smart Choices

Online advertising is now the dominant marketing medium for many U.S. businesses. Ad placements, search engine optimization, digital ads, mobile ads and social media are leading the advertising choices in the marketplace, while traditional media, such as print, radio and television, are declining.

Multiple small ads spread over time tend to be more effective than a one-time, large, expensive placement. Also, consider the ads shelf life. One recommendation is to run an ad every other day in a daily publication or every other week in a weekly publication. This refreshes the memory of the reader and requires less financial commitment. Many publications will offer a multi-ad discount to entice you to advertise more during the year. They may also offer a package that enables you to use a traditional ad in print and a digital ad online that links back to your website.

The goal for marketing and advertising is to create visibility and have potential tenants think of your property first, before researching online or looking elsewhere to find a unit. When large real estate investment trusts and other national self-storage companies are in a market, theyll pour lots of money into online ads to ensure their brand name and facilities rank first in online searches. Most independent self-storage owners cant compete against the marketing budgets of much larger operators, so marketing campaigns and advertising placements must be more selective.

Deciding Where and How Much to Spend

The more limited your marketing dollars, the more wisely they must be spent. Several factors can help determine where and how much to invest, for example:

Is this a new property or an established one?

Is it a highly competitive market, or is your facility the only one in town?

What are the demographics in your area?

Are there times of the year when you see more rentals than others?

Which features at your facility are different or better than the competition?

In a highly competitive market or when promoting a brand-new property, advertising will be more important and require additional budget. For established properties or in markets with little competition, advertising can be reduced but should never be eliminated.

Some experts recommend budgeting a minimum of 2 percent of gross revenue, while others suggest at least 5 percent to grow your business. In highly competitive markets and industries, marketing budgets can creep up to 20 percent or more of gross revenue. The Small Business Administration recommends allotting 7 percent or 8 percent if sales are less than $5 million and gross profit after expenses is in the range of 10 percent to 12 percent.

Committing marketing dollars depends greatly on your revenue and business goals. Self-storage owners must determine if they want to grow or stay even in sales from year to year. The old adage You have to spend money to make money is true when it comes to marketing. Without a viable plan, potential customers may not know your business exists.

Knowing age demographics can also assist decision-making on where to spend your advertising money. In many cases, older prospects in their 50s, 60s or 70s will research storage in their area differently than those in their 20s, 30s or 40s. A younger demographic is more driven to make buying decisions after researching online. This group is also more likely to rent online and respond to social and digital media. Older prospects may research online but still also use the Yellow Pages and local print media, and get recommendations from peers before visiting the facility to see it for themselves.

The timing of an ad can also create interest. If your site is busy in the late spring and summer, marketing can help increase rentals during off-peak times. Run an ad in December or January that encourages the storage of holiday decorations. Promote the storage of outdoor sporting equipment such as boats, kayaks or camping gear during the fall or winter as a way for customers to free up garage space. These kinds of messages can help spur off-season rentals.

Carving a Community Niche

While a large national self-storage operator may not advertise in local publications or host community events, smaller operators can readily adapt to their markets and target their marketing dollars to reach local customers. The big chains are often focused on Internet advertising designed to drive customers to their websites, while local or regional operators can use their involvement with charitable and community causes to increase their market exposure. For example, collection drives for toys, canned food and school supplies can be effective ways to entice customers to visit your site.

When hosting events, let your customers and prospects know. Also, share information about any special offers and referral discounts available to them. This type of outreach should include dispersing fliers on community-interest boards and posting to social media pages and community-information pages. Consider writing a blog with content about your area, decorating and organizing tips, and helpful information about self-storage. Submit articles on storage to local newspapers or magazines.

Free = Good for Your Budget

Free promotional opportunities can be an important part of any marketing plan, especially if your budget is limited. Inexpensive options include meeting with apartment managers, business leaders, construction companies, realtors and other individuals who can refer customers to your facility. Offering a referral program can entice other business managers to send customers your way. For example, consider partnering with a local real estate office. Strike a bargain in which you send the business a gift card to a local restaurant for every referral it sends you.

Becoming the community expert on self-storage also provides free publicity. Creating social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other platforms can help spread the word about your business for little to no cost.

Commit and Track

Marketing has many purposes. It helps create consumer interest in your product, increase occupancy and revenue, promote services to the community, and enable your facility to be top of mind when the need for self-storage arises.

You wouldnt skip carrying insurance because you may never file a claim. By the same token, you shouldnt avoid setting a marketing budget because its difficult to quantify the return. Track everything you can. If you run Internet ads for four months and then stop, do your Web inquiries decrease? Does your site receive fewer phone calls? If so, that would indicate the ads were providing exposure to potential customers. Did move-ins decline when they were expected to increase? If so, those ads were driving customers to your facility during the campaign. Without running the ads, you wouldnt have seen a change in your business.

There are lots of opportunities to market and advertise your storage facility; the key is to determine the best path for your site. This is often discovered through trial and error, and sometimes a strong marketing representative can point you in the right direction.

Donna Edwards is a manager at Plantation Self Storage in Bluffton, S.C., which is operated by Southeast Management Co. She joined the company in 2013 and has more than 10 years of experience in property management. Her marketing experience includes setting budgets, designing yearly marketing plans, and creating and writing all types of advertising. For more information, call 843.815.8000; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.southeastmanagementcompany.com.
The grand opening for Little Orchard Self Storage in San Jose, Calif., which was celebrated on Aug. 30, included the unveiling of a tribute to the citys Vietnam War Veterans. The memorial at 1833 Little Orchard St. features a one-ton stone marker and a flagpole displaying the U.S. and POW/MIA flags, all intended to honor the 142 San Jose residents who lost their lives during the war, according to the source.

The storage facility was developed by business partners Bill Kenney and Chuck Toeniskoetter, who are both veterans. We owe a debt to the men and women who valiantly served, and that debt can never be repaid, said Kenney. So, today, we honor them with this flagpole and flag, which we dedicate to their memory.

The event was attended by Dennis Fernandez and Mike Salas of the San Jose Vietnam War Memorial Foundation and San Jose City Councilmember Tam Nguyen. I am the living proof of their sacrifice because I was a refugee from Vietnam, Nguyen said during the dedication. I survived thanks to those sacrifices. Not only for my freedom, my life, my future here, and what Im saying now is my deep gratitude for that sacrifice.

The storage owners consider the tribute an extension of the Sons of San Jose Vietnam War Memorial, a monument in downtown San Jose that bears the names of resident veterans who died overseas, the source reported. The black-granite statue on West Santa Clara Street was paid for by private donations and is maintained by the foundation.

Kenney and Toeniskoetter also developed and own Cochrane Road Self Storage in Morgan Hill, Calif. Kenney, who is an attorney, is a managing general partner of All American Self Storage in San Mateo, Calif. Toeniskoetter is chairman of Toeniskoetter Development Inc. and Toeniskoetter Construction Inc.

Little Orchard Self Storage is locally owned and operated. It serves the communities of Campbell, Los Gatos, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Willow Glen, Calif.
Update 9/18/17  Extra Space Storage announced that 219 of its properties in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have reopened following Hurricane Irma. The sites total approximately 20 million net rentable square feet of storage in 173,000 units. Eight properties comprising 575,000 net rentable square feet and 6,200 units remain temporarily closed, according to a press release. Of those, five are managed by Extra Space on behalf of third-party owners.

Conditions at the closed properties are being evaluated for safety and accessibility due to damage and power loss, and will re-open when considered operable. Rent credits to customers' accounts will be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of interruption at each of the facilities, the release stated.

In addition, Extra Space will provide one month of free rent through September to new customers who were impacted by Irma. The company will also pay its employees in the impacted areas for time lost while their stores were closed, the release stated.

"We are pleased to report that all of our employees are accounted for and safe," Margolis said. "Our thoughts are with the millions of people impacted by Hurricane Irma, and we hope we can help our customers solve a problem and get to a better tomorrow."

 Self-storage REIT and third-party management firm CubeSmart issued a statement this week regarding temporary closures of its facilities in areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The storms had the potential to cause damage and closures to more than 150 facilities comprising approximately 9.3 million net rentable square feet across Florida and in the Houston metropolitan area, according to a press release.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, all 104 facilities either owned or managed by CubeSmart in Florida were closed on Sunday out of concern for customer and employee safety, the release stated. As the situation is still unfolding and most of the state is without power, the full impact of the storm is unknown at this time.

Irma has been blamed for at least 37 deaths, including 17 in the United States. As of Tuesday, 5.4 million customers across five states were without power. In Florida, where Irma made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, about 6.5 million residents in the state were under mandatory or voluntary evacuation notices, according to ABC News.

By Tuesday afternoon, CubeSmart reopened 22 facilities in Florida comprising 1.8 million net rentable square feet and 18,300 units. Those locations are primarily in southern markets where Irma made landfall, the release stated. Across the state, 82 CubeSmart facilities comprising 5.7 million net rentable square feet and 54,500 units remained closed on Sept. 11.

In Houston, two of 52 CubeSmart facilities are open for normal business. Two properties comprising 141,250 net rentable square feet in 985 units remain temporarily closed to new customers due to damage sustained by Hurricane Harvey.

The size and impact of these back-to-back storms is unprecedented, said president and CEO Christopher P. Marr. While these are trying times for our customers and teammates in areas impacted by the Harvey and Irma hurricanes, we are actively working to reopen our stores and provide the storage space necessary to support the rebuilding efforts in our communities.

Malvern, Pa.-based CubeSmart owns or manages 868 self-storage facilities across the United States. Its operating portfolio comprises 58.7 million square feet.

 Two self-storage real estate investment trusts (REITs), Extra Space Storage Inc. and Public Storage Inc., temporarily closed a combined 145 Texas locations in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The safety precaution affected nearly 11.4 million square feet of storage space in 100,000 units. As of this morning, all but four facilities were operational.

On Aug. 28, Public Storage announced it would close 115 properties in Houston and surrounding areas. Those closures accounted for 8.4 million net rentable square feet and more than 77,500 units. As of Aug. 30, 101 of those facilities had reopened for business. The remaining 14 remained closed for safety considerations but were operational as of yesterday, per company officials.

Our thoughts go out to all of the communities and people who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. We are especially mindful of the safety of our customers and employees, Joseph D. Russell Jr., president of Public Storage, said in a released statement. We are thankful for our loyal customers and the extraordinary efforts by the Public Storage team members on the ground who have worked tirelessly to restore service to our customers.

In addition to the reopening of its storm-affected properties, Public Storage has opened a new Houston-area facility at Mueschke Road and U.S. Highway 290 in Cypress, Texas. The three-story location comprises 194,000 net rentable square feet in 2,064 units, according to a press release.

Extra Space announced on Aug. 31 that it had reopened 30 of its affected facilities. Those properties comprised 2.6 million net rentable square feet in 20,000 units. Four locations totaling 375,000 net rentable square feet and 2,500 units remain closed. Conditions at the four closed properties are being evaluated for safety and accessibility, and will be opened as soon as they are safe and operable, company officials said in a press release. A rent credit will be made immediately to the accounts of each of our Houston customers for the time that stores have been closed.

Extra Space officials also indicated the company will offer a free first month of rent on new leases signed in September at its Greater Houston facilities. The REIT is also providing other assistance for those displaced by the storm, according to the release. "Our hearts go out to the millions of people in Houston as they move forward from this tragic event," said Joe Margolis, CEO of Extra Space. "While we know it is a long road ahead, we hope we can play a small part in helping our employees and customers solve a problem and get to a better tomorrow."

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Extra Space owns or operates 1,470 self-storage properties in 38 states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico. The companys properties comprise approximately 1 million units and 111 million square feet of rentable space.

Based in Glendale, Calif., Public Storage has interests in 2,358 self-storage facilities in 38 states, with approximately 156 million net rentable square feet. Operating under the Shurgard brand name, the company also has 220 facilities in seven European countries, with approximately 12 million net rentable square feet.
STROUD, ON (September 5, 2017)- Despite having to start deep in the field following a penalty, Cameron McGlashan worked his way to the front to post a top-five finish on Saturday night at Sunset Speedway.

McGlashan started off the night well, placing eighth in the first heat, followed by winning his second qualifier.

Originally slated to start inside the top-10 for the feature, race officials would send the No. 83 Mustang to the tail of the field for the start due to unapproved adjustments, after deeming the team made an adjustment while the car sat on pit road in line for the event following fan appreciation. The decision was questioned by McGlashan Motorsports as while they had a crew member walk out to speak with McGlashan, there were no adjustments made according to their account.

Starting 19th for the 25-lap feature, McGlashan immediately began to make his way forward, breaking into the top-10 by the halfway mark. Hed continue to move forward, running fifth when the first caution of the event flew on Lap 19. Restarting inside the top-five with six laps to go, he would get by Randi Seguin for fourth before the checkered flag flew.

McGlashan Motorsports are set to compete at Sunset Speedway on Saturday, September 9 as part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition.

Cameron McGlashan and McGlashan Motorsports are proud to be supported by England Enterprises, ORVAuto, Polished Automotive, Arbor Aces Tree Care Inc, M&S Metals, Orillia Metal Fabrication, Darrell Eacotts Custom Diecast with Tammikinz Phileac, and MAK Mechanical.

Keep up with Cameron McGlashan and McGlashan Motorsports by liking their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/McGlashanMotorSports?fref=ts and following Cameron McGlashan on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/McGlashan83.

Press Release by Ashley McCubbin/AM Marketing  ashleymccubbin17@gmail.com.
STROUD, ON (September 5, 2017)- Despite qualifying deep in the field for the first feature on Saturday night at Sunset Speedway, Rick Spencer-Walt rebounded for a pair of top-10 finishes.

The 2016 Peterborough Speedway Champion started the first 35-lapper from 16th, and began to make up ground in the first half, running 11th as of the halfway mark. He continued to move forward, missing an incident on Lap 20 to break into the top-10. From there, he continued to move forward, battling Brittney Gresel for eighth with 10 laps to go.

He got the spot, continuing to move forward as he got alongside Paul Maltese for seventh, but the caution would fly for an incident on the backstretch. Restarting eighth with five laps to go, he was able to get back alongside Maltese and pass him for seventh before taking the checkered flag.

Starting eighth for the second feature, he moved up quickly, taking the fifth spot on Lap 4. He would then get alongside Maltese for fourth a couple laps later, completing the pass prior to the first caution at Lap 9. During the middle portion of the feature, he continued to run fourth, trying to snag the third position through the series of restarts, but unable to do so. Instead, he fell back to fifth by the second last caution with five laps to go.

On the restart, an incident happened between the leaders in turn two, allowing Spencer-Walt to move up to third. Hed battle hard on the final restart, but ultimately crossed the finish line in fourth. However, post-race, the winner was disqualified, bumping Spencer-Walt up to third.

The top-five continue to add to this seasons results, though, marking 12 podium finishes in 24 features this season. Notably, the team has now posted eight top-four finishes in the last 10 features at Sunset Speedway.

Spencer-Walt will be back in action on Saturday, September 9 as just two nights remain on the schedule.

Spencer-Walt Motorsports is proud to be supported by Gohydrovac.ca, Jim Wilson Chevrolet, Frame Shop Huntsville, Auto Trim Design, Heidis RV, HOTC, Greensteelroof.ca, Crowe Bros, RCP Dyno and Tuning, Speedy Auto Machine, Bent by Kent, SportsClip, Speedy Glass Orilla, EPIC Racewear, Byers Equipment, and Orser Technical Services.

Keep up with Rick Spencer-Walt and Spencer-Walt Motorsports by liking their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walt-Motorsports/524817640964689?fref=ts and following Rick Spencer-Walt on twitter at https://twitter.com/Rwalt31.

Press Release by Ashley McCubbin/AM Marketing  ashleymccubbin17@gmail.com
Arthur J. Gallagher is renowned for its strategic acquisitions and now it appears that the brokerage giant has set its sights on the Scandinavian market following the acquisition of a Swedish broker.Property and casualty insurer Nordic Forsakring, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has become the firms latest acquisition with Gallagher outlining that Scandinavia is a core area of strategic development. This latest move comes on the back of its 2013 deal for marine and energy broker Bergvall Marine AS, based in Norway, as well as last years acquisition of trade credit, political risk and construction specialist Brim AB, based in Stockholm.Its fantastic to be able to welcome the Nordic team into Gallagher  a team already well-known to our colleagues within Brim thanks to their reputation for professionalism and expertise across the Swedish market, said Anders Mjaaland, head of Arthur J Gallaghers Scandinavian operations. With their complementary strengths and sector specialisms, backed by the global power of Gallagher, our combined operations in Sweden create a compelling proposition to clients looking for a best-in-class broker to devise programmes of tailored risk management and insurance solutions.Nordic was established back in 1991 and is also an affinity specialist working with professional groups and trade associations.Having built a successful and family-owned broking firm over the past 25 years, we were looking for a global partner to help take the business to the next level for the benefit of our clients, said Nordic CEO Jonas Bergfeldt. Gallagher demonstrates not only a shared entrepreneurial culture but a commitment to the Scandinavian market. Its appreciation for on-the-ground expertise, to ensure customers continue to receive the right blend of local service while taking advantage of Gallaghers global reach and influence, makes them the right partner for us.
Hong Kong is Asias most-developed D&O insurance market, according to American International Group ( AIG ).Asian markets are quickly taking up sophisticated risk-management tools like directors and officers insurance. In 2016, AIG paid out US$13.6 million in claims under D&O policies issued by its Asia-Pacific operations. Thats a 47% increase over 2012 claims figures  and its in Hong Kong that the trend is most pronounced.In 2012, the city represented just over one third of Asian D&O claims for AIG, Jason Kelly, AIGs head of liabilities for Greater China and Australasia, wrote for Forbes. In 2015, it was 73% of claims. This places Hong Kong firmly as the regions most-developed insurance market, in terms of D&O claims experience.The increase is largely the result of a 2012 amendment to the listing rules of the Hong Kong stock exchange. The amendment required publicly traded companies to hold D&O insurance or explain why they decided not to purchase it.This comply or explain regime has been effective in compelling virtually all publicly listed companies in Hong Kong to take up a D&O policy, Kelly wrote.Theres also been a rise in regulatory enforcement actions; AIG estimates that up to 90% of claims cost in Hong Kong is the result of regulatory investigations.This is a trend we can expect to continue, primarily driven by the focused new leadership at the Securities & Futures Commission, which has made it clear that it is taking a vigilant approach to supervision and regulation of market participants and listed companies, Kelly wrote.
Flood insurance is at the forefront of American minds at the moment as parts of Texas and Louisiana are submerged in murky flood waters in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.Analytics from CoreLogic estimate that 70% of flood damage from Harvey is not covered by any insurance  an alarming trope the US Government hopes to address with its reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by September 30.However, one expert thinks effective long-term reauthorization by September 30 is highly unlikely.In my opinion, its not likely that we will get an on-time, long-term reauthorization by September 30, said Chris Heidrick, president of Trusted Flood Insurance. There are very few congressional working days left between now and September 30, and the Senate has lots of additional priorities like passing a budget, extending the debt ceiling for the country and resolving healthcare.I expect we will get an on-time, short-term NFIP reauthorization that probably wont include any reforms. It might just be a case of them extending the deadline from September 30 to December 31.A short delay in long-term NFIP reauthorization wouldnt be too problematic, according to Heidrick. In fact, he said the uncertainty creates opportunities  especially for those operating in the private flood market.From 2008 to 2012, the country had 17 short-term reauthorizations and a couple of lapses in the program, causing trouble for loan closings and real-estate transactions. Back in 2008 there was only a very small private flood insurance market to pick up the pieces. Now the market is large enough and competitive enough to present a viable alternative while the reauthorization process drags on.The private market today is large enough that if a consumer were to find themselves in a spot where they couldnt get their NFIP coverage in time for closing because the program had lapsed and their policy couldnt be issued, it would be very easy to place that risk in the private market, Heidrick told Insurance Business.Private flood insurers have the ability to offer better coverage options and their products are often easier to purchase, according to Heidrick. Theyre not so constrained by government processes and requirements and have therefore made leaps of progress and are competing as more consumer-friendly alternatives to NFIP.Right now, the NFIP underwriting structures are incredibly complex, commented Heidrick. They rely on 1960s and 1970s processes based on binary rate maps that dont do a very good job of distinguishing one risk from another.Its a rough segmentation as opposed to the private markets, who are adopting the use of probabilistic modelling much faster, which can allow a much more refined risk segmentation that will result in a more accurate price for the risk.
A frightened truck driver dodging a barrage of bullets fired from the assault rifles of a drug-smuggling criminal gang doesnt seem like the obvious description of the final stages of a cyber attack.

But the real-life scenario that played out after the driver unwittingly picked up a cargo container that should have been filled with fruit or construction materials but instead had cocaine and heroin is one of the events sparking the growing interest of property, marine, energy and industrial insurers in cyber physical losses, a risk modeler revealed recently.

During a Cyber Risk seminar held by RMS in May, Christos Mitas, vice president of model development, clued attendees in on what in the world the shooting had to do with cyber hacking as he detailed a new port interruption scenario in Version 2.0 of RMSs Cyber Accumulation Management System (CAM). The scenario is one of five new cyber physical loss scenarios now included in the RMS system.

According to Mitas, the real-life event was a cyber attack on the port of Antwerp that lasted two years. It started with criminals  just plain old criminals that wanted to bring arms and drugs into Europewho hired hackers to break into the port management system of the Belgian port. They didnt use anything extremely sophisticated. They did that via spear-phishing, he said, referring to a technique where hackers send out emails that trick recipients into clicking links that give them access to target company networks.

We are starting to see it [cyber coverage] emerge now in marine policies, property policies, liability policies.

Once they had access into the port, they manipulated the cargo details and they hid cocaine, heroin and weapons in cargo containers that otherwise had trivial stuff like bananas or timber, Mitas said, noting that the operation went on for many months. The truck driver was an unplanned participant who caused the plot to unravel. He mistakenly got one of the containers that had the illegal material. One of the criminals that was supposed to pick up the cargo container really freaked out and started shooting.

The ensuing police investigation uncovered the entire operation and shut it down. But its still a worrisome scenario for marine and property insurers, which may or may not include coverage for cyber-related cargo theft and business interruption in their non-cyber policies.

Throughout the half-day conference, speakers referred to cyber physical loss accumulation scenarios now included in CAMS  port interruption, cyber-induced fires in commercial buildings, business blackouts (regional power outages stemming from cyber attacks on power grids) and hacks into control systems that could trigger oil rig explosions or fires at industrial processing plants  using the term silent cyber risks. The silent descriptor refers to the fact that many traditional insurance policies covering property damage, theft and business interruption do not have specific exclusions for situations where cyber attacks on operational technology (OT) cause losses, nor do they have clear grants of coverage.

Insurance policies that specifically cover cyber events or attacks on information technology (IT)  sometimes referred to as network, security and privacy policies and other times as standalone cyber or affirmative cyber  typically have carried an absolute bodily injury and property damage exclusion.

Tianjin-Type Losses

As both traditional and affirmative cyber players examine their ability to take on or exclude cyber physical risk, RMS aims to provide a tool to help them assess their current exposures with the new cyber physical scenarios in CAMS. For the port-interruption scenario, cargo losses in excess of those recorded for one of the most impactful recent non-cyber events for insurers  the August 2015 Tianjin explosion  are possible, Mitas said.

Before counting up potential loss damage figures, Mitas described the imagined port-interruption scenario in CAMS, which starts with a criminal gang seeking financial gain. Outlining each phase of the attack, the scenario envisions that hackers are hired by the criminals to take advantage of vulnerabilities of the port management system that were discovered and published in hacker chat rooms. The criminals target two or three major ports and four specific types of cargo contents: consumables, electronics, pharmaceuticals and jewelry. Once into the system, the hacking group can scramble shipping orders and mislabel cargo containers, allowing the criminals to take possession of the ones they want.

A year into the process, the Port Authority catches on to the fact that rates of mislabeling have been much higher than in a typical year.

The gang, realizing it has been discovered, wreaks havoc in the port, increasing the level of mislabeling and falsification of the documents to cover its tracks.

The port management system needs to be taken offline, the three targeted ports need to close for several days as the rightful cargo owners are identified and the damage assessed. During that time perishable goods get spoiled, the port authorities face breach-of-privacy claims, and as the forensic team comes in to clean up the whole mess, theres severe damage that has been discovered, loss of business and of course loss of reputation, Mitas said.

How much damage?

Using an industry exposure database supplied by marine cargo modelers at RMS for the three largest ports for which RMS has cargo value data  Shanghai, Singapore and Rotterdam  the total economic ground-up loss that RMS computed by running this scenario through the second version of CAMS was $5.7 billion, which is the same order of magnitude of the Tianjin explosion, Mitas said, referring to just the cargo loss piece for both events. (Editors Note: At the time of the event, Guy Carpenter estimated losses between $1.6 billion and $3.3. billion.)

But the marine cargo line isnt the only one impacted, Mitas noted. While cargo theft and perishable goods loss represents more than two-thirds of the economic losses, Mitas displayed a pie chart revealing 16 percent of the losses in the directors and officers liability insurance line, 8 percent for business interruption, 5 percent for technology errors and omissions, and smaller amounts for incident response and regulatory costs.

Before Mitas described the makings of the port-interruption scenario, ireann Leverett, senior risk researcher at the University of Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies, gave equally vivid descriptions of other potential cyber physical losses, showing seminar attendees how to use a mouse as a weapon of mass destruction to blow up an oil rig or trigger an industrial facility explosion and how to set fire to a thousand buildings. In each case, the key is malicious manipulation of information or logic  temperature and pressure values on sensors or logic that tells switches and valves when to open and shut in industrial processes, for example. In the case of the office fires, manipulation of firmware in common brands of laptops makes it possible to create a thermal runaway on lithium batteries, Leverett said. When an attack is coordinated to occur on a specific night, even small numbers of overheated laptops can create an accumulation problem for insurers if the charging laptops are unattended in multiple buildings.

Part of Leveretts presentation was ripped from the headlines, and part came from his prior experience working as a penetration tester for IOActive doing ethical hacking into the systems of oil, gas, electrical and water facilities.

One of the headline risks Leverett described involved a disgruntled employee who disabled the leak detection alarms for three offshore oil platforms. The hacker, Mario Azar, worked as a consultant in whats called a network operation center (NOC). When he lost the position and wasnt offered a permanent one, he still had access rights to the control systems, allowing him to shut the alarms. This could have indeed ended up killing all of the people on the rig had they been poisoned, had they had a leak at the same time, Leverett said.

Wheres the Coverage?

At a separate session of the RMS conference, insurer and broker representatives addressed questions about traditional property insurers that might potentially be on the hook for cyber physical losses. Moderator Peter Ulrich, an RMS senior vice president, wondered whether these insurers will try to put exclusions on their non-cyber policies.

On paper, absolutely, said Lori Bailey, global head of special lines for Zurich Insurance Group. If theres something you dont want to cover in a policy, you put an exclusion in and make it very clear that you dont intend to cover that.

But there are challenges in trying to do that in practice for older forms out in the market, she continued. You havent historically excluded it, but now [you] go in to exclude it [and] you are essentially implying that you were covering it at some point in time. Youre going to get a lot of pushback from [insureds] who say, Wait a second. Youre taking something out of my policy, or youre now going to offer me a new product that I have to pay extra for to affirmatively cover this.'

She noted that affirmative cyber products have always historically had an absolute bodily injury and property damage exclusion. Because it came out of the professional liability world, it was always very much designed for financial loss and very specific named peril network security and privacy events.

Bailey said the market is in the early stages of cyber emerging in other products besides an affirmative policy. We are starting to see it [cyber coverage] emerge now in marine policies, property policies, liability policies. Theres still a lot of work to be done on that side in terms of quantifying how much is actually there, and what exactly. In some cases, its a purely defensive mechanism; in other cases, theyre being a bit more proactive around actually giving affirmative cyber cover, but usually its limited to certain perils.

So, theres a lot of flux really in the market right now. And I think where youll start to see the market really diverge is those that stay in that more traditional security/privacy traditional affirmative cyber vs. more of an all-risk type approach, which is where I think ultimately youll see the market start to go, or certain markets to go, over the longer term, Bailey said.

From a customer perspective, Anthony Shapella, risk officer for liability and financial lines at American International Group, said clients are pushing for affirmative coverage in each and every policy. Basing his assessment on conversations hes had with AIG cyber underwriters, he said clients are demanding this because they dont know exactly what the ultimate cause of loss will be and they want assurance that theyre going to get coverage.

Shapella gave the example of car manufacturer Renault suffering a business interruption loss during the WannaCry event. This peril [cyber] can hit companies at so many different angles, and companies want assurance that no matter what angle they get hit, theyre going to have coverage, he said, noting that an auto manufacturer that makes self-driving cars will want assurance that if the mechanism they use to make that car drive by itself fails and someone is injured, then theres going to be coverage.

The impact of WannaCry and other cyber attacks on IT systems on the affirmative cyber market and RMSs existing IT risk scenarios in CAMS were the main topics of the panel discussion. Addressing cyber physical, however, Alice Underwood, an executive vice president of Willis Re, said that every manufacturing company is an IT company these days because there are very few sophisticated products that dont have some relationship to the Internet of Things.

As far as what the [non-cyber] insurers are doing, theres a spectrum. There are insurers who are sort of not thinking about it. They think because theyre not writing specific cyber insurance policies that they dont have cyber exposure, which is totally not true, especially if theyre using old forms without exclusions. There are [others] that are putting endorsements on but are neglecting to add those new exposures to their aggregation calculations, she said.

Bailey believes a culture shift is taking place. Historically, weve got property underwriters that underwrite property, casualty underwriters that write casualty and professional liability underwriters writing professional. Cyber is the first peril weve seen really transcend itself across all these different lines of business.

Topics Carriers Trends Cyber Auto Profit Loss Energy Oil Gas Property
As long as there is an insurance industry, wholesaler brokers believe they will have a role to play.

We will continue to be an important sector  a small sector  but still a very important sector of how insurance is transacted worldwide, according to Neil Kessler, chief operating officer for CRC Group.

Todays wholesale brokers expect to continue to thrive despite trends of more carriers including Berkshire Hathaway, Travelers and Allstate going direct to customers in small commercial lines and insurtech startups such as Lemonade, Trov, Slice Labs and Next Insurance also looking to disrupt, or at least compete, in commercial lines.

Also, todays excess and surplus (E&S) specialists, many of them having grown due to mergers, take strength from knowing they have thrived in the face of what has been the biggest challenge to their business already, namely the consolidation by retail agents of the number of wholesalers they use.

Wholesale brokers say they are positioned to continue to grow in the future. For a second consecutive year, underwriters of surplus lines in the United States generated modest growth in direct premium of 2.8 percent in 2016, up from 2.5 percent in 2015, according to A.M. Bests 2017 review of the industry.

We are having our best year ever, said Jeffrey J. Rodriguez, CEO of Los Angeles-based Brown & Riding Insurance Service, one of nations largest wholesalers, where organic growth is up 19 percent this year.

If you look at the amount of business that is being transacted in the wholesale industry right now  wholesalers have grown substantially over the past decade, he said. The future for MGAs (managing general agencies) and wholesalers as distribution mechanisms is very bright.

Alan Jay Kaufman, chairman, president and CEO, H.W. Kaufman Financial Group/Burns & Wilcox, notes that the prolonged soft market has not slowed his firms growth.

We are growing organically despite the market conditions, said Kaufman, who maintains the wholesale business is now robust and healthy and will continue to be.

Im very confident there will always be a place for wholesalers in the market, Kaufman said. Theres always room for expertise. Wholesalers bring value to the table through expertise, ease of doing business, speed to market, and relationships. These are the things that are relevant today and will be as relevant 20 years from now. Thats what we are driven to do.

CRCs Kessler is also very bullish about the future of the wholesale broker because the need for expertise is stronger than ever.

Weve really seen dramatic growth in the wholesale distribution channel over the last decade, Kessler said. Every segment of the channel has grown, whether its the large open market traditional stuff, or the MGA stuff, or the program stuff. And from where I sit, I dont really see that demand slowing down.

Wholesaler brokers can help to provide retailers with access to specialty lines insurance products and add value by providing technical expertise on difficult or complex risks.

Consolidation has brought change as well, according to Kessler and others.

We see a lot of consolidation of firms in our space, which has led to larger and stronger firms, he said.

The consolidation in the space has allowed the wholesale sector to focus on improving the customer experience. The customer is expecting easier, faster and more efficient ways to solve problems, Kessler added.

Steven DeCarlo, chief executive officer of giant AmWINS, thinks wholesalers are in a position to provide retail agencies with more expertise and technology.

Because the reality is as an aggregator or wholesaler, we just have vast resources to solve retail agency problems and help them deliver solutions for their clients, De Carlo said.

Kessler agrees. I think were now in a spot where we, as an industry, can make bigger investments in our future, technology and otherwise, he said. Youre starting to see firms do more of that.

Not Immune to Disruption

While times are good, the wholesale industry is not immune to disruption. As retail agents themselves adopt more technology, and as insurtech retail agencies become more important, wholesalers must keep pace.

In that regard, I really think that the some of the changes (consolidation of wholesale firms) that have happened in the wholesale industry over the past decade have really left us in a better place, Kessler said.

Kessler sees opportunities for wholesalers with insurtech firms, as well.

Its no secret that theres a lot of investment in the insurtech space right now, looking to disrupt insurance distribution but most have been focused on the retail distribution space, he said. Ive personally spent time over the last year or two with many new insurtech ventures, and each one that Ive spent time with so far has really ended up with a need for a wholesale insurance broker.

Insurtechs need the help of a wholesaler when it comes to placing tough risks. They get to the end of the market, hard to place, and need a specialty expert, ultimately the help of a wholesale broker. Weve seen some of these insurtech startups become clients of ours.

While insurtech startups have not targeted the wholesale business, Kessler warns that the industry shouldnt become complacent.

I dont think that should give wholesalers a false sense of comfort, he said. We really need to be innovating and pushing ourselves to deliver a better client experience.

Kessler thinks smart wholesalers today are looking at things like access to markets and delivering better service. Smart firms are really pushing to focus on adding value to the transaction and finding ways to make their retail clients better, and ultimately delivering a better product to the insured.

AmWINSs DeCarlo is not afraid of competition, whether it be from insurtechs or carriers going direct to small businesses. Bring it on, he told the audience at the S&P Global Ratings Insurance Conference in June.

Thinking back to the launch of AmWINS over a decade ago, DeCarlo said he heard from many folks, You will be disintermediated.' His response: Maybe. Here we are [today] with a billion dollars in revenue, up from when we started when we had $20 million in revenue.

To avoid disintermediation, a broker has to bring value, he said.

I sure as hell am not worried about insurtech firms disintermediating what we do for a living. Theyd better be good at their jobs because we are damn good at sales, he continued.

Insurtechs may be good at technology, but DeCarlo says wholesalers are good at everything else.

Im a believer in retail clients. Im a believer in local relationships. Im a believer in people, and Im a believer that technology can change the way we do business.

The people trying to disrupt the insurance industry by what DeCarlo refers to as trying to sell insurance to the 10 p.m. guy in his underwear doesnt bother him one bit.

They want to sell insurance to that guy and I wish them luck. Im not focused on that. I exist to help retail brokers solve their clients problems, he said. When I hear about disruption to that 10 p.m. underwear guy, Im cheering for them. I dont want to be involved. Im sure theres a market there. Its just not a big market.

Insurtech will have an impact on the P/C market, but Tim Turner, chairman and CEO of R-T Specialty, doesnt see it changing most of the bread-and-butter wholesale industry business.

A relatively small percentage of the $70 billion in premium that goes into the E&S market will be vulnerable to electronic trading, such as insurtech, Turner said. Its the nature of E&S accounts that insulate most of the business from insurtech, he said.

Business goes into the E&S market because it needs some kind of special attention; its not easy to automate that business. Its nonadmitted business so there are manuscripted endorsements even on the smallest accounts. Someone has to be looking at it, applying professional expertise and handcrafting endorsements.

What will be disrupted by insurtech providers is the small business sector or accounts under $25,000 in premium, Turner said. Insurtech will affect small commercial P/C in the retail world; theres no question, he added. It will allow small businesses to buy P/C solutions in a high-speed, direct fashion and that will be a disruptor.

When you go north of $25,000, the business is usually more sophisticated, which needs more broking and handcrafting which makes it very difficult to be electronically traded. Thats where the disruption will stop, for the most part.

Insurtechs could, however, have an impact in one segment: the MGA-binding authority world.

On the wholesale side, generally speaking, business under $25,000 and part of the binding authority world, which is a big part of E&S, will be disrupted. Currently, the binding business is all manually done but technology is coming at a high rate of speed. Wholesalers , including R-T Specialty, are spending a lot of money on technology to trade that business electronically, and it will have an impact, but just with small business, not the larger, complicated business.

Even so, Turner isnt worried about technology disruption when it comes to E&S. All this about high-speed technology disrupting the nonadmitted marketplace, I think is a little overstated, he said. I think it will have an impact. Im not denying that there will be billions of dollars that will go through that channel, but I still believe you have to have manual operators looking at these policies.

Accounts that generate over $25,000 in premium have to be brokered and marketed to several insurance companies. You have to create market competition and theres a special expertise that has to be applied to make sure that coverage forms and terms and conditions are adequate and satisfy the exposure. Thats not going to be done by a machine in my opinion.

Biggest Disruptor

The biggest disruption to the wholesale industry has already happened, according to Turner.

Thats the aggregation and consolidation of the use of intermediaries by the retail customer, according to Turner.

What caused this aggregation was the availability of data and analytics as it relates to the cost of inefficiency  thats the driver that caused this massive roll up and consolidation of wholesalers by the retail community starting with the global brokers. 

The big global retail brokers pared their list of hundreds of intermediaries/wholesale partners down to just three or four and that changed the industry forever, he said. The size and the scale of wholesalers are at an historical high compared to just five to 10 years ago, he said, maintaining that this disrupted the E&S world.

The reason: the buying habits of retail brokers have changed, Turner said. They are buying more from fewer intermediaries because they know how costly it is to buy from hundreds of intermediaries. They dont need to buy from hundreds anymore. Its kind of the Walmart theory; now you can go to one place instead of many and they have every product and lots of services. Its a bigger store. So that philosophy has hit our industry and is well on its way to creating the size and breath of these (wholesale) stores. AmWINS, CRC and us are two, three, four, five times bigger than we were 10 years ago because of that.

In Turners view, the top 100 retailers have already changed their buying habits and others will follow. That type of behavior will trickle into tier two or tier three (retailers) as well because they know its more efficient and saves money, he said. Its very expensive to use multiple intermediaries.

However, a 2016 Conning Inc. Insurance Research analysis found that the wholesale distribution channel adds no cost to the insurance transaction. Conning analyzed distribution around cost structure and ratios between the wholesale and retail channels in a study commissioned Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA), formerly known as the National Association of Professional Offices. The study did not address cost as it relates to the use of multiple intermediaries by a retailer.

In the end, the wholesale broker world is no different than the retail world, according to Rodriguez, who spent more than half of his career working as a retail broker. Its going to change.  If you look at the emergence of very powerful independent firms ,they are there for a reason.

As successful as the larger wholesalers are today, their future success is not guaranteed. There can be a downside to wholesalers and retailers getting larger and larger, warns Rodriquez.

With scale comes inefficiency, comes complacency, the inability to change course.

For that reason, he believes that the future wholesale world will have a relatively small number of national firms and a lot of specialty firms. Those specialty firms  say environmental or transportation firms  they are not on the national list but they are utilized because they provide specialized expertise, he said.

It will become more and more difficult to be a national wholesaler in the future, Rodriguez added. Look at whats happened to the top 10 (wholesale) list. How many have disappeared in the past seven years?

Like in the retail world, varied ownership models, including firms owned by private equity and other alternative models, will also continue to affect wholesale brokers.

I think theres a major issue with sustainability with some of the ownership models. If you look at even existing top 10 and their ownership, theres only my firm and one other that are fully private without any outside ownership  private equity, bank ownership, or public. Some of those firms have changed hands and management to the benefit of Brown & Riding, he said.

Part of our growth  we are five times the size we were six years ago  has come from consolidation (in the industry) and by acquiring individuals within those firms seeking alternatives. Ive been there for M&As  two of the largest firms in the retail space  they dont always go well and people leave, including myself.

Rodriguez believes there will always be a place for independent, specialty firms and for firms that can focus on the customer.

DeCarlo agrees. I think the industry needs small entrepreneurs. I think it needs regional players that are successful at the scale theyre willing to take. But clearly the industry also needs a handful, not defined by me, of national scaled players. In order to have a successful industry going forward, youve got to have all three.

Topics Agencies Excess Surplus InsurTech Tech Insurance Wholesale Property Casualty Market
Alaska students failing math, science, English

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  The results of the Alaskas new standardized tests show more than half of the states elementary and high school students are not proficient in math, science and English.

The Juneau Empire reports figures released to the media Wednesday indicate 68.2 percent of students were rated below proficient or far below proficient in math, 61.6 percent of students were in those two categories in English, and 53.5 percent were in those two categories in science.

Department of Education spokeswoman Erin Hardin says the figures were supposed to be released to the public Friday morning, but computer problems prevented that.

Alaska tests students in the spring on their math and English skills in each grade from third through 10th. Science tests are administered only three times during that period.

$1M laser-scanning microscope coming to UNLV

LAS VEGAS (AP)  UNLV is getting a new laser-scanning microscope, which officials say might help recruit researchers and will be available to other Nevada students.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the microscope will be coming to campus next spring. It will enable a researcher to go about one millimeter deep into the tissue of a cell.

The microscope cost nearly $1 million and was paid for through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

It will allow researchers to document what living cells do in real time, as it can take time-lapse images of cells throughout several hours.

Laurel Raftery, UNLV biology professor, said not having such a microscope hurt UNLV in recruiting top science faculty. She says technology like the upcoming microscope has been revolutionary in understanding how the brain works.

Harasymczuk graduates in Oregon

LA GRANDE, Ore.  Meg Harasymczuk of Spring Creek graduated with a degree in Physical Activity and Health from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande on Aug. 30.

The university awarded 639 bachelors degrees, 107 masters degrees, five associate degrees and two certificates during the 2016-17 academic year.
Climate change may pose a serious risk to the nations electric grid, according to a new report. The report was prepared by Johns Hopkins University with help from Swiss Re.

Lights out: The risks of climate and natural disaster related disruption to the electric grid is the fourth report on which the university and international reinsurer have partnered.

Last year the collaborative produced a report on the impact of climate change on the spread of pandemics, which was covered by Insurance Journal. Previous reports produced by Johns Hopkins and Swiss Re were on climate and wildfire risk in the U.S., and on resiliency in the Columbia River basin.

The latest report calls attention to the risk of climate change creating more frequent extreme weather events.

The report states that climate change presents epistemic risks beyond predictable, ordinary weather-related risks to the electric grid, which could put the structural integrity of the nations ageing electric infrastructure under greater strain.

A combination of higher average temperatures, more destructive storms and hurricanes, and increased risk of wildfire will ultimately worsen risk exposure for utilities, the report states.

The insurance industry takeaway from the report should be that theres a massive protection gap in the nations electric grid, said Alex Kaplan, head of global partnerships in North America for Swiss Re.

Kaplan, who served as the senior advisor for the report, wasnt referring to electric plants and the homes and businesses to which they supply power, but the oodles of transmission units, power poles and power lines that keep our country abuzz.

It is entirely uninsured, Kaplan said. You have literally all these power lines, all these poles that support these powerlines, are totally uninsured.

An example of what extreme weather can do to a power system thats outlined in the report is Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which destroyed much of Kauais distribution and transmission infrastructure, knocking down 5,000 utility poles and wiping out a large chunk of the islands distribution wire system.

Electricity was disrupted on the entire island for weeks to months in some areas. Full restoration of power took three months.

They didnt have any way to get that transmission moving again, Kaplan said.

The report also draws upon exposure in the Pacific Northwest, which supplies the nation a large portion of its hydroelectric power, as an example that should raise concerns about the impact of climate change on the electric grid.

In Washington State, where hydropower accounts for nearly 70 percent of total electricity generation, diversification of energy sources is of growing importance, the report states.

Washington is the leading source hydroelectric power production in the U.S., followed by Oregon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Oregon and Washington are both surplus power producers, generating more electricity than they consume and supplying Canadian and U.S. markets with significant electricity, the report states.

According to the report, fluctuations in precipitation and runoff, both indirectly associated with temperature, have a more direct impact on expected hydropower generation.

In most cases, higher average temperatures as a result of climate change may increase the amount of precipitation that falls as rain instead of snow, leading to earlier snowmelt in the spring and overall reduced snowpack, the report states.

While air temperature is projected to increase annually and seasonally for the near term to 2030 in the Pacific Northwest, the increase in temperature may not have a strong direct influence on annual water runoff, but it will cause significant changes in seasonality.

While higher temperatures are projected to lead to increased winter rainfall that could be used to generate more power, this additional precipitation increases the probability of dam spilling, mostly in April and May, the report states. This poses challenges to hydropower operation and maintenance, in terms of managing the various other uses of dams, ranging from flood control, navigation, fishery and ecosystem restoration.

Additionally, higher average temperatures can reduce the efficiency and capacity of electric lines and other grid components, such as transformers. A a rise in temperature, for example, can cause conductors to physically expand, making it more likely for power lines to shut off and result in automatic power outages, according to the report.

This is all evidence, in Kaplans view, that the insurance industry has an opportunity to step in and provide products to help deal with this risk instead of relying on utilities foot the bill  and ultimately pass the buck on to rate payers  or for the government to step in.

There is the capability of transferring that risk off of private citizens into private market, he said.

He is referring to mechanisms like parametric products and index-based solutions, which he said have been developing at a rate thats absolutely encouraging.

If we can avoid sending these costs though to populations, and particularly low-income populations, thats pretty important, he said.

Data from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation shows that of 2,428 total unplanned electric grid outages in the Western U.S. in 2015, nearly one-fourth were caused by extreme weather events and variability in environment.

Moreover, the U.S. insurance industry has identified a $20 to $55 billion annual financial loss from power outages caused by flooding, hurricanes and extreme temperatures, the report states.

Topics USA Washington Climate Change Market
Aug. 24, 1992 was anything but a typical Monday for Robert Reynolds as he drove through debris-filled roads and devastation on the way to his family-run agency then located just north of Homestead, Fla.

Hurricane Andrew had just barreled through the region, killing 26 people, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, and destroying more than 25,000 homes and damaging at least 100,000 others.

Reynolds arrived at his office, the Morris & Reynolds Insurance Agency, at about 2:00 pm that day after the Category 5 storm had passed and was not prepared for what he saw.

It was an absolute mess, he said. It was hard to comprehend and process just like that, the world had changed.

The agency, founded in 1910 by Reynolds grandfather, had taken a direct hit from the powerful storm. Dead fish were plastered all over the inside walls; the roof, doors and windows were gone, and all of the agencys client files, still in the big green file cabinets, were wet.

Its one thing to have to serve clients within our industry in the important role we play as agents, especially after a natural disaster, but to also deal with the direct impact of that same disaster it made for very interesting times, Morris said.

Just as the insurance industry does in the aftermath of a catastrophe, Reynolds and his agency employees got to work. They began fielding office visits from their clients, as well as some who werent their clients, and working with carriers to pay out claims. Travelers Insurance set up a claims office on the Morris & Reynolds Agency property and loaned the agency a generator so it could power its business until electricity was restored, which wasnt until exactly 30 days after the storm hit.

Reynolds and his employees came to the office, or what was left of it, every day including weekends to help clients get their claims paid and get back on their feet.

Twenty-five years later, Reynolds is still proud of how the industry and his agency came together during that time.

The promise we keep in this business is if someone has a claim, we are going to help them and get it paid, Reynolds said.

Andrews Impact on the Industry

Not all citizens and businesses got back on their feet after Hurricane Andrew. The category 5 storm was the costliest disaster in U.S. history when it struck Florida and then Louisiana with overall damage at the time of $15.5 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

And when all was said and done, the industry was not prepared to pay that amount in claims. Andrew was responsible for the failure of at least 16 insurers between 1992 and 1993, I.I.I. reports.

Before Andrew, insurers writing in Florida were not looking closely at their exposure in hurricane-prone regions. It was the first cat 5 hurricane in Florida since the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, a hiatus that gave everyone who lived there and insurance companies a false sense of security.

I cant tell you how many companies told me they were driving street by street to count how many homes they insured because they didnt know  it was a free-for-all, said Reynolds.

Andrew was a wake-up call on how vulnerable the industry was to a major catastrophe and how inadequately insurers were pricing their risks. Andrew forced insurers to take a more responsible approach to how they managed their books of business and capital.

The industry learned that at any given point in time, they have to make sure they are properly capitalized and reinsured, and to make sure that risk is spread very broadly in the insurance and reinsurance market rather than concentrated on a few players, said Roger L. Desjadon, CEO of Florida Peninsula and Edison Insurance Co., and chairman of the Florida Property Casualty Association.

After Hurricane Andrew, the state formed the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) to protect and maintain insurance industry capacity. It was founded in 1993 during a special legislative session and still provides reimbursements to insurers for a portion of their hurricane losses.

In addition to private reinsurance that Florida insurers buy, the FHCF fund currently has $17.6 billion available, and according to the state this is the second year there is more money available than it would need to pay out if storms racked the state.

Catastrophe Models

Andrew helped fuel the development of the catastrophe modeling industry. Technologically, it was a very different world in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew came through, not just for people who werent using cell phones or the internet in their everyday lives, but for the insurance industry and how it assessed risk.

Cat models were in the very early stages and not widely used by the industry before Andrew. Karen Clark, CEO of Karen Clark & Co., developed the first cat model in the 1980s.

We had clients using models before Andrew but they didnt believe the numbers because they were higher than what they thought [storms would cost], she said.

Since then, insurance companies have accepted and widely implemented cat models, according to Jackie Noto, flood risk expert and meteorologist for catastrophe modeling company RMS.

Hurricane Andrew put hurricane models on the map, and with data from Hurricane Andrew, we were able to release other models with more info and data, Noto said. As a scientific community, we react to the lessons learned from events.

In addition to modeling risk, cat models are now used by insurance companies to assess their reinsurance needs, evaluate their capacity, and understand if the premium they are charging matches the cost associated with the risk on their overall books, Noto said.

Events like Andrew have proven the value of catastrophe modeling to show what the impact on a portfolio could be, she said.

Andrew also taught insurance companies about the importance of individual characteristics of their risks, like roof age, the quality of a home and its materials, and over time, insurance companies have expanded requirements in underwriting to make sure they look at those features.

Before cat models were used, insurers didnt have the ability to look at those attributes or know what your unknowns were or what the impacts of those unknowns could be, Noto said.

Building Codes

Andrew forced Florida to take a better look at its building codes and improve the quality of construction built in the state.

According to I.I.I., before Andrew, standards for construction and code enforcement varied widely from one county to the next. The storm demonstrated the important role strong building codes play in public safety and led to the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS), mandated by state statute, with a focus on preventing losses from natural disasters.

There is now a uniform set of codes across the state that stipulate all new structures undergo tougher inspections and be built with shatterproof glass and straps to reinforce between roof and walls. Many of the new building code measures were pushed for by the insurance industry in an effort to reduce loss.

Hurricane Deductibles

I.I.I. says its was the high cost of Andrew, combined with a recognition of the growing exposure of construction on vulnerable coastal areas, that created the hurricane deductible concept. It works by having customers pay a percentage deductible for storm-related damages rather than a flat amount.

Now, hurricane deductibles are used in at least 19 states and help to maintain the availability and affordability of insurance, I.I.I. said.

New Hurricane Products

Companies have looked at ways other than traditional insurance policies to help clients recover after a hurricane event.

Topa Insurance Co., based in California, launched a product earlier this year with ARC called StormPeace that offers reimbursement expenses of $1,000 up to $15,000 for clients that suffer hurricane damage.

In the event of a large storm, the company reaches out to policyholders in the area via text or email asking if they have been affected and have storm-related expenses, whether it be to fix home damage or evacuation costs. If the policyholder says yes, money is sent to the customers bank account.

John Donahue, president and CEO of Topa, said the product helps customers at a time of crisis.

This product is designed to say to the consumer that in the worst-case scenario, you are going to have cash quickly. You dont have to wait for claims adjusters or estimates, he said.

After Andrew when insurers realized they had more risk than they could handle, Donahue said, they had to raise deductibles, which moved the cost burden more to customers and less to the insurance company. The downside for the consumer, he said, is many people may not have enough damage to their home to meet their deductible and can get stuck paying out of pocket for repairs. StormPeace helps policyholders in that scenario.

With this policy, as long as you know the storm was within a certain distance of your home, you are going to be compensated, he said.

Community Awareness

Andrew also taught the industry about the importance of educating customers on hurricane mitigation and preparedness, and most companies now spend more time and resources on these efforts.

Florida insurers send hurricane information to their policyholders each season and many offer discounts for mitigation work done on customer homes.

Technology and social media have provided a more direct way for insurance companies to reach out to their customers to help them prepare for a storm.

The opportunity to talk and communicate with costumers in advance of what they need to do is much better than it used be, Desjadon said.

While those efforts have helped customers understand their risk and reduce company exposure, experts say they still worry about what they call hurricane amnesia because of the number of years since a significant storm event in Florida.

For the insurance industry, that is a timeless hurdle.

Florida has never gone this long without a large hurricane landfall, said Megan Linkin, natural hazards expert for Swiss Re. There is a complacency that has occurred  people have short memories. And people who have moved to the area since are not well-versed in the potential impact a storm like Andrew can have.

Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters Florida Reinsurance Hurricane Market
An employee at Pennsylvanias Department of Transportation granted driving privileges to more than 30 people without requiring them to show proper documents or take driving tests under a bribery scheme that netted him nearly $14,000, federal prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Henry Gibbs would approve drivers licenses based on fake documents provided by a middleman, Bakary Camara. The documents included false insurance records, telephone bills and tax letters with stolen Social Security numbers, according to prosecutors.

Both men were charged with bribery and conspiracy. Additionally, prosecutors charged Gibbs with lying to investigators and Camara with aggravated identity theft.

Citing a court indictment unsealed this week, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Gibbs knowingly entered false information into state databases and often filled out driving test forms himself. He also copied test results from other drivers, according to the indictment.

Camara paid Gibbs between April 2014 and May 2015 from the $1,500 to $3,000 he charged each client, according to prosecutors.

Authorities have not disclosed how investigators discovered the scheme, and they have not identified the clients.

A spokeswoman for the Transportation Department said Gibbs is no longer employed there. The agency has worked with the Department of Homeland Security throughout the investigation, she said.

Gibbs was released on bond Tuesday. Camara remains in federal custody.

Attorneys for both Gibbs and Camara have declined to comment.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Personal Auto Numbers Pennsylvania
The federal flood insurance program is on a course to continue falling deeper in debt, even when there is no catastrophic storm like Katrina or Harvey.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is currently on a path that will lead to a shortfall of $1.4 billion because its method for setting premiums has underestimated how much its claims will cost by about $1.1 billion and also because legislated surcharges are about $300 million shy of whats needed to cover premium discounts given to certain properties, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, National Flood Insurance Program Financial Soundness and Affordability.

Also, according to part of the analysis that could draw political interest along geographic lines, under the NFIPs current structure, policyholders living in inland counties are subsidizing policyholders in coastal counties, particularly in southeastern and Gulf Coast states.

The CBO report was written before Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Louisiana. It was issued as Congress is returning to Washington to consider reauthorization of the flood program along with billions in disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Harvey

Some costs associated with coastal policies are covered by higher premiums paid by inland counties.

For this report, CBO analyzed roughly 5 million policies in effect on August 31, 2016, which it said approximate the policies currently in place. CBOs estimate of expected claims accounts for low-probability, high-cost events, such as Hurricane Harvey. As a result, CBO says its estimate is probably greater than actual costs would be in a typical year, although lower than costs could be in the aftermath of a catastrophic storm such as Harvey.

CBO estimates that the NFIP faces $5.7 billion a year in costs while bringing in only about $4.3 billion in revenues. NFIP collects about $3.3 in premiums and about $1 billion in surcharges and fees a year.

Using commercially available computer predictive models, CBO estimates expected actual claims costs to be about $3.7 billion a year, which is $1.1 billion more than the programs administrator, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), projects using its own method of analyzing historical data.

Of the total costs of $5.7 billion in CBOs analysis, $3.7 billion covers claims, $1.1 billion goes to private insurers and brokers for their selling and servicing of policies, about $200 million is for salaries, about $200 million is for flood plain mapping, $200 million is for mitigation grants, and $300 million is for interest payments on the $24.6 billion debt NFIP owes the Treasury.

On top of the claims cost discrepancy, CBO said the rest of the NFIPs $1.4 billion shortfall is due to a $300 million gap between discounted rates for certain policies and the money from surcharges created to help cover the costs of those discounts. The discounts are mainly for properties built before the development of flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) and are meant to prevent hardship on homeowners that might cause some to not buy coverage.

Coastal Counties

CBO examined the contributions of coastal and inland counties to the $1.4 billion difference between NFIPs total expected costs and premiums and concluded that the overall NFIP shortfall is largely caused by underpricing in coastal counties, which account for three-quarters of all NFIP policies nationwide.

The agency estimates that the shortfall for the NFIP program as a whole stems largely from premiums falling short of expected costs in coastal counties, rather than in inland counties, CBO says. Although some coastal counties generated surpluses and some inland counties contributed to the aggregate shortfall, on the whole, coastal counties generated a shortfall that was greater than the aggregate shortfall, and inland counties generated a small surplus.

CBO says the difference between coastal and inland counties is influenced by two factors: subsidies built into the NFIP and FEMAs rate-setting system, both of which favor coastal policyholders.

The result is that most policyholders whose property is at risk of wave damage from storm surges do not pay premiums that cover their expected costs. Instead, the additional expected costs from wave damage are spread broadly among the NFIPs policyholders, resulting in a cross-subsidy from inland counties (on average) to coastal counties: That is, some of the expected costs associated with coastal policies are covered by higher premiums paid by policyholders in inland counties, the study says.

The fact that premiums on policies for most homes in coastal areas do not cover the expected cost of wave damage from storm surges is important. Storm surge, the report notes, is a significant contributor to flood losses. Over the past 35 years, hurricane-related storm surges have been responsible for 37 percent of claims, followed by inland flooding primarily from rivers, lakes and ponds at 36 percent. Hurricane-related rain (16 percent), tropical storms (5 percent), and noreaster coastal storms that typically affect the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states (2 percent).

The NFIP had a shortfall in about one-fourth of all 2,984 counties that CBO analyzed; the program had a surplus in the rest of the counties. For most counties, the difference between premiums and expected costs was small. The net shortfall measured over all coastal counties was $1.5 billion, whereas the net surplus measured over all inland counties was $200 million.

But CBO also found that out of 823 counties with a total of $2 billion in shortfall, 33 of them showed a shortfall of more than $10 million, or nearly 90 percent of the $2 billion total. These 33 counties, which are located mostly along the southeast coast and the Gulf of Mexico, had both large numbers of policies (41 percent of all NFIP policies) and high average shortfalls per policy ($840, compared with $220 for the 790 counties with smaller shortfalls).

The surpluses also were geographically concentrated, although not as much as the shortfalls. CBO estimates that 59 counties with surpluses of more than $2 million accounted for roughly 60 percent of the $600 million total from all 2,161 counties with surpluses. Those 59 counties, mainly located along the northeast and west coasts, contained 16 percent of all NFIP policies. Their average surplus per policy was $480 compared with $280 for the roughly 2,100 counties with smaller surpluses.

Affordability Assessment

CBO also assessed the NFIPs affordability for policyholders. Comparing premiums with household income from census data, it found:

The median annual premium for residential NFIP coverage is $520.

Most of the premiumsspecifically, the central two-thirds of the distribution around the median of $520are between $420 and $1,330.

The median value of the ratios of census tracts median premium to median household income is 0.8 percent; the central two-thirds of the ratios fell in the range of 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent.

Premiums differed somewhat by type of residence. The median premium for condominiums (one-fourth of the total) was about 15 percent lower than the median premium for single-family non-condominium homes ($440 per year versus $520 per year). Those differences reflect generally lesser coverage for condominiums.

Within the subset of single-family non-condominium residences, premiums tended to be significantly lower for primary than for non-primary residences. The median annual premium was $450 for primary single-family residences (56 percent of all residential policies); it was $740 for non-primary single-family residences (19 percent of all residential policies). Of that difference of $290, $225 can be attributed to lower fees for primary residences as the surcharge to help cover the costs of discounted rates (primarily for pre-FIRM properties) is $25 for policies that cover primary homes and $250 for policies that cover non-primary homes and non-residential properties.

Authority Expires; Harvey Aid

Insured losses, including for flooding, from Hurricane Harvey are still being tabulated. Data analytics firm CoreLogic has projected home flood insurance losses from Harvey running between $6.5 billion and $9.5 billion. Hurricane Katrina resulted in more than $15 billion in flood insurance losses in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The current authorization for the NFIP expires in less than four weeks on Sept. 30. If Congress does not reauthorize it by that date, it will still be able to pay claims from funds on hand, but it will not be able to borrow additional funds, renew policies or issue new ones.

Congressional lawmakers returning to Washington this week are not in agreement on what to do about the NFIP. Some have said Harvey is a reason to press for program reforms now while others have called for a straight reauthorization, leaving reforms for another day.

Under current law, FEMA can borrow up to $30.4 billion from the Treasury to operate the NFIP. The agency owes the Treasury $24.6 billion, leaving $5.8 billion in remaining borrowing authority. The program was forced to borrow heavily to pay claims for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma and Sandy. It also borrowed $1.6 billion in January 2017.

Lawmakers also have President Trumps request for close to $8 billion in aid for victims of Harvey to consider.

Reform Approaches

The CBO report closes with a discussion of a dozen approaches that lawmakers could consider to make the program more solvent, align premiums with risks, or keep rates low. They include:

Improve solvency by increasing premium income from policyholders in general, reducing the use of discounted rates, or increasing the share of costs borne by certain categories of policyholders or by taxpayers generally;

Better align premiums with risks by reducing the use of subsidies, including discounted rates and cross-subsidies (in which some policyholders are charged rates that are higher than their expected claims so that other policyholders can pay rates that are lower than their expected claims), or by adjusting premiums to better reflect underlying risk factors;

Keep costs low for some policyholders (perhaps while raising them for others) by targeting subsidies to low-income policyholders, shifting costs to taxpayers, or adjusting premiums to reflect the value of insured properties.

Source: Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, National Flood Insurance Program Financial Soundness and Affordability

Related:

Topics Catastrophe Legislation Claims Flood Hurricane
Two days after President Donald Trump asked Congress for $8 billion in initial relief for Harvey, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said his state may ultimately need more than the $120 billion that the U.S. spent on Hurricane Katrina recovery.

When you look at the number of homes that have been mowed down and destroyed and damaged, this is going to be a huge catastrophe that people need to come to grips with, Abbott said on State of the Union on CNN. Its going to take years for us to be able to overcome this challenge.

Abbott said Trump and Congress made it clear that the presidents initial request for $7.85 billion is just a down payment. The governor said more than 5 million people were affected by the storm, and both the population and geographic size involved is larger than that of Katrina, which hit Louisiana in 2005, and Hurricane Sandy, which hit the northeast in 2012, combined.

House Republican leaders plan to vote this week on Trumps request for initial disaster relief. During a Trumps Saturday visit to Texas, the president said he hoped it would be a quick process to get the first sum of relief money to the areas affected. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that Congress should combine an initial relief package with a boost in the nations debt limit, but its unclear whether House Republicans will go along with the plan.

Irma Looming

More than 311,000 Texans have already applied for federal disaster relief funds and more than $530 million already has been granted, Vice President Mike Pence told reporters on Thursday. About 100,000 homes were damaged by the storm, White House Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert said Thursday in a briefing.

As efforts proceed to respond to Harvey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is deploying assets to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in preparation for Hurricane Irma, the agencys administrator, Brock Long, said Sunday.

Were shifting focus to Irma as well as maintaining the effort to make sure that we have recovery command established in Texas and Louisiana, Long said on CBSs Face the Nation.

Individual assistance thats offered up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is basically just a ray of hope, Long said on CBS. The bottom line is is that its not going to be enough to make anybody whole.

Those in the area that didnt have flood insurance may be eligible for federal funds to cover home repairs and other costs, he said.

The comments from Abbott and Long came after Trumps Saturday visit to Texas and Louisiana, including a stop in Houstons NRG Center, which is being used as an emergency shelter. The president shook hands, dispensed aid and posed for pictures.

Well Received

The storm victims are really happy with whats going on, Trump said, in reference to the disaster response. Its something thats been very well received.

It was the presidents second visit to storm-ravaged Texas within the last week, after he met with state and local officials in Rockport and Austin on Aug. 29. Trump also visited Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds with hats and signs.

Earlier Saturday, at the First Church in Pearland, Texas, which has been providing food to people in the region, Trump marveled at the roads he saw that had been flooded just two or three days before.

Standing alongside Abbott, First Lady Melania Trump and Texas Senator Ted Cruz at the church, Trump offered words of encouragement for the survivors of the storm.

The waters disappearing, Trump said. We knew we have a long way to go, but the waters disappearing. And you look at the neighborhoods and you see its - we just saw it through there. Two days ago, even yesterday, they had water. Today its all swept up and cleaned up. Weve got a lot of hard-working people, Ill tell you that.

Trump closed by discussing the effort to rebuild. Were talking about, they say two years, three years, but I think that because this is Texas youll probably do it in six months!

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Texas Louisiana
A former Louisiana police officer has pleaded guilty to his role in a vehicle fraud theft and insurance scheme.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, in a news release, said 52-year-old Donald W. Malray entered the plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Hornsby to one count of mail fraud conspiracy. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr.

Hooks office says Malray, a former Homer police officer, and another person planned the scheme and then filed an insurance claim to collect the money on the allegedly stolen propertys value.

The insurance company paid the pair about $13,000.

Malray faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Dec. 6.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA Louisiana Fraud Law Enforcement
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has issued a cease and desist order to a former insurance agent in Cushing.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department reported that investigators discovered Mark Lauderdale, whose insurance license expired four years ago, continued collecting payments for insurance policies, but failed to forward all of the money on to insurance companies. The scheme left some of his clients without coverage for years.

Scams like this are extremely upsetting, said Doak. We have people making their premium payments like theyre supposed to, thinking theyre protected from financial disaster, but in reality, theyre not. If a fire burns their home to the ground, theyll be out on the street because the insurance policy they are paying for doesnt actually exist. This is completely unacceptable.

Lauderdale, whose clients include a small town in Payne County and a senior citizen activity center, hasnt had a valid insurance license since May 31, 2013. Investigators found he created false documents to convince his clients that they were insured, when in fact they were not. Despite not having a license, Lauderdale advertised his services in the Cushing phone book. He told investigators he had between 300 and 400 active clients.

Lauderdale was fined $5,000 in 2003 for misappropriation of insurance premiums. His license was suspended on May 31, 2013 when he failed to submit an application for renewal.

Source: Oklahoma Insurance Department

Topics Agencies Oklahoma
Harvey spread its misery across the Deep South as flooded creeks drove people from their homes in Tennessee and Kentucky and an apparent tornado damaged homes and toppled trees in a rural area of northwest Alabama.

More than 50 people were evacuated from a Nashville neighborhood due to flooding from Harvey, according to a statement Friday morning from the Nashville Of

fice of Emergency Management.

The agency said remnants from Harvey dumped nearly 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain in some areas over a 24-hour period and crews responded to dozens of calls overnight requesting aid. About 40 people took refuge in a Red Cross shelter set up at a church.

Richard Williams said he and his wife were rescued from their home south of Nashville overnight. He told WTVF-TV that his wife had to be rescued from her hospice bed by raft.

When I woke up, the water was up to my waist and up to my wifes hospital bed, Williams said.

By Friday morning, most streams in the Nashville area were returning to normal levels, emergency officials said.

Near Monteagle, northeast of Chattanooga in south-central Tennessee, Interstate 24 was shut down in both directions Friday after high winds knocked down powerlines across the highway. Traffic was backed up for miles.

Weather officials confirmed Saturday that three tornadoes touched down in Middle Tennessee as the remnants of Harvey barreled through the region.

A National Weather Service report says two tornadoes hit Nashville and one struck southwest Maury County on Thursday. No deaths or injuries were reported.

The Nashville tornadoes registered at 75 mph and 95 mph. Meteorologists said they damaged a warehouse, flipped over an 18-wheeler, removed part of a roof from a house and snapped or uprooted trees.

The 75-mph Maury County tornado ripped sheet metal from farm storage buildings.

Meanwhile, more than two dozen people were evacuated from homes Friday in the small south Kentucky town of Guthrie. Mayor Scott Marshall said authorities used boats to rescue people from eight to 10 homes. Some evacuees had health issues, including one man who was on kidney dialysis.

Marshall said 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) of water accumulated in a low-lying neighborhood. Two dozen homes and several businesses were affected. The mayor said the flooding inundated our drainage system in that portion of town.

Marshall said its the most significant flooding in the town of about 1,400 people since the late 1960s. Seven inches of rain had fallen in Guthrie as of Friday at 11 a.m., the National Weather Service reported.

To the northeast, in Russellville, Kentucky, Chief of Police Victor Shifflett said two people were evacuated from a home early Friday.

The rains also flooded low-lying streets in Memphis, as the western Tennessee city reported power outages late Thursday and rivers in the area swelled. Though it was still a tropical depression, Harvey also began shedding its tropical characteristics overnight as its rain bands extended farther across Tennessee and Kentucky on its forecast path toward the Ohio Valley.

Flood warnings remained in effect near rivers in western and middle Tennessee on Friday. Flash flood warnings also were in place for parts of Kentucky. Those came as the storm slogged deeper into the nations interior after its catastrophic drenching of parts of Texas and Louisiana, where severe flooding was continuing.

In northwest Alabama, high winds damaged several homes near the city of Reform and minor injuries were reported, news outlets said. Jason Holmes, a meteorologist with The National Weather Service in Birmingham, said Thursday that a tornado was the likely cause of the damage.

Photographs published online by the Tuscaloosa News in Alabama showed huge trees splintered and toppled, houses with shingles torn away and one mobile home so shattered it was barely recognizable. Men with chain saws were clearing downed trees from roads after the storm passed.

Authorities said Harveys remnants contributed to the death of a motorist in a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer Thursday on Interstate 40 in Memphis. The motorists name was not immediately released.

In western Tennessee, flood warnings were in effect along or near several rivers, including two leading tributaries of the Mississippi River. Forecasters said some spots in Tennessee got nearly 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain, though most areas received between 2 inches and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters).

___

Associated Press reporters Rebecca Yonker and Erik Schelzig contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Flood Windstorm Tennessee Alabama Kentucky
A lightning strike set a Florida apartment building on fire, forcing 38 people to evacuate.

Fire officials said the fire started Friday in Tampa and left 24 apartment units without electricity.

Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue said no one was injured in the fire, but the Red Cross was called to help find temporary housing for 31 adults and seven children.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida
Wildfires forced thousands to flee their homes across the U.S. West during a sweltering, smoke-shrouded holiday weekend of record heat.

The fires caused evacuations in Glacier National Park in Montana and many other parts of the West; compelled crews to rescue about 140 hikers who had spent the night in the woods after fire broke out along the popular Columbia River Gorge Trail in Oregon; and led firefighters to step up efforts to protect a 2,700-year-old grove of giant sequoia encroached by flames near Yosemite National Park in California.

A sudden gusty series of rainstorms allowed Los Angeles, however, to cancel evacuation orders for a wildfire that the mayor called the largest in the citys history and sent beach umbrellas and toy shovels bouncing down Southern California beaches late Sunday.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti had declared a local emergency earlier Sunday and Gov. Jerry Brown did the same on the state level for Los Angeles County after the wildfire destroyed three homes and threatened hillside neighborhoods. More than a thousand firefighters battled flames that chewed through more than 9 square miles of brush-covered mountains.

By evening, however, the days record heat in Los Angeles had eased and a spate of brief storms even brought a bit of rain to the burning slopes, slowing the progress of the wildfire. Authorities were able to cancel the evacuation orders that had been issued for three cities  Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale  and allow all of the 1,400 people who had fled to return to their homes.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Wildfire
The nail-biting race between Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican challenger Adam Laxalt remained too early to call after polls closed across Nevada Tuesday night. Laxalt and Cortez Masto have been locked in a tight race for weeks, both hitting hard on national party talking points. Laxalt has blamed inflation and illegal immigration on Democratic policies. Cortez Masto has promised to block GOP-led attempts at a nationwide abortion ban and said she will fight for a pathway to permanent citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children. Both candidates told supporters late Tuesday night that they expected to come out ahead once all the votes were counted.
Ancora un paio di giorni di studio e poi la aule e i corridoi delle scuole superiori di tutta Italia torneranno a riempirsi per lesame di Maturita. Migliaia di studenti affrontano questi giorni tra ansia e voglia di togliersi il dente il prima possibile. Come di consueto, in vista della prova di italiano, e scattato il toto tema. Sul web non mancano voci e indiscrezioni. Negli ultimi anni spesso i siti specializzati (come Skuola.net e Studenti.it) hanno azzeccato le previsioni. Ma fino al 21 giugno  giorno in cui suonera la prima campanella  nulla puo essere dato per scontato.

Gli ultimi rumor mettono in cima ai pronostici Pirandello, le stragi di mafia, il terrorismo e lUnione Europea. Secondo un sondaggio di Skuola.net tra 2.500 candidati, lo scrittore siciliano e al momento lopzione piu probabile (23%) per lanalisi del testo. Gli unici a tenergli testa sono Giuseppe Ungaretti (all11%) ed Eugenio Montale (10%). Perde terreno, invece, lipotesi Dario Fo: se fino a qualche tempo fa era in terza posizione oggi e slittato all8% di preferenze.

Nella categoria personaggi famosi in appena un mese guadagnano dieci punti percentuali, dal 28% al 38%, Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino. Nel toto-tracce dei maturandi spuntano due temi di stampo storico politico: da un lato i 60 anni dalla firma dei Trattati di Roma, che ottiene il 21% di consensi confermandosi in prima posizione, dallaltro i 70 dalla firma della Costituzione italiana (oggi al 16%).

Quanto alla traccia dattualita, largomento terrorismo pare offuscare tutto il resto con quotazioni al 33% (quattro settimane fa era appena al 20%). La seconda posizione (10%) se la aggiudica lelezione di Donald Trump.

A ridosso degli esami tra i maturandi rimangono tuttavia perplessita su alcuni dettagli. Almeno a guardare i risultati di un altro sondaggio di Skuola.net. Se circa il 10% non conosce esattamente la data di inizio degli esami di maturita e il 50% sbaglia lorario di partenza degli scritti, infatti, quasi 1 su 5 non sa che il tempo a disposizione per svolgere il tema di italiano e di 6 ore. E poi solo il 56% dei maturandi a sapere che ogni candidato ha la possibilita di portare con se il dizionario della lingua italiana insieme a quello dei sinonimi e contrari.

Tra i maturandi dello scientifico interpellati, solo circa 2 su 5 sono a conoscenza di quali strumenti possono portare con se il giorno dello scritto di indirizzo: calcolatrice tascabile o scientifica e  novita di questanno  la grafica (purche non si connetta a internet e non sia dotata di Cas). Tutti gli altri perderanno un potente alleato. Cosi come i ragazzi del classico, che nel 70% dei casi ignorano di poter posizionare sul banco sia il vocabolario di Latino sia il dizionario di Italiano. Passando al capitolo divieti, il 5% degli studenti pensa che se verra beccato a usare lo smartphone se la cavera con un semplice rimprovero, mentre il 47% e dellopinione che venga solo annullata la prova in svolgimento. La realta  come sa bene circa il 48%  e che per chi viene sorpreso a usare smartphone, tablet o apparecchi similari e prevista lesclusione da tutte le prove.
Un ottobre da sogno per Antonio Conte: lex ct della Nazionale italiana, attualmente alla guida del Chelsea, nelle ultime quattro gare di Premier League ha collezionato solo successi, conditi da 11 reti segnate e addirittura nessuna incassata. Numeri da record che non sono certo passati inosservati alla Federazione inglese, la quale ha conferito al tecnico leccese lambito premio di Manager del mese.

Unavventura oltremanica iniziata in sordina, quella di Conte, pur a fronte di tre vittorie nelle prime tre gare di campionato. A far vacillare, anche se solo per un momento, le certezze del patron del club londinese, Roman Abramovich, i risultati conseguiti tra la 4a e la 6a giornata, coincisi con un pareggio sul campo dello Swansea City e, soprattutto, con le due pesanti sconfitte subite dal Liverpool, sul terreno casalingo di Stamford Bridge, e dallArsenal. In particolare, la debacle interna coi Reds, aveva irritato non poco il numero uno russo, poiche occorsa proprio nel giorno della sua 250esima partita da presidente della societa.

Come detto, solo un momento. Dopo lincontro dellEmirates, il tecnico salentino cambia modulo, adottando un piu equilibrato 3-4-3 e inserendo elementi di corsa come lo spagnolo Pedro. Una svolta totale perche, di li in poi, il Chelsea inanellera solo e soltanto vittorie: 2 gol allHull City e al Southampton in trasferta, 3 ai campioni dInghilterra del Leicester e 4 allo United in casa, con un meraviglioso numero zero nella casella delle reti subite. Un fantastico poker, ottenuto tra l1 e il 29 ottobre. Un cambio di marcia sbalorditivo, confermato dal 5 a 0 rifilato ai toffees dellEverton nel primo match di novembre, e una scalata che, man mano, ha portato i blues al secondo posto in classifica, a soli 2 punti dal Liverpool capolista.

E allora, non poteva mancare il riconoscimento di migliore allenatore del mese, ottenuto surclassando tecnici del calibro di Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) e Mark Hughes (Southampton). Tanta, ovviamente, la soddisfazione: E un grande onore e voglio condividerlo con i giocatori e con la societa  ha dichiarato Conte sul sito ufficiale della Premier League -. E la prima volta che lavoro in un altro Paese, con una cultura diversa, e portare la propria filosofia non e facile, ma ora sono contento di questa scelta.

A completare la festa, la premiazione del fantasista belga, Eden Hazard, come miglior giocatore di ottobre. Due risultati importanti per il club, ottimo incentivo per la rincorsa al trono dei campioni, occupato dal Leicester di Ranieri. Il prossimo appuntamento per l11 di Conte sara al Riverside Stadium, tana del Middlesborough neopromosso. Il tempo di festeggiare e gia finito.
Beyonce fans around the world flocked to social media yesterday to wish the Queen Bey a very happy 36th birthday.

Happy Birthday @Beyonce ! More than a singer, she's impacted culture & means so much to so many. The truest definition of a QUEEN!  #BeyDay pic.twitter.com/yS7hRoWW8h

Beyonce's famous family and friends also decided to get in formation (literally) and recreate one of her fiercest iconic look - the famous wide-brimmed black hat, statement necklace and long braids as seen in her Formation video from her album Lemonade.

The photos were posted on her website with the caption, "Happy Birthday Beyonce - From you family and friends."

You know, just casually friends with Michelle Obama and Serena Williams.

Beyonce's family & friends incl. Blue Ivy, Ms. Tina, Michelle Obama & Serena Williams paid tribute to #Formation in honor of her birthday. pic.twitter.com/hUfQWLsAxx  BEYONCE LEGION (@BeyLegion) September 4, 2017

Among the famous faces who also posed were of course her daughter Blue Ivy and former Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Along with the birthday message on the website, Beyonces team shared a link to support the singers hometown of Houston's relief efforts after Tropical Storm Harvey.
Update - 5.46pm: Sinn Fein have responded to Lisa Marie Sheehy's allegations of bullying within the party, saying bullying is not something the party tolerates.

The party's statement said: "Like all parties, issues arise in constituencies. We tried to resolve the issue but unfortunately this dispute could not be resolved and Lisa Marie has resigned. We are very disappointed to see Lisa Marie go.

"There is no place for bullying in Sinn Fein. It is not something we tolerate in our party and we will have no hesitation in expelling any members found to be involved in this type of behaviour."

Earlier: Sinn Fein's youngest public representative has today announced her resignation from the party.

Limerick Councillor Lisa Marie Sheehy has blamed a "hostile and toxic" environment for her decision to leave.

The Glenroe-based councillor stated that she made a complaint to party organisers recently regarding how she felt she was being treated and in regard to incidents that occurred at official meetings.

According to Councillor Sheehy, Sinn Fein conducted an investigation through the party structure, the outcome of which she felt was unsatisfactory.

In a statement, the 23-year-old has also accused the party of intimidation and bullying, adding that her resignation "won't be the last".

She said that she will continue to serve as an independent Councillor for Limerick City and County Council.

"I'm interested in getting things done in my area for the people who elected me and not engaging in bullyboy politics," she said.

"I cannot stand behind a party that does not take its membership's valid concerns seriously. If we look back at the people who have left the party or decided not to run for re-election due to bullying within the party, it's disheartening and disgraceful and Sinn Fein has not learned its lesson.

"I have no respect for the party anymore as I have been undermined, bullied and humiliated.

"Since I have been elected I have tried to fulfil my duty as a public representative to the best of my ability and during that time I have been consistently and frequently belittled by party members and after seeing a number of other members wronged by the party and nothing of substance being done about it I could not stay any longer."

Sinn Fein has been contacted for comment.
Statement by the Spokesperson on the conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts

Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

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Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

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I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
Two Irish people received suspended sentences in connection with the deaths of two students in Belgium.

Malachy Vallely, director of the Leuven Institute for Ireland in Europe and student Shane Bracken have been found guilty of causing involuntary death.
Shares in C&C rose around 1% after it said it will acquire a minority stake in Admiral Taverns, a chain that owns 845 pubs, in partnership with Proprium Capital Partners and Admiral management.

C&C has paid 37m (40m) for 47% of Admiral.

The acquisition marks a significant departure for C&C, which has endured a difficult 12 months with its US business struggling and revenues falling in core markets.

C&C, which also sells Tennents lager, has been one of the worst performers on the Iseq in the last 12 months. The company has lost a fifth of its value this year and is now valued at 944m.

The move into the UK pub business comes as the firm said sales of Magners were suffering in the face of intense competition in the English cider market.

The Admiral deal will allow it to market Magners in an English market dominated by the likes of Strongbow, it said.

Investor relations head Joe Thompson said: It certainly is an opportunity for Magners. Cider has branched into two broader markets: The dry and the sweet ciders. We will work with the management of Admiral and the licencees to impress upon them that Magners is a high-quality product and something their consumers will want to sample.

Interim chief financial officer Jonathan Solesbury said there are opportunities to grow the market share in England and Wales. Cider is under-represented in these taverns. Ordinarily it is about 20% but it is about 8% in the taverns. There is upside, hopefully.
Mr Marchionne, who has actively sought a partner for Fiat Chrysler in the past, cooled speculation of a pending deal to tie up with a competitor, saying he hadnt received any approach or offer for the Italian-American car maker. He also said that the upscale Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands arent ready to be independent.

That puts the near-term focus on smaller portfolio adjustments. Fiat Chrysler shares dropped on the news.

There are some activities at the component businesses which dont belong, Mr Marchionne said in a weekend interview in Monza, Italy. The group must be purified from those assets, he said.

Mr Marchionne, 65, is preparing his final five-year business plan before he leaves Fiat Chrysler in the first half of 2019. He acknowledged that deeper changes might be coming when he said in July that the carmaker will evaluate whether to spin off some businesses. The company is pushing to eliminate 4.2bn in debt by the end of next year.

Spinning off the components operation could reduce Fiat Chryslers net debt by 38%, further strengthening the companys financial-risk profile, according to Joel Levington, a senior credit analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

Mr Marchionne didnt exclude Fiat Chrysler eventually starting talks on a tie-up before he leaves the helm.

It is difficult to make forecasts for the next two years, he said. What is important is our 2018 plan, and results are coming, he said. Fiat Chrysler shares dropped as much as 3.6%, the steepest daily decline since June 29.

The CEO has long been a vocal proponent of carmakers consolidation, arguing that the industry wastes money by developing multiple versions of the same technology. Those pressures have only intensified as countries such as the UK and France set deadlines to eliminate combustion engines, while self-driving technologies and ride-hailing services threaten to upend auto manufacturers traditional business model.

Fiat Chrysler has been considering options including separating components operations, which include Magneti Marelli, as well as its upscale Maserati and Alfa Romeo vehicle brands.

The luxury-car operations could be worth as much as 7bn, while Magneti Marelli and other parts businesses are valued at up to 5bn, analysts estimate. Alfa and Maserati are too immature to be separated from Fiat Chrysler, he said.

Bloomberg
The company only started trading from its Dublin offices in August 2013 and now sold 500,000 Fairy Doors worldwide.

Statistically, every second child in Ireland now has a Fairy Door and co-founder and director, Niamh Sherwin Barry said she is happy with the companys progress so far.

The Clondalkin-based company received a boost late last year when Kourtney Kardashian shared with millions of her Snapchat followers an image of her sons Irish Fairy Door.

Our brand is growing globally, our customer base is growing and we are finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition, said Ms Sherwin Barry.

New accounts by CEBL Ltd, trading as The Irish Fairy Door Company, show the companys accumulated losses increased by 572,462 to 885,121.

Ms Sherwin Barry said the losses came after a significant investment in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia and preparation for a busy Christmas.

She said: We also invested heavily in the development of new product such as the Worry Plaque and other add-on products.

The firm, which currently employs 15 people, increased its staff costs 638,086 to 718,915 last year.

On the impact of Ms Kardashian putting the image of the Fairy Door on her Snapchat, Ms Sherwin Barry said: Being able to talk about it on stands on our trade shows this year and present it to buyers garnered huge attention.
Germanys second-largest airline filed for bankruptcy protection last month after shareholder Etihad Airways withdrew funding following years of losses.

Alexander Skora, who owns a hostel in Berlin, said he is looking at Air Berlins books and will then decide whether to submit a formal bid. Any bid would be made jointly with a consortium of investors from Israel, Canada, and the US, he added.

Mr Skoras proposal would see Air Berlin return to its roots as a holiday carrier and pass on long-haul and a number of European destinations to flagship carrier Lufthansa and EasyJet.

The German government pledged a 150m loan to prevent Air Berlins planes from immediately being grounded, which would have stranded holidaymakers abroad and put around 8,000 jobs at risk only weeks before a national election.

The European Commission has now approved the bridging loan that will keep the insolvent airlines planes flying while it tries to find buyers. The money will last at most until mid-November, which means the pressure is on to agree a carve-up of Air Berlin, whose assets include about 140 leased aircraft and valuable take-off and landing slots in Germany.

Lufthansa has government backing to take over large parts of Air Berlin. EasyJet and Thomas Cooks Condor may also bid.

Reuters
Former Fine Gael city councillor Joe OCallaghan, who lives in Blarney, one of the areas earmarked by the Mackinnon Report for transfer from the county to the city, spoke out last night ahead of a crucial meeting today of the group set up to implement the extended boundary proposals.

The Mackinnon Report has recommended a significant expansion of the citys boundary  its first since 1965  to include Douglas, Donnybrook, Grange, Frankfield, Cork Airport, Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower, Rathpeacon, Glanmire, Little Island, and Carrigtwohill.

The proposed extension would boost the citys population by some 100,000 to 225,000.

The county council has opposed the scale of the extension, with vocal opposition being expressed on the ground in affected rates-rich areas including Ballincollig, Little Island, and Carrigtwohill.

Mr OCallaghan, who served as lord mayor in 1998, said the debate on the city boundary issue has, in recent days, become divisive and damaging.

It has descended into a series of unedifying and divisive diatribes, which is doing untold damage to Cork as an attractive cohesive area to invest in, he said.

Unfactual and silly statements are being made by people who should know better and the debate is becoming farcical  something akin to the North and South Korea standoff with some individuals nearly qualifying for the position of Kim Jong-un.

Mr OCallaghan criticised his own party in Government for delaying on arriving at a resolution on the issue, and for pandering to certain individuals.

He urged the Government and Local Government Minister Eoghan Murphy to make a decision on the boundary issue quickly.

Teams of senior officials from both Cork county and city councils, who have been asked to work with the implementation group to agree the new boundary, are due to present their first draft of their proposed boundary lines to the implementation group, which is due to meet today.

City councillors were briefed yesterday on the citys presentation.

A source said the citys draft boundary line adheres 95% to the Mackinnon line.

In some places, it varies by a few hundred metres either side of the Mackinnon line, to respect natural or geographical boundaries and to ensure the cohesion of existing communities, said the source.

County councillors also met yesterday to discuss their engagement with the implementation group.

Having had their initial offer to cede certain lands on the city fringes rejected by city councillors last month because it was too small, it is understood they may be prepared to increase the area of land they are willing to cede. That will become clearer after todays meeting.

John OConnor, chairman of the implementation group and a former chairman of An Bord Pleanala, has already told both sides that the extended city boundary line must be in accordance with the Mackinnon proposals, subject to minor adjustments to reflect existing physical, social, and natural borders, and that it is not within the groups terms of reference to draft other proposals.

The group is due to present a detailed implementation plan to the minister by the end of this month.

BLARNEY: This is not about a land grab, its about population growth

My main concern would be the need to ensure that tourism and heritage, and its importance to Blarney, continues to be recognised and supported, said Charles Colthurst, who owns Blarney Castle.

Eoin English

Its famous the world over as home to one of Irelands greatest visitor attractions, with an average of 400,000 people flocking annually to its historic castle.

But while legend suggests that kissing the Blarney Stone bestows the gift of the gab, there isnt much talk in the scenic county village of Blarney, a 10km drive from the heart of Cork City, about its possible transfer to the city under the Mackinnon proposals. What talk there is is largely positive towards such a move.

Damian Boylan, chairman of Blarney Chamber of Commerce and a 2014 Fine Gael local election candidate, said people must accept that Cork City needs to grow if it is to compete nationally and internationally. This is not about a land grab  its about population growth, he said.

An Bord Pleanala approval is in place for a new town for up to 13,000 people on some 966 acres of greenfield agricultural land at Monard, about 4km north-east of Blarney village.

Mr Boylan said the

proposed boundary extension is about growing the city to be a player on the national stage. We can call ourselves a city all we want, but Cork City needs to grow  its population has to grow to place it on a national stage to be able to attract the investment that it needs to compete, he said.

And the fact is that the bulk of the population in Blarney is from Cork City, and most of the workforce here work in the city.

My strong view on

this is that at the moment, Blarney is neither city nor county. We have to fight for resources against much larger towns and populations in Macroom, Skibbereen, Bandon, and Mallow. Being part of the city could bring benefits.

Charles Colthurst, who owns Blarney Castle, has no specific objection to Blarney becoming part of the city, but said whatever happens, its tourism focus must be maintained.

My main concern would be the need to ensure that tourism and heritage, and its importance to Blarney, continues to be recognised and supported, he said.

We dont want it to be thrown out the window by whatever boundary changes may arise.

There must be continued recognition that tourism is of vital importance to Blarney. Thats what Blarney is about and thats what we are constantly trying to promote.

Like many others, Ian Forrest, who runs Blarney Castle Hotel, hasnt been following the intricacies of the boundary debate too closely.

But from what I hear, I think it would be a good thing for the city. It would make the city more powerful on a national stage, and that could be good for Blarney, he said.

Kate Durrant, who publishes The Muskerry News local newspaper and is involved in several community groups in Blarney, tried to gauge public opinion on the boundary issue through a Facebook post last week and was surprised by the lack of engagement.

There was no debate really. Three likes and two comments, she said.

I would hate to see the village spirit vanish, or be subsumed by becoming part of the city, by becoming suburban. Having said that, if it results in Blarney getting more funding and access to better services than we are currently getting, then it would be a good thing.

On the fringes of the Blarney Castle estate, Richard Blair manages Blairs Inn with his brother, Duncan. He said they dont know if the city boundary extension will affect their business, run for decades by his father, John, a former city councillor and alderman.

We would like to know if it will affect us, and if it does, if rates will go up, he said. They pay higher rates in the city as it is, but you could argue that they get a better service. You are more likely to get your roads and footpaths in the city salted and gritted during cold weather, and you will certainly get a burst pipe fixed faster in the city that out here.

Whatever decision is made, our business will still be in the same place, with the same address. In fact, being part of the city might encourage more people from the city to visit.

Whatever happens, I would hope that they would open up decent lines of

communication with those affected. We want to be able to work with the local

authorities. And they should let us know sooner rather than later.

Blarney resident Joe OCallaghan, a former lord mayor of Cork, criticised the county councils treatment of Blarney. Despite Blarneys international brand name, no real efforts have been made by government or the county council to attract industry to the area, despite the presence of a business park two miles outside the village.

Yes, tourism is thriving but the growing population needs jobs to continue living in the area.

Mr OCallaghan said the council sanctioned the demolition of the former Blarney Park Hotel but has left the site an embarrassing eyesore in the shadow of one of the countrys major tourist attractions for the last eight years. Could the city council do any worse if Blarney is included into Cork City? he said.

GLANMIRE: We want guarantees flood works wont be delayed

The chambers members fear that if the Mackinnon proposals are adopted it will lead to an increase in commercial rates for Glanmire businesses.

Sean ORiordan

Joe Organ, president of Glanmire Chamber, said its executive recently met to discuss the implications if the Mackinnon report proposals were adopted.

We think it will probably lead to an increase in commercial rates, he said.

Cork County Council also operates a 5% discount for businesses which pay their rates on time and if the city council takes over that will probably be lost.

Mr Organ, who is an auctioneer, said the chambers 50 members range from large to medium and small businesses and obviously commercial rates were

important to them.

However, he said another concern centred around the 8.1m flood defence plans for the area.

Since major flooding hit more than 70 houses and businesses in Glanmire in 2012, the county council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have been drawing up plans for flood defences.

He said his members were very concerned that, if the city council took over the area, there may be a delay in starting flood defence works.

We would want an absolute guarantee that wont happen, said Mr Organ.

He added that his members were very happy with the way the county council provides

services in the area.

I and my colleagues dont see a need for change, he added.

Sean OSullivan, chairman of the Glanmire Business Alliance, said he was also totally opposed to a city council takeover.

He said the area had grown significantly in recent years and now had a population of around 23,000.

The greater Glanmire area encompasses the communities of Upper Glanmire, Whites Cross, Sarsfields Court, Ballyphilip, Ballinaparson, Coolgreen, Templemichael and Buck Learys Cross.

Mr OSullivan said Glanmire can now be designated a satellite town rather than a village and he was in total agreement with Alf Smiddys stance on the matter.

Mr Smiddy was appointed by then environment minister Alan Kelly in early 2015 to review the case for a boundary extension or a council merger. The Smiddy Report, which recommended a merger model, was subsequently shelved.

The Glanmire Community Association must be totally supported in their fight to retain county status, said Mr OSullivan, who added that he would be running as an Independent candidate in the 2019 local elections. It is time for Glanmire people and its businesses to stand together and oppose this merger.

Sean OSullivan, chairman of Glanmire Business Alliance, said he was also totally opposed to a city council takeover and that with a population of around 23,000 Glanmire can now be designated a satellite town, rather than a village. Pictures: Jim Coughlan

Former Senator John Gilroy, who represented the Glanmire area as a county councillor for a number of years, said it was an absolute disgrace [by the Government] to ignore the Smiddy Report.

He said he was not in favour of a such a major expansion of the city councils territory.

I have maintained for quite some time that there should be one single local authority governing all of Cork. We need to see critical mass in this region to compete with all the investment which is going into Dublin and Belfast, Mr Gilroy said.

He said having two local authorities meant fragmentation and this would not help Cork in its quest to become as influential as the other two cities.

Cllr Ger Keohane, a member of the county council, said he didnt believe the city council could provide the same service to the people of Glanmire as his local authority.

He pointed out that the county councils Cobh/Glanmire municipal district sets aside 208,000 every year to fund projects in its area which are specifically designed to aid local clubs, tidy towns organisations and community associations.

He pointed to a significant amount of work the county council had aided in the area, including John OCallaghan Park, which has a childrens playground and lovely riverside walks.

I see zero benefit for householders and businesses in the city council taking over the greater Glanmire area, Mr Keohane added.

He said local organisations found the county councils staff very approachable and the working relationship between the local authority and the community was extremely good.
More than 20,000 people lined the quays of Waterford city, according to gardai, from early evening, to welcome their hurling heroes just over 24 hours after they came within a goal of Galway in Sundays tension-packed decider, 58 years after the county last won the Liam McCarthy Cup.

About an hour and a half later than scheduled, the team and management crossed Rice Bridge on an open-top bus, to ever-growing cheers, and travelled along the quays to the

viewing point by the Suir where most of the crowd had gathered.

After being warmed up by entertainers Brass & Co and Richie Hayes, with the obligatory Dont Stop Believing among the musical numbers belted out over the river, the thousands were in full voice as their heroes made their way from the bus to the stage, welcomed by Mayor of Waterford City and County Pat Nugent and the rest of the council.

Some of the estimated 20,000 fans who turned out to greet the Waterford senior hurling team at the homecoming event at the quay in Waterford City. Pictures: Patrick Browne

Also present were members of Waterfords victorious 1959 team, Austin Flynn, Michael OConnor, Larry Guinan, Freddie OBrien and Martin Og Morrissey.

Just after 8pm, team manager Derek McGrath, captain Kevin Moran and the rest of the team and management were introduced to a grateful crowd.

They may be down today, but not for long, said Mr Nugent. They will be back with Liam McCarthy in the near future. Our people have been energised and moved by the success of this team over the summer.

Accompanied by his two young sons, Derek McGrath spoke to the people about being overwhelmed by the welcomed given to the team.

Its incredible really, he said, very hard to put into words.

A disappointed-looking Derek McGrath with son Finn at the homecoming in the city. The Waterford hurling manager said the teams reception was overwhelming.

The popular manager said that the banquet on Sunday night had given a lift to the team, but they were truly heartened by the reception last night.

On the morning of the match, he said, the group had spoken about the need to not take no for an answer and about who they were performing in the final for, such as their families, their clubs, their teachers, and all Waterford supporters.

If a man can stretch his body and mind to the limit, thats what we were asking the lads to do and theyve done that for us over the last four years.

The team was a mirror image of the Waterford public, he said, who thrive in adversity and dont take no for an answer.

The crowd show their appreciate for the team at the Waterford Senior Hurlers homecoming at the quay in Waterford City.

To roars of approval, Up the Deise were his final words of the night, before

departing the stage with his team, who will aim to be back this time next year with the trophy in their hands.
The no-shows come at a time of record overcrowding, with 7,781 patients on trolleys or on wards last month awaiting admission, up 27% on the same month last year.

Fergal Hickey, spokesman for the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine, said it was their understanding that Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, and Letterkenny General Hospital were among those where doctors chose not to attend for their shifts.

He said this was as a result of a HSE directive which took effect on September 1 and which had resulted in significant pay cuts for the affected doctors.

Its mainly the registrar grade and senior house officers, but they make up the majority of the medical workforce in EDs, he said.

Mr Hickey, an emergency medicine consultant in Sligo, said there were a couple of issues, including a new HSE framework for hiring locums.

He said hospitals used to phone around looking for doctors who had previous experience in their hospital when looking to plug a gap at short notice.

Now, however, the hospital has to go through a HSE agency framework, in a predetermined order, and some of the agencies are difficult to contact out of hours.

Mr Hickey said he understands why the HSE wants to reduce its locum pay bill, but that they needed to think about what might happen if they pulled the plug.

He said the HSE has no contingency plan and that it is likely locums would continue not to present for shifts going forward.

Last month, the HSE said the agency rates were considerably higher than the rates being paid to direct medical employees and that the new rates represent a narrowing of this salary differential and were arrived at following detailed consideration.

Under the rates, junior doctors, or SHOs, can expect 272 for an eight-hour shift between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, a 15% drop from the old rate.
It is one of three subject areas in which a new curriculum is being introduced, following the rollout since 2014 of the revised English course and similar changes for junior cycle science and business studies from last year.

Up to now, oral Irish was optional in the Junior Certificate but most students were not examined as there was teacher union opposition to the test not being assessed centrally by State Examinations Commission (SEC) examiners.

Although numbers being examined in oral Irish jumped significantly as a result of marks increasing from 25% to 40% in 2012, fewer than 40% of Junior Certificate students undertook an oral test last year.

However, under the junior cycle reforms, oral Irish can now be examined in schools by their own teachers as part of the in-school assessment.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has only signed up to supporting the reforms in a summer ballot, after many years of industrial action and non-co-operation. That campaign was backed until 2016 by the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

However, the oral test will no longer be counted towards the Junior Certificate examination, but instead will form part of the classroom-based assessments (CBAs) which are a central part of the reforms of junior cycle.

The outcomes of CBAs in all subjects will be reported by schools to parents at the end of third year, along with their Junior Certificate results, in the new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).

The first JCPAs will be issued this year. They will combine results in CBAs in English with the Junior Certificate results that will issue to around 62,000 students next week.

Launching the new junior cycle specifications in Irish, modern languages and art yesterday, Education Minister Richard Bruton said the emphasis on oral skills in CBAs is a new approach.

Its part of our wider strategy for the Irish language, he said.

Its very much emphasising the oral tradition of the language, trying to get people engaged with languages as something where they should achieve a level of competence, being able to exchange with their colleagues, and really have an appreciation as part of our culture.

A similar approach will be used in relation to modern languages, with oral tests forming part of the new curriculum and assessment model under the reforms now being introduced in all schools.

The visual art curriculum involves practical work in different media, which can lead to a specific outcome like an artwork, a design, architectural study, an installation or an event.

A key focus is to develop students imaginations by working through ideas or concepts and allowing them to exercise personal responsibility for specific tasks.

All 730 second-level schools are also offering a wellbeing programme from this academic year.

Mr Bruton said it includes learning opportunities to enhance the students physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

Editorial: 10
Some 4,000 people in north Kerry, including the town of Listowel, remained without water yesterday after two large pumps on the River Feale failed on Saturday night. Water was expected to be restored to all customers by late last night, Irish Water said yesterday afternoon.

The agency warned about low pressure, discolouration, and the possibility of airlocks in plumbing as the reservoirs refill and water returns to houses.

The water from the Feale is pumped to a treatment plant but both pumps failed for reasons yet unknown, said a county council spokesman. The council is assisting Irish Water on the issue.

Water tankers arrived in Listowel, Tarbert, Knocknaure, Lisselton, and Finuge on Sunday. Small tankers arrived in schools yesterday morning and an alternative supply was diverted to the local hospital. The Civil Defence assisted in the distribution of bottled water.

Restaurant workers Mark Looney , Fergus Flanagan, and Chris Gibney on a water run in Listowel. Pictures: Domnick Walsh

A council spokesman said one of the pumps had been repaired in Mallow, Co Cork, and replaced at midnight  it was working but reservoirs had yet to fill.

A spokeswoman for Irish Water said the pumps, which are more than 30 years old, are already on its planned investment programme but will now be fast-tracked and would probably be installed within three months instead.

The reason for the failure is being investigated, including whether dirt got into the mechanics.

A standby pump is being brought in for next weeks Listowel Races. The festival is worth 9m to the local economy, according to Fianna Fail councillor Jimmy Moloney, who said it has to be a priority.

Water tankers arrived in Listowel, Tarbert, Knocknaure, Lisselton, and Finuge on Sunday. Small tankers arrived in schools yesterday morning and an alternative supply was diverted to the local hospital.

Fine Gael councillor Aoife Thornton said questions had to be raised with Irish Water after it emerged works had to be done on one of the pumps last week.
Opinion: Russia cannot be the guarantor of Armenia's security (video)

The authorities are again playing with the reputation of our country, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Armenia (HDK) said today when commenting on Armenias decision not to participate in multinational wargames in Georgia. If you continually try to sit on two or four chairs, you will gain nothing, there is no certainty, there is no strategy, said Aram Sargsyan. How often have you seen authorities consult with intelligent people and listen to their opinion? Likewise, I cannot understand the policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which can in no way decide on the matter of Nakhijevan, for example, he continued. Until 12 oclock, you are a member of one security system, after 12 you switch to another system. Can we be sure that Russia can always be the guarantor of Armenias security? No, it is impossible, as Russias interests change rapidly, and we can say that cooperation with Russia in the security sphere does not have prospects for us, said Boris Bavasardyan, the national coordinator of the Eastern Partnership Program's (EaP) Civil Society Platform.
Stephen Nugent pleaded guilty to the crimes in Cork District Court, but when Judge Olann Kelleher sentenced him, the 38-year-old said repeatedly: Fucking bullshit, boy.

Defence solicitor David McCoy described the incident as having a domestic background and said Nugent had moved away from the area where it happened.
And last night was only the first of the many parties which will take place across the city and county in the coming days and weeks, with the Liam MacCarthy and Irish Press cups set to be taken to the clubs of the winning captains this evening.

Almost 15,000 GAA fans greeted the teams on their first stop in east Galway, where Galway County Council hosted a civic reception in Ballinasloe.

The chairwoman of the council, Eileen Mannion, said the two teams and their mentors were excellent ambassadors for the county.

Galway hurling captain David Burke and Joe Canning with the Liam MacCarthy on the homecoming to Ballinasloe. Picture: Ray Ryan

Galway people here and all over the world are walking a bit taller today, she said. It was an absolutely phenomenal atmosphere and a great day. The build-up all week and the demand for tickets, everything was Galway, Galway, Galway for the match on Sunday and it is just absolutely amazing and overwhelming that we have won the two  the minor and seniors.

Thousands more supporters gathered on the flyovers on the M6 as the buses bringing the teams continued their 60km journey to Galway City where a crowd of over 20,000 waited for them at Pearse Stadium in Salthill, where the rain thankfully held off.

Galway captain David Burke poses for a photograph with Garda Michael Hehir in Ballinasloe. Picture: Inpho/Morgan Treacy

They began gathering shortly after 4.30pm and were entertained by various local music acts before minor manager Jeffrey Lynskey from the Liam Mellowes club in the city, and then Micheal Donoghue led the All-Ireland senior champions.

City mayor Pearce Flannery said they were a credit to their families and clubs as years of heartbreak were blown away by the double success in Croke Park on Sunday.

11-week-old Sarah Coughlan, Killimer, Co Galway sleeps through the Galway hurlers homecoming. Picture: Inpho/Morgan Treacy

We have come home a considerable number of times from Croke Park deflated, disappointed, feeling that we left something behind us or that next year is our year, he said. But this is our year and for that we have two brilliant teams to thank.

Mr Flannery then got into the spirit of the occasion, taking out a guitar and singing The Fields of Athenry.

Oisin Molloy, aged 3, from Fohenagh, shows off the autograph of Padraic Mannion as the Galway hurlers returned to Ballinasloe. Picture: Ray Ryan

The sponsor of the victorious teams, Pat McDonagh, who started backing them a year after they last won the All-Ireland title in 1988, said that he was so proud of the teams.

It is a special moment for all Galway people, he said.

The Galway team bus with the Liam McCarthy Cup pass over the River Shannon in Athlone as Timmy O Flatharta from Spiddal salutes the team. Picture: Inpho/James Crombie

This somewhat compensates for all the disappointments. I have been in six losing dressing rooms and I can tell you there is no worse place to be after an All-Ireland. It was some compensation for the previous players, many of whom served Galway with distinction and many of whom deserved to get an All-Ireland but never did.

Tomas Mannion, father of Galway players Padraic and Cathal, said it was a proud day for the families of all the players.

Its brilliant to be part of it and brilliant to be a parent of lads that are involved with Galway, he said. But I have to give the lads credit and how they have applied themselves. Thats replicated by every other member of that Galway panel, by management and everything and throughout every county in Ireland.

The party continued long into the night at the Salthill Hotel and will continue this evening, when captain David Burke brings the Liam MacCarthy Cup to his club St Thomas, and minor skipper Darren Morrissey takes the Irish Press Cup home to Sarsfields.

The team will be in action on Thursday night when they play an exhibition match with some of the veterans of the 1987 and 88 winning teams, with the proceeds going to the fund

to help the family of Tony Keady, the centre-back on those winning teams who died suddenly last month.

Tuesday Sport: 2-5
IF YOU suffer from anxiety, taking to the stage to perform stand-up comedy might sound like a living nightmare. Not so for Alison Spittle, hailed as one of Irish comedys fastest rising stars. Although shes making waves as a broadcaster, with her own six-part sitcom due out on RTE2 in the autumn, her podcast, The Alison Spittle Show, and past contributions to Republic of Telly and The Right Hook, live is where its at, she says: When I did my first gig, it just clicked; it was like falling in love, very hard.

I know its ridiculous, but I just feel safe doing stand-up. I think its because no one else is in control. I dont feel in control of a lot of things, but with stand-up I dont have to answer to anybody except the audience and if things are going badly, its my responsibility to change it.

Spittles new show, Worrier Princess, is a sequel to her 2015 one-woman show, Alison Spittle Discovers Hawaii, which was lauded for raising awareness of mental health issues. Hawaii was her happy place, and the show centred around her attempts to get to grips with anxiety.

Spittle endured two armed break-ins at her Dublin home in the space of a month, first by a man with a knife and then by two men wielding crowbars. Following her ordeal, Spittle suffered from anxiety, at times so crippling that she found it difficult to leave her home; she was diagnosed with a stress-related disorder and tried medication for a time, although now she opts for counselling.

Even as the burglaries were under way, Spittle was thinking about their comedic potential. The only way I had to process it was to remember the funny things about it, recalls Spittle. I was just telling myself that if I did a show about, it wouldnt be a wasted experience.

When the first lad robbed me, he was shouting at me for car keys, so I just started telling him about all the times I tried to learn to drive and couldnt. It was a ridiculous way to try to be normal in an abnormal situation.

Spittle says she may have over-estimated the therapeutic effects of stand-up; Worrier Princess is every bit as personal, and faces up to the fact that for her, maybe talking about it didnt really help so much. I thought that being honest about being afraid all the time would make it better, but it didnt, she says. So this show is about what happens after you feel youre better, and then you realise youre not.

Shes opting for a more polished style for Worrier Princess than in earlier offerings, which often had a raw, DIY feel. Im scared of failing and I protect myself, she says.

If the thing doesnt work out I can go, Well, I know why it didnt work out: its because I didnt try hard enough, its not polished enough. So Im working hard on all aspects of the show. Im going to try it, because Im scared.

Spittles confessional brand of comedy is self-deprecating and at times painfully honest. Her column for online magazine Headstuff, Why Cant All Lads Be Sound Like Hozier? was widely shared on social media for her description of regular street harassment at the hands of men and boys who mock her weight and eccentric fashion choices.

Its an uncomfortable read. They slag me off and walk on and go about their day, she wrote. I cant go to the gardai and say Excuse me officer, but this young boy has called me Big Mommas House, I demand reprisals, I think about what I can do to prevent it Dont be so short, dont be so fat, dont wear bright clothes, dont be on your own, try not to look so happy.

Born in London, Spittle moved to Westmeath with her family when she was seven. By secondary school, she says, she had a reputation for being a bit mental.

Her upcoming RTE2 sitcom, Nowhere Fast, centres around life in the Midlands for a generation of 20-somethings.

Spittle went to college in Dublin, but moved home to her mother while working in radio in Athlone following graduation. I suppose the sitcom comes out of that kind of fear I had in my early 20s, she says. I was very isolated. What was I going to do with the rest of my life, and would I be living in Westmeath?

Ive always felt the Midlands gets short-changed in the media, because I think theres more of a strong identity in Cork, Galway, or Donegal. We dont have a strong hurling team or anything like that: The only things we have are Joe Dolan and Niall Horgan and Bressie.

Now based in Dublin, Spittle has plenty on the horizon, with appearances at Dublin Fringe Festival and Cork Comedy Festival this month, a mini-tour booked for October and, of course, audience reactions to her first sitcom to anticipate.

Im very lucky, she says. Being around comedy and making stuff, I feel like Ive made myself a nice home, and a nice community around me. Im really happy at the moment.

Alison Spittle, Worrier Princess is at the Bello Bar as part of Dublin Fringe Festival, from September 11-14 and 15-16. For more, see: fringefest.com

Cork has a cut off Dublin Fringe

Shows produced by Cork people take up a hefty proportion of whats on offer at the Dublin event:

Kicking All The Boxes: Youghals former European champion kickboxer turned actor, Liz Fitzgibbon, pictured, brings her one-woman show and pugilistic skills to the stage.

The Dust We Raised: Choreographer Luke Murphy explores the radical advancements of knowledge in the field of science and medicine.

Levin & Levin: Set in the early 1900s, Russian ladies in disguise Ida and Bubbie become world famous for their male impersonations. But on the night of their Broadway debut, disaster strikes.

Dont Be Looking: Four women tackle common misconceptions of those with disabilities in this lighthearted hour-long production by Mary Nugent.

Aon mhac tire, no roinnt mic tire: The story of two Irishmen; one from Ireland and one from America. This show details the familial lineage of both characters in a study of the native and the emigrant.

Spliced: Actor and writer Timmy Creed contemplates living his life outside the institution that raised him: The GAA. With the support of visual artist David Mathuna, Creed attempts to understand the intimate details of his childhood.

SLSD: Set in a fictional nightclub, the show features a mix of spoken word, movement, and an original house music score.

ABACUS: Nine women take at Meeting House Square with a set of steel drums.

Lords Of Strut: Absolute Legends: Britains Got Talent semi-finalists Sean-tastic and Famous Seamus return to the Fringe.

Neon Western: Widely praised since its debut in Cork last year, this show is half

theatre/half rave.
LAST weeks Brexit talks between the UK and the European Union didnt go well.

The deadline for an agreement is March 2019, and progress has been much too slow. UK prime minister Theresa May needs to get a grip on this process.

Britains government faces two

crucial obstacles. Its in Mays power to break through both.

The first is the EUs insistence that Britains exit payment, in settlement of liabilities, should be mostly agreed  the formula is that sufficient progress should have been made  before talks move on to post-Brexit arrangements.

The second is uncertainty over the form of a transitional, post-Brexit deal to govern relations until the two sides can fashion a permanent new agreement  a task bound to take at least several more years.

The UK is dithering on both points, and its clear why: Each of these

questions is politically toxic  and Mays political capital after this years general-election debacle stands at roughly zero.

Public opinion in Britain solidly

opposes an exit payment in the mid- to high tens of billions of euros, which the EU has said it expects.

And many of those who voted for

Brexit are sceptical of a transitional deal that leaves the UKs obligations to the EU substantially in place, seeing this as a continuation of EU membership by other means.

So far, May has done nothing to prepare public opinion for the substantial exit payment. And shes done nothing to make the case for a so-called off-the-shelf transition, which mostly just freezes existing arrangements.

To be fair to May, the EU is wrong to insist on sufficient progress on exit talks before moving to other matters.

Theres no reason why these talks shouldnt be on parallel tracks, or bundled together, so that concessions in one area could be balanced by concessions in another.

Putting questions into a series of silos, with permission needed at each stage to move on, is a good way to make talks fail.

But the Brits had no reason to expect the EU to be obliging: Britain has spurned the EU, not the other way round, and now the EU has the upper hand.

What should May do?

On the exit payment, she should

propose independent, international

arbitration. This was suggested earlier this year by Andre Sapir of the Bruegel Institute  before it was certain that the issue would cripple the talks.

Now that it has, May should take up Sapirs idea.

Arbitration has great substantive

advantages. It recognises, for instance, that the question of what is owed is enormously complicated, that the

parties start from positions that are far apart, and that a lot of face is at stake on both sides. It gives Britain, especially, cover for backing down.

The resulting terms would not be a surrender to EU bullying, but a principled compliance with a legitimate process that both sides agreed to invoke. The International Court of Justice, a United Nations body, or the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as Sapir suggests, would be the appropriate body.

On the form of the transition, May should come down squarely in support of her chancellor of the exchequer,

Philip Hammond  and against other ministers, notably Liam Fox  and say that the transitional deal should be,

in effect, an extension of the existing

arrangements.

After Brexit, for a period of several years, Britain would remain in the EUs single market and customs union, would keep paying its membership dues, accept free movement, recognise the existing rights of EU citizens in the UK, and have no say in EU decision-making.

Brexit hardliners inside and outside Mays Conservative Party would denounce that as overthrowing the referendum result.

May would say: It does no such thing. Of course she would say this outcome is completely unacceptable as a long-term arrangement  and thats precisely why its guaranteed to be temporary.

Its merely the price of executing

Brexit with the least possible short-term disruption.

And she could patiently explain why Brexit hardliners should be open to this approach.

Their resistance to EU demands for liabilities, and their preference for a complex, bespoke transition that dissolves the UKs existing rights and commitments at the outset, are leading in one direction only  to the so-called cliff-edge Brexit that will, at a minimum, impose enormous short-term

disruption on the UK economy.

And that, as John Springford, of

the Centre for European Reform has

argued, might be the worst possible

outcome for hardliners.

It would lead voters to conclude that Brexit was a terrible mistake after all  an error that they might then decide to put right.

It ought to be obvious: The hardliners have a bigger stake in a smooth Brexit than anybody else. The price for securing it is modest  a little patience. Is it really beyond the prime minister to see this, take charge, and make the case?

Clive Crook is a columnist for the

Financial Times, the National Journal. and a senior editor at The Atlantic Monthly.
HHK members vote against Yelk proposal

On September 2, 2017, the Commission on Education, Culture and Social Affairs of the Council of Elders held a regular session to discuss a number of measures, including the proposal of the Yelk (Way out) faction to rename streets in the Armenian capital. Eleven members of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) faction unanimously voted against the measure to rename Kasyan, Mikoyan, Frunze, Amiryan and Leningradyan streets, citing the absence of a public opinion survey. They added that they found it inexpedient to rename the aforesaid streets. There was only one case when the four HHK representatives refused from the logic of the previously determined voting and refrained from renaming the street connecting Isakov Avenue with Leningradyan street after Monte Melqonyan. Representatives of the Yelk faction empathized that with this attitude the HHK members are trying to avoid the responsibility for the implementation of the mandate given on May 14, as well as they make additional obstacles for the commission to exercise its authority, attempting to postpone the solution of the issue of serious public scrutiny. The members of the YELK faction also mentioned that some of the HHK representatives hadnt examined the corroborations of the suggested measure. They simply followed their factions plan made in advance to overthrow the projects. During the discussion, the Commission also agreed to discuss public opinion disclosure mechanisms in particular through the implementation of a local referendum, which is fixed in the Constitution of Armenia and the Law on Local Self-governance in Yerevan as a means of expressing public opinion. Now the drafts will be included in the agenda according to the decision of Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan, in pursuance of the decision of Articles 20, 22, 27 of the Yerevan Council of the Elders Decree on "Adoption of the Yerevan City Charter," the YELK faction reports.
Statement by the Spokesperson on the conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts

Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

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I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

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This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
I want to live in Armenia, study and work abroad: Syrian-Armenian girl shares her thoughts

Shoghnan, 13, is walking in the corridor of School N1 named after Stepan Shahumyan. The girl, who moved to Armenia from Aleppo, has been attending this school for five years. She is happy; she smiles and is already fluent in Armenian. She is impatient to know whether any Syrian-Armenian children have been admitted to the school this year. She then sits at the desk, with a look fixed at the ceiling, takes a deep breath and tells her own story. I was 8 when I moved to Armenia with my parents. We have lived in Armenia for five years. At that time the war in Syria wasnt as hot as it is now. My family came to Armenia and didnt go back. At that time we received news that the situation in Syria had worsened. Before coming here we saw how our relative was shot dead. I remember that once our school received a bomb threat call. Our parents took us home. Those were episodes from the war that wasnt as hot as it is now. We thought that it would end in a month, but I havent seen much but whatever I saw was enough for me to understand that war is not a good Shoghnan then tells about Armenian schools and education centers in Aleppo. I used to attend a school in Armenia where children paid for education. You had to pay for studies in all schools in Syria. Schools in Syria were in better condition than those in Armenia. All classrooms were filmed. Teachers were very strict and demanding but at the same time very friendly. There were few Arabs at school. The principal taught us not to make a difference between Armenians and Arabs. There I wasnt so good at Arabic and the same is with Russian here. Im not one of the best pupils because of my Russian, but I am taking a course to improve it. We also receive good education in Armenia. I think the only difference is the condition of classrooms. Everything was new, well kept and modern in Aleppo. Shoghnan wants to become a designer, but she is worried because the profession is not of great demand in Armenia. Certainly, at the beginning it was hard for me and my family to get adapted to new life here but then everything settled down. When we arrived in Armenia I wanted to return to Syria. I still wish it. I study hard to become a designer but I dont imagine my future in Armenia. Perhaps I shall go to some European country, improve my skills there, then return and work in Armenia. If something changes here and my profession becomes more demanded then I wont leave the country," she said. The 13-year-old girl wishes all Armenians to live in their homeland so that we could be more united. Before the war in Syria, nobody thought about Armenia or about moving to Armenia. We still have our home in Syria that hasnt been destroyed. All our relatives are in Syria. Here we feel lonely. Nevertheless, I feel safe and protected in Armenia. We experienced almost the same emotions during the April war. Now I want to return to Syria. My childhood, memories and everything are connected with Syria. I cannot forget all that. Now the whole Syria is ruined. There are few cities left that are not bombarded. Let all Armenians live in one place, let them come back to their homeland. Because of the war in Syria many Armenians moved to other countries and there is no unity in Syria anymore. My parents dont want to go back to Aleppo but I will do it one day. After the interview she came out to the school corridor with a bright smile. She wanted to see her knew friends.
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Global plans for top-selling U.S. electronic cigarette Vuse has led British American Tobacco PLC to elevate its innovative product division to top-level internal status.

The company, which owns Reynolds American Inc., said Thursday its next-generation products business is fast becoming a key part of our mainstream business. The division also includes heat-not-burn traditional cigarettes.

Now that we have built a successful next-generation business which is poised for substantial growth, we will be fully integrating (it) into our existing business infrastructure across the group  both within the functions and the regions  to leverage the scale and expertise of the whole group to drive growth, the company said in a statement.

The company has said Vuse and other Reynolds innovations, along with acquiring top-selling menthol cigarette brand Newport, were primary reasons for spending $54.5 billion to acquire the 57.8 percent of Reynolds it did not already own.

Nicandro Durante, BATs chief executive, said in a July 29 article in the Winston-Salem Journal that as the company explores which BAT products to bring to the United States, it is likely those products will be made domestically, as they are in other major markets.

I have found it is very difficult to sell product in the U.S. that isnt made in the U.S., he said.

The reverse could be true, at least in the short term, in terms of ramping up local Newport and Vuse production once BAT decides how and where it wants to sell those products globally.

Reynolds is estimated to have between 2,000 and 2,200 employees locally, the majority of whom work at its plant in Tobaccoville. Overall, it had 5,500 full-time and 50 part-time employees as of Dec. 31.

BAT said Kingsley Wheaton, its managing director of next generation products, will oversee the integration of the division as a core business unit.

This year, BAT plans to double  from about 200 currently  the number of global markets where it sells e-cigs and other vaping products. It plans to double that number again in 2018.

Its main rival for global next-generation product sales is Philip Morris International, which recently entered the Food and Drug Administration regulatory pipeline for its heat-not-burn cigarette product iQOs with a modified-risk product application.

Durante said BATs heat-not-burn cigarette being sold in Japan will be submitted for FDA regulatory review.

The BAT move also comes after a month after Dr. Scott Gottlieb, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, called for a sweeping regulatory road map on tobacco and nicotine products.

That included easing some regulations for product innovations, and extending the application deadline for FDA regulatory review for new products, such as e-cigs and vaporizers, from late 2018 to as far out as August 2022.

Gottlieb also supported efforts to shift traditional cigarettes to very low nicotine levels.

The entire tobacco/nicotine market is in a period of unparalleled change, and BAT clearly recognizes that they either help lead that change, or they are following in the footsteps of companies like Kodak, which missed the opportunity to transform as technology did, said David Sweanor, an adjunct law professor at the University of Ottawa and the author of several electronic-cigarette studies.

Philip Morris International has seen a market value gain of roughly $60 billion attributed to its next generation products.

Sweanor said it must be a huge motivator for BAT, knowing that Reynolds was always seen as ahead of the rest of the industry in (heat-not-burn) technology and development, to now capitalize on the transformation of the industry to massively less hazardous non-combustion products.

Stephen Pope, managing principal with industry research firm Starlight Ideas of London, said BAT has no time to be left on the starting block with next-generation products.

It needs to take the opportunity now to close the gap with Philip Morris International, building on its existing distribution strengths, create global scale with (next generation) products and focus on being best in class at every step.

Durante also discussed two very innovative products in Brazil, our vapor cigarettes Vype and Vype Raptor. BAT markets Vype Raptor as vapor technology that releases nicotine into the bloodstream faster, giving a more traditional smoking-like experience than other vapor products.

Given how complex it is to introduce a combustible cigarette in the U.S. market, we may put more effort into the next-generation products, Durante said.
The N.C. Court of Appeals upheld Tuesday the constitutionality of a state law allowing people to sue their spouses lover and collect damages in a case involving a doctor and nurse at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

North Carolina is one of six states that have what are known as alienation of affection laws, which allow people to sue their spouses lover if they can prove that the defendant caused the couples marriage to fall apart. The state also has a law on criminal conversation, the legal term for extramarital sex.

According to court papers, this is the first time the N.C. Court of Appeals has ruled on the constitutionality of alienation of affection. The appeal comes out of a civil case in which Marc Malecek sued Dr. Derek Williams, who worked at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, over allegations of an affair between Williams and Maleceks wife, Amber Malecek, who worked as a nurse at the hospital, according to court papers.

The lawsuit says the couple engaged in sexual acts at the hospital.

Mac Ingraham, a spokesman for Wake Forest Baptist, said the case is a matter between private citizens.

In 2014, Judge John O. Craig of Forsyth Superior Court became the first judge to directly rule against the constitutionality of alienation of affection and criminal conversation laws. The case was not appealed.

Veronica Filipowski, wife of Silk Road Equity investment firm owner Andrew Flip Filipowski, sued Melissa Oliver under the alienation of affection law. Oliver challenged the law on constitutional grounds in state and federal court. The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled against Oliver on technical legal grounds and never considered her constitutional arguments. The case was eventually settled in state court.

In the most recent case, Williams sought to have the lawsuit dismissed, saying that alienation of affection and criminal conversation laws are unconstitutional. Judge Todd Burke of Forsyth Superior Court granted the motion and Malecek appealed Burkes ruling to the N.C. Court of Appeals.

These laws were born out of misogyny and in modern times are often used as tools for enterprising divorce lawyers seeking leverage over the other side, the court said.

But the court ruled that claims for alienation of affection and criminal conversation are designed to prevent and remedy personal injury, and to protect the promise of monogamy that accompanies most marriage commitments.

Our holding is neither an endorsement nor a critique of these heart balm torts, the court said. Whether this Court believes these torts are good or bad policy is irrelevant; we cannot hold a law facially unconstitutional because it is bad policy. We instead ask whether there are any applications of these laws that survive scrutiny under the appropriate constitutional standards.

In a statement, Kim Bonuomo, one of the attorneys for Williams, said the Courts decision leaves intact the antiquated torts. She, Joslin Davis and Bennett Rainey represented Williams.

Defendants counsel contended that the causes of actions arose from a now archaic view of marriage which relied on a spouses purported property right in the other spouse, she said. Counsel for the Defendant further asserted these torts do not preserve marriage or protect families and do not promote the reconciliation of broken marriages.

The case was sent back to Forsyth Superior Court for further proceedings. Williams could file an appeal to the N.C. Supreme Court.

Most alienation of affection lawsuits, Bonuomo said, are filed after the marriage is over and the litigation over personal and private matters is used as blackmail.

She had no further comment.

J. Scott Smith, attorney for Marc Malecek, said his client is satisfied with the appeals court decision.

I believe that the decision was entirely in accordance with the longstanding law and public policy of North Carolina, he said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

Smith said he could not comment further until all potential proceedings have been completed.

Williams had argued in court papers that the laws were unconstitutional under the First Amendment and under the due process clause of the 14th Amendment. The court ruled that marriage is a commitment and that most marriages hinge on a promise of fidelity, unless the marriage is an open one. If a spouse breaks a promise of fidelity, that results in both personal injury and societal injury because a broken marriage can mean the loss of all the benefits that a healthy marriage brings to society.

Simply put, the State has a legitimate interest (indeed, a substantial interest) in protecting the institution of marriage, ensuring that married couples honor their vows, and deterring conduct that would cause injury to one of the spouses, the court said.

The court said that even when the laws might burden free speech and expression, it does not mean they must be struck down because the State seeks to deter and remedy the harmful effects that result from acts that cause people to break their marriage vows, inflict personal injury on others, and damage the institution of marriage.

The court ruled that courts will need to grapple with the reality that these common law torts burden constitutional rights and likely have unconstitutional applications.
A relative of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee who denounced racism during an MTV awards show has stepped down as pastor of a Davidson County church, saying the churchs reaction to his remarks was deeply hurtful.

The generals distant nephew, the Rev. Robert W. Lee IV, issued a statement saying he resigned from Bethany United Church of Christ after the congregation decided to put his tenure to a vote.

The church, which has a Winston-Salem address, is on Bethany Church Road between Midway and Wallburg.

During the Aug. 27 MTV Video Music Awards, Lee introduced the mother of Heather Heyer, who was killed during demonstrations over a Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, Va.

Lee also used the televised remarks to lament that his relative has become a symbol of racism.

We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism, and hate, he said. As a pastor, it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, Americas original sin.

The MTV appearance brought unwanted attention to the small church, Lee said.

A faction of church members were concerned about my speech and that I lifted up Black Lives Matter movement, the Women s March and Heather Heyer as examples of racial justice work, he said in the statement explaining his resignation.

Two church leaders listed in state nonprofit filings didnt respond to messages seeking comment Tuesday. The churchs phone rang unanswered.

Brenda Jones, the choir director and organist at the church, said that she was shocked when she learned that Lee had resigned.

It just breaks my heart, she said. That is all I have to say about it.

Lee said that some members of the church supported my right to free speech, yet were uncomfortable with the attention the church was receiving.

Lee issued an apology to church members for causing them pain with his remarks on MTV. But he said he continues to strongly support removal of monuments to General Lee and other Confederates.

I understand that my views could be considered to be controversial, Lee said.

I never sought this sort of attention.

He went on to say that people are all called by God to speak out against hate and evil in all its many forms.

There are so many good things going on with this congregation, and I do not want my fight to detract from the mission, Lee said in his statement. If the recent media attention causes concern with my church, I reluctantly offer my resignation.

Lee, a recent graduate of the Duke Divinity School, was appointed pastor of the church in April, according to its website.

Lees remarks on MTV came in the aftermath of a rally by white nationalists in Charlottesville, Va., that turned violent as the demonstrators clashed with counterprotesters. Heyer died when a driver plowed into a crowd that had gathered to denounce the white supremacists.
Americans recoiled from the repugnant spectacle of white supremacists marching in Charlottesville to promote their un-American blood and soil ideology. There is nothing in their hate-driven racism that can match the strength of a nation conceived in liberty and comprising 323 million souls of different origins and opinions who are equal under the law.

Most of us share Heather Heyers values, not the depravity of the man who took her life. We are the country that led the free world to victory over fascism and dispatched communism to the ash heap of history. We are the superpower that organized not an empire, but an international order of free, independent nations that has liberated more people from poverty and tyranny than anyone thought possible in the age of colonies and autocracies.

Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.

Congress will return from recess this week facing continued gridlock as we lurch from one self-created crisis to another. We are proving inadequate not only to our most difficult problems but also to routine duties. Our national political campaigns never stop. We seem convinced that majorities exist to impose their will with few concessions and that minorities exist to prevent the party in power from doing anything important.

Thats not how we were meant to govern. Our entire system of government  with its checks and balances, its bicameral Congress, its protections of the rights of the minority  was designed for compromise. It seldom works smoothly or speedily. It was never expected to.

It requires pragmatic problem-solving from even the most passionate partisans. It relies on compromise between opposing sides to protect the interests we share. We can fight like hell for our ideas to prevail. But we have to respect each other or at least respect the fact that we need each other.

That has never been truer than today, when Congress must govern with a president who has no experience of public office, is often poorly informed and can be impulsive in his speech and conduct.

We must respect his authority and constitutional responsibilities. We must, where we can, cooperate with him. But we are not his subordinates. We dont answer to him. We answer to the American people. We must be diligent in discharging our responsibility to serve as a check on his power. And we should value our identity as members of Congress more than our partisan affiliation.

I argued during the health-care debate for a return to regular order, letting committees of jurisdiction do the principal work of crafting legislation and letting the full Senate debate and amend their efforts.

We wont settle all our differences that way, but such an approach is more likely to make progress on the central problems confronting our constituents. We might not like the compromises regular order requires, but we can and must live with them if we are to find real and lasting solutions. And all of us in Congress have the duty, in this sharply polarized atmosphere, to defend the necessity of compromise before the American public.

Lets try that approach on a budget that realistically meets the nations critical needs. We all know spending levels for defense and other urgent priorities have been woefully inadequate for years. But we havent found the will to work together to adjust them. The appropriators cant complete their spending bills, and were stuck with threats of a government shutdown and continuing resolutions that underfund national security. A compromise that raises spending caps for both sides priorities is better than the abject failure that has been our achievement to date.

Lets also try that approach on immigration. The president has promised greater border security. We can agree to that. A literal wall might not be the most effective means to that end, but we can provide the resources necessary to secure the border with smart and affordable measures. Lets make it part of a comprehensive bill that members of both parties can get behind  one that values our security as well as the humanity of immigrants and their contributions to our economy and culture.

Lets try it on tax reform and infrastructure improvement and all the other urgent priorities confronting us. These are all opportunities to show that ordinary, decent, free people can govern competently, respectfully and humbly, and to prove the value of the United States Congress to the great nation we serve.


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This year's Nov. 8 election didn't present any unforeseen outcomes, at least as it pertains to Dorchester County Council races. However, the competition between Republican Rita May Ranck and Democrat Carlisle Harrison was one of the more thrilling ones in the State, as the latter temporarily Read moreNewly elected Councilmember Rita May Ranck ready to 'work' and 'listen'
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein [official profile] appealed [press release] to the international community Tuesday to conduct an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen, after a new UN report [text] revealed that such violations continue with no apparent end in sight. The mandatory report is published by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) [official website] recording violations of human rights and humanitarian law over a three-year period ending August 2017. According to the report, 5,144 civilians, including 1,184 children, have been killed between March 2015, and August 30, 2017. During the same period, 8,749 have been injured, of which 1,592 were children. The report indicates coalition airstrikes to be the leading cause of civilian casualties. These airstrikes have reportedly targeted markets, hospitals, schools, residential areas, funeral gatherings, and other public and private infrastructure. The report also indicates that The Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis [Al Jazeera backgrounder] and army units loyal to former President Abdullah Saleh [Al Jazeera profile] are responsible for recruiting approximately 67 percent of the 1,702 cases of child soldiers. Zeid expressed his dismay at the international communitys inaction, stating:

I have repeatedly called on the international community to take actionto set up an independent, international investigation into the allegations of very serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Yemen.  The reticence of the international community in demanding justice for the victims of the conflict in Yemen is shameful, and in many ways contributing to the continuing horror.

Reiterating that an international investigation into the rights violations in Yemen is crucial, Zeid concluded by appealing to all the parties to the conflict, those supporting them and those with influence over them to have mercy on the people of Yemen, and to take immediate measures to ensure humanitarian relief for civilians and justice for the victims of violations.

This report comes out less than a week after after 56 national, regional and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) sent an open letter [JURIST report] to representatives of the Member and Observer States [materials] of the HRC calling for an independent, international inquiry into violations of human rights in Yemen. The state of human rights in Yemen has been rapidly deteriorating since October, when UN rights expert Heiner Bielefeldt condemned [JURIST report] Yemen for detaining individuals belonging to the religious community. In June, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] accused [JURIST report] the UAE of backing Yemeni forces that have arbitrarily detained, forcibly disappeared, tortured, and abused dozens of people during security operations. In May, UN expert on freedom of religion Ahmed Shaheed stated [JURIST report] that Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen must end harassment against the Bahai [official website] community in the Yemen capital, Sanaa. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein reported that more than 13,000 civilians have been killed or wounded in the last two years and more than 80 percent of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance, in his March, statement calling for an immediate ceasefire [JURIST report] in the Yemen war and continued international support in ending the conflict.
Whereas a Kenyan withdrawal from the ICC is a real possibility, Nairobi may be tempted to instead use the threat of a withdrawal to push its agenda on the ICC.

Since Burundi announced in October that it had decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Courts (ICC) founding treaty, the Rome Statute, commentators have been busy speculating whether  and, if so, which  other African State Parties would be next. Few had predicted that South Africa would be the first to go ahead, in fact beating Burundi to the finish line by providing the UN Secretary General with the formal notification that is required under Article 127 of the Statute as the first State ever. There has since been no shortage of predictions that many other African States would soon join.

So far, however, only The Gambia has made a similar announcement. But this is likely to be reversed as long-serving president Yahya Jammeh was defeated in recent elections by Adama Barrow, who campaigned on returning to the ICC. What is more, a substantial number of African countries have since come out in strong support of the Court. And despite the drama surrounding the withdrawals, this years Assembly of States Parties (ASP) held in The Hague in late November was characterized by calls for constructive dialogue, leading some to speculate that there is at least a chance South Africa could change its mind.

Whether or not that will happen, we are unlikely to witness the mass exodus of African States from the ICC some had predicted. But is also clear that a number of African States, Kenya chief among them, are seriously considering joining the exit.

Omar al-Bashir

States withdraw from legal regimes on the basis of cost-benefit analysis involving quite diverse, and often predominantly domestic, factors. Commentators have already pointed to the different rationales underpinning South Africas and Burundis withdrawals: In the case of South Africa, in particular the governments frustration with domestic courts holding it to account for refusing to arrest Sudans president Omar al-Bashir, who is subject to an ICC arrest warrant, when he visited the country last year; and in the case of Burundi, the fact that the ICC has started scrutinizing members of the incumbent regime for their potential responsibility for large-scale violence in the country.

Less attention has been paid to the factors that will determine whether other State Parties such as Kenya will ultimately follow through.

I argue here that the strategy of the incumbent elites centered around the current Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta may likely, at least in the short term, involve using the threat of ICC withdrawal to influence the Courts agenda from within the system and to simultaneously placate domestic and international actors who would respond negatively to an actual withdrawal. Should new significant events occur, of course the calculus could rapidly change.

Why Kenya is seriously considering withdrawal

Kenyatta has in the past been among the most vocal voices calling for African States to stage a mass withdrawal and government officials continue to express serious reservations about the ICC. Shortly before making the announcement that it was withdrawing, South African President Jacob Zuma met Kenyan leaders in Nairobi, suggesting some form of coordination may have taken place. From Nairobis perspective the benefit of South Africa going first is that it lowers the reputational costs of a potential Kenyan withdrawal. Rather than primarily being seen as a result of Kenyas frustrations with the Courts efforts to prosecute its leaders, Kenya could portray a withdrawal as the consequence of broader concerns about the Court shared by countries in the region.

Further, Kenyatta recently met with his Sudanese counterpart, al-Bashir  against whom there is an outstanding ICC arrest warrant  to discuss issues relating to the Court. Sudan is not a State Party to the Rome Statute, but, like Kenya, has been outspoken in its criticism of the Court. The meeting could be evidence of Nairobis desire to demonstrate its opposition to the Court and to possibly engage in further alliance-building against the ICC.

Kenyan leaders may also believe that withdrawing would provide them with an opportunity to reassert the narrative, which they so aggressively asserted at the time when the ICC was pursuing charges against Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, that the Court is biased against Africans and violates the sovereignty of African countries. Although there is an argument that the Court has disproportionally focused on African countries, the reality is more complex and the ICC is increasingly scrutinizing the conduct of major powers, including the US and the UK.

Why Kenya may nonetheless not withdraw immediately

The above indicates that a Kenyan withdrawal in the near future is a real possibility. However, Nairobi may for several reasons be inclined to instead use the threat of a withdrawal to push its agenda on the ICC, rather than immediately withdrawing.

Significantly, Nairobi has an interest in using the withdrawal threat to influence the procedures that will take place following Chambers recent decision to refer Kenya to the ICCs governing body, the ASP, due to its failure to cooperate in the post-election violence-related ICC cases. A withdrawal will not change anything in terms of the ASPs ability to address Kenyas non-cooperation, but it could affect the outcome. On the one hand, if Kenya goes ahead with a withdrawal this would essentially render meaningless ASP action since its weak powers to address situations of non-cooperation are mainly aimed at promoting that States cooperation in the future. On the other hand, if Kenya withdraws before these procedures are completed, Nairobi would have less influence on the outcome and may be more likely to be criticized in terms it would find uncomfortable. In other words, Nairobi may be tempted to use the threat of withdrawal as a bargaining chip to secure a better deal in terms of the outcome of ASP procedures. Both the Court itself and other States Parties have in the past often shown willingness to accommodate Kenyas demands, and there is presently little political will among other State Parties to add pressure on Kenya.

Additionally, during the recently conducted ASP, there was a notable change of tone concerning the possibility of finding some form of compromise to ICC rules on immunity of State Officials. So far, the Courts understanding has been that Heads of States subject to ICC arrest warrants enjoy no immunity whatsoever, resulting that other States have an obligation to arrest and transfer them to the Court if present on their territory. As Dapo Akande notes, the issue been a particularly toxic one in the relations between the African Union and the ICC. If remaining within the ICC system, Kenya may be offered a chance to take the lead on potential reforms, which could be portrayed as a significant diplomatic victory given Nairobis intensive campaign on the issue.

It is also important to keep in mind that Nairobi remains uncomfortable with the fact that the ICC is pursuing three Kenyans on charges of witness interference. If taken forward, these cases could potentially implicate persons closely associated with Kenyatta and Ruto. A withdrawal would not change Kenyas legal obligations under the Rome Statute to transfer the three Kenyans subject to arrest warrants to the Court, but Nairobi could use it as the ultimate explanation why it will not engage the Court further on these cases. Yet, Kenya has already indicated its reluctance to hand over the suspects and there are no signs that the Court is currently actively pursuing the cases. Although a potential withdrawal would make it even harder for the ICC to enforce the outstanding arrest warrants, it could possibly make Court officials reconsider the current go quiet strategy.

Further, Nairobi has managed to maintain normal relations with key actors in the West even at the time when Kenyatta was due to stand trial at the ICC. Undoubtedly, European diplomats are now urging Kenya to stay with the ICC. Even if it is unlikely that hard sanctions will be associated with a withdrawal, it would surely frustrate some European capitals if Kenya proceeds to withdraw. Nairobi recently demonstrated new willingness to defy major powers in the West when it decided to pull out its forces from a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. However, creating tensions with European capitals over a withdrawal from the ICC could simply be seen as not worth the price in the current context.

A withdrawal would also complicate an already complex domestic situation. As the Kenyan Government earlier on secured a mandate from Parliament to withdraw, it could argue it has a democratic mandate to do so. Yet, Parliaments motions calling for the government to pull out of the ICC were passed at a time when the ICC pursued charges against Kenyatta and Ruto, and were arguably mainly symbolic measures aimed at showing support for Kenyatta and Ruto at the time. There is currently significant resistance both in civil society and the political opposition to a withdrawal. Some opposition leaders claim a withdrawal would demonstrate Kenyatta and Rutos plan to rig the elections scheduled for 2017. Should the Kenyan government  already under significant pressure domestically for its failure to take meaningful action on grand corruption  opt to withdraw before the election, this could re-open the debate about how Kenyatta and Ruto used the government machinery to fight the ICC and to advance their personal interests.

Most observers suspect it is a question of when, not whether, Kenya will withdraw from the ICC. There is little doubt that Nairobi is seriously considering it. But it is also clear that a wide range of factors will inform the calculus, some of them creating significant incentives for Nairobi not to withdraw, at least immediately. For now, the most likely scenario may well be that Kenya uses the threat of a withdrawal as leverage.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday appealed to Myanmar's authorities to put an end to the violence in Rakhine state and take steps to provide Muslim Rohingyas there with "a normal life."

Nearly 125,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have crossed the border to Bangladesh in recent weeks, fleeing a security sweep by Myanmar forces who have been torching villages in response to attacks by Rohingya militants.

"The grievances and unresolved plight of the Rohingya have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization," Guterres told reporters.

"The authorities in Myanmar must take determined action to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and to provide security and assistance to all those in need."

The UN chief last week had called for restraint by the security forces to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe from the refugee exodus, but on Tuesday he stepped up the pressure, appealing to authorities to end the violence.

Myanmar's government must grant the Rohingya "either nationality or at least, for now, a legal status that will alow them to have a normal life including freedom of movement, access to labor markets, education and health services," he said.

The Muslim Rohingya are seen as illegal immigrants in mainly Buddhist Myanmar and have suffered decades of persecution, according to rights groups.

The United Nations has repeatedly called on Myanmar to grant the Rohingya rights, and a recent UN report said the brutal crackdown against the Muslim minority could amount to crimes against humanity.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said 80 percent of the Rohingya refugees who had fled to Bangladesh were women and children.

In northern Rakhine state, UNICEF workers are unable to reach 28,000 children in need of care while work on clean water, sanitation and school repairs has been suspended, the aid agency said in a statement.

Guterres wrote to the UN Security Council, calling for a strong message to be sent to Myanmar on the need to end the violence in Rakhine.

The council met last week to discuss the crisis, but there was no formal statement following the closed-door meeting.

Myanmar's de facto leader, Nobel laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, has come under fire over her unwillingness to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military.

Guterres declined to criticize Suu Kyi when asked about her failure to speak out, saying that the situation was complex.

"We want a Myanmar that is democratic but we also want a Myanmar where the Rohingya will see their rights fully respect," he said.
Photos Credit: Akaryn Hotel Group

Guests of the Aleenta Hua Hin Pranburi can find the ultimate extravagance and privacy in the luxury resorts various seaside villas. These spacious accommodations are ideal for group travel and for those seeking a home away from home.

Anchalika Kinjanakorn, owner of Akaryn Hotel Group, spent her childhood summers on the property with cousins and friends and welcomes others to create their own, nostalgic memories there today. "My fondest childhood memories are set in Pranburi. There were not TVs or air conditioning then, so we'd drag our mattresses to the roof and spend the night beneath the stars. In the morning, we'd sneak back inside at dawn; later, by day, we'd lounge in hammocks, fly kites on the breeze, and wander to nearby markets for sticky rice and mangoes. Time passes slowly here. I aim to preserve that serenity, and share it with guests who now visit what was once my private summer escape."

Multigenerational family trips, digital nomads, wedding parties seeking a locale to primp, prep and take photostruly, the options are endless for those seeking a private retreat. The villas offer two to four bedrooms that range from 13,000 sq ft. to 18,000 sq ft. These luxury villas feature private infinity pools, spacious lawns, large outdoor and indoor living spaces, and more. By request, guests can enjoy a private chef, and select suites have access to their very own 24-hour, on-call butler service. Included in the villa is daily gourmet breakfast for two people per bedroom.

Of dining in Pranburi, Kijanakorn says "Lunch and dinner were simple then; we didnt cook much, at the most we'd barbecue. I would tell my visiting foreign friends that mangoes and sticky rice are what Thai people eat for breakfast, lunch and dinnerto avoid cooking. Obviously, a lot has changed since then, and in addition to traditional summer dishes, we offer a wide variety of gourmet cuisine to our guests." The beachfront villas provide unspoiled views of the ocean, so guests can wake up in the morning to the breathtaking, turquoise waters and truly feel at home in Hua Hin.
More than 26,000 firefighters are working to contain and put out 130 wildfires out west.

Those fires have charred more than 1.5 million acres.

In Montana, the Rice Ridge Fire is threatening homes and forcing more than 1,000 to evacuate near Seeley Lake, about an hour drive from Missoula. More than 750 firefighters are working fire lightning sparked on July 24th. Monday night it was only 7 percent contained.

In Oregon, a fast moving wildfire threatened the lives of people on a popular trail. Over the weekend, flames stranded 153 hikers near Cascade Locks, which is near Portland. Crews got them out safely.

Authorities believe a firework started the wildfire. The suspect is a juvenile male.

California is also dealing with several wildfires.

In the north, one fire destroyed 72 homes and forced about 2,000 people to evacuate in Helena, which is near Redding.

In Washington State, the Jolly Mountain wildfire is burning in the mountains outside of Seattle. The fire started on August 11th and has scorched more than 20,000 acres. The latest evacuations call for people to leave nearly 1,000 homes.

The wildfires out west and in Canada are impacting skies in eastern Iowa. Time lapse video from the First Alert Weather Dubuque City Cam shows how thick the smoke is in the upper atmosphere, and what it meant for the sunset Monday.
KEARNEY  Stepsiblings brought Maria Vasquez from Mexico to the United States when she was age 10.

Today, 14 years later, she is 24, has a Social Security card and work permit and works at a Kearney food store.

The United States is a country with freedom. Everyone should feel that theyre free here to live better lives, to get an education and contribute to the country. Thats what the United States means to me, Vasquez said Monday as President Donald Trump was considering the end of the immigration program that provides legal status to Vasquez and an estimated 3,000 other young Nebraska residents.

Trump followed through today on a campaign promise to end the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, The Associated Press reported.

The government will stop processing new applications under President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

But the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

The Dreamers Act, as its also known, began in 2012 when President Barack Obama created the program through executive action. Obama also created a program to delay the deportation of undocumented parents of children born in the United States.

Vasquez applied for and acquired Dreamer status in 2012 and said she has known for the past five years the program could be rescinded, which could force her to return to Mexico.

She grew up in Guanajuato, a city in an agricultural area of central Mexico. Marias mother died when she was 7, and she lost her father at age 9.

I have family members there in Guanajuato, but Im not really close to them, so I dont know what I would do if something happens and I had to leave the United States, she said. I dont want to leave. I want to stay here and continue working and getting my education and contributing to this country.

Vasquez said she isnt acquainted with other Dreamers, but she believes theyre like her. They appreciate the opportunities in the United States and are working to succeed in education and the workplace.

Nebraska is our home. We dont know another place. I just want a better life and a better job. I want to contribute to this country because its my home, she said.

Now, if DACA ends, I feel a fear because I just dont know what might happen. I think it would be unfair if we had to leave the country, especially if we havent gotten in trouble with the law, she said.
KEARNEY  Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach has been nominated by President Donald Trump as U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

If approved by the U.S. Senate, Ibach would oversee three USDA programs: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; and Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration.

Ibach, a Sumner farmer-rancher, told the Hub in a phone interview this morning from the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island that he is honored to be nominated by the president, with the assistance of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Ibach said the next step will be a hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee and then a vote by the full Senate. I look forward to serving if Im approved by the Senate, he added.

Ibach said that in the meantime, My focus will continue to be the state Department of Agriculture.

He was recommended to the Trump Administration for the USDA position by Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer.

She said in a press release, I have known and worked with Greg for many years. He is an agriculture expert who has extensive knowledge of the industry and its numerous contributions to Nebraska, our country, and the world.

Im pleased the president accepted my recommendation of such an impressive Nebraskan. Once hes confirmed, I look forward to working with Greg to ensure Nebraskas producers have the tools necessary to continue feeding the world, she added.

Ibach has been Nebraskas ag director for the past 12 years. He had served as assistant director from 1999-2005 when Merlyn Carlson was director.

Carlson was appointed as USDA deputy undersecretary for natural resources and environment in June 2005 by then-Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, a former Nebraska governor.

Ibach also is immediate past president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

He and his wife, Teresa, have three grown children.

Ibachs nomination was one of three for USDA posts announced by the White House Friday night.

A USDA press release lists the other two as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, under secretary for farm production and conservation, which includes oversight of the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency, and Stephen Vaden as general counsel.

I urge the Senate to take up their nominations as quickly as possible, Perdue said. This is especially important given the challenges USDA will face in helping Texans and Louisianans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

The Ibach nomination was praised by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and farm group leaders.

Greg Ibach has a tremendous track record of serving Nebraska agriculture, said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson of Axtell. His years of service in leading the Nebraska Department of Agriculture make him an outstanding choice for the position of USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

Ricketts said that during Ibachs 12 years as state ag director, he has helped grow Nebraska by building the Nebraska brand and the states international trade relationships.

Greg brings outstanding experience to this role. While we will miss Gregs day-to-day presence here in Nebraska, he will continue to be a resource for Nebraska as we partner with him in his new role as well as a tremendous asset to the USDA and President Trumps Administration, Ricketts added.
KEARNEY  PenAir will make its final flight out of Kearney on Sunday, and that could leave the city without commuter air service until February 2018 or longer, Mayor Stan Clouse said today.

The federal Department of Transportation, which pays PenAir a subsidy to serve Kearney, had ordered the Alaska-based airline to continue its service until a replacement carrier is found, but PenAir, which has filed for bankruptcy, said its unable to continue because it lacks pilots.

North Platte and Scottsbluff also will lose PenAirs commuter flights to Denver after Sunday.

The situation is frustrating, Clouse said, because the city of Kearney has focused so much effort to secure commuter air service, only to see it fizzle  first with Great Lakes Aviation two years ago, and now with PenAir.

I have received calls from business people who fly regularly. It definitely has an impact on those businesses, Clouse said.

He said City Manager Mike Morgan has worked an incredible amount of time on Kearneys air service challenges, but Kearney is like many other smaller markets where commuter airlines find it difficult to hire pilots with enough experience to cover the flight schedule.

In addition to the three Nebraska cities, Dodge City and Liberal, Kan., both are losing PenAir service after Sunday.

Its not uncommon for cities like Kearney to be without air service, Clouse said. Its extremely frustrating, but at the end of the day its out of your control.

Morgan said it could be early February before a new airline is serving Kearney. A February startup assumes the new airline would fly turboprop aircraft and can use Kearney Regional Airports shorter crosswind runway.

If the new carrier flies jets  as Kearney is hoping  the delay between PenAirs pullout on Sunday and the startup for the new airline could stretch into next fall.

Thats because the city let a $12 million contract last week to reconstruct the airports primary runway to meet jet aircraft standards. The Federal Aviation Administration is paying 90 percent of the runway projects costs. That work is scheduled for completion in October 2018, but Morgan said Kearney would attempt to negotiate an earlier completion so jet service could begin.

Jet service is what Kearney has been seeking for a long time, Morgan said.

Kearney officials soon could know more about the prospects for future commuter service, Clouse said.

In one week, on Sept. 12, new bids are due to the DOT. Kearney will learn on Sept. 15 about the bids and will submit its recommendation to DOT by Sept. 18. The DOT will award routes on Nov. 1.

Morgan said the DOT may be unable to keep those deadlines because so many communities are looking to replace PenAir.
One person was injured early Tuesday in a fire at a Bellevue apartment complex.

Sarpy County 911 dispatchers said the fire at the Brent Village Apartments near Galvin Road and 13th Street was reported around 4 a.m.

The injured person was taken by a rescue squad in serious condition due to smoke inhalation to Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, dispatchers said. Another person was treated at the scene, KMTV reported.

The fire may have occurred on a second-floor landing in the apartment complex, KMTV said. An estimated 20 to 25 people were forced to flee from 12 units because of the fire, KMTV reported.

No cause for the fire has been determined, KMTV said.
A 2-year-old child from Omaha died after falling from a cliff while vacationing with family in Arizona, officials said.

Authorities in Sedona, Arizona, said in a press release that the child fell 50 to 60 feet down a cliff along the Midgley Bridge Trail on Saturday afternoon.

Rescuers rappelled down the cliff and found that the child had died, according to the Coconino County Sheriffs Office.

The incident is under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriffs Office and County Medical Examiners Office.

Lt. Gerrit Boeck of the Coconino County Sheriffs Office said his office would not release the name of the child Monday out of respect for the family. The child was with family on vacation.

The Midgley Bridge hiking area, along the popular Huckaby Trail, is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service.

Boeck said the County Medical Examiners Office had not determined a cause of death, and the Sheriffs Office still was interviewing witnesses.
I had to take my girl out of school one day last week for an ear appointment. These appointments arent new for her, but this time we really wanted better news. Instead we heard, ear drops and Come see us again in three weeks.

My 7-year-old cried because shes had enough of having her ears poked. And so has her mama.

On top of that, shes been fighting what we like to call, Back to school crud. Which in this case meant a few days of fever last week and laryngitis this week.

Its all just a lot for any little girl to take.

So after our doctor appointment, we picked up her baby brother and headed to our local pharmacy to get her prescription medicine. Instead we heard, Its not ready yet, come back in 15 minutes.

Awesome.

Instead of getting out and waiting (who wants to do that with a sad 7-year-old and a baby?), we decided ice cream was the perfect remedy for this bummer afternoon.

We drove through the nearest fast food place and ordered a vanilla cone. Its my girls favorite.

As I handed the cone to my girl, I fumbled it, then she fumbled it and the cone decided to drop  right there on the seat. But it wasnt just a quick drop and save. Of course not. The entire thing fell off the cone. I scooped the ice cream into my hands and tried to save it, but it was too late.

The cone was done. My girl was done. I was done.

Tears came. For her and me and the baby decided to join in too.

And then, a sweet stranger, the young woman who delivered my ice cream, saved the day. She could have looked the other way. I had already paid, there was no reason to say a word to me. But instead, she watched the disaster unfold and did something so simple yet so important to us.

She took the dripping ice cream from my hands and replaced it with a new cone.

And napkins.

And didnt charge me another $1.08.

All with a smile. And zero judgment.

I realize it was a small gesture and that $1.08 isnt something to get excited about. But gosh dang, her kindness surprised me.

In my happy tears, I forgot to ask for her name, but Im sharing now because you all need to know about her kindness.

To the young woman at Burger King in Kearney, Nebraska  thank you.

Thank you for proving that small gestures can make a huge impact.

Thank you for proving that your generation is pretty fantastic, even if you dont always get the credit you deserve.

And mostly, thank you for turning this frazzled moms sad tears into happy ones.

You rock. Also, you deserve a raise.
The ACLU has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Nebraska inmates alleging that overcrowding has led to unsafe conditions and that many prisoners arent having medical conditions treated.

The state has known such a lawsuit could happen and has tried to take measures to lessen crowding, but they have had little impact.

The numbers seem to back the lawsuits claims. Last month, Nebraskas prisons held 5,217 inmates. That is 160 percent of their capacity of 3,275.

So the ACLUs concerns are valid. However, since 2015 Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Legislature have been trying to address the issue.

State officials have worked to reduce overcrowding, but no significant reductions have been seen. Ricketts and state senators have been making strides, just not enough to satisfy the ACLU.

The state and ACLU can discuss ways to reduce Nebraskas prison population, but progress takes time.

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Cleanup of lead contamination has reduced the amount of the harmful metal in a space used by the public at the Kenosha County National Guard Armory.

The lead contamination was not publicized, but had been documented in the National Guards environmental report. The report stated that in 2015, the weapons vault floor had 395 micrograms of lead per square foot  the 13th highest level of lead detected in a Wisconsin armory. That same year, the U.S. National Guard published safety limits that any area with lead above 200 micrograms was considered hazardous.

Soldiers and adult karate students have used this part of the armory, 4200 43rd Ave., for years, exposing themselves to what health experts called a hazardous environment. The past four years of environmental safety records show lead levels are decreasing, indicating the effectiveness of the armorys effort to clean the contaminated areas.

This makes me very nervous, said karate student Michael Thomey, 65, when he learned about the high lead levels in the space he has used for years.

A test conducted in January showed none of the samples taken in 25 areas exceeded 40 micrograms per square foot, which is the current limit the Environmental Protection Agency recommends for facilities occupied by the public.

Seven of the 25 areas had some detection of lead, but they were all below 20 micrograms.

No safe lead

There is no safe amount of lead that the human body can consume, said Elizabeth Goodsitt, a spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

When lead is ingested or inhaled, it can affect nearly every organ and system in the body. In extreme cases it can cause coma, seizures or death, Goodsitt said.

Thomey has been taking karate classes at the armory with about 12 other men since 1988 with the Ying Yang Do Karate Association. The armory has served as their place of practice since the beginning, he said.

The armory is also the base of operations for the Bravo Company of the 257th Brigade Support Battalion. During the week, staff use the facility for administrative work and vehicle maintenance.

Discovered in 2012

The Wisconsin National Guard took steps to notify its soldiers and employees about the lead levels in contaminated armories in 2012 when it learned there was an issue, said Joe Trovato, deputy director of public affairs for the Wisconsin National Guard.

In 2012, Guard officials learned the encapsulation barriers, which sealed the lead on the walls of the former indoor firing ranges, were not working properly, and steps were taken to fix the problem, Trovato said.

But Thomey and Al Gomez, the former lead instructor for the karate group, said their group was kept in the dark about the lead levels. They had a signed agreement to use the space and paid the armory $1,100 a year for rent and insurance, Thomey said.

The armory is available to rent for community activities, according to the inspection reports, but the karate class and a Civil Air Patrol organization are the only groups that have used the space in recent years.

Thomey, who also serves as the treasurer for the karate class, said they were looking for a new place to practice before they learned about the lead levels, but he said the lead levels were the last straw in the decision to move.

The former lead instructor of the karate class, Gomez, was not concerned about the lead levels.

Since their time in the armory is limited and they are fully developed adults, Gomez felt the lead wasnt a threat to their health.

I think if children were in there, yeah, but as adults were not in our formative years anymore, he said.

No imminent threat

The levels in Kenoshas armory dont present an imminent health threat but they do indicate some contamination is occurring, said Henry Anderson, a population health professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Since lead was detected outside of the areas that were the former indoor firing ranges, its a sign that the lead dust has been traveling through the armory, Anderson said, possibly through shoe tracking and the ventilation system.

He said the armory should make sure people are not eating in areas with high lead levels.

In 2014, the kitchen counter was swabbed and showed lead was present, in a range between 10 and 90 micrograms, records show. The kitchen showed signs of improvement in 2015 when less than 10 micrograms of lead were detected in the swabbed surface.

In 2017, 13 micrograms of lead were detected on the kitchen floor.

It would behoove the National Guard to improve their armory and hygiene in the rooms, Anderson said.

Even the smallest amount of lead inhalation or ingestion can have an impact on adult health, said Dr. Elizabeth Neary a steering committee members for the Wisconsin Environmental Health Network.

Low lead levels contribute to high blood pressure in adults, among other health problems, Neary said.

If (the armory) is going to rent it out  they should inform the people the hazards of the location, she said.

The cleanup effort

The National Guard is still in the process of reducing the lead levels in armories throughout the U.S.

(The Wisconsin National Guard) continues work to bring the remaining facilities into compliance, because in some cases, additional cleaning or abatement will be required, Trovato said.

He added that all affected areas have been  or will be  cleaned.

In 2016, the National Guard made it mandatory for each armory to be tested annually for lead. Before that change, the armories were tested periodically, Trovato said.

We are committed to ensuring that our facilities are safe for our soldiers, families, civilian workforce and communities, Trovato said.
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Disturbing pictures have emerged of the carcasses of several dismembered animals seemingly dumped at the entrance to a Kent nature reserve.

The gruesome discovery was made last night at the entrance to Bartons Point Coastal Park on the Isle of Sheppey near Sheerness.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

The remains of ten pigeons and a rabbit were found by a gate to the nature reserve, with blood and feathers scattered around the area.

Islanders have suggested the grisly scene may have been the result of a deliberate act, with many suggesting it looks as though the pigeons had been plucked and meat removed from them by a poacher.

Commenting on a Facebook post about the discovery, Tony Harding added: They in all probability skinned the rabbit where they caught it.

The feet are removed in that process. The Pigeons were killed elsewhere for the breast meat, which is the only part worth the effort.

I do have issue with people that dump the remains of their hunt in a public place as these people have. It's plain wrong.

Other Facebook users suggested the incident may have been the work of someone more sadistic, citing a recent incident in which a fox was killed and hung on the gate of a property in Minster-On-Sea, as well as recent reports of the Croydon cat killer targeting rural locations.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Officers received a report concerning the dumping of animal carcasses at Bartons Point, Sheerness, at 8.26pm on Monday, September 4."
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Approximately 18 months ago, I was asked to serve as the surgical director for operating room (OR) services at our childrens hospital. The opportunity has been an eye-opening experience in understanding how a hospital functions.

ORs are like the economic engine room in a large ocean-going vessel. Without them functioning optimally, the boat stops moving, and is batted about by of waves economic disruption. If surgical admissions drop below a certain percentage of total hospital admissions, the margins disappear, and we are suddenly taking on debt and sinking.

A corollary to this is that when a budget crunch hits, expenses in the operating room are scrutinized and hard questions are asked about costs.

OR costs can be broken down into those that are generally fixed (lights, air filtration systems, water, labor, other costs of maintaining the physical plant, etc.) and non-fixed (everything else). There is some flexibility with fixed costs, but largely it is the expense of keeping the lights on and having rooms staffed and available.

Its when you start drilling down on non-fixed costs that things become very interesting.

A majority of non-fixed cost in the OR comes from disposable, one-time use items consumed during the course of an operation. These include different types of sutures (which range in cost from $1.50 to $83.00 per suture), and nifty, one-time use devices such as surgical staplers ($120), surgical ports ($120-$150), and thermal dissecting instruments ($400-600).

These costs are not what the consumer or their insurance companies pays. For example, a hospital pays $444 for an instrument known as a harmonic scalpel, but the patient or their insurer is billed $1,177 or more.

When you start examining disposable costs for a particular procedure, you can find wide variation among surgeons who are achieving the same clinical outcomes. For example, the disposable OR costs of a laparoscopic appendectomy can range from $160 to $2,600 with a mean and median around $1,400.

When adding up these costs, case by case for the same outcome, the unnecessary expenses become evident. There are 280,000 laparoscopic appendectomies performed in the United States each year. With a mean OR disposable cost of $1,400, the disposable (and largely unnecessary) expenditures for this procedure become staggering  approaching $400 million per year for the hospital and close to $1 billion per year for patients/insurers.

And this is the tip of the iceberg. There are many other operations performed every year with disposable costs that have not been scrutinized at all.

The truth is that many of these disposable devices are a luxury and there is no evidence of benefit to the patient or improved performance on the part of the surgeon.

One of counter arguments you will hear from surgeons is that eliminating these devices will reduce their efficiencies. With the exception of a handful of hospitals and surgery centers that are models of efficiency, this argument does not hold.

To begin with, efficiencies have more to do with fixed costs and how well you are controlling and utilizing them. Most hospital ORs are inefficient and fail to reach a standard operating capacity of 70 percent for this argument to apply. And even if they do reach 70 percent capacity, turnover times between cases, on-time starts, and further tuning of efficiency processes (which require no expenditures) should be undertaken first before spending money on disposables to improve efficiencies.

The second argument is that there are no data on outcomes. This is an argument people love to resort to when nothing else sticks.

I can only speak from the experience at my hospital, but our lowest cost surgeon in terms of OR disposables has the best outcomes for laparoscopic appendectomies. If one is to make the argument that outcomes are improved with disposable equipment, then they must first present data demonstrating that the disposable product or instrument is responsible for the improvement.

Interestingly, the European Union is already out in front on this issue of proving better outcomes with medical devices. Products undergo a rigorous certification process followed by re-certification every 3 years. Manufacturers must answer a fundamental question: is there unequivocal evidence that the device improves performance and outcomes?

If there is no evidence in the affirmative, then the device is not certified or re-certified.

In the U.S., government regulators have yet to establish a rigorous certification as that in the E.U. This is likely a result of the fear of big government interference with business.

But device companies should be very concerned that they will be held to a hard audit by a group with a direct, vested interest in this: hospitals.

Without any objective data demonstrating improved performance and outcomes, hospitals are under no obligation to buy products that demonstrate no benefit. And insurance companies will be under no obligation to pay the associated charges.

This hard audit is coming. It is now occurring in my hospital. The only recourse device companies will have to ensure continued demand for their products is to provide data to support improved outcomes and performance for any device they plan on selling. Hospitals otherwise may not buy it.

Peter F. Nichol is chief medical officer, Medaware Systems.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
A plethora of events have been organised to celebrate the 150th anniversary of opening of The Church of the Assumption in Thomastown.

Already an extensive photographic display involving various aspects in the Church's life has been compiled and is on display in the church.

It chronicles the life of the church building, First Holy Communions,Confirmations, weddings, Corpus Christi processions and serving clergy over the years.

It includes massgoers and cartoons of Monsignor Martin Drea, former PP which are all attracting great attention from locals and visitors alike.

Many talks have been organised for the next few weeks.

On Thursday, Fr Fergus Farrell will talk on The Church building in Thomastown.

On Tuesday, September 12, Fr. Drea's Drawings; the graphic diary of an Irish priest, 1912-14 by David Bracken. On Wednesday, September 20, Thomastown Protestants, No petty people is a lecture to be given by local historian, by Joe Doyle. Also The John White Pipe Organ in Thomastown will be presented by Frank Lawrence

Monday, September 25, A Church alive is the life of the Church by Fr. Dermot Ryan.

Thursday, October 5, Faith without justice is dead by Fr. Peter McVerry S.J. All talks are at 7.30pm each evening in Thomastown Community Hall, Marshes St and there is no charge.

An American Tea Party, part of the parish celebration, will be held in the Community Hall on Friday.

On Saturday, October 7, instead of the usual 7pm Mass, there will be a concert in the Parish Church.

To round off the occasion a Celebratory Mass will take place in the church on Sunday, October 8 at 3 p.m. with refreshments for all. afterwards.
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Sept 5 (Reuters) - Australia shares are likely to open marginally higher on Tuesday, as investors await the Reserve Bank of Australia policy meet later in the day, while material stocks are expected to be up on gains in commodity prices.

According to a Reuters poll of economists, Australia's central bank is expected to keep its cash rate at a record low of 1.5 percent at its monthly policy meeting. Among commodities, Chinese steel rebar futures jumped to their highest in four and a half years, while nickel and copper hit multi-year highs amid signs of strong Chinese growth. The local share price index futures rose 0.2 percent to 5,691, an 11-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close. The benchmark fell 0.4 percent on Monday.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.09 percent in early trade.

(Reporting by Sumeet Gaikwad in Bengaluru; Editing by James Dalgleish)
XIAMEN, China (Reuters) - China will give $80 million in funding for BRICS cooperation plans, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday, while the bloc of five emerging countries pledged to oppose protectionism.

Xi offered 500 million yuan ($76.4 million) for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan, and another $4 million for projects at the groups New Development Bank (NDB) during a three-day leaders summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen.

Chinas new contributions to BRICS pale in comparison to its $124 billion pledge earlier in May for Xis own Belt and Road initiative, which aims to expand links between Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond as a new way to boost global development.

The announcement came amid questions over the relevance of BRICS and Chinas commitment to the NDB in light of the Belt and Road initiative and the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, both key efforts by Beijing to bolster its global influence.

Xi said during a plenary session at the BRICS leaders summit that the five emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - should increase cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, monetary policy and finance, and sustainable development.

We should redouble our efforts to comprehensively deepen BRICS partnerships and open BRICS cooperation, he said.

Set up in 20l5 as an alternative to the World Bank, the Shanghai-headquartered NDB was seen as the first major BRICS achievement after the group came together in 2009 to press for a bigger say in the post-World War Two financial order created by Western powers.

The BRICS leaders will gather in Xiamen through Tuesday, giving host China its latest chance to position itself as a bulwark of globalization in the face of U.S. President Donald Trumps America First agenda.

A draft Xiamen Declaration seen by Reuters, a formal version of which is expected to be issued later, said BRICS countries will continue to firmly oppose protectionism as they are committed to an open and inclusive multilateral trading system.

The communique emphasized the need to be vigilant in guarding against inward-looking policies that could hurt global market confidence, and called upon all countries to fully implement the Paris climate agreement.

The summit has been overshadowed by North Koreas sixth and most powerful nuclear test, which came on Sunday just hours before Xi opened the meeting with a keynote speech, and prompted a vow of a massive military response from the United States if it or its allies were threatened.

Though Chinas Foreign Ministry has condemned the test, Xi did not mention North Korea during that 45-minute address or in his televised remarks during Mondays plenary session.

The BRICS grouping said in its draft communique that it strongly deplored Pyongyangs test, but that the problem over its nuclear program should only be settled through peaceful means and dialogue.

We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula, it said.

North Korea tested two ICBMs in July that could fly about 10,000 km (6,200 miles), putting many parts of the U.S. mainland within range and prompting a new round of tough international sanctions.

Though angered over the tests, China - North Koreas closest ally - has lambasted the West and its allies over recent weeks for promoting the China responsibility theory for North Korea.

The U.N. Security Council was set to meet later on Monday to discuss new sanctions against the isolated regime.

Chen Fengying, an economics expert at the state-backed China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting that at the most BRICS countries will take note of the North Korean problem.

Intervention is rather difficult. Our cooperation is mainly on global governance, she said.
By Michael Nienaber

BERLIN, Sept 4 (Reuters) - The leading candidates of Germany's smaller parties locked horns over migration, security and foreign policy in a television debate on Monday.

It came less than three weeks before the federal election in which the third-placed party could turn out to be the kingmaker.

The clash followed a debate between centre-right Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Social Democrat (SPD) challenger Martin Schulz on Sunday in which hardly any differences emerged.

This stirred speculation that a re-run of the current grand coalition between the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD is the most likely outcome of the Sept. 24 vote. Merkel and Schulz both have stressed they want to avoid such a scenario. But polls suggest that the next government would have a stable majority only with another grand coalition or with a tricky three-way coalition between the conservatives, the Greens and the business-friendly Free Democrats (FDP).

In the debate of the smaller parties, Cem Ozdemir from the Greens attacked Die Linke (Left) candidate Sahra Wagenknecht and AfD politician Alice Weidel for their euroceptic rhetoric.

"This anti-European populism is simply wrong -- no matter if it comes from far-left or far-right," Ozdemir said, adding that Germany was benefitting immensely from the European Union and that it was easy to always blame Brussels for national problems in member states.

Weidel from the rightist anti-immigrant AfD blamed the European Central Bank's ultra-loose monetary policy for soaring rents and property prices in German cities and accused the ECB of violating European treaties with its bond-buying programme.

FDP candidate Christian Lindner tried to corner Ozdemir by accusing him of applying double standards in foreign policy and having an inconsistent approach towards Russia.

IMMIGRATION LAW

Lindner raised eyebrows last month when he suggested that Germany might have to accept Russia's 2014 annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine as a "permanent provisional arrangement". Merkel has condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for anti-government separatists in eastern Ukraine, leading Europe in maintaining economic sanctions against Moscow.

Linder himself said Germany should not mix refugee and asylum policies with the need for a modern and well-directed immigration law to attract more highly educated workers from abroad to avert a shortage of skilled labour in Germany.

Turning to the threat of Islamist attacks, Lindner said there was no need for tougher security laws, adding that last year's Christmas market attack in Berlin by a failed asylum seeker could probably have been averted if authorities had only implemented existing laws more strictly.

AfD's Weidel called for tougher border controls to improve security and suggested there should be an upper limit of 10,000 refugees per year. The Bavarian CSU conservatives want an official cap of 200,000 refugees per year -- a proposal opposed by Merkel and the co-governing Social Democrats.

The SPD is trailing Merkel's conservative CDU/CSU bloc by double digits in polls. The latest survey by Emnid showed on Sunday that the SPD gained one percentage point to 24 percent and Merkel's conservatives remained unchanged at 38 percent.

The leftist Die Linke came in at 9 percent, making it the third-strongest political force. The Greens, FDP and AfD stood at 8 percent each.

This means that six parties are expected to enter the Bundestag lower house of parliament, up from the current four. The fractured political landscape could make it hard to form another viable alliance than the current grand coalition.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Decision Europe: Full election coverage cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?navid=72745 German election graphic: Polls and parties ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Michael Nienaber Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Texas on Monday edged toward recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey as shipping channels, oil pipelines and refineries restarted some operations and authorities lifted an evacuation order for the area around a once-burning chemical plant.

Port operations across the U.S. Gulf Coast oil and gas hub were resuming, although many still had restrictions on vessel draft, according to U.S. Coast Guard updates.

U.S. gasoline prices fell in expectation that the area can get back on its feet after Harvey wrought a path of destruction stretching for more than 300 miles (480 km), killing an estimated 50 people and displacing more than 1 million. Benchmark U.S. gasoline futures fell by more than 3 percent on Monday.

The Coast Guard allowed some barge traffic to enter Port Arthur, Texas, home of the countrys largest oil refinery, and is considering allowing ships to enter on Tuesday, a spokesman said.

Flooding from Harvey caused fires at the Arkema SA chemical plant in Crosby, some 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Houston.

But on Monday, the company said the Crosby Fire Department had lifted a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) evacuation zone around the plant, allowing people to return to their homes.

The lifting of the order may help residents like Paul Mincey, a 31-year-old tugboat engineer who has been kept out of the ranch home he shares with his girlfriend, return to normal.

It could be full of snakes for all we know. We have no idea whats in there, Mincey said from aboard a tugboat in the Houston Ship Channel, which he said was polluted by floating railroad ties, trees and trash strewn by the storm.

Like others forced from the evacuation zone, Mincey said he was eager to assess water damage and begin repairs while hoping for financial aid to deal with property damage.

(To view a graphic on Harvey's energy impact, click tmsnrt.rs/2xzso1S)

ANOTHER HURRICANE BREWING

As the recovery from Harvey picked up speed, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in preparation for the arrival of Irma, a dangerous Category 4 hurricane.

Irma is set to hit the U.S. territory on Wednesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Current models do not show Irma entering the Gulf of Mexico, where Harvey dealt a major blow to the most important energy hub in the United States, taking up to one-fourth of the countrys oil refining capacity offline and driving up fuel prices.

Colonial Pipeline, the largest American fuel system, said on Monday it would restart a segment of its pipeline in Texas that had been cut off, enabling it to restore the flow of distillates such as diesel fuel from Texas to New Jersey.

The gasoline pipeline was due to resume operations on Tuesday, the company said.

Most ports in Texas were open on Monday, some with restrictions on traffic and vessel size, said Colonel Lars Zetterstrom, head of the Army Corps of Engineers regional office in Galveston.

(To view a graphic on storms in the North Atlantic, click tmsnrt.rs/2gcckz5)

HOW TO PAY?

The question of how to pay for hurricane recovery was consuming Washington after Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday increased his damage estimate to between $150 billion and $180 billion.

Some 190,000 homes were damaged and another 13,500 destroyed, the Texas Department of Public Safety said on Monday.

At least 33,000 people sought refuge in Texas shelters overnight, with another 1,300 doing so in Louisiana, the American Red Cross said.

Republicans and Democrats returning to Washington after a month-long break will need to put differences aside in order to approve an aid package. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday challenged Congress to raise the governments debt limit in order to free up relief spending.

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote Wednesday on $7.85 billion in emergency relief funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration and plans another vote later this month on a separate $6.7 billion sought by President Donald Trump.

In one indication of funding needs, the Texas Department of Public Safety on Monday estimated damage to public property at $382.3 million.

(To view a graphic on Hurricane costs, click tmsnrt.rs/2vGkbHS)
BRUSSELS, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Belgium sold 1.779 billion euros ($2.12 billion) of short-term debt on Tuesday, with yields for six month maturities dropping below the benchmark three-month rate, the country's debt agency said.

The yield on three-month treasury bills, the most frequently auctioned maturity, rose to a negative 0.635 percent, from a negative 0.641 percent at an auction a month ago.

For six-month paper, last auctioned on Aug 1 at a negative yield of 0.619 percent, the yield dropped to a negative 0.644 percent.

Belgium has received, rather than paid, interest on most of its short-term borrowings for some three years. ($1 = 0.8405 euros)

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop)
BRASILIA, Sept 5 (Reuters) - A rescue plan launched by Brazil's federal government for Rio de Janeiro should help the cash-strapped state raise about 63 billion reais through 2020, Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Silvio Cascione)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
ZLIN, Czech Republic, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The Czech economy is overheating to a certain extent, though it is nothing "fatal", central bank governor Jiri Rusnok told reporters ahead of a debate in the eastern city of Zlin on Tuesday.

"The economy is overheating to a certain extent," Rusnok said. "It is not that fatal."

The bank raised its main rate by 20 basis points to 0.25 percent last month and strong economic data since then have prompted hawkish comments from two other central bank board members.

(Reporting by Michael Mueller, Editing by Michael Kahn)
FRANKFURT, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Private investors must share the burden of any bank rescue, a senior European Central Bank supervisor said on Tuesday, calling for subjecting the sector to "market discipline". "A substantial private sector burden-sharing is a non-negotiable prerequisite prior to public funds being touched," Pentti Hakkarainen, a member of the supervisory board of the ECB, told a conference. "In regulating and supervising financial institutions, we should still make space for market forces and market discipline to act," he added.

(Reporting By Francesco Canepa)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
Editor's Note: Kitco readers, have your say! Check out our newest feature - KITCO CHAT! - where you can share your comments and ask questions directly to us.

Operations at Gran Colombia Gold Corp.s (TSX:GCM) mines and plant in Segovia in Colombia have returned to normal after a 42-day civil disruption ended Friday, the company says. We are pleased to see the civil strike in Segovia and Remedios has been lifted and we can get back on track with our 2017 operating and capital plan, says Lombardo Paredes, chief executive officer . The CEO says that while production in August was below normal, officials expect to meet annual output guidance for 2017 of 150,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold. Over the next few months, the company will negotiate specific operating contracts with each of the mining collectives based on general terms agreed to Friday between the Ministry of Mines, the governor of Antioquia, the mayors of Segovia and Remedios, the Mesa Minera and the company, Gran Colombia says. Compensation under these new operating contracts will be established for each mining collective individually, with the company retaining between 10% and 60% of the spot price for each ounce of gold produced. The contracts will require that all ore be processed at the companys Maria Dama plant.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Detour Gold Enters Guilty Plea On Charge Stemming From Fatality

Detour Gold Corp. (TSX: DGC) reports that it entered a guilty plea to one count of criminal negligence causing death in connection with a fatality that occurred at the Detour Lake mine site in June 2015. The company says it accepted responsibility for the death of an employee from acute cyanide intoxication via skin absorption. The company was ordered to pay a fine of C$1.4 million plus a corresponding 30% surcharge. In addition, the court, as requested by Detour Gold, ordered a restitution payment for the family of the deceased worker for lost income through retirement. "We reiterate our sadness for the pain this has caused the family. No workplace death is acceptable and we are committed to continuing our efforts to work diligently towards our commitment to Zero Harm," says Paul Martin, president and chief executive officer. As a result of pleading guilty to the one count of criminal negligence causing death, the Occupational Health and Safety Act charges against Detour Gold were withdrawn, the company reports.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Kirkland Lake Gold Upping Stake In Novo Resources

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX: KL; NYSE:KL) says it has agreed to up its investment in Novo Resources Corp. Kirkland Lake says it will acquire 14 million units for C$4 each for a total cost of C$56 million under a private placement financing. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Upon closing, Kirkland Lake is expected to own 18.2% of Novos outstanding common shares and will hold approximately 25.5% on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the warrants, Kirkland Lake says. Our investment in Novo is an important part of our strategy to grow and enhance the value of our Australian franchise, which currently includes large land positions in Victoria and the Northern Territory, and production from our high-grade Fosterville Gold Mine, says Tony Makuch, president and chief executive officer of Kirkland Lake Gold. Investing in Novo will provide our company with exposure to highly prospective exploration targets in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, including the Karratha gold project, where recent exploration results have been very encouraging and suggest that the property may be host to a large gold system with significant potential for profitable, long-life production.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Agnico Eagle: Exploration Means Potential To Upgrade Reserves

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (NYSE, TSX: AEM) has provided an upbeat assessment on 2017 exploration activities. We believe that there is good potential to expand and upgrade the mineral resources and mineral reserves at many of our key projects by year-end 2017, says Sean Boyd, chief executive officer. Drilling at the Amaruq project in Nunavut traces gold beneath current Whale Tail and V Zone mineral resources , with the company reporting a strongly mineralized quartz vein that returned 8.6 grams per tonne gold over 38.7 meters at a depth of 273 meters. Meanwhile a new Tugak structure was identified 4.5 kilometers west of Whale Tail at Amaruq, with initial results including 2.5 g/t gold over 10 meters near the surface. Follow-up drilling is planned. At the Barsele project in Sweden, a high-grade interval in the central zone intersected 5.4 g/t gold over 11.5 meters at 275 meters deep. In Mexico, La India drilling extended near-pit mineralization and other near-mine targets, Agnico Eagle says. Drilling at El Realito intersected 9.5 g/t gold and 36 g/t silver over 7.3 meters at 92 meters depth, while drilling at La Chipriona intersected 1.4 g/t gold and 67 g/t silver over 40.3 meters near the surface. At El Barqueno, drilling extends the strike length of Azteca-Zapateco zones by over 1,000 meters to west, with recent results in the far west including 6.3 g/t gold and 45 g/t silver over 5.7 meters at 201 meters depth.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Acacia Mining To Reduce Operations At Tanzanian Mine

Acacia Mining (London: ACA) says it will stop underground work at its Bulyanhulu gold mine due to the Tanzanian governments export ban on gold and copper concentrates. As a result, Acacia now expects annual gold production to be some 100,000 ounces lower than the bottom of the previous guidance range of 850,000 to 900,000. However, guidance for all-in sustaining costs remains between $880 and $920 due to cost-savings initiatives and a reduction in planned capital expenditures. Since the March ban, Acacia has seen a build-up of some $265 million of concentrate inventory in Tanzania, the company says. The loss of revenue, indirect taxes and other changes led to a cash outflow of some $210 million for the year to date, Acacia says. The impact of the ban, in addition to the deterioration of the current operating environment, has led to negative cash flow of approximately $15 million per month at the mine and thus has made ordinary course operations at Bulyanhulu unsustainable, the company says. Acacia has therefore decided to commence a program to reduce operational activity and expenditure at Bulyanhulu in order to preserve the viability of our business over the longer term. In the meantime, discussions with the government will continue, Acadia adds. For now, Buzwagi, the companys other mine affected by the ban, will continue to operate due to its short remaining mine life and a lower impact on the companys cash outflow, Acadia says. The mine has commenced a trial to test whether it is cash flow positive in light of the current export ban to change the processing flow sheet to solely produce dore and no concentrate, Acacia says. This change would mean a reduction in overall gold and silver recoveries and the mine would no longer recover the contained copper, but would enable the mine to sell all the gold and silver it produces rather than only 35% of production. This could bring forward the planned end of gold/copper concentrate production from mid-2018.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Brio Gold: Feasibility Study Shows Lower Costs, Increased Reserves

Brio Gold Inc. (TSX: BRIO) says a positive feasibility study for its Santa Luz project demonstrates lower operating costs and initial capital expenditures, when compared to the July 2016 pre-feasibility study. Highlights include projected annual average gold production of 100,000 ounces, including 150,000 in the first year, with overall output now totaling 1.056 million ounces, up from 1.028 million previously. The initial capital cost was lowered to $82 million from $88 million, while average all-in sustaining costs were trimmed to $808 an ounce from $923 previously. "We can confidently say that we have 'cracked the nut' on Santa Luz gold recovery and de-risked this great project," says Gil Clausen, Brio Gold's president and CEO. "We are highly confident in the flow sheet with the success of continuous dual pilot plant runs conducted over the last eight months. Recoveries have been reliably consistent at 84%, he adds.
Editor's Note: Kitco readers, have your say! Check out our newest feature - KITCO CHAT! - where you can share your comments and ask questions directly to us.

Exchange operator CME Group reports that the volume of metals trading rose 50% year-on-year in August. An average of 622,000 contracts traded daily, compared to 414,000 in the same month of 2016. Gold futures and options average daily volume soared 57% to 345,000 contracts, including a 68% jump in gold options volume to an average of 44,000 contracts daily. Silver futures and options average volume rose 34% to 121,000 contracts, while copper futures and options volume averaged more than 128,000 contracts per day, up 57%. Record open interest in copper futures was hit at 338,000 contracts on Aug.16, CME Group says. On a three-month rolling basis, metals volume was 563,000 contracts for the period ending with August, up from 533,000 for the three-month periods ending with both July and June.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

MKS: Gold Threatens $1,340 On North Korean News Before Pulling Back

Gold remains underpinned by geopolitical tensions surrounding North Koreas weapons program, says MKS (Switzerland) S.A. Following the flight to safety on Monday after North Korea's hydrogen bomb test, bullion continued to see strength during Asian trade on Tuesday as the risk-off theme continued, says Sam Laughlin, senior trader for precious metals with MKS. Spot gold nearly touched $1,340 Monday and challenged this level again during Tuesday Asian trading hours, he continues. As we saw on Monday, the headline-driven gains proved to be unsustainable and bullion settled into a narrow range either side of $1,335 during the afternoon, seeing resilient price action on the back of the underlying risk-off tone, Laughlin says. We continue to see interest on dips underneath $1,335, and moves below $1,330 and $1,325 are likely required to flush out any short-term long positioning that has accumulated so far this week. With a move through $1,340 proving to unattainable thus far, we wait for both further developments out of the Korean peninsula and New York's appetite for bullion today following their return from holiday. As of 8:21 a.m. EDT, spot gold was down $3 to $1,330.50 an ounce after getting as high as $1,338.75 overnight.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Standard Chartered: Less Hawkish Fed To Support Gold Prices

Standard Chartered looks for gold to be underpinned as markets price in prospects for the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee to eventually become less aggressive on interest-rate hikes. As of the start of the week, interest-rate markets were factoring in a roughly 35% probability of another rate hike this year, Standard says. Standard Chartered economists call for a third rate hike in December and two more in 2018, as well as a September announcement of the start of gradual balance-sheet normalization. Standard Chartered analysts say they expect gold to remain above $1,300 an ounce, although they also warn that there is potential for a price correction after recent strength. Still, the bank says, Gold is likely to benefit from the market pricing in a less hawkish Fed for 2018-19.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Standard Chartered: Gold Prices Could Affect Physical Demand

Higher gold prices could dent seasonal physical gold demand, although buying likely would pick up again on any price pullbacks, says Standard Chartered. Autumn is typically a seasonally strong period for gold due to holiday-related buying in key consuming nations such as India. Gold prices have rallied despite a weak physical market, and it bodes well for prices that seasonal demand should materialize in coming weeks, particularly in India, Standard Chartered says. However, given elevated prices, demand may be weaker than expected initially. Thereafter, should gold prices dip, notably towards $1,250/oz, the physical market should provide increasing support, limiting downside risk at lower levels. Geopolitical risks have provided the main impetus for the rally in gold, Standard Chartered says, pointing out that tactical investors have increased their bullish exposure to the metal and exchange-traded product holdings have risen.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

BBH: North Korean Weapons Program Main Geopolitical Issue For Markets

The North Korean story is likely to be the main geopolitical backdrop affecting the investment climate, says Brown Brothers Harriman. Analysts cite news reports suggesting that North Korea is moving an ICBM missile toward a launch pad in the western part of the country at night to minimize detection. Meanwhile, South Korea is escalating its military preparedness and the U.S. is seeking new sanctions. All of this is keeping investors on edge, BBH says. There is some thought that North Korea may launch its ICBM as early as Sept. 9, National Foundation Day, BBH says.
LONDON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - HSBC will no longer employ Bell Pottinger following the public relations firm's expulsion from the industry's trade association over a campaign judged to have deliberately stoked racial tensions in South Africa.

"We have used Bell Pottinger for specific projects in the past but will not be doing so in the future," a spokeswoman for Europe's biggest bank told Reuters by email on Tuesday.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) earlier found that Bell Pottinger had backed a campaign that played on still-sensitive race relations, in support of South African President Jacob Zuma and his ruling party. (Reporting By Lawrence White. Editing by Andrew MacAskill)
DUBLIN, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Ireland's unemployment rate ticked back down to 6.3 percent in August from 6.4 percent in July, the state statistics service said on Tuesday, reversing a rare rise the previous month.

Employment has grown strongly since the jobless rate peaked at 15.1 percent in 2012 when Ireland was midway through a three-year international bailout, and expanded at its fastest rate since the financial crisis in the first quarter of the year.

Ireland's finance department forecasts that the unemployment rate will dip below 6 percent by the end of this year, meaning the economy could reach full employment next year with the rate forecast to remain at 5.5 percent from 2018 onwards.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Jon Boyle)
NEW YORK, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The Pimco Total Return Bond Fund, which had lost its crown as the world's largest bond fund in the world following Bill Gross's shocking exit, attracted its first inflows since April 2013. Investors poured $348 million of new cash into the Pimco Total Return Bond Fund in August, bringing its assets under management to $74.7 billion. The Pimco Total Return Fund, which Gross had managed since 1987, hit a peak of $292.9 billion in assets under management in April 2013. A Pimco spokesman declined to comment.

(Reporting By Jennifer Ablan; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
BEIJING, Sept 5 (Reuters) - It is the interest of the long-term development of blockchain technologies for the rapidly growing market for fundraising through the issue of digital currencies to be regulated, an adviser to China's central bank said on Tuesday.

Sheng Songcheng, adviser to the People's Bank of China (PBOC), said regulation was needed for a healthy market.

Sheng's comments, in an interview with financial magazine Yicai, came a day after China banned and deemed illegal the practice of raising funds through the so-called initial coin offerings (ICOs). Under such offerings a digital currency based on blockchain technology is sold publicly and often traded on secondary exchanges.

The value for the holder lies not in the product for which funds are being raised, but in the potential for the currency's worth to rise.

"A large number of individual investors, including 'da ma' (middle-aged, retired women) entering the market was a signal that ICOs have entered the regulation phase," said Sheng. "This rectification is mainly to warn of risks and protect investors' rights."

But Sheng said that blockchain technology should be supported and that China could be a global leader in the adoption of the technology.

Sheng also suggested coin issuances could still take place in China following the current market reset, once new rules were in place, according to Yicai.

Sheng has said previously that virtual currencies like bitcoin are assets but bitcoin in itself does not have the fundamental attributes needed to be a currency that could meet modern economic development needs.

(Reporting by Elias Glenn Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)
Sept 5 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Tuesday.

GDP DATA

Romania's national statistics board to release preliminary second-quarter gross domestic product data at 0600 GMT.

Romania's economy expanded a more than expected 5.9 percent on the year in the second quarter of 2017, a flash estimate showed in August.

COURT TRIALS

The separate trials in which ruling Social Democrat leader and lower house speaker Liviu Dragnea is accused of being an acomplice to abuse of office and in which junior ruling party ALDE leader and senate speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu is accused of giving false testimony have court dates on Tuesday.

Analysts were not expecting rulings at this date.

PPI DATA

Romanian industrial producer prices rose 3.0 percent on the year in July but were flat on the month, data from the National Statistics Board showed on Monday. DEBT TENDER

Romania sold a planned 800 million lei ($207.33 million) worth of six-month treasury bills on Monday, with the average accepted yield at 0.65 percent, central bank data showed. BUDGET

Romania's consolidated budget recorded a deficit of 0.8 percent of gross domestic product at the end of August, Prime Minister Mihai Tudose told parliament on Monday citing preliminary data. He also said a budget plan for 2018 will be sent to parliament in November. CEE MARKETS

An upgrade in the sovereign rating outlook from Fitch helped Czech assets on Monday buck a decline in other Central European markets as risk aversion gripped investors after a nuclear test in North Korea. CORPORATE BONDS

The International Investment Bank (IIB) has manadated BT Capital Partners and BCR to advise on a corporate bond issue on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. No details over size or maturity were provided. IIB has sold Oct. 2018 bonds worth 111 million lei in 2015 and Sept. 2019 bonds worth 300 million lei in 2016.

Ziarul Financiar

For the long-term Romanian diary, click on For emerging markets economic events, click on For an index of all diaries, click on For other related news, double click on: --------------------------------------------------------------- Romanian equities RO-E E.Europe equities .CEE Romanian money RO-M Romanian debt RO-D Eastern Europe EEU All emerging markets EMRG Hot stocks HOT Stock markets STX Market debt news DBT Forex news FRX For real-time index quotes, double click on: Bucharest BETI Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX --------------------------------------------------------------- ($1 = 3.8621 lei)
HANOI, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0424 GMT.

September 5 USD/VND mid-point 22,439 USD/VND interbank 22,728/22,729 USD/VND unofficial 22,720/22,740 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.67/36.89

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.5-1.1

1 week 0.8-1.2

1 month 1.6-1.9

3 months 3.2-3.6

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
STOCKHOLM, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Sweden's centre-left government said on Tuesday it planned to spend 4.3 billion Swedish crowns ($540 million) in its 2018 budget to boost job growth.

The money will go to create more places in higher education and to help immigrants get into the job market.

More than 160,000 asylum seekers arrived in Sweden in 2015, many with low levels of education.

The budget will be published on Sept. 20.

The minority government said last month it had room for 40 billion crowns in extra spending in the budget. It has already promised more money for the military, police and to cut taxes for pensioners. ($1 = 7.9621 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Simon Johnson)
LONDON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Britain's sale via syndication of a 50-year government bond attracted the second highest amount of orders on record, the United Kingdom Debt Management Office (DMO) said on Tuesday.

Britain sold 4 billion pounds ($5.2 billion) of the 2.5 percent 2065 conventional gilt but attracted orders worth 25.2 billion pounds, the DMO said.

"Once again very strong support was mobilised from our core investor base," DMO chief executive Robert Stheeman said in a statement. Domestic investors accounted for 90 percent of the allocation, the DMO said.

Earlier, the DMO said that the gilt was sold at a price that gives an average yield of 1.547 percent, equivalent to half a basis point more than the yield of the 3.5 percent 2068 gilt that is used as a benchmark.

Yields on the benchmark 50-year gilt later fell almost 6 basis points on the day to 1.51 percent, and those on the 2065 gilt dropped a similar amount.

The DMO said it expected the final proceeds from the transaction to amount to around 5.3 billion pounds.

HSBC , Morgan Stanley , NatWest Markets and Scotiabank acted as joint bookrunners. ($1 = 0.7682 pounds)

(Reporting by Andy Bruce, editing by David Milliken)
BUDAPEST, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The Hungarian Government Debt Management Agency (AKK) sold 15 billion forints ($58.26 million) worth of three-month Treasury bills on Tuesday, as planned, it said. It happened for the first time that all the Hungarian government papers sold at an auction were bought at a negative yield. Series: D171213 Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 05/09/2017 29/08/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 49.60 28.50 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 15.00 15.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) -0.02 0.00 ($1 = 257.4800 forints)

(Reporting by Sandor Peto)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
ISTANBUL, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Turkish conglomerate Kibar Holding has plans to produce a third vehicle model at its Hyundai Assan factory in northwest Turkey, although the decision has not yet been finalised, chairman Ali Kibar told Reuters on Tuesday.

He also said in an interview that Kibar Holding may hold initial public offerings for one or two of its group firms, but only if the proceeds can be used to buy a company active on a global scale.

Kibar's energy unit was in talks on increasing the volume of its natural gas import licence, which currently amounts to one billion cubic metres annually, he added.

(Reporting by Can Sezer; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan)
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Cellist Yang Sung-won / Courtesy of Universal Music

By Yun Suh-young

Cellist Yang Sung-won released a new Bach album "J. S. Bach Cello Suites" with Decca Records 12 years after his 2005 eponymously titled recording with EMI. It has been four years since he played Bach's collection of suites for cello in public.

Yang recorded his second album of Bach's cello suites in April at the La Chapelle de Notre Dame de Bon Secours in Paris. Yang commented that the second time around was more difficult than the first because he had to react more sensitively than the first time. Bach's cello suites are known to be the "Old Testament" of cello repertoires. For Yang, they always challenge him.

"My interpretation on the pieces changes every time and I realize fresh opportunities when I perform. It's inspirational," he said.

"I have an old habit which is to play a very slow piece by Bach when I'm out of energy or fatigued by my daily life which is when my senses are numb. I follow the flow of the music and I become one with it. I engage only with music until the complexities are emptied from my hardened body.

"After several hours of playing, I gain courage to confront the world inside me, like a fresh leaf growing from a tree. Bach's music provides something beyond joy _ it's both intellectual and spiritual."

The complexity, simplicity, fulfillment and emptiness of Bach's cello suites are characteristics that make Yang keep challenging himself. Bach composed the cello suites in the 1720s. They are unique in that they allow just one instrument to produce multiple melodies at once.

Yang has several performances scheduled in Korea _ Aug. 31 in Daegu, Sept. 10 in Busan, Sept. 23 in Incheon, Sept. 28 in Yeosu, and Oct. 15 in Seoul. In between his performances in Korea, he will be traveling to France and Japan to perform. From Sept. 15 through 17, Yang will perform at Chateau Chaumont sur Loire and on Sept. 19 at La Chapelle de Notre Dame de Bon Secours, Paris. On Oct. 7 he will perform at Rakuyo Church in Kyoto and on Oct. 19 at Hakuju Hall in Tokyo. The Seoul performance will take place at Lotte Concert Hall in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul.

His program includes six of Bach's cello suites. The first half will be Suite for Cello No.1 in G Major, BWV1007, Suite for Cello No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV1010, and Suite for Cello No.3 in C Major, BWV1009 and after the 40-minute intermission will be Suite for Cello No.5 in C Minor, BWV1011, Suite for Cello No. 2 in D Minor, BWV1008, and Suite for Cello No. 6 in D Major, BWV1012.


By Park Si-soo



The government has formally designated Oct. 2 a one-off holiday, putting in place the last piece of puzzle to make a 10-day break at the start of October

The consecutive holiday will begin on Sept. 30 (Saturday) and continue through Oct. 9 (Monday) with the back-to-back placement of three national holidays, two weekends and a one-off holiday.

The three national holidays are National Foundation Day (Oct. 3), Chuseok (Oct. 4-6) and Hangeul Day (Oct. 9).

President Moon Jae-in, who has pledged to tackle Korea's notoriously long working hours, confirmed the designation at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Rep. Kim Jin-pyo, head of a presidential advisory panel, said in July that the government was considering designating Oct. 2 as a temporary holiday to give workers a long break.

On Wednesday, the chief of the ruling Democratic Party, Rep. Choo Mi-ae, also asked the government to make the designation.

Moon, a vocal advocate of "work less, play more," believes the long holiday will help boost people's quality of life and revitalize the economy.

Moon has already taken some days off to set an example, unlike his predecessor, who usually took short summer vacations only,

According to Hyundai Research Institute analysis, in 2015 when Aug. 14 was a temporary holiday, the estimated economic surplus on that day alone was nearly 2 trillion won.

This figure was based on the assumption that half of Korea's population, 25 million people, each spent an average of 79,600 won on the day.
By Choi Ha-young



The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) is under growing criticism for boycotting National Assembly sessions despite the escalating security crisis on the Korean Peninsula.



On Saturday, the largest conservative party decided to boycott all regular Assembly sessions, claiming the freedom of the press was in jeopardy. The decision came after a district court issued an arrest warrant for MBC President Kim Jang-gyeom, who is being investigated by the labor ministry for his involvement in labor abuses.



According to the MBC union, Kim, who was appointed by the ousted former President Park Geun-hye, coerced the news team into producing biased reports in favor of conservatives and fired some staff members who refused to obey him.



On Monday, the LKP members refused to sign an Assembly resolution denouncing North Korea's sixth nuclear test the day before. Instead, they staged a protest at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul.



The party has stepped up its political offensives against President Moon and the ruling camp.



LKP floor leader Rep. Chung Woo-taik even canceled a planned speech at a parliamentary session, Tuesday. The LKP lawmakers held a rally in front of Cheong Wa Dae later in the day, demanding a meeting with President Moon Jae-in. However, Moon did not meet them.



Considering the flooding criticism against the party, the LKP has cooperated with committees related to security, diplomacy and intelligence affairs. During President Moon's Russia visit from Wednesday to Thursday, where summits with President Vladimir Putting and Japan's Prome Minister Shinzo Abe are scheduled, LKP Chairman Hong Joon-pyo said it will temporarily stop the boycott.



"However, we will continue our struggle until the administration drops its bid to control public broadcasters," Hong said.



Earlier Monday, the LKP told reporters that "Kim should not attend the labor administration without consultation with the party."



In response to the LKP's nonparticipation, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) urged the conservative party to return to the Assembly. "Since the MBC head Kim decided to make his appearance, there's no reason to continue boycott," DPK Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae said Tuesday.



"The LKP has always posed as a conservative party with a firm stance on security. Is Kim's fate more important than the unprecedented security crisis? Stop the unjustifiable propaganda," Choo added.



The fairness of public broadcasters has been a hot potato here, following the power transition from conservative to liberal governments. Labor unions of MBC and KBS started a strike Monday, determined to remove the companies' heads who allegedly colluded with the disgraced President Park.




By John J. Metzler





UNITED NATIONS  Libya is a shattered land. Awash in weapons and explosives, riveted by tribal and political rivalries, flooded by illegal migrants, and haven to lethal terrorist groups, Libya remains North Africa's glaring tragedy, six years after an Anglo/French/American

military effort toppled the Gadaffi regime.

Now with a certain quiet remorse, Britain and France are striving to put Libya back together again. But to paraphrase the nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty, can "all the King's horses and all the King's men put Humpty together again?"

This twice Texas sized country with a tiny population of 6 million people defies easy answers.

After writing an article "Libya can be Great Again," Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson breezed into Tripoli to see things for himself. It was not his first trip, but the voyage represents the British government's genuine commitment to fix a problem which it sadly started back in 2011 when misguided foreign intervention during the Arab Spring uprisings overthrew longtime Libyan dictator Colonel Gadaffi.

Minister Johnson conceded that Gadaffi's removal in 2011 has been "a tragedy so far" for the Libyan people. He told the BBC that "we were way over optimistic" about Libya's future.

The UK's David Cameron, France's Nicolas Sarkozy, and America's Hillary Clinton were instrumental in shattering Libya's status quo and instead opening the Pandora's Box of social and security problems which are yet to be resolved peacefully.

Realistically speaking the country has two rival governments, a fractious gaggle of militias, and an entrenched Islamic fundamentalist culture. Moreover, and this is why the West is finally serious about solving the problem; Libya remains the conduit of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants from Central and West Africa now pouring into Italy.

Addressing the Security Council, the UN's new Special Representative for Libya, Ghassan Salame, told delegates of the practical difficulties facing residents in the capital Tripoli, "People are tired of the endless cuts in electricity and water, which in turn take down the telephone and the internet. Libyans cannot understand being poor in a country rich with natural resources."

Dr. Salame, an academic from Lebanon, added, "It is unnatural that in this wealthy country, university departments are closing one after another because the outrageous gap in the exchange rate has led the foreign faculty to quit en masse."

He conceded, "There is obviously a serious problem of governance."

Uruguay's delegate advised that after six years it's "hard to call what happening a success story." Organized crime and human trafficking are among the challenges facing the country.

In the west, including Tripoli the capital but not much else, there's the embattled Government of National Accord. Though internationally recognized, the rulers face an ambiguous political scene. They are confronted in the East by a rival regime in Benghazi which is backed by the powerful Libyan National Army under the mercurial General Khalifta Haftar.

Though French President Emmanuel Macron has opened mediation between the two sides in an effort to put a positive EU imprint on the post-Gaddafi era, national unity eludes easy solutions.

Oil may lubricate but not solve the question. The UN reports that petroleum production reached over one million barrels of oil per day, boosting government revenues. Yet in a major oil producing country, people must often wait a day to get 5 gallons of gas.

So why is this so important for Europe and the USA? Libya remains a failed state serving as a funnel of illegal migrants into Italy and beyond. A vast network of criminal human smugglers send unwary migrants on their way into the Mediterranean often to their deaths.

Then there's the unsettling issue of ISIS, Al Qaida, and foreign fighters who profit from Libya's chaos.

Boris Johnson stressed Britain's national interest in Libya: "the front line in Europe's struggle against illegal migration and terrorism."

UK delegate Matthew Rycroft stated, "Our top message is one of unity, to make sure all Libyans come together at this difficult time, put their divided path behind them, and unite in order to defeat terrorism, to tackle the challenge of migration."

A UN report cautions, "Threats to national security can only be addressed effectively through the creation of unified Libyan armed and security forces."

Now there's a big diplomatic effort to have a High level meeting on Libya during the upcoming UN General Assembly debate.

But as the UN's Salame warns, "Any efforts to force a solution must be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned. The United Nations is here to support them in they endeavors, and certainly not to replace them."

John J. Metzler 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" Ccontact jjmcolumn@earthlink.net.
By Lee Byungtae





During the course of the Special Prosecutor's investigation and the trial against Samsung's top executive Lee Jae-yong, chaebol-beating has become one of the most popular pastimes in Korea. I recently came across a column in The Korea Times by a British journalist and author who argued punishing the "prince" of Samsung will serve as a warning to other chaebol and Samsung can thrive without its leader.

The author predicts that Lee will eventually be granted a pardon and return to business without proper punishment, listing past legal cases involving business leaders. It is an understandable concern, but I believe here we are falling victim to over-generalization and to lack of understanding over this particular case as well as Samsung's management.

First of all, the lower court's verdict is not the final determination of guilt and there are many reasons why we should wait and see how the higher court rules in this case. The decision by the lower court was made without direct evidence to prove the allegations of bribery and was rather based on a judge's finding that the Samsung executives passively made an "implicit" request when they gave into the president's demands for financial support.

In fact, the political context is the key to understanding the peculiarities of this case, which is quite different from previous corporate scandals. The Special Prosecutor was selected solely by the opposition parties. The principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty was completely ignored, as many of the defendants of this scandal were arrested before the formal indictments. Nearly all the foreign media journalists who contacted me for comments prior to the court's verdict had predicted a guilty verdict for Lee, citing the "current Korean political atmosphere."

Another key element one has to consider is the Korean culture and business landscape. To simply blame repeated sentencing and pardons to corrupted ties between undisciplined capitalists and corrupted political leaders is an oversimplification of business in Korea. Large Korean companies were originally founded by funding from affiliate firms under the control of their respective founding families, due to the lack of a developed local capital market. Therefore, naturally there is no separation between ownership and management, contrary to countries such as America and Britain. At the same time, the government has traditionally been so authoritative that businesses could not afford to say no to political powers, even when business leaders tend to take most of the blame.

As a professor of business, I find the misperception about Samsung's leadership most worrisome. As it happened, Samsung Electronics shares have risen significantly this year riding on the "super cycle" of the semiconductor business, and many people appear to presume that Samsung will run smoothly without Lee. The company is merely reaping the fruits of its strategic investments made years ago under top management's bold decisions. Lee's role as the provider of long-term strategy and facilitator of global networking and M&As shouldn't be overlooked in the rapidly changing technology industry. Declaring Samsung will not need such a strategic leadership role simply demonstrates a lack of understanding of how Samsung has been run.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Rosa Chun, a professor of business ethics and corporate social responsibility at UCD, discussed the difference in dealing with corporate misdeeds between the "guilty" and "shame" cultures, noting delinquent CEOs in the "shame" culture such as Japan are not often sent to jail. According to her, Korean business leaders belong to the same category and get shamed for their wrongdoing, different from Western societies. Such cultural differences are often overlooked.





Lee Byungtae is a professor of information systems in the College of Business at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and has served as dean of the college. He was previously on the faculties of the University of Illinois, Chicago, and the University of Arizona.
Samsung SDS Vice President Lee Chi-hoon introduces the firm's new enterprise-level artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant, Brity, at its headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Samsung SDS



By Lee Min-hyung

Samsung SDS has launched a corporate-level artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant, Brity, seeking synergies with players in the manufacturing and finance industries, the company said Tuesday.

The AI software allows clients to handle daily tasks in an easier and more intelligent way, as the assistant can learn and process natural language in real-time, according to the Samsung affiliate.

Brity is equipped with what the company calls an interactive AI engine. It can continue to pile up datasets on its own and understand voice orders with compound sentences, said the company.

The new AI platform comes months after the company launched its AI-driven data-processing analytics software, Brightics in this June. It visualizes big datasets for clients to make a swift decision and forecast their future businesses in a more organized way.

"Along with the Brightics, the launch of Brity enabled us to complete our three core AI pillars in analytics, visual and communication," Samsung SDS President Hong Won-pyo said in a press conference.

The company expects the new platform to raise its global profile especially in the business-to-business (B2B) AI area.

"We cannot say for sure how much profit we may be able to reap with the new AI software," Hong said. "But Brity was developed to improve productivity of companies in an innovative way. We believe both small and big corporations can find new business opportunities by using the platform."

Users can communicate with Brity via text messages and voice interaction. This allows them to install the software on their smartphones, desktops or mobile messengers  such as KakaoTalk or LINE, the company said.

Samsung SDS expressed confidence that Brity can generate much more precise and clear outcomes than IBM's Watson supercomputer.

To expand its global presence, the company said it is preparing to launch an English version, but did not elaborate on a specific timeframe.

The company also said Brity is a corporate-level service, and will not overlap with target customers for Samsung Electronics' voice assistant Bixby.

Bixby focuses on the business-to-customer (B2C) industries, while Brity is designed to process B2B-level datasets such as enterprise resource planning or domain management, the company said.
LG Electronics' union head Bae Sang-ho, second from left, poses with Lee Seong-ki, center, vice minister at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and a group of officials from LG Electronics and LG Chem, after the LG affiliates signed a memorandum of understanding with the labor ministry about enhancing support for small companies that fulfill social welfare, Tuesday. / Courtesy of LG Electronics



By Lee Min-hyung

LG Electronics and LG Chem plan to invest eight billion won ($7.06 million) by 2020 to support eco-friendly companies fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The LG affiliates said Tuesday they have joined hands with the Ministry of Employment and Labor for the social drive.

The fund will be used to provide financial aid to a group of startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises dedicating themselves to enhancing social welfare and protecting the environment, LG Electronics said. The labor ministry also plans to run relevant programs  including education and consulting services  for selected beneficiaries.

The two companies have run the social program since 2011 by offering two billion won each year. More than 90 eco-friendly companies have so far enjoyed benefits from LG-led CSR drives.

To be specific, the invested fund will be used to offer such programs as interest-free loans, reduced rent on offices or enhancing human resources for fund winners.

"If more and more social enterprises prosper here, they will contribute to creating more jobs," LG Electronics Vice President Lee Choong-hak said. "To vitalize the social economy drive across the nation, we will continue to forge more partnerships with the government and enterprises."

This is part of LG's group-wide welfare campaign to give back to society. LG said it started the program to help companies with little management know-how and financial difficulty.

In particular, LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo has stood at the forefront to push for CSR activities here and abroad, urging its affiliates to spare no efforts in helping those in need of social welfare.

The company has in recent years sought to realize corporate citizenship in not just Korea, but other underdeveloped countries  such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and the Philippines  offering them humanitarian aid and voluntary services.
By Park Jae-hyuk



Negotiations between creditors of Kumho Tire and China's Qingdao Double Star for the latter to acquire the Korean tire company have broken down, creditors said Tuesday.



This is because Kumho Tire's creditors rejected Double Star's demand to cut the acquisition price of the tire company for a controlling 42 percent stake.



The creditors said the mid-tier Chinese tire maker's demand to lower the price from 955 billion won ($844 million) to 295 billion won was "unreasonable."



Even if creditors decide to fully nullify the deal with Double Star, observers say Kumho Asiana Chairman Park Sam-koo would still be unable to revive his right to acquire the tire producer.



This is because the creditors are considering dismissing the chairman and depriving him of that right, citing his poor management.



The creditors led by the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) decided to send a de facto ultimatum to Double Star that the share purchase agreement will be cancelled unless the Chinese firm expresses its willingness to renegotiate with them about the price.



Double Star is expected to clarify its position by Friday next week.



The creditors have sought to sell Kumho Tire to Double Star as they thought it would be the best way to normalize the management of the Korean company.



In March, both sides initially agreed on the acquisition price of 955 billion won.



However, Double Star has been pressuring the creditors to cut the price by 155 billion won since July, citing Kumho Tire's poor business performance.



The creditors then requested Double Star to promise job security for Kumho Tire employees for five years.



They also decided to cover 270 billion won for the use of Kumho Tire's trademark, on behalf of Double Star.



Despite the preferential treatment, Double Star asked the creditors to cut the price by 235 billion won, if Kumho posts a poor results in the third quarter.



The demand has finally come to a de facto end of the negotiations.



The creditors plan to force Kumho Tire's management to devise measures to save the company.



If the plans are inadequate for the normalization of the company, the creditors will dismiss Chairman Park and other executives.



Some say, however, the chairman may still be able to exercise his right of first refusal, if the creditors give public notice of a bid and sign a memorandum of understanding with other potential bidders.




KT&G sustainable management division head Lee Sang-hak, left, Social Solidarity Bank CEO Kim Yong-deog, center, and Underdogs CEO Kim Jung-heon hold copies of a memorandum of understanding at Seoul Innovation Park, Tuesday. They agreed to offer education to young startup founders. / Courtesy of KT&G



By Park Jae-hyuk

KT&G will spend 3 billion won ($2.6 million) on supporting young startup founders through the end of the year.

In line with the government policy to solve lingering youth unemployment, the country's largest tobacco manufacturer signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with the Social Solidarity Bank (SSB) and Underdogs, agreeing to launch "KT&G SangSang Startup Camp."

SSB is a non-government organization established to aid underprivileged business owners who are running or planning to start micro-enterprises. Underdogs is a company that offers education for startup founders.

Through the startup camp, they will especially give intensive support to social entrepreneurs, who run their businesses to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, and environmental issues.

KT&G will recruit participants on the website, ktngstartupcamp.com, until Sept. 20. It will also hold information sessions next Wednesday and Friday.

The participants in the camp will receive 14 weeks of education for free from October to early next year. Former and incumbent business owners will be mentors to the participants, sharing their knowhow and experiences during the period.

At KT&G Sangsang Madang Hongdae in Seoul, the participants will have chances to meet industry experts and officials from venture capital companies as well.

Those who finish the program with excellent results will receive up to 30 million won as seed money for their businesses. KT&G also plans to offer rents for offices and opportunities to model after successful cases of overseas startups.

"We've come up with a practical and distinctive startup sponsorship, in line with the government policy to solve youth unemployment," KT&G social contribution office head Kim Jin-han said. "We hope young entrepreneurs' creative ideas create more jobs and establish innovative companies that can change the world."

KT&G will continue long-term support for startup founders, offering exclusive spaces for their stable growth.
President Tran Dai Quang



Quang granted an interview to the media on the two countries traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation and their collaboration prospects on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5th, 1962-2017).

He stated the Vietnam-Laos relationship, which was founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of the two countries leaders and people, was tested through the two resistance wars against colonialists and imperialists and has been consolidated and developed.

This is a valuable treasure and an important factor ensuring the success of the revolutionary cause in each country, he affirmed.

The countries development history shows that without this special relationship, their past struggles for national liberation as well as the current nation building and safeguarding cause could not gain great achievements.

Moreover, the relationship has contributed to peace, cooperation, stability and development in the region and the world, he added.

Regarding important milestones in the bilateral ties over the past 55 years, President Quang described September 5th, 1962 when Vietnam and Laos set up their diplomatic ties as a major historical event and a key milestone in the two countries relations.

On December 2nd, 1975, the Lao People's Democratic Republic was born, marking the victory of the Lao people as well as of the special relations and fighting alliance between Laos and Vietnam.

Since 1975, the bilateral relations have entered a new chapter  the era of comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples.

On July 18th, 1977, they signed a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and another Treaty on National Border Demarcation, lifting their ties to a new height.

According to Quang, over the past 55 years, despite complicated developments in the regional and global situations, the Vietnam-Laos time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and all-round cooperation have developed extensively and effectively.

Cooperation mechanisms, especially at the high-ranking level, have been consolidated, with growth seen in political, defence, security and economic collaboration.

As of April, Vietnam had run 408 projects totalling USD3.7 billion, ranking third among countries investing in Laos.

In addition, Vietnam and Laos have also coordinated closely at regional and international forums, thus helping increase each countrys position and prestige in the region and the world, he added.

President Quang expressed his belief that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party, the bilateral relations will continue to be consolidated and developed sustainably./.
Mr. Eiji Yasuda, Que Vo Factory Manager of Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd, directly handed over 140 new bikes to underprivileged pupils who have excellent academic results, are living in poor families, far from the school or without means of transportation. The new bikes (worth VND170 million) will help them to go to school safely and more conveniently.

Specifically, 100 new bicycles will be transferred to four new schools under the 2017 project including Hiep Hoa No.2 high school (Hiep Hoa district), Cam Ly high school (Luc Nam district), Viet Tien secondary school (Viet Yen district), Xuong Lam secondary school (Lang Giang district), while the other 40 bicycles will come to Tu Mai secondary school (Yen Dung district), Dong Tan secondary school (Hiep Hoa district), Tien Son secondary school (Viet Yen district) and Lang Giang No.3 high school (Lang Giang district) who are beneficiaries of the 2016 project.













Photos: Vu Thuy

On this occasion, the Japanese company also presented a Canon printer to Cam Ly high school, hoping to improve the training quality for teachers and pupils.

Pupils are the future of each nation. Education development plays an important role. Canon Vietnam understands this issue, and wishes to bring the best things for pupils in particular and Vietnamese society in general. I do hope these new bikes will be used effectively, safely and durably, said Mr Eiji Yasuda.

Also in September 2017, Canon Vietnam is scheduled to present 140 bikes to 11 schools in Tien Du, Gia Binh and Luong Tai districts of the Northern Bac Ninh province.

So far, the program has already presented 1,295 bicycles to pupils in 50 schools of 13 districts in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, with the hope of assisting more pupils on the way to school, overcoming difficulties in daily life, for the common development of themselves, their families and the society./.
Tourists visited the relic. (Photo: baonghean.vn)

Specifically, the Kim Lien relic site greeted more than 900 delegations of domestic tourists and over 10 groups of international tourists from the US, Laos, Japan, Australia, Germany, the Republic of Korea and Myanmar.

The relic site is one of the four important monuments about President Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam; preserving the artefacts, documents, cultural space and history about the Presidents childhood and his family.

The entire relic includes the small cottages of Uncle Hos parents, a house of his grandparents, a house of second roster Nguyen Sinh Sac, Coc well, Co Dien forge, banyan tree relic, and Sen village stadium.

The relic site is assessed as a national important relic and has been invested for many years. Each year, it receives millions of domestic and foreign tourists./.
PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Leap, Again, to Over 64,000 in 2016

Sept. 4, 2017 (EIRNS)U.S. deaths from drug overdoses grew from 52,898 in 2015, to 64,070 in 2016, a 21% increase, the National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at the end of August. This is the highest single year-over-year leap in several decades. The drug deaths, resulting from physical economic collapse, joblessness, and deep despair, are the true markers of the U.S. economic and social plunge.

The number of these overdose deaths is now equal to the number of firearm and motor vehicle deaths combined.

The level and increase of drug deaths for individual states, year-on-year, is stunning. Between 2015 and 2016, Virginias rose by 38% (1,005 to 1,387), Indiana by 28% (1,228 to 1,566), Ohio by 33% (3,050 to 4,050), Florida by 55%, (3,324 to 5,167), New York City by 50% (987 to 1,478), and Maryland by 67% (1,303 to 2,171).

The increasing use of the synthetic opioid fentanylwhich is used in pain management, usually in the form of slow-release patches applied to the skinis a major vector for the drug increase, especially when fentanyl is mixed with heroin. A former drug dealer told Canadas CBC News in 2013, that "I have a list of about 21 people that I know to buy fentanyl patches from, that will sell their patches." People can often get them cheap if they have health insurance, he averred. He said that drug abusers will often chew or smoke the fentanyl patches for an immediate high.

The George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations policies led to the drug death epidemic. In the year 2000, there were 17,415 drug overdose deaths in the United States; in 2016, 64,070, a nearly fourfold increase. During the 16 years of those two combined presidencies, heroin deaths rose from 1,842 in 2000, to 12,989 last year, a sevenfold leap. Between 2000 and 2016, cumulatively, 616,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, an amount more than half the level of Americans who died in all the wars the U.S. has fought since its founding.
PRESS RELEASE

North Korea To Attend Russias Third Eastern Economic Forum To Be Held in Vladivostok

Sept. 4, 2017 (EIRNS)North Korea is expected to send a representative to Russias Third Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, which will be held Sept. 6-7, Russias Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev told reporters Sept. 4.

With the world facing a potential hair-trigger in the North Korea showdown, this could add to the channels and atmosphere to de-escalate, especially as South Korean Prime Minister Moon Jae-in and others from South Korea will be in attendance, as will representatives from the United States, Russia, China and India.

Russia established the EEF to obtain international cooperation in the development of Russias vast Far East, which is underdeveloped and underpopulated.

South Korea is playing a significant role in the EEF. On Sept. 4, Russia and Korea convened in Vladivostok a meeting of the Russia-Korea Intergovernmental Commission, to further emerging Russian and Korean economic and political cooperation. Kim Dong-yeon, head of delegation, who is South Koreas Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister of Strategy and Finance, announced that,

"The new South Korean administration is planning now to actively promote a new policy of economic cooperation in the northern direction. Widening economic, person-to-person and trade ties especially with the Far East, as well as China and Mongolia."

On Sept. 6, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will speak at the forum on his "New Northern Policy," which will reinforce economic cooperation with Russia and other Eurasian nations. Either before or after his speech, Moon will hold a summit meeting with Russian President Putin, where they will discuss economic coordination, but also the North Korea nuclear nuclear issue and bringing peace to the Korean Peninsula, according to Arirang, a Korean news agency Sept. 4. Moon is also expected to hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines (Abe will also hold a more formal summit with President Putin in Vladivostok).

This leads to the pathway of peace through development, rather than nuclear war.

Importantly, the United States will field a delegation of over 40 people to the conference, that will include such companies as ExxonMobil, IBM, Abbott Laboratories, and also Derek Norberg, who is President of the Council of U.S.-Russia Relations, TASS reported today.

Indias Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending, reflecting "the importance attached by India to emerging opportunities in the Russian Far East," India.com reported.
PRESS RELEASE

Nancy Pelosi Defends Trump, Condemns Antifa

Sept. 4, 2017 (EIRNS)Speaking to the Denver Post today, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, (D-Calif.) refused to condemn President Trump, saying it was too early to judge his performance in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. "Hes been gracious," she told the paper,

"He went to Corpus Christi, which is sort of appropriate for him to do, because in the heart of the storm, it would be a challenge to accommodate a president."

She suggested that Democrats shouldnt fall into the political trap of constantly criticizing Trump, the paper wrote.

"[The voters] dont want to hear us criticizing the president, she said. This was a choice; they made a decision. And to criticize the president personally is to disrespect their judgment. So I say to my members, This is about what were going to do."

Pelosi instead saved her harsh words for the Antifa, the street anarchist group at the center of a violent demonstration in Berkeley, California on Aug. 19. Pelosi, who earlier had stated that the group deserved "unequivocal condemnation" for their action at the demonstration, today went further, telling the Post that,

"I think if theres some people who are acting in a violent way, that they should be prosecuted. I dont care who they are, where they are, whatever organization they belong to."

She then sought to put some distance between the radicals and the Party, saying,

"Youre not talking about the far left of the Democratic Partytheyre not even Democrats. A lot of them are socialist or anarchist or whatever."

Pelosis comments come in the wake of those of another leading Democrat and Californian, Senator Diane Feinstein, who shocked a San Francisco audience last month when she refused to call for Trumps impeachment.
Our understanding of espionage was forever changed in the 1960s with the arrival of George Smiley, John le Carres breathtakingly ordinary spy who toiled at MI6, a.k.a. the Circus, Britains Secret Intelligence Service. It was a contrast to the espionage tales of author Ian Fleming, whose novels centered on James Bonds dark, cruel good looks, his sexual escapades and a clear-cut demarcation of Good versus Evil, the British us versus the Soviet them.

Le Carres novels werent notable just because his protagonist wasnt handsome. What set Smiley and his colleagues apart was the moral ambiguity of their exploits, which often placed them at odds with their own consciences. This murky worldview, a byproduct of the high-stakes Cold War against Communism, influenced the fiction of many of Le Carres contemporaries. But Le Carre, now 85, remained the master and transcendent king of the genre, ferrying readers through several Smiley-led excursions into the mole-infested ranks of the Circus, most notably 1963s The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and 1974s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

But with the fall of the Berlin Wall and Russian glasnost, it was time for Smiley to say goodbye. Time you rang down the curtain on yesterdays cold warrior, Smiley tells a class of new recruits in The Secret Pilgrim, published in 1990. The new time needs new people.

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Indeed, other spies have emerged in the quarter-century thats followed  penned by Olen Steinhauer, Daniel Silva, even Le Carre himself  who engage in global espionage involving the Middle East, China, Africa and a post-perestroika Russia controlled by oligarchs and mobsters. In the process, Smiley and the Circus of yesteryear have been put out to pasture.

One of the principal pleasures of A Legacy of Spies is watching the battle of words and ideas between the old and new agents of Her Majestys Secret Service.

Which is literally where we find Peter Guillam at the beginning of A Legacy of Spies, framed as his memoirs, in which hes focusing on his role in a British deception operation code-named Windfall. One of Smileys most trusted lieutenants  he helped recruit Alec Leamas for an undercover operation in East Berlin in the 1960s and later assisted in uncovering the mole in the Circus in the 1970s  Guillam has retired to his family farm in Brittany.

Guillams early recollections of Windfall are intertwined with tales of his fathers secret bravery during World War II and his own recruitment as a spy for Britain, a seemingly fortuitous process he regards in retrospect with some skepticism. Sometimes I wonder whether it is possible to be born secret, he muses, in the way people are born rich, or tall, or musical.

At the Victorian eyesore of a building in Central London known as the Circus, Guillam fulfills my first vision of myself as a secret warrior in my dead fathers image. Its also where he first encounters tubby, bespectacled, permanently worried George Smiley, who seems to offer himself as a father figure.

But in the present day there is trouble, and Smiley has decamped for parts unknown, leaving Guillam to face the music alone when he is summoned to MI6s shockingly ostentatious new headquarters along the Thames.

During the Cold War, Leamas, the spy in East Berlin, and Liz Gold, the woman he loved, both died trying to climb over the Wall. Now, two descendants are threatening to sue MI6 over the wrongful deaths of their respective parents, an event totally plausible in our litigious times. The threat activates two latter-day MI6 bureaucrats, Bunny Butterfield, a legal adviser to the chief of MI6 and Laura, whose presence in Guillams interrogation is to provide history. But history they seek about Operation Windfall  how it was mounted and led, where it went wrong and what role Guillam played  is nowhere to be found. Dummy files on the operation, planted in the MI6 archives, paint a conveniently whitewashed picture, while the personnel records of Leamas and others are missing or heavily redacted. Now, to avoid embarrassing public exposure and litigation, Bunny and Laura must extract the truth from a reluctant Guillam, who has his own secrets to keep. But eventually Guillam leads the pair to one of Smileys safe houses, where an old-guard safe house keeper, retired agent Millie McCraig, has been paid from a secret slush fund to stand watch over the cache of files and memos related to Windfall.

Fans of Le Carres earlier fiction  or their various film incarnations  will feast at the historical banquet that is A Legacy of Spies.

One of the principal pleasures of A Legacy of Spies is watching the battle of words and ideas between the old and new agents of Her Majestys Secret Service. Guillams feints, misdirection and outright lies are well orchestrated, while Bunny and Lauras probing questions and exploration of the files Guillam is forced to read and clarify trigger the older agents night-time journey of the soul. In the process, readers learn why and how the East German mole Leamas was sent to protect was recruited, how the Russian-controlled mole planted in MI6 wreaked even more havoc on the lives of innocents and agents than suspected and how Guillam lost his heart, romantically and for his calling as a spy.

While A Legacy of Spies could be considered a Smiley novel  perhaps his last  the paterfamilias of the Circus is absent until its final chapters. Instead, Guillam holds the stage and our attention in this compelling examination of the quest for an imperfect ideal and the judgment of the generations that follow. But in all such quests, the day of reckoning must come when the pupil challenges the master and the son vanquishes his father. In the old spies long-awaited confrontation, Guillam seeks answers from Smiley to the inscrutable questions of his life and career, namely: How much of our human feeling can we dispense with in the name of freedombefore we cease to feel either human or free?

Fans of Le Carres earlier fiction  or their various film incarnations  will feast at the historical banquet that is A Legacy of Spies, which serves almost as a prequel to the earlier novels. For new readers, the themes Le Carre explores  most notably the toll exacted on the individuals soul by serving institutions that fail to live up to their professed values  will resonate as they consider past and present covert actions of British and U.S. governments. For as Smiley notes, quoting a Russian joke popular in the 1950s, There will be no war, but in the struggle for peace not a stone will be left standing.

Woods is a member of the National Book Critics Circle, an editor and author of the Charlotte Justice mystery series.

A Legacy of Spies

John le Carre

Viking: 272 pp., $28
The two leading U.S. Spanish-language TV networks denounced President Trumps decision Tuesday to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, a move that could lead to the deportation of some of their employees.

In a statement, Randy Falco, president and chief executive of Los Angeles-based Univision Communications Inc., said he was disappointed by the White House announcement stating it will wind down the program protecting 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. The Trump administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative alternative to the executive action signed by former President Obama in 2012.

Falco said his company will support its employees who are in the program.

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Here at UCI we will continue to stand by them, Falco said. They deserve better than this.

Falco called for Congress to work in a bipartisan fashion to enact meaningful immigration reform that takes into account those who were brought here as children and are raising their hands to learn, to serve, and to work should be allowed to legally remain in the U.S.

Telemundo, a unit of NBCUniversal that is headquartered in Miami, also issued a statement expressing dismay over Trumps decision.

In addition to the human impact of this decision, repealing DACA will result in the loss of thousands of jobs in the United States and billions of dollars in economic growth over the next decade, the company said. We urge Congress to act swiftly to preserve the rights of these valuable members of our community. All of our elected representatives should be held accountable toward this end.

Protection from deportation under DACA is available to immigrants who came into the country illegally before they turned 16; who were 30 or younger as of June 15, 2012; and have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.

As media companies tend to hire younger workers  especially for lower-level positions  its likely that both Univision and Telemundo would feel the impact if DACA-protected employees were forced to leave the U.S.

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglio
Responding to reports that the Trump administration is considering withdrawing from the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement, congressional leaders overseeing trade are calling on the White House to pursue further discussions instead of pulling out of a pact with an important economic and geopolitical partner, particularly at a time of heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula.

In a rare bipartisan statement Tuesday, the Republican and Democratic heads of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees acknowledged that the 5-year-old free trade accord with South Korea has presented frustrations for some important U.S. industries and stakeholders and that the U.S. should press for compliance.

But the lawmakers said that moving to scrap the agreement would be neither effective nor constructive. South Korea, they noted, is Americas seventh-largest export market.

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The Trump administration reportedly could decide as early as this week on whether to give notice of withdrawal from the agreement. But lawmakers and some of Trumps top advisors do not want to risk alienating a decades-old ally while the administration is seeking support in the region and internationally to take more aggressive actions to halt North Koreas efforts to build nuclear weapons.

North Koreas latest nuclear test underscores yet again the vital importance of the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea, said the statement from House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and ranking member Richard Neal (D-Mass.), and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

American businesses and trade groups, including the National Assn. of Manufacturers, are concerned that a decision to withdraw would have severe consequences for American farmers and other exporters, and they have urged their members to contact congressional representatives.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes U.S. withdrawal from [the pact] in the strongest possible terms. We do not believe this move would create a single American job  but it would cost many, said Thomas J. Donohue, the organizations president.

Ironically, states across mid-America that voted for the president would take the hit from withdrawal as their agricultural and manufactured goods exports fell in the wake of such a move, he added. It would damage White House relations with allies in the business and agriculture communities and in Congress, greatly complicating other initiatives such as tax reform.

American beef is displayed at a discount store south of Seoul, South Korea. (Yonhap / EPA)

U.S. goods and services trade with South Korea totaled about $145 billion last year, with the U.S. running an overall deficit of $17 billion, according to the office of the U.S. trade representative.

Top American exports to South Korea include machinery, aircraft and optical and medical instruments. U.S. shipments of farm products surpassed $6 billion in 2016, making South Korea the fifth-largest agricultural export market.

However, the total amount of U.S. goods exports to South Korea has changed little in the four full years since the agreement took effect in 2012.

During that same four-year period, American imports of Korean-made goods have jumped almost 19%, with vehicles and car parts accounting for much of the increase.

Trump, who has made revamping trade deals a top priority, has sharply criticized the accord with South Korea, which was signed by President George W. Bush and finalized under President Obama. Trump has also threatened to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement; officials from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. on Tuesday completed the second round of talks to renegotiate that 23-year-old pact.

Last month, Trumps chief trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, held a daylong meeting by video with South Koreas trade minister, Kim Hyun-chong, and U.S. officials have continued to pressure South Korea to renegotiate the agreement to resolve complaints that South Korea has not fulfilled its commitment to open up its services market, among other issues.

As with other major trading partners, the U.S. enjoys a significant surplus in services trade with South Korea, approaching $11 billion last year. That includes businesses such as travel, software and other intellectual property, and transport services.

Still, Lighthizer said the U.S. service exports have seen virtually no growth in the last four years, while the American trade deficit in goods with South Korea has nearly tripled since the agreement took effect.

Unfortunately, too many American workers have not benefited from the agreement, he said after that videoconference meeting on Aug. 22.
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
In a stunning and bold bet on the future of newspapers, Tronc, the parent company of the Los Angeles Times, has acquired the New York Daily News.

The deal for the tabloid, which includes the Daily News website and other assets, has been in the works for some months and was finalized Sunday. The deal carries a price tag of $1 and the assumption of operational and pension liabilities.

We think this is a great deal for the paper and for us, said Justin Dearborn, Troncs chief executive. We expect it to benefit greatly from becoming part of the Tronc ecosystem.

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Tronc, formerly known as Tribune Publishing, has been actively engaged in high-profile merger talks with other newspapers since technology entrepreneur Michael Ferro became the companys largest shareholder and chairman in February 2016, but the Daily News acquisition is the first to come to fruition.

In March 2016, Tronc was the top bidder for the bankrupt Orange County Register, but Justice Department antitrust concerns over the Registers proximity to the Los Angeles Times thwarted the deal. And newspaper chain Gannett, publisher of USA Today and more than 100 other titles, abandoned a contentious and unsolicited six-month pursuit of Tronc in November.

Acquiring the Daily News comes less than a month after Troncs unsuccessful attempt to purchase the Chicago Sun-Times, which was acquired in early August by an investment group led by former Chicago Alderman Edwin Eisendrath and labor unions, among others.

Tronc operates newspapers in nine U.S. markets, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore and Orlando, Fla.

The New York Daily News had been owned since 1993 by billionaire Morton Zuckerman and his onetime business partner, Fred Drasner. The latter left the company in 2004. Two years ago, Zuckerman seriously explored selling the newspaper but eventually abandoned those plans.

Buying a newspaper is risky business these days, with traditional print advertising revenue declining in the face of digital competition. While small- and medium-market newspapers have been more insulated from the disruption, Tronc is going all-in on major market newspapers as a platform to grow its digital business.

We have always been interested in the New York market, Dearborn said. The Sun-Times deal in no way changed our plans. This transaction came about through a mutual friend of both companies who initiated a conversation that led to this transaction.

Added Tim Knight, Tronc president: The Daily News has a great staff and also has 24 million unique visitors to its website. That really fits into our plans. This increases our digital audience by almost 40%. It also gives us what we feel will be a very efficient national platform and significant digital presence across the country.

In essence, the Daily News deal brings a former Tribune sibling back into the Tronc newspaper fold.

The Daily News began its tabloid life in 1919, the result of a clash of wills and philosophies between Joseph Medill Patterson and his cousin Robert R. McCormick. They were the grandsons of Joseph Medill, who had founded the Chicago Tribune in 1847, and became co-publishers of that paper in 1910.

Together they created the Worlds Greatest Newspaper slogan that adorned the papers front page, but the two differed on so many matters both business and political that on June 26, 1919, Patterson published the first issue in New York of what was then called the Illustrated Daily News. It struggled for a few months but soon proved a hit in that wildly competitive newspaper market, which at the time consisted of 11 daily newspapers in Manhattan, three in Brooklyn and dozens of weekly publications throughout the city.

Its circulation topped 100,000 within a year and was over 1 million by 1925. Its peak circulation was in 1947, when it sold 2.4 million copies daily and 4.7 million on Sunday. One reason was its comics, as Patterson played inspirational godfather to a generation of comic artists, helping to create and nourish in his papers pages such strips as Gasoline Alley, Moon Mullins, Little Orphan Annie, Terry and the Pirates and Dick Tracy.

The papers circulation currently stands at about 200,000 daily and 260,000 Sunday, placing it solidly among the top 10 U.S. newspapers, along with the Tribune and Los Angeles Times. But it has not been profitable for some years, though Tronc executives anticipate they will be able to meet all financial obligations through the Daily News cash flow.

Tronc sees cost efficiencies and opportunities for revenue growth, including Troncs scale, to operate the Daily News less expensively and attract more printing clients to the New Jersey plant acquired as part of the deal. Dearborn expects the Daily News to be operating in the black by next year.

For more than seven decades the paper carried and lived up to the slogan New Yorks Picture Newspaper. From 1920 to 1991, with a camera as part of its logo, it was a feast of photographs, with solid reporting focused on the city.

With its later slogans  New Yorks Hometown Newspaper and The Eyes, the Ears, the Honest Voice of New York  it was known for its street-savvy reporting and its snappy and to-the-point headlines. Arguably the most famous appeared on Oct. 30, 1975: Ford to City: Drop Dead, a reference to a speech in which then-President Gerald Ford said he would deny any federal assistance to spare New York City from declaring bankruptcy.

The Daily News staff was energetic and included the late legendary columnist Jimmy Breslin, a native New Yorker whose scrappy and brash personal style reflected that of the paper. He started there in 1976 and over the next dozen years was a daily must-read, winning the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1986, for columns which consistently champion ordinary citizens.

The paper has won nearly a dozen Pulitzer Prizes, including its first in 1937 for editorial cartooning (C.D. Batchelor) and, most recently, sharing the 2017 Pulitzer in public service with the nonprofit ProPublica for reporting on widespread abuse of eviction rules by the police.

The Tribune owned the paper until 1991, though the company attempted to sell it in the wake of a newspaper strike in 1982. In 1991, it was bought by British billionaire and media mogul Robert Maxwell. But after his death that same year, and the revelations of Maxwells shaky financial empire, the papers existing management held the publication together through bankruptcy before its 1993 Zuckerman-Drasner purchase for $36 million.

The paper has been serving New York City and its surrounding areas with its award-winning journalism for almost a century, Zuckerman said in a statement. As the media landscape continues to evolve, combining with Tronc will enhance the [papers] product and allow it to continue providing quality news and information.

The newspaper is housed in offices in lower Manhattan and is printed in a 425,000-square-foot facility near Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. It opened in 1996 and in 2009 was upgraded with the $150-million installation of high-speed presses. The property offers spectacular views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

That was certainly an added inducement to this transaction, said Knight. As part of this transaction, Tronc will own the printing plant as well as a 49.9% interest in a joint venture with Zuckerman to own and be able to eventually develop the 25-acre parcel on which the printing facility sits, Knight said.

The Daily News editor in chief for the last year has been Arthur Browne, who began his career as a copy boy at the paper in 1973. Some months ago he announced his intention to retire but has agreed to stay through the end of the year and to take on the added duties of publisher. The newspaper employs some 800 people, with roughly 200 of them in the newsroom.

We are not finished and are determined to continue to be active in the mergers and acquisitions market, Dearborn said. We are opportunistic and you will likely see more digitally focused acquisitions. This was just such a great opportunity. Good timing. Good chemistry.

Kogan and Channick write for the Chicago Tribune.

rkogan@chicagotribune.com

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
Which way is the wind blowing in California?

In some respects, wind energy in the state has never been better, but by other measurements growth has hit a lull for the past four years.

The U.S. Department of Energy released its annual report a few weeks ago analyzing technologies and markets for the wind industry, showing that California has installed 5,656 megawatts of utility-scale wind, the fourth highest in the nation.

California also ranks fifth in capacity for smaller, distributed wind energy systems since 2003, with 66 megawatts.

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According to the most recent numbers compiled by the California Energy Commission, wind accounts for 36% of generation from renewable facilities  the most in the state, edging out solar.

One would think those figures would have the states leading wind industry group practically giddy.

But instead, Nancy Rader, executive director at the California Wind Energy Assn., was closer to glum when asked about the future of wind energy in the Golden State.

Its pretty bleak in terms of the potential for new development, she said in a telephone interview from her groups headquarters in Berkeley. Were actually at risk of going backward in total capacity in California.

When wind energy was in its infancy some 30 years ago, California was the sectors undisputed leader. Thanks in large part to some $1 billion in federal and state taxes, wind farms in California represented more than 90% of the globes total wind power capacity in the mid-1980s.

But Texas has taken the lead in the U.S. by a wide margin in total megawatts of wind, with farm states such as Iowa and Kansas moving up fast. Meanwhile, Californias numbers have essentially remained unchanged since 2012.

This years Energy Department report showed installed capacity in California was actually 6 megawatts less in 2016 than in 2015.

No. 4 sounds good until you realize we used to be No. 1, fell to No. 2 and No. 3, Rader said. And it keeps going down. And it will continue to go down.

Rader blames a host of reasons, including land-use restrictions.

Californias desert areas are considered prime spots for wind farms and in the final months of the Obama administration, a plan was finalized that set aside more than 10 million acres for conservation and recreation and designated 388,000 acres for clean energy development, such as solar and wind projects.

Rader said that number is too small, saying about 80% of federal land in the desert is off-limits to wind farms.

At the same time, several counties across the state have issued their own restrictions.

Los Angeles County recently passed a renewable energy ordinance that bans large-scale wind turbines in unincorporated areas.

San Diego County in 2013 adopted rule changes for wind projects, with Rader complaining that an inclusion of a noise restriction is too strict.

Inyo and Solano counties have also put in place restrictions for wind projects.

Were facing restrictions like that all around the state, Rader said. You cant put a wind project anywhere. You have to go where theres good wind, and thats in really limited areas.

Resistance to large-scale wind projects may be surprising, given California policymakers commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But pushback also has been seen in a score of states, including Vermont, which also prides itself on clean energy credentials.

Resistance also comes from some residents in rural areas who say wind farms mar views and raise quality of life issues.

You want to go with renewables but then you get down to the county level and people say its a disturbance, it lowers our land value and we dont want to see it, said Gary Ackerman, executive director of the Western Power Trading Forum, an organization based in Sacramento whose 90 members in the West buy and sell power.

Its fascinating that a state that most people see as the leader in renewable energy development has counties that are saying, not in our backyards, not in our front yards and not in the side yard.

Environmentalists in general favor wind projects, but some green groups have opposed individual projects.

In San Diegos East County, construction has begun on the Tule Wind Project in the McCain Valley, but the facility has been opposed by the Protect Our Communities Foundation since plans for the 12,000-acre project were introduced some 13 years ago.

The foundations executive director, April Rose Sommer, said her group likes clean energy but believes the Tule project poses a significant danger to birds  golden eagles in particular.

In this case the damage done to the environment, the damage it does to birds  is not worth what you get out of wind power, Sommer said.

Tules developer, Avangrid Renewables, has long insisted the wind farm will be safe for birds and wildlife.

Another hurdle for wind energy is economic.

Although the Energy Department report highlighted the falling costs of wind energy, natural gas prices have remained low for the past eight years, and falling prices for solar power offer stiff competition.

Solar power can beat wind power on cost now, said Bill Powers, a San Diego engineer and consumer advocate. Why would you pay a premium to build wind turbines in controversial areas when you dont have to pay that price?

Patrick Gilman, an Energy Department program manager who helped put together this years report, said wind prices are competitive with natural gas when federal tax incentives are included.

He also offered a more optimistic take for the industry in California, saying while capacity has been flat, the amount of wind energy produced in the state has gone up close to 40%.

Over the past five years, turbines have gotten substantially bigger, Gilman said. Theyve gotten substantially cheaper and they capture a lot more energy for the same amount of capacity.

Growth may also come from beyond Californias borders.

Other states in the West such as Wyoming and New Mexico offer opportunities for California to import lower-priced wind power.

A firm controlled by billionaire Philip Anschutz announced plans to build the nations largest wind farm in Wyoming and eventually send the electricity through transmission lines to states such as California, Nevada and Arizona.

Wind farms off the coast of California offer other possibilities.

Offshore wind farms are a common sight in countries such as Denmark, but only one has been constructed in the U.S. and none has been erected on the West Coast, where the continental shelf plunges so steeply that its impractical to bolt turbines into the seabed.

A company based in Seattle, Trident Winds, has filed a lease request with the federal government to build a floating array of about 100 wind turbines 33 miles off the coast of Morro Bay.

Floating offshore wind may have an important role to play, Gilman said. The wind resource off the coast of California tends to blow at times when solar is ramping down so theres a really interesting potential role that technology can play [that is] complementary to solar and land-based wind.

The plan still has to clear regulatory hurdles and win sufficient backing from locals but Trident Winds hopes to get the project up and running by 2025.

In the meantime, though, California Wind Energy Assn. estimates overall growth in the state to top out at 2,000 additional megawatts in the near-term.

To put that in perspective, just last year Texas by itself added 2,611 megawatts of installed capacity.

I really think the public needs to reckon with the [land-use] requirements that are going to accompany weaning ourselves from fossil fuels, Rader said. I dont think were there yet.

Installed capacity for wind energy, measured in megawatts, 2016

1. Texas 20,320

2. Iowa 6,911

3. Oklahoma 6,645

4. California 5,656

5. Kansas 4,451

Source: American Wind Energy Assn., U.S. Energy Information Administration

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Far be it from me to see metaphors where none exist, but Wells Fargos good name was literally blown away when Hurricane Harvey roared into the Texas city of Corpus Christi last week.

As the local paper reported: An O came to rest near a fountain on the corner of Lower Broadway and Peoples streets. Near there an F sat, positioned by the downtown murals of children swimming underwater. An L was propped against a blue dumpster.

The big yellow letters blew off the top of the banks downtown building. They were subsequently retrieved and left in a heap near the front door.

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Thats the image in my head as Congress returns to work Tuesday after its August recess (the Senate took three weeks off; the House took five). On the to-do list is Republicans ill-conceived Financial Choice Act, which the House passed in June and the Senate Banking Committee will take up in coming weeks.

Among other things, the act would all but cripple the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has proven itself a reliable watchdog for consumers long preyed upon by greedy banks and lenders.

As if Republican lawmakers needed any more reminding of the foolishness of dismantling the bureau, Wells Fargo revealed last week that it may have opened as many as 3.5 million accounts without customers permission  way more than the 2.1 million it previously acknowledged.

Wells Fargo is the poster child for why consumers need a strong Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said Emily Rusch, executive director of the California Public Interest Research Group. Wall Street and its allies like to argue that there is too much oversight of the financial sector right now. Tell that to a Wells Fargo customer.

Also last week, Wells was targeted by another consumer lawsuit, this one alleging that the bank cheated home-loan borrowers by charging them extra fees when their applications were delayed  even if it was Wells fault.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta is weighing Wells demand that customers arbitrate disputes over allegedly unfair overdraft practices rather have their day in court.

And California and New York are investigating the banks recent admission that it forced hundreds of thousands of auto loan borrowers to pay for insurance they didnt need.

Jennifer Dunn, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman, told me the bank is undertaking a thorough review across the company to ensure we are doing everything we can to build a better, stronger bank.

Be that as it may, all these jaw-dropping developments while Congress was gone fishin contrast sharply with Republican lawmakers repeated declarations that long-suffering banks are hamstrung by too many rules.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling, the Texas Republican who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, in July described the federal governments supervision of banks as regulatory waterboarding.

His Financial Choice Act aims to undo the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in 2010. Dodd-Frank included a variety of measures aimed at lowering the risk of too-big-to-fail financial institutions endangering the economy or requiring taxpayer-funded bailouts.

Banks insist Dodd-Franks requirements are too costly and troublesome for them to comply with. The reality, as Wells Fargo so ably demonstrates, is that this is an industry with precious little understanding of ethical behavior.

The worlds biggest banks have paid $321 billion in fines for various misdeeds since the 2007-2008 financial crisis, according to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group. U.S. banks accounted for most of the payouts.

And despite what Republicans say about banks being tortured by regulation, the reality is that the industry reported record profit last year of $171.3 billion, up 5% from a year earlier.

We need more, not less, oversight of financial institutions, said Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League in Washington. The deceptively named Financial Choice Act would give Wells Fargo and other banks license to return to the bad old days that got us the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

The nearly 600-page bill would allow the president to fire the CFPB director at will, rather than the current requirement that the bureau chief be found guilty of inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.

It would strip the bureau of its authority to monitor the day-to-day activities of financial firms and prohibit it from cracking down on practices deemed unfair, deceptive or abusive. It would shut down the bureaus database of consumer complaints, which contains more than 700,000 searchable listings.

In a win for predatory lenders, the bill would prevent federal authorities from exercising any rulemaking, enforcement or other authority with respect to payday loans, vehicle title loans or other similar loans.

And in its most cynical move, the Financial Choice Act would change the name of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to the Consumer Law Enforcement Agency, although it would be anything but.

CFPB Director Richard Cordray told me last week that the bureau has made real change in the way financial institutions treat consumers.

Companies know they have to comply with the law because we are looking over their shoulder to make sure they treat consumers fairly, he said.

Thats evident through our work with our partners to put a stop to Wells Fargos illegal practice of secretly opening unauthorized accounts, which has generated significant public scrutiny and follow-on enforcement activity across all levels of government. It also put the entire industry on notice that this conduct will not be tolerated.

Wells should have its Corpus Christi signage restored soon.

Republican lawmakers would be doing banks and consumers a favor if they focused on preventing future messes, not making them easier to occur.

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.
Hugh Hefner spoke with the L.A. Times often  and always had something memorable to say

(Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Understanding Playboy-in-Chief Hugh Hefners revered  and reviled  lifestyle was often just a question or two away.

The iconoclastic publishing mogul, who died Wednesday at 91, was an open book when it came to his views on swinging ways and sexuality, particularly how his puritanical upbringing shaped his career and gave rise to the revolutionary Playboy empire.

Over the years, the perennially pajama-clad Hef was interviewed often by the Los Angeles Times. Heres a sampling of some of his memorable quotes.

On sexualitys problematic origins in America:

Our society is fragmented, he asserted in 1994. Messages regarding human sexuality have always been mixed in America. We are a schizophrenic nation. We were founded initially by Puritans, who escaped repression only to establish their own. Then the founding fathers gave us the Constitution to separate church and state. But the one thing that got left out of all those laws was human sexuality.

On the life he made for himself:

Much of my life has been like an adolescent dream of an adult life, he told The Times in 1992. If you were still a boy, in almost a Peter Pan kind of way, and could have just the perfect life that you wanted to have, thats the life I invented for myself.

OBITUARY: Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who shook up American morality with an ideal of swinging singlehood, dies at 91

On why he was so happy:

You will find in my bedroom images from long ago, little photographs and things from when I was a kid. Im a very happy guy, and part of that has to do with my connection to my childhood, he said in 2009.

On how he became Hef:

Through a lifetime, you reinvent who you are, he explained in 2009. I actually reinvented myself the first time when I was 16, when a girl rejected me. I started referring to myself as Hef, started changing my wardrobe  the same thing I did in 1959-1960 with the magazine, when I came out from behind the desk and started living the life and got the first Playboy mansion, started to drive a Mercedes 300SL.

On how the 1942 film Casablanca led to the Playboy Club:

I think I opened the first Playboy Club because of Casablanca. I wanted to have a place where people came to hang out as they did at Ricks, he said in 2010. It has everything  not only Bogies charismatic character, but lost love, redemption, patriotism, humor  it had a great musical score.

On traditional attitudes toward marriage and sex:

If you dont commit, he told The Times in 1994, you dont get hurt. I was always unwilling to commit to marriage because I was afraid to lose the romance.

On the Playboy brands global status:

It has been said that the two most famous trademarks in the world are Coca-Cola and the Playboy bunny rabbit, he said in 1994. There is certainly no one else in our area that represents the American dream in this particular kind of way. That rabbit means economic freedom, personal freedom and political freedom. That potential is unlimited.

On the Playboy Jazz Festival:

Ive never found anything that Ive cared more about than the music from my youth. I loved the Beatles, sure, but I never became  except for dancing purposes  a hard rocker. To me, there is something incredibly celebratory, and so wonderful about really good big-band swing and Dixieland, he said in 2002.

When I started, I just wanted to put out a mens magazine. But by the end of the 50s, it was so successful that I seized it as a vehicle for changing the direction of my life, he added. And that crucial change in my life was also associated with jazz, because it all began within a space of about six months after the first Playboy Jazz Festival in August of 1959.

Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire, relaxes during a visit to England in 1966. (John Downing / Getty Images)

On his personal legacy:

One of the reasons that I have such tremendous satisfaction at this point in my life is because I know Ive made a difference, he said in 1994. Ive made a difference in a way that really matters to me.

On publishings shift to digital:

I dont sit around thinking about, Gee, what happened to the new generation and they dont read enough and why is the internet replacing books? he said in 2009.

On his fame and sex appeal:

I think that just as [Henry] Kissinger said, power is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Celebrity is the ultimate aphrodisiac in todays world. And Im lucky enough to have fallen into a unique kind of celebrity, he said in 2009. So against all logic, nothing else matters  age doesnt matter. When [my last long-term] relationship ended, last year, they were climbing over the gate. ... young women. Endless numbers of young women.

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On the same night that white supremacist groups marched with torches and Nazi chants on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in preparation for the next days Unite the Right rally, the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tenn., screened Gone With the Wind as part of its annual summer classics series.

Two weeks later, after receiving many online complaints from those who took issue with the pictures romanticized view of slavery, theater officials announced that it would no longer be part of that series.

This sparked another round of complaints  with its 10 Oscars, including the first one for a black actress (Hattie McDaniel), many argued that Gone With the Wind is a cinematic masterpiece, its sins more easily forgiven, or contextualized, than a statue of the judge behind the Dred Scott decision.

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Suddenly, Hollywood, three years into the #OscarsSoWhite campaign with its continued calls for diversity in front of and behind the camera, was forced to confront a larger conversation: How exactly does this nation grapple with its sordid past of overt and institutionalized racism?

You cant sweep history under the rug, said Todd Boyd, a professor of cinema and media studies at USC. A lot of it is not pretty and it may contradict the ways some people see things in contemporary society But its important to have context whenever youre viewing material of this kind. Otherwise, people can embrace and celebrate it without dealing with the whole truth.

Recognize whatever artistry you want to but that doesnt deny you from also recognizing the racism.  Todd Boyd

As an organization whose stated mission is to entertain, educate and enlighten the communities it serves, the Orpheum cannot show a film that is insensitive to a large segment of its local population, Brett Batterson, president of the theater group, said last week in a statement.

In an interview with the Memphis daily newspaper the Commercial Appeal, he noted that the appropriateness of screening the film had been discussed every year but that the social media storm this year really brought it home.

But if relics of yesteryear find themselves in jeopardy in states across the country, how will this affect movies in the cinematic canon that might be seen as similarly problematic? Films ranging from D.W. Griffiths silent-era The Birth of a Nation (in which members of the Ku Klux Klan are portrayed as heroes) and Nazi sympathizer Leni Riefenstahls Triumph of the Will have long been subject to debate.

But what about less obvious targets like Blake Edwards Breakfast at Tiffanys, in which Mickey Rooney plays a cartoonishly rendered Asian American character, or Bernardo Bertoluccis Last Tango in Paris, which ignited a firestorm last year when details about the filming of the infamous butter scene involving Maria Schneider resurfaced, raising concerns about consent.

While these pictures can be considered art and each has historical significance, they can also be recognized as sentimentalizing or implicitly endorsing behavior now thought to be reprehensible.

Two things can be true at the same time, [because] art doesnt create itself, said Boyd, noting that the foundation upon which Hollywood was built  The Birth of a Nation  is nothing less than racist propaganda. Recognize whatever artistry you want to but that doesnt deny you from also recognizing the racism.

These conversations have been taking place in Hollywood for years now  for example, when the American Film Institute surveyed industry leaders in 1998 for its first list of the 100 greatest films of all time, The Birth of a Nation landed at No. 44. When the survey was conducted again close to a decade later, Griffiths film fell off the list entirely, while his follow-up, Intolerance, popped up at No. 49. (And Spike Lees heralded Do the Right Thing was a newcomer at No. 97.) Gone With the Wind ranked in the top 10 both times.

Stephane Dunn, a film historian and director of the cinema, television and emerging media studies program at Morehouse College in Atlanta, agreed, noting that she deplores The Birth of a Nation in terms of its racial themes.

But there is no question that D.W. Griffith pushed modern moviemaking ahead and anticipated what we know as modern cinema, she said. He showed the technical possibilities of film; there is no denying that. But people are perfectly correct to recognize and condemn the racist story that is at its core, and that of Gone With the Wind.

Dunn believes that such films should still be shown, but that considering the broader socio-political environment, a greater responsibility lies with those putting on screenings.

You dont show those films without having a discussion that follows, she said. And youre careful with that conversation, because it should not be like a walk in the park through classic memories.

Actors costumed in the full regalia of the Ku Klux Klan chase down a white actor in blackface in a still from The Birth of a Nation. (Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

Dunn and Boyd agreed that any post-screening Q&As and talk-backs should involve, in part, the pictures implications during the time they were originally released. In the case of Gone With the Wind, they said, it should be noted that McDaniel was not allowed to attend its Atlanta premiere because of her race. Additionally, when she attended the Oscar ceremony, she was seated away from her white castmates at a table on the far side of the room in the segregated hotel.

Thats the type of discussion to be having, Dunn said, and about how the aftermath of a very virulent white supremacist society brought a romanticization of the old power guard. The conversation should very directly address that [the film has a] nostalgic demeanor about this mythology of an Old South.

But what about productions going forward  How much should the possibility of protest affect new art? After the recent announcement of Confederate, an upcoming HBO series set in an alternate reality where the Confederacy successfully seceded and slavery remains legal, a social media campaign against the still-in-development show, dubbed #NoConfederate, followed within 24 hours.

What we have always said with #NoConfederate is that there is more than enough [depictions of enslaved people], said April Reign, one of the creators of the campaign and the mastermind behind #OscarsSoWhite. Books, films, television  there is no need to create more, because you will get a full picture of how insidious the enslavement of people was in these older works. The commodification of black pain for white enjoyment must end.

As for existing works, Reign agreed that they should continue to be viewed, though everyone now has a responsibility to provide additional information so that people dont walk out the theater empty-handed. She highlighted the 2016 remake of the landmark TV series Roots as a prime example that had educational resources built into its History channel airing.

If what we do is stop showing these painful-at-times depictions of slavery, then we dont have anything left, she said. Then someone will say, We dont have anything that shows these graphic depictions and we need to create more.

Get your life! Follow me on Twitter (@TrevellAnderson) or email me: trevell.anderson@latimes.com.
Throughout his career, Guillermo del Toro has bounced between large-scale studio films like Pacific Rim and Hellboy and smaller, more idiosyncratic ones like Pans Labyrinth and The Devils Backbone. His latest movie, The Shape of Water  the story of a mute janitor (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with an aquatic humanoid creature being held captive in a secret government laboratory during the Cold War  is, perhaps needless to say, one of the latter. Its also being hailed as one of his best.

Building on the raves it earned in its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the movie  a fable of improbable love in the face of fear and intolerance  drew cheers at its first North American screening Saturday at the Telluride Film Festival. It will play the Toronto International Film Festival next, before opening Dec. 8 in the thick of awards season.

The morning after the Telluride bow, The Times sat down with del Toro to talk about what inspired his surreal adult fairy tale and why its fantastical, period-set, beauty-and-the-beast story is all too relevant in todays real world.

Your friend and fellow director Alejandro Inarritu has said that he thinks The Shape of Water is your most personal movie. Do you agree?

Its the movie that I like the most. Its this one, then The Devils Backbone, then Pans Labyrinth, then Crimson Peak, and so on and so forth. Thats the order for me  it doesnt mean people have to agree. Its sort of the aim-and-target quotient for a filmmaker  did it land where I wanted it? This landed exactly where I wanted it.

Oscar buzz and movie love mingle at the Telluride film festival 

But most personal also suggests that, of all the films youve done, theres the most of you in this one.

There is the most of me. Most of the time  in Pans Labyrinth or Devils Backbone  Im talking about my childhood. Here, Im talking about me with adult concerns. Cinema. Love. The idea of otherness being seen as the enemy. What I feel as an immigrant. What I feel is an ugly undercurrent not in the past  not in the origins of fascism  but now.

It is a movie that talks about the present for me. Even if its set in 1962, it talks about me now.

Some people find Jesus. I found Frankenstein. The reason I'm alive and articulate and semi-sane is monsters.  Guillermo del Toro

That era is often depicted through a nostalgic prism as somehow being the good old days. But this movie paints a very different picture, bringing out the undercurrent of fear and intolerance.

I think when people say Make America Great Again, theyre thinking of that America, which actually never ended up really crystallizing. If you were a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant, then things were great. You had jet-fin cars, super-fast kitchens. But everyone else didnt have it so good. And the creature sort of represents everybody else.

Obviously the world has changed dramatically since you were shooting this film. I cant imagine you could anticipate the way those themes would resonate ...

I did. And the reason why is that Im Mexican. Ive been going through immigration all my life, and Ive been stopped for traffic violations by cops and they get much more curious about me than the regular guy. The moment they hear my accent, things get a little deeper.

I know it sounds kind of glib, but honestly, what we are living I saw brewing through the Obama era and the Clinton era. It was there. The fact that we got diagnosed with a tumor doesn't mean the cancer started now.

Hopefully one of the things the movie shows is that from 1962 to now, weve taken baby steps  and a lot of them not everyone takes. The thing that is inherent in social control is fear. The way they control a population is by pointing at somebody else  whether theyre gay, Mexican, Jewish, black  and saying, They are different than you. Theyre the reason youre in the shape youre in. Youre not responsible. And when they exonerate you through vilifying and demonizing someone else, they control you.

I think the movie says that there are so many more reasons to love than to hate. I know you sound a lot smarter when youre skeptical and a cynic, but I dont care.

Sally Hawkins is Eliza Esposito in The Shape of Water. (Kerry Hayes / Twentieth Century Fox)

Going back to the beginning, what was the initial germ of this movie?

Ive had this movie in my head since I was 6, not as a story but as an idea. When I saw the creature swimming under Julie Adams [in 1954s Creature From the Black Lagoon], I thought three things: I thought, Hubba-hubba. I thought, This is the most poetic thing Ill ever see. I was overwhelmed by the beauty. And the third thing I thought is, I hope they end up together.

I kind of doubt thats what most 6-year-olds were thinking.

No, Im a weird one.

Is there part of you that feels like, as soon as theres a monster or any fantasy or genre element in a movie, it automatically gets put in a box and isnt taken seriously?

Oh, for sure. But that would be important if I cared  but I dont.

Look, Ive been doing this for 25 years. If I thought it was not the route to go, I would have changed. To me, the genre is my Campbells Soup can if I was [Andy] Warhol, or my comic book vignette if I was [Roy] Lichtenstein.

We forget that the primal motor of storytelling is fable and parable. I dont come at it from an illiterate or a pop point of view. I come at it with every literary tool I can, every artistic tool I can. I truly try to create beauty and reflection and all of that as conscientiously and judiciously and minutely as I can. And then its up to people.

But youre not on a mission to change the way people see genre?

No, I cant. I know that what I saw when I was a kid had redemptive powers. Some people find Jesus. I found Frankenstein. And the reason Im alive and articulate and semi-sane is monsters. Its not an affectation. Its completely, spiritually real to me. And Im not going to change.

This movie has a real spirit of innocence and old-fashioned romance, but at the same time, there are aspects that are very adult and sometimes jarring. The first time we see Sally Hawkins character, for example, she is masturbating.

Well, to me, there is no perversion in sex if youre not perverse. You can do whatever you want and as long as you do it in the most beautiful way, it doesnt matter. A woman masturbating makes it clear to you that this is not your regular Disney princess.

The movie is in love with love and in love with cinema. Sex, violence  whatever it is  the spirit of the movie is so gentle. I wouldnt recommend it for kids, but for adolescents, its a beautiful movie. Its sort of liberating.

Michael Shannon portrays Strickland and Michael Stuhlbarg is Hoffstetler in the film The Shape of Water. (Kerry Hayes / Twentieth Century Fox)

And because you were making it on a budget of under $20 million, no one told you, Lets make this safer and more broadly appealing?

Never. That was the point. The reason why the exercise of cramming a $60-million movie into a $19.5-million budget is worth it is that you get the freedom. I think that money takes freedom away. More money, less freedom.

So as you go on, are you finding yourself pulled more away from the part of the business where there are those kinds of money pressures? If you were approached to direct a tentpole that had to be a huge, four-quadrant blockbuster, like a mainstream superhero movie or a Star Wars movie ...

If I choose a franchise of that size, I try to make sure that were aligned  and if were not, I walk away.
Oh, Charlie Manson, who could have imagined your shadow would be thrown so far, your creepy-crawly cultural presence last so long? You did, I suppose, though possibly it has not been quite in the way you figured.

Manson is the ruling spirit in Cult, the latest installment in the Ryan Murphy-Brad Falchuk FX franchise American Horror Story, premiering Tuesday. Putting American in your title can signify seriousness or satire, to promise a defining look at how we are as a nation  for good, but more likely more for ill. Or, as in Wet Hot American Summer, to mock the titling itself.

Indeed, its something of a tired strategy. (Murphy and Falchuk also use it for their American Crime Story anthology series.) But Cult, which is set around the 2016 election in an upscale Michigan suburb, is specific about its state-of-the-nation intentions, adapting a Manson-esque scenario for the Age of Trump. Cult seems meant to describe a sort of political support as well as the narrative business of the story.

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The revolution has begun! declares a weedy young man named Kai (Evan Peters, one of many AHS able stock players) as Trump is declared the winner. Across town, Ally (Sarah Paulson) is panicking. I wont believe anything until I see Rachel Maddow declare it, she cries. Shes the only one I trust. Nate Silver and the Washington Post are attacked, in ripe language, for their bad math.

Ally, her wife Ivy (Alison Pill)  a restaurateur, almost inevitably  and their little boy are a picture of the kind of progressive modernity Trumpworld wants to negate. But the creators are carefully inclusive; this is not exclusively an attack on the side the creators presumably voted against. (Murphy held at least one fundraiser for candidate Hillary Clinton.) There are jokes about trigger warnings and Etsy addiction and not allowing cisgender names for pets; support for Clinton is no inoculation here against doing evil. Even so, Cult feels superficial as political commentary, its points so obvious and aggressively delivered that it feels at times close to self-parody. Its hard to know how seriously to take it.

Certainly there are parallels to explore between the Web-fed fantasies of todays post-Obama alt-right and the drug-addled paranoia of the late 1960s, when the high hopes and good vibes of the Summer of Love collapsed into leftist millennial militancy. Mansons reading of the Book of Revelation and the Beatles White Album inspired the murders his followers committed, meant to trigger an apocalyptic race war after which the Family would emerge from its underground desert bunker to rule the world. Its not a long hop to the anarchy in the U.S.A. that Steve Bannon sells.

It is immediately clear that Kai will be our villain, or a villain anyway. Like Manson, he does not get his hands dirty but does his work by remote control; like Manson, he creates trust by giving his people something that feels like honesty, that plays to their frustrations, that exploits and fills in the holes in their sense of self. Not everything he says about the state of the world is unreasonable. As usual in such fictions, he is a micromanaging mastermind rather than, as is more likely in life, a cagey opportunist.

As far as the horror story itself, Murphy and Falchuk quickly turn the volume up to 11 and for the most part leave it there. (Whatever else is happening in the story, the mayhem in Allys phobia-filled head  she had felt temporarily safe during the Obama administration, but thats all over now  is nearly unrelenting.) Still, four hours in  as much as was available to review  little happens that could reasonably be called unexpected.

We have been down these roads so often that there is a sense that the chills are academic. There are scary clowns and a dangerous nanny (Billie Lourd) and weird people (Billy Eichner and Leslie Grossman) moving in next door. Ally  the mentally troubled person people are less apt to believe when she starts reporting crazy things  is perfectly textbook. One may find oneself more disturbed by what the writers are doing to their characters than what the characters, poor pawns that they are, are doing to one another.

Still, people may be scared even by what they know is coming, just because they know its coming. And as Kai asserts, above all, humans love fear  a fear that stands before us every day as tall as the Trump Tower. That American Horror Story is now in its seventh year of high-gloss unpleasantness  and has been renewed for two more  seems to say hes right.

American Horror Story: Cult

Where: FX

When: 10 p.m. Tuesday

Rating: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 17)

robert.lloyd@latimes.com

Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd

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As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

The legislative branch, not the executive branch, writes these laws  this is the bedrock of our Constitutional system, which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend.

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In June of 2012, President Obama bypassed Congress to give work permits, social security numbers, and federal benefits to approximately 800,000 illegal immigrants currently between the ages of 15 and 36. The typical recipients of this executive amnesty, known as DACA, are in their twenties. Legislation offering these same benefits had been introduced in Congress on numerous occasions and rejected each time.

In referencing the idea of creating new immigration rules unilaterally, President Obama admitted that I cant just do these things by myself  and yet that is exactly what he did, making an end-run around Congress and violating the core tenets that sustain our Republic.

Officials from 10 States are suing over the program, requiring my Administration to make a decision regarding its legality. The Attorney General of the United States, the Attorneys General of many states, and virtually all other top legal experts have advised that the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court.

There can be no path to principled immigration reform if the executive branch is able to rewrite or nullify federal laws at will.

The temporary implementation of DACA by the Obama Administration, after Congress repeatedly rejected this amnesty-first approach, also helped spur a humanitarian crisis  the massive surge of unaccompanied minors from Central America including, in some cases, young people who would become members of violent gangs throughout our country, such as MS-13.

Only by the reliable enforcement of immigration law can we produce safe communities, a robust middle class, and economic fairness for all Americans.

Therefore, in the best interests of our country, and in keeping with the obligations of my office, the Department of Homeland Security will begin an orderly transition and wind-down of DACA, one that provides minimum disruption. While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today. Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration. This is a gradual process, not a sudden phase out. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months. Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act.

Our enforcement priorities remain unchanged. We are focused on criminals, security threats, recent border-crossers, visa overstays, and repeat violators. I have advised the Department of Homeland Security that DACA recipients are not enforcement priorities unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang.

The decades-long failure of Washington, D.C. to enforce federal immigration law has had both predictable and tragic consequences: lower wages and higher unemployment for American workers, substantial burdens on local schools and hospitals, the illicit entry of dangerous drugs and criminal cartels, and many billions of dollars a year in costs paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Yet few in Washington expressed any compassion for the millions of Americans victimized by this unfair system. Before we ask what is fair to illegal immigrants, we must also ask what is fair to American families, students, taxpayers, and jobseekers.

Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first. We are facing the symptom of a larger problem, illegal immigration, along with the many other chronic immigration problems Washington has left unsolved. We must reform our green card system, which now favors low-skilled immigration and puts immense strain on U.S. taxpayers. We must base future immigration on merit  we want those coming into the country to be able to support themselves financially, to contribute to our economy, and to love our country and the values it stands for. Under a merit-based system, citizens will enjoy higher employment, rising wages, and a stronger middle class. Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue have introduced the RAISE Act, which would establish this merit-based system and produce lasting gains for the American People.

I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to finally address all of these issues in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first.

As Ive said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful Democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans.

Above all else, we must remember that young Americans have dreams too. Being in government means setting priorities. Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families. It is now time for Congress to act!
They arent children, they arent perfect and  no matter what happens in Washington  they arent going to cower in the shadows anymore.

Some of them dont even like the evocative label Dreamers, finding it as stigmatizing as the model minority stereotype that raises the hackles of so many Asian Americans.

Theres this definition of a dreamer that you are this perfect, good immigrant, but the reality is, everybody has a different story, said David Buenrostro, who was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 4 and grew up in South El Monte. He also thinks it stigmatizes the parents who brought children to the U.S. for a better life.

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Like most American teenagers, he had a few moments of bad judgment. When I was 16, he told me, I got a ticket for getting caught with spray paint. Big whup.

In 2013, after a detailed application process, Buenrostro was approved for DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program created in 2012 by President Obamas executive action after Congress failed to enact it.

Because of Obamas decision to act unilaterally, nearly 800,000 young people have been able to get Social Security numbers, which has made it possible for them to get jobs and health insurance, to open bank accounts, to get drivers licenses and financial aid.

As a DACA recipient, Buenrostro, 26, has a Social Security number and a work permit that he can renew every two years for about $500 a pop.

I definitely do not have any intention of leaving, he said.

Last year, Buenrostro graduated with a degree in political science from UC Berkeley and now works as a deportation defense coordinator for the activist group, California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance. He is thinking about applying to law school. His mother works as a domestic, his father recycles scrap metal. Some years, he told me, he used his student loans to help his parents make ends meet.

::

On Tuesday, President Trump is expected to announce that he will fulfill one of his more mean-spirited campaign pledges and end the DACA program, possibly after a six-month grace period. Theoretically, the grace period will allow Congress to create a new program for the young people who have received deportation exemptions through DACA.

If Trump ends DACA, his decision may be welcomed by his base, of course, but it will be a huge step back for the country. Notwithstanding some of the more heated rhetoric, which has equated killing DACA with child abuse, even Republicans understand how damaging such a move would be  not just from a humanitarian point of view, but from a political one as well.

I actually dont think he should do that, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said last week, joining a chorus of GOP lawmakers who support the goals of DACA. I believe that this is something that Congress has to fix.

But Congress hasnt accomplished much of anything this year.

::

In the last few days, the fears of many DACA kids, as they are often called, have been featured all over the news. But many are afraid to be publicly identified, and wont give their last names for fear of being singled out should DACA disappear for good. (If that were to happen, immigration authorities would have no trouble tracking them down, because that was the deal: In exchange for immunity from deportation, they handed over all their relevant personal data.)

But none of the four Dreamers I spoke to was afraid of being fully identified, and none expressed fear. Instead, they exuded determination.

These young adults were raised to be quiet, not make noise, stay under the radar. But thats not where they are anymore. They may not have a vote, but they can make a lot of noise, and they are damned if partisan political considerations will force them back into the shadows.

We were always told to keep our head down and dont bring attention to ourselves, said Luis Serrano, 30, who arrived in the San Fernando Valley from Mexico when he was 8. Like Buenrostro, he had a few run-ins with police as a teenager, over school truancy and other reckless teenage stuff, as he put it. But hes a grown man now, married for the past year to an American citizen, hoping to become one himself.

After he was approved for DACA in 2014, Serrano said, he was able to visit his grandparents in Mexico for the first time in 20 years. In the last 10 years, he has attended college on and off and works as a digital media strategist for the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance. His marriage could put him on a different immigration path if he chooses to pursue citizenship, but it is a long road and there are no guarantees.

There is a sense that people have built their entire lives around DACA, and now some folks are afraid to lose that, Serrano said. But some are like, Whatever. We will find ways to survive. This is nothing new to us.

Diana Escamilla was 2 when her mother brought her to California from Mexico. In June, the 24-year-old graduated from Cal Poly Pomona and is working at her old high school in El Monte, helping students with college and financial aid applications.

Im not scared, she said. Im feeling hopeful overall because we still have a chance. We are at the point where we know how to organize and push for legislation. We are waking up people who were comfortable before.

On Monday, I also spoke with Manny Jimenez, 20, a Dreamer who arrived in Los Angeles from Nicaragua with his mother when he was a year old. I had trouble hearing him because he was marching in the Service Employees International Unions Labor Day rally downtown.

He told me he graduated from a Los Angeles charter high school, attends Santa Monica College and hopes to transfer to UCLA as a pre-med student. He is working the night shift as a dispatcher for a technology company. (Not going to lie, he said, the pay is great for a college student.)

When I asked him if he considered himself an American, he did not hesitate.

I definitely am American, said Jimenez, who was approved for DACA five years ago. All I know is the United States.

How do you tell someone like that he doesnt belong here?

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California State UniversityCommunity CollegesHigher Education

Sept. 5, 2017, 2:06 p.m. Los Angeles

Cal State, California Community Colleges leaders denounce Trump DACA decision

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Leaders of California State University and California Community Colleges, the largest public university systems in the nation, joined in denouncing the Trump administrations decision Tuesday to end protections for thousands of young immigrants.

Ending DACA is a heartless and senseless decision that goes against American ideals and basic human decency, said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, chancellor of the state community college system, which educates 2.1 million students on 114 campuses. About 61,000 of the systems students in 2015 received in-state tuition under AB 540, the states closest proxy for estimating the number of students without legal status.

Those who are affected by this decision were brought to this country as children and are pursuing an education and making contributions to their communities, Oakley said in a statement. Some have served in the armed forces defending this country. In California, we dont put dreams  or Dreamers  on hold.

California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White said he was deeply disappointed by the decision, but assured immigrant students that changes in federal policy would not affect their ability to enroll at CSU schools, pay in-state tuition or receive state financial aid. Of the systems 480,000 students on 23 campuses, about 10,000 received in-state tuition benefits under AB 540 in 2015.

Our mission to provide excellent educational opportunities to all Californians shall not waiver, White said in a message to the campus community. We will continue to vigorously pursue the CSUs commitment to advance and extend knowledge, learning and culture; to provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally and professionally; and to prepare educated and responsible alumni who are ready and able to contribute to Californias culture and economy.

Both chancellors vowed to support efforts to press Congress to restore the DACA protections.

White invited immigrant students to explore information about their rights, the potential effect of the DACA repeal and available campus resources.

Oakley also provided information about resources for community college students. He voiced his support for them on Twitter:
K-12

Sept. 5, 2017, 8:48 a.m. Californias education chief calls DACA decision mean-spirited

(Andrew Seng / Associated Press)

Californias top education official denounced Trump decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Our country made an honest deal with these students  study hard, earn your degree and you will get a fair chance to compete for college, state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a statement. We should keep deals, not break them.

Torlakson said the students covered by DACA enhance California overall. Their hard work, energy, dedication and diverse backgrounds help them contribute to our economy, he said. About 217,000 children in California are Dreamers, according to the California Department of Education.

Torlakson called the decision a mean-spirited political attack.

I want to let all those students know that the American dream remains safe and secure in California, Torlakson said, though it is unclear exactly what the Department of Education could do to keep migrant students in the state safely.

Chiefs for Change, a group of state education leaders founded by former Florida Gov. Jed Bush, also came out against the decision. Pushing these young people into the shadows will hurt our schools and communities, the group said in a statement. This move by the Administration heightens the urgency for Congress to take action to protect Dreamers in the form of common-sense immigration reform.
K-12

Sept. 5, 2017, 11:56 a.m. Hundreds of Denver students walk out in protest of DACAs end



Hundreds of students in Denver walked out of their classes Tuesday to protest President Trumps decision to end the program that has shielded many young immigrants from deportation.

Shortly after Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions publicly announced the administrations plan, students poured out of their classes. Some carried signs urging lawmakers, Defend DACA.

The students, along with other supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, gathered on the Auraria Campus  the location of three different colleges in the citys downtown.

Similar protests are expected to take place across Southern California.

Nationally, nearly 800,000 young people have benefited from the DACA program. Of those, about 17,000 live in Colorado, according to the Denver Post.

The president has called on Congress to replace the program, which was created by President Obama. Legislators have until March 5, 2018, to act before the policy expires.
K-12LAUSD

Sept. 5, 2017, 9:04 a.m. L.A. Unified Supt. Michelle King says DACA students have earned the right to a permanent place

Hundreds of East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights high school students walked out of class Nov. 14 to protest the election of Donald Trump as president (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Leaders of the Los Angeles Unified School District doubled down on their support for immigrant students after the Trump administration announced that it would phase out DACA.

I am concerned by this decision and its long-term impacts on the students, families and employees of L.A. Unified, Supt. Michelle King said in a statement. These young immigrants have made valuable contributions to the community and the nation they consider their home, and they have earned the right to a permanent place in its history.

L.A. Unified previously passed a resolution saying schools would make it harder for immigration officials to enter campuses. The district also launched a hotline for families struggling with immigration issues under Trump and started the school year with an inclusion campaign called We Are One.

The district will continue to embrace the values and principles of inclusion, and to provide a supportive teaching and learning environment that encourages achievement and success, King said.

School board members also sounded off against the decision. Dreamers, whether they are students or teachers, have worked hard to contribute to this beautiful country and city. They should be celebrated, not turned away, said board President Ref Rodriguez. We are committed to strong advocacy efforts at the federal and state levels, so that Congress will find the courage to reverse this decision.
California State UniversityCommunity CollegesHigher EducationK-12University of California

Sept. 5, 2017, 4:10 p.m. Leaders of five California education systems urge Congress to continue protecting immigrant students

(L-R) California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley, Cal State University Chancellor Timothy White, UC President Janet Napolitano, UC Board of Regents Chairman George Kieffer (University of California)

Leaders of five California education systems joined forces Tuesday to urge Congress to extend protections against deportations for young immigrants who entered the United States as children.

President Trump announced Tuesday that he would phase out the Obama-era policy, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, that postponed deportations of nearly 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally or fell out of legal status before age 16.

We are deeply disappointed by President Trumps callous and misguided decision to effectively end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the leaders wrote in a letter to the California congressional delegation. This is a step backward for our nation  a nation built by immigrants. It unnecessarily punishes hundreds of thousands of bright young people who were brought to this country as children and are contributing members of American society. America is their home and todays action will not only derail futures, but it will deprive California and the nation of the promise and potential DACA participants possess.

The letter was signed by University of California President Janet Napolitano, California State University Chancellor Timothy White, California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley, California Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and Kristen Soares, president of the Assn. of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

In a separate letter to the majority and minority leaders in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Napolitano urged bipartisan action, reminding them that young people who received DACA benefits had undergone exhaustive background investigations to ensure they are not a security threat, completed high school-level educations and had not been convicted of felonies or major misdemeanors.

Napolitano, who served as secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2013, was one of the architects of the DACA policy.
K-12LAUSD

Sept. 5, 2017, 3:31 p.m. My mom, my dad, my uncle, my family: DACA fears in an L.A. Unified classroom

Teacher David Wiltz addresses Tuesdays news on DACA. (Joy Resmovits)

The news can teach you lessons and teachers have your back.

Thats the message David Wiltz told his social studies students at Thomas Jefferson High School south of downtown L.A. on Tuesday.

The juniors, a mix of English learners and special-needs students, fidgeted, listened and rested their heads on their desks as Wiltz engaged them in a conversation about President Trumps decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Quick question: Did you hear what happened this morning? he asked, pointing a long ruler at students. What did Trump do this morning?

DACA is stopped, one student said. Wiltz asked for more details. The students piped up, mostly one at a time.

He made a program to protect immigrants, something called Dreamers, said a teen in the front, his arms and head propped on th gray camouflage print knapsack on his desk.

Didnt Obama make it? asked another student.

Wiltz commended the students for helping one another answer, explained the details of Tuesdays announcement and then gave them five minutes to Google the news on their phones.

He told them that Trump had left it to Congress to take action within six months, when he will end the DACA program.

If by March nothing is figured out, DACA is rescinded and 800,000 people stand a chance of being deported, Wiltz said. This is why its very important to know about our current events. The one thing we need to understand is what it is versus what people are freaking out about.

He emphasized the importance of research: The idea [of ending DACA] is absolutely terrible, lets not get it twisted. But we need to know what it is in order for us to combat it.

The classroom looks out onto Jeffersons quad, a green space with picnic tables and big, leafy trees. It was warm, because the air conditioner hadnt been working for half the period.

As students researched DACA on their phones, they chattered in English and Spanish. Vieron las noticias? one student asked another. Have you seen the news?

Wiltz called the class to order and shared a personal example of how DACA can affect people. He has a friend, he said, who moved to the U.S. as a 5-year-old, went to Cal State L.A. and now works as a clerk. She had called him that morning and said she was worried about being deported.

Wiltz asked the students whether they knew anyone in a similar situation?

My mom, my dad, my uncle, my family, said a boy in the front row.

This is why its important to be aware of whats going on, Wiltz said.

Im going to be adopted and theyll deport my mom, the boy said.

No, youre not, Wiltz said.

He began to try to reassure the class.

No one is ever going to give up your personal information. No one will ever say whether youre undocumented, Wiltz said. I will go to jail before I give up your guys information.

In case that message didnt quite sink in, he kept on going. You can best believe we will protect you all the way up to putting me in jail, he said. Does everybody understand that?
California State UniversityCharter SchoolsFor ParentsK-12University of California

Sept. 5, 2017, 10:31 a.m. Los Angeles

UCs chief immigration legal expert urges DACA beneficiaries to stay calm

Attorney Amy Frances Barnett, left, advises a UC Davis student at the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center at UC Davis. (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times)

The University of Californias chief immigration legal expert urged students who have received government reprieves from deportation to stay calm in the face of President Trumps announcement Tuesday that he plans to phase out DACA protections.

Maria Blanco, who heads the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, said a major lobbying campaign will try to push Congress to extend the protections to nearly 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally or fell out of legal status. Under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, deportation proceedings have been suspended against young immigrants brought to the country before age 16 who stayed in school and out of trouble. The young people also have been allowed to obtain work permits.

We have a very good shot at legislation in Congress and making that happen right away, Blanco said. Students shouldnt do anything like quit school or their jobs.

If you have DACA rights now, you still have them today. Thats the most important thing, she said.

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security confirmed Tuesday that students with DACA status would continue to be protected until their two-year terms expire. Pending applications for DACA and work permits will be processed but new requests submitted after Tuesday will be rejected, the DHS memo said.

UC President Janet Napolitano, who crafted the DACA policy as Homeland Security secretary under the Obama administration, blasted Trumps decisions. UC campus chancellors also weighed in:

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block:

UCLA stands in solidarity with all of our students, especially our undocumented students, for whom the federal governments action will be met with fear and uncertainty. This is indeed a sad day for our nation, but also a day for us to recommit ourselves to our Bruin Communitys core values of equity, diversity and inclusion.

In a message to the campus community, Block said UCLA would continue to provide such services as information and campus support services, including legal and counseling services.

UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ:

We are heartbroken for our undocumented immigrant communities. These communities include many of our students and families, who made the difficult decision to migrate here in pursuit of economic and educational opportunity; or to escape poverty, persecution, human rights violation or armed conflict. This is a devastating step backward and a measure that undermines the spirit of our highest values as a university and as a nation.

She urged the Berkeley community to get involved in helping protect the students and provided information about the campus Undocumented Student Program.

UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland:

The decision to end DACA is a cruel bait-and-switch for the many young adults who are living, learning and working here under its protections. Congress must now step up and pass legislation that will allow Dreamers to remain in this country to pursue the opportunities they have earned.

UC Merced is a leader in supporting and educating undocumented students, including the nearly 600 that currently call our campus home. These are hardworking, law-abiding, taxpaying young people who enrich our campus and community. Now is the time for action to ensure that these students will continue to receive the transformational educational experiences that they so richly deserve.

UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman:

I am profoundly disappointed in this administrations action and want to reassure the entire UCI community that we will continue to stand by all of our students, regardless of background, to help them attain their higher education goals.

UCI is home to a diverse group of individuals who share the common belief that education has the power to improve and transform lives and who are committed to making the world a better place. All members of the Anteater family  including faculty, staff and students  have a right to engage in their activities at UCI without fear or intimidation, and we will do all that we can to protect and uphold this conviction.

Information on services and support for UCI immigrant students can be found here.

UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla:

Todays decision by the Trump administration to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) is distressing. At UC San Diego, our DACA students are pursuing their education in some of the most challenging degree programs, conducting research, performing community service and enhancing our campus community.

At UC San Diego, we are committed to the academic success of all of our students, including DACA students, and remaining an accessible university for higher education. The University of California and UC San Diego offer resources to those impacted by this policy decision, including UC San Diegos Undocumented Student Services Center.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary May:

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal:
University of California

Sept. 5, 2017, 1:00 p.m. With news of DACAs end, UCLA student declares herself undocumented and unafraid

At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, several students gathered at the UCLA Labor Center to watch a livestream of the Trump administrations announcement on whether it would extend protections for nearly 800,000 young immigrants like them.

When U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions announced the government would rescind the Obama-era policy known as DACA that has deferred deportation proceedings and let these immigrants study and work, the room went dead silent.

There was disbelief at the way Jeff Sessions was framing it  that we take jobs, that were criminals, said 22-year-old Yael, who is on track to graduate from UCLA this month in psychology and labor and workplace studies.

But as the news sank in, Yael said, another sentiment surfaced: a determination to reject fear and unite with others to press Congress to extend the protections.

We need to not be afraid. We need to not let cops and Congress terrorize us, Yael said. This is the time to hit the streets and organize. DACA does not define us. Our success doesnt depend on legislation. We are human beings who deserve dignity, peace and justice above all.

Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, immigrants who came to the country illegally or fell out of legal status before age 16 but stayed in school and out of trouble were eligible to apply for deferral of deportation and a work permit.

A U.S. Department of Homeland Security memo released Tuesday said students with DACA status will remain protected until their two-year terms expire and pending applications for status and renewals will be processed. New applications will be rejected.

Yael, a native of Mexico, was brought to the United States illegally when she was 4. She excelled at her La Puente high school, with a 4.5 GPA. At UCLA, she has maintained a 3.5 GPA even as she worked two jobs and took leadership roles in campus organizations.

She is a leader at IDEAS at UCLA, the campus first student-led group to support peers without legal status. She also works at the UCLA Labor Center, whose DREAM Resource Center conducts research on immigration and offers immigrant students leadership training and help in getting internships.

Her parents, she said, own a home, pay taxes and have created nearly a dozen jobs through their contracting and maintenance business.

Undocumented folks are really good at making ends meet and finding a way forward, Yael said. Our resilience and determination will not let this fear-mongering stop us.

(Yaels last name has been removed from a previous version of this story after reports received of threats against her.)
Kendall Bryant was sitting at her desk in Virginia when she got the plea for help from South Los Angeles.

A woman had found an injured poodle in an alley, its white fur matted and dirty, and its small body shaking and circled by flies. She feared that if she moved the dog, she might hurt the animal even more.

She had tried to call the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services for help. But over and over, the woman said, she got disconnected.

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So she emailed Bryant, who works for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

I dont know what to do, the woman wrote.

For more than a year, animal welfare advocates have complained that emergency callers who find wounded or stray animals in Los Angeles have struggled to reach the city for help.

The toll-free number for Animal Services has a tedious menu that often leads to busy signals or leaves callers waiting in silence, unsure if anyone will pick up. If a caller initially makes a wrong selection and then tries to be connected to the nearest shelter instead, the system routinely sends the caller to a silent line.

The Times tried to reach L.A. shelters through the number and frequently got busy signals. In a few cases, a reporter was disconnected after a message saying the call could not be transferred. Los Angeles County, in contrast, has a list of emergency numbers that were answered within a few minutes.

You might as well be calling to the moon, said Thomas Coy, a Shadow Hills resident who said he struggled to reach the department about his concerns about packs of coyotes nearby. He ended up calling the nonprofit Actors and Others for Animals, hoping it could help him because animals was in its name.

We hear complaints all the time about people not getting through, said Actors and Others for Animals Executive Director Susan Taylor.

Other frustrated callers have turned to PETA, which says it regularly hears from Angelenos seeking urgent help with stray or injured animals through its national emergency number. Bryant, who works for PETA in Virginia, had heard from the South L.A. woman who found the injured poodle before, in another situation when she said she couldnt reach the city.

How many animals go without help because of this cumbersome process? Lisa Lange, PETAs senior vice president, complained in an email to Animal Services department head Brenda Barnette.

Animal Services attributed the problem to a rising number of calls that clogged up its phone lines but said it did not track those statistics.

Billing data provided by another city department, the Information Technology Agency, shows that calls to the Animal Services toll-free number have risen and fallen in the last 3 years, with a modest bump in calls so far this calendar year.

Department spokeswoman Sara Ebrahimi said that another complaint  the silence that greets callers as they wait  was a result of a fire three years ago that damaged its administrative offices, including phone equipment that had piped in music to waiting callers.

Animal Services began listing the direct numbers to each shelter on its website and is hiring more clerks to answer phones, but it is clear that a more sophisticated phone system to deal with our day to day operations is needed, Ebrahimi wrote.

To get quicker help for emergency callers, Ebrahimi said the department will partner with the 311 call center that routinely handles complaints about graffiti, abandoned furniture left on the sidewalk and other city nuisances. The Animal Services phone tree will be reprogrammed to include an emergency option, which will transfer urgent calls to 311 to dispatch its animal rescue team, she said.

City officials have yet to determine how long those changes will take to implement or how much they will cost. Animal welfare advocates argue that the city is not moving fast enough, even to make fixes that would prevent emergency callers from getting the runaround.

For instance, PETA has complained that a Los Angeles Police Department Web page with details on how to report stray animals includes several wrong numbers for shelters that go to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Aflac and a disconnected line. As of Friday afternoon, the wrong numbers were still on the website.

These would seem to be simple things that could be fixed immediately, Diana Mendoza, who coordinates PETAs Los Angeles Companion Animal Program, wrote to city commissioners in May.

Members of the Board of Animal Services Commissioners, who are appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, have repeatedly asked about problems with the phone system. Barnette told them in June that she had stopped getting complaints about ghost phones that hung up on people at one shelter, and she was not aware of any phone systems that arent working today.

When PETA disputed that in an email, Barnette replied that she knew of no ongoing problems with the phones, attributing busy lines to a surge of calls following a summer media blitz for adoption programs.

Some animal advocates said they avoid the toll-free number and reach out directly to individual staffers for help.

I have not dialed it in years, said Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. These complaints about looping around to a dead number have been around for as long as Ive been here.

Even when callers reach the city, they can end up facing long waits for help to arrive, advocates say. PETA says that as a result, its staffers have had to corral pit bulls running loose downtown, rush a badly injured cat from South L.A. to a veterinary clinic and get a wounded skunk in Echo Park to a shelter.

When the South L.A. woman who found the injured poodle continued to struggle to get through to the city, Bryant started calling Animal Services herself and said she was told that help was on the way.

But PETA said that after hours of waiting, a staffer ended up ferrying the poodle to the shelter, where it was later euthanized.

Some activists complain that as Animal Services has focused on reducing the euthanasia rate in its shelters and reaching its no kill goal, it has ignored the fate of animals that never get into the shelters.

Theyre not getting helped. They just die. And they dont count on the stats, said Phyllis Daugherty, director of the nonprofit Animal Issues Movement.

Animal Services did not respond to additional questions about its response times, the injured poodle or the claims made by activists.

The Department makes emergency responses the highest priority, Ebrahimi wrote in an earlier email.

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATimesEmily
Federal law enforcement began investigating Californias courts seven years ago after receiving complaints that two Korean-speaking women in Los Angeles had been denied court interpreters.

Courts in other states also were examined and faulted. Along with California, they began working to comply with U.S civil rights law, which bars discrimination based on national origin. Failure to act meant the possible loss of federal money.

But nowhere has the task been so challenging as in California, the most linguistically diverse state in the nation.

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At least 220 languages are spoken in California, and 44% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Seven million Californians say they cannot speak English well.

On top of that, Californias court system is considered the largest in the nation, surpassing in size the entire labyrinth of federal courts.

This is not the kind of challenge you can simply meet in three years and then declare victory.  Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, on the states effort to expand courtroom translation programs

Just finding enough trained interpreters has proved daunting. The states courts handle as many as eight million cases a year.

Now two years into its enforcement phase, Californias language access plan is pushing courts to provide interpreters for all non-English speakers in all cases.

As of December, 47 of 58 county courts said they were offering interpreters in high-priority civil disputes, including those involving protective orders, child custody and other family law matters, evictions, guardianship and conservatorship and elder abuse.

The goal is to get interpreters available in all case types, said 1st District Court of Appeal Justice Terence L. Bruiniers.

But the reality is we are never going to have enough qualified interpreters in enough languages for every courtroom that needs them at the time they need them, he said. That is just not going to be possible.

California has long provided interpreters for criminal and juvenile cases. The law now says they must offer them also in civil courtrooms.

In the past, non-English-speaking litigants were on their own when they went to court to fight evictions, obtain restraining orders and resolve child custody disputes

Children sometimes interpreted for warring parents. One court employee recalled a woman seeking a domestic violence restraining order having to interpret for her alleged abuser.

Some judges said they felt uncomfortable when they received a one-word translation from an amateur interpreter even though the litigant had spoken at length in his native language.

Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Steven Austin recalled a Spanish-speaking woman in his courtroom 10 years ago seeking a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend.

He mean to me, she had written on a legal form.

Austin needed more information to grant the order, but the woman spoke too little English to explain her fears. He rounded up a bilingual person to interpret.

Later he read in the newspaper that the ex-boyfriend had visited the womans home. He had a gun, and she called police.

It was just by luck I was able to find somebody to help, he said. It could have been a tragedy.

The federal probe came in response to a complaint filed by legal aid lawyers on behalf of two women: a sexual assault victim seeking a restraining order against her attacker and a mother asking for child custody and support.

Los Angeles Superior Court denied them interpreters, even they spoke only Korean, the complaint said.

Los Angeles court officials worked with federal authorities to bring in more interpreters, and today the Superior Court is considered the most advanced in the state in providing language help.

Yet even in Los Angeles there are troubles. Just a few months ago an Arabic speaker went to court to try to obtain a restraining order against her ex-husband.

It took four court appearances and months to obtain the order because of the difficulty of getting an interpreter. On one day, an interpreter promised to return after lunch to handle her case but never came back.

During each visit, the woman was forced to face her ex-husband.

It was incredibly traumatizing for her to repeatedly have to face her abuser, said Carmen McDonald, supervising attorney for the L.A. Center for Law and Justice, who related the story.

The push for interpreters comes at a time when Californias court system has yet to recover from recession-era budget cutbacks. Courtrooms remain closed and judges positions vacant.

But the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown have been sympathetic to the language campaign and provided $7 million during the past fiscal year.

This is a popular issue, said Austin, the Contra Costa County judge. I went to the Legislature to talk to people about it, and it was very popular with both the governors office and individual legislators.

The languages for which interpreters are needed are Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, American Sign, Mandarin, Farsi, Cantonese, Russian, Tagalog, Arabic and Punjabi.

But depending on the location of the court, that list expands. It includes Cambodian/Khmer, Japanese, Malayalam, Hmong, Lao and even dialects of the Aleutian Islands.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Manuel J. Covarrubias recalled using a relay in one case.

A defendant knew only Mixteco, an indigenous language spoken in parts of Mexico.

The only interpreter who could be found did not speak English. So that person translated Mixteco into Spanish, and a second translated the Spanish into English, said Covarrubias, who has helped lead the courts language efforts.

California now has about 2,000 qualified court interpreters but still too few to handle the demand.

Getting certified is a hurdle. Only about 10% pass the state examination. The job pays up to $77,000 a year.

Interpreters must show proficiency not just in everyday language but in understanding and translating legal jargon and expert evidence.

It is a big jump between bilingualism and the ability to interpret, said Tracy Clark, who supervises interpreter services for Ventura County courts.

Being able to convey someone elses thoughts immediately in a noisy courtroom and word for word is a whole other level of language competence, she said.

Clark said she has had to fly in interpreters from across the country but sometimes cant get one even if I could have found a flight.

She sends Spanish interpreters every day into criminal and traffic courts, and hires others as needed.

Describing her work so far in a single week, Clark related that on one day she had to find interpreters for three languages other than Spanish, the next day four languages and the day after that seven.

Ventura, Sacramento and Merced County courts are set to begin a pilot project this month in which interpreters will participate in short hearings via a live video feed.

If the project succeeds, it may be repeated in other courtrooms around the state.

The plan has made some interpreters nervous. They say seeing a litigants face is important, as is being able to signal the judge if a stack of papers nearby falls, drowning out words.

California Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, who emigrated from Mexico as a boy, became a legal scholar and joined the seven-member high court after being appointed by Brown, heads a task force assigned to enforce the language plan.

He ran an institute at Stanford University and worked to develop and enforce policy at the White House under two Democratic administrations.

This is not the kind of challenge you can simply meet in three years and then declare victory, Cuellar said. It requires long-term commitment and vigilance.

Kevin Baker, legislative director of the ACLU of California and a task force member, said he sees a culture of resistance in a lot of pockets of the courts.

Judges tend to be tradition-bound and want to move the court calendar along, he said. Getting interpreters takes time and also delays resolution of cases.

Some court leaders also have pushed back on a proposed complaint system for the language plan, he said.

Although state law now requires interpreters in civil cases, some county court websites still limit the languages that will be offered or say litigants should bring their own interpreters, said Stephen Goldberg, regional counsel for Legal Services of Northern California, which represents poor people in civil cases. Some use telephone interpreters, he said.

Interpreters also are only part of the solution.

Court signs must be posted in multiple languages, legal documents translated and court-ordered services, such as a program on alcohol abuse, must be offered in the languages of the participants, judges said.

The difficulties are real, and sometimes difficulties can be frustrating, Cuellar said. But almost everything worth doing is difficult.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan
Los Angeles politicians on Tuesday criticized the Trump administrations decision to scrap protections for young men and women in the United States without legal status and urged Congress to pass legislation to aid so-called Dreamers.

Los Angles County supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti rallied downtown to join supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The program, put in place by then-President Obama, shields those brought to the country illegally as children from being deported.

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Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the administration will phase out DACA beginning in six months, a move that pushes the issue to Congress.

Sessions announcement marked one of those dark days in our history, said Solis, whose district includes many immigrant communities, including El Monte and Boyle Heights.

Solis called on Republican leaders supportive of DACA to take action. Now more than ever we need them. We need Sen. Lindsay Graham, she said.

Graham, of South Carolina, along with Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Dream Act in July to allow immigrant students a path to legal residence and eventual citizenship.

Garcetti talked about his grandfather, who was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as a baby.

I couldnt be the mayor of this incredible city if I hadnt had the courage of a dreamer behind me in my family, Garcetti said.

 Mayor Garcetti responds to Trump administration ending DACA program.

A study by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute found one in every four DACA participants lives in California.

Sessions said that Obamas action in creating DACA went beyond his legal authority and was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.

Several Republican state attorneys general have also threatened to challenge the program in court.

Solis and Hahn planned to introduce a motion at Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting to demand that Congress find a solution for DACA recipients and to urge state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra to protect them.

The motion also would bar county employees from traveling to any of the nine states that have threatened to sue the Trump administration over DACA.

They threatened legal action, Solis said. Well, guess what were going to say? Were going to say that the county of Los Angeles shouldnt do business [with those states].

Hahn became emotional when describing one of her staffers who has benefited from DACA, calling him just as American as I am. And he belongs here, with his family, with his friends, as much as I do.

Francia Cruz, a sociology student at East Los Angeles College, said she has been employed ever since enrolling in DACA in 2012.

DACA has allowed me to come out of the shadows, where I hid for a long time because of fear and rejection, she said. I refuse to go back into hiding under Trumps administration  under any administration, for that matter.

In Spanish, she urged those worried about the future of DACA to stay organized and to keep fighting.

The community that is united will never be defeated, she said.

1 / 24 Victoria Sandoval, 22, left, of Los Angeles, a DACA recipient, is consoled by sister Maria Sandoval, 20, a U.S. citizen, while protesters gathered at City Hall to demonstrate against changes in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 24 Javier Ortega, 23, of Los Angeles takes part in the City Hall protest. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 24 Demonstrators at Los Angeles City Hall. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 24 Bonny Gonzalez, 22, left, of Hawthorne and Hewdy Pego, 21, of San Pedro at the downtown Los Angeles protest. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 24 Rosa Pimentel, 20, of Hollywood joins the demonstration. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 24 DACA protesters gather at the intersection of Temple and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 24 Docnary Reyes, 21, joins other protesters in downtown Los Angeles to denounce the Trump administrations move to phase out protections for DACA unless Congress acts on a plan. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 24 Members of the Service Employees International Union gather with other protesters at the L.A. County Hall of Administration to protest the possible phasing out of the DACA program. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 24 Service Employees International Union members arrive by bus to join protesters in downtown Los Angeles denouncing the decision to possibly phase out the DACA program. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 24 Jose Torres attends the DACA protest in downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 24 The Rev. Thomas Carey hugs DACA student Maria Jose Vides of La Puente after a news conference in front of the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 24 Guisell Flores Martinez, 43, cries as she video tapes speeches about DACA during a press conference, in front of the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 24 Protesters gather at Trump Tower in New York in opposition to the announcement by President Trump that the DACA will end. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 24 Gloria Mendoza, age 26, is a Dreamer. She is originally from Mexico City and took part in the protests at Trump Tower in New York. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 24 Activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are arrested by New York City Police officers after sitting in the street and blocking traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 24 Immigration activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are arrested by New York City Police officers as they sit in the street and block traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 17 / 24 An immigrant holds a sign reading GOP you killed our dreams, as immigrants and supporters rally after President Trump ordered an end to DACA in Los Angeles. (David McNew / Getty Images) 18 / 24 Immigrants and supporters rally after President Trump ordered an end to DACA in Los Angeles. (David McNew / Getty Images) 19 / 24 From left, Paola Soria and Karla Collaguazo, both 20 and dreamers originally from Ecuador, listen to Attorney General Jeff Sessions remarks on ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on a smartphone before a protest in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 20 / 24 Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department on President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) 21 / 24 Immigration activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program sit in the street and block traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 22 / 24 A person holds up a sign in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, and Temporary Protected Status programs during a rally in support of DACA and TPS outside of the White House. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) 23 / 24 Rosemary Segero, of Washington, who is originally from Kenya, rallies in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, outside of the White House. President Donald Trumps administration will wind down a program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared Tuesday. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) 24 / 24 Immigrants and supporters demonstrate during a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in front of the White House. President Donald Trump has rescinded the program, ending amnesty for 800,000 young immigrants brought to the US illegally as minors and who are largely integrated into US society. (ERIC BARADAT / AFP/Getty Images)

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith

nina.agrawal@latimes.com

Twitter: @agrawalnina
Fruit sold by a Lancaster street vendor who was infected with hepatitis A might have exposed consumers to the virus, which can cause serious liver disease, Los Angeles County public health officials said Monday in a statement.

The possibly contaminated produce was sold at a stand at West Avenue L and 20th Street West in mid-August, officials said.

It is important that anyone who may have bought or consumed fruit from this vendor during the period of Aug. 15 through Aug. 22 should contact their doctor to discuss possible hepatitis A prevention and treatment options, said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the countys interim health officer.

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Health officials advised those who might have eaten the affected fruit to receive an immune globulin shot or hepatitis A vaccine. Any uneaten produce should be discarded.

Free vaccinations will be offered beginning Tuesday at the Antelope Valley Public Health Center, 335-B E. Avenue K-6, in Lancaster, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (661) 471-4860

This new case might be linked to outbreaks of hepatitis A infections in San Diego and Santa Cruz counties, officials said. Most of those have involved homeless people and illicit drug users, officials said.

The infected fruit stand worker previously had spent time in San Diego, received care and is no longer infectious, the statement said. The county has not identified any new cases associated with the fruit stand.

kim.christensen@latimes.com

Twitter: @kchristensenLAT
A Northern California woman, her husband and son were arrested Saturday in connection with the death of her lover after the men discovered the affair, authorities said.

Maria Guadalupe Torres, her husband, Rene Espinoza Martinez Sr., and her son, Rene Espinoza Martinez Jr., are being held without bail on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to commit a crime, according to the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office.

Torres and the victim, Antonio Botello-Arreola, had been involved in a long-term romantic relationship, said sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Spencer Crum.

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That was until her 20-year-old son and 40-year-old husband became aware of the affair recently and didnt approve, Crum said.

The four found themselves on the same Santa Rosa road early Friday.

Botello-Arreola, 25, and Torres, 40, had been driving in a Toyota Previa minivan when they pulled over onto a dirt turnout in the 4500 block of Porter Creek Road.

As Torres got out of the vehicle, authorities said, her husband and son pulled up in a car next to the van and fired shots into the drivers side.

Botello-Arreola was struck but managed to escape through the passenger door. He ran to a nearby ravine and fell, officials said.

Hours later, the California Highway Patrol notified the sheriffs office that they had found a vehicle riddled with bullet holes and blood at Porter Creek Road.

When deputies arrived, they found the Toyota minivan, with its windows shot out. While searching the area, they found Botello-Arreola dead in the ravine.

Detectives also found evidence inside the minivan that led them to a motel in Santa Rosa.

At the motel, Crum said, detectives gathered check-in information and surveillance video that linked Torres to Botello-Arreola.

The next day, detectives arrested Torres, her husband and son in Lake County.

All three of the family members acted in concert in the homicide, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

The mother, father and son were set to appear in Sonoma County court Wednesday.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
Two bodies pulled from a mangled car that had been trapped for weeks in the middle of a treacherous Kings River gorge in Central California were confirmed to be those of two missing Thai students, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office said.

The bodies of University of South Florida exchange students Pakapol Chairatnathrongporn, 28, and Thiwadee Saengsuriyarit, 24, were recovered Friday and identified through fingerprints over the long weekend, said sheriffs spokesman Tony Botti.

The car, a red Hyundai Sonata, had plummeted 500 feet after plowing through a guardrail on Highway 180 on July 26, authorities said. Since then, the smashed vehicle has rested on a pile of boulders amid raging waters.

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Search-and-rescue crews from the Fresno County Sheriffs Office pulled the sedan to the riverbank Friday, then retrieved the bodies from the car, Botti said.

The bodies were flown in a California Highway Patrol helicopter to a nearby road for transfer to the Fresno County coroners office.

Chairatnathrongporn and Saengsuriyarit were visiting Kings Canyon National Park when the manager of the motel they were staying in reported them missing.

Sheriff Margaret Mims thanked the families of the two missing students for their patience during the weeks-long wait to recover the bodies.

Its always been our goal to deliver peace to you so that you could hold the necessary services for your loved ones, Mims said in a statement.

Recovery of the bodies was delayed because of the hazardous location of the pairs rental car, officials said.

The car was trapped in the middle of a rapid that lies between two canyon faces more than 500 feet high, with a 75-foot drop about 100 feet downriver, Botti said. Those conditions made its recovery dangerous, he said.

In the time officials prepared for the recovery effort, they also found signs of another couple who disappeared recently from Sequoia National Park and also may have driven off the same section of highway, roughly 75 miles east of Fresno.

Yinan Wang, 31, and his wife, Jie Song, 30, were last seen at Sequoia National Parks Crystal Cave on Aug. 6. They were expected to drive north and stay the night in Fresno before continuing on to Yosemite National Park. The California license plate from the couples rental car was spotted about 40 yards upstream from the Thai couples vehicle.

They have not been found.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

Staff writer Javier Panzar contributed to this report.
After a four-day search, a California woman who was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend in Solvang has been found at a casino just outside Las Vegas, Henderson police said Tuesday.

Virginia Paris, 55, of Lompoc was dropped off Monday night outside the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson, Nev., by her abductor, Joseph Hetzel, the Santa Barbara Sheriffs Office said. She is in good condition and has been reunited with her family.

Hetzel, 52, was believed to be headed for Utah following a 900-mile journey that started in Solvang and included sightings in Camarillo, Goodyear, Ariz., the Grand Canyon and outside the casino in Henderson.

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Authorities said Hetzel kidnapped Paris about 7:30 p.m. Friday and that their phones had either run out of battery power or been turned off. The pair reappeared at a Starbucks in Goodyear on Sunday morning.

There, according to investigators, Paris ordered a drink and gave her name. She went to the bathroom and after she came out, told a female customer that she needed help, authorities said.

Hetzel saw the interaction, grabbed Paris and dragged her out of the store and into the car, officials said.

Paris managed to throw her vehicles registration out the window as Hetzel sped the car onto eastbound Interstate 10 toward Phoenix.

The two were seen the following morning checking out of the Grand Canyon Inn in Valle, Ariz., officials said.

Officials said they believed Hetzel was driving to Las Vegas. Then things took a turn.

Authorities said Paris called her family just before 9 p.m. Monday and said she was coming home. In a second call to her family, she asked for help and said she was in Henderson.

Paris family called Santa Barbara County dispatchers and Las Vegas police to launch a search effort.

About two hours later, Hetzel allegedly drove up to the casino, dropped off Paris and sped away.

After her rescue, Paris told investigators Hetzel said he was going to Utah.

A tip to local law enforcement to be on the lookout for Paris stolen black 2015 Chrysler 200 led to its discovery about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of Emmarene Street in Mesquite, Nev., a desert town of about 20,000 on the border of Nevada and Arizona about 20 miles south of Utah.

Hetzel has not been found. Sheriffs officials say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities said he has served time in prison for possession of items used to make explosive devices, using explosive devices with intent to terrorize, felony vandalism and criminal threats. He is believed to have access to firearms.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

UPDATES:

9:25 a.m.: This article was updated with the victims recovery.

This article was originally published at 7:50 a.m.
A brush fire that triggered hundreds of evacuations in Glendale and Burbank as it tore across the Verdugo Mountains over the weekend was 80% contained Tuesday evening, Los Angeles fire officials said.

The La Tuna fire, which began Friday afternoon amid a sweltering heat wave, shut down miles of the 210 Freeway in the Sunland-Tujunga area for days as winds whipped the flames in all directions.

We hit this hard, we hit it fast and weve done everything we can, and were proud to say out of those nearly 1,400 homes, only five have been destroyed and that weve been really able to jump from 30% to 70% containment, Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said early Tuesday. By 8 p.m., containment reached 80%.

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The fire burned 7,194 acres, fire officials said. All lanes of the 210 Freeway were reopened Monday.

At the peak of the fire, more than 700 residents were evacuated throughout the area.

The evacuations have since been lifted and the cause of the fire remains unknown, but officials say there is no evidence of arson. The governor declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County on Sunday at the urging of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said it would ensure that state and federal assistance was provided as quickly as possible.

Garcetti described the fire as the biggest in the history of the city in terms of sheer acreage.

Fire officials repeated that statement on Monday.

Were confident, back to 1961, the Bel-Air fire, that this is the largest fire by acreage in the city of Los Angeles, LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas said.

Relief from the heat wave came for firefighters on Sunday, when temperatures dipped a bit and rain fell in some burn areas as monsoonal moisture from Tropical Storm Lidia moved into the region.

The moisture that damped down the fire [Sunday] was from Lidia, said NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory climatologist Bill Patzert. That was a gift from ... Lidia.

Patzert said September is the heat wave month, so the risk of other fires will persist as brush, grasses and other vegetation continue to become dry and desiccated.

The simple formula is that fire equals fuel, plus ignition, plus meteorology, Patzert said Monday. After above-average rainfall last winter through February, March turned dry, he said.

But the rainfall we did have really encouraged the brush and especially the grasses.  So we were primed for fires all over the Southland. And were definitely not done, Patzert said. The fire season is the Santa Ana winds season, and historically thats October, with November being the peak of the old fire season.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

Los Angeles Times staff writer Brittny Mejia contributed to this report.

UPDATES:

9:10 p.m.: This article was updated with new acreage and containment figures.

This article was originally published at 11:55 a.m.
The Metropolitan Water District has opened a review into its own ethics office, hiring a Washington, D.C.-based law firm to look into at least two investigations carried out at the agency.

The MWD is paying attorney Alejandro Mayorkas, the former deputy secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, nearly $1,100 per hour to examine the policies and procedures of the office, which investigates potential violations of internal ethics rules.

Mayorkas, a partner with the firm WilmerHale, said the review was initiated at least in part as the result of concerns over two ethics office investigations. He declined to say who the subjects were. But he said the cases had sparked disagreements at the agency over policy issues, such as confidentiality.

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We are reviewing documents. We are interviewing individuals at the district. We are looking at the investigative record of these two cases. And [if] we determine that it would be helpful to review records of other investigations conducted, we will certainly request the ability to do so, he said in an interview.

Mayorkas, a former U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, billed his work as a governance review  one that will ultimately strengthen the workings of the ethics office.

Some on the agencys 38-member board are not so sure. MWD board member Sylvia Ballin, who represents San Fernando, said she fears the law firms work is part of a larger effort at the agency to undermine the offices independence.

For the first time, I thought we really and truly had an ethics officer that believed in ethics, said Ballin, a former MWD employee herself. And I feel like her hands are being tied.

The MWD is a regional wholesaler that provides water to 26 cities and water agencies, which in turn deliver water to 19 million people in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. The agencys ethics office was created in 1999 to establish and enforce rules involving conflicts of interest, contracting, campaign contributions and other issues.

Since the outside review began, the ethics office has turned over thousands of pages of documents. Ethics officer Deena Ghaly said she is worried that someone at the MWD is seeking a particular result from the review.

Of course we have concerns, she said. We handled a couple of politically sensitive matters, and it seems like this was kind of a response to that. That feels different from an overall review of what our office does.

Ghaly would not identify the people targeted in the two investigations mentioned by Mayorkas. But Keith Lewinger, an MWD board member who represents San Diego, identified himself as the subject of one of them.

Lewinger said investigators looked into the question of whether he improperly released confidential information  and cleared him of any wrongdoing.

I have no problem with the way the ethics office handled the investigation. My only issue was that they didnt inform me in a timely manner that the investigation had been closed when no wrongdoing had been found, he said. Is that their fault? I dont know.

Ghaly said her office did look into an MWD board member and found no wrongdoing. The other investigation, she said, centered on a member of senior management.

In the second case, Ghaly said, investigators made factual findings that they believed supported the conclusion that wrongdoing occurred. However, the office decided not to move forward with a finding of any MWD ethics violations after determining such a move would not be entirely fair to the subject, Ghaly said.

The investigations findings were sent to the MWDs general manager for review and action, she added.

Word of the outside review into the ethics office became public three months ago, when MWD board chairman Randy Record disclosed at a meeting that he had formed a temporary subcommittee to examine Ghalys office.

A week later, Ghaly criticized Records decision, informing board members in an email that the new subcommittee would not be subject to the states open meeting law. The process, Ghaly warned, would likely result in an inaccurate and incomplete evaluation.

Moreover, it cannot protect the board from the perception that it is unreasonably interfering with Metropolitans legally mandated duty to maintain an independent, properly resourced and supported ethics office, she wrote.

Record responded with his own email, saying he had formed the subcommittee after receiving a letter from a lawyer representing an MWD employee investigated by Ghalys office. Record said the investigation appeared to put the MWD at risk of a lawsuit, according to the email, a copy of which was obtained by The Times.

After reviewing Deenas email to the board, I am further convinced this is the appropriate process, he wrote.

The agencys legal committee is set to meet Sept. 12 to discuss a claim for attorneys fees and other costs involving the investigation of an executive manager.

Record, who represents a water district based in Riverside County, said there have been disagreements at the agency over whether the findings of certain investigations should be made public. Record also said he is concerned about situations in which the subject of an investigation disputes the findings of the MWDs ethics investigators.

Its important for the ethics office to be independent, he said. But its also important for the ethics office to be accountable. And there are issues with the rights of people that may be investigated.

James Sutton, an attorney who has represented three people investigated by the MWDs ethics office over the last five years, offered a much stronger take, saying the board needs to rein in Ghalys office.

The ethics office is running amok, he said. It is judge, jury and prosecutor all rolled into one. And theres no oversight.

Sutton declined to say whether he represented either person in the two investigations that helped trigger Mayorkas review.

Ghaly disputed Suttons assertions, saying there are already multiple internal controls over her offices activities. The MWDs in-house lawyer also plays a large role in reviewing investigative reports, she said. Ghaly reports directly to the board.

We are very cautious and conservative, she said. We will put the due process rights of the subject [of an investigation] ahead of going forward with any finding of violation.

Mayorkas said he plans to update the board on his activities in October. Because the contract with Mayorkas firm was for less than $250,000, it did not require a board vote, an MWD official said.

david.zahniser@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidZahniser
A pro-Palestinian student group at UC Irvine is appealing its punishment in response to a protest during an on-campus Israeli veterans panel in May.

University administrators gave the Students for Justice in Palestine two years of probation, 12 mandatory meetings to discuss free speech and a requirement to meet with administrators two weeks before hosting any event.

In a statement, representatives for the group said that their clapping and chanting at the event  sponsored by Students Supporting Israel  was in response to aggressive behavior by a member of the soldiers group.

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Its outrageous that the university is punishing us, students, instead of protecting us from aggressive foreign military agents on campus, Daniel Carnie, a Jewish UCI student, said in a statement. Were a diverse group of Palestinian, black, Latino and Jewish students who attended the soldiers speaking event and asked critical questions.

Campus police officers escorted the panelists to the parking lot after the event. No arrests were made.

Students for Justice in Palestine said its members have been harassed and cyber-bullied since the event; the group said it has filed a discrimination complaint.

In May 2016, the group disrupted the screening of a film about Israeli soldiers. UCI administrators later said the students had violated conduct policies, and the group was given a warning that its behavior was under increased scrutiny. Another violation, the students were told, could lead to harsher consequences.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Davis writes for Times Community News.
Simeon Wright, the cousin of Emmett Till who was with the boy on the night he was kidnapped and later killed for whistling at a white woman in a Mississippi grocery store, has died.

Tills violent death at the age of 14 helped galvanize the civil rights movement in America, and Wright carried the weight of his cousins death for life, before finally writing a book on Till.

Wright died Monday of complications from bone cancer, his wife, Annie Wright, said. He was 74.

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Wright was with his cousin in August 1955 when Till allegedly whistled at a white woman at a convenience store as a prank. And Wright was also with the teen the night Till was ordered out of bed at gunpoint by two angry white men, who accused him of flirting with their relative.

Till was tortured, killed and his body was tossed into a river. In death, he became a symbol of racist violence that persisted in the South. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, insisted on an open casket at his funeral so that his mutilated body could be seen, and photographs of Tills wounded corpse were published and circulated around the world.

The men accused of killing Till were tried and acquitted. For much of his life, Wright lived quietly in suburban Chicago. But in the 2000s, Wright became more vocal about what happened to him, his wife said.

He really wanted people to know what happened that night, she said. There were so many versions. When I first met him, he never talked about it. But then he wanted people to know the injustices and indignities.

Wright was 12 when Till was killed and afterward his family fled in fear, said Airickca Gordon-Taylor, a spokeswoman for the family and the co-founding director of the Mamie Till-Mobley Memorial Foundation.

The media spotlight was justifiably on Emmett Till, Gordon-Taylor said. But the rest of the family suffered immensely after the teens death.

People often talked about Emmett, but Simeon had a story of his own, Gordon-Taylor said. That incident changed him as a person. It ripped his own family apart. It disrupted his life. He became bitter and angry."

In 2009, Wright published a book detailing his eyewitness account. After Till whistled at the white woman at the store, he made his cousins promise not to tell any of the adults because he didnt want to get sent back home to Chicago, Wright wrote. But that night, Wright awoke to loud, rumbling voices.

When I opened my eyes, I saw two white men at the foot of my bed. One had a flashlight and a gun, Wright told a Chicago Tribune columnist in 2014.

They ordered me back down. Emmett was still sleeping. They had to shake him to wake him up.

The men took Till out of the house. His body was later found in the river, weighted down by a cotton gin fan.

Shortly after the trial, the two men accused of killing Till bragged to Look magazine that they had murdered the boy. The entire incident filled Wright with an anger that he was able to subdue only with a religious conversion.

He got through it with the Lords help, his wife said. He channeled his energy into mentoring young boys and trying to teach them how to set goals and manage lifes setbacks and obstacles, she said.

This year, Carolyn Bryant Donham, the woman at the center of the trial of Tills killers, acknowledged that she falsely testified that Till had made physical advances and verbal threats.

The confession sparked a renewed interest in the Till tragedy and its role in history.

Wright is survived by his wife.

Bowean writes for the Chicago Triibune
On the campaign trail, as part of his cynical campaign to exploit fear of immigrants, Donald Trump repeatedly attacked an Obama administration policy that offered protection to people who had been living illegally in the United States since they were children. A horrible order, he called it, promising it would be ended immediately. Then, after the election  perhaps worrying that such a mean-spirited move might backfire politically  Trump softened, saying he was gonna deal with those receiving deferrals with heart. For some months, it was unclear what he would do.

But on Tuesday morning, he made the decision he so often does: the wrong one. In a brief written statement, Trump killed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an act of pure cruelty that threatens the well-being of nearly 800,000 people who live in the country illegally through no fault of their own but as a result of decisions made by their parents.

The president apparently lacked the courage himself to stand before the cameras and publicly dash the dreams of hundreds of thousands of people, so Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions made the announcement in a speech that was low in details and high in praise of his boss.

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What public good is achieved by yanking people from their homes, families and communities and sending them to countries where they are strangers?

The best that can be said for it is that those who have already been granted what is known as deferred status will not be immediately or suddenly cut off. Instead, the administration will give Congress six months to decide whether to renew the protections legislatively before ending them.

Unfortunately, the chances of Congress rising to the challenge are aggravatingly slim, given the discord among Republicans over pretty much every major issue facing the nation. So a wind down, as Sessions called it, offers little comfort to hundreds of thousands of people raised as Americans; what consolation is it to know that as of a certain date, they will no longer be able to live and work legally in the country where they were raised and educated and where many now lead productive lives?

There are many aspects of the immigration system and immigration enforcement that need vigorous debate, but its beyond the pale that the government thinks its wise policy to not offer relief to people who were grew up here but dont have legal status because of decisions made by their parents. From a cost-benefit standpoint, American school districts have invested in these children just as they have in U.S. citizens, but now the Trump administration has set the stage to kick them out of the country.

Who are the people currently holding deferments? They are young men and women like Antonio Cisnero, born in Acapulco and now living in Pomona, who is studying at Cal State L.A. (while working full time to pay for his education) for a career in biomedical engineering. Maria Lizeth Ruiz was born in Mexico City and now lives in Costa Mesa; she wants to become a court interpreter. Eunsoo Jeong, who came from South Korea to California as a 13-year-old, used DACA status to graduate from college and get a job in a Burbank animation lab. Jesus Contreras arrived in the U.S. from Mexico when he was 6, and he spent the last week doing his job in Houston  as a paramedic helping save people from flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey.

What public good is achieved by yanking such people from their homes, families and communities and sending them to countries where they are strangers and often dont even speak the language? Sessions argued that Obamas initial executive actions were illegal and unconstitutional  an assertion that seems based on a willful misreading of law and precedent. And he said the orders must be overturned because the U.S. is a nation of laws, a laughable statement from an administration that recently pardoned former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio on his conviction for flouting court orders.

There is a fix for this. Congress can and should resurrect the DREAM Act and make it national policy to offer these people a path to legalization. Under the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (just as under DACA), participants cant have had a serious criminal past and must be in school, or have graduated or serve in the military. They cant pose a threat to public safety or national security. American society and institutions have molded these young men and women; many of them already are productive members of society.

Several versions of the DREAM Act have been introduced by both Democrats and Republicans. In fact, polls show that even a majority of Republican voters believe the so-called Dreamers deserve help and protection, and many Republican members of Congress agree.

So heres an idea: How about members of Congress set aside their tribal differences and actually do something that the American people say they want?

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When Donald Trump ran for president, one pledge he made repeatedly was to reduce regulations and limit the hurdles businesses face when trying to build, expand or operate  including when they affect the environment. You know, pollute. And there is a legitimate argument to be made that outdated, ineffective or counterproductive regulations should be amended or withdrawn; thats why every presidential candidate promises to do just that. But there is absolutely no persuasive argument to be made that the federal government should ignore its responsibility to enforce environmental regulations.

But that appears to be just what is happening under Environmental Protection Agency director Scott Pruitt, whose coziness with the oil-and-gas industry makes him among the least-appropriate people in the country to ensure the right balance is struck between promoting economic and industrial activity and preserving the environment. Pruitt stepped into the national political spotlight when, as attorney general for Oklahoma, he sued the EPA at least 14 times. Now hes in charge of it, and he has moved aggressively to undo or dismantle core aspects of EPA enforcement. In fact, the Environmental Integrity Project reports that the Trump administration collected 60% less in civil penalties from polluters through July 31 than any of the previous three administrations collected over a similar time frame. Pruitt has filed only 26 civil actions to resolve violations, 30% fewer than the three previous administrations filed on average during the same time period.

Pruitt also has targeted more than 30 rules and regulations for rescission or rollback, and, according to the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility advocacy group, has significantly reduced enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act  which provided the most active dockets under previous administrators. But his aim is broad. He overruled his own staff and refused to ban chlorpyrifos, a pesticide that mounting scientific evidence suggests can affect development of the brain and nervous systems in young children. He dropped an Obama administration requirement that oil and gas drillers collect and report data on emissions. He also tried to freeze an Obama rule restricting methane emissions from new oil and gas wells, but a federal appeals court held that Pruitt couldnt do so unilaterally and must follow federal regulatory procedures  a decision that should hearten environmentalists who hope the courts will be the firewall against the administrations attack on environmental protections.

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Trumps proposed EPA budget would cut 31% of the agencys funding, kill 3,200 of the agencys 15,000 jobs, and cut $129 million from federal enforcement.

And make no mistake  this is an attack. During the campaign, Trump said: Environmental protection, what they do is a disgrace; every week they come out with new regulations. His proposed budget, which Pruitt endorses, would cut 31% of the agencys funding, kill 3,200 of the agencys 15,000 jobs, and cut $129 million from federal enforcement and an additional $482 million in aid to states to support their enforcement efforts, among other environmental programs. The Republican-led Congress told Trump it will not go along with such a devastating budget, but the spending plan still evinces how much value Trump places on environmental protection. Given the presidents abject disinterest in the nuts-and-bolts of policy, Trumps priorities are by default set by Pruitt, a man who went to Washington planning to collapse from within an agency he had fought so hard from the outside.

And Pruitt is doing it largely out of sight. Career employees say they rarely interact with him, and when they do, note-taking is not allowed, limiting creation of government records. Policy decisions  such as they are  are made in consultation with a coterie of political appointees and industry representatives, a practice that led several Senate Democrats on Thursday to accuse Pruitt of taking deliberate steps to thwart transparency, including taking care not to leave a paper trail of the decision-making process. Tellingly, Pruitt moves through the EPA offices with a bodyguard detail, a message that he sees himself as treading in enemy territory. Not surprisingly, morale is toxic and career employees are looking for the exit  which, in fact, helps speed up the agencys decline.

While its true that any of the other Republican candidates for president last year likely would have targeted the EPA for some cuts, its hard to imagine any of them doing it with this level of aggression. Congress has yet to set federal spending levels for the next fiscal year, so its hard to tell what the EPAs budget ultimately will look like. But what is clear is that even if Congress appropriates money, Pruitt wont necessarily use it. Congress has an oversight role here, and it must ensure that Pruitt, left to his own devices, doesnt single-handedly dismantle the nations strongest force for environmental protection.

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It seems like common sense  enlist disillusioned extremists as credible voices against terrorism and put them to work persuading others to rethink their flirtation with political violence.

Richard Barrett, a former counter-terrorism chief in Britain, told the Guardian: Many of the people who have been most successful in undermining the terrorist narrative are themselves ex-extremists. And in a recent report summarizing the stories of 58 Islamic State defectors, scholar Peter Neumann concluded that their narratives can be important in helping to prevent young people from being radicalized and recruited.

Yet the case for enlisting ex-militants to prevent the radicalization of others remains contentious; there is little or no empirical data to back it up. Neither Barrett in the Guardian nor Neumann in his report offered any evidence  not even anecdotal  for the effectiveness of former Islamic State members as agents against future radicalization.

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A burst of tweets last year from Georgia State University professor John Horgan in reaction to a news story about Harry Sarfo, a reformed Islamic State recruit from Germany, made the problem explicit. We all kinda say their stories might prevent others but we should (from a research standpoint) be getting clearer traction on this. And in a follow-up tweet: Can we find evidence that defector narratives dissuade initial involvement of potential recruits?

Once a member of Islamic State or Al Qaeda repents and rejects radical views, he relinquishes credibility with those who see truth in extremism.

Although there is a small body of research on how to best frame and disseminate counter-narratives against terrorist propaganda (spearheaded by Horgan and Kurt Braddock), it doesnt speak to the issue of how effective these messages are with their intended audience. The one study that has tried to figure it out captured likes, shares and comments related to three different counter-narrative campaigns on social media, but that doesnt tell us anything about who was liking, sharing and commenting, or whether minds were changed.

A close examination of the stories told by reformed militants reveals that, in common with other kinds of defector narratives (from ex-cons, former cultists or reformed addicts), they are often exercises in self-justification. Because the ex-militant is in need of exoneration and self-forgiveness, he must come up with a suitably absolving explanation for why he joined the now-reviled group in the first place. This usually takes the form of a brainwashing tale in which he is more sinned against than sinning.

For example, many repentant female Islamic State supporters claim they were forced into traveling to Syria, or they insist  ludicrously, given the incessant news coverage of Islamic State atrocities  they were lured by promises of a paradise on Earth for Muslims, with bountiful markets, pristine hospitals and parks, and righteous justice. One French returnee conceded her own guilt but also blamed those who manipulated me, exploited my naivety, my weakness, my insecurity.

Stories of evil manipulation and exploitation may be psychologically useful for former extremists, but theres little evidence that the radicalized (or those leaning in that direction) are buying them. As one British female Islamic State recruit witheringly put it in a tweet: Were not stupid young brainwashed females weve come here to syria for ALLAH alone.

Nor do these retrospective atrocity tales do much to explain to the general public how normal people come to embrace violent extremism. The stories dont tell it like it is, just how bad it is. They also tend to minimize the glamour and attractiveness of violent causes for young recruits. To the extent that studies tell us how radicalization works, far from being a pathological or passive process, it is the culmination of an active search for meaning and fulfillment, often undertaken with friends or kin.

Another argument used to justify belief in the preventive power of counter-messages is that former militants have the requisite street cred to be taken seriously by young Muslims. Only most dont, because once, say, a member of Islamic State or Al Qaeda repents and rejects his former views, he relinquishes credibility with those who see truth in extremism. Worse, if the ex-militant is working with the secular liberal or moderate establishment, hes considered a sellout.

Maajid Nawaz, who co-founded the Quilliam Foundation in London, the worlds first counter-extremism think tank, is an obvious case in point. For all his bona fides as a former member of the transnational Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, an association that earned him jail time in an Egyptian prison, Nawaz is regarded with suspicion among even moderate British Muslims, while those at the extreme end of the spectrum regard him with contempt as a traitor.

And yet, the ex-extremist, and his redemption narrative, finds eager supporters. This may have more to do with societys need for catharsis than with any benefit he brings to fighting political violence. Like the one-time criminal who has found the right path after a lifetime of doing wrong, these repentant formers make the rest of us feel good. Their change of heart validates and reinforces our better angels. Thats especially satisfying in times of uncertainty, when we feel insecure about who we are and where we are going.

Simon Cottee is a visiting senior fellow at the Freedom Project, Wellesley College. He is the author of The Apostates: When Muslims Leave Islam.

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The Obama Department of Homeland Security concluded that left-wing antifa forces were engaged in domestic terrorist violence, according to documents obtained by Politico.

Who am I to argue with the fine men and women of President Obamas DHS?

In fact, as someone who has been fighting with antifa defenders for a good while, I feel a bit like the defense lawyer in Miracle on 34th Street, when the U.S. Post Office confirms that his client is actually Santa Claus: Hey, dont take my word for it, terrorist violence is the term chosen by professionals working for a Democratic White House.

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With this moral victory secured, let me now break with some of my friends on the right and say that I think its a bad, or at least premature, idea to go all the way and label antifa an actual terrorist organization.

Antifas understanding of whats fascist is nonsense.

Before I explain why, we should spend a moment considering how we got here in the first place.

Many defenders of the antifa cause insist these loosely organized activists are simply anti-fascist, and that fighting fascism is some kind of get-out-of-jail-free card for lawlessness, violence and intimidation. Thats nonsense. The state has a monopoly on all violence save for self-defense. In a nation of laws, people cannot exempt themselves from the rules because they dont like someones ideas.

Even if fighting fascists were a get-out-of-jail-free card, giving a bunch of adrenalized anarchists unilateral authority to designate fascists strikes me as an incandescently stupid idea. Antifas understanding of what qualifies as fascist includes conservative campus speakers, defenders of free speech and even plain old Republicans.

And yet, college administrators, local politicians and police departments, particularly in places like Berkeley, have given antifa protesters a kind of benefit of the doubt. And so have some in the media who think theres something romantically heroic about direct action and, in the Trump era, resistance.

This isnt to say that there have been no arrests. But university officials and local politicians have been intimidated on numerous occasions. In Portland, a parade was canceled because an email threatened violence if Republicans were allowed to march in it. In Berkeley, Mayor Jesse Arreguin urged UC Berkeley to cancel Free Speech Week for fear of violence, giving antifa a hecklers veto. So much for the home of the free speech movement. Predictably, such responses have only emboldened the goon squads.

Still the local authorities that are contributing to the problem are also the best solution for it. In fact, Arreguin has the right idea when he says antifa should be labeled a gang. Like many gangs, antifa is less a sophisticated criminal enterprise and more of an excuse for hooligans to make trouble. Maybe local police departments arent up to the task of combating them, but we wont know until they stop appeasing them.

Meanwhile, officially designating antifa a terrorist organization would most likely be opening a Pandoras box (for reasons my National Review colleague, Andrew McCarthy recently laid out in detail). There is a huge difference between countering foreign terrorists, who have no constitutional rights, and domestic ones. The federal government is constitutionally empowered to fight foreign threats. The states are supposed to fight crime, even domestic terrorist violence.

The groundswell behind the label terrorist for antifa is a call to blur that distinction. Although treating American radicals and vigilantes the way we treat foreign members of Islamic State or Al Qaeda might play well in certain corners of the populist right these days, serious conservatives should be very skeptical about granting the federal government new police powers, which could be used to other ends in future administrations.

Elevating antifa to the category of terrorist organization would fuel the worst trends in our politics. It would entice President Trump to indulge his strongman shtick, and it would give antifa the stature it clearly craves. It would also be likely to accelerate vigilante violence among the white nationalists. Launching a federal crusade against domestic enemies would only fuel the fallacy that anyone antifa attacks is a fascist. We should fight crime, whatever guise it takes, on the local level  as the founders intended.

jgoldberg@latimescolumnists.com

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HOUSTON  Do you think we can get pho? my daughter asked. Lucky to escape Harvey unscathed, we were venturing out for the first time since the deluge hit Texas. There in our favorite noodle shop, fragrant with fish sauce and basil, it was possible to imagine a Houston untouched by disaster.

But even before Hurricane Harvey, that would have been an illusion. Disaster is what brought thousands of Houstonians here in the first place. This is a city of survivors.

Houston is by now well known as the countrys most diverse city. But it is more than an immigrant hub; its Americas No. 1 magnet for refugees. And for anyone rocked by Harveys life-upending losses, those refugees and their experiences can be a monumental resource. Many are facing the floods ravages alongside their neighbors right now, but they are distinct because every refugee lost everything once before. And then they rebuilt.

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After 20 years reporting and living in my adopted city, Ive come to feel awe at its once-displaced population. Since the 1970s, more than 70,000 refugees from 78 countries have settled in Houston, all fleeing versions of the chaos unleashed by Harvey. Most lost status, work and community, along with the possessions, snapshots and love letters that tell our life stories.

Many are facing the floods ravages alongside their neighbors right now, but they are distinct because every refugee lost everything once before.

They may not fit the profile you expect. In recent years, theyve been arriving from Bhutan, Burma, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cuba. During the 1980s, they poured into the city to escape death squads and guerrilla war in El Salvador and Guatemala. And in the 1970s, in the biggest influx of displaced persons in its history, Houston became home to tens of thousands of Vietnamese.

What, I wondered over my Vietnamese coffee, might they tell their fellow Houstonians right now? Mechelle Tran, the pho restaurants 37-year-old owner, had an immediate answer. I came here when I was 5. I have trauma amnesia, but I grew up hearing the stories, she said. After weeks at sea, in nights so dark that waves, sky and rain were one sheet of blackness, the family landed in refugee camps in Malaysia and the Philippines. There were a lot of parallels to Houston right now, Tran told me. A bottle of fish sauce was like liquid gold, because all you had were processed packaged foods. Nothing real. Living in chronic uncertainty, sleeping on cots, her parents had zero control of their future, not just for months, but for years, until a church linked them to a host family in Houston.

Damaging as it was, the displacement changed her for the better, Tran believes. For one thing, because Houstons community helped them start over, she and her peers are almost fanatical about community service. In addition to a work phone, she totes a separate cell for constant charity work. Last week, when her restaurant had no more food to give, Tran orchestrated a T-shirt drive for drenched Houston Police Department officers.

Seeing her parents struggle to protect her also forged an iron resolve to honor their efforts. You had no choice, no options, no falling back, Tran said. Its grit. The kids whose parents have lost everything in the flood will see their parents rebuilding. They will have that little bit in them that says, I saw Mom and Dad do this.

Flood survivors may also find surprising strength in seeing themselves as one striving community. Benito Juarez, who oversees immigrant affairs for the city, told me that the Latino, South Asian, African, and other refugees who settled here make it a point to band together.

A sense of solidarity is built into their situation, Juarez said. In most cases, the first group to arrive guides later groups through their new way of life, and helps newcomers find work and housing.

For Harveys flood survivors, that could translate to those recovering fastest sharing services and emotional help with the hardest hit.

Taking action, especially on behalf of someone else, is a lifeline, Yani Keo, a well-known Cambodian refugee leader, believes. Keo lost more than 60 family members to the genocidal rule of Pol Pot.

Doing, Keo told me a few years ago, means surviving. So she has pushed even the most dazed newcomers to volunteer, once prodding a reluctant Afghan refugee to the airport so he could welcome an even more recent arrival.

Pitching in for others, Keo said, gives an uprooted life meaning again. Research backs this up. Post-traumatic growth, the subject of a flourishing academic field, suggests that in some circumstances, trauma builds strength. Its not always the case, but taking action, and seeing a model of someone elses resilience, make positive change more likely.

As I sipped the last of my Vietnamese coffee, Mechelle Tran added one more thing. No one chooses to be wrenched from home, she said. But flood survivors now overwhelmed by their future may have more power than they realize.

The minute your foot touched that boat or canoe, you made a decision, Tran said. You made the decision to fight.

Claudia Kolker is the associate director of intellectual capital at Rice Business School and author of The Immigrant Advantage: What We Can Learn from Newcomers to America about Health, Happiness, and Hope.

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To the editor: Naomi Oreskes and Geoffrey Supran provide a compelling summary of how Exxon Mobils advertorials in the New York Times deviated from the findings provided by the companys own scientists and from the corporations responses to the researchers work on climate change. (Yes, Exxon Mobil misled the public, Opinion, Sept. 1)

But Oreskes and Suprans reference to doubt-mongering and misdirection by  libertarian think tanks in response to the scientific evidence is misleading.

Libertarians embrace the objectivity on which science relies but are skeptical about alarmist claims that might serve as spurious rationales for public intrusion into private lives. Interrogating the data, assumptions and accuracy of the complex models employed by climate scientists is a necessary part of the peer review process Oreskes and Supran invoke, some of which apparently got under their skin.

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James E. Moore II, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Are there any laws on the books that pertain to wrecking the climate? Because Exxon Mobil and Rex Tillerson, the companys longtime chief executive before he became secretary of State, should have to explain themselves to a judge.

Climate change is unfolding as scientists predicted with stronger storms, floods, fires and droughts. What are the consequences for creating apocalyptic weather and lying about it for the short-term profit of a few? Texas, the hub of fossil-fuel development, is now squarely at the forefront of a climate-change powered storm.

Will Republicans finally give up their ridiculous denial narrative, forgo fossil-fuel industry contributions and become part of the solution? These are tough choices, but Tropical Storm Harvey certainly presents a new opportunity to get right with history.

Wendy Blais, North Hills

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Sept. 14, 2017, 11:22 a.m. America would lose if DACA recipients are forced out, says Mexicos foreign secretary (Reed Saxon / AP) Recent comments from President Trump and senior Democrats over the fate of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, DACA, have triggered confusion among supporters and detractors of the plan. For Mexico, whose nationals comprise the majority of DACA recipients, one thing is clear: Phasing out the program -- which protects some young people who entered the country illegally as minors from deportation -- would hurt America. I dont know of any country that is willing to ship doctors, accountants, lawyers to another country, Mexicos foreign secretary Luis Videgaray told The Times in an interview Tuesday. Thats just a transfer of human capital. That would be a big win for Mexico to have these young kids that are law abiding, creative, full of energy and well trained. All of them have a high school diploma. And the majority of them are college educated. It would be a big loss to the U.S., to the U.S. economy in particular. Videgaray said contingency plans had been made in case DACA recipients were forced back to Mexico. They include changing the laws in Mexico so that education certificates issued in the U.S. are recognized by Mexican institutions, allowing returnees to avoid problems transferring their professional skills; ensuring their eligibility for loans and social benefits; and creating a data base to match returnees with appropriate companies. Its very appealing to have college educated, English-speaking people and many companies in Mexico are looking for that profile of people, Videgaray said. Read more



Washington

Sept. 14, 2017, 8:31 a.m. Reporting from Washington

Trump pushes deal on DACA as many supporters erupt in anger (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images) President Trump on Thursday defended his negotiations with Democratic leaders on immigration, as many of his most prominent supporters denounced the idea of a deal to legalize the status of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who are in rthis county illegally. Were working on a plan  subject to getting massive border controls. Were working on a plan for DACA, Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he prepared to fly to Florida to inspect hurricane recovery efforts. DACA is the acronym for the Obama administration program that shielded nearly 800,000 young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, the so-called Dreamers, from deportation. Trump last week said he would phase out the program starting in six months. People want to see that happen, Trump said, referring to a legislative solution for the Dreamers. You have 800,000 young people, brought here, no fault of their own. So were working on a plan, well see how it works out. Were going to get massive border security as part of that. And I think something can happen, well see what happens, but something will happen, he said. Responding to a shouted question on whether he favors amnesty, Trump shouted back: The word is DACA. Trump met for dinner Wednesday night with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) to discuss the issue. Shortly after the dinner, the two Democrats issued a statement saying that they had agreed with Trump to pursue legislation to legalize the status of Dreamers. The two released an additional statement Thursday morning saying that as we said last night, there was no final deal, but there was agreement on the following: We agreed that the President would support enshrining DACA protections into law, and encourage the House and Senate to act. What remains to be negotiated are the details of border security, with a mutual goal of finalizing all details as soon as possible, they added. The deal would not include money for Trumps long-sought wall along the border with Mexico, they said, adding that. the President made clear he intends to pursue it at a later time, and we made clear we would continue to oppose it. Both sides agreed that the White House and the Democratic leaders would work out a border security package. Possible proposals were discussed including new technology, drones, air support, sensor equipment, rebuilding roads along the border and the bipartisan McCaul-Thompson bill, a reference to a border security measure. Trump confirmed most of that, telling reporters that the wall will come later. Were right now renovating large sections of wall, massive sections, making it brand new, he said, referring to efforts to repair and upgrade some sections of existing border fences. Trump also said he had briefed House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on his discussions with Schumer and Pelosi and that they were on board. Talk of a deal, however, sparked angry reactions among many of Trumps supporters. Amnesty Don ... Trump Caves on DACA, screamed the headline on Breitbart, the conservative website run by Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist. Sean Hannity, the Fox commentator and one of Trumps most loyal supporters, likened the presidents negotiations to President George H.W. Bushs breaking of his no new taxes pledge  a decision that led to a conservative revolt that doomed Bushs presidency. Ann Coulter, the conservative commentator who already has been critical of Trump, went the furthest, calling for Trumps removal from office. Read more



CaliforniaLegal

Sept. 11, 2017, 8:30 a.m. Reporting from Sacramento

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra to announce a lawsuit challenging Trumps DACA decision California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) California on Monday will wade into the legal battle over President Trumps decision to scrap the nations 5-year-old program protecting young immigrants without legal residency. Read more



Sept. 6, 2017, 11:25 a.m. Reporting from Washington

15 states, D.C. file lawsuit challenging Trumps DACA shutdown (Ted S. Warren / Associated Press) Lawyers for 15 states, led by New York and Washington, filed suit against President Trump on Wednesday over his planned repeal of the DACA program, arguing that federal authorities have backtracked on their promise to protect young immigrants who came forward and registered with the government. They urged a federal judge in Brooklyn to block the move to rescind the Obama-era program on the grounds the reversal is unauthorized by and contrary to the Constitution and laws of the United States. Its clear that President Trumps DACA repeal would cause huge economic harm to New Yorkand thats its driven by President Trumps personal anti-Mexican bias, said New York Atty. Gen. Eric Schneiderman who led the suit. He was joined by state attorneys from Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and the District of Columbia. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Tuesday he too planned to sue to defend Obamas 2012 order, which has protected from deportation more than 200,000 immigrants who came to this country as children and settled in California. However, he did not sign on the New York suit. The legal action by the Democratic state lawyers mirrors a similar effort by Republican attorneys from Texas and more than 20 other states. They filed suit in a federal court in south Texas alleging Obama had gone too far in 2014 when he expanded DACA and introduced a new program to cover about four million immigrant parents who had legal children in this country. The Texas suit led to a national order that blocked Obamas 2014 policy from taking effect. While conservatives have described Obamas action as unconstitutional, the Texas judge ruled on procedural grounds that the Democratic administration failed to publish its new rule as an official regulation. Now the Democratic state attorneys argue that the abrupt repeal on the DACA order should also be blocked on procedural grounds. They also say the repeal should be blocked on the grounds that it is motivated by discrimination against Mexicans and because it violates the due process of law by suddenly changing the rules for the young immigrants. 12:56 p.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting.

CaliforniaWashington

Sept. 6, 2017, 10:15 a.m. Democrats make Capitol Hill pitch for quick consideration of DACA fix



Protests

Sept. 5, 2017, 7:29 p.m. DACA supporters pledge to protect one another Zuleyma Chazari, a DACA recipient and USC student, hoists a sign outside City Hall. (Sonali Kohli / Los Angeles Times) Thousands who were supposed to march to the federal building in downtown Los Angeles to protest President Trumps move to end the so-called Dreamers program instead stopped in front of City Hall on Tuesday evening. As organizers and DACA students spoke on the steps, many in the crowd who couldnt hear their words hoisted signs and led their own chants of, Immigrants are welcome here. Its important to show up, especially now that the Trump administration and other forces are threatening our livelihood, said Sean Tan, a 24-year-old DACA recipient and public policy graduate student at UCLA, who spoke at the rally. The march ended shortly after 7 p.m., with the crowd facing City Hall with hands clasped and raised in the air, pledging to protect and fight for one another. But they didnt disperse immediately, instead continuing to chant. For the record: A caption in this post previously misspelled the name of protester Zuleyma Chazari. It has been corrected.



Education

Sept. 5, 2017, 6:54 p.m. California education officials vow to protect vulnerable students from deportation Within minutes of the Trump administrations announcement that it would end protections for nearly 800,000 young immigrants in the country without legal status, California campus leaders began a furious pushback. From large campuses to small, education leaders on Tuesday vowed to join together to protect their vulnerable students. California is home to the nations largest concentration of students  about 214,000 as of last year  who received temporary protection from deportation under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Read more



Sept. 5, 2017, 6:46 p.m. Thousands gather in downtown L.A. in support of DACA Thousands filled Placita Olvera in downtown Los Angeles with their babies, their students, their loved ones and friends, all in protest of President Trumps decision Tuesday to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. They began to gather before 5 p.m., leading chants including, We are the immigrants, mighty might immigrants and a protest favorite, El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido (The people united will never be defeated). By 5:50 p.m., the speeches began but were difficult to hear. That didnt stop the masses from cheering and holding up their signs. Somebodys got the video on Twitter. Well see it later, Los Angeles Leadership Academy history teacher Peta Lindsay told Bryan Pena, an 18-year-old DACA recipient and freshman at Cal State L.A. When Pena got to the protest, he was reminded that relative to undocumented students in other states, he has some support in California. This is a sign ... that were welcome here, he said, pointing to the crowd and their signs with messages like Protect immigrant families! and Let my students dream. But outside of California, its a different story, he said. Im still not accepted in the USA. Shortly after 6 p.m., protesters began their march along Alameda Street toward the federal building.



Protests

Sept. 5, 2017, 6:08 p.m. Activists rally in L.A. to support DACA



Legal

Sept. 5, 2017, 5:47 p.m. Washington

Trumps move to end DACA faces legal challenges U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions speaks at the Justice Department about President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trumps repeal of an Obama-era program that shielded hundreds of thousands of Dreamers from deportation faces a determined challenge in the courts from immigrant rights lawyers who call the change abrupt, unjustified and unconstitutional. But they recognize it will not be easy to block Trumps action because the president has broad power over immigration enforcement, a point often made when President Obama was in the White House. Some are already looking to a federal judge in Brooklyn, N.Y., who has before him a lawsuit filed on behalf of Martin Batalla Vidal, who was born in Mexico, but has lived in New York since he was brought there as a 7-year-old. His lawsuit, related to a proposed expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that was blocked in 2015, is pending before U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, a President Clinton appointee. On Tuesday, a team of immigrants rights lawyers sent a six-page letter to the judge saying they wanted to expand Vidals lawsuit and make it a challenge to Trumps repeal order. Read more



Sept. 5, 2017, 4:13 p.m. DACA fears in an L.A. Unified classroom Teacher David Wiltz addresses Tuesdays news on DACA. (Joy Resmovits / Los Angeles Times) The news can teach you lessons and teachers have your back. Thats the message David Wiltz told his social studies students at Thomas Jefferson High School south of downtown L.A. on Tuesday. The juniors, a mix of English learners and special-needs students, fidgeted, listened and rested their heads on their desks as Wiltz engaged them in a conversation about President Trumps decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Quick question: Did you hear what happened this morning? he asked, pointing a long ruler at students. What did Trump do this morning? Read more



Sept. 5, 2017, 3:42 p.m. L.A. county and city officials call on Congress to pass Dream Act Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis speaks about DACA outside the Hall of Administration. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles politicians on Tuesday criticized the Trump administrations decision to scrap protections for young men and women in the United States without legal status and urged Congress to pass legislation to aid so-called Dreamers. Los Angles County supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti rallied downtown to join supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The program, put in place by then-President Obama, shields those brought to the country illegally as children from being deported. U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the administration will phase out DACA beginning in six months, a move that pushes the issue to Congress. Sessions announcement marked one of those dark days in our history, said Solis, whose district includes many immigrant communities, including El Monte and Boyle Heights. Read more



Sept. 5, 2017, 3:28 p.m. Sen. Dianne Feinstein says she agrees DACA is on shaky legal ground as she calls on Congress to act Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) signaled Tuesday that she believes former President Obamas executive order to protect young immigrants who were brought into the U.S. as minors was on shaky legal ground, and said that is why Congress must act. Feinstein was asked about the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program during an appearance on MSNBC. DACA was executive order. Legal is the law of passage of something, Feinstein responded. You know there are 10 attorneys general that are prepared to sue. I dont want to get into that. The point is DACA is here and weve got 800,000 young people who depend on this. Meet the Press Daily host Chuck Todd said that Feinsteins answer implied that the program was on shaky legal ground. It is, Feinstein responded. Thats why we need to pass a law, and we should do it. The Democrats words questioning the legality of the DACA program seemed to echo U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions explanation for why the Trump administration was phasing it out, saying that Obama had exceeded his legal authority. Feinsteins remarks are likely to fuel criticism among the most liberal members of her party, some of whom have said that she has grown out of touch with her constituents as she ponders whether to seek a sixth term next year. Feinstein set off a furor last week when she declined to call for President Trumps impeachment and urged patience over his presidency. After this item was published, a spokeswoman for Feinstein emailed to clarify that the senator was obviously referring to the legal threat posed by the lawsuit that the state attorneys general were threatening. Updated at 4:45 p.m.: This post was updated to add a comment from Feinsteins office.



California

Sept. 5, 2017, 2:01 p.m. California legislators say state should be a beacon of hope and opportunity for DACA recipients California lawmakers said Tuesday that they plan to protect young adults whose immigration status is jeopardized by the end of the DACA program. At news conference at the Capitol attended by more than 20 legislators, Senate Speaker Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said California should be beacon of hope and opportunity. Were not going to allow one single executive decision on DACA to reverse generations of progress at the height of our historic diversity, economic output and our sense of global responsibility, he said. Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell), chair of the Legislative LGBT Caucus, said Trumps other actions against Muslims and transgender service members dont show a commitment to diversity. Our president clearly wasnt held enough as a child, he said. Its important that we talk about how we embrace love. Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), chairman of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, called the Presidents decision evil. He has lulled and lured young people to register with the government ... and then take that information and use it as a tool to deport them, Levine said. That is ethnic cleansing. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said there are up to 20 bills in the Legislature that protect immigrant rights. Young people who know no other country than this need to know that their country will do the right thing, he said. This Legislature will be leading the way and making sure that California does the right thing.



Opinion

Sept. 5, 2017, 2:35 p.m. Editorial: Ending DACA was an act of pure cruelty by Trump What public good is achieved by yanking such people from their homes, families and communities and sending them to countries where they are strangers and often dont even speak the language? The Times Editorial Board Read more



Sept. 5, 2017, 2:23 p.m. Gubernatorial candidate Delaine Eastin at the California Democratic Party convention in May. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles) Former state schools chief Delaine Eastin, a Democrat running for California governor, on Tuesday expressed strong support for the young people currently shielded from deportation under the DACA program. Eastin has called for enhanced protections of all immigrants and has been a harsh critic of the Trump administration since jumping into the race last fall. Along with supporting the impeachment of the president, Eastin has blasted efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and said she favors establishing a single-payer health care program. Eastin on Tuesday called on Congress to immediately take action to protect young people known as Dreamers. The Presidents decision to end DACA is devastating to some of our best and brightest young people, Eastin said in a statement.



Legal

Sept. 5, 2017, 2:49 p.m. Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton applauds Trump for scrapping DACA Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton (Jay Janner / Associated Press) Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton on Tuesday praised President Trumps decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that gave protection from deportation and work permits to more than 800,000 immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children. Paxton described the program, commonly known as DACA, as unlawful because former President Obama created it in 2012 without congressional authorization. The Obama-era program went far beyond the executive branchs legitimate authority, Paxton said in a statement. On June 29, Paxton was among nine state attorneys general and one governor who co-signed a letter to the Trump administration setting a Sept. 5 deadline to phase out DACA or face the coalitions challenge to the program in court. I applaud President Trump for phasing out DACA, Paxton said. Had former President Obamas unilateral order on DACA been left intact, it would have set a dangerous precedent by giving the executive branch sweeping authority to bypass Congress and change immigration laws. The program targets young people  sometimes called Dreamers  who arrived in the U.S. before they were 16 years old and were under the age of 31 as of June 2012. It also requires continuous residence in the U.S. since 2007. Those who qualified for the program were granted two-year renewable work permits. Paxton also led a U.S. Supreme Court challenge, filed by 26 states, to an expanded program known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, introduced by Obama in November 2014. The so-called DAPA expansion sought to shield certain immigrants who have lived in the United States illegally since 2010 and grant them three-year renewable work permits. In February 2015, the Supreme Court issued a preliminary injunction temporarily halting that program from going into effect, and in June the Trump administration announced that the program would not be implemented.

Sept. 5, 2017, 1:59 p.m. Mayor Garcetti responds to Trump administration ending DACA program

Sept. 5, 2017, 1:56 p.m. I have a great heart for these folks were talking about.... Really we have no choice, we have to be able to do something. I think its going to work out very well, and long term its going to be the right solution. President Trump to reporters Tuesday afternoon
California

Sept. 5, 2017, 2:01 p.m. California legislators say state should be a beacon of hope and opportunity for DACA recipients

California lawmakers said Tuesday that they plan to protect young adults whose immigration status is jeopardized by the end of the DACA program.

At news conference at the Capitol attended by more than 20 legislators, Senate Speaker Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said California should be beacon of hope and opportunity.

Were not going to allow one single executive decision on DACA to reverse generations of progress at the height of our historic diversity, economic output and our sense of global responsibility, he said.

Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell), chair of the Legislative LGBT Caucus, said Trumps other actions against Muslims and transgender service members dont show a commitment to diversity.

Our president clearly wasnt held enough as a child, he said. Its important that we talk about how we embrace love.

Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), chairman of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, called the Presidents decision evil.

He has lulled and lured young people to register with the government ... and then take that information and use it as a tool to deport them, Levine said. That is ethnic cleansing.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said there are up to 20 bills in the Legislature that protect immigrant rights.

Young people who know no other country than this need to know that their country will do the right thing, he said. This Legislature will be leading the way and making sure that California does the right thing.
CaliforniaWashington

Sept. 5, 2017, 12:33 p.m. Reporting from Washington

California Republicans make digs at Obama in DACA responses

Several California Republicans indicated Tuesday they want Congress to address the legal status of people brought to the country illegally as children.

Unlike the rash of statements from Democrats that criticized President Trump for ending the program, many of the Republicans statements blamed President Obama for creating it in the first place in 2012 when Congress reached a stalemate on immigration legislation.

The Constitution mandates that Congress, not the president, write the laws. DACA, while well-intentioned, was an unconstitutional abuse of executive power. Our nation and our government cannot function unless we uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, said Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield said: President Obama was wrong to try and make immigration law by executive order like he did with DACA and DAPA. It is Congress role and responsibility to make immigration law, and I believe this is an issue that Congress needs to address.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce of Fullerton said: The status of eligible DACA recipients should not change from one administration to the next. Congress should act now to provide a permanent, legislative solution that gives certainty to these kids. We should not deny residence to children who have only known America as their home, positively contributed to this great country and passed a background check.

Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista said he hopes the decision will be a catalyst for immigration reform.

The administrations decision [Tuesday] puts the onus on Congress to address this challenge in the right way: for the long haul, with respect for our nations laws, a desire to enhance the integrity of our borders and a sense of compassion for those who were brought here in their childhood years ago and wish to stay as productive members of our communities, he said.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Huntington Beach said Obama created a legal headache and public heartache. Many Republicans have said Obama overstepped his authority by creating the program.

I applaud President Trump and Atty. Gen. [Jeff] Sessions as they restore rigorous constitutional standards to the vexing issue of illegal immigration. As the president suggested, it is now up to Congress, and we must face the issue squarely and fearlessly, Rohrabacher added.

Rep. Ken Calvert of Corona said along with providing assurance for the Dreamers, Congress need to address border security and deporting people who overstay their visas.

I think its truly important that everyone acknowledge that we must restore the rule of law and enact new policies that ensure we dont find ourselves in this same situation years down the road, Calvert said.

Rep. Duncan Hunters chief of staff, Joe Kasper said, The truth is that President Obama overstepped by excluding Congress from the decision-making process on DACA. President Trump is putting it back in the hands of Congress, where the discussion and consideration should have been from the start.

Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock, Steve Knight of Palmdale and David Valadao of Hanford commented earlier in the day.

1:21 p.m.: This article was updated to include response from Rep. Ken Calvert of Corona.

This article was originally published at 12:33 p.m.
Sept. 5, 2017, 9:23 a.m. California state leaders call decision to rescind DACA callous and cowardly

California state leaders Tuesday denounced the Trump administrations decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, calling it callous and cowardly.

President Trumps decision to end the program, which grants protections for immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, affects more than 800,000 nationwide, a quarter of whom are in California.
Protests

Sept. 5, 2017, 1:29 p.m. Reporting from Mexico City

In Mexico, deportees protest end of DACA: Its an attack on our children



Protests against President Trumps decision to end a program for young immigrants extended to Mexico City, where activists demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy.

Out with Trump! Save DACA! the protesters chanted Tuesday as armed security officers stood guard.

The protest was hastily organized by migrant advocates in Mexico after the White House announced that young people currently shielded from deportation and allowed to work legally in the U.S. will begin losing their protection in March unless Congress acts before then.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, protects nearly 800,000 young people who were brought to the U.S. as children, often known as Dreamers. Nearly 80% of them were born in Mexico and could be deported here.

Many of those demonstrating in Mexico City were themselves deportees. Some of them have children living in the U.S. who are currently protected by DACA.

We all have someone in our family who is a Dreamer, said Diego Maria, who was deported last month and is a part of a group called Deportees United in the Fight.

Ana Laura Lopez, who was also deported last year, said her 15-year-old son was preparing to apply for DACA next year. She brought him to the U.S. when he was just 3 months old.

Lopez called Trumps decision on DACA another hate attack against out community.

Theyve deported us, she said. And now they are assaulting our children.

Its an attack on our children who have done nothing but come to the U.S. with their parents, who came to work.

The idea of him having to say goodbye to his school and his life and his friends is terrible, Lopez said, crying.

Its been hard enough for me coming back here, she added. Imagine what it would be like for those who have never lived here.
California

Sept. 5, 2017, 12:27 p.m. Reporting from Sacramento



Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley called on Congress to find way to accommodate DACA participants. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Republican legislative leaders in California said Tuesday it is up to Congress now to fix the nations immigration laws following President Trumps decision to end the DACA program.

The statements reflected an effort by the California GOP to avoid alienating Latino voters with hard-line positions on immigration.

The president has rescinded an unconstitutional executive order from the prior administration that he had committed to reverse during the campaign, said state Senate Republican leader Patricia Bates of Laguna Niguel. Now the real work must begin.

Bates said it is important that Congress pass a lasting solution that will allow the 800,000 people participating in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to continue to pursue their educations, careers and contributions to our great nation.

Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley agreed that a solution is needed to allow youth who have benefited from DACA to stay in the United States.

America should not be in the business of deporting children who came to this country through no fault of their own, Mayes said. Much like the children of the immigrants who built this country, these children followed their parents to America, and to send them home would mean sending them to a country theyve never known. These are our neighbors. They attend our schools, they speak English, they pay taxes and they played by the rules.

State Republican leaders have been frustrated by the lack of action from Congress on immigration.

If todays decision by the president to abandon DACA doesnt force Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, I dont know what will, Mayes said.
Washington

Sept. 5, 2017, 10:11 a.m. Speaker Ryan has hope Congress can protect Dreamers, but few other Republicans join Democratic pledge to fix DACA



Congressional reaction was swift, if lopsided, to President Trumps decision to phase out the Dreamer program.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan became one of just a handful of Republicans to join Democrats in calling for a quick legislative fix to protect 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children but will lose protections next year  unless Congress acts.

Ryans hope that Congress could pass a replacement for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program appeared tentative at best, given an already challenging legislative agenda and few other leading Republicans willing to step up for those affected by Trumps decision Tuesday to end the program next March.

It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country, said Ryan (R-Wis.).

Congress has shown it is increasingly unable to handle big legislative issues, and immigration has been among the most contentious despite strong support for DACA recipients from corporate executives at Apple, GM and Starbucks, religious leaders and the public.

Congress has tried, and failed, for more than a decade to enact immigration reforms, including a sweeping overhaul that passed the Senate with bipartisan support in 2013  only to die in the House when Republicans there ignored it.

Democrats pledged Tuesday to try to help the Dreamers who could face deportation under Trumps action. Dreamers applied for protection from deportation by providing the federal government with their names, addresses and other information, and officials insisted they would not be penalized for doing so.

Democrats want to pass the so-called Dream Act, a failed 2010 bill that would allow the young immigrants to stay in the United States if they were working, in school or the military, or other measures being floated that would protect the Dreamers.

The human & economic toll of rescinding #DACA will be far reaching, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) tweeted. Dems will do all we can to prevent @POTUS order from becoming reality.

But so far, few Republicans  aside from a handful in California, Florida, Arizona and other states with large immigrant populations  are willing to publicly join in supporting Dreamers.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) a leader of the 2013 effort, tweeted: ".@POTUSs decision on #DACA is wrong approach at a time when both sides need to compromise on #immigration reform.

Many other Republicans believed the Obama-era DACA was unlawful, because it was created by executive action rather than in Congress, and they are quietly  or, in some cases, vocally  welcoming Trumps move, even as they criticize the White House for not going far enough to immediately end the program.

Former #DACAs will make great Peace Corp volunteers in home countries, tweeted Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), who once complained Dreamers had calves the size of cantaloupes after hauling drugs over the border with Mexico. None would take more hardship or risk than we ask of Peace Corp.

Now, some top Republicans see an opening to extract Trumps other immigration priorities for building a wall along the border with Mexico or limiting legal arrivals, positioning the young Dreamers as bargaining chips in a broader compromise.

For example, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wants Congress to also consider his bill, the RAISE Act, which would curtail legal immigration, if it is to help Dreamers.

We have to do something to stop chain migration, Cotton said Tuesday on Hugh Hewitts radio show, referring to the ability for some legal immigrants to apply, often with years-long waiting lists, to bring family members to the United States. Im not going to support just a blanket amnesty.

Other lawmakers, though, are mindful of using the immigrants  many of whom have compelling personal stories of excelling in the United States  for political gain, wary of what is certain to be a prolonged legislative battle that will probably spill into the 2018 mid-term election season.

On Tuesday, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois will hold a Tuesday afternoon press conference to revive support for their bill, the Bridge Act, which would give DACA recipients a five-year extension of their work permits and permission to stay in the United States while Congress considers other reforms.
Sept. 5, 2017, 9:50 a.m. Antonio Villaraigosa slams Trump decision to phase out DACA as arguably racist, urges Congress to act

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College on Aug. 29. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

California gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa called President Trumps decision on Tuesday to phase out the DACA program as arguably racist and urged Congress to act to allow young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to continue to live and work in the country legally.

This is a test of our nations true values  a test we simply cannot fail, the former mayor of Los Angeles said in a statement.

Villaraigosa has been urging supporters to sign an online petition, contact their representatives in Congress and donate to groups that are trying to protect young people who currently have DACA protections, also known as Dreamers.

Dreamers have learned in our schools and served in our military. They are our neighbors, work in our businesses, and many start the businesses where we work, Villaraigosa said. They are a vital part of our communities, and we cannot stand by while they are put at risk of deportation because of a reckless, and arguably racist, decision by Donald Trump.
Congress returns Tuesday to a bruising September agenda of must-do items and deepening discord with the White House, leaving the Republican majoritys hopes for advancing its once-ambitious legislative priorities all but out of reach.

Rather than emerging from the monthlong summer break with renewed legislative purpose, Republicans are approaching the weeks ahead, and its rolling crisis deadlines, with unease.

In a matter of days, Congress must approve disaster funding for Hurricane Harvey, raise the debt limit to avoid a devastating federal default and appropriate money to keep the federal government from shutting down after Sept. 30  even as the FBI widens its investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the White House faces off with North Korea.

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President Trump will meet with Republican leaders from the House and Senate on Tuesday, but he has done little to promote his partys priorities. He instead has bashed GOP leaders in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) with disparaging tweets, essentially erecting new barriers to cooperation with would-be allies on Capitol Hill.

Facing a Democratic minority that is willing to lend support only for the most pressing issues, other Republican goals  repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, overhauling the tax code  seem increasingly lost despite the partys hold on the House, Senate and White House.

Its simple, wrote Stan Collender, a longtime congressional budget analyst. Trump no longer has any easy  or even relatively easy  options for doing anything legislatively.

Adding to the political challenge, Trump is expected to announce Tuesday that he will give Congress six months to pass a replacement for the Obama-era program that has granted work permits and other legal documents to 800,000 immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.

At most, Republicans hope to fend off a series of crises in coming weeks and try to keep the rifts with Trump from deepening into a full-fledged political divorce. The partnership Republicans envisioned last fall remains an awkward alliance at best.

As one Republican strategist put it, leaders in Congress approach the White House with a Cold War-style policy of containment: push the legislative agenda but avoid provoking the president into a Twitter tirade.

The House is expected to vote midweek on a $7.85-billion disaster aid package for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Officials consider it a down payment on what ultimately could be a $150-billion tab for the flooding across southern Texas and Louisiana.

But even disaster relief, which typically would find bipartisan support in an earlier era, is uncertain because conservative Republicans reject the White House attempt to couple the aid package with another measure to raise the debt limit.

Raising the debt limit to pay off the nations bills has become a dreaded vote for Republicans, who uniformly campaign on cutting spending.

Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin says the borrowing limit will be hit sooner than Sept. 30 because of emergency spending for Harvey, accelerating the need for Congress to act.

Conservatives have tried to block disaster aid packages before  refusing to vote to help Superstorm Sandy victims in 2013, for example, unless aid was offset with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.

They now are marshaling their bloc of votes against Harvey, preferring an aid package they call compassionate and fiscally responsible.

As we have stated for months, the debt ceiling should be paired with significant fiscal and structural reforms, said Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), chairman of the Republican Study Committee.

Theres little time for negotiations as the Federal Emergency Management Agency is running out of cash, forcing Republicans and Democrats into an partnership to ensure passage, likely by weeks end.

American families deserve to know that their government will be there for them when disaster strikes, without question and without hesitation, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement.

Even if Congress swiftly dispatches with Harvey aid, other deadlines loom, including funding to prevent a federal government shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year, Oct. 1.

Trump recently threatened to shut down the government if Congress did not agree to pay for construction of a wall along the border with Mexico, a key campaign pledge.

But Republican leaders want to avoid a repeat of 2013, when conservatives led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and the House Freedom Caucus engaged in a politically damaging strategy that resulted in the 16-day government shutdown.

You want to keep the government open, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. He said there is no interest in the Republican leaders, I would think any leaders, on Capitol Hill of not keeping the government open.

Republicans probably dont have enough support from their majority to keep federal government spending on autopilot, however, without program cuts and reforms.

That will force McConnell and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) to break with conservatives and rely on Democratic votes, potentially exposing them to criticism from right-flank voters who support Trumps vow to push for wall money.

Congress also is likely to roll together other measures  a federal childrens healthcare program, the Federal Aviation Administrations authorization and a federal flood insurance program  to prevent program lapses on Sept. 30, when they expire.

Lost among the many immediate concerns are the more ambitious goals Republicans once promised voters.

Efforts at a tax overhaul, a top GOP priority, are teetering, faced with the same kind of party infighting that doomed the Republican plan to end Obamacare.

Republicans are struggling to find a consensus tax plan beyond their broad blueprint of lowering corporate and individual tax rates. It would come with a hefty price tag they have yet to figure out how to pay for  or whether they should pay for it at all.

Meanwhile, any new attempt to end Obamacare must overcome a new hurdle because the Senate parliamentarian determined that special budget rules allowing for majority approval  bypassing a filibuster threat  will expire with the fiscal year at the end of September. Congress would need to pass a new budget to revive the procedure.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

@LisaMascaro

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President Trumps decision to rescind a popular program that protected the most sympathetic of immigrants here illegally  those who were brought as children by their parents  poses a huge threat to his party, forcing Republican lawmakers to choose between the partys nativist wing, which strongly opposes any move resembling amnesty, and those who favor a more flexible approach to minority communities.

The terms Trump set out give Republicans in Congress six months to pass a measure to protect those currently covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which was enacted under executive authority by President Obama.

But Congress has been unable for years to come up with immigration reforms, in large part because of divisions within Republican ranks, which sank immigration reform efforts under Presidents Obama and George W. Bush.

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The worst-case scenario for many GOP lawmakers: If Congress stalls again, next years midterm election campaigns could be accompanied by thousands of young people each week being fired from their jobs or kicked out of school, and ultimately by some being deported to countries they have not seen since they were toddlers.

Some Republican strategists fear that revoking DACA could repeat on a national scale the damage Republicans in California incurred by supporting Proposition 187. That 1994 measure aimed at immigrants living in the U.S. illegally turned the California party from one that was competitive, and often victorious, in statewide elections to nearly an afterthought, disdained not only by Latinos but many moderate white voters.

Countering those fears are warnings by other Republicans that legislation to renew DACA would be the biggest grant of amnesty to immigrants here illegally since the Reagan administration. Passage of a legalization bill by a Republican Congress would deeply alienate many conservatives, they argued. Already, some were critical of Trump for not canceling the program outright.

The divisions within the GOP could be seen in the immediate aftermath of the administrations announcement. Among Democratic lawmakers, the condemnation was swift and near universal. Many Republicans, by contrast, tried to avoid comment, and those who did talk offered widely divided reactions.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said he hoped both houses of Congress would act to ensure that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), on the other hand, insisted that any break for DACA recipients should be coupled with a bill he has proposed, with White House backing, that would reduce the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country legally.

Im not going to support just a blanket amnesty, he said.

Some moderate Republicans suggested as a potential saving grace something that usually inspires dread: an all-out war within their party in which, they hope, their brand of Republicans can defend immigrants and put forward a broader and more aspirational definition of America.

But the fight ahead is just as likely to draw attention to the nationalist wing of the party.

For decades, many Republicans mindful of the declining number of white voters  the bulwark of the party  have argued that the GOP must embrace Latinos, Asians and others or be flattened by an eventual demographic wave. In 2016, slightly more than 7 in 10 voters were white, down from 9 in 10 when Reagan was elected in 1980. Latinos made up slightly more than 1 in 10 voters last year.

The announcement Tuesday came as a rebuff to efforts to broaden the GOP appeal to minorities.

Former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, a Republican who legally immigrated from Mexico at the age of 14, cried as she called Trumps cancellation of the DACA program a low hit to our gut.

I dont know this party, I dont recognize this party. This is not the party that I fought for, for 32 years, to improve its standing in the Latino community, she said.

The central argument that has long been advanced by supporters of the DACA program  that people brought to the U.S. as children should not be blamed for their parents actions  has won broad support from the public. An NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll released last week, for example, found that 64% of Americans supported the DACA protections.

Even Trumps most loyal voters were sympathetic: Among white working-class voters  those who propelled Trumps important victories in the upper Midwest  56% supported the DACA program.

Some laboring to elect Republicans said they hoped for a quick congressional judgment in favor of DACA recipients, believing that could rescue their party from a backlash.

The Republicans running Congress have an opportunity to come through, veteran Republican strategist Rob Stutzman said. If they fail and those who have grown up in this country as Americans are forced back to countries they dont know, that will be a catastrophically bad moment for the GOP.

California is the template that Republicans like Stutzman are desperate to avoid. In 1990, in his first run for governor, Pete Wilson won 35% of the Latino vote. Four years later, he ran for reelection while touting Proposition 187, which would have stripped government benefits from those in the country illegally. He won 22% of the Latino vote.

More than that, the campaign prompted legions of Latinos to register to vote  the overwhelming majority of them as Democrats.

At the presidential level, Republicans have gained little ground among Latinos in recent elections. In 2013, party officials wrote a report urging that future candidates overtly appeal to the community.

Trump did the opposite. He lost Latinos by more than 2 to 1, but won the election in large part by maximizing turnout of conservative, white voters.

The DACA battle reflects a fight for supremacy within the GOP, part of which turns on differing views of whether Trumps victory can be replicated. On one side are Republicans who share more nationalistic views, skeptical of immigration, a group most heavily concentrated in the South. The other side includes many Republicans from the West and Southwest who even now confront demographic change.

Cottons cosponsor on his bill to restrict legal immigration is Sen. David Perdue of Georgia. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, formerly a senator from Alabama, consistently has been among the strongest voices against DACA within the administration.

On the other side, Trumps action drew strong criticism from Arizonas two Republican senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, as well as California Republican Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock and David Valadao of Hanford, whose hopes of winning reelection next year probably depend on persuading voters to see them as separate from the president, at least on this issue.

America is the only home these young people know, and I will do everything in my power to ensure those who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own are not unjustly punished, Valadao said Tuesday.

Stances like that could protect the Republicans; indeed, the two lawmakers have consistently finished better than expected despite Democratic efforts to take them down.

Thats exactly what should be the recipe for the Republican party, said Mike Madrid, a Republican strategist who has studied Latino voting behavior for two decades.

Despite Trumps victory last year, continued appeals to white voters skeptical of immigrants put Republicans on an untenable course, Madrid said.

If we continue down this path, were going to see an increase in Latino turnout that is measurable, he said, citing Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia as among the states where Democrats could benefit. The math is starting to be unavoidable for Republicans. This is going to happen. Its not a matter of if; its a matter of when.

For more on politics from Cathleen Decker 

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro contributed from Washington.

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Trump asks Congress to resolve the fate of Dreamers, moves to phase out protections

The latest from Washington

Updates on California politics
When Sen. Robert Menendez stands in a New Jersey courtroom Wednesday to face bribery charges, a lot more than his political future will be riding on the outcome.

For federal prosecutors, the case will be a test of whether they can still make corruption charges stick in the wake of a Supreme Court decision last year that tightly restricted the reach of the federal bribery law.

The case, the first against a sitting U.S. senator in nearly a decade, also might affect the delicate balance of power in the Senate, where a thin Republican majority has made it difficult for the party to pass legislation.

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If the jury convicts Menendez, Republicans would try to boot him from office immediately, allowing Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, to appoint his replacement. Democrats would seek to let him hang on to the seat at least until January  when Christie will leave office. Polls currently show a Democrat likely to succeed him.

Menendez, 63, once the powerful chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is accused of taking gifts for years from a wealthy South Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen, including plane rides, a stay in a five-star Paris hotel and visits to a resort in the Dominican Republic with three different girlfriends.

Menendez failed to report any of the gifts on disclosure forms until news reports in 2013 made the trips public. Ultimately, he wrote the doctor a $58,500 check and said that the trips had slipped his mind.

Daniel Weiner, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for tighter controls on money in politics, said the allegations in the case seem a throwback to an earlier, more colorful era of Washington corruption.

No one goes to smoke-filled steakhouses anymore, they sleep on the floor of their offices and fly home on the weekends, he said. This is good old-fashioned trips to the Dominican Republic on a private plane. Theres something almost refreshing about it.

Over five months in 2012, Melgen also wrote $771,500 in checks to a legal expense fund and various political committees.

The government says that in return, Menendez used the power of his office to try to help Melgen. Prosecutors allege that the lawmaker worked to win visas for Melgens foreign girlfriends and intervened in a contract dispute Melgen had in the Dominican Republic.

Melgen, an ophthalmologist in West Palm Beach, was once the countrys top-billing doctor to Medicare. Much of the money went to pay for an expensive drug called Lucentis. According to prosecutors, Melgen would divide up one dose of the drug among several patients, then bill Medicare separately for each one.

In 2012, as Melgen was fighting a claim that he overbilled Medicare by $8.9 million, Menendez lobbied officials at the Department of Health and Human Services to advocate for Melgens position that Medicare rules allowed him to divide up the dosages.

Eventually, Menendez enlisted the help of then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada to get a meeting with Kathleen Sebelius, then the secretary of Health and Human Services. She declined to intervene in the case.

In a separate trial in South Florida, Melgen was convicted in April of 67 counts of Medicare fraud.

The key legal issue for Menendezs case is whether those accusations  many of which the defense does not deny  add up to bribery.

Defense attorneys will argue that the trips and flights dont make a crime. They point to a longtime friendship between Menendez and Melgen, which they say began long before Menendez was elected senator. The two spent holidays together with their families, lawyers said.

They say Menendezs attempts to help Melgen were just routine business for a senator. The favors he did for Melgen werent official acts as defined by the federal bribery law, they assert.

That argument is quite similar to one the Supreme Court unanimously accepted last year when the justices threw out the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, ruling his actions didnt meet the legal definition of bribery. The justices found that although McDonnell set up meetings for a businessman who had provided expensive gifts and loans to his family, he didnt make any official decisions on his benefactors behalf.

If Menendezs actions add up to a crime, then the prosecution can indict any member of Congress, and more alarmingly, whichever members they choose to target, defense lawyers said in one filing.

The case has a strange history, beginning with allegations in 2012 that Menendez and Melgen were having sex with underage prostitutes. No basis was found for those reports, and Menendez later charged that he had been the subject of a smear campaign, either by Republicans or Cuban intelligence agents unhappy with his fierce opposition to the Castro regime.

But a federal investigation of those charges turned up evidence of the trips and other benefits.

Since his indictment in April 2015, Menendez and his attorneys have tried to have the charges thrown out, saying the case was tainted and arguing that Menendezs activities were protected by the Constitution. Federal judges werent sympathetic, and in March, the Supreme Court declined to consider that argument in advance of the trial.

Menendez will be the first sitting senator to stand trial since Ted Stevens, the Alaska Republican who was convicted in 2008 of concealing $250,000 in gifts. That conviction was later thrown out when federal prosecutors were found to have hidden information from the defense, but by that time, Stevens had lost his bid for reelection.

Former prosecutors say the Menendez case will be another big test for the Justice Departments public integrity unit, which handles major political corruption cases.

Im sure this was heavily vetted by the front office for exactly those reasons, said one former prosecutor who discussed the case on condition of anonymity. They dont need another embarrassment.

The trial, expected to last about six weeks, is not anticipated to feature a lot of argument over the facts  the government has assembled emails, credit card and phone records and interviews with dozens of witnesses to lay out the trips and the details of Menendezs work on behalf of Melgen.

In one email, Menendez asked Melgen to use his reward points to book him a luxury suite at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Paris for a three-night stay, specifying rooms that included a king bed and limestone tub with a rain shower.

In a brief this week laying out their view of the case, prosecutors said Menendez and Melgen were hiding a corrupt pact spanning seven years that began shortly after Menendez became a senator. Menendezs relentless advocacy for Melgen went far beyond what legislators typically do for constituents, they said.

If a jury buys the governments explanation, Weiner said the McDonnell ruling would not necessarily help Menendez.

He used his position as a senator to pressure other public officials to do things, and the court was very clear, that counts, he said. You have a powerful senator calling an embassy and saying, Youve got to process this visa. Sure, hes not the guy who is technically processing the visa, but that strikes me as more than an innocent suggestion.

Even if he beats the bribery charges, Menendez could have a tougher time explaining away his failure to mention the trips over five years of financial disclosures. After his relationship with Melgen came to light, Menendez released a statement that said he had taken three flights on Melgens plane; in fact, prosecutors said, Melgen treated him to 20 flights.

Menendez has vowed to beat the charges and run for reelection in the fall of 2018. He is still raising money for a campaign and has $3.7 million on hand.

If Menendez is convicted, though, Democrats will face the awkward political question of whether to stand by the senator  and for how long.

Republicans would likely try to force him from office immediately, but that will be unlikely if Menendez vows to stay in office as he appeals. He could be removed by his fellow senators, but only on a two-thirds vote, meaning 14 Democrats would have to go along.

Harrison Williams, a New Jersey senator caught in the Abscam scandal, stayed in office for 10 months following his 1981 conviction. Stevens also refused to resign after his conviction, although his election loss came just days after the verdict.

How long Menendez would fight to stay in office, and who would choose a successor, is now the big guessing game in the state, said Ross K. Baker, a Rutgers University political science professor who has studied the Senate closely, most recently embedded in Reids Senate office. In spite of the corruption allegations, Baker said he didnt see any sign that Menendezs Senate colleagues would be quick to condemn him.

They might be feeling, there but for the grace of God go I, he said. He wasnt being treated like a pariah. He wasnt being shunned, he wasnt at all.

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Twitter: @jtanfani

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Trump called him my African American. But he condemns the presidents treatment of black America
President Trump on Tuesday took action to strip away protections from deportation for roughly 800,000 people brought into the country illegally as children, giving Congress six months to write a law to resolve their plight.

Trumps long-awaited decision to get rid of the Obama-era program for so-called Dreamers fit a pattern of his young presidency: As with other signature campaign promises on infrastructure, overhauling taxes and health insurance, he offered little guidance on what exactly he wanted done and left it to a polarized Congress to fill in the details.



For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that an executive from Cushman & Wakefield, a Chicago-based real estate firm, had signed a letter asking Trump not to end DACA. It was Cushman & Wakefield/PICOR, a separate real estate company based in Tucson.

If Congress fails, and the Dreamers are put in jeopardy of being deported to countries they know little of, if anything, Trump and some supporters have suggested the fault will be lawmakers.

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Trump did not announce the action, which is opposed by a majority of Americans, polls show. He left it to U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, a longtime anti-immigration advocate, to do so from the Justice Department. The president issued a written statement, though he later responded briefly, at an unrelated White House event, to reporters shouted questions.

I have a love for these people and, hopefully, now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly, Trump said of the Dreamers.

And I can tell you, he added, speaking to members of Congress, they want to be able to do something and do it right. And really we have no choice. We have to be able to do something, and I think its going to work out very well, and long term its going to be the right solution.

For Republicans in Congress, however, swiftly approving any immigration legislation is virtually impossible given the divisiveness of the issue within the party  as more than a decade of failed attempts has shown. Also, with the party in control of Congress, Republicans are struggling to advance a stalled agenda and must-pass budget bills with time running out for the year.

1 / 24 Victoria Sandoval, 22, left, of Los Angeles, a DACA recipient, is consoled by sister Maria Sandoval, 20, a U.S. citizen, while protesters gathered at City Hall to demonstrate against changes in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 24 Javier Ortega, 23, of Los Angeles takes part in the City Hall protest. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 24 Demonstrators at Los Angeles City Hall. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 24 Bonny Gonzalez, 22, left, of Hawthorne and Hewdy Pego, 21, of San Pedro at the downtown Los Angeles protest. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 24 Rosa Pimentel, 20, of Hollywood joins the demonstration. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 24 DACA protesters gather at the intersection of Temple and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 24 Docnary Reyes, 21, joins other protesters in downtown Los Angeles to denounce the Trump administrations move to phase out protections for DACA unless Congress acts on a plan. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 24 Members of the Service Employees International Union gather with other protesters at the L.A. County Hall of Administration to protest the possible phasing out of the DACA program. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 24 Service Employees International Union members arrive by bus to join protesters in downtown Los Angeles denouncing the decision to possibly phase out the DACA program. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 24 Jose Torres attends the DACA protest in downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 24 The Rev. Thomas Carey hugs DACA student Maria Jose Vides of La Puente after a news conference in front of the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 24 Guisell Flores Martinez, 43, cries as she video tapes speeches about DACA during a press conference, in front of the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 24 Protesters gather at Trump Tower in New York in opposition to the announcement by President Trump that the DACA will end. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 24 Gloria Mendoza, age 26, is a Dreamer. She is originally from Mexico City and took part in the protests at Trump Tower in New York. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 24 Activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are arrested by New York City Police officers after sitting in the street and blocking traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 24 Immigration activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are arrested by New York City Police officers as they sit in the street and block traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 17 / 24 An immigrant holds a sign reading GOP you killed our dreams, as immigrants and supporters rally after President Trump ordered an end to DACA in Los Angeles. (David McNew / Getty Images) 18 / 24 Immigrants and supporters rally after President Trump ordered an end to DACA in Los Angeles. (David McNew / Getty Images) 19 / 24 From left, Paola Soria and Karla Collaguazo, both 20 and dreamers originally from Ecuador, listen to Attorney General Jeff Sessions remarks on ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on a smartphone before a protest in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 20 / 24 Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department on President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) 21 / 24 Immigration activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program sit in the street and block traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 22 / 24 A person holds up a sign in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, and Temporary Protected Status programs during a rally in support of DACA and TPS outside of the White House. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) 23 / 24 Rosemary Segero, of Washington, who is originally from Kenya, rallies in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, outside of the White House. President Donald Trumps administration will wind down a program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared Tuesday. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) 24 / 24 Immigrants and supporters demonstrate during a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in front of the White House. President Donald Trump has rescinded the program, ending amnesty for 800,000 young immigrants brought to the US illegally as minors and who are largely integrated into US society. (ERIC BARADAT / AFP/Getty Images)

Late Tuesday, Trump seemed to accept the prospect that Congress might not be able to agree on legislation. If they cant, he tweeted, I will revisit this issue! It was unclear what he meant by revisit.

Congressional Republican leaders, who met with Trump at the White House ostensibly about still-unwritten tax legislation, only tentatively committed to addressing Trumps demand on immigration. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan expressed hope for a solution, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Congress will continue working on it.

The legislative uncertainty created by the presidents action translated to even greater personal uncertainty for the many people affected. Protests were immediate in cities nationwide.

Under Trumps action, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA, would continue to March 5. Unless a similar program becomes law, beginning in March, beneficiaries  at a rate of about 1,000 a day  would start losing their ability to lawfully hold a job, buy a home, go to college and receive student loans, or join the military. They would be liable to deportation.

Despite Trumps expressions of love for Dreamers, in moving against DACA, he is fulfilling the promise to end it that he made  in much harsher terms  during his presidential campaign. The move advances his broader effort to ratchet up immigration enforcement and reduce the number of immigrants in the country.

In his statement, Trump said, We must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

Trump and his advisors, including Sessions in making the announcement, argue that reducing the ranks of low-skilled immigrants, legal and illegal, will raise wages and provide jobs for native-born Americans. Most economists, however, contend that reducing immigration will significantly hurt economic growth for years, especially given the aging of the native population.

President Obama, who created the program in 2012 out of frustration with Congresss failure to act, offered rare public criticism of his successor in a lengthy post on his Facebook page.

Obama strongly disputed Republicans assertion that he exceeded his presidential power, writing that he relied on the well-established legal principle of prosecutorial discretion, deployed by Democratic and Republican presidents alike to set priorities for immigration enforcement.

He acted, he said, because Congress wouldnt, and it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know solely because of the actions of their parents.

The former president called Trumps action a political decision, and a moral question, adding: Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated.

Trump wrestled with the decision, he and his aides said, but ultimately decided to keep his campaign promise and let Congress resolve the issue. Even before his decision was public, Trump started the day with a tweet that signaled his intent and put the onus on lawmakers: Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA!

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Are you a DACA participant? We want to hear from you 

Publicly and privately, Republican lawmakers expressed some exasperation.

It is important that the White House clearly outline what kind of legislation the president is willing to sign, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who was part of a bipartisan group that in 2013 drafted a bill for a comprehensive overhaul of immigration law that passed in the Senate but died in the House.

Rubio added, We have no time to waste on ideas that do not have the votes to pass or that the president wont sign.

Along with pro-DACA protests, legal opposition to Trumps action took shape quickly.

New Mexico Atty. Gen. Hector Balderas, a Democrat, said he is working with other state attorneys general to build a strong case that Trump will hurt states economies and education systems by ending DACA.

Losing hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans, such as future police officers, members of the military, doctors and teachers, will create an unacceptable public safety threat in the United States, Balderas said.

Tossing the issue to Congress is likely to split Republicans. Party leaders, including Ryan, have said they favor a measure to give legal status to the Dreamers. But many rank-and-file Republicans oppose the idea. Anti-immigrant sentiment is widespread among conservative voters and has been heightened by Trumps nativist campaign rhetoric.

In a statement, Ryan called Obamas order perhaps well-intentioned but a clear abuse of executive authority.

It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

Sessions called Obamas 2012 order an unconstitutional exercise of authority that he could not defend in court. Republican attorneys general from nine states had threatened to sue the administration after Tuesday if Trump did not act to dismantle DACA.

After receiving a legal analysis from Sessions Justice Department, the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the 2012 Obama administration memo by Janet Napolitano, who was then secretary of Homeland Security.

Napolitano, now president of the University of California system, on Tuesday issued a statement calling on Congress to act and promising to continue protecting students who are DACA beneficiaries.

The Citizenship and Immigration Services agency will continue to process all renewal applications and first-time applications received before Tuesday. As of Aug. 20, 106,341 cases were pending, including more than 34,000 people applying for a first-time grant.

The more than 200,000 people whose grants expire between now and March 5 have until Oct. 5 to apply for a renewal. About 55,000 of those people have done so.

An additional 275,344 people have deferrals that will end during 2018, and 321,920 others have protection that will lapse during the first eight months of 2019.

Since taking office, Trump has balked at fulfilling his pledge against DACA, professing a sympathy for Dreamers that was encouraged by his daughter Ivanka.

In April, he said in an interview with the Associated Press that people protected from deportation under DACA could rest easy. In July, Trump told reporters he was struggling with what to do about the program.

Its a decision thats very, very hard to make, he said then. I really understand the situation now. I understand the situation very well. What Id like to do is a comprehensive immigration plan. But our country and political forces are not ready yet.

There are two sides of a story, he added. Its always tough.

In recent days, as Trump seemed poised to move against the program, its backers in business and politics mobilized to defend DACA in a campaign that included some of the nations best-known corporations.

Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy. With them, we grow and create jobs, wrote hundreds of business and tech industry leaders, including executives of Apple, EBay, Crate & Barrel, Microsoft and Starbucks, in an open letter to Trump and congressional leaders.

According to a report from the Center for American Progress, a liberal-leaning advocacy group, 87% of beneficiaries are using their work permits and 83% of those in school also are working. About 6% of DACA beneficiaries have started businesses, the report said, and 12% have purchased homes.

brian.bennett@latimes.com

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Los Angeles Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.

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Opinion: Ending DACA would be mean-spirited and shortsighted  even for Trump

UPDATES:

6:30 p.m.: This article was updated with President Trumps tweet about possibly revisiting the issue later.

5:10 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional details about Tuesdays DACA announcement.

12:50 p.m.: This article was updated with statements from former President Obama and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.).

11:25 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from President Trump and with additional reaction and background.

8:14 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions.

The article was originally published at 8 a.m.
The Trump administrations decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program next year could have a broad effect on Democratic efforts to retake control of the House in 2018, and nowhere more so than in California, where more than a fourth of the estimated 800,000 recipients, often called Dreamers, are thought to live.

To secure the 24 seats they need, Democrats are specifically targeting nine of the Golden States 14 Republican members of Congress, several of whom represent districts with large minority populations. Stories of the 200,000 or so Californians affected by this decision will likely be a recurring theme of campaigns for the next year.

Now that the president is putting the issue on Congress agenda, the vulnerable Republicans will be squarely in the center of the debate.

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Nearly all of them have opposed DACA, which delayed deportation for hundreds of thousands of Californians in the country illegally. Just two of the GOP lawmakers with districts that could flip in the midterms publicly tried to persuade the president to leave DACA in place.

On Aug. 24, Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock and David Valadao of Hanford joined four Republicans who represent heavily Latino districts in other states in a letter to urge Trump to keep the deportation protections until Congress can craft a solution. Valadaos district is more than 75% Latino, and Denhams is nearly 45% Latino, according to the 2015 census estimates.

Live coverage: Nation responds to Dreamers announcement 

When you talk about Dreamers, kids who were brought here through no fault of their own, already graduated, sat in a classroom next to our kids and graduated, it is a different conversation than the rest of the immigration debate, Denham recently told a group of local Dreamers.

Republicans have framed ending DACA as a return to the rule of law, but that rationale ignores how this has become an increasingly personal issue for people across the country who have watched hundreds of thousands of emboldened young immigrants come out of the shadows.

Valadao and Denham have said previously they dont think President Obama should have created the program in the first place, but theyve also broken with their party to continue pushing for immigration legislation when GOP leadership said it was time to move on. Denham and Valadao are the only California Republicans to co-sponsor a legislative fix proposed by Republicans that would allow many Dreamers to stay. As late as Friday when early reports of Trumps decision surfaced, they were urging House Speaker Paul Ryan to let Congress come up with a solution.

On Tuesday, Valadao reiterated that Congress needs to act before the program ends in March.

I will do everything in my power to ensure those who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own are not unjustly punished, he said in a statement.

Denham has repeatedly pushed a bill to allow Dreamers to earn citizenship through military service.

Those actions, and any possible fix that comes in the next six months, could insulate Valadao and Denham from attacks Democrats surely will launch following Trumps announcement. The focus on DACA also might renew attention to their reelection races in the Central Valley.

Are you a DACA participant? We want to hear from you 

The political fallout for other California Republicans  especially those representing districts with rapidly shifting demographics  remains to be seen.

On Tuesday, several of the Orange County Republicans in tough races treaded a soft line in their public statements, talking about Congress coming together for a solution or detailing what Dreamers contribute to the community. Several said Dreamers shouldnt be punished for being brought to the United States without their consent. Still, they avoided talk of a pathway to citizenship and didnt say theyd sign on to specific legislation.

America is the only home most of these young people have ever known and it is unjust to punish them for the actions of their parents, Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine said in a statement that began with a dig at Obama for creating the program. Congress should work to ensure their residency so that they can continue to contribute to our community and strengthen our nation.

Republicans including Rep. Devin Nunes, whose Central Valley district is 50% Latino, and Rep. Ed Royce, whose Orange County district is a third Latino and a third Asian, will be forced to talk about the issue with just over 14 months remaining until they face voters.

Trumps decision on Dreamers is personal for some California members of Congress 

When Obama created the program through executive order in 2012, many Republicans argued he had overstepped his authority when he bypassed Congress.

On Tuesday, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Huntington Beach said the former president created a legal headache and public heartache by acting alone. Rohrabachers predominantly white district hasnt experienced the same dramatic demographic shifts as those of his colleagues.

However much we may sympathize with the hundreds of thousands of these children, many of whom have reached adulthood and have become Americanized, we in Congress must work to prevent such cynical loopholes from being created again by executive fiat, he said in a statement.

The more than 200,000 estimated California recipients have started businesses, attended college and joined the economy full time. Many come from families of mixed legal status, meaning some of them can vote.

Democrats campaign arm already has been running campaign ads about Dreamers in districts represented by Valadao, Denham and Rep. Steve Knight, The Hill newspaper reported. And it is probably just the beginning.

In the coming weeks and months, expect Democrats to try to pigeonhole Republicans on how the program is crafted in Congress, and how they vote if it gets to that point.

sarah.wire@latimes.com

Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter

Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation at latimes.com/politics

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UPDATES:

3:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from lawmakers following the Trump administrations announcement.

This article was originally published at 8:15 a.m.
Acting Ukrainian Health Minister Ulana Suprun has said she is ready to become Health Minister of Ukraine.

"From the start I fulfilled the duties of health minister and have exercised all the grants of authority of minister," Suprun said during an interview with the ICTV channel on Monday.

The acting health minister said that her ministry is now operating as it will if she is confirmed.

"Yes. I am ready when the time comes. I will be ready to head the ministry," she said.

Suprun was appointed first deputy health minister on July 27, 2016, and acting health minister on August 1, 2016.
Can Congress come up with a solution by next March for the 800,000 immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children?

Thats effectively the question President Trump may pose by leaving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program intact for six months to give Congress time to find a legislative solution for the so-called Dreamers. Of course, thats what aides were telling us Monday, stressing it was a tentative decision.

Either way, the issue puts even more pressure on Congress, with a deadline in a midterm election year to boot.

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Lawmakers return to Washington with one of the fullest agendas of the modern era, and little time to accomplish the necessities such as funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling.

This all comes amid the specter of a conflict over nuclear weapons. Sundays drama in North Korea represented a new reality for Trump, Cathy Decker writes, with a huge foreign policy test and a Texas-sized crisis at home.

DREAMERS WAITING

As we reported Monday, it was unclear whether Trump will firmly commit to ending the DACA program after six months, begin allowing existing work permits to expire or simply revisit the matter at that time.

In anticipation of the presidents announcement, two California Republicans reached out to House Speaker Paul Ryan last week to ask he get started with a congressional fix. Its no accident they are being aggressive on the issue, since their districts have high minority populations.

Well have more on the vulnerable California Republicans in the coming weeks, and subscribers to this newsletter will get our new midterms project before anyone else.

Sarah Wire revealed in a piece this weekend how some lawmakers in the California delegation have relatives who could face deportation, making Trumps move even more personal.

Were tracking it all as it happens, so join us on our Essential Washington news feed.

LIGHTNING ROUND

On Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey will sit in a courtroom facing bribery charges, the first case against a sitting U.S. senator in nearly a decade.

Read President Obamas letter to Trump as he left the White House.

Trump went back to Texas and also surveyed Harvey damage in Louisiana.

More staff have left the White House. Cant keep the musical chairs straight? Weve got a detailed graphic so you dont have to.

As the federal government has its Obamacare standoff, some states are making it work.

Smoke was spotted coming from the Russian consulate in San Francisco last week.

SCRAMBLE IN SACRAMENTO

Sacramentos biannual suspense file drama, where hundreds of bills that were kept in limbo for months are either passed or killed in a matter of minutes, has reshaped the political debates to come as the Legislature winds toward adjournment on Sept. 15. Here are some of the highlights.

-- Lawmakers shelved a proposal that would have studied police shootings across California.

-- A proposal to clamp down on offshore drilling in California stalled on Friday. The legislation, Senate Bill 188, would have prevented new infrastructure, such as pipelines or piers, from being built along the coast. It was opposed by the oil industry and labor groups.

-- Last call will stay at 2 a.m. across California, as lawmakers squashed a bill to allow bars to stay open an additional two hours.

-- Senate leader Kevin de Leons push to phase out fossil fuels for electricity took another step forward. The legislation, Senate Bill 100, is heading for a vote on the Assembly floor. It also received a nod from actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio.

-- For years, a Los Angeles-based company has wanted to pump groundwater from under the Mojave Desert and sell it to the Southern California communities. The Trump administration helped clear the way for the project earlier this year, but state lawmakers began debating a new proposal, Assembly Bill 1000, to stop it. However, the proposal was halted by the Senate Appropriations Committee, despite support from Gov. Jerry Brown and Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

-- A bill requiring California police to disclose surveillance equipment stalled amid cost concerns.

--- Fake news? Who knows? Lawmakers killed a bill that would bring media literacy classes to schools. The curriculum would have promoted critical thinking skills, digital citizenship and responsible technology use.

And as lawmakers return to Sacramento this week for the final few days of the 2017 legislative session, they are rushing to collect as much campaign cash as they can from powerful interest groups.

In his Political Road Map column, John Myers writes that you could think of it as a nightly political pub crawl on the streets of the capital city. And critics say its a system ripe for reform.

DIVVYING UP THE CAP-AND-TRADE CASH

Now that the debate over extending the cap-and-trade program is finished, Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers are turning their attention to spending the cash. Theres $1.5 billion on the table. The governor unveiled his idea last week, including $350 million to improve air quality in polluted communities and $607.5 million for low-carbon transportation. Thats less than the $1 billion sought by some Democratic lawmakers to phase out diesel engines in trucks, buses and farm vehicles, so expect some give and take before the legislative session ends.

A CLASH OVER PATIENCE

At a time when the Democratic base is more restive than it has been in decades, Feinstein ignited a firestorm earlier this week when she refused to back Trumps impeachment and instead called for patience with his presidency. The statements reflected a moderation and pragmatism that have been hallmarks of Feinsteins career. But these qualities, after proving politically advantageous for decades, could become an albatross as the 84-year-old decides whether to seek a sixth term, Seema Mehta reports.

George Skelton argues in his Monday column that the backlash from De Leon and others on the left is unwarranted.

On the other side of the spectrum, Skelton calls Republicans who ousted their leader a grouchy bunch.

A reminder you can keep up with California politics via our Essential Politics news feed.

WOMEN AT THE CENTER OF FIGHT OVER BAIL

As a public defender in New York City, Gina Clayton realized the U.S. bail system was putting a heavy and invisible burden on women. Now, she is the founder of the Essie Justice Group, a support network for women with incarcerated loved ones, which this year has been one of the main drivers behind legislation to overhaul the way offenders receive bail in California.

The group, with cohorts in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, offers spaces for women to share experiences they often dont talk about at home. In healing and building bonds, Clayton says, their mission is to launch female leaders who can lobby their district representatives, organize their own events and speak at public forums against a punitive criminal justice system that disproportionately affects black and Latino communities.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- The latest California Politics Podcast takes a look at some of the most notable bills killed at the state Capitol last week and the political buzz thats now making the rounds about the 2018 U.S. Senate race.

-- Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Californias next governor must do more than continue Browns legacy, Mehta reports.

-- L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was in Sacramento Wednesday with other big city mayors to pitch action on housing legislation. Legislative leaders had hoped to vote on housing bills last week, but it didnt happen.

-- Garcetti also didnt rule out entering a crowded field to run for governor next year.

-- California already has some of the worlds toughest policies for fighting global warming, but now lawmakers are considering a new one. If approved at the end of the legislative session, the state would completely phase out the use of fossil fuels for generating electricity by 2045. Heres how the measure would work.

-- Brown is staying on the international circuit. Hes attending an economic summit in Vladivostok, Russia, this week, and hes planning to call for more action to tackle global warming. His travel plans include a stop in Alaska to meet with climate scientists.

-- Top lawmakers are zeroing in on a measure to fund water and parks improvements for the 2018 statewide ballot.

-- Former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder filed a brief on behalf of the California Senate in Chicagos sanctuary city lawsuit.

-- Corrections officials heard thoughts and complaints about revamping Californias parole system.

-- A proposed California ballot initiative would give consumers more control over their personal information online.

-- Brown signed a bill to extend protections for immigrant witnesses in California.

-- Driving into a group of protesters could be considered domestic terrorism in California. The bill considers the act an infringement on free speech and assembly.

-- State Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia shelved her legislation to make stealthing punishable as rape in California.

-- A proposal would allow eight California counties to pilot supervised drug injection sites by 2022.

-- San Fernando Valley will soon boast signs for portions of I-5 named the Ritchie Valens Memorial Highway.

-- No, a shark was not swimming in Houstons floodwaters (and other ways to spot fake news).

LOGISTICS

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You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

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Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

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Trump Jr. to speak privately to Senate staff on Thursday

(Richard Drew / Associated Press)

President Trumps oldest son is expected to meet privately with a Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, several senators said Wednesday.

Donald Trump Jr.'s appearance Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee would probably focus on a meeting he had with a Russian lawyer and others during the final stretches of last years campaign. Emails released in July show that Trump Jr. was told the session at Trump Tower in New York was part of a Russian government effort to aid his father, the Republican nominee.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating that meeting, also attended by Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. A grand jury has heard testimony about it.

Trump Jr. has also agreed to appear in the coming weeks before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation.

Separately, President Obamas national security advisor, Susan Rice, was meeting on Wednesday with the House Intelligence Committee, according to a person familiar with the interview. This person wasnt authorized to discuss the committees confidential work and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

That committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department and the FBI for documents related to a dossier of salacious allegations involving Trump and possible ties to Russia.

As for Donald Trump Jr., some Democratic senators said they planned to attend his session though tradition dictates that senators cannot ask questions at such interviews conducted by committee staff.

Sens. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said they would be there. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) was considering it.

I go in with an open mind, Durbin said. I want to hear his answers to questions  there are plenty of questions  about the involvement of the Trump corporation as well as the Trump campaign with the Russians and other foreigners, and I just want to hear what Mr. Trump has to say.

Durbin said he would be shocked if questions werent asked about whether Trump Sr. knew about the Trump Tower meeting.

The critical part of his testimony will be following the financial dealing, Blumenthal said. He said he also wants to find out what Trump Jr. may know about potential obstruction of justice, adding there may have been conversations between the two about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and other matters.

Blumenthal and Coons said the private interview is no substitute for a public hearing, which the committee chairman, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), has promised will happen.

This meeting is far less important than his public testimony, under oath, before the American people, Blumenthal said.

Grassley would not say on Wednesday whether he would issue a subpoena for Trump Jr. if he refuses to testify publicly.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department is reviewing subpoenas from the House intelligence committee.

In a letter Friday that was obtained by the AP, the committee wrote that it had served subpoenas on Aug. 24 to the department and the FBI for documents related to the committees investigation of Russian meddling. The Justice Department and FBI had missed the original Sept. 1 deadline, so the committee extended the deadline to Sept. 14.

The letter was signed by the committee chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), who stepped back from the Russia investigation this year after he was criticized for being too close to the White House. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas) took over the leading role, but his name does not appear on the letter.

As chairman, Nunes retains subpoena power in the committee.

According to the letter, the original subpoenas requested any documents related to the dossier and sought information about whether the department was involved in its production.

If the documents are not produced, the committee is seeking to compel Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, who has withdrawn from investigations examining connections between Trump and Russia, and newly installed FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify in an open hearing. The committee issued two additional subpoenas to Sessions and Wray on late Tuesday.

Resort to compulsory process was necessary because of DOJs and FBIs insufficient responsiveness to the committees numerous Russia-investigation related requests over the past several months, the letter said.

If the committee is unable to obtain documents or testimony, Nunes wrote, the committee expressly reserves its right to proceed with any and all available legal options, including a House vote to hold Sessions and Wray in contempt.

The Justice Department confirmed it was reviewing the subpoenas but declined further comment.

The dossier attracted public attention in January when it was revealed that then-FBI Director Comey had briefed Trump, soon before he was inaugurated as president, about claims from the documents that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.

Its unclear to what extent the allegations in the dossier have been corroborated or verified by the FBI because the bureau has not publicly discussed it.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday evening on MSNBC that the subpoenas were issued over the objections of Democrats. Schiff said Republicans are working harder to discredit those who compiled the dossier than to find out if the allegations in it are true. He said Republicans should be more focused on getting documents from the White House.

The subpoenas were first reported by the Washington Examiner.
After years of growing doubt about the value of screening men for prostate cancer, a new analysis of existing clinical trial evidence has found that when men between 55 and 70 get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, the result is lives saved.

In 2009, a New England Journal of Medicine editorialist famously called the debate over PSA testing for prostate cancer the controversy that refuses to die. That comment came with the publication of two clinical trials  one conducted in the United States, the second in Europe  that drew two contradictory conclusions on prostate cancer testing.

The U.S. undertaking, called the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) Trial, found that screening men for prostate cancer does not save lives. The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer suggested that screening drove down the rate of deaths from prostate cancer by 20%.

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In 2012, a federally funded panel of experts on preventive care concluded there are more risks than benefits to screening American men for prostate cancer with the PSA test. And in April 2017, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force dumped the decision squarely into the laps of patients and their doctors. Some men between 55 and 69 years of age might well decide to get their PSA checked, the task force said. After hearing the ledger of pros and cons, however, others in that age bracket might just as reasonably skip the screening test, the panel concluded.

The new research, published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, now calls those recommendations into question. The authors of the study, led by biostatistician Ruth Etzioni of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, concluded that screening men over age 55 can signicantly reduce the risk for prostate cancer death.

When men who fit the criteria for screening get the PSA test, the reduction in deaths due to prostate cancer was between 25% and 32%, the new study found.

But the newly published analysis also underscores that the value of prostate cancer screening rests heavily on which men you screen, where and for how long you conduct the clinical trial, and how you crunch the numbers.

In the end, said Vanderbilt University urological surgeon Dr. Sam Chang, the new analysis reinforces what urological surgeons and treating physicians have thought all along: that PSA screening is helpful.

But it is helpful, said Chang, only when it focuses on the right men  those between 55 and 70  and when it is tempered by an understanding that not all worrisome findings are evidence of disease that should be treated aggressively.

Sometimes, said Chang, who was not involved in the newly published article, a man will get a problematic PSA test reading and decide not to act on it immediately or aggressively. But knowing there is a decision to be made is probably a better basis for planning than not knowing, he added.

Over the past five to 10 years, there has been a better understanding by everyone about the harms of over-treatment, Chang said. You want to avoid over-diagnosis and over-treatment.

Chang underscored that for two groups in particular  African American men and those with a first-degree relative who died of prostate cancer  knowing is especially important, because the risks of aggressive disease in such populations is much higher than for others. Neither group was the subject of special attention in the newly published analysis.

In an editorial published alongside the new analysis, Andrew Vickers of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also made clear that its what patients and their physicians do after the PSA test that matters most.

Unfortunately, the way screening has been implemented in the United States leaves much to be desired, Vickers wrote. The controversy about PSA-based screening should no longer be whether it can do good but whether we can change our behavior so that it does more good than harm, he added.

Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin cancer found in men, affecting 101.6 of 100,000 American men, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. In 2013, the latest year for which figures are available, 176,000 got a diagnosis of prostate cancer and 28,000 died of it.

But a change in a mans reading on the PSA test is a highly imperfect gauge of trouble: approximately 80% of positive PSA test results are thought to produce false-positives, creating scares that prompt men to get biopsies. And treatment, which carries with it a high risk of subsequent difficulties with sexual function, urination and bowel movements, is often unnecessary because prostate cancers are often so slow-growing they will never make a man sick.

As a result of this growing skepticism about whom to screen for prostate cancer and whether to treat it, more and more men are skipping the PSA test. And among those who get it and get back a worrisome finding, fewer and fewer are opting to treat it.

Earlier this year, a long-running clinical trial found no evidence that patients who got an early prostate cancer diagnosis and chose active surveillance (sometimes called watchful waiting) were no more likely to die of the disease than were men who got the same diagnosis and treated it aggressively.

melissa.healy@latimes.com

@LATMelissaHealy
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) could arrange a long-term loan for ArcelorMittal Group in the amount of up to EUR 350 million to finance capital investments in ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih.

According to a bank report on its website, the EBRD board of directors plans to consider this issue on October 4 this year.

"The proposed facility will support part of a $1.1 billion investment program by ArcelorMittal at its Ukrainian subsidiary ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih. The proceeds from the EBRD loan will be allocated towards capex focusing on improvement of competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental performance," reads a report on the EBRD website.

The EBRD specifies the borrower is ArcelorMittal S.A. holding company (Luxembourg), the world's largest integrated mining and metallurgical company with revenues of $57 billion in 2016, which will then lend to PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, in which it owns 95.13% of the shares.

According to the document, the borrower will receive a senior unsecured loan to in the amount of approximately EUR 350 million, of which EUR200 million will be provided by the EBRD and up to EUR 150 million will be syndicated to commercial lenders or risk participated through unfunded risk participations.
After scorching more than 7,000 acres throughout the Labor Day weekend, a massive brush fire that began in the Verdugo Mountains Friday sat at 80% containment, fire officials said Tuesday evening.

While authorities said the La Tuna fire was mostly contained, crews are expected to remain in the area for several more days to further stamp out the blaze and deal with lingering hot spots and potential flare-ups.

We have an army of boots on the ground that are down and dirty, doing a great job in very rugged and remote terrain, said Erik Scott, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman, during a press briefing Tuesday morning.

At one point, more than 1,000 firefighters from agencies across the Southland were called in to help. By Tuesday evening, 711 firefighters were still on the scene.

Scott also said there were eight injuries reported during the course of the blaze. Five were heat-related, while one involved a firefighter suffering a minor burn. One person suffered an allergic reaction, and another had to be treated for an unspecified eye injury.

Out of nearly 1,400 buildings in L.A., Burbank and Glendale that were in the immediate path of the flames, only 10 were destroyed  all in Sunland-Tujunga. Five were homes, while the other five were sheds and garage-like structures, Scott said.

L.A. Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas previously said several of the structures were destroyed because of their isolation in the foothills and lack of adequate brush clearance.

Attempting to save the buildings would have posed a safety risk for firefighters, he said.

Scott said strategic placement of crews along the fire line and the recent cooler weather helped agencies get a better handle on the fire.

During the fires outset, temperatures reached as high as 115 degrees as the area was in the midst of a heatwave. That has since tapered off, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-80s this week, Scott said.

Rain that fell briefly in the area Sunday also contributed favorably to firefighting efforts.

Wind conditions remained relatively low Tuesday, between 3 to 10 mph, but Scott said gusts as high as 18 mph are expected.

Those gusts can still kick up some embers and create spot fires, he said. We are remaining vigilant.

SMOKE ADVISORY UPDATE (Tue, 9/5): #LaTunaFire continues to burn; estimated 7,003 acres with 35% containment: https://t.co/DB68oPpbse  South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) September 5, 2017

A smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District has remained in effect since Friday for residents in the San Gabriel Mountains along with those in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. The agency said winds could bring smoke as well as ash to the impacted areas and may lead the air quality to reach unhealthy levels.

District officials advised residents to avoid any vigorous outdoor activity. Older adults, children and people with respiratory or heart issues should also remain indoors with the windows and doors closed.

Because of the health hazard, officials from Glendale and Burbank said hiking trails in both cities were closed until further notice.

The fire first broke out around 1:30 p.m. Friday along a portion of La Tuna Canyon Road near the Foothill (210) Freeway. Fire officials initially estimated its size as less than an acre, but high winds carried embers across the freeway, leading to its growth.

A portion of the freeway was closed for two days while crews battled the expanding blaze.

The fire prompted mandatory evacuations for hundreds of residents in L.A., Burbank and Glendale as flames began to encroach on homes.

By Monday, though, all evacuation orders had been lifted, and residents were allowed to return home.

The fires spread and size led L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti to sign a declaration of local emergency on Saturday, which directed relevant city agencies to take all necessary steps to combat the blaze. It also called on Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency  which he did on Sunday  so that state and federal resources could be utilized.

Scott said the cause of the fire is unknown, and it remains under investigation.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc

ALSO

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Burbank residents allowed back home as 5,800-acre La Tuna Fire burns into the night

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UPDATES:

11:05 p.m.: This article was updated with the most recent containment figures.

This article was originally published at 3:15 p.m.
The Orange County housing story continues to read the same: low supply, high demand and increasing costs. The Orange County Business Council puts the housing supply shortfall at 50,000 to 62,000 units per year. And, just recently, the O.C. Register reported that home listings were at a four-year low in Orange County and throughout Southern California.

At the state level, the Department of Housing and Community Developments recently released Housing Assessment Report predicts that California will need 1.8 million units by 2025, or 180,000 new units annually, to meet population and household growth.

Undoubtedly, the cost to buy a home continues to rise. In March, the Saddleback College South Orange County Economic Report placed the 2016 O.C. median home price at $728,500, with the average sales price at $956,186  predicting up to a 5% gain in 2017.

It should come as no surprise that home ownership rates are at an all-time low, with Orange and Los Angeles counties facing the lowest in the nation. While many factors have contributed to our current crisis, lets not ignore the simple concept of supply and demand, and figure out how to increase supply.

So, how do local policymakers work to generate more for-sale housing as available land remains scarce, and the American dream of owning a home continues to remain just that  a dream? One solution: small lot development.

Southern California is no stranger to the small lot home. Passed in 2005, Los Angeles was already struggling with a lack of land, attainable housing and a twiddling home ownership rate and looked to a smaller, innovative for-sale product to increase supply. In a nutshell, the city would subdivide lots within existing multifamily and commercial zones to accommodate detached townhomes that would allow buyers to own the unit and land underneath. According to the city, from 2006-13, in a recessionary economic climate, more than 160 subdivision cases were filed, resulting in the approval of over 1,500 individual lots.

In Orange County, Costa Mesa recognized similar characteristics and in 2014 passed the first small lot ordinance in the county. The code change aimed at creating flexibility for developers by removing the required minimum distance between buildings, reducing setbacks and open space requirements, and by allowing live/work units on land zoned for multifamily units  all without increasing density.

This O.C.-style small lot has seemingly done well, as you will easily spot the modern homes driving through the streets of Costa Mesa. According to the city, 120 units have been approved since the ordinances inception, with more in the process.

Townhomes and condominiums have always been a practical way to increase attainable for-sale housing, but with higher-than-average fees, financing costs and insurance premiums, they can still be difficult to build and sell. The small lot ordinance creates a townhome-style product with the same benefits and ownership perks as your traditional single-family ranch home, making it a great product for the first-time buyer. Small lots are efficient, create less of a footprint and can be built on underutilized commercial and industrial zones as many businesses look to the online market, subsequently reducing traffic in these areas.

Homeownership rates may continue to struggle if nothing is done. Now is the time for local policymakers and elected officials to look at innovative ways to increase for-sale housing supply by amending their building codes to accommodate the small lot development.

STEVEN LaMOTTE is the chapter executive officer for the Building Industry Assn., Orange County Chapter.
Channel your inner Jane Austen next month on a Rhine River cruise that will celebrate the bicentennial of the popular English novelists death.

The cruise, which will take place aboard Riviera Travels MS Jane Austen, will include lectures and discussions with a historian who specializes in the authors work.

Biographer Lucy Worsley, whose book, Jane Austen at Home, was recently released, is a royal palaces curator and BBC presenter.

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Cruise passengers will receive a copy of her book, and events include autograph signings at an after-dinner talk about Austen, who died July 18, 1817. Among her six novels are Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

The cruise, Oct. 19-26, will depart Basel, Switzerland, and end in Cologne, Germany. Among its pluses will be autumn views of the Rhine Gorge, a guided tour of Strasbourg, a scenic drive in the Black Forest and a full-day excursion to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.

Rates for the eight-day cruise start at $1,569 per person, double occupancy, and include seven nights accommodations, all meals on board and seven visits and tours. A drinks package is available for $129 per person. International airfare is not included.

Info: Riviera Travels Jane Austen Cruise, (888) 596-9578

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Just what bone-dry central L.A. has always lacked: a boat parade

Carnivals new ship Horizon will give diners a slice-and-dice show on the Promenade Deck

Dance, dance, dance when the Zumba Cruise sails. Yes, Zumba creator Beto Perez will be there too

Cruise to Ecuadors Galapagos Islands and do good at the same time

travel@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimestravel
Theres something about naming a show WOW that creates a certain expectation. Director Hanoch Rosenn, who made an international name for himself as a mime, says thats the whole point.

The audience will say the word wow several times during the show, he said. If they dont say that, I have a problem.

WOW, a kind of elevated variety show with fantastic costumes and high-tech effects, will come to Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in September. With performance artists, acrobats, dancers and water  lots and lots of water  WOW joins two long-running water-themed shows in the city: O by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio and Le Reve at Wynn.

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Rosenn isnt worried about the competition. I admire the two other shows that are here in Vegas..., he said. We learned from that, but its very different in the pace and the style. Hes had success with similar Wow shows in his native Israel and European cities.

It is a water show, he added, but its not only water. Sometimes the stage is dry.

WOW stands for World of Wonder. The story revolves around a fisherman who, instead of catching fish, is lured by a mermaid into a fantastic journey. Holograms and video walls are used to bring guests into the tale. There are poetic moments, but mainly its very funny, very exciting, very extravagant with dancing numbers like old Vegas had, with beautiful costumes, Rosenn said. Its a family-friendly show.

The show will premiere Sept. 26 in the 600-seat showroom at the Rio. In contrast, O is staged in a 1,800-seat theater. And WOW features a cast of 30 performers from Europe and the U.S., while O has more than 70.

The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, with additional 9 p.m. shows Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost $49 to $169, plus taxes and fees.

Info: WOW, (855) 234-7469

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Just what bone-dry central L.A. has always lacked: a boat parade

Your guide to classic performers coming to Las Vegas, from Tony Bennett to Ringo Starr

Fend off digital zombies and rogue robots in Las Vegas first free-roaming VR games

Napa Valley tops this list of the 12 most romantic places to visit in America

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
Savor the historic flavors of Mexico on a nine-day journey through some of the countrys most famous culinary regions. The trip, organized for solo travelers by Intrepid Travel, includes visits to Oaxaca, Puebla and Mexico City.

In Oaxaca, participants will visit markets, tasting chiles, chocolate and mezcal; in Puebla, they will sample local specialties; and in Mexico City, theyll go on a taco crawl.

Also on the itinerary: a fishing expedition and a chance to eat fresh ceviche on the beach.

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Dates: March 24-April 1

Price: From $1,875, including accommodations, 12 meals, domestic transportation and activities. International airfare not included.

Info: Intrepid Travel, (800) 970-7299

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From downtown L.A. to the beach and back, car-free and carefree

As it travels through the mountains and plains of the West, the California Zephyr is a track star

Napa Valley tops this list of the 12 most romantic places to visit in America
The stench of human waste, rotting food and dirty, sweat-drenched clothes mixes with the swirling smoke from makeshift campfires. It is lunchtime at the Moria refugee camp, where desperate hopes for a better life have come to this.

More than 3,500 people from the Middle East, Africa and Asia have been stranded in this overcrowded camp on the Greek island of Lesbos for up to 18 months  after surviving perilous Aegean Sea crossings in rickety boats from Turkey, about four nautical miles away.

Here, the dream of quick passage into the European Union has turned into a dead end on the EUs far southeastern fringe. Those living in the squalor of the Moria camp are the all-but-forgotten flotsam of a refugee crisis that saw more than a million people flood into wealthier EU countries such as Germany, Sweden and Austria before the door was shut in 2016.

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Refugees and other migrants have continued to trickle into Europe through Italy and other points, but the Lesbos gateway  which once led through the Balkans to Central Europe  ends here, amid the smoke and squalor.

This is a dreadful place, said a Pakistani in his 20s named Yasir, who declined to give his last name. He was in foul mood after his asylum application was rejected. He was told he would be deported a week later to Turkey.

The food is awful, its hot, it stinks, he added as he swatted away flies inside the sweltering living quarters in a tent he has shared with dozens of other people. The air conditioning never works and there are often fights breaking out between the different nationalities.

The dirt floor was covered with rolls of a felt-like carpet material. There were piles of unwashed dishes and buckets of leftover food scattered around the tent.

There are now 6,000 people trapped in two camps in Lesbos who arrived too late to make it farther  after paying huge sums to smugglers to help get them to Greece. In all of Greece, a total of about 60,000 are stranded. The Mediterranean country has been at the front lines of Europes biggest refugee crisis since World War II, even as it struggled with its own economic crisis.

A deal between the EU and Turkey in March 2016 helped stanch the flow of migrants amid a rise of anti-immigrant sentiment that swept across much of the rest of Europe. As a result, many of the refugees here will end up being sent back to Turkey once their asylum applications can be processed by local officials. Those who do qualify for asylum  mostly Syrians and Iraqis  also face an uncertain future. Although EU countries agreed in 2015 to accept refugees who managed to reach Greece and Italy, most are resisting.

The number of refugees arriving in Greece dropped 92%, from 152,600 to 11,500, in the first seven months of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, according to recent figures from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Journalists and visitors are not officially allowed into the Moria camp, which Pope Francis visited last year and later indirectly likened to a concentration camp. But some sections of the two-story-high fencing have large holes; refugees slip through to use the surrounding bushes as open-air toilets and outsiders can use them to sneak in.

Garry, a muscular student from Congo who declined to give his last name for fear of jeopardizing his asylum bid, said he would not give up on his dream of reaching Germany or France despite being stuck in Moria for the last year. But for now he was merely hoping to get out of the camp and to the Greek capital, Athens.

Were locked up inside this camp and it feels like were in jail with high fences everywhere, Garry said, speaking in French. Were not allowed to go anywhere else in Greece. And the Greeks here are racists. They hate black people.

There have been occasional outbreaks of rioting at the Moria camp, sometimes started by refugees upset that they had just been denied asylum and ordered to return to Turkey, or out of frustration over the poor hygiene conditions and bleak outlook. Or sometimes it is simply tensions erupting between different nationalities. At times, stone-throwing migrants upset with their situation have clashed with local police.

Fires have also broken out at times, sometimes from cooking flames set too close to tents, sometimes in protest of the substandard living conditions. Two large tents and several shipping containers used as temporary housing were burned in one such uprising in July.

Three refugees died in January during a cold snap. Local officials said that they died after inhaling toxic fumes from stoves inside tents.

Binam, a migrant from Syrias Hama province, wants to leave the Moria camp. (Erik Kirschbaum / For The Times)

I dont like it here and dont want to stay, said Binam, a 27-year-old woman from Syrias Hama province who left her two small children behind and arrived on her own six weeks ago in search of a better life for her family. Like other migrants, she declined to give her last name, saying she didnt want to create problems for her children.

Life in the tents is very bad for me, she said. Greece isnt a good place for refugees. There are too many racists here. I want to go to Germany. As soon as I get asylum, Ill be out of here.

Although some local Greeks acknowledge they are fed up with migrants, who have hurt tourism and caused tensions, many still harbor sympathy for the people stuck in Lesbos and wonder why the outside world seems to have lost interest in their plight.

Nobody seems to care about Lesbos, the refugees and the people living here anymore, said Natasha Papanikolaou, a 38-year-old who volunteers at refugee camps and considers some of the occupants her friends. Its frustrating. The world used to care. But now everyone forgot about us.

Tensions run higher in the village of Moria, where the 3,500 refugees have more than tripled the population of 1,500.

Sopocles Mantel says the refugees at Moria are hurting the Greek village. (Erik Kirschbaum / For The Times)

The problem is, they dont have any respect and they stink, said Sopocles Mantel, 50, who spent 25 years in the United States. Theyre hurting the town and scaring away the tourists. They just throw their plastic bottles and garbage on the ground and if you ask them to pick it up, they ignore you. Some of them set fire to their tents. Thats ridiculous! I give you a place to sleep and you burn it down?

The presence of so many migrants on Lesbos, an island of 90,000, has taken a toll on local tourism, many residents complain. Hotel operator Sophia Sotraki said business has fallen 40% at her 10-room building since the crisis began in 2015. She worries about what will happen if the backlog of refugees staying in Lesbos continues to rise.

We used to have 37 to 40 charter flights with tourists arriving every week and thats down to seven a week right now, said Sotraki. Tourists are afraid to come because of the situation. They think the refugees could be hanging around all over the place and its dangerous so they go elsewhere.

Like many Greeks in Lesbos, however, Sotraki expresses sympathy for the migrants. I understand them and that they want a better life, she said. Id want that too.

ALSO

A year later, legacy of refugee crisis has Greeks fearing paradise lost

Europes migrant crisis threatens to overwhelm Italy, even as flows to Greece dry up

Syria may be in ruins, but it looks like Assad has won the war militarily

Kirschbaum is a special correspondent.
Four serving members of the army were arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of being members of a banned far-right group, British defense officials and police said Tuesday.

The four men are alleged to be members of the neo-Nazi group National Action. The group is banned in Britain, and membership or inviting support for the organization is a criminal offense carrying a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment.

The group has been linked to the murder of Labor Party lawmaker Jo Cox in 2016.

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The West Midlands Counterterrorism Unit said Tuesday it had arrested four people on suspicion of preparing terrorism acts. The force said the men were detained as part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation and said there was no threat to the publics safety.

Several properties were raided in connection with the arrests.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd banned National Action after an assessment that it was concerned in terrorism ahead of the trial of right-wing extremist Thomas Mair, who was convicted in Coxs murder.

UPDATES:

5:25 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional details and background.

This article was originally published at 4:20 a.m.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for talks with North Korea, warning against military hysteria.

Putin said during a news conference in China on Tuesday that it was important that all parties including North Korea step on the path of cooperation and not face threats of annihilation.

Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation, Putin said. This is a road to nowhere.

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Russia earlier condemned North Koreas latest nuclear test as provocative, but said it does not support the idea of slapping North Korea with more sanctions.
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana, another potentially catastrophic storm was bearing down on the northeastern Caribbean and could threaten Florida later in the week, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

Hurricane Irma had strengthened into a Category 5 storm, one of the most powerful ever recorded over the Atlantic Ocean, with maximum winds close to 185 mph, according to the weather service in Miami. Three other storms have matched Irmas ferocity, but only Hurricane Allen in 1980 was more intense, with winds peaking at 190 mph.

Irma was expected to remain a Category 4 or 5 storm for days as it barrels through the Caribbean, bringing life-threatening wind, rain and storm surges Wednesday to some of the northern Leeward Islands, including the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

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If the storm remains on its current path, it could reach the Florida Straits by the weekend.

Although it was too soon to forecast its impact on the continental United States, meteorologists said it was increasingly likely that effects would be felt in the Florida Keys  a major tourist destination  and portions of the Florida peninsula.

Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, the National Hurricane Center said in a statement.

States of emergency were declared in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. President Trump also approved emergency declarations authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts in those places.

With Texas still reeling from Hurricane Harvey, which brought record-shattering rain and was blamed for at least 60 deaths, officials urged residents to prepare for the worst.

The decisions that we make in the next couple of hours can make the difference between life and death, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. This is an extremely dangerous storm.

Residents scrambled to get out of flood zones, and customers emptied store shelves of food and water on some islands.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott activated 100 members of the National Guard, directing all 7,000 members to report for duty on Friday, and suspended all tolls on the states freeways until further notice.

With Hurricane Irma now a Category 5 storm, we must do all we can to prepare our families and communities for any potential impact from this major weather event, Scott told reporters in Naples, Fla. While we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst.

In Monroe County, where the Florida Keys are located, officials said they would be issuing mandatory evacuation orders for Wednesday, but urged tourists and residents not to wait and risk getting stuck in traffic.

My wife is leaving the Keys today; she would rather go to the dentist than sit in traffic, said Martin Senterfitt, the Monroe County emergency management director. The sooner people leave the better. If ever there was a storm to take serious in the Keys, this is it.

Evacuation orders could also be issued for Miami-Dade County, Floridas largest, on Wednesday or Thursday, officials said.

Schools canceled classes in both counties Wednesday and the Key West International Airport was scheduled to will close in the evening.

Residents from Tallahassee to Miami heeded the official calls to get ready, swarming gas stations, grocery stores and hardware outlets.

In St. Petersburg, on Floridas Gulf Coast, residents jammed a Home Depot, carting out sheets of plywood and other supplies to protect their windows.

Russell Arsenault, a self-employed tradesman, emerged from the store loaded with a stack of plywood and solar boards. He and his family had already been to a grocery store to stock up on water, canned goods, flashlights and batteries.

After seeing what happened in Texas, and what they went through, were trying to take all the precautions we can, Arsenault said in the parking lot. I think the governors made the right call considering what may happen. The idea of 170-mph winds scares the hell out of me.

Over in Wesley Chapel, a suburb of Tampa, a soldier-turned-lawyer, Gary de Pury, said he too believed in being prepared.

There are hourlong lines at the Sams Club here just for basics like water and fuel, De Pury said by phone. With water already sold out and gas priced at $2.59 a gallon because of Hurricane Harvey, if you waited until today to prepare for Irma, its already too late.

Irma was forecast to bring 8 to 10 inches of rain to the northern Leeward Islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, and 4 to 10 inches to both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

But authorities said storm surges  which could be as high as 20 feet on some islands  posed an even bigger threat to the Caribbeans coastal zones.

Officials in Puerto Rico warned that the islands electrical grid and other vital infrastructure were unlikely to withstand the storms powerful winds. Some areas could be plunged into darkness for weeks, if not months.

The nearby island of Hispaniola, home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, could also feel Irmas effects later in the week, along with Turks and Caicos Islands, Cuba and others, forecasters said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. hurricane center announced that a new tropical storm had formed over the central Atlantic on Tuesday. Tropical Storm Jose was expected to become a hurricane by Friday.

Special correspondent Neuhaus reported from St. Petersburg and Times staff writer Zavis reported from Los Angeles.

UPDATES:

8:50 p.m.: This article was updated with Irma now expected to make landfall early Wednesday.

6:50 p.m.: This article was updated with President Trump declaring emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and other details.

3:30 p.m.: This article was updated with officials preparing mandatory evacuation orders for the Florida Keys, comment from the governor of Puerto Rico and other details.

11:25 a.m.: This article was updated with information about the storms path, a state of emergency declared in Florida and other details.

This article was originally published at 5:05 a.m.
DTEK waiting for arrival of two ships with 150,000 tonnes of anthracite from South Africa in Sept

DTEK is waiting for the arrival of two ships with anthracite from South Africa in the middle of September.

"Each ship will deliver 75,000 tonnes of coal that is in short supply [totally 150,000 tonnes]. Our thermal power plants [TPPs]  Kryvy Rih and Prydniprovska  would be able to generate enough electricity for Ukraine. These plants would help to compensate downs in the generation of power for the Ukrainian power grid that will start with first really cold temperatures," the company wrote on its Facebook page.

As reported, DTEK has imported 225,000 tonnes of anthracite from South Africa. The first vessel with 75,000 tonnes of anthracite arrived to Ukraine on May 25, the second on July 23 and the third on August 14. The company contracted a total of 675,000 tonnes of coal in South Africa.
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Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman says that now it is important to talk not only about the land market, but also the support of farmers.

"As far as land is concerned, I would like very much to be very cautious with the land, because land is our greatest asset, especially its fertility, so it's important not to talk about the land market only, but we need to talk about tools that will allow the Ukrainian farmer - I don't speak about large land owners and agro holdings, but a real farmer to have access to this land, gain access to financial resources," the prime minister said on the ICTV channel on Monday.

The government is currently holding negations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the World Bank on supporting farmers, he said.

"Today, we are working with the EBRD and the World Bank to create such tool, including through state support, we need to revive farming," he added.
World Bank Country Director for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine Satu Kahkonen has said that the automated indexation of pensions in Ukraine should be introduced from 2018 and not from 2021 as it is outlined in the existing bill on pension reform proposed by the Ukrainian government to the Verkhovna Rada.

She said that the pension indexation envisaged in the bill should apply to 2019 and 2010, not only from 2021. This is important for transparency and stability of pension payments and for avoiding the reduction of pensions, she said at a round table in Kyiv on Tuesday.

Kahkonen said that one of the goals of the reform is the creation of a system based on rules, not on a biased decision of the government machine.

She said that the goal would not be reached if the indexation in 2019 and 2020 is left to the discretion of authorities.

She believes that the vagueness with the pension indexation in 2019 and 2019 could shatter confidence of citizens to the pension reform and this must be avoided.

As reported, the government's bill on pension reform says that in 2019-2020 the pensions will be indexed under a separate decision of the government.
Two Bethlehem projects at high profile city intersections may be about to get a major economic boost.

Mayor Bob Donchez announced at a press conference Tuesday afternoon that he wants to include two new projects in Bethlehem's City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, a lucrative tax incentive.

"I think these are two great projects, two great locations, high visibility," Donchez said.

They are the historic Wilbur mansion redevelopment, located along Route 378 on the Hill-to-Hill Bridge, and the Dempsey's corner project at the intersection of Schoenersville and Catasauqua roads.

The projects total $6 million of new investment in the city and occupy less than 4/10th of CRIZ acreage, the mayor said.

Bethlehem won the designation four years ago for 130-acres. After stops and starts, one project has been completed -- Social Still -- and two -- Greenway Commons and Greenway Park -- are underway totaling $32 million of investment into the zone.

Last November, the city put out a call for developers to submit new projects for inclusion in the zone after the Bethlehem Parking Authority asked to remove the CRIZ status from 1.3 acres of land it owned because its plans were no longer feasible.

Five developers submitted projects, some sent in multiple ones, but before Tuesday the city had yet to select any of them.

Plans call for tearing down the mold and water riddled Masonic Temple and restoring the historic Wilbur mansion and adding on a 3,781-square-foot glass-walled office space. To the rear developers plan a high-end apartment building fronting on Cherokee Street.

Developer Mark Pepitone plans to tear down the former Dempsey's American Kitchen in the Westgate Mll parking lot and replace it with a commercial/retail building, Donchez said.

"This is an anchor building," he said.

The empty building has sat shuttered for more than a decade along one of West Bethlehem's key commercial corridors, he said. Through Westgate Mall Management, Pepitone has already poured $5 million into renovating the mall and and attracting new tenants, Donchez said.

"It's our understanding he's ready to go," the mayor said of Pepitone's plans.

Donchez is asking the Bethlehem Revitalization and Improvement Authority to approve the two projects for CRIZ inclusion at its next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 21. The state will then have to sign off on the change.

No tenants have been signed for either project so it is hard to say how much CRIZ money they will generate. The CRIZ allows property owners to use certain future state and local taxes -- including sales and liquor-- created by CRIZ projects to pay off construction loans.

Annoucements on more CRIZ projects are coming within the next few weeks, Donchez said.

The mayor said he didn't want to make these two worthy projects wait any longer.

"It is important so they can start moving," Donchez said.

Developer John Noble said the Wilbur mansion project has been in limbo awaiting a decision on the CRIZ designation. He's looking to attract high-end office tenants, putting him in direct competition with Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone and other CRIZ projects.

"The CRIZ makes us competitive," Noble said.

City officials are still vetting the other submissions, including making sure the developers are current on all city taxes on all of the properties they own within city borders.

"That's a very important issue to me," Donchez said.

Bethlehem City Council is currently weighing a tracking system for the alphabet soup of economic development tools available to the city -- think CRIZ, KIZ, LERTA and TIF -- to make sure the development incentives work for the city and are only offered to folks current on their city taxes.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The latest warehouse tenant in the Chrin Commerce Center already has a stake in one of the center's warehouses.

XPO Logistics will be the tenant at the 600,000-square-foot warehouse completed in July by Duke Realty in Palmer Township.

"XPO Logistics is leasing the site at 1611 Van Buren Road (33 Logistics Park) as part of its continued growth," said Chief Operating Officer Troy Cooper. "XPO is growing with its customers and is committed to delivering on its promise of exceptional customer support."

XPO of Greenwich, Connecticut, is a current tenant in the DCT Industrial warehouse at 1520 Van Buren Road. It shares space in that 425,000-square-foot warehouse with FedEx Ground.

The warehouse completed in July by Duke is the second of three being built by Duke Realty in 33 Logistics Park off the new Route 33 interchange.

Palmer Township Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver said last week Duke will meet soon with township officials to talk about the tenant fit-out.

Duke wrapped up construction of a 1.1-million-square-foot warehouse in June 2016. Amazon fulfillment is the sole tenant in that warehouse.

Work is underway on the third and final warehouse in the complex, another 1.1-million-square-foot warehouse. That one is slated for 1620 Van Buren Road. Excavation is going on in the shadow of the Hercules Cement plant in Stockertown.

Eight warehouses are completed or in the works now that they can take advantage of the easy highway access. The new Route 33 interchange opened in 2015.

CHRIN COMMERCE CENTER WAREHOUSES



Porsche regional training and distribution center; 130,000 square feet; opened in 2009

Mondelez Global warehouse; about 100,000 square feet; opened in 2013. Mondelez aquired Kraft, Cadbury and Nabisco.

DCT Industrial warehouse; 425,000 square feet; opened in 2015. Tenants are XPO Logistics and FedEx Ground.

Duke Realty; 1.1 million square feet; opened in 2016. Tenant is Amazon fulfillment.

Duke Realty; 629,800 square feet; completed in 2017. Tenant is XPO Logistics

Duke Realty; 1 million square feet; excavation underway in 2017.

IDI warehouse; 240,000 square feet; work continues in 2017.

Chrin-Carson building: 256,500 square feet; excavation to start in fall 2017.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
There were 36 enemy attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas in the past day, September 4, eighteen of them were aimed fire; there were no casualties among Ukrainian servicemen, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) Headquarters has said.

"Late last night, the Russian occupation forces intensified their armed provocations, mostly using small arms and grenade launchers," the ATO HQ said on Facebook on Tuesday morning.

Escalation continued in the Donetsk sector. The militants there opened fire four times in the vicinity of Zaitseve and twice near Pisky, using small arms and heavy machine guns. Grenade launchers were used in Avdiyivka's industrial zone and near Kamianka and Butovka coal mine.

Shelling of the areas outside the village of Vodiane in the Mariupol sector continued after 18:00 local time on Monday. ATO positions on the outskirts of Lebedynske, Shyrokyne and Maryinka came under grenade fire.

Illegal armed formations three times attacked Ukrainian troops stationed outside Talakivka, using large-caliber machine guns.

The enemy in the Luhansk sector opened fire from various weapons near Krymske, Stanytsia Luhanska, and Malynove.
An unique cultural event honouring the inspirational Syrian families of Ireland unfolded in Portlaoise at the weekend, featuring special guests from both the Irish Syrian Community and local elected representatives.

Members of the Irish Syrian Community from around Ireland made the pilgrimage to Portlaoise Parish Centre on Saturday afternoon, for a cultural celebration of the experiences of the many Syrian families who have relocated to Ireland in the last few years.

The event coincided with the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest celebrations in the Muslim calendar.

Organised by Radwan Abouhajar and his family, who relocated to Portlaoise around three years ago, the afternoon boasted a rich array of traditional Syrian cuisine and personal recollections.

We are grateful for all the kindness, the help and support that everybody in Ireland, especially here in Portlaoise, has shown us, said Radwan.

The event was attended by Minister Charlie Flanagan, who offered a cead mile failte to those who have arrived in Ireland from such a troubled part of the globe.

Many have suffered severe hardship and trauma and difficulty over the last number of years. Ireland and the Irish people will continue to be of assistance to you in whatever way we can, said Minister Flanagan.

He described Ireland as a place of sanctuary and opportunity, with some 1,200 Syrians so far welcomed to Ireland.

One assurance I am unable to give is the matter of our weather, the Minister wryly remarked. I very much regret our summer season did not produce the appropriate measure of sunshine. As a government minister, I am unable to do anything about it.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Padraig Fleming also attended, saying that this was his first opportunity to welcome all the Syrian families that have moved here as part of the resettlement project.

Msgr John Byrne also said a few words, remarking that he was bowled over by what some of the young Syrian people have achieved in such a short time in Ireland.

He was speaking after three Syrian youths who garnered high marks in their leaving cert exams were honoured at the event.

Members of the Irish Syrian community also spoke to the crowd, before a beautiful musical interlude was presented by a number of young children.

The message of the song was an appeal for peace and a chance for children to have the freedom to enjoy their childhood without fear.
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The garda water unit joined the search for the remains of missing Naas man Trevor Deely at a site in Dublin yesterday, Monday September 4 according to media sources.

The garda water unit reportedly entered the site to start searching the River Liffey which runs alongside the woodland area. The search is expected to take the rest of the week.

Gardai began searching the three-acre site in Chapelizod after receiving a tip-off that his body was buried there last month.

The search of the woodland site has now entered its fourth week.

The 22-year-old Naas man was last seen walking home after a Christmas party in the city centre in December 2000. The most recent search is not related to an appeal made by the Deely family in April, in connection with an independently-offered 100,000 reward leading to information relating to his disappearanc in light of newly enhanced CCTV footage of Trevor talking to a unidentified man outside the Bank of Ireland at 3.34am.

Last month a gun was found at the Dublin site where the search is continuing for the missing Kildare man.

Gardai uncovered a firearm as they continued to search the three acre woodland at Chapelizod owned by South Dublin County Council. The gun has not yet been linked to the missing persons case.
It is understood a community action plan will be put in place in light of only two students returning to Brannoxtown National School for the 2017/2018 academic year, last Thursday August 29.

All members of the Board of Management for the school, which fought extremely hard to keep the school open, have resigned, apart from the local parish priest and Principal Dolores Burke, a source told the Leinster Leader.

Brannoxtown NS, which was established in 1985, witnessed a plummet in enrollment numbers this year.

Monsignor Dan OConnor of the Archdiocese of Dublin, confirmed to the Leinster Leader that as long as the two students are in the school it will remain open, as they are entitled to their education.

Monsignor said a single manager has been appointed to the school.

He added that he hopes more students will enroll.

Fine Gael Kildare South TD Martin Heydon said that while the doors of the school technically remain open it is on life support.

It is hugely disappointing, devastating for the local community.

He said his focus now is to work with the Department of Education and the Patron to figure out a new offering for the future.

A public meeting will take place on Monday September 11 next at 8pm in the Baptist Church next to the primary school.

However, Deputy Heydon said that two brothers in the school on their own is not viable.

In a statement back in June, the Board said there were several reasons for the falling numbers including: relocating  families moving away; emigration; families returning their children to the school in their locality (e.g. families who live in Kilcullen moving to Scoil Bhride), moving to other schools for own reasons (e.g. increased opportunities for making friends and the availability of childcare).

A huge campaign was launched in June last, to increase enrollment numbers at the school.

A liaison group was set up to try and encourage those, who had chosen to leave, to stay and to encourage the community to secure the future of the school.

On June 28, an emergency meeting called was told that the Department of Education had no plans to close the school.

Monsignor Dan OConnor assured the school could stay open for two years, as long as there are at least eight pupils enrolled.

The meeting heard that 45 pupils had enrolled at the school in September 2016, but there were just 19 enrolled for September this year  many of whom had not officially confirmed their places in June.

The Department of Education were contacted for a response, however a reply has not been given as of yet.
A fim directed by a Newbridge native will have a special showing in the Riverbank Arts Centre later this month.

Laura McGann, a past pupil of the Holy Family secondary school, directed the film Revolutions: A Roller Derby Story over five years.

It was released in cinemas back in June of this year.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

The Irish release went down so well, that the film is being released in 40 screens across the UK.

Revolutions is a documentary that follows the brutal and fast-paced world of womens Roller Derby, a sport which has exploded in Ireland.

Laura started filming smack bang in the middle of the recession, when many of the women were unemployed, and using the sport to vice their anger.

My friend put me on to their Facebook page, and I saw videos of women skating really fast and bashing into each other, it was so visually scary! I wanted to know more about their lives, who these warriors were, said Laura.

It will be shown in the Riverbank on Wednesday September 13 at 8:00pm Tickets cost 8/9. Visit www.riverbankartscentre.ie for more information.

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A man prosecuted in relation to a fire at student accommodation in Belgium which claimed the lives of two young women, lived in Naas for a period.

Malachy Vallely was described as the owner of the accommodation where the Irish students Dace Zarina (22) from Longford and Sara Gibadlo (19) from Galway, died on January 31 2014. He had links with Naas GAA Club.

Mr. Vallely was also a director of the Leuven Institute for Ireland in Europe, also known as the Irish College.

The court in Belgium also found the Institute criminally responsible for the deaths of the two students.

Mr. Vallely was given a suspended one year prison term and was fined 6,000.

An Irish student Shane Bracken was also found guilty of causing involuntary death due to lack of caution. RTE News reported that he was given a three month suspended sentence and fined 600. At a hearing in June lawyers for the two families claimed that it was his cigarette which had caused the blaze.

The Institute was fined 60,000.

Mr. Vallely and the Institute may appeal the decision.
Leitrim County Councillors have unanimously backed a motion calling for a ban on the use of glyphosate weed killers in all public areas in Co Leitrim.

Cllr Justin Warnock brought forward a motion calling on the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, to ban the use of glyphosate weed killers in all public areas in the country's 31 local authorities.

However, after an online petition was started by the Chemical Free Leitrim group calling for an immediate ban on the use of these chemicals by Leitrim County Council, Cllr Warnock amended his motion to call for the immediate cessation of glyphosate use by the local authority.

Cllr Warnock acknowledged the massive support the online petition had received with up on 1,400 signatures now in support of the ban.

His motion was backed by Cllr Mary Bohan.

Cllr Warnock pointed out it is not just the County Council who are using glyphosates in weed control.

There are a lot of people in towns and villages, groups who are using it and it is something we have to stop for everyone, he said.

The use of these chemicals, he said, is putting our native wildlife and waterways at risk.

Senior Engineer with Leitrim County Council, Shay O'Connor, told the meeting that Council staff would now cease the use of glyphosates in public places in Co Leitrim. He said staff will also speak with local community and Tidy Towns groups with a view to also stopping their use of products containing this ingredient in public places.

Cllr Warnock also asked the Council to look for an alternative method of dealing with Japanese Knotweed, stating there are organic methods of treatment which have proven just as effective as glyphosates.

He also asked that his motion be forwarded to all other councils for consideration.
Age Action is calling on the community groups in Leitrim to organise events around the county for Bank of Ireland Positive Ageing Week which takes place between Monday, 25th September and Sunday, 1st October.

This is the 15th year of Positive Ageing Week and the theme for 2017 is Back to the Future which focuses on getting all generations celebrating ageing in their local community.

Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy & Communications, Age Action said, "Age Actions mission is to make Ireland the best country in which to grow old and Bank of Ireland Positive Ageing Week is a hugely important part of that. We want to bring generations together in the community and celebrate all aspects of ageing. Last year over 550 events took place and this year our goal is to have 600 nationwide.

"People can organise whatever they wish - from a coffee morning to a Grandparents Day at local schools to dancercise to cooking  whatever they think would engage all age groups in their community. (See below for a list of event suggestions). With Bank of Ireland Positive Ageing Week just three weeks away, we need communities to help us make this Week the best ever."

Events need to be registered by 5pm, Friday, 15th September, 2017. For event ideas and information on how to register an event visit https://www.ageaction. ie/how-you-can-help/positive- ageing-week-2017-sponsored- bank-ireland , email paw@ageaction.ie or call 01 475 6989.

Suggested events include:

 ITea  Afternoon Tea & Technology Event;

 Intergenerational mornings - Mother/Daughter/Niece or Father/Son/Nephew

 Frugal Fridays  Cooking on a Budget workshop

 Eco, Historical and Forest Walks

 Dancercise, Chair Zumba; Musical or Ceol agus Craic Evenings

 Scrabble, Chess, Bridge and Boggle Clubs

 Coffee Mornings

 A Care and Repair Showcase event

 Bank of Ireland Online Banking Training

 Silver Surfer Awards
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has solemnly opened the work of the 7th session of the 8th convocation.

Some 375 lawmakers were registered for work on Tuesday morning, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and members of the Cabinet, ambassadors and foreign diplomats were also present.

Traditionally, the national hymn of Ukraine was performed at the opening of the session.

Earlier it was reported that the Ukrainian parliament plans to pass bills on five key reforms: educational, pension, legal (amendments to the Codes), parliamentary reforms and medical reform.
Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Independent councillor, Des Guckian have both welcomed he recent confirmation that 24 social houses are to be constructed in Carrick-on-shannon.

Yesterday (Monday, September 4) Deputy Tony McLoughlin confirmed Leitrim County Council had been given the green light to proceed with the houses at Attyrory. He said 3,743,850 is being allocated to Leitrim County Council for the construction of 24 new homes under the Governments Local Authority Housing Construction Programme under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire said "I warmly welcome the news. In recent meetings with government TDs I was asked to outline issues and new needs in housing for those currently in rented accommodation was among those issues I outlined. I am seeing an increase in house values which is effecting the rental market.

"While landlords were happy with reasonable rents there is a move to increase rents and some landlords are choosing to sell houses now that the market is improving. As a result of this those renting are being asked to move and are finding it difficult to source new homes," she said in light of this the announcement was especially welcome.

Cllr Des Guckian said "In a town where there is enormous demand for Council housing, this is brilliant news. This is the second big achievement, in recent months, for Mary and her staff. Congratulations to them all."
The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, has today launched the new Junior Cycle specifications for Irish, Modern Foreign Languages and Visual Art.

This September also marks the introduction of the new Junior Cycle Wellbeing programme. The Minister visited Colaiste Bride, Clondalkin to mark the occasion.

The strengthening of Irish is a core goal of the Governments 20 year strategy on the Irish Language. The introduction of new specifications for Junior Cycle Irish represents a significant change from existing and much maligned approaches to the teaching, learning and assessment of Irish at junior cycle level.

The development of these specifications is fulfilment of promises in the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019 and the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022.

Following feedback during the consultation phase, the decision was taken to develop two separate specifications - one for students in Irish-medium schools and students in English-medium schools who learn through Irish in one or more subjects, and a second for students in English-medium schools.

The new Junior Cycle specifications for Irish will place a strong focus on the spoken language. Emphasis will be put on Irish as the language of learning and communication in classrooms as well as an emphasis on the skills required to communicate effectively with other users of the language. Communication, opportunities for use and interaction are central to classroom tasks.

A different type of assessment methodology for oral language skills will be used in the new Junior Cycle Irish specification. Now, as part of the new Junior Cycle Irish specifications, the oral language skills of all students will be formally assessed. This will be done by means of Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) which will be reported by schools to parents at the end of third year in the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA). Up to now, there was an optional oral language test, taken by a minority of students, and generally assessed by their teachers as part of the old Junior Certificate examination.

The new Modern European Languages specifications, including French, German, Spanish and Italian, will give students opportunities to enjoy and learn the languages. Through the study of the language students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in language, culture and literacy.

The new specification puts a particular focus on:

 The role that ICT and digital media play in the teaching and learning of foreign languages

 The assessment of oral skills not contained in previous syllabus (other than an optional oral component which has to date been taken by a minority of students).

Visual Art encompasses art, craft and design and involves practical work in a wide range of media leading to a specific outcome e.g. an artwork, a design, architectural study, an installation, an event.

Making art develops the learner's imagination through developing an idea or concept and allows them exercise personal responsibility for specific tasks.

The introduction of a Wellbeing Programme in all schools at Junior Cycle is part of a commitment in the Action Plan for Education to actively support and develop wellbeing initiatives to promote the development of mental resilience and personal wellbeing in schools.

Speaking at Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin, the Minister said: The new Junior Cycle gives students the opportunity to develop a wider range of knowledge and skills  to equip them for further learning, for work, for responsible and active citizenship, and for healthy living. It gives students better learning opportunities, and rewards and recognises non-academic performance and achievements, with a central focus on the students quality of life, wellbeing and mental health.

The Government is strongly committed to implementing the actions in the 20-Year Strategy for Irish and the Gaeltacht Education Strategy, the first ever strategy for Gaeltacht Education which I launched last year. Today we are launching the new junior cycle Irish specifications. I want more people to speak Irish in school, at home and in their community. That is why we are placing a much bigger emphasis on getting people speaking oral Irish, and for the first time every student will be assessed," he continued.

A central part of being the best is our ability to support our students with the skills to be global citizens, to understand other cultures and societies, as well as the skills to function and thrive in the modern economy. The study of modern foreign languages enables students to develop these skills and their enjoyment of these languages.

Through practical engagement in the areas of art, craft and design students will develop self-confidence, inquisitiveness, imagination, and creativity. They will also develop authentic, real-world problem-solving capacities and the capacity to work over time, as an individual and in groups, on the design and execution of artistic and aesthetic tasks," the Minister claimed.

Student mental health and wellbeing are key goals in the Governments Action Plan for Education. All schools will offer a wellbeing programme from this September. The wellbeing programme will include learning opportunities to enhance the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of students. It will enable students to build life skills and develop a strong sense of connectedness to their school and to their community.
More than 65.3 million people are displaced globally, including 21.3 million refugees (UNHCR data); yet the vast majority are in Global South countries. The refugee crisis in Europe is really a crisis of solidarity.

It is a story of the inequity of the Dublin regulation, which operates as a counter-burden sharing mechanism between frontier countries, such as Italy and Greece, and far-flung places such as the UK. Britain opted into Dublin (which enables it to return asylum-seekers to their first port of EU entry) whilst opting out of other components of the Common European Asylum System that it considers less desirable.

Crisis of solidarity, because the (commendable) attempt by the Council to adopt in September 2015 a temporary emergency relocation scheme from Greece and Italy to other EU Member States faced vociferous opposition from the Visegrad Group. In June, the EU Commission opened Infringement proceedings against Czech republic, Hungary, Poland for non-compliance with their obligations. But most other Member States, while not flagrantly rejecting the scheme, are dragging their feet: two years in, only 44,334 places (out of 160,000 envisaged) have been formally pledged. There are also post-recognition challenges arising for beneficiaries of international protection (see my recent post).

Meanwhile, realising that her praiseworthy approach to absorbing refugees in Germany has not been followed by other leading EU Member States, the German Chancellor played a leading role in reaching the legally questionable EU-Turkey statement in March 2016, turning several Greek islands into de facto detention centres for asylum-seekers whose legal status and protection in Turkey were precarious.

The reduction in crossing from Turkey to Greece following the statement was substituted by an increase in crossings from Libya to Italy. 101,210 persons arrived irregularly in Europe via the Mediterranean in the first half of 2017. UNHCR notes that, since September 2015, at least 8,500 persons have died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean. In response, the Italian government has recently announced that it will send naval forces to Libya to help reduce the flow of illegal migration, based on an agreement with Libyas National Consensus Government.

Why do refugees arrive in European countries illegally? First and foremost, because absent humanitarian visas, they cannot arrive legally. In X and X v. Belgium, the ECJ held that Member States are not required, under EU law, to grant humanitarian visas to persons who wish to enter their territory in order to apply for asylum (though they remain free to do so based on their national law). The Christian family from Aleppo that was refused a humanitarian visa by the Belgian embassy in Beirut will need to find an (illegal) way to reach safety. Regrettably, the ECJ did not follow Advocate General Mengozzis compassionate interpretation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, contending that the right to asylum under the Charter must be effective.

Worse still, an international carrier failing to check that a traveller holds a valid visa is liable to sanctions under EU law, so an airline would not fly an Eritrean to Rome without one. Did you ever ask yourself why you and I can pay less than 100 to cross the Mediterranean safely, but refugees pay smugglers thousands of pounds for a precarious crossing on a rubber dinghy?

Where does the UK come in? This readership will be aware of the governments unmet obligations to absorb 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees under the Dubs amendment (section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016). The Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuarys (LD4SOS) mini-manifesto for the 2017 General Election called to offer safe and legal routes to the UK for refugees to prevent them from making dangerous journeys, which too often result in the loss of life and to participate in EU search and rescue operations. Regrettably, In her speech in the UN General Assembly in New York last year following the high-level meeting on refugees and migrants, the Prime Ministers main offering was a call for stricter interpretation of the 1951 Refugee Convention, introducing a safe first country approach that would increase the disproportionate burden already borne (in respect of Syrians) by countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. May was not invited to attend the recent Summit that President Macron held in Paris with European and African leaders to address protection needs. Was this due to her unconstructive approach to refugee protection? to Brexit? or to both?

LD4SOS will host a fringe meeting at the Autumn conference (17th September, 1945-2100, Branksome room, BIC) to discuss failed and successful approaches to refugee protection,. Professor Brad Blitz, Middlesex University, founder of the Migration Observatory in Malta, which published policy briefings based on data collection in Greece, Italy and Malta, and yours truly will chat with (hopefully) many of you. The event is kindly sponsored by LDV.

* Dr. Ruvi Ziegler is Associate Professor in International Refugee Law at the University of Reading. He is an Advisory Council member of Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary.
THE 2018 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition was officially launched in Limerick this Monday, as the deadline for entrants approaches.

The BTYSTE launch was held in Limerick this year following a significant increase in entrants from the city and county last year.

Limericks past entrants and winners, including the Collison brothers, were also celebrated at the event.

Limerick has always had a proud history of entering the exhibition, but last year the entries rose by 25 percent, said Shay Walsh, managing director of BT Ireland.

Theres a proud tradition of participation from schools like Castletroy College, Crescent College Comprehensive, Desmond College, to name but three, and the success of the two past winners from Limerick, Donald McDonnell and Patrick Collison, he said.

Both McDonnell and Collison are currently working Stateside. Donald McDonnell, the 1978 winner of the exhibition, has had an almost 40-year career in cancer research, and is attached to a university in North Carolina.

Meanwhile, 2005 winner Patrick Collison and his brother John  former Castletroy students  invented Stripe, an online payments system which competes with PayPal.

Professionally, it was one of the most fun days of my life. It was a pathway to go to university  I ended up getting a scholarship, said Limericks first ever winner, Mr McDonnell, via video link at the launch.

I'm delighted to be speaking on a panel discussion at today's BTYSTE launch in UL #BTYSTE2018 #STEM https://t.co/0LzIqZplu7  Emily Duffy (@duffily) September 4, 2017

Deputy Michael Noonan spoke about his teaching days in Crescent College Comprehensive, where he taught English to Mr McDonnell.

Shay Walsh encouraged students thinking about entering to do it before the deadline for entries passes. September 28 is the deadline. We usually have over 2000 applicants, and the judging process commences at the end of September, and we will whittle that down to the top 550.

My encouragement for all the students out there thinking about it  get your paper in, well assess it, and if its of good enough quality, itll move into the final exhibition itself, which is a great week in January.
THE head of Lobbying Regulation in Ireland has expressed surprise at figures that show just 29 lobbyists have registered in Limerick.

Sherry Perreault, who is the first person in the role, has urged those communicating with local authorities and public officials to consider whether they need to register lobbying activities and if so to do so before September 21.

A county-by-county analysis of registrations on the lobbying register shows that while County Limerick has 4.1% of the national population, only 1.8% of those on the lobbying register are from the county.

In numerical terms, there are 29 lobbyists registered in County Limerick out of a population of just over 195,000.

According to Ms Perreault it is surprising to see such a low number of registered lobbyists in counties outside of Dublin which accounts for 60% of the total.

Thirteen counties have less than 20 lobbyists registered in the two years since the legislation has been in force.

It is hard to imagine that in two years, only a handful of people and businesses in those counties have lobbied their local councillor or TD, or communicated with a Minister or senior official, said Ms Perreault

For communication to count as lobbying it must meet all steps of a Three Step Test: (1) the communication must be made by a person within scope of the Act, (2) it must be made to a designated public official, and (3) it must concern a relevant matter  the development, initiation or modification of policy, program or legislation, seeking funding, or  most broadly  the zoning and development of land.

Ms Perreault urged anyone communicating with a TD or Senator, MEP, local authority member or a civil servant to consider whether their communications might be covered by the Act.

Visit www.lobbying.ie for more information.
DISCOUNT retailer Lidl Ireland has secured permission for a multi-million euro extension and modernisation to its Dublin Road store.

Planners at Limerick City and County Council have given the German business conditional permission to proceed with its proposals.

According to the proposals, the overall building floor area will rise to 1,891 square metres.

This will come about through the construction of a first floor mezzanine area for staff and storage facilities.

The net retail sales area at the ground floor will be extended to 1,224 square metres, an effective increase of 159 square metres.

This will be achieved by removing internal walls, plus the removal of the office staff area and plant room facilities from the ground floor.

Much of these amenities will be moved upstairs, with new toilets, changing room and canteen, plus a meeting room and IT facilities also to be built on the mezzanine.

Deputy mayor and local councillor Marian Hurley has welcomed the development, predicting it will be popular among the local student population.

She said: I think it does provide a good niche market. People would be supportive of the expansion I feel. The store, as it is at the moment is small enough. We have a huge student population in that area, and they need food at an affordable price. This is what the offering is, so I would be supportive on this retail space.

Council gave the plans the go-ahead subject to 28 conditions.

This includes the payment by Lidl of 43,100 to public infrastructure in the area.

The local authority has also stipulated the retail area cannot exceed the 1,224 square metres planned.

Work on the expansion cannot take place outside the hours of 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
First Deputy -Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and Ukrainian representative in the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas peace talks Iryna Gerashchenko says that the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission along the contact line in eastern Ukraine is out of the question, as the peacekeepers should be deployed throughout the entire Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.

"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin, in the best traditions of hybrid warfare, is trying to distort the Ukrainian leaders' idea as for peacekeepers in Donbas by turning everything upside down," she said in a comment on his statement that he considers peacekeepers in Donbas quite appropriate, but they may stay only on the division line.

"He instructs his loyal minister to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council on peacekeepers on the line of contact. Wait a minute: the division line became the contact line because of Russian aggression," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

"For us it is a line of contact, a contact line with temporarily occupied areas, a line that must disappear for good from Ukrainian territory on the day of securing the border [with Russia]. This is not the frontier of Ukraine, so there can be no talks about peacekeepers along the contact line," she added.

She stressed that peacekeepers should be deployed across the entire territory of Ukraine occupied by Russian troops "in order to monitor the situation with security and demilitarization." "Their mandate must end on the Ukrainian-Russian border, and this is Izvaryne and other [border] checkpoints, rather than Stanysia Luhanska [well to the rear in Luhansk region]," she added.
A SUPPORT centre in the city for the unemployed has been forced to close on its 30th anniversary.

The Limerick Resource Centre for the Unemployed (LCRU) in Cecil Street has closed due to funding difficulties which, the board says, led the Department of Social Protection to pull its support.

Established in 1987, the service provided a range of services to people out of work, including computer classes at a heavily-reduced rate, and advice on how to fill in forms, and claim certain social welfare benefits.

It moved to Cecil Street in 2014, after spending most of its life in Hunts Lane, just off Dominic Street.

However, in a statement, Terry Clancy, the acting chairperson of the board of management, said they were left with no alternative, and are in the process of winding up the company.

The board of management struggled hard for nearly two years to turn the situation around and to try and keep the centre working in the face of an extremely difficult funding environment, he said.

It was the loss of the community enterprise scheme from the Department of Social Protection which was the final straw for the centre.

Sixteen community employment staff have been relocated to other schemes in the city, but their supervisor, Padraig Malone has been made redundant.

He said: A place like this has never been more necessary. We had a brilliant team and a great reputation for the quality of the learning which people had there, all at a very affordable price. Even when we closed, people have been coming to our door as we were moving out, and weve sadly had to say: sorry, we can no longer help you.

LCRU was set up by the trade union movement, and Mr Malone urged them to give some thought to supporting the centres reopening.

Unless the trade unions want to try and resurrect it, I cannot see how it could reopen, he added.
THE UL Hospitals Group has urged patients to only attend the emergency department in the event of an emergency, as University Hospital Limerick tackles massive overcrowding this Tuesday afternoon.

According to new figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, there were 55 patients treated on ED trolleys and additional trolleys or beds in the wards at UHL.

It is dramatically the highest rate of overcrowding in the country, ahead of University Hospital Galway, which was dealing with 30 patients on trolleys this Tuesday morning.

Monthly figures published by the INMO this Monday show that UHL endured the worst level of overcrowding in August, with 835 patients on trolleys. This was also the highest in the country.

This comes after work stoppages by a number of agency locum doctors in a number of emergency departments around the country this week.

A spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group confirmed this Tuesday that the emergency department is unaffected by the dispute.

While the ED at UHL is unaffected by this dispute, the department is very busy this Tuesday and patients are reminded to keep the ED for emergencies only and to contact their GP or GP out-of-hours services in the first instance, he stated.

However, St Johns Hospitals injury unit has been affected by the dispute. Though it remains open, patients may experience longer waits than usual.

The injury unit in St Johns is staffed by a consultant-led teams of doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists all operating within the clinical governance structures of UL Hospitals Group. The Group has taken measures to ensure the unit will have a sufficient complement of medical staff available from Wednesday, September 6th.

The local injury unit is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm.

No other service within UL Hospitals Group is affected by this issue concerning agency doctors.
THERE will be significant Limerick interest at next months IMRO Radio Awards as a number of local entries have been shortlisted by the judges.

Leading the way is Live 95FM which is in the running in three categories for its coverage of the sudden death of Anthony Foley last October.

At difficult times like this we see it as our job to reflect the views and emotions of Limerick people as accurately as possible and it's nice that our efforts have been recognised in this way by our colleagues on the industry, said Gillian Devlin, head of news at Live 95FM.

Regional station Spin South West, which broadcasts from studios in Raheen, has received four nominations while RTE Lyric FM which is based at Cornmarket Row in the city centre is in running for five awards.

The IMRO Radio Awards shortlist is out! Congratulations to all the nominees and see you on Oct 6thhttps://t.co/EklnfXapTI#IMRO17 pic.twitter.com/DKMOnIh57g  IMRO (@IMROireland) September 5, 2017

Limerick broadcaster Will Leahy has been shortlisted for his work on two different radio stations.

His weekend RTE Gold programme, Living in the 80s, has been shortlisted in the specialist music programme category while a documentary he produced with JJ Hartigan - Someone to watch over me: The Music Manager  has been shortlisted in the music documentary category.

Im absolutely thrilled that two completely different facets of my radio work has been recognised, said Will.

We've been nominated for our first ever @IMRORadioAwards !

Living in the 80s with @willleahy needs to buy a new frock !#imro17  RTEGold (@RTEGold) September 5, 2017

The IMRO Radio awards take place on October 6.
A LIMERICK community choir will launch its first charity CD to mark International Suicide Prevention Day this Sunday.

The Zion vocal ensemble, established in 2015, is made up from vocalists across the city and county.

And at 7pm in the Strand Hotel this Sunday night, their debut CD will be made public.

It will include an original track created with the help of the University of Limericks World Academy of Music and Dance, and all proceeds from the album will be donated to the Limerick Suicide Watch charity.

This group provides patrols along the banks of the Shannon to provide support to people considering entering the water.

Choir director Davinia Dunne said: We meet once a week, and have performed at weddings, funerals, charity and community events.

The group teamed up with University of Limerick student Ciaran OCuinneagain as part of his MA in community music, and have written their first song called Reclamation.

The song celebrates singing as a powerful healing tool to express our emotions and the lyrics include: Sing out your emotions, sing and make them real, life can be so so hard, acknowledge how you feel.

Davinia says, Singing expresses that which words cannot. We sing to show our emotions so that in times of joy it is uplifting while in times of sorrow, it can heal our pain. For most people in our choir singing has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember and from a very early age, we are inclined to sing, even before we can speak.

All are welcome to attend the launch this Sunday night, which is a free event.

For more information, telephone 086 8162906.

Alternatively, you can email zionchoirlimerick@gmail.com.
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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said there can be no talks with the leaders of the self-proclaimed republics of Luhansk and Donetsk about deploying a UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas, and there can be no Russian citizens among UN peacekeepers if a mission is deployed.

"There can be no talk about receiving permission for a UN peacekeeping mission from the illegal armed formations action in Donbas, as they are supported, financed and supplied from Russia," a statement by the foreign ministry said, referring to comments made on Tuesday by the Russian leader.

The statement said comments made by the Russian president show another by Russia, a party to the conflict, to present the aggression in Donbas an internal Ukrainian conflict, and to distort the idea and goals of deploying a peacekeeping mission, which would not fulfill the main objective  the establishment of a lasting peace in Donbas and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The statement stressed that Russia's unwavering adherence to pledges for a complete ceasefire announced at the end of August at the start of the school year should be the basis for the start of a dialogue with the aim of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas.
Putin's comments on activating militants if arms sent to Kyiv is blackmail against U.S. and threat to wage war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that possible delivery of lethal weapons to Ukraine may lead to an increase in casualties and trigger use of military force on other territories is barefaced blackmail of Ukraine and the U.S., Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy (Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction) Iryna Friz has said.

"Threats by Putin to activate Russia-controlled military units and terrorist cells in other 'vulnerable' areas of Ukraine if the U.S. delivers weapons to Ukraine should be rebutted swiftly by the international community," Friz said on her Facebook page on Tuesday.

She said the statements "confirmed officially what Ukraine has been saying: full Russian control by the Kremlin and control over terrorist organizations of the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics, which are directed, controlled and supplied weapons from Russia." The candid remarks by Russia's president should be the basis for economic and political pressure on Moscow, she said.

Friz said Russian hybrid forces serving the self-proclaimed republics today do not have the required resources and potential to attack independently. The only scenario under which they could expand the territory they currently occupy requires Russian intervention.

"Thus, Putin's comments can be construed as barefaced blackmail of the U.S. and a threat to wage war against Ukraine. Such statements cannot be ignored in Europe. I am sure that Ukraine in the United Nations will initiate hearings and an investigation into Russia's support for international terrorism," Friz said.

Friz told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency that Putin's comments on a UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas mask an attempt to manipulate and show Russia's unwillingness to fulfill its commitments under the Minsk agreements.

"The desire of Russia to deploy a UN mission only on the line of demarcations shows the desire to freeze the conflict, retain full control of occupied territories of the self-proclaimed puppet republics," she said, adding that any UN peacekeeping mission should be deployed throughout eastern Ukraine.

Friz said the priority today should be carrying out agreements under the Minsk agreements, starting with a ceasefire and release of prisoners.

"Putin's comments once again demonstrate to the international community who is drawing out the peace process in Donbas and violating the Minsk agreements," she said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the presence of UN peacekeepers in Donbas would help settle the conflict in southeastern Ukraine and will order the Foreign Ministry to submit a relevant resolution for consideration by the UN Security Council.

"I deem the presence of peacekeepers, or rather people ensuring security of the OSCE mission, to be quite appropriate and see nothing bad about it. Quite the opposite, I think it would help resolve the problem in southeastern Ukraine," Putin told a press conference on Tuesday, after the BRICS summit.
The Georgian Chief Prosecutor's Office officially confirmed on Tuesday that Tbilisi has once again asked Kyiv to arrest and extradite former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

The Georgian Chief Prosecutor's Office sent such a request to the Ukrainian Justice Ministry and Prosecutor General's Office on September 1, it said.

The necessary procedures stipulated by the law are in process now, the office said.

Georgia has indicted Saakashvili in absentia in four criminal cases, it said.
Representative of Ukraine in the United Nations, Volodymyr Yelchenko, has said that Ukraine is committed to an investigation into the development of the missile capability of the North Korea, Radio Liberty (Svoboda) has reported.

"We will act in the context of the new resolution to make the UN Security Council initiate a new investigation aimed to determine why the country of North Korea was able to develop its nuclear and missile potential to such a level," it quoted Yelchenko's statement on Monday evening.

Yelchenko said that the UN Security Council has no official claims to Kyiv, nor is the article of The New York Times on the probable connection of the DPRK's success in the test of intercontinental ballistic missiles and Ukraine discussed.

"We discussed this issue with our colleagues in the Security Council [UN]. They believe that this is a constant factoid - no one has made official accusations against Ukraine - everyone proceeds from the fact that this has not been confirmed," he said.
KYIV. Sept 5 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The German-Ukrainian Fund (GUF) has provided a UAH 110 million financing to ProCredit Bank (Kyiv) to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).

The agreement between the financial institutions was signed at a joint press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

GUF Executive Director Oleh Strynzha said that the funds are provided under the GUF program on lending to SME. The bank receives funds which would allow it to lend them to SME for the period of up to six years at the credit rates that are lower than the market ones.

"This tool - the SME lending program - provides its participants with funds for a long period of time. It also provides for recurrent - every six months - revision of loan rates: if the rates on the credit market decline, the cost of borrowing for business will automatically decrease," he said.

Strynzha also said that the entire financial resource, attracted to this program (UAH 300 million), is already almost completely distributed among its participants.

"Now we are giving UAH 110 million to ProCredit Bank. The next two loans will be provided to Ukrgasbank and Kredobank. The relevant agreements will be signed in the near future," he said.

ProCredit Bank Board Chairman Viktor Ponomarenko said that access of business to credit funds is currently extremely limited. The bank's partnership with GUF allows changing this situation.

"Business, therefore, gets access to a very high-quality resource: we will be able to offer adequate credit terms and the attractive cost of borrowing," he said.

Ponomarenko also recalled that the cooperation program implies the provision of loans in hryvnias to SME for up to six years at 15% per annum. The largest amount of the loan is limited to the equivalent of EUR 250,000.

"We expect that the funds raised will go to finance production and investment. The priority is lending for energy saving, services and agribusiness," he said.
Samir Madani had never seen anything like the satellite images beaming to his monitor in Norway.

Not long before the floodwaters sluiced through Houston homes and highways, almost all of the 166 tankers off the Texas coast fled in the same direction all at once, scurrying southeast into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, leaving a vast blue void where, on a normal day, vessels would have carried fuel supplies and goods to the region's ports.
KYIV. Sept 5 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The German-Ukrainian Fund (GUF) and Kyiv City Administration have intents to sign an agreement on beneficial lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) located in Kyiv, Deputy GUF Head Valeriy Maiboroda has said.

"During the first financial fair held in Kyiv in April this year we signed an agreement of cooperation with the Kyiv City Administration, in particular on compensation of credit rates under our SME lending program. We worked out a document together during the summer. We hope that it will be accepted by the City Council and at the end of the month or early October we will present our project of cooperation with the Kyiv City Administration," he said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

According to Maiboroda, this cooperation will significantly increase the accessibility of SME in Kyiv to credit resources.

"Under this program, Kyiv entrepreneurs will be able to receive financial resources within our SME support program, but at the credit rate that would be half of the rate envisaged program: if now it is 15% per annum, then Kyiv entrepreneurs will be able to raise hryvnia-pegged loans at 7.5% per annum," he said.

GUF Executive Director Oleh Strynzha said that the fund has a great potential for expanding cooperation with other entities.

"With the support of our partners - the German State Development Bank (KfW) and the European Union - we have every opportunity of repeating the success of similar funds in neighboring countries, where their loan portfolios are EUR1-2 billion, while our current portfolio is EUR40 million," he said.

In the near future, GUF will also present a strategy for the next three years, which provides for a significant increase in lending under these programs.

At the same time, Strynzha said that the decision needs to reduce the currency risk when attracting funds from outside for the programs.

"This is an important issue. It has been resolved for the existing GUF program, but it must be resolved for an entire system of attracting external long-term loans so that we can attract foreign exchange resources for a long period of time, have the currency swap with the National Bank or other banks, access to the long-term hryvnia and provide resources in hryvnias directly to the GUF partner banks. When developing our strategy, we want to initiate a discussion to address this issue," Strynzha said.
The World of Tomorrow

By Brendan Mathews

Little, Brown. 552 pp. $28

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"The World of Tomorrow," the affable debut novel by Brendan Mathews, begins neither here nor there. All is in transition. It's 1939, World War II is imminent, and we join the story aboard the MV Britannic en route from the Old World to the New. In the first-class dining room, Sir Angus MacFarquhar, "a Scottish Mr. Darcy," is busy charming a table of wealthy Americans with his witty repartee. Angus' real name is Francis Dempsey, however, and he is neither an aristocrat nor even a Scotsman; he is an impetuous Irish jailbird with a bagful of cash swiped from the Irish Republican Army.

The possibility of dramatic transformation amid historical ferment is at the heart of "The World of Tomorrow," a fat novel stuffed with well-drawn characters grappling with different versions of themselves. For Francis, a purveyor of illegal risque books, living a double life seems like a surefire method of social advancement. But for his shellshocked younger brother, Michael, a former seminarian, the rupture in his self-conception is far more violent. Michael has been rendered deaf and dumb by the same accidental explosion that left several IRA bomb makers dead and their money up for grabs. For him, life is divided into Before and After, and the schism in his identity is so acute that his mind conjures up a companion for him to "speak" with - an aloof white-haired gent who turns out to be the recently deceased Irish poet W.B. Yeats. The scenes of bickering between Michael and Yeats provide some of the book's most pleasurable moments.

As Francis and Michael take up residence in the Plaza Hotel and reunite with their estranged brother, Martin, a jazz musician, the brothers encounter a range of other characters who are also confronting twinned opposites of themselves. Lilly Bloch, a Jewish street photographer, is torn between pursuing her art as a single woman in America and returning to Nazi-occupied Prague, where her lover awaits her. Tom Cronin, a peaceable Upstate farmer, finds himself slipping back into his old role as a hit man for one last job: extinguishing Francis Dempsey.

Mathews is an able prose stylist, and breathing life into so many diverse characters is no mean feat. But the book, like the men and women who populate its pages, is riven by conflicting identities. For all the craft Mathews lavishes on these intricate backstories, the sensational plot that binds the characters together - a tale of gangsters, "One Last Score" and a scheme to murder a world leader - feels like a somewhat facile screen story grafted onto a literary novel. Indeed, Mathews mentions the movies repeatedly, which shakes the reader out of whatever realism has been generated and casts a spotlight on the constructedness of his narrative. The novel's pulpy action climax at the World's Fair, meanwhile, is unconvincing, as its outcome relies on the credulity-straining gullibility of security officials.

If the period and milieu of "The World of Tomorrow" feel familiar, well, that's because they are. Setting a debut novel in 1939 New York and naming it after the theme of the World's Fair is either a bold or derivative act, given the long shadow cast by E.L. Doctorow, the colossus of New York historical fiction. In 1985, Doctorow published "World's Fair," an evocative best-selling novel in which the same 1939 expo figures prominently.

But the two books approach 1939 Gotham in different ways. Doctorow, a Bronx native, wrote a tender, first-person story that reads as deeply felt memoir. "World's Fair" achieves remarkable intimacy by presenting New York through the limited but expanding perspective of a child discovering himself and his city. The visuals are tight shots: close observations of the "strange marks" - swastikas - chalked on the garage doors of the Jewish protagonist's Bronx home, or of the building material from which that house was built - "red brick, which I knew was essential from the tale of the three little pigs."

Mathews, by contrast, opts for a panoramic lens, taking in great swaths of the city and a sprawling cast of characters. Paradoxically, Doctorow's choice to go small made for a bigger book, while Mathews' broad scope diminishes his story's intimacy and the reader's emotional engagement.

Still, Mathews has a flair for bringing street scenes to life, and his hopscotching narrative - from a Harlem jazz joint to a Bowery art studio to a Fifth Avenue palace - makes for an enjoyable tour of a vanished city. "The World of Tomorrow" is an appealing if uneven debut by a promising writer.

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Gill is the author, most recently, of the novel "The Gargoyle Hunters."
Freud: The Making of an Illusion

By Frederick Crews

Metropolitan. 746 pp. $40

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Mention Freud and you'll get some strong reactions. He's known as a spelunker of the human soul, responsible for uncovering such veins of frisson as denial and projection, but also for questionable or damaging contributions such as penis envy and the Oedipus complex.

An informal poll of my peers I recently conducted on Facebook revealed his mixed reputation. One respondent said: "Brilliant and interesting philosopher of mind." Another: "Gut response, mostly wrong about everything." There was this accolade: "I don't think you can look at the field of psychology without seeing him as a giant." And this attack: "A horrible misogynist." Oh, and this: "Plus he was a real drug user, which is fun."

In a new biography, "Freud: The Making of an Illusion," Frederick Crews depicts his subject as cruel, incurious, deceptive, fragile and vainglorious. Crews focuses on Freud's early career, from 1884 to 1900, and the picture that emerges is of a trumped-up blowhard.

Freud's life has been digested and redigested for decades, but Crews, an English professor and former psychoanalysis advocate, takes on this period because, he says, it's been overlooked except by proselytizing partisans who distort the record. Plus, the complete set of Freud's letters from this period to his fiance, Martha Bernays, has recently been released.

The driving force of the narrative is Freud's yearning to become famous - for anything. In school, he was keenest on philosophy and entered medicine not out of interest or aptitude but for a living. His first stab at notoriety came with a useless cell-staining method he overhyped in scientific papers Crews describes as "crass propaganda."

Next he turned to cocaine, which he expounded as a cure-all (and habitually injected). Freud tried to treat his friend's morphine addiction with cocaine, rendering him doubly addicted, then fraudulently championed the fiasco as a string of successes with multiple patients. He even sold fake data to a cocaine manufacturer and pseudonymously published an academic article praising his own work.

Freud's engagement with psychotherapy began in 1885 on an extended visit to a Parisian hospital. There he witnessed the treatment of "hysteria," a grab bag of physical and psychological symptoms thought to be psychogenic - and distinctly feminine - and he took note of hypnosis as a method of inquiry. Essentially, the staff would knowingly or unknowingly induce women to act out, and punish them if they didn't, using sedatives or clitoral cauterization. Apparently, Freud liked what he saw. He returned to Vienna and opened up shop.

Far from a passive listener, he insisted that patients had been sexually abused as children, and if they failed to recall anything, he would describe the episodes in detail. Many patients went away fuming - or laughing.

Freud's claims skirted falsifiability, the quality of being testable, a bedrock of the scientific method. Resistance to his lurid suggestions, he argued, meant only that he was onto something: Heads I win, tails you really (BEGIN ITAL)do(END ITAL) want to fellate your father. He also conspired to excommunicate any analyst from the movement who dared to subject his ideas to critical scrutiny. As Freud wrote to a close colleague, he was only "fantasizing, interpreting, and guessing" toward "bold but beautiful revelations." He claimed: "I am actually not at all a man of science, not an observer, not an experimenter, not a thinker. I am by temperament nothing but a conquistador."

As a result, he made claims about humanity based not on the evidence his patients presented but on hunches about his own hang-ups. He was apparently ashamed of his bisexuality, his masturbation and his molestation of his sister.

His ideas about sex and gender curdled his marriage to Martha. In letters, he called her unskilled, unpretty and deficient in personality. She asked for "a little respect." He wrote, "If I have become unbearable recently, just ask yourself what made me so." He tried to turn her against her mother, brother and friends - his rivals. After she bore him six children, he invited her sister to move in. Crews says Freud and his sister-in-law became secret lovers (she nearly died aborting his child), and he treated his wife as a maid and nanny.

Freud was not only a misogynist but also a misanthrope. He wrote a colleague: "I have found little that is 'good' about human beings on the whole. In my experience, most of them are trash." He especially looked down on his patients. He told one colleague: "Patients only serve to provide us with a livelihood and material to learn from. We certainly cannot help them." He surprised another colleague with this about his patients: "I could throttle every one of them." The families of his (usually rich) clients called him a con man.

So Freud failed to help people, but his ideas have lasted, right? Turns out, for the most part they weren't even his. He took the words "the unconscious" and "psychoanalysis" from his rival Pierre Janet's "subconscious" and "psychological analysis," describing ideas that go back much further. Throughout his career, Freud reliably rode his mentors' coattails, then stabbed them in the back when they could carry him no further, publicly deriding them or erasing them from history.

One might wonder, then, about the origin of his appeal. His reputation comes not despite his profligate scholarship but because of it. He trumpeted his failures as successes, turned wild speculation into sweeping proclamation and, starting with 1899's "The Interpretation of Dreams," produced what Crews calls "detective fiction" rather than clinical reports. Crews writes: "Freud would truly be breaking new ground in the 'Interpretation,' not as a scientist but as a literary artist." Freud was a fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and Crews notes that a later case study provided an "invitation to the reader to share in forensic work that was both intellectually and sexually thrilling."

In spreading word about the unconscious, despite offering some harmful ideas about it - calling gays perverts, masturbators evil and women conniving - did Freud incidentally help humanity? Crews doesn't spend much time on legacy, except to suggest that Freud's distraction from real scientific and therapeutic work set psychology and neuroscience back by decades.

The book can be rough going in some places, through no fault of the dedicated author. Rather the source material eschews penetrability and plausibility; Freud's accounts became so tangled over the years as he avoided admitting error that I fear there's no untangling them. Even so, "Freud" is a surprisingly fun read, as Crews gets in plenty of sharp jabs. He seems to find the most damning way to spin any admission or incident, leaving one to wonder about his own interpretive filters. Still, given the facts presented, it's hard to imagine additional disclosures that would completely reverse the overall impression.

The notion of Freud as a great explorer, albeit with a wonky compass, persists. He's shorthand for buried memories and impulses. Perhaps we'd be better off if his own buried treasure had stayed buried. Sometimes a fallacy is just a fallacy.

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Hutson is a science writer and the author of "The 7 Laws of Magical Thinking."
Goode Company will open its newest restaurant  and its first new full-service concept in more than a decade -- Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina today, Sept. 5, in the Woodlands.

The 7,400-square-foot restaurant, the company's first new brand since it opened Armadillo Palace in 2004, Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina celebrates the Texan/Mexican heritage of fifth-generation company president Levi Goode. The restaurant's menu, described as "unapologetically Tex-Mex" includes dishes such as tacos al carbon, enchiladas, crispy tacos, carnitas, fajitas, seafood campechana, and Texas-proud dishes such as quail, redfish on the half shell, mesquite-grilled snapper, and Gulf shrimp wrapped in bacon.
Two adults entered through a broken front door at H-E-B in Meyerland as Harvey lashed Houston. At first, the off-site personnel monitoring the location's security cameras assumed it was a break in. Then a third adult passed a baby into the store that already had taken on three feet of water.

It turns out they were just looking for a safe place.

So security contacted them through the store's intercom: Get up on the check-out counters; help is on the way. H-E-B had arranged for a boat rescue.

While they waited, the water-soaked visitors rearranged sandbags to keep more water from entering the building. Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Food/Drug, took it as a gesture of good will toward Texas' largest supermarket chain.

"What our people did (for them) was amazing," he said. "But I thought it was an incredible act of kindness for those people to move those sandbags."

And H-E-B exhibited its fair share of kindness within its own community as the supermarket giant worked to get its stores open and restocked when customers were most in need of essentials.

Of the 114 stores in the Gulf Coast region from Corpus Christi to Beaumont that were in Harvey's path - H-E-B has 330 in Texas - all but three are now up and running. A feat, given the logistics of procurement and delivery as major arteries throughout the region were impassable. Meanwhile,the company has given more than 150,000 cases of water and 75,000 10-pound bags of ice to communities in need as well as served 40,000 meals form its convoy of mobile kitchens.

Familiar to many through television commercials, often as self-deprecating straight man, McClelland is the face of H-E-B in the area, linking him directly with brand loyalty. So when he showed up to the shelter at George R. Brown Convention Center recently, he arrived with food, supplies - and open arms. There were many hugs during his visits with evacuees, embraces he said probably meant more to him than to the people he met.

But as top brass in these parts, his primary focus was to get stores back open so that customers can procure the items they require to start getting their lives back in order. Before the storm the need was all about water, beer, bread, batteries, salty snacks and canned fish and meat. ("It's the one time people really get excited about Spam," he joked.) Post-Harvey, the most popular grocery items were eggs, milk, ramen, macaroni and cheese, fresh meat and easy-to-prepare foods. The store is still struggling with meeting the demand for bread and eggs.

While H-E-B got back on its feet quickly, McClelland doesn't hesitate to recognize the struggle of recovery. Many employees went to work as they were dealing with personal damage and loss. Of 300 employees at one store in Beaumont, for example, 140 were displaced by the flooding.

Harvey will add new chapters to the H-E-B "playbook" on how to deal with emergencies such as hurricanes and flooding. Transportation when roads are inaccessible is an example, he said: "What do you do when you have absolutely no mobility? That's one of the things we have to look at in the future."

McClelland's next order of business is to get the new Kingwood store reopened by Thanksgiving, and the closed location in Woodforest on Uvalde open by end of September. The future of the Meyerland store, which has flooded before, is uncertain.

Within the H-E-B community there's a lot of talk about the company's spirit, something Harvey tested mightily, McClelland said. He feels the Texas-proud brand and its employees - including 24,000 in the Houston area - showed their true colors during the ongoing crisis.

"At the end of the day people leave work feeling good they made a difference," McClelland said, "and made a mark in some way."
Mexican soldiers have arrested four men accused of acting out as lookouts for law enforcement in Nuevo Laredo, authorities said.

The Tamaulipas Department of Public Safety did not identify the suspects.
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Innovator, knowledgeable, brilliant, humble and community-oriented are just a few words that describe Vicente V. Garza, a lifelong Laredo resident.

Garza, 86, died last week.

"Vicente was a true businessman at heart. He followed in the steps of his father who taught him the art of managing businesses. He formed many business relationships in Laredo and throughout South Texas.

"While working to build his business in Laredo, Vicente continued to manage retail stores and hotels spanning from Laredo to the Valley," his obituary states.

Garza's most significant business accomplishments are the founding of El Rio Department Store and his instrumental role in the development of the Riverdrive Mall in Laredo, according to his obituary.

READ MORE: Rockets' James Harden donates $1 million to Harvey recovery

"People in the community would go to him as a source for the state of the economy, particularly in retail," said Miguel Conchas, president/CEO of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

Conchas said Garza's passing is a "terrible loss" for the community. Garza was an excellent source for the local economy, full of knowledge, Conchas said.

"I feel honored that I got to meet him and worked with him," Conchas said.

He added, "I was honored to serve with him at the TAMIU advisory board for the school of business."

Garza's smile and his willingness to share thoughts and ideas are two things that won't be forgotten, said Javier Garza, retired executive officer with the Laredo National Bank and past president of the Logistics and Manufacturing Association of Laredo.

Garza and Javier Garza are not related but were longtime friends.

"I admired him because he was so humble despite his ability and knowledge. I was impressed. I hate to see him leave," Garza said.

He added, "We would share cup of coffee. He was an outstanding man in every sense of the word: sincere, knowledgeable and humble."

Garza graduated from St. Augustine High School with honors in 1948. He attended St. Edwards University and graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

"He continued to expand his love of knowledge by continuously reading and learning about Real Estate Development, Law, Mechanical & Merchandise Retailing," his obit states.

RELATED: Social media reacts to death of Laredo actress, former beauty queen

"Vicente was a traveler. Planning trips with his family, was something he loved. From Disneyland to Greece, Vicente always made sure his family, granddaughters especially, had the opportunity to experience what life was like in another part of the world," his obit states.

Garza believed that every child should have a chance in education. He sponsored many youth through scholarship programs. He believed in the educational system. He served on the Laredo Community College Education Foundation Board as well as the Mary Help of Christians School Advisory Board.

Garza was an also a devoted Catholic and parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church.

In June 1985, Garza was on TWA Flight 847 when it was hijacked by terrorists after take-off from Athens. Passengers were held captive for 17 days, according to media reports.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Garza stated he spent the days learning the Arabic alphabet and playing cards.

"I'd never been a card player," he told the Post, "but over there, I had time to learn."
There were at least 70 instances of student-on-employee violence at Laredo-area schools during the 2015-16 school year, according to data obtained by LMTonline.com under Texas open records laws.

The data from the Texas Education Agency shows 10 schools  including four local middle schools  had at least one assault incident on district and/or non-district employees during the most recent school year available. All 10 schools included in the data were from Laredo ISD.
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Medicaid fraud at a local adult day care allegedly occurred with knowledge of one of the owners, according to a search warrant recently obtained by Laredo Morning Times.

On Aug. 23, the Texas Attorney General's Office and Webb County Precinct 1 Constable's Office raided the Las Flores Adult Day Care, 2502 E. Travis St., in connection with a Medicaid fraud investigation.

State police officers and constable deputies searched the premises for Medicaid-related patient/client files, Medicaid billing documents, records and evidence of Medicaid fraud, according to authorities.

The search warrant alleges two employees identified as Natalia Hernandez and Raul Garcia conducted fraudulent activities with knowledge of an owner. The document identified him as Jose Gonzalez.

Attorney Carlos E. Flores, who represents the day care, declined to comment on the allegations against his client, citing the ongoing investigation.

READ MORE: Drug trafficking ring spanning from Laredo to Florida was a family affair, documents reveal

He said in a statement that Las Flores Adult Day Care has a record of outstanding care that provides a loving, respectful and safe environment for its clients.

"The company continues to operate and we look forward to resolving this matter so that we can continue to focus on providing the people of our community quality services and care they have come to expect," the statement reads.

No charges have been brought in the case.

The search warrant alleges Hernandez was submitting fraudulent timesheets to her employers. These timesheets were then used to bill Medicaid, the search warrant states. Meanwhile, Garcia oversaw transportation logs, according to the document.

A driver of the day care submitted the daily transportation logs to the facility supervisor, Garcia, for approval.

"... Garcia would then change the transportation log to show clients were transported to the day care by adding a time on the log, which indicated clients were transported by the company van," the warrant states.

According to the warrant, 10 to 15 clients who are not transported to the day care on a daily basis are usually counted as being transported to the day care by Garcia.

RELATED: Laredo adult day care raided in Medicaid fraud investigation, authorities say

The search warrant describes one example with a male patient. He did not go to the day care for three weeks due to an illness but the transportation log indicated he did attend, according to court records.

"... Las Flores Adult Day Care has been billing (the patient's) Medicaid account for services that were not rendered," the search warrant states.

It further alleges that "Jose Gonzalez, owner of Las Flores Adult Day Care, has knowledge of Natalia Hernandez and Raul Garcia's wrongdoing."

Authorities said Las Flores' revenue doubled compared to other locations similar in size.

"Las Flores Adult Day Care has twice or more the annual revenue from Medicaid billing and payment when compared to facilities and service providers of their type, practice, size, number of patients, capacity of patients and employee count," the search warrant states.
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Recent pleas reached with a majority of defendants involved in a drug trafficking organization spanning from Laredo to Florida indicate the operation was a family affair, with local siblings, parents and extended family members taking part in the scheme.

Court documents filed as part of plea agreements reached with 22 of 25 defendants indicted on various drug and money laundering charges paint a picture of an operation created to support the group's alleged leader, Antonio Romero Jr., and his family's lavish lifestyle.

Romero is alleged to have orchestrated an operation that used the U.S. Postal Service and other means such as Federal Express to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl.

Earlier this week, Romero admitted to laundering at least $1.5 million in drug proceeds obtained as part of the operation from 2009 until 2016.

The Attorney General's Office said the group "allegedly used various U.S. bank accounts to transfer drug proceeds from U.S. distribution hub cities to U.S. cities along the Mexican border, including Laredo, and to places outside the United States, such as Mexico, Ecuador and Peru."

It is unclear what the drug trafficking cell's connections to Ecuador and Peru are.

READ MORE: Man admits to laundering at least $1.5 million in drug money through use of postal services

In October, James Reed, DEA assistant special agent in charge, said the investigation into the drug trafficking organization and its operations is a long-term investigation based in other parts of the United States, as well as South America and other parts of the world.

The government describes Romero as an established drug trafficker without sufficient employment to maintain the lifestyle he and his family enjoyed.

Their lavish lifestyle is seen in recorded purchases made by Olinda Romero, Antonio Romero's wife, who spent over $30,000 on services from central Florida's top-ranked private school.

Records indicate Romero used his wife and his sister, Nora Arlette Romero, in the operation of his drug trafficking cell.

Nora Romero is facing up to life in prison for her assistance with the group, pleading guilty earlier this week to a charge of drug trafficking conspiracy.

Residing in Laredo, she had direct communication with members of her family, the organization's leaders, and was directed to assist in contacting drivers, conducting surveillance and transporting for the group during the course of the conspiracy. She takes responsibility in her plea agreement for assisting with the distribution of at least 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.1 kilograms of heroin.

Her sister-in-law, Olinda Romero, admitted to using a home construction scheme to conceal drug proceeds from the group's sales.

She also took responsibility for facilitating the laundering of proceeds through her personal bank accounts, court records state. Olinda Romero pleaded guilty earlier this month to a charge of money laundering conspiracy.

She received over $850,000 into her personal bank account between 2010 and 2016, according to court records.

An investigation into the group shows her husband attempted to launder his drug trafficking earnings by funneling them through her bank accounts and the home construction scheme, records state.

Agents identified Antonio Romero's criminal activity with the organization in July 2010, when Philadelphia Drug Enforcement Administration agents stopped him and seized $117,661 in cash from him.

During his sentencing, the court is expected to order a forfeiture of $2,080,000 against Romero, who claims his job focused on trafficking narcotics rather than laundering the drug proceeds.

He is facing up to life in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to a charge of drug trafficking conspiracy. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a term of up to 20 years in prison.

The operation

Authorities said the drug trafficking cell operated out of Orlando, Florida, where the Romeros resided. It is unclear why the Romeros based their operation out of Florida. Court records indicate they recruited local people to move to Florida to assist with their trafficking cell.

Antonio Romero alleges his brother and father orchestrated the Laredo-based money laundering scheme. They are not identified in court documents or named defendants in the indictment.

The Romeros weren't the only ones to recruit family members to help with the scheme, according to court documents.

Records state Oscar Mancillas, a Laredo-based member who facilitated local drug and money transactions, used his family members to assist with operation.

His mother, Olga Calzado de Mancillas, is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of money laundering conspiracy for assisting her son in laundering drug proceeds.

Oscar Mancillas helped facilitate the funneling of around $770,000 in drug proceeds through bank accounts, court records state.

He and his sister, Karina Mancillas-Rubio, pleaded guilty earlier this month for their roles in the conspiracy.

Through intercepted telephone calls, law enforcement discovered Mancillas-Rubio was storing drug proceeds at her home for her brother and other co-conspirators.

Further surveillance showed their mother delivered drug proceeds for the organization and assisted her son with money transactions.

Olga Mancillas helped launder between $15,000 and $40,000 during the course of the conspiracy, according to court records.

Agents intercepted communications between Mancillas and co-defendants discussing drug proceeds being deposited into bank accounts from different geographic locations for immediate withdrawal in Laredo.

Several other defendants in the case were allegedly recruited by Oscar Mancillas to funnel drug proceeds through their local bank accounts. Those recruited included co-defendants Bede Hawkins Jr., Martin Ramirez, Hector Ortiz and Jose Luis Ruiz, all Laredo residents.

Two others, Laredoans Stephanie and Maria Lilia Ozuna, told authorities they were recruited by a family member to funnel drug proceeds through their local bank accounts, according to their plea agreements.

Before Oscar Mancillas took over duties of recruiting people to open accounts to funnel drug proceeds to the Laredo area and ensuring the money made it back to the organization's members in Laredo or Mexico, the job was handled by Jesus Miguel Torres.

Both Oscar Mancillas and Torres are facing up to life in prison for their roles within the drug trafficking cell.

Forfeiture

Major forfeitures are expected to be finalized at the sentencings.

The Attorney General's Office said the indictments seek to forfeit property involved in the offenses, including about $5 million in U.S. currency.

In October, federal agents executed a search warrant at Cayman Autoplex, 4910 E. Saunders St.

Authorities said they seized at least 28 vehicles originally purchased with drug proceeds from the dealership. Oscar Mancillas is listed as the business' registered agent in filings with the Texas Secretary of State.

The Drug Enforcement Administration said it seized 23 kilograms of cocaine, 4 kilograms of heroin, 16 kilograms of methamphetamine and pills during the course of the investigation. The DEA was also able to link a seizure of 2 tons of cocaine that took place in Ecuador to the investigation.

The narcotics

Court records indicate narcotics flowed from Mexico for the drug trafficking cell, which would then distribute it from Laredo to other areas.

Antonio Romero's plea agreement details intercepted phone calls of him discussing the transport of narcotics on numerous occasions.

This includes a conversation in which agents learned Romero had shipped 775 fentanyl pills from Florida to Massachusetts in September 2015.

On another occasion in November 2015, agents discovered he and others were attempting to transport heroin pills from Atlanta to New York. The organization was trying to locate a buyer for 30,000 heroin pills, according to court records.

Romero admits to coordinating the movement of no more than 33 pounds of methamphetamine, 127 pounds of cocaine and 6 pounds of heroin. The prosecution believes he is responsible for another 50 pounds of methamphetamine from a transaction tha Romero disputes helping with.

Through intercepted phone calls, agents discovered Oscar Mancillas made arrangements with other co-defendants, including Daniel Villegas, Jason Blake Villegas and Tito Garcia, in the Laredo area for the transportation of narcotics coming from Mexico.

Loreto Castaneda Macedo, of Mexico, Dennis Alvarez Boquin, of Georgia, and Homar Guerrero Jr., whose state of residence was not available, assisted in facilitating the transportation of narcotics, court records state.

The organization would transport the drugs with vehicles or the use of mailing services.

Cocaine was routinely shipped to Eric Arturo Ocampo, who would repackage it in his Orlando, Florida residence, records state. Isael Joddai Romero and Luis Felipe Santos-Alejandro were recruited from Laredo and sent to Florida to help out at the stash house by receiving and repackaging narcotics, according to court records.

Remaining defendants

Francisco Javier Salazar-Diaz, of Mexico, is facing charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine. He is scheduled to appear Sept. 7 for a final pretrial hearing to determine whether his case will head to trial Sept. 11.

Laredoans Daniel Laurel and Marco Antonio Salazar announced their intent to take their cases to trial during a recent hearing. They face charges of money laundering conspiracy. Trial dates have not yet been set in their cases.
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An alleged leader of a drug trafficking cell that moved narcotics and laundered the drug proceeds through local bank accounts in a long-term conspiracy is facing up to life in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday in federal court.

Antonio Romero Jr. admitted to laundering at least $1.5 million in drug proceeds obtained as part of an operation that distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl through the use of the U.S. Postal Service or other means such as Federal Express from 2009 until 2016.

He pleaded guilty to charges of drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy during a hearing held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Guillermo R. Garcia.

Court records refer to Romero, 30, as an established drug dealer "without employment sufficient to maintain the lifestyle enjoyed by himself, his wife, Olinda Romero, or other immediate family."

His wife is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty earlier this month to her role in the conspiracy.

READ MORE: Former Laredo elementary school coach pleads guilty to drug conspiracy charges

According to Romero, his job focused on trafficking the narcotics. His plea agreement stipulates that he did not participate in the manufacturing or importation of narcotics.

Court documents detail intercepted phone calls of Romero discussing the transport of narcotics on numerous occasions.

This includes a conversation in which agents learned Romero had shipped 775 fentanyl pills from Florida to Massachusetts in September 2015.

On another occasion in November 2015, agents discovered Romero and others were attempting to transport heroin pills from Atlanta to New York. The organization was trying to locate a buyer for 30,000 heroin pills, according to court records.

Romero admits to coordinating the movement of no more than 33 pounds of methamphetamine, 127 pounds of cocaine and 6 pounds of heroin. The prosecution believes he is responsible for another 50 pounds of methamphetamine from a transaction that Romero disputes helping with.

The conspiracy was widespread, with Romero operating out of Orlando, Florida while members of the operation worked in Laredo and other states.

To date, 22 of 26 defendants have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme. Charges were dismissed against one defendant.

Romero's involvement became known in July 2010, when agents in Philadelphia seized $117,661 in cash from him.

Bank records show that Romero's wife had several accounts opened between 2010 and 2015 that received over $550,000 in cash deposits. Agents intercepted Romero directing members of the drug trafficking organization to make deposits directly into his wife's bank accounts on multiple occasions in 2014.

Romero assisted in laundering drug proceeds, often contacting co-defendant Oscar Mancillas regarding the movement and delivery of drug proceeds through various funnel accounts, according to court documents filed as part of Romero's plea agreement.

Mancillas pleaded guilty Aug. 10 to charges of drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

RELATED: Laredo man receives 14-year sentence for involvement in major poly-drug conspiracy

Agents identified numerous individual bank accounts, known as funnel accounts, in Laredo that received multiple case deposits, in amounts below the cash reporting threshold. The funds from these deposits were immediately withdrawn in Laredo. During the course of the investigation into the conspiracy, agents identified over $765,000 of drug proceeds moved through known funnel accounts.

The organization used various U.S. bank accounts to transfer drug proceeds from U.S. distribution hub cities to U.S. cities along the Mexican border, including Laredo, and to places outside the United States, such as Mexico, Ecuador and Peru, according to the Attorney General's Office.

Romero alleges he wasn't in charge of contacting anyone to make deposits. Rather, Romero says his father and brother are responsible for the money laundering scheme in Laredo.

His father and brother have not been identified in court documents and they are not named defendants in the case.
A second person has been arrested in connection with the rescue of 11 immigrants who were held against their will in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, authorities said Saturday.

Tamaulipas' attorney general said they served an arrest warrant on a woman they identified as Andrea for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping of 11 immigrants, including two juveniles.
Dolores Huerta was a fierce fighter for the United Farm Workers, ascending to a civil rights leadership role, then seizing seemingly impossible victories against agriculture industry leaders and their political allies.

Peter Bratts documentary Dolores gives equal focus to some lesser-known battles, as the living legend stood up to patriarchy, even within the UFW group she co-founded. Like Cesar Chavez, she was a hero to the labor movement. But because she is a woman, there was an amplified cost.

The locally sourced documentary is always engaging  lively and well-paced with an impressive list of interviewees from Hillary Clinton to Huerta herself. But the film soars when it shows the cost of the activists dedication, exacerbated by what now can be clearly seen as thick-skulled men. Dolores makes a fitting companion to the Chavez-focused 1997 PBS documentary The Fight in the Fields. It also makes a fine double feature with Wonder Woman.

Bratt begins by following Huerta in a cheap motel, as she applies what one assumes is inexpensive perfume, still working for the labor cause in the middle of her ninth decade. Huerta is only occasionally heard from in her own documentary, presumably more comfortable in working-class meeting rooms than in front of a camera cataloging her achievements.

There are many such accomplishments, Dolores insists. After establishing Huerta as the most vocal activist youve never heard of, her early years building the organization that would become the UFW are dutifully captured, before the narrative detours behind the scenes.

Bratt and his collaborators clearly admire their subject, while recognizing that the struggles and some possible contradictions dont make her a weaker leader. Dolores states that it was Huerta who came up with the UFW slogan Si se puede, a motto that even President Barack Obama initially credited to Chavez. She also spoke out against abortion in early interviews. And she was pilloried, including by the Teamsters, for having 11 children with three men.

Gloria Steinem is essential among the interviews  and a surrogate for the audience  explaining her initial trouble feeling comfortable with Huerta, before becoming a friend and strong admirer.

But the MVPs in Huertas life and Dolores are the leaders children, who were equal partners in her sacrifice. Many ended up in unfamiliar homes, separated by thousands of miles from their mothers love. One son talks about dropping out of high school and his mom finding out 10 months later.

The Bay Area influence is strong throughout; San Francisco native Bratt teams with editor Jessica Congdon (Miss Representation) and producer Brian Benson (Haiku Tunnel, Howl). Guitar god Carlos Santana was a motivating force behind Dolores, gaining his first executive producing credit. Veteran archival producer Jennifer Petrucelli, a regular on Lucasfilm projects, contributes to the documentarys historic immersion.

In the first half especially, Dolores feels as if its in need of one more edit. Some of the better-known subjects have the least to offer, revealing in their blanket platitudes that they could stand to learn from the documentary as well. The recent four-hour-long Grateful Dead documentary Long Strange Trip feels like a leaner movie than the 95-minute Dolores.

But the film never strays focus long, especially in the stronger second half, when more Huerta children appear.

That all of these kids are self-confident and most have pursued their own careers helping others doesnt diminish the pain and loss in their past. And Bratts decision to include so much of their perspective helps push the movie beyond just a tribute and history lesson, into something more.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub

Dolores

Documentary. Starring Dolores Huerta, Gloria Steinem, Art Torres and Randy Shaw. (Not rated. 95 minutes.)
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During what would have been the first few days of enforcing a Texas ban on "sanctuary cities," instead Montgomery County lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott are blasting a ruling by a federal judge that's blocking the implementation of the state's tough new law.

The measure, known as Senate Bill 4, was signed by Abbott during the Legislature's regular session last spring. Its passage brought great praise by local lawmakers, as well as conservative groups, but also sparked protests and drew sharp criticism from pro-immigration organizations.

Considered to be the toughest immigration law in the nation, SB 4, until being at least temporarily blocked, would have required local police agencies to abide by detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to hold criminal suspects for possible deportation. It also would have allowed police officers and sheriff's deputies to ask suspects about their immigration status.

The measure was scheduled to go in effect last Friday, Sept. 1, but was halted when a federal judge in San Antonio ruled the law is unconstitutional and issued an injunction.

The ruling prompted a sharp rebuke by Abbott, saying the judge's decision makes "Texas' communities less safe," while also warning that "gang members and dangerous criminals" would be released into communities.

"U.S. Supreme Court precedent for laws similar to Texas' law are firmly on our side," Abbott said. "This decision will be appealed immediately and I am confident Texas' law will be found constitutional and ultimately be upheld."

After the governor's comments, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked for a stay motion on the judge's ruling so he could appeal the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, a co-author of the bill, as well as state Reps. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, and Cecil Bell Jr., R-Magnolia, agreed the law eventually will be upheld by a higher court.

"It's up to the judicial branch at this point, but I'm confident SB 4 will be upheld," Creighton said.

Likewise, Metcalf, said he is "deeply disappointed" by the delay said expects a higher court to overrule the judge's decision. Bell also believes the ruling will be struck down.

"I think the judge's decision will not stand," Bell told The Courier. "At the end the day, the courts have long held that the states have sovereignty in those issues."

State Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, did not return a call requesting comment.

Meanwhile, an official with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, which was one of the groups challenging the law, applauded the judge's ruling, while also taking a swipe at state lawmakers.

"The Texas Legislature has a reliable history of ignoring the Constitution when writing law, and we're thankful the court blocked SB4 before it could do irreparable damage to our communities," said Terri Burke, executive director of the group.

"But we do not expect Gov. Abbott or Attorney General Ken Paxton to yield easily," he added. "This fight isn't over yet, so we call upon law enforcement, local officials and supporters who have fought so hard to stop this law not to let up until SB4 is well and truly dead."
An emerging pattern in the Trump administration is to declare opposition to an Obama executive action but then leave the actual work of dealing with the consequences of that decision to Congress. That's what President Donald Trump did Tuesday with immigration, and it's what U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Tuesday might happen with the Iran nuclear deal.

Haley, speaking at the American Enterprise Institute, laid out a detailed argument for why Trump would be on safe ground if he decides not to certify that Iran is in compliance with the accord limiting its nuclear activity when the decision comes to his desk again next month. Haley is not advocating he decertify Iran's compliance, she said, but her one-hour presentation clearly laid out grounds for defending such an action.

But Haley made clear that if Trump does decertify Iran's compliance, that doesn't mean the end of the Iran deal. Rather, it would simply kick the ball into Congress' court.

"If the president does not certify Iranian compliance, the Corker-Cardin law also tells us what happens next. What happens next is significantly in Congress's hands," Haley said. "This is critically important, and almost completely overlooked. If the president chooses not to certify Iranian compliance, that does not mean the United States is withdrawing from the [deal]."

She was referring to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which Congress passed after the Obama administration and the other P5+1 countries agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran. The law sets the requirement that Trump certify Iran's compliance every 90 days. If Trump does not certify Iran's compliance, the law provides for an expedited process whereby Congress could reimpose the sanctions lifted under the agreement - or do nothing at all.

Haley's remarks represent the highest-level acknowledgment that the Trump administration might choose to declare the deal broken, while leaving the sanctions issue and the future of the agreement for Congress to deal with.

During the question-and-answer section of Haley's event, The New York Times's Gardiner Harris said that Congress, including Republican allies of the administration, does not want to add a debate over the Iran deal to its already crowded fall legislative calendar and asked Haley why the administration would abdicate ultimate responsibility for deciding the deal's fate.

"Why this middle path where you decertify and force Congress to make this hard decision for you, rather than make this hard decision yourself?" he asked.

Haley responded that the administration is not trying to sidestep its responsibility; it is simply following the law.

"I get that Congress doesn't want this. This is not an easy situation for anyone," she said. "But our lives are not about being easy, our lives are about being right."

If Trump follows that course, it would signal "one or more of the following three messages to Congress," Haley said. The administration believes Iran is in violation of the deal; or the lifting of sanctions against Iran is not appropriate and proportional to the regime's behavior; or the lifting of sanctions is not in the U.S. national security interest.

Congress would have 60 days to consider whether to reimpose sanctions or conclude that the Iran deal is "too big to fail," said Haley. Congress could also debate Iran's support for terrorism, its past nuclear activity and its human rights violations, she added.

Experts are already debating what Congress should do if Trump declines to certify Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal. One approach, advocated by Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security, argues Congress should drastically increase nonnuclear sanctions on Iran but stop short of reimposing the sanctions that would blow up the deal.

Congressional leaders have not revealed their thinking publicly. New sanctions would need 60 votes in the Senate, and key Democrats who opposed the nuclear deal, such as Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., have not said whether they would vote for action that could destroy the Iran accord.

Haley said she has not had any discussions with leaders in Congress about what might happen after Trump fails to certify Iranian compliance. She acknowledged that European allies want the deal to continue but also pointed them to Congress for guidance.

"Because the European allies understand the concerns we have with Iran, if they saw the president decertify, they would realize this is going to Congress and they would watch that debate very closely," she said.

As with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, punting the Iran issue to Congress seems like a way for the Trump administration to have its cake and eat it too, by declaring Iran non-compliant but not taking responsibility if the deal subsequently falls apart.

But if Trump pursues that strategy, the result will likely be similar to what we are seeing with DACA: confusion, uncertainty about the path forward and the risk that congressional inaction could have drastic unintended consequences.

---

Rogin is a columnist for the Global Opinions section of The Washington Post. He writes about foreign policy and national security.
ODESSA -- Labor Day is the right time to celebrate those who built the country on their backs -- American workers.

That was a central message of the Labor Day Picnic hosted by the Permian Basin of West Texas Central Labor Union on Monday at Slator Community Center.

And during this gathering of people ready to salute the hardest-working among us, Congressman Mike Conaway, a graduate of Permian High School, took the opportunity to update those in attendance on the business in Washington that he believes will impact American workers.

He said leaders in Washington will attempt to reform the tax code, something he said is holding back the American engine. In fact, he said it is a tribute to the economy that it can grow almost in spite of the tax scheme. He called for a simpler tax code and a regulatory reset that will impact positively the number of items made in the USA, and therefore provide more jobs for Americans, including those represented by labor unions.

He told the Reporter-Telegram afterward that tax reform can succeed -- unlike health care repeal and replace before it -- because there will be more coordination between House and Senate leaders and the White House.

The Dallas Morning News last week reported President Trump has offered only a broad outline of four priorities: a simplified tax code, lower rates across the board, relief for middle-income families and an emphasis on encouraging American businesses to bring their profits back to the U.S. The president, it has been reported, isnt offering much in the way of details.

The Midland Republican also warned of bumps in the road. A deal will include things that not everyone likes because no one wants to give up the individual deductions and special treatments that the status quo makes available, he said.

It is a lot like heaven. Everyone wants to get there; no one wants to die to get there, Conaway said. Too bad. We have to get this done.

He also said the process will be impacted by the inability to reform health care earlier this year.

He said there is $1 trillion associated with Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) still in the mix, and much of the talks leading up to the debate presumed health care taxes would go away.

Still, he said it is not lost on anybody on the Republican side that impactful governing needs to take place during the remainder of the year to set up a politically successful 2018. He spoke of the overpromising that took place during the most recent campaign season and the underdelivering that followed. That, he said, must change.

We have to deliver, Conaway said.

Conaway was one of the speakers during the event. Llano Democrat Jennie Lou Leeder, who is mounting a challenge to Conaway in 2018, repeated many of the same points she made a week earlier during an appearance Midland. She stressed health care, education, infrastructure and energy are all important pillars of her plan to put more people to work. Her proposals -- including single-payer health care, reducing student-loan debt and more investment in solar and wind energy -- would provide jobs and help see the equality and dignity of labor.
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WASHINGTON - They'd known it was coming, and feared it for months, but still the news landed like a gut punch: President Donald Trump was killing a federal program that shields nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants from deportation.

"It's right now official," CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres told a suddenly silent crowd of immigrants and supporters who, moments earlier, had been shouting, singing and banging drums outside the White House in defiance. "This administration just ended DACA."

Monica Camacho Perez burst into sobs.

"Taking DACA away is taking us back to a really dark time for immigrants," said the 23-year-old Maryland resident, who arrived in the United States from Mexico when she was 7. "This is our country. We are not going anywhere."

The decision to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ends a five-year reprieve for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children, a time when they didn't have to worry about being deported and could legally apply for jobs.

In 2012, two years after legislation that would have given these immigrants a path to citizenship failed in Congress, President Barack Obama granted them work permits and the chance to get driver's licenses and attend college. He said they would not be forced to leave just because their parents took them across the border illegally or allowed them to overstay their visas.

Critics accused Obama of overstepping his authority, and said the young people known as "dreamers" were taking jobs that should go to legal residents. Trump pledged to end DACA if elected. A coalition of Republican officials said they would challenge the program in court if he failed to do so.

Now the new president has decided to phase out the program and is challenging Congress to pass legislation if it wants the dreamers to stay.

So the DACA recipients' battle is beginning again.

In the coming days and weeks, protesters said, they will organize sit-ins to urge U.S. lawmakers to pass immigration legislation, hold meetings on how to avoid deportation agents and scramble to apply for DACA renewals before Trump's six-month grace period runs out.

Camacho Perez and 27 others say they will fast until Friday to draw attention to their plight. They and scores of others marched Tuesday in Washington, while students in Denver and Tucson, Arizona, walked out of classes to protest Trump's announcement. Rallies were planned throughout the day and evening in Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco and other cities.

In Manhattan, New York, about a dozen protesters blocked traffic on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower. They sat in the street, arms locked, refusing orders from police to disband until several were taken into custody.

"Trump is trying to scare us into hiding, to get us to back down," said Erika Andiola, 30, a DACA recipient from Mexico who has been in United States since she was 10. "We're not going to back down."

The end of DACA carries implications for many states, where officials must determine whether those who had qualified for the program may continue to pay in-state tuition and keep their driver's licenses after their permits expire.

Many immigrants say they will lose their jobs once their temporary work permits end, although some employers, including Microsoft, vowed to do what they could to keep that from happening.

Since his election, Trump had expressed sympathy for DACA recipients and promised to deal with them "with heart," which left those protesting feeling particularly betrayed.

Hundreds gathered outside the White House before the announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, holding signs that said, "We are America," "Congress! Don't wimp out!" and "We want education, down with deportation."

Eliseo Magos, a 23-year-old from Mexico who arrived in the United States when he was 11, said he and both his brothers will lose DACA protection. He lives in Maryland, a state that allows him to get a driver's license regardless of his legal status, but said he won't be able to work legally once his permit expires.

He was supposed to start a job at a veterinary hospital in January.

"It's sad, but we're not going to stop fighting," Magos said. "With teeth and fingernails, we're going to fight."

But first, on Tuesday, they marched. Demonstrators flowed down Pennsylvania Avenue and toward the Trump International Hotel, where they booed and blocked the intersection in the midday heat.

"Shame on Trump," they shouted.

Then they headed to the Justice Department, where Sessions had announced the program's end an hour earlier. The protesters blocked the street briefly and then marched directly under Sessions' office window.

Rebecca Ruiz, 56, came from Pittsburgh on behalf of her son, who is 24, speaks better English than Spanish, and through DACA has a good job at a bank. They arrived from Mexico City when he was 12.

"I came here looking for a better life for me and my family. That is why we're here," Ruiz said. "This is my son's home."

Belem Orozco, a DACA recipient who came from Mexico when she was 7, said she is more determined than ever to find a way to stay.

"I'm taking this as motivation," said Orozco, 26. "If the president thinks this announcement is going to make us go away, it's going to do the opposite."

Kathryn Johnston, 68, who lives in the District of Columbia and joined the protest, described the United States as "a land of immigrants. Most of us are."

"We should welcome immigrants, and we should especially open our arms to the children who have grown up here," she said. "They are Americans in every sense of the word."

The march ended in front of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's towering headquarters on 12th Street SW. Protesters again sat in the street, near a line of food trucks selling Peruvian chicken and Greek food, and shouted up at the building. From inside, men and women stared down.

Under Trump, ICE has increasingly arrested immigrants with no criminal records, which will put DACA recipients at higher risk once their permission to stay expires.

"You must be filled with anger and rage, no?" Adanjesus Marin, director of the immigrant-rights group Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania, asked the crowd.

He announced sit-ins Wednesday at the congressional offices of Republicans from his state who have not supported legislation that would provide immigrants a path to legal status.

"This fight didn't start today, and it's not going to end today or tomorrow or until we have victory," Marin said.

Fatima Coreas, 24, said Obama's program allowed her to go to college and buy a car. She urged dreamers not to go back into hiding.

"All those 800,000 people should be open about their stories," Coreas said. "We should come out and tell our stories for the American people to hear so they know we're no less American than anyone else."

- - -

The Washington Post's Sari Horwitz in Washington and Renae Merle in New York contributed to this report.
President Trumps decision to phase out protections for about 800,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. as children fulfilled a campaign promise while prompting alarm from the young people often called Dreamers, whose deportations could begin as soon as March unless Congress steps in.

The presidents announcement that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, ended months of speculation and parsing of his sometimes cryptic statements on the issue. On Tuesday, Trump said he had great love for DACA recipients even as he rolled back the program created in 2012 by former President Barack Obama.

But it set in motion what may be months or years of conflict, with Trump inviting lawmakers to act and some state attorneys general, including Xavier Becerra of California, warning they were poised to sue the administration if the young immigrants were no longer granted work permits and protection from deportation.

DACA recipients, who have been in limbo since Trump took office, said in interviews Tuesday they were anguished as they considered uncertain futures. They have been in the country for more than a decade, and many have no meaningful connection to their countries of birth. Some do not speak any language except English.

The administration will wind down the program over the next few years by not accepting any new requests for DACA, while allowing those with current two-year work permits to use them until they expire, officials said.

Those whose protections were set to end before March 5 will be able to apply for a renewal by Oct. 5. After March 5, tens of thousands of people could be subject to deportation as the first batch of permits expires.

At a news conference in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the administration was forced to rescind the program because it was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch. Nine states led by conservative attorneys general had threatened to sue to halt DACA, and the administration said they had a winning case.

Trump called on Congress to take on the issue, saying in a statement, We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve.

The decision to cut a program popular with many Americans  a poll administered by NBC News and Survey Monkey and released last week found that 64 percent of people backed it  marked the latest front in a wider immigration crackdown favored by Trumps staunchest supporters. It was met with condemnation by many California politicians, including some Republicans, as well as business leaders and immigrant advocates.

The impact could be profound in California, where close to 223,000 of the more than 787,000 DACA recipients lived when they were approved. Leon Rodriguez, who headed up the federal agency that administered DACA from 2014 to 2016, said the loss of more than 200,000 Californians who fall out of the legal economy would, over time, result in not only a decrease in workers but a drop in consumption.

Its going to have a terrible impact on the economy in California, he said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, called the decision a deeply shameful act of political cowardice.

Among those weighing in was Obama, who posted a statement on Facebook. Ultimately, this is about basic decency, he wrote. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated.

But Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from Costa Mesa (Orange County), was among those who supported the decision. He said that while we may sympathize with DACA recipients, we in Congress must work to prevent such cynical loopholes from being created again by executive fiat.

The program offered protection from deportation and a two-year work permit for people who had come to the country before the age of 16, had lived in the U.S continuously since 2007, and were in school or had graduated. Any felony or significant misdemeanor convictions disqualified applicants.

Now, unless Congress acts, recipients will have their work permits taken away when they expire, and will be forced to either return to their country of birth  typically Mexico  or make difficult choices such as trying to live under the radar and working lower-paying off-the books jobs that dont require citizenship or a work permit.

Trump said DACA recipients will not be considered priorities for deportation unless they commit crimes, but his administration has deported people with clean records. A White House memo obtained by CNN states that Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time they have left to prepare for and arrange their departure.

One person considering his next steps on Tuesday was Gabe Belmonte, a 35-year-old San Jose engineer whose sons mother is also a DACA recipient and whose work permit runs out next September. He watched a few minutes of Sessions news conference on YouTube, then went on a walk at his networking companys campus for 20 minutes to clear his head.

He reflected on his life before DACA, how he barely got by working manual labor and restaurant jobs after he graduated from San Jose State University with an engineering degree. He was depressed for years because he didnt know where his life would go.

Then he thought of his life after DACA  a six-figure job in the field he studied, the opportunity to provide a home for his green-card-holding parents who had lost theirs in the recession, and the ability to better care for his 6-year-old son, who is a citizen by birth. He thought of how hed paid more than $100,000 in taxes since he got DACA.

As he walked around the campus, watching his colleagues arrive in their cars, he thought about how they were the same at work, but somehow so different.

Whats going to happen to my parents house? Whats going to happen to my son? What is going to happen to my job? If anything happens to me and his mother, what am I going to do? he said.

Belmonte has been in the country for 28 years, since he was brought in as a 7-year-old from Mexico. He has never been back.

DACA recipient Silvia Perez, a 26-year-old architect for a firm in Oakland, said she was already pondering her worst-case scenario  selling her possessions and leaving the country for Mexico so she could continue to provide for her family. She came to the U.S. at age 8, graduated from UC Berkeley in 2013, and has never been back to Mexico. She has protection until January and will apply for renewal before October.

She said she took offense to Sessions argument Tuesday that DACA recipients took jobs from Americans.

I did not take anyones job. I worked  through school and now. Ive earned everything that I have, she said.

Another recipient, Karina Camarena Heredia, a 20-year-old UC Berkeley junior studying to be a doctor, said she has no memory of her life in Mexico, which ended when she was 5.

I may not have been born here, but I was definitely raised here, she said. Theyre trying to send me back to a place I dont call home.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
Sadhana Singh didn't go to the rally at the White House Tuesday; she was studying before class.

But it was hard to concentrate, with all the messages she was getting from professors and friends wondering if President Donald Trump would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, wondering if she would be able to legally finish her college degree or if she could be deported.

"I have been bracing myself," she said Tuesday. "I always thought it would be canceled."

But when she heard the attorney general actually make the announcement, she said, "It was crushing. Because they put an end date on it."

Singh is one of more than 100 students at Trinity Washington University with provisional legal status through DACA. They now make up about 10 percent of the private school's enrollment - enough to have a profound impact on campus culture. The 31-year-old senior is part of the first group that will graduate in spring.

For Trinity's president, Patricia McGuire, the decision to be one of the schools partnering with TheDream.US scholarship program was an easy one, a moral imperative. "It is so consistent with our mission," she said. "Real Catholic social justice." And despite the expense, it has benefited the school. "They are extraordinary, outstanding students," she said. "Almost all are on the dean's list, very practical and very motivated."

She said from a conference of Catholic University leaders Tuesday that they were all outraged. "To use these young people as pawns in a political game with Congress is reprehensible. . . . There's nothing about this that we believe reflects American values."

But for many of those worried about the impacts of illegal immigration, DACA was never legal because it was enacted by President Barack Obama by executive action, and it creates a loophole that could worsen the problem of illegal immigration with a clear incentive for coming to the United States. If the students were able to become U.S. citizens, said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that supports tighter controls on immigration, "then they would petition for their parents, and there's no numerical limit."

As activists, lawmakers and attorneys prepared to fight, Singh kept preparing for her French and Energy and International Affairs classes that afternoon. "I'm overwhelmed," she said, "by all the feelings streaming in."

It had been such a long journey to college.

When the tourist visa her parents had to visit the United States expired, she knew. At 13, she took care of a lot of paperwork for the family, because of her parents' lack of education. And so, even as she marveled at the scale and expanse of everything in the United States - the highways, the stores, the possibilities all so much more vast than anything at home in Guyana - she worried.

But they stayed.

And the longer they stayed, the more she learned about the promise of this place. "I came to America, and this whole world opened to me that I never saw before," she said. "All these opportunities - all these things."

No one knew her secret in the small town in Georgia where they settled. The thing she wanted most, she said, was just to blend in, to be American. She faked a local accent. She picked an American-sounding name and told everyone to just call her Ashley.

She loved reading and writing and learning. She worked hard, becoming one of the top students in her class. She dreamed of college. But while her classmates ticked off milestones - learner's permit, driver's license, college applications - she just kept pretending to fit in.

After graduation, Singh finally told a few friends that she was not in the country legally, and one of their parents hired her. Her father, who had been a chauffeur in Guyana and kept his international driver's license, drove her to work. At the end of the day, he drove her home.

She felt as though she were looking through glass at everyone else traveling and learning and starting exciting new careers, while she stood still. For nine years.

"I felt so left behind and so repressed," she said. "I couldn't move on to achieve any of my goals, my dreams."

She questioned why her parents had left Guyana, and she thought about going back there herself, even though it seemed entirely foreign to her. In that culture, she wouldn't be expected to continue her education, either. But at least she would be there legally. She could drive, do things, travel without fear.

Then the DACA program was created. She applied immediately - it seemed too good to be true. And a co-worker told her about a new scholarship he had heard about on the radio.

"It was incredible," she said. "It was a salvation."

With a TheDream.US National Scholarship, she came to Trinity, one of the program's partner schools.

She was 28 years old and a college freshman. "I was 18 again," she said. "Everything excited me - the cafeteria, walking around campus, my dorm. I embraced the experience of being a normal college student."

Calculus tripped her up a little. But her other classes she found easier than she had expected; she had read so much in her years out of school that she hadn't fallen too far behind.

Her parents had been hesitant about college - it wasn't something they had thought much about. They needed her income, and they were surprised to think of her moving out of their home. But then they saw how happy she was and began to understand that she was doing this to help the whole family, by opening up much greater opportunities for herself.

This past year, she had to stop following the news so closely: All the political campaign rhetoric about cracking down on illegal immigration and ending the DACA program made her so anxious it was hard to concentrate on studying. "The fear was very real to me," she said, "knowing I had come so far and achieved so much and it was all going to be taken away from me in an instant."

She has DACA protection until October 2018, so she hopes to be able to graduate. Even if she had to leave the country to work, she would be grateful to have her degree. Knowing now that she has six months gives her time to plan, she said, although she has no idea what she'll do. And she has little confidence that Congress will be able to help.

As she watched the attorney general Tuesday, she had a sudden urge to scream at him. "The constitutional overreach, the politics of the situation. . . . It's human beings that are involved."

As she heard from friends worried about how they would support their families, she thought about how many people were affected, vastly more than the hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries of DACA. "It was really devastating now to pull the rug [out] from . . . under us."

"We're all thinking about someone else more than we're thinking about ourselves," she said. She was most upset for her brother, who has been able to work at Home Depot after getting DACA status. Her parents depend on his income as well. The program has changed all of their lives, she said.

"It pulled us into American society," she said. "We were there all along - but we couldn't participate."
WASHINGTON - John McCain is not your typical brain cancer patient.

It has been 48 days since the Republican senator from Arizona announced his diagnosis and 18 days since he completed his first round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Now, far from shrinking from public life, McCain is back on Capitol Hill with the rest of the Senate, ready to manage the floor debate over a defense authorization bill and begin the work of an extraordinarily busy and consequential month in Washington.

McCain, 81, was spotted in the halls of Congress ahead of the Senate's first votes since members departed for their home states on Aug. 3. His last memorable act before the break was to cast the decisive "no" vote against the Republican health-care bill, delivering a dramatic thumbs-down on the Senate floor as GOP leaders watched, aghast.

Those leaders might not have been pleased with his health-care vote, but they publicly welcomed McCain's return this month, given the ongoing work on the National Defense Authorization Act, which McCain oversees as head of the Armed Services Committee.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., tacitly acknowledged McCain's illness Tuesday and predicted that he would manage the defense measure with "skill and dedication."

Votes on the bill have not yet been scheduled.

"We've kept Senator McCain and his family in our thoughts over the state work period," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "We're glad to have him back with us."

The Arizona Republican learned he had cancer in July after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot above his left eye. Lab tests after the procedure revealed the existence of a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Since announcing his diagnosis on July 19, McCain has worked to maintain a steady public schedule, holding regular meetings with Arizona leaders and giving interviews to local media outlets, according to his social media accounts.

McCain attended policy events in Arizona and abroad over the recess, traveling to Cernobbio, Italy, for an international economic forum last week and speaking at an Arizona State University cybersecurity conference the week before. And he kept up a stream of commentary on such events as the violence in Charlottesville and President Trump's pardon of former sheriff Joe Arpaio, which he said "undermines his claim for the respect of the rule of law."

The NDAA will be McCain's primary legislative focus this month. But his presence will also be helpful as Republican leaders gather support for crucial votes, such as raising the debt ceiling, funding the government and perhaps responding to Trump's suspension of protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, which McCain called "unacceptable" on Tuesday.

McCain has said repeatedly that he doesn't plan to miss major business in the Senate.

"This is a very malicious disease. But I've had other challenges in my time, as well," McCain told constituents during a Facebook Live event last month.

"I don't mean to be repetitious, but to my Democrat friends and some of my Republican friends: I'm coming back," he said.
He was the great-great-great-great-nephew of Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee, and he felt it was his moral duty to speak out against his ancestor, "an idol of white supremacy, racism and hate." He said as much when he took the microphone near the end of the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, when he introduced himself by a familiar-sounding name: Robert Lee IV.

Lee's speech at the VMAs on Aug. 27 followed the glitz and glam of red carpets and all-star performances by the likes of Lorde and Ed Sheeran. But his appearance quickly caught Internet fame as among the night's most memorable. As he appeared before the cameras, Lee stood in stark contrast to the sleek, geometric set behind him, dressed simply in a black cleric's shirt and collar. Soon he would introduce Susan Bro, whose daughter Heather Heyer had been killed 15 days before, after being struck by a car as she protested white supremacy in Charlottesville.

"As a pastor, it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, America's original sin," he said. "Today, I call on all of us with privilege and power to answer God's call to confront racism and white supremacy head-on. We can find inspiration in the Black Lives Matter movement, the women who marched in the Women's March in January, and, especially, Heather Heyer, who died fighting for her beliefs."

On Monday, Lee announced he would be leaving his church - Bethany United Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, North Carolina - after speaking out against white supremacy and the idolization of Confederate monuments. In his statement, published on the website of the Auburn Theological Seminary, Lee wrote that while he did have congregants who supported his freedom of speech, many resented the attention the church received after the VMAs.

"A faction of church members were concerned about my speech and that I lifted up Black Lives Matter movement, the Women's March, and Heather Heyer as examples of racial justice work," he wrote, adding that his "church's reaction was deeply hurtful." Lee wrote that he never sought the kind of attention that has followed him since the protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month, even while his visibility as a religious leader and staunch opponent of Confederate memorials garnered international recognition, a turn of events no doubt fueled by his namesake.

Lee did not describe specific responses he received from congregants. But the comments section on an article about his VMA speech in the Winston-Salem Journal gives some sense of the backlash. One commenter wrote that there was "no way" Lee was a Christian and that "it seems anybody that wants to protect our country is a racist, or white supremacist. . . . It's a sin to use your position to name-call and judge."

Another commenter wrote that rather than appear on television, Lee should devote his time to ministering: "You have how many faithful members? Maybe if you spent more time around the church that number would increase."

In an Aug. 18 interview with BBC News, Lee argued that statues of his ancestor honor white supremacy and endorse a system in which it is acceptable to be racist in America. He pointed to the complete lack of markers to fascists in Europe following World War II as evidence that there is a way to "remember your history and not commemorate it." Lee talked of how he had spoken with a descendant of a slave owned by the Lee family, describing his heartbreak over hearing the firsthand experiences of those "hurt and oppressed by statues."

Lee has spoken openly about how he arrived at his own conclusions about his lineage, saying he has at once felt pride in the fact that Lee family members signed the Declaration of Independence and shame over Robert E. Lee's leadership over the Confederacy. In one NPR interview, he spoke of how he was often given mixed messages on whether the elder Lee was a proponent of slavery or states' rights.

From his pulpit, Lee implored his parishioners to condemn the racism swirling around them, insisting they would be doing the church wrong if they remained silent.

"It's not the message that we're used to hearing from our pulpits. But maybe now is the time to start having those messages," Lee said in the NPR interview.

In his first appointment out of seminary, Lee has been the pastor of Bethany Church since April, according to the church's website. The church was founded in a log meeting house around 1789 and is one of the oldest Reformed churches in North Carolina, having been originally founded as a "union effort of persons of Reformed and Lutheran faith." The church's website still listed Lee as its pastor as of early Tuesday.

The United Church of Christ has been known for its liberal views, given its support for social justice issues. For instance, it has called on the Washington Redskins to change its name.

A graduate of Appalachian State University and Duke University Divinity School, Lee is the author of "Stained-Glass Millennials"- a book about the relationship between millennials and institutional church - and is a regular columnist for the Statesville Record & Landmark, which has covered Iredell County, N.C., for more than a century. Lee did not return requests for an interview Monday night.

In an Aug. 31 column for the newspaper, Lee emphasized the "cost of discipleship," particularly when condemning hate.

"I wish I could say it was easy to speak up and speak out in God's name," Lee wrote in the column. "But it wasn't."

"I dislike the line: 'Lee descendant leaves church.'

I'm Rob Lee and I haven't left the church. Y'all haven't gotten rid of me yet.

- Rev. Rob Lee (@roblee4) September 4, 2017"

"Rev Rob Lee is now out of a job because of his words at the MTV awards. . . he is UCC. . . how is that even possible?

- Steven W. Barber (@RevSWBarber) September 4, 2017"
On Wednesday, a U.S. senator will sit before a jury of his peers and face charges that his friend bribed him to settle disputes for the government.

Both Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and wealthy eye doctor Salomon Melgen, also on trial Wednesday, have both denied the allegations.

It's a classic corruption case with a modern political twist: If Menendez is found guilty and subsequently steps down from his position, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, could name a Republican in his place. And in a divided Senate, one extra Republican vote could make a world of difference for President Donald Trump's agenda. Obamacare would probably have been repealed in July if Senate Republicans had an extra vote.

"The politics of it are fascinating, and they are fascinating from start to finish," said Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University.

Here's a timeline of the major events in the case, and how a guilty verdict could reverberate in Washington.

2006: Menendez is elected to the Senate.

As soon as 2006: Menendez takes weekend and week-long vacations to the Dominican Republic, Florida and Paris with Melgen, on the doctor's private jet, prosecutors would later allege.

2012: Menendez gets reelected. Melgen is a major donor, contributing some $600,000 to super PACS to help his reelection campaign.

2012: An anonymous tipster reaches out to media outlets and the FBI to claim Menendez was paying for underage prostitutes while in the Dominican Republic. Those allegations didn't pan out, but they spurred the government's closer look at Menendez's relationship with Melgen, The Post's Paul Kane and Carol Leonnig reported.

April 1, 2015: Menendez is indicted on federal corruption charges. It is the first time in a generation that a sitting U.S. senator is indicted by the administration of his own party.

The Justice Department accuses Menendez of using his official position to help Melgen get around U.S. government roadblocks for his business and personal ventures. Melgen is also indicted.

The indictment alleges the men engaged in a quid pro quo since Menendez was first elected, detailing:

--Menendez took 19 free rides on Melgen's private jets to luxury resorts around the world, sometimes bringing guests.

--Menendez helped three of Melgen's foreign-born girlfriends get visas to visit the United States.

--Over a period of four years, Menendez held several meetings with U.S. health officials to help Melgen settle an $8.9 million Medicare payment dispute, at one point asking then-Senate majority leader Harry M. Reid, D-Nev., to help out.

--Melgen made more than $600,000 in campaign donations to super PACs to get Menendez reelected in 2012.

--As Melgen was emailing Menendez's staff in April and May 2012, promising to donate to Menendez's campaign, prosecutors allege Menendez reached out to top State Department officials to urge them to enforce a port-security contract with the Dominican Republic that would benefit Melgen's company.

Both men deny the charges. Menendez has explained that he and Melgen are old friends; they've attended children's weddings and given each other birthday gifts, and they've vacationed together. He said he was treating Melgen like any other constituent in need.

"I'm angry and ready to fight," Menendez tells his supporters the night of the indictment.

April 2015: After initially refusing, Menendez temporarily steps down from his position as the top-ranking Democrat on the foreign relations committee as he fights the charges.

His supporters immediately zero in on the benefit Menendez's resignation could have for Obama: As a Cuban-American, Menendez vociferously opposed Obama's olive branch to Cuba.

There's no proof the indictment was in any way connected to politics. But its effect was tangible in the political world nonetheless: "The net result of the indictment was ... that a legislative check was removed from the Obama administration's foreign policy," Harrison said. "It raises the frightening idea about the politicization of the Department of Justice."

In the days before the trial, Obama-era officials are defending the indictment. Here's Obama's ethics chief, on Thursday:

"Just a reminder that ethics knows no party. The bribery trial for Senator Bob Mendez (D-NJ) is moving forward. The allegations are serious.

- Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) August 31, 2017"

June 2016: The Supreme Court unanimously overturns a public corruption conviction of former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted in 2014 for accepting luxury gifts and cash from a businessman in exchange for McDonnell using the office of governor to help the businessman.

The justices took issue with what constitutes an "official act," arguing in McDonnell's case, it was overly broad.

Menendez's lawyers perk up at this. The senator is accused of trying to influence executive decisions, not of writing laws that helped his buddy, they plan to argue, and they will ask the judge to throw the charges out altogether.

"There is a very real chance this case might be dismissed," as soon as it gets started, Harrison said.

April 2017: In a separate criminal case, a Florida jury finds Melgen guilty of stealing up to $105 million from Medicare by falsely reporting how much he treated patients in his Palm Beach County practice. It's one of the largest Medicare health-care fraud schemes in history. He could face 20 years in prison when he's sentenced this fall.

Those are all the key events leading up to the trial. Here's what could happen afterward:

November 2017: Roughly the time the trial is expected to finish. This is also when New Jersey will vote for a new governor and its entire legislature is up for reelection. Democrats control both chambers and are looking to use Christie's historic unpopularity (15 percent approval rating) to gain total control of the state.

Jan. 16, 2018: Christie's last day in office. This date is important if Menendez is convicted and if Menendez resigns or the Senate votes to kick him out.

The governor can choose who temporarily replaces Menendez until an election is held.

Christie would likely choose a Republican to replace a Democrat, giving Senate Republicans 53 votes, which is a magic number. If they had 53 votes in July, the Obamacare repeal bill that failed by one vote would have likely passed the Senate. If they had 53 votes in February, Vice President Mike Pence wouldn't have had to come down to break a tie vote for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

In short, one extra vote in the Senate matters. A lot.

Unknown date: IF Menendez is convicted, and IF he refuses to resign, would the Senate vote to kick Menendez out? That would require two-thirds of the Senate, or 67 out of 100 senators. That means at least 15 Democrats would have to join all Republicans. Harrison is doubtful, given how much goodwill Menendez has built up - and how one vote can hold the line for Democrats these days.

November 2018: Menendez's seat is up for grabs. Especially if Menendez is found not guilty, "the expectation is he would run again and win," Harrison said. It certainly wouldn't be the first time New Jersey voters voted for a politician accused of corruption.
On a warm August night in 1955, Simeon Wright woke to the sound of unfamiliar voices. Opening his eyes, he found two white men standing at the foot of his bed, holding a flashlight and gun.

They were after Wright's cousin - 14-year-old Emmett Till - who was still asleep beside him but would soon be kidnapped, brutally murdered and dumped into a river.

It was memories of that historically infamous night that Wright, who died on Monday, quietly carried with him until publishing his firsthand account in a 2010 book. Wright died on Monday morning from complications from bone cancer at his home in Countryside, Illinois, according to the Chicago Tribune. He was 74 and is survived by his wife and extended family.

Wright was 12 years old and living in Money, Mississippi, when his cousin visited from Chicago in the summer of 1955. He was there for the moments of that visit that would transform Till from an innocent teenager to the face of Southern Jim Crow violence and brutality throughout the civil rights era, down to this day.

The two were together when Till allegedly whistled at a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, at the convenience store she owned with her husband, Roy. Wright said Till was "always joking around" and was likely trying to get a laugh out of his cousins. But the whistle struck Wright, who feared the overwhelming presence of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi, to the core. Chicago magazine quoted Wright as saying the joke "scared us half to death . . . A black boy whistling at a white woman? In Mississippi? No."

The group promised not to tell Wright's father about the incident, expecting that he would rush Till out of town if he ever found out.

But it was at 2 a.m. on Aug. 28 that Roy Bryant and his half brother, J.W. Milam, arrived at the Wrights' home. They snatched Till from the bed he shared with Wright. Till's beaten body was later found in the Tallahatchie River, along with a 75-pound cotton-gin fan tied to his neck with barbed wire.

The horrific scene became an instant symbol of racial violence. Till's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, arranged for her son's body to be on display at the funeral, allowing photographers to capture lasting images of an anguished mother and her mutilated child.

Bryant and Milam went on trial for murder, with Wright's father even identifying them in court. But they were acquitted by an all-white jury, despite later confessing to the crime in Look magazine.

The Wrights soon left Mississippi for the Chicago suburbs. As recounted in Chicago magazine, Wright got into plenty of fights after the move. He wasn't meek in the face of slurs from white boys. Still, he graduated from Argo High School in 1962 and worked as a pipe fitter, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In his 20s, Wright found a kind of comfort in Christianity, even forgiving his cousin's killers. Later in life he was a deacon in the Argo Temple Church of God in Christ, according to Chicago magazine. The church was pastored by Till's cousin and founded by his maternal grandmother.

In a Chicago Tribune obituary, Wright's wife, Annie Wright, said her husband "got through it with the Lord's help," adding that he focused his energy on mentoring young boys and teaching them how to navigate life's setbacks.

Even with his newfound spirituality, Wright said he was haunted by historical inaccuracies surrounding Till's death. His co-authored book, "Simeon's Story: An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till," aims to clarify eyewitness accounts and other reports that lived on decades after the lynching, including the fact that Till's wallet did not contain a photo of a white girl and that Till did not address Bryant on a dare.

The book was also an eloquent, albeit chilling, recounting of life for a young black man in the Jim Crow era.

"Any black person brave enough to violate this system," he writes, "was immediately confronted by angry white men, usually with murder on their minds. There was nothing more feared in the South than one of those lynch mobs, which was invariably protected by the sheriff and his deputies - when they weren't part of the mob themselves. For every courageous black man willing to speak out against the circumstances we faced, hundreds of white men were willing and able to make sure he paid the ultimate price."
U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley made a case Tuesday for how the United States could back away from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and suggested that President Donald Trump may toss the issue to Congress.

Haley did not directly champion a U.S. withdrawal, but she claimed the nuclear-restriction deal is a threat to U.S. national security because its structure leaves loopholes and discourages tough enforcement.

"You can't put lipstick on a pig," Haley said. "We have to look at the reality that this deal is flawed."

That appears to put her at odds with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has argued that despite imperfections, the deal offers benefits including a reprieve from the imminent threat of an Iranian bomb and solidarity with European and Asian allies.

In an address to the conservative American Enterprise Institute, Haley left little doubt that she would support a presidential finding next month that Iran is not complying with the deal. That would be a first step toward a U.S. withdrawal and would trigger a 60-day congressional review that Haley said would be beneficial.

"Congress could debate whether the nuclear deal is in fact too big to fail," Haley said.

"We should welcome a debate over whether the JCPOA is in U.S. national security interests," she said, using the acronym for the deal's formal title, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Haley criticized specifics of the deal and said Iran is trying to duck scrutiny by insisting that the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, cannot inspect military sites at will. She met with the agency's director and got a technical briefing about Iranian inspections last month that critics said was aimed at finding a peg for U.S. claims that Iran is cheating.

"#IAEA verification of Iran compliance with JCPOA is based on terms of agreement; not the ulterior motives of US officials, nor of lobbyists," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif wrote Saturday on Twitter.

Haley's larger critique echoed Trump's "America first" rationale toward foreign policy.

"If the president finds that he cannot in good faith certify Iranian compliance, he would initiate a process whereby we move beyond narrow technicalities and look at the big picture," she said. "At issue is our national security. It's past time we had an Iran nuclear policy that acknowledged that."

Congress mandated a quarterly presidential certification that Iran is meeting its requirements, which Trump has twice signed off on with reluctance. After the last such certification, in July, Trump strongly suggested he would say no at the next opportunity, in October.

"While I have discussed it with him, I do not know what decision he will make," Haley said. "It is his decision to make, and his alone."

If Trump did trigger a congressional review this fall, it would come on top of a long list of must-do legislation.

The congressional requirement was a compromise that President Barack Obama accepted to win legislative backing for the deal, which he chose not to submit to the Senate for ratification as a treaty.

Upon a finding that Iran is not complying, Congress would consider whether to reimpose U.S. sanctions lifted as part of the agreement, and U.S. participation in the international agreement would be in limbo.

Other parties to the agreement have said they would not walk away simply because Trump finds Iran out of compliance. But an understanding between the United States and Iran after more than three decades of enmity was the cornerstone of the agreement, and it is not clear how important or effective the deal would be without Washington's participation.

"For advocates of the deal, everything in our relationship with the Iranian regime must now be subordinated to the preservation of the agreement," Haley said Tuesday.

Iran's leaders exploit the inflexibility of the deal, Haley claimed, as well as international investment in preserving it.

"Just last month, when the United States imposed new sanctions in response to Iranian missile launches, Iran's leaders threatened once again to leave the JCPOA," she said. "This arrogant threat tells us one thing - Iran's leaders want to use the nuclear deal to hold the world hostage to its bad behavior."

The deal is backed by the United Nations and includes the five major nuclear powers that are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

"Our allies very much know that we should be concerned" about Iran's compliance, Haley said. "No, they don't want us to get out of the deal. But this is the thing: Are we going to take care of our allies and making sure they're comfortable? Or are we going to look out for our U.S. security interests?"
Sept. 6, 1937: Plainview boys and girls went back to school today  1,800 strong with transfers yet to be accounted for. Enrollment in five schools this morning totaled 1,813 with 472 at high school, 460 at junior high, 471 at Highland, 340 at Lamar and 70 at Seth Ward.

--James Wallace Davenport left this morning for Austin where he will attend the University of Texas.

--Jimmy Leach, 16, was receiving treatment at the Plainview Hospital for a brain concussion he received when he fell on a concrete walk. He was running when he struck a clothes line and fell backward on the walk.

Sept. 6, 1957: Tommy Hancock and his band from Lubbock will furnish the music for a dance held during the regional VFW meet here this weekend.

--Dennis Hall of Cotton Center showed the champion hog, 4-H Sears gilt. Gary Houchin of Hale Center showed the County Sears boar.

--Mary Kate, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe H. McWilliams, was born at the Plainview Hospital and Clinic Foundation on Thursday. Grandparents are Lois Gidney and Mr. and Mrs. A.P. McWilliams.

Sept. 6, 1977: Johnny, David and Terry Tallant, brothers ages 7, 14 and 11, have been residents at Cal Farley Boys Ranch for one year and eight months.

--Area lawmen are continuing their search for two of the men who escaped from Hale County jail on Saturday. The other prisoner, Vern Fowler, was captured about 15 minutes after the jail break.

--The new one-party system for the Cleta Exchange of Mid-Plains Rural Telephone Cooperative should be in service Sept. 13.

Sept. 6, 1987: Brandy Smith and Kyra Patty modeled sweaters and pants for the fall season for a Marse and Son department store advertisement.

--Karen Rogers will demonstrate ornaments made with Battenberg lace, Pat Boedeker will teach a class on how to cover shoes with fabric and Mary Lynn Lewis will demonstrate painting on sweatshirts at the Hale County Extension Creativity Workshop.

--An article profiled Marianna Muntz Brunson, former World Champion All-Around Cowgirl.
Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the ninth BRICS summit in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

XIAMEN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday chaired the ninth BRICS summit, calling on the group of five emerging economies to intensify cooperation and contribute more to a world troubled by protectionism and imbalanced development.

"We must redouble our efforts to usher in the second golden decade of BRICS cooperation," Xi told leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa at the summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen, Fujian Province.

It was the first time that Xi had presided over the BRICS summit and the third time for him to chair major international events in a year, following the G20 Hangzhou Summit and the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma were welcomed by Xi before the opening of the summit, themed "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future."

The summit has been widely expected to set the future course for the group, which accounts for about 43 percent of the world's population and has contributed more than half of global economic growth over the past decade.

Xi raised his vision to "comprehensively deepen" BRICS partnership, including seeking practical results in economic cooperation, strengthening complementarity of development strategies and making the international order more just and equitable.

People-to-people exchanges, "a worthy cause that deserves enduring commitment," should be promoted, according to Xi.

He noted the different national conditions of the five countries, but stressed differences can be transcended and win-win results achieved.

He called on BRICS members to bring their comparative strengths in resources, markets and labor force to release growth potential and the creativity of 3 billion people.

Refuting claims that the group is losing its luster, Xi told the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday that the BRICS countries are "fully confident" about their growth potential and future outlook despite headwinds that have caused setbacks in growth.

From G20 Hangzhou Summit in September last year to the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China's approach to global development is becoming more evident via partnership, open economy and win-win cooperation.

A trading port since ancient times and a gateway for China's opening up, Xiamen is where Xi started when he came to Fujian Province to take up a new official post in 1985.

He hoped the BRICS countries could set sail from the city to deliver greater benefits to the people of the five countries and around the world.

RESULTS-ORIENTED

While uncertainties and downside risks persist with inward-looking policies weighing on global growth prospects, Xi stressed promoting results-oriented economic cooperation, "the foundation of BRICS cooperation," he said.

The potential for BRICS cooperation has yet to be fully unleashed, Xi said, citing the five countries' foreign investment totaling 197 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, only 5.7 percent of which took place among BRICS members.

He urged advancing cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, monetary and finance, connectivity, sustainable development and innovation.

In the latest demonstration that BRICS is a task force that gets things done, the president announced China will launch an economic and technological plan for BRICS countries with 500 million yuan (about 76 million U.S. dollars) for the first term to facilitate exchanges and cooperation in the economic and trade fields.

China will also provide 4 million U.S. dollars for projects of the BRICS New Development Bank, which opened in 2015.

FIVE WITH ONE VOICE

As a stabilizer in regional and international relations, BRICS has been working hard to gain a bigger say on the international stage.

The stance was reaffirmed by Xi at the summit.

"We the five countries play a more active part in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved," Xi said. "We should speak with one voice and jointly present our solutions to issues concerning international peace and development."

He said the BRICS should work for a new type of international relations and push for economic globalization that is "open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all."

Xi's speech was echoed by his counterparts at the summit.

Zuma said the BRICS should strengthen contact with other emerging economies and developing countries to pursue common development.

The five countries should strengthen cooperation and improve global economic governance to create a sound external environment, said Temer.

For his part, Putin said the BRICS should build an open world economy, oppose protectionism and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

Modi said BRICS countries should explore potential for economic cooperation, safeguard the multilateral trade system and promote people-to-people exchanges.

To consolidate their common ground, leaders of BRICS countries adopted the Xiamen Declaration, expressing consensus on various issues including the support for the UN's central role in international affairs, opposing protectionism, condemning terrorism and deploring the latest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"BRICS PLUS"

During the Xiamen summit, China will hold a Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, in which leaders of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand will join the BRICS leaders in discussing global development cooperation.

The China-proposed model is considered part of a bid to promote BRICS as a leading platform for South-South cooperation.

For emerging economies and developing countries, "we should stick to openness rather than protectionism, multilateral trade mechanisms rather than benefiting oneself at the expense of others, mutual benefit rather than a zero-sum game," Xi said at a smaller meeting of BRICS leaders Monday morning.

"It is easy to break one arrow, but hard to break 10 arrows bundled together," Xi cited the Chinese proverb in his Sunday speech to call for involving more emerging market and developing countries in cooperation and mutually beneficial endeavors.

Iqbal Surve, head of the South Africa chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said "BRICS Plus" would be warmly welcome among developing countries as the initiative is aligned with the common purpose of shaking off poverty and realizing dreams.
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The last time anyone heard from Jim Simmon, he was standing on Bissonnet Street, 20 miles from the Montrose home he'd walked out of hours earlier.

At least, that's what he told his confused son over the phone.

Simmon, 63, a former Houston journalist, suffers from early-onset Alzheimer's disease, a condition his family said can worsen with stress or confusion. And in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, there's been no shortage of either.

Five days after Simmon went missing, his family and friends are like so many other Texans trying to stay positive. They have spent days scouring shelters or online groups for any sign of their loved one.

Now Playing: Greg Connelly was among the thousands of people who sought shelter at the George R. Brown Convention Center in the days following Tropical Storm Harvey. When the storm struck on Aug. 25, 2017, Connelly had a manic episode and left his parents house in Pearland. His family couldn't find him for days. Because of catastrophic flooding in the region, Connelly's elder sister Kara Flores, couldn't leave her home in The Woodlands to search the convention center until Thursday, Aug. 31. She called her mother to let her know she'd found him. Video by Gabrielle Banks Video: Gabrielle Banks

But even for the most optimistic among them, the uncertainty unnerves. No doubt the storm's rising death toll weighs heavy too.

"We just want to find Jim," Simmon's ex-wife Jamie Kaelin said Monday. "We just want him to come home... I'm just worried sick."

In the last week the number of missing people in the Houston area has fallen dramatically, said Beth Alberts, CEO of the Texas Center for the Missing, which is working out of a makeshift headquarters at the George R. Brown Convention Center. All told, she said, her group has located 118 people, including three who died.

The whereabouts of another 17  including Simmon  were still unknown Monday.

Now Playing: Houston Chronicle photojournalism Mark Mulligan returned to several sites he photographed in the Meyerland area of Houston on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, later in the week to document how much they had changed since flood waters roared through the area. These photographs show just how high the water was in the area. What they do NOT show are the thousands of homes here and elsewhere in the region that are having to be completely gutted. Parts of the city and region are still underwater. Video: Houston Chronicle

The Houston Police Department had received 45 new reports of missing people between Aug. 25 and this past Saturday, including two children. At least 29 of those cases have been resolved.

Authorities are still trying to determine the whereabouts of the Omni Houston Hotel's spa manager, Jill Renick, who was reported missing after she reportedly tried to ride out the storm at the hotel. Her car and dog were found at the hotel but there has been no sign of Renick, distressing family members.

The Harris County coroner meanwhile said there were no storm-related deaths in which the deceased had not been identified.

MORE: Harvey's displaced persons proving hard to track down

The same is apparently true in Fort Bend County. Major Chad Norvell of the county sheriff's office said Monday that he had no knowledge of any missing persons.

Still, "it's been a mess" trying to find people in the wake of the storm, Alberts said. Most of their efforts have been focused at the city's temporary shelters such as the George R. Brown Convention Center, which at the storm's peak housed more than 10,000 people. Thousands more are spread out in shelters across the city.

"The biggest issue is we have no central communications or database of all the folks who have been evacuated into all these shelters," Alberts said Saturday. "Everybody is overwhelmed."

Cell phones and online resources have helped, she said, but the reliance on them has also complicated some searches, particularly those for older people or those with mental illnesses who might not otherwise remember how to reach friends or family.

"People are so accustomed to being able to reach each other on their cell phones," she said "And so if they can't reach them on their cell, they really can't reach them (any other way)."

Even in the midst of an episode, Simmon always remembered phone numbers and his address, his ex-wife said. Nor is he likely to have gotten lost for a prolonged period of time, she said, having become familiar with the city during his career as an editor at the Houston Press and Houston Chronicle.

More than a dozen friends have spent days searching for him, and yet the trail remained cold late Monday.

Kaelin was initially hesitant to post about her ex-husband online, hoping for "his dignity to remain intact," she said. But days later she came around to the idea. Houston police issued a missing person's alert Sunday evening.

For some, such posts have with time become a sort of last hope. For others, they're the only one at all.

Two days before Harvey made landfall in Corpus Christi, Kevin McRoberts arrived there by bus, his daughter Sarah McRoberts, 19, said.

Eleven days later her father, who she said is homeless and an alcoholic, still hadn't posted anything as of Monday afternoon on his Facebook page. Nor does he have a cell phone, compounding the worry of family members, who all live 950 miles away in Kansas City, Kansas.

His daughter has, like others, been posting photos of her father on Facebook groups, but has thus far found no luck.

Such groups have been flooded in recent days by desperate pleas from despairing people like her: A 17-year-old daughter has been missing for 10 days. An elderly aunt and her Chevy Cobalt disappeared in the storm. A mother searches for her homeless son, a sister for her schizophrenic brother.

Updates are rare, good news even moreso.

"I don't know what to do. I feel kinda worthless up here," Sarah McRoberts said. "I have no clue of his whereabouts. I don't even know who he was with. It just makes it so much worse."

"I have a feeling he's still alive," she said. "But you never know."
Despite a mandatory evacuation order because of Tropical Storm Harvey, Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Marcus McLellan said Monday the office had learned through social media that Bevil Oaks residents had begun returning to rescue pets.

He said the mandatory evacuation order gave the residents sufficient time to evacuate with their pets and no one except first-responders should be in the area.

FULL COVERAGE: Tropical Storm Harvey reports from the Beaumont area

The Sheriff's Office released aerial video Monday of continued flooding around the city of Bevil Oaks.

Any animals left in the area are being rescued by groups organized through the Jefferson County Livestock deputy, McLellan said. The ASPCA and Texas A&M Veterinary Response Team are assisting.

Anyone who comes and tries to take pets out of homes without authorization will be committing burglary and will be charged, he added.

Jefferson County offices will be closed Tuesday, except to conduct Commissioners Court. Officials will evaluate the status later in the day.

Officials also issued guidelines for rural debris removal around the Beaumont area. DRC, the debris removal company for the rural areas of the county, urges residents to place debris in the county right-of-way, as close to the road as possible.

To expedite pickup, materials need to separated as follows:

Vegetation - trees, limbs

Spoiled food and contaminated recyclables - unusable food and wet papers

Structural and building material - drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture

Appliances - freezers, stove, washer and dryer

Electronics - TVs, computers, telephones

Household hazards - oils, batteries, paints, cleaning supplies, gasoline

DRC has set up a customer hotline at 1-888-721-4372 to answer questions starting Tuesday. Pickup begins Thursday, Sept. 7.

DRC is contracted for the rural areas of Jefferson County and the Mid County areas. The city of Beaumont and the city of Port Arthur have other companies contracted for their citizens.
Courtesy

A truly extraordinary man, Vicente V. Garza, passed away on August 31, 2017. He was born on August 5, 1931 to Vicente Garza, Sr. and Julieta V. Garza and was a lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas. He graduated from St. Augustine High School with honors in 1948. He attended St. Edwards University and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He continued to expand his love of knowledge by continuously reading and learning about Real Estate Development, Law, Mechanical & Merchandise Retailing.

Vicente was a true business man at heart. He followed in the steps of his father who taught him the art of managing businesses. He formed many business relationships in Laredo and throughout South Texas. While working to build his business in Laredo, Vicente continued to manage retail stores and hotels spanning from Laredo to the Valley. His most significant business accomplishments were the founding of El Rio Department Store and his most instrumental role in the development of the Riverdrive Mall in Laredo. Vicente was an innovator, always working to improve for the better. This included his vision of improving the riverbanks of the city of Laredo.
It seems ironic that a former Harlandale superintendent should get named a finalist for a top award in his field about the same time the state launches an investigation into the San Antonio school district that essentially forced him out.

Robert Jaklich was with the Harlandale Independent School District for 15 years, the last four as superintendent. Highly respected, he was credited with helping turn the district around and helping restore public trust in the troubled district after a corruption scandal over school contracts.

His resignation in May 2012 was a low point for Harlandale. It prompted then-Mayor Julian Castro to appear at a school board meeting to ask Jaklich to reconsider a job offer in Victoria, urging the board to put the students first in their decision-making, not who gets a contract, the Express-News reported.

Jaklich went from Harlandale to Victoria ISD where he remains. And he has done well.

He is one of five Texas public school administrators selected as a finalists for the annual superintendent of the year award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards. The award recognizes exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership.

We would like to say things have changed in Harlandale since the antics of some of board members prompted Jaklich to seek employment elsewhere but little has changed.

Things have not gone well for the district.

In August, the Texas Education Agency launched an investigation looking into governance issues, allegations of nepotism, contract procurement and conflicts of interest.

Despite the addition of some new faces on the board, the culture remains unchanged and politics remain high on the agenda.

It is not surprising to see the former superintendent and the school district back in the news for totally different reasons.
Grammar gripe

I support the campaign encouraging us to do our shopping locally (MM August 16) despite the slogan Shop Local. Shop is, in this case, a verb and should be modified by an adverb. Local is an adjective, which should be used to modify a noun. The correct modifier is locally. We are encouraged in the correct use of te reo Maori and rightly so. Surely the English language should be accorded the same courtesy? Shop Locally when you buy a book on English grammar.

John Northcott, Warkworth

Toilet troubles

A couple of days ago I had occasion to use the reconditioned toilets adjacent to the Council offices in Warkworth. On entering one stall, I found that there was no paper, and the bowl was full to nearly overflowing. On moving into the second stall, I noticed that the concrete floor appears to have been laid with a slope from the stall to the back of the cubicle, making a perfect place for water to pool after the cleaners hose or mop out the area. This pool extended toward the front of the cubicle and meant my shoes were sitting in water. First impressions were that the recent lengthy, and no doubt costly, overhaul was a distinct improvement on what was there before. However, I believe that an inspection by a Council officer with an order to the contractors to make good their errors would be an even better move.

James Ramage, Warkworth

Dodgy bureaucrats

Penny Webster (MM August 2) berates our current Councillor, Greg Sayers, for saying that it is easier to get a building consent in Thames than in Auckland City. She uses the excuse that all the new building codes and health and safety legislation is the cause. But she misses the point that in Auckland City there are so many unnecessary bureaucrats in the system, who all need to have their own input to justify their jobs. Everything takes longer and costs more.

Peter Georgetti, Warkworth

Honourable intentions

In response to Jacob Le Car (MM July 19). I write to express my total confidence in the ability, skill and dedication of Peter Thompson. If it were not for the fact of Peters voluntary involvement over very many years in the beautification and provision of facilities in Warkworth, where would we be today? In recent years we have certainly seen a deterioration of the Mahurangi River, both in sediment control and the ecology. For some time now, Peter has been determined to proceed with a dredging project, and to that end he has built a tug boat and barge to serve that purpose. Yes, it may seem like a commercial enterprise, but what Peter is actually doing is undertaking work that will subsidise the task ahead. I, along with numerous locals, can assure the writer that Peter Thompson only wants what is best for Warkworth.

Dave Parker, Chairman, Jane Gifford Restoration Trust Steering Committee (abridged)

MSG for NAG

The Mahurangi Support Group (MSG) has joined the fray between Auckland Council and several parties, which they believe have been poorly served by it. Five parties have joined together to form the MSG. Its goals align with that of NAG (Northern Action Group) which is already making strides in bringing the Council to book over perceived abuses of the law, as well as fighting for the re-creation of an independent Rodney County. Making their own rules and then bending them seems to be a common complaint against Council, voiced by parties involved in issues such as West Hoe, the proposed link between SH1 and Matakana Road and the development in East Mahurangi. It is reported that about 500 cases are now pending in the High Court, which points to a failure to resolve issues early. The recent report Big rate hike if Rodney leaves Auckland (MM August 2) presents a fait accompli, without revealing who commissioned the report and whether it is fair and unbiased. The MSG believes our locality is an area where residents legal protections are being eroded on a wide scale.

John Wells, Mahurangi East (abridged)
In August, I delivered to Council my intent for the next 10-year budget and outlined my vision for Auckland. My priority for our city in the coming decade is to address the challenges we face with rapid population growth putting pressure on transport, housing and the environment. Our wider goal for Auckland is to be a city that can retain our talented young people and attract the skills and investment for our city and country to grow.

New Zealand needs Auckland to succeed as a global city that can compete with other major cities around the world. Our task is to build on the advantages Auckland offers  ease of doing business, opportunities in work and education, a beautiful environment and a great lifestyle.

Our biggest challenge is to secure funding for infrastructure to meet the demands of our fast growing population and to ensure Auckland remains a successful, inclusive city where people love to live. We have made good progress in the past 10 months. In July, we announced with Government a new $300m investment in infrastructure to bring forward 10,500 new homes in Whenuapai and Redhills and a Special Purpose Vehicle to invest an extra $587m in development-enabling infrastructure to accelerate more than 23,000 new builds, including in Wainui, without adding new debt to Councils books. Investment in transport is critical with $27 billion needed in the next 10 years. We are working with Government on how to fund that without huge rates increases.

Growing homelessness is another challenge. Through the Housing First programme, Council has partnered with NGOs and central government to house vulnerable Aucklanders sleeping rough. Between March 1 and July 31, 150 adults and families with children have been housed through Housing First. We have also launched Million Trees, my programme to plant one million new predominantly native trees and shrubs across Auckland by the end of this Council term, delivering a natural asset for future generations to enjoy. Council is working hard to deliver positive outcomes for our city so that we can meet the needs of all our people and make Auckland a greener, more connected and more prosperous city.

We need your voice and your input on our plans for Auckland. Early next year, the 10-year Budget will go out for public consultation. I encourage all of you to make your voices heard so that you can help shape Aucklands development over the coming decade. We also need more support from central government to fund critical infrastructure. Im pleased that the election campaign has brought our citys challenges to the fore, with many of the political parties announcing policies for Auckland. I look forward to working constructively with whoever forms the government after September 23 to ensure that Auckland receives the investment we need as we continue to grow.

by Phil Goff
Cr Greg Sayers

Rural ratepayers are being robbed blind by the Auckland Supercity, while allowing carcinogenic rural roads to remain unsealed, according to Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers.

Cr Sayers made claim after securing figures from the Auckland Council that show Rodney rural landowners pay $38 million in rates but only $1.22 million is invested back to seal Rodneys roads.

After exhaustive effort I have been able to source Rodneys rate-take figures, he says.

According to Sayers, the $1.22 million currently allocated to road sealing is bolstered by borrowings to make a total of $3.3 million for sealing projects each year.

But Cr Sayers says this is hopelessly inadequate.

He is calling for a tripling of the road sealing budget from $3.3 million to $10 million a year for the next 10 years.

Cr Sayers says that rural rates are being siphoned off to the CBD to compensate for what he calls Auckland Councils continued overspending and wastage of money.

Meanwhile, local residents are left exposed to serious health and safety issues, he says.

Rural roads have become both a safety and a health issue because, being unsealed, the dust particles generated when driving on them get breathed-in and have been classified as a probable carcinogen, he says.

Figures supplied to Greg Sayers by Auckland Council. Watercare charges a separate fee for water supply and sewage treatment.

Last December, Mahurangi Matters reported on a New Zealand Transport Agency study, which monitored an unsealed road in the far North and found dust particles known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, including lung cancer.

Cr Sayers says these health findings have generated little sympathy from Auckland Council.

I am often told that my constituents chose to live in the country, like somehow not choosing to live in the CBD makes them less worthy. I see no reason why they should not have the same health protection as their urban counterparts, he.

Rural people realise the importance of contributing towards wider civic services. However, Council needs to stop milking such a huge percentage of the rates away from local needs.

In response to Cr Sayers concerns, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says Auckland Transport is trying to progressively expand the number of roads within the Auckland region that are sealed. However, financial constraints mean the process will take time.

A targeted rate for road sealing might be the answer.

Franklin tackled this problem years ago, prior to amalgamation, by using a targeted rate to seal nearly all of the significant roads in the district, Mr Goff says.

He adds that statements about Rodney missing out need to be backed up by evidence.

Mr Goff says the Morrison Low report, a recent independent consultants assessment, says that if Rodney were to become a unitary authority, then Rodneys rates would need to increase by 48 per cent.

Mr Goff declined to respond when it was suggested that the paltry $1.22 million invested in road sealing, from a rural rate take of $38 million, was, in fact, evidence that Rodney was missing out.
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Sale of its land at 20 Melia Place remains the rescue package of choice for the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, which rejected an alternative offer at a meeting last month.

The club is in debt and hopes that the cash injection gained by selling the land will help put its future on a more secure footing.

An offer for 20 Melia Place, details of which are confidential until it goes unconditional later this month, was accepted recently by the committee after 94 percent of members voted to sell the land, back in May.

However, not long after that deal was announced by president Frank Coggan, another proposal was put to the vote at a meeting of members on August 27.

The suggestion put forward by Chris and Gerard Peters involved transferring the RSAs entire property to a Trust, of which the RSA would be the beneficiary. The property would be used over a 10-year period to obtain investment funds, with a minimum return guaranteed to the RSA of $500,000 per annum.

Committee member Brian Clay was key in getting the proposal put before members. He says it was about having a vision for the clubs future. Mr Clay says that selling land is not necessary and capital gained from the Peters proposal might have made his vision of developing the site into an RSA memorial park possible.

A total of 163 people attended the meeting and 52 percent of them voted for the proposal: 66 percent was required for the idea to go ahead.

President Frank Coggan says the committee had already rejected it on legal advice.

There is some dissent among members, but we have a strong mandate for the land sale, Mr Coggan says. We are confident that the sale will be great news for all our members, who dont want to lose our club.

We believe that this agreement represents a turning point for the fortunes of our club and with all the other changes and developments we have in place, augers well for the future of our RSA.
The officer-in-charge of Warkworth police, Sergeant Bede Haughey, will likely transfer to Orewa following allegations of unsatisfactory performance.

Sgt Haughey has confirmed that he has been advised that he is due to transfer to Orewa on September 18 and the news had come as a bit of a shock.

He declined to go into details concerning the allegations, saying he was exploring legal avenues open to him.

Rodney Police Area Commander Mark Fergus said the matter was an employment issue so, for privacy reasons, he was unable to comment, but it is understood that there are concerns that there is a negative culture in the Warkworth police and that the local force has lost the confidence of the Warkworth community

Inspector Fergus said Warkworth and the surrounding areas were served by a team of amazing police officers, who were dedicated to the community that they live in and keeping it safe.

They have my full support, and we look forward to keeping up the great work they are doing every day, he said.

Asked if this recommendation included Sgt Haughey, Insp. Fergus said, Yes, it includes everyone at the station.

Despite this, it is understood police management will be investigating the workplace culture at Warkworth Police.

Sgt Haughey said he is currently taking some leave to consider his options.

News of his transfer has provoked a shocked response from some in the Mahurangi community.

Matakana School principal Darrel Goosen said Sgt Haughey served as the chairperson of the board of trustees at Matakana School from May 2002 to December 2008 and gave his best for the school and the community.

He has never failed to respond professionally and efficiently with any help I have required at my school, from traffic problems to bomb threats. He and his officers have served our school community with absolute distinction, he said. It would be a sad day to see our local police station stripped of its leader, whom the community knows and respects.

Mr Goosens comments were echoed by Mahurangi College principal David Macleod, who said Sgt Haughey and the local police had his full confidence.

I have never found them to be anything but supportive, proactive, helpful and great to work with, he said.

Mr Macleod said he served with Sgt Haughey on the advisory board for the Springboard Community Works Trust, which worked with disadvantaged and at-risk youth in the community.

Bede has a genuine concern for the youth in our community and has been heavily involved and supportive of this very effective, grassroots community organisation since its inception, he said.

Mr Macleod said Sgt Haughey lived locally and Warkworth was fortunate to still have a local police station with many local police still working in it. Despite having a close connection with a large number of people and families in the community, Mr Macleod said he had heard no complaints about Sgt Haughey.

I absolutely do not believe the allegation that Bede and the local police have lost the confidence of our community, he said.
Aspiring candidates for the Rodney seat in Parliament will be up against it to try to unseat incumbent Mark Mitchell.

At the 2014 election, Mr Mitchell beat his nearest rival, Labour candidate Eric Bolt, by more than 20,000 votes.

Could this years Rodney Labour candidate, Marja Lubeck do better, given a resurgent Labour Party under the leadership of Jacinda Ardern?

Ms Lubeck admits her chances of actually taking Rodney are slim, though she has a sporting bet with Mr Bolt that she can get 20 per cent more votes than him.

But even if she misses out on Rodney, at 32 on the party list, she should still squeeze into Parliament on current polling.

Altogether, 12 candidates will contest the Rodney and Northland seats representing eight political parties.

Local Matters questioned candidates on the critical issues of the day, particularly those pertinent to Rodney and Northland voters, including questions on infrastructure, housing, the environment, health, immigration, education and law and order.

The Candidates

Rodney

Beth Houlbrooke  ACT NZ**

Mark Mitchell  National Party*

Tracey Martin  NZ First Party*

Marja Lubeck  Labour Party

Brittany Owens  Opportunities Party

Harrison Burnard  Green Party

Northland

Winston Peters  NZ First*

Matt King  National

Willow-Jean Prime  Labour

Melanie Taylor  Conservative

Maki Herbert  Legalise Cannabis

Local Matters also sought views from candidates Peter Hughes (Green), Craig Nelson (ACT), and David Wilson (Democrats) but received no response.

*Sitting members **Party vote only
Mark serves as Rodneys Member of Parliament, Minister of Defence and a Cabinet Minister. He attended Rosmini College in Takapuna and began his working life as a shepherd on Weiti Station. Mark went on to join the New Zealand Police, and enjoyed a career in the Police Dog Section and Armed Offenders Squad. Mark and his police dog Czar were stabbed with a samurai sword while stopping an armed offender outside a primary school. Czar made a full recovery and returned to duty. On leaving the police, Mark attended the Wharton Business School in the US and pursued an international business career. He formed a security and risk management company, based in the Middle East, specialising in hostage rescue and supply chain security. His company supported NGOs, Governments and the UN in areas requiring humanitarian aid and relief. Mark is married to Peggy and they have a blended family of five children. When he is not working, he likes to spend time with friends and family at the Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, where he is patron.

What is the biggest issue affecting Rodney?

Our biggest issue is ensuring our investment into infrastructure and services keeps up with our strong growth. This is why Ive made sure that important projects like the Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway and the Hill Street intersection are now approved, funded and underway. I am working hard to bring Penlink forward, and remain focused on delivering this critical project within the next three years. I am also ensuring our local police numbers are increasing.

Its important that our economy keeps growing so we can afford to continue to invest in the infrastructure our growing communities need. Its easy to take this for granted, but requires constant work and policies that dont stifle progress.

How will you and your party address local housing issues?

The biggest way to address affordability is through supply  weve got to build more houses, more quickly, and thats exactly what is happening here. Weve established local Special Housing Areas to free up land, and weve cut unhelpful red tape to make construction cheaper and quicker. On top of that, were helping younger people get on the property ladder with support for deposits through the KiwiSaver HomeStart initiatives.

Underlying all of this are our unprecedented investments in the things we need to support this growth  things like housing infrastructure, ultrafast broadband, more roads, but also social services like more schools, healthcare, and police.

Is Rodney being well served by the health system as the district expands?

The Waitemata DHB will receive an extra $53 million of new money this year, taking the DHBs total funding to $1.558 billion for 2017/18. Thats an extra $482 million in funding over the last nine years, and at each Budget Ive advocated massively for our area to secure this funding. Im working with North Rodney and officials in Wellington to ensure they get their fair share too.

Where do you stand on immigration?

Weve made changes recently to responsibly manage immigration demand and better control the number and skill level of migrants. Were making changes to temporary migration settings and weve also reduced the number of residency approvals. Were also continuing to invest in training New Zealanders so they have the skills to do the work our growing economy needs so we dont have to import skilled migrants.

What are the biggest environmental challenges?

Water clean-up is a priority, which is why the Government has announced a target of 90 per cent of New Zealands lakes and rivers to meet swimmable water quality standards by 2040. This will mean an additional 10,000km of swimmable rivers and lakes by 2040, or 400km a year.

What is uppermost in your mind when it comes to local educational needs?

Its ensuring were investing in our local schools to keep up and get ahead of growth. Education Minister Nikki Kaye has a huge Auckland growth project which is building more classrooms, new schools, and upgrading older ones. Were also making sure kids are getting the skills they need to succeed in the future, through a $40 million injection into digital learning.

Are there any particular law and order issues you think need to be tackled?

I will continue to work with and support our police in the fight against organised crime, gangs and the drug dealers that are manufacturing and dealing methamphetamine and other illegal drugs.

How will National ensure that there will be enough jobs in Rodney to match growth?

Well keep to our clear economic plan which is lowering taxes and compliance costs on businesses, helping them sell their goods overseas, and training a workforce with the 21st century skills we need. Well also keep investing in the infrastructure and public services Rodneys growing economy needs. Most significantly, this means more roads so people can get around more quickly, and businesses can keep their goods moving.
Marja Lubeck describes herself as hard-working, and is an experienced negotiator. She says she would be a strong advocate for Rodney in Parliament and will be dedicated to improving the lives of every person in the electorate. Many New Zealanders cannot make ends meet no matter how many hours they put in and there should be fair policies that allow hard-working people to get ahead, she says. As a qualified lawyer and the lead advocate in negotiations with the airlines that operate out of New Zealand, Marja has settled many large-scale collective agreements for hard-working people. Marja believes this election is about priorities, and New Zealand needs to deal with inequality, the housing crisis and the under-funding in crucial areas like health, education and infrastructure. There is a clear choice for voters. A choice between fairness and inclusion or deepening inequality and division. Marja is a proud New Zealander and a proud immigrant. She arrived in New Zealand in 1989 and has lived in Rodney since 2006 with her husband Shane and son Max. She urges voters to vote for fairness, hope, optimism and a New Zealand where everyone shares in prosperity.

What is the biggest issue facing Rodney?

Housing affordability and transport.

How will you and your party address local housing issues?

Labour will crack down on speculators, spur the construction of affordable homes and provide support for those in need (improve rental standards, stop the state house sell off).

Is Rodney being well served by the health system as the district expands?

Labour will reverse the $1.7billion cuts to our healthcare system. Increased funding to DHBs will help provide north Rodney with better access to 24-hour medical (emergency) care and local day surgeries.

Where do you stand on immigration?

I migrated here in 1989 from Holland and fell in love with the Kiwi way of life, but Auckland is bursting at the seams. Infrastructure has not kept up with the growth and we need a breather. Labour will reduce net migration levels and focus on skilled immigrants, while improving the infrastructure and training more New Zealanders to fill skills shortages.

What are the biggest environmental challenges and how will you address them?

Especially in northern Rodney, water quality is a major concern. With the Mahurangi River running through our beautiful Rodney town of Warkworth, it is so important for us to preserve its health and make sure that our kids can continue to enjoy it. Labour will set strong nationwide freshwater quality standards. Our National Policy Statement will put a halt to our worsening water quality and restore our rivers and lakes to a swimmable condition.

What is uppermost in your mind when it comes to local educational needs?

Labour will provide students with a school leavers toolkit  a programme that will complement our school curriculum to give our kids the opportunity to develop the practical skills (like a drivers licence, budgeting skills, first aid) they need to thrive in their adult lives. Add to this the three years free post-secondary school education and we are setting our kids up to be the best they can be.

Are there any particular law and order issues that you think need to be tackled?

NZ has experienced a sharp spike in crime  since August 2014, burglaries are up 32 per cent, assaults are up 8 per cent, thefts are up 3 per cent, and robberies are up a staggering 66 per cent. Labour will restore the funding to our police force and hire an additional 1000 police to ensure that our communities are safer.

How will Labour ensure that there will be enough jobs in Rodney to match growth?

Labour has established the Future of Work Commission to look at the changing nature of work and develop plans and policies to meet the challenges that come with that change: new models of business, more apprenticeships, opportunities for retraining for new jobs, so that we have sustainable, fulfilling and well-paid employment in the coming decades.

Does your party support the building of the Penlink Rd and bridge from Whangaparaoa Peninsula to Redvale?

Labour supports investment to give residents of Whangaparaoa better transport options and reduce congestion. Within six months of taking office, Labour will review the weightings of the proposed roading and public transport projects in Auckland and assess the difference it will make. Labour is open to the prospect of funding the Penlink Rd and bridge through a PPP. It is so important to the development of the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas  easing the congestion as well as providing a second road off the Peninsula. Labour will make more funding available in the Regional Transport Funding, for transport projects of regional importance by doubling the funding range of $70m-$140m to $140m-$280m.
I was born, raised and educated on the North Shore, but have now settled in Warkworth. Growing up, like so many other children that dont fit the standard pigeonhole system, I needed extra schooling assistance so as not to slip through the cracks. I was immediately attracted to The Opportunities Partys education policy, which focuses on providing more time for teaching and less for testing. I recently decided to move out of the sales and financial industry to launch a start-up conservation project called The Big CleanUp for our coastlines, reserves, birds and marine life. I strongly support TOPs environment policies, particularly our long-term goal of giving the environment rights within a written constitution. Im passionate about looking after our environment and believe it only takes one person to initiate change. This can be through educating your peers, siblings, children and family around you  to hold a high standard of respect for our land. Im a grounded and passionate person wanting to make New Zealand a smarter, cleaner, safer country now, and for the generations to come. It is time we pulled our heads out of the sand and tackled issues that threaten to undermine our society and our environment. Lets do better.

How will you and your party address local housing issues?

TOP recognises that we have a massive housing issue NZ-wide, and our children are in danger of being locked out of the housing market. TOPs Tax Fair Reform Policy will stabilise house prices until our wages can catch up, over time making housing much more affordable for all.

Is Rodney being well served by the health system as the district expands?

No, a growing population is putting stress on our health system, which has been proportionally under-funded. We need to be smarter about healthcare, putting more emphasis on prevention instead of treatment. Lets start preventing our health issues, not being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.

Where do you stand on immigration?

TOPs Immigration policy is that migrants are welcome so long as they help lift the living standards of all New Zealanders. Unfortunately, our housing, health and education systems have not been able to keep pace with the increased demand from population growth. For that reason, we favour a reduced amount of immigration by only accepting highly skilled migrants in areas we have a real skill shortage.

What are the biggest environmental challenges and how will you address them?

Our marine life makes up 80 percent of our biodiversity, but over the last two generations weve seen it decline hugely. I recognised this recently when visiting Goat Island marine reserve at Leigh. This is a no take zone and, compared with other areas, it is obvious the impact fishing and environmental degradation has had. TOP plans to change this by investing back into our oceans, rivers and lakes. This will be paid for by our polluter pays policy and a levy on all tourists.

What is uppermost in your mind when it comes to local educational needs?

TOPs education policy focuses on getting us out of the 20th century, looking more at soft skills, more on teaching and less on testing. Our education system needs to be tailored to our future generations needs. We need to make sure our children have the skills to thrive in a changing world.

Are there any particular law and order issues you think need to be tackled?

My biggest concern is the pace our prison numbers are growing. We have the second highest prison population per capita in the western world, behind only the United States. Each prison bed costs taxpayers $100,000 per year  and evidence shows sending criminals to prison does not reduce their likelihood of re-offending. Prisons are training grounds for criminals to become better criminals. TOP will reduce our prison population and spend savings on restorative justice programs, rehabilitation and education for criminals. We need to make sure our dangerous criminals stay locked up, but the ones we can help actually get help.

How will TOP ensure that there will be enough jobs in Rodney to match growth?

TOPs Tax Policy will incentivise investment in businesses and help create jobs. Currently New Zealanders predominately invest in housing due to the tax-free returns. All other investments are taxed, but property is not. TOP will place a tax on assets, revenue collected will be returned to salary and wage earners by cutting income tax. Eighty per cent of New Zealanders will either be unaffected or pay less tax overall. As all investments are now taxed equally, more Kiwis will invest in businesses, probably their own, instead of property. Businesses will find the capital they desperately need and this will help create jobs.
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Lycoming College invites students and members of the Williamsport and surrounding communities to hear the Rev. F. Willis Johnson, senior minister of Wellspring Church, speak on social justice and racial understanding, on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Clarke Chapel on the Lycoming College campus. Johnson garnered national attention for his leadership role in his communitys response to the murder of Michael Brown, an unarmed African-American teenager, who was shot and killed in Ferguson, Mo. in August 2014.

Johnson is best known as the senior pastor of Wellspring Church, a predominantly African-American, intergenerational United Methodist Church in Ferguson. He recently released his book, Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community to provide pastors and church leaders with practical guidance on how to address injustice within their congregations and communities, and how to better lead others to do the same.

Johnson created The Center for Social Empowerment, an organization dedicated to theologically based reflection, exploration and education on social and racial justice matters as a result of his time spent in Ferguson. He has served in professional ministry for more than 15 years in Indiana, North Carolina and Missouri. His work has appeared in Time Magazine and The Christian Century, among several other publications. He has also been featured numerous times on NPR, and took part in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Cultures symposium examining the topics of community activism, race and justice.

Johnson was educated at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He is currently the Vosburgh Visiting Professor of Ministry and Social Engagement at Drew University in Madison, N.J.

Johnson will be meeting with a small group of Lycoming students prior to his presentation. According to Jeff LeCrone, director of spiritual life and community service, Johnsons visit to campus could not have come at a better time.

We began planning this event before everything that recently happened in Charlottesville. Now, its become that much more pertinent to have something like this here on campus, said LeCrone. Many people have never had a way to develop a relationship with, or have a conversation with, people that are different from them. The focus of this presentation is going to be talking about race  its an important thing for us to be able to do in ways that are productive rather than inflammatory.

The presentation is sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Life and Community Service, and is free and open to the public.
The great Gold Rush Music Festival returns to the township of Waihi, with the first nuggets of gold dropping for the highly anticipated return of the 2023 festival.
Google is the Master Spy of the Intelligence Community

Is there anyone on the planet that does not have their personal lives exposed to the data collection behemoth of the corporatist and government partnership? Google was developed with and under the intelligence funding of the deep state. The marvel of a premier digital search engine was welcomed as a tremendous achievement by everyone who longed for a definitive method to secure access to sites that reflected market or research results. Few companies names become synonymous with the product or service provided. Who does not refer to making a copy reproduction as Xerox the document? Likewise, as a pure commercial function, Google defined the designation for internet searches. Fast forward to the current state of draconian governance. What stands out is that the systematic rewriting of history and access to a free exchange of ideas and questioning has been supplanted by an approved filter with limited options.

In order to appreciate just how information seekers have been corralled into the pens of sheeple dipping now produces a "PC" alternate identity in order to be part of society. Optimally such changes should have made peoples lives much better than before but in fact peoples existence is really worse in many ways.

Wikileaks Julian Assange argues in Google Is Not What It Seems that "long before company founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin hired Schmidt in 2001, their initial research upon which Google was based had been partly funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)."

"In 2003 the US National Security Agency (NSA) had already started systematically violating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) under its director General Michael Hayden.These were the days of the Total Information Awareness program. Before PRISM was ever dreamed of, under orders from the Bush White House the NSA was already aiming to collect it all, sniff it all, know it all, process it all, exploit it all. During the same period, Googlewhose publicly declared corporate mission is to collect and organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and usefulwas accepting NSA money to the tune of $2 million to provide the agency with search tools for its rapidly accreting hoard of stolen knowledge."

Nafeez Ahmed writes in Part I of the report, How the CIA made Google - Inside the secret network behind mass surveillance, endless war, and Skynet. He provides extensive documentation to substantiate his expose.

"In reality, Google is a smokescreen behind which lurks the US military-industrial complex.

The inside story of Googles rise, revealed here for the first time, opens a can of worms that goes far beyond Google, unexpectedly shining a light on the existence of a parasitical network driving the evolution of the US national security apparatus, and profiting obscenely from its operation."

Now this connection with the elements of the omnipotent surveillance state might appear to be a conclusion of a conspiracy theorist. However, for those who still adhere to factual analysis and truthful corroboration, the disintegration of neutrality towards free speech is so well established that Google can no longer maintain that they are a trusted custodian of the unrestricted flow and ongoing stream of the first edition version for history.

Dave Hodges in GOOGLE WILL SOON BE THE PURVEYOR OF ALL INFORMATION, warns that even the Liberal Outlets are Under Attack. He lists a sample of what Google is doing to the traffic on these leftist sites.

* alternet.org fell by 63 percent

* globalresearch.ca fell by 62 percent

* consortiumnews.com fell by 47 percent

* mediamatters.org fell by 42 percent

* commondreams.org fell by 37 percent

* internationalviewpoint.org fell by 36 percent

* democracynow.org fell by 36 percent

* wikileaks.org fell by 30 percent

* truth-out.org fell by 25 percent

* counterpunch.org fell by 21 percent

* theintercept.com fell by 19 percent

Why would Google want to see the volume of such well established brands shrink in presence when their own ad revenues would suffer? Leave it the UK press to help provide an answer in DOWN THE 'TUBEYouTube accused of CENSORSHIP over their controversial new bid to limit access to videos. Ask yourself, what is censorship? Submit it is an attempt to strain out the critical and only maintain the party line of the spooks who are only concerned with perfecting their control over the social order.

For those who depend upon honest ranking of their internet sites within Google searches, the alarm bells are going off in every corner of the web. Even the most powerful publishers are in danger of Google extortion as cited in "Yes, Google Uses Its Power to Quash Ideas It Doesn't Like - I Know Because It Happened To Me".

"The Google salespeople were encouraging Forbes to add Pluss +1" social buttons to articles on the site, alongside the Facebook Like button and the Reddit share button. They said it was important to do because the Plus recommendations would be a factor in search resultsa crucial source of traffic to publishers.

This sounded like a news story to me. Googles dominance in search and news give it tremendous power over publishers. By tying search results to the use of Plus, Google was using that muscle to force people to promote its social network.

I asked the Google people if I understood correctly: If a publisher didnt put a +1 button on the page, its search results would suffer? The answer was yes."

After writing a critical article about Google, Stick Google Plus Buttons On Your Pages, Or Your Search Traffic Suffers, the shakedown stakes were raised.

"It escalated quickly from there. I was told by my higher-ups at Forbes that Google representatives called them saying that the article was problematic and had to come down. The implication was that it might have consequences for Forbes, a troubling possibility given how much traffic came through Google searches and Google News."

This illustrates how the spy technocrats at Google mirror the strong arm tactics that their intelligence masters operate under. The objective is to shape the public narrative and demand concessions from even an icon of financial reporting, like Forbes.

Another example of the protective demands for shaping an unreal image of the tech giant is found in GOOGLE-FUNDED THINK TANK FIRED GOOGLE CRITICS AFTER THEY DARED CRITICIZE GOOGLE.

"THE NEW AMERICA FOUNDATIONS Open Markets group was a rare, loud voice of protest against Googles ever-growing consolidation of economic and technological power around the world. But New America, like many of its fellow think tanks, received millions in funding from one of the targets of its anti-monopoly work, and according to a New York Times report today, pulled the plug after the companys chief executive had enough dissent."

Google thrives on forging the rules of their Terms of Service. But what they do not tell you is that the real definition of their service requires a total surrender to their snooping. Is Google a mere business who data mines oodles of information for profit or is it a mere quasi front for the CIA and NSA to benignly manage the extraction of the patterns and preferences from the public?

Patently, the partnership with the Intel Sleuths is a relationship made in Hades. Years ago Wired revealed the "Recorded Future" in Google, CIA Invest in Future of Web Monitoring. So it should not be astonishing when Eric Sommer concludes.

"Google acquired Keyhole Inc. in 2004. The same base technology is currently employed by U.S. military and intelligence systems in their quest, in their own words, for "full-spectrum dominance" of the planet.

Moreover, Googles' connection with the CIA and its venture capital firm extends to sharing at least one key member of personnel. In 2004, the Director of Technology Assessment at In-Q-Tel, Rob Painter, moved from his old job directly serving the CIA to become 'Senior Federal Manager' at Google.

As Robert Steele, a former CIA case officer has put it: Google is "in bed with" the CIA."

Read what Mr. Steele reasons in The Google Conspiracy  is the search engine on the verge of becoming self-aware? " In 2012, Jon King cited evidence that Google received a huge amount of development funding from In-Q-Tel, which invests in IT and communications technologies for the CIA. Interestingly  and disconcertingly  Google Earth began life as a CIA-funded company."

The experience of the unceasing leaks coming out of the intelligence agencies since Trump was elected is a sure sign that their domestic control of an indifferent public has been threatened. The seemingly self destructive clamp down by Google on those, who do not regurgitate the orthodox reality, constructed by the shadow government makes sense when one understands that Google exists to serve the patrician interests of the supra elite operatives.

Who among us can go cold turkey and cut the cord or block the WiFi when Google provides an endless supply of free internet services? Such a dilemma can only be resolved with a total Google break from the Intelligence Community. Search for an answer on how that can be achieved and you will get an "HTTP 404 - File not found" error message.

Source: http://www.batr.org/terror/090517.html

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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

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Gold Prices Bullish Movement Extended To 1339.69

XAUUSD extended its bullish movement from 1204.77 to as high as 1339.69, breaking above the November 2016 high of 1337.28 resistance. Further rise is still possible in a couple of weeks.





On the upside, the gold price stays above a bullish trend line from 1204.77 to 1275.64 now at around 1290. As long as the price is above the trend line, the bullish movement could be expected to continue and next target would be at the July 2016 high of 1375.11.

Near term support is located at the rising trend line from 1275.64 to 1297.94 on the 4-hour chart, now at 1320. A clear break below this trend line support could take price back towards the trend line on the daily chart.





The bullish trend line on the daily chart could be treated as the key support for the uptrend from 1204.77. A clear break below this trend line could signal completion of the uptrend, then the following correction pullback could bring price back to 1275.64, or even 1251.44.

Technical levels

Support levels: 1320 (the rising trend line on the 4-hour chart), 1290 (the bullish trend line on the daily chart), 1275.64 (the August 25 low), 1251.44 (the August 8 low).

Resistance levels: 1337.28 (the November 2016 high), 1375.11 (the July 2016 high).

This article is written by Franco Shao, a senior analyst at ForexCycle.

 2017 Copyright Franco Shao - 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.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Elks Lodge donates to Blue Ridge Mountain Council

The Blue Ridge Mountains Council of the Boy Scouts received some help from the local Elks Lodge in August. The Martinsville Elks Lodge #1752 gave $1,500 to the council, using an anniversary grant provided by the Elks National Foundation. The Elks Lodge was founded in 1868 in New York City and to celebrate the group's upcoming 150th anniversary, local lodges could apply for anniversary grants. In this case, the grant funds will be used to provide program materials, supplies, books, uniforms and camper memberships for children at risk in the Martinsville area. The Patrick Henry District of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council serves boy scout chapters in Henry, Franklin and Patrick counties, as well as in Martinsville, Rocky Mount and Stuart.

Nearly one third of the youth under the age of 18 in the Martinsville/Henry County area live below the poverty level and come from single-parent homes, said Daniel Cross, Patrick Henry District Director for the Blue Ridge Mountains Council. In addition, nearly 20 percent of the youth come from homes where parents did not receive a high school diploma. As one can imagine, rural and urban settings with low-income, at-risk youth poses unique challenges such as locating and training positive male role models for leadership; finding the funding needed for uniforms, activities and summer camp programs, providing transportation for youth to attend meetings, and delivering the Scout Program.

Cross said the grant request will be used toward registration fees for youth memberships, camper fees, uniforms and book assistance, as well as advancement awards and program supplies.

Pictured here are the Martinsville Elks Exalted Ruler Robert Stegall (center), giving the $1,500 check to Daniel Cross, along with Lodge members and Boy Scout leaders Ronnie Jones (far left) and Kenneth Draper (far right).

Ridgeway Ruritans celebrate contributions

The Ridgeway Ruritan Club recently held their annual August picnic, celebrating the contributions of family members and community friends who contributed to many club activities throughout this past year. The club also recognized this years recipients of two Ruritan scholarships. Bennett Whittaker was awarded the Ridgeway Ruritan Club Scholarship and is a freshman at Virginia Tech. He is majoring in Human Nutrition, Food & Exercise with a goal to go on to graduate school for physical therapy. His parents are Duane and Jenny Whittaker of Ridgeway. Taylor Lawson was awarded the Ruritan Club Build Your Dollars Grant. He is pursuing his masters degree at Liberty University. Taylor is the son of Timmy and Jeanne Lawson of Spencer. The club's next meeting is Sept. 19, at which members will be planning for this fall's Brunswick Stew fundraiser. That fundraiser is set for Saturday, Oct. 21. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at 111 Magnolia Street in Ridgeway. Pictured here is Bennett Whittaker, receiving his award.

NAACP gives scholarship

The Martinsville-Henry County NAACP Branch 7089 gave a $500 scholarship to Rosetta Hairston. Hairston, who graduated from Martinsville High in May, is currently attending Hampton University, where she plans to major in political science, with a minor in psychology.

Local alumni chapter gives scholarship

The Martinsville-Henry County chapter of Winston-Salem State University alumni gave its first scholarship award to Shanyia Hairston, Hairston, who graduated from Martinsville High in May, is currently attending Winston-Salem State University, where she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in health. Pictured here are members of the local alumni chapter with Hairston, (from left to right) including chapter president Winslow Lowery, Donna Lowery, Sammy Draper, Kathy Hampton, Shanyia Hairston, Mary Mason, Latiesha Draper and Reginald Eldridge

Knights of Pythias donates to food bank

RAJAH Temple 195 of the Knights of Pythias gave the One Accord Food Pantry $100 in August. Patrick Henry Lodge #82 also contributed to the cause. The Knights of Pythias was created in 1864 after the Civil War to help heal the wounds of the war. It was recommended by President Abraham Lincoln and sanctioned by an act of Congress. The local lodges are under the control of a grand lodge on the state level and state lodges are under a Supreme Lodge on the national and international levels.

Pictured here (from left to right) are Chancellor Commander/Sheik Marvin Thornton, Ralph Taylor of One Accord Food Pantry and Imperial Prince/Supreme Rep Mike Thornton

Spencer-Penn Alumni Association hold reunion

The Spencer-Penn Alumni Association held its 66th annual reunion earlier this year. The group met on June 14 in the Alumni Hall at the Spencer-Penn Centre. Those attending were (pictured from right to left) Front row: Greta Doyle Dalton, Charlotte Brim Wall, Helen Campbell Mann, Virginia White Levi, Marie Gilley Whitlow, Joy Shumate, Mary Sutton. Back row: Paul Jones, Lewis Morris, Aubrey Morris, Doug Morris, Charles White, Raymond Morris, J. E. Pigg and Billy Joyce.
Liu Jinyin, a young farmer in a rural area of southwest China's Sichuan province, has attracted nearly 100,000 followers by broadcasting his daily life in the village. Within six months, Liu earned 80,000 yuan. Some of his followers said his broadcasts reminded them of their childhood memories.

The rise of live streaming has given ordinary people opportunities to receive more attention and multiplied the ways they can boost their incomes. However, vulgar content and lack of originality have long been criticized by society.

The broadcasts of Liu stand out because of their unique content  clean content that is close to real life, such as feeding pigs, transplanting rice seedlings, and catching fish.

Lius videos also open a window for urban residents to know more about village life. Liu does not ask for any gifts from his virtual viewers and instead lets the broadcasts serve as a platform for people to exchange views and make friends.

Lius parents have found it hard to accept his money earning scheme and criticized their son for ignoring his duties. Honestly speaking, streaming oneself doing things is not an improper occupation. According to Karl Marx, the welfare of mankind and our own perfection should guide our choice of profession.

Starting from the countryside, Liu combines his personal development with the building of a new socialist countryside. His profession of broadcasting rural life is a profession that is worthy of exploring.
Since being elected Macron - the poster-boy of European liberalism and the self-described Jupiterian president - has seen his popularity steadily decline as his electoral facade crumbles away. A majority of French voters (57%) are now dissatisfied with the President's performance, making these approval ratings the lowest for any incoming president, after four months, since 1995.

This of course comes as no surprise to anyone, as Macron has been caught in a series of political gaffes from his racist remarks regarding refugees, to spending 26,000 of state money on makeup. Macron has repeatedly shown himself to be completely out of touch with the French people. This former banker has firmly placed himself in the pockets of big business and capitalists, but now more insidiously he is beginning to roll out blistering attacks against French workers. The so-called saviour of the liberal centre ground in Europe has been hit with the realities of an economic system facing a financial and political crisis, and his approval ratings will therefore continue to freefall.

Labour Reform

Acting in the interests of the French capitalist class, Macron will seek to do what both Sarkozy and Hollande failed to do in the past, overhaul Frances labour laws. The history of the French working class is one of radicalism and class struggle. The workers of France won many concessions from the bourgeoisie in the post-war period, including favourable labour laws and trade union rights which the bourgeoisie have so far been unable to fully remove. However, in this period of financial crisis the capitalists can no longer afford these concessions and we are seeing a bitter attempt on their part to claw them back. Yet any attacks carried out by the bourgeoisie will greatly upset the social and political dynamic in France and open the country up to a period of intense political struggle.

The proposed changes to Frances 3,000-page labour code were recently unveiled by Prime Minister Edouard Phillippe on Thursday (31st Aug). Macron wants parliament to vote on the new legislation in the upcoming parliamentary session and due to the majority his party's coalition won in the last general election they will surely push these attacks through. For French workers this will be the third attack on workers rights in the past few years. The changes aim to give French capitalists more so-called flexibility, which means an increased ability to fire workers and negotiate worse conditions and worse pay in a typical race to the bottom.

Embed from Getty Images

The reforms announced by French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe include a few core measures:

The first, reduces the time limit, from two years to one, for workers to make a case for a wrongful dismissal at the Prudhommes labour courts. It also caps the compensation that workers can receive from these dismissal cases. The compensation cap will also be made proportional to the monthly salary, and amount of time that the person in question has worked for the company, starting at three months' salary for employees with up to two years of service and reaching a maximum of 20 months' salary for employees with more than 30 years service. This is clearly preparing the ground for mass layoffs that may occur in the coming years.

Secondly, on some issues such as staff bonuses, the duration of fixed-term contracts, and employment contract renewal, companies will no longer be bound by national law. These issues may be resolved at company or industry level, which will mean a severe worsening of conditions for workers, as the strong position that French workers once had on a national level will be completely undercut.

For small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, these can now exclude unions and industry-wide collective bargaining agreements during negotiations, and directly liaise with workers on a range of issues, including pay and working hours. There is also increased pressure from business groups and lobbyists to apply this also to companies with less than 300 employees.

Frances once strong redundancy laws will also be completely undermined as companies will now find it much easier to offer voluntary redundancies. Multinationals will also face fewer hurdles in laying off French staff. At present international groups have to offer French workers jobs in overseas operations, this will be completely scrapped. Workers representation bodies within companies have previously been comprised of three separate committees, but these will now be forced to merge into one single body.

The President of big business

French Capitalism is falling behind in international competition, in particular against other European countries such as Germany. In previous periods, the ruling class had the option of devaluing its currency to temporarily boost its economy, but with the introduction of the Euro that is no longer an option. Instead, what is left is internal devaluation that is, forcefully bringing down the cost of production by attacking the working class. Other European countries, such as Britain, Italy and Germany, have already carried out similar attacks. So when Macron makes these calls for reform under the guise of modernising, what he means to say is to attack and defeat the French workers and drive them onto zero-hour contracts and poverty wages like the rest of Europe. He is trying to catch up with the other European capitalist classes.

Mr Macron tried to justify the measures saying, We are the only major economy of the European Union which hasnt vanquished mass unemployment in more than three decades. In effect, Macron is blaming unemployment on the workers, who are supposedly too well off. He has vowed to cut Frances unemployment drastically by 7 percentage points by 2022. All of this is to be achieved by attacking living conditions, pay and job security. From the point of view of the capitalist class the squeezing of the working class has become necessary in order to maintain profits and competitiveness. But lower living standards will not solve the crisis. In fact by reducing demand it will only add to it.

Political Situation in France

The Presidential election in May saw Macron come to power against the right-wing Front National. The two candidates in the second round, being so politically divorced from the reality of the French people, meant that around 37% of the electorate did not vote for any of them. Many others held their nose to vote for Macron only in order to keep the reactionary Le Pen out of office. The 66.1% of the vote that Macron secured was little indication of his real popularity. In fact, in the streets, the most politically advanced layers of the masses and the youth began to rally around the slogans: Neither the banker, nor the racist! and The real anti-establishment, that is us!. After years of betrayals and opportunist zig zags by the Socialist and Communist Parties, the only real left-wing alternative in those elections was Jean-Luc Melencon. Unfortunately, he was was narrowly kept off the 2nd round ballot by a few percentage points, otherwise the outcome may have been very different for Macron.

A month later in June, the French legislative elections propelled Macrons liberal coalition to an overall majority, gaining a whopping 350 seats out of a total of 557. His party alone won an outright majority of 308 seats. Much like in the presidential election, this came off the back of the collapse in the vote share of the previous mainstream political coalitions, the right-wing Republicans and the massive decline of the centre-left coalition lead by the French Socialist Party. In the 1st round these coalitions lost 13% and 30% of the vote share respectively. The Socialist Party has lost almost all credibility and will inevitably engage with Macrons movement much like the French Communist Party, who outrageously called for a vote for Macron during the presidential election.

Marine Le Pens Front National also suffered minor losses in the legislative elections. In fact, the only two political parties to make gains were the two newly formed parties: Macrons En Marche and Melenchons anti-austerity La France Insoumise. This is a clear indication of the levels of discontent among the masses that have lost faith in the old political establishment and are looking for a new way out of the dead end.

Just as the decline of Sarkozy saw the Socialist Party and Francois Hollande sweep to power in 2012, under the guise of an anti-austerity and pro-workers message, Macron had to present himself as an anti-establishment figure. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. If there is any difference between Macron and Hollande it is merely that Macron is more in tune with the ruling class. Hollandes presidency, which went on to betray the working class, saw his approval ratings in one poll fall to a measly 4%. Macrons popularity is declining even more rapidly and that is even before he has begun implementing his programme. Hollande himself supported Macron in the presidential race and their superficial differences in party politics are just a cover for their underlying similarity. All the attacks against the working class carried out by the previous administration including the labour laws, the budget cuts and the tens of billions of euros paid as subsidies to the big companies will no doubt continue and in fact worsen. Macron will accelerate what Hollande started, by pushing through labour reforms and privatization. This in turn will lead to increasing tensions with the working class whose leaders will be forced to act. The organic crisis of capitalism means class confrontation is inevitable and the baton has simply been passed to Macron.

The Working Classes Reponse

As the labour reform proposals were announced, small protests erupted in the Parisian suburb of Jouy-en Josas called by the more left-wing union federations of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and Solidaires, which garnered a few hundred activists in attendance. One protester said: Mr Macron represents the big bosses, and those who want to cut public services, social protection and everything achieved by workers . Another insisted, It is about ideology ... to be able to sack workers more easily and stop work. In fact, he wants to get rid of employee protections altogether. A national day of action with 65 demonstrations has been called on September 12.

Last summer, under pressure from the ranks, the union leaders reacted to Hollandes proposed labour reforms with large protests and strike action. This time around two of the three largest unions, the more moderate French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT), and the third-largest union, Force Ouvriere (Workers Force), have offered timid criticism in the face of this attack and have ruled out strike action and protests. This is a clear betrayal of the working class which is facing a brutal attack on its conditions.

Embed from Getty Images

Anger is rife amongst the French workers and youth. Years of austerity and falling living standards have prepared the ground for big explosions. The new attacks will only accelerate this process of radicalisation. The masses are willing to struggle. But isolated strikes and protests are clearly not enough as we saw last year. The days of action which we already see planned for September will not, in and of themselves, stop the newfound determination of the bosses and their spokesman in Macron. What is needed is for the trade union leaders to step up the struggle and move from one day strikes to preparing open-ended ones.

It is unclear what will happen in the coming period and how the organisation of the workers counteroffensive will materialise. However, we can be sure that the working class will not take these attacks without a fightback. Jean-Luc Melenchon has called on his supporters to join the planned protests. He has also called for a political mass demonstration in Paris on 23 September. His political front, the France Insoumise movement could develop into a focal point for the growing radicalisation within society. The time is ripe to launch a bold and radical campaign with a clear strategy for how to win power in the next period. A real socialist alternative is the only remedy to Le Pen and the FN who will also no doubt try to galvanize support on the back of the rise in anti-establishment politics. A radical campaign would attract the numerous workers and unemployed who were won over to Le Pen not necessarily on the strength of her programme, but on the disgust at the impotence and corruption of the establishment parties. A serious fight against the ruling class, whether represented by Macron or Le Pen, must be built around the mobilisation of the youth and the workers on the basis of a socialist programme which explains the fundamental causes of the present crisis that are all rooted in the capitalist system. Only a break with this system can solve the problems faced by the workers and youth of France.
SPRINGFIELD -- CRRC, the Chinese rail car maker that has nearly completed its factory in East Springfield, is out of the running for a major New York City contract, according to published reports.

If CRRC -- which has the formal name China Railway Rolling Stock Corp. -- had gotten the $3.2 billion deal to make cars for New York City subways, it would have built a new factory in in Fort Edward, New York, which is near Glens Falls -- about 134 miles and an almost two-hour drive north and west from Springfield.

But CRRC's partner in the New York City deal, Bombardier Transportation in Quebec, has been delayed in fulfilling an unrelated contract. This delay put CRRC and Bombardier out of the running, the Albany Business Review reported over the weekend, citing Chinese media reports. The Albany Business Review is a sister publication to MassLive and The Republican.

If it had been built, the CRRC Fort Edward factory would have been 125,000 square feet and would have had 150 to 200 workers. It would have manufactured 1,025 subway cars for New York City over five years.

The site selected in New York was most recently a processing plant for contaminated sediment dredged from the Hudson River under a cleanup agreement between General Electric and the federal government. The dredging was completed in 2015 and the site now sits idle.

Back in December, just after CRRC's plans in Fort Edward became public and while the deal was still a possibility, Jia Bo, CRRC MA vice president, said the Fort Edward plant and the one in Springfield would have worked in concert.

CRRC received its certificate of occupancy this summer for its East Springfield plant and the company expects the installation of equipment to continue through the fall.

CRRC set up shop here in Springfield to satisfy a contract requiring a Massachusetts manufacturer to build subway cars for Boston's MBTA. Manufacturing work on the cars will begin in early 2018.

The company received a $566 million contract in 2014 from the MBTA to manufacture 284 cars for the Red and Orange lines on Greater Boston's subway system. The MBTA subsequently upped the order by another $277 million for a total of 404 subway cars.

Also, CRRC has deals in place to manufacture 45 double-decker train cars for SEPTA, Philadelphia's transit system, for $137.5 million. Work on those cars will happen in Springfield. The deal includes an option for SEPTA to buy 10 more cars for another $23.5 million.

CRRC also plans to use the Springfield factory to make transit cars for Los Angeles. Los Angeles officials have agreed to spend $178.4 million to purchase 64 subway cars for the Metro Red Line and Purple Line.
A French court has convicted six people of complicity and breach of privacy over photographs taken of the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing while on vacation with her husband, Prince William, in 2012.

France's Closer Magazine was fined 100,000 euros ($122,700) by a Paris court today after it ruled the magazine had breached the royal couple's privacy, according to The Daily Mail.

The magazine published the long lens topless photos of the former Kate Middleton, taken as she and Prince William vacationed at a private chateau in the south of France in September 2012. A second publication, La Provence newspaper, was fined 3,000 euros ($3,575) for publishing photos of the duchess in her bathing suit.

"This incident was a serious breach of privacy, and their Royal Highnesses felt it essential to pursue all legal remedies," a spokeswoman for the couple told Reuters. "They wished to make the point strongly that this kind of unjustified intrusion should not happen."

The royal couple, who recently announced that the duchess is pregnant with her third child, will be donating the damages to charity.

The decision comes days after the 20th anniversary of the death of Prince William's mother, Princess Diana. She died in a Paris car accident that occurred while she was being pursued by paparazzi.
CHICOPEE - Cathedral High graduate Eileen Markey, author of the recently published biography, "A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura," will speak at Elms College's Alumnae Library on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

Markey will discuss her book and its connections to the Catholic Social Teaching, "Called to Family, Community and Participation," which is a theme for the Catholic college's current academic year. Markey's appearance is one of the related on-campus events.

Maryknoll Sister Maura Clarke, who had spent years 17 years working in Nicaragua, was one of four women from the United States, who were brutally killed on Dec. 2, 1980, by U.S. trained Salvadoran death squads.

"I will be talking on how Maura found strength and power in community, how she was able to commit to challenging and often frightening work because she was immersed in community - she wasn't a lone agent," said Markey, who did an area reading of her book last fall sponsored by the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England.

"Rather, she found both her own voice and connection and encounter with God through the experience of shared struggle and shared hope in community."

The murders of the women occurred during El Salvador's 12-year civil war, which ended in 1992, and saw the murders of Archbishop Oscar Romero, six Jesuits and their housekeeper and 75,000 others. A United Nations Truth Commission concluded in 1993 that many of the murders were carried out by Salvadoran military forces supported by the United States.

Mayknoll Sister Ita Ford of Maryknoll, who had spent years working with the poor in Chile, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, who worked in El Salvador, and 27-year old Maryknoll lay missioner in El Salvador, Jean Donovan, who had grown up in Connecticut, were murdered with Clarke.

Donovan and Kazel picked up Ford and Clarke, who were returning to El Salvador from Nicaragua, at the airport, where their car was last seen departing from on the evening of Dec. 2. Their bodies were found two days later in a remote spot in the country. They were shot and raped.

In researching her book, Markey traveled to where Clarke lived and work in South America.

She also visited Ireland, birthplace of Clarke's parents, explored the pre-Vatican influence on Clarke's faith and reviewed government documents related to her death and U.S. activities in Central America.

A graduate of Fordham University and the Columbia University School of Journalism, Markey lives with her family in New York City. The Springfield native has reported for a number of publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the National Catholic Reporter.

Markey's talk, co-sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Institute of Theology and Pastoral Studies, is free and open to the public.
Fast food workers in Boston striked in front of a McDonald's on Tremont Street as early as 6 a.m. on Monday to demand better wages.

Cooks and cashiers marched from Tremont Street to Copley Plaza on Labor Day to highlight their demand for a $15 minimum wage. The holiday protest, part of a larger "Fight for $15" movement, was scheduled to be held in 300 cities across the United States on Monday.

"Boston workers in the Fight for $15 will stress their demand not just for $15 an hour, but for union rights in order to fix the economic and political systems in the U.S. that are rigged to benefit big corporations over working people," the group said in a statement ahead of the protest.

Boston Fast food workers have started off #LaborDay2017 with a big strike in the #FightFor15! About 100 are rallying downtown already. #FF15 pic.twitter.com/k7u4VAqPBY  32BJ SEIU (@32BJSEIU) September 4, 2017

The $15 minimum wage has been implemented in cities like New York, California, Seattle, Washington D.C. and Minneapolis. In Massachusetts, the $15 standard pay applies to home care workers, and select companies that have chosen to offer it to employees, like Facebook, Aetna and others.

The protestors in Boston voiced support for proposals heading to the ballot in November 2018. Those proposed questions include whether or not to incrementally raise the minimum wage from $11 to $15 per hour by 2022, as well as paid family and medical leave, which failed to pass in the state legislature this year.

The current $11 hourly minimum wage in Massachusetts and Washington is the highest standard in the country, outside of Washington D.C., where the rate is $12.50. But in places like Washington and Oregon, the hourly minimum wage is set to incrementally rise to $13.50 by 2022. The minimum wages in six states are already set to surpass that of Massachusetts in the next few years.

The paid leave proposal that will go to a statewide vote next year would allow workers to take up to 26 weeks off to recover from personal injury or illness, or 16 weeks off to care for an ill family member or new baby, while receiving 90 percent of their average weekly wages.

Speakers such as Roxana Rivera, vice president of employee union 23BJ SEIU, reportedly said the union is aiming to unseat "anti-worker" politicians and leaders in Massachusetts who oppose the $15 hourly minimum wage.
A 20-year-old Endicott College student from Boxford was struck and killed on a highway in Beverly on Monday night.

Massachusetts State Police say they are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on Route 128 northbound around midnight in Beverly. Police say a preliminary investigation suggests the victim was a pedestrian walking in the left lane of the multi-lane highway.

He was reportedly in possession of a skateboard, though police say whether or not he was riding it at the time of the crash is under investigation. Paramedics pronounced the 20-year-old dead on the scene. Police have yet to release the young man's name, pending family notification.

The driver is described by police as a 55-year-old Florida man who drove a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban SUV. He immediately called 911 and reported the crash to state police.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop A of the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Detective Unit for Essex County.
Cohasset Police are sharing what Chief William Quigley described as "heart stopping" video of a crash that left one driver under arrest on charges of operating under the influence.

Laura Farrell, 53, of Scituate, faces multiple charges after crashing head-on into another car on Route 3A in Cohasset around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Police believe Farrell was driving her 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee the wrong way on the northbound side of Route 3A when she hit a 2011 Ford Taurus carrying a 69-year-old driver from Brookline. Another driver, a 42-year-old male from Madison, New Hampshire who was driving a 2015 Ford Edge, was allegedly forced to swerve out of the way of Farrell's car during the crash.

Farrell faces charges of operating under the influence, serious injury and negligence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to drive in marked lanes.

The 69-year-old woman from Brookline was transported to South Shore Hospital by ambulance where she sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to Cohasset Police.

"It's a miracle that nobody was killed in this crash. The video is heart stopping to watch," Quigley said in a statement.

The video shared by police was captured by a 16-year-old male who was a passenger in a car traveling behind Farrell's car. In the video, another passenger can be heard calling police as the driver pulls over just behind the crash. The person recording the video joins others by stepping out of the car and filming the wreckage caused by the crash. Both cars were totaled, according to Cohasset Police.

Route 3A was closed for about an hour due to the crash. Farrell will be arraigned Tuesday morning in Quincy District Court.
Matt Colligan wants the world to know he is not a member of the Ku Klux Klan, nor a neo-Nazi.

The Massachusetts native received national attention last month when he was identified in a viral Daily Progress photograph by Andrew Shurtleff. The haunting image of stern-faced rally-goers carrying tiki torches in Charlottesville became the target of Twitter account "@YesYoureRacist," run by Logan Smith, communication director of left-wing political action organization in North Carolina. Soon after he was identified, internet vigilantes widely shared the phone numbers of Colligan and his family. A family member's address in Southborough was posted online. Death threats were received.

Seeking to put distance between him and the white nationalist rally, and to protect his family from receiving more death threats, Colligan says he has moved more than 6,000 miles away from his home in the Allston/Brighton area.

Colligan told MassLive he had moved to Japan.

"I decided to distance myself from them, distance myself from everything that's going on right now. And sort of hide out in a place that might not have seen my photo," he said in an interview. "I might stay out here for maybe a year or so."

While he agreed to speak with MassLive on his political views and decision to move, Colligan declined to provide photographic evidence he was living outside the country.

Five days after speaking with MassLive, Colligan claimed on Twitter he was leaving Japan. He now says he's living in Mexico.

Shortly after allegedly landing in Japan, Colligan told MassLive over a series of six private Twitter messages that Japanese residents were "a happy people" and a "homogenous society."

"This is what America needs ... a people who look talk and act similar ... diversity is our weakness," he wrote.

In a later interview, when asked if he believes diversity is bad for society, Colligan replied, "Did I say that?" and then said, "no not necessarily."

He said his original message was "something good to note," and that he believes many of America's issues stem from open borders. He also said he moved to Japan because the country's demographics and culture look different than that of the United States.

Whether in North America or Asia, the man who goes by @Millennial_Matt on Twitter remains active on social media.

In his purview, Colligan is a comedian with an agenda to spotlight the importance of free speech.

To his critics, the 20-something is an attention-seeking, far-right activist who operates under the guise of first amendment heroism.

His YouTube and Twitter accounts showcase perverse humor, mocking transgender people and the Holocaust. In several videos he displays swastikas; in others he says "Hitler did nothing wrong" next to recognizable figures such as actor Shia LeBeouf and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who appear in separate videos to be posing under the pretense that Colligan is a fan taking a selfie.

Colligan initially said his jokes are meant to attract attention, and then added that they are meant to highlight revisionist history.

"A lot of the jokes and comedy that I base around the Holocaust in general and swastikas and things of that sort," Colligan said. "It's sort of one of the edgiest things you could do, right?

"We're living in 2017 where everything's almost been before, and so I found a niche and an opportunity to be able to make fun of some extremely touchy subjects. And reach an audience that way." He added, "I wouldn't be talking to you if I hadn't joked about the Holocaust at some point down the road. It's intended to get some eyes on me so that I, you know, can talk to the world I guess."

His intended purpose of such "jokes," Colligan said, is to spark a dialogue between people across a spectrum of beliefs.

His shot at informative satire is a fairly new undertaking. Not long ago, Colligan was walking around the streets of Boston and Cambridge, canvassing on behalf of women's reproductive rights. He believed in and persuaded others to believe in progressive causes, including helping poorer people gain access to reproductive health care.

"When I started working there I was fairly young. And I didn't really have an understanding of history as I do now. I didn't really look into things for myself," Colligan said.

To those who knew him, Colligan's seemingly 180-degree political flip appears to have occurred over the past two years.

"I don't think he was ever into this stuff before Trump started gaining steam, and it seems to parallel Trump's rise," said Dicky J. Stock, a former friend and neighbor to Colligan when the two lived in Brighton between 2012 and 2014. They lived in adjoining homes, each with about five male roommates.

Stock, 30, now lives in California. He said when the two lived next door in Brighton, Colligan would come over and drink beers on the porch and host punk band shows in his basement.

"Within the past year and year-and-a-half, I started seeing bits and pieces of the white pride stuff," Stock, said over phone. Stock said their last encounter was last February, at the Silhouette Lounge in Brighton on Super Bowl Sunday. He remembers a drunken, friendly dispute over politics that ended in the two acknowledging that "politics is whatever."

Two other sources who wished to remain anonymous also said they knew Colligan when he lived in Boston, and were unaware of what they viewed as his white nationalist tendencies.

"We would talk and share our frustrations about people who would waste their time and energy being anti-choice and homophobic and racist," said one woman who knew Colligan as a canvasser. She also said she noticed a change in his online presence over the past year and a half.

While he is not a unique case - the lives of numerous self-identified internet trolls previously restricted to dark corners of the internet have since cropped up following the rally in Charlottesville - the Massachusetts native is adamant his irreverent personal branding is all in the name of free speech, and calling out those who oppose it.

"If freedom of speech is met with violence, then we have lost ourselves as a country," Colligan said. "I honestly believe, and it's part of what I do, part of the soul of my work and my comedy, my message, you know. It's the meaning I exist. It's the reason we're talking right now. And freedom of speech is the most important right that we have as Americans."

Whether sincere or an attempt to disparage criticism, that American-born passion is driving Colligan's pleas for monetary donations. On a "Patreon" fundraising webpage, he asks for money so he can explore "the Marxist psychosis gripping almost every living being in the United States." Once receiving triple-digit funding each month, donations dropped to under $10 after he received national and local attention in August.
XIAMEN, Sept. 5 -- Following is the full text of Chair's Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries released Tuesday in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Chair's Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries

On 5 September 2017, the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries took place on the margins of the BRICS Xiamen Summit. It was chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China and attended by President Michel Temer of the Federative Republic of Brazil, President Vladimir Putinof the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Narendra Modiof the Republic of India, President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea, President Enrique Pena Nieto of the United Mexican States, President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Under the theme "Strengthening Mutually-Beneficial Cooperation for Common Development", the Leaders had in-depth discussions and reached extensive consensus on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building broad partnerships for development, the major points of which are summarized as follows:

The Leaders pointed out that emerging market and developing countries have actively explored development paths suited to their respective national conditions and made remarkable achievements over the past decades. Particularly in recent years, these countries have maintained sound momentum of steady development, serving as important engines of global economic growth and making important contribution to the common development of all countries and the improvement of global governance.

As the world economy is undergoing profound adjustment and transformation, emerging market and developing countries face both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, peace, development and win-win cooperation remain the trend of the times, and the world economy has shown signs of mild recovery. On the other hand, serious challenges persist, such as weak growth drivers, inadequate global governance and development imbalances, as well as worrying trends of rising protectionism and growing backlash against globalization. It is necessary for emerging market and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation so as to safeguard their common interests and create a favorable external environment for development.

The Leaders appreciated the efforts made in recent years by BRICS countries in pursuing dialogue and cooperation with other emerging market and developing countries in a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. They welcomed and expressed support for the "BRICS Plus" cooperation proposed by China, which provides important opportunities for cooperation among emerging market and developing countries, and helps strengthen South-South cooperation and international development cooperation and build broader partnerships for fair, open, all-round and innovative development.

Stressing that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers a new blueprint for international development cooperation, the Leaders believed that its full implementation will be of important immediate and long-term significance to peace and development around the world and to the pursuit of a community of shared future for mankind. The international community needs to translate political commitments into concrete actions in real earnest, and jointly embark on a path toward innovative, coordinated, green, open, shared and sustainable development.

It is important for all countries to shoulder their primary responsibility for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and integrate it into their national development strategies, so as to boost endogenous drivers for development and promote coordinated development in all three dimensions -- economic, social and environmental, and to create an enabling policy environment for national development and international development cooperation. Priorities should be given to poverty eradication, growth promotion and job creation to ensure that everyone share in the benefits of development. Developed countries should fully honor their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments and increase support for developing countries.

Emerging market and developing countries need to expand cooperation including South-South cooperation, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize development strategies, and intensify cooperation in fields such as infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, IT application, urbanization and agricultural modernization, so as to achieve common development and gain strength through solidarity. The Leaders welcomed the efforts by China and other Dialogue participants to provide support for developing countries through the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation.

Climate change is a common challenge confronting the international community. It is important to uphold the principles of the United NationsFramework Convention on Climate Change including the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances, and to fully implement the Paris Agreement. Developed countries should provide more financial, technical and capacity building support to developing countries.

Global economic governance should keep abreast with the times and the representation and voices of emerging market and developing countries should be enhanced under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. All countries need to be committed to foster an open economy, uphold the multilateral trading regime and its fundamental principles, oppose protectionism, and jointly work for a successful 11th WTOministerial conference to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and beneficial to all.

It is important for all countries to support the United Nations in playing a central role in international development cooperation and in conducting necessary reform to its development system. This reform should center on promoting development, prioritize poverty eradication, remain membership-driven, extensively seek views of developing countries and respond to their concerns. Meanwhile, the reform should help enhance UN's efficiency and capabilities in coordinating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen coordination and complementarity among all bodies within the UN system and mobilize more resources for development.

The Leaders expressed appreciation to China for hosting the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries as the BRICS Chair and agreed to maintain communication and coordination in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promoting international development cooperation.
Casper College announced recently a new online program in office management, available as both an associate degree and a certificate. Prior to this semester, the degree was offered only on-campus.

Interim School of Business Dean Roberta Marvel hopes that working people can find time for the program now that its available online.

Abby Dotterer 307-266-0536 [email protected]

http://trib.com/news/local/education/casper-college-offers-new-online-programs-in-office-management/article_36e36ac3-0aaa-59bf-bb55-1840e72b8a75.html
A committee working to diversify Wyomings economy last week released its first report, detailing what many already knew: the Cowboy State faces a steep road in any effort to move away from economic dependence on the energy industry.

The ENDOW Council, created by Gov. Matt Mead last year, was required to submit a preliminary report to the Legislature by the end of August.

Arno Rosenfeld [email protected]

http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/economic-diversity-committee-releases-first-report-but-real-challenge-is/article_2b1bd420-59ad-5b8e-bb2b-ba9944351ddc.html
Your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy is key to not only landing on the first page of Google search  usually the starting and stopping ground for most users when they query  its also essential when it comes down to increasing your overall traffic. For example, if you have an eco-friendly dry cleaning business youre building downtown, you want that to pop up first when locals search for "green dry cleaning service."

Knowing that SEO isnt such an easy thing to pull off, using a tool that helps assist with automation could help: check out this Serpstat: Lifetime Subscription https://shop.mashable.com/sales/serpstat-lifetime-subscription?utm_campaign=serpstat-lifetime-subscription&utm_content=a0x1a000003T70f&utm_medium=referral&utm_pos=main&utm_source=mashable.com&utm_term=scsf-247527 , a cloud-based all-in-one multi platform for SEO/PPC professionals and site owners.

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Egypt's president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday, signing three agreements on security, transport and satellite technology.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen, Egypt's state-run news agency MENA reported.

According to Alaa Youssef, Egyptian presidential spokesperson, El-Sisi signed two agreements and one memorandum of understanding, securing investment for Egypt in technical areas and strengthening security cooperation.

Security cooperation

The first agreement concerns increased cooperation between Egypt's Ministry of Interior and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.

The two ministries are already engaged in cooperation on security issues, having signed a technical cooperation deal in September 2016 relating to security and counter-terrorism operations. Egypt is battling a terrorist insurgency based in North Sinai, while China is engaged in counter-terrorist operations in its restive northwestern province of Xinjiang

The two presidents also signed an economic and technical cooperation deal on Tuesday relating to its EgyptSat satellite programme.

Egypt's Investment Minister Sahar Nasr told Reuters that China is to provide 300 million yuan ($45 million) in funding for the satellite project, with a view to launching a new satellite in 2019.

In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Egyptian Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation and the Chinese Ministry of Trade regarding the creation of a new electric train service in Egypt.

The new rail link, financed by Beijing, will connect Egypt's new administrative capital to the 10th of Ramadan City industrial zone.

The project will include 11 stations along a 68-kilometre route, connecting several residential and industrial zones while serving around 340,000 passengers daily. Construction work is due to start in two months.

According to a previous agreement, signed nearly a month ago, the project will see cooperation between Egypt's National Authority for Tunnels, China's AVIC International and the China Railway Group Ltd.

'Strong relations'

During their talks on Tuesday, El-Sisi and Xi Jinping praised the strong relations between Egypt and China, expressing hopes for developing these relations in several fields.

They highlighted progress made on various joint projects between the two countries, while discussing the ways of increasing trade, encouraging Egyptian exports to China, and increasing Chinese investments in Egypt.

Before he ends his China visit, El-Sisi is also expected to hold meetings with a number of large Chinese companies investing in Egypt.

Meeting with Modi

El-Sisi also took advantage of the BRICS summit to meet with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the two agreeing on preparations for Modi's upcoming trip to Egypt, Youssef said.

Modi praised Egypt's efforts at boosting development and encouraging investment, saying that India currently has $3 billion invested in Egypt.

The two leaders also praised ongoing cooperation in the fields of training and qualifying workers, well as areas of common interest such as technology and capacity building.

On Monday, El-Sisi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for wideranging discussions.

El-Sisi invited Putin to attend a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the Dabaa nuclear-power plant, which Egypt is planning to build with Russian assistance. Putin announced his acceptance of the invitation.

Attending the BRICS

The Egyptian president arrived in China on Sunday to participate in the BRICS summit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The Egyptian delegation has focused on boosting cooperation with the key BRICS nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  as well as other emerging economies.

Egypt is also addressing ways of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, as well as consolidating the cooperation between Egypt  as a representative of Arab countries  and Chinas "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

The initiative aims at reviving the ancient trade routes between China and the Mediterranean countries through Asia and Europe.

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Once fake comments are weeded out, the large majority of commenters seem to support the position of AT&T and other Internet providers that could open the door to differential rates for consumers for the content they want on the Internet.

by Tim Johnson, McClatchy Washington Bureau /

http://www.govtech.com/computing/Bots-Flood-FCC-with-Millions-of-Comments-About-Net-Neutrality.html
Egypt is set to host the joint military exercise Operation Bright Star 2017 with US forces in western Alexandria's Mohamed Naguib military base, a statement by the Egyptian armed forces read on Tuesday.

The joint exercise, set to take place from 10 to 20 September, is described by the Egyptian army as one of the most important joint military drills between the two countries.

The drill is the latest in a series of similar exercises between the Egyptian armed forces and other countries.

Operation Bright Star 2017 will address security cooperation and combating terrorism and extremism, as well as training to counter threats faced in a modern conventional war.

Operation Bright Star has been held regularly since 1981, with the latest exercise held in Egypt in 2009.

The Egyptian army says that the exercises contribute to boosting strategic and security relations between the US and Egypt.

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Twenty-four Nubian activists are in detention in Aswan for illegal protesting after they were arrested on Sunday for participating in a march in Aswan city, where they held signs and played drums to call for a return to their ancestral lands, their lawyer Mustafa El-Hassan told Ahram Online on Tuesday.

On Monday, the prosecution ordered that the suspects be detained for four days pending investigation into "inciting protest, unauthorised protest, and disrupting public security, according to El-Hassan.

The lawyer -- who works at the Hisham Mubarak human rights law center -- added that this is the first confrontation between security forces and Nubian activists since a sit-in last year.

In November 2016, a group of Nubian activists blocked the Abu-Simbel-Aswan highway for four days to protest the government's decision to sell 10,000 feddans of land in Toshka and Forkund to non-Nubians as part of its "New Valley Project" for economic development in the south.

Sunday's march was dispersed at the entrance to Aswan city, where the Nubian activists planned to march to a park in front of the governorate headquarters in the city center.

El-Hassan said that the activists demanded the implementation of Article 263 of the Egyptian constitution.

Article 236 says "the state should work on drafting and implementing projects that return the residents of Nubia to their original areas, and develop it within 10 years in accordance with the law."

Nubian activists have repeatedly called for amending Presidential decree 444 of 2014 -- which designated areas along Egypt's southern border as military areas -- so they can return to their historic villages.

In 2014, a draft law to develop Nubian communities and resettle those displaced by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s was prepared by the cabinet of then-prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab, but has not been submitted to parliament.

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Fighters from a US-backed coalition battling the Islamic State group in Syria walk among heavily damaged buildings in Raqa's Old City as snipers on upper floors monitor

nearby jihadist positions.

The smell of decay rises from bodies of IS militant killed in the battle for the key district as Syrian Democratic Forces field commander Ardlan Hasake patrols in an

armoured Humvee.

"We pushed Daesh out of the whole of Raqa's Old City. It was their strategic centre and their main base for foreign fighters," he says, using an Arabic acronym for IS group.

"All their forces were here and they tried repeatedly to attack us in large numbers to retake it, but our comrades repelled their attacks."

The SDF announced on Friday that it had taken full control of Raqa's Old City after fierce clashes with the jihadists seeking to defend what remains of their one-time Syrian

bastion.

The Kurdish-Arab alliance, backed by an international coalition fighting IS in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, has seized more than half of the city since they first entered it in

June.

In a nearby building, commanders lounge on the floor. One holds a tablet computer which he uses to map the positions of IS fighters in a street just south of the Old City

wall.

An SDF unit then moves to the front line to strike the jihadists.

Snipers have installed firing points in the upper floors of buildings overlooking other parts of the city.

One of them sets up a rifle he nicknames "Zagros", after a mountain range that is home to many of the world's Kurds.

He trains his sights on an IS fighter near a mobile phone tower on the edge of the Old City, and prepares to squeeze the trigger.

A coalition air strike slams into a nearby street, sending clouds of grey smoke and dust billowing into the air.

"We're combing the streets around the Old City," Kurdish SDF commander Arkish Siyamand tells AFP.

"Daesh attacked some of our positions today (Sunday) but we pushed them back and the coalition bombed them."

Seizing the Old City has put the SDF in a position dominating the city centre, which includes key IS security bases and some of Raqa's most densely packed

neighbourhoods.

Siyamand says the jihadists are likely to try to retake the strategically vital Old City.

The SDF entered the Old City after coalition air strikes punched two holes in its Abbasid-era walls.

Parts of the wall have also been damaged, apparently by clashes.

Cars riddled with bullet holes sit at the entrances to side streets, evidence of intense combat.

In other parts of the Old City, SDF fighters have hung pink and brown curtains across major streets to allow them to move freely by blocking IS snipers' lines of sight.

The SDF's next target is a series of large grain silos around a kilometre (half a mile) south of the Old City.

Female snipers from the Kurdish Women's Protection Units sit on an upper floor of a building, monitoring IS fighters moving around the silos.

Biritan Judi, in her 20s, hovers a finger over the trigger of her rifle which protrudes from a window, the barrel resting on a decorated pillow.

"We monitor Daesh fighters and shoot them if they try to advance," she says.

"We're deployed in this strategic position and waiting for our prey from Daesh so we can smash their heads

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The Islamic State group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014 as it sought to establish its self-declared "caliphate", but has faced a series of major defeats in recent months.

Forces backed by a US-led coalition have ousted the militants from Iraqi bastions such as Mosul and the extremists also have lost control of more than half of their de facto Syrian capital, Raqa.

Here are some of the significant losses for IS group in a complex and difficult military campaign.

KOBANE: The Kurdish town in northern Syria became an early symbol of the fight against IS group when the militants were driven out by US-backed Kurdish forces in January 2015 after a battle of more than four months.

PALMYRA: This ancient desert city was seized by IS group in May 2015 when the militants blew up UNESCO-listed Roman-era temples and looted ancient relics.

Syrian regime forces backed by Russian warplanes and allied militia ousted them in March 2016 but the extremists won back control by the end of that year before being expelled a second time in March 2017.

MANBIJ: IS group seized this strategic town near the border with Turkey in 2014 and used it as a hub for moving militants and supplies to and from Europe.

It was recaptured in August 2016 after a two-month battle led by a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters backed by US air strikes.

DABIQ: Syrian rebels supported by Turkish warplanes and artillery captured Dabiq in October 2016. Under IS control since August 2014, the fight for the city was significant because of a prophecy that Christian and Muslim forces will battle there at the end of time.

BATTLE FOR RAQA: A US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters launched an operation to capture Raqa in November 2016. They say they now control 60 percent of the city, with an estimated 5,000-10,000 militants having fled.

DEIR EZZOR: On September 5, 2017, Russian-backed Syrian forces broke a years-long IS siege on a government enclave in Deir Ezzor city and entered a military base on its western edge after weeks of advances in the eastern oil-rich region.

TIKRIT: The hometown of late dictator Saddam Hussein, north of Baghdad, fell to IS group in June 2014. It was retaken in March 2015 by Iraqi troops, police and Shiite-dominated paramilitary forces.

SINJAR: Iraqi Kurdish forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes recaptured this northern town in November 2015 after militants had killed and abducted thousands of members of the Yazidi minority.

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A new study confirms the brain region involved in generating thevoices that occur in schizophrenia. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, researchers were able to reduce the severity of this disturbing symptom. Share on Pinterest Hearing voices is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a highly disruptive psychiatric condition affecting an estimated 1.1 percent of adults in the United States each year. Characterized by behavioral, cognitive, and mood disturbances, schizophrenia is difficult to treat. One reason for this is that every individual has differing symptoms and responds to treatments differently. One of the most disturbing symptoms for people with schizophrenia and those around them are hallucinations. These can be visual or tactile hallucinations, but most frequently, they are auditory  often in the form of voices. Hearing voices is so common in schizophrenia that it is often used as a principal indicator of a schizophrenia diagnosis.

The origin of schizophrenias voices The voices, or auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), heard by people with schizophrenia vary substantially. AVHs can be threatening, confusing, and difficult to distinguish from reality. There may be one voice, or there may be competing voices. The voices might constantly criticize the individual, or they may appear to be the voice of a dead relative or friend. And because AVHs come from within the individuals mind, they can be incredibly convincing. Also, because there is no escape from the internal dialogue, they can be exhausting. Recently, a team of researchers  led by Prof. Sonia Dollfus from the University of Caen in France  embarked on a project to understand and potentially reduce the frequency of AVHs. They used a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a noninvasive technique that uses magnets to influence brain activity. It is a relatively safe procedure that has been used to successfully treat a number of conditions, including depression that does not respond to medication. TMS involves sending pulses of magnetic energy into the brain, in the same quantities as those used during an MRI scan. If the pulses are passed through the skull in quick succession, it is referred to as repetitive TMS (rTMS), which produces longer-term changes in brain activity. Although earlier studies have looked at rTMS as a potential way to influence AVHs, so far, findings have been inconclusive. This most recent project, for the first time, specifically investigated high-frequency rTMS in a controlled trial. The team was particularly interested in a subsection of the left temporal lobe (the ascending branch of the left lateral sulcus and the left superior temporal sulcus), which is involved in language and has been previously identified as the potential home of AVHs.
France's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it picked its former ambassador to Saudi Arabia as a special envoy to see how Paris could support mediation efforts in the rift between Qatar and several of its neighbours.

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber has led mediation efforts to resolve the row, which began in early June when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut political and trade ties with Qatar.

France, which has close ties with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates while also being a major arms supplier to Qatar and a key ally of Saudi Arabia, has been relatively discreet on the crisis, largely sticking to calls for calm.

"I confirm that Bertrand Besancenot, diplomatic advisor to the government, will soon go to the region to evaluate the situation and the best ways to support the mediation and appease tensions between Qatar and its neighbours," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes Romatet-Espagne told reporters in a daily briefing.

Qatar's neighbours accuse it of supporting regional foe Iran and Islamists across the region, a charge Doha denies.

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Scientists have long deemed the ability to recognize faces innate for people and other primates - something our brains just know how to do immediately from birth.

However, the findings of a new Harvard Medical School study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience cast doubt on this longstanding view.

Working with macaques temporarily deprived of seeing faces while growing up, a Harvard Medical School team led by neurobiologists Margaret Livingstone, Michael Arcaro, and Peter Schade has found that regions of the brain that are key to facial recognition form only through experience and are absent in primates who don't encounter faces while growing up.

The finding, the researchers say, sheds light on a range of neuro-developmental conditions, including those in which people can't distinguish between different faces or autism, marked by aversion to looking at faces. Most importantly, however, the study underscores the critical formative role of early experiences on normal sensory and cognitive development, the scientists say.

Livingstone, the Takeda Professor of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, explains that macaques - a close evolutionary relative to humans, and a model system for studying human brain development - form clusters of neurons responsible for recognizing faces in an area of the brain called the superior temporal sulcus by 200 days of age. The relative location of these brain regions, or patches, are similar across primate species.

That knowledge, combined with the fact that infants seem to preferentially track faces early in development, led to the longstanding belief that facial recognition must be inborn, she said. However, both humans and primates also develop areas in the brain that respond to visual stimuli they haven't encountered for as long during evolution, including buildings and text. The latter observation puts a serious wrench in the theory that facial recognition is inborn.

To better understand the basis for facial recognition, Livingstone, along with postdoctoral fellow Arcaro and research assistant Schade, raised two groups of macaques. The first one, the control group, had a typical upbringing, spending time in early infancy with their mothers and then with other juvenile macaques, as well as with human handlers. The other group grew up raised by humans who bottle-fed them, played with and cuddled them - all while the humans wore welding masks. For the first year of their lives, the macaques never saw a face - human or otherwise. At the end of the trial, all macaques were put in social groups with fellow macaques and allowed to see both human and primate faces.

When both groups of macaques were 200 days old, the researchers used functional MRI to look at brain images measuring the presence of facial recognition patches and other specialized areas, such as those responsible for recognizing hands, objects, scenes and bodies.

The macaques who had typical upbringing had consistent "recognition" areas in their brains for each of these categories. Those who'd grown up never seeing faces had developed areas of the brain associated with all categories except faces.

Next, the researchers showed both groups images of humans or primates. As expected, the control group preferentially gazed at the faces in those images. In contrast, the macaques raised without facial exposure looked preferentially at the hands. The hand domain in their brains, Livingstone said, was disproportionally large compared to the other domains.

The findings suggest that sensory deprivation has a selective effect on the way the brain wires itself. The brain seems to become very good at recognizing things that an individual sees often, Livingston said, and poor at recognizing things that it never or rarely sees.

"What you look at is what you end up 'installing' in the brain's machinery to be able to recognize," she added.

Normal development of these brain regions could be key to explaining a wide variety of disorders, the researchers said. One such disorder is developmental, or congenital, prosopagnosia - a condition in which people are born with the inability to recognize familiar faces, even their own, due to the failure of the brain's facial recognition machinery to develop properly. Likewise, Livingstone said, some of the social deficits that develop in people with autism spectrum disorders may be a side effect stemming from the lack of experiences that involve looking at faces, which children with these disorders tend to avoid. The findings suggest that interventions to encourage early exposure to faces may assuage the social deficits that stem from lack of such experiences during early development, the team said.

Co-investigators on the research included Justin Vincent and Carlos Ponce, of Harvard Medical School.

This work was funded by National Institutes of Health grants RO1 EY 25670, RO1 EY 16187, F32 EU 24187 and P30 EU 12196, and a William Randolph Hearst Fellowship. This research was carried out in part at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital, using resources provided by the Center for Functional Neuroimaging Technologies, P41EB015896, a P41 Biotechnology Resource Grant supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, and NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant S10RR021110.
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One of the best-known is hearing voices, also known as Auditory Verbal Hallucination (AVH), which around 70% of people with schizophrenia experience at some point. These voices, may be 'heard' as having a variety of different characteristics, for example as internal or external, friendly or threatening, they may be continuously present or present only occasionally, and so on.Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been suggested as a possible way of treating the hearing of voices in schizophrenia. TMS uses magnetic pulses to the brain, and has been shown to be effective in several psychiatric conditions. However, there is a lack of controlled trials to show that TMS works effectively with AVH sufferers.The French research team worked with 26 patients who received active TMS treatment, and 33 as a control group, who received sham (placebo) treatment. The researchers interviewed the patients using a standard protocol - the Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale - which revealed most of the characteristic features of the voices which they were hearing.The treated patients received a series of 20 Hz high-frequency magnetic pulses over 2 sessions a day for 2 days. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the pulses were targeted at a specific brain area in the temporal lobe, which is associated with language (the exact area is the crossing of the projection of the ascending branch of the left lateral sulcus and the left superior temporal sulcus)After 2 weeks, the patients were re-evaluated. The researchers found that 34.6% of the patients being treated by TMS showed a significant response, whereas only 9.1% of patients in the sham group responded ('significant response' was defined as a more than 30% decrease in the Total Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale score).Professor Sonia Dollfus said: "Auditory Verbal Hallucinations, or "hearing voices" can be a disturbing symptom of schizophrenia, both for patients and for those close to sufferers. This is the first controlled trial to show an improvement in these patients by targeting a specific area of the brain and using high frequency TMS.This means two things; firstly it seems that we now can say with some certainty that we have found a specific anatomical area of the brain associated with auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia.Secondly, we have shown that treatment with high frequency TMS makes a difference to at least some sufferers, although there is a long way to go before we will know if TMS is the best route to treat these patients in the long-term".Commenting, Professor Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim and member of the ECNP executive board, said: "This work builds on previous studies that have shown a critical role of excessive activity of subregions of the temporal lobe in the generation of voice hallucinations in schizophrenia.To move this into treatment, controlled trial such as the one by Dollfus and coworkers are important. While response rates were moderate, TMS is a welcome addition to the therapeutic repertoire especially for patients who do not respond to medication."This work has been accepted in the peer-reviewed journalSource: Eurekalert


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Women with PCOS were four times more likely to develop T2D compared to their counterparts who did not have the disorder.

The average age for women with PCOS who received a diagnosis of T2D was 31 years. The average age for women without PCOS and diagnosed with T2D was 35 years.

Higher body mass index, insulin and glucose levels, and triglycerides were positively associated with development of T2D

A higher number of births were negatively associated with the development of T2D

Glintborg et al., Development and risk factors of type 2 diabetes in a nationwide population of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2017) http:dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2017-01354.

Women with PCOS produce more testosterone and less estrogen and progesterone than normal. The elevated levels in women with PCOS can contribute to irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, weight gain, acne or excess hair on the face and body. Women who have PCOS also face a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as diabetes.A new study published in thefinds that women who have PCOS have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and are diagnosed at an earlier age with the condition."Many women with PCOS are obese, but the risk for the development of diabetes in PCOS is unknown," said one of the study's authors, Dorte Glintborg, M.D., Ph.D., of the Odense University Hospital in Denmark.The research team studied two populations with PCOS to determine the risk of T2D development. The first group was an all pre-menopausal Danish women with a diagnosis of PCOS in the National Patient Register (18,477 women) and a local sub-group of 1,162 women with PCOS who were examined at Odense University Hospital in Denmark.All the participants were tested for insulin and glucose levels, cholesterol, triglycerides and testosterone levels. Women with PCOS were compared with age-matched females who did not have the disorder, nor a previous diagnosis of T2D. Three women without PCOS were randomly selected from the Nation Patient register for each woman with PCOS.The research team found that"The increased risk of developing T2D in PCOS is an important finding," Glintborg said. "Diabetes may develop at a young age and screening for diabetes is important, especially in women who are obese and have PCOS."The study's authors note that BMI and fasting blood glucose levels are the best predictors of the development of T2D in patients with PCOS.Increasing age, however, should not be included in future guidelines as a risk factor because most cases of diabetes in this study were found before the age of 40. The authors add that further research is needed to evaluate the effect of oral contraceptives and number of births for the risk of T2D development in PCOS.Source: Medindia
Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that Iran's talk of a possible rapprochement with the kingdom was laughable.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in London that Iran would have to change its policies for any rapprochement.

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, last month said the Islamic Republic would soon exchange diplomatic visits after the regional rivals severed diplomatic ties last year.

"The comments of the foreign minister are laughable," al-Jubeir said. "If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law."

"At this time, we do not see... that they're serious about wanting to be a good neighbour," al-Jubeir said

Iran's Zarif was quoted by the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) that diplomatic visits could take place after the hajj pilgrimage ends in the first week of September.

But al-Jubeir said that diplomatic exchanges with Iran over arrangements for the hajj did not represent a normalisation of relations and that such contacts had nothing to do with politics.

"We had the hajj season, and when we have the haj, we try not to politicise it... But this is not normalisation," he said. "The meetings around the haj, have nothing to do with the politics. It's a religious issue."

Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are at their worst in years, with each accusing the other of subverting regional security and supporting opposite sides in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Al-Jubeir also said that if the rift with Qatar continued for two years then "so be it."

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) severed ties with Qatar in June over Doha's alleged support for militants.

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Four alleged members of a banned British neo-Nazi group were arrested on Tuesday for terror offences, police said.

National Action became the first far-right group to be outlawed by the government in December last year, six months after the assassination of lawmaker Jo Cox by a far-right sympathiser.

The four suspects are being held "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism," West Midlands police said in a statement.

Police did not name the four but said they were aged between 22 and 32 and came from Birmingham, Ipswich and Northampton in England and Powys in Wales.

"The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the public's safety," the statement said, adding that raids were also being carried out in "a number of properties".

Cox, an MP from the main opposition Labour party, was shot and stabbed to death in her constituency by far-right nationalist Thomas Mair in June 2016.

Mair shouted "Britain first!" as he killed her.

National Action, which had praised Mair's actions, was banned in December of the same year.

At the time, Interior Minister Amber Rudd branded the organisation as "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".

In June this year, van driver Darren Osborne allegedly mowed down Muslim worshippers near a London mosque, leaving one person dead.

Prosecutors said Osborne was "motivated by extreme political views and a personal hatred of Muslims". He is currently in custody awaiting trial.

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Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga says he does not accept the date for the new presidential elections announced by the electoral commission.

Odinga said Tuesday the commission did not consult with his coalition on how the elections will be carried out and when, and he says the vote should not be limited to two candidates.

Odinga wants some of the commission's officials to be prosecuted and says if the vote goes forward without "legal and constitutional guarantees" the results of the new election will not be different.

Kenya's Supreme Court last week nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election because of irregularities and called for a new vote. The electoral commission says the election will be Oct. 17.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias will be visiting Riga on Wednesday, 6 September, to meet with his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics, and the Deputy Speaker of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima), Inese Libina-Egnere. He will also be received by the country's Prime Minister, Maris Kucinskis.



On Thursday and Friday, 7 and 8 September, Mr. Kotzias will participate in the informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union (Gymnich), which will take place in Tallinn, in the context of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU.



The European Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be focusing on the Middle East Peace Process, the working methods of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the Union's policy on human rights and the developments in the Korean Peninsula. Finally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will take part in a joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has refrained from making any criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a news conference in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed a question whether he was disappointed in Trump as "naive."

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic U.S. politics:

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further U.S. sanctions on Russia and the U.S. decision to close a Russian consulate have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart

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Amid rising tensions with North Korea, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he would allow Japan and South Korea to buy more "highly sophisticated" US military equipment.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump said in a tweet.

Trump's statement came after North Korea on Sunday detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday appealed to Myanmar's authorities to put an end to the violence in Rakhine state and take steps to provide Muslim Rohingyas there with "a normal life."

Nearly 125,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have crossed the border to Bangladesh in recent weeks, fleeing a security sweep by Myanmar forces who have been torching villages in response to attacks by Rohingya militants.

"The grievances and unresolved plight of the Rohingya have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization," Guterres told reporters.

"The authorities in Myanmar must take determined action to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and to provide security and assistance to all those in need."

The UN chief last week had called for restraint by the security forces to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe from the refugee exodus, but on Tuesday he stepped up the pressure, appealing to authorities to end the violence.

Myanmar's government must grant the Rohingya "either nationality or at least, for now, a legal status that will allow them to have a normal life including freedom of movement, access to labor markets, education and health services," he said.

The Muslim Rohingya are seen as illegal immigrants in mainly Buddhist Myanmar and have suffered decades of persecution, according to rights groups.

The United Nations has repeatedly called on Myanmar to grant the Rohingya rights, and a recent UN report said the brutal crackdown against the Muslim minority could amount to crimes against humanity.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said 80 percent of the Rohingya refugees who had fled to Bangladesh were women and children.

In northern Rakhine state, UNICEF workers are unable to reach 28,000 children in need of care while work on clean water, sanitation and school repairs has been suspended, the aid agency said in a statement.

Guterres wrote to the UN Security Council, calling for a strong message to be sent to Myanmar on the need to end the violence in Rakhine.

The council met last week to discuss the crisis, but there was no formal statement following the closed-door meeting.

Myanmar's de facto leader, Nobel laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, has come under fire over her unwillingness to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military.

Guterres declined to criticize Suu Kyi when asked about her failure to speak out, saying that the situation was complex.

"We want a Myanmar that is democratic but we also want a Myanmar where the Rohingya will see their rights fully respect," he said.

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Egypts tourism revenues jumped by 170 percent in the first seven months of 2017, reaching $3.5 billion, a government official told Reuters, in welcome news for an economy heavily reliant on the sector for foreign currency and jobs.

The number of tourists visiting Egypt rose by 54 percent in the same seven-month period on an annual basis to reach 4.3 million, he said, attributing the increase to visitors from Germany and Ukraine.

That number is still well below the 14.7 million who visited Egypt in 2010, ahead of the 2011 uprising that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak and ushered in a prolonged period of political and social upheaval.

Europeans made up 75 percent of visitors while Arabs made up 20 percent, said the official, who asked not to be named.

Egypt hopes the number of tourists will reach 8 million in the whole of 2017, up from 4.5 million last year, he added.

Tourist revenues should hit $6 billion in 2017, up from $3.4 billion in 2016, the official said, despite a continued flight ban from Russia, traditionally a major source of tourists, after a Russian plane crashed in the Sinai Peninsula in 2015, killing all 224 people on board.

A group affiliated with Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the downing of the plane, though officials have not confirmed this.

Russians accounted for a large proportion of tourists to Egypt, especially to the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh.

Egypt hopes that its investments in airport security and the cheaper Egyptian pound will help lure back more tourists.

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6 September marks what would have been the 93rd birthday of beloved theatre and film actor Fouad El-Mohandes

Prominent Egyptian film actor Fouad El-Mohandes, who died on 16 September 2006 at the age of 82, was one of Egypts most popular film and theatre stars during the latter half of the 20th century.

In 2004, El-Mohandes won the State Appreciation Award in the Arts. The win was a significant milestone for El-Mohandes, who was the first comedic actor to win the award.

Only eight actors had won the award before El-Mohandes; the first was Youssef Wahbi in 1968 and the last was Mahmoud Morsi in 2000.

The difference was that all the other winners were directors or scriptwriters in addition to being actors. El-Mohandes, however, was an actor all the way.

El-Mohandes entered the field of arts supported by a good cultural background which his scholar father Zaki El-Mohandes and his elder sister Safiya El-Mohandes, a pioneering media figure, had helped shape.

Although he started his artistic activity on the university stage, his long years in radio under the pioneer Mohamed Mahmoud Shaaban, also known as Baba Sharo, earned him broad experience.

He gave a mesmerising performance on the famous radio programme The Comedy Hour, along with a constellation of talents who shaped the face of comedy in Egypt during the fifties and sixties, including Abdel-Moneim Madbouly and Amin El-Heneidy.

While El-Mohandes gained stage experience in the fifties, his distinctive elements were the standard features of the theatre renaissance of the sixties, at the time of television theatre companies and the beginning of the United Artists Company.

In this period, he met his other artistic half, the actress Shwikar, creating an exceptional comedic blend that has retains its magic even all these years later.

Through their repeated successes, they have established the idea of the comedy couple for the first time.

There were actresses whose names were connected with El-Mohandes teacher Naguib El-Rihani, such as Mimi Shekib and Marie Mouneib, but none of them constituted El-Rihanis other half in his company.

As for El-Mohandes and Shwikar, they combined skilfulness and balanced presence: El-Mohandes mastery and comedic sense, and Shwikars vivacity and capacity for diversity.

The first to introduce El-Mohandes to cinema screens was Hassan El-Imam, who gave him roles in three films from 1952: Parents Anger, Age of Wonders and A Cupful of Pain.

But they were limited participations that went unnoticed. Thus, the real credit for El-Mohandes presence on the screen goes to the Zulfikar director brothers.

In 1953 Mahmoud Zulfikar chose El-Mohandes to participate in My Lifes Biggest Fault.

In the next year, Mahmoud Zulfikar gave him his first leading-man role in The Neighbours Daughter with Zahrat El-Ola and Shadia.

As for the first collaboration between El-Mohandes and the other brother, Ezz-Eldin Zulfikar was in Wakeful Eyes (1956) with Salah Zulfikar and Shadia.

Whats remarkable is that ten of El-Mohandes first 13 films were with the Zulfikar brothers. However, he was often relegated to supporting roles.

Why was El-Mohandes quickly relegated to supporting roles? Did that mean that he had failed in his first leading role, especially as his cinematic participations dwindled in that same period? Following his participation in The Neighbours Daughter and The Good Land (both in 1954), he only acted in one more film, Wakeful Eyes (1956), and only began to gain momentum through Among the Ruins (1959), also directed by Ezz-Eldin Zulfikar.

I think that the reason behind this is the predominance of another comedian star, Ismail Yassin. For 1954, the year of Fouad El-Mohandes supposedly launch on cinema screens, Yassins stardom was at its zenith.

In that year, Yassin formed his stage company, and began a series of films starting with his name. Thus, he became the one and only star comedian until the early sixties.

Ten years after his first leading-man role, Fouad El-Mohandes returned as a star in film posters thanks to the overwhelming success he achieved on stage.

For example, he starred in I, He and She, directed by Fateen Abdel-Wahab, which was adapted from a play with the same title.

In the same year, 1964. Shwikar co-starred with El-Mohandes in three of his four films in which he was the leading man.

Thus the two actors began to establish themselves as a couple on screen after they had done so on stage.

It was a unique phenomenon and its impact extended until the mid-seventies.

This was due to a number of reasons. The pair was the only comedy couple known in Egyptian cinema, rather than only the stage.

Although Egyptian cinema had witnessed the couples phenomenon since the mid-forties, for example with Anwar Wagdi and Leila Mourad, these couples were dominated either by a tragic nature, as was the case with Faten Hamama and Emad Hamdy, or with a musical element, such as Samia Gamal and Farid Al-Atrash.

They were also the only couple made and honed on stage. Hence, they came to the cinema bearing a high risk, for if they have failed, their stage career would have been ruined also.

In the end, the pair became the most successful film couple in Egyptian cinema in terms of number of appearances, featuring in 26 films together.

The couple were also the most durable pairing in terms of their combined experience, which lasted until 1990, when the director Yassin Ismail Yassin brought El-Mohandes and Shwikar together in A Crime Minus a Quarter. That meant that this couple was in demand until the beginning of the nineties.

The impact of this successful couple extended beyond the screen; their presence on the stage continued for many years through a number of memorable plays such as Blithe Spirit, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, and Rawhia Has Been Kidnapped.

This also coincided with the couples radio successes, as they performed on drama serials that have become classics, and many of which were adapted to film, such as You Are the One Who Killed My Papa.

It seemed that any success they achieved in one medium, whether theatrical, cinematic or radio, promoted further success in other mediums.

The success of the pairing was not dependent on the fact that they were a real married couple; in fact, it continued after the couples divorce, unlike other couples such as Anwar Wagdi and Leila Mourad.

In terms of content, the structure of the couples films relied on the theme of the naive, good-hearted man and the beautiful woman who attracts him, either through her charms or her strong character or both, then pushes him to achieve what she desires.

However, there were variations on the form to create social comedy in films such as A Husbands Confessions (1964), directed by Fateen Abdel-Wahab, the detective comedy Shanabo in the Trap (1968), by Hossam Eddine Mostafa, The Most Dangerous Man in the World (1967) by Niazi Mostafa, the musical comedy Romantic Chase (1968) by Nagdi Hafez, and the black comedy Land of Hypocrisy (1968) by Fateen Abdel-Wahab.

Fouad and Shwikar tried to politicise some of their films or incorporate some nationalist conceptions within them following Egypts defeat in the 1967 war, which was a critical period in Egyptian history.

The tone of triumphing over the West and Americans in particular increased, if only in a farcical framework. We saw Fouad El-Mohandes preferring the Egyptian girl (Shwikar) over all the Western beauties in Romantic Chase, the Egyptian police managing to arrest Mr. X in The Most Dangerous Man in the World, uncover a spy ring in Entry Highly Risky (1969) directed by Niazi Mostafa, as well as the obvious nationalist line in Viva Zalata (1976) by Hassan Hafez.

I dont think it is just a coincidence that in their films the West is always the other party in the conflict and that Egyptian good-heartedness and innate intelligence triumphs over the elements of evil, regardless of its strength.

It is most likely that those controlling public opinion found in the popularity of this couple a chance to insert these political implications as a kind of relief from the collective depression following the 1967 defeat.

This was the same technique they used, if for another purpose, in Ismail Yassins soldiery film series in the fifties.

Although El-Mohandes worked with a number of directors, his films with Fateen Abdel-Wahab remain the most mature and most valuable of them all.

It was these films that established in the sixties what I like to call the family comedy.

This kind of film emerged after the popular comedy faded out, and Fateen found in El-Mohandes the most suitable actor for this kind of comedy, which takes place inside homes instead of in the popular quarters, and where family members become pivotal characters.

Fateen had already started this trend through films that relied on leading men who werent comedians in the first place, such as A Rumour of Love (1960) and The Thirteenth Wife (1962) starring Omar El-Sharif and Roshdy Abaza respectively.

He kept searching for a fully-fledged comedian who had a presence until he found Fouad El-Mohandes.

He directed five films in which El-Mohandes acted, namely I, He and She, A Husbands Confessions, His Majesty (1963), Zizis Family, and Land of Hypocrisy.

The success of these films drove Fateen to pursue this trend without El-Mohandes, and at the same time El-Mohandes continued to present the same comedy frame albeit with other directors, even if their artistic quality varied from one director to another.

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Chinese cultural attache to Egypt Shi Yuewen visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza on Tuesday.

Yuewen visited the museums laboratories and witnessed restoration work being carried out on artefacts that are to be among the museum's collection, Tarek Tawfik, supervisor-general of the GEM, told Ahram Online.

The museum, which will see a soft open in 2018, will hold the Tutankhamun halls and a number of gigantic ancient Egyptian colossi, such as the colossus of King Ramses II, which was transported to the GEM from Ramses Square in downtown Cairo in 2006.

Yuewen said that the upcoming period will witness increased cooperation between Egypt and China in the archaeological field.

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Here are five news stories and events to start your week, from the editors at Military.com:

1. North Korea Is 'Begging for War,' Haley Says

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was blunt in her remarks about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Monday's emergency session of the UN Security Council: "His abusive use of missiles, and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory." Haley's comments came just a day after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, "We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country -- namely, North Korea. But, as I said, we have many options to do so."

2. House to Hold Hearing on Deadly Collisions Involving Navy Destroyers

Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's Readiness Subcommittee, plans to hold a hearing 2 p.m. Thursday on Navy readiness in the wake of the deadly collisions involving the destroyers USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain. The death toll from the two mishaps, at 17, is more than the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan so far this year, at 11. In the wake of the deadly collisions, the head of 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, was sacked "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," by Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.

3. Military Brass to Attend Defense Industry Conference

U.S. military brass and lawmakers plan to attend the Defense News Conference, set for Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Virginia. The keynote speaker is Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, who will address attendees at 10 a.m. Others on the agenda include Navy Vice Adm. Mat Winter, director of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program; Navy Rear Adm. Jon Hill, deputy director of the Missile Defense Agency; Adm. Charles Michel, vice commandant of the Coast Guard; and Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Republican from Texas and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; David Norquist, the Pentagon's comptroller and chief financial officer.

4. Pilot Error Caused Super Stallion Rollover, Investigation Shows

Via Hope Hodge Seck at Military.com: "The April hard landing of a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that caused severe damage to the aircraft was the result of a steep bank at low altitude, a command investigation shows. The incident, which took place April 5 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, was miraculous in that all five Marines aboard the aircraft walked away uninjured, even though the aircraft rolled multiple times before finally settling upside-down in the desert. Photos of the crash site, obtained by Military.com through a Freedom of Information Act request, show the propeller completely sheared off, parts of the landing gear broken off, and holes in the body of the chopper."

5. This National Guard Service Dog Is Unlike Any Other

Via Amy Bushatz at Military.com: "In the high-stress world of Alaska's Air National Guard rescue squadron "PJs," who respond to emergencies around the state and deploy overseas, it can be hard to deal with the mental tolls that come with the job. But one member of the pararescue unit is a trained expert in knowing when someone on the team needs extra help, and he's believed to be the first of his kind in the U.S. military. Instead of a flight suit or airman battle uniform, he simply wears a vest. TOML, a one-year-old chocolate Labrador, joined the Alaska Air National Guard's 212th Rescue Squadron in 2016 and then deployed to Afghanistan with them. His name is the acronym for the pararescue community's motto, 'That Others Might Live.'"

-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.
A Marine Corps sergeant accused of hazing a Muslim recruit while serving as a drill instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina, will be tried at a lesser, private hearing after agreeing to testify against another Marine drill instructor.

Sgt. Michael K. Eldridge was referred to general court-martial in April on charges of failure to obey a lawful general order, cruelty and maltreatment, false official statement, and drunk and disorderly conduct.

He is accused of participating in an alleged incident in which a recruit was subjected to a late-night interrogation about his Muslim faith and repeatedly thrown into an industrial dryer, where he suffered burns.

But in August, Eldridge's charges were altered and the circumstances of his trial changed with little official explanation.

In an Aug. 30 announcement, Capt. Joshua Pena, a spokesman for Marine Corps Training and Education Command, said Eldridge will now be tried at summary court-martial, the result of an agreement with Maj. Gen. Kevin Iiams, commanding general of TECOM.

He will face charges of failure to obey a lawful order, cruelty and maltreatment, and disorderly conduct.

Summary court-martial are the lowest level of military trial. They are typically private, simplified proceedings not open to the public, and the accused face much lesser sentences than those possible at a general or special court-martial.

While Pena did not provide an explanation for the change to Eldridge's proceedings, multiple sources confirmed to Military.com that they were the result of a plea deal, a key contention of which was that Eldridge would testify against Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Felix, another drill instructor implicated in the alleged hazing incident.

Investigations into multiple episodes of alleged hazing at Parris Island paint Felix as an instigator in some of the worst incidents. Felix is accused of putting the recruit in the dryer in an interrogation-style hazing ordeal while assigned to Platoon 3054, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion in July 2015.

The following year, while serving as senior drill instructor for Platoon 3042, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, he is accused of mistreating another Muslim recruit, 20-year-old Raheel Siddiqui, who died March 18, 2016, after vaulting from the third floor of a barracks building in what was determined a suicide.

"The facts and circumstances indicated several factors contributed to [Siddiqui's] death, including maltreatment by his drill instructor team, leadership failures at multiple levels of command, and administrative and process failures, that if avoided, could have the reduced the risk of his death," an investigation into the incident found.

Felix is charged with failure to obey a lawful general order, cruelty and maltreatment, false official statement, drunk and disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice. His general court-martial is set to run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

It's not the first time individuals linked to the hazing scandal have been granted special allowances in exchange for testifying against another defendant.

Lt. Col. Joshua Kissoon, the commanding officer of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, faces charges of failure to obey a lawful general order, false official statement, and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, accused of failure to take appropriate action when allegations from initial hazing incidents surfaced.

At his June 5 investigative hearing, two senior Marines who were removed from their posts in the wake of the hazing scandal testified for the prosecution. Col. Paul Cucinotta, former commander of Parris Island's Recruit Training Regiment, and Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Deabreu, former senior enlisted adviser to the regiment, testified under a grant of immunity, according to their own testimony.

Kissoon was arraigned Aug. 30; dates for his court-martial have yet to be set.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
U.S. Army officials at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, said Tuesday they are investigating the death of Command Sgt. Maj. Noel S. Foster, who died at home Friday.

Foster had been Fort Campbell's garrison command sergeant major since February 2016.

Details about the cause of Foster's death were not available.

Fort Campbell spokeswoman Denise Shelton said Tuesday, "I can confirm that the death of CSM Foster is under investigation, but I have no further information at this time."

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Foster entered the Army in July 1988 and was a career infantryman. His previous assignments include Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, according to a press release Fort Campbell released Sept. 3.

Foster also completed multiple assignments at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, including as command sergeant major for 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, and as 3rd Brigade Combat Team rear detachment command sergeant major during its 2015 deployment to Afghanistan.

Foster's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal (nine awards), the National Defense Service Medal with Campaign Star, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (four awards), the Overseas Service Ribbon (four awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Other awards include the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the South West Asia Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with oak leaf cluster, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge with Star, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.

Foster was also awarded the Saint Maurice (Centurion) and Saint George Medals. And he is a recipient and member of the Audie Murphy Club and Medal.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

"The loss of this great soldier is a striking loss not only to the Fort Campbell Garrison, but also to the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and Family," the release states. "As a community, we ask to please embrace Command Sergeant Major Foster's Family, friends and colleagues to provide support and comfort during this difficult time."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
Updated 5:48 p.m. Eastern

While still dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, the National Guard began mobilizing Tuesday in Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to prepare for possible hits from Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 story that is packing winds of 175 mph as it churns through the Caribbean.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared an emergency for the entire state and ordered 7,000 Guard members to report by Friday.

Florida National Guard units that had deployed to Texas for rescue and relief efforts have been recalled.

"We do not know the exact path of this storm, but weather can change in an instant and, while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst," Scott said in a statement.

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Islands under hurricane warnings include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Martin, and St. Barts.

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both of which are U.S. territories, declared emergencies Tuesday and mobilized their National Guard units.

The U.S. Navy has not ordered evacuations for the 5,000-plus American residents at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay on Cuba's southeastern coast, but has told them to "shelter in place." About 40-45 detainees from the war on terrorism remain at Guantanamo.

"The Air Force continues to monitor the status of Hurricane Irma and stands ready to respond if called upon," said Col. Patrick Ryder, an Air Force spokesman at the Pentagon.

"At this time, the Air Force is making plans to relocate the majority of F-16 aircraft from Homestead Air Reserve Base in southern Florida and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, commonly known as the Hurricane Hunters, is scheduled to fly later this week to help monitor the storm's development," he said.

"Multiple Air Force search-and-rescue teams who were supporting Hurricane Harvey relief efforts have returned to their home stations to recover and prepare for a potential response to Hurricane Irma," Ryder added.

The Illinois National Guard's 182nd Airlift Wing on Tuesday sent a Peoria-based C-130 Hercules aircraft and a seven-member crew to the U.S. Virgin Islands to deliver response capabilities ahead of the storm's arrival, the Defense Department said.

The C-130 stopped en route in Colorado to pick up a National Guard Bureau joint enabling team, which coordinates support to areas affected by natural disasters.

On Monday, the Rhode Island Air National Guard's 143rd Airlift Wing sent a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and aircrew to support the preparation effort.

The aircraft first stopped in New Jersey to pick up packaged meals and other supplies before heading to St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The National Guard Bureau is working to coordinate "maximum support in every way we can, for as long as the affected areas require our help," said Lt. Col. Randy Saldivar, a bureau spokesman at Joint Base Andrews near Washington.

"Personnel here at the Air National Guard Readiness Center here at Andrews are working with National Guard units in the USVI [Virgin Islands], Puerto Rico and Florida, prepping for what could be a large response effort in those affected areas," Saldivar said.

While Air National Guard assets are still involved in the response to Harvey in Texas, rescue units have returned to their home stations and have been told to "stand by for possible activation for response to Hurricane Irma," Saldivar said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
A policy developed more than a year ago that creates new distinctions for performance and valor awards has taken effect for the Department of the Navy.

According to an all-Navy message released in late August, Marines and sailors can begin to receive awards bearing new "C" and "R" devices, indicating the award was earned under combat conditions or for remote impact on a fight, a condition that would apply to drone operators, among others.

The policy also establishes more stringent criteria for the existing "V" device, stipulating that it applies only to awards for actions demonstrating valor above what is expected of a service member in combat.

The changes were first announced in January 2016, when then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced a Pentagon-wide review of high-level combat awards, a measure designed to ensure that troops serving since Sept. 11, 2001, had been appropriately honored.

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Carter also approved the creation of the new devices as a way to distinguish clearly the conditions under which an award had been earned.

Development of the C device for awards earned under combat conditions enabled more selective use of the V device, giving it added weight and significance as an indicator of heroism.

"We're raising the bar," a Pentagon official told reporters at the time of the policy rollout. "What we've seen is, maybe it has been ... a little too loose in the past."

Notably, the ALNAV states, authorization of the C device does not entitle award recipients to wear the Combat Action Ribbon, which has more restrictive criteria.

The R device, meanwhile, is the product of conversations about how to recognize those who have direct impact on a fight from afar in a changing battlespace, such as unmanned aerial vehicle operators.

According to the all-Navy message, the sailors and Marines who might be eligible for this award are not just drone pilots. They also include:

Those who conduct ship-to-shore or surface-to-surface weapon system strikes.

Operators who remotely pilot aircraft that provide direct and real-time support that directly contributes to the success of ground forces in combat or engaged in a mission, such as a raid or hostage rescue.

Cyberwarfare that disrupts enemy capabilities or actions.

Surface-to-air engagement that disrupts an enemy attack or enemy surveillance of friendly forces.

Troops exercising real-time tactical control of a raid or combat mission from a remote location not exposed to hostile action.

For awards in which certain conduct or conditions is presupposed, the rules are not changing.

Bronze Stars, for example, are not eligible for the new C device, as combat conditions are inherent in the award.

Likewise, Silver Stars, Navy Crosses and Medal of Honor awards are not eligible for the V device, as all these awards are presented for extraordinary valor or heroism.

For the Department of the Navy, processing of awards with the new devices began with the release of the ALNAV, Lt. Cmdr. Ryan De Vera, a service spokesman, told Military.com.

While the Navy will not retroactively remove V devices from any awards in keeping with the new rules, De Vera said Marines and sailors who believe they merit one of the new devices for awards earned since Jan. 7, 2016 can contact their command to initiate a review of the relevant award.

"The onus is on the sailor or the Marine to do that," he said.

Awards given before the new policy was announced will not receive any additional scrutiny.

"All previous decorations that had a V device remain valid," De Vera said. "It's important to note that they are in no way diminished or called into question by the new policy."

The Army announced in late March that it had implemented a policy for awarding the new devices; the Air Force did likewise in June.

The Navy and the Marine Corps are the last of the services within the Defense Department to roll out guidance for incorporating the new devices.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
ANN ARBOR, MI - The Rev. Deborah Dean-Ware, pastor at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Ann Arbor, says her congregation has been fighting racial injustice for 60 years.

Now, she said, the congregation is fighting what it considers injustices facing immigrants who are being "harshly targeted" for deportation under President Donald Trump's administration.

As the church at 2145 Independence Blvd. prepares to open its doors and offer sanctuary to undocumented immigrants facing deportation, Dean-Ware said this seems like a natural extension of the work the congregation has been doing for decades.

"This is what our Biblical faith teaches us," she said, citing Jesus' teachings to care for the poor and the marginalized. "Jesus taught us to be radically inclusive and to extend hospitality to everybody. He broke down all sorts of barriers between people and he sought out people on the farthest margins of society to show God's love."

The Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ, and the Washtenaw Congregational Sanctuary are hosting a press conference this week to announce a new act of resistance to Trump's agenda: a congregational sanctuary movement in Washtenaw County.

Through WCS, faith communities are launching what's described as a new campaign to stop family separation and provide safe refuge in the midst of threatened deportations.

WCS is calling on congregations across all faiths to open their doors, provide refuge for immigrants facing detention and deportation, and unite around love, respect and dignity for all.

The interfaith effort has been in the works for months and multiple fundraisers have been held already. The local Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights are leading the charge on it.

Anyone in immediate danger of being deported can contact WICIR at 734-355-2707 for possible placement in congregational sanctuary.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is the first place of worship in Washtenaw County to commit to opening its doors as part of the campaign, said Jane Pacheco, ICPJ program and development coordinator and a member of the education and outreach committee for WCS. She said different congregations are lending support at different levels and more details will be announced at a press conference taking place Wednesday morning, Sept. 6.

Discussions have been happening since January when WCS held its first organizational meeting.

WCS, a coalition of congregations and unaffiliated individuals, was formed in response to what it calls "intensified and increasingly unjust activities" by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Congregational sanctuary is intended to provide a safe living space in a place that's traditionally considered "off limits" for immigration law enforcement, including schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Under official ICE policy, those places are treated as "sensitive locations" where enforcement actions are not to occur unless pressing circumstances exist, other law enforcement actions lead officers there, or prior approval is obtained from a supervisor.

According to WCS, potential candidates for congregational sanctuary include any individual or family who is facing imminent deportation, has a compelling need and might benefit from additional time to pursue legal remedy and/or to resolve their humanitarian issues. WCS argues deportations are separating families and hurting communities.

Dean-Ware said her congregation voted overwhelmingly in support of opening its doors as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants in late July. She said there's no one being housed yet, and no one lined up to be housed at the moment, but they're getting ready.

She said they cleared out a Sunday school room that they've since repainted and had the carpets cleaned, and they're working on putting up new curtains, possibly installing a permanent shower, and looking into getting a new security system.

If anyone is in need of emergency sanctuary before all that's done, she said, the church will be able to act quickly to take them in and just use a portable shower in the interim.

"We are slowly preparing our space, but we will take in somebody if needed whenever we need to," she said.

Dean-Ware said there's another room in the church that's now dedicated as a private living area for future sanctuary guests. She said it used to be a youth room for middle school and high school students and they were willing to give up the space for the cause.

When someone is being housed at the church, Dean-Ware said, the plan is to have volunteers on site 24/7 to assist the immigrants and keep them company, and to keep watch and interact with any law enforcement officers who might show up.

She said the church has about 150 or so members and it's counting on support from others to make everything come together.

Dean-Ware said anyone who chooses to go into congregational sanctuary will be experiencing a serious loss of personal freedom and liberty, so the church wants to make the stay as comfortable as possible. She said volunteers would do laundry and help with providing food, doing grocery shopping and preparing meals.

The church hasn't fully outfitted the private sanctuary living space with beds or furniture yet. Dean-Ware said they want to be flexible and allow immigrants who may be longtime members of the community to bring their own furniture items if they want.

WCS acknowledges becoming a congregational sanctuary is an act of civil disobedience.

"Because it is a public act and the intent is not to conceal, the Center for Constitutional Rights maintains the congregation will not be violating federal law," WCS states in a brochure. "Although this argument has not been tested in court, over the past forty years, no U.S. congregation has been prosecuted for providing sanctuary."

Dean-Ware said her congregation is responding to hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric and to seeing the federal government "haphazardly targeting" people who've lived in the community for a long time and who pose no threat and contribute to the community.

She said she's not sure how it's going to unfold, but the congregation is taking this step to show solidarity with immigrants in Washtenaw County and to serve as a model for other congregations.

She said the Church of the Good Shepherd has a multi-racial congregation that includes immigrants.

For those who argue the United States is a nation of laws and all immigrants in the country without authorization should face deportation, Dean-Ware said not all laws are just.

"I would say we are a nation of laws, but people of faith have been challenging unjust laws for centuries. Jesus challenged the unjust laws of the Roman empire," she said.

"So this is very much a part of what we do. These laws are unjust because they don't build up the United States. They are kind of targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities for the sheer purpose of political power. And until we have just and inclusive immigration laws and administrations, then we're always going to be fighting for full inclusion. Our society has been built by immigrants, both documented and undocumented. We have become great because of our diversity and ability to bring people from all different sorts of background together. And when we turn our back, we actually become weaker as a society."
ANN ARBOR, MI - Mayor Christopher Taylor and some of his City Council colleagues are proposing Ann Arbor join the U.S. Supreme Court fight against President Donald Trump's travel ban.

On the council's agenda Tuesday night, Sept. 5, is a resolution co-sponsored by Taylor and other council members, authorizing the city attorney to take action to have the city listed as a supporting municipality in an amicus brief to be filed with the court.

Amicus briefs are legal documents filed in court by entities that are not parties to the litigation but have a strong interest in the case and want to offer supporting information or arguments.

"Numerous amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court are being prepared across the country in the federal lawsuit against the president's travel ban," City Attorney Stephen Postema wrote in an email to council members last week as the resolution was being prepared. "The city has been contacted, and the mayor wishes to sponsor a resolution for the city to be listed as a signatory city on the brief opposing the president's ban."

At the center of the case is the executive order Trump issued on March 6, titled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." It replaced a Jan. 27 order with the same name that also faced legal challenges.

Commonly referred to as a travel ban, Trump's order aimed to temporarily ban entry into the U.S. by nationals of six majority-Muslim countries -- Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen -- subject to categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers. It also aimed to suspend travel of refugees into the country.

"Recent history shows that some of those who have entered the United States through our immigration system have proved to be threats to our national security," Trump stated in his order.

"Since 2001, hundreds of persons born abroad have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes in the United States. They have included not just persons who came here legally on visas but also individuals who first entered the country as refugees."

The resolution on Tuesday night's City Council agenda cites the case of State of Hawaii and Ismail Elshikh. v. Donald J. Trump, et al.

Hawaii and Elshikh, the imam of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, sought a nationwide temporary restraining order prohibiting enforcement of Trump's travel ban in U.S. District Court and it was granted earlier this year. The District Court of Hawaii on March 29 converted the temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction.

Hawaii-based U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson concluded anti-Muslim sentiment motivated the ban.

The federal defendants appealed, with further proceedings before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which in June refused to lift the hold on the travel ban, ruling it lacked justification and violated a federal immigration law that prohibits discrimination based on nationality.

On the campaign trail, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on."

The Trump administration last month urged the Supreme Court to end the months-long legal battle over the immigrant and refugee travel ban by ruling it's all about national security, not religion.

Ann Arbor officials now want to take a formal position in the Supreme Court in defense of the preliminary injunction against Trump's travel ban. The resolution on the City Council's agenda Tuesday night notes a coalition of some of the largest municipalities in the U.S., including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia, are supporting the lower court's position that the executive order violates the the establishment clause in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Council members who've so far joined Taylor in signing on as co-sponsors of the resolution include Chip Smith and Graydon Krapohl.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor Public Schools announced in June a new plan to allow high schoolers to start class after 8:30 a.m., which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Some parents expecting to get more information from the school district in the weeks following the announcement say they didn't hear anything else about it. That left them uncertain if the new option was available for the 2017-18 school year or how to go about requesting a class schedule change for their students.

Mark Simonson said he would have liked more information on the start time options before attending registration with his children at the end of August.

His son, who will be a freshman at Skyline High School, has special needs, and Simonson said his son's class requirements make it unlikely he could start his day after first period. His daughter - who will be a sophomore at Skyline - may opt for a later start time in the second or third trimester of the school year, he said, but they felt there was not enough time to work out a new schedule for her for the start of the school year.

"Most other parents I talk to have no idea the option even exists," Simonson wrote in an email. "It seems the schools do not want to promote this, but may be willing to accommodate those who know about it already."

The information was included in the 2017-18 Ann Arbor Schools back-to-school guide, and further details on the topic will come from principals and the superintendent in the weeks ahead, Superintendent Jeanice Swift said.

Swift said families should contact their student's school counselor to see how the later start time would fit in their schedules.

"We are vigorously working - we did in the spring, and we are again now - on meeting student needs around scheduling," Swift said. "We don't have a counseling team on staff during the summer, so it would have been irresponsible to have folks calling in to a place where we don't have staff."

Colleen Seifert was disappointed by the lack of communication with families over the summer about the new start option. Seifert is a part of the school district's advisory committee that helped develop the later high school start plan, and she is a co-leader of the local chapter of Start School Later, which petitioned the school board last fall to explore a later start time.

"From June to August nothing happened. That's very discouraging. I know it's very complex and there are a lot of details to work out, but it's critical we move ahead on this," said Seifert, whose son attends Community High School.

"I think it comes back to the importance of student health," she added. "We have reached an agreement with the school board and the school staff about the importance of this issue, but that has to be carried through in implementing it and educating the community about it and encouraging the later start option."

The regular start time for AAPS high schools is 7:45 a.m.

Students can elect to start their school day with second period, and they can add another class at the end of the regular school day or enroll in a virtual class to make sure they're still completing the credits and instructional time they need.

AAPS high schools previously offered their students some type of flexible scheduling options, and Swift said some students had already requested later start times this past spring - prior to the official announcement of the later start option.

The new element of the plan announced in June is to provide transportation for high schoolers who want to start school later.

Knowing that transportation can be a barrier for some families, AAPS is adding a shuttle from the middle schools to the high schools this year. High schoolers who want to start their day with second period and need to take the bus to school can ride the middle school bus route and then take the shuttle bus to their high school.

Those shuttles will be running on the first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 5, said district spokesperson Andrew Cluley. Students would still need to arrange transportation home if they take another class at the end of the traditional school day.

Simonson said he would like to see the regular start to the school day moved to 8:30 a.m. or later so all students could benefit.

"It will take work to (do) this, but the 'late start option' experience makes me think there is not a serious effort to move in this direction," Simonson said.

Dr. Ronald Chervin, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Michigan Medicine, knows well the importance of teenagers getting the proper amount of sleep and how waking up too early can interrupt their normal sleep cycle.

Teenagers' internal clocks make them naturally want to go to bed later and wake up later, Chervin said. Working against that can be detrimental to adolescents' mental and physical health.

However, his son - who will be a sophomore at Huron High School this year - is still planning to start school at 7:45 a.m.

"He says it's very difficult if he wants to (utilize the later start option). It would be almost impossible," Chervin said.

His son does not think the online course he would need to take if he started school later is a viable option, Chervin said, plus the teenage boy does not have a problem waking up early for school.

It's different for Chervin's daughter, who will be a sophomore at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor this year, he said. She's usually the last one in their family to go to bed each night, and she struggles to wake up in time for school in the morning.

"Some would benefit from (the later start time) more than others," Chervin said. "From my perspective, I would commend the schools on paying attention to this issue. ... It seems they considered it well, but I'm not sure at this moment that they changed a lot or changed it in a way that will work for families."
ANN ARBOR, MI - Alyza Khasidis was a little nervous for her first day of first grade at Ann Arbor's Carpenter Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

She was looking forward to recess and math, but she had heard first graders have more work to do before lunch than she'd had in kindergarten.

"I'm nervous to practice a lot of my letters," said Alyza, waiting outside the school with her dad.

Most Washtenaw County students started the 2017-18 school year on Tuesday. Whether students anxiously awaited the start of school or reluctantly said goodbye to summer, The Ann Arbor News and MLive wants to see what back-to-school looks like for your family.

To have your first day of school photos featured on mlive.com, complete the form below or email a photo, the student's first and last name, grade and school as well the name of the person who took the photo to education reporter Lauren Slagter at lslagter@mlive.com.

Alyza joined a growing crowd of students and their family members gathered outside Carpenter Elementary school before the start of school on Tuesday.

Incoming second grader Destiny McClure tried out her new light-up shoes as she waited for the first bell with her mother and grandmother. She said she's looking forward to gym class, and she had fun this summer going to birthday parties and visiting Tennessee.

Eli and Ezra Britt rode their bikes to Carpenter with their mother for the first time on Tuesday. The brothers, who started second and third grade, said they were ready for the start of the new school year.

"It will probably be more times and multiplication," Ezra said of the move from second to third grade.

In the front of the school, principal Michael Johnson greeted students by name and posed for photos with them in front of the school sign. Going into his fourth year leading Carpenter Elementary, Johnson sported a hard hat to go with the "ready to build" theme staff set for the school year.

"Seeing them on this day where they start and then you fast forward 180 days to where they end, it's phenomenal," Johnson said.

Classrooms across Ann Arbor Public Schools are starting the school year with new flexible furniture purchased with the district's 2015 bond revenue. Second-grade teacher Shevaughn Watson said the new desks and seats offer more mobility so she can arrange her classroom to encourage student collaboration.

"We'll be talking a lot about intentions and the growth mindset (on the first day of school)," said Watson, who is going into her eighth year at Carpenter and 13th year with AAPS. "And I think the furniture is going to allow for them to actually feel the growth mindset, because they'll have that opporutnity to move amongst each other and be collaborative. Collaboration is the key to students being able to share ideas."
ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel says a balance must be struck when considering free speech on campus while assuring students, faculty, staff and the community remain safe.

Debate over who gets to speak on college campuses across the country has grown as protests, counter protests and threats of physical violence have surrounded scheduling and canceling of speaking engagements like right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos at the University of California Berkeley.

In an interview with The Ann Arbor News, Schlissel said safety is the driver of discussions when potential requests from speakers come in.

"We wouldn't look at the content of the speech, but we'd consider with the speaker, how to manage the time, place and manner of the speech in a legal fashion that allows a person to get their ideas out, but also does as much as we can to assure the physical safety of community," Schlissel said. "So it's hard. We talk a lot about how we'd approach certain scenarios, and we'll have to see."

During the New Student Convocation on Friday, Sept. 1, Schlissel addressed Anti-Latino graffiti that was found on the Rock - a UM landmark on Hill Street and Washtenaw Avenue frequently painted by students.

Schlissel said the hateful statement was not acceptable, noting that rigorous discussion of conflicting viewpoints is one way to learn, but hateful displays by anonymous provocateurs do not enhance learning in any academic environment.

"Many students, staff and faculty have had their rightful place in our academic community called into question," Schlissel said.

"They are meant to discourage learning, disrupt lives, and incite fear," he said. "They seek to interfere with our students' ability to control their own futures. They take advantage of the role of the university as a marketplace for ideas and a bastion of free speech to spread hate and fear."

Schlissel said maintaining free speech on the Ann Arbor campus is a "legal obligation," but it has become more difficult to assure the campus and surrounding community remains safe with high profile white nationalist speaker and National Policy Institute head Richard Spencer requesting to speak on college campuses, including down the road at Michigan State University.

In mid-August, MSU rejected Spencer's request to speak on campus. Describing its reason for denying the institute's request, the university said it remains committed to freedom of expression but that its first obligation is to the safety and security of its students.

"This decision was made due to significant concerns about public safety in the wake of the tragic violence in Charlottesville last weekend," the statement said.

MSU was later sued by the student who tried to rent a room on campus, alleging MSU is violating Spencer's free speech, according to The Associated Press.

While UM has not been approached by the National Policy Institute, Schlissel echoed that sentiment, putting the safety of the campus community first.

"It's a legal obligation and it's critical to function as a university," Schlissel said of hosting speakers from different viewpoints on campus. "That said, I feel personally and institutionally responsible for the physical safety for everyone in our community - our students, our faculty our staff and our neighbors in the town."

Schlissel navigated through issues of free speech on the Ann Arbor campus during the previous academic year, denouncing the posting of racist flyers found on campus while still defending the right to free speech.

"While we continue to defend any individual's right to free speech on our campus, these types of attacks directed toward any individual or group, based on a belief or characteristic, are inconsistent with the university's values of respect, civility and equality," Schlissel and other administrators stated in a message to the campus community. "We also have a responsibility to create a learning environment that is free of harassment. These are core values and guiding principles that will help us as we strive to live up to our highest ideals."

Schlissel also has straddled the line of what is appropriate to express personally when it comes to free speech. He was criticized by conservative students on campus following a post-election vigil held on campus in response to the election of president-elect Donald Trump.

"Ninety percent of you rejected the kind of hate and the fractiousness and the longing for some sort of idealized version of a nonexistent yesterday," Schlissel said in his remarks at the vigil, which were posted by The Michigan Daily.

Free speech will remain an important topic heading into the new academic year, Schlissel said.

"We have to be a marketplace of ideas," Schlissel said. "People have to be exposed to ideas they agree with and ideas they disagree with and even find abhorrent or objectionable. That's so that their ideas can be expressed. That's the only way change happens is when people can talk to one another."
BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI -- Following a month of outcry against proposed hunting changes at the Bay City State Recreation Area, officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources say they've come up with a compromise that should appease the public.

Earlier this summer, the DNR proposed to expand hunting and trapping opportunities at the state park, specifically opening the 2.7-mile span of trails in the Tobico Marsh State Game Area to hunters. Hundreds of people in August showed up for a public meeting, voicing their opposition to the proposal. Many of their concerns centered around safety while using the trails if hunting is expanded.

George Lauinger, unit manager of the state recreation area, on Tuesday, Sept. 5, said the DNR has listened to the public and is proposing changes to the initial proposal that will be introduced during a public meeting either later this week or early next week. He has declined to give specifics about the changes because they are not yet finalized yet.

"I think people will be pleased when they see the changes we've made in the proposal," Lauinger said.

State Rep. Brian Elder, D-Bay City, said he also heard chatter that a change was coming to the proposal, but hasn't seen a final outline of it. He hopes the DNR scales back its initial proposal.

"I think that would be a good idea," he said. "I'm not sure no one really knew what the proposal was during the first public meeting, so it was wise of them to take a little extra time and rethink it."

Introducing a revised proposal to the public falls on a tight timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 14, the Natural Resource Commission of the DNR votes on that proposal and another to change the name of the park from Bay City State Recreation Area to Bay City State Park.

DNR officials said the main reason for wanting to expand hunting at the park is because about 80 percent of the state park property was purchased with federal dollars from the Pittman-Robertson Act, which uses hunting fee revenue to purchase more land for hunting.

Lauinger admits that some would disagree with that argument. Frank N. Anderson, a local philanthropist, donated 870 acres of property in 1955 to the state's wildlife division, which led to a state park.

Nate Levitte, field operations manager of the Wildlife Division of the DNR, said there aren't any specific game management issues at the park, but said there have been minor issues involving muskrats and beavers in the past.
BAY CITY, MI -- A clowder of kittens is making the long haul north from Texas to Bay City in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's devastation.

As many as 18 kittens are to be received by the Humane Society of Bay County on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Stephanie Beiser, the nonprofit's adoption coordinator, is picking them up in Milford and then bringing them the rest of the way north to Bay City.

The kittens are traveling from the Montgomery County Animal Control in Texas, which is sending the animals in its care to different rescue groups across the nation, Beiser said. The kittens were already at the shelter before the hurricane hit. They are being relocated to make room for cats and dogs found in Harvey's aftermath that were potentially separated from their owners and could be reclaimed.

"Most will be staying with us, but some will also go to Passion for Paws in Freeland," Beiser said.

The kittens, which are 14 weeks old at the most, will be distributed to fosters.

"They're all supposed to be vaccinated already, per laws of interstate transports," Beiser said. Once it's ensured the kittens are all sterilized as well, they'll be up for adoption, Beiser said.
DETROIT - A Wayne State University student was robbed at gunpoint near the Detroit Medical Center during the holiday weekend, according to a report from CBS Detroit.

The 22-year-old student told police two men, one who appeared to have a pistol, threatened to shoot her and robbed her of her cellphone Sunday, CBS reported.

Two individuals were later taken into custody, according to the report.
Roughly $40 million is still available in no-interest loans for Michigan homeowners falling upon hard times and facing foreclosure a second chance to pay their taxes, officials say.

The Step Forward Michigan Program - enacted in the state following a $761 million federal grant - offers those who qualify no-interest loans to homeowners who are behind on their property taxes, mortgage payments or condominium fees, state officials said.

The program - which has helped 34,567 Michigan homeowners through $307.3 million in loans since 2010 - still has around $40 million to assist approximately 6,000 eligible households through 2020, according to a release from the program.

From Saginaw, Genesee and Bay Counties alone, a total of 3,099 homeowners have been helped by the program since 2010, including:

1,563 homeowners and $12.5 million in loans in Genesee County,

1,001 homeowners and $6.3 million in loans in Saginaw County,

535 homeowners and $3.6 million in loans in Bay County.

At a press conference, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver stressed the importance of the program for those falling on hard times due to the city's lead-in-water crisis.

"We know the water crisis has created financial difficulties for many of our residents," Weaver said. "The Step Forward Michigan program is a great way to get caught up on mortgage or property tax payments and hold onto your home."

To qualify for assistance, a homeowner must be a Michigan resident, have an ownership interest in the property and be able to sign new mortgage lien on property, occupy the property as his or her primary property or primary residence, have enough income to cover the mortgage, condo association fees, and/or property tax payments going forward, and have case reserves no greater than $10,000, according to program information.

Any homeowner convicted in the past 10 years on a financial-related felony, including larceny, theft, fraud, forgery, money laundering or tax evasion is not eligible for the one-time loan.

Loan payments go directly to the county treasurer's office, mortgage lender or condominium association and not the homeowner, treasurers from Bay, Genesee and Saginaw County explained at a press conference this month.

"If residents aren't able to get caught up on their property tax, mortgage or condominium fee payments, then the likeliness of foreclosure becomes all too real, which in turn affects property values in the county," said Saginaw County Treasurer Tim Novak. "We have a vested interest in preventing every foreclosure. That's why I'm such a big supporter of the Step Forward Michigan program."

Interested residents can check their eligibility for the program by answering a short series of questions at stepforwardmichigan.org or by calling (866) 946-7432.

For assistance with applying for the program, homeowners in the tri-county area can turn to Community Home Solutions in Bay City, Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency in Farwell and Metro Community Development in Flint.

More information can be found at stepforwardmichigan.org.
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We enclose herewith copy of the notice of 24th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on Friday, the 29th September, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Block - E/2, Community Hall, Moolar Band Extension, By Pass Road, Badarpur, New Delhi -110044.Kindly take the above in your records and acknowledge the same.Source : BSE

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Please find attached Notice of 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Company scheduled to be held on 29th September, 2017.This is for your information and records please.Source : BSE

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The 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Company is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 26 September 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Golden Jubilee Hall, Sandur Residential School Campus, Shivapur, Palace Road, Sandur -583 119.Further, Tuesday, 19 September 2017 shall be the record date for the purpose of payment of dividend, if declared at the 63rd AGM. Pursuant to provisions of Section 91 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 10 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 42 of the Securities and Exchange Board India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Register of Members and Transfer Books of the Company will be closed from Wednesday, 20 September 2017 to Tuesday, 26 September 2017 (both days inclusive).We send herewith copy of notice convening the 63rd AGM along with publication released in newspapers (both in English and Kannada language) relating to notice of 63rd AGM, book closure and remote e-voting.Source : BSE

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Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Cement has done well today. India Cements is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 176, target of Rs 190. Dewan Housing Finance Corporation is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 524, target of Rs 550."

"Karnataka Bank is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 150, target of Rs 162. RBL Bank went through its own correction and now, is beginning to push higher. At some point we will go back towards Rs 600. 200-day moving average is about Rs 470, so that would act as a stop loss. But today, I do not think it is doing too much, hardly up 0.9 percent."

"For Fortis Healthcare , Rs 130 is a stop loss and that is where the big buying happened. As long as that holds on, Fortis will move up. But it is a situation stock. So, you have to wait for something to happen to get that 10-15 type move, " he added.
Chandan Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities told CNBC-TV18, "We have positive view on selective private bank compared to the PSU banks. So recommending to go long on Yes Bank. The stock has been respecting to its rising support trend line and after the consolidation of last three weeks, stock is all set to head towards new high territory. So recommending to buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,730 for an upside target towards Rs 1,840-1,850 level."

"Second trade is from NBFC space. We have seen buying interest in most of the NBFC companies and built up of long with rollover activity indicates that this strength would continue. However, here we are picking to go with LIC Housing Finance. It has negated the lower top lower bottom formation on the weekly chart and given a reversal. So, expecting a sharp move towards Rs 710-720. One can buy with a stop loss of Rs 660."

"Last trade that is on option side, negative sentiment on the PSU banks. We are expecting Canara Bank to decline towards Rs 330-320 levels. The stock has failed to surpass immediate hurdle, so, some weakness could continue to drag it to lower levels. One can buy 330 Put by putting a stop loss of Rs 5 and this Put can move towards Rs 14," he added.
By Satish Gupta of astrostocktips.in

Todays planetary position: Moon will be transiting in Aqurius. Jupiter in Virgo, Sun, Mars & Mercury in Leo. Lord Saturn in Scprpio. Lord Rahu & Venus in Cancer. Ketu in Capricorn. Pluto in Sagittarius. Neptune in Aquarius & Uranus in Pisces.

Planet Mercury, which controls our mind (Buddhi) is transiting in Leo and is in retrograde position from August 13, 2017 to September 5, 2017. Be cautious, as one is likely to take wrong decisions, resulting in financial losses, depending on its position in individual horoscope. Technical analysts/researchers can be worst affected (since planet Mercury is significator of this profession). Persons with Leo, Aquarius, Gemini & Virgo ascendant need to be extra vigilant.

Rahukal time: -15.00  16.30

Astrological position about market is highly uncomfortable. It is sell on every rise.

Following sectors will be receiving astrological support:

Tyre: Ceat, Apollo Tyres, Balkrishna Industries, MRF, etc.

To identify and buy such stocks at right time and exit at right time. Timing is most crucial element in investing or trading. This timing can be known through Financial Astrology. Astrology is only science which can predict future correctly & guide us about sectors which have to outperform.

Every year with commencement of new Samvat (Hindu New Year), astrologically, based on planetary position, certain new sectors start getting strong astrological support & start outperforming, while some others sectors which were performing earlier start underperforming. Some sectors/stock remains laggard. Stocks of astrological supported sectors outperform resulting in exorbitant gains irrespective of market behaviour, either bull market or bear market.

Predicting bullish sectors of next Samvat 2074

Every year we release sectors of new Samvat in the month of March/April when new Samvat starts. But this year, we shall prepone release of next Samvat sectors, which are going to get strong astrological support & stocks from those sector outperform markets. Purpose of releasing sectors of next Samvat earlier is that investors & traders should get maximum advantage of down trend of markets by good timing.

We firmly believe that these special astrological positions present very unique opportunities to investors and traders both. This opportunity, if utilised properly, can safeguard your existing portfolio and simultaneously optimise your future investments and trading also. Successful investing and trading is all about good timing only.

Needless to mention our innumerable past predictions, where most stocks from the SECTORS of SAMVAT gave exorbitant returns & certain stocks appreciated by over 500 percent.

During current Samavat 2073 among other sectors  dyes/chemical/sugar sector received strong astrological support & outperformed and gave exorbitant return. Many stocks from dyes/ chemical sector appreciated by over 500 percent.

Sectors which get very strong astrological support are not normally affected by downfall in the market.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
The government on Tuesday said that names of over 2.09 lakh firms have been struck off from register of companies for failing to comply with regulatory requirements and action has been initiated to restrict operations of their bank accounts.

Continuing its crackdown on shell companies which are allegedly used as conduits for illicit fund flows and tax evasion, the government said the directors of deregistered firms would not be able to operate the bank accounts till these entities are legally restored.

"The names of 2,09,032 companies have been struck off from the register of companies under Section 248 (5) of the Act. The existing directors and authorised signatories of such struck-off companies will now become ex-directors or ex-authorised signatories," an official release said.

Section 248 of the Companies Act -- which is implemented by the corporate affairs ministry -- provides powers to strike off names of companies from the register on various grounds including for being inactive for long.

About the directors and signatories of the over 2.09 lakh firms, the government said they would not be able to operate bank accounts of such companies till these entities are legally restored.

The restoration, as and when it happens, would be reflected in the official records by way of change in the status from 'struck off' to 'active'.

"Since such 'struck off' companies have ceased to exist, action has been initiated to restrict the operation of bank accounts of such companies," the release said.

The Department of Financial Services, through the Indian Banks Association, has advised banks that they should take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of such struck-off companies.

"In addition to such struck-off companies, banks have also been advised to go in for enhanced diligence while dealing with companies in general," the release said.

A company even having an active status on the corporate affairs ministry website but defaulting in filing of its due financial statements or annual returns, among others, "should be seen with suspicion as, prima facie, the company is not complying with its mandatory statutory obligations".
Infosys11

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Infosys will announce its quarter and half-year ended September 30, 2017 financial results on October 24, the company informed exchanges. This will be a departure from the tradition where the IT bellwether is among the first companies to announce results in the second week of the month.

No reason was given for the delay.

The board of directors will meet on October 23-24, 2017 and will also consider payment of an interim dividend. The software exporter will hold investor/analyst calls on October 24 to discuss the results and business outlook.

Investors keep a close watch on the companys earnings to get a sense of the IT sectors growth.

These results will be the first after Nandan Nilekani's return to the company as the non-executive chairman. Nilekani took charge last month after Vishal Sikka resigned as CEO of the company following an extended spat with founder NR Narayan Murthy.

Also read: How should investors play the return of Nilekani at Infosys?

Soon after, the key board members of the company including R Seshasayee also resigned. It also approved on August 19 share buyback of Rs 13,000 crore, which would entail buying back of up to 11,30,43,478 crore shares at Rs 1,150 apiece.

Also read: Infosys promoters offer shares worth Rs 2,038-crore for buyback

Earlier this year, Murthy had criticized the board for not maintaining corporate governance standards at the company and also expressed concerns regarding severance packages to some former executives. Specifically pointing at the acquisition of Israeli firm Panaya, Murthy asked the board to make the report by legal firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, public.

In a letter to the board last month, Murthy had asked the board why Ritika Suri , a member of the team that was involved in the controversial buyout of Israeli firm, Panaya, resigned soon after the law firm gave a clean chit to the company.
Nitin Gadkari

Asserting that the government is serious in promoting electric vehicles, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said an electric fleet comprising buses, taxis and autorickshaws will be on roads by the end of this year.

"By the end of this year, we will have electric buses, taxis, autorickshaws... We are very serious about it and the automobile industry is also very serious about it," Gadkari, who holds the portfolio of road transport and highways, said at an event to mark the rollout of a fleet at Gurgaon here.

To provide last-mile connectivity to metro travellers in Gurgaon, Gadkari flagged off the fleet of first batch of 1,000 e-autorickshaws from the Huda City Centre metro station.

The minister, who was also given the charge of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation in the latest Cabinet rejig, took Delhi Metro to travel to Huda City Centre, the venue of the event, and used the same mode way back.

Terming himself as a "bulldozer", the minister said his ministry and the government are constantly working towards electrification of vehicles.

"I am a bulldozer I want to stop this petrol, diesel... I am very much committed to transport based on electricity. My mission, my dream is public transport on electricity," he said.

The government, he stressed, is striving to cut down huge import bill on crude and encouraging alternatives like bio- diesel, bio-methanol, ethanol, electricity and CNG.

"The policy of our department is to encourage bio-fuel. Ethanol, bio-diesel, bio-CNG, methanol are the future of the country. Our approach is to become import substitute, cost- effective pollution free. Pollution is a big concern," he said.

He pointed out that the fleet will not just provide cost effective and pollution free substitute in transport system of Gurgaon, but will also generate employment opportunities for the marginalised youth.

The electric fleet is being operated by Treasure Vase Ventures Private Ltd, in partnership with Delhi Metro, under the SmartE brand name.

The e-autorickshaws have been manufactured in India and are fitted with GPS and tracking system.

SmartE has formed strategic partnerships with the Haryana government and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to launch 1,000 such vehicles in Gurgaon and Faridabad in 2017.

The e-autorickshaws, SmartE, are expected to provide "meaningful" self-employment to over 1,00,000 marginalised youth in the next 4-5 years.
India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (L) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan attend a convocation ceremony for students at a university in Mumbai January 9, 2015. A weak recovery from India's longest growth slowdown in decades is pushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advisers to consider loosening fiscal deficit targets, risking the ire of investors, ratings agencies and the central bank. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade (INDIA - Tags: BUSINESS EDUCATION) - RTR4KQ6D

Raghuram Rajan, former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), said he opened up on the topic of demonetisation as some of the responses given to the Parliamentary Committee by RBI about demonetisation were not in accordance with his actual response.

Speaking at the launch of his book, 'I do what I do', Rajan said it was not a tell-all book and did not quote private conversations except on demonetisation in the introduction. He said he had wanted to set the record straight on demonetisation as Parliament had a right to know what actually happened.

Responses given to Parliamentary Committee weren't in accordance with my actual response (on demonetisation) Parliament has a right to know what actually happened, he said.

Rajan who has also worked with the government as the chief economic adviser to India's Ministry of Finance prior to heading the central bank, said RBI governors cannot always say yes to the government.

A week before the book launch, Rajan revealed that he had warned the government against demonetisation. "Although there may be long-term benefits, I felt the likely short-term economic costs would outweigh them, and felt there were potentially better alternatives to achieve the main goals," he writes in his book. "I made these views known in no uncertain terms.

However, Rajan said he had faced no interference from both the UPA and NDA government in carrying out the agenda of financial sector reforms and had the governments' support all along. He said he had a cordial relationship with both the governments.

There was a lot of talk in public about RBI-government tensions but focus on tensions missed the co-operation between them, he said.
Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan has stated that he was never in favour of demonetisation and had warned the government of the damage that pulling out 86 per cent of cash would cause to the economy.

Rajan was RBI governor in February 2016 when he was asked by the government for his views on junking of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, he revealed in his book 'I do what I do'.

"At no point during my term was the RBI asked to make a decision on demonetisation," says Rajan, a statement that flies in the face of claims that the planning for the surprise move had started months before it was actually announced on November 8, 2016.

Rajan, who had predicted the 2008 global financial crisis, was governor of the central bank from September 4, 2013 to September 4, 2016. "I was asked by the government in February 2016 for my views on demonetisation, which I gave orally. Although there might be long-term benefits, I felt the likely short-term economic costs would outweigh them and there were potentially better alternatives to achieve the main goals. I made these views known in no (rpt) no uncertain terms," he wrote.

RBI, he said, handed over a note to the government outlining the potential cost and benefits of demonetisation as well as alternatives to achieve similar aims. It also detailed the preparation that would be needed and the time it would require.

"The RBI flagged what would happen if preparation was inadequate," said Rajan, who had so far not commented on the move.

Just over two months after his departure on September 4, 2016, the government invalidated Rs 15.44 lakh crore, expecting one-third may not come back, with an aim to check blackmoney and corruption.

The RBI, which had shied away from declaring how much of junked currency was deposited in banks in the limited window provided, last week in its annual report said 99 per cent of the currency had returned.

The monetary cost of printing new currency for the central bank has more than doubled to Rs 7,965 crore while the number of counterfeit notes or fake notes detected during the exercise is only minuscule -- just about 7.6 lakh pieces.

Rajan said: "If the government, on weighing the pros and cons, still decided to go ahead with demonetisation, the note outlined the preparation that would be needed and the time that the preparation would take. The RBI flagged what would happen if preparation was inadequate."

The government then set up a committee to consider the issues, Rajan said, adding that "the deputy governor in charge of currency attended these meetings and at no point during my term was the RBI asked to make a decision on demonetisation".

The former RBI governor, currently professor of finance at the University of Chicago, said that much before the government took the demonetisation decision, he was asked about invalidating high-denomination currency in August 2014 during a public lecture.
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A day after the Supreme Courts stay on Jaypee Infratech's insolvency proceedings, IDBI Bank has asked the court to restore the process as buyers plan to take the fight to a more aggressive path. The next date of hearing has been set for September 11, add sources.

While on one hand, the IDBI Bank moved the apex court on Tuesday seeking restoration of insolvency proceedings against Jaypee, the distraught buyers, on the other hand, plan to assail the developer with 4,000 more individual cases, both civil and criminal.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi representing the bank submitted to SC that the Insolvency Resolution Professional appointed by NCLT will take care of homebuyers.

"IDBI Bank, which has a debt of Rs 4000 crore out of a total consortium debt of Rs 10,000 crore equally represents public money and is acting under RBI guidelines as custodian of public monies. A blanket SC stay has the wholly unintended effect of restoring company into the hands of JP. The insolvency professional is much better equipped to deal with claims and counter-claims of homeowners rather than throwing back the letter into the hands of JP, who is the principal perpetrator of homeowners' distress and borrower of Rs 10,000 crore of public monies,"says Singhvi.

On Monday, the Supreme Court stayed the NCLT's (National Company Law Tribunal) insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech, bringing relief to approximately 40,000 homebuyers who invested their money in the real estate major's housing projects in the national capital region (NCR).

According to reports, IDBI has looking to get a go ahead to recover its dues worth Rs 526 crore from the defaulting company.

"By staying the insolvency process the court gave the company back to its promoters, the bank told the court, according to a report in the Livemint.

After the Supreme Court stay, the buyers have got the confidence to fight the legal battle with more vocal protests, meeting various ministers, sending letters to the prime ministers office and filing of police complaint.

"The plan is to bombard them with multiple court cases, so that the developers remain engaged and tangled in legal hassles. They are a huge company but even for them to handle 4,000 individual cases would be a lot. There are home buyers who have already filed court cases over non-delivery of the promised property and cheating, among other charges. More are planning to do the same over the next few weeks, Pankaj Gupta, a buyer in Jaypee Wish Towns Kensington Park Apartment project told the Business Standard.

Many are also planning to file a new lot of police cases for cheating them.

The apex court will now hear the homebuyers' plea in the case on October 10.

Homebuyers who had invested in Jaypee's residential projects have been put through the grind of late with a number of changes that have been at best confusing. At the heart of their confusion lies the forms which are available for homebuyers to file their claims. In addition to an earlier form, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India has introduced another form.

Last month, the Allahabad bench of the NCLT passed an order starting insolvency proceedings against Jaypee Infratech, a subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates.

As per reports, the lawyer on behalf of the petitioners argued that the NCLT order has put the homebuyers in a disadvantaged position as the order required them to fill up certain forms which will stop them from moving consumer courts. The lawyer also said the homebuyers are worried about their investments in the company's projects.

The buyers have also asked for a forensic audit of Jaypee Infra and its holding company Jaiprakash Associates to evaluate the magnitude of their bankruptcy.

Buyers of Jaypees flats were thrown off guard by recent developments. To make matters worse, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) introduced a new form to file claims.
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Indian state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp plans to bid for Israeli offshore oil-and-gas exploration blocks, Indias oil minister told Reuters, the first major deal between the two countries since a groundbreaking trip by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July.

India and Israel have deep defence ties but Modi and his right wing ruling group are pushing to expand the relationship into other sectors such as energy and technology with a country they see as a natural ally against terrorism.

A high-ranking delegation from India, the worlds third-biggest oil consumer, visited Israel last month to discuss taking part in the tender for blocks in the Mediterranean Sea and Israeli officials said they were pleased with the visit.

We will definitely bid for Israels oil-and-gas blocks, Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from Israels energy ministry.

When Modi visited Israel in July, both sides showed interest to build a broader economic relationship, rather than one based on defence, which had drawn them together because of similar concerns about militant threats they face. They are starting from a relatively low economic base as bilateral trade was just $2 billion in 2016.

Many oil majors have been hesitant to enter the Israeli market, fearing a backlash from oil-rich Arab states hostile to the country.

Israel put 24 exploration blocks up for auction in November 2016 and the countrys energy minister, Yuval Steinitz, has said he would be happy to choose two or three foreign explorations groups. The auction closes on November 15.

India is conducting a technical and commercial analysis to participate in the Israels bidding process, said Sanjay Sudhir, a joint secretary in the federal oil ministry, who led the delegation.

We dove into all the relevant details of the tender - geological, technical - and familiarised them with Israels oil and gas ecosystem, an official at Israels Energy Ministry said on the Indian teams visit, declining to be identified in the absence of permission to speak to the media.

Israel wants to open up its hydrocarbon sector, which is currently dominated by a partnership of Noble Energy and Delek Group. They control the Tamar and the much larger Leviathan fields.

India also wants to participate in the upcoming auction to explore and develop gas fields off the coast of Lebanon, Pradhan said in July. Three of those blocks border waters with Israel, with which Lebanon has a long-standing maritime border dispute.

ONGC is Indias biggest energy exploration firm and a source at its overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh said the firm would not bid for any block in areas disputed by Israel and Lebanon.

Israel has said that none of the blocks it has offered are in disputed waters, said the source.

Another state-run explorer, Oil India Ltd, has not yet decided to bid in Israels licensing round, the Indian companys chairman, Utpal Bora, told Reuters.

Indias decision to bid for blocks off Israel and Lebanon comes after a setback in getting development rights for a giant gas field in Iran.

Indian companies discovered the Farzad B gas field in Iran in 2008 and have bid several times for the development rights, but media reports suggest that Tehran has decided to award the field to Russias Gazprom.
Markets regulator Sebi ordered V3 Infrastructure and Estates and its three directors to refund within three months the investors' money that the company had raised through an illegal collective investment scheme (CIS).

The regulator has also barred the four entities from the capital market "till the directions for refund/repayment to investors are complied with... and for a further period of four years from the date of completion of the refund".

Also, the directors -- V Santosh Kumar, V Madhusudhan and H Sireesha -- have been restrained from holding position as directors or key managerial personnel of any listed company for a period of four years.

According to an interim order passed by Sebi in 2015, V3 Infrastructure and Estates had raised approximately Rs 31 lakh from 78 through a scheme called "own your property.

After noting that the fund mobilising activity of the firm under the garb of a real estate business, fell within the parameters of CIS, which was being carried out without getting registration from Sebi, the regulator had directed the company and its directors not to collect fresh money from investors from the existing scheme, among others, in the interim order.

In the fresh order, Sebi reiterate that the activities of the firm and its directors constitute a CIS and they have been carried out without seeking a registration from Sebi, thereby contravening the CIS Regulations.

The firm and its directors are "jointly and severally" liable to wind up the existing collective investment scheme and refund the money collected under the scheme with returns which are due to the investors within a period of three months, Sebi said.

After completion of the refund, the four entities would have to submit a winding up and repayment report to Sebi within seven days.

In case the firm and its directors fail to comply with Sebi's directive, the regulator would initiate recovery proceedings against them.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has suspended stock broking firm OPG Securities for six months, for not adhering to the stock exchanges rules for logging on to the trading system.

OPG Securities is the centre of the co-location controversy on the NSE, in which some brokers who had availed of the server co-location facility, got preferential access to the exchanges trading system. These brokers had somehow managed to connect to the exchanges back-up server, and hence could access the price feed faster, giving them an advantage over other brokers.

"OPG Securities will be suspended for six months as Trading Member of all segments of this Exchange with an immediate effect after observance of necessary formalities and any other prescribed procedural requirements. Communication to this effect has been issued to the Member," NSE Spokesperson told Moneycontrol.

In February this year, the NSEs Disciplinary Action Committee had issued a show cause notice to OPG Securities, asking it to explain why it had logged on to the secondary server despite several warnings.

OPG moved the Delhi High Court, claiming that it had not been warned, and challenged NSE to give proof of the warning letters. The case is still going on.

NSE has given personal hearing 11 other brokers that were named in the same report in co-location case.

A forensic review of the NSEs co-location facility by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu has shown that OPG Securities was able to consistently connect to the exchanges trading system ahead of other trading members. The Deloitte report says that this would not have been possible without the knowledge of the NSE team.

In 2012, TBTCOLO21 was most frequently the first POP server to connect to the Primary Data Centre. NYCE Securities and OPG Securities connected first to this server 85 and 83 times respectively during the year, said the Deloitte report.
Equity benchmarks recouped more than half of previous day's losses and the broader markets outperformed on Tuesday as investors shrugged off lingering geopolitical tensions and preferred bargain hunting.

The late rally helped the 30-share BSE Sensex gain 107.30 points at 31,809.55. The 50-share NSE Nifty rose 39.35 points to 9,952.20, driven by oil, private banking & financials and cement stocks.

Experts expect the market to be rangebound in near term as they feel it is difficult for the Nifty to surpass 10,000 level in near term due to global factors like North Korea tensions. However, they are positive for long term.

"There does not seem to be any headwinds for the Indian macros  so till elections in May 2019. There is time for earnings to catch up and even if they do not catch up, the flows are strong," Nimesh Shah of ICICI Prudential AMC said in an interview to CNBC-TV18. FY19 is expected to be good for earnings, he added.

The BSE Midcap index was up 0.6 percent and Smallcap index gained 1 percent on strong market breadth. About two shares advanced for every share falling on the BSE.

Meanwhile, activity in services sector contracted for a second straight month in August due to GST-led disruptions. Nikkei/IHS Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 47.5 in August, up from 45.9 in July but still below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction.

All sectoral indices barring Pharma closed in green.

Reliance Industries continued its upmove for fifth consecutive session today, contributing most to index gains. The stock was up 1.3 percent and rallied 6.6 percent in five sessions.

Tata Motors gained 1.2 percent despite decline in JLR UK sales. Jaguar Land Rover sales dropped 9.5 percent year-on-year to 2,077 units in August.

All Nifty Bank stocks barring SBI ended higher today. The upgrade of European banks by UBS and bargain hunting could be reasons for upside. Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank gained 0.2-1 percent while HDFC was up 0.7 percent.

Cement stocks like UltraTech Cement, ACC, Ambuja Cements etc gained around 2 percent after hike in cement prices. Cement makers raised prices by up to Rs 27 per 50 kg bag in Mumbai, reports CNBC-TV18.

Tech Mahindra gained 2.8 percent and IOC was up 0.7 percent after falling 2 percent and 4 percent in previous session, respectively.

Coal India added another 3 percent gains today, on top of 3 percent rally in previous session post good production & offtake numbers.

Telecom stocks ended lower as sources told CNBC-TV18 that telecom regulator TRAI is going to set a 1-2 year roadmap to gradually phase out interconnect usage charge (IUC) that is currently at 14 paise.

Telecom commission, which is in favour of zero IUC regime, has recommended immediate cut in IUC to 7-8 paise, sources said. Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular fell 2-3 percent.

Sun Pharma erased some previous day's gains, losing 1.8 percent on profit booking.

On the global front, European markets were moderately higher despite geopolitical concerns. France's CAC, Germany's DAX and Britain's FTSE were up 0.2-0.5 percent at the time of writing this article. Asian markets ended mixed despite positive Caixin services PMI.
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Worried about geopolitical tensions? Well, it may look bad, but it might not be as bad because any knee-jerk reaction could give investors an opportunity to buy into quality stocks on dips.

Things took a u-turn for D-Street after South Korea said that its northern counterpart could be preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) following its flawless test of a hydrogen bomb, various media reports quoted.

Geopolitical tensions always cause undesired volatility. But, over the last decade or short lived geopolitical tensions have always given entry opportunity to investors, Rakesh Tarway - Research Head - Reliance Securities told Moneycontrol.

Unless market believes that tensions in North Korea are going to escalate to a full-time war in immediate to short term any negative volatility caused by the same will provide a good correction for investors, he said.

We have collated a list of top 10 stocks from various experts which could turn out to be multibaggers in next 2-3 years:

Analyst: Sahil Kapoor, Chief Market Strategist, Edelweiss Broking

Ratnamani Metals & Tubes:

RMTL currently has an ongoing investment of Rs350cr with an objective to enhance its leadership in the stainless steel (SS) tubes/pipes segment.

This new capacity will enable RMTL to capture the significant opportunity emerging from the governments policy of encouraging imports substitution and preferring domestic suppliers over imports in PSU contracts particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, defence, aerospace, nuclear energy  an opportunity valued at least at Rs 1,000-1,500 crore beyond its present market of Rs 1,500 crore pa.

We expect SS tubes volumes to grow by 22.6 percent CAGR between FY17-20E with higher blended realizations and margins. The carbon steel pipes segment has a strong opening order book of Rs420cr, a majority sourced from the water and gas sectors.

We expect RMTLs carbon steel segment to grow volumes at 8.8 percent CAGR over FY17-20E. Higher operating leverage and improving blended realization is expected to take FY20E EBIDTA margin to 20% from the current 18.2 percent.

In the past decade, RMTL has consistently posted RoCE of 20 percent, which we believe can be grown to 23 percent in FY20E as the current demand leads to improved realizations.

Dilip Buildcon

Indian road sector is expected to experience immense growth backed by an increase in spend and improved policies by the government both at central and state levels.

Dilip Buildcon (DBL) is the largest road construction company in India with Rs20,000 cr order book and Rs5,100 crore revenue and is expected to be a major beneficiary of thrust in road and construction segment.

Strong and in-house execution, an end to end capabilities, and before time delivery aid DBL to earn highest EBIRDA margin and one of the highest RoCE in the road construction space.

Limited investment and the improved working capital cycle will reduce the stress on the balance sheet and hence return on invested capital will improve going forward.

GIC Housing Finance (GICHFL)

GICHFL is a well-capitalized retail HFC with over 97 percent of loans financed by individuals and up to Rs15lakh loans constituting 50 percent of the loan book.

While housing loans account for 83 percent of loan book, the balance is loans against property (LAP). Company prefers to finance the salaried class, which forms 77 percent of the loan book.

Humungous untapped market and policy push significantly burnish prospects. Hence, GICHFL has raised its loan growth target significantly  to Rs160bn by March 2019 from Rs79.1bn in March 2016, implying 26% CAGR over FY16-19 and 29.3% CAGR over Q3FY17-FY19.

Dip in high-cost borrowings and rising share of high-yield loans to boost NIM. The share of high-cost borrowing was 75 percent in FY15, which fell to 67 percent in FY16 versus the industry average of 28 percent.

The management has guided to cut it to 50 percent. We estimate GICHFLs earnings to jump significantly over FY16-19 which will expand RoA and RoAE.

The earning surge is expected on account of a) target to double loan book to INR160bn over FY16-19; b) plan to increase the share of LAP from ~17 percent to 20 percent, and c) goal to steadily cut borrowings from commercial banks to 50 percent from 67 percent in FY16.

We have projected loan book CAGR of 25 percent over FY16-19, while NII, operating profit, and PAT are estimated to grow 24 percent, 26 percent, and 27 percent, respectively

Trident

Trident which commenced operations as a yarn player has now shifted to the higher margin home textile segment (71 percent of FY19E revenues vs 46 percent in FY16).

We envisage Tridents EBITDA margin to increase due to the shift from a yarn manufacturer to the higher margin home textiles, improved performance from the paper division and increasing utilisation.

Utilization of terry towels and bed linen is expected to improve from 49 percent and 32 percent currently to 66 percent and 54 percent in FY19E, respectively resulting in operating leverage.

Trident will generate Rs600cr free cash flow every year over FY17-19, a part of which will be used to repay the debt which will boost PAT.

Higher utilisation will spur asset turnover and margin, which will result in RoE and RoCE expanding from 8 percent and 14 percent in FY16 to 16 percent and 22 percent in FY19E, respectively.

The stock trades at an inexpensive valuation of 8x FY19E P/E in spite of improving financials and a leadership position in home textiles and branded copier paper.

Asian Granito

Asian Granito India (AGL) is the fourth largest tiles manufacturer in India, with ~33MSM capacity and accounts for ~8 percent of the organised tiles market.

It produces ceramic wall & floor tiles and digital, polished/glazed vitrified tiles- and is also engaged in marble and quartz manufacturing with an annual installed capacity of 1.3MSM.

The company has a wide range of tiles portfolio offering 1,200 plus designs across the INR 30 to INR 165 per sq ft price range. A vibrant product range, aggressively expanding distribution network, sustained capacity expansion and potential benefits of shift of market share to organised players are expected to aid AGL to outperform peers.

Expected Growth FY17-19E - Sales: 19 percent CAGR; EBITDA Margin Improvement: 180 bps; PAT: 46 percent CAGR.

Strong footprint on domestic and international platforms, the untapped potential for national consumption, Greater emphasis on exports and enhancing partnerships via mergers and acquisitions.

Analyst: Hemang Jani, Head  Advisory at Sharekhan Ltd

Arvind

Arvind Limiteds (Arvind) revenue for Q1FY2018 grew strong by 17.6 percent YoY to Rs.2,475 crore, driven by 40 percent growth in the branded apparels business and 17 percent growth in the garment business.

In view of lower margins in the textile business, we have reduced our earnings estimates for FY2018 by 7 percent and have broadly maintained our FY2019 earnings estimates.

With the branded and retail business expected to grow strongly and improvement in the scale of garment business on account of commencement of new unit in Ethiopia, near to medium-term growth prospects are intact.

The balance sheet is expected to remain lean and return ratios are expected to improve in the coming years (management is targeting 17-18% RoCE for FY2019E).

Federal Bank

The steady operating performance with net interest income (NII) up 15.6 percent on a YoY basis and PAT rose by 25.6 percent YoY aided by a boost in other income Loan book up 29.1 percent YoY driven by large corporate advances growth, retail, and agri loan book clock decent growth.

External factors and chunky large account slipping into NPA results in decline in asset quality Growth atmosphere remain conducive with credit offtake and increase in overall demand.

While asset quality performance o the lender was clouded by one off events, and the outlook remains bright for Federal Bank. As overall demand improves in the Indian economy, credit off-take would be conducive for well-managed players like Federal Bank.

RBL Bank

RBL Bank (RBL) posted strong operational performance in Q1FY18 as the net interest income increased by 54.7 percent YoY to Rs378.4 crore while the noninterest income was up by 53.3 percent YoY to Rs256.9 crore.

While strong growth momentum has been maintained, we find that the microfinance has been the main point of pain due to external factors.

Going forward, the management has indicated course correction with steps like vintage customers to graduate to individual loans, deepening customer relationships and engagement across other banking products.

Considering the present valuation, we believe that short-term pains are factored in the price. The proposed QIB placement, will be book value accretive and make valuations further attractive. We have changed our stance from Neutral to Positive.

Relaxo Footwears:

For Q1FY2018, Relaxo Footwears Limiteds (Relaxo) revenue grew by 19.8 percent on a YoY basis to Rs.490.5 crore. The company witnessed increased volumes across all product categories and geographies. Gross margin contracted by 476BPS YoY to 53.4%, mainly led by higher rubber prices.

In view of the dip in margins in Q1FY2018, we have revised downwards our earnings estimates for FY2018 by 6 percent and for FY2019 by 2 percent.

But, Relaxo has a superior portfolio of footwear brands and its relentless focus on driving sales through the expansion of distribution and improving the brand presence augurs well for the company to achieve good growth in the backdrop of better demand environment.

Moreover, GST implementation will be a key growth lever fo Relaxo, as a large part of the Indian footwear market is unorganised (~60%). Relaxos stock price is currently trading at 31.3x its FY2019E earnings.

Va Tech Wabag

Va Tech Wabags (VTW) consolidated revenue for Q1FY2018 grew by 15% YoY to a Rs.669 crore, driven by healthy execution in the domestic market (grew by 39% YoY), while international market remained subdued.

Despite weak order inflow during Q1, management has reiterated its order inflow guidance on account of healthy inquiries from export as well as domestic markets.

Revenue guidance is also maintained, driven by enhanced execution of large-size projects. Despite a low margin profile in the European market, VTW is committed to maintaining its margin by focusing on other geographies having better margins.

Hence, on this backdrop, we have maintained our earnings estimates. Therefore, we retain our Buy rating given that it is a quality engineering company having niche expertise, professional management and structural growth story in the water treatment industry.

The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
The GDP (gross domestic product) and GVA (gross value added) numbers reported last week for Q1 FY18 showed that the elephant is limping and not dancing as investors are often made to believe. Does it come as a surprise, especially since it comes close on the heels of a very weak corporate performance?

We analysed the long-period quarterly data of growth (GVA) as well as corporate performance of listed companies to gauge the correlation between the two and also to understand if one could be a lead indicator for the other. While there appears to be a strong correlation between the growth in GVA and growth in sales of India Inc, neither GVA nor corporate performance is a good leading indicator for the other.

So a weak GDP print doesnt portend weak earnings ahead. If the captains of the industry are to be believed, India Inc can look forward to better days in the second half of the fiscal when the country finally finds a new normal after weathering intermittent storms like demonetisation and the GST roll-out.

The weak GDP print

The first quarter (April-June) GDP numbers of FY18 were reported at 5.7 percent which were the lowest in last 3 years, much below the 7.9 percent reported in the same quarter last year and 6.1 percent reported in the quarter ending March 2017. GVA numbers  which measure output minus intermediate consumption -- remained flat at 5.6 percent and were lower than 7.6 percent reported in the same quarter last year.

A sector-wise analysis shows that while there was little or no slowdown in most service sectors, the overall slow growth was essentially due to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector where GVA showed a drastic fall to 1.2 percent from 10.7 reported last year. This could mainly be due to skepticism over the impact of GST and slow recovery after demonetization. According to the governments Chief Statistician TCA Anant, the main factor contributing to the drop in GDP growth rate was a sharp fall in industry performance.

Nifty companies and GVA  is there any link?

GVA was recently introduced as an improved measure of economic output by the government. Curious to know if it was truly reflecting the ground reality, we ran a five-year correlation study between corporate performance (in terms of sales, operating profit and after-tax profit of Nifty companies and all listed companies) and GVA.

On expected lines, growth in sales of companies has a very high correlation with the growth in GVA. The correlation coefficient between GVA growth and sales growth of Nifty companies is 0.81. Furthermore, the degree of correlation stands at 0.79 when compared to aggregate sales growth of all listed companies during the same period. It, therefore, makes sense to pay heed to broad macro numbers as an essential first step to forecast corporate performance.

The correlation isnt that significant when it comes to growth in operating profit. The correlation coefficient between growth in operating profit of Nifty companies as well as all companies vis-a-vis GVA growth is a less significant number below 0.5. Our empirical observation suggests that most companies resort to careful cost management to keep afloat even in the midst of a challenging macro, which is borne out by the weak correlation.

Finally, the correlation between Nifty profitability growth and growth in GVA is 0.48 whereas it is a tad more significant at 0.5 between growth in profitability of all companies and GVA growth. This could be explained by the preponderance of global business in Nifty whereas it is less so for a broader universe of all companies.

Aggregate sales of all companies equals close to 50 percent of Indias GVA. Analyzing the first-quarter results of companies on NSE we see approximately 17-percent fall in Q1 earnings. Given a strong correlation between the two, we believe the dip in Q1 GVA and GDP was much anticipated. This was perhaps one important reason why the poor GDP data invoked a muted reaction from the markets.

However, what our study also suggested was that the correlation between corporate output and economic output has been weakening over the year, although still significantly correlated. Since the complexion of economic activities is changing fast in a dynamic market place, perhaps the GVA numbers will have to be a bit more dynamic. Ideally, more sectors should be considered in order to capture the fast-changing economic landscape, and there should be the possibility of changing sectoral weightages to reflect current trends.

Are they a good lead indicator?

A detailed analysis of the correlation reflected a very weak correlation between GVA and future profitability historically. This means that low GDP numbers do not essentially mean lower profitability in the following quarters.

We have already witnessed a poor Q1 show from the Indian corporate sector in Q1 FY18 and given the lingering GST pangs, Q2 FY18 doesnt appear to be a turnaround quarter either. However, most companies in their Q1 commentaries have indicated an improvement in their order book and sales from the end of the second quarter. The impact of policy changes is also expected to stabilize following Q2. There could be a bunching up of demand that could reflect in the performance in the second half of FY18. Consequently, expect better GDP as well as GVA numbers.

Going by pure statistics, a low base will partially aid the performance. On top of that, going by the guidance from industry captains on earnings recovery and the strong correlation that corporate performance has with GVA growth, one can look forward to a healthy uptick in the second half from GDP numbers as well.

While the backend information that goes into the computation of GDP is at a disaggregate level and much more scattered and hence difficult to get a handle on, in contrast, it is much easier to analyse the performance of listed companies.

While it is of questionable wisdom to use company financials in one quarter to predict GDP in the next, the deferred nature of such releases in a given quarter offers its opportunities. The bulk of company earnings for a quarter are out of the way over a month before GDP for the same period is released. For the quarter under consideration, as the two have such strong correlation, economists should read India Incs performance with utmost attention.

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A number of new investors are looking for opportunities in the stressed asset space as several cases get referred to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the debt resolution process gains momentum in the country.

According to a source-based report in the Livemint, the stressed asset space in India is drawing the attention of various new investors such as American asset manager Cerberus Capital Management and Hong-Kong-based firm Pacific Alliance Group.

New investors are looking for opportunities as more and more non-performing assets (NPA) cases pile up in the NCLT with the appointment of insolvency resolution professionals.

The investors are looking at assets in different stages. Acquiring non-performing debt, controlling stakes in companies, controlling assets that fall out of the bigger companies are some of the opportunities investors are looking at.

In June, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked the banks to move the NCLT to commence the insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings against 12 companies including names like Bhushan Steel Ltd, Electrosteel Steels Ltd, Lanco Infratech Ltd, Alok Industries Ltd and Jyoti Structures Ltd. These 12 accounts itself takes up one-fourth of over Rs. 8 trillion worth of NPAs.

On August 30, the RBI had sent a list of another 26 companies who had defaulted to commercial banks. It wanted creditors to take action for debt resolution before bankruptcy proceedings began.

Among the ones looking to invest, Cerberus Capital Management manages assets worth over USD 30 billion across strategies including distressed debt, private equity, mid-market lending and real estate. Founded in 1992, it is headquartered in New York with several branches in Europe and Asia.

Pacific Alliance groups manage around USD 18 billion in assets with the strategies such as management across private equity and real estate.

The new investors have joined the list of committed investors in the Indian debt resolution market which include SSG Capital Management, Bain Credit, Lone Star Funds and Oaktree Capital.

In July, Asia-focused special situations investment firm SSG Capital had raised around USD 2 billion in the stressed Indian market in India.

Oaktree Capital Management LP has hired former JPMorgan executive Gaurav Parasrampuria as vice-president to look into the Indian market. Oaktree Capital Management is one of the largest special situations and distressed assets fund in the world.

Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) announced its partnership with Lone Star Funds in February for a joint investment of around USD 550 million in the stressed infrastructure projects in India.

Kumar Mangalam Birla controlled Aditya Birla Capital Ltd will also be delving into raising a distressed assets fund for its asset reconstruction company.

Piramal Enterprises led by Ajay Piramal announced a distressed asset investment platform of USD 1 billion in partnership with private equity fund Bain Capital Credit in 2016.
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Hotel Leelaventure today said there is no final agreement with any party to sell its Chennai hotel, though negotiations are on to sell the property in coordination with JM Financial.

The company has already received shareholders' nod for the 'sale of hotels in Delhi/Chennai' in September 2016, Hotel Leelaventure said in a filing to BSE.

"The company in coordination with JM Financial Institutional Securities has been in negotiations to sell the Chennai hotel. However, the company has not entered into any binding agreement with any party, till date," it added.

The hospitality chain was reacting to a media report that Marigold Capital and Investments has agreed to buy the company's Chennai property.

"The company and its senior management continue to evaluate proposals and would inform the bourses at an appropriate time", Hotel Leelaventure said.

Shares of Hotel Leelaventure were today trading at Rs 24.05 per scrip in the afternoon trade on BSE, up 2.56 per cent from the previous close.
A missile is launched during a long and medium-range ballistic rocket launch drill in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 30, 2017. KCNA/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC113963D150

In another belligerent act of defiance, North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday at its Punggye-ri test site.

Even before a formal announcement came from Pyongyang, Japanese and South Korean meteorologists had figured out what the hermit nation was up to after a shallow earthquake was detected near the test site.

The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at 6.3 on the Richter scale  this was around 10 times more powerful than what had occurred during its previous detonations.

A report by North Koreas state-run news agency KCNA later said that its hydrogen bomb test was "true to the Workers' Party of Korea's plan for building a strategic nuclear force".

North Koreas hunger for power is evident and it does have nuclear weapons in its arsenal. But how dangerous is the threat?

North Korea's missiles have a range of starting from 150 kilometres to upwards of 10,400 kilometres. The Hwasong-14, an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), can cover a large chunk of the globe.

All of India, including the metro cities and the capital New Delhi, is well within the reach of its ICBMs and some Intermediate-range Ballistic Missiles.

This also means cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, Dubai, Sydney and Tokyo are all under threat.

Hence, if North Korea chooses to launch a missile, it could well cause widespread damage. This leads to the question about how powerful are the isolated nation's nukes.

Growing arsenal

According to the data collated by Statista sourced from CSIS and The Economist, North Korea's most recent nuclear test on September 3, 2017 was 100 kilotons strong which is also the country's most powerful yet.

There is no information on how many such weapons North Korea possesses but most estimates put North Korea's total number of nuclear weapons anywhere between 12 and 60 - enough to create chaos in any part of the world.

Moreover, there's again a dearth of information about whether these are atomic bombs or Hydrogen bombs (H-bombs) - which are more destructive.

H-bombs use fusion or merging of atoms that lead humongous amounts of energy released whereas atomic bombs use fission or splitting of atoms.

The most recent test by North Korea, as claimed by its state-run news agency, was an H-bomb. North Korea also claimed that a test it conducted in 2016 was an H-bomb as well. All its previous tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013 were atomic bombs.

Countries around the world including India, the US, China and Russia have condemned North Korea's nuclear test.

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley came out with a comment on Monday saying that the North Korea is "begging for a war".

South Korean media citing an unidentified intelligence source has reported that North Korea was on Monday seen moving a missile towards its west coast where it has its test facilities.

The world watches with bated breath.
A day after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) ordered initiation of insolvency proceedings against Amrapali's Silicon City on a plea by Bank of Baroda and appointed Rajesh Samson of Deloitte as the Insolvency Resolution Professional to take control of the company, as many as 3,000 homebuyers who are against the move have decided to follow in the footsteps of Jaypee buyers and are planning to move Supreme Court.

We are in touch with lawyers and will soon be filing a petition in the Supreme Court," said Surendra Jain, vice president Amrapali Silicon City Flat Owners Welfare Society. "The first is to do with consumer rights violations. We should be allowed to approach consumer courts with our grievances, second, we should be treated under the same category as secured creditors and third the builder should be registered under RERA.

Amrapali buyers are also planning to file a petition with the NCLT to declare homebuyers as secured creditors, he said.

Our contention is that since we are not stakeholders in the insolvency process, we will be nowhere in the event of the company going into liquidation, Jain said, adding in case there is an order instructing the government to make an amendment in the code stating that buyers should be made secured creditors and will get equal voting rights, we are ready to repose faith in the IRP.

Silicon City is constructing its project in Noida Sector 74-75. The project is divided into three phases. Under the first phase, out of 2000 units, the company is yet to deliver 500 units. As part of the second phase, the company has not delivered 950 apartments and work is almost 60 percent complete. The third phase is barely 30 to 40 percent complete. Out of a total of 4,400 flat buyers, only about 1,500 flats have been delivered which means that around 3,000 homebuyers have so far been impacted.

Some 57 members of phase 2 have also filed cases against the company in National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). While one hearing is complete the other is expected to come up on November 24, according to sources.

Under the insolvency law, the insolvency resolution professional (IRP) takes over the day-to-day management of the company and tries to arrive at a solution within six months. In this case Deloittes Rajesh Samson has been appointed as the IRP. Bank of Baroda had initiated the insolvency process for an outstanding amount of Rs 56 crore. The company has delayed delivery of the Silicon City project located in Noida and has been unable to clear dues it owes Noida Authority (around Rs 550 crore). It is facing a default of Rs 155 crore against banks.

The group's other two companies, Ultra Home Construction and Amrapali Infrastructure, both in Greater Noida, are also facing the prospect of insolvency. And if that happens, more than 50,000 home buyers will be impacted by the move, sources say.

Phone calls made to the company went unanswered.
Lumax Auto Technologies is in the news on the back of a few recent joint ventures -- one is a tie-up with a Spanish company and another with an Israeli company. Both JVs will be supplying components to the Indian auto industry.

Explaining the JV structures, Deepak Jain, Promoter Director of the company said the JV with the Israeli company Ituran Location and Control Ltd for the telematics space, structure is at 50:50. The other JV is with Spanish company Francisco Albero SAU for the oxygen sensors for the two wheelers for BS-VI coming in by April 2020. In this JV, Lumax will contributing 51 percent and the Spanish company at 49 percent.

For the both the cases, Lumax will be contributing equity based on the proportionate joint venture.

Explaining the reasons for the muted performance by the company in first quarter, he said it was due to massive de-stocking on account of goods and services tax (GST) that led to reduction in volumes.

However, going forward there is revival seen in the aftermarket, August sales are almost 30 percent up compared to the average Q1 sales. Moreover, the passenger car segment is still doing strong, it contributes about 30 percent to revenues.

Also I expect a strong growth from the market leader Lumax Mannoh the gear shift division, said Jain.

FY18 revenue growth is expected to be in single-digits but expect margin expansion of 150 basis points.
Moneycontrol News

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group on Tuesday has invested USD 10 million as equity in Power2SME, an e-commerce platform that helps small and medium companies to buy raw materials at bulk prices and get working capital without collateral.

In addition to the investment, IFC will also advise Power2SME to help expand beyond its current 14 states, improve its ability to provide working capital to SMEs by adding more banks as partners, and increase the number of users on its platforms by up to 10 times in five years.

Power2SME is backed by venture capital firms such as Kalaari Capital, Accel Partners, and Inventus Capital. Started in 2011, the company has raised about USD 33 million so far, excluding this round. The company also counts former UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani as its angel investor.

IFCs extensive experience in supporting the SME sector through financing and deep networks with banks and financial institutions will help us in our vision to make SMEs bankable, said R Narayan, founder and CEO, Power2SME.

He added that Indian SMEs are critical to making India a manufacturing hub and we must foster the sector if we are to meet the national imperative of inclusive growth.

Steel rolls are pictured at the Renault SA car factory in Flins, near Paris, France, February 23, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier - RTS100RG

"We have aggressive plans to boost our revenues and continue on our path of profitability," he added.

Micro, small and medium enterprises form a large part of the Indian economy, accounting for 45 percent of the countrys industrial output and 40 percent of its exports.

There are 48.8 million MSMEs in India, which employ 111 million people.

There is a critical shortage of long-term funding for the sector. Some estimates put the gap at USD 320 billion against a total of demand of USD 500 billion. India has the largest base of SMEs in the world after China, contributing only 8 to 9 percent to the GDP, compared to 60 percent in China.

Our investment in Power2SME will spur greater VC interest in the SME sector in the country and support Indias vision to become a global manufacturing hub, said Ruchira Shukla, Venture Capital and Private Equity Lead, IFC South Asia.

She added that by working with SME-focused companies and partner financial institutions, we aim to improve access to finance for over one million SMEs in the next five years.

Following the recent slowing of start-up funding in India, IFC has made a strategic decision to increase its venture capital investing.

The company makes direct equity investments in start-ups and as a limited partner in venture capital funds.
Have a long-term outlook | Timing investment is logically impossible because the best entry and exit opportunities are known only in hindsight. No one can predict market movements with certainty. Therefore, it is important to allow your investments to compound over a long term.

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Dixon Technologies boasts of unique moats, has the manufacturing prowess to thwart Chinese competition and also enjoys the TINA (there is no alternative) appeal in the markets. However, the bankers have priced this "bag full of goodies" to perfection thereby leaving little on the table for investors. While we are extremely comfortable with Dixons business, the valuation tempers our excitement. Subscribe for the long term and in the short term look for accumulation opportunities (post listing) on decline.

Issue details

The issue size of close to Rs 599.3 crore (at the upper end of the price band of Rs 1760  1766 per share) is a combination of fresh issue worth Rs 60 crore (0.03 crore shares) and offer for sale of 0.3 crore shares predominantly from the private equity investor (64 percent) and the remaining from promoters, friends and family. The issue opens on September 6 and closes on September 8, 2017.The fresh capital infusion will partially be used to retire debt and the rest will go into augmenting capacity and upgrading infrastructure.

Background

Dixon is a leading home-grown EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Service) company that provides fully integrated end-to-end product and solution to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). They are also a leading Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) of lighting products, LED TV and semi-automatic washing machines in India.

The company is engaged in manufacturing of products in the consumer durables, lighting and mobile phones markets in India. It also provides solutions in reverse logistics (repair and refurbishment services) of set top boxes, mobile phones and LED TV panels. The company has six manufacturing units in Noida and Dehradun and a new one coming up in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh).

What do we like about Dixon?

Indian Consumer Electronics and Appliances market has been witnessing sustained double digit growth. Increasing product awareness, introduction of products at various affordable pricing, innovative products, easy financing options, multiple sales channels and high disposable incomes have aided the strong growth. The market is expected to grow by 16.5 percent between FY16 and FY21.

Most product categories still under-penetrated

Rapidly shrinking replacement cycle for consumer durables is sustaining demand in urban India. The existing low penetration rates of most products (penetration for washing machine is 6 percent, and that of LED television is 15 percent) and the increasing usage of consumer durables have catapulted rural India to a high-growth market as well.

Domestic manufacturing  the way to go

While demand for consumer electronics and appliances is expected to spiral, policy initiatives are influencing a surge momentum in the domestic manufacturing. Spearheading the policy initiatives is the Make in India campaign which emphasizes electronics as one of the focus sectors. The recent tensions in Indias border might give a further fillip to this effort. Indian EMS market is growing much faster than the global average growth.

Asset light

The company adopts an asset-light business model. On a total fixed asset base of Rs 139 crore, the company generated a turnover of Rs 2457 crore in FY17. In fact, the new facility that it is setting up in Tirupati has been leased to the company at a very nominal rate. Dixon has a focus on fast payback when incurring fresh investment.

De-risked business model

The outsourcing model is decently de-risked whereby the company doesnt on-board any risk pertaining to raw material, product defects etc. The working capital cycle is only 8 days. Consequently the balance sheet is clean with aggregate debt of Rs 43 crore (long term debt of Rs 10 crore) and a comfortable debt to equity of 0.2. Dixon, therefore, boasts of extremely healthy return ratios (ROCE 36.5 percent and ROE 25.5 percent) although operating in a prima facie low-margin business.

Marquee clientele

The company has backward integration in major manufacturing processes that improves cost efficiency, reduces dependency on third party suppliers and gives better control on production time and quality. It has long and well-established relationship with marquee clients like  Panasonic (consumer electronics), Philips (lighting), Haier, Intex (home appliances), Gionee (mobile phones). In the EMS market, Dixon has 48 percent market share in TV, 53 percent in washing machine and 54 percent in lighting.

Sticky relationship

Most of the client-relationship are long-term and therefore sticky. Globally, big brands focuses energy on brand building and distribution, leaving the manufacturing bit to trusted partners. EMS route offer OEMs flexibility in product design, faster time to market, cost effectiveness, avoid manufacturing challenges besides value added services like design and aftermarket services. In India too, the industry is likely to chart a similar path. With Dixons focus on customer satisfaction and acquisition, it should be a beneficiary of this trend.

ODM  the margin lever of future

OEM contributes to close to 80 percent of revenue of Dixon and earns margin in low single-digit. ODM contributes 20 percent of the revenue but earns margin which is high single-digit. Going forward, the company wants to expand its presence as an ODM whereby it conceptualises the product, offers its own design and carry out an end to end manufacturing and supply these products to well-known companies in India who in turn distribute these products under their own brands. This should boost margins.

Product extension

The company is continuously looking at expanding in contiguous product categories. From one product television, it has now built expertise in multiple, the latest being mobile phones. The Tirupati facility will witness new products like CCTV cameras and DVR.

However, investors got to remember that the company is dependent on certain key customers and present in certain products. Any change in contract or end-demand might impact performance.

The consumer goods universe is valued at a premium and although Dixon has no strictly comparable peer, its valuation too isnt undemanding. However, should the growth sustain, valuation would look more reasonable (around 28X on FY19 projected earnings). Hence, go for it, if you have a longer-term investment horizon.
Amid calls for a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by the opposition parties, 111 MLAs of the ruling AIADMK in the state today attended a legislators' meet convened by Chief Minister K Palaniswami here.

State Fisheries Minister and senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar told reporters here that as many as 111 MLAs reposed their faith in the chief minister at the meeting.

The development is being considered as a boost to Palaniswami, whose earlier meeting on August 28 reportedly witnessed a much less attendance with some claiming that only 75 MLAs were present at it.

Jayakumar said the MLAs had "wholeheartedly extended their full cooperation" to the chief minister and an unanimous resolution was adopted reposing faith in his leadership.

He also claimed that nine MLAs of the Dhinakaran camp had contacted Palaniswami over phone and extended their support to him.

Also, three MLAs who are allies of the ruling party had promised their support to Palaniswami, he added.

The Peravurani MLA had intimated that he would not be able to attend the meet as he was indisposed, Jayakumar said.

He alleged that some legislators had been "illegally confined against their wishes" (at Puducherry) and asserted that the meet signalled the dashing of hopes of those who wanted to "thrust" an election on the people.

The AIADMK has 134 MLAs in the 234-member state Assembly with one vacancy.
Leading dairy firm Kwality Ltd on Tuesday said it has renewed contract with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as its brand ambassador for the next two years.

The company had signed up the actor as brand ambassador in October 2015 for two years, according to a BSE filing.

Kwality Ltd's President and Head Business Transformation Nawal Sharma said, "We are currently in the process of creating a strong consumer brand as we are shifting our product-mix rapidly towards consumer products with the launch of fresh and differentiated value-added products."

He said the company believes that having the right brand ambassador would help in brand building and instilling confidence among consumers towards the products.

"Akshay Kumar is an epitome of fitness and all age groups look up to him for his healthy and active lifestyle. He is an ideal fit for our brand," he said.

Since February 2017, the company has launched three value-added products i.e. UHT Milk, cream in tetra packs and flavoured Milk.

"Further, over the next 5-6 quarters, we would roll out 6-8 high-margin and differentiated value-added products in categories such as cottage-cheese, yoghurts, cheese, table- butter, milk-shakes and ghee, among others," he said.

Incorporated in 1992, Kwality has milk processing capacity of 4.3 million litres per day through its six state- of-the-art plants strategically located close to key northern markets.

The company has established procurement network comprising 3,50,000 farmer families across 4,700 villages in UP, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Moneycontrol Research

While the defusing of Doklam provided a conducive context for the BRICS summit, a flare-up in the Korean peninsula, internal politics and Chinas economic imperatives make it worthwhile to read the signals emerging from our eastern neighbour in the coming days.

The BRICS summit declaration provided an early victory for Indian diplomacy. Further, in the bilateral meet between Modi & Xi, China reaffirmed following principles of Panchsheel treaty and emphasized on not letting differences become disputes.

While we take a note of this forward-looking development, in the medium term, some other bigger issues on economics (One Belt One Road) and geo-politics (North Korea) are likely to guide diplomatic deliberations, in our view.

BRICS pitch for more global economic cooperation

While the event backdrop of Brexit and then the US Presidential elections made the case for an insular protectionist world, voices from Euro area of late and now the BRICS suggest that trade liberalisation and global economic rebalancing are gaining ground. Interestingly, while Trump remains steadfast on building a wall at the border with Mexico, China is exploring a free trade agreement with the central American country.

Not surprisingly, the Chinese invited Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to the BRICS summit.

Another plus for Indian diplomacy

In the summit joint declaration, BRICS leaders condemned terrorism and named terror groups of concern to India, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Haqqani network.

It is worth noting that China had been hesitant about using the summit for discussing cross-border terror from Pakistan to India. Further, China itself has repeatedly blocked the UN Security Council move to ban Masood Azhar  Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Xi-Modi meet

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modis bilateral with Chinese President Xi Jinping can be seen as a positive development that brings back the status quo prevailing before Doklam.

While the agenda of the talks was apparently limited, in coming days diplomatic exchanges might have to focus also on issues related to geo-political fault lines (N. Korea) and economic interest (One belt one road).

N.Korea: relative economic linkage with India is negligible

N.Koreas biggest trade partner is China constituting about 90 percent of its total exports (US 2.9 billion in 2016). Amusingly, India is the second biggest trade partner for N Korea exporting about 3 percent of the total. However, from the Indias point of view trade dependence is miniscule.

Out of Indias USD 276 billion export in 2016-17, North Korea constitutes about 0.016 percent (USD 45 million) and out of India USD 384 billion imports, North Korea share is just 0.022 percent (USD 85 million).

The rogue states belligerent acts every day can push regional geo-politics to a tipping point. And so Chinas ability and willingness to contain North Korea would be tested more than ever before.

Table: Top five exports and imports from India to North Korea (FY17)

One Belt One Road: Sovereignty vs trade access

Chinas most ambitious connectivity initiative having a trade objective is One Belt One Road (OBOR). Announced in 2013, this USD 1 trillion project subsumes the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and aims for a series of transport projects and includes about 68 countries.

However, India is in opposition to it. In general, India objects to implications of such a connectivity project on environment, sovereignty and financial sustainability. In particular, India has reservation against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (USD 50 billion) which passes through Pak-occupied Kashmir.

China would obviously attach a lot of strategic importance to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as it would provide shorter access to end markets of Africa and Europe (Suez route) for its eastern territories. As a comparison, the new access route from Kashgar to Gwadar would reduce Chinas trade route from about 12,000 km (via sea), to 2,000km (via land).

19th Congress for the Communist Party of China

Further, recent political developments in Asia and Chinas assertiveness (border issues in South China Sea) should also be seen from the angle of domestic events in China. The Communist Party of Chinas 19th congress is on October 18.

A known narrative is that Xi Jinping would use this opportunity to consolidate its position in the party and the government. This, he might do while getting loyalists into the Politburo standing committee and by exercising increased influence over the armed forces.

This could influence how Xi handles the North Korea situation, especially if the United States is drawn in. Indian diplomats should be braced for more assertiveness from China in the weeks to come. Follow @anubhavsays
Narendra Modi meets Xi Jinping

Putting behind the Dokalam standoff, India and China today agreed on a "forward-looking" approach in their ties and make more efforts, including strong cooperation between their security personnel, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

In their first substantive meeting post the 73-day Dokalam face-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held "constructive" talks during which it was reaffirmed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a pre-requisite for the development of India-China relations.

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," Modi tweeted after his talks with Xi.

The prime minister met the Chinese leader for more than an hour during which they also talked about inter-governmental mechanisms such as a joint economic group, security group and strategic group which could help both countries move forward, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told reporters after the meeting.

Asked if both the countries have left behind the Dokalam episode, he said, "It was a forward-looking conversation...and not a backward-looking one."

The two leaders also emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding that it was felt that "the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently does not recur."

He said it was natural between two neighbours or large powers to have differences but they should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find common ground in addressing them.

Jaishankar said there was a reaffirmation of the Astana spirit that the two sides will not allow differences to become disputes.

There was a very strong affirmation at the leadership level that it is in the interest of both the countries to keep this relationship on an upward trajectory, the foreign secretary said.

In his initial remarks during the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on hosting a "very successful" BRICS Summit, saying that the conference was a success in making the grouping more relevant in a fast-changing world.

The Modi-Xi meeting came amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that during their meeting, "President Xi stressed that China and India are each others' opportunities not threats."

"We hope India can view China's development in a correct and rational way," Geng quoted Xi as saying.

Asked whether the recent standoff at Dokalam figured in the talks, Geng said, "Xi pointed out that China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border area."

"As far as I know, Prime Minister Modi agreed that the two sides should work together to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Geng said.

Xi told Modi that if the bilateral relationship can grow in a sound and steady way it would serve the interests of the two countries and also serve the joint aspirations of the region, according to Geng.

"Xi stressed that China and India are each other's important neighbours and two important markets and emerging countries," Geng said.

During the meeting, the Chinese President said that "in recent years the two sides reached wide of consensus on developing bilateral relations including strengthening partnership. The two sides have been moving forward and making headway upholding this principle."

"China would like to work with India to uphold the five principles of peaceful coexistence (Panchsheel), advance political mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation and move forward the development of bilateral relations along the right track," Geng quoted Xi as saying.

He quoted Xi as telling Modi that, "We need to show to the world that the peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the only right choice between the two countries. The two countries should shelve differences and seek common ground and together ensure peace and tranquillity at the borders."

Xi also called for alignment of strategies to expand economic cooperation.

"On the economic and social development, the two countries have great potential for cooperation which should see greater synergy in strategy alignment, expand cooperation in infrastructure connectivity as well as international affairs," the Chinese president said.

"Together we can move the international order in a more equitable and reasonable way," Xi told Modi, according to Geng.

"China would like to work with BRICS countries to implement the outcomes of the BRICS Summit to usher in a new chapter for the BRICS cooperation," Geng quoted Xi as telling Modi.
Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Egyptian President Fattah el-Sisi and held talks on ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

Modi, who had come to this port city of China on September 3 to attend the 9th BRICS Summit, held two bilateral meetings on the last day of his China visit. After meeting Sisi, Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Delighted to meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We held talks on further strengthening our historical ties with Egypt," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

Earlier, during his address at the 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue', which was attended by Egypt, Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan on China's invitation as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise, Modi described these countries as "close and valued" partners of India.
Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister

India and Japan today resolved to further strengthen military cooperation as the two countries held wide-ranging talks on bilateral defence and security ties amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the powerful nuclear test by North Korea.

A range of bilateral and regional issues relating to security and defence were deliberated at length during talks between Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera here, officials said.

Jaitley also called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed ways to deepening defence and security co-operation.

In the meeting, Jaitley conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to Abe, Indian envoy to Japan Sujan Chinoy said.

The annual Indo-Japan Ministerial Defence dialogue took place at a time when tension was mounting in the region due to North Korea's nuclear pursuits and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Jaitley and Onodera also launched a business-to-business meeting of Indian and Japanese industries to promote defence production

Prior to the annual defence ministerial meeting, Jaitley was given a guard of honour.

The defence and security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upswing and both countries are exploring ways to further deepen it.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Japan in November last year during which both sides had decided to ramp up bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Jaitley, who was holding the additional charge of defence, has attended the security dialogue though Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed defence minister in Sunday's cabinet reshuffle.

Jaitley had said on Sunday that he is attending the dialogue with Japan as there were logistical constraints for Sitharaman to go for it.

Sitharaman is likely to take charge of the ministry on Thursday.
An artisan paints an idol of Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, at a workshop ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrations in Ahmedabad, India, August 17, 2017. REUTERS/Amit Dave - RC136CD87DC0

Moneycontrol News

In a laudable move, the solid waste management (SWM) department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had successfully converted 150 metric tonnes of flower waste from the Ganesh puja rituals into manure, a report in Hindustan Times states.

The entire conversion was done by the time Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with much splendour in the financial capital, ended on Tuesday.

Composting is a low-cost alternative to fertilisers and pesticides when it comes to making soil fertile and it also reduces carbon footprint.

The BMC collected the waste from 69 natural and 32 artificial immersions spots and converted it into manure at 16 composting pits across 24 wards.

The civic body currently buys compost at Rs 8 a kg.

As per a statement from Vijay Balamvar, deputy municipal commissioner, of Solid Waste Management, the initiative was carried out in line with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Also Read: Mumbai pandal makes Ganpati idol using zero-GST items

For ease of segregation, the civic body had already carried out awareness drives at all immersions spots asking people to segregate their floral waste, and set up 201 nirmalaya kalash or collection points set up where people could throw the waste, with each artificial immersion site having an average of two collection points.

The compost will be sold at subsidised rates of Rs 10 a kg as opposed to the market price of Rs 40 per kg.

The SWM department has been receiving 950 tons of waste from various immersion spots till Monday.

Till the eighth day of the festival, the city immersed a total of 1,45,170 idols at various beaches and water bodies.

As per a statement from an official in the report, very few eco-friendly idols were used, with most being made of Plaster of Paris.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at BRICS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting today after the Dokalam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Modi had arrived here on Sunday and attended the BRICS Summit.

During the meeting, which is taking place amids efforts from the two sides to leave the bitterness caused by the 73- day face-off between their troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector, sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures.

However, they refused to divulge details about the issues to be discussed.

The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.

Asked if there was any link between the BRICS declaration which for the first time named Pakistan-based terror groups for their violent activities and resolution of the Dokalam standoff, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran answered in the negative, saying BRICS is a multilateral forum where outcomes are based on consensus.

"It cannot be linked," she added.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing that "details of the meeting we will release in due course."

Apart from Xi, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, which is among the five counties -- Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan -- invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.

Xi and his wife hosted a banquet for the BRICS leaders this evening followed by Chinese cultural extravaganza.

Modi, who attended the banquet along with other leaders, also interacted informally with the leaders of the guest countries.
Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counter- terrorism.

"I thank the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," Modi said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister left for Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of Myanmar, from this southeastern Chinese city where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later today.

The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

Modi had said India and Myanmar will look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

He hoped his visit will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister said both countries will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.

Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.

Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEAN- India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talks to Lesotho's Prime Minister Tom Thabane (not pictured) during a meeting in New Delhi March 11, 2014. REUTERS/Prakash Singh/Pool (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS) - GM1EA3B1CRR01

Moneycontrol News

Second President of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, on whose birthday India today celebrates Teacher's Day was once termed as the politician in the shadow. Globally there have been many teachers who later turned became politicians.

The list of Indian politicians who have also been established academicians is probably endless.

Here's a list of some known politicians to look back on this Teachers Day who've also been teachers in their past careers before plunging into politics: -

Manmohan Singh

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shows his ink-stained finger after casting his vote at a polling station in the northeastern Indian city of Guwahati April 24, 2014 (Courtesy: Reuters)

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has an unmatched reputation as an Economist and academic and this probably played into practice when he was handling the Finance and Corporate Affairs way back in 1991. He is also attributed with saving the Indian economy back then with the rollout of the LPG (liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) reforms.

The former PM began his academic career as a Senior Lecturer of Economics from 1957-59 and had also held the position of Professor at Panjab University in Chandigarh between 1963-65.

After his three-year stint at United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, he came back in 1969 to become a professor of Internation Trade at the Delhi School of Economics.

Mayawati

BSP Chief Mayawati addressing press conference at her residence in Lucknow (Courtesy: Reuters)

BSP president Mayawati is another teacher-turned politician in Uttar Pradesh. The four-time chief minister started out as a teacher in Inderpuri JJ Colony in Delhi. She was studying for civil services examination when she met late Kanshi Ram who persuaded her to join politics instead.

Mayawati, however, does not meet her former students and neither is she inclined to revive her relationship with the past.

Yogendra Yadav

The BSP president is averse to goondaism on the campus and had banned student union polls in 2008. She is averse to mobocracy that rules the campus and even the BSP does not have a youth wing or a student-wing like other parties, said an aide of the BSP leader.

Yogendra Yadav addressing to Farmers participating in the kisan mukti sansad at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi (Coutesy: Getty Images)

Present leader of Swaraj India and former Aam Aadmi party member, Yogendra Yadav is a senior fellow at the Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) since 2004. He also happens to be the founder-director of Lokniti, a research programme on comparative democracy of the CSDS.

Yadav was educated in Sriganganar where he did his BA from Rajasthan University. He completed his Masters degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi and moved on to receive the M.Phil degree from Punjab University in Chandigarh.

He was a professor of Political science at Panjab University, Chandigarh from 1985 to 1993. He is also a recipient of the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award for Development Studies in 2008 and Global South Solidarity Award by the International Political Science Association in recognition of outstanding work on the politics of the developing world in 2009.

Mulayam Singh Yadav

Samajwadi Party Supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav (Courtesy: Reuters)

Samajwadi Party's Netaji, Mulayam Singh Yadav, is a trained teacher and was once a lecturer in Karhail in Uttar Pradesh .

Mulayam Singh Yadav has a Bachelors degree in Political Science from K.K College in Etawah, a BT degree in Political Science at AK College in Shikohabad and an MA degree in Political Science from the BR College under Agra University.

Subramaniam Swamy

Yogi Adityanath said, The Modi government has worked for all sections of the society without any discrimination. " width="1266" height="734" />

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy talking to media persons on the issue of Ram Mandir issue in the Supreme Court during the Parliament Budget Session on March 21, 2017 in New Delhi, India (Courtesy: Getty Images)

The man who is known for his controversial remarks holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard University that he completed in 1965. He joined the faculty as an assistant professor and later he was promoted to an associate professor at Harvard in 1969.

Also Read: Innovate, become entrepreneurs: Subramaniam Swamy tells IITians

Swamy later took up an opportunity to be a professor of Mathematical Economics at IIT Delhi, however, he was removed from the position in early-1970s by the IIT Delhi Board, only to be reinstated later by the Supreme Court.

He continued in the position till 1991 after which he resigned to become a cabinet minister.

Swamy served on the Board of Governors of the IIT, Delhi (197780) and on the Council of IITs (198082). He also taught economics courses in summer session at Harvard until 2011.

Murli Manohar Joshi

Manohar Joshi ,83, former Human Resource Development Minister is now is now an MP from Kanpur (Courtesy: Reuters)

The former BJP chief holds a PhD degree from Allahabad University and he served as a professor of physics at his alma mater.

His inclinations for leadership started to take root as he became the General Secretary of the University Teacher's Association of Allahabad from 1971-73 and the President of the University Teachers Association, Allahabad from 1987 to 1990.
Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to cast his vote for the country's next President, at the Parliament House in New Delhi, India, July 17, 2017. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi - RTX3BQ8J

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted the teaching community on Teacher's Day and said they had a central role in realising the vision of a New India.

The prime minister also paid tribute to former president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary today. The day is celebrated in his honour.



On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds & spreading the joys of education in society.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

"On Teachers' day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds and spreading the joys of education in society.

"Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a 'New India' that is driven by cutting edge research and innovation," Modi said.



Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a New India that is driven by cutting edge research & innovation.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017



He added that the next five years should be about teach to transform, educate to empower and learn to lead.



My tributes to Dr. S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

"My tributes to Dr S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary," Modi, who is in China for the BRICS summit from where he will be going to Myanmar, said his message.
More than two months into the Goods and Services Tax regime, complaints regarding the operations of GSTN, the portal used for uploading returns, continue to pour in.

Numerous complaints with respect to claiming transition credits via trans 1 Form, which is required to be filled for claiming transaction credits for the month of June, have been recorded. The industry has complained of troubles with uploading of returns and invoices.

They had submitted a detailed representation asking the Revenue Department for a quicker solution.

Officials say that these issues pertaining to GSTN are initial teething troubles which are being rectified as and when they are identified. Quicker actions will be seen on the GSTN front to resolve these questions.

According to sources, several states along with state finance ministers are going to pull up GSTN officials over the glitches on the portal at the next meeting that will be held on September 9 in Hyderabad.

Sources told CNBC-TV18 that the Revenue Department is closely monitoring these complaints and Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia is overseeing processes at GSTN.

The GSTN Council is also likely to review the GSTN operations and issues that have been raised so far.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said his party would solve the problems faced by the business community and create a favourable atmosphere for them if it is voted to power in Gujarat in the upcoming Assembly polls.

He also asked the party workers to reach out to the people and "seize the opportunity".

After responding to various queries raised by party workers during 'Samvad' programme here, Gandhi held three meetings with professionals from different fields, small and medium-scale businessmen and office bearers of the party's Gujarat unit at Sabarmati riverfront.

During the meeting with professionals, doctors, engineers, chartered accountants and lawyers made their representations about various issues being faced by them in the state, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.

A doctor who was present at the meeting said, "We told Rahulji about how Gujarat students were subjected to injustice due to NEET. We also apprised him about the poor healthcare system in Gujarat, as swine flu has already killed more than 350 people in the state."

The Congress vice president held another closed-door meet with the representatives of different industries, such as textiles, diamond polishing, garment brass parts and chemicals.

"All of them informed Rahulji how badly their business were hit due to demonetisation and GST. These businessmen also complained about the back-door entry of inspector-raj in the BJP rule," Doshi said.

A businessman after the meeting said, "We told Rahulji that the sudden implementation of GST has impacted our business a lot, as we do not understood it fully. It has only increased our hardships."

After listening to representations about the "negative impact of GST and demonetisation," Gandhi assured that the Congress will try to fix it if voted to power this time, Doshi said.

He said Gandhi claimed that the current GST regime is completely different from what was envisaged during the UPA rule and also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the demonetisation decision.

"Rahulji assured them that the Congress will provide all possible help to small and medium businesses, which were badly hit by GST and demonetisation. He also assured them of rejuvenating small industrial clusters in Gujarat" Doshi said.

Later in the day, Gandhi addressed office bearers of the Gujarat Congress, where he asked them to reach out to the people and understand their problems.

"He asked workers to reach out to people and understand their problems. Rahulji told us to seize this opportunity so that we can work for the people of Gujarat," Doshi said.
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched its latest flagship phone Mi A1 in India on Tuesday. The phone will be sold for Rs 14,999 exclusively on Mi.com and Flipkart from September 12.

The launch took place at an event organised by the company in New Delhi which was hosted by Manu Jain, Managing Director  Xiaomi India and Donovan Sung, Director of Product Management with Xiaomi Global.

The phone was launched after a series of teaser videos from the company.

In terms of specifications, the phone comes with a 5.5 inch Full-HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. It is 7mm thick and weighs 165 grams. The Mi A1 has rounded edges with 2.5D curved glass, which is hand-tailored for a better feel and for optimal one-handed use. All these features give the phone premium looks.

Coming to the camera, the phone will feature a dual-rear camera setup with a 12MP wide angle camera and a 12 MP telephoto camera with a large 1.25m micron pixels.

The camera is one of the USPs of the phone and lets a user click pictures with the Bokeh effect using the phones Portrait mode. Bokeh effect simply means the ability to blur the background while shooting a subject. Apart from this, the camera has 2X optical zoom capability and features Beautify 3.0.

At the front, the phone features a 5MP snapper for all the selfie lovers.

At its heart, Mi A1 is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor with a 14nm FinFET technology. The phone comes with 4GB RAM and a 64GB internal memory. It supports memory expansion of up to 128 GB with microSD card which will use the SIM 2 slot.

Xiaomi has laid added focus on Mi A1s audio performance and has been provided with a 10-volt smart power amplifier which amplifies the sound when the phone is on speaker mode. The phone also comes with a DHS Audio Calibration Algorithm paired with standalone audio amplifier which not only provides with high quality audio but also supports headphones with really high impedance of up to 600 ohms.

The device has a Type-C charging port and comes with a custom 380 volt charger. It also features dual pyrolytic graphite sheets which the company claims will help diffuse and radiate heat quickly and keeps the phone cooler by upto 2 degree Celsius.

On the security front, the Mi A1 features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The phone will support dual-band Wi-Fi and is Bluetooth 4.2 compatible. The device comes with an IR-Blaster which can be used to control thousands of televisions, set-top boxes, air conditioners, speakers autonomously instead of a remote control.

The phone will run on stock Android OS  the Android One. The company has said all the users of MI A1 will receive Android 8.0 Oreo update before the end of the year. It also said the phone will be one of the first devices to receive Android P.

For all the photography lovers, Mi A1 users will get unlimited storage option to save all their high-definition pictures on Google Photos.

Powering all these features is a non-removable Li-Ion 3080 mAh battery.

As an additional feature, Xiaomi has partnered with Airtel and will provide users with 200 GB of free data. The offer will be available not only for new users but also for all the existing users.

Mi A1 will also be available at Mi Home stores, Mi preferred partner stores along with select major offline retail outlets such as Vijay Sales, Big C, ezone, UniverCell among others.
When Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was chosen as the second President of India in 1962, his devoted students wished to celebrate his birthday, September 5 as Radhakrishnan Day.

But Dr Radhakrishnan said that he would like this date to be celebrated as teachers day instead. And thus began the annual celebrations of Teachers Day celebrations in schools all across India, where teachers take the day off from teaching and children express their gratitude and appreciation through hand-made cards and flowers.

Older students dress up in a shirts, trousers or saris, to take a class or two with the younger ones, getting a taste of the pains teachers take to educate students day in and day out.

While it is common knowledge that Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of independent India in 1952 and the second president of the country in 1962, his role in distilling the philosophical under-pinnings of Eastern texts and providing them with a platform in Western academic circles have widely been understated.

Dr Radhakrishnan was born in 1882 in Tirutani, present Andhra Pradesh. Being a bright boy allowed him to forego his fathers ambitions of being a priest, and he studied philosophy, graduating with a masters degree in 1906 from the Madras Christian College.

His lifelong teaching career began in 1909 when he was appointed at the department of philosophy at the Madras Presidency College to teach psychology. He kept publishing books and papers across journals, only to get recognition in the West when his paper was first published The International Journal of Ethics in 1911.

He continued his teaching tenure as a professor of Philosophy at the Presidency College in Madras and the University of Calcutta before being appointed to the Chair of Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions. In 1939, he was elected Fellow of the British Academy.

Dr. Radhakrishnan's work was driven by the purpose of casting off a sense of inferiority that was brought about by the imperial rulers and tried to give his countrymen a new sense of esteem. He also hoped that his works would elicit an appropriate response within the scope of philosophy to the political discontent and the turbulent times he encountered.

He later served as the Vice Chancellor of both Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University and his work was recognised by Oxford University

Dr Radhakrishnan was of the view that a university education was the only way for the development of an individual. It was his vision to see an India that was built and guided by the educated.

His quote Teachers should be the best minds in the country, encapsulates this thought.

Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded Indias highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1984 and the British Order of Merit in 1963. He passed away on April 17, 1975.

As a professor, he was popular among students and was known to be a teacher who stimulated thought and learning.Indias first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus views encapsulate the spirit of the man, 55 years after he was first named President.

He has served his country in many capacities. But above all, he is a great teacher from whom all of us have learnt much and will continue to learn. It is Indias peculiar privilege to have a great philosopher, a great educationist and a great humanist as her President.
People queue to deposit or exchange their old high denomination banknotes outside State Bank of India on the outskirts of Agartala, India, November 16, 2016. REUTERS/Jayanta Dey - D1BEUNDRSUAA

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Srikant Sastri

Todays millennials expect a range of services, on their phones or tablets. All at the click of a button, while being on the move. Clearly, the world is going completely mobile.

A significant demographic for the banking industry is that nearly 65 percent of Indias population is below the age of 35. Consumers expect banks to look and act more like their non-financial partners in how they gather and use their personal and transaction data. Its a thought that may not have struck the banking industry two decades ago. But, with the the face of banking being transformed rapidly, several banks have stepped up their game, and there is huge scope for innovation.

One of the most essential ingredients, in understanding customer needs and behaviour - is data. With technological advancements, the financial industry has learnt how to make use of this data more effectively.

Big data has altered the dynamics of banking in the development of digital banking. It runs parallel to traditional over-the-counter banking. Though the latter enjoys the patronage of customers from the pre-digital era, in recent years, banks are expected to deliver the same kind of personalised services, offered by their competitors in the financial services field.

These competitors are not necessarily other banks, but organisations that offer certain financial services. For instance, private wealth management firms, who invest in customer engagement. In an economically unstable climate, the need for better financial planning has gained ground. Customers would like advice on a plethora of financial decisions including, how much to invest and where, mutual funds versus fixed deposits, which mutual funds perform better and so on.

With the demonetisation wave last November, the Indian government is now encouraging cash-less transactions. This change has given e-wallet firms like Paytm, PayUMoney and Oxygen a big boost. Some of these firms are digitally superior to banks. So, this is a wake-up call for banks and financial institutions, to keep pace and deliver similar services.

In recently conducted surveys, many customers felt that their banks didnt understand their short and long term financial needs and goals well enough.

One big personalisation gap that banks should fill is to provide better financial planning services. Continuous engagement does better at enhancing the personalisation experience with customers, than a handful of face-to-face meetings. Examples of engagement include sending alerts to their clients about unusual activity in their accounts, information on their spending activities, encouraging direct debits of bill payments, information on third-party services, tailored relevant offers, etc.

Some of the leading banks in India have set the trend in personalisation. HDFC Bank took the lead in the use of analytics back in the early 2000s. The gains were understanding customers financial habits and their personal habits, thereby allowing them to promote offers accordingly.

State Bank of India, countrys largest public-sector bank, is also using analytics to track its own services. They apply their data models to education loans, housing loans etc. in a bid to cut down on bad loans. For instance, in giving student loans, they research what colleges in which cities, have the most number of defaulters. This helps SBI adjust their terms for increased risk.

One of the key takeaways from The Digital Banking Report sponsored by Personetics, is that personalisation across all stages of the consumer journey will be a key differentiator for banking in the very near future.

A good option for larger banks  especially those with legacy, is to collaborate with fintech start-ups. The fresh ideas and technologies like big data and AI, that these fintechs bring in, will help banks scale up their operations quickly and effectively.

As banks look to build their digital brand, the important thing to note is that the primary business of banking wont go away. What customers do expect from their banks, however, is to understand where they stand financially and the predict what may lie ahead.

(Author is the Co-founder, Crayon Data, Singapore-based Big Data analytics startup)
A Google search page is reflected in sunglasses in this photo illustration taken in Brussels May 30, 2014. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/File Photo GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD PACKAGE - SEARCH 'BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD 24 OCT' FOR ALL IMAGES - S1AEUITDYJAA

Moneycontrol News

Google has turned 19 today and perhaps all through its infancy and teenage (that ends this year) we have been dependent on it, and more so now, for most of our life's questions.

However, there are a few things we know, and then there are some we pretend to.

This is one of the reasons why "how-to-do" things are consistently among the most searched items on Google. Now, a recent project by Google News Lab validates that all the more.

Ranging from the simplest How to fix a bulb, to fixes for which a professional is required (a washing machine?), a lot of people across the world have too much of ego to not try.

Titled How-to-fix-a-toilet, the study by interactive visual data journalist Xaquin G.V shows global search data by users on How To things, which represents a massive chunk of activity on Googles search trends.

The study also offers a list of the top global DIY (Do-It-Yourself) searches for fixing things, among a host of other stuff.

Google has shown the relative popularity of searches for things-t0-fix around the house people search for by using larger or smaller graphics in a household scene.

The map shows searches for repairing fridges dominating in India (Courtesy: Google News Lab)

As per the global map, India tops in searches for how to repairing fridges which is also the case with a lot of other South and Southeast Asian countries among those being Singapore, Thailand and Bangladesh.

The worlds searches were topped by how-to-fix walls followed by doors and then windows.

A diagram of some of the most basic things that require fixes have also been presented with the size of each object representing the search index in the country (Courtesy: Google News Lab)

Basically, if fridge searches dominate India the fridge becomes the biggest object in the drawing to give you a visual idea.

Region wise trends show that North and East Asians need help on repairing their toilets, whereas people in former Soviet countries often take to mammoth tasks like fixing their own washing machines and warmer countries are more worried about fridge repairs.

Eating spaghetti and fixing toilets?

Google also added some fun by using the weird correlations between unrelated searches. While rummaging over the data, completely unrelated searches like How to Fix a toilet and how to use chopsticks had an uncanny similarity in regional search patterns.

A graph showing the correlation between searches for fixing toilets and using chopsticks (Courtesy: Google News Lab)

Other top searches: How to Kiss, tie a bowtie, lose weight and boil eggs

Repairing household objects remains the "tip of the iceberg as pointed out by Google, and the things dominating searches include some fairly basic everyday tasks like boiling an egg.

Other searches that dominating the data of How-to list included How to kiss, How to get pregnant, How to tell if a guy likes you and How to impress a girl.

And other important questions including How to write a check and How to get a passport.

The ubiquitous questions of How to lose weight, gain weight, lose belly at, get rid of pimples and get a six-pack were also among the top searches worldwide.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the test of a new-type anti-aircraft guided weapon system organised by the Academy of National Defence Science. Photo: Reuters

China has apparently blocked any online discussion on North Korea or its latest missile launch. The decision to sideline any discussion regarding the volatile neighbour comes at a time when the country is hosting the BRICS summit.

The state-sponsored media outlets are focusing on the BRICS summit and terming it has a great success. But at the same time as per reports by foreign media outlets such as the BBC a conscious effort to censor any news or discussions about North Korea is evident.

Reports state that posts and messages in micro blogging sites like Sina Weibo and messaging apps like WeChat are facing strict censorship. Any comments or jokes related to North Korea, its leader or the present crisis are being avoided. Even WeChat, the popular chat app is removing messages from independent sources that it deems as 'panic spreading'.

According to reports, North Korea and hydrogen bomb are the most censored search words in Weibo. There exists high concern among the Chinese netizens regarding the drama unfolding in the Korean peninsula.

While China is facing trouble defending its position on the global front after North Korea's multiple missile tests, there is widespread worry and criticism among the Chinese population against North Korea. These opinions against North Korea are usually vented through online posts and chats by the Chinese.

Many posts show the rising concern among Chinese regarding the spiralling of the conflict in Korea and fear that the country may get entangled in it leading to a nuclear disaster.

Others are concerned about the ability of Pyongyang to prevent a Chernobyl like disaster stating, There were people running out of their houses; in such a hazardous nuclear environment, how can we feel secure about the development of the economy?".

Many have also come forward criticising the timing of the North Korea's missile test which coincided with the BRICS summit. The missile test was surely aimed to make China to see, to embarrass China, and to force China to obey the will of North Korea" said a post that was soon removed.

Another netizen mocked the North Korean leader by posting that Kim the Fat had set off a blast to celebrate".
19:30 Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan today rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen yesterday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

Read

full story here

17:30 Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Myanmar President Htin Kyaw in Nay Pyi Taw.

14:57 That's all from our side. Stay tuned to Moneycontrol for more news and updates.



PM @narendramodi leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit after attending the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. pic.twitter.com/kkPRP0lmUi

 PIB India (@PIB_India) September 5, 2017

13:25 PM Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later today.

The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday (tomorrow).

PM Modi said that he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

13:17 PM Narendra Modi leaves for Myanmar for first bilateral visit. Here's the full report.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counter- terrorism.

13:08

13:01 PM Modi and Xi Jinping hold 'forward looking' discussions to strengthen China-India relations. Read the full story here.

The meeting which lasted for a little more than an hour saw both the leaders conducting discussions with a "forward-looking" and "constructive approach", Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told the media after the meeting ended.

12:47 BRICS countries online sales nets USD 876 billion: Alibaba report

The online retail sales of BRICS countries accounted for 47 percent of the global total. The figure is expected to climb to 59 percent by 2022 as the five countries have great potential in e-commerce cooperation, a report by China's e-commerce giant Alibaba has said. Read the full story here.

12:39 Amidst the BRICS summit, China censored online discussions on North Korea's bomb test. Read the full story here.

Reports state that posts and messages in micro blogging sites like Sina Weibo and messaging apps like WeChat are facing strict censorship. Any comments or jokes related to North Korea, its leader or the present crisis are being avoided. Even WeChat, the popular chat app is removing messages from independent sources that it deems as 'panic spreading'.

12:25 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs from the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen, he has tweeted, "The various deliberations during the BRICS Summit were extremely productive. Looking forward to building on these in the times to come. I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit."

Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China. pic.twitter.com/hbKRPpRwyl Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

12:00 When asked about the Doklam issue and if it was discussed, foreign secretary Jaishankar said, "this was not backward looking conversation it was forward looking".

11:55



Important point made during meeting was peace & tranquility in the border area is prerequisite for further development of relationship: MEA pic.twitter.com/DV5OP1oRGH  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017



11:52 Foreign Secretary Jaishankar said that the bilateral meet lasted little over an hour. In the first part of the talks, the two leaders discussed BRICS-related issues. They expressed a sense of mutual support in terms of taking the BRICS to the next level.

11:50 Foreign secretary Jaishankar said that differences are natural between neighbours and large powers and that there would be differences.

With regard to defence, both sides must maintain strong contacts and cooperation, foreign secretary Jaishankar said.

Both, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out a 'very positive view of where the relationship could go' and how the inter-governmental mechanisms would work.

11:46 Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that both sides showed "forward looking approach" and the discussions were constructive.

The foreign secretary said that both sides reiterated the understanding reached in Astana, Kazakhstan during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in which both sides had agreed to not allow differences to become disputes. The leaders reiterated that stability will be a prerequisite for improved Indo-China relations.

Both sides said that border peace was prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China and that more trust is required.

11:35 Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Vijay Gokhale, Indian ambassador to China are now expected to speak briefly.

11:32 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS summit lasted 30 minutes, reports CNN-News18.

The meet held significance as it happened in the shadow of the Doklam standoff. There was no mention of One Belt and One Road initiative and ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor. The Chinese premier reiterated his countrys commitment to Jawaharlal Nehrus 1954 Panchsheel agreement.

11:30 Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Vijay Gokhale, Indian ambassador to China briefed the media about PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's bilateral meeting.

11:20 According to reports, India National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar are also present at the bilateral meet.

11:08 According to news agency ANI, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "India and China are each other's major neighbours, we are also two of the world's largest and emerging countries. China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel. A healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the interests of people in both countries."

China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel: Chinese Pres XI Jinping to PM Modi pic.twitter.com/JHR7P2ia9u ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

10:47 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is about to start its briefing shortly.

10:40 While the bilateral meeting is still on, the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to brief media about what was discussed by the two leaders.

10:25 This is the last event on the Prime Minister's itinerary before he leaves for Myanmar.

10:20



#BRICSSummit -- Our development agenda lies with 'Sabke Saath Sabka Vikas': PM Narendra Modi #BRICSSummit2017 pic.twitter.com/S6Ci25a5fU  News18 (@CNNnews18) September 5, 2017



PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on sidelines of #BRICSSummit in Xiamen #China pic.twitter.com/5W3rdcun0z ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

10:12 Doklam standoff is unlikely to feature in the bilateral meeting, The Indian Express has reported.

According to the report, an Indian government functionary told the newspaper that they would "try to bury" the Doklam issue.

The newspaper also quoted sources as saying that "it is time to move on," after the standoff.

10:07 The bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun. It is the first such meet since the Doklam standoff ended, according to CNN News18.

10:05 The bilateral talks with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is about to end.

The meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is hence, about to start moments from now.

10:01



PM suggests that BRICS leadership for global transformation can be achieved through Ten Noble Commitments pic.twitter.com/w12HnDXcXM  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017



9:52 Remember, the bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be the first since the resolution of the Doklam standoff ended.

9:42 According to CNN News18, a number of issues may be discussed when PM Modi meets Xi Jinping.

Some of the issues could be India's concerns over CPEC running through Jammu and Kashmir, India's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative and Chinese its backing of Pakistan despite terror concerns.

The discussions could also include seeking of Chinese support to ban Masood Azhar.

9:37 PM Modi addressed the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue.

"The bedrock of our development agenda lies in the notion of 'Sabka saath, Sabka vikas'. We need coordinated action and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management. We need to work together to create a greener world and mitigate the menace of climate change," he said.

9:21 Here's an excerpt from PM Modi's address to the 9th BRICS Business Council yesterday:

"India is changing fast into one of the most open economies in the world today. Foreign Direct Investment inflows are at an all-time high, rising by 40 per cent. The Goods and Services Tax that was introduced in July is Indias biggest economic reform measure ever. In one stroke, a unified market of 1.3 billion people has been created. Programmes like Digital India, Start Up India and Make in India are changing the economic landscape of the country."

9:17 PM Modi addressed the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, aimed at promoting mutually beneficial cooperation for common development.

9:00 On Sunday, during the BRICS opening session, Xi Jinping remarked without directly pointing at the Doklam standoff saying, the world does not want "conflict and confrontation."

8:51 PM Modi and President Xi had last held bilateral talks in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in June during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

However, they met informally at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany in July when the Doklam standoff had just started simmering.

8:32 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at 10 am Indian time, in Xiamen, China on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. We'll bring you all the latest updates.

22:15 India is fast changing into one of the most open economies in the world, with improvements on global indices and the biggest ever reform GST weaving the nation into one unified market, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

In his intervention at the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council, he said programmes to promote the use of digital mode for payments and transactions, encourage start-ups to set up businesses and boost local manufacturing are changing the economic landscape of the country.

For full story, click here

21:30 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Dokalam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

For full story, click here

PM begins remarks at BRICS Business Council: The work you do plays an imp role in giving practical shape to the vision of BRICS partnership pic.twitter.com/4Y58GiVxik Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 4, 2017

16:22 PM Modi spoke to the BRICS business council, moments ago.

In the address, the prime minister mentioned the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Digital India, Start Up India and Make in India initiatives. PM Modi described GST as the most important economic reforms.

PM Modi also asked investors to invest in India and that said that they should not to be worried about India's economy.

"We count on the BRICS Business Council to take us closer to our common objective of improving business and investment cooperation," he said.

16:01



Celebrating BRICS diversity! Leaders at the opening ceremony of the #BRICS Cultural Festival & Cultural Exhibition pic.twitter.com/faO0eun4Jn  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 4, 2017



15:40 The BRICS, as a group strongly deplored North Koreas nuclear test. But, added that the issue over its nuclear programme should only be settled through dialogue and peaceful means, according to a report by Reuters.

15:37 Earlier in the day, PM Modi, urged for the creation of a BRICS credit rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of the developing countries.

The prime minister said, "Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF (International Monetary Fund)."

A partnership based on a common global vision & shared democratic values. PM @narendramodi engages with Brazilian President @MichelTemer pic.twitter.com/ifoEyCDygj Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 4, 2017

12:42 "We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," the fourty-eighth point of the Xiamen declaration said.

12:40 A spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that PM Modi discussed counter terrorism at the Summit. For the first time ever, a specific list has been issued by BRICS, pointing out various terror outfits affecting security in member states. The BRICS leaders have also have agreed to implement UNSC resolution for combating terrorism.

11:53 Although Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying had said last week that India's concerns about counter terrorism by Pakistan would not be a part of BRICS Summit discussions, all BRICS nations' leaders today jointly condemned terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

11:36 More pictures from PM Modi's meeting with Vladimir Putin



PM @narendramodi meeting Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of 9th #BRICSSummit in Xiamen, China pic.twitter.com/nLlj40isT7  PIB India (@PIB_India) September 4, 2017



11:29 News18 reported that Narendra Modi raised the issue of money laundering for financing terrorism in his meeting with Putin. The prime minister asked for joint action action against terrorism and also ideated on a de-radicalisation drive against terrorism.

PM Modi meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Xiamen on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here.

PM @narendramodi meeting Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of 9th #BRICSSummit in Xiamen, China pic.twitter.com/ix7OPO7TRo PIB India (@PIB_India) September 4, 2017

11:18 Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has arrived in Xiamen to engage in dialogue with BRICS nations.

10:40 In a few minutes from now, PM Modi will be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both of them are in Xiamen attending the BRICS Summit. Earlier today, Modi said that he was looking forward to engaging in productive discussions and was hoping for positive outcomes from his meetings with leaders of all BRICS countries.

10:17 Xinhua, China's official press agency, has reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to work together on tackling the growing crisis over North Korea's nuclear program.

10:11 Sources told IANS that Modi will be looking to bury the D-word (Dokalam) in his meeting with Chinese premier Xi Jinping on Tuesday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit going on Xiamen.

10:00 PM Modi concludes his address.

09:58 Speaking about strengthening the solar energy agenda, the Indian Prime Minister said that BRICS countries could work with the International Solar Alliance in order to do so.

09:55 Modi also said that central banks of BRICS countries must further strengthen their capabilities and promote co-operation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the International Monetary Fund.

09:53 PM Modi says a strong BRICS partnership and innovation will be the instrument for progress.

09:51 The Indian Prime Minister also acknowledged that the New Development Bank has started disbursing loans in an effort to mobilize sources of infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS countries

09:47 PM Modi started addressing the BRICS Plenary Session in Xiamen moments ago and said that cooperation was important for peace and development.

09:46 PM Modi was greeted by the Indian community in Xiamen upon his arrival.

09:25 PM Modi is also expected to meet China's President Xi Jinping for a bilateral discussion tomorrow at noon (local time), just before he leaves for Myanmar.

09:23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladmir Putin at around 11:00 hours Indian time, before meeting Brazilian President Michel Temer later in the evening.

09:17 KV Kamath, chief of the New Development Bank, created by the BRICS countries told CNN News18 that there is an 'enormous need for all the countries to get the work done'.

He also said that the recent events have had 'no impact on the economic front and that relationships have grown on the economic front'.

09:12 Terror, as an issue is likely to find a mention in India's statement at the summit, reports CNN News18.

09:10 Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the gathering moments ago, to open the summit.

Jinping spoke of how the BRICS is 'providing an alternative world order'. He also spoke about the progress made by the group in the first decade of BRICS.

09:06 Here are the LIVE updates from the 9th BRICS Summit currently happening in Xiamen, China.

19:40 President Xi Jinping & Vladimir Putin agreed Sunday to stick to the goal of denuclearization on Korean Peninsula & keep close communication, tweets People's Daily, China

18:30 PM Modi arrives in Xiamen, meeting with Putin on cards

18:15 Xi Jinping calls for holistic approach to fight terrorism

17:19 Key takeaways from Chinese President Xi Jinpings Speech

# I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide."

# "Construction of a tall building starts with a foundation. We have laid the foundation and put in place the framework for BRICS cooperation."

# "In terms of BRICS cooperation, decisions are made through consultation, not by one country. We respect each others model of development, accommodate each others concern and work to enhance strategic communication and mutual trust."

"Given the difference in national conditions, history and cultures, it is only natural we may have some differences in pursuing our cooperation. However, with a strong faith in cooperation and enhancing collaboration the BRICS countries can achieve steady progress in our cooperation."

WATCH | Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at BRICS Business Forum



LIVE: President Xi Jinping delivers keynote speech at opening ceremony of BRICS Business Forum in Xiamen. #BRICS2017 https://t.co/7DcmsFO9WP  China Xinhua News (@XHNews) September 3, 2017



# "Leveraging our respective strengths and converging interests, we have put in place a leaders-driven cooperation framework that covers wide-ranging areas and multiple levels."

# BRICS countries should improve macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize development strategies, leverage strengths in industrial structure and resources endowment, and create value chains and a big market for shared interests to achieve interconnected development.

# "We should blaze a new path which may also help other emerging market and developing countries to seize opportunities and meet challenges."

# "The long road to global peace and development will not be a smooth one. More than 700 million people are still living in hunger, tens of millions of people have been displaced and become refugees, while many people, including innocent children, have been killed in conflicts.

# Global economy has resumed growth, with emerging markets and developing countries delivering a strong performance. A new round of technological and industrial revolution is in the making, and reform and innovation are gaining momentum.

# "We have enough reason to believe that our world will be a better place."

# "We should push for an open world economy, promote trade liberalisation and facilitation, jointly create a new global value chain, and realise a global economic rebalancing."

# Xi said he still had "full confidence" in BRICS countries' development despite claims that the bloc's relevance had faded due to slower growth.

# "The development of emerging market and developing countries won't touch anyone's cheese, but instead will diligently grow the world economic pie."

Xi closed his 45-minute speech by saying that Beijing encouraged Chinese companies to continue going abroad, and "warmly welcomed" other countries' firms to invest in the world's second-largest economy.

16:25 "I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide" - Xi Jinping

16:20 OBOR is a platform for cooperation

The One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative is not a tool to advance any geopolitical agenda, but a platform for practical cooperation, says Jinping.

It is not a foreign aid scheme, but an initiative for interconnected development which calls for extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, Xi said while delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum.

16:00 We should push for an open world economy, says Chinas Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the opening of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China September 3, 2017. REUTERS/Fred Dufour/Pool

"We should push for an open world economy, promote trade liberalisation and facilitation, jointly create a new global value chain, and realise a global economic rebalancing," Xi told BRICS business leaders and senior officials. (Read here)

15:50 Chinese President Xi Jinping today asked BRICS members to shelve their differences and accommodate each other's concerns by enhancing mutual trust and strategic communication, as he opened the 9th annual summit of the five member emerging economies

15:45 Stay tuned with Moneycontrol to get the latest updates on BRICS Summit 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for China to attend the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 03, 2017

15:40 PM Narendra Modi today left on a three-day visit to China to attend the BRICS Summit which he hoped would support the agenda for a stronger partnership among the member countries, amid a strain in Sino-India ties over a host of issues.
US President Donald Trump today discussed with leaders of Germany, South Korea and Japan the "reckless and dangerous behaviour" of North Korea and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination on the issue at the UN.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a "perfect success", sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, South Korea President Moon Jae-In and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump underscored the need to give a coordinated response to North Korea.

"The two leaders (Trump and Merkel) condemned North Korea's continued reckless and dangerous behavior and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at the UN. President Trump noted that this latest provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter North Korea's prohibited activities," the White House said in a read out of the call.

"All options to address the North Korean threat are on the table," the White House said.

In a separate phone call, Trump and Moon "underscored the grave threat" that North Korea's latest provocation poses to the entire world.

The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal.

They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities.

"President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities. President Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea," the White House said.

In another phone call with Abe, the two leaders condemned North Korea's continued destabilising and provocative actions.

They confirmed the two countries' ironclad mutual defence commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation.

"President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal," the White House said.
Supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program recipient during a rally outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 1, 2017. REUTERS/Kyle Grillot - RC19A9BDDF40

United States President Donald Trump will declare on Tuesday, the fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that aims at giving work permits to people who were brought to the US illegally, as children.

What is DACA?

'DACA' is a program created and initiated by the US federal government in 2012 under Barack Obama's administration.

The program allows people who were brought to the US illegally when they were children, temporary right to live in the US. The program also permits them to seek education and work legally in America.

However, the applicants are vetted for any criminal history or for a potential threat to national security. They must be a student or must have completed school or military service, according to one criterion.

Once they pass the vetting process, the action to deport them is deferred for a period of two years. There is also a chance to renew the deferment. They are also eligible for basic facilities and government services including obtaining a driving license, enrolment into a college or getting a work permit.

Who are the Dreamers?

As many as 7.8 lakh people have been approved under the DACA so far. They are known as "Dreamers".

A Dreamer must have been undocumented and younger than 31 years of age on June 15, 2012, when the program started and lacking a legal immigration status, to apply.

They must have also arrived in the US before turning 16 years of age and must have lived in the US continuously since at least June 2007.

Large number of Dreamers hail from central and Latin American countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. They mostly live in the states of California, Florida New York and Texas.

The DACA was passed by the Obama administration after the US Congress failed to clear the then named 'Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (Dream) Act'. Hence, they are called Dreamers.

The 'Dream' program would have offered permanent legal residency to those who had arrived illegally as children. The DACA was more of a compromise for the Obama administration.

According to a report by the NY Daily News, 95 percent of the Dreamers are currently in school or are working. Legally, 12 percent have bought homes in the next five years.

What is Donald Trump's stand?

Trump, during the election campaign, had promised to revoke DACA immediately after coming to power. He promised to deport millions of illegal immigrants as a top priority along with his plan to build a wall along the Mexican border.

Trump is now scheduled to announce if he will revoke DACA. Some media reports suggest he could give the US Congress a six-month buffer to find a replacement program.

The President does have the powers to repeal DACA as it was enacted by an executive policy decision by Obama.
When North Korea successfully tested a thermonuclear bomb last weekend, it set in motion a chain of events both confusing and worrying at the same time.

For starters, neighbour South Korea had to retaliate by putting up as massive a show of force as it possibly could by test firing numerous non-nuclear ballistic missiles and conducting major naval drills in the Sea of Japan, involving its 2,500-ton frigate Gangwon.

The South Korean navy said in a statement that it was prepared for any military action initiated against it at sea and warned North Korea to refrain from doing so.

Secondly, the United States issued warnings that if North Korea threatened it or any of its allies, it would be met with a massive military response. President Donald Trump fired off a series of aggressive tweets, calling out ally South Korea.

South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing! Trump tweeted. He also said that North Korea was a rogue nation and was becoming an embarrassment for China, which he said was trying to help, but with little success.

This resulted in speculation about the weakening of the alliance between the United States and South Korea, an alliance which has lasted for the last 67 years. However, in what can be perceived as a show of cooperation, Trump agreed to let South Korea build more non-nuclear ballistic missiles, something that South Korea has been seeking for quite some time.

In addition to all this, South Korea said that according to the intelligence available to it, North Korea had finished preparations for its next nuclear test and had moved its intercontinental ballistic missiles to its west coast in the cover of darkness. Various media reports have said that the rogue state is expected to fire the ICBM either Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Meanwhile, neutral Switzerland on Monday offered to arbitrate between Trump and Kim Jong-un, saying diplomacy and dialogue are the only ways to resolve this issue without letting it get out of hand. Other countries like Russia, the United Kingdom, and even North Koreas primary global ally China condemned the nuclear test and urged it to stop what it is doing.

In a last ditch effort to avoid using military means, the United States on Monday asked other nations of the United Nations Security Council to stop supplying oil to North Korea. American Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UN that North Korea was begging for war.

We have taken an incremental approach, and despite the best of intentions, it has not worked...War is never something the Unites States wants -- we don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory, Haley said.

The situation, as it stands, is like a house of cards. All eyes are on North Korea and are looking for the slightest indication that the rogue state is willing to sit across a table to resolve the ongoing issue. However, if North Korea does conduct another nuclear test, tensions in the Korean Peninsula could quickly escalate to a state of war.

China, which has been put in an awkward position by its ally, may or may not go through with the United States suggestion of cutting oil supply to North Korea. After all, China is the countrys largest trading partner, accounting for 90 percent of all North Korean imports and almost all of its energy supply.

If Kim Jong-uns regime were to fall, it is highly likely that the North Korean territory would be occupied by South Korea. China would not be very comfortable in having to share its border with an ally of the United States and it also wouldnt want to lose the trade money that North Korea puts in its pocket.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at a session of the International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia March 30, 2017. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin - RTX33CQE

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned today of a global catastrophe unless a diplomatic solution is reached over North Korea, but rejected US calls for more sanctions as "useless", widening a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang.

Putin's comments appeared to draw the lines for a clash at the United Nations pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies.

The US yesterday demanded the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a missile.

The announcement dramatically upped the stakes in its standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to seven sets of UN Security Council sanctions so far.

As well as the US, South Korea and Japan, plus permanent Security Council members France and Britain, have called for stronger measures against it, with several arguing for a potentially crippling oil embargo.

But Putin made clear that Russia was opposed to further interdictions, and while China - North Korea's patron and closest political and economic partner - has yet to be drawn on the issue, it tends to resist placing pressure on Pyongyang.

Putin, speaking after an international gathering in China, said Russia condemned North Korea's "provocative" actions.

But he called for dialogue and warned against other actions that could escalate the crisis.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims."

World powers are scrambling to react to the latest ominous advance in the North's rogue weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring.

US President Donald Trump has approved in principle the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" for South Korea, the White House said Monday.

South Korea said it fired a volley of ballistic missiles on Monday to simulate an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by major live-fire drills at sea.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Washington would present a new sanctions resolution for debate in the coming days.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said existing measures not worked and accused North Korean leader Kim Jong- Un of "begging for war" with the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Seoul estimated the blast's yield at 50 kilotons, more than three times the size of the bomb detonated over Hiroshima in 1945.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said it could target oil supplies to North Korea - potentially dealing a major blow to its economy.
I have a guy who needs convincing. Him: No, no way, nope. Me: Oh, come on. Well get up at 4 a.m., sunrise already in some parts of the world. Well throw our coats over our pajamas and take a...
Jarrett Coleman goes from school board to statehouse with win in 16th Senate District race
Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year
Letter to editor: Voting is necessary to protect democracy
September 05, 2017

Syria - The Liberation Of Deir Ezzor

The Syrian army just broke the Islamic State siege on the city of Deir Ezzor and its military garrison. The siege had been held up since mid 2014.

In a six month long campaign the SAA moved several hundred kilometers from the outskirts of Aleppo and Palmyra towards Deir Ezzor. Three axes, north, center and south drove the campaign through the semi desert. One axis has now reached the areas held by the besieged troops while the spear tips of the other two are only a few kilometers away.

Syrian TV showed the first joyful contact at the 137 brigades area, 15km from Deir Ezzor city center.



bigger

Only in January the city and its 100,000 inhabitants left was on the verge of falling into the hands of ISIS. A massive U.S. air attack on the most important Syrian military position of Deir Ezzor in September 2016 directly enabled the ISIS move. But surprisingly the garrison, with 4-5,000 soldiers, held out. Supplies were dropped by parachute through a Russian and Syrian air-bridge and the grand operation to liberate the city was planned and prepared.

It has now succeeded. The Syrian government forces were supported by Russian special forces, Iranian contingents, Hizbullah forces and various militia. The Russian air force flew massive interdiction raids in front of the advancing troops. The Russian navy fired cruise missiles against core ISIS hold outs in the area.

Mabruk!

It will take further weeks to eliminate ISIS completely from the parts of the city it holds and areas around it.



Map (August 2017) by Fabrice Balanche - bigger (with legend)

The upcoming question then is how this campaign will proceed. Will the SAA cross the Euphrates at Deir Ezzor to retake the valuable oilfields east of it? Or will it stay south of the river and leave those oil fields to the Kurdish U.S. proxies in the north?

Posted by b on September 5, 2017 at 11:25 UTC | Permalink

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Ever find it hard to find the right kind of movie to watch? This could fix that
By the end of this month, boats and kayaks will not be the only thing cruising the water on Lake James.

Several dragon boat racing teams have been preparing to race in the annual Lake James Dragon Boat Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Paddys Creek on Sept. 30.

The free event is open to the public and hosted by the Healing Dragons of Lake James and Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge. The event raises money for the cancer treatment center at the hospital in Valdese.

The Healing Dragons of Lake James, a dragon boat racing team that consists of many breast cancer survivors, started the festival in 2015 and has had continued growth and support from several different local agencies.

We gave $10,000 to the cancer center (last year), said Gisella Bourg-Williamson, a member of the HDLJ team.

During the festival, spectators will have the opportunity to watch two races in the morning (depending on the time) and another in the afternoon, Williamson said.

There are multiple categories for types of teams, including an all womens team, cancer survivor team and mixed teams of men and women. Each team will have the chance race three times and be given a gold, silver or bronze award, she said.

Dragon boat racing dates back to a more than 2,300-year-old tradition from Ancient China, according to race organizers.

The boats are 44 feet long, donned with dragon heads, tails and scales and normally seats 20 paddlers. A drummer sits in the bow pounding a drum to the beat of the paddlers stroke to keep them in time and a steer person stands in the stern guiding the team down the waterway.

Patti Kirchoff, a member of the HDLJ, is a breast cancer survivor and is participating in the races for several reasons.

I got all my treatment at Valdese, Kirchoff said. That is one of the reasons I wanted to give back because it is the center that saved my life.

She hopes the event will create a positive image for Lake James because she believes it to be a natural and beautiful resource to the area.

The exercise that being on the HDLJ team gives her is also a big motivational push for her, Kirchoff said.

I get so much benefit from exercise, she said.

Kirchoff had two goals: join the HDLJ team and help organize the Lake James Dragon Boat Festival.

Last year, when it came full circle that was pretty awesome and fulfilling, personally, Kirchoff said.

Raising the money is important, but increasing the community partnerships and participation (for the festival) is what she hopes will happen this year, she said.

There also will be a time where those affected by cancer can share their stories with the crowd, Kirchoff said.

Last year, each person held a carnation and gave a speech in memory or in honor of people who have been dealing with cancer, Williamson said.

That is a really personal thing for everyoneI think it hits home really nicely, Williamson said.

Those in attendance are welcome to set up chairs on the beach area of Paddys Creek to watch the races, say organizers.

The venue works well for families because parents can watch the race while their children play in the water, Williamson said.

Participating teams so far are: Blazing Paddles, Blue Ridge Dragons, DragonBoat Beaufort, Dragon Slayers, Hoff the Magic Dragon, Lake James Healing Dragons, Paddle of Thrones, Quadruple D's and Raleigh Relentless.

Williamson said they are going to take up to 20 teams for the competition.

Mountain Burrito and Hunters Chicken will be on site providing concessions.

For more information or to sign up a team, visit www.lakejamesdragonboat.com, call 813-426-3544 or email healingdragonslj@yahoo.com.

Staff Writer Jonelle Bobak can be reached at jbobak@morganton.com or 828-432-8907.
50 Years ago in Burke County

Jimmy Rhyne

13,484 TELEPHONE EXCHANGES IN MORGANTON

America now has more than 100 million telephones, and Southern Bell Telephone Company serves 10 million of these. Indeed, there are more telephones in Southern Bell's nine states than in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece combined. The total telephones for the Morganton exchange is 13,484.

With a wide variety of services available and with two or more telephones in 37 percent of the nations homes, the telephone has become so commonplace it is taken for granted, not always so throughout the world, though.

Costs of telephone service differ considerably in different countries, with the USA being very much less than the rest of the world.

HOUSING BIDS TO BE TAKEN ON OCT. 5

The Morganton Housing Authority will receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment and services required for 40 units of public housing which is to be built here on five separate tracts of city-owned property at an approximate cost of $673,474.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Harry B. Wrighton, executive director of the housing authority, said that the cost of this 40-unit project included all costs of land, labor, materials and administration.

NEW STATE PATROLMAN FOR BURKE

Jerry R. Sorrells, 22, a native of Franklin and a recent graduate of the Highway Patrol School at Chapel Hill, has joined State Highway Patrol in Burke County.

His appointment here brought to eight the number of highway patrolmen assigned to the State Highway Patrol in Burke County.

He is living in Rutherford College with his wife and child and will be trained locally with Patrolman M.A. Joines.

Sorrells completed his 14-week patrol training course at the Institute of Government in Chapel Hill.

BURKE NATIVE IS NEW STEWARDESS

Miss Becky Biggerstaff, daughter of Mrs. Ruth Biggerstaff of Glen Alpine, has started her career as an Eastern Airlines stewardess.

She graduated from Eastern's in-flight training center at Miami Fl, where her schooling included grooming, makeup and the gracious presentation of dining services in addition to her other duties.

Miss Biggerstaff graduated from Glen Alpine High School and, prior to joining Eastern, she was employed as a secretary for the CIA in Washington DC; she is now based in Atlanta, Ga.

AROUND THE TOWN; MILDRED TOLSON

Congratulations are in order for a number of recent parents and grandparents.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry Clark of Enola Road welcomed their firstborn on Monday at Valdese General Hospital. It makes Mr. and Mrs. Gus Mitchell of Morganton grandparents for the first time.

The baby girl weighed 6 pounds plus. Her mother is the former Betty Ann Mitchell. This is the second grandchild for the Odell Clarks of Route 4.

GRAND OPENING

Thursday-Friday and Saturday

City Texaco Service

Under new management of Dallis Sturgill

201 North Greene Street, Morganton

Where you receive the best service in town

Free gifts to the first 50 customers.

Drawing for free prizes

Free refreshments

Drawing to be held Saturday at 5 pm

AMONG US MORGANTONIANS; J. GORDON QUEEN (circa 1962, 55 years ago)

We were talking to a man from a nearby town yesterday. We asked, is your town growing nowadays? Yes, was his reply, but nothing like Morganton. There you are ladies and gentlemen, folks in all the nearby towns know we are growing rapidly. News like this spreads fast. Well it all boils down to what we have been preaching for years that Morganton will grow whether we like it or not."

Seeing and hearingHalloween masks the most hideous and disgusting ones ever, on display in Morganton storesOverheard from Jack Lane - Anybody can run for office. If I were to run I know I would get one vote and that would be mineA woman putting a nickel in a penny parking meter and not understanding why it will not workJim Connelly leaving the lights on in his car in broad daylight while he gobbles his breakfast down.

This article is sponsored by the History museum of Burke County where the archives of the News Herald are stored. Jimmy Rhyne is a volunteer.
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Public health work has taken Chad Chalker all over the globe. Now the Midlander is preparing to start a position in South Sudan with the United Nations World Food Programme.

Chalkers passion for public health took root while working with a team in the Gambia in 2011. Educating people and providing clinics to rural areas in the West African country drew Chalker away from pursuing a clinical job.

I kind of realized doing public health is population-based, Chalker said. You can have more of an impact on a population.

Chalker expressed a willingness to help others early on. Locally, he volunteered at Midland Memorial Hospital and as a member of the Lee High School Student Council. As a senior, Chalker received a Fasken Foundation Scholarship and said the programs philanthropic mission was inspirational.

International work formed many of Chalkers experiences after he graduated from Lee High in 2008. Chalker was a food distribution manager for refugee camps in South Sudan and participated in health-related volunteering in Costa Rica and humanitarian work in Nepal.

Over the years, Chalkers parents offered support. He said his past public health ventures gave family members some insight into his upcoming role.

Each year Im doing something like this has kind of prepared them, Chalker said. Im not going back to school, so they know this is my career.

Of all his experiences, Chalker said spending more than two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal influenced his life course, including his decision to complete a graduate program at Emory University.

It confirmed I wanted to continue working internationally, he said. I knew I wanted a masters degree. It also showed I wanted to do more humanitarian work than development.

His parents, Andy and Lynne Chalker, also said the Peace Corps was a turning point. Andy Chalker is proud his son was able to implement projects in a country with a different language and cultural traditions.

I think it opened his eyes to the huge need to help other folks, he said. I think he was always in that mode. The Peace Corps really had an effect on him.

Voranan Mongkolpumirat of San Antonio, who was in the Peace Corps at the same time as Chad Chalker, said he inspired her to complete projects for people in her village.

Chad was very determined, very motivated, Mongkolpumirat said in a phone interview. He has this natural leader persona about him. People want to listen to what he has to say.

Mongkolpumirat worked alongside Chalker as he helped to organize programming for a girls camp. She was also impressed with his health-related projects. In one, Chalker coordinated efforts to introduce an alternative cooking method to people who cooked with fires in their homes, Mongkolpumirat said.

You dont want to breathe that [in] all the time, she said. The way the improved cook stoves were built brings the smoke outside.

Chalker, who earned a bachelors degree in nutrition from Texas A&M University, also worked with people in his Nepali community to introduce new crops. Mongkolpumirat noticed her fellow volunteers interest in nutrition.

It stems from the fact there are malnutrition problems all over the world, Mongkolpumirat said. In Nepal, we saw it first-hand.

Chalker will also use his knowledge in his new role as a roving nutritionist with the World Food Programme. He will be based in South Sudans capital and travel to remote areas to offer support to people with acute nutrition needs.

For Chalker, each previous international experience led him to this point.

I see things [people are] facing in the world, Chalker said. It keeps me going.
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A road rage incident early Tuesday near Cypress Station ended in a deadly, deputy-involved shooting and four arrests.

A trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety first spotted about 2:45 a.m. the road rage incident in the northbound lanes of Interstate 45, near Spring.

The details on what happened were murky mid-morning Tuesday; it involved "aggressive driving" between two cars - a Kia and a Ford F-150 with about half a dozen people inside, said DPS Lt. Craig Cummings.

Now Playing: Officer involved shooting Video: Metro Video

A deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Office and a U.S. Marshal, who was in the area to assist with security in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, headed to the scene to help, said Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

When they arrived, the driver of the truck took off, beginning a chase along the highway that lasted several miles.

The deputy and the U.S. Marshal sped after the truck as it headed southbound on I-45. The truck exited at FM 1960 and turned into an InTown Suites in the Rolling Creek area, Gilliland said.

There, deputies and U.S. Marshals ordered the people inside of the truck to exit their vehicle. Instead, the driver of the truck accelerated toward the law enforcement officials, who were outside of their cars.

The truck rammed into several U.S. Marshals, injuring them, Gilliland said. The exact number of injured marshals was not immediately available. None of them had serious injuries.

As the Ford sped toward the deputies and U.S. Marshals, officers from both agencies fired their weapons at the truck.

The truck then veered out of the InTown suites, back onto FM 1960 and continued westbound.

About a mile later, the truck turned onto Kuykendahl, where it stopped at an apartment complex in the 15900 block of the street, Gilliland said.

There, a second face-off between law enforcement officials and the truck's occupants began.

The Ford backed up toward a sheriff's office deputy, who again had gotten out of a patrol car in an attempt to stop the truck.

The deputy fired at the truck again. The truck accelerated forward and went inside the apartments.

Deputies and U.S. Marshals followed the truck to the back end of the property where the truck finally stopped, Gilliland said.

Officials arrested four of the truck's occupants.

A fifth occupant - a woman - was found dead inside of the Ford.

There may have been a sixth occupant, but that person had not been confirmed Tuesday morning, Gilliland said.

In the aftermath of the gunfire, several U.S. Marshals searched an apartment in the complex, Gilliland said.

It was not clear if anything was found in the apartment.
The vessels are thought to be the steamer Choctaw and wooden bulk freighter Ohio, both found in historic shipping lanes off Presque Isle in Lake Huron.

On May 23, 2017, researchers from NOAAs Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NOAAs Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab and the University of Delaware discovered two previously unknown shipwrecks nearly 300 feet below the surface of Lake Huron. Approximately 15 miles northeast of Presque Isle, Michigan, these discoveries were made during an exploratory research project funded by NOAAs Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Follow-up investigations carried out between June and August of 2017 included the use of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from Michigan Technological Universitys Great Lakes Research Center and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) provided and piloted by Northwestern Michigan College.

Guy Meadows, the director of the Great Lakes Research Center, joined research scientists Jamey Anderson and Chris Pinnow aboard the R/V Storm to operate the IVER3 AUV, which uses an advanced sonar system, the EdgeTech 2205.

"Our portion of the mission was to use Michigan Tech's fully AUV to fly close to these very deep shipwrecks and obtain sonar images of the precise dimensions and details to aid archaeologists in identifying the lost ships," Meadows explains. "Our IVER3 performed beyond our expectations and acquired spectacular sonar images of each wreck."

Sonar image of the site first classified as Target 2 in May, 2017. AUV-based scanning was conducted in June to produce this image. The vessel was nearly upside-down and partially buried in the bottom of Lake Huron. Acoustic shadows reveal a rudder, propeller, and the outline of the stern cabin structures. Source: Michigan Tech/Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Shipwrecks

Based on the preliminary results from these investigations, researchers believe the two sites are those of wooden bulk carrier Ohio and steel-hulled straight back steamer Choctaw. Both are historically significant archaeological sites. An early version of what later became the most iconic Great Lakes vessel, wooden bulk carrier Ohio represented some of the earliest design attempts emerging in the Great Lakes following the introduction of steam propulsion as an alternative to sail power. Choctaw was also an innovation in ship construction, derivative of the famous whaleback Great Lakes vessel type.

Though the preliminary results from this survey were informative regarding the potential identity of each vessel, research at both sites will continue. Ongoing review of historical records and future archaeological investigations will undoubtedly bring to light details that generate more questions and opportunities for inquiry, research, and understanding of these historic shipwrecks. Likewise, continued gathering of information will assist archaeologists in future management of these archaeological sites as part of the system of submerged cultural resources encompassed within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Loss of the Ohio

A starboard-side profile of wooden bulk carrier Ohio. Here, early bulk carrier design is shown via the small, forward pilot house, cargo holds midships with masts in place, followed by stern cabins and steam propulsion machinery. Many of these features were observed during AUV and ROV investigations, including the three masts, the pilot house along the bow, and a very similar shaped rudder and stern. Source: Great Lakes Maritime Collection, Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library.

In September, 1894, wooden bulk carrier Ohio departed Duluth, MN, for Ogdensburg, NY, loaded with a cargo of grain; a transit requiring it to cross Lake Superior, pass through the Soo Locks, then traverse Lake Huron, past Presque Isle and Thunder Bay. Along this route, Ohio encountered heavy weather and busy shipping lanes, a dangerous, yet all too common, combination. Meanwhile, two schooners, Ironton and Moonlight, were being towed by steamer Kershaw in a system known as consort where a tug or steamer pulled one or more schooners to increase the cargo carrying capacity of a small fleet. The three ships were heading north when they encountered steamer Ohio in rough weather, 10 miles north of Presque Isle. It was during this critical moment, with the vessels about to pass in the shipping lane, that Irontons towline parted. The schooner veered off course and collided with Ohio. Both vessels sank in half an hour. Sixteen crewmembers of Ohio got into lifeboats and were later picked up by schooner Moonlight. The First Mate was picked up by Kershaw after clinging to a floating ladder for nearly two hours. The steamer Hepard picked up two of Irontons crew while five of them, including Captain Peter Girard, perished in the accident on September 26, 1894.

Ohio was an early version of the wooden bulk freighter, built in 1873 by J. F. Squires of Huron, Ohio. It measured 202 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, and registered 1,101 gross tons. By this part of the nineteenth century, bulk freighters represented industrialization of the maritime trades where large ships carried bulk commodities at lower cost. Owned by C. W. Elphicke of Chicago, Ohio carried 1,000 tons of flour, equal to 10,000 barrels, when lost. The wooden schooner barge Ironton was built by George Notter at Buffalo in 1873. Ironton was 190.9 feet in length with a 35.4-foot beam, and registered 785 gross tons. The Ironton has not yet been found and was not located during the 2017 exploratory survey efforts.

Search for the Choctaw

Another port-side view of Choctaw traveling light with much of its hull out of the water. Here, several features observed during the ROV missions in August, 2017, were corroborated. These include the stern cabin layout, with windows and doors matching, the location of bits and davit arms, the location of the stack, and the hatches moving forward of the stern cabin. Source: Great Lakes Maritime Collection, Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library.

At the close of the Civil War, iron and steel ships began to dominate the shipbuilding trade, ultimately replacing the traditional wooden hulls of Americas merchant fleets. The ship building city of Cleveland, Ohio, with abundant coal, iron, and capital, naturally turned to steel and the innovative vessel designs it made possible. Soon, shipyards were producing larger and more efficient cargo carriers. The straight back or monitor design, a direct descendent of the iconic whaleback design, appeared in 1892. This design, produced by the Cleveland Ship Building Company, had a conventional bow, but the ships metal sides slanted outward from the main deck to the waterline at almost a 45-degree angle. The hull resembled later submarines. All cabins were located at the stern, and the smoke stack was straight up and down. The "monitor" never fully developed as a ship class and only three were built: Andaste, Choctaw and Yuma. Choctaw was 266.9 feet in length, with a beam of 38.1 feet and a 17.9-foot depth of hold. The ship registered 1,573 gross tons, with a capacity of 3,050 tons. It was powered by a 900-horsepower triple expansion engine and two Scotch boilers.

Like many Great Lakes ships Choctaw was not immune to mishaps. In April 1893, an engine explosion killed two crew members. The vessel sank at Sault Ste. Marie in a collision with the steamer Waldo in May 1896. A few years later, in May 1900, Choctaw grounded near Point au Pins, and in April 1902 Choctaw struck a rock at Marquette and partly sank after getting inside the harbor.

The ships fatal blow came on July 12, 1915 off Presque Isle. Up-bound in a dense fog with a cargo of coal, Choctaw was hit between No. 1 and No. 2 hatches by Canadian Steamship Company freighter Wahcondah. The ship sank in seven minutes in 300 feet of water. Captain Charles A. Fox and his crew of 21 men were rescued and taken aboard Wahcondah.

The Choctaw remained elusive for many years; the search for the rare Great Lakes vessel type started in 2008.

2017 Exploratory Survey Results

As part of a NOAA grant awarded to the Friends of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, researchers from the University of Delaware, NOAAs Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, and NOAAs Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary conducted a large-scale, exploratory survey project near Presque Isle, Michigan. Expanding upon sanctuary-led surveys that occurred in 2008 and 2011, the team covered 94 square miles of unexplored lake bottom utilizing an EdgeTech 6205 phase measuring echosounder with combined bathymetry and side-scan sonar imagery. During the course of this field campaign, the team located two acoustic anomalies which appeared to be undiscovered shipwrecks; at the time they were designated Target 1 and Target 2.

In this AUV pass over Target 1 the vehicle traveled directly over the midships section of the vessel. Here, two upright masts were well seen, one to the right and one to the left. The shadows of intact rigging are also seeing the acoustic shadows around the bow (right). Source: Michigan Technological University/Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Art Trembaniss team from the University of Delaware cataloged each site with their sonar instrumentation and in June the NOAA led team returned with Meadows, Anderson and Pinnow from Michigan Tech. Using the IVER3 AUV, the team surveyed each target in much greater detail. At Target 1 the apparent remains of a wooden bulk carrier, which historical records indicated was most likely Ohio, were visualized to show its pilot house, cargo hatches, stern structure, masts and rigging, and localized debris field.

Despite the abundance of details revealed at Target 1 the other shipwreck target proved difficult to characterize. As continued AUV surveys revealed, the vessel was upside down and partially buried in the lake floor. As a result, additional underwater data was needed. To this end, the sanctuary partnered with Northwestern Michigan College to use their ROV for further site investigation. In particular, information was needed from underneath Target 2 where the sonar could not scan. This was the area where diagnostic features would be observed.

An AUV-acoustic scan of the vessel identified as straight back steamer Choctaw collected in June, 2017. The rounded sides characteristic of this vessel can be seen via the lack of defined edge on the upper (left) side as it extends into the lake bottom. Its unique, pointed stern is also visible. One-third of Choctaw, however, appears buried in the lake bottom. Source: Michigan Tech/Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Visiting Target 2 first, the video recordings from the ROV mission were stunning. The vessels telltale straight back, or modified whaleback, design was evident. Dozens of features indicated in the builders plans were visible. The stern deck cabins, machinery, and tackle identically matched the historical records--engineering plans and photographs included. For the first time in over a century, the remains of Choctaw were finally seen by human eyes.

Future Research

Although these new shipwrecks are tentatively identified as Ohio and Choctaw, additional research is needed to complete their stories. At least one major question looms: where are the remains of schooner barge Ironton that tragically collided with Ohio? Historical accounts recorded them sinking quickly, which implies their remains would be close to one another. Yet, the survey conducted this summer revealed no such associated remains within the vicinity of Ohios final resting place. Only continued exploration will tell.

Great Lakes Research Center Most institutions have to go to the Arctic to study under-ice acoustics or borrow research vessels to survey invasive species. Not at the GLRC. With Lake Superior in our backyard, we have access to some of nature's greatest laboratories. Our interdisciplinary research spans robotics, ecology, remote sensing, geochemistry and more. A commitment to the Great Lakes and the people living near them is the heart of all our work. Guy Meadows (left) and Chris Pinnow (right) of Michigan Technological University discuss sonar imagery with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Archaeologist John Bright (center). The image shown on the screen is from the site believed to be Choctaw. Acoustic data was collected via an AUV platform operated by MTU during field operations in June, 2017. Source: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary/NOAA.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigans flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
A Brevard County American Legion post is going above and beyond to try to help the victims after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area.

American Legion post collecting donations for Harvey victims

So far the post has collected $35,000 in donation

Taking 5 trailers to Texas Wednesday morning

We had just recently purchased a new truck and a new trailer so i said lets load it up and get it down there," Neil Dagata said.

Neil and his wife own a trailer for their business, but after seeing the devastation caused by Harvey, they knew they had to help.

Partnering with the Palm Bay American Legion Post 117, they started collecting donations -- everything from food, to clothes, to baby and pet supplies.

When we first started we thought it would just end up being a little bit of stuff, but now well be picking up things from local schools and businesses that have decided to jump on board," said Bruce Thurber with American Legion Post 117.

They estimate they have collected around $35,000 in donations over the past week. Now theyll be loading up five trailers and heading to Texas early Wednesday morning.

Its been amazing how much has come in and what this post has been able to do, its been wonderful, Neil said.

The trip will take about a day and a half after they return. They plan to pack up the rest of the donations and make another trip.

They are still collecting donations. You can stop by the American Legion Post 117 off of Veterans Drive to drop off hurricane relief items.
Water is one of the hottest items as people throughout Central Florida stock up on emergency supplies ahead of a possible impact by Hurricane Irma.

Central Florida stores running out of water, supplies

People are stocking up ahead of Hurricane Irma

RESOURCES: Hurricane supply checklist



RELATED: Central Florida sandbag locations by county

The Super Target in the SODO area of Orlando was one of several stores where water moved off the shelves just as soon as it was stocked.

Tiesha Joseph knew her family couldnt wait to stock up on certain items. She works at a local drugstore.

Yesterday when I was at work we actually ran out of water too, so it kind of scared us and we said, 'lets just get some water just in case,' said Joseph.

Josephs family also bought bread, some soda and cleaning supplies, just a few of the items they want to have if Irma hits. They werent alone. A store manager said Tuesday mornings are normally slow, but today the store was packed.

A store manager says hes working on getting more water shipped to the store for later in the week, but it wont happen quick. The manager says hes competing against every other store in the state thats trying to do the same thing.

From the lumber aisle at Lowe's to their own front door, Orange County residents Aaron Marietta and his friends are doing everything they can to be prepared.

"Everything is already almost sold out just inside of this place here, so I can only imagine everywhere else. Just glad that we got the supplies we needed in time," Marietta said.

Marietta managed to purchase 10 sheets of plywood to board up doors and widows.

The group of friends grew up in the Key West area, so they are familiar with the impact of potentially catastrophic weather.

That's why Marietta and crew have the utmost respect for Hurricane Irma and mother nature.

No storm is worth dying over. Anything like that, just look at whats going on in Texas and what happened in New Orleans. History repeats itself, no reason to stick around if you dont need to," Marietta said.

On Monday, a spokesperson said Lowe's shipped more than 325 truckloads of products to Florida in preparation for this storm.

Like many other retailers, Lowe's will keep bringing in as many products as possible to the area.

Brevard County

Hurricane preparations are underway across Florida as Hurricane Irma gets closer.



We spoke with Brevard County EOC Tuesday afternoon, and while we are still unsure of the exact path the hurricane could take the county isnt taking chances and theyre telling people to start preparing now.

Cricket Folley lived in Jacksonville for nearly 2 decades. She moved to Brevard County last year and shes no stranger to hurricanes -- its one of the reasons shes preparing early.

We will be prepared, our house has metal shutters and well be putting those up when have a little more information," Folley said.

Cricket is just one of thousands of people who is making sure to buy water food and other hurricane supplies.

Brevard County Emergency management says its wise to have a plan in place now.

We are monitoring this very closely from an emergency management stand point. We will make the decision in the hours to come on whether evacuations are called for, whether we open shelters and when we start moving people into those shelters," Don Walker with Brevard County EM said.

Starting Wednesday at 8 a.m., Brevard County sheriffs office will be offering sandbags to residents throughout the county.

Flagler County

Flagler Beach businesses are on alert and watching the path of Hurricane Irma -- especially ones that were impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

"Thursday, we'll know a lot more," said business owner John Lulgjuraj.

It hasn't even been a year since Hurricane Matthew devastated Flagler Beach, and now business owner John lulgjuraj and his staff are prepping for Irma.

"We personally lost a lot. We know a lot of people that lost a lot last hurricane, and we just pray that nothing happens again," said Lulgjuraj, owner of Oceanside Bar and Grill.

A1A crumbled outside of Lulgjuraj's business and many others suffered with the road closed, which sent their profits down. Businesses said it was a struggle to recover, especially with a newborn baby in his family.

"It was so many mixed emotions during that time -- the happiness of the baby, but when I got home to see the destruction, the not having a road in front of my restaurant, not knowing if we're going to ever be able to open again," said Lulgjuraj.

A1A did re-open in less than a month, last year with millions of dollars of temporary repairs in place.

But a permanent fix is not expected to start until next year.

He has plans now, from food storage to making sure staff is ready and taking this storm even more seriously. He said they learned from Matthew.

"We've got plan A, if it's not coming. We've got plan B and plan C. I pray that this hurricane doesn't do any damage anywhere, that's my number one concern/ I'm hoping it stays as far from any land as possible," said Lulgjuraj.
Edward Kelty, 20, who is accused of striking an Orlando Police officer with a vehicle in 2015 while the officer was responding to a call, agreed to a plea deal Tuesday morning.

Kelty pleaded no contest to count one, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer causing great bodily harm. He faces life in prison and there is a minimum of almost nine years in prison. Sentencing will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, 2017.



Back in March of this year, prosecutors decided not to strike the deal with Kelty, who is accused of striking former officer William Anderson, who uses a cane to walk. At the time, Anderson was against any deal that would have put Kelty away for a maximum of 15 years.

"You shouldn't be able to hit a police officer with a car, have that officer go into surgery and have that officer almost die- doctors realize they don't know if you're going to make it and then only do eight years," Anderson said following the plea.

Kelty was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder on Anderson, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, according to Orange County court records.

On July 13, 2015, Anderson responded to a call that shots were fired near Kirkman and Vineland roads around 3 a.m.

He attempted to make a traffic stop at the intersection, approached a car with his gun drawn when the passenger fled and Kelty allegedly hit the gas and struck Anderson, who was in front of the vehicle at the time.

Anderson now can no longer work as an Orlando Police Department officer, suffering from chronic pain in his back and neck. He requires a cane and assistance with a service dog named Polo because of his pain and impaired vision.

"He took my career because of his actions that night," Anderson said.
While traveling to Nebraska recently to view the total eclipse, 11-year-old Hagen Pate took time to photograph this rural scene capturing a variety of lines jutting off at different angles. Some of the various circles, diagonals, semicircles and straight lines are created by round hay bales, fences and gates, trees, crops, trees and foliage.
BERLIN  The community will have a chance to do yoga and meditate later this month as part of a shanti gathering to honor the International Day of Peace.



Having it in open space and in nature is vital, said Kelly Murphy, a yoga instructor.



The event will be held Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m., at Kensington Orchards Trail off Chamberlain Highway. The shanti gathering will involve meditation, yoga and sound healing.



Shanti is the Sanskrit word for peace.



I am thrilled that our great open space and trails are being utilized, said Chris Edge, the towns economic development director.



Murphy recently started a Connecticut Community Yoga Project. Members of the group take turns hosting a yoga event each month in a different town. The first event is in Berlin, Murphys hometown.



When it comes to yoga, its really about the connection to nature, Murphy said.



Murphy teaches yoga classes at ProNatural Fitness in Berlin and owns Samatva LLC, a wellness business. In July, Murphy hosted a beer yoga event at Witchdoctor Brewing Co., in Southington.



A picnic will be held after the Berlin event. Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends, and yoga mats.



Donations will also be accepted for an organization or charity that will be announced soon.



Murphy said several people have already shown interest. She hopes to get more than 30 people to attend.



Come with your family, your friends, your community, she said. Its for everyone.



Registration is not required.



For more information, email kelly.murphy10@yahoo.com.



akus@record-journal.com 203-317-2448 Twitter: @KusReporter






WALLINGFORD  When Chris Nakis reopened The Greek Guy restaurant last week in a new location on Route 5, customers were lined up at the door.



The family-owned eatery moved to a bigger location last week in a shopping plaza at 600 N. Colony Road, just south of North Plains Highway. Nakis first opened the restaurant at 628 S. Colony Road in November with his wife, Joanne, and closed in June before reopening last week.



People were waiting a long time for us to reopen, Chris Nakis said.



The new location allows The Greek Guy to expand from a smaller space, with a handful of tables, to a full-sized restaurant.



Were more of a family restaurant, but were stuck in a takeout, delivery place, Chris Nakis said in June, of the former location.



The menu will include many of the old staples and new Mediterranean entrees. The bar will serve beer, wine and Greek inspired cocktails,



In June, Chris Nakis opened Dog House Grill and Gelato Bar at the former South Colony Road home of The Greek Guy. The restaurant offers burgers, ripper dogs  a hot dog that is ripped opened as it is being cooked in a deep frier  and a gelato bar, in addition to many items already on The Greek Guy menu. Chris Nakis said he is planning on opening another location in North Haven.



Since opening The Greek Guy last year, Nakis and his wife said they received a lot of positive feedback.



Its been unbelievable, Joanne Nikas said. Wallingford people are amazing. Its just such a tight-knit community here.



mzabierek@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @MatthewZabierek






Connecticuts U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is calling for more stringent standards and improved enforcement from The Federal Aviation Administration to help ensure safer air travel. The move is a response to eight small plane crashes in Connecticut in a year, with six fatalities. Those deaths include that of Joseph Tomanelli, a Cheshire physician who was killed in a crash near Meriden-Markham Airport on April 24. His 21-year-old son, Daniel Tomanelli, was seriously injured.



Blumenthal is calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate pilot training, maintenance and other measures.



They have the power, Blumenthal recently said. Were demanding action under existing authority, and responsibility to set higher standards and improve enforcement.



The senator had praise for the FAA and the commercial aviation industry in general, saying its among the safest in the world, but his call for improvements in general aviation makes sense considering the recent crashes.



General aviation presents a troubling tale that consists of hundreds of deadly crashes each year, including a half dozen in Connecticut, he said.



Along with increased training, Blumenthal would like better aircraft maintenance and more medical vetting. He would like to see the dozen aviation safety recommendations submitted to the FAA satisfied.



These are reasonable measures, and they appear to have some support. Certainly, anything to increase safety is a great idea, Connie Castillo, airport manager at Meriden-Markham Airport, told the Record-Journal.



Increased safety is always a good recommendation, and Blumenthals measures appear more preventative than punitive. In the interest of greater aviation safety, theyre worth implementing.






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In San Francisco, a group of union members decided to celebrate Labor Day by, well, working.

They were the 30-odd musicians with the Golden Gate Park Band who came out, as they do every Sunday and holiday during the spring and summer, to perform for park visitors at the Spreckels Temple of Music between the De Young museum and the California Academy of Science.

The bands conductor, 75-year-old San Francisco native Michael Wirgler, said the group of paid, unionized band members have performed on Labor Day every one of the 18 years hes conducted. The 135-year-old band is older than the holiday itself since Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894.

After the band opened the afternoon with the The Star-Spangled Banner, Wirgler welcomed the crowd to the free concert.

Labor Day is a day to honor and remember the working man, Wirgler told the crowd filling the parks green benches. It celebrates the social and economic achievement of the American worker.

The working man was lauded across the Bay Area Monday, including in Oakland, where hundreds of workers demanding a $15 minimum wage for fast-food workers and others marched through streets downtown.

But back in San Francisco, the band noted the holiday with its first piece: The Klaxon, a selection from American composer Henry Fillmore that was arranged as a tribute to the auto industry.

The show included upbeat songs ranging from American Folk Rhapsody No. 4 to fun things like melodies from Star Trek and the Blues Brothers.

The band decided, in the spirit of patriotism, to go with all-American pieces with the exception of Light Calvary Overture from the European composer Franz von Suppe, which Wirgler said was chosen because it was spirited.

Thank goodness its not quite as hot as it was yesterday, 70-year-old bassoonist James Blakly said before taking the stage in his red band uniform.

Park visitors enjoyed a welcome reprieve from this weekends record-breaking heat wave, which scorched much of the Bay Area.

Its such a nice day, San Francisco resident Jaime Brummett said as she watched her nephew play. Its so not 108 degrees today.

Brummett, who works for a hedge fund in the city, went metal detecting with her 9-year-old nephew, C.J., before heading to Golden Gate Park Monday.

I used to come here with my grandmother when I was his age, said Brummett, 40. I live across the street, so its not that hard.

The Paige family was at the park to visit the California Academy of Science, but after a while left the museum so their 1-year-old daughter Brooke could play in the sand outside.

Her husband was off work and Im a stay at home mom so I thought, might as well take advantage said Seta Paige of San Francisco.

They started their day with breakfast in Cole Valley at Zazie, and planned to end their Gouting before the 1 p.m concert and before Brooke tired herself out.

That would be around nap time for her, said Setas husband, Gene Paige.

San Francisco nanny Anna Panitz came to the park for the concert. Panitz, like the band, was working  babysitting a 6-year-old boy for a close friend.

I Googled it this morning. I was just looking for things to do, said Panitz. 31.

She said she wanted to do something patriotic with the day, even if she was still on the clock.

Even though Im working, its always a time to get together, she said of the holiday. Celebrate something.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
A silver Mercedes crashed into a Tesla dealership on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco Monday afternoon, shattering windows at the facilities, officials said.

City workers were called to the Tesla building at about 2:15 p.m. in response to the crash, according to workers on site.
U.S. gasoline prices spiked 27 cents over the last week, rising to an average of $2.65 a gallon as refinery and pipeline outages in the wake of Harvey keep pushing fuel costs higher, automobile club AAA said Tuesday.

The storm, which landed Aug. 25 in Rockport as a Category 4 hurricane before dropping almost 52 inches of rain on Houston, created a distribution problem after knocking out more a fifth of U.S. refining capacity and shuttering some key pipelines.

Prices are just 2 cents shy of a two-year peak hit in August 2015, AAA said. Online gas price tracker GasBuddy reported a similar jump, saying its the highest seven-day price spike since Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in August 2005.

With the usual flow of gasoline and diesel from the Texas Coast to the rest of the country disrupted, a supply crunch was made worse by panicked Texas drivers.

Lines at gas stations throughout Bexar County started backing up last Thursday and still were several cars deep Tuesday, sometimes trailing down the block, when drivers could find gasoline available for sale.

Mayor Ron Nirenburg over the weekend pleaded with drivers to stop hoarding and filling extra fuel canisters.

SA, at the moment, gas purchases are at 2.5x rate of daily purchases & folks are hoarding. We need to do better as we resolve this together, Nirenberg said Saturday on Twitter.

Pipelines to ports and refiners were returning to service, but remain far from pre-storm levels.

More than 2.3 million barrels of daily U.S. refining production  13 percent  remained offline as of Sunday, energy industry publication S&P Global Platts reported.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs said 1.4 million barrels of daily refining capacity still could be offline by mid-September.

The key to normalization in crude and petroleum product supply will  hinge on how long some refineries may be forced to stay offline, Goldman Sachs said in its report Tuesday.

The shutdowns included two of the largest refineries in the U.S.  the 600,000-barrel Motiva refinery in Port Arthur and Exxon Mobils 362,000-barrel Beaumont refinery.

On Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle reported Motiva was hoping to have up to 40 percent of its production restored by next Monday.

Every state has seen average gas prices rise, Texas saw shortages at hundreds of stations  its been one of the most challenging weeks faced in years, said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddys senior petroleum analyst.

AAA noted in its report that four states  Alaska, Idaho, Hawaii and Utah  did not experience price increases.

Gas prices skyrocketed after refineries along the Gulf Coast shut down before Harvey hit Texas, creating widespread distribution problems in Texas.

At the peak, more than 3 million barrels, more than a fifth of daily U.S. refining capacity, were taken offline from Corpus Christi to Port Arthur.

San Antonio-based refiner Valero Energy Corp. reported Monday that its Corpus Christi and Texas City refineries had returned to their pre-hurricane levels. Together, the two refineries process 630,000 barrels a day, SEC filings show.

Valeros Three Rivers refinery continued to step up its operations Tuesday while the companys Houston refinery will increase production as transportation and distribution infrastructure becomes available.

Valeros Port Arthur refinery is in the final stages of assessment and is preparing to resume operations.

The local gasoline supply was better, but not back to normal Tuesday.

There still were 350 San Antonio gas stations out of the citys roughly 630 listed as without gas as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to GasBuddys gas availability tracker, which is based on data supplied by drivers and isnt verified by GasBuddy.

That would mean that about 56 percent of the citys stations remain without fuel more than a week after Harvey made landfall. More than 90 percent of gas stations reportedly were without fuel Saturday, GasBuddys data showed.

GasBuddys senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan said Friday that he thought the availability tracker had solid data, but Tuesday said we have heard some complaints from users about possible abuse.

For us a major challenge has been understanding what users are seeing, DeHaan said. Some have not responded after we inquire, but we are looking at improvements nonetheless.

rdruzin@express-news.net
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Corporate America has plugged more than $160 million into relief efforts in the wake of the Harvey storm system, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation said Tuesday.

Big-box retailers, auto companies, energy conglomerates and insurance agencies among other companies have pledged $160.9 million to provide relief for Harvey victims, the Chambers foundation estimated Tuesday. About 71 companies have pledged to donate at least $1 million.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation seeded Gov. Greg Abbotts new Rebuild Texas Fund to assist the Harvey recovery with a $36 million donation on Friday. Dell Inc., Michael Dells eponymous Austin-based company, has also pledged $500,000 to the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have promised up to $20 million to go toward Harvey relief efforts  including $10 million to American Red Cross shelters and $2 million to the Greater Houston Community Foundations Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

The energy sector  which has a massive footprint in Houston and in the Gulf Coast region  is chipping in millions worth of Harvey donations. Exxon Mobil Corp., ConocoPhillips, NRG Energy and Chevron Corp. alone have pledged $9.5 million, $5 million, $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

San Antonio companies are also pitching in. The USAA Foundation Inc., the charitable arm of financial services firm USAA, has pledged at least $1.5 million  $1 million of which is going to the Red Cross, Team Rubicon and the San Antonio Food Bank.

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union has committed $1 million to organizations involved in Harvey relief including the Red Cross, Texas Diaper Bank and Mercy Chefs, the company announced Tuesday.

We encourage everyone to contribute in any way they can, Christopher OConnor, Randolph-Brooks president and CEO, said in a statement. Our philosophy is people helping people and our Texas neighbors need help now more than ever.

NuStar Energy and the Greehey Family Foundation are each donating $125,000 to the Red Cross, $75,000 to the Salvation Army and $50,000 to the San Antonio Food Bank for Harvey relief efforts.

H-E-B has also pledged $100,000 to Harvey victims and has deployed its own emergency crews  more than 15 disaster response vehicles, including the companys two mobile kitchens, water and fuel tankers, trailers and direct response units  to areas of Texas impacted by Harvey.

Here are some of the largest cash donations from domestic and foreign companies:

 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation: $36 million

 Walmart, Walmart Foundation: $20 million

 Verizon Communications Inc.: $10 million

 Exxon Mobil Corp.: $9.5 million

 ConocoPhillips: $5 million

 Toyota Motor North America: $3 million

 Waste Management: $3 million

 Sprint and SoftBank: $2.5 million

 The Petco Foundation: $2.3 million

 Apple: $2 million

 HCA Healthcare: $2 million

 NRG Energy: $2 million

 Google: $2 million

 Amazon Inc., Whole Foods Market: $2 million

 Whataburger: $1.7 million

 Allstate, Allstate Foundation: $1.5 million

 The USAA Foundation Inc.: $1.5 million

 Tegna: $1.2 million

 Chevron Corp.: $1 million

 The Home Depot Foundation: $1 million

 JPMorgan Chase & Co.: $1 million

jfechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports
Almost before the rain started in Houston, economic prognosticators started trying to figure out how much Hurricane Harvey was going to cost.

The numbers kept mounting as the rainfall totals piled up. In the first few days of the storm, investment research firms estimated the total property damage at between $30 and $40 billion  not even approaching the toll of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

By Wednesday, Enki Research had pegged it at between $48 and $75 billion. Towards the end of the week, as the flood receded and its carnage became clear, many analysts were hailing Harvey as the nation's most destructive storm ever.

"Katrina cost, if I recalled, more than $120 billion," said Governor Greg Abbott on Fox News Sunday. "Now, when you look at the number of homes and businesses affected by this, I think this will cost well over $120 billion, probably $150 billion to $180 billion."

RELATED: What kind of economic punch will Harvey pack?

But what does it really mean for what the future looks like in Houston, and how much it will impede the city's growth, in contrast to other hard-hit places like New Orleans and the New Jersey Coastline?

Absolute damages only tell you one side of the story, after all. The other side is the local economy's underlying dynamism and resilience, with resources in the form of prosperous companies and robust non-profit institutions, as well as personal bank accounts that can be tapped for a full recovery.

When those factors are taken into account, Houston's prospects for rapid regeneration appear much better than other cities that have recently shared its fate.

Breaking down the estimates

With so many numbers flying around, it helps to break down what they actually include.

The largest estimate to be thrown out so far, Accuweather's $190 billion over nine months, is also the most comprehensive  encompassing not only insured losses, or even total damage to property, but the total impact to the economy. The weather forecasting company raised its damage estimate from $160 billion last Thursday, as the scope of Harvey's impact expanded.

"We were seeing other estimates of six to eight billion dollars," says the company's founder, Joel Myers. "We were very concerned that this would underplay the magnitude of the disaster, and that it would not cause people to take it seriously enough."

RELATED: Harvey's floods will sink Houston's home values

Necessarily, there are a lot of rough calculations involved. If 140,000 homes were damaged, and the average home were worth $300,000, Myers arrived at $30 billion. For drowned cars, Myers added $10 billion. For supply chain interruptions, including lost crops, another $25 to $30 billion. Jobs? He guesstimated about 200,000 would be lost at least temporarily, reducing potential earnings by another $5 billion.

Then there's the increased cost of gasoline due to refinery shutdowns, health impacts due to disease that breeds in warm standing water, damage to highways, losses to businesses that saw their operations interrupted, repairs to bridges and sewer systems. "The total impact is greater than Katrina and Sandy together," Myers says.

Concentrated vs. diffuse impact

That may be true of the whole swath that Harvey cut through the Gulf Coast, from Galveston and Rockport out to Beaumont and Port Arthur. But the economic engine of this region is Houston, and the highest concentration of residences and jobs. So it's worth examining the differences in how Houston fared and the damage to the city most hurt by Hurricane Katrina  New Orleans.

Already, the contrast is stark. About four months after Katrina hit, personal income in Louisiana dropped by 25 percent. The Houston metropolitan area has a substantially larger population than the entire state of Louisiana, and income losses likely won't be anywhere near that. Only about one in three retail food establishments in New Orleans were operating  in Houston, most grocery stores had re-opened within days.

Education and healthcare remained significantly impaired in Orleans Parish, with only five percent of schools open and 32 percent of the city's hospitals. In the Houston area, most school districts will be open by next week, and only a few hospitals had to be partially evacuated. In New Orleans, the number of displaced households had risen to 750,000. Last week, FEMA administrator Brock Long said he expected 450,000 claims for assistance due to Harvey.

All of that suggests that Houston has been less intensively impacted than New Orleans was, and there are therefore more healthy parts of the city to aid those that were submerged  a stronger tax base, more family members to take in homeless relatives, more functioning churches and other non-profits to organize meals and volunteers.

Also, Houston already had several powerhouse industries that can get up and running again fairly quickly, while New Orleans depended largely on its tourist economy, which needed to be rebuilt from scratch.

"If only portions of Houston's economic and household activity is impacted, it's probably more resilient," says Amy Liu, who heads the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Washington D.C.-based Brookings Institution, and monitored New Orleans' progress for years after Katrina. "Median incomes are higher than in New Orleans  that's more capacity for self-help, to invest in clean up and repair."

Eyes on D.C.

Of course, despite Houston's capacity for self-help, much will depend on the generosity and speed of the federal response.

In many disasters, the money that pours in for rebuilding from agencies like FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and the department of Housing and Urban Development  as well as insurance payouts for property and business damage  can end up creating more jobs than the hurricane destroyed. Houston has surplus construction workers already, since the petrochemical refinery boom on the east side of town had been winding down when Harvey hit.

"The negative impact tends to be large at first, but as conditions normalize, economic activity is positively affected as long as insurance and assistance funds are made available," wrote economists from BBVA Compass Bank in a research note last week. "Therefore, the net economic cost will end up being significantly lower after reconstruction activity compensates lost value-added."

Additionally, a recent study found that non-disaster safety net spending  such as unemployment insurance, Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare  increases in the wake of hurricanes as well, decreasing per capita losses substantially.

It's still quite possible, however, that such a response could be delayed or mishandled. Only ten days after Katrina hit, Congress had appropriated more than $62 billion for relief and recovery  a number that would grow to $116 billion within the year. So far, the Trump administration has only requested about $8 billion, which itself will be a challenge in a jam-packed and contentious legislative season ahead.

RELATED: Trump budget would hit Texas hard

Additionally, it took years for all that money to be dispensed for the reconstruction of homes and essential infrastructure after Katrina hit, and corruption wasted millions. Red tape  aimed at preventing the fraud that afflicted Katrina relief  slowed the distribution of aid following Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey.

Now, Liu worries about the consequences of the Trump administration's proposed cuts to agencies, like HUD and FEMA, which play essential roles in disaster recovery. In particular, Trump's budget proposed zero-ing out Community Development Block Grants, a flexible source of funding for local priorities that are typically replenished every year. Cuts to Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance would negatively impact people whose incomes have suffered in the wake of the storm.

But regardless of the degree of largesse, there seems to be little doubt that Houston will continue as a going concern for a long time in the future  the question is not whether to rebuild, but how to do it better.

"Gas prices going up 25 cents just because of a Hurricane in the gulf is enough to say that we're too big to fail, just like the banks," says Ed Wolff, who heads the government affairs committee for the Houston Association of Realtors. "People are going to have to find a way to live within our natural environment, which in Houston includes flooding."
Black workers earn less than their white counterparts in a worsening trend that holds even after accounting for differences in age, education, job type and geography, new Federal Reserve research shows.

In 1979, the average black man in America earned 80 percent as much per hour as the average white man. By 2016, that shortfall had worsened to 70 percent, according to research Tuesday from the San Francisco Fed, which found the divide had also widened for black women.

Especially troubling is the growing unexplained portion of the divergence in earnings for blacks relative to whites, San Francisco Fed Research Director Mary Daly and her fellow authors wrote in the report, adding that this could owe to hard-to-measure factors including discrimination or school-quality differences.

The opportunity to succeed is at the foundation of our dynamic economy. In this context, large and persistent shortfalls for African-Americans, or any other group, are troubling, they wrote.

The San Francisco Feds study marks a growing focus by the U.S. central bank on inequality and the lagging employment performance of U.S. minorities. Chair Janet Yellen has talked about the subject and the Philadelphia and Minneapolis Feds have set up institutes to study inequality and social mobility. The increased attention stands in contrast to the past, when the topic was rarely investigated by Fed research staff or broached by officials, who viewed the problem as outside their remit for monetary policy.

The new research, which highlights the persistence of a racial wage gap 50 years after the passage of the U.S.s landmark anti-discrimination Civil Rights Act, points to a problem for politicians and policy makers: Its tough to address disparities if its impossible to measure whats driving them.

The fact that the gap has lingered and even worsened over time also means that a stronger labor market, which politicians often cite as a remedy for black workers economic disadvantage, probably wont permanently narrow the divide.

A job is the first condition, but its really not a sufficient condition to fix disparities, Daly said.

Black workers have consistently higher unemployment than their white counterparts, but that divide is highly cyclical: In strong labor markets, it shrinks, but then it skyrockets again during recessions. Black wage gaps change less across business cycles.

The fact that black workers earn less is a problem in part because it limits their chances at moving up the income ladder. Lower wages can make it harder to afford time off for education and training, for instance.

And its particularly worrying that the black-white gap is climbing on the back on unexplainable factors. While a sizable portion of the racial wage divide arises from the different industries and occupations black people work in, their education levels, and their ages, the share owing to factors that arent traceable accounts for much of the growth in the wage gap over time.

In 1979, about 8 percentage points of the earnings gap for men was hard to explain, and by 2016, that had risen to 13 percentage points  just under half of the total earnings gap.

This implies that factors that are harder to measure  such as discrimination, differences in school quality, or differences in career opportunities  are likely to be playing a role in the persistence and widening of these gaps over time, the authors write.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, UConn President Susan Herbst and Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian are strongly criticizing a decision announced Tuesday by President Donald Trump that he will terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.

The decision is putting the futures of over 800,000 young people across the country in jeopardy through no fault of their own, the Connecticut officials said. They are calling on Congress to take action as soon as possible to reverse what they call and ill-conceived action.

Gov. Malloy:

President Trumps wrong-minded decision to turn back the clock on DACA is completely nonsensical, Malloy said in the release. From elementary and secondary education, to post-secondary education, to supports for vibrant, safe communities  we have invested so much into undocumented children who have grown up in America. Denying these youths with access to work opportunities and affordable higher education goes against the very core of who we are.

The fact is, pushing these young, gifted individuals into the shadows not only diminishes their chance for a bright future, but it darkens ours, too. We know that our state stands to benefit from welcoming Dreamers, and their talents, to our communities and our workplaces.

The rollback of DACA would be a disastrous mistake for not only Dreamers, but our entire nation. I urge Congress to act swiftly to reverse this misguided action and enact protections for the over 10,000 youth in Connecticut, and hundreds of thousands more across the country, who are now at risk through no fault of their own.

Lt. Gov. Wyman:

I strongly condemn President Trumps action to rescind DACA, Wyman said. Dreamers throughout the nation, including those in Connecticut, are engaged in our communities, our economy, and our tax rolls. Purposefully tipping hundreds of thousands of residents into crisis is terrible policymaking, and tearing them from the only home they have ever known is just heartless.

We are a nation proudly built by immigrants just like the Dreamers. Men and women who work hard and contribute, who are informed, and who love this nation. Given the opportunity, they will build a strong future and leave a bright legacy for us all.

UConn President Herbst:

The young people who are the beneficiaries of the DACA program were brought to the United States when they were children or teenagers, Herbst said. Today, students in the DACA program who are enrolled at UConn have proven themselves to be talented, hard-working and ambitious, which is how they gained admission and why they are succeeding academically.

Like all of our graduates, after earning their degrees they can continue to lead positive, productive lives, contributing to our economy and our communities. Above all, these bright young people are striving to succeed. That sense of hope and opportunity represents the great promise of the United States and our higher education system. Todays action would have us turn our backs on them. That is cruel, unjustified and ultimately self-defeating.

CSCU President Ojakian:

The news today of the Trump Administrations cancellation of the DACA program is heartbreaking and will have a devastating impact on some of the states best students, Ojakian said. There are some 800,000 young men and women protected by DACA nationwide, many of them here in Connecticut. These DACA students were brought as children to the United States and for many of them, Connecticut is the only place theyve called home.

We are extremely proud of our students  they are doing everything we expect them to do as engaged young people pursuing their dreams of higher education. Many have double majors and all are working hard despite the day-to-day fear of knowing their families may be deported at any moment. The fundamental responsibility of a public education institution is to foster learning, innovation, and strong communities to any student willing to put in the work to learn and achieve.

We have and will continue to fight for DACA students in our CSCU community. That is why we advocated fervently to our legislators in favor of allowing our Dreamers access to their own institutional aid, and one of our universities was selected to host DACA students from states where they could not attend higher education institutions. We stand with Connecticuts DACA students and those across this country and urge Congress to finally take action to protect these young Americans.

David McGuire, executive director of the ACLU Connecticut:

The DACA program has served as a critical lifeline for nearly 800,000 young immigrants, or Dreamers, who came to this country as children and know the United States as their only home.

Five years ago, the federal government made a promise to immigrant youth: as long as you pass a criminal background check and meet other conditions, you get permission to live, study, and work here for renewable two-year periods. Hundreds of thousands of young people, including 8,000 here in Connecticut, came out of the shadows to accept the governments offer in good faith and made plans for their American dreams.

Today, the Trump administration broke Americas promise and injected chaos, uncertainty, and fear into the lives of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and their families. Given that the United States government has repeatedly and successfully defended the legal validity of DACA, todays news also amounts to a complete reversal of the United States own consistent legal positions.

Now, the fate of 800,000 young adults who call this country their home lies in the hands of Congress. Lawmakers must decide if they are on the side of Dreamers and our countrys foundation or on the side of the ugly forces that helped to end DACA.

Dreamers are our neighbors, colleagues, family members, and friends. We stand with Connecticut Students for a Dream and all Dreamers and their family members in our state. While this is a hard day for the immigrant community and America as a whole, we will continue to fight. The DACA program was the product of years of work from Dreamers. If they can be brave, so can we. It is up to all of us to show that no matter how hard the Trump administration works to send immigrants back into the shadows, the rest of us will fight for justice and equality.

Camila Bortolleto, DACA recipient and C4D Campaign Manager:

Today Donald Trump crossed a line he cannot come back from. Trump said that hes giving us six months before taking DACA away  that is not compassion, that is cruel. Only a serial abuser would rationalize delayed violence as acting with a big heart. Without DACA, 800,000 immigrant youth and their families who have made this country their home will be subject to racial profiling, being locked up, and deported.

Killing DACA for 800,000 who are thriving is immoral and wrong. This cold hearted decision disrupts the lives of immigrant communities. Thats why we demand that Republicans pass legislation to protect immigrant youth! Immigrant youth should face NO GAP in protection as Congress develops legislation. This means that Congress needs to act fast. They should protect immigrant youth and NOT put other immigrants in more danger. 

Lucas Codognolla, DACA Recipient, C4D Executive Director:

The week after pardoning the racist sheriff Arpaio, Trump has gotten even more cruel by killing the DACA program and removing protections and work for 800,000 immigrant youth - mostly youth of color - like me. Trump has made it clear that hes doubling down on siding with the white supremacists inside and outside his administration and trying to save his crumbling polling numbers with racist attacks.

During this difficult time, know that there is a community behind you--a community that has faced losses and only come back stronger. This is our home, we are #HereToStay, and we arent going ANYWHERE. Many are understandably scared right now, but we have each other: so we will HEAL, renew our STRENGTH and FIGHT.

Jordy Padilla, DACA Recipient, C4D Board Member and structural engineer:

DACA enabled me to work as a structural engineer in projects such as the Q-Bridge. I have been able to use my education and experience to rebuild the infrastructure of this country. Like me, nearly 800,000 DACA recipients are a part of the workforce and ending it massively disrupts not only our lives but also those of our employers, our coworkers, our patients, and our employees.

Our communities have been resilient and found alternatives. And have found a way to survive and resist the oppressions we face day to day, What they want is for us to be scared and for us to be silent. But we are much more than a work permit, and we will keep fighting.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn:

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro today released the following statement condemning President Trumps action to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The DACA program protects young, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own, said DeLauro. Ending this program, as President Trumps executive action does, is immoral. It goes against our nations values and our history of welcoming immigrants to our shores to make our country stronger.

DACA is not a free ride, despite the heated rhetoric and misinformation surrounding this issue. There are many requirements to qualify, such as entering the U.S. before age 16, continuously living in the U.S. since 2007, not being convicted of felonies or significant misdemeanors, and finishing high school or serving in our armed forces. DREAMers have followed the rules, gone through the entire application process, and been approved to stay in our nation. We should not betray them by threatening their ability to learn, work, and live in this country.

Congressional Republicans need to step up immediately and work with Democrats on legislation that permanently protects DREAMers.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty:

The people that President Trump just turned his back on are hardworking young Americans who contribute to our economy, obey our laws, and give back to their communities. In many cases, they know no other country. For our government to invite these young people to come out of the shadows with the promise of protection only to rip that protection away for political expediency is un-American and indefensibly cruel.

Nobody has ever claimed that DACA is a perfect solution. Temporary protection for hardworking young immigrants is no substitute for the comprehensive reform we need to fix our broken immigration system. But we gain nothing  economically or otherwise  by tossing away those protections without any plan for fixing the underlying problems in our immigration system.

I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and pass comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens our economy and creates an earned path to citizenship. The need for bipartisan action has just become even more urgent.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.:

It takes someone with a dark heart to do something as cruel and pointless as this. Dreamers are Americans  they grew up here, went to school here, work here. Their entire lives are here. But this wont just disrupt their lives, it will also hurt our economy and the local communities that they are an integral part of.

Ive met so many impressive young Dreamers. I want them to know that Ill keep fighting to keep their families together, and urge them to get in touch with my office if they need help.

U.S. Sen.. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.:

President Trumps decision ending DACA betrays American values and Americas promise to the Dreamers. Threatening deportation will cruelly disrupt and derail hundreds of thousands Dreamers lives  and cost America their enormous skills and energy. Just days ago the President called the Dreamers terrific and said we love them, making his plan the height of hypocrisy and inhumanity. I pledge to redouble our bipartisan fight to pass the Dream Act, now more urgent than ever to undo this devastating decision.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn.:

President Trumps move to rescind DACA is a misguided attempt at punishing children for the actions of their parents, said Courtney. The presidents decision to remove temporary protection for DREAMers will lead to the indiscriminate deportation of some of the brightest and most talented students in our country. The vast majority of the people covered by DACA have lived in the United States since they were in grade school and have earned their place in this country the same way as any other American.

As an original cosponsor of the American Hope Act that will codify DACA and protect these young people, I will work to reverse this harmful decision by the president. In addition to the moral questions posed by such a move, the presidents decision to rescind DACA will carry significant economic consequences for our country as well.

Many estimates show that without the people currently covered by DACA our annual GDP would shrink by billion of dollars. These students are not takers as some would portray them, but are in fact hard working people  many of them highly educated. Our nations employers have made their views loud and clear on this topic: we need these students in Americas workforce, not in handcuffs.
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Over the course of 40 years, Chris Madrid transformed the restaurant that bears his name from a startup burger and taco shop with a few tables in its Beacon Hill neighborhood into a bona fide San Antonio institution.

The gooey macho-sized Cheddar Cheezy and tostada burgers, cold beer, nachos and hand-cut fries have a loyal following, and for years, the staff at Chris Madrids has greeted the many regulars by their first names.

RELATED: Alamo Ranch about to get a new sports bar: Deol Sports Bar & Lounge

The food and the atmosphere isnt going to change anytime soon, but the ownership has. The Madrid family announced last week that it has sold the business at 1900 Blanco Road to Richard Peacock, owner of Paloma Blanca, the popular Alamo Heights Mexican restaurant.

It is not without sadness that we, as a family, exit the restaurant business and this chapter in our lives, the Madrid family said on the restaurants website. But, it is also with deep vigor and excitement that we pass this torch on to another family who is committed to the same legacy that Chris started 40 years ago.

Chris Madrid died unexpectedly in March 2012 of a heart attack, and family members took the reins of the restaurant.

RELATED: Rooftop bar with chef-driven menu opening near UTSA campus

When Peacock closed on the deal last Thursday, he made a point to let the veteran staff of 40 know that he had no interest in making major changes to personnel, menu or the name of the restaurant.

What I absolutely know now after just a few days, its not so much an ownership thing as it is stewardship, Peacock said. My main job now is to reassure not only the staff, but also the public ... that is so emotionally invested, that I intend to do no harm to the legacy of the Madrid family.

Ownership does have its privileges, though. Peacock was able to get a first-hand look into the kitchen secrets that make those tasty burgers.

I didnt realize what a big deal it was to see the process, Peacock said. Chris was very sensitive to not allowing people back there to see how he did it.

RELATED: Tiny Pies will make its San Antonio debut at The Pearl pop-up

There are plans to renovate the property, specifically the bathrooms, kitchen and patio areas.

We do have a desire to give the guys in the kitchen a better working environment, Peacock said. But step one is to get in and get a feel for how the restaurant flows. We want to make sure the staff is a part of the decisions we make, and whatever we do has to feel like a natural evolution.

Peacock said hes so trusting of the current staff and operations, he doesnt even have his own set of keys to the property.

At some point, Ill probably have to get keys to the door, but its not something Im worried about, Peacock said.

Business hours currently remain 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, go to chrismadrids.com.

cblount@express-news.net

Twitter: @chuck_blount
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BRIDGEWATER  Last year, with fewer than 40 students projected to attend Burnham School this fall, parents and town officials rolled out a plan to reverse an enrollment decline they feared would eventually lead to its closure.

Last week, with 47 students enrolled on the first day  including 11 tuition-paying students from outside the district  officials said the plan is working.

The kindergarten class has 16 students, a far cry from the five originally projected.

Burnam, already the smallest of Region 12s three elementary schools, has suffered more than the others from the districts declining student population.

But parents and Bridgewater officials were determined to keep the school viable. They lobbied the district to lower tuition for out-of-district students to $5,000 a year. The town then offered another $1,500 scholarship for those who attend Burnham, and the PTO pledged to reimburse parents another $1,000.

Former PTO President Carolan Dwyer said these efforts were so successful in attracting out-of-district students  all from New Milford  there is talk of closing classes to new registrations, which the school never had to consider before.

We have more kids than we did last year  thats something unheard of in this area right now  and people are paying to fill our seats, Dwyer said. I really feel we turned a huge corner and I can safely say we all saved Burnham.

In contrast, the other two elementary schools in Region 12, Washington Primary and Booth Free in Roxbury, posted lower enrollment numbers this year than projected.

Bridgewater First Selectman Curtis Read said Burnhams enrollment spike is a startling success.

Success has been so rapid, and frankly more than we anticipated, he said. I knew wed get some kids, but this is like, Wham! Instant success.

Read not only budgeted for scholarships, but joined the PTO in paying for mailers, brochures and a social media marketing campaign aimed at parents outside the district. Dwyer said the PTO has money set aside for the scholarships and plans to continue raising funds to pay for future students.

Burnham had been under threat of closure for years.

In 2014, the district proposed consolidating the regions three primary schools in Washington, but voters in Roxbury and Bridgewater defeated the plan at the polls.

But in 2015, as Burnham enrollment continued to decline, the district combined the kindergarten and first-grade classes. In 2016, second-graders joined this combined class, and in 2017, third-, fourth- and fifth-grades were combined into another class, leaving the school with just two.

Town officials worried the consolidation would result in a cycle of attrition, where low enrollment was used to justify staff cuts, which would in turn discourage future enrollment.

But with this years increased enrollment, that cycle has broken, officials said.

The PTO has managed to turn the consolidation into a marketing asset, arguing it gives teachers more flexibility and allows creation of tech hubs and quiet study nooks around the building.

The teacher-to-student ratio is still desirable, Dwyer said, and students get to move between classrooms according to their interests and abilities.

When you walk in those classrooms, you can feel the positive energy, Dwyer said.

One new Burnham parent, Greg Bura, wrote the PTO last week to say how happy he was to drop off his child.

I got a little teary-eyed this morning dropping Chayton off, Bura wrote. The warmth of everyone, the joy and excitement of the students, and the adorable perfect school setting trigged an emotional response.

We are honored and grateful to be a part of the Burnham family.

blytton@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3411; @bglytton
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Update: 9:40 p.m.: Humble ISD trustees formally approved moving Kingwood High students to the Summer Creek campus in an emergency meeting Tuesday night.

But before voting, board members heard from several parents from Summer Creek concerned about the shortened school days for their own children. Under the current version of the plan, Summer Creek students would have class from 7 to 11:19 a.m. Kingwood students would meet from 12:11 to 4:20 p.m.

Trustee Keith Lapeze is sending a child to Summer Creek High and said he had many of the same concerns.

"I pressed everybody extremely hard to try and find a better option," Lapeze said. "I've been promised by the administration that this is flexible  that this is a plan in progress. We're going to get the kids in school, and we're going to see how it works."

Ultimately, he said, the district had to choose between two sides of a bad coin  shorter class days or overcrowded classes.

Assistant Superintendent Trey Kraemer explained earlier in the meeting a committee looked at a variety of scenarios before deciding on a shared campus. Portables would take months to set up, he said, and would not be safe on the Kingwood High campus as construction is ongoing inside the school.

The committee considered dispersing the students into the district's other high schools, but all of them, with the exception of Summer Creek, already are at or over capacity. The Kingwood Park facility isn't big enough to house Kingwood students, and Atascocita already has several portable classrooms to accommodate its students. Humble was eliminated fairly quickly because it already shares space with Quest Early College High School.

Trustee Martina Lemond District, whose house also flooded, also said emphasized it was important to keep the Kingwood students together, especially when considering the possibility of overcrowded classrooms or changes in class rank.

"We have to be prayerful and mindful," said Dixon, later adding, "At the end of the day, we're doing what we can."

Kraemer emphasized the plan is evolving. The district is working with churches and businesses around the community to provide things like tutorials when students can't be in class.

"The plan is not concrete. It's a starting point," Kraemer said.

Original story: Humble ISD announced Monday the schedule Kingwood and Summer Creek high school students will use when they go back to school.

Kingwood High School sustained damage from Tropical Storm Harvey, and Humble Independent School District has been working on a plan to keep Kingwood students together as the school undergoes renovations. Students for both schools are scheduled to return to class Monday, Sept. 11.

To aid in the transition, Kingwood families are invited to an open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Summer Creek High, 14000 Weckford Blvd. in Houston.

The district originally offered two options, one that would allow for 34-minute periods with students attending half a day and another requiring school on Saturdays, but administrators were able to come up with a third option after receiving feedback from community members who thought 34 minutes wasn't enough time and Saturday classes would interfere with family life.

Both Kingwood and Summer Creek students will attend classes Monday through Friday. Summer Creek students will attend in the morning and Kingwood students will attend in the afternoon.

Students will have four class periods Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and three class periods Tuesday and Thursdays. A statement from the district points out the schedule is similar to that of higher education courses, which are longer on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The cafeteria will still be open extended hours at lunch, and students can still be bused from Kingwood to Summer Creek.

As for extracurricular activities, Kingwood High students will practice before classes and Summer Creek High will practice after classes.
About 1,000 demonstrators streamed into the plaza outside the Federal Building in San Franciscos South of Market district Tuesday evening to protest President Trumps decision to phase out an executive order that had protected from deportation many young adults who were brought to the U.S. by their undocumented immigrant parents.

The protesters rallied outside the building at Seventh and Mission streets. Across the bay, about 200 demonstrators gathered in UC Berkeleys Sproul Plaza and marched down Telegraph Avenue.

The San Francisco crowd spilled into the street outside the Federal Building, shutting down traffic on Seventh Street between Mission and Market streets and shutting Mission Street between Seventh and Fifth. Speakers using a loudspeaker addressed the growing crowd from the back of a flatbed truck.

I come from an immigrant family and I cant imagine anyone in my family unwillingly being taken from where they were raised, said Mikail Gundogdu, whose parents emigrated from Turkey.

I should be allowed to stay because Im your friend, your sister, your daughter, said another speaker, who identified herself only as Akiko because of her immigration status. Lets show them they chose the wrong people to mess with.

Shortly before 7 p.m., the dwindling crowd began marching slowly and peacefully to Civic Center Plaza, escorted by police.

Trumps decision to wind down former President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is unfair, inhumane and immoral, said Gala King, 40, of Oakland, who was wearing a sign at the San Francisco rally that read, Sanctuary for All Immigrants.

UC Berkeley sociology student Jenny Segura, 24, said the decision to make undocumented immigrants brought here as children vulnerable to deportation shows that our country is going five steps backward.

She said her Berkeley classes were enhanced by having people from other countries and enriched by people benefiting from DACA.

On the steps of Sproul Hall, demonstrators chanted, No ban, no wall, sanctuary for all, while scores of students walked by and some paused to listen. Through a bullhorn, a series of speakers denounced Trumps decision.

I have seen the sacrifices of immigrants (who) pay taxes and are loyal, said Martha Zarate of Oakland, speaking through the bullhorn to the crowd. Zarate said her mother came to the U.S. from Guatemala.

We call Oakland our home, she said.  Now our new home will be somewhere weve never known and never even been before.

Kurtis Alexander, Alison Graham and Steve Rubenstein are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com, agraham@sfchronicle.com and srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
HAMDEN >> The awaited Burlington Coat Factory store will open Friday with a ribbon cutting-ceremony to welcome shoppers and give back to the community, according to a release from the town.

The store, located at 2300 Dixwell Ave., will open its doors at 9:30 a.m. People are invited to shop around and encouraged to return Saturday for the Family Fun Day.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, there will be gift card giveaways, activities for kids and more, according to an announcement by the company. Additionally, the first 500 customers will get a free Burlington tote bag.

The opening of store shows the retail sector is strong and that were attracting quality retail, Director of Economic Development Dale Kroop said. Kroop said nearly 100 percent of the spaces in the shopping center lots have been filled.

To further celebrate the opening, the store is making two charitable donations to the community. Through a partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, Burlington is donating $10,000 to nearby Dunbar School to fund the materials teachers and students need to learn and achieve in the classroom.

At the ribbon cutting, the store will also donate new merchandise to Family Centered Services of Connecticut, a local nonprofit organization, which works with families to ensure they are safe and nurturing places where children can succeed.

It shows the strength of the town, Kroop said.

Approximately 75 associates have been hired, according to a release by the company. The new store is 47,738 square feet.

We are thrilled to open a new Burlington in the Hamden community, bringing even more jobs to the neighborhood and providing local residents with a valued shopping experience, says Tom Kings-bury, president, CEO and chairman, Burlington Stores in a statement for the company.
ODESSA -- Congressman Mike Conaway was optimistic partisan gridlock would be pushed to the side and lawmakers would have a Hurricane Harvey relief bill to the presidents desk by the end of the week.

The Midland Republican, appearing a Labor Day event , told the Reporter-Telegram the $8 billion in relief should go through quickly. The Associated Press also reported Monday that the House vote would come as a stand-alone relief funding measure, and not be tied to the contentious issue of increasing the nations borrowing limit. The Senate has not said when or how it will vote on Harvey aid.

This news will put House leaders at odds with the White House. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Monday that he and President Trump are calling for Congress to combine a $7.9 billion disaster relief package for Harvey with an increase in the nations borrowing limit, the AP reported.

The risk of more partisan behavior -- when it comes to Harvey relief funding -- is expected as lawmakers move forward, Conaway said. He specifically cited the borrowing from future generations of Americans (versus how much do we not spend somewhere else in government) as the real struggle for him.

The natural tendency to is add to the debt that is there, Conaway said. Im hoping it is more of the latter.

White House officials already expect Congress will need to raise the $19.9 trillion borrowing limit sometime this month to avoid a catastrophic default on the debt, allowing the government to continue borrowing money to pay bills such as Social Security and interest, AP reported.

Conaway told those in attendance at the event that prayers are needed for not only the Houston area but hundreds of miles of Gulf Coast land. The category-4 hurricane devastated areas such as Rockport in its initial strike along the coast. When the storm stalled over Houston, flooding of the rest of southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana turned into the bigger issue.

Conaway wasnt the only speaker at the Labor Day picnic hosted by the Permian Basin of West Texas Central Labor Union at which it was mentioned the Texas AFL-CIO is raising money for the Texas Workers Relief Fund.

Conaway said that while life goes back to normal for many, it will be a long, long, long time for others to feel that sense of normalcy. Too many people have lost their jobs, and too many people have had their lives disrupted, he said.
NORWALK  Last week, Faye Phillip received an email from Connecticut Students for a Dream. The organization was organizing a bus from Hartford and Norwalk to Washington, D.C., on the morning of Sept. 5  the day the White House planned to announce whether it would rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Phillip herself is enrolled in DACA. She arrived in Norwalk 17 years ago, when she was 11. As rumors flew about what action President Donald Trump might take, Phillip made the decision to travel to the nations capital to participate in the protest.

So on Tuesday morning, before the sun rose, Phillip got up to board the bus as television cameras watched. About 40 people took the bus to the protest, according to Carolina Bortolleto, the communications manager at Connecticut Students for a Dream.

Despite the early start, the protesters were still on the bus when Attorney General Jeff Session announced that DACA would be revoked in six months.

Phillip remembered another protester on the bus saying, Well, its all done, before some on the bus dissolved into tears.

Its just disheartening, Phillip said. But were trying to be strong too ... Somewhere inside, you still have that fire and that fight after you get through that initial hurt.

Phillip also came to the conclusion that a legislative solution was necessary so future progress would be more difficult to undo.

We need laws to protect us, she said.

When the bus finally arrived, Phillip said she was greeted by the inspiring sight of people of all ages, from toddlers in strollers to seniors, speaking different languages but standing for the same cause. As the protestors walked down to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, Phillip said she was handed bottles of water and given thumbs up from the people she passed by.

It was amazing. Just to know ... they think we deserve to be called Americans, Phillips said. We are Americans, but to be called that.

Bortolleto said that Connecticut Students for a Dream will have resources for undocumented students to move forward in their lives.

Well also have actions for allies on pressuring Congress to protect immigrant youth, she said.
With Hurricane Harvey bearing down on the Texas coast, first responders and major relief agencies began mobilizing disaster response teams two weeks ago. And one of the first to respond by opening and staffing emergency shelters and bringing comfort and reassurance to those affected by the disaster was the American Red Cross.

According to Mary Lee Coxs seminal History of Hale County, Texas, the Hale County Chapter of the American Red Cross celebrated its centennial just as Hurricane Harvey roared ashore.

Cox, writing in 1937, noted that the local Red Cross chapter, with headquarters in Plainview, was authorized in August 1917. The first slate of officers, elected at that time, included Mrs. Tom Carter, chairman; Mrs. J.W. Pipkin, vice chairman; Mrs. R.A. Underwood, treasurer; and Mrs. H.C. Randolph, secretary. The chapter soon organized branches at Abernathy, Hale Center, Littlefield and Olton.

Since the nation was in the midst of fighting World War I in 1917, the local chapter formed a number of auxiliaries to assist with the production of hospital garments, surgical dressing and knitted articles needed for the war effort. According to Cox, the local chapter is credited with producing the following: Knitted articles, 4,332; surgical dressings, 94,953; hospital garments, 5,887; and refugee garments, 5,995.

Writing almost five years before the United States entered World War II. Cox penned, Since the war (World War I), the chapter has carried to the community the services of the National Organization in its peace-time program. Outstanding in these services were the chapters participation in drought relief in 1930 and 1931, and the distribution of government wheat and cotton in 1932 and 1933. In the distribution of government wheat and cotton turned over to the American National Red Cross, the Hale County Chapter assisted approximately 900 families with 1,170 barrels of flour, and approximately 2,000 families with the following materials made available from the government cotton: 12,100 yards of cloth, 136 yards of sheeting, 240 blankets and comforters, 603 dozen garments and 72 dozen sweaters, the yardage being made into garments and supplies by women paid from relief funds.

The following persons have served as chapter chairmen: Mrs. Tom Carter (1917-1920), Mrs. J.A. Ferguson (1921), Mrs. A.B. Martin (1922-1923), Mrs. Carl Brown (1924-1925), Mrs. Frank Jarvis (1926-1932) and Mrs. John Lucas (1933 until the present time [1937]).

The Hale County Chapter of the American Red Cross remained active for almost nine decades, until 2005 when it was involuntarily merged into the regional chapter in Lubbock. It is now part of the South Plains unit -- The American Red Cross Serving the Lubbock Area, which is a segment of the Red Cross of North Texas. The Lubbock area unit serves a population of almost 420,000 in Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry and Yoakum counties.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, the South Plains unit celebrated a centennial of service to the community with a Food Truck Festival in Bill McAllister Park in Lubbock. That free day-long family-friendly event included music, vendors and food trucks from the Lubbock Food Truck Alliance.

Tammy Coleman was local director of programs and services when the Hale County Chapter was absorbed by the Lubbock-based regional chapter in 2005. Rhonda DeSalvo with chapter secretary.

We probably had 36 local volunteers along with our board when that happened  all good, loyal folks who participated in our monthly meetings as well as our disaster drills and assisting with emergencies.

John Castro was board chairman. Also on the board were Mike Fox and Bernie Veering.

Our biggest volunteers were Stan and Betty Foster, recalls Coleman, who was a paid Red Cross staff member from 2001 to 2005.

Our training including assisting with fires, shelters, sheltering in place, tornadoes and floods, she recalls. We helped with house fires, by keeping firefighters refreshed with either coffee or water, and helping victims with emergency assistance.

The chapter provided first aid and CPR training, water safety, staffed first aid stations at sporting and special events, and providing services to those in the Armed Services. Before United Blood Services took over blood donations, the local chapter organized most local blood drives.

The Red Cross was a United Way member agency while the local chapter was active.

I really enjoyed working for the Red Cross, and particularly helping get messages to those on active duty in the military, Coleman says. We helped a lot of people and provided an invaluable service.
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HEMPSTEAD  A former car dealership here is the unlikely site of the U.S. militarys disaster-response nerve center in the wake of Harvey, now deemed one of the costliest storms in the nations history.

As the overall focus shifts from rescues to long-term recovery, nearly 3,000 active-duty military personnel, civilians and contractors are working with the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency to rebuild Southeast Texas, with Army logistics experts from San Antonio who train for disasters every three months playing a key role.

Now, as most of the waters have gone down, were in the recovery operations, where people are trying to go back in, and they need resources to re-establish normalcy to their lives, Maj. Gen. Brian Harris with U.S. Army North, based at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, told reporters Monday.

Although Labor Day is a federal holiday, the Joint Operations Center under Harris command continued to hum with activity, as a convoy of trucks from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, prepared to roll out with deliveries of bridge components, pallets of bottled water, prepackaged meals and other items requested by the American Red Cross, FEMA, Texas Army National Guard and local officials.

The center, which has been in operation for about a week with a core group of 80-100 soldiers, working alongside active-duty personnel and reservists from all U.S. military services, was set up in Hempstead since it was far enough inland to serve as a coordination point to help those hit hardest by Harveys wrath. It will remain open for as long as needed, even as Army North has planners keeping an eye on Hurricane Irma off the East Coast, Harris said.

We are here for the duration. They can call us tomorrow, or they can call us in a month to close the center, he added.

Capt. Paul Allen Clark, deployed with a Marine Corps Reserve detachment based in Fort Worth, said the Marines have been in Houston and surrounding counties since right after the storm, performing and supporting boat rescues and delivering food, water and hygiene kits to stranded residents there. The 4th Reconnaissance Battalion from San Antonio was among the first to deploy, he said.

There are still some smaller cities in the vicinity of Beaumont and Orange that when our Marines reached them, they said they were the first military unit theyve seen since the whole response. Just identifying where those people are has been the most challenging part, Clark said.

But the rewards have been great, he added.

The people of Hempstead, a town with about 6,000 residents about 50 miles northwest of downtown Houston, have come by the center daily to drop off food, water and other refreshments  even a Texas-shaped cake.

That way we dont have to miss any of our comforts back home. Its been overwhelming, Clark said. Its been a real honor to be a Texan and serve other Texans in this capacity.

The operations center so far has counted nearly 7,000 people and 130 pets rescued; 485 pallets of water distributed; and 103 pallets of food delivered.

This is a staging hub for moving equipment and personnel to areas that agencies like the Red Cross cant actually get into because they are harder to reach, said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Duhr with the 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Jolene Carpenter, director of a Red Cross distribution center on the site, said the Army has the experience, skill and determination to complete the herculean task of assisting the storm victims most in need. The Red Cross is transitioning away from cots and blankets, and toward cleaning supplies, snacks, water, diapers, rakes, shovels, baby formula, and toothpaste, she said.

Because its the military, they just do it. They go, Carpenter said. When were putting those supplies on top of those trucks and they roll out of here, we want to know what happened and close that loop. Where did you send it? What was the end result?

The Joint Operations Center, open 24 hours and manned in 12-hour shifts, has dozens of disaster relief logistics experts equipped with phones, laptops and projector screens in a makeshift control room. Among its tools is a geographic mapping system that predicts where flooding could occur so that conveys carrying supplies can be routed away from low water crossings.

Were not handing out bottles of water. Were making sure the bottles of water get somewhere to be handed out, Harris said.

Although soldiers are typically focused on overseas missions, Harris said it gives them a lot of comfort to know that were actually helping our American citizens.

These soldiers love to get out there and do this, he said. Theyre motivated to do it. Theyre working long hours, sleeping on cots, and they want to get after it.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
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San Antonians have been repeatedly asked to not hoard gas amid the days-long fuel frenzy.

Many apparently haven't listened.

Since Thursday, when a run on gas strained the city's supply, people have been spotted at gas stations, filling garbage cans and water jugs. And since Thursday, people on social media have delighted in shaming their fellow commuters and, in some cases, defending them.

Photos from across the state, especially in places like Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, show unidentified people using a wide array of containers to haul extra gas away.

RELATED: Mayor again urges calm as residents continue to cause gas shortage with panic buying

Now Playing: Lines extend to the streets on Wednesday, Aug. 31, as gas stations run low after Harvey. Video: San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Fire Department Spokesman Woody Woodward warned against the dangers of mishandling the flammable liquid.

"Do not use containers not specifically manufactured to hold gasoline, and do not travel by foot or bicycle transporting gasoline," he said in an email.

On Tuesday, the San Antonio Fire Department, in a Facebook post, again asked residents to only store fuel in approved containers.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg sought to reassure residents that the San Antonio market is being prioritized.

"[...] gas is being delivered daily and in greater quantities than usual," he said on Facebook and Twitter. "But demand has not decreased, with our city consuming more fuel than average largely due to panic and hoarding."

Nirenberg said he would like to impose restrictions, but that is a state authority.

"People are experiencing a gas shortage because others are loading up on more than necessary," he said online. "If we all work on fueling as needed and not over consuming, we will expedite our return to normal."

While some blamed the "hoarders" for the ongoing problem and are enraged to see people filling more than their tanks, others noted the extra gas could be for people on the Coast whose homes or businesses were damaged.

"Are these people buying gas in large quantities to bring down south to help out fellow Texans in need," Instagram user @psychicwarfare asked. "Warms my heart to see so many folks thinking of others."

John Anthony Salazar, a Facebook user, echoed the viewpoint.

"Chances are, someone yelled at this guy at a a service station gassing up these 5 cans, perhaps in San Antonio, Austin, elsewhere...'Gas hoarder!' is what could have been screamed at this unsuspecting guy," he wrote in a post. "Well, I saw this gentleman driving on state Highway 35 near Aransas Pass [...] he might need that extra fuel folks."

Click through the images to see what people have been posting.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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Young immigrants in South Texas had been bracing themselves for Tuesdays news that President Donald Trump would be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Texas is home to 124,000 recipients of the program that provided two-year renewable work permits to nearly 800,000 young people in the country illegally. On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said any existing recipients of the program whose permits expire in the next six months can apply by Oct. 5 to have their permits renewed. New permits are not being issued and those whose permits expire after March 5 will not be able to renew them.

Andrea Fernandez, a 21-year-old public policy student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said Tuesday that she was surprised the deferred action program, which was put in place by former President Barack Obama and is known as DACA, wasnt being ended outright. Trump in a tweet called on Congress to pass legislation that would provide permanent protections to young immigrants like Fernandez, who came to the U.S. 12 years ago from Mexico on a visa but stayed after it expired.

However, Congress hasnt passed any substantial immigration reform in more than 20 years and when Fernandezs work permit expires in August, shell be in a tough situation.

Im thankful that some people are going to be able to renew (their permits), but sadly Im in a position that wont happen for me, Fernandez said.

Shes hoping to graduate in December 2018 and has been working to help pay for books and her tuition.

By August, Ill be out of work, Fernandez said. I will try to save as much money as I can. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to graduate next December, I will have enough money to pay that last semester of tuition.

Congressman Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, a longtime critic of DACA, said in a statement that Trump delivered on his promise to the American people.

President Trump is right not to continue the DACA program and to force Congress to address immigration policies, including securing the border, Smith said.

Democrats and immigration activists said the president has no need to eliminate programs such as DACA since the nation is in a period of historically low illegal immigration. Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, called the decision to end DACA a tragedy for the nation.

Its giving up on 800,000 of some of the brightest minds in the country, and now is the time that Congress has to step up in a way that it has failed to do over the last several years on immigration reform, Castro said.

The decision came after Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to Trump telling him if the program was not ended, Texas would challenge it in court. DHS officials said they decided to end the program after Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned them it likely would not survive a legal challenge.

I was very upset and very mad and angry, because Trump had to send Sessions. He couldnt even do it himself, said Jessica Azua, a DACA recipient who works for the Texas Organizing Project.

Im very sad, and Im worried, because this is something that really helped us a lot and has helped us a lot at getting better jobs, having drivers licenses and going to school, said Azua, 26. We are teachers; we are nurses; we are doctors; we are engineers. Its not just affecting us personally; its affecting the community.

Azua, Fernandez and other activists said they would immediately begin pushing for a law that provides legal status to young immigrants, so-called Dreamers.

Paxton, who also successfully led a challenge to an expansion of DACA that was never implemented, said Obama had overstepped his authority when he created the program.

President Obama unilaterally conferred lawful presence and work authorization, and then President Obama used that lawful-presence dispensation to unilaterally confer U.S. citizenship, Paxton said in a statement.

Around 50 people gathered outside the office of the attorney general in Pharr, toting signs in support of DACA, among them Keep Calm and Dream On and Immigrant with a Degree.

Kathia Ramirez, a 24-year-old mother, toted her two young U.S. citizen children to the rally. She wasnt much older than they are now when her family told her to pick out a few belongings and prepare to leave her home in Veracruz.

Ramirez and her older sister have been DACA recipients since the program began. And her family was hopeful that her parents, who are unauthorized immigrants, would benefit from Obamas effort to expand the deferred action program to include parents.

With DACA, I lost that fear of driving down the street and being stopped by Border Patrol, Ramirez said. Now Im scared Ill be driving with my kids and be stopped. I honestly dont know what is going to happen.

Without DACA, Allyson Duarte, 24, would not have been eligible for financial aid to pursue a college degree. Struck by the inequities of her precarious legal status and searching for answers, Duarte studied philosophy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her younger brother, who is also a DACA recipient, is scheduled to graduate from UTRGV later this year.

She was 13 when she crossed the Rio Grande with her family in search of opportunities that had proved elusive back in Veracruz. Since then, Texas has become her home. In recent months, she has visited universities where she hopes to pursue a doctorate in philosophy, and become involved in political activism, which take her outside of the Rio Grande Valley. The prospect of getting through immigration checkpoints in deep South Texas would have been unthinkable without DACA.

I have nothing to lose by fighting, Duarte said. This is home.

jbuch@express-news.net

Twitter: @jlbuch
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Four days after a post-hurricane panic sent drivers to drain gasoline stations over the Labor Day weekend, the end of waiting in lines behind hoarders may be in sight.

According to gas price tracker GasBuddy.com, the number of empty stations in San Antonio decreased Monday.

Only 376 gas stations were reported without fuel as of 4 p.m. Monday, according to GasBuddys gasoline availability tracker, which is updated by consumers. That would mean nearly 60 percent of San Antonios roughly 630 gas stations remain without fuel, down from a peak of 575 gas stations, or 91 percent, that were reportedly without fuel Saturday night.

Average gas prices in San Antonio spiked to nearly $2.55 a gallon Monday, up from around $2.29 Thursday, when widespread shortages were first reported in San Antonio, according to GasBuddy.

Now Playing: Lines extend to the streets on Wednesday, Aug. 31, as gas stations run low after Harvey. Video: San Antonio Express-News

RELATED: Mayor to S.A.: Carpool, work from home until city gets more gas

U.S. average price per gallon also jumped from spiked from $2.51 Thursday to nearly $2.64 a gallon Monday.

On Monday, VIA Metropolitan Transit announced it will offer free rides to San Antonians on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

San Antonio-based refiner Valero Energy Corp. announced Monday afternoon that its two Corpus Christi refineries, which shut down before Hurricane Harvey made landfall on Aug. 25, were back to pre-hurricane production levels. Spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said that the refineries provide fuel supplies to the region from Austin through South Texas.

A smaller Valero refinery in Three Rivers, which also serves the region from Austin to South Texas, continued its post-hurricane restart Monday.

Harvey disrupted supplies across Texas, taking more than a fifth of U.S. refining production offline. Fuel shortages in Texas have been reported from the Rio Grande Valley up to the Dallas and Fort Worth area.

Since Thursday, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has used both official channels and Facebook to address fuel supply issues. On Sunday evening, Nirenberg put out another message on his Facebook page, saying hes asked for more regular updates from state regulatory authorities but that fuel demand in San Antonio remained high.

RELATED: Here's how gas prices in San Antonio compare to the rest of Texas

Demand has not decreased, with our city consuming more fuel than average largely due to panic and hoarding, Nirenberg said in his post. I am listening and as much as I would like to impose restrictions, which we have urged retailers to observe, that authority lies within the state government, not local municipalities.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that gasoline is being shipped in from the neighboring states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to make up for any supply disruptions.

We will not run out and we will be back into our normal pattern before you know it, Abbott said.

Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, said in a prepared statement that Harvey had been a historic disruption to our states fuel production and distribution system but urged calm.

Every single Texan can help themselves and their neighbors during this period of recovery by not overbuying fuel. All of us can play a role as we conserve, restore and rebuild, Staples said.

Hoarding has taken place in many forms, with residents posting photos on social media of people filling up large containers mounted on the flat beds of pickups to 55 gallon drums and even trash cans.

READ MORE: Some of the best memes fueled by San Antonio's gas panic

Some on social media blamed media reports for creating a run on gas and thus the shortages, while others blamed unnecessary panic and greed for the lack of fuel.

Jesus Azanza, spokesman for the Texas Food and Fuel Association, which represents convenience stores, said that despite the U.S. being awash in domestically-produced crude oil it doesnt have a glut of gasoline. He said the Valero refineries coming back online will help with their branded gas stations getting the fuel they need. But no regulations exist to limit hoarding.

Theres nothing like that in place to say, to stop really someone from filling up a 55-gallon drum or a 100-gallon drum like weve seen, said Azanza.

The rush for gasoline has caused another shortage of sorts.

Sid Lipscomb, the store manager of Napa Auto Parts on North Alamo St., said the companys local distribution center has sold nearly 2,000 jugs, a tripling of normal sales, since Friday.

On social media the sky is falling, Lipscomb said, and thats why he thinks people are buying more jugs than normal.

At a Northwest Side AutoZone shop, commercial manager Thomas Gerald said as soon as a new shipment comes in they come in and buy them.

One customer came in and bought all six, he said, adding that the stores supply of gas cans are snatched up almost as soon as they come in.

HARVEY AFTERMATH: Death toll from Harvey exceeds 60 people on Monday

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
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The step-grandmother of a San Antonio boy who was found to have been battered and starved to death in 2012 may have watched over the boy, but was not responsible, her attorney told jurors at the opening of her trial Tuesday.

Gloria Proo is the second of three adults to go on trial on allegations of injury to a child/severe bodily injury by omission in the death of Josiah Williams, 5, in December 2012.

When police arrived at the Southeast Side home in the 3900 block of Gayle Avenue in December 2012, the child was not breathing, had two black eyes and other injuries. He lived in the home with his stepmother, Crystal Williams, and his father, Charleston Williams.

In June, the childs stepmother, Crystal Williams, was convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison. Her husband and the child's father, Charleston Williams, is awaiting trial.

Proos attorney, Ernest Acevedo III, told the jury in his opening statement that Proo bears no responsibility for what happened to the boy because she isnt a blood relative, didn't live with her daughter and son-in-law, and that she had very little contact with Josiah because Proos father was terminally ill.

More for you Texas couple finds ring lost in tornado, immediately gets engaged

In December 2012, there was a big thing going on  her father was dying, Acevedo told the jury. She wasnt in the picture.

Acevedo told the jury to assess how much legal responsibility Proo actually had.

In her opening statement, prosecutor Stephanie Boyd told the jury that Josiah was living a happy, healthy life with his maternal grandmother while his mother was in prison, but things changed when his father regained custody and took him away.

She said Proo was living in the home and Josiah and two other children were left in her care.

An arrest warrant affidavit released shortly after the incident indicated although Proo was not biologically related to the child, she called herself his grandmother, took a lead role in disciplining the boy and spent hours and days alone with him.

Family friend Lawrence Walker told the jury that before Thanksgiving 2012, he went to a barbecue the home and noticed Josiah looked underweight and his skin was yellow.

He looked very depressed. he said. I could see his bones. He looked like a skeleton.

Walker said Proo seemed upset at the child and told Walker that Josiah was not allowed to sit with everyone else at the table to eat. Walker later said after everyone had eaten, Josiah was allowed to eat.

On cross-examination, Acevedo asked Walker if he felt something was going on with the child, why didnt he report it to Child Protective Services. Walker responded that he did not report anything because the other children in the house appeared to be fine, well.

The trial is being heard in the 379th state District Court, presided by Judge Ron Rangel.

If convicted, she faces up to life in prison. Court records indicate Proo has applied for probation.

ezavala@express-news.net

Twitter: @elizabeth2863
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Pete Gallego recently convinced himself to stay out of the 2018 Democratic primary for U.S. District 23. By the time Gallego made that decision, he inadvertently had convinced Rick Trevino to enter that very same race.

Trevino, a Bernie Sanders delegate to last years Democratic National Convention and a third-place finisher in this years District 6 City Council election, crossed paths a few weeks ago with Gallego, a former District 23 representative from the West Texas town of Alpine.

There was a memorial Mass organized by me and (former Council member) Maria Berriozabal for the migrants that passed away (after being smuggled in a trailer) and he happened to be there, Trevino said.

I was in the back, doing my own thing, and he walks in and sits down next to me. Right after the Mass, I asked him, Are we going to fight for single-payer healthcare as a right, Medicare for all?

Trevino said Gallego told him the country would eventually get there, but is too politically polarized for such a dramatic expansion of government-funded healthcare to happen now.

He talked about incremental steps, Trevino said. It wasnt the answer I was looking for, because I think right now is a perfect opportunity to argue and fight for these ideas.

Trevino, 32, entered the Mass as a politically engaged public-school teacher. He left as an undeclared candidate for Congress.

Running into Pete Gallego was the shove that I needed, Trevino said.

When Trevino announced his candidacy nearly three weeks ago, he had every reason to believe that Gallego would be one of his opponents.

The former congressman had spent much of this year making the rounds of his former district  a sprawling piece of political real estate that includes 800 miles of border territory and stretches from South San Antonio to El Paso.

Gallego had lost the last two District 23 general-election races to Republican Will Hurd, and said he emerged from last Novembers defeat ready to bow out of electoral politics. But within a few months, he started flirting with another campaign, saying hed been inspired by the Democratic grassroots energy mobilizing against the presidency of Donald Trump.

As recently as August 18, Gallego sounded very much like a candidate, sending out a fundraising email that castigated congressional Republicans and asked supporters to chip in so we can raise another $7,500 this week.

In fact, however, Gallegos fate had been sealed three days before that email, when a three-judge federal panel invalidated the maps of two other congressional districts but left District 23 unscathed.

Gallego, who had been drubbed by Hurd last year in North San Antonio, had banked on the courts throwing out some of those GOP-friendly precincts and replacing them with South San Antonio or El Paso precincts.

The courts decision prompted Jay Hulings, a former congressional staffer and law-school classmate of Joaquin and Julian Castro, to give up his job as an assistant U.S. Attorney and enter the Democratic race for District 23. (Hulings lives on the North Side and would have stayed out if District 23s map had been altered.)

Hulings, 42, not only has the support of the Castros, he has their political team handling his campaign. Gallego, with his superior name recognition, might have presented Hulings with some challenges in the Democratic primary. But last years general election, in which Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton carried District 23 and Gallego still fell short, suggested that there was no viable path to a November victory for Gallego under the existing map.

Gallegos decision sets up an all-San Antonio matchup between Hulings, Trevino and Gina Ortiz Jones, a graduate of John Jay High School and a former Air Force intelligence officer.

Jones, 36, said, My focus has always been on beating Will Hurd, so Petes decision doesnt affect my approach at all.

Jones is pushing hard on the issue of healthcare, arguing that our concept of national security needs to be broad enough to include keeping our population healthy and providing a quality education.

Like Trevino, Jones backs the concept of a single-payer, government-funded insurance system.

There is no other industrial country that has figured out how to make it work any other way than single-payer, Jones said. With our countrys health, there can be only one incentive: a healthy population.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
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Three disturbances are brewing in the Atlantic, a little more than a week after Hurricane Harvey's havoc hit Texas, but meteorologists say the Lone Star State need not worry.

The National Weather Service's Hurricane Center forecasts show a disturbance with a 70 percent chance of forming into a cyclone within 48 hours near the coast of Mexico. Behind that storm is Hurricane Irma, expected to make landfall as a Category 5 storm, followed by Tropical Storm Jose further east.

As of Tuesday morning, models used by the National Weather Service predict San Antonio and South Texas will not be affected, meteorologist Brett Williams said.

RELATED: Don't panic: A hurricane named 'Irma' is not threatening Texas' Gulf Coast this weekend

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Williams said the disturbance near Mexico is expected to "stay stationary throughout its life cycle" and "not be a concern for us in South Texas."

As for Irma, models show the storm will impact the eastern Gulf, near the Florida panhandle, but "certainly not the Texas coast," Williams said.

Tropical Storm Jose, which was named Tuesday morning, is also not expected to affect Texas, though it's still early, he said.

"We're not really seeing tropical storm concerns," Williams added.

RELATED: Florida Keys evacuations readied ahead of Irma

Williams also warned against social media hoaxes which have used NOAA maps to claim Irma was headed to recovering areas like Houston.

"That's all fake," he said, adding that official graphics only include a 5-day forecast and anything showing otherwise is not associated with their official outlooks.

Still, residents along the Gulf Coast east of Texas are preparing for Irma.

"We went 12 years without a major landfall in the United States and it looks like we're going to have two in the span of three weeks," William said, referring to Harvey and Irma.

RELATED: Maps show what Harvey's impact would look like in other U.S. states

Sept. 10 marks the climatological peak of hurricane season, so Williams said current predictions of three storms is "not unusual," though Irma is "quite impressive."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
We are going to show great heart, President Donald Trump said at a news conference in February when asked about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. We are going to deal with DACA with heart. If you believed that for a second, you were a fool.

Now were finding out what hes actually going to do, according to The Washington Post:

President Trump is expected to phase out the Obama-era program that grants work permits to about 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, but delay its end for six months to give Congress time to pass legislation to replace it, according to multiple people briefed on the presidents discussions.

Trumps plan remains fluid and could change, however, and administration officials stressed Sunday evening that the president has not finalized his decision. The White House has scheduled an announcement for Tuesday.

As we awaited Trumps decision, we were told in one news report after another that the dilemma was just tearing him up inside, because he had such sympathy for the young people known as dreamers (after the Dream Act, an earlier piece of legislation that would have granted them legal status). Were still being told that. And why wouldnt he?

Since President Barack Obama created DACA, more than 800,000 of them have come forward and registered with the government, making themselves vulnerable for the chance to stay legally in the place theyve grown up. Theyre people who were brought to the country illegally as children, and have done everything right since; in order to be eligible you had to still be in school or had to have graduated from high school or been honorably discharged from the military, and not have committed a felony or serious misdemeanor.

According to a recent survey, 97 percent of dreamers are in school or working, those who are working are earning significantly more than they were before gaining legal status, and theyre starting businesses at dramatically higher rates than native-born Americans are. These are young people who grew up in America. Many of them havent seen the countries of their birth since they were too young to remember.

And now Trump is going to deport them.

Is anyone really surprised? Its not just that as a candidate the president promised to end DACA; we know what his word is worth. But lets remind ourselves of the person whose heart were talking about. Trump began his presidential campaign saying, When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. ... Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. He alleged that the judge in the Trump University fraud trial couldnt do his job objectively because Hes a Mexican (the judge is in fact an American of Mexican heritage). He repeatedly told lurid stories of individual crimes committed by an undocumented immigrant, especially if the victim was a beautiful white girl, even though immigrants actually commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans. As president he followed up by creating the Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement Office, which exists in order to publicize crimes committed by immigrants. A month ago, he endorsed a bill in Congress that would slash legal immigration levels in half. He claimed, ludicrously, that he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton only because millions of undocumented immigrants voted for her. And the symbolic centerpiece of his campaign was a wall along our border with Mexico.

A Trump supporter might say that all that doesnt mean Trump is a bigot, because we cant judge whats in his heart. The only appropriate response is: Give me a break. There is precisely zero evidence that Trump feels anything for dreamers. More importantly, none of us should give a damn whats in his heart. What matters is what he does. And no president in our lifetime has encouraged, promoted, celebrated and exploited bigotry and hatred  particularly against immigrants  to the degree Donald Trump has. Thats who he is.

When he makes the announcement of this policy on Tuesday, hell no doubt talk about how much he cares about the dreamers, all while giving his anti-immigrant base exactly what it wants  a vision of these striving young people who want nothing more than to work hard and contribute to country that is their home, being handcuffed and sent back to lands they barely know. He cant claim that by punting the issue to Congress hes being compassionate, because he knows that the odds that it will pass a bill allowing the dreamers to stay are uncertain at best. And this White House has shown itself utterly incapable of helping.

So now its time for the Republicans in Congress who have claimed to be displeased at this prospect to step up. When he was asked just last week about the possibility of Trump ending DACA, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said, I actually dont think he should do that. I believe that this is something that Congress has to fix. Well, what are you going to do about it, congressman? Youre the speaker of the House. If thats what you believe, will you immediately introduce a bill to give dreamers permanent legal status and shepherd it through passage? Are you actually going to do something, or are you just going to shake your head and say how regrettable it all is?

I suppose its possible that Ryan and the rest of the congressional Republicans might surprise us. With Trump, however, there are few real surprises. His heart is an entity about whose existence we have heard rumors, but of which there have been no confirmed sightings. His cruelty, on the other hand? That weve seen. That we know. That weve come to expect.

This commentary is from the Washington Post.
Now that President Trump has pardoned Joe Arpaio, the former sheriff of Arizonas Maricopa County, many Latinos are feeling enraged. And a lot of white liberals  in the media, academia and politics  are, as usual, acting morally superior.

But those who have shrugged off the seriousness of illegal immigration  and, in some cases, wont even use the term illegal immigrant  are in no position to lecture the rest of us on the sanctity of the rule of law.

Especially if theyre going to sound like fools in the process.

Donald Trump is a racist, and hes pardoning another racist, said Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona during an appearance on MSNBC.

That was simple. And here I thought politics was complicated.

The Arpaio pardon is basically a big middle finger to America. A loud, proud declaration that this administration supports racism, tweeted Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

A comment that preachy makes me want to head over to Murphys Senate office and count all the black and brown faces.

I disagree with the pardon and would have liked for the 85-year-old lawman to be given 1,000 hours of community service in lieu of jail time. But I still think Trumps critics could stand to be less sanctimonious, and a little more thoughtful.

Not much thought went into what Republican Sen. John McCain said in a statement criticizing Arpaio for continuing to illegally profile Latinos living in Arizona based on their perceived immigration status.

This is the same Arizona senator who, in a desperate bid for re-election in 2010, lent his support to the states racist immigration law. That abomination all but required local law enforcement officials like Arpaio to  as McCain so eloquently put it  illegally profile Latinos living in Arizona based on their perceived immigration status.

Ive known Arpaio for 20 years. I met him when I was a reporter and metro columnist at The Arizona Republic. Back then, we agreed that local police should not enforce federal immigration law. For Arpaio, this was an unfunded mandate that used up resources, and he wanted no part of it.

I went on to graduate school, and worked for two other newspapers. Arpaio  who was, by then, already a publicity addict  went on to discover that rounding up illegal immigrants could get him on the national news. You know the rest.

I last saw him in October, a few weeks before the election. We were both speaking at a business conference in Bakersfield, California. I asked him what he made of the fact that he had been prosecuted by the same folks with whom hed been in business.

Its politics, he said. Its all bull.

I wont defend Arpaio. But why isnt the anti-Trump lynch mob eager to go after his longtime accomplices who got away with the loot?

The former sheriffs deputies rounded up thousands of illegal immigrants over several years but they didnt deport a single one. They didnt have the power. Instead, they handed them over to the most efficient deportation machine in U.S. history: The Obama administration.

Obama and Co. let Arpaio participate in the federal 287(g) program, which used local police agencies to enforce U.S. immigration law. Eventually, they made a feeble attempt to rein him in. But he outsmarted them by continuing to apprehend the undocumented, hand them to the feds, and dare them to refuse to take custody.

The administration accepted the detainees, deported them, and added them to the official tally. Those were the numbers that tough-talking Janet Napolitano, former homeland security secretary, bragged about when testifying before Congress.

Retelling these stories keeps us honest. It also teaches us a few things. Like this: Sometimes the folks you think are your friends arent even close. And this: The immigration debate isnt black and white but gray. And most of all, this: Dragons dont just sprout up one day in the desert and thrive for years unless theyre fed and cared for, by all sorts of people with all kinds of motives.

ruben@rubennavarrette.com
Cellphones have become a necessary nuisance in thousands of American classrooms. Each semester, instructors restrict cell phone use during classtime. Sherry Turkle, M.I.T. professor and author of Reclaiming Conversation: the Power of Talk in the Digital Age, laments that even at home, families sit together, texting and reading email. At work executives text during board meetings.

These disruptions have long been in the making because technology has widened our attention gap. With each successive generation, the attention gap has developed sizable fissures  though not of Grand Canyon proportions.

The college experience has become one huge extension of online diversion complete with bells and whistles providing the illusion of real time learning. Conversation has been replaced with impersonal message boarding, chatrooms and Google searches.

But not all students have the same learning curve because some do need to learn in real time. At Palo Alto College, CTN (Catch the Next) instructors teach through conversation with reflective questioning, collaborative interacting and small group activities.

Turkle said it best: These days, teaching by conversation is talked about as crucial (after all, the stated goal of putting content online in the flipped classroom is to have more dynamic in-class conversations). But at the same time, there is pressure to use technology in classrooms in ways that make conversation nearly impossible. And ironically, this technology is introduced as supporting student engagement.

Even though technology is here to stay, some wealthier districts are increasing traditional face-to-face classes, interactive lectures, and human conversation while restricting the use of technology-driven software. Even Silicon Valley executives are sending their kids to technology-free Waldorf schools. Smaller classes and better teachers are the answer  not technology-driven curricula.

According to a report issued by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), schools heavily invested in computers have seen no noticeable improvement in reading, math and science.

Beverly Amico, an administrator with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, explains, One of the reasons parents working in the digital industry are choosing a low-tech, no-tech education for their children is that it teaches students the innovative thinking skills many employers desire.

The innovative thinking skills most coveted by high-tech employers are not Google-searching skills but creator skills, where teams create new apps, infuse fresh ideas to age-old problems, and develop thinking clearly outside the box. Although new technology has exponentially increased visual-spatial skills, it has weakened the capacity to maintain inductive analysis coupled with imagination and reflection.

Silicon Valley executives know the addictive nature of their technology, which is why they limit their childrens use of them. And to counter this addictive nature, technology-free schools are popping up for kids up to age 14 funded by wealthy elites concerned about the negative impact of social media, and disruptive behavior assigned with mobile phones and iPads in the classroom.

These technology-free schools focus on cognitive and creative thinking exercises, use real books, and have small-group presentations to solve problems through reflective lessons. Making eye contact with peers, along with conversing intelligently about a topic, are highly prized attributes in addition to skillful writing. As technology increases, the human touch will be a valued commodity along with curiosity, creativity and empathy.

And what area of study accommodates this?

A humanities-liberal arts curriculum allows students to assume leadership skills and deliberate stock market fluctuations while at the same time pinpointing the differences between a Caravaggio painting and a Velasquez masterpiece, all the while whistling Vivaldi.

Perhaps its time to limit technology-driven classrooms to avoid the dazed, glassy-eye, data-overload stare in students.

Rafael Castillo, who teaches English and Humanities at Palo Alto College, is director of curriculum and instruction for Catch the Next, Inc.
Texans will find few consolations in the wake of a hurricane as terrifying as Harvey. But here, at least, is one: A biblical storm has hit them, and the death toll  38 as of this writing  is mercifully low, given its intensity.

This is not how it plays out in much of the world. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch ripped through Central America and killed anywhere between 11,000 and 19,000 people, mostly in Honduras and Nicaragua. Nearly a decade later Cyclone Nargis slammed into Myanmar, and a staggering 138,000 people perished.

Natures furies  hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, droughts, infectious diseases, you name it  may strike unpredictably. But their effects are not distributed at random.

Rich countries tend to experience, and measure, the costs of such disasters primarily in terms of money. Poor countries experience them primarily in terms of lives. Between 1940 and 2016, a total of 3,348 people died in the United States on account of hurricanes, according to government data, for an average of 43 victims a year. Thats a tragedy, but compare it to the nearly 140,000 lives lost when a cyclone hit Bangladesh in 1991.

Why do richer countries fare so much better than poorer ones when it comes to natural disasters? The answer lies in the combination of government responsiveness and civic spiritedness so splendidly on display this week in Texas. And then theres the matter of wealth.

Every child knows that houses of brick are safer than houses of wood or straw  and therefore cost more to build. Harvey will damage or ruin thousands of homes. But it wont sweep away entire neighborhoods, as Typhoon Haiyan did in the Philippine city of Tacloban in 2013.

Harvey will inflict billions in economic damage, most crushingly on uninsured homeowners. But the storm will be a speed bump to Houstons $503 billion economy, according to Moodys Analytics Adam Kamins, who told The Wall Street Journal that he expects the storm to derail growth for about two months.

Climate activists often claim that unchecked economic growth and the things that go with it are principal causes of environmental destruction. In reality, growth is the great offset. Its a big part of the reason why, despite our warming planet, mortality rates from storms have declined from .11 per 100,000 in the 1900s to .04 per 100,000 in the 2010s, according to data compiled by Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser. Death rates from other natural disasters such as droughts have fallen by even more staggering percentages over the last century.

Thats because economic growth isnt just a matter of parking lots paving over paradise. It underwrites safety standards, funds scientific research, builds spillways and wastewater plants, creates green jobs, subsidizes Elon Musk, sets aside prime real estate for conservation, and so on.

Poverty, not wealth, is the enemy of the environment. Only the rich have the luxury of developing an ethical stance toward their trash.

The paradox of our time is that the part of the world that has never been safer from the vagaries of nature seems never to have been more terrified of them. Harvey truly is an astonishing storm, the likes of which few people can easily remember.

Then again, as meteorologist Philip Klotzbach points out, its also only one of four Category 4 or 5 hurricanes to make landfall in the United States since 1970. By contrast, more than twice as many such storms made landfall between 1922 and 1969. Make of that what you will, but remember that fear is often a function of unfamiliarity.

Houston will ultimately recover from Harveys devastation because its people are creative and courageous. They will rebuild and, when the next storm comes, as it inevitably will, be better prepared for it. The best lesson the world can take from Texas is to follow the path of its extraordinary economic growth on the way to environmental resilience.

Bret Stephens writes a column for the New York Times.
Just so theres no confusion: Donald Trumps longtime personal lawyer emailed Vladimir Putins personal spokesman? Seeking help from the Kremlin on a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow? During the presidential campaign?

Yes, this really happened. While most attention was rightly focused on the devastating flood in Houston, there was quite a bit of news on the Russia front  all of it, from Trumps perspective, quite bad.

The revelations begin with a Trump business associate named Felix Sater. A Russian emigre who bragged about his Kremlin connections, Sater was a principal figure in development of the Trump Soho hotel and condominium project in lower Manhattan. Sater wrote a series of emails to Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen, touting the Moscow Trump Tower project as a way to help Trump win the presidency.

In November 2015  five months after Trump had entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination  Sater wrote to Cohen that he had arranged for Trumps daughter Ivanka, during a 2006 visit to Moscow, to sit in Putins private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin.

The email went on, I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected. We both know no one else knows how to pull this off without stupidity or greed getting in the way. I know how to play it and we will get this done. Buddy, our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this.

Could Sater be just a blowhard who exaggerated his influence with the Russian president? Perhaps. But Ivanka Trump did tell The New York Times that she took a brief tour of Red Square and the Kremlin during that 2006 visit. The Times reported she said that it is possible she sat in Mr. Putins chair during that tour but she did not recall it.

There is no evidence that Cohen, one of Trumps closest associates, found anything improper in Saters pledge to get Putin on this program. Nor did Cohen or anyone in the Trump Organization bother to disclose the emails  or the Trump firms effort, even during the campaign, to profitably emblazon the Trump name on the Moscow skyline  until the correspondence was turned over to the House Intelligence Committee on Monday.

And, in January 2016, with the Moscow project apparently stalled, Cohen went straight to the top to get it back on track  or at least tried to. He sent an email to Dmitry Peskov, Putins longtime personal spokesman, hereby requesting your assistance.

Russian officials confirmed that the email was received but denied that it came to Peskovs attention  or that Putin knew anything about the proposed project.

So Trump was lying when he tweeted, shortly before his inauguration, that I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA  NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! On the same day he participated in a GOP candidates debate, he signed a letter of intent for the Moscow Trump Tower project.

The other part of the story involves the whole question of collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign to meddle with the election and boost Trumps chances. Saters boasts, by themselves, are hardly definitive. But of course there is the larger context, which includes the infamous meeting that Donald Trump Jr. convened in New York at which he hoped to receive dirt, courtesy of the Russian government, on Hillary Clinton. Also there: son-in-law Jared Kushner, then-campaign manager Paul Manafort. They and now Trumps personal lawyer were all seemingly eager for Russian help in the election.

Some have suggested that Trumps pardon of Joe Arpaio, the unrepentant birther and racial profiler, might have been a message to Trump associates facing heat from prosecutors: Hang tough and dont worry, youll get pardons.

But there was more bad news for the president: Politico reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is now cooperating and sharing information with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Presidents can only issue pardons for federal offenses, not state crimes.

Uh-oh.

eugenerobinson@washpost.com
A Harare woman who allegedly strangled her son to death has appeared in court facing murder charges.

Thirty-eight year old Vanessa Ayinesi Bwanali from Dzivarasekwa Phase 2 Extension in Harare has appeared in court before Harare Magistrate Ruramai Chitungura facing charges of strangling her son to death.

Bwanali was remanded in custody to 12 January next year for trial.

It is the states case that on the 21st of December this year, Bwanali strangled her son Tinashe and immersed his head in a dish of water until he fell unconscious resulting in his death.

Upon realising that he has dead, Bwanali took the deceased to Yemura Clinic where she initially indicated that he had fallen into a dish of water and upon being questioned by a nurse she later admitted that she immersed the boy in a dish of water leading to his death.

The accused also led the police to the bathroom where she showed them the dish which was almost filled up with water in which she had immersed the now deceased.

ZBC

Breaking News via Email
Another minister of Mugabes cabinet, Former Midlands Minister of State Jason Machaya has appeared before the Gokwe Magistrates Court facing charges of criminal abuse of office involving shoddy land deals.

Mr Machaya was denied bail and remanded in custody till January 15, 2018. Other Mugabes cabinet ministers who have so far been arrested since President Mnangagwa took over the reigns of the government, include former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo who spent almost a month at Chikurubi and former Agriculture minister Joseph Made who arrested this week for criminal abuse of office as well as engaging in corruption.

It is the States case that sometime in 2013, the Gokwe Town Council requested for 3 000 residential stands around Mapfungautsi Extension from the Local Government ministry and the request was granted.

Machaya, as chairperson of the provincial lands committee, allegedly made a request of commonage allocation from the 3 000 stands, which entitled him to receive 10% of the allocated stands in line with the Commonage Law.

The State alleges that during the period between 2011 and 2017, Machaya abused his office powers and demanded 1 000 residential stands well knowing that he was supposed to only get 300 stands.

He allegedly hired a private land developer, Striations World Marketing Property Developers, to service the land in question.

On December 20 this year, police detectives interrogated Gokwe town engineer Clemence Madondo, who confirmed that they had allocated 1 000 stands to Machaya after the latter demanded them.

Two beneficiaries, Japhet Chingeya and Eshuate Mutsito, who bought the residential stands from Machaya, were located by the police and are likely to be brought to court as State witnesses.

Our reporters saw a list of about 60 land cases in which Machaya is being implicated. Also implicated are senior Government officials in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing in the Midlands Province.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made the fight against the scourge of corruption one of his top priorities if the country is to attract investors and achieve prosperity for the majority.

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PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has lost the support of some of his key allies including Local Government minister July Moyo who have stood with him throughout his political rise but are now being sidelined in favour of new faces.

Observers say the Zanu PF leader may find himself isolated as fresh fights for the party leadership take centre stage ahead of the December congress.

Mnangagwa and his ambitious deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, are embroiled in a fight for the control of the party ahead of the congress and subsequently the 2023 elections and, in that race, the grassroots have been deeply divided and are at war.

Although the fights have been temporarily shelved for the party to concentrate on the 26 March by-elections, insiders have warned that it will be gloves off immediately after the polls.

But in the fight, insiders said, Mnangagwa is now without key loyalists who stood with him in successive fights, including Moyo and former State Security minister Owen Ncube, among others. Moyo has stood by Mnangagwa since the 1990s.

He supported his bid to become national party chairperson in 1999, eventually losing out to John Nkomo, and his bid for the vice-presidency at the 2004 congress, which post however went to Joice Mujuru.

Moyo has also stood with Mnangagwa, sacrificing his own career in the process, after failing out of favour with Mugabe. Moyo was also with Mnangagwa ahead of the 2014 congress when he became vice-president.

The Local Government minister and Zanu PF secretary for transport and welfare also played a crucial role ahead of the November 2017 military coup that ousted Mugabe and his allies. Moyo stood with Mnangagwa through thick and thin, but felt he was not rewarded enough.

Moyo is believed to have been the force behind Ncube, who was accused by some in the Midlands of pushing his own partisan agenda. Mnangagwa believes Ncube was militating against his power consolidation project and, in the process, wittingly or unwittingly strengthening Chiwengas base.

The Local Government ministers fallout with Mnangagwa has been consistently exposed by Norton member of Parliament Temba Mliswa who accused him and Ncube of working against the Zanu PF leader.

A party insider close to Moyo insist that he was unhappy with the manner in which Mnangagwa was aligning with other people and pushing his real people away.

He has been with Mnangagwa for long and fought many of his battles in the 90s when he was trying to be the party chairman, in 2004 when he was vying for the party vice-presidents post way until 2014 when he finally became vice-president and ahead of the 2017 military coup. He felt he did a lot but got little reward, an insider said.

Moyo was among the many prominent politicians like Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda and Manicalands Mike Madiro, among others, who fought in his corner and were ultimately fired by Mugabe ahead of the 2004 congress.

Zanu PFs current secretary for Finance Patrick Chinamasa was also among those who have supported Mnangagwa since the 2004 power-grab attempt and even during the 2017 coup, but is reportedly unhappy with what he got in return.

Chinamasa joins a growing list of other unhappy bigwigs now housed at Zanu PF headquarters, including secretary for administration Obert Mpofu.

Ncube was Mnangagwas blue-eyed boy for long in the Midlands province particularly in Kwekwe where he employed all sorts of tactics, including violence, to ensure Mnangagwa retained the status of Zanu PF provincial godfather. He then used the Midlands and Masvingo as stepping stones to national political power.

But in a surprise turn of events, Mnangagwa fired Ncube this year, accusing him of behaviour inconsistent with ministerial office.

Insiders told The NewsHawks that a team was appointed to probe the Ncube matter and a report is being finalised while his allies are pushing for Mnangagwa to retain him in cabinet.

In the Midlands, Mnangagwa is said to have installed people many believe lack the political clout to win him votes.

Mnangagwa is also accused within Zanu PF and the military circles of breaking a coup coalition and surrounding himself with people who are mainly his relatives and cronies at the expense of those who stood with him.

Mnangagwa is said to have disregarded an agreement with Chiwenga to serve only a single term and not go beyond 2023. Immediately after getting into power, he launched a blitz against several army chiefs, among them Anselem Sanyatwe who was a commander Presidential Guard and played a key role in the late former president Robert Mugabes ouster in a military coup in November 2017.

Sanyatwe was appointed ambassador to Tanzania while another army chief, the late Douglas Nyikayaramba, was deployed to Mozambique.

Mnangagwa has reportedly divided the war veterans who are also said to be unhappy with him for failing to reward them enough  even though they vigorously campaigned for his ascendancy during the Mugabe days.

War veterans feel only their leader Christopher Mutsvangwa, their party secretary Douglas Mahiya and Victor Matemadanda were rewarded enough at the expense of the rank and file of ex-combatants.

Matemadanda was later demoted from the powerful positions of Zanu PF national political commissar and Defence deputy minister, becoming ambassador to Mozambique where he replaced late Nyikayaramba.

The fears of serious fights have been buoyed by reports of combative former Zanu PF national political commissar Savior Kasukuweres imminent return to challenge for the party leadership. This comes amid reports the former Local Government minister is relishing massive grassroots support from the party structures and the youths who are unhappy with the partys current state of affairs.

Zanu PF is also reportedly worried that the structures of the vanquished G40 faction which were created and strengthened during the Mugabe era were still intact on the ground. These elements could align with a host of disgruntled party activists who feel they were robbed during the partys provincial restructuring last December.

Kasukuwere would not immediately confirm reports of his imminent return. But his honchos, already on the ground, said it was all systems go for his comeback which they claimed has the backing of some bigwigs within the ruling party.

There is speculation Tyson, as Kasukuwere is nicknamed in Zanu PF, is coming back to manage the tribal imbalance in the party that has angered several bigwigs including Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga who accuse Mnangagwa of filling the key portfolios in cabinet, the party and parastatals with his Karanga clique.

He is coming back, a source close to Kasukuwere said. 2023 shall be exciting and someone is going out, the source added.

Kasukuwere sparked further anxiety after posting a picture purportedly in Nyanga indicating he was now back in the country.

Beautiful country, Nyanga, Kasukuwere posted.

He would not shed light when The NewsHawks contacted him for comment.

Fears of fresh fissures, insiders confirmed, were also fuelled by a Central Intelligence Organisation report that projected Zanu PFs probability of winning the 2023 elections at a low 45%. The report cited supporters disgruntlement with internal election outcomes and Mnangagwas failure to deliver after the 2017 military coup.

There are also serious fights for the control of the party in the Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces, among other areas, with the party structures deeply divided along factional lines.

In the Midlands, Mnangagwas backyard, supporters of former National Security minister Owen Ncube are still questioning why he was blocked from contesting for the post of provincial chairperson and subsequently fired from his cabinet post.

Fights are also rife in Manicaland where a camp linked to Albert Nyakuedzwa is bitter over the controversial endorsement of Mike Madiros victory by the politburo in total disregard of those who claim he lost the internal elections. Nyakuedzwa and others have lodged complaints.

Richard Ndlovu, who lost in Matabeleland North, has also complained to the national political commissar Mike Bimha.

In Harare, Mliswa warned of fresh fissures in Zanu PF, saying the party was failing to handle internal dynamics shaped by provincial and primary elections which have left the party weakened ahead of the 26 March by-elections.

Instead of Zanu PF focusing on impinging the oppositions operations, it should be focusing on dealing with internal strife that threatens the partys candidates such as Epworths Zaleriah Makari. Already, there are fatal fissures there which need urgent attention, Mliswa, who claims to keenly know Zanu PFs internal dynamics, said on microblogging site Twitter.

If Zanu PF is to win Epworth, the party needs to reconcile these people and bring them together, Mliswa said before listing disgruntled people in the area.

In Mashonaland West, there are fights over the control of the party with a group aligned to Mary Mliswa-Chikoka arguing she did not win fairly while similar fights have erupted in Mashonaland Central and Masvingo provinces.

But Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa rubbished claims that the party faces imminent implosion amid panic over the purported return of G40.

We are strong, we never were affected by anything. We have one leader and the parties that easily split are the MDCs. They have been MDC, MDC-T now Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Zanu PF never breaks, so why speak of imagination?

On G40, he said: Where do they want to come back? It is a pipedream and we do not take it seriously. They were kicked out and will never make it again.

They have absolutely no structures in the party. Their only structure was Grace Mugabe and when she lost they lost and that is why they are still in the wilderness and the country is marching on, he said.

Why are they in exile in the first place? Nobody chased them away and if you are afraid on your own how will they muster the courage to take over the party. They are cowards and how can cowards try to usurp power?

The fear is within them so if you cant overcome fear within yourself, how can you then say you can organise a party? Kasukuwere came and left on his own, the other kingpin Grace is here and nobody touches here. Her daughter, Bona, is every other day going to State House to see the President  you can ask her. Which G40 kingpins are bigger than Grace?

 NewsHawks

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NAPLES, Fla.  Florida Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 on Monday, Sept. 4, declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the state of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma.

By declaring a state of emergency Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for the storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe, notes the governors office.

Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irmas path, potentially impacting millions of Floridians, said Scott. In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.

Additionally, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi activated Floridas price gouging hotline for all consumers in Florida.

Floridians need to prepare now and they should not be inhibited by unlawful price increases on supplies necessary to brace for a major hurricane strikethat is why Ive activated Floridas Price Gouging Hotline and encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it to my office by calling (866)-9-NO-SCAM, said Bondi.

Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment, needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, in addition to other civil penalties that may apply.

Per Weather.com, Irma has strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane. W warnings have been issued for portions of the Leeward Islands, and a hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.The news source notes that this weekend into early next week, Irma will turn north and likely impact a portion of the U.S. coastline.

To track the path of Hurricane Irma, click here.


Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
(As delivered)

Thank you very much. And thank you for this invitation. The Bled Forums put together a really impressive panel this morning, and its an honour to be up here on this platform with my esteemed colleagues. I really am delighted to be here this morning.

Many of you know me perhaps as an arms control nuclear non-proliferation expert from my past life. My remarks this morning will be focused on my current responsibilities, which are as the Deputy Secretary General of the NATO Alliance. But I did want to start with one comment since you brought up, you know, where are we going with these nuclear modernization programs in the United States and Russia, and what does that foretell for the future of nuclear arms reduction?

At the moment, I want to stress for all of you here in this audience, and happy to discuss it further, that the restraints of the New START Treaty hold. Both the United States and Russia are continuing to implement the New START Treaty, and they will be obligated by the treaty to reach the reduction levels of the treaty by February of 2018. So that date is coming up fast now. But both sides, even with their programs going on, and in fact New START was negotiated with the Russian modernization program in mind.

So they will be constrained to 500 delivery vehicles, 500 delivery vehicles and no more, and that means 1,550 operationally deployed warheads, no more. Same on the U.S. side. Theres been a lot of, you know, interest in the so-called U.S. modernization program. Its actually, as I think about it, more of a replacement program. And theres no talk in either Washington or Moscow right now of moving beyond 500 delivery vehicles and 1,550 operationally deployed warheads. Just, you know, by way of comparison, when the START I Treaty entered into force back in 1994, each side had approximately 12,000 operationally deployed warheads.

So the numbers have come down precipitously in the past 20 years. And I see no reason why that will be reversed by the programs that both Moscow and Washington have in train now to replace older systems, whether ICBMs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, sea-launched ballistic missiles or bomber aircraft.

So again, happy to discuss any of this during our Q&A period, but I do want to stress when you think about what Washington and Moscow have in train in terms of replacing older systems, it does not mean a breakout from the extant strategic arms reduction regimes. We may see that in the future, but at the moment we do not see it.

Now let me turn to I wanted to bring us back to North Korea with two remarks that were made in recent times. First by my boss, Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, who this last Sunday, the very day we saw the sixth North Korean nuclear test, put out a statement that said, I strongly condemn that North Korea has conducted a sixth nuclear test today. He then went on to say, NATO is concerned by Pyongyangs destabilizing pattern of behaviour, which poses a threat to regional and international security.

That is his statement in part. I wont read out the whole thing, but I refer you to it as how NATO has been concerned and interested in this matter. And furthermore, this July when we saw a pattern of continued nuclear missile tests, well missile tests with the aspiration, as we understand, from Pyongyang of beginning to load them up with nuclear warheads, the North Atlantic Council - that is our group of permanent representatives representing all 29 members of the Alliance - put out a statement on July 12th, saying, the North Atlantic Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the DPRKs unprecedented launch of a ballistic missile of intercontinental range on 4 July, a major escalation that directly violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions, and clearly demonstrates the growing threat posed by the DPRK to the Alliance, to global peace and security, as well as to the global non-proliferation regime.

I wanted to bring up these two statements this morning again to highlight for you that as far as NATO is concerned, the threat that North Korea is posing is becoming a global matter. This is not a matter only for the Asian countries, for the Asian allies of the United States, the ROK and Japan. Its not a matter simply for the members of the six party talks who have been engaged for many years now: China, Russia, the United States, ROK, Japan, as well as North Korea. This is a global matter, and one that we have to consider as a global matter. So there are many challenges ahead of us, I think, as we consider what policy efforts must go forward. I think weve had an interesting week in terms of the kinds of statements that have been made.

I do not agree with this kind of notion that we can somehow trade off the exercise program that the United States and the ROK conducts against the DPRKs testing program for both missiles and nuclear weapons. I think we have to bear in mind that this threat was launched way back in 1994 when the DPRK took steps to try to withdraw from the non-proliferation treaty regime. So we have been grappling with this problem for a long, long time, but at its inception it was a problem that emanated from North Korea and from Pyongyangs push toward acquiring a nuclear weapons program.

But I was very interested in this week in the context of the BRICS Summit that both President Putin and President Xi re-emphasized the necessity of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. I think that is a very important objective to restate. Very important for all of us, I think, to be thinking about ways to re-energize efforts to accomplish that goal. Again, happy to discuss it further in our Q&A period, but from the perspective of the NATO Alliance, this is a global challenge that must be addressed. And we are thinking about it in those terms in Brussels at NATO Headquarters.

Q & A

QUESTION: Deputy Secretary General Gottemoeller, how big of a test is the situation on the Korean Peninsula for NATOs nuclear deterrence policy?

DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL: I would characterize it as really a test for U.S. extended deterrence policy per se. Its not an issue in the NATO context, but the United States of America has extended its deterrent not only to the NATO allies, but to its Asian allies as well, to the ROK and to Japan.

So it is in that way I think influential in how people around the world will look at the strength of the U.S. extended deterrence commitments. We have seen some very strong statements over the weekend, which I welcome very much, from the Secretary of Defence, from Mr. Mattis, emerging from the White House with the Secretary of State, Mr. Tillerson at his side, speaking very strongly about this matter. But in addition, actions do speak louder than words, and I have been quite heartened over, really, the years now that these provocations have been going on from the DPRK, the extent to which the United States working together with the ROK has been willing to convey in a very real sense the strength of its extended deterrent commitments. And probably the most visible way it has done so is by bringing bombers forward and exercising together with ROK forces, but the strategic bomber force has been an excellent instrument in that regard.

But the U.S. extended deterrent, and Id like to emphasize this constantly, not only in the Asian context but also in the NATO European context, the extended deterrent of the United States does not limit itself to nuclear weapons. It has to do also with the very real capabilities of U.S. conventional forces. Again, in the case of the ROK, exercising and training together with ROK allies. It has to do with missile defence capabilities that have been put in place in Asia in recent years, as in Europe as well, the NATO limited missile defence capabilities.

So and finally, it has to do with the way in which we exercise and work effectively with our allies to provide for deterrence and defence. Weve seen that in spades in the European context, in NATO working in recent years, and particularly since the Warsaw Summit in July a year ago to bring deterrence and defence capability forward in the NATO European context to address the very real concerns that we have about Russia these days, but also you see over the years the very effective way that the United States has worked together with the ROK and with Japan so that its clear that our conventional forces are interoperable and extraordinarily capable as well.

So I wanted to really stress the reality and the pragmatic operational capability of the U.S. extended deterrence forces as they operate with U.S. allies, both in Asia, as well as in Europe. And I think these days its paying dividends in the response to the DPRK, but its an issue that requires constant attention, and clearly this matter has gotten Washingtons attention, which I applaud.

QUESTION: That U.S. extended deterrence policy is also facing, as you just mentioned, pressure in other areas. So U.S.-Russia relations have seriously deteriorated since 2014. Where does that leave U.S.-Russia cooperation on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation?

DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL: Well I should ask other colleagues, you know, who are working this issue actively. Im sure Amano-san and Dr. Zerbo might have some things to say about this matter, what they see emanating from Washington currently. Again, my position here today is as Deputy Secretary General of NATO. But Ill refer only to two things. One is the great legacy of arms control. Between Washington and Moscow with roots back in the inception of the non-proliferation treaty regime, following the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960s. So there is a mighty tradition and a mighty legacy of cooperation in these areas, even from the worst days of the Cold War. And it has driven these two countries to build down the major overbuild that was a result of the Cold War nuclear arms race. The United States, for example, had over 31,000 warheads in 1967 at the height of the Cold War. The Russians, by some estimates, and I refer to the former Minister of Atomic Energy, Viktor Mikhaylov, who said publicly at one point that the Soviets built up to 45,000 warheads.

And in the ensuing 45 years since the NPT was negotiated, and quite rightly it was mentioned already by our Kazakh colleague that it will reach its 50th anniversary in two years time, three years time. Nevertheless, in that ensuing period, both the United States and the Russian Federation have brought those warhead numbers down precipitously from 31,000 in 1967 to just over 4,000 today in the U.S. arsenal.

I spoke about deployed warheads a while ago, 1,550 under the New START Treaty, but then additional warheads held in storage. Its still too many. Its still too many. And so clearly we will wait and see the results of the nuclear posture review that is going on in the United States at the present time.

Every new President who arrives in office takes undertakes a nuclear posture review, and so President Trump is doing the same. But I do expect that there will be some continuity in U.S. policy with regard to nuclear arms control. And I can only hope that Moscow will take that message seriously and be willing to re-engage. I have seen since the Trump administration arrive in office the emergence of some new discussions in the Russian media, in the Russian press, about the importance of continuity in nuclear arms reduction, nuclear arms control. So I hope that that will in fact bear fruit once the Trump administration has completed their review and is ready to move forward in whatever direction they propose.

QUESTION: Madam Gottemoeller, this is the last question before we turn to the audience. Do you agree with Mr. Bylicas assessment, and is a nuclear weapons ban at this point a good idea?

DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL: Well Jacek just made mention of the NATO Alliance and how it is, you know, well obviously co-exists with the European Union and in a very close partnership. Were very proud of the way weve developed our good working relationship with the EU in the recent years, and particularly in the past year since Ive taken this new job. For me, Ive seen that partnership develop apace, and its very, very welcome. But we are a nuclear armed alliance in Europe, the NATO Alliance, and we have nuclear weapons deployed in Europe, as well as having two, three nuclear weapon states among the five nuclear weapon states under the NPT. So France, U.K., and the United States.

So obviously from the perspective of the NATO Alliance, nuclear deterrence is an important part of extended deterrence, and it is an important part of how the Alliance conducts deterrence and defence. I actually had a question, and perhaps we can further take this up, but if our Kazakh colleague would like to comment on this, I do not see the value added of a nuclear ban treaty. And in fact I see tremendous dangers in a nuclear ban treaty because of the additional international legal requirements it imposes or attempts to impose. And really the way it calls into question at the moment the continued validity of nuclear weapons as an aspect of deterrence.

I dont see value added also because it is the non-proliferation treaty regime that I referred to a few moments ago that has driven so much impetus to denuclearization over the past 45 to 50 years. And I continue to see that non-proliferation treaty regime paying dividends with regard to denuclearization. The process that occurred with Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus at the break-up of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s was rooted in the non-proliferation regime, and that these three states, including Kazakhstan I give huge credit to President Nazarbayev and to Kazakhstan for taking these decisions. But it was that Kazakhstan would become a non-nuclear weapons state under the NPT system, in addition to working with the, at that time, START Treaty, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty negotiated between Washington and Moscow, but with all of the countries involved, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus, as the instrument by which nuclear delivery vehicles were eliminated from the territories of those countries.

So again, I spoke a moment ago about this tremendous legacy that has bound Washington and Moscow together in nuclear arms reduction and elimination. I see that legacy not only as having a proud past, but having a very real present and a very real future. And so I dont see the value added of a ban treaty. And in fact, I worry that it undermines the NPT regime.
(Natural News) A comprehensive study validates the impact opioid abuse has on our country, with results suggesting that from 2009 to 2015, overdose-related ICU admissions increased by 34 percent and the cost per ICU admission rose by 58 percent. During the same period, the number of opioid deaths within the ICU nearly doubled. Researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center warn that their study implies a health crisis. Dr. Jennifer P. Stevens, the lead author, wrote that the review tells [the public] that the opioid epidemic has made people sicker and killed more people, in spite of all the care we can provide in the ICU, including mechanical ventilation, acute dialysis, life support and round-the-clock care.

Data from the study, which will be published ahead of print in Annals of the American Thoracic Society, are believed to be the first in the country to quantify how opioid abuse affects acute care services. Dr. Stevens and her team say that given the current trend, critical care services may not be able to meet the growing demand in the near future.

Over the course of seven years, the team analyzed more than 23 million hospital admissions of adult patients in around 162 hospitals across 44 states. Of the four million patients who required acute care, 21,705 patients were admitted due to an opioid overdose. Cross-analyzing the data even further, the researchers found that opioid-related ICU admissions increased by approximately half a percent each year. Researchers also noted that apart from the growth in number, patients who were admitted to the ICU required increasingly intensive care, which included more treatments of dialysis or other forms of high-cost renal replacement therapy. Moreover, the mortality rates of these patients also rose every year.

These findings have a worrying ramification in the medical industry. While more people are becoming addicted to opioids, hospitals and other health facilities appear to be unable to expand their prevention and treatment plans to treat this epidemic.

The authors also placed a disclaimer that their methodology limits the true scope of the health crisis. Their data came from mostly academic medical centers and were not reflective of opioid addiction in other settings. As such, it is reasonable to assume that overdose admissions in acute care may actually be higher. This study also did not take into account ICU admissions caused by complications related to drug use.

The pace of the opioid epidemic continues to increase, warned Dr. Stevens. Those of us who work in hospital intensive care units need to make sure we have the tools we need to help patients with opioid use disorders when they are at their sickest, because there doesnt appear to be any end to this epidemic in sight. (Related: The United States has crossed the pandemic threshold in the opioid epidemicand Big Pharma keeps cashing in.)

Opioid addiction in America

Heroin remains the number one opioid that is abused in our country. However, health professionals are noting that pain medications are quickly becoming a contender. Statistics show that three out of four people who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from a friend or family member. More troubling, 80 percent of prescription painkillers are given by 20 percent of prescribers, according to Addictions.com.

There is also evidence that suggests that many medical doctors over-prescribe their patients, or hand out prescriptions without first determining if the patient truly needed it. This works both ways as well. Previous data shows that more than 12 million Americans reported using prescription pain medication for non-medical purposes in 2010. This may be a contributing factor as to why the number of overdose deaths from pain medications has increased by more than 300 percent since 1999.

Follow more news on the opioid epidemic at Opioids.news.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

ConsumerAffairs.com

ATSJournals.org

Addictions.com
(Natural News) Radical leftist groups have threatened to greatly escalate their counter-protest tactics after descending on Charlottesville, Virginia, recently to engage in violence against a group of peaceful protesters who were there to speak up about the removal of a historical statue. The so-called anti-fascist group antifa says it plans to become even more violent in the coming months to fight back against the encroachment of what they claim to be alt-right and other racist groups who believe something different than antifa.

Angry that Americans of all political persuasions, not just leftists, are free to make their voices heard in public without fear of retribution, antifa hopes to fill this liberty void with its own brand of authoritarian fascism. Using the alleged car crash incident in Charlottesville to claim that anyone whos not antifa is a violent killer, antifa plans to generate violence as a remedy to the violence it claims its opponents are creating. Peace through war, in other words.

Charlottesville is just the beginning, reads an ominous poster created by the anarchist group CrimethInc., a self-described international network of aspiring revolutionaries that aligns itself with the antifa terrorist group. If the alt-right can get away with murder there, none of us will be safe. We have to stand up to white supremacists, we have to shut down and chase out these bigots every time they try to organize, or else they will kill more people.

Throwing in a jab against police while they were at it, the CrimethInc. poster adds that because the police will not protect them that they must organize to defend themselves.

They murder over a thousand people every year in this country, and infiltrate and attack our demonstrations when we stand up against alt-right terror, the group CrimethInc. added.

Radical leftist fascists are now blaming democracy, capitalism for Charlottesville

Though many of the details as to what actually occurred in Charlottesville the day of the incident remain highly dubious, the narrative carries on regardless. And the next chapter apparently involves bands of street fighters that not only march on historical sites to commit violent acts against peaceful protesters, but also conspire to deconstruct the American political system thats allegedly responsible for allowing people who arent antifa to participate in civil society.

Taking part of the blame is American capitalism, which antifa says is a product of white supremacy and American imperialism  ironic, considering that capitalism is a critical part of the system that allows groups like antifa to protest in the first place.

The American state is collapsing, reads a statement by Revolutionary Abolition Movement, another anarchist group. As capitalism remains mired in crisis, its once solid position within the global order is crumbling. With ever widening cracks in the states foundations, those who reaped the benefits of white supremacist society and American imperialism are grasping at any last chance to maintain their position in the hierarchy it legitimates.

Antifa just cant allow things like American exceptionalism or our Constitutional Republic to get in the way of its agenda to destroy far-right violence, a.k.a. peaceful protests by non-antifa American patriots. So antifa is resorting to the only thing it knows how to do in response to differing opinions or beliefs: the threat of bloodshed.

Whats incredibly ironic about the way that antifa lays out its newest tactical maneuvers to seize control over American society is that almost everything it blames on the alt-right is exactly what its doing to supposedly counter the alt-right. Antifa claims to be anti-fascist, for instance, when its efforts to silence free speech are the very definition of fascism. Antifa also claims to be the victim or bigotry and hatred when, in fact, antifa is the instigator in almost every instance.

Sources for this article include:

DailyCaller.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) A controversial fertilization procedure is being banned by the Trump administration for displaying a disgusting lack of respect for a human embryo. Informally known as three-parent IVF, this implantation process destroys two embryos to create a viable egg cell which is then fertilized by a single sperm. The technique was initially created to prevent rare genetic disorders and treat infertility. The procedure is technically called mitochondrial replacement technology (MRT) and has, since its introduction, opened a can of worms. Many questions have been raised on creating genetically-modified babies to suit a parents needs. There is no assurance that MRT will not be used for cosmetic or even military reasons.

The FDA has condemned the practice. In a strongly-worded letter, Mary Malarkey, Director of the Office of Compliance and Biologics Quality called out New York-based physician, Dr. John Zhang for his request to run clinical trials of the experimental technique. The FDA has conclusively stated that any and all forms of procedures that seek to modify a human egg cell is illegal and unethical. There are several reasons for their conclusion, but one of the main factors listed is that scientists are not even sure what impact the MRT procedure would have on the babies it produces.

MRT supposedly prevents the occurrence of genetic disorders that are passed through mitochondrial DNA by removing one mothers mitochondria and using another mothers healthy DNA instead. Dr. Zhang allegedly pioneered the concept here, successfully engineering his first live birth using MRT. The procedure was tested on a woman who carried a gene for a rare neurological disorder. The woman also claimed to have suffered from four miscarriages and the two children she had delivered died very early. Dr. Zhang created a three-DNA human embryo for the woman in the U.S. but had her brought to Mexico to implant the cell.

According to our laws, creating a genetically modified human embryo in a lab is allowed in the U.S. (as long as federal funds are not used). However, implanting them in a womb is prohibited.

Dr. Zhang claims that the mother gave birth to a healthy baby boy in April 2016.

The FDA has stated that the Trump administration takes a very hard stance against the development of any technology that would alter babies, even if doing so would prevent severe disease. The group has reprimanded Dr. Zhang for promoting a technique that has not been approved or acknowledged for its safety or efficacy.

But President Trump may be fighting a hard battle. In the U.K., three-parent IVF techniques are already being tested and used in the hopes of eliminating genetic diseases. Britains Church of England and Catholic bishops have criticized government officials for accepting and legalizing these procedures.

Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington of Westminster told Life Site News, this is about a human life with potential, arising from a father and a mother, being used as a disposable material[the human embryo] should be respected and protected from the moment of conception.

Other bishops share the same opinion, noting that MRT is not a treatment in itself, but a revolting attempt by scientists to play God. Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, Scotland said that MRT distorts the natural process of fertility.

The apoplectic response from the clergy aside, scientists in the U.K. are continuing their endeavor. Unfortunately, this places our scientists in a pickle as they fear that advances by their British counterparts would cause them to be left behind.

Other countries are ahead of us on this, said Naomi Cahn, a professor at the George Washington University Law School. We need to be more sensitive to whats going on internationally with this technology.

Read more stories like this on FutureScienceNews.com.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

FDA.gov

TechnologyReview.com

CBSNews.com
(Natural News) Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia believe that nicotinamide (vitamin B3) can be used to prevent the incidence of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. The study, published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine, demonstrates the efficacy of vitamin B3 in reducing or even reversing DNA damage and inflammation caused by ultraviolet radiation. Authors of the review say that more research into the topic is necessary but conclude that should their data be further verified, it could lead to a cheap and potent solution to skin cancer.

The team noted that nicotinamide costs around $10 per month if taken at the recommended dosage of one gram a day. This is significantly less expensive than conventional cancer therapies, which usually include chemotherapy sessions and various forms of medications.

The vitamin therapy was observed to be effective in decreasing the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer among high-risk individuals. Dr. Gary Halliday, senior author of the study said that randomized placebo controlled trials are now needed to confirm a similar effect among high-risk melanoma patients. (Related: Fight skin cancer through nutrition not sunscreen.)

A primer on vitamin B3 and melanoma

Vitamin B3 is known by many names including niacin, niacinamide, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide. It can be sourced through the consumption of lean meats, brewers yeast, whole grains, and nuts. Most people, however, tend to get their vitamin B3 through supplements.

Vitamin B3 is essential for healthy nervous and digestive function and promotes skin health. Those with cholesterol problems can also take the vitamin to balance their triglyceride levels. There is some evidence that also points to the vitamins use in the production of bile salts and the synthesis of sex hormones.

The vitamin is mostly recommended however for improving brain health. Certain psychiatric symptoms are claimed to be alleviated with an ample dose of vitamin B3. Preliminary studies also suggest that vitamin B3 can prevent dementia.

While no side-effects have been seen in taking niacin through food, sourcing the vitamin through supplements can lead to various adverse conditions. An overdose of niacin can lead to stomach irritation, nausea, liver damage, gout, and blurred vision.

Vitamin B3s exact uses and functions are still being determined by medical science. One of the areas that scientists are looking into is the vitamins capacity to prevent cancer.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that usually forms on the skin. It begins when the pigment-producing cell, melanin, begins to mutate and multiply rapidly. Because melanoma forms on the skin, it is relatively easy to detect and treat early. Doctors say that 90 percent of all melanoma cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from natural and artificial sources, including indoor tanning beds. The remaining ten percent takes into account family history, genetics, and other environmental factors.

The prognosis for melanoma is normally good, although this depends on how early the cancer is detected.

It is important that you are aware of the warning signs of melanoma. This means consistently checking for abnormal moles, brown spots, or growths on the skin. Take note of these red flags:

Asymmetry  Draw a line in the middle of a mole and see if both halves match. Moles that are asymmetrical are more likely to be cancerous.

Border  Benign moles have smooth, even borders. Watch out for moles that have scalloped or notches borders.

Color  Noncancerous moles are usually one color. Having a mole that has a variety of colors is a warning sign that something is wrong.

Diameter  Malignant moles are normally larger than benign ones.

Evolving  Moles that seem to change over time can be cancerous.

To learn more about cancer and its prevention, go to CancerSolutions.news.

Sources include:

AlphaGalileo.org

TheHinduBusinessLine.com

HealthLine.com

Melanoma.org

Cancer.gov

SkinCancer.org
(Natural News) One of the worst things that can happen to you in life is when you are educated improperly. Learning false information, propaganda and distorted facts leads to bad decisions and a thought infrastructure that takes twice the amount of work to deconstruct and rebuild properly. The concept and scientific craft of genetically modifying organisms is complex, and for the most part, Americans do not understand exactly what is going on in the biotechnology laboratories. Whats worse is the trove of lies and fabricated research published online that fools the masses into believing GMOs are good for the environment, humans and the future of food.

The truth is that consuming chemicals leads directly to most of the diseases and disorders suffered by Americans today. Genetically modified foods contain, in the genes of the plants themselves, toxic insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides. You cant wash that off. No matter how much rogue scientists and academics try to convince you that GMOs can help farmers increase yield, kill pesky insects, avoid drought and use less water, the trade off for human health is never worth it.

Exposing the most sinister GMO shills, hacks, hucksters, quacks, charlatans and propagandists alive today

Imagine if every medical journal right now swore up and down that every case of cancer was inherited from your parents, would you give up the fight and just stop eating healthy foods altogether? What if you visited 12 medical doctors and every single one of them told you that drinking 12 ounces of weed killer each day helped prevent dementia and cured irritable bowel syndrome, would you run to Home Depot or Lowes and buy an economy size jug of Roundup and pour a glass for yourself and each of your children today?

Consider the possibility that the majority of scientists that promote GMOs are paid big bucks to do so, regardless of the science and health facts behind them. Also contemplate the fact that medical colleges in America do NOT teach classes on nutrition, so how could any medical doctor give you advice about preventable diseases caused by processed foods and pesticide-laden crops, especially when those same doctors are pushing chemical-laced pills that cover up the symptoms and pain that stem from toxic food consumption habits? You must be very careful from where you derive your information regarding food safety, agriculture threats and natural remedies for preventable diseases. This is paramount to your education, your health and the future of food.

Propaganda runs deep: Take a close look at the 12 WORST purveyors of twisted research and mutated Frankenfood information

#1. Washington Post (WashPo)  Yes, there are plenty of journalists who lie for money and they do it well. They use buzz words they steal from the organic world, such as sustainable, safe and efficient. For example, Tamar Haspel is a WashPo food columnist who regurgitates agrichemical company scripts. Haspel once moderated a North Carolina Biotechnology Center panel to push GMO business and propaganda in the Big Tobacco state. Haspel outright admits to accepting big money from biotech conglomerates to spew their lies as facts. During a Twitter conversation, when referring to how much money she made, she typed: Since any group believing biotech has something to offer is a front group, plenty!

#2. GMO Answers  This website is ironically not scientific at all, but simply a manipulative response to intelligent questions that challenge the safety of chemicals woven into the food supply. Shill scientists and huckster journalists are hired by Monsanto to trick any skeptics of biotechnology into believing their scripted lies. The writers at GMOAnswers.com repeatedly claim there are mountains of scientific evidence and research that prove the safety and efficacy of biotechnology, but thats simply not true. There is no world consensus and there probably never will be one.

#3. American Heart Association (AHA)  The AHA literally posts recipes on their main website that cause heart disease, cancer and diabetes. For the worst advice possible about food habits that prevent heart disease, the AHA has your number. They even promote toxic vegetable oils!

#4. American Cancer Society (ACS)  Since ACS was created a century ago, cancer cases in America have steadily increased. Theyve promoted cigarettes, processed foods, vaccines and GMOs, saying all of them are safe and effective. Their fake war on cancer is nothing but propaganda. Never donate a penny or a moment of your time to these corporate fraudsters.

#5. Susan Komen Foundation  How can a drive sponsored by fried chicken (KFC thats loaded with hydrogenated oils and MSG) and alcohol (Mikes Hard Lemonade) promote the search for the cure? They say organic food is unsafe while pushing women to be radiated with lots of mammograms. What a farce! Their slogan should be Komen for the Cause.

#6. Facebook and Twitter  The ultimate censors of natural cures and natural remedies are the sneakiest crooks who run social media platforms. Posts about real cures for preventable diseases and disorders simply get banned, blocked and erased, without any warnings or notices. Its just business as usual for corporate America, Big Food and Big Pharma  policing social media and blacklisting actual food education while promoting anything GMO.

#7. Google  Searching for the cure for anything? You wont find it using the worlds most popular search engine. Try GoodGopher.com for factual info about the dangers of consuming GMOs.

#8. American Council on Science and Health (ACSH)  Founded by the Queen of Junk Science, ACSH is a front for GMO promoters. Believe nothing you read at their website.

#9. Forbes  Their favorite hack writer is Jon Entine, a violent psychopath who shills for Monsanto. Enough said.

#10. Genetic Literacy Project  Want your kids to believe that eating bug killer and weed destroying chemicals are good for health and happiness? This brainwashing website should be called the Genetic Illiteracy Project, because its all propaganda for Monsanto.

#11. Council for Biotechnology Information (CBI)  Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the CBI is a coalition of the worlds largest chemical-industrial giants that push synthetic, toxic pesticides off as safe and beneficial. Prime time players include BASF, Bayer, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Monsanto, Novartis, Zeneca Ag, Syngenta, Cargill, and Aventis CropScience.

#12. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  This corporate business is no regulatory agency at all. Their job is to push chemical-laced medicine for doctors to quell the symptoms of disease and disorder caused by FDA-approved chemical-laden food, including using tax-payer money to promote Frankenfoods. Its all a Ponzi scheme and if you dont think so, then YOU are the conspiracy theorist.

For more truthful information about the decimation of our health and planet due to toxic pesticides and carcinogenic herbicides, check out pesticides.news and foodscience.news, where the truth is published without interference from corporate monsters or biotechnology information thugs. You have complete control over what you consume, and that includes information as well as food. Eat clean and study hard. Knowledge is power.



Sources for this article include:

TruthWiki.org

FoodScience.news

Pesticides.news

NaturalNews.com

TruthWiki.org

TruthWiki.org

NaturalNews.com

TruthWiki.org

TruthWiki.org

TruthWiki.org

TruthWiki.org

TruthWiki.org

TruthWiki.org

NaturalNews.com
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The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows young undocumented immigrants to stay and work in the United States, is "being rescinded," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday.

The decision to do away with DACA drew scathing criticism from some Bay Area politicians.

"President Trumps decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "Deporting DREAMers means destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of patriotic young people, costing the economy billions and betraying the fundamental values of the American Dream."

Rep. Barbara Lee, who represents the East Bay, took to Twitter, writing, "Ending #DACA is cruel and heartless. Congress must act now to protect #DREAMers and pass comprehensive reform once and for all."

DACA has given approximately 800,000 young undocumented immigrants, also referred to as "dreamers," the opportunity to stay in the country and work legally in the U.S. in the form of two-year, renewable work permits. The state with the highest amount of DACA recipients benefiting from the program is California, according to data analyzed by the Pew Research Center.

The government will stop processing new applications under the Obama-era program, but the Trump administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered.

California Sen. Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco, joined Pelosi and Lee in condemning the decision, arguing that President Trump is "going after immigrant children."

"Ending DACA is a disaster that will only serve to tear families apart and stoke fear and distrust in our immigrant communities," part of Wiener's statement read. "Trumps odious immigration policies expose him for what he is  a divisive, destructive nativist with no concern for the well-being of the people who live in this country."

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo also blasted the announcement, but vowed to support DACA recipients in San Jose.

"The Attorney General's announcement of the Trump Administration's rescission of DACA abandons 800,000 of America's hardest-working, most patriotic residents," a portion of the mayor's statement read. "Punting the issue to Congress, without any affirmative leadership to enact a legislative solution, amounts to a cowardly cop-out, placing the futures of these young women and men in serious jeopardy."



Aside from taking to social media or issuing written statements, a number of Bay Area politicians addressed the DACA decision at Tuesday news conferences.

In the South Bay, Santa Clara County leaders scolded President Trump for showing a cold heart to DACA recipients.

"I, like many here, are not surprised that the President of the United States took the moral compass of his country and once again threw it to the ground," Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez said.

Fellow supervisor Dave Cortese added that the county will consider legal action against the federal government as well as continue to fight for the roughly 24,000 DACA recipients in the region.

"I urge every 'dreamer' out there affected by today's decision to remain resilient and hopeful," Cortese said. "That's the American way. That's the Silicon Valley way. And that's absolutely the Santa Clara County way. And we will not go down without a fight."

A slew of South Bay leaders gathered a short time later and pledged their continued support for those impacted by DACA while recipients of the program themselves spoke out about the program's benefits during a rally outside the Martin Luther King Library in San Jose.



In San Francisco, immigrant, civil rights and faith groups gathered at an 11 a.m. news conference at city hall to "condemn the President's cruel and unjust decision." Later in the day, Mayor Ed Lee criticized the Trump administration's decision, saying that they "turned their backs on these young people."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

The program was created by the Obama administration in 2012.

Tuesday's announcement triggered a host of rallies across the Bay Area. In addition, many politicians and officials are reacting to Trump's decision to end the DACA program.

Here's what they are saying:

Former President Barack Obama:

Read more on Obama's reaction to Trump's DACA decision.

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi:

President Trumps decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America. Deporting DREAMers means destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of patriotic young people, costing the economy billions and betraying the fundamental values of the American Dream.

The Presidents cruel and heartless decision to start deporting DREAMers in six months demands an immediate response from the Republican Congress. Speaker Ryan and the Republican House leadership must bring the DREAM Act to the floor for a vote without delay.

Senator Kamala D. Harris:

DACA recipients make our nation strong and represent the best of America. The President's decision undermines our nations values and is a cruel betrayal to the more than 800,000 young people, including more than 200,000 Californians, who have only ever known the United States of America as their home.

Dreamers are Americans in every way except a piece of paper. With this decision, President Trump is telling classmates of our children they don't belong, employees of Fortune 100 companies they aren't welcome, and saying to those who serve in our military and run small businesses that they should leave. These young people deserve better than that. They came out of the shadows and submitted every detail of their personal lives to prove that they were lawful, productive members of our society. By turning his back on our young Dreamers and their families, President Trump has once again sided with division and hate.

The consequences of this decision will be devastating. It will split up families, force young people back to countries they never knew, and cost our economy billions of dollars. It is heartless.

Now more than ever, it is time we roll up our sleeves and stand with these young people who contribute to our community and our economy. Republicans in Congress must immediately allow a vote on the DREAM Act, a bipartisan bill we introduced again this summer. We are better than this.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee:

The United States of America is, has been, and will always be a nation of immigrants. As such, our immigration policies should be focused on keeping families together, not tearing them apart.

Undocumented students who were brought to the U.S. through no fault of their own are working, going to school, living their lives, and contributing billions to the American economy. For five years, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has allowed these innocent young adults to remain united with their families and safely reside in their communities.

Ending DACA in order to deport its nearly 800,000 recipients is cruel and heartless. Instead of devastating families, President Trump and Republicans should be working toward comprehensive immigration reform to permanently fix our broken immigration system.

Since President Trump has abandoned these young people, Congress must have the courage to do the right thing. I call on my colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that will give qualified DACA recipients a path to citizenship and move to stop the raids by ICE and CBP in our communities, which undermine public safety and erode trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo:

When President Obama established DACA in 2012, the program created a ray of hope for those who were brought to the United States as young children and they are Americans in every way except on paper. President Trump's decision today to terminate this program diminishes that hope for the bright young DREAMers who now call America home.

Over 787,000 individuals have received relief from deportation under the DACA program, allowing them to obtain work permits, pursue higher education, obtain drivers licenses, and contribute their talents to our nation. These children put their faith in our government when they chose to come out of the shadows and I will fight with all that I have to ensure Congress passes legislation to overrule the President's irresponsible action and ensure that these children can remain in the only country they have ever known.

U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren:

President Trumps cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program creates a moral emergency for our nation. Some 800,000 DACA recipients brought to the United States as children are today vital members of our communities and economy. They are as American as any of us  except for paperwork. President Trumps decision to turn his back on them betrays our national character.

The threat of court proceedings is an inadequate excuse. President Trump has never been reluctant to go to court when he thinks it would benefit him. In this instance, over 100 law professors recently affirmed that the legal authority for the Executive Branch to operate DACAis crystal clear.

The impetus for the Presidents action seems just as clear: an extremist, racist agenda. Seventy-eight percent of Americans oppose the deportation of such young people. However, groups tied to the white nationalist movement have long sought DACAs destruction. Once again, President Trump seems to bend to the will of extremists rather than mainstream Americans, just as he did while condoning white supremacists in Charlottesville.

Congress must stop this mass deportation of innocent young people. Democratic lawmakers already stand united in our support for DACA recipients, as we do in rejecting attempts to use them as props in broader anti-immigrant legislation. The Dream Act of 2017 (H.R. 3440), which I proudly co-sponsored, would grant them the legal status and path to citizenship that they deserve. The only question is whether Republicans will join the right side of history.

The moral stakes could not be higher. The fate of some 800,000 of our nations young people who will forever consider America home hangs in the balance.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo:

The Attorney General's announcement of the Trump Administration's rescission of DACA abandons 800,000 of America's hardest-working, most patriotic residents. Punting the issue to Congress, without any affirmative leadership to enact a legislative solution, amounts to a cowardly cop-out, placing the futures of these young women and men in serious jeopardy.

To San Jose's tens of thousands of DREAMers, we reiterate: We've got your back. I will seek to challenge the Administration's actions in court, after consulting with our Council and City Attorney regarding our options in the week ahead.

History will not forgive Donald Trump for abandoning our DREAMers.

San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon:

Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will be eliminated, creating the very real possibility that as many as 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought here as children may be returned to countries that they have never known. By ending this program the administration continues to drive our nations immigrant population further into the shadows. This has the effect of undermining cooperation with law enforcement, cooperation that often leads to the apprehension and prosecution of violent offenders - the true danger to law and order.

While job growth is slowing, health care costs are soaring, and as new threats emerge from around the globe, this action epitomizes the misplaced priorities of an administration unable to advance any meaningful public policy. This is yet another deeply troubling indication that Donald Trump's playbook has only one move: Pedal hate and absurd policies that appease America's fringe right wing white nationalists.

The administration's move puts the fate of these DREAMers in Congress' hands. While Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions continue to propagate the politics of fear, Congress has the opportunity to show the world, and the xenophobes among us, what America truly stands for.

San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera:

President Trumps decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was not only heartless, it was cowardly. This president just cut short the future of 800,000 children, but he is trying to shift the blame to Congress. Children should not be used as political pawns by a president who doesnt even have the guts to go before the American people and announce this decision himself. Deporting children who have known no other home than America makes no sense. This president has just put the next generation of young American leaders in peril.

The hypocrisy of this administration is also galling. Attorney General Jeff Sessions claims DACA was an attempt to circumvent Congress, yet that is exactly what this administration is doing with the presidents executive order on sanctuary cities and their attempt to unlawfully add new conditions to law enforcement grants. Once again, this administration is showing its contempt for the facts and the law.

San Francisco Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer:

I am angered by Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement today about rescinding DACA, and am fully committed to stand with the thousands of undocumented immigrants in our city, and in particular today with those who are participants in the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals Program.

While I still hope for comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship, the DACA program is a critical step for young people who arrived as children in the United States, to come out of the shadows and participate fully in economic and educational opportunities. We as a society have also benefited from these young people who have joined our work force and are working toward higher education.

As a country we should be expanding programs like this rather than threatening to shut them down. And as a city, we need to come together and strongly denounce these attacks on our immigrant communities.

California Latino Legislative Caucus



President Trump is once again demonstrating that he is unfit to hold office, said Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) who serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. The Latino Caucus condemns the decision by the President to eliminate DACA. This move is a dishonorable, cowardly, and malicious betrayal for the 800,000 Dreamers across our great nation. This is particularly egregious when one considers that the people being betrayed are children who have studied hard and done everything that was asked of them by our country and its leaders.

President Trumps decision is hateful, inhumane and will have a devastating impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent, hard-working people, added Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, the Caucus Vice Chair (D- San Diego). It will also be terrible for our economy, costing this nation untold billions in economic output. His decision is indefensible as a matter of policy and a betrayal of our nations values.

Polls have consistently shown that DACA enjoys overwhelming support across the nation. The Presidents disgraceful action comes days after he pardoned former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt for flagrantly violating the constitutional rights of Latinos.

California will continue to stand with immigrants, especially immigrant children, said Hueso, We will do everything in our power to ensure they are treated fairly and with dignity in this great state.

Council on American Islamic Relations Executive Director Nihad Awad:

The American Muslim community and CAIR stand with the 800,000 undocumented young people who were brought to our nation as children, who call the United States home and whose only dream is to come out of the shadows and to stay where they belong.

"By terminating DACA, even with a six-month delay or 'wind down,' President Trump is pandering to the demands of anti-immigrant extremists and harming our nation by targeting some of the most dynamic and success-oriented members of society. In practical terms, the 'delay' in implementing the termination is meaningless for the vast majority of Dreamers and will inevitably result in chaos in their lives.

These young Dreamers deserve the chance to work and study -- and to be protected from deportation -- while Congress debates broader legislation to fix our broken immigration system.

President Trump's heartless action will only serve to create fear and anxiety for the Dreamers and their loved ones, and will force them back to living in the shadows, rendering them unable to contribute to our nation's economy.

CAIR encourages state and local officials across the nation to enact policies prohibiting discrimination based on citizenship status and to offer sanctuary and support for Dreamers.

American Muslims will continue to push for measures that protect undocumented youth and support comprehensive immigration reform - reform that includes a roadmap to citizenship for the nation's 11 million undocumented residents.

Service Employees International Union USWW President David Huerta:

The Trump Administration has once again shown that they lack compassion and an understanding of the needs of the American people by now targeting 800,000 young men and women, who know no other home than the United States. These DACA recipients are bravely pursuing the right to go to school, work and fulfill their American dream.

We urge Republicans in Congress to stand up for these hardworking Dreamers. You have an opportunity to deliver a policy that upholds American values of hard work and determination and not allow hate or fear to guide decisions and law.

To the Dreamers who have boldly fought for their place in this country: we continue to stand in solidarity with you and we will fight every step of the way to protect your right to live and work in this nation with dignity and respect.

California Endowment President and CEO Dr. Robert K. Ross:

The revocation of DACA is a colossal breach in our nations progress towards a more equitable and inclusive society. Its an injustice not only to our fellow community members with DACA status, but to all Californians and for that matter, all Americans. Ending the DACA program threatens the health and well-being of our neighborhoods, our families and our very humanity. Our economy stands to take a significant hit to the tune of billions of dollars, and the very fabric of our democracy is forever scarred.

This year, amidst great strife, we've seen the people of California rise up again and again to fight racism, hatred, and fear. It is more important now than ever to #RiseUpAsOne, and I know our communities won't stand down to this latest challenge. We reaffirm the fight to protect DREAMers, DACA recipients, and the entire immigrant community. We will continue to share their stories, share their battles, and stand up for what is right.

The California Endowment stands in solidarity with all of our friends, neighbors, and staff  no matter where they come from  in an unwavering commitment to justice and health for all.

Rep. Huffman (D-San Rafael):

President Trumps decision to terminate the DACA program is a cruel, broken promise that will harm hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought here as children and have lived as Americans for their entire lives. When Trump promised to spare DREAMers from his unforgiving deportation plans, he was, yet again, blowing hot air. This is not just another broken Donald Trump promise, its a violation of the core values that America and our communities are built on.

These DREAMers have grown up in America: theyve studied at our schools, enrolled in our universities, served in our military, and contribute every day to our economy and our society. Now President Trump  who pardoned Joe Arpaio for unforgivable racial profiling and violating a judges order  believes that these young people ought to be deported, or that they should stop working and instead disappear into the shadows.

Congress must now act to give the DREAMers a chance to earn their way to citizenship and stay in the country that they call home. This is a test for the leadership of the House and Senate: will we just hear empty expressions of concern, or will they actually take a stand and work with us to immediately bring the American Hope Act of 2017 to a vote, to protect these deserving young people from Donald Trump and set them on a path to earned citizenship. Congress needs to act now to fix our broken immigration system.

Every community around the country will feel the effect of Donald Trumps reckless DACA reversal. In my own district, I have met with young DREAMers who are upstanding members of the community, including children whose parents are already facing deportation orders. I will continue to do everything in my power to defend these families from Donald Trumps cowardly, destructive, and un-American decision to end the DACA program.

Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel):

The President has rescinded an unconstitutional executive order from the prior administration that he had committed to reverse during the campaign. Now the real work must begin.

It is imperative that Congress pass a lasting legislative solution that will ensure that 800,000 young people, who have done nothing wrong, can continue to pursue their educations, careers and contributions to our great nation. This will only happen with bipartisan leadership from Congress and the President. Both Republicans and Democrats must come together to develop the immigration reforms that have sadly never materialized under presidential administrations and legislative majorities of both parties. Delay and inaction are no longer options.

San Jose State University President Mary A. Papazian:

As I previously have observed, ensuring access to a quality education is neither a partisan nor political issue; it is our mission. Since its adoption in 2012, DACA has provided stability and opportunity to many students and some of the faculty and staff members who serve them. Every one of these individuals is intrinsic to the fabric of our uniquely diverse community. Viewed through this lens, todays news is deeply disappointing.



Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent Donald Evans and School Board President Ty Alper:

The President's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will have a profound and devastating effect on many of our students, and their families, and their friends. Even if Congress does act to protect DACA in the coming months, the Presidents action has caused pain and anguish in our community and across our nation.

We want our community to know that we support the right of all students to attend school, and we do not record the immigration status of our students and families. We will continue to work with our community partners, such as the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, the East Bay Community Law Center, and the Centro Legal de La Raza to support our undocumented students and families.

We stand with our immigrant families; they are valued members of our community, and we will protect and support them in any way that we can.

Oakland City Councilmember Abel Guillen:

To our Dreamers: You are fighters, you are resilient. We stand with you and for you in this struggle. The vast majority of Californians and Americans stand with you: They see you serving bravely in our military, pursuing your education in hopes of a better life, working hard, creating small businesses, paying taxes, and helping every day to make our nation stronger. We stand united in this fight because this cause is bigger than you alone. We will win because your American Dream is the same as that of all the people born in this country. Our shared principles of freedom, fairness and opportunity are much bigger than the narrow-minded and short-sighted claims of this Republican administration. Our country is bigger  and better  than Trump.

To those who arent sure if DACA is a good idea: The 800,000 DACA recipients make a positive contribution to Americas economy, as do the more than 220,000 who live, work and study in California grow our states prosperity. Alameda County has 17,000 DACA-eligible residents.

By some estimates, an average of 30,000 workers could lose their jobs every month once DACA provisions are eliminated. The loss of those workers could cost $460.3 billion in national economic output over the next decade. Medicare and Social Security contributions could fall by $24.6 billion. Canceling DACA will affect all of us  especially documented Baby Boomers and retirees. Nobody is immune from the impacts of this short-sighted action. DACA is not just their fight, its everybodys responsibility.

Now that President Trump has rescinded the DACA executive order, we must demand that Congress and the Senate pass legislation that guarantees protections for Dreamers  and prosperity for all of us. There are already legislative options on the table, including the DREAM Act of 2017, the Bridge Act or the American Hope Act. We will be mobilizing public support in legislative chambers and in the streets for new protections, and I will be introducing an Oakland City Council resolution asking Congress to defend our Dreamers.

San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa:

The Trump Administrations move to end DACA is bad for America in every possible way. There are 800,000 youth in the United States who have benefited from this progressive immigration policy. But now they live in fear of being deported because their parents sought better lives for their children here in the United States. We must keep the dreams of Dreamers alive by standing in solidarity with them, Supervisor Canepa said.

DACA allowed young immigrants to obtain drivers licenses, work permits and deferred their deportation as long as certain requirements were met. With DACA, young immigrants have been able to pursue higher education and personal career goals.

San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools candidate Dr. Gary Waddell:



As educators in San Mateo County, our mission is to serve all children and youth and provide for their provide for their education and well-being. This mission has been undermined by President Trumps action to end DACA. In spite of this, we will persist for the benefit and well-being of all students regardless of their background or immigration status.

Lets remember that San Mateo County is the heart of Silicon Valley, the birthplace of innovation and possibility. We welcome immigrant students seeking to better themselves, their families, and our larger community. We celebrate their diversity and the manner that it enriches us all.

Diversity and inclusion make us a stronger and more just society. Children should not live in fear of deportation. These children are in our country, for many of them the only home that they have only ever known, through no fault of their own. They should have the same opportunity to live lives of hope and promise in this country of immigrants.

These values are reflected in the functions of the County Office of Education, which include providing leadership in equity and innovation, and ensuring that all of our students have a strong education and the promise of a bright future.

As County Superintendent of Schools, I will act to protect students in keeping with County Office of Educations mission of Equity and Excellence in Education, to engage with all of the diverse communities of San Mateo County, and to stay true to our greater calling and purpose as educators and Americans.

Telemundo:

Telemundo stands with the 800,000 Dreamers who are integral to the economy, culture and spirit of our nation. We are disheartened by the decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In addition to the human impact of this decision, repealing DACA will result in the loss of thousands of jobs in the United States and billions of dollars in economic growth over the next decade. We urge Congress to act swiftly to preserve the rights of these valuable members of our community. All of our elected representatives should be held accountable toward this end.
A recent court decision in San Francisco went largely unnoticed, but the result may signal the end of a crime-fighting force which has been part of the city since the Gold Rush days -- even before the San Francisco Police Department.

For 160 years, the Patrol Special have been walking their beats in San Francisco, an auxiliary force overseen by the police department. They look like regular police officers. They are armed and they have the power to apprehend, but not to arrest.

Perhaps the most important distinction is that they are not paid by the city, but by the business and neighborhood groups who are willing to spend for what they consider an extra layer of protection. Their clients, the Castro Community Benefit District among them, believe the Patrol Special group make the streets safer.

"It's the same people here all the time and they know who the characters are," said Andrea Aiello with the Castro Benefit District.

If the Patrol Special provide that kind of service, which is essentially free to the city, why is their survival very much in doubt? And why is so little help coming from City Hall?

Once number in the hundreds, only a dozen of them are left to patrol their beats, geographical areas that under the city charter are owned by the Patrol Special themselves.

So what has changed?

"You've got the entire police force doing 10-B. And it's nobody's interest to help the Patrol Specials anymore," said Daniel Bakondi, attorney for Patrol Special.

10-B is a police department program which has made regular San Francisco police officers available for the kind of work that used to be the domain of the Patrol Specials.

An example would be regular police officers stationed outside Apple Stores. The officers are off duty, which means they are working overtime.

But the city is not footing the bill. Apple is.

10-B provides substantial financial incentive for the city -- the Patrol Special do not.

So it came as a surprise that during a July meeting, the police commission did approve, and by unanimous vote no less, a new assistant Patrol Special named Cody Clements.

Clements is the first applicant approved by the commission in four years. But the commission, which did not respond to NBC Bay Area requests for an interview, denies it is deliberately dragging out the process.

A federal judge recently dismissed a lawsuit by the Patrol Special. As a result, the city is under no obligation to preserve the force, nor will they be compensated for work lost to the 10-B program.

Patrol Special Officer Alan Baynard has spent his life protecting the communities who hire him, but he and his colleagues are getting old now and they need reinforcements.

"I think the city is very determined to get rid of us," Baynard said. "I don't know if there would be a lot of people jumping up and down saying this is a good program.

The Patrol Special continue to walk their beats night after night, hoping for any signal their work is valued by city leaders.

"We have no idea what public officials are thinking," Bakondi said. "Nobody's talking about this. Not one peep from anybody."

The Patrol Special's days appear to be numbered, even as property crimes continue to plague the city.

Despite a police force down 300 officers and without the resources to keep up, there is clearly no lifeline coming from City Hall.

Unless public demand saves the day, it will not be long before one might hear the question, "Where's a Patrol Special when you need one?"
The droves of people who visited Ocean Beach in San Francisco over the holiday weekend certainly left their mark -- in the form of trash.

Garbage cans were overflowing, and trash could be seen strewn across the sand and parking lot at the popular beach.

Visitor Jessica Feeney was worried about what 2-year-old Violet might find.

"There's trash all around," she said. "I had the feeling: Should she be walking in the sand? Is there gonna be broken glass? People don't clean up what they bring in. It's such a shame."

Record temperatures attracted big crowds to Ocean Beach starting on Friday and continuing through Labor Day. Park rangers said they spent their mornings picking up garbage, and maintenance crews made extra trash pickups. But there's still a lot to clean up.

Carlie Kennedy and her family came from Sacramento to cool off. She was disappointed to see the beach trashed but relieved to see some people picking up.

"There were people walking around with trash bags," Kennedy said. "Nice to see; don't see that all the time."

A beach cleanup hosted by the Surfrider Foundation is scheduled at Ocean Beach on Sept. 16.
As union members marched in Oakland, San Jose and other Bay Area locations Monday for a $15 national minimum hourly wage, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, added her voice to the chorus.

Describing the American workforce as "the most productive in world history," the congresswoman said, "I stand with our union brothers and sisters in support of the Fight for $15 nationwide."

Lee said women and communities of color bear the brunt of discrimination and institutional barriers holding wages stagnant and that women earn only 77 percent of every dollar paid to white men.

"As we pause to commemorate the triumphs of the labor movement, we must never forget the work that remains to give women, communities of color and struggling families a shot at improving their basic living standards and accessing the American dream," Lee said.

Union members held a rally at Oakland's Frank Ogawa Plaza. The San Francisco Labor Council, the Alameda Labor Council and the Service Employees International Union took part.

Former hedge fund manager turned environmental activist Tom Steyer also was on hand in Oakland preaching that politics matters.

"We have to organize, we have to tell the truth, and we have to win elections," he said.

Immigrant rights activist Cinthya Munoz Ramos also addressed the crowd, telling them she is undocumented and unafraid to fight the president.

"It was you and me that brought about DACA, and whether he ends it or not, we are still here, and we have work to do," she said.



In San Jose, members of SEIU Local 521 traveled in caravan to protest at various South Bay locations, then held a Labor Day picnic at the SEIU office on Zanker Road.

In Watsonville, SEIU members and the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council marched through Watsonville, stopping at various locations, according to organizers, who said the event focuses on workers' right to unionize.

NBC Bay Area's Mark Matthews contributed to this report.
Immigrants and activists around the country took to the streets Tuesday for a second day of protests in reaction to the Trump administration's decision to end an Obama-era program that has shielded nearly 800,000 young people from deportation.

Outside the White House, where 300 to 400 demonstrators gathered earlier Tuesday, protesters yelled "Shame!" as Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the administration would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects those brought into the country illegally as children. The administration is giving DACA a six-month delay to give Congress time to decide if it wants to address the status of the law.

Demonstrators in the nation's capital marched from the White House to Trump Hotel, chanting, "Stop, stop deportation! No more family separation!" before making their way to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters.

In New York City, about 400 protesters marched to Trump Tower in Manhattan and police handcuffed over a dozen activists who staged a sit-in on Fifth Avenue, briefly blocking traffic. Later in the day thousands marched across the Brooklyn Bridge, NBC New York reported. There were more than 40 arrests, officials said.

Hundreds of teachers and students demonstrated outside Metro State University in Denver and elsewhere in Colorado to denounce the decision and demand that Congress act. In New Mexico, students across the most Hispanic state in the U.S. participated in a massive walk out Tuesday.

Hundreds of people marched in the streets of downtown Los Angeles protesting the decision to rescind DACA. Scores of workers and community members participated, including janitorial workers, airport service workers, community leaders, local youth leaders and members of the clergy, according to the Service Employees International Union.

Protesters held posters Tuesday evening and chanting, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go" and "Our communities are under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back."

Rallies also took place in other major cities, including Boston, Chicago, Louisville, San Diego, the Bay Area, and Philadelphia.

Former President Barack Obama condemned the Trump administration's decision, calling it "cruel" and "self-defeating."

"Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally," Obama wrote in a Facebook post. "It's a political decision, and a moral question."

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told youths at a high school with a large number of students in the country illegally that they are welcome. The mayor says Chicago will be a "Trump-free zone."



The young immigrants are preparing for the unknown. Some worry they will have to work under the table in lower-wage jobs, while others hope to persevere or even start their own businesses.

Korina Iribe said she and her partner have been discussing what they need to do to protect their 2-year-old son in the event that they are no longer shielded from deportation or cannot work. Both were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

"Our son is U.S.-born, and ultimately for us, we want the best for him. But we also don't wanna go back to living in the shadows," said Iribe, from the Phoenix area.

Details of the changes were not clear, including what would happen if lawmakers failed to pass a measure by the deadline.

Supporters of the program also took to the streets previously on Monday in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, South Carolina and elsewhere, holding up signs that read, "No person has the right to rain on your dreams" and "You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one."

Iribe and her partner are planning on giving one of her son's grandparents power of attorney in case they are deported without notice. She is considering getting her son dual citizenship so he could join them in Mexico if needed.

Iribe said her family also will need to figure out how to pay for a mortgage on a home they bought two months ago.

"For us, it's more like how will we protect ourselves from deportation, and two, how will we make it work for our family, financially," Iribe said.

Abril Gallardo, 27, has used the work permit she got through DACA to get a job as a communications director for a Phoenix advocacy group. That's allowed her to pay for college so far, although cutting off in her ability to work legally threatens that.

If she can't work anymore, Gallardo plans on helping with her mom's catering business and hopes to start their own family restaurant one day.

"The most important thing is that we're safe together, and we're there for each other," Gallardo said.

Evelin Salgado, 23, who came from Mexico 13 years ago, is worried about losing her job, her home and her driver's license if DACA is canceled.

"It's like my life is crumbling on top of me," said Salgado, who graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky last year and in is her second year as a high school Spanish teacher just outside Nashville, Tennessee.

"My hopes. My dreams. My aspirations. Everything my parents and I have worked so hard for. We don't know what's going to happen," she said.

Salgado and her parents rent a home and she helps them financially. They may be forced to move to a smaller home or an apartment "because if I lose my job, of course, we can't pay for it."

Her father works in landscaping and her mother washes dishes at a restaurant. That's what got Salgado through college.

"Millions of people live in the United States undocumented. My parents, they work. So unless they put us in deportation procedures, we would have to go back in the shadows," Salgado said. "By that I mean working on low-paying jobs, driving with no drivers' license."
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Sunday shot back at North Korea's claimed test of a hydrogen bomb with a blunt threat, saying the U.S. will answer any threat from the North with a "massive military response  a response both effective and overwhelming." Earlier, President Donald Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with the North, a veiled warning to China, and faulted South Korea for its "talk of appeasement."

The tough talk from America's commander in chief and the retired Marine general he picked to oversee the Pentagon came as the Trump administration searched for a response to the escalating crisis. Kim Jong Un's regime on Sunday claimed "perfect success" in an underground test of what it called a hydrogen bomb. It was the North's sixth nuclear test since 2006  the first since Trump took office in January  and involved a device potentially vastly more powerful than a nuclear bomb.

Trump, asked by a reporter during a trip to church services if he would attack the North, said: "We'll see." No U.S. military action appeared imminent, and the immediate focus appeared to be on ratcheting up economic penalties, which have had little effect thus far.

In South Korea, the nation's military said it conducted a live-fire exercise simulating an attack on North Korea's nuclear test site to "strongly warn" Pyongyang over the latest nuclear test. Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the drill involved F-15 fighter jets and the country's land-based "Hyunmoo" ballistic missiles.The released live weapons "accurately struck" a target in the sea off the country's eastern coast, the JCS said.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting at the request of the U.S., Japan, France, Britain and South Korea. It would be the Security Council's second urgent session in under a week on the North's weapons tests, which have continued in the face of a series of sanctions.

Members of Congress expressed alarm at the North's test and emphasized strengthening U.S. missile defenses. Leaders in Russia, China and Europe issued condemnations.

In briefs remarks after a White House meeting with Trump and other national security officials, Mattis told reporters that America does not seek the "total annihilation" of the North, but then added somberly, "We have many options to do so." The administration has emphasized its pursuit of diplomatic solutions, knowing the potentially horrific costs of war with the North. But the decision to have Mattis deliver a public statement seemed to suggest an escalating crisis.

Mattis also said the international community is unified in demanding the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and that Kim should know that Washington's commitment to Japan and South Korea is unshakeable.

The precise strength of the underground nuclear explosion had yet to be determined. South Korea's weather agency said the artificial earthquake caused by the explosion was five times to six times stronger than tremors generated by the North's previous five tests.

North Korea's state-run television broadcast a special bulletin to announce the test, and said Kim attended a meeting of the ruling party's presidium and signed the go-ahead order. Earlier, the party's newspaper published photos of Kim examining what it said was a nuclear warhead being fitted onto an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Sunday's detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs that are believed to be capable of reaching the mainland U.S. The North says its missile development is part of a defensive effort to build a viable nuclear deterrent that can target U.S. cities.

The Arms Control Association said the explosion appeared to produce a yield in excess of 100 kilotons of TNT equivalent, which it said strongly suggests the North tested a high-yield but compact nuclear weapon that could be launched on a missile of intermediate or intercontinental range.

Hans Kristensen, a nuclear weapons expert at the Federation of American Scientists, said the North probably will need to do more tests before achieving a functioning hydrogen bomb design.

Beyond the science of the blast, North Korea's accelerating push to field a nuclear weapon that can target all of the United States is creating political complications for the U.S. as it seeks to balance resolve with reassurance to allies that Washington will uphold its decadeslong commitment to deter nuclear attack on South Korea and Japan.

That is why some questioned Trump's jab Sunday at South Korea. He tweeted that Seoul is finding that its "talk of appeasement" will not work. The North Koreans, he added, "only understand one thing," implying military force might be required. The U.S. has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.

Patrick Cronin, an Asia expert with the Center for a New American Security, said Trump's comment on South Korea was probably "intended to stiffen the spine of an ally." He said he agreed with the intention.

"I think Washington is very serious about showing some unexpected resolve," he said. "We need our ally and we need to remain ironclad. But at the same time, we can't afford South Korea to go weak in facing down this growing danger."

Trump also suggested putting more pressure on China, the North's patron for many decades and a vital U.S. trading partner, in hopes of persuading Beijing to exert more effective leverage on its neighbor. Trump tweeted that the U.S. is considering "stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea." Such a halt would be radical. The U.S. imports about $40 billion in goods a month from China, North Korea's main commercial partner.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was calling counterparts in Asia.

It's unclear what kind of sanctions might make a difference. Lassina Zerbo, head of the U.N. test ban treaty organization, said sanctions already imposed against North Korea aren't working.

China's official Xinhua News Agency said President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, meeting on the sidelines of a Beijing-led economic summit, agreed "to adhere to the goal of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, have close communication and coordination and properly respond" to the test.

Experts have questioned whether the North has gone too far down the nuclear road to continue pushing for a denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, an Obama administration policy goal still embraced by Trump's White House.

"Denuclearization is not a viable U.S. policy goal," said Richard Fontaine, president of the Center for a New American Security, but neither should the U.S. accept North Korea as a nuclear power. "We should keep denuclearization as a long-term aspiration, but recognize privately that it's unachievable anytime soon."

Trump warned last month that the U.S. military was "locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely" and that the U.S. would unleash "fire and fury" on the North if it continued to threaten America. The bellicose words followed threats from North Korea to launch ballistic missiles toward the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, intending to create "enveloping fire" near the military hub that's home to U.S. bombers and other aircraft.
New England lawmakers and 'dreamers' are reacting to the Trump administration's official announcement they are set to "wind down" the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Ahead of a joint press conference with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey on Tuesday, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said she "will not stand by as immigrant communities are targeted by President Trump."

Massachusetts' Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Congress needs to act by making the program permanent.

"Turning our backs on Dreamers makes us weaker, makes us less safe, & betrays our values," she tweeted.

"Ending #DACA is nothing more than political pandering that will hurt real people," U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire tweeted, adding that President Donald Trump should reconsider his decision.

Fellow New Hampshire Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter said the administration's decision "morally wrong and cruel," adding that she agrees with House Speaker Paul Ryan in that Congress should make a decision on DACA.

Calling the decision, "cruel, inhumane and completely unnecessary," New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said she was encouraged by some Republicans voicing their support for "legislative action to continue DACA."

"These are young people who were brought to the United States as children through no fault of their own. They are showing their dedication and commitment to our country by pursuing higher education, working in our communities, or serving our nation," she said in a statement. "Penalizing the 966 New Hampshire young people who take part in this program is harmful to our local economies and denies these students, workers, and veterans the opportunity to strengthen the communities they grew up in."

Shaheen's fellow New Hampshire senator, Maggie Hassan, said the Trump administration's decision to end DACA results in immigration enforcement focusing on young people instead of those "who are criminals and threats to public safety."

"President Trump's decision to go back on his word to protect young people is harmful and wrong," she added.

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island called Tuesday's announcement "a shameful moment" for the United States.

"Dreamers were brought here as young children. They love this country. They share our values. They are contributing to their communities every day," he said in a statement, adding that "What President Trump just did is despicable and cruel. Every Republican should not only be speaking out against this President today, but they should immediately bring legislation to the House floor to right this wrong."

During the Trump administration's official announcement, U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions called the Obama-era program "an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch."

Dreamers like Jean Dolan were among the crowd Tuesday rallying at Faneuil Hall and concerned about the future.

"Its not the time for beautiful speeches," said Dolan. "This is not the time for promises, its time for action, we need help, we are hopeless."

Dolan arrived in Boston from Haiti on a tourist visa 5 years ago. Like many dreamers, he arrived with his parents.

"We didnt ask to be aliens," said Dolan. "We didnt ask to be illegal, we didnt ask to be immigrants, our parents judged that it was necessary for us to have a better life."

DACA supporters hope rallies will send a message to Congress.

Erick Deblas, of Chelsea, arrived with his family from Mexico 17 years ago when he was just 7-years-old.

"I dont consider myself a dreamer," said Deblas. "I consider myself the next generation, Im not a dreamer, Im the future, Im the present."

Dreamers worry theyll be deported to countries where they would be strangers.

Elias Rosenfeld, a full scholarship sophomore at Brandeis University, is anxious and concerned about his future now that Trump has announced the end of the DACA program.

"To me, I grew up thinking I was always an American. And I always wanted to run for office, go to law school," Rosenfeld said, hours after Tuesday's announcement.

Rosenfeld was born in Venezuela and moved to Miami when he was six years old  legally  with his mother, who had an L1/Managerial Visa. But his status changed when, at age 12, his mother died of cancer.

"Once she passed away and her application expired, it directly made me undocumented," he explained.

Rosenfeld had no idea he was undocumented until he went to get a drivers permit. Three months later, President Obama announced the DACA program.

"I remember crying actually because it was  a lot of things were happening in immigration so I was very emotional.

If he gets deported, Rosenfeld will be sent back to Venezuela, a country on the verge of Civil War.

"I would be going to a country that I don't call home. America is my only home," said Rosenfeld.

For now, Rosenfeld is focused on being optimistic that Congress will be able to find a replacement for DACA over the next six months and hopefully a permanent solution to the nation's broken immigration system.

"There's lots of bills in the House and Senate right now that have bipartisan support. We should be working in these six months, nonstop to make sure they pass," said Rosenfeld.
Thousands of Chicago Public Schools students return to the classroom Tuesday as the first day of school kicks off in the city, but for many, the big day carries with it a cloud of questions.

Roughly 380,000 kids will be saying goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year, but concerns surrounding the "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" protections linger heavily for several students.

President Donald Trump is expected to roll back those protections for hundreds of thousands of people this week, though Chicago officials say DACA students are welcome at Chicago's public schools.

CPS said at least 46 percent of its student body was Hispanic last year, and there is a possibility Trump's decision could impact numerous students.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, CPS CEO Forrest Claypool and City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado are expected to send a letter home to all parents and students to reinforce their statement that all students are welcome. It also reminds families that ICE agents are not allowed onto school property without a warrant.

"While still we do not have all the answers about what President Trumps threats against DACA will mean for our nation, we know one thing for certain: everyone is welcome here in our city," the letter reads in part. "In this moment of uncertainty for so many in our nation, we want to reassure you that all students will be able to attend our preschools, our elementary schools, our high schools and our community colleges without fear or intimidation in the city they call home."

Increased safety precautions will also be in place as students return to school, with two more safe passage routes added to this year's list. At least 142 schools are covered by the routes.

And as students hit the books once again, CPS announced graduation rates improved last year, jumping up to 77 percent, an increase of 4 percentage points from the year before.

The Chicago Transit Authority will also help out Tuesday with free fares for students and parents.

The First Day, Free Rides program has been a fixture in the city for the last seven school years, and the city hopes that the incentive of free train and bus rides will be enough to boost attendance on the first day of classes.

Convenient and reliable transportation is an important factor in a students success in the classroom, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. Thousands of CPS students rely on public transportation to travel to and from their classes, and by providing free rides on the first day, we can get them started on the right note.

According to the CTA, 75-cent fares for elementary and high school students will go into effect beginning on Wednesday, and will be good from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year.
Rallies throughout the United States, including in Chicago, marked the Labor Day holiday Monday as workers marched in support of a $15-per-hour minimum wage.

Workers from a variety of professions, including child care providers, hospital workers, and fast food employees, marched through the streets of Chicago in support of that message on Monday afternoon.

We are standing together because we are sisters and brothers, and we want to make changes so we can make a living just like everyone else, SEIU member Chanel Noble said. Ive been working for 20 years for low wages, and its just not making the cut.

Noble was one of many participants in the rally that cited dissatisfaction with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who vetoed a bill that would have raised the minimum wage in the state to $15 per hour by the year 2022.

Governor Rauner vetoed the bill, and were gonna veto him, fast food employee Laura Williams said. Im living paycheck to paycheck, just trying to make a living and to pay my bills.

Rauner defended his decision to veto the bill in a signing statement, saying that he is willing to look for solutions to grow the economy, but that raising the minimum wage would have unintended, and negative, side effects.

This legislation would cost significant sums of money for the very people it purports to help, Rauner said in a statement. Illinois needs to be seeking comprehensive solutions that grow the economy and the number of jobs available where individuals can train, grow, and attain better lives for themselves and their families.

The workers marching Monday were not only protesting in support of an increased minimum wage, but also in support of unionizing.

I believe that what we do today is profoundly influenced by, and inspired by, the fights of our brothers and sisters, like the Pullman porters, the Haymarket martyrs, and many others who have gone before us. Deborah Pope of the Labor History Society said.
The United States seized control Saturday of three Russian diplomatic posts in the U.S. after confirming the Russians had complied with the Trump administration's order to get out within two days, officials said.

As the Kremlin cried foul, accusing Washington of bullying tactics, the U.S. disputed Moscow's claims that American officials had threatened to "break down the entrance door" to one of the facilities, and that the FBI was "clearing the premises." Not true, said a senior State Department official, adding that U.S. officials had joined Russian Embassy personnel for walkthroughs of the three buildings.

"These inspections were carried out to secure and protect the facilities and to confirm the Russian government had vacated the premises," the official said in a statement emailed Saturday to reporters by the State Department on condition the official not be named.

Russia has been incensed by the move to shutter Russia's consulate in San Francisco and trade offices in Washington and New York, actions the U.S. took in retaliation for Moscow's decision last month to force the U.S. to cut its diplomatic personnel in Russia to 455. Moscow has accused the U.S. of violating international law by shuttering the facilities, a charge the U.S. disputes.

On Saturday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission in Moscow, Anthony Godfrey, to deliver a formal protest note calling the purported trade office search an "unprecedented aggressive action."

The Foreign Ministry also posted video on Facebook that it said showed FBI agents inspecting the consulate general building in San Francisco. In the video, a man in a tie knocks on several numbered doors and enters what appears to be apartment units, taking a quick glance inside before declaring everything in order.

There was no additional comment from the U.S. about whether the FBI was involved in the inspections. The State Department declined to answer additional questions about whether the premises might be searched for intelligence-gathering purposes now that the Russians have left.

A day earlier, black smoke was seen billowing from the chimney at the consulate as the Russians rushed to meet the Saturday deadline, and workers could be seen hauling boxes out of the stately building.

The U.S. did appear to bow to one Russian complaint  that they were given a mere 48 hours to vacate homes used by diplomats and their families. Softening the original order, the U.S. said it had made "separate arrangements" to give families "sufficient time" to pack their belongings and vacate apartments on the consulate grounds.

In the meantime, the State Department will control all access to the properties, along with the responsibility for securing and maintaining them, the official said.

The closures on both U.S. coasts mark perhaps the most drastic diplomatic measure by the United States against Russia since 1986, near the end of the Cold War, when the nuclear-armed powers expelled dozens of each other's diplomats.

And it comes amid some of the broadest strains in their relationship ever since. The two countries have clashed over the wars in Ukraine and Syria, but most significantly over American allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. election to boost President Donald Trump's chances of victory. Investigations continue into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow.
A teacher at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford is accused of sexually assaulting a female student and has been arrested.

State police said the investigation began when a female student told school officials a teacher inappropriately touched her in June. School officials notified authorities and the teacher, 61-year-old Joseph Corbett, of Plainville, was immediately placed on administrative leave.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim told police that Corbett touched her inappropriately at least six times on separate occasions, and that she had been afraid to report it because she did not think anyone would believe her. According to the victim, Corbett groped her buttocks.

Several other students at the Hartford school confirmed witnessing Corbett touch the victim inappropriately, according to the warrant.

A.I. Prince Technical High School is part of the Connecticut Technical High School System and State Department of Education released a statement.

Student safety is our top priority and we take all allegations of potential educator misconduct involving children extremely seriously. Because of how seriously we take this matter, Commissioner Wentzell last year created the Bureau of Investigations and Professional Practices to devote department resources to investigating allegations that arise. We have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that schools are safe places for children where they can learn and grow free from any threat of harm, the statement says.

Corbett was arrested and charged with fourth-degree sexual assault. He was issued a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 12.

School officials said Corbett retired.

The law firm representing Corbett issued a statement.

Joseph Corbett is a well respected professional who in 29 years of teaching at Prince Tech has never had a complaint filed against him. The allegations set forth in the police report are outrageous. We intend to fight these allegations to restore his good name, the statement from the law firm says.
Hours before Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the administration will rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which has protected undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children from being deported, immigrant supporters in Connecticut were gearing up for a fight.

Hoping to sway political leaders, around 20 DACA recipients and supporters left Connecticut Tuesday and headed for a rally in Washington D.C.

Everyone has a right to live in the best way possible. It shouldnt matter what country you come from. We as immigrants have given a lot to every country in the world. We shouldnt be treated any way different, said Amy Ansah, of Hartford.

Many DACA recipients were brought into the country by their parents as very young children and don't remember anything else.

Some fear on Tuesday President Trump will announce the wind down of the DACA program, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children from being deported, and immigrant supports in Connecticut are gearing up for a fight.

This is all Ive known. I want to continue to fight for this because this is my home, Vania Galicia, a DACA recipient, said.

For Galicia the future now seems uncertain. The 19-year-old is protected by the DACA program, along with nearly 800,000 other undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children.

Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke said that "no current beneficiaries will be impacted before March 5, 2018, nearly six months from now, so Congress can have time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions."

The whole feeling and emotion process is a lot of limbo in your mind. Youre not sure whats going to go on, Galicia said.

Galicia  now a freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University  arrived here at age 3 with her parents from Mexico.

Its estimated more than 10,000 people in Connecticut are in a similar position.

There are a lot of kids here in this state. Many came as very young children. This is the only country theyve ever known, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, 5th District, said.

Congress could save the safeguards of DACA.

We are going down to take action down in D.C. to show that undocumented youth despite all this still have power and that we are not just going to let DACA be taken away, Stefan Keller, of CT Students for a Dream, said.

On the campus of Eastern, students will rally Tuesday afternoon.

Making sure all the stuff that my parents got through and that my parents brought me here for pays off. Because at the end of the day thats what it was for our future to be better than theirs, Galicia said.

Not everyone supports the DACA program, however.

Greg Somers, a CCSU sophomore, thinks the president should end the program.

"I'm not saying it's their fault, I'm not saying I dislike them for it or anything, I'm just saying they shouldn't be in this country," Somers told NBC Connecticut.



That event at Eastern will take place around 2 p.m. Tuesday outside the Fine Arts Center. There will also be a rally at Trump Parc in Stamford.
More than 35 Connecticut residents are training to become an American Red Cross volunteer as the need continues to grow, staff said.

By the end of this week, the Connecticut Red Cross will have trained more than 100 new volunteers. During the training at the Red Cross headquarters, volunteers watched presentations, discussed relief efforts and self-identified specific skill sets.

"I understand this is long-term for these people. It's not just trying out the furniture, it's getting your heart settled again," a volunteer, Carole Donabedian, said.

Red Cross staff said they have deployed more than 60 volunteers to Hurricane Harvey hit areas in the south. They've also sent down four emergency response vehicles.

As of Tuesday, half a dozen Connecticut volunteers have been deployed to Florida where Hurricane Irma is expected to strike and new volunteers could be deployed as early as the next day.

"They can be deployed as quickly as 24 to 48 hours," Richard Branigan, chief program officer, said.

Despite the influx of volunteers, the Red Cross said the need the to help is expected to grow. All potential volunteers are urged to visit the website.
A reputed Connecticut mobster who authorities say is the last surviving person of interest in the largest art heist in U.S. history has had his sentencing in an unrelated weapons case delayed over mental health concerns after he did not remember pleading guilty, according to his attorney.

Eighty-one-year-old Robert Gentile, of Manchester, appeared for sentencing Tuesday in federal court in Hartford, but his lawyer told a judge Gentile did not remember pleading guilty in the weapons case.

Judge Robert Chatigny delayed the sentencing to provide time to determine whether Gentile should undergo a competency exam.

Prosecutors have said they believe the Manchester resident has information about the still-unsolved 1990 heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Thieves stole an estimated $500 million worth of artwork, including works by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer.

Gentile denies knowing anything about the theft.
Elected officials in Connecticut have some strong words for President Donald Trumps administration after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, "is being rescinded."

"It takes someone with a dark heart to do something as cruel and pointless as this. Dreamers are Americans  they grew up here, went to school here, work here. Their entire lives are here. But this wont just disrupt their lives, it will also hurt our economy and the local communities that they are an integral part of, Senator Chris Murphy said in a statement. Ive met so many impressive young Dreamers. I want them to know that Ill keep fighting to keep their families together, and urge them to get in touch with my office if they need help.

U.S, Rep. Rosa DeLauro called ending the program immoral.

DACA is not a free ride, despite the heated rhetoric and misinformation surrounding this issue, DeLauro said in a statement. There are many requirements to qualify, such as entering the U.S. before age 16, continuously living in the U.S. since 2007, not being convicted of felonies or significant misdemeanors, and finishing high school or serving in our armed forces. DREAMers have followed the rules, gone through the entire application process, and been approved to stay in our nation. We should not betray them by threatening their ability to learn, work, and live in this country. 

Gov. Dannel Malloy said the decision puts more than 10,000 youth who live in Connecticut at risk.

Malloy called the decision to end DACA wrong-minded.

From elementary and secondary education, to post-secondary education, to supports for vibrant, safe communities  we have invested so much into undocumented children who have grown up in America, Malloy said in a statement. Denying these youths with access to work opportunities and affordable higher education goes against the very core of who we are. The fact is, pushing these young, gifted individuals into the shadows not only diminishes their chance for a bright future, but it darkens ours, too.

He said Connecticut stands to benefit from welcoming Dreamers.

The rollback of DACA would be a disastrous mistake for not only Dreamers, but our entire nation, Malloy said. I urge Congress to act swiftly to reverse this misguided action and enact protections for the over 10,000 youth in Connecticut, and hundreds of thousands more across the country, who are now at risk through no fault of their own.

Sessions called the Obama-era law "an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch."

"The executive branch through DACA deliberately sought to achieve" what Congress did not choose to enact, Sessions said.

He said the Department of Justice advised President Donald Trump to begin "an orderly, lawful wind-down" of the program  which acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke has accepted  arguing it would be struck down in court like another immigration policy of President Barack Obama's was.

Mark Ojakian, president of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, called the Trump administrations cancellation of the Obama-era program heartbreaking and said it will have a devastating impact on some of the state's best students.

These DACA students were brought as children to the United States and for many of them, Connecticut is the only place theyve called home. We are extremely proud of our students  they are doing everything we expect them to do as engaged young people pursuing their dreams of higher education. Many have double majors, a 3.5 GPA or better and all are working hard despite the day-to-day fear of knowing their families may be deported at any moment, Ojakian said in a statement.

He said the state colleges and universities have and will continue to fight for DACA students.

That is why we advocated fervently to our legislators in favor of allowing our DREAMERS access to their own institutional aid, and one of our universities was selected to host DACA students from states where they could not attend higher education institutions, he said in a statement. We stand with Connecticuts DACA students and those across this country and urge Congress to finally take action to protect these young Americans.

Attorney General George Jepsen said he is disappointed in President Trump's actions today.

DACA is not only lawful, it is smart and compassionate public policy. My office is currently in communication with our partners in Connecticut state government as well as fellow attorneys general in other states, as we review the Trump Administration's actions to determine what our response may be," he said.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney said he will work to reverse the president's decision.

In addition to the moral questions posed by such a move, the presidents decision to rescind DACA will carry significant economic consequences for our country as well. Many estimates show that without the people currently covered by DACA our annual GDP would shrink by billion(s) of dollars. These students are not takers as some would portray them, but are in fact hard working people  many of them highly educated. Our nation's employers have made their views loud and clear on this topic: we need these students in America's workforce, not in handcuffs, Courtney said in a statement.
South Florida was placed in the official forecast cone of Hurricane Irma Monday as hurricane watches and warnings were in effect for islands in the Caribbean for the powerful Category 4 storm.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties in the state, so that "state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm."

"Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. Current forecast models have Florida in Irmas path  potentially impacting millions of Floridians," Scott said in a statement.

Early Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Irma reached 150-mph winds and posed a serious threat to the Leeward Islands, where it is expected to hit late Tuesday. The storm could bring storm surges of 6-9 feet and dump as much as 12 inches of rain as it moves through the Caribbean.

Irma was moving west at 13 mph Monday night, according to an advisory from the center. The hurricane was about 410 miles east of the Leeward Islands and less than 1,700 miles from South Florida.

NHC officials said there is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and this weekend.

Residents in South Florida were urged to make sure their hurricane plans were in place, and many stores were already seeing empty water shelves and low amounts of other supplies Monday.

American Airlines has canceled nine flights to and from Miami ahead of the storm. The airline is also proactively waiving change fees for flights to and from some Caribbean destinations. Passengers may be eligible to change reservations if they bought a ticket by Sept. 3, are slated to travel between Sept. 5-8, can travel through Sept. 12 and don't change the destination. See the American Airlines website here for details.

"This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey," Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement.



The Antigua and Barbuda weather service said Irma was expected to bring heavy rains, rough surf and high winds, and the government closed schools Monday. Hurricane watches were posted for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Monserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and St. Barts.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Dominica while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Guadeloupe.

Here are the top 6 things you need to know for Friday, December 21st.

Long-range forecasts indicated Irma likely would curve to the northwest beginning late Monday and skirt to the north of the islands in the eastern Caribbean on a path that could potentially take it to the U.S. East Coast, but it was too early to make a definitive prediction.

Additional strengthening was expected over the next couple days and Irma is forecast to remain a powerful hurricane throughout the 5-day forecast period.

Antigua's prime minister, Gaston Browne, urged people to take preventative measures in case the storm should keep on its current arc, saying that should include cleaning drains and removing objects that could be sent flying by high winds. Workers began pruning trees and shrubs to reduce chances for branches to tear down power and phone lines.

"The passage of a hurricane is not a matter to be taken lightly, but we must not panic," Browne said in a statement.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said government agencies in the U.S. territory were prepared to deal with any emergencies caused by the storm but warned of flooding and power outages. He said 4 inches to 8 inches (10-20 centimeters) of rain were expected, as well as winds of 40-50 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph.

"We have established protocols for the safety of all," he said as he urged islanders to take precautions.

In the Dominican Republic, Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo said workers there were clearing away road works and also cleaning out blockages of sewer drains. He said President Danilo Medina would hold a meeting with emergencies agencies Monday to discuss storm preparations.

Meteorologists on Monday issued an alert for the Dominican Republic's entire eastern coast from the island of Saona to the town of Cabo Frances. Officials said the effects of Hurricane Irma would be felt Thursday.
NBC 5 has reached out to the Texas delegation in Washington to get the lawmakers' reaction to the Trump administration's decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Denton:

"The Trump Administration's decision to end DACA is a positive step in reforming our immigration system. From the start, DACA was irresponsible policy that incentivized illegal border crossings. It is the role of the Congress, not the executive branch, to consider and pass legislation. President Obama clearly overstepped his role when he enacted DACA as an executive order. There are legal pathways to immigration that create positive results for immigrants, the American people, and the economy. DACA was never an appropriate or legal answer for thousands of illegal immigrants. By rescinding DACA, President Trump has acknowledged Congress constitutional authority to consider lasting solutions to secure our borders."

Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth:

"The establishment of DACA under President Obama was a clear example of the Executive Branch going around Congress to create a law. Now is the time for Congress to work together to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution."

Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth:

"President Trump has made it perfectly clear that he is more than willing to sacrifice the immigrant community to appease his nativist base. His latest decision to end the successful DACA program will uproot the lives of nearly 800,000 young immigrants, including the over 200,000 young Texans who have been able to peacefully work, study, and contribute to our economy since the programs start. The DREAMers I have spoken with all share that their DACA status changed their lives for the better and allowed them to better participate in the only country theyve ever called home.

"America will feel President Trumps decision to turn his backs on talented and hardworking young people for years to come. The end of DACA means young people will start to lose jobs, leave colleges and universities, and once again be forced back into the shadows. Families will scramble to move from addresses contained in DACA applications and businesses across the country will begin to lose valued employees. Texas alone can expect a $6.2 billion loss annually as DACA workers are removed from the work force.

"DREAMers are Americans in all senses of the word, except on paper. They are our childrens classmates, our neighbors, and have worked alongside us to make our country an even better place. President Trump should be ashamed that he has chosen to trample on the American Dream in favor of slamming the door of opportunity in the face of some of our nations brightest. I remain committed to standing up alongside my fellow House Democrats as we fight to keep families together.

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas:

"Today, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump Administration plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Although I am disheartened by their efforts to tear families apart and take away opportunities from these hardworking individuals who have continued to contribute to our nation, this action comes as no surprise. Over the last few months I have witnessed the current Administration make it their sole mission to attack immigrants and their families through administrative actions, enacting a Muslim refugee ban, and the verbal assault against those who seek to have a better future and faithfully serve in their communities.

"President Trumps decision to rescind the DACA program marks the beginning of a dark era that will impact DREAMers in multiple communities in North Texas and across our nation. I stand alongside my constituents, DREAMers, business leaders of Fortune 500 Companies, and faith leaders in urging my Republican colleagues to help pass the current DREAM Act. This bill should be brought to the floor without delay because DACA program recipients should not live in fear and uncertainty of their future for a path towards legal citizenship."

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Fort Worth:

"There are a lot of solutions. Look at, there are so many wonderful stories about these young men and women that are here. Success stories. But at the same time, there are here illegally. That is what we are going to have to address, and the president has given us, I think, six months to come up with a solution and see what happens.

"I think America would love to see us pass some bi-partisan legislation and move in the right direction, as opposed to being driven by, you know, 'If you are for it, I am against it,' anger and all of the things we see to have up here sometimes. So I think the public would love to see us do something, and that would be a great place to start."

Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Rockwall:

"I support President Trump's decision to end an unconstitutional program that was created through President Obama's abuse of executive authority. My very first action as a member of Congress was raising one hand, placing the other on the Bible, and taking an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Obama's constitutional overreach and abuse of the separation of powers has been struck down by the courts before, and I believe DACA would be no different. The constituents I'm privileged to represent want our immigration laws properly enforced and our borders secured. I remain committed to delivering upon those goals for them."

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas:

"This policy, while well-intentioned, was implemented without the approval of Congress by a President who exceeded his authority under the Constitution. This President now has the chance to work with Congress towards finding a solution to this issue where his predecessor failed. These children who were brought here illegally through no fault of their own continue to make positive contributions to Texas and the nation, and its important for us to achieve a long-term resolution."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton:

"I applaud President Trump for phasing out DACA. As the Texas-led coalition explained in our June letter, the Obama-era program went far beyond the executive branchs legitimate authority, Attorney General Paxton said. Had former President Obamas unilateral order on DACA been left intact, it would have set a dangerous precedent by giving the executive branch sweeping authority to bypass Congress and change immigration laws. If ever there were a violation of the Presidents duty to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, DACA was it: President Obama unilaterally conferred lawful presence and work authorization, and then President Obama used that lawful-presence dispensation to unilaterally confer U.S. citizenship."
A 37-year-old Hesperia man was arrested for his alleged involvement in human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of a minor girl, police announced Monday.

John Willie Morgan was jailed about 9:15 p.m. on August 25 by the Pomona police major crimes task force, according to Pomona police Officer A. Torres.

The investigation began with surveillance on a 15-year-old girl believed to be involved in the sex trade, Torres said. The teen was reportedly seen walking along a Pomona street engaging in the solicitation of sex acts.

The girl was also seen getting in a 2007 gray Saturn being driven by a man later identified by police as Morgan, Torres continued. Morgan was later determined to be the primary suspect in the trafficking of this girl.

Morgan was arrested and booked into the Pomona jail on suspicion of felony human trafficking of a minor, Torres said. He was being held in lieu of $1.15 million bail, according to police and L.A. County jail records.

Morgan was scheduled to be arraigned in Pomona Superior Court on Sept. 20, according to jail records.

The girl was reunited with her family, Torres said.
Southland Democratic leaders and immigrant advocates lashed out harshly Tuesday and rallies were planned against the Trump Administration's decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has protected an estimated 800,000 people who were brought to the country as children from deportation.

Activists immediately planned to take to the streets to protest the move, which was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on behalf of President Donald Trump.

LA Mayor Eric Garcetti had a message for Washington.

"Get your act together and do what's right for America and pass the Dream Act once and for all," he said.

Under the action by the Trump Administration, Congress will be given six months to attempt to pass legislation addressing DACA before the program is phased out.

In defending the decision, Trump said President Barack Obama over-stepped his authority in creating the DACA program.

"In June of 2012, President Obama bypassed Congress to give work permits, Social Security numbers and federal benefits to approximately 800,000 illegal immigrants currently between the ages of 15 and 36," Trump said. "The typical recipients of this executive amnesty, known as DACA, are in their 20s. Legislation offering these same benefits had been introduced in Congress on numerous occasions and rejected each time."

Trump added: "Only by the reliable enforcement of immigration law can we produce safe communities, a robust middle class and economic fairness for all Americans."

He noted that officials from 10 states are suing over the program, and his legal advisers have determined that it is "unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court."

Those arguments did little to appease Democratic lawmakers.

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, said DACA recipients "make our nation strong and represent the best of America" and rescinding the program "undermines our nation's values and is a cruel betrayal" of DREAMers.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, criticized the "cruel and arbitrary attack" on them.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, urged Congress to move forward with legislation known as the DREAM Act that would provide a path to citizenship for DREAMers -- the term used for DACA recipients.

"Failure to protect young people who have come out of the shadows would constitute an abject moral failure," Feinstein said.

Officials with the Service Employees International Union decried what it called a "shameful attack" against DACA beneficiaries.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles said members were ready to gather at the offices of Republican legislators, including Rep. Steven Knight in Santa Clarita and Rep. Mimi Walters in Irvine, as well as Rep. Kevin McCarthy's office in Bakersfield.

Additionally, scores of workers and community members marched through downtown L.A. The march included janitorial workers, airport service workers, community leaders, local youth leaders and members of the clergy, according to the SEIU.

They carried signs that read "Don't Mess with DACA" on the steps of City Hall at 231 N. Spring St.

The march went to the federal building at 255 E. Temple St.

Introduced by Obama in 2012, DACA allows people who were brought into the United States illegally as children to work and study in the country without fear of being deported. DACA has been available to immigrants without criminal records who were brought to the country when they were younger than 16 years old. Work permits issued under DACA must be renewed every two years.

Trump has taken a hard stance against illegal immigration, but until recently had not given a strong indication of whether he would keep DACA in place.

Asked over the weekend whether DACA recipients should be worried, Trump responded, "We love the DREAMers. We love everybody. ... We think the DREAMers are terrific."

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, is one of many elected officials of both parties who have criticized the president's plans.

"Trump's cowardly decision to end DACA goes against the very forces that have made America an exceptional country," Lieu said. "Deporting hundreds of thousands of Asians and Latinos -- nearly half of whom were brought to the U.S. before the age of 7 -- is not only cruel, it will hurt our economy."

Congressman Darrell Issa, R-Vista, released a statement, saying Obama overstepped his authority.

"He unlawfully overstepped his executive authority and only put a temporary band-aid on a problem which prolonged uncertainty for many children brought here through no fault of their own," Issa said in the statement. "The Administration's decision today puts the onus on Congress to address this challenge in the right way: for the long-haul, with respect for our nation's laws, a desire to enhance the integrity of our borders, and a sense of compassion for those who were brought here in their childhood years ago and wish to stay as productive members of our communities."

The Loyola Immigration Justice Clinic provides free immigration consultations on Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment. For general questions, call 213-252-7409 or for more information, click here.


A Sikh temple in Los Feliz was vandalized with a black Sharpie scrawling an angry rant last week.

The incident took place on the 1900 block of Vermont Avenue at Vermont Gurdwara, also known as Hollywood Sikh Temple.

One witness confronted the vandal and caught him on cell phone footage walking away from the temple's wall without any explanation.

"I said I was going to call the police on him at which point he said he felt threatened," Karna Ray, the witness who filmed the vandalism, said. "He said, 'I will slit your throat.'"

According to a Facebook post by Ray, the vandal flashed a razor at him as he made his threat.

Ray said the hateful message left on the walls of Vermont Gurdwara counters everything the Sikh community stands for.

One member of the temple hopes to invite the vandal to a service so he could experience what the community believes in.

"I would love to invite the person in the temple, make him, show him what he is missing," Sarab Gil said.

Gib said he would like to take an opportunity to show the vandal information he is not able to see to get insight on what misinformation he believes in.

Nirinjan Singh Khalsa of California's Sikh Council is in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department about the case.

"This particular incident isn't a matter of swastikas and 'go home, ragheads,' which we get sometimes," Khalsa said. "This seems to be a diatribe by someone who may or may not be mentally imbalanced."
A 106-year-old woman thought to be the world's oldest refugee is set to be deported after being denied asylum in Sweden.

Bibihal Uzbeki's son and grandson carried her on their backs as they fled from Kunduz in northeastern Afghanistan via Iran and Turkey in the hopes of finding haven in Europe.

Their journey made headlines in 2015, when they were part of a huge influx of people who came to Europe from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries. They traveled by foot and on trains through the Balkans before reaching Sweden.
Thousands marched across the Brooklyn Bridge Tuesday evening in protest after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration is ending the DACA program.

At least 13 were arrested, including one New York council member, adding to the 34 who were arrested hours earlier outside Trump Tower.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of immigrants and advocates from across the tri-state demonstrated in Manhattan and in Washington, D.C.

As Sessions delivered his remarks on the "winding down" of DACA Tuesday morning, dozens of demonstrators marched to Trump Tower in Manhattan, holding signs and chanting, "undocumented -- unafraid." Some sat in the middle of the street in front of Trump Tower, anticipating arrest, and were taken into police custody for blocking traffic.

By the afternoon, nearly three dozen people had been arrested in front of Trump Tower in two different rounds of sit-ins; they were being processed at the 7th Precinct stationhouse and were expected to be issued desk tickets, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol Terence Monahan.

At 6 p.m. more than 2,000 people had gathered for an evening protest at Foley Square followed by a march over Brooklyn Bridge. By 7 p.m. 12 had been arrested for sitting in the street, including New York council member Ydanis Rodriguez.

"Just been arrested fighting for our undocumented brothers and sisters near Foley Sq.," he tweeted. "We stand united behind them and their quest for justice."



Some of the arrested during the day are DACA recipients. The NYPD says the protesters arrested outside Trump Tower won't have to be fingerprinted if they provide their information willingly -- no fingerprints means no arrest information transmitted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Mayor's Office confirmed those arrested at Brooklyn Bridge who cooperate with police will be ticketed and released. No fingerprinting would be done, to avoid alerting state or federal government to those arrested who are undocumented.



The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, instituted by President Obama, offered protections for young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. Sessions says Congress will be given six months to come up with a legislative solution to protect the nearly 800,000 young immigrants currently protected under DACA.

Sarai Bravo, a 24-year-old immigrant from Mexico, was among the people who marched to Trump Tower. She is the only one in her family who is not documented; her parents and her younger sister were granted permanent status last year.

"We're going to have to figure out ways of how we're going to continue supporting ourselves, and continuing to give back to the economy of this country," said Bravo, of Washington Heights. "That's the only thing we want to do, we're Americans, we went to college, gotten great jobs, and all we want to do is contribute back to this country we call home."

Basi Alonso, a DACA recipient who was arrested in the protests, said, "We are a part of this country's fabric. I have been here my entire life. I've been paying my taxes, I went to school here. My parents work here."

Ahead of the announcement Tuesday, hundreds of people boarded buses in Jackson Heights, Queens; in Elizabeth, New Jersey; and other communities in the tri-state, to rally in Washington.

"It is a little frightening, because we want to continue, we want to study more," said a young woman named Lizbeth Huitzil as she prepared to board a bus from Queens. "We want to actually become someone in this life, just like everyone has had the chance."

Mayor Bill de Blasio vowed to assist DACA recipients with legal services and know-your-rights forums, and said on Twitter that his office is planning a DACA Day of Action. The Hispanic Federation says it is also hosting a "Know Your Rights" session for DACA recipients at Las Americas Conference Center at 55 Exchange Place Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Video. Happening now. More arrests. DACA rally in Midtown near Trump Tower. @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/Q80S8TGuuZ  Erica Byfield (@EricaByfield4NY) September 5, 2017

Elsewhere, elected officials, leaders and advocacy groups issued statements condemning the decision to end DACA.

President Trumps action today is an affront to who we are as Americans. He is needlessly targeting children who know no other country as home than America," said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. "Congress must lead where the President won't and pass the DREAM Act. America does not merely tolerate immigration  we thrive on it, and we are better than needlessly targeting hardworking young adults to score crass partisan points.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said, "Congress can and should circumvent this misguided decision by passing legislation that will protect the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who are now facing deportation. Congress must also act to finally fix our broken immigration system and pass comprehensive immigration reform that offers a pathway to citizenship for millions of Americans living in the shadows, keeps families together, and lives up to our highest ideals and values."

"Closing the doors on DACA will have profound and devastating impacts on nearly 800,000 DACA recipients and their families, and a measurable consequence on communities around the nation as well as Americas standing and influence around the world," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

"DACA should not be weaponized as a list to deport and divide families. DACA should not be used to deprive students of educational opportunities that benefit us all, as a community, down the road when they make great contributions to our nation, using the tools they learned here, in our great country," Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said.

DACA recipients and allies arrested. For sitting down in the middle of the street. Midtown. Trump Tower @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/nqNE7u5Z1F  Erica Byfield (@EricaByfield4NY) September 5, 2017

"While this White House continues to make clear that it is focused on punitive measures to limit the potential of our country, the New York City Council will continue to use every resource in our power to stand up for DREAMers, their families, and the American dream," Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Immigration Chair Council Member Carlos Menchaca said in a joint statement.



Meanwhile, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which calls itself the country's largest immigration reform group, supported Trump's decision to end DACA.

"The winding down period announced today will not only give DACA recipients time to get their affairs in order, but also gives Congress a unique opportunity to reengage in the immigration debate," said FAIR President Dan Stein.

"President Trump has indicated that he is willing to forge a long-term solution for real immigration reform, but it takes two sides to make a deal. The American public is watching," said Stein.
New Jersey residents who came to the United States as child immigrants are fearing for their futures and families after news that their temporary legal status may soon be stripped.

President Donald Trump is expected to announce that he will end protections for young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children  but with a six-month delay, two sources familiar with the decision told NBC News Monday.

The six-month delay in the formal dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, would be intended to give Congress time to decide whether it wants to address the status of the so-called Dreamers legislation, two people familiar with the president's thinking told The Associated Press.



The news raised major concerns for immigrant communities in Elizabeth, New Jersey. At 7 a.m. Tuesday, many of those immigrants here legally under DACA will board buses to head to D.C. to protest outside the White House. Many are fearful they could be separated from their families.

Ana Reuda was brought to the United States with her brother when she was just two years old. She and her brother Gus both got DACA status in 2012 when President Obama decided the children of undocumented immigrants could have temporary legal status.

Now she has a baby of her own, the dismantling of DACA has consequences not just for her, but also for 7-month-old Sebastian.

If she were to lose her DACA status, Ana will either have to take her son to Mexico, or live in hiding.

"Since having my baby it has been very very terrifying. Maybe leaving him. Having nowhere to take care of him."

Shay and Vaeria Zegarra both came to New Jersey before the age of six. Both have big dreams. Shay is a student at Rutgers Newark, who plans to go to law school. Valeria wants to study special education. But those dreams are now in danger.

"I don't know where my life is going at this point when I fought so hard for it," Shay said.

Make the Road New Jersey spokesperson Nedia Morsy explained the impact the change could have on immigrant families.

"They will lose their work permits, and they won't be eligible for work that matches their skill set. So a lot of our nurses who have DACA won't be able to work as nurses anymore. It's a huge impact to our economy."

It was not immediately clear how the six-month delay would work in practice and what would happen to people who currently have work permits under the program, or whose permits expire during the six-month stretch.

It also was unclear exactly what would happen if Congress failed to pass a measure by the considered deadline, they said.

The two spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Sources tell NBC News the decision, expected to come Tuesday, is not final until it announced.

Last month more than a thousand people marched outside Trump Tower to demand DACA immigrants be allowed to stay.
The mayor of a New York town has resigned after he was arrested on child pornography charges.

Village of Stillwater mayor Rick Nelson, 62, was arrested last Thursday after police searched his house, state police said. He's since been charged with one felony count each of promoting a sexual performance by a child and one count of possessing a sexual performance by a child.

The small town is located in Saratoga County, 25 miles north of Albany.



Cops said the Computer Crimes Unit began its investigation into the mayor after it became aware of an IP address in Stillwater that had downloaded child pornography images.

A search warrant was obtained and the mayor's house was searched, which resulted in his arrest.

According to the Village of Stillwater, Nelson replaced the longest running leader in village history in April 2015. Flanked by his wife and son, Nelson had promised to "walk a path of rebirth and new beginnings", the village reported at the time. Nelson's son Patrick Nelson is currently running for congress in New York's 21st Congressional District.

The Village website said the former mayor had been a member, deacon and officer in the Stillwater United Church.

On Friday, the village put out a statement saying it would "continue to move forward...despite the surprising arrest". It said Nelson had officially resigned his post on Friday, replaced by a temporary mayor.

Police said there was no indication that the alleged offending happened on village property.



The village board was set to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

Nelson was arraigned in the Town of Saratoga Court and remanded on a $50,000 bond. The Daily Gazette reported he posted $25,000 and was released. He's scheduled to reappear in court on Wednesday.
Gov. Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman say New York will sue over President Donald Trump's decision to end a program protecting young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children.

The two Democrats say ending the program allowing hundreds of thousands of immigrants to remain in the United States is cruel and unwarranted.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the administration will stop accepting new applications for President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Congress will get six months to pass a new version before officials stop renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Cuomo says New York can't sit "on the sidelines" while families are ripped apart.

A Schneiderman spokeswoman did not immediately respond Tuesday to questions about the lawsuit's timing.

Meanwhile, civil rights groups in New York are also seeking to legally challenge the DACA rollback.

The groups asked a federal judge Tuesday to piggyback on an existing lawsuit in Brooklyn, which contests the way the DACA is administered.

Groups including Yale Law School students, the National Immigration Law Center and the anti-poverty group Make the Road New York say Trump's rollback of the program violates the Constitution because it is based on discrimination over race, ethnicity or national origin.

The lawyers cited vulgar animus toward Latino immigrants in general by President Trump.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the administration is ending the DACA program because it believed it was an unconstitutional exercise of authority.
It became an official holiday in 1894 after a push by the nation's labor unions. For decades, cities used the occasion to stage large parades honoring unionized factory workers.

The first Monday in September in the United States is Labor day, a holiday honoring U.S. workers and their contributions to the country's economy.

Labor unions have seen their membership fall steadily in the past three decades with the growth of technology and the globalization of the world economy. However, workers' benefits the unions fought for decades ago are now customary in most U.S. workplaces, including five-day work weeks, health care insurance and vacations paid for by employers.

Many union members now work for local, state and federal governments in white-collar jobs, not in the gritty factories where the labor movement began.

The holiday has also come to signal the unofficial end of summer in the U.S. Most workers have the holiday off. In some communities, Labor Day is the last day before the school year starts for children.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling Barack Obama's program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, declaring he loves the "dreamers" who could face deportation but insisting it's up to Congress, not him, to address their plight.

Trump didn't specify what he wanted done, essentially sending a six-month time bomb to his fellow Republicans in Congress who have no consensus on how to defuse it.

On Twitter Tuesday night, he wrote: "Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!"



The president tried to have it both ways with his compromise plan: fulfilling his campaign promise to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, while at the same time showing compassion for those who would lose deportation protection and the ability to work legally in the U.S. New applications will be rejected and the program will be formally rescinded, but the administration will continue to renew existing two-year work permits for the next six months, giving Congress time to act.

"I have a love for these people and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," Trump told reporters.

Yet at the same time, the White House distributed talking points to members of Congress that included a dark warning: "The Department of Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time remaining on their work authorizations to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United States."

Although Trump's announcement had been anticipated in recent days, it still left young people covered by the DACA program reeling.

"You just feel like you are empty," said a sobbing Paola Martinez, 23, who came to the U.S. from Colombia and recently graduated with a civil engineering degree from Florida International University

"I honestly can't even process it right now," said Karen Marin, an immigrant from Mexico, who was in a physics class at Bronx Community College when the news broke. "I'm still trying to get myself together."

Their predicament now shifts to Congress, which has repeatedly tried  and failed  to pass immigration legislation.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president would look to Congress to pass a "responsible immigration reform package" with money to control the border with Mexico and better protect American workers' jobs  along with protecting "dreamers."

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said if Trump truly wants a comprehensive immigration reform package, including a solution for the 11 million immigrants in the country illegally, he's certain to be disappointed. Congress tried that and failed in 2013, and GOP leaders immediately ruled it out Tuesday.

"Guaranteed failure," Cornyn said.

If the goal is a more incremental package that combines a solution for the "dreamers" with steps such as visa reforms and enhanced border security, "there may be a deal to be had," Cornyn said.

Sanders' blunt warning to lawmakers skeptical they can come up with a plan: "If they can't, then they should get out of the way and let somebody else take their job that can actually get something done."

The DACA program was created by former President Obama by executive action in 2012, when it became clear Congress would not act to address the young immigrants' plight in legislation that was dubbed the "Dream Act." Trump ran his campaign as an immigration-hard liner, labeling DACA as illegal "amnesty" and pledging to repeal it immediately. But he shifted his approach after the election, expressing sympathy for the "dreamers," many of whom were brought to the U.S. by their parents when they were very young and have no memories of the counties where they were born.

Trump's aides painted his move to gradually phase out the program as the best of bad options: State officials had threatened a lawsuit if he did not act by Tuesday to repeal the program, which has given nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. in the form of two-year, renewable work permits.

"In effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," Trump said. He said he was not in favor of punishing children for the actions of their parents, but he added, "Young Americans have dreams, too."

Lawmakers were trickling back to the Capitol Tuesday from a summer recess and already are confronting a daunting to-do list including a relief package for Hurricane Harvey victims and a pressing need to raise the federal borrowing limit. Some GOP lawmakers and aides are discussing the possibility of a bipartisan immigration package, including a solution for the dreamers, money for border security and enforcement, and perhaps other items like changes to some visa programs.

A stand-alone bill addressing just the "dreamers" seems unlikely to pass the House, given the firm stance of many conservatives. And it's unclear whether Trump would sign it anyway.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he hoped the "House and Senate, with the president's leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country."

Under the phase-out plan announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Department of Homeland Security was halting acceptance of new applications under DACA as of Tuesday. People with permits set to expire between now and March 5, 2018, will be able to re-apply as long as their applications are submitted by Oct. 5. Existing permits will remain in effect, and applications already in the pipeline will be processed.

That means the earliest that dreamers would begin to lose protections under the program would be next March.

Trump's action nonetheless drew swift criticism from immigration advocates, Democratic lawmakers and business and religious leaders who had urged Trump to spare the program.

Obama slammed the decision as "wrong," ''self-defeating" and "cruel."

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called it "a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America."

Some Republicans objected, too.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona said Trump was taking "the wrong approach," and he added: "The federal government has a responsibility to defend and secure our borders, but we must do so in a way that upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation."

One bill addressing the issue that has received significant attention, introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., would allow young immigrants who grew up in the U.S. to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they complete a list of requirements.

The president, Graham declared, must "work the phones ... try and get a consensus here."

"From a Republican Party point of view, this is a defining moment," he said.

Trump's announcement came the same day as a deadline set by Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the administration rescinded it. Administration officials argued the program was on flimsy legal footing  and said that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would have thrown it into far more chaos than phasing it out. After Trump's announcement, attorneys general in New York and California said they were prepared to seek legal action against his decision.

Associated Press writers Sadie Gurman, Ken Thomas, Erica Werner and Richard Lardner in Washington, Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami and Astrid Galvan in New York contributed to this report.
Pennsylvania State Police say nine people riding in an SUV, including six children, were seriously injured when their vehicle was sideswiped on an interstate highway.

The crash happened Monday on Interstate 78 in Lehigh County. Police say the driver, a 46-year-old man, was taken to the hospital along with his passengers, a 34-year-old woman, a 20-year-old woman and six children ranging in age from 10 to 16. They are all from Bayonne, New Jersey.

Police say the 20-year-old and the children were not wearing seat belts. One person was partially ejected from the SUV.

Police say the driver of the car that sideswiped them was not hurt.

Police will continue to investigate.
Four men arrested on suspicion of being members of a banned far-right group were serving members of Britain's army, the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense confirmed.

The four men are alleged to be members of the neo-Nazi group National Action. The group is banned in the U.K., and membership or inviting support for the organization is a criminal offense carrying a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment.

The West Midlands Counterterrorism Unit said Tuesday it had arrested four people on suspicion of preparing terrorism acts. The force said the men were detained as part of a "pre-planned and intelligence-led" operation and there was "no threat to the public's safety."

The defense ministry then confirmed the men were army members.

Several properties were raided in connection with the arrests.
Republican hopes for repealing and replacing former President Barack Obama's health care law are still twitching in Congress, though barely.

Leaders lack the votes to pass something and face a fresh obstacle  the Senate parliamentarian ruled Friday that Republicans only have the ability to dismantle the law with 51 votes until the end of the month.

It's among several health issues lawmakers face when they return from summer recess, even as fights over the budget and helping Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey grab center stage.

WHEN WE LEFT OFF IN LATE JULY

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., tried to push three plans through his chamber erasing the 2010 law called Obamacare. Republican defections denied him the 50 votes needed, with Vice President Mike Pence ready to seal victory with a tie-breaking vote.

The excruciating last roll call failed 51-49. Three Republicans voted "no," one more than McConnell could afford to lose. President Donald Trump used August to insult McConnell for that flop, even suggesting he might need to relinquish his leadership post, inflaming tensions between the White House and congressional Republicans and lacerating party unity.

OBAMACARE REPEAL MEETS THE PARLIAMENTARIAN

Republicans have used a procedure that's prevented Democrats from killing the health bill by filibuster. It takes 60 votes to defeat a filibuster. Without that special step, Republicans controlling the Senate 52-48 would need support from eight Democrats to repeal Obamacare, impossible given unanimous Democratic opposition.

The safeguard against filibusters was included in a budget for the government's 2017 fiscal year that Republicans pushed through Congress in January.

That protection expires at the end of September, the Senate's nonpartisan parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, has ruled. That's when the fiscal year ends.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the ranking member of the Budget Committee, said in light of the ruling, "we need to work together to expand, not cut, health care for millions of Americans who desperately need it."

That leaves Republicans with only September to nurture their slim repeal hopes unless the GOP-run chamber votes to overrule her.

A LAST REPEAL PUSH

This repeal push comes from GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Louisiana's Bill Cassidy and Nevada's Dean Heller.

They've proposed funneling Obamacare's federal dollars directly to states and erasing its requirements that people buy coverage and companies offer it to employees. They'd cut and reshape Medicaid, halt Obama subsidies that reduce consumers' out-of-pocket costs and repeal the tax on some medical devices.

GOP aides say the proposal is evolving.

There's no sign sponsors have enough Republicans to prevail and McConnell hasn't been publicly encouraging. Further reducing its chances, lawmakers need September to prevent a damaging federal default and a government shutdown, help Texas recover from Harvey and craft a GOP tax overhaul.

"If people can show me 50 votes for anything that would make progress on that, I'll turn back to it," McConnell said in early August of repealing Obamacare.

A BIPARTISAN TRY

The brightest hope comes from Senate health committee chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Washington state Sen. Patty Murray, that panel's top Democrat. They're seeking a deal on continuing federal payments to insurance companies who reduce costs for lower-earning customers.

Even this will be uphill.

Obama's law requires the cost reductions and government subsidies to insurers, but a court has ruled Congress hasn't legally authorized the payments. Obama and Trump have continued them, but Trump keeps threatening to stop, calling them an insurance company bailout. Many conservatives agree.

Yet those payments are a priority for Democrats and many Republicans. They and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office say halting the subsidies will force insurers to boost premiums for millions.

In exchange, Republicans want to revise parts of Obama's law. They've suggested making it easier for insurers to avoid some Obama coverage requirements or steps like curbing lawsuits against health care providers.

Alexander wants to extend the insurers' subsidies for one year while Democrats want two years or more. Another hurdle: Democrats have little interest in relaxing Obama's law.

"Nobody is going to put their fingerprints on sustaining Obamacare without some sort of reform element," Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said of Republicans.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Funding for the popular Children's Health Insurance Program expires Sept. 30. It provided health care to more than 8 million low-income children in 2015.

Democrats and most Republicans want to extend the program and success seems likely. First they must compromise on details like how many years to finance it and at what levels.

Washington pays for most of the federal-state program, and in recent years the federal share was bumped up by 23 percent for each state. Many Republicans want to phase out that boost, but Democrats are resisting.

Some Republicans say Congress needn't act by Sept. 30 because states have enough money to continue coverage. Democrats and program advocates say without fresh funds by September's end, some states would be forced to make cuts to wind down services.

AP congressional correspondent Erica Werner contributed to this report.
What to Know Mayor Eric Garcetti declared the La Tuna Fire the biggest brush fire in LA history.

The fire is estimated to have scorched 7,000 acres since it started Friday afternoon.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

There were no visible flames left in Southern California's Verdugo Mountains after what the mayor called the largest fire in Los Angeles history scorched the area over Labor Day weekend.

As firefighters concentrated efforts on putting out embers and digging fire lines around the nearly 7,200 acres of brush that burned, the 1,400 evacuated residents were given the all-clear to return home. Containment of the fire was at 80 percent Tuesday night, up from 30 percent on Monday.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation, Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Trevor Richmond said.

Except for some on- and off-ramps, Richmond said, the Foothill (210) Freeway that connects the San Fernando Valley to Pasadena was reopened after being closed Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday.

Fire trucks remained on freeway lanes, however.

Ten reported injuries include four firefighters. Three suffered heat-related illnesses but were in stable condition, and one suffered some slight burns.

A volunteer Community Emergency Response Team member was medically evaluated, though the nature of the illness was not released.



Five homes were destroyed and one was damaged by flames, along with some miscellaneous sheds, outhouses and stables, LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas said.

"We believe two of three had no brush clearance," he said. "So I can't emphasize enough the importance of a minimum -- within L.A. city -- a minimum of 200 feet brush clearance, that's brush from your home. If there is no defensive space we cannot protect your house."

Mayor Eric Garcetti said that most or all of the 1,400 evacuated Los Angeles residents were expected to go home by the end of the day Monday.

Garcetti on Saturday had deemed the blaze "the largest fire in the history of LA city in terms of its acreage."

Portatino said he was on the 210 Freeway Monday and saw some hot spots being put out by firefighters. He added that law enforcement would temporarily maintain its presence in the neighborhoods affected by the fire to maintain public safety.

Both Richmond and Portatino emphasized that the weather had changed for the better overnight Sunday and the change really helped the fire crews do their work more easily and safely.

Earlier, Terrazas told reporters that hand crews will continue to be out clearing brush and monitoring changes in the area's condition.

"There is no active fire left," Terrazas said. "But that could change with the wind. Fire operations are not over. There is still a lot of work to be done."

Bulldozers were used Monday to reconstruct fire lines dug in haste when the fire broke out Saturday, he said.

Temperatures only reached the high 80s Monday in the fire area, with winds at 3 to 10 miles per hour and a relative humidity at 40 to 45 percent.

"The weather cooperated and we received some rain. It appears, at least for now, that the fire in the Burbank hillside has laid down significantly. We no longer have any evacuation orders in place in the City of Burbank," Burbank Police Sgt. Derek Green said.

Garcetti welcomed a state of emergency that Gov. Jerry Brown declared in Los Angeles County Sunday, saying the decision placed the fire at the highest priority and will make new resources available to continue fighting it.

Garcetti issued a local emergency on Saturday.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger told reporters the county would issue its own emergency Tuesday, after the holiday.

There was also a drone in the area on Sunday, which Terrazas said could hinder the launch of helicopters. But the craft caused "minimal" impact, he said, adding that the object might have been in the air for at least 15 minutes before witnesses reported the sighting. Police were unable to locate a suspect, he said.

GoFundMe accounts have been set up to help two families impacted by the fire. Note that GoFundMe deducts 7.9 percent of all funds raised in the form of platform and payment processing charges. Click the names if you would like to donate.


California lawmakers issued various statements regarding President Donald Trump's decision to end the program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi is calling the move "a deeply shameful act of political cowardice." Pelosi also said in a statement that the widely expected announcement on Tuesday was a "despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America."

She also demanded an immediate vote to address the issue.

U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas (D- 51st District) said the president broke a promise made to nearly 800,000 DREAMers.

"The President and his Administration are betraying the values that make America great and turning the lives of families across the country into a nightmare," Vargas said.

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-49th District) believes it's the role of Congress to deal with the immigration status of DREAMers "the right way."

When President Obama unilaterally created DACA, he unlawfully overstepped his executive authority and only put a temporary band-aid on a problem which prolonged uncertainty for many children brought here through no fault of their own," Issa said.

"Dreamers are Americans in every way except a piece of paper," U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D- California) said.

By ending DACA, President Trump ignores the Dreamers economic impact to our country. He has not only put them at risk but our economy at risk as well," U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D- 53rd District).

Congressional representative for San Diego, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R - 50th District), said today's decision puts this immigration issue back into the hands of Congress where it should have been from the start.

"President Trump is aiming to keep families together and uphold his commitment to address the immigration issue in a way thats consistent with his promises," Hunter said.

"Ending #DACA is cruel and heartless.," U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D- 13th District) tweeted. "Congress must act now to protect #DREAMers and pass comprehensive immigration reform once and for all."

U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D - 52nd District) used "cowardice" to describe the decision to rescind the DACA program.

"We must move swiftly to protect DREAMers and provide them and their employers with the certainty they deserve. If Congress does not act by March 6th, 2018, it is complicit in this economic and moral catastrophe, Peters said.

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla called the move by the president's administration "a callous decision" and announced the state would stand with the so-called Dreamers.

"This decision creates a critical and urgent challenge for more than 200,000 Dreamers in California and 800,000 nationwide who pay taxes and contribute to our country," Padilla said in a statement. "They are not just students  they are community leaders, business owners, taxpayers, and key to our workforce."

Senate Republican leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) issued a statement saying the real work must begin.

"It is imperative that Congress pass a lasting legislative solution that will ensure that 800,000 young people, who have done nothing wrong, can continue to pursue their educations, careers and contributions to our great nation," Bates said.



Please check back for updates to this article as lawmakers release their reaction to the president's decision.
After breeding and releasing almost 100 endangered Pacific pocket mice, researchers discovered mice reintroduced into Orange County's Laguna Coast Wilderness Park have started breeding on their own, according to the San Diego Zoo.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildfire released a new group of 25 pocket mice last month into a 1.6-acre fenced section of the park. The offspring have also begun breeding.

"This is a major milestone for a program that has so many delicate and important stages," said Debra Shier, Ph.D., Brown Endowed Associate Director of Recovery Ecology at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. "There are four major stages for reintroducing a species to the wild: release, establishment, growth and regulation. Right now, we have reached the growth phase for this population. I think if we continue on this trajectory, we will have successfully established a new population in the wild."

Breeding facilities use air conditioning and humidifiers to mimic coastal temperature and humidity levels the mice require to prepare them for the wilderness. Researchers will continue to provide supplementary food to the mice as they navigate the wild terrain.

[G] Pacific Pocket Mice to be Relocated to Orange County

Scientists consider these mice vital to their ecosystem because they seed disperse for native plants throughout their habitat, according to the San Diego Zoo.

The Pacific pocket mouse breeding program started in 2012 and took 34 adult Pacific pocket mice from three remaining wild habitats to an off-exhibit area at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, according to the San Diego Zoo.

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The programs managed by staff at San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, working closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildfire and OC Parks.

The Pacific pocket mouse is the smallest in North America, weighing six and seven grams. Its currently listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has launched a program that will offer residents more training for trade and construction jobs that typically go unfilled.

The D.C. Infrastructure Academy is a partnership between D.C. public and private sector companies and aims to create a pipeline for D.C. residents to infrastructure jobs, a press release said.

Over 2.5 million infrastructure employees are expected to leave their jobs or retire in the next ten years, according to Deputy Mayor Courtney Snowden. The academy, which is modelled after successful programs in Philadelphia, Georgia and Chicago, will provide specialized training programs with a focus on helping underemployed and unemployed residents.

The D.C. Infrastructure Academy will give D.C. residents the chance to learn the nuts and bolts of what makes our city run, Bowser said. Everything from utilities to transportation and logistics to operations and green technologies  and ensure that they are first in line when it comes to securing the infrastructure jobs of today and tomorrow.

The infrastructure sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, but filling positions has been difficult. Over half of the Districts open positions in the industry went unfilled in 2016 despite an average wage of $48 per hour, according to Bowsers office.

Starting in 2018, the Department of Employment Services will operate the academy out of an interim location east of the Anacostia River until a permanent location can be completed.

Bill Von Hoene, senior executive vice president and chief strategy officer of Exelon, said the academy will enable hundreds of people to establish careers in infrastructure in the D.C. area.

As a local company, its our job to keep the lights on and the doors of opportunity open for District workers and families from every neighborhood, Von Hoene said.
Opponents of a multi-year closure of the Georgetown Branch Trail held a rally on Monday in an attempt to keep the trail open.

The popular trail that connects Bethesda and Silver Spring, Maryland, is set to close on Tuesday due to construction of the Maryland light rail project known as the Purple Line.

Purple Line officials have said the trail will close for four to five years between Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and Talbot Avenue in Silver Spring.

During Monday's Save the Trail rally, activists gathered at a section of the trail in Bethesda.

"We're encouraged by all this support. We're encouraged by the 1,600 people that signed our Change.org petition during a holiday weekend," said one man.

The petition is asking Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan not to cut down trees, close the trail or allow "any other irreversible environmental harm" until courts make their final rulings on the Purple Line.

PurpleLineMd.com

During construction, a detour route will take runners and cyclists along Jones Bridge Road, which some trail users have said is too busy and possibly unsafe, WTOP has previously reported.

"Construction activity will occur throughout the length of the existing Georgetown Branch Trail. To ensure safety for trail users, the trail must be closed," said a statement on the Purple Line website. "Montgomery County Department of Transportation has established an alternate trail route for use during construction."

The Purple Line is expected to open in 2022.

Opponents of a multi-year closure of the Georgetown Branch Trail say the alternate route is not as safe due to traffic.
Defense Minister Song Young-moo told a parliamentary session on Monday that he is "willing to consider" asking the U.S. to redeploy nuclear weapons in South Korea.

The remarks came after North Korea tested a powerful nuclear bomb on Sunday.

Asked by independent lawmaker Lee Jung-hyun whether the government could ask the U.S. to re-deploy tactical nuclear weapons here, Song said Seoul is "willing to consider it."

Asked by People's Party floor leader Kim Dong-cheol whether that could prompt China, North Korea's sole ally, to step up pressure on the North to scrap its nuclear weapons, Song said it "could be an option."


Welcome back! Thousands of students in Maryland and Virginia area heading back to school.

Tuesday marks the start of the school year for students in Maryland and throughout much of northern Virginia.

This is the first time students in Maryland have started school after the Labor Day holiday. Students in Prince George's County will start school Wednesday.

Tuesday also marks a big change for commuters.

All throughout the month of September, commuters will likely spend more and more time during the morning and evening rush. It's a phenomenon that local traffic experts are calling "September Shock."

Transportation experts say depending on where you are coming from, you could spend an extra hour behind the wheel.
With the new academic year, the University of Vermont unveiled a new dining facility as part of its Central Campus residential life complex. The dining hall aims to continue Catamounts' educations  outside the classroom.

Already, UVM students are digging into the new dining hall in droves. It expects to serve nearly 4,000 meals a day, showcasing fresh ingredients wherever possible, said Melissa Zelazny, the director of UVM Dining.

But what may really set the new dining hall apart may be an attached classroom known as the Discovery Kitchen, where experienced chef instructor Sarah Langan teaches students how to cook for themselves.

"It's really cutting edge," Langan said of the offering in a university dining hall setting.

Tuesday, Langan's lesson was on how simple it can be to make a sauce for chicken from scratch, and what herbs can really make a dish pop.

She said she hopes the students who seek out her seminars will take away valuable life skills.

"When they live off-campus, it can't just be ramen and frozen pizza," Langan told necn. "They've got to learn how to cook."

Ana Jankovsky, a first-year UVM student from Fairfield, Connecticut, said the dining facility would likely be the envy of her friends who attend other colleges and universities.

"All my friends who go to other schools, they always say the dining is so awful that they just want to go out and eat, but there's always a line outside of this dining hall specifically, because everyone wants to eat here," Jankovsky said of the Central Campus dining hall.

Zelazny said along with the education component, the new space also showcases calorie counts, ingredient lists, and meet-and-greets with Vermont farmers, so students can learn where their meals come from.

"We're trying to create an experience for students," Zelazny said. "It just creates a much deeper connection to food and, hopefully, a much healthier lifestyle for students."

Marie Russ, a UVM sophomore from Worcester, Vermont, said she expects the techniques she'll learn at the Discovery Kitchen will stick with her.

"And it's going to be really helpful for me, because I'm planning on studying abroad next semester and there's no food plan with my housing," Russ said. "So I'm going to be use the skills I learn here to help prepare food while I'm there."

Chef Sarah, as Langan calls herself, said she has a full plate of classes planned for this semester, including how to make pickles, sushi rolling techniques, and how to stretch your shopping dollar.

The UVM students who took her Tuesday afternoon class gave Langan an A+, as they snapped selfies and high-fived each other over the meals they created themselves.
A University of Maine professor is researching how the natural enemies of an invasive moth can be used to stop the pest's growth in Maine.

The browntail moth is loathed around Maine for its ability to infest trees and hurt people. The moth's caterpillars have toxic hairs that can cause respiratory diseases and rashes that resemble poison ivy.

UMaine entomology professor Eleanor Groden is looking into how things like fungi and viruses that target the caterpillars can help slow them down. The caterpillars' range is growing, making it a bigger pain. Its hairs can become airborne as it molts, and they can then settle on everything from patio furniture to hang-drying laundry.

UMaine says Groden's research is part of a larger initiative to monitor and manage the moths.
President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on the phone again Monday to discuss their response to North Korea's latest nuclear test.

Cheong Wa Dae said the two leaders agreed on the need for close cooperation in the international community as well as the UN Security Council to implement tougher sanctions and pressure on North Korea.

Moon and Trump agreed to increase the permissible payload of South Korean missiles to boost South Korea's own defense capabilities against North Korean threat, raising it from 500 kg to 1 ton or more.

Moon pledged to complete the full deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery in southern Korea as soon as possible.

Moon also spoke on the phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday morning. He said the international community must implement "tough and substantial" responses that the North will feel keenly, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun.

Moon also had telephone conversations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin.


ENS Economic Bureau By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Will the country finally know for sure how much black money is stashed away by Indians in and outside India? According to Finance Ministry sources, a Parliamentary panel is examining three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians both inside and outside the country. They may not include the latest numbers, since the study was conducted during the previous government, sources in the Finance Ministry said.

While it is understood that the reports were submitted three years ago, they had not been made public since they were not vetted by the Standing Committee on Finance. With sources saying that they had finally been cleared, it is expected that once they are examined by the panel, they could be made public.

The three reports, prepared by the Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Faridabad, were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014, and August 21, 2014, respectively, according to officials involved in the process.

The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far, there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country, the Finance ministry had said while ordering the studies in 2011. The studies examined the assessment of unaccounted income and wealth, while researching and compiling a list on the nature of activities which helped in money laundering.

The NDA government in 2015 had said in the Lok Sabha that various non-governmental organizations and economists in the past have indicated widely varying estimations regarding illicit financial flows out of the country. Such estimations appear to be based upon different sets of facts, assumptions, presumptions, etc. leading to widely varying inferences. Such estimations also appear to lack unanimity and reliability. The subject matter, therefore, does not appear amenable to reliable estimation.

Focus on finding causes for black money creation

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the studies included assessment or survey of unaccounted income and wealth and profiling the nature of activities engendering money laundering both within and outside the country. The studies were to identify, among other issues, important sectors in which unaccounted money was generated and examine causes that drove generation.

NEW DELHI: Will the country finally know for sure how much black money is stashed away by Indians in and outside India? According to Finance Ministry sources, a Parliamentary panel is examining three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians both inside and outside the country. They may not include the latest numbers, since the study was conducted during the previous government, sources in the Finance Ministry said. While it is understood that the reports were submitted three years ago, they had not been made public since they were not vetted by the Standing Committee on Finance. With sources saying that they had finally been cleared, it is expected that once they are examined by the panel, they could be made public. The three reports, prepared by the Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Faridabad, were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014, and August 21, 2014, respectively, according to officials involved in the process. The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far, there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country, the Finance ministry had said while ordering the studies in 2011. The studies examined the assessment of unaccounted income and wealth, while researching and compiling a list on the nature of activities which helped in money laundering. The NDA government in 2015 had said in the Lok Sabha that various non-governmental organizations and economists in the past have indicated widely varying estimations regarding illicit financial flows out of the country. Such estimations appear to be based upon different sets of facts, assumptions, presumptions, etc. leading to widely varying inferences. Such estimations also appear to lack unanimity and reliability. The subject matter, therefore, does not appear amenable to reliable estimation. Focus on finding causes for black money creation The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the studies included assessment or survey of unaccounted income and wealth and profiling the nature of activities engendering money laundering both within and outside the country. The studies were to identify, among other issues, important sectors in which unaccounted money was generated and examine causes that drove generation.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: Slamming demonetisation as a major factor responsible for the current deceleration in the economy, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram says the government was "clueless" about the causative factors on why the GDP was declining and unless these are addressed the Indian economy would be stuck at six per cent growth.

He also said that if the government that came on the promise of "good days" (achche din) cannot deliver on growth and jobs in 1,200 days in power, it cannot do so in the next 600 days.

"Therefore, he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has cleverly shifted the goal post to 2022 as though his five-year term is beginning in 2017. It is for the Opposition to expose this," Chidambaram told IANS in an interview.

Reacting to the latest Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) figures on GDP growth, he said it had declined for six successive quarters -- from 9.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent, 7 per cent, 6.7 per cent, 6.1 per cent and now 5.7 per cent.

"I have been writing about it, speaking about it and pointing out why it is declining. In my view, government seems clueless about the causative factors why the GDP growth is declining. If a government is clueless about the causative factors, I am afraid, it is incapable of taking corrective actions. One of the major causative factors was demonetisation which happened in the third quarter of 2016-17. But the government is unwilling to admit that demonetisation was a causative factor," he said, adding that the causative factors were many, and demonetisation, though a major one, was not the only factor.

He said unless the government addressed the causative factors, the economy would be stuck between 6 per cent and 7 per cent growth.

"If you go by Q1 of 2017-18 it may even be some 6 per cent. The point I have been making is in UPA-I, the economic growth was between 8 per cent and 9 per cent. Average was 8.5 per cent. In UPA-2, the rate of growth was between 7 per cent and 8 percent. In fact, it continued in the first two years of NDA government. Now since 2016-17, it has come to between 6 per cent and 7 percent. That is worrying."

Asked what the government should do, he shot back, "I am not giving them free advise. I don't know what they will do. They must address the factors which are causing the decline. Several people have written about it. An economy where export growth is not 15 per cent a year cannot grow at 7 per cent. That is true."

Asked if all the present ills of the economy could be blamed on demonetisation, the senior Congressman said, it was a major factor. The declining trend had started three quarters earlier. "Demonetisation happened in Q3 of 2016-17 and then Q4 of 2016-17 and Q1 of 2017-18 also continued to see the decline. Demonetisation accelerated the pace of decline," he said.

Chidambaram said it seemed that even after so much was being written and said, the government had no concept of what black money in India was.

"Let's assume that what has come into the system is partly black money. That is, part of the Rs 15.28 lakh crore. But that is only the stock of black money. But subsequent to November 8, 2016, there is generation of black money. That is the flow of black money. So demonetisation has not affected the generation and flow of black money."

Questioning the government's claims on the money that had come back into system, Chidambaram said anyone who had the courage to go and deposit rupees one or two crores would not have done so without a reasonably credible story that he would have prepared.

He said the government had no idea when it made the claim in the Supreme Court that it expected Rs 4 to Rs 5 Lakh crore not to come back into the system after demonetisation. It was a simply a shot in the dark.

"I think if there is a proper adjudication, proper investigation, it is possible that out of Rs 15.28 lakh crore that was deposited, in a period of five to six years it might be able to an get additional tax revenue of few thousand crores of rupees.

"Let's assume that you got about Rs 10,000 crore of additional tax. Is that worth the kind of disruption that you have caused? Is that worth the kind of pain you put the people through?" he asked.

On Raghuram Rajan breaking his silence over demonetisation, Chidambaram said there was a preliminary discussion on the merits and demerits of demonetisation and Rajan had advised against the move on the ground that the costs were far higher than the benefits.

"And I know that when he left office he had left a five-page note for the government, saying why demonetisation was not advisable. But it was the government's decision to do demonetisation. (He advised) they should take a number of preparatory steps and give time to RBI to get ready before the announcement of demonetisation. His views were rejected both on the decision to demonetise and on the preparatory steps that were required to be taken before demonetisation," he said.

On the logic of introduction of the Rs 2,000 currency note, Chidambaram said there was no logic behind that. "It was a foolish move that actually helped those who generate black money, to keep the money generated after November 8, 2016, in Rs 2,000 notes."

He said 50.2 per cent by value overall of the currency in circulation was that of the Rs 2,000 note which should be slowly phased out. "I am not suggesting you should scrap it. Should not print Rs 2,000 notes anymore. And as the Rs 2,000 notes come back into the banking system, they should be impounded and replaced with Rs 500 and Rs 200 notes. I don't think you should scrap it. That will be another demonetisation which will make the matters worse."

On the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Chidambaram said it was a good idea and good tax, but the way it was rolled out, the government has caused a massive disruption.

"You can't deny that. The textile sector has been disrupted. The supply chain from people who have a turnover of less than Rs 20 lakh to people who have a turnover of more than Rs 20 lakh is completely broken. The compliance costs are so high that small and medium business are suffering a huge amount of pain and loss. And the frequent changes in the rates is extremely upsetting. For example, the automobile industry says how can we invest so many thousands of crores of rupees if you keep on increasing the tax rate," Chidambaram said.

NEW DELHI: Slamming demonetisation as a major factor responsible for the current deceleration in the economy, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram says the government was "clueless" about the causative factors on why the GDP was declining and unless these are addressed the Indian economy would be stuck at six per cent growth. He also said that if the government that came on the promise of "good days" (achche din) cannot deliver on growth and jobs in 1,200 days in power, it cannot do so in the next 600 days. "Therefore, he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has cleverly shifted the goal post to 2022 as though his five-year term is beginning in 2017. It is for the Opposition to expose this," Chidambaram told IANS in an interview. Reacting to the latest Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) figures on GDP growth, he said it had declined for six successive quarters -- from 9.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent, 7 per cent, 6.7 per cent, 6.1 per cent and now 5.7 per cent. "I have been writing about it, speaking about it and pointing out why it is declining. In my view, government seems clueless about the causative factors why the GDP growth is declining. If a government is clueless about the causative factors, I am afraid, it is incapable of taking corrective actions. One of the major causative factors was demonetisation which happened in the third quarter of 2016-17. But the government is unwilling to admit that demonetisation was a causative factor," he said, adding that the causative factors were many, and demonetisation, though a major one, was not the only factor. He said unless the government addressed the causative factors, the economy would be stuck between 6 per cent and 7 per cent growth. "If you go by Q1 of 2017-18 it may even be some 6 per cent. The point I have been making is in UPA-I, the economic growth was between 8 per cent and 9 per cent. Average was 8.5 per cent. In UPA-2, the rate of growth was between 7 per cent and 8 percent. In fact, it continued in the first two years of NDA government. Now since 2016-17, it has come to between 6 per cent and 7 percent. That is worrying." Asked what the government should do, he shot back, "I am not giving them free advise. I don't know what they will do. They must address the factors which are causing the decline. Several people have written about it. An economy where export growth is not 15 per cent a year cannot grow at 7 per cent. That is true." Asked if all the present ills of the economy could be blamed on demonetisation, the senior Congressman said, it was a major factor. The declining trend had started three quarters earlier. "Demonetisation happened in Q3 of 2016-17 and then Q4 of 2016-17 and Q1 of 2017-18 also continued to see the decline. Demonetisation accelerated the pace of decline," he said. Chidambaram said it seemed that even after so much was being written and said, the government had no concept of what black money in India was. "Let's assume that what has come into the system is partly black money. That is, part of the Rs 15.28 lakh crore. But that is only the stock of black money. But subsequent to November 8, 2016, there is generation of black money. That is the flow of black money. So demonetisation has not affected the generation and flow of black money." Questioning the government's claims on the money that had come back into system, Chidambaram said anyone who had the courage to go and deposit rupees one or two crores would not have done so without a reasonably credible story that he would have prepared. He said the government had no idea when it made the claim in the Supreme Court that it expected Rs 4 to Rs 5 Lakh crore not to come back into the system after demonetisation. It was a simply a shot in the dark. "I think if there is a proper adjudication, proper investigation, it is possible that out of Rs 15.28 lakh crore that was deposited, in a period of five to six years it might be able to an get additional tax revenue of few thousand crores of rupees. "Let's assume that you got about Rs 10,000 crore of additional tax. Is that worth the kind of disruption that you have caused? Is that worth the kind of pain you put the people through?" he asked. On Raghuram Rajan breaking his silence over demonetisation, Chidambaram said there was a preliminary discussion on the merits and demerits of demonetisation and Rajan had advised against the move on the ground that the costs were far higher than the benefits. "And I know that when he left office he had left a five-page note for the government, saying why demonetisation was not advisable. But it was the government's decision to do demonetisation. (He advised) they should take a number of preparatory steps and give time to RBI to get ready before the announcement of demonetisation. His views were rejected both on the decision to demonetise and on the preparatory steps that were required to be taken before demonetisation," he said. On the logic of introduction of the Rs 2,000 currency note, Chidambaram said there was no logic behind that. "It was a foolish move that actually helped those who generate black money, to keep the money generated after November 8, 2016, in Rs 2,000 notes." He said 50.2 per cent by value overall of the currency in circulation was that of the Rs 2,000 note which should be slowly phased out. "I am not suggesting you should scrap it. Should not print Rs 2,000 notes anymore. And as the Rs 2,000 notes come back into the banking system, they should be impounded and replaced with Rs 500 and Rs 200 notes. I don't think you should scrap it. That will be another demonetisation which will make the matters worse." On the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Chidambaram said it was a good idea and good tax, but the way it was rolled out, the government has caused a massive disruption. "You can't deny that. The textile sector has been disrupted. The supply chain from people who have a turnover of less than Rs 20 lakh to people who have a turnover of more than Rs 20 lakh is completely broken. The compliance costs are so high that small and medium business are suffering a huge amount of pain and loss. And the frequent changes in the rates is extremely upsetting. For example, the automobile industry says how can we invest so many thousands of crores of rupees if you keep on increasing the tax rate," Chidambaram said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI : HSCC, a public sector unit under Health Ministry, has bagged a Rs 2,500 crore project to help build hospitals in Mauritius. Earlier known as Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation Ltd, HSCC is listed for disinvestment by the government and is likely to be merged or acquired by a suitor. The government is all set to sell out this min ratna firm before year end, to meet its disinvestment target of Rs 72,500 crore during 2017-18.The governments decision to undertake M&A is a wise decision. But, our experience of 35 years in hospital consultancy is unique and should be preserved and further developed, even after the merger, Gyanesh Pandey, chairman and managing director, HSCC told Express.

One argument is that the firm has significantly improved its revenues in the last five years -- from bagging just Rs 5 crore worth of projects, the firm has turned around under Pandey and, as on date, has more than Rs 18,000 crore worth projects for execution. On an average, our company is doing projects worth Rs 1500 crore and our architects are sought after in the medical infrastructure development field, said Pandey.

Last year, three AIIMS project were awarded to HSCC -- one each in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Each of these projects is estimated to earn a revenue of Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 crore for the company. Our Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the last five years is 33-34 per cent. The cost of projects we do has gone up from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1300 crore, despite constraints in manpower... It was my dream that HSCC should have some project work in each city of India, he said. Pandey is also confident that the Mauritius project will be completed on time, with plans to source top technical professionals both from India and in Mauritius.

According to Pandey, Indian project management and design engineering consultancies are some of the best in the world. For the current project, detailing and conceptualization is being done in India, but HSCC is developing it according to Mauritius norms. In the next 2-3 months, we will recruit people in India and appoint an agency in Mauritius to undertake the execution, says Pandey.

An agreement in this regard was signed between HSCC and the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life of Mauritius appointing HSCC as Project Management Consultant for nine hospitals in the country. The agreement was signed by Girish Gunesh, Senior Chief Executive, Ministry of Health & Quality Life, Govt. of Mauritius and Pandey.

NEW DELHI : HSCC, a public sector unit under Health Ministry, has bagged a Rs 2,500 crore project to help build hospitals in Mauritius. Earlier known as Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation Ltd, HSCC is listed for disinvestment by the government and is likely to be merged or acquired by a suitor. The government is all set to sell out this min ratna firm before year end, to meet its disinvestment target of Rs 72,500 crore during 2017-18.The governments decision to undertake M&A is a wise decision. But, our experience of 35 years in hospital consultancy is unique and should be preserved and further developed, even after the merger, Gyanesh Pandey, chairman and managing director, HSCC told Express. One argument is that the firm has significantly improved its revenues in the last five years -- from bagging just Rs 5 crore worth of projects, the firm has turned around under Pandey and, as on date, has more than Rs 18,000 crore worth projects for execution. On an average, our company is doing projects worth Rs 1500 crore and our architects are sought after in the medical infrastructure development field, said Pandey. Last year, three AIIMS project were awarded to HSCC -- one each in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Each of these projects is estimated to earn a revenue of Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 crore for the company. Our Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the last five years is 33-34 per cent. The cost of projects we do has gone up from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1300 crore, despite constraints in manpower... It was my dream that HSCC should have some project work in each city of India, he said. Pandey is also confident that the Mauritius project will be completed on time, with plans to source top technical professionals both from India and in Mauritius. According to Pandey, Indian project management and design engineering consultancies are some of the best in the world. For the current project, detailing and conceptualization is being done in India, but HSCC is developing it according to Mauritius norms. In the next 2-3 months, we will recruit people in India and appoint an agency in Mauritius to undertake the execution, says Pandey. An agreement in this regard was signed between HSCC and the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life of Mauritius appointing HSCC as Project Management Consultant for nine hospitals in the country. The agreement was signed by Girish Gunesh, Senior Chief Executive, Ministry of Health & Quality Life, Govt. of Mauritius and Pandey.
Sesa sen By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: At a time when the economy still awaits for some stimulus to revive growth, Chennai-based cement major India Cements is anticipating achieving better capacity utilisation during the current financial year. As part of its strategy, the firm will tap the northern, eastern and western markets, focus on reducing debt, introduce speciality cements and boost exports, in line with the companys plans to turn focus back on core businesses and exit non-core businesses.

India Cements is taking steps to diversify product portfolio to improve capacity utilisation. The company is already producing oil well cement and has plans to bid for the tender for supplying sleeper cement. It will also continue the export of cement to Sri Lanka under the companys brand, said N Srinivasan, vice-chairman & managing director at the companys 71st AGM.

The industry, he said, was facing a situation of excess capacity, with the south in particular facing maximum surplus capacity. While there was sporadic growth in non-southern states, he added, not all regions have seen growth at a reasonable level. However, now that prices have stabilised, there is a possibility of improvement in demand. This, in tandem with various schemes and projects taken up for implementation by the Centre and states, and an expected expansionary Union Budget, could improve capacity utilisation, he pointed out.

Srinivasan also drew attention to the cost pressure cement firms are facing due to the increasing cost of inputs. Mergers and Acquisitions are also likely to gain pace, though on a small scale and with focus on gaining strategic and operational competitive advantages. Financially stressed companies are selling assets. In some cases, regulations imposed by the Competition Commission of India has forced companies to sell their assets, he told Express.

CHENNAI: At a time when the economy still awaits for some stimulus to revive growth, Chennai-based cement major India Cements is anticipating achieving better capacity utilisation during the current financial year. As part of its strategy, the firm will tap the northern, eastern and western markets, focus on reducing debt, introduce speciality cements and boost exports, in line with the companys plans to turn focus back on core businesses and exit non-core businesses. India Cements is taking steps to diversify product portfolio to improve capacity utilisation. The company is already producing oil well cement and has plans to bid for the tender for supplying sleeper cement. It will also continue the export of cement to Sri Lanka under the companys brand, said N Srinivasan, vice-chairman & managing director at the companys 71st AGM. The industry, he said, was facing a situation of excess capacity, with the south in particular facing maximum surplus capacity. While there was sporadic growth in non-southern states, he added, not all regions have seen growth at a reasonable level. However, now that prices have stabilised, there is a possibility of improvement in demand. This, in tandem with various schemes and projects taken up for implementation by the Centre and states, and an expected expansionary Union Budget, could improve capacity utilisation, he pointed out. Srinivasan also drew attention to the cost pressure cement firms are facing due to the increasing cost of inputs. Mergers and Acquisitions are also likely to gain pace, though on a small scale and with focus on gaining strategic and operational competitive advantages. Financially stressed companies are selling assets. In some cases, regulations imposed by the Competition Commission of India has forced companies to sell their assets, he told Express.
ENS Economic Bureau By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The minstry of commerce and industry got itself a new, full-fledged Union Minister on Monday, with former Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu taking charge.

His predecessor, Nirmala Sitharaman, has been promoted to cabinet rank and appointed defence minister. Prabhu takes charge at a time when export growth is waning, falling to an eight-month low of 3.94 per cent in July, while trade deficit has widened to $11.44 billion on account of high gold imports.

However, the ministry is also presiding over an unprecendented flow of foreign capital into the country. FDI in the first quarter of 2017-18 soared 37 per cent to $10.4 billion and the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) under the ministry deals with foreign direct investment (FDI) related matters.

P P Chaudhary, already Minister of State (MoS) for law and justice, also took charge as MoS for Corporate Affairs on Monday. Chaudhary is the third MoS in the ministry since the NDA came to power in 2014. So far, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Nirmala Sitharaman have also served as MoS for the ministry.

Soon after taking over, 64-year-old Chaudhary, held meetings with senior officials. Held an introductory briefing meeting with officials from ministry of corporate affairs before taking charge as its minister of state, Chaudhary said in a tweet. He is a member of parliament representing Pali in Rajasthan. Chaudary takes charge at a time when the boardroom tussles in Tata Group and Infosys have thrown open questions on the state of corporate governance in India.

Having seen a successful stint as the Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday took charge as the new minister for skill development and entrepreneurship, stating that his priority would be to create an eco-system of jobs.

The Skill development and entrepreneurship ministry is one of the most vital, considering the governments Skill India push and repeated calls for upskilling the workforce from the industry. According to Pradhan, the government plans to expedite its initiative to skill youth in different trades and develop entrepreneurial skills as it looks to create employment avenues for one million youth who join the job market every year. Our effort will be to coordinate with state governments, other agencies to find employment avenues for youth entering the workforce, he said.

While Union finance minister Arun Jaitley remains at the helm of the fiance ministry, Shiv Pratap Shukla took charge as the new minister of state for finance. Shukla did not make any public comments on his first day, saying that it would be difficult to say anything as it was his first day in the position. He replaces Santosh Kumar Gangwar, who has moved to the labour ministry.

A former Uttar Pradesh minister, Shukla brings with him a rich organisational as well as ministerial experience to the union cabinet.Shukla is 65 years old and hails from Gorakhpur. He is known for his work as cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh, where he initiated an education for all scheme. He is also known for his efforts to reform conditions for prisoners as well as various rural development schemes.

NEW DELHI: The minstry of commerce and industry got itself a new, full-fledged Union Minister on Monday, with former Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu taking charge. His predecessor, Nirmala Sitharaman, has been promoted to cabinet rank and appointed defence minister. Prabhu takes charge at a time when export growth is waning, falling to an eight-month low of 3.94 per cent in July, while trade deficit has widened to $11.44 billion on account of high gold imports. However, the ministry is also presiding over an unprecendented flow of foreign capital into the country. FDI in the first quarter of 2017-18 soared 37 per cent to $10.4 billion and the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) under the ministry deals with foreign direct investment (FDI) related matters. P P Chaudhary, already Minister of State (MoS) for law and justice, also took charge as MoS for Corporate Affairs on Monday. Chaudhary is the third MoS in the ministry since the NDA came to power in 2014. So far, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Nirmala Sitharaman have also served as MoS for the ministry. Soon after taking over, 64-year-old Chaudhary, held meetings with senior officials. Held an introductory briefing meeting with officials from ministry of corporate affairs before taking charge as its minister of state, Chaudhary said in a tweet. He is a member of parliament representing Pali in Rajasthan. Chaudary takes charge at a time when the boardroom tussles in Tata Group and Infosys have thrown open questions on the state of corporate governance in India. Having seen a successful stint as the Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday took charge as the new minister for skill development and entrepreneurship, stating that his priority would be to create an eco-system of jobs. The Skill development and entrepreneurship ministry is one of the most vital, considering the governments Skill India push and repeated calls for upskilling the workforce from the industry. According to Pradhan, the government plans to expedite its initiative to skill youth in different trades and develop entrepreneurial skills as it looks to create employment avenues for one million youth who join the job market every year. Our effort will be to coordinate with state governments, other agencies to find employment avenues for youth entering the workforce, he said. While Union finance minister Arun Jaitley remains at the helm of the fiance ministry, Shiv Pratap Shukla took charge as the new minister of state for finance. Shukla did not make any public comments on his first day, saying that it would be difficult to say anything as it was his first day in the position. He replaces Santosh Kumar Gangwar, who has moved to the labour ministry. A former Uttar Pradesh minister, Shukla brings with him a rich organisational as well as ministerial experience to the union cabinet.Shukla is 65 years old and hails from Gorakhpur. He is known for his work as cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh, where he initiated an education for all scheme. He is also known for his efforts to reform conditions for prisoners as well as various rural development schemes.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Japanese imaging major Nikon has said it expects India to be among its top five markets globally in the next 3-4 years and aims to retain lead in the DSLR segment here. The company is also expanding its retail foot print here by adding 10 to 15 Nikon Experience Zone, a shop-in-a-shop format to reach out to more customers. "We want to be among top five markets globally in next 3 -4 years," Nikon India MD Kazuo Ninomiya told PTI.

Currently, India ranks eightieth in Nikon's global market and contributes around 3 per cent of the global sales. The top five markets for Nikon are US, China, Japan, Germany and UK. Nikon India had a sales of around Rs 1,100 crore last fiscal and contribution from digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera was 75-80 per cent. "We are expecting a double digit growth in the DSLR market in the future even in the smart phone era. I am expecting that smartphones users would shift to DSLR for better results," Ninomiya said. Nikon is competing with other Japanese makers such as Canon, Sony, Pentex etc in the Indian DSLR market. The company is bullish about its growth prospects and said: "the growth would come from DSLR market". On Nikon's strategy to retain its leadership, he said: "We have a good range of lenses and accessories. you can not take good photographs by having camera body only. We are ahead of our rivals in system".

According to Ninomiya, Indian DSLR market is estimated to be around 0.5 million units and Nikon has around 55 per cent share of that. "Our activity in India is not only limited to sales but we do organise lot of photo schools and organising workshops," Nikon Senior VP corporate Sales & Strategy Sajjan Kumar said, adding Nikon is engaged in lot of brand activities. The company is bullish about Indian growth story as it had a sales of Rs 70 crore in FY 2007-08 and by then it has grown to multi fold in last 10 years. "We have 130 Nikon Experience Zone .... We would keep on adding 10 to 15 every year," Kumar said. Nikon presently imports its range here from Japan, china and Thailand. To enhance its portfolio, Nikon today launched D850 - 8K capable camera here priced at Rs 2.54 lakh.

NEW DELHI: Japanese imaging major Nikon has said it expects India to be among its top five markets globally in the next 3-4 years and aims to retain lead in the DSLR segment here. The company is also expanding its retail foot print here by adding 10 to 15 Nikon Experience Zone, a shop-in-a-shop format to reach out to more customers. "We want to be among top five markets globally in next 3 -4 years," Nikon India MD Kazuo Ninomiya told PTI. Currently, India ranks eightieth in Nikon's global market and contributes around 3 per cent of the global sales. The top five markets for Nikon are US, China, Japan, Germany and UK. Nikon India had a sales of around Rs 1,100 crore last fiscal and contribution from digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera was 75-80 per cent. "We are expecting a double digit growth in the DSLR market in the future even in the smart phone era. I am expecting that smartphones users would shift to DSLR for better results," Ninomiya said. Nikon is competing with other Japanese makers such as Canon, Sony, Pentex etc in the Indian DSLR market. The company is bullish about its growth prospects and said: "the growth would come from DSLR market". On Nikon's strategy to retain its leadership, he said: "We have a good range of lenses and accessories. you can not take good photographs by having camera body only. We are ahead of our rivals in system". According to Ninomiya, Indian DSLR market is estimated to be around 0.5 million units and Nikon has around 55 per cent share of that. "Our activity in India is not only limited to sales but we do organise lot of photo schools and organising workshops," Nikon Senior VP corporate Sales & Strategy Sajjan Kumar said, adding Nikon is engaged in lot of brand activities. The company is bullish about Indian growth story as it had a sales of Rs 70 crore in FY 2007-08 and by then it has grown to multi fold in last 10 years. "We have 130 Nikon Experience Zone .... We would keep on adding 10 to 15 every year," Kumar said. Nikon presently imports its range here from Japan, china and Thailand. To enhance its portfolio, Nikon today launched D850 - 8K capable camera here priced at Rs 2.54 lakh.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: As Apple prepares to launch its next flagship device - probably iPhone 8 - on September 12, Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has surpassed Apple for the first time in global smartphone sales consistently for June and July.

With August sales looking strong for the Chinese vendor, a hat-trick for Huawei, which is now at second spot after South Korean giant Samsung, could be on the cards, said Counterpoint Research's 'Market Pulse for July 2017' on Tuesday.

"This is a significant milestone for Huawei. The global scale Huawei has been able to achieve can be attributed to its consistent investment in R&D and manufacturing, coupled with aggressive marketing and sales channel expansion," Counterpoint's Research Director Peter Richardson said in a statement.

While this streak could be temporary, considering the annual iPhone refresh is just around the corner, it nevertheless underscores the rate at which Huawei has been growing.

"However, a weak presence in the South Asian, Indian and North American markets limits Huawei's potential in the near-to mid-term to take a sustainable second place position behind Samsung," Richardson added.

According to Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint's Associate Director, the growth of Chinese brands is an important trend which no player in the mobile ecosystem can ignore.

"Chinese brands are growing swiftly thanks not only to smartphone design, manufacturing capability and rich feature sets, but also by out-smarting and out-spending rivals in sales channels, go-to-market and marketing promotion strategies," Pathak said.

Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi have successfully gained access to key supply chain partners, which has allowed them to launch designs with bezel-free, full displays, Augmented Reality, in-house chipsets and advanced camera features.

"Chinese vendors have become as equally important as Samsung or Apple to the global supply chain, application developers and distribution channels, as they continue to grow in scale more rapidly than the incumbent market share leaders," Pathak noted.

Apple continues to drive its flagship momentum with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

OPPO has been one of the fastest growing brands globally thanks to the popularity of models including the flagship OPPO R11 and the mid-tier OPPO A57.

These were followed by Samsung's flagship Galaxy S8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X and Samsung Galaxy S8+.

Apple's 32GB refresh of the venerable iPhone 6 enabled it to regain momentum during the month, with popularity across prepaid markets to edge out Samsung's Galaxy J7.

"While Huawei has trimmed its portfolio, it likely needs to further streamline its product range like Oppo and Xiaomi - putting more muscle behind fewer products.," said Senior Analyst Pavel Naiya.

NEW DELHI: As Apple prepares to launch its next flagship device - probably iPhone 8 - on September 12, Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has surpassed Apple for the first time in global smartphone sales consistently for June and July. With August sales looking strong for the Chinese vendor, a hat-trick for Huawei, which is now at second spot after South Korean giant Samsung, could be on the cards, said Counterpoint Research's 'Market Pulse for July 2017' on Tuesday. "This is a significant milestone for Huawei. The global scale Huawei has been able to achieve can be attributed to its consistent investment in R&D and manufacturing, coupled with aggressive marketing and sales channel expansion," Counterpoint's Research Director Peter Richardson said in a statement. While this streak could be temporary, considering the annual iPhone refresh is just around the corner, it nevertheless underscores the rate at which Huawei has been growing. "However, a weak presence in the South Asian, Indian and North American markets limits Huawei's potential in the near-to mid-term to take a sustainable second place position behind Samsung," Richardson added. According to Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint's Associate Director, the growth of Chinese brands is an important trend which no player in the mobile ecosystem can ignore. "Chinese brands are growing swiftly thanks not only to smartphone design, manufacturing capability and rich feature sets, but also by out-smarting and out-spending rivals in sales channels, go-to-market and marketing promotion strategies," Pathak said. Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi have successfully gained access to key supply chain partners, which has allowed them to launch designs with bezel-free, full displays, Augmented Reality, in-house chipsets and advanced camera features. "Chinese vendors have become as equally important as Samsung or Apple to the global supply chain, application developers and distribution channels, as they continue to grow in scale more rapidly than the incumbent market share leaders," Pathak noted. Apple continues to drive its flagship momentum with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. OPPO has been one of the fastest growing brands globally thanks to the popularity of models including the flagship OPPO R11 and the mid-tier OPPO A57. These were followed by Samsung's flagship Galaxy S8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X and Samsung Galaxy S8+. Apple's 32GB refresh of the venerable iPhone 6 enabled it to regain momentum during the month, with popularity across prepaid markets to edge out Samsung's Galaxy J7. "While Huawei has trimmed its portfolio, it likely needs to further streamline its product range like Oppo and Xiaomi - putting more muscle behind fewer products.," said Senior Analyst Pavel Naiya.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Noted journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at her residence in Rajarajeshwarinagar in the city on Tuesday night. Unidentified assailants shot her dead at her residence, according to the initial accounts by the police. She was 55 years old.

Karnataka's new Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who rushed to the spot with the city Police Commissioner, told reporters that the assailants probably fired seven rounds.



"Within minutes, seven rounds were fired at close range. She was attacked outside her residence. As she had not sought police protection, no security was provided to her," Reddy said.

Coming from an eminent family of journalists and theatre persons, she was the daughter of the legendary P Lankesh, who started the influential Lankesh Patrike, the first Kannada tabloid. Her siblings, Kavitha and Indrajit are also films and theatre.

Lankesh, in her 50s, edited a Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications. She was a fierce activist when it came to rights of dalits or the poor. Earlier, she was involved in the rehabilitation of Naxals who were attempting to return to mainstream life.

An anti-establishment figure, she was recently found guilty of defamation against two BJP leaders in Hubballi.

Her killing by shooting is reminiscent of the killings of rationalists M M Kalaburagi in August 2015 and Narendra Dabholkar in August 2013.

Kavitha Lankesh and her daughter at the Crime scene.

(EPS | Vinod Kumar.T)

In March of this year, Yogesh Master, known as a progressive writer was blackened in the face by right wing activists at a function organised by Gauri in memory of her father.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the crime. "Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," he tweeted.



"Gauri was an advocate of secularism. She fought against injustice," he told the media here.



"Police has formed three teams and begun investigations," Siddaramaiah said, adding that he had directed police to nab the killers at the earliest.

(with inputs from IANS, PTI)

BENGALURU: Noted journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at her residence in Rajarajeshwarinagar in the city on Tuesday night. Unidentified assailants shot her dead at her residence, according to the initial accounts by the police. She was 55 years old. Karnataka's new Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who rushed to the spot with the city Police Commissioner, told reporters that the assailants probably fired seven rounds. "Within minutes, seven rounds were fired at close range. She was attacked outside her residence. As she had not sought police protection, no security was provided to her," Reddy said. Coming from an eminent family of journalists and theatre persons, she was the daughter of the legendary P Lankesh, who started the influential Lankesh Patrike, the first Kannada tabloid. Her siblings, Kavitha and Indrajit are also films and theatre. Lankesh, in her 50s, edited a Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications. She was a fierce activist when it came to rights of dalits or the poor. Earlier, she was involved in the rehabilitation of Naxals who were attempting to return to mainstream life. An anti-establishment figure, she was recently found guilty of defamation against two BJP leaders in Hubballi. Her killing by shooting is reminiscent of the killings of rationalists M M Kalaburagi in August 2015 and Narendra Dabholkar in August 2013. Kavitha Lankesh and her daughter at the Crime scene. (EPS | Vinod Kumar.T) In March of this year, Yogesh Master, known as a progressive writer was blackened in the face by right wing activists at a function organised by Gauri in memory of her father. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the crime. "Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," he tweeted. "Gauri was an advocate of secularism. She fought against injustice," he told the media here. "Police has formed three teams and begun investigations," Siddaramaiah said, adding that he had directed police to nab the killers at the earliest. (with inputs from IANS, PTI)
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A British national has been arrested for raping three visually impaired students studying in a school in Delhi.

According to the Delhi Police, Murray Denis Ward (53), who was working with a multi-national company, was arrested after three minor students informed their teachers that he sodomised them inside the school.

He has been a donor for the last eight or nine years. He has been accused of sodomising at least three children, all under 8 years old. A case has been registered and accused has been arrested, Delhi police said in a statement.

Ward forced himself on the three kids on Saturday afternoon. He has been charged under sections of the Prevention of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Murray was produced in a court on Monday and has been sent to two-day police custody, police said.



When cops checked accuseds laptop and mobile, they found objectionable videos of kids. They are claiming that these videos were sent through WhatsApp to some people.

The accused is from Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom, and used to work with Sterlite Technology Limited in Gurgaon till April. He has a family of four including a wife and three kids, who live in UK. He had suffered a paralytic attack in February this year.

NEW DELHI: A British national has been arrested for raping three visually impaired students studying in a school in Delhi. According to the Delhi Police, Murray Denis Ward (53), who was working with a multi-national company, was arrested after three minor students informed their teachers that he sodomised them inside the school. He has been a donor for the last eight or nine years. He has been accused of sodomising at least three children, all under 8 years old. A case has been registered and accused has been arrested, Delhi police said in a statement. Ward forced himself on the three kids on Saturday afternoon. He has been charged under sections of the Prevention of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Murray was produced in a court on Monday and has been sent to two-day police custody, police said. When cops checked accuseds laptop and mobile, they found objectionable videos of kids. They are claiming that these videos were sent through WhatsApp to some people. The accused is from Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom, and used to work with Sterlite Technology Limited in Gurgaon till April. He has a family of four including a wife and three kids, who live in UK. He had suffered a paralytic attack in February this year.
The U.S. on Monday warned of "a massive military response" to North Korea's nuclear test or what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb. It also mooted a wholesale secondary boycott of countries that are doing business with the North as a way to put pressure on Pyongyang.

Emerging from an urgent National Security Council meeting at the White House on Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis told reporters, "Any threat to the United States, or its territoriesor our allies will be met with a massive military response -- a response both effective and overwhelming."

"We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea," he added. "But, as I said, we have many options to do so." He was accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford.

Mattis also said, "We have many military options, and the president wanted to be briefed on each one of them."


Zumbish By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: In a rare case of mistaken identity, a Jagtial man Thuniki Nareshs workplace in Kuwait confused the details of his passport with that of another employee with the same name after the latter died. Naresh, who was repatriated on Monday, narrates the hassle he underwent for over a year after he found he cant use his passport anymore.

I used to load goods to be dispatched for Logistics Company Limited. In March, 2016, I decided to quit my job and leave for my village Anthargaon, Jagtial. However, I was told that my passport has been misplaced. Initially, the firm dilly dallied the issue saying that they have misplaced my passport but later, I found that the Civil ID on my password was interchanged with that of another employee named as me. He had passed away on February 2, 2016. My firm tried to help me but the following months were spent making endless visits to the office of Indian Embassy in Kuwait and the police station. The hardships I bore in the process while continuing with my work even took a toll on my health, said Thuniki.

However, as per Madad Portal: Online Grievance System data, the name of the deceased Thunikis identity was confused with was Tuniki Naresh and hence not exactly same.Thuniki also claims that though many people like Muralidhar Reddy, a social activist from Kuwait tried to help him, he was made to spend over `5 lakh on getting his passport and visa made again and on commuting in an alien country for the same. The entire expenditure was borne by Thuniki and not his firm. I finally am able to return after getting help from the Ministry of External Affairs on the pursual of Telangana Government NRI Affairs cell. But I have lost so much in the process. I had to sell my land and home to bear the expenditure. My wife even tried to commit suicide while I was in Kuwait. I wasnt able to visit home when my uncle passed away. I request Telangana government to provide me monetary help so that I can get my land back, he added.

Expenses borne by him

Thuniki claims that though many people like Muralidhar Reddy, a social activist from Kuwait tried to help him, he was made to spend over `5 lakh on getting his passport and visa made again. The expenditure was borne by Thuniki and not his firm.

HYDERABAD: In a rare case of mistaken identity, a Jagtial man Thuniki Nareshs workplace in Kuwait confused the details of his passport with that of another employee with the same name after the latter died. Naresh, who was repatriated on Monday, narrates the hassle he underwent for over a year after he found he cant use his passport anymore. I used to load goods to be dispatched for Logistics Company Limited. In March, 2016, I decided to quit my job and leave for my village Anthargaon, Jagtial. However, I was told that my passport has been misplaced. Initially, the firm dilly dallied the issue saying that they have misplaced my passport but later, I found that the Civil ID on my password was interchanged with that of another employee named as me. He had passed away on February 2, 2016. My firm tried to help me but the following months were spent making endless visits to the office of Indian Embassy in Kuwait and the police station. The hardships I bore in the process while continuing with my work even took a toll on my health, said Thuniki. However, as per Madad Portal: Online Grievance System data, the name of the deceased Thunikis identity was confused with was Tuniki Naresh and hence not exactly same.Thuniki also claims that though many people like Muralidhar Reddy, a social activist from Kuwait tried to help him, he was made to spend over `5 lakh on getting his passport and visa made again and on commuting in an alien country for the same. The entire expenditure was borne by Thuniki and not his firm. I finally am able to return after getting help from the Ministry of External Affairs on the pursual of Telangana Government NRI Affairs cell. But I have lost so much in the process. I had to sell my land and home to bear the expenditure. My wife even tried to commit suicide while I was in Kuwait. I wasnt able to visit home when my uncle passed away. I request Telangana government to provide me monetary help so that I can get my land back, he added. Expenses borne by him Thuniki claims that though many people like Muralidhar Reddy, a social activist from Kuwait tried to help him, he was made to spend over `5 lakh on getting his passport and visa made again. The expenditure was borne by Thuniki and not his firm.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: There was no real threat to the UP assembly on July 12, when the state government had claimed that plastic explosives were discovered under the seat of a lawmaker in the House. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Monday revealed that a small polythene packet of a white crystalline substance found in the assembly was just quartz. Shyam Bihari Upadhyay, director, Forensic Science Laboratory in Lucknow, responsible for the flutter created by the laboratorys incorrect report, has been suspended.Was it detection kits that expired in March 2016 that produced the wrong result, as sources say? Whatever the case, Upadhyay has been placed on suspension with immediate effect, on the recommendation of UP DGP Sulkhan Singh.

On the basis of the initial report of FSL Lucknow, chief minister Yogi Adityanath had declared in the assembly that the powder was a deadly plastic explosive  pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Subsequently, the probe into the incident was handed over to the NIA, which discovered that it was silicon dioxide, commonly known as quartz or silica, which has many uses, but none related to explosives.

Upadhyays suspension was recommended on July 27 when DG (Technical Services) Mahinder Modi and Singh exchanged a note which claimed that the FSL director had prepared a wrong and misleading report about the crystalline powder recovered from the assembly, as it was tested with a kit which had expired in March 2016 and that Upadhyay is liable for spreading confusion over the matter despite being aware of the facts, say highly-placed sources.

The correspondence between the two officers also blamed Upadhyay for not disclosing the fact that he was sending the samples to FSL Agra, the only facility in UP where exhibits collected under the Explosive Substances Act are examined.Spot tests conducted with expired kits were preliminary and not admissible in a court of law. It was for this reason that confirmatory tests were required. According to sources, the DGP forwarded the detailed report, which recommended Upadhyays suspension, to the state home department on July 28.

Sources said that on Sunday, home secretary Mani Prasad Mishra was asked to prepare a report on the fiasco. On Monday, principal secretary, Home, Arvind Kumar, confirmed that Upadhyay had been suspended. Director General of the Vigilance Department, Hitesh Awasthy, would conduct an inquiry against Upadhyays role in the episode, said Kumar.

LUCKNOW: There was no real threat to the UP assembly on July 12, when the state government had claimed that plastic explosives were discovered under the seat of a lawmaker in the House. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Monday revealed that a small polythene packet of a white crystalline substance found in the assembly was just quartz. Shyam Bihari Upadhyay, director, Forensic Science Laboratory in Lucknow, responsible for the flutter created by the laboratorys incorrect report, has been suspended.Was it detection kits that expired in March 2016 that produced the wrong result, as sources say? Whatever the case, Upadhyay has been placed on suspension with immediate effect, on the recommendation of UP DGP Sulkhan Singh. On the basis of the initial report of FSL Lucknow, chief minister Yogi Adityanath had declared in the assembly that the powder was a deadly plastic explosive  pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Subsequently, the probe into the incident was handed over to the NIA, which discovered that it was silicon dioxide, commonly known as quartz or silica, which has many uses, but none related to explosives. Upadhyays suspension was recommended on July 27 when DG (Technical Services) Mahinder Modi and Singh exchanged a note which claimed that the FSL director had prepared a wrong and misleading report about the crystalline powder recovered from the assembly, as it was tested with a kit which had expired in March 2016 and that Upadhyay is liable for spreading confusion over the matter despite being aware of the facts, say highly-placed sources. The correspondence between the two officers also blamed Upadhyay for not disclosing the fact that he was sending the samples to FSL Agra, the only facility in UP where exhibits collected under the Explosive Substances Act are examined.Spot tests conducted with expired kits were preliminary and not admissible in a court of law. It was for this reason that confirmatory tests were required. According to sources, the DGP forwarded the detailed report, which recommended Upadhyays suspension, to the state home department on July 28. Sources said that on Sunday, home secretary Mani Prasad Mishra was asked to prepare a report on the fiasco. On Monday, principal secretary, Home, Arvind Kumar, confirmed that Upadhyay had been suspended. Director General of the Vigilance Department, Hitesh Awasthy, would conduct an inquiry against Upadhyays role in the episode, said Kumar.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: A 30-year-old man has been arrested by the Telangana police from Madhya Pradesh for making obscene phone calls to 300 woman police officers.

Durgesh, a resident of Morena district in MP (400 km from Bhopal) and a father of two, was arrested from the Sabji Mandi area under Morena city Kotwali on Sunday evening and taken to Hyderabad.

Durgesh, who belongs to a rich family of Morena and conducts surveys for various private companies, had not only made obscene calls to female cop in Telangana, but made similar calls to female cops in different states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. He made such calls to an officer of the rank of additional director-general of police (ADG).

While confirming his arrest by a Telangana police team, Morena superintendent of police S S Tomar said he was taken to Telangana, where he was produced before a local court later in the day.

Investigations by the Telangana police revealed that Durgesh was making obscene phone calls past midnight to female police officers all over the country. The phone numbers of these officers was secured by Durgesh from the internet.

He used his own cell-number to make calls to the woman cops between 12 am and 3 am. However, its surprising why none of the female cops, except one Telangana police inspector, reported the matter to the police.

Primary investigations have revealed that Durgesh made these calls to around 300 woman police officers since January 2017.

BHOPAL: A 30-year-old man has been arrested by the Telangana police from Madhya Pradesh for making obscene phone calls to 300 woman police officers. Durgesh, a resident of Morena district in MP (400 km from Bhopal) and a father of two, was arrested from the Sabji Mandi area under Morena city Kotwali on Sunday evening and taken to Hyderabad. Durgesh, who belongs to a rich family of Morena and conducts surveys for various private companies, had not only made obscene calls to female cop in Telangana, but made similar calls to female cops in different states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. He made such calls to an officer of the rank of additional director-general of police (ADG). While confirming his arrest by a Telangana police team, Morena superintendent of police S S Tomar said he was taken to Telangana, where he was produced before a local court later in the day. Investigations by the Telangana police revealed that Durgesh was making obscene phone calls past midnight to female police officers all over the country. The phone numbers of these officers was secured by Durgesh from the internet. He used his own cell-number to make calls to the woman cops between 12 am and 3 am. However, its surprising why none of the female cops, except one Telangana police inspector, reported the matter to the police. Primary investigations have revealed that Durgesh made these calls to around 300 woman police officers since January 2017.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: On July 17 this year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said Kashmiriyat was still alive. The two recent incidents of local Kashmiris coming to the help of police and army men have proved that the Home Minister was right as both Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat (humanity) in strife-torn Valley is alive and kicking.

On Friday (September 1) evening, militants fired on a police vehicle near Pantha Chowk area close to Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Four policemen were injured in the militant attack and one of them later succumbed in the hospital.

Immediately after the militant attack, the locals rushed to the incident first and helped the policemen.

Before the police and security men could reach the spot, the locals comforted the injured policemen and provided water to them.

The video of the incident in which locals were helping the injured policemen has gone viral.

The locals were also perturbed over delay in arrival of ambulance and police vehicles to the spot for shifting the injured cops to the hospital.

On September 4, three days after the incident, an army vehicle met with an accident near Pahroo area of Chadoora in central Kashmirs Budgam district.

The army vehicle was passing through the Chadoora area when driver lost control of the vehicle and it skidded off the road, causing minor injuries to some soldiers travelling in the vehicle.

The locals rushed to the spot and took care of the injured soldiers.

They comforted the injured soldiers. They provided drinking water and first-aid to the injured soldiers.

A video showing Kashmiris helping the injured army men has gone viral on the social networking website with netizens hailing it as another example of Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat being displayed by people of the Valley.

Reacting to the video of locals helping the injured soldiers, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based armys 15 Corps, Lt Gen J S Sandhu thanked the locals for the gesture.

This is a true indicator of Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat, where people help each other. This will go a long way in strengthening the bond of friendship between the Awaam and the Jawan, he said.

A young political analyst, Aadil Ahmad, said both the incidents indicate that Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat for which people in Valley are known all over the world is very much alive and kicking.

He said despite being on receiving end on most of the times at the hands of police and army men, the local population dont miss any opportunity to show Insaniyat.

We have seen videos of policemen beating and firing on youth in Valley and also been witness to army men tying a youth in front of bonnet of their vehicle and using him as human shield against stone pelters during bye-polls to Srinagar parliamentary seat in April this year. There is anger among people but the videos of Kashmiris extending help to injured police and army men signifies that Kashmiris have not given up their Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat despite been on receiving end, added Adil.

On July 17 this year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said Kashmiriyat was alive after people from all sections of society in Kashmir had condemned the militant attack on Amarnath yatris. He had saluted the people of Kashmir.

SRINAGAR: On July 17 this year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said Kashmiriyat was still alive. The two recent incidents of local Kashmiris coming to the help of police and army men have proved that the Home Minister was right as both Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat (humanity) in strife-torn Valley is alive and kicking. On Friday (September 1) evening, militants fired on a police vehicle near Pantha Chowk area close to Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Four policemen were injured in the militant attack and one of them later succumbed in the hospital. Immediately after the militant attack, the locals rushed to the incident first and helped the policemen. Before the police and security men could reach the spot, the locals comforted the injured policemen and provided water to them. The video of the incident in which locals were helping the injured policemen has gone viral. The locals were also perturbed over delay in arrival of ambulance and police vehicles to the spot for shifting the injured cops to the hospital. On September 4, three days after the incident, an army vehicle met with an accident near Pahroo area of Chadoora in central Kashmirs Budgam district. The army vehicle was passing through the Chadoora area when driver lost control of the vehicle and it skidded off the road, causing minor injuries to some soldiers travelling in the vehicle. The locals rushed to the spot and took care of the injured soldiers. They comforted the injured soldiers. They provided drinking water and first-aid to the injured soldiers. A video showing Kashmiris helping the injured army men has gone viral on the social networking website with netizens hailing it as another example of Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat being displayed by people of the Valley. Reacting to the video of locals helping the injured soldiers, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based armys 15 Corps, Lt Gen J S Sandhu thanked the locals for the gesture. This is a true indicator of Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat, where people help each other. This will go a long way in strengthening the bond of friendship between the Awaam and the Jawan, he said. A young political analyst, Aadil Ahmad, said both the incidents indicate that Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat for which people in Valley are known all over the world is very much alive and kicking. He said despite being on receiving end on most of the times at the hands of police and army men, the local population dont miss any opportunity to show Insaniyat. We have seen videos of policemen beating and firing on youth in Valley and also been witness to army men tying a youth in front of bonnet of their vehicle and using him as human shield against stone pelters during bye-polls to Srinagar parliamentary seat in April this year. There is anger among people but the videos of Kashmiris extending help to injured police and army men signifies that Kashmiris have not given up their Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat despite been on receiving end, added Adil. On July 17 this year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said Kashmiriyat was alive after people from all sections of society in Kashmir had condemned the militant attack on Amarnath yatris. He had saluted the people of Kashmir.
By PTI

XIAMEN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counterterrorism.

"I thank the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," Modi said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister left for Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of Myanmar, from this southeastern Chinese city where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later today.

The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

Modi had said India and Myanmar will look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

He hoped his visit will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister said both countries will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.

Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.

Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEANIndia Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

XIAMEN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Nay Pyi Taw for his first bilateral visit to Myanmar with an aim of charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries in areas like security and counterterrorism. "I thank the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," Modi said in a tweet. The Prime Minister left for Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city of Myanmar, from this southeastern Chinese city where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders. Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later today. The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow. Modi had said India and Myanmar will look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture. He hoped his visit will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries. The prime minister said both countries will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar. Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple. The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said. Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEANIndia Summit. The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
By PTI

XIAMEN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Dokalam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.

During their meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on a "very successful" BRICS Summit, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.

Indian officials had earlier indicated that the two leaders were expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures. The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff.

Earlier, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

XIAMEN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Dokalam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain. Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here. The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city. During their meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on a "very successful" BRICS Summit, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector. The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army. On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area. Indian officials had earlier indicated that the two leaders were expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures. The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff. Earlier, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today said it was too early for Sukesh Chandrashekar, arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran, to seek bail as there were other cases pending against him. Justice Ashutosh Kumar also raised concern over recovery of fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession during the investigation, saying it gave him access to enter any place, which was a serious security threat. "You need to wait for sometime.

There are over 21 cases on you and that too are of serious in nature. You cannot ask for bail at this point of time," the court observed orally. It, however, asked senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, appearing for Chandrashekar, to give a list of cases against him and their status by the next date of hearing, September 8. The court's direction came after Chandrashekar, an alleged middleman, urged the court to grant him bail on the ground that he had been in jail for over four months. "The investigation has been completed and charge sheet was also filed in the (EC bribery) case," his counsel said, adding that other accused have been granted bail. Chandrashekar, who was arrested on April 16, has been denied bail once by the high court and thrice by the trial court. The high court had on June 15 rejected his bail plea on the ground that the police had seized a fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession.

A chargesheet was filed by the police before the trial court in the case on July 14 alleging that Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar had conspired to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials to get the 'two leaves' symbol for their party. The Delhi Police Crime Branch also included in the charge sheet allegations of forgery for purpose of cheating, using forged document as genuine, possessing a forged document, intending to use it as genuine and criminal conspiracy. Chandrashekar had moved the high court alleging that he was tortured despite an order not to subject him to violence inside the Tihar Jail where he is in custody. The claim was denied by the jail authorities, who said it was an "afterthought of the shrewd mind of the accused". The high court on July 24 had warned of "serious action" over the allegations of torture and said any such incident would not be tolerated. Besides Chandrashekar and Dhinakaran, his close aide Mallikarjuna, suspected hawala operators Nathu Singh and Lalit Kumar have been granted bail. Chandrashekar was arrested for allegedly taking money from Dhinakaran to bribe EC officials to get the AIADMK 'two leaves' symbol for the Sasikala faction in a by-election to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu.

Dhinakaran was arrested here on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe EC officials for the symbol. His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented the constituency. The EC had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after the two factions -- one led by Dhinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam -- staked a claim to it. Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50 crore deal between Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar. Dhinakaran has been accused of arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today said it was too early for Sukesh Chandrashekar, arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran, to seek bail as there were other cases pending against him. Justice Ashutosh Kumar also raised concern over recovery of fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession during the investigation, saying it gave him access to enter any place, which was a serious security threat. "You need to wait for sometime. There are over 21 cases on you and that too are of serious in nature. You cannot ask for bail at this point of time," the court observed orally. It, however, asked senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, appearing for Chandrashekar, to give a list of cases against him and their status by the next date of hearing, September 8. The court's direction came after Chandrashekar, an alleged middleman, urged the court to grant him bail on the ground that he had been in jail for over four months. "The investigation has been completed and charge sheet was also filed in the (EC bribery) case," his counsel said, adding that other accused have been granted bail. Chandrashekar, who was arrested on April 16, has been denied bail once by the high court and thrice by the trial court. The high court had on June 15 rejected his bail plea on the ground that the police had seized a fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession. A chargesheet was filed by the police before the trial court in the case on July 14 alleging that Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar had conspired to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials to get the 'two leaves' symbol for their party. The Delhi Police Crime Branch also included in the charge sheet allegations of forgery for purpose of cheating, using forged document as genuine, possessing a forged document, intending to use it as genuine and criminal conspiracy. Chandrashekar had moved the high court alleging that he was tortured despite an order not to subject him to violence inside the Tihar Jail where he is in custody. The claim was denied by the jail authorities, who said it was an "afterthought of the shrewd mind of the accused". The high court on July 24 had warned of "serious action" over the allegations of torture and said any such incident would not be tolerated. Besides Chandrashekar and Dhinakaran, his close aide Mallikarjuna, suspected hawala operators Nathu Singh and Lalit Kumar have been granted bail. Chandrashekar was arrested for allegedly taking money from Dhinakaran to bribe EC officials to get the AIADMK 'two leaves' symbol for the Sasikala faction in a by-election to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu. Dhinakaran was arrested here on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe EC officials for the symbol. His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented the constituency. The EC had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after the two factions -- one led by Dhinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam -- staked a claim to it. Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50 crore deal between Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar. Dhinakaran has been accused of arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels.
By ANI

XIAMEN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks for the first time after the Doklam crisis, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China.

Acknowledging that healthy and stable ties between India and China are imperative for the stability of the region, the Chinese president said, China and India are each other major neighbours. We are also, at the same time, two of the world's largest developing and emerging countries. Therefore, healthy and stable relations serve the financial interests of the people of both countries and the shared expectations of the regional and world community.

China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance, with the five principles of Panchsheel i.e. mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each others internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence, the Chinese President said, during his bilateral meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi said, "I congratulate President Xi Jinping and his team for the successful execution of the BRICS Summit.

The BRICS Summit has been successful in addressing the challenges of the rapidly changing global scenario, Prime Minister Modi added.



The Chinese President said, "For the past couple of days we have had in-depth exchanges and broad consensus on the BRICS cooperation and on regional and global issues.

China stands ready to work with all member countries of BRICS so as to jointly usher in new prospects of mixed cooperation, President Jinping added.

Extending warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi, the Chinese President said, "I would like to extend warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi for attending the ninth BRICS summit in Xiamen, China."



The above-mentioned Panchsheel treaty was former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru-proposed agreement between India and China. It was signed on April 29, 1954.

XIAMEN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks for the first time after the Doklam crisis, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China. Acknowledging that healthy and stable ties between India and China are imperative for the stability of the region, the Chinese president said, China and India are each other major neighbours. We are also, at the same time, two of the world's largest developing and emerging countries. Therefore, healthy and stable relations serve the financial interests of the people of both countries and the shared expectations of the regional and world community. China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance, with the five principles of Panchsheel i.e. mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each others internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence, the Chinese President said, during his bilateral meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Modi said, "I congratulate President Xi Jinping and his team for the successful execution of the BRICS Summit. The BRICS Summit has been successful in addressing the challenges of the rapidly changing global scenario, Prime Minister Modi added. The Chinese President said, "For the past couple of days we have had in-depth exchanges and broad consensus on the BRICS cooperation and on regional and global issues. China stands ready to work with all member countries of BRICS so as to jointly usher in new prospects of mixed cooperation, President Jinping added. Extending warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi, the Chinese President said, "I would like to extend warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi for attending the ninth BRICS summit in Xiamen, China." The above-mentioned Panchsheel treaty was former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru-proposed agreement between India and China. It was signed on April 29, 1954.
By AFP

BOGOTA: Colombia's government and the country's last active guerrilla group, the ELN, announced a ceasefire Monday, a key step toward sealing a "complete peace" to end Latin America's longest civil war.

President Juan Manuel Santos and National Liberation Army (ELN) negotiators announced the ceasefire two days before a visit by Pope Francis.

ELN chief negotiator Pablo Beltran said his force's ceasefire was "the first miracle of the pope's visit."

The ceasefire follows a separate accord that saw the disarmament last month of Colombia's biggest rebel group, the FARC.

Santos said it was "great news that we are sure will delight" the Argentine-born pontiff.

Under the ceasefire, "there will be an end to kidnappings, attacks on oil pipelines and other hostilities against the civilian population" by the ELN, Santos said in a televised address.

The government for its part promised to improve conditions for imprisoned ELN members and protect civil leaders from attacks in the conflict zone.

Toward complete peace

The 1,500-strong ELN has been in negotiations with the government since February.

Santos said the ceasefire will be renewed depending on progress on details still to be thrashed out with the leftist rebels.

"It will come into effect on October 1, initially for 102 days, that is to say until January 12 of next year."

The ELN delegation earlier announced the deal on Twitter.

"When the days of celebration during Francis's visit to Colombia are over, we will continue, determined to advance toward a de-escalation of the conflict until complete peace becomes a reality."

Francis is scheduled to tour Colombia from September 6 to 10.

The two delegations to the talks said at a news conference in Quito, Ecuador that the Colombian government, ELN, the United Nations and the Catholic church would jointly monitor fulfillment of the ceasefire.

"It is a challenge for us to fulfill all the aspects agreed upon in this ceasefire. We hope to keep our word," said Beltran.

Tricky talks

The 7,000 members of the FARC finished disarming last month under UN supervision, despite resistance to the deal from critics who said the FARC got off too lightly. Its ex-military leader, Rodrigo Londono alias Timochenko, has become the head of its new political party.

Analysts warn that the talks with the ELN, under way since February, risk being even more complicated than the four-year negotiations with the FARC.

The deal that came out of those talks was considered to have practically ended the conflict, but other risks remain.

The ELN rebel group has a looser command structure than the FARC had.

"The lack of cohesion in the ELN is a big difference compared with the FARC," said Camilo Echandia, a conflict analyst from Colombia's Externado University.

Fragile ceasefire

Officials meanwhile say remnants of right-wing paramilitary groups are still fighting the ELN for control of the drug trade.

Authorities have also reported deadly attacks by ELN fighters against government forces.

"We have to be very realistic: this ceasefire is going to be quite fragile," warned Frederic Masse, another analyst at Externado University.

"It could even be counter-productive and, instead of driving forward the negotiations, end up freezing them."

The FARC and ELN formed in 1964 to fight for land rights and protect poor rural communities.

The conflict drew in leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitary groups and state forces.

It left 260,000 people confirmed dead, more than 60,000 missing and seven million displaced.

Pope effect

Both sides had said they hoped to agree to a temporary ceasefire before the pope's arrival.

"The visit of Pope Francis should provide extra motivation to speed up the search for an agreement," the ELN said on Twitter.

It added that the peace talks aimed above all to help poor rural communities suffering "the unfortunate consequences of the conflict."

BOGOTA: Colombia's government and the country's last active guerrilla group, the ELN, announced a ceasefire Monday, a key step toward sealing a "complete peace" to end Latin America's longest civil war. President Juan Manuel Santos and National Liberation Army (ELN) negotiators announced the ceasefire two days before a visit by Pope Francis. ELN chief negotiator Pablo Beltran said his force's ceasefire was "the first miracle of the pope's visit." The ceasefire follows a separate accord that saw the disarmament last month of Colombia's biggest rebel group, the FARC. Santos said it was "great news that we are sure will delight" the Argentine-born pontiff. Under the ceasefire, "there will be an end to kidnappings, attacks on oil pipelines and other hostilities against the civilian population" by the ELN, Santos said in a televised address. The government for its part promised to improve conditions for imprisoned ELN members and protect civil leaders from attacks in the conflict zone. Toward complete peace The 1,500-strong ELN has been in negotiations with the government since February. Santos said the ceasefire will be renewed depending on progress on details still to be thrashed out with the leftist rebels. "It will come into effect on October 1, initially for 102 days, that is to say until January 12 of next year." The ELN delegation earlier announced the deal on Twitter. "When the days of celebration during Francis's visit to Colombia are over, we will continue, determined to advance toward a de-escalation of the conflict until complete peace becomes a reality." Francis is scheduled to tour Colombia from September 6 to 10. The two delegations to the talks said at a news conference in Quito, Ecuador that the Colombian government, ELN, the United Nations and the Catholic church would jointly monitor fulfillment of the ceasefire. "It is a challenge for us to fulfill all the aspects agreed upon in this ceasefire. We hope to keep our word," said Beltran. Tricky talks The 7,000 members of the FARC finished disarming last month under UN supervision, despite resistance to the deal from critics who said the FARC got off too lightly. Its ex-military leader, Rodrigo Londono alias Timochenko, has become the head of its new political party. Analysts warn that the talks with the ELN, under way since February, risk being even more complicated than the four-year negotiations with the FARC. The deal that came out of those talks was considered to have practically ended the conflict, but other risks remain. The ELN rebel group has a looser command structure than the FARC had. "The lack of cohesion in the ELN is a big difference compared with the FARC," said Camilo Echandia, a conflict analyst from Colombia's Externado University. Fragile ceasefire Officials meanwhile say remnants of right-wing paramilitary groups are still fighting the ELN for control of the drug trade. Authorities have also reported deadly attacks by ELN fighters against government forces. "We have to be very realistic: this ceasefire is going to be quite fragile," warned Frederic Masse, another analyst at Externado University. "It could even be counter-productive and, instead of driving forward the negotiations, end up freezing them." The FARC and ELN formed in 1964 to fight for land rights and protect poor rural communities. The conflict drew in leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitary groups and state forces. It left 260,000 people confirmed dead, more than 60,000 missing and seven million displaced. Pope effect Both sides had said they hoped to agree to a temporary ceasefire before the pope's arrival. "The visit of Pope Francis should provide extra motivation to speed up the search for an agreement," the ELN said on Twitter. It added that the peace talks aimed above all to help poor rural communities suffering "the unfortunate consequences of the conflict."
By AFP

QUETTA: Eight people including four security personnel have been killed in three separate clashes with militants in southwest Pakistan and Karachi, officials said on Tuesday.

In a major attack on Monday, militants ambushed a Frontier Corps convoy in Panjgoor district of Balochistan province, killing three personnel including a lieutenant colonel and wounding three others.

Nobody has so far claimed the attack in Panjgoor, 520 kilometres (320 miles) southwest of Quetta, but a security official said it was presumably carried out by Baloch separatists.

In a separate incident, police in the southern city of Karachi killed four suspected Pakistani Taliban militants in a shootout.

"We have killed four militants including a cousin of the chief of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulvi Fazlullah in an exchange of fire," Rao Anwar Ahmed, a senior police official in Karachi, told AFP.

"We had raided a hideout in Malir area but it led to the shootout," he said.

In another incident in Karachi, suspected militants killed a police official and wounded another when they raided a house to detain a suspect for an assassination attempt on an MP, which took place on Saturday.

Two people --- a 10-year-old boy and a security guard -- were killed in that attack.

Pakistan has been battling Islamist, ethnic and political insurgencies for decades but violence has been reduced in recent years following military operations across the country.

QUETTA: Eight people including four security personnel have been killed in three separate clashes with militants in southwest Pakistan and Karachi, officials said on Tuesday. In a major attack on Monday, militants ambushed a Frontier Corps convoy in Panjgoor district of Balochistan province, killing three personnel including a lieutenant colonel and wounding three others. Nobody has so far claimed the attack in Panjgoor, 520 kilometres (320 miles) southwest of Quetta, but a security official said it was presumably carried out by Baloch separatists. In a separate incident, police in the southern city of Karachi killed four suspected Pakistani Taliban militants in a shootout. "We have killed four militants including a cousin of the chief of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulvi Fazlullah in an exchange of fire," Rao Anwar Ahmed, a senior police official in Karachi, told AFP. "We had raided a hideout in Malir area but it led to the shootout," he said. In another incident in Karachi, suspected militants killed a police official and wounded another when they raided a house to detain a suspect for an assassination attempt on an MP, which took place on Saturday. Two people --- a 10-year-old boy and a security guard -- were killed in that attack. Pakistan has been battling Islamist, ethnic and political insurgencies for decades but violence has been reduced in recent years following military operations across the country.
The Defense Ministry said it is talking with the U.S. about deploying strategic weapons like an aircraft carrier strike group including large landing ships and strategic bombers, a spokesman said.

The aim of the show of force was to practice striking the North's nuclear test site in Pungye-ri, North Hamgyong Province.

The South Korean military fired surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles from the east coast on Monday morning in response to North Korea's sixth nuclear test.

"A Hyunmu-2A ballistic missile with a range of 300 km and a SLAM-ER air-launched cruise missile with a range of 278 km hit a simulated target in the East Sea," the spokesman said. "The distance of the simulated target in the open seas was set in consideration of the distance to the North's nuclear test site about 280 km away."

The Hyunmu-2A was fired from the coast and the SLAM-ER from an F-15K fighter jet.

"The drill demonstrated the military's capability to strike the source of provocation and the enemy's leadership and supporting forces with pinpoint accuracy in an emergency," the spokesman added.

The SLAM-ER can hit targets with a margin of error of just 3 m. It can penetrate a structure made of 1.2 m thick reinforced concrete wall.

The Hyunmu-2A, which originally had a 500 kg payload capacity, has recently been fitted with 1.5 ton payload.
By AFP

NAIROBI: Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday set several conditions for taking part in a presidential vote re-run on October 17 after the Supreme Court annulled last month's poll won by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

His conditions include the sacking of several election commission officials, a review of the electronic transmission of results and for all eight presidential candidates who took part in the August 8 poll to be allowed to contest in the upcoming election.

NAIROBI: Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday set several conditions for taking part in a presidential vote re-run on October 17 after the Supreme Court annulled last month's poll won by President Uhuru Kenyatta. His conditions include the sacking of several election commission officials, a review of the electronic transmission of results and for all eight presidential candidates who took part in the August 8 poll to be allowed to contest in the upcoming election.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan today rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen yesterday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

The 43-page declaration, adopted at the end of the BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

"We reject the declaration (released by member countries) at the BRICS Summit," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir said during a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence.

Dastgir claimed that Pakistan has no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV.

"Forty per cent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists," he said, later while talking to the media. Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastgir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57 per cent are under their control.

Later, the Foreign Office (FO) issued a brief statement about the BRICS' leaders summit document naming various militants groups including LeT and JeM.

"Pakistan is also seriously concerned about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region," it said, adding that terrorist groups based in the region, including in Afghanistan, such as the TTP and its associates like Jamatul Ahrar have been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people.

"We are deeply concerned at the presence of groups like Daesh (ISIS), ETIM and IMU in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to peace and security in the region," it said.

Pakistan was also "concerned at the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities," the statement added.

When asked about Pakistan's plan following US President Donald Trump's recent comments, Defence Minister Dastgir said that Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US.

Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

He also slammed Pakistan for its support to terror groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

"This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability," Dastgir added.

In response to a question, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistans ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.

ISLAMABAD: Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan today rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen yesterday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan. The 43-page declaration, adopted at the end of the BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir. "We reject the declaration (released by member countries) at the BRICS Summit," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir said during a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence. Dastgir claimed that Pakistan has no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil. "Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV. "Forty per cent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists," he said, later while talking to the media. Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastgir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57 per cent are under their control. Later, the Foreign Office (FO) issued a brief statement about the BRICS' leaders summit document naming various militants groups including LeT and JeM. "Pakistan is also seriously concerned about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region," it said, adding that terrorist groups based in the region, including in Afghanistan, such as the TTP and its associates like Jamatul Ahrar have been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people. "We are deeply concerned at the presence of groups like Daesh (ISIS), ETIM and IMU in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to peace and security in the region," it said. Pakistan was also "concerned at the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities," the statement added. When asked about Pakistan's plan following US President Donald Trump's recent comments, Defence Minister Dastgir said that Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US. Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. He also slammed Pakistan for its support to terror groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so. "This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability," Dastgir added. In response to a question, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistans ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.
By AFP

XIAMEN: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned today of a global catastrophe unless a diplomatic solution is reached over North Korea, but rejected US calls for more sanctions as "useless", widening a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang.

Putin's comments appeared to draw the lines for a clash at the United Nations pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies.

The US yesterday demanded the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a missile.

The announcement dramatically upped the stakes in its standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to seven sets of UN Security Council sanctions so far.

As well as the US, South Korea and Japan, plus permanent Security Council members France and Britain, have called for stronger measures against it, with several arguing for a potentially crippling oil embargo.

But Putin made clear that Russia was opposed to further interdictions, and while China - North Korea's patron and closest political and economic partner - has yet to be drawn on the issue, it tends to resist placing pressure on Pyongyang.

Putin, speaking after an international gathering in China, said Russia condemned North Korea's "provocative"actions.

But he called for dialogue and warned against other actions that could escalate the crisis.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims."

World powers are scrambling to react to the latest ominous advance in the North's rogue weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring.

US President Donald Trump has approved in principle the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" for South Korea, the White House said Monday.

South Korea said it fired a volley of ballistic missiles on Monday to simulate an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by major live-fire drills at sea.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Washington would present a new sanctions resolution for debate in the coming days.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said existing measures not worked and accused North Korean leader Kim JongUn of "begging for war" with the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Seoul estimated the blast's yield at 50 kilotons, more than three times the size of the bomb detonated over Hiroshima in 1945.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said it could target oil supplies to North Korea - potentially dealing a major blow to its economy.

XIAMEN: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned today of a global catastrophe unless a diplomatic solution is reached over North Korea, but rejected US calls for more sanctions as "useless", widening a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang. Putin's comments appeared to draw the lines for a clash at the United Nations pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies. The US yesterday demanded the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a missile. The announcement dramatically upped the stakes in its standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to seven sets of UN Security Council sanctions so far. As well as the US, South Korea and Japan, plus permanent Security Council members France and Britain, have called for stronger measures against it, with several arguing for a potentially crippling oil embargo. But Putin made clear that Russia was opposed to further interdictions, and while China - North Korea's patron and closest political and economic partner - has yet to be drawn on the issue, it tends to resist placing pressure on Pyongyang. Putin, speaking after an international gathering in China, said Russia condemned North Korea's "provocative"actions. But he called for dialogue and warned against other actions that could escalate the crisis. "Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies. "All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims." World powers are scrambling to react to the latest ominous advance in the North's rogue weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring. US President Donald Trump has approved in principle the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" for South Korea, the White House said Monday. South Korea said it fired a volley of ballistic missiles on Monday to simulate an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by major live-fire drills at sea. At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Washington would present a new sanctions resolution for debate in the coming days. Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said existing measures not worked and accused North Korean leader Kim JongUn of "begging for war" with the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test. Seoul estimated the blast's yield at 50 kilotons, more than three times the size of the bomb detonated over Hiroshima in 1945. Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said it could target oil supplies to North Korea - potentially dealing a major blow to its economy.
By PTI

MOSCOW: Russian investigators say a teenager attacked a teacher and opened fire with an air gun in a classroom in a Moscow suburb. The Investigative Committee said in a statement a 15-year old boy walked into a full classroom in the suburb of Ivanteyevka earlier today with the gun hidden under a raincoat. The teacher was hospitalised with a brain injury.

A student who jumped out of the window suffered a fracture, while two others who jumped had bruises. There was no indication that anyone was shot. The suspect was detained, the investigators said. They did not identify a motive for the attack.

Russia, unlike the United States, has strict gun control laws, and it was not immediately clear how the teenager got hold of the weapon.

MOSCOW: Russian investigators say a teenager attacked a teacher and opened fire with an air gun in a classroom in a Moscow suburb. The Investigative Committee said in a statement a 15-year old boy walked into a full classroom in the suburb of Ivanteyevka earlier today with the gun hidden under a raincoat. The teacher was hospitalised with a brain injury. A student who jumped out of the window suffered a fracture, while two others who jumped had bruises. There was no indication that anyone was shot. The suspect was detained, the investigators said. They did not identify a motive for the attack. Russia, unlike the United States, has strict gun control laws, and it was not immediately clear how the teenager got hold of the weapon.
By AFP

BEIRUT: The Islamic State group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014 as it sought to establish its self-declared "caliphate", but has faced a series of major defeats in recent months.

Forces backed by a US-led coalition have ousted the jihadists from Iraqi bastions such as Mosul and the extremists also have lost control of more than half of their de facto Syrian capital, Raqa.

Here are some of the significant losses for IS in a complex and difficult military campaign.

Syria

KOBANE: The Kurdish town in northern Syria became an early symbol of the fight against IS when the jihadists were driven out by US-backed Kurdish forces in January 2015 after a battle of more than four months.

PALMYRA: This ancient desert city was seized by IS in May 2015 when the jihadists blew up UNESCO-listed Roman-era temples and looted ancient relics.

Syrian regime forces backed by Russian warplanes and allied militia ousted them in March 2016 but the extremists won back control by the end of that year before being expelled a second time in March 2017.

MANBIJ: IS seized this strategic town near the border with Turkey in 2014 and used it as a hub for moving jihadists and supplies to and from Europe.

It was recaptured in August 2016 after a two-month battle led by a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters backed by US air strikes.

DABIQ: Syrian rebels supported by Turkish warplanes and artillery captured Dabiq in October 2016. Under IS control since August 2014, the fight for the city was significant because of a prophecy that Christian and Muslim forces will battle there at the end of time.

BATTLE FOR RAQA: A US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters launched an operation to capture Raqa in November 2016. They say they now control 60 percent of the city, with an estimated 5,000-10,000 jihadists having fled.

DEIR EZZOR: On September 5, 2017, Russian-backed Syrian forces broke a years-long IS siege on a government enclave in Deir Ezzor city and entered a military base on its western edge after weeks of advances in the eastern oil-rich region.

Iraq

TIKRIT: The hometown of late dictator Saddam Hussein, north of Baghdad, fell to IS in June 2014. It was retaken in March 2015 by Iraqi troops, police and Shiite-dominated paramilitary forces.

SINJAR: Iraqi Kurdish forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes recaptured this northern town in November 2015 after jihadists had killed and abducted thousands of members of the Yazidi minority.

RAMADI/FALLUJAH: The capital of Anbar, Iraq's largest province, Ramadi was declared fully recaptured in February 2016. Neighbouring Fallujah, the first Iraqi city seized by IS in January 2014, was reclaimed in June 2016.

QAYYARAH: Iraqi forces backed by coalition aircraft retook Qayyarah in August 2016, providing Baghdad with a platform to move on Mosul, the country's second city 60 kilometres (40 miles) away.

MOSUL: Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory in Mosul on July 9 this year after a fierce nine-month offensive.

TAL AFAR: The last major IS urban stronghold in northern Iraq was declared "liberated" on August 31.

BEIRUT: The Islamic State group seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014 as it sought to establish its self-declared "caliphate", but has faced a series of major defeats in recent months. Forces backed by a US-led coalition have ousted the jihadists from Iraqi bastions such as Mosul and the extremists also have lost control of more than half of their de facto Syrian capital, Raqa. Here are some of the significant losses for IS in a complex and difficult military campaign. Syria KOBANE: The Kurdish town in northern Syria became an early symbol of the fight against IS when the jihadists were driven out by US-backed Kurdish forces in January 2015 after a battle of more than four months. PALMYRA: This ancient desert city was seized by IS in May 2015 when the jihadists blew up UNESCO-listed Roman-era temples and looted ancient relics. Syrian regime forces backed by Russian warplanes and allied militia ousted them in March 2016 but the extremists won back control by the end of that year before being expelled a second time in March 2017. MANBIJ: IS seized this strategic town near the border with Turkey in 2014 and used it as a hub for moving jihadists and supplies to and from Europe. It was recaptured in August 2016 after a two-month battle led by a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters backed by US air strikes. DABIQ: Syrian rebels supported by Turkish warplanes and artillery captured Dabiq in October 2016. Under IS control since August 2014, the fight for the city was significant because of a prophecy that Christian and Muslim forces will battle there at the end of time. BATTLE FOR RAQA: A US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters launched an operation to capture Raqa in November 2016. They say they now control 60 percent of the city, with an estimated 5,000-10,000 jihadists having fled. DEIR EZZOR: On September 5, 2017, Russian-backed Syrian forces broke a years-long IS siege on a government enclave in Deir Ezzor city and entered a military base on its western edge after weeks of advances in the eastern oil-rich region. Iraq TIKRIT: The hometown of late dictator Saddam Hussein, north of Baghdad, fell to IS in June 2014. It was retaken in March 2015 by Iraqi troops, police and Shiite-dominated paramilitary forces. SINJAR: Iraqi Kurdish forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes recaptured this northern town in November 2015 after jihadists had killed and abducted thousands of members of the Yazidi minority. RAMADI/FALLUJAH: The capital of Anbar, Iraq's largest province, Ramadi was declared fully recaptured in February 2016. Neighbouring Fallujah, the first Iraqi city seized by IS in January 2014, was reclaimed in June 2016. QAYYARAH: Iraqi forces backed by coalition aircraft retook Qayyarah in August 2016, providing Baghdad with a platform to move on Mosul, the country's second city 60 kilometres (40 miles) away. MOSUL: Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory in Mosul on July 9 this year after a fierce nine-month offensive. TAL AFAR: The last major IS urban stronghold in northern Iraq was declared "liberated" on August 31.
The two leaders said they "strongly deplore" the test. Vowing to "appropriately deal with" the North, they "agreed to stick to the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and keep close communication and coordination to deal with the new situation," the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xi and Putin were attending a summit of the BRICS group of nations in the Chinese city of Xiamen. The nuclear test came at the worst possible time for Xi as it largely overshadowed the much-anticipated prestige event.

But other state media like the English-language Global Times defended China against mounting international pressure to deal more sternly with its ally.

The paper said this was no time for "radical measures" like halting crude oil supply to the North.

"The origin of the North Korean nuclear crisis is the long-term animosity between the U.S.-South Korea alliance and North Korea. China has been making serious efforts to solve the conundrum," the paper said in an editorial.

"Washington needs to accept the fact that it does not hold absolute authority over the world. Flexing muscles will not intimidate Pyongyang. Washington needs patience to untie the deadlock."

China's Foreign Ministry summoned a senior North Korean diplomat on Monday to lodge a formal complaint about the nuclear test. Chinese authorities also began inspections of border areas with North Korea for signs of radiation contamination, though an initial probe reportedly found everything normal.
The North Korean nuclear standoff escalated to a new level with the latest bomb test on Sunday. Defense Minister Song Young-moo appeared before the National Assembly on Monday and said he believes North Korea succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that can now be mounted on a ballistic missile. That means the North is ready to strike the South with a nuclear-tipped missile. Not only has North Korea stepped over the so-called "red line" set by South Korea, but may soon step over the line set by the U.S. by launching an functioning intercontinental missile.

The sober assessment is that after 20 years of efforts, North Korea has perfected a nuclear arsenal and now sits in the driver's seat. But South Korea and the U.S. still only find themselves with the same options they had before Sunday. In a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, President Moon Jae-in urged "the highest level of pressure and sanctions until North Korea returns to the dialogue table." The U.S. is also mooting increased pressure through a secondary boycott or even military options.

If North Korea wanted to resolve matters through dialogue, the standoff would have ended by now. But as long as Kim Jong-un remains in power, the North will never give up its nuclear weapons. The diplomatic options available to the U.S., South Korea and Japan have all been depleted, and there is no way China will completely halt crude oil supply to North Korea. The more pressure U.S. puts on China, the worse bilateral relations will get, which is exactly what North Korea wants. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis said North Korea will "lose any arms race or conflict it initiates." But a U.S. attack is impossible due to the massive loss of lives it would entail, and Kim Jong-un's nuclear arsenal is mobile and elusive.

The time has come to face reality and look for new alternatives. Sanctions against North Korea will have to be pursued over a period of 10 to 20 years, and during that time the South Korean government must devise an effective plan to protect its citizens.

At a time when the entire security landscape has shifted, options must be considered that have so far been taboo. A nuclear threat must be met with a nuclear deterrent. There is no other option. South Korea joined the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in 1975 and announced a joint denuclearization pact with North Korea in 1992. But North Korea has already nullified all those agreements, so what is binding Seoul?

The government needs to consider the possibility of leaving the NPT and acquiring nuclear weapons until the North Korean threat is resolved. Nobody knows if the U.S.' nuclear umbrella will work, not even the U.S. president. And that is not enough to entrust the lives of South Koreans to, since the North Korean regime is too violent and unpredictable. There are many limitations to South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons, but the option needs to be considered. Article 10 of the NPT Charter stipulates that a nation facing an emergency threat to its very survival can leave the treaty.

For now, the most realistic alternative is to bring back tactical U.S. nuclear weapons and allow South Korea to jointly decide on their use. This would give it an option that North Korea would view as a formidable counter-threat. History has shown that a balance of power is the only way to uphold peace. The F-35 stealth jets the South Korean Air Force plans to acquire can deliver tactical nuclear weapons. Kim Jong-un must not be allowed to sleep easy.

North Korea plans to achieve its goals within one to two years. Moon, as president and supreme protector of the people, must present a clear direction for the country by laying out effective measures rather than pipe dreams.


Xi stresses an open world economy

From:Agencies | 2017-09-04 09:43

The BRICS group of emerging economies must promote trade liberalization and an open world economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a business meeting yesterday at the start of a summit in southeast China.



Lamenting that protectionism and an inward-looking mentality are on the rise, Xi said that only openness delivers progress and only inclusiveness sustains such progress.

Xi was speaking to business representatives of the BRICS nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  a day before he opens a summit with the leaders of these major emerging markets in Xiamen.

This will be the ninth summit of the BRICS grouping, which came together about a decade ago to push for an alternative world order that wasnt dominated by Western nations.

Xi said the BRICS nations had led the way in increasing the say of emerging economies and developing countries.

The law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak and the zero-sum game are rejected, he told his audience, which included Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma.

We should not ignore problems arising from economic globalization or just complain about them, he said. Rather, BRICS nations should work together with other members of the international community to find solutions, he said.

The heads of state from the BRICS nations are in Xiamen through tomorrow, giving China, as host, its latest chance to position itself as a bulwark of globalization in the face of US President Donald Trumps America First agenda.

The BRICS leaders will be joined by observer countries Thailand, Mexico, Egypt, Guinea and Tajikistan, and officials will discuss a BRICS Plus plan to possibly expand the bloc to new members.

Mexicos President Enrique Pena Nieto is set to discuss trade and investment, as Trump has renewed threats to scrap the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that he has labeled a killer of US jobs.

We should push for an open world economy, promote trade liberalization and facilitation, jointly create a new global value chain, and realize a global economic rebalancing, Xi told the meeting of BRICS business leaders and senior officials.

Xi said he still had full confidence in BRICS countries development despite claims that the blocs relevance had faded due to slower growth.

The development of emerging market and developing countries wont touch anyones cheese, but instead will diligently grow the world economic pie, he said.

Earlier, Chinese vice trade minister Wang Shouwen said the BRICS meeting was expected to reach consensus for actions to oppose trade protectionism.

He added that China was interested in possibly establishing a free trade agreement with Mexico.

In July, Xi called on members of the G20 nations to champion an open world economy, and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January offered a vigorous defense of globalization.

In Xiamen, Xi closed his speech by saying that China encouraged Chinese companies to continue going abroad, and warmly welcomed other countries firms to invest in the worlds second-largest economy.

The Chinese government will continue to encourage Chinese companies to operate and take root in other countries and likewise we also warmly welcome foreign companies to invest and operate in China, he said.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
All-New Hyundai i30 N. (Image: Hyundai)

Hyundai i30 Fastback (Image: Hyundai)

The All-New Hyundai KONA. (Image: Hyundai)

Hyundai Motor is presenting three public debuts of new vehicles at the 67th International Frankfurt Motor Show: Hyundais first high-performance car i30 N, the i30 Fastback and the KONA SUV.These new models are the latest milestones on Hyundai Motors journey to become the number one Asian automotive brand in Europe by 2021. The public debut at Frankfurt Motor Show will be a homecoming for the three models: after all, the brand has its European and German headquarters, design, technical and testing centres and its motorsport operations rooted in the region.The i30 N is Hyundai Motors first high-performance car under the N line-up inspired by motorsport. The i30 N is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine available with two power outputs: the Standard Package engine delivers 250 PS, whereas the Performance Package engine's maximum power is boosted to 275 PS. Both outputs deliver a maximum torque of 353 Nm and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The 250 PS version reaches 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, the 275 PS version in 6.1 seconds.With the i30 Fastback, Hyundai Motor is entering the compact market with a premium, classy, five-door coupe. The i30 Fastback is characterised by its strong stance and sporty, elongated lines. By offering the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features, the i30 Fastback democratises technology, as do the other members of the i30 range. The powertrain line-up of the i30 Fastback consists of two downsized turbocharged petrol engines carried over from the New Generation Hyundai i30. With the i30 Fastback, Hyundai Motor makes premium design features accessible for everyone.The All-New KONA is a true SUV with a bold and progressive design, premium features, accessible connectivity and latest safety technologies. Hyundais KONA offers a sleek, sharp design with full-LED twin headlamps, two-tone roof and a choice of ten distinctive exterior colours. This new SUV combines optional on-demand four-wheel drive, 7DCT and Hyundais latest powertrains.
Volvo Cars seem to be heading for another record year in retail sales after posting a double digit global sales growth of 15.5 per cent in August compared to the same period last year.Total sales for the January to August period amounted to 359,798 cars, up 8.7 per cent compared to the year before. Volvo sold a record 534,332 cars in 2016 and is confident it will report a new, fourth consecutive sales record this year.Global retail sales in August reached 37,879 cars, up from 32,800 cars the same month last year. The strong increase was mainly driven by demand for the companys new 90 series cars, while the first generation XC60 remains the best-selling model.In China, Volvos largest market, sales grew by a strong 25.9 per cent to 9,616 cars. This helped the Asia Pacific region record the strongest sales growth of all main regions in August, with an increase of 20.2 percent to 12,586 cars. The locally-produced XC60, S60L and S90 models continued to be the main growth drivers.The EMEA region also recorded double-digit sales growth of 18.9 per cent to 15,637 cars sold in August, as the region continued to see strong demand for the new V90 and XC90 as well as the XC60. Double-digit increases in key markets such as Sweden and Germany drove the result, while markets such as Italy, France, Norway and Spain also showed good performances.The Americas region returned to growth in August, reporting a sales increase of 5 per cent to 9,486 cars, of which 7,994 in the United States. The most popular model in the region is the XC90, followed closely by the first-generation XC60.
Who first unveiled the Skill Certification and Monetary Reward scheme, which is now branded as "Skill India"? #KnowYourLegacy  Congress (@INCIndia) September 3, 2017

During whose administration India saw the highest quarterly GDP growth rate of 11.4%? #KnowYourLegacy  Congress (@INCIndia) September 2, 2017

During whose administration India saw the highest quantum of Scam ? @INCIndia #KnowYourLegacy  Sanjib Ghosh (@sampadscales) September 2, 2017

In the absence of motorable roads in Bhutan in 1958, PM Nehru rode on an animal to visit the country. What animal was it? #KnowYourLegacy  Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2017

PM Nehru on Donkey in 1958 #KnowYourLegacy pic.twitter.com/NJfg9NeUNA  Sir Zaid Hamid Insa (@SZaidHamid) September 4, 2017

Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once?



Same poll up again even after overwhelming response for choosing 'donkey'? Lol  Amrita Bhinder (@amritabhinder) September 4, 2017

ROFL! Words different but results same. One gets to ride what he deserves pic.twitter.com/YKCSf1U1dP  Suresh N (@surnell) September 4, 2017

We got you! It was a trick question So what animal did PM Nehru arrive on in Bhutan? A lesson to be learnt, read: https://t.co/RSQt17LOGV pic.twitter.com/6A7Z0Kvrfx  Congress (@INCIndia) September 5, 2017

What an intelligent rebuttal! PS: It wasn't a trick question, but it sure is a brilliant comeback to turn this around. Way to go! :) https://t.co/bWOwOlgPuL  Vaibhav Vishal (@ofnosurnamefame) September 5, 2017

Right attitude regarding the criticism. Good work guys!   Safwan Shafeeque (@safwanshafeeque) September 5, 2017

Really admire how well u guys took all the trolling...  Ashish Dalal (@ashishcdalal) September 5, 2017

Happy to see, you people are back with big bang. Humble n most inclusive.  couch potato (@yusufhawaldar) September 5, 2017

Apart from the ground work, political parties in India have taken to social media platforms to directly connect with their audience. Parties such as BJP, AAP, and Congress have quite a presence on Twitter and Facebook platforms which they actively use to interact with their supporters and boost their online campaigns.BJP which recently trended a hashtag #MangaluruChalo to gather protesters for a bike rally came under severe criticism for trending #DemonetisationSuccess a day after the RBI announced that 99% of the scrapped currency notes had come back into the system after demonetisation.Congress, not wanting to be left too far behind in the competition, has got a lot of flak for running a poll on its official Twitter handle. The party has taken the initiative to make people more aware of their history by conducting Twitter polls using the hashtag #KnowYourLegacy.But a recent poll that apparently aims to improve one's general knowledge on former Nehru, got the party under fire.It asked: "What animal did Prime Minister Nehru arrive in Bhutan on in 1958? #KnowYourLegacy"The options that people were given were horse, yak, elephant, and donkey. Though Nehru rode a Yak, the trolls found the perfect opportunity to troll the party with 50% choosing the "donkey" option.It asked: "In the absence of motorable roads in Bhutan in 1958, PM Nehru rode on an animal to visit the country. What animal was it?"The party included the option of "donkey" again and the troll chose to select it. Again. Yes. This time, getting a 76% out of 45,960 votes.Calling it a "trick question" since the wrong answer was chosen both the times by Twitterati, INC wrote, "We got you! It was a trick question So what animal did PM Nehru arrive on in Bhutan? A lesson to be learnt, read:
They say the pen is mightier than the sword.

Unfortunately, today, the gun is mightier than the pen.

RIP #gaurilankesh

May voices never die.  Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) September 5, 2017

Shocking and blood curdling to hear about the murder of Gauri Lankesh. These monstrous criminals must be nailed n dealt with sternly  Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) September 5, 2017

As a friend, colleague & admirer for decades shocked & shattered to hear of the murder of Gauri Lankesh,one of India's gutsiest journalists  vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) September 5, 2017

As a rookie journo, I discovered Bangalore riding pillion on Gauri Lankesh's mobike. She was truly one of a kind. Hard to believe she's gone  Seema Goswami (@seemagoswami) September 5, 2017

Heroes are never perfect, but they're brave, they're authentic, they're courageous, determined

RIP #gaurilankesh pic.twitter.com/SSJLqpRraE  rahul verma (@rahulverma08) September 5, 2017

Numbed by news of Gauri Lankesh's murder. She was gutsy, level-headed, defianteverything we need in a journalist in these troubled times.  Siddharth (@svaradarajan) September 5, 2017

The cold-blooded murder of Gauri #Lankesh is an assault on all our fundamentals, please remember. Somber moment, but don't ignore the alert  Sankarshan Thakur (@SankarshanT) September 5, 2017

Killing of #GauriLankesh is not only tragic but terribly scary as well. Mere dissent or disagreement as a brave journalist cost her life.  S lrfan Habib (@irfhabib) September 5, 2017

Another liberal, rational voice snuffed out by "unidentified assailants". Gauri Lankesh RIP. Dabholkar, Kalburgi, Pansare. Who killed them?  Renuka Shahane (@renukash) September 5, 2017

Pansare, Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh!

Same pattern: shot by masked men

Same motive: Silence voices of dissent?

Same forces? https://t.co/CYrOMeuTgX  Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 5, 2017

Shocked & angry - after Dabholkar, Pansare, Kalburgi, journalist @gaurilankesh bravely writing against Sangh, shot dead in Bengaluru  Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) September 5, 2017

#Gauri Lankesh shot dead outside her home.Shocking Devastating. Dabholkar Pansare Kalburgi Culprits must be punished  Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) September 5, 2017

Dhabolkar , Pansare, Kalburgi , and now Gauri Lankesh . If one kind of people are getting killed which kind of people are the killers .  Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) September 5, 2017

I have spoken with the DGP, and instructed him to ensure prompt and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017

I urge the chief minister to nab the culprits asap she was old associate during my journalism days  Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) September 5, 2017

Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 5, 2017

Gauri Lankesh, noted journalist and editor of Lankesh Patrike, was on Tuesday shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar.According to police sources, Ms. Lankesh collapsed after she was shot at by three assailants as she was entering her house at around 8 pm. Her death comes two years after and bears a striking resemblance to the killing of leading progressive thinker and researcher MM Kalburgi, who was shot dead in Dharwad in August 2015.As soon as the news of Ms Lankesh's murder broke, fellow journalists, activists, and friends took to Twitter to express their shock and anger.A number of commentators, however, observed the parallels between the murders of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi, and Gauri Lankesh:Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah took to Twitter to express his grief over the murder of Ms Lankesh. In a subsequent Tweet, he also promised swift actions against the perpetrators.Indian National Congress leader Rajiv Shukla, who was a journalist before taking to politics urged the CM of Karnataka to bring the killers to justice.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to Twitter to express her grief.
The Doklam incident marks a watershed moment in recent Indian politico-military policy. Making a break from the normal in assertively countering Chinas aggressive idea of a unipolar Asia, New Delhis New Normal will lie in deterring Beijing along a vast disputed land boundary and the Indian Ocean.



For an India that has had to make do with one part-time Defence Minister and another with his heart set on Goan Chief Ministership  Nirmala Sitharamans appointment comes at a crucial juncture.



Sitharaman has created a splash in the news as Indias second woman defence minister after Indira Gandhi, who held the charge of the ministry during her tenures as Prime Minister. In another first, the apex Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will, for the first time, have two women members  Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.



The new defence minister will be expected to deliver on long-pending structural reforms and equipment modernisation efforts in a short 20-month tenure.



One of Defence Minister Arun Jaitleys last decisions has been the approval of 65 politically non-contentious recommendations of the 99 recommendations that were sent to the government by the Lt Gen DB Shekatkar Committee for enhancing combat capability and rebalancing defence expenditure of the armed forces.



The pending recommendations tackling big ticket reforms in the higher defence structure such as the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff and the constitution of integrated theatre commands which are key to making substantive progress towards force integration among the three services.



These reforms which are expected to maximise warfighting capabilities and reduce budgetary inefficiencies will fall on Sitharaman for delivery. The lack of progress so far reflects the determination of bureaucratic interests in the individual service branches to preserve their own interests, rather than maximise combat performance and efficiency, a tall order for any appointee to tackle.



The threat perception of a two-front war which stems from a directive from the Defence Minister which has for years driven Indian military planning and acquisitions also requires a revisit. Sitharaman will need to oversee Indian services adopting a more capability-based approach versus the previous threat-based approach.



However, there is little evidence to suggest that any of the three services have taken any steps in that direction. The Army is still in the process of raising the Mountain Strike Corps to further add manpower to its standing strength of 1.18 million men. The Indian Air Force continues to press for 42-45 fighter squadrons to deter a two-front war while the Indian Navy wants to eventually operate 200 ships, including three aircraft carrier groups.



One of the key barometers that Sitharaman will be judged on at the end of the 20-month tenure will be the implementation of Make in India in defence. Prime Minister Narendra Modis recurring declarations on making India self-reliant in defence manufacturing is yet to see any significant results. So far Foreign Direct Investment in defence between July 2016 to January 2017, was worth a measly 0.61 lakh.



The policy for Strategic Partnerships in defence for fighter aircraft, submarines, helicopters and armoured vehicles, has been a non-starter. Key impediments include restrictions of a 49 percent stake for foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in any such partnership with Indian companies for the projects.



Sitharamans previous stint in the Commerce & Industry Ministry is expected to inculcate an investment friendly environment for foreign OEMs with a great deal of expectation in increasing the caps for investment and ownership.



PM Modis choice of Sitharaman to be the next Defence Minister, will mean no big changes in current Indian foreign and military policy. Both Arun Jaitley and Manohar Parrikar struggled to leave a distinctive mark at the South block during their tenure.



Like her predecessors, Nirmala Sitharaman will enter the South block with limited knowledge of how unwieldy military bureaucracies function and the expectation to establish a force with the capabilities needed to meet Indias challenges in the coming years will weigh heavy on her limited tenure.



(Pushan Das is a Program Coordinator at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi)






Bhopal: The month of August was riddled with hospital mishaps across the country, particularly Uttar Pradesh, and now a government hospital in remote Madhya Pradeshs Shahdol district has reported the deaths of 36 infants in August. However, the hospital administration had no clue about what went wrong.



According to Dr VD Sonwani, head of SNCU, As many as 195 infants were admitted to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) in August and 36 of them died of reasons ranging from insufficient weight, ailments to premature delivery.



Some staff members, however, attributed the deaths to improper facilities. The hospital has four ventilators gathering dust, while no one has been trained so far to operate these life-saving machines, a staffer from the government run hospital said on condition of anonymity.



Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Rajesh Pandey pleaded ignorance about the exact cause behind the increased number of deaths.



Dr Pandey further claimed that the infant mortality is being reviewed monthly and the data has shown gradual decline.



I need to check it with our staff about the reasons behind the deaths in August, said Dr Pandey.



Interestingly, the hospital based in Shahdol, about 550 kilometres from Bhopal, is the only ray of hope for the tribal population from the region. The institution has stayed in news for its callousness time and again, as the tribal population here is forced to bring in their ailing family members on cots from nearby districts for want of ambulances.



The pitiable state of affairs at this MP district had come to fore last year in May as Member of Parliament, Dalpat Singh Paraste suffered brain haemorrhage and died by the time he was airlifted to a Gurgaon hospital in Haryana.
Amid insurgency and unrest, the relations between Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police have further worsened in the Valley.The Army is apparently disturbed over FIRs being registered against their personnel and the subsequent arrests by the local police, which, it claimed has upset the working relationship between the two forces.The contention between the two has reached a stage where Col Samaresh Chatterjee, Commanding Officer of the 12 Rashtriya Rifles, has shot a letter to the J&K Director General of Police.Dated September 1, Chatterjee's letter to DGP SP Vaid complains about "high handedness of the local police" in Bannihal town and their "anti-Army sentiments".The CO refers to an incident of September 1, when a vehicle crashed into the rear of a military truck, resulting into the death of two civilians in the car.Chatterjee says that the driver of the truck was taken into military custody under the Army Act, but police officials from Banihal insisted on taking the driver in their custody."It may be appreciated that in the instant case, the police was dealing with trained soldiers of a disciplined force and not petty criminals who could have escaped the law," said the CO. The officer further pointed out that the police officers were adequately assured that the driver would be made available for investigation, whenever sought.In his three-page letter, the CO contended that dictated by ego, the Banihal officers lodged an FIR against Chatterjee and his second-in-command Major Deepak Suyal under Section 353 of the RPC for allegedly using force and obstructing public officials from performing their duty.This was also a display of anti-Army sentiments seemingly being nurtured by the present set of recently posted police officers in Banihal. The malice is gauged by the fact that not only did the police officers lodge an FIR, but also deliberately issued a press brief, maligning the reputation of senior Army officers including one holding the rank of a Colonel, Chatterjees letter read.The Commanding Officer further urged the state DGP to intervene, so that an excellent working relationship between the two organizations could be restored. He also emphasized that such incidents affected the morale and motivation of the security personnel, diverting their attention from the primary task.The letter also recalled another incident in April this year, when the local police kept an Army sepoy in police custody for over a week and the Army was compelled to move the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.In this case, Sepoy Amit Kumar Yadav was driving a truck when his vehicle hit a motorcycle, killing a Kashmiri youth Aadil Ahmed Sheikh. The next moment he found himself in a police lock up under charges of causing death due to rash and negligent driving.After the local police refused to hand over Yadavs custody, the Army sought bail from a magistrate, assuring that the accused will be made available for investigation as well as prosecution, whenever demanded.However, the magistrate did not just trash the Army plea, but held that Yadav could abscond and try to influence the witnesses. Dismissing Armys assurances, the magistrate said that people would lose faith in the law if the jawan was granted bail. Yadav needs to be dealt with sternly, said the local court.This event prompted the Army to resort to an exceptional remedy  it filed a writ petition in the J&K High Court with an objective to settle the issue regarding the custody of its men, once and for all.The HC has issued notices to the J&K government (Commissioner Secretary, Home) and the police, seeking their replies on the Armys petition. The magistrate has also been made a party in the case. The HC has further sought to know what prompted the magistrate to refuse the Armys request, which is ordinarily granted under the law.
New Delhi: The National Awards to Teachers this year will be presented by the Vice-President, an award which is usually presented by the President.



Constituted in 1958, the National Award for Teachers is presented by the President to teachers, who have rendered exemplary service to the nation and meritorious performance. The awards cover teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools in India.



This year, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu will be the chief guest at the ceremony being organised at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi on Tuesday.



However, President Ramnath Kovind will be hosting the teachers at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the day.



Sources in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, however, insisted that not much should be "read into this change in ceremony  where the VP will present the award instead of the President. The President has invited the awardees to personally interact with them.



219 teachers, including 124 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teachers, will be presented the award. The ceremony will take place in the presence of Minister of Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar, MoS HRD Satyapal Singh and MoS Upendra Kushwaha.



There are 366 awards, out of which 20 are reserved for Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic teachers. There is also an earmarked quota for each state/ union territory/ organisation based on their number of teachers.



The recognition is extended to teachers of CBSE-affiliated schools, independent affiliated schools situated abroad, ICSCE, Sainik School, KVS, NVS, CTSA and schools run by the Atomic Energy Education Society.



This year, for Teachers Day celebrations, the government has asked the state governments to hold district/ block/ cluster level competitions based on cleanliness.
Premier Li Keqiang visited a poor family and a makerspace on Sept 4 in Changzhi, North Chinas Shanxi province.

Bumping along rough roads in the Taihang mountain area, the Premier visited a family in the local village and asked them about their living conditions, their healthcare insurance and minimum living allowance.

He told local officials that poverty alleviation measures should be more practical and detailed as the campaign goes on. Government aid should be provided to the right family and right person, he said.

He also said that the government should prevent villagers from being forced into poverty by disease, while visiting a clinic in that village.

Village doctors should be the first defense for local residents health, he said. In addition, they can enjoy high-quality health services through medical partnerships, which has become more convenient.

Premier Li also visited a makerspace called Weimeinuo in Changzhi, which is devoted to providing services such as financing, production and sales to micro and small-sized enterprises.

So far, it has already attracted 47 companies. The Premier commented that a great mass of small companies can achieve greatness.

You have formed a special production chain by gathering these micro and small-sized enterprises, where innovation can be carried out, meanwhile creating substantial market and social value, the Premier added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen. The meeting, which lasted for about 60 minutes, touched upon a lot of issues, including border disputes and the Doklam standoff. India and China agreed that its in the interests of both the countries to keep the relationship looking forward and on an upward trajectory, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told reporters.

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Xiamen: It's been an extremely successful week for Indian diplomacy. They say a week is a long time in politics. The same can be said of the last week in diplomacy. Last Monday, on August 28, India managed to successfully resolve the two-month old standoff with China at Doklam. Exactly a week later, on September 4, India managed to name Pakistan-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad in the BRICS Joint Declaration.



Both these developments will be seen as breakthroughs for Indian diplomats who have often faced immense difficulty while negotiating with China. Just in the last one year, India has been snubbed by China on both the NSG membership issue as well as on Masood Azhar, the chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. So let's take a moment to pause and reflect on how both these successes were brought about.



At Monday's press conference, a question was asked to MEA Secretary Preeti Saran on whether there was a quid pro quo between what happened in Doklam and the BRICS Joint Declaration. She dismissed it as a wild speculation. But informed sources have told News 18 that it would be disingenuous to see the two incidents in isolation. Much of the negotiations for the draft of the joint declaration happened while the Doklam standoff was on. It would be naive to assume that the standoff would not have cast a shadow on the negotiation process.



News 18 has also independently learnt that negotiators worked till late in the night on Saturday, before the start of the BRICS summit to get the exact phraseology. Negotiations went on up to 4 am with the Chinese raising obstacles at every stage.



So what explains this dramatic turnaround? Most foreign policies are dictated by domestic compulsions, as much in China as it is in India. The biggest domestic policy event that is slated in China is the 19th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China on October 18, will pave the way for Xi Jinping to get a second term as President. The Chinese could ill-afford an unsuccessful BRICS Summit in Xiamen ahead of the Congress as it would be a personal 'loss of face' for President Xi Jinping.



Also, China faced the same problem in Xiamen that India faced in Goa last year  pressure of being the host. As host, the onus is on China to find a consensual joint declaration that can be adopted. The host has to walk the extra mile. Therefore the host's scope for taking extreme positions in these negotiations is crippled. Part of the reason why India couldn't push through similar language in the Goa declaration was precisely because of this.



It is in this background that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, as an equal. As they say in diplomacy, timing is everything.
New Delhi: Former NSA Shivshankar Menon on Tuesday rued that the domestic politics of India and Pakistan does not support a change of narrative required to normalise ties between the neighbours.



Shankar, who served as the Foreign Secretary from 2006 to 2009, said the Pakistani Army is also "reluctant" to have robust relations with India and the two countries have "profound misunderstandings" about each other.



To a question on the claim of former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri that both sides had come to an agreement on the Kashmir issue in 2007 through back channel talks, Shankar said there were still some aspects left to concur on.



"In March 2007, after most of the progress had been done Musharaff said, 'I can't fight on all fronts'. He had just sacked the Chief Justice (Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry)," the former national security adviser said.



Chaudhry's sacking had led to massive protests by the legal fraternity and the civil society in Pakistan.



In his book 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove', Kasuri has claimed that in 2007 the "solution to Kashmir was in the grasp of both governments".



Menon acknowledged that "there was tremendous progress made" through these back channel talks.



"Pakistani domestic politics could not support that (the hope of a resolution to the Kashmir problem). You have the same problem repeatedly on both sides where the domestic politics does not support it," Menon said.



He also noted incidents like the Mumbai train serial blasts of 2006 and the 26/11 terror attack in 2008, indicating that these were the reasons on the Indian side that hampered the talks.



"Domestic politics does not support big initiatives or big steps which changes the narrative of fundamentals," the former top diplomat said.



Menon was a part of the panel discussion organised after the launch of a book 'The People Next Door: The Curious History of India's Relations with Pakistan', authored by TCA Raghavan, former Indian envoy to Islamabad.



He added that the Pakistani Army considers itself as the guardian of the state and is cautious about its ties with India.



"The armies (of the two countries) themselves are in touch with each other. (But) the Pakistan army is very reluctant to get into a roboust engagement with us. We, at various stages, have tried to establish direct military to military links to do various things," Menon said.
Numbed by news of Gauri Lankesh's murder. She was gutsy, level-headed, defianteverything we need in a journalist in these troubled times.  Siddharth (@svaradarajan) September 5, 2017

The cold-blooded murder of Gauri #Lankesh is an assault on all our fundamentals, please remember. Somber moment, but don't ignore the alert  Sankarshan Thakur (@SankarshanT) September 5, 2017

The right to dissent is being curbed, said Gauri Lankesh in an interview just about a couple of months ago to a media publication.Known for her staunch stand against right wing ideology and policies, Gauri, late on Tuesday evening, was shot dead by, what has been reported till now, three men from a close-range right outside her home in Bengalurus Rajarajeswari Nagar. It has been reported that she was followed by a group of men as she left her office for her home.Daughter of famous writer and journalist, P Lankesh, she ran Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada newspaper published, owned and edited by her.Last year in November, she was convicted in two separate cases of defamation for her article in January 2008. The articles criticised leaders from the Bhartiya Janata Party. Gauri was granted bail.Soon after news of her death spread, friends and well-wishers spoke of the journalist as one of the gutsiest they had ever seen.Speaking to CNN-News18, senior journalist Vir Sanghvi said that Gauri was someone who never bogged down to intimidation and pressure.She was feisty. And I have to say, after her father died, she gathered more strength and courage. She would not take no for an answer, Sanghvi said. Sanghvi had worked with the journalist in Sunday, a newsmagazine published by ABP group.Calling her an editors delight, he said that Gauri was someone who was respected across the spectrum for her courage and integrity.She had access. There have been times when I have met CMs of Karnataka through her, and shed be treated with such respect. Nobody would say no to her and it was purely because of her work ethics, Sanghvi said.Saying that it was too early to jump to conclusions, Sanghvi said it was safe to believe that it was a sure shot hit.This is not an attempt to robbery that were talking about. This was an outright shot at her, he told CNN-News18.Sanghvi was joined by many others from the fraternity, who took to Twitter and Facebook, condemning the gruesome murder.Gauri Lankesh was a well-known critic of the right. She had, in many interviews, spoken about how she was worried about the state of freedom of expression in India, and in her recent social media posts, she had flagged off the issue of fake news and propaganda.This is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend, tweeted Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
New Delhi: India on Tuesday summoned the acting high commissioner of Pakistan and issued a demarche over the infiltration by a group of JeM terrorists who killed eight security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama last month.



The Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong protest with Acting High Commissioner Haider Shah over the infiltration by the group hailing from Pakistan who staged a terror attack on August 26.



In a statement, the MEA said Pakistan was asked to investigate the incident and bring to justice the individuals and entities responsible for orchestrating the heinous attack.



The MEA said it was conveyed to the envoy that DNA samples of the neutralized terrorists have been preserved and can be made available for investigation in Pakistan.



"The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Haider Shah was called in today and a strong protest was lodged at the cross border infiltration of a group of Pakistan nationals belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist organisation in the intervening night of 16/17 August who carried out a brutal terror attack in District Police Lines, Pulwama," the statement said.



The MEA said Pakistan was also asked to abide by its commitment to not allow territory under its control to be used for terrorism, and take credible and effective action against the terrorist groups "operating from its soil and to prevent cross border infiltration".
New Delhi: Veteran Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants inside her home in Bengaluru on Tuesday.



Lankesh was well known critic of right-wing politics in the country, particularly Hindutva, and was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada tabloid.



Karnataka police chief R K Dutta told PTI Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar. She took more than one bullet and died instantaneously.



Quoting police, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the journalist was shot dead by unidentified assailants soon after she had alighted from her car.



"She was returning from Gandhinagar after attending some official work," he added.



The Chief Minister told PTI that three police teams have been constituted to probe the killing. Instructions have been issued to crack the case and bring the culprits to book at the earliest, he said.



Siddaramaiah also said he has asked police to get in touch with their Maharashtra counterparts probing the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar.



Parallels were being drawn between the gunning down of Lankesh and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Dabholkar was shot dead in August 2013, while Kalburgi was gunned down in August 2015.



Police have cordoned off the area around Lankesh's house.



Senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth, rushed to the spot to supervise investigation, PTI reported.



Dutta said Lankesh had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.



Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first."



Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said it would be premature to say who could be behind the killing. "It will not be appropriate for me to make any comments as to who is behind the incident. It could be for personal reasons or for ideological reasons," he said.



Veteran BJP Leader K S Eshwarappa rapped the Siddaramaiah government for "failing" to protect the lives of people, including those of noted writers like Kalburgi and Lankesh.



Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.



Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore took to twitter to denounce the incident. "Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists," he said.



Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said "truth cannot be silenced" and demanded that the culprits be tracked down and punished.



"The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished," his office said in a twitter post.



BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, "The murder of #GauriLankesh is condemnable outright. Onus is on Sh.Siddaramaiah to ensure proper investigation."



"This has all the hallmarks of a murder done to order. Now the police have the responsibility & duty to identify & charge sheet the guilty," tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.



Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!"



(With PTI inputs)




Lahore: Days after the United States lambasted the Pakistan government for giving safe havens to terror outfits, the second in command of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Abdul Rehman Makki, has pledged to intensify Jihad against India in Jammu and Kashmir.



Makki was speaking at the "Shohda-e-Kashmir" conference at Al-Daawa Model School in Lahore. The event was to observe the "martyrdom" of militant Abu Waleed Mohammad, who was killed in Bandipora by the Indian security forces.



While revisiting JuD's commitment to continue with cross-border terrorism, Makki praised the spirit of Abu Waleed Mohammad and recalled the "sacrifices" made by other JuD militants who had waged Jihad in Kashmir.



Only recently had US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan for providing safe havens to agents of chaos and terror.



Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbour terrorists. A core pillar of our new strategy in Afghanistan is a shift from a time-based approach to one based on conditions, Trump had said on August 22.



Now, Makki has condemned the Wests moves to label JuD cadres as terrorists and declaring the organization as dangerous for peace in the region.



The Jamaat leader further said that JuD's basic aim was consolidation of Pakistan and freeing Kashmiris from the Hindu forces.



On Monday, the joint declaration at the BRICS summit in Xiamen came as a huge boost for India. Its efforts at highlighting terror emanating from the neighbourhood found specific mention with the names of Pakistan-based terror outfits in the joint declaration.



However, Makki, on the other hand squarely blamed the Indian government for convincing the international community to declare Hafiz Saeed a terrorist and have him placed under house arrest.



Not just India, Makki didnt spare the Pakistan government as well and added that the Pakistani leadership must be taught to work for the supremacy of Islam, liberation of Kashmir, and to stop being friends with New Delhi.



Hindus, he said, need to be kept under control. On former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Makki said, "Allah punished people for stopping others from following the path of jihad."



Makki used the occasion to confirm the formation of Jamaats political outfit, Milli Muslim League (MML).




Gauri Lankesh, editor of Lankesh Patrike, was on Tuesday shot dead at her residence in Bengalurus Rajarajeshwari Nagar. Reports say unidentified men shot her three times from close range and she collapsed on the spot.

Gauris killing bears striking similarity to the way in which rationalist MM Kalburgi was killed two years ago.

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Tensions in and around the Korean peninsula have dramatically risen in the last one year. On one hand, North Korea has continued its provocations through nuclear and missile tests, including the test of a thermonuclear bomb conducted this Sunday. On the other hand, the US posture under Trump has been erratic  at times threatening "fire and fury" against North Korea and at other expressing scope and hope for talks  leaving its allies in the region uncertain.



With Pyongyang's ability to develop and deliver nuclear weapons, established through its successful nuclear and missile tests, Washington's threat of a pre-emptive conventional strike on North Korea has become more a rhetoric which Washington will unlikely risk following up on. Meanwhile, increasing war threats, growing number of military exercises, deployment of theatre ballistic missile defense systems, and, more importantly, a hardlined-position that any talks with North Korea must be preceded by a complete rollback of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme have driven Washington to a corner from where it is unable to break the impasse with Pyongyang peacefully.



In effect, the US appears to be unable to take up the mantle of resolving the North Korean crisis, being involved in the making and sustenance of the crisis itself. With this void in global leadership to steward the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, India has both the opportunity and the responsibility to attempt to broker a deal.



At the outset, it must be noted that India does not directly get affected by rising tensions at the Korean peninsula. India is one of the few countries that have maintained notable relations with North Korea, despite not being a traditional partner. New Delhi enjoys both diplomatic and trade relations with Pyongyang. But a breakdown of the same is unlikely to impose significant costs on New Delhi.



In fact, following international criticism of India's support to North Korea, including economically and scientifically  with education and training of North Korean students  New Delhi has been quick to comply with the United Nations sanctions by issuing a notice in April 2017 "that prevents any Indian national or entity from supplying directly or otherwise any material to North Korea that augments its war-fighting capabilities." Furthermore, in the same month, the Modi government announced cutting off all trade ties with North Korea, except on food and medicine. The move, welcomed by Washington, bodes well for New Delhi's immediate objectives, allowing it to politically capitalise on the growing difference between the US and China over North Korea.



Yet, as the international community wanders and fumbles in finding a peaceful resolution of the North Korean crisis, India has the right potential to fill the visible void in global leadership. New Delhi's active contribution to brokering a deal with Pyongyang would not only capture its growing stake in regional and international stability, it will also send a clear message to one of the prospective partners in that endeavour, Beijing, that Asia can only have a multipolar order  an order which cannot be dictated and determined by a single hegemon.



BRICS is one such platform which New Delhi could explore in collectively pursuing attempts to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. The Russian President, Vladamir Putin, writing just before flying down to Xiamen, China for the BRICS Summit has already referred to the North Korean issue, noting that "the situation is balancing on the brink of a large-scale conflict." He adds that the "policy of putting pressure on Pyongyang to stop its nuclear missile programme is misguided and futile. The region's problems should only be settled through a direct dialogue of all the parties concerned without any preconditions. Provocations, pressure and militarist and insulting rhetoric are a dead-end road."



The immediate provocation, however, has come from North Korea with its sixth nuclear test conducted on Sunday. Conducted just a day before the commencement of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, North Korea's nuclear test was discussed by the BRICS leaders and found mention in the final communique. While BRICS leaders have condemned North Korea's recent nuclear test, the Summit declaration stresses resolution through only peaceful means and dialogue  reiteration of the positions held by BRICS leaders individually.



The challenge that lies ahead, however and therefore, is primarily of resolving differences between involved stakeholders over preconditions for the commencement of any dialogue  US demanding complete rollback of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, while North Korea dismissing such demands and asking for the rollback of US hostilities. Within BRICS at present, it is New Delhi which appears to be the closest to Washington on at least the geopolitical front. New Delhi could possibly use its good offices in Washington and Pyongyang to sow grounds for the commencement of talks, including an agreement on the preconditions, if not take direct part in the negotiation itself.



(The author is an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and is currently pursuing projects on India's nuclear weapons policy and doctrine, and India's membership to the export control groups. Views expressed are personal)
New Delhi: When we were students, we would force the government to roll back DTC fare hike; reminisces a senior Delhi University professor, sitting in the shade of a large peepul tree, in the middle of the college campus.



He will retire next year. As a student and as a teacher for more than three decades, hes been witness to many a student agitation in the heart of the national capital. From Indira Gandhis imposition of Emergency to Mandal agitation triggered by Rajiv Goswamis self-immolation bid.



In all these years, DU and its politics has been qualitatively different from another campus straggling a patch of Aravallis south of the city. Politically, culturally and in so many ways, JNU and its politics have been poles apart from DU.



Faultlines in DU have been more about real politics  a training ground for students who would get their hands dirty in fighting elections. Madan Bisht, from a remote village in Almora, would return home and represent Dwarahat in the Uttarkhand assembly. Vijay Goel would contest and win Lok Sabha elections from Chandni Chowk.



In JNU, battles were more ideological. It was too engrossed in Marxist dialectics and its various strands epitomizing the Lefts dilemma in dealing with caste  the perennial reality of Indias polity.



A NEW POLITICAL CONSCIENCE?



This Delhi University election to elect a new student representative body later this month, however, seems markedly different.



It all started on February 21 this year, when clashes broke out in Delhi Universitys Ramjas College. By the next day, violence had spread to other parts of North Campus. For students fresh out of school, the sight of stones flying in from all directions, fisticuffs breaking out and paramilitary forces marching on their beloved campus was a traumatic experience.



The College cancelled a seminar 'Culture of protest' after ABVP activists protested against the participation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) research scholar Umar Khalid and former JNUSU vice-president Shehla Rashid in the programme.



Khalid was booked on charges of sedition alongside fellow research scholar Anirban Bhattacharya and then JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar in 2016, and BJPs student wing ABVP decide to oppose an invite extended to the JNU students.



Saurya Majumdar, a third year student, recalls the confrontation between the Left Wing supported student outfits and ABVP. Rocks were being hurled at us from all sides. We were trapped and couldnt escape for hours. We want to reclaim our campus. DU is famous for open debates at chai shops and street corners. That day, the very idea of DU was challenged.



The campus violence has also become a rallying point for the All India Students Association (AISA) to mobilise Left-liberal forces on the campus. Its DU unit chief Kanwalpreet Kaur has been leading the charge. AISA has been trying to pitch itself as an alternative to the bipolar power structure of the RSS-backed ABVP and the Congress-affiliated NSUI (National Students Union of India).



Violence free DU is our main plank, said Kaur, ABVP has been trying to strike fear into the hearts of the students but we will not allow it to happen. They raise issues like nationalism because they are nowhere to be seen on the ground. They never come to the streets to help ordinary students or raise their voice. Violence free DU will be the central issue of this election. We are emerging as an alternative to the money and muscle power axis of the ABVP and NSUI.



Bharat Kumar, ABVP Delhi State Secretary, however, disagrees. We will go to the students and tell them about the work that ABVP has done in the last few years. AISA talks about violence free DU but who brought the outsiders into campus? It was them. There is no place for anti-national views and slogans on our campus.



The common student un-affiliated to any party politics is concerned with the developments.



I was there at the protest last year. A stone came and hit me. I have still preserved it as a memento. This election is not a normal election, says another student who does not want to be named.



This, perhaps, is the new normal in DU student politics.
New Delhi: A PIL has been submitted in the Supreme Court asking for a judicial inquiry into the suicide of S Anitha, the Dalit girl who fought against National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) in the apex court.



S Anitha, the 17-year-old Dalit girl who was the face of the fight against NEET, took her life on Friday just over a week after Supreme Court ruled that medical college admissions in Tamil Nadu will be based on the national admission test.



The PIL has been filed by lawyer GS Mani. The plea also wants Tamil Nadu government to maintain law and order and ensure that protests over Anithas death dont disrupt normal life.



Protests were held across Chennai on Saturday by many groups, including the CPI(M) and its student wing SFI, a day after the suicide of 17-year-old S Anitha who led the battle against NEET in the Supreme Court.



More than 200 CPI(M) workers blocked a portion of Chennai's Mount Road for half-an-hour. They were later detained by the police. The VCK, Naam Tamilar Katchi and other fringe groups also paid tributes to Anitha and staged demonstrations demanding the scrapping of the common medical college entrance test NEET.



The protestors blamed both the state and the central government for Anitha's death. "There is no system in place. If the state government does not act, then we will continue to protest as there are many more Anithas whose lives have been shattered," said a protester.



Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have expressed grief over the incident. "We must protest for Anithas justice without considering caste, creed or even state borders. The girl had many dreams but now she has been killed and buried. Those who claimed that good news was coming soon have disappeared, so has the girl. Politicians should forget party rivalries and rise against this, said Kamal Haasan.
Xiamen: Doklam was not brushed under the carpet at the BRICS Summit. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that was initially scheduled for just half an hour, lasted for over one hour.



It's a clear indication that both the leaders were open about discussing what happened in Doklam. The last bilateral that they had was in Astana, on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which lasted only 20 minutes.



Tuesdays meeting was substantially longer, indicating that Doklam consumed a large part of the conversation.



Both sides also acknowledged the shortcomings in the Sino-India ties that led to the Doklam standoff.



Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar also said that both the leaders had agreed that there has to be greater cooperation between border and defence personnel and the need for greater confidence building measures.



Just like the last big flare up in Depsang in 2013, which lasted 21 days, led to the resultant Border Defence and Cooperation Agreement, Doklam could likely lead to a new mechanism with specific military-to-military confidence building measures.



What the exact details of this new mechanism are and at what level this will be instituted, will only be known later.



Moreover, this follows a familiar pattern in Sino-Indian ties. Just like last year, when the NSG issue flared up and both sides decided to establish a new mechanism under the Foreign Secretary and China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister, it is possible that a new mechanism could be established at the level of the DGMOs.
New Delhi: Many policemen, including a Sub Inspector, and a video journalist were injured on Tuesday when an angry mob resisted the anti-encroachment drive undertaken by Patna Police in the Rajeev Nagar area of the state capital.



A team from two police stations  Digha and Rajeev Nagar  were assisting municipal officials in removing the settlements made on around 400 acres of government land. An angry mob attacked them, as bulldozers started demolishing makeshift houses and plot fencing.



Police open fired at least 20 rounds in the air but the mob kept pelting stones. A sub inspector of Digha Police station and Etv video journalist Deepak were injured.



Patna SSP Manu Maharaj sent additional forces to the area as one policeman told News18 that they did not expect such kind of retaliation from the local mob.



Rajeev Nagar residents say that there was no prior notice of eviction and the policemen turned up with at least 50 JCB machines.



The Patna High Court had taken note of encroachment cases and ordered the government to evict encroachers from the land.
Chandigarh: Punjab government's coffers are running dry and there aren't enough funds to pay salaries and pensions of its employees.



Government employees in the seat of power  the secretariat  are now threatening to up their protest unless the situation improves soon.



The Punjab Civil secretariat is where the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs, IAS officers and the state governments staff have their offices. It is the administrative heart of the government. For the past two days, it has been witness to speeches, protests and warnings.



Punjab is often rocked by protests over its dismal state of finances. However, when the protesters happen to be civil secretariat staff themselves asking for salaries to be paid in time and alleging that they are being discriminated against in favor of IAS officers, it is a cause for concern for the government.



Sukhchain Singh Khaira, president, Secretariat Employees Association, is leading the protests and demands dearness allowance as decided earlier should be paid to all employees. You cannot pay the IAS officers first and not pay us, he said.



We have many demands. We also understand that the new government would have a lot of issues to grapple with. If DA has been given to IAS officers and not to us ordinary employees that is bound to make us angry, he added.



The Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh claims they inherited empty coffers and they cannot be blamed for the mess. That, however, is not something employees are willing to listen to. They say they have liabilities and need their salaries in time.



We have now been told that the salaries have been withheld without a clear reason. And that is why we have decided to give some time to the government to pay us within a day or two else we will agitate again. If secretariat level employees start protesting it would not be good for the government. Employees have to build houses, get daughters married, they need money, but governments not paying arrears. We give the government a day's time following which we will take the next step, Khaira warned.



This is the second time in five months that the Punjab Government has found itself in a financial crisis of sorts.



Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal said the Government will not be able to pay the entire salary amount in one go and will to stagger it over the course of the month. We will pay salary in instalments. GST has two components, SGST and CGST. We have got the SGST but the CGST will only come after audit. So our cash flow has got disturbed, he said.



Salaries getting paid in staggered manner. Towards the end IAS and IPS officers will be paid and the last salaries will be paid to the CM and the MLAs and Ministers in Punjab. By September 20 the situation will be considerably stable, he added.



Badal also blamed the previous government, saying the financial problem in Punjab is not of their making. The condition in Punjab is not because of this government. The last 10 years have contributed to this situation and government employees know about all this. Protesting is not the solution. We have to make the state revenue surplus. It is like farming in a field, it takes six months to get the crop. Give us time to sow the financial crop and reap the results over a year or so, Badal said.



Punjab Ministers and MLAs, on the other hand, have been demanding a doubling of their salaries saying they should get at least as much money as is needed for them to meet their expenses. They also cite protocol saying if they are at a level higher than the Chief Secretary then they should be paid more than them.



Congress MLA Pargat Singh said that an MLA has such a wide operational area and also has a status above the Chief Secretary in protocol. Thus, their salaries deserve to be enhanced and be higher than the chief secretary.



The opposition, meanwhile, has torn into the government saying it has not fulfilled promises made. AAP Leader of the opposition, Sukhpal Khaira, said it is a top heavy government that is more interested in paying salaries at senior positions including to Officers on Special Duty and other advisors.



Pensions, Salaries are not being paid. People who have to survive on their salaries are in trouble. Congress made big promises but have not fulfilled them. On the one hand they don't have money to pay salaries on the other hand they have a big army of advisors and OSDs paid even more than ministers. Amarinder doesn't want to learn financial prudence. It is a top heavy government, with seven to eight DGPs, several chief secretaries, but no junior officers, he said.



Number of Punjab employees to be paid salaries: 3.95 lakh



Salary burden every month: Rs 2200 crores



Tax share to come from central government: Rs 900 crores



Tax share received from central government: Rs 0



Own resources to be generated by Punjab for salary: Rs 1300 crores
New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is headed to the United States where he is likely to address a gathering on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the science of making machines that think like humans.



Gandhi, who recently returned from Norway, is gearing up for another offshore visit, this time to the Silicon Valley in the US to "expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence", party sources said.



They said he might speak on the issue on September 11, after meeting technology experts.



The sources said Gandhi wants India to lead in the niche area which comes after software development, in which India has already won global recognition.



While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.



A senior Congress leader said the idea was to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress party's vision documents.



Facilitating Gandhi's US visit is the chairman of Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, a technology innovator who was brought back to India by Rajiv Gandhi and was among those behind the telecom revolution in the country.



The Congress VP had met leaders in the field of biotechnology during his Norway visit.



He is currently grappling with the party's sliding electoral graph after a series of defeats.



The party is weighed down by anti-incumbency sentiments and infighting in the state unit in Himachal Pradesh. In Gujarat, where elections are slated to be held later this year, it lost a veteran when party leader and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela walked out of the Congress.
New Delhi: Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, asserting that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.



"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India," Rijiju told reporters.



The minister of state for home said that since they are not legal immigrants, "they stand to be deported".



"As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. We are a nation with great democratic tradition. India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees," he added.



Taking a strong position on the reported criticism of the government's stand on the issue, Rijiju said, "We are following the legal path then why have we been accused of being inhuman."



He said that the Centre has instructed all state governments to start the process of their deportation.



Meanwhile, two Rohingya immigrants have approached the the Supreme Court urging it to direct the central government to not deport them to Myanmmar.



The Rohingya Muslims fled to India after violence in the western Rakhine State of Myanmar.



Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in the country are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.




New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a CBI probe into the suicide of Karnataka DSP Ganapathy.



The probe agency has been given three months to complete the investigation by the apex court.



The move could spell trouble for the Karnataka Congress as Ganapathy had blamed state minister KJ George in his suicide note.



While George welcomed the order and said that he would cooperate with the probe, the Congress government in the state has been taking political heat over the issue.



The BJP had recently sought Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation for the alleged cover up of the DSP's death. They had accused the government of trying to hush up the case.

The family of Ganapathy had also cried foul, alleging that he would have never taken his own life and that he had been compelled to commit suicide.



Talking to CNN-News18, Ganapathys sister Sabita said, We realised there were a lot of gaps in the investigation into his death. They did not investigate the homicide angle at all. There were bullets fired in the room which found no mention in the CID reports. There were no fingerprints as well.



The only reason he visited a psychiatrist was for memory purposes. But the CID twisted it and presented it as he was depressed which is not true. They are saying he committed suicide. We know him well. We know he is not capable of it, she added.



Meanwhile, the Congress has denied all charges. Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao told CNN-News18, We have nothing to hide, our government never harassed Ganapathy. If one does not believe that there can be transparency in the police investigating the case, then doesn't one have respect for the police officer or his comrades?



There are still lingering doubts. The CBI investigation will bring the doubts out and hopefully there will be some closure to this, he added. 




New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, making it the first bilateral meet after the over two-month long standoff at Doklam. The meeting lasted for over an hour.



Chinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that healthy, stable Sino-Indian ties in line with fundamental interests of their people.



The President also called to push forward Sino-Indian ties on right track. Xi also mentioned Jawahar Lal Nehrus Panchsheel treaty, saying that China was prepared to work with India to seek guidance from five principles of Panchsheel.



The five principles are:



1. Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

2. Mutual non-aggression.

3. Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

4. Equality and cooperation for mutual benefit.

5. Peaceful co-existence.
With global oil prices flailing, Saudi Arabia is turning to another natural resource: billions of dollars gained from religious tourism as the kingdom hosts the annual hajj pilgrimage.



Shops line the packed esplanade of the Great Mosque of Mecca, one of the holiest sites in Islam, lowering their awnings only at prayer time and re-opening their doors minutes after the mosque empties.



Saudi authorities have reported 2.35 million Muslims are participating in this year's hajj, the pilgrimage to the western Saudi Arabian city of Mecca that forms one of the five pillars of Islam.



Of those, around 1.75 million pilgrims from 168 countries arrived from abroad, according to the state-run SPA news agency.



Even at the foothills of Mount Arafat, where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon, carpet merchants were scouting for customers among the faithful.



"The money spent by pilgrims this year could be from 20 to 25 billion riyals (5.3 to 6.7 billion dollars)," said Maher Jamal, head of Mecca's Chamber of Commerce and Industry -- an estimated 70 percent increase from the previous year.



Jamal said the jump in revenue stemmed from a 20 percent increase in the number of pilgrims compared with last year.



Each of them contributes on average thousands of dollars to the kingdom's domestic economy, spending money on food, lodging, souvenirs and gifts.



'Religion and commerce'



The increase in numbers is no accident but rather part of the ambitious Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy, which was dealt a serious blow after oil prices plummeted in 2014.



According to historian Luc Chantre, whose research focuses on hajj during colonial times, "even before the advent of Islam, Mecca was a place for merchants".



"It was an area of international exchange, where religion and commerce were always linked," Chantre said. "Until the discovery of oil, the hajj was Saudi Arabia's primary source of revenue."



Saudi Arabia -- the world's top crude oil exporter -- has announced a plan to shift the kingdom's economy away from oil dependency toward other sources of revenue, including religious tourism.



The Vision 2030 plan aims to draw six million pilgrims to hajj annually. In addition, the kingdom hopes to attract 30 million pilgrims to umrah, a lesser pilgrimage that can be completed during the rest of the year.



Years before the 2030 targets were unveiled, work was already under way to expand the capacity to accommodate as many pilgrims as possible during the five-day hajj.



The past decade has seen cranes rise above the Great Mosque for projects including the expansion of the holy mosques of Mecca and Medina, an underground metro line and new flooring built around the Kaaba -- a black masonry cube which pilgrims circumambulate through now-air conditioned or ventilated corridors.



The expansion projects have been met with some criticism for distorting the ancient sites, sparking major safety concerns along the way.



In September 2015, a construction crane crashed over pilgrims congregating at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, leaving more than 100 people dead.



Later that month, the hajj saw its worst ever disaster when a deadly stampede along the route killed around 2,300 people.



The stampede drew fierce criticism, in particular from rival Iran which reported 464 of its citizens killed.



After refusing to send pilgrims in 2016, Iranian authorities say more than 86,000 of their nationals are taking part this year.



On Friday, as pilgrims carried out the last major ritual of the pilgrimage, Saudi authorities held a televised press conference to report that the 2017 hajj had passed without major health or safety upsets.


Chennai: In a show of strength, the unified AIADMK led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Tuesday held a meeting of its legislators and claimed the backing of 124 MLAs, including nine from the sidelined deputy chief TTV Dhinkaran's camp.



The assertion came after the meeting convened by Palaniswami amid persistent demand by the opposition for a floor test after rebellion by 21 MLAs loyal to Dhinakaran.



Senior minister and key supporter of the Chief Minister D Jayakumar told reporters that 111 MLAs attended the meeting expressing support to Palaniswami and signed the party register.



Nine MLAs from "that camp" (Dhinakaran faction) also extended support to the Chief Minister over phone, he claimed, emerging from the meeting held at party headquarters here.



Jayakumar said three MLAs of allied parties, who contested last year's assembly polls on AIADMK's Two Leaves symbol, have also pledged support to Palaniswami as also another party MLA who could not attend due to health reasons.



It may be recalled that a group of 19 MLAs loyal to Dhinakaran had met Governor Ch Vidayasagar Rao on August 22 expressing lack of confidence in the Chief Minister.



This came a day after the merger of factions led by Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, presently the Deputy Chief Minister.



The internal strife in AIADMK prompted the opposition parties to claim that the Palaniswami government has lost majority and seek a floor test in the assembly.



In the 234-member assembly which has one seat vacant, the AIADMK has 134 MLAs excluding the Speaker while the DMK-led opposition has 98 legislators.



DMK Working President M K Stalin claimed that only 109 AIADMK MLAs reportedly took part in a meet chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswai and renewed his party's demand for a floor test in the assembly to prove the majority of the government.



"News is coming that only 109 MLAs took part in the meet," Stalin said adding the turn out at the meet strengthened his party's view that delaying a floor test would lead to horse-trading.






Kolkata: Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien and Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy engaged in a war of words on Twitter after permission for a seminar where RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat was going to speak in a West Bengal government-run auditorium in Kolkata was withdrawn on Tuesday.



Following the decision, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy tweeted, Mahajati Sadan was booked for Nivedita Mission Trust, in which PP Mohan Bhagwat ji was to speak. Booking suddenly cancelled on a langda excuse.



OBrien responded to this by saying, Ladies and gentlemen, he is the Governor of an Indian State.



This started the exchange between the two with Roy tweeting, Those who cancelled Mahajati Sadan booking are so sick, no courage to say out loud the real reason. Instead, they give the stupidest of excuses.



In reply, Derek said, Is this man really the Governor of a State?



The Tripura Governor was quick to counter and tweeted, Arrow struck bullseye, huh!



Refused to give up, Derek replied, Oh wow the Governor of a State is not done yet. Now engaging on @twitter with me. Huh! And all.



Hall authorities say MS (Mahajati Sadan) will be closed for renovation. No last min cancellation. One month notice given to ALL events. Reason for denial by Mahajati Sadan authority is 10 day yearly renovation during puja holidays. No renting of hall during the period, he added.



Roy hit back and tweeted, Gawd, the same tired old howl, "how can a Governor, are you a Governor, blah, blah"! C'mon, engage with me on merits! I'm claiming no privileges.



Following this, Roy went silent on the issue.



OBrien ended the exchange by saying Where did the Governor go? Wanted to ask him what the wi-fi speed is like in his Raj Bhavan enough fun had. Now going offline.



Meanwhile, Kolkata Police (KP) issued a clarification on Twitter saying, Strongly denying the impression being created that KP has denied permission to Nivedita trust program at Mahajati Sadan.



Controversy started after authorities at Mahajati Sadan denied Sister Nivedita Mission Trust permission to hold an event on October 3 where the main speaker was RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.



Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and Bhagwat was supposed to attend the event for a panel discussion on Sister Niveditas role in Indias nationalist movement.



Speaking to News18, Rantideb Sengupta, general secretary of the trust, said, Initially they agreed to rent the auditorium and we paid the booking amount but later they asked us to bring a no-objection certificate from the Kolkata police. We told them that we will submit the required certificate in two days but on last Thursday they told me that there are some pending renovation work and our booking is cancelled.



However, Secretary, Mahajati Sadan, Nurul Huda, rubbished all allegations and said, There was some miscommunication. They are not the only one whose booking was cancelled. There are other organisations who wanted to book the auditorium in October but we refused citing renovation work.
Several BJP leaders, including Shobha Karandlaje, were detained by the police as the BJP began its Mangaluru Chalo bike rally in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The BJP has mobilised its youth workers for a bike rally to protest political killings of Hindus in the region.

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New Delhi: Talking to reporters two days after she was transferred from the Water Resources Ministry, Uma Bharti said she was not moved because of her performance.



In the recently held cabinet reshuffle, Bharti was transferred from Water Resources Ministry to what is considered as a lower-profile drinking water and sanitation ministry.



She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "chided" her only twice in three years "for being fat" and no other reason.



"That was the only reason he scolded me for... Whenever I said the (Namami Gange) project was getting delayed, he himself would say that the project was complex and ask me not to worry. I thank him for showing sensitivity," she said on Tuesday.



Bharti went on to say that she would continue with her yatra on Ganga as was planned before the reshuffle. She told reporters not to consider the yatra as an act of defiance.



"Nobody can come between me and the Ganga," she told reporters, adding, "It [the yatra] shouldn't be seen as an act of defiance since I'd planned it a year ago."



Bharti also denied allegations that she was shunted out since she couldn't execute Modi's favourite 'Namami Gange' project to his satisfaction.



"It was claimed that I failed. Yesterday, Nitinji (Gadkari) himself said he was associated with me on the issues of Ganga. How come he got the portfolio if we failed? This means, we did not fail on the clean Ganga front. Whatever groundwork was required to be done was done," she said.



She thanked Modi for giving her the opportunity to launch the yatra, which will begin in October and will continue in phases over a year.



Bharti said that it was under her that the river interlinking projects came out of official files. She said Ken-Betwa interlinking project was about to take off and Daman Ganga-Par-Tapi-Narmada project was "in the queue".



Maintaining that almost all villages along the Ganga have already become open defecation free (ODF), Bharti said the yatra will aim at making them "ODF-Plus", seeking to further clean them.



"The government alone cannot keep the river clean. People's participation is a must. I will speak to people about that," she added.
Estonian start-up Taxify is to go head to head with Uber in London's highly competitive taxi-hailing market, and also has Paris in its sights. Taxify said it will launch services across London on Tuesday after signing up 3,000 private hire taxi drivers, who have been vetted to ensure they meet local licensing requirements. It marks a major move forward for Taxify after missteps by the Silicon Valley giant already allowed it to make inroads in several cities in central and eastern Europe and Africa.In London, it enters a crowded market where the city's famous black cab taxi drivers and private hire taxi firms such as Addison Lee compete with ride-hailing apps including Gett and Hailo, which is now part of Daimler's MyTaxi. Uber counts 40,000 drivers and has 3 million London users, who take 1 million trips a week. Taxify is a fraction of Uber's size - being active in just under 25 cities compared to Uber's presence in nearly 600 cities worldwide - but runs on a lower cost business model, allowing passengers to pay marked-down fares and letting drivers retain a bigger share of the profits.Taxify said on Monday it would take a 15 percent commission on rides booked through its online platform, versus the 20-25 percent Uber charges in London. Taxify also said it will accept cash as well electronic payments from riders, unlike Uber. "We will always be cheaper than Uber," company founder and Chief Executive Markus Villig said in a telephone interview with Reuters.Uber has struggled over the past year with legal setbacks, workplace harassment scandals, driver protests and bitter disputes among directors. Over the past year it has pulled back from China, Russia and several eastern European countries, while retaining minority stakes in joint ventures in those markets. In a bid to stabilise the company, it fired its pugnacious co-founder and chief executive Travis Kalanick in June and last week named Expedia Inc CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to lead the company.From its home base in the Baltics, Taxify first staked out major cities in central and eastern Europe. Over the past year, it has vaulted into several of Africa's biggest cities, where Villig says he expects to overtake Uber by the end of 2017. Bolstered by recently announced financial backing from China's DiDi, Taxify aims to expand into five more cities by the end of the year, including Paris, Villig said in a phone interview.DiDi Chuxing, China's largest ride-hailing firm, is seeking to turn up the heat on ride-sharing pioneer Uber via a string of deals with regional rivals in Southeast Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Ride-sharing has been monopolised by Uber," Villig said. "Now it is getting clear that in most markets there will be major competitors. Competition is a good thing as it raises service levels across the board," an Uber spokesman said in a statement.
Mondays BRICS declaration, condemning Pakistan based terror groups, that was welcomed as a huge diplomatic victory for India, was lifted almost completely from last years Heart of Asia conference.



This is from Mondays BRICS declaration - We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir.



And this is point number 14 in the 2016 Amritsar declaration from the Heart of Asia conference - We remain concerned by the gravity of the security situation in Afghanistan in particular and the region and the high level of violence caused by the Taliban, terrorist groups including ISIL / DAISH and its affiliates, the Haqqani Network, Al Qaida, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Jundullah and other foreign terrorist fighters.



There have been media reports on how the Amritsar declaration was even accepted by one of the participants in that conference  Pakistan.



The Amritsar declaration was adopted right after the deadliest attack on Indian forces in Kashmir of the last two decades in Uri in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. Jaish-e-Mohammed was believed to be behind these attacks. And the Amritsar declaration has been followed by more attacks.



The Amarnath Attack in which eight Hindu pilgrims were killed and 18 injured by LeT, one of the terror outfits named and condemned in the Amritsar declaration. Bhopal  Ujjain train bombing incident in March this year in which several passengers were injured when a bomb planted by, by their own admission, the ISIS.



Besides, 54 security personnel have already lost their lives in terror attacks in Kashmir, in this year already. Most of them at the hands of LeT. And Al Qaeda has opened its first formal outfit in India  Ansar Ghazwatul Hind  thats being headed by Zakir Musa.



There is little evidence on record to claim that these declarations have in any way hampered the operations of the terror groups.
Xiamen: President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that emerging market economies and developing countries have become the "main engine" of world economic growth, as he announced that China will provide USD 500 million to help such nations.



Xi made the announcement at a meeting in which leaders of the five BRICS countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and heads of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand took part. It was held on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit under China's BRICS Plus initiative.



"I wish to announce that China will provide USD 500 million for assistance fund for South-South Cooperation," Xi said addressing the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries here.



The money will be used to help fellow developing countries to tackle famine, refugees, climate change, public health and other challenges, he said.



"The purpose of inviting some representatives of developing countries from different regions to this dialogue is to foster a broad network for developing partnerships and build a community of common development and a shared future," Xi said.



The Chinese president called for stronger solidarity and cooperation among emerging market economies and developing countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.



He said efforts should be made to enhance the representation and voice of emerging market economies and developing countries in the global economic governance.



Xi said the emerging market economies and developing countries have become the "main engine" of world economic growth.



In his address, Xi also spoke about his Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of which the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part. India has protested to China about the CPEC as it passes through PoK.



India had also boycotted the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) which was organised by China in May this year in support of the BRI. India, however, is part of the Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor, which is also part of the BRI.



Speaking at length about the initiative, which is widely seen as an attempt by Beijing to firm up its influence with a vast network of roads, rails and port infrastructure, Xi said China will also provide "40,000 training opportunities" for the developing countries in China in the coming years.



"Four years ago, I put forward the idea of Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The initiative received warm response from the international community," Xi said.



"In May, this year China hosted a successful Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Together with the participating countries and international organisations we outlined vision under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and proposed concrete measures along the BRI in pursuing sustainable development," he said.



It is widely agreed that the philosophy and vision of the BRI and its focus on policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people to people connectivity have much in common with 2030 agenda for the sustainable development and the two can complement very well each other, Xi said.



"The BRI is much a part of cooperation as much as one of hope and mutual benefit. As a follow up to the BRF, China will develop cooperation with interested countries in infrastructure connectivity, production capacity and technological innovation and other fields," he said



Emerging markets and developing countries represent the future of the world development, Xi asserted.



"It is our duty to promote international cooperation on development and implement sustainable development agenda. Let us work together to blaze a new path of development that is fair, open, comprehensive and innovative," he said.



The BRICS Plus arrangement floated by China was part of a tradition being followed by the five-member BRICS grouping in which the host country invites nations of their choice to take part in the dialogue with the BRICS leaders.



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had told the media recently that the five countries that are taking part in the dialogue are not permanent invitees but only participating in the meeting for this Summit.



He compared their presence to India's invitation to BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) leaders for last year's Goa Summit.
Paris: France's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it picked its former ambassador to Saudi Arabia as a special envoy to see how Paris could support mediation efforts in the rift between Qatar and several of its neighbours.



Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber has led mediation efforts to resolve the row, which began in early June when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut political and trade ties with Qatar.



France, which has close ties with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates while also being a major arms supplier to Qatar and a key ally of Saudi Arabia, has been relatively discreet on the crisis, largely sticking to calls for calm.



"I confirm that Bertrand Besancenot, diplomatic advisor to the government, will soon go to the region to evaluate the situation and the best ways to support the mediation and appease tensions between Qatar and its neighbours," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes Romatet-Espagne told reporters in a daily briefing.



Qatar's neighbours accuse it of supporting regional foe Iran and Islamists across the region, a charge Doha denies.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong's public radio station has replaced its 24-hour BBC World Service broadcast with Chinese state-run programming, in a move the British broadcaster called "disappointing" as concerns grow over Beijing's influence on the semi-autonomous city.



Listeners woke up on Monday morning to the Mandarin-language broadcast of the China National Radio Hong Kong Edition (CNR), instead of the World Service, which had been relayed live by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) since 1978.



The BBC said it was "always disappointed when a service our listeners are used to changes" with listeners launching a petition to bring back the World Service.



RTHK has a number of different channels offering some programmes in English. The World Service was broadcast on Channel 6, which is now playing CNR.



The CNR broadcast includes news, culture and lifestyle programming mostly in Mandarin -- the language most commonly spoken in mainland China.



Only some of its content is in Cantonese, which is the dominant language of Hong Kong, leading to criticism that this was another step towards the "mainlandisation" of Hong Kong. RTHK is still running a reduced version of the World Service on a different channel, but only late at night, from 11pm to 7am.



China stands accused of tightening its grip on Hong Kong, with critics also blaming the pro-Beijing local government for acting as a puppet.



The jailing of prominent young pro-democracy activists last month and the unveiling of a controversial rail link to the mainland that would see a portion of the city come under Chinese law have worsened fears the city's cherished freedoms are being eroded.



An online petition against the change to the World Service programming had received over 1,000 signatures by today morning.



"The removal of the BBC World Service from the airwaves makes the city feel more parochial and inward-looking," the petition said.



Longtime resident Alex Hofford, who organised the petition, said he had nothing against the CNR broadcast but does not believe it should have come at the expense of the BBC.



"This is a sad day for Hong Kong, I'll really miss the Beeb as I drive around Hong Kong during the day," Hofford said.



RTHK's head of corporate communications Amen Ng told AFP today that it was a "difficult decision" due to "limited radio frequency".



She described the CNR broadcast as "tailor-made" for Hong Kong.



"This is a cultural exchange between mainland China and Hong Kong," Ng added.



Hong Kong was handed back to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement designed to protect its freedoms and way of life, but there are growing concerns those rights are now under threat.
Shamlapur: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations including Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan to halt violence against Rohingya Muslims after nearly 125,000 of them fled to Bangladesh.



Reuters reporters saw hundreds of exhausted Rohingyas arriving on boats near the village of Shamlapur in Bangladesh near the Myanmar border. The village, facing the Bay of Bengal, appears to have become the newest receiving point for the refugees after authorities cracked down on human traffickers in a different part of the Teknaf peninsula.



Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi was due in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday after meeting the Nobel peace laureate and army chief Min Aung Hlaing to urge that Myanmar halt the bloodshed.



"The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term," Retno said after her meetings in the Myanmar capital.



The latest violence in Myanmar's northwestern Rakhine state began on Aug. 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.



The treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmar's roughly 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing Suu Kyi, who has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution.



Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against "terrorists" responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.



Myanmar officials blamed Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths but rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force them out with a campaign of arson and killings.



"Indonesia is taking the lead, and ultimately there is a possibility of ASEAN countries joining in," H.T. Imam, a political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters.



He was referring to the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations that groups both Myanmar and Indonesia.



"If we can keep the pressure on Myanmar from ASEAN, from India as well, that will be good."



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to Myanmar later on Tuesday, during which he will meet top officials, including Suu Kyi.



"Modi is going there and our foreign secretary has already briefed the foreign secretary of India on this," said Imam. "If the international conscience is awakened that would put pressure on Myanmar."



Turkey called the violence against the Rohingya "genocide" and offered Bangladesh help with the refugee influx. Pakistan, home to a large Rohingya community, has expressed "deep anguish" and urged the world body, the Organization of Islamic Countries, to act.



ESCAPE FROM MYANMAR



New arrivals and residents in Shamlapur said hundreds of boats had arrived on Monday and Tuesday with several thousand people, after a crackdown on traffickers at an island about 50 km (31 miles) south.



Reuters reporters saw men, women, children and their belongings, even live chickens, disembark from one boat.



"We fled to a hill when the shooting started. The army set fire to houses," said Salim Ullah, 28, a farmer from Myanmar's village of Kyauk Pan Du, gripping a sack containing his few remaining belongings, as he gazed exhausted at the beach.



"We got on the boat at daybreak. I came with my mother, wife and two children. There were 40 people on a boat, including 25 women."



The latest estimate of the numbers who have crossed the border into Bangladesh since Aug. 25, based on calculations by U.N. workers in the south Asian country, is 123,600.



That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October, when Rohingya insurgents staged much smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counteroffensive and sending about 87,000 people fleeing into Bangladesh.



The new arrivals - many sick or wounded with burns or bullet wounds - have strained the resources of aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.



"One camp, Kutapalong, has reached full capacity," said Vivian Tan, the regional spokeswoman for the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR.



"Nayapara saw several hundred people arrive in one day. This is stretching resources. We are doing what we can, but will need to seek more resources."



In Shamlapur, refugees said about 40 people were packed into the curved hulls of fishing vessels three meters (yards) long.



Fishermen were demanding payment of as much as 10,000 taka ($124) for each adult, with Rohingyas who could not pay being detained, the refugees said.



Bangladesh pulled 53 dead from the Naf River separating it from Myanmar, and from the sea. Many more were suspected to have died on the journey.



Social worker Shahid Ullah said he feared another deadly capsize was inevitable, given the monsoon season.



"If just one boat sinks, we will have 30 or 40 people dead."
New Delhi: Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan on Monday admitted that North Korea's nuclear technology was much better than his country's. He also ruled out any assistance from Islamabad to Pyongyang in this regard.



Khan said that North Korea was a self-reliant nuclear power and attributed it to a highly qualified group of scientists, in an interview to BBC Urdu.



Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is known as the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme and has visited North Korea twice under a missile programme. Their scientists are highly capable, and most of them have studied in Russia," he said.



Khan stated that Russia and China were two countries that would not leave North Korea's side, based on their anti-US stand.



Its out of the question. They have much better overall technology than ours. We have the same old and conventional technology, he said when asked about Pakistan's role in the North Korean nuclear programme.



Hydrogen bombs are much more powerful than atom bombs. For instance, an atom bomb may destroy the area in the radius of 1.5 to two kilometres, but a hydrogen bomb can devastate an entire city, he added, talking about the recent North Korean testing of a Hydrogen bomb.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by the five emerging-market BRICS powers that militant groups in Pakistan pose a regional security concern, with its defence minister saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.



The minister's response follows a statement on Monday by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that also called for patrons of the Pakistan-based militant groups to be held to account.



"These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning," Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.



"But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organization has any complete safe havens."



The groups named by the BRICS include anti-India militant factions such as Jaish-e-Mohammad, which was blamed for a 2001 attack on India's parliament, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blames for cross-border attacks including a 2008 assault in its financial capital Mumbai in which 166 people were killed.



Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network, which is allied with the Afghan Taliban militants waging war on the US-backed government in Kabul and foreign forces there.



The United States has been calling on Pakistan to do more to tackle alleged Haqqani network sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, or it might cut military aid.



China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region, where some members of a Muslim minority chafe at Chinese Communist Party rule.



Countries attending a December conference aimed at stabilising Afghanistan made a similar statement, naming several Pakistan-based groups as a source of concern.



Pakistan has always strongly denied offering safe havens to militants groups.
Hanoi: Vietnam on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of Chinese military live-fire exercises in the disputed South China Sea, amid rising tension between the two countries.



The Maritime Safety Administration of China's southern province of Hainan, which oversees the South China Sea, said last month there would be live fire drills around the Paracel Islands, which Vietnam claims, until September 2.



"Vietnam strongly objects this action by China and seriously requests China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement.



"Vietnam once again asserts that (we) will resolutely protect our sovereignty and our legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea (South China Sea) through peaceful measures that are suitable with international laws," the statement said.



China claims nearly all the South China Sea, through which an estimated $3 trillion in international trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan also have claims.



Tension between China and neighbouring Vietnam is at its highest in three years over the disputed waters.



Vietnam suspended oil drilling in offshore waters that are also claimed by China in July under pressure from Beijing.



China has appeared uneasy at Vietnam's efforts to rally Southeast Asian countries over the South China Sea as well as at its growing defence relationships with the United States, Japan and India.
In 2018, Supreme Court allowed girls and women of all ages to visit the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, saying discrimination on physiological grounds was a violation of fundamental rights.
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Fiery protest in Iere Village

Hosein told Newsday, Since I became a councillor eight months ago, I have been begging for the Ministry of Works to fix this road and nothing is being done.

They are now angry and I dont blame residents for feeling a sense of neglect. Hosein said the bad road stretches for about a mile and a half along the Naparima Mayaro Road, Iere Village. He said a recent tour of the Naparima constituency by Works Minister Rohan Sinanan is yet to bear fruit. Residents have vowed to keep up the protest if nothing is done.
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The woman accused of second-degree murder in the hot-car death of her 1-year-old daughter has been denied bail in Georgia, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Prosecutors say Dijanelle Fowler, who is 25, spent more than five hours getting her hair braided at a salon on June 19 while Skylar Fowler died in a vehicle whose temperature reached 129 degrees. Fowler was visiting DeKalb County from South Carolina for a job interview at the time; the judge ruled that Fowler had few local ties and was thus a flight risk. "No rush," Fowler reportedly told her stylist. "Take your time."

Skylar's father, Louis Williams II, is an Air Force reservist who was serving in the Middle East when their daughter died. Williams also requested denial of bond, saying Fowler confessed to him after giving several false accounts of the circumstances leading to their daughter's death. Why Fowlerwho says she left the car's air-conditioning running, which apparently killed the batterywould leave her baby for so many hours on such a hot day is "the million dollar question," Capt. Jerry Lewis told the Journal-Constitution last week. "She seemed to be a good kid. No criminal history. Just made a mistake. A horrible, horrible mistake." Fowler was reportedly calm when she asked for a jump in the parking lot, after which she drove Skylar to Emory University Hospital. (One mom allegedly left her toddlers in a car overnight while she hung out with friends.)
An aspiring North Carolina pastor has been charged with murder after confessing in disbelief to a 911 dispatcher that he thought he killed his wife in his sleep. According to the News & Observer, Matthew James Phelps says he took a dose"more than I should have"of Coricidin Cough and Cold medicine to help him sleep, then woke to find himself covered in blood. His wife, Lauren Hugelmaier, was not breathing on the floor. "I think I killed my" he said on his call to 911. "I had a dream and then I turned on the lights and shes dead on the floor," Phelps explained. When asked how, he replied, "Theres blood all over me, and theres a bloody knife on the bed. I think I did it."

"I cant believe I did this," he began repeating. "Oh God. She didnt deserve this. Why? People reports that Phelps is being held without bail at Wake County Detention Center. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday. Phelps and Hugelmaier were married in November 2016, per their the Knot wedding page, where photos of the couple show them happily mugging for the camera over holidays and vacations. Family and friends are flooding Hugelmaiers Facebook page with photos and memories, with one person describing her as "one of the purest souls one could ever meet." A YouCaring page has been set up to help ease the financial burden for her grieving family. (Read more murder stories.)
"Thats one thing that makes this case interesting: It asks the existential question as to when friendship ends and corruption begins." So says a former federal prosecutor of the corruption trial, which is kicking off Wednesday, of Sen. Robert Menendez. The 63-year-old New Jersey Democrat is the first senator to face bribery charges in almost four decades, relating to political donations and free vacations from a Florida eye doctor, reports the New York Times. Menendez's lawyers say the gifts were simply given by Salomon Melgen to his close friend of more than 20 years. But prosecutors argue that Menendez returned the favors by urging the Department of Health and Human Services to abandon its claim that Melgen defrauded Medicare of $9 million and pressing the State Department to approve visas for Melgen's girlfriends, reports NBC News.

Prosecutors say Menendez twice met with officials who could placate Melgen's personal and business concerns on the very day that Melgen donated to super PACs supporting Menendez. But his lawyers say Menendez was only acting on his policy views to help a political supporter. The trial could last up to two months. If convicted, Menendez would likely face calls to resign, though he would be expected to delay his resignation until New Jersey's next governorlikely to be a Democrat, according to pollstakes office in January. If he resigns before January, Gov. Chris Christie would get to appoint a Republican in his place, giving Republicans a much-needed boost in their quest to pass new health care legislation, per the Los Angeles Times. (Read more Robert Menendez stories.)
It started out unremarkable enough: A 55-year-old woman ordered a drink and gave her first name at a Starbucks in Goodyear, Ariz., on Sunday morning. But police say Virginia Paris then went to the bathroom and told a female customer she needed help upon exiting, only to be yanked from the store and shoved into a car by the man police say kidnapped her on Friday in Solvang, Calif.: Paris' 52-year-old ex-boyfriend, Joseph Hetzel. ABC15 reports that as the pair drove away, Paris tossed the car registration info out of the car and police collected it. The two were spotted a second time in Arizonaleaving a Grand Canyon-area hotel on Monday morning, the AP reportsbefore Paris was able to get away.

Police had said that based on witness statements, the pair were believed to be heading for Las Vegas, and the AP reports Paris was indeed found Monday night at a Las Vegas-area casino-hotel. Paris reportedly told security guards at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson, Nev., that she had been kidnapped. She was taken to the hospital; Hetzel remains at large. Officials say Paris had been granted a restraining order against Hetzel, who they also say should be considered armed and dangerous. He has previously served time on convictions including possession of items used to make explosive devices. KTLA reports those charges appear to be connected to an ex-girlfriend whose dogs Hetzel poisoned and whose home he vandalized. (The FBI says this woman's trunk "kidnapping" was really an elaborate suicide.)
Hurricane Irma is now a Category 5 storm as it barrels toward Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands. The National Hurricane Center, which describes Irma as a "dangerous major hurricane," says islands could start feeling hurricane conditions later Tuesday and it could make landfall in Anguilla early Wednesday, CNN reports. In Puerto Rico, a state of emergency has been declared and residents have been cleaning stores out of food and drinking water. Authorities warn the storm could generate waves 23 feet high. "This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane," says US Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp. "It's not time to get on a surfboard."

Meteorologists warn that Irma, which could dump up to 10 inches of rain on the area, is moving into warmer waters that are expected to give it added power, NBC News reports. The storm is expected to take a west-northwest turn on Tuesday night, putting it on course to potentially slam into Florida, where Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency, the Miami Herald reports. Georgia and the Carolinas could also be at risk, says Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather. Irma has the "potential to be a major event for the East Coast," he says. "It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey."
The wife of Treasury chief Steven Mnuchin has doubled down on her apology over a social media snub that saw her likened to Marie Antoinette. "I want to say I concede completely to the comments of my critics," Louise Linton tells Washington Life magazine. "Its clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending," says the 36-year-old Scottish actress, adding, "I wish I hadnt spoken in such a patronizing tone." Linton spoke to the magazine a week after the incident in which she called Oregon's Jenni Miller "adorably out of touch" after Miller criticized an Instagram post by Linton about her designer clothes and accessories. In the ensuing backlash, Linton offered an apology through her publicist, and she amplified that in the interview.

"I feel like I deserved the criticism, and my response is, 'Thanks for waking me up quickly and for turning me back in the right direction." Linton also offered to work with Miller on some type of charity "in the spirit of unity and love." Miller sounded receptive to the idea Monday evening, per the Daily News, saying she would be "very happy" to work with Linton on a mutual cause. Linton's new comments came during a photo shoot for the magazine that had been scheduled before the controversy. "I see the irony of making an apology in a ball gown," she says. "But it would be dishonest to proclaim that I'm never going to go to another social function." (Read more Louise Linton stories.)
State investigators in Ohio are looking into a police shooting that occurred under odd circumstances Monday night. A small-town news photographer in Ohio was shot when a deputy apparently mistook his camera equipment for a weapon, reports Fox 8. The photographer, Andy Grimm, got hit in his side but is expected to make a full recovery after surgery. Grimm works for the New Carlisle News, which reports that he'd gone out to take photos of lightning about 10pm when he encountered a deputy making a traffic stop. Grimm pulled over and tells the newspaper that the deputy shot him without warning as he held his camera and tripod in his hands.

"I know Jake. I like Jake. I don't want him to lose his job over this," Grimm says of the deputy, identified as Jake Shaw. If that may not sound like the typical sentiment after a police shooting, Grimm's father, who happens to be publisher of the New Carlisle newspaper, elaborates: New Carlisle is a small town, says Dale Grimm. Everybody knows everybody and everybody looks out for everyone else. (Read more police shooting stories.)
The United Nations is warning about a possible humanitarian crisis after increased violence against a Muslim ethnic minority in Myanmar. With the government claiming the Rohingya people are migrants from Bangladesh with no citizenship rights, security forces in the country have killed hundreds and destroyed their villages, reports the New York Times. More than 120,000 Rohingya people have fled the country for Bangladesh in the last two weeks as a result. Another 400,000 Rohingya are trapped in conflict zones in western Myanmar, reports the Guardian. More:

Eleven Nobel Peace Prize Laureates "warned of the potential for genocide" in Myanmar in an open letter last year. The recent rise in violence came in response to Rohingya militants killing 12 security forces in an attack on a military base late last month.

The Myanmar military says it responded by killing 370 Rohingya fighters, but the exact death toll remains unclear. The AP reports more than 400 have been killed, while the Times notes 46 Rohingya died last week while trying to cross a river separating Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Those who've escaped alive describe helicopters raining gunfire on western Myanmar's Rakhine State, where 1 million Rohingya people live and have lived for centuries.

The Guardian reports UN agencies, accused by the government on conspiring with the Rohingya, are barred from delivering aid. The move not only shows "a callous disregard for human life" but puts Rakhine State "on the precipice of a humanitarian disaster," says Amnesty International.

The European Union has demanded full humanitarian access in Myanmar. It also promised Tuesday to provide aid in Bangladesh, where border camps are already bursting, per the AP. The BBC says 35,000 people have arrived in the last 24 hours.

In response to the "deadly exodus," Migrant Offshore Aid Station, which has helped some 40,000 refugees reach Europe since 2014, has also moved operations from the Libyan coast to the Bay of Bengal.

Editors at the Guardian, who describe Myanmar's actions as "almost genocidal," point out the "horrible irony" in the involvement of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Times explains why Suu Kyigrilled by fellow laureate Malala Yousafzai on Twitter on Monday, per the APwill keep her peace prize no matter the outcome.

(Read more Myanmar stories.)
The Reno Gazette-Journal has more on the man who died after he ran into the Burning Man festivals eponymous effigy Saturday night. Aaron Joel Mitchell, 41, was attending his first Burning Man, says his mother, who tells the paper her son was originally from McAlester, Okla., but had been living in Switzerland with his wife. Burning Man co-founder Crimson Rose says it's still not known whether Mitchell intentionally ran into the fire after breaking through two layers of security or whether he accidentally fell into it as security chased after him. Toxicology tests are pending, but officials have said Mitchell was not drunk; authorities are investigating the death.

"We don't know if it was intentional on his part or if it was just kind of induced by drugs," said Nevada's Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen. The sheriff's office said in a statement that "rescuers had to leave [Mitchell] to allow the structure to fall and provide for rescuer safety before they could go back into the flames to extract Aaron from the debris." The AP notes people have tried to run into the flames in the past, or approach it to collect a fiery souvenir, but Allen says this is the only fatality of this sort he is aware of. The Bureau of Land Management (which manages the land the festival is held on) wanted festival organizers to cancel the temple burn that serves as the 9-day festival's closer, but it went ahead following the addition of more than 600 security guards and volunteers and the erection of a security fence. (Read more Burning Man stories.)
More than 57 years after a 25-year-old beauty queen was found slain in Texas, a former Catholic priest will face trial for her murder next week. It was Easter weekend in April 1960 when Irene Garza, whom Courthouse News describes as a "devoutly religious schoolteacher," drove to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for confession on the evening of Holy Saturday. According to witnesses and, eventually, accused killer John Feit himself, Feitthen a 27-year-old visiting priestheard her confession in the rectory next door to the church. She was never seen alive again, and her body was found five days later, face-down in a canal. She had suffered a head wound and been raped while unconscious, per an autopsy; the medical examiner concluded she was likely killed by suffocation. In 2002, there was a break in the case when Sacred Heart's priest revealed a secret.

Back in the 1960s, Joseph O'Brien told the Texas Rangers and Garza's family, he had heard Feit confess. But O'Brien wasn't called to testify during a 2004 grand jury probe, and he died in 2005. Another grand jury returned a first-degree murder indictment against Feit last year, and he was arrested. Feit had also been accused of attacking a 20-year-old woman in a church sanctuary shortly before Garza's murder, but that trial ended in a hung jury and he pleaded no-contest to a reduced charge. Evidence linking him to Garza's murder was found within days of her body being found, but it wasn't until decades later that O'Brien as well as a former monk who was at a Trappist monastery with Feit in the 1960s said he had confessed. That former monk is a key witness in the case against Feit, who has pleaded not guilty. See Courthouse News for more. (Read more murder stories.)
Submarine owner Peter Madsen was in court for a detention hearing on Tuesday, and provided an account of how he says Swedish journalist Kim Wall lost her life. Madsen framed it as an accident involving what Reuters describes as a "heavy hatch cover," saying, "I lose my foothold and the hatch shuts. Kim had been severely hurt and was laying with an intense bleeding. There was a pool of blood where she had landed."

The Copenhagen Post reports the cover weighs about 155 pounds, and reports that you had to pass through the hatch in order to reach the bridge to steer the submarine. Madsen testified that he sailed for deeper waters intending to commit suicide, but instead buried Wall at sea. The Local reports that Danish prosecutors are asking that Madsen remain in custody. Madsen's lawyer says his client still pleads not guilty on the manslaughter charge, but is guilty of desecrating Walls body in that he buried her at sea; Madsen claims her body was intact when he disposed of it, though it was not found that way. (Read more Kim Wall stories.)
Bad news for "dreamers." The White House is indeed phasing out a program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally as kids, reports the AP. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the anticipated move Tuesday morning, per Reuters. Sessions called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program unconstitutional and said the federal government will no longer accept applications for DACA. However, the nation's approximately 800,000 "dreamers" won't be immediately affected as the program is wound down through March, and President Trump urged Congress to come up with a legislative alternative, reports the New York Times.

"Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" the president tweeted Tuesday morning. Sessions called the Obama program an open-ended circumvention of immigration law through unconstitutional authority by the executive branch" and said it likely would have been rejected in the courts, reports the Washington Post. Trump had similarly denounced the program as "illegal" during the 2016 campaign, though he softened his language upon becoming president. Dreamers who currently hold permits can continue working in the US until their permits expire. Those whose permits expire by March 5, 2018when the program was originally scheduled to endcan apply for a two-year renewal provided they do so by Oct. 5. (Read more immigration stories.)
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New Delhi:

The RBI has told a parliamentary panel that it has no information on how much black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation of Rs 500/1,000 notes or about unaccounted cash legitimised through exchange of currency post note ban.



Stating that an estimated Rs 15.28 (rpt) 15.28 lakh crore in junked notes has come back subject to future corrections based on verification process, the Reserve Bank also said it has no information whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.



The RBI has been facing flak from the opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits.



Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15.28 (rpt) 15.28 lakh crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Read | Raghuram Rajan reveals he was not in favour of demonetisation, outlined potential costs



Replying to queries from the panel, the RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500/1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests.



The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved.



The process is going on in full swing with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.



Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in estimation of SBNs received back is possible. Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion, the RBI said in its written reply to the panel.



To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, The RBI has no information in this regard.



The RBI gave similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.



The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss. The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun much before demonetisation due to weakness in industrial and services sector.

Read | RBI data suggests Prime Minister Modis demonetisation move failed on most fronts



Last week, several members of the panel had sought redrafting of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500/1,000 notes.



The acceptance of the report was deferred as member MPs across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, SP MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panels report on demonetisation needed to be redrafted while some of them stated that it lacks punch.



In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 per cent of the scrapped currency notes have come back into the system.



The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country. The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.



The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

An eight-year-old boy has suffered critical bullet injuries while allegedly posing for a selfie with a country-made pistol in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad district on Monday late. While relatives claim a neighbour allegedly opened fire at the boy after he denied buying cigarettes.

Superintendent of Police Ghaziabad Dehat told News Nation, We are investigating the case in all angles.

He added that they have arrested one Shadab and questioning him in connection to the incident.

According to an eyewitness, the victim along with his friend was playing with a country-made pistol when it got triggered.

Also Read: 2 Indore girls click selfies with poison cups, found dead



The bullet struck the boys head, said an eyewitness.

Police said the minor was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention from where he was later shifted to GTB hospital in Delhi.

Also Read: Baby dolphin dies after several beachgoers in Spain pulled it out to take selfie



A police official not willing to be quoted said, According to an eyewitness, Junaid borrowed the lethal weapon from one of their neighbours Shadab alias and Kale. The kid along with two others were taking selfies when the pistol got triggered.

However, parents of Junaid have lodged an FIR with Mussoorie police station. In the FIR they have mentioned that Shadab had asked Junaid to buy cigarettes. Shadab allegedly shot the minor after being denied.

(With inputs from Himanshu Sharma)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

An Air India Express plane veered off from taxiway at Kochi airport while approaching parking bay early on Tuesday morning. All 102 passengers were evacuated safely.



The incident took place at around 2.40 am when the Abu Dhabi-Kochi Air India Express IX 452 approached the parking bay from taxiway after its landing at 2.39 am, a Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) spokesman said.



All passengers were evacuated through ladder. All safe. No casualties, the official said.



The nose-wheel of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft also collapsed after it went off the taxiway, an airline source told PTI.

Read | Air India offers 50 percent discount for students, Army, senior citizen



The aircraft has been grounded after the incident, the source said, adding an internal inquiry as well as a probe by the aviation regulator DGCA has been initiated.



Air India Express spokesperson was not available for comments.

An Air India express veered off from taxiway at Kochi airport while approaching parking bay, today. All passengers evacuated safely. pic.twitter.com/T8zElXQPHe  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

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New Delhi:

Odisha police have rescued an engineering student, who allegedly completed a quarter of the deadliest Blue Whale suicide game stages. The young boy who hails from Keonjhar, is a student of a private engineering college in Odisha.

According to Cuttack DCP Akhileshwar Singh, the boy has been saved and handed over to the parents after counseling, but he is in a depressed state.

Police sources revealed that he has already completed 10 levels of the Blue whale suicide game.

The student was staying in a rented house in CDA area under Market Nagar police limits. Neighbours informed Twin City Commissionerate Police as they found him in a depressed state.

Originated from Russia, the blue whale suicide game has killed over 100 young people across the world.

Due to a surge in the cases of Blue Whale game, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed the schools to prohibit the use of a smartphone in institutions and buses.

Also Read: Blue Whale Challenge: 13-year-old commits suicide following instructions on deadly online game

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New Delhi:

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called a meeting of seniors officials of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and sought a deadline by which problems faced by people related to water supply can be resolved soon after he took in charge of water department on Monday.

Delhi government in a statement said, "The DJB has been asked to furnish a report on timing of water supply and the duration of supply in each colony.

The statement also mentioned that the board has been asked to submit a detail report on the problems faced by people including water contamination.

The Delhi chief minister has asked the DJB officials to set a deadline to resolve the problems stated by them.

Kejriwal also directed the department to fill the vacant posts by promoting officers and vacancies at lower level on contract basis.

The statement further read that Kejriwal has asked the DJB officials to look at the NDMC model of decentralised STPs and asked to procure sewer cleaning machines to the earliest.

The DJB officials informed the chief minister during the meeting about procuring 200 small machines and eight large machines.

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New Delhi:

Government doctors posted in Uttar Pradeshs Farrukhabad district went on mass leave to show their distress over the charges framed against the senior doctors of a state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where 49 infants died within a span of a month due to lack of oxygen, on Tuesday.

Office bearers of the state medical associations informed that they have decided to be on leave till September 7 disrupting medical services in the government hospitals. Office bearers also told the media that emergency and post-mortem services will not be disturbed.

The Provincial Medical Services (PMS) in a memorandum sent to Uttar Pradeshs health principal secretary Prashant Trivedi have demanded withdrawal of FIRs against the three doctors immediately.

Also Read|Farrukhabad tragedy: UP govt denies lack of oxygen caused 49 child deaths



The PMS has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of acting hastily and under pressure. They have also warned the government to stop victimisation of innocent doctors immediately.

The PMS has also urged the state government to form a technical team to evaluate the deaths of infants. The association claims that a non-technical team has been probing the deaths of 30 infants in the neonatal critical unit and 19 in the delivery room due to lack of oxygen.

Also Read| Uttar Pradesh: 49 children die due to lack of oxygen in one month at a Farrukhabads hospital



President of the district PMS Association Ashok Yadav told the media that doctors work hard to save lives with limited resources and manpower.

An FIR was lodged on Monday against the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) and a senior child specialist of the hospital following directives from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

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New Delhi:

Terrorist organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Abdul Rehman Makki on Monday made inflamatory comments against India in a public meeting in Lahore, Pakistan.



Today soldiers are ready to give life for the cause of 'Azad Kashmir'... what goverment could not do in 70 years, Jihaad will solve that problem now.



The terrorist organisation head also warned Pakistan administration against crackdown on its operations, "We told the rulers not to mess with 'jihaad', for it is run by the God, those who try to interfere in holy war are pushed away by the God," JuD chief told public meeting.

Read | Abdul Rehman Makki calls on Pak media to foster unrest in Kashmir



Earlier on Friday, Makki vowed to intensify "Jihad" against Jammu and Kashmir in India. He made these remarks in a speech at the "Shohda-e-Kashmir" conference held at Al-Daawa Model School in Lahore.



The event was held to observe the "martyrdom" of militant Abu Waleed Mohammad, who was killed in Bandipora on March 3, 2017 by Indian security forces.



JuD chief Abdul Rehman Makki is brother-in-law of Mumbai terror attack matermind Hafiz Saeed and was recently given charge of the terrorist organisation after Saeed was put under the house arrest by Pakistans Punjab government.



Makki carries a $ 2 million bounty on his head, declared by United States after 26/11.

Read | Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Makki elevated as head of JuD

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are meeting at the sidelines of the ongoing BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China - first since the settlement of the Doklam dispute.



The leaders of the Asiatic giants have met frequently before and after the Indian prime minister took to office in 2014, but with a little less love each time.



What started as a display of bonhomie on swings, birthday banquets and mutual hometown visits has now come down to cold shakes and cancelled meetings at international conferences (think G20 at Hamburg).



This love-hate relationship between India and China's heads of states has not evolved overnight.

While the world hoped that with PM Modi and Xi Jinping at the helm (both strong leaders with backing of public mandate), two nations could finally bridge their differences, actions taken by China have soured any such possibility for the Indian side.



Apart from the pending points of contention such as Brahmaputra water sharing dispute, Arunachal Pradesh border issues and India's stand on South China Sea, several fresh issues have cropped to poison Sino-India relations since 2014:



Blocking ban on Masood Azhar



The first cracks in new found India-China bonhomie were spotted when China blocked a UN Security Council Sanctions Committee listing of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist, thwarting international efforts to disrupt the activities of his group.



China moved to protect Azhar again in October 2016 when it blocked India's appeal to the United Nations to label him as a terrorist. China also blocked US move to get Masood Azhar banned by UN in February 2017.



Masood Azhar is in Indias most wanted list for his involvement in Mumbai Terror attack and Pathonkot attack.

Read | China blocks Indias bid to tag Azhar Masood as global terrorist, extends technical hold at UN



Blocking Indias NSG membership



In 2016 India, along with Pakistan and Namibia, applied for the membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group. While a majority of the 48-member group backed Indias membership, China along with New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria were opposed to Indias admission.



China insisted that India should sign NPT for NSG membership. It wants a non-discriminatory criterion for the admission of countries who have not signed NPT. However, it is an open secret that Chinas resistance is to facilitate the entry of Pakistan a close ally of China.

Read | China terms India's NSG bid 'more complicated'



Chinas One Belt, One Road



Chinese premier Xi Jinpings ambitious One Belt, One Road project or new Silk Road has been objected by the Indian Government.

Indias concerns stem directly out of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative. The CPEC passes through Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir and poses a security risk for India.



In May this year, a heads of state/government summit touted by the Chinese media as the event of the year, saw no participation from India. New Delhi boycotted the event by refusing to send even an official as representative at the summit.



In a sharp statement the Ministry of External Affairs said connectivity projects must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity, accusing Beijing of violating the basic norms of engagement.

Read | CPEC master plan revealed: China to make in-roads in Pakistani economy and culture like never before



Doklam Standoff



The sourness in Sino-India relations blew wide open when the Chinese troops crossed over in Bhutans Doklam region against the terms of settlement in triad deal and attempted to build a road.



The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of the road by the Chinese Army.On August 28, Indias External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on expeditious disengagement of their border troops in the disputed Doklam area.



The breakthrough came just days ahead of the BRICS Summit.

Read | Dokalam standoff ends, Chinese troops left with bulldozers: Official

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New Delhi:

After staring defection, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday summoned all 27 Bihar Congress MLAs to Delhi on Wednesday.

According to sources in Congress, Rahul will meet all party legislators after media reports suggested that the grand old party legislators are in touch with JD (U) and BJP. A

It is said that Bihar congress president Ashok Chaudhary shares good rapport with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

A few days back, Ashok Chaudhary and Sadanand Singh were summoned to Delhi. After meeting party high command, Singh had refuted defection possibility. The leaders had also claimed that the meeting was called to discuss the future course of action and strategy to strengthen the party in the state.

A

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New Delhi:

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is headed to the United States where he is likely to meet the pioneers of research on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the science of making machines that think like humans.

Gandhi, who recently returned from Norway, is gearing up for another offshore visit, this time to the Silicon Valley in the US to expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence, party sources here said.

The sources said Gandhi wants India to lead in the niche area which comes after software development, in which India has already won global recognition.

While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.

A senior Congress leader said the idea was to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress party's vision documents.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi targets BJP, says Congress will win Gujarat Assembly polls

Facilitating Gandhis US visit is the chairman of Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, a technology innovator who was brought back to India by Rajiv Gandhi and was among those behind the telecom revolution in the country.

The Congress VP had met leaders in the field of biotechnology during his Norway visit.

He is currently grappling with the partys sliding electoral graph after a series of defeats. The Congress is set to lose Himachal Pradesh to the BJP in the upcoming state assembly poll.

The party is weighed down by anti-incumbency sentiments and infighting in the state unit in Himachal Pradesh. In Gujarat, where elections are slated to be held later this year, it lost a veteran when party leader and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela walked out of the Congress.

Gandhi will also address a conference on India At 70: Reflections On The Path Forward at the University of California, Berkeley, on September 11.

ALSO READ: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhis message on Patna rally

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending BRICS Summit in China took Twitter to wish teachers on the occassion of Teachers' Day on Tuesday morning.

Modi said, Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a New India that is driven by cutting edge research & innovation.

"I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds and spreading the joys of education in society," Modi tweeted.

In another tweet he repeated a mantra he had said for last months edition of his monthly radio address, Maan Ki Baat. The tweet read, Let us make the next 5 years about 'teach to transform, educate to empower & learn to lead.

On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds & spreading the joys of education in society.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

In another tweet he wrote, My tributes to Dr S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary.

Also Read| Teachers Day 2017: Google dedicates doodle to celebrate teacher-student relationship

Also Read| Teachers' Day 2017: 11 inspiring quotes on teachers by eminent personalities

The Indian prime minister also paid tribute to philosopher and author Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Indias second president. Radhakrishnan, an advocate of education, was born on Sept 5, 1988 and his birthday is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India.

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News:

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off the maiden run of the Lucknow Metro in Uttar Pradeshs state capital on Tuesday.

The doors of development open naturally in a city which has Metro train service, Singh said during the flagging off ceremony.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised to implement similar Metro projects in other cities of the state.

The first train was flagged off from Transport Nagar metro station by Singh, who represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat and the chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Phase-1 of the Lucknow Metro corridor measures 8.5 kilometers and has over eight stations will be open for public from September 6. In the initial days the metro services will be operational between 6 am and 10 pm everyday.

Also Read: Central Industrial Security Force trains 61-member UP Police team for Lucknow Metro Security



Managing Director of Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) Kumar Keshav said, The corridor is part of a 23 km North-South Metro corridor which is being executed by LMRC from Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport to Munshipulia.

He added that the the second proposed corridor, which is 11 km-long is called the East- West corridor.

The Lucknow Metro will also have the most advanced signaling and train control system, called Communication Based Train Control System (CBTC), which will enable trains to virtually operate on driverless mode.

Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav had flagged off the trial run last year.

The foundation stone for phase-1 of the North-South Metro Rail Corridor project was laid by ex Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on March 4, 2014 and it took over three years to build the network.

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New Delhi:

The 150 gm white substance recovered from Uttar Pradesh state assembly on July 12 was found to be silicon oxide (SiO2) and not highly explosive material PETN.

Uttar Pradesh principal secretary Arvind Kumar told the media,"Shiv Bihari Upadhyay, Director of State Forensic Science Laboratory, got the substance examined and in the report submitted by him white substance recovered from the assembly was said to be PETN positive. When the National Investigative Agency (NIA) got it tested from CFSL, Hyderabad, it was found to be Silicon Oxide (Quartz) and not the dangerous explosive."

After the development, Upadhyay has been suspended for allegedly giving a misleading, incomplete, wrong and unconfirmed report about the substance recovered in the state Assembly, added the principal secretary.

According to reports, Upadhyay allegedly tested the substance using an explosive detection kit whose usage date had expired in March last year.

Kumar added that a probe has been initiated and it will be investigated by Vigilance director Hitesh Awasthi.

On basis of the report submitted by Upadhyay, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier told the Assembly that the white powder recovered under the seat of Ram Govind Choudhary,leader of the Opposition, was highly explosive material  PETN.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister had ordered the NIA to probe the matter and had said, The security of House is our concern. This is part of a dangerous conspiracy and must be exposed.

Soon after the recovery he had the Uttar Pradesh Police to verify each employee and officials working in Vidhan Sabha.

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New Delhi:

To mark Teachers Day, Google on Tuesday celebrated this day with a special doodle. This special day is celebrated across the world on September 5 in order to appreciate the role of teachers in students life.

The idea to celebrate Teachers Day was originated in the 20th century and since then several countries are rejoicing this day. In India, the concept of this day originated several centuries back and it is popularly known as Guru Purnima. For centuries, Hindus, Jains and Buddhists have been celebrating Guru Purnima to honour their Gurus (Teachers).

ALSO READ | Teacher's Day 2017: 11 inspiring quotes on teachers by eminent personalities
New Delhi:

Mumbai doctors have removed 750 gram of hair from a woman's stomach. She was suffering from a rare condition Known as the Rapunzel Syndrome. The condition causes the person to pull out their own hair and consume it.



The woman was treated at Rajawadi hospital in Mumbai's Ghatkopar after Archana complained of nausea and an extremely swollen abdomen, even though she had gone through drastic weight loss in the last few months.

When she was admitted to the hospital, she weighed only 30 kilos. She was pale and had lost all appetite. The doctors ordered a CT scan and spotted a huge mass entangled in the stomach, Mid Day reported.

Rapunzel Syndrome

Rapunzel Syndrome is the name given to an extremely rare medical condition that arises when a person eats their own hair or hair extensions. The clinical term for the ingestion of hair is trichophagia and can have fatal consequences. As a result of the human body's inability to digest hair, any hair or synthetic fibre such as wool, that is eaten accumulates over time into a mottled, enmeshed mass in the digestive tract, blocking it.

Dr. Bharat Kamath, an assistant professor in the department of surgery at Rajawadi Hospital, who led the surgical team, said, "It had filled her stomach, due to which the patient was unable to eat. Moreover, a tail of hair trailed into her intestine, which is typical in a case of Rapunzel Syndrome," said Dr. Bharat.

The hairball was 25 cm long and about 10-12 cm across. Due to this, doctors believed that she had been eating her hairs for years. This irresistible eating of hair is called Trichophagia. Hair protein does not get digested, nor can the body pass it in a stool.
New Delhi:

Ancient relatives of horses and rhinoceroses, Tapirs are largest land mammals in Central America have been classified as endangered or vulnerable and thirteen of these pig-like animals with sloping snouts inhabit in the bushes of Ticuantepe Zoo, in eastern Nicaragua unaware of danger they face.

Human encroachment and climate change have decimated the woodland habitat of the Baird's tapir, one of five species left in the world.

According to Eduardo Sacasa, a wildlife expert, the Baird's tapir, considered at risk of extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is the most threatened quadruped in Nicaragua.

Read more: 24 stars can cause comets to strike Earth, heres how

It faces "flat-out deforestation, encroaching farmland, illegal sales and poaching, because people eat them", Sacasa said.

The five extant species of tapirs are the Brazilian tapir, the Malayan tapir, the Baird's tapir, the kabomani tapir, and the mountain tapir, of which four have been categorised as endangered.

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New Delhi:

Carribean islands have prepared for possible life threating winds, storm, and flood as a powerful category 4 storm is moving towards the islands. Hurricane Irma is also heading towards the southern United States.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the hurricane warnings and watches were in effect for territories that spot the West Indies, including parts of the Leeward Islands, the British and United States. The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, in preparation for a storm that was intensifying with 140 mph(220 Kph) winds.

The National Weather Service said in an advisory that preparations should be rushed to completion as tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive in the hurricane warning area by late Tuesday.

The government of economically struggling Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard on Monday. The U.S. island territory is home to a round 3.4 million people and prepared already 456 emergency shelters to house up to 62,100 people.

Telemundo TV station WIPR in Puerto Rico broadcasted long queues of people stocking up bottled waters, flashlights, batteries, generators, food and other items.

Ricardo Ramos, the executive director of the state power authority, alerted that parts of the U.S. territory could be without power fro three to four months as power grid is in vulnerable condition due to lack of investment.

"We are preparing for the worst-case scenario," he said.

Irma also threatens the U.S. East Coast and Florida, which declared a state of emergency on Monday night. It is expected Irma to reach southern Florida on Saturday.

Donald Trump is ready to offer the full resources of the full government as Floridians prepare for Hurricane Irma.

Also Read: Hurricane Harvey: US Corporate conglomerates pledge whopping USD 170 million for disaster relief operations

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Islamabad:

Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen yesterday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

The 43-page declaration, adopted at the end of the BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network,Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan(TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

"We reject the declaration (released by member countries) at the BRICS Summit," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir said during a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence.

Dastgir claimed that Pakistan has no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV.

"Forty per cent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists," he said, later while talking to the media. Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastgir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57 per cent are under their control.

Also Read | Modi-Jinping dynamics: From 2014 to today, reasons of love lost between Asiatic giants

Later, the Foreign Office (FO) issued a brief statement about the BRICS' leaders summit document naming various militants groups including LeT and JeM.

"Pakistan is also seriously concerned about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region," it said, adding that terrorist groups based in the region, including in Afghanistan, such as the TTP and its associates like Jamatul Ahrar have been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people.

We are deeply concerned at the presence of groups like Daesh (ISIS), ETIM and IMU in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to peace and security in the region, it said.

Pakistan was also concerned at the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities, the statement added.

When asked about Pakistans plan following US President Donald Trumps recent comments, Defence Minister Dastgir said that Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US.

Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to agents of chaos that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has much to lose by harbouring terrorists.

He also slammed Pakistan for its support to terror groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

Also Read | Terrorism talks at BRICS 2017: Jinping calls for holistic battle, PM Modi skips mention

This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability, Dastgir added.

In response to a question, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistan?s ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first state visit to Nay Pyi Taw has ben overshadowed by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The visit, although focused on 'the emotional bond' between two nations, is clouded by genocide of Rohingya community - a community of Muslim, Myanmar claims, belongs to India.

The minority Muslim community, described by the United Nations in 2013 as one of the most persecuted communities in the world, was denied citizenship under the 1982 Burmese citizenship law, claiming that they belonged to Bengal and settled there during British rule.



The community however contests the claim, producing prove that they have been residents of Rakhine region since at least 2000 years.

According to estimates, around 87,000 Rohingya refugees have attempted to flee to Bangladesh, since violence erupted in neighbouring Myanmar on August 25. Bangladesh, already bearing the load of lakhs of refugees settled there over decades, had turned most of them back towards the line of fire.



Heart-rending visuals of atrocities and outright genocide against Rohingya community have surfaced in media, which is generally heavily censored against any reports supporting non-governmental view. But the attention failed to draw little more than international criticism of Aung San Suu Kyi.



But Indian Govt is not only yet to condemn the violence, PM Modi is even paying a state visit to the country during the genocide, which begs the question of how (or if) the prime minister will express objection to ongoing state-sponsored atrocities.

Read | Bangladesh forces 90 Rohingyas to return amid violence; 96 dead in Myanmar

Will India help?



Even though Myanmar claims that Rohingya community belongs to India, Indian government does not even recognize the current immigrants residing in and around Delhi as official refugees.



According to Indian home ministry estimates, there are around 40,000 Rohingya Muslims living as undocumented refugees in various parts of India, of whom more than 10,000 are said to be in Jammu.

On April 3, Union home ministry officials reportedly held a meeting to discuss the Centres plans to identify illegal Rohingya settlers, for possible arrest and deportation under the Foreigners Act.

India also host a number of Rohingyas in Delhi, Hyderabad, Kashmir, West Bengal, Telegana and Northeast India.

Read | Border guards open fire along Bangladesh border, Rohingya woman shot dead



Deportation of Rohingyas violation of International law



According to human rights body Amnesty, deportation of the community would be a blatant violation of Indias commitments under international law since it would amount to sending the Rohingya community back to a place where they have faced horrific abuses.



Amnesty called upon India to sign and ratify the international Refugee Convention of 1951, as well as the 1967 Protocol Related to the Status of Refugees. India is one of the few democracies that has not ratified the Refugee Convention, which governs how distressed refugees are treated in nations where they seek asylum.

Deporting Rohingyas violation of domestic govt guidelines



Home Ministry documents say that in the absence of a refugee law, India has a standard operating procedure (SOP) which allows for granting legal status to those escaping religious persecution.

According to these guidelines, "any cases which are justified on a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnic identity, membership of a particular social group or political opinion), can be recommended to MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) for grant of Long Term Visa within thirty days from the date of claim by the foreigner."



International bodies have clearly defined the violence against Rohingyas as religious persecution. The UN's Human Rights agency, UNHCR, it is the result of a "purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas".



"A foreigner whom Long Term Visa has been permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will not be considered an illegal immigrant for the purposes of Citizenship Act, 1995," the Home Ministry guidelines say.



Further, it says "No such foreign national will be deported without specific clearance from the MHA."



These guidelines although issued under the UPA government in 2011, were reaffirmed as a press note by the Modi government on August 6, 2014.



But the government curiously seems to have ignored its own guidelines.

Read | Rohingya violence: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres restraint by Myanmar forces to avoid 'catastrophe'



Does India have responsibility towards Rohingyas?



Ethnically Indians or not, Rohingya community deserves protection and right to dignified life under Human Rights Charter, to which India remains signatory. Besides, internationally it is deemed incumbent upon strong economies to extend a helping hand towards those in distress and not deport them putting them in line of danger.



If India aims to increase its clout as a superpower, mere resounding GDP gorwth will not suffice. It is time that India must think beyond numbers and earn goodwill by standing up against injustic against humanity, even if it is a in a foriegn land.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are personal opinions of the writer and do not reflect the views of News Nation. The website does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

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Seoul:

South Koreas navy held major live-fire drills on Tuesday to warn the North against any provocations at sea, it said, two days after Pyongyangs biggest nuclear test to date.



The drills, conducted in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), involved the 2,500-tonne frigate Gangwon, a 1,000-tonne patrol ship and 400-tonne guided-missile vessels, among others, the Navy said in a statement.



If the enemy launches a provocation above water or under water, we will immediately hit back to bury them at sea, Captain Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said in a statement.

Read | Trump, Moon agree to lift cap on missile payload of South Korea



North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.



Yesterday the Souths military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the Norths nuclear test site.



US President Donald Trump and South Koreas leader Moon Jae-In agreed during a phone call late yesterday to remove limits on the payload of the Souths missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.



Trump also said he was willing to approve the sale of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, according to a statement released by the White House.



Tensions have mounted on the Korean peninsula following a series of missile launches by the North, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range.

Read | No more road left, North Korea is 'begging for war', US tells UN Security Council

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached in Nay Pyi Taw on a two day visit to Myanmar visit on Tuesday. The highlights of his maiden visit to India's eastern neighbour will include address to Indian diaspora in a massive indoor stadium and meeting with Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In a personalised letter written to the Indian community in Myanmar ahead of his address at Yangons Thuwanna Indoor Stadium, Modi expressed his enthusiam over the visit.

Here are the live updates:

#5:40 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Myanmar President Htin Kyaw in Nay Pyi Taw



#5:02 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects guard of honour at Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw



#4:16 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on a two-day visit

This two-day visit is my first bilateral visit to Myanmar, a valued neighbour and a close friend of Indias, the PM has said in his e-mail, officials aware of the matter said. The Thuwanna indoor stadium in Yangon which can seat up to 8000 people will be the venue for the community event to be held by PM on September 6 evening. The Indian diaspora in Myanmar has brought India and Myanmar a lot closer in the past decades, PM wrote in his e-mail.

Read | BRICS 2017: PM Modi has 'forward looking' meeting with Chinese pres Jinping, leaves for Myanmar



PM Visit itinerary

There will be about 15 engagements of the PM in Myanmar after he lands in capital Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday afternoon to a ceremonial welcome followed by a meeting with President U Htin Kaw and an official banquet hosted by the President.

On Wednesday, the PM will be meeting Mynamar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi followed by Delegation talks and press statements. Suu Kyi will be hosting a lunch for PM Modi before he leaves for Yangon.

The PM will also visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Aung Sang museum and the Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon.

The 2500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda enshrines strands of Buddhas hair and other holy relics. In 1946, General Aung Sang is said to have addressed a meeting here to demand independence from the British while his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, is said to have addressed another big meeting here in 1988 demanding democracy from the military regime.

Read | India-China-Myanmar interaction to be of great geopolitical and economic significance: Chinese media

The Aung Sang museum is dedicated to General Aung Sang, which was also his residence.

PM Modi will also visit the Martyrs Mausoleum here which contains remains of Aung Sang after his assassination in 1947.

In Bagan city, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the 1105 AD Ananda Temple which is another prominent Buddhist shrine in Myanmar.

The PM has invited the Indian diaspora to write to him on a specially created open forum on the Narendra Modi Mobile App with their thoughts and ideas, saying he would refer to some of the ideas received during his speech at the community programme.

On the evening 6th September, I will be addressing the Indian community in Yangon, where I look forward to seeing you. We take immense pride in our diaspora, which has made India proud on the global stage, PM has written in his e-mail to Indian diaspora.

Read | Myanmar key pillar of Indias act east policy: PM Modi

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Doklam standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.



The meeting is the prime ministers last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.



Modi is in China for two-day BRICS Summit.



During the meeting, which is taking place amids efforts from the two sides to leave the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector, sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures.

Read | BRICS 2017 Summit: JeM, LeT in declaration due to violent activities, says China

Here are highlights:

#12:30 PM: I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit.

#11:53 AM: Both of us know what happened this was not backward looking conversation it was forward looking: FS on if Doklam was raised in Modi-Xi meet

#11:47 AM: There was a sense that if relationship is to go forward then peace & tranquility on border areas must be maintained: FS on Modi-Xi meet

#11:46 AM: Important point made during meeting was peace & tranquility in the border area is prerequisite for further development of relationship: MEA

#11:45 AM: Counter terrorism issues were taken up during the course of BRICS, they were not discussed in this meeting: FS Jaishankar on Modi-Xi meet

#11:42 AM: Discussion constructive. Agreed at Astana that will not let differences become disputes, that was reaffirmed: FS Jaishankar on Modi-Xi meet

#11:40 AM:MEA briefs media on Modi-Jinping meeting, says terrorism, defence, security featured high on agenda

#11:35 AM: MEA briefs the media in Xiamen, China

#11:30 AM: Xiamen, China: Meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping concludes

#11:19 AM: A healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the interests of people in both countries: President Xi Jinping to PM Modi in Xiamen

PM @narendramodi meeting H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of China, on the sidelines of 9th BRICS summit in Xiamen, China pic.twitter.com/hDqfm54suD  PIB India (@PIB_India) September 5, 2017

#11:00 AM: India and China are each other's major neighbors, we are also two of the world's largest & emerging countries: Pres Xi to PM Modi

#10:55 AM: China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel: Chinese Pres XI Jinping to PM Modi



#10:55 AM: The Chinese delegation comprised President Xi Jinping, Chief Spokesperson Lu Kang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and State Councilor Yang Jiechi.



China: PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Xiamen on the sidelines of #BRICS2017. pic.twitter.com/cWWUXEb4Fz  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

#10:45 AM: I congratulate you for the successful execution of BRICS Summit: PM Modi at bilateral with Chinese Pres Xi Jinping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Xiamen on sidelines of #BRICS2017. pic.twitter.com/k5Icm8puRn  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

#10:47 AM: Xi Jinping slams lack of international effort to combat climate change

#10:25 AM: The meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping begins

#8:50 AM: PM Narendra Modi addresses 'Dialogue of Emerging Market & Developing Countries'

-PM speaks at Dialogue: I am pleased to exchange perspectives with you on shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable devel't



-Recently India completed its first voluntary review of SDGs. The bedrock of our dev agenda lies in the notion of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas



-PM: Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner.



-PM: India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing our own aspirations for growth



-PM: Earlier this year, we launched the South Asia Satellite to benefit willing regional partners in meeting their developmental goals.



-At the Third IAFS in 2015, with participation of all 54 African countries, we decided to double the number of ITEC scholarships to 50,000



-Our dev partnerships projects are providing water, electricity, roads, healthcare, tele-medicine, and basic infra in dozens of countries

-PM: Our no strings attached model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries

-India is gorwing at a rapid pace: PM Modi



PM suggests that BRICS leadership for global transformation can be achieved through Ten Noble Commitments pic.twitter.com/w12HnDXcXM  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017



-Our efforts should be targetted at making next decade a golden one: PM Modi



-We need coordinated action and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management: PM Narendra Modi

-We need to work together to create a greener world and mitigate the menace of climate change: PM Narendra Modi

-PM @narendramodi calls for an inclusive world, where the poorest of the poor are integrated into the financial mainstream.



-PM urges BRICS nations to work collectively for a digital world, skilled world, healthier world, equitable world and harmonious world.



PM @narendramodi at BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue for promoting mutually beneficial coop'n for Common Development pic.twitter.com/S37vOgdpkT  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping & Russian Pres Vladimir Putin arrive at Dialogue of Emerging Market & Developing Countries in Xiamen. pic.twitter.com/v1hq1pzC4r  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

China: PM Narendra Modi arrives at International Conference Centre, Xiamen for group photo of #BRICS leaders and leaders of guest countries pic.twitter.com/6h7g07hyGQ  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

Read | PM Modi, Chinese president Jinping display bonhomie on day 1

Doklam Standoff



The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.On August 28, Indias External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on expeditious disengagement of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.



Asked if there was any link between the BRICS declaration which for the first time named Pakistan-based terror groups for their violent activities and resolution of the Dokalam standoff, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran answered in the negative, saying BRICS is a multilateral forum where outcomes are based on consensus.



It cannot be linked, she added. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing that details of the meeting we will release in due course.

Read | BRICS countries have responsibilities to uphold global peace: Xi Jinping



Apart from Xi, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, which is among the five counties -- Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistaninvited by China as part of BRICS Plus outreach exercise.



Xi and his wife hosted a banquet for the BRICS leaders on Monday evening followed by Chinese cultural extravaganza. Modi, who attended the banquet along with other leaders, also interacted informally with the leaders of the guest countries.



(With Inputs from PTI)

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Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he plans one-on-one meetings with world leaders to seek cooperation in pressuring North Korea, which went ahead with its 6th nuclear test on Sunday.

Abe was speaking at a liaison meeting between the government and the ruling parties on Monday.

He called North Korea's test totally unacceptable. He said it's up to the cooperation and unity of the international community as to whether it can stop the North's reckless acts that are threatening world peace.

Abe said he will be holding separate talks with world leaders on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly meeting later this month and will press the North to abandon its nuclear and missile development programs.

Abe also said the government is thinking about introducing a land type guided-missile defense system, known as Aegis Ashore, to drastically upgrade the country's current missile defense capabilities.
Nearly two in three 30-ish single men in Japan have never been in a relationship they thought might lead to getting hitched, a recent online poll showed.

In the survey conducted by the Meiji Yasuda Institute of Life and Wellness, 62.7 percent of male respondents and 39.4 percent of female respondents aged between 25 and 34 said they have never been in such relationships.

The results were based on responses from 3,296 unmarried men and women in the age group who volunteered for the online survey conducted in March.

Among those in the age group who said they have had a relationship they thought might lead to marriage, 24.7 percent said they were still dating while 24.2 percent said their relationships had ended.

The survey asked respondents about their thoughts on marriage.

It found that 32.0 percent of male respondents and 38.8 percent of female respondents had no strong sense of ideal or conditions for their partners.
Five months after a potato shortages cause a halt in the sales of some potato chip products, competition is now intensifying between two major snack makers as they return to normal operations.

Calbee Inc. and rival Koike-Ya Inc. will resume sales of almost all of their potato chip brands within the month, after securing an adequate supplies of potatoes. The two companies also plan to launch new snack products.

The companies suspended or ended sales of some brands of their potato chips this spring, after a poor potato crop in Hokkaido due to flood damage caused by typhoons last summer.

The potato chip "shortage" captured public attention.

Since then, Calbee has made efforts to diversify its sources of raw materials.

The company has been working to transform rice paddies in Iwate, Miyagi and Kumamoto prefectures into potato fields. It has also been promoting the development of disease-resistant potato varieties.

Koike-Ya plans to promote mechanization and expand joint operations to deal with manpower shortages at farms.

For new products, Calbee will introduce potato chips that taste like local specialties of each of the 47 prefectures, launching the different varieties in stages starting this month. They are expected to be priced at around 120 per pack.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 24-year-old man who is suspected in dozens of bag-snatching incidents in the Kanto area, reports TV Asahi.

On September 1, Mizuki Kurosaki allegedly grabbed a carrying case containing 44,000 yen from the front basket of a bicycle of an 87-year-old man as he pedaled home on a road in the Higashikanamachi of Katsushika Ward.

"I wanted money to play around," the suspect was quoted by police in admitting to the allegations.

Kurosaki used a bicycle to approach the victim in carrying out the crime. He became a person of interest after an examination of security camera footage taken in the area.

Police are investigating whether Kurosaki was also behind more than 20 similar incidents that have taken place in nearby Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture and Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture.

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Two teenage students apparently committed suicide following the start of the new school term.

Tokyo police say a third-year junior high school girl was found collapsed at the car parking of a condominium in Tokyo on Monday.

Police say she apparently jumped off from the veranda of her apartment. She had left a note in her room suggesting that she would kill herself. Her family said she might have been distressed over not finishing her summer homework by the start of school last Friday.

In another case, a male third-year high school student was found dead after hanging himself in a public lavatory in Tokyo.

He was reportedly worried about his upcoming courses and asked his parents for advice.

A survey conducted by the Cabinet Office shows that children aged 18 or younger commit suicide most often between the last days of August and the start of September when the new school term begins.
This restaurant-machine fusion is one small step for vending, one giant leap for vending-machine-kind.

There are approximately 2.5 million vending machines in Japan and each one has a story, but none so enticing as a machine rumored to vend handmade gyoza 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine. Our reporter Masanuki caught wind of this legend and set out to the dark corners of Yokohama a where the wild Pikachu roam a in order to find it.

It actually turned out not to be in the dark corners, but about five minutes from Center Minami Station on foot. Nevertheless, danger was afoot as Masanuki didn't know the exact location of the machine and would have to scour the... Oh, there it is!

Painted bright yellow, it certainly did have a unique appearance worthy of its reputation. Hearing of a machine that dished out gyoza, Masanuki was half-expecting one of those old-timey machines with questionable tuna sandwiches inside, but this one was very clean and modern looking. He had no qualms about buying perishable food from it.

The machine was located outside of the Lonsanbo Chinesee small plate restaurant and boasted several of its items such as Handmade Gyoza (13 for 1,000 yen), Meat Gyoza (12 for 1,000 yen), Mizu Gyoza (8 for 880 yen), along with soup dumplings and shumai to choose from. All items were made by the Lonsanbo staff themselves.
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NEWTOWN - A key allowing a teacher to lock her classroom was missing from its folder the day of the Sandy Hook massacre, said an attorney for two families who have filed a lawsuit.

If you have a lockdown procedure and you are not provided the key, how are you supposed to lock down? said Donald Papcsy, the attorney for the families who are suing Newtown for negligence. This is going to be a big part of our case moving forward.

Papcsy received a judges permission in mid-August to inspect the emergency folders taken by police from two classrooms where teachers and students were slain during the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre.

School district officials had maintained in court documents that every classroom had an emergency folder with a key to lock the door against an intruder. But Papcsy on Friday inspected the folder taken from the classroom of Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher who died in the massacre, and said it was empty.

This has been a mission to find out the truth, because that is what the victims of this tragedy deserve, Papcsy said on Tuesday. We deserve to have a safe environment where our kids can go to school.

Monte Frank, one of the attorneys defending Newtown and its school district against the lawsuit, was present on Friday in Ridgefield during the inspection of the classroom folder. He declined to say anything about the contents.

I am not going to comment on pending litigation, he said on Tuesday.

Newtown asked a state Superior Court judge in July to throw out the lawsuit, arguing it was the 20-year-old shooter Adam Lanza - and not the town or the schools - who was responsible for the worst crime in Connecticut history.

The families are preparing a response. The case is scheduled for trial in March.

The case is separate from a higher-profile lawsuit brought by 10 families against the maker of the rifle used in the attack. That lawsuit was thrown out of court in 2016 and is being appealed in state Supreme Court.

The parents of two slain first-graders who are suing Newtown are also part of the higher-profile case against the gunmaker Remington.

Parents Neil Heslin, Scarlett Lewis and Leonard Pozner offered to settle their lawsuit against Newtown for $5.5 million each in 2016.

The towns defense is a bunch of language saying they are not responsible, Papcsy said on Tuesday.

They are saying Yes, we wrote this lockdown policy but everything is discretionary and nobody is responsible for anything, he said. Obviously we dont believe that could ever be true.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
Contributed Photo

DANBURY  A Queens man was charged Sunday evening with felony assault after punching a man in the face in front of a city police officer, police said.

Henry Villa-Narvaez, 24, was fighting another man on National Place around 5 p.m. when police saw him punch another man, breaking a dental bridge in the mans mouth, police said.
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DANBURY  The city was grieving the loss of a decorated police sergeant Monday who died after a daylong ordeal in a Southbury hotel.

Flags were at half-staff for the officer, 38-year-old Drew Carlson, who died of an apparent suicide on Sunday, police said.

State Police are investigating, but we believe that is what happened, said Danbury police Chief Patrick Ridenhour. We would just ask for thoughts and prayers and privacy at this time.

State police declined to say anything about the cause of death, except to call it a self-inflicted injury that happened after the officer barricaded himself in a room in the Wyndham Hotel.

Police rushed to the Strongtown Road hotel shortly after 12:30 p.m. Sunday and were on the scene all afternoon until they entered his room at 6:30 p.m., state police Trooper Kelly Grant said.

It is under investigation just like any other untimely death, Grant said Monday.

Carlson, who joined the force in 2004, was promoted to sergeant in 2016 on the strength of his performance and leadership.

He received a Meritorious Citation in 2014 and has earned numerous letters of appreciation and accommodation, Mayor Mark Boughton wrote to the City Council in his promotion recommendation.

In addition, in 2016, Carlson received a life-saving medal for reviving a person who had overdosed on heroin, the police department said.

He worked really hard as a patrolman and became a leader who worked with younger officers, Boughton said on Monday.

Carlson had served with the departments recruiting team and had been a field training officer for seven years.

Al Almeida, a decorated veteran and the Democratic Party nominee for mayor in November, expressed his support on his Facebook page for the officers family and for the police department for losing a brother.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
The U.S. Military Museum in Danbury has announced that is closing after 22 years. The Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage, Long Island, is acquiring the museum's collection of 10,000 artifacts. Terms of the transaction were not made public.

Originally called the Military Museum of Southern Connecticut, the U.S. Military Museum focused on 20th century combat, with a collection that encompassed an M18 Hellcat tank destroyer, plus uniforms, military equipment, armored vehicles, uniforms and photographs.

"The strength of our exhibits and the underlying mission have never wavered," said Al Barto, secretary of the U.S. Military Museum. "From its first day to its last, this museum has been about paying tribute to the American G.I. and our defense of freedom. This is a difficult decision for us, but it was made with considerable care to ensure that the legacy of the U.S. Military Museum lives on by gifting our assets to the Museum of American Armor on Long Island."
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When Kevin Willmott stepped into a University of Kansas classroom wearing a bulletproof vest, his students immediately fell silent.

It was the professor's way of protesting a state law that allows concealed carry on college and university campuses. The legislation, which was passed in 2013, was implemented over the summer at colleges and universities across the state.

Willmott said that when students and staff members returned to University of Kansas campus in Lawrence last month, he wanted to let them know exactly where he stands on the gun issue.

As he walked into the room on the first day of class, he said that there was "an audible hush."

"One of the things I told them was, 'You try to ignore that I'm wearing a bulletproof vest, and I'll try to ignore that you could be packing a .44 magnum,'" he said.

Willmott, 59, a professor of film and media studies, said in an interview that he does not fear his students - but is convinced that concealed carry on campuses is "a crazy idea."

VIDEO: Texas community colleges now allow guns on campus

Now Playing: Texas is breaking new ground in the gun control front by expanding its concealed handguns in high education institutions to community colleges as well starting August First. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Video: Buzz 60

"We've seen what happened in these horrible incidences at Sandy Hook and Virginia Tech and a bunch of places around the country," Willmott told The Washington Post. "And I don't think it's the students' job to turn into Rambo try to take on somebody that might be out to do us harm."

"The whole idea is just insane and it can only lead to bad things," he added.

Campus carry has been a contentious issue at colleges and universities in multiple states, where students and faculty have protested similar gun policies. Students at the University of Texas at Austin, for example, attended a demonstration last year armed with sex toys instead of firearms, to fight "absurdity." At that same school, an economics professor emeritus quit, telling university officials: "Out of self-protection, I have chosen to spend part of next Fall at the University of Sydney, where, among other things, this risk seems lower."

People were also debating the issue in Kansas last year ahead of the law's implementation at state colleges and universities.

"When a gun is in a school and harm is meant, there is only one thing that is going to stop that - and that is another gun," Republican state Sen. Forrest Knox said during a 2016 debate, according to NPR.

As for Willmott, he said the fact that the firearms are concealed may make them more dangerous for everyone.

"If everybody had to walk around with guns strapped on their hips like in the Old West, I think people would be a lot less comfortable with it," he said. "So me walking around with a bulletproof vest reminds everyone that this is actually going on."

The Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act was passed in the legislature in 2006, concerning concealed carry across the state. A statute was added in 2013 allowing legal gun owners over 21 to carry concealed handguns in public buildings, including state college and university campuses. But it provided an exemption to educational institutions, among others, allowing them to opt out until July 1 of this year, to allow them to prepare and implement policies.

The University of Kansas' new weapons policy states that handguns must be secured in holsters and carried unloaded with the safety feature on.

According to the university:

"The handgun must also not be seen by others and be under the carrier's custody and control - on the body or in a backpack or purse - or in a safe storage device or secure location - such as a locked vehicle. Except when necessary for transferring to safe storage or self-defense, a handgun must not be openly displayed. Violations of policy may result in individuals being asked to leave campus with the weapon and being cited for trespass if they refuse. University employees or students who violate policy may face discipline through applicable university codes of conduct."

Willmott, a feature filmmaker who has worked with Spike Lee among others, said he wanted to think of a visual way to respond to concealed carry.

Still, when he walked into his classroom on Aug. 22, he acknowledged it was "a little uncomfortable, because this is not the normal world."

He read his students his syllabus and university's weapons policy - along with an amendment of his own: Bulletproof vests would also be permitted in his class. He then offered students a handout explaining why he chose to wear one.

"WHY I DECIDED TO TEACH IN A BULLET PROOF VEST" announced that "leadership in Topeka has decided to encourage young people to secretly carry firearms on campus."

Willmott provided a copy of the handout to The Washington Post.

It states, in part:

"I am a native Kansan having grown up in Junction City and attending college at Marymount College in Salina. It is difficult to adjust my mind to the current policy of handguns covertly being anywhere on campus through the policy of conceal and carry. This is not the Kansas I grew up knowing and loving. The Kansas I grew up in always had a level of moderation. It is in the spirit of that level headedness and restraint that I have decided to wear a bullet proof vest while teaching my courses this year at Kansas University. My hope is that it serves as a constant reminder of firearms becoming a normalized part of campus life.

"One of the main elements to this policy that I find disturbing is the covert and undercover nature of the weapons being on campus. No one can know who has a weapon. Thus in the classroom we don't know who has a gun - perhaps no one does or maybe several people have weapons. We cannot ask and they cannot tell. As well, the policy indicates that the student with the gun 'must have the safety on and have no round in the chamber.' Unfortunately, this is an honor system with no one in authority being able to check the gun carrier to see if they are meeting this regulation. The gun carrier is on their own with the gun and as long as the instructor, students or others don't see the weapon - we must trust them with the weapon."

Willmott said he made the decision to protest concealed carry after he attended an open meeting at the school about the policy.

He said he sat next to a Muslim professor who told him it would be a detriment to free speech in her classroom because of fear.

"I think it's a detriment to free speech as a whole on campus," he said. "Race is a really turbulent issue, and it's even more turbulent right now. Will people be honest about their feelings?"

Willmott said a major part of the college experience is learning to discuss issues that are "touchy" but important - and he believes concealed carry will no doubt have a chilling effect on university campuses.

"It's hard to get into those kinds of discussions that are obviously emotional and fragile in various ways in terms of race, in terms of gender, in terms of religion when you're thinking about someone possibly having a gun," he said.

Willmott said that classroom conversations occasionally become volatile "and you don't want to worry about where this discussion is going to lead and you don't want to have to cut the discussion off when it becomes a little emotional because of fear of someone having a gun and losing their cool. It's really about fear.

"And I think there's even a worse side to it - that people won't talk at all."

Since he started protesting, Willmott said that he has not personally received any backlash for his views (except on social media) professors and students have reached out in solidarity.

Junior Braden Robinson told the University Daily Kansan that he was in the class when Willmott announced his decision.

"I have mixed feelings about guns. I don't think they're all bad; I can see the reasoning for wanting to carry one," he told the student newspaper. "But I just don't think that a place that promotes free speech should have guns. That would definitely affect someone's willingness to talk, especially if they have an opinion that might be unpopular."

However, the professor's stance has indeed been criticized by some who question his negative views of lawful gun owners.

Garrett Miller, identified as a conservative student by Campus Reform, told the news site that the professor's assertions were "borderline ludicrous" because the university already has restrictive policies on free speech.

He also said Willmott's point about the .44 magnum is not relevant, telling Campus Reform that the professor "should have done research on what handguns are generally used for concealed carry."

"Any gun expert will tell you that a .44 is not recommended for conceal carry due to the fact that a .44 is too bulky due to the size of the barrel and grip," he said.

For the past two weeks, Willmott said he has been carrying his bulletproof vest into classroom before strapping it on - to illustrate to his students what he believes will become a new normal.

"It's kind of book bag, laptop, cellphone, handgun and ammunition," he said. "So in countering that, I walk into class with a bulletproof vest and put it on in front of the students so they know this is the new preparation for class."

The university did not respond to requests for comment on the concealed carry policy or Willmott's response to it.

But in a note to faculty and staff, Neeli Bendapudi, provost and executive vice chancellor of the university, acknowledged many had "expressed concerns about the recent change in Kansas' Personal and Family Protection Act affecting concealed carry on campus."
Closing in on week 38  the September Spike

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Back to school means homework assignments, new teachers and seeing old friends, but for the one in five children in Ontario living with asthma, it can mean a visit to the emergency department (ED).

According to figures compiled by the Ontario Asthma Surveillance Information System (OASIS), the 38th week of the year continues to be the peak time for asthma attacks among young people. This phenomenon, known amongst health-care professionals as the "September Spike," sends an increase in of school children and their families to EDs and doctors' offices in the weeks after the start of the new school year.

Experts believe viruses, including the common cold, are the main cause of asthma flare-ups in September. When children go back to school, it's back to close quarters with classmates - and the viruses they carry.

"It is important to identify contributing factors to asthma flare-ups in September and take steps to help prevent them," says Carole Madeley, director of respiratory health programs, The Lung Association  Ontario.

"Other possible causes for September flare-ups include: not taking controller medication as prescribed during the summer vacation; the stress of returning to school; allergic triggers at school such as mould and dust; and more pollution as school buses and commuters return after the holidays."

Parents of children with asthma a need to be aware of ways in which they can help prevent a rush trip to the ED:

Learn how to manage your child's asthma and teach your child about managing his or her asthma as well;

Avoid getting viral infections through regular and thorough hand washing;

Work to identify your child's triggers and take steps to avoid them;

Ask your health-care provider for a written asthma action plan so that you or your child can recognize worsening signs of asthma and know how to get it under control;

See your health-care provider if your child's action plan or medication is not keeping his or her asthma under control;

Be sure your child (ageappropriate) has their reliever inhaler with them at school or the school has easy access to it; and

All family members should get the seasonal flu shot as soon as it becomes available

Each school should identify which students have asthma and take the following steps:

Teachers should work with parents/guardians and students (if age-appropriate) in completing the Individual Student Asthma Management Plan (ISAMP), a form that should be kept on file at school that identifies students with asthma and provides guidance on how to manage it.

School staff should learn to recognize asthma symptoms and asthma attacks and know what to do when they occur.

For more information on how to keep your child's asthma under control, call The Lung Association Lung Health Information Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) and speak to a certified respiratory educator.

About The Lung Association  Ontario

Breathing. It's what unites us. It's what inspires us. And it's what keeps us pushing ahead, whether it's searching for cures to lung diseases, helping people to quit smoking and ensuring that children never start, or fighting for clean air.

The Lung Association is the leading organization working to promote lung health and prevent and manage lung disease. We do this by funding vital research, pushing for improved treatments and better policies, and helping people manage their health.

SOURCE Ontario Lung Association

For further information: Monica Kocsmaros, Director of Marketing and Communications, The Lung Association, [email protected], 647-293-9911

Related Links

www.on.lung.ca


The Walking School Bus partners with Routific to improve access to education in rural Uganda

VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - A school bus in rural Uganda is leveraging route optimization algorithms to help bring hundreds of students to school on time.

Routific's routing software is typically used by delivery businesses to increase revenues and reduce costs. But this school year, the technology is optimizing bus routes so children in eastern Uganda can get to school as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"Every day, over half a million students in Uganda walk over five kilometers to get to school," said Walking School Bus founder Aaron Friedland. "Many of these students arrive at school without eating. It's impossible for them to thrive in the environment they have fought so hard to access."

The Walking School Bus raised $14,000 to purchase the school bus earlier this year. The bus travels 55.4 kilometres (34.4 miles) every school day, and transports nearly 100 students to and from Hadassa Primary School and Semei Kakungulu High School.

The organization has also created an innovative approach to sustaining the bus. In between morning and afternoon school bus runs, the vehicle moonlights as a public and private taxi  generating $28.50 CAD ($22.47 USD) a day.

"The Walking School Bus has taken a very smart approach to their development work for impoverished communities around the world," said Routific Founder and CEO Marc Kuo.

"We love how they are leveraging technology to do their work as efficiently as possible, stretching their donor's dollars as far as they can possibly go."

The Walking School Bus is now fundraising to purchase a school bus for the Yonatan Netanyahu Memorial School in Putti Village, Uganda. Visit thewalkingschoolbus.com to learn more.

About The Walking School Bus

The Walking School Bus supports access to education by providing a holistic approach to educational attainment. Their work includes providing safe transportation, nutrition, and innovative literacy programs for students in developing countries.

About Routific

Routific is a route optimization solution for last-mile delivery fleets, saving food delivery businesses like DoorDash and Krispy Kreme Donuts up to 40% on time and fuel. Routific works with a number of nonprofits, including Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity.

SOURCE Routific

For further information: Aaron Friedland, [email protected]; Suzanne Ma, [email protected]

Related Links

www.routific.com


Five employees from a joint federal and state anti-violence initiative continued to work despite not having been paid for months, according to federal officials.

Due to the states fiscal crisis, Project Longevitys statewide coordinator, three project managers and a service coordinator have been working without pay  or assurance they will receive retroactive pay, according to the U.S. attorneys office. Two other employees already have resigned.

The initiative is aimed at reducing violence and helping people get out of the gang lifestyle. It presents individuals with a range of positive alternative services, such as help with addiction, medical and mental health treatment, educational opportunities, and housing and employment assistance.

The state budget for Project Longevity has included the salaries for these five individuals, who work in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport, along with the social services. A social service coordinator in Hartford already has left, as has one in New Haven, and the initiative may lose the project manager in Hartford, officials said.

Stacy R. Spell, New Haven project manager, said even though he has not been paid since June, it does not stop the work from being done.

Yes, the work still has to be done. We still have things that are in motion that we cant stop in spite of the lack of being paid, Spell said. The things we are doing here in New Haven, no one else in the country is doing. ... We cant just stop because of [the lack of payment]. I can modify my hours, but I still have (to) conduct the work that has to be done.

He said the day-to-day operations are still in effect, but they dont have the necessary resources to offer the crucial social services the program provides, so they have been relying on human capital.

Project Longevity launched in New Haven in 2012 as a strategy to combat gang or group-on-group violence, with Hartford and Bridgeport launching their own models in 2013. The effort identifies individuals most at risk of causing  or being victims of  violence in the community. As part of the model, federal, state and local law enforcement conduct call-ins for those individuals. First, they deliver a clear message: If any member of the group commits a serious act of violence in the community, the focus of state and federal law enforcement will shine on the entire group. These meetings also have been attended by the social service providers who offer support the individuals need if they choose to leave street life.

Brett Peterkin, the statewide coordinator, said the two-pronged approach goes hand in hand. He said the ecosystem of service providers and community organizations are also affected by this budgetary impasse.

Its difficult to work at full capacity because theres an expense related to working, whether its commuting costs or things of that nature, Peterkin said. Theres also our social services ... where we facilitate services, but [then] there are some things that we offer to individuals who are looking to get out of the street life directly. We cant do that if we dont have a budget.

The framework of the initiative, which helped reduce gun violence in Boston, Cincinnati and Chicago, is based on the philosophy and work of criminologist David Kennedy, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

A 2015 Yale University study found Project Longevity has made an impact in reducing shootings and homicides. Michael Sierra-Arevalo, a doctoral candidate at Yales Institution for Social and Policy Studies and lead author of the study, said moving away from traditional deterrence and broken windows approaches that privilege broadly applied police sweeps or enforcement of minor offenses, New Havens Project Longevity is one more instance of how targeting specific offenders, in this case members of violent street groups, can significantly enhance public safety.

While the employees are committed to keeping their promise to the community, lack of funding for the positions is hurting them and their efforts, Assistant New Haven Police Chief Achilles Archie Generoso said.

Its so important that the funding continues for Project Longevity, and it hurts that the legislature hasnt been able to present a budget. ... These services are needed, and we need to keep Project Longevity functioning, he said.

Former Project Longevity Program Manager the Rev. Williams Mathis cited enduring periods without payment as one of the reasons for his resignation in 2014. At the time, Mathis, who was program manager for two years and four months for the citys cease-fire initiative, stated there had been at least four to five different instances during his tenure where payment was an issue.

These are real people here, Peterkin said. Although we are committed and dedicated, there is a reality. We all have households, and that can only go on for so long.

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect two Project Longevity workers already has left the program.
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Joseline Tlacomulco, one of more than 800,000 students protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, wonders what she will do with her college degree as protection from deportation may not be there once she hits the job market.

The 19-year-old New Haven junior at the University of Connecticut, said she was angry when she heard the news Tuesday that President Donald Trump had begun to dismantle DACA, with Attorney General Jeff Sessions declaring that the Obama era program an unconstitutional exercise of authority.

Tlacomulco, who was brought here from Mexico at eight months of age, said she had to leave class when the story broke.

It was hard for me to concentrate. There is too much uncertainty, said Tlacomulco, who is studying political and human rights and had hoped to go to graduate school before working in a public policy job.

The administration said it wont accept any new applications for DACA, which provides work permits and protection from immediate deportation in two-year renewable permits for undocumented immigrants who were brought here as children.

It will be officially terminated in six months, which gives Congress half a year to take it up and replace the 5-year-old executive order by President Barack Obama with legislation.

Trump said he did not favor punishing children for the actions of their parents. At the same time, though, we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of law and young Americans have dreams, too.

The administration described its action as an orderly wind down of DACA and called the program an amnesty-first approach.

Well, I have a great heart for the folks were talking about -- a great love for them. And people think in terms of children, but theyre really young adults. I have a love for these people, and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly, Trump said before a meeting on tax reform when he was questioned about treating Dreamers with heart, according to a White House release.

For those whose permits are up between now and March 5, they have until Oct. 5 to renew them or they will miss this window of opportunity. Those without permits cannot get them unless they applied before Tuesday. DACA recipients whose permits expire on March 6 or later will lose its protections as soon as the permits expire.

Trump called the DACA program an amnesty-first approach, although he personally had struggled with what to do about DACA, promising after the election, at one point, that its recipients had nothing to worry about.

I think the Dreamers are terrific, the president said last week.

Tumps decision to take a harder line on young immigrants unless Congress intervenes threatens to emphasize deep divisions among Republicans who have long struggled with the issue.

The presidents action drew swift criticism from many immigration advocates and Dreamers impacted by the changes.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, at a press conference in New Haven, called the president a coward, since he didnt make the announcement himself, but had his attorney general do it.

He didnt want to admit to folks how damaging this could be to our economy. DACA was working, he simply doesnt understand what good DACA has done for people, Malloy said.

The governor said the state would do everything it could to keep the estimated 10,000 Dreamers here safe, but the best solution is for Congress to address the situation.

Malloy said the country has invested hundreds of thousands to educate these students.

Hes picking on people who were brought here as infants, Malloy said.

The Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic at the Yale Law School filed a challenge Tuesday to the changes.

It sent a letter to U.S. District Court Judge Nicholas Garaufis in the Eastern District of New York, asking for permission to amend an earlier suit.

The clinic said rescinding DACA violates the Administrative Procedure Act as the government failed to provide a reasonable explanation for the reversal. The clinic also claims it is unconstitutional because it is motivated by anti-Mexican and anti-Latino animus.

President Trumps consistent anti-Mexican statements from the start of his campaign through the rally last month in Phoenix, demonstrates his intention to discriminate against Mexican and Latino individuals who will bear the overwhelming burden of the DACA termination, it wrote.

Jose Diaz, who was brought to the United States as a 10-year-old, will have finished his degree in business management and marketing from Central Connecticut State University in December, has an internship with a Fortune 500 company and also works part time for a nonprofit in the state.

The Mexican native, who lives in New Britain, hopes he can get a job with the current work permit he holds and the law gets fixed before it expires in two years.

I still have hope that Congress will pass something, he said. As an advocate, he said he will put his energy into pushing for that to happen.

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said her office will protect city residents from the, discriminatory, federal action, adding she will work with the states congressional delegation to implement a new law.

Junta for Progressive Action Executive Director Sandra Trevino also weighed in.

Without a doubt, todays actions by Trump is heartless, vindictive and cruel, and once again proves his lack of compassion for others, Trevino said.

Sister Mary Ellen Burns of Apostle Immigrant Services, which helped young adults apply for DACA, also commented.

I think it is a great disgrace that the president took this action. I think it is reflective of the worst of the American character, rather than the best, Burns said. As an advocate group however, she said we are not done as they plan to continue to work with their allies for change.

Kica Matos, a New Haven immigrant advocate and spokesperson for the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, said the decision by the president is nothing less than deplorable and it confirms our worst fears. By shattering the lives and dreams of nearly a million young people, Donald Trump has chosen to side with the white supremacists roaming the halls of the White House.

She called the action spineless and cruel. It reflects the poor judgment of a president buoyed by racists and lacking a moral compass.

Matos said the Dreamers have earned the love and respect of millions of Americans, many of whom know them as their neighbors, friends, fellow students or co-workers.

Like Burns she promised to keep fighting until our families are safe and until the country reflects the beloved community we desire.

Attorney Yazmin Rodriguez, who represents immigrants in her law practice in Norwalk, said she was most worried about the DACA recipients who have already received orders of removal.

DACA recipient Sergio Olmedo-Ramirez came to the United States from Mexico when he was 9. He attended New Haven Public Schools but later transferred to Hopkins School before attending and graduating from Santa Clara University in California. He works as community youth organizer at Junta for Progressive Action.

Now 22, Olmedo-Ramirez said Tuesdays announcement was heartbreaking. He said he wants to tell Congress and the executive branch immigrants are hard-working individuals who are grateful to live in America.

Let our voices be heard, Olmedo-Ramirez said. Let our dreams come true. Let us live. Pass a clean DREAM Act bill in 2017. Our communities should not live in fear. This is America, give us that freedom.

Carolina Bortolleto, 29, the communications director for CT Students 4 a Dream, graduated with a degree in biology form Western Connecticut State University and worked for a social service agency after college, all the while volunteering for changes in immigration law.

She said like other recipients, I didnt allow myself to dream, before DACA. Now that uncertainty has returned.

She said others without protection dont have the privilege to plan.

Bortolleto said they have known since Trump was elected in November, that the end of DACA was a possibility.

What it will mean going forward, she said we were emotionally prepared for, but not pragmatically.

Attorney Erin ONeil-Baker, who has a large immigration practice said, in order to remove someone from the U.S., that person is entitled to a hearing before an immigration judge. In Connecticut, the average hearing on the merits takes 18 to 24 months.

This will require more removal cases, more judges and more court staff, adding to the backlog, the attorney said.

In the meantime, trust in the government and the overall system erodes, because these DACA applicants trusted the process and exposed themselves and now the government has turned on them, ONeil-Baker said.

The ACLU of Connecticut said the decision by Trump broke Americas promise and injected chaos, uncertainty, and fear into the lives of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and their families. Given that the United States government has repeatedly and successfully defended the legal validity of DACA, todays news also amounts to a complete reversal of the United States own consistent legal positions.

Register reporters Esteban Hernandez and Brian Zahn contributed to this story.
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WESTPORT  On Labor Day, it was a labor of love when a team from the Connecticut Humane Society brought 22 Texas dogs, displaced by Hurricane Harvey, to the state.

The canines arrived Monday night at the societys headquarters in Newington.

The 22 dogs who have arrived at CHS from Texas areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, had already been in shelters and looking for new families before devastation hit the region, the society posted on its Facebook page.

Bringing them to Connecticut gives Texas shelters room to house pets who are waiting to reunite with their families.

The Connecticut Humane Society, that has has a sheler on Post Road East in Westport, has also launched a fundraising campaign to help the Texas animals.

Its Lend a Helping Paw campaign will support the deployment of its team in Texas to help pets in shelters there.

Pets in Texas need help now. Countless animals have been lost, displaced from shelters, or separated from their families during Hurricane Harvey, it posted on the fundraising campaign web page (http://bit.ly/2eGeVAU). Some pets are waiting to reunite with their loved ones. Others will need to find new families to love. No matter a pets particular need, the CT Humane team will be ready to help.

As of Tuesday morning, nearly $13,000 of the $18,000 fundraising goal had been raised.

People from Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Westport, Fairfield, Greenwich and Danbury are among the donors.
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State Democrats condemned the Trump administration Tuesday for rescinding DACA and leaving it to Congress to legislate relief for 800,000 immigrant dreamers  8,000 in Connecticut.

The only good thing to come out of this is it lights a fire under Congress that we need to fix this, said Rep. Elizabeth Esty. This is going to be a put-up or shut-up moment for my GOP colleagues, who know this is a cruel decision, a ticking time bomb.

In rescinding DACA  Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, promulgated by then President Obama in 2012  President Trump was appealing to voters who got him elected on a platform in part promising deportation of all undocumented immigrants and construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

But on Tuesday both Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the revocation, pulled their punches ever so slightly.

I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents, Trump said in a statement. But we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

Sessions said the Department of Homeland Security would take the time necessary to wind-down DACA.

Trump said work permits would no longer be issued for dreamers, except those facing ``near-term expiration.

Renewals in the pipeline would be processed and current ones would be honored until expiration  a period that could last up to two years.

In effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act, Trump said.

Later Tuesday, Trump told reporters I have a love for these people, and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly.

DACA provided temporary legal status and work permits for youthful immigrants whose parents brought them illegally to the U.S. at a young age. Applicants approved under DACA mostly are in school or working and have not had serious brushes with the law.

We know that our state stands to benefit from welcoming dreamers, and their talents, to our communities and our workplaces, said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in a statement. The rollback of DACA would be a disastrous mistake for not only dreamers, but our entire nation.

Dreamer supporters include Republicans such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who urged understanding of their circumstances, and even President Trump last week told reporters we love the dreamers.

A delegation of about 40 dreamers from Connecticut joined others from around the country in traveling to Washington for a daylong protest.

I hope Congress will step up and do something, and stop using us as bargaining chips, said Jose Diaz, 24, of New Britain, whose parents brought him illegally from Acapulco, Mexico, when he was 10. Were really tired of that.

Camilia Bortolleto, a co-organizer of the trip, said she was confident Congress ultimately would act to salvage DACA. Rescinding DACA is not the end, she said. It is the beginning of a new fight.

In addition to Esty and Malloy, revocation of DACA brought swift condemnation from other Connecticut Democrats.

Lets be very blunt: There is no such thing as an orderly wind-down of the DACA program, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal at a news conference in Hartford. This announcement itself will cause massive uncertainty and chaos (that) will disrupt and derail their lives and it will be self-defeating, even destructive for our economy.

The president pardons Sherriff Joe Arpaio, a national shame, while casting out dreamers who wish to succeed as Americans, said Rep. Jim Himes. This is now a moment of truth for the Congress and its Republican leadership. It must act to right this wrong or give up any claim to moral standing or economic wisdom.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro called terminating DACA mmoral.

DACA is not a free ride, despite the heated rhetoric and misinformation surrounding this issue, DeLauro said in a statement. Dreamers have followed the rules, gone through the entire application process, and been approved to stay in our nation. We should not betray them by threatening their ability to learn, work, and live in this country.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters a DACA legislative fix would have to be part of an immigration-reform package with money for border security  a controversial wall that Trump promised to build along the U.S.-Mexico border, with Mexico paying for it.

Sen. Chris Murphy said that linking dreamer protection to a border wall would be nonsensical.

Noting Republicans inability to repeal and replace Obamacare on their own, Murphy said: Itd be a disaster to hold dreamers hostage to the dysfunction of Congress.

Trump and Sessions painted a dark picture of DACA recipients. They characterized DACA as fomenting a humanitarian crisis, prompting youthful Central Americans to flood the U.S-Mexico border. Among them were youthful members of criminal gangs such as MS-13.

But DACA defenders pointed to economic data suggesting dreamers account for significant increases in GDP  $2.9 billion in Connecticut, according to an estimate of the liberal Center for American Progress.

dan@hearstdc.com
NEW HAVEN >> Two New Haven police officers were approached by a self-described wanderer from Washington Sunday, who told them he had been robbed.

Joseph Sumpter had stopped in New Haven to buy syringes for heroin on his way to New Hampshire, according to police. He said he had travelled through these parts before and knew a guy named Mark, according to a police press release.
NEW HAVEN >> Daphne Geismar is tired of seeing accidents at the intersection of Bradley and State streets.

Cars parked illegally at the corner impede the sight line for drivers on Bradley who are trying to take a left onto State.

Geismar is one of several residents who have been brainstorming with parking officials on what is the best solution in a time of tight finances.

In addition to a blocked view, Geismar said there are no lights on State Street for more than five blocks before it reaches Bradley, which gives drivers the opportunity to increase their speed.

Geismar, who lives on Bradley, said she has seen three crashes at the corner.

She said some improvements have been made, such as cutting back weeds and brush there, painting the curb yellow and clearly delineating the no-parking bus stop on the corner.

I think that has been really effective in preventing people from long term parking in the no-parking zone, she said at a recent meeting of the East Rock Community Management Team. But short-term, shoppers will still park illegally as they run into the stores on that block.

She said they discussed putting in a physical impediment to block parkers, such as a bike rake or a bump-out, which is traffic calming device that extends the sidewalk.

A traffic light may be a long-term solution, but that would take years to get approved and funded, according to Doug Hausladen, director of Transportation, Traffic and Parking.

It is already illegal to park at that corner because, in addition to a bus stop, there is a fire hydrant there.

The group is continuing to work on a quick solution to prevent accidents and Geismar brought it up at the management team meeting to get more people involved.

Abby Roth, a former alder, who is running to regain the seat in the 7th Ward, passed on a suggestion that was given to her.

She said it involved making Bradley one-way from State to Orange streets, rather than the current reverse order.

At the same time, the city should then reserve the direction on Eld Street, which is a block away, so it is one-way from Orange to State streets.

The thinking is that it would be easier to enter State from Eld and there is no bus stop at the intersection of Bradley and Orange blocking the view. The final piece was a possible four-way stop at Bradley and Orange.

Someone also asked about putting a concrete flower container at State and Bradley. Hausladen said he would ask the Fire Department to weigh in given that there is a hydrant there.

Another solution was to put a sign explaining that parking there causes accidents. A neighbor said they do this in the Florida Keys.

Enforcing the no-parking rule seemed like the obvious solution, another resident said, while others chimed in that the problem is the same at Hine Place and Pearl Street.

I will get on it, Lt. Renee Dominguez, the district manager, said.

Listen, when I ticket someones car - its equal enforcement ticketing. So, just know, Dominguez warned.

Hausladen said the traffic department monitors See Click Fix from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for parking enforcement when it is requested.

It really helps me direct staff and our office because we are on 7 a.m. to midnight, everyday. ... If you report a parking problem we will get out there and hammer that problem for two weeks, Hausladen said.

He said it helps the department later on if someone accuses it of selective enforcement and they can point to public complaints.

It is really helpful for my staff internally mostly because my life and my job have been threatened for giving parking tickets on State Street. Not joking, he said.

Dominguez said she also monitors See Click Fix.

Roth asked about the timeline for a traffic light, if New Haven requested one for Bradley and State.

Hausladen said designing the intersection would take a year; to get the funding would likely take two state budget cycles.

He told the residents that they are the first to get an email that will take them directly to the internal workflow of his department, so the entire staff will see it without having to search multiple accounts.

He also told them the department doesnt have a budget for hard streetscape for Bradley Street, such as a bike rake or a bump-out. Hausladen said it is not in the Main Street Program which covers Grand, Whalley and Dixwell avenues, all of which have priority.

The Bradley issue dates back to 2007. He said a bump-out is the best and permanent solution, but it is expensive.

The director said using a health equity lens, it is a little harder to make massive investments in our neighborhood,

One resident said despite it being the best solution that could save lives, it wasnt going to happen?

I have to say that twenty times a day, Hausladen said, because that is just the reality.

The director said there are 1,700 intersections in the city and a Complete Streets Budget of $500,000. One bump-out costs $60,000. He said a bike corral in the street is $2,000, but he needs the approval of the Fire Department.

Hausladen also talked about making parking more available on Upper State Street for the merchants as the city enforces restricted parking on the side streets

He said one of the things they are doing is striping spaces on the street so they are more visible.

Also, in the next couple of months, after working with CT Transit, the city has a broader vision on bus traffic.

One of the key recommendations of the Move New Haven study is that bus stops are so frequent it hurts the service by slowing it down. Hausladen said there will be a conversation on the best place for stops starting at Audubon and State all the way up to the Ferry Street Bridge. He said they are trying to get the stops to three, which is every one-quarter mille. He said there are now 6 to 7 stops, every one-tenth of a mile.

The director said his department has also taken over lights from the engineering department and expect to obtain a bucket truck in the next four to six weeks. If people see missing street lights, he told the crowd to post the street light number at See Click Fix and his staff will check daily.

They just did Water Street, and are focusing on four lights on Union Avenue. He said they will be on the major corridors, including Lower Chapel Street at the State Street train station and the Elm City Market. He promised to look at loading zones and creating some logic and reason for their placement.

In coordination with the businesses, Hausladen also said they will refresh the State-Mechanic parking lot by putting in better lighting, trimming the trees and installing meters, similar to the lot at Blake Street and Whalley Avenue.
I am writing to express my deep concern with Gov. Malloys intention to withhold Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) funds for many towns, including Orange. His proposal to defund Oranges education budget by $1,509,000 is unacceptable and will cause lasting damage to our students quality of education as well as to other town services.

The amount of $1,509,000 represents 2.3 percent of this years town of Orange budget. As stated above, a defunding of that magnitude will not only have a significant impact on our education agenda, but will trickle down to affect other services that may have to be curtailed in order to meet education mandates (including fixed special education costs and contractual obligations for insurance).
Im a World War II veteran who went through the Normandy invasion and five major campaigns. Though as an Escort Guard Company we werent a combat outfit, we had five deaths and one wounded by enemy fire. I belong to American Legion Post 10, Seymour. I was so disgusted with what happened in Charlottesville, Virginia. I was disappointed in President Donald Trump for not condemning the neo-Nazi being there. We fought to eliminate the Nazis and now they are doing what they did in Germany. I know that we have free speech but these groups (neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan) are hate groups. They ought to be prosecuted. What is happening to this country?

 Bernard Horowitz
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria has said it is not aware of any current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding Arik Air Limited for the carrier to render management services to Arik.

AMCON stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday by its Head, Corporate Communications, Jude Nwauzor.

The Managing Director of International Services, Ethiopian Airlines, Esayas WoldeMariam, was quoted by the CNN last Thursday to have said that the airline had submitted a formal offer to take over Arik.

We have outlined our terms and conditions to the Nigerian government and we are waiting to see if they agree. We are capable and desirous of handling the airline, WoldeMariam was quoted to have said.

The report also quoted Godfrey Odudigbo of the Nigerian embassy in Addis Ababa as saying that negotiations over Arik could be concluded by the end of the year.

However, AMCON and the Ministry of Aviation sources had said they were not aware of the development.

AMCONs statement on Monday read in part, Our attention has been drawn to a barrage of media reports, which claimed that there are discussions going on with Ethiopian Airlines for the carrier to render management services to Arik. Contrary to these reports, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria is not aware of any current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding Arik Air Limited.

The general public and all stakeholders will be kept duly informed on issues relating to the airlines divestment plan.

Arik was placed in receivership last February, following the airlines inability to repay debts in excess of N300bn to AMCON and other creditors in Nigeria and around the world.


At least 223 people have been killed in Boko Haram attacks in North-east Nigeria since April, according to data compiled by Amnesty International.Most of the attacks occurred in Borno with many of them suicide attacks carried out by women and girls forced into the act.In neighbouring Cameroon, at least 158 people were also killed by the terror group within the same period.The attacks have continued despite the efforts by the Nigerian military and its neighbouring partners to combat the terror group whose activities have caused about 100,000 deaths since 2009.In a statement on Tuesday, Amnesty said its data showed an increase in Boko Haram attacks when April to early September 2017 is compared to the corresponding period in 2016.A major resurgence in Boko Haram attacks and suicide bombings in Cameroon and Nigeria has left at least 381 civilians dead in the five months since the start of April 2017, with casualties more than double the previous five months, Amnesty International said on Tuesday.According to data collected by the organisation, a sharp rise in civilian deaths in the far north region of Cameroon and the Nigerian states of Borno and Adamawa has been driven by the armed groups increased use of suicide bombers  often using women and girls who are forced to carry explosives into crowded areas.Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can, said Alioune Tine, Amnesty Internationals Director for West and Central Africa.This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians in the Lake Chad region. Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror.Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria have killed at least 223 civilians since April, though the real figure may be higher still as some attacks may have gone unreported. Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone.The deadliest recent attack came on July 25, when the armed group shot dead 40 people and abducted three others in an ambush on an oil exploration team in the Magumeri area of Borno state.Boko Haram suicide bombers have killed at least 81 people in Nigeria since April, while 67 people have been abducted  mostly women and girls  since the start of the year.There have been two reports of raids on villages in August, in which Boko Haram fighters rounded up and shot civilians, burned down homes and stole from peoples houses, shops and markets.In Cameroon, Boko Haram have killed at least 158 civilians since April  four times more than in the preceding five months. The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30  more than one per week  carried out since the beginning of April.The deadliest attack took place in Waza on July 12, when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.The town of Kolofata, in the Mayo-Sava district, has been especially targeted with nine attacks since April. Mora, the second largest urban centre in the Far North region, has also been hit three times.The displacement of Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria to the Mandara Mountains in Cameroon, following operations conducted by the Nigerian military, may explain some of the increase in attacks in Cameroon.Across the Lake Chad region, millions of civilians are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance as a result of Boko Haram violence.A total of 2.3 million people have been displaced across the region. This includes 1.6 million internally displaced people and refugees in Nigeria and 303,000 in Cameroon. Another 374,000 are displaced in Chad and Niger.More than seven million people across the region face serious food shortages, including five million in Nigeria and 1.5 million in Cameroon. There are 515,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, more than 85 per cent of them in Nigeria.The recent increase in insecurity has made humanitarian operations difficult, or even impossible, in some inaccessible areas of northeast Nigeria.Governments across the Lake Chad region must increase their efforts to protect the hundreds of thousands of civilians at grave risk of being targeted by Boko Haram violence, abductions and abuses, said Alioune Tine.Meanwhile, the international community should also rapidly scale up its commitment to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the millions in the region who need it.Amnesty International has been documenting human rights abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram since 2010.Amnesty International has compiled and analysed media reports of Boko Haram attacks and casualties, which demonstrate a sharp increase in activity since April 2017 compared to previous months and comparable periods in 2016. The real numbers are likely to be higher, with some deaths unreported.In 2017 Boko Haram has also killed civilians during at least 10 attacks in the Diffa region of Niger.All parties to the conflict, including Boko Haram, are bound by the rules of international humanitarian law, which explicitly prohibits any direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects.
Banking sector credit to the private sector increased year-on-year to N22.172 trillion at the end of July 2017, compared with the N21.978 trillion it stood at the end of June 2017.

This was revealed by data gathered from the Central Bank of Nigerias (CBN) money and credit statistics for July 2017, obtained from its website.

Also, broad money (M2), which generally is made up of demand deposits at commercial banks and monies held in easily accessible accounts climbed year-on-year to N22.200 trillion as at July, from N21.674 trillion at the end of June.

Similarly, narrow money (M1), which includes all physical monies such as coins and currency along with demand deposits and other assets held by the central bank edged higher year-on-year to N10.325 trillion in the review month, as against the N9.883 trillion recorded the previous month.

But currency-in-circulation dropped to N1.769 trillion at the end of July, compared with the N1.873 trillion position it was the previous month. However, while Banks Reserves increased to N3.446 trillion as at July, from N3.266 trillion, Quasi Money, which are highly liquid assets other than cash, that can be quickly converted, stood at N11.874 trillion as at the review month, from N11.790 trillion.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, last week predicted a jump in banks lending to the private sector.

Wigwe, who said this during an interview on ARISE TV was optimistic that with the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act (otherwise known as National Collateral Registry Act) and the Credit Reporting Act, there would be an expansion in banks lending to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

The Collateral Registry Act ensures that MSMEs in Nigeria can register their movable assets such as motor vehicles, equipment, and accounts receivable in the National Collateral Registry, and use same as collateral for accessing loans.

On the other hand, the Credit Reporting Act provides for credit information sharing between Credit Bureaus and lenders (such as banks), as well as other institutions that provide services on credit such as telecommunication companies and retailers.

Continuing, Wigwe, who was responding to question on what to expect from banks following the new legislations, said: I think seismic is too strong a word to use. A couple of steps have been taken that would ensure that you start to see those shifts.

First of all, the Credit Registry Act and secondly the use of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), which means that if somebody defaults on a loan, we can blacklist that person and he cannot have access to credit in the system.

The fact that I cant lend to somebody who had defaulted means that, that person has been excluded from borrowing in the system. Now, as banks are beginning to look for other ways to make money, look at even the EMTS exposure we are talking about, God knows how many millions of Nigerians you would have lent to, for you to have that amount of bad loan. But it is not even going to happen!

So, people are looking for more ingenious ways to make money and it is happening. There is increased agency banking. One thing I can tell you for sure is certain, the proportion of loans that are going to be lent to retails and SMEs is going to be a lot more in 2017 than it was in 2016.

And in 2018, it would be a lot more. If you take my bank, for instance, our traditional arrangement was we were a wholesale bank, but we are now a large diversified bank and we have invested significantly this year as far as expanding our channels and the retail network is concerned, Wigwe explained.


Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, says Nigerias exit from economic recession shows that President Muhammadu Buhari is working hard for the prosperity of Nigerians.Adesina was quoted as saying this while addressing a solidarity rally organised by the Centre for Civil Society and Justice, according to a statement by the Deputy Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.The Presidents spokesman said Nigeria entered into recession due to the mistakes of the past but added that Buhari battled to restore the nations glory.He said, You have chosen a very auspicious day for this solidarity rally. Earlier today, we were told that Nigeria had officially exited recession. That shows that we have a government that is working for us. We have a government that is interested in our welfare. We have a government that is interested in our well-being.Recession came due to some mistakes of the past and in just about a year, the government battled it and today we are officially out of recession and we give all glory to God.Adesina told the crowd that he would relay their message of support and solidarity on the unity of Nigeria to the President.He said, You know the President swore to uphold the constitution and the constitution recognises Nigeria as one indissoluble entity.The President has sworn to keep the unity of the country and whatever it takes; he will keep to that pledge.The Presidents aide advised those beating the drums of separation to keep their peace, adding that the present government is resolute to preserve the unity, cohesion and togetherness of Nigeria.Earlier in his remarks, the convener of the rally, Goodluck Obi, said the group wholeheartedly supports President Buharis uncommon resolve to fix a nation plundered and pillaged by irresponsible leadership in the past at various levels of government.Obi called on the National Assembly and the Judiciary to support the executive arm of government in the war against corruption, insurgency and economic recovery programmes.He added, We want to sound a note of warning to both organs of government, that we the Nigerian people would no longer allow our collective destiny to be toyed with like a game.We are more than ever ready to mobilise the people to do the needful within the ambit of the law. Enough is enough.
Former President Goodluck Jonathans Public Relations adviser, Bell Pottinger, has been blacklisted by Public Relations and Communications ...

Former President Goodluck Jonathans Public Relations adviser, Bell Pottinger, has been blacklisted by Public Relations and Communications Association in South Africa.

The firm was accused of breaching professional charter clause 1.1;





PRCA Professional Charter clause 4; PRCA Public Affairs and Lobbying Code of Conduct clause 12; PRCA Public Affairs and Lobbying Code of Conduct clause 13.





The company worked for Jonathan in 2014 in preparation for the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria.





A statement by PRCA on Tuesday said the role played by the PR firm in the construction of the Gupta familys propaganda empire consisted of multi-national fake news scheme to hide the familys growing enrichment at the expense of South African citizens and taxpayers.





The Association announced that it has imposed its most serious sanctions on Bell Pottinger following the industry regulators investigation into Bell Pottingers work for Oakbay Capital in South Africa.





The investigation followed a complaint from the Democratic Alliance and Bell Pottingers membership has been terminated with immediate effect.





The firm will not be eligible to reapply for corporate membership of the PRCA for a minimum period of five years.





Francis Ingham Director General of PRCA said: Bell Pottinger has brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with its actions and it has received the harshest possible sanctions.





The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agencys behaviour.





This outcome reflects the huge importance that the PRCA places on the protection of ethical standards in the business of PR and communications.
Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecutions, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has claimed that lawyers from Kenya are far better ...

Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecutions, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has claimed that lawyers from Kenya are far better than their Nigerian counterparts.

He said the Nigerian judiciary system was so weak that a case he filed at the Supreme Court 10 years ago was yet to be assigned a date for hearing due to corruption and inefficiency.





He said lawyers and litigants pay through their noses to have cases assigned or court papers served.





The judiciary, he said, was averse to reform and should learn from the Kenyan example where every stakeholder worked towards an efficient justice system.

Obono-Obla, in a statement, said: Why is the judicial system in Nigeria adverse to change? Look at Kenya and how it has reformed its own system!

See how effective and efficient the judiciary in Kenya! See how audacious, bold, courageous and fearless Judges in Kenya are!

See how an election petition was heard within dispatch just three weeks after it was filed! See how lawyers work together with the bench to deliver a landmark judgment.

In Nigeria lawyers would devise all manners of legal manoeuvrings steeped in crass legal technicalities to frustrate justice! The judgment would be leaked several weeks before delivery!

According to him, the appellate courts were chaotic and had refused to adopt technology despite increased funding.

Before I was given an appointment while in law practice, I have appeals I have filed in the Court of Appeal for the past six years but till now have not been heard! I also have several appeals I filed in the Supreme Court since 2007 till now no date have been given for hearing of these appeals!

To obtain a court ruling you must pay through your nose; to obtain a certified true copy of judgment you must pay through nose; to cause a court bailiff to serve a court process you must pay through your nose!

To get a case to be assigned after filing you must pay through your nose! Even in the Supreme Court to get an appeal to be assigned for hearing you must pay through your nose!

The registries in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court respectively are a study in chaos, disorderliness and confusion! They have refused to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to organize their registry in line with international best practices, he said.

Obono-Obla said judges hate progressive lawyers who do not parley with them to institutionalise corruption.

The judicial system is just not working! Looking at how judges are frustrating trial of corrupt politicians despite the provisions of Administrations of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA.) Section 396 (3) says matters must be heard day to day but Judges are not enforcing it.

This government increased the budgetary allocation of the judiciary for the first time in 50 years, yet no reciprocation on the part of judges to reform the system! They are not interested! Otherwise why would the judiciary allow it registry system to still remain the way it was one hundred years ago?

Why is it not possible to get a ruling or judgment as soon is delivered? Why cant we use ICT in filing of court processes? Why are appeals delaying in the Court of Appeal? The Court of Appeal is just a court of review; no evidence is adduced at that stage, so what is responsible for the delay? Obono-Obla said.

He also faulted the process of judges appointment, saying it was not based on merit.

The appointment of judges is a lesson or study in corruption and nepotism! To be eligible to be appointed a judge you must be well connected; you must be a crony or lackey of a senior judicial officer or a relative or son or daughter of a senior judicial officer!

You must be seen to be a plaint or conformist or Yes man! You must be ready to hobnob or kowtow to influential senior lawyers!

No wonder the recent survey carried out by the UNODC and National Bureau on Statistics named the judiciary and the Police as the most corrupt public institutions in Nigeria, he said.
The Bishop of Calabar Diocese of Anglican Communion, Bishop Tunde Adeleye, has said that Nigeria was heading towards irredeemable disaster ...

The Bishop of Calabar Diocese of Anglican Communion, Bishop Tunde Adeleye, has said that Nigeria was heading towards irredeemable disaster if restructuring is denied.





Addressing a press conference in Calabar, the Clergy said, unless there is restructuring, I fear and dare to say that we will crash. I am not prophesying any doom but at the rate we are going, restructuring is the only viable way out.





He said, a situation where people are being oppressed; where those who make the money are being suppressed and not allowed to have a say on the money they make; at this rate, when the centre is heavily loaded with money and the States and the local government are crying for funds, going to Abuja with cap in hands begging, those things will crush us unless we restructure.





I believe in true federalism as a system of government which allows the people at the State and local government levels to take of certain decisions by themselves and for themselves. A situation in which Abuja dictates education, dictates health, dictates the police amongst other things will result in a crash.





On agitations by IPOB leaders and some Niger Delta Youths, the clergy said, I do not believe in secession. We are better and stronger if we come closely apart. By this I mean Nigeria should come together, loose in the centre and stronger in states. We should be closely apart bearing in mind our cultural differences, religious differences, ethnic differences and other critical and notable differences.





The Minister believed that restructuring could address issues of incessant agitations and stop activities of militants and herdsmen, who, he said, bestride farmers farmlands, destroying crops and killing the farmers at any slightest provocation.





He lamented that the older generation of Nigerian leaders have failed the nation, saying, it is the older generation which have ruined the country; they have destroyed the destiny and future of this country through corruption. The old brigade is not the ones to save this country, it is the youths.





Nigerians youths should forgive the old brigade for being the problem of this nation, but the youths should get themselves prepared and positioned. They must make sure they do not learn or copy anything from the old because there is absolutely nothing to learn from them. Youths must avoid the mistakes of yesterdays men, he appealed.






The Nigeria Farmers Group and Cooperative Society, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to set a time line to ban the importation of maize into the country.The groups National Coordinator, Mr Redson Tedheke, said in Abuja that the suspension of the import would protect local farmers and encourage massive production of the commodity.According to him, unchecked importation of maize remains a major threat to local production and President Muhammadu Buharis agricultural revolution drive.He said local farmers must be protected to invest more so that Nigeria would become self-sufficient in maize production.The Federal Government must set an immediate time scale to ensure that maize is not imported within months, like was done with rice.You cannot tell people to go to farm and then allow massive importation of the same thing they are conveniently producing.We feel that is insincerity of purpose, and we are telling government that if you allow continuous importation of maize, you are actually working against those you urge to go to the farm.The Nigeria farmers group, have 2,000 hectares of maize farm across the nation, and it is still cultivating more, he said.Tedheke noted that some Agro-business firms operating in Nigeria were importing large quantities of maize at relatively low landing cost.He also said that although maize was not currently on Nigerias import prohibition list, there was need to check excessive importation to protect local producers in their quest to grow the economy from within.If the Federal Government does not act fast, the localisation of maize production will be lost to importers who may kill local producers, jobs and the economy.The current price of locally produced maize is between N130, 000 and N250, 000 per tonne.Tedheke claimed that a company had shipped in huge vessels of maize from abroad to be sold at about N40, 000 per tonne.If this trend is allowed to continue, it will spell doom for farmers who have battled lack of funding, support and the war with Army worms in maize farming.He noted that the cost of imported maize was relatively low because the government of those countries from where they were imported provided necessary support to their farmers.The coordinator said if the group is properly supported, it has the capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes of maize quarterly.The India government, for example, subsidised agriculture by providing tractors, seedlings, funding and other relevant support and that largely reduced the cost of production for its farmers.If the Nigerian government does not want the price of locally produced maize to go beyond a certain level, let it subsidise its production in the best interest of our economy.The group is a rural community-based farming initiative with farms spread across Nigeria and its mission is `farm to feed Nigeria and create job in the process.
Dr. Solomon N. Yusuf, one of the four University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) lecturers abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Magume...

Dr. Solomon N. Yusuf, one of the four University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) lecturers abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Magumeri, Borno State, has lamented the failure of Federal Government to free them from captivity.

Dr. Yusuf and his colleagues were abducted on 25 July while obtaining soil samples for hydrocarbon exploration around the Chad Basin. The exploration was being coordinated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).





The lecturer's lamentation was contained in a letter from captivity to his wife, Hannatu.





In the letter, dated 4 September and obtained by SaharaReporters, Dr. Yusuf reminded the government that he and his colleagues were abducted while on a national assignment, not on a sightseeing trip. He pleaded with the government to meet the demands of the abductors under the control of Abu Mus'ab Albarnawi, warning that delay in doing so poses a huge risk to their lives.

"I want to emphasize that delay in getting our freedom poses risk to our dear lives. We never expected we would spend over 42 days (as at 4 September) in captivity because the project has presidential orders to explore hydrocarbon in the Chad Basin," Dr. Yusuf wrote.





He recalled that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, while functioning as Acting President, made a promise during the commissioning of a rice mill in Kebbi State that the government would do everything to secure their freedom within the shortest possible time.





"The government should please continue negotiating with the present contact given to them by the University of Maiduguri as a means of contacting soldiers of Khalifa under the leadership of Abu Mus'ab Albarnawi. We plead with the government to treat our freedom with all sense of urgency and sympathy so that that we can be reunited with our families. The use of force is a serious threat to our lives," he pleaded.





The lecturer, who thanked the local and international media for focusing on his abduction and that of his colleagues, told his wife that he and his colleagues, Messrs Yusuf Ibrahim and Haruna Dashe are alive, well and hoping to return home. Dr. Yusuf inquired about his children Suzy, Bryan and a newborn apparently delivered after his abduction. He directed the wife to, in his absence, have the newborn named by his father, Mr. Nehemiah Yusuf. He also told his wife to extend greetings from Messrs. Yusuf and Dashe to their wives and children.





Dr. Yusuf called on members of the abductees' families to weigh in with pressure on the authorities of University of Maiduguri and the Federal Government for their freedom.





He used the letter to complain that Professors Saidu Baba and Adamu Dziuama, coordinators of the exploration of behalf of the NNPC, that he and his colleagues have been in captivity for long. Dr. Yusuf said he expected the government to have freed them by now, given that over 70 lives have been lost in the abduction saga.





Dr. Yusuf thanked the national and University of Maiduguri chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for calling for their release, especially for including their matter as one of the reasons for the ongoing national strike by members of the union.





Read letter below:




Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari and the Director-General of the Departme...

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, should be arrested and detained for disobeying court orders.

Nnamdi Kanu advised those calling for his arrest to direct their anger towards Buhari.





President Buhari was the one who broke the laws; he disobeyed the direct court order to release me unconditionally, not once, but twice, he told The Sun.





Honourable Shuaibu of Wuse magistrate court granted me bail, Buhari did not release me. Justice Ademola granted me unconditional bail, Buhari and his cousin, Lawal Daura, refused to honour that court order.





They are the ones who should be detained for flagrant disobedience to court orders. I want the northern Arewa irredentists to call for the arrest of Buhari and Daura for flouting court order after court order asking for my release.





It smacks of hypocrisy and absolute cowardice that people who could not rise up in defence of the law when a court made a judicial pronouncement are now clamouring for my arrest because they believe it is easy to do so.





Before now, Nnamdi Kanu is Igbo, he is a Biafran and can be arrested and nothing will happen but that would not be anymore, it would no longer happen, he said.





Nigerian government has approached a court in Abuja to seek the revocation of Kanus bail on the grounds that he had violated the conditions under which he was released.
NEWARK -- City police say an ongoing operation to stem the city's drug trade resulted in 49 arrests and the seizure of thousands of dollars worth of drugs.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said the weeklong sweep, prompted by citizen complaints over drug sales in their neighborhoods, turned up of 392 decks of heroin, 129 vials of cocaine, 23 plastic bags of marijuana and 16 pills.

He said the drugs had an estimated street value of $5,600 and authorities also confiscated $5,239.14 in "proceeds from drug sales."

The majority of the arrests were for outstanding warrants, according to a statement from the Newark Police Department detailing the results of the weeklong drug sweep. Five were arrested on new drug charges.

They include 55-year-old Robert Bryant, who was allegedly drinking in public and dropped a packet of heroin from his pocket when officers approached and asked him for identification.

The following day, police pulled over 24-year-old Marcus E. Kelly for using his cell phone while driving and allegedly saw him attempt to hide 111 glassine envelopes of heroin. He was charged with possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute, authorities said.

On Sunday, Tony Carr, 55, and Ahmed A. Jones, 20, were allegedly "seen selling narcotics in the area of South Orange and Fairmount avenues," on Sunday, according to the statement.

Carr was charged with heroin possession and ones was charged with possession within a school zone and with intent to distribute.

That same day, city police charged Teddy G. Rodriguez with assaulting a police officer after he allegedly attacked one of them following a traffic stop. He was arrested on charges including drug possession, aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Survivors of Hurricane Ian face a long emotional road to recover from one of the most damaging storms to hit the U.S. mainland. For those who lost everything to disaster, the anguish can be crushing to return home to find so much gone. Grief can run the gamut from frequent tears to utter despair. The Lee County medical examiner says two men in their 70s even took their own lives a day apart after viewing their losses. Experts say suicides climb after disasters and more funding for mental health should be provided as climate change makes storms and fires more frequent and devastating.
The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts.
The study looks at two smaller-scale projects that are in some ways predecessors to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the $2 billion plan to slow land loss erasing Louisiana's coast. Construction on that project could begin as early as next year, while a similar one on the opposite side of the river known as the Mid-Breton Diversion could follow.
Roosters forward Zane Tetevano has had his reckless high tackle charge downgraded and will miss one match through suspension.

Tetevano pleaded guilty to a high tackle on Titans forward Ben Nakubuwai, but successful argued for the charge to be downgraded to a careless high tackle.

The charge holds 150 points, which will see him miss one NRL match and take 50 carry-over points.

Tetevano will now be available for selection after this weekend's match against the Brisbane Broncos.

Meanwhile Manly forward Darcy Lussick was found not guilty of tripping at the NRL judiciary and is free to play against Penrith this weekend.

Elsewhere the Gold Coast's Keegan Hipgrave will serves a one-match ban next season after he pleaded guilty to a grade one shoulder charge.
Trailing the Titans by 10 points midway through the second half on Saturday afternoon, it suddenly dawned on Roosters players just how important the next 20 minutes would be.



Match Draw Widget

[2017] Telstra Premiership - Finals Week 1: Roosters vs Broncos

Continue to fumble and bumble their way through sets and they would face a trip to Suncorp Stadium in Week One of the finals; execute properly and they would instead host Wayne Bennett's men at Allianz Stadium.

Thankfully for Trent Robinson's troops it was the second scenario that played out with Michael Gordon and Boyd Cordner crossing late while the former also slotted a couple of clutch conversions to secure second spot on the ladder.

"There was a bit of chat out there that we should pull our heads in because we didn't want to go to Brisbane," Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce revealed.

"Either way we would have been confident and ready to go but a home semi is more ideal. We always enjoy the contests against the Broncos because they're always tough games so we're looking forward to the test on Friday."

The Moore Park precinct has been a happy hunting ground for the Roosters who have won eight matches in a row there in 2017 while they've also won four straight against the Broncos at the venue over the years.

According to co-captain Jake Friend, being able to stick to the routine that has served them so well this season will be a key factor heading into Friday's qualifying final.

"We love playing here," Friend said.

"It's great to be able to stick to your routine here and the boys can just be at home and that sort of stuff [throughout the week]. We worked hard to get second position and now we've got to do our bit because I'm sure Brisbane will come down and try to ambush us down here.

"For teams travelling, you'll use that as [motivation] to say 'let's get them at their home ground'. The good thing is, we're in our office and our training facilities and the boys get to seep in their own beds and that sort of stuff."

Friend knows the importance of Friday night's blockbuster with the winner set to earn a week off and home ground advantage for the preliminary final.

A break at this stage of the year is crucial for battle-weary teams while the loser faces a long road to the grand final; something the Roosters found out the hard way in 2014 and 2015 when they were bundled out in the preliminary final away from home having been humbled as minor premiers in week one of the post-season.

"It's shown in previous years that it is a big game and it is an advantage to have the week off," Friend said.

"The intensity of finals to play three games to make the grand final is a big task so our goal will be to win on Friday to get the week off and freshen up."

One of those losses was to the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in 2015 when Darius Boyd scored inside the opening minute as Brisbane ambushed the minor premiers en route to the grand final.

They were equally ferocious when they met in Queensland earlier in the year and Roosters fullback Michael Gordon appreciates just how valuable home ground advantage will be on Friday night.

"If you're playing up in Brisbane in front of 50,000, it's a lot scarier than playing them down here," he said. "Obviously it's going to be a hard game, but playing them in Sydney is definitely better for us."



Tetevano, Lussick headed for judiciary

Sharpshooter Gordon credits Taylor


Unions don't have the numbers they used to but remain central to Northwest Indiana, where almost all the major industrial employers are unionized.

Union workers make steel, assemble car parts, construct buildings, keep the riverboats running and more. About 10 percent of Indiana residents belong to a union, but that number is much higher in Northwest Indiana, said Micah Pollak, assistant professor of economics at Indiana University Northwest in Gary.

"Unionization rates in Indiana have typically been similar to those nationwide, while here in Northwest Indiana the degree of unionization has been much greater," Pollak said. In 2016, 10.4 percent of workers in Indiana were members of a union and 11.4 percent were covered by a collective bargaining agreement, which is very similar to the national average. However, In Northwest Indiana these numbers are significantly higher with as much as 15-20 percent of workers covered by collective bargaining agreements today."

Historically, unions helped lift many factory workers throughout Northwest Indiana into comfortable middle class lifestyles, but times have been changing, Pollak said.

"In the early 1900s, unions spread as a means to strengthen the power of workers as a response to the growing power of employers and corporations. Unions serve to combine the relatively limited power of individual workers into something greater in order to protect, preserve and further their rights," he said. "In recent decades, with the decline in manufacturing employment, stagnant household incomes and a shrinking middle class, unions are increasingly important for maintaining the balance of power between employees and employers in the labor market."

Nearly a fourth of the workforce was employed in manufacturing  one of the most unionized sectors  in 1960, but that's down to just 8 percent today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. has lost an estimated 5 million factory jobs since 2000.

But Northwest Indiana hasn't suffered as rapid a deindustrialization as places like Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, which Pollak said local unions are partly responsible for.

"Here in Northwest Indiana, unions are responsible for slowing the decline in employment and wages in metal and manufacturing industries as well as playing an important role in safety training," he said. "Without unions, there would be less employment, lower wages and more workplace injuries here in Northwest Indiana."

But union ranks have still been in decline because of fundamental shifts in the workforce, retired steelworker and labor historian Mike Olszanski said.

"The State of Indiana has gone from nearly 41 percent union membership in 1964, to less than 11 percent today  in large part due to the elimination of jobs in basic manufacturing especially in basic steel. In Northwest Indiana, it has been the enormous increases in productivity, resulting in enormous job loss in steel, that is largely responsible for the decline in union membership. In the Region, workers are not choosing to work non-union  they have been laid off from union shops in large numbers."
Pratt Industries Chairman and founder Anthony Pratt has been named one of the most influential people internationally in the world of pulp, paper and packaging.

RISI, a leading information provider for the global forest products industry, named Pratt to its Top 50 Power List 2017 in the most recent issue of its Tappi Paper360 magazine.

The Australian billionaire is Valparaiso's largest private-sector employer, according to the mayor's office. Pratt Industries employs about 500 workers at a recycled paper mill on Ind. 49 and a neighboring recycled corrugated box factory next door that makes boxes for Home Depot, Amazon, Nestle, 3M, Unilever and other companies.

"During the past couple of decades, the Australian billionaire has spent about $2.5 billion building Pratt Industries into the sixth largest US containerboard producer, with four recycled containerboard mills and more than 60 box plants generating $3 billion in sales," RISI said in the award entry. "The Midwest has been a major area of recent investment, but recent speculation has been on Pratt Industries future expansion plans in the West, where the company bought Robert Mann Packaging. Pratt has talked of plans to build a $1 billion corrugated box business in California and possibly add a mill on the West Coast. More recently, he mentioned plans to build a high-tech, robotic box plant in California for more than $70 million."

Pratt ranked 6th out of industry executives worldwide, up from 23rd last year because of the company's growth. He also has been honored as RISI's North American Packaging CEO of the Year.

His Valparaiso factory makes 76 million lineal feet of recycled paper every month, enough to be stretched entirely around the the United States.
A gathering in South Bend last week of local, state and federal officials to discuss the South Shore Line's major infrastructure projects came just as important decision-making is shifting to the nation's capital, where in the coming months technical details of the projects will be reviewed by the Federal Transit Administration and work on a 2018 federal budget will continue in Congress.

The FTA's work will decide whether to advance the West Lake Corridor and Double Track NWI projects to the engineering phase of the Capital Investment Grants program, which would fund half the projects' construction costs. Friday marks the final day plans can be submitted to have a chance at being in the fiscal 2019 budget.

Meanwhile, Congress returns to work Tuesday with only four weeks until the end of the federal fiscal year. While money from the budget Congress is working on now wouldn't fund South Shore projects, continuation of the grant programs is at stake.

The Trump administration's 2018 budget proposal, issued in early summer, included $1.2 billion for the CIG program  essentially just enough to pay for projects the federal government has already agreed to fund, with the intention of phasing the program out as projects are completed.

In the House

Congress and the president will need to agree on stopgap funding in September in order to avoid a government shutdown.

"The year starts on Oct. 1," U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, said. "It's clear Congress will not have completed its work."

But committee work was done during the summer. The House Appropriations Committee's transportation bill, approved in July, allocates over $1.7 billion to the CIG program. That includes money to fund ongoing projects, as called for in the Trump budget, and some new money allocated to specific project types.

The bill does not allocate substantial new money for the New Starts and Core Capacity grants West Lake and Double Track would depend on, though the committee report issued with the bill instructs the Department of Transportation to continue the programs and to continue advancing projects through the grant process.

In the Senate

The Senate Appropriations Committee was more friendly to program supporters. Its bill largely maintained the CIG program as it is.

The committee has issued a bill providing about $2.1 billion in funding, including funding for projects underway and money for New Starts and Core Capacity projects advancing to the funding stage during the upcoming fiscal year.

In similar language as the House committee's report, the Senate committee wrote that it: "directs the Secretary (of Transportation) to continue to advance eligible projects into project development and engineering in the capital investment grant evaluation, rating and approval process ... in all cases when projects meet the statutory criteria."

Both of Indiana's U.S. senators, Republican Todd Young and Democrat Joe Donnelly, support the South Shore's projects and federal funding for them.

Young called the South Shore projects "a natural fit" for the grant programs.

Visclosky said the programs retain strong bipartisan support in Congress.

"I would point out that despite the fact that the administration asked for a cut in funding ... the house committee recommended a bill to the full house that would increase the administration request by $500 million," Visclosky said. And, he added, "the Senate committee has recommended and reported its bill to the full Senate, and asked for an increase of $900 million."
Steely Dan co-founder, guitarist and bassist Walter Becker died Sunday at the age of 67, leaving an extensive catalog of memorable hits. Here are a few of the band's most notable songs to remember him with.

"Deacon Blues," from the 1977 album "Aja."

The classic midlife crisis song about a man in the suburbs with dreams of being a jazz saxophonist, Donald Fagen and Becker wrote the song in Malibu, California. It became a hit single in early 1978.

"The protagonist in "Deacon Blues" is a triple-L loser_an L-L-L Loser. It's not so much about a guy who achieves his dream but about a broken dream of a broken man living a broken life," Becker said in a Wall Street Journal interview in 2015. "Deacon Blues" was special for me. It's the only time I remember mixing a record all day and, when the mix was done, feeling like I wanted to hear it over and over again. It was the comprehensive sound of the thing: the song itself, its character, the way the instruments sounded and the way Tom Scott's tight horn arrangement fit in."

"Rikki Don't Lose that Number," from the 1974 album "Pretzel Logic."

Probably one of Steely Dan's more straightforward songs, and definitely their biggest commercial hit  the song hit No. 4 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1974  fans apparently still thought "send it off in a letter to yourself" was a coded reference to drugs.

"FM (No Static At All)," from 1978.

Fagen and Becker wrote this song for the 1978 film "FM" from "Chinatown" cinematographer John A. Alonzo.

"There was a film called FM and we were asked to do the title song," Fagen told "American Songwriter" in 2013. "And I said, 'Does it have to have any specific words?' And they said, 'No, it just has to be about FM radio.' It took a day or two to write."

"Aja," from the 1977 album "Aja."

Apparently named after a Korean woman, Rolling Stone critic Michael Duffy wrote in 1977 that the title song, "Shows real growth in Becker's and Fagen's songwriting capabilities and departs from their previous work. It is the longest song they've recorded, but it fragilely holds our attention with vaguely Oriental instrumental flourishes and lyric references interwoven with an opiated jazz flux."

"Hey Nineteen," from the 1980 album "Gaucho."

A mellow, jazz-rock skewering of quickly aging baby boomers and the younger generation, who, the song's narrator bemoans, doesn't know who Aretha Franklin is. "It's hard times befallen the Soul Survivors," Fagen sings.

In 1993, when Steely Dan got back together for a reunion tour after their 1981 breakup, Los Angeles Times writer Chris Willman wrote that at that point, the generation gap was, "Obvious enough that you could update the lyrics of the group's 1980 Top 10 hit, a tune about dating a girl too young to be familiar with Aretha Franklin, to apply to Steely Dan itself: Hey nineteen, that's Donald Fagen / She don't remember the Kings of Scorn."
GARY  Police said Tuesday they continue to search for one of three people wounded in separate shootings during the holiday weekend.

The missing victim knocked on an apartment door about 10:20 p.m. Monday in the 1100 block of West Fifth Avenue and asked a resident for help, Lt. Dawn Westerfield said.

The resident let the man inside, but a second man arrived and purportedly took the wounded man away to seek medical help, she said.

Police found evidence indicating a person had been wounded, Westerfield said. However, police received no notifications from local hospitals regarding anyone associated with the shooting.

Police also issued a "be on the lookout" alert to other departments, but the gunshot victim has not been located, Westerfield said.

On Sunday, police were called about noon to the 500 block of Buchanan Street for a report of a gunshot victim but could not locate him.

About 30 minutes later, an 18-year-old Munster man wounded in the shooting showed up a local hospital to seek treatment, police said. He was shot in the hand.

On Saturday, a 23-year-old Gary man with a gunshot wound to the chest was found lying outside a local hospital, Westerfield said. The man may have been trying to enter the hospital's front doors, which are locked after hours, she said.

Detective Sgt. Daniel Callahan, who was working security at the hospital, noticed the man after someone in a car stopped to assist, police said. Callahan got the man into his car and transported him to the emergency entrance, police said.

Detective Sgt. Gregory Wolf is investigating the shootings Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone with information can reach detectives at 218-881-1210. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
LOWELL  At the sound of the first siren, waving ensued.

An enormous crowd of people continued the cordial gesture for the next three hours as Lowell's 98th Labor Day parade made its way down Commercial Avenue.

By the end of the event, arms might have been a little tired but spectators walked away happy.

Kids were certainly cheerful as they left with mounds of treats that were passed out from the parade participants.

I got 20 pounds of candy and then some, Nevaeh Fritts, of DeMotte, shouted after the event.

Her mother, Crystal Fritts, said she also enjoyed herself, and her favorite moment came when she heard the Lowell High School Marching Red Devils.

Crystal Fritts said Monday was the first time in a long time she watched the Labor Day parade, and she was happy her family attended it.

This was great, she said.

As much as she enjoyed watching the Lowell High School band, members of the Marching Red Devils also had a great time during the event.

Ava Lowe, a freshman in the high school color guard, has marched twice in the parade. Lowe said the procession starts off easy, but it can get a little tiring.

I bear through it, she said.

Although slightly fatigued, it didn't take away from the fun of participating in the parade, Lowe said.

In addition to the Marching Red Devils, there were more than 100 other entries, ensuring the event had something for everyone.

The Mi Ranchito dancing horses, Pitch Black Drumline and Northwest Indiana Jeepers were among the entries attracting heavy attention.

The Jeepers, a club of Jeep vehicle owners, caught spectators' eyes as they performed a maneuver in which one Jeep would climb up the wheel of another parked Jeep.

Some took selfies in front of the Jeeps while the vehicle stayed elevated for a few seconds.

Much planning goes into organizing the annual parade, and the same applies for watching it.

Days before the event, people began claiming their spots by setting up chairs and tents along Commercial Avenue.

When Monday arrived, the spectators showed up hours before it kicked off to get ready to view it.

At the parade's conclusion, Gisela Peterson was among the people who walked away satisfied.

With a smile on her face, she said the parade attracted a great turnout and the weather was perfect.
EAST CHICAGO  Government officials said theyre working to resolve data and reporting issues that resulted in the confined disposal facility being inaccurately listed on an EPA website for some wastewater violations during the past two years.

However, community activists said data and reporting issues remain a reason for concern and threaten to erode their trust in public officials, whom they rely on to accurately inform them of the risks posed by the storage of toxic sediments from the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal at the facility at 3500 Indianapolis Blvd.

Community members for months have been fighting the Army Corps of Engineers application for a permit under the Toxic Substances Control Act to store sediments containing higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBS, than previously allowed. More than 1 million cubic yards of sediment has been removed from the harbor and canal since 2012 and stored at the confined disposal facility.

The inaccurately reported violations appear on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Enforcement and Compliance History Online website.

Activists support dredging, but have raised concerns that the current plan doesnt go far enough to adequately protect public health. Theyre also opposed to the Army Corps' current proposal to store the most heavily contaminated sediments at the confined disposal facility, which is less than a half mile from several East Chicago schools.

Trust at stake

Natalie Mills, project manager with the Army Corps, said the confined disposal facility is safe and well-operated and that the Army Corps is committed to operating the facility in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

USACE works with IDEM to ensure that the wastewater treatment plant is operating safely, Mills said. Additional details on the plant operation have been provided to IDEM, who has concurred that the wastewater treatment plant operation is satisfactory.

Thomas Frank, an East Chicago resident and environmental activist, said the community has questioned EPA about the information on its website and were told the system needs to be fixed.

We want to have confidence in those who are handling the data and the information and that what theyre reporting out is real and reflective of the situation, he said.

EPAs ECHO website continues to show the inaccurate information, he said.

We cant have confidence if the only way we can have a true reflection of the risk is in a backroom discussion, he said. It doesnt give me confidence. I want to make sure its public and their public face is telling me what risks we face.

EPA did not respond to questions about community activists' criticisms.

According to EPA, Indiana Department of Environmental Management inspectors visited the confined disposal facility in June 2016 in response to reported violations.

The violations were reported by an Army Corps contractor hired to operate a wastewater treatment plant at the site, officials said. Wastewater from the confined disposal facility flows into the Lake George Branch of the Indiana Harbor Canal, records show.

IDEM inspectors noted violations related to reported values of PCBs, hexavalent chromium and benzo(a)pyrene, a probable human carcinogen and member of a group of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, according to an IDEM violation letter.

Inspectors also found the facility was using a nonapproved method to test for pH and exceeded a maximum limit for zinc.

The facility was in significant noncompliance at that time for total suspended solids violations, EPA said.

Miscalculations, insufficient testing

There have been no total suspended solids effluent violations since April 2016," EPA said. "The only continuing effluent violations after that time are for pH violations that occurred through August 2016.

The Army Corps said "exceedances" for PCBs and hexavalent chromium resulted from incorrect calculation of monthly average values in discharge monitoring reports. A review of data showed a laboratory was not using a sufficiently sensitive analytical method to measure benzo(a)pyrene, said Mills, the project manager.

No detectable levels of PCBs or hexavalent chromium were found in the wastewater, and the Army Corps has taken steps to ensure monitoring reports and testing methods comply with its wastewater permit, Mills said.

A galvanized metal spigot cause the zinc exceedances, and algal blooms were to blame for the pH issues, according to the Army Corps' response to IDEM's violation letter.

Samuel Henderson, an attorney with the Hoosier Environmental Council, said improper testing is a serious matter.

"Even without the (Toxic Substances Control Act) permit that the Corps is now seeking, the gigantic pile of contaminated mud in the CDF poses a very substantial risk to a very vulnerable community," Henderson said. "East Chicago is already bearing heavy burdens of present and historical contamination. The fact that the Carrie Gosch school was relocated from the Superfund site to just down the block from the CDF is Exhibit A of how these burdens pile onto each other."

The Army Corps' permit application remains pending, according to IDEM and EPA.

IDEM has heard and understands the concerns raised about the inclusion of (Toxic Substances Control Act) waste in the CDF and is carefully considering all potential options, the department said.
MICHIGAN CITY  The Visiting Nurse Assocation of NWI will be hosting a new event. "Last Chance for White Pants" is a summer causal event which will feature a gourmet dinner, open bar and live music featuring The Unit. There will also be dancing and a special live and silent auction.

This fundraiser will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 30 at Blue Chip Casino. Tickets are $125 and are available online at www.vnanwi.org/latest-events or call 219-531-8078.

Proceeds from the event will support renovations and improvements at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center. Since opening in 2002, the VNA Hospice Center has provided comfort and care to more than 5,000 patients and their families.

Over the last 15 years, weve seen some wear and tear at the hospice center. And weve also seen some changes in patient and family needs, says Last Chance for White Pants Chair and VNA board member Cindy Kaariainen Tougaw. This is a great opportunity for those touched by hospice to support the VNA Hospice Center and have a great time.

For more information about the programs and services offered by the VNA of NWI or about the event, visit the VNA website at www.vnanwi.org or call 219-531-8078.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared the Obama administration's program "an unconstitutional exercise of authority" that must be revoked.

New applications will be halted for President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. in the form of two-year, renewable work permits.

"I'm here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded," Sessions announced.

But the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix  "should it choose to," Sessions said  before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, people with permits whose renewals are set to expire between now and March 5, 2018, will be able to re-apply  so long as their applications are submitted by Oct. 5, 2017, one month from Tuesday. No permits will be revoked before their existing expiration dates, and applications already in the pipeline will be processed, they said.

Trump, in a statement, said the change would be "a gradual process, not a sudden phase out."

"Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," he said. He said he did not favor punishing children for the actions of their parents. At the same time, though, "we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of law" and "young Americans have dreams, too."

His action drew swift criticism from many immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Trump's decision "a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America."

Some Republicans objected, too.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona said Trump was taking "the wrong approach," and he added: "The federal government has a responsibility to defend and secure our borders, but we must do so in a way that upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation."

Trump's announcement came the same day as a deadline set by a group of Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the Trump administration rescinded the program. Administration officials argued the program might not hold up in court  and said that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would throw the program into far more chaos than the move they chose.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president had been given a choice between the "likely sudden cancellation of the program by a judge" or "an orderly wind-down that preserved the rule of law," and made the best decision in light of those options.

Trump has spent months wrestling with what to do with DACA, which he slammed during his campaign as illegal "amnesty." Many of his closest advisers, including Sessions, policy adviser Stephen Miller, and former chief strategist Steve Bannon argue that the program is unconstitutional and have urged Trump to follow through on his campaign promise to end it.

But Trump has repeatedly expressed sympathy for the young people protected by the program.

"I think the Dreamers are terrific," Trump said last week, using a term popularized by supporters of the program, which was created in 2012 as a stopgap as the Obama administration pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress.

His approach  essentially kicking the can down the road and letting Congress deal with it is fraught with potential peril for his own party. Trump's decision to take a harder line on young immigrants unless Congress intervenes threatens to emphasize deep divisions among Republicans who have long struggled with the issue.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement he hoped the "House and Senate, with the president's leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country."

"Congress writes laws, not the president, and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches. But now there is more to do, and the president has called on Congress to act," he said.

But Congress has repeatedly tried  and failed  to come together on immigration overhaul legislation, and it remains uncertain whether the House would succeed in passing anything on the divisive topic.

Sanders, however, dismissed concerns that Congress would not be able to act and said the president was looking to sign "responsible immigration reform," not just a bill legalizing Dreamers' status.

"If they can't, then they should get out of the way and let somebody else take their job that can actually get something done," she said.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio appealed to the White House for more clarity about what Trump is willing to sign.

"Congress now has less than six months to deal with this the right way, through the legislative process," he said, adding: "We have no time to waste on ideas that do not have the votes to pass or that the president won't sign."

Trump's expected move has sparked protests, phone banks, letter-writing campaigns and other efforts across the country urging him not to act.

Mario H. Lopez, the president of the conservative Hispanic Leadership Fund, said that while he disagreed with the way Obama went about DACA, he worried that six months wasn't enough to come up with a better plan.

"It just doesn't seem like there's a great window to get this done, and we're concerned that the president didn't really commit to any kind of Dream Act," he said. "He just sort of dropped it in Congress' lap."

___

Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Erica Werner contributed to this report.

Indiana Democratic Party makes statement

In response to the Trump administration's annoucement on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) today, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody issued the following statement.

Today, the Trump administration turned its back on hard-working immigrant families and students who only know this country as their home. In Indiana, nearly 9,000 DACA beneficiaries contribute more than $500 million in economic activity to the Hoosier economy. They are small business owners, entrepreneurs and they are vitally important to our states economic engine. We know there is much work to be done to fix our broken immigration system. Subtracting half a billion dollars in GDP from the states economy wont help in that aim, nor will building walls instead of bridges. We urge Congress to work together to find a bipartisan solution.

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane makes statement

Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) issued the following statement after the Trump administrations announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be rescinded in six months if Congress does not act to improve it.

I would like to first express my extreme disappointment in the presidents decision to end such a popular and beneficial program that protects young undocumented immigrants who have grown up, lived, worked and studied in our communities since childhood.

Once again, this president has yielded to political pressures that have led him down a path of poor policymaking.

The DACA program is a policy that is prudent and compassionate, and one that has provided these young immigrants with opportunities to remain productive members of our communities.

President Obama signed an executive order approving DACA due to Congress inaction on the issue. Now President Trump expects Congress to pass legislation establishing a new policy in just six months. I just dont see that happening.

Here in Indiana, we have been working across the aisle to study and establish solutions that will improve educational opportunities for Dreamers. If there are impending federal changes to the DACA program, much of the work we have done on the state level may be at risk.

For now, I urge the Indiana Congressional delegation to set politics aside and work together on a legislative proposal that provides the same compassionate and practical solutions as the DACA program.

Rep. Pete Visclosky makes statement

Representative Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) issued the following statement after the Trump administrations announcement:

"It is deeply unfortunate that the administrations action will create uncertainty and fear for those enrolled in the DACA program who are innocent of the actions that brought them to the United States and who have obeyed our laws. The status of these participants should be dealt with as part of a comprehensive plan and not in the manner announced today. I have long supported a comprehensive immigration solution that would aim to improve national security by strengthening border protections, limit wage competition by holding employers who hire undocumented workers accountable, and promote public safety by bringing those immigrants already contributing to our communities out of the shadows through an earned path to citizenship. Should anyone in Northwest Indiana require information or assistance with regard to his or her pending application, I would encourage you to contact my Merrillville office."

Indiana University makes statement

Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie has issued a statement about the Trump administration's announcement today that it will terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects eligible young immigrants from deportation.

Sen. Todd Young's statement:

I continue to believe we must secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system. Irrespective of todays announcement, that requires a bipartisan solution in Congress that reforms our legal immigration system, prevents illegal immigration, and addresses the question of what to do with undocumented men, women and children already here."
Security was beefed up at this year's J'Ouvert festival after some deadly violence in recent years. NY1's Amanda Farinacci has that story.

With the sounds of the Caribbean in the distance, the incessant beeping of metal detectors could be heard at one of more than a dozen security checkpoints Monday at the annual J'Ouvert celebration.

"Unfortunately, it has to be like that, but if that's what it going to take to make it safe, I have no problem with it," one attendee said.

Last year, two people were killed during the pre-dawn party, and in 2015, Carey Gabay, an aide for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was gunned down.

In an effort to stem the violence that's plagued the event for the last two years, the city pushed back its start time from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., hoping daylight would help keep people safe.

"J'Ouvert is really at 2 in the morning, not at no 6 in the morning," one woman said. "It's supposed to finish at 11 so everybody from J'Ouvert goes straight into the parade. And then the parade's going to finish at 4. I don't like it."

"You keeping the guns out, and the killing, is good, but, you know, you're spoiling people's fun," one man said during the festival. "This is not how Caribbean people enjoy themselves."

J'Ouvert means daybreak, and it's the kickoff to the West Indian American Day Carnival. Both events are a nod to the original celebrations that began in Trinidad in the mid-1800s when enslaved people were emancipated.

"Oh my God, it's so much less, it's not fun anymore, when we are blocked off in every different direction and the time has been cut in half, so where's the fun in that?" one attendee said.

Police officers patted down everyone who passed through security.

Weapons and alcohol were banned, and so were large bags and backpacks. Some people were briefly turned away or forced to dump out bottles before entering.

Store owners along the parade route seemed to appreciate the increased security and the officers that seemed to be everywhere:

"This is year is much better than any other year," one man said. "There's no robbery, there's no drunk, mostly."
#BLACKPINK BLACKPINK, Seventeen win two prizes each at MTV EMA 2022 South Korean idol groups BLACKPINK and Seventeen have received two awards each at this year's MTV Europe Music Awards, their agencies said Monday. Girl group BLACKPINK was named...
A trio of NGOs has run to the High court seeking for permanent injunction to prohibit the razing down of the National Theatre to pave way for the construction of commercial twin towers.



Yesterday, Historic Resources Conservation Initiative (HRCI), National Book Trust of Uganda (NABOTU) and Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) through Rwakafuuzi & Co. Advocates jointly filed a civil suit in the High court against the trustees of the National Theatre and the Attorney General.

National Theatre

The plaintiffs allege that the management of the National Theatre wrote to the ministry of Gender, Labour and Culture indicating a proposal to construct an ultra modern twin tower of 28 and 36 storeys to accommodate shops, offices, alongside a theatre for visual arts and a five star hotel. The National Theatre is located near Uganda Parliament at plots 2, 4 and 6 along Dewinton road.



The NGOs say that razing down such a national monument that is supposed to be preserved for posterity would be contrary to the statutory use of the trust property section 3 of the Uganda Cultural Centre Act.



The NGOs also allege that no cultural heritage impact assessment has been undertaken to provide for what the impact of the demolition would be.



Further, they are concerned that no environmental impact has been taken to show what would be the environmental impact of the construction of the twin tower to the current road and sewerage network in the city.



In their suit, the civil society says that since the management of National Theatre does not have the funds for the construction of the twin tower and is seeking for a private developer to construct and operate the five star hotel for 50 years, then the transfer of the residual beneficial interest, such a scheme is likely to end up into land grabbing.



Their lawyer, Ladislaus Rwakafuzi claims private developers dont have interests in developing theatre, cultural, artistic, academic or educational pursuits.

Civil society runs to court for permanent injunction to prohibit razing down of the National Theatre for twin towers (28/36 storeys) #Uganda pic.twitter.com/D8DrQdshJm  The Observer (@observerug) September 4, 2017

However due to the ongoing judicial officers strike, the suit could not be allocated to any judge.

Currently there is ongoing renovation works at the National Theatre ahead of the the East African Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki Utamaduni Festival (Jamafest), set to be hosted by Uganda from September 7 to 14.
O-levels begin on October 16 to November 20, PLE November 2 to 3 and UACE November 13 to December 5



Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) has today released timetables for the October/November examinations for all the three levels of examinations this year.



In a statement, Uneb spokesman Hamis Kaheru has advised teachers, parents and candidates to prepare for the exams early.



Prospective candidates are advised to contact their head teachers to confirm their registration status. Students not yet registered should try next year, Kaheru is quoted as saying.



He added that registration for the 2017 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) has ended.

Students of Kampala high school getting checked ahead of their exams last year

Parents can check the registration status by typing; Reg [space] full index number & send to 6600 on only MTN and Airtel networks. Using a smartphone or internet, verification can be done via the Uneb page https://ereg.uneb.ac.ug/reg_status. The page also comes with a photograph of the candidate.



According to Kaheru, registers have been issued to heads of centers for crosschecking while those who have not received theirs are encouraged to consult their area supervisors or district inspectors of schools.

Recently, Uneb executive secretary Dan Odongo indicated that at least 1,072,740 candidates had registered for exams at all three levels this year compared to last years 1,068,352.



According to the timetables, PLE candidates will start writing their exams on November 2 with Mathematics and Social Studies and Religious Education before ending on November 3 with Integrated Science and English.



The papers, where no extra time is to be allowed, will last 2hrs and 15 minutes save for mathematics with 2hrs and 30 minutes. Uneb has, however, given 45 extra 45 minutes for each paper to candidates with special needs.



Odongo has advised head teachers and P7 teachers to ensure that candidates are carefully briefed and where possible, parents are encouraged to attend the briefing session on November 1.



UCE candidates will be briefed on October 13 while the first papers; 535/3 Physics (practical) and 612/2 IPS Still Life/Nature will be written on October 16, 2017. Candidates will end their exams on November 20 with Technical, Mechanical, Building and electrical papers.



On November 10, briefing of UACE candidates will start. On November 13, the candidates will write their exams starting with European History III; History: World Affairs 4 and Mathematics 1.



In the afternoon, candidates will write History, Economic and Social History of East Africa and Mathematics 2 papers. UACE exams will end on December 5 with various language subjects.

Odongo has warned that the board will publish the names of all candidates, supervisors, invigilators, schools or anyone who will be found having involved themselves in any form of examination malpractice.

Summary of registered candidates

LEVEL GOVERNMENT PRIVATE TOTAL PLE 466,286 179,628 645,914 UCE 152,230 173,465 325,695 UACE 22,608 78,523 101,131 TOTAL 641,124 431,616 1,072,740

nangonzi@observer.ug




Many billions will be needed for victims of Harvey but donors must be wary of where they send funds. The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund sends 100% of donations to victims.

Brand charities like the Red Cross and United Way are sitting on millions and dont write checks directly to victims, say critics.

Cantor Fitzgerald Chairman Howard Lutnick set up the fund on Sept. 14, 2001, which was three days after 9/11, an attack that cost the lives of 658 of its 950 employees including brother Gary. CF was on the 101-105 floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Howard Lutnick

Since then, the Fund has given more than $300 million to victims of terrorism, natural disasters and emergencies, direct service charities and wounded members of the military.

Americares Donates 97%

Americares, founded in Stamford, Conn., in 1979, says only 3% of donations are eaten by administration costs. Its website promises that for every $10 donated, it can provide $200 in aid.

It has delivered more than $12B in medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to 164 countries following natural disasters, civil conflicts and health crises in poverty-stricken locations.

Founder Robert Macauley, a Connecticut business person who died in 2010, embarked on a career of charitable activities in 1975 when a U.S. jet carrying 243 Vietnamese orphans crashed and the U.S. said it would take 10 days for rescue operations.

Macauley and wife Leila mortgaged their home to charter a Boeing 747 to Vietnam and brought the surviving children to California. Americares works with 3,000+ hospitals, clinics and local health programs that enlist donors. In one recent year, it responded to 24 emergencies in 18 countries.

Supplies for more than 400,000 people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were delivered in the wake of 2012s Hurricane Sandy.

Sending Checks May be Easiest

The charitable orgs, including Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army, etc., provide web links so contributions can be made via credit cards. But extensive info is required and donors may worry about security.

Sending a check may be the easiest and most secure way of giving. Cantor Fitzgerald is at 199 Water st., New York, NY 10038. Americares is at 88 Hamilton ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

Donors are being urged to see that their donations mostly wind up in the hands of the needy. Look for food banks, is one piece of advice. The legitimacy of a group can be checked via CharityNavigator.org. Revenues grew to $9.07M in 2015 from $4.88M in 2011.

Founders Pat and Marion Dugan said in 2001 that because of scandals they concluded an independent source of info on charities was needed. Pat Dugan created a video in which he discusses the founding of the organization.
Qatar has hired Stonington Strategies to a $50K a month contract to strengthen its relationship with the US and build bridges to the Jewish community.

Nick Muzin, a doctor, lawyer and Republican strategist who is active in Jewish affairs, heads Stonington.

Ted Cruz (L) & Nick Muzin

He was the driving force behind a coalition of more than 50 groups, including tea party, evangelical and Jewish organizations, to oppose the Iran nuclear deal.

"Engagement with Qatar can only be in the best interests of the United States and the Jewish community, as we cannot allow Qatar to be ostracized by its neighbors and pushed into Irans sphere of influence, said Muzin.

He views Iran as one of the largest threats to US national security.

Muzin served as deputy chief of staff for Texas Senator Ted Cruz during his GOP primary run, counting outreach to the Jewish community among his responsibilities.

He also was political director for South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and senior medical advisor to Senator John McCain.

For Qatar, which is under an economic and political blockade by Muslim states, Muzin will advise on ways to build a closer relationship with the United States and improve ties with the Jewish community worldwide.

He will explore opportunities for political, cultural and economic cooperation with the U.S. and Israel, especially in the areas of trade, real estate, job creation and technology.
South Carolina Lawmaker Called N-Word, Threatened Over Removal Of Confederate Statues Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When

South Carolina State Representative Wendell Gilliard said he received an email calling him a n****r and telling him to go back to Africa.

Speaking with local news station WCIV-TV, Gilliard said he received the message on Thursday from a person identifying himself as John Calhoun (the same name of the seventh vice president of the United States who once argued that slavery was a positive good) with the email address generalleeflag666@

The full email reads as follows:

We tired [sic] being understanding with you N*****s! If you dont like the Flag and our monuments you should go back home to Africa. This our country and we both know you will not have your way. We despise you and I dont understand why youre fighting a losing battle. Whats your address? Maybe I will bring my group to your house. We wear suits. No sheet. How about 3AM?

Gilliard has been a vocal supporter of the removal of Confederate statues from public squares.

If I was mayor of this city, I would bring those statues down, Gilliard said to Charleston newspaper The Post and Courier. Not to erase anything, but I would put them in a museum. To me, thats the answer to all of this.

READ: Georgia Lawmaker Tells Black Attorney She May Go Missing For Protesting Confederate Statues

Last week came news that Georgia Republican State Representative Jason Spencer told Attorney and former state Democratic Representative LaDawn Jones that she may go missing in certain parts of Georgia for protesting the removal of Confederate statues.

Source: abcnews4.com
Firefighters, law enforcement and members of the public will commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by following in the footsteps of fallen first responders.

A memorial stair climb, which is open to the public, will be held Saturday at Werner Park.

The event is a first in Nebraska, said event organizer Matt Gibbons.

Gibbons, a fire inspector with the Offutt Fire Department, has organized a similar climb at Offutt Air Force Base the past three years. Because access to the base is limited, it wasnt open to other departments or the public.

Gibbons said he wanted to grow the event and allow the community to join in the remembrance. The event, which isnt timed or competitive, is open to all ages and fitness levels.

Anybody can be a part of this, Gibbons said. The point is to bring back the memory and remembrance of what the sacrifice was of those individuals that day.

An opening ceremony will start at 8 a.m. It will include an invocation from Papillion Fire Department chaplain Kenneth Hessel, who was a rescue worker at Ground Zero.

Participants will zig-zag their way through the stands, climbing up and down the stairs along the concourse. Theyll repeat that four times to reach the 110 flights that represent the World Trade Centers.

Each participant will carry a photo  about the size of a drivers license  of a firefighter lost in the attacks. Upon finishing, theyll ring a bell and state the name of the firefighter they were climbing for.

Were doing it to symbolically finish the climb for the 343 firefighters who died that day, Gibbons said.

A majority of the climbers are firefighters from departments including Offutt, Omaha, Papillion and Ralston, Gibbons said. Hes heard of a few who plan to do the climb in full gear.

Gibbons hopes to make the climb an annual event.

Registration costs $30 and can be done in advance online or on the day of the climb. All proceeds from the event go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Its an incredible feat, Gibbons said. Its humbling going through and taking the time to actually reflect in your own mind as to what they could have been going through. Its a great way to refresh on what our purpose is.
A Council Bluffs police officer managed to avoid injury when a man he pulled over put his vehicle in reverse and accelerated toward the officer and his motorcycle, Bluffs police said.

Officer Mark Archibald was getting off the motorcycle during a traffic stop about 11:45 p.m. Sunday at a gas station at South 16th Street and West Broadway when he noticed the vehicles driver looking at him, Sgt. Jason Bailey said.

Archibald jumped out of the way when the vehicle sped backward toward him, but it struck the motorcycle, pushing it on its side for about 30 feet, Bailey said.

The driver then sped away, until he ran a stop sign at North 25th and Avenue H and collided with a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, the sergeant said. The Tahoes driver, Brianna Johnson of Council Bluffs, reported minor injuries in the crash.

The suspect ran, but neighborhood residents directed police to where he was. A 30-year-old Council Bluffs man was taken into custody without incident, Bailey said.

The man was evaluated at a hospital after complaining of injuries, then jailed and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and second-degree criminal mischief.

The man had warrants for probation violation and escape from custody after walking away from a residential correction facility, Bailey said.

The Iowa State Patrol was investigating the crash at 25th and Avenue H and will review the case with the Pottawattamie County Attorneys Office for possible charges.
A special election to raise taxes in the Millard Public Schools looks likely this fall.

Members of the Millard school board will consider adopting a resolution today scheduling a property tax levy override election for Nov. 14.

The resolution calls for a mail-in ballot.

Under state law, school districts can exceed the states $1.05 property tax levy limit if voters approve.

District officials say Millards finances have become strained by stagnant state aid and the inability to convince state lawmakers that Millard needs more funding.

If voters approved the override, Millard would become the second district in the Omaha metro area  the fifth in the state  to approve an override.

Under the proposal, the board could exceed the levy limit by 9 cents per $100 of valuation for a period of five years  the budget years 2018-19 through 2022-2023.

Increasing the levy by 9 cents would generate about $9 million for the district. The cost to homeowners would be $135 a year on a $150,000 home.

Superintendent Jim Sutfin has said that if voters approved the levy, the district wouldnt necessarily tap all 9 cents of the override.

The board is scheduled to vote on the resolution at its 6 p.m. meeting at the Stroh Administration Center, 5606 S. 147th St.

Board member Amanda McGill Johnson said she is leaning toward backing the resolution.

She said that for several years the board has cut its budget, and this year members tapped the districts cash reserve.

I think its really the responsible thing to do to engage the community in making this decision, McGill Johnson said, because were at that point where programs are going to be changed or cut if we dont have additional revenue sources.

Board President Mike Kennedy said he is strongly leaning toward holding an election.

He said district officials want to have a conversation with our community about seeking additional funding.

If the community says no, were not interested in giving more support to the schools, then were charged to go back to the administration and say, We need to start cutting more programs, cut teachers, increase class sizes,  Kennedy said. Thats really the debate. Theres nowhere else to go.

Members of the tax watchdog group Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom are really conflicted about whether to oppose an override, said Doug Kagan, the groups president.

Weve debated it back and forth, and we havent really resolved it, so I dont think were going to oppose it, he said.

He noted that the district has lost state aid that was paying for teachers advanced degrees and keeping class sizes small.

Kagan said some of Millards budget bind can be traced to the infusion of federal stimulus money in 2009 and 2010, which boosted state aid but went away.

Schools thought We got extra money, so lets do extra programs. Now that stimulus money is not there anymore, so they have to decide are they going to end the programs or are they going to use local money, he said.

He said the board members have been conscientious about cutting the budget.

Paul Schulte, president of the Millard Education Association, said union leaders would back an override.

Without the override, class sizes will rise and select programs could get cut, he said.

Millard residents have a track record of supporting bond issues, but this is a little different, Schulte said.

This is coming to the community and saying, OK, if we want to maintain the high-quality education that we have in Millard Public Schools, were going to need the support of the community, and we need to be able to compete because were not getting the support from the Legislature through the state aid formula. 

This year, four of Nebraskas 245 school districts have levy overrides in place, including the Westside Community Schools, which has had an override since 1998.

Westside voters are currently considering a 15 cent override. Ballots in that election must be returned by Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.
Uriel Reyes Vazquez knew that the federal program that allows him to study in the United States without fear of deportation could be in jeopardy when President Donald Trump was elected.

Tuesday, he got confirmation. The Trump administration announced plans to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  a setback for the Omaha South High graduate and about 800,000 other DACA recipients nationwide.

Its certainly a blow to my confidence and my dreams, said Reyes Vazquez, 18, who is in his first year at Loyola University in Chicago, studying to be a teacher. Hes planning to consult with a lawyer on what to do next  his worst-case scenario would be to return to Mexico to work, a country he left at age 1.

Many elected officials, university leaders, business associations and religious leaders in Nebraska offered their support for DACA recipients and urged Congress to find a solution, while denouncing Trumps decision.

But Nebraska Attorney General Doug Petersen said Tuesday that Trumps action restored the proper balance of power by rescinding an executive order that improperly expanded immigration law.

The program, enacted by then-President Barack Obama in an executive order in 2012, granted two-year renewable work and school permits to applicants who met guidelines that include having no serious criminal background.

A study by the Center for American Progress estimated that removing DACA workers from Nebraska would result in a loss of about $150 million over the next decade.

At a noontime rally Tuesday outside the State Capitol, speakers said the consequences for the states economy would be devastating if the more than 3,300 DACA participants in Nebraska and their families were forced to leave the country. Iowa has about 2,800 DACA recipients.

Jim Partington of the Nebraska Restaurant Association told the gathering of about 300 people that DACA recipients serve in the military, fill needed jobs and create businesses in the state.

If they were citizens, we would describe them as model citizens in every way, said Partington, whose organization is part of a coalition supporting DACA.

Crete Mayor Roger Foster said a mass deportation would be like a tornado for his southeast Nebraska community that would take away people and leave everything else.

In a statement, University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds said the DACA announcement creates significant uncertainty for the hundreds of thousands of young people who have benefited from this program  including students at the University of Nebraska.

Sarah Moylan, senior director of talent at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, said the decision hurts local companies.

If, all of a sudden, some of those valuable workers werent able to work, it would profoundly, negatively affect our businesses, she said.

Elsewhere, Nebraska officials stood behind Trumps decision.

In July, Peterson joined nine other Republican attorneys general in asking the Trump administration to phase out the DACA program by refusing to renew or issue any new program permits.

In an interview Tuesday, Peterson said he decided to join the multistate legal challenge purely due to his concern that Obama had exceeded his power.

(The DACA order) was granting legal rights, it was extending legal recognition beyond the scope of what Congress has passed, Peterson said. I recognize that these are very emotional, compelling stories. But those stories need to be told to the three congressmen from the State of Nebraska.

He said his job is to uphold the Constitution, regardless of his personal opinion. Peterson, a Republican who is facing re-election next year, said that because of that, he would not state his personal opinion on whether the DACA program, if passed by Congress, was something he would support.

State senators last year narrowly overrode a veto by Gov. Pete Ricketts to allow DACA recipients to obtain professional and commercial licenses.

Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte, who had voted against the override, said that continuing the program would provide an incentive for people to bring their young children to the United States illegally.

I cant just walk into another country and expect theyre going to bend the rules, Groene said. I dont want other people to expect that they can do that in my country.

He agreed with Trump and said executive orders should not create laws.

However, he hopes that Congress will pass a law so the current DACA participants are grandfathered and can continue to live and work in the U.S.  and have a pathway to citizenship.

Under Obamas executive order, DACA recipients do not have legal status and cannot apply for citizenship.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert supported the professional license bill, as did pro-business and agriculture groups and chambers of commerce in Omaha and Lincoln. Stothert said in a statement Tuesday: DACA has created opportunities for education, employment and service to our community and state, and I remain supportive of the program.

At the Lincoln rally, State Sens. Tony Vargas of Omaha and Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln urged those in attendance to contact their elected officials.

Linda Aguilar, a pre-law student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha whose parents came here from Guatemala when she was 6 years old, said the U.S. is the only country her family calls home.

She said the DACA program allowed her to pursue a goal of becoming an attorney.

I felt protected, she said. I knew I could follow my dreams and make my parents proud.

Reyes Vazquez, the Loyola student, said he may need to transfer to UNO to help his family and fill out paperwork, depending on what happens over the next six months.

I was trying not to think about it and focus on school, he said. It seems like I dont have a choice now.

This report includes material from the Associated Press.
COUNCIL BLUFFS  Most families are tight-lipped about having relatives or ancestors who spent time in jail.

The Nielsen family, on the other hand, celebrates it.

The family held a reunion last month at the Historic Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail in honor of Jens and Johanna Nielsen, who were the jailer and cook, respectively, at the jail from 1918 to 1922, according to great-granddaughter Diane Stamp of Avoca, Iowa. Everyone who attended was a direct descendant of the couple or the spouse or guest of a direct descendant.

Guests started with a potluck lunch at Council Bluffs senior center, then walked to the Squirrel Cage Jail  some armed with Get Out of Jail Free cards or other jail-related souvenirs.

It was pretty cool to get all the generations together and realize, hey, this is part of our history, Stamp said. Just a few had been there. Those that had been there before were usually there on a school trip when they were children.

Prohibition started in 1920, and bootleggers took their place among the jails colorful residents, Stamp said. And people were locked up for far lesser crimes.

People were thrown in jail for fishing without a license, she said, noting that there is a record at the jail of inmates offenses.

Family members had heard stories about Jens Nielsen, Stamp said. One was that he was jailer when the Weston bank was robbed and hosted the culprits at the Squirrel Cage. She doesnt know whether Weston had a bank at that time or whether it was ever robbed. Another story was that he married one of the inmates (not true).

Jens Nielsen came to the United States from Denmark in 1884 and started working at the Nelson farm outside Avoca, Stamp said. It was there that he met the woman he would marry, Johanna, Stena Nelsons twin sister. Johanna had come over from Denmark, too, but it wasnt clear whether they had known each other in Denmark, she said. They had three sons and two daughters.

Jens Nielsen also ran a harness shop and drove a truck for Dairy Frost before the family moved to Council Bluffs, where he worked for the railroad. He later worked at the Peterson-Schoening Furniture Shop and then became jailer when he was 50 years old. When Johanna died in 1922, Jens moved to California. Both are buried in Council Bluffs.

The idea of holding the reunion at the jail came up after Jill Schoenherr, Stamps second cousin, went to a Halloween event at the jail and wrote about it on Facebook. Stamp said she responded to the post by asking, Did you know your great-great-grandfather was a jailer there? Schoenherr started investigating the possibility of having the reunion at the jail, and the two of them organized the gathering.

Stamp wanted to go all out, she said.

I wanted to serve people food in their cells, but it turned out not to be a good fit for that, she said. I wanted to get the (inmate) shirts, but my husband said no. My husband had to rein me in a little bit.

Jail garb or not, the relatives seemed to enjoy the day, Stamp said.

It was so much fun, she said. Were so grateful to the Historical Society (of Pottawattamie County), because they were so accommodating.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Tuesday began to shut down a popular Obama-era program that protects young people brought into the country illegally as children, fulfilling a campaign promise after seven months of hinting that he might do something to save the so-called Dreamers.

We must remember that young Americans have dreams too, Trump said in a statement. Being in government means setting priorities. Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families.

Calling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program illegal, the administration announced its termination would come after a six-month delay to give Congress time to pass a legislative fix that might allow 800,000 people here illegally to stay in the only country many of them have ever known.

But the White House made it clear Tuesday that Trump wants Congress not just to pass a bill that helps the DACA recipients but a larger immigration package  which lawmakers have failed to pass for years  and that he is willing to trade protections of Dreamers for money that would fund a wall on the southern border.

I dont think the American people elected Congress to do things that were easy, said press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. They elected them to make a government that works, to work properly, and to work for American people. And thats their job. And if they cant do it, then they need to get out of the way and let somebody else who can take on a heavy lift and get things accomplished.

In the meantime, the administration will not accept any new applications for the program known as DACA but will allow hundreds of thousands of its recipients to renew their two-year work permits if they expire in the next six months.

Those currently protected by the program will keep their special two-year status until their work permits expire. If their DACA status expires before March 5, they will have until Oct. 5 to apply for one more renewal, meaning the recipients should be able to keep their status until 2019. Those whose protections expire after March 5 will lose their protected status.

A senior Department of Homeland Security official told reporters that the administration will continue to focus on criminals for deportation, though Dreamers could be detained if they are involved with other targeted immigrants. DHS will not use DACA recipients personal identifying information for enforcement purposes, though their records would be maintained, the official said.

Administration officials said the decision to gradually rather than abruptly end the program shows Trump is treating the DACA recipients with great heart, as he had pledged to do. Just last week, Trump said, We love the Dreamers.

Still, the decision signaled to advocates on both sides of the immigration issue that Trump planned to proceed with the immigration proposals that powered his 2016 campaign  from boosting deportations to building a border wall.

To target these young people is wrong  because they have done nothing wrong, former President Barack Obama wrote on his Facebook page. It is self-defeating  because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel.

The announcement, postponed several times, came on the day of a deadline imposed by 10 states that threatened to sue the U.S. government if it did not end the program. Those states argued that Obama overstepped his executive powers in granting the special protections. The Justice Department determined the program violated U.S. existing immigration laws, officials said.

This administrations decision to terminate DACA was not taken lightly, said Elaine Duke, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. As a result of recent litigation, we were faced with two options: wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation; or allow the judiciary to potentially shut the program down completely and immediately. We chose the least disruptive option.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a close ally of Trumps on immigration issues who had advised the states threatening to sue, said in an interview that he wanted a faster end to DACA but that each state must decide for itself whether to drop their opposition.

Each states making their mind up right now, so they have to weigh a number of things, he said. One is the probability of success. The probability of success on the merits is very high, but a judge now might say I dont have to get to the merits because it will be moot in X number of months.

Several of the states that had threatened to sue, including Texas, Kansas, South Carolina and Idaho, praised Trumps decision despite the fact that some DACA recipients will hold work permits for longer than two years from now.

Had former President Obamas unilateral order on DACA been left intact, it would have set a dangerous precedent by giving the executive branch sweeping authority to bypass Congress and change immigration laws, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said.

Other states, including Washington and New York, immediately said they would sue Trump for ending the program.

The decision puts pressure on a Republican-controlled Congress to produce a legislative fix for the immigrants and avoid backlash from voters, business executives and donors who have urged compassion for the Dreamers. Sixty-four percent of Americans support allowing the DACA recipients to stay in the United States, according to NBC News|SurveyMonkey poll released Thursday.

I have a love for these people and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly, Trump told reporters Tuesday afternoon. I can tell you, speaking to members of Congress, they want to be able to do something and do it right. And really we have no choice, we have to be able to do something, and I think its going to work out very well.

But finding a solution will be tough for Washingtons feuding Republicans, who control both the White House and Congress for the first time in 10 years and are saddled with a host of other problems, including avoiding a government shutdown and paying to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey.

This Congress will continue working on securing our border and ensuring a lawful system of immigration that works, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. said in a brief statement.

On Friday, as Trump inched closer to an announcement, House Speaker Paul Ryan joined a small but growing number of Republicans, including Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch and Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, who urged Trump not end the program. And Tuesday, he pledged to work on a legislative fix.

It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country, he said.

Conservative lawmakers led by Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina are already working on a bill that would provide a path to permanent residency to people brought here illegally as children.

Immigration policy should be set through legislation, not executive orders, Tillis tweeted Friday. Its the responsibility of Congress to address the long-term uncertainty facing undocumented minors.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A web of President Donald Trumps family and associates will be back in the cross hairs of congressional committees investigating whether his campaign colluded with Russia, as well as of the high-wattage legal team assembled by special counsel Robert Mueller.

As Congress returns from a summer recess, some of the attention will be focused squarely on the presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who will meet privately in the coming weeks with staffers on the Senate judiciary and intelligence committees.

A meeting Trump Jr. convened with a Russian lawyer and others in the midst of the campaign has already been the subject of testimony before a grand jury that Mueller is using as part of his investigation, The Associated Press has learned.

The expected crush of interviews, subpoenas and testimony this fall underscores both the broad scope of the Russia probes and the certainty that they will shadow Trumps presidency for months or even years. Even if Trump and his associates are ultimately cleared, some White House advisers worry about the presidents anger over the investigations and the likelihood that he will continue to weigh in publicly in ways that only further distract from his agenda.

The presidents own legal exposure remains uncertain. Hes denied coordinating with Russia during the election or having any nefarious financial ties to Moscow.

But Trumps legal team, anticipating Muellers interest in probing Trumps firing of FBI Director James Comey, is developing arguments to protect him against any obstruction of justice allegations, including constitutional defenses and a contention that his actions crossed no legal lines.

In a preview of those arguments, Trump attorney Jay Sekulow said constitutional powers authorize the president to fire subordinates who serve at his pleasure.

The whole idea of an obstruction allegation here, or obstruction of justice charge, is contrary to the Constitution, Sekulow said.

The simultaneous investigations by Mueller and three congressional committees have drawn in some of Washingtons legal heavy hitters. Muellers 16-lawyer team is comprised of seasoned prosecutors with significant experience fighting fraudsters, mobsters and terrorists and with building cases against high-level targets by eliciting cooperation from more peripheral subjects. And more than a dozen Washington law firms have lawyers representing players in the investigation.

Most participants are gearing up for a long haul. Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said his panel has a tremendous number of witnesses to get through in the preparation of a public report.

We feel a sense of urgency, but we also know it has to be thorough, or it wont be of much value, Schiff said.

The coming months may put a new focus on lesser-known players in Trumps orbit, including Michael Cohen, his long-time lawyer. Cohen acknowledged last month that the Trump Organization pursued a Trump Tower project in Moscow and that he had reached out to the press secretary for President Vladimir Putin. The revelation appeared to undercut Trumps repeated assertion that his associates had nothing to do with Russia.

Another associate who could appear before Congress this fall is informal adviser Roger Stone, as well as Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate Cohen says he worked with on the Trump Tower deal. The project was later abandoned.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said the Trump Tower Moscow proposal was a further example of the constellation of contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russians. He said he wants the House intelligence committee to hear from everyone involved in the deal as well as those present during the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting even if that list of witnesses overlaps with Muellers.

Familiar names will also continue to face scrutiny, particularly former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and ousted White House national security adviser Michael Flynn. Manafort already has spoken privately to Senate intelligence committee staffers, and though other committees are also interested in hearing from him, its not clear when or if that will happen.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley has said he wants both Manafort and Trump Jr. to testify publicly at some point.

In July, the FBI raided Manaforts home seeking tax and international banking records. Manafort has been the subject of a longstanding FBI investigation into his dealings in Ukraine and work for the countrys former president, Viktor Yanukovych. That investigation has been incorporated into Muellers probe, and the FBI raid was an indication that the bureau believes it has probable cause that a crime was committed. Manafort has denied any wrongdoing, saying his work for Ukrainian interests was above board.

Flynn, who was forced to resign in February for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his Russia contacts, remains of particular interest to investigators. A grand jury probe that began in Virginia months ago has been taken over by Muellers team, as the FBI investigates lobbying and investigative research performed by his company, Flynn Intel Group, on behalf of a Turkish businessman.

A Washington public relations firm, SGR LLC, confirmed through its lawyer to the AP that it had received a subpoena months ago regarding its role in the Turkish work. The lobbying campaign sought to get Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen expelled from the U.S. Gulen, a green card holder who lives in Pennsylvania, has been accused by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of being involved in a failed coup last year, which Gulen has denied.

A person familiar with the investigation told the AP that FBI agents have been particularly interested in whether the Turkish government was directing the lobbying work and not a private company owned by a Turkish businessman, Ekim Alptekin, as Flynns firm has contended. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive details of the investigation.

FBI agents have also been asking about Flynns business partner, Bijan Kian, who served on Trumps presidential transition, and other details of the work beyond what Flynns firm disclosed to the Justice Department in March when he retroactively registered as a foreign agent, the person said.

Copyright 2017, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SEOUL, South Korea  As evidence piles up about North Koreas nuclear capabilities, some of President Donald Trumps supporters and outside advisers are urging him to launch a pre-emptive strike on Kim Jong Uns weapons facilities or the missiles being prepared for launch.

But theres at least one significant reason why U.S. military leaders would be reluctant to carry out such a strike: North Korea would surely retaliate, and this retaliation could include use of chemical weapons.

The casualties would be unimaginable. Some 23 million people live in the region of Seoul, with parts of the city sitting a mere 35 miles from the North Korean border. Also at risk would be some 150,000 U.S. citizens who live in South Korea, including 29,000 troops stationed there.

Nuclear weapons are not the only threat, said Kelsey Davenport, director of nonproliferation policy for the Arms Control Association. North Korea could respond to a U.S. attack using chemical weapons. That would be devastating.

North Korea is known to have compiled large stockpiles of nerve agents such as sarin and VX.

It could fire those from hidden artillery and missile sites, targeting U.S. military bases in the region and cities such as Seoul and Tokyo.

North Korea started developing chemical weapons in 1961.

North Korea officially denies that it possesses chemical weapons, but according to the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, the country has four military bases equipped with chemical weapons and 11 facilities where such weapons are produced and stored.

A separate analysis in 2011 concluded that North Korea had 2,500 to 5,000 tons of these weapons.

While a surprise U.S. strike might be able to eliminate some of those stockpiles, North Koreas artillery guns are thought to be preloaded with chemical weapons, allowing them to be deployed instantly.

Hundreds of these guns are within range of Seoul, or at least parts of the city, many of them buried in mountainsides.

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to neutralize this artillery in any preventative strike, Davenport said.

A recent report by Reid Kirby, a military analyst, details the challenges the U.S.-South Korean alliance faces with North Koreas stockpiles of chemical weapons.

Compared to the nuclear threat, which involves a finite number of warheads and delivery systems vulnerable to air defenses and anti-missile systems, the chemical threat is not as easily negated, Kirby wrote in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

Some analysts say that North Korea has purposely exaggerated its chemical weapons capability, part of a strategy to deter a foreign attack.

Chemical weapons decay over time. Joo Seong Ha, a defector from North Korea and a journalist based in Seoul, said the North does not have an effective system for maintaining and replenishing its supplies of agents such as sarin and VX.

Other analysts disagree. Daniel Pinkston, a North Korea military specialist at Troy University in Seoul, said that Pyongyangs military leaders have demonstrated that they can develop and maintain sophisticated weaponry.

VX and sarin are potent nerve agents. They act on the nervous system of an organism, preventing muscles from functioning. Both are banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention, but several countries maintain stockpiles.

Syria has allegedly used sarin in its battle against anti-government rebels.

Pinkston notes that North Korea most recently used VX in the February assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the outcast half brother of Kim Jong Un, at Kuala Lumpurs airport.

According to Kirby, that attack was undoubtedly a reminder to North Koreas enemies of the chemical threat that Pyongyang poses.

For decades, Seoul has maintained a civil defense plan to prepare residents for an attack from the North. More than 3,300 civil defense evacuation centers are spread across the city, along with 17,500 protective shelters. The United States and South Korea have developed smartphone apps to aid in an evacuation.

Even so, a bombardment of Seoul with conventional artillery would possibly kill tens of thousands of civilians, with numbers higher if chemical weapons were used.
Some Senate Republicans plan to turn from yet another effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and make a bipartisan effort to fix some of the current systems most pressing problems.

But the recent antagonistic exchanges between Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump raise questions whether any such effort can succeed. Even if it gets the 60 votes needed to pass the Senate, it would need support from the more repeal-friendly House and the presidents signature.

Unfortunately, despite some bipartisan stirrings in the House, Speaker Paul Ryan so far opposes action, and the crowded congressional calendar complicates matters further. But some action is necessary.

Since Congress recessed, Trump has pressed Senate GOP leaders to make another try at the Affordable Care Act repeal measure that failed last month by a single vote. But that seems unlikely unless the Senates membership changes, since the three GOP opponents remain solidly in favor of a more traditional legislative approach.

Still, Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., hope to propose yet another repeal-and-replace bill that would transfer much of the health care burden to the states.

But McConnell, who first raised the prospect of a bipartisan effort aimed at fixing problems with the current law last month, seems to have thrown cautious support behind the effort for possible bipartisan action, though he called its prospects somewhat murky.

When we get back after Labor Day well have to sit down and talk to them (the Democrats) and see what the way forward might be, he said in Kentucky during the recess.

As anticipated, the Senate lead is being taken by Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and its ranking Democrat, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington. The two have a history of bipartisan cooperation, exemplified by last years legislation to update the No Child Left Behind education law.

If your house is on fire, you want to put out the fire, and the fire in this case is in the individual health insurance market, Alexander said in announcing hearings. He added some 18 million may be affected and, unless we act, many of them may not have policies available to buy in 2018 because insurance companies will pull out of collapsing markets.

He said that any solution should include funding for cost-sharing reductions for the individual markets and greater flexibility for states in approving health insurance policies.

The main goal would be to help insurance companies avoid big 2018 premium increases.

At hearings Wednesday and Thursday, his committee will hear from state insurance commissioners and a group of governors who have been working on a bipartisan proposal. Any legislation, Alexander said, will have to be small, bipartisan and balanced.

McConnell says it must include real reforms, adding if Democrats accepted that, rather than just an insurance company bailout, I would be willing to take a look at it.

In the House, the 40-member bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus is backing proposals to fix Obamacare that include mandatory funding of the subsidies, creation of a stability fund to bolster the exchanges, repeal of the tax on medical devices and revision of the employer mandate to require only companies with more than 500 employees to provide insurance, rather than 50.

But members of the conservative Freedom Caucus want Ryan to allow a vote on repealing Obamacare, without any accompanying replacement plan.

Trump remains the biggest potential obstacle. He reacted badly in August when McConnell suggested he doesnt understand that complex legislation takes time in Congress, unleashing an array of anti-McConnell tweets. After 7 years of hearing Repeal & Replace, why not done? he demanded.

In fact, congressional Republicans bear much of the blame for the impasse. They failed to prepare legislation that could pass if the GOP won the presidency, set unreasonable expectations of quick action and mismanaged the process by producing inadequate proposals.

But Trump bears responsibility for failing to make specific legislative proposals to fulfill his campaign promise to take care of everybody with great health care at a lower cost.

His sporadic statements supporting the congressionally drafted legislation lacked the priority or consistency of former President Barack Obamas intensive, yearlong campaign to enact the Affordable Care Act.

And Trumps repeated threats to cut off subsidies helping millions of Americans pay for Affordable Care Act policies havent helped to create a positive climate for congressional action.

The time is long overdue for all involved to recognize the reality that the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. The need now is to fix some of its worst problems so millions of Americans are not left in the lurch.
Raising funds to boost how many families the Ronald McDonald House in Omaha can serve is a worthy goal. The plan to give those families space to receive basic medical treatments in a family environment? Even better.

The facility at 620 S. 38th Ave. has been at full capacity since 2015. Nearly 800 requests were turned down last year from families in town for extended stays while seeking medical care for sick kids.

Adding an in-house clinic and infusion center will enable patients to get needed care without the hassle, monotony or risk of infection of visiting a doctors office.

The plans call for more space for student learning, a larger kitchen, a toy closet and a pair of quiet rooms. They include 20,000 additional square feet and 20 more guest rooms, double the current number. Nebraska Medicine will operate the medical facilities.

Organizers have already raised nearly $9 million. The last million should be well within reach of the campaign.

This admirable project can help ease the financial and emotional strain on families battling serious childhood illness.
We are beginning to assess catastrophic damage left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Periodic storms are natural, but the intensity of Harvey is anything but natural.

Climate change contributed to Harveys unnatural impacts, due to rising sea levels and a warmer ocean. On the Texas Gulf Coast, oceans have risen by more than one foot since 1960. The Gulf of Mexico is 2 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit above average.

A warmer ocean means more rain and stronger storms. As Eugene Robinson wrote in his Aug. 30 commentary, Future holds more Harveys, The science explaining climate change is clear . . . And it will be political decisions that determine how often we witness scenes of devastation such as those in Houston.

Preserving a livable climate means reducing emissions of carbon dioxide. We need a market-based solution that creates jobs but does not burden low-income people or grow the government.

One solution, known as carbon fee and dividend, is proposed by the nonpartisan Citizens Climate Lobby. A fee is placed on carbon-based fuels at the source. Money collected is returned to American households in the form of dividends. A border adjustment places a tariff on imports from countries that dont have a price on carbon.

We also need to invest in clean energy.

Congress is beginning to discuss strategies for addressing climate change. How long can we wait for Congress to take decisive action?

Marjorie J. Willeke, Lincoln
Kerala: Man gets 5-year jail term for sexual assault of mentally challenged girl

Air India express veers off taxiway at Kochi airport; all 102 passengers safe

India

oi-Madhuri

An Air India express IX452 on Tuesday veered off from taxiway at Kochi airport while approaching parking bay.

According to media reports, all passengers evacuated safely.

It is learnt that the Abu Dhabi-Kochi Air India express carrying 102 passengers veered off from taxiway at 2.39 am at Kochi airport.

The nose-wheel of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft collapsed due to the incident. "All passengers were evacuated through ladder. All safe. No casualties," a Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) spokesman said.

The aircraft has been grounded after the incident, adding an internal inquiry as well as a probe by the aviation regulator DGCA has been initiated.

OneIndia News
Police-BJP workers clash across Karnataka over 'Mangaluru Chalo', party's poll agenda

India

oi-Anusha

Massive showdown was witnessed between BJP workers and policemen in various parts of Karnataka on Tuesday with the party attempting to go ahead with its 'Mangaluru Chalo' rally despite prohibitory orders. In Hubballi alone, 300 party workers including leaders like Jagadish Shettar were taken into preventive custody.

Workers and police clashed at Bengaluru's Freedom Park on Tuesday morning as BJP defied prohibitory orders to flag off its 'Mangaluru chalo' bike rally. Dozens of BJP workers were detained and bikes that were to take part in the rally were seized by the police who exercised restraint even as BJP leaders intimidated them. The massive bike rally that was to begin from Bengaluru's Freedom Park and conclude in Mangaluru on Thursday was denied permission by the police. District police in other parts of Karnataka too denied permission for the rally in view of law and order.

Despite prohibitory orders, BJP called for the rally to begin as scheduled across the state. Massive police deployment was in place at various parts of Bengaluru to stop BJP workers from gathering at Freedom Park in the heart of the city. In Bengaluru alone, 600 policemen, one company of Rapid Action Force was deployed to stop protestors from going ahead with the rally. BJP workers were detained at Town Hall, Anekal, Hosur Road even before they could reach Freedom Park.

At the venue in Bengaluru, hundreds of BJP workers continued to pour in riding two-wheelers despite the police blocking roads and restricting traffic. Senior leaders of the BJP Shobha Karandlaje, Pratap Simha, R Ashok, Arvind Limbavali, V Somanna, Suresh Kumar were present in Bengaluru while leaders like Jagadish Shettar, Prahlad Joshi led the protest in Hubballi. Leaders like Pratap Simha and Ashok launched attacks against the police for refusing permission for the rally.

"Congress is anti-Hindu," allege BJP leaders

"Mysuru was once all about Wadiyars but today is filled with the kin of Tipu Sultan. Siddaramaiah is not just inaugurating Indira canteens but is bent upon acting like Indira Gandhi during the emergency," BJP MP and Yuva Morcha chief Pratap Simha said adding that Hindus, especially RSS and BJP workers were being mercilessly killed in Karnataka. "By letting PFI activists go Scott-free the Congress government in Karnataka is giving them a free hand to kill our workers. Investigative authorities like the NIA have named PFI activists in RSS workers murder case," he added reiterating that the rally will go as planned irrespective of prohibition.

Former Home Minister R Ashok threatened the policemen deployed at Freedom Park against arresting any BJP worker. "Beware, if you arrest someone without a warrant. You are shamelessly denying us permission to protest but threaten to arrest us," he said. BJP leaders accused the Congress in Karnataka of being 'anti-Hindu', building its poll narrative.

Dozens of leaders were detained, shoved into buses and taken away from the protest site but not without the ruckus. Barricades were pulled down by protestors who later also blocked the road creating traffic snarls. The BJP reiterated that despite the government's attempts to stop the rally, they will congregate in Mangaluru on Thursday for a show of strength.

Despite the growing chorus against police, restraint was exercised with no untoward incidents. The police noted the registration numbers of bikes that were ready to be part of the rally and later seized some of the bikes. In an immense show of restraint, the Bengaluru police successfully thwarted the BJP's 'Mangaluru Chalo' rally with no violence or force but sheer planning and effective people management.

OneIndia News
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

Blatant medical apathy in UP: Will State Government be held accountable?

India

oi-Shreya

By Shreya

After Gorakhpur tragedy in Uttar Pradesh, the state government appears to have taken no lesson, as 49 kids have died on Monday, at Farrukhabad's Ram Manohar Lohia government hospital due to a condition called "perinatal asphyxia" - a condition in which the child cannot breathe properly.

Over 63 children had lost their lives less than a month back in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district - constituency of Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath, allegedly for lack of oxygen as the hospital failed to pay the dues of the oxygen supplier.

Though the authorities and State Health Minister SN Singh denied that there had been oxygen shortage, reports clearly indicated that hospital had accumulated dues of over 65 lakhs, and had been receiving letters from the supplying agency to clear the dues else oxygen supply would be disrupted.

However, after the death of 23 children in 24 hours, the hospital partially paid a partial amount of Rs 21 lakhs to the supplier.

The death of over 60 children had triggered massive outrage. CM Adityanath pulled up the hospital authorities, the Principal of the medical college for not bringing up the issues during meetings.

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Uttar Pradesh : Gorakhpur like tragedy in Farukkhabad, 49 children die in one month | Oneindia News

However, State Health Minister completely denied lack of oxygen as the reason behind the several deaths.

The Opposition demanded compensation of 20 Lakh for the families of the each and every deceased kid and resignation of State Health Minister SN Singh.

However, the UP Government has clearly learned nothing and the death of 49 kids in RML hospital is an example of the medical apathy in the state.

According to reports, initial probe suggested lack of oxygen to be the reason behind the deaths, after the probe, FIR has also been lodged against the chief medical officer and the chief medical superintendent of the hospital.

But as expected, the hospital authorities said that the deaths were not because of lack of Oxygen but other reasons such as 'premature birth', 'Child's weight' and even 'ignorance of mothers,'

These back to back incidents of blatant medical apathy and no instant action indicate the sorry state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh. But the question is, will the state government be held accountable? Will Yogi Adityanath be questioned in spite of the political party he belongs from?

OneIndia News
SC orders CBI probe into Karnataka cop Dy SP M K Ganapathy's death

India

oi-Anusha

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into Karnataka police officer Dy SP Ganapathy's suspicious death. The order comes as a huge blow to K J George who was accused of harassment by the deceased officer in a television interview.

M K Ganapathy's family moved the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court refused to intervene in the matter of handing over the probe to the CBI. Despite stiff opposition and arguments put forth by the state government on the ongoing investigations by the CID in the case, Supreme Court Bench comprising of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Uday Lalit ordered a CBI probe. "In the interest of justice, the matter should be investigated by the CBI. There are certain startling facts in the case. An investigation is a fair manner in required to decide whether it is a case of murder or suicide," the bench observed.

The controversy over Ganapathy's death had forced George to resign as the then Home Minister of Karnataka. The CID however, was quick to give a clean chit to K J George, paving the way for him to make a comeback in the Karnataka cabinet in a different role. The CBI has been asked to conclude the investigation within three months in the case where two senior police officers were also named accused. Ganapathy's son and wife had claimed that they had no trust in the state agencies and had sought a CBI inquiry into the matter. The Supreme Court has accepted the same and has ordered the central agency to probe the alleged case of suicide.

Ghost of DySp Ganapathy returns to haunt K J George, BJP threatens statewide stir

Reacting to the Supreme Court's decision to allow CBI to probe the case, BJP state Chief B S Yeddyurappa demanded that K J George resign. "We welcome the Supreme Court's verdict ordering a CBI probe into the suspicious death of Dy SP Ganapathy. To ensure a fair and free investigation, K J George must resign immediately," a statement from B S Yeddyurappa said.

Dy SP M K Ganapathy was found dead in a lodge in Kodagu hours after he gave an interview to a television channel in 2016. In the interview, Ganapathy had accused K J George, the then Home Minister of Karnataka and A M Prasad and Pranob Mohanty, senior IPS officers, of harassment. The Karnataka government, despite demands from the family and the opposition parties, had refused to hand the case over to the CBI. The BJP in August this year had accused the Congress government of a massive cover up in the case and threatened to go on a statewide protest if the case was not handed over to the CBI.

OneIndia News
DSSSB Recruitment: HC seeks Delhi govt response on withdrawal of teachers' appointment order

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Delhi government has been asked to give its response on a plea that sought a stay on the order of the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) withdrawing a notice on appointment of 8,914 school teachers. Justice A K Chawla also issued notice to the DSSSB on the plea alleging that its notice of August 24 was "illegal and contemptuous in nature". The Delhi government had introduced the Board with the purpose of recruiting capable, competent and highly-skilled individuals by conducting written tests, professional tests and personal interviews.

The court asked the authorities to file their responses within a week and listed the matter for September 21.

It was submitted that in a 2001 order, the court had directed the DSSSB to ensure zero vacancy of teachers in Delhi government schools on the commencement of each academic year.

"Unfortunately, the directions have never been complied with, resulting in accumulation of vacancies of teaching posts since 2011. No attempt has been made by the DSSSB for last several years to fill up the posts and provide regular teachers," an NGO Social Jurist said in its petition.

The plea, filed through advocate Ashok Agarwal, said after a high court order of April 11, the DSSSB issued vacancy notice on August 7 inviting applications from candidates for 8,914 teaching posts in the Directorate of Education of the Delhi government and for 5,906 teaching posts in the three municipal corporation schools here.

It alleged that the DSSSB, without informing or seeking permission from the court, had on August 24 "abruptly withdrawn the advertisement" regarding these vacancies.

OneIndia News
Religion no bar

Many Muslim women took part in aarthi at a Ganesh mandal in Dharavi. The heavily populated area sees many Ganesh pandals come up during the festivities. Religion is no bar while celebrating Mumbai's own Ganesha. The Mumbai police shared a picture of Muslim women performing aarthi for a Ganesh idol in Dharavi on Monday celebrating the true spirit of Mumbai.

When Muslim men prayed at a Ganesh pandal

Another picture shared by the Mumbai police shows Muslim men offering namaz as a Ganesh idol looks on. The hugely popular picture, according to the Mumbai police is from Cuffe Parade. The picture was clicked on Eid Al Adha. "The essence of #Mumbai captured in one frame at Ganesh Murti Nagar, Cuffe Parade! Need we say more? #EidAlAdha #Ganeshotsav," the Mumbai police captioned it.

Until next year

Big and small, all Ganapatis in Mumbai will be seen off on Tuesday except some pandals. Iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbaicha Raja idols will be taken on grand processions before being immersed in Chowpatty. The procession will see people of all religion come together. The grand affair brings the traffic to a standstill every year but Mumbaikars seem unfazed, indulging in celebrations.

Ganpati brings people together in Mumbai

Like clockwork every year, Mumbai comes together to bid farewell to Ganpati. On Tuesday the largest iconic 'Sarvajanik Ganpatis' will be taken in a procession for final immersion. Most roads leading to Chowpatty have either been made one-ways or closed for traffic with advisories put up on public platforms.

OneIndia News
Gunned down by the dozen, why it is a bad time to be a terrorist in the Valley

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

It is a bad time to be a terrorist in Kashmir today. They are being killed by the dozen and the statistics available does not paint a rosy picture for the Pakistan sponsored terrorists.

Adding to the problem is the increasing isolation of Pakistan by the international community. The latest to join the condemnation bandwagon was China which in the BRICS declaration spoke about the action that needed to be taken on terror groups operating in Pakistan.

As reported in the past it is never before seen coordination that has helped the forces achieve this high success rate. 136 out of the 200 terrorists walking the Valley have been gunned in the most precise fashion.

The Army, Intelligence Bureau, Military Intelligence, Kashmir police, Human Intelligence and the National Investigation Agency in a well-coordinated effort have tracked and terrorised the terrorists.

There have been casualties on the Indian side, but it has reduced considerably when compared to the previous years. While terrorists have been chased and gunned down in the hinterland, they have not been spared along the Line of Control as well. Along the LOC, the Army has killed 51 terrorists already while the rest have been in the Valley. In the year 2016, the number of terrorists killed along the LOC while making an infiltration bid stood at 55. This number is significant considering that the cease fire violations have increased three fold in 2017. This is an indication of the desperate measures that Pakistan is taking to push terrorists in Kashmir.

There have already been 348 cease fire violations this year when compared to the 200 odd last year. It is a clear sign that they are attempting to push in as many terrorists before the turn of the winter.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 11:30 [IST]
In Tripura, liquor shops and bars to remain closed during Durga Puja, Diwali

The Rohingya influx continues as Tripura police nets seven of them

Heavy rainfall causes floods in Tripura, boats save drowning people

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Agartala, Sep 5: Every day one or the other state of the country is coming under the grip of floods. On Monday, various parts of the northeastern state of Tripura were submerged in water following heavy rains.

Moreover, due to torrential rains, landslides were reported from various places of Sikkim. Fortunately, situation in flood-ravaged Assam and Uttar Pradesh inched closer to normal.

According to the officials, at least 20,000 flood-affected people in Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, left their homes and took shelter in 25 relief camps.

In fact, the district administration used boat services to rescue people from drowning. West Tripura District Magistrate Milind Ramteke said 12 boats were engaged in relief and rescue work and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were on alert.

"Water of the Howrah river is flowing above the danger level mark in Agartala," he said. The weatherman said 109.25 mm of rainfall was recorded on Monday morning in Agartala.

Also, a heavy downpour pounded parts of West Sikkim, triggering landslides in the area. The landslips damaged roads, houses and other infrastructure at several places in Yuksam.

Meanwhile, the situation in deluge-battered Assam was slowly crawling back to normal though 44,618 people in the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Chirang, Morigaon, Nagaon, Jorhat and Cachar continue to bear the brunt of the flooding.

Nagaon is the worst affected district with 16,484 people marooned. 15,007 were battling floods in Dhemaji and 12,513 in Morigaon.

Altogether 6,580 people are putting up in 19 relief camps in the affected districts. Around 5,700 hectares of crop area has been affected. Floods claimed 158 lives in the three waves that hit the state this year.

The situation in flood-ravaged districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh also inched closer to normal, officials said.

The number of flood-related fatalities in the state has plateaued at 108. No deluge-related death was reported over the last three days, the flood control room at the office of relief commissioner told PTI.

The flooding in 24 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh affected 27.92 lakh people this year. A number of deluge-affected people continue to put up in relief camps.

The state government is running 279 flood outposts and 72 centres for distribution of relief material, the officials said.

Affected people expressed their anger over the way the government handled the flood situation, this year.

"We are experiencing one of the worst floods, this year. However, the Yogi Adityanath government did not do enough to provide us relief measures. We have lost our crops, homes and everything," said a farmer from a nearby village in Ballia.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 7:11 [IST]
How a software can help Indian Army to predict Pak incursions

India

oi-Madhuri

A multinational security firm has secretly developed software capable of tracking people's movements and predicting future behaviour by mining data from social networking websites.

Yes, thanks to data analytics organisation which is capable of cracking down on everything from minor riots to armed militants crossing the border.

According to Tushar Chhabra who is the co-founder of Gurgaon-based driverless truck company Cron systems, said that he has around 20 terabytes of data on the border movement which earlier used to be recorded in physical log books of soldiers. These include thermal images, instances of people going near the fence from across the border and also activity at late night.

Meanwhile, Tarun Wig who is the founder of Delhi-based Innefu Labs said that his company provides analytics services to BSF, CRPF and Police departments across India.

What's more interesting here is, the company also provides data that can actually predict the script of Bollywood screen writers.

What is Data analytics:

Data analytics (DA) is the process of examining data sets in order to draw conclusions about the information they contain, increasingly with the aid of specialized systems and software.

In Bengaluru, the City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood, an IIT Delhi alumnus during his tenure said that even their team is used data analytics software to process distress calls from all areas of the city. Data analytics also helped Sood shut nine police stations and relocate them instead to the outskirts which were more crime prone.

The data analytics is also effective in law enforcement areas. According to the analytics around 90% of the distress calls never get registered a FIR. The calls include drunken fights, mischief near residential areas.

But based on the data analytics, the cops allocate patrolling vans to those areas where frequent calls are coming from and not waste our manpower.

OneIndia News
Is 'Gujarat model of development' a failure? Rahul Gandhi thinks so

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Ahmedabad, Sep 5: Going by the political activities in Gujarat, the election season in the poll-bound state seems to have already kick-started. The Assembly elections in the state are likely to take place in December, but political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, are already in campaigning mood to woo voters.

On Monday, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, where he attended an event named "Samvad" (dialogue), hosted at the Sabarmati riverfront -- a waterfront on the banks of the Sabarmati river.

The programme of the Gandhi scion was touted as an outreach programme for the party workers. In a way, the Congress, the main opposition party in the state, kick-started its campaign for the Assembly elections with Rahul's Samvad.

During the programme, Rahul interacted with the party workers and answered questions sent to him in advance by them. As usual the Congress VP targeted the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the ruling BJP and Modi were "scared" of the outcome of the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls as their much-touted "model of development" in the state had "failed". Rahul exuded confidence that the Congress, in opposition in Gujarat for nearly two decades, would come to power after the polls.

"This time, I firmly believe no one can stop the Congress from forming the next government in Gujarat," the 47-year-old member of Parliament (MP) from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, said.

The Congress leader said the Gujarat "model of development" stood thoroughly "exposed". "The BJP and the Prime Minister are scared of the outcome of the Gujarat Assembly polls. You cannot hide the truth for long. The hollowness of the BJP's Gujarat model of development has been exposed now," he said.

Rahul alleged the model had not helped anyone "be it the youth, farmers, small businessmen or shopkeepers". Only some 5-10 people benefited from it, the Congress VP said without taking names.

Attacking Modi, Rahul said his government was putting "undue pressure" on the media. "We know that Modiji is pressuring the media. Even some media persons have told me that they are scared," he claimed.

He asked his party workers to fight against the BJP at the booth level and expose the saffron outfit's "lies".

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"You have so many issues for this election such as hardships being faced by farmers, demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and unemployment. Our workers will fight against the BJP at the booth level and expose their lies," he said.

Now, it has to be seen how much Rahul's interaction with the party workers helped them to boost their morale before taking on the "mighty" BJP in Gujarat in the forthcoming polls.

OneIndia News
Rishab Shetty-starrer 'Kantara' third highest-grossing Kannada flick in US, next only to 'KGF' series

'Gandhada Gudi' box office collection: Here's how much it collected in the US

Journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru, protests across Karnataka

India

oi-Anusha

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Renowned Kannada journalist and editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday night. Unknown assailants are said to have opened fire at the journalist outside her house at around 8 PM. The attack is eerily similar to the assault on rationalist M M Kalburgi in Karnataka.

Gauri Lankesh's body was sent for an autopsy to Victoria hospital in Bengaluru. Post noon on Wednesday, her mortal remains were shifted for public viewing to Bayalu Ranga Mandira in Bengaluru's Ravindra Kalakshetra. Friends, family, politicos, colleagues poured in dozens to pay their last respects to the slain journalist.

"She was shot dead outside her residence. The local police were intimated by the neighbours. There are CCTV cameras installed at Gauri Lankesh's residence and we will scrutinize the same. Her body has been sent for autopsy and further details will emerge from the report. We have found four empty cartridges but we have to await post mortem reports to ascertain the number of shots fired," said Suneel Kumar, Bengaluru police commissioner.

"Initial information suggests that Gauri Lankesh was entering her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar when miscreants shot at her. Neighbours heard the gunshots and rushed out. The identity of the assailants is yet to be established," Malini Krishnamoorthy, Additional Commissioner, West told OneIndia.

Assailants in a vehicle are said to have opened fire at the journalist and fled the scene. A prominent left thinker, Gauri Lankesh has been a strong voice against the RSS and right wing ideology. She has written extensively about naxalism and has often been accused of being a Naxal-sympathiser.

Home Minister of Karnataka Ramalinga Reddy said that Gauri did not have any threats. "Within a span of one minute, about seven rounds seem to have been shot in close range. She was attacked when she was outside her residence. She had not sought any protection and hence security was not given. It is unclear if anyone including domestic helps were at the residence," Ramalinga Reddy said.

Protests over Gauri's murder, scribes call for protest

Journalists, politicians, academicians, activists across the country have condemned the brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh. Protests were witnessed in Rajarajeshwari Nagar where she was shot dead. Similar protests were seen in Bengaluru's Town Hall, Mandya, Dharwad etc. Protestors demanded justice for Lankesh as well as M M Kalburgi who was shot dead in a similar fashion. Journalists across the country have called for a protest condemning the murder on Wednesday. Journalists in various cities will come together to show solidarity with Lankesh's family and demand speedy investigation.

Condolences poured in for the slain journalist with politicians, activits and intellectuals hailing her undying spirit.

Shocked to learn abt murder of tall progressive force & senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Such cold blooded acts deserve highest condemnation  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 5, 2017

I strongly condemn the murder of Journalist Gauri Lankesh. Let Police conduct impartial enquiry on the murder.  Sadananda Gowda (@DVSBJP) September 5, 2017

Gauri Lankesh was the editor of weekly tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, a columnist in newspapers, a panelist on TV channels besides being an activist. Lankesh was critical of the Hindutva brigade and was last year convicted in a defamation case filed by MP Pralhad Joshi who had objected to a report against BJP leaders.

She is the second scholar-rationalist to be assassinated in Karnataka in less than two years after former vice-chancellor of Hampi University M M Kalburgi.

OneIndia News
Keralites can eat beef; BJP doesnt dictate food habits, says Modis new Christian min

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Sep 5: The controversial issue of eating beef came up when the newly-inducted tourism minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet, KJ Alphons, took charge of his office on Monday.

Alphons, who is a bureaucrat-turned-politician, said beef would continue to be consumed in his home state of Kerala. The 63-year-old Christian Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and the 1979 Kerala cadre officer said that the saffron had never said that beef cannot be eaten.

"As Manohar Parrikar, the chief minister of Goa, has said that beef will be consumed in the state. Similarly, it will be consumed in Kerala," he said. "The BJP does not mandate that beef cannot be eaten. We don't dictate food habits in any place. It is for the people to decide," he said.

The new tourism minister said if a BJP-ruled state like Goa was eating beef, there should be no problem in Kerala. He later told NDTV that he could act as a bridge between the Christian community and the BJP.

Addressing some of the concerns that were raised by the Christian community about the BJP in the past, Alphons said it was a mere propaganda.

"There was a lot of propaganda in 2014, that if Modi comes to power Christians will be burnt, churches will be demolished. The Prime Minister has made it clear that believe whatever you want, I will protect you. The PM has done a fantastic job in taking everyone along," he said.

Parrikar, in July, had said in the Assembly that he would ensure that there was no shortage of beef in the state and, if required, it would be imported from neighbouring states. Cow slaughter is banned in as many as 21 states.

Consumption of beef has also been barred in some of these states, including Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. It is also banned in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Kerala is among eight states where there are no restrictions on cow slaughter.

However, widespread protests and "beef fests" were organised in Kerala in May following a central government notification banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the Centre's notification on cattle slaughter ban, while the Kerala High Court refused to order a stay on it.

The Supreme Court later clarified that Madras High Court's stay on the notification is operational, implying that the stay on cattle slaughter ban is effective across the country.

However, Alphons' claim on freedom of eating beef across India under the current BJP regime is something unfounded on the ground as we have seen several mob lynchings over alleged transportation of cow and storage of beef in the recent times.

OneIndia News
Man rapes 8-year-old to use her blood for removing obstacles to his marriage

Kolkata auditorium cancels booking for RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's event

India

oi-Madhuri

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat was denied permission to deliver a speech in Kolkata auditorium.

The organisers of the event were informed cancellation of the booking for the auditorium, which is owned by the West Bengal government.

Bhagwat was scheduled for an event in early October in Mahajati Sadan. After it was denied, now the organisers are looking for another auditorium.

Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was also scheduled to attend the programme on October 3. The subject of the speech was Sister Nivedita's role in India's nationalist movement.

This is not the first time, earlier in January, the Kolkata police had denied permission for Bhagwat's rally in the city but the high court ruled out the decision.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 12:53 [IST]
No news about 2 Arunachal youths who went missing from near China border in August

Modi condoles demise of Arunachal minister Jomde Kena

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena, who died at a private hospital in Guwahati after a prolonged illness.

52-year-old Kena, a resident of Gensi village in Lower Siang district was undergoing treatment at Guwahati for the past one month. He died last night, PTI quoted sources as saying.

PM expressed grief on the demise of Arunachal Pradesh's Health Minister, Shri Jomde Kena & extended condolences to his family & supporters.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 5, 2017

Kena, who represented Likabali constituency, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2004. He was re-elected to the House from the same constituency in 2009 and 2014. Kena was elected as Deputy Speaker during Nabam Tuki Government and served as Parliamentary Secretary under the Dorjee Khandu and Jarbom Gamlin ministries.

He is survived by his wife, four daughters and two sons. The mortal remains of Kena would be flown to Naharlagun today from Guwahati and then to his native village Gensi where the last rites would be performed tomorrow.

The state government has declared two days state mourning from today and announced a holiday tomorrow.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also expressed shock and grief over the sad demise of Kena.

In his condolence message, Khandu said, "In his demise, our state has lost a seasoned politician and I have lost an elder brother, who was more than a friend. On behalf of the people, I convey my deep condolences to the members of his family, friends and well wishers. I pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace."

OneIndia News with PTI inputs

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 12:19 [IST]
Modi in Myanmar will be cautious on Rohinyga Muslim issue

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

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PM Modi leaves for Burma, will have to be cautious while speaking on rohingya | Oneindia News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to tread the cautious path on the issue of Rohingya Muslims when he visits Myanmar.

Modi, who will commence his visit to Nay Pyi Daw on Tuesday, will be the first foreign leader to meet Myanmar's State Counsellor de-facto ruler Aung San Suu Kyi.

With the Indian government in New Delhi signalling its plan to deport Rohingyas illegally taking shelter in India, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees on Monday reminded it of its obligation not to send back the persecuted people to the same place where they were displaced from and could still face danger.

The PM is visiting Myanmar at a time when the security forces of the neighbouring country have been accused of committing atrocities against Rohingyas while carrying out an offensive against insurgents of rebel Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in its northwestern Rakhine State.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 6:29 [IST]
NGT directs states to submit Ganga Action Plan by Sep 8

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked states to file a compliance report on Ganga Action Plan Phase I by September 8.

The NGT had on Friday issued bailable warrants against Haryana and Rajasthan governments for not submitting their action plan on cleaning and rejuvenation of the river Ganga.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar took strong objection to the absence of the counsel for both the states and their failure to submit the report despite its July 13 order.

On Tuesday, the NGT fixed September 12 as the deadline for submission of plans for Phase II.

Over the pollution in river Yamuna, the NGT had last month directed some northern states to submit an action plan for rejuvenation and restoration of the stretch of the river falling beyond the national capital. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to file a complete report in this regard.

OneIndia News
People want Congress thrown out, let us ensure that: Javadekar to Karnataka BJP

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

On Monday, the BJP in Karnataka set out a road map to face the upcoming assembly elections. Prakash Javadekar and Piyush Goyal met with party leaders and put in place a plan to take on the Congress and JD(S) in the elections.

While telling party leaders to ensure a grand success of the party's big rally in Mangaluru, he said that the people were waiting for the elections so that they could vote for the BJP.

About the rally, he said that all leaders irrespective of their destinations must reach whether there is permission given or not for the rally. During the meeting, some leaders raised spoke about the discontentment brewing about leaders from North Karnataka not getting a place in the Union Government. Javadekar said that there was no cause for concern and the centre would put in its best efforts for the region.

He also said that in the days to come, the party must draw out a road map to take on the Congress. The BJP has provided clean governance and hence the focus must be on the corruption of the Congress. We need to plan big rallies and take on the ruling dispensation in Karnataka, he also told party leaders.

OneIndia News
Plea to deport Rohingya Muslims: Won't give any undertaking says Centre in SC

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Centre refused to undertake before the Supreme Court that it would not deport the Rohingya Muslims during the pendency of a petition. A petition in the Supreme Court challenged the decision of the Government to deport the 40,000 Rohingya Muslims on the ground that they are illegal immigrants.

The Supreme Court sought to know the stand of the government on the issue. Two Rohingya Muslims represented by senior advocate Prashanth Bhushan said the decision to deport violated international human rights conventions.

While the bench posted the matter for September 11, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the two Rohingya immigrants, wanted an assurance that during the pendency of the petition, the Centre will not take any step including deportation of the immigrants.

The ASG made it clear that he was not making any statement. Violent attacks allegedly by Myanmarese armymen have led to an exodus of Rohingya tribals from the western Rakhine state in that country to India and Bangladesh. Many of them, who had fled to India after the earlier spate of violence, have settled in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 6:53 [IST]
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

UP: FSL director suspended after terming harmless powder as plastic explosive

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Forensic Sciences Laboratory director of Uttar Pradesh was suspended after he termed silicon oxide, a food additive, which was found inside the state assembly a few days back, as a dangerous plastic explosive.

The FSL report caused a huge embarrassment to the state government. Shyam Bihari Upadhyaya, had conducted tests on the powder recovered from under the seat of an MLA, with an ''expired'' kit. The FSL director had then said that the powder was PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate), a dangerous plastic explosive.

Subsequent tests at a central forensic laboratory, however, revealed that the powder was silicon oxide.

The initial report from the Lucknow FSL prompted chief minister Yogi Adityanath to express serious concern over the "slack security" in the House and termed it a "conspiracy" which could be connected to terrorism.

He had also declared then that the probe into the matter would be handed over to the NIA.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 6:22 [IST]
80 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lankan navy

International

pti-PTI

Colombo, Sep 5: Sri Lanka has released 80 Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the island nations waters.

Four of them were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were drowning in northern seas on August 31 while the others have been arrested for trespassing into the Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities, The Colombo Page reported.

The 76 Indian fishermen were apprehended on separate occasions by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard for engaging in the illegal fishing method of bottom trawling in the Sri Lankan territorial waters. The repatriated Indian fishermen were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Sarang' at the International Maritime Boundary Line north of Kankasanthurai, the report said.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently by the maritime security agencies of both countries for illegal fishing and often stray into illegal waters due to absence of any proper technology to confirm the coastline border between Pakistan and India near Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea.

PTI
At BRICS summit, Putin slams 'thoughtless and selfish actions' of certain states that hurt global economy

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BRICS 2017: Peace in border areas agreed, says MEA on Modi-Xi Jinping meet

International

oi-Madhuri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Xiamen on the sidelines of BRICS 2017. The meeting took place for the first time since the 73-day Doklam standoff between hundreds of troops ended last week.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.

While briefing media, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said,''Discussions between Modi, Xi Jinping were constructive. Agreed at Astana that will not let differences become disputes, that was reaffirmed.''

''Peace and tranquility at the border areas is a prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China,'' Jaishankar said.

''Both agreed that concrete steps should be taken to resolve recent issues,'' he said. The foreign secretary also said that differences are natural between neighbours and large powers and that there would be differences. With regard to defence, both sides must maintain strong contacts and cooperation, foreign secretary Jaishankar said.

On Monday, President Xi greeted PM Modi with a smile and a warm handshake.

Later that month, Indian Army stopped China from building a road in the remote, uninhabited territory of Doklam, claimed by both China and Bhutan, resulting in a stand-off near the Sikkim border that lasted over two months.

OneIndia News
BRICS declaration on Pak terror: What happens at the summit remains at the summit

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The BRICS declaration recognised several terror groups including Pakistan sponsored ones such as the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad as potential threats. It was an interesting development since China probably for the first time identified the threat posed by Pakistan based groups.

The BRICS or the Xiamen declaration is a good step forward and is also a visible shift in the Chinese stance on Pakistan. The question is how effective will this declaration be and how far would China go from here to pressurise Pakistan to act against these groups which fight a proxy war for the rogue nation.

Animesh Roul, Executive Director of Research at the New Delhi-based Society for the Study of Peace tells OneIndia that no doubt it is a visible shift on China's part where Pakistan is concerned.

Roul says China may have agreed to this list of groups only because ETIM , IMU or Islamic State names are mentioned in it. So, it is balanced list of groups that pose a threat to BRICS countries and the world at large. India should not be overwhelmed about Chinese agreement on Pakistan based groups and should not expect more at UNSC.

However, it is too premature to conclude that Beijing would infleunce or force Pakistan immediately to act against these groups named in the declaration. History of these kind of biltarelal or multilateral declartions suggest that 'What happens at Summit level, remains at the Summit level', Roul also adds.

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China recognises Pak terror at BRICS, Pak looks for new allies | Oneindia News

So there is nothing to cheer about, especilly in the case of Masood Azhar or Hafeez Saeed. China would not create problem for itself by going against these powerful Pakistani non state actors who can jointy or independently disturb Chinese intertests inside Pakistan.

Again, in future Chinese authority will take pretext of the text used in the decalration, such as 'violence caused by' these terror groups. On the ground they don't exist (especilly LeT or JeM). Their new formations are working on humanitarian and education sphere. India failed to convince Pakistan about these individual once heading these banned groups, he also says.

Therefore, it would be uphill task for agencies to prove anything against the Lashkar or JeM or their supreme leaders directly.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 14:04 [IST]
BRICS must live up to commitments to sovereign equality and territorial integrity: Jaishankar

Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5 per cent this year: PM Modi at BRICS Business Forum

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BRICS 2017: Xi Jinping calls for healthy and stable India-China relationship

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

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BRICS Summit: India-China hold first bilateral talks since standoff today | Oneindia News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met for the first time after the resolution of Doklam standoff in Xiamen. The meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of BRICS summit.

During the meeting, Modi congratulated the Chinese President on successfully executing the BRICS summit.

Jinping, on his part, said, "India and China are each other's major neighbours, we are also two of the world's largest and emerging countries...China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel."

"A healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the interests of people in both countries," he added.

A bilateral meeting between the Indian and Chinese officials also took place on the sidelines of the summit. The Chinese delegation comprised President Xi, Chief Spokesperson Lu Kang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and State Councilor Yang Jiechi

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff in Doklam region near Sikkim since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army. On August 28, MEA announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Doklam area.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other leaders and dignitaries, took part in the 'Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries' event at International Conference Centre in Xiamen.

Speaking at the event, Modi stressed on the importance of reining in climate change and said that a coordinated action and cooperation by BRICS countries is needed in the areas of counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

"We need to work together to create a greener world and mitigate the menace of climate change," Modi said at the event 'Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries' in Xiamen, China

PM urges BRICS nations to work collectively for a digital world, skilled world, healthier world, equitable world and harmonious world.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 5, 2017

PM @narendramodi calls for an inclusive world, where the poorest of the poor are integrated into the financial mainstream.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 5, 2017

President Xi Jinping chaired the 'Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries', which will be attended by leaders of BRICS - a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The meeting will also see the participation of leaders of Egypt, Mexico, Tajikistan, Guinea and Thailand, said reports.

Modi arrived in Xiamen on Sunday and attended the BRICS Summit.

OneIndia News
In testing the dirty bomb, North Korea's target is China and not US

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

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North Korea continues to embarrass China with Hydrogen Bomb test during BRICS | Oneindia News

It is a well known fact that North Korea has increasingly used the nuclear brinkmanship in a bid to be taken seriously. On Sunday, North Korea announced that it had tested the hydrogen bomb and the announcement came at a time when China was hosting the BRICS summit.

Why would Kim Jon Un carry out such a test especially at a time when China is hosting an international gathering. It must also be remembered that for North Korea, China is the sole ally and economic lifeline.

Experts we spoke with say that these latest tests go beyond the concept of being taken seriously by the United States. It is also aimed at embarrassing China. North Korea's tests have increasingly put China is a spot of bother and caused a great deal of embarrassment. It may also be recalled that in May, North Korea had conducted a missile test when China was hosting an international summit on trade.

North Korea has been attempting to embarrass China ever since Beijing signed the tougher new international sanctions on North Korea. In addition to this China had decided to suspend North Korea's coal imports.

With these tests, China has come under immense pressure from the US. Donald Trump has criticised China for not doing enough. While on one hand the US continues to criticise China, on the other hand North Korea continues with its aggressive posturing only adding to China's embarrassment.

China has ahead of it a herculean task in bringing North Korea under control. Kim Jon Un is unlikely to back down easily and will continue to remain adamant and aggressive.

However he will also need to be careful in not pushing China too much as he risks losing the economic lifeline.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 7:13 [IST]
North Korea nuclear test: Donald Trump discusses threat with leaders

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Sep 5: After North Korea's latest nuclear test, the US President Donald Trump discussed with leaders of Germany, South Korea and Japan and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination on the issue at the UN.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a "perfect success", sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, South Korea President Moon Jae-In and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump underscored the need to give a coordinated response to North Korea. "The two leaders (Trump and Merkel) condemned North Korea's continued reckless and dangerous behavior and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at the UN. President Trump noted that this latest provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter North Korea's prohibited activities," the White House said in a read out of the call.

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"All options to address the North Korean threat are on the table," the White House said. In a separate phone call, Trump and Moon "underscored the grave threat" that North Korea's latest provocation poses to the entire world. The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal. They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities.

"President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities. President Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea," the White House said.

In another phone call with Abe, the two leaders condemned North Korea's continued destabilising and provocative actions. They confirmed the two countries' ironclad mutual defence commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation. "President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal," the White House said.

PTI
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Pakistan rejects BRICS declaration on terrorist groups

International

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by BRICS nations that highlighted terror groups within Pakistan posing regional security concern.

"These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which we're cleaning," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to. But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organization has any complete safe havens."

The move comes after BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that also called for patrons of the Pakistan-based terrorist groups to be held to account.

On Monday, BRICS countries named for the first time Pakistan-based terror groups like the LeT and the JeM for causing violence in the region.

The 43-page 'Xiamen Declaration' was adopted at the end of the five-nation BRICS plenary that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Presidents Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Michel Temer of Brazil and Jacob Zuma of South Africa.

The declaration is being hailed as a big diplomatic win for India in its campaign against terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

OneIndia News
Post BRICS, Pakistan will have to crack down on terror to make new friends, retain old ones

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

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China recognises Pak terror at BRICS, Pak looks for new allies | Oneindia News

Pakistan is finding itself increasingly isolated. First Donald Trump and now China. Both countries have identified and recognised that Pakistan is a state that harbours terror groups and it is time that it cracked down.

The question is will Pakistan change its policy or will it hunt for new allies. The democratically elected government in Pakistan wants to move towards a new foreign policy, but the military and the ISI feel that changing policy is not the way to go and the better decision would be to hunt for new allies.

The statement Senator Mohammad Mohsin Khan Laghari in the Pakistan senate said it all. On Donald Trump's warning, he said there was no need to be shocked. We have seen America over the years. It is not as though we were brothers and suddenly today we are not. We had seen this coming. Several trillion dollars have been spent in Afghanistan, but they failed. They need someone to blame and hence they are blaming Pakistan, he said.

Pakistan increasingly has realised that the world has started to see India's view point.

More importantly the US has also seen India's view point on Kashmir. The statements by the US and now China will increasingly frustrate and isolate Pakistan which has been gathering support for its fight on the right to Kashmir. This momentum too has hit a road block after Trump termed the Kashmir struggle as terrorism.

The question now who will be Pakistan's allies. The generals are trying to cozy up to Russia. China on the other hand is a friend, but with the new BRICS declaration that also included Russia, Pakistan will have to do more on the terror front. It will have to crack down on the likes of the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayiba in order to make new friends and retain old ones.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 7:03 [IST]
The dirty bomb: When Benazir smuggled nuclear data into North Korea

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

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Benazir Bhutto smuggled nuclear-missile tech into North Korea | Oneindia News

North Korea's testing of the Hydrogen bomb has left everyone concerned. Pakistan was quick to condemn it too, but behind North Korea's missile capabilities there is a history attached.

In the 2008 book, "Good Bye Shahzadi," written by journalist Shyam Bhatia, the late Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto is quoted on this issue. It said she had smuggled nuclear data to North Korea in 1993.

In testing the dirty bomb, North Korea's target is China and not US

"Before leaving Islamabad she shopped for an overcoat with the 'deepest possible pockets' into which she transferred CDs containing the scientific data about uranium enrichment that the North Koreans wanted," Bhatia says in the book. "She implied with a glint in her eye that she had acted as a two-way courier, bringing North Korea's missile information on CDs back with her on the return journey."

It was said that the data was used to facilitate a missile deal in which North Korea supplied Pakistan with long range missile technology. It is also said that Pakistan's Ghauri missiles are based on North Korea's Nodong missiles. There have been nuclear-missile tradeoffs between Pakistan and North Korea. Ironically this has been facilitated by China.

North Korea over the years with China's backing has managed to master the art of making bombs. The hydrogen bombs which use fusion to unleash huge amounts of destructive energy is something that North Korea has mastered, but Pakistan has not done as yet.

On the test conducted by North Korea, Pakistan says it has nothing to do with it. Pakistan's nuclear scientist Dr Andul Qadeer Khan says that North Korea's missile technology is better than Pakistan's. In a telephonic interview with BBC Urdu he said that North Korea was self-reliant in the nuclear field because of its highly qualified group of scientists. He says that he was in North Korea twice under a missile programme and found that they had much better quality compared to Pakistan. Their scientists are highly capable, and most of them have studied in Russia. Russia and China would never leave North Korea alone, he also said.

To a question whether Pakistan had assisted North Korea, he said that it was out of the question. Their overall technology is better. We never saw their facilities or discussed the programme, he also said.

He however said Pakistan's association with North Korea for the missile programme was common knowledge. In fact, the Pakistani government itself announced that we were in contact with North Korea, he also added.

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by  Graham Pierrepoint



North Koreas recent nuclear testing was felt across the world in recent days  with the Richter scale tipping past 6 and with observatories as far flung as Australia taking note of what was alleged to be a hydrogen bomb tested out by Kim Jong Uns military. It is the latest move in a series of rhetoric from the state and in a global culture that is becoming more gripped by fear by the day  with terrorism still rife across Europe, the Middle East and America, it remains to be seen where it will all end  but one of the major figureheads in world politics has this week advised that safe, peaceful dialogue should be entered into if Pyongyang and Kim Jong Un are to be quelled.

Vladimir Putin is a controversial figure in world politics  allegations that Russian agents helped to win Donald Trump the US Presidency continue to rattle  but he has this week taken stage in an attempt to soothe tension towards a peaceful conclusion. Speaking on Pyongyangs recent testing and supposed future tests  following a bomb strike more powerful than some that caused devastation in World War II  Putin asserted at the Brics summit that a planetary catastrophe and a huge loss of human life could await us if we ramp up military hysteria. Putin advised that the only way to resolve North Koreas current testing and threat on the world stage is to remain open to dialogue.

Putin was also keen to advise that sanctions against the reclusive state would be inadvisable  and while Russia outright condemns recent actions taken by North Korea, they will not be taking further military action in favor of addressing these issues verbally. The US, meanwhile, appears to be working in tandem with South Korea to potentially upgrade its missiles and to complete trading on further equipment from American shores  showing that President Trump, for all his alleged ties with Putin, could be operating on the other side of the coin to Russias head of state.

Trump has refused to rule out military action in recent weeks, and pressure is mounting on the US President as to what action will be taken long-term. Many hope that Putins comments will be taken seriously at an extraordinarily tense time  and that whether or not Trumps team supposedly colluded with Russian agents in the past, the time is now for the US and Russian premiers to work together to find a viable strategy that minimizes risk of human life.
Wochit News 29 Jul 2020

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EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017

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The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Amorphous Fluoroplastics industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Amorphous Fluoroplastics market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the 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. Whats more, the Amorphous Fluoroplastics industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.In this report, the EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Amorphous Fluoroplastics for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux;Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Amorphous Fluoroplastics sales volume (K Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingDuPontThe Chemours Company...On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPowdered ResinSolutionOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Units), market share and growth rate of Amorphous Fluoroplastics for each application, includingOptical MaterialsSemiconductors and Processing MaterialsDielectric MaterialsRelease MaterialsSpecialized Chemical/Industrial MaterialsTo get a free professional report sample, please email to tinaning@qyresearch.com or Browse our detailed product page:Table of contents:1 Amorphous Fluoroplastics Overview2 EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application3 Europe Amorphous Fluoroplastics (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application4 Middle East Amorphous Fluoroplastics (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application5 Africa Amorphous Fluoroplastics (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application6 EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data7 Amorphous Fluoroplastics Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10 Market Effect Factors Analysis11 EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Forecast (2017-2022)12 Research Findings and Conclusion13 AppendixList of Tables and Figures:Figure Product Picture of Amorphous FluoroplasticsFigure EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Sales Volume (K Units) by Type (2012-2022)Figure EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure Powdered Resin Product PictureFigure Solution Product PictureFigure EMEA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Sales Volume (K Units) by Application (2012-2022)Figure EMEA Sales Market Share of Amorphous Fluoroplastics by Application in 2016Figure Optical Materials ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Optical MaterialsFigure Semiconductors and Processing Materials ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Semiconductors and Processing Materials......Related Reports:Global Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017China Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017USA Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017Korea Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017Japan Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017India Amorphous Fluoroplastics Market Report 2017Contact Details:Tina| Sales ManagersCompany Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com Tel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. 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Home Automation Systems Global Market Forecast 2017-2022 Ingersoll-Rand, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric

Home Automation Systems Market

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Home Automation Systems Market Research ReportA market study  Global Home Automation Systems Market  examines the performance of the Home Automation Systems market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Home Automation Systems market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Home Automation Systems market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Home Automation Systems Market 2017 report includes Home Automation Systems market Size, Revenue, market Share, Home Automation Systems industry volume, market Trends, Home Automation Systems Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Home Automation Systems Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Home Automation Systems Market 2017:Honeywell InternationalLegrandIngersoll-RandJohnson ControlsSchneider ElectricSiemensABBAcuity BrandsUnited Technologies CorporationSamsung ElectronicsNest LabsCrestron ElectronicsHome Automation Systems Market : Application AnalysisApplication 1Application 2Home Automation Systems Market : Type AnalysisType IType IIFirstly, the report covers the top Home Automation Systems manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Enquiry for Buying Report of Home Automation Systems Market @Further, the Home Automation Systems report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Home Automation Systems industry, Home Automation Systems industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Home Automation Systems Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Home Automation Systems research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Home Automation Systems market revenue worldwide.Finally, Home Automation Systems market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Processed Seafood Global Market Forecast 2017-2022 AquaChile, Iglo Group, Marine Harvest, Toyo Suisan Kaisha

Processed Seafood Market

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Processed Seafood Market Research ReportA market study  Global Processed Seafood Market  examines the performance of the Processed Seafood market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Processed Seafood market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Processed Seafood market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Processed Seafood Market 2017 report includes Processed Seafood market Size, Revenue, market Share, Processed Seafood industry volume, market Trends, Processed Seafood Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Processed Seafood Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Processed Seafood Market 2017:AquaChileClearwater SeaProcessed SeafoodHigh Liner Processed SeafoodsIglo GroupLeroy SeaProcessed SeafoodMarine HarvestAustevoll SeaProcessed SeafoodToyo Suisan KaishaLyons SeaProcessed SeafoodsSajo IndustriesThai Union Frozen ProductsMarine HarvestProcessed Seafood Market : Application AnalysisHouseholdCommercialProcessed Seafood Market : Type AnalysisProcessed ShrimpProcessed Sea FoodFirstly, the report covers the top Processed Seafood manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Enquiry for Buying Report of Processed Seafood Market @Further, the Processed Seafood report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Processed Seafood industry, Processed Seafood industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Processed Seafood Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Processed Seafood research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Processed Seafood market revenue worldwide.Finally, Processed Seafood market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Plastic Solar Cells Global Market Forecast 2017-2022 BP Solar, Cambridge Display, Phototherm

Plastic Solar Cells Market

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Plastic Solar Cells Market Research ReportA market study  Global Plastic Solar Cells Market  examines the performance of the Plastic Solar Cells market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Plastic Solar Cells market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Plastic Solar Cells market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Plastic Solar Cells Market 2017 report includes Plastic Solar Cells market Size, Revenue, market Share, Plastic Solar Cells industry volume, market Trends, Plastic Solar Cells Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Plastic Solar Cells Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Plastic Solar Cells Market 2017:BP SolarCambridge Display TechnologyPhotothermPlastic Solar Cells Market : Application AnalysisApplication 1Application 2Plastic Solar Cells Market : Type AnalysisType IType IIFirstly, the report covers the top Plastic Solar Cells manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Enquiry for Buying Report of Plastic Solar Cells Market @Further, the Plastic Solar Cells report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plastic Solar Cells industry, Plastic Solar Cells industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Plastic Solar Cells Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Plastic Solar Cells research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Plastic Solar Cells market revenue worldwide.Finally, Plastic Solar Cells market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Hyperspectral Imaging Market To Witness Enhanced Usage In Defense, Surveillance, Medical Diagnostics, Food And Agriculture Applications Till 2022 | Million Insights

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Global Hyperspectral Imaging Market is segmented on the basis of product type, technology, form factor, system, application and geography. The imaging technique used for collecting and processing information through electromagnetic spectrum termed as hyperspectral imaging (HSI). It is the combination of spectroscopy and digital imaging techniques to obtain the spectral and spatial information about object.Hyperspectral imaging is better known as imaging spectroscopy or imaging spectrometry. Main purpose of the hyperspectral imaging technique is to identify and create a spectrum of each pixel of the image to study object. It gives physical and geometrical features of objects such as shape, size, appearance and color, along with the chemical composition of the object via spectral analysis. This imaging is performed to identify different objects and materials.Full Research Report On Hyperspectral Imaging Market Global Analysis available at:Hyperspectral imaging is a combination of various spectral methods like fluorescence imaging, near infrared, and so on. This type of imaging is dependent on the principle of spectral based contract. Hyperspectral imaging technique is used in the analysis of retinopathy, recognizing & detecting contaminants in food and development of crops. In research areas like nano-drug delivery and nanotoxicology, hyperspectral imaging technique plays a major role. Using an instrument imaging spectrometer hyperspectral images are produced. The image is produced at multiple wavelengths and produces three-dimensional hyperspectral data cube along with one spectral dimension and two spatial dimensions.In addition, hyperspectral imaging measures absorption of electromagnetic radiation, reflection, emission, and gives a unique spectral signature for every pixel. It is useful in image-guided surgeries and analysis of diseases. It also gives large-scale information for the analysis of the image. The factors that play an important role in the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) market are technological creation in sensor design, growing number of research projects using hyperspectral imaging system, industrial applications of HIS, and manufacturing low-cost cameras that are lightweight and compact.The key target audience of the hyperspectral Imaging Market is hyperspectral imaging system providers, research organizations & consulting firms, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), alliances & associations related to HSI technology, technology standards organizations, and venture capitalists & investors.Based on product type, the hyperspectral Imaging Market is classified as hyperspectral cameras, accessories, and so on. Based on technology, the hyperspectral Imaging Market is classified as spatial scanning, spectral scanning, spatiospectral scanning, snapshot hyperspectral imaging, and so on.Request for Free Sample @ :Based on technology, the hyperspectral Imaging Market is classified as portable and benchtop. The segment portable is further divided into handheld; whereas the segment benchtop is further classified as rack-mounted. Based on system, the hyperspectral Imaging Market is classified as outdoor camera, benchtop camera, airborne camera, hyperspectral software, and so on. Based on application, the hyperspectral Imaging Market is classified as food processing, mining & mineralogy, military surveillance, remote sensing, machine vision/optical sorting, life sciences & medical diagnostics, agriculture, healthcare, research, colorimetry & chemical imaging, eye care, environmental testing, meteorology, machine control, physics & astronomy and so on.Based on geography, the hyperspectral Imaging Market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to account for the largest share of the hyperspectral Imaging Market in the upcoming years. The United States was the first country to accept hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology for aerial remote sensing applications. In North America, due to growth in research funding, high acceptance of hyperspectral imaging systems in research, growing consciousness regarding the benefits of hyperspectral imaging in commercial sector and technological advancements are driving the growth of hyperspectral imaging industry. Also, Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the next couple of years.Key players operating in the Hyperspectral Imaging Industry are Headwall Photonics Inc., Corning Incorporated, SPECIM, Spectral Imaging Ltd., Resonon, Telops, Norsk Elektro Optikk AS, Applied Spectral Imaging, BaySpec Inc., Surface Optics Corporation, ChemImage Corporation, NEO, Brandywine Photonics, Corning, Corescan, EVK DI Kerschhaggl, CytoViva, Galileo Group, Gooch & Housego, HyVista Corporation, Merrick & Company, MicaSense, SpecTIR, Resonon, Teledyne DALSA and XIMEA.Related Reports of this Category available at Million Insights:About Million InsightsMillion Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive.Contact Details:Office No. 302, 3rd Floor, Manikchand Galleria,Model Colony, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, MH, 411016 IndiaPhone: 91-20-65300184Email: sales@millioninsights.com
Automotive Air Spring Global Market Growth 2017-2022 Continental, Bridgestone, Thyssenkrupp, Wabco Holdings

Automotive Air Spring Market

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Automotive Air Spring Market Research ReportA market study  Global Automotive Air Spring Market  examines the performance of the Automotive Air Spring market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Automotive Air Spring market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Automotive Air Spring market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Get Full Research Report of Automotive Air Spring Market @The Global Automotive Air Spring Market 2017 report includes Automotive Air Spring market Size, Revenue, market Share, Automotive Air Spring industry volume, market Trends, Automotive Air Spring Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Automotive Air Spring Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Automotive Air Spring Market 2017:ContinentalBridgestoneTrelleborgVibracousticThyssenkruppWabco HoldingsHendrickson InternationalDunlop Systems and ComponentsHitachiMando CorporationBWI GroupAccuair SuspensionFirestone Industrial ProductsAutomotive Air Spring Market : Application AnalysisApplication 1Application 2Automotive Air Spring Market : Type AnalysisType IType IIFirstly, the report covers the top Automotive Air Spring manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Request For Sample Report:Further, the Automotive Air Spring report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Automotive Air Spring industry, Automotive Air Spring industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Automotive Air Spring Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Automotive Air Spring research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Automotive Air Spring market revenue worldwide.Finally, Automotive Air Spring market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Climate Test Chamber Global Market Growth 2017-2022 ESPEC, Weiss Technik, Thermotron, CSZ

Climate Test Chamber Market

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Climate Test Chamber Market Research ReportA market study  Global Climate Test Chamber Market  examines the performance of the Climate Test Chamber market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Climate Test Chamber market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Climate Test Chamber market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Get Full Research Report of Climate Test Chamber Market @The Global Climate Test Chamber Market 2017 report includes Climate Test Chamber market Size, Revenue, market Share, Climate Test Chamber industry volume, market Trends, Climate Test Chamber Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Climate Test Chamber Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Climate Test Chamber Market 2017:ESPECWeiss TechnikThermotronCSZAngelantoniBinderClimatsMemmertHitachiRussells Technical ProductsTPSCMEKambicHastest SolutionsShanghai JiayuChina CEPREIGuangzhou MingshengClimate Test Chamber Market : Application AnalysisIndustryElectronicBiologicalPharmaceuticalsClimate Test Chamber Market : Type AnalysisConstant Climate ChamberDynamic Climate ChamberSmall Benchtop ChambersFirstly, the report covers the top Climate Test Chamber manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Request For Sample Report:Further, the Climate Test Chamber report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Climate Test Chamber industry, Climate Test Chamber industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Climate Test Chamber Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Climate Test Chamber research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Climate Test Chamber market revenue worldwide.Finally, Climate Test Chamber market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Metallic Biocides Market Share 2017-2022 AkzoNobel, Ashland, Baker Hughes, BASF

Metallic Biocides

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Global Metallic Biocides Market Research ReportRecently published a detailed market study on the "Metallic Biocides Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report on the global Metallic Biocides market uses the top-down and bottom-up approaches to define, analyze, and describe the market trends for the next five years. The Metallic Biocides market report further provides production, capacity, Metallic Biocides market price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in Metallic Biocides report.The Global Metallic Biocides Market 2017 report includes Metallic Biocides market Revenue, market Share, Metallic Biocides industry volume, market Trends, Metallic Biocides Growth aspects. The Metallic Biocides Market research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Metallic Biocides industry, and estimates the future trend of Metallic Biocides market on the basis of this detailed study. Metallic Biocides Market also focuses on the growth drivers and restraints for the key market players during the forecast period.Do Inquiry For Sample Report:Top key players In Metallic Biocides Market :1. AkzoNobel2. Ashland3. Baker Hughes4. BASF5. Clariant Chemicals6. CORTEC7. FMC8. Lanxess9. Lonza10. Rhodia11. Sigma-Aldrich12. Dow Chemical13. Lubrizol14. Champion Technologies15. Akcros Chemicals16. BWA Water Additives17. GE Water Technologies18. Kemira19. Albemarle...The Metallic Biocides market is divided into five major geographical segments :1. Metallic Biocides North America.2. Metallic Biocides Europe.3. Metallic Biocides Asia Pacific.4. Metallic Biocides Middle East.5. Metallic Biocides Africa.6. Metallic Biocides Latin America.Browse Complete Report:The competitive landscape of the global market for Metallic Biocides is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Metallic Biocides market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Metallic Biocides market globally.The Metallic Biocides Market report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Metallic Biocides along with detailed manufacturing sources. The Metallic Biocides report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Metallic Biocides report Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with Metallic Biocides manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report.About Us:MarketsResearch.Biz is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We have a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of the technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact US:5001 Spring Valley Rd #400,Dallas,TX 75244, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Email: sales@marketsresearch.biz
Portable Power Bank Market Analysis - Size, Share, Growth, Industry Demand, Forecast, Application Analysis To 2017

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ReportBazzar has released its latest research-based report entitled Portable Power Bank market.The following points are covered in the report: Market segmentation Penetration & Growth Mapping Market Trends Market Driver Analysis Market Restraint Analysis Growth opportunities Porters Analysis SWOT AnalysisGet Free Sample Copy of this Report @:Industry Insights:This report provides a holistic approach to the market growth with a detailed and precise analysis of the overall competitive scenario of the Portable Power Bank market. The report also provides a detailed analysis of key trends playing a prominent role in the Portable Power Bank market growth. The overall market provides detailed dynamic and statistical insights pertaining to the market at both regional and global level.Information & Communication Technology industryThe information and communication technology market nowadays is growing in double digit. We deliver both syndicated and consulting reports for ICT market according to client needs and industry needs. We mainly focus on different new technologies, smart markets, mobile applications, telecommunications, software, middleware, audio-visual systems and storage.A holistic report covers exhaustive information obtained from reliable industrial sources and through proven research methodologies. The report goes through both secondary and primary survey. The base year taken for the report is 2015 and 2016, and a forecast is done from 2017 to 2022.The data thus obtained is then combined with relevant tables and graphs to support the information revealed.Browse full report with Table of Content @:Application Insights:Various competent analytical tools have been used to offer a comprehensive assessment of the market. The report comprises of each aspect of the global market for Portable Power Bank. It starts with the basic information and then advances to the market segmentation based on different criteria such as technology, industry areas and regions in general. A detailed analysis is given on the areas of industries it is used and basically how the technology is helping the particular industry or driving the market growth of that particular industry.Regional Insights:Major regions, countries, and sub-segments have been analyzed for providing the better understanding of the market scope worldwide. The regions taken into consideration are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Central & South America. The regional markets for the Portable Power Bank market are analyzed by evaluating the demand, and supply, the assembly of the products, how it is getting connected with the human interface as well as the historical performance of the market in the given region.Competitive Insights:The report also provides insights on the competitive landscape of the global Portable Power Bank industry with the leading players profiled in the report. Company profiles are purely tentative in nature and we can profile companies according to your interest at free cost. The company overview, trends, tactics, merger & acquisitions, business strategies, financial metrics of the major participants operating in the global Portable Power Bank market have been reviewed in this study.Ask for Discount @:Some Points Of Table Of Content:1 Industry Overview of Portable Power Bank1.1 Definition and Specifications of Portable Power Bank1.1.1 Definition of Portable Power Bank1.1.2 Specifications of Portable Power Bank1.2 Classification of Portable Power Bank1.2.1 10000mAh1.3 Applications of Portable Power Bank1.3.1 Mobile1.3.2 Tablet1.3.3 Media Device1.3.4 Other Electronic Equipment1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Portable Power Bank2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Portable Power Bank2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Portable Power Bank2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Portable Power BankAbout us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors. Our intelligence database comprises of vast arrays of strategically analyzed and high-level market research reports that encompass all major industries worldwide. All the specialized research reports available at Reportbazzar.com are tailor-made to suit your every business need, no matter how diverse or demanding it is.Contact for more details:Report BazzarUnited States30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363
Green Cement Market Future Demand, Growth, Share and Analysis with forecast | 2024

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Global Green Cement Market: SnapshotManufacturing and using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) leading to 5%-10% carbon dioxide emissions as it is known to contain toxic ingredients such as silica and chromium. Furthermore, the growing awareness about the environmental hazards of OPC production as it requires high temperature for kiln operation is also raising questions about its consumption. Thus the fact that OPC production emits a high volume of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses has forced several builders, governments, and architects to opt for greener solutions. Owing to these reasons the demand for green cement has soared in the past few years. According to the research report, the opportunity in the global green cement market is expected to be worth US$38.10 bn by the end of 2024 as compared to US$14.80 bn in 2025. Between the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 11.3%.View Full Report:Benefits of Green Cement Presenting Lucrative OpportunitiesThe demand for green cement is anticipated to witness a spike due to its own benefits. This type of cement is known for reducing the carbon footprint by about 40-50% during its production process. The main reason for the rising uptake of green cement in growing number of construction activities is the fact that it uses less water. Additionally, it provides excellent thermal insulation and superior fire resistance, which enables structures built with green cement to withstand temperatures up to 2400F. As green cement is known to offer unmatched insulation, it also makes the building resistant to moisture, thereby offering it a good protection against corrosion as well.Infrastructural Development in Emerging Economies Augments DemandOn the basis of application, the global market is segmented into non-residential, residential, and infrastructure sectors. Analysts project that the residential sector will lead the global market in the coming years due to growing density of the population in all urban regions. This has raised the demand for residential projects, which, in turn, has augmented the growth of the global green cement market. Furthermore, the growing infrastructural development in several emerging economies is also likely to favor the demand for green cement in the coming years.Request to view Sample Report :Asia Pacific to Surpass Europes Demand for Green Cement during Forecast PeriodOn the basis of geography, the global green cement market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. As of 2015, Europe accounted for the largest share in the global market. The phenomenal demand across Europe was attributable to the stringent regulations pertaining to carbon emissions and the growing tensions pertaining to the taxes that could be levied on industrial emissions. However, Asia Pacific is expected to surpass Europes share during the forecast period. The growing number of construction and building activities and increasing infrastructural development are all expected to contribute toward growing demand for green cement market. Furthermore, growing initiatives by governments to take up green building initiatives for creating sustainable living spaces is also projected to augment the demand for these materials.North America is also expected to account for a significant share in the overall market in the coming years. The residential segment will be the leading consumer for green cement over the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa are also expected to show a keen interest in using green cement in the coming years as the region is planning on developing multifamily housing projects in the near future.Request to download and view full ToC -The key players operating in the global green cement market are CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., HeidelbergCement AG, LafargeHolcim., Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, Votorantim cimentos S.A., China National Building Material Company Limited (CNBM), Taiwan Cement Corporation, and Ecocem Ireland Ltd. The report includes an assessment of their financial outlook, research and development activities, and business and marketing strategies for the coming few years.Global Green Cement Market Report is available at US$ 5795 :About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Nuclear New Build Summit Egypt 2018

The annual Nuclear New Build Summit Egypt 2018 (NNBS Egypt 2018) will be held from January 30 to 31 of 2018 in Cairo, Egypt. It is the largest commercial NPP new build event which is focusing on Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. With our strong experiences of organizing nuclear events all over the world, we estimate that there would be more than 250 c-level attendees to participate this event.Event Background:On August 7, 2018, Egypt and Russia have completed their talks on contracts to build a nuclear power plant at Daba'a. On August 7, 2018, Jordan said talks were still ongoing with Russia to secure the best financing solutions to build the country's first nuclear power plant. Turkey will put three nuclear power plants  the Akkuyu, Sinop and one other between 2023 and 2030.Thus, InforValue Consulting who has been rooting in organizing nuclear events all over the world is dedicating to organize this event to help regional promotion of NPP new build activities.Event Objectives:Considering the link between NPP new build country and vendor companies as a very important pillar in ensuring the competence in the nuclear field, the Conference has contributed to stimulating the interest of vendors in nuclear area and the initiation of new collaborative projects.NNBS Egypt 2018 invites the policy makers, international reactor vendors, engineering companies, law firms, insurance and banking companies, inspection firms, simulation solution vendors, NSSS suppliers, nuclear fuel cycle companies and all relevant vendors to share the most recent and original results on the key topics of the NPP new build progress.Event Agenda Highlights:El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (Egypt)Qasr Amra Nuclear Power Plant (Jordan)Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (Turkey)Nuclear & Radiation Regulatory SectorTurnkey EPC ContractNuclear Fuel Supply & Spent Fuel Storage FacilityNPP Operation & MaintainsEconomics and Financing Strategies of Nuclear ProjectsEducation and Man Power TrainingVendor Selection (Engineering Consulting, Radiations, Testing, Equipment, Professional Service, Law firm etc.) for ConstructionPart of Inviting Speakers:Mohamed Shaker, Minister, Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE), EgyptSamy Shaaban, Chairman, Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA), EgyptKhalil Yasso, CEO, Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA), EgyptAtef A. Abdel-Fattah, Chairman, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), EgyptIlker Sert, Deputy Undersecretary, Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (ETKB), TurkeyZafer Alper, President, Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEC), TurkeyYuriy Fedorovich Galanchuk, CEO, Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, TurkeyKhaled Toukan, Chairman, Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), JordanNansi Karashai, Head of International Cooperation, Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC), JordanName TBA, Rosatom OverseasName TBA, CNNCEvent Registration and Exhibition:NNBS Egypt 2018 will allocate 20 keynote presentations in which 15 speakers are invited and 5 sponsoring speaking slots are left for Reactor Vendor, Engineering Company, Law Firm, Simulations Vendor, Geography Vendor or who is interested in presenting industry latest technical developments.NNBS Egypt 2018 will set up 10 booths for exhibitors to showcase your products, educating your targets onsite or organize small meeting in your area.NNBS Egypt 2018 is accepting registration now and first round of early bird discount will end by September 15th.Event Contact:Jay Teo - Conference ManagerOffice: + 86 21 54851027Mobile: +86 136 7153 2083Email: jay.teo@inforvalue.comInforValue Consulting Company (InforValue) is a professional event organizer in Asia, producing and delivering innovative and market-leading events around the globe.Room 1409, Building 1, No.1505, Lianhang Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China+86 21 54851027info@inforvalue.comEveryday 09:00-18:00
Microfluidics Market 2016-2026 - Point of Care Testing Segment Anticipated to Register High Revenue Growth over the Forecast Period

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By the end of 2026, the point of care testing segment is projected to reach more than US$ 3,000 Mn in revenue and is estimated to grow 3.9x by 2026 end as compared to that in 2016. The point of care testing segment is the largest segment among the different application segments in the global microfluidics market, which was estimated to create close to US$ 1,000 Mn or 33.2% share of the total market in 2016. This segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 14.5% over the forecast period.Increasing demand for microfluidics technology based point of care devices and kits in in-vitro diagnostics is expected to propel the growth of the point of care segment over the forecast period. Point of care testing devices have significant applications in the field of genomics and proteomics.Click to get sample PDF with TOC:For instance, these devices help identify the DNAs of microbes that are responsible for causing various diseases and are also used in protein analysis. A prominent feature of these devices is that these can be used at bedside, hospitals, in the delivery room, in intensive care units, in doctor's offices, in emergency rooms, in pharmacies, at home for self-testing, and even in space owing to their size, disposability and integration of complex functions. An increasing use of point of care testing devices across various end-use industries is likely to drive the growth of the point of care testing segment during 2016 - 2026.Browse more details at:Due to increase in price pressures in various countries, companies operating in the global microfluidics market have shifted their focus to developing low-cost diagnostic devices that can provide accurate results in less time. Hence, point of care microfluidics devices have gained traction over the years owing to benefits such as low cost of development and capability to generate accurate and reliable results rapidly. Furthermore, these devices occupy less space and need fewer volumes of samples for analysis than conventional diagnostic devices, thereby decreasing operational costs. The funding that drives the development of point of care technologies comes from multiple sources including the NIH and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), as well as private foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other pharmaceutical industry foundations / associations.Point of care segment is expected to register high revenue growth in Western EuropeIn North America, by application type, the point of care testing segment is expected to register high revenue growth and exhibit a market attractiveness index of 1.19 over the forecast period, while in Latin America, the point of care testing segment is projected to register high revenue growth and exhibit a market attractiveness index of 1.48 over the forecast period. In Western Europe, this segment is anticipated to register high revenue growth and exhibit a market attractiveness index of 1.6 between 2016 and 2026. In Eastern Europe, the point of care testing segment is predicted to register increased revenue growth and record a market attractiveness index of 1.46 over the coming decade; while in APEJ, Future Market Insights analysts estimate the point of care testing segment to register high revenue growth, exhibiting a market attractiveness index of 1.35 over the projected period.About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Advanced Materials Market Future Demand, Growth, Share and Analysis with forecast 2024

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Global Advanced Materials Market: SnapshotAdvanced materials are known to have superior qualities as compared to traditional materials. Thus, they are used in varied applications. These materials are known to deliver excellent performance due to their exceptional strength and high endurance to tolerate fatigue. The research report states that the global advanced materials market is expected to be worth US$102.48 bn by 2024 as against US$42.76 bn in 2015. Between the years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is expected to surge at a CAGR of 10.4%.View Full Report:Sophistication in Material Spurs DemandAnalysts anticipate that the demand for advanced materials will continue to be on the rise as it is expected to transform the overall manufacturing industry in the coming years. Over the years, these materials are expected to replace plastics and metals with improved ceramics and composites that are light in weight, higher strength, and excellent resistance to abrasion. Emerging technologies and advancements in product development and manufacturing are expected to keep the demand for advanced materials at an all-time high during the forecast period. The growing expenditure on research and development of these materials is also projected to make a significant impact on the growing demand in the global market.Show of Excellent Strength Boosts Demand for CeramicsThe various products available in the global market are ceramics, polymers, composites, metals and alloys, and glasses. Of these, the ceramics and composites are popularly consumed advanced materials. The demand for ceramics has been on the rise due to their application in the production of medical devices. As uptake of ceramics will continue to remain high as the healthcare industry grows and the need for medical attention surges during the forecast period.Request to view Sample Report:Meanwhile, the composites segment is also expected to show exceptionally growth as they can be mass-produced as per requirement and can be used in several applications such as construction, automotive, and oil and gas industries. Ceramics are made by using two or more constituents that have significantly different physical or chemical traits. A combination of these results in a material with characteristics different from its individual components. These constitutes are selected on the basis of the end-use application of these ceramics. Thus, composites have an edge over other products and are thus likely to exhibit rapidly growth in the coming few years.Large Production Capacities in North America and Europe Ensure Regions DominanceRequest to download and view full ToC -Geographically, the global advanced materials market is segmented into North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Of these, North America and Europe were the dominant consumers of advanced materials in the global market. The growing consumption of advanced materials in these regions will be attributable to the mammoth production capacities and sophistication with the advancement of technologies. Asia Pacific is also expected to be an emerging region in the global market over the forecast period as manufacturing industries pick up pace in developing countries of India and China. The booming industrial development in this region is expected to make a significant contribution of the rising revenue of the Asia Pacific advanced materials market between 2016 and 2024.Some of the key leading players operating in the global advanced materials market are 3M Advanced Materials, Morgan Advanced Materials plc, Huntsman Corporation, Hexcel Corporation, Hanwa Group, and Materion Corporation.Global Advanced Materials Market Report is available at US$ 5795 -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Advanced Combat Helmet Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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The rapid escalation of global warfare, terrorists activities, cross border insurgencies and internal conflicts among others are increasing the need for more ballistic protective equipment. The advanced combat helmet is a modern combat helmet designed to protect soldiers head during any combat operations. The advanced combat helmet protects the soldiers from severe head injuries caused from gun shots, IED explosion, and inflammable liquids. The headgear is majorly used by military & defense forces and law enforcement agencies across the globe. These helmets are equipped with latest technologies such as night vision cameras and communication system for the ease of the soldier to combat the enemy.Request For Free Sample Report:The major factors boosting the market for advanced combat helmet are the growing demand for the safety of the soldiers, increasing need for use of the latest technologies, and mounting security threats. The advanced combat helmet protects the military personnel and law enforcement officers from mortar shrapnel, flying glass, explosive fragments among others. The night vision cameras are incorporated into the helmet to help the soldiers and law enforcement officers to operate in the dark as well. The earphones and microphones offer the military personnel and law enforcement officers the ability to communicate with each other and also help in better understanding of situational awareness. The world is facing a rapid growth in terrorism, and security threats which has increased the risk of the life of the soldiers. This has resulted in increase in demand for helmets among the military & defense and law enforcement agencies .However apart from the increasing demand, the advanced combat helmet has few limiting factors which are hindering the growth of the market such as the high cost of the head gear, and malfunctioning of few integrated technologies. The high cost of the scratch resistant glass, Kevlar fiber, night vision cameras and communication systems is increasing the cost of the final product which is hindering the adoption of the advanced combat helmet. Moreover, it has been noticed that few integrated technologies malfunction at times, which jeopardize the on field operations. These factors are inhibiting the growth of the market for advanced combat helmet during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.Global Advanced Combat Helmet Market: Scope of the StudyThe advanced combat helmet market is segmented on basis of application and geography. The major two application segments are military & defense and law enforcement agencies. The military & defense is heavily adopting the advanced combat helmet due to increasing security threats from terrorism, border insurgencies and global warfare. The law enforcement officers are responsible for the safeguarding of the nations internal factors from riots and conflicts. During any internal conflicts or riots, the law enforcement officers needs to be equipped with latest technology helmets to protect themselves from bullets, flying glass, and gun shots. This is boosting the advanced combat helmet market among the military & defense forces and law enforcement agencies.Geographically, the advanced combat helmet market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Asia Pacific being the fastest growing market estimated during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are predicted to grow at a significant rate.Browse Full Report With TOC:Global Advanced Combat Helmet Market: Competitive LandscapeThe market attractiveness analysis provided in the report highlights the major segments for investing in the global advanced combat helmet market. The report intends to help the manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to understand the market for advanced combat helmet.The report also provides the description of different advanced combat helmet players across the globe. The company descriptions include SWOT analysis, strategies adopted by the companies to sustain in the industry of advanced combat helmet, regional presence and the financial information. The key players in the advanced combat helmet market are ArmorSource LLC, BAE Systems, Gentex Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Revision Military, Morgan Advanced Material PLC, Ceradyne Inc., Point Blank Enterprises Inc., MKU Limited and DuPont.The segments covered in the Advanced Combat Helmet market are as follows:Global Advanced Combat Helmet Market, 2016-2024: By ApplicationMilitary & DefenseLaw Enforcement AgenciesGlobal Advanced Combat Helmet Market, 2016-2024: By GeographyNorth AmericaS.CanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyRussiaFranceRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaRest of Asia PacificMiddle East and AfricaSaudi ArabiaUAESouth AfricaRest of Middle East and AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaAbout UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Military Radar Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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This market research study analyzes the military radar market on global basis and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2015 to 2024. It describes the market dynamics affecting the industry and analyzes their impact through the forecast period. Moreover, it highlights the significant opportunities for market growth in the next eight years. The market is segmented on the basis of geography into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. These segments have been estimated in terms of revenue (USD million). In addition, the report has been segmented based on radar types, which includes, ground based, naval, airborne and space based.Request For Free Sample Report:For better understanding of the military radar market, the study comprises market attractiveness analysis, where radar types are benchmarked based on their market scope, growth rate and market attractiveness. The military radar market is fragmented as no particular military radar manufacturing company accounts for the major share of the market. Competitive rivalry is projected to be high among key players to acquire higher share of the market. Market shares keep varying, as governments award contracts to companies and price value of one contracts differs from that of the other. Radars are being increasingly used in the defense industry. This is fueling the global military radar market. Ability to detect missiles, planes, or ships with high accuracy is one of the prominent factors driving the global military radar market.Global Military Radar Market: Analytics FoundationRadio detection and ranging (radar) systems help detect the range, direction, altitude, and speed of an object. Radar system aims to combat any threat or attack and avert any damages to human and property. Radar systems are used in several other applications. For instance, they help solve navigational problems and track devices. Radars help determine the distance and speed of objects with precision and accuracy. Military radars are used for several purposes such as search operations, fire control, and bombing or shelling. Military radars are used to locate planes and ships at large distances. Fire control radars provide the precision of bearing and range. These radars help operate artillery weapons. Bombing radars are used to determine the terrain to deploy attacks on a target. Besides these military operations, military radars are employed during national calamities such as an earthquake, tsunami, and floods. Several research and development activities are being conducted to improve efficiency and reduce the size of radars. Lightness in weight, efficiency, and multi-functionality of radars are driving the market globally. Thus, applications of military radars are expected to expand in the near future.Based on the type, the military radar market has been segmented into ground based radar, naval radar, air borne radar, and space based radar. With advancements in technology, these radars are getting smarter, cheaper, and smaller. Additionally, several military devices such as aircraft, ships, and tanks are equipped with radars; hence, demand for military radar is rising. The market share of military radars is anticipated to increase significantly considering the efforts to include several functions in a single radar.Browse Full Report With TOC:Global Military Radar Market: Competitive Landscape AnalysisThe report also provides company market share analysis of the various industry participants. Acquisition is the main strategy being widely followed by leading market players. In case of an acquisition, the acquirer takes advantage of existing synergies. As a result, both companies are expected to emerge more profitable and stronger than before.Key players in the global military radar market have been profiled and their company overview, financial overview, business strategies and recent developments have been covered in the report. Major market participants profiled in this report include: Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Raytheon Company, BAE System PLC, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Harris Corporation, Saab Sensis Corporation, Terma A/S, ASELSAN A.S., DRS Technologies Inc.The global military radar market is segmented as below:Global Military Radar Market: By TypeGround basedNavalAir borneSpace basedGlobal Military Radar Market: By GeographyNorth AmericaS.CanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyFranceItalyRussiaRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaSouth KoreaOthersMiddle East and Africa (MEA)IsraelSouth AfricaOthersLatin AmericaBrazilOthersThe report provides a cross-sectional analysis of by type segment with respect to the above mentioned regions.About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Growing Prevalence of Lower and Upper Urinary Tracts Infections to Bolster Uptake for Urodynamics Equipment and Disposables Market

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Urodynamics investigation is an interactive diagnostic assessment of the lower urinary tract to provide pathophysiological explanations for the symptoms or dysfunction of the upper and lower urinary tracts. Urodynamics tests range from simple medical observation to precise medical measurements using advanced urodynamics equipment and vary depending on the health conditions of respective patients. Additionally, urodynamics study helps a healthcare provider to diagnose the cause and identify the nature of lower urinary tract disorder. A survey conducted among non-pregnant women in the U.S. revealed that the risk and corresponding prevalence of urinary incontinence grows with age. Urinary incontinence prevalent in 3.5% women aged between 20 years and 29 years, 15% women aged between 40 and 49, 25% women aged between 60 and 69, and 38% women aged 80 years and above. Moreover, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, currently, around 20 million women and 6 million men are suffering from urinary incontinence in the U.S. Thus, such large patient pool suffering from urological dysfunction would require an effective diagnostic solution for receiving an efficient treatment regimen; that would alternatively drive the market of urodynamics equipment and disposables market in the near future.View Full Report:Within the equipment segment that includes uroflowmetry equipment, cystometer, ambulatory urodynamics systems, electromyographs and video urodynamics systems; uroflowmetry equipment appeared as the market leader in terms of revenue in 2013. The contributing factors behind such healthy growth of the uroflowmetry equipment market are accurate test outcomes, easy availability and higher patient preference. However, the ambulatory urodynamics systems market is expected to exhibit rapid growth in demand due to their lightweight design, advance microprocessor technology that helps these devices in delivering accurate results and easy affordability. The trend is likely to continue due to the increasing urological disease prone geriatric population across the world.Request to view Sample Report:Within the disposables segment, air-charged catheters accounted for the largest market share of over 35% of the total urodynamics disposables market. Moreover, due to the advantages of air-charged catheters such as absence of air-bubble obstruction, presence of highly sensitive microtip transducers and ease of handling, air-charged catheters are expected to lead the overall urodynamics disposables segment.Request to download and view full ToC -North America was the largest market for urodynamics equipment and disposables in terms of revenue in 2013, followed by Europe. North America dominated the market mainly due to the presence of large number of urodynamics testing centers, high preference for advanced products among physicians, coupled with growing incidence of urological dysfunctions in the general population. Moreover, continuous product development strategies and tailor-made equipment procurement policies have driven the practice of urodynamics studies in the U.S., thereby making North America the market leader for urodynamics equipment and disposables. On the other hand, in terms of growth rate, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth due to multiple business environment factors such as rapid economic development in China, Singapore, India and others, growing geriatric population coupled with alarmingly rising incidence of urological dysfunctions; that would contribute to the growth of urodynamics equipment and disposables market in the region.The global urodynamics equipment and disposables market is highly fragmented and competitive at nature due to the presence of various local as well as global players. CooperSurgical, Inc., LABORIE, Medical Measurement Systems B.V. exhibit the largest geographical reach with a broad range of equipment and catering to a large base of consumers. Their presence in emerging and developed regions along with vivid offerings has made them attractive providers of urodynamics equipment and disposables in the global market. Other companies include Albyn Medical S.L., American Medical Systems, Inc., Covidien plc, C. R. Bard, Inc., HealthTronics, Inc. and Verathon, Inc.Global Urodynamics Equipment and Disposables Market Report is available @ US$ 5795:About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Labor Management System in Retail Market Forecast 2022 - Infor, Kronus, Manhattan Assoc

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Labor Management System in Retail Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report on the global Labor Management System in Retail market includes a descriptive examination of all factors that are critical in forming a holistic snapshot of this market. The report is aimed at being a guiding document that enlightens readers on the key topics and dynamics that carry forward the Labor Management System in Retail. This research report was created with the purpose of helping its readers make well-informed business decisions regarding market moves and expansion strategies in the near future. The introductory passage of the report includes the overview of the Labor Management System in Retail. It contains a brief description of the definitions, classifications, and terms that are used further in the report.This report studies the global Labor Management System in Retail market, analyzes and researches the Labor Management System in Retail development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeTZAHighjumpInforKronusManhattan AssocRed PrairieSAPEpayVelariumKNOW MORE WITH SAMPLE STUDY @The research report segments the Labor Management System in Retail on the basis of various relevant categories that can perfectly put the market information in the grasp of any user looking to gain specific data on the market. The reports segmented approach also allows the readers to know more about the Labor Management System in Retail drivers, restraints, threats, and opportunities as being specific to each segment. It also examines the Labor Management System in Retail with a macroscopic and a microscopic view. The segments can help dissects the market in order to display the regional and international influences on this diverse market. The calculations performed in the report allow the used to understand the direction the Labor Management System in Retail for the coming years.The research report also includes a highly elaborate section that specifically caters to the recent and current knowledge base on the competitive landscape of the Labor Management System in Retail. Analyzing the markets competition in conjunction to its socioeconomic scenario can help evaluate the implications of various other factors such as regulatory pressure or the provision status of raw materials. The report additionally profiles some of the top companies in the Labor Management System in Retail. It also shares the details of their financial overview, activities in research and development, strategic mergers and acquisitions, and investment outlook for the coming years.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Table of ContentsGlobal Labor Management System in Retail Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Labor Management System in Retail1.1 Labor Management System in Retail Market Overview1.1.1 Labor Management System in Retail Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Labor Management System in Retail Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States2 Global Labor Management System in Retail Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Labor Management System in Retail Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)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 TZA3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Labor Management System in Retail Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Highjump3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and SolutionsMake An Enquiry :4 Global Labor Management System in Retail Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Labor Management System in Retail Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Labor Management System in Retail Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Labor Management System in Retail in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Labor Management System in Retail5 United States Labor Management System in Retail Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Labor Management System in Retail Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Labor Management System in Retail Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Pectins Industry 2017 Market Analysis, Shares, Growth, Consumption, Trends, Size : Naturex, Jinfeng Pectin

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This market intelligence report is a highly descriptive analysis of the global Pectins market. The report offers insights into the various factors impacting the market and the extent of their impact on the growth. It takes into account the historic data and current market facts and figures to make reliable projections of the markets trajectory in the foreseeable future. These interpretations allow the readers to gain a clearer and detailed perspective of the global Pectins marketThis report studies sales (consumption) of Pectins in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringCP KelcoDanisco (DuPont)CargillContact InformationYantai Andre PectinSilvateamNaturexJinfeng PectinPomonas Universal PectinCeamsaYuning Bio-TecPayson CastersRequest a Sample Copy of this Report @Split by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, Pectins Industry can be divided into :-High Methoxyl (HM) PectinLow Methoxyl (LMC) PectinAmidated Low Methoxyl (LMA) PectinThe report also includes a detailed overview of the industry chain structure along with an extensive understanding of the import and export statistics and upstream raw materials and downstream demand chain. It also provides information regarding the currently available production capacities and the efficiency at which they are utilized. The analytical tools employed in the report are Porters five force analysis and market attractiveness analysis, which are instrumental in the understanding of the competitive landscape of the global Pectins market.The research report presents a comprehensive snapshot of the Pectins market in terms of product/service, technology, end-user industry. For a coherent understanding, it also includes analysis and information regarding geographical segmentation. Each region is methodically examined on the basis of production, revenue, and market shares. The report also profiles the key players in the global Pectins market along with their business strategies, revenue structure, latest developments, and contact information.Explore Research Report in Detail @Table of ContentsGlobal Pectins Sales Market Report 20171 Pectins Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Pectins1.2 Classification of Pectins1.2.1 High Methoxyl (HM) Pectin1.2.2 Low Methoxyl (LMC) Pectin1.2.3 Amidated Low Methoxyl (LMA) Pectin1.3 Application of Pectins1.3.1 Business1.3.2 Household1.3.3 Others1.4 Pectins Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Pectins (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Pectins Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Pectins Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Visit and Explore Latest QYResearch News @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Frozen Food Packaging Market Trends, Key Players, Regional Analysis and Global Forecast to 2021

Frozen Food Packaging Market

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Market Scenario:The market for frozen food packaging has been growing rapidly due to increased demand for packaged food, and a strong retail network in growing economies of APAC. There is a high dependency on the packaged ready to eat convenience products to save time. This is backed by the increasing urbanization, increased shelf-life of otherwise perishable products and increase in investments by packaging companies in advanced freezing techniques which has led to the growth of the frozen food packaging market.Request a Sample Copy @Segments:Frozen food packaging market is segmented on the basis Packaging product type, by Application and by Region. On the basis Packaging product type it is segmented as Meat, Poultry & Seafood; fruits & vegetables; baked products and others. On the basis of application it is segmented as Boxes, bags, tubs & cups and others. Additionally on the basis of Region, it is segmented as North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Key Players of Frozen Food Packaging Market: Graphic Packaging International Inc. Ball Corporation Printpack Inc. Leucadia National Packaging Corporation of America Sealed Air Corporation WestRock Company Amcor Ltd. Anchor Packaging AEP Industries Inc. Crown Holdings Genpack LLC Graham Packaging Company.Regional Analysis of Frozen Food Packaging Market:APAC dominates the Frozen food packaging market with its fast growing market worldwide. The rapidly growing economies in APAC along with expanding food & beverage sector are the key drivers of fast growing market for frozen food packaging in APAC.Access Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Technologies and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Airport Automated Security Screening Systems Market 2017 - Nuctech, OSI Systems, Smiths Detection, Analogic, CEIA

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The report studies Airport Automated Security Screening Systems in Global market Professional Survey 2017 : Size, Share, Trends, Industry Growth, Opportunity, Application, Production, Segmentation, Cost Structure, Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications during the Forecast period by 2022.Request For Sample Report @"This report studies the Airport Automated Security Screening Systems market; Security Screening System has a large variety of product line including X-Ray, Biometric screening system, EDT (Explosives Trace Detectors), and metal detector etc.In this report, the Automated Security Screening Systems used in Airport is the range of data statistics."Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Airport Automated Security Screening Systems in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversL3 Securitiy Dtection SystemsNuctechOSI Systems, Inc.Smiths DetectionAnalogicCEIAAutoclearAstrophysics, Inc.Adani Systems Inc.Access Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversParcel InspectionPassenger InspectionExplosives & Narcotics DetectionsOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCivilian and Commercial AirportMilitary AirportThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Airport Automated Security Screening Systems market.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Medical Refrigerator Market 2017 - Haier, Panasonic, Helmer, Follett

Medical Refrigerator Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Medical Refrigerator Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Medical Refrigerator Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Medical Refrigerator industry, and estimates the future trend of Medical Refrigerator market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Medical Refrigerator Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportHaierPanasonicHelmerFollettLECThermo FisherVestfrost SolutionsFelix StorchKIRSCHMeilingMigali ScientificStandex (ABS)FiocchettiSO-LOWZhongke DulingAucmaLabcoldTempstableIndrelDulasThe market research report explores the Medical Refrigerator market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Medical Refrigerator Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Medical Refrigerator market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Medical Refrigerator. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Medical Refrigerator market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Medical Refrigerator is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Medical Refrigerator market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Medical Refrigerator market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Medical Refrigerator market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Medical Refrigerator production volume, data pertaining to demand and Medical Refrigerator supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Medical Refrigerator along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Medical Refrigerator across the world.About UsApex Research offer latest market research reports and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemica1l and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.bizPhone: +177390426831155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606
Global outlook For Automotive coatings market Share, by application, 2017-2022

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https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/automotive-coatings-market-report

Automotive coatings market is likely to face some challenges in the coming timeframe from the volatile raw material price trends which are used for the coating production. However, with the changing consumer preference toward long lasting superior quality products, the market is expected to attain remarkable valuation in the years ahead. On a global scale, automotive coatings industry is highly consolidated with four of the leading companies covering almost half of the overall business space. Some of the companies holding a prominent position in the market include Berger Paints, Arkema SA, Sherwin-Williams, Valspar Corporation, Beckers Group, and Eastman Chemical Company.The global demand for Automotive Coatings Market is slated to rise in the next few years, with the growing macroeconomic conditions, especially across the emerging nations. The economic development along with uplifted living standards of the consumers have resulted in an increased production of vehicles, leaving a proportional impact on automotive coatings market. Asia Pacific is one lucrative belt that has been of late witnessing a huge influence on the overall industry dynamics, subject to an enormous development in the automotive sector. With some of the most progressive nations such as China, India, Japan, APAC automotive coatings market almost accounted for 50% of the global share in 2014 and is projected to grow over 5.5% CAGR over 2015-2022.Make an Inquiry before buying @Speaking of technology, powder coating market is gaining popularity over solvent borne coatings, due to high VOC content in the latter. Extensive application of powder coatings in engine and accessories, dashboard, battery tray, luggage racks, and even as a basecoat for external body is complementing the business landscape. Basecoat dominated the product segment in 2014, accounting for almost 40% of the overall automotive coatings market.Some of the attributing features of powder coating which are favoring the market expansion include high efficiency, easy customization, durability, minimum wastage, and easy application. As per estimates, powder automotive coatings market is projected to witness maximum growth in the years ahead, with expectations to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2022. However, mandatory initiatives taken by REACH, EPA pertaining to environmental concerns over VOC content is providing a negative impact on automotive coatings market growth in Europe and North America. Solvent borne coatings market is likely to witness moderate growth in the coming time frame with a projected CAGR of 4% over 2015-2022.Request for a Sample Copy of this Report @APAC, majorly driven by China is set to register growth by 2022. Latin America, led by Brazil market segment, is projected to foresee substantial growth in the next few years. MEA market segment is anticipated to experience average gains over the predicted time frame.Sample Table of Content for Automotive Coating Market:Automotive Coatings Industry Insights3.1 Industry segmentation3.2 Industry size and forecast, 2012 - 20223.3 Industry Ecosystem analysis3.3.1 Vendor matrix3.4 Raw material trends3.5 Technology trends3.6 Regulatory trends3.7 Industry impact forces3.7.1 Growth drivers3.7.1.1 Growing automotive industry in Asia Pacific3.7.1.2 Growing demand for powder coatings3.7.2 Industry pitfalls and challenges3.7.2.1 Fluctuating raw material prices3.8 Growth potential analysis3.9 Porters analysis3.10 Company market share analysis, 20143.11 PESTEL analysisView a summary of the Automotive Coatings Market Size, Industry Analysis Report @The report features the competitive landscape of the automotive coatings market. Key trends, company profiles, business strategies, finance metrics are listed in the report with market evaluation and forecasts. Major participants in the consolidated market include PPG Industries, BASF, Nippon Paint, Axalta Coating Systems, AkzoNobel, and Kansai Paints.Sherwin-Williams, Berger Paints, KCC Paint, Arkema SA, Valspar Corporation, Beckers Group, Cabot Corporation, Clariant AG, Eastman Chemical Company, Lord Corporation, Solvay SA and DSM are other prominent names in the industry. BASF is expanding automotive coating production in Thailand.About Global Market Insights, Inc.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.29L Atlantic Avenue, Suite L 105Ocean View Delaware 19970 United StatesEmail: sales@gminsights.com
Global Lateral Flow Assay Sales (Million Units), Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2017-2022)

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Bharat Book Bureau provides the Trending Market Research Report; on Global Lateral Flow Assay Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Lateral Flow Assay industry.This report splits Lateral Flow Assay market By Product, By Test Type, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.Request A Sample copy of Lateral Flow Assay Market @This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major Companies Alere, Inc. (U.S.) F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland) Danaher Corporation (U.S.) Siemens AG (Germany) Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.) bioMerieux SA (France) Johnson & Johnson (U.S.) Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.) QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands) PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.) Cytodiagnostics (Canada) Innova Biosciences (U.K.) BioDot (U.S.) PAT (U.S.)Main Regions North America United States Canada Latin America Mexico Brazil Argentina Others Europe Germany United Kingdom France Italy Spain Russia Netherland Others Asia & Pacific China Japan India Korea Australia Southeast Asia Indonesia Thailand Philippines Vietnam Singapore Malaysia Others Africa & Middle East South Africa Egypt Turkey Saudi Arabia Iran OthersMain Product Type Lateral Flow Assay Market, by Product Kits & Reagents Lateral Flow Readers Digital/Mobile Readers Benchtop Readers Lateral Flow Assay Market, by Test Type Clinical Testing Infectious Diseases Testing Pregnancy & Fertility Testing Food Safety & Environmental Safety OthersMain Applications Hospitals and Clinics Home Care Diagnostic Laboratories Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Other End UsersTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit:Table of ContentsGlobal Lateral Flow Assay Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022Chapter One Lateral Flow Assay Market Overview1.1 Global Lateral Flow Assay Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Lateral Flow Assay, By Product 2012-20221.2.1 Global Lateral Flow Assay Sales Market Share by Product 2012-20221.2.2 Global Lateral Flow Assay Revenue Market Share by Product 2012-20221.2.3 Global Lateral Flow Assay Price by Product 2012-20221.2.4 Kits & Reagents1.2.5 Lateral Flow Readers1.2.6 Digital/Mobile Readers1.2.7 Benchtop Readers1.3 Lateral Flow Assay, by Test Type 2012-20221.3.1 Global Lateral Flow Assay Sales Market Share by Test Type 2012-20221.3.2 Global Lateral Flow Assay Revenue Market Share by Test Type 2012-20221.3.3 Global Lateral Flow Assay Price by Test Type 2012-20221.3.4 Clinical Testing1.3.5 Infectious Diseases Testing1.3.6 Pregnancy & Fertility Testing1.3.7 Food Safety & Environmental Safety1.3.8 OthersAbout Bharat Book Bureau:Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry study, country reports, business reports, newsletters and online databases Bharat Book Bureau provides over a million reports from more than 400 publishers around the globe. We cover sectors starting from Aeronautics to Zoology.Contact us at:Bharat Book BureauTel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773Email: poonam@bharatbook.comWebsite:Follow us on: Twitter|Facebook| Linkedin |Google Plus
Automotive Exterior LED Lighting Market Projected to reach US$ 1,243 Mn by 2022

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Lighting is an important functional aspect of any automobile as it enables the driver to drive the vehicle effectively. Lighting also plays an important part in the safety of the vehicle. The lighting components in the automobiles enable the driver to see in darkness and in adverse weather conditions such as intense fog or smog. Besides, the automotive lightings also provide guidelines and visibility for other vehicles and for the pedestrians, enabling them to see the size and direction of the vehicle and take precautionary measures to avoid collision. Besides these functional aspects, the lighting in automobiles also add an aesthetic value and add to the gloss of the vehicle and make it more attractive. Presently, LED lightings are being used for the purpose of automotive lighting and have replaced the older technology of halogen lighting. Increasing demands for energy efficiency in vehicles and a number of government regulations regarding vehicle safety have made automotive exterior LED lighting popular. The growing demand for automobiles around the world, increased customization demands from the consumers and ever growing production of automobiles are driving factors for this market. However, the high cost of LED lighting coupled with an astronomical research and development costs and an uncertain economic situation in European region are projected to restrict the market growth for automotive LED lighting during the assessment period.The global automotive exterior LED lighting market is slated to touch a value of nearly US$ 1,243 Mn in the year 2022 and grow at a sluggish CAGR during the assessment period.Request For Report Sample:4 Forecast Highlights on Global Automotive Exterior LED Lighting MarketAs per the forecast of Fact.MR, the parking light automotive exterior LED lighting segment is slated to touch a value of nearly US$ 138 Mn in the year 2022. This represents a sluggish CAGR growth during the assessment period of 2017-2022. The parking light automotive exterior LED lighting segment is estimated to account for more than one-tenth of the revenue share of the product type segment by the year 2017 end and is expected to gain in market share by the year 2022 end.As per the forecast of Fact.MR, the aftermarket automotive exterior LED lighting segment will reach a value of nearly US$ 655 Mn in the year 2017. This represents a sluggish CAGR growth during the forecast period. The aftermarket automotive exterior LED lighting segment is estimated to account for nearly two-third of the revenue share of the sales channel segment in the year 2017 end and is expected to lose market share by the end of the year 2022.Request For Discount:As per the forecast of Fact.MR, the compact passenger cars segment is slated to reach a value of nearly US$ 344 Mn in 2022. The compact passenger cars segment is expected to gain some market value by the end of the year 2022. The largest share is contributed by the Europe region in the compact passenger cars segment.Fact.MR forecasts the 12V automotive exterior LED lighting market to grow from nearly US$ 677 Mn in 2017 to nearly US$ 776 Mn in 2022. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2017 to 2022.The report has also profiled leading players in the global market for automotive exterior LED lighting, which will remain active through 2022. These include companies such as Changzhou Xingyu Automotive Lighting Systems Co., Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V, HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co, Lumax Industries Ltd, OSRAM Licht AG, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Magneti Marelli S.p.A., Imasen Electric Industrial Co., Koito Manufacturing Co., Stanley Electric Co. Ltd, Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH and Valeo SA.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Fact.MR is focused on offering transformative intelligence that inspires breakthroughs and innovation. We believe that the right decisions at the opportune time are integral to achieve extraordinary success. We are here to help you with your strategic decision making.CONTACT:Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandPhone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWebsite:
Personal Care Packaging Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 5.2% By 2022

Personal Care Packaging Market

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/personal-care-packaging-market-1838

Market Highlights:The demand from the average households in India, China, Russia and Brazil is primarily responsible for the increasing demand of personal care products. Women in Russia and South Africa are increasingly focused on maintaining their skin, hair and appearance, which further induces the demand for such packaging. Personal Care packaging is widely used in applications such as skin care, cosmetics, fragrances and bath & shower products. Skin Care and hair care segments by products contributes highest to the overall growth. Materials such as glass and plastic are used extensively for packaging. The customers these days are extremely conscious about the product contents and related information. This has pushed the manufacturers to provide detailed description of every product to consumers, including safety reports, ingredient descriptions, statement of compliance, data on animal testing, and method of manufacturing through the packaging. The global personal care packaging market is projected to cross USD 36.85 Billion in 2022, at a CAGR of approximately 5.2% in the forecasted period.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Personal Care Packaging Market: Amcor Ltd. WestRock Company Saint-Gobain S.A Bemis Company Inc. Mondi Group Sonoco Products Company Albea Services S.A.S Gerresheimer AG Ampac HoldingsMarket Research Analysis:The market is highly application based. The key factors contributing to the growth of the global personal care packaging market are the rising awareness among brand owners and marketing experts regarding the importance of packaging and the growing awareness among consumers regarding healthy skin. However there are few factors hampering the growth of the industry. The manufacturers conduct innumerable tests which are time consuming and increases the manufacturing cost of products.The global personal care packaging market is expected to have higher growth rate as compared to the previous years. The share is attributed to the growth of industry, especially from the regions of China, India, Russia and Brazil. Asia-Pacific is the largest growing region for the personal care packaging market, followed by North America. The main reasons for the growth in the region include increasing disposable income, changing lifestyle, growing awareness among consumers regarding healthy skin and rapid urbanization.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the global personal care packaging market, tracking three market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global personal care packaging market as material, type and application. On the basis of material it is segmented as Plastic, Glass, Metal and others. On the basis of type it is segmented as bottles, jars, cans, tubes, pouches and others. On the basis of application it is widely used in skin care, cosmetics, fragrances and bath & shower products.Brief TOC:1 Executive Summary2 Scope of the Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations2.3 Markets Structure3 Market Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Secondary Research3.3 Primary Research3.4 Forecast Model4 Market Landscape4.1 Five Forces Analysis4.1.1 Threat of New Entrants4.1.2 Bargaining power of buyers4.1.3 Threat of substitutes4.1.4 Segment rivalry4.2 Value Chain of Global Personal Care Packaging Market5 Industry Overview of Global Personal Care Packaging Market5.1 Introduction5.2 Growth Drivers5.3 Impact analysis5.4 Market Challenges5.5 Impact analysisContinueAccess Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Storage Area Network (SAN) Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2026

MRRSE

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The worldwide boom in IT has redefined many industries and built the base of many budding economies spread across the globe. IT based technologies such as SAN (storage area network) have immensely helped small and medium scale entrepreneurs. The inbuilt capabilities such as shared storage, centralised control and flexibility to share capacity between multiple hosts is creating a broader market acceptance of the product within the small and medium scale business entities present in the global market. The surged spending on ICT is probably going to buckle up the Global Storage Area Network Market. An influx of funds has been injected into the ICT sector, mushrooming in some of the developing economies of the world such as Asia, MEA and Latin America. This factor is expected to play the role of a catalyst in the hike of the global storage area network market revenues.Request for Sample Report:Revenue growth of the global storage area network market is predicted to soar in the APEJ region. APEJ is estimated to register a robust Y-O-Y growth and expand at a CAGR of 4.8%. The major booming economies of the APEJ region such as India and China are fuelling the growth of the APEJ SAN market. India is expected to climb the ladder of growth and record a CAGR of 5.3% within the period of forecast. But the dragon economy of China is expected to dominate the market scene till the end of 2026. The APEJ region is an emerging contender in the global SAN market, backed by extensive investments done by public cloud service providers in order to improve their network infrastructure.North America will continue to maintain its lead within the period of assessmentThe North America SAN market, which was valued close to US$ 5 Bn in 2015 will continue its growth lap till the end of 2026. North America will account for more than 30% revenue share of the global storage area network market. As the region is populated with cloud service providers and several big companies that provide seamless data services, the market for storage area networks is massively increasing in this part of the globe. One of the major economies of this region  the U.S  is anticipated to play a significant role in the development of this regional market. Market anatomy: Storage Area Network market (North America)Browse Full Report with TOC:The key players of the global storage area network market such as CISCO extracted a lions share of revenue from the markets fragmented across the North America region. The North America region contributed more than 60% of their revenue in 2015. NetApp, Inc. another major shareholder in the global storage area network market fished out more than 50% of the revenue share from the North America market in 2015. The unparalleled importance of the North America region in the global market arena of storage area networks is soaring and as predicted North America will continue to rule the global storage area network market till the end of the forecast period. The hardware segment of the North America SAN market is expected to dominate the market till the end of 2026. At the same time the software segment is assessed to be the most attractive segment in terms of revenue within the North America region and it is predicted to record a CAGR of 4.0% by the end of the foreseen period. The conventional SAN segment will showcase better output in the North America region, but in terms of revenue the virtual SAN segment will attract more attention. The FibreChannel technology segment is likely to rule the North America SAN market along with the BFSI end user segment. In terms of revenue, the large enterprises and IT and telecommunication segments are expected to remain the most attractive within the period of forecast.About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comFollow Us on LinkedIn-Follow Us On Twitter-
Global Brake System Market 2017 - ZF, Aisin, Akebono Brake Industry, CBI, Continental, Nissin Kogyo

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The report studies Brake System in Global market Professional Survey 2017 : Size, Share, Trends, Industry Growth, Opportunity, Application, Production, Segmentation, Cost Structure, Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications during the Forecast period by 2022.A typical automotive brake system or braking system comprises of a brake device having different components, which are used for slowing or stopping down a vehicle. More precisely, these devices decrease or stop the speed of a moving or rotating body by absorbing kinetic energy mechanically or electrically.Request For Sample Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Brake System in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversZFAisinAkebono Brake IndustryCBIContinentalNissin KogyoMandoAPGKnorr-BremseWabcoXinYiShandong AoyouAccess Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversDisc brakesDrum brakesMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPassenger VehicleCommercial VehicleThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Brake System market.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Market Study on LED Lighting Solutions: Indoor Applications Projected to be the Most Attractive Segment During 20172025

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The latest report by Persistence Market Research titled LED Lighting Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2017-2025 consists of four main parts. The first part is dedicated to explaining the market definitions, market segmentation and acronyms used in the report. In this section of the report, the key definitions in the global LED lighting market are provided, along with an explanation of how Persistence Market Research has segmented the target market. In the subsequent sections of this part of the report, research methodology used to arrive at the indicated market numbers has been clearly indicated. In the second part of the report, the major factors enabling and impacting growth of the global LED lighting market as well as the growth of the parent industry is briefly elaborated.Request for Sample Report:This section of the report includes key growth drivers and the impact of these drivers on the global LED lighting market. Major challenges confronting the global LED lighting market and the impact of these challenges on the market is also mentioned in the report. At the end of the second part, trends, opportunities and recent developments in the global LED lighting market have been included. The third part of the report consists of the key analysis and insights into the global LED lighting market and comprise the bulk of the report. This part consists of information regarding the market size and CAGR  historic, current estimated and forecast  for the next eight years. Y-o-Y growth rate comparison of various segments and sub segments of the global LED lighting market are also presented in this section of the report. In addition, absolute dollar opportunity analysis of each segment of the global LED lighting market is also presented. In the fourth and last part of the report, a competition landscape is included, which presents a dashboard view of the competitive benchmarking, based on relative positioning of the competitors in the global LED lighting market. Besides this valuable information, product offerings of the major competitors operating in the global LED lighting market is also highlighted in this section. The company profiles covers the overview, financials, recent developments, SWOT analysis and a brief business strategy of the main players in the global LED lighting market.Another distinctive feature of this report is the inclusion of the current scenario of the global LED lighting market that tracks the various phases the market has covered or is yet to cover and the evolution of the global LED lighting market based on phases such as the introductory phase, growth phase, maturity phase and the decline phase. In addition, a detailed product lifecycle stage write up is also given that discusses the various characteristics of the global LED lighting market, which comprise sales perspective, price, product adoption, competitors and also information on manufacturer profit margins. Also, there is one more distinctive feature in the report pertaining to the global LED lighting market value chain analysis. In this part of the report, various stages in LED lighting manufacturing have been elaborated  upstream stage, midstream stage and downstream stage. The value chain analysis has all the manufacturing components broken down minutely and cross reductions across various stages in the value chain are also given.Browse Full Report with TOC:Persistence Market Research has used multiple resources of information and analysis to estimate the market revenue of the global LED lighting market. In order to give the market value projections till 2025 end, Persistence Market Research analysts have first explored LED lighting solutions by product type, services, end user and application. After this, the analysts have done primary and secondary research to arrive at the stated market figures. The secondary research consists of qualitative data gathering through various articles, journals, blogs, industry association data, company websites and other secondary sources. In primary research, discussions with industry experts were carried out. In the data analysis phase, adoption of LED lighting solutions across various industries was considered, along with value chain analysis. A study of the trends in the parent market and end user industry was also carried out and a forecast was developed. This was verified and validated using the triangulation method. Based on this, market insights were derived on which key findings and recommendations of this report are based.About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comFollow Us on LinkedIn-Follow Us On Twitter-
Exlpore Adult Malignant Glioma Therapeutics Market: Latest Trends and Forecast Analysis upto 2024

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Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in brain or spine. It is a group of brain tumor that includes oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Gliomas include all types of brain tumors arising from supportive tissue of the brain. Malignant glioma is the most common type of brain tumor observed in adults globally. Collectively they contribute around 40% of the total cases diagnosed with brain tumor. In the last decade, there has been a consistent rise in the number of people diagnosed with malignant glioma.The American Brain Tumor Association has estimated around 69,720 new cases of brain tumor in 2013. Thus, rising number of people diagnosed with malignant glioma supports the growth of the global adult malignant glioma therapeutics market. Headache, physical weakness, memory loss and seizures are some of the common symptoms of malignant glioma. Thus, with symptoms getting worse size of tumor increases that destroys brain cells, creates swelling in the brain and increases the pressure on skull.Browse Market Research Report @Cancer Research U.K. estimated that around 45% of the total primary brain tumor cases are gliomas. There are majorly four types of gliomas such as astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma and unspecified glioma. Astrocytoms is the most common type of glioma diagnosed globally, more than 30% of the total cases diagnosed with brain tumors are astrocytomas. These types of tumors are not curable as they spread easily through normal brain tissue. Astrocytomas are primarily classified on the basis of grades from one to four as per the speed of their growth in brain cells. American Brain Tumor Association have analyzed that around 7% of all the primary brain tumors represent astrocytomas.Hence, a rising number of people diagnosed with astrocytomas accentuates the uptake of therapeutics for the treatment of the same. Currently, majority of the therapeutics for the treatment of malignant glioma is under clinical trials, key players are engaged in research and development activities.Geographically, North America and Europe accounted for the largest share in the global adult malignant glioma therapeutics market. This dominance was mainly attributed to key players domiciled in these regions coupled with increasing incidences of brain tumor. Brain tumor is the third most common type of cancer in adults in North America. According to North America Brain Tumor Coalition over 44,500 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with primary tumor in the brain in 2014. Thus, rising incidences of primary brain tumor supports the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market in North America. In addition, increasing healthcare awareness also supported the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market in North America and European market.For more information on this report, fill the form @Similarly, Asia Pacific is considered as the most lucrative market for the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics. The growth in Asian market is fueled by the presence of untapped market opportunities due to increasing and expanding healthcare infrastructure in this region. Asia Pacific is considered as an emerging market owing to growing market penetration coupled with increasing number of manufacturers expanding their geographic presence in this region. Thus, all the mentioned factors collectively propel the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.Major players and universities engaged in the development of therapeutics for the treatment of malignant glioma include Eli Lilly and Company, Insys Therapeutics, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Amgen, Inc., Duke University, Shinshu University, Medical Research Council, Osaka University and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Agricultural Drones Market to grow at 13% CAGR from 2017 to 2024

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The developments in Agricultural Drones Market is set to change the business landscape of agriculture and enable ultra-precision farming. The agricultural sector is likely to witness a major transformation in its value chain, as the robotic technology is set to enter into different aspects of farming. Rising deployment of this advanced technology is most probable to change the future of agrochemicals business and modify the designs of agricultural machinery. This has significantly impacted the market dynamics of the global agricultural drones industry.Farmers, all over the globe, are gradually adopting the drone technology to obtain better yields and improve their efficiency by effective use of the land, water, and fertilizers. This technology is assisting farmers in analyzing soil and crop data by taking pictures of their fields. The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) in agricultural drones market are the popular drones, which are incorporated with thermal cameras to provide better vision to the farmers. These images help agronomists in decision making and better monitoring of plantation. With the addition of GIS, GPS and sensor technology, the hybrid UAVs are poised to better assist the farmers by providing enhanced maneuvering information.Request for a sample of this research report @Drones to bring data analytics into farmingThe agricultural drones have gained maximum leverage from the Internet of Things, arguably making agricultural industry much more advanced than ever before. The IoT is now set to drive the future of farming to the next level. High-tech and smart farming are no more things of the past, thanks to sensors and agricultural drones. Software solutions are in a way helping farmers by delivering real-time data for boosting yields. Furthermore, all of these technologies including satellite farming and agricultural drones are helping precision farming market to stimulate over the coming years.U.S. to be major revenue contributorNot surprisingly, agricultural drones market has substantially commercialized over the recent years. U.S. agricultural drones industry is set to observe significant gains over the coming seven years, having accounted for 30% of the overall industry share in 2016. A notable increase in the deployment of UAVs in the region for improving crop productivity and field mapping has provided a major spur to agricultural drones indutry. The field mapping application accounted to be the leading segment in the overall agricultural drones market.Crop scouting application within the agricultural drones industry is also assisting the farmers in achieving perfection and accuracy in fertilizer and pesticides spraying. These drones use the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which detects plants under pressure with the help of various infra-red sensors. It is also used in differentiating the bare soil from grass or forest. Moreover, the UAVs mounted with LiDAR photogrammetry imaging applications helps in building topographic maps and providing an aerial view of the field.Make an inquiry for buying this report @The digital agriculture brought by these drones and robots is charting a path for next-gen agricultural industrialization. As per the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, by 2050, the world will need to produce 70% more food than it did in 2006 to feed the ever-growing population of the Earth. To meet this demand-supply mismatch, farmers and many agricultural companies are turning to invest more into such technologies, which in turn is driving the agricultural drones industry share considerably. The government entities of many countries are likely to encourage and take initiatives regarding the use of such technologies in precision farming. Global Market Insights, Inc., forecasts the global shipment in agricultural drones market to exceed 200 thousand units by 2024, growing at a rate of 13% over the period of 2017-2024.PrecisionHawk, AeroVironment, DJI, GoPro, DroneDeploy, and Trimble Navigation are some of the key players in agricultural drones industry.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:
Powder Coatings Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

powder coatings market, powder coatings market size, powder coatings market in india, powder coatings market europe, global powder

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Reports And Markets Publish a New Market Research Report On "Powder Coatings Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022"Access Full Report With Table Of Contents @Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Powder Coatings in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversPPG IndustriesAkzonobelSherwin-WilliamsAxalta(Dupont)Valspar CorporationRPM InternationalAmerican Powder CoatingsTIGER Drylac3MIFS CoatingsMascoNortek Powder CoatingTrimite PowdersVogel PaintMidwest Industrial Coatings (MICI)Erie Powder CoatingsHentzen CoatingsCardinal PaintMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversThermoset Powder CoatingThermoplastic Powder CoatingMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoIndoor ApplicationOutdoor/Architectural ApplicationAutomotive IndustryAppliance & HousewaresOthersRequest For Sample Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Powder Coatings market.Chapter 1, to describe Powder Coatings Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Powder Coatings, with sales, revenue, and price of Powder Coatings, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Powder Coatings, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Powder Coatings market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Powder Coatings sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck Discount @For more information or any query mail at sales@reportsandmarkets.comAbout Reports And MarketsReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.Contact PersonSanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketinginfo@reportsandmarkets.comPh: +1-214-377-1121 (US), +44-020-3286-9338 (UK)
Research On Global Controlled Release Fertilizers (Polymer Sulfur Coated Urea, Polymer Coated Urea, Polymer Coated NPK Fertilizer, and Others) Market, 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Research On Global Controlled Release Fertilizers (Polymer Sulfur Coated Urea, Polymer Coated Urea, Polymer Coated NPK Fertilizer, and Others) Market, 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.Controlled release fertilizers are part of enhanced efficiency fertilizers. These are granulated fertilizers that release nutrients gradually into the soil. Controlled release fertilizers are usually coated or encapsulated with inorganic or organic materials that regulate the rate, pattern, and duration of plant nutrient release. Common polymer materials used for coating are polysulfone (PSF), cellulose acetate (CA), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Most controlled release fertilizers are used in agriculture and horticulture applications. Controlled release fertilizers are employed in the cultivation of cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, and fruits & vegetables. Furthermore, they are used in the cultivation of turfs, lawns, and ornamental plants. Growth in the global population coupled with the shift toward sustainable agriculture is expected to drive the controlled release fertilizer market during the forecast period.This study analyzes, estimates, and forecasts the global controlled release fertilizers market in terms of volume (tons) and revenue (US$ thousand) from 2015 to 2024. Market numbers given in the report describe the demand for global controlled release fertilizers, but not production or supply. The controlled release fertilizers report also analyzes several driving and restraining factors and their impact on the market during the forecast period.The report provides comprehensive analysis of the controlled release fertilizers by key products and applications. It segments the market into key products that include polymer sulfur coated urea/sulfur coated urea, polymer coated urea, polymer coated NPK fertilizer, and others (including coated micronutrients). It further segments the market into the following key applications: cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and others (turf, ornamental plants, etc.). The report also segments the market based on major geographies into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. It further provides volume and revenue for each application segment for each region. This includes 12 unique country-specific analysis.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Based on the application and country, the report analyzes the attractiveness of each segment and country with the help of an attractiveness tool. The study consist of value chain analysis, which offers a better understanding of key companies in the supply chain from raw material manufacturers to end-users. Additionally, the study examines market competition through Porters Five Forces Analysis.The report includes an overview of the market share of key companies in the global controlled release fertilizers market. Market share of companies has been derived on the basis of production by manufacturers of controlled release fertilizers. Key market players profiled in the study include ATS Group, Greenfeed Agro Sdn. Bhd., The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, HIF TECH SDN. BHD, Compo GMBH & Co. KG, Agrium Inc, Ekompany, Shikefeng Chemical Industry, AgroBridge (Malaysia), Haifa Chemicals ltd, Agrium Inc, Central Glass Co Ltd, ICL Specialty Fertilizers, and The Chisso Corporation. Profiles of key participants comprise important parameters such as company overview, financial overview, business strategy, and recent developments.Primary research represents the majority of our research efforts, complemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research also includes a search of technical writing, recent trade, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most consistent, effective, and productive approach for procuring precise market data, recognizing business opportunities, and understanding industry participants perceptions.Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include broker reports, corporation websites, external patented databases, financial reports, stockholder presentations, Securities & Exchange Commission filings, proprietary databases and relevant patent and regulatory databases, national government documents, statistical databases, and market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market. Secondary sources referred for this study include Chemical Week Magazine, ICIS Chemical Business Magazine, Hoovers, Factiva, and company presentations.The report segments the global controlled release fertilizers market as follows:Controlled Release Fertilizers Market  Product AnalysisPolymer sulfur coated urea/sulfur coated ureaPolymer coated ureaPolymer coated NPK fertilizerOthers (including coated micronutrients)Controlled Release Fertilizers Market  Application AnalysisCereals & grainsOilseeds & pulsesFruits & vegetablesOthers (including turf, ornamental plants, etc.)Controlled Release Fertilizers Market - Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North America (RoNA)EuropeFranceItalyU.K.GermanySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanBrowse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 - 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery due to its benefits over traditional techniques. Cone beam CT (CBCT) systems have many advantages over conventional CT for dental treatment and planning, such as lower radiation dose to patients in most cases, smaller acquisition times for the resolution needed in dentistry, a reasonable alternative to CT in terms of cost, and improved resolution with more details. A CBCT scanner extracts high-resolution images for one-tenth of the cost and an element of the radiation compared to conventional CT scanner.Based on application, the global cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) market has been segmented into dental implants, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and general dental surgery. CBCT has more applications in dental implant procedures compared to others. The implant dentistry market has grown at a fast pace, driven by technological advances. Apart from substituting teeth lost due to injury, increased life expectancy and aesthetic concerns have enhanced the extensive acceptance of implantology. CBCT provides increased accuracy, higher resolution, reduced scan time, low radiation dose, and reduced cost for patients compared to conventional CT.Geographically, the market has been studied and estimated for five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of the World. The CBCT market is driven by increasing demand for applications in dentistry across the globe. North America held the largest share of the CBCT market in 2014, followed by Europe. Asia Pacific was identified as the third largest market for CBCT in 2014. Demand has grown significantly in Asia due to rise in health care expenditures as well as disposable income of the population. Moreover, the market is driven by increase in population and aging couples with oral diseases and disorders opting for advanced dental imaging techniques such as CBCT.The market overview section of the report demonstrates market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities that influence the current and future status of the industry. The market overview section includes market attractiveness analysis, by geography, to provide a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global CBCT market. The market overview section of the report also includes the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the competitive landscape.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market share analysis for the CBCT market has been provided in the market overview section of the report for 2015 in terms of value (%) for global and China markets. The report also provides important recommendations for market players and new entrants. These recommendations would enable existing market players to expand their market shares and help new companies to establish their presence in the CBCT market across the world. The report concludes with the company profiles section, which includes key information about major players in the market such as financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments. Major players in this market include Cefla Group (Italy), Carestream Health (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), QR s.r.l. (Newtom) (Italy), Planmeca OY (Finland), Prexion, Inc. (U.S.), VATECH Global Co. Ltd. (South Korea), and Sirona Dental Systems (Germany).The global CBCT market has been segmented as follows:Global CBCT Market, by ApplicationCBCT in Dental ImplantCBCT in OrthodonticsCBCT in Oral SurgeryCBCT in EndodonticsCBCT in General Dental SurgeryGlobal CBCT Market, by GeographyIntroductionNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.Rest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanBrowse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Welding Equipment and Consumables Market 2017- Illinois tool Works Inc., Air Liquide, Linde Group, GCE holding AB

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Welding Equipment and Consumables Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Welding Equipment and Consumables Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Welding Equipment and Consumables industry, and estimates the future trend of Welding Equipment and Consumables market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Welding Equipment and Consumables Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportColfax Corporations.Lincoln Electric Inc.Illinois tool Works Inc.Air LiquideLinde GroupGCE holding ABFronius International GMBHThe market research report explores the Welding Equipment and Consumables market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Welding Equipment and Consumables Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Welding Equipment and Consumables market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Welding Equipment and Consumables. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Welding Equipment and Consumables market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Welding Equipment and Consumables is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Welding Equipment and Consumables market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Welding Equipment and Consumables market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Welding Equipment and Consumables market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Welding Equipment and Consumables production volume, data pertaining to demand and Welding Equipment and Consumables supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Welding Equipment and Consumables along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Welding Equipment and Consumables across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Global Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market Expected to Reach US$ 86.7 Bn in 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market Expected to Reach US$ 86.7 Bn in 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.Telemedicine is the union of health care and telecommunication/information technology aimed at providing assistance to individuals in remote areas, inaccessible to health care centers in times of need. Critical care and emergency situations are the primary areas for which telemedicine evolved in practice. The healthcare industry has always been one of the most lucrative, yet steadily growing, industries in the global market. The requirement of healthcare is termed as critical and crucial to the sustenance of life, hence considered an important industry. The overall telemedicine technology has already created a positive impact in the developed regions. However, regional governments in the developing nations have expressed their approval and support to the technology that helps save lives and uplift the global standard of health.This report provides in-depth analysis of the global telemedicine technologies and services market. The stakeholders for this report include companies involved in the manufacture of telemedicine component, provide telemedicine services to the hospitals and homes, suppliers and new entrants planning to invest in this market. For providing a snapshot of this market to the stakeholders, executive summary section is included in this report, which summarizes the market size, trends and competition for different telemedicine component and services in five major regions.The market overview section of this report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the telemedicine technologies and services market in the current and future scenario. Heat map among the market players is analyzed to signify the presence of market players in the relevant (hardware, software, service) segment of the market. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to be incurred in future for strengthening their position in the global market.The telemedicine technologies and services market by component has been segmented as hardware, software and services. Telemedicine hardware involves collection of physical parts and assemble into a proper telemedicine system. The hardware segment has been categorized into videoconferencing unit, imaging unit, vital signs unit, ECG, and others. Integrated and stand alone are the type of software in the telemedicine technologies and services market. The global telemedicine services market has been segmented as interactive, store and transfer and chronic care. Based on end-user, the global telemedicine technologies and services market has been segmented into telehospital/teleclinic and telehomes.Geographically, the telemedicine technologies and services market has been differentiated into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. Moreover, analysis for the major countries comprising U.S. Canada, Germany, France, Japan China, India, Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia have also been provided in the report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides market estimation of telemedicine technologies and services in terms of revenue (US$ Mn) for all the segments and sub segments with CAGR % for period 2015 to 2023, considering 2014 as the base year. The report also provides heat map analysis of the key players operating in the market on basis of their products and services offered globally. The report also provide market attractiveness analysis by geography that depicts the most attractive regions in the global market during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023.This report also includes recommendations section that will assist new companies in establishing their presence and market players in expanding their market share in the telemedicine technologies and services market. The report concludes with the company profile section which includes company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies and recent developments for market players. The major players that are profiled in the report include Aerotel Medical Systems Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Inc., General Electric Company, Honeywell International, Inc. and LifeWatch AGThe global telemedicine technologies and services is segmented into the following categories:Global Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market, by ComponentHardwareVideoconferencing UnitImaging UnitVital Sign UnitECGOthersSoftwareIntegratedStandaloneServiceInteractiveStore and TransferChronic Care ManagementGlobal Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market, by End-UserTelehospitalTelehomeGlobal Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceRest of EuropeAsia PacificBrowse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Worldwide Technology of Ophthalmology Drugs Market in Global Industry 2017

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Ophthalmology Drugs Market to 2023 - Angiogenesis Inhibitors in wAMD Set to Retain High Market Share, While Expansive Pipeline for Glaucoma Leads the Research Landscape" globally.Ophthalmology is a broad therapy area that consists of almost 100 disorders associated with the eyes and visual system, including such diseases as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and dry eye syndrome (DES). Many of these disorders are progressive, and if left untreated can lead to severe visual impairment or even blindness.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The patents protecting the three most commercially successful products, all marketed in wet AMD, are expected to expire in the coming years - Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Avastin (Bevacizumab) in 2018, and Eylea (aflibercept) in 2020. However, revenue from anticipated new approvals such as lampalizumab in dry AMD, Fovista (pegpleranib sodium) in wet AMD and brolucizumab in wet AMD and DME is expected to exceed the revenue lost following the patent expiry of current market leaders.There is also significant interest in developing products for other indications; in 2017, Spark Therapeutics is expected to gain FDA approval in retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis for its orphan drug, Voretigene Neparvovec, which if successful will be the first gene therapy approved for any genetic disease.At the same time, a number of small and specialized ophthalmology companies such as Santen and Aerie are expected to enter the market, diversifying the landscape, which currently consists primarily of large biotech companies.Scope- The ophthalmology therapeutics market is forecast to reach $35 billion in 2023. What are the key market segments driving this growth?- The pipeline contains over 800 products. What molecule types and molecular targets are in the pipeline? What are the commercial prospects of promising late-stage products?- Despite specific drug classes such as angiogenesis inhibitors dominating the commercial landscape, there is a very high proportion of novel drug classes in the pipeline. Which drug classes account for the largest proportion of early-stage development, and how do clinical failure rates, clinical trial size and clinical trial duration differ by indication and molecular target?- Although they are dominant in the market, large biotech companies are anticipated to lose market share to specialty ophthalmology companies, which are much more active in the pipeline. Which of the leading companies will have the highest market share by 2023? Which new companies will enter the market?- What licensing and co-development deals have occurred within this therapy area since 2006?Reasons to buy- Understand the current clinical and commercial landscape through a comprehensive analysis of innovation in the ophthalmology therapeutics market, in the context of the overall pipeline and current market landscape. The report also includes analysis of the deals landscape, including both licensing deals and co-development deals. Key indications covered in detail include glaucoma, AMD, DME, DR and DES.- Understand the current treatment landscape, with profiles of key marketed products and a focus on historical and forecast sales patterns, and an overview of each drugs mechanism of action.- Analyze the ophthalmology therapeutics pipeline through a comprehensive review, segmented by stage of development, molecule type and molecular target. This review also provides a detailed look at ophthalmology therapeutics clinical trials, to provide an insight into the risk associated with attempting to bring pipeline analgesics to market.Make an Enquiry about TOC @- Predict growth in market size, with in-depth market forecasting from 2016 to 2023. The forecast will provide an understanding of how epidemiology trends, new drug entries and new drug patent expirations will influence market value.- Identify the key pipeline products, with a particular focus on those due to be brought to market in the near future, as well as sales forecasts for these products.- Identify the leading companies in the market, in terms of market share and growth. Company analysis determines how dependent the key companies in the market are on revenue derived from ophthalmology therapeutic products. In addition, analysis determines the primary factors that will drive market growth for the disease areas key companies.- Assess the licensing and co-development deal landscape for ophthalmology therapies.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 41.1 List of Tables 61.2 List of Figures 62 Introduction 92.1 Therapy Area Introduction 92.1.1 Glaucoma 92.1.2 Age-Related Macular Degeneration 102.1.3 Diabetic Retinopathy 102.1.4 Diabetic Macular Edema 102.1.5 Dry Eye Syndrome 112.2 Symptoms 112.3 Diagnosis 132.4 Etiology and Pathophysiology 132.4.1 Etiology 132.4.2 Pathophysiology 152.5 Co-morbidities and Complications 182.6 Prognosis 192.6.1 Glaucoma 192.6.2 Age-Related Macular Degeneration 202.6.3 Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema 202.6.4 Dry Eye Syndrome 20Browse Report @2.7 Epidemiology Patterns; Prevalence, Patient Segmentation, and Diagnostic and Treatment Usage Rates 212.7.1 Glaucoma 21ResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
During The Period 2017 - 2021, Global Embolization Devices Market Will Expand At A CAGR Of 10.61%

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "During The Period 2017 - 2021, Global Embolization Devices Market Will Expand At A CAGR Of 10.61%" to its huge collection of research reports.Embolization is a surgical technique through which an embolus is placed into the blood vessel to block the flow of blood to a particular area of the body. It is used for the treatment of aneurysms and malformations. There are various types of neuroendovascular devices used for the treatment of abnormalities leading to aneurysms and other malformations. Embolization devices are useful in the incorporation of an artificial embolus. An artificial embolus is used to close off blood vessels to prevent the blood from reaching a particular part of the body to eliminate abnormal conditions in the body like a renal aneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, hypogastric artery embolization, and others. Based on the type of products, these embolization devices are categorized into embolic coils, flow diverters, EPDs, and others.Technavios analysts forecast the global embolization devices market to grow at a CAGR of 10.61% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global embolization devices market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the sales, volume, and value of the embolization devices market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Embolization Devices Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsBoston ScientificMedtronicCook MedicalSt. Jude MedicalPenumbraMetactive MedicalTerumoTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Other prominent vendorsAcandisAGA MedicalAllium Medical SolutionsAngioDynamicsAngioslideAtrium MedicalBiophan TechnologiesBiosense WebsterContego MedicalCryoLifeInnovative Cardiovascular SolutionsInspireMDKeystone HeartphenoxTransverse MedicalMarket driverVenture capital accelerating entrance of start-up companiesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHigh cost of stenting proceduresFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendNew technological advancementsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Browse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
China's ICT Investment Trends: Enterprises initiatives inclined towards digitization fuelling ICT investments

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "China's ICT Investment Trends: Enterprises initiatives inclined towards digitization fuelling ICT investments" to its huge collection of research reports."ICT Investment Trends in China" presents the findings from a survey of 125 Chinese enterprises regarding their Information & Communications Technology (ICT) investment trends. The survey investigates how Chinese enterprises currently allocate their ICT budgets across the core areas of enterprise ICT expenditure: hardware, software, IT services, communications, and consulting.Improvements in industrial production, construction, exports, and investments have led to a robust start for the Chinese economy in Q1 2017. This will definitely boost ICT investments across various industries. The survey shows that the highest proportion of the ICT budget is allocated to hardware in both 2016 and 2017, followed by software and services.The report illustrates the core technologies that enterprises are investing in, including content management, enterprise networking, IoT, and cloud computing. The survey also highlights the approach to purchasing technology adopted by enterprises in China. Through GlobalDatas survey, the report aims to provide a better insight to ICT vendors and service providers when pitching their solutions to enterprises in China.In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following -How ICT budgets are set to change in 2017 in terms of their overall sizeAllocation across the core elements of IT spend, including hardware, software, services, communications, and consultingDistribution of ICT money in areas such as the networks, applications, service desk, and data centersWhich ICT functions Chinese enterprises are interested in outsourcingChinese enterprises investment priorities based on their budget allocations across core technology categories such as content management, enterprise networking, IoT, and cloud computingFactors that are influencing Chinese enterprises investments in each technology categoryHow Chinese enterprises IT budgets are currently allocated across various segments within a technology categoryChinese enterprises distribution of their ICT budget across various segments within a technology categoryVendor satisfaction ratings for various core and advanced technology categoriesInsight into Chinese enterprises preferred buying approachesBusiness objectives that Chinese enterprises are looking to achieve through their IT investment strategiesFactors that are influencing Chinese enterprises decisions to select an ICT providerTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe survey indicates that cloud computing is gaining momentum in China with infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and public cloud witnessing an increase in investments among Chinese enterprises in 2017.IoT has emerged as the next ground-breaking technology segment. With the benefits of reduced operational time and human intervention, IoT technologies such as network sensors, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and auto ID & mobility technologies are gaining popularity among Chinese enterprises.While employing survival strategies and increasing customer satisfaction are the primary business objectives influencing IT investment strategies among Chinese enterprises, financial stability is the most sought after criterion in choosing ICT vendors.Reasons to buyUnderstand how the Chinese enterprise ICT landscape is set to change in 2017 to prioritize your target marketComprehend how ICT money are being allocated by Chinese enterprises in specific verticals and size bands to improve your market penetrationMake effective business decisions by recognizing the opportunities within each of the core areas of ICT spend (hardware, software, IT services, telecommunications, and consulting)Realign your sales initiatives by understanding the current strategic objectives of Chinese enterprisesEnhance your market segmentation with the included, detailed breakdown of opportunities within selected technology categories (content management, enterprise networking, IoT, and cloud computing)Prioritize your focus areas by understanding which factors are influencing Chinese enterprises decisions when selecting an ICT providerUnderstand the changes in customers priorities and identify the business objectives that Chinese enterprises are looking to achieve through their ICT investment strategiesBrowse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Mattress Industry : Market Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2017-2021

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Mattress Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)" globally.A mattress is a large pad for supporting the reclining body, used as a bed or as part of a bed. Mattresses may consist of a quilted or similarly fastened case, usually of heavy cloth, that contains hair, straw, cotton, foam rubber, etc., or a framework of metal springs. The mattress support layer, also known as its core, includes all the layers below the quilting and comfort layers of a mattress.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @There are several choices of mattresses available in the market on the basis of material used in it. Mattresses are sold in four standard sizes. Known from smallest to largest as twin, full, queen, and king size, the queen size being the most popular choice.The key factors driving the growth of the mattress market are growing innerspring mattress segment, increasing number of bedrooms, influence of hospitality and real estate, growing online sales, growth in construction sector, rising frequency of home renovation activities and rise of luxury mattress segment. Some noteworthy trends of this industry are preference for customized mattresses, need for multifunctional beds, growing demand for eco-friendly mattresses, and introduction of online bed-in-a-box. However, the expansion of the market is hindered by costs of mattresses, review and rating competition and volatile prices of raw materials.The report Global Mattress Market provides a comprehensive study of the global market with detailed analysis of market size, distribution channel and major product segments along with the US and International market. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The industry comprises few large players such as Tempur Sealy International Inc., Select Comfort Corporation, Dorel Industries Inc. and Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC. All these companies have been profiled in the present report highlighting their key financials and business strategies for growth.Table of Content1. Mattress Market - An Overview1.1 An Introduction1.2 Types of Mattresses1.3 Types of Mattresses by Size2. Global Market Analysis2.1 Global Mattress Market by Value2.2 Global Mattress Market Forecast by Value2.3 Global Mattress Market by Region2.4 Global Mattress Sales by Distribution Channel2.5 Customer Satisfaction by Mattress Type2.7 Global Mattress Market Product SegmentMake an Enquiry about TOC @3. Regional Market Analysis3.1 The US3.1.1 The US Mattress Sales Statistics3.1.2 The US Mattress Market by Value3.1.3 The US Mattress Market Forecast by Value3.1.4 The US Mattress Industry Shipment by Volume3.1.5 The US Mattress Industry Average Unit Price3.1.6 The US Mattress Market Share by Price Point by Value & Volume3.2 International (Outside US)3.2.1 International (Outside US) Mattress Market by Value3.2.2 International (Outside US) Mattress Market Forecast by Value4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Growing Innerspring Mattress Segment4.1.2 Increasing Number of Bedrooms4.1.3 Influence of Hospitality and Real Estate4.1.4 Growing Online Sales4.1.5 Growth in Construction Sector and Rising Frequency of Home Renovation Activities4.1.6 Rise of Luxury Mattresses4.2 Market Trends4.2.1 Preference for Customized Mattresses4.2.2 Need for Multifunctional Beds4.2.3 Growing Demand for Eco-friendly Mattresses4.2.4 Introduction of Online Bed-in-a-Box4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Rising Costs of Mattresses to Lessen Appeal among Cost sensitive Masses4.3.2 Review and Rating Competition4.3.3 Volatile Prices of Raw MaterialsBrowse Report @5. Competitive Landscape5.1 Memory Foam Mattresses by Brand Category5.2 Latex Foam Mattresses by Brand Category5.3 Innerspring Mattresses by Brand Category5.4 The US Mattress Market Share by Company5.5 Mattress Specialty Store Market ShareResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Global Flavored Cigars Market Professional Survey Report 2017 - Miami Cigar, Habanos, General Cigar

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Flavored Cigars Market Professional Survey Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The exploration report here talks about around a few viewpoints relating to the worldwide Flavored Cigars market which articulates the present insights and future prospects with reference to the elements at play. The essential point of the exploration report is to display a nitty gritty diagram to the readers and furnish them with helpful actualities and information. The statistical surveying report additionally executes with variables, for example, drivers, limitations, and prospects to gage the result of the worldwide Flavored Cigars market amid the estimate time frame specified in the report. The report likewise shows a brief yet elite blueprint of the specific market, which comprises a few records of the real angles which are relied upon to trigger development in the market or cause negative effect.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringGurkha CigarsImperial TobaccoMiami CigarHabanosGeneral CigarDrew EstateArnold AndreAvanti CigarOliva Cigar FamilyScandinavian Tobacco Group (Havana Honeys')Swisher Sweets (Swisher International)Get complimentary Research Summary Of The Report @This report additionally dives profound into the worldwide Flavored Cigars market by fastidiously assessing the generation and modern chain of the accommodating business sector. This will additionally help in engendering precise information and insights on various elements of the individual market, for example, data relating to strategies of the administration in the territorial and worldwide level, make and dissemination structure, generation limit, volume sold, and income earned among others.The exploration report will likewise be deficient without an exhaustive evaluation of the seller scene of the worldwide Flavored Cigars market, which contains the statistical data points, exercises and creations of the pioneers in the worldwide Flavored Cigars market. The investigation additionally gives a comprehensive examination of the key areas expressed in the report for the worldwide Flavored Cigars market. For each region, the report articulates the variety of development up until now and clearing on what sellers can do to guarantee accomplishment in the coming years.Table of ContentsGlobal Flavored Cigars Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Flavored Cigars1.1 Definition and Specifications of Flavored Cigars1.1.1 Definition of Flavored Cigars1.1.2 Specifications of Flavored Cigars1.2 Classification of Flavored Cigars1.2.1 Hand-Rolled Flavored Cigar1.2.2 Machine-Made Flavored CigarBrowse Complete Report with TOC @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Flavored Cigars2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Flavored Cigars2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Flavored Cigars2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Flavored Cigars3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Flavored Cigars3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Flavored Cigars Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Flavored Cigars Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Flavored Cigars Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales AnalysisEnquiry For Discount Visit @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Flavored CigarsTable Product Specifications of Flavored CigarsTable Classification of Flavored CigarsFigure Industry Chain Structure of Flavored CigarsTable Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 2016Table R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Flavored Cigars Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Global Capacity, Sales , Price, Cost, Sales Revenue (M USD) and Gross Margin of Flavored Cigars 2012-2017About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
New Study On Power Transformers Market - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecast, 2017 - 2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "New Study On Power Transformers Market - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecast, 2017 - 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.GlobalData's latest report "Power Transformers Market, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecast to 2021", offers comprehensive information and understanding of the global power transformers market. The report analyzes the current trend and future potential of power transformers market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Saudi Arabia) level.The report analyzes the power transformers market in terms of value and volume, classified by various voltage segments for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods. The report provides insight into the drivers and restraints affecting the power transformers market, competitive landscape, policies and initiatives, and the key upcoming projects. The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.ScopeThe report analyses power transformers market. Its scope includes -- Analysis of the growth of power transformers market with a focus on market value in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.- The report provides power transformers market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.- The report offers country level power transformers market value and volume, classified by voltage, for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods.- Qualitative analysis of key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impacts on power transformers market are discussed.- The report provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2016. It also covers key policies and initiatives, and upcoming projects.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing market data on power transformers- Develop strategies based on developments in the power transformers market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the power transformers market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies, and prospectsTable Of Content1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 61.2 List of Figures 82 Executive Summary 102.1 Global Power Transformers Market to reach $15.41 billion by 2021 102.2 China to Continue to Lead the Power Transformers Market during the Forecast Period 113 Introduction 143.1 Power Transformers 143.1.1 Classification of Power Transformers 143.2 GlobalData Report Guidance 16Browse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Evolving Pharmaceutical Marketing Strategies: Digital as a Key Component of Multichannel Marketing

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Evolving Pharmaceutical Marketing Strategies: Digital as a Key Component of Multichannel Marketing" to its huge collection of research reports.GBI Researchs latest report,""Evolving Pharmaceutical Marketing Strategies: Digital as a Key Component of Multichannel Marketing"" provides a comprehensive analysis of the changing pharmaceutical marketing landscape in the digital age.While the pharmaceutical industry readily adopts new technologies to provide medical advancements, it has been much slower to adopt technology within its marketing efforts, mostly relying on traditional channels and methods. However, the decreasing effectiveness of these traditional channels, given changing physician, patient and consumer trends in todays increasingly digital society, is forcing an evolution of pharmaceutical marketing strategies. The report examines how the effective implementation of various digital marketing approaches, in conjunction with traditional channels in an integrated multichannel marketing strategy, has the ability to expand marketing reach, increase audience engagement, provide higher return on investment (ROI) and improve methods of tracking ROI for pharmaceutical companies.The report features an overview of the various marketing channels available to pharma, and examines the factors driving change within this field. It analyzes how a wide range of digital marketing methods can be effectively integrated into a synergistic multichannel marketing strategy that allows both traditional and newer channels to complement each other. Analysis of the main challenges and risks associated with digital marketing methods, in addition to potential solutions and approaches to overcoming them, is provided. Real-world case studies of marketing strategies and campaigns employed by pharma are also included.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @GBI Research conducted extensive research in order to provide a comprehensive view of the evolving pharmaceutical marketing landscape. In addition to garnering views from internal experts GBI Research conducted an extensive interview with pharmaphorum CEO and founder Paul Tunnah, who is an experienced industry thought leader and advisor with a specialist focus on cross-stakeholder communication, digital/social media engagement and collaborative innovation. Based on the totality of our research, strategic recommendations and guidelines are provided throughout the report for the effective implementation of digital marketing strategies within a coherent overall multichannel marketing strategy.This new report adds to our unique portfolio of trusted industry analyses that enable our clients to assess the most promising areas in the market and exploit key business opportunities.ScopeWhat are the different marketing channels available to pharma?What factors are driving change in the traditional pharma marketing strategy?What is a multichannel marketing strategy? What are the benefits, and how can they be implemented effectively?What are the different digital marketing strategies that pharma can utilize in order to keep pace with changing needs, and maintain ROI? How can these be implemented effectively?What are the main challenges and risks associated with digital marketing methods, and what are some potential solutions and approaches to overcoming these?What digital marketing strategies and campaigns have been employed by pharma in recent years?What are the key strategic recommendations and guidelines for digital marketing as part of an integrated multichannel marketing strategy?Reasons to buyUnderstand how and why pharmaceutical marketing is evolvingGain insights into various digital marketing strategies, their benefits and key features, and recommendations on how to effectively implement themAssess examples of approaches taken by other companies in the fieldUnderstand the challenges and risks involved in pharma digital marketing, and ways in which you can plan for these challenges and minimize risksBrowse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Asia-Pacific Hepatitis C Therapeutics Market, 2023 - Presence of Outstanding Direct-Acting Antivirals and Late-Stage Pipeline to Transform the Clinical and Commercial Landscape

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Asia-Pacific Hepatitis C Therapeutics Market, 2023 - Presence of Outstanding Direct-Acting Antivirals and Late-Stage Pipeline to Transform the Clinical and Commercial Landscape" to its huge collection of research reports.Hepatitis C is a blood-borne liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015 there were 1.75 million new HCV infections globally, and approximately 399,000 people die each year from hepatitis C, mostly due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The APAC region has diverse HCV epidemiology, with prevalence ranging from 0.1% to 4.7%, and a unique genotype (GT) distribution. Acute HCV infection is usually asymptomatic, and 15-45% of people spontaneously clear the virus within six months of infection without any treatment, while the remaining 55-85% develop chronic HCV infection.The hepatitis C market is currently dominated by high-performance regimens comprising new-generation DAAs. The treatment algorithms have shifted away rapidly from interferon-based therapies, and towards interferon-free DAA combination therapies that can cure most patients in as little as eight to 12 weeks, without ribavirin. In the highly competitive hepatitis C treatment landscape, where new combination therapies match each other closely in terms of safety and efficacy, one key differential is patient segment coverage. A number of factors that have conventionally been used to predict treatment outcome, including HCV genotypes, previous treatment history, and a patients liver and kidney conditions, are also used to define target patient populations for new therapies.The late-stage hepatitis C pipeline is predominantly composed of DAA regimens targeting HCV NS5A, NS5B polymerase, and NS3/4A protease. The most advanced of the promising pipeline agents are Gileads sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir and AbbVies glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, which have been studied in Phase III clinical trials. Due to the highly effective late-stage pipeline drugs and marketed products, developers of HCV NS5A, NS5B polymerase and NS3/4A protease in earlier stages of clinical development are not aiming to dominate the market, but rather to earn a place as a me too product.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe hepatitis C Asia-Pacific market will be valued at $8.31 billion in 2023, growing from $5.38 billion in 2016 at a CAGR of 6.4%.- How will pan-genotypic therapies such as glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir contribute to growth?- What effect will the patent expiration of branded therapies have on market value?The hepatitis C pipeline contains a range of molecule types and molecular targets, including those that are well established in hepatitis C, and novel target therapies.- What are the common targets and mechanisms of action of pipeline therapies?- Will the pipeline therapies fulfill the unmet needs of the hepatitis C market?- What implications will the increased focus on pan-genotypic therapies have on the future of hepatitis C treatment?Late-stage pipeline therapies with a strong clinical record have the potential to enter the market over the forecast period.- How have the late-stage therapies performed in clinical trials?- How will the approval of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, which hold a key advantage in terms of reducing the treatment duration, affect the competitive landscape, with no therapy currently available to address this unmet need?The market forecasts indicate that China and Japan will contribute the most to the Asia-Pacific market value due to the emergence of novel therapies.- What will be the impact of available therapies with high cure rates on prevalence?- How will the annual cost of therapy and market size vary between the five Asia-Pacific markets?- Which countries are in the best situation currently for the eradication of HCV?Various drivers and barriers will influence the hepatitis C market over the forecast period.- What are the barriers that will limit the uptake of available and upcoming therapies in the assessed countries?- Which factors are most likely to drive the market in these countries?Licensing deals are the most common form of strategic alliance in hepatitis C, with total deal values ranging from under $10m to over $1.5 billion.- How do deal frequency and value compare between target families and molecule types?- What were the terms and conditions of key licensing deals?Reasons to buy- Understand the current clinical and commercial landscape by considering disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and the treatment options available at each stage of diagnosis, including a clinical comparison of marketed therapies.- Visualize the composition of the hepatitis C market in terms of dominant therapies for each patient subset, along with their clinical and commercial standing. Unmet needs are highlighted to allow a competitive understanding of gaps in the market.- Analyze the hepatitis C pipeline and stratify pipeline therapies by stage of development, molecule type and molecular target.- Understand the potential of late-stage therapies, with extensive profiles of products that could enter the market over the forecast period, highlighting clinical performance, potential commercial positioning, and how they will compete with other therapies.- Predict hepatitis C market growth in the five Asia-Pacific markets, with epidemiological and annual cost of therapy forecasts across India, China, Australia, South Korea and Japan, as well as the individual contributions of promising late-stage molecules to market growth.- Identify commercial opportunities in the hepatitis C deals landscape by analyzing trends in licensing and co-development deals.Browse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Smart Speakers Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Trends by Forecast 2016 to 2022

Smart Speakers Market

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Market Highlights:Smart Speakers is type of speakers which is equipped with advance communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC and can be operated from any smart device such as smartphone, laptop and tablets. These speakers are similar in nature with a traditional speaker but provide different benefits which traditional speakers are not able to provide.The global smart speakers market is expected to reach at USD ~9 billion with ~36% of compound annual growth rate.The key drivers contributing to the growth of the global smart speakers market are rise in number of smart homes, increasing wireless streaming of audio content, speakers run on batteries, high durability, hassle free maintenance and high preference for wireless technology. The restraining factors towards the growth of the market are range, power and compatibility. The increase in number of smart homes driving the global Smart Speakers Market.There are various features such as compatibility with number of services and platforms, peer-to-peer connection through mesh networking, intelligent personal assistants among others are giving positive contribution in the market growth.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Beats Electronics (U.S.) Bose Corporation (U.S.) Samsung Electronics Limited (Korea) Harman (U.S.) LG Electronics (South Korea) Altec Lansing (U.S.) Avnera Corporation (U.S.) Panasonic (Japan) D&M Holdings, Inc (Japan) Sharp Corporation (Japan)Study Objectives of Global Smart Speakers Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global smart speakers market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global smart speakers market based porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by product type, technology, application and region. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.Intended Audience: Smart Speakers Manufacturers Smart Speakers Distributors Research/Consultancy firms Vendors from various verticals such as Bose, Harman, Samsung among others OEMs Semiconductor Manufacturers StakeholdersSegments:The Global Smart Speakers Market has been segmented on the basis of product type, connectivity, application and region. By product type, the market has been bifurcated into single-speakers, double-speakers and multi-speaker. On the basis of connectivity, the market has been segmented into- Wi-Fi enabled speakers, Bluetooth enabled speakers, NFC enabled speakers among others. On the basis of application, the market includes- personal use and commercial use.Regional Analysis:North America is dominating the market of smart speakers in where U.S. accounted for the largest market share due to various factors such as rise in smart homes market, high per capita income, changing lifestyle and high preference for wireless technology in the region. For instance, Amazon Echo smart speakers outpaced other speakers in the U.S. due to changing lifestyle and increasing disposable income.Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea are growing at a fast pace majorly due to high demand for consumer electronics, high growth rate of the countries and the advancement in the IT industry. According to MRFR analysis, the consumption of smart electronics has increased in these countries over the last few years and companies have been investing billions of dollars into research & development sectors which are driving the growth of the global smart speakers market.Access Report Details @Market Research Analysis:The global smart speakers market is expected to grow significantly. In North America, U.S. is estimated to account for the largest market share majorly due to rise in smart homes, high per capita income, changing lifestyle and technological advancement. Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea are growing at a fast pace majorly due to high demand for consumer electronic products and rise in GDP. The Asian countries are expected to grow fast over the forecast period.U.S. accounts for the largest market share in North America, majorly due to increase in number of smart homes, rising disposable income, changing lifestyle and government policies. Also, Asian countries such as Japan and Korea are expected to grow at a fast pace, majorly due to advancement in the IT industry and investments in research & development sector.Table of Contents1. Executive Summary2. Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market Size Estimation2.4 Forecast ModelContinued.List of TablesTable 1 Global Smart Speakers Market, By Product TypeTable 2 Global Smart Speakers Market, By ApplicationContinued.List of FiguresFigure 1 Research TypeFigure 2 Global Smart Speakers Market: By Product Type (%)Continued.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016 - 2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.The report entitled Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020) provides a detailed analysis of the global remote cardiac monitoring market with analysis of market size by value, volume, segments, etc.The report also includes a detailed regional analysis of the remote cardiac monitoring market of regions such as, US, Europe and Asia Pacific comprising of its market by value. Under competitive landscape, different players in the global remote cardiac monitoring market have been compared on the basis of their revenue and market capitalization.The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global remote cardiac monitoring market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The competition in the global remote cardiac monitoring market is stiff and dominated by the big players. Medtronic Plc, Boston Scientific Corporation and Life Watch AG are some of the key players operating in the global remote cardiac monitoring market, whose company profiling is done in the report. In this segment of the report, business overview, financial overview and the business strategies of the companies are provided.Regional CoverageUSAEuropeAsia PacificTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Company CoverageMedtronic PlcBoston Scientific CorporationLifeWatch AGExecutive SummaryRemote cardiac monitoring is the continuous monitoring of electrical activities of the heart, which takes place outside hospitals. The monitoring can also be done while the patient is doing the day to day activities. Devices like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillator is placed with the patient through minimally invasive procedures and the transmission of data takes place via a transmitter which works in sync with the device.The global remote cardiac monitoring market is expected to grow at a healthy rate during the forecast period (2016-2020). The growth is expected on account of many factors, such as an increase in cardiovascular diseases, increasing incidence of obesity, less cost of remote monitoring and rising ageing population.However, the market also faces some challenges, which includes reimbursement issues and the risk of over treatment. Increasing health care expenditure, cardiomems heart failure monitoring system and telesense remote cardiac monitoring device are some of the latest trends in the remote cardiac monitoring market.Browse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Aroma Chemicals Market,Industry Analysis,Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2024

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Aroma chemicals belong to a group of molecules which are used in fragrance ingredients. They comprise of artificial, natural identical, and natural molecules. Around 3000 types of distinct molecules are used for the production of fragrance compositions. Aroma chemicals have wide range of applications, most common of them include fine fragrance, cosmetics, and toiletries. They are also used as odorizer to impart fragrance to odorless substances that can be dangerous for instance, natural gas, propane, etc.Request For Sample Report :The report estimates and forecasts the aroma chemicals on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. The study includes drivers and restraints for the aroma chemicals market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the aroma chemicals market on the global and regional level. It also provides the global average price trend analysis.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the aroma chemicals market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein type, product, application and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market.Global Aroma Chemicals Market: SegmentationThe study provides a comprehensive view of the aroma chemicals market by dividing it into type, product, application and geography. In terms of type, the aroma chemicals market has been segmented into natural and synthetic aroma chemicals. In terms of product, the aroma chemicals market has been segregated into terpenoids, benzenoids, musk chemicals, and others. In terms of application, the aroma chemicals market has been segmented into personal care, household care, and others. The personal care segment has been further bifurcated into fine fragrances and cosmetics & toiletries. The household care segment has been further segregated into laundry, dishwashing, and other segment. Application segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) between 2016 and 2024.Browse Full Report With TOC :Global Aroma Chemicals Market: Regional OutlookRegional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for aroma chemicals in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for type and application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Japan, India, China, Mexico, South Africa, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual type and application in all the regions and countries.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Givaudan, IFF, Firmenich SA, Takasago International Corporation, Symrise, BASF SE, Solvay, Frutarom, KAO CORPORATION, Sensient Flavors and Fragrance, and Robertet SA. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).In-depth interviews and discussions with wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.The aroma chemicals market has been divided into the following segments:Aroma Chemicals Market  Type AnalysisNaturalSyntheticAroma Chemicals Market  Product AnalysisTerpenoidsBenzenoidsMusk ChemicalsOthers (include Aldehydes, Ketones, Esters, etc.)Aroma Chemicals Market  Application AnalysisPersonal careFine FragrancesCosmetics & ToiletriesHousehold CareLaundryDishwashingOthers (include Mosquito Repellant, Candles, etc.)Others (include Food & Beverages, Medical, Others )Aroma Chemicals Market  Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaS.CanadaEuropeFranceK.SpainGermanyItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanASEANRest of Asia Pacific (APAC)Latin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin America (LATAM)Middle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & Africa (MEA)Enquiry About This Report :Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comGoogle+:Linked in:Twitter:
In-Depth Analysis Of Global Continence Care Market with Focus on Intermittent Catheter Market, 2016 - 2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "In-Depth Analysis Of Global Continence Care Market with Focus on Intermittent Catheter Market, 2016 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Continence Care Market with Focus on Intermittent Catheter Market (2016-2020), provides an in-depth analysis of the global continence care market by value, by population, by product line. The market also provides an in-depth analysis of intermittent catheter market by value.The report provides a regional analysis of continence care market, including the following regions: North America, Europe and Rest of the World. The report also provides regional analysis of intermittent catheter market, including the following regions: Europe, Developed World (US) and Emerging Economies.Furthermore, the report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global continence care market and intermittent catheter market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The competition in the global continence care market with focus on intermittent catheter market is intense as urinary catheters and drainage bags are commodity-like products. The key players of the continence care market with focus on intermittent catheter market are Coloplast, ConvaTec, CR Bard and Hollister, Inc. The key players Coloplast, ConvaTec, CR Bard and Hollister, Inc. are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Country CoverageEuropeNorth AmericaRest of the WorldTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Company CoverageColoplastConvaTecCR Bard, Inc.Hollister, Inc.Executive SummaryIncontinence are of two types faecal and urinary. Continence care market by product line could be classified into intermittent catheter, urinary bags/sheaths, external male catheter, bowel management, special incontinence pads, handheld urinals/commodes, etc. To cure incontinence pelvic floor exercise, bladder training, etc. are prescribed.Catheters refer to the small, hollow tubes that is inserted up the urethra and into the bladder to drain away the urine. There are two types of catheter: removable/intermittent catheter and permanent/indwelling catheter.The intermittent catheter is an advanced medical technique used in conditions where patients need short term catheter based management of the urinary bladder or as a daily habit throughout life. The intermittent catheters are designed to be used by the patients themselves. The types of intermittent catheters include uncoated/standard size, dry-coated, self-lubricating and coated compact catheter. The intermittent catheter has several advantages and disadvantages.The global continence care market and intermittent catheter market have increased at a significant CAGR during the years 2012-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise tremendously in the next four years i.e. 2016-2020. The continence care market and intermittent catheter market are expected to rise due to increase in the number of global patients suffering from spina bifida, increase in population suffering from spinal cord injuries, rising global aging population, etc.Yet the market faces some challenges such as availability of cheap alternatives and substitutes and lack of awareness about the advanced continence care products, etc.Browse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Aircraft Ground Handling System Market to exceed USD 185 billion by 2024: Fractovia.Org

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Aircraft ground handling equipment market encompasses products that are designed for aircraft handling, cargo handling, and passenger handling.Cargo handling dominated the overall industry share in 2016 and is likely to garner massive valuation in the years ahead, subject to the increasing emergence of innovative equipment such as lift trucks, caster bed, roller conveyors, and scissor lifts. Passenger handling is another lucrative product segment of aircraft ground handling system market. Rising implementation of innovative systems, along with the increasing adoption rate of air transportation will augment the product demand.Request for a sample of this research report @Enhanced infrastructural developments are one of the key factors driving aircraft ground handling system market share. With innovative technologies on board, modernization has paved the way for airport personnel efficiency and aircraft enhancements.Incorporation of technologically advanced equipment also helps to reduce delays in airport operations, which will further spur aircraft ground handling system industry revenue. Of late, aircraft equipment is also enabled with proximity sensors, designed to provide warnings regarding obstacles. As per a reliable market research report, Worldwide aircraft ground handling system market was worth USD 110 billion in 2016 and will generate a revenue of USD 185 billion by 2024.Asia Pacific aircraft ground handling system market covered more than 25% of the regional share in 2016 and will collect significant revenue by the end of 2024. Rapid growth in the population along with growing urbanization will enhance the industry growth. Moreover, deployment of advanced technologies across this region will also favor the business expansion. Airport authorities are investing heavily to expand and improve airport infrastructure, which will fuel the product demand.Geographically, Europe aircraft ground handling system industry will exhibit considerable annual growth over the years ahead, owing to the heavy demand for air transportation across this continent. Escalating infrastructure developments along with surging technological advancements will propel the industry trends. France and Germany are slated to be the major regional revenue contributors, having collectively covered 40% of the revenue contribution in 2016.North America led the regional aircraft ground handling system market in 2016 and will continue to exert its dominance over the regional landscape from 2017-2024. Airport authorities have been undertaking stringent efforts to enhance customer services and operational efficiency with a view to increase the air travel passenger base, which will further stimulate the industry size.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @The noteworthy participants in aircraft ground handling system market are PrimeFlight, John Menzies, CargoTec, Dnata, Cavotec SA, SATS Ltd., Swissport, Bhadra International, Air+MAK, JBT AeroTech, and Celebi Aviation.Browse key industry insights spread across 110 pages with 50 market data tables & 29 figures & charts from the report, Aircraft Ground Handling System Market Size By Product (Passenger Handling, Cargo Handling, Aircraft Handling), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Middle East, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:Browse Related Reports:Automotive Robotics Market Size By Product (Articulated, Cartesian, SCARA, Parallel, Cylindrical), By Component (Hardware [Controllers, Arms, End Effector, Drive, And Sensor], Software & Services), By Application (Welding, Assembly, Processing, Handling Operations, Paint & Dispense), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024Fractovia.org is one of India's leading in-house and free news portal. It is fully automated, and operates on a constant premise, interfacing with news sites and offering redesigned breaking features to readers across the globe. Our mission is to offer individuals opportunities for connections with news writers and distributors which they can pursue. We operate by mapping articles pertaining to breaking news, constantly and progressively, against a pre-determined word-based theme, offering important connections to readers and clients, as well as distributers.29L Atlantic Avenue, Suite L 105,
Printed Electronics In Global Industry, 2017: Major Players - E Ink Holdings Inc, DuPont, NovaCentrix, YD Ynvisible & Enfucell OY

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Printed Electronics In Global Industry, 2017: Major Players - E Ink Holdings Inc, DuPont, NovaCentrix, YD Ynvisible & Enfucell OY" to its huge collection of research reports.Printed Electronics Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and comprehensive research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom,Japan, South Korea and China).In this report, the global Printed Electronics market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is projected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2021, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the period 2017 to 2021.The report firstly introduced the Printed Electronics basics: definitions, classifications, Applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The major players profiled in this report include:E Ink Holdings IncDuPontNovaCentrixYD YnvisibleEnfucell OYThe end users/Applications and product categories analysis:On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue (Million USD), product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into-InkSubstrateTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @On the basis on the end users/Applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major Applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Printed Electronics for each application, including-Appliaction AAppliaction BAppliaction CTable of ContentsPart I Printed Electronics Industry OverviewChapter One Printed Electronics Industry Overview1.1 Printed Electronics Definition1.2 Printed Electronics Classification AnalysisInkSubstrate1.2.1 Printed Electronics Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Printed Electronics Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Printed Electronics Application AnalysisAppliaction AAppliaction BAppliaction CChapter Two Printed Electronics Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market AnalysisBrowse More Details @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Growth of Refrigerant Market in Global Industry : Research and Forecast 2017-2022

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Refrigerant Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022" globally.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Refrigerant industry.This report splits Refrigerant market By Typical Species, By Components Properties, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesChemoursHoneywellMexichemDaikinArkemaLindeNavin Fluorine InternationalGFLDongyue GroupZhejiang JuhuaMeilan ChemicalSanmei3FYuean ChemicalYing Peng ChemicalYonghe RefrigerantLimin ChemicalsChina Fluoro TechnologyMain RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product TypeRefrigerant Market, by Typical SpeciesHCFCHFCHCOtherRefrigerant Market, by Components PropertiesInorganic TypeOrganic TypeMixturesMain ApplicationsAir ConditionAutomotive Air ConditionerRefrigeratorOthersMake an Enquiry about TOC @Table of ContentsChapter One Refrigerant Market Overview1.1 Global Refrigerant Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Refrigerant, By Typical Species 2012-20221.2.1 Global Refrigerant Sales Market Share by Typical Species 2012-20221.2.2 Global Refrigerant Revenue Market Share by Typical Species 2012-20221.2.3 Global Refrigerant Price by Typical Species 2012-20221.2.4 HCFC1.2.5 HFC1.2.6 HC1.2.7 Other1.3 Refrigerant, by Components Properties 2012-20221.3.1 Global Refrigerant Sales Market Share by Components Properties 2012-20221.3.2 Global Refrigerant Revenue Market Share by Components Properties 2012-20221.3.3 Global Refrigerant Price by Components Properties 2012-20221.3.4 Inorganic Type1.3.5 Organic Type1.3.6 MixturesBrowse Report @Chapter Two Refrigerant by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global Refrigerant Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global Refrigerant Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global Refrigerant Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin AmericaResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Research of Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants market in Global Industry : Development and Forecast 2017-2022

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022" globally.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants industry.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This report splits Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants market By Resin Type, By Technology, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major Companies3M (US)Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)PPG Industries, Inc. (US)Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (US)Cytec Solvay Group (Belgium)Huntsman International LLC (US)Bostik (Arkema S.A.) (FR)DOW Corning Corporation (US)H.B. Fuller (US)Hexcel Corporation (US)Royal Adhesives & Sealants (US)Master Bond Inc. (US)Beacon Adhesives, Inc (US)Avery Dennison Corporation (US)United Resin Corporation (US)Main RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product TypeAerospace Adhesive & Sealants Market, by Resin TypeEpoxySiliconePUOthersAerospace Adhesive & Sealants Market, by TechnologyWater-basedSolvent-basedOthersMake an Enquiry about TOC @Main ApplicationsCommercial AviationMilitary AviationGeneral AviationTable of ContentsChapter One Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Market Overview1.1 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants, By Resin Type 2012-20221.2.1 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Sales Market Share by Resin Type 2012-20221.2.2 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Revenue Market Share by Resin Type 2012-20221.2.3 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Price by Resin Type 2012-20221.2.4 Epoxy1.2.5 Silicone1.2.6 PU1.2.7 Others1.3 Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants, by Technology 2012-20221.3.1 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Sales Market Share by Technology 2012-20221.3.2 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Revenue Market Share by Technology 2012-20221.3.3 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Price by Technology 2012-20221.3.4 Water-based1.3.5 Solvent-based1.3.6 OthersBrowse Report @Chapter Two Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global Aerospace Adhesive & Sealants Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin America2.6 Europe2.6.1 Germany2.6.2 United Kingdom2.6.3 France2.6.4 Italy2.6.5 Spain2.6.6 Russia2.6.7 Netherland2.6.8 Others in Europe2.7 Asia & PacificResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Titanium Mill Products Market Size in Global Industry : Technology, Applications, Growth and Status 2017

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Titanium Mill Products Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022" globally.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Titanium Mill Products industry.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This report splits Titanium Mill Products market By Product Segments, By Component, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesVSMPO-AVISMA (Russia)Timet (US)RTI (US)ATI (US)OSAKA Titanium (Japan)Toho Titanium (Japan)KV-Titan (Russia)BaoTi (China)Western Metal Materials (China)Pangang Group (China)Zhongbei Tai Ye (China)Baosteel Group (China)Western Superconducting Technologies (China)Main RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product TypeTitanium Mill Products Market, by Product SegmentsBarSheetPipeOtherTitanium Mill Products Market, by ComponentTitanium AlloyIndustrial Pure TitaniumMake an Enquiry about TOC @Main ApplicationsAviation IndustryChemical IndustryOcean EngineeringShipOtherTable of ContentsChapter One Titanium Mill Products Market Overview1.1 Global Titanium Mill Products Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Titanium Mill Products, By Product Segments 2012-20221.2.1 Global Titanium Mill Products Sales Market Share by Product Segments 2012-20221.2.2 Global Titanium Mill Products Revenue Market Share by Product Segments 2012-20221.2.3 Global Titanium Mill Products Price by Product Segments 2012-20221.2.4 Bar1.2.5 Sheet1.2.6 Pipe1.2.7 Other1.3 Titanium Mill Products, by Component 2012-20221.3.1 Global Titanium Mill Products Sales Market Share by Component 2012-20221.3.2 Global Titanium Mill Products Revenue Market Share by Component 2012-20221.3.3 Global Titanium Mill Products Price by Component 2012-20221.3.4 Titanium Alloy1.3.5 Industrial Pure TitaniumBrowse Report @Chapter Two Titanium Mill Products by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global Titanium Mill Products Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global Titanium Mill Products Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global Titanium Mill Products Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin America2.6 Europe2.6.1 Germany2.6.2 United Kingdom2.6.3 France2.6.4 Italy2.6.5 Spain2.6.6 Russia2.6.7 Netherland2.6.8 Others in Europe2.7 Asia & PacificResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Shares of Refrigerated Display Cases market in Global Industry : Growth, Trends and Application 2017-2022

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Refrigerated Display Cases Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022" globally.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Refrigerated Display Cases industry.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This report splits Refrigerated Display Cases market By Product Type, By Construction, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesPanasonic Corporation (JP)Dover Corporation (US)Frigoglass SAIC (GR)Arneg S.p.A (IT)AHT Cooling System GmbH (AT)Illinois Tool Work Inc. (US)Epta S.p.a. Refrigeration (IT)Standex International Corporation (US)Lennox International Inc. (US)United Technologies Corp. (US)Metalfrio Solutions, Inc. (US)Clabo Group (IT)True Manufacturing (US)Carter Retail Equipment Ltd. (UK)Nakano Refrigerators Co. Ltd. (JP)QBD Modular Systems Inc. (CA)Zero Zone Inc. (US)Marc Refrigeration Manufacturing, Inc. (US)Aucma Co., Ltd. (CN)Haier Carrier (CN)Isa S.p.a. (IT)Borgen Systems (US)Koxka (ES)Main RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product TypeRefrigerated Display Cases Market, by Product TypePlug-In DeviceRemote operated DeviceRefrigerated Display Cases Market, by ConstructionHorizontalVerticalHybridMake an Enquiry about TOC @Main ApplicationsFood Service SectorRetail Food and Beverage SectorTable of ContentsChapter One Refrigerated Display Cases Market Overview1.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Refrigerated Display Cases, By Product Type 2012-20221.2.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Product Type 2012-20221.2.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Product Type 2012-20221.2.3 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Product Type 2012-20221.2.4 Plug-In Device1.2.5 Remote operated Device1.3 Refrigerated Display Cases, by Construction 2012-20221.3.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Construction 2012-20221.3.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Construction 2012-20221.3.3 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Construction 2012-20221.3.4 Horizontal1.3.5 Vertical1.3.6 HybridBrowse Report @Chapter Two Refrigerated Display Cases by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin America2.6 Europe2.6.1 Germany2.6.2 United Kingdom2.6.3 France2.6.4 Italy2.6.5 Spain2.6.6 RussiaResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Global High-Pressure Pump Industry : Market Trends, Analysis, Growth and Status 2017

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Albany, NY, 5th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global High-Pressure Pump Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022" globally.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in High-Pressure Pump industry.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This report splits High-Pressure Pump market By Media, By Cylinder Number, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesInterpump Group (IT)KAMAT (DE)Flowserve (US)Grundfos (DK)Danfoss (DK)URACA (DE)GEA (DE)Andritz (AU)Sulzer (CH)Comet (IT)WAGNER (DE)LEWA (DE)HAWK (IT)Speck (DE)BARTHOD POMPES (FR)Cat Pumps (US)Thompson Pump (US)UDOR (IT)Main RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product TypeHigh-Pressure Pump Market, by MediaHigh Pressure Plunger PumpsHigh Pressure Piston PumpsOthersHigh-Pressure Pump Market, by Cylinder NumberSingle-Cylinder PumpTwin-Cylinder PumpTriplex-Cylinder PumpMake an Enquiry about TOC @Main ApplicationsWater AffairsEnergy & ChemicalConstructionOtherTable of ContentsChapter One High-Pressure Pump Market Overview1.1 Global High-Pressure Pump Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 High-Pressure Pump, By Media 2012-20221.2.1 Global High-Pressure Pump Sales Market Share by Media 2012-20221.2.2 Global High-Pressure Pump Revenue Market Share by Media 2012-20221.2.3 Global High-Pressure Pump Price by Media 2012-20221.2.4 High Pressure Plunger Pumps1.2.5 High Pressure Piston Pumps1.2.6 Others1.3 High-Pressure Pump, by Cylinder Number 2012-20221.3.1 Global High-Pressure Pump Sales Market Share by Cylinder Number 2012-20221.3.2 Global High-Pressure Pump Revenue Market Share by Cylinder Number 2012-20221.3.3 Global High-Pressure Pump Price by Cylinder Number 2012-20221.3.4 Single-Cylinder Pump1.3.5 Twin-Cylinder Pump1.3.6 Triplex-Cylinder PumpBrowse Report @Chapter Two High-Pressure Pump by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global High-Pressure Pump Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global High-Pressure Pump Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global High-Pressure Pump Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin America2.6 Europe2.6.1 Germany2.6.2 United Kingdom2.6.3 France2.6.4 Italy2.6.5 Spain2.6.6 Russia2.6.7 Netherland2.6.8 Others in Europe2.7 Asia & PacificResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Unified Network Management Market Growth and Development Report 2017-2025

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Global Unified Network Management Market Report 2017-2025 has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Request Sample Copy is Available atThe report firstly introduced the Unified Network Management basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Global Unified Network Management Market competition by top manufacturers with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturers.Global Unified Network Management Market Top Players1. Cisco Systems, Inc.2. Compuware3. IBM Corporation4. CA Technologies5. HP, Inc.6. Juniper Networks7. EMC Corporation8. Avaya Inc.9. Ericsson AB10. Nokia Networks (Alcatel-Lucent)Objectives of Unified Network Management Market Report To provide overview of the global Unified Network Management market To analyze and forecast the global Unified Network Management market on the basis of components, application, size and technology To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Unified Network Management market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM), which are later sub-segmented across respective major countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key Unified Network Management players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesComplete Report is Available atKey Insight of Unified Network Management Market- Historical and Future Market- Supply and Demand- Price and Cost- Drivers and Challenges- Key Vendors- Market Strategies- Industry Value Chain- RegionsContact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.comAbout ReportsWeb:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales Market Report 2017 : Olympus, Sonatest

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The report on the global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector market is extensive, covering all the key aspects of the market. It is a comprehensive study of the various factors impacting the growth of the global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector market. The government regulations and mandates which are affecting the growth of the Ultrasonic Flaw Detector market are also studied. In addition to this, challenges faced by market players have also been included. Aimed at making an investor, a reader, and players established and new, more aware about the growth prospects of the Ultrasonic Flaw Detector industry, this report is an unbiased study, which is collated by expert analysts. The report comprises a detailed discussion of the growth drivers and growth impeders. In addition to this, the study also reveals the potential growth opportunity within the global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector market.This report studies sales (consumption) of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringOlympusSonatestGEMODSONICMagnetic Analysis CorporationDanatronicsAcoustic Control SystemsHUATEC GroupOceanscanAustralian NDT SalesROOP TELSONIC ULTRASONIXSilverwingOKO AssociationRDMVibronicsEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Key segments along with sub-segments within the global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector industry have been studied, this enables an elaborate analysis of the market. The report is helpful in generating a clear idea as to where to invest in the market in terms of region as well as in which particular sector (product or application). The market is studied from both a global point of view as well as individual study of key regions such as North America, Asia Pacific, The Middle East and Africa, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). The leading companies operating in the global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector market have also been studied, and comprises recent developments by companies and their business and financial overviews.Table of Contents1 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector1.2 Classification of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector1.3 Application of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector1.4 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Market by Regions1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Obtain Report Details @2 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume and Value) by Type2.3 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume and Value) by Regions2.4 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume) by Application3 United States Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Ultrasonic Flaw Detector (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Manufacturers Analysis9.1 Olympus9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Product Type, Application and Specification9.1.3 Olympus Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Sonatest9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Product Type, Application and Specification9.2.3 Sonatest Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 GE9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Product Type, Application and Specification9.3.3 GE Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewEnquiry For Discount Visit @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Ultrasonic Flaw DetectorTable Classification of Ultrasonic Flaw DetectorFigure Global Sales Market Share of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector by Type in 2015Figure Global Sales Market Share of Ultrasonic Flaw Detector by Application in 2015Figure Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Table Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Sales Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market 2017- Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, WiTricity

Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems industry, and estimates the future trend of Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportBoschQualcommTexas InstrumentsWiTricityFulton InnovationOtherThe market research report explores the Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems . Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems production volume, data pertaining to demand and Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market 2017-2022

Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Friction Stir Welding Equipment industry, and estimates the future trend of Friction Stir Welding Equipment market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportESABBeijing FSWPaR SystemsHitachiGeneral Tool CompanyPTGNitto SeikiBTISooncableGatwickETA TechnologyThe market research report explores the Friction Stir Welding Equipment market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Friction Stir Welding Equipment Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Friction Stir Welding Equipment market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Friction Stir Welding Equipment. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Friction Stir Welding Equipment market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Friction Stir Welding Equipment is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Friction Stir Welding Equipment market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Friction Stir Welding Equipment market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Friction Stir Welding Equipment market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Friction Stir Welding Equipment production volume, data pertaining to demand and Friction Stir Welding Equipment supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Friction Stir Welding Equipment along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Friction Stir Welding Equipment across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Global Wind Power Coating Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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The erosion and corrosion of wind towers and blades is not a surprise given the variety of and often harsh environmental conditions encountered at sea and on land. If not protected, this erosion and corrosion will reduce the structure?s strength, reliability, life span and, ultimately, its economic value. So coating plays an important role in protecting blades, tower and other components from environment.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Wind Power Coating in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Sample of this report is available upon request @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversHempelPPGAkzoNobelBASFJotunMankiewiczDupontBergolinDuromar3MTeknos GroupAeolus CoatingsMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversPolymer CoatingCeramic CoatingMetal CoatingsObtain Report Details @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Wind Power Coating Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Polymer Coating1.2.2 Ceramic Coating1.2.3 Metal Coatings1.3 Market Analysis by Applications2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Hempel2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Wind Power Coating Type and Applications3 Global Wind Power Coating Market Competition, by Manufacturer3.1 Global Wind Power Coating Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer3.2 Global Wind Power Coating Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer3.3 Market Concentration Rate3.3.1 Top 3 Wind Power Coating Manufacturer Market Share3.3.2 Top 6 Wind Power Coating Manufacturer Market Share3.4 Market Competition TrendGet discount copy @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Wind Power Coating PictureTable Product Specifications of Wind Power CoatingFigure Global Sales Market Share of Wind Power Coating by Types in 2016Table Wind Power Coating Types for Major ManufacturersFigure Germany Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure France Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure UK Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Russia Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Italy Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Korea Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Wind Power Coating Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact US:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comBlog:
India Solar Power Business Market 2017 Share, Trend, Segmentation Research Report

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Opportunities in Open Access Transactions and Short Term PPAs in Solar Power Business of India.Opportunity in Open Access Transaction and Short Term Power Purchase Agreements for Developers, Consumers and Traders in Solar Power Business of IndiaWhich region is most suitable for affecting the open access transactions through solar having the largest cluster of industries, corporates and bulk consumers? Which state has least regulatory barriers or least cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) applicable to bulk buyers? Whether the tariff discovered in third-party power sales agreements sustainable for long-term i.e. for a period of 10-15 years? What kind of transactions i.e. Bilateral or Collective transactions are favorable through solar? What is the penetration level of short term transactions through solar in different pockets of the country? Queries like these and many more demanded an in-depth research to unearth the very reason as to why essentially open access is fast gaining popularity in India, which transformed into the research base for the report for enincon consulting llp.Solar power tariffs in India appear to be in a free fall, in recently concluded Rewa and Bhadla Solar Park bids, the tariffs touched INR 2.62/unit which is approximately 18% lower than average price of INR 3.20/unit charged by NTPC for electricity generated by its coal fired plants. Having said that, this is the clear demonstration of aggressive bidding as IRR (Internal Rate of Return) for projects having tariff INR 4.3/unit comes out to be 14.20% which is much lower than benchmark IRR of 18%. Several risk factor such as fluctuations in foreign currency, capacity utilisation factor, operations and maintenance cost escalation etc. are not being taken into consideration while bidding and if the base assumptions go wrong then having a financial feasible project will be a challenge. Does, this risk opens up business opportunity for Open Access transactions in India?GET SAMPLE REPORT @Key Queries ResolvedWhich state has least regulatory barriers or least cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) applicable to bulk buyersWhether the tariff discovered in third-party power sales agreements sustainable for long-term i.e. for a period of 10-15 years?What are the various power procurement models which shall be most beneficial given the current regulatory paradigm and policy environment in India?Why only renewable players are reaping benefits of direct power purchase agreements and why not the thermal power producers under independent and captive category enjoy the same?Which region is most suitable for affecting the direct power purchase agreements having the largest cluster of industries, corporates and bulk consumers?Which region has more penetration of short term transactions through solar power?Which transaction i.e. bilateral or collective is preferred for solar?Table of ContentsBusiness Case for Open Access Transactions in IndiaMode of Sustainability for Demand of Open Access in India through SolarTariff Movements for Open Access through Solar  Key StatesExamining Liberalism for Green Power in Open Access Mechanism in StatesFiltering of Major Open Access Consumers / Pockets for Solar PowerFiltering Opportunities for STUs and Bulk ConsumersRegion Wise Customer ProfilingRegulatory Consideration for Open Access through Solar in IndiaProcurement Models through Open Access in IndiaParametric Ranking of States Generating Business Case for Long Term Open AccessFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
Pharmaceutical Filtration Market: Application, Classification and Manufacturing Technology Report 2017  2024

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The research report Pharmaceutical Filtration Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, Italy, France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, UAE), Application Development Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024, by Global Market Insights, Inc. says, Pharmaceutical Filtration Market size will witness significant growth from 2017 to 2024.Pharmaceutical Filtration Market size should experience robust growth due to rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiac disorders, cancer, and arthritis have surge in demand for the development of novel and innovative sterile drugs to treat various life-threatening disorders boosting the business growth. Rising R&D investments in manufacturing large molecules, biologics and other novel drugs will drive the global pharmaceutical filtration market size. For instance, Merck has invested around USD 295 million in R&D for developing novel biopharma drugs used to treat patients with complex disorders.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Increased production of generic drugs and government mandates for sterile manufacturing and production of generic drugs will increase demand for filters and eventually fueling industry growth. Furthermore, rapid technological advancements in the filtration techniques such as nanofibers technology used in pharmaceutical industry will expand the pharmaceutical filtration market size. Huge capital requirement for research and production facilities of novel medicines, vaccines and drugs, coupled with stringent regulatory approval process for manufacturing safe, sterile and efficient drugs may hinder business growth in the future.Membrane filters lead the overall industry revenue share owing to the advantages offered such as presence of different membrane materials including PTFE, nylon, cellulose acetate. It allows controlled pore size distribution, greater strength and flexibility coupled with wide range of applications for solvent and air filtration. Single-use systems will grow at a rapid pace due to the low capital requirement, minimal risk of cross-contamination and higher efficiency for filtration of therapeutic drugs.Ability to purify and fractionate particles based on size, low energy requirements, greater flexibility for separation and cost-efficiency will drive the microfiltration market over the coming few years. Nanofiltration should grow at a substantial rate owing to nanofibers application to separate large molecules from smaller ones, low pressures and minimized energy cost boosting the overall market.Browse key industry insights from the report Pharmaceutical Filtration Market in detail along with the table of contents:Based on application, the final product processing segment is dominating the industry. Rising demand for filtration of APIs, proteins, vaccines, antibodies, and viruses will drive the segment growth. Increased production of vaccines, generic drugs and biologics boosts the manufacturing-scale segment. Increased focus on development of innovative biopharmaceuticals to treat chronic ailments will surge demand for these filtration process.U.S. pharmaceutical filtration market will witness significant growth over the forecast period due to presence of well-established biopharma players coupled with increased investment in R&D. For instance, in 2015, the pharmaceutical research and manufacturers of America have invested around USD 58.8 billion in R&D for developing drugs desired to address the unmet medical needs of patients with chronic disorders.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @India and China will expand at robust growth rate in coming years due to increased investment by biopharmaceutical companies, growing prevalence of various chronic diseases and rising healthcare expenditure will propel the business demand. Moreover, increased government initiatives and funding should positively impact the industry in the coming future.Some of the industry players in pharmaceutical filtration market include 3M, Merck, Parker Hannifin, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Meissner, Amazon Filters, Eaton, GE Healthcare and Graver Technologies. The industry players focus on acquisitions and innovative product launch as main strategies to ensure market sustainability. In March 2017, Merck launched Express high area filters and single-use systems intended to use for filtration of high particulate level feed streams such as protein solutions and cell culture media. These filters ensure safety & efficiency of products and are cost-effective for biopharma production.Browse Related Reports:Anti-Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Packaging Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
United States Telecom Power System Market Report 2017

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This report studies sales (consumption) of Telecom Power System in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringEltekEatonEmerson Network PowerGEDeltaAlstomMitsubishi ElectricZTEInfineonAEG Power SolutionsACMECummins PowerPace Power SystemsAlta energyDyna Hitech Power SystemsSample of this report is available upon request @Market Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoHigh Pressure Telecom Power SystemAtmospheric Pressure Telecom Power SystemLow Pressure Telecom Power SystemSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Telecom Power System in each application, can be divided intoCommercial power supplyLife in the power supplyObtain Report Details @Table of ContentsUnited States Telecom Power System Market Report 20171 Telecom Power System Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Telecom Power System1.2 Classification of Telecom Power System1.2.1 High Pressure Telecom Power System1.2.2 Atmospheric Pressure Telecom Power System1.2.3 Low Pressure Telecom Power System1.3 Application of Telecom Power System2 United States Telecom Power System Competition by Manufacturers2.1 United States Telecom Power System Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 United States Telecom Power System Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 United States Telecom Power System Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 Telecom Power System Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 Telecom Power System Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 Telecom Power System Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 United States Telecom Power System Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by States (2011-2016)3.1 United States Telecom Power System Sales and Market Share by States (2011-2016)3.2 United States Telecom Power System Revenue and Market Share by States (2011-2016)3.3 United States Telecom Power System Price by States (2011-2016)4 United States Telecom Power System Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2011-2016)4.1 United States Telecom Power System Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)4.2 United States Telecom Power System Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)4.3 United States Telecom Power System Price by Type (2011-2016)4.4 United States Telecom Power System Sales Growth Rate by Type (2011-2016)Get discount copy @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Telecom Power SystemTable Classification of Telecom Power SystemFigure United States Sales Market Share of Telecom Power System by Type in 2015Figure High Pressure Telecom Power System PictureFigure Atmospheric Pressure Telecom Power System PictureTable United States Telecom Power System Revenue by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Table United States Telecom Power System Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Table 2015 United States Telecom Power System Revenue Share by ManufacturersTable 2016 United States Telecom Power System Revenue Share by ManufacturersTable United States Market Telecom Power System Average Price of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Figure United States Market Telecom Power System Average Price of Key Manufacturers in 2015About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact US:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comBlog:
Tablet Display Global Market by Geography, Scope, Analysis and Forecasts to 2019

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Displays are an interface between the user and the application processor. They define the image quality delivered by tablets. Therefore, tablet manufacturers attach high significance to displays. Tablet displays are also connected to the touch screen control, which is directly proportional to the sensitivity of the device. There are two types of display technologies employed in tablet displays: LCD and OLED. LCD-based displays use liquid crystals to project images on the screen, while OLED-based displays, specifically AMOLED displays, are developed using thin-film display technology, in which organic compounds form the electroluminescent material. AMOLED-based displays consist of an active matrix of OLED pixels that generate light on electrical stimulation.Publisher's analysts forecast the global tablet display market to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% over the period 2014-2019.For more informationThis report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global tablet display market for 2015-2019. The report covers the entire range of tablet displays by screen size. To calculate the market size, the report considers the sales of LCD and OLED-based tablet displays.However, the report does not consider the following to estimate the market size:- PMOLED displays- Sales of components used for the production of tablet displays- Aftermarket sales of tablet displaysPublisher's report, Global Tablet Display Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key regions- Americas- APAC- EMEAKey vendors- AU Optronics- Chimei Innolux- LG Display- Samsung Display- SharpRequest Sample CopyOther prominent vendor- Japan DisplayMarket driver- Rise in sales of tablets- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Intense competition from other mobile computing devices- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Declining ASP of tablets- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Assembly Automation Market Set for Rapid Growth and Trend by 2022

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MarketStudyReport.com adds a new Assembly Automation Market research report for the period of 2017-2022 focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the global key players providing analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and geographic regions of the market.Automated assembly refers to a manner of producing goods by use of automated machinery or assembly robots and a systematic approach to assembling goods that operates at least partly independently from human control. In most cases, automated machinery is used to produce products using standardized parts added in a specific series of motions or activities along what is commonly called an assembly line. In many technology firms, medical research and clinical companies and factories, automated assembly is an important part of the process.Request a Sample Copy of Global Assembly Automation Market Research Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Assembly Automation in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, Global Assembly Automation Market report covers such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, Kuka, Hanwha, Hirata, ThyssenKrupp, ATS Automation, Velomat and Bastian Solutions.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).Global Assembly Automation Market Segment by Type, covers as Robot Automation Equipment, Other Automation Equipment and Central control systemGlobal Assembly Automation Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Automobile, 3C Industry and OthersEnquire Now for Global Assembly Automation Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Assembly Automation market.Chapter 1, to describe Assembly Automation Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Assembly Automation, with sales, revenue, and price of Assembly Automation, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global Assembly Automation market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Assembly Automation, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to Assembly Automation Industry analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the Assembly Automation Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Assembly Automation market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Assembly Automation Industry sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Related Reports: -Europe Assembly Automation Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Automated assembly refers to a manner of producing goods by use of automated machinery or assembly robots and a systematic approach to assembling goods that operates at least partly independently from human control. In most cases, automated machinery is used to produce products using standardized parts added in a specific series of motions or activities along what is commonly called an assembly line.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:
Electrified Railways Traction Transformer Market Revenue by Analysis and 2021 Forecast

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Publisher's Electrified Railways Traction Transformer market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.The Players mentioned in our reportGeneral ElectricABBBTB Plaza LtdALSTOMJST transformateursPreis GroupSchaffner GroupMitsubishiHitachiSiemensZhuzhou CSR Times Electric Co., Ltd.Hebei Tianwei Huarui Electric Co., Ltd.China Electric Equipment GroupGlobal Electrified Railways Traction Transformer Market: Product Segment Analysis1.1 Single-phase Connection (I/I)1.2 Three-phase to Three-phase Connection (V/V,Yn,d11)1.3 Three phases Two phases Balanced Connection (SCOTT,Y/V,Y/A)2.1 110kV Electrified Railways Traction Transformer2.2 220kV Electrified Railways Traction Transformer2.3 330kV Electrified Railways Traction TransformerFor More Information About This Report:Global Electrified Railways Traction Transformer Market: Application Segment AnalysisElectrified RailwaysUrban railGlobal Electrified Railways Traction Transformer Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaRequest Sample Copy At:Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Electrified Railways Traction Transformer IndustryChapter 2 World Market Competition LandscapeChapter 3 World Electrified Railways Traction Transformer Market shareChapter 4 Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 5 Company ProfilesChapter 6 Globalization & TradeChapter 7 Distributors and CustomersChapter 8 Import, Export, Consumption and Consumption Value by Major CountriesChapter 9 World Electrified Railways Traction Transformer Market Forecast through 2021Chapter 10 Key success factors and Market OverviewInquire For This Report At:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021

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OPGW is a dual functioning cable performing the duties of a ground wire and also providing a patch for the transmission of voice, video or data signals. The fibers are protected from environmental conditions (lightning, short circuit, loading) to ensure reliability and longevity. The cable is designed to be installed on transmission and distribution lines to carry voice, data and video communications, especially in lighting waveform monitoring system, an observation system for overhead test line, maintenance data information system, power line protection system, power line operation system, and unmanned substation monitoring.Sample of this report is available upon request @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.According to the report, global demand for OPGW market was valued at $ 476.60 million in 2015, and is expected to generate revenue of $ 612.56 million by end of 2021, growing at a CAGR of slightly above 4.27 % between 2015 and 2021. OPGW market by volume, which measures output worldwide, was expected to reach 290,327 Km in 2016 with an increase of 7.05% from its year-earlier level.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversThe global OPGW industry is relatively concentrated, with the market share of top 10 OPGW producers around 90%. Fujikura is the global largest vendors accounted for 19.05 % of the industry revenue share in 2015. Key market players include ZTT, NKT Cables, Tongguang Cable, Shenzhen SDG, Furukawa, LS Cable, Jiangsu Hongtu, Taihan, Sichuan Huiyuan, Elsewedy Cables, Tratos, J-Power Systems among others.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)Latin America, Middle and AfricaIt is relatively mature about OPGW in Europe, United States and Japan etc. With several years of development, OPGW already tended to be mature in China, as well as implementation of the domestic policy, large-scale commercial application of OPGW will soon become a reality in the future in China.With 4G network deployment, emerging economies, such as Brazil, India and Argentine etc. will become the new power for development of the world economy in the future. With the rapid development of emerging economies, besides promoting economic growth of other countries in Asia, Latin American and African, the region above will quickly become important market of OPGW.Market Segment by Type, coversCentral Tube StructureLayer Stranding StructureObtain Report Details @Table of Contents1. Market Overview 11.1 Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Introduction 11.2 Market Analysis by Type 41.2.1 Central Tube Structure 52 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) 142.1 Fujikura 142.1.1 Company Profile 142.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications 152.1.3 Sales, Price, Cost, Gross and Revenue 162.1.4 Contact Information 183 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Market Competition, by Manufacturer 663.1 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer 663.2 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer 683.3 Market Concentration Rate 714 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Market Analysis by Regions 724.1 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions 724.1.1 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales by Regions (2011-2016) 734.1.2 Global Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Revenue by Regions (2011-2016) 744.2 North America Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales and Growth (2011-2016) 75Get discount copy @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Picture 1Table Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Specifications 1Figure Industry Chain Structure of Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) 3Figure Global Sales Market Share of Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) by Types in 2015 4Table Specification Comparison of Different Types of Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) 4Table Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Picture and Specifications of ZTT 19Table Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales (Km), Average Price (USD/Km), Cost (USD/Km), Gross (USD/Km), Revenue (M USD) and Gross Margin of ZTT 2011-2016 19Figure Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales (Km) and Growth Rate of ZTT 2011-2016 20Figure Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) Sales (Km) and Global Market Share of ZTT 2011-2016 20Table NKT Cables Information List 21About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact US:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comBlog:
Cerebral Palsy Market Analysis - Regional Outlook, Segments And Forecast To 2017

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Global Cerebral Palsy Market: SnapshotThe global cerebral palsy market is picking up steam due to increasing awareness about the condition amongst parents. The market is projected to experience a growth spurt in the coming years as access to medical healthcare improves along with disposable income. The increasing research and development for developing better treatment options for cerebral palsy has also resulted in growing number patients opting for this treatment. Today, patients can rely on medicines to control the symptoms of this condition and live a relatively functional life. These assuring factors have gone a long way in defining the positive trajectory of the global cerebral palsy market.The supportive government policies and important insurance reimbursements have been instrumental in coaxing patients to opt for drugs that are able stop muscle deterioration. Researchers are also working on determining the role of cord blood therapy for treating cerebral palsy. If this proves to be a successful study it is mostly likely going to bolster the growth of the global market in the coming years. A greater number of children will be able to have access to this therapy in the near future. The report indicates that the introduction of newer drugs has opened up several never-seen-before avenues for growth for the global cerebral palsy market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @On the downside, the global market is being challenged by the a few factors, especially in the developing economies. The lack of awareness in these economies, higher birth rate, and poor medical facilities are expected to hamper the growth of the cerebral palsy market. Additionally, the side effects of drugs and the availability of alternative treatments such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation are also projected to restrain market growth.Global Cerebral Palsy Market: OverviewCerebral palsy is referred to a group of neurological disorders that mainly affect the development of the brain in children and it appears during early childhood or infancy. Chronic palsy is a non-progressive chronic brain disorder that affects muscle movements, is not caused due to muscle or nerve disability. Some of the common disorders that occur due to cerebral palsy include ataxia which is characterized by lack of muscle coordination while carrying out of voluntary movements, spasticity which causes stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, leg dragging or walking with only one foot, a scissored or crouched gait.Some of the major driving factors of the global cerebral palsy market include the increasing prevalence of infections during pregnancy that might damage the developing nervous system of a fetus, a rise in the number of genetic disorders related to cerebral palsy, and an increasing need of the population to opt for the sophisticated treatment options.Request TOC of the Report @Global Cerebral Palsy Market: Key SegmentationsThe global cerebral palsy market can be segmented on the basis of the types of palsy, including spastic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy, hypotonic cerebral palsy, and mixed cerebral palsy. Based on treatments, the global cerebral palsy market can be segmented into medications and surgery. The former can be further divided into muscle relaxants such as baclofen, diazepam, and botulinum toxin, and certain anticholinergics such as benztropine and glycopyrrolate that are specifically used to treat uncontrolled body movements. Surgery in the global cerebral palsy market includes orthopedic surgery for muscles, tendons and joints, and selective dorsal rhizotomy for mobility problems.The common symptoms of cerebral palsy are skin irritation, a shrill cry, feeding and swallowing difficulties, the baby being unable to hold up its own head, poor muscle control, and unusual postures. Drug developers are continuously conducting clinical trials of different drug molecules that could prove to be effective in the treatment of this disorder in the future.Request Discount of the Report @Global Cerebral Palsy Market: Regional AnalysisGeographically, the global cerebral palsy market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America was the leading region in the global cerebral palsy market followed by Europe, for 2016. Key factors responsible for their dominance in the included a higher rate of abnormal birth that were recognized by the healthcare industry, the availability of advanced healthcare facilities, and a high healthcare expenditure that promotes a faster rate of research and development. At the same time, emerging economies from Asia Pacific, The Middle East, Latin America, and Africa currently present huge growth opportunities for players from the global cerebral palsy market. A lot of these regions show an easier rate of market penetration by global players, an increasingly favorable reimbursement scenario, and the speedy development of healthcare infrastructure.Global Cerebral Palsy Market: Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leading players in the global cerebral palsy market in terms of therapeutic drugs and pipeline drugs for 2016, included Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., Allergan, Inc., Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc., Cell Cure Neurosciences, Ltd., CHA Bio & Diostech Co., Ltd., K-Stemcell Co., Ltd., and Neuralstem, Inc.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Non-vascular Stents Market will Expand at a Steady Pace by Growing at a CAGR of 5.0% by 2025

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Prominent participants in the global non-vascular stents market are C. R. Bard, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Cook Group Incorporated, Merit Medical Systems, Inc., Taewoong Medical Co., Ltd., Abbott Laboratories, Olympus Corporation, ELLA - CS, Medi-Globe Corporation, CONMED Corporation, M.I.TECH, and Allium Medical Solutions Ltd. At present the market is characterized by stiff competition between numerous local players and a few dominant international players. It has been noticed that the smaller local players have managed to dent shares of their global counterparts, and hence are posing a challenge to them.View Full Report:As per a report by Transparency Market Research, the global non-vascular stents market will expand at a steady pace by growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2017 to 2025. At this rate, the market will likely become worth US$730.5 mn by 2025 from US$475.0 mn in 2016.Superior Healthcare Facilities Catapult North America Market to ForefrontDepending upon the type of products, the global non-vascular stents market can be segmented into urology stents, pulmonology stents, and gastroenterology stents. Among them, the urology stents segment is predicted to outpace all others vis-a-vis growth rate owing to growing number of kidney calculi and end-stage renal disease patients, globally. A common trend of benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly demographics is also projected to boost growth in the segment in the next couple of years. The urology stents segment is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.9 % between 2017 and 2025.Request to view Sample Report:Geographically, the key segments of the global non-vascular stents market are North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America, at present, dominates the market with a leading share on account of a superior healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure per capita, high incidence of obstructive diseased patients, and favorable medical reimbursement policies of both the government and private players.COPD Serving to Majorly Fuel GrowthAt the forefront of driving demand in the global non-vascular stents market is the rising instances of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) resulting from lung cancer, smoking, tracheobronchial malacia, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Rising occurrence of colorectal cancer and gall stone diseases in developed countries is likely to boost the demand gastroenterology stents during forecast period. High prevalence of kidney stones and benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly will also push up demand for global urology stents, thereby boosting the overall non-vascular stents market, explains the lead analyst of the TMR report.Request to download and view full ToC -Product Development Proves Beneficial to MarketFurther, growing spends on healthcare in developing countries, mushrooming hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, and helpful medical reimbursement policies by governments and private insurance companies is also slated to catalyze growth in the global non-vascular stents market in the next couple of years. Thrust on research and development to come up with better products having improved designs, better materials, and minimally invasive stenting procedures are bolstering the market as well. The development of biodegradable stents to thwart complications of tissue in growth and stent migration is a case in point.Proving counterproductive to the global non-vascular stents market, on the other hand, is the expensiveness of metallic stents along mandates by governments and regulatory authorities to better quality and lower process of medical devices.Global Non-vascular Stents Market Report is available @ US$ 5795:About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cashing Machine Market: Research and Recent Trending Analysis with Scope, Price and Size forecast 2022

Cashing Machine

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Global Cashing Machine market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Cashing Machine volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players Casio, Sharp, Royal Consumer Products, Uniwell, Touch Dynamic, Xiamen Fiscat, QUORiON, PBM, Datecs, TCS, Cash Register Group, CHD, SAM4sDescriptionThe 2017 market research report on Global Cashing Machine Market is an in-depth study and analysis of the market by our industry experts with unparalleled domain knowledge. The report will shed light on many critical points and trends of the industry which are useful for our esteemed clients. The report covers a vast expanse of information including an overview, comprehensive analysis, definitions and classifications, applications, and expert opinions, among others. With the extent of information filled in the report, the presentation and style of the Global Cashing Machine Market report is a noteworthy.Get Sample copy for this Report @The Global Cashing Machine Industry report provides key information about the industry, including invaluable facts and figures, expert opinions, and the latest developments across the globe. Not only does the report cover a holistic view of the industry from a global standpoint, but it also covers individual regions and their development. The Global Cashing Machine Industry report showcases the latest trends in the global and regional markets on all critical parameters which include technology, supplies, capacity, production, profit, price, and competition. The key players covered in the report provide a detailed analysis of the competition and their developments in the Global Cashing Machine Industry. Accurate forecasts and expert opinion from credible sources, and the recent R&D development in the industry is also a mainstay of the Cashing Machine s Market report.Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoClass IDepartment Number 8-15Class II: Department Number 30-99Class III: POSOthersThe report also focuses on the significance of industry chain analysis and all variables, both upstream and downstream. These include equipment and raw materials, client surveys, marketing channels, and industry trends and proposals. Other significant information covering consumption, key regions and distributors, and raw material suppliers are also a covered in this report.Browse full Report @Finally, the Cashing Machine s Market report ends with a detailed SWOT analysis of the market, investment feasibility and returns, and development trends and forecasts. As with every report on Orbis Research, the Cashing Machine s Industry is the holy grail of information which serious knowledge seekers can benefit from. The report which is the result of ultimate dedication of pedigree professionals has a wealth of information which can benefit anyone, irrespective of their commercial or academic interest.Split by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Cashing Machine in each application, can be divided intoDepartment StoreSupermarketHotelRestaurantGas StationOthersTOC:Chapter One: Cashing Machine Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cashing Machine1.2 Cashing Machine Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Cashing Machine Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Cashing Machine Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Class I?Department Number 8-151.2.4 Class II: Department Number 30-991.2.5 Class III: POS1.2.6 Others1.3 Global Cashing Machine Segment by Application1.3.1 Cashing Machine Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Department Store1.3.3 Supermarket1.3.4 Hotel1.3.5 Restaurant1.3.6 Gas Station1.3.7 Others1.4 Global Cashing Machine Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Cashing Machine Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 EU Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Cashing Machine (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Cashing Machine Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Cashing Machine Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Chapter Two: Global Cashing Machine Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Cashing Machine Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Cashing Machine Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Cashing Machine Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Cashing Machine Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Cashing Machine Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Cashing Machine Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Cashing Machine Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Cashing Machine Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Cashing Machine Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionChapter Three: Global Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Cashing Machine Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Cashing Machine Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Cashing Machine Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 United States Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 EU Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 South Korea Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 Taiwan Cashing Machine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Chapter Four: Global Cashing Machine Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Cashing Machine Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 United States Cashing Machine Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 EU Cashing Machine Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Cashing Machine Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Cashing Machine Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 South Korea Cashing Machine Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 Taiwan Cashing Machine Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)Chapter Five: Global Cashing Machine Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Cashing Machine Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Cashing Machine Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Cashing Machine Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Cashing Machine Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)Chapter Six: Global Cashing Machine Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Cashing Machine Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Cashing Machine Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesBuy 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 Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.
Single-use Bioprocessing Sensors and Probes Market Will Likely Expand at a Robust 13.4% CAGR

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Some of the key companies operating in the global single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Sartorius AG, Parket Hannifin Corporation, and Hamilton Company. A popular strategy employed by them to grow their shares in the market is widening the product base through carefully-considered alliances and acquisitions. Thermo Fisher, for example, acquired Finesse Solutions to foray into single use bioprocessing instruments and devices market.View Full Report:The global single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market has regional companies and just a couple of global players. While this serves to up competition in the market, the different kinds of products offered by various companies lowers the degree of competition. As a result, competition in the global single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market will remain moderate.As per a report by Transparency Market Research, the global single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market will likely expand at a robust 13.4% CAGR between 2017 and 2025. Rising at this rate, the market which was worth US$418.3 mn in 2016, will grow to US$1281 mn by 2025.Request to view Sample Report:North America, Powered by U.S., Slated to Grow Market Share FurtherIn terms of products, the global single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market can be classified into pH sensor, valve, bench top control system, spectroscopy technology, optochemical DO (dissolved oxygen), temperature sensor, and pressure sensor. Of these, the bench top control system accounts for maximum share in the market in terms of revenue. In 2016, the bench top control system segment was valued at US$101.0 mn.Geographically, the global single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market can be divided into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. At present, North America is the dominant market and it held a 40.2% share in 2016. The market in the region is powered primarily by the U.S. which is a market leader in the region due to the developed research and development infrastructure and growing investment by the biotech and pharma industry.Request to download and view full ToC -Thrust on Better Monitoring of Bioprocess Leads to Market GrowthAt the forefront of driving growth in the global single-use bioprocessing sensors market is the heightened thrust on improved, easier monitoring of bioprocess and the growing industrial demand for bioprocessing. Globally, there is an increase in the growth of bioprocessing in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector. Global demand for biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies and vaccines to treat cancer, arthritis, and diabetes is increasing rapidly, driven by the increasing global aging population, rising obesity level, and the world wide effort to decrease the incidence of diseases preventable by vaccination. Hence, growth in industrial bioprocessing is anticipated to drive the single-use bioprocessing sensors and probes market in the next few years explains the lead analyst of the TMR report.Serving to hinder the market, on the flipside, is the limitations and technical challenges in the use of single-use sensors. Environmental concerns over the use of disposables is also negatively impacting the market.Global Single-use Bioprocessing Sensors and Probes Market Report is available @ US$ 5795:About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Pest Control Market: Analysis, Size, Trends & Forecasts 2016-2020: Company Coverage are Rollins, Ecolabs, Rentokil Initial

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Pest Control Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020) " to it's Large Report database.Scope of the ReportThe report entitled Global Pest Control Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020) provides a detailed analysis of the global pest control market with analysis of market size by value, segments and etc.The report also includes a detailed regional analysis of the global pest control market, such as, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America, comprising of their market by value along with the major countries in the particular region. Under competitive landscape, the global pest control market has been compared on the basis of players, which includes comparison on the basis of revenue and market capitalization followed by comparison of pest control players in the USA and UK.The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:The competition in the global infant and toddler nutrition market is stiff and dominated by big players such as Rentokil Initial Plc. Ecolabs Inc. and Rollins Inc. are some of the key players operating in the global pest control market, whose company profiling is done in the report. In this segment of the report, business overview, financial overview and the business strategies of the companies are provided.Country CoverageNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificCompany CoverageRollins Inc.Ecolabs Inc.Rentokil Initial PlcBrowse more details @Table of Content1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Introduction to Pest2.1.1 Classification of Pest2.2 Pest Control: An Overview2.3 Pest Control Market Segments2.3.1 Classification on the Basis of Pest Type2.3.2 Classification on the Basis of Services2.3 .3 Classification on the Basis of End Users3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Pest Control Market by Value3.2 Global Pest Control Market by Segments3.2.1 Global Pest Control Market Segments on the Basis of Services3.2.2 Global Pest Control Market Segments on the Basis of Pest Type3.2.3 Global Pest Control Market Segments on the Basis of End-Users3.3 Global Pest Control Market Analysis on the Basis of Services3.3.1 Global Chemical Pest Control Market by Value3.3.2 Global Biological Pest Control Market by Value3.4 Global Pest Control Market Analysis on the Basis of Pest Type3.4.1 Global Insect Pest Control Market by Value3.4.2 Global Rodents Pest Control Market by ValueAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at:
Global Bio CMO Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts 2016-2021: Company Coverage are Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim, Samsung Electronics

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Bio CMO Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2021) " to it's Large Report database.Scope of the ReportThe report entitled Global Bio CMO Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2021), provides analysis of the global bio CMO market, with detailed analysis of market size and growth, penetration, market share and economic impact of the industry. The report also provides the analysis of the global biologics market by value, by top selling products, etc.Furthermore, the report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global bio CMO market has been forecasted for the years 2016-2021, taking into consideration the previous growth pattern, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim, Samsung Biologics are key companies in the global bio CMO market. The company profiling of these companies has been done in the report, which includes business overview, financial overview and respective business strategies of the companies.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:Company CoverageLonzaBoehringer IngelheimSamsung Electronics (Samsung Biologics)Executive SummaryPharmaceutical industry comprise of discovering, developing, producing and marketing of drugs for medical use. Worlds largest pharmaceutical firms are located in the North America, Europe and Japan. On the basis of technological platform, pharmaceutical drugs can be divided into small molecule or conventional drugs and large molecule or biologic drugs.Biologics are made through biological processes and are generally injected. Biologics comprises of vaccines, blood or blood components, somatic cells, gene therapy, etc. Biologics are categorized into first-or second generation, depending on development period and cell line. Biosimilars are the biological that are similar, but not identical to the original product.Browse more details @Table of Content1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Pharmaceutical Industry Overview2.1.1 Segments of Pharmaceutical Industry (Drugs)2.2 Biotechnology/Biologics Overview2.3 Biosimilar Overview2.4 Biologics/ Biosimilar Manufacturing2.5 Bio CMO Overview3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Biologics Market: An Analysis3.1.1 Global Biologics Market by Value3.1.2 Global Biologics Market by Top Selling Drugs3.1.3 Global Biologics Market by Product in Development3.1.4 Global Biologics Manufacturing market by Value3.2 Global Bio CMO Market: An Analysis3.2.1 Global Bio CMO Market by Penetration Rate3.2.2 Global Bio CMO Market by Value3.2.3 Global Bio CMO Market by Capacity3.2.4 Global Bio CMO Market by SegmentsAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at:
U.S. Coated Fabric Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report "U.S. Coated Fabric Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025" ().The report provides on a detailed analysis of the U.S. coated fabric market. It displays the latest data of the market size and volume, domestic production, exports and imports, price dynamics and turnover in the industry. In addition, the report contains insightful information about the industry, including industry life cycle, business locations, productivity, employment and many other crucial aspects. The Company Profiles section contains actual data on the leading players in the industry.Countries coverage: the U.S.Product coverage:Vinyl coated fabrics, including expanded vinyl coated; Rubber coated fabrics, garment and footwear; Coated or laminated fabrics and coated yarns, including impregnated fabrics; Fabric coating mills, nsk, totalAbstract:In 2015, the value of coated fabric production in the U.S. amounted to $2.6B, declining by -1.2% against the previous year level. Overall, the U.S. coated fabric output pursued a modest growth from 2007 to 2015. The total output figures increased at an average annual rate of +0.8%. The trend pattern was relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011, when the output figure increased by +6% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, the total value of coated fabric shipments in the United States peaked at $2.7B in 2014, falling back in the following year.Coated or laminated fabrics and coated yarns, including impregnated fabrics was the major product category in the U.S. coated fabric manufacturing, with a share in total output standing near 67% in 2015. Vinyl coated fabrics, including expanded vinyl coated lagged far behing, accounting for only the 23% share. The other related products together comprised approx. 10% of the total output.Companies mentioned:Tonoga,The Haartz Corporation,Aoc, Schneller,Beaver Manufacturing Company,Sika Sarnafil,Duro-Last,Shawmut Corporation,Engineered Polymer Solutions,Aberdeen Road Company,Clear Edge Filtration,Holliston,Atlas Resin Proppants,Trelleborg Coated Systems US,Precision Custom Coatings,Adell Plastics,Uniroyal Engineered Products,Dyna-Mix,UIC Maintenance & Manufacturing,Cooley Incorporated,Fiberite,Westlake Pvc Corporation,Dti Leather Solutions,Bondcote Holdings,The Adell CorporationData coverage: Coated fabric market size; Coated fabric production, value of shipments; Key market players and their profiles; Exports, imports and trade balance; Import and export prices; Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term; Key industry statistics; Life cycle of the coated fabric industry; Number of establishments and their locations; Employment data; Coated fabric industry productivity.Reasons to buy this report: Take advantage of the latest data; Find deeper insights into current market developments; Discover vital success factors affecting the market.Source:IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QW
Automotive Tow Bars Market Predicted to Rake in US$ 6.8 Billion by 2022

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New technologies and advancements in material science have resulted in boom in the global automotive tow bars market. These developments have enabled the manufacturers to use metals or polymers with higher tensile strengths which could significantly improve the functionality of the tow bar as well as its operational life. The major factor driving the growth of the global automotive tow bar market is the rapid development in the manufacturing techniques o tow bars as well as their materials. Additionally, 3D printing has opened many paradigms which allow the key players to manufacture the extremely complex tow bar material with ease, enhancing their operational functionality. Moreover, the global automotive tow bar market growth is directly associated with the growth of the automotive industry, and as it grows, the use of tow bars increases, thereby impacting the market in a positive way. Europe region is the most lucrative for the tow bar market as it shows higher market attractiveness.Request For Sample Report @The global automotive tow bars market is poised to reach a value of about US$ 6,800 Mn by the end of 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecasted period of 2017 to 2022.5 Forecast Highlights on Global Automotive Tow Bars MarketThe retractable tow bars segment by product type seems to be the largest segment compared to other segments in product type. It is anticipated to grow and reflect a value of about US$ 2 Bn by 2022 end. The key manufacturers are advised to focus on APEJ region owing to higher potential in this region, apart from Europe in this particular segmentCheck Discount @The detachable tow bars segment have started to gain popularity in the recent months. The APEJ region is poised to surpass Europe region in this segment and is expected to be a worth over US$ 440 Mn. Europe also shows good attractiveness in this respectIAM and OEM segments by sales channel show similar growth opportunities and both have a revenue share, approximately 1/3rd of the automotive tow bars market. This value is equivalent to almost US$ 2 Bn by the end of the forecasted period (2022). Along with Europe region, the key companies can also shift their focus on the North America and Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region which show good opportunities and a high potential in the automotive tow bars marketThe compact passenger cars segment by vehicle type experience higher growth rate and is poised to register a CAGR of 3.1% during the period of forecast. The mid-sized passenger cars segment reflects sluggish growth rate during the period of forecast and also has low market share by revenue as compared to the compact passenger cars segment. It is also expected by the compact passenger cars segment to gain additional BPS by the end of 2022Europe region shows higher market attractiveness and is more lucrative than other regions followed by Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. The APEJ region is anticipated to show higher growth in the coming yearsThe report has also profiled leading players in the global market for automotive tow bars, which would remain active through 2022. These include companies like Brink Group B.V., David Murphy Towing Brackets Limited, Dixon Bate Limited, Thule Group, Westfalia Automotive GMBH and Bosal International N.V.Click to View Complete Report @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; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MROffice: Dublin 2Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTel: +353-1-6111-593( Dublin 2 )Email: sales@factmr.comWeb:
Kidney Cancer Drugs Market to expand at a 6.6% CAGR during the period between 2014 and 2020

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The global kidney cancer drugs market is dominated by a few global giants, namely F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Bayer AG, Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, and Pfizer, Inc. This makes the competitive landscape highly consolidated in nature. Competition among the players is stiff too.Biopharmaceutical behemoth Pfizer, Inc., among them, led the global market for kidney cancer drugs with maximum share in 2013 on the back of Sunitinib and Axitinib, two of the main drugs used for treating kidney cancer. Other big names in the industry, such as Novartis and GSK too are adopting other strategies to increase their geographical outreach. They are focusing on bolstering their distribution networks in the relatively underserved markets in the emerging nations that are seeing an increasing prevalence of kidney cancer cases.View Full Report:A report by Transparency Market Research predicts the global market for kidney cancer drugs to expand at a 6.6% CAGR during the period between 2014 and 2020.North America Market Leads on the Back of Commercial Availability of Drugs from Prominent BrandsDepending upon the prominent brands of drugs, the global market for kidney cancer drugs can be segmented into Avastin (Bevacizumab), Afinitor (Everolimus), Inlyta (Axitinib), Torisel (Temsirolimus), Nexavar (Sorafenib), Sutent (Sunitinib), Proleukin (Aldesleukin/Interleukin-2), and Votrient (Pazopanib). Of them, Sutent, which is the marketed version of Sunitinib  Pfizers drug in the global kidney cancer drugs market, raked in maximum revenue in 2013. This is because Sutent is mainly prescribed as the first-line of treatment against kidney cancer. Sutent is also among the most studied drugs in its class for multiple indications, as it targets multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs).Request to view Sample Report:Geography-wise, the key segments of the global market for kidney cancer drugs are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America, among them, accounts for maximum market share owing to most prominent brands of kidney cancer treatment drugs being commercially available. In addition, a substantial number of patients and a solid healthcare system tailor-made for the pharmaceutical industry is also majorly fuelling the market in the region. North America accounted for 45% of market share in 2013.Rising Population of Geriatrics Highly Susceptible to Kidney Cancer Driving MarketThe global market for kidney cancer drugs is predicted to clock steady growth in the upcoming years because of an increasing geriatric population and higher prevalence of kidney cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, those afflicted with kidney cancer are mostly in the higher age bracket. The average age of people diagnosed with the malady is 64. Kidney cancer is very uncommon in people under the age of 45. The organization also finds that kidney cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in both men and women.Request to download and view full ToC - Download Brochure link:Approval of novel drug molecules is also serving to catalyze growth in the global kidney cancer drugs market. Posing a challenge to the market, on the contrary, is the growing sales of generic drug variants on account of expensiveness of branded cancer drugs.A trend noticed in the global market for kidney cancer drugs is the manufacturers shifting their gaze towards developing economies to bring about sales growth.Global Kidney Cancer Drugs Market Report is available @ US$ 5795This review is based on the findings of a TMR report, titled, Kidney Cancer Drugs Market (Major Drugs: Afinitor (Everolimus), Avastin (Bevacizumab), Inlyta (Axitinib), Nexavar (Sorafenib), Proleukin (Aldesleukin), Sutent (Sunitinib), Torisel (Temsirolimus), Votrient (Pazopanib)) - Global Industry Analysis, Pipeline Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2014 - 2020.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Laboratory Isolators Market Competitive insights, Advanced technologies & growth opportunities in global Industry 2025

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Global Laboratory Isolators Market: SnapshotAddressing the need for cost-effective, safe, and convenient methods of handling sterile compounding as well as in the preparation of cytostatic and cytotoxic materials, several market players are focusing on expanding their product ranges. The advanced barrier isolation systems are more apt at ensuring safety when compared with open fronted clean air devices including laminar flow clean benches. With the help of laboratory isolators, the lab operators can operate in total isolation from the manipulated substance.The global laboratory isolators market can be segmented into positive-pressure and negative pressure isolators. The negative-pressure isolators offer laminar airflow in the working chamber. Immensely useful in the production of biologically hazardous products, which also need minimized cross contamination, negative-pressure laboratory isolators are likely to witness increasing demand over the next few years. Positive-pressure isolators, on the other hand, are an ideal solution for products which need high sterile conditions and do not possess biological risk.Request Sample Copy of the Report @A number of manufacturers are adopting innovative business strategies to diversify their product portfolio and extend their presence on a global scale. Product development via research and development activities is one of the key strategies aiding the market players in leveling up their market shares. For instance, in April, 2017, Perle Systems, a leading provider of serial device networking hardware, announced the launch of its new product, RS232 Serial Interface Isolator that can be used in factories, laboratories, industrial and retail sectors. Another key trend popular among market players is the customization and personalization of isolators so as to avoid contamination risks, protect personnel, and provide seamless products.Global Laboratory Isolators Market: OverviewLaboratory isolators are used to provide aseptic processing and accelerate microbiological control in the laboratory and other healthcare facilities. The range of use of lab isolators can be diversified through clinics, pharmaceutical industries, and other minority usage scopes. In addition, laboratory isolators also permit aseptic operations and sterility testing for laboratory processes through continuous contaminant removal processes. These isolators are also used in several healthcare facilities including pharmaceutical industries, clinics, laboratory, and research facilities.Request TOC of the Report @The microbial control using laboratory isolators can be done through sterilization processes, microbiologically retentive filters, and sporicidal processes. The selection isolator types is commonly based on their sporicidal capacities. Factors such as biological indicators and gas distribution can modify this sporicidal capacity to a large extent. In addition, the efficacy of the laboratory isolators also depends on the air change rate of the instrument and use of laminar, unidirectional or turbulent air flow of the system.Global Laboratory Isolators Market: Top SegmentsThe global laboratory isolators market can be segmented on the basis of its various types. The key types of laboratory isolators found today include flexible film isolators, flexible half-suit isolators, rigid isolators, rigid half-suit isolators, and transfer isolators.Global Laboratory Isolators Market: Key Trends and DriversOf the several advantages of owning laboratory isolators, its global market is being driven by their cost-effectiveness, low spatial uptake requirement, and their easy maintenance. In addition, technological advancements and the introduction of innovative equipment by leaders in the global laboratory isolators market is likely to stimulate the market growth over the coming years.Request Discount of the Report @For instance, Geneva Scientific LLC currently offers Hospital Pharmacy Isolators for negative and positive recirculation pressure. This device provides a superior sterility of products as compared to open front clean air systems such as biological safety cabinets and laminar flow clean benches. Class Biologically Clean, Ltd. offers Breeder Isolators that are featured with a polypropylene holding box. This device is use to breed selective colonies of germ-free rodents with the companys flexible film materials. Similar introductions will positively work in the favor of the global laboratory isolators market by providing a healthy competitive platform for the development of newer products.However, high cost of laboratory isolators is currently restraining the global laboratory isolators market in terms of overall growth rate, especially when it comes to implementing newer and often costlier products in developing economies. Additionally, stringent regulatory policies surrounding the use of laboratory isolators will further create hindrances for the overall growth rate of the market.Global Laboratory Isolators Market: Regional AnalysisGeographically, North America was considered as the leading region for the consumption of laboratory isolators so far, owing to the high volume uptake of these devices by a large number of research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies within the region. In addition, the introduction of advanced laboratory isolators by key domiciled players is likely to improve the growth rate of the market within the region for the coming years. Europe has been in the second place within the global laboratory isolators market in terms of demand volume so far. Its growth was mainly attributed to the multiple initiatives taken up by European governments to develop the overall healthcare infrastructure in Europe. Europe also holds the presence of several leaders in the global laboratory isolators market that are persistent in their efforts to bring about innovative products. One such example can be found in Azbil Telstar, S.L., which offers different types of laboratory isolators, including the Cytolators, the MSC III and the Sterilatos. These offerings increase the level of acceptance for the global laboratory isolators market in Europe, further driving the markets growth here.Asia Pacific is the currently considered as the emerging region in the global laboratory isolators market, owing to a rising acceptance of laboratory isolators by pharmaceutical companies and clinical laboratories. In addition, improving healthcare infrastructure India and China as well the Middle East countries is likely to boost the global laboratory isolators market over the coming years.Global Laboratory Isolators Market: Players Mentioned in the ReportSome of the more prominent companies in the global laboratory isolators market so far have included GENEVA SCIENTIFIC LLC, Class Biologically Clean, Ltd., Noroit Corporation, Azbil Telstar, S.L., The Baker Company, and The Waldner Group.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Nurse Call Systems Market is projected to expand at a strong CAGR of 10.9% till 2025

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The global nurse call systems market will witness industry participants concentrating on the need for better patient response time and also on reducing and eliminating nurse fatigue. Global players in the nurse call systems market are differentiating their products by integration of devices with different diagnostic technologies and solutions. Market players are also concentrating on offering customized services as per the requirements of the hospital by integration. Key players operating in the nurse call systems market worldwide include, Stanley Healthcare, Rauland-Borg Corporation, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., Ascom Holding AG, Tyco SimplexGrinnell, Cornell Communications, Inc., Jeron Electronic Systems, Azure Healthcare Limited, Inc., and Vigil Health Solutions, Inc., states a new report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR).View Full Report:According to the TMR report, the global nurse call systems market will be worth US$1.6 bn by 2020. On the basis of equipment type, the nurse call mobile systems are projected to witness the maximum growth on account of the high demand for mobile solutions. By end use, the hospital segment is leading but the demand for effective communication systems and patient safety will drive the growth of the assisted living centers segment during the forecast period.Asia Pacific to Witness Rapid Growth in Nurse Call Systems MarketBy communication technology, the wireless nurse call communication segment will witness a rapid growth in the coming years, driven by the mobility and flexibility in communication offered by this wireless call technology. By geography, North America stood in a dominant position in the past. Europe is anticipated to witness a sluggish growth in the coming years. Asia Pacific is anticipated to emerge as the region witnessing fastest growth in the nurse call systems market.Request to view Sample Report:Growing Geriatric Population to Remain Key Driver for Rising Demand for Nurse Call SystemsThe growing geriatric population remains the primary growth driver for the global nurse call systems market. The elderly population base requires more efficient and responsive healthcare communication and thus, will be key driver for this market. The growing budget allocation for the healthcare of people, especially the geriatric population will encourage the growth of the nurse call systems market.Request to download and view full ToC - Download Brochure link:Government Regulations Regarding Distribution of Nurse Call Systems to Act as Barrier for Growth of MarketThe rising penetration of the Internet of Things (IoT) is yet another boon for the nurse call systems market, states a TMR analyst. The internet of things has become an important part of the healthcare system and this will fuel the growth of the nurse call systems market. However, the regulations regarding the distribution of nurse call systems by the government will pose a challenge for the market. Government regulations pertaining to the manufacturing of the nurse call systems will also hamper the growth of the global nurse call systems market in the coming years.Global Nurse Call Systems Market Report is available @ US$ 5795This information is based on the findings of a report published by Transparency Market Research, titled, Nurse Call Systems Market ( Equipment Type - Nurse Call Buttons, Nurse Call Intercoms, Nurse Call Mobile Systems, and Nurse Call Integrated Communication Systems; Communication Technology - Wired Communication Equipment and Wireless Communication Equipment; and End-use - Hospitals, OPD Clinics, Assisted Living Centers, and Ambulatory Services) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cytokine Inhibitor Market Research Report 2017

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Reports And Markets Publish a New Market Research Report On "Cytokine Inhibitor Market Research Report 2017"Access Full Report With Table Of Contents @In this report, the global Cytokine Inhibitor market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Cytokine Inhibitor in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Cytokine Inhibitor market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCelgeneMerckNovartis...On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoEtanerceptInfliximabAdalimumabGolimumabCertolizumab pegolOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Cytokine Inhibitor for each application, includingMedical CareExperimentOthersRequest For Sample Report @Table of ContentsGlobal Cytokine Inhibitor Market Research Report 20171 Cytokine Inhibitor Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cytokine Inhibitor1.2 Cytokine Inhibitor Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Etanercept1.2.4 Infliximab1.2.5 Adalimumab1.2.6 Golimumab1.2.7 Certolizumab pegol1.3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Segment by Application1.3.1 Cytokine Inhibitor Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Medical Care1.3.3 Experiment1.3.4 Others1.4 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Cytokine Inhibitor (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Cytokine Inhibitor Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Cytokine Inhibitor Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Cytokine Inhibitor Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Cytokine Inhibitor Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Celgene7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Cytokine Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Celgene Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Merck7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Cytokine Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Merck Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Novartis7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Cytokine Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Novartis Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview...8 Cytokine Inhibitor Manufacturing Cost Analysis8.1 Cytokine Inhibitor Key Raw Materials Analysis8.1.1 Key Raw Materials8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials8.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure8.2.1 Raw Materials8.2.2 Labor Cost8.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Cytokine Inhibitor9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9.1 Cytokine Inhibitor Industrial Chain Analysis9.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing9.3 Raw Materials Sources of Cytokine Inhibitor Major Manufacturers in 20159.4 Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10.1 Marketing Channel10.1.1 Direct Marketing10.1.2 Indirect Marketing10.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend10.2 Market Positioning10.2.1 Pricing Strategy10.2.2 Brand Strategy10.2.3 Target Client10.3 Distributors/Traders List11 Market Effect Factors Analysis11.1 Technology Progress/Risk11.1.1 Substitutes Threat11.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry11.2 Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change11.3 Economic/Political Environmental Change12 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Market Forecast (2017-2022)12.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production, Revenue Forecast (2017-2022)12.1.1 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Capacity, Production and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)12.1.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)12.1.3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Price and Trend Forecast (2017-2022)12.2 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Consumption , Import and Export Forecast by Region (2017-2022)12.2.1 North America Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2017-2022)12.2.2 Europe Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2017-2022)12.2.3 China Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2017-2022)12.2.4 Japan Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2017-2022)12.2.5 Southeast Asia Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2017-2022)12.2.6 India Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2017-2022)12.3 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2017-2022)12.4 Global Cytokine Inhibitor Consumption Forecast by Application (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 Appendix14.1 Methodology/Research Approach14.1.1 Research Programs/Design14.1.2 Market Size Estimation14.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation14.2 Data Source14.2.1 Secondary Sources14.2.2 Primary Sources14.3 DisclaimerCheck Discount @For more information or any query mail at sales@reportsandmarkets.comAbout Reports And MarketsReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.Contact PersonSanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketinginfo@reportsandmarkets.comPh: +1-214-377-1121 (US), +44-020-3286-9338 (UK)
Circular Push Pull Connectors Report 2017-2022 on Global and United States Market Status and Forecast by Players, Types, Applications

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2017-2022 Circular Push Pull Connectors Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the Global and United States Circular Push Pull Connectors market is a comprehensive and detailed analysis comprising drivers, restricting factors, opportunities, and threats within the market. There is much information available on the Global and United States Circular Push Pull Connectors market on the internet, but to separate or filter the important or key data from the humongous amount of data, is a tedious job. This task is thus carried out by expert analysts who make use of primary, secondary, and other resources to collect and present meaningful data about the market. This includes the past and present market value and size of the Global and United States Circular Push Pull Connectors industry. The past and present size of the market is then used to determine the future market size. The report takes into account the current trends, which will shape the future of the market. Also included are future opportunities within the market which will help widen the scope of the market in the years to come. The market is studied on both the Global and United States as well as regional level. Key regions studied in the report are: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World.The major players in global and United States Circular Push Pull Connectors market, including Molex, Souriau, Amphenol, Hirose Electric, TE Connectivity, Switchcraft, Deutsch, Bulgin, Phoenix Contract, JAE Electronics,Inc., Harting, Aries Electronics, NorComp, LEMO, Conxall, Neutrik, Fischer Connectors, Moco Connectors, ODU, Icir Connector, Sreada.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The report profiles key players within the Global and United States Circular Push Pull Connectors market for the purpose of study. The business overview of the players is discussed. Also, the financial overview of the market players is discussed in this section. Moreover, the strategies adopted by key players so as to expand their reach to their customers and acquire more market shares are also included in the study. The collective market share of the top players is also given. The challenges faced by them are studied. In addition to this, the information about strategic mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships between companies is also given in the study. Thus, this market report is very useful for both new players as well as those who are well established in the Global and United States Circular Push Pull Connectors market.Table of Contents1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerBrowse Press Release of this Research Report:2 Circular Push Pull Connectors Market Overview2.1 Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Overview2.2 Circular Push Pull Connectors Market Segment by Type2.3 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Segment by Type2.4 United States Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Segment by Type3 Circular Push Pull Connectors Application/End Users3.1 Circular Push Pull Connectors Segment by Application/End Users3.2 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.2.2 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)3.3 United States Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Segment by Application4.1 Global Market Status and Outlook by Regions4.1.1 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Market Size and CAGR by Regions (2012, 2016 and 2022)4.2 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales and Revenue by Regions4.2.1 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)4.2.2 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)4.2.3 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)5 Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers6 United States Circular Push Pull Connectors Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers7 Circular Push Pull Connectors Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data7.1 Molex7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.1.2 Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.3 Molex Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Souriau7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.2.2 Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.3 Souriau Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Amphenol7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.3.2 Circular Push Pull Connectors Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.3 Amphenol Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewPrebook The Report @List of Tables and FiguresTable Research Programs/Design for This ReportFigure Bottom-up and Top-down Approaches for This ReportFigure Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure United States Circular Push Pull Connectors Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Plug Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global Receptacle Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global T-Plug Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Table Global Circular Push Pull Connectors Sales (K Units) by Types (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Antiviral Drugs Market is Likely to Exhibit a Solid CAGR of 6.40% Between 2016 and 2024

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The global antiviral drugs market is reasonably consolidated, with Gilead Sciences holding a majority 51% share in 2015. The high level of consolidation is likely to help the global antiviral drugs market develop sustainably over the 2016-2024 forecast period, as the competitive makeup of the market is unlikely to change. Other leading players in the global antiviral drugs market include Merck & Co. Inc., Mylan NV, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Cipla Inc., AbbVie Inc., and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. The lucrative opportunity in the antiviral drugs market is, however, likely to draw new players on a consistent basis, leading to the competition in the market intensifying over the coming years.View Full Report:According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global antivirus drugs market is likely to exhibit a solid CAGR of 6.40% between 2016 and 2024. The markets valuation is expected to rise from US$48.3 bn to US$82.9 bn over the forecast period.North America, Europe Likely to Dominate Antiviral Drugs MarketThe global antiviral drugs market is segmented by region into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Developed countries in North America and Europe are likely to play a key role in the development of the global antiviral drugs market in the coming years due to the steady availability of advanced medical research infrastructure. North America accounted for more than 50% of the global antiviral drugs market in 2015 and is likely to retain a similar level of dominance through the 2016-2024 forecast period.Request to view Sample Report:Emerging countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America could also play important roles in the growth of the global antiviral drugs market in the coming years. The rising prevalence of viral diseases has made these regions crucial for antiviral drug development and thus are likely to carry significant commercial weightage for players in the antiviral drugs market over the coming years.By disease indication, the global antiviral drugs market is segmented into HIV-AIDS, hepatitis, respiratory viruses, and others. The growing prevalence of AIDS is likely to keep it prominent within the international medical research field, leading to steady activity in the global antiviral drugs market in the coming years. Hepatitis has also become a key target for antiviral drugs market players and is likely to draw significant investment in the coming years.Improving Medical Research Sector in APAC Economies Vital for Antiviral Drugs MarketOne of the key drivers for the global antiviral drugs market is the steady growth of the medical research sector in emerging Asia Pacific economies such as India, China, and Japan. The rising government support in these countries to indigenous drug development and native pharmaceutical industry players has resulted in a steady opportunity for the global antiviral drugs market. Focusing on collaboration with medical research companies based in Asia Pacific could thus turn out to be a prosperous tactic for players in the global antiviral drugs market over the forecast period.Request to download and view full ToC -The high unmet need for antiviral medication in Africa is also likely to remain a key driver for the global antiviral drugs market over the coming years. Underdeveloped countries in Africa have received firm support from several international medical bodies in order to combat the growing prevalence of viral diseases and the lack of resources to counter the problem, which has led to a promising situation for the antiviral drugs market.Global Antiviral Drugs Market Report is available @ US$ 5795:About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Positioning 5G: Telco Case Studies - Eighteen profiles of leading mobile data operators worldwide as they prepare for 5G - Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Positioning 5G: Telco Case Studies - Eighteen profiles of leading mobile data operators worldwide as they prepare for 5G" to its huge collection of research reports."Positioning 5G: Telco Case Studies", a thematic research report by GlobalData, delves into 5G technology and applications as applicable to 18 major telecoms service providers around the world. It examines their strategic motivations and network milestones, with specific focus on South Korea, Japan, the US, China and Europe. 5G will, for the first time, go beyond increased bandwidth and capacity, as was the focus of previous wireless generations, adding low latency, high density and high reliability.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Data and insights for this report were derived through a mix of desk-based secondary research and qualitative primary research. Primary research involves in-depth interviews with market players, and the secondary research effort includes obtaining relevant data and intelligence through publicly available sources, regulatory authority publications, trade associations, specialist databases and company financial reports, presentations and press releases.The report is structured as follows -- Operator Case Studies: This section begins with an overview and compiles profiles of eighteen of the worlds mobile operators that are more advanced in mobile data. They include four operators in the US, nine in Asia Pacific, four in Europe, and one in the Middle East. The profiles provide a broad overview of network milestones encompassing both developments in 4G and announced plans for 5G, and examine the motivations and opportunities for different operators en route to 5G.- Key findings and recommendations: We conclude the report with a summary of the opportunities, challenges and success factors in deploying 5G, as well as recommendations, for network operators and vendors.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Scope- 5G goes beyond previous wireless generations, with additional capabilities beyond increased bandwidths and capacities, resulting in new opportunities but also additional challenges in complexity.- 5G is gaining momentum, given that standardization timelines have been brought forward. As a result, in Japan, South Korea and USA all the major operators are planning to launch IMT 2020 based services during 2019. Important events such as Olympics are an additional driver in a number of countries.- The 28GHz frequency band is enjoying the most initial focus, and will support early services in South Korea and US, although it is not available in all regions. The 3.5GHz frequency band has, by some way, the broadest support across key regions including US, where it is to become available as shared spectrum. Many other high frequency bands are also being considered, notably 2.5GHz, 4GHz and 39GHz; these will be complemented by low frequency bands also, including 600MHz, 700MHz and 1.3GHz.- The 5G business case for operators depends very much on small cell deployment and the associated availability of high capacity backhaul.Reasons to buy- This report provides a global view of the network milestones and envisaged opportunities in deploying 5G and growth trends for eighteen of the worlds most advanced providers of mobile telephony.- This analysis is useful for telecom executives to evaluate their position vis--vis the major growth opportunities in 5G and make informed decisions about strategic investments, value proposition and growth strategies to rapidly grow their 5G networks.- The report provides valuable insights about variety of approaches operators are taking with the evolution of the 5G family of technologies.- The report allows comparison of network readiness and 5G roll out progression among operators in different countries.Make an Enquiry of this report @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Latest Report On Major Growth Drivers For The Global Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Market

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the global electronic design automation market with detailed analysis of market size on the basis of value along with the comprehensive examination of each of the segments of the market, namely, Computer-Aided Engineering, IC Physical Design & Verification, Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), PCB & MCM and Services.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides detailed regional analysis of the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA). The regional analysis of the Asia-Pacific EDA markets include market size by value along with the analysis of the Japanese EDA market in comparison to rest of the Asia-Pacific region.Furthermore, it highlights key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global electronic design automation market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The competition in the global EDA market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Synopsis. Further, key players of the market Cadence Design Systems and Mentor Graphics are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Regional CoverageAmericasAsia-PacificEurope,Middle East and Africa (EMEA)JapanCompany CoverageSynopsys, Inc.Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Mentor Graphics CorporationExecutive SummaryThe global electronic design automation (EDA) market witnessed an upsurge at a significant CAGR during the span of 5 years, i.e., 2010-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market is spread across Asia Pacific, Americas and Europe, Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, the Americas held the largest share, followed by the Asia-Pacific region.The electronic design automation market can be segmented on the basis of the products in Computer-Aided Engineering, IC Physical Design & Verification, Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), PCB & MCM and Services. The market is led by the Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), followed by Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and IC Physical Design & Verification. Although, Services segment is still emerging in the global EDA market.The major growth drivers for the global electronic design automation (EDA) market are: chip design complexity, emergence of Internet of Thing (IoT), slowing of Moores law, adoption of FibFet architecture and demand for miniaturized devices. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as scalable design methodologies, customer & industry consolidation, rapid changes in the industry standards & customer requirements, uncertain global economy and highly competitive environment. Some of the recent trends in the market include the emergence of EDA technology in various industries, especially biology systems.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Table Of Content1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Introduction to Electronic Design Automation (EDA)2.2 Electronics Design Automation Value Chain2.3 Electronics Design Automation Process Flow2.4 Electronic Design Automation Market Segments3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global EDA Market by Value3.2 Global EDA Market by Segments3.2.1 Global EDA Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP) Market by Value3.2.2 Global EDA Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Market by Value3.2.3 Global EDA IC Physical Design and Verification Market by Value3.2.4 Global EDA PCB & MCM Market by Value3.2.5 Global EDA Services Market by Value3.3 Global EDA Market as a Share of Semiconductor Market3.4 Global EDA Market Employees by Volume3.5 Global EDA Market by Region4. Regional Market Analysis4.1 Americas EDA Market by Value4.2 Asia-Pacific EDA Market Analysis4.2.1 Asia-Pacific EDA Market by Value4.2.2 Asia-Pacific EDA Market by Region4.2.3 Japan EDA Market by Value4.3 EMEA Market by Value5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Drivers5.1.1 Chip Design Complexity5.1.2 Emergence of Internet of Thing (IoT)5.1.3 Slowing of Moores Law5.1.4 Adoption of FinFet Architecture5.1.5 Demand for Miniaturized Electronic Devices5.2 Challenges5.2.1 Scalable Design Methodologies5.2.2 Customer and Industry Consolidation5.2.3 Rapid Changes in the Industry Standards and Customer Requirements5.2.4 Uncertain Global Economy5.2.5 Highly Competitive Environment5.3 Market Trends5.3.1 Emergence of EDA in Biology System5.3.2 Emerging Markets for EDA Technology6. Competitive Landscape6.1 Global EDA Market by Players6.2 Global EDA Market Landscape7. Company Profiling7.1 Synopsys, Inc.7.1.1 Business Overview7.1.2 Financial Overview7.1.3 Business Strategy7.2 Cadence Design Systems. Inc.7.2.1 Business Overview7.2.2 Financial Overview7.2.3 Business Strategy7.3 Mentor Graphics Coporation7.3.1 Business Overview7.3.2 Financial Overview7.3.3 Business StrategyMake an Enquiry of this report @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Offshore Drilling Report on Global and US Market Status & Forecast by Players, Types and Applications 2017-2022

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2017-2022 Offshore Drilling Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report on the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market offers a comprehensive analysis aimed at assisting the markets players  both new and existing  and investors to gain a strong position in the market. The data gathered via secondary and primary research methodologies is used to analyze the dynamics of the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market. The trends in the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market are also assessed in accordance to the advancements in technology, economical gains, and the growing pressure of environmentally protective regulations.The locus of this report lies in building a foundation for the market players with accurate historic statistics and forecast. The forecast includes game-changing waypoints for the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market. It also marks the challenges and opportunities for Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market on the way to achieving the preset goals.The major players in global and United States Offshore Drilling market, including Lukoil, Rosneft , Gazprom Neft, KCA Deutag, Gazpromneft-Sakhalin, Gazprom Neft Shelf OOO, Schlumberger, LUKOIL-NIZHNEVOLZHSKNEFT, OOO, NOVATEK, PAO, TRANSNEFT, PAO.Get Report Sample and Customization:The research report contains a detailed investigation of the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market in order to describe its growth rate and trajectory along with conclusions. These conclusions are then matched with the current scenarios in the market in terms of its dynamics. The reports assessment aids in drawing a clear picture about the future of the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market and offers investors and market players a practical perspective of the markets complete growth.The research report on the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market also presents a competitive landscape by profiling some of the top players. It also shares details regarding their financial overview, investment plans, research and development activities, and marketing and business strategies. The report makes a sincere and a logical attempt at factoring in several facets of the Global and United States Offshore Drilling Market, including the microscopic changes, which over a period of time are expected to have a snowball effect to lead to a massive trend.Table of Contents1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerRead Comprehensive Overview of Report @2 Offshore Drilling Market Overview2.1 Offshore Drilling Product Overview2.2 Offshore Drilling Market Segment by Type2.3 Global Offshore Drilling Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global Offshore Drilling Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.3.2 Global Offshore Drilling Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.3 Global Offshore Drilling Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.4 Global Offshore Drilling Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)2.4 United States Offshore Drilling Product Segment by Type3 Offshore Drilling Application/End Users4 Offshore Drilling Market Status and Outlook by Regions5 Global Offshore Drilling Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers6 United States Offshore Drilling Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers7 Offshore Drilling Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data7.1 Lukoil7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.1.2 Offshore Drilling Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.3 Lukoil Offshore Drilling Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Rosneft7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.2.2 Offshore Drilling Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.3 Rosneft Offshore Drilling Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Gazprom Neft7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.3.2 Offshore Drilling Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.3 Gazprom Neft Offshore Drilling Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewTo Get Discount Of This Report Click here @List of Tables and FiguresTable Research Programs/Design for This ReportFigure Bottom-up and Top-down Approaches for This ReportFigure Global Offshore Drilling Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure United States Offshore Drilling Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Jackups Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global Semi-submersible Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global Drillships Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market : Revenue, Type, Analysis and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Methyltriethoxysilane is considered as an organic compound of silicon, which belongs to the organosilicon compound class. Methyltriethoxysilane is manufactured at an industrial scale from ethanol and trimethylsilyl chloride. The increasing use of methyltriethoxysilane is anticipated to encourage the growth of the overall market in the next few years. The key players operating in the global methyltriethoxysilane market are emphasizing on the expansion of the application base, which is likely to fuel the markets growth in the coming years.Among the regional segments, the developing economies in the methyltriethoxysilane market are projected to grow at a substantial rate in the coming years. The high pace of industrialization and the increasing construction activities are estimated to accelerate the growth of the overall market. The rising use of methyltriethoxysilane as water repellants, sealants, stabilizing and coupling agents in the chemical industry is one of the major factors anticipated to supplement the markets growth in the near future. The high performing characteristics offered by methyltriethoxysilane is likely to contribute significantly towards the development of the overall market in the next few years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Furthermore, several new entrants are anticipated to enter the global methyltriethoxysilane market and enhance the competitive scenario of the market in the near future. Advancements in technology and the expansion of the product portfolio, thanks to the rising research and development activities are estimated to encourage the growth of the global methyltriethoxysilane market. These players are predicted to focus on emerging economies, which are expected to help them in enhancing their market presence and attain a leading position across the globe.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: General OutlineMethyltriethoxysilane (MTES) (CH3Si(OCH2CH3)3 ) is an organic compound of silicon, belonging to a class of organosilicon compounds known as silanes, which are saturated hydrosilicones and are generally stable due to their high saturation. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) appears to be a colorless, clear, free flowing liquid, and readily hydrolyzes when mixed with water. The hydrolysis of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) increases in basic solutions and reduces in acidic solutions. It is produced at an industrial scale from trimethylsilyl chloride and ethanol. It has a stable tetrahedral molecular structure, with a low flashpoint that readily catches fire at temperatures beyond 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is usually supplied at purity levels higher than 98% in the market, and is classified as a toxic chemical and may cause harm when exposed.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Inclusive InsightsSilane compounds are commonly used as sealants, water repellents, coupling and stabilizing agents in the chemical industry. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is primarily used as a cross-linking agent for curing of silicone rubber polymers at room temperature, and is also used as coupling agents for glass fibers and silicon oxide. It also acts as a strengthening agent, while treating and coating of plastic materials, and is widely used in polymer industry. The stability of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) comes in handy for sol-gel systems, and acts as a chain protecting agent against water and polymerizing agents.Request TOC of the Report @Due to its high performing characteristics, silianes are predominantly used in the polymer industry for manufacturing polysiloxanes. It can be applied as sealants for caulking, used for insulating and sealing in construction industry, and act as semiconductors for electronics among others. The market is therefore expected to grow in the coming years. Demand growth is expected to be driven primarily with the increase of end use industries of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) including construction, polymer, and electronic industries. The market growth is likely to be affected by the availability of substitutes and toxicity of the chemical. On the other hand, the prospective market opportunity is set to increase with new application of polymer manufacture and electronic products among others.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Regional OverviewPolymer, construction, and electronics industries are the end users of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), and due to its high demand in Asia Pacific, the region accounts for growing number of consumers. Industrial economies namely, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand are the main consumers of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) for its usage in the manufacture of various plastics and coating materials.Request Discount of the Report @Two of the fastest growing industrial economies of Asia, China and India are the rapidly growing market for polymer industry, and in turn is responsible for driving the demand for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and other silanes. Cheap labor availability, land, and comparatively lenient norms and regulations against chemicals, have led several market players to establish their production facilities in Asia. The demand is high for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) in North America due to its heavy usage in chemical industry, requirement of coatings for plastics and sealants for construction industry, making the region another key market for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES). In due course of time, the demand for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is likely to rise in Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Key Market PlayersThe key players of the marmethyltriethoxysilane (MTES) market are: Alfa Aesar (Johnson Matthey Group Company), Asia Silicones Association Ltd., BRB International BV, and Wynca Chemicals AG.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
In-Depth Research Report on Global and United States Refrigerated Display Cases 2017-2022 - Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global and United States Refrigerated Display Cases In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses on the U.S. market and presents volume and value of market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also changes in prices. As an in-depth report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinions in Refrigerated Display Cases industry.Major CompaniesPanasonic Corporation (JP)Dover Corporation (US)Frigoglass SAIC (GR)Arneg S.p.A (IT)AHT Cooling System GmbH (AT)Illinois Tool Work Inc. (US)Epta S.p.a. Refrigeration (IT)Standex International Corporation (US)Lennox International Inc. (US)United Technologies Corp. (US)Metalfrio Solutions, Inc. (US)Clabo Group (IT)True Manufacturing (US)Carter Retail Equipment Ltd. (UK)Nakano Refrigerators Co. Ltd. (JP)QBD Modular Systems Inc. (CA)Zero Zone Inc. (US)Marc Refrigeration Manufacturing, Inc. (US)Aucma Co., Ltd. (CN)Haier Carrier (CN)Isa S.p.a. (IT)Borgen Systems (US)Koxka (ES)To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsRefrigerated Display Cases Market, by Product TypePlug-In DeviceRemote operated DeviceRefrigerated Display Cases Market, by ConstructionHorizontalVerticalHybridRefrigerated Display Cases Market, by Key ConsumersFood Service SectorRetail Food and Beverage SectorBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal and United States Refrigerated Display Cases In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022Chapter One Global Refrigerated Display Cases Market Overview1.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20171.2 Refrigerated Display Cases, by Product Type 2012-20171.2.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Product Type 2012-20171.2.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Product Type 2012-20171.2.3 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Product Type 2012-20171.2.4 Plug-In Device1.2.5 Remote operated Device1.3 Refrigerated Display Cases, by Construction 2012-20171.3.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Construction 2012-20171.3.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Construction 2012-20171.3.3 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Construction 2012-20171.3.4 Horizontal1.3.5 Vertical1.3.6 HybridChapter Two United States Refrigerated Display Cases Market Overview2.1 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20172.2 Refrigerated Display Cases, by Product Type 2012-20172.2.1 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Product Type 2012-20172.2.2 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Product Type 2012-20172.2.3 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Product Type 2012-20172.2.4 Plug-In Device2.2.5 Remote operated Device2.3 Refrigerated Display Cases, by Construction 2012-20172.3.1 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Construction 2012-20172.3.2 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Construction 2012-20172.3.3 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Construction 2012-20172.3.4 Horizontal2.3.5 Vertical2.3.6 HybridChapter Three Refrigerated Display Cases by Regions 2012-20173.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.3 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Price by Regions 2012-20173.4 North America3.4.1 United States3.4.1.1 California3.4.1.2 Texas3.4.1.3 New York3.4.1.4 Others in United States3.4.2 Canada3.5 Latin America3.5.1 Mexico3.5.2 Brazil3.5.3 Argentina3.5.4 Others in Latin America3.6 Europe3.6.1 Germany3.6.2 United Kingdom3.6.3 France3.6.4 Italy3.6.5 Spain3.6.6 Russia3.6.7 Netherland3.6.8 Others in Europe3.7 Asia & Pacific3.7.1 China3.7.2 Japan3.7.3 India3.7.4 Korea3.7.5 Australia3.7.6 Southeast Asia3.7.6.1 Indonesia3.7.6.2 Thailand3.7.6.3 Philippines3.7.6.4 Vietnam3.7.6.5 Singapore3.7.6.6 Malaysia3.7.6.7 Others in Southeast Asia3.8 Africa & Middle East3.8.1 South Africa3.8.2 Egypt3.8.3 Turkey3.8.4 Saudi Arabia3.8.5 Iran3.8.6 Others in Africa & Middle EastChapter Four Global Refrigerated Display Cases by Companies 2012-20174.1 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20174.2 Global Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20174.3 Global Top Companies Refrigerated Display Cases Key Product Model and Market Performance4.4 Global Top Companies Refrigerated Display Cases Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Five United States Refrigerated Display Cases by Companies 2012-20175.1 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20175.2 United States Refrigerated Display Cases Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20175.3 United States Top Companies Refrigerated Display Cases Key Product Model and Market Performance5.4 United States Top Companies Refrigerated Display Cases Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceMake an Enquiry of this report @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.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Frontier Pharma Cardiovascular Disease Global Market Sales Forecast and Analysis 2017 and Forecast to 2023

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Frontier Pharma: Cardiovascular Disease-Diverse First-in-Class Molecular Targets to Bridge Unmet Needs in Pulmonary Hypertension, Heart Failure and AtherosclerosisFor more information about this report:The cardiovascular disease (CVD) therapy area encompasses a range of different diseases and conditions affecting the heart and/or blood vessels. The most crucial risk factors for CVD are hypertension and dyslipidemia, which accelerate the development of atherosclerotic plaque building up within blood vessels. As atheroma develops it causes the affected blood vessels to narrow, restricting blood flow to the body, brain or heart, depending on its location. It is also possible for the fibrous cap of this plaque to break off, triggering the coagulation cascade and causing a thrombus to form locally, which can completely occlude blood flow.The treatments of CVD typically focus on prevention by controlling the risk factors of CVD. As such, the treatments usually fall within three categories: anti-hypertensives, which aim to alterblood pressure to within a normal range; anti-dyslipidemic drugs, which aim to modify lipid levels to a normal range; and anti-thrombotic drugs, which aim to either prevent a thrombus from formingby inhibiting the coagulation cascade or platelet aggregation.There has been vast scientific innovation within the CVD therapeutics market over recent decades, particularly within the anti-dyslipidemia market, first with the introduction of statins such as Lipitor (atorvastatin), and more recently with the introduction of PCSK9 inhibitors. Innovation continues within the dyslipidemia pipeline, with a range of first-in-class molecular targets in the pipeline, including those that offer the promise of revolutionizing treatment by reversing the process of atherosclerosis.Heart failure and pulmonary hypertension remain poorly treated, and are associated with poor prognosis. Heart failure in particular is associated with a five-year mortality rate of 50%. The large pipeline for heart failure includes a high proportion of first-in-class products relative to other CVD indications, and possesses the potential for breakthroughs in the treatment of this condition.Scope-With over 1,400 products in active development, the pipeline for CVD is extensive. Does current pipeline innovation hold the potential to change the CVD market in the near future--There are 320 first-in-class products in the CVD market that act on a novel molecular target thatis not present in an approved product across any indication in the pharmaceutical industry. Which of these hold the greatest potential to improve future disease treatment with regard to their molecular target--Analysis of the history of strategic consolidations revealed a modest level of deal activity in recent years, and a large number of first-in-class products not yet involved in any deals. How do deal frequency and value compare between target families and molecule types, and which first-in-class programs that have not yet been involved in a licensing or co-development deal appear to be particularly promising-Request Sample Copy atReasons to buy-Understand the current clinical and commercial landscape. This includes a comprehensive study of disease pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis, and the treatment options available.-Visualize the composition of the CVD market in terms of dominant molecule types and targets, highlighting what the current unmet needs are and how they can be addressed. This knowledge allows a competitive understanding of gaps in the current market.-Analyze the CVD pipeline and stratify by stage of development, molecule type and molecular target. There are strong signs in the pipeline that the industry is seeking novel approaches to treating CVD to overcome the unmet need in the market.-Assess the therapeutic potential of first-in-class targets. Using a proprietary matrix, first-in-class products have been assessed and ranked according to clinical potential. Promising early-stage targets have been reviewed in greater detail.-Identify commercial opportunities in the CVD deals landscape by analyzing trends in licensing and co-development deals, and analyzing a curated list of CVD therapies that have not yet been involved in deals, and may offer potential investment opportunities.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 41.2 List of Figures 42 Executive Summary 62.1 Robust pipeline with attempts to meet unmet need 62.2 Drugs targeting apolipoproteins and elements of the reverse lipid transport pathway offer potential new therapies for the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis 62.3 Cardiovascular disease pipeline emphasizes move away from conventional areas towards targets related to transmembrane and extracellular signaling 63 The Case for Innovation 73.1 Growing Opportunities for Biologic Products 83.2 Diversification of Molecular Targets 83.3 Innovative First-in-Class Product Developments Remain Attractive 93.4 Regulatory and Reimbursement Policy Shifts Favor First-in-Class Product Innovation 93.5 Sustained Innovation in Cardiovascular Disease 103.6 GBI Research Report Guidance 104 Clinical and Commercial Landscape 114.1 Cardiovascular Disease Overview 114.2 Symptoms, Disease Staging and Prognosis 124.2.1 Symptoms 124.2.2 Prognosis 124.3 Diagnosis 134.3.1 Blood Pressure Test 134.3.2 Tests for Dyslipidemia 144.3.3 Imaging Tests 144.3.4 Stress Testing 154.4 Epidemiology 154.5 Etiology and Pathophysiology 154.5.1 Etiology 154.5.2 Pathophysiology 174.6 Management and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease 204.6.1 Pharmacological Intervention 204.6.2 Non-pharmacological Intervention 254.6.3 Unmet Need 264.7 Overview of Marketed Products 275 Assessment of Pipeline Product Innovation 295.1 Overview 295.2 Pipeline by Stage of Development and Molecule Type 295.2.1 Cardiovascular Disease Overall 295.2.2 Key Cardiovascular Indications 315.3 Pipeline by Molecular Target 345.3.1 Cardiovascular Disease 345.3.2 Key Cardiovascular Indications 375.4 Comparative Distribution of Programs between the Market and Pipeline by Molecular Target Class 385.5 First-in-Class Programs Targeting Novel Molecular Targets 395.5.1 Cardiovascular Disease 396 Signaling Network and Innovation Alignment within Cardiovascular Disease 596.1 Complexity of Signaling Networks in Cardiovascular Disease 596.2 Signaling Pathways and First-in-Class Molecular Target Integration 596.3 First-in-Class Matrix Assessment 607 First-in-Class Target and Pipeline Program Evaluation 667.1 Pipeline Programs Targeting Apelin Receptor 667.2 Pipeline Programs Targeting Apolipoproteins (Apolipoprotein E, Apolipoprotein C-III and Apolipoprotein A-I) 677.2.1 APOE 687.2.2 APOCIII 707.2.3 ApoA1 717.3 Pipeline Programs Targeting Scavenger Receptor Class B Member 1 (SRB1) 747.4 Pipeline Programs Targeting Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) 777.5 Pipeline Programs Targeting Glutamyl Aminopeptidase 807.6 Pipeline Programs Targeting E-selectin 827.7 Pipeline Programs Targeting Platelet Glycoproteins (Platelet Glycoprotein VI and Platelet Glycoprotein Ib Alpha Chain) 857.7.1 Platelet Glycoprotein VI (GP6) 857.7.2 Platelet Glycoprotein Ib Alpha Chain (GP1ba) 877.8 Pipeline Programs Targeting Tissue Factor 887.9 Conclusion 908 Strategic Consolidations 918.1 Industry-Wide First-in-Class Deals 918.2 Licensing Deals 938.2.1 Deals by Region, Value and Year 938.2.2 Deals by Stage of Development and Value 948.2.3 Deals by Molecule Type, Molecular Target and Value 958.2.4 List of Deals with Disclosed Deal Values 978.3 Co-development Deals 988.3.1 Deals by Region, Value and Year 988.3.2 Deals by Region, Year and Value 988.3.3 Deals by Stage of Development and Value 998.3.4 Deals by Molecule Type, Molecular Target and Value 1008.3.5 List of Deals with Disclosed Deal Values 1028.4 First-in-Class Programs with and without Prior Involvement in Licensing and Co-development Deals 102Inquire before Buying atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Caprolactam Market - Insights, Opportunity Analysis, and Industry Forecast till 2025

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Nylon 6 fiber and nylon 6 resin have wide applications in automotive and textile industry due to their high tensile strength and superior elasticity. Automakers are focusing on light weighting of vehicles in order to improve fuel efficiency and performance. Thus, metallic parts of automobile are being rapidly replaced by polyamide 6 and nylon 6 due to high temperature and chemical resistance. For instance, door handles, air bag containers, radiator grilles, relay boxes, air intake manifold and engine cover, among others are manufactured from polyamide 6 or nylon 6. Also, nylon 6 have wide applications in electrical and electronic equipment industry due to high electrical insulation and low weight as compared to metal tubes, which includes circuit breakers, voltage switchgears, contactors, tubes for wiring & cables protection, connectors, among others. Also, increasing number of women in the workforce, growing westernization, increasing disposable income and growing demand for convenience food across the globe, is expected to fuel demand for specialty films for packing. Nylon 6 is a key constituent in specialty films. The market is expected to gain traction in Asia Pacific due to burgeoning growth of various end-use industries in China and India. As per Coherent Market Insights, the nylon 6 fibers segment accounted for 52.94% revenue share in 2016.Request Sample of Global Caprolactam:Plummeting costs of caprolactam due to increasing production capacity and oversupply is expected to be the key challenge for caprolactam market. As a result, from 2011, continuous caprolactam production capacity reduction are taking place to provide stability in supply and price. On September 12, 2016, BASF SE announced plans to reduce caprolactam production at its Ludwigshafen plant by 100,000 MT over the following 18 months. Moreover, DSM Chemicals plans to cease operations at its caprolactam plant in the U.S. by the end of 2017. Furthermore, according to Coherent Market Insights analysis, due to continuing oversupply of caprolactam by China, some existing caprolactam plants are expected to shut down during the forecast period.The global caprolactam market size is estimated at US$ 11,453.48 million (revenue) and 5,747.09 kilo tons (volume) in 2016 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% in terms of revenue and 2.7% in terms of volume from 2017  2025.To Get Discount On This Report:Asia Pacific, followed by Europe and North America accounted for major share in the global Caprolactam market both in terms of revenue and volume in 2016 and the trend is estimated to remain the same over the forecast period. In 2016, Asia Pacific held a share of 64.71% in terms of volume, followed by Europe (13.67%). The increasing sales for automobile in Asia Pacific due to growing population, increased urbanization and growing export of automobiles is expected to drive growth of the global caprolactam market over the forecast period. For instance, in 2016, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian automobiles exports for FY2016 totaled 3,641,212 units. According to the stats by Coherent Market Insights, the global nylon 6 fiber market is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.5% from 2017-2025 in terms of revenue, which is expected to fuel the global Caprolactam market.Multinational players need to maintain the supply and price, as the market for caprolactam is fragmented in Asia Pacific.Major players in the global Caprolactam market include BASF SE, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, China Petrochemical Development Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., KuibyshevAzot OJSC, Royal DSM N.V., UBE Industries, SINOPEC among others.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 UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Israel Cards and Payments Industry 2017By Identifying the Key Market Segments Poised for Strong Growth in Future 2020

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Cards and Payments Industry in Israel - Emerging Trends and Opportunities."The Cards and Payments Industry in Israel - Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Israeli cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including credit transfers, direct debit, check payments and payment cards during the review period (2012-2016).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (2017-2020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.The report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Israeli cards and payments industry, including - Current and forecast values for each market in the Israeli cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.- Detailed insights into payment instruments including credit transfers, direct debit, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.- E-commerce market analysis.- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Israeli cards and payments industry.- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.- Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.- The competitive landscape in Israel's cards and payments industry.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Key Highlights- The emergence of digital only banks is likely to accelerate a shift towards electronic payments in Israel. The latest is the launch of mobile-only bank Pepper, by Bank Leumi, in February 2017 which offers savings and lending products. In January 2015, Bank Leumi launched a service enabling customers from all banks to open accounts via the internet or mobile apps, without visiting a bank branch.- To increase competition in the Israeli merchant acquiring business, in April 2017 the central bank issued an acquirer license to Israel-based credit card processing company Tranzila Ltd. The central bank took numerous actions to remove barriers to entry in the merchant acquiring business. These include making the licensing process shorter and reducing the minimum capital requirement; a starting capital of US$259,620.9 (ILS1 million) is required for a new acquirer.- To increase acceptance of debit cards among retailers in Israel, the central bank reduced the interchange fee from 0.7% to 0.3%. The new rate was implemented effective from April 1, 2016, and will be effective for one year. Other measures taken by the central bank include the removal of various charges associated with debit card transactions, and compulsory issuance of debit cards as a standalone product to both new and existing current accounts, free of charge.Scope- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Israeli cards and payments industry.- It provides current values for the Israeli cards and payments industry for 2016, and forecast figures to 2020.- It details the different demographic, economic, infrastructural and business drivers affecting the Israeli cards and payments industry.- It outlines the current regulatory framework in the industry.- It details marketing strategies used by various banks and other institutions.Key points to buy- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Israeli cards and payments industry and each market within it.- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Israeli cards and payments industry.- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Israeli cards and payments industry.- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Israel.- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Israeli cards and payments industryTable of Contents1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 21.1. Market overview 21.2. Key facts 31.3. Top five industry events 42. PAYMENT INSTRUMENTS 102.1. Current payment environment 103. E-COMMERCE AND ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS 123.1. E-Commerce market analysis 123.2. Alternative payment solutions 133.2.1. PayPal 133.2.2. MasterPass 133.2.3. Cal4U Wallet 133.2.4. Colu 133.2.5. Pelephone Digital Wallet 13..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Tuberculosis Drugs Market is expected to witness a CAGR of 23.4% during the forecast period (2016  2024)

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Tuberculosis is a chronic condition that is often undermined, though it can be fatal if left unchecked. Thankfully, extensive awareness campaigns and initiatives by various governments to curb the menace is bearing fruit. Tuberculosis treatment helped prevent 49 million fatalities associated with the condition between 2000 and 2015. However, there are still some prominent diagnostic and treatment slits that continue. In 2015, approximately 6.1 million newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases were reported by national authorities of various countries and reported to World Health Organization. This high increase in tuberculosis cases during 20132015, was typically due to a 34% increase in tuberculosis cases notifications in India. Globally, there was 4.3 million new tuberculosis cases gap between incident and reported cases, out of which India, Indonesia, and Nigeria comprises almost half of these newly diagnosed cases impacting high revenue generation in tuberculosis drugs market.In 2015, out of 580 thousand people who were eligible for multidrug resistance tuberculosis treatment, only 125 000 (20%) were registered. Five countries, namely India, China, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, and Nigeria account for over 60% of this gap. Worldwide, the multidrug resistance tuberculosis treatment success rate was 50-52% in 2013 and in 2015, approximately 55% of reported new tuberculosis patients had a documented HIV test result. The HIV-positive tuberculosis patients on an antiretroviral therapy was around 78%. This led to the wider understanding about the ailment and government and non-governmental organizations alike are focusing on developing tuberculosis preventive treatment and increasing their access to the general populace. Thus, it would boost the tuberculosis drugs market over the forecast period.Request a sample copy of this report@The global tuberculosis drugs market was valued at US$ 1,333.1 million in 2015 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 23.4% during the forecast period (2016  2024).With the significant increase in revenue of tuberculosis drugs market, over last decade, more than 10 chemical moiety have advanced into the clinical trial development pipeline, which include six new chemical moiety significantly and specifically developed for tuberculosis. Though there are molecules in clinical development phase, the global drug pipeline for tuberculosis is still not sufficient to address the unmet needs of treatment. Many pharmaceutical companies have produced molecules that are under clinical trials and the key challenges by any company to develop new product to treat tuberculosis and effects the tuberculosis drugs market are the needs for drugs in combination therapy, new trial strategies, studies on pediatric TB drugs, population and increased clinical trial capacity and clear regulatory guidelines.High funding for research and development and clinical trials drugs to boost the tuberculosis drugs marketThere was around US$ 6.6 billion revenue accessible for tuberculosis care and prevention in many of the low and middle-income countries in 2016, out of which 84% was from domestic sources. However, national tuberculosis program (NTPs) in low income countries linger to depend on international donors or foreign healthcare agencies to fund them approximately 90%. Investments in low income countries and middle income countries declined by US$ 2 billion to US$ 8.3 billion, which was needed in 2016. There were many enhancements needed in overall healthcare financing to curb new tuberculosis cases proportionally boosting tuberculosis drugs market. Government expenditures on healthcare in specific to tuberculosis in 2014 were less than the World Health Organization set a benchmark of at least 6% of gross domestic product in around 150 countries. Private expenditures surpassed 45% of total healthcare expenditures in tuberculosis in 46 countries, which also includes 11 of the 30 high tuberculosis burden countries. Presently, there are around 13 vaccine candidates in clinical development, which include trial drugs for prevention of tuberculosis infection and trial drugs for prevention of tuberculosis disease in people with Latent Tuberculosis Disease. According to WHO, at least US$ 2 billion investment is needed every year for tuberculosis research and development. In stark contrast, capital investment during 20052014 was reported to be US$ 0.7 billion annually. Infusion of investments in research and development would significantly improve the tuberculosis drugs market outlook.Get More Details about this Report@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
Insurance Competitor Profile: Allianz 2016

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Allianz Group is an integrated financial services provider with a global reach of more than 70 countries. It is the market-leading insurer in Germany, and also has a strong presence in France, Italy, the US, and the UK. Allianz Insurance is the UK branch of Allianz Group, and it offers commercial and personal insurance distributed through brokers, retailers, affinity partners, veterinary practices, and direct marketing.Key Findings- Allianz's strategy is focused and steady. Its personal lines serve multiple market segments through multiple brands, while commercially Allianz mainly focuses on its global, corporate image.- Allianz includes brands that cover a broad range of segments, as well as brands that are more focused on niche areas.- Allianz's strong performance in commercial car insurance is largely down to established commercial partnerships with large automotive brands.Request For Sample Copy Of Report :SynopsisVerdict Financials Insurance Competitor Profile: Allianz 2016 provides a comprehensive review of Allianz and its UK business. This includes its structure, its performance in both the commercial and personal lines market, as well as its marketing and distribution strategy.Key questions answered include:- What are Allianz's key commercial partnerships?- What are Allianz's strengths and weaknesses?- What opportunities and challenges will the company face going forward?Reasons To Buy- Learn about Allianz's organizational structure and its core business segments.- Gain insight into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats Allianz faces going forward.- Understand the group's strategy.Send An Enquiry :MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
UK SME Insurance: Market Dynamics and Opportunities 2016

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The UK SME insurance market has continued to grow. In 2015, the market was worth 7.7bn in gross written premiums (GWP), up 12.1% year-on-year. This has been driven by a growing economy, which has facilitated increases in the number of SMEs in the UK and consequently the opportunity to sell commercial insurance.Key Findings-Micro businesses account for 95.5% of UK private sector enterprises and 18.1% of generated turnover.-Uptake of cyber insurance and directors and officers liability insurance has risen by 11.6 and 10.5 percentage points respectively since 2014.-38.0% of SMEs are concerned about an event that would stop them trading.-The UK SME insurance market is forecast to be worth 9.04bn in 2020.Request For Sample Copy Of Report :SynopsisVerdict Financials UK SME Insurance: Market Dynamics and Opportunities 2016 report analyzes the UK SME insurance market. Economic factors including GDP growth, SME business confidence, and unemployment rates are explored in relation to the UKs business landscape. Growth in the number of SMEs is explored by business size and industry. The SME market is discussed in relation to the uptake of commercial insurance. Finally an estimate of the current and historic market size is provided, in addition to a five-year forecast.ReasonsToBuy-Be aware of the significance of SMEs within the commercial insurance market and how they are influenced by the UK economy.-Adapt your strategy and ensure you remain competitive by understanding the opportunities for growth within the SME insurance market.-Recognize the challenges the SME insurance market faces.Send An Enquiry :MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Croatia Cards and Payments Industry 2017 - Current and Future Plans 2020

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled The Cards and Payments Industry in Croatia: Emerging trends and opportunities"The Cards and Payments Industry in Croatia: Emerging trends and opportunities to 2020", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Croatian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including credit transfers, payment cards direct debit and cheques during the review period (2012-2016).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (2016-2020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.The report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Croatian cards and payments industry, including -- Current and forecast values for each market in the Croatian cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.- Detailed insights into payment instruments including credit transfers, direct debit, payment cards and cheques. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.- E-commerce market analysis.- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Croatian cards and payments industry.- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Contactless technology has been gaining traction in Croatia and is being deployed both within POS terminals as well as ATMs. In March 2017 ESB launched an ATM that enables customers to withdraw cash by placing their contactless card on the units contactless card reader. The facility was launched in collaboration with Erste Group Card Processor and Mastercard and was developed by Printec Croatia and Asseco SEE. As of March 2017 the bank has deployed 132 contactless ATMs, and plans to activate the rest of its ATMs with contactless technology by December 2017.- Alternative payments are slowly emerging in Croatia, with banks and payment service providers launching new solutions. The most recent is the launch of a contactless mobile wallet service called Wave2Pay in April 2015 by PBZ, Intesa Sanpaolo, and American Express. The solution allows users to store multiple card details, and they can choose any card to make contactless payments. Similarly, Paysafecard launched its online prepaid payment solution in May 2014.- To reduce overall operating costs, banks in Croatia are shifting their focus to low-cost channels such as online banking. For instance, Splitska Banka launched its digital banking platform SB SmartNet in March 2016, allowing users to conduct standard banking transactions through desktop PCs and mobile phones. In addition to regular banking services, the platform provides users with a visual analysis of their income and expenditure through graphs and charts. The platform also provides a check on their household expenses, alerts on unplanned expenses, and reminders about the payment due dates of credit card invoices.Key points to buy- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Croatian cards and payments industry and each market within it.- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Croatian cards and payments industry.- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Croatian cards and payments industry.- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Croatia.- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Croatian cards and payments industry.Table of ContentsEXECUTIVE SUMMARY 21.1. Market overview 21.2. Key facts 41.3. Top five industry events 52. PAYMENT INSTRUMENTS 112.1. Current payment environment 113. E-COMMERCE AND ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS 133.1. E-commerce market analysis 133.2. Alternative payment solutions 143.2.1. PayPal 143.2.2. Wave2Pay 143.2.3. Paysafecard 144. REGULATIONS IN THE CARDS AND PAYMENTS INDUSTRY 154.1. Regulatory framework 154.1.1. SEPA implementation 154.1.2. Interchange fee regulation 164.2. Anti-money laundering 164.3. Foreign direct investment regulations 17..CONTINUEDFOR ANY QUERY, CONTACT US @For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Telemedicine Market Report 20172025 | Industry Trends and Analysis

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Telemedicine involves the use of information technology and telecommunication for the delivery of healthcare services such as health assessments or consultations over the telecommunications infrastructure. It helps the healthcare professional to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients without the need for an in-person visit and are also very useful to save lives at time of critical care and emergency situations. Telemedicine is of great help for distant rural areas as they help in overcoming the distance barriers to avail medical services at the time of requirement. Telemedicine enables the doctors to be connected through a variety of electronic means, including video conferencing, email and electronic messaging platforms. This reduces the overall cost of medical care for patients and increase healthcare accessibility.Get an exclusive sample of this report :Seeing the potential that the telemedicine provides, the World Health Organization (WHO) established global observatory for eHealth (GOe) to analyze the benefits that information and communication technologies can bring to healthcare supporting patients wellbeing. In 2009, the global observatory was assigned to determine the status of telemedicine at the national, regional and global level. The survey examined the four fields of telemedicine which includes telepathology, teledermatogy, telepsychology and teleradiology along with four mechanisms that will help in the development of telemedicine across all nations.The conventional form of telemedicine that involved the use of telephone and radio have improved by the involvement of videotelephony, advanced diagnostic methods supported by various applications and tele medical devices to support in-home care.Telemedicine market taxonomy:On the basis of services provided, the telemedicine market is classified into:Tele-monitoringTele-educationTele-consultationTele-trainingTele-careTele-surgeryOn the basis of application, the telemedicine market is classified into:NeurologyOrthopedicsEmergency careCardiologyDermatologyInternal medicineOthersOn the basis of end user, the telemedicine market is classified into:HospitalsClinicsOthersBurgeoning growth of the internet infrastructure and smartphone proliferation creates a conducive environment for growth of the global telemedicine market. Also, the rise in demand for personalized healthcare augments market growth. In 2013, American Telemedicine Association (ATA) stated the cost effectiveness of telemedicine through various research outcomes. For instance, a research was conducted in 2011 with implementation of Health Buddy Program which integrated a telehealth tool for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries. It was found that patients who used this telemedicine had significant savings than patients who did not use it. A similar study was done in 2012 in New Mexico, which proved that costs in Hospital at Home were 19% lower compared to care in hospitals for similar inpatientsMore than 15 million Americans received medical care through telemedicine in 2016, according to American Telemedicine Association (ATA). This number is expected to grow further by 30% in 2017. Alongside ATA also issued several acts such as CHRONIC Care Act and CONNECT for Health Act in 2017 to support the growth of telemedicine across all nations. The Assembly Health Committee of New Jersey recently in 2017 legally defined the practice of telemedicine, user eligible for it and technology that can be used. This is expected to boost the telemedicine market in the region significantly during the forecast period. Another development in North Carolina allows professionals to video monitor and collect data on every far flung ICU patient through TeleICU. Furthermore, telemedicine developments are also observed in Latin America. The Government of Paraiba, Brazil introduced a telemedicine project for remote screening of hearth defects in children in 2015.Alongside there are various medical policies available that support the telemedicine services. For instance, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expanded its Medicare coverage for services like consultation, individual psychotherapy and pharmacologic management on 18th May 2017.Lack of resources, infrastructure and high technological cost may hamper the market growth in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and African countries.Get discount on this report :Strategies implemented by market players to tap the emerging markets:Key players in telemedicine market are Siemens Healthcare, McKesson, Cardio Net Inc., Cerner, IBM Corporation, Medtronic, Inc, Philips Healthcare Honeywell Life Care Solutions, GE Healthcare, AMD Telemedicine and Cisco Systems. Market players are implementing various strategies to gain share in the telemedicine market. For instance, Doc+, a Russian digital health company combined telemedicine with digital-enabled house calls through which doctors can offer consultations, sick notes, prescriptions, and a number of diagnostic tests over electronic platform in 2016.Furthermore, in 2017, ZH healthcare collaborated with Curavi Health Telemedicine Company to deliver workflow and electronic health records (EHR) solutions that will help deliver telemedicine solutions and physician care to the nursing-home bedside.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 opportunityContact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +12067016702E-mail:sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:
Ghana Renewable Energy Policy Handbook Market Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2017

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SummaryWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Ghana Renewable Energy Policy Handbook."Ghana Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017 is among the latest country specific policy reports from the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the country.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in the country.The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used by Ghana to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in Ghana both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the country.Key points to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in Ghana.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents1.1 List of Tables2 Introduction2.1 Renewable Energy Policy2.2 Global Data Report Guidance3 Renewable Energy Policy, Ghana3.1 Overview3.2 Chief Electricity Policies3.3 Reforms3.4 SE4All3.5 Renewable Energy Act3.6 National Energy Policy3.7 National Electrification Scheme3.8 Ghana Energy Development and Access Project3.9 Strategic National Energy Plan3.10 Tax and duty exemptions3.11 Net-Metering Code Draft..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
Global Respiratory Inhalers Market to Surge Past US$ 38.8 Billion by 2024

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Respiratory Inhalers  Getting the Wind Back in Your LungsRespiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia and sinusitis can significantly curtail the physical activities of the individual. The symptoms associated with both mild and severe manifestations of these respiratory conditions include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, respiratory distress, shortness of breath, congestion, and even death in severe cases. These conditions lead to substantial morbidity and causes large cost of burden to the society. Increasing air pollution can severely affect respiratory health of children as well as adults. Various studies conducted have shown the ill effects of air pollution that can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and upper airway allergies. According to the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, in 2013, young children and infants were especially susceptible to respiratory diseases. Around 9.0 million children under the age of 5 years die per year and the common thing in them is the presence of lung diseases. Increase in evidences through such studies suggests that the exposure to certain type of air pollutants contributes to the onset of asthma. However, studies related to the exacerbation of pre-acquired and existing asthma are more prevalent as they provide favorable conditions to study.Request for a sample copy @The global respiratory inhalers market was valued at US$ 25,846.7 million in 2015 and is expected to witness a robust CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period (2016  2024).Generic Respiratory Inhalers are expected to be Major Revenue Generators for Market PlayersAccording to Next Breath, LLC, in 2013, in the U.S for asthma/COPD there were no generic inhalers available, which includes both categories of standard asthma treatment such as controller medications for long-term prevention and rescue medication for quick relief. The above inhalers medicine average cost ranges between US$ 35 and US$ 300, rendering the treatment expensive for both consumers that are insured as well as uninsured. Furthermore, there are various many pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) that are approaching towards the patent expiration, and due to the lack of a document from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for guidance, generic companies are reluctant to spend in new product development, which finally might not be acceptable to the agency. According to Forum of International Respiratory Societies, in 2013, it has been estimated that around 235 million people suffered from asthma and more than 200 million people were affected from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and around 65 million endure mild-to-severe COPD. Also, around 2 billion people were exposed to the toxic effects of biomass fuel consumption and air pollution and by tobacco smoke.Request For Customization:Growth in respiratory inhalers market on the backdrop of product launches and Technological AdvancementsFor instance:In 2017, Cipla launched Synchrobreathe, a revolutionary inhaler that will bring great relief to millions of South Africans with obstructive airway diseases (OAD) such as asthmaIn 2010, around 115,000 patients were hospitalized due to sever chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which cost the NHS around US$ 367.85 Mn and is expected to increase over the forecast period. Sandoz launched an innovative respiratory inhaler AirFluSal Forspiro in the UK to capitalize on the highly lucrative market in the region.Increasing number of research collaborations is expected to improve the time-to-market of highly effective and advanced productsBrowse Global Strategic Business Report: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.comWebsite:
Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021 : Geonics Ltd., Geophysical Survey, Interpex Ltd.

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021 to its huge collection of research reports.The global Subterranean Warfare Technologies market is presented here with the intention of providing a sound understanding of the current and future trends and more aspects such as those pertaining to business opportunities. Using a perfect combination of primary and secondary research, the authors of the report offer a deep study of Subterranean Warfare Technologies, so as to help interested parties secure a strong foothold in the market. Although there could be some factors restraining the growth of the market, the report authors identify potential prospects capable of bringing the demand back to the industry. Participants could count their future plans on these analytical findings to stay afloat in the competitive environment of the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @With regard to competition, the report sheds light on some of the leading companies of the global Subterranean Warfare Technologies market. The company profiling section could include an evaluation of their business products, specifications, revenue, and future business plans. The analysts also gauge the nature of the market and its competitive landscape with the help of statistics and deeper knowledge gained through extensive research. The market shares of different players studied in the report could provide a clear understanding of how the market will be contributed to in the near future.Each segment, be it related to product, application, or region, is highly evaluated for its potential to draw growth and add to the demand in the global Subterranean Warfare Technologies market. Forecast statistics with the latest years taken into consideration are provided to relate to the growth of the overall market and also its individual segments.Table of ContentsUnited States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size, Status and Forecast 20211 Industry Overview of Subterranean Warfare Technologies1.1 Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Overview1.1.1 Subterranean Warfare Technologies Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 3Browse Complete Report with TOC @2 Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)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 Elbit Systems3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Subterranean Warfare Technologies Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Elpam Electronics3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Subterranean Warfare Technologies Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Advanced Geosciences, Inc. (AGI)4 Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.1 Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.2 Potential Application of Subterranean Warfare Technologies in Future4.3 Top Consumer/End Users of Subterranean Warfare TechnologiesPlease click the link to avail discount on this report @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Subterranean Warfare Technologies Product ScopeFigure Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size (2011-2016)Table Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Share by Regions in 2015Figure United States Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure EU Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Japan Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure China Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure India Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Southeast Asia Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Global Subterranean Warfare Technologies Market Share by Application in 2015QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Germany Consumer Payments Market 2017 - Identify Opportunities and Challenges

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Germany."Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Germany 2016" report examines the consumer payments market in Germany, considering payment cards, online payments, P2P payments, and newer payment technologies such as mobile wallets and contactless. This report also examines the main regulatory players in the German market.Despite a strong economy and high levels of financial inclusion, German consumers favor cash for the majority of their day-to-day spending. Payment cards are used sparingly at the point of sale (POS), and the German POS network is among the least developed in Europe. German consumers consider cash to still be the best available option due to a combination of ingrained consumer habits and the German cultural preference for spending within ones means. As a result, alternative payment methods are sharply limited in both usage and consumer interest.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Specifically the report - Analyzes consumer attitudes to financial services by life stage.- Analyzes the major payment card types in terms of both card holding and usage.- Identifies the major competitors in card issuing and how their position in the market has changed over the last five years.- Considers consumer attitudes towards P2P tools, mobile payment tools, and contactless cards, and how companies in Germany are deploying these tools to meet customer needs.- Explores the online payment market in Germany by merchant type and payment tool, as well as providing a five-year forecast for the development of the market.Scope- Less than 10% of German consumers held a revolving credit card in 2015, and of those 80% paid off their balances in full each month.- German consumers preference for privacy have led them to favor online payment tools that allow them to pay without revealing their account information, meaning PayPal and Sofort are both popular.- German consumers preference for cash is not tied to the convenience of its use - Germans prefer the anonymity, certainty, and above all control over personal spending afforded by cash.Key points to buy- Understand the key facts and figures in the consumer payments market in Germany.- Learn what trends drive consumer behavior at the macro level and plan your strategy accordingly.- Find out what products the major competitors are launching in the market.- Discover consumer sentiments towards various payment tools in the German market and use this knowledge to inform product design.Table of ContentsMegatrendsProximity PaymentsRemote PaymentsPayments Infrastructure & RegulationAppendixFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Global and Asia-Pacific Flexible Display Market 2017 Sharp Corporation, LG Display, Panasonic Corporation, Japan Display Inc

Flexible Display

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As per Market Research Explore analysis, world sales revenue of the Global and Asia-Pacific Flexible Display Market is expected to the bit nearly xxx Million USD, what is more as Global Flexible Display market, is expected to cross US$ XXXX Mn by the tip of the year 2022. Prime Manufacture Analysis of global Flexible Display market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of XX.XX that within the assessment quantity from 2017-2022.Read Sample Copy Of This Report @At that point the consistent Syringes exchange report incorporates, Flexible Display definitions, classifications, chain structure of Flexible Display exchange, Flexible Display showcase by use of the stock in various businesses. Assessment structure and stepwise Flexible Display Market delivering technique likewise are lined amid this report. Global Flexible Display report conjointly gives the features on Flexible Display market estimate up to 2022. In-depth analysis of the ceaseless Syringes Market confinements and furthermore the open doors alter the client to frame the more drawn out term projection. The report conjointly incorporates current patterns bolstered the delivering ways, mechanical headways, and advancements.This Flexible Display market study gives the improvement designs of the Flexible Display business, Flexible Display advancement patterns, points of interest of import/send out, Flexible Display industry supply, and use figures. Worldwide Flexible Display report additionally gives the point by point clarification about the organization profile, Flexible Display item subtle elements and determinations, the cost of Flexible Display item, Flexible Display showcase income, Flexible Display piece of the pie and the contact data.Access Complete Report @The learning produced using the investigation not just encourages examiners to gather an entire Flexible Display showcase report yet in addition helps them to comprehend the current aggressive scene of the Flexible Display advertise.By top manufacturers/playersSamsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Universal Display CorporationAtmel CorporationKoninklijke Philips N.V.Sharp CorporationLG DisplayPanasonic CorporationJapan Display IncDelta ElectronicsSony CorporationOn the basis of productOLEDEPDLCDOthersOn the basis on the end users/applicationsMilitary EquipmentSmartphoneComputer and PeripheralsWearable DevicesTelevisionFinally, it gives the data about the discoveries of the Flexible Display statistical surveying, addendum, information source, and conclusion.About Us :The company is based on an employee-centric model and hires the best, brightest, and most passionate people in the industry.Contact Us:Enid SteelUnited States
Indonesia Renewable Energy Policy Handbook Market 2017-By Investigates which Categories are Performing the Best and how this is Changing Market Dynamics

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Indonesia Renewable Energy Policy Handbook."Indonesia Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017 is among the latest country specific policy reports from the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the country.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in the country.The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used by Indonesia to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in Indonesia both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the country.Key points to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in Indonesia.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 32 Introduction 42.1 Renewable Energy Policy 42.2 Global Data Report Guidance 43 Renewable Energy Policy, Indonesia 53.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 53.2 Green Energy Policy 53.3 Small Distributed Power Generation Using Renewable Energy 63.4 Medium-Scale Power Generation Using Renewable Energy 63.5 Income Tax Reduction for Energy Development Projects 63.6 Electricity Purchase from Small- and Medium-Scale Renewable Energy 63.7 Clean Technology Fund 73.8 Ceiling Price for Geothermal 73.9 New Geothermal Law 83.10 Geothermal Fund 83.11 Power Purchase from Solar PV Plants 93.12 Feed-in Tariffs for Biomass 93.13 New Electricity Sector Regulations in 2017 93.13.1 Ministerial Decree number 10/2017 (MEMR 10/2017) 93.13.2 Ministerial Decree number 11/2017 (MEMR 11/2017) 103.13.3 Ministerial Decree number 12/2017 (MEMR 12/2017) 10..CONTINUEDFOR ANY QUERY, CONTACT US @For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
EMEA Gravity Sensor Market 2017 : Bosch, Hewlett Packard, Shenzhen Ligent Sensor, Knowles Electroincs, Invensense

Gravity Sensor

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EMEA Gravity Sensor Market Research Report 2017-2022A market research based on the "EMEA Gravity Sensor Market" across the globe, recently added to the archive of Market Research Explore, is titled EMEA Gravity Sensor Market 2017. The research report analyzes the ancient as well as present performance of the EMEA Gravity Sensor market, and makes predictions on the future status of EMEA Gravity Sensor market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Major Manufacturers Analysis of EMEA Gravity Sensor are :DFRobotJameco KitproBoschHewlett PackardShenzhen Ligent SensorKnowles ElectroincsInvensenseDensoThe report studies the market for EMEA Gravity Sensor across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in EMEA Gravity Sensor market & dynamics of demand and supply of EMEA Gravity Sensor into consideration. The 'EMEA Gravity Sensor' research study covers each and every aspect of the EMEA Gravity Sensor market globally, which starts from the definition of the EMEA Gravity Sensor market and develops towards EMEA Gravity Sensor market segmentations. Further, every segment of the EMEA Gravity Sensor market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the EMEA Gravity Sensor market. The geographical segmentation of the EMEA Gravity Sensor market has also been covered at length in this report.On the basis of product, the EMEA Gravity Sensor market is primarily split intoNormal SensorHigh Precision SensorOn the basis of the end users/applications, this EMEA Gravity Sensor market report coversSmartphone and TabletsAutomotiveOthersThe competitive landscape of the global market for EMEA Gravity Sensor is determined by evaluating the various market playors, production capacity, EMEA Gravity Sensor market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the EMEA Gravity Sensor market worldwide.Read More Research with TOC :The EMEA Gravity Sensor market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, EMEA Gravity Sensor production volume, data regarding demand and EMEA Gravity Sensor supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various meticulous tools such as investment returns, usefulness, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the market for EMEA Gravity Sensor across the globe.About Us :Industry QY provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Industry QY cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us :Enid SteelUnited States
Window And Door Market Showing 5.6% CAGR Growth to 2023: Company Profiles & Trends Analysis

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MaketStudyReport.com adds a new Window And Door market Research Report for the period of 2016-2023 that shows the growth of the market is rising at a 5.6% CAGR to 2023.Positive construction spending and renovation in existing constructions are expected to drive industry demand. Rising population would support the global window and door market share for new constructions serving residential, commercial and commodity requirements. Commercialization, improving government & state finances and public funding in emerging economies such as Indonesia, Thailand, and India will further enhance business growth.Request a sample copy of Window And Door Market Research Report @Window And Door Market size is expected to reach USD 137.2 billion by 2024; according to a new research report.Introduction of latest technologies such as use of uPVC instead of aluminum and wood would propel the demand for these systems owing to its lower weight, fully recyclable property, lesser maintenance, and thermal insulation. UK window and door market size is expected to grow at 4.7% CAGR, owing to the regulatory reforms promoting the use of energy efficient insulations to minimize carbon footprints. Rising awareness among the people and regulatory bodies may negatively impact the uPVC window and door market share over the forecast timeline.Substandard housing in emerging markets will bring in huge investments in the trending smart homes and quality housing in the coming years, which will provide a stable growth platform for the industry over the forecast timeline. Moreover, the residential construction market growth will draw consistent demand for the industry. India is set to witness strong increases, which can be traced largely owing to the rise in middle class income and more rapid industrialization. Carpenters and craftsmen still do much fabrication at building sites, due to a lack of standard product sizes.Wood profiles are comparatively more environmental friendly than aluminum and uPVC counterparts, which are also featured with attributes such as better aesthetics, longer life cycle, better insulation, lesser carbon emissions, optimized waste generation, and high performance. However, owing to its high costs, the cost sensitive construction industry and other consumer applications may not witness significant adoption rates.Technology innovation, integrated with security sensors for safety concerns would fuel the demand for new profiles over the forecast period.Infrastructural development in emerging economies would draw huge demands for window and door market share over the forecast timeframe. Increasing constructions in healthcare, education, and retail sector would offer potential growth opportunities from 2016 to 2024.Enquire about this report @Key insights from the report include:uPVC has developed into the preferred material for door and window profiles due to its lightweight, recyclability and low maintenance. The segment was valued at USD 27.5 billion in 2015 and would reach USD 47 billion by 2024.Wood window and door market size accounted for over 28% of the overall revenue in 2015 and would grow at 5.7% from 2016 to 2024. High thermal resistance, aesthetic looks and easy availability of timber would support the growth over the forecast period.Residential window and door market size was valued at more than USD 45 billion in 2015. Increasing expenditure on construction activities to improve residential, infrastructure, and aesthetic beauty in the developed economies of Europe and North America are expected to support the future growth of the industry.The Chinese government has issued various laws to minimize the use of wood, which has played a significant role in the development of uPVC profiles. The country accounted for over 50% of the overall Asia Pacific door and window system market share in 2015.Rising awareness regarding benefits of uPVC and lesser maintenance would trigger its use in the new residential construction market.Major players are Andersen, Atrium, Corialis, Eurocell, Masco, Pella Corporation, Reynaers and YKK Corporation. Focus on new product development and mergers & acquisitions, to enhance regional presence and product portfolio are the key strategies applied to retain window and door industry share.Related Reports: -Global UPVC Window and Door Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022UPVC Window and Door is Window and Door with UPVC frames?High performance UPVC windows and doors can reduce energy loss, and use energy efficiently in commercial and residential structures. Scope o...About Us:Centralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #45315,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2315Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:
Instant Coffee Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Global Instant Coffee Market: OverviewCoffee is a popular beverage on the global platform. Being the most popular beverage, this product is the second most traded commodity in the world after crude oil. On the other hand, Brazil, India, Chile, Argentina are the largest producer of coffee in the world. Ethnicity and culture plays a major role in the consumption of coffee on a global level. Since 1910, the popularity of instant coffee has also taken a steady growth in the market where people from the tea consuming nations are slowly getting acquainted to consume this beverage.Browse More Detailed :There has been a positive change in lifestyle of people in developing nations, with youngsters heavily adopting the western culture. Countries like India, China, and a few Middle Eastern countries are seeing a transition to heavy consumption of coffee over tea. Consumers with life style seek beverages that can be easily prepared and are pocket-friendly as well. Instant coffee not only maintains the aroma and flavor of the drink but also gives a branded experience to consumers. The impact of this driver is medium in the short run and is expected to be high by the end of the forecast period.Increasing competition in the global market is driving leading companies to undertake intensive research and development. In order to have a balanced product portfolio in the market, leading players like Starbucks and Nescafe are constantly innovating and trying to deliver a brand rich experience to consumers. The Fair Trade concept of producing coffee in underdeveloped countries is also adding to the competition in the global market.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Global Instant Coffee Market: Geographical AnalysisThe convenience of preparing the drink due to the ease in its availability has driven the market for this product heavily. Traditional coffee or whole bean coffee machines are usually implanted in most of the households of the major coffee drinking nations. On a recent research, UK has contributed to highest instant coffee consumption in the Western Europe. Instant coffee is easy to prepare and there is no hassle of disposing off the waste, as in the case of the filter coffee. Moreover, the introduction of instant coffee in the market by leading players such as Nestle, Jacobs Douwe Egberts and others are promoting the usage of sachets and jars that will be convenient in preparing coffee quickly.Millennials are driven by convenience and quality products even in India and China, and they are ready to pay a higher price for a rich experience. However, Instant coffee faces a major setback due to the consumption pattern among the population in geographical regions such as North America, Western Europe and Latin America preferred filter coffee over instant coffee. Consumers in this countries prefer filter coffee because of their traditional habit of accepting coffee as a drink that has the true properties of it as a caffeinated beverage. Furthermore, the hassle of preparing filter coffee from the whole bean is hefty, but the original flavor and aroma lies in the espresso shot which comes from the coffee machines, usually installed in most of the households and other industrial areas in these countries. Due to these factors, the impact of this restraint is high currently and is expected to be medium by the end of the forecast period.Send An Enquiry :The global instant coffee market is segmented into two types of packaging- Jars and sachets. In terms of distribution channel the market segmented by B2B and retail. B2B distribution channel is further segmented by hotels, restaurant and others. Retail distribution channel is further segmented by online and offline. Offline retail distribution channel is segmented by departmental store, super and hyper market and others.Global Instant Coffee Market: Competitive LandscapeIn order to get a better understanding of the global instant coffee market, a key trends analysis has been included for all the segments. In addition, the market players in the instant coffee market have also been profiled. The leading players in the market include. Nestle S.A. (Vevey, Switzerland), Starbucks Corporation. (Seattle, Washington, U.S), Jacobs Douwe Egberts (DK Amsterdam, Netherlands), Strauss Group Ltd. (Petah Tikva, Israel), Matthew Algie & Company Ltd (London, U.K), The Kraft Heinz Company (Illinois, U.S.), Tata Global Beverages (Kolkata, West Bengal), Tchibo Coffee (Hamburg, Germany), Keurig Green Mountain.(Vermont, U.S.) and Unilever Plc. (London, U.K.) among others.The global instant coffee market can be segmented as follows:-By Distribution ChannelB2BHotelRestaurantOthersRetailOnlineOfflineDepartmental StoresHyper and Super MarketOthersBy Packaging TypeJarsSachetsBy GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaWestern EuropeU.K.GermanyFranceNetherlandRest of Western EuropeRest of EuropeRussiaPolandBulgariaOthersAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaRest of APACMiddle East and AfricaUAESouth AfricaRest of Middle East and AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Future of the Algeria Defense Industry Overview, Trends and Growth Opportunities Forecasted till 2022

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently added a new report on Algerian defense industry with market size forecasts covering the next five years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for the industry, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Request For Free Sample -In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following The Algerian defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of the Algerian defense industry during 2018-2022, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the countrys expenditure and modernization patterns Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget with respect to capital expenditure and revenue expenditure. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country Porters Five Force analysis of the Algerian defense industry: analysis of the market characteristics by determining the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitution, intensity of rivalry, and barriers to entry Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the countrys imports and exports over the last five years Market opportunities: details of the top five defense investment opportunities over the next 10 years Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the Algerian defense industry. It provides an overview of key players, together with insights such as key alliances, strategic initiatives, and a brief financial analysisBrowse Full Report With TOC -Scope With a defense budget of US$10.3 billion in 2017, Algeria is currently the largest military spender in the African region and the worlds tenth largest defense importer of military goods. Military expenditure is strongly supported by the presence of the oil and natural gas industry, where the revenues are directed towards strengthening defense and security. The increased threat of terrorism from the Islamic group, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) operating in North Africa, an arms race with neighboring countries such as Morocco and Tunisia, and the ongoing modernization of the armed forces are key factors to drive military expenditure. The instability in neighboring Libya, coupled with the rapid spread of the Islamic State (IS) in the country, has compelled Algeria to bolster its defenses and develop a robust defense posture. During 2013-2017, an average of 20% of the countrys total defense budget was allocated to capital expenditure, while an average of 80% was reserved for revenue expenditure. The capital expenditure share valued 19.6% in 2017, and is expected to marginally increase during the forecast period to reach 21.5% in 2022. This is primarily due to Algeria having initiated a broad range of military modernization programs, with explicit emphasis on developing the countrys domestic defense industrial capabilities. In 2016, the Algerian Government announced future modernization plans in order to develop a strong defense industry, much of which is expected to focus on domestic industrial capability development. The MoD is expected to invest in fighter and multi-role aircraft, transport aircraft, attack helicopters, and Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).Reasons to buy This report will give the user confidence to make the correct business decisions based on a detailed analysis of the Algerian defense industry market trends for the coming five years The market opportunity section will inform the user about the various military requirements that are expected to generate revenues during the forecast period. The description includes technical specifications, recent orders, and the expected investment pattern by the country during the forecast period Detailed profiles of the top domestic and foreign defense manufacturers with information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins, and financial analysis wherever available. This will provide the user with a total competitive landscape of the sector A deep qualitative analysis of the Algerian defense industry covering sections including demand drivers, Porters Five Forces Analysis, Key Trends and Growth Stimulators, and latest industry contractsMake an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :Read Industry News at -
Ireland Renewable Energy Policy Handbook Market 2017- By Develop Strategies Based on the Latest Regulatory Events 2017

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Ireland Renewable Energy Policy Handbook."Ireland Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017 is among the latest country specific policy reports from the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the country.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in the country.The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used by Ireland to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in Ireland both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the country.Key points to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to - Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in Ireland.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.Table of Contents1. Table of Contents2. Introduction3 Renewable Energy Policy, Ireland4 AppendixCONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
China Baby Food Market Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2017

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled The Baby Food Market in China."The Baby Food Market in China 2017" is an analytical report by which provides extensive and highly detailed current and future market trends in the Chinese market.The Chinese market for baby food rose by 23% between 2010 and 2016 in terms volume, but fell for the first time in recent years in 2016. Although the market is still underdeveloped, it has benefited from greater consumer spending power, the rising levels of urbanization and increased numbers of working women. Consumption increased in all sectors except drinks, although in value terms baby milks made the greatest gains, rising by 79% between 2010 and 2016. Baby milks continue to dominate the market, accounting for over 92% of value and 86% of volume sales. Much of the remainder is made up of cereals & dry meals, wet meals claim 2-3% of value sales, with finger foods and drinks together taking less than 1% of value sales. In coming years, once regulatory changes have concluded - sales are expected to be boosted by the expansion of distribution and by rising incomes. The overall market is forecast to increase by 26% in volume and 51% in value between 2016 and 2022.GET SAMPLE REPORT @What else does this report offer?- Consumption data based upon a unique combination of industry research, fieldwork, market sizing work and our in-house expertise to offer extensive data about the trends and dynamics affecting the industry.- Detailed profile of the companies operating and new companies considering entry in the industry along with their key focus product sectors.- Market profile of the various product sectors with the key features & developments, segmentation, per capita trends and the various manufacturers & brands.- Overview of baby food retailing with a mention of the major retailers in the country along with the distribution channel.- Future projections considering various trends which are likely to affect the industry.Scope- Consumption of baby food in China rose by 23% since 2010 in terms of volume. Market value rose by 78% between 2010 and 2016.- The bulk of baby food sales continue to occur in the major cities, although increasingly affluent consumers are emerging in second-, third-, and even fourth-tier cities, as well as the better-off parts of the rural community.- The Chinese infant formula market is the worlds largest; now well ahead of both the US and the total market in Western Europe.- The market is highly fragmented with a large number of foreign and local manufacturers active.- The majority of milks are now imported, due to strong consumer preference for imported products, but most cereals, meals, and other products are produced locally.- The major distribution channels for baby food have changed dramatically over the past few years. The largest single channel for baby food is now specialist mother & baby stores (46%), while online sales account for a further 33%. Bricks & mortar food and general retailers now take only 21%.- Overall retail sales are forecast to rise by 51% between 2016 and 2022, while volume sales will increase by 26%.Key points to buy- Evaluate important changes in consumer behavior and identify profitable markets and areas for product innovation.- Analyse current and forecast behavior trends in each category to identify the best opportunities to exploit.- Detailed understanding of consumption by individual product categories in order to align your sales and marketing efforts with the latest trends in the market.- Investigates which categories are performing the best and how this is changing market dynamics.Table of ContentsIntroductionBackground to the MarketMarket OverviewSector AnalysisProduction and TradeCompany ProfilesDistributionEconomic BackgroundProspects and ForecastsAppendixFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2017 Competitor Information, Analysis, and Insights to Improve R&D Strategies

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems.Medical Devices sector report, Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Medical Devices Pipeline Assessment, 2017" provides an overview of Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems currently in pipeline stage.The report provides comprehensive information on the pipeline products with comparative analysis of the products at various stages of development. The report reviews major players involved in the pipeline product development. It also provides information about clinical trials in progress, which includes trial phase, trial status, trial start and end dates, and, the number of trials for the key Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems pipeline products.This report is prepared using data sourced from in-house databases, secondary and primary research by team of industry experts.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Extensive coverage of the Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems under development- The report reviews details of major pipeline products which includes, product description, licensing and collaboration details and other developmental activities- The report reviews the major players involved in the development of Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems and list all their pipeline projects- The coverage of pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from Early Development to Approved / Issued stage- The report provides key clinical trial data of ongoing trials specific to pipeline products- Recent developments in the segment / industryKey points to buyThe report enables you to - Formulate significant competitor information, analysis, and insights to improve R&D strategies- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage- Identify and understand important and diverse types of Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems under development- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies- Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying major players with the most promising pipeline- In-depth analysis of the products current stage of development, territory and estimated launch dateTable of Contents1 Table of Contents2 Introduction3 Products under Development4 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems - Pipeline Products under Development by Companies5 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Companies and Product Overview6 Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems- Recent Developments7 AppendixCONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
Adhesive Tapes Market Share, Value, Trends (2016-2024): TMR

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Global Adhesive Tapes Market: SnapshotThe global adhesive tapes market is expected to grow at a progressive rate in the next few years. The rising awareness among manufacturers regarding the convenience of adhesive tapes is estimated to supplement the growth of the global adhesive tapes market in the coming years. According to the research report, in 2015, the global market for adhesive tapes was worth US$51.54 bn and by the end of 2024, the market is predicted to reach a value of US$92.36 bn. This market is estimated to exhibit a healthy 6.80% CAGR between 2016 and 2024.The global market for adhesive tapes has been categorized on the basis of end use into consumer goods, building and construction, graphics, automotive, health care, and others. Some of the key materials used for manufacturing adhesive tapes are paper, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others. The rising research and development activities are encouraging the expansion of the application base, which is likely to result in a high demand for adhesive tapes across the globe. Furthermore, the rise in the demand for eco-friendly tapes is anticipated to propel global market in the coming years.View Report @Developing Packaging and Automotive Sectors to Bolster Adhesive Tapes MarketThe increasing number of technological advancements in the automotive industry is one of the key factors anticipated to encourage the growth of the global adhesive tapes market in the coming years. The growing popularity of light-weight vehicles and the use of bolts, rivets, screws, and other traditional fastening techniques and devices are being substituted by stronger adhesive tapes. This is projected to accelerate the growth of the overall market in the next few years. In addition, the rising demand for adhesive tapes for electronic device miniaturization is likely to fuel the markets growth in the near future.On the flip side, stringent rules and regulations concerning the use and emissions of several chemicals are anticipated to hamper the growth of the global adhesive tapes market in the forecast period. Nonetheless, the development of the packaging industry is anticipated to create promising opportunities for key players operating in the global adhesive tapes market in the next few years. Moreover, the rising number of applications is expected to contribute towards the development of the market across the globe.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Adhesive Tapes Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Booming Manufacturing Sector to Propel Adhesive Tapes Market in Asia PacificThe Asia Pacific market for adhesive tapes is anticipated to witness a promising growth throughout the forecast period. The robust growth of this region can be attributed to the developing manufacturing infrastructure, easy availability of raw materials, and technological developments. In addition, a substantial contribution from India and China is predicted to encourage the growth of the overall market in the next few years.According to the research study, this region is projected to remain in the leading position in the next few years, and register a healthy growth rate.Furthermore, Latin America and North America are projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The rapid development of the automotive sector and the increasing demand for adhesive tapes from diverse manufacturing industries are expected to encourage the growth of the adhesive tapes market in these two regions. Europe, on the other hand, is estimated to exhibit a high growth rate in the coming few years. Poland, Germany, Italy, and Czech Republic are likely to supplement the growth of the market in the forecast period.Some of the prominent players operating in the adhesive tapes market across the globe are Lohmann GmbH & Co.KG., NICHIBAN CO., LTD., CCT Tapes, Advance Tapes International, H.B.Fuller, Kruse Adhesive Tape, Scapa Group PLC, Surface Shields, K.L. & Ling, Vibac Group S.p.a., tesa SE, Saint-Gobain, Nitto Denko Corporation, 3M, and CMS Group of Companies.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Sulfone Polymers Market Analysis : TMR

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Global Sulfone Polymers Market: SnapshotSeveral grades/varieties of sulfone polymers have gained vast applicability across a number of industries in the past few years. The relatively higher level of resistance wear and corrosion provided by these materials as compared to metals have increased their usage in medical devices and implants. Owing to their high transparency resistance, low weight, and high performance, the demand for sulfone polymers is also rising in the automotive industry for use in optical reflectors, headlight bezels, fog lamp housings, oil pumps, oil pistons, and impellers. Increase in environmental awareness and shifting trend of automotive manufacturers toward low-weight materials for fuel efficiency and better performance are estimated to offer growth opportunities to the sulfone polymers market from 2016 to 2024.Transparency Market Research states that the global sulfone polymers market was valued at US$805.4 mn in 2015 and is will rise to US$1,394.7 mn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4% between 2016 and 2024.View Report @Applications across Automobile Industry to Continue to Gain Larger Share in Overall MarketIn terms of applications, the report examines the various applications of sulfone polymer across applications in the medical, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, electrical and electronics, and industrial sectors. Of these, the applications of sulfone polymer across the medical sector led to the most promising returns, accounting for nearly 24% of the overall market in 2015. The segment is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period as well, chiefly owing to the continuous growth in the global medical industry and the availability of vast variety of medical grade sulfone polymer product varieties in the global market.Share of segments such as automotive and aerospace are expected to exhibit moderate yet steady growth in the global market in the next few years owing to the stable rise in demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in these segments. Both the segments are expected to exhibit a nearly 6.5% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Sulfone Polymers Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Sustainable Demand across Medical Industry to Keep North America and Europe in Dominant PositionsIn terms of volume, North America held the dominant share of more than 39% in the global sulfone polymer market in 2015, in terms of revenue, and the trend is expected to remain strong in the next few years as well. However, the in North America, similar to the market in Europe, is projected to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period, as the key end-use industries are well-established in these regions, with little scope for further expansion due to market stagnation.Nevertheless, the rising medical industry in the regions is expected to drive the sulfone polymer market notably by the end of the forecast period. Resurgence of the automotive market in the U.S. and healthy growth of the medical devices market is also likely to provide momentum to the sulfone polymer market in North America and Europe.However, the overall performance of the sulfone polymer market in North America and Europe regions is expected to be less promising than the Asia Pacific market over the period between 2016 and 2024. China is projected to be one of the key consumers of sulfone polymers in the region over the said period. Other countries such as Japan, South Korea, and India are also expected to be promising markets for sulfone during the forecast period. High demand for sulfone polymers in the production of automotive, electrical and electronic components, and rise in demand for sulfone polymers in membrane manufacturing are expected to be the key factors propelling the sulfone polymers market in Asia Pacific.In the highly consolidated market for sulfone polymers, some of the key players are BASF SE, Solvay S.A., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., and Sabic.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
United Kingdom Crude Oil Refinery Outlook Market 2017: By Identifying the Key Market Segments Poised for Strong Growth in Future 2022

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled United Kingdom Crude Oil Refinery Outlook."United Kingdom Crude Oil Refinery Outlook to 2022", is a comprehensive report on crude oil refinery industry in United Kingdom. The report provides oil production, consumption, exports and imports details from 2010 to 2022 along with oil reserves for the period 2010 to 2016. The report also provides details on oil refineries such as name, type, operational status, operator apart from capacity data for the major processing units, for all active refineries in United Kingdom for the period 2012-2022. Further, the report also offers recent developments, financial deals as well as latest contracts awarded in the countrys oil refinery industry.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Historic and forecast of oil data related to production, consumption, imports and exports for the period 2010-2022, and reserves for the period 2010-2016- Updated information related to all active refineries in the country, including operator and equity details- Information on CDU, coking, catalytic cracking and hydrocracking capacities by refinery in the country, where available- Key mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, private equity and IPOs in the countrys crude oil industry, where available- Latest developments, financial deals and awarded contracts related to crude oil refineries in the countryKey points to buy- Gain a strong understanding of the countrys energy sector and crude oil refining industry- Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast production, reserves and capacity data- Assess your competitors major crude oil refining assets and their performance in the country- Analyze the latest developments, financial deals and awarded contracts related to the countrys crude oil refining industry- Understand the countrys financial deals landscape by analyzing how competitors are financed, and the mergers and partnerships that have shaped the marketTable of Contents1. Table of Contents 11.1. List of Tables 31.2. List of Figures 42. Introduction 52.1. What is This Report About? 52.2. Market Definition 53. United Kingdom Energy Sector 63.1. United Kingdom Energy Sector, Market Overview 63.2. United Kingdom Energy Sector, Oil 73.2.1. United Kingdom Oil, Overview 73.2.2. United Kingdom Oil, Supply and Demand Balance 7..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
TMR: Theater Linen Market Segments and Key Trends 2016-2024

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Global Theater Linen Market for Healthcare Application: SnapshotThe global theater linen market for healthcare application is witnessing significant traction owing to the increased focus on instigating effective hospital-acquired infection prevention measures. Hospitals are taking critical precautions related to hygiene, especially regarding the usage of linens in operating rooms. Significant funds are being diverted towards the provision of improved and technologically advanced surgical or medical equipment, and clean and tidy patient clothing.According to Transparency Market Research, the global theater linen market for healthcare application was valued at US$5,434.2 mn in 2015 and is anticipated to reach US$8,947.2 mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2016 and 2024.View Report @Hygiene-related Benefits to Boost Consumption of Disposable/Single-use Theater Linen in HealthcareThe theater linen market for the healthcare sector comprises linens employed in operation/surgical rooms in hospitals. Type of materials used in the production of theater linen used in the healthcare sector includes traditional cotton or polyester/cotton, disposable/single use, and microfiber. Of these, the segment of disposable/single use material linen segment is anticipated to expand at a relatively higher rate as compared to other material types, chiefly owing to the upsurge in the attentiveness about hospital-acquired infections.When using traditional cotton/polyester linen for the operation theater, the hospital staff is required to manually gather and dispose of all stained and infected items after surgeries in high infection areas. This makes disposable linen appropriate for usage in such situations. As a result, the usage of disposable linens has witnessed a significant surge across the globe in the last few years. Healthcare centers are increasingly placing emphasis on the infection control advantage of disposable linen versus the laundering and ongoing costs associated with the traditional linen. The impact of this trend on the global theater linen market for healthcare applciation is expected to remain strong in the next few years as well.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Theater Linen Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Asia Pacific Market to Remain Most InfluentialThe market exhibits highly distinctive trends across different regions. Of the key regions for the market examined in the report, Asia Pacific accounted, with over 40% of the global market for healthcare applications in 2015, surpassed the valuation of the market in regions such as North America and Europe. The surge in demand for sophisticated and hygienic healthcare facilities is the prominent factor driving the theater linen market for healthcare application in Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is also expected to remain the most attractive region over the forecast period.Augmentation in foreign investments and favorable government policies are likely to provide significant growth opportunities for the Asia Pacific theater linen market for healthcare application during the forecast period. Growth in disposable incomes and purchase power parity have encouraged people to spend more on improved and sophisticated medical amenities in Asia Pacific. Demand for theater linen for healthcare application was high in China in Asia Pacific in 2015.Europe and North America are the other two crucial regional markets for theater linen. Collectively, the regions held more than 40% of the global theater linen market for healthcare application in 2015. The theater linen market in these regions is estimated to expand at a fairly stable rate during the forecast period. The rising population in North America is expected to lead to a significant rise in demand for advanced health care facilities in the next few years. This, in turn, is projected to expand the theater linen market in North America over the forecast period.Some of the key vendors operating in the global theater linen market are ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists, Inc., Hospital Central Services, Inc. and Affiliates (HCSC), Towel & Linen (Pty) Ltd, Angelica Corporation, Crothall Healthcare, and Synergy Health PLC.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs sUS Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
TMR: Selenium Sulfide Market Segments and Key Trends 2016-2024

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Selenium sulfide is sulfide salt of selenium. It is present in bright orange or yellow-orange powder or tablet form at room temperature. It is insoluble in water or ether. It can be dissolved in carbon disulfide. Selenium sulfide decomposes in alcohol and can get ignited when it comes into contact with silver oxide. When heated, it releases toxic fumes of sulfur oxide and selenium. Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective agent, which is used for the treatment of dermatitis and dandruff of the scalp. It is employed in the treatment of skin infections such as tinea versicolor, sehorrheic dermatitis. It is also used in pharmaceutical formulations for veterinary medicines.View Report @The report provides in-depth analysis and forecast of the selenium sulfide market on the global and regional level. It includes forecast for the period from 2016 to 2024 in terms of volume (kilogram) and revenue (US$ thousand). Quantitative data has been derived through extensive secondary research of the global selenium sulfide market. Secondary sources typically include company websites, relevant magazines, government documents, and press releases. The top-down approach has been adopted to derive the regional numbers from global revenue and volume figures. Furthermore, the bottom-up approach has been employed to derive data for various product segments based on demand for selenium sulfide in each geographic segment. A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches helps validate the quantitative data. The data was further validated with the help of primary research with industry experts to ensure accuracy of derived numbers.Detailed analysis of various factors driving the global selenium sulfide market has been included for astute decision making. Impact of these drivers has been included with data to substantiate research findings. Furthermore, factors restraining market growth have been included for better understanding of the market. Impact of these restraints has been analyzed over the course of the forecast period. The report also comprises various opportunities available for market growth during the forecast period. Opportunities entail untapped or recently explored factors that are anticipated to drive the selenium sulfide market during the forecast period.The report includes value chain analysis to help understand the industry thoroughly. Value chain analysis comprises detailed evaluation of the roles of various entities involved in the selenium sulfide industry, from raw material suppliers to end-users. Various processes employed in the manufacture of selenium sulfide have been included in the value chain analysis. Porters Five Forces model has been employed to determine the degree of competition in the market during the forecast period. Company market share analysis has been included for better understanding of the competitive landscape. Company market share analysis comprises the market share of dominant players in 2015, based on their production capacities. Furthermore, market attractiveness analysis has been conducted to analyze product segments that are expected to be lucrative during the forecast period. This is based on various factors such as market size, growth rate, profitability, raw material procurement, and competition in each product segment.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Selenium Sulfide Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Based on product, the selenium sulfide market has been segmented on the basis of purity of the product into selenium sulfide 99.0% and selenium sulfide 99.99%. The report comprises detailed analysis of all the segments in the regional and global market, and forecast based on current and future trends in the industry in terms of volume (kilogram) and revenue (US$ thousand). In terms of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Demand for selenium sulfide in each of its application segments has been analyzed and forecast for the period of eight years.The report also comprises profiles of leading companies in the selenium sulfide market. These include Abcr GmbH, Alfa Aesar, Wockhardt Ltd., FAGRON, G&W Laboratories, Adisseo, Salvi Chemicals, and Omkar Specialty Chemicals Ltd. Various attributes of these companies such as company overview, business strategies, and recent developments form the core of the company profiles section.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
TMR: Polyimide Films Market Segments and Key Trends 2016-2024

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Global Polyimide Films Market: SnapshotPolyimide films used widely in electronics, aerospace, and aircraft industry as they are capable of withstanding high temperatures they are widely used to make flexible printed circuit boards and pressure sensitive tapes. Polyimide films enable implementation of compact and complex assemblies which minimizes size and weight. Polyimide films can withstand temperatures above 3000 C and are widely used for insulating wires and cables of motors and generators. Due to their lightweight they are also used in insulating the wires of aircrafts as it provides significant weight savings. According to the research report, the global polyimide films market is expected to be worth US$ 1770.1 mn by 2024 from US$927.7 mn in 2015. During the forecast period of 2016 and 2024, the overall global market is likely to register a CAGR of 7.5%.The increasing trend of miniaturization of electronic products and increasing demand for heat and fire resistant insulation films are expected to drive the market during the forecast period. However, the high cost of processing of polyimide films and its tendency to get hydrolyzed and shrink are anticipated to hamper the market during the forecast period. The application of polyimide films in flexible and thin photovoltaic materials and colorless polyimide films are expected to be the area of opportunity for polyimide films. Polyimide films are an ideal choice for usage as substrates in photovoltaic materials due to their high performance in the electronics industry, flexibility, and resistance to high temperature.View Report @Flexible Printed Circuit Boards to Dominate Global Polyimide Films Market Over Forecast PeriodKey applications of polyimide films include flexible printed circuit boards which accounts for more than 70% share of the global polyimide films market and is likely to be a highly lucrative segment during the forecast period. Wires and Cable insulation is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period. However the threat of substitutes from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film is expected to remain low during the forecast period due to the fact that, polyimide film has the advantageous characteristics of retaining its properties at high processing temperatures and provide a high range of operating temperature which is in contrast to PET and PEN films.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Polyimide Films Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Asia Pacific to Offer Tremendous Scope for Growth to the Global MarketThe global polyimide films market is anticipated to expand during the forecast period. In terms of volume, Asia Pacific above 40% share of the global polyimide films market in 2015 owing the huge electronics industry in China, Japan, and Taiwan. North America is likely to follow Asia Pacific in terms of consumption. It is likely to expand due to huge aerospace industry in the region. Europe is also forecasted to expand during the forecast period.The key players of polyimide films market include Kaneka Corporation, DuPont, SKCKOLONPI Co. Ltd, Anabond Limited, Taimide Tech Inc., I.S.T. Corporation, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, UBE Industries Ltd, Toyobo Co. Ltd. DuPont and SKCKOLON PI are anticipated to be the leading manufacturers of polyimide films. Manufacturers are augmenting their production capacity to meet increasing demand from end user industries. Also, manufacturers of polyimide films are investing huge amounts in R&D for developing polyimide films which is shrinkage free. The manufacturers of polyimide film in China have eaten up the share of major manufacturers as Chinese polyimide films are available in low cost.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive Market 2017By Identifying the Key Market Segments Poised for Strong Growth in Future 2021

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Update."Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021" offer comprehensive information and understanding of the global wind gearbox and direct-drive market. The report analysis the current trend and future potential of wind gearbox and direct-drive market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa (EMEA)) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Australia, Germany, France, South Africa, and the UK) level.The report covers, an insight into the market in terms of value and volume for the historic period 2011-2016 and forecast period 2017-2021, drivers and restraints, key projects and competitive landscape for respective countries. The report is written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by team of industry experts.GET SAMPLE REPORT @ScopeThe report analyses wind gearbox and direct-drive market. Its scope includes - Analysis of the growth of wind gearbox and direct-drive market with a focus on market value in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa (EMEA).- The report provides wind gearbox and direct-drive market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Australia, Germany, France, South Africa, and the UK.- The report offers country level wind gearbox market value and volume and direct-drive market volume for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods.- Qualitative analysis of key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impacts on wind gearbox and direct-drive market are discussed.- Report also provides an insight into wind gearbox and direct-drive drivers and restraints, overview of wind power markets showing top countries for 2016, wind turbine cost-component analysis, wind turbine and wind gearbox component failure rate, wind gearbox value-chain analysis, major wind power projects, and competitive snapshot at global and country level for the year 2016.Key points to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to - Facilitate decision-making by analyzing market data on wind gearbox and direct-drive- Develop strategies based on developments in the wind gearbox and direct-drive market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the wind gearbox and direct-drive market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies, and prospectsTable of Contents1 Table of Contents2 Executive Summary3 Introduction4 Wind Power, Global5 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Global6 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Asia-Pacific7 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, China8 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, India9 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Australia10 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Americas11 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, United States12 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Canada13 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Brazil14 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, EMEA15 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Germany16 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, UK17 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, France18 Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, South Africa19 AppendixCONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise 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.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
LED Display Market - Evolving Industry Trends & Insights 2020

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Light Emitting Diode (LED) display is a flat panel display that use light emitting diodes for the video display. An LED display consists of several display panels, each including large number of light emitting diodes for video display. Light emitting diodes used in LED displays offer several benefits as compared to other light emitting sources. For instance, high brightness offered by the light emitting diodes has allowed LEDs to be increasingly used in outdoor displays such as billboards, store signs, and digital name plates in transport vehicles. LED displays also offer illumination along with the visual display, as and when used for stage lighting or other decorative purpose.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The overall global LED market has witnessed robust growth in the recent years. The steady growth can be attributed to the rising awareness about energy conservation amongst end-users. With swift penetration of LED technology in backlights of LCD TVs, laptops, and monitors, the LED display market has witnessed increased investment in by manufacturers across the globe. Looking at the opportunistic growth in the overall LED industry, the number of new players entering the market are expected to swell in the next few years. To gain competitive advantage in this technology driven market, the players are striving to offer end-to-end solutions (manufacturing, installation, and after sales service) to their customers. Increasing investment in R&D by the global manufacturers has led to improvements in the LED technology. In addition, it has led to developments in manufacturing processes and packaging, which, in turn has resulted in gradual decline in the price of the technology.Increasing demand for LED displays in outdoor advertisements is one of the major factors driving the market growth. Enhanced features such as energy efficiency, environment friendly, low operational cost, and durability have encouraged marketers and advertisers to use LED displays for outdoor promotional campaigns and advertisement. Furthermore, rising number of live concerts, sport competitions, and corporate exhibitions have further fueled market momentum. High initial cost of LED displays has somewhat inhibited the growth of the LED display market, especially in price sensitive economies such as China and India. However, with the advancements in technology, the prices of LED displays are expected to fall, thereby minimizing the impact of this challenge over the forecast period. Europe and North America collectively accounts for the major chunk of the market revenue. However, over the forecast period, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, majorly on account of infrastructural development and rising number of sport events expected in emerging economies such as China and India.Request TOC of the Report @The Light Emitting Diode (LED) display market is segmented on the basis of types, applications, color display, and geography. The LED Display market is segmented on the basis of its types into two major categories, namely - conventional LED displays and surface mounted LED displays. On the basis of applications, the LED display market is segmented into two major categories, namely  backlighting and digital signage. The backlighting segment includes the application of LED displays for television, laptops, mobile and smartphones, and PC monitors among others. Similarly the digital signage application segment is further segmented into two major categories, namely  outdoor signage and indoor signage. On the basis of color display technology, the LED display market is segmented into three major categories including monochrome LED displays, tri-color LED displays, and full color LED displays. Furthermore, the LED display market is also segmented into four major regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). China and Japan are the major LED display markets in Asia Pacific.Some of the key players in the LED display market include Barco N.V. (Belgium, Sony Corporation (Japan), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), LG Electronics, Inc. (South Korea), Daktronics, Inc. (U.S.) Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Samsung LED Co. Ltd. (South Korea) others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Hepatitis B Therapeutics Market : Size, Share, Analysis and Forecast 2025

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Hepatitis B is a life threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. Adults who get affected by hepatitis B virus for a short time and then get cured is known as acute hepatitis B. Infection that lasts for a long time is known as chronic hepatitis B. Vaccine is the most preferred choice of doctors and physicians to protect people from the disease. The vaccine prevents the infection and stops development of liver cancer and chronic disease caused by hepatitis B. It can cause a long term infection and put people at high risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis that may lead to death.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Globally, hepatitis B is one of the major health problems that spreads by mucosal or percutaneous exposure as well as through menstrual, seminal, saliva, and vaginal fluids. Hepatitis B can occur due to sexual transmission, by having contact with sex workers and sex with multiple partners. Transmission of disease may also occur due to reuse of syringes and needles both among persons who inject drugs and in health care settings. Moreover, it may occur during surgical, medical, and dental procedures, and use of razors that are contaminated with infected blood. Infants and young children mostly get chronic hepatitis B.Hepatitis B Therapeutics Market: DynamicsLimited access to treatment and diagnosis of hepatitis B in many resource constrained settings and increasing prevalence of hepatitis B infections are likely to drive the global hepatitis B therapeutics market during the forecast period. Rising awareness and increasing affordability are some of the key factors that will increase the rate of diagnosis before a person having advanced liver disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infection of chronic hepatitis B is most common in infants. Rising incidence of hepatitis B infections is a major driver of the market. Less availability of antibiotics in the market and effectiveness of antivirals against hepatitis B infections is likely to propel the market during the forecast period. Prevalence of hepatitis B is increasing steadily across the globe. Medications and treatment options are highly expensive. These are the major drivers of the hepatitis B therapeutics market.Request TOC of the Report @Hepatitis B Therapeutics Market: SegmentationBased on therapy, the global hepatitis B therapeutics market has been segmented into:Chemo TherapyImmunosuppressant TherapyNucleoside AnalogueIn terms of product type, the global hepatitis B therapeutics market has been segmented into:Hepatitis B VaccineAnti-viral DrugsTenofovirEntecavirBased on distribution channel, the global hepatitis B therapeutics market has been segmented into:Hospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesHepatitis B Therapeutics Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of region, the hepatitis B therapeutics market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the hepatitis B therapeutics market owing to the high awareness levels, availability of improved infrastructure, and favorable government initiatives relating to the promotion of hepatitis B therapeutics. Europe is the second largest market for hepatitis B therapeutics driven by rising geriatric population, high rates of chronic infections in Central and Eastern Europe. Prevalence of hepatitis B is the highest in Middle East & Africa where adult population is chronically infected. According to the WHO, it is estimated that 2% to 5% of general population is affected chronically in Asia Pacific. Most people with liver cancer die within diagnosis as there are limited treatment options.Hepatitis B Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersMajor players operating in the global hepatitis B therapeutics market are GlaxoSmithKline plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novira Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Abivax SA, F. Hoffmann- La Roche, Novartis AG, and Merck & Co. The increasing competition among key players is likely to drive the global hepatitis B therapeutics market during the forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Concrete Admixtures Market Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2024

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Global Concrete Admixtures Market: OverviewConcrete admixtures are a range of chemicals added to concrete in order to enhance various characteristics of the concrete mixture. The primary properties of concrete targeted by concrete admixtures are its strength and durability, and resistance to chemicals and environmental contaminants. Reducing the volume of water required to set concrete is another key target of concrete admixtures, as this allows high-strength concrete to be produced without increasing the amount of cement used in it. Admixtures that slow down the rate at which concrete sets, thus enabling workers to work with it more freely, are also becoming popular.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The report examines the historical development trajectory of the global concrete admixtures market to determine the key trends influencing it. The current figures of the concrete admixtures market are analyzed in the report to derive actionable insights into the future of the market. The most influential drivers and restraints acting on the global concrete admixtures market have been studied in the report to present an overview of their qualitative and quantitative impact on the markets likely development trajectory in the coming years.Global Concrete Admixtures Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe key driver for the global concrete admixtures market is the rapid rate of urbanization across the world. The rise of urban complexes has generated a need for modern infrastructure, which has led to a significant demand for concrete and thus for the admixtures used therein.Urbanization and the accompanying rise of the middle class have also led to the demand for new residential and commercial property, which has had a notable impact on the concrete admixtures market. The need for concrete admixtures is felt most intensely in developing economies, where the rate of urbanization is much higher than in developed countries.The concrete admixtures market in the developed world is also driven by the increasing demand to improve the practices and materials used in construction. Due to the widespread availability of urban and technologically advanced infrastructure, the demand for concrete admixtures in developed countries is primarily for further development of existing facilities, which necessitates the innovation of more effective and reliable admixtures.Global Concrete Admixtures Market: Geographical SegmentationThe global concrete admixtures market is led by North America and Europe, where the presence of several leading concrete manufacturers has created a competitive environment conducive for product innovation. However, emerging regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America are likely to dominate the global concrete admixtures market in the coming years, and are expected to exhibit higher growth rates than developed markets in the forecast period.Request TOC of the Report @The booming construction industry in countries such as China, India, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Japan, Chile, and Mexico is largely responsible for the promising potential attributed to the APAC and Latin America markets for concrete admixtures. The growth of urban centers such as Shanghai, Beijing, New Delhi, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City has been rapid and prosperous for the concrete admixtures market in the last few years due to the consequent demand for new construction. However, the bulk of the potential of developing markets for concrete admixtures lies in rural regions, where the ongoing development of urban infrastructure presents significant promise.Global Concrete Admixtures Market: Competitive DynamicsThe report profiles key players in the global concrete admixtures market in order to understand the competitive dynamics of the market. Leading companies examined in the report include BASF SE, Ashland Inc., CEMEX S.A.B DE C.V., Conmix Ltd., Dow Chemical Company, CICO Technologies Ltd., and Pidilite Industries Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Tomato Ketchup Market 2016 Industry Demand, Segment, Statistics Report 2024

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Tomato ketchup is a widely popular condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sweeteners, and salt. The simple yet versatile formulation of tomato ketchup has made it popular in various cuisines, with the growing demand for fast food enabling smooth expansion of the tomato ketchup market. Tomato ketchup is commonly served with fast food items such as sandwiches, burgers, fries, and grilled or fried meat. It is also commonly used as a base for other sauces, since its flavor is popular and agreeable.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The report examines the historical development trajectory of the global tomato ketchup market. The historical data is combined with detailed information about the present condition of the market in order to derive useful insights into the probable growth trajectory of the global tomato ketchup market in the coming years. The various factors affecting the trajectory of the tomato ketchup market are examined in detail in the report, with detailed analysis given for each notable driver and restraint acting on the market.Global Tomato Ketchup Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global tomato ketchup market is primarily driven by the growing demand for fast food across the world. While North America is the prime market for fast food, the growing adoption of the Western culture across the world is leading to significant demand for fast food in Asia Pacific and Latin America, where the market stands to grow rapidly owing to the increasing disposable income of urban consumers. The convenience of fast food means the burgeoning middle class is likely to remain a key consumer demographic for the fast food industry in the coming years, leading to strong growth prospects for the global tomato ketchup market.Ketchup is a staple with traditional fast food items, but the agreeable flavor of tomato ketchup has also boosted its use with local fast food items in emerging regions. As a result, leading producers of tomato ketchup have been able to successfully create regional variants of their products based on the cultural preferences and compatibility with the local cuisines. This is a key driver for the global tomato ketchup market, especially given the rising demand for ketchup in Southeast Asia and the Far East, where local street food remains widely popular.While tomato ketchup is primarily used in commercially sold fast food, a significant part of the total demand for tomato ketchup comes from families. As tomato ketchup is a versatile condiment and works with a wide range of flavors, the demand for tomato ketchup from the residential sector is growing rapidly.On the other hand, the rising use of other condiments such as mustard and barbecue sauce is a key restraint on the tomato ketchup market. The success of the tomato ketchup market has also encouraged the commercial production of local condiments and sauces, which have emerged as alternatives to tomato ketchup in many regions. Many tomato ketchup manufacturers have thus diversified their product catalog to compensate for the possible reduction in the demand for tomato ketchup.Global Tomato Ketchup Market: Geographical SegmentationDue to the widespread prevalence of fast food joints and quick service restaurants in North America and Europe, these two are the leading contributors to the global tomato ketchup market and are likely to retain a dominant share in the coming years. However, the Asia Pacific and Middle East markets for tomato ketchup have exhibited promise in the last few decade, and with many countries in this region steadily climbing the rungs of economic progress, the fast food industry is also growing smoothly in these regions. This is likely to present promising growth prospects for manufacturers of tomato ketchup in the coming years.Request TOC of the Report @The report also profiles the leading companies in the global tomato ketchup market in order to provide an overview of the markets competitive landscape. Key players profiled in the report include Nestle India Ltd., H. J. Heinz Company, Campbell Soup Company, Tate & Lyle plc, ConAgra Foods Inc., Lee Kum Kee, General Mills Inc., and Premier Foods Plc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Home Care Market Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2018

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Home care market is growing considerably as the number of people opting for home care services rather than medical care in hospitals is increasing day by day. Home care services are cost effective and hence mostly referred by patients. The global market for home care products is growing significantly due to increasing adoption of this trend in developed economies; however, it is expected to witness an increase in demand in developing countries in near future due to the growing awareness about home care services.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Growing health awareness, improving standards of living, and increase in per capita income of people are some of the reasons driving the growth of home care industry. Currently, there are number of players engaged in the business of home care product manufacturing. Wide range of product availability and variation in prices is also fuelling the market growth. Packaging innovation and technological developments for better results are some other factors driving the market growth.Despite of the economic downturn in past few years, there is a growing demand for home care products from developing markets like India and China due to tremendously growing population; however, some hard pressure consumers in US and Europe are forced to cut back.Market SegmentationBased on ProductAir CareBleachDishwashingInsecticidesLaundry CarePolishesSurface CareToilet CareThis research report analyzes this market based on its market segments and major geographies. Geographies analyzed under this research study are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. This research report provides complete analysis of major market segments, current market trends, factors driving market growth, restraints, industry structure, and market projections for upcoming years.Report also provides analysis of technological improvements in this industry, Porters five force model analysis, and complete company profiles of top market players. It provides review of micro and macro factors significant for existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Request TOC of the Report @Major PlayersSome of the key players dominating this market are Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, Devilbiss Healthcare, Drive Medical, Graham-Field Health Products Inc., Hard Manufacturing Co., Hollister, Invacare, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Medline Industries Inc., Philips, Sunrise Medical Inc., and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Palm Oil Market by Application & Geography  Analysis & Forecast to 2024

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Low to zero trans-fat content and the pocket-friendly pricing of palm oil is fuelling demand from the global palm oil market. Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils and a common ingredient in biscuits, margarine, breads, instant noodles, cereals, lipsticks, candles, chocolates, shampoos, ice-cream, and detergents. The applications of palm oil are therefore quite diverse, which aids the expansion of the global palm oil market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Palm oil is derived from a tropical tree, which, once planted, yields palm fruits for more than three decades, ascertaining much needed employment for the rural communities living in emerging nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The oil is highly lucrative, particularly because palm trees yield more oil per hectare than any other major oil seed crop.The report provides a comprehensive overview of the global palm oil market, with focus on the factors driving the market and those restraining it. It covers the market from the ground up covering aspects such as the market definition, classification, and growth trajectory. Regionally, the global palm oil market is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World.Overview of Global Palm Oil MarketPalm oil derived from palm fruit is an edible vegetable oil. In the last couple of years, the demand for palm oil has increased in response to the rising consumption of vegetable oils. Apart from its extensive applications in the food and beverage industry and the retail industry, palm oil is also used in biofuels.Palm oil is cost-effective and low in trans-fats, due to which its demand is high in the global market. However, the expansion of palm tree plantations is usually carried out at the expense of tropical forests, particularly in countries such as Malaysia. Rising environmental concerns thus pose a tough challenge in front of enterprises operating in the global palm oil market.Large-scale deforestation for palm oil production has not only aggravated the already worrying issue of climate, but has also led to the extinction of many animal species. However, the market is expected to capitalize in the near future on opportunities created by sustainable palm oil production.To present a 360-degree blueprint of the market, the report studies demand for diverse palm oils available in the market such as red palm oil, kernel oil, while palm oil, fractionated palm oil, and others. Factors leading to the rising application of palm oil in industries such as energy, health, food, and others are also evaluated in detail.Request TOC of the Report @Malaysia is the leading producer of palm oil in the world. Over the forecast period, India and China are also expected to substantially contribute to the expansion of the palm oil market in Asia Pacific.Companies mentioned in the research reportSome of the most prominent enterprises operating in the market are Alami Group (Malaysia), Musim Mas Group (Indonesia), ADM (US), the United Palm Oil Industry Public Company Limited (Thailand), and Boustead Group (Malaysia).About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Utility-Scale Energy Storage Technologies Market Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2024

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Global Utility-Scale Energy Storage Technologies Market: OverviewThe increasing demand for energy is accelerating the deployment of utility-scale energy storage technologies around the world. The benefits offered by these technologies in terms of increasing the efficiency of energy storage are projected to help the market grow in the near future. In addition, the rising demand for reducing the carbon footprint is expected to propel the growth of the global utility-scale energy storage technologies market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @For the purpose of the study, the global utility-scale energy storage technologies market has been broadly assessed in terms of technology and geography. By technology, the market has been segmented into compressed air energy storage, pumped hydro-power, solid state batteries, and flywheels. Regionally, the market has been segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World.The research study is compiled using information obtained via proven research methodologies. It provides a comprehensive overview of the market covering the prevailing trends, growth drivers and limitations, growth opportunities, and historical performance. The report is thus intended to help stakeholders gain a better market perspective.Global Utility-Scale Energy Storage Technologies Market: Key Trends and OpportunitiesRapid urbanization witnessed across the globe has spurred the demand for energy resulting in massive energy load on grids. Energy storages are essential to be integrated with power grids in order take the load off. This has created significant demand for utility-scale energy storage technologies around the world. Among the technologies in demand, the pumped hydro power segment is witness strong growth, Besides this, the report also foretells the demand for compressed air energy storage and solid state batteries will increase at a healthy pace in the forecast period.Despite witnessing favorable opportunities, stringent government regulations with regards to energy storage could hinder the market in the coming years. Nevertheless, the increasing investment in research and development activities in this field will bolster growth opportunities for the companies operating in the market in the near future.Global Utility-Scale Energy Storage Technologies Market: Regional OutlookOn a regional front, North America led the global utility-scale energy storage technologies market. Over 15 utility-scale technologies for energy storage are present in North America, which as per TMR will enable the region to continue dominating the global market through the course of the forecast period. In addition, the market is also expected to witness lucrative opportunities in Asia Pacific and Europe. The increasing investment in modernization of industries and the rising focus on automation are expected to be the chief drivers of the utility-scale energy storage technologies market in Asia Pacific. Hence industrialization witnessed in India and China will be major contributors of growth to the market in the region.Global Utility-Scale Energy Storage Technologies Market: Competitive LandscapeTo provide an executive-level blueprint of the global utility-scale energy market, the report profiles some of the leading companies operating therein. The strategies adopted for growth and the impact on the same on the overall market are studied in detail. In addition, SWOT analysis is conducted to study the strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled and identify the threats and opportunities that these companies could witness in the near future.Request TOC of the Report @Some of the leading enterprises operating in the global utility-scale energy market are ABB Ltd., Alstom, Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc., Eos Energy Storage, AES Corp., S&C Electric Co., Convergent Energy + Power, General Electric, and SEEO Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Market Research, Share, Competitor Strategy, Industry Trends, Forecast to 2024

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Global Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Market: OverviewThe global market for multiple sclerosis drugs is heavily influenced by the significant increase in the patient pool suffering from secondary progressive and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The augmenting demand for novel potent drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and the presence of a robust drug pipeline are also propelling this market substantially. Over the forthcoming years, the projected commercialization of drugs that are currently in development phase, such as Zinbryta and Ocrelizumab, is likely to reflect greatly on this market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @This research study, prepared using a number of paid and unpaid sources, offers a detailed assessment of the global market for multiple sclerosis drugs. It is a highly dependable business tool, which assists in identifying prominent trends and growth prospects of this market at both, regional as well as international level. It also presents quantitative and qualitative insights into the competitive landscape of this market by profiling the key enterprises on the basis of their market shares, latest development, business strategies, product details, revenue structure, and contact information. It further performs a SWOT analysis of each of the market players that reveals their potential growth trajectory. In the report, the worldwide market for multiple sclerosis is analyzed on the basis of the drug class, mode of administration, and geographical spread of this market for a coherent understanding.Global Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Market: Trends and OpportunitiesOf late, the escalating prevalence of multiple sclerosis and the extensive research and development pipelines are the prime driving force behind the tremendous growth of the global market multiple sclerosis drugs. In addition to this, the increased research in the field of multiple sclerosis for the development of innovative therapies is likely to boost this market significantly in the forthcoming years.On the other hand, patent expiry of various blockbuster drugs may create an obstruction in the growth trajectory of this market. Besides, the stringent regulatory hurdles are also projected to restrict this market from rising steadily. However, advancements in biomedical science will create a lucrative opportunity for drugmakers in the near future. The rising mergers and acquisitions between these vendors and the ongoing product launches will also influence this market greatly in the coming years.Immunomodulators (Avonex/Plegridy, Copaxone, Gilneya, Betaseron/Extavia, Tysabri, Rebif, Tecifidera, and Ampyra) and immunosuppressant (Ocrelizumab, Lemtrada, Aubagio, and Zinbryta) have emerged as the most preferred drug classes used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and its associated symptoms. Researchers expect this scenario to remain so over the next few years.Oral, injectable, and intravenous have been identified as the main modes of administration of multiple sclerosis drugs across the world. The demand for oral drugs is higher and is expected to remain so over the forthcoming years.Global Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Market: Geographical AnalysisNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World are considered as the predominant geographical segments of the global market for multiple sclerosis drugs. Among these, North America dominates the overall market, thanks to the presence of a state-of-art medical and healthcare infrastructure. In this region, the U.S. has acquired the topmost position and is trailed by Canada.Request TOC of the Report @Europe and Asia Pacific are also experiencing a robust rise in the demand for multiple sclerosis drugs. In Europe, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and the U.K. have been leading the market for multiple sclerosis drugs. China, Japan, and India are key contributors to the market for multiple sclerosis drugs in Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific market is likely to exhibit a higher growth rate than other regional markets over the next few years, thanks to the increasing construction manufacturing and research facilities of a number of leading manufacturers of multiple sclerosis drugs.Companies mentioned in this reportAt the forefront of the global market for multiple sclerosis drugs are Biogen Idec, Bayer Healthcare, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Merck, Sanofi-Aventis, and Novartis. The ample presence of unmet needs and the growing demand for highly effective and fast-acting drugs are expected to prompt drugmakers to modify their existing product portfolio in the near future.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gene Therapy Market Research, Share, Competitor Strategy, Industry Trends, Forecast to 2013 - 2019

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Gene therapy is a burgeoning market within the pharmaceutical industry and is teeming with new opportunities. Transparency Market Researchs latest report titled Gene Therapy Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013  2019 provides a comprehensive analysis of one of the most critical medical fields. The market analyses and estimates contained in this report are of special significance to pharmaceutical companies, educational institutes, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs venturing into the gene therapy market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Key highlights of this report include: market growth drivers and restraints, current trends and emerging opportunities, value chain analysis, estimates and forecasts of segment-wise growth, as well as a profiles of all leading players in the gene therapy market over the period of forecast. The report also leverages the Porters five forces model to analyze the future threats and bargaining power of stakeholders such as suppliers, consumers and manufacturers. Other macro and micro factors that are essential for the sustenance of existing market players are encompassed in this report.Market overviewGene therapy entails the use of DNA in the capacity of a drug, for the prevention or treatment of diseases. This is one of the most defining developments in the pharmaceutical industry, and is expected to have far-reaching implications on life-threatening diseases in the future. Some diseases that can be potentially treated using gene therapy include: cancer, HIV, and cystic fibrosis. It is anticipated that the clinical trial and biotechnology industry will largely benefit from gene therapy in the long run. And, it is possible that gene therapy could provide a cure for diseases that are regarded as being incurable today.Currently, the concept of gene therapy is being validated by numerous pharmaceutical companies using clinical data, and there is a growing interest among venture capitalists to explore the commercial potential of gene therapy. However, the growth of the gene therapy market is largely dependent on the regulatory environment, and on approvals from industry bodies. Currently, most gene therapy products are still in the clinical trials phase II and phase III, of which a majority focuses on the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The growing popularity of DNA vaccines has positively impacted the growth of this market, and there is a high possibility of gene therapy being practiced in clinics in the next few years, as encouraging results are emerging from the phase II/III trials.Request TOC of the Report @This report profiles key players such as: AnGes MG, Transgene, Urigen Pharmaceuticals, GenVec, Vical, BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Oxford BioMedica, and Genzyme Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Plywood Market - Detailed Analysis and Forecast by 2019

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Plywood is a wood panel prepared from thin sheets of wood veneer. Plywood is one of the most widely used wood products. It is inexpensive, flexible, re-usable and workable. Plywood is used as a substitute for plain wood due to its resistance to cracking, splitting, shrinkage and twisting. Plywood generally offers higher degree of strength than plain wood. On the basis of applications plywood is classified as softwood plywood, hardwood plywood, tropical plywood and decorative plywood among others.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The market for plywood was mainly driven by increasing demand from housing market. The demand has increased owing to growing significance of plywood in the buildings & construction industry and its advantages over conventional metal, wood, and plastic. In addition, plywood is also used in marine applications for building decks. Structural panel market is likely to be the major opportunity for the plywood market. The major restraint for the market would be higher cost of plywood as compared to OSB (Oriented Starboard) which offers similar features to that of plywood. .In terms of demand, North America was the leading region for plywood market. The demand has been substantial from housing market. North America was followed by Europe, where the demand is huge from housing and construction market. The demand for plywood is mainly from the U.K. and Germany. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for plywood. The demand is this region is driven by Japan, India and China owing to construction activities in this region. The Rest of the World is expected to exhibit lower demand for plywood in upcoming years owing to higher prices compared to OSB.Some of the key manufacturers in the plywood market are Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd., Boise Cascade LLC, Atlantic Plywood Corporation, Eksons Corp. Bhd, Century Plyboard (India) Ltd., Greenply Industries Ltd., Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Uniply Industries Ltd. and Weyerhaeuser Company among others.Request TOC of the Report @This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Hand Hygiene Market - Future Scope Detailed Analysis to 2024

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Global Hand Hygiene Market: OverviewWith greater acknowledgement of hand hygiene in infection control, the global market for hand hygiene is likely to display substantial advancement. Practicing hand hygiene is one of the simplest, most inexpensive yet most effective ways of preventing infections and diseases. Research in healthcare proves that cleaning ones hands thoroughly can significantly reduce the spread of germs. As a result, hand hygiene is correctly termed as a do-it-yourself vaccine.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Eating food with contaminated hands can result in contracting diseases such as staph, salmonella, e-coli, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. Cleaning hands properly can significantly reduce the risk of these contagious diseases.Global Hand Hygiene Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe increasing use of soaps, hand wash, sanitizers, rubs, and disinfectants is guiding the growth of the market. The shift from conventional soap bars to liquid hand wash, growing bacterial and pathogen infections, rising number of healthcare practitioners, and healthcare associated infections are contributing towards market growth.The initiatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), such as SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign (2009), Clean Care is Safer Care program (2005-2015), and Infection Prevention and Control (2015-2017), that focus on the prevention of on-site infection among healthcare workers and patients will be successful in creating awareness about the importance of hand hygiene, thereby boosting the expansion of the market. In alignment with the aims of these programs, the WHO declared May 5 as the World Hand Hygiene Day.The U.S.-based healthcare organization, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has introduced a campaign called Clean Hands Count, which empowers patients to participate in their care by reminding or asking healthcare professionals to wash their hands. The campaign addresses the various misconceptions and myths surrounding hand hygiene.On the other hand, absence of hygiene-related training and education in several regions might slacken the growth of the market. Moreover, studies reveal that a low percentage of world population practice hand hygiene. Experts believe that the low grasp of facts about the importance of hand hygiene among people is the reason for this low percentage. However, the persistent efforts to spread awareness about the significance of hand hygiene by several international and government bodies through campaigns and programs is expected to aid the expansion of the market.Global Hand Hygiene Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, the global hand hygiene market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America is likely to dominate the regional scenario as high awareness related to hand hygiene, training to healthcare professionals, and adherence of standard guidelines are guiding the growth of the hand hygiene market in this region. A number of health systems and hospitals in the U.S., such as Cedars-Sinai, Froedtert Hospital, Baptist Health, and Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, have been participating in the promotion of hand hygiene by ensuring the compliance on the part of healthcare providers through education programs, hand hygiene protocols, and stringent monitoring.Request TOC of the Report @Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa furnish considerable opportunities for growth. Implementation of hand hygiene campaigns in these developing regions is a major factor promising growth, resulting from rising awareness. WASH-in-School, a program initiated by UNICEF in China, for instance, promotes the construction of drinking water fountains and toilets in schools, in addition to promotion of hand hygiene. In India, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), in collaboration with Swach Bharat Abhiyaan campaign, has been encouraging every citizen to wash hands regularly, before eating and cooking and after using the toilet.Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the major companies operating in the global market for hand hygiene are Whiteley Corporation, EcoHydra, Deb Group, Kimberly-Clark, Kutol, Medline Industries, Inc., and GOJO Industries. These companies provide a wide range of hand hygiene products such as sanitizers, soaps, and hand wash.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Floating Solar Panels Market : Market Trends and Key Developments 2020

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Over the years photovoltaic systems have been successfully deployed on land and in free space to generate energy. These commonly used solar energy systems have two weaknesses: cost associated with the solar cells fabrication & maintenance and requirement of vast land area. These challenges are recovered by the new floating solar panels systems. In past few years, a myriad of solar systems have been installed on rivers, canals, reservoirs, ponds and oceans; augmenting the global market for floating solar panels. The leading companies in the solar market struggle to find land to install solar panels, and hence deploying solar panels over the industrial water basins or on the rivers will give a win-win situation to them. Countries with scare land space such as Singapore, which has population of around 5.4 million in 2013 and 714 square kilometers of total land area demands floating solar panels thereby, embellishing the global floating solar panels market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @One of the drivers of the global floating solar panels is the rents and business tax earned by the reservoir owner. Further, it also allows the plant operators to rent the reservoir cheaply and with no reclamation cost. Moreover, the floating solar panel enables low maintenance and management cost. Floating solar panels can also be easily moved according to the suns position. The buoyant photovoltaic panel brings several benefits such as water evaporation prevention thereby saving water, especially in places with dry climate. Furthermore, another driver of the global floating solar panels market is the higher efficiency provided by the floating panels. The cooling effect produced by the water helps to maintain the temperature of the silicon panels thereby upholding the efficiency. Apart from maintaining constant temperature, the placement of solar cells in water inhibits algae growth. One of the restraints of the global floating solar panels market is the large cost of installation and securing profitability at the same time. The floating solar panel market has several opportunities as it can be placed in industrial ponds such as water treatment plant and it can provide electricity to the treatment plant. Moreover, it can also be planted in the hydroelectric plants. Additionally, the installation of floating panels cannot be done in sea as the waves will prevent the angular position of sun and the wind speed will also affect the amount of electricity generation.The global market for floating solar panels can be segmented on the basis of product types as:Solar-tracking floating solar panelsStationary floating solar panelsThe Floating panels can be installed on different canals, ponds, reservoirs and the global market for floating solar panels can be segmented as:Off-shore floating solar panelsOn-shore floating panelsThe solar panels are deployed in the industries such as in the water treatment plant. Also these panels are installed on the rivers and various on-shore resources. The global market for floating solar panels can be segmented on the basis of geography as:North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldCountries such as Japan, Singapore and India in the Asia-Pacific region are contributing towards higher demand for the floating solar panels market.Request TOC of the Report @Some of the major players in the global floating solar panels market are: GEITS, SPG Solar, Kyocera Corporation, Japan Mega Solar Power Co., Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., Trina Solar Limited, Yingli Solar and Sharp Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pharmacogenomics Market : Share, Analysis To 2025

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Pharmacogenomics is the study of inherited variations in human genes that affect an individuals reaction to a particular drug. It co-integrates genetic science with pharmaceutical science. Hence, it is the science of individualizing a drug based on an individuals genetic makeup. Pharmacogenomics is also linked to personalized medicine, as environmental conditions, genetic variations, and changing lifestyle greatly influence the type and severity of diseases as well as therapeutic responses that vary from person to person. In pharmacogenomics, various genetic tests are performed to determine or assist in targeted drug therapies as well as treatment procedures to be adopted to minimize side effects and improve results. The genetic tests performed in pharmacogenomics also help to determine an individuals susceptibility to certain diseases. Presently, pharmacogenomics is being considered to bring a new change in medicine and health care as it promises to offer better, safer, and affordable health care.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Major factors driving the market are increasing prevalence of several infectious and non-infectious diseases, rising usage in drug discovery processes, increasing demand for personalized drugs, and growing awareness about benefits associated with pharmacogenomics. Diseases require effective treatment therapeutics, which must be more reliable and safe at the same time. Pharmacogenomics can help achieve both. Hence, increasing awareness about its benefits is likely to drive demand across regions. Application of pharmacogenomics would greatly help physicians in the treatment of a particular segment of population by studying their responses to specific drugs. Moreover, the knowledge of effectiveness of a drug in a patient would make a drug more reliable, and limit the number of drugs to be withdrawn from the market due to different adverse reactions in few patients to whom they were administered. Several pharmacogenomics tests have been developed and some are under development. This represents tangible deliverables of the numerous genomic studies to correlate genetic variation with variable drug response. Certain drugs such as warfarin, thiopurines, clopidogrel, irinotecan, abacavir, carbamazepine, and phenytoin are used for pharmacogenomics tests. These tests are performed for diseases such as excessive clotting disorder, autoimmune/childhood leukemia, cardiovascular, cancer, HIV, epilepsy, and psychiatric and related diseases. Pharmacogenomics is also facing challenges such as predicting the association between a genetic marker and a phenotypic drug response, where other variables are also playing their role in drug response. However, recent technological advancements will overcome the challenges in future.North America holds the leading position in the pharmacogenomics market, followed by Europe. Growth of the market in these regions is attributed to increasing usage of pharmacogenomics in the development of more potent as well as personalized medicines, which have significant demand in these regions. High awareness among physicians and drug developers about the benefits, such as increased reliability and reduced side effects, is likely to boost the growth of the market in these regions. Asia Pacific is the most lucrative market. Key factor responsible for the rapid growth of this market in the region is increasing demand for better, safer, and cost effective therapeutics for several infectious and non-infectious diseases prevalent in this region. Other factors include increasing health care awareness, improving health care investments, rising number of R&D centers, and demand for personalized drugs.Request TOC of the Report @Major players operating in the pharmacogenomics market are Affymetrix, Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Bayer AG, Merck & Co., Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, Myriad Genetics, Inc., and Pathway Genomics Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Oil and Gas Measuring Instrumentation Market Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2020

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Increasing demand of oil and gas coupled with decreasing oil and gas reserves are expected to boost demand for the global oil and gas measuring instrumentation market. Additional investment is required to achieve balance between above alternatives and further increase efficient extraction of the oil and gas. Instrumentation in the oil and gas industry introduces to the usage of control systems for accomplishment of various activities with minimal human interventions. Oil and gas supply and demand imbalance requires the implementation of oil and gas measuring instrumentation in the transportation and storage of oil and gas. Continuous technological advancements are observed in the oil and gas industry over the past few years and it has been estimated that instrumentation will be growing application sector. The market players in the oil and gas measuring instrumentations are continually focusing on developing programs that increases productivity, improves safety standards for the labor force, and reduce the application cost of measuring instrumentations.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The oil and gas measuring instrumentation can be broadly classified into two categories: equipments and geography. The global oil and gas measuring instrumentation market can be segmented on the basis of equipment by identifying different measurement solutions offered in the market. On the basis of measuring instruments used, the global oil and gas measuring instrumentation market can be segmented as pressure management solutions, level measurement solutions, needle valve and manifold valve solutions, temperature measurement solutions, and force measurement solutions.Market on the basis of above categories can be further sub-segmented to provide a detailed segmentation of the global oil and gas measuring instrumentation market. Several instruments used for pressure management solutions include pressure gauges, transmitters, and transducers. Level management solutions include low pressure gauges and submersible transducers. Various types of needle valve and manifold valve include needle valves, manifold valves, and block and bleed valves. Temperature measurement solutions include temperature transmitters and transducers, and vapor actuated thermometers. On the basis of force measurement solutions, the market can be segmented as instruments such as load cells and force sensors.Request TOC of the Report @The market for oil and gas measuring instrumentation is anticipated to grow at moderate rates in the future. The following underlying factors are likely to support growth in the oil and gas measuring instrumentation market. The continuously increasing demand for oil and gas is likely to be one of the key drivers of growth in the market. Increasing demand for petroleum products along with increasing investment is also expected to propel demand for the oil and gas measuring instrumentation market. Various regulations on the environment are also anticipated to play a key role in growth of the oil and gas measuring instrumentation market. Exploration and extraction of shale gas and upgradation of aged oil platforms are expected to boost the use of the oil and gas measuring instruments. Ample opportunities of growth exist in the market owing to the rapid industrialization taking place in developing countries.Regionally, market segmentation can be done by identifying the countries with greater prospects of growth in the future. It is expected that emerging countries will drive growth in the near future. Some of the key players in the oil and gas measuring instrumentation market include ABB; ABLE Instruments & Controls Ltd; AMETEK, Inc.; Fluid Components International LLC.; General Electric Company; Endress+Hauser Consult AG; NOSHOK, Inc.; SGS Canada, Inc.; Oxford Instruments.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Global PET Preform Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Plastipak, Hon Chuan, Resilux NV, Zhuhai Zhongfu, Seda de Barcelona, Amraz Group, Zijiang Enterprise, SGT, Rawasy Al Khaleej Plastic, Gatronova and Others.

PET Preform

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Global PET Preform Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Plastipak, Hon Chuan, Resilux NV, Zhuhai Zhongfu, Seda de Barcelona, Amraz Group, Zijiang Enterprise, SGT, Rawasy Al Khaleej Plastic, Gatronova and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.The global PET Preform market is estimated to reach 15.2 Billion USD in 2017. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.The global PET Preform market will reach Volume Million USD in 2017 with CAGR xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global PET Preform Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:RETALPlastipakHon ChuanResilux NVZhuhai ZhongfuSeda de BarcelonaAmraz GroupZijiang EnterpriseSGTRawasy Al Khaleej PlasticGatronovaAlplaKoksanEskapetINTERGULF EMPOLEsterformManjushreeIndorama VenturesGTX HANEX PlasticUltrapakNuovaplastSunrisePutoksnisConstar PlasticsCaibaETALONSNJ SyntheticsEcoPackYaobangAhimsa IndustriesChemco GroupMCORPOthersPET Preform Market: Key ProductCrystallized Neck Finish TypeNon-crystallized Neck Finish TypePET Preform Market: Key ApplicationBeveragesFoodDaily ChemicalsEdible OilsPET Preform Market: Key RegionEuropeNorth AmericaChinaJapan & KoreaIndiaSoutheast AsiaThe Global PET Preform Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of PET Preform Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years.The PET Preform Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @PET Preform Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Global checkweigher Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Mettler-Toledo, Ishida Europe, Minebea Intec (Sartorius Intec), OCS, Loma Systems, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Bizerba and Others.

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Global Checkweigher Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Mettler-Toledo, Ishida Europe, Minebea Intec (Sartorius Intec), OCS, Loma Systems, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Bizerba and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.A checkweigher is an automatic or manual machine for checking the weight of packaged commodities. It is normally found at the offgoing end of a production process and is used to ensure that the weight of a pack of the commodity is within specified limits. Any packs that are outside the tolerance are taken out of line automatically.The global checkweigher market will reach revenue Million USD in 2017 with CAGR xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global checkweigher system Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Mettler-ToledoIshida EuropeMinebea Intec (Sartorius Intec)OCSLoma SystemsAvery Weigh-TronixBizerbaVarpe contral pesoMultivac GroupYamato Scale DataweighPRECIA MOLENCassel MesstechnikCI PrecisionPRISMA INDUSTRIALE SrlOthersCheckweigher Market: Key ProductIn-Motion CheckweighersIntermittent CheckweighersCheckweigher Market: Key ApplicationFood and BeveragePharmaceuticalsChemicalCheckweigher Market: Key RegionEuropeNorth AmericaChinaJapan & KoreaIndiaSoutheast AsiaThe Global checkweigher system Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of checkweigher Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The checkweigher Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @checkweigher Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Anti-aging Market | Technological breakthroughs, Value chain and stakeholder analysis by 2019

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The global anti-aging market is growing at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2013 and 2019. With the markets value being 122.3 billion in 2013, it is expected to reach US$191.7 billion by the end of 2019. Statistics regarding the same have been provided in a research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), titled Anti-aging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019, on sale on TMRs website.Browse Full Anti-aging Market (Anti-wrinkle products, Hair Color, Hair restoration treatment, Breast augmentation and Radio frequency devices) -Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019 Research Report With Full TOC @The report displays data gathered about the global anti-aging market with regard to market trends, geography, revenue streams, and others.According to the report, the global anti-aging market is being driven primarily by the rise in the aging population in the world, especially the nations that hold majorities of the baby boomer population. The population comprises individuals that have, for long periods, been concerned with physical health and beauty.The report states that individuals born between 1946 and 1964 are the biggest consumers of anti-aging services and products. Other statistics show that more than 8,000 individuals are added per day to the count of people above 65. This is expected to continue for the next 18 years. A large portion of this aging population includes citizens from the baby boomer era. Their requirement from the global anti-aging market as well as the availability of funds to do so continues to drive the market.The report segregates the global anti-aging market using its various products and services. It states that the majority of the products in the global anti-aging market can be purchased without any prescription. Some services and most devices in the global anti-aging market, however, require special attention and a prescription in most cases.Request to Download Brochure and View Full ToC -Overall, the segment of anti-aging products is expected to dominate the global anti-aging market, according to the report by Transparency Market Research. The report also states that the global anti-aging market is currently in a highly developmental stage, and as such is led by experimental studies and customer reception.One of the market restraints mentioned in the report is the skepticism portrayed by consumers towards the global anti-aging markets services and products. One of the factors that could resolve this is the proven advancement in technologies that help create better services and products. Another factor presented in the report is the growing governmental restriction to safeguard consumer health and maintain product quality.The key players mentioned in the report on the global anti-aging market include Photomedex Inc., Lumenis Ltd, Personal Microderm, Coty Inc., Beiersdorf AG, Solta Medical Inc., Alma Lasers Ltd, Cynosure Inc., LOreal, SA, and Allergan Inc.In terms of geography, the report projects Asia Pacific to become a major player in the global anti-aging market owing to increasing awareness of innovations and new services, products, and devices, along with the growing disposable income of individuals and families.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Global Dry Film Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Hitachi Chemical (JP), Asahi Kasei (JP), Eternal (TW), KOLON Industries (KR), DuPont (US),and Others.

Dry film

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Global Dry Film Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Hitachi Chemical (JP), Asahi Kasei (JP), Eternal (TW), KOLON Industries (KR), DuPont (US),and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Dry film is a polyester film coated with a polymer which is sensitive to ultraviolet light (Photoresist). The global Dry film market will reach revenue Million USD in 2017 with CAGR xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Dry film Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Hitachi Chemical (JP)Asahi Kasei (JP)Eternal (TW)KOLON Industries (KR)DuPont (US)Changchun Group (TW)Mitsubishi (JP)Elga Japan (IT)FIRST (CN)EMS (US)Dry film Market: Key ProductThickness 40micrometerDry film Market: Key ApplicationPCBSemiconductor PackagingOtherDry film Market: Key RegionEuropeNorth AmericaChinaJapan & KoreaIndiaSoutheast AsiaThe Global Dry film Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Dry film Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Dry film Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Dry film Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Chromatography Systems Market | New Tech Developments and advancements to watch out for 2019

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Transparency Market Research states in its latest report that technological advancement and increase in R&D efforts have driven the global market for chromatography systems. The report, titled Chromatography Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013-2019, states that at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2013 to 2019, the chromatography systems market is projected to grow from US$6,982.3 million in 2012 to US$10,364.2 million in 2019. The research report segments the global chromatography systems market on the basis of type, end user, and geography.Browse the full Chromatography Systems Market - (Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography (High, Ultra High & Low Pressure) and Others (Ion-Exchange, Affinity, Supercritical Fluid, Column & Thin Layer Chromatography) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share,Growth, Trends and Forecast,2013 - 2019 report @By type, the chromatography systems market can be categorized into liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and others. Liquid chromatography is sub-segmented into low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC), high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The others category comprises supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), affinity chromatography (AC), ion exchange chromatography (IEC), and column chromatography.Request to download brochure and view full ToC -The segment of HPLC held the largest share of the liquid chromatography market in 2012. HPLC is widely used in applications concerning petrochemical, life science, and biopharmaceutical industries. This, combined with advancement in technology is likely to push the HPLC segment to over US$3 billion by 2019. UHPLC, on the other hand, is projected to be the fastest growing sub-segment in the liquid chromatography market, registering a CAGR of more than 7% in the forecast period.Chromatography systems find application in agriculture and food industries, hospitals and research laboratories, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Apart from this, chromatography systems are also used in environmental agencies, cosmetic industries, and nutraceutical companies. The growing demand for chromatography systems for protein purification and surge in research and development activities has propelled the chromatography systems market in biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The value of this segment was pegged at over US$2 billion in 2012.Geographically, North America dominated the global chromatography systems market in 2012, accounting for a share of more than 35% in the overall market. The persistent efforts of organizations such as The Chromatographic Society (ChromSoc) and the Chinese American Chromatography Association are forecast to boost the chromatography systems market in the region over the next few years. Europe held a 30% share in the global market in 2012 thanks to the introduction of new technologies by local players. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is likely to be the fastest developing chromatography systems market by 2019.The chromatography systems market, by nature, is immensely fragmented with no single company enjoying the lead. There are, however, numerous prominent players operating in the chromatography systems market. These include Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Waters Corporation, Regis Technologies, Inc., Jasco, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Illumina, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., KONIK-TECH KONIXBERT HI-TECH S.A., GE Healthcare, Siemens AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Shimadzu Corporation, Affymetrix, Inc., and Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. Vendors have been focusing on developing innovative and cost-effective chromatography systems in order to increase their customer base and to gain a larger share of the global market.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Global glycoprotein market Report for period 2017 till 2022 RandD Systems,Enzo Life Sciences,Thermo Fisher Scientific,Epitope Diagnostics and Others

Glycoprotein Market Report for period 2017 till 2022

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Global glycoprotein market provides detailed analysis of companies namely RandD Systems,Enzo Life Sciences,Thermo Fisher Scientific,Epitope Diagnostics and Others . This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Glycoproteins are proteins that contain oligosaccharide chains (glycans) covalently attached to polypeptide side-chains. The carbohydrate is attached to the protein in a cotranslational or posttranslational modification. This process is known as glycosylation. Secreted extracellular proteins are often glycosylated.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global glycoprotein market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:SigmaCreative DiagnosticsRandD SystemsEnzo Life SciencesThermo Fisher ScientificEpitope DiagnosticsBD BiosciencesGlobal glycoprotein market: Key Product TypeN-linkageO-linkageOtherGlobal glycoprotein market: Key ApplicationHospitalResearch institutesOtherGlobal glycoprotein market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global glycoprotein market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global glycoprotein market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global glycoprotein market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Monitoring Systems for Tunnel Ventilation Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 ABB,Honeywell,Conspec,CODEL,PBE and Others

2017- 2022 Monitoring Systems for Tunnel Ventilation Market Report

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Global DIP Switches Market provides detailed analysis of companies namely ABB,Honeywell,Conspec,CODEL,PBE and Others . This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Tunnel Ventilation Monitoring is the Monitor system for Tunnel Ventilation. In general, one tunnel has one monitoring system.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:SiemensABBHoneywellConspecCODELPBESickOPSISGlobal monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market: Key Product TypeHighway TunnelsRailway TunnelsSubway TunnelsOther TunnelsGlobal monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market: Key ApplicationGlobal monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global monitoring systems for tunnel ventilation market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Array Instruments Market | Technological breakthroughs, Value chain and stakeholder analysis by 2020

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A new report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) on the global array instruments market, titled Array Instruments Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020, is available for sale on the companys website. The exhaustive report offers a 360-degree overview of the market.According to the research report, the global array instruments market was valued at US$0.87 billion in 2014 and it is expected to reach US$1.12 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2014 to 2020.Browse the full Array Instruments Market (Technologies: DNA Microarrays, Protein Microarrays, Cellular Microarrays, Tissue Microarrays; End Users: Research and Development Laboratories, Clinical Diagnostic Labs, Agriculture Research Centers, Forensic Centers, Veterinary Laboratories) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020 report @The global array instruments market is segmented on the basis of technology, end users, and geography. The technology segments include protein microarrays, DNA microarrays, tissue microarrays, and cellular microarrays. The end users of array instruments are clinical diagnostic labs, research and development laboratories, veterinary laboratories, agriculture research centers, and forensic centers. Geographically, the global array instruments market is divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.Request to download brochure and view full ToC -The report suggests that the large number of instruments for DNA microarray analysis and their efficiency is likely to be the biggest driving factor for this market. The DNA microarray technology segment held about 50% of the market and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2014 to 2020.In terms of geography, North America dominates the global array instruments market with a share of more than 50%, while Europe holds the second place, accounting for 30% of the market. Statistics published in the research report show that the market value of North America was US$417.4 million in 2014 and the market is expected to reach US$526.4 million by 2020. The emerging economies in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East are also expected to contribute to the rapid growth of the global array instruments market by 2020.This positive trend will largely be due to improving healthcare infrastructures and increasing preference for more precise therapies. Furthermore, the ability to identify genomic differences for predicting drug response or resistance by patients could lead the industry on a path to customize therapies for certain deadly diseases such as cancer.A recent research showed that glycan arrays are witnessing huge success as they offer a high-throughput approach for defining the interactions between various biological targets and carbohydrates. The biological targets include several antibodies, cells, viruses, and proteins. The biggest advantage of using a glycan array analysis is its multivalent display of arrayed glycans that are almost similar to the actual display of the cell surface.Some of the leading players in the global microarray market profiled in this research report are Affymetrix, Inc., Molecular Devices, Illumina, Inc., and Agilent Technologies, who contribute about 80% of the markets revenue. The other important players studied in this research report are Thermo Fischer Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Sigma Aldrich Corporation, and ArrayJet Ltd.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Yoga Mat Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Yogabum,Aerolite,Aurorae,Barefoot Yoga,Keep well,Khataland and Others

2017 - 2022 Yoga Mat Market Report

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Global yoga mat market provides detailed analysis of companies namely Yogabum,Aerolite,Aurorae,Barefoot Yoga,Keep well,Khataland and Others . This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.This report studies the Yoga Mat market. Yoga mats are specially fabricated mats used as an aid during the practice of yoga to prevent hands and feet slipping during practice. They are mainly used both for home use and for yoga studios.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global yoga mat market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:LululemonManduka PROliteJade YogaHugger Mugger Para RubberPrAna RevolutionaryGaiam, EasyogaHATHAYOGAKharma KhareHosa GroupYogabumAeroliteAuroraeBarefoot YogaKeep wellKhatalandMicrocell CompositeYogarugsCopeactiveYogasana, A. KolckmannJiangXi Lveten PlasticLiformeStarlight YogaBean ProductsGlobal yoga mat market: Key Product TypePVC yoga matsRubber yoga matsTPE yoga matsOther yoga matsGlobal yoga mat market: Key ApplicationHouseholdYoga clubOthersGlobal yoga mat market: Key RegionUnited StatesCanadaMexicoThe Global yoga mat market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global yoga mat market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global yoga mat market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Global DSL Chipsets Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 MediaTek (Ralink),Intel (Lantiq),Qualcomm (Ikanos),NXP (Freescale),Cavium and Others

2017 DSL Chipsets Market Sales Report

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Global DSL Chipsets Market provides detailed analysis of companies namely MediaTek (Ralink),Intel (Lantiq),Qualcomm (Ikanos),NXP (Freescale),Cavium and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.DSL or digital subscriber line is a family of technologies that provide digital data transmission over the wires of a local telephone network.1.DSL is available in every region of the world, and ADSL owns the majority of the market though VDSL and ADSL2plus are gaining ground2.DSL is capable of providing up to 100 Mbp, and supports voice, video and data.3.The new DSL network is IP-centric4.There is broad equipment interoperability and there are currently established test specifications for ADSL, ADSL2plus, SHDSL, and soon VDSL2 will join the list5.Finally, ADSL and home networking are a natural fit as DSL effectively supports multiple applications for multiple uses via each DSL connection.eport studies the DIP Switches market, A DIP switch is a manual electric switch that is packaged with others in a group in a standard dual in-line package (DIP). The term may refer to each individual switch, or to the unit as a whole. This type of switch is designed to be used on a printed circuit board along with other electronic components and is commonly used to customize the behavior of an electronic device for specific situations.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global DSL Chipsets Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Broadcom (Avago)MediaTek (Ralink)Intel (Lantiq)Qualcomm (Ikanos)NXP (Freescale)CaviumSckipioGlobal DSL Chipsets Market: Key Product TypeADSL TypeVDSL TypeG.fast TypeGlobal DSL Chipsets Market: Key ApplicationInternet Access and File SharingVideoTelecommutingOnline Education and ShoppingTelemedicineOnline GamingGlobal DSL Chipsets Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global DSL Chipsets Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global DSL Chipsets Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global DSL Chipsets Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Global IP Cameras Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Samsung,Avigilon,Pelco by Schneider Electric,Honeywell,Mobotix,GeoVision,Belkin,NetGeat and Others

2017 IP Cameras Market Report for period 2017 till 2022

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Global IP Cameras Market provides detailed analysis of companies namely Samsung,Avigilon,Pelco by Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Mobotix, GeoVision, Belkin, NetGeat and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.This report studies the DIP Switches market, A DIP switch is a manual electric switch that is packaged with others in a group in a standard dual in-line package (DIP). The term may refer to each individual switch, or to the unit as a whole. This type of switch is designed to be used on a printed circuit board along with other electronic components and is commonly used to customize the behavior of an electronic device for specific situations.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global IP Cameras Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:HikvisionAxis CommunicationsPanasonicDahuaBosch Security SystemsSonySamsungAvigilonPelco by Schneider ElectricHoneywellMobotixGeoVisionBelkinNetGeatVivotekD-LinkArecont VisionWanscamToshibaGOSCAMJuanvisionApexisGlobal IP Cameras Market: Key Product TypeCentralized IP CamerasDecentralized IP CamerasGlobal IP Cameras Market: Key ApplicationResidential UseCommercial UseManufacturing/Factory UsePublic and Government InfrastructureGlobal IP Cameras Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global IP Cameras Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global IP Cameras Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global IP Cameras Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Optical Encoders Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Renishaw, Hengstler, Dynapar, Baumer Group, Tokyo Sokuteikizai, CTS, Allied Motion, and Others

2017 Optical Encoders Market

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Global Optical Encoders Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Renishaw, Hengstler, Dynapar, Baumer Group, Tokyo Sokuteikizai, CTS, Allied Motion, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.An optical encoder is a type of encoder that uses a sensor to identify position change as light passes through a patterned encoder wheel or disk. For many years, optical encoders have been the traditional choice for motion control. Optical encoders use line-of-sight sensing to create signals. It works when a light source splits into two 90-degree out-of-phase beams that pass through transparent, evenly spaced windows in a rotating optical disk.The Global Optical Encoders market is estimated to reach xxx Million USD in 2017. In the report, Assembly Equipment dominates the largest Application share in 2017. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Optical Encoders Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:BroadcomBEI SensorsRenishawHengstlerDynaparBaumer GroupTokyo SokuteikizaiCTSAllied MotionEPCUS DigitalCUIOmronHeidenhainBournsGrayhillGurleyHoneywellHonest Sensor CorporationHONTKOYuheng OpticsotherOptical Encoders Market: Key ProductIncremental Optical EncodersAbsolute Optical EncodersOptical Encoders Market: Key ApplicationAssembly EquipmentHealthcareMachine ToolConsumer ElectronicsOthersOptical Encoders Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global Optical Encoders Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Optical Encoders Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Optical Encoders Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Optical Encoders Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Non Dairy Creamer Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Nestle, DEK(Grandos), FrieslandCampina Kievit, International Delight, TURM-Sahne GmbH, Prinsen, Viceroy Holland B.V., and Others.

Non Dairy Creamer

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2017 Non Dairy Creamer Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Nestle, DEK(Grandos), FrieslandCampina Kievit, International Delight, TURM-Sahne GmbH, Prinsen, Viceroy Holland B.V., and Others.Global Non Dairy Creamer Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Nestle, DEK(Grandos), FrieslandCampina Kievit, International Delight, TURM-Sahne GmbH, Prinsen, Viceroy Holland B.V., and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Non-dairy creamer, also called coffee whitener, is a powdered milk or cream substitute used primarily for flavoring coffee and tea. There are a variety of creamers made with various products, but most of the standard or best-known brands contain the protein-rich milk derivative casein in the form of sodium caseinate.The global Non Dairy Creamer market will reach revenue XX Million USD in 2023 with CAGR of xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Non Dairy Creamer Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:NestleDEK(Grandos)FrieslandCampina KievitInternational DelightTURM-Sahne GmbHPrinsenViceroy Holland B.V.CaprimoTescoVANTASTIC FOODSMEGGLEKaTechSantho Holland Food BVMaspexotherNon Dairy Creamer Market: Key ProductLow-fatMedium-fatHigh-fatOtherNon Dairy Creamer Market: Key ApplicationCoffeeMilk TeaBaking, Cold Drinks and CandySolid BeverageOthersNon Dairy Creamer Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global Non Dairy Creamer Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Non Dairy Creamer Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Non Dairy Creamer Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Non Dairy Creamer Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Cleanroom Technology Market : Revenue, Type, Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Cleanroom is an enclosed area or space which has controlled environment in terms of airborne particulates, microbes, contaminants of dust, pollutants, and chemical vapors. Cleanroom also provide regulation of environment in terms of temperature, humidity and pressure. Cleanroom are used in many industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology and hardware etc. Cleanroom technology market is expected to grow due to the factors such as rising regulatory framework, growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and demand for quality products.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Cleanroom technology market can be categorized on the basis ofEquipmentsLaminar air flow/hoodsCleanroom air showersFume hoodsDessicator cabinetsHEPA filtersGloveboxes and isolatorsEnvironmental monitoring systemCleanroom filtersParticle countersSoftwall cleanroomsCleanroom pass through systemsConsumablesBouffant capsBeard coversShoe covers/boot coversFace masksWipesGlovesCuff sealersSwabsApparelsSuitsTyvek garmentsNomex suitsCart coversShoesChemical suitsPolypropylene garmentsApronsBlanketsEnd usersPharmaceutical IndustryBiotechnology IndustryHardware industryMedical Devices ManufacturersHospitalsElectronic industryOptical industryPlastic industryFood industryOtherThe cleanroom technology market has been witnessing an increasing and continuous growth.Many factors are responsible for the growth of cleanroom technology market such as increasing healthcare industry, stringent healthcare regulation, demand for quality product, rise in healthcare spending, increased demand for sterilized pharmaceutical product, growing prevalence of contagious and infectious diseases . However, huge financial inputs required for the establishment of cleanroom and constant pressure on healthcare providers to reduce costs are some of the factors that are restricting the growth of this market.Geographically, the global cleanroom technology market is segmented into four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). In terms of geography, North America followed by Europe account for the largest market share of cleanroom technology market owing to the strict healthcare regulations, high disposable income. However, Asia Pacific market is also witnessing a very positive growth due to increase in demand of cleanroom, rising pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, increasing government initiative for safety and efficacy of products and increasing demand of quality products. Along with Asia Pacific, Latin American countries are also witnessing an admirable growth. Majority of the growth in this region is attributed by the growth and development of healthcare industry in India, China and Brazil. The development of medical industry, increasing prevalence of diseases, and high adoption rate of precise medical instruments are some of the other factors which are likely to drive this market in coming years.The major usage of cleanroom technology is in pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology industry, hardware industry, medical devices manufacturers, electronic industry, optical industry, plastic industry, food industry and hospitals. The global cleanroom technology market is highly developed and fragmented market due to the participation of many reputed players. New players are looking forward to invest in cleanroom technology owing to its high demand in the market.Some of the major and prominent players in the market are ; Azbil Corporation, Alpiq Group, Ardmac Ltd , Illinois Tool Works, Inc. , Kimberly-Clark Corporation , E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company , Royal Imtech N.V. and Taikisha, Ltd.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Security Printing Market : Revenue, Type, Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Security printing includes printing of banknotes, product authentication, postage stamps, identity cards, stock certificates and passports. Companies, government organizations and institutes protect their valuable documents such as coupons, prescription pads and transcripts with by incorporating few features of the security printing in order to reduce the cost. Security printing is done to avoid tempering, counterfeiting and forgery. Security printing includes special paper, watermarks, intaglio printing, micro-printing, holograms, security threads, magnetic inks, anti-copying marks and serial numbers. Based on end-use applications, security printing market can be segmented as financial, tickets, brand protection, personal ID and others. Substrates, coatings and inks are expected to be largest product segment in the global security printing market and this trend is expected to remain same in the next few years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Imposing stringent regulations and standards across the world is expected to be a driving factor for security printing market. Security printing and law enforcement can help in preventing counterfeiters and detect forgeries which would eventually reduce frauds. Furthermore, need of brand protection is anticipated to boost the market growth. Brand names are major target for the product pirates. These product pirates copy brand name and status which would cost companies huge losses and reputation dilution. Additionally, rising counterfeiting is anticipated to boost the market growth for security printing. Counterfeiting is increasing at an alarming rate that include petty criminals, invading supply chains with altered packaging and good, illegal copy of tax stamps and producing fake documents and bank notes. This is affecting the society in all the regions globally and the issue of counterfeiting needs to address. Furthermore, increasing awareness about all the frauds in consumer groups is anticipated to drive the demand for security printing.Consumer groups demand to track and trace the products they procure in order to reduce the losses they face. Consumer behavior is changing due to fusion of end-user markets and industries which allow them to access for all the products in market with one go.However, growing digitization and convergence are expected to hamper the market growth. Thus innovations to develop new products with high security are expected to provide immense opportunities for the players in the market.Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market for security printing in terms of demand. Middle East and Latin America is expected to be fastest growing in the next few years. Due to rising disposable income and changing consumer behavior in the developing countries of Asia Pacific, the demand for security printing is expected to remain high in the next few years. North America held the small share in the global security printing market. Growth for security printing market in North America is expected to revive in the next few years due to increasing awareness among consumer groups and companies about document security. Europe comprising Eastern and Western Europe is expected to grow at a moderate rate. Western Europe is expected to exhibit significant growth in the total market share.Global security printing market is moderately consolidated with few players accounting for major share. Some of the major players have presence across value chain and provide customized products and solutions for the customers. For instance, Giesecke & Devrient procure raw materials from its fully owned subsidiaries in order to reduce cost and maintain high quality of the product. Some of the key players in the global security printing market include 3M, Madras Security Printers Private Ltd. and Giesecke & Devrient.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Applied Food Sciences, EUROMED SA, Zhejiang Skyherb, Nanjing Zelang, Indfrag, Cymbio Pharma, Changsha E.K HERB Co., Ltd., Nutragreen Biotechnology, and Others.

2017 Chlorogenic acid (CGA)

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Global Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Applied Food Sciences, EUROMED SA, Zhejiang Skyherb, Nanjing Zelang, Indfrag, Cymbio Pharma, Changsha E.K HERB Co., Ltd., Nutragreen Biotechnology, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural chemical compound which is the ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid. It is an important biosynthetic intermediate. Chlorogenic acid is an important intermediate in lignin biosynthesis. This compound, known as an antioxidant, may also slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal. The term chlorogenic acids can also refer to a related family of esters of hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid) with quinic acid.The global Chlorogenic acid (CGA) market will reach revenue XX Million USD by 2023 with CAGR of xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:NaturexApplied Food SciencesEUROMED SAZhejiang SkyherbNanjing ZelangIndfragCymbio PharmaChangsha E.K HERB Co., Ltd.Nutragreen BiotechnologyChangsha Nulant Chem Co., LtdChangsha staherb natural ingredients co.,ltdXian Hao-xuan Bio-tech Co., LtdFLAVOUR TROVEChenguang BiotechotherChlorogenic acid (CGA) Market: Key ProductHoneysuckle Extract (HPLC 5%-20%)Honeysuckle Extract (HPLC 98%)Eucommia Extract (HPLC 5%-30%)Eucommia Extract (HPLC 50%-90%)Eucommia Extract (HPLC 98%)Green Coffee Bean Extract (HPLC 45%-50%)OtherChlorogenic acid (CGA) Market: Key ApplicationSupplementsPharmaceuticalsCosmeticsOthersChlorogenic acid (CGA) Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Chlorogenic acid (CGA) Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Population Health Management Market - New Business Opportunities & Investment Research Report 2017 - 2025

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Population health management is characterized as collecting and analyzing the data on segments of patient population and management of that data for specific diseases within that population. It is a model which helps the health care providers and payers to assess the populations they serve across the continuum of care. Population health management is thus a comprehensive approach which requires both analysis and action, and utilized to uncover the gaps in health care for the benefits of patients and physicians. It improves health management outcomes by aligning physicians, coordinating the medical care, and optimizing efficiency as well as revenue. Major factors driving the population health management market are continued pressures to minimize health care costs, rising demand to improve the healthcare services quality, and implementation of value-based payment system. However, lack of trained and efficient professionals, safety of data and its management concerns, and lack of proper systems requiring investment to run the population health management program smoothly are the major restraints of the population health management market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The global population health management market can be segmented based on component, delivery mode, and end-user. In terms of component, the global population health management has been segmented into software, hardware, and services. The services segment has been further divided into consulting, business intelligence, analytics, and others. The consulting and business intelligence segments dominated the population health management market in 2016, owing to the rising demand for business intelligence tools to analyze the data in the process of decision making from a patient perspective. The software segment is expected to lead the population health management market during the forecast period, with highest CAGR, attributed to the introduction of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (ACA) and encouragement to hospitals by public and private players to take up population health management programs. Based on delivery mode, the global population health management market has been classified as web-based, mobile-based, cloud-based, and others. The web-based segment held the largest share of the population health management market in 2016 due to the continuous efforts being made by governments to reduce health care costs and rapid adoption of private payers to value-based purchasing model. However, the mobile-based segment is anticipated to witness highest CAGR and is expected to account for the largest share of the global population health management market in terms of revenue by 2025. Emergence of big data analytics is a major factor likely to drive the mobile-based market during the forecast period.In terms of end-user, the global population health management market has been segmented into health care providers, health care payers, government organizations, and employer groups. The health care providers segment captured the largest market share in terms of revenue in 2016, attributed to rising incidence of chronic diseases among the population and increasing demand for better and healthy patient quality of life. The health care payers and providers segments are projected to dominate the global population health management market from 2017 to 2025, owing to increasing demand for effective and systematic disease management.Geographically, the global population health management market has been segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest share of the population health management market in terms of revenue in 2016, attributed to the reforms and investments being made to modernize the health care infrastructure in the U.S. However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the growing medical tourism in developing countries in Asia and the rapidly expanding health care industry in China and India. North America is anticipated to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the efforts being taken to digitalize the health care system in the region.Key players in the global population health management market are Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Cerner Corporation, Accenture, Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, McKesson Corporation, IBM Corporation, Wellcentive, Inc., and Epic Corporation, Inc., among others.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market Analysis and Prospect Assessment, 2015 - 2023

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Global Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market: OverviewA clinical decision support system (CDSS) refers is used in the healthcare sector to aid healthcare professionals in decision making tasks. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers utilize CDSS in the preparation of a diagnosis and its review. Such an evaluation of data assists the prediction of potential events ranging from medication interaction to disease symptoms.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The global market for CDSS can be broadly segmented into machine learning and knowledge base. The knowledge based CDSS generate results via the use of if-then algorithms. Regular updating of databases is carried out by trained professionals. The non-knowledge based CDSS, on the other hand, runs on artificial intelligence. CDSS can either be a standalone system or be integrated with other systems such as computerized physician order entry (CLOSE) and electric health record (EHR) systems.The report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) reveals crucial information about the recent developments and competitive scenario in the global CDSS market. The primary catalysts and deterrents of the growth of the market, market size, market projections have been discussed in the report, alongside relevant statistical analysis. The progress of the leading market players has also been mapped.Global Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market: Drivers and RestraintsSome of the prominent advantages offered by CDSS include vast storage capacity, cost-effective efficiency, and ease of access on mobile devices. CDSS can be used at various stages such as prior to diagnosis, post diagnosis and during diagnosis to map the patient's progress from past records to the present data.Several supportive government initiatives are encouraging the growth of the global market for CDSS. For instance, it was observed that after the Healthcare Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act in 2009, the adoption of CDSS has increased significantly. The greater adoption of cloud computing technology, expansion of healthcare infrastructures, and increasing patient awareness have been some of the driving forces of the global CDSS market.On the other hand, the complexity associated with the integration of CDSS, lack of interoperability, and data security and privacy issues can inhibit growth. However, as more organizations such as the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology (ONC) and Healthcare Research and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) are making investments in CDSS implementation and development, the global market for CDSS will continue to thrive on account of the consequent opportunities.Global Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market: Regional OutlookBy geography, the global market for CDSS can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). With Canada and the U.S. as the prominent contributors, North America is expected to lead the global CDSS market over the next few years. Favorable policies of the government, early adoption of IT across several industry verticals, and the rising incidence of diseases have been promoting the expansion of the CDSS market in this region.Europe also possesses vast potential for growth. Italy, Germany, France, and the U.K. are likely to assist the advancement of the CDSS market in this region. Although believed to be at a nascent stage, the CDSS Market in Asia Pacific is one with maximum growth opportunities. The growing healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness about efficiency in healthcare, greater adoption of advanced technologies, and increasing government funds have been some of the major growth drivers of the market in Asia Pacific. The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are also slated for monumental growth.Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the major companies operating in the global market for CDSS are Epic Systems Corporation, Zynx Health, Medical Information Technology, Inc., Wolters Kluwer N.V., McKesson Corporation, Siemens Healthcare, and Philips Healthcare.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Global Sandwich Panels Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 TATA Steel, ArcelorMittal, Romakowski, Lattonedil, RigiSystems, Silex, Isomec, GCS and Others.

Sandwich Panels 2017 Industry

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Global Sandwich Panels Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely TATA Steel, ArcelorMittal, Romakowski, Lattonedil, RigiSystems, Silex, Isomec, GCS and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.The Global Sandwich Panels market is estimated to reach 6.7 Billion USD in 2017. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc. The global Sandwich Panels market will reach revenue Million USD in 2017 with CAGR xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Sandwich Panels Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:KingspanMetecnoIsopanNCI Building SystemsTATA SteelArcelorMittalRomakowskiLattonedilRigiSystemsSilexIsomecGCSZhongjieAlShahinNucor Building SystemsTonmatMarcegagliaItalpannelliAlubelJingxueRuukkiBalexHoeschDana GroupMulticolorZamil VietnamBCOMSPioneer IndiaPanelcoOthersSandwich Panels Market: Key ProductEPS PanelsPUR/PIR PanelsMineral/Glass Wool PanelsPF PanelsSandwich Panels Market: Key ApplicationBuilding WallBuilding RoofCold StorageSandwich Panels Market: Key RegionEuropeNorth AmericaChinaJapan & KoreaIndiaSoutheast AsiaThe Global Sandwich Panels Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Sandwich Panels Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Sandwich Panels Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Sandwich Panels Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Health Insurance Market Analysis and Prospect Assessment, 2015 - 2023

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Health Insurance Market: OverviewThe improving GDPs of several nations across the globe has favored the growth of the global health insurance market in recent years. Health insurance companies have been benefitting from the rising per capita incomes, the emergence of the middle class, and growing number of people with a relatively high income.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The research report by Transparency Market Research has also studied using a SWOT analysis and a Porters five forces. The research report includes an explanation of the various factors determining the trajectory of the global health insurance market in the coming few years. Analysts have also factored in opinions of various market experts and leaders to give the readers a fair understanding of the overall market. Additionally, the document includes recommendations for the new entrants and existing players to improve their businesses with the wealth of valuable knowledge about the market.Health Insurance Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe efforts invested by several companies to make their product offerings as transparent as possible has fared well over the past few years. This move has made it easier for buyers to compare and understand the terms of insurance and the products being sold to them. Additionally, the integration of solutions through data analytics, cloud computing, and other modeling techniques is also projected to encourage the growth of the global market in the near future.Despite the positive outlook of the global health insurance market, it faces some tough challenges such as intense competition and tough profit margins. The undulating economic conditions have also led a considerable about of uncertainty in the global market.Health Insurance Market: Region-wise OutlookThe U.S. is the leading health insurance market in the global market due to its unmatched healthcare system in the world. The growth of the market is predominantly being aided by the strong presence of leading players such as Anthem Inc., Aetna Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., Humana Inc., and Cigna Corp. These players occupy a share of about 80% in the private and public sector of insurance in the U.S. The companies are exploring opportunities of digitizing access to insurance schemes and communication about the same with their consumers to reach out to a wider audience. Options such as providing distributors and consumers with self-service features are also likely to open up a plethora of opportunities for the global market. Furthermore, marketing the products in an easily comprehensible manner is also expected to be the strategy of leading players in the coming years. The only threat for the new entrants is the high level of competition in the U.S. health insurance market.Asia Pacific is expected to a lucrative market as the region has shown a remarkable progress in its GDP. Furthermore, the improving disposable incomes and the enhancement of health security standards are also expected to boost this market in the region in the near future. The growing middle class and an increasing number of high net worth individuals in Asia Pacific are also expected to give the health insurance market the much-needed impetus.Key Players Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leading players operating in the global health insurance market are Cigna Corporation, AIA Insurance Group, UnitedHealth Group Inc.,Allianz SE, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd., Express Scripts Holding Company, AXA, Aviva plc, Aetna, Inc., Apollo Munich Health Insurance, and International Medical Group.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Industrial Gear Market Expected to Witness a Sustainable Growth over 2023

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Global Industrial Gear Market: OverviewAs opposed to gear that are used for the manufacturing of consumer and commercial products, industrial gears have added properties such as durable metal composition and heavy duty construction. Since industrial gears are vital components for the functioning of industrial equipment and products, the excellent progress of several other industries has resulted in a surge in the demand for industrial gears. Concurrently, the global market for industrial gear is projected for a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2015 to 2023.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The report, which is a comprehensive analysis of the market along with profiles of some of the prominent players, overviews that industrial gears are manufactured as per the standard industrial norms for the use of optimum quality materials. One of the standard for industrial gears is ISO 9001:2008, DIN Standards and American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) standards. Industrial gears find application in several sectors including steel manufacturing, steel processing, machine tool industry, material handling, engineering industry, and in plastic, paper, sugar, and rubber industries. The report finds that the vendors in the global industrial gear market manufacture all types of gears including helical, worm gears, bevel, herringbone, spline, sprocket, double helical, internal, and rack. The size of the gear sets also vary vastly, from pitch diameters of 80 to 2000 mm.Industrial gear boxes, marine drives, pulverizer, conveyor drives, transportation systems are some of the applications that relate to the industrial gear sector. The gears used in these applications are manufactured by job shops that specialize in small batch production over large varieties. Economics of production and rigid machine construction are two of the key factors that define the leading technology for this market. Additionally, ability to withstand high mechanical loads and climatic stresses, low noise emissions, service life, and low weight are few some of the other parameters ensured by the vendors in the industrial gears market.Global Industrial Gear Market: Trends and OpportunitiesVast population and the incremented income in the emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil have urged several industries to extend their facilities to meet the demand of the consumers. These industries include textile, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and food and beverage. The flourishing state of these industries is reflected on the robust growth rate of the market for industrial gear. However, the market for industrial gear is cost sensitive, and hence the increasing prices of raw materials such as stainless steels, hardened steel, aluminum, cast iron, bronze, and brass is seen as a factor that may hinder the growth rate during the forecast period. To overcome this restraint, the vendors vary shapes, sizes, speed ratios, and designs of the gears as per the requirement to remain competitive in the market.Global Industrial Gear Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, the global market for industrial gear can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world. Currently, Europe and North America contribute to the most of demand for industrial gear, feeding off technological advancements and increased competition among the players. However, Asia Pacific is expected to expand the demand at the most prominent rate during the forecast period due to the presence of nearly half of the worlds population.Companies Mentioned in the Research ReportTo retain their market shares, companies such as Precipart Corporation and Ashoka Machine Tools Corporation are offering customized industry-specific gears, while Cleveland Gear Company, Inc. refurbish industrial gears produced by other manufacturers along with customization services. Intelligent integration of components is also a recent trend in this industry. Some of the key players in the global industrial gears market are Klingelnberg GmbH, Cleveland Gear Company, Inc. Essential Power Transmission Pvt. Ltd., Griffin Gear Inc.,Precipart Corporation, NORD drivesystems Pvt. Ltd., SEW-Eurodrive, Renold plc, GearTech, Inc., (United Stars, Inc.), Allied Precision Gears Inc, and Ashoka Machine Tools Corporation.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Spice Market Future Demand, Growth, Share and Analysis with forecast 2024

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Global Spice Market: OverviewThe global demand for a variety of spices has continued to rise in the past few years owing to the vast rise in the consumption of convenience foods, snacks, and confectionary. The widened market for processed and ready-to-eat food products has also had a vast positive impact on the overall global consumption of a variety of spice.Request Sample Copy of the Report @This report on the global spice market presents an extensive account of the present state of the market and forecasts the way the markets will evolve in response to present circumstances over the period between 2016 and 2024. The report includes vast details regarding the present and past sales across key product segments and regional markets, the various growth factors expected to drive the market in the future years, and the challenges capable of arresting the growth of the market over the forecast period.Global Spice Market: Drivers and RestraintsOne of the key drivers of the global spice market is the increased usage of spices as natural preservatives in variety of poultry and meat products. Additionally, the significant rise in demand for healthy and nutrition-rich foods from the health-conscious young population globally has widened the consumer base of this segment of food products. Strengthening economies of countries in Asia Pacific have led to increased disposable incomes and have increased the demand for processed and ready-to-eat foods, which is anticipated to be a key growth driver of the spice market in the region.However, the market is expected to be restrained due to the stringent government regulations related to food additives across different countries such as Canada, U.K., France, Italy and the U.S. Several food safety organizations, such as the FDA, have set high standards regarding the safety of a spice for its intended use for the consumer.Global Spice Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global spice market can be segmented into cardamom, pepper, cumin, clove, and ginger. On the basis of application, the market can be segmented into sauces, soups, frozen food, meat, convenience foods, poultry food, and bakery.On the basis of geography, the report segments the global spice market into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Of these, North America is presently the most attractive regional market for spices, followed by Europe, Asia Pacific, and the RoW. Rising awareness regarding the medicinal properties of spices will continue to keep the demand for spices high in North America over the forecast period as well. The region is expected to gain traction and witness high growth in terms of revenue over the reports forecast period.The Asia Pacific market also holds immense promise for spices owing to the flourishing food and beverages industry in the region. A vast surge in the consumption of fast foods across countries such as India and China will also drive the market for spices in the region. China is the leading country-wise market for spices in Asia Pacific, followed by India. Owing to the presence of vast growth opportunities, several international spice companies are focusing on expansion strategies in the region, expected to make the Asia Pacific spice market much more mature and increasingly competitive in the near future.Global Spice Market: Competitive DynamicsThe global spice market features a fragmented competitive landscape owing to the presence of a large number of small-scale companies. The market also features some large companies holding prominent positions, making the market intensely competitive. Some of the most notable companies operating in the global spice market are Everest Spices, SHS Group, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Associated British Foods, Mccormick & Company, Kerry Group Plc, Ariake Japan Company Ltd., Sensient Technologies, MTR Foods Private Limited, Ariake Japan Company Ltd., Olam International, Worlee Gruppe, DS Group, and Dohler Group.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Electric Vehicle Battery Market - Global Industry Volume and Region Analysis - 2023

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Global Electric Vehicle Battery Market: OverviewDeveloping concerns identified with diminishing oil and gas assets and debasing natural conditions are having positive effect on the demand for electric controlled vehicles. In addition, endowments and motivating forces on utilization of such vehicles is another factor driving the market for electric powered vehicles. These vehicles rely upon electric batteries to give the essential or the auxiliary power. Along these lines any effect on the demand for electric fueled vehicles will influence the electric vehicle battery market. An electric fueled vehicle or battery electric vehicle utilizes concoction energy put away in rechargeable battery packs for control. As all the power is gotten from batteries thus, it doesn't require any combustion engine for impetus. Battery Electric vehicles incorporate cars, buses, forklifts, bicycle, rail cars, and scooters. The favorable circumstances in battery stockpiling technology have additionally positively influenced the electric vehicle battery market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Diminishing unrefined petroleum reserved and concerns with respect to debasement of the environment are the central factors driving the electric vehicle battery market. With diminishing reserved of crude the demand for feasible transportation innovations has pulled in interest in this market. The legislatures of leading nations have supported the use of hybrid vehicles that use the electric battery. Numerous national organizations have upheld controls and give alluring concessions on buying hybrid autos. Stringent environmental policies in the European Union countries have empowered wide reception of the battery controlled vehicles. The fluctuating unrefined petroleum costs are another main consideration reinforcing consumers to embrace such batteries. Costly nature of electric vehicle battery is one of the significant restrictions to the market.Growing concerns related to decreasing oil and gas resources and degrading environmental conditions are having positive impact on the demand for electric powered vehicles. Moreover, subsidies and incentives on usage of such vehicles is another factor driving the market for electric powered vehicles. These vehicles depend on electric batteries to provide the primary or the secondary power. Thus any impact on the demand for electric powered vehicles will affect the electric vehicle battery market. An electric powered vehicle or battery electric vehicle use chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs for power. As all the power is derived from batteries therefore, it does not require any combustion engine for propulsion. Battery Electric vehicles include scooters, rail cars, bicycle, forklifts, buses and cars. The advantages in battery storage technology have also positively affected the electric vehicle battery market.The segmentation of the electric vehicle battery market can be done on the basis of technology, application and geography. Technology segment deals with the different types of batteries used for manufacturing of electric vehicle battery. Major battery types include lead acid batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, zebra batteries and lithium ion batteries. Lead acid batteries are the most common and cheapest type of batteries. Nickel metal hydride batteries have higher energy densities than the common lead acid batteries and if used properly can have exceptionally long lives. The Zebra batteries use molten chloro-aluminate sodium as electrolyte. Lithium ion batteries use graphite anode and lithium cobalt oxide anode. These batteries are use to power the Battery Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Electric Vehicles.Regional segmentation of the electric vehicle battery market includes countries such as the United States and Canada in North America; Germany, France, Sweden and the United Kingdom in Europe. The government incentives on usage of battery powered vehicles are one of the main reasons behind the growth of North American and European electric vehicle battery market. Other prominent market includes Asia Pacific and Middle East. Asia Pacific market includes the countries such as Japan, China and South Korea. Increasing concerns related to energy security and incentives on use of battery powered vehicles are the major factor driving the Asia Pacific market. The Rest of the World segment still lags behind in the electric vehicle battery market. The Rest of the World Market includes countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela.Decreasing crude oil reserves and concerns regarding degradation of the environment are the major factors driving the electric vehicle battery market. With decreasing crude reserves the demand for economical transportation technologies has attracted investment in this market. The governments of many major countries have encouraged adoption hybrid vehicles that utilize the electric battery. Many national agencies have enforced rules and provide attractive concessions on purchasing hybrid cars. Stringent environmental regulations in the European Union nations have encouraged wide adoption of the battery powered vehicles. The fluctuating crude oil prices are another major factor bolstering consumers to adopt such batteries. Expensive nature of electric vehicle battery is one of the major restraints to the market.Some of the major players in the electric vehicle battery market include companies such as SAMSUNG SDI CO. LTD., Quallion, Boston-Power, Inc. and LG Chem Power Inc.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Aged Care Market - Global Industry Volume and Region Analysis - 2023

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Global Aged Care Market: SnapshotAs the percentage of geriatrics in the global population increments, projected to be 17 percent (1.6 billion) by the end of 2050 by the National Institute of Aging, the demand in the global aged care will simultaneously gain momentum. But escalating consumer base is not the only driver for the global aged care market, which will also gain from the advent of robots, who have the potential of reducing nursing care cost, although their commercialization is still keenly awaited. Some of the other important factors augmenting the demand in the global aged care market are: reducing pricing, growing demand for nurses with specific skillset, the participation of a large number of startups and smaller players in the localized regions, technological advancement in the devices such as wearables and customized medications. This increasing percentage of geriatric population is not bounded by any geographical region, which is another favorable factor for the vendors operating in the global aged care market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @This report on the global aged care market provides comprehensive assessment of all factors on which the future of the market depends, and estimates its repercussions. It segments the market to understand the valuation of smaller aspects, takes stock of the potential of different regions, and profiles a number of current key players in order to represent the competitive landscape. This report has been developed by a group of professional market research analysts, aspiring to serve as a credible business document for the stockholders of the aged care market.Most of us want to remain independent and stay in control, but due to growing age our ability starts to decline. Hence, the concept of aged care is introduced, for an easy and better living with proper nursing facility for the higher age group. It is also known as elderly care or eldercare. It emphasizes on the personal and social needs of senior citizens as they need some assistance in their daily activities and medical support who desire to age gracefully. A special act has been taken by the Australian Government for senior citizens known as The Aged Care Act 1997 for people who are unable to live independently of their own. It promises to provides them better and longer living. It is an important distinction that the designing of house, services, activities and employee training of global elderly care falls under the unpaid market sector. The main agenda is to ensure that eldercare services are targeted towards people and areas with the utmost need, it facilitate access to aged care services by those who need them, irrespective of culture, race, language, gender and economic background. Focus is also given on people who are homeless or lives in remote areas and special care is also provided for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) group. Programs are being adopted for the community based care for older people those are Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages Program. These provides coordinated and personalized home care and also offers four classes of package to assist aged people with simple, low, high and very high care needs.Aged care market has lot to offer for the special service providers who are capable to run long-term as well as short-term aged care home, nutraceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, senior care furniture manufacturers and real estate companies. Special products are being marketed for aged people such as smart seat hair protector, water proof seat protectors, and bed pads.It has already made an impact in developed countries like USA, Canada, and Australia. The aged care market is gaining its popularity in the developing countries like China, Singapore and India, as the major proportion of population is above 65 years. More elderly people will take up aged care services in the future rather depending on their families for care and support as younger people are moving to different cities leaving behind their extended family.Aged care market can be divided on the basis of services and geography. Services can be classified as home care services and residential care services.In home care services, they provide medical or nonmedical benefits which include personal care, skilled-nursing care, companion facilities, physical therapy and medical social services. It also includes in-home hospice care provider.In residential aged care, they provides well maintained accommodation for those whose care cannot be met in their own homes and thus needs a special care cell. There are again two categories in residential aged care facilities these are respite care and permanent care. Respite care offers short-term and temporary care in a residential aged care facility and supports both the older people and their care givers to live at home for as long as possible. They provide both high and low care facility. On the other hand permanent care offers tailor made individual needs in the residential aged care facility.Some of the key players can be divided on the basis of pharmaceutical manufacturer like Pfizer, Novartis, Merck & Co., GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk. On the basis of nutraceutical manufacturer like Alkemists Labs, Asiamerica Ingredients, Inc., Barrington Nutritionals, Nutralliance, Inc., and Proprietary Nutritionals Inc. Senior care furniture manufacturers can be classified as Phoenix Contract, Inc., Flexsteel and Kwalu.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Atmospheric Water Generator Market Analysis, Services & Research 2016 - 2023

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Global Atmospheric Water Generator Market: OverviewAtmospheric water generation refers to the technique of obtaining water of various purity grades from the atmosphere. Atmospheric water generation has risen in demand rapidly in the last few years owing to the steady fall in the availability of fresh water. Atmospheric changes caused by global climate change have resulted in average temperatures rising all over the world, leading to a decline in the amount of fresh water available to humans for residential as well as industrial purposes. This is expected to continue in the coming years, with the per capita availability of water expected to drop steadily in the coming years. Rising awareness regarding the ill effects of these factors has helped boost the global atmospheric water generation market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Atmospheric water generation is primarily done in two ways: cooling condensation and wet desiccation. Of these, cooling condensation is by far the largest segment of the global atmospheric water generator market. Cooling condensation systems function by concentrating humid air and cooling it down to temperatures that turn the water vapor into dew. The ease of use of this system and its high efficiency have made it the preferred system in the global atmospheric water generator market.On the other hand, wet desiccation atmospheric water generators utilize hygroscopic compounds to soak up water from the air, and then separate the water from the compound to acquire pure water. Various substances, including brine, reactive lithium halides, and silica gel, can be used in wet desiccation atmospheric water generators. Though demand for wet desiccation systems is rising, the global atmospheric water generator market is expected to be thoroughly dominated by the cooling condensation segment in the coming years.Global Atmospheric Water Generator Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe major driver propelling the global atmospheric water generator market is the rising acknowledgment of the adverse effects of climate change on global availability of freshwater. Human activities, such as rapid industrialization and urbanization, have also had a part to play in the exacerbation of global climate change. As a result, several governments around the world have shown a keen interest in establishing atmospheric water generation infrastructure for both residential and commercial needs. The easy operation of atmospheric water generators and their high output ratio means that widespread residential application of atmospheric water generators is feasible, which could ameliorate the problem of water shortage significantly.Despite the dominance of cooling condensation systems in the global atmospheric water generator market, the wet desiccation segment is expected to enjoy rising demand in the coming years. The major reason for this is that cooling condensation systems require high amounts of electricity, which can entail yet more damage to the environment in countries that havent yet utilized renewable sources to their full capacity. The lower power requirement of wet desiccation systems will thus propel the segment in the coming years, aided by R&D into improving the performance of substances used to soak up water. This remains a highly lucrative research avenue for players in the atmospheric water generator market.The preexisting utilization of water desalination as a useful means of acquiring water from the environment is a major restraint on the atmospheric water generator market. However, the cost advantage and higher efficiency of advanced atmospheric water generators will help the market for the latter overtake the water desalination market in the near future.Global Atmospheric Water Generator Market: Regional OverviewThe dynamic industrial sector in developing Asia Pacific countries, allied to the rampant urbanization seen in the region, has played a major part in propelling the global atmospheric water generator market. The rising need for fresh water will keep this regional market among the leaders in the global atmospheric water generator market. Along with Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa is also expected to emerge as a major player in the global market. The drastic water scarcity in this region and the high costs of establishing large-scale desalination plants will ensure steady demand for atmospheric water generation from this region.Major players operating in the global atmospheric water generator market include Saisons Technocom Pvt. Ltd., Dew Point Manufacturing, WaterMaker India Pvt. Ltd., Island Sky Corporation, Atlantis Solar, Air2Water LLC, etc.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Property Management Software Market Analysis, Services & Research 2024

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Property Management Software Market: OverviewManaging data related to property has been a significant issue since long time. Technology has proven itself as a problem solver in many business scenarios. Property management software has enabled proper maintenance all the data related to property through systematic integration. Moreover, it has also helped the property managers to save time and other property management costs as well. Thus, by using property management software, the managers can focus on property negotiations.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Furthermore, the property management software provides a visual and interactive interface so as to keep track of important events, property deals, and inquiries which helps in understanding the performance of the real estate agency. The customization of these software enables choosing the level of structure of business as required. Moreover, property management software has also lessened the amount of paper work as the system itself enables interaction with other parties over E-mail. Important alerts and messages can be delivered over E-mail. Thus, the property management software delivers a hassle free environment in the real-estate sector.Property Management Software Market: DriversThe selection of the property management software is basically based upon three characteristics including upgrades, initial cost and level of integration. The factors driving the growth of property management software market include softwares ability to provide easy access to property management data, rise in demand for rent as well as for purchasing property, and growth in both commercial and residential infrastructure.Furthermore, stringent property related regulations by various governments, rising adoption of cashless transaction and demand for increased transparency among businesses in order to enhance services and are also aiding the growth of property management software market. As real-estate companies handle a large amount of legal as well as financial data, property management software helps to track information automatically in the system. Despite the numerous benefits of property management system, it has some limitations restraining the growth of market. Poor level of account and property integration, low mobile compatibility, and lack of reporting capabilities are some of the factors that may hinder the growth of this market.Property Management Software Market: Opportunities and RecommendationsThe vendors in property management software market can seek for growth opportunities by offering cloud-based services, and expand their reach to new geographies. Additionally, companies are implementing business intelligence associated software with a view to make smarter decisions. Companies are also entering into mergers and acquisitions to strengthen and improve their market presence and explore new markets as well.During the coming years, an increase is expected in the uses of online purchase order systems for properties due to faster processing of invoices, and reduced operating time. Companies are also focusing tracking local markets in order offer suitable properties to customers.The dominant players in the global property management software are AppFolio, Buildium, London Computer Systems, MRI Software, RealPage, and Yardi Systems. Other prominent vendors in the market are: RentPost, Accruent, PROMAS, Genkan, Property Boulevard, ARGUS Software, Rentec Direct, Rosmiman Software Corporation, Skyline Property Management, Total Management, Realty Information Systems, and TOPS Software.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Electric Propulsion System Market Report for period 2011 till 2022 Propellers Aerospace Corporation, Busek, Bellatrix Aerospace, Accion Systems and Others

2017 Electric Propulsion System Market Report for period 2011 till 2022

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Global Electric Propulsion System Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Aerospace Corporation, Busek, SITAEL, Bellatrix Aerospace, Accion Systems and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2011 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2011 to 2022, etc.Electric Propulsion (EP) is a class of space propulsion which makes use of electrical power to accelerate a propellant by different possible electrical and/or magnetic means. An electrically powered spacecraft propulsion system uses electrical energy to change the velocity of a spacecraft. Most of these kinds of spacecraft propulsion systems work by electrically expelling propellant at high speed.The Global Electric Propulsion System market is estimated to reach xxx Million USD in 2017. In the report, Microsatellite dominates the largest Application share in 2017. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Electric Propulsion System Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Aerospace CorporationSITAELBellatrix AerospaceBusekAccion SystemsOthersGlobal Electric Propulsion System Market: Key Product TypeGIEHETHEMPTPPTOthersGlobal Electric Propulsion System Market: Key ApplicationMicrosatelliteNano SatelliteOthersGlobal Electric Propulsion System Market: Key RegionAsia-PacificNorth AmericaEuropeSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaThe Global Electric Propulsion System Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Electric Propulsion System Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Electric Propulsion System Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Electric Propulsion System Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Optometry Market - Emerging Markets to Offer High-Growth Opportunities 2023

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Optometry Market: OverviewOptometry is concerned with ocular health and correction of eye problems such as vision and visual systems that can hinder the vision capacity in humans. Optometrists carry out general eye exams and prescribe lenses or glasses to improve vision or any other visual complications. Optometrists treat individuals who have acquired eye diseases due to various medical conditions such as oral medications (antibiotics, steroids etc.), injectable medications and topical medications (eye drops to treat red eye or glaucoma). They are licensed to diagnose and treat various eye diseases through topical diagnostics and therapeutic drugs. Optometrists are also trained in surgical procedures such as removal of foreign particle from the eye, corneal injury, and eyelid and lacrimal disease.Request Sample Copy of the Report @In a few countries, patients requiring eye surgery are sometimes referred to other medical practitioners such as ophthalmologists and neurologists for further treatment. The scope of practice in optometry is regulated differently in each country and state. For instance, in Oklahoma, the optometrists are allowed to perform surgery limited only to the anterior segment of the eyes. On the other hand, in Kentucky, optometrists are allowed to perform a large number of laser procedures.Optometry Market: Drivers and TrendsIn the optometry industry, the demand is totally governed by changing healthcare practices, eye wear fashion trends and demographics. The wide usage of contact lenses and glasses due to various eye disorders is on the rise which is driving the growth of the optometry market. Contact lenses have few unique features such as accuracy and efficiency which is attracting the end users, thereby fueling the growth of the market. Furthermore, the increasing risk of developing various eye disorders such as cataract, glaucoma and refractive errors is also affecting the growth of the global optometry market. On the other hand, low patient compliance would most likely hinder the growth of the optometry market.Optometry Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, the optometry market can be segmented into four major segments: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (Row). Of all of these segments, North America currently boasts the largest share in the optometry market trailed by Europe. The prime factors which are driving the growth of the market in these regions are increase in the prevalence of eye disorders, rapidly increasing awareness programs by the government on technologically advanced therapies available for the treatment of eye problems, and increase in the adoption of ophthalmic drugs and devices.According to Prevent Blindness America, vision problems due to diabetic retinopathy are on the rise presently. Asia Pacific is the most promising market for the growth of optometry market due to various developing and emerging economies. The factors that will help bring about the growth of the market in Asia Pacific are an increase in the geriatric population with a number of eye disorders, various recent developments and advancements in the field of optometry and constantly changing lifestyle of the population in developing regions. Furthermore, easy market penetration in countries such as China, Malaysia, Brazil and India; and increasing disposable incomes of the people would boost the growth of optometry market in the near future.Optometry Market: Key PlayersCurrently, the market for optometry is fragmented with many players developing technologically advanced treatment and therapies. Some of the top companies operating in optometry market are Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, Inc., Allergan, Inc., Bausch and Lomb, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Carl Zeiss, Inc., Hoya Corp and others.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Crayfish Market : Size, Share, Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Global Crayfish Market: SnapshotThe global market for crayfish has fostered a surging growth in the past few years as an increasing number of consumers are willing to shell out money for the fish and its preparations. The market is witnessing expansion at an extraordinary pace, with the fish being grown in a number of non-traditional regions as well. A large number of companies breeding and serving the fish are pouring into the global crayfish market and global imports and exports are hitting all-time highs.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Demand is rising in Asia, especially in China, where the crayfish market has become worth billions of dollars and a massive creator of jobs for millions of people. Hundreds of thousands tonnes of the fish is being regularly consumed in the country and demand from young consumers is highly promising. With rapid advancements witnessed in the fields of packaging and storing, non-traditional markets are also being increasingly tapped.The booming global crayfish market is increasingly witnessing the entry of a number of new companies and the vendor landscape of the market is becoming increasingly fragmented and competitive. The market is highly unorganized in several regional markets and is expected to continue to remain so over the next few years as well, leading to intense price wars among companies. The market is, however, expected to become more orderly and consolidated in the near future, squeezing out low-quality and non-competitive business ventures out of the market.Crayfish also known as crawdads, crawfish, mountain lobsters, freshwater lobsters, yabbies, or mudbugs Crayfish are the member of superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea lives in freshwater crustaceans like small lobsters. The global crayfish market is expected to have significant growth rate, attributed to growing food industry and increasing demand for seafood. North America and Western Europe has substantial growth in the global crayfish market, owing to growing population, and increasing food service sector.Global Crayfish Market Dynamics:The growth of the global crayfish market is driven by growing demand for processed food, growing seafood market, and increasing pet industry. Macroeconomic factors such as growing economy, increasing per capita income, rapid rate of urbanization, and employment rate driving the global crayfish market. However, stringent regulations over the distribution and farming of crayfish is expected to retain the global crayfish market. Factors trending the global crayfish market include the merger and acquisition among the crayfish manufacturers and end-use industries and high demand for seafood across the globe. The company operates in the crayfish market have significantly high opportunity in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America attributed to the significantly growing economy.Global Crayfish Market Segmentation:The global crayfish market is segmented on the basis of source, application, end-user, and region. On the basis of source, the global crayfish market is segmented as the wild fishery and aquaculture, wherein aquaculture segment have significant revenue share and is expected to have substantial growth rate, owing to rapidly growing aquaculture industry across the globe. On the basis of application, the global crayfish market is segmented as food, pets, and bait. Among application segment, the food segment is expected to have a substantial growth rate in crayfish market, owing to high demand for seafood across the globe. On the basis of end-user, the global crayfish market is segmented as food services, retailers, primary wholesalers, and consumers, wherein consumers segment have significant revenue share, whereas food service segment is expected to have substantial growth rate, owing to changing lifestyle and increasing per capita income of the consumers across the globe.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
GlycyrrhizinMarket Analysis - Regional Outlook, Segments And Forecast To 2027

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Market Introduction:Glycyrrhizin is a chemical which is found in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), the plants belongs to legume family. Glycyrrhiza glabra is native to the regions of Asia Pacific and Western Europe. Its been ages that glycyrrhizin is used as an herbal medicine in china. Glycyrrhizin is also used as a sweet flavoring agent in sweets, toothpaste, chewing gums soft drinks and beers. In various parts of Asia pacific glycyrrhizin is also used as an ingredient in hot herbal tea. It is said to be much sweeter than the regular sugar we consume in our daily life. Research has found that glycyrrhizin has a glucocorticoid properties in it, similar to steroids. Glycyrrhizin has positive as well as adverse health effects on human body. Glycyrrhizin is also used as a gelling agent in food and cosmetic products.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Market Segmentation:Glycyrrhizin market is segment on the basis of application, distribution channel and region. On the basis of application the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, food & beverage and cosmetic industries. Among all these segment pharmaceuticals is expected to grow to a great extent in the forecast period, as there is a humongous use of glycyrrhizin in treating various diseases. The demand for glycyrrhizin is also more as it is used as a sweetening agent in the food and beverage industry. On the basis of distribution channel the market is segmented into upermarkets/hypermarkets, medical stores and online stores. Medical stores is anticipated to hold a relatively higher share in the glycyrrhizin market, followed by supermarkets/hypermarkets. On the basis of region the glycyrrhizin market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific & Japan and MEA.Market Regional Outlook:Regional segment for the market of glycyrrhizin is divided into five different regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific & Japan and MEA. Among these segment Asia Pacific is expected to be the leader of glycyrrhizin market share globally, and is expected to be dominant in the forecaster period. In Asia Pacific region the countries like china and japan are the key market for glycyrrhizin, Uzbekistan is also generating high revenue as the country is one of the largest producers of glycyrrhizin. In terms of revenue Europe is the expected to be the second leading contributor in the glycyrrhizin market, followed by North America.Market Drivers:The rising awareness about the medical benefits glycyrrhizin among the consumers is driving the market of glycyrrhizin. The market of glycyrrhizin is also increasing due to the strong increase of disposable personal income along with rising population and the multiple use of glycyrrhizin in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industry. With the arrival of new market players in the global market is anticipated to boost the growth of glycyrrhizin market globally during the forecast period. Glycyrrhizin offers a lot of health benefits such as it helps in the prevention of peptic ulcers which cause abdominal pain and loss of appetite, acts as a good anti-bacterial agent, its stops the fat accumulation in the body and to lose weight. Glycyrrhizin is also used to cure long term chronic disease like hepatitis C. The market of glycyrrhizin is also expected to grow because of the growing demand of glycyrrhizin in the Asia Pacific region due to the wide range of application in the cosmetic industry. Along with the health benefits associated with glycyrrhizin, there are some adverse effects which will hinder the growth of the glycyrrhizin market such as, it induces the blood pressure which may cause some adverse effect, loss of potassium from the blood occurs which may cause muscle weakness. Moreover, consumption of glycyrrhizin by a pregnant woman may lead to premature delivery of the baby.Market Key Players:Some of the key players in glycyrrhizin market are Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., Douglas Labs, Shaanxi Fujie Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, FAME Pharmaceuticals Industry Co., Ltd., MAFCO Worldwide LLC, Fanzhi Group, Gansu Yalan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd ,Greenline Biotech Co., LTD, Ruihong Bio-technique, ELION Group Limited., Hunan Dinuo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., MARUZEN PHARMACEUTICALS CO., LTD., Xinjiang TIANSHAN Pharmaceuticals Industry Co.,Ltd, Qingdao Taitong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. CokeyCo.,LtdRequest TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, 3M Healthcare, Sannova, Reckitt Benckiser, Church and Dwight, Sunstar Dr.Reddys, and Others.

Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug

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Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, 3M Healthcare, Sannova, Reckitt Benckiser, Church and Dwight, Sunstar Dr.Reddys, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are normally small, painful lesions that develop in mouth or at the base of gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Mouth ulcers arent contagious and usually go away within one to two weeks.The global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug market will reach revenue XX Million USD in 2023 with CAGR of xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Colgate-PalmolivePfizerGlaxoSmithKline3M HealthcareSannovaReckitt BenckiserChurch and DwightSunstarDr.ReddysBlairex LaboratoriesSanjin PharmaceuticalPrestigeJoincare PharmaceuticalSinclair PharmaBlistexotherMouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market: Key ProductGelSprayPatchMouthwashLozengeOtherMouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market: Key ApplicationHospitalsClinicsDrugstoresOthersMouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Mouth Ulcer Treatment Drug Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Telecom Power Systems Market Size, Status and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Telecom power systems assist telecommunication services in cases of grid power fluctuations and interruptions. The intersection of the telecom industry with information technology (IT) has resulted in the evolution of the telecom power systems market. The rising penetration of telecom towers in rural and off-grid areas and the recent disposition of small cell power systems used for LTE are predicted to fuel the demand for telecom power systems over the forecast period. The exponential growth of mobile data traffic and telecom operators has led to the development of network coverage in rural as well as metropolitan areas. The substantial use of mobile devices in urban areas has enhanced the incorporation of femtocells and picocells which need DC power systems. The rising adoption of hybrid power systems is estimated to contribute to the growth of telecom power systems over the forecast period. The lack of grid connectivity in rural areas is projected to stimulate vendors across the globe to implement hybrid systems as they involve energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions in light of the environmental concerns caused by the over-utilization of non-renewable sources to power telecom industries. Owing to the considerable decline in renewable energy sources across the globe, the cost structure for installation and the required equipment for hybrid system that is energy efficient and cost effective in comparison to traditional power supply systems.The increasing consumer inclination toward reducing the carbon imprint of the telecom industry and the expansion of telecom infrastructure to off-grid areas such as Africa and Asia are expected to create additional scope for the telecom power systems market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The market has been segmented by grid type into the on-grid, off-grid, and bad grid divisions. Bad grid held the dominant market share in 2016 and is anticipated to retain its position over the forecast period. A majority of the population dwells in the rural areas devoid of telecommunication networks and electricity. The rising demand for grid-based power systems across these areas is likely to drive the telecom power systems market. Based on component, the telecom power systems market has been divided into the following categories: inverters, rectifiers, heat management systems, convertors, generators, and others. On the basis of power source, the market has been split into the following segments: diesel solar, diesel battery, diesel wind, and others. Diesel solar-based hybrid systems help decrease the cost of operation, maintenance, and logistics by reducing the runtime of diesel & fuel consumption. Government initiatives to promote solar PVs and the implementation of green telecom power solutions in multiple source-based systems are predicted to enhance the advancement of telecom power systems over the next few years.In terms of geography, the telecom power systems market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific is likely to witness rapid growth over the forecast period, propelled by the growing infiltration of telecom towers in rural areas in order to widen the mobile connectivity and subscriber base in this region. Expansion of the LTE and 3G networks too has fuelled the need for telecom power systems in Asia Pacific. Europe constituted the dominant market share in 2016 and is likely to remain so over the forecast period. Implementation of green power alternatives to reduce operational costs, powering telecom sites and addressing the infrastructural changes mobile network companies in this region is expected to drive the market over the forecast period.Developing economies is growing at an accelerating growth in the telecom sector as it demands for high infrastructural changes for reliability and cost effectiveness. Key players in the telecom power systems include GE Industrial Solutions, Huawei Technologies Co., Schneider Electric, Delta Electronics, Cummins Power Generation, Ascot Industrial srl, Myers Power Products, Eaton Corporation, Universal Power Drives, and Vertiv Co., among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Request TOC of the Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 Polymer Derived Ceramics Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Ube Industries, Nippon Carbon Co Ltd, COI Ceramics, Inc., MATECH, SAIFEI Group, and Others

Polymer Derived Ceramics

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Global Polymer Derived Ceramics Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Ube Industries, Nippon Carbon Co Ltd, COI Ceramics, Inc., MATECH, SAIFEI Group, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.This report studies the Polymer Derived Ceramics market, Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) have been developed rapidly since they were discovered over 50 years ago. PDCs exhibit important application values in several key engineering fields, such as aerospace, machinery, energy, information and microelectronics. Si-based polymer-to-ceramic transformation technique to prepare fibers, coatings, bulk materials, ceramic matrix composites and other materials. Another application using PDCs is as sintering aids for non-oxide ceramics.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Polymer Derived Ceramics Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Ube IndustriesNippon Carbon Co LtdCOI Ceramics, Inc.MATECHSAIFEI GroupOthersGlobal Polymer Derived Ceramics Market: Key Product TypeSiC FiberOthersGlobal Polymer Derived Ceramics Market: Key ApplicationAerospaceMachineryMicroelectronicsOthersGlobal Polymer Derived Ceramics Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global Polymer Derived Ceramics Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Polymer Derived Ceramics Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Polymer Derived Ceramics Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Polymer Derived Ceramics Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Metal Cutting Fluids Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Houghton (Gulf Oil), BP, Idemitsu Kosan, COSMO Oil, Master, Petrofer, JX NIPPON, KYODO YUSHI, Indian Oil, Total, Milacron, Fuchs and Others

2017 Metal Cutting Fluids Market Report for period 2017 till 2022

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Global Metal Cutting Fluids Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Daido Chemical Industry, Houghton (Gulf Oil), BP, Quaker, Blaser, Idemitsu Kosan, COSMO Oil, Master, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Petrofer, JX NIPPON, KYODO YUSHI, Indian Oil, Total, Milacron, The Lubrizol Corporation, Fuchs, Yushiro Chemical and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Metal cutting fluids are an industrial liquid which has higher functions of cooling, lubricating, antirusting and cleaning performance. It is used to cool and lubricate the cutting and the workplace. The use of cutting fluid generally causes economy of tools and it becomes easier to keep tight tolerances and to maintain work piece surface properties without damages.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Metal Cutting Fluids Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Houghton (Gulf Oil)BPFuchsYushiro ChemicalQuakerBlaserIdemitsu KosanDaido Chemical IndustryCOSMO OilMasterExxon Mobil CorporationPetroferJX NIPPONKYODO YUSHIIndian OilTotalMilacronThe Lubrizol CorporationOthersGlobal Metal Cutting Fluids Market: Key Product TypeEmulsion Metal Cutting FluidsSemi-Synthetic Metal Cutting FluidsSynthesis Metal Cutting FluidsNeat Oil Metal Cutting FluidsGlobal Metal Cutting Fluids Market: Key ApplicationAutomobile ManufacturingPrecision MachineryElectrical EquipmentMetal ProductsOthersGlobal Metal Cutting Fluids Market: Key RegionNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)The Global Metal Cutting Fluids Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Metal Cutting Fluids Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Metal Cutting Fluids Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Metal Cutting Fluids Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Yu Qiping is staging a solo show in Shanghai, featuring mostly portraits of monks. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Yu Qiping attributed his meticulous approach to art to his Virgo sign of the zodiac and B blood type.

The artist's paintings depicting monks in traditional Chinese courtyards and secluded places are now on show at the Anyi Gallery of Shanghai through Sept 12.

Yu paints in the traditional fine-brush style of China, using ink, mineral pigments and rice paper.

Each stroke, however fine a line, has to be accurate, while the foggy watery atmosphere on the paper is achieved through the repeated application of different shades of a particular color.

"It is time-consuming and exhausting, especially for the eyes," says the 60-year-old artist.

However, being "a B-type and a Virgo", he says, he is strict with his work. Such personality may not necessarily bring out satisfactory art, but "painting or manual work suits me", he adds.

In his paintings, the monks lean by a wall, read in front of a desk or sit by a river. In some pictures a second figure of the same look is present, sneaking a peek or oblivious to the presence of others on the other side of the wall.

"All of these characters are projections of me," says the artist while he's standing in front of a painting of a bare-footed monk leading a horse by a leash, walking through a bamboo plantation.

Yu was born in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, and spent a few years as a child with his parents in the countryside.

As a boy, he found a book about how to draw a horse and learned from it.

"I used to draw little animals on the wall and won praise from people passing by," he recalls.

This encouraged him and he went on to draw through his school years. In 1980, he enrolled at the Chinese painting department of Nanjing Art Academy.

After graduation he worked as an art editor at Jiangsu Pictorial, a local magazine. It was in the 1980s when China's art scene was going through major changes.

The magazine played an active role to promote China's first generation of contemporary artists, such as Gu Wenda, Zhang Xiaogang and Xu Bing.
http://www.media.uzh.ch/en/Press-Releases/2017/Finger-millet-genome.html

Finger millet has two important properties: The grain is rich in important minerals and resistant towards drought and heat. Thanks to a novel combination of state-of-the-art technologies, researchers at the University of Zurich were able to decode the large and extremely complex genome of finger millet in high quality for the first time. This represents a fundamental basis for improving food security in countries like India and parts of Africa.---For many poor farmers in India and Africa, finger millet is a major staple food. The crop species is not only a rich source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, and it contains many vitamins and essential amino acids. The plant is also characterized by its resistance to drought and heat. As it is very healthy and gluten-free, it is finding increased use as a food in industrial countries as well. Despite its importance, finger millet has been given very little scientific attention until now.Large and complex genome due to fusion of two plant speciesFinger millet arose through the hybridization of two different plant species. The plant is therefore polyploid, which means it has a four-fold set of chromosomes and almost twice as many genes as its original species. The size and complexity of the genome are thought to have conferred the broad environmental tolerance of finger millet, while making genome research extremely difficult. For the first time, an international team of researchers from the University of Zurich has now managed to decode the complex genome of finger millet in great detail. It comprises about 2.6 million base pairs and has more than 62,300 genes  about twice as many as rice, for example.New strategy for genome sequencing and mappingA good 57,900 finger millet genes  over 90 percent  occur in more than two copies. As their DNA sequences are very similar, it was difficult to correctly allocate the numerous, decoded DNA sections within the entire genome. In cooperation with Ralph Schlapbach and Sirisha Aluri from the Functional Genomics Center at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, the team headed up by Kentaro Shimizu, professor at the UZH Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, has managed to overcome these difficulties. For this purpose, the scientists combined a sophisticated bioinformatics strategy developed by Masaomi Hatakeyama that uses state-of-the-art sequencing methods with a new technology that can optically map the long, individual DNA molecules in the genome. Our newly developed strategy will help sequence the genome of other polyploid cultivated plants that have not been able to be determined until now, Shimizu says.Improving the supply of nutrients and drought resistanceAn interdisciplinary team of researchers from Zurich and Bangalore, India, worked together on this project. The work was supported by Indo-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB), a bilateral research and development program financed by the Swiss and Indian governments, as well as by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The objective is to improve food security and to develop the capacity of biotechnological research in India. The newly available genome data of finger millet opens up numerous possibilities for modern plant breeding, Shimizu emphasizes. On the one hand, to help people with mineral deficiencies in India and in industrialized countries and, on the other hand, to make important crop plants more resistant to drought and aridness.Literature:Masaomi Hatakeyama, Sirisha Aluri, Mathi Thumilan Balachadran, Sajeevan Radha Sivarajan, Andrea Patrignani, Simon Gruter, Lucy Poveda, Rie Shimizu-Inatsugi, John Baeten, Kees-Jan Francoijs, Karaba N. Nataraja, Yellodu A. Nanja Reddy, Shamprasad Phadnis, Ramapura L. Ravikumar, Ralph Schlapbach, Sheshshayee M. Sreeman and Kentaro K. Shimizu. Multiple hybrid de novo genome assembly of finger millet, an orphan allotetraploid crop. DNA Research. 5 September 2017. DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsx036Contact:Prof. Dr. Kentaro K. ShimizuDepartment of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ZurichPhone: +41 44 635 67 40E-mail:Weitere Informationen:Quelle: idw
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2017.07.002

http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(17)31170-3/abstract

http://www.pei.de/EN/information/journalists-press/press-releases/2017/12-mode-of-action-of-vaccine-adjuvant-flagellin-in-fusion-proteins-has-been-clarified.html

Fusion proteins consisting of antigens and the bacterial adjuvant flagellin are promising vaccine candidates. They have the potential to induce immune responses in a targeted and reliable manner, thus conveying protection against infectious diseases. In addition, they can favourably influence misdirected immune reactions, for example as part of a treatment against allergies. Researchers from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut have now clarified the mode of action of such a candidate for the treatment of birch pollen allergies. In its edition of 05 September 2017, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports on the results of this research.---To induce sufficiently strong immune responses during vaccination, either the antigen itself against which the immune response is directed at (for example pathogens or parts of such agents) must induce a sufficiently strong immune response or the additional administration of adjuvants, which increase the immunogenicity of the co-applied antigen, is required. Such adjuvants are viral, bacterial, or chemical components which are recognised as foreign by our immune system, thus also inducing immune responses against the co-administrated antigens.The protein flagellin is a promising adjuvant. Flagellin is a major component of spiral-shaped protein filaments on the surface of certain bacteria  so-called flagella. They serve the mobility of freely floating bacteria. Flagellin is recognised by the toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). TLR5 belongs to a group of pattern recognition receptors, which, among other things, can be found on cells of the innate immune system. They recognise pathogens on the basis of their unique molecular patterns, which helps them induce immune responses reliably.The benefit of flagellin is that the gene sequence encoding for flagellin can be merged with gene sequences of various different antigens using genetic engineering technologies. This produces so-called fusion proteins, in which the antigen against which an immune response is to be induced and flagellin are closely connected with each other in a single molecule. Although multiple animal models and clinical studies have shown before that the administration of such fusion proteins efficiently induces immune responses against the fused antigen, it has up to now largely been unknown how such fusion proteins exactly induce these immune responses.Researchers from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut under the supervision of Dr Stefan Schulke, Research Group Molecular Allergology of the Vice President of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Professor Stefan Vieths, jointly with researchers from Mainz, Essen, and Vienna, have now succeeded in describing the mechanism of action of such a fusion protein in more detail for the first time. For this purpose, Dr Schulke and colleagues examined a fusion protein developed by them consisting of flagellin A (from listeria) and the major allergen of birch pollen (Bet v 1).Contrary to the protection from infectious diseases, the aim of a vaccination with allergens, which for instance cause hay fever, is to stimulate the immune system to bring about tolerance against the allergen. After the researchers were in a position to show that their fusion protein  however, not the mixture of both single proteins  was able to prevent the development of allergic reactions in the mouse model efficiently, they examined the mechanism of action of their fusion protein. Preliminary research work had already suggested that the observed suppression of allergic reactions after immunisation with the fusion protein is caused by the release of the immune messenger interleukin-10 (IL-10). IL-10 is an autologous cytokine. Its function is to reduce overreaching immune responses.Based on complex immunological tests, the researchers established that dendritic cells incorporated the fusion protein, which was present as aggregates, much better than the non-fused mixture of the two single proteins. Dendritic cells are important immune cells for the induction of immune responses. In these cells, stimulation with the fusion protein led to a very strong activation of these cells, which subsequently released both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.In additional experiments, the research team was able to show that an enhanced activation of the cell metabolism occurred in dendritic cells which were stimulated with the fusion protein. This condition of an increased metabolic activity, the so-called Warburg effect, was caused by the activation of the mTOR1-complex. The mTOR1-complex is a central regulator of metabolic activity in all body cells and is also important for the induction of immune responses.To examine the role for the mTOR1-complex in the cytokine release induced by the fusion protein, the researchers treated dendritic cells with rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR1 activation. While the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 could be inhibited by rapamycin, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines remained unaffected by this treatment. Taken together, these results show that the production of IL-10 conveyed by the fusion protein was caused by the activation of the cell metabolism in the dendritic cells.This result, which is surprising for us, for the first time shows that the immune modulating activity of a flagellin-containing vaccine candidate can be mediated by an activation of the cell metabolism. This knowledge can contribute to a better understanding of the complex immunological processes that occur during the use of such vaccine candidates and can support the development of new vaccine candidates, as Dr Schulke explained the relevance of the results.Original publication: Schulke S, Fiedler AH, Junker C, Flaczyk A, Wolfheimer S, Heinz A, Beckert H, Nagl B, Bohle B, Vieths S, Toda M, Scheurer S(2017): Critical role of mTOR for IL-10 DC induction by a flagellin FlaA-conjugate preventing allergic sensitization. J Allergy Clin Immunol(DOI:) 2017; [epub ahead of print]___________________________________________The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, in Langen near Frankfurt/Main is a senior federal authority reporting to the Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium fur Gesundheit, BMG). It is responsible for the research, assessment, and marketing authorisation of biomedicines for human use and immunological veterinary medicinal products. Its remit also includes the authorisation of clinical trials and pharmacovigilance, i.e. recording and evaluation of potential adverse effects. Other duties of the institute include official batch control, scientific advice and inspections. In-house experimental research in the field of biomedicines and life science form an indispensable basis for the manifold tasks performed at the institute. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, with its roughly 800 members of staff, also has advisory functions nationally (federal government, federal states (Lander)), and internationally (World Health Organisation, European Medicines Agency, European Commission, Council of Europe etc.).___________________________________________Please contact the Press Office if you have any questionsPhone +49/6103 / 77 1030 or fax +49/6103 / 77 1262EmailWeitere Informationen:- Link to the Abstract of the Publication-This press release on the PEI-WebsiteQuelle: idw
More Portland-area students head back to school this week.

Several districts including Portland Public Schools, got an early start last week. But with Labor Day in the rear-view mirror, the remainder will resume classes over the next few days.

But with a heat advisory in the forecast and heavy wildfire smoke in the air, Portland Public Schools has already announced an early release day Tuesday. Other districts could follow suit.

Watch for schedule changes at OregonLive.com/closures.

Districts starting Tuesday: Beaverton, David Douglas*, Forest Grove*, Gresham-Barlow*, Hillsboro, North Clackamas*, Oregon City, Sherwood*, Tigard-Tualatin*, Parkrose*

*Grades 7-8 and 10-12 start Wednesday; Parkrose kindergarten staggered, check with school

Starting Wednesday: Centennial**, Reynolds***

** Except kindergarten (Sept. 11), grade 8 (Thursday) and grade 9 (Tuesday)

***Grades 7-8 and 10-12 start Thursday; kindergarten staggered, check with school

AND A DRIVING REMINDER

The speed limit on roads next to school grounds is 20 mph any time a yellow light on a sign is ashing or between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days.

That also applies to crosswalks away from school grounds when children are waiting at the curb to cross, which also means you should stop for them, or a crossing patrol is present.

Some school zones don't have "End School Zone" signs. In those cases, the rule is you must maintain 20 mph until you come to a sign with a new speed.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
A woman who was hiking over the weekend in the Columbia River Gorge said Tuesday that she happened across a teenager who threw "a smoke bomb" into Eagle Creek Canyon, igniting the now 10,000-acre Eagle Creek fire.

Liz FitzGerald, 48, of Portland said she's fairly certain that she heard the teenager's friends -- including a boy who was video-recording with his cellphone and some girls in the group -- giggle as the firework dropped down a cliff and into the trees below.

"I saw this shorter kid lob this smoke bomb down into the canyon," FitzGerald said. "I was probably 4 feet away from him. I said, 'Do you realize how dangerous this is? There's a raging forest fire up the trail. This place is so dry.'"

But her reference to an existing wildfire that had forced the closure of the trail miles ahead and her warnings about reckless behavior drew no response, she said.

"They kept on walking down the trail," FitzGerald said.

Oregon State Police said a 15-year-old boy from Vancouver is suspected of starting the fire. They have made no arrests and are not releasing the boy's name. They are asking witnesses who were on the trail Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to call them at 503-375-3555.

Police already have interviewed FitzGerald. She originally contacted Oregon Public Broadcasting with her account.

FitzGerald told The Oregonian/OregonLive that she was hiking to Punch Bowl Falls to get some relief from the heat when she encountered the teens about 1 1/2 miles up the trail, which begins near Cascade Locks.

After the boy threw the smoke bomb, she said she looked down into the canyon. She saw some smoke that she figured was from the firework.

She didn't see any brush or trees on fire, so she kept walking for about two minutes. That's when she said she encountered two hikers and told them what she saw. The pair told her that they'd seen a group of kids lighting fireworks at Punch Bowl Falls, a short way up the trail, and they were headed back down to "rat them out," FitzGerald said.

FitzGerald decided then that she should return to the trailhead and report what she saw. She didn't have her cellphone with her, so she'd have to do it in person.

"I started to run," FitzGerald said, adding that she soon passed the spot where the she had seen the teens. "At that point, it was so obvious to me that it was a fire. I could see all of this smoke billowing up."

Moments later, she passed the group of teenagers.

"My adrenaline is through the roof," FitzGerald said. "I said, 'Do you realize you just started a forest fire?' And the kid who had been filming with his cellphone said, 'But what are we supposed to do about it now?' And I said, 'Call the fricking fire department!'"

FitzGerald said she doesn't think they understood the gravity of the situation.

"There was complete indifference," she said. "It was weird. I was just like, 'You're not getting this on any level. You're not getting this at all.''"

As she made it down the trail, she warned other hikers -- including those with children -- to turn around. But they looked at her oddly and kept going, she said.

Authorities would later report that 150 stranded hikers -- many of them who had only planned on a quick day trip -- had to spend the night on the trail before rescuers led them out on an alternate route starting at dawn the next day.

Once FitzGerald returned to the trailhead, she found a U.S. Forest Service officer and reported what she saw, she said.

After the officer called for fire trucks and a helicopter carrying fire retardant, she told him that she was worried the teens might try to drive off undetected, FitzGerald said.

Just then, she spotted a minivan drive by. A teenage girl in the front seat looked excited, FitzGerald said. FitzGerald thought she might be part of the group.

FitzGerald said the officer asked if she felt comfortable jumping in his SUV and following the van. She said yes, and she and the officer gave chase, she said.

"The kids tore through the parking lot," FitzGerald said.

The officer was able to stop the van a short while later, just as the driver was trying to get on Interstate 84, she said.

FitzGerald praised the officer's quick response from the instant she reported the fire.

She doesn't know what to think of the teens.

It was a whole group of kids that was completely complicit, FitzGerald said. They were all in on it. He (the 15-year-old boy) threw it. But they all shrugged it off. They had no discernible problem with what he was doing.

Videos posted online by other hikers show police later interviewing two boys who appear to be teenagers near the Eagle Creek Trailhead. The boys  one wearing a tank top and shorts and the other shirtless  are next to a minivan.

One of the videos was taken as hiker Kevin Marnell and his friends watched police detain the boys.

Marnell and his friends expressed shock on the video about the smoke rolling down from the trail. They also remarked about all of the signs they'd seen posted along the trail, warning hikers against using fireworks in the area.

"We were making fun of that because we were thinking, logically as engineers, that no (expletive) idiot on earth would (expletive) do that," a man can be overheard saying in the Marnell video.

Marnell, who lives in North Portland, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he was part of a group of five friends who had hiked along the Eagle Creek Trail that day, with a stop at Punch Bowl Falls. The group had spread out toward the end of the hike as they returned to the trailhead.

About a mile from the trailhead, Marnell said he heard a loud bang, which he believes was a firework, then saw smoke rising from the forest shortly after that.

"I just saw the smoke rising out of the bushes," Marnell said. "There was so much smoke. It looked really bad."

"Our friend who passed by five minutes later saw a tree on fire," Marnell said. "The last guy in our group said it was so smoky, he couldn't see anything."

Marnell said the teens appeared to be part of a group of four to six young people.

"We didn't see any crying," Marnell said. "There was a lot of their hands on their heads, just looking frustrated and worried."

Oregon State Police, the Hood River County Sheriff's Office and the Hood River County District Attorney's Office are investigating how the fire started.

-- Aimee Green

agreen@oregonian.com

o_aimee

News researcher Lynne Palombo contributed to this story.
HOUSTON - Everywhere Samuel Enriquez looks, he can see the work that needs to be done. But because he is in the United States illegally, he knows he can't earn an official paycheck in this city's recovery.

The carpenter from El Salvador sits on a curb outside a home improvement store, hoping a passer-by will offer $10 an hour to help rip out sewage-soaked carpets or rotting drywall. Having lived in the United States for a year, he believes Texas is as good a place as any to seek refuge, because that's where the work is now, even if some government officials want him and others like him to leave the country.

"If they deport all of us, who will rebuild?" says Enriquez, 36, waiting along with about two dozen other laborers seeking work. "We do more for less."

It will take an army of workers to reconstruct a vast swath of southeast Texas, including the sprawling metropolis of Houston, that was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Whether the region can do it without fully embracing workers like Enriquez will soon be put to the test - with reverberations that could be felt nationwide.

Under President Donald Trump, authorities in Texas have been bearing down on illegal immigrants. Until a judge blocked the measure last week, they threatened to enact a new state law that would outlaw sanctuary cities. Texas also has been leading a group of 10 states demanding that Trump end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which granted reprieves from deportation to nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as minors.

It is a harsher landscape for those in the country illegally than it was 12 years ago, when the Gulf Coast faced the similar-size task of cleaning up from Hurricane Katrina. Eight days after that storm made landfall, President George W. Bush bowed to pressure from construction firms and relaxed worker ID rules. By some estimates, that allowed more than a quarter of all government-paid recovery jobs to go to illegal immigrants.

But 10 days after Harvey struck Texas with record-setting rains and caused unprecedented flooding, the Trump administration has made no similar proclamation. Worse, immigrant rights groups say, federal authorities have sent conflicting signals about whether they might start simply detaining and deporting those flushed out into the open by the storm.

Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, who was critical of Bush's decision, said in a statement Sunday that he sees even greater challenges in recovering from Harvey. "But that does not mean federal immigration laws should be ignored. Nor should regulations that require federal contractors to verify legal work authorization of their employers," he said. "These policies were put in place to protect American workers and taxpayers."

More than 200,000 homes sustained damage in the storm, including more than 13,500 that were destroyed, according to early local estimates that don't provide solid numbers for some of the hardest-hit areas. Leaders in the construction industry have begun sounding alarms that there will not be enough American-born workers to rebuild as quickly as needed.

Samuel Enriquez, 36, a day laborer sits on his lunch cooler waiting for work at the Home Depot in southwest Houston.

"If they would relax the rules, honestly, that would be great, we could use it," said Jeffrey Nielsen, executive vice president of the Houston Contractors Association, whose members include the city's largest firms that build roads, bridges and other public works.

Nielsen said that even before Harvey hit, almost every member of the association was grappling with a shortage of workers. With a crushing list of jobs now growing by the day, thousands need to be hired - and fast.

Nielsen said he and other construction industry officials were told at a weekend briefing that roughly 30 percent of all roads in and around Houston will remain impassable without some construction work.

"The truth is, there are not a lot of people jumping up and down to do civil construction work in Texas. It's hot, and these jobs are pouring concrete or, worse, hot asphalt," Nielsen said. "That's the reality of it, and we need more people than ever."

There are plenty in and around Houston who might consider taking on the work, which can pay $20 an hour or more, if ID requirements were relaxed, construction industry officials say.

The Houston metropolitan area has the third-largest illegal immigrant population in the country, about 575,000 people, according to a Pew Research Center report this year. Those workers already make up roughly a quarter of all construction laborers citywide, according to the study. Some estimate it could be closer to half.

But as the federal government this week is expected to begin signing massive contracts for debris removal, roofing work and other emergency efforts, none of Houston's unauthorized immigrant population could pass worker verification guidelines required of federal contractors.

At a news briefing last week, White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert tried to allay fears that Houston's immigrants would be rounded up when they sought help at shelters. The administration, he said, was encouraging people to seek lifesaving help if they need it and wouldn't "let somebody starve or die of thirst or exposure."

But Bossert also was clear that the extent of the government's leniency for illegal immigrants ends there.

"There's no real wavering here, and it's pretty clear about our position on immigration," he said. "I don't think there's going to be a lot of benefits going out to illegal immigrants in terms of the American taxpayer."

On the ground in Houston, the reality is different. Workers are needed urgently, and in Harvey's wake, a shadow economy of off-the-books hiring will only expand, putting workers at risk of exploitation and robbing the state and federal government of tax dollars.

In eastern Houston, Guillermo Herrera's banquet hall received about two feet of water after the west canal of Greens Bayou swamped the nearby community of mobile homes and cottages.

The hall was full of mud, the beer fridge had overturned, and the drywall stank, Herrera said. But despite the storm and flooding, one of his clients refused to cancel a Saturday night wedding ceremony planned for 600 guests. To make good on the contract and keep his business afloat, Herrera turned to his employees and their relatives to get the job done.

"I didn't care where they came from," said Herrera, 55. "We needed the help."

By midday Saturday, the tile floor was sparkling, the tables and their gaudy glass centerpieces were in place, the septic tank was back in working order, and the mariachi band would soon arrive.

Without undocumented workers, "there was no damn way" to do the job, Herrera said, adding that after the nuptials he planned to close the hall for two weeks for a more extensive rehab - one that will likely require hiring more undocumented workers.

Day laborers try to get work at a Home Depot in Houston. Federal contractors are required to ensure their employees have the proper immigration status to work.

Dave and Josephine Bushnell traveled from Louisiana to help their daughter clean up after the flooded San Jacinto River left nearly 6 feet of water inside her two-story home in Humble, Texas.

The couple and a crew of local church volunteers are doing some initial work, but soon they will need more specialized help for wiring, reassembling walls and putting in new floors. Would they hire day laborers to help?

"Oh yeah. They need the help too. The government helps us, we help them, and all of us help the economy," Dave Bushnell said, pointing to a crew of three men pulling up a tree stump at an adjacent home. "You see how hard they work. They've probably lost everything too, but they can't sit and wait for a handout. They've got to work."

But to be part of the federal government's recovery effort, it's a different process entirely. Often, an early step is for an employer to check the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services E-Verify website, which makes sure a worker is a U.S. citizen or a foreign one with the necessary authorization to draw a paycheck.

Nielsen said his crews of road workers have been getting walk-ups every day. "We tell them we E-Verify, and half of them just turn around and walk away," he said.

"We are undoubtedly going to need immigrant workers to rebuild Houston," said Kevin Appleby, director of policy for the nonprofit Center for Migration Studies of New York. "It is clear that immigrants, including those without status, helped to rebuild New Orleans."

Stan Marek, chief executive of Marek Construction in Houston, sees the damage left by Harvey as big enough to hopefully reset the national debate over illegal immigration.

He and other contractors want a permanent solution that will absorb the existing workforce and train them for the kinds of jobs that Houston and other parts of Texas will need. The storm, Marek said, provides an opportunity to solve an immigration problem in the state while advancing social justice.

"With some supervision and some training, we could kick-start this whole thing to basically integrate these people into society," Marek said. "Let's take them out of the shadows and give them the protection of our laws."

Roberto Benavidez, 45, a Nicaraguan, has been thinking the same thing as he paces in front of a Home Depot in West Houston looking for odd jobs.

"For the country to rebuild Houston, it will need amnesty for immigrants," Benavidez said. "I get it. It seems like we are busting in the door of your house and asking to stay, but in reality, we are knocking on the door and offering a service."

For a larger fix, advocates say Bush's decision after New Orleans can't be looked at as a model. In September of 2005, the Department of Homeland Security waived worker identification requirements for "victims" of Katrina for 45 days. Critics said it was impossible to determine who was a victim, and it let illegal immigrants from across the country descend on New Orleans and be hired as subcontractors.

Appleby said he sees three likely scenarios under Trump: "Either he does not waive and continues to be strict, or he does not waive but also does not enforce, or he does relax regulations," he said.

The most likely, Appleby believes, is for the administration to "wink and nod" and to not conduct raids of construction companies in the Houston area for some period of time.

In the meantime, Emelda, who cleans houses in Houston, said she is getting ready for an uptick in work, and still holds hope something good can come out of Harvey.

"Through all this hurt, we've become, as a city, one hurting heart. The pain of one is the pain of all," said Emelda, who spoke on condition her full name not be used because she fears deportation. "I feel that through all of this, God is talking to us. And He's saying a lot, showing us we need to have compassion and patience with one another."

(c) 2017, The Washington Post. Arelis R. HernaNdez and Aaron C. Davis wrote this story.
More than 11,000 young adults and teens in Oregon are directly affected by President Trump's

, announced Tuesday by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, to end a program that allows people brought to the country illegally as children to live and work in the U.S. under renewable two-year permits.

In Portland, local elected officials, some young people certified under the program -- called Dreamers -- and several hundred supporters rallied at Portland State University Tuesday.

They said they worry those who found safe harbor under the program risk being yanked out of their communities and the only country they know. To be covered by the program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, enrollees had to give federal officials their personal information, including addresses and biometric identification. Some fear that information may now be used to round them up for deportations.

They called for the Republican-led Congress to protect immigrants with reform legislation. They singled out U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, Oregon's lone Republican congressman, who has considerable clout in Washington and the White House.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Walden said Congress should act to create "a legal immigration system that works."

"America's legal immigration system is broken today and it needs congressional action to fix," Walden said. "Like all Americans I have a lot of compassion for those who as children were brought into America and now are in limbo in the broken immigration system."

Nationally, the program has enrolled more than 800,000 young immigrants.

DREAMS DASHED

Ending the immigration program would betray the trust that people living in the country illegally placed in the federal government, said Fatima Preciado, who was granted protection from deportation via the program.

Preciado, a 19-year-old Portland State student, said her parents came to the United States and worked in fields and factories to provide her a better life than in their home country. Her goal now is to graduate college, she said.

"Immigrants and dreamers like myself continue to serve and support this country with honor and dignity," Preciado told rallygoers. "And we are here to stay."

Dreamer Hugo Nicolas said the Trump administration has made life difficult for him by labeling immigrants as criminals. With the deportation deferral program ended, Nicolas said, matters may worsen.

"I'm really concerned about what's going to happen to my future," he said. "I do not know if I'm going to be able to finish school. Or keep my job. I do not know what will happen to my family."

By ending the no-deportation program, Trump fulfilled a campaign promise. But even he acknowledged politicians on both sides of the aisle want a solution other than blanket deportations of young people who have been educated in the U.S. and have clean records.

Trump's action Tuesday means existing permits will begin expiring in six months, on March 6. With that timeline, Trump put the impetus on Congress to pass legislation extending deportation protections. The president tweeted "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!"

In the wake of Trump's decision, Dreamer Aldo Solano told rally attendees that he feels "angry, disappointed and betrayed."

"Without DACA," he said, "I risk being deported back to a country I don't know."

Hundreds more gathered Tuesday evening at Terry Shrunk Plaza in downtown, chanting "Undocumented, unafraid."

Protesters urged members of Congress to pass permanent legislation protecting immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.

"I'm done walking around with my head down. I'm done waiting for congress to pass something," said one protester.

Another protester noted that Congress has a short timeline to accomplish immigration reform.

"They only have six months," she told the crowd. "And I don't know about y'all, but I'm not patient."

LAWSUIT POSSIBLE

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who spoke at the morning rally, said her office is coordinating with more than a dozen of her counterparts in other states to determine if they should file a lawsuit challenging the decision.

This summer, Rosenblum, along with other state attorneys general, signed a letter to the Trump administration warning of legal action if DACA was rescinded. In an interview, Rosenblum hinted there may be follow-through.

"When you threaten a lawsuit," she said, "I think you ought to make good on your threat."

She said the Oregon Department of Justice is "coordinating real-time" with other states to decide if a lawsuit is the best course of action.

She told rally attendees: "Stay tuned."

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
A man who fled in his truck after seeing police officers led them on a short chase in Northeast Portland before he leapt from the driver's seat, crashing the truck while a woman and toddler remained inside, police said.

Police were called Monday afternoon after a man spotted the truck outside the Gateway Fred Meyer store, located at 1111 N.E. 102nd Ave. He told police the maroon GMC pickup truck matched one driven by people who had stolen two leaf blowers, which were still in the truck, from his property earlier in the day.

The driver drove off when police arrived, police said, driving over a median with shrubbery. Officers tried but failed to stop the vehicle.

The man continued to drive north on Northeast 102nd Avenue before jumping from the vehicle, police said. The uncontrolled truck crashed into a fence and came to rest in the yard of a private home.

A woman ran from the truck and tried to enter passing vehicles, police said, eventually putting the toddler inside one of them. Police said the woman also assaulted a police officer before being taken into custody.

She was taken to a hospital by ambulance for what police described as a non-life-threatening and pre-existing injury.

The driver of the pickup truck was also taken into custody. Police said he was taken to a hospital after he told officers he had swallowed illegal narcotics before he was arrested.

The child escaped injury and was placed in Child Protective Services custody.

Police did not immediately name the driver or the female passenger, nor identify any charges. Both would be lodged in Multnomah County Jail, police said.

-- Elliot Njus
More than 30 Chinese artists, including renowned TV host Chen Duo and actor Han Tongsheng, will gather in Yichang city of Central China's Hubei province on Sept 12 to mark one of the country's key contributions to humanityChinese poetry.

The artists will recite poems in an opening gala for the fifth Chinese Poetry Festival, billed as the biggest poetry event in the country.

The event also opens with singing, dancing and instrumental performances.

The festival, which runs through Sept 17, is organized by the Ministry of Culture and the China Writers Association. It aims to celebrate the power of poetry in all its forms and will treat the public to traditional and contemporary works, along with forums and other related activities.

"Poetry has never been more vital," says Shang Zhen, the deputy director of Poetry Periodical, a Beijing-based publication focusing on poetry and launched by the China Writers Association in 1957.

"China has a long history of poetry. Through these events, we want to introduce the great Chinese poets to people, particularly to those from the younger generation."

One forum during the festival will host 15 poets to discuss contemporary Chinese poetry and another platform will include seven poets focusing on the traditional form. They include winners of the Lu Xun Literary Prize, one of China's top literary prizes, and poets from 10 Chinese ethnic groups.

The Chinese Poetry Festival was launched in 2005 and has since been held every three years.

The first four festivals were held in Ma'anshan, East China's Anhui province; Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province; Xiamen, East China's Fujian province; and Mianyang, Southwest China's Sichuan province.

"The upcoming festival is themed on 'serving the people and the country', and it welcomes the opening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China," says Ming Wenjun, the deputy director of the Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture.

"More than 80 poetry events are held in Yichang every year and that enables the city to cater to a large audience for the art," says Yan Rongli, the deputy director of the culture department of the Hubei provincial government.

More than 100,000 poetry enthusiasts have participated in the city's poetry events, and Hubei itself boasts a rich heritage in poetry, with many famous poets having called it home, adds Yan.

Qu Yuan, a poet from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) who was born in Hubei's Zigui county, is one of the country's most prominent classical literary figures. He is best known for his poems collected in the anthology Chu Ci or Songs of Chu.

Other luminaries, such as the Tang Dynasty's (618-907) Li Bai and Song Dynasty's (960-1279) Su Dongpo and Ouyang Xiu, all penned numerous works while living in Hubei.
Does the Russian government have kompromat -- compromising material -- on President Donald Trump?

The possibility that Russia spent years collecting evidence of salacious private activity by Trump with the ultimate goal of blackmailing him was put forward last year in a "dossier" compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele. Most of the allegations in the 35-page document, produced for various Trump political opponents, remain unverified, and some of them have been debunked.

Trump himself said in January the dossier is "all fake news. It's phony stuff. It didn't happen."

But Steele's controversial work hasn't gone away, with U.S. congressional committees seeking to interview Steele. Last month, Republican House intelligence committee staffers reportedly made a secret trip to London to ambush Steele.

Now, Britain's The Independent newspaper reports, little-known Russian politician Nikita Isaev said this week the dossier does correctly get to the heart of the matter -- that Russia has compromising information on Trump. "Of course we have it," he said.

Isaev, an economist, declared that he would like to see a full airing of the government's Trump material on Russian TV.

"Let's hit Trump with our kompromat," he said.

Is this just grandstanding by Isaev, a poke in the U.S.'s eye in the wake of the Trump administration's recent closing of Russian consulates on American soil?

That wouldn't be out of character for any politician looking to make a name for himself in Vladimir Putin's Russia. It's entirely possible Isaev knows nothing about whether the Russian government has kompromat on Trump and is just stirring the pot.

Kremlin knows Trump soap opera is coming to a head in DC. All their agents, trolls & bots are active -- as you see. https://t.co/EN4tiZHLrp  John Schindler (@20committee) September 5, 2017

This much, at least, isn't in dispute: The U.S.-Russia relationship continues to deteriorate. President Putin said Tuesday that the Trump administration's retaliation for Putin's recent ousting of some U.S. diplomatic staffers in Russia "was done in such a rude way."

He added, cryptically, that Trump is "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

-- Douglas Perry
Gregory N. Lieberman/The Oregonian

By Lizzy Acker

The 2018 ranking of best school districts is out from Niche and it's time to see where your district ranks.

The following list is taken directly from the data provided by Niche. According to the website, Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more.

Its important to note that in some ways, this list reflects districts where parents are better educated and there is less poverty than in districts not listed. Because of this, it doesnt necessarily mean that these are the districts that provide the best education.

In mid-September, official test scores for Oregon schools will be released. If you want a more granular look at schools in the state, stay tuned for those results.

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15. David Douglas School District

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Betsy Hammond/The Oregonian

Portland

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 14

Number of students: 11,039

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14. Enterprise School District

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Bruce Ely/The Oregonian

Enterprise

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 2

Number of students: 382

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13. Greater Albany Public School District

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Jamie Francis/The Oregonian

Albany

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 20

Number of students: 9,409

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12. St. Paul School District

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Jamie Francis/The Oregonian

St. Paul

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 2

Number of students: 279

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11. Sisters School District

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Pete Christopher/The Oregonian

Sisters

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 3

Number of students: 1,101

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Jay Mather/Special to The Oregonian

Jena Rickards, a senior at Sisters High School in Sisters, Oregon, will attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee as a freshman in August. She decided to go there after meeting and performing with Vince Gill at the Sisters Starry Nights benefit concert in 2007. He advised her to go there because she would be close to the music industry she hopes to enter after college. He also gave her the Taylor guitar she now plays. Wednesday, April 30, 2008.

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10. Philomath School District

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Dillon Pilorget/Forest Grove Leader

Philomath

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 6

Number of students: 1,604

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Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian

Mallory Gilstrap,16, of Philomath High School's Shining Stars dance team enjoyed the sun Saturday at the Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade. The team team performed a routine with a "Lion King" theme. KeyBank Grand Floral Parade, 2010.

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9. Silver Falls School District

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Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian

Scotts Mills and Silverton

Niche grade: B

Number of schools: 13

Number of students: 3,783

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Gordon House/The Oregonian

Silverton High School seniors have a work day in the Gateway Garden in the spring.

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8. Portland Public Schools

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

Portland

Niche grade: B+

Number of schools: 87

Number of students: 47,806

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Courtesy of Portland Public Schools

Students at James John Elementary in the summer of 2015 participate in a three-week program designed to demystify kindergarten. Photos courtesy of Portland Public Schools.

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7. Tigard-Tualatin School District

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Doug Beghtel/The Oregonian

Tigard

Niche grade: B+

Number of schools: 17

Number of students: 12,692

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Nuran Alteir/The Oregonian

Tigard-Tualatin School District put on its first reunification drill on March 20, 2015. District staff practiced Standard Response Protocol provided by the I Love U Guys Foundation.

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6. Beaverton School District

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AP Photo/Don Ryan, File

Beaverton

Niche grade: B+

Number of schools: 53

Number of students: 39,941

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

Jesse Drake, 18, likes to strike up conversations with shoppers while on the job site at Grocery Outlet. The Community Transition Project, part of the Beaverton School District, provides vocational opportunities for 95 students in special education who are 18-21 years old.

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5. Corvallis School District

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Pete Christopher/The Oregonian

Corvallis

Niche grade: A

Number of schools: 13

Number of students: 6,644

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Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian

Dennis Purcell, Seattle, Training Manager for Saxton Bradley, Inc, a distributer of educational equipment, instructs Patty Foulkes, Corvallis, a teacher at Garfield Elementary School, on the uses of a Smart Board classroom projection display.

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4. West Linn-Wilsonville School District

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Bruce Ely/The Oregonian

West Linn, Wilsonville, Tualatin and Clackamas County

Niche grade: A

Number of schools: 16

Number of students: 9,227

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Wendy Owen/The Oregonian

Students and West Linn-Wilsonville School District staff take part in an exercise program called NIA, which is a mix of aerobics, martial arts, dance and yoga.

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3. Ashland School District

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

Ashland

Niche grade: A

Number of schools: 6

Number of students: 2,809

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Janet Eastman/The Oregonian

Ashland High student leaders Evan Mouledoux (beard), Amelia Zeve (short, spiky hair) and Kate Joss-Bradley (long dark hair) speak openly about their privileged life and the need to stop hate speech on campus and in their city.

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2. Riverdale School District

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Laura Frazier/The Oregonian

Portland

Niche grade: A

Number of schools: 2

Number of students: 588

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Ross William Hamilton/The Oregonian

Riverdale Grade School Team A teammates Timmy Gentry, 13, left; Michael Fain, 13 and Elliott Polin, 13, right, decompress after participating in the engineering competition Saturday, a part of the annual BPA Regional Science Bowl. Students throughout the Pacific Northwest competed for $85,000 in scholarships from 18 regional colleges and universities as well as entry into National Science Bowl.

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1. Lake Oswego School District

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Drew Vattiat/The Oregonian

Lake Oswego

Niche grade: A

Number of schools: 10

Number of students: 6,926

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

The Lake Oswego dance team performs a 'horrifying' dance routine in Halloween costumes at halftime. The Lake Oswego Lakers face off against the Newberg Tigers in a Week 8 Oregon high school football game played at Lake Oswego High School in Lake Oswego, Oregon on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015.
Photo: Rob Davis/Staff

A dusting of ash fell in the Portland metro area Monday afternoon, blown west by the same winds that helped the Eagle Creek Fire grow in the Columbia River Gorge.

The fire, which grew Monday to 3,200 acres and forced new evacuations in Multnomah County, started Saturday. It's believed to have been caused by illegal fireworks, but police said they had made no arrests as of Monday afternoon.

-- Elliot Njus

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Ash fall may continue at times through tomorrow.  NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) September 5, 2017

The National Weather Service said the light ash falling could continue through Tuesday.

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Is the ash dangerous to breathe in? Should we stay inside in Portland?  lena (@lenarachel) September 5, 2017

The ash won't dramatically affect the region's overall air quality, the weather service said on Twitter. But smoke from the fire has already resulted in poor air quality throughout the region.

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Falling ash can be seen falling around #ClarkWA from the #EagleCreekFire. Do not call 911 to inquire about it. 911 is for emergencies only.  CRESA (@CRESA) September 5, 2017

The ash also reached Southwest Washington. The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, which operates the county's 911 dispatch center, asked residents to stop calling 911 to ask about the ash.

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Meanwhile, Portlanders began posting photos of the ash as it dusted their cars and other surfaces.

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A light dusting of ash on the car in Portland, Oregon from 37 #wildfires in Pacific NW pic.twitter.com/OSlztHsL2X  Jenny Woodman (@JennyWoodman) September 5, 2017

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Fool with fireworks sets the #EagleCreekFire and now forty miles away in Portland spider webs are covered in ash. pic.twitter.com/JV9QX7RYiO  Spencer Boomhower (@SBoomhower) September 5, 2017

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Hey, Portland weather gods, when I said I was ready for the rain to start, I didn't mean ash. #pdxtst pic.twitter.com/lvAUaDinB3  David Beffert (@dbeffert) September 5, 2017

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Lt. Gaidos says evac level jumped from 1 to 3. You can see ash falling on us as we chat. #EagleCreekFire pic.twitter.com/7oV4poGs5s  Ryan Haas (@ryanjhaas) September 5, 2017

Oregon Public Broadcasting content manager Ryan Haas captured the ash falling during an interview with Multnomah County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Chad Gaidos.

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Haven't seen ash fall in Portland since Mount St. Helens blew.  Hank Stern (@HenryStern) September 5, 2017

Some compared the falling ash to that seen after the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens. Portland received little ash in the initial May 18 eruption, but subsequent events coated the metro area in a layer of gritty debris.

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Dale Swanson/The Oregonian/File

October 18, 1980: A woman hoses ash off her car in Northeast Portland.

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June 13, 1980: A city of Portland Public Works Department truck attempts to wash down volcanic ash on Southwest Park Avenue near the Portland Art Museum.

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Joel Davis/The Oregonian/File

May 26, 1980: A bicyclist wears a breathing apparatus while pedaling through ash fall.

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Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian/File

People shield their faces from ash in downtown Portland after the second of the three big eruptions.
TROUTDALE -- Strong winds pushed the Eagle Creek wildfire 12 miles westward through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and toward Portland suburbs Tuesday, prompting evacuations, coating the region in an ashy film and producing dramatic images of the premier outdoor attraction ravaged by flames.

"I think I can speak for all Oregonians when I say our hearts are breaking," said Multnomah County Chairwoman Deborah Kafoury. "The gorge is Oregon's crown jewel. It's our playground and we are very, very sad."

The fire started Saturday along the Eagle Creek Trail in the gorge and is now burning across more than 10,000 acres, an event described by officials as unprecedented in the reach of ash floating down onto cars, sidewalks and homes in pockets across the metro area.

Mandatory evacuations affected hundreds of homes clustered in small communities throughout in the gorge. Others were on alert to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice.

Interstate 84 remained closed between Hood River and Troutdale.

"Fire burning right along a major interstate, closing 40 miles of road, threatening homes -- this is a big deal," said Dave Thompson, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation. "This happened fairly suddenly. It blew up."

The U.S. Coast Guard also closed the Columbia River to all marine traffic for 20 miles. The agency decided the falling hot ash and frequent firefighting aircraft landings made conditions unsafe on the river between Reed Island just before Corbett and Bonneville Dam to the east.

Gov. Kate Brown visited the fire command post in Troutdale in the afternoon, thanking firefighters, members of the Oregon National Guard and other first responders for their efforts.

She said the Eagle Creek fire has had a "devastating impact" on the gorge, racing through brush and trees that line the national scenic area thanks to high winds and hot weather without rain.

Oregon State Police announced that a 15-year-old Vancouver boy is suspected of starting the wildfire with what one witness called a "smoke bomb" thrown down a cliff along the Eagle Creek Trail. Brown said the source remained under investigation.

Oregonians should view the fire, she said, as a lesson to be aware of how their actions can affect communities and the environment.

"We are under very dry conditions right now," Brown said. "Whether it's a cigarette, a lawnmower, a car off the road, people need to be extremely careful."

No injuries have been reported and no homes or structures have been damaged so far, fire managers said. State officials said firefighters worked for hours to protect the historic lodge at Multnomah Falls, the state's highest waterfall at about 620 feet.

"It's still threatened slightly, but we made a good save there," Portland fire Lt. Damon Simmons said Tuesday morning as flecks of ash floated from the sky.

He described the sight of flames in the woods around the lodge as "surreal."

"You see the fire above and working its way through those areas where the beautiful falls are and it's pretty heartbreaking," he said.

Fire officials also said the fire damaged the Oneonta Tunnel along the Historic Columbia River Highway, but the extent of the damage wasn't clear yet.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office issued a blunt warning to anyone wanting to get a look at the devastation: Stay away.

An influx of curious onlookers have ventured into the Corbett area, complicating firefighting efforts, said Sgt. Bryan White.

They're interfering with efforts to notify residents about evacuation alerts, he said.

"By placing yourself there, you are hindering those efforts and you yourself may need rescue," he said.

Strong winds early Tuesday fueled the fire's explosive growth, including across the Columbia River into Washington. The fire sparked multiple "spot fires" and was burning at Crown Point, along the ridges of Larch Mountain and above Multnomah Falls.

"When fire moves like that, you just have to do what you can, get out of the way and get back in as quick as you can," Simmons said.

Officials said they expect the Eagle Creek fire to become a nationwide "high priority."

"As long as that wind is pushing, that fire will keep spotting and those ember fires are going to keep coming down," Simmons said.

The fire was expected to grow again overnight into Wednesday, but calmer winds are in the forecast and crews hope that may slow the spread, he said.



"We're ready for the worst, we're hoping for the best," Simmons said.

Multnomah County's eastern section was under an state of emergency. The declaration allows county leaders to request additional resources to battle the blaze.

The governor said fire officials also are worried about risks to the Bonneville Power Administration grid and the Bull Run Watershed, which supplies Portland and several other municipalities with drinking water.

"Obviously our top priority is to protect Oregonians and public safety, and of course Washingtonians as well," Brown said. "Second, critical infrastructure. In terms of the gorge, it is a special place for many of us, and we are very concerned about the impact of this fire. ... The conditions are very intense."

On Sunday, state police said they had identified a suspect whose "misuse of fireworks" might have sparked the blaze along the Eagle Creek Trail, one of the most popular in the gorge, running through forestland, by waterfalls and over sheer basalt cliffs.

A woman who was hiking in the gorge said she saw a teenage boy with friends lighting a firework and throwing it into the Eagle Creek Canyon. Liz FitzGerald of Portland said she thought she heard them laughing.

"I saw this shorter kid lob this smoke bomb down into the canyon," FitzGerald told The Oregonian/OregonLive. "I was probably 4 feet away from him. I said, 'Do you realize how dangerous this is? There's a raging forest fire up the trail. This place is so dry.'" Oregon Public Broadcasting originally reported the witness account.

Early Tuesday, only emergency vehicles occupied I-84, kicking up ash and dust as they traveled along the closed stretch of highway. The first flames visible from the interstate, heading east, were just before the Bridal Veil exit. They burned just south of the railroad tracks along Interstate 84 east.

Thick smoke has made air support all but impossible, Simmons said.

"You can't see the ridgetops," he said.

About 400 residences were under mandatory evacuation notices in east Multnomah County. About 280 structures, mostly homes, also were ordered evacuated in Hood River County.

Firefighters from agencies across the region are helping to battle the fire, along with those from the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Portland area, meanwhile, saw up to an inch of ash from the fires.

An air quality alert for northwest Oregon was in effect throughout Tuesday, with "unhealthy levels" from the heat and smoke, officials said.

Relief in several forms might be on its way, the National Weather Service said. First, winds that have been blowing ash and smoke into Portland are expected to shift overnight, so air quality will slowly start to improve as early as Wednesday morning.

The high temperature is supposed to be 85 degrees, a dip from several days of 90 degrees and above. And Wednesday evening, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Travel was also challenging beyond the closure of I-84, the main east-west route across northern Oregon.

The Washington Department of Transportation issued truck restrictions for SR 14 between Washougal and Dallesport and urged all other motorists to avoid traveling on the highway.

The Bridge of the Gods was open only for those evacuating from Oregon; the Historic Columbia River Highway also was closed.

The communities of Warrendale, Dodson, Larch Mountain, Latourelle, Bridal Veil, East Corbett were under mandatory evacuation orders.

Corbett and Springdale were under Level 2 evacuation orders, meaning residents should be ready to go on a moment's notice.

All other Corbett residents are under a Level 1 evacuation order.

The Corbett School District closed Tuesday and again Wednesday.

Earlier Level 1 evacuation notices in Cascade Locks, meanwhile, are now Level 2, Hood River County officials said. Some neighborhoods were on Level 3.

Emergency shelters were established at the gymnasium at Mt. Hood Community College and at the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson, Wash.

Level 3 evacuation orders were issued for Archer Mountain Road, Franz Road, Smith Cripe Road, Kellet Road and Victoria Lane, Dimrill Dale Drive and McClosky Creek Road -- all in Washington.

The evacuations were quickly expanded Monday night and Tuesday morning as the fire grew. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Chad Gaidos said the sudden orders were a testament to the fast-moving nature of the fire.

People in areas under evacuation orders "should be out now," said Gaidos. "This is for your safety. We wouldn't ask you to evacuate unless it was absolutely necessary."

Gaidos said a "limited number" of residents opted to stay behind.

(Everton Bailey Jr. and Molly Harbarger of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.)

-- Noelle Crombie and Jim Ryan

503-276-7184; @noellecrombie
Under smoky skies just north of the Columbia River, a weary-eyed crowd gathered around Hood River County Sheriff Matt English.

More than 80 people were sheltered Monday afternoon at the Red Cross center set up on fairgrounds in Stevenson, Washington, a few miles north of Cascade Locks. The crowd ranged from woodworkers living in the small Gorge town to Pacific Crest Trail hikers from Germany, but on Monday, they had one thing in common: Thanks to the Eagle Creek Fire, they had nowhere else to go.

English gave the crowd an update on the fire, which had grown to 3,200 acres since it started Saturday: Much of the surrounding area was still under varying levels of evacuation warnings. The fire was still just outside Cascade Locks. He still didn't know when residents could return home.

The Eagle Creek fire was zero percent contained Monday and crews prepared for the fire to move west as easterly winds are forecasted to pick up Monday night.

The blaze in the popular Columbia River Gorge hiking area was likely caused by illegal fireworks, Oregon State Police said Monday. Troopers have identified a teenage suspect who could face arson charges.

A state police spokesman said no arrests had been made and declined to give more information, citing an active investigation.

The Red Cross shelter sprang up at the Hedgewald Center in Stevenson early Sunday morning after more than 280 people were evacuated from their homes in the southern part of Cascade Locks. Another 118 people in the northern part of town were placed on a Level 2 evacuation, which means they need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

About 200 others in Cascade Locks are under a Level 1 evacuation notice, which means they should be aware of fire danger and watch for alerts. Officials have also issued Level 1 notices for Bonneville, Warrendale and Dodson.

On Sunday night, 81 people slept at the shelter, said Cyndi Dahl, the Red Cross executive director for central and eastern Oregon. About 65 slept outside in tents and RVs, and another 16 slept inside on cots. A fairground barn sheltered about 35 pets.

Despite the growing wildfire across the river, many at the shelter were in good spirits.

Edward Jaska, a woodworker from Cascade Locks, and Auna Godinez, a Pacific Crest Trail hiker, laughed together at a picnic table outside the shelter as Jaska showed off his crafts.

Jaska was evacuated from Cascade Locks at 4 a.m. Sunday, along with his wife and their five Chihuahuas, Pico, Randy, Little Man, Little Girl and Sheba. They filled their van with Jaska's wooden carvings, as well as a box of family memorabilia saved in an old wooden Anheuser-Busch box.

"Before we left our house, we could see the individual trees burning," Jaska said. But, he's not too worried about the fire. He trusts the firefighters will be able to put it out before the flames reach his home, he said.

Jaska and his wife have lived in Cascade Locks for 15 years after they moved from Los Angeles.

"We moved up here to get away from the heat and the smoke," he said. "But it came back to us."

Tom Gunn, who lives in a Cascade Locks RV park, arrived at the shelter Monday afternoon. Though park residents had been told to evacuate Sunday morning, Gunn wasn't too worried. He'd spent most of his life in Boise, Idaho, where wildfires were the norm, he said.

"This isn't the first time we've gone through it," he said.

But by Monday, the swirling winds and heavy smoke was too much to ignore.

"It was just too smoky over there," Gunn said. "It was getting hard to breathe."

The nearby Indian Creek fire is more than 1,000 acres and is 10 percent contained, according to InciWeb.

The Red Cross is preparing for more people seeking shelter as the Eagle Creek fire grows, said Dahl, the Red Cross director.

"We anticipate being here for a little while," she said. "It just depends on the fire."

-- Samantha Matsumoto
As she helped relocate horses, pigs, cats, dogs and birds from a friend's Corbett-area farm Monday night, Pixie Adams was inspired to do more.

"I am very passionate about being able to volunteer," Adams said.

So about 11 p.m. Monday, Adams put the finishing touches on a post that appeared Tuesday morning on the Facebook page of her new Moonlight Coffeehouse shop in Milwaukie.

"How Can I Help?" the post says, with a description of efforts to raise money to buy a variety of items for people displaced from their homes by the Eagle Creek fire as well as firefighters and other first responders.

The red and blue dots indicate hot spots detected by satellites. The dark red area is the Eagle Creek fire first reported Saturday. The pink area is the Indian Creek fire that's burned since July 4. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, NASA

"This logistically seemed to be the only way I could help," Adams said as she was sorting through the details of how to transfer donated funds to intended recipients. Her coffee shop isn't officially open yet, but will be in a few weeks.

Her goodwill gesture was one of several that popped up on social media and elsewhere of strangers who wanted to help strangers.

A pastor of a downtown church sought information on donating money to a shelter for displaced people. Meowhaus feline boarding and day spa, 5244 N.E. Sandy Blvd., has offered 10 open rooms through the end of September to cats whose owners have been displaced by the fire. The operators of Southeast Portland warehouse designed as creative space sought to convert it quickly to an evacuee center.

Gone Towing, based at 1530 N.E 82nd Ave., offered to move cars and animals in Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation areas. "This is the right circumstances to help people out," owner Michael Akers said.

U-Haul of Portland offered 30 days of free storage to Eagle Creek evacuees, KATU reported.

Wigglin Home Boxer Rescue, based in Battle Ground, Washington, offered the homes of its member in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, said president DeAnn King. "We offer our homes for (displaced) pets to get food, water, love, baths, vet care of needed," King said in an email.

The Red Cross, meanwhile, encouraged people to give money directly to the disaster relief organization.

"The best way for folks to help is by making a donation to 'disaster relief' at redcross.org," said Monique Dugaw, regional director of communications for the American Red Cross-Cascades Region.

The Red Cross is operating relief shelters at Mount Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St., in Gresham, and at Hedgewald Center, 710 S.W. Rock Creek Dr., in Stevenson, Washington.

The Eagle Creek fires are causing damage to more than just our beautiful forests near Portland. We have family working... Posted by Moonlight Coffeehouse on Monday, September 4, 2017

Sorry for the misinformation, the wrong phone number was put out initially. People who are looking for ways to volunteer or donate locally can call 541-387-6911. Posted by Hood River County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, September 5, 2017

We are planning to open the venue to take in evacuees from the Gorge fire. Who can help us make this happen? @Oregonian @RedCross  UNION/PINE (@unionpine) September 5, 2017

"We have a ton of people who want to help and we truly appreciate that," Dugaw said.

But she discouraged offers of donated items.

"When donations of used goods or other goods are dropped off they can do more harm than good," she said. "It takes volunteer efforts to sort through those items, which takes away from volunteer efforts to immediately help."

Donations enable the Red Cross to "go out and purchase especially what is needed for that relief operation."

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office issued a statement Tuesday encouraging people who want to help immediately to donate money to the Red Cross.

Longer term, "We are working to assess the needs of the community," the statement says. "We will release specific information as to how community members can assist and actions you can take as they become available."

The statement also says people should not "deliver any supplies to the sheriff's office, or any other first responder staging location at this time."

The Hood River County Sheriff's Office posted a phone number for people to call if they wanted to help: 541-387-6911.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge urged people to donate to Hood River County Search & Rescue. The fund-raising effort started after the volunteer group helped guide 140 hikers out of Eagle Creek, but donations are still appropriate, said Kevin Gorman, executive director of Friends of the Columbia River Gorge.

"I know people want to volunteer now," Gorman said, "but we're really trying to discourage people from going out to the gorge. ... Right now what's going on with volunteering is on a high-skill level."

Eventually, the rains will arrive and the fires will be extinguished, Gorman said.

"What I'm really hoping is that the concerns and interest in doing something is around then," he said.

--Allan Brettman

503-294-5900

@allanbrettman
While the Eagle Creek fire threatened the Columbia River Gorge on Tuesday, several fires continued to devour timberland in other areas of Oregon, enveloping many areas in a smoky haze.

The Chetco Bar fire near Brookings remained the largest wildfire in the state, having consumed an estimated 176,770 acres. Firefighters battled 24 fires in Oregon on Tuesday, officials said.

An approaching weather system provided hope and concern for firefighting officials. Rain was anticipated Wednesday and Thursday, which "may temporarily slow the progression of these fires," said a progress report issued Tuesday, but, "the rains will not be 'season ending events' and will not extinguish the fires."

On top of that, a report said, "There is strong potential for thunderstorms over the next few days in the region, which may result in new lightning caused fire starts."

Also on Tuesday, the Illinois Valley Fire District in southwest Oregon said someone identifying themselves as the 'Fire Marshal' told people they needed to immediately evacuate.

"This is a scam for possible looting," says a fire district statement. "There are no mandatory evacuations of any residences in the Illinois Valley Fire District. The only area of mandatory evacuation is the Illinois Valley Road that is within the U.S. Forest Service boundary, approximately 6 miles up Illinois River Road."

Also on Tuesday, the Register-Guard of Eugene reported that thieves stole equipment worth thousands from two Lane County Task Force rigs parked at the Brookings-Harbor High School on Saturday. The crews were on hand to fight the Chetco Bar fire.

About 1,600 people and 42 crews are fighting the Chetco Bar fire which is considered 10 percent contained.

Elsewhere:

High Cascades Complex: The fire is actually four fires - Blanket Creek (21,400 acres), Spruce Lake (7,300), Broken Lookout (7,500) and Pup (1,800). Hot and dry conditions offered the potential Tuesday for these fires to spread. "Extreme fire behavior (Monday) cause firefighters to have to pull back from a number of containment lines," an update says, "and managers (Tuesday) will redefine some of these lines."

On Tuesday, the North Entrance Road to Crater Lake National Park was closed because of the nearby Spruce Lake Fire. The park is still open and can be entered from the southern entrance using Highway 62. Also, Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond Lake is closed. Concession operations remain open.

Miller Complex: A fire weather watch is in effect late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening for abundant lightning. "Thunderstorms could bring unstable weather to the area," an update said about three fires that make up the complex, generally located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 17 miles east of Cave Junction.

Milli Fire: Incident managers remain concerned that the fire 9 miles east of Sisters may continue to spread north, west and south. Black Butte Ranch, Edgington, Crossroads and Tollgate subdivisions remain under a Level 1 (be ready) evacuation notice. The fire, started by lightning Aug. 11 in the Three Sisters Wilderness, has consumed 22,527 acres and is 60 percent contained.

--Allan Brettman

503-294-5900

@allanbrettman
Two fire trucks staged to fight the Chetco Bar Fire were ransacked while firefighters slept nearby in Brookings early Saturday morning.

Coburg Fire Chief Chad Minter, chief of the Lane County Fire Defense Board, told The Register-Guard that a task force comprised of firefighters from Coburg, Junction City, Lane Fire Authority, South Lane Fire and Mohawk Fire drove over 230 miles to Brookings from Lane County on Friday night.

The crews arrived around midnight and parked at the Brookings-Harbor High School to get some sleep before the morning's briefing at 5:30 a.m. But when they woke up, around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, they found two trucks were missing equipment, including an oxygen tank, a firefighter's bag, a flat-headed axe and a firefighter jacket.

Minter told The Register-Guard that some items were dumped nearby and then recovered and the crews filed a police report and then were able to get to the fire line.

According to The Register-Guard, no arrests have been made.

The Chetco Bar Fire was reported on July 12. It is 5 percent contained as of Monday afternoon and is currently the state's largest fire. Officials estimate the fire won't be contained until October.

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
Performers take part in an evening gala for the 2017 BRICS Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, Sept 4, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

After eight months' delicate preparations, an evening gala Sail to the Future for leaders and representatives attending the 9th BRICS Summit was held at the Banlam Grand Theater in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province.

Based on the theme of "sea", the gala consists of five chapters including Wind from the Sea, Sky and the Sea, Rhythm of the Sea, Tide and the Sea as well as the Dream from the Sea, highlighting the unique Fujian culture while introducing the strongest features of Xiamen.

Taking advantage of 'sea element to promote cooperation

Sea was the central idea that ran through the whole gala as it is also one of the most distinctive characteristics of Xiamen, a city with three sides facing the sea.

A group of dancers created "billowing waves" during the performance, marking the opening of the evening gala.

In the second part, the popular Chinese song The Sea, My Sweet Home featured the life of the people living in this area, and their proud Fujian, or Minnan culture.

"The unique geographic advantages and of the costal city and the local lifestyle gave us much inspiration of the evening gala," said Xie Nan, general director of the evening gala.

"Many Minnan culture elements, including Fujian opera, fishing culture and Fujian Nanyin, hailed as a "living fossil" of ancient Chinese music, all were incorporated into the stage performance."

"I experienced a great artistic baptism after directing the gala. The combination of Fujian Nanyin and Western symphony symbolized the harmonious co-existence of Eastern and Western culture," Xie added.
The City of Antwerp and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange agreed on Monday with a series of projects to facilitate cultural exchange between China and Belgium. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Belgium's port city Antwerp, the world's leading diamond trading center, will send parts of its historic diamond collection for exhibitions in Shanghai and Shenzhen next year, as part of an agreement between the city council and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange.

Cathy Berx, the governor of Antwerp province, said the cooperation will improve cultural exchange between Belgium and China, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, to which Antwerp has attached great importance.

"What is innovative is that the upcoming exhibitions in China will be letting the Chinese (people) explore our diamond cultural heritage, which dates back about 570 years," Berx said on Monday. "It should be fascinating to see how the diamonds are designed, cut and polished."

Berx said the Antwerp diamond sector was doing better after several tough years following the 2008 financial crisis  partly helped by China's increased interest in the stone.

She said that Antwerp was also getting ready to welcome more Chinese tourists and was helping young couples to arrange wedding ceremonies in the city.

The signing ceremony was held in the new DIVA museum of gold and silver in Antwerp, which is expected to open to the public in May next year.

Geert Bourgeois, minister president of Belgium's Flanders region, Luc Lemmens, deputy governor of Antwerp province and chairman of DIVA Museum joined Lin Qiang, president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Lin Changwei, chairman of Allove, a Shenzhen-based diamond and jewelry design and cutting company at the signing ceremony.

Both sides plan to start a luxury, design and fashion competition to reward and inspire creativity, innovation and put Flanders even more on the map as a leader in design and luxury.

Lin Qiang said consumption of diamond has steadily growing in China in recent years due to the expansion of middle class. "Many young people are buying diamond rings when they get married," said Lin.

Lin Qiang said $2 billion worth of diamonds, mostly from Antwerp have been imported through his platform.

He said Chinese consumers are keen to buy high-end objects. "The true diamond culture is that every piece is unique and valuable," he added.

China's growing interest in diamonds has led to the growth of diamond-related industries in China such as Allove. Lin Changwei, the chairman of Allove, has also signed agreement with Belgian partners to support the diamond cultural exchanges in China. "We are very proud that our company can be part of this project to boost cultural exchanges between China and Belgium," said Lin.
The principals behind a new industrial park in western Bay County are banking on the site to expand its business imprint in Midland.

Clare-based Northern Commercial Real Estate, which specializes in industrial development in central Michigan, celebrated its latest venture with a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on last week at its 40-acre site, located at 2395 Salzburg Road, across the street from the Michigan State Police Post.

Called Atlas Industrial Park, the first building going up there is a 48,000-square-foot, pre-engineered steel spec structure that officials hope to have completed by the end of the year.

"The Midland market is vibrant and pretty dynamic," said Ron Kunse of Northern Commercial Real Estate, a company that was formed in 1991 with the purchase of a 43,000 square foot building from United Technology in Beaverton. "We thank Midland and the Midland community for its support and look forward to expanding our imprint in the Midland market."

The company currently has more than a half million square feet of industrial space in Clare, Isabella, Gladwin and Midland counties. The soon-to-be-erected structure in Williams Township will be the developers' 14th industrial building. And local leaders are singing its praises as a job-creating, economic boost to the region.

Bay County Executive Jim Barcia, one of the speakers at the groundbreaking, said, "The people involved in this project are to be commended for enhancing the quality of life in this region."

"This is just the beginning," said Paul Wasek, Williams Township supervisor. "The biggest thing is we can do things like this alone. We need to work as a community and that's what we're seeing here. We're very proud of this development."

Particularly since the site has sat vacant since 2013 when Mersen USA, an international manufacturer, abandoned plans to establish a $21.3 million manufacturing facility on the property.

Early returns on attracting tenants for the new industrial park are promising.

"We'll know today if we have an industrial tenant that will employ eight people," Kunse said.

"We're focused on long-term development and look forward to many more opportunities," said Steve Stark of Northern Commercial Real Estate. "We're exciting to announce the beginning of a vibrant and job creating endeavor."
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Northwood University students are settling into North Village Apartments, the first new student housing to be built at the university in the past 37 years, located just north of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail and squaring off the northeast corner of the campus.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday to celebrate the development and offer tours of the three-story, 162-bed facility, which features two- and four-bedroom apartments and multiple study rooms on each floor.

Northwood University President and CEO Keith Pretty officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and said that the apartments were in high demand.

"We had far more students that wanted to be in the building than we could accommodate in this first phase," he said. "We're actually looking at a second phase already."
A project that began last year to help kids get a jumpstart on a good school year has expanded this year, with more helpers doing more good.

A group of kids were on hand at the Midland Law Enforcement Center on Wednesday morning to receive Under Armour backpacks chock full of everything from notebooks and folders to colored pencils, pens, memory cards and earbuds from the Midland County Sheriff's Office Community Awareness Team.

The idea came about last year when the group's president, Amanda Oster, saw a Facebook post asking about school supplies for low income families. Grant money was used to cover the project.

This year, with the help of the Midland Firefighters Youth Foundation, 20 backpacks were gifted to teens in foster care who are transitioning from the Midland County Juvenile Care Center's Day Treatment program back to public high school.

"We're happy you came here today," Sheriff Scott Stephenson told the kids in the lobby.

"We just really want to start you guys off on a fresh new year," Oster added.

The pair escorted the teens to the sheriff's office, where the backpacks were divided into two piles, one for the ladies and one for the guys.

Stephenson and Midland Firefighter Jim Daveluy shook hands with the students, wishing each a good school year.

Tim, who just celebrated his 17th birthday, checked out his new school supplies in the lobby. He pulled a memory card and sticky notes from a pencil bag, taking inventory of each item. He said he'll be starting 10th grade this year.

"It's gonna be different," he said, adding being given his new gray backpack and the school gear made him feel good. "Yeah, that's nice," he said while trying on the pack.

"It's really nice that they did this for the kids," said Lorella Laughton, who is Tim's foster parent.

Oster said purchasing the backpacks and giving them to the students also provided an opportunity for positive interaction with law enforcement and first responders.
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NORMAL  Normal is bringing in outside help to find its next city manager.

The Normal City Council on Tuesday will consider spending $20,000 to hire Northbrook-based GovHR USA as the town looks for a successor to Mark Peterson, who will retire in March.

"The company specializes in executive recruitment, having conducted over 600 recruitments with ... government entities of all sizes throughout the country," according to a memo from Peterson. "It has focused most of its attention on the Midwest."

Heidi Voorhees, president and founder of GovHR USA, would work with the town on a 12-week search process starting this month. Voorhees, an Illinois State University graduate, has done similar work with the city of Bloomington.

The town also had sought help from Lyle Sumek of Lyle Sumek Associates, a Florida company that helps local governments hire staff, train elected officials and do strategic planning. No cost has been provided for his work, and Peterson's memo does not specify if Sumek will continue to work on the process.

Peterson currently is paid $189,405 a year.

Because of Monday's Labor Day holiday, the council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday on the fourth floor of Uptown Station.

In other business, the council will:

 Hear an update on "Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk" signs to be added to Lincoln Street, Locust Street, Raab Road, Shelbourne Drive and Willow Street where they intersect with Constitution Trail.

The signs will be an additional warning to motorists to yield to walkers, runners and bicyclists, said Peterson.

The town has already bought the signs for $1,700 and will put them in as soon as possible, he said. If they're successful, similar signs could be added to other trail intersections and the Illinois State University campus.

 Consider approving a parking change on Orr Street between Hanson Drive and College Avenue.

The change would reflect what's currently indicated on signs there  no parking on the west side of the street  that were erected in error, in addition to banning parking on the east side from College Avenue to 100 feet north.

 Consider approving a $69,000 project with Central Illinois Truck of Normal to repair a corroded chassis on a backup fire engine.

The town hopes the project will be covered under a warranty from the manufacturer, Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wis., which has refused to pay for similar repairs citing negligence. Normal and several other Illinois municipalities are considering legal action against Pierce in the dispute.

 Consider clarifying a policy approved last fall about where businesses with video gaming can locate.

A new ordinance would specify that such businesses must be 200 feet from a residence rather than 200 feet from a residential zoning district. Peterson said the change is in response to a business looking to add video gaming services.

 Consider approving a $144,000 project with WhiteWater West Industries, a Canadian company, to refurbish the three drop slides at Fairview Family Aquatic Center before next summer.

 Consider approving a $132,000 bid from Stark Excavating of Bloomington for sidewalk additions near ISU to be completed this year.

 Hear updates on the town's annual audit from Jamie Wilkey of Warrenville accounting firm Lauterbach and Amen and from Finance Manager Andrew Huhn on town budgeting.
NORMAL  Central Illinois has accelerated its response to Hurricane Harvey as Midwest Food Bank has sent five additional semitrailer loads of disaster relief boxes to Texas, and American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region has 72 people on the ground or on their way to Texas and Louisiana.

"We anticipate this relief effort will be ongoing for some time," Phil Hodel, communications director for the Normal-based food bank, said Tuesday.

Hurricane Harvey has been blamed for at least 60 deaths in Texas.

In addition, Red Cross has sent two additional disaster response volunteers to Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, which could hit Florida later this week, said Trish Burnett, regional communications director for the Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region. Irma was bearing down on Caribbean islands on Tuesday.

Of the 74 Red Cross responders, 24 are from Central Illinois, Burnett said. Sixty-six of the 74 are volunteers and eight are staff members.

Midwest Food Bank, 2031 Warehouse Road, Normal, sent four semitrailer loads of disaster relief boxes to Houston and Arlington, Texas, during the first week following Harvey's landfall late on Aug. 25. Those boxes were packed by volunteers, including more than 300 people on Aug. 28.

The Salvation Army contacted Midwest Food Bank on Saturday morning, requesting five more semitrailer loads of family food boxes, baby supplies and hygiene products for Beaumont, Texas.

Two loads went out Saturday, two on Sunday and one on Tuesday, Hodel said. The first four were on the ground in Beaumont by Monday, he said.

In addition, on Labor Day, more than 110 volunteers packed 2 semitrailer loads of disaster relief boxes, Hodel said.

Food bank volunteers assemble, pack and drive semitrailer loads of food and supplies to disaster areas, where they are distributed by The Salvation Army.

The food bank is accepting donations of nonperishable food, baby supplies and hygiene supplies from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at its Warehouse Road location.

In addition, future opportunities to help pack boxes are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 and Sept. 19 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23. Sign up at http://bloomington.midwestfoodbank.org/volunteer-opportunities.

While the number of evacuees seeking refuge in Houston's emergency shelters dwindled 10 days after Harvey struck, many people who have left still face dire housing needs.

Some have returned to public housing complexes inundated with sewage and mud. More than 50,000 went to government-paid hotels, some far away from homes and schools. Others moved in with family and friends.

Harvey did not discriminate, inundating exclusive neighborhoods and low-lying apartments for the poor. Most of the evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center were lower-income, but some were from wealthier areas.

Now, about 1,500 remain at the convention center, and several said they were homeless, disabled or from public housing. About 2,800 were at the NRG Center, another convention center that opened after George R. Brown reached double its original capacity.

Harvey struck Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane, but brought the worst flooding to Houston and other areas as a tropical storm. The rain totaled nearly 52 inches in some spots.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said 53,630 residents displaced by Harvey are currently staying in government-funded hotel rooms.

FEMA says it has about 560,000 families registered for its housing assistance program.

The temporary housing has been provided for 18,732 households, said FEMA spokesman Bob Howard. Once people are granted the assistance, there is a minimum allotment of 14 days, but that can be extended on a case-by-case basis.

FEMA officials also are weighing other options such as mobile homes should the need arise.
NORMAL  President Donald Trump's use of executive power will be the subject of a panel discussion from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at Illinois State University.

The Trump Presidency and Executive Power: From the Immigration Ban to the Arpaio Pardon will be in Room 244 of Schroeder Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Carl Palmer, professor of politics and government, will moderate the panel.

Other professors taking part in the panel will be Lane Crothers, Meghan Leonard and Tom McClure.

Crothers will provide historical perspectives on executive power. Leonard will discuss the political implications of Trump's use of executive power. McClure will address the legal implication of the use of executive power during the current administration.

Trump's attempt to use executive orders to limit immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries led to several lawsuits. One of those was recently settled with an agreement to provide government help to reapply for visas to foreigners who were blocked by the first attempted travel ban.

More recently, Trump has triggered opposition even from fellow Republicans over his pardon of controversial ormer Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who had been held in criminal contempt of court for refusing to follow a judge's order to stop racial profiling by his department.
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois will limit how local and state police can cooperate with federal immigration authorities under a plan signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner, a move that puts the first-term Republican at odds with his party on immigration issues.

The measure prohibits police from searching, arresting or detaining someone solely because of immigration status, or because of so-called federal immigration detainers. But local authorities will be able to communicate with immigration agents and hold someone for federal authorities if there's a valid criminal warrant, according to the new law.

Rauner acknowledged at last week's signing  a heavily attended, festive event in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood  that it was a tough proposal many didn't want him to support, but he said he was convinced after talking with law enforcement and immigrant leaders.

"This took months and months of difficult negotiations," said Rauner, adding it helps Illinois take another step toward "continuing to be a welcome state."

Proponents insist the measure falls short of a "sanctuary" law because it leaves the door open to communication and ensures the state complies with federal law. But Republican opponents have tried to characterize it that way, something that comes as President Donald Trump has threatened to crack down on sanctuary cities, which have laws friendly to immigrants living in U.S. without legal permission.

The move places Rauner in a tricky spot as Democrat-heavy Illinois' first GOP governor in over a decade. He faces re-election next year and will need to shore up support from Republican strongholds outside Chicago.

Rauner said he believed the measure would increase safety and "improve connectivity" between immigrants and law enforcement to make the state safer.

Detainers are requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to law enforcement agencies to hold a suspected deportable immigrant long enough for immigration authorities to pick them up.

In Illinois the measure was only approved after it was scaled back from an initial proposal that included the creation of "safe zones," like schools and hospitals where immigration agents wouldn't be allowed to make arrests.

Law enforcement agents said the plan would allow them to focus energy on safety, encourage immigrant victims of crime to come forward and build trust.

Rauner's hesitance to back the bill has been obvious. The former businessman has avoided talking about national issues such as immigration, particularly when it comes to Trump. He's said he favors comprehensive immigration reform, but has not detailed what that means.

"It's obviously a benefit to an undocumented person to know the police are not going to be putting them under suspicion everywhere they go," Senate President John Cullerton, a Democratic sponsor of the bill said at the signing. "There are also benefits to law enforcement."

The law takes effect immediately. The legislation is SB31
The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan

Bravo, Carbondale. Bravo, Southern Illinois.

Officials estimated that 50,000 people came to Carbondale for the eclipse on Aug. 21, and that 200,000 people traveled to the 16-county region we call home.

That's a lot of people  and it took a lot of planning and hard work to pull it off. In our eyes, it was done right and well worth it.

(Arlington Heights) Daily Herald

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in Illinois. More than 25,000 people in the state died of heart disease in 2015, the latest full year available. Illinois has the 20th highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the country.

Those are the statistics available from the American Heart Association. In addition, stroke is the No. 3 killer in Illinois  5,709 people died of stroke in the state in 2015.

Approximately every 40 seconds, an American will have a heart attack. The same is true for people having a stroke.

So listen to experts and pay attention to the warning signs. And look for ways to change bad habits.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register

It is disturbing, but all too easy in today's political climate, to picture the reality state Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez recently found herself in.

A spectator yelled "We hate you" at Jimenez, her husband, 4-year-old twins and mother as they walked in the Illinois State Fair parade. One of her sons asked his grandmother if the man hated him; she downplayed the incident, and the boy theorized perhaps the man was upset because he didn't get any candy.

That may pacify the child now, but as he hears more insults hurled at his mother, how do his parents explain that a growing number of Americans have enthusiastically embraced the misplaced notion that incivility toward an elected official is a duty?

Another example: House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, was dining recently at Alexander's Steakhouse in Springfield when a man approached him. As detailed on the Capitol Fax blog, the man bent over the speaker's table and pointed his finger at Madigan as he reportedly "chewed" out the state representative.

Even a polarizing figure like Madigan deserves to have a meal without someone getting in his face.

Politicians are not immune from critique. We should demand they be transparent and hold them accountable when they are not. Constituents have the right to discuss with their elected officials their concerns.

But it can be done with respect and in the proper venue.

Our country cannot remain in a place where it's OK to demonize those we disagree with politically. And incivility can escalate into violence.

Jimenez is one of a dozen state lawmakers who have indicated they will not seek office again in 2018. Another two resigned early from their terms. Not all are departing due to the political tone, but a few have said it has contributed to their decision.

Politics has never been perfect, and perhaps we are waxing nostalgic, but it seems there once was a desire to come together in bipartisan compromise on the majority of issues to benefit the most citizens. Is that too much to ask for?
Brandon Flowers got the party side of Las Vegas out of his system early on. Born in nearby Henderson, Nevada, Flowers spent the first years of his life in the Vegas area before moving with his family to neighboring Utah. When his parents let him move back to Las Vegas to live with his aunt at the age of sixteen, Flowers took full advantage of all the city had to offer. "I definitely tested the waters," he says of experimenting, like so many do, during adolescence. But ultimately, the phase didn't last long. "That was before I met Dave [Keuning] and started The Killers," he adds, "which was sort of the end of all that."

It was just the beginning for the young musicians, though, and the city's musical legacy was making an impact. "I feel like I grew up with the ghosts of Elvis and Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin," Flowers says. "They were always there. That showman thing was always around." Flowers' education-by-osmosis clearly prepared him well for life as an entertainer. From the beginning, he made his mark as an unforgettable frontman with a hauntingly rich voice. If The Killers were aiming to be, as Flowers puts it himself, "America's answer to U2," then he would be Bono, and instead of the cobbled streets of Dublin, the backdrop for the band's come up would be the neon lights of Las Vegas. "On our way up, we obviously played a lot of bars," Flowers says of those early years in the city. 2004 marked the band's breaking point, when The Killers shot to international fame with the release of their debut album, Hot Fuss. Singles "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me" saturated the airwaves, and in 2005, The Killers won Best New Artist at MTV's Video Music Awards. They had officially arrived as full-blown rockstars.

Click through for more photos of Brandon Flowers in PAPER's 'Las Vegas' issue!



It's perhaps lucky, then, that Flowers, a practicing Mormon, had already been tested by the temptations of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle before jumping into life in the fast lane. "Without Las Vegas, I would be a wreck," he says. (Though the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Las Vegas may seem like odd bedfellows, Flowers says "the Mormon community is really strong here" and is quick to point out that the church was integral in the city's founding, first as missionaries who settled the area and, later, as bankrollers of many casinos and resorts.)

Now married and a father to three young sons, Flowers spends more time communing with the desert and nurturing his close relationships than getting caught up in the limelight. He also, of course, makes music, including two critically acclaimed solo albums, Flamingo (2010) and The Desired Effect (2015), which kept him busy when his bandmates needed a break from touring. The Killers' fifth album (and their first in five years), Wonderful Wonderful, out in late September, features some of Flowers' most revealing work yet.

"I've never written anything as personal as I have on this new record," he says. His favorite track off the album, "Some Kind of Love" featuring Brian Eno, is a slow-moving ode to someone who has "the faith of a child before the world gets in" and "the grace of a storm in the desert." "The songs that I like to sing the most up there on stage are the songs where I'm telling the truth," Flowers says. "When I can do that and it resonates with people, then that's the Holy Grail of music, and that's what I'm searching for -- that connection. I don't know why I need to make it or why I'm driven to do that, but that's what I want to do. I've never been given as many opportunities to do that as I have on this record."

Photography by Jiro Schneider

Styling by Britt McCamey

Location: The 'Verona Suite' at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Grooming by Homa Safar using Laura Mercier and V76


St. Vincent, who released a gorgeous video for new single "New York" last week, is ramping up for a brand new album release, and you know what that means! Plenty of repetitive press interviews where journalists ask her how she came up with her name, what her influences are, how she got started in music, and what it's like to be a woman in the industry. It's a necessary evil, but that doesn't make it any less soul-crushing to answer the same questions about yourself and your creative process over and over again. The mind-numbing promotional process is the subject of a hilarious series of comic shorts that Annie Clark made with fellow musician and funny-lady, Carrie Brownstein. In the vignettes, Annie Clark dons latex fetish gear and delivers hilarious, tongue-in-cheek responses to the awkward banter and predictable questions baked into the interview process.

What advice would she give young musicians today?

"Get into the film industry."

What's it like to play a show in heels?

"It does something to your posture which I really like, but it does something crippling, which I also like."

Are Annie Clark and St. Vincent the same thing?

"You'd have to ask her"

In her latest video, she told her Instagram followers to report to her Facebook page tomorrow at 9am Eastern time for an "important live message" and a Q&A. At least her fans will know which questions are off the table.

Watch the series below...










































Apple's next flagship Apple Store in China is set to open on September 16 at 10 a.m.. The news of the store was broken yesterday in a brief report noting that "Apple, Tyanyi Square" will open in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China. The address is noted as being: Ningbo Haishu District Qi Road 133th Tianyi Square. The last store to open in China was in Kunming city, Yunnann Province eight months ago.

Photo Credit - Storeteller





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Over the past couple weeks, Ive heard several people make the statement all religion is mythology.

No. Mythology is an important part of religion, but it is far from the only part.

The idea that religion is mythology is the bastard child of Protestantism and atheism. Protestantism invests ultimate authority in the written word, while atheism insists the Gods and spirits described in the written word arent real. Religion is mythology allows atheo-protestants to hang on to stories that are undeniably meaningful and helpful, while ripping them out of their animistic and theistic context and replanting them in the academically acceptable ground of psychology and sociology. 1

Its also an attempt to erase the very real and very meaningful differences between religions. Its all mythology is another way of saying deep down all religions are the same. That approach sounds nice to those who are disturbed (and rightly so) by religiously motivated violence. But it ignores critical differences in foundational assumptions and operating values that go far beyond be nice to each other.

Myths are an important part of religion, but theyre far from the only part.

Myths

Myths are things which never happened, but always are. This quote originated with the late Roman period writer Sallustius, and its as true now as it was then. Myths teach truth. The statement all myths have an element of truth in them is poorly worded. Myths may  or may not  have an element of historicity in them, but historicity and truth are not the same thing.

Myths are stories to live by. They tell us who we are, where we came from, and where we belong. They tell whats important in life  they communicate values. They tell us something about the nature of Gods and heroes  they communicate virtues. Despite what Joseph Campbell taught, no myths are universal to all of humanity. But the presence of myth is universal, or very nearly so.

Im currently re-reading Star.Ships by Gordon White. It examines the spread of myths around the world and compares it with evidence from archaeology, genetics, and linguistics to paint a fairly accurate picture of the prehistorical migrations of humans out of Africa. These myths were  and are  so important to people that theyve been preserved for tens of thousands of years despite the lack of writing for most of that period.

Given this importance, its no surprise myths are one of the foundations of religion. But theyre not the only foundation.

Non-mythological elements of religion

When we abandon the bad assumption that religion is all about what you believe, we start to see theres a lot more to religion than the written word.

Religion has cultural elements: Sikhs wear turbans and Jews dont eat pork. Traditionally black Christian churches have one style of gospel music and traditionally white Southern churches have another. Religion has political elements: walk into the First Baptist Church of Dallas and youll hear one brand of politics being preached  walk into First Unitarian Church and youll hear something very different.

Most importantly, religion has elements of spiritual practice: Muslims pray five times a day and Buddhists meditate. Catholics pray the rosary and Baptists go to bible study. Pagans do all kinds of things: I pray, meditate, make offerings to my Gods and ancestors, and study both religious and secular materials to deepen my understanding of the world and my place in it.

All of these things are done because the practitioners believe certain things about them, and those beliefs are often explained by myths. But they are not things to be believed  they are things to be done. They are not mythology.

Real Gods cannot be reduced to mythology

Myths are one of the ways we know about the Gods. But we also know about the Gods from our first-hand experiences of Them, and from the first-hand experiences of our co-religionists.

We pray to Them and They answer. Or They dont, which is an answer in itself. Sometimes They speak to us. Our mainstream culture (and sadly, much of the Pagan movement) has no context for hearing a God  it assumes youre either crazy or youre making it all up. But while we can and should debate what it means to experience a God first-hand, that we have these experiences is undeniable. How you respond is up to you, but remember that not responding is also a response.

Mythology can help us interpret our religious experiences. It can give us insight into what our ancestors thought about their religious experiences, and provide context for ours. Lore vs. UPG (unverified personal gnosis) is a false dichotomy  a whole religion needs both.

The study of the Gods is theology. Theology is not an exclusively Christian field  the polytheistic Greeks were doing it long before there was a Christianity. It incorporates input from experience, philosophy, and logic. The statement all religion is mythology denies the place of theology in religion.

Animism is not mythology

Many myths have an animistic context  they feature characters such as talking animals and walking trees. This reflects the intuitive observation that whatever animates you and me also animates birds and squirrels and rivers and trees. We can relate to all these beings not as things but as persons, even though theyre not human persons. They have their own inherent value and worth that does not depend on their usefulness to humans.

Religion is mythology ignores the animistic context of these myths. It makes these stories all about us and ignores the agency of non-human persons  their ability to do their own things for their own reasons.

Though my animism is a spirit-filled animism, thats not a requirement. Animism works just fine as non-theistic, naturalistic worldview. As with so much else, it relies on our actions, not on our beliefs.

Good religion is uncomfortable

Trying to turn religion into mythology makes religion more comfortable. Though myths are true stories (i.e.  they communicate truth) for the most part they are fictional stories. Labeling something as fiction gives us permission to ignore the parts we dont like the parts that scare us the parts that call us to take on devotions and quests and projects that are long, difficult, and dangerous.

Comfortable religion is weak religion. It tells us everything is OK the way it is, or at least it would be if other people would stop screwing it up. It demands nothing of us beyond what we already want to give.

Good religion is challenging. The challenges are different for all of us  what seems easy to you may be impossible for me, and vice versa. Good religion is uncomfortable, and at times dangerous. Anything worthwhile requires labor and carries risk.

So study the mythology of your religion, whatever it may be. See what truths your sacred stories can teach you.

But then remember there is far more to religion than mythology.

1 To be clear: I am not attacking either Protestantism or atheism. Both are valid paths. Im attacking the unreflective combination of the Protestant sola scriptura with the atheist insistence that there are no Gods or spirits. It is a mixture unworthy of either tradition.
In 2012, in the absence of congressional action to provide relief to about 800,000 young people who were brought into the United States as infants or children by their parents without authorization, the Department of Homeland Security announced that those who entered the United States as children and met certain requirements could register with the government and request consideration of deferred action for two years.

This began the DACA program  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA provides no legal status to its recipients, but does provide them with a temporary reprieve from deportation and allows them to work in the United States. DACA has allowed those under thirty-one in 2012 who entered the country before their sixteenth birthday, who had not left the United States for the previous five years, who were in school, graduated high school or were a U.S. Armed Forces veteran, and had no criminal record, to apply for a renewable two-year period where they would not get deported. After completing paperwork, gathering evidence and paying $465, young men and women celebrated that they did not have to be afraid. They could work legally, pay taxes and get a drivers license. The hope of these young men and women has been to come out of the shadows to become contributing members of society. Ideally, their hope is that Congress will enact immigration reform to permanently adjust their status.

Since 2012, about 800,000 young men and women have been recipients of DACA. They took a risk by identifying themselves to immigration hoping that DACA would finally give them a voice in the only country they have called home. The recipients of DACA consider themselves American, speak English and feel at home in the United States. Today, the whole program is as risk as the current administration has promised to repeal it. In the next few days a final decision will be made.

The DACA recipients I know are stellar citizens, studying and working hard not only for their personal future but for the future of our country. Some have full scholarships at Ivy League schools, others are studying and working hard, others are community and parish leaders. An individualized assessment has already been done by our government on each of these recipients, and they have been found to be contributing members of society. Why now repeal DACA exposing them to deportation? These are not the immigrants we want to deport.

About one month ago the Catholic Bishops of the United States once again expressed their support for DACA. They stressed that DACA recipients are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, academic standouts in our universities, and leaders in our parishes. These young people entered the United States as children and know America as their only home. [Click here to read statement]

From its inception in 2012, all parties have recognized that DACA is not a permanent solution. If the President chooses to end it, it will be imperative for Congress to find a legislative solution to address the status of these 800,000 men and women. That should have happened from the start. For many, DACA is just a political issue or a headline, but for 800,000 men and women, DACA will mark the course of their future.

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angles said some years ago that, America has always been a nation of justice and law. But as Americans we have also always been a people of generosity, mercy and forgiveness. When considering DACA, I challenge all to lean on generosity, mercy and forgiveness.

Picture taken from Wikipedia Commons
On September 9, 1868, the Atlanta Constitution published a portion of a speech that Henry McNeal Turner was to deliver on the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives. In the speech, Turner was to advocate for the eight hour bill pending before the House. In submitting the speech for publication, Turner noted that the speech itself was not completed and several of his strongest points had not been made. However when he learned that the House intended to vote him and other African American members ineligible to serve in the legislature because of their beliefs that blacks could not govern, he stopped writing it expecting not to deliver the speech or believing the House or Senate was not far enough advanced to consider this matter as it should be, and act upon it intelligently. He was right on both counts. Below is the speech as printed in the Atlanta Constitution.

Mr. Speaker: The bill before this House, which I had the honor of introducing a few days ago, may, from slight attention, appear to some gentlemen on this floor quite amusing, if not ridiculous. But I desire, in paving my way to a practical consideration of the subject, to state an already familiar fact, that this is an age of progress, an age of improvement, an age of great moral and political ideas; yes, may I not in candor say, the vanguard age of the world. For since the day when the umbrageous curtain of moral depravity..to the appalment of earth and the astonishment of Heaven, mans dimless intellectual faculties down to the present, no brighter day has ever dawned upon the worlds great drama than the one in which we live. The resources of the mind are contending with the blind fetters of stupidity and human genius clamors in the articulutive notes of all languages and tongues for releasement from the chains of ignorance. Thus, the crooked is being made straight and the hitherto rough is being made smooth, the wrongs of ages is being righted, and false notions though hoary with years, are hourly crashing to the ground, and vanishing like vapor before the rising sun.

The question under consideration may be considered a novel one in this State, if not in most of the Southern States, and yet, I assume that there is not a question now engrossing the attention of our public men of both, or either party, that embraces more truth, more facts, and more good solid reason why it should meet with universal sanction, than this seemingly trite and simple question, viz: Shall a man work himself to death to live?

I feel a confidence in the ultimate triumph of the measure incorporated in the bill now pending for discussion. Why? Because it is no new question, no utopian dream, no fanciful idea to lull the energies of the toiling masses. It is to-day, a grand national fact, embodied in the statute laws of our present enlightened Congress. In the first place, the passage of this bill is asked for as an experiment in our legislation. It ought, at least, to have a trial. It can do no harm, but may accomplish much good. The working men of the State ask for its passage, not so much as a peremptory rule, as the recognition of a principle. They feel as I know, that the labor of one-third part of a day, (or twenty-four hours, if you chose) ought to be sufficient to give daily bread, and keep the world industrially moving. They believe, fully that the experiment will not only result in their advantage, morally, socially, and intellectually.but that the interest of capital, as represented by employers will be benefited in the end.

A very potent reason for the passage of this bill, is, that there may be a uniform standard through the State governing manual labor, and manufacturing employees. In most of the States, ten hours is regarded as a days work. But I find by consulting Irwins Code, that there is no ten-hour rule to apply even to our public works. Section 1873 most positively declares the hours of labor shall be from sun rise to sunset, except the time allowed for meals, with the boss may limit to his own discretion. And without impugning the honesty of the motives of the framers of the law, I am forced by every philosophic consideration to pronounce such a statute as brutal and as inimical to freedom and happiness of the laborer, as the worse forms of slavery ever were. Custom, however, in several districts of our State has, by common consent, fixed the hours of a days work, ranging respectfully from eleven to twelve, and from sunrise to sunset, and in the winter season from day dawn to night dawn. So adverse are these customs that in cases where a man has been engaged to work for another by the day, without a contract specifying the precise number of hours, he is obliged in the event of a controversy, to place experts on the stand to prove what is the usual practice in the locality where he has been employed.  This bill obviates the most onerous difficulty.

The law regulating the interest on money in cases where no specific rate has been agreed upon is in many respects analogous. The term of eight hours has been fixed upon, because while it is the national tenure of laboring hours, it is also the healthful or hygienic limitation of a days labor, wherever this rule is habitually violated or exceeded, the mans life is shortened, and he suffers mentally and morally as well as physically. The demand for the laborer and mechanic not to be required to work more than eight hours each day, is supported by unerring instinct and by the weightiest consideration of expediency, justice and the hitherto premature decadency of humanity. I furthermore find myself sustained by a number of able writers and philosophers of unquestionable ability in this proposition. Cresys Encyclopedia of Civil Engineering, chap. ix.  on Mechanical agents, page 1087, has the following declaration, to-wit:  By the term daily labor, is meant the work performed during twenty-four hours, the effective duration of which is only a portion of that time, the remainder being employed in rest and taking meals. Animals of all kinds require that their work should be moderate and regular, and the machine which the drive or put to motion should never call forth more exertion than is natural for them. The limit of this action is indicated by the lassitude which the mover evinces, and which may term the DAILY FATIGUE.

Daniel Bernoulli imagined that the degree of fatigue was always proportioned to the action which produced it so that whether the man was employed in walking, carrying a load, drawing or pushing, working at a windglass, or raising a weight, he always produced with the same degree of fatigue, the same quantity of action, and consequently, the same effect, and that the daily labor of a man estimated as raising 1, 72(6/8), 000 pounds one-foot high. This estimate would be equal to 60 pounds raised that height every second when his daily labor was eight hours only.

William J. Rankin McQuorne, Professor of Civil Engineering in the University of Glasco, in an able article contributed by him to the Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 14, page 417, says: The mechanical daily duty of a man or beast is the product of three quantities  the effort, the velocity, the number of units of time per day during which work is continued. It is well known that for each individual man or animal, there is a certain set of valves of these three quantities, which make the product of a daily duty, a maximum, and that any departure from these valves diminishes the daily duty. The article from which I am quoting, concludes thus: The past time of working per day for man and all animals, is one third part of a day, or eight hours, a conclusion in accordance with tested experience. This view is also adopted by a contributor to Appletons American Encyclopedia, Article Mechanics, vol. II, page 327. A Man acting by muscular power or weight, and quadrupeds, are animate motors moving powers. The best continued practical working effect of animate motors is obtained when the working hours do not exceed one-third of the twenty-four.

When..performed by working men of mechanics, the average term of day labor is but eight hours. In demonstration of this assertion I will state that iron moulders in the State of New York, whose work is of this description, make eight hours the rule. In the mines of the Pacific coast, and the Sierras of that region, the mines far distant from physicians, and forced to adopt the best precautionary means for maintaining health, have, by common consent, agreed upon the eight-hour rule.

This fact, is warranted by the severest experience, led by the General Assembly of California in February, 1866, to pass the bill defining eight hours to be the period of a legal days work. In Australia, also, universal experience has led to the establishment of the same rule. But let us adduce a few examples: Elisha Burritt, the learned blacksmith of Worcester, Mass., assigned for himself the same time for labor, and around who brow clusters grander results for a measure or a habit pursued though a triumphant life. Chevaller Brunsen, of Germany, has also said that eight hours were sufficient for a days work.

The marching time for armies is also thus limited, from 12 to 17 miles being the distance made day by day; whenever forced marches are had, straining out by a most vigorous effort 40 or 50 miles a day. Long periods for rest and recuperation must ensue, or a large part of the army will be disabled by sickness. The Encyclopedia Britannica makes a similar declaration in respect to the progress made by caravans. It says, (see articles on caravans) from seven to eight hours a day seems to have become a usual days journey for caravans, so that, estimating the slow and unwieldy gait of a camel at two and half miles an hour, the average rate of travel would be from 17 to 20 miles a day. Tradition, if I may not call it reliable history, informs us that Solomon, when he was building the Temple of the Most High God, promulgated a decree for the men employed upon that great work to observe, as follows: Eight hours shall be dedicated to labor, eight hours to rest, recreation, refreshment, and the worship of Jehovah, and eight hours for sleep.

Let us next notice some of the customs in several of the European and Asiatic countries, which I will do as concisely and as pointedly as time will allow me. But before proceeding to this historical review, allow me to state that the framer of our beings never intended that man, under any circumstance, should wear and toil out every moment of his existence for a little bread to eat, and a few garments to cover his nudeness. This is a false idea handed down from one generation to another, by men who chief pride and ambition is to acquire wealth, though it be at the sacrifice of health and of life. If men would think more and work less, he would be bettered in all respects ten times more rapidly than it is. The trouble is, we absorbed the intellectual in the physical, instead of the physical in the intellectual.

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Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, at the weekly Lok Samvad meeting at his residence on Monday expressed his faith in the Central government saying he was confident Prime Minister Narendra Modi would come through in providing adequate financial help for the development of Bihar.

"I have met with the officials of various departments and reviewed different projects undertaken by them. Soon we will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues that are important for the development of the state. I am confident we will get the help that we deserve," Kumar said.

Kumar said that he had already held talks with the Prime Minister on many of the issues concerning Bihar but due to the historical flood in the state, things got a bit sidetracked.

Unlike previous Nitish Kumar who never missed an opportunity to lambast Prime Minister Modi even when he did not deserve criticism, the new Nitish Kumar under the NDA fold said that it was very generous of the Prime Minister to come to Bihar and survey flood-hit areas and announce a package of Rs. 500-crore for the victims of the flood.

"This Rs. 500-crore flood relief aid is only the beginning; more is yet to come in the coming days," he said.

Elaborating on the relief work going on in the north Bihar, Kumar said that the state government has paid Rs. 6,000 each to 4.92 lakh families of the flood victims that would allow them to buy food and essential items for about a month.

"Payment is still being made to other flood victims. Once the water recedes, we will evaluate the scope of the damage and based on the report, we will distribute money accordingly to the flood survivors," the Chief Minister said.
Iranian job market shifting toward female workforce

9/05/17

Source: Tehran Times

An investigation into the job market in Iran shows that employment among women has decreased in comparison with men during 2006-2013, but the trend has reversed over the past three years. Although women's participation rate has reached 17 percent in recent years, but the rate of women's entrance to the job market is now more than 50 percent, according to Masoud Nili, a top economic aide of President Hassan Rouhani.

Speaking at the First International Workshop on Labor Market Studies which was held in Tehran on September 2-3, Nili said that gender gap is a characteristic of the Iranian job market.



Considering investments made in the higher education sector, women will play a key role in the Iranian job market in coming years, he added.



The lowest and the highest participation rates of women in Iran were related to 1996 and 2016, respectively, Nili said, adding, women and educated youths are entering the job market and women of 30 years of age and above are more active in the labor market.



If there is an intention to create 100,000 jobs for every one percent of economic growth, there should be a quality growth, Nili emphasized.



"We have been witnessing developments in the labor market since 2013. Now, entry to the market is increasing while the number of university students is decreasing and many youths are not interested in entering the universities, he stated.

Jobless rate among women increased in past decade: Minister

The unemployment rate in Iran has reached 12.6 percent which is two times more than the average world unemployment rate (5.7 percent).



In other words, out of the 200 million jobless population of the world, Iran has a share of 1.6 percent of unemployed people making up a population of 3.2 million jobless, Ali Rabiei, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare said here on Sunday in the opening ceremony of the First International Workshop on Labor Market Studies.

Since the past four years, employment has been the focus of all economic discussions and women's employment situation had a considerable change during the past 2 decades, the minister added.



Women's unemployment was not considered in the unemployment statistics during the past four years because there was no interest for their presence in labor market and women were considered as the inactive economic population, Rabiei stated.



The growing number of women entering universities, and improvement of working environment for women, have changed the unemployment rate of women and made its number higher than men's unemployment rate, he noted.



Women's unemployment rate in 1996 was four percent while it reached to 20 percent in 2016, the minister of labor announced.



The unemployment rate is much higher among educated women and it has reached to 31 percent, Rabiei expressed.



Iran is facing with low investment rate and low production rate. Smuggling, regional security problems, and oil price change influence the labor market directly or indirectly, the minister concluded.
The government has decided to open new channels for investment drive into the country.



This is being done through Ghanas missions abroad with facilitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.



The ministry has therefore reopened its Economic, Trade and Investment Bureau (ECTIB), an initiative aimed at positioning it (ministry) as a strategic partner and player in the pursuit of governments vision of developing a new Ghana beyond aid.



Speaking at the launch on Thursday, President Akufo-Addo said several examples abound all over the world of how advanced economies have leveraged effectively the tools of foreign policy to secure the well-being of their peoples.



This, he said, has been done with the aim of increasing trade, foreign direct investments, tourism, technical cooperation, education, health, agriculture and transfer of technology.



The ECTIB, the president noted, is, indeed, a welcome and timely addition to help facilitate further investments, domestic and foreign, into Ghana.



By its formal inauguration, President Akufo-Addo underscored, The Ministry has signaled to other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and the private sector, that it is committed to deepening its involvement in the development of our country.



It is my expectation, therefore, that we will work together to build on the foundation that has been laid today through regular and meaningful interaction among all the ministries concerned, as well as the private sector.



With trade facilitation increasingly becoming a valuable tool in integrating economies into global value chains, creating wealth and employment in many countries, the president indicated that Ghana needs to improve customs function to support targeted trade facilitation, and promote intra-regional trade through the implementation of ECOWAS Protocols and Continental Trade Policies.



To this end, Government, he added, had put in place measures to start the paperless port project, effective yesterday, 1st September.



It would entail a paperless clearing process that should provide a platform for an integrated clearance process to minimise the human factor as much as possible, and reduce processing time for trade documents. Importers should now spend a maximum of four (4) hours in clearing their goods from the nations ports, he stressed.



Acknowledging the substantial contribution to Ghanas balance of payments, employment, national income and production by tourism, President Akufo-Addo noted that one of the most important goals of his government is to optimize the socio-economic growth of the country through tourism-related activities.



The construction of a new terminal at the Kotoka International Airport is intended to strengthen the tourist infrastructure to permit an increase in the volume of foreign tourists, he added.



Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said the decision was inspired by the presidents vision of transforming Ghanas economy into an industrial, prosperous and resilient one.



Even though other strategies have been mapped out, she indicated, Our focus now is on how to pull ideas, resources and energy towards our common goal.



That, she said, therefore calls for closer collaboration and harmonization of activities among the various public and private institutions vital to the countrys economic progress as encapsulated in the Africa Union (AU) 50-year development plan dubbed, Agenda 2063 and the complimentary United Nations (UNs) sustainable development goals dubbed, Agenda 2030.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Martin Amidu has claimed that former President John Mahamas advice to Kenyas opposition leader Raila Odinga following his defeat in the countrys election was cynical.



Mr. Mahama advised aggrieved Odinga and his party to go to court for justice after they raised concerns over the results of the elections which declared victory for President Uhuru Kenyatta.



Kenyas Supreme Court has subsequently annulled the results of the polls describing it as flawed.



In a statement on the development, Mr. Amidu said the former Ghanaian leader thought the court would have merely affirmed the victory of the President since he had benefitted from such a situation in the Presidential petition of 2013.



Coincidentally, the head of a group of the election observers is reported to be our own John Dramani Mahama whom activists of free, transparent and fair elections, and anti-corruption crusaders had accused during the 2016 Presidential election in Ghana of using his appointment powers under Articles 43 and 70 of our Constitution for a rigging agenda. Having won the 2012 Presidential elections by a razor thin edge vote of the Ghana Supreme Court, he was cynical in advising the losing party in the Kenyan elections to concede defeat or challenge the results in the Kenyan Supreme Court, in the belief that once incumbent Presidents are declared winners of an election their Supreme Courts normally docilely endorse the declarations of the Electoral Commission even in the face of the glaring rigging of the election.



John Dramani Mahama had benefitted from such a situation in the Presidential petition of 2013 and cynically thought his good friend, the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he had invited as the special guest of honour during Ghanas independent Celebrations in 2016, would have the benefit of the docility of the Kenyan Supreme Court just as he was the beneficiary of Ghanas razor thin edge Supreme Court decision in 2013. I also have no doubt that John Dramani Mahamas cynical advice to Mr. Odinga was informed by past decisions of the Kenyan Supreme Court where incumbents have been declared winners of the Presidential elections and his personal experience in Ghana, Amidu wrote.

Source: Starrfmonline.com









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The much-talked-about multi-billion cedi bauxite concession granted to Ibrahim Mahamas company at the tail end of his brother, John Dramani Mahamas presidency, has been revoked by the current government.



John Peter Amewu, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who made the announcement at a news conference in Accra yesterday, said Exton Cubic Group Limited could not meet all the legal requirements to prospect for bauxite at Nyinahini in the Tano Offin Forest Reserve; and therefore the lease cannot hold, cancelling the earlier directive for the company to move to the Nyinahin forest for the mining of bauxite.



Act 703



The minister said the government was acting in accordance with Section 87 of Act 703 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 to cancel the concession granted Mr Ibrahim Mahama.



The failure to obtain an Environmental Permit, Operational Permit, as well as the various statutory infractions, leading to the purported grant of the three Mining Leases to the company, render the purported leases invalid and of no effect, he stated.



According to Mr. Amewu, who has earlier been accused of allowing Ibrahims company into the Nyinahin Forest Reserve in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region to start exploratory activities, The company was supposed to provide an Exploration Operating Permit for the year 2017, an Exploration Operating Plan to the Minerals Commission. None of the above was fulfilled.



Gazette Publication



The absence of publication in the Gazette of a notice of the pendency of the companys applications and service of the notice on the various entities specified in the law is contrary to both Section 13(2) of Act 703 and Regulation 177 of L.I 2176, he noted.



The minister said that the three mining leases included Kyekyewere (56.64 sq.km), Mpasaso (22.46 sq.km) and Kyirayaso (32.68 sq.km), adding that his attention was drawn to an attempt by the company to enter the concession on August 20 and therefore decided to investigate that information.



He said it was after he had investigated the claims of Exton Cubic Group Limited that he came to the conclusion that the company had not complied with the mandatory laid-down procedures required to enter the concession.



Adding his voice at the press conference, Prof. Frimpong Boateng, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, stated, Every government wants to promote indigenous Ghanaian businesses.



A number of infractions were noted by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources with regards to Exton Cubics operations; and Prof. Frimpong-Boateng maintained that The laws are laws. This is not a political thing. This government works with the law and infractions are infractions.



Nobody can say that this is a political witch-hunt. The minister mentioned a lot of infractions so you can go through and you will know that we are not after any individuals. I will be the last person, and I am sure the president will be the last person to hunt Ghanaian business people.



Controversial Lease



Exton Cubic Group Limited was controversially granted a long lease concession by the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration on December 29, 2016 when the NDC had lost the December 7 general elections miserably and was on its way out of office.



The company moved heavy-duty machines into the forest near Nyinahin recently with intent to start exploratory activities but was stopped by both the district and regional authorities.



In the ensuing tussle between the youth of Nyinahin on one side and the private firm on the other over whether Ibrahim had the right to enter the Nyinahin Forest Reserve, Peter Abum Sarkodie, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued a statement saying that the company had not obtained the required permit to enable it to mine bauxite in the area.



Public Interest



The attention of the EPA has been drawn to a situation that has arisen regarding an attempt by Exton Cubic Group Limited to enter the Nyinahin bauxite deposit area for the purpose of undertaking mining activities. As a result of the public interest in the matter, the EPA would like to clarify the position of Exton Cubic Group Limiteds Environmental Permit status under its mining lease (that is a necessary condition for any mining activity).



The bottom line is that Exton Cubic Group Limited has not obtained the required EPA Permit under its mining lease and therefore any attempt to enter the area for mining activity is illegal.



According to the EPA, the company, which is owned by former President John Dramani Mahamas younger brother Ibrahim, with his wife Oona Maxwell, his brother Michael Mahama, as well as a certain Kweku Pobee as directors, would be acting illegally if it went ahead with its activities without recourse to the environmental regulator.



Turf War



The controversial bauxite mining concession granted to Exton Cubic appeared to have pitched two ministers in the Akufo-Addo-led administration against each other.



The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, expressed regret that the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr. Amewu, was encouraging Ibrahim to move his equipment to the Nyinahin bauxite site for mining when there is a ban on mining in the region.



Ibrahim Mahama moved his Engineers and Planners (E&P) heavy-duty equipment to the site on behalf of Exton Cubic Group Limited but were prevented by the residents and the DCE of the area.



The vehicles were later confiscated at Nyinahin and some of the companys officers allegedly detained.



Later, Exton Cubic Group accused Mr. Osei-Mensah and the District Chief Executive of the Atwima Mponua, Williams Darko, of unlawfully impounding E&Ps vehicles and detaining its officers.



Amewus Response



In the heat of the tug of war, Mr. Amewu had confirmed that his ministry granted Exton Cubic Group Limited an entry permit into the Nyinahin bauxite concession in the Tano Offin Forest Reserve to prospect for bauxite.



This project commenced somewhere in 2013. They began the due diligence processes through which they were granted the prospective lease in 2015. They have the entry permit from the Forestry Commission and the necessary EIA was done during the exploration period, he had said.



Exton Cubics Fears



Exton Cubic, however, expressed worry that the challenges faced by its exploration at the Nyinahin bauxite concession might be a witch-hunt against it.



The company said the recent developments concerning the legality of operations in the Nyinahin bauxite concession gave it a reason to be concerned.



Vehicles belonging to Exton Cubics sub-contractor, Ibrahim Mahamas Engineers and Planners (E&P) were impounded in the Nyinahin township on the orders of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, following suspicions that the mining company was operating illegally.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, on Monday said government is working to correct the mismatch between the skills needed by industry and what the training institutions had been developing.



He said the country, over the years, had underplayed the importance of technical and vocation education, which were the core skills needed as a developing and industrialising economy.



Government has identified the need to fix this mismatch and we are realigning our education system to place more emphasis on technical, vocational and allied skills as a matter of urgency, he said.



Mr Osafo-Maafo was speaking at the opening of the 26th Board of Governors Meeting of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the African Union's Specialised Agency for Capacity Development.



The two-day meeting, being held in collaboration with the Government, is on the theme: Enhancing Access to and Absorption of Development Resources in Africa.



Mr Osafo-Maafo said many African countries were facing similar issues with their educational training and the situation needed to be tackled without delay.



He said Africa must address the challenge of inadequate capacity to ensure its socio-economic transformation and become a more prominent global player.



He said capital and capacity building were the pillars for development adding;



As a continent, we have taken the easier routes over the years, getting loans and exporting raw materials. These have not expanded our economies to create the jobs we need for our youthful population.



Mr Osafo-Maafo urged the ACBF to scale up its success stories by building collaboration with other strategic institutions, which would enhance capacity both at the policy development and implementation levels.



Mr Thomas Kwesi Quartey, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for support from all governments, development partners and key stakeholders to ensure concrete outcomes and advancement of capacity development.



He said Africa had grown a little tired of seeing its children desperately trying to cross the Sahara on foot and getting drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, all in the hope of an El-Dorado in Europe, which was non-existent.



We need our children here, but to be able to do that we need to have them all properly educated, cultured in science and technology so that they begin to appreciate the importance of what we have here in Africa and what we can do for this Continent, Mr Quartey said.



Professor Emmanuel Nnadozie, the Executive Secretary of ACBF, said the Foundation must go beyond the resource access challenge to finding solutions to the use of resources acquired.



He said for ACBF to effectively deliver on its capacity building mandate, there was the need for political and financial support of African governments and cooperating partners.



Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, lauded ACBF for its contribution to the strengthening of the institutional and human capacities as well as the socio-economic transformation of countries.



This, he said, was done through financial investments, knowledge production and sharing, and technical assistance, which were record breaking.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has participated in the 2017 edition of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) day celebration which took place at Burma Camp in Accra.



Celebrated in August every year, the occasion seeks to bring together Southern African countries to reach a common goal.



Addressing a community of Member States and Head of Missions in Ghana including South Africa, Angola, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe amongst a host of others, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Gold Mine, Jasper Musadaidzwa disclosed that AngloGold Ashanti is committed to strengthening its relationships with key development partners of which SADC is one.



Our support towards this celebration underpins our value of leaving our communities and societies with a sustainable future for us being there.



He underscored some of the community investment initiative rolled out under social infrastructure, socio-economic development, education, health and safety, culture and heritage and human capital development in line with the companys value to ensure that communities in which AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited operates benefits from its presence. He emphasized that the Mine rehabilitated and handed over an infirmary stocked with medication to the Tarkwa Prisons with a donation of . . . ceiling fans and . . . television sets to help in the reformation process of the inmates , the provision of a three-unit class room block with state of the art ICT center with sanitary facilities for Adieyie Basic School, a 16-seater aqua-privy sanitary facility for Badukrom Community, A modern social center for the people of Bankyim Community and a yet- to- be completed hospital project for the Wangarakrom community.



We will support governments efforts and that of the diplomatic missions in ensuring sustainable futures for the people in poverty alleviation programs.



Speaking under the theme partnering with the private sector in developing industry and regional value chains, the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Lulama Xingwana said SADC aims to play a meaningful role in Ghana by complementing the efforts of diplomatic work done by the Missions in Ghana as well as open up trade opportunities between African countries.



The Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Charles Josob, who also doubles as the Chairman of the SADC group of Ambassadors in Ghana was full of praise for Iduapriem Gold Mine for supporting the event.



An exhibition was mounted, showcasing initiatives and Community Social Investment undertaken by the Mine in leaving its communities with a sustainable future.



The Southern African Development Community (SADC), is a Regional Economic Community body that facilitates the implementation of SADC programs and activities to meet its objectives and overall goal of poverty eradication and regional integration.



Established in 1992, it is celebrated every year in honour of its founding fathers of the organisations and to pay glowing tribute to its achievements and projects scored in the area of regional integration and solidarity. The gathering seeks to unite the SADC members in Ghana.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A Nigerian businesswoman was on Monday remanded in police custody by the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly trafficking four Nigerian girls into Ghana and forcing them to engage in prostitution.



The accused person, Blessing Antia, was said to have convinced the girls to follow her to Ghana by enticing them with jobs as sales girls, but rather ended up forcing them into prostitution.



When the girls demanded their freedom, Blessing was alleged to have demanded GHC4,000 each from them before granting them freedom.



She was also alleged to have forcibly collected some panties and pubic hair of the girls with a threat that they will go mad if they refuse to work as prostitutes.



At Mondays hearing, Blessing pleaded not guilty to four counts of human trafficking before the court, presided over by Mrs Jane Harriet Akweley Quaye.



Boutique owner



Presenting the prosecution case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Cletus Abadamlora, said in June, 2017, Blessing travelled to Nigeria, convinced two of the girls that she was a boutique owner in Ghana and would like to employ them as sales girls.



On June 14, 2017, the girls arrived in Ghana. Two days after their arrival, Blessing sent them to a hostel and later sent them to a place known as Bigot at Lapaz, where she forced them into prostitution, the prosecutor said.



In August, 2017, DSP Abadamlora explained that Blessing used the same tactics and lured two other Nigeria girls into Ghana, and once again forced them into prostitution.



On August 17, 2017, Blessing forcibly collected some of the girls panties and pubic hair and threatened them that they will go mad if they refused to work as prostitutes. She then asked them to pay her GHC 4,000 each before they could be released, he said.



The prosecutor added that on August 30, 2017, the four girls managed to report their ordeal to the police, leading to the arrest of Blessing.

Source: Daily Graphic









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Abidjan-based Archbishop Charles Kofi Nyame aka Unbreakable, founder and leader of Destiny Foundation Prayer Ministry International, which is headquartered in Cote dIvoire, has declared that Ghanaians will from next year start seeing improvement in their lives.



According to Prophet Unbreakable, God revealed to him that Ghana has been blessed, hence new things are coming to happen in the country from next year.



He therefore entreated Ghanaians to exercise patience, be united, love one another and pray for the country and the leaders.



God revealed to me that Ghana will change from next year; there will be more jobs, and businesses will flourish. The country will shine in the eyes of the world and every individual will see success and prosperity in his or her life. The country will see progress and success under the new leadership. All we need is to be united, love one another and lets pray for our leaders and the country, Prophet Kofi Nyame indicated.



The prophet, who has for the past 33 years been gifted with healing HIV patients and curing all types of diseases, will have a spiritual encounter programme for individuals who need spiritual breakthrough from 3rd September to 1st October, 2017 in Maroni, Cote d`Ivoire.



The 30-day spiritual encounter is designed for members and non-members of the church to accelerate their spiritual growth and also heal the sick.



According to the well-respected prophet, who has many branches across Africa, instead of Christians to focus on the word of God, they move from one place to the other for people to pray for them.



Nothing can be done as a Christian without knowing the word of God; one can do all things, including anointing, when the person knows the word, the Almighty God has anointed me to heal the sick, he added.



He urged Christians to dig into the word and use it as their walking stick, move by it and stop going round seeking anointing through pray for me.



The Abidjan-based prophet hinted that to get out of the snare of the wicked ones is to get closer to God because in Him is everything, adding, God is still in the miracle business and anybody who relies on Him would not be consumed.



Prophet Unbreakable has other branches at Medie, Adjen Kotoku, and Nkawkaw, Kwaku-Juwurah  all in Ghana.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Barbara Oteng Gyasi has said the management of Exton Cubic Group its to be blamed for the revocation of its license to mine at Kyekyewere, Mpasaso and Kyirayaso all in the Ashanti region.



In a new twist to a never ending drama on bauxite exploration in Ghana, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu has declared as invalid and of no effect, a mining lease granted Exton Cubic Ltd.



He had early on approved of the exploration and urged his colleague, the Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, who had ordered for the seizure of Exton Cubics equipment to release them to the company.



After consulting with the Attorney General, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister on Monday September 4, made a u-turn, and in a media briefing described the mining contract issued to Exton Cubic as invalid.



Speaking in an interview with Akwasi Nsiah host of Si Mi So on Kasapa FM, Hon Barbara Gyasi indicated that despite the errors on the part of some officials at the Lands Ministry in issuing the license, the company should have also known better.



You the one submitting the application knows the process that it travels and the applicant should have also monitored the process and be abreast with what stage the application has reached at any given time and ensure that all the necessary processes are exhausted. If you fail to do this and any relevant officer working on the application bypasses any of the processes and issues you with a final permit and it turns out that its invalid, then you have to blame yourself. Exton Cubic have themselves to blame for what has happened. Other applicant must also learn from this and ensure that same does not befall them.

Source: kasapa









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It was a homecoming for Mt. Joy.

The Philadelphia/Los Angeles indie folk group was performing at Made in America, the Jay-Z-curated Labor Day weekend music festival in Philly, on Sept. 2. As they set up on the Skate Stage, a few friends stood by the barriers to say hey to guitarist Sam Cooper.

Dozens braved the unrelenting rain for the set, some in ponchos, others without any form of rain protection.

Dead center in the front row was another fan rocking a Mt. Joy t-shirt.

Normally a band shirt would be standard affair for a concert. But it was a little unusual because Mt. Joy has only released three songs.

That's the power of Mt. Joy's music.

The group's first song, "Astrovan," blew up on Spotify in October last year, nabbing a spot in the top ten of the streaming service's viral chart with more than 230,000 plays in ten days.

Since then "Astrovan" has garnered more than 4.2 million streams, with their follow-up single "Sheep" earning more than 4.9 million.

Sam Cooper and Matt Quinn started playing music together in high school near Philadelphia. The continue to jam together on and off throughout college, and when they both ended up living in Los Angeles they recorded a few songs, most notably "Astrovan." When the song went viral, they opted to devote themselves to their music. Quinn dropped out of graduate school and Cooper quit his job as a lawyer.

They became Mt. Joy, naming the band after the mountain in Valley Forge National Historical Park, and set about recruiting band members, including Michael Brynes (bass), Sotiris Eliopoulos (drums) and, the newest edition, Jackie Miclau (keys, vocals).

It hasn't necessarily been an easy ride. Quinn has written that "Astrovan" tackles the struggles of artists as they try to pursue their passion.

"I really wanted to juxtapose the purity of things like angels and Jesus with that struggle," he wrote on the lyric site Genius. "It's a song that's meant, hopefully, to inspire anyone who is struggling in their pursuit to keep going."

"Sheep" gets political, having been written while watching the riots in Baltimore after the killing of Freddie Gray by police. It's a call for change and an end to blind hatred. It's also about stepping up and taking action.

"It's something that we're trying more and more: to make our voices heard in terms of America crumbling before our eyes right now and trying to part of the solution," Quinn explained in an interview after the group's Made in America set.

It has since become the band's closer and one of their favorite songs to play live. It's a definite crowd favorite too.

The fact it's one of the few songs the crowd knows prior to the show also helps with how into it the audience gets. So while Mt. Joy only has three released songs, those who go to their concerts have heard a good chunk of their upcoming album. They hope to release it in 2018.

"We're super excited to get that music out there," Quinn said. "Playing songs that we already released is a totally different experience than playing these songs that no one has ever heard. We're really excited to feed people the tunes."

Mt Joy performs on the Skate Stage on Sept. 2 at Budweiser's Made in America Festival in Philadelphia. From L to R: Sam Cooper, Matt Quinn, Sotiris Eliopoulos, Michael Brynes. Not pictured: Jackie Miclau. Julia Hatmaker | jhatmaker@pennlive.com

There are no upcoming tour dates in Philadelphia at the moment, although the band has played Johnny Brenda's in Fishtown a few times. That being said, they love coming back.

"It's a dope town, dope music city and an enthusiastic crowd," said bassist Brynes.

"I feel like I'm home and this isn't even my home," Miclau (keys) said.

But whenever they play their music, there's a bit of Philadelphia in it, whether it's in the attitudes or referenced in the lyrics ("Cardinal" alludes to Eagles tailgate parties).

"Philly is such a unique vibe, it just has this very underdog mentality," Quinn said. "I think everybody embodies that spirit where it's like, 'We're cooler than all these people despite them having all the glamor and stuff.'

"I feel like it's a more more soulful or real place than either of those two music industry hubs [New York and Los Angeles]," he continued. "I think it informs your music in the sense that you grow up being taught that hard work and all that stuff... It's a more well rounded town that makes music that's more well rounded."

And in true Philly style, the band doesn't shy away from sharing its opinions. When asked what message they'd like to share with the general public, Quinn piped up first with "Stop supporting Donald Trump. If you're doing that and you're doing the wrong thing."

Eliopoulos (drums) joined in with "Tip your bartenders. Don't shout out 'Freebird.'"

Brynes piled on, "Tip your baristas too."

"If I hold the door for you, just say thank you," Cooper said.

And then, the final message (from Eliopoulos): "When you merge lanes put on your blinker. It's not that hard."

To learn more about Mt. Joy visit their official site at mtjoyband.com. You may also find these stories interesting:

Want more stories about Philly? Click here for all our coverage of the City of Brotherly Love.
Without even leaving Pennsylvania, students can study Shakespeare in a 16th century English classroom.

The University of Pittsburgh's Nationality Rooms lay testament to the cultures that contribute to Pittsburgh and beyond. In the towering Cathedral of Learning, it is the English, German, Polish and Scottish, among others, that provide the literal foundation.

At 93 years old, E. Maxine Bruhns has spent more than half her life leading the Nationality Rooms program. Now she wants the rooms added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The cultural program is older than the building itself, having been conceived during the design phase of the 42-floor structure under chancellor John Bowman. He dreamt of building a tall, Gothic tower as the shining beacon of the university in the 1920s. Such a tower, he thought, would increase enrollment.

"He looked at what was left of this campus after World War I and just found it was unacceptable," Bruhns said. "Classes were meeting in Army barracks. Then he saw this 14-acre plot and decided he would like to build a high building."

But the tower came with a high price tag. He met with local groups and collected donations to fund construction. During that fundraising, he found immigrant groups to be particularly generous. Families that had little offered to forgo meat or new clothes in order to donate to the school.

Seeing the compassion of the immigrant communities, Bowman enlisted the help of Ruth Mitchell to represent those cultures in the structure. He told her to approach all the communities she knew and invite each to design a room in the building to represent their culture. It is those communities that provide the foundation to the Cathedral of Learning.

Mitchell helped create 18 rooms during her time with the Nationality Rooms program. The first four were dedicated on July 8, 1938, and represented the cultures of Germany, Russia, Scotland and Sweden. The donated Early American Room was also dedicated that year, though it didn't begin making waves until decades later when Bruhns joined the program and donated her grandmother's wedding quilt for the bed.

"My grandma is the ghost in the Early American Room. She's something else," Bruhns said. "And I'm going to have some of my ashes put there, because I know it's her."

The day after the quilt was added, staff began reporting strange occurrences in the room. Custodian John Carter said he was tidying up the bedroom when he heard a swish and turned around to find the bed quilt turned down and a dent in the pillow.

Another supernatural experience came on the grandmother's wedding anniversary, when Bruhns' slept in a sleeping bag at the foot of the bed. She awoke to the crashing sound of her water bottle falling off a chair.

"Other people would go up the staircase to the second floor, and the cradle would be rocking," Bruhns said. "When she makes it rock, it just rocks three times. When you touch it, it goes 14 times. So there's no doubt she has a special touch."

The Early American Room is one of just two Nationality Rooms that does not also function as a classroom. The other is the Syria-Lebanon Room, which was originally a library in an upscale Damascus home dating back to 1782. It is closed to the public to protect the intricate designs, such as gesso painted walls adorned with gold leaf and satin cushions supported by marble bases.

"That room gets more valuable every time you go in there, because they're still bombing and killing people," Bruhns said. The devastation in Syria and Lebanon means the library in Pittsburgh is probably the best preserved example of 18th century Damascus remaining today.

Those that are used as classrooms are fully functional. Students are not allowed to eat or drink in the rooms, but each room is handicap-accessible and has teaching amenities. Older designs feature chalkboards behind sliding panels and newer rooms include built-in audio visual equipment.

Classes are assigned to the rooms based on seating capacity, which varies from intimate settings like the Greek Room's table for 10 to the English Room with large oak benches in the style of the House of Commons.

"I assume they like them," Bruhns said. "A professor can, if he wants, request a guide to come explain the room at the beginning of the course."

Professors can also request a room to fit with their course, such as Greek language in the Greek room, or ask to be reassigned if they are given a Nationality Room but would prefer a traditional classroom.

Thirty Nationality Rooms currently line the first and third floors at the Cathedral of Learning, but only 11 have been dedicated in the last 30 years. The Korean Room was the most recent addition. And if all goes according to plan, the next will be Iranian and Finnish.

The following rules apply to the creation of Nationality Rooms:

Rooms must illustrate an outstanding architectural or design tradition of a nation. A nation may be recognized as such by the U.S. Department of State or, more broadly, a body of people associated with a region who have a distinct culture.

The design must be cultural and aesthetic depicting a period before 1787, when the university was founded.

No political symbols or portraits of a living person are permitted, with the exception of a symbol above the room's entrance.

No donor recognition is allowed in the rooms.

Some committees form but are unable to agree on a design or can't raise the funds necessary to build a room. The university almost had rooms to represent Native American, Latin American and Thai cultures, but all fell through.

"Now they're costing almost $1 million," Bruhns said. "The Iranian room is scheduled--if we ever stop delaying it--to cost more than $1 million and the Korean one was about $800,000. The other ones were much less."

Though the cost is dependent on each committee's chosen design, money is a significant barrier. Committees raise funds in a variety of ways, often reaching out to their communities and governments for assistance.

For example, the Romanian Room features a glittering mosaic gifted from the country's government after its use in the 1939 World's Fair. The room's committee had run into a lack of funds during the midst of the Depression but wanted to proceed with plans.

Each room has a story to tell, both about the culture represented and the room's creation.

Self-guided and group tours are available year-round. Special events include a ghost watch in the Early American Room each Halloween and an open house in December when each room is decorated for the holidays and tour guides wear traditional dress.
This story has been updated with information about storm preparations in Florida.

Authorities in Florida have begun bracing for the potential arrival of Hurricane Irma, a roiling storm that intensified into "an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane" as it churned toward the United States.

Even as millions across Texas continue reeling from the impact of Hurricane Harvey, which battered that region with record-setting rain and was blamed for at least 60 deaths, Irma gathered strength in the Atlantic, prompting increasingly dire forecasts as well as hurried storm preparations in Florida, where a major hurricane has not made landfall since 2005.

Local officials have begun urging people in Florida to leave areas that could take a direct hit from Irma. Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said Tuesday that officials could ask some of the county's 2.7 million residents to begin evacuating as early as Wednesday, calling Irma's potential impact an "all hands on deck" situation for local officials.

"This hurricane is far too powerful, poses far too great a threat for us to delay actions any further," Gimenez said at a news briefing.

Gimenez said county residents with special needs will be evacuated on Wednesday morning, and he added that more evacuations may be ordered in Miami-Dade, the state's most populous county.

Gimenez also urged people in the county to have at least three days worth of food, water and other basic supplies on hand.

"This is a powerful storm which poses a serious threat to our area," Gimenez said. He added: "I would rather inconvenience our residents on this occasion than suffer any unnecessary loss of life if in fact we are hit by hurricane Irma. It is still too early to know if we will take a direct hit."

Officials in Monroe County - home of the Florida Keys, a popular tourist destination - said Tuesday they had issued a mandatory evacuation for tourists beginning on Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. A mandatory evacuation for residents was also issued for Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.

The county has about 80,000 residents and regularly draws throngs of visitors who travel to the Keys, a series of islands off of South Florida and connected to the rest of the state by U.S. 1.

In a statement, Monroe County officials said they urged residents and tourists to begin planning evacuations immediately, saying that "the earlier people leave the Keys the less traffic they are likely to encounter." Authorities also said Monroe County schools would close Wednesday and remain shuttered until further notice, while hospitals there had begun planning to evacuate patients.

"We're pros at this," Monroe County administrator Roman Gastesi said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "Obviously this is a big one, and this could be the big one. But folks out here are really connected to the weather and so we know what to do."

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R, who has declared a statewide emergency, wrote to President Donald Trump on Tuesday asking him to declare a pre-landfall emergency in Florida, warning that Irma may require large-scale evacuations. He also asked for federal assistance in constructing emergency berms needed to protect areas across the state already battered last year by flooding caused by Hurricane Mathew, which raked the state with punishing rain and winds before making landfall in South Carolina.

The last major hurricane - registering as a Category 3 storm or stronger - to make landfall in Florida was Hurricane Wilma in October 2005. Wilma was also the last major hurricane to make landfall in the United States until Harvey arrived in Texas late last month.

Hurricane Irma is an "extremely dangerous" Category 5, barreling toward the northern Lesser Antilles and Southern Florida. It's already the strongest hurricane ever recorded outside the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and it's likely to make landfall somewhere in Florida over the weekend.

If it does, the impact could be catastrophic.

The storm is life-threatening for the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and the southeastern Bahamas. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. A hurricane watch is in effect for Hispaniola and southeastern Bahamas.

With maximum winds of 185 mph, Irma is tied for the second strongest storm ever observed in the Atlantic. And in its Tuesday morning discussion, the National Hurricane Center said the storm is in an environment "ideal for some additional intensification."

The hurricane is expected to remain at least a Category 4 for the next few days with minor fluctuations in intensity. It could even become slightly stronger, but it is already nearing historical precedent and a theoretical limit for how strong it can get.

It cannot be overstated that

and will produce the full gamut of hurricane hazards across the Caribbean and potentially in South Florida, including a devastating storm surge, destructive winds and dangerous flash flooding.

All of Florida -- especially South Florida and the Keys -- should be preparing for a major hurricane landfall on Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to arrive as soon as Friday.

Mainland U.S. landfall threat

Computer models are in strong agreement that by Saturday, Irma will be approaching the Florida Keys - where dangerous storm conditions are likely. Then, they show a sharp northward turn by Sunday morning. The precise timing and location of the turn has huge implications for Florida.

It is impossible to say with certainty whether Irma will track up along the eastern side of the Florida peninsula, the western side, or straight up the peninsula. Since the weekend, models have generally shifted westward with the storm's forecast track, which means interests along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico should also closely monitor this storm.

For a major hurricane, the exact track of the storm's eyewall - the zone surrounding its calm center - is critical as it will determine where the most severe effects tend to concentrate. The most violent winds coincide with the eyewall, and the biggest storm surge occurs just to its right (or north).

But as Irma is such a large and powerful hurricane, very dangerous weather will also occur up to 200 miles away from the eyewall - including coastal surge, flooding rains and potentially damaging winds.

"The hurricane force winds in Irma are wider than Florida," tweeted Bryan Norcross, hurricane specialist at the Weather Channel. "You won't need a direct hit to get Wilma-type winds & storm surge on both coasts."

Beyond the weekend, the scenarios really depend on which side of Florida it tracks. But for now, it's safe to say that the southeast United States, including the Florida panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas, should also brace for potential impacts, such as flash flooding, storm surge and strong winds.

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, the powerhouse storm was positioned 180 miles east of the island of Antigua in the northern Leewards, where it is forecast to make a direct impact early Wednesday. The storm was moving eastward at 14 miles per hour.

Destructive winds as well as heavy rain that can produce flash flooding and mudslides are possible in the warning areas. Along the coast, the storm surge height -- or rise in water above normally dry air -- could reach 7-11 feet - especially just north of the storm center.

Irma is likely to become the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Leeward Islands, even more intense than David, which raked across the central Leeward Islands in 1979. "David was a horrible hurricane for Leeward Islands: 56 fatalities in Dominica," tweeted Phil Klotzbach, hurricane expert at Colorado State University.

Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Anguilla in particular are right in the path of the storm.

"Really feel for the northern Leeward Islands," tweeted National Hurricane Center forecaster Eric Blake. "A hurricane this strong there only comes around once a generation or two."

Areas affected by the core winds near the storm's eye face devastating wind destruction. The Hurricane Center provides this description of the damage inflicted by Category 5 winds:

"A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."

After passing the northern Leeward Islands, the hurricane will strike the British Virgin Islands with potentially catastrophic effects.

The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico may remain south of the storm's center, so less prone to Irma's most hostile conditions. But even so, damaging winds and torrential rains are likely.

Irma's place in history

Irma's peak intensity so far ranks among the strongest in recorded history, exceeding the likes of Katrina, Andrew and Camille - whose winds peaked at 175 mph.

Among the most intense storms on record, it only trails Hurricane Allen in 1980 which had winds of 190 miles per hour. It is tied for second most intense with Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane.

If Irma makes landfall as a Category 4 or higher in the United States, joining Hurricane Harvey, it will become the first time two storms so strong struck the United States in the same season.

Tropical Storm Jose forms in eastern Atlantic

While all attention is on Hurricane Irma, Tropical Storm Jose formed in the eastern Atlantic Tuesday morning. This storm is also predicted to intensify into a hurricane over the coming days, but the latest track forecast keeps it away from land areas for the most part.
Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to arrest of two Fayette County man wanted in an attempted homicide and stabbing Monday.

Pennsylvania State Police.

State police in Belle Vernon are looking for Willie James Lancaster, 27, formerly of Uniontown, and Zelcon Demez Walker, 32.

Lancaster is accused of conspiring with Brittany Sumey to rob a man in Redstone Township, Fayette County, and Walker is accused of driving the getaway car.

The victim was stabbed in the abdomen and ear in a struggle after Lancaster demanded his wallet and money, and was able to detain Sumey, who was arrested. Lancaster fled in a vehicle driven by Zelcon Demez Walker, police said.

Lancaster is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with brown eyes and numerous tattoos, including "Savage" on his chest, "Out" on his right hand and "Law" on his left hand.

Walker is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, 300 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-472-8477. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
The district attorney was distinctly displeased Tuesday when a Lancaster County judge ordered immediate parole for a man who was 13 when he shot and killed a woman on a school playground in March 1992.

Parole kicked in for Ricardo Cruz, now 39, when President Judge Dennis Reinaker replaced his life prison term with a sentence of 25 years to life.

Cruz already has spent 25 1/2 years behind bars for the slaying of 18-year-old Debbie Rivera. Investigators said Rivera was shot in the head unintentionally while Cruz was firing a pistol at a rival on the playground at the Carter MacRae Elementary School in Lancaster City.

Cruz's chance at freedom was made possible by a 2012 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that bars life without parole sentences for killers who are younger than 18 when they commit their crimes. The state Supreme Court all but banned life sentences for such murderers in a ruling issued in June.

Still, DA Craig Stedman called Reinaker's decision hard to accept, especially since 11 other juvenile lifers from the county are awaiting resentencing under the Supreme Court's edict. None of them were younger than Cruz was when they committed their murders.

"We understand the law has changed and did all we could," Stedman said in announcing Cruz's resentencing. "From a victim perspective, there certainly is a sense of extreme unfairness in all of these cases, and there is no doubt the results in many are going to be extremely difficult to swallow."

"Debbie Rivera does not have any appellate rights and her sentence is permanent. Her life was taken and her family will serve their own sentence as well with no second chances," he said. "When he gets out, I certainly hope Mr. Cruz never forgets his crime and his victim."

Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson asked for a 35-year-to-life sentence on the first-degree murder conviction that would have kept Cruz jailed for another decade. Cruz pulled the trigger with the intent of killing someone, even if the intended victim wasn't Rivera, Anderson argued.

He said Rivera's family decided not to attend Tuesday's resentencing hearing because it would resuscitate painful memories.

Reinaker cited testimony from five corrections officers who called Cruz a "model inmate" with only one violence-related misconduct during his entire time in jail.

Cruz apologized to the Rivera's family. He said Rivera was a friend and that his actions were "stupid," "reckless" and "impulsive."
Harrisburg School District isn't yet banning kids without immunizations from school, but is still working with families to students vaccinated.

Kirsten Keys, district spokeswoman, said the school nurse should have a number at the end of this week on how many students haven't been immunized or haven't provided proof they have an upcoming appointment to get those immunizations.

"We hope to have all verifications by the end of this month," she said. Harrisburg has an enrollment of about 6,300.

Unlike prior years, in which students have eight months from the start of school to get immunizations, the state this year said they were to have them within five days, or they could be made to stay home.

Even though most districts provided information to parents starting last spring, some students were still not immunized at the start of school.

Harrisburg has invited nurses in to give free vaccinations to students who are Hamilton Health Center patients during open houses at Downey and Foose elementary schools on Sept. 12.

Students who do not have a primary care provider will be referred to state health centers for vaccination assistance, Keys said.

Elsewhere, York City School District had 219 students being excluded from school Aug. 29 out of its 5,500-student population.

The School District of Lancaster today reported there were 1,229 students lacking the immunization documents, and that number of changing constantly, said Kelly Burkholder, district spokeswoman. That's down from 1,980 students last week. The deadline for this district is coming up Wednesday for grades K-9 and Thursday for grades 10-12.

In Lebanon School District, 287 students out of 5,000 had not met the immunization requirements and could have been excluded today unless they showed they had an upcoming doctor's appointment, said Sup. Arthur Abrom.

Chris Danz, Lebanon assistant superintendent, said he is hearing that medical facilities have been "inundated" the past two weeks with students needing either vaccines, medical records or an appointment.

Danz did say Lebanon began notifying parents of the change in immunization schedule last spring, and have made phone calls and sent letters over the summer. Phone calls were continuing to be made today to families, Danz said.

In Ephrata Area School District today there were fewer than 100 students still lacking immunizations, mostly at the high school, who could be excluded starting Wednesday, said Sup. Brian Troop.

That number was expected to go down throughout the day today, he added.

"Our administrators and health room staff members are reaching out personally one more time today to the parents of each of the students who does not yet have the appropriate paperwork submitted to support them in understanding the requirements," Troop said.

Manheim Township School District today had 62 students lacking immunizations, said Jennifer Davidson, assistant to the superintendent.

Eastern Lancaster County School District will have 85 students excluded from school Wednesday, Sup. Robert Hollister said today.

Middletown Area School District had 36 students out of 2,326 students who were not compliant as of today, said Jody Zorbaugh, district spokeswoman. All can still submit completed immunizations or proof of a scheduled appointment when they arrive tomorrow morning.

Susquehanna Township School District had only one student being excluded from classes today due to lack of immunizations, said Takia Colston-Krow, district performance excellence and outreach coordinator. She said of 10 students still lacking the immunizations, nine didn't come to school today.

Last week, a sampling of other midstate districts showed numbers of students being excluded from school ranged from a handful to a little over a dozen for those who started school the week of Aug. 21.

Exceptions still exist for parents who claim philosophical or religious objections to immunization.
Apart from hosting and possible maintenance costs, there are not exactly downsides to having your own website. Even if its just a personal blog it can always become more useful down the line, if you utilize it in the right manner. In other words, more
Conservative leadership candidate Brad Trost speaks during the Conservative leadership debate in Saskatoon, Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Failed Conservative leadership candidate Trost is taking the party to court over allegations his campaign leaked the party's membership list. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
A screengrab from a YouTube video taken from a security camera in Bridge Lake, B.C. and posted by Jacquie McKay is shown in a handout. People from the West Coast to as far east as Calgary are puzzling over a bright flash they saw light up the sky on Monday night. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-YouTube-Jacquie McKay MANDATORY CREDIT
FILE - In this Friday, July 21, 2017 file photo Britain's Prince William, second left, and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, second right, and their children, Prince George, left, and Princess Charlotte, right are on their way to board a plane in Hamburg, Germany. Kensington Palace says Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting their third child. The announcement released in a statement Monday Sept. 4, 2017 says the queen is delighted by the news. ( Christian Charisius/Pool Photo via AP, File)
An effigy of Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi is placed against a wall before it was burnt by activists of an ultra-leftist organization during a protest against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims, near Myanmar Consulate in Kolkata, India, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. Protestors demanded postponement of proposed visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Myanmar. At least 87,000 refugees from Myanmar's western Rakhine state have fled to neighboring Bangladesh since violence escalated in late August, according to the United Nations. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
Carlos Nuzman, president of the Brazilian Olympic committee, arrives at Federal Police headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Federal police searched Nuzman's house Tuesday morning. French and Brazilian authorities have been working on a corruption investigation involving bribery surrounding the awarding of the 2016 Rio Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Meet Gavin and Macey Bebble, cousins and fellow St. Mary's stars

Two fellow Class of 2023 members, Gavin and Macey Bebble share a bond as cousins, friends and leading members of multiple talented St. Mary's teams.
Refiners begin recovery in the U.S. Gulf Coast

Bloomberg



Valero's Texas City, Corpus Christi plants at pre-storm rates. Hurricane Irma could be cause for concern, analyst says.

By Amy Stillman

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 09 05 2017

As much of the U.S. shut down for Monday's Labor Day holiday, Gulf Coast refiners continued their recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

Valero Energy Corp. returned two Texas refineries to pre-storm fuel-making rates while three other plants were in various stages of resuming operations, said Lillian Riojas, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio-based company. Exxon Mobil Corp. began shipping gasoline and diesel in Houston-area pipelines, although its Beaumont, Texas, refinery was too flooded to turn back on. Flint Hills Resources LLC and Citgo Petroleum Corp. also were in the process of resuming production, according to Genscape Inc.

Gasoline futures surged to a 26-month high last week as Harvey's churn across southeast Texas and Louisiana knocked out refineries, pipelines and ports responsible for producing and dispatching much of the continent's gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The rally began to fizzle as domestic refiners bailed out swamped plants and resumed operations, while European and Asian traders swooped in with cargoes to capture profits. The roller-coaster may continue, with another major hurricane moving across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Caribbean.

We have seen a fair amount of refinery capacity return online but there still is a significant amount that is still offline between the Houston-Beaumont-Port Arthur region, Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates LLC in Houston, said by telephone. The market is pricing in a rather quick recovery in the Houston area but it might still be several weeks for the Houston area refiners to return to full production.

Gasoline futures for October delivery declined by 3.3 percent Monday to $1.6906 a gallon, the lowest in more than a week. The price reached its post-Harvey peak on Aug. 31 when the futures jumped 14 percent to close at $2.1399.

Harvey made landfall twice along the U.S. Gulf Coast, bringing torrential flooding that shut pipelines and took about 3.53 million barrels, or 19 percent, of daily U.S. refining capacity offline, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The Energy Department approved the release of 5.3 million barrels of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to aid refiners whose oil deliveries were interrupted by the storm.

Hurricane Irma strengthened to a Category 4 storm with top winds of 130 miles an hour (215 kph) and is expected to approach the northern Leeward Islands late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning, according to an advisory on the National Hurricane Center website. The center also forecast a 50 percent chance of a group of thunderstorms in the southwest Gulf of Mexico developing further in the next five days. Irma may threaten the Gulf refining recovery, noted Lipow.

Irma is a concern because it appears to be heading over Cuba and then into the Gulf of Mexico and could impact oil production and refineries once again, he said. This has not been reflected in the price quite yet because it is a ways out, he added, but should it hit the Gulf coast in the next week gasoline prices and oil prices will both increase.







Story by Amy Stillman from Bloomberg.



bloomberg. com / 09 04 2017
Smoke rises from a chemical plant in Crosby, near Houston, Texas. Thick black smoke and towering orange flames shot up Friday from the flooded Houston-area chemical plant after two trailers of highly unstable compounds blew up a day earlier after losing refrigeration. Read more

On Sunday, a week after the flood, county police sent flames and black smoke into the skies over Crosby, Texas as they burned off the rest of the organic peroxides at Arkema Inc.'s flooded plant to keep them from popping open and burning, as three truckloads had last week. It made the TV news again. Fires above the waters.

Then the county told the neighbors who'd been evacuated from a three-mile radius they could come back. The floodwaters receded, the roads reopened. Richard Rowe, the company's chief executive, and a team from his King of Prussia headquarters joined, Richard Rennard, president of the company's Texas-based acrylic monomers group, at an office in a Crosby-area school to collect claims from neighbors following the weeklong evacuation, and field requests to remove their dead livestock and pets. Some 800 people had stopped or called in by Monday, the company told reporters.

Harris County urged residents to wear "protection for skin and air"  surgical masks, closed-toe shoes, gloves, long pants  the same as they should in homes flooded by Hurricane Harvey. They were told to drink bottled water, and pick up a well-testing kit at the senior citizens' center, and to report any soot that fell out of the sky from the fire to a special Arkema hotline so the company could come out and take it away and test it to see if it contained anything worse than carbon. "This advisory will remain in effect until further testing can be completed," the county said.

Was the ash toxic? a reporter asked. Maybe as toxic as the trailers the peroxides burned in  tires, insulation, and all  and the plastic the chemical containers were wrapped in, Rennard said.

Why no warning of the "controlled burn"? "We felt that was the best approach to ensure the safety of the people around the site," Rennard said. Maybe they'd have crowded in to watch?

Two days earlier, he'd explained why the company had preferred not to say too much about the other, more dangerous chemicals (sulfur dioxide, isobutylene) stored on the site that didn't burn. Telling too much might attract terrorists, he told reporters.

Four other Arkema plants in Texas were flooded, but none so badly as Crosby. (The company, descended from the old Pennsylvania Salt Co. and Philadelphia chemical pioneer Pennwalt Corp., also has facilities in Exton, West Chester, and Bristol, among other places.)

Asked about lessons learned, Rennard said, "We're going to work with the Chemical Safety Board," an independent U.S. government agency, "who's going to come into Crosby and look at this specific situation and try and assess what went well and what didn't. And frankly speaking, we welcome that. If that sort of review can help make us stronger, can help us ensure that going forward, we don't face a similar situation like this, then we are absolutely open to that. I think it will, it could, help us and it could help the entire industry."

Arkema's parent company is based in France. Kevin McManus, a director at Egan-Jones Proxy Services, in Haverford, said in a report to clients Tuesday that the televised Crosby fires, whatever their environmental impact, had "a significant impact on its parent firm's reputation."

McManus asked if company officials' need to burn off chemicals to prevent explosions, because nobody in the industry had expected a flood and electric-power cutoff this deep or this enduring, resulted from a "failure of imagination," or "just plain unwillingness to spend a little extra to insure safety during emergency situations.

"Why a chemical that will probably explode at room temperature is being stored in anything less than a flood- and wind-resistant secure storage facility under 24-hour guard remains a mystery," McManus added in his report. We'll assume a reinforced two story structure with generators and fuel storage on the second level may have cost a few hundred thousand dollars, and that was an unacceptable expense.

He told me his firm expects to see changes at Arkema  shareholders will demand it. "Though prevention would have been better," he added in an interview.

"We are also left to wonder if this would have ever been allowed to happen if the plant was located in Arkema's home country of France."
AES Compassionate Care had planned to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in this office building on 130 S. State Road in Upper Darby. Read more

A proposed medical marijuana dispensary slated for Berks County will relocate after officials demanded a special tax, deemed a "host benefit fee," that the state said could make the medicine unaffordable for patients. Another dispensary, planned for Delaware County, has also been sent packing, after the Upper Darby zoning board retroactively changed an ordinance and denied the dispensary a variance.

In the first case, Franklin Bioscience-Penn LLC had won a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Health in June to open in a former Kinko's north of Reading in Muhlenberg Township. After the permit was granted to the Denver-based company, the township demanded that Franklin turn over 5 percent of its receipts.

John Collins, director of the state's Office of Medical Marijuana, on Aug. 31 granted Franklin Bioscience's appeal to relocate. The permission was the second granted the week before the Labor Day holiday: The state also announced it would allow Terravida Holistic Center, which had planned on opening on Stenton Avenue in East Mount Airy, to find another location after the owners met stiff opposition.

"If Franklin Bioscience is required to pay the host benefit fee, Franklin Bioscience's financial position may be negatively impacted, which may, in turn, result in inflated medical marijuana prices for patients," Collins wrote in a letter to the company's CEO, Andrew Weiss.

Neither Franklin Bioscience nor Muhlenberg Township officials responded to requests for comment.

In Upper Darby, AES Compassionate Care had planned to open in the Highland Park neighborhood. In March, it had been given the green light to set up shop in a section zoned C1, where pharmacies and medical offices, among others, are permitted, said lawyer Ted Flowers of Moriconi Flowers, a boutique firm that represents medical marijuana clients. By the time AES received a dispensary permit in June, however, the township had rewritten its zoning code to relegate all medical marijuana facilities to industrial areas zoned C4. On Aug. 28, after the zoning board denied it a variance, AES said it would seek another site.

A spokeswoman for the state medical marijuana program said late Tuesday that AES had not yet made a formal request to relocate.

Tyler Dautrich, operations manager for Greenhouse Ventures, the Philadelphia-based business accelerator for start-ups involved with the cannabis industry, said such issues had been common in other states as they have launched their programs.

"I think if we got through the process without any hiccups, we would have been the first," Dautrich said. "I don't believe we'll see any major setbacks here, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed."
Vanguard CEO William McNabb said the fund manager had cast more than 171,000 individual votes on behalf of its mutual funds. Read more

Is Vanguard woke?

That's hipster vernacular for becoming aware of and active in social and political issues. The mutual-fund giant is becoming more active publicly, if its 2017 shareholder votes are any indication.

It represents a change for the $4 trillion asset manager, which has largely worked behind the scenes with corporate managements and boards. Just last week,Vanguard Group, which is one of the world's biggest fund managers, voted against three directors at Wells Fargo & Co., including chairman Stephen Sanger, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Vanguard is the bank's second-largest shareholder.

The rebuke came just as Wells Fargo uncovered more than a million additional accounts potentially opened without customers' knowledge, an ongoing scandal that already has cost the bank a $190 million settlement with regulators and forced the ousting of its chief executive officer.

William McNabb, outgoing CEO of Vanguard, wrote in the Investment Stewardship guide for the year ended June 30 that Vanguard had cast more than 171,000 individual votes on behalf of its mutual funds.

"In the past year, our Investment Stewardship team voted proxies on behalf of our funds at nearly 19,000 shareholder meetings and held more than 950 engagements with company leaders and directors." A full copy of the report, dated Aug. 31, is available at https://about.vanguard.com/investment-stewardship/annual-report.pdf.

Wells Fargo was among companies Vanguard highlighted in the report, although the bank was not mentioned by name.

"We engaged with directors of a U.S. financial company that was fined for fraud, expressing our concerns about the board's responsibility in preventing and responding to the matter," Vanguard wrote. "We questioned a key committee's ability to fulfill its obligations to implement an effective risk oversight structure. Based on our engagement, we concluded that certain directors had fallen short of their responsibility to understand the risks and culture of the company and to challenge management when necessary, and our funds voted against their reelection. All directors were reelected, though several by a slim margin. Given the strong rebuke by shareholders, the company has since announced a series of changes at the board level that are responsive to many concerns expressed by shareholders."

To what other issues is Vanguard paying more activist attention?

"You can expect us to speak out when we detect threats to our shareholders' economic interests," Glenn Booraem, Vanguard investment stewardship officer, wrote in the report. "For example, you will see us address traditional governance issues such as misaligned executive compensation packages, unequal shareholder voting rights, and ineffective boards. Increasingly, you will also see us take more public positions on select governance topics such as climate risk disclosure and gender diversity on boards."

In particular, Vanguard highlighted gender diversity as one of its main interests, noting three companies it engaged about increasing the number of women on the boards.

In one case, "a U.S. consumer discretionary company had no women on its board, a problem magnified by its medium-term underperformance relative to peers, a classified board structure, and a lengthy average director tenure. We engaged with management twice between the 2016 and 2017 annual meetings to share our perspective on the importance of gender diversity and recommend that they make it a priority for future board evolution and director searches," the report noted.

The company has since added a non-independent woman to the board. "Although this move is directionally correct, it does not fully address our concerns; we will continue to encourage the company to add gender diversity to its ranks of independent directors," Vanguard added.

In May, Vanguard joined the 30% Club, a global organization that advocates for greater representation of women in boardrooms and leadership roles. The club draws its name from the initial aspiration for women to hold 30 percent of public-company board seats  first in the United Kingdom and now in major markets around the world.

Also, Vanguard noted explicitly that it is examining and supporting some climate-change initiatives in Corporate America, which Vanguard categorized under "risks."

"This year, for the first time, our funds supported a number of climate-related shareholder resolutions opposed by company management. We are also discussing climate risk with company management and boards more than ever before," Vanguard wrote.

In particular, it is pushing companies to more fully disclose risks related to climate change, no matter the industry. In May, Vanguard voted for ExxonMobil to conduct a "2-degree" scenario climate-change analysis for the first time.

Vanguard can make noise, but ultimately the firm can't sell any of the stocks in the index funds.

"That's where the bulk of the assets are. In a world where action speaks louder than words, their hands are tied," said Dan Wiener, a longtime Vanguard investor and Brooklyn-based publisher of the Independent Adviser for Vanguard Investors newsletter.
Joseph Nay is part of the Gig Economy. Nay is a web developer, a web designer, and a motion graphics artist and editor, he has a triple arsenal of freelance skills. Nay works out of his Hollywood, Fla. home office. Read more

MIAMI  Tiffany Zadi creates leather shoulder bags, totes, accessories, and jewelry. While trolling thrift shops for materials she'll recycle for her fashions, she'll snatch up vintage finds and resell them through Etsy. The Little Havana section of Miami resident also teaches piano to several students, and lately she's been leading handicraft "experiences" for small groups through Airbnb.

Joseph Nay builds and designs websites, including steady work for a content studio and a digital marketing agency. That's led to other freelance jobs. The largely self-taught Hollywood, Fla. resident also creates and edits motion graphics and assists a nonprofit focused on helping Haiti. "It's been a fun ride, tiring, but fun," he said.

Zadi and Nay leverage their skills, experience and passions into a diverse portfolio of multiple work assignments and revenue streams to thrive in the Gig Economy, a fast-growing worker movement that includes consulting and contracting, temping, freelancing, self-employment, side gigs, and on-demand workers. While Zadi and Nay enthusiastically jumped into the Gig Economy  Zadi gave up a law career to pursue her passions  others are thrust into it by necessity, as full-time jobs have slipped away. Some want the supplemental income as wages remain largely stagnant while still others use it as a buffer as they ease into retirement.

Experts differ on exactly how large the Gig Economy is  these jobs don't fit neatly into categories the government tracks  as well as on the pluses and drawbacks for workers and the economy. But there is consensus that the Gig Economy is growing faster than traditional employment. And it is here to stay.

A 2016 McKinsey Global Institute report found that about 27 percent of working-age people in the United States and Europe engage at least partially in independent work. A 2016 study by the Minneapolis Fed found a 37 percent engagement rate in the U.S., while government economists have estimated that about 40 percent of Americans will be working outside traditional full-time jobs by 2020.

"There's this myth that the Gig Economy equals Uber driver," said Diane Mulcahy, who recently wrote a book on the subject. "If you are not a full-time employee in a full-time job, you are part of the Gig Economy."

While gig workers have been around as long as there have been handymen, tutors, writers, and musicians, what's new about the Gig Economy is how quickly it has infiltrated white-collar professions and industries such as health care, finance, the law, and technology, Mulcahy said. She is a private equity adviser for the Kauffman Foundation, which studies and supports entrepreneurship. As proof, she said, look at the growth of national online placement services like Toptal for tech and finance workers and Axiom for lawyers.

The one-two punch of tech advancements and recessionary times accelerated the Gig Economy.

Just before and during the most recent recession came the launch of several key tech-enabled online services, including ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft, Airbnb for lodging, and websites helping consumers find people to teach, write, serve, or fix something for them. Other websites popped up to pool contract workers, like call-center reps, hospitality workers, lawyers, and accountants.

At the same time, corporations were already increasingly using cheaper contract labor that can be deployed when and where they need it.

"In just one generation, the corporate gravy train full of plentiful, progressive, benefit-rich, and secure full-time jobs has left the station," Mulcahy wrote in her book, "The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life You Want!" At the same time, workers are getting used to non-full-time work and even choosing it because of the freedom it can afford, she said. "The Gig Economy is a new way of work that seems to be working."

A national survey by the Freelancers Union and online freelance job board Upwork found that two-thirds of the 55 million Americans who freelanced in 2016 did so out of choice, up 10 points from their survey in 2014.

But there is no steady paycheck, no health insurance, no sick pay, and no vacation pay. What happens when there's too much month left at the end of your money?

Zadi went to the University of Miami for undergraduate studies in music and graduated from law school in New England in 2009, pretty much the worst year to jump into the job market. She snagged some temp law work but made jewelry on the side. Once she finished one of her law gigs in the fall of 2014, she thought she would take the rest of the year off to focus on her art. "I never went back. I guess I wasn't into office life."

She says she lives simply and combines vacation time with trips to trade shows, where she showcases her wares. Because buying a house was important to her, Zadi lived at her parents' home while she saved for a larger down payment to keep her monthly mortgage payments low.

She's got the right idea, according to Mulcahy. Gig workers should aim to create a financially flexible life of lower fixed costs, higher savings, and much less debt. That may mean downsizing their vision of the American Dream. Increasingly, people can access the lifestyle they want rather than own it, such as renting a home and going car-free, Mulcahy said.

Managing volatile income can come down to ongoing business development and networking. Gig workers must make sure to keep business flowing through the development pipeline and writing contracts in a way that ensures ongoing cash flow rather than a lump sum at the end of a project, Mulcahy said.

Mulcahy also advises building a safety net. Access to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act has enabled more people to work in the Gig Economy.

Saving for retirement is one of the few areas where the independent contractor has an advantage because through IRAs and 401Ks for the self-employed, they can save more quickly and at higher levels than their full-time brethren, she said.

Time management is also a challenge, said numerous gig workers. "Finding time is always the struggle. I'm working on a freelance project this weekend," said Nay, who is 31.

The Gig Economy has helped him build his portfolio of skills faster than he might have with a traditional job, as he's created websites and motion graphics for national retailers, airlines, health care companies, and nonprofits. "I get to move around to different companies, and if one thing falls out, I still have other things I can fall back on  and it keeps me sharp. I don't think people look so much at where you went to school, but they want to see what you have done.''

Economic realities are also driving more people into the Gig Economy to pick up a second source of income along side their full-time jobs.

Nicole Dominguez, 44 and a mother of three in Miami, works full-time as a docketing clerk at a law firm but signed up last year for extra work at Liveops, a work-at-home call-center platform, to finance a trip to visit her son in Japan, who was in the military. But she took to it and stayed with it and her husband joined too.

Dominguez sees her gig job as something she could do in retirement too, and she's not alone. While millennials are typically identified with gig work, it's even more prevalent among baby boomers, economists at Harvard and Princeton found. About half of Uber and Lyft drivers are over 50. Airbnb identifies woman age 60-plus as their most successful hosts and the fastest-growing community of providers. DogVacay reports that people over 50 constitute 25 percent of their pet sitters.

Contract workers cost employers at least 25 percent less in benefits and give them the ability to hire contract workers only when demand spikes. But employees likely would be more committed to the company vision, and some companies see the value of having their employees under one roof. Training costs can be high, too, particularly if a contractor doesn't stay.

For the economy, though, the news isn't all cheery. The cost of health insurance drives some gig workers to forgo it altogether, a risky financial move for them that also could lead to emergency room treatment at public expense. Home ownership has already started to fall nationally and could fall further. Social Security's safety net could be stretched with fewer paying into the system at the same levels.

The rise of the Gig Economy has also put the spotlight on the lack of worker protections. A worker might end up being paid less than minimum wage, if a task takes longer than expected. If the worker can't find a follow-up gig, he or she isn't eligible for unemployment benefits. Some companies take advantage by hiring contractors to essentially be full-time employees without paying benefits. There's even a term for it now: Perma-lancing.

Some U.S. lawmakers have begun to introduce legislation that could form the framework for portable perks, such as parental leave, workers' compensation, and tax-advantaged retirement savings. Other moves are also in the works, such as in New York, where state lawmakers are considering allowing online job platforms to pay into a benefit fund for the workers who use their apps. New York City, meanwhile, has considered surcharges on riders to pay benefits for delivery and ride-hailing service workers.

Yet, this all comes as the economy has already fundamentally changed.

"This is the future of work," Mulcahy said. "The full-time employee is getting to be the worker of last resort."
Value retailer T.J. Maxx, which is in the midst of a brick-and-mortar expansion, is joining East Market in the fall. The company confirmed early Tuesday its not-yet-announced addition to the project, which stretches from Market Street to Chestnut and from 11th Street to 12th.

"We anticipate that a new T.J. Maxx will open in Philadelphia sometime in the fall," said Casey Andrews, spokeswoman for TJX Cos., corporate parent of the T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post brands.

T.J. Maxx will join Mom's Organic Market, which will open its doors Friday at 34 S. 11th St., as one of the anchors for East Market.

Often cited as a "standout" in the industry, T.J. Maxx  which, like Nordstrom Rack and some others, sells marked-down designer brands from clothing to luggage  is going against the grain and adding physical stores even as online shopping expands.

Two sources close to or involved with the East Market development said last week that T.J. Maxx, as well as AT&T, had signed leases. AT&T did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment.

Confirmation by T.J. Maxx comes less than two weeks after the Inquirer reported that furniture retailer Design Within Reach had pulled out of plans for a 15,000-square-foot showroom at 11th and Ludlow Streets that was to be a critical piece of East Market.

DWR's canceled plans for a return to Center City were a blow to the 4.3-acre development, which has been heralded as a catalyst that would revive the corridor east of Broad Street with retail, new office space, and residential towers.

When asked about T.J. Maxx and AT&T stores joining East Market's tenant roster, Dan Killinger, managing director for National Real Estate Development, developer of the project, said: "Since our project launched, National Real Estate Development has remained confident and enthusiastic about the retail market in our neighborhood. These feelings have been strengthened by our current tenants in Mom's Organic Market, Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, Wawa, and City Fitness. We continue to have conversations with national, regional and local retailers interested in joining our evolving corridor.  We look forward to more exciting announcements in the coming months."

Scott Nash, chief executive officer of Mom's, said he was happy to be joining the neighborhood. Mom's will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

"I'm thrilled with the way this store has turned out," he said. "In addition to our usual offerings of highest-quality 100 percent organic produce section and incredible selection of products, we're trying some new things in design and offerings. For starters, we're opening up our Naked Lunch Kitchen for morning breakfast, which will have a 'beer cave,' and open mezzanine seating and offices."

Retail analysts said T.J. Maxx's expansion into downtown Philadelphia isn't surprising.

"In an era when many retailers are shuttering stores, TJX is among the few chains that continues to open scores of new stores," said Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics Inc., which tracks the retail industry for investors. "Even strong performers such as Lowe's and Home Depot are only opening a handful of new stores, so from this perspective TJX is truly a standout retailer."

TJX has outperformed Retail Metrics' same-store sales index covering 112 chains in 33 of the last 38 quarters, dating to the start of 2008, Perkins said.

"Off-price retailers are expanding due to their ability to attract both value-driven and brand-conscious consumers. Consumers shop at these stores to find the 'gem' or 'steal,' not available at department or specialty stores," said Madeline Hurley, senior analyst at IBISWorld. "This makes off-price stores less susceptible to both brick-and-mortar and online competition. TJX has been particularly successful due to the variety of retail areas it serves. Their HomeGoods stores cater to customers looking for stylish and affordable furnishings, while the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls banners appeal to the more general shopper looking for clothes, shoes, kitchen and home goods and cosmetics."
Tammy Hart-Barnes was set to go to court to resolve a dispute with a neighbor but did not appear because of, she says, confusion with the District Attorneys Office. She displays the paperwork. Read more

Tammy Hart-Barnes has a couple of problems.

I have one, but mine can wait for a bit.

Hart-Barnes' first problem is with a neighbor one door down from her Hunting Park home.

That problem, she says, began last September, when the neighbor began using an orange cone to hold a parking space, which is illegal. Hart-Barnes complained, but it happened again. Bad words, even threats, were exchanged.

It got bad enough for Hart-Barnes to call the cops, who took an incident report but did no further investigating. Hart-Barnes, a 45-year-old widow, eventually filed a private criminal complaint against the neighbor claiming harassment and terroristic threats.

They were ordered to go to mediation, but that didn't resolve the issues.

So off they went to a May 11 hearing at the Criminal Justice Center.

That's where the other trouble began. With both Hart-Barnes and her neighbor present, a postponement was ordered to allow for gathering of further evidence.

A June 7 trial date was selected. Hart-Barnes says Assistant District Attorney Bryan Barth told her she would not have to appear, so she scheduled needed back surgery for early June.

On June 7, court was called to order, but Hart-Barnes was not there. The DA's Office called her to ask where she was and she said she had an operation the day before because Barth had told her she need not appear.

Really?

"Absolutely not," I am told by Barth, who joined the DA's Office on Nov. 7.

"Our biggest challenge often is getting people to come to court," says Michael Stackow, chief of the Municipal Court unit in the DA's Office. It's against the office's ethos to tell people to avoid court, he says.

But Hart-Barnes insists that is what happened.

The case had passed from Barth to Juna Dawson-Murray, who asked the judge for a continuance, but he dismissed the case.

Remember I told you I also had a problem?

Here it is: I have two people telling opposing stories. Whom am I supposed to believe?

Neither? Both? Half and half? Was it a misunderstanding?

I don't know and I can't know.

I've spoken to Hart-Barnes several times and have read her account of what happened. She is focused and well-organized. In May she earned an associate's degree in early childhood education from Community College of Philadelphia. Prior to becoming a full-time student, she had been a pre-K teacher's assistant.

I asked about her bottom line, what she wants to happen to make this right.

First, she wants a court order to keep her neighbor away from her. Second, she wants Barth to be disciplined.

The DA's Office says Barth didn't say or do anything wrong, so he won't be disciplined. As to the first, I asked Stackow if it's possible to refile the charges and go to court.

The office could, but won't.

Why?

Hart-Barnes lacks evidence, Stackow says. It's her word against her neighbor's, and that won't get a conviction.

Stackow met with Hart-Barnes and they "had a good conversation, and I tried to steer her in the right direction once I realized this case was one we wouldn't be able to prove," says Stackow. One option, he says, is for her to bring a civil suit against her neighbor.

"If I have to get a lawyer, I will," Hart-Barnes says.

If she wants justice, she knows she's on her own.
Rita Schwartz, president of the Association of Catholic Teachers, speaks to union members before the ratification vote. Read more

More than 12,000 Catholic high school students in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be starting school on time this week.

Members of Local 1776 of the Association of Catholic Teachers (ACT) approved a contract Tuesday morning, only hours after union negotiators and the archdiocese reached the tentative agreement.

The vote capped a busy weekend of negotiations for the union that represents lay teachers at the 17 Catholic high schools in the archdiocese.

Teachers voted, 388-164, to approve the one-year pact. Two teachers abstained.

"We have a contract," Rita Schwartz, the veteran union president, told members moments after the votes were tallied. Teachers packed the auditorium for the well-attended general membership meeting at Penns Landing Caterers on Columbus Boulevard in South Philadelphia.

"The Office of Catholic Education is pleased that the general membership of ACT ratified the contract," the archdiocese said in a statement a short time later. "It stands as a testimonial to academic excellence as well as the partnership of teachers, administrators, parents, and students it seeks to represent. It is the agreement we had hoped to obtain for the current and future benefit of everyone."

Teachers will receive an across-the-board salary increase of $1,200. They already contribute to their health-care benefits, but will see no increase in that amount or face higher co-pays or deductibles, Schwartz said.

The average teacher, with a bachelor's degree and 20 years of experience, will earn approximately $54,000. The starting salary will increase from $39,500 to $39,800.

Kenneth A. Gavin, communications director for the archdiocese, said that since negotiations began in March, the Office of Catholic Education had focused on achieving a contract that "provides the best possible educational environment for the young people entrusted to our care while respecting the sacrifice and dedication of our educators."

He said the archdiocese had been able to "secure a number of key elements previously outlined as crucial for our schools." Among other things, he said that two after-school professional development days for teachers will be added in the 2017-18 school year. Next year, Gavin said, the length of the teacher workday will be extended by 15 minutes and two more professional development days will be added to the calendar for teachers before Labor Day.

This year was the first time since a two-week strike in 2011 that negotiations between the union and the archdiocese continued to Labor Day. Schwartz said talks took longer because the archdiocese wanted to review long-standing contract provisions instead of just focusing on salaries and benefits, as had occurred in the last several contracts.

Both sides had been working to make sure the academic year would begin on time this week. Schwartz said negotiations were held on Sunday. On Labor Day, talks started at 10 a.m. and lasted until 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, when the tentative agreement was reached.

"I'm glad it turned out the way it did," Schwartz said, "because nobody wants an issue at the beginning of the year, because we're there for the kids."

After the meeting, teachers scattered to their high schools across the archdiocese to attend scheduled faculty meetings and put the finishing touches on their classrooms to prepare for their students' arrival.

The first day of school for ninth graders is Wednesday, while 10th through 12th graders are scheduled to report Thursday. Friday will be the first full day for all students.

The archdiocesan high schools enrolled nearly 13,000 students in 2016-17. The union represents 640 lay instructors,

The teachers' current one-year contract expired Friday. Under that agreement, a 20-year veteran made $53,780, and top of the scale was about $79,300.
A protest rally outside the Philadelphia offices of the Justice Department. The group marched along Chestnut Street to the Federal Detention Center at Eighth and Arch Streets. Read more

Jason Hernandez's phone was ringing a lot and his email pinging, more than any other day since he started working for Rutgers University on Aug. 1.

Hernandez, an immigrant rights attorney, was hired to help students who have immigration issues get their degree, and his work Tuesday took on even greater meaning.

President Trump ordered an end to the program that protects from deportation young people brought into the country illegally as children, including those who are now college students. Congress has until March 5 to develop a replacement for it, or it dies. The program is known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Rutgers, one of the few campuses locally that has tracked or was willing to release its number of DACA students, estimates it has roughly 500 enrolled at its three campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden.

"There are a number of uncertainties that loom for them," Hernandez said. "We've been trying to determine what all the information provided by the Trump administration means."

For students, the decision was chilling.

"It means that DACA is really over. I have to bring myself to say those words," said Daniela Velez, a Burlington County resident who came to the United States from Venezuela at age 9 and is a junior at New Brunswick's business school.

Trump's action brought swift and firm condemnation from local university leaders, who braced for the impact on their campuses.

"This is a heartbreaking day for our country," said Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania. Trump's decision "threatens hundreds of thousands of young people who were raised in America, love this country, and are an integral part of the American dream."

College leaders vowed to do all they could to protect their students and ensure their chance of completing a degree.

"We recognize the stress that this decision is having on our undocumented students and their families," wrote Rutgers president Robert L. Barchi in an email to the campus community, "and to these students we want to be very clear in saying that nothing has changed for you in regard to your relationship with Rutgers."

Rutgers Law School launched the "Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project (RICAP)" that employs Hernandez. The university previously helped students through its law clinics but found that with the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration the demand was too great, Hernandez said.

"After the election results came in, there was a student outcry for information," he said. "It became clear the clinics would not be able to support all of that need."

He is working to help students whose DACA status will expire by March 5. They have until Oct. 5 to submit their applications for renewal, he said. He also is offering legal consultation and may be involved in legal representation, he said.

"It's a great move," Velez, 23, said of Rutgers' decision to employ Hernandez. "It showcases the support that Rutgers has for" DACA students.

Velez, who belongs to UndocuJersey, which advocates for DACA students, said she's focused on the fight ahead.

Other students are preparing, too.

"It's a mix of emotions," said Maria Castaneda, a political science major at Swarthmore College who is under DACA. "I feel angry, but at the same time I feel anxious and sad."

She came to the United States from Mexico when she was 3. Her parents had her two brothers after the family arrived here.

"Our family is very mixed, where my parents are undocumented, I have DACA, and my two brothers are U.S. citizens," she said. "We encapsulate everything. They are going to have to do something."

Officials on most local college campuses, including Penn, Pennsylvania State, Drexel, Temple, and Lehigh, said they couldn't provide an estimate of how many DACA students attend because there is no official requirement that they report it. National estimates of all people under DACA are around 800,000.

Several campuses in addition to Rutgers reported offering counseling and other services to students.

"Every student at this university has earned the right to be here based on their academic talent and hard work," Penn State president Eric Barron said.

Staff writer Jenice Armstrong contributed to this article.
It's one heck of a public relations challenge  persuading Lower Merion taxpayers to give a raise to the highest-paid teachers in the state.

On the opening day of school Tuesday in one of the wealthiest, top-rated districts in Pennsylvania, the Lower Merion Education Association is asking the public to sign an online petition that asks the school board to give teachers a "fair contract."

The petition  at FairPayForLMEA.org  says Lower Merion teachers go above and beyond in their service to students yet have received raises averaging only a half to 1 percent annually over the last seven years.

"It's just not fair," the petition said.

LMEA's two-year pact expired June 30, and union president Chris Santa Maria said that this summer brought little progress in forging a new deal. The organization, which represents 772 teachers and about 660 support staff, has now hired a public relations firm, DDCworks in Philadelphia, to drum up community support.

"We needed the community to understand that we're part of the Lower Merion success story," Santa Maria said, "and that we're also very dedicated teachers."

And very well paid, according to state Department of Education data that list the average Lower Merion teacher salary as $99,253, the highest in the state.

School district officials have "been a bit taken aback with the aggressive stance of the LMEA," said school board president Robin Vann Lynch. "We've always worked very closely with them in a collegial manner."

Other area districts that are starting the school year without settled contracts are Norristown, Methacton, Coatesville, Tredyffrin/Easttown, and Springfield in Delaware County. Teachers have employed hardball tactics in the past to force districts to settle. In 2015, teachers in another Main Line district, Radnor, sent a letter home to high school parents saying they wouldn't write college recommendation letters until they got a new pact.

The labor impasse in Lower Merion comes at a time when the high-achieving Montgomery County district has been wracked by controversies over its fast-rising enrollment as well as a lawsuit aimed at blocking property-tax hikes.

In the middle of this, the union insists it's time for a raise. Santa Maria said Lower Merion teachers earned their high salaries by being the best at what they did. Ninety-two percent of its teachers have master's degrees or higher, and 36 members hold doctorates.

One of the sticking points for Lower Merion, as well as other districts with longtime staff, is that when teachers reach the top of the salary scale after 13 years of service, they no longer get built-in annual pay hikes that are awarded for experience and education. In recent years, budget-tightening school boards have been loath to award much beyond those "step" increases.

Sixty-three percent of Lower Merion's staff have reached the salary ceiling and received the small pay raises, said Santa Maria. The rest of the staff received an average of 3 percent pay raises in each of the last two years.

Once teachers hit the pay ceiling, Vann Lynch acknowledged, "it does become more financially challenging for the district to offer high increases." But in the last contract, she said, those teachers got a 1.9 percent nonrecurring increase, essentially a bonus, that did not factor into their pensions.

In a statement, the school board took aim at LMEA's strategy, saying: "We are concerned that tactics that divide our community may prove counterproductive at a time when support for public education is already fragile."

One of the biggest concerns for school districts is rising pension costs. Across Pennsylvania, the rate of school districts' per-worker pension contribution, based on salary, increased this year from 30.03 percent to 32.57 percent.

The 8,400-student district also has experienced unprecedented growth and expects to surpass 9,300 pupils in the next 10 years. The district is also defending a lawsuit brought by residents  led by aviation lawyer Arthur Wolk  over a 4.4 percent tax increase for the 2016-17 school year.

Philip Browndeis, one of the three residents suing the district, wrote in an email: "I suspect that the LMEA will get pretty much everything it demands after the November election. At the April School Board meeting, [Vann Lynch] stated that she represents the students and families; she did not state that she represents all the residents of Lower Merion."

The lawsuit revolved around whether the district misrepresented its finances to skirt a state law that prevents school districts from hiking taxes more than 2.4 percent without going to a referendum. In August 2016, a Montgomery County judge ruled against the district, saying it had falsely projected annual multimillion-dollar deficits  and raised taxes  when it actually had tens of million in surplus each year.

Santa Maria asked why the district couldn't use some of that stockpiled money to give teachers a raise, especially as Lower Merion wouldn't be so successful  and wouldn't be experiencing staggering growth  without the excellence of its teachers.

"There wouldn't be an enrollment problem in Lower Merion if Lower Merion schools weren't top-notch," he said. "They wouldn't be top-notch without the work we do. We're getting penalized for doing good work."
(From upper left corner clockwise): Homemade yet international at Philly Fringe 2017: Penguin and whale in A Billion Nights on Earth; Bob Weick in Marx in Soho; the cast of A Love Supreme; and the cast of Declassified Memory Fragments. Read more

The Philadelphia Fringe Festival (Sept. 5-24) is, of course, Philly.

"It has so much diversity, all ages and backgrounds, a feeling very different from festivals at European cities," says Sonya Aronowitz, who is producing #cocktail plays at Fringe (Sept. 18-20). She's a veteran of the august Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland, as is Leila Ghaznavi, who's doing The Turn of the Screw (Sept. 20-24) and two other shows. "Despite all the different kinds of plays and venues and artists, they manage to make it a whole, a festival with a personality."

But Philly Fringe is also world Fringe, with unsuspected connections across the globe. Local productions go abroad after premiering here; artists from abroad come to Philly and keep returning.

Nick Stuccio helped cofound the Fringe Festival in 1996-97 and is president and producing director at FringeArts. He called last week from the Theater Spektakel in Zurich, Switzerland, where he's helping Brussels artist Kate McIntosh set up Worktable, an interactive installation that gives you goggles and tools and tells you to get to work. It's at Philly Fringe from Sept. 15-18.

"In a way, we're returning to the days when we first started planning Fringe," Stuccio says. Several of the artists who performed in that first baby 1997 Fringe are presenting "curated" shows this time  larger, grant-supported productions that get a special spotlight.

Pig Iron Theatre, the most international of Philly troupes, wields the mighty "symphonic theater" piece A Period of Animate Existence (Sept. 22-24). Pig Iron guy Geoff Sobelle ("who's now famous internationally," says Stuccio), premieres HOME (Sept. 13-16). And Thaddeus Phillips, a Colombian Fringe devotee, collaborates with installation artist Steven Dufala for A Billion Nights on Earth (Sept. 14-17).

Stuccio says Philly Fringe "was modeled on Edinburgh Fringe," which just precedes it. Little wonder so many artists performing here were just at Edinburgh. That includes Chris Davis, "my fourth year in a row," he says. He and the ubiquitous Mary Tuomanen will perform their show Alchemist at One Shot Cafe (Sept. 13-16 and 23-24). "Edinburgh is like this unique monster," Davis says. "There's nothing like it." Philly Fringe has its own local flavor: It "really reflects and benefits from the DIY theater scene," he says. He looks forward to coffee shop theater. "I like being on the same level as people. Theater as a whole is moving toward that, making a magical space out of anywhere you happen to be."

Michaela Shuchman is one of two women in Charlotte Jones' Airswimming (Sept. 8-10, 12-17, and 19-24). Last year, Shuchman went to Edinburgh Fringe to perform the one-woman show Scarlet Letters. "It played to about 10 people  total  but I loved Edinburgh," Shuchman says. "It was incredibly, overwhelmingly awesome. Then I came back here, and it was great to play to hometown audiences where you saw faces you knew in the crowd."

You may think of Pig Iron as thoroughly Philly, and it is. But it's also a troupe with international roots, road warriors who have played all over the world. "About half of us met at the Lecoq school in Paris," says co-artistic director Dan Rothenberg, referring to L'Ecole Internationale de Theatre Jacques Lecoq, the famed school of physical theater in Paris. "And we took our inspiration from the Edinburgh Fringe. We collaborated with people we met there, and we got people there to come and do their shows in Philly."

Phillips called in from Jonkoping, Sweden, where he is directing a show. "I'm giving myself about a week between this and A Billion Nights on Earth," he says. He workshopped Nights in Denver, with special attention to the 3-10 age group. "I wanted to do a show they would like, but a show an adult could also like," he said. "And when we did it, they really got it. Sometimes the things they liked were disconcerting to the adults."

Why keep returning to Philly Fringe? "We have such great audiences when we play there," he says. "All these people coming in from other cities to see you work, a really magical, creative, crazy time."

"As we have grown, the audiences for our international artists has grown, too," Stuccio says. "Audiences really turn out. Last year, when Romeo Castellucci did Julius Caesar, it sold out, and these are audiences of great understanding and sophistication."

This year, in addition to McIntosh with Worktable, global talents include choreographer/dancer/composer Olivier Tarpaga, originally from Burkina Faso. Tarpaga offers Declassified Memory Fragment, an exploration of geopolitical realities in Africa (Oct. 12-14). And the work of renowned Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Spanish dancer/choreographer Salva Sanchis returns to Philly Fringe for the premiere of A Love Supreme (Sept. 22-24), in which four dancers embody the four instruments in John Coltrane's historic album.

Five years in the making, Declassified Memory Fragment was inspired by a series of electoral debacles in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and the Ivory Coast over the last decade. "Every time, when the election results came in and the [incumbent] lost," Tarpaga said by phone, "he declared himself the winner and told [the challenger that] to avoid bloodshed he should" back down. In each case, said Tarpaga, the ostensible winner joined the incumbent's cabinet. The piece also has a deeply personal dimension, he said: "I also talk about how during my lifetime  I was born in 1978  I have seen six coups in my country."

Steven Fisher's play Love, Lennie (OR Bernstein's Kaddish), about onetime Philadelphian Leonard Bernstein, was workshopped in Chile, comes to Philly Fringe for a staged reading (Sept. 7), and returns to Chile for its first full production. And Marx in Soho (Sept. 6-7, 10, 14, 16-18, and 22), Howard Zinn's 1999 one-man show, has quite a future. Actor Bob Weick began a national tour here in 2004, and it's still going. And post-Fringe? "Well, next year is the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx's birth, and there is interest all throughout Europe in bringing this play there," Weick says. That includes Trier, Germany, Marx's birthplace; and London, where he died.

But the play introduces Marx to an American audience primarily; will Weick tweak it for European eyes and ears? "Oh, they know him better than we do, and in a different way," Weick says. "They're interested in seeing what he has to say to Americans."

Fringe Festival 2017

FringeArts presents more than 180 shows in 105 venues Sept. 5-24, staged in nine neighborhoods: Center City, Fairmount, Kensington, Northern Liberties, Old City, Queen Village, South Philly, University City, and West Philly.

Information: 215-413-1318 or fringearts.com.
Jonathan Demme will be honored at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Read more

Next month, the Philadelphia Film Festival will honor Jonathan Demme, director of the Academy Award-winning 1993 film Philadelphia, with a retrospective of the late filmmaker's career as part of the event's 26th run.

Demme died in April at age 73 of complications from heart disease and cancer.

The retrospective "Demme in Philly" will focus on movies the director filmed, at least partially, in Philly. According to organizers, the list slated for the festival includes Philadelphia, 1998's Beloved, and the 2009 Neil Young concert doc Neil Young Trunk Show.

Philadelphia stars Tom Hanks as a gay Philadelphia lawyer with AIDS and Denzel Washington as his attorney. The film earned Hanks an Academy Award for best actor, and Bruce Springsteen one for best original song, "Streets of Philadelphia."

Demme returned to town several years later for Beloved, starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. Based on Toni Morrison's novel of the same name, the film, set shortly after the Civil War, follows a former slave as a poltergeist haunts her Cincinnati home.

The director was back in Philly a decade later to film the Young documentary, one in a trilogy. The other works in the series, Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006) and Neil Young Journeys (2012).

Aside from his Philadelphia-shot films, Demme is known for such movies as 1988's Married to the Mob, 1991's The Silence of the Lambs, and 2004's remake of The Manchurian Candidate.

The Philadelphia Film Festival

Oct. 19 to 29

filmadelphia.org
For Philly native Jaeden Lieberher, working on a movie about chronic bullying, grisly child murders, and a homicidal clown was definitely the best experience of his professional life.

Lieberher is the 14-year-old star of It, adapted from Stephen King's horror novel featuring all the above ingredients, but also a big cast of actors in his age group, and that was the fun part.

"I had such a good time. It's the first movie I did with a bunch of kids my age, and we all got along right away. I remember thinking, like on the second day, that I felt like I'd known them forever. And the whole shoot was really like summer camp. Almost everyday you spend outside, and we had dinner together every night, and every night was a sleepover," said Lieberher, who spent the first seven years of his life in Philadelphia  he attended Independence Charter School  before moving to Los Angeles.

It was there he shot a commercial that led to an acting career that's been going strong since he starred with Bill Murray in St. Vincent. He shot Midnight Special with Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, and Adam Driver, and The Confirmation with Clive Owen and Norristown's Maria Bello.

Things are different with It, in theaters Friday. Lieberher plays the ringleader of a group of Maine children  misfits and outcasts  who band together to research the mystery of the town's deadly curse, and to confront the evil clown at the center of it. The script called for the young cast (Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor) to do what young teens and preteens normally do  ride their bikes, swim in the lake, wade through creeks, and explore the countryside.

"The first few months of shooting, it was like there was no acting involved. They were really just shooting our experiences, and we were just having a great time, and I think that shows on camera," Lieberher said, although the vintage bikes (a lot of banana seats and sissy bars) were hard to manage. "There were actually a lot of accidents. And my bike was the heaviest. It weighed a ton."

The role calls for his character to stutter, which presented the young actor with one of his first real technical challenges.

"I watched a million YouTube videos of people stuttering, and took tutorials on how to do it and be authentic. You don't want to have to think about it, you want it to be automatic, so it's just part of your character," he said. "I got so used to it that it started popping up when I was reading for other movies."

I asked Lieberher how he's managed to develop such a good eye for scripts. He ascribed it to his mom, and to luck.

"She usually reads them first, then I read them. I think I've been really lucky," he said. "I've been able to work with some great directors and great actors, and when you work with people like that, it's always a positive learning experience."

He mentioned Kirsten Dunst, his costar in Midnight Special, who talked to him about starting out as a child actor.

"For me to know that she started so young and to see how well she's doing now, that really motivates me," he said.

Lieberher is growing as actor, and just plain growing. He's shot up to 5 feet, 6 inches, and has taken on a more angular look.

He's also taken on age-appropriate challenges  he has his first screen kiss, with adorable redhead Lillis.

"It was OK. I mean, it was good. Like, I'm good friends with Sophia, so I wasn't thinking of it that way exactly. But you do what you got to do."
The tanning bed industry has declined in recent years as regulations prompted by skin cancer concerns have taken effect. Read more

It's a dark time to be in the tanning business.

In Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and across the country, a slew of salons are permanently turning out the (ultraviolet) lights, burned by public health efforts to discourage indoor tanning and warn of its skin cancer hazards.

In case you haven't kept track: In 2009, a World Health Organization research group declared UV-light-emitting tanning bed use to be a risk factor for all forms of skin cancer, including deadly melanomas. The next year, U.S. salons were hit with the 10 percent federal "tanning tax" as part of the Affordable Care Act. Then the Federal Trade Commission cracked down on marketing that claimed indoor tanning had health benefits.

On top of that, 42 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, passed laws restricting the use of tanning facilities by minors.

For many reasons, among them indoor tanning, national studies show increases in melanoma incidence and deaths since 1980. The American Cancer Society estimated there were about 76,000 new diagnoses and 10,000 deaths in 2016. However, a recent study found a small but heartening decline in most Northeastern states, which may be due to prevention efforts such as laws cracking down on indoor tanning.

In an in-depth article last year titled "The Twilight of the Tanning Salons," Bloomberg cited data that showed the number of U.S. salons fell from 18,200 in 2008 to 12,200 in 2015, a 30 percent plummet. Chris Sternberg, general counsel at Sun Tan City, one of the nation's largest tanning chains, said more than half of its salons had been shuttered since 2009.

"Morale is horrible," Sternberg told Bloomberg. "If the government's intention was to drive tanning salons out of business, they've been successful."

The former owner of an Indiana tanning chain complained to Bloomberg that the media harped on the dangers of tanning: "I think Cosmopolitan ran an article every month. We knew we weren't going to cure world hunger.  We got to give a mom who had three kids at home a 20-minute break in her day to add some color for a small amount of money."

New Jersey's indoor tanning law took effect in 2013, and Pennsylvania's followed in 2014.

Both states require parental consent for 17-year-olds to tan, and ban anyone under 17. Salons are supposed to register, pay annual fees, post warning signs, and take various safety precautions.

New Jersey's Department of Health, which reimburses county health departments for registering and inspecting salons, currently lists 618 facilities  hundreds of them designated "out of business." That's the status for at least half the salons listed in Camden and Burlington Counties.

Pennsylvania's picture is murkier because compliance with the law has not been great. Only 379 facilities have registered and paid annual fees, and 35 of them have recently closed, according to a Department of Health spokesman. The state doesn't have a current estimate of how many facilities exist, but two years ago, it identified and sent letters to 2,800 tanning bed operators, including in gyms and dormitories.

"We still have [the law] on our radar as an important issue," said Jennifer Keeler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology, which lobbied for the legislation. "The problem we ran into was the enforcement aspect." (The academy is currently pushing proposed legislation that would remove obstacles to sunscreen use in public schools.)

In any case, all it takes is Google and Yelp searches to turn up defunct tanning salons in the Keystone State  as well as some angry consumers who paid for tans they never got.

Another possible indicator that tanning salon owners feel beset: Not one of more than a dozen in the Philadelphia area returned calls asking for comment for this story.

Of course, one entrepreneur's misfortune may be another's opportunity.

Courtney Claghorn of Santa Monica, Calif., founded a spray-tanning chain called Sugared & Bronzed five years ago, right out of college. She now has eight salons, including one in Philadelphia, and a ninth on the way.

"I had always loved spray-tanning because I don't tan easily in the sun," she said. "And I grew up in a health-conscious family. I was warned against" using indoor tanning beds.

With improvements in the spray and application techniques, she sees her industry "booming."

"It was fulfilling a need," she said.
Saiyan Stewart (from left), Kahreem Braboy, and Sanaya Meade, all 7, ring in the new school year in the classroom of Lisa Johnson at Pennell Elementary School on Tuesday, along with City of Philadelphia officials. Read more

The mayor and the superintendent and a lot of important people in fancy clothes were on hand at Pennell Elementary School on Tuesday to officially mark the start of the 2017-18 school year in the Philadelphia School District.

But no one summarized the hopes of the crowd  and the city  better than Honesti Davis, 7, a brand-new second grader with a wide, warm smile.

"I think it's going to be a great year," said Honesti. "I think I'm going to do good at math and at writing in my journal, and at art."

Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said this term begins with "tremendous momentum."

Since Hite came to Philadelphia five years ago, the district has invested $526 million in everything from an early literacy program to ninth-grade academies at the city's large high schools. It has also spent money on restoring nurses and counselors to every school  those professionals had been cut from many buildings during lean financial times.

Hite led with a message he said would be a constant this school year  a focus on getting children to show up for school, a struggle for many urban districts. The school system and the city will partner for an attendance push, Hite has said.

"I want you to be an attendance hero," Hite told a class of second graders sitting on a multi-colored rug at his feet. "We know that in order to achieve, you have to be in school."

Mayor Kenney urged the students to "enjoy this year" and promised them that if they focused on school, he would focus on getting them the things they needed.

The mayor also gave a shoutout to city teachers, who for the first time in years are not "drifting in the wilderness," Kenney said. After a stalemate of nearly five years, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers ratified a contract in June.

Jerry Jordan, president of the PFT, was on hand to ring a bell at Pennell as well.

Jordan only decided late Monday that Munoz-Marin Elementary was safe for his members to work in. The North Philadelphia school had a mold outbreak over the summer, and the union was unsatisfied with the cleanup efforts until a final inspection on Monday; Jordan said the Munoz-Marin problems could have been avoided with better preventive maintenance. He also said he was disappointed that teachers did not have time to prepare their classrooms before students arrived.

District officials, who said they offered teachers extra pay to set up classrooms over the weekend, disagreed with the union's characterization of the situation and said they made it clear to the union that the building would be ready for the first day of school.

The district chose Pennell, on Nedro Avenue in East Germantown, to host its annual back-to-school bell ringing (there were actual bells rung by dignitaries and children) because it is one of eight schools selected for a $5 million classroom modernization project. The school's pre-kindergarten through second-grade rooms received total overhauls, from fresh paint to new technology aimed at boosting literacy rates.

Principal Jason Harris, who has led Pennell for seven years, said the investment would give the school a boost.

"The biggest barrier we had was the environment," said Harris of the pre-K-to-5 school with 400 students. "Now, it's about capitalizing on these resources."

There's something about a fresh start, a school full of kids entering class for the first of 180-plus days, said Harris.

"Every year, I still get nervous, I still get excited, I still get butterflies," he said.

Kenney and Hite zig-zagged the city Tuesday, shaking hands, asking about college plans, and even, in the superintendent's case, eating a school lunch.

At midday, officials converged on George Washington High in the Northeast. Washington is one of the city's new community schools, where city funds will be spent to concentrate social services and other resources. There are 11 citywide.

Washington art teacher Alisha Hagelin, who showed off a vibrant mural her students designed and painted in the spring, said the year has a new vibe  in part because of a turnaround in climate and culture at the school, in part because of a new Advanced Placement art class she's teaching, and in part because of the community school designation.

Plus, she said, it's a relief to have a contract after almost five years of a frozen salary.

"I feel excited this year," Hagelin said. "I feel like everything's up from here; we can be cautiously optimistic."

Though teachers, students and officials sounded notes of optimism and excitement, the school system must brace for some turmoil this year. Hite will decide this fall whether to recommend school closings  the district's long-term plan calls for three a year  and though the system is in decent financial shape at the moment, it will soon run a deficit.

i
Anthony Reaves was shot dead July 31 less than an hour after he was sentenced in Delaware County Court. Homicide detectives believe his slaying is tied to his cooperation with authorities in two drug cases. (Courtesy of the Reaves family) Read more

Anthony Reaves knew his life was in danger.

Drug dealers he had implicated while cooperating with police were caught on a wiretap plotting to kill him.

He had begun staying with family and friends outside Delaware County, worried that he'd be an easy target for retribution if he kept living at home in Brookhaven.

And when Reaves, 41, had to return to Delaware County Court in July for his own case, his lawyer was so afraid that Reaves would be seen that he tried to hide him in the hallways.

None of the precautions worked.

On July 31, less than an hour after Reaves walked from the courthouse, he was ambushed and shot dead in Southwest Philadelphia. Investigators believe he was targeted for his reputation as a snitch  and his attorney contends that authorities who tapped him as an informant did not do enough to keep him safe.

"They created a special relationship, put him in a position of danger  and when he stopped helping them, they wouldn't help him at all," said Leno Phillip Thomas, who represented Reaves before his slaying, which remains unsolved.

Police and prosecutors say they took steps to protect Reaves, including offering to relocate him, which he declined. Still, Reaves' case sheds light on the complexities and challenges of relying on  and trying to protect  confidential informants, who often face threats if they are even perceived as aiding investigations.

This account of the events that preceded Reaves' killing, based on an Inquirer and Daily News review of court documents and interviews with sources connected to the case, also highlights the unsettling balancing act that courts across the region regularly face: preserving a defendant's right to a fair trial while ensuring an informant is protected.

"It's dicey," said former Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham, whose office faced a daily fight to combat witness intimidation during her nearly two decades in office. "The common man out in the street doesn't know how convoluted and fraught these decisions can be."

Car stop to cooperation

Thomas, Reaves' attorney, said his client first encountered police in Chester about two years ago after he was pulled over with cocaine in his car. While acknowledging that Reaves sold drugs, Thomas said Reaves had a daughter, a job at a municipal water department, and a great relationship with his family.

"It wasn't like he was standing on the corner slinging drugs," Thomas said.

According to Thomas, state troopers seized Reaves' cocaine and let him go, but they wanted his help in return.

He began working with state police, aiming to disrupt the Chester drug trade by making a series of "controlled buys": meeting with troopers before and after purchasing cocaine, and buying the drugs with marked dollar bills.

Such cooperation is rare in Chester, a city perpetually saddled with poverty, crime, and a host of unsolved killings. In many cold cases there, police say, persuading anyone to come forward with information is a significant challenge  often because cooperators are scared of retaliation.

One of Reaves' purchases for police, from an alleged dealer named Rasheen Caulk, took place on the 7800 block of Lindbergh Boulevard in Southwest Philadelphia, according to court documents  a block from where Reaves would be shot dead, near an apartment complex where he had been staying.

Buys with other dealers took place in Chester's Bennett Homes housing project as part of a larger investigation that led the state Attorney General's Office to charge 15 people last year. When prosecutors announced the arrests, they estimated that the Bennett Homes crew sold at least $5 million worth of cocaine in 2015.

Before investigators made their arrests, Reaves grew wary of his continued cooperation in the case and told authorities he wanted to back out, Thomas said. Although Reaves later would be charged along with the others, Thomas negotiated a plea deal so that his client could avoid prison and not have to testify in court.

"He was adamant," Thomas said, "he was not going to testify or cooperate any further."

Still, the roots of his cooperation would become obvious to others involved.

Confidentiality fades

Part of the reason was necessity. Those charged with a crime have a right to know what they're accused of. Even if an informant's name is kept out of court papers, prosecutors have to say when and where the alleged dealer sold drugs to the informant. Connecting the dots can be easy.

Other lawyers involved in the Bennett Homes case knew that at least one of the case's cooperators had been charged along with their clients. During a court hearing in November 2016, they argued that Judge James F. Nilon should reveal who it was, saying that discussions between defense lawyers and codefendants could be compromised if one of the defendants were talking to police.

"It creates all kinds of problems with [the] eventual trial, in the fact that we're sitting here and discussing  with people that are cooperating," argued one attorney, Michael Malloy, according to a transcript of the hearing. "I'm not asking for confidential informants, Your Honor. I'm asking for people that are literally sitting at my table, or sitting at this table, that have cooperated in this case."

Nilon agreed that the argument was reasonable, but, citing safety concerns, later issued an order saying the identity of any informants could be disclosed only several weeks before trial.

Still, Reaves' situation at the time made the courtroom discussion perilous. While most of his codefendants wore prison garb to the hearing  thanks to bail requirements of up to $1 million  Reaves was there in street clothes, free after paying 10 percent of $20,000 bail.

"They gave him a bail that was so obviously low that it was screaming, 'Hey, this guy is a cooperator,' " Thomas said. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out why that would be."

A killing and fallout

The Attorney General's Office, which initially prosecuted the Bennett Homes case, declined to directly address Thomas' criticisms. But spokesman Joe Grace said in a statement that the office was "committed to and prioritizes the safety of anyone who assists law enforcement to make our community safer."

A State Police spokesman, Ryan Tarkowski, also declined to discuss Reaves' case in detail.

Grace said the office has a $1.2 million budget for relocating witnesses, a fund often tapped by local police and prosecutors' offices. Reaves twice turned down offers to be relocated, Grace said, although he declined to go into detail.

Thomas disputes that account.

He said Reaves had been offered relocation just once  after police told Thomas that drug suspects they had been investigating had been caught on a wiretap last summer talking about assassinating Reaves.

In response, according to Thomas, authorities offered Reaves a one-night stay at a hotel in Allentown. He turned down the offer, opting instead to simply avoid setting foot in Chester.

Still, when Reaves returned to Philadelphia after receiving his probation sentence, he was shot in the head before he could even exit his car, according to a police source.

Federal authorities swept in two days after Reaves' death, adopting the Bennett Homes drug case from state prosecutors less than a month before his codefendants were set to go to trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katayoun M. Copeland and Clare Putnam Pozos declined to say whether Reaves' slaying had anything to do with their office's decision to get involved. Lawyers in the Bennett Homes case said federal authorities had shown interest in the case in the past.

Still, the prosecutors successfully argued before a judge to keep the gang's alleged ringleaders in federal custody. Each of them  James Townsend, David Toney, and Cheron Jackson  had previously been out on bail awaiting trial in the state case.

The prosecutors cited Reaves' death in their motion, writing that "the continued safety of individuals in this case, including any potential witnesses, is of paramount concern given these recent horrific events."

The decision also means Townsend, Toney, and Jackson could face stiffer penalties if convicted.

Hugh P. McElhenney, who represented Byron Parker, another codefendant in the Bennett Homes case, said the presence of federal prosecutors seemed to make the state Attorney General's Office more receptive to plea deals on counts with smaller penalties. Parker, for example, pleaded guilty to just two of the nine counts against him, receiving a prison sentence of 40 to 120 months.

"The feds took the cream off the top," McElhenney said. "It may have loosened the attorney general's zeal to convict everybody of everything."

No one has been arrested in Reaves' killing, and it remains unclear which, if either, of the two cases in which he cooperated led to the attack against him. His family, through Thomas, declined to comment.

What makes Reaves' death especially tragic, Thomas said, is that it felt inevitable, given the string of warning signs he saw.

"My initial reaction was they finally actually went ahead and did it," he said. "They killed him."
Pro-DACA demonstrators rally outside the local Department of Justice offices at 2nd and Chestnut Streets on Tuesday. Read more

Anel Medina was a girl of 5 when her mother brought her from Mexico to the United States, settling in Kennett Square with hopes that she could achieve a better life.

She has done that.

Today, at 26, Medina is a registered nurse who works with oncology patients at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

And she is suddenly in danger of having it all taken away, after President Trump's decision on Tuesday to end a federal program that barred the deportation of young immigrants who were illegally brought into the U.S. as children.

"We want to make this country better. We're doing everything we're supposed to do, in a country that doesn't seem like it wants us here," said Medina, who took part in a rally outside the U.S. Justice Department offices in Philadelphia.

She joined hundreds across the region  and thousands across the nation  who marched in opposition to revocation of the Obama-era initiative called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Trump granted a six-month delay to give Congress time to craft a legislative solution for the nearly 790,000 young people in the program. He said after the announcement that he would "revisit" the matter if legislators failed to act.

DACA allows undocumented immigrants like Medina to register with the government  and contribute to their communities, paying taxes, and holding jobs without fear of being deported.

"DACA is under attack, and we're going to keep fighting," said Olivia Vazquez, 23, of Philadelphia, who was 10 when she came to this country and now works as a community organizer for Juntos, the immigration advocacy group. "We have to remember the power and strength that we have."

In New York, activists said 34 people were arrested, including nine DACA recipients, during a sit-in Tuesday at Trump Tower, and additional rallies were planned in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, and other cities. About 100 supporters prayed and sang hymns outside the Statehouse in Trenton, where activists with Stand Central NJ and Princeton Indivisible merged their rallies as the DACA decision neared. .

"This is the wrong thing to do to these children," said Francesca Vollaro, 60, of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Princeton. "These kids are part of America."

"Prayer alone is not enough," said Noreen Duncan of the Anti-Racism Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. "Sometimes you have to walk with your feet."

In Philadelphia, the doors of the U.S. Custom House were blocked by steel fencing as more than 100 chanting, sign-waving demonstrators rallied outside. They commenced a march even before Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the official announcement at 11 a.m., moving through Center City amid a heavy police presence.

Officers in cars and on bicycles took the front, closing streets as the crowd traveled, with officers on horseback at the rear. Police counter-terrorism vehicles were on the scene, as were Homeland Security police.

In Old City, old men in white aprons stood outside restaurants, leaning on brooms to watch the procession pass. At the Independence Visitor Center, tourists in ball caps and shorts puzzled over the fuss.

The rally was peaceful. And loud. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was quoted, Trump was put down. "A bully," Democratic district attorney candidate Larry Krasner told the crowd, speaking in Spanish and English.

People of all races and ages took part, some wearing the green jersey of the Mexican national soccer team, led by voices blared through bullhorns and songs strummed on a guitar.

Some said they were weary of being called "Dreamers"  a nickname sprung from failed efforts around "Dream Act" legislation  because everyone who comes to America has a dream.

"Don't even blame our parents," said Maria Sotomayer, a former DACA recipient who recently received permanent legal status to stay in the country and works as deputy director of the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition. "They did whatever they had to do for their children."

City Councilwoman Helen Gym told demonstrators that the nation's ideals are under assault. "The immigration laws of the United States are unjust, and an unjust law is no law at all," she said.

Those opposed to DACA cheered the president's action. They say the federal government must enforce its immigration laws  equally, without special exceptions based on age. Allowing DACA to continue, they say, makes the U.S. an "amnesty magnet" that will attract more undocumented people.

On Tuesday, Sessions said that "unilateral executive amnesty" had contributed to a surge of unaccompanied minors on the southern border, created terrible humanitarian consequences, and denied work to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing undocumented immigrants to take the jobs.

"To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here," Sessions said. "That is an open-border policy, and the American people have rightly rejected it."

Supporters say ending DACA is an act of unimaginable cruelty, forcing hardworking young people to leave the country where they were raised. Dozens of business executives, university heads and religious leaders  including Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput  had called on the president to continue the program.

"Jewish values, as well as our people's history, tell us about the importance of welcoming the stranger," said Rabbi Joshua Waxman, president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called the president's decision "reprehensible" and urged Congress to act.

The Rev. Nicole Diroff, associate executive director of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia, invoked the city's history as testament to the power of immigrant stories, embodied now in the lives of DACA recipients. William Penn envisioned the region as a "Holy Experiment," an ideal of civil and religious liberty that would be a refuge from persecution, she said.

"There is not a faith community in Philadelphia that has not suffered indignity and persecution, nor one that has not experienced the benefits of resettlement on our safe shores because of it," Diroff said.

Not all faith leaders agree.

Evangelicals for Biblical Immigration wrote to Trump saying the Bible should not be construed to support programs such as DACA. "We find that the Bible does not teach open borders, but wise welcome," the letter said.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, a Republican from New Jersey's Seventh District, said President Barack Obama overstepped his constitutional authority in creating DACA and that Trump had rightly called on Congress to act. He said he was co-sponsoring legislation to "secure our borders, strengthen employment verification, and provide a workable path for 'Dreamers' with DACA status."

Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, an immigration-reduction group, said Trump's decision "delivered a wonderful Labor Day present to unemployed American millennials" by ending the "unconstitutional issuing of work permits."

It's time, he said, for Congress to focus on strong immigration-enforcement measures, and to reform legal immigration system in a way that puts American workers first.

Since going into effect in 2012, DACA has allowed undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors to gain renewable two-year deferments from deportation and to be eligible for work permits. It allows recipients to live, work, and seek education in the U.S., although they do not receive citizenship or legal status.

As a candidate, Trump pledged to end the program, calling its creation an abuse of presidential authority. He also complimented DACA recipients who have gone to college and launched careers, saying only four months ago that those brought to this country as children should "rest easy."

Few DACA recipients were resting easy on Tuesday, their futures newly uncertain.

Still, Medina, the nurse, left the march feeling more heartened than frightened.

"The fight is on," she said. "Seeing all the support here has encouraged us. We're not alone."

Staff writers Kristin E. Holmes, Jason Nark, and Melanie Burney contributed to this article.
Beth Abbott recieves the Agape meal from her husband, Dave, during an August church group meeting for Kairos Worship at the home of Maddie Butt in Lansdale. Read more

Rachel Gimber hadn't been a churchgoer in years, but the small congregation she discovered nine months ago in West Chester instantly felt like home.

The Meeting House church had no imposing stone facade, no vaulted ceiling or stained glass windows, no sign of denomination. It was simply what its name conveyed: a group of believers meeting in a house.

"Sometimes when I walked into a church and didn't know anybody or feel a connection, I almost felt judged," said Gimber, 27, a financial portfolio manager from Collegeville, who grew up Catholic. "But in Meeting House, it's a family setting, and they met me where I was."

So two weeks ago, she stepped into an inflatable swimming pool in its backyard, sat down in two feet of water, and was baptized during a Friday evening cookout.

The Meeting House is one of dozens of home-based churches in the Philadelphia area that have been opening their screen doors to Christians who want to shed the trappings, if not also some of the underpinnings, of institutional religion. They come to re-imagine worship, to practice their faith unencumbered by traditional liturgies  not to mention the burdens of building maintenance, budgets, and programming.

Usually unaffiliated, house churches  also called "organic" or "simple" churches  might be as minimal as three people sitting at a kitchen table or as large as 50 overflowing a living room. Hierarchies tend to be frowned upon, even though ordained ministers, like Don Graves of East Oak Lane, can be found among the faithful. True to the house church spirit, he eschews the title "reverend." A "smaller, more intimate and participatory" church, he said, offers a different way of carrying out the resurrected Jesus' Great Commission to his disciples to win souls.

House church services can be on Sunday mornings or on weekdays after work. Rituals are reshaped to fit the inclinations of the group or tossed aside altogether; in place of sermons are discussions. Music might be a ditty composed on the spot by a congregant.

"The most grassroots groups can really just make it up," said Nancy Ammerman, a professor of sociology of religion and an associate dean at Boston University. "They draw on patterns of study, preaching, liturgy that they already know, but won't be constrained by any particular denomination or authority that tells them that you can do this or you can't. That's one of the things people like. They have freedom to innovate."

Because most house churches operate under the radar, their numbers are difficult to estimate. At least 30 appear in online listings in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. In a 2009 national study by religion researcher George Barna, as many as 6 percent of respondents said they were part of a "group of believers that meets regularly in a home or place other than a church building." At the time, Barna estimated their ranks countrywide at between six and 12 million, and predicted substantial growth.

Even mainline denominations are examining the model as they grapple with declining memberships. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church recently accepted two house churches as affiliates to explore new ways of worship that might broaden the base.

Internationally, in nations such as China, where atheism was once official, underground house churches have long sheltered millions of Christian believers. But the practice dates back much farther, to early Christianity. In the New Testament, missionaries Aquila and Priscilla, friends of the apostle Paul, opened their home in Ephesus to followers of the Corinthian church.

Members of Hunting Park House Church are so committed to reclaiming the simplicity of the early church that they have turned away from Facebook and other social media to reach potential converts, maintaining that Christians should do that in person. Congregants have even disagreed about distributing a flier. Some said "we are the flier," said the Rev. Andres Fajardo.

In West Chester, the Meeting House congregation, a community of about 50, is going full-bore at the home of Fred Balliet, co-pastor with founder Robb Hollman. Monday is Bible study, Tuesday is youth group, Friday is a community dinner (when Gimber was baptized), Sunday is church.

"It's life together every day," Balliet said. "Some might not come to one, but to others. People mix and match."

At the South Jersey home of Roseann Metrinko in Winslow Township, the Saturday meeting of Seventh-day Adventists was originally a replica of the traditional church service, but evolved into a stripped-down Bible study and dinner.

"We thought, why are we going through the motion of doing all this when what we really wanted was a more relaxed, more interactive atmosphere?" said Metrinko, who had served as the women's ministry leader of the Seventh-day Adventists' New Jersey conference.

The congregation is part of the Simple Church at Home Network, a lay-led aggregation of about 250 house churches in 23 countries, most in the U.S. The congregations average 12 members. Founded nine years ago by Milton Adams, a Linden, Tenn., teacher who holds a doctorate of ministry, the network offers Adventists a place to worship where they "won't get corrected, reprimanded or set straight by someone who sees themselves as an authority figure," he said.

Ron Pizzo of West Norriton and Bill Posey of Warminster started churches in their homes after becoming disillusioned with their former non-denominational congregations. Both shopped for new churches but wound up holding services in their living rooms.

"We were looking for the perfect church. Of course, there isn't any," said Posey, who hosts a group of five to 10 at his home on Sunday evenings  although if that's inconvenient for most, just about any other evening will do.

Because they're small, house churches are more vulnerable to the destructive effects of change, whether the loss of members or conflict among them.

At her King of Prussia house church, Roseann Howell has watched families relocate, return to the traditional church or just leave. One house church she belonged to disbanded.

Indeed, the ties that bind can fray easily, Ammerman said. She puts the average life of a house church at about five years.

"If they don't have a denomination behind them, a building they're tied to or a history that they they feel an obligation to  these are all things that keep most religious communities together," she said. "Part of the appeal of house churches is that they don't have those things, but it also means it's harder to keep them going."

As outliers of the traditional church, house congregations often operate with little or no oversight. They can be magnets for perpetually dissatisfied people who flit from church to church, as well as ambitious leaders aching for power, no matter how small the platform, said David Anderson, creator of the House Church Network website, which has kept a listing of house churches for 20 years.

"Anything you can find wrong with the organized church," he said, "you can find it in house churches."

Simple Church at Home provides leadership training and requires house congregations to report weekly to counselors. Donations are deposited into individual church accounts and used only for local charitable causes, Adams said.

New affiliates of the local synod, the two Lutheran congregations grew out of the closing 10 years ago of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chalfont. Members began meeting in their homes to pray about their next move, and "we kept on meeting," said Bob Fisher, an assistant to Bishop Claire Burkat of the synod. The groups call themselves Kairos, a Greek word for "opportune moment." To Christians, it refers to the appointed time to fulfill God's purpose, Fisher said.

At a combined meeting in early August in Souderton, 15 members discussed the parable of the sower and took part in an "Agape meal," or love feast. Each broke a piece from a round loaf of bread, dipped it into a bowl of grape juice, ate it, and so it went around the living room circle  a ritual affirming the presence of God.

"Having been in a church that struggled and closed because of [expenses], the idea is to be sustainable," Fisher said. "We want to focus our energy and passion on being the church out in the world, rather than simply supporting the superstructure of a building."
An Islamic nonprofit organization plans to open a free health clinic in this office building in the 7400 block of Frankford Avenue. Read more

When neighbors learned a health clinic run by an Islamic nonprofit organization was coming to Northeast Philadelphia this fall, they had questions.

Will the clinic be open to anyone, or only Muslims? (Answer: Anyone.) Will doctors impose their religious beliefs on patients? (No.) Is this a front for extremism? (No.)

"We just so happen to be Muslim, but that shouldn't deter people," said Ammar Shahid, a doctor who works with ICNA Relief, the nonprofit opening the clinic in the Holmesburg neighborhood. Free blood-pressure screenings, dental work, and counseling for people who can't afford basic health care will be offered.

The clinics association with Islam  ICNA stands for Islamic Circle of North America  has sparked debate about tolerance in the Northeast, one of the citys most rapidly diversifying areas. While most residents say they welcome the clinic, which the city Zoning Board of Adjustment approved last month, the word Islam still gives some pause. And in isolated cases, it has evoked hate.

Councilman Bobby Henon, who supports the clinic, said his office has received eight angry phone calls in the last month. One person asked why Muslims need doctors, while another called the clinic a "terrorist group."

"They don't reflect the neighborhood," Henon said of the callers. "They're just a very small  and I mean small  part of the community. We're not going to be intimidated by that."

The Northeast lacks places that offer medical care for little or no cost, Henon said, and the clinic will help fill that gap. It will operate in an office building in the 7400 block of Frankford Avenue that already houses a LabCorp, a dentist, and a weight-loss center.

A 10-minute walk down the avenue, past a day-care center, furniture shop, tavern, and the Mayfair Diner, employees at Creative Zone Hair Studio debated with customers whether everyone will feel welcome at the clinic, given its Islamic affiliation.

"I bet you nobody of a white race will go in there," Nancy Potalivo, who is white and owns the studio, told longtime client Paula Harvey, also white. "Do you think so?"

"I don't know," Harvey, 66, replied. "If they're good doctors. "

Stacy Moebius, a hairstylist at the studio, acknowledged the clinic may help the community. Yet when she hears Islam, she said, she can't help but think of terrorists.

"Unfortunately that is what I think: those bad seeds," says Moebius, who is 41 and a mother of two girls. "I'm sorry. I'm a prejudiced person. I don't deny it."

The uncertainty at the studio  no one was against the clinic; no one was making advance appointments, either  comes as the Northeast continues a dramatic transformation.

Where in 1990, white people made up 92 percent of the population, by 2010, that number had fallen to 58 percent, according to a Pew study. Despite losing 125,000 white residents in that period, the Northeast as a whole grew, as more black, Hispanic, and Asian people moved into the area. About one in five residents  more than 95,000 in all  were born outside the United States.

There is no official count of how many Muslims live in the Northeast, but community leaders say the number is growing rapidly. The reasons are simple: The cost of living is affordable, and diversity attracts diversity.

At the Northeast Islamic Center, a mosque inside a home on Tyson Avenue in the Castor neighborhood, worshipers filled the basement, first floor, and second floor  and when those reached capacity, the front yard  for a recent Friday prayer.

"It's packed," said Nayem Quano, 22, whose father leads the mosque. He estimated several hundred people, mostly of the Bengali community native to Bangladesh, had come. "You'll find people from all nationalities here."

Quano said he and other Muslims generally feel safe in the Northeast but still fear discrimination.

At the mosque, passing drivers sometimes yell slurs such as "sand n," as worshipers file out, Quano said. He also vividly recalls when, as a sixth grader, he was crossing the street on the way home from school and a driver yelled, "Go back to Iraq!" Quano was born in New York City.

"You fear what you don't understand," Quano, a wedding photographer, said. "The fact that people think we're just some crazy murderers, or whatever they think, it's very sad."

On Facebook, reaction to the health clinic reflected the misunderstandings that still exist.

"I, in no way, want to be stuck seeing these Islamic people coming to the same building for their care cuz they are so bold and ignorant," wrote one woman, Vicki B. Redmond, when a story about the clinic was posted on the Mayfair Facebook page. "I'm not for them being in our neighborhoods like it's normal. It's NOT, go back to wherever you came from, cuz I don't want you here@!!"

One person's suggestion to Redmond, who did not return a request for comment: "If you dont want to see muslims then move."

ICNA Relief operates several free health clinics across the nation. This will be the organization's first in Philadelphia. An exact opening date has not been set.

The doctors will be able to write prescriptions but won't give out medications such as methadone on site  an initial concern of the Mayfair Civic Association.

ICNA Relief is a branch of the nonprofit Islamic Circle of North America, which was criticized in 2010 by the Anti-Defamation League after some speakers at a Chicago convention allegedly voiced anti-Semitism and accused the U.S. government of attacking Islam. ICNA said it deeply regretted any "unfortunate statements" and stressed that it rejects extremism. Robin Burstein, associate regional director of the ADL in Philadelphia, said the league does not consider ICNA to be a hate group.

On the busy commercial corridor of Frankford Avenue, a reporter asked more than a dozen people about the clinic. Most said they had no problem with it.

"It doesn't worry me," said Alexis Parente, 35, who lives in the Mayfair neighborhood. "A health clinic is great."

Steve Wharton, 29, a Mayfair resident, said he doesn't carry dental insurance and may visit the clinic. He scoffed at people expressing fear: "They ultimately rush to judgment. It's not right."

Fauna Den Haese, a bartender at Leneghan's Crusader Inn, quickly brushed off concerns about the clinic's religious affiliation.

"So what?" she said. "It's Islamic. As long as it helps the community, who cares?"
It didn't rain on Philly's Labor Day parade, as it often does, so Joseph Ashdale, business manager and secretary-treasurer of the International Union of Allied Painters and Allied Trades, tried to put a matching bright face on the day.

"We're celebrating the labor movement. It's a celebration, not a demonstration," he said as he led union painters north on Columbus Boulevard toward the annual Labor Day party at Penn's Landing, part of a larger-than-usual Labor Day turnout.

But little is sunny for the labor movement, even in Philadelphia.

A case making its way toward the Supreme Court could  if decided against public-sector unions  severely hamper their finances and lead to layoffs. More states are adopting "right-to-work" laws mandating that in companies represented by unions, employees who don't want to belong to the unions don't have to pay dues but still must be represented. That's the view held by gubernatorial candidate Sen. Scott Wagner (R., York), who plans to challenge Democratic Gov. Wolf in 2018.

Union membership is still falling, with 14.6 million union members nationally, or 10.7 percent of workers, down from 17.7 million union members, or 20.1 percent, in 1983.

"You have a country in deep anxiety," said Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, who spoke during pre-parade ceremonies at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 union hall. She cited education budget cuts and the news that President Trump apparently plans to end President Barack Obama's DACA program, which has exempted from deportation undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.

With that, labor leaders say, Monday's message is internal: As important as it is to evangelize new members, it's equally important to preach to the choir.

"We have to be better organizers with our own members," said Patrick J. Eiding, who heads the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, the region's largest labor federation. "We want to make sure they understand what they have."

"The most important preparation we have is the reawakening of people up and down the union movement," with increasing activism in the rank-and-file, Weingarten said.

That back-to-basics approach is what John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, who leads both the Philadelphia Building Trades Council and the politically powerful International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, told members of the local gathered under I-95 for a pre-parade get-together of doughnuts and coffee.

"No politician gave us health care," Dougherty said, and no politician stepped in to help electrical workers make the switch to wireless from a livelihood based on running wires. Unions, he said, need to rely on themselves, not on politicians.

"Four Labor Days ago, I said I'm real close to investing [pension] money on East Market Street," he said. "No politician, nobody, from the mayor on down, put those buildings up on East Market Street. We did. That's your pension money. That's your lobbying." And, he said, it sparked nearby construction.

Here are some of the issues troubling Philly's labor leaders:

Stalled port expansion. John Cook, business manager of Local 1291, International Longshoremen's Association, said that the state allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to expand the port on a 200-acre tract of land known as Southport, but that project has been stalled, with the money being used instead to improve existing facilities. "A project like this may never come along again in my career," he said, adding that it would double the number of jobs at the port.

Lack of film production in Philadelphia. "We need more money for tax credits," said radio broadcaster Sam Clover, president of the Philadelphia local of SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents actors and broadcasters. "You spend money, but it's fivefold what you get back."

Infrastructure and worker safety. Esteban Vera, business manager of Local 57 of the Laborers International Union of North America, said his construction union is waiting for the promised spending on infrastructure, but is also worried about cutbacks to programs that protect worker safety.

Increased workload at Community College of Philadelphia. Bargaining is continuing between the American Federation of Teachers Local 2026, which represents faculty, and the college. John Braxton, treasurer of the local, said the college wants to increase the number of classes professors teach without significantly increasing their pay. Besides the money, though, he said, "our students need us to have workloads that allow us to spend time with them outside class."

Loss of jobs at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. "Energy security is a big issue for our workers," said Martin Williams, business manager of Local 13 of the Boilermakers. He said that Exelon Corp. has threatened to shut down Three Mile Island if it doesn't get price supports from the state. He said about 40 or 50 of his members work there.

Federal budget cutbacks. If the budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration pass, 5,000 federal employees in Pennsylvania could be laid off, said Richard Gennetti, the Pennsylvania representative of the American Federation of Government Employees. These include meat inspectors for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and maintenance engineers who repair the historic buildings at Independence National Historical Park.

Meanwhile, about 100 low-wage workers and their supporters, part of the Fight for $15 movement sponsored by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), spent Labor Day morning protesting outside the McDonald's restaurant on Columbus Boulevard.

Among them were home-care workers and employees of airline contractors at Philadelphia International Airport. Last week, after four years and numerous protests, the contractors agreed to bargain collectively with SEIU 32BJ for a contract for about 1,400 passenger service workers.

Fast-food worker Alicia Hamiel, 23, of North Philadelphia, said she was on strike and had no plans to report for her Labor Day shift at a McDonald's in Northeast Philadelphia.

"I feel as though I'm being mistreated," said Hamiel, who has two children and earns $9 an hour. She said she's not discouraged about the state of the labor movement, not with legislation in many cities that has increased the minimum wage for fast food workers.

Said Hamiel: "We've been winning."
SEOUL  North Korea has taken to the streets and to the propaganda sheets this week to celebrate its latest nuclear test, the huge explosion of what it says was a hydrogen bomb that can be attached to a missile.

With that test, and the recent demonstrations of great leaps in its missile technology, North Korea either now has a deliverable nuclear arsenal or is on the brink of having one. It is no longer a matter of if.

The few lingering questions about North Korea's capability may be answered as soon as this weekend. South Korea's intelligence service reported Tuesday that it had seen signs of preparations to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile that can theoretically reach well into the continental United States.

If history is anything to go by, the timing seems right. North Korea likes to stage provocations on significant dates, and on Saturday the regime celebrates its foundation as a state. On Sept. 9 last year, it marked the occasion with a nuclear test.

But amid the many questions about North Korea's nuclear program, one is often overlooked: Why? Why is Kim Jong Un so hell-bent on joining the nuclear club?

The regime answered the question, in its own way, Tuesday when its state media reported how regular people and middle level bureaucrats felt about the nuclear test.

"It is the best way to respond with powerful nuclear deterrent to the U.S. imperialists who are violent toward the weak and subservient to the strong," Kim Chang Sok, a department director of the Ministry of Coal Industry, was quoted as saying, in words that sounded suspiciously like they came straight from the propaganda machine.

North Korea as a state was formed at the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union and the United States drew a line across the peninsula as a "temporary measure."

But it was solidified during the Korean War, a brutal conflict in which the U.S. air force levelled the North, to the extent that American generals complained there was nothing left to bomb.

Ever since, North Korea has existed in a state of insecurity, with the totalitarian regime telling the population that the United States is out to destroy them  again.

It is in this context that, following the collapse of its nuclear-armed benefactor, the Soviet Union, the Kim regime has sought weapons of its own.

"If you were the head of a small, isolated, poor country surrounded by potentially hostile military powers, you'd be looking for some way to ensure your own destiny, too," said Jon Wolfsthal, a nuclear nonproliferation expert who served on President Barack Obama's national security council.

North Korea has used the its emerging weapons capability as a deterrent, betting that if it can threaten nuclear retaliation or even a conventional attack on South Korea, the United States won't take the risk of striking.

Contrary to U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley's assertion that North Korea is "begging for war," all of the regime's recent belligerence about destroying the United States has been couched as retaliation for an American pre-emptive strike, not as North Korea making the first move. That, Kim knows, would be suicidal.

But he looks at what happened to Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader who didn't manage to develop nuclear weapons, and Moammar Gadhafi, the Libyan who gave up his nuclear program, and sees that he needs them to keep the United States at bay, analysts say.

"North Korea sees that in the 70 years that nuclear weapons have been in existence, no nuclear state has ever been invaded," said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in the South.

Now, having the ability, or almost having the ability, to send a nuclear weapon to the United States makes those hyperbolic threats of devastating retaliation all the more credible.

"They know that they don't have to destroy every American city to deter us," Wolfsthal said. "They just have to make us think three times before attacking them."

This helps explain why North Korea has been so much more bellicose than, for instance, Pakistan was when it was developing its nuclear arsenal: the United States is the intended audience, and potential target.

But having a credible nuclear arsenal is not just about deterring the United States.

"The weapons are not the end. They are just the beginning," said Daniel Pinkston, a Korea specialist who teaches at Troy University in Seoul.

While deterring the United States, North Korea will likely try to achieve its other objectives. Its stated goals include expelling the United States from the region, being recognized as a nuclear state and enjoying all the benefits and prestige that comes with that, and unifying the two Koreas on its terms.

This may sound like fantasy, but the North Korean regime believes it, Pinkston said.

"The Padres go to spring training every year thinking that they are going to win the World Series," he said. "It's the same with North Korea."

There are also compelling domestic reasons why Kim would want nuclear weapons.

"This is a personal triumph for Kim Jong Un," said Peter Ward, a researcher affiliated with the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

Not only has Kim's regime made quantum leaps at an astonishingly fast pace, but it has done it amid sanctions that were supposed to stop it from getting the parts or the money it needed.

Now, unlike Japan and South Korea, which are dependent on the United States for their defense, North Korea can say it is not reliant on anyone for its security and can credibly threaten to retaliate if it comes under attack.

"It's a personal triumph for him with the North Korean elite, with the North Korean people. And there will be a lot of world leaders who will be very impressed," Ward said. "Having a working nuclear deterrent turns the leadership from looking like a bunch of incompetent economic managers to being some of the most successful leaders on the continent."

But some analysts wonder if Kim's urgency to become a fully fledged nuclear state belies some uncertainty about the 33-year-old's position at the head of the totalitarian regime.

"The fast pace of the nuclear and missile development may suggest that Kim Jong Un is confident, but it could also signal that he's worried about the future," said Kim Dong-yub, assistant professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies and a former South Korean navy commander who participated in military talks with North Korea.

"North Korea might think there is a low chance of American an attack for now, but there is no guarantee for the future," Kim said.

So the question is no longer how to stop North Korea from getting nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. It is now how to convince it to give up something it has spent so much time and money on obtaining.

"There are three ways to resolve North Korean problem," said Lee Soo-hyuk, a former denuclearization negotiator who is now a South Korean lawmaker.

"North Korea giving up their nuclear weapons voluntarily; resolving through quid-pro-quo negotiations; and taking military action," he said. "We all know the first and the last are not realistic options so negotiation is the only way. We must not forget that."

So can North Korea be convinced to give up its nuclear weapons?

Not absent revolutionary change, Pinkston said. "It's more likely that the Pope is going to abandon Jesus Christ."

Yoonjung Seo contributed reporting.
The University of Utah hospital where a nurse was manhandled and arrested by police as she protected the legal rights of a patient has imposed new restrictions on law enforcement, including barring officers from patient care areas and from direct contact with nurses.

Gordon Crabtree, interim chief executive of the hospital, said at a Monday news conference that he was "deeply troubled" by the arrest and manhandling of burn unit nurse Alex Wubbels on July 26. In accord with hospital policy as well as the law, she had refused to allow a Salt Lake City police officer to take a blood sample from an unconscious patient. Wubbels obtained a copy of the body cam video of the confrontation and after consulting her lawyer, the hospital and police officials, released it last week.

"This will not happen again," Crabtree said, praising Wubbels for "putting her own safety at risk" to "protect the rights of patients."

Margaret Pierce, chief nursing officer for the University of Utah hospital system, said she was "appalled" by the officer's actions and has already implemented changes in hospital protocol to avoid any repetition.

She said police will no longer be permitted in patient care areas, such as the burn unit where Wubbels was the charge nurse on the day of the incident.

In addition, officers will have to deal with "house supervisors" instead of nurses when they have a request.

This will guarantee that nurses devote themselves entirely to patient care without interruptions, she said, while other officials deal with police requests.

The policy was implemented quietly in August, before the incident became public.

['This is crazy,' sobs hospital nurse as cop roughs her up, arrests her for doing her job]

The incident, which has attracted nationwide attention in part thanks to the dramatic video, involved Detective Jeff Payne, who persisted in demanding a blood sample from an unconscious truck driver at the hospital who had earlier been involved in an accident stemming from police pursuit of a suspect.

Hospital policy, as well as the law in Utah and nationwide, requires police to have a warrant or permission from the patient to draw a blood sample in such circumstances. Payne had neither.

After Wubbels politely and repeatedly read hospital policy to him and had a supervisor back her up on a speakerphone connection, Payne snapped. He seized hold of the nurse, shoved her out of the building and cuffed her hands behind her back. A bewildered Wubbels screamed "help me" and "you're assaulting me" as the detective forced her into an unmarked car and accused her of interfering with an investigation.

On Friday, the department said two of its employees had been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of an investigation, but did not give details. A criminal investigation is underway, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, and the city's mayor and its police chief apologized to Wubbels in a statement.

Wubbels recounted the altercation with Payne in interviews with NBC's "Today" show and CNN's "New Day" on Monday morning. She told "Today" hosts that weeks after the incident she didn't feel like police were being held accountable.

"The conversations I had with the Salt Lake City police initially were progressive, they wanted to walk down a path of positive change. But I did not have that same response from the university police and the university security," Wubbels said. "So it was a little bit of a trigger to say, all right, this is what you need to see. If you're not willing to see it then I'll show it to you."

Wubbels told "Today" that she didn't want to "police the police," but said she and her attorney were considering a lawsuit if the departments involved in the incident didn't update their policies.

On CNN's "New Day," Wubbels said she felt betrayed by both Salt Lake City police and university security. She described how she tried to get guards to intervene, saying that Payne seemed angry from the moment he arrived. In the video, university officers can be seen standing by as Payne violently arrests the nurse.

"I was scared to death," Wubbels said. "I went down into the emergency department to get help, to have someone protect me because I felt unsafe from officer Payne from the beginning."

In Monday's news conference, University of Utah Police Chief Dale Brophy apologized to Wubbels and hospital staff for his early response to the incident. He said he didn't watch the body camera footage until Thursday evening and realized then that he didn't take it seriously enough.

"I was able to see firsthand how poorly this situation was handled," Brophy said. "This is not how law enforcement professionals should act." He added that Wubbels "should not have been subjected to arrest for doing her job" and vowed to put his officers through de-escalation training.

The patient Wubbels sought to protect was 43-year-old William Gray, a truck driver who is also a reserve officer with the police department in Rigby, Idaho. Gray was driving down the highway near Logan, Utah, when a suspect fleeing police crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into his tractor trailer. The truck caught fire, and Gray was severely burned in the blaze. The suspect died in the crash.

The Rigby Police Department praised Wubbels's professionalism in a statement Friday and thanked her for "standing firm."

"Protecting the rights of others is a truly heroic act," the statement read.

Gray was still recovering in the hospital, according to the department. He was not suspected of any wrongdoing in connection with the crash.

Wubbels, 41, has worked as a nurse at the hospital since 2009. She was previously a member of the U.S. alpine ski team and competed in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics. "I think many of you know she was an Olympian," said Crabtree. "In this event she was truly an Olympic-size hero."

Hospital officials said she returned to the burn unit about a week and a half after the arrest. Wubbels said Monday she needed the time to "give my emotions a rest so that I could come out and be pragmatic and effective in my communication."

"I stood my ground. I stood for what was right, which was to protect the patient," Wubbels told CNN. "Any nurse, I think, would have done exactly what I did."
A Pennsylvania man who drowned at the New Jersey Shore on Sunday was identified Tuesday as Hany Mohamed, 35, of Middletown, Dauphin County.

Mohamed apparently drowned while trying to save his children, who were caught in rough surf, said Wildwood Police Detective Lt. Kenneth Gallagher.

"He went out there to get them," Gallagher said. "They came back, and he did not."

About 1 p.m. Sunday, the Wildwood Police Department responded to the Leaming Avenue Beach after Beach Patrol lifeguards had rescued several swimmers in distress. Once back on shore, they discovered Mohamed was missing, according to police.

About 2:50 p.m., surfers spotted Mohamed floating in the ocean at Rambler Avenue, Wildwood Crest. Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol brought Mohamed to shore and initiated lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Mohamed was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Nearly a dozen drownings have been reported at the Shore this summer.
The Richard Allen Homes house where Keonna Thomas lived with her mother and two daughters. Read more

A North Philadelphia mother who planned to abandon her children and travel to Syria for an Islamic State fighter she married over Skype was driven by loneliness and a desperate search for religious structure, her lawyers wrote in court filings last week.

But as Keonna Thomas faces a sentencing in federal court Wednesday, her case shines a spotlight on an unsettling phenomenon in the United States' continued fight against religious extremism.

Over the last six years, at least five other women  including another from the Philadelphia region  have been convicted in cases involving their seduction by IS fighters who approached them, often online, with romantic promises coupled with religious fundamentalist beliefs.

As troubling as their cases are individually, together they show that Thomas was far from an aberration.

"Ms. Thomas was a lonely, depressed, anxiety-ridden mother who spent too much time on the internet," her lawyers Elizabeth Toplin and Kathleen Gaughan wrote in a sentencing memo to U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson. "By attempting to relocate to [IS]-held territory and marry an [IS] fighter, she never gave [IS] anything of value  except her love."

The lawyers have urged Baylson to sentence Thomas to 4 years in prison or less for her guilty plea last year. They maintain that despite her online bravado, the reticient mother of two didn't have it in her to pose a serious terrorism threat.

Prosecutors, however, are pushing the judge to send a strong message to other would-be terrorist sympathizers.

"Others who might find themselves dissatisfied with life and excited by online extremists promising acceptance, a meaningful life, and piety must be shown that providing material support to terrorists translates to a very lengthy prison sentence regardless of the circumstances," wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams in her own sentencing recommendation Friday.

From its start, the Islamic State has aggressively targeted women as mouthpieces to disseminate online propaganda, as wives for its soldiers and as mothers to raise future fighters.

"Western women, particularly American women, [are] of extra value to [IS]," Williams wrote. "Their participation is perceived to send a strong message to the United States about [IS's] strength, validity and global reach."

Many  from Daniela Greene, a former FBI translator who fell in love with and eventually married the suspected IS sympathizer whom she was assigned to investigate, to Shannon Maureen Conley, a lonely 19-year-old from Colorado who tried to travel to Turkey in 2015 to connect with her IS suitor  fit a similar profile.

In many ways, Colleen "Jihad Jane" LaRose of Pennsburg, Montgomery County, cast the mold. With her 2011 guilty plea, she became one of the first American women convicted of supporting terrorist operations.

The victim of a troubled upbringing that included sexual abuse and prostitution, LaRose converted to Islam in 2007 after a one-night stand with a Muslim man she met in a hotel bar in the Netherlands.

She quickly became an ardent supporter of jihadists and eventually traveled to Ireland to join a nascent terror cell.

LaRose explained her actions in a 2015 letter penned from her prison cell in Tallahassee, Fla., to a Virginia-based criminologist.

"There's many reasons but the simplest reason is I did it for love," LaRose wrote. "Love for my Prophet, love for my Ummah [community] and love for the brother that gave me the assignment."

Like them, Thomas was so desperate for acceptance, she allowed herself to be seduced, her lawyers said. They described her childhood as one marked by abuse and neglect, although the specifics remain under court seal.

"After countless hours absorbing [IS] propaganda, Ms. Thomas convinced herself that [IS'] so-called 'caliphate' represented quintessential Islamic living and she wanted in," Toplin and Gaughan wrote in their recent court filing.

Thomas, born in Pittsburgh, came to Philadelphia when she was an infant.

She dropped out of high school because she felt she didn't fit in with the other students and had spent much of the last decade living with her mother and her 7- and 9-year-old daughters in the same three-story brick-and-stucco rowhouse in North Philadelphia's Richard Allen Homes public housing project.

As FBI agents arrived at the house to arrest her in April 2015, they found her cooking breakfast for her children.

Thomas' lawyers describe her as reticent and reserved in her personal life, but prosecutors paint her as an outspoken advocate online, spreading terrorist propaganda under the online monikers Fatayat Al Khilafah and YoungLionness as early as August 2013.

One of her early postings pictured a young boy holding weapons. The caption read: "Ask yourselves, while this young man is holding magazines for the Islamic state, what are you doing for it? #ISIS."

Another posted in April 2014 contained images of a skull, flames, and a gun. Thomas wrote: "I need a permanent vacation that can only mean one thing." Another Twitter user responded with a word that means "martyrdom."

At some point, Thomas' plans moved beyond simply voicing support online. She communicated directly with a radical Jamaican cleric, Sheikh Abdullah el-Faisal, and sought his assistance in finding a jihadist to marry.

She later struck up a relationship with Abu Khalid al-Amriki, an ISIS recruit newly arrived in the organization's Syrian headquarters, and married him in a ceremony conducted over the internet.

She planned to travel to Syria to be with him, and when Amriki contacted her in February 2015 to ask whether she was willing to take part in a suicide attack, Thomas responded: "That would be amazing  A girl can only wish."

Thomas has remained in custody since her arrest in 2015, five days after she missed a flight she had booked to Barcelona, Spain, with plans to travel from there to Syria.

But since then, her lawyers said, Thomas has grappled with the enormity of her crimes.

"She carries significant guilt, finding it difficult to fathom how she could have ever considered abandoning her children," Toplin and Gaughan wrote. "She looks forward to rebuilding her life with her children and family when she is released from custody."
WASHINGTON  The corruption trial of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat, opens Wednesday in Newark. It will end in a high-stakes political scramble regardless of the courtroom outcome.

Here are ways the politics could play out.

If Menendez is convicted

This would set off the most unpredictable scenario.

The first question would be whether Menendez resigns or is forced out of office  which would allow Gov. Christie to name a replacement, presumably a fellow Republican, and at least temporarily increase the GOP's Senate majority.

The pressure to step down would be immense, but people who know Menendez say he is set on clearing his name and fighting this case to the finish. The Senate could expel him with a two-thirds vote, but hasn't taken that step since the 1800s, when a handful of lawmakers were booted for supporting the Confederacy.

Fellow Democrats would also face pressure to act against a colleague convicted of a felony, but would also know that doing so would hand the GOP another edge.

If the process stalls, it could play to Democrats' advantage. Christie's term ends in January and Democrat Phil Murphy is heavily favored to win the race to be the next governor. Murphy might be able to name the replacement if Menendez can hang on long enough for the new administration to take power.

If Christie names a replacement

The odds are against the trial and Senate reaction taking so long  which means Christie would likely get to appoint a senator if Menendez is convicted.

The next question would be how long his choice serves before Democrats can try to reclaim the seat.

Under New Jersey's vague laws about Senate vacancies, a special election to replace Menendez could wait until as late as November 2018, the date of the next regularly scheduled election. That would leave Christie's appointee in place at least until then.

But Murphy, if he becomes governor, might be able to speed up the process. He could, some legal experts believe, call a faster special election (provided that Christie hadn't already done so)  giving Democrats a shot to win back the seat faster. A similar scenario recently played out over a Senate vacancy in Alabama, where a new governor accelerated the timetable set up by his predecessor.

The move would carry some downsides for Murphy. A special election just as he began his tenure would cost millions of dollars and would come just a few years after Democrats accused Christie of wasting money for political purposes when he called a special election to replace the late Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg in 2013.

If Menendez is found not guilty

If there is an acquittal  as he insists will happen  he is determined to seek another term in an attempt to fully vindicate himself.

The senator has raised money, held public events, and traveled New Jersey like a man seeking reelection  and has kept his approval ratings from falling as far as one might expect for someone under federal indictment.

Other New Jersey Democrats say privately that no one has spoken out against him because no one wants to cross the still-powerful senator, and because his troubles haven't threatened anyone else in the party. (They also know that the trial may force him out without any of them having to get their own hands dirty.)

But Menendez could face a new challenge once the trial serves up daily headlines. Two Democratic insiders said party leaders might feel pressure to turn on the senator if they start facing awkward questions in the middle of their own fall campaigns.

That is, after all, what ultimately led to the political heat that forced former Sen. Robert Torricelli to drop his 2002 reelection bid as he faced his own ethics problems for also accepting expensive gifts from a donor.

Even if Menendez is found not guilty, he might still enter 2018 damaged by trial revelations tailor-made for attack ads. Would that give Republicans a shot in a deep blue state? Or embolden an ambitious Democrat to challenge him?

So far anyone interested in the seat has tread lightly  except Torricelli, who has openly coveted it, though even he might not challenge Menendez directly if the senator remains on the ballot.

But if Menendez is wounded, he could have another fight on his hands even after the trial.
The idea behind the so-called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program is to recognize that hundreds of thousands of migrants who were brought across the U.S. border  undocumented and often unaware  as children have grown up to accomplish wonderful things on American soil. They are top college students, nurses, and construction workers, and pillars of their local churches and neighborhoods. But when the program to protect these young immigrants called "Dreamers" was launched during the Obama years, even the program's biggest backers couldn't have dreamed up a hero quite like Alonso Guillen.

Guillen  an undocumented Mexican migrant who'd come to Lufkin, Texas, when he was just 14  graduated from Lufkin High School, went to church at his local Catholic parish, and  now grown up and with the protections offered by DACA  established a comfortable life working in construction and as a weekend DJ in his adopted hometown two hours north of Houston. He'd become too much of an American to watch the frightening images of flooding from Hurricane Harvey and not feel like he had to do something to help his neighbors  even after his father, Jesus, begged him not to go. Guillen and two friends borrowed a boat, drove south, and  when they reached the northern end of the flood zone in Spring, Texas  tried to rescue people trapped in an apartment complex.

It was the last act of Alonso Guillen's too-short life. In the fast-moving waters, the boat struck a bridge and threw out its passengers. Guillen and one of his friends didn't make it; family members searched for Guillen's body for days until it surfaced in the subsiding waters on Sunday. "Thank you, God," Jesus Guillen told the Houston Chronicle, "for the time I had with him."

At virtually the same moment the family was pulling Guillen's corpse from the water, leaked news reports said the Trump administration had decided to end the DACA program in six months without intervention from Congress, raising the possibility that 800,000 youths and younger adults like Guillen who've rooted themselves in American life as our classmates and our coworkers could lose all of that and might even be uprooted and deported back to nations they barely remember from their toddler days. Yet again, President Trump faced a choice between a legally complicated but undoubtedly popular program (supported by roughly two-thirds of the public) that embraced the idea of an idealistic, hopeful, and welcoming America  and the grim xenophobic fears of his narrow political base. Once again, Trump went with the darkest possible vision of the country he's supposed to lead.

Trump's defenders say that the president is only playing politics  that in the end he'd like to continue the "Dreamer" program but that the final say  not just politically but legally  should come from Congress.

And given past support for the 2010 Dream Act  upon which DACA was based  from a host of moderate Republicans, including Reps. Pat Meehan and Ryan Costello of the Philadelphia suburbs, it's not unreasonable to hope for that rarest of outcomes, salvation from Capitol Hill. But let's be clear: Trump "playing politics with DACA" is a polite way of saying he is terrorizing decent people  people who look ahead six or seven months and don't know whether they'll be sitting in chemistry class or an immigration jail cell, waiting for a bus across the Mexican border.

In a not particularly shocking development, Trump's back-in-favor attorney general, Jeff Sessions, managed to make matters worse when  sent out to do his boss' dirty work  he could barely contain his glee in announcing that DACA had been "rescinded" for the 800,000 humans he referred to as "illegal aliens"  all while prattling on about how unlawful immigration "has put our nation at risk of crime, violence, even terrorism."

Minutes earlier, the absurdity of America's chief law enforcement officer was laid bare at a Philadelphia rally in front of the Justice Department's local offices at Second and Chestnut Streets, where some 200 people  some carrying toddlers on their shoulders or strumming Mexican guitars or carrying signs like "Defend DACA  No Human Is Illegal"  filled a sidewalk with a defiance that alternated between festive and angry.

"I'm here today because I'm exhausted!" Maria Castanada, brought from central Mexico to North Carolina at 3 and now a senior at Swarthmore College, aided by scholarships she could apply for after enrolling in DACA, told the crowd. "Having to fight for your humanity and fight for your dignity is exhausting." She and two other Dreamers who addressed the Philadelphia gathering suggested a gaping hole of delightful young nurses and scholars who'll be gone with the wind unless Congress can save us from Sessions and Trump.

Anel Medina, a 26-year-old "Dreamer" who came to Kennett Square from Mexico City with her mom at 5 and is now a registered nurse at a health clinic in Chester County, thanks to the work permit she obtained after enrolling in DACA, is worried for her job  and beyond. "I think Trump has made it clear that anyone can be deported," she told me. "He said that only criminals would be deported  but families have been deported, children have been deported."

This time last week, I was wondering if the simple humanity that was displayed again and again in Houston and its surrounding communities  the journalists who dropped their microphones to help rescue flood victims, the imams who opened their mosques to shelter the needy, and, yes, the immigrants who baked bread or trudged through four feet of water to reach their menial jobs  would change our mostly toxic national conversation. It probably has for some  but that buck has stopped well short of the White House.

It now seems the tone-deaf cruelty at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is set on auto-pilot. Trump showed this weekend that the former reality-show star can take enough stage direction to hug black and brown children at a hurricane shelter, but our president and his henchmen like Sessions remain incapable of truly embracing human decency, and the stubborn dignity of real Americans like Maria Castaneda, Anel Medina  and the late Alonso Guillen. Hurricane Harvey  for all its destruction and heartbreak  was their opening for a reset.

There was a chance to use Houston's remarkable diversity, the heroism of "Dreamers" like Guillen and Houston life-saving paramedic Jesus Contreras, and the willingness of literally thousands of undocumented immigrants to go to work rebuilding south Texas to make a brand-new start of it  but it was naive and even foolish to think Trump or Sessions would ever seize such an opportunity. You can't mend a heart that doesn't want to be unbroken.
Protesters hold up signs during a rally supporting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, outside the White House on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Thousands are expected to gather for rallies on Tuesday, when President Donald Trump is slated to announce the program's future. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS) Read more

Good morning, friends. Summer's over, Congress is back in session and we're in for one hell of a fall (whether or not you see a pun there depends on your politics).

You're getting this email because you signed up for a newsletter about how President Trump and his policies affect the Philadelphia region. If you're reading this online, you can sign up to get it every week, for free, in your inbox. You can email me here and tweet at me here.

-Aubrey Whelan

Today, lets talk about DACA.

Whats at stake

President Trump's DACA decision calls into question the status of nearly 790,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived here as children. Under President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, they were able to get work permits and a two-year stay on deportation proceedings. Ending DACA was an old Trump campaign promise, but he's wavered on it since: as late as June, the Department of Homeland Security was saying DACA recipients would still be able to renew their status.

But Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday morning that Trump is rescinding the program  after a "wind-down period" ostensibly designed to allow Congress to come up with a legislative solution. (In Congress, Sessions himself has long been a vocal opponent of similar efforts.)

The local angle

According to statistics from the Migration Policy Institute, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had accepted 7,144 DACA applications in Pennsylvania as of March, and some 21,000 people statewide could be eligible for the program, including 5,000 people in Philadelphia and 3,000 in Chester County. In New Jersey, 71,000 people are potentially eligible for DACA, and USCIS has already accepted more than 25,000 applications.

Philadelphia has been at the forefront of the fight on immigration issues this year; last week, the city filed a lawsuit over Sessions' attempts to withhold federal funding from Philly over its sanctuary city status. Mayor Kenney has called for Trump to uphold DACA, and the city's immigrant-rights groups are marching to Philly's ICE headquarters as I write to oppose the decision.

What's ahead

DACA was born out of Congress' failure to pass the DREAM act, which would have offered a path to permanent residency for immigrants who arrived here as children  and many Republicans, like PA's own Sen. Pat Toomey, say they only oppose DACA because it was enacted by executive order, not Congress, which detractors have argued is unconstitutional. "These initiatives were never intended to be some kind of substitute for genuine statutory immigration reform," Anil Kalhan, a Drexel immigration law professor, told me last week. But the first version of the DREAM act was introduced 16 years ago, and this Congress is one of the most deeply divided in recent memory.

DACA is popular: 78 percent of registered voters, according to a Morning Consult poll, think undocumented immigrants who arrived as children should be allowed to stay. And any decision was likely to prompt a legal challenge: Several Republican attorneys general threatened to sue if Trump didn't rescind the program; New York and Washington have threatened to sue if he does.

Meanwhile, immigrant-rights advocates have said for months that the conversation on immigration in the age of Trump can't focus only on DACA recipients.

"[I] no longer look over my shoulder, worried that I might be deported one day," DACA recipient Olivia Vasquez said at a city ceremony commemorating the program's five-year anniversary earlier this month. "But I still worry about my family, my mom, my uncle, my community, people I love who sometimes get lost in the conversation, most who have never had the opportunity to rest because they are always at risk."

(New York Times reporter Vivian Yee has a good Twitter thread on what happens to DACA recipients now, per Trump officials: no new DACA applications after today, people who have DACA status now can keep it until it expires, and while ICE won't explicitly target recipients, "people who lose DACA will be treated like anyone else in the country illegally.")

What theyre saying

"He's not my bride, and I'm not his groom."  Russia President Vladimir Putin on President Trump at a presser in China Tuesday.

"Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA!"  President Trump on Twitter Tuesday morning, appearing to confirm reports that he expects Congress to come up with a DACA solution.

"He's being pulled in a bunch of different directions, and because he doesn't have any strong ideological anchor, or deep knowledge of the issue, he ends up sort of not knowing what to do."  Mark Krikorian, the head of the pro-Trump Center For Immigration Studies, talking about Trump's DACA decision in the New York Times.

"If the president ends DACA, it's not only wrong and immoral and insulting, it's really bad for our economy."  Sen. Bob Casey, at a Labor Day event yesterday.

In other news

What Im reading

My colleague Jane Von Bergen has a comprehensive rundown of how the labor movement  and the issues that face it  has changed in the age of Trump.

The Washington Post follows a young woman from a conservative community who returns home with changed politics and a growing uncertainty about how to talk to her family and friends.

The Houston Chronicle profiles a DACA recipient who drowned in the Harvey rescue efforts.

A non-political palate cleanser

On the last day of summer, my colleague Tom Avril profiles the teens who have been running your boardwalk rides all season long.
If you were curious what role the Breitbart website would play in bolstering the presidency of Donald Trump, we saw what's probably a representative example over the weekend.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration is expected to take steps to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA was enacted by President Barack Obama in 2012 to protect those who were brought to the country illegally as minors from deportation and to allow them to work legally in the United States. Trump is responding to a lawsuit threatened by Republican state attorneys general, who argue that Obama's action was unconstitutional.

The DACA program is generally popular, as a number of polls have shown. At the end of last year, Pew Research asked Americans if those who immigrated illegally as children should be allowed to stay in the country. Nearly three-quarters said they should, with a third saying that such a policy was "very important." The overall figure includes 82 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of Republicans. Of the policies Pew presented, no immigrant-friendly proposal earned more support from Republicans.

Earlier this month, NBC News and its polling partner SurveyMonkey determined that 64 percent of Americans supported the principle behind DACA. In addition, 71 percent of respondents said that they thought all immigrants in the country illegally should be allowed the opportunity to achieve legal status.

Trump won his office, though, thanks in large part to anti-immigrant sentiment. A hard line on immigration was a critical motivator for the early kernel of support that powered him through the primaries and which has stood by him steadfastly since. It's a minority of the country, but the group has loomed large in Trump's political thinking from the get-go.

For the Republican Party, opposition to DACA is tricky. The party has been struggling to find a balance between two goals: Appealing to the country's growing Hispanic population and respecting the fervent anti-immigrant views held by many Republican voters. Trump found political success in hammering on that latter point as a candidate; as president, he's realizing that it's not quite as simple. His apparent solution? Kick the decision to Congress, a move he telegraphed with a tweet on Tuesday morning.

Trump's leaving it to Congress to negotiate between those two poles, instead of negotiating them himself. And that brings us back to Breitbart.

"Media pushes skewed DACA polls, hides public's priorities," a headline at the site declared over the weekend. The goal of the piece is obvious: Muddy the question of the popularity of DACA. If that is effective in persuading members of Congress to oppose anything DACA-like, all the better.

Assuming one accepts the rhetoric of the piece, which one should not. The author disparages polls like the one from NBC as "push polls"  that is, polls that push a respondent to a particular outcome  while embracing polling from the group Numbers USA, a group that favors limiting immigration. The founder of that group explains its polling philosophy, as follows:

"Our polls ask 'Which is more important: Make sure that jobless Americans get the next jobs or continue to bring in high level of immigrants?'" That binary choice, of course, is the sort of thing you'd expect from  a push poll.

Those polls aren't even about DACA, incidentally; the argument employed is basically that Americans want more hardline policies on immigration policy generally and therefore probably really oppose DACA, if you think about it. It also suggests that people are guarded in offering their real opinions to pollsters because they "fear retaliation"  an argument that was deployed before the 2016 election in which national polls got the final vote margin correct.

The bigger question underlying the debate over DACA for Republicans is the extent to which there's a political price to be paid in opposing the policy. Hispanic Americans born in the United States are slightly more likely to vote Republican than those born outside the country, which could be significant over the long term. (Last fall, Pew found that the party split for U.S.-born Hispanics was 62-26 in favor of the Democrats, vs. 70-18 for those born outside the country.) A poll conducted last August by Fox News, though, determined that support for DACA was widespread among Hispanics, regardless of country of origin. About 9 in 10 Hispanics in each group felt that those who'd immigrated as children should be allowed to apply for citizenship.

Will opposition to DACA be detrimental to the GOP over the long term? It's hard to say. Obama enjoyed a bump in his popularity when he proposed the policy in the first place, though that overlapped with the 2012 election, and his popularity with Hispanics sank again afterward. When he announced a similar policy for the parents of those immigrants in late 2014 (DAPA), he saw a bigger, more sustained surge in support from Hispanics.

For Trump, the choice is simpler: Deliver for that core base of support, or worry about the long-term implications of undercutting a popular program for his party. What's interesting about DACA, though, is that, for once, he seems to have actually had a momentary pause before choosing the former.
The Trump Administration announced its decision to end DACA on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The group marched from the Philadelphia offices of the Justice Department to the Federal Detention Center at 8th and Arch Sts., where they are shown gathered. CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer Read more

The fate of nearly 790,000 young undocumented immigrants is in the hands of a deeply divided Congress.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday morning that the administration would "wind down" the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an Obama-era policy that offers undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children a reprieve from deportation and a chance to work in the country legally.

"DACA deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize," Sessions said, calling it "an unconstitutional exercise of authority." Work permits will begin to expire in six months.

In effect, the administration pushed the onus for a solution onto a Republican Congress that has failed to pass any major legislation under this Republican president and now will have another major item on a legislative agenda already buckling under the weight of several must-pass bills.

Getting rid of the program was an old campaign promise, but President Trump had wavered in recent months, at one point telling DACA recipients to "rest easy." But he had faced intense political pressure to uphold that promise, from his political base and from a cadre of Republican state attorneys general who had threatened to sue if he did not rescind the order by Tuesday. Now, he faces threats of lawsuits from New York and Washington state challenging his plan and a federal lawsuit on behalf of a DACA recipient in Brooklyn, N.Y., that argues the move is racially motivated and unconstitutional.

On Tuesday night, Trump again waded into the issue, tweeting: "Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!"

The decision was greeted with alarm by hundreds of thousands of young immigrants and their supporters, and by Democrats like U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, who called the move "unjust, immoral, and without regard for basic fairness" on Twitter. In Center City, about 150 people, many of them DACA recipients, rallied outside the Department of Justice's Philadelphia headquarters and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in protest.

Many Republicans signaled their sympathy for DACA recipients while stressing that a fix was Congress' job, not the president's: "President Trump's decision to end this program, while giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution, is the right step," said Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.). It's a familiar, if hotly debated, argument against DACA.

But what kind of fix Congress might come up with  if it comes up with one  is anyone's guess.

"It's an uphill battle generally when you're talking about a Republican Congress acting on immigration reform," said Sarah Binder, a political science professor at George Washington University. "And this is a pretty divided Republican Congress that has not been able to do much of anything at all."

The current version of the DREAM Act  a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived as children  has two Republican senators as co-sponsors. But various versions of the bill have failed to pass for about 16 years, pushing President Barack Obama to institute DACA in 2012.

A standalone bill likely would not come without a price  with a DACA fix attached to border wall funding, for example, or the Trump-supported RAISE act, which is designed to dramatically reduce legal immigration.

"I fear that it'll get wrapped up with other pieces of immigration legislation, that DACA students would be a pawn in the fight for funding the border wall," said Sarah Paoletti, an immigration law professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hardliners hope a fix does get wrapped up with other proposals. "If there is accompanying legislation or provisions that mitigate what would essentially be amnesty for a group of individuals, [a DACA bill] has a much stronger chance of passage," said Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies, a conservative think tank.

Others are not so sure. The RAISE act is controversial on its own, and Republican support for a border wall is mixed, too, Binder said.

And all this speculation assumes Congress will even get to DACA in the next six months. Raising the debt ceiling, passing a spending bill that will keep the government open, doling out Hurricane Harvey relief, passing a budget, working out the party's signature policy of tax reform, and stabilizing health insurance markets are all on the docket, said Joshua Huder, a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute.

By the time DACA is set to expire, many legislators will be looking to 2018, he said. That could mean Republicans try to woo Senate Democrats facing reelection in red or purple states, such as Casey, or it could mean Congress would simply let the program run out.

"The next six months is very, very challenging," Huder said. "Could I see it ending in stalemate? Absolutely. But it seems a lot of people are interested in doing something, too."

At a morning rally in Philadelphia, DACA recipients said that after growing up in this country and working hard in school and at jobs, they were not ready to simply step away from active, productive lives. Members of Juntos, the Philadelphia-based immigrant rights group, invited DACA recipients to stop by its South Philadelphia office for solace and support. A contingent of members was traveling to Washington Tuesday night to protest outside the Department of Justice.

DACA recipient Maria Castaneda came to the U.S. from Mexico at age 3 and is now a Swarthmore College senior, interested in a career in law or education.

"Removing DACA is a horrendously immoral action," she said at Tuesday's rally. "What Trump is doing now, it's an act of white supremacy."

Locally, protesters say they hope to expand Philadelphia's sanctuary city protections and advocate for immigrants in November's district attorney race, said Juntos director Erika Almiron. "We have to ensure the Philly DA takes into account the overcriminalization of immigrants," she said. "Nationally, we're looking to support the DREAM act bill as is. But we'd reject anything that will include enforcement, expansion of detention, expansion of raids or building a wall."

Administration officials wrote in a policy memo Tuesday morning that DACA recipients with work permits  which last two years  would be able to keep them until they expire, and that those whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, could renew them if they apply by Oct. 5. Any pending applications or renewals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. No new applications will be accepted after Tuesday, they said.

According to statistics from the Migration Policy Institute, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had accepted 7,144 DACA applications in Pennsylvania as of March, and about 21,000 people statewide could have been eligible for the program, including 5,000 in Philadelphia and 3,000 in Chester County. In New Jersey, 71,000 people were potentially eligible for DACA, and USCIS has already accepted more than 25,000 applications.

Philadelphia has been at the forefront of the fight on immigration issues this year. Last week, the city filed a lawsuit over Sessions' attempts to withhold federal funding over Philadelphia's "sanctuary city" status. Mayor Kenney has called for Trump to uphold DACA. City Council members Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Helen Gym slammed the move Tuesday night, and local congressional Democrats were also on the attack. "Heartless and irresponsible," Rep. Bob Brady (D., Pa.) said. "Against American values," said Rep. Donald Norcross (D., N.J.).

Republicans stressed the need for comprehensive immigration reform and in some cases severely criticized sanctuary cities such as Philadelphia, but generally signaled support for DACA recipients. Rep. Lou Barletta (R., Pa.), long known for his far-right views on immigration, was among the few who did not, and he called the move a victory.

"Young people who came to our nation through no fault of their own should not be punished for the illegal actions of adults," said Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R., N.J.), expressing a more common sentiment.

Immigrant-rights activists said that the day had been devastating, but that they were prepared for whatever fight lay ahead.

"There were tears today," Almiron said. "But what was important was that when Jeff Sessions was making his speech, we were in the streets."
Myk Londino, manager of Vape O2 in Philadelphia, uses an e-cigarette behind the shop counter. The shop is one of many affected by Pennsylvanias vape tax. Read more

Myk Londino didn't expect e-cigarettes to lead him to his life's work. He just wanted to quit smoking, and nothing else had worked for him. But after vaping helped him ditch cigarettes, he fell in love, as he put it. He decided to dedicate his time to helping others switch from cigs to their electronic cousins.

Three years later, the 29-year-old is manager of Vape O2 in Philadelphia and runs two vape-related companies, one on his own and one with friends.

"If there's one thing that I absolutely love about the vaping industry," Londino said last week from the Girard Avenue shop, "it took a lot of the younger-adult generation and turned us into business owners and advocates for something that we believe in."

But if there's one thing he and nearly everyone else in the industry hate, it's the levy that threatens their very enterprise: the 40 percent tax on their products imposed by the Pennsylvania legislature last year.

Next month, it will have been one year since the tax went into effect. In that time, it has brought in $13.7 million, according to the Department of Revenue  and more than 100 of the state's estimated 400 vape shops have closed, says the Vapor Technology Association. Customers are paying more. Advocates still hope for repeal or reform. Businesses that remain open are hurting.

"It's extremely discouraging and disheartening," Londino said. "People I personally know locked their door and never unlocked it again."

The tax requires retailers to pay 40 percent on inventories when purchasing from wholesalers. An individual with a $100,000 inventory would have to come up with an extra $40,000 to stay in business.

Vape O2, like other shops that have remained open, made big changes to accommodate the tax and stay afloat. It combined a profit-margin cut with some higher prices, hoping to keep customers happy, Londino said. "Almost everything" went up in price, some products by a lot, others by a little.

"All things considered, we're doing well, but not like we used to," Londino said. "Obviously, every business opens their door every day to profit, and this tax has definitely put a damper on that."

Advocates of vaping say it helps people stop smoking and argue their cause is a public health issue. Some studies have found that e-cigarette vapor has lower levels of toxic elements than tobacco smoke, although the Food and Drug Administration previously had said more research was needed. The FDA announced in July that it would begin an effort to encourage development of "innovative tobacco products that may be less dangerous than cigarettes," interpreted by those in the industry as a loosening stance toward e-cigarettes.

In Pennsylvania, the tax has represented another source of desperately needed revenue. To vape-shop owners, it has meant something else over the last 10 months.

Among the stores that have closed, Phillyvapes shuttered its Northeast Philadelphia location during the summer; its South Philadelphia shop is converting into a members-only lounge, said manager Rome Savann.

People "can come in and hang and vape," Savann said, and membership costs will cover rent. It will continue selling products online.

Others are pushing forward, like VaporFi on South Street, which has survived in part because it is a franchise of a Miami-based company that makes its own products. That has helped insulate the shop from the tax's impact, but the business could be doing better, said manager Alex Byers.

Vapers are holding on to hope for action in Harrisburg.

While advocates have hoped the tax would be repealed or replaced during this year's budget negotiations  and say they have been lobbying lawmakers  there has been little movement on bills proposed in both chambers to swap it for a 5-cents-per-milliliter tax, which business owners say would be less harmful.

"There's really no conversation taking place. The silence is killing us," said Amelia Rivera, who runs the Pennsylvania Vape Association and a vape shop in Hamburg, Berks County, with her husband. They said the tax has cut their income by more than half and they've discussed looking for second jobs.

Vapers believe they have support among lawmakers but feel they are up against big tobacco and a lack of knowledge about the emerging industry, said Alex Clark, executive director of the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association.

"You have people switching to a product that's taxed less, and I think you have lawmakers looking at that and saying, 'We're losing a bunch of money.' Which is very unfortunate, because this becomes less about public health and more about state tobacco revenues," Clark said.

A per-milliliter tax on the customer at the register would take the burden off the retailer as long as it is 7.5 cents or less, the advocacy groups say. (Anything higher would be worse for them than the 40 percent tax. The Pennsylvania Vape Association estimates half of the remaining 300 stores in Pennsylvania would close within a year.)

Many of the owners and workers at shuttered stores remain politically and socially active in vaping, Londino said. Even if the legislature does nothing about e-cigarettes this session, activists say they will continue to lobby for change, citing the belief that their products change people's lives and improve health.

For now, they are still getting used to the new environment.

Before the tax, Londino said, "the owner of a vape shop in Pennsylvania could have been the owner of a vape shop in Pennsylvania."

"Now that owner of a vape shop in Pennsylvania is also working other jobs."
North Korea's advancing nuclear weapons program isn't the only news to unnerve arms-control experts this summer. A new survey has found that Americans are surprisingly willing to make a first nuclear strike  and kill millions of civilians abroad.

The survey casts doubt on the power of what experts call the "nuclear taboo," said Stanford University historian David Holloway, author of Stalin and the Bomb. The idea, or hope, behind the concept is that it's not just luck that humans haven't dropped any nuclear weapons in 70 years  that there's a stigma that makes the use of nuclear weapons unthinkable.

But many Americans say it's quite thinkable. The taboo may be eroding, or it may never have been the protective barrier people thought it was.

The survey designers sketched out a hypothetical conflict with Iran  a country without nuclear weapons. About 60 percent of those polled said that if Iran provoked the United States with some nonnuclear aggression, they'd approve of blowing up two million Iranian civilians using nuclear weapons rather than sacrificing 20,000 American lives in a ground attack.

"That just means they haven't thought about it," said Brian Toon, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Colorado. They think nuclear weapons are just big bombs that blow up lots of people, he said, without considering the way a nuclear conflict  even a "small" one involving about 10 percent of the U.S. arsenal  might poison millions of men, women, and children and change the climate enough to starve hundreds of millions.

Today, it's not Iran but North Korea that's the focus of concern, with its continued testing of nuclear missiles despite President Trump's threat of "fire and fury." Serious people are starting to consider the possibility of nuclear conflict. Though the North is unlikely capable of sending nuclear missiles all the way to the United States, at least for now, there are plenty of ways casualties could escalate. "There are nuclear reactors all over North Korea," Toon said. So you might have Fukushima-type contamination all over the country.

Perhaps if people more clearly understood the destruction of human life that would result, the taboo would regain its power. In the early years of the Cold War, the power of nuclear weapons apparently surprised Daniel Ellsberg, a Rand Corp. analyst on loan to the Pentagon for the purpose of nuclear-war planning.

"One day in the spring of 1961, soon after my 30th birthday, I was shown how our world would end," he wrote in 2009. Ellsberg, who is famous for leaking the Pentagon Papers in 1971, has spent recent decades examining the potential for nuclear catastrophe. His latest book, The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner, will be released in December.

The end of the world was described in a highly classified document, Ellsberg said. Though it didn't necessarily spell extinction for the human race, it estimated a nuclear war would kill at least 600 million people  or, as Ellsberg put it, "a hundred Holocausts."

Is there some logic to accepting two million deaths but not 600 million? Is there some number of Holocausts that would be acceptable? Holloway said such mass killing would be considered unacceptable under the philosophical framework called just-war theory  a set of criteria that political and military leaders have used to determine whether a war would be justifiable. Still, mass bombings during World War II familiarized people with the idea of targeting civilians. And the advent of nuclear weapons made it seem unavoidable.

A nuclear exchange might remain limited  but then, it might not. If the United States launched a first strike against North Korea, experts say, there's no guarantee that China or Russia wouldn't join in, either on purpose or by mistake. The actions of other countries are hard to predict in a state of confusion and fear.

Recent calculations suggest 50 or 60 nuclear weapons might be enough to change the climate if they're dropped on cities where massive fires would release sky-darkening smoke into the atmosphere. Hundreds of millions or even a billion people could starve in such a nuclear winter. "The scary thing is that this could potentially kill the majority of people on the planet," said Toon. That would seem to be more than enough reason to keep up the nuclear taboo.

Faye Flam, a Bloomberg View columnist, is the author of "The Score: How the Quest for Sex Has Shaped the Modern Man." She was a columnist for the Inquirer.
Gov. Wolf is proposing a $25 per person trooper tax on people living in the 1,300 municipalities that do not have their own police forces. Read more

Some things you just know: The sun will rise in the east; compasses will point north; and politicians will do everything in their power to raise taxes.

Want some evidence? When it was first instituted, Pennsylvania's sales tax rate was 1 percent. Within 15 years, legislators doubled it, doubled it again, and then raised it by half, to 6 percent, where it has remained. Pennsylvania's personal income tax rate averaged 2.2 percent from its adoption in 1971 until 1991. Since 1991, the income tax rate has risen by almost half. And recent governors have repeatedly proposed raising it further.

Meanwhile, our politicians have found any number of other new and exciting ways to reach into Pennsylvanians' pockets.

They raised the gas tax from 32.3 cents per gallon in 2013 to 58.2 cents today. That's an 80 percent increase over just three years. Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike have risen nine years in a row, racking up a total increase of almost 130 percent since 2008. According to the Turnpike Commission, we can expect tolls to continue increasing annually for the next 27 years.

Sometimes the state goes small, as it did last year when it imposed a 40 percent tax on vape shops. Predictably, all this did was to shutter 30 percent of these businesses. Gov. Wolf is presently proposing a $25 per person "trooper tax" on people living in the 1,300 municipalities that do not have their own police forces. In 2016, the state imposed a 5 percent tax on medical marijuana  not recreational marijuana, but a drug that people need as part of their medical treatments.

Notice two important things. First, these taxes bring in a lot of money. Wolf estimates $60 million per year from the "trooper tax." The auditor general estimates that a tax on recreational and medicinal marijuana could bring in $200 million per year. Second, relative to Pennsylvania's spending, these taxes collect next to nothing. Pennsylvania's state government spends $80 billion per year, or more than $200 million per day. At that rate, the annual trooper tax would keep state government humming along for a grand total of seven hours. The e-cigarette tax that put one-third of vape shops out of business throughout the state added less than $10 million to the state's coffers last year  enough to keep Harrisburg in business for all of 65 minutes. For a little more than an hour's worth of state spending, our legislators permanently closed more than a hundred businesses.

In an effort to feed its insatiable appetite, Harrisburg has taxed personal incomes, corporate incomes, noncorporate business incomes, purchases, gasoline, cars, car rentals, home sales, hotel stays, beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, e-cigarettes  the list goes on and on. And although all of these are painful for the people who pay them, none of these new taxes and tax increases is all that meaningful to the budget.

Since 1971, state tax revenues have been a relatively constant 5.4 percent (plus or minus half a percentage point) of the state's economy. Whether tax rates were lower or higher, whether the state taxed more or fewer things, whether the state taxed businesses or people, our government's share of the economic pie hasn't changed. There is an important lesson here:

If the state is destined to collect 5.4 percent of the economy regardless of what and how it taxes, then legislators should design tax policies not with the intent of raising revenue but of growing the economy. And they should do so while making it as painless as possible to file and as clear as possible who is paying what.

Put most simply, Pennsylvania could replace all its myriad and complex taxes with one 5.4 percent tax on incomes derived from all sources combined. A simple tax like this would generate about the same amount of money the state now collects, and the simplicity and transparency would make it much harder for future politicians to dole out special tax treatment to politically favored groups and industries. The simpler and more transparent the state's tax code is, the easier entrepreneurs and investors will find it to create the jobs that make Pennsylvania's economy grow.

If the state is destined to get a 5.4 percent slice of the economic pie, then let's enact a simple and transparent tax code that encourages Pennsylvanians to bake a larger pie.

Antony Davies is associate professor of economics at Duquesne University. antony@antolin-davies.com. James R. Harrigan is CEO of FreedomTrust. jrharrigan@gmail.com


An addict injects heroin under a bridge at Kurt Cobain Memorial Park in Aberdeen, Wash. Read more

Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave a speech last week in which he rightly called drug overdose deaths "the top lethal issue" in the United States. But Sessions' lock-'em-up remedy for combatting drug overdoses is not a solution.

Sessions urged law enforcement and social workers to "create and foster a culture that's hostile to drug use." In a speech in May, Sessions emphasized the need for law enforcement to stop cartels that smuggle drugs into the country and the "thugs and gangs who bring this poison into our communities."

That approach sounds a lot like the "war on drugs" that President Richard Nixon launched more than 40 years ago. By all accounts, that "war" has been a failure. Continuing down the road of locking up drug users will get the same bad results.

We can't arrest our way out of our drug problem. Even the conservative Cato Institute has called the drug war a "failure," which "contributed to an increase in drug overdoses."

Over the past 40 years, the federal government has spent more than $1 trillion on interdiction policies designed to keep illegal drugs out of the country, said Cato. Meanwhile, state and federal prison populations increased nearly 600 percent to more than 1.5 million between 1974 and 2014, according to the Sentencing Project. By comparison, the U.S. overall population increased by 51 percent during that time.

Laws must be enforced and drug dealers should be held responsible for their actions. But more emphasis should be placed on curbing drug abuse and getting help for addicts. Opioid overdoses have become a public health epidemic and should be treated as such.

Increased hostility and shame won't help addicts. Instead, law enforcement and social agencies should work together to develop a multi-pronged approach that includes enforcement, treatment, and prevention.

To his credit, Sessions did announce plans to launch a pilot program to crack down on doctors and pharmacists who overprescribe and supply opioid medications. But if he really wants to combat opioid abuse, he should join efforts by several states, including Pennsylvania, to go after Big Pharma.

Three pharmaceutical firms  McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Cardinal Health  distribute 85 percent of all prescription drugs in the United States. Their role in the opioid epidemic shouldn't be dismissed.

Between 2000 and 2014, the use of prescription opioids more than doubled, says the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Addiction to prescription painkillers can lead to increased heroin use, which is cheaper than pain pills. Often, the heroin is laced with fentanyl, an opiate 100 times more powerful than morphine.

The more potent drug has led to a surge in addiction and overdoses. There were more than 900 fatal drug overdoses in Philadelphia last year, a 29 percent increase compared with 2015. Statewide, nearly 5,000 people died from overdoses, a 37 percent increase.

Just cracking down on addicts won't be effective. A better approach would include expanding access to addiction medications, improving physician training, and developing partnerships at schools to help identify at-risk youths.

Sessions needs to stop playing bad cop and work with other government and public health officials to develop a comprehensive plan to combat one of the most serious problems plaguing America today.
Virginia State Police are for the first time offering some recruits a chance to become troopers Image: Virginia State Police/Facebook without completing a full six-month State Police Academy, reports the Associated Press.

The agency announced Friday that local law enforcement officers in Virginia can become state troopers by attending a two-month accelerated entry program.

State Police Superintendent Steven Flaherty said the agency is facing vacancy rates approaching 50% in many field divisions. He hopes an abbreviated training program will appeal to officers who've already had on-the-job training.
Berkeley, CA, Mayor Jesse Arreguin has called Antifa, a street gang, and said police should start treating protesters in the anti-fascist movement accordingly.

Legislators in Sacramento have also advanced resolutions that would treat violent acts committed by antifa movements enemies  white nationalists and neo-Nazis  as terrorist acts under state law.

As forces on the extremes of the nations ever-widening political divide continue to battle with fists and weapons on the streets of California, law enforcement officials and politicians have started debating whether these extremist groups should be classified as street gangs.

Such a designation could give law enforcement new tools to combat the groups. Numerous laws on the books give authorities the power to restrict the movements of gang members and enhance criminal charges against them.

But such a move raises legal issues because unlike with traditional street gangs, the underlying motive of these extremist groups is political expression rather than criminal enterprise, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Lego to let go 1,400 employees as revenues drop

Toymaker Lego announced plans to lay off 8% of its workforce due to falling revenues. It is unclear at this point whether the company will cut staff in its Nyiregyhaza, Hungary unit or not.

Massive layoff at Lego

2016 was the peak

Hungarian plant is also affected

After a record year in 2016, revenues of the maker of colourful plastic bricks are on the descent therefore Legos management decided on a massive downsizing. The groups revenues dropped 5% to 14.9 billion Danish crowns in the first half of 2017,as a result of which the company plans to lay off 1,400 employees, which corresponds to nearly 7.7% of the current 18,200-strong workforce.We are disappointed by the decline in revenue in our established markets, and we have taken steps to address this," Chairman Jorgen Vig Knudstorp said.We are very sorry to make changes which may interfere with the lives of many of our colleagues. [...] Unfortunately, it is essential for us to make these tough decisions," he added in a statement. https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news-room/2017/ september/interim-results/Lego last month removed CEO Bali Padda after just eight months, replacing the Briton with Danish industrialist Niels B. Christiansen.Lego Group set a new record last year by boosting its revenues 6% to 37.9 bn Danish crowns from 35.8 mn. Its operating profit edged up 2% to DKK 12.4 bn and its after-tax profit rose to DKK 9.4 bn.Lego Group has been present in the Hungarian market since 1992 and it set up its local plant in 2008 in Nyiregyhaza where revenues rose to nearly HUF 33 billion last year from HUF 29.7 bn in 2015, and after-tax profit went up to HUF 788.6 mn from HUF 694.4 mn. The plants operation includes every phase of production, from raw materials to the final products. The majority of Lego Duplo products are produced at this unit, and since the opening of the new factory finished Lego boxes also come out of the plant. The parent company did not say which operations will be affected by the staff cut, only that the majority of the 1,400 positions will be cut before the end of the year.The decision by the parent company will affect 70 employees at the Nyiregyhaza operation, the companys senior HR director told state newswire MTI. He also noted that as the layoff process is still in its initial phase, no more details will be disclosed at this point."As regards the Hungarian plant, we remain committed to manufacturing Lego products here. Last year, we started the expansion of the Nyiregyhaza plant, we will continue that expansion project, complete the previously approved phases, and we will keep setting the number of employees with a view to be able to meet demand for Lego products," added Csaba Toth.The Hungarian subsidiary of the Danish toymaker increased its net revenue by 11% year on year and its profit by 13% in 2016.
Pizza has been a constant in Brian Kesslers life, from the time he got a job in a pizzeria as a teenager until the day he met his wife in a pizza joint. Read moreIggy's Pizza Shop is now open in Mount Pleasant
Kalyn Oyer is a Charleston native who covers arts & entertainment and food & bev for The Post and Courier. She's a music festival & concert photographer and used to write about music for the Charleston City Paper, among other publications.
Two things are motivating the Charleston County School District to consider the idea. The first is the difficulty in attracting teachers to an area where they would struggle to afford housing. The second is the fact the district already owns land where apartments could be built. Read moreWith rents unaffordable, the Charleston school district considers building teacher housing
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, recently made operational changes to a Mississippi River dam to control the spread of an invasive species.

The Corps changed the way it operates Lock and Dam 8, on the Mississippi River in Genoa, Wis., to block the upstream migration of Asian carp. The alteration was made in response to recommendations from University of Minnesota researchers.

Dr. Peter Sorensen, who led the university research team's work, spoke with the Post Bulletin last week about the changes and how they'll affect Minnesota's water bodies.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently changed its operation of Lock and Dam 8 on the Mississippi River in Genoa, WI to impede the movement of Asian carp. I understand the corps changed the operation in response to your research. Can you briefly summarize your findings?

This is a result of a long, longstanding project that started almost four or five years ago. We realized some time ago that it was rather mysterious that the Asian carp have not really become more abundant in Minnesota waters. And we wondered if it was the locks and dams, which are particularly large at this end of the Mississippi and smaller down below.

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We got the money from the lottery funds in Minnesota, and one of the first things we did was we actually figured out what the swimming capabilities of these carp are. We calculated how far and how fast they can swim; every species has certain capabilities, and we figured out that they actually are nothing really that extraordinary as far as a river fish goes. So, it was possible that the locks and dams were holding them up even though they jump.

Once we had that information, we then approached the Army corps (to see) if they would be interested in working with us to first see what the actual velocities were through certain lock and dam structures. There were weaknesses where a fish could pass through.

Why make the operational changes at Lock and Dam 8? Is that the main channel of invasion for Asian carp?

That's as far south as we could go. Certain locks and dams are more amenable than others because some, for instance, have spillways around the edges where carp can get around, and things like that. Each one's different than the other. Some are just better for this, and that was a pretty good one, although not perfect. It was located almost in the Iowa border down there.

How will the operational changes to Lock and Dam 8 prevent the spread of Asian carp here in Minnesota?

It's based on theoretical models. It's the best we can do right now. They seem very reasonable and they've been validated to a fairly good extent in the river. Basically, the mathematical model suggests that just by adjusting the gates, that whatever the passage rate is now, which we believe to be very low, it will probably be cut at least in half. They can only go so far and so fast, and the data suggest most of the time, except for very brief moments, they are not going to get through.

What do Asian carp do to water bodies?

They eat all the young in there, and that's basically what they do. They eat all the planktonic food in the water; fish eggs, you name it. They grow fast, so that disrupts food webs and has effects in terms of native fish that eat planktonic food. From most people's perspective, that's bad. But what's really terrible of course (is) they jump out of the water. It'll be devastating. People would hesitate to go out in the river, which is what's happened down south of us in Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, the Dakotas.

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Once they get in and they're jumping, they weigh 20, 30 pounds and they jump eight feet out of the water. It'll break your arm. This nice quiet evening paddle on the river or fishing excursion will never be the same again. That's what's at stake.

How big of a problem are they in Minnesota?

Right now, they're not a problem. There are very few. We catch a few every year, but we're catching large adults that are reproductively mature. So they could reproduce, and if they were to reproduce, then we'd have a very serious problem. What most biologists are most concerned about is actually the Minnesota River, because it's almost perfect habitat for them. They'd have a place to reproduce and grow like crazy, from there they could infest everywhere. If we survive as a species as I hope we do, your great-grandkids will be dealing with them and cursing you for having let them in when it wasn't really a preordained conclusion. It's important to act on invasive species while it's reasonable to do so.

Do you see the change at this dam as an effective long-term deterrent for Minnesota's Asian carp population?

Yes, I do. Particularly if the sound systems can be upgraded and it can be combined with other structures upstream, yeah I think it can buy us decades at very low cost.
I started getting a hint it was going to be a big deal when I got emails earlier this summer from a couple readers asking, "Where are you traveling to see the eclipse?" I had been aware one was coming, but beyond that hadn't paid much attention.

Thinking briefly about the eclipse, I recalled filing students out of my Mayo High biology classroom years ago when a partial eclipse took place. I remember many other students being outside, and recall I held up the piece of paper or cardboard with a pinhole to project the eclipse. But it was not a life-altering event.

This time around was obviously a bit different, with a total eclipse path crossing northwest to southeast across the country, providing two minutes of daytime darkness for a few million folks in its path. But the "fever" that took place prior to the eclipse, with tens of millions of others making eclipse travel plans months or years ahead, thoroughly amazed me.

I haven't heard any figures about how the eclipse affected the economy, but I assume worker production that day was not at an all-time high, or even close to an average day's output. I did glance at the partial eclipse briefly, as I hadn't bought the glasses that probably helped keep the pre-eclipse economy floating.

I am glad so many people had amazing experiences seeing the eclipse, and I reached out to family and friends who I knew had, to get their take. My high school physics teacher, Marty Cordes, traveled to Nebraska with his daughter, Joanne, who said, "It was phenomenal and awe-inspiring." Friends Nancy Hengveld and Steve Corson, from Preston, both felt the experience was well worth the cost and hassle, with Nancy saying she "really liked seeing the 360 degree panoramic sunset during the eclipse."

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My son, Bryan, and partner, Jeff, flew from San Diego to Jackson Hole, then hiked the Tetons to camp at 10,000 feet, with a short hike the following morning to a higher peak. There they watched what they described as something which "seemed to be over in a few seconds" even though they had more than two minutes of darkness. Bryan was also especially impressed with the 360-degree sunset.

And astronomer friend Larry Mascotti also traveled to Nebraska for his third total eclipse. Always superb with words describing the heavens, Larry wrote, "For this eclipse I did not need the eyes in my head to look up and see the raging glory of the sun.  I sensed it through the pulsing collective heartbeats of the strangers that I stood my ground with. Looking around me the magic of the uni (oneness) verse was revealed. This eclipse was one for the ages."

The day before the eclipse, I watched a beautiful Mississippi sunrise over the bluffs of Wisconsin, then looked at a "spider feast" of hundreds of small gnats in webs under patio lights I had left on overnight. Later that morning I cruised in my kayak through huge leaves to see an almost perfect foot-wide lotus blossom. That night I would watch more than 2,000 chimney swifts descend the Assisi chimney.

I am not sure I would have traded those revelations of mature for a long drive, traffic jams, and throngs of people witnessing semi-darkness for two minutes. I might be more in Garrison Keillor's camp, when he said of the "brief celestial dimness"  "any Midwestern thunderstorm is vastly more spectacular." However, with the above testimonials from valued friends and family, I do hope to experience the 2024 eclipse so I might see first-hand why it was so special for so many.

So, besides marking your calendars for the next total eclipse in 2024, mark down "next lotus blossoms  August 2018!" And, I'll even provide you with a double kayak if you want cruise through the lotus with a friend.
Ethanol plants across the country would benefit if the National Farmers Union is successful in making alternative fuel production and use a top priority.

The National Farmers Union has hired a full-time energy, environment and agriculture policy specialist to push federal authorities to expand trade markets for renewable biofuels and remove regulatory barriers that have slowed the growth of the biofuel market.

Anne Steckel, the NFU's new biofuels advisor, said the strategy is to both get changes made in the short term that will benefit corn growers and work toward long-term goals to increase the market for biofuels.

"Family farmers and ranchers are suffering economically, so we're bringing that message to Congress and to the administration to let them know that this issue is of immediate importance to their constituents," Steckel said.

Looking toward the future, she added, there are legislative and regulatory roadblocks facing the industry's desire to move toward higher-level blends such as E15 and beyond for standard automobile engines.

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"We're planning a long-term commitment to ethanol and other biofuels through the (Renewable Fuel Standards) and other initiatives."

In the short term, said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, the best thing NFU can do to support the ethanol industry is to lobby for the removal of the Reid vapor pressure standards that limit the months when E15  gasoline with up to 15 percent ethanol, as opposed to the usual E10 most consumers are used to  is sold.

Currently, vapor standards limit the sale of E15 during the summer months, meaning there are three months a year when most consumers cannot purchase E15.

Rudnicki said a recent study showed the ethanol industry represents $1.98 billion of Minnesota's gross domestic product, using 410 million bushels of corn annually, 26 percent of Minnesota's 2016 corn crop, to produce 1.18 billion gallons of ethanol. Byproducts include dried distillers grain, which is enough to feed every beef and dairy cow in Minnesota.

The fight for the NFU starts with battling the pressure the oil industry is putting on Congress to limit ethanol in the consumer marketplace, said NFU President Roger Johnson.

"(The oil industry) embraced ethanol, but only if it was an additive," Johnson said. "But it grew more than they expected. Now their number one goal is to squash ethanol."

NFU members want to see ethanol get beyond the E10 barrier that Congress and the petroleum industry have set, Johnson said. Part of that effort is to dispel the myth that E15 increases the RVP.

"We spent way too much time playing defense," he said. "Yes, we want E15, but we also want E30."

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Getting the RVP standards removed so gas stations could sell E15 blends or higher would immediately impact corn farmers and benefit the rural economy, he said. And that needs to happen fast with long-lasting results. "The net farm income is half what it was four years ago," Johnson said. "And the median farm income this year will be negative. Both foreclosures and bankruptcies are up over last year."

All of this has led to increased poverty in rural populations, populations that have declined during the last five years. Rural populations rank highest in death rate, poverty and disability, and lowest in college attainment, he said.

Meanwhile, renewable fuels are cleaner environmentally, and they currently replace 5 million barrels of oil a year. That's oil acquired with increasingly difficult measures. "I don't know how anyone who thinks about this believes that ethanol is any worse than tar sands oil," Johnson said. "If we can increase biofuels, that reduces the oil we get from ever-more difficult places from Mother Earth."

Steckel said the time is now for the NFU to stand up as a leader in the industry, pushing for the reforms that will help farmers, the rural economy and consumers, who save billions through lower-cost ethanol.

"One of the best opportunities is right in front of us," Johnson said. "Doubling down on renewable fuel standards."
Rochester has never been a union bastion, but supporters of the labor movement locally say they've seen success and momentum just in the past year.

"I see growth in labor and that's in reaction to the economic pressure on the working class and the middle class," John Pierce, of the staff of 1st District U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, said at a union rally and picnic Monday, Labor Day, in Rochester's Bear Creek Park. The event was sponsored by SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and CURE , Communities United for Rochester's Empowerment.

Pierce, and others interviewed at the event, said a combination of factors, including stagnant wages , lack of affordable housing , and decisions by major employers, have pushed workers toward union representation.

"We need someone to have our back," said Barb Andrew, a union activist and member of SEIU.

Andrew was involved in contract negotiations with a new food service operator after Mayo Clinic outsourced its food service operations last year.

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"I got to see what a small group of people can do together," Andrew said.

Then, just last week, SEIU was successful in unionizing employees of Mayo Clinic's Charter House retirement community.

"We (food service workers) got a good contract, and because of that, the Charter House people saw what we did," Andrew said.

Add to that, the formation earlier this summer of CURE, an affiliate of SEIU, and it's easy to see why there was a feeling of optimism at Monday's picnic.

That, despite the stories told by several speakers of workers unable to find affordable housing in Rochester, and struggling to make ends meet with stagnant wages, despite holding full-time jobs.

"What we see here is what we see all over the U.S.  people are barely hanging on," said Kamau Wilkins, of Rochester for Justice .

Dave Beal, of City for Good , told the crowd at the rally that his organization wants to make sure the community at large shares in Rochester's prosperity. "Our overwhelming concern is that whatever growth and development takes place in the city is good for everybody," he said.

Affordable housing is the key, Beal said. "Housing is an economic issue, it's a health issue and it's a human issue," he said.

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With that in mind, CURE has focused on affordable housing as a paramount issue, and wants the city to adopt a requirement that 20 percent of all new housing built in Rochester be classified as affordable.

"The cost of housing is skyrocketing," Andrew said.

"I want to know my co-workers are able to live in Rochester," she said. "I hope we can work with the city of Rochester and achieve our goal of 20 percent affordable housing."

That could be a tough sell with the city council apparently divided on the issue. At this point, it appears council member Mark Bilderback, who attended the picnic Monday, will be the deciding vote when the question comes before the Council.

"He's a good guy," Andrew said. "He'll make the right decision."
KELLOGG  "They deserve something better from their government," said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

The senator visited several sites along the Mississippi River Friday, looking to learn more about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' draft dredge material management plan by visiting with the people in Wabasha County who would be impacted directly if the draft plan were to stand as is.

"We have been advocating in Washington to get more time to figure out a better solution that works for everyone," she said, standing on the farm of Willard and Nora Drysdale.

Willard and his daughter, Chelsey Drysdale, showed off their farm to the senator and answered her questions about the progress they've seen in finding an alternate solution to the original draft plan that would, among other things, take 298 acres from the Drysdales' farm as a permanent storage site for dredge material.

Klobuchar said one of her goals for the day was to talk with the Drysdales and other impacted landowners including Bill Fitzgerald, whose farm in Wabasha would be used as a site for temporary storage and inland transfer; Jason Weisenbeck, a Wisconsin farmer who would lose 78 acres to the plan; and homeowners along River Drive South, the road adjacent to the Fitzgerald farm.

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Seeing the farms and understanding how the plan would impact these landowners' lives is an important part of developing alternatives, Klobuchar said. "We're looking at ways this dredge material can be used for other productive uses," she said.

Some of those options could include cattle bedding or construction. She said she is working on a pilot program that would find other beneficial uses for dredge material both regionally and around the country. That program could become a long-term solution.

In the meantime, she said, she has met with leadership at the Corps in Washington to look over maps and identify sites for permanent storage in and around Wabasha County. Many of those solutions include gravel pits that could become storage sites.

Wabasha County Administrator Michael Plante told the senator his office has identified roughly 500 acres of potential storage sites. While some of those sites have wetland issues, the majority of the land could easily be used, and would suffice for 20-30 years of material storage.

The draft plan is a 40-year plan.

"I think our best salvation to all of this will be empty gravel pits," Willard Drysdale said. A pit in Lake City could accommodate 1.2 million cubic yards of material, or about 4.5 years of storage. A landowner on the Wisconsin side of the river has offered to take up to 1.4 million cubic yards of material, or about one-tenth of the 40-year total or 10.7 million cubic yards.

Drysdale said a mine owner in Winona has a pit that measures 160 acres by 30 feet deep, enough space for 30 years of dredge material.

For Klobuchar, the key problem with the Corps plan is it did not consider the human impact. That was evident in the way the Corps announced the plan, delivering the news via a letter and a 153-page binder of information. "They get a notice from the Army Corps that their way of life can be called to an end," she said. "It's outrageous."

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In the end, the senator said, the Corps needs to be "a little creative here. We need a little imagination."
A national group is working to recruit scientists to run in southern Minnesota for the open 1st Congressional District seat.

314 Action is a Washington, D.C.-based organization committed to supporting Democratic candidates with a background in science, technology, engineering and math. Josh Morrow, the group's executive director, said the organization is working hard to find nontraditional candidates with a science background who will run for the open 1st District seat.

"It's a seat that has the Mayo Clinic, it's a seat that has IBM and it has the university. So far us, it's a perfect breeding ground to try and find a candidate with a STEM background," Morrow said.

First District DFL Rep. Tim Walz announced last spring he would not seek re-election to the seat, instead running for governor in 2018. The battle over the open seat is expected to attract plenty of spending by outside groups because of its potential to help determine control of the U.S. House.

314 Action was founded in June 2016 by chemist Shaughnessy Naughton. She ran for Congress in Pennsylvania in 2014 and 2016, but ended up losing both times in the Democratic primary. While her congressional bids didn't get far, she had managed to build a network of scientists who backed her campaign. She founded 314 Action with the goal of using that network to help support getting scientists elected at the state and federal levels nationwide.

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On its website, 314 Action describes its mission as "electing more STEM candidates to office, advocating for evidence-based policy solutions to issues like climate change, and fighting the Trump administration's attacks on science."

Morrow said there is a need for more scientists in Congress who will support a fact-based approach to governing. In addition, "I just think that scientists bring a different perspective. They are used to working in collaboration. They work in labs with many scientists to solve problems, and I think we really need something like that in Washington and a lot of state houses and senates."

Morrow said the organization has already talked with some potential candidates. It is planning to ramp up its efforts this month. In addition, it is working to form a 314 Action chapter at Minnesota State University in Mankato. There are already seven Democratic candidates running for the seat. They are Rochester web developer Johnny Akzam, U.S. Army veteran Dan Feehan, former state Sen. Vicki Jensen, business owner Colin Minehart, Rochester activist Regina Mustafa, Mankato attorney Joe Sullivan and Rochester attorney Rich Wright. So far there is one Republican in the race  Jim Hagedorn of Blue Earth. He narrowly lost to Walz last year.

Construction projects get close up

The House Capital Investment Committee will be touring Southeast Minnesota today and Wednesday, checking out construction projects vying for state dollars. The committee will be visiting Frontenac, Lake City, Wabasha and Rochester today. On Wednesday, the committee heads to Chatfield, Lanesboro, Harmony and Austin.

Lawmakers will hear plenty of project pitches, including requests for $10 million to renovate Olmsted County's Graham Park, $10 million to upgrade Wabasha's waterfront and $18 million for an Oronoco wastewater treatment facility. The Senate Capital Investment Committee is expected to do its own tour later this fall.
Im still digesting the weekends endurance contest better known as the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association. Its one of those chores I take on so that you dont have to. A lot of the panels are of course silly, like Sren Kierkegaard and Political Thought. Description:

Altogether, in broad strokes, Kierkegaards thought saturated the air of the most important moments in twentieth century political thoughtinterwar Germany, post-WWII France, and the 1960s Anglophone worldso that his influence pervades the 20th century canon. And yet, he is wholly absent within the discipline of political theory. While Kierkegaard has historically been a significant figure in the history of political thought, with an influence no less than Nietzsches, contemporary political theory has left him unstudied.

Count me unpersuaded on the importance of existential slobberings of the great Dane.

Many of the panels were devoted to the general topic that might have gone under the heading, What the hell happened? Lots and lots of panels about how Trump won and why, and why political scientists missed it. There were a few signs of admirable humility. Paul Pierson, one of the smarter liberals at U.C. Berkeley, admitted, No Americanist political scientist should be in the business of prognostication at this point.

I looked but didnt see any panels on the equally germane question: why was Hillarys campaign so bad? More particularly, how did she spend over $1 billion? We know her campaign had fewer field offices than Obamas 2012 campaign, so just where did all that money go?

I did hear some supposedly well-placed rumors that Hillarys forthcoming book, What Happened?, is going to blow up the Democratic Party because shes going to blame Bernie, the DNC, and lots of other people for her loss. Already a few passages are leaking out (along with a number of phony ones that are sure to be metaphysically accurate). Pass the popcorn.

But there were many more panels devoted simply to the ideological partisan imperative of deploring Trump and Republicans generally. Like Disavowing Violence: Imperial Entitlements, From Burke to Trump (Fuck That Guy) and White Genocide is Gonna Get Your Mama! And if these panels belie the premise of detachment you expect from scientists of any discipline, there were many more panels that were openly about activism and resistance, such as Activist, Teacher, Scholar: Transformative Practice in the Era of Trump.

One of my favorites was a panel that inadvertently reveals the deep confusion the left has imposed on itself with its identity fixation: Lets Talk about Sex (and Gender and Sexuality): Teaching Identities. Drink in this description slowly (though if you need to add tonic thats okay):

Despite their best intentions, many political scientists are uncertain about how to address sex, gender and sexuality in the classroom. This presents two challenges that will be addressed in this roundtable discussion. First, it is incumbent upon faculty to make gender a legible identity in the classroom, and to create an atmosphere that is inclusive of students who are genderfluid, transgender, or gender nonconforming. As such, the roundtable discussion will review and engage proper terms and evolving concepts of gender and sexuality as well as introduce strategies for recognizing individual identities (e.g. asking ones preferred pronouns) in the classroom. Second, while courses on gender and politics have long been staples of many political science programs and courses on LGBTQ politics have proliferated in recent years, teaching gender as distinct from sex and sexual orientation and doing so in a way that that acknowledges the complexity of gender identity  including its social and legal construction, fluidity and intersectional components  requires a meaningful and substantive commitment by faculty. To that end, the roundtable participants will discuss how to incorporate the politics of gender into existing syllabi and texts and creating new courses and syllabi as well as strategies for teaching gender and sexuality in the current political environment.

Translation: This is the latest on how to keep up with all the new and changing terms, and woe unto anyone who doesnt get it right!

I decided to attend the panel on Race, Gender, Sexuality, & the Politics of Legitimacy: 8 Months in Trumplandia, in part because I wondered what had happened to class, which used to be central in the holy trinity of identity politics. Apparently class is being slowly phased out because it may refer to white working class voters who vote the wrong way. One panelist said that the most egregious outcome of the 2016 election was the privileging of the narrative of white males in the upper midwest states. I gather that whiteness is now so blindingly bright that leftist thinkers cant take account of the fact that white working class voters in the Midwest are the key swing vote in national elections, and that as such any practical political party might want to think about how to appeal to them. But who needs to be analytical when you have pure justice on your side.

It was a very revealing window onto the confusions and contradictions of the left in the Age of Trump. The panel couldnt decide whether identity politics was a real thingone panelist suggested that the phrase itself was like political correctness, a term of the right at attack the leftor whether to double down on the idea. Another panelist said that Tim Kaine was part of Hillarys problem, that because Democrats rely on a large vote from minority voters Hillary shouldnt have picked Kaine. More: The Democratic ticket in 2020 cannot be two white men! Okay, good to know.

One of my favorite questions during the all-too-brief time left for questions was the person who noted that the idea of democratic norms was part of the oppressive structure of our system, but suddenly were appealing to democratic norms as a mechanism to constrain Trump. Whats a confused leftist to do in this circumstance? The panel ignored this question entirely.

One other thing: they really hate Mark Lilla, for his heresy of dissing identity politics. I mentioned here a couple weeks ago that I was looking forward to watching the left have a cow over Lillas book, and I was not disappointed. Lillas name came up several times unbidden by anyone, and he was described in terms that youd think would be reserved only for Steve Bannon. Which makes me wonder if these folks arent secretly on the payroll of the Trump 2020 campaign.
This past Thursday the SEIU, the NEA, the NAACP and other left-wing interest groups promulgated a joint letter opposing the nomination of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras by President Trump to fill a seat on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. I read the joint letter as an echo of Frankens comments on the nomination as well as a cue to Franken to oppose Stras. Today Senator Franken duly announced he would withhold his blue slip with the intent of blocking the Senates consideration of Justice Stras. Following his announcement, Senator Amy Klobuchar  who had maintained radio silence  announced that Stras was okay with her; at least he deserves a hearing. Keeping up the appearance of bipartisanship, Klobuchar slithers like a snake.

The Star Tribune has carried essentially no news on the Stras nomination since the day he was named by President Trump. Yet the machinations by Franken and Klobuchar in connection with the nomination have been varied and many. We have done our best to keep up with them on Power Line despite Senator Klobuchars persistent refusal to respond to our requests for comment. Shes been busy slithering.

The Star Tribune covers developments today in a story by Jennifer Brooks here. Brooks goes so far as to observe that President Trump may move on to appoint a lawyer who comes from a state other than one represented by Minnesotas Klowns. As for the blue slips, the ball is in Senator Grassleys court.

Developing.
I cant think of anything smart (in a straightforward sense) President Obama ever said, but he had a certain gift for promulgating bad policies that are difficult to undo. Obamacare is first and foremost among them, but Obamas catastrophic foreign policy also presents a powerful case in point. That bit about undermining American allies while building up Americas enemies  that wasnt just bad, it was evil. But the arrangement with Iran  front-loading benefits that could not be taken back and undoing sanctions that could not be restored  pure genius. We will be living with the results for a long time to come. Living if were lucky.

Undoing DACA, on the other hand, shouldnt be difficult. Obama promulgated that piece of work by executive decree after advising us repeatedly that it was beyond his constitutional powers, as it was. Maybe advising us repeatedly that it beyond his constitutional powers should qualify as one smart thing he said, but it didnt require great insight, especially when saying it comported with what he felt were the political imperatives of the moment.

Undoing it should be easy. President Trump could restore the status quo ante with the stroke of a pen, or he could let the courts do it. He doesnt have the appetite for it. Andrew McCarthy has more here.

Note: If it was unconstitutional to issue work permits during the Obama era, it is unconstitutional to renew them during the Trump era. Query: If Congress doesnt act to as contemplated in the next six months, do you suppose that President Trump will do then what he didnt do today? My answer: I dont, but perhaps we shall see.

It is not clear whether President Trump killed DACA today as to current beneficiaries, i.e., whether he will continue renewals past the deadline in the case Congress fails to resolve the issue. Politico has posted the text of Attorney General Sessionss statement on DACA this morning posted here. As Rich Lowry points out (without the pun), its a long, long way to temporary.

The rule of law is so passe. The progressive war on the Constitution continues with ever greater success and ever greater prospects for success.

The worst is yet to come. Bernie Sanders gave us a preview of coming attractions in the course of his campaign. He isnt even a Democrat, he just played one so long as he had a chance of capturing the partys presidential nomination. Yet even a fool could see that he represented the throbbing heart of the Democratic Party. Revealed: the throbbing heart of the Democratic Party is socialist.

Ed Rogers peers into the future and sees this:

The race to be the Democratic nominee for president in 2020 will be a race to the left. The Bernie Sanders agenda has taken root. By the time the Democrats nominating process was complete in 2016, Hillary Clinton had become Bernie Sanders-lite. I see the next Democratic nominee as likely to be Sanders on steroids. Economic polices will consist of government giveaways and anti-business crusades. Social causes will give no quarter to moderate positions, and LGBT special interests, labor unions, global warming fanatics and factions such as Black Lives Matter, along with other grievance industry groups, will face no moderating counterforce.

This seems to me to understate matters considerably, but it is a useful exercise. As for Antifa, Rogers sagely observes: The pandering to come will be nauseating, but nonetheless compelling to watch.
Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga, said on Tuesday his coalition would not participate in the rerun of a presidential election proposed for October 17 unless it is given legal and constitutional guarantees.

Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta responded by saying there was nowhere in law that required the electoral body to consult Mr. Odinga.

Mr. Odingas conditions for participating in the repeat presidential election include the removal of six officials at the election board.

He called for criminal investigations to be opened against them.

You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results, he said.

A number of the officials of the commission should be sent home, some of them should be investigated for the heinous crimes they committed.

Kenyas Supreme Court ordered on Friday that the Aug. 8 vote be re-run within 60 days, saying Kenyattas victory by 1.4 million votes was undermined by irregularities in the process.

Mr. Kenyatta was not accused of any wrongdoing.

The ruling, the first time in Africa that a court had overturned the re-election of a sitting president, was hailed by Odinga supporters as historic.

Analysts have said it is likely to lead to some short-term volatility in East Africas biggest economy, but could build confidence in institutions in the longer-term.

On Monday, the election board said it would hold new elections on Oct. 17, but Odinga said he wanted elections held on Oct. 24 or 31 instead.

There will be no elections on Oct. 17 until the conditions that we have spelt out in the statement are met, he said.

Mr. Kenyatta rebuffed Mr. Odingas demands to the commission on the setting of the election date.

There is no legal requirement that Odinga be consulted. I was neither consulted. Kenya doesnt belong to one man, he said in a statement sent by his office.

Mr. Odinga has lost the last three presidential elections. Each time, he said the vote was rigged against him.

The opposition also plans to lodge 62 court cases contesting governorship, lawmaker, and local seats, spokeswoman Kathleen Openda said.

At least 33 court cases were filed contesting election results before the presidential election was annulled, said Andrew Limo, spokesman for the election board.

Others had been filed since but he did not have the updated figure.

Mr. Limo said the numbers had not yet reached the same level as during the 2013 elections, when the board received challenges to 189 results. (Reuters/NAN)

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Despite the directive from the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to its members to embark on a total strike, skeletal operations by some doctors were still observed at various health institutions across the country.

PREMIUM TIMES reporters visited some health institutions across the country and noticed minimal activities going on in some of them as patients were seen in the wards with some resident doctors attending to them.

The resident doctors across the country began an indefinite strike to compel the government to honour past agreements hinging on staff welfare, payment of arrears since 2013 and deteriorating health facilities across government hospitals.

Resident doctors are post-graduate doctors on training at secondary and tertiary health institutions in Nigeria especially teaching hospitals and are also under the employment of the federal government during their residency.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited UCH, Ibadan, it was observed that skeletal work was being done by some of the resident doctors as patients were still being admitted with some medical staff going about their clinical duties.

The hospital environment was however calm and quiet, a contrast to how it usually is on a daily basis.

A nurse at the imaging unit who pleaded anonymity said some of the resident doctors have been attending to patients as they have no choice because their consultants have mandated them to come to the hospital.

They cannot join their colleagues in the strike, most of them are been called back by their consultants and they cannot refuse them, she said.

At the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, on Tuesday, PREMIUM TIMES observed that activities at the hospital have been crippled by the strike.

The reporter noticed that the ever busy General Out-Patient Department, GOPD was empty due to the industrial action. However, the medical ward and accident and emergency units were offering minimal services.

A 70-year-old patient, Munkaila Shuaibu, said he was discharged on Tuesday after being admitted a few days ago.

I was admitted on Sallah day. After spending a night at the emergency department, I was transferred to the male medical ward where I spent four days. The doctor said my health condition is stable. That is why he is discharging me, he said.

Another patient on admission at the male medical ward, Muhammad Ahmad said he is still receiving treatment despite the strike.

Doctors have come this morning for routine ward round. They have checked those on admission. Nobody told me I will be discharged, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES also visited the National Hospital and Wuse General Hospital, both in Abuja, where it found some of the resident doctors still working.

Though their activities were skeletal, some of the residents available were seen attending to patients.

Some of the resident doctors on duty who pleaded anonymity said though the strike is on, they are only treating people out of sympathy.

As you can see, this a large hospital and there are so many patients to attend to. We cant just leave them stranded. All we are asking is for the federal government to meet our demands. Once this done, all activities go back to normal.

We are however working undercover now because NARD must not know that some of us are still working. We are not working under the managements order, it is a self-decision. We are just doing some skeletal work in here, a resident doctor said.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole had earlier directed the heads of federal government hospitals to ensure that all other doctors in various strata are deployed to fill the vacuum.

This was to ensure that the patients get medical attention and are not turned back as resident doctors are known to attend to the bulk of the patients in government hospitals.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, Aminu Inuwa said the management of the hospital has directed all heads of departments to deploy consultants to fill the vacuum left by resident doctors.

The few doctors available will attend to those with complicated cases. Those with stable health conditions will be discharged or referred to another hospital., he added.

Mr Inuwa said that the consultants will continue managing the situation, but if the strike goes beyond a week, the patients will be referred to other private hospitals.

Speaking on the strike in Ibadan on Tuesday, NARD chairman, UCH, Ibadan chapter, Segun Olaopa, said the resident doctors will not be going back to work until the government honours its part of the MoU it had with the association in 2013.

Mr Olaopa said the main concern of the resident doctors was the payment of their salaries and arrears and stoppage of further deductions from their salaries.

It is very legal for us to go on strike as they cannot be paying us half our salaries since 2014 and expect us not to demand it. The country is currently undergoing harsh economic crisis and it is affecting us too psychologically. How do you expect a psychological imbalanced doctor to treat patients especially in an unconducive environment?

We have stipulated what we want the government to do for us. Everything is not monetary, so we see no reason why they cant honour it. They should stop playing jokes and resorting to using the patients and public to blackmail us, he said.

Mr. Olaopa said the association is willing to meet with the government to discuss a way forward out of the quagmire.

A meeting between the NARD executives and the health and labour ministries has been fixed for Wednesday.

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The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, has said that the command is determined to apprehend the murderers of a reverend father, Cyriacus Onunkwo.

Mr. Ezike told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday that the police had begun their investigations which would eventually unmask the culprits.

Some suspected kidnappers abducted the priest at a popular Banana junction in Orlu Local Government Area of the state on Friday

Mr. Onunkwo was a priest in one of the Catholic dioceses in the state before he was murdered by yet-to-be-identified murderers last week.

The police during their search later discovered his corpse in Orsu Local Government Area where it was abandoned.

The commissioner of police described the incident as inhuman and aberration to human existence.

How can anybody think of kidnapping or murdering a priest who is ordained to serve God?

I am very optimistic that we will soon apprehend the culprits and bring them to book; this is my assurance to the Imo State Government, the family of the victim and the general public, he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Rochas Okorocha on Tuesday described the murder of Mr. Onunkwo as senseless and wickedness.

The governors reaction is contained in a statement issued to journalists by Sam Onwuemeodo, the governors Chief Press Secretary, CPS.

The governor said that the kidnappers would have to pay for their evil act.

The governor also directed the Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, to leave no stone unturned in tracking those behind the abduction and killing of the priest.

(NAN)

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The Nigeria Farmers Group and Cooperative Society, on Tuesday urged the federal government to set a time line to ban the importation of maize into the country.

The groups National Coordinator, Redson Tedheke, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that the suspension of the import would protect local farmers and encourage massive production of the commodity.

According to him, unchecked importation of maize remains a major threat to local production and President Muhammadu Buharis agricultural revolution drive.

He said local farmers must be protected to invest more, so that Nigeria would become self-sufficient in maize production.

The federal government must set an immediate time scale to ensure that maize is not imported within months, like was done with rice.

You cannot tell people to go to farm and then allow massive importation of the same thing they are conveniently producing.

We feel that is insincerity of purpose, and we are telling government that if you allow continuous importation of maize, you are actually working against those you urge to go to the farm.

The Nigeria farmers group, have 2,000 hectares of maize farm across the nation, and it is still cultivating more, he said.

Mr. Tedheke noted that some Agro-business firms operating in Nigeria were importing large quantities of maize at relatively low landing cost.

He also said that that although maize was not currently on Nigerias import prohibition list, there was need to check excessive importation to protect local producers in their quest to grow the economy from within.

If the Federal Government does not act fast, the localisation of maize production will be lost to importers who may kill local producers, jobs and the economy.

The current price of locally produced maize is between N130, 000 and N250, 000 per tonne.

Mr. Tedheke claimed that a company had shipped in huge vessels of maize from abroad to be sold at about N40,000 per tonne.

If this trend is allowed to continue, it will spell doom for farmers who have battled lack of funding, support and the war with Army worms in maize farming.

He noted that the cost of imported maize was relatively low because the government of those countries from where they were imported provided necessary support to their farmers.

The coordinator said if the group is properly supported, it has the capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes of maize quarterly.

The India government, for example, subsidised agriculture by providing tractors, seedlings, funding and other relevant support and that largely reduced the cost of production for its farmers.

If the Nigerian government does not want the price of locally produced maize to go beyond a certain level, let it subsidise its production in the best interest of our economy.

NAN reports that the group is a rural community based farming initiative with farms spread across Nigeria and its mission is `farm to feed Nigeria and create job in the process.

(NAN)

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Two Red Cross staff kidnapped on February 8 in Afghanistan have been released, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, said on Tuesday.

The two were abducted on February 8 while delivering assistance in Jawzjan province, in the north of the country, on the border with Turkmenistan.

Six of their colleagues were killed in the attack, which prompted the ICRC to suspend operations in Afghanistan for a time.

We are relieved and grateful that our colleagues are now back with us unharmed, the ICRC, Head of delegation in Afghanistan, Monica Zanarelli, said in a statement.

At the time of the attack, officials in the area blamed Islamic State gunmen, but the ICRC said it would not comment on the identity of the abductors, their motives or details of the release.

Kidnapping has been a major problem in Afghanistan for many years.

Most victims are Afghans abducted for ransom but foreigners or Afghans working for foreign organisations have also been targeted.

(Reuters/NAN)

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President Andrzej Duda said on Tuesday that membership of the European Union mattered very much to the vast majority of Polish people, and had various benefits.

The president was speaking at the opening panel of the 27th Economic Forum in Krynica, southern Poland.

"We, the Polish people, are the citizens of a state which worked for years to become a member of the EU. The work and effort we put in were eventually crowned with success", President Andrzej Duda said.

"And today, we are a European Union member. And let me emphasise strongly, for us, for a very decisive majority of the Polish people, it is a great value", he added.

"I believe we are all seeing the various benefits which come from us being a member of the EU", the president underlined.

He conceded the Union was beset with problems.

"We have a crisis in the form of Brexit, a crisis in the form of a wave of refugees, we have the financial crisis still reverberating and these are facts which basically no one within the EU is disputing", President Andrzej Duda said.

He added that all of this continually begged the question: "How to take such action as to overcome these crises and prevent future ones?".

"Well, I will put it this way: in my view, crises are an unavoidable phenomenon", the president said.

"For one reason or another, they will always come up and are difficult to predict. They usually appear suddenly, taking us by surprise", the president noted.

"We have been and we are a country that supports the European ambitions of states which are not yet members of the EU but are striving to join the bloc in the future", Andrzej Duda added.
How crowded is too crowded at a school? And how accurately can experts predict enrollment trends?

For Dearborn Public Schools, those answers could mean millions of dollars as the district considers how to handle overcrowding at its high schools.

The district knows that Dearborn High is too crowded at 2,087 students. Several teachers do not have their own classroom and have to move around during the day to find available space.

But schools can face other problems with too many students for their structure.

For example, Fordson High has classrooms, thanks to additions over the years, but in some places its narrow original hallways are jammed and difficult to pass through during class changes. FHS is the third largest high school in the state and moving toward the second largest.

Administrators also talk about cafeterias and gyms that cannot handle all the students and even a shortage of bathrooms for the number of people in the building.

The school board is considering ways to address high school overcrowding including changing attendance areas to shift more students to Edsel Ford High School and possible additions at Dearborn High and Edsel Ford.

Even adding a few classrooms can cost millions of dollars, and moving boundary lines can cause a firestorm from residents.

By the Dearborn Schools own estimates, high school enrollment should peak next school year, even if the district overall is expected to keep growing as it has every year for more than two decades.

Under district projections, Dearborn High would be at 2,126 students next school year, Edsel Ford at 1,611 and Fordson at a flat 3,000.

In 2015, the district updated what it considered capacity at each of the schools. At Dearborn High, the uncomfortable maximum was listed as 1,685, at Edsel 1,815 and Fordson 2,520. So both Dearborn High and Fordson are considered over their capacity. Dearborn High got an addition with three more classrooms this summer. But class space was only part of what set the limits in the 2015 report with factors like gyms, cafeteria and even hallway capacity playing a roll in determining how many students a school could hold.

Board President Mary Lane said during a recent meeting that the district has been trying to make the most of the space it has for years.

We are trying to make our facilities match our students as best we can over time, Lane said, adding later. Weve squeezed every inch of use we can out of every inch of space we have in our buildings.

Facing some expensive decisions, Dearborn Schools asked outside experts to make enrollment projections, which ranged from similar to dramatically lower

estimates than the district developed.

In addition, the number of students actually in the school buildings at any one time can be considerably lower thanks to off campus programs.

Plante Moran projections for this year showed each high school with at least 100 fewer students than the district expects. Those figures also said high school enrollment would not peak until 2025 with a total of 7,625 students. The district had 6,468 high school pupils last year.

The companys overall enrollment projections were very similar to the districts estimates. Both were within 100 students of each other for the next five years. Dearborn Schools had more than 20,000 students last year.

Paul Wills from Plante Moran said in addition to the districts past enrollment figures and trends, the company also applied a variety of statistical information it uses to help businesses as they look at where to locate.

The company has 99 percent accuracy in projecting school enrollment over the last few years, he said.

Among the factors in determining overall district enrollment is what percentage of live births in Wayne County end up being Dearborn School kindergarten students five years later.

Dearborn has grown from about 9.7 percent of births in 2005 becoming students to 11 percent of the 2011 babies, Wills said. However, during that same time, the countys birth rate fell.

Plante Moran cannot predict overall enrollment beyond five years.

Unfortunately, those children have not been born yet, Wills noted.

Plante Moran also uses information like immigration, business development and housing stock in its enrollment estimates.

You are pretty well occupied in terms of residential stock at this time, Wills noted.

Middle Cities also made projections for the district, but those estimates varied more widely.

Of the three methods two predicted declining high school enrollment and one projected enrollment to climb to a high of 6,773 in 2021, a 9 percent increase from last year. The growth projection used a five-year statistical average, the method preferred by the Michigan Department of Treasury and the one that most closely represents what Dearborn has actually experienced in recent years, David Zuhlke, with Middle Cities, recently told the school board.

Middle Cities projections were based mostly on the birth rate to enrollment ratio and how many students returned to the district in each grade from year to year, he said.

Obviously this is not an exact science, but it is a pretty good science, Zuhlke said.

Katie Hetrick covers Dearborn Public Schools. She can be reached at katie_hetrick@hotmail.com.
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Ganesha is the name of the God of wisdom, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Ganesha is worshipped as any other God in Hindu mythology and popularly known as Vighnharta, the Lord of remover of all obstacles. Ganesha is considered to be the Lord of letters and learning. Ganesha teaches us to avoid ego and arrogance. Without wisdom power is ruthless. Ganesha gives the wisdom to deal every problem with calmness and peace. Among all Gods, Ganesha was chosen to be worshipped first. It was his love for his parents that he won the hearts of all Deities.We bring him home with the promise to be like him. In this modern world, children must learn to respect their parents. Ganesha is the true example of this. Aggression kills peace and wisdom, Ganesha controls the evil inside us and motivates us to fulfil any promise with great courage.Ganapati, being the most popular deity in India who is worshipped on many religious and secular occasions by all castes of Hindus, Jains & Buddhists.We celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi every year with enthusiasm and zeal. Its a ten 10 day festival. On the first day Ganpati Bappa has been brought in homes or in well decorated public pandals. Ganpati is welcomed with sweets and other food items. Ganesha idols are preferably made of clay. Families decorate a small, clean portion of the house with flowers and other colourful items before installing the idol. Modaks, Laddus, coconut, jaggery, durva (green grass), red flowers mainly hibiscus are offered to Lord Ganesha. Mostly people keep Ganpati for 11/2,3,5, 7 or 11 days.There are four main rituals during the festival - Pranapratishhtha - the process of infusing the deity into a murti or idol, Shhodashopachara - 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha, Uttarpuja - Puja after which the idol could be shifted after its infusion, Ganpati Visarjan - immersion of the Idol in the river.The festival was celebrated as a public event since the time of Maratha King Shivaji, but publically Ganesha idol was installed first by Bhausaheb Laxman Javale.Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak changed the festival from a private celebration to a grand public event "to bridge the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmins in British Era. The purpose was to show the strength of Hindus to the British.The immersion of statues take place on the 10th day. In a grand procession every year Ganpati idols are being dissolved in sea or river water. It is believed that after this immersion Ganpati returns to Kailash parvat where Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati lives with family. Dissolution of these statues are the most important part of the ceremony.From past few years idols made from plaster of Paris are banned. Due to pollution many people prefer clay statues and dissolve small Ganpati idols in pots filled with holy water. Sea water and rivers are polluted by the chemicals which is being used to make these statues. Sea and water animals get effected easily because these statues dont dissolve in water. It is not good to make plastic statues. Plastic or any other material is harmful and its not being worshipped by ancient Hindus. We must avoid any harmful material to make these statues.The significance of the festival is to start new beginnings in families. Ganesha comes every year and takes away all our obstacles, grief with him and spreads happiness everywhere. It is upto us to worship the symbol of Power and prudenceWith respect and honour. We must not be disrespectful to other religions while celebrating this festival. Indian festivals are famous for integrity and freternity.Today is the day on which Ganesha is going back to his family. Lets all pray together for the peace and prosperity of our country.
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Atlantic County

ART WALK: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9; more than 40 local artist display their works across the Greene; Historic Smithville & Village Green, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville. 609-652-5200.

JACOB LAWRENCE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION: exhibited through September; presented by the Atlantic City Arts Commission; commemorates the 100th birthday of the famed Atlantic City-born artist; features 14 pieces of Lawrences art; Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. ACFPL.org.

NATURAL ART EXHIBIT: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9; experience art inspired by nature; outdoors event with local artists, poetry, yoga, art sessions; hosted by the EHT Environmental Commission; The Arboretum at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Egg Harbor Township, free admission. 609-927-6656 or EHTEnvironment.org.

SUMMER OF LOVE EXHIBIT: exhibited through Sept. 15; exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love with works in multiple mediums; Nashville North Studios, 210 New Road, Suite 8, Linwood Greene, Linwood. NashvilleNorthStudios.com.

PLEIN AIR IN ATLANTIC COUNTY PARKS: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9; sketch and paint outdoors at any of Atlantic Countys parks; works will be displayed Sept. 21 through Oct. 28 at ACCCs Mays Landing Campus art gallery; rain date Sept. 16; meet at the Estell Manor Park Nature Center, 109 Route 50, Estell Manor, $20. ACLINK.org/Parks.

Cape May County

CHANGING SEASONS ART SHOW: exhibited through September; 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 meet the artists reception, light refreshments, free; Ocean City Fine Arts League, 608 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. 609-814-0308 or OceanCityFineArtsLeague.org.

NEW DIRECTIONS EXHIBIT: exhibited through September; 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 9 reception, light refreshments, free; features the works of painter Barbara Murphy-Leary and clay artist Janis Rae Quiggle; Cape May Artists Cooperative Gallery, 122 Sunset Blvd., West Cape May. 609-408-5820 or CapeMayArtistCoop.com.

GLASS ACT BY DANA SHEPPARD: exhibited through September; 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8, reception; fused glass show with works by artist Dana Sheppard; consists of an array of glass pieces ranging from unique wall hangings to display art to functional platters and bowls; Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. 609-399-7628 or OceanCityArtsCenter.org.

ART PARTY CLASSES: two-hour paint lessons, led by teacher Juliana Jost, create your own artistic reproduction; 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays adult classes, $35; 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me classes for kids, $40; 106 S. Decatur St., Cape May. 609-364-5304.

Cumberland County

ARTIST TALK: 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 9; A View from the Pipeline, environmental talk with photos by Hearther Warburton; Riverfront Renaissance Center For The Arts, 22 N. High St., Millville. RRCArts.com.

Ocean County

GETTING DIRTY IN THE CERAMICS STUDIO: 7 to 9 p.m. first Friday of each month, BYOB, instructor Kerith Creo walks participants through a few introductory projects, LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, 120 Long Beach Blvd., Loveladies, $45. 609-494-1241.

View complete listings at AtTheShoreOnline.com

Items for Artsy Attractions should be placed in our calendar at PressOfAC.com/calendar. Items for consideration of a story can be emailed to pdollak@pressofac.com.
To much applause, New Jersey last month became one of only a handful of states to have its Every Student Succeeds Act education plan  the replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act  approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Educators and administrators criticized No Child Left Behind, signed by President George W. Bush in 2002, for giving too much control over local education to the federal government by requiring testing, reporting and proficiency standards. Change came in 2015 with the ESSA, which transferred much of the control over the educational process back to the states but maintained an emphasis on annual testing as a measure of school performance. States were required to submit an ESSA plan to the federal DOE for approval this year.

But while educators across the state have praised the recent approval, some are concerned ESSA is still too heavily focused on standardized testing.

So much time is devoted to the current implementation (of testing) that critical instructional time is lost. I believe that there are many other indicators that can be utilized in measuring a students growth, said Vineland Public Schools Superintendent Mary Gruccio.

The N.J. Department of Education said the states plan is about much more than the standardized test. The ESSA requires districts to establish state standards and goals and assess progress; identify and support schools in need of improvement; measure and report performance; and provide support. The ESSAs new accountability system goes into effect in the 2017-18 school year.

David Saenz, spokesman for the NJDOE, said the states plan was developed with input from hundreds of stakeholders, including the New Jersey Education Association and educators.

New Jerseys plan keeps in place the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, required each year for students in grades 3 through 8 and once in high school. The plan aims for at least 80 percent of all students and each subgroup of students to meet or exceed grade-level expectations on the statewide language and mathematics tests by 2030. The 2016 average was about 50 percent.

Saenz said New Jersey has required annual testing for 45 years and the new federal law requires a standardized test as part of a states ESSA plan. He said PARCC met the federal requirements.

The PARCC assessments are aligned to New Jerseys academic standards and go beyond multiple-choice questions to get an honest reflection of the students understanding of the standards. As such, teachers really cant teach to the test. If students understand the standards, they should do well on the assessments, Saenz said.

He said the test results from the first year of implementation to the third year show improvements in math and language performance.

Over 88,000 more students met or exceeded expectations across all grade levels in (English language arts), and nearly 70,000 more students met or exceeded expectations across all grade levels in math, Saenz said.

Wildwood Superintendent J. Kenyon Kummings said his district had an opportunity to be involved in New Jerseys ESSA planning process and host a community engagement program in the city. He is hopeful the new plan will be positive for students and schools.

Were at a new stage. Im hoping that its not more of the same. I think there were a lot of lessons to be learned from No Child Left Behind, Kummings said.

The NJEA, the states largest teachers union, was also disappointed with the PARCC requirements, according to spokesman Matthew Stagliano. He said the new federal law was an opportunity to use multiple measures to evaluate the success of schools and New Jerseys plan doesnt take advantage of that.

We hope that it changes somewhere along the way here, he said.
Question: Recently I updated my stereo with new speakers, amplifier and preamplifier and it sounds terrific. With every upgrade has come a big increase in sound quality, and though I have spent almost $10,000 it has been worth every penny. The last step is to upgrade my digital gear. What would you recommend for a CD player, network player and something to play the music on my computer? I only have two open audio inputs on my preamp so I would like to limit it to two components if possible.  G.F., Livermore, California

Answer: When I read your question the answer came to my mind immediately, and it only requires one audio input. It is a product that has met widespread critical acclaim and should fall right within your budget, given how much you have spent so far.

The Cambridge Audio CXN Network Player can do it all. Though it is marketed as a network player for playing music from the internet, it can do much more and it does it all with high-end sound and high-end flair.

The CXN can be connected to your network either wirelessly or through Ethernet. It can then play music from Spotify, Internet Radio, Apple AirPlay and other sources. A color screen displays program information, and tuning stations from all over the world is simple and intuitive, using a single knob. Local news in St. Petersburg, Russia? No problem. Easy listening music from Germany? Yours with a twirl and press of the dial.

If your computer is on the network and active you can set it up to play your computer files, too. If you rip your CDs into a lossless format, you can easily access your entire CD collection with no degradation in sound quality.

The CXN also has digital inputs. Connect the digital output of your CD player to the CXN and the CXN will act as a digital converter to get you the sound quality of the latest high-end CD player. That is because every digital signal that comes through the CXN is processed with ultrahigh-grade digital and analog circuitry to produce impeccable sound, no matter the source.

The Cambridge Audio CXN is priced at $999, which may seem expensive at first but actually represents fine value. Ive seen digital converters with similar specs priced the same as the CXN, but without the network audio capability. Ive seen network music players priced twice as high as the CXN, but lacking the digital inputs. To get it all in one beautiful, easy-to-use component for less than $1,000 is why the audio press adores the CXN. See cambridgeaudio.com.

Question: I read your column about playing CDs in a car that lacks a CD player, but has a USB drive. Why not just use a $25 external USB CD/DVD drive and play your tunes through the cars system?  V.B.

Answer: External USB CD drives are meant for computer use and the port is only for data. They also require drivers that are either part of the computers operating system, or are installed as part of the setup process the first time the drive is used. External CD drives also require more power than a cars USB port could provide, and they do not have the built-in buffering found in CD drives designed for use while they are in motion, like a car CD player. I like the way you think in coming up with this idea, it certainly seems like an Alexandrian solution to this Gordian knot of a problem. I wish it were all that simple!
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Ibn Ali Miller, the Atlantic City man caught on video breaking up a fight between two teens, was awarded a Stockton Leadership Award and $1,000 scholarship, Stockton University announced Tuesday.

In March, the three-minute video of Ali stopping a street fight and getting the teens to shake hands went viral and was picked up nationally by Time magazine, The Washington Post and BET. Miller and the two teens were also invited to appear on The Steve Harvey Show during the Harveys Heroes segment.

According to a release from the university, Miller said he wants to help youths in his community. He will be completing a psychology degree at Stockton and is enrolled for the fall 2018 semester, when the schools Atlantic City Campus will open.

Before you can help develop young minds, you have to be able to understand them, Miller said in a statement.

A father of five, Miller will have to balance work, family and his education. He said he looks forward to joining the campus community, which will be close to his home.

Ibn is the type of student that truly represents the best of the Stockton community, said John Iacovelli, dean of enrollment management at Stockton. He cares about others and is willing to step in and assist whenever he can.
The Atlantic County Democratic Committee will meet tonight to select the replacement for state Sen. Jim Whelan, who died last month.

Democratic state Senate candidate Colin Bell is among the favorites to fulfill the final four months of Whelans term. Bell is running against Republican Assemblyman Chris Brown for the seat in November.

Colin Bell had Sen. Whelans complete faith and trust that he would serve the legacy Whelan had created, and I am confident that Whelans trust in Colin to fill his vacancy if appointed in September would be just as strong, said Michael Suleiman, chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Teamsters Local 331 Hall, 1 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. The committee has 35 days to name Whelans replacement.

Keith Davis, chairman of the Atlantic County Republican Committee, questions Bells possible appointment.

Everyone knows the Democrats are choosing Colin Bell  who has already been rejected by voters twice  to give Bell an unearned title for the upcoming election and so Bell can collect a paycheck at the taxpayers expense to do absolutely nothing for the next two months, Davis said.

Whelan, 68, died Aug. 22 at his Chelsea Heights section home. The former lifeguard and Atlantic City School District teacher, served as the resorts mayor from 1990 to 2001. He was elected to the state Assembly in 2005, then won a state Senate seat in 2007, winning re-election twice.

Davis questioned the Democrats timing of the appointment.

Im very surprised Democrats would select a replacement for the late Jim Whelan before his memorial service is even held, Davis said.

A public memorial for Whelan is scheduled for Sept. 14 at Boardwalk Hall.

Suleiman responded, saying state law requires the party to give notice of the meeting within seven days of the vacancy.

The unexpected passing of Senator Jim Whelan was heartbreaking for everyone in Atlantic County, and it is infuriating to see someone attempt to exploit the tragedy for a low-level, partisan hit, Suleiman said.
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.
MARGATE  The Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties and other religious organizations will host a community interfaith call for unity Sunday.

One Voice, One People, One Community will be held at 3 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue, 50 N. Jerome Ave.

The interfaith community had a similar event about seven years ago at Beth El Synagogue, said Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, who is president of the group Bridge of Faith.

The purpose of it was to show the people of faith in response to 9/11 and the commonalities of our concern and the commonalities of our unity as a community, Shabazz said. It was very successful.

Bridge of Faith, a group of Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders, meets periodically to share concerns and talk about uniting people of faith, Shabazz said. One of its most recent concerns was again reflecting on 9/11 and bringing communities of faith and the general community together.

We came up with One Voice, One People, One Community because I think everybody agrees that we desperately need a sense of unity in our country, Shabazz said.

The event also will work to bring people together to raise funds for Houston Mayor Sylvester Turners Hurricane Harvey relief fund, said Rabbi Aaron Krauss, of Beth El Synagogue.

We will announce it as a memorial to the 9/11 victims we didnt forget. And also an opportunity to show support for more recent victims, Krauss said.

The event was going to serve refreshments, but that money will now go to the Harvey relief fund, Krauss said.

The event is free to the public. Leaders from all faiths and local community leaders, including the mayors of Atlantic City, Longport, Margate and Ventnor, are scheduled to speak.

Different musical groups, representing each religion, are scheduled to perform.
OCEAN CITY  People with numbers pinned to their tank tops and T-shirts lined up where the waves met the shore at 23rd Street on Monday morning. At the sound of the blowhorn, the crowd darted off in a Labor Day tradition.

About 250 people participated in the 27th Ocean City 5-mile run and 1-mile run/walk on the beach. The breezy, cool weather made it a perfect morning for runners and their families and friends, many of whom were spending one last weekend at the shore this summer.

Its bittersweet, said race organizer Lisa Rumer, a professional triathlon trainer. People came to the race year after year because they really like it, but they know their time in Ocean City is coming to an end.

The 5-mile runners started at 23rd Street, refueled at a water station at 34th and turned around at 46th Street to complete the course where they started.

Sherrif Stenhouse, 70, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was easy to pick out, as he was the one running with an American flag that waved above everyones heads. A lifelong runner, Stenhouse said he started carrying the flag in races after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

I carried it in a 7-mile race in Avalon yesterday, too, said Stenhouse, who owns a home in Brigantine. It was really a beautiful day for this one.

Siblings Teresa Dunbar and Tim Mitkus, both of Marlton, Burlington County, finished the 5-mile run while Mitkus wife and children cheered them on. The two and their families were staying at their parents home in Ocean City for the weekend.

Dunbar, whose son already left for the start of classes at Bentley University outside Boston, said she will miss regularly coming to the beach and participating in community events such as the races.

Mitkus said the family tries to visit in the offseason as much as possible, even with the start of fall activities and school for his two sons.

A small portion of the crowd started Labor Day morning with the 1-mile run or walk. Adults and children went about half a mile north on the beach before turning around and heading to the finish line.

Audrey Schroeder, 10, of Ocean City, was the fourth finisher in the 1-mile race and the first girl to finish. Wearing a black tank that read, This little Beauty runs like a Beast, the soon-to-be fourth-grader grabbed some water and cooled down beside her mother, Colleen.

Schroeder, who has competed in local races as well as ones out of state, including at Disney World, said Sundays course wasnt too bad, even if she was running in sand, because she had the wind giving her a boost for half the distance. It was harder on the return run, but that didnt deter her.

This is the first year for us racing here, Colleen Schroeder said. But she really likes to do it. After watching her run so many races, I decided to start doing some a couple years ago. I figured, if she can do it, so can I.
A disappointing decision at my alma mater. Stockton courageously signed the Declaration of Indepen-dence, and suffered mightily by doing so.

David Adams

via Facebook

Stockton University removes bust of slave owner Richard Stockton

Shouldnt a discussion have come before you removed the bust?

Michael Jargowsky

Stockton president calls statue controversy opportunity for discussion

Finally, someone with a vision for this beautiful area. I hope they dont drop the ball again.

Jen Cibotti

via Facebook

Proposed plans for Gardners Basin

could include adjacent Kushner property

The Camden County Police Department will become a tremendous burden on the countys taxpayers when the state stops funding.

Richard Lizzano

Camden policing model is wrong

for Atlantic City, says Pat Colligan

Until you redevelop Atlantic City like Las Vegas, nothing will work there.

Thomas Worstall

via Facebook

Atlantic City receives four proposals

for development of Bader Field

This man saw Atlantic City for more than a casino-ornamented skyline. He saw the beauty and culture in it as well.

Lisa Richichi

via Facebook

Whelan left his mark on the citys skyline

Started really strong, but kind of devolved into a mess.

Brian C. Biscieglia

via Facebook

Secret Empire falls in this weeks comics

Lost two in less than three weeks this summer.

Dawn Diamond

via Facebook

Reader photos sought for International Overdose Awareness Day

We bleed green but the honest truth is the birds have broken our hearts more often than not.

Scott Lang

via Facebook

Atlantic County man asks Philadelphia Eagles pallbearers to let him down one last time

Hope it grows to a major campus one day.

Terrence J. Linder

via Facebook

Is $220 million A.C. Stockton Gateway project ready for fall 2018 opening?
ALBANY, New York, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Key players playing a major role in the global arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) market include Eaton Corporation, General Electric, Siemens Industry, Inc., Legrand SA, Schneider Electric SE, and Leviton Manufacturing Co. Several companies in the arc fault circuit interrupter market are focusing on research and development in order to innovate safer types of arc fault circuit interrupters, while combining AFCI and GFCI in an integrated unit has also become a popular trend. The initiation of mandatory regulations regarding the use of arc fault circuit interrupters is likely to remain a determinant trend for players in the global AFCI market in the coming years.

According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) market stood at US$3,769.3 mn in 2017. The study projects the global arc fault circuit interrupter market to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% during the period from 2017 to 2025 to reach US$5,596.7 mn by 2025. This growth is due to increasing adoption of AFCI instead of traditional circuit breakers and mandatory implementation of AFCI in new construction in several regions.

Geographically, North America is expected to remain the dominant contributor to the global arc fault circuit interrupter market in the coming years, exhibiting the fastest CAGR of all regional segments. Europe and Asia Pacific are also likely to remain important to the global arc fault circuit interrupter market in the coming years. By product type, branch/feeder type arc fault circuit interrupters are likely to retain the lead in the market, followed by combination AFCIs.

Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @ http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=24962

Growing Government Support to Safety Standards in Residential Sector Boosts AFCI Market

The prime driver for the global arc fault circuit interrupters market is the rising government support to measures that aim to preserve safety of residential electrical setups. The risk of heavy monetary and human damage posed by arc fires has led to mandatory installation of safety measures such as arc fault circuit interrupters in developed regions such as North America and Western Europe, and an increasing number of developing Asia Pacific economies are also following suit thanks to the booming construction industry in these regions.

China, India, and Australia are likely to remain key contributors to the global arc fault circuit interrupters market in the coming years due to the rising performance of the construction industry in these regions and the steady government support afforded to inclusion of safety features such as arc fault circuit interrupters. The rising financial strength of the construction industry in these emerging countries could lead to strong demand from the arc fault circuit interrupters market in Asia Pacific, as the construction industry has made the most of the rising disposable income of urban consumers. The rising awareness about safety initiatives in the residential construction sector is also helpful for the arc fault circuit interrupters market in Asia Pacific. Booming economies in the Middle East are also likely to play a vital role in the development of the arc fault circuit interrupters market in the coming years.

The information in this preview comes from a Transparency Market Research report titled 'ARC Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Market (Type - Branch/Feeder, Outlet, Combination; Application - Residential, Commercial/Industrial) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2017 - 2025.'

Get more information from Research Report Press Release: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/arc-fault-circuit-interrupter-market.htm

The global Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Market is segmented as below:

Global Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Market, By Type

Branch/feeder

Outlet

Combination

Global Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Market, By Application

Residential

Commercial/Industrial

Global Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Market, By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)

(APAC) Middle East and Africa (MEA)

and (MEA) South America

Top Research Report by TMR:

Hyperconverged Integrated System Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hyperconverged-integrated-system-market.html

Visualization and 3D Rendering Software Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/visualization-3d-rendering-software-market.html

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Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
Pentahotels announces Laszlo Posa has joined the company as Corporate Director of Revenue Management, effective 1 August 2017. Posa has extensive revenue management experience, with over 10 years spent in similar positions on brand level. In his new capacity, he will be responsible for driving key revenue strategies across all segments of pentahotels, the rapidly expanding lifestyle hotel group.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/551723/Laszlo_Posa.jpg )



Prior to joining pentahotels, Posa, a British-Hungarian, served as the Head of Revenue Management for Hotel du Vin, a lifestyle hotel chain in the UK for years. He has made lifestyle, unconventional and quirky hotels his "comfort zone" which is expected to bring in new energy and knowledge to pentahotels. Pentahotels recently launched a global brand refresh which strongly underlines the brand's competitive advantages designed to meet the changing demands from a new generation of urban nomads. The innovative brand is recognized as a digital pioneer of information technology.

Posa joins the brand as it prepares for ambitious expansion plans in new destinations worldwide with its fresh and disruptive vision within the traditional hospitality industry. By using advanced information technology systems to streamline manual efforts and maximise financial income for all properties, pentahotels continues to be the trendsetter amongst the lifestyle hotel segment with its innovative approaches.

Heiko Rieder, Vice President Revenue Management and Reservations of pentahotels, said: "Laszlo brings in-depth understanding of revenue management and proven talent in obtaining the right business at the right time. With his outstanding track record, he is our first choice for driving revenue, allowing competitive rates for our guests and creating great value for our investors within our very efficient operational structure. We are thrilled to have him as an experienced addition to lead our global revenue management operations, and believe he will create further successes for pentahotels with new ideas and technologies."

About pentahotels

Pentahotels represents a new generation of hotels offering modern-minded individual and business travellers comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its unique interior design and unique business attitude, the lifestyle brand stands for true innovation in the industry's four-star segment. With 28 hotels across seven countries over two continents, the hallmark of the hotel chain is the pentalounge - a combination of lounge, bar, cafe and reception - that stands out with its "living room" look and feel. For further information and bookings, please visit http://www.pentahotels.com. Follow us on facebook.com/pentahotels for our latest news.

travel trade added

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk .

Media Contacts:

media consulta International Holding AG

On behalf of pentahotels

Susanne Borensen

Phone: +49 (0) 30 65 000 385

E-mail: press.pentahotels@mcgroup.com



Global Marketing & Communications Department

pentahotels

Max Siegers

Phone: +49(0)-69-256699-750

E-Mail: communications@pentahotels.com

SOURCE Pentahotels
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/551696/Jaffa_Orri_Mandarins.jpg )



The Plant Production and Marketing Board of Israel conducted a sensory market research study in both China and Japan to evaluate the Jaffa Orri/OR mandarin's potential and positioning in these markets. The findings indicated significant preference for the Jaffa Orri mandarin in China and Japan.

MMR Research Worldwide Ltd. conducted the sensory market research in China in April, 2017, surveying 202 local residents of Beijing & Shanghai, aged between 25 and 55. The research goals were to examine acceptance of Jaffa Orri compared to other mandarin varieties available in the Chinese market.

Overall, Jaffa Orri performed well-significantly better than Frutaria and Buzhihuo, and exponentially better than Murcott (a.k.a. Honey Tangerine). Jaffa Orri was well liked across all sensory attributes, attaining 70% or greater 'just right' (optimum score) on color (before peel), strength of aroma, strength of taste, and firmness of texture. "Interestingly, quite a few consumers spontaneously complimented the fruit on its juiciness and good balance of sweetness and acidity," notes Tal Amit, head of the citrus sector at Israel's Plant Production and Marketing Board.

Similar sensory market research was conducted in Tokyo, Japan, by GfK Custom Research LLC among 200 men and women aged 30 to 60 years, with similar results as well. Of the Japanese consumers polled, 81% said they would purchase Jaffa Orri mandarins, while just 46% said they would purchase Ponkans and 39% Murcotts.

The research results revealed that Jaffa Orri likability is much higher than its competitors relate to 'good sweetness-acidity balance,' 'juiciness,' and 'texture.'

"This is exciting news for the Israeli Jaffa Orri mandarin growers who have put a great deal of efforts to accelerate yield and ensure high quality fruits," declares Amit. "Jaffa Orri is set to increase its export volumes to China and Japan in the coming season, commencing January 2018."

4 companies will exhibit Jaffa Orri at Asia Fruit Logistica on 6-8 September 2017, Hong Kong: Mehadrin, Hall 3B booth #E-35, Galilee Export Hall 5D, booth #U-06, Mor International Hall 5D, booth #V-01 and Agriver Hall 5D, booth #U-02.

For further information, please contact:



Company contact:

The Plant Production and Marketing Board

Mr. Tal Amit

Head of the citrus sector

E-mail: info@plants.org.il

Website: www.orrijaffa.com



Press Contact:

NutriPR

Ms. Liat Simha

Tel: +972-9-9742893

E-mail: liat@nutripr.com

Twitter: @LiatSimha

www.nutripr.com



SOURCE Jaffa Orri
LONDON, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

TerraPay, the world's first mobile payments switch, announced today that it has successfully obtained regulatory approval from South African Reserve Bank to launch cross-border money transfer services in South Africa. This makes TerraPay the 5th company to be licensed as a category three Authorised Dealer in Foreign Exchange with limited authority, also known as ADLA 3, to conduct low-value international money transfers in the country.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160829/402033LOGO )



TerraPay is building global payments infrastructure for low-value cross-border transactions. The service interconnects mobile wallet service providers, financial institutions and money transfer operators in key send and receive markets. The license enables the company to enter into cross-border low-value person-to-person payments in South Africa.

The South Africa market is highly complementary to TerraPay's international money transfer network in Africa, Europe and Middle East countries. In the initial roll-out, TerraPay would enable cross-border money transfers from South Africa to mobile wallets in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique and Uganda.

According to the World Bank, the global average cost of sending remittances was 7.43% of the amount sent by remitting customers. For remittances sent from South Africa, the average cost was 16.71%; more than double of the global average.

Mr. Ambar Sur, Founder & CEO of TerraPay said, "As per a report from FinMark trust, the bulk of remittance flows from South Africa are destined for Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho, with 85% of all migrants originating from these countries. Moreover, almost 70% of transfers to these countries are conducted informally, since the high cost of formal money transfers is a major barrier to accessing formal remittance channels. TerraPay is taking an aim to solve this problem of the migrants, by facilitating instant and cost-effective low-value money transfers to mobile wallets. We are now open for business in South Africa and are actively looking to build strategic partnerships to further expand our footprint in the Southern Africa region."

South Africa is a major send as well as a receive market. Apart from sending remittances to all neighbouring Southern African countries, the country also receives remittances from UK, Australia and US. TerraPay's global network is expected to support the growing demand for instant transfers in the region.

PR Contact

Sundeep Mehta

Global PR Manager

E-mail: contactus@terrapay.com



SOURCE TerraPay
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 receives numerous technology updates and refinements, starting at an MSRP [1] of $32,130

of Mazda CX-9 is one of a handful of midsize, three-row crossover SUVs to earn a 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick+" rating, along with every other Mazda tested by the IIHS when equipped with specific headlights and safety equipment

More than 55 percent of current-generation CX-9s sold in the U.S. have been highly optioned Grand Touring or Signature models

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 goes on sale nationwide this month

2018 Mazda CX-9 Flagship Three-Row Crossover SUV Receives Long List of Upgrades

From its bold looks to the class-above experience it offers the driver and passengers, Mazda's CX-9 has earned a reputation for excellence, being named a finalist for both North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and World Car of the Year.

Mazda engineers haven't rested on their laurels, however, adding numerous upgrades to the 2018 CX-9 flagship crossover SUV, further strengthening the "Mazda Premium" indulgences it provides. Among the highlights are more features at every price point such as an improved second row for both greater comfort and easier third-row access and greater sound insulation in what is already one of the quietest vehicles in its class[2].

All 2018 CX-9 models receive Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for the first time, a technology that can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations below 19 mph. CX-9 joins the 2018 Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door, 2018 CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV and 2017 CX-5 compact crossover SUV in having SCBS as standard. SCBS is a technology that comes as part of Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems.

Additionally, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are now standard.

CX-9 is one of a handful of three-row crossover SUVs to earn a 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick+" recommendation, joining all Mazda models tested to earn the nonprofit's highest award when equipped with proper headlights and specific technologies.

"Mazda CX-9 is designed to provide peace of mind through its i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology suite and its passive features like a strong, lightweight SKYACTIV-BODY. The secondary benefit to its structure is that also helps it deliver uncommonly good, surefooted driving dynamics," said Tetsu Nakazawa, CX-9 vehicle line manager, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Families trust us to build vehicles that not only surprise and delight with how they drive but also with the engineering excellence that goes into making them, showing that there's no need to compromise between needs and wants in a seven-passenger people-hauler."

CX-9's engaging driving dynamics are a further hallmark of the Mazda brand, complemented by its industry-exclusive G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which is new to CX-9 models for 2018. GVC uses the engine in conjunction with steering and throttle inputs to minutely reduce engine torque, putting more weight on the front wheels and making the steering feel more linear and direct. As a result, the driver is able to gain more confidence and control behind the wheel.

For 2018, Mazda's midsize family crossover SUV returns with Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trim levels, but it includes more equipment at each price point.

Besides the newly standard safety technology and refinements, CX-9 Sport features cloth upholstery, standard LED headlights and tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment with a 7-inch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and phone pairing as standard. In its newly available Sport Package, the standard CX-9 adds auto on/off headlights, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and a power driver's seat. Additionally, the Sport Package includes full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

The mid-level CX-9 Touring adds leather seating surfaces, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in Homelink garage door opener, power liftgate, Advanced Keyless Entry and an 8-inch MAZDA CONNECTTM screen. New Mazda CX-9 Touring features include the addition of a tilt function on the driver's seat and power passenger seat with lift and lumbar support.

CX-9 Touring's Premium Package includes LED fog lights, navigation, a lauded BOSE 12-speaker Premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio with a 4-month subscription, rear parking sensors, new front parking sensors, sunroof, retractable sunshades in the second-row doors and a moonroof.

The high-trim CX-9 Grand Touring includes 20-inch wheels, Adaptive Front-lighting System, aluminum interior trim, Active Driving Display head-up unit with new Traffic Sign Recognition, roof rails and a memory driver's seat. CX-9 Grand Touring's all-new features include heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and windshield wiper de-icer.

Finally, the top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature adorns the interior with Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood trim supplied by premium Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen and LED signature grille and LED interior lighting.

It is with its upmarket KODO design, refinement, driving dynamics and technology that CX-9 has found a home with premium crossover SUV intenders, with more than 55 percent of those purchasing a CX-9 this year opting for a CX-9 Grand Touring or Signature model.

Yet, all CX-9s come standard with Mazda's torque-rich, turbocharged and efficient SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, paired to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. Front-wheel is standard for CX-9 Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models. Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on all three trim levels and standard for CX-9 Signature.

MSRP[3] for all models is as follows:



Front-Wheel

Drive i-ACTIV All-

Wheel Drive CX-9 Sport $32,130 $33,930  Sport Package $1,290 $1,290 CX-9 Touring $34,960 $36,760  Touring

Premium

Package $1,890 $1,890 CX-9 Grand

Touring $40,470 $42,270 CX-9 Signature ------------- $44,315

Premium paint colors:

Soul Red Crystal (New) $595 Machine Gray Metallic $300 Snowflake White Pearl Mica $200

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 will arrive at dealerships nationwide this month.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/Mazda

[1] MSRP does not include $940 for destination and handling ($985 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

[2] 2017 CX-9 versus 2017/2018 three-row, midsize crossover SUVs. Based on both internal data and data provided in Car and Driver crossover SUV comparison test, August 2017.

[3] MSRP does not include $940 for destination and handling ($985 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 25 percent of people in the U.S. volunteered in 2015. However, studies on health and volunteering show that people who volunteer report feeling emotionally, mentally and physically better.

If that's not incentive enough, lending support to organizations in your community can often bring immediate and tangible results that give you a connection and sense of community. There are some programs that even enable people to make a difference by matching them with volunteer or funding opportunities. One example is the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

"It's exciting to see communities strengthened by their residents," said Angela Allen, program manager for the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, which focuses on supporting local nonprofits in rural communities with the help of local farmers. "The good news is there are several simple and easy ways people can get involved in their communities and make a difference."

Volunteering. Nonprofit organizations rely on the support of loyal donors and volunteers to deliver on their missions to improve the communities they serve. Time and talent are among the most valuable gifts you can give a deserving cause. One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is the chance to put your energy and abilities to use for a cause you care about, whether it's feeding the hungry, rescuing animals or some other cause that is close to your heart.

Giving blood. There is an ongoing need to replenish communities' blood supplies, whether for medical uses or in the aftermath of a tragedy. Giving blood is fast, relatively painless and can save lives.

Donating. Money doesn't make the world go 'round, or so the saying goes. However, it can make a difference when it comes to bettering the community. Nonprofit and community organizations rely on monetary contributions not only to fulfill their existing program needs, but also to expand those services to impact more people. Rather than a single, one-time gift, consider setting up an ongoing donation so your impact continues over time.

Applying for funding opportunities. Another way to help your community thrive is by exploring avenues to create new funding opportunities for nonprofits. For example, the America's Farmers Grow Communities program provides farmers an opportunity to help a nonprofit of their choice. Eligible farmers can enroll in the program until Nov. 1 at GrowCommunities.com for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization. Since 2010, the program has given more than $26 million to nonprofits, including food banks, emergency response organizations, youth agriculture programs and more.

Paying it forward. Not every step you take in support of your community has to be a large one. In fact, the ripple effect of a series of smaller deeds can have a truly momentous impact. You can set the feel-good wheels in motion in your own community by simply thinking about a time when someone generously gave their own resources to benefit you and paying forward that kindness with a matching endeavor. You might let a frenzied mom go ahead of you in line at the grocery store or pay for a meal for the elderly couple behind you at the drive-thru.

Michael French

[email protected]

1-888-824-3337

editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Established in 1974, Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for print and online publications. Our articles, photos, videos and web content solutions save you time, money and help create advertising opportunities. Registration is fast and free  with absolutely no obligation. Visit editors.familyfeatures.com for more information.

SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Related Links

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DUBLIN, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Building Automation System Market by Communication Technology (Wired, and Wireless), Offering (Facilities Management Systems, Security & Access Control Systems, and Fire Protection Systems), Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

According to the forecast, the overall building automation system (BAS) market was valued at USD 53.66 Billion in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 99.11 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 10.73% between 2017 and 2022.

The growth of this market is driven by the increase in demand for energy-efficient systems, growing need for the automation of security systems in buildings, and advancement of IoT in BAS.

This report covers the BAS market segmented on the basis of communication technology, application, offering, and region. The wired communication technology held a larger size of the BAS market in 2016. In terms of application, commercial application held the largest size of the BAS market in 2016. The increased rate of implementation of BAS in large shopping complexes, office buildings, and public transport areas such as airports and railway stations is encouraging the growth of the BAS market for commercial application.

The security and access control systems are expected to hold the largest size of the BAS market during the forecast period. Security and access control systems have become an integral part of the safety and security of the buildings and their occupants. This has revolutionized the building security and has eliminated the human interventions. These are installed in buildings to increase the security level, monitor the activities, and keep a record of people entering and exiting the buildings. These systems are used in several businesses to protect the assets, staff, and information, monitor the activities, as well as control the access to the building.

The overall BAS market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest rate between 2017 and 2022. The rapid growth of the construction industry in this region, along with the government initiatives, has contributed to the growth of the BAS market in APAC. The North America held the largest share of the BAS market in 2016. The rising need for energy management along with the increasing demand for green homes has resulted in the growth of the market in North America. The commercial and residential applications hold the largest share of the North American BAS market, and the demand of BAS for these applications as well as the growing demand from the industrial application is likely to fuel the BAS market in North America.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Introduction



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Premium Insights



4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the BAS Market

4.2 BAS Market, By Application (2017-2022)

4.3 BAS Market, By Offering and Region (2017-2022)

4.4 BAS Market, By Region (2017-2022)



5 Market Overview



5.1 Introduction

5.2 Market Segmentation

5.2.1 BAS Market, By Communication Technology

5.2.2 BAS Market, By Offering

5.2.3 BAS Market, By Application

5.2.4 BAS Market, By Region

5.3 Market Dynamics

5.3.1 Drivers

5.3.1.1 Increase in Demand for Energy-Efficient Systems

5.3.1.2 Growing Need for the Automation of Security Systems in Buildings

5.3.1.3 Advancement of Iot in Building Automation System

5.3.1.4 Development of Building Automation-Centric Wireless Protocols and Wireless Sensor Network Technology

5.3.1.5 Accelerated Infrastructure Growth in the Technologically Advancing Countries

5.3.2 Restraints

5.3.2.1 High Cost of Implementation

5.3.2.2 Technical Difficulties and Lack of Skilled Experts

5.3.3 Opportunities

5.3.3.1 Favorable Government Initiatives and Incentives

5.3.4 Challenge

5.3.4.1 Presence of Different Communication Protocols



6 Industry Trends



7 Building Automation System Market, By Communication Technology

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Communication Technology

7.2.1 Wireless Technologies

7.2.1.1 Zigbee

7.2.1.2 Enocean

7.2.1.3 Z-Wave

7.2.1.4 Wi-Fi

7.2.1.5 Bluetooth

7.2.1.6 Thread

7.2.1.7 Infrared

7.2.2 Wired Technologies

7.2.2.1 Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI)

7.2.2.2 Knx

7.2.2.3 Lonworks

7.2.2.4 Building Automation and Control Network (BACNet)

7.2.2.5 Modbus



8 Building Automation System Market, By Offering

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Facility Management Systems

8.2.1 Lighting Control Systems

8.2.1.1 Occupancy Sensors

8.2.1.2 Daylight Sensors

8.2.1.3 Relays

8.2.1.4 Timers

8.2.1.5 Dimming Actuators

8.2.1.6 Switch Actuators

8.2.1.7 Blind/Shutter Actuators

8.2.1.8 Transmitters

8.2.1.9 Receivers

8.2.2 Hvac Control Systems

8.2.2.1 Sensors

8.2.2.2 Smart Thermostats

8.2.2.3 Control Valves

8.2.2.3.1 Two-Way Valve

8.2.2.3.2 Three-Way Valve

8.2.2.4 Heating and Cooling Coils

8.2.2.5 Dampers

8.2.2.5.1 Low-Leakage Dampers

8.2.2.5.2 Parallel and Opposed Blade Dampers

8.2.2.5.3 Round Dampers

8.2.2.6 Actuators

8.2.2.6.1 Hydraulic Actuators

8.2.2.6.2 Pneumatic Actuators

8.2.2.6.3 Electric Actuators

8.2.2.7 Pumps and Fans

8.2.2.8 Smart Vents

8.3 Security and Access Control Systems

8.3.1 Video Surveillance Systems

8.3.1.1 Hardware

8.3.1.1.1 Cameras

8.3.1.1.2 Monitors

8.3.1.1.3 Storage Systems

8.3.1.1.4 Accessories

8.3.1.2 Software/Video Analytics

8.3.1.3 Services

8.3.2 Biometric Systems

8.4 Fire Protection Systems

8.4.1 Sensors and Detectors

8.4.1.1 Smoke Detectors

8.4.1.2 Flame Detectors

8.4.1.3 Others

8.4.2 Fire Sprinklers

8.4.3 Fire Alarms

8.4.4 Emergency Lighting, Voice Evacuation, and Public Alert

8.5 Building Energy Management Software

8.6 BAS Services

8.6.1 Installation and Maintenance

8.6.2 Training

8.7 Others



9 Building Automation System Market, By Application



9.1 Introduction

9.2 Residential Application

9.2.1 Diy Home Automation

9.3 Commercial Application

9.3.1 Office Buildings

9.3.2 Retail and Public Assembly Buildings

9.3.3 Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

9.3.4 Airport and Railways

9.4 Industrial Application



10 Building Automation System Market, By Region



11 Competitive Landscape



12 Company Profiles



ABB Ltd.

BuildingIQ

Crestron Electronics, Inc.

Distech Controls Inc.

Honeywell International Inc.

Hubbell Inc.

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

Johnson Controls International PLC

KMC Controls

Legrand SA

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

Nest Labs

Robert Bosch GmbH

Schneider Electric SE

Siemens AG

United Technologies Corp.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vzws5d/building

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


Family-owned Hague based in Groveport, Ohio, manufactures a comprehensive line of water softener products. The Hague water softener features an innovative multi-compartment, compact tank design and is sold through both retailer and water quality dealer channels under the Hague, WaterBoss, and WaterMax brands.

A. O. Smith expects the acquisition to be neutral to earnings per share in 2017, including one-time after-tax purchase accounting charges and professional fees related to the acquisition.

"The acquisition of Hague squarely fits within our stated strategy to grow our global water treatment platform," Ajita G. Rajendra, chairman and chief executive officer, noted. "The Hague brand has a very good, longstanding reputation for innovative and quality products," Rajendra continued.

For the 12 months ended June 30, 2017, Hague, which employs approximately 100 employees, recorded sales of approximately $28 million, including approximately $3 million of sales to A. O. Smith.

Highlights of the transaction:

Broaden A. O. Smith's residential water treatment product offering: Added to the company's world leading reverse osmosis water treatment systems and Aquasana's direct to consumer advanced carbon products, Hague's patented water softener products more fully complete A. O. Smith's residential water treatment capabilities and product offering .

Added to the company's world leading reverse osmosis water treatment systems and Aquasana's direct to consumer advanced carbon products, Hague's patented water softener products more fully complete residential water treatment capabilities and product offering Continue to expand the company's business in China : In 2017 , A. O. Smith began offering Hague-manufactured water softeners throughout China , which are sold through leading retailers such as Suning and Gome, as well as A. O. Smith -branded stores. The uniquely-designed, high-efficiency compact units provide superior performance in a small package, which is well-suited for the Chinese market.

In 2017 began offering Hague-manufactured water softeners throughout , which are sold through leading retailers such as Suning and Gome, as well as -branded stores. The uniquely-designed, high-efficiency compact units provide superior performance in a small package, which is well-suited for the Chinese market. Expansion of A. O. Smith's sales channels for water treatment: Hague provides an additional distribution channel in the U.S. and abroad with its long-standing water quality dealer network.

Bob Hague, president and chief executive officer of Hague, noted, "We're happy that our family-owned business is finding a home in a company with a long-standing history of integrity, innovation and customer satisfaction. We look forward to the growth opportunities A. O. Smith will provide to both our employees and our customers."

Forward-looking statements

This release contains statements that the company believes are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "guidance" or words of similar meaning. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things, the following: a further slowdown in the growth rate of the Chinese economy and/or a decline in the growth rate of consumer spending in China; potential weakening in the high efficiency boiler segment in the U.S.; significant volatility in raw material prices; inability of the company to implement or maintain pricing actions; potential weakening in U.S. residential or commercial construction or instability in the company's replacement markets; foreign currency fluctuations; the company's inability to successfully integrate or achieve its strategic objectives resulting from acquisitions; competitive pressures on the company's businesses; the impact of potential information technology or data security breaches; changes in government regulations or regulatory requirements; and adverse developments in general economic, political and business conditions in key regions of the world. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release, and the company is under no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributed to the company, or persons acting on its behalf, are qualified entirely by these cautionary statements.

A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information visit www.aosmith.com.

SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation

Related Links

http://www.aosmith.com


HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Abaco Systems today introduced the innovative BT3-USB-MON Bus Monitor that is designed to make the monitoring and analysis of MIL-STD-1553 signals significantly easier, more convenient and more affordable. It is designed to help users easily visualize and record 1553 bus traffic for development, testing, trouble-shooting and debugging. Uniquely at its price point, it includes built-in scope outputs, further simplifying the process.

The BT3-USB-MON will receive its first public showing at AUTOTESTCON (Schaumburg, Illinois: September 11-14) on the booth (303) of Abaco avionics partner TEVET.

The BT3-USB-MON is a monitor-only device that combines three tools into one easy to use product: 1553 visualization and recording software; 1553 monitoring hardware; and scope outputs for electrical analysis  providing a complete, integrated, ready-to-run solution that is simple to order and available on very short lead-times. Additionally, the BT3-USB-MON does not have any transmit or receive functionality, making it safe for secure bus monitoring.

It derives its unparalleled ease of use from the provision of Abaco's industry-leading BusTools GUI to simplify 1553 bus monitoring, significantly reducing the steep learning curve often associated with the MIL-STD-1553 protocol  but also providing the extensive functionality and flexibility required by experienced 1553 users. The BT3-USB-MON also benefits from customer support direct from its design team.

"The BT3-USB-MON is truly a 'must-have' tool for engineers and developers working in the 1553 environment because, like the Swiss Army Knife, it contains virtually all the functionality they will ever need in an integrated, easy to use package," said Mrinal Iyengar, Vice President, Systems & Services at Abaco Systems. "It is also sets a new price point for this level of capability  a price point that will enable many customers to expense it rather than CAPEX it."

The BT3-USB-MON's integrated differential-to-single-ended 10:1 scope provides output for each bus, together with programmable on-board triggers, allowing data and waveform capture of specific bus events.

The BT3-USB-MON's functionality includes the ability to capture 100% fully loaded bus traffic with IRIG synchronized time-tagging, error status, word status and message status. Extensive filtering and triggering options include by individual RT/sub-address; transmit, receive or broadcast mode codes; internal or external triggering; and trigger output on user-specified data. Rugged packaging makes the BT3-USB-MON ideal for use on the flight line, in the lab, or even in the field.

For more information:

Product page

Data sheet

About Abaco Systems

With more than 30 years' experience, Abaco Systems is a global leader in open architecture computing and electronic systems for aerospace, defense and industrial applications. We deliver and support open modular solutions developed to upgrade and enhance the growing data, analytics, communications and sensor processing capabilities of our target applications. This, together with our 800+ professionals' unwavering focus on our customers' success, reduces program cost and risk, allows technology insertion with affordable readiness and enables platforms to successfully reach deployment sooner and with a lower total cost of ownership. With an active presence in hundreds of national asset platforms on land, sea and in the air, Abaco Systems is trusted where it matters most. www.abaco.com

SOURCE Abaco Systems

Related Links

https://www.abaco.com


During his successful 32-year career in the healthcare billing industry, Joe has worked with many of the nation's leading Anesthesiology groups and medical practices. Most recently, Joe was President Ohio River Valley Associates, LLC and Business Manager, One Anesthesia PLLC in New Albany, Indiana with 41 practitioners in two locations. Joe has worked for industry leaders such as Humana, Inc., Coopers & Lybrand CPAs, and the State of New York as an Information Technology auditor, software developer, and manager of large-scale software projects.

Joe's interests include analysis of the business aspects of hospital financial support to anesthesia groups, operating room utilization and anesthesia staffing models, including use of the anesthesia care team approach. His enthusiastic approach to addressing complex practice challenges combined with his extensive experience has made him an expert in this field; with an advanced understanding of anesthesia billing systems and billing services including payment and revenue audits. His substantial anesthesia experience gives him first-hand knowledge of the needs and challenges anesthesia groups and administrators face on a daily basis. Currently, Joe is the President of the Kentucky Ohio Anesthesia Management Association (KOAMA).

A published author and contributor, Joe is a recognized thought leader in the anesthesia practice management industry. He has produced numerous business related presentations and publications for several anesthesia and practice management periodicals including the MGMA, KOAMA, state anesthesia societies and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Recent Publications

"Point-Counterpoint: Do National Anesthesia Management Companies Increase Revenues for Acquired Groups?" with Michael R. Hicks , MD  Anesthesia Business Consultants Communique , Winter 2015.

, MD  , Winter 2015. "The Physician-Owned Management Services Organization (MSO)," Anesthesia Business Consultants Communique , Spring 2014.

, Spring 2014. 'The Future Is Now - MGMA-ACMPE Award Winners Adapt Quickly and Thrive in the Shifting Environment: Changing Technology,' MGMA Connexion , November/ December 2012 .

, November/ . "Now That I Have Your Smartphone, I Think I'll Teach You a Lesson," MGMA Connexion , March 2012 .

, . "Operating Room Metrics Applied to Anesthesia Service Contracts," American Society of Anesthesiologists COPM Abstracts, January 2010 .

"Joe is a consummate professional with a wealth of experience and industry knowledge that has already made him an excellent addition to the AdvantEdge team," said J. Paul O'Haro, Chief Operating Officer. "We are confident that Joe's many years of experience and an immense knowledge of Anesthesia and healthcare billing industry will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality and cost-effective solutions for our clients."

About AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions

AdvantEdge is recognized as one of the top 10 billing, coding, and practice management companies in the U.S., with more than 600 employees, collecting over $1 billion annually for physicians, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health agencies and large office-based medical groups. AdvantEdge has added value to physician practices and healthcare organizations through its billing, coding, practice management and business analytics solutions for over 50 years. AdvantEdge's clients enjoy improved financial results through its tailored services, robust technology and actionable business intelligence and reporting tools. AdvantEdge's promise: More money faster, Client-First Service, Compliance, Privacy & Security and anytime anywhere access to data and information. AdvantEdge's investors include Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE:SFE) and Founders Equity. For more information about AdvantEdge, please visit our website at www.ahsrcm.com, follow us on Twitter at @DoctorBilling and on LinkedIn.

Contact:

AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions

Michael J Krivich, FACHE, PCM

Director of Marketing & Sales Operations

630-874-2545

[email protected]

SOURCE AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions

Related Links

http://www.ahsrcm.com


MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AgileTrailblazers, the Agile solutions provider renowned for its innovation and digital transformations for Fortune 500 enterprises, has signed on as a vendor for the 5th Annual B2G Conference & Expo Baltimore.

A day of the best in Agile practices and experience, at the 5th annual expo dedicated to our Government allowing for people and ideas to flourish. All government employees attend for free.

This is the time for business to have the opportunity to understand working with government agencies. The 5th Annual B2G Conference and Expo will have a wide variety of vendors available for networking, and this year's expo is being held on Sept. 20 at La Fontaine Bleue; 7514 South Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21061.

AgileTrailblazers invites expo attendees to stop by its booth to learn more about its rapid proof of concept, its ability to empower digital transformations and how it helps business leaders create agile learning organizations.

Digital Transformation : Increase your speed, scalability, quality and adaptability.

: Increase your speed, scalability, quality and adaptability. Agile Training : Skill-based training designed to jumpstart team Agile adoption.

: Skill-based training designed to jumpstart team Agile adoption. Software Delivery : Get more done with the lowest total cost of ownership.

: Get more done with the lowest total cost of ownership. DevOps: Build and release confidently with security and speed.

Expo attendees can sign up at the booth for a future free 30-minute consultation of their agency/organization using AgileTrailblazers' proprietary methods.

Visit the AgileTrailblazers booth at 5th Annual B2G Conference & Expo Baltimore and learn how your organization can be modernized through Agile innovation.

About AgileTrailblazers

AgileTrailblazers is an industry-leading Agile solutions provider. With fortune 500 clients such as QVC, Nemours, and Capital One, the company is passionate about using innovation to empower its clients to undergo digital transformations and become agile learning organizations. AgileTrailblazers prepares organizations to quickly adapt to changing business environments ensuring that they stay one step ahead of their competition, and streamlines processes so software development and DevOps projects get done faster and more efficiently.

Contact

Robert Carabella

AgileTrailblazers

877-431-0767

[email protected]

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuVEQU8Bh94

SOURCE AgileTrailblazers
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agnieszka Markiewicz has been named Director of the AJC Central Europe Office in Warsaw. Markiewicz, a native of Poland, has been serving as Acting Director since the Warsaw-based office was established earlier this year.

The office, made possible principally through the generosity of John Shapiro, AJC's President, and his wife, Dr. Shonni Silverberg, was officially dedicated on March 27. That evening more than 500 high-level government officials, diplomats, members of the media, and Jewish leaders from across Europe attended a celebratory gala.

AJC Central Europe is dedicated to seven Central European countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia. AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, has been widely recognized as one of the most active non-governmental organizations in Central and Eastern Europe since 1989.

"The history of overthrowing communism and rebuilding democracy provides important opportunities for engaging Central European countries and fostering greater understanding of, and relationships with, Jewish communities and Israel," said Markiewicz. "Our Warsaw-based team is fulfilling AJC's strong commitment to building links with governments, civil society and local communities in a region filled with Jewish memory and heritage."

Markiewicz came to AJC last fall after a career focused on deepening understanding and expanding relations among Poles, American Jews, and Israel.



For the previous eight years, Markiewicz served as Director of External Relations at Forum for Dialogue, a Warsaw-based NGO focusing on Polish-Jewish dialogue and reconciliation. AJC and the Forum have partnered in a pioneering annual exchange program, launched in 1995, between Poles and American Jews.

Before the Forum, she worked at the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, a Polish governmental institution dedicated to promoting Polish culture around the world. She was involved in the institute's "Polish Year in Israel" initiative. A graduate of the University of Warsaw, she also has co-organized the Gniezno Convention, the largest multi-religious conference on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in Poland.

"At a time when Europe is undergoing profound transformations and its Jewish communities are faced with challenges, we are privileged to have Agnieszka Markiewicz lead our fifth European office," said AJC Europe Director Simone Rodan-Benzaquen. "Agnieszka has the experience, commitment, and vision to deepen our engagement with a region that is crucial to a prosperous and democratic Europe, to transatlantic relations, to Israel, and to the Jewish people."

AJC's other European offices are in Berlin, Brussels, Paris, and Rome. The global Jewish advocacy organization has five additional international posts in South America, Asia, and the Middle East, and maintains 22 Regional Offices across the U.S., as well as 32 partnership agreements with Jewish communities around the globe.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an urban office REIT uniquely focused on collaborative life science and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, today announced that it has completed 100% pre-leasing of 100 Binney Street, a ground-up development project consisting of 431,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of state-of-the-art office/laboratory space, in advance of its delivery in 4Q17. In August 2017, Alexandria executed leases aggregating 175,000 RSF, or 41% of the project, including a three-floor lease for 130,000 RSF with Facebook, one of the world's largest technology-related companies. The tenants at 100 Binney Street have been carefully curated to include Bristol-Myers Squibb Company with 208,000 RSF; Facebook with 130,000 RSF; and Foghorn Therapeutics, Sigilon Therapeutics, Tango Therapeutics and TCR2 Therapeutics, four high-quality, venture-backed entrepreneurial life science companies, with an aggregate of 90,000 RSF. These leading-edge companies further enhance the diverse and collaborative ecosystem of world-class life science and technology companies that Alexandria has cultivated in its mega campus along the Binney Street corridor.

100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Greater Boston 399 Binney Street, Cambridge, Greater Boston

"Robust demand for Class A office/laboratory space on Alexandria's flagship campuses in Cambridge, in part, continues to drive our strong internal growth," said Joel S. Marcus, chairman, chief executive officer and founder of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. "More than a decade ago, in Cambridge, we pioneered the mega trend of developing and amenitizing urban cluster campuses. Our strategic assemblage, entitlement and development of more than 2 million SF along the Binney Street corridor laid the groundwork for what has become our second mega campus in Cambridge. Additionally, our acquisition of more than 1 million RSF at Technology Square in 2006 was crucial to the substantial redevelopment of Alexandria Technology Square, our inaugural mega campus in Cambridge. Through the effective execution of our urban campus vision, we have been at the vanguard of creating this vibrant ecosystem, building a dominant and still growing footprint in one of the nation's most innovative clusters."

With strong confidence in the Cambridge market, Alexandria is focused on the pre-leasing and ground-up development of 399 Binney Street, its new 164,000 RSF Class A office/laboratory property at the Alexandria Center at One Kendall Square, a 645,000 RSF, nine-building life science and technology campus that the company strategically acquired in November 2016 as its third mega campus in Cambridge. Located in the most sought-after area in Cambridge, Alexandria's 399 Binney Street is experiencing exceptionally strong demand, with multiple proposals received from innovative life science and technology companies that account for nearly the entire building. Vertical construction of 399 Binney Street will commence soon, and the building is expected to be fully pre-leased well in advance of its delivery in 4Q18.

Alexandria has also begun planning for enhancements at its Alexandria Center at One Kendall Square campus. The enhancements include reenvisioned indoor and outdoor collaboration spaces, as well as new and upgraded ground-floor retail space and world-class restaurants and eateries, to provide tenants and visitors with a dramatically improved on-campus experience.

Alexandria's deep expertise in entitlement, design, construction and development, as well as its highly credible long-term relationships with key local government agencies, has enabled the company to successfully own and operate 6.3 million RSF in Greater Boston, of which approximately 5.0 million RSF (including development and redevelopment projects) is in the Cambridge market. As of June 30, 2017, Alexandria's Greater Boston properties were 96% leased, including 99% leased in Cambridge. Additionally, Alexandria owns key future development sites in Greater Boston that support the development and redevelopment of new Class A properties aggregating 700,000 SF.

About Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is an urban office real estate investment trust (REIT) uniquely focused on collaborative life science and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $16.0 billion and an asset base in North America of 28.4 million square feet as of June 30, 2017. The asset base in North America includes 20.6 million RSF of operating properties, including 1.7 million RSF of development and redevelopment of new Class A properties currently undergoing construction. Additionally, the asset base in North America includes 7.8 million SF of future development projects, including 1.3 million SF of near-term projects undergoing marketing for lease and pre-construction activities and 2.8 million SF of intermediate development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland and Research Triangle Park. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science and technology campuses that provide its innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity and success. We believe these advantages result in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns and greater long-term asset value. For more information, please visit www.are.com.



CONTACT: Joel S. Marcus, Chief Executive Officer, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., (626) 578-9693

SOURCE Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.are.com


HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- alliantgroup, the nation's premier provider of specialty tax services, will be attending NIBA and PTDA's Joint Industry Summit at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida from September 28th to the 30th.

During this special cross-industry event, the firm will have a table setup in the Grand Ballroom Foyer on Friday, September 29th from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturday, September 30th from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. alliantgroup representatives will be available on both days to consult NIBA and PTDA members on potential tax credit and incentive opportunities.

While the associations represent different industries, with PTDA representing industrial power and transmission companies and NIBA serving as a voice for industrial distributors and fabricators, companies within both industries are excellent candidates for valuable government-sponsored tax credits and incentives. During the event, alliantgroup's representatives will be available to answer any questions and offer a free assessment regarding eligibility for these tax incentive opportunities. alliantgroup is an Affinity Partner of PTDA and is the association's exclusive provider for the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, section 179D and export tax incentives. As applicable, alliantgroup can offer the same consulting services for NIBA members.

"I encourage all NIBA and PTDA members to stop by our table for a free consultation," said Dhaval Jadav, alliantgroup CEO. "Qualifying for these credits and incentives has the potential to generate the additional dollars needed to hire new employees or expand product and service linesand it is my goal to ensure the members of both organizations claim every dollar they are entitled."

alliantgroup's mission is one of education and awareness. Our firm exists to help industry organizations, U.S. businesses and their CPA advisors identify and properly claim all available federal and state tax incentives. To date, alliantgroup has helped over 12,000 U.S. businesses claim over $6 billion in tax savings. alliantgroup is headquartered in Houston and has offices in New York, Chicago, Irvine, Boston, Sacramento, Orlando, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. For more information, please find us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

David Rosen

alliantgroup

713-350-3167

[email protected]

SOURCE alliantgroup

Related Links

https://www.alliantgroup.com


Currently, millennials make up 25 percent of family caregivers in the U.S., and the number of millennials caring for a parent or grandparent with Alzheimer's or other dementia related diseases must skyrocket to address a shrinking caregiver base. ii As the number of Alzheimer's diagnoses rises, the ratio of caregivers will shrink from 7:1 to 3:1 by 2050 iii , and millennials may be tasked with taking on increased caring responsibilities, looking after both aging parents and grandparents. iv

"When we think of the family caregiver, we often picture a baby boomer responsible for caring for their elderly parent. But as the population ages, the responsibility of caregiving will increasingly fall on younger Americans," explained Jeff Huber, president and CEO of the Home Instead Senior Care network.

"Millennials are already starting to take on caregiving roles in their families, and as Alzheimer's diagnoses rise, it's essential that they fully understand the disease and are armed with the necessary information to effectively care for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia."

As part of Alzheimer's Learning Day, a new website, AlzLearn.com, has been developed that includes links to various trainings designed to help educate society on how to help care for and create a welcoming community for those living with Alzheimer's or other dementias and their caregivers. Training options range from five- to thirty-minute courses for a variety of audiences, including business owners, first responders, family caregivers and more.

"The resources that are being provided through Alzheimer's Learning Day will not only give participants the opportunity to understand what it means to care for someone living with the disease and other forms of dementia," says Huber, "but the chance to simply be more compassionate and respectful when the day inevitably occurs when they meet someone living with the disease."

In advance of Alzheimer's Learning Day, Americans across the country are invited to register for a webinar on the Alzheimer's Learning Day website and visit Help For Alzheimer's Families to take the following steps to learn, educate and share about Alzheimer's and other dementias:

1. Take the pledge

Visit the Alzheimer's Learning Day website to take the pledge to participate in Alzheimer's Learning Day.

2. Learn the symptoms

Visit the Help for Alzheimer's Families website to learn more about the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias.

3. Read an article about Alzheimer's

Visit the Help for Alzheimer's Families website to find articles about Alzheimer's.

4. Watch and share the "I Will Remember You" video

Visit the Help For Alzheimer's Families website and take the time to watch the "I Will Remember You" video.

5. Take an E-Learning Class

Visit the Help for Alzheimer's Families website to find an online Alzheimer's and dementia class that interests you.

While millennials will become caregivers for those with Alzheimer's in the near future, these are steps that anyone can take to become more informed about Alzheimer's and other dementias.

"It is important that people from all generations learn more about Alzheimer's and other dementias," said Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, Vice President, Scientific Affairs at BrightFocus Foundation, and invited expert panelist in the Alzheimer's Learning Day U.S. and Canada Professional Caregiver webinars taking place on September 21 and 26. "By educating ourselves about Alzheimer's and dementia, we can create a community of caregivers ready to face the disease."

Community members can view program resources and watch educational webinars with Alzheimer's care experts the day of and after Alzheimer's Learning Day on the Alzheimer's Learning Day website www.AlzLearn.com. Or, contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office for additional resources and to learn how their professional CAREGiversSM may be able to assist. Find an office near you by visiting www.homeinstead.com/state/.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated franchises that are estimated to annually provide more than 50 million hours of care throughout the United States and more than 10 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 65,000 CAREGivers worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network strives to partner with each client and his or her family members to help meet that individual's needs. Services span the care continuum from providing companionship and personal care to specialized Alzheimer's care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. At Home Instead Senior Care, it's relationship before task, while striving to provide superior quality service.

i Alzheimer's Association, 2017 ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE FACTS AND FIGURES http://www.alz.org/facts/ accessed June 15 2017

ii Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Is Affecting Millennials http://www.alzheimersblog.org/2017/05/12/alzheimers-affecting-millennials/ accessed July 31 2017Association, 2017 ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE FACTS AND FIGURES http://www.alz.org/facts/ accessed June 15 2017

iii Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, Key Facts http://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/jchs.harvard.edu/files/jchs_housing_americas_older_adults_2014_key_facts.pdf accessed Aug 1 2017

iv Caregiving.org, Dementia Caregiving in the U.S. http://www.caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DementiaCaregivingFINAL_WEB.pdf accessed July 31 2017

SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care

Related Links

http://www.homeinstead.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Media, Inc. (AMI) Chairman and CEO David J. Pecker, Weider Health & Fitness CEO and IFBB Professional League (IFBB Pro League) President Emeritus Eric Weider and IFBB Pro League President Jim Manion, today announced that they have reached an agreement for AMI to purchase from IFBB Pro League its half of the Mr. Olympia joint venture with AMI becoming the sole owner.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce this acquisition which provides AMI with an extraordinary opportunity to further build upon the success of The Mr. Olympia Contest and the legacies of Joe and Ben Weider in the sport of bodybuilding," said Mr. Pecker. "We will ensure that Mr. Olympia continues its reign as the biggest and best bodybuilding event while broadening opportunities for expansion and remaining focused on creating an extraordinary experience for all of our valued fans, and partners."

The Mr. Olympia joint venture was established in 2005 and includes the sport of bodybuilding's premier event, The Mr. Olympia Contest, an international competition well regarded as the sport's "Super Bowl." Introduced by Joe Weider and his brother Ben Weider in 1965, the first event was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. This year marks the 53rd annual edition, which will also be the biggest in the event's history with more than $1,300,000 in prize money awarded, reflecting 141% growth in prize money from the $540,000 in prize money awarded in 2004.

AMI also takes ownership of Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Expo, which was introduced in 2004 and is held in conjunction with The Mr. Olympia Contest. With the addition of the Fitness & Performance Expo in 2004, attendance over the course of the weekend has grown over 400% from 12,000 attendees to more than 60,000 in 2016. The number of exhibitors at the Expo also grew 120% by more than doubling from 500 booths in 2004 to more than 1,100 exhibitors in 2016.

Under Mr. Pecker's stewardship and that of IFBB Pro League President Emeritus Eric Weider and President Jim Manion, over the past ten years the Olympia Competition was expanded to include the Men's & Women's Physique Olympia, Bikini Olympia, Classic Physique Olympia and the 212 Olympia as well as the introduction of an Amateur Contest at this year's Olympia Competition. Since 2004, Mr. Olympia has further fueled the international growth of bodybuilding through the licensing of amateur events under the Olympia name in Bahrain, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom and Qatar.

The partnership between AMI and the Weider family began in 2003, when AMI acquired the popular consumer fitness brands Muscle & Fitness and FLEX from Weider Health and Fitness. Muscle & Fitness dates back to 1940 and FLEX debuted in 1983. Mr. Pecker worked closely with Joe and Ben Weider to continue to grow the event from 2003 to 2005 when the Mr. Olympia joint venture was established between IFBB Pro League and AMI and AMI began its operational control of the event.

AMI announced that Amazon will be the title sponsor for the 2017 Olympia Weekend and it will feature live broadcasts of the events throughout Olympia Weekend from the Orleans Arena, including the crowning of the winner of the 53rd Mr. Olympia Contest on Saturday night. AMI has also partnered with Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and their Seven Bucks Productions' digital arm Seven Bucks Digital Studios, to produce a takeover of the Olympia featuring interviews with some of the competition's most notable athletes and full, in-depth coverage of the event itself. The content will launch on the Seven Bucks Digital Studios' YouTube channel, which has over 2.4 million subscribers. Johnson is also scheduled to appear at the Expo and join Mr. Pecker on stage Saturday night at the Orleans Arena to announce the winners.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. (AMI) owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and active lifestyle media brands in the United States. AMI's titles include Us Weekly, OK!, Star, Men's Journal, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Mr. Olympia Contest, National Enquirer and other celebrity titles. AMI also manages 12 different digital sites including Usmagazine.com, OKmagazine.com, RadarOnline.com, MensJournal.com, MensFitness.com, MuscleandFitness.com and other digital and social properties. AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of 5.6+ million and reach more than 51 million men and women each month. AMI's digital properties reach approximately 65 million unique visitors monthly.

SOURCE American Media, Inc.
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has released a preliminary agenda for its Joint Member Forum (JMF) October 19, 2017, in Washington, DC. With the theme Future Perfect, the JMF will explore emerging areas of technology and expert panelists will address how standards and conformance will serve a substantial role in the revitalization of business and industry in years to come. The day's lineup will include ANSI's Annual Business Meeting luncheon and will be held during World Standards Week (WSW), a series of meetings and celebrations hosted annually by the Institute, coordinator of the U.S. voluntary standardization system.

All ANSI members and interested stakeholders from government, industry, business, consumer groups, and academia are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives and expertise on integral industry news and updates that influence the standardization communities domestically and globally. The Institute's president and CEO and Board chair will present updates on ANSI's recent activities, accomplishments, and strategic direction during the Annual Business Meeting luncheon.

The day-long forum is free for all ANSI members, and will feature the following sessions:

"Tech Trends 2017" will provide insights from Scott Buchholz , federal chief technology officer, Deloitte Consulting, into the macro forces that drive the disruption and transformation in many industry and technology sectors. Deloitte publishes an influential Tech Trends report, highlighting key areas that can benefit from strong partnerships among standards development, innovation, and research.

will provide insights from , federal chief technology officer, Deloitte Consulting, into the macro forces that drive the disruption and transformation in many industry and technology sectors. Deloitte publishes an influential report, highlighting key areas that can benefit from strong partnerships among standards development, innovation, and research. A panel on "Virtual Reality and Machine Intelligence" will explore how standards support the numerous virtual reality applications used for business and leisure, especially as machine intelligence applications change the way we operate in the 21 st Century and beyond, from unmanned vehicles to robotics automation, cognitive assistance, artificial intelligence, and more. The session will be moderated by an expert from Corning Inc., with various technology leader panelists.

will explore how standards support the numerous virtual reality applications used for business and leisure, especially as machine intelligence applications change the way we operate in the 21 Century and beyond, from unmanned vehicles to robotics automation, cognitive assistance, artificial intelligence, and more. The session will be moderated by an expert from Corning Inc., with various technology leader panelists. "The Digital Transformation of Standardization" panel will look at efforts to digitize standards and their applications, as industry, government, and standards developing organization (SDO) stakeholders have recognized the need for growth in this area. The session will be moderated by a U.S. Department of Defense expert. Panelists will focus on the following topics:

panel will look at efforts to digitize standards and their applications, as industry, government, and standards developing organization (SDO) stakeholders have recognized the need for growth in this area. The session will be moderated by a U.S. Department of Defense expert. Panelists will focus on the following topics: Creating new tools and methods to develop standards including ways to get broader participation in standards development work  as well as new types of standards deliverables



Exploring different publication formats like XML that are more flexible and robust



Integrating standards directly into products, systems, and services

The full agenda is now available; updated speaker information will be added as it is confirmed.

The JMF meeting and Annual Business Meeting luncheon will be held at the FHI Conference Center, Washington, DC. The event will take place on Thursday, October 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., including lunch. Registration is required by October 11, 2017, and is available via the ANSI WSW web page.

World Standards Week, to be held this year on October 16-20, 2017, is an annual event where members of the standards and conformity assessment community come together in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration. For more information, including registration for this and other WSW events and details on all meetings and conferences, visit www.ansi.org/wsweek.

About ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is made up of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.

The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization(ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

SOURCE American National Standards Institute

Related Links

http://www.ansi.org


"At Applebee's, we're providing our guests with a great meal at a great price with our 2 for $20 menu, but more than that, we're providing a reason to go out to eat and enjoy a meal with a friend, spouse or coworker, connecting over a shared love of their favorite appetizer and two abundant entrees," said Stephen Bulgarelli, newly appointed vice president and chief culinary officer at Applebee's. "We want to give our guests more  more flavor, more variety, and more bang for their buck."

Now, for a limited time only, Applebee's guests can choose from three of Applebee's most popular entrees as part of the 2 for $20 deal, including:

Whisky Bacon Burger - Caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon seared into an all-beef patty and topped with Fireball Whisky-infused steak sauce, applewood smoked bacon, crispy onions, and pepper jack cheese

Caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon seared into an all-beef patty and topped with Fireball Whisky-infused steak sauce, applewood smoked bacon, crispy onions, and pepper jack cheese Bourbon Street Chicken + Shrimp - Cajun-seasoned chicken breast grilled and served on a sizzling skillet with blackened seasoned shrimp and garlic, served with fried red potatoes and sauteed onions & mushrooms

Cajun-seasoned chicken breast grilled and served on a sizzling skillet with blackened seasoned shrimp and garlic, served with fried red potatoes and sauteed onions & mushrooms Chicken Breast with Bacon Beer Cheese Topper - a grilled chicken breast with BLUE MOON White Cheddar beer cheese, bacon, crispy onions and fresh green onions

These three additions join a robust list of full-size entrees on the 2 for $20 menu. Appetizer options may include Spinach + Artichoke Dip, Crunchy Onion Rings, Mozzarella Sticks, Boneless Wings or two side salads. Exact appetizers may vary by location.

The great value doesn't stop with the food; the Applebee's bar is serving up Dos Equis Lager  served in Applebee's exclusive Brewtus glass  and the Mucho Strawberry Lime Margarita for those wanting a little something extra to pair perfectly with the newest lineup of 2 for $20 selections.

For more information on the limited time offerings and deals from Applebee's, check out the online menu and stop by your neighborhood Applebee's.

About Applebee's

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar offers a lively casual dining experience combining simple, craveable American fare, classic drinks and local drafts. All Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering quality food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. Applebee's is one of the world's largest casual dining brands; as of June 30, 2017, there are nearly 2,000 Applebee's franchise restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 14 other countries. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of DineEquity, Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

Follow us:

Instagram: @applebees

Twitter: @applebees

Facebook: www.facebook.com/applebees

SOURCE Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

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MINNETONKA, Minn., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Siri's Casino of Reno, Nevada has contracted with Table Trac, Inc. (OTCQB: TBTC) to replace their existing online slot ticketing system with the CasinoTrac system. Siri's joins a growing number of Nevada casinos that have chosen Table Trac's newly approved system in Nevada.

Siri's Casino, located in downtown Reno under the Reno Arch, is Reno's newest casino. Featuring over 90 slot and video poker machines in a newly remodeled South Beach themed space, Siri's hosts a massive daiquiri and craft beer bar as well as Reno's hidden hot-spot for tasty fast food. Using the innovative marketing features of the CasinoTrac system, Siri's will introduce new full featured players club offering rewards, and fun ways to win bonuses.

"Siri's is a fun and exciting casino for us to convert," said Chad Hoehne, President of Table Trac. "We enjoy bringing the feature rich easy to use system to Nevada casinos that, prior to the approval of CasinoTrac, did not have a practical affordable path to the advanced system features that we offer."

Jeff Siri, manager of Siri's Casino, stated, "Siri's Casino opened in 2014 and has not had a slot player tracking system. With the addition of CasinoTrac we will now be able to offer our customers the benefits of a players club, which is further enhanced by the fact that the system will be linked to the Club Cal Neva, allowing customers to have a single players card that will work in both casinos. We are excited to have this state of art accounting and player tracking system, which will enhance the gaming experience and customer loyalty at Siri's Casino."

About Table Trac, Inc.

Founded in 1995, Table Trac, Inc. designs, develops and sells casino information and management systems. The company has over 120 systems installed in North, South, and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. More information is available at http://www.tabletrac.com/.

For more information:

Robert Siqveland

Table Trac, Inc.

952-548-8877

SOURCE Table Trac, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tabletrac.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Each independently owned and operated General Motors dealership is now able to partner with automotiveMastermind (Mastermind), the leading behavior prediction technology for the automotive industry. The Mastermind technology quickly and efficiently shows dealers who is ready to buy and the exact reasons why, helping them to review sales opportunities sooner.

"As General Motors' vehicle lineup continues to evolve through 2018 - from the new Buick Regal TourX to the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Traverse - we can help dealers now precisely target those potential buyers," said Marco Schnabl, CEO and co-Founder of automotiveMastermind. "We are looking forward to bringing the success we've had with Cadillac dealers  helping them sell more than 7,000 vehicles in the first half of 2017 - to, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC and are confident the Mastermind technology will help them successfully target and convert the best possible buyers into loyal customers."

Mastermind's proprietary technology captures thousands of data points, gathered from the dealer management system (DMS) and combines it with Big Data  social media profiles, financial records, product and consumer lifecycle information, socio-demographics and more. The data is distilled down to one simple number, the Behavior Prediction Score (BPS), a simple ranking from 0-100 that demonstrates to the dealer which customers would result in immediate sales. In addition, Mastermind delivers customer-specific motivational talking points right to the salesperson's desktop, and highly personalized marketing campaigns proven to increase the probability of a customer visiting a dealer.

"Mastermind has been working with approximately 100 Cadillac dealers, who have seen immediate benefits from our technology and micro-targeted marketing. Ninety-two percent said that Mastermind makes it easier for them to sell cars1," said Andrew Gillman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for automotiveMastermind. "We are confident all of General Motors' brands will see the benefit of behavior prediction analytics to achieve the same great results, and we have the added benefit to the dealers of being fully approved for iMR Turnkey Matching Funds (co-op program)."

Mastermind has a proven track record of transforming the dealership experience for consumers and revolutionizing the way automotive dealerships and manufacturers, find, engage and earn long-lasting customer relationships.

About automotiveMastermind

Founded in 2012, automotiveMastermind is the leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation technology for the automotive industry. The company's cloud-based platform helps dealers precisely predict automobile-buying behavior and automates the creation of micro-targeted consumer communications, leading to proven higher sales and more consistent customer retention. automotiveMastermind currently works with close to 1,000 dealer partners. Headquartered in New York City and San Francisco, automotiveMastermind has now tripled its employee count in the last year. For more information, visit automotivemastermind.com or follow them on Twitter @autoMastermind.

1 automotiveMastermind Experience Survey 2.0  All-Brand Results, August 2017

SOURCE automotiveMastermind

Related Links

http://www.automotivemastermind.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Children's National Health System announced that Catherine "Cath" Bollard, M.D., M.B.Ch.B., currently chief of the division of allergy and immunology, has been chosen to serve as director of the Children's Research Institute's (CRI) Center for Cancer and Immunology Research (CCIR). CCIR, with annual National Institutes of Health and other external funding of more than $10 million, includes more than 50 clinicians and scientists performing groundbreaking clinical and translational research in understanding the origins and developing and testing novel therapies for childhood cancers and immunologic disorders. In her new role, Dr. Bollard will lead the promotion and oversight of cancer and immunology research performed at Children's National and will join the leadership team of CRI.

"I'm honored and excited to take on this new role," says Dr. Bollard. "Since joining Children's National, we've made incredible progress in the cancer immunotherapy field. I look forward to continuing to build on these successes and lead the way toward the next generation of innovative immunotherapy treatments."

Since 2015, Dr. Bollard has served as the chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children's National after joining the hospital in 2013 to direct the cellular immunotherapy research program. She also is Professor of Pediatrics and of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine at The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences and serves as the director of the Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy.

"Cath's unique background and pioneering work in T-cell immunotherapy have established her as an international leader in research and treatment of children with cancer and immunologic disorders," says Vittorio Gallo, Ph.D., Chief Research Officer at CRI. "Her leadership will reinforce our ongoing commitment to fighting cancer and developing innovative treatments."

Dr. Bollard's research focuses on improving outcomes for patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as the development of novel cell therapies for viral diseases and hematologic malignancies. With her move to Children's National, she and her team extended this focus to include pediatric solid tumors, human immunodeficiency virus, primary immune deficiency and more recently, allergic and autoimmune disorders. The novel cell therapies program that Dr. Bollard and her team built moves basic proof-of-principle work in the laboratory to the clinic.

"All of Children's National's progress in cellular immunotherapy can be attributed to Catherine and her leadership," says Mark L. Batshaw, M.D., Chief Academic Officer and Director of CRI. "We are confident her impact will extend even further in her new role."

An internationally recognized pioneer in cellular therapy, Dr. Bollard's publication record includes over 110 original papers, over 70 reviews and commentaries and 18 book chapters. She is a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and is President of the International Society for Cellular Therapy. Dr. Bollard serves as an associate editor for the journals Blood and Cytotherapy, a member of the National Cancer Institute Clinical Oncology Study Section and a member of the Cellular, Tissues and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee for the Food and Drug Administration, among other distinguished positions.

A New Zealand native, Dr. Bollard received her medical degree at University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. Board Certified both in pediatrics and hematology, she worked both in New Zealand and London before moving to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in 2000, where she completed her training and rapidly rose to Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine and Immunology and Director of the Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center Pediatric Lymphoma Program.

About Children's National Health System

Children's National Health System, based in Washington, D.C., has been serving the nation's children since 1870. Children's National is #1 for babies and ranked in every specialty evaluated by U.S. News & World Report including placement in the top 10 for: Cancer (#7), Neurology and Neurosurgery (#9) Orthopedics (#9) and Nephrology (#10). Children's National has been designated two times as a Magnet hospital, a designation given to hospitals that demonstrate the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty outpatient centers. Home to the Children's Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National is one of the nation's top NIH-funded pediatric institutions. Children's National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. For more information, visit ChildrensNational.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Children's National Health System

Related Links

http://www.childrensnational.org


ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aytu BioScience, Inc. (OTCQX: AYTUD), a specialty life sciences company focused on global commercialization of novel products in the field of urology, today announced it will be featured as a presenting company at the 19th Annual Rodman & Renshaw Global Investment Conference, sponsored by H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC. The conference is being held on September 10-12, 2017 at Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York City.

Josh Disbrow, Chief Executive Officer, and Jarrett Disbrow, Chief Operating Officer, of Aytu BioScience will provide an overview of the Company's business during the live presentation scheduled on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 5:05 pm EDT. Management will also be meeting with members of the investment community during one-on-one meetings.

Event: 19th Annual Rodman & Renshaw Global Investment Conference

Date: September 12, 2017

Time: 5:05-5:30 pm (Eastern Time)

Location: Holmes 1; Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York City

A live audio of the webcast and copy of the presentation can be accessed through the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.aytubio.com. An archived version will remain available for 90 days.

About Aytu BioScience, Inc.

Aytu BioScience is a commercial-stage specialty life sciences company focused on global commercialization of novel products in the field of urology, with a focus on products addressing vitality, sexual wellness, and reproductive health. The Company currently markets two prescription products in the U.S.: Natesto, the first and only FDA-approved nasal formulation of testosterone for men with hypogonadism (low testosterone, or "Low T") and ProstaScint (capromab pendetide), the only FDA-approved imaging agent specific to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for prostate cancer detection and staging. Additionally, Aytu is developing MiOXSYS, a novel, rapid semen analysis system with the potential to become a standard of care for the diagnosis and management of male infertility caused by oxidative stress. MiOXSYS is commercialized outside the U.S. where it is a CE Marked, Health Canada cleared product, and Aytu is planning U.S.-based clinical trials in pursuit of 510k medical device clearance by the FDA. Aytu's strategy is to continue building its portfolio of revenue-generating products, leveraging its focused commercial team and expertise to build leading brands within growing markets. For more information visit aytubio.com. Aytu also has a wholly-owned subsidiary Aytu Women's Health (formerly Nuelle, Inc.), a personal health and wellness company focused on women's sexual wellbeing and intimacy. Aytu Women's Health markets Fiera, a personal care device for women that is scientifically proven to enhance physical arousal and sexual desire. Fiera is a consumer device and is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease or medical condition.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this presentation, including statements regarding our anticipated future clinical and regulatory events, future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are generally written in the future tense and/or are preceded by words such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "forecast," "could," "expect," "suggest," "believe," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," or similar words, or the negatives of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. These statements are just predictions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the company's ability to increase Natesto prescriptions, and product sales of MiOXSYS and Fiera. We also refer you to the risks described in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of Aytu BioScience, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in the other reports and documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

Investor Relations Contact:

Amato and Partners, LLC

90 Park Avenue, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10016

[email protected]

SOURCE Aytu BioScience, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.aytubio.com


ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambinos Baby Food, a revolutionary company providing clinically tested all kosher and organic meals with no preservatives or additives, opens its brand-new manufacturing facility in Anchorage, Alaska. Located at 2819 Spenard Road, the 3000 square feet facility employs 200 people including our fishermen and farmers.

Founder Zoi Maroudas and her family, with Governor William Walker and The First Lady Of Alaska Donna Walker

Special guests in attendance at the ribbon-cutting and grand opening event include Governor William Walker and the First Lady of Alaska Donna Walker, Congressman Don Young, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Don Sullivan and 400 current and new customers (guests).

"Bambinos is about nurturing from the very beginning and all the way through life, with healthy, natural, and delicious food," says Zoi Maroudas, founder and CEO of Bambinos Baby Food. "Families that visit the manufacturing facility will have the chance to watch production process through a designated glass viewing platform."

Bambinos Baby Food is known for its peanut allergy prevention cookie. The Peanut Mani cookie, has the exact daily amount of natural peanut protein to help desensitize infants from ever developing the peanut allergy and has the success rate of 85%.

Maroudas also says, "We are not just another manufacturing company, we are a significant extension of every family."

The Grand Opening event, was from 4 to 8 pm and offered many activities for the entire family. From touring the facility and learning about Bambinos nutritional lifestyle and what goes into it; attendees, referred to as Bambino's Friends were also able to enjoy:

Baby and family yoga,

Free samples of baby food,

Nutritional food courses,

Professional Baby Photography and

Live music.

Bambinos is the first baby food company to offer a national subscription service and deliveries to all 50 states. Bambinos prides themselves on their broad offerings covering different nutritional needs, from gluten free to vegan, vegetarian, combo, and pescatarian.

About Bambinos Baby Food

Bambinos Baby Food is an all-natural, nutrition-based company that strives in providing the best foods for your baby. Products are meals and cookies handcrafted in Alaska with fresh ingredients. Bambinos is the first company to open its doors to full transparency of manufacturing process of the healthiest and most convenient baby food on the market. Learn more about Bambinos Baby Food at https://bambinosbabyfood.com/.

Media Contact:

Ela Kelly

224-480-6855

[email protected]

SOURCE Bambinos Baby Food

Related Links

https://bambinosbabyfood.com


CAMARILLO, CA, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - BNK Petroleum Inc. (the "Company") (TSX: BKX) is pleased to announce that the Hartgraves 1-6H well averaged about 405 Barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), of which 324 barrels are oil, for the last 6 days, while still producing back completion fluid.

Commenting on the announcement, Wolf Regener, President and CEO, said:

"We are very pleased with the flow rate from this well, which is currently above both the proved undeveloped and the probable case type curves used to estimate the reserves attributed to the Company's Tishomingo Field. The flow rate is within 12% of the possible type curve, and as the well continues to clean up we will continue to optimize it.

This well is on a trajectory to generate an attractive rate of return, even in this oil price environment. In addition, we anticipate an even shallower decline rate than our previous wells due to the large amount of proppant in the fracture stimulation."

The Company also announces that fracture stimulation of the previously drilled Brock 9-2H well is scheduled to begin in the third week of September.

About BNK Petroleum Inc.

BNK Petroleum Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and production company focused on finding and exploiting large, predominately unconventional oil and gas resource plays. Through its subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates shale oil and gas properties in the United States. Additionally, the Company is utilizing its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional unconventional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol BKX and on the OTCQB under the stock symbol BNKPF.



Cautionary Statements

In this news release and the Company's other public disclosure: The references to barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") reflect natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. Readers should be aware that references to initial production rates and other short-term production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Readers are referred to the full description of the results of the Company's December 31, 2016 independent reserves evaluation and other oil and gas information contained in its Form 51-101F1 Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information for the year ended December 31, 2016, which the Company filed on SEDAR on March 23, 2017.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the timing of and expected results from planned Caney wells development. Forward-looking information is based on plans and estimates of management and interpretations of data by the Company's technical team at the date the data is provided and is subject to several factors and assumptions of management, including that that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that required regulatory approvals will be available when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the offset operator's operations will proceed as expected by management, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through financings, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business, its ability to advance its business strategy and the industry as a whole. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes or shortages are encountered, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), that the offset operator's operations have unexpected adverse effects on the Company's operations, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve, and the other risks and uncertainties applicable to exploration and development activities and the Company's business as set forth in the Company's management discussion and analysis and its annual information form, both of which are available for viewing under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could result in delays, cessation in planned work or loss of one or more concessions and have an adverse effect on the Company and its financial condition. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE BNK Petroleum Inc.
MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that IMS, Inc., a nationally recognized brand and integrated service provider of print, mail, and digital delivery services, recently installed an Oce VarioPrint i300 in its continued quest to transition to white-paper-in, full-color-out high-volume production inkjet output. The installation is evidence of Canon Solutions America's continuously expanding national footprint, specifically within the inkjet space, and the company's growing support to an increasing number of leading print service providers in upstate New York.

Starting as a pioneer in the presort mail industry, IMS, Inc. has since expanded its operations and transformed into one of the most recognized names in transactional document delivery throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1986, by W. Lee Vanderpool, Jr., IMS, Inc. is proud of its ability to provide excellent service to a large and diverse clientele that today includes many of the top-tier performers in financial services, insurance, credit unions, community banks, healthcare and collections (ARM). IMS, Inc.'s promise to continuously invest in cutting-edge technology, unmatched capability, cost-efficiency, and the security of its customers' data led them to Canon Solutions America.

By acquiring the Oce VarioPrint i300, IMS, Inc. will continue to migrate more of its client base to one-to-one messaging that will add value to their customers' documents with customized full-color messaging at a higher rate of speed and higher volumes. IMS, Inc. prides itself in being able to exceed tight SLAs; therefore, the ability to implement an inkjet press that provides additional flexibility and improved quality by helping reduce the need for preprinted forms increased the company's eagerness to acquire the Oce VarioPrint i300. Canon Solutions America's goal is to provide an industry-leading solution at an excellent value that will help drive the results that clients want. IMS, Inc. utilizes customer data to drive communications that will help to enhance their business, drive additional revenue, increase brand recognition, on both the electronic and print side, through dynamic imagery and highlighted wording printed on both full color digital and inkjet technology.

"Over the years, our relationship with Canon Solutions America has transformed into a trusted partnership with our needs clearly being understood and given priority, said John D. Mashia, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer at IMS, Inc. "They understand that in order for us to be successful we must have flexibility in a vendor partnership and experience optimal uptime on our equipment.

It was only natural for us to invest in another Canon press, especially with the excellent track record of the Oce VarioPrint i300."

With the i300, IMS, Inc. looks forward to further consolidating sheet-fed black and white, highlight color, and full color digital workflows into production inkjet presses allowing them to handle new and more diverse applications. IMS, Inc. is a data driven business intent on working closely with its customer base to analyze their data and create proper messaging that will add value to their business. The company's goal is to touch all variables to ensure customers are communicating relevantly. The i300 is going to allow the company to continue to support that goal by providing a complete sheet-fed, inkjet white-paper-in, full-color-out workflow in a high volume and capacity with its ability to draw from multiple paper sources, automatic duplexing, and in-line connectivity to finishing equipment.

"We take great pride in offering our customers the most advanced and dynamic technology that will help companies achieve their goals and improve daily print efforts," said Francis A. McMahon, senior vice president, Marketing, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America. "As the digital color print space continues to expand, we will pay close attention to our customers' needs to ensure they receive the necessary technology to remain competitive in the marketplace and offer their customers enhanced value proposition."

Aside from the value color has brought to IMS, Inc.'s dynamic customer base, the company pursued Canon's leading inkjet press due to its ability to drive quality output at a high rated speed, as well as handle high volumes during peak times of the month. After evaluating various inkjet possibilities, IMS, Inc. recognized that the Oce VarioPrint i300 was the best choice for IMS, Inc. based on the VarioPrint i300's reputation in the industry, uptime, quality, speed and ability to handle a diverse portfolio of applications. IMS, Inc. prioritized turnaround time, quality, and a press capable of handling substantial volume to drive their decision. It has since demonstrated that it is in fact able to support significant transactional volume delivered by IMS each day and during peak periods. "IMS Inc. is always looking to invest in market leading technology, added Mashia. The acquisition of the Oce VarioPrint i300 is a continued opportunity to provide our clients with a higher level service while enhancing their targeted communication and helping them drive additional revenue."

About IMS, Inc.

IMS, Inc. is a nationally recognized multi-channel communications provider, offering enhanced print, electronic and mail communications. IMS serves a broad base of organizations including several Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries, including Financial Services, Insurance, Healthcare, Credit and Collections. Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, IMS is a recognized leader in the world of transactional document printing and direct mail marketing. To learn more about IMS, Inc. please visit our website at www.imsdirect.com or call 800-466-4189.

About Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Solutions America provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. With the technology offerings of the Canon and Oce brands, Canon Solutions America helps companies of all sizes improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs through high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Solutions America is headquartered in Melville, N.Y. and has sales and service locations across the U.S. For more information on Canon Solutions America, please visit csa.canon.com.

Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. Oce is a registered trademark of Oce-Technologies B.V. in the United States and elsewhere. IMS, Inc. & IMSDirect.com logos are trademarks of IMS, Inc. All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.

 2017 Canon Solutions America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Canon Solutions America, Inc. Website: Editorial Contact:

http://csa.canon.com Conor Febos

For sales info/customer support: 631-330-4109

1-844-443-INFO (4636) [email protected]

SOURCE Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Related Links

https://csa.canon.com


The metals were in the garage, explained Patricia. When it's locked down, she feels safe storing her valuables there, but as the rainfall worsened and water-levels rose, Patricia realized that her gold and silver might just float away.

She contacted Capital Gold Group, the California-based precious metals investment firm where she acquired her metals.

CEO Jonathan Rose saw the risks present: not only could water sweep away Patricia's investment, but looters could potentially find their way into her evacuated home and confiscate the metals themselves.

Acting quickly, Jonathan sent a trusted security team to Houston to salvage Patricia's investments.

Salient Operations Group has worked with Capital Gold Group before on matters of transporting logistics, but in this instance, they collaborated to send two armed operatives into the Houston area to recover Patricia's gold and silver.

Working closely with Mitch McCalister, ex-special forces and head of Salient Operations Group, Mr. Rose coordinated the extraction for Patricia's precious metals.

By the time the operatives entered Patricia's residence, she and her family had evacuated. The team entered via boat under cover of darkness.

"Most importantly, she made it to safety," says Mr. Rose about his client. "And thankfully, our operatives were able to also secure Patricia's gold and silver."

Patricia's metals were recovered and are being securely stored for her in a vault, until she is ready to reclaim possession of them.

About Capital Gold Group Inc.

Capital Gold Group Inc. is a global leader in Precious Metals IRA accounts and physical delivery metals. CEO Jonathan Rose is an international registered financial consultant with a Series 3 commodities license. Mr. Rose has lectured in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and at the Financial Advisor Symposium in America on the benefits of Precious Metals for portfolio diversification.

SOURCE Capital Gold Group

Related Links

https://www.capitalgoldgroup.com/


This innovative partnership between Pacify Health, Inc. and Care1st is the first Pacify app initiative offered by an AHCCCS (Medicaid) plan in the state. Care1st was also chosen to be the inaugural WellCare health plan to kick start this unique program.

The Pacify app is a live video chat service, available 24/7 through smartphones, that provides new mothers immediate access to certified providers including lactation consultants and nutritionists. Mothers can receive breastfeeding support as well as guidance related to any health issues their babies may be experiencing such as colic, digestion, transitioning to solid foods and more. Care1st believes that new mothers need extra support during this important time in their infant's growth and development.

"We understand how important these early years are to both mothers and their young children when instilling healthy habits that will affect a lifetime," said Scott Cummings, state president of Care1st. "This collaboration is exciting because it will aid us as we strive to promote the health and wellness of our members in a more interactive and modern way."

The Pacify app also features push notifications that appear regularly on the mobile devices of registered members. These helpful alerts include health and safety tips that are beneficial to both mothers and their babies.

"The Pacify mobile app will provide immediate, cutting-edge support for new moms at the touch of a button," said George Brandes, co-founder and chief operating officer of Pacify Health, Inc. "Care1st members will now have an unprecedented level of access to care, with video-enabled consults available even in the middle of the night and on weekends when there aren't a lot of other options."

To learn more about Care1st and its services, visit www.care1st.com/az. For additional information about Pacify Health, Inc., go to www.pacify.com.

About Care1st Health Plan Arizona, Inc.

Care1st Health Plan Arizona, a WellCare Company, serves approximately 158,000 AHCCCS (Medicaid) members, 2,000 Medicare Advantage Special Needs members, and 21,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) members.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. The company serves approximately 4.4 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2017. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

About Pacify Health, Inc.

Launched in 2014, Pacify Health was founded on the idea that more can be done to use mobile technology to help families access excellent maternal and pediatric care, regardless of their circumstances. Pacify's industry-leading mobile platform provides instantaneous support to new mothers. Video-visits on the app connect mothers with providers including nutritionists and lactation consultants. Mothers using Pacify express greater satisfaction, engagement, and health outcomes compared to alternative support services.

SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.wellcare.com


DUBLIN, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "China Cancer Test Market, Volume, Forecast (By Male & Female), Mortality & 26 Cancer (Oncology) Types Market & Volume to 2022" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

By the end of year 2022, China Cancer Test Market is expected to cross US$ 24 Billion

China is the leading consumer of tobacco in the worldwide. Urban and Rural areas face high death rate due to the massive impact of growing cancer diseases in China. In order to alleviate cancer prevalence; the government focuses on several Cancer Control Programs which include prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis programs include screening for breast and cervix cancer while prevention programs such as anti-smoking campaigns and immunization against hepatitis. Public awareness of cancer and the promotion of healthy lifestyle have also been carried out actively.



In this report, we have studied in-depth analysis of 26 types of cancer in which Lung cancer is leading the market because China has high consumer of tobacco in worldwide. China has an exceptional number of lung cancer diagnoses and deaths than any other part of the world. Cancer is one of the most significant public health burdens in China. The problem will keep moving in near future as China' air pollution goes mostly unchecked.



Lung Cancer leads the China Oncology Market



In China, Lung cancer leads the market in both genders. The report covers the different types of cancers and emphasis on genders. Therefore, the categorization was as follows:



In Male: Lung Cancer is the most predominant cancer and is mainly driven by adult males, half of Chinese men are expected to be current smokers compared to women, followed by Colorectal Cancer, Liver Cancer, Brain, CNS, Esophageal Cancer and Breast Cancer (not in same chorological order).



In Female: Lung cancer cases are less in women as compared to men but other cancers were Liver and Breast Cancer, Uterus and Ovarian Cancer are other most common cancers. Some other Cancers studied in this report are Lip, Oral Cavity, & Pharynx, Nasopharynx, Pancreas, Bone, Prostate, Luekemia, Bladder, Kidney and Lymphoma



Soaring Cancer Mortality Rates



Over the past three decades, Cancer Mortality Rates in China have been rising rapidly. In the urban region, the mortality of cancer is comparatively higher than in rural one. Out of 26 Types of Cancer studied in the report, Lung cancer accounts for the highest fatalities, followed by Digestive Tract Cancers (Stomach, Liver Cancer, Esophageal and Colorectum Cancer).



China Cancer Test Market, Volume, Forecast (By Male & Female), Mortality & 26 Cancer (Oncology) Types Market & Volume to 2022 studies the oncology market in China. This 357 page report with 314 Figures and 12 Tables provides in-depth analysis of China Cancer Tests Market and Volume. All 26 types of cancer in the report have been analyzed from 3 major viewpoints which further study it from 2 different perspectives.



1. China Cancer (Oncology) Screening Tests Market & Forecast

Male

Female

2. China Cancer (Oncology) Screening Tests Volume & Forecast

Male

Female

3. China Cancer (Oncology) Mortality Rate



All the 26 Cancer Market & Cases Studied in the Report are as Follows:



1. Lip, oral cavity, & pharynx (except nasopharynx)

2. Nasopharynx

3. Esophagus

4. Stomach

5. Colorectum

6. Liver

7. Gallbladder

8. Pancreas

9. Larynx

10. Lung

11. Other thoracic organs

12. Bone

13. Melanoma of the skin

14. Breast

15. Cervix

16. Uterus

17. Ovary

18. Prostate

19. Testis

20. Kidney

21. Bladder

22. Brain, CNS

23. Thyroid

24. Lymphoma

25. Leukemia

26. All other sites and unspecified

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/67kwlr/china_cancer_test

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


SAN FRANCISCO, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The global chromatography resin market is expected to reach USD 2.86 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing number of CRO (Contract Research Organization) and CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization), and use of chromatography in food quality and safety testing is further propelling the market growth.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160524/371361LOGO )

The growing pharmaceutical sector in the Asia Pacific region especially in China and India, owing to abundance of high skill workforce and increase in disposable income are some of the factors positively influencing the market. In addition, the guidelines issued by food regulatory authorities for safety and quality of food and beverages products is expected to have a positive impact on the industry.

The growth in demand from Food and Beverages (F&B) sector is due to increase in awareness among public towards the quality and safety of the food products is encouraging the food manufacturers to do strict food checks of their product, which in turn giving boost to use of chromatography resin in F&B sector.

The ion exchange resin and size exclusion resin segment are expected to collectively account for 60% of the global market share in 2025. The demand for these products is attributed to increase in drug discovery process by pharmaceutical companies which require chromatography technique to separate complex mixtures and purification of materials. In addition, use of chromatography in water treatment is projected to boost the demand for the chromatography resin products over the forecast period.

North America was leading the market due to presence of most of the global pharmaceutical companies in the region. Huge healthcare expenditure coupled with growing regulation by food safety authorities such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading the expansion of the market in this region.

Browse full research report with TOC on "Chromatography Resin Market Analysis, By Type (Natural, Synthetic, Inorganic Media), By Technique (Ion Exchange, Affinity, Size Exclusion, Hydrophobic Interaction) By Region, And Segment Forecasts 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/chromatography-resin-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2017 to 2025 on account of growing pharmaceutical sector. Synthetic Resin will witness fastest growth in terms of revenue at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2017 to 2025 owing to its high productivity.

Asia Pacific market is anticipated to witness substantial development and was valued at USD 608.9 million in 2016 on account of rising disposable income and increasing number of pharmaceutical companies.

market is anticipated to witness substantial development and was valued at in 2016 on account of rising disposable income and increasing number of pharmaceutical companies. Key players in the market include Merck KGaA, GE Healthcare Lifesciences, Tosoh Corp, Purolite Corp, Danaher Corp, Mitsubishi Chemical, W.R Grace , Thermo Fisher Inc, Bio-Rad Labs and others. These companies are focused on increasing on producing more productive resin type and find innovative application for their resin products.

, Thermo Fisher Inc, and others. These companies are focused on increasing on producing more productive resin type and find innovative application for their resin products. In November 2015 , Merck KGaA acquired Sigma -Aldrich, and this acquisition would enable Merck to foray especially into chromatography market.

Browse related reports by Grand View Research:

Grand View Research has segmented the global chromatography resin market on the basis of type, technique, end-use and region:

Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Natural Synthetic Inorganic Media

Technique Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Ion Exchange Affinity Hydrophobic Interaction Size Exclusion Others

End-use industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Food & Beverage

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Europe UK Germany France Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea South & Central America Middle East and Africa



Read Our Blog By Grand View Research: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/bulk-chemicals

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]



Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) today announced that Kenneth McPhail has been named executive vice president and chief strategy officer, effective immediately. In this role, he will have responsibility for strategic planning and initiatives, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures that advance the company's goals. McPhail will report to Chief Financial Officer John Fawcett and serve on CIT's Executive Management Committee. McPhail succeeds Kelley Morrell who is leaving CIT to pursue another career opportunity.

"Ken is a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of banking experience," said Fawcett. "He brings broad industry perspective, strong leadership skills and a thoughtful approach to developing and executing strategic initiatives. He will be a key contributor in advancing CIT's strategic goals for the future."

McPhail joins CIT from MUFG Union Bank where he was the managing director and head of Corporate Strategy and Development. Prior to that role, he served as the co-head of Depository Institutions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he was a strategic advisor to international and regional bank holding companies. McPhail was at Citigroup as the head of Depository Institutions from 1995 to 2006 and began his career at The First Boston Corporation in 1985. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from Brown University.

About CIT

Founded in 1908, CIT (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with more than $50 billion in assets as of June 30, 2017. Its principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A., (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender) has more than $30 billion of deposits and more than $40 billion of assets. CIT provides financing, leasing, and advisory services principally to middle-market companies and small businesses across a wide variety of industries. It also offers products and services to consumers through its Internet bank franchise and a network of retail branches in Southern California, operating as OneWest Bank, a division of CIT Bank, N.A. For more information visit cit.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Gina Proia

212-771-6008

[email protected]

INVESTOR CONTACT

Barbara Callahan

973-740-5058

[email protected]

SOURCE CIT Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cit.com


Additionally, CVS Pharmacy, in cooperation with the Texas Department of State Health Services, will provide pharmacy services to Texas residents who have been displaced by the Hurricane through "pop up" pharmacies that are being deployed at emergency shelters in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. "Pop up" pharmacies place pharmacists and pharmacy personnel at the shelters to counsel patients and facilitate the delivery of prescriptions from nearby pharmacies. Through this arrangement, CVS Pharmacy will be able to fill a one-time "emergency" prescription, up to a 30-day supply, for shelter residents who are displaced or without their medication.

These new actions follow a donation from the CVS Health Foundation announced earlier this week of $200,000 towards relief and recovery efforts, which includes $50,000 each to the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the American Red Cross, as well as $25,000 to Salvation Army, to aid the greater Houston area in supporting local residents as they begin the recovery and rebuilding process. The CVS Health Foundation will also match colleague donations up to $25,000.

In addition, CVS Health has donated more than $90,000 worth of in-kind products including personal hygiene, clean-up and over-the-counter items to area shelters and continues to work with shelters throughout Texas to support those displaced. CVS Health has also partnered with the American Red Cross to set up an easy way for customers looking to donate to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts at https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/cvspharmacy-pub.

About CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with over 9,700 locations. It is the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco and the first pharmacy in the nation to receive the Community Pharmacy accreditation from URAC, the leading health care accreditation organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. CVS Pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on their path to better health by providing the most accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS Pharmacy and CVS Health is available at www.cvshealth.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Stephanie Cunha

[email protected]

401-770-9354

Gary Serby

[email protected]

401-770-8385

SOURCE CVS Pharmacy

Related Links

https://cvshealth.com


DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas trial and appellate attorney Clayton Bailey, co-founder of the litigation boutique Bailey Brauer PLLC, is one of 23 attorneys from across the country to be selected to The National Law Journal's Elite Boutique Trailblazers for 2017.

Clayton Bailey

Mr. Bailey is the only Texas-based attorney selected for this honor, which recognizes legal innovators who are changing the boutique law firm landscape. The Elite Boutique Trailblazers supplement is included in the September issue of the National Law Journal and can be found online at http://pdfserver.amlaw.com/nlj/supplements/NLJTB_Elite/mobile/index.html.

"When Alex Brauer and I opened this firm, we came from Big Law and wanted to be able to offer clients that same level of representation, but in a much more nimble, responsive fashion," says Mr. Bailey, who explains in the National Law Journal profile that although the firm intends to expand, he and Alex intend to "keep the size of the firm limited. Once you get beyond a certain size, you can become inefficient. And we want to stay very efficient."

Founded in 2013, Bailey Brauer has quickly grown to be among the most respected firms in the country, earning multiple individual and firm recognitions from Benchmark Litigation, BTI Consulting Group, Texas Super Lawyers and D Magazine.

Most recently, Mr. Bailey was selected to the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in recognition of his appellate practice. The legal profession's oldest peer-review publication, Best Lawyers is widely considered the top guide to U.S. lawyers, with selection involving a rigorous peer-review survey that includes millions of confidential evaluations by other lawyers. To learn more, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com.

About Bailey Brauer PLLC

Bailey Brauer PLLC is nationally recognized for its trial and appellate work and provides battle-tested, sophisticated courtroom experience in high-stakes litigation matters. Led by veteran trial and appellate lawyers Clayton Bailey and Alex Brauer, the firm focuses on complex commercial litigation, agribusiness, appeals, and class actions. Learn more about the firm at: http://baileybrauer.com/.

Media Contact:

Rhonda Reddick

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Bailey Brauer PLLC

Related Links

http://www.baileybrauer.com


Situated on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the new David Yurman boutique has a two-story historical facade that was maintained and restored to its original condition. Conceived by the Yurmans, the boutique reflects the brand's aesthetic and the family's unique artistic expression. The entrance lobby features a heritage wall that visually narrates the Yurmans' journey from art to jewelry with examples of David's early sculptures and wearable art pieces alongside more current designs.

The boutique is 3,250 square feet and the store's interior was inspired by the colors of the brand's most iconic gemstones and the hues in Sybil Yurman's paintings hung throughout the space. These subtle shades were introduced sparingly in the boutique through the use of rich fabric upholstery covering various vintage and custom-made furnishings.

The store's focal point is the central display column, featuring six cylindrical vitrines placed around a pillar of metal rods, reminiscent of the metal strands used in the crafting our jewelry. This dynamic feature acts as a focal display for our most iconic pieces, and invites patrons to meander through the space. In the main area, violet motifs that were hand-applied over white gold leaf on decorative panels offer a subdued elegance.

Other distinct features include a men's jewelry area and a private salon. The men's area has a distinctly masculine feel created through the use of darker materials and found objects. Vintage furniture and decorative elements alongside simple, natural materials are a nod to Evan Yurman's creative workspace, Noumenon, in New York.

During the opening month, David Yurman will join EXPO CHICAGO as a first-time sponsor with a special exhibition located in the VIP Collector's Lounge. The exhibition, The Voyage From Art to Jewelry, running from September 13th- 17th will feature iconic and new collections, as well as David Yurman's earliest designs and sculptures.

David Yurman's Michigan Avenue boutique is located at 919 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.

ABOUT DAVID YURMAN:

David Yurman is the premier American luxury jewelry brand with a mission to share in life's exceptional moments. Founded by two artists, David and Sybil Yurman, in New York in 1980, artistic inspiration, craftsmanship and unconventional yet elegant designs are at the core of the brand. The marriage of David's background in sculpture with Sybil's natural understanding of color and art yields signature jewelry designs; diamond, pearl, and gemstone jewelry and Swiss-crafted timepieces that are renowned for capturing the essence of relaxed American luxury. David Yurman collections are available at 47 retail and concession locations throughout the United States, Canada, France and at over 350 locations worldwide, through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers.

Michelle Shores

David Yurman

646.264.7553

[email protected]

Adrienne Houdmont

HL Group

646.460.8928

[email protected]

SOURCE David Yurman
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD), a global leader in enabling connected commerce across the financial and retail industries, announced today that Andy W. Mattes, president and chief executive officer, will participate in the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference 2017 in New York City. Mattes will discuss the company's "Connected Commerce" strategy as well as the company's transformational DN2020 program. He will also be available to meet with institutional investors.

Mattes' remarks will begin at 2:45 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. A live audio webcast of the event can be accessed on Diebold Nixdorf's investor relations website, http://investors.dieboldnixdorf.com/. A replay of the broadcast will also be available on this site.

About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world's top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an 'always on' and changing consumer landscape.

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 24,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.





SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf

Related Links

http://www.DieboldNixdorf.com


In this role Santoro will lead and execute the strategic product and marketing agenda for Voya Investment Management including product development and management, messaging and strategy for institutional and intermediary channels. Leading a team of 45 product and marketing professionals, Santoro will work with the firm's investment and distribution teams to optimize Investment Management's "go to market" strategies with our investment products to meet client needs.

"I'm pleased to welcome Dina to Voya," said Mathews. "With great people, a unique culture and a distinct brand, Voya Investment Management continues to achieve strong results by focusing on our clients. As a member of our leadership team, Dina will help us advance Voya Investment Management's momentum by developing and delivering solutions that meet our clients' long-term investing needs. I'm looking forward to working closely with her."

Prior to joining Voya Investment Management, Santoro was a managing director and head of Product Strategy and Distribution at QMA, a global investment management division of Prudential that manages $115 billion in equity and multi-asset class solutions for institutional and sub-advisory clients globally. At QMA, she served as part of the executive management team that was responsible for shaping organizational strategy and managing the business operations of the firm. She oversaw the client and business development functions, including consultant relations, marketing and product development for both institutional and retail audiences. Before joining QMA in 2004, she was a senior vice president, head of marketing at Jennison Associates. Prior to that role, she was a vice president at JP Morgan where she managed a team of marketing specialists responsible for product positioning for new business development and client retention.

Santoro earned her BS in marketing from Boston College and her MBA from Columbia University. She also has her Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses.

Media Contact:

Kristopher Kagel

(212) 309-6568

[email protected]

About Voya Investment Management

A leading, active asset management firm, Voya Investment Management manages, as of June 30, 2017, more than $217 billion for affiliated and external institutions as well as individual investors. With 40 years of history in asset management, Voya Investment Management has the experience and resources to provide clients with investment solutions with an emphasis on equities, fixed income, and multi-asset strategies and solutions. Voya Investment Management was named in 2016 as a "Best Places to Work" by Pensions and Investments magazine. For more information, visit voyainvestments.com. Follow Voya Investment Management on Twitter @VoyaInvestments.

About Voya Financial

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), helps Americans plan, invest and protect their savings  to get ready to retire better. Serving the financial needs of approximately 13.6 million individual and institutional customers in the United States, Voya is a Fortune 500 company that had $11 billion in revenue in 2016. The company had $517 billion in total assets under management and administration as of June 30, 2017. With a clear mission to make a secure financial future possible  one person, one family, one institution at a time  Voya's vision is to be America's Retirement Company. Certified as a "Great Place to Work" by the Great Place to Work Institute, Voya is equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible and has been recognized as one of the 2017 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, as well as one of the Top Green Companies in the U.S., by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook and Twitter @Voya.

SOURCE Voya Financial, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.voya.com


In 1999, Friedberg published a statistically significant 30% reduction in propofol when using the BIS monitor. "Directly measuring the patient's brain response avoids over medicating," says Friedberg.

In 2004, Friedberg was invited to speak to anesthesiologists at Brooke Army hospital. After his presentation, one anesthesiologist contributed the 'Propofol Ketamine (PK) beyond cosmetic surgery: implications for military medicine and mass-casualty anesthesia' chapter for Friedberg's 2007 textbook, 'Anesthesia in Cosmetic Surgery.'

In 2007, Friedberg received a U.S. Congressional award for his contribution to military anesthesia in Iraq and Afghanistan, sparing the need for anesthesia machines and large quantities of oxygen to run the machines.

'Anesthesia in Cosmetic Surgery' was published by Cambridge University Press and since translated into Portuguese (2009) and Mandarin Chinese (2015). The BIS monitor appeared on the cover and in the chapters.

In 2009, the first anesthesia mortality study was published that showed 16M of 40M (i.e. 40%) of American patients every year experience postoperative brain fog from anesthesia over medication!

"Common sense tells us that too much medication cannot be good for patients. This mortality paper crystalized my thinking that brain monitoring should be the standard of care for major surgery under anesthesia," says Friedberg. "A nonprofit foundation unaffiliated with the BIS maker seemed best to inform the public."

In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service approved the 501c3 nonprofit designation to Friedberg's Goldilocks Anesthesia Foundation. His public information book, 'Getting Over Going Under, 5 things you MUST know before anesthesia' is available as a free, no obligation download from the foundation web site.

Friedberg continues to try to educate the public and his colleagues through social media like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter as well as in numerous journal articles and book chapters.

Dr. Barry Friedberg has been interviewed extensively on anesthesia and propofol by FOX, CNN, True TV, and People Magazine during the Michael Jackson murder trial.

'The Doctors' TV show... 'Too much anesthesia' | View clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0SKomMehPw&t=2s

SOURCE Dr. Barry Friedberg, M.D.
DETROIT, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine attorneys at McDonald Hopkins have been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list as among the top attorneys in Michigan for 2017 and two attorneys were recognized on the Michigan Rising Stars list. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state under the age of 40 can be named to the Rising Stars list.

Michigan Super Lawyers:

John E. Benko

Member, Litigation Department

James J. Boutrous II

Managing Member, Detroit Office; Co-Chair, Trade Secret, Non-Compete and Unfair Competition Practice; Member, Labor and Employment Practice Group

James J. Giszczak

Chair, Litigation Department; Co-Chair, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group

Stephen M. Gross

Member, Business Restructuring Department; Chair, Automotive Practice Group

Patrick A. Karbowski

Member, Real Estate Practice Group

Michael G. Latiff

Co-Chair, Business Litigation Practice Group

Timothy J. Lowe

Member, Litigation Department

Miriam L. Rosen

Chair, Labor and Employment Practice Group

Michael P. Witzke

Chair, Estate Planning and Probate Practice Group

Michigan Rising Stars:

Joshua Gadharf

Associate, Business Restructuring Department

Dominic A. Paluzzi

Co-Chair, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group

About McDonald Hopkins

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

CONTACT:

Deborah W. Kelm

McDonald Hopkins LLC

600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.348.5733

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins

Related Links

http://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com


MARCO ISLAND, Fla., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions, LLC, a small business consultancy, launched their online learning platform, the Bright Ideas Small Business Academy. The product is an affordable, intuitive, educational system that helps small business owners expand their knowledge in subjects like social media marketing, banking and bookkeeping, and human resources to master business ownership.

Bright Ideas Small Business Academy offers education for entrepreneurs.

Abby Yetter, the CEO and Chief Consultant of Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions and creator of the Bright Ideas Small Business Academy, had several clients coming in for consulting with issues that could be solved with simple education. "Many of my first clients were excellent technicians who decided to become small business owners. But even though they were the best mechanic around for miles, they didn't know how to manage an auto repair shop," Yetter explained. "I wanted to help small business owners learn what they need to know to be successful in making the transition from employee to owner. That's how the Bright Ideas Small Business Academy was born."

Bright Ideas Small Business Academy students will be guided through user-friendly courses, leveraging tools that will help them tackle the challenges of small business ownership. The first course available today is for social media marketing, with courses on banking and bookkeeping and paperless organization to follow within the next few months. Companies with greater amounts of employees can even have custom accounts made with logins for multiple learners, such as if they would like their C-suite to take a course together.

"It shouldn't be a struggle for small business owners to get the help they need to be successful," said Yetter. "Bright Ideas Small Business Academy is here to help owners, and their businesses, reach their full potential."

About Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions, LLC: Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions, LLC is a small business consultancy providing services for general business consulting, office organization, and customized branding to small and mid-sized businesses in the Naples and Marco Island, Florida areas. Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions is the owner of Bright Ideas Small Business Academy, an affordable, intuitive, online platform that helps small business owners expand their knowledge, and master business ownership.

Abby Yetter

Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions, LLC

239.970.8101

[email protected]

SOURCE Bright Ideas Small Business Solutions, LLC

Related Links

http://studysmallbusiness.com


CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EverQuote, the largest online insurance marketplace, today announced the appointment of Jayme Mendal to the newly created position of Chief Revenue Officer. In this role, Mendal will focus on accelerating revenue growth and will lead all go-to-market teams and strategy at EverQuote.

A data-centric sales leader, Mendal brings over 10 years of business, consulting, and industry experience to EverQuote. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Harvard Business School, Mendal most recently served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PowerAdvocate and before that worked as a Management Consultant within the Growth Strategy Division of Monitor Deloitte (formerly Monitor Group).

As CRO, Mendal will be responsible for driving revenue and growth strategies, lead the roll-out of EverQuote's direct Life Insurance referral program, and oversee the continued growth of the EverQuote Pro (PRO) platform, which recently announced the integration of home and life insurance across its consumer experience and direct agent platform.

"We are very excited to have Jayme join EverQuote at a key point in our journey to becoming the leading destination for people to discover and acquire the right risk-based insurance and financial products for the best price," said Seth Birnbaum, CEO and co-founder of EverQuote. "We believe his background, past experience leveraging data to fuel growth, and collaborative mentality will increase performance for advertisers and partners while continuing to scale our business and build value for shareholders."

"I am excited to join the EverQuote team and believe we are well-positioned to transform the insurance landscape," said Mendal. "I look forward to partnering with Seth and the entire EverQuote Team as we expand our products, services, and global reach."

About EverQuote

Founded in 2011, EverQuote, Inc. operates the leading online insurance marketplace in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing companies in Boston history. The company's data & technology platform unites drivers with agents and carriers to deliver great rates and coverage while maximizing policies sold for auto, home & life insurance providers. EverQuote was founded with the vision of applying a scientific, data-driven approach to help consumers find the best price and coverage for their individual insurance needs. For more information, visit EverQuote.com and follow on Twitter @EverQuoteInsure.

Media Contact:

Ryan Ruffing

[email protected]

617-206-6561

SOURCE EverQuote

Related Links

http://EverQuote.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New polling of likely voters in eleven swing states finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, with the critical mid-term elections just 14 months away, voters indicate that their senators' position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote. H.R. 3003, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The polling was conducted by Zogby Analytics in mid-August on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The eleven states included in the survey are Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The polls found that, by lopsided margins, voters in each of these states agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By wide margins, voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Americans want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings about voter opinion on H.R. 3003:

In the eleven states in the survey, an average of 77.6 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs enforcement. An even greater percentage of Hispanic voters, 83.5 percent, support that requirement.

An average of 73.4 percent of likely voters in those states believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

Hispanic voters support H.R. 3003 by similar, or even larger majorities, than other segments of the electorate.

Significant majorities of voters in all eleven states indicate that they are more likely to vote for Senate candidates who support H.R. 3003 and less likely to vote for those who oppose the bill.

"It is time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to schedule debate and a vote on H.R. 3003," declared Stein. "The bill has broad support from voters, particularly in states where there will be hotly contested Senate seats in 2018. All senators need to be put on notice that there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens at the expense of public safety and that blocking the No Sanctuary for Criminals legislation from reaching the floor of the Senate will come at a high political cost.

"When it comes to putting criminal aliens back on the streets, voters demand accountability from the local officials who establish sanctuary policies and from federal lawmakers who block sensible legislation that would end these dangerous policies," Stein concluded.

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Contact: Cassie Williams, 202-328-7004, [email protected]

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "We will show that we will fulfill the promise we made to Sri Sri to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence," said a former FARC commander.

Even as the FARC, the guerrilla group that was spearheading the world's longest armed conflict until last year, officially turned itself into a political party with a new name and logo , its leaders have once again highlighted the role played by the founder of The Art of Living, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this historic transition.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was invited as guest of honor at the launch of FARC-EP as a political party last week. His interventions helped end the 53-year old conflict between FARC and the Colombian Government. Representing The Art of Living at the launch congress was, Swami Paramtej, a representative of Gurudev.

At an event last week held at the main square of Bogota attended by thousands of people, Timoleon Jimenez alias Timochenko, former commander in chief of the former rebel group, formally announced that the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia will now be a political party under the name Alternative Revolutionary Force of the Common.

As the transition to politics and peace in Colombia by the FARC, for which the President Santos was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, became formal, the former guerrilla leaders couldn't hide their gratitude.

"Meeting Sri Sri and the Art of Living was truly a miracle. We will show that we will fulfill the promise we made to him to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence," a former commander, now political leader, declared. "We are very grateful for the support given by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living to achieve peace and reconciliation. It was very important to us," he added.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who was invited to the event, had sent Swami Paramtej to represent Art of Living in the Congress.

Addressing the delegates and conveying Gurudev's blessings, Swami Paramtej said, "Transition is not an easy thing for anybody; it brings a lot of changes and we have to be mentally ready for it. With peace of mind, any objective can be achieved. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sends his blessings to all of you." Former FARC commanders Ivan Marquez, Rodrigo Londono and Pablo Catatumbo were among the leaders who interacted with Swami Paramtej.

The Art of Living is facilitating reconciliation meetings between the victims and the FARC group as part of the post-conflict process in Colombia. Its work is being hailed as a very important step toward consolidating the historic peace process in Latin America.

Media Contact:

Kushal Choksi

[email protected]

+1.917.836.2819

Related Images

image1.jpg

Swami Paramtej, Representing Art of Living Addressing the Congressional Delegates

image2.jpg

Swami Paramtej Greeted by Ivan Marquez of FARC

image3.jpg

Swami Paramtej Meeting Rodrigo Londono of FARC

image4.jpg

Swami Paramtej Meeting Pablo Catatumbo of FARC

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTpHciTHanE

SOURCE Art of Living

Related Links

http://www.artofliving.org


CARROLLTON, Texas, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it is attending and sponsoring the National Business Media Show from Sept. 8-9, 2017 at the Colorado Convention Center. The company is recruiting franchisees for expansion throughout Wyoming and Denver, including the communities of Stapleton, Loveland and Fort Collins, with a focus on co-brand and conversion franchise offerings at the show.

"We are thrilled to exhibit at the National Business Media Show in Denver this year to discuss co-brand and conversion franchising offerings with potential franchisees," said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "Attendees can look forward to exploring all that FASTSIGNS has to offer within our strong network, including our successful training programs, new product and operational support, buying power and national brand marketing including TV and web presence."

Local entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand's franchise development team at booth #507 to learn more about co-brand and conversion franchise offerings. During the first half of 2017, FASTSIGNS opened 21 centers across the U.S., Canada, and England, and signed 23 franchise agreements to develop additional new, co-branded, and conversion locations. Due to the ongoing worldwide need for visual communications and digital signage technology, the company expects to open a projected 45 locations this year.

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS' co-brand franchise centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand and conversion franchise offerings can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked number 1 in the Business Services/Signs category for 2017 and 95 overall in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500 recognizes FASTSIGNS for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and brand power. FASTSIGNS also has been recognized for its franchisee satisfaction by being named a World Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute for five consecutive years and ranking number one in franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review in 2016 and was recently named to Franchise Business Review's " innovative franchise brands list.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or 214-346-5679).

About FASTSIGNS 

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of 660 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in nine countries including the US, Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including decor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.

CONTACT: Chelsea Bear

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fastsigns.com


DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidelity & Guaranty Life (NYSE: FGL), a leading provider of annuities and life insurance, announced today that Diana J. Hickert-Hill is joining the company as Senior Vice President  Marketing, Investor Relations & Communications. Ms. Hickert-Hill will report directly to Chris Littlefield, FGL's President and Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Hickert-Hill is a seasoned executive in the insurance industry and was most recently Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Identity with Kemper Corporation. Her previous positions include tenures as Vice President, Investor Relations and Vice President Customer Experience for Genworth Financial and Global Finance Quality Leader for GE Financial Assurance. She has substantial experience in investor relations, brand strategy, marketing and communications.

"We are delighted to have Diana join FGL," said Mr. Littlefield. "Diana's insurance experience and proven skills in marketing, branding, investor relations and communications will allow her to make significant contributions to our company and to play a key role on our executive leadership team."

About Fidelity & Guaranty Life

Fidelity & Guaranty Life, an insurance holding company, helps middle-income Americans prepare for retirement. Through its subsidiaries, the company offers fixed annuity and life insurance products distributed by independent agents through an established network of independent marketing organizations. Fidelity & Guaranty Life is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FGL. For more information, please visit www.fglife.com.

Investor & Media Contact:

[email protected]

515-330-3307

SOURCE Fidelity & Guaranty Life

Related Links

https://www.fglife.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Florida voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Florida voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 828 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17 and 18 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 3.4 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Florida voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 77.6 percent of Florida voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 14.5 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 74.6 percent to 17.3 percent, Florida voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Floridians want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Florida voters' views on sanctuary policies:

77.6 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These views are shared by Hispanic voters, 76.2 percent of whom support that requirement.

74.6 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

68.9 percent of likely voters want Sen. Bill Nelson to support H.R. 3003, including 56.9 percent of Democrats and 67.6 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 56.9 percent of Democrats and 67.6 percent of Independents. 70.7 percent of likely voters want Sen. Marco Rubio to support H.R. 3003, including 87.2 percent of Republicans and 68.6 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Media Contact - Cassie Williams, [email protected], 202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


DUBLIN, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fly Leasing Limited (NYSE: FLY) ("FLY"), a global leader in aircraft leasing, today announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Colm Barrington, is scheduled to present at the Deutsche Bank Aircraft Finance & Leasing Conference on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 3:45 pm ET.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Events page in the Investor Relations section of FLY's website at:

http://www.flyleasing.com/investor-relations/events/

An archived replay of the webcast will be available on the website for 90 days.

About FLY

FLY is a global aircraft leasing company with a fleet of modern, high-demand and fuel-efficient commercial jet aircraft. FLY acquires and leases its aircraft under multi-year operating lease contracts to a diverse group of airlines throughout the world. FLY is managed and serviced by BBAM LP, a worldwide leader in aircraft lease management and financing. For more information visit www.flyleasing.com.

Contact:

Matt Dallas

Fly Leasing Limited

+1 203-769-5916

[email protected]

SOURCE Fly Leasing Limited

Related Links

http://www.flyleasing.com


ST. LOUIS, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fontbonne University has launched The Fontbonne Promise, a new program that makes the dream of a debt-free, private college education a reality for low-income students.

The Fontbonne Promise is a unique opportunity for first-time, first-year Missouri residents who meet Fontbonne's admission requirements and are calculated with an expected family contribution of zero on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The private university expects to award full tuition and fees for up to five years to at least 30 fall 2018 freshmen. Full-time undergraduate tuition and fees are currently $25,460 per academic year.

"We want to change the paradigm. The neediest students who demonstrate academic ability deserve an opportunity to earn a college degree," said Dr. J. Michael Pressimone, Fontbonne president. "Many recipients of The Fontbonne Promise will be the first in their family to attend college. By creating positive change in individual families, we are delivering on our promise to the community and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, our founders, to serve the dear neighbor without distinction, something that benefits the entire St. Louis region."

Students with bachelor's degrees have higher salary attainment, career potential and life satisfaction. According to the Council of Independent Colleges, first-generation graduates of smaller private colleges are more likely to vote and volunteer time to their community than their peers from public universities.

"We believe Fontbonne is uniquely positioned to serve at-risk students because of our proven record of personal attention, student support and dynamic academic offerings," said Joseph Havis, vice president for enrollment. "We have an environment where students thrive, and with our focus on mentoring, tutoring, financial literacy and student retention, we are confident that college will be a transformational experience for these students."

Students who qualify for The Fontbonne Promise will receive a financial aid award that covers full tuition and fees  loan free. Funding for this program will be made possible through a combination of state and federal aid, Fontbonne aid and donor partnerships.

"Donor partners will be assured that their funds reach the students most needing assistance and that these students will enjoy a personalized college experience in an intimate and familial environment," said Kitty Lohrum, Fontbonne vice president for advancement. "We're looking for community members and corporations who also believe that no deserving student should be left behind."

Fontbonne Promise Partners will sponsor a student at $8,500 a year for up to five years. Donations of any amount toward this program will help build the pool needed to support deserving students in future years.

Fontbonne University is a Catholic institution of higher education offering liberal arts and professional programs, as well as evening and online formats for busy adults. Fontbonne was founded in 1923 and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Learn more at www.fontbonne.edu/promise.

SOURCE Fontbonne University

Related Links

http://www.fontbonne.edu/promise


NOVI, Mich., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC) will join its parent company Fortis Inc. and other Fortis subsidiaries to donate approximately $100,000 to the American Red Cross in support of residents and communities afflicted by Hurricane Harvey.

Fortis Inc. will contribute $50,000 while ITC and its employees will contribute $25,000 to the donation. Fortis subsidiaries UNS Energy Corporation, parent company to Tucson Electric Power, which serves nearly 420,000 customers in Southern Arizona, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, which serves approximately 380,000 customers in eight New York counties, also will make contributions.

"Tragedies like this touch all of us and rally our spirits in support of those directly impacted and the difficult recovery they face," said Linda Apsey, ITC's president and CEO. "Combined with the generosity shown by so many others, our hope is that this donation will assist the Red Cross in providing a measure of comfort and hope to victims of this disaster."

About ITC Holdings Corp.

ITC is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the United States. Based in Novi, Michigan, ITC invests in the electric transmission grid to improve reliability, expand access to markets, allow new generating resources to interconnect to its transmission systems and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. Through its regulated operating subsidiaries ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains, ITC owns and operates high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and in development in Wisconsin. These systems serve a combined peak load exceeding 26,000 megawatts along approximately 15,800 circuit miles of transmission line, supported by 660 employees and nearly 1,000 contractors across our expanding footprint. ITC's grid development focus includes growth through regulated infrastructure investment as well as domestic and international expansion through merchant and other commercial development opportunities. For further information visit www.itc-holdings.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.

SOURCE ITC Holdings Corp.

Related Links

http://www.itc-holdings.com


LONDON, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Naim Maadad, head of UAE based global hospitality brand Gates Hospitality, has achieved worldwide recognition for his leadership skills. Known for his innovative and visionary approach, Maadad has been awarded the title of 'Hospitality Industry CEO of the Year- MENA' in the prestigious Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) 2017 CEO awards.

Launched in 2010 with a flagship restaurant, Ultra Brasserie in glamorous Downtown Dubai, the company is now a multi brand culinary group with a portfolio of nine restaurants across Dubai and London. Prior to taking the helm at this fast-growing company, Maadad enjoyed a long and successful career in the hospitality industry and has worked in some of the most prestigious hotels in the world including, Hilton Tokyo and Yokahoma Bay Sheraton, taking on an MD role at both Minor Group and Six Senses Resorts and Spas, where he developed concepts and subsequently his team.

The success of Gates Hospitality is attributed to its unique venues, business breadth and conceptual developments. Their objective is to deliver authentic hospitality experiences that fit local needs and offer quality combined with great value, and it's Maadad's vision that has made this possible.

A Spokesman for BWM said, "Dubai is fast becoming one of the most sought after and cultural destination in the world, and the hospitality industry is one of the biggest and fastest growing industries in the Emirate. Maadad's outstanding leadership and impressive approach to strategic development have made him a worthy winner of this award, and we are delighted to be able to commend his achievements."

When asked the secret to his success, Maadad says, "We tread a path which is organic, sustainable, authentic, trend-setting and futuristic. Our venues are set with a clear vision to deliver a unique culinary experience, and because we deliver, we have been able to perform at the desired levels of expectations."

You can find further details about BWM Awards and this year's CEO winners here: http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ceo-awards-winners-2017/

For more information about Gates Hospitality, visit https://gateshospitality.com

An article on the company can also be found on BWM website http://www.bwmonline.com/2017/08/19/gates-to-the-world/

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.

www.bwmonline.com

Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E: [email protected]



W: www.bwmonline.com

SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine
The company will design, develop and integrate multiple engineering changes into the Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3), creating a SEPv4 and further modernizing the tanks. Abrams main battle tanks are produced at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio.

The first contract is for SEPv4 upgrades, which include the Commander's Primary Sight (formerly known as the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer), an improved Gunner's Primary Sight and enhancements to sensors, lethality and survivability. General Dynamics Land Systems will deliver seven prototype M1A2 SEPv4 tanks to the Army. The contract has an initial value of $311 million. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich.; Lima; Scranton, Pa.; and Tallahassee, Fla.

The second award was a $270 million contract from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command to produce 45 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. The first pilot vehicles, which feature technological advancements in communications, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency and upgraded armor, are expected to roll off the production line in fall 2017. Work will be performed in Lima, Scranton, Tallahassee and Anniston, Ala.

General Dynamics Land Systems provides innovative design, engineering, technology, production and full life-cycle support for land combat vehicles around the globe. The company's extensive experience, customer-first focus and seasoned supply chain network provide unmatched capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies. More information about General Dynamics Land Systems is available at www.gdls.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Land Systems

Related Links

http://www.gdls.com


BOSTON and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GMO GlobalSign (www.globalsign.com), a global Certificate Authority and leading provider of identity and security solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), and Intrinsic IDTM, the world's leading provider of digital authentication technology for Internet of Things security and embedded applications, today announced they will jointly present demonstrations at two upcoming STMicroelectronics events, ST DevCon and ST Tech Tour.

ST DevCon will be held Sept. 6 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif. from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Intrinsic ID Chief Executive Officer Pim Tuyls will deliver a presentation entitled "SRAM PUF Key Provisioning: Vital to Today's IoT" at 9:30 a.m.

"As the Internet of Things approaches 50 billion devices with no slowdown in sight, IoT device manufacturers face immense pressure to ensure their products stay competitive," said Tuyls. "Because an SRAM-PUF-based approach enables key provisioning at any point in the supply chain, it provides the device-appropriate security and use-case-affordable cost those manufacturers need."

A Physical Unclonable Function, or PUF, is a complex function derived from the natural physical properties which occur during a semiconductor's production, properties that give the device a unique identity. Intrinsic ID created SRAM PUF, based on the behavior of standard SRAM memory available in any digital chip, to differentiate devices such as microcontrollers and derive a secret cryptographic key that serves as the foundation for a security subsystem.

The second joint demo will take place at the ST Technology Tour at the Boston Marriott Newton in Newton, Mass. on Sept. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the GlobalSign table on the Expo Floor.

"The purpose of the demonstration is to show time-tested technologies like PKI can be used to solve the security and identity needs of next-generation IoT devices," said Nisarg Desai, product manager of IoT, GlobalSign. "By combining GlobalSign's PKI platform with Intrinsic ID's PUF technology, we can truly enable a secure connected ecosystem with a Strong Device Identity for every IoT device."

Identity and trust are integral to IoT security. By offering every "Thing" a unique identity, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) should be the foundation of any IoT security strategy. As an established technology, PKI can enable the fundamentals of IoT security, authentication, encryption and integrity. GlobalSign offers a true IoT scalable Managed PKI solution that can meet the certificate demands of even the largest device manufacturers.

In addition to the joint demo, Desai will present a talk at the ST Technology Tour in a session titled "Integrating strong security elements into your IoT Device Design." The discussion will take place during Session Two from 11:10 a.m. to noon.

About Intrinsic ID

Intrinsic ID is the world's leading digital authentication company for the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded applications. It is the inventor of SRAM Physical Unclonable Function, or SRAM PUF, leveraging manufacturing variations in semiconductors to create unique IDs and keys to authenticate chips, data, devices and systems. Through its flexibility, scalability and low implementation cost, Intrinsic ID products address the security needs of the fast-growing IoT market. Its solutions are used to validate payment systems, secure connectivity, authenticate sensors, and protect sensitive government and military data and systems. Intrinsic ID's award recognition includes the EU 2016 Innovation Radar Prize, which honors high-potential innovations and innovators in EU-funded research. Intrinsic ID's SRAM PUF technology has been proven in millions of devices and in products that have passed certification by Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL6+), EMVCo, Visa and multiple governments. Visit Intrinsic ID online at www.Intrinsic-ID.com.

About GMO GlobalSign

GlobalSign is the leading provider of trusted identity and security solutions enabling businesses, large enterprises, cloud service providers and IoT innovators around the world to secure online communications, manage millions of verified digital identities and automate authentication and encryption. Its high-scale Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and identity solutions support the billions of services, devices, people and things comprising the Internet of Everything (IoE). The company has offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit https://www.globalsign.com

Intrinsic ID Media Contact

Milan G. Lazich

Phone: (408) 933-9980

Email: press[@]intrinsic-id.com

GlobalSign Media Contact

Amy Krigman

PR Manager

Phone: (603) 570-7091

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE GlobalSign

Related Links

https://www.globalsign.com/en


WILMINGTON, Del. and ASHDOD, Israel, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrity Applications, Inc. (OTCQB: IGAP), innovator of GlucoTrack, a non-invasive device for measuring glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, announced today that it will be attending the 53rd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Lisbon, Portugal, September 11th to September 15th.

The EASD has been holding annual meetings since 1965 in a different city every year. The EASD is committed to bringing the latest scientific research and innovations to diabetes healthcare professionals and industry thought leaders.

Integrity Application's booth Q 0.3, Terminal T2, introduces your type 2 diabetes patients to a truly non-invasive glucose monitor. 67% of people with type 2 diabetes have reported that they monitor their glucose levels less frequently than recommended [1]. According to Julie Wagner, a professor at the University of Connecticut, "63 % of participants reported skipping self-monitoring of blood glucose because of the invasiveness of the procedure." GlucoTrack promotes patient compliance by eliminating the barriers of current invasive methods that discourage frequent testing, such as painful finger pricking, test procedure complexity, and the inconvenience of public blood glucose testing. GlucoTrack results are easily downloaded and shared with healthcare providers. Individual personalization of the ear clip (PEC) ensures the highest level of accuracy of glucose values measured by GlucoTrack.

1. Karter, A.J., Ferrara, A., Darbinian, J.A., Ackerson, L.M., Selby J.V. Self-monitoring of blood glucose: language and financial barriers in a managed care population with diabetes. Diabetes Care 2000, 477-483

About GlucoTrack

GlucoTrack is a truly non-invasive monitoring device that rapidly measures and displays an individual's glucose level in about a minute without finger pricking or any pain.

GlucoTrack features a small sensor that clips to the earlobe and measures the user's glucose level using innovative and patented sensor technology. The measured signals are analyzed using a proprietary algorithm and then a calculated glucose level is displayed on a small handheld device the size of a small mobile phone. The glucose results are stored in the device and used for an estimated HbA1c level using a proprietary algorithm. The device can also display glucose values graphically, enabling the user to monitor glucose levels over time.

GlucoTrack has received CE Mark and KFDA approvals for type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetics, and is currently in the early stages of commercialization in Europe, South Korea, and other geographies.

GlucoTrack is expected to begin clinical trials for United States FDA approval. The product is currently experimental in the United States and is limited to investigational use only.

About Integrity Applications, Inc.



Integrity Applications was founded in 2001 and is focused on the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The company has developed GlucoTrack, a proprietary non-invasive glucose monitoring device designed to obtain glucose level measurements in about a minute without the pain, incremental cost, difficulty, or discomfort of conventional invasive finger stick devices. Integrity Applications Inc. is a Delaware corporation, with headquarters in the United States and an R&D site in Ashdod, Israel. For more information, please visit www.integrity-app.com and www.glucotrack.com.

Forward-Looking Statements



This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "expect", "plan" and "will" are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that certain important factors may affect Integrity Applications' actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements that may be made in this news release. Factors that may affect Integrity Applications' results include, but are not limited to, the ability of Integrity Applications to raise additional capital to finance its operations (whether through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic collaborations or otherwise); risks relating to the receipt (and timing) of regulatory approvals (including FDA approval); risks relating to enrollment of patients in, and the conduct of, clinical trials; risks relating to its current and future distribution agreements; risks relating to its ability to hire and retain qualified personnel, including sales and distribution personnel; and the additional risk factors described in Integrity Applications' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the SEC on March 30, 2017.

MEDIA CONTACTS



Tamar Lin/ Stefanie Saffern

[email protected]

[email protected]

+972.8.675.7878

INVESTOR CONTACTS



Sami Sassoun, CFO Integrity Applications

[email protected]

+972 (8) 675-7878 Ext. 400

SOURCE Integrity Applications, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.integrity-app.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- GoTopless is thrilled to learn that councilman Kriss Worthington has launched a proposal to annul the antiquated and sexist indecent exposure law concerning women going topless in public in Berkeley, CA.

The proposed ordinance reads: "If a woman's nipples are fit to be seen by the most innocent and impressionable portion of the population, babies and toddlers, then it stands to reason that nipples are not inherently sexual and are fit to be seen by the rest of the population, if that woman so chooses."

"We wholeheartedly applaud this proposal," said Nadine Gary, President of GoTopless. "We have actively fought for topless equality for the last decade and are delighted to see political figures stand up for this gender equality matter."

Gary remembers in 2015, when councilwoman Melissa Diner of District 11 of the City of Los Angeles had launched a similar proposal for her Venice Beach neighborhood, but the Los Angeles City Council had not acted on it stating more pressing priorities.

"It is quite an oddity to see California react so conservatively on equal gender topless rights when it's been legal in the state of New York for 25 years already," remarked Gary.

"Let us see how Worthington's proposal fairs. It will be considered by Berkeley's city council meeting on Sept 12."

Another legal matter may soon improve gender equality: GoTopless' court case Tagami VS The City of Chicago soon to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

"It is likely to finally offer some well needed constitutional light on women's topless right," said Gary.

GoTopless just celebrated its 10th anniversary on Aug. 26, 2017, honoring Women Equality Day with GoTopless events in many cities throughout the Western world, including 40 in the US alone.

SOURCE GoTopless
HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), ("Group 1" or the "Company"), an international, Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced it has completed a preliminary assessment of damages across its Texas dealerships in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

The Company's top priority is supporting its nearly 3,000 employees in the greater Houston and Beaumont areas of Texas. Approximately 500 of our associates suffered significant property losses from flooding and storm damage. The Company is assisting these employees by providing disaster pay and further financial support from the Group 1 Foundation.

Despite damage to some facilities and inventory due to record-breaking flooding in the region, preliminary assessments indicate all facilities are intact and fully operational. Group 1's Houston stores reopened on Wednesday, August 30, 2017. The Company's Beaumont stores reopened on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Total damages associated with the storm are estimated at approximately $15 million. This amount includes insurance deductibles for damaged inventory and facilities, disaster pay for employees, and financial support for team members whose homes flooded.

"Our top priority is supporting our employees in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. The size and scope of this disaster is almost beyond comprehension and the losses many of our employees and their family members have suffered is staggering. Our hearts go out to all of those affected by this devastating storm," said Earl J. Hesterberg, Group 1's president and chief executive officer. "Beyond helping our employees, we are also moving quickly to get our stores fully online to support the community's needs for replacement vehicles. Through some extraordinary efforts by our team, we have all of our stores in both Houston and Beaumont open. And while we did sustain some inventory losses, given that we have over 15,000 units in stock in the impacted area, we are proud of the proactive efforts taken by our dealership teams that greatly protected our new and used inventory. Their actions preserved over 98 percent of our available inventory, which allows us to rapidly assist customers in need of replacement vehicles and service. The Company's third quarter results will be impacted by both the non-recurring costs highlighted above, as well the impact of the business disruption for an entire week across the Houston region, which represents Group 1's largest revenue-generating market."

ABOUT GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Group 1 owns and operates 174 automotive dealerships, 228 franchises, and 47 collision centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil that offer 32 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

Investors please visit www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.facebook.com/group1auto, and www.twitter.com/group1auto, where Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are statements related to future, not past, events and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. In this context, the forward-looking statements often include statements regarding our goals, plans, projections and guidance regarding our financial position, results of operations, market position, pending and potential future acquisitions and business strategy, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should," "foresee," "may" or "will" and similar expressions. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. Any such forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, (a) general economic and business conditions, (b) the level of manufacturer incentives, (c) the future regulatory environment, (d) our ability to obtain an inventory of desirable new and used vehicles, (e) our relationship with our automobile manufacturers and the willingness of manufacturers to approve future acquisitions, (f) our cost of financing and the availability of credit for consumers, (g) our ability to complete acquisitions and dispositions and the risks associated therewith, (h) foreign exchange controls and currency fluctuations, and (i) our ability to retain key personnel. For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor contacts:

Sheila Roth

Manager, Investor Relations

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

713-647-5741 | [email protected]

Media contacts:

Pete DeLongchamps

V.P. Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

713-647-5770 | [email protected]

or

Clint Woods

Pierpont Communications, Inc.

713-627-2223 | [email protected]

SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.group1auto.com


ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gibbs & Cox, Inc., a leading independent naval architecture and marine engineering firm, has received a contract from Gulf Island Shipyards, LLC, to perform the functional engineering and design of the Oregon State University Regional Class Research Vessel (RCRV). The vessel will be ABS Ice-Class C0 and DPS-1, Green-Marine Certified, acoustically quiet, and carry up to 29 crew and embarked scientists. Gibbs & Cox, Inc. will manage this project from their New Orleans, LA office with support from offices in Newport News, Chesapeake and Arlington, VA.

"We are delighted to be a part of this important project with Gulf Island Shipyards. RCRV is a state of the art research vessel employing the latest environmental and acoustic research technologies. We look forward to the opportunity to leverage our expertise in commercial and naval ship design to ensure the success of this program," stated Chris Deegan, President and Chief Executive of Gibbs & Cox, Inc.

"Gulf Island is excited to team with Gibbs & Cox on this important project and we look forward to working with them as they mature the design package. Gibbs & Cox's reputation for high quality work and on time delivery of engineering and design products make them an ideal partner for this project," said Jay Hebert, Vice President of Operations at Gulf Island Shipyards.

About Gibbs & Cox, Inc.

Gibbs & Cox is a global leader in maritime engineering and design, with nearly 7,000 vessels built to our designs since 1929. Gibbs & Cox supports commercial and military clients in the U.S. and internationally across all phases of marine design, construction, and lifecycle management. Independent and privately held, Gibbs & Cox is headquartered in Arlington, VA, with offices in New Orleans, LA; Chesapeake and Newport News, VA; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA and Yarralumla, ACT, Australia.

SOURCE Gibbs & Cox, Inc

Related Links

http://www.gibbscox.com


SINGAPORE, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

HIMSS Asia Pacific and Elsevier are proud to announce the winners of the fifth Asia Pacific HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award 2017. This highly anticipated Award recognizes outstanding achievements and innovations globally in the usage of health information technology. This year, submissions were received from eight countries for the two categories - 'Outstanding ICT Achievement' and 'Outstanding ICT Innovation'. Deploying cost-effective innovations that have wide-reaching impact on patient care, particularly in countries with rural populations, is a highlight in some of the submissions.

Overall, the four winners from hospitals in China, India, Australia and Taiwan - all first-time recipients - demonstrated how their innovative use of information communication technology (ICT) has improved patient care.

"Asia Pacific is truly pushing the envelope on innovation when it comes to healthcare information and technology. Over the years, I've consistently seen an impressive quality of submissions that deliver real impact to their institution and patients. This year, we are seeing an increasing trend of mobile health (mHealth) and telehealth submissions, signifying an evolution in APAC's eHealth ambition," said Dr. Peter Edelstein, Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Solutions for Elsevier in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. "Elsevier would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees who have developed ways to drive efficiencies, and improve the quality of care. Together, we believe that the deployment of technology combined with evidence-based information can go a long way to achieve positive healthcare outcomes."

Outstanding ICT Achievement Award Winners

The Outstanding ICT Achievement award recognizes hospitals that leverage technology to achieve substantial improvements in patient care and safety, and have addressed major challenges faced by their institution. The winners of this year's ICT Achievement award are The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia, and Fudan University Huashan Hospital, China.

In April 2016, the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne became the first Australian hospital to implement the Epic system and transit to a hospital-wide Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in one day, and launched a comprehensive patient and family portal as part of its EMR. Apart from that, they have also achieved outstanding results by decreasing costs, reducing unwarranted health screenings, and increasing revenue.

The other winner of the ICT Achievement award, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, developed an information system for individualized dosage regimen of specific drugs, which was deployed on the hybrid cloud environment and integrated with on-premises patient data.

The category this year received a wide variety of submissions from Japan, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and China. The projects exemplified excellent usage of technology, from data analytics to caesarean section care, infection controls and telehealth.

Outstanding ICT Innovation Award Winners

The Outstanding ICT Innovation category recognizes the most innovative and creative ICT solutions that improve patient care and safety. The nominees for this category shared excellent best practices and case studies on how creatively implemented solutions can improve processes and drive better, more effective outcomes for patients in a short period of time. The two winners this year are MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan and Aravind Eye Hospital-Pondicherry, India.

MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan clinched a winning spot for their submission, 'mHealth Innovation through Practice Redesign for a Patient-Centered Medicine in Taiwan'. The aim of this project was to develop a culturally tailored patient-centered mHealth program that empowers patients to better manage their medication and health information, while facilitating collaborative patient-physician interactions.

The other winner is India's Aravind Eye Hospital-Pondicherry, whose submission, 'Fundus on Phone for Rural Eye Care' demonstrated how using smartphones in healthcare can provide greater access to healthcare and lead to cost savings. With the Remidio camera, AEH-Pondicherry will be able to image at least 10,000 diabetic patients per year, many of whom live in impoverished villages. One of the key benefits of the Remidio camera is its low cost price of 0.03 USD, compared to conventional cameras (0.31 USD).

The applications were judged by a panel of five esteemed judges: John Daniels, Global Vice President, HIMSS Analytics; Dr. Peter Edelstein, Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Solutions for Elsevier in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific; Adj. A/Prof. Gamaliel Tan, CMIO, JurongHealth Services, Chair of the HIMSS AsiaPac17 Organizing Committee; Dr. Manish Kohli, Director of Medical Informatics, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Governing Council Member, HIMSS Asia Pacific, and Dr. Zhaohui Lu, Chief, Hospital President's Office & Associate Professor, Department of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, China.

"Since the launch of the Award in Asia four years ago, the HIMSS-Elsevier community has grown from seven submissions to becoming a global platform across three continents today. This successful partnership has recognized the innovations of international hospitals through projects that together have impacted more than 41 million patients worldwide to-date. Hopefully, the learnings gleaned from the winning projects can enable more organizations to implement real change themselves through the use of healthcare information technology," said Steve Lieber, President and CEO, HIMSS.

This year, a third category was introduced to the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award - the CMO of the Year Award. Nominations are currently under review by a judging panel. The winner will be announced at the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award Dinner on 11 September.

In addition to the awards presentation, past winners have also been invited to share the impact of their innovations at the dinner event. Adj. A/Professor Gamaliel Tan, Chief Medical Informatics Officer & Head of Orthopaedics, JurongHealth Campus, National University Health System, Singapore, said, "Ng Teng Fong General Hospital was honored to receive the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Outstanding Achievement Award for Project OneCare in 2016. Our vision then and now, is to transform healthcare, empower patients and bring health to every home. Leadership was core to holding this vision and mission central for all our 3,000 staff members from procurement to implementation, go-live, and post-live optimization. At the same time, strong end-user support, training and buy-in built a solid foundation for successful transformation. We look forward to sharing our journey at this year's HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award Dinner."

HIMSS AsiaPac17 will be held from 11 - 14 September 2017 with the main conference taking place on 12 and 13 September. Registration for the main conference is open until 12 September 2017. More information can be found at https://www.himssasiapacconference.org/ehome/199357/449116/

About HIMSS

HIMSS is a global voice, advisor and thought leader of health transformation through health IT with a unique breadth and depth of expertise and capabilities to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health, healthcare and care outcomes. HIMSS designs and leverages key data assets, predictive models and tools to advise global leaders, stakeholders and influencers of best practices in health IT, so they have the right information at the point of decision. Through its health IT network of over 1 million experts, over 200 knowledge exchanges and collaborations, including 68,000-plus members, HIMSS drives innovative, forward thinking around best uses of technology in support of better connected care, improved population health and low cost of care. HIMSS is a not-for-profit, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in North America,

Europe, United Kingdom and Asia. www.himssasiapac.org

About the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award

The HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award is a global platform to recognize outstanding achievements and innovations in the usage of health information and technology, to advance patient care and safety. Established in 2013, it is held annually across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals progress science, advance healthcare and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 35,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. www.elsevier.com

Appendix 1 - Winning project citations and executive quotes

Outstanding ICT Achievement

EMR Project Case Study: The Royal Children ' s Hospital Melbourne (Australia)

Overview: The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) is a major specialist pediatric hospital in Victoria extending care to children from Tasmania, southern New South Wales and other states around Australia and overseas. They are also the designated state-wide major trauma center for pediatrics in Victoria and a Nationally Funded Center for pediatric cardiac, liver and lung transplantation, as well as treatment of hypo-plastic left heart syndrome.

In April 2016, the RCH, a hospital in Australia that implemented the Epic system, achieved a series of firsts - transitioning to a hospital wide EMR in one day, and launching a comprehensive patient and family portal as part of its EMR. Included within this Go Live was integration to hospital monitoring equipment, mobile apps for clinicians, and external provider portal and integration to Australia's national health information exchange platform - My Health Record.

Benefits and Outcomes:

5.9% reduction in medication expenditure on non-reimbursable drugs

10% increase in private inpatient revenue

5% increase in outpatient revenue

84% decrease in transcription costs **

2.5% reduction in medical imaging examinations **

1.79% reduction in pathology tests **

6% increase in children, overdue on their immunization schedule are immunized during an inpatient stay

**These reductions were seen despite an 8.9% increase in overall patient throughout.

Quote from Winning Organization:

"The success of this implementation is linked to the active engagement of more than 4,500 staff across all sections of our hospital, along with our patients and families. We drew on our internationally-recognized suite of clinical practice materials and embedded them into a cutting-edge system which we have continued to enhance and refine. In just 12 months, we have achieved both HIMSS EMRAM and O-EMRAM awards concurrently - the first hospital in Asia Pacific to achieve this recognition. Our patients and the quality of care we deliver remains at the forefront of everything we do, as this is evidenced in our implementation of the Epic system. We are honored to receive the title of Outstanding Achievement at the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award. This global recognition is testament to the vision and commitment of our team and our continuing goal of being a great children's hospital, leading the way internationally," said Mr. John Stanway, Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia.

Design and Application of A Cloud-Based Individualized Drug Administration Platform:

Fudan University Huashan Hospital (China)

Overview: Individualized drug administration could maximize the therapeutic benefit of a given drug to the patient with the most appropriate dosage while minimizing or avoiding adverse drug reactions

(ADR). At present, the recommended dose of drugs is the average dose of the population, only a small number of drugs using the recommended dose can achieve satisfactory results. The use of

pharmacokinetic principles to develop individualized drug regimen has been widely accepted and used by clinicians.

The objective of the platform is to develop an information system for individualized dosage regimen of specific drugs (e.g. vancomycin, carbamazepine, warfarin) through prediction based on population pharmacokinetic models followed by revision with Bayesian forecasting estimation. The solution is deployed on the hybrid cloud environment, while integrating with the Computerized Physician Order Entry as a Clinical Decision Support System tool. It has direct access to the on-premises Cloud-Based Individualized Drug Administration Platform for patient demographics and clinical data.

With this solution in place, it could maximize the therapeutic benefit of a given drug to the patient with improved drug efficacy, reducing adverse reactions and side-effects of drug toxicity.

Benefits and Outcomes:

The individualized drug administration platform optimized the workflow of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), so that the clinicians can: Receive a more accurate individual blood drug concentration prediction in the early stage of drug administration, and have the capability to adjust the drug regimen in time Be provided with clinical decision support for making the best decision for each drug recommendation

The platform has also improved the accuracy of blood drug concentration prediction from 70% to 99%, while the entire calculation is shortened from two days to half a day.

Quote from Winning Organization:

"The aim of the 'Cloud-Based Individualized Drug Administration Platform' we developed was to have an information system for individualized dosage regimen of specific drugs based on a predictive model. Since implementation, the platform has improved the accuracy of blood drug concentration prediction from 80% to 99%. This solution is directly improving care outcomes by enhancing drug efficacy, reducing adverse reactions and side-effects of drug toxicity," said Hong Huang, Chief Information Officer, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Outstanding ICT Innovation

mHealth Innovation through Practice Redesign for Patient-Centered Medicine in Taiwan:

MacKay Memorial Hospital (Taiwan)

Overview: The purpose of the project is to develop a culturally tailored patient-centered mHealth program that empowers patients to better manage their medication and health information to

facilitate medication adherence and therapeutic outcome through a collaborative patient-physician interaction without having to change the structure of distinct hospital information system (HIS) in each hospital.

The novelty of this system allows patients to easily manage their medication and health-related recordings without causing additional burdens of existing HIS. A mobile solution incorporating the implantation of a QR code system into hospital's medication prescribing process was designed so that a simple scan of the QR code on drug packaging or prescription notes would spontaneously bring the name, dosage, frequency and duration of every drug into the mobile App and automatically set up alarm reminders for every individual medication.

The project also bypasses the existing language barrier and complexity of data input posed to non-English speaking users.

Benefits and Outcomes:

The project recruited a total of 25,909 users with an average 7-days active users of 500 persons and 7-days retention rate of 15.4% ( 3.9) in the five-month implementation period.

Users preferred to scan the drug packaging as a way to register their medications in the App rather than the prescription note

Medication information surfing behavior via the App gradually increased by time, reaching 3,445 times at the fifth month of the pilot suggesting that more patients were familiar to the system as a channel to acquire their medication knowledge.

Google star rating was 4.493 points out of 5 and the comment from the users have been positive, for example: "The App was a useful tool for me because I could inquire the function of my drugs and record my symptoms when I was uncomfortable."

Physicians are now able to track trends of medication completion rates. The data around patient medication utilization can act as valuable information for hospital administrative quality improvement measures and for further policy-making.

Quote from Winning Organization:

"In order to empower our patients, we believe that we need to understand their behavior and needs first. Thus, culture was the foundation upon which our mHealth innovation was developed. Since its implementation, this innovation has been rated 4.493 out of 5 by our users with many positive comments about how the innovation has enabled them to enquire about the function of their drugs, record symptoms and so on. Our physicians are now also able to track the trends of medication completion rates. This project is cost-effective, sustainable and most importantly, improving care delivery in ways we have never seen before," said Dr. Huang Ming-Yuan, Digital Health Innovation Leader and Dr. Yeh Hung I, Vice Superintendent, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.

Remidio Camera for Chronic Eye Problems: Aravind Eye Hospital-Pondicherry (India)

Overview: Chronic eye problems like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related retina problems present a serious health threat in rural India. The blindness caused by these ailments is irreversible, thus it is more important to screen for these conditions as early as possible. Screening for glaucoma and DR requires highly skilled ophthalmologists and often expensive equipment, a challenge in rural settings.

Aravind has developed a sustainable diagnosis and communication system that would allow quick and accurate identification of high-risk patients through fundus exams. AEH-Pondicherry has pioneered the use of the Remidio fundus cameras in rural vision centers where moderate-skill level technicians can screen for these devastating eye conditions. The Remidio camera is lightweight, completely portable and costs less than 2 lakh rupees as opposed to conventional cameras which are heavy, not portable and cost more than 20 lakh rupees. Moreover, the image quality of the smartphone imaging device has been found comparable to high end, non-portable desktop systems. With this, AEH-Pondicherry will be able to image a minimum of 10,000 diabetic patients per year, most of whom are impoverished villagers with otherwise no access to any form of health care.

Through effective technology usage we can connect patients to ophthalmologists in the base hospital. The implementation of this innovative technology has allowed Aravind's vision centers to increase detection rates of posterior segment problems. This method not only is accurate, but it is also highly cost effective, benefiting individuals who otherwise may not receive medical screening. Only through the use of low-cost and accurate technology will we be able to make high-quality healthcare accessible to underserved populations.

Benefits and Outcomes:

Low cost alternative Remidio ( 0.03 USD ) compared to conventional camera ( 0.31 USD )

) compared to conventional camera ( ) Ability to image a minimum of 10,000 diabetic patients per year, most of whom are impoverished villagers with otherwise no access to any forms of healthcare

10% (1,000 patients) prevention of vision lost out of more than 100,000 diabetics patients annually

High financial sustainability and the possibility for implementation in a high volume of vision centers

Low training cost for technicians

Quote from Winning Organization:

"Our innovation of using the 'Fundus on Phone' - Remidio camera as a low-cost alternative for capturing fundus images in rural vision centers has already impacted an average of 10,000 diabetic patients living in south India's impoverished villages. We are delighted to be recognized for our efforts at the HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award 2017. This Award does not only validate our team's hard work, but it highlights the importance of sustainable innovations in underdeveloped countries with little to no access to care. We hope that our story will inspire developing countries and other hospitals to continuously innovate to improve care for their populations. It does not have to be expensive to be effective," said Dr. R. Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Hospital-Pondicherry, India.

Media Contacts

For HIMSS:

Natalie Ahl / Phyllis Cheng

FleishmanHillard Singapore

T: +65-6424-6381

E [email protected] / [email protected]

For Elsevier:

Beatrice Lau / Karishma Chainani

WE Communications

T: +65-6303-8466

E: [email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Elsevier
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE: GHL), a leading independent investment bank, announced today that Hiroshi Yoshioka has joined the Firm as a Senior Advisor focused on expanding the Firm's client relationships with major companies in Japan.

Mr. Yoshioka, who is based in Tokyo, had a distinguished career as an Executive Deputy President at SONY, where he served 33 years. During that time he was a senior executive of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications and later headed SONY's audio, TV, semiconductor, B2B and medical businesses. Since retiring from SONY he has served as an advisor to TDK, Nikon, HCL, Continental Japan and as an outside director to Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. He is a graduate of Kyoto University, where he studied electrical engineering.

Scott L. Bok, Chief Executive Officer of Greenhill, said, "We are pleased that Mr. Yoshioka has joined our Firm. His long history as a senior executive in Japan, as well as an advisor to leading international companies in that market, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our business in Japan."

Hiroto Yamada, President of Greenhill Japan, said "Greenhill's Japanese team welcomes Mr. Yoshioka. His strong reputation and many important corporate relationships will help us continue to build the business that Greenhill started in Japan nearly 10 years ago."

Hiroshi Yoshioka added, "Greenhill is a global investment banking firm with an excellent reputation and a strategy focused entirely on providing sound advice on large and complex transactions. I look forward to working with its Tokyo team, as well as their colleagues around the world, to provide such advice to leading Japanese corporations."

Greenhill & Co., Inc. is a leading independent investment bank entirely focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

Contact: David M. Trone

Director of Investor Relations

Greenhill & Co., Inc.

(212) 389-1800

SOURCE Greenhill & Co., Inc.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

WHO: National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Washington College, and The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking

EVENT: Out of the Shadows: Addressing the Sexual Exploitation of Boys and Men

WHEN: Thursday, September 7, 2017, 9:00am  10:00am

WHERE: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045

WHY: This is the historic first press conference in Washington D.C. solely dedicated to addressing the web of sexual exploitation harming boys and men.

For too long, male sexual exploitation victims have been overlooked. Politicians, NGOs, and society at large have all failed to adequately address the experiences of boys and men involving sex trafficking, prostitution, sexual objectification, or early childhood exposure to pornography. As a result, countless men and boys suffer in silence without receiving the appropriate services for recovery.

This press event serves to shed a light on the victimization of boys and men, in order to bring these problems out of the shadows. Experts, academics, and direct service providers will speak out about the unseen crisis of male exploitation.

The complex web of sexual exploitation cannot be dismantled until every survivor has a voice.

This press conference will be followed by a symposium event on September 8, 2017 from 9am  2:30pm. It will be held at the Miracle Theater, 535 8th St SE, Washington, D.C.

Learn more about the symposium event at exploitationofboysandmen.com.

PRESS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS:

Dr. Joseph Prud'homme, Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture at Washington College

Alexander Rhodes, NoFap

Tom Jones, The H.O.P.E. Project

Haley Halverson, National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Kevin Malone, The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking

Attendees must RSVP.

To RSVP please contact Katherine Blakeman at 202-393-7245, [email protected].

About National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE)

Founded in 1962, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading national organization addressing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation.

SOURCE National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Related Links

http://www.endsexualexploitation.org/


Houston and other communities across southeast Texas face massive cleanup and restoration efforts in the wake of the storm's torrential rain and flooding. Hurricane Harvey displaced thousands of families and caused billions of dollars in losses, including damage to the equipment and PPE that many fire departments and first responders need to respond to emergencies in their communities.

Honeywell, a global leader in safety products, will donate nearly 100,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to support first responders and emergency personnel in the region affected by the storm. This equipment includes safety clothing, protective footwear, rubber boots, safety gloves, disposable masks for respiratory protection, protective eyewear, hard hats and hearing protection. Also included are high-visibility T-shirts and coats for safety near roads.

"This past week has been an impossibly difficult one for many Texans as Hurricane Harvey caused mass devastation in Texas and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Our thoughts are with the many thousands of families whose lives have been disrupted," said Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell president and CEO. "In addition to supporting first responders, Honeywell will provide employees in the area with protective safety gear to support their personal needs along with emergency financial support through our humanitarian relief program."

Delta Industrial Service and Supply, a Honeywell distributor in Texas, has been in contact with many local and regional fire departments about their equipment needs, and will coordinate distribution of the donated gear to fire departments. Fire departments should contact Delta at 1-800-249-5292 for more information.

"Under these extraordinary circumstances, we want to help volunteers, employees and our customers to be as safe as possible," said John Waldron, president, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. "We are proud of the great work being done by first responders and so many others, and we are thankful for the ability to help those on the front lines who provide help where it is needed the most."

Honeywell has nearly 1,000 employees across nine sites in the Houston metropolitan area along with another 100 employees in Orange, Texas. The Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Fund (HHRF) is supporting Honeywell employees who have been affected by the flooding, and the company is matching employee contributions to the fund dollar for dollar.

During the past decade, Honeywell has donated more than $9.8 million to support disaster relief around the world, and more than 1,400 employees have received emergency assistance. Through the relief fund, the company and thousands of Honeywell employees have responded with donations and support for long-term rebuilding efforts for recent tragedies such as the Japan tsunami, wildfires in Canada, tornadoes in Oklahoma, floods in Louisiana, and Hurricanes Matthew, Sandy, Ike and Katrina.

About Honeywell Hometown Solutions

The Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Foundation is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company's corporate citizenship initiative, which focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com/.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, cars, homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Honeywell and the Honeywell logo are the exclusive properties of Honeywell, are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and may be registered or pending registration in other countries. All other Honeywell product names, technology names, trademarks, service marks, and logos may be registered or pending registration in the U.S. or in other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2017 Honeywell.

Media Contact Honeywell: Kerry Kennedy Honeywell Hometown Solutions 973-455-4087 [email protected]

SOURCE Honeywell

Related Links

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BEND, Ore., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech Soft 3D, leading provider of software development tools and 3D PDF solutions to the engineering software industry, today announced Service Pack 2 for HOOPS Exchange 2017, the fastest, most accurate and complete CAD data translation toolkit. Service Pack 2 extends the breadth of the HOOPS Exchange data model to include support for the model feature tree including access to hole definitions and patterns. The release also includes updated file format support and enhancements to its integration with Siemens' Parasolid software to support faceted geometry.

Tech Soft 3D

HOOPS Exchange now includes beta support for feature trees from CATIA V5, NX and Creo files. The feature tree represents all steps that have been used in a CAD design system to create the part. Included in the feature tree, hole and pattern descriptions can be retrieved for CATIA V5, NX and Creo. This includes the pattern type (Linear, Matrix, Cyclic, Polygonal), the master entity and all information to retrieve the position of reference entities.

"Supporting feature trees, and especially hole patterns, represents a major step forward in the functionality of HOOPS Exchange. This information will allow our partners to automate and optimize downstream processes including analysis, manufacturing, and metrology," says Eric Vinchon, VP of Product Strategy at Tech Soft 3D.

Figure 1 - Feature tree and hole definition

In addition to providing rich access to the latest versions of the major CAD formats (CATIA V56R2017, Inventor 2018, ACIS 2017.1 and Parasolid V30.0), Tech Soft 3D has continued to focus on the HOOPS Exchange integration with the Parasolid modeling kernel. HOOPS Exchange can now import tessellated data from Parasolid files as well as push tessellated data into Parasolid. This allows customers to re-use faceted data from STL, IFC, VRML, U3D and CGR files, directly in Parasolid which is useful for users of Parasolid's new Convergent Modeling tools.

"Often, engineers get data with no solid geometry available for a particular node in an assembly. Historically this was a major problem, but now with HOOPS Exchange, faceted data can be automatically pushed into Parasolid for use in modeling workflows," said Eric Vinchon. "This is particularly useful for specific data types in native CAD files such as Creo family tables, assemblies level features and missing files in SOLIDWORKS assemblies."

Support for STEP AP242 has also improved with the ability to export tessellated geometry, user name, organization name and authorization name, and export them to Step.Z (step file zipped). Import and export of semantic Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) in this format has also been enhanced with the ability to manage maximum geometric tolerance and shape representations with parameters on datum targets. This allows users to further support advanced Model Based Definition (MBD) workflows using the STEP AP242 format.

About Tech Soft 3D

Tech Soft 3D is the leading global provider of development tools that help software teams deliver successful applications, as well as the creator of the PRC format that is part of the PDF standard. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Tech Soft 3D also has offices in California, Ohio, France, England and Japan. The company's toolkit products power nearly 500 unique applications running on hundreds of millions of computers worldwide, while the Tetra4D brand of end-user products are used by many of the top manufacturing and construction firms for converting CAD data into 3D PDF. For more information, visit http://www.techsoft3d.com and http://www.tetra4d.com.

Press Inquiries

Angela Simoes

415-302-2934

[email protected]

HOOPS is a registered trademark of Tech Soft 3D. All other products or company references are the property of their respective holders. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

SOURCE Tech Soft 3D

Related Links

http://www.techsoft3d.com


IAMGOLD's President and CEO, Steve Letwin, commented, "The NI 43-101 maiden resource estimate for Saramacca confirms the significance of this gold discovery, and adds to the substantial resource increase reported at Rosebel just over a month ago. With an estimate surpassing our expectations and a deposit that remains open, our transformative strategy to consolidate prospective land packages around Rosebel continues to add significant value for IAMGOLD shareholders."

Craig MacDougall, Senior Vice President, Exploration for IAMGOLD, stated, " The initial resource estimate reported for the Saramacca deposit today is the culmination of an outstanding effort by our exploration and support teams, who have worked tirelessly to advance the project since the commencement of exploration activities last September. These initial results not only exceed our expectations, but we are excited about the potential to further expand the current resources and to make additional discoveries on the property. I congratulate the exploration team for the well-executed and safely-completed exploration program leading to today's announcement."

The mineral resource for the Saramacca deposit incorporates assay results from 307 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes spaced at approximately 50 x 50 metres and totalling approximately 47,000 metres, including 217 holes totalling 37,700 metres completed by IAMGOLD. The estimate was prepared using a block model constrained with 3D wireframes of the principal mineralized domains. Values for gold were interpolated into blocks using ordinary kriging (OK). An open pit optimization algorithm was run on the block model to constrain the resource and to support the CIM requirement that Mineral Resources have 'reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction'. The resource estimate assumes a long-term gold price of US$1,500/ounce. Only mineralization contained within the preliminary pit shell has been included in the resource estimate. It is meaningful to note that the pit shell generated extends to the base of the defined resources in some of the higher grade zones of the deposit. The effective date of this resource estimate is August 28, 2017.

A supporting NI 43-101 Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com no later than 45 days after the date of this release.

MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT - SARAMACCA GOLD PROJECT, SURINAME August 28, 2017























Category Weathering

Zone Cut-off Grade (g/t Au) Tonnage (000s t) Grade (g/t Au) Contained Au (000s oz) Indicated









Laterite 0.25 2,372 1.20 91 Saprolite 0.25 5,573 2.43 436 Transition 0.35 2,526 2.17 176 Fresh 0.45 3,973 2.49 318 Total Indicated



14,444 2.20 1,022 Inferred









Laterite 0.25 4,455 0.69 98 Saprolite 0.25 4,790 0.82 126 Transition 0.35 1,349 1.97 86 Fresh 0.45 3,039 2.13 208 Total Inferred



13,632 1.18 518

Notes:

1. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. 2. CIM definitions were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. 3. Cut-off grades are 0.25 g/t Au for laterite and saprolite, 0.35 g/t Au for transition and 0.45 g/t Au for fresh rock. 4. Mineral Resources are reported using a gold price of US$1,500 per ounce. 5. Mineral Resources are constrained by a Whittle optimized pit shell. 6. All figures have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Discrepancies in sums occur due to rounding.

In support of the mineral resource estimate, preliminary metallurgical test work was completed by ALS Metallurgical Laboratories in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on thirteen composite samples prepared from drill core obtained from the Saramacca drilling program. The results suggest that gold recoveries averaging approximately 97% in oxide, 76% in transition and 82% in fresh rock can be expected from a conventional gravity and leach/carbon in leach (CIL) circuit. Further testing is recommended to further optimize gold recoveries.

About the Saramacca Project

The Saramacca project is strategically located approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the Rosebel Gold Mine processing facility. Mineralization is hosted in the Paramaka Formation within the lower part of the Marowijne Greenstone Belt, which is dominated by metamorphosed basalt and andesite lithologies in the project area. These are traversed by the regional, northwest trending Saramacca shear zone, an important deformation zone for the localization of gold mineralization. Drilling has confirmed the presence of multiple mineralized structures within an approximately 2-kilometre long and 400-metre wide corridor. Mineralization occurs in the near surface oxidized weathering profile to depths ranging from 50 to 100 metres, as well as deeper in primary sulphide zones. In the deposit area, three mineralization styles are recognized from the drilling completed to date: breccia hosted mineralization characterized by jigsaw, crackle and matrix supported breccias; shear hosted mineralization characterized by well-developed pyritic disseminations and stringers; and irregular pyrite-quartz-carbonate veins which locally carry high gold grades.

On August 30, 2016, the Company signed a letter of intent with the Government of Suriname to acquire rights to the Saramacca property, with the intent of defining a National Instrument 43-101 mineral resource within 24 months. The terms of the letter included an initial payment of $0.2 million, which enabled immediate access to the property for Rosebel's exploration team to conduct due diligence, as well as access to the data from previous exploration activity at the Saramacca property. On September 30, 2016, having been satisfied with the results of the due diligence, the Company ratified the letter of intent to acquire the Saramacca property and subsequently paid $10 million in cash and agreed to issue 3.125 million IAMGOLD common shares to the Government of Suriname in three approximately equal annual instalments on each successive anniversary of the date the right of exploration was transferred to Rosebel (December 2016). In addition, the agreement provides for a potential upward adjustment to the purchase price based on the contained gold ounces identified by Rosebel in National Instrument 43-101 measured and indicated resource categories, within a certain Whittle shell within the first 24 months, to a maximum of $10 million.

The Saramacca project falls within the "UJV" area as defined in an Agreement with the Government of Suriname announced on April 15, 2013. The Agreement establishes a joint venture growth vehicle under which Rosebel would hold a 70% participating interest and the Government will acquire a 30% participating interest on a fully-paid basis.

Next Steps

With the results of the initial resource estimate now in hand, a follow up drilling program is expected to commence this quarter with the objective to: 1) increase the confidence in the current resources and convert inferred resources to indicated; 2) target expansions to the existing resource along known mineralized trends and at depth, and 3) evaluate identified exploration targets for the presence of additional mineralized zones. A program of approximately 20,000 metres of diamond and reverse circulation drilling is planned for completion during the remainder of 2017.

In addition to the drilling program outlined above, the Rosebel mine team is working to advance the Saramacca deposit towards production. An Environmental and Social Impact Study (ESIA) is already underway as the fundamental element in the permitting process. Preliminary engineering work has been undertaken on mine design, and infrastructure elements such as ore transport options, access roads, and waste rock disposal. In addition to the exploration work planned for the next phase, field work will commence soon on geotechnical investigation and condemnation work. Additional, comprehensive metallurgical testing will also be undertaken to refine the recovery assumptions, to test the crushing and grinding characteristics of the ore, and to investigate the metallurgical variability across the ore deposit. Using the new block model as a basis, new mine designs and integrated scheduling with the main Rosebel resources will commence soon, and will continue to be advanced as additional geologic and engineering information becomes available. It is our intention to complete the permitting work and to generate a preliminary reserve estimate for Saramacca during the first half of 2018 and to work toward initial production in 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, all-in sustaining costs and other cost estimates, capital expenditures and exploration expenditures and statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves, exploration results, life-of-mine estimates and 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", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "prospective", "significant", "significant potential", "substantial", transformative", "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, unexpected increases in all-in sustaining costs or other costs, unexpected increases in capital expenditures and exploration expenditures, variation in the mineral content within the material identified as mineral resources and mineral reserves from that predicted, changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors, 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 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.

Qualified Persons and Technical Information

The mineral resource estimate, including verification of the data disclosed, has been completed by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") and reported in accordance with NI 43-101 requirements and CIM Estimation Best Practice Guidelines. The resource estimate was prepared by Mr. Glen Cole, P.Geo., Principal Resource Geologist and Dr. Oy Leuangthong, P.Eng., Principal Geostatistician with SRK.

Both Mr. Cole and Dr. Leuangthong, who are independent qualified persons under NI 43-101, have reviewed and approved the contents of this release. 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 term "indicated resources". We advise investors that while that term is 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 estimates in accordance with the CIM guidelines for the estimation, classification and reporting of resources.

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 resource 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' 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 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.

CONFERENCE CALL

A conference call will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) for a discussion with management regarding the mineral resource estimate for Saramacca. A webcast of the conference call will also be available through IAMGOLD`s website - www.iamgold.com.

Conference Call Information: North America Toll-Free: 1-800-319-4610 or 1-604-638-5340.

A replay of this conference call will be accessible for one month following the call by dialing: North America toll-free: 1-800-319-6413 or 1-604-638-9010, passcode: 1658#.

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.

Please note:

This entire news release may be accessed via fax, e-mail, IAMGOLD's website at www.iamgold.com and through CNW Group's website at www.newswire.ca. All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov.

Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique, veuillez consulter le http://www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx.

SOURCE IAMGOLD Corporation

Related Links

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Dr. Yuxing Li, IBBR Fellow and Associate Professor, University of Maryland, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, will aim to test a multi-specific, four-in-one antibody therapeutic, each targeting a distinct site on the HIV viral envelope, called a "tetra-NAb". The specific aims under this grant include evaluation of improved activity, extended half-life in vivo, and neutralization of resistant HIV variants . Dr. Li, has previously demonstrated in vitro that a tri-NAb (three-in-one antibody) and tetra-NAb were able to neutralize 99.5% of HIV1 viruses in a panel of over 200 types that is representative of all known circulating HIV-1 viruses in the world. "Our research indicates that a tri and tetra-NAbs appear to be an effective way of suppressing the virus. This MII grant will help validate use of this multi-specific antibody approach. We look forward to achieving milestones required to move to the clinical phase," said Dr. Li.

Extraordinary diversity in HIV virus and its high mutation rate make HIV adept at evading the human immune system and complicate the development of a globally effective vaccine. Current antiretroviral (ARV) treatments, while effective in controlling the HIV load in a patient's blood and extending life expectancy, have unpleasant side effects, are prone to drug resistance, and require constant patient monitoring. HIV has the further ability to integrate into the human genome, leading to hidden viral reservoirs that make total eradication impossible with ARVs alone.

"The Institute's mission is to conduct groundbreaking research leading to solutions that address significant scientific and medical needs. MII's funding supports this mission of innovation and facilitates the commercial translation of great scientific research," said Thomas Fuerst, Ph.D., IBBR Director and Professor. "As the premier translational science institute for the State of Maryland, IBBR continues to lead commercialization efforts within University of Maryland to generate pioneering products, such as vaccines, drug delivery technologies, and next generation HIV targeting tetra-NAb therapies like Dr. Li's."

This project was initially seeded with funds from the MPowering the State initiative. "MPower" is a strategic partnership between UMCP and UMB. The initiative is designed to expand research collaborations, promote innovation and impact, and leverage the research strengths across the campuses to develop novel, multidisciplinary solutions to major unmet medical and public health needs.

IBBR Contact:

Viqar Aslam

Director, Business Development and Strategy

Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research

University of Maryland

9600 Gudelsky Drive | Rockville, MD | 20850

[email protected] | 240.314.6373

About IBBR

IBBR is a joint research enterprise of the University of Maryland College Park, the University of Maryland Baltimore, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Institute serves as the nexus between academic research and commercial application, bringing together all of the critical elements necessary to pursue solutions for major scientific and medical challenges. Through collaboration and interaction among academia, government and industry, IBBR focuses on structure-based design, characterization and testing of proteins and nucleic acids, and conducting groundbreaking research to develop innovative translational applications. IBBR's leverages its unique infrastructure and capabilities to advance projects and innovations towards commercialization in real world applications. The Institute also serves to expand the economic base of science and technology in the state of Maryland and at the national level.

SOURCE Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research

Related Links

https://www.ibbr.umd.edu


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited ("Dr. Reddy's" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDY) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between June 17, 2015 and August 10, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the October 24, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here.

You can also call Brian Lundin, Esq., of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or you can e-mail him at [email protected].

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Dr. Reddy's made false and/or misleading statements, and/or failed to disclose, that the Company lacked an effective corporate quality system; and thus, its public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On August 10, 2017, Dr. Reddy's disclosed that the Regulatory of Germany (Regierung von Oberbayern) did not renew the good manufacturing practices compliance certificate of a formulations manufacturing unit of its German subsidiary Betapharm Arzneimittel, located in Hyderabad, India, following a recent inspection of the plant. Upon release of this information, shares of Dr. Reddy's fell in value materially, which caused investors harm according to the Complaint.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, Esq., a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

[email protected]

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE Lundin Law PC

Related Links

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. ("Vitamin Shoppe" or the "Company") (NYSE: VSI) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between March 1, 2017 and August 6, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the October 27, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here.

You can also call Brian Lundin, Esq., of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or you can e-mail him at [email protected].

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Vitamin Shoppe made false and/or misleading statements, and/or failed to disclose: that the Company's retail segment was continuing to dramatically decline; that its ongoing "reinvention plan" had been unsuccessful and brought more than $168 million in goodwill impairment, and it was not properly recognizing that impairment charge; and that as a result of the above, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Upon release of this news, shares of Vitamin Shoppe fell in value materially, which caused investors harm according to the Complaint.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, Esq., a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

[email protected]

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE Lundin Law PC

Related Links

http://www.lundinlawpc.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Indiana voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Indiana voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 603 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics from August 17 through August 20 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.0 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Indiana voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 78.1 percent of Indiana voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 15.8 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 74.4 percent to 19.3 percent, Indiana voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Hoosiers want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Indiana voters' views on sanctuary policies:

78.1 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These views are shared with Hispanic voters, 63.7 percent of whom support that requirement.

74.4 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

67.6 percent of likely voters want Sen. Joe Donnelly to support H.R. 3003, including 50.7 percent of Democrats and 66.1 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 50.7 percent of Democrats and 66.1 percent of Independents. 70.6 percent of likely voters want Sen. Todd Young to support H.R. 3003, including 86.4 percent of Republicans and 65.1 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Media Contact - Cassie Williams, [email protected], 202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Information Builders, a leader in business intelligence (BI) and analytics, data integrity, and integration solutions, today announced that its iWay Universal Adapter Suite has achieved SAP-certified integration with the SAP NetWeaver technology platform. The certification is a reflection of the iWay Adapter Suite's proven interoperability and ability to easily integrate data residing within SAP solutions.

Tweet This: [email protected]' new iWay Adapter achieves SAP-certified integration w/ the @SAP NetWeaver platform: http://ow.ly/HoXg30eV42U #dataintegration

Organizations rely on data residing in hundreds of sources from Excel spreadsheets to SQL Servers and custom applications. To effectively transform this raw information into business insights, companies must overcome this siloed environment to integrate and harmonize their data assets. Without properly integrated data, organizations face disparate and disjointed reports, inconsistencies in the board room, and multiple versions of the truth.

Information Builders' iWay Adapter Suite is designed to help organizations easily access and unify their existing data sources, breaking down data silos and laying the groundwork for effective BI and analytics. The suite comprises more than 300 off-the-shelf adapter technologies for creating and deploying web services and other APIs from a variety of adapters, including application system, B2B, transaction processing, terminal emulation, and technology adapters. Each adapter technology includes a complete library of predefined transaction set dictionaries used to create interfaces, without the need to modify existing systems or write additional code. The certified integration with SAP's NetWeaver platform enhances the benefits of iWay Adapter by allowing organizations to easily assimilate existing data from their SAP solutions.

Gregory Dorman, senior vice president and general manager, iWay Software, Information Builders, said:

"In developing a successful information management strategy, one of the most critical and often challenging steps is unifying data from numerous sources across the business landscape. Our iWay Adapter Suite is one of the many solutions that Information Builders offers to help streamline this process and speed time to value. That's why we are excited to announce that it has achieved certified integration with the SAP NetWeaver technology platform, adding to the more than 300 data sources that our customers can easily integrate using the suite."

Visit our website to learn more about the iWay Adapter Suite and how it enables organizations to access any information system.

About Information Builders

Information Builders provides solutions for business intelligence (BI), analytics, data integration, and data quality that help drive performance improvements, innovation, and value. Through one set of powerful products, we enable organizations to serve everyone  analysts, non-technical users, even partners, customers, and citizens  with better data and analytics. Our dedication to customer success is unmatched with thousands of organizations relying on us as their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with global offices, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. Visit us at informationbuilders.com, follow us on Twitter at @infobldrs, like us on Facebook, and visit our LinkedIn page.

Press Contacts

Kathleen Moran

Information Builders

(917) 339-6313

[email protected]

Katie Schira

LEWIS

(781) 761-4500

[email protected]

SOURCE Information Builders

Related Links

http://www.informationbuilders.com


WATERLOO, Ontario, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtek brings its latest advancement to the Asia-Pacific region for the composites and aerospace industry segments. The new Virtek Iris 3D with the Vision Positioning System (VPS) is now available to purchase. Visit Virtek at the China Composites Expo, stand #1125 where our local sales, service, and partner representatives will welcome you with a special demonstration of the new vision system.

Virtek's VPS is the latest addition to the Iris product line. This vision system delivers a new ease of use for composite material and carbon fiber placement. The system will help eliminate costly delays with alignment and set up during composite placement. Iris 3D and the vision system is ideal for ply layup, assembly and part placement.

"The new vision integration with laser projection technology has proven to dramatically improve process efficiency in the composite and aerospace markets," said Sean Francoz, senior product manager at Virtek. "This technology is well suited for aerospace manufacturing and is able to move between applications with its flexible set up and portability."

VPS introduces a new feature called FlashAlign, which eliminates manual target alignment. The speed, robustness and intelligence of the technology enables flawless assembly, decreasing overall set-up time. "With every alignment, we could save more than 1 minute with FlashAlign. We no longer need to re-align before inspecting every ply. There are 100s of plies in every ship set and this savings is huge for us," said a valued Virtek customer.

The new smaller, faster scanning system, available for a variety of assembly applications, is now portable and much easier to maintain. This next generation technology is breaking the laser barrier in the industry and extends Virtek's already leading-edge technology with a software platform that supports both targeted and targetless applications, helping to accelerate the aerospace assembly process by eliminating templates, manual measurements and helps reduce human error while increasing quality throughout the manufacturing process.

"We are excited to be offering such a unique solution into the Asia Pacific region. Iris 3D and the Vision Positioning System are the first in a series of new product technology introductions," stated Todd Rhodes, Virtek's vice president and general manager. "These new innovations are also backed by our growing local service team that helps our customers install, train and utilize Virtek's flexible vision systems."

About Virtek

Virtek is the global leader in laser templating and quality inspection systems, providing exceptional expertise and engineering for manufacturers around the world. The Virtek name has become synonymous with precision, reliability, and innovation.



Founded in 1986, and today a part of Gerber Technology, Virtek is based in Waterloo, ON, Canada and has local sales and service coverage in the USA, across Europe and in Asia. From the aerospace to the construction industry, and from sheet metal fabrication to wind energy, our tailored technology solutions featuring LaserEdge, LaserQC, TrussLine, and Iris give customers the competitive edge needed to succeed in their fields. For more information, please visit www.virtek.ca

About Gerber Technology

Gerber Technology delivers industry-leading software and automation solutions that help apparel and industrial customers improve their manufacturing and design processes and more effectively manage and connect the supply chain, from product development and production to retail and the end customer. Gerber serves 78,000 customers in 130 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in apparel & accessories, home and leisure, transportation, packaging and sign & graphics. The company develops and manufactures its products from various locations in the United States and Canada and has additional manufacturing capabilities in China.

Based in Connecticut in the USA, Gerber Technology is owned by AIP, a New York based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and has more than $3.0 billion assets under management. Visit www.gerbertechnology.com for more information.

Contact:



Andrea Andrade

Tel: +1 519.746.7190

[email protected]

SOURCE Virtek

Related Links

http://www.virtek.ca


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaguar Growth Partners (Jaguar), a privately-held investment management firm focused on real estate private equity in global growth markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Bell as Principal on the firm's investment team.

Ms. Bell is based in Jaguar's New York office and will lead the investment team in the firm's expanding activity in Latin America and beyond.

Before joining Jaguar, Ms. Bell was an Investment Manager on the property multi-manager team at Aberdeen Asset Management. Prior to Aberdeen she was Vice President on the investment team at Equity International where she was responsible for originating, executing, and managing investments across Latin America and Asia. She has also worked as a Summer Fellow in the real estate group at Kaust Endowment, as an Associate at J.E. Robert Companies with a focus on Latin America real estate, and as an Investment Banking Analyst in the equity capital markets group at Deutsche Bank. She is a graduate of Princeton University and earned her MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Liz to the team," said Thomas McDonald "Gary and I had the privilege of previously working with Liz and are confident in her making a significant impact with her unique portfolio management experience."

About Jaguar Growth Partners

Headquartered in New York with an office in Sao Paulo, Jaguar is a privately held investment management firm specializing in real estate private equity in growth markets globally. Founded in 2013 by Gary Garrabrant and Thomas McDonald, Jaguar invests in and develops scalable real estate-related operating platforms and companies poised to grow in markets characterized by an emerging middle class, aspirational youth, urbanization and other secular trends found in emerging global economies.

Commencing their investment activities in the 1990's, Jaguar's founders are regarded as leaders in real estate investing and company-building in emerging markets through growth capital investments and working in active collaboration with local operating partners. Jaguar is distinguished by its global insights, partner orientation and proven approach to optimizing value and liquidity. Jaguar is a member of the Pension Real Estate Association, Latin American Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association and the Institutional Limited Partners Association. Please see http://jaguargrowth.com or @JaguarGrowth for additional information.

Media Contacts:

Dukas Linden Public Relations

Zach Kouwe

+1.646.808.3665

[email protected]

Shree Dhond

+1.646.722.6531

[email protected]

SOURCE Jaguar Growth Partners

Related Links

http://www.jaguargrowth.com


Half of the donation will go to the American Red Cross for immediate needs in affected areas, such as medical care, food, shelter and clothing. The other half will go to Mental Health America of Greater Houston, to provide mental health and emotional support for survivors, first responders and others affected by the storm.

"Our hearts go out to the thousands of people who've been displaced by this hurricane  especially those most vulnerable  who've lost their homes, their life's belongings and in some cases, their loved ones," said Bechara Choucair, MD, senior vice president and chief community health officer for Kaiser Permanente. "We felt it was critically important to support mental health services in addition to relief aid. We know that beyond the physical damage of this storm, those affected will feel the mental and emotional impact of this storm long after the waters recede."

Kaiser Permanente, as a not-for-profit organization, works closely with community partners to provide health care for low-income individuals to improve health for people living in underserved communities. In 2016, Kaiser Permanente invested $2.5 billion in support of community health.

"We are deeply concerned for the mental health of those affected by Hurricane Harvey," said Don Mordecai, MD, Kaiser Permanente national leader for mental health. "People affected by tragedy can experience fear, anxiety, sadness and trauma. Those effects can linger long after the disaster, and for some people, may not surface until weeks or months after it. We want to give mental health agencies in the impacted areas the needed resources to extend support to all who need it."

Kaiser Permanente has also long been committed to advancing mental health. Through partnerships and grants, Kaiser Permanente works to reduce stigma, increase awareness and improve access to care.

"As we focus on the recovery and rebirth of Houston's Gulf Coast region, I am grateful to live and work in a city that understands a healthy community is a strong community, and that its strength includes the mental health of its residents," said Susan Fordice, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Greater Houston. "It's our responsibility as a community-serving organization to be responsive to the ongoing mental health needs of our children, families and all individuals who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey. I want to thank Kaiser Permanente for their help and concern. We will work collectively with community partners to establish a protective barrier of support and a lifeline of hope that benefits everyone whose lives have been touched by the storm. We know the mental health community will be called to respond to significant needs in many different ways over this region's vast geography for a very long time."

Disaster's Toll Over Time

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is the most recent natural disaster in the U.S. that approaches the scale of Hurricane Harvey. Katrina's damage in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast was not limited to deaths, physical injuries and property. Among survivors, mental and emotional conditions persisted long after the storm:

A rapid-needs assessment of returning New Orleans residents conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in October 2005 revealed that more than 50 percent of respondents showed signs of a "possible" need for mental health treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006; Weisler et al., 2006).

conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in revealed that more than 50 percent of respondents showed signs of a "possible" need for mental health treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006; Weisler et al., 2006). A study of families living in FEMA-subsidized hotels or trailers conducted in February of 2006 reported high rates of disability among caregivers of children, due to depression, anxiety and other psychiatric problems (Abramson & Garfield, 2006). The survey also yielded high rates of reports of chronic health problems (34 percent) and numerous new mental health problems (nearly 50 percent) among children in these families.

conducted in February of 2006 reported high rates of disability among caregivers of children, due to depression, anxiety and other psychiatric problems (Abramson & Garfield, 2006). The survey also yielded high rates of reports of chronic health problems (34 percent) and numerous new mental health problems (nearly 50 percent) among children in these families. Another cross-sectional survey of 222 survivors found that over half (52 percent) continued to experience poor mental and physical health 15 months after Katrina (Kim, Plumb, Gredig, Rankin, & Taylor, 2008).

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 11.8 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share.

For more information:

Marc Brown

[email protected]

510-271-6328

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente

Related Links

http://www.kaiserpermanente.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation that would hold state and local governments for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable foreign criminals has already been approved by the House of Representatives. A new statewide poll of likely Kentucky voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate, where it awaits action by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to schedule a debate and a vote. With the critical mid-term elections just 14 months away, voters in Kentucky and ten swing states indicated their senators' position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote.

The statewide poll of 402 likely Kentucky voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17 and 18 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.9%.

The poll found that, by lopsided margins, Kentuckians agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 82.9 percent of Kentucky voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 8.4 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 75%-18.7%, Kentucky voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The fate of the No Sanctuary for Criminals bill now rests in the hands of Majority Leader McConnell," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR. "The bill enjoys broad support not only from voters in his home state, but also from voters in the ten states that will determine the balance of political power in the Senate next year.

"The polling in Kentucky and other states leaves little doubt that Americans want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also expect Congress to a put a bill on the president's desk that reins in reckless illegal alien sanctuary policies," continued Stein.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Kentucky voters' views on sanctuary policies:

82.9 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs enforcement. These views are shared by Hispanic voters, 60.8 percent of whom support that requirement.

75 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

76.6 percent of likely voters want Sen. McConnell to support H.R. 3003 (which cannot happen until he schedules a vote), including 83.4 percent of Republicans, 70.8 percent of Democrats, and 71.5 percent of Independents in his home state.

"It is time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to schedule debate and a vote on H.R. 3003," declared Stein. "The bill has broad support from voters, particularly in states where there will be hotly contested Senate seats in 2018. All senators need to be put on notice that there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens at the expense of public safety and that blocking the No Sanctuary for Criminals legislation from reaching the floor of the Senate will come at a high political cost.

"When it comes to putting criminal aliens back onto the streets voters demand accountability from the local officials who establish sanctuary policies and from the Senate majority leader who can play a critical role in ending these dangerous policies," Stein concluded.

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Media Contact - Cassie Williams, [email protected], 202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


CINCINNATI, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Dallas division associates working at Kroger stores in Dallas/Ft. Worth and surrounding area have ratified a new labor agreement with UFCW Local 1000.

"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates. This new contract provides good pay increases, affordable health care and financial support from the company to our associates' pension fund to support their retirement," said Dana Zurcher, president of Kroger's Dallas division. "This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day."

The contract covers 11,000 associates working at 105 stores in the Dallas/Ft Worth and East Texas areas.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritSM. We are 443,000 associates who serve eight and a half million customers every day in 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering  a personalized order online service  in addition to 2,255 pharmacies, 782 convenience stores, 311 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,453 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Related Links

http://www.kroger.com


SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 18th Street Arts Center, in collaboration with LACMA, presents A Universal History of Infamy: Virtues of Disparity, part of the Getty-led initiative Pacific Standard Time LA/LA. The exhibition, which runs from September 9 - December 15, 2017 at 18th Street Arts Center (and simultaneously at LACMA and Charles White Elementary) features contemporary discipline-defying artists from Latin America and the United States. Over the past two years, the majority of the artists conducted research residencies at 18th Street Arts Center. The opening reception is September 9 at 5 PM and is free and open to the public.

Josefina Guilisasti, Objetos Light, 2014. White silicon sculptures and video loop. Courtesy of the artist. Michael Linares, Makapansgat's Way, 2015. 7 minutes. Courtesy of the artist.

A Universal History of Infamy: Virtues of Disparity at 18th Street Arts Center is structured around themes of likeness and deception, and considers the shortcomings of different systems of writing, transcriptions, and their contested relation to authenticity.



For this exhibition, 18th Street Arts Center has produced and designed a brand-new exhibition website that will feature 6 video artist profiles. Please visit pstlala-lacma.18thstreet.org for more information.

About Selected Artists



During her residency at 18th Street Arts Center, Venezuelan artist Angela Bonadies explored museums, libraries, archives, and historic architecture in Los Angeles, including the Eames House by Charles and Ray Eames. Regarding her first impression of Los Angeles, Bonadies says, "What seems more interesting is the feeling that no one finishes seeing the city because I feel it is made up of many cities and many villages... in that sense it is a city of nooks."





From Argentina to Berlin, artists Dolores Zinny and Juan Maidagan (who go by the artist collective zinny-maidagan) have been producing large-scale installations for over two decades as a means to investigate architecture through the history of a site. They became intrigued by the history of the palm tree in Los Angeles, and spent time researching the non-native species during their residency.



Naufus Ramirez-Figueroa, performance and installation artist, is originally from Guatemala, but due to the Guatemalan Civil War, his family sought refuge in Vancouver, Canada. "Trauma is something that doesn't fit into the narrative of your life, it stands out." For Ramirez-Figueroa, Los Angeles is a complicated city, as a refuge to other Central Americans, and a place of struggle.

A Universal History of Infamy is presented as part of the Getty's Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA initiative, and curated by Rita Gonzalez, Jose Luis Blondet, and Pilar Tompkins Rivas.

Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA is a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America.

Major support of the exhibition and artist residencies is provided through grants from the Getty Foundation.

Additional support for artist residencies related to the exhibition was generously provided by Baik Art.

LINKS:

For a full list of artists, visit: http://pstlala-lacma.18thstreet.org

See http://pstlala-lacma.18thstreet.org/events/ for related events.

Contact:

Sue Bell Yank

310-308-7246

[email protected]

SOURCE 18th Street Arts Center

Related Links

http://pstlala-lacma.18thstreet.org


A casual meal takes an unexpected turn when a woman reflects on her recent Vegas vacation in what she thinks is a daydream, only to discover her memories are playing out for all her friends to see. In a panic, she pops the looming dream bubble, ensuring what happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas.

"After 15 years, the iconic 'What Happens Here, Stays Here' campaign continues to promote travel to Las Vegas as well as reinforce the brand's promise of adult freedom," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the LVCVA. "Through relevant and humorous storytelling, the new spot encourages visitors to embrace the only-in-Vegas experience that awaits them in the destination."

"One of the greatest challenges a brand can face is the ability to maintain relevance in a market that is ever-changing," said Rob Torres, managing director of Travel Google. "The LVCVA and R&R Partners' 'What Happens Here, Stays Here' campaign skillfully overcomes that hurdle by presenting storylines that assume a certain level of risk and land outside of most brands' comfort zones, in true Las Vegas style."

Directed by former Nevada resident Roderick Fenske, "Dream Vacation" is the first of two spots debuting within the next few months. Allowing viewers around the world to better understand and connect with the Las Vegas brand, Fenske filmed three versions of "Dream Vacation" using different casts and languages including English, French and Spanish. In addition to previous Las Vegas spots, the award-winning director has created commercials for brands such as British Airways, Old Spice, Skittles and more.

"We are truly breaking new ground, while staying rooted in the brand's timeless message of acceptance and empowerment," said Fenske. "To create and work on one of the most iconic campaigns of all time is an honor. The 'What Happens Here, Stays Here' campaign continues to evolve beyond a slogan, to having a lasting impact on pop-culture."

Giving visitors permission to let go of their everyday inhibitions, Las Vegas' famous campaign was first introduced in 2002 to overwhelmingly positive feedback. It has since received widespread recognition, being noted by USA Today as the "most effective" campaign in 2003, as well as an induction into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame. At the 57th Annual Cannes Lion International Advertising Festival, the LVCVA and R&R Partners won a Bronze Cannes Lion for the "ChinChilli Day" spot in the Travel, Transport & Tourism category. That year, Las Vegas was the only destination to win a Cannes Lion trophy.

View the new spots on Las Vegas' YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/lasvegas.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and 11 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.VisitLasVegas.com.

SOURCE Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)

Related Links

http://www.lvcva.com


RESTON, Va., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology company, announced today that Lt. General William J. Bender will join the company as Strategic Account Executive, Government Relations, effective September 5. In his role General Bender will be responsible for strengthening and advancing trusted relationships with customers and advancing strategic initiatives to foster organic growth.

General Bender brings more than 34 years of military experience and executive-level leadership in multiple facets of information technology (IT) and government services. General Bender most recently served as Chief Information Officer for the United States Air Force (USAF), where he was responsible for 50,000 cyber operations and support personnel across the globe with oversight for the USAF's IT investment strategy and a portfolio valued at $17 billion. Prior to his most recent role, General Bender was the second highest ranking military officer, based at the United States Embassy in Iraq, serving as the Deputy Chief, Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq with oversight and management of foreign military sales and security cooperation initiatives supporting U.S. diplomatic relations with the government of Iraq. His leadership tenure in the USAF also includes serving as Chief Operations Officer with overall operations, training and readiness responsibility for 20,000 personnel, as well as Executive Staff Director and Joint Duty Officer to European Command and U.S. Transportation Command Commanders with responsibility for theater-wide and global logistics operations.

"William is an accomplished and highly respected military leader with extensive expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, and government services," said Gerry Fasano, Leidos Executive Vice President and Chief of Business Development and Strategy. "His deep knowledge of strategic customers will allow us to grow our enduring relationships and improve our ability to understand and serve their core missions."

General Bender was commissioned in 1983 after earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College. He also holds a Master of Arts National Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a Master of Business Administration in Business and Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and numerous certificates from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 science and technology solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

SOURCE Leidos

Related Links

http://www.leidos.com


Glencore is one of the world's largest producers of cobalt as a result of by-products created from its copper assets in the DRC and nickel assets in Australia, Canada and Norway.

"We are very excited to acquire this strategic Canadian property from Glencore. The property is conveniently located adjacent to our current Teledyne Cobalt property, and this purchase agreement allows LiCo to expand upon one of Glencore's longstanding Canadian cobalt assets. If all goes as planned, we could be selling all our cobalt produced back to Glencore in the future. It is a property sale, but we have also found a significant future customer," states Tim Fernback, LiCo's President & CEO.

Strategically, the Glencore property consists of 16.2 hectares and sits along the west boundary of LiCo's Teledyne Cobalt Project that covers the southern extension of the former producing 15 Vein on the past-producing Agaunico Mine Property. Historically, the Agaunico Mine produced 4,350,000 lbs. of cobalt and 980,000 oz. of silver during the mining boom of the early 1900's (Cunningham-Dunlop, 1979).

In the early 80's the Glencore property was explored by 36 surface diamond drill holes totaling 3,323 m. The drilling program outlined two separate vein systems hosting significant cobalt and silver values. The two zones are known as the Main Zone, measuring 152.4 m in length, and the Northwest Zone, measuring 70.0 m in length. The Main Zone had a north-south strike, which is hypothesized as the southern extension of the #3 vein from the Cobalt Contact Mine located immediately to the north of lease #585 (Bresee, 1982). Additional work was recommended but never completed due to a downturn in cobalt prices at the time.

On LiCo's adjacent Teledyne property, historical drilling also encountered two zones of cobalt/silver mineralization extending from the boundary of mined zones at the Agaunico Mine in a north-south direction. In 1980, Teledyne completed a 700 m long production decline to reach the mineralization encountered in their surface drill program. Both the surface and underground drilling programs confirmed the extension of the Agaunico cobalt zones onto the Teledyne property for a strike length of 152.4 m. In addition, the drill program encountered a second zone with a strike length of 137.2 m. The most significant results included 0.644% Co over 16.9 m, 0.74% Co over 8.7m, and 2.59% Co over 2.4 m (Bresee, 1981).

"We are delighted to add this Glencore property to our land position in Canada. By adding drill indicated cobalt mineralization from the Glencore property with similar mineralization as that found at our nearby Teledyne property, we have greatly enhanced LiCo's potential for finding an economic cobalt deposit. I am looking forward with great interest to seeing the results of the upcoming drill programs scheduled for both the Glencore and Teledyne properties this fall," commented Mr. Dwayne Melrose, Director and Head of the Technical Advisory Board of LiCo.

Terms of the Acquisition:

Purchase Price -The Purchaser shall pay to the Vendor the sum of $150,000 on the Approval Date; and pay to the Vendor the sum of $350,000 within 6 months after the date of the Agreement (the "Closing Date"). In addition, prior to the Closing Date during the Acquisition Period, the Purchaser shall incur $250,000 in Exploration Expenditures on the Property.

Offtake Agreement - Prior to the commencement of Commercial Production, the Purchaser shall enter into an off-take agreement with the Vendor for all ores and/or concentrates produced from the Property and/or the Teledyne Property. The off-take agreement shall be on such terms and conditions as are commercially reasonable and at prevailing market prices;

Production Royalty - The Royalty will consist of a 3.5% of Net Smelter Return calculated on a quarterly basis on all Products extracted from, processed and sold that originate from mining operations on the Property from and after Commercial Production. One-half (1/2) of the Royalty can be purchased for $1,000,000 payable to the Vendor or its assignee;

Back-In Option  from and after the Closing Date, subject to Glencore or an affiliate, determining that a discovery of one or more ore bodies having a minimum aggregate in-situ value of $100M or more from which minerals can be feasibly extracted, the Purchaser grants to the Vendor or its nominated affiliate an irrevocable, sole and exclusive right and option to acquire from the Purchaser a 51% interest in the Property and all Property Rights, free and clear of all burdens of any nature or kind. Once the Back-in Option is exercised a joint venture will be formed and a management committee established with representatives of both companies.

About Glencore

Glencore plc is a leading integrated commodity producer and trader, operating worldwide with diversified operations comprising around 150 mining and metallurgical, oil production and agricultural assets. Glencore's industrial and marketing activities are supported by a global network of more than 90 offices located in over 50 countries where they employ around 155,000 people, including contractors. Glencore trades in and distribute physical commodities sourced from third party producers as well as their own production. The company also provide financing, processing, storage, logistics and other services to commodity producers and consumers.

About LiCo Energy Metals :

LiCo Energy Metals Inc. is a well-funded Canadian based exploration company whose primary listing is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's focus is directed towards exploration for high value metals integral to the manufacture of lithium ion batteries. The Company currently maintains the following portfolio of exploration properties:

Purickuta Lithium Project, Chile: The Purickuta Project is located within Salar de Atacama, a salt flat encompassing 3,000 km2, being about 100 km long, 80 km wide and home to approximately 37% of the worlds Lithium production. The salar possesses a very high grade of both Lithium (1,840mg/l) and Potassium (22,630mg/l and is close to power, labour, communications, transportation and other infrastructure. The property of 160 hectares is enveloped by a concession owned by Sociedad Quimica y Minera ("SQM") and lies, significantly, within a few kilometers of the property of CORFO (the Chilean Economic Development Agency) where its leases to both SQM and Albermarle's Rockwood Lithium Corp Together these two companies have combined production of over 62,000 tonnes of LCE (Lithium Carbonate Equivalent) annually making up 100% of Chile's current lithium output. The unique characteristics of Salar de Atacama make finished lithium carbonate easier and cheaper to produce than any of its peer group globally.

Purickuta is a smaller exploitation concession rather than a large exploration concession thereby accelerating the task of taking the project to production once a measured reserve can be established. Currently, the Chilean government retains ownership of lithium separate from other minerals and thus production can only proceed upon receipt of a special lithium operation contract know as a "CEOL". In the future, it will be necessary for LiCo and partner to negotiate a production contract with CORFO concurrently with completing any positive feasibility study. "Chile, which has one of the world's most plentiful supplies of lithium, is pushing ahead with new policies to develop those reserves". (Reuters Jan2, 2017).

Teledyne Cobalt Project, Cobalt, Ontario: The Company has an option to earn 100% ownership, subject to a royalty, in the Teledyne Project located near Cobalt. Ontario. The Property adjoins the south and west boundaries of claims that hosted the Agaunico Mine. From 1905 through to 1961, the Agaunico Mine produced a total of 4,350,000 lbs. of cobalt and 980,000 oz. of silver. A significant portion of the cobalt that was produced at the Agaunico Mine located along structures that extended southward onto property currently under option to LiCo Energy Metals.

Dixie Valley Lithium Project, Nevada: The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest, subject to a 3% NSR, on a large lithium exploration project at the Humboldt Salt Marsh in Dixie Valley, Nevada. The geologic setting and presence of lithium in active geothermal fluids and surface salts in Dixie Valley match characteristics of producing lithium brine deposits at Clayton Valley, Nevada and in South America.

Black Rock Desert Lithium Project, Nevada: The Company has entered into an option agreement whereby the Company may earn an undivided 70% interest, subject to a 3% Net Smelter Return Royalty, in the Black Rock Desert Lithium Project that consists of 128 placer claims (2,560 acres/ 1,036 hectares) in southwest Black Rock Desert, Washoe County, Nevada.

The Company is planning an exploration programs on a number of its properties over the next several months. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved Joerg Kleinboeck, P.Geo. an independent consulting geologist and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Tim Fernback, President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements.

Phone : (236) 521-0207

LiCoEnergyMetals.com

SOURCE LiCo Energy Metals Inc.

Related Links

http://licoenergymetals.com


JERSEY CITY, N.J., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (NYSE: CLI) announced today that it will be participating in the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2017 Global Real Estate Conference being held September 12-13, 2017 at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park. Michael DeMarco, Mack-Cali's chief executive officer, is scheduled to present on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 3:40 p.m. Eastern Time.

The live audio-webcast of the presentation in listen-only mode will be available on the Company's website at www.mack-cali.com/investors/events-presentations. Presentation materials will also be available on the Company's website prior to the webcast at www.mack-cali.com/investors/company-filings-reports.

About Mack-Cali Realty Corporation

One of the country's leading Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is an owner, manager and developer of premier office and multifamily properties in select waterfront and transit-oriented markets throughout the Northeast. Mack-Cali is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, and is the visionary behind the city's flourishing waterfront, where the company is leading development, improvement and place-making initiatives for Harborside, a master-planned destination comprised of class A office, luxury apartments, diverse retail and restaurants, and public spaces.

A fully-integrated and self-managed company, Mack-Cali has provided world-class management, leasing, and development services throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region for two decades. By regularly investing in its properties and innovative lifestyle amenity packages, Mack-Cali creates environments that empower tenants and residents to reimagine the way they work and live.

For more information on Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and its properties, visit www.mack-cali.com.

Statements made in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "plan," "potential," "projected," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "target," "continue," or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict with accuracy and some of which the Company might not even anticipate, and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are advised to consider the factors listed above together with the additional factors under the heading "Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, as may be supplemented or amended by the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise.

Contacts: Anthony Krug



Deidre Crockett

Mack-Cali Realty Corporation



Mack-Cali Realty Corporation

Chief Financial Officer



Vice President, Corporate

(732) 590-1030



Communications and Investor Relations

[email protected]



(732) 590-1025







[email protected]

SOURCE Mack-Cali Realty Corporation

Related Links

http://www.mack-cali.com


TULSA, Okla., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) announced today it is commencing construction of a new Delaware Basin pipeline originating in Wink, Texas to handle crude oil and condensate.

Magellan will build an approximately 60-mile, 24-inch pipeline from Wink to Crane, Texas, which serves as an origin to its Longhorn pipeline. The new Wink pipeline will have an initial capacity of 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) with the ability to expand to more than 600,000 bpd if warranted by industry demand. The project also includes construction of a new terminal at Wink which will offer broad inbound and outbound pipeline access to parties that connect to the facility.

Magellan currently expects the project to cost approximately $150 million and to be operational in mid-2019, subject to receipt of any necessary permits and regulatory approvals.

"Magellan is known in the industry for its independent service provider business model and is ideally situated to meet growing industry demand for a crude oil and condensate pipeline system with access to customers originating from the Delaware Basin," said Michael Mears, chief executive officer.

The new pipeline segment will offer direct service from the Delaware Basin to the Crane origin of Magellan's Longhorn pipeline, which provides crude oil and condensate transportation service to the Houston and Texas City refining complex and marine export facilities. In addition, this pipeline segment will be able to provide service from the Delaware Basin to the new crude oil and condensate line to Corpus Christi, Texas that has been proposed by Magellan as well as others in the industry.

Magellan plans to conduct an open season for commitments on the new pipeline system at a later time; however, construction of the new pipeline does not depend on the results of the open season. In addition, the partnership is assessing additional pipeline and terminal investments in West Texas to strengthen and enhance its overall crude oil service offerings.

About Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) is a publicly traded partnership that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. The partnership owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation's refining capacity, and can store approximately 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil. More information is available at www.magellanlp.com.

Portions of this document constitute forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Although management believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, actual outcomes could be materially different. Among the key risk factors that may have a direct impact on the statements made in this news release are: (1) the ability to obtain required rights-of-way, permits and other approvals on a timely basis; (2) price fluctuations and overall demand for crude oil and condensate; (3) changes in tariff rates or other terms imposed by state or federal regulatory agencies; (4) the occurrence of an operational hazard or unforeseen interruption; and (5) willingness to incur or failure of customers or vendors to meet or continue contractual obligations. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the partnership's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2016 and subsequent reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other disclosures made in those filings, especially under the heading "Risk Factors." Forward-looking statements made by the partnership in this release are based only on information currently known, and the partnership undertakes no obligation to revise its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances learned of or occurring after today's date.

SOURCE Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Related Links

http://www.magellanlp.com


WESTPORT, Conn., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the population ages and seniors' needs and expectations around care delivery, hospitality, amenities and access to technology shift, Maplewood Senior Living announced today that it has launched the Center for Aging Innovation and Technology. The goal of the Center is to transform the aging experience for older adults by enabling greater independence, providing better management of health and wellness, broadening social connectedness, improving safety, and focusing on people-centric solutions for a better quality of life.

The Center for Aging Innovation and Technology reflects Maplewood's promise to its customers, which includes always delivering the highest level of care and services; providing the very finest amenities, unique experiences and newest technologies to create vibrant, modern, life-enhancing living environments. It also shows Maplewood's commitment to developing an innovation culture, where residents, families, staff, provider partners, vendors and the larger community can both create and take full advantage of cutting-edge ideas and products.

"The new Center for Aging Innovation and Technology helps us demonstrate the art of what is possible by incorporating new technologies, experiences and services into the lives of our residents," said Gregory D. Smith, President and CEO of Maplewood Senior Living, based in Westport, Connecticut. "Maplewood has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of what senior living should look like and we are pleased to launch this Innovation Center to demonstrate to our clients how we convert next-generation solutions into tangible tools and outcomes."

The Center for Aging Innovation and Technology is currently piloting multiple products including:

Rendever Virtual Reality : This virtual reality (VR) system is specifically designed for seniors and offers immersive experiences that can entertain, spark memories, foster social connections and reduce stress and anxiety.

This virtual reality (VR) system is specifically designed for seniors and offers immersive experiences that can entertain, spark memories, foster social connections and reduce stress and anxiety. Eversound : These wireless, noise-cancelling earphones can be used one-on-one or during group activities to help seniors hear more clearly thereby improving engagement. To date, 80 percent of residents who tested the earphones continue to use them and report more enjoyment and engagement during activities.

These wireless, noise-cancelling earphones can be used one-on-one or during group activities to help seniors hear more clearly thereby improving engagement. To date, 80 percent of residents who tested the earphones continue to use them and report more enjoyment and engagement during activities. Fall Prevention Systems: Through these technologies, Maplewood is hoping to improve fall rates among high-risk residents.

Through these technologies, Maplewood is hoping to improve fall rates among high-risk residents. Skype Lounge: These nicely appointed rooms enable full Skype capabilities utilizing large, easy-to-see screens and optimal sound, so residents can join family members at important events they may otherwise be unable to attend like a grandchild's birthday, graduation or wedding.

The launch of the Center for Aging Innovation and Technology follows the appointment of Brian Geyser, APRN-BC, MSN, Vice President of Clinical Innovation and Population Health, who is responsible for leading innovation at Maplewood.

"New technologies like VR can really expand a resident's world," said Geyser. "For one of our residents, we were able to use VR to take her back to her hometown in Maine. We even visited her childhood home. We then capped off the experience with a fresh blueberry pie from our farm-to-table kitchen. It was quite a thing to see. I'm honored to be able to deliver experiences like this to our residents."

Geyser says that Maplewood is investing significant resources towards innovation because "we recognize the challenges and the opportunities ahead of us and we're not afraid to take on the inherent risks innovation poses as the potential benefits are enormous."

Aging2.0

In addition, Geyser was recently named "Ambassador" for a new Aging2.0 New Haven, CT Chapter, the only Aging2.0 chapter in Connecticut. The mission of Aging2.0 is to support innovators who are addressing the biggest challenges and opportunities in the aging space. Aging2.0 has a global network of over 15K+ professionals in over 20 countries who are working on the many challenges posed by aging, longevity, and senior care - and who plan to transform the aging experience. By supporting Chapter events and activities, Maplewood will connect with local and global leaders and innovators, share knowledge, gain insights, strike partnerships, and elevate the Maplewood and Inspir brands.

Geyser said, "I'm thrilled to be leading the brand new Aging2.0 New Haven Chapter. We have aging innovation happening all over Connecticut and I hope to build a local community where people doing this work, including startups, industry, investors, academics, older adults, non-profits, government, the press and more can connect, collaborate and share ideas."

"There is an intrinsic value in being a leader of this social movement," said Stephen Johnston, CEO of Aging2.0. "Brian is passionate about what we represent and we look forward to partnering with him and Maplewood in this way."

To join the Aging2.0 Local New Haven Chapter, visit the website: aging2.com/new-haven

About Maplewood Senior Living:

Based in Westport, Connecticut, Maplewood Senior Living is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad range of premier services, amenities and care to its residents. Maplewood Senior Living owns and operates 14 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Ohio. Future developments include Princeton, NJ, Southport, CT, and the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Manhattan project falls within the company's newest brand Inspir. This international brand was launched to offer a luxurious option for seniors looking to join a residential community in major metropolitan areas. For more information or to arrange an interview with President and CEO Gregory D. Smith, please call Andrea S. Ellen, Vice President of Communications, at 203-557-4777 or visit our website at www.maplewoodseniorliving.com.

SOURCE Maplewood Senior Living

Related Links

http://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com


KELOWNA, British Columbia, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marapharm Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: MRPHF) (CSE: MDM.CN) (FSE: 2M0) (MDM.CN) ("Marapharm" or the " Company") (http://www.marapharm.com/) was given notice by the Nevada Department of Taxation of conditional approval for 2 additional distributor licenses for its cultivation and production facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marapharm now has 3 conditional distributor licenses.

"We are thrilled to receive these conditional approvals. These licenses will be key to allowing us to distribute product beginning early next year from our planned expansive 380,000 square foot cultivation and production facility. With these approvals in addition to the acquisition of the specialized vehicles needed, we can ensure we get product to market quickly and safely," Linda Sampson, Marapharm CEO.

These approvals follow quickly on the heels of the August, 2017 conditional approval of Marapharm's first application for a marijuana distributor license. The conditions to be met are the inspection of vehicles and of the facility.

ABOUT MARAPHARM VENTURES INC.

www.marapharm.com

Marapharm is a publicly traded company on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE: MDM, OTCQB: MRPHF) primarily investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, with corporate operations based in British Columbia, Canada. Since 2016 they have rapidly expanded their footprint to include production locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California. They actively seek expansion opportunities worldwide.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: facebook.com/marapharm

Twitter: twitter.com/marapharm

STOCK EXCHANGES:

Marapharm trades in Canada, ticker symbol MDM on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol MRPHF on the OTCQB, in Europe, ticker symbol 2M0 on the FSE.

Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQB has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQB accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", 'may", "will", "project", "should", 'believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumption but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

www.marapharm.com or Linda Sampson, CEO 778-583-4476 email [email protected]

SOURCE Marapharm Ventures Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marapharm.com


North America is a key market for Marcolin Group, representing almost 45% of global sales, with a high potential to be further explored both for ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses, leveraging on the company's well-known capabilities in terms of designing and manufacturing quality.

Marcolin Group is globally highly recognized for its almost 60 years of expertise in design, manufacturing and distribution of eyeglasses and sunglasses for some of the most well-known brands in the industry, creating innovative collections that reflect the identity and exclusivity of the brands they are made for.

Giovanni Zoppas, CEO Marcolin Group, affirmed: "We all welcome back Davide to Marcolin Group: I know he will be a great value added to an already strong team."

Massimo Renon, Marcolin Group's Worldwide Commercial General Manager, added: "We are excited to welcome Davide to our US Executive Team. His experience and unique profile will complement and enhance Marcolin Group's ability to meet the needs of our customers".

About Marcolin Group

Marcolin Group, among the worldwide leading companies in the eyewear industry, stands out for the pursuit of excellence, the continuous innovation and the unique ability to faithfully combine design and Italian craftsmanship with the core values of each brand.

The brand portfolio includes: Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Moncler, Ermenegildo Zegna, Montblanc, Roberto Cavalli, Tod's, Emilio Pucci, Swarovski, Dsquared2, Diesel, Just Cavalli, Covergirl, Kenneth Cole, Timberland, Guess, Gant, Harley-Davidson, Marciano, Catherine Deneuve, Skechers, Bongo, Candie's, Rampage, Viva, Marcolin and Web.

In 2016, the company sold about 14 million eyeglasses.

www.marcolin.com

SOURCE Marcolin Group

Related Links

http://www.marcolin.com


BALTIMORE, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HempStaff, a medical marijuana staffing and training agency will be back in Maryland for their seventh time, hosting Medical Marijuana Dispensary Agent Training Classes in Maryland. There are two sessions to choose from at each location: 8:00am-12:00pm or 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Baltimore event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Doubletree Baltimore Airport 890 Elkridge Landing Road, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090.

This 4-Hour course greatly increases your chances of landing a job in a Medical Marijuana Dispensary.

The cost is $249 with prior online registration or $300 cash at the door, if seats are still available.

The first Medical Marijuana plants have started growing in Maryland and dispensaries are expected to be selling product in very early 2018. Staffing will be needed in Maryland as 13 additional cultivation centers are scheduled to start growing soon and more dispensaries are expected to open right around the start of the new year.

HempStaff's four-hour course is designed to prepare participants for work in a medical marijuana dispensary so that business owners are getting educated and well-prepared candidates when they start to fill new positions.

The course educates the participants on cannabis and cannabis products along with all the information to keep up-to-date with Maryland's medical marijuana laws. HempStaff offers its students a resume review to help best prepare them for seeking employment in this course as well. The end of the course offers a certification exam, that the student must score at least 75 percent to get a HempStaff Dispensary Agent Certification. Since HempStaff is also a recruiting agency, when employers seek to fill entry level dispensary agents or cultivation site workers, students are contacted first.

HempStaff has trained and certified almost 3,000 dispensary agents nationwide and continues to hold classes across the United States. In addition to the class held in Maryland, classes are currently scheduled for Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Illinois and New England. Future 2018 classes are slated for New York, New Jersey, Michigan and California.

Those who have already taken the HempStaff course have provided exceptional feedback about the training. "I was just so happy to finally learn something about the medical uses and confirm my limited knowledge (and provide much more knowledge)," notes one recent participant. "Thank you so much for the professionalism each presenter and other staff displayed. You are the ones who can help fan the flames of legitimacy in this field so thank you!"

Additionally, for those Maryland Cannabis Business Owners, the HempStaff team of recruiters are on hand to help new businesses with all their staffing needs with just one phone call. To learn more about the HempStaff, the upcoming Maryland training or to purchase a seat, visit HempStaff.com.

About HempStaff

HempStaff is a marijuana industry recruiting, staffing and training agency specializing in finding management in the industry leader in Marijuana Industry Recruiting and Dispensary Agent Training. For more information, visit HempStaff.com.

Related Images

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HempStaff Dispensary Training

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Related Links

HempStaff Training Dates

HempStaff

SOURCE HempStaff, LLC

Related Links

http://www.hempstaff.com


Mission Foods Donates 26 Tons of Food to Victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas USA - English USA - espaAol

- The company is providing support through the local Food Bank and the Red Cross.

- Personnel from Mission Foods are in constant communication with Houston authorities, if more help is required.

"Out of a spirit of great solidarity we are providing support to those who need help in Houston": Juan Gonzalez Moreno, President and CEO of Gruma.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Montana voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Montana voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 403 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics from August 17 through August 22 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.9 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Montana voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 76.1 percent of Montana voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 15.9 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 78.1 percent to 15.8 percent, Montana voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Montanans want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Montana voters' views on sanctuary policies:

76.1 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These views are shared by Hispanic voters, 68.2 percent of whom support that requirement.

78.1 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

69.4 percent of likely voters want Sen. Jon Tester to support H.R. 3003, including 48.8 percent of Democrats and 66.6 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 48.8 percent of Democrats and 66.6 percent of Independents. 70.6 percent of likely voters want Sen. Steve Daines to support H.R. 3003, including 88.7 percent of Republicans and 69.9 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


NORTHAMPTON, England, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

My Locum Choice, a healthcare recruitment company in the pharmacy industry, now plans to launch its fundraising campaign via Invesdor - www.invesdor.com UK/Europe Crowd Funding Platform. Additional resources will help the company reach majority of healthcare business owners and professionals, by providing them access to their unique platform to fulfil their temporary staffing needs.

Recently, Mitesh, the Operations Director announced the launch of their fund raising campaign on all social media websites, including Facebook, twitter, and LinkedIn. Working in the pharmacy industry for two years, My Locum Choice now wants to spread its services with enhanced quality and structure. The company aims to serve other healthcare industries, like optometry, dentistry, medicine (encompassing GP's and Nurses) and finally the NHS Hospital Trusts.

My Locum Choice is an online platform that helps pharmacy owners find temporary pharmacists (Locums). The pharmacy owners often have to face emergencies in times of sickness and holiday cover. It's difficult to get temporary pharmacists of a good quality to replace them when needed. Through direct searches networks are smaller and finding temporary pharmacists through an agency is very costly. According to a research, agency costs 15-40 per locum per shift.

"Looking at this problem and having experienced it ourselves as managers and locums, we developed a platform where locums can create profiles stating their desired places of work, capabilities, accreditations and work history. Locums can state their availability using their online calendar. Pharmacy owners also have a profile and calendar stating the days they need the locums and the desired qualities they expect in them. Our platform help's pharmacy owners find locums according to their needs by using robust algorithms to find the best fit, that can cost them just 7 finder's fee per shift." - Miraj Patel, CEO.

My Locum Choice feels it has arisen at the right time where there is currently a plan to implement 22bn worth of efficiencies in the NHS (over expenditure primarily due to excessive agency fees to source workers). They aim to extend their service with an easily replicable platform, but the company lacks funds to bring its business to a larger scale.

"Our platform can deal with locum staff as well as branching out to other sectors. Yet the MVP currently operating needs revamping and our personnel requirements need to increase." - Mitesh Shah, Operations Director.

The CEO is confident that with fundraising and their strong advisory team the system will prove valuable in other healthcare areas, saving money for the NHS.



Invest at: https://www.invesdor.com/en/pitches/863

To know more about the company:

Main site: www.mylocumchoice.com

Shop site: store.mylocumchoice.com

Contact:

Mr Miraj Patel

CEO

My Locum Choice

T: +44-(0)-770-870-2419 / +44-(0)-747-5 76-6868

E: [email protected]



Facebook: mylocumchoice

LinkedIn: mylocumchoice

SOURCE My Locum Choice Ltd
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Alabama's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Alabama's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Elizabeth Lipp, 17, of Mountain Brook, who is co-president of a club that brings special education students together with her school's general student body to improve social skills and foster friendships and a respect for differences, and Louise Adair, 13, of Tuscaloosa, who traveled on a mission trip with her family to North Carolina twice in the past two years to assist refugees from numerous countries by cooking, cleaning and helping with their children. Read more about Elizabeth and Louise's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


PHOENIX, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Arizona's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Arizona's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Emery Miller, 18, of Gilbert, who launched an annual holiday drive that collected more than 24,500 teddy bears in seven years for hospitalized children in nine states, and Lauren Basye, 13, also of Gilbert, who led a small group of students in turning an old storage room at their school into a much-needed library. Read more about Emery and Lauren's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-arizonas-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512219.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


DENVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Colorado's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Colorado's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Emma Albertoni, 18, of Arvada, who is working to improve financial literacy education to ensure that students in her school district and ultimately her entire state are prepared to make sound financial decisions when they graduate, and Breanna Remigio, 14, of Aurora, who helps out at her school in a variety of ways that have a positive impact on teachers, staff, students and the community. Read more about Emma and Breanna's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Connecticut's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Connecticut's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Isha Dalal, 18, of Trumbull, who founded an organization of 60 students from across Connecticut called "Voice" that seeks to propose and promote state legislation addressing educational inequality and other important issues, and Rachel Weintraub, 14, also of Trumbull, who started an anti-bullying initiative to draw attention to the plight of bullied children in her community through speeches, special events, and the arts. Read more about Isha and Rachel's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


DOVER, Del., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Delaware's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Delaware's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Kayleigh Barnes, 18, of Bridgeville, who founded an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young women through mentoring and community service, an organization now made up of more than 120 young women in nine states; and Rachel Mackie, 13, of Dover, who spearheaded an effort to collect more than 900 items for the homeless in her county and helped bring holiday cheer to a center for the homeless by providing a fully-decorated Christmas tree. Read more about Kayleigh and Rachel's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Idaho's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Idaho's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Joseph Thomasson, 15, of Lewiston, who has made more than 200 blankets to keep cancer patients warm during their chemotherapy treatments after watching his older brother go through years of chemotherapy and then experiencing the treatments himself, and Shelby Kettler, 11, of Pocatello, who organized a collection drive at her school that gathered nearly 1,000 books for children at a local homeless shelter. Read more about Joseph and Shelby's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-idahos-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512352.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Indiana's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Indiana's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Grace Zhang, 18, of Carmel, who organized a one-day "street store" in Indianapolis last year that enabled more than 200 struggling families to obtain free, gently-used clothing, and Tara Harmon, 14, of Zionsville, who secured $4,000 in grants and donations over the past three years to provide weekend meals, healthy snacks and school uniforms for inner-city kids in her community. Read more about Grace and Tara's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Iowa's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Iowa's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Jennifer Jenks, 18, of Aurora, who developed a program in which students from several high schools interview senior citizens in a residential care facility about their lives, and then write up their stories for portfolios; and Aliza Woodford, 14, of Emmetsburg, who helped her local 4-H coordinator run an after-school program for about 50 elementary school kids twice a month throughout the school year. Read more about Jennifer and Aliza's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-iowas-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512345.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


BATON ROUGE, La., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Louisiana's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Louisiana's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Anna Katherine Tollett, 17, of Ruston, who has worked tirelessly over the past eight years on behalf of kids who, like her, suffer from Type 1 diabetes, and Zach Morgan, 12, of Denham Springs, who collected more than 5,000 hats and 2,000 toys for kids with cancer, and secured a grant to fund a week-long summer camp for children with the disease. Read more about Anna Katherine and Zach's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

. Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


ANNAPOLIS, Md., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Maryland's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Maryland's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Lena Goldstein, 18, of Arnold, who took last year off from school to travel with her physician parents to remote areas of South America and Asia, where she worked with nonprofit organizations to provide medical services to people who would otherwise have little access to basic healthcare; and Michaela West, 11, of Beltsville, who formed a club at her school that assembles and delivers basic necessities wrapped in blankets or sleeping bags to the homeless people of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Read more about Lena and Michaela's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-marylands-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512405.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Minnesota's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Minnesota's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Miranda Mead, 17, of Plymouth, who raises funds and awareness nationally in the battle against childhood cancer by appearing in public service announcements, sitting for photo shoots, and sharing her own story at speaking engagements, and Ariana Feygin, 13, of Excelsior, who has raised more than $100,000 with her younger sister since 2013 to support young cancer patients and their families by organizing local fundraising activities in conjunction with an annual kids' triathlon hosted by a national foundation. Read more about Miranda and Ariana's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-minnesotas-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512400.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Mississippi's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Mississippi's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Luke Kelly, 17, of Water Valley, who led an effort to improve a scenic hiking trail in his town and design an educational activity to enhance walkers' enjoyment of the pathway, and Davian Powell, 14, of Lexington, who has earned a reputation across his state for teaching and mentoring other young people to raise and show farm animals, and is a regular volunteer at several community events throughout the year. Read more about Luke and Davian's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-mississippis-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512424.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


HELENA, Mont., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Montana's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Montana's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Sophia Skwarchuk, 18, of Kalispell, who created "MontanaEats," a smartphone application she spent months coding to give low income people easy access to information about all of the food pantries, food banks and emergency assistance resources in Montana; and Hannah Halvorson, 14, of Laurel, who has volunteered at a local nursing home for the past two summers, brightening the days of its 48 residents, many of whom don't have family members nearby to visit them. Read more about Sophia and Hannah's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-montanas-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512411.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


CARSON CITY, Nev., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Nevada's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Nevada's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Pranit Nanda, 17, of Reno, who started a geography club two years ago to give elementary and middle school students in Reno a better understanding of the world we live in, and Athena Morales, 13, of Las Vegas, who developed a STEM-based educational patch program for the Girl Scouts and plans to use the proceeds from the sale of the patches to install two filtered water fountains with bottle-filling stations in her community. Read more about Pranit and Athena's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-nevadas-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512431.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for New Mexico's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

New Mexico's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Peter Alarid, 18, of Silver City, who speaks to military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and their spouses about his experiences growing up in a family "torn apart" by a father who suffered from severe PTSD, and Alexandra Burnham, 14, of Farmington, who takes her rescue dog, Lucy, to a nearby nursing home each week to cheer up the residents and staff members, utilizing skills she learned in a five-month class on working with therapy dogs, and in more than 50 hours of training Lucy. Read more about Peter and Alexandra's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-new-mexicos-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512451.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for New York's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

New York's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Ariana DeMattei, 16, of Center Moriches, who has raised over $100,000 to provide more than 1,000 new backpacks filled with school supplies for local elementary students through an organization she founded in 2012 called "Backpacks for Fellow Students," and Victoria Bonavita, 13, of North Babylon, who has shared her love of animals with hundreds of thousands of people through oral presentations, homemade videos and articles in online and print publications. Read more about Ariana and Victoria's trip to Washington, D.C.  where Ariana was also named one of America's top 10 youth volunteers of 2017.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-new-yorks-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512885.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for North Carolina's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

North Carolina's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Victoria Kosinski, 18, of Kinston, who taught a self-defense course and coordinated the renovation of a new domestic violence shelter in her community as part of her multi-faceted program to empower women and educate the public about domestic violence, and Caleb Lumpkin, 14, of Winston-Salem, who is a volunteer facilitator of a book club that teaches and encourages people with intellectual disabilities to read. Read more about Victoria and Caleb's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-north-carolinas-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512418.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Oklahoma's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Oklahoma's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Brooke Bollinger, 18, of Blanchard, who organized a sewing day that produced 112 dresses for young girls in Africa and is now challenging 4-H members across Oklahoma to make dresses for African girls and trousers for boys, and Ellie Neidel, 14, of Oklahoma City, who volunteered last summer at the Infant Crisis Center in Oklahoma City, where a shortage of supplies prompted her to conduct a drive that yielded more than $1,000 worth of diapers, formula and other critically-needed items. Read more about Brooke and Ellie's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Rhode Island's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Rhode Island's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Max Hempe, 18, of Wakefield, who led a campaign to purchase a bullet- and stab- protective vest for a police dog in the Cranston, R.I. Police Department's K9 unit, and Haylee Balme, 14, of Coventry, who led her 4-H club in collecting money and donated items to make 100 "blessing bags" for homeless people in West Warwick and Providence. Read more about Max and Haylee's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-rhode-islands-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512471.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


CHARLESTON, W.Va., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for West Virginia's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

West Virginia's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Elena Polinski, 17, of Moundsville, who initiated a music instruction and therapy program for people with special needs, and Mallory Marks, 12, of Mineral Wells, who collected hygiene and other items to make holiday gift bags for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Read more about Elena and Mallory's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-awards-program-seeking-west-virginias-top-youth-volunteers-of-2018-300512543.html

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


CHEYENNE, Wyo., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Wyoming's top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 22 years on the local, state and national level.

"We've learned over the past two decades that young people are doing innovative, important work to improve communities at home and abroad," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We honor their contributions in the hope that their example will inspire others to consider what they can do to make a difference."

Wyoming's top youth volunteers of 2017 were Rhett Pimentel, 17, of Powell, who played a major role in founding the "Powell Makerspace," a high-tech community workshop to give students and other residents of his small town the opportunity to learn about and use modern technology, and Grace Estes, 14, of Farson, who volunteered as a tutor at her school's summer program last year. Read more about Rhett and Grace's trip to Washington, D.C.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017 .

. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017 .

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2018 Awards Program

On February 6, 2018, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from April 28-May 1, 2018.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America's top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President's Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

"NASSP is proud to honor middle level and high school students who go above and beyond to better the lives of others," said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. "We are inspired every year by their stories of service, and look forward once again to celebrating young volunteers across America."

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level over the past 22 years. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China, Brazil and Poland, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential's diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential's iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

[Editors: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program logo and other multimedia resources are available at http://spirit.prudential.com.]

Contact: Harold Banks, Prudential

973-802-8974 (work), 973-216-4833 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Prudential Insurance

Related Links

http://www.PRUDENTIAL.com


Build-A-Bear shared the survey results with clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Shefali Tsabary to learn more about the bond many adults have with items like teddy bears.

"As children develop independence from their parents, they still yearn for a secure bond with something. In many cases, children turned to stuffed animals, including teddy bears, to help them through this transition," said Dr. Shefali Tsabary. "As we enter adulthood and leave home for the first time, it's no surprise that the same object re-enters our life, providing comfort while also helping us work through feelings of uncertainty as we transition into a new life stage."

Build-A-Bear Workshop welcomes Guests of all ages to the company's interactive stores each day, including a surprising number of adults.

"At Build-A-Bear, we believe wholeheartedly that you're never too old for a teddy bear, and we love that more than 25 percent of Build-A-Bear shoppers are 12 and older," said Sharon Price John, president and CEO, Build-A-Bear Workshop. "It's also fun to see older Guests incorporating teddy bears and other furry friends into the celebration of everyday and extraordinary moments in life  from birthdays and engagements to prom-posals. This National Teddy Bear Day, we hope the results of this survey and our exciting in-store and online offers empower people of all ages to go get that favorite teddy bear from childhood that's been hiding in the closet, or make a new furry friend to cherish for years to come."

On Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9, Guests of Build-A-Bear Workshop stores can make their own limited-edition National Teddy Bear Day Bear for just $5.50 (USD) / $5.50 (CAD) / 5.50 (GBP), plus applicable taxes, while supplies last. (Purchase limit of five limited-edition bears per Guest.) Build-A-Bear Workshop will also offer Traditional Cocoa Bear online for $10.50 (USD) / 10.50 (GBP) at buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk.

In honor of National Teddy Bear Day and the brand's 20th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in October, Build-A-Bear Foundation is donating 20,000 furry friends to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Foundation will also donate 1,000 furry friends to Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, as well as 6,000 furry friends to Childhood First and other children's charities in the United Kingdom. Throughout the National Teddy Bear Day celebration on Sept. 8 and 9, Guests of U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop stores can also donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of America at checkout.

Throughout the week leading up to National Teddy Bear Day, fans can:

Visit buildabear.com/national-teddy-bear-day/ to learn more about the in-store event and find a nearby Build-A-Bear Workshop location.

Join the fun virtually! Build-A-Bear will bring the celebration to Facebook by streaming live on National Teddy Bear Day.

Follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and share a favorite teddy bear or Build-A-Bear Workshop memory with hashtag #NationalTeddyBearDay and @BuildABear.

About Build-A-Bear

Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About Build-A-Bear National Teddy Bear Day Survey

The Build-A-Bear survey was conducted by Atomik Research on a sample of 2,004 consumers in the United States who have/had a stuffed animal and in accordance with MRA guidelines and regulations. The online survey was fielded between August 1 and 3, 2017. (Of the 2,004 survey participants, 500 respondents were parents with children, aged 5-10 years old). Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRA-certified researchers and abides to MRA code.

SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.buildabear.com


At age 13, Danelle Umstead was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal degenerative disease that eventually causes complete blindness. Danelle did not let this obstacle stop her from pursuing her passion. She became a professional skier, with her husband Rob as a sighted guide. When she isn't on the slopes, Danelle works with her guide dog Aziza, a five-year-old Labrador Retriever from Guide Dogs for the Blind, to help her navigate safely  whether she is crossing the street, traveling across the world or training for her next big competition.

"My relationship with Aziza is truly special. There is a lot of trust, teamwork and respect required to work with a guide dog," said Umstead. "I feed Aziza Natural Balance pet specialty food to help maintain her optimal performance and reliability, so I'm excited to work with the brand to share our story during National Guide Dog Month."

Natural Balance pet specialty food brand has donated $6 million in dog food and resources to guide dog schools to-date, including its longstanding partner Guide Dogs for the Blind. The non-profit organization is the largest guide dog school in North America and aims to empower lives by creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs and communities.

"Natural Balance pet specialty food brand believes that life with your dog is a privileged and rewarding journey and the relationship between guide dogs and their partner is a true testament to this," said Maribeth Burns, Vice President of Corporate Communications at The J. M. Smucker Company. "Our commitment to guide dogs started when the brand's co-founder, Dick Van Patten visited a local guide dog school. After learning about the costs, dedication and commitment needed to raise and train guide dogs, he was inspired to support the cause."

To learn more, visit NaturalBalanceinc.com/GuideDogs. Natural Balance pet specialty food will also be sharing guide dog stories on Facebook and Instagram throughout the month of September.

About The J.M. Smucker Company

For 120 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been committed to offering consumers quality products that bring families together to share memorable meals and moments. Today, Smucker is a leading marketer and manufacturer of consumer food and beverage products and pet food and pet snacks in North America. In consumer foods and beverages, its brands include Smucker's, Folgers, Jif, Dunkin' Donuts, Crisco, Pillsbury, R.W. Knudsen Family, Hungry Jack, Cafe Bustelo, Martha White, truRoots, Sahale Snacks, Robin Hood, and Bick's. In pet food and pet snacks, its brands include Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, Kibbles 'n Bits, Natural Balance, and 9Lives. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth, and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. For more information about the Company, visit jmsmucker.com.

The J.M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for the following, which are used under license: Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, LLC and Dunkin' Donuts is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder LLC.

Dunkin' Donuts brand is licensed to The J.M. Smucker Company for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and drug stores. This information does not pertain to Dunkin' Donuts coffee or other products for sale in Dunkin' Donuts restaurants.

About Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind is more than an industry-leading guide dog school; it is a passionate community that serves the visually impaired. With exceptional client services and a robust network of trainers, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, GDB prepares highly-qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision. All of its services are provided free of charge. GDB receives no government funding. This year marks GDB's 75th anniversary, and more than 14,000 guide teams have graduated since its founding in 1942. For more information about GDB, visit www.guidedogs.com.

SOURCE J.M. Smucker Company

Related Links

http://jmsmucker.com


SHENYANG, China, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Neusoft Medical Systems, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced medical equipment in China, today signed a new partnership agreement with DiA Imaging Analysis Ltd, makers of a next generation medical imaging analysis technology.

Neusoft will integrate DiA's breakthrough automated software tools into its ultrasound line of products to provide its customers with quick, accurate and reproducible imaging analysis of the heart. The new product partnership will support physicians to better diagnose heart conditions for enhanced patient care and improve physician workflow by reducing evaluation time. The advanced product capabilities will be available to all Neusoft customers.

"We welcome the collaboration with DiA Imaging Analysis," said Shan Li Cheng, Ultrasound BU GM at Neusoft Medical Systems. "By adding DiA's advanced automated toolbox into our new technology , we are about to present hospitals and physicians with a unique solution, enabling quick, accurate, reproducible clinical interpretation of the heart`s condition, following with additional indications as well."

DiA's VP of Business Development, Mr. Arnon Toussia-Cohen added, "We are excited by this new strategic partnership. Our collaboration with Neusoft marks a significant milestone in our strategic mission to establish a strong presence in China."



"DiA's mission has always been to make its vendor-neutral automated solutions accessible globally. Our important partnership with Neusoft will support our technology expansion in China to improve patient care, as well as aid development into additional applications beyond our cardiac solutions. We look forward to working together," said Mrs. Hila Goldman Aslan, DiA's CEO and Co-founder

About Neusoft Medical System

Neusoft Medical is based in Shenyang, China. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neusoft Corporation, Neusoft Medical has become the premier developer and manufacturer of advanced medical equipment in China. Combining strengths in R&D, software development and system integration alongside collaborations with top medical institutes and academic institutions, Neusoft Medical has released 30,000 installations of large-scale medical imaging equipment, more than 9,000 of which through Neusoft Medical channel and installed in over 110 countries or regions across the world.

To learn more, please visit: http://medical.neusoft.com/en/

Neusoft Corporation, the largest IT Solutions and Services provider in China with a global presence, offers a rich portfolio of services and solutions to industries such as mobile, automotive, medical, business process outsourcing, finance, security and insurance, information technology outsourcing and more.

About DIA Imaging Analysis

DiA Imaging Analysis Ltd. is a medical imaging analysis software company. DiA provides fully automated, easily implemented tools that enable quick, objective and accurate image interpretations, with initial focus on ultrasound of the heart (Echocardiography).

DiA's cognitive image processing technology is based on advanced pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms that automatically imitate the way the human eye identifies borders and motion, producing data and scoring that physicians are looking for.

Headquartered in Beer-Sheva, Israel and present in the US, DiA is led by medical industry veterans, experienced entrepreneurs and supported by key opinion leaders from top medical facilities in the USA and Israel. http://www.dia-analysis.com

Media Contacts:

Shan Li Cheng, Ultrasound BU GM

Neusoft Medical Systems

[email protected]





Tlalit Bussi Tel Tzure, VP Marketing

DIA Imaging Analysis Ltd

[email protected]



SOURCE DiA Imaging Analysis and Neusoft Medical
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 3 at 4 pm, New Hope Waikoloa held their first weekly outreach service in Kona at Hope Services for the population of people that live on that area and on the streets.

"This is an exciting time for us!" said Rob Dalton. He and his wife, Doreen, head up the outreach ministry for New Hope Waikoloa. "We have been working with these people for over a year now and are excited to get to have a set time weekly to get to share the Word of God with them."

New Hope Waikoloa starts weekly outreach service in Kona

The ministry is called E hanai i na hipa a ke Akua, which means "Let us feed God's sheep" in Hawaiian. For this ministry, it has a twofold meaning in that they desire to feed them spiritually with the Word of God as well as feed them physically as they serve them a homemade meal once a month.

The church has been having monthly outreaches where they cook food and deliver it to the people that live in the area. "It has been awesome getting to know some of the people and just understanding where they are at in their life," Pastor Rick Nagaoka of New Hope Waikoloa said.

The service will only last up to 45 minutes with some live worship as well as a short message followed by time for prayer.

If you would like to be a part of this outreach please contact New Hope Waikoloa at [email protected]. New Hope Waikoloa will also be updating information once the services begin at http://newhopewaikoloa.org/let-hope-rise-service-outreach/

Media Contact:

Rob Dalton

[email protected]

808-497-4914

SOURCE New Hope Waikoloa

Related Links

http://newhopewaikoloa.org


Yeah out of the mouths of ignorant morons...^speak for yourself there hillaryRight wing extremists like the Oklahoma bombing done by the feds? You count that as right wing killing?That's just out and out BULLsh!T!!!..anyone with a brain knows that and similar events were all globalist stunts to blame nationalism. .democide:Oh look: The two communist banker installed governments China, and the USSR, are at the top of the list with almost a BILLION and a HALF murdered between them.YOU are the real killers.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely North Dakota voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, North Dakota voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 403 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics from August 17 through August 23 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.9 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, North Dakota voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 77.5 percent of North Dakota voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 14.0 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 73.9 percent to 18.3 percent, North Dakota voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that North Dakotans want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of North Dakota voters' views on sanctuary policies:

77.5 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An even greater percentage of Hispanic voters, 83.8 percent, support that requirement.

73.9 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

69.2 percent of likely voters want Sen. John Hoeven to support H.R. 3003, including 52.9 percent of Democrats and 63.4 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 52.9 percent of Democrats and 63.4 percent of Independents. 65.7 percent of likely voters want Sen. Heidi Heitkamp to support H.R. 3003, including 82.3 percent of Republicans and 61.3 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


PLAINSBORO, N.J., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Novo Nordisk announced it has reached a resolution with the U.S. federal government and the states about an investigation launched in February 2011 concerning sales and marketing practices for Victoza, a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. The investigation was disclosed by Novo Nordisk for the first time in a company announcement on February 16, 2011.

The settlement resolves claims alleging Novo Nordisk did not fully comply with communicating safety information based on a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Victoza. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Novo Nordisk will pay approximately $46.5 million to the federal government and to states that reimbursed for Victoza under their Medicaid programs. Additionally, Novo Nordisk will pay $12.15 million to resolve a complaint filed by the government on behalf of the FDA in federal court. In connection with this settlement, the Company has also resolved several private whistle-blower cases related to the government's investigation. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, determined that it would not seek a Corporate Integrity Agreement as part of this settlement.

"At Novo Nordisk, we take our responsibility to communicate the safety and clinical benefits of our medicines seriously, and remain committed to properly addressing safety questions healthcare professionals ask every day," said Doug Langa, Executive Vice President, Head of North America Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc. "Our focus will always be to ensure that those caring for patients have the data they need to make the most informed treatment decision. While we do not agree with the U.S. government's legal conclusions and deny any wrongdoing, we're pleased to have negotiated a resolution that allows the company to return its full attention to developing medicines that help improve the lives of patients."

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a global health care company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other serious chronic conditions: hemophilia, growth disorders and obesity. With U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, N.J., Novo Nordisk Inc. has nearly 5,000 employees in the United States. For more information, visit novonordisk.us or follow us on Twitter: @novonordiskus.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk

Related Links

http://www.novonordisk-us.com


BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakworth Capital Bank has been named to American Banker magazine's 2017 Best Banks to Work For, as the #18 "Best Bank" nationally, and #1 in Alabama. The initiative, which began in 2013, is a project of American Banker and Best Companies Group to recognize and honor the best banks to work for in the nation.

Determining the Best Banks to Work For involves evaluating each participating bank's workplace policies, practices, benefits, and demographics as well as confidential employee surveys aimed at assessing the engagement and satisfaction of individual employees with respect to their workplace. The combined scores determined the top banks and the final ranking. The full list will be featured in the September issue of American Banker and is available at www.AmericanBanker.com.

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the Best Banks to Work For by American Banker. Our Core Purpose is 'Helping People Succeed', and this award is evidence that our associates are experiencing a gratifying work environment," said Scott Reed, Chief Executive Officer. "Oakworth associates are challenged and excited about their work, feel valued for what they contribute and enjoy their daily environment. When this happens, our associates are fulfilled and our clients benefit from an energized group that delivers a distinctive level of service."

About Oakworth Capital Bank

Oakworth Capital Bank provides commercial banking, wealth management, and private banking services to successful businesses, families, and individuals. The Bank is headquartered in Birmingham, and has offices located in Montgomery and Mobile. For more information about Oakworth Capital Bank and its unique approach, please visit the company website at www.oakworthcapital.com or call us at 205/263-4700.

For more information contact:

Lindsey Owens

Phone: 205-278-2736

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Oakworth Capital Bank

Related Links

http://www.oakworthcapital.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Ohio voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Ohio voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 805 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17 and 18 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Ohio voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 78.1 percent of Ohio voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 12.5 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 74.1 percent to 17.3 percent, Ohio voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Ohioans want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Ohio voters' views on sanctuary policies:

78.1 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An even greater percentage of Hispanic voters, 83.5 percent, support that requirement.

74.1 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

66.5 percent of likely voters want Sen. Sherrod Brown to support H.R. 3003, including 55.7 percent of Democrats and 64.2 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 55.7 percent of Democrats and 64.2 percent of Independents. 68.5 percent of likely voters want Sen. Rob Portman to support H.R. 3003, including 81.3 percent of Republicans and 67.1 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


PERTH, Australia, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fernando de Andrade used to be homeless, living on the streets of the world's eighth biggest city, Sao Paulo in Brazil. This month, he is taking part in Race to the Rock, riding his bike over 3,000km from Albany in Western Australia to Uluru in the Northern Territory, to raise funds to help young people living on the streets in Brazil, homeless just like he used to be.

Fernando de Andrade

Fernando's journey from the streets of Sao Paulo to his new life in Australia has been a long one, steeped in struggle and sacrifice. He used his creative talent to make jewellery from things he found on the street; his only income was from the sale of these pieces. The kindness of strangers who recognised his talent, gave him hope. He found love and followed his heart to a new country and a new life.

The rest is history. This softly spoken young man who has established a thriving jewellery business in Australia, and lives the life that many only dream of, has never forgotten his humble beginnings. He has overcome so many challenges, none so great as surviving on the streets of Sao Paulo. In an effort to ensure that other young people living on the streets in Brazil, know that there is hope, that people care and are prepared to reach out with the hand of friendship; he is taking on one more challenge; a 3000km bike ride through some of the harshest conditions in Australia to raise awareness of the plight of these young people in Brazil, and to raise money to help make their life a little easier.

You can reach out too, with the hand of friendship and hope, by supporting Fernando's mission, with a pledge to Fernando's Ride via his crowd-funding site on Pozible. For two weeks in September you will be able to track Fernando's progress through the outback, via his GPS tracker, as he rides to Uluru.

Presidential Productions has joined Fernando in producing a documentary about his journey called Fernando's Ride. The documentary tells not only his story, but follows his ride and the crowdfunding campaign. By following the campaign on social media you will be able follow his progress, send him messages of encouragement, and share the links to expand the reach of his message and increase the funds raised.

When we meet up with Fernando at the Rock, we will be able to share with him the value of his efforts, with an announcement of the funds pledged to his campaign. We know it will be an emotional moment for him, and you can share in the moment, live on social media.

To contribute and help Fernando raise funds, head to: pozible.com/project/fernandos-ride

To follow Fernando along the way via GPS, head to: racetotherock2017.maprogress.com

To learn more about Fernando's Ride, head to: presproductionsco.com/fernandos-ride

Media Contact: James Cunningham at Presidential Productions: [email protected]

Related Files

Media Release (AUS).pdf

Related Links

Fundraising link

Follow GPS link

Related Video

https://vimeo.com/223933443

SOURCE Fernando de Andrade
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX: ASND; OTCQX: ASDRF), a mining company focused on operations in Honduras, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Ascendant Resources upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market.

Ascendant Resources begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "ASDRF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"We congratulate Ascendant Resources on upgrading to join our family of established, investor-focused U.S. and global companies on OTCQX," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "Trading on OTCQX will allow Ascendant Resources to expand its shareholder base and visibility in the U.S. market by providing U.S. investors with efficient trading and convenient access to its news and financial disclosure."

Ascendant Resources was sponsored for OTCQX by Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, a qualified third-party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership.

About Ascendant Resources Inc.

Ascendant Resources Inc. is a mining company focused on its producing zinc-lead-silver El Mochito Mine which has been in operation for over 70 years. Since acquiring the mine in December of 2016, Ascendant has increased throughput by more than 30%, has had success with its restarted exploration activities and has now achieved positive EBITDA as of July. With the price of zinc hitting a 10-year high, Ascendant is one of the few small cap pure play zinc producers benefitting from these improving zinc market fundamentals. For more information on Ascendant Resources, please visit our website at www.ascendantresources.com.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.



To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com

OTC Link ATS is operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com


VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Pacific Insight Electronics Corp. ("Pacific Insight") (PIH: TSX) is pleased to announce that it has mailed and filed its meeting materials on SEDAR, including a management information circular of Pacific Insight dated August 28, 2017 (the "Circular"), in connection with its previously announced Plan of Arrangement (the "Arrangement"). If the Arrangement becomes effective, Methode Electronics, Inc. ("Methode") will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pacific Insight ("Common Shares") for cash consideration of CDN$18.50 per Common Share by way of the Arrangement.

The cash payment represents a premium of 76% based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") on July 31, 2017 and a 79% premium based on the 20-day TSX volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSX ending on July 31, 2017, the day prior to the announcement of the Arrangement.

The Arrangement will be voted on by Pacific Insight securityholders at a special meeting scheduled to be held at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, 645 Howe St., Vancouver, British Columbia on September 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. (Vancouver time) (the "Meeting"). The record date for the Meeting is August 24, 2017.

The Circular contains, among other things, details concerning the Arrangement, the reasons for and benefits of the Arrangement, the requirements for the Arrangement to become effective, the procedure for receiving payment for Common Shares, voting at the Meeting and other related matters. Securityholders are urged to carefully review the Circular and accompanying materials as they contain important information regarding the Arrangement and its consequences to security holders.

On August 24, 2017, Pacific Insight obtained an interim order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia to authorize the securityholder meeting process in connection with the Arrangement. The Arrangement is subject to, among other things, the approval of: (i) not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by holders of Pacific Insight Common Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, (ii) not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by holders of Pacific Insight Common Shares, options and warrants present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting; and (iii) a simple majority of the votes cast by holders of Pacific Insight Common Shares other than shareholders whose votes are required to be excluded for the purposes of a "minority approval" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.

Pacific Insight's board of directors unanimously recommends that Pacific Insight security holders vote in favour of the Arrangement, and each director and officer of Pacific Insight has agreed, in the absence of a superior proposal, to vote all of the Pacific Insight shares they own or control at the date of the Arrangement meeting in favour of the Arrangement.

Assuming that the Arrangement is approved at the Meeting, Pacific Insight is currently scheduled to return to court on September 27, 2017 to seek a final order to implement the Arrangement. In addition to securityholder and court approval, the completion of the Arrangement is subject to the satisfaction of certain other customary conditions.

Copies of the meeting materials and certain related documents are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on Pacific Insight's website at www.pacificinsight.com/plan-of-arrangement.

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities.

If you have any questions or require assistance with voting in connection with the Arrangement, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 1-877-452-7184 (1-416-304-0211 collect).

About Pacific Insight

Pacific Insight (TSX:PIH) is a global solutions provider offering design, development, manufacturing and delivery of electronic products and full-service solutions to the automotive, commercial vehicle and specialty markets. Pacific Insight provides OEMs as well as Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers with a range of cost competitive products including LED lighting systems, electronic control modules and wire harnesses. For further information about Pacific Insight's business, please visit the company's website at www.pacificinsight.com

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain disclosures in this release, including statements relating to management's assessment of the benefits to shareholders of the proposed transaction with Methode, the timing of various aspects of the transaction and the completion of the transaction constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to Pacific Insight's operations may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on the assumptions, opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In particular, such risks include the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the completion of the proposed transaction with Methode Electronics, Inc., including obtaining securityholder approval, the details of which will be set out in the management information circular, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual MD&A which is available for download at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Pacific Insight 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.

SOURCE Pacific Insight Electronics Corp.
WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), will host a public information meeting in Smithsburg, Md., on Sept. 21 to discuss plans to rebuild an existing electric transmission line to keep affordable and reliable power flowing to customers in Washington and Frederick counties.

The project involves rebuilding an existing 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, almost entirely within an existing right-of-way, with new structures and wires capable of supporting 230-kV operation. The Potomac Edison line rebuild will be necessary as a result of a larger project being proposed by Transource Energy, which held separate public meetings in the area in May and August.

Property owners along the existing 10-mile line route were recently mailed letters informing them about the project and inviting them to attend the Sept. 21 meeting at Smithsburg High School. The general public may attend the meeting anytime between 5-8 p.m.; there will be no formal presentation and company representatives will share project details at a series of informational tables. Potomac Edison expects to file an application with the Maryland Public Service Commission later this year seeking approval to rebuild the existing line.

Potomac Edison is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) and serves about 257,000 customers in seven Maryland counties and 137,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Connect with Potomac Edison on Twitter @PotomacEdison, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotomacEdison, and online at www.potomacedison.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," "believe," "project," "estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following: the ability to experience growth in the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments and the effectiveness of our strategy to transition to a fully regulated business profile; the accomplishment of our regulatory and operational goals in connection with our transmission investment plan, including, but not limited to, our planned transition to forward-looking formula rates; changes in assumptions regarding economic conditions within our territories, assessment of the reliability of our transmission system, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission investment opportunities; the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, the ability to continue to reduce costs and to successfully execute our financial plans designed to improve our credit metrics and strengthen our balance sheet; success of legislative and regulatory solutions for generation assets that recognize their environmental or energy security benefits, including the United States Department of Energy study; the risks and uncertainties associated with the lack of viable alternative strategies regarding the Competitive Energy Services (CES) segment, thereby causing FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. (FES), and likely FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC), to restructure its debt and other financial obligations with its creditors or seek protection under United States bankruptcy laws and the losses, liabilities and claims arising from such bankruptcy proceeding, including any obligations at FirstEnergy Corp.; the risks and uncertainties at the CES segment, including FES and its subsidiaries and FENOC, related to continued depressed wholesale energy and capacity markets, and the viability and/or success of strategic business alternatives, such as pending and potential CES generating unit asset sales, the potential conversion of the remaining generation fleet from competitive operations to a regulated or regulated-like construct or the potential need to deactivate additional generating units; the substantial uncertainty as to FES' ability to continue as a going concern and substantial risk that it may be necessary for FES, and likely FENOC, to seek protection under United States bankruptcy laws; the risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and like proceedings, including, but not limited to, any such proceedings related to vendor commitments, such as long-term fuel and transportation agreements; the uncertainties associated with the deactivation of older regulated and competitive units, including the impact on vendor commitments, such as long-term fuel and transportation agreements, and as it relates to the reliability of the transmission grid, the timing thereof; the impact of other future changes to the operational status or availability of our generating units and any capacity performance charges associated with unit unavailability; changing energy, capacity and commodity market prices including, but not limited to, coal, natural gas and oil prices, and their availability and impact on margins; costs being higher than anticipated and the success of our policies to control costs and to mitigate low energy, capacity and market prices; replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or not fully hedged; our ability to improve electric commodity margins and the impact of, among other factors, the increased cost of fuel and fuel transportation on such margins; the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures that may arise in connection with any litigation, including New Source Review litigation, or potential regulatory initiatives or rulemakings (including that such initiatives or rulemakings could result in our decision to deactivate or idle certain generating units); changes in customers' demand for power, including, but not limited to, changes resulting from the implementation of state and federal energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins such as a polar vortex or other significant weather events, and all associated regulatory events or actions; changes in national and regional economic conditions affecting us, our subsidiaries and/or our major industrial and commercial customers, and other counterparties with which we do business, including fuel suppliers; the impact of labor disruptions by our unionized workforce; the risks associated with cyber-attacks and other disruptions to our information technology system that may compromise our generation, transmission and/or distribution services and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding our business, employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, business partners and other individuals in our data centers and on our networks; the impact of the regulatory process and resulting outcomes on the matters at the federal level and in the various states in which we do business including, but not limited to, matters related to rates; the impact of the federal regulatory process on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-regulated entities and transactions, in particular FERC regulation of wholesale energy and capacity markets, including PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) markets and FERC-jurisdictional wholesale transactions; FERC regulation of cost-of-service rates; and FERC's compliance and enforcement activity, including compliance and enforcement activity related to North American Electric Reliability Corporation's mandatory reliability standards; the uncertainties of various cost recovery and cost allocation issues resulting from American Transmission Systems, Incorporated's realignment into PJM; the ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards and energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; other legislative and regulatory changes, including the new federal administration's required review and potential revision of environmental requirements, including, but not limited to, the effects of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, Coal Combustion Residuals regulations, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and Mercury and Air Toxics Standards programs, including our estimated costs of compliance, Clean Water Act (CWA) waste water effluent limitations for power plants, and CWA 316(b) water intake regulation; adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes with respect to our nuclear operations (including, but not limited to, the revocation or non-renewal of necessary licenses, approvals or operating permits by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or as a result of the incident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant); issues arising from the indications of cracking in the shield building at Davis-Besse; changing market conditions that could affect the measurement of certain liabilities and the value of assets held in our Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts, pension trusts and other trust funds, and cause us and/or our subsidiaries to make additional contributions sooner, or in amounts that are larger than currently anticipated; the impact of changes to significant accounting policies; the impact of any changes in tax laws or regulations or adverse tax audit results or rulings; the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with our financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us and our subsidiaries; further actions that may be taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect us and/or our subsidiaries' access to financing, increase the costs thereof, increase requirements to post additional collateral to support, or accelerate payments under outstanding commodity positions, letters of credit and other financial guarantees, and the impact of these events on the financial condition and liquidity of FirstEnergy Corp. and/or its subsidiaries, specifically FES and its subsidiaries; issues concerning the stability of domestic and foreign financial institutions and counterparties with which we do business; and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and other similar factors. Dividends declared from time to time on FirstEnergy Corp.'s common stock during any period may in the aggregate vary from prior periods due to circumstances considered by FirstEnergy Corp.'s Board of Directors at the time of the actual declarations. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy or hold securities and is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risks that are included in our filings with the SEC, including but not limited to the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The foregoing review of factors also should not be construed as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.firstenergycorp.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Princeton Global Strategies (PGS) officially opened offices in Trenton, NJ and Washington, DC to serve an international clientele with strategic consulting for a range of sectors including Banking, Gaming, Hospitality, Technology, Security, and Healthcare. Managing Partner George Rover, leads the firm teamed with PGS principals and public affairs specialists Dale Florio and William J. Pascrell, III.

The firm offers expertise in all facets of casino and online gaming, corporate compliance, internal investigations and due diligence, anti-money laundering compliance, criminal / administrative investigations, policy and legal aspects of medical and recreational marijuana legalization, alcoholic beverage law and cyber security.

"By successfully navigating legal, governmental and political hurdles," says Managing Partner George Rover, "we help clients gain positive, measurable results. Sound judgment, trust, discretion, and insight combine to deliver pragmatic, tactical solutions to complex issues."

PGS clients include the country of Bermuda, the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Canada, online gaming clients in Malta, as well as strategic relationships with entities such as New York based Brosnan Risk Consultants.

"We're not taking a cookie cutter approach to consulting," says Bill Pascrell, III. "This is a cutting-edge advisory firm made to tackle the many challenges facing business and industry."

"The firm's collection of services are not bound by any state, federal or international boundary," says Dale Florio. "The collective expertise of PGS is portable because of the regulatory nature of these industries."

For more information, visit www.PrincetonGlobalStrategies.com

SOURCE Princeton Global Strategies

Related Links

https://princetonglobalstrategies.com


DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Products On the Go, a South Florida-based company that sells pre-packaged, natural blend diaper sets, has begun shipping 1,000 of their specially formulated Diaper Changing Kits to the displaced people affected by Hurricane Harvey. Products On the Go is partnering with The Texas Diaper Bank on this critical need initiative.

Products on the Go

Diapers are in high demand for those living in shelters following the devastating storm that ravaged Texas this week. The scarcity of diapers has become an additional crisis, as many emergency shelters don't provide them, and those that do, quickly run out.

In an effort to help those in need, the company's Little Toes On The Go program is donating their signature Diaper Changing Kits, which contain all natural bamboo fiber diapers, natural diaper rash cream, bamboo fiber baby wipes and hand wipes, as well as a changing pad.

The benefit of these kits goes beyond that of a clean diaper, as the additional products included will help keep those living in shelters clean and healthy. Bamboo has antimicrobial elements that will also help reduce the spread of infection.

Michael S. Demetriou, EVP for Products on the Go said, "Packing a thousand kits was the easy part. Finding a distribution partner proved more challenging, but thank goodness for the support of The Texas Diaper Bank to help us with this effort."

The company, based in Delray Beach, Florida, began shipping the kits over the Labor Day weekend.

ABOUT PRODUCTS ON THE GO:

POTG offers various pre-packaged sets geared towards making your daily life easier, more convenient and stress-free. Their lifestyle product sets are eco-friendly, pre-packaged and natural  designed with the busy, discerning consumer in mind. For more information about POTG check out, www.products-onthego.com.

Michael S. Demetriou

561.609.8833

[email protected]

Related Images

image1.png

Shipment from Products on the Go to Hurricane Harvey victims

image2.png

Diaper Kits being donated from Products on the Go

SOURCE Products on the Go

Related Links

https://products-onthego.com


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  After 9  months in orbit, what's on Peggy Whitson's wish list? Will the record-setting NASA astronaut miss anything about space life?

Whitson was scheduled to answer reporters' question during her final news conference from space last week, days before her Sept. 2 return to Earth. But it was called off because of Harvey: Houston is home to Johnson Space Center and Mission Control for the International Space Station

Instead, NASA relayed questions from The Associated Press to Whitson by email.

The questions and answers have been edited and condensed.

Q: What are your thoughts as you get ready to close out your mission? Has the flight hurried by or seemed to have dragged?

A: Actually, most of the flight has gone by very quickly. In fact, I would say that it didn't feel any longer than my previous two flights of 6 months in duration. I would say the slowest time has been the last week or so. I think it has to do with switching in your mind where you want/need to be. Once the switch is thrown to go home, time seems to move a lot slower.

Q: You will be arriving back to a storm-crippled Houston. How has the catastrophe there affected your mindset? How did you and your husband's home fare?

A: Our home is fine, but so many friends and co-workers have been impacted. For example, in order to keep Mission Control running, the team (three shifts of a skeleton support crew) were sleeping on cots in the backup Mission Control rooms. Their sacrifices for the station and keeping things running up here are amazing. Any trepidations I might have about returning in the aftermath of a hurricane are entirely eclipsed by the all those folks keeping our mission going and physically putting themselves out there to help folks who were less fortunate than us.

Q: Besides family and friends, what have you missed most about Earth?

A: Flush toilets. Trust me, you don't want to know the details. Pizza has been on my mind for a month or two, since (U.S. astronaut) Jack (Fischer) told the ground we weren't a pizza delivery place when he was joking with them.

Q: What will you miss most about space?

A: Things I will miss: I know that I will hugely miss the freedom of floating and moving with the lightest of touch, especially those first few days after my return when gravity will especially SUCK. I will miss seeing the enchantingly peaceful limb of our Earth from this vantage point. Until the end of my days, my eyes will search the horizon to see that curve.

I will miss seeing and working within this awe-inspiring creation that we, as a people, have constructed here in space, travelling at 17,500 mph. I still can't believe the incredible level of detail that was required to imagine this place, let alone to build it! I will also miss the ability to "go for a walk" in a spaceship built for one.

And mostly, I will miss that incredible sense of satisfaction, gratitude and pride that comes from working with the NASA team from on orbit.

Q: You broke quite a few records on this mission. What are your thoughts about being a space superwoman?

A: I have noted in more than a few interviews that I am not overly comfortable with the praise about the records. I honestly do think that it is critical that we are continuously breaking records, because that represents us moving forward in exploration. I am working on paying forward some of the advice and mentoring that I received on my journey, in hopes that one day those young people will do the same, and look back on a life in which they leapt at the opportunities and broke their own records.

Q: How much longer could you envision yourself staying up there, if you had to? An entire year? Longer?

A: Yes, I do think I could have flown in space longer. The resistive exercise device is much better than the previous versions, and does a fantastic job of keeping us fit from a bone and muscle perspective.

Q: Is this your last spaceflight, in all likelihood? What's next for you?

A: I am not sure what the future holds for me personally, but I envision myself continuing to work on spaceflight programs. My desire to contribute to the spaceflight team as we move forward in our exploration of space has only increased over the years.
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area.

You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network  it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/queryform

EXPERT ALERTS

Business Continuity Following a Natural Disaster

Workforce Management During and After a Hurricane

Insurance Coverage and Natural Disasters

MEDIA JOBS

Investigative Journalist  Global Witness ( London / DC)

/ DC) Reporter  The Bond Buyer (Remote / CA)

Visiting Ferris Professor of Journalism / McGraw Professor of Writing Princeton University (NJ)

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

Lessons on Influencer Marketing From a Nationally Recognized Wellness Blogger

Twelve Journalism Funds Helping Journalists Tell Stories

Blog Profiles: Hand Lettering Blogs

-------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPERT ALERTS:

Business Continuity Following a Natural Disaster

Alan Sutin

Shareholder; Chair, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice; Senior Chair, Global IP-IT Practice

Greenberg Traurig LLP

"Companies sometimes fail to consider the impact of losing their key computer servers and other technology systems following a hurricane or other natural disaster. Reviewing the company's disaster recovery and business continuity plans and making sure they meet the company's current operational and cybersecurity standards will go a long way to avoiding significant business interruption or ongoing liability."

Sutin counsels companies on a wide-range of issues relating to privacy and cybersecurity. He co-authored the Law360 article "Top Tips for Data Breach Readiness and Response," and can discuss data protection issues during and after a disaster.

Website: http://www.gtlaw.com/People/Alan-N-Sutin

Contact: Sarah Misailidis, [email protected]

Workforce Management During and After a Hurricane

Joe Fleming

Shareholder; Litigation Practice, Labor & Employment

Greenberg Traurig LLP

"While the hurricane season is approaching and it is of great importance to be prepared, the same concepts of preparation also apply to labor, employment, disability, safety, pandemic, workplace environmental, cybersecurity, climate change, asymmetry in 'technological advances' and other disaster concerns. We are increasingly vulnerable to increasing complexities as our society involves developments that create advantages, which may bring with them new issues. So, it is always 'in season' to be pro-active in programs that prepare us for such problems; and, adopting systems for possible risks may have the upside advantages of being of great value in diminishing exposure to risks."

Fleming is an experienced litigator and labor and employment lawyer who is also familiar with historic properties. He can speak to workforce management and payroll issues during and after a hurricane.

Website: http://www.gtlaw.com/People/Joseph-Z-Fleming

Contact: Elaine Walker, [email protected]

Insurance Coverage and Natural Disasters

Robert Epstein

Shareholder; Co-Chair, National Construction Law Practice

Greenberg Traurig LLP

"All property owners should review their insurance programs to assure that they have the proper coverage in adequate amounts."

Epstein practices in the area of construction law and contracting. He wrote an article in the New Jersey Law Journal about rebuilding New Jersey's infrastructure after Hurricane Sandy, and can speak to similar topics.

Website: http://www.gtlaw.com/People/Robert-C-Epstein

Contact: Sarah Misailidis, [email protected]

****************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/

Investigative Journalist  Global Witness ( London / DC)

/ DC) Reporter  The Bond Buyer (Remote / CA)

Visiting Ferris Professor of Journalism / McGraw Professor of Writing Princeton University (NJ)

*****************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at [email protected]

Lessons on Influencer Marketing From a Nationally Recognized Wellness Blogger. For influencers, it pays to be popular and, of course, creative. But, there's more to it to make an influencer marketing partnership work. Beyond Bylines recently spoke with Chelsea Williams , founder of ThatsChelsea.com, about her experience as an influencer: http://prn.to/influencermktg

recently spoke with , founder of ThatsChelsea.com, about her experience as an influencer: http://prn.to/influencermktg Twelve Journalism Funds Helping Journalists Tell Stories. Great journalism costs money. For the full-time local journalist and independent freelancer especially, it can be challenging to secure budget. If you want to get adventurous with your reporting, but the money isn't there, here are some grant programs funding stories for journalists that might not otherwise be told: http://prn.to/journofunds

BLOG PROFILES: HAND LETTERING BLOGS. Each week, PR Newswire's Audience Relations team selects an industry/subject and profiles a handful of sites that do a good job with promoting and contributing to the conversation. This week, they look at hand lettering blogs: http://prn.to/letteringblogs

****************

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire.

To contact ProfNet: [email protected] or 800-776-3638, ext. 1

SOURCE ProfNet

Related Links

http://www.profnet.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is getting ready to respond as powerful Hurricane Irma nears the United States and its territories, while continuing to help people impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Hurricane Irma is currently a Category 5 storm with winds as high as 180 mph, and the Red Cross is urging those in the possible path of this storm to monitor weather reports and get prepared now. A free download of the Red Cross Emergency App can provide real-time information about the storm, available shelter locations and hurricane safety tips. The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma's effects are predicted to hit the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico early tomorrow. The Red Cross has robust disaster response capabilities that allow for a simultaneous response to two significant disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma without compromising the assistance provided to those in need. Haiti could also be affected, and the American Red Cross and Haitian Red Cross are pre-positioning disaster responders and relief items. There are relief supplies and vehicles on the ground and the Red Cross has shipped additional blood products to Puerto Rico to help ensure a sufficient supply is available for hospital partners on the island.

As we near the end of the week, it is expected that Irma could impact Florida, and the Red Cross is making plans now to be ready. Red Cross volunteers and relief supplies are being mobilized, and dozens of facilities have been pre-identified as potential evacuation shelters in case they are needed. The Red Cross is preparing enough supplies and resources to shelter at least 120,000 evacuees by this weekend. Sheltering plans are being closely coordinated with local emergency officials and dozens of partner organizations that can support relief efforts.

Harvey

Though the rain has stopped falling in Texas and Louisiana, river and bayou flooding continues. In some communities, people are beginning to clean up their flooded homes. As more streets and highways clear, the Red Cross is fanning out to distribute food and relief supplies into more communities every day.

Harvey Donations at Work



The Red Cross is using generous financial donations to provide shelter, food, comfort and emergency support. For example:

Donations pay for Red Cross shelters and the volunteers who are supporting them. As of Monday night, more than 32,000 people sought refuge in 192 Red Cross and partner shelters across Texas . The Red Cross is also assisting the Louisiana state government with emergency shelters which hosted more than 1,000 people last night.

people sought refuge in Red Cross and partner shelters across . The Red Cross is also assisting the state government with emergency shelters which hosted more than people last night. Donations pay to transport and support more than 3,100 Red Cross disaster workers that are on the ground in Texas , with an additional 420 on the way. There are also more than 200 people helping in Louisiana .

Red Cross disaster workers that are on the ground in , with an additional on the way. There are also more than people helping in . Donations pay for the more than 807,000 meals and snacks already served in Texas , with the help of partners. An additional 33,000 served in Louisiana.

meals and snacks already served in , with the help of partners. An additional served in Louisiana. Donations pay for the gas and equipment to power feeding efforts. Trailers of kitchen supplies are on the ground to support 16 kitchens, each able to produce 10,000 meals a day.

kitchens, each able to produce 10,000 meals a day. Donations pay for the more than 215 emergency response vehicles activated to help deliver meals and relief supplies.

emergency response vehicles activated to help deliver meals and relief supplies. Donations pay to support the mental health and health services professionals who support and care for evacuees - some 26,000 contacts have been made.

contacts have been made. Donations pay for relief items like diapers and comfort kits that contain deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items for people forced from their homes - 36,000 have been distributed so far and this number will grow as people are able to return home.

have been distributed so far and this number will grow as people are able to return home. More than 23 million hurricane and flood alerts have been issued through Red Cross mobile apps since August 23 , well surpassing the 6 million issued for Superstorm Sandy. The apps provide shelter locations and real-time information so people can help protect themselves and their loved-ones.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

SOURCE American Red Cross

Related Links

http://www.redcross.org


(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/551696/Jaffa_Orri_Mandarins.jpg )



The Plant Production and Marketing Board of Israel conducted a sensory market research study in both China and Japan to evaluate the Jaffa Orri/OR mandarin's potential and positioning in these markets. The findings indicated significant preference for the Jaffa Orri mandarin in China and Japan.

MMR Research Worldwide Ltd. conducted the sensory market research in China in April, 2017, surveying 202 local residents of Beijing & Shanghai, aged between 25 and 55. The research goals were to examine acceptance of Jaffa Orri compared to other mandarin varieties available in the Chinese market.

Overall, Jaffa Orri performed well-significantly better than Frutaria and Buzhihuo, and exponentially better than Murcott (a.k.a. Honey Tangerine). Jaffa Orri was well liked across all sensory attributes, attaining 70% or greater 'just right' (optimum score) on color (before peel), strength of aroma, strength of taste, and firmness of texture. "Interestingly, quite a few consumers spontaneously complimented the fruit on its juiciness and good balance of sweetness and acidity," notes Tal Amit, head of the citrus sector at Israel's Plant Production and Marketing Board.

Similar sensory market research was conducted in Tokyo, Japan, by GfK Custom Research LLC among 200 men and women aged 30 to 60 years, with similar results as well. Of the Japanese consumers polled, 81% said they would purchase Jaffa Orri mandarins, while just 46% said they would purchase Ponkans and 39% Murcotts.

The research results revealed that Jaffa Orri likability is much higher than its competitors relate to 'good sweetness-acidity balance,' 'juiciness,' and 'texture.'

"This is exciting news for the Israeli Jaffa Orri mandarin growers who have put a great deal of efforts to accelerate yield and ensure high quality fruits," declares Amit. "Jaffa Orri is set to increase its export volumes to China and Japan in the coming season, commencing January 2018."

4 companies will exhibit Jaffa Orri at Asia Fruit Logistica on 6-8 September 2017, Hong Kong: Mehadrin, Hall 3B booth #E-35, Galilee Export Hall 5D, booth #U-06, Mor International Hall 5D, booth #V-01 and Agriver Hall 5D, booth #U-02.

For further information, please contact:



Company contact:

The Plant Production and Marketing Board

Mr. Tal Amit

Head of the citrus sector

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.orrijaffa.com



Press Contact:

NutriPR

Ms. Liat Simha

Tel: +972-9-9742893

E-mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @LiatSimha

www.nutripr.com



SOURCE Jaffa Orri
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, LLP (formerly Johnson & Weaver, LLP) has launched an investigation into whether the board members of Rockwell Collins, Inc. (NYSE: COL) ("Rockwell Collins") breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company to United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) (" United Technologies"). Rockwell Collins designs, produces and supports communications and aviation systems worldwide.

On September 4, 2017, Rockwell Collins announced that it had signed a definitive merger agreement with United Technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, United Technologies will acquire Rockwell Collins for $140.00 per share, in cash and stock. Rockwell Collins shareowner will receive $93.33 per share in cash and $46.67 in shares of United Technologies common stock, subject to a 7.5 percent collar based on United Technologies August 22, 2017, closing share price of $115.69.

The investigation concerns whether the Rockwell Collins board failed to satisfy its duties to the Company shareholders, including whether the board adequately pursued alternatives to the acquisition and whether the board obtained the best price possible for Rockwell Collins shares of common stock. Johnson Fistel is investigating whether the proposed deal price represents adequate consideration, especially given the Company's outlook for future revenue and earnings growth; moreover, one Wall Street analyst has a $145.00 price target.

If you are a shareholder of Rockwell Collins and believe the proposed buyout price is too low or you're interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker ( [email protected] ) at 619-814-4471.

About Johnson Fistel, LLP:

Johnson Fistel, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York and Georgia. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonfistel.com . Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Contact:

Johnson Fistel, LLP

Jim Baker, 619-814-4471

[email protected]

SOURCE Johnson Fistel, LLP

Related Links

http://www.johnsonfistel.com


"For almost two decades, Key To The Cure has been one of the most iconic and valuable programs that Saks executes each year," said Marc Metrick, President of Saks Fifth Avenue. "We look forward to raising funds for WCRF, as well as cancer research and treatment organizations around the country, and are confident that we will be successful, especially with the extraordinary support from both Jennifer Lopez and Missoni."

The Women's Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), a program of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has supported innovative research directed at the development of more effective approaches to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of women's cancers since 1997. Founded by Jamie Tisch, Kate Capshaw, Rita Wilson, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Kelly Chapman Meyer and Marion Laurie, WCRF has significantly moved the needle to advance lifesaving research. Saks Fifth Avenue's annual KTTC charity shopping weekend will kick off on Friday, Oct. 13, and will donate three percent of sales of designated merchandise up to $500,000 to WCRF from Friday to Sunday.

"We are honored to partner with Saks Fifth Avenue on this year's Key To The Cure campaign," said Jamie Tisch, cofounder, WCRF. "We admire all that Saks has accomplished in support of cancer research over the years, and we are grateful to everyone who will participate in this event to raise critical funds."

Since the campaign's inception 19 years ago, Saks Fifth Avenue has donated close to $40 million to cancer research and treatment organizations throughout the United States. Organizations that have benefitted from Saks Fifth Avenue's charitable support include Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), Cleveland Clinic, Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Nevada Cancer Institute and many more.

Missoni, known for its colorful geometric motifs, created the exclusive 2017 Key To The Cure t-shirt. The design will be available for purchase from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 at all Saks Fifth Avenue locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as on saks.com. One hundred percent of proceeds from the $35 t-shirt will be donated to twelve local cancer charities, including American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and TGen Foundation, among others.

"It's an honor to design the coveted Key To The Cure t-shirt for Saks Fifth Avenue," said Angela Missoni. "This year marks my 20th anniversary as the Creative Director for Missoni and what better way to celebrate than to join the amazing roster of designers who have used their creative voices to support such an extraordinary cause."

Jennifer Lopez will act as the official WCRF Ambassador, appearing in the KTTC advertising campaign as well as in a Saks Fifth Avenue-sponsored national public service announcement. Past ambassadors and designer collaborations have included Halle Berry and Christian Louboutin, Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dundas, Gwyneth Paltrow and Karl Lagerfeld, and Heidi Klum and Michael Kors, among many well-known others.

ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (@saks)

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. As part of the Hudson's Bay Company brand portfolio, Saks Fifth Avenue operates 40 full-line stores in 22 states and Canada, five international licensed stores and saks.com, the company's online store.

For more information, kindly visit saks.com, Facebook.com/saks, Instagram.com/saks, Twitter.com/saks, Pinterest.com/saks, and Snapchat.com/saks_official.

ABOUT THE WOMEN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND (WCRF)

The Women's Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has supported innovative research directed at the development of more effective approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship of women's cancers since 1997. Founded by Jamie Tisch, Kate Capshaw, Rita Wilson, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Kelly Chapman Meyer and Marion Laurie, WCRF has significantly moved the needle to fast-track more effective approaches to the study of women's cancers. In 2016, WCRF joined forces with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. As a program of BCRF, the highest rated breast cancer organization in the country, WCRF will go even further in its ability to advance lifesaving research. For more information, kindly visit www.wcrfcure.org or Instagram.com/wcrfcure.

ABOUT MISSONI

Missoni is one of the leading and most distinctive fashion houses in the world. The Missoni style has evolved out of a long-standing collaboration between the husband and wife team of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni. After marrying in 1953 they began making items of knitwear in a small workshop in the basement of their first home in Gallarate. Ottavio and Rosita's path has been followed by their children and grandchildren, who today continue to keep alive the spirit of the Missoni style all over the world. In 1997 Rosita handed the business to Angela for the fashion end, devoting herself to the Missoni Home line, of which she is still Creative Director. Angela Missoni has been the creative director of the company since then and is committed to infusing the family's brand with new energy, confidently communicating trends and ideas. Under her direction, Missoni's runway shows and communication continually make an authoritative, international statement. Luca Missoni, brother of Angela, is the Artistic Director of the Missoni Archive which he is developing into a project to promote and valorize the Company's artistic and fashion heritage. More information about Missoni is available at missoni.com.

CONTACTS:

Katie Majeski Elizabeth FitzGerald Saks Fifth Avenue Saks Fifth Avenue 570.362.2474 646.802.4023 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Saks Fifth Avenue

Related Links

http://www.saks.com


KEYSTONE, Colo., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sapheneia and Scannerside received FDA 510(k) clearance to market their XR-29 DoseCheck solution. Scannerside DoseCheck is a third-party Vendor neutral CT product that makes it affordable to update existing CT scanners and allows compliance with current MITA standards.

The Sapheneia-Scannerside proprietary XR 29 DoseCheck solution is specifically designed to provide CT operators, prior to a scan, notifications and alerts of potential radiation doses over a predefined threshold. Scannerside Dose Check is intended to be installed and used with CT scanners not equipped with these functionalities, independent of age, make, and model. This newly introduced DoseCheck system encompasses a proprietary hardware and software solution with additional features that NO other third-party solution can offer. "We believe the latest comprehensive solution will be the backbone to solving XR25/29 and beyond upgrades for legacy Scanners," says Paul Stashick, CEO Sapheneia Inc.

Sapheneia has a long successful history of low-dose applications for CT users, since being the first third-party software company that received FDA clearance for the Clarity low-dose software (2007). Sapheneia Inc. and Scannerside became business partners, combining Low Dose CT (LDCT), Dose Monitoring, and XR-29 scanner upgrades, thereby becoming the first Single Source CT Dose solution provider.

Now that Scannerside DoseCheck has been FDA 510(k) approved the partnership between Sapheneia-Scannerside can help a facility reach all the requirements for XR-29 compliance.

ABOUT SAPHENEIA INC.

Sapheneia Inc. is a U.S. technologies company specializing in diagnostic and analytical image processing solutions. For more than a decade, Sapheneia software has been in routine, clinical use at major hospitals and imaging centers worldwide, supporting CT scanner systems from all manufacturers, including GE, Philips, Siemens, and Toshiba. The solutions provided by Sapheneia range from its Comprehensive Dose Strategy (CDS) for X-Ray, NM and CT to supplying some of the world's largest equipment manufacturers with software for ultrasound and other modalities. www.Sapheneia.com

ABOUT SCANNERSIDE

Scannerside hardware/software solutions are created by academic radiologist. With the objective of creating practical solutions by doctors for doctors. Scannerside continues its forefront market position by monitoring compliance laws and building applications that satisfy the current legislation with rapid product deployment. www.Scannerside.com

Contact:

Paul Stashick

[email protected]

888-342-5619

SOURCE Sapheneia Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sapheneia.com


ANDOVER, Mass., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schneider Electric Foundation today pledged $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts, as communities in Texas and Louisiana attempt to recover from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, the Schneider Electric Foundation will match all U.S. employee personal donations, doubling their gifts to non-profits supporting Hurricane Harvey disaster relief.

"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the communities who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey and Schneider Electric stands with those impacted by the challenges ahead as the recovery effort begins," said Annette Clayton, CEO and President, North America Operations, Schneider Electric. "We are working with our employees in Houston and the surrounding areas, as well as the broader community, to ensure their safety, and will partner with them as we rebuild."

As a business with a major footprint in Louisiana and Texas, particularly Houston, Schneider Electric is working with local employees and customers affected to provide as much assistance and information as possible. The company's operations and services professionals continue to mobilize to ensure that safety is top priority, and to help restore power safely and efficiently. Schneider Electric will be deploying more field service engineers into the region in the coming weeks to support the recovery of such communities as hospitals, schools and businesses.

"Among the many challenges ahead, the risk of electrocution, fire and other safety hazards from damaged and flooded electrical systems is severe. We urge everyone in affected areas to stay safe, follow guidelines from FEMA, and exercise caution before returning to homes and businesses," said Clayton.

For more information on the Schneider Electric Foundation, please visit the webpage.

For more information on electrical safety in the wake of the storm, and evaluating and restoring power to water-damaged equipment, please visit the company's hurricane landing page.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of $26 billion US dollars (25 billion euros) in FY2016, our 144,000 employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.

www.schneider-electric.us

Follow us on:

https://mobile.twitter.com/SchneiderElec

https://www.facebook.com/SchneiderElectric?brandloc=DISABLE

https://www.linkedin.com/company/schneider-electric

https://plus.google.com/+schneiderelectric

https://www.youtube.com/user/SchneiderCorporate

http://blog.schneider-electric.com/

Hashtags: #HarveyStorm #HoustonFlood #Louisiana

SOURCE Schneider Electric
DENVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Launch is the most strenuous part of a satellite's life. To survive the extreme sound wave pressure and pounding vibrations generated by more than 700,000 lbs. of thundering rocket thrust, spacecraft need a solid, reliable design if they hope to arrive operational on orbit.

On July 13, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)'s second, fully-assembled GPS III space vehicle (SV) completed a realistic simulation of its future launch experience and passed this critical acoustic environmental test with flying colors.

During acoustic testing, the GPS III SV02 satellite was continuously blasted with deafening sound reaching 140 decibels in a specialized test chamber equipped with high-powered horns. For comparison, that is about as loud as an aircraft carrier deck and human hearing starts to be damaged back at about 85 decibels. The test uses sound loud enough to literally shake loose anything not properly attached.

"With this launch-simulation test, we are talking about sophisticated, advanced satellite technology and electronics enduring tremendous forces and then working flawlessly afterward," said Mark Stewart, Lockheed Martin's vice president for Navigation Systems. "Passing this test with GPS III SV02 further validates the robustness of our GPS III design. We credit this success and risk-retirement to all the pathfinding work we accomplished early in the program."

The GPS III SV02 satellite is part of the U.S. Air Force's next generation of GPS satellites and will bring critical new capabilities to the warfighter. GPS III will have three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25 percent longer than the newest GPS satellites on-orbit today. GPS III's new L1C civil signal also will make it the first GPS satellite to be interoperable with other international global navigation satellite systems.

GPS III SV02 is Lockheed Martin's second GPS III satellite to successfully complete acoustic testing. The company's first satellite, GPS III SV01  which is in storage awaiting its expected 2018 launch  completed acoustic testing in 2015.

The GPS III SV02 satellite is now being prepared for Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing this fall, where it will be subjected to extreme cold and heat in zero atmosphere, simulating its on-orbit life. The satellite is expected to be delivered complete to the Air Force in early 2018.

GPS III SV02 is the second of 10 GPS III satellites Lockheed Martin is contracted for and is assembling in full production at the company's GPS III Processing Facility near Denver. The $128 million, state-of-the-art manufacturing factory includes a specialized cleanroom and testing chambers designed to streamline satellite production.

Lockheed Martin's unique GPS III satellite design includes a flexible, modular architecture that allows for the insertion of new technology as it becomes available in the future or if the Air Force's mission needs change. Satellites based off this design are already proven compatible with both the Air Force's next generation Operational Control System (OCX) and the existing GPS constellation.

The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

For additional GPS III information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin

Related Links

http://www.lockheedmartin.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims of whether the board members of Rockwell Collins, Inc. (COL) ("Rockwell Collins or the "Company") (NYSE: COL) breached their fiduciary duties. Rockwell Collins investors are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/col.

On September 4, 2017, Rockwell Collins revealed that it had entered a merger agreement and would be acquired by United Technologies Corp. ("United Technologies") (NYSE: UTX) in a transaction for $140.00 per share, in cash and stock. Under the terms of the agreement, Rockwell Collins stockholders will receive $93.33 per share in cash and $46.67 in shares of United Technologies common stock, subject to a 7.5% collar based on United Technologies August 22, 2017, closing share price of $115.69.

The investigation focuses on whether the Rockwell Collins board members failed to fulfill their duties to the shareholders and whether United Technologies is underpaying for Rockwell Collins.

If you are a shareholder of Rockwell Collins and would like to learn more about this investigation, you can visit the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/col. You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 212-697-6484.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm's expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz

212-697-6484 | [email protected]

SOURCE Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

Related Links

http://www.bgandg.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /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 Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: ATNM).

If you are a shareholder of Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at: http://pjlfirm.com/actinium-pharmaceuticals-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

Related Links

http://www.pjlfirm.com


HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shell today opened its first service station in Mexico, with more sites due to start providing Mexican motorists with high-quality Shell fuels and retail services over the next few months.

Over the next 10 years, if market conditions continue to develop at their current rates, Shell plans to invest around $1 billion in Mexico. These investments will be channeled into expanding and improving the retail network, improving fuel logistics infrastructure and developing partnerships to deliver world-class products and services to Mexican consumers and businesses.

"This is a major milestone for Shell and shows our ongoing commitment to Mexico. As the fifth-biggest consumer of gasoline in the world, it is an important and growing market," said Istvan Kapitany, Shell Executive Vice President of Retail. "We have been present in Mexico for more than 60 years, but this is our first opportunity to improve Mexican motorists' journeys through our unique retail experience."

Shell is the largest fuels retailer in the world, with 43,000 retail stations across around 80 countries serving about 30 million customers daily. In addition to Mexico, Shell is investing in several other high-growth markets  such as India, China, Indonesia and Brazil  as part of its expansion strategy for the next decade.

The new service station in Tlalnepantla on the outskirts of Mexico City promises an improved experience for Mexican motorists and their families, providing them with high-quality fuels in a welcoming environment. The new service station will also offer freshly-brewed gourmet coffee, healthy fresh food and free Wi-Fi, reflecting Shell's focus on delivering a world-class retail experience to customers.

Shell Retail's ambitions for 2025 include growing the convenience retail offer, significantly increasing the availability of low-emission fuels and reducing waste.

Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, Mexican Secretary of Energy welcomed Shell's entry into Mexico's burgeoning retail fuel market.

"The opening of fuel stations is important for Mexico, given that there are currently just 11,400 service stations, each serving an average of more than 3,000 vehicles a day," he said at the opening ceremony.

Cautionary note

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this announcement refer to companies over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to "joint ventures" and "joint operations" respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as "associates". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''could'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''goals'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''objectives'', ''outlook'', ''plan'', ''probably'', ''project'', ''risks'', "schedule", ''seek'', ''should'', ''target'', ''will'' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this [report], including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov ). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, August 23, 2017. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. This announcement may contain references to Shell's website. These references are for the readers' convenience only. Shell is not incorporating by reference any information posted on www.shell.com. We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

SOURCE Shell International

Related Links

http://www.shell.com


NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shoney's, America's Dinner Table for 70 years, is ready to party like its 1947 with its "7-7-7" promotion, rolling back prices to the year it changed America forever. The iconic, All-America brand, will feature 7 different freshly-prepared items, 7 days a week for 7 weeks for only 70 each at all of its restaurants nationwide.

Beginning today and over the next 7 weeks through Sunday, October 22, Shoney's will feature the following daily line-up of 70 cents items for its guests.

Monday: Slim Jim Sandwich

Tuesday: Ice Cream Delight

Wednesday: All-American Burger

Thursday: Short Stack Pancakes

Friday: Five Chicken Wings

Saturday: Strawberry Pie Slice

Sunday: Coke Float

"We've been an integral part of American history for the past 70 years," says David Davoudpour, Shoney's Chairman and CEO. "From our humble beginnings in 1947 as a drive-in restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia to our national growth as a popular family destination, we treat our guests to freshly-prepared high-quality food at a great value with friendly service every single day. Our '7-7-7' promotion is our way of celebrating our heritage and showing appreciation to our valued guests  not just for one day or seven days, but for seven weeks. As we've said for seven decades, 'Let's Eat!'"

Shoney's was voted one of the best eight family dining restaurants in the United States in the 2016 Consumer Picks Survey via Nation's Restaurant News. In the survey, Shoney's was recognized for having the best rating for value among all family dining chains and also scored well for its service, menu variety and diners being likely to recommend it.

Since acquiring the great American eatery in 2007, Mr. Davoudpour has been on a driven and spirited mission to reinvigorate and revitalize Shoney's, a family-friendly, southern-style restaurant brand. Shoney's is one of the first and has always been one of the most popular family casual dining concepts in the United States.

In order to get back to what Mr. Davoudpour confidently calls Shoney's "Glory Days," the brand is now growing through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. Shoney's is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/.

Shoney's "7-7-7" promotion applies to dine-in visits only and is limited to one per person per day.

About Shoney's

Shoney's is a Nashville-based company that operates in 16 southern states and is now growing through franchising following an extensive revitalization effort. Since its humble beginnings in 1947 as a Charleston, West Virginia drive-in restaurant, guests have enjoyed Shoney's family-friendly, casual dining experience. Visit www.shoneys.com for more information on restaurant hours, locations and special offers. Shoney's is offering franchising opportunities to qualified single and multi-unit candidates. For more information, visit http://www.shoneys.com/franchise/. You can also follow Shoney's on Facebook, Twitter @Shoneys, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Shoney's

Related Links

http://www.shoneys.com


COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Wall Street legend behind a new endowed chair in financial history will speak on Sept. 13, 2017, at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. Henry Kaufman, a former Salomon Brothers executive who founded his own economic and financial consulting firm in 1988, established the Henry Kaufman Chair in Financial History Endowment to protect the status of history research and education at the Smith School for decades to come.

The endowed chair will expand a previous gift from the Henry & Elaine Kaufman Foundation that established the Henry Kaufman Fellowship Program at the Smith School's Center for Financial Policy in 2010.

As a refugee who fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1937, Kaufman knows firsthand what can go wrong when people neglect lessons of the past.

"I realized that misbehavior in financial markets and misbehavior by business can lead not only to economic and financial problems, but it can also induce political change that would endanger a democracy  which it did in Germany," Kaufman says.

The same respect for history has guided his Wall Street career, earning him a reputation as "Dr. Doom" for his dire warnings when market scales tip toward excess.

"You reach a level of euphoria at times, thinking this time is different and the past will never repeat itself," Kaufman says.

During his campus visit, Kaufman will discuss his 2017 book, Tectonic Shifts in Financial Markets: People, Policies, and Institutions.

"He has done more to support the teaching of business and financial history than probably any American," says David Sicilia, an inaugural Kaufman Fellow who now holds the endowed Kaufman chair. "His predictions were so listened to that he could move Wall Street by just making a pronouncement."

Sicilia, an affiliate faculty member at the Smith School and an associate professor at the University of Maryland's Department of History, will moderate the discussion with Kaufman. Although the endowed professorship is new, the two scholars have a history of collaboration. Among other things, Sicilia provided consulting services on Kaufman's latest book and two previous books.

"Over the years I feel like I've gotten more than the equivalent of another graduate degree in financial history by just talking with him and listening to his observations," Sicilia says.

Kaufman previously established endowed chairs at institutions in New York and Israel. He says he made the new gift to the Smith School in large part because he trusts Sicilia to carry his vision forward. "I've come to appreciate his skills and knowledge in the area of business and financial history," Kaufman says.

The discussion will start at 6:15 p.m. at Tyser Auditorium in Van Munching Hall.

Contact: Greg Muraski at 301-892-0973 or [email protected].

SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year running, Staff One HR earned a spot on the Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies.

"We partner with our clients to provide them the freedom to grow and thrive, and when they succeed, so do we," said Mark Sinatra, CEO of Staff One HR. "We're honored to have made the Inc. 5000 list for the third year in a row. We have an incredibly talented team of professionals, and this honor reflects our commitment to excellence."

The average company on the 2017 list achieved a three-year average growth of 481%. The Inc. 5000's aggregate revenue is $206 billion, and those companies collectively generated nearly 620,000 jobs over the past three years. For a complete list of 2017 honorees, visit www.inc.com/inc5000/list/2017.

"I'm proud to be part of this dynamic organization," said Donna Meek, Staff One HR Executive Vice President. "Professional Employer Organizations like Staff One HR provide business owners with the HR, benefits, payroll and administrative support and expertise needed to grow their businesses exponentially."

The annual Inc. 5000 conference will be held October 10 - 12 in Palm Desert, California, culminating in a black tie gala. To qualify for the Inc. 5000, a company must have been founded and earning revenue by March 31, 2013, with at least $100,000 revenue in 2013 and $2 million in 2016. Applicants must be independent, privately held, for-profit companies based in the U.S.

About Staff One HR

Staff One HR is an HR managed services company providing PEO, ASO and recruiting services. Based in Dallas with clients in 44 states, Staff One HR also earned a spot on the 2015 and 2016 Inc. 5000, and has been in business since 1988. With an ESAC accredited and CPEO certified PEO service offering, the company provides HR consulting and compliance, employee benefits, workers' compensation/safety, and payroll/tax administration for our clients. As a result of their services, Staff One HR's clients typically realize: reduction in employee turnover; elimination of employer liability; and achievement of key business milestones (e.g. Best Places to Work). Clients gain the ability to reinvest their time and focus on their core business so they can outpace their competition. For more information, please visit www.staffone.com.

SOURCE Staff One HR

Related Links

http://www.staffone.com


BALA CYNWYD, Pa., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Steiker, Greenapple & Fusco, P.C., a nationally recognized law firm focusing on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), is proud to announce the hires of Bart R. McIlonie and Sean-Tamba Matthew, two attorneys who have joined the firm.

"Bart brings terrific ESOP experience to SG&F and Sean is an excellent young lawyer with a commitment to social impact. Both of them will be important parts of our growing team," said James G. Steiker, Chairman and CEO of Steiker, Greenapple & Fusco, P.C. "We're happy to bring them aboard to continue offering our clients the most robust ESOP services in the nation."

Bart R. McIlonie has provided ownership transition, mergers and acquisitions and ESOP advisory services for privately held clients for more than 10 years. He advises clients on a wide variety of tax, corporate finance, executive compensation and ESOP operational issues, as well as ESOP sustainability and general corporate compliance related issues. Bart is an active member of the ESOP Association, National Center for Employee Ownership and North Dakota Society of CPAs. Most recently, he was vice president of consulting and a managing director at Core Consulting Group. Bart earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and his bachelor of arts in accounting and finance from the University of Jamestown.

Sean-Tamba Matthew comes to SG&F from Laura Solomon and Associates, where he represented nonprofit organizations and social enterprises in transactional, organizational, governance, regulatory, tax, and other matters. He also previously worked as a Corporate and Securities associate at Pepper Hamilton LLP, where he represented established businesses and emerging growth companies in mergers and acquisitions, regulatory and corporate governance matters, and private securities offerings. Prior to attending law school, Sean was a leadership fellow for Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region. Sean earned his law degree at the Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, where he was honored with the Harriet Robinson Gillock Memorial Award graduation prize, and bachelor of arts in political science at the of the University of Pennsylvania.

ABOUT US

Steiker, Greenapple & Fusco, P.C. is an experienced, nationally recognized law firm focusing on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and other employee-centered ownership transition and compensation strategies. Since 1987, our attorneys have represented companies, selling shareholders, plan fiduciaries and lenders in hundreds of transactions nationwide. Our approach for structuring and maintaining ESOPs focuses on balancing the needs of the owners, company and employees to create successful, sustainable employee ownership outcomes.

In addition to creating new ESOPs, we provide ongoing guidance to our clients on IRS and DOL compliance, the impact of repurchase liability, legislative and regulatory changes, follow-on stock purchase and sale transactions, ESOP company mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

Our experienced attorneys install and advise on the maintenance of worker cooperatives, executive compensation plans and qualified retirement plans.

SG&F, together with our sister consulting firm of SES Advisors, Inc., has one of the largest core groups of ESOP attorneys, consultants and administrators in the country, with SG&F offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, and Ohio.

SOURCE Steiker, Greenapple & Fusco P.C.
ROCKFORD, Ill., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Government named SupplyCore, a Rockford, Illinois-based supply chain management services and technology solutions integrator, one of the top federal contractors for 2017.

SupplyCore made Bloomberg Government's sixth annual "BGOV 200: Federal Industry Leaders 2017" rankings report, which is based on fiscal 2016 data for unclassified prime contracts awarded across all government agencies in the United States. The report offers insight into how the U.S. government spent more than $477 billion last year.

"SupplyCore has cultivated strong relationships with our government partners throughout the past 30 years thanks to the diligent work of our associates," said President and CEO Peter Provenzano. "Our internal and external customer performance measurements are consistently rated as excellent, allowing us to grow and welcome new opportunities to serve our country. We take great pride in the recognition by Bloomberg Government as a top U.S. contractor."

The Bloomberg Government report analyzed top contracts at 24 agencies and departments, and in 27 different purchasing categories. SupplyCore ranked No. 175 this year, up from No. 218 last year. See the full list here: about.bgov.com/bgov200. Bloomberg Government is a subscription-based service that provides information and analytics for professionals who work with or alongside the government.

"The private sector plays a significant role in fulfilling many of the federal government's critical missions and goals," Donald Thomas, Vice President and General Manager of Bloomberg Government LLC, said in the report. "The government contracting leaders represented on this list advance technology and efficiency, create jobs, and provide critical services in the U.S. and overseas."

SupplyCore was established in 1987 and currently employs 225 people. The company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, prides itself on its global agility and responsiveness. SupplyCore also was recognized in 2016 by the Defense Logistics Agency as a Top Performing Industry Partner.

About SupplyCore

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017, SupplyCore is a supply chain and technology integrator providing key support to U.S. and foreign agencies domestically and abroad, including at-risk environments. Its core competencies are in global supply chain management and performance-based logistics during times of peace, emergency, conflict, and various challenging or unusual environments. Its supply chain expertise includes procurement, warehousing, logistics, and facility support. SupplyCore's mission is to sustain and enhance the physical and human capital of our nation and its allies in times of peace and crisis. Visit supplycore.com for more information.

Contact:

Melissa Westphal

[email protected]

815-489-3955 (office)

779-348-6927 (cell phone)

SOURCE SupplyCore

Related Links

http://www.supplycore.com


SAO PAULO, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

SUZANO TRADING LTD.

(an exempted company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands)

Offer to Purchase for Cash

Up to U.S.$100,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of Suzano Trading Ltd.'s Outstanding

5.875% Senior Notes due 2021

(CUSIP: 86960FAA1 and G8600UAA1; ISIN: US86960FAA12 and USG8600UAA19)

Guaranteed by Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. (incorporated in the Federative Republic of Brazil) and subject to the Tender Cap and other Conditions

Suzano Trading Ltd. ("Suzano") hereby announces the commencement of its offer to purchase for cash up to U.S.$100,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the "Tender Cap") of its outstanding 5.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (CUSIP: 86960FAA1 and G8600UAA1; ISIN: US86960FAA12 and USG8600UAA19) (the "Notes"), from holders thereof (each, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders"), at the prices set forth below, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated September 5, 2017 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase") and in the related Letter of Transmittal dated September 5, 2017 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Letter of Transmittal" and together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Offer Documents"), which together constitute the Offer (the "Tender Offer"). As of September 1, 2017, the aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding was U.S.$645,700,000.00.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. is acting as the tender agent and as the information agent (the "Tender and Information Agent") for the Tender Offer. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Santander Investment Securities Inc., BB Securities Limited, Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. and Mizuho Securities USA LLC are acting as dealer managers (the "Dealer Managers") for the Tender Offer.

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, Suzano hereby offers to pay each Holder that validly tenders its Notes on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on September 18, 2017 (the "Early Tender Date") an amount in cash in U.S. dollars equal to the Total Consideration (as defined below) and Accrued Interest (as defined below). The "Total Consideration" for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn is equal to U.S.$1,090.00, which includes the Purchase Price (as defined below) and an early tender consideration (the "Early Tender Consideration") of U.S.$30.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered on or prior to the Early Tender Date and not validly withdrawn on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on September 18, 2017 (the "Withdrawal Date"). The Early Tender Consideration is payable only to Holders who validly tender their Notes on or prior to the Early Tender Date. The "Purchase Price" for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn is equal to the Total Consideration less the Early Tender Consideration. Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Date but on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 2, 2017 (such time and date, as the same may be extended or earlier terminated at Suzano's sole discretion, the "Expiration Date") and do not withdraw their tender will be eligible to receive the Purchase Price. In each case, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase shall receive accrued and unpaid interest ("Accrued Interest") from, and including, the last interest payment date to, but not including, any Settlement Dates (as defined herein), payable on such dates Date. Tenders of Notes will not be valid if submitted after the Expiration Date.

The Tender Offer is not contingent upon the valid tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. The Tender Offer is open to all registered holders (individually, a "Holder," and collectively, the "Holders") of the Notes. The Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction of the General Conditions, including the condition that the Guarantor's subsidiary Suzano Austria GmbH shall have consummated a further issuance of the 7.00% Senior Notes of Suzano Austria GmbH due in 2047, guaranteed by the Guarantor resulting in proceeds of at least U.S.$100,000,000.00 in an international capital markets offering (the "Financing Condition"). The purpose of the Tender Offer is to retire a portion of the Notes in order to increase the efficiency of the capital structure of Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. (the "Guarantor"), the controlling entity of Suzano.

The following table sets forth certain terms of the Tender Offer:

Title of

Security CUSIP / ISIN Nos. Outstanding

Principal Amount

of Notes Tender Cap Purchase

Price* Early Tender

Consideration* Total

Consideration* 5.875%

Senior Notes due 2021 Restricted Notes CUSIP: 86960FAA1 ISIN: US86960FAA12 U.S.$645,700,000.00 U.S.$100,000,000 U.S.$1,060.00 U.S.$30.00 U.S.$1,090.00 Regulation S Notes CUSIP: G8600UAA1 ISIN: USG8600UAA19







(*) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase.



If any Notes are purchased in the Tender Offer, Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) on or prior to the Early Tender Date will be accepted for purchase in priority to other Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer after the Early Tender Date (assuming satisfaction or, where applicable, the waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase). Accordingly, if the Tender Cap is reached in respect of tenders made on or prior to the Early Tender Date, no Notes that are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date will be accepted for purchase and any Notes accepted for purchase on the Early Settlement Date will be accepted on a prorated basis up to the amount of the Tender Cap. If the Tender Offer is not oversubscribed at the Early Tender Date and the purchase of all Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer on or prior to the Expiration Date would cause Suzano to purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes in excess of the Tender Cap, then the Tender Offer will be oversubscribed at the Expiration Date and Suzano will (assuming satisfaction or, where applicable, the waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase) accept for purchase such tendered Notes as follows:

first, on the Early Tender Date, Suzano will accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered on or prior to the Early Tender Date; and

second, promptly after the Expiration Date, Suzano will accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date and on or prior to the Expiration Date on a prorated basis such that Suzano purchases the maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes that does not exceed the Tender Cap.

All Notes not accepted as a result of prorationing will be promptly returned to tendering holder.

To ensure the return of Notes in minimum principal amounts of U.S.$100,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 above U.S.$100,000 ("Authorized Denominations"), if necessary, Suzano will make appropriate adjustments downward to the nearest U.S.$1,000 principal amount, or if applicable, the minimum denomination of U.S.$100,000, with respect to each Holder validly tendering Notes. Any tender of Notes, the proration of which would otherwise result in a return of Notes to a tendering Holder in a principal amount below the minimum denomination of U.S.$100,000, may be rejected in full or accepted in full in Suzano's sole discretion. Holders who tender less than all their Notes must continue to hold Notes in Authorized Denominations. Suzano expressly reserves the right, but is not obligated, to increase the Tender Cap in its sole discretion, without extending the Withdrawal Date or otherwise reinstating withdrawal rights.

The Tender Offer commenced on the date of the Offer to Purchase and will expire on the Expiration Date, unless extended or earlier terminated by Suzano. No tenders will be valid if submitted after the Expiration Date. If a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee (each, a "Nominee") holds your Notes, such Nominee may have an earlier deadline for accepting the offer. You should promptly contact such Nominee that holds your Notes to determine its deadline. The Tender Offer is open to all registered Holders of the Notes.

The payment date for (i) the Notes validly tendered on or prior to the Early Tender Date and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the Withdrawal Date (the "Early Settlement Date") and (ii) the Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but on or prior to the Expiration Date (the "Settlement Date"), in each case upon satisfaction (or waiver by Suzano) of each and all of the Conditions, including the Financing Condition described under the heading "Conditions to the Offer" in the Offer to Purchase will occur promptly after the acceptance by Suzano for purchase of the Notes. Suzano expects that the Early Settlement Date will be within three business days following the Early Tender Date, which will be September 21, 2017, but such date may be changed by Suzano in its sole discretion without notice, and expects that the Settlement Date will be within three business days following the Expiration Date, which will be October 5, 2017, but any such dates may be changed or early terminated by Suzano in its sole discretion without notice. During any such extension, all Notes previously tendered and not accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will remain subject to the Tender Offer and may, subject to the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, be accepted for purchase by Suzano.

Suzano's obligation to accept for payment, and to pay the Total Consideration or the Purchase Price, as applicable, and Accrued Interest for, Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer are subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction of, or Suzano's waiver of the Conditions, including the Financing Condition described under the heading "Conditions to the Offer" in the Offer to Purchase.

If you do not tender your Notes or if you tender Notes that are not accepted for purchase, they will remain outstanding. If Suzano consummates the Tender Offer, the applicable trading market for your outstanding Notes of the applicable series may be significantly more limited. For a discussion of this and other risks, see "Certain Significant ConsiderationsThe Offer may adversely affect the market value and reduce the liquidity of any trading market of the Notes" in the Offer to Purchase.

THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER.

NEITHER THE OFFER TO PURCHASE NOR ANY OF THE OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER HAVE BEEN FILED WITH OR REVIEWED BY THE FEDERAL OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF ANY COUNTRY, NOR HAS ANY SUCH COMMISSION OR AUTHORITY PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE OR ANY OF THE OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL AND MAY BE A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Tender Offer, Suzano's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, any Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer, is conditioned upon the satisfaction of the General Conditions, including the Financing Condition (as defined herein and in the Offer to Purchase). The General Conditions to the Tender Offer are for the sole benefit of Suzano and may be asserted by Suzano, regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any such condition (including any action or inaction by Suzano). Suzano reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive any and all conditions of the Tender Offer, at or prior to the Expiration Date (or the Early Settlement Date). The Tender Offer is not subject to a minimum principal amount of Notes being tendered.

Subject to applicable laws and the terms set forth in the Tender Offer, Suzano reserves the right, with respect to the Notes, (i) to waive or modify in whole or in part any and all conditions to the Tender Offer, (ii) to extend the Expiration Date, the Early Tender Date, the Early Settlement Date, the Settlement Date or any other date mentioned herein, (iii) to modify or terminate the Tender Offer or (iv) to otherwise amend the Tender Offer in any respect.

NONE OF SUZANO, Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A., THE TRUSTEE (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), THE TENDER AND INFORMATION AGENT, THE DEALER MANAGERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER HOLDERS SHOULD TENDER, OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING AS TO ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THEIR NOTES PURSUANT TO THE Tender Offer, NOR SHOULD THE OFFER TO PURCHASE BE CONSTRUED AS INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTING, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE BY SUCH PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, ATTORNEYS OR EMPLOYEES. HOLDERS MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS AND SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS, ACCOUNTANTS AND OTHER ADVISORS WITH REGARD TO TENDERING NOTES.

Neither this press release nor the Offer to Purchase constitutes an offer to purchase the Notes in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer under applicable securities laws. If Suzano becomes aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the Tender Offer would not be in compliance with applicable laws, Suzano will make a good faith effort to comply with any such laws. If, after such good faith effort, Suzano cannot comply with any such laws, the Tender Offer will not be made to (nor will tenders of Notes be accepted from or on behalf of) the owners of Notes residing in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of the Tender Offer to Purchase nor any purchase hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that the information contained therein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof or that there has been no change in the information set forth herein or in any attachments hereto or in Suzano's affairs since the date hereof. The Dealer Managers may be tendering Notes in connection with the Tender Offer.

The Offer to Purchase does not constitute an offer to sell any securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities (other than the Notes). Any offering of securities will only be made by an offering document and any such offering may not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to Suzano that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Although Suzano believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information currently available, Suzano cannot guarantee future results or events. Suzano expressly disclaims a duty to update any of the forward-looking statements.

The Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offer is:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, New York 10005

United States

Email: [email protected]

www.dfking.com/suzano

Banks and Brokers call: +1 (212) 2695550

All others call toll free (U.S. only): +1 (800) 967-7574

By Facsimile Transmission:

(for Eligible Institutions only)

+1 (212) 7093328

For Confirmation

+1 (212) 269-5552

Attn: Andrew Beck

Any questions or requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent at one of its telephone numbers above. A Holder (or a beneficial owner that is not a Holder) may also contact the Dealer Managers at their respective telephone numbers set forth below or its broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Tender Offer.

The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are:

J.P. Morgan Securities

LLC

383 Madison Avenue New York, New York

10179

Attn: Latin American Debt

Capital Markets

Toll Free: 866-846-2874

Collect: 212-834-7279 Santander Investment

Securities Inc.

45 East 53rd Street, 5th

floor

New York, New York

10022

Attn: Liability Management

Group

Toll Free: 855-404-3636

Collect: 212-940-1442 BB Securities Limited

4th Floor  Pinners Hall 105-108 Old Broad Street London, EC2N 1ER United Kingdom Attn: Operations

Department

Collect: +44 (20) 7367-5803 E-mail: [email protected] Itau BBA USA Securities,

Inc. 767 Fifth Ave, 50th Floor New York, New York

10153 USA Attn: Debt Capital Markets Toll Free: +1 (888) 770-4828 Collect: +1 (212) 710-6749 Mizuho Securities USA

LLC

320 Park Avenue New York, New York

10022 USA Attn: Liability Management

Toll Free: 866-271-7403

Collect: 212-205-7736

The Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal shall be available online at www.dfking.com/suzano until the consummation or termination of the Tender Offer

SOURCE Suzano Trading Ltd.
A widespread, impactful and growing campaign, NCSAM was co-founded and is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The month's primary goal is to provide internet users and businesses with the information and tools they need to be safer and more secure online and to educate them on how to protect personal information in today's highly connected world.

Everyone can join in and be a part of the something big by becoming a NCSAM 2017 Champion  organizations and individuals that have officially signed on to support the month. NCSAM Champions strengthen and boost the greater effort by spreading the word about online safety at home, at work and in the community and by hosting NCSAM Partner Events. To date, close to 500 organizational Champions and more than 215 individuals are paving the way to make NCSAM 2017 the most successful yet. Champions receive weekly emails during October with user-friendly materials  such as infographics, memes and sample social media posts  to stay involved with the month's activities. This year, organizations that become Champions will also have the opportunity to co-brand an activity or engagement they may be planning as a NCSAM Partner Event.

"Early NCSAM involvement is greater than ever before. The basis of NCSAM's success is the high level of collaboration among industry, government, academia and nonprofit organizations nationwide. And, this year, our network supporters and their active involvement have grown tremendously," said Michael Kaiser, NCSA's executive director. "NCSA and DHS strongly urge all organizations to protect themselves and all internet users by taking simple, actionable steps this October and throughout the year. Only by working together and sharing the responsibility to educate different groups about online safety, security and privacy will we make a dramatic difference in protecting the internet."

NCSA's core messaging campaign  shared consistently throughout October and year-round  is STOP. THINK. CONNECT., simple and actionable advice for every digital citizen. STOP: make sure security measures are in place. THINK: about the consequences of your actions and behaviors online. CONNECT: and enjoy the internet. STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is a global online safety awareness and education campaign with hundreds of partner organizations around the world. STOP. THINK. CONNECT. was co-founded by NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group and is amplified through a partner network of almost 700 organizations that integrate the campaign into their education and awareness efforts and share the message in their communities. It's easy (and free) to sign up as a STOP. THINK. CONNECT. partner; learn more here.

In order to reach a variety of audiences and tackle the most timely cybersecurity topics, each week in October is devoted to a unique theme. The NCSAM 2017 themes are:

Week 1: Oct. 2-6 STOP. THINK. CONNECT.: Simple Steps to Online Safety

STOP. THINK. CONNECT.: Simple Steps to Online Safety Week 2: Oct. 9-13 Cybersecurity in the Workplace Is Everyone's Business

Cybersecurity in the Workplace Is Everyone's Business Week 3: Oct. 16-20 Today's Predictions for Tomorrow's Internet

Today's Predictions for Tomorrow's Internet Week 4: Oct. 23-27 The Internet Wants You: Consider a Career in Cybersecurity

The Internet Wants You: Consider a Career in Cybersecurity Week 5: Oct. 30-31 Protecting Critical Infrastructure From Cyber Threats

To learn more about the themes and how to join in and support NCSAM 2017, check out NCSA's newest infographic. Keep in mind that on a weekly basis, NCSA and partners will distribute materials to make it easy to share valuable NCSAM 2017 information that supports the varying topics. Connect with us on social media and learn the latest NCSAM news by following and using the hashtag #CyberAware. Get involved in the conversation by participating in our weekly #ChatSTC Twitter chats, which take place every Thursday in October at 3 p.m. EDT/noon PDT (you can learn more about the October #ChatSTC chats and other NCSAM events  and submit your own event  here). NCSA has also created sample social media content that you can download and share leading up to and throughout the month. Additional information about NCSAM, along with resources like infographics, posters and social media content, can be found at staysafeonline.org/ncsam.

About National Cyber Security Awareness Month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Now in its 14th year, NCSAM was co-founded and is co-led by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, the nation's leading nonprofit public-private partnership promoting the safe and secure use of the internet and digital privacy. Recognized annually in October, NCSAM involves the participation of a multitude of industry leaders  mobilizing individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, academia, multinational corporations and governments. Encouraging digital citizens around the globe to STOP. THINK. CONNECT., NCSAM is harnessing the collective impact of its programs and resources to increase awareness about today's ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Visit the NCSAM media room: staysafeonline.org/about-us/news/media-room/.

About the National Cyber Security Alliance

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society. NCSA's primary partners are the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NCSA's Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; Aetna; AT&T Services Inc.; Bank of America; Barclays; CDK Global, LLC; Cisco; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Google; Facebook; LifeLock, Inc.; Logical Operations; NXP Semiconductors; RSA, the Security Division of EMC; Symantec Corporation; Intel Corporation; MasterCard; Microsoft Corporation; PayPal; Raytheon; PKWARE; Salesforce; SANS Institute; TeleSign; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA's core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (January 28) and STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the global online safety awareness and education campaign co-founded by NCSA and the Anti Phishing Working Group, with federal government leadership from DHS. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/.

About STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is the global cybersecurity education and awareness campaign. The campaign was created by an unprecedented coalition of private companies, nonprofits and government organizations with leadership provided by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Anti-Phishing Working Group. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security leads the federal engagement in the campaign. Learn how to get involved at stopthinkconnect.org.

SOURCE National Cyber Security Alliance

Related Links

http://www.staysafeonline.org


SAN DIEGO, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TPT Global Tech (OTCBB:TPTW) announced today its wholly owned subsidiary Lion Universe's www.lionuniverse.com management team Linda Kelly CEO, Enoch Brande Director of New Product Development and Antonia Henry VP of New Product Development will present the newest version of the Full HD Naked Eye 3D Lion Smart Phone without 3D Glasses September 12 -14 at the GSMA Mobile World Congress Americas in San Francisco. This event will be held at the Moscone Center and is expected to be the premier mobile industry event for the Americas this year. The tradeshow was held last year in Barcelona, Spain. Some of the Keynote speakers this year are Carlos Slim Domit CEO and Chairman America Movil, Thaddeus Arroyo CEO Business AT&T, Rajeev Suri President and CEO Nokia, Ajit Pai Chairman United States Federal Communications Commission to name a few.

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series

Lion Universe Technologies is a Los Angeles Base Mobile Technology think tank. The Lion Smart Phone is the first Full HD Naked Eye 3D smart phone ever launched in the United States. Lion Universe mobile 3D technology is Patent pending. TPTW is building industry leading personal cellular phones designed for a wide appeal. With a business model built on innovation and progress starting with the Lion Phone technology, the company produces high-quality and easy-to-use cellular phones. The Lion Phone was designed for consumers looking for portable and affordable cutting-edge technology. The Company's first generation phones come equipped with full high definition resolution screen for better viewing. This Full HD Naked Eye 3D Smart Phone is perfect for watching movies, playing games, even editing photos or videos

Whether it's looking at photos, playing music, emailing or surfing the web, consumers want more from their phones. The Lion Phone raises the bar for cellular phones. For the first time ever, cellular users can enjoy quality 3D viewing with the naked eyes no glasses required enjoying full high definition video with smooth playback.

"It is very exciting to have the team attend the GSMA Mobile World Congress tradeshow for two consecutively years. The team's 3D upgrades this past year to the Lion Phone should prove to be very impressive this year at the tradeshow in San Francisco," said Stephen Thomas, CEO of TPT Global Inc.

About TPT Global Tech

TPT Global Tech Inc. (OTC:TPTW) based in San Diego, California, is a Technology/Telecommunications Media Content Hub for Domestic and International syndication and also provides Technology solutions to businesses domestically and worldwide. TPT Global offers Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) and carrier-grade performance and support for businesses over its private IP MPLS fiber and wireless network in the United States. TPT's cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media and collaboration features in today's global technology markets. TPT's also operates as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a Master Distributor for Pre-Paid Cellphone services, Mobile phones Cellphone Accessories and Global Roaming Cellphones.

SOURCE TPT Global Tech

Related Links

http://www.lionuniverse.com


NASHUA, N.H., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With North Korea threatening high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack against the U.S. electric grid, experts at the Foundation for Resilient Societies estimate that a nuclear deterrent can be quickly established for a cost of about $5 per American. Protecting critical transformers with EMP blocking devices will add to North Korea's uncertainty on whether an EMP attack will succeed or not. This quick and realizable step can buy time for more comprehensive protection of the U.S. electric grid.

Extra high voltage transformers are the most critical and hardest-to-replace component of modern electric grids. The "E3" pulse from an EMP attack would induce high currents in these transformers, resulting in explosions and fires. A commercially-available and inexpensive protective devicea so-called "neutral ground blocker"can protect transformers from harmful EMP surges.

Neutral ground blockers were successfully tested by the U.S. Government at Idaho National Laboratory in 2012. Since 2015, a neutral ground blocking device has been under operational use by American Transmission Company in Wisconsin. Neutral ground blockers are commercially available but have yet to be installed in large numbers.

Neutral ground blocking devices cost approximately $500,000 for E3 protection and $600,000 with added E1 protection. About 2,500 extra high voltage transformers in the U.S. electric grid would need initial protection. Simple math reveals the equipment cost to protect the American population of 323 million would be approximately $5 per person.

"Protection of the U.S. electric grid against nuclear electromagnetic pulse attack will be both affordable and feasible," says Thomas Popik, president of Resilient Societies. This non-profit think tank currently has a funded study to propose a series of steps and funding mechanisms for full grid protection against nuclear EMP.

"Even a low-yield nuclear device can produce EMP effects that cause widespread damage to the electric grid," stated Dr. George Baker, professor emeritus at James Madison University and principal investigator at Resilient Societies. "E3 protection is a vital first step, but technologies developed by the U.S. Department of Defense can provide more complete protection against the high amplitude E1 pulse. Designing EMP protection into new equipment will dramatically reduce protection costs."

The Foundation for Resilient Societies is a Nashua, New Hampshire-based non-profit group that advocates for EMP protection of critical infrastructure. For more information, contact Melissa Hancock at [email protected] or 855-688-2430, extension 2.

SOURCE Foundation for Resilient Societies

Related Links

http://www.resilientsocieties.org


BERLIN, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of September 4, 2017 local time in Germany, the "China (Shenzhen.Longhua)  Germany (Berlin) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference and German Investment Conference of Tian An Cyber Park" which was joint hosted by Longhua District People's Government of Shenzhen Municipality and Tian An Cyber Park was held in Berlin. The representatives who attended the conference included Mr. Chen Yan, First Secretary of Embassy of People's Republic China in Germany, Mr. Chenqing, District Mayor of Longhua District People's Government of Shenzhen, Mr. Sunny Tao, Director/CEO of Tian An Cyber Park Group, Mr. August Hanning, Chairman of The China-Germany Friendship Association, Ms. Sabine Florian, Executive Director of German Industry & Commerce Co., Ltd, Mr. Jens Ullmann, Director of International Trade of IHK Potsdam, Mr. Zhao Wei, Permanent Representative of Qingdao Center for Business & Commerce in Germany, and the representatives of Germany Trade And Invest (GTAI), etc. More than 150 entrepreneur representatives came from China and Germany were also attracted to the conference. They discussed the opportunities for economic and trade cooperation of China and Germany against the background of globalization together.

Chinese and Germany Entrepreneurs Discuss the Opportunities for Economic and Trade Cooperation of China and Germany

About 150 entrepreneur representatives attended the meeting and communicated with each other. They came from the industries of consumer electronics, automation equipment, IT, new energy, semiconductor device, constructional engineering, machinofacture, precision instrument, real estate, consultation and relevant trade associations. They talked about a variety of topics ranging from the cluster, network, trend and investment of consumer electronics in Germany to the interpretation of China's investment environment. Entrepreneurs discussed the cooperation form to seek cooperation opportunities through the platform built by the conference.

Won the Award of "Best Innovative Enterprise Ecosystem Operator of China "

The International Data Group (IDG) and Germany Industry and Commerce (GIC) together awarded " Best Innovative Enterprise Ecosystem Operator of China" to Tian An Cyber Park based on its outstanding performance and contributions in the field of constructing an innovative enterprises ecosystem. As the creator and operator of innovative enterprises ecosystem, Tian An Cyber Park has built 17 parks in 11 cities in China now. It provides service for tens of thousands growing businesses, including 76 listed companies and more than 80 pre-IPO companies. And it also has cooperated with the innovative institutions of United States, Korea, Israel, France, Australia, Japan, Germany, Canada, Lithuania, England, etc. with the opening of ten international pathways. In the future, Tian An Cyber Park will continue to build the most valuable innovative enterprises ecosystem, focusing on the cultivation and incubation of enterprises' life cycle, helping develop the enterprise and further promote the transformation and upgrading of urban industry.

Signing "Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation"

At the meeting, Economic Promotion Bureau of Longhua District of Shenzhen Municipality, the China-Germany Friendship Association and Tian An Cyber Park signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation. They build innovation exchange platforms for Chinese and Germany industries positively, and promote the exchange of capital, high technology, talents and information between Berlin and Shenzhen and explore more in-depth cooperation and communication.

The president of Tian An Cyber Park, Mr. Sunny Tao hopes to build an economic cooperation platform between China and Germany, Berlin and Shenzhen on a higher level and more perfect system framework through the exchange. The platform can promote the communication and investment cooperation of high technology industry and advanced manufacturing industry between China and Germany, and encourage the deeper link between innovation entrepreneurship of Shenzhen and Germany's Industry 4.0, to further strengthen the connection in the aspects of innovative talents, information and technology of Chinese and German enterprise, and forge an international innovation enterprises ecosystem together. In the circumstance of deeper cooperation between China and German, Tian An Cyber Park will fully tap the potential cooperation of the two countries, to provide services and convenience for German enterprise, such as market expanding, product display, office occupancy, human resources, policy advisory, etc., and become one of the best partners and service platforms for the development of Germany enterprises.

Tian An Cyber Park made its first appearance at the IFA in Berlin, Germany

The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) has a history of more than 90 years which is known as the largest and most powerful exhibition for consumer electronics and household appliances in the world. In the past ten years, the exhibition has attracted more than 200,000 viewers worldwide each year. Today, it is not only a platform for new technologies and new products to gather and display, but also a carrier of exchange and interaction among industry, business and political people. It has become one of the important bridges leading China's companies to global market.

During the event, Tian An Cyber Park entered the core exhibition area of IFA together with the park enterprises. This is one of the innovative services provided by Tian An Cyber Park for the enterprises in the park. It is also an exploration and innovation of the "bring in" and "take out" international strategy.

During the exhibition, Tian An Cyber Park organized its enterprises to visit Germany and conducted in-depth, pragmatic and effective exchanges with the representative enterprises of German's Industry 4.0.

SOURCE Tian An Cyber Park
DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital media powerhouse Top 10 Jungle has just released its Top 10 Medical Alert Systems for 2017 and has given the top spot to Medical Guardian headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Read Expert Reviews. Compare Prices. Save Money. Get Offers From BBB Accredited A+ Rated Companies.

"I am very proud to introduce our Top 10 Medical Alert Systems of 2017," said Scott Escalante, Top 10 Jungle's marketing strategist. "My parents just turned 70 so this comparison chart has special meaning to me. We only evaluated and compared medical alert devices that were designed to protect seniors and all family members in a home health emergency. We looked at different scenarios including medical emergencies, falls, injuries while in the shower, as well as home invasion emergencies."

Turning 65 is a major turning point in one's life. Financially, you start thinking about retirement, getting additional tax breaks and Medicare eligibility. It is also time to think about safety. Every year, more than 1/4 of seniors 65 or older will experience a fall at home. A fall or medical crisis can be so severe that timely help may be the difference between life and death. Research has found that the fear of falling causes many seniors to limit their activity level, which leads to depression and anxiety in a senior's life.

Top 10 Medical Alert Systems by Top 10 Jungle is a free comparison chart that gives you the confidence and peace of mind to make the right decision and gain a sense of security and independence.

ABOUT TOP 10 JUNGLE

Top 10 Jungle is Radical Reviews and Mystical Madness.

The once secretive company has become a global provider of news and slick digital content. It is most well-known for its authoritative "Top 10 Reviews," "Best Rated Products" and "The Shop," the company's specialty eCommerce business.

TOP 10 REVIEWS

Top 10 Reviews provides rankings for Medical Alert Systems, Credit Card Consolidation Loans, Debt Consolidation, Debt Relief, Personal Loans, Credit Repair, Bad Credit Loans, Business Loans, Check Ordering, Anti-Virus Software, Pet Insurance, VPN Services, Web Hosting, Website Builders and more.

THE SHOP

Through its online superstore, Top 10 Jungle carries over 25,000 products through an eclectic mix of brands.

Immortality

Immortality is Top 10 Jungle's response to the new age consumer. Metaphysical and new age gifts to stimulate consciousness and inspire beauty. Immortality offers spiritual gifts that inspire the heart, enrich the mind and soothe the soul. Explore the collections of spiritual jewelry, metaphysical bath and body products.

Pet Bambino

Pet Bambino is Top 10 Jungle's solution for the conscious pet owner. The company is dedicated to improving the well-being of dogs, cats, fish, birds as well as all of God's creatures. We carry over 10,000 products and do our best to provide the healthiest organic and biologically appropriate foods available.

Planet

Planet is Top 10 Jungle's answer to natural living. It specializes in selling the finest organic and natural foods and oils. The company carries a large selection of Grocery, Home & Pet, Health & Wellness, Essential Oils, Baby & Kids, Beauty & Fashion, Bath & Body, and more.

To learn more about Top 10 Jungle, please visit the company's website at top10jungle.com.

For press inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact Benny Alvarez at [email protected].

Related Images

image1.jpg

Top 10 Medical Device Systems

image2.jpg

Top 10 Debt Relief

image3.jpg

Top 10 Pet Insurance

image4.jpg

Top 10 Personal Loans

SOURCE Top 10 Jungle

Related Links

https://top10jungle.com/top-10-medical-alert-systems-2


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, attorneys for Philip Shawe, the Co-CEO of TransPerfect Global, the world's largest privately-held provider of language services and language-related technology solutions, revealed today that Elizabeth Elting has formally requested that Mr. Shawe consent to her voluntary withdrawal of all tort claims against him in New York Supreme Court. The timing and nature of the request come on the heels of a New York State court ruling ordering that normal course discovery will proceed without regard to previous rulings in out-of-state unrelated cases. The discovery in the New York action may reveal additional facts related to Eltings true motives to force a sale of TransPerfect in the Delaware Chancery Court; many of Eltings claims were accepted as fact by Delaware Chancellor Andre Bouchard without the benefit of rigorous discovery.

In case number 155890/2014, Elting formally requested Mr. Shawe's permission to withdraw all her claims against Mr. Shawe including:

Assault and Battery

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Defamation

"I find the timing of Elting's withdrawal request highly opportunistic. The moment the New York court ruled that discovery will proceed, Elting and her attorneys suddenly seek to completely abandon claims after engaging in hostile and combative litigation for years," Shawe said. "I can only view the timing of Elting's motion as telling with respect to the merits of her claims. I have declared for years that claims against me were false; and I believe the true motivation for this request is to avoid the facts as I know them, regarding both New York and Delaware actions."

Glenn K. Faegenburg, Shawe's attorney of The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown LLP, said, "For years Liz Elting's litigation against Shawe in the New York and Delaware courts has been predicated upon an extreme series of misrepresentations about Mr. Shawe. Unfortunately, their strategy successfully worked in the Delaware Chancery Court, which took Elting's side in that unrelated dispute. There were many falsehoods strewn against Philip Shawe that could have been exposed years ago had Chancellor Bouchard properly admitted relevant and discoverable emails into evidence."

Faegenburg continued, "Elting's recent request for a voluntary discontinuance of their multi-million dollar counterclaims after years of contentious litigation is nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt to prevent Mr. Shawe from obtaining legitimate discovery, which will likely lead to the admission of critical evidence implicating Elting and her attorneys."

Faegenburg said, "This request to withdraw claims is intended to keep various courts from finding out that claims against Mr. Shawe were fraudulent, including specifically in this case, a false defamation claim. This should send a clear message to Delaware's Chancellor Bouchard that he was sold a story and bought it."

"This is just the tip of the iceberg, and is part of an overall strategy to improperly use the courts for personal financial gain. At long last, the truth about Elting and her lawyers' tactics is about to come to light."

Mr. Faegenburg's case is New York State Supreme Court Index Number 155890/2014.

SOURCE The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Linda McMahon, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration and voice of small businesses on President Trump's Cabinet, will speak at the America's Small Business Development Center's Annual Conference in Nashville and visit with small businesses, lenders and economic development champions throughout the city. This trip is part of her nationwide SBA Ignite Tour focused on listening to business owners; educating about SBA's services for access to capital, mentoring and federal contracting; advocating for entrepreneurs; and driving economic growth with small businesses.

Administrator McMahon will visit with a local small business, Caviar and Bananas; a true SBA success story, and recipient of two SBA-backed loans, with an amazing story to tell.

McMahon will also discuss the latest SBA Disaster Assistance efforts for Texas and other affected areas.

WHAT: Small Business Visit and Media Tour

WHEN: Thursday, September 7, 2017

1:45 PM

WHERE: Caviar and Bananas Gourmet Market & Cafe

2031 Broadway

Nashville, TN 37203

(615) 340-9005

WHO: SBA Administrator Linda McMahon

Kris Furniss, Owner, Caviar & Bananas

WHY: Linda McMahon serves as the 25th administrator of the SBA and advocates on behalf of the 30 million small businesses in America. Small business owners take a risk on an idea, invest in their communities, and create jobs. Small businesses are the engine of America's economy, and in Tennessee, more than 95.5 percent of the businesses are small and employ nearly 50 percent of Tennessee's workforce, or 1.1 million people. Follow Administrator McMahon's tour across the nation via social media with #SBAIgniteTour.

Media: please confirm your participation by Noon, Thursday with

[email protected].

Contact: Shawn McKeehan, 615- 337-3969,

Internet Address: www.sba.gov

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Blogs

Advisory Number: MA 17-10

SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

Related Links

http://www.sba.gov


SKANEATELES, N.Y., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning in 2018, toy retailers across the country will reap the double benefit of two iconic children's brands coming together in HABA USA's new Highlights toy line.

HABA USA, the high-quality, European toy brand parents have trusted for more than 75 years, has partnered with Highlights, the beloved American media brand, to create an affordable new line of toys blending the time-tested educational and developmental expertise of both brands. Fusing proven play patterns with European design and modern manufacturing processes, the new line will feature high-quality wooden toys and games that every family can afford. The Highlights line will launch with 12 developmentally-appropriate toys for children ages 12 months and older, incorporating Highlights' popular "That's Silly" designs as well as animal- and monster-themed toys. Additional products will be forthcoming.

HABA USA will be promoting the line via their current marketing and sales channels, which have proven highly-successful over the years. Likewise, Highlights will introduce and tout the line ensuring both parents and children will be clamoring for the products.

Lea Culliton, President of HABA USA, says, "The wholesome, educational promise of Highlights is a perfect fit for HABA USA's classic, trusted, time-tested play patterns and we look forward to bringing the iconic and recognizable elements of the brand to life through this line. We're also pleased to be able to offer a more affordable version of our traditional line, so that every family can afford a HABA USA toy!"

Mary-Alice Moore, SVP and Publisher, Highlights Retail Group, says, "The HABA partnership anchors our strategy to grow the beloved Highlights brand beyond our successful book, magazine, and digital publishing programs. The quality and innovation of the Highlights by HABA line will deliver a play experience that furthers our vision of raising curious, creative, caring, and confident  kids."

About HABA USA:

Bring home Europe's very best with HABA USA, the high-quality brand that parents have trusted for more than 75 years! HABA USA fuses time-tested play patterns with European design and modern manufacturing processes to create their award-winning line of wooden toys and games. From toy cars and trains to building blocks and pretend play props, HABA USA's line of classic, non-electronic toys and games has something (stylish!) for everyone. Join generations of children around the world who have to have their HABA!

About Highlights:

Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose" for over 70 years, global media brand, Highlights, (www.highlights.com) has helped millions of children foster their creativity and become their best selves. Its magazine portfolio includes the flagship HighlightsTM magazine for children 6-12, Highlights High Five TM for children 2-6, High Five BilingueTM, an English/Spanish version of High FiveTM magazine, for children 2-6; and Highlights Hello magazine for children 0-2 and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Highlights Press launched in 2015 and is one of the fastest-growing children's book divisions at retail.

For more information about this partnership, contact Molly Collins at [email protected]. For additional information on HABA usa, visit www.habausa.com. For additional information on Highlights, visit www.Highlights.com.

SOURCE HABA USA

Related Links

http://www.habausa.com/


RIVERSIDE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning September 16th, UCR ARTSblock will present Mundos Alternos: Art and Science Fiction in the Americas, the culmination of a worldwide exploration including 18 months of travel throughout 6 countries. Exhibition curators Robb Hernandez, Tyler Stallings, and Joanna Szupinska-Myers visited more than 400 artists, curators, and scholars and selected over 30 contemporary artists, who work within the science fiction genre to imagine new realities and alternate worlds.

Hector Hernandez, Bulca, 2015 Jillian Mayer, I Am Your Grandma, 2011 (video still)

Mundos Alternos is a reflection of the curators' relentless efforts to identify established and emergent voices in the field many showing in Southern California for the first time. "Mundos Alternos is the first project that considers the convergence of visual art, science fiction, and Latin American studiesa convergence that has the potential to generate further inquiries in all of these fields," says Joanna Szupinska-Myers, Senior Curator of Exhibitions at the California Museum of Photography and co-curator of the exhibition.

Visitors should expect the unexpected by way of large-scale installations, photographs, sculpture, drawings, paintings, performances, and video installations that encompass 11,000 square feet in ARTSblock's two adjacent buildings: the California Museum of Photography (CMP) and the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts. The curatorial team has also produced a major contribution to the field of science fiction studies in the form of a heavily illustrated book that includes original essays by the curators and leading scholars with expertise in Latin American, Latino/a, and Chicano/a visual culture, with an emphasis on the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Central America.

"We have selected a swath of artists across the Americas who have created artworks that point to alternate worlds, in which self- determination and autonomy can occur in a present that is already the past pointing to a future," explains Tyler Stallings, Artistic Director of the Culver Center of the Arts and co-curator of the exhibition.

Mundos Alternos brings together the work of international artists from across Latin America and Latino artists from throughout the United States. Artists early in their careersincluding Beatriz Cortez (b. 1970, San Salvador, El Salvador), Jillian Mayer (b. 1984, Miami, FL), Hector Hernandez (b. 1974, Laredo, TX), and Clarissa Tossin (b. 1973, Porto Alegre, Brazil)provide a new way of thinking about contemporary art in the Americas. While more established artistsGuillermo Gomez-Pena (b. 1955, Mexico City, Mexico), Gyula Kosice (b. 1924, Kosice, Czechoslovakia, d. 2016, Buenos Aires, Argentina), and Ruben Ortiz Torres (b. 1964, Mexico City, Mexico) illustrate an intersection between generations in a field that has never been explored with such scholarly aptitude and vigor. Mundos Alternos is the start of an idea that affects the way we think of contemporary art and will change the way history is written.

"This exhibition is the first effort of transnational scope to identify the growing tendency of science fiction in contemporary Latin American and Latino art, a tendency that recasts 'the future' at a time when debates over immigration reform, militarized borders, mass deportations, and efforts to build 'the wall' might suggest otherwise," explains Robb Hernandez, Assistant Professor of English at UCR and co-curator of the exhibition.

"Building on UCR's international reputation in the study of science fiction, this ambitious exhibition contributes new scholarship to the field of contemporary Latin American and Latino/a artistic expression," says Sheila Bergman, ARTSblock Executive Director.

The grand opening of Mundos Alternos will be held on September 30, 2017 from 6:00-9:00pm at UCR ARTSblock. Mundos Alternos: Art and Science Fiction in the Americas is on view from September 16, 2017 through February 4, 2018.

The exhibition is curated by Robb Hernandez, Assistant Professor of English at UCR; Tyler Stallings, Artistic Director of the Culver Center of the Arts; and Joanna Szupinska-Myers, Senior Curator of Exhibitions at the California Museum of Photography. Kathryn Poindexter, CMP Assistant Curator, is Project Manager.

UCR ARTSblock is open 11am-5pm Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-7pm Friday-Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday, and closed Monday. Open late until 9pm every first Thursday of the month. Admission is $5.

For more information, visit artsblock.ucr.edu and pacificstandardtime.org.

Press Contact: Patrick Edgett, [email protected], (909)475-7661

View Riverside Art Museum's exhibition Myth & Mirage: Inland Southern California, Birthplace of the Spanish Colonial Revival, also part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, during a concurrent Opening Celebration on September 30, 6:00-9:00pm.

***List of Artists and Country of Origin as Attachment***

ABOUT PST:LA/LA

The exhibition is part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles, taking place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions from Santa Barbara to San Diego, and from Los Angeles to Palm Springs.

Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty with arts institutions across Southern California. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America.

Major support for this exhibition is provided through grants from the Getty Foundation.

Additional support is provided by UCR's College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS), and the City of Riverside.

About UCR ARTSblock

UCR ARTSblock brought together the California Museum of Photography (founded in 1973), the Jack and Marilyn Sweeney Art Gallery (1963), and the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts (2010).

The extensive art, photography, and research collections of the CMP and Sweeney Art Gallery make ARTSblock an important destination for audiences as well as researchers working in a wide range of fields.

ARTSblock's activities embody UCR's commitment to broadly-based public education and cutting-edge research. As a university museum and art gallery, ARTSblock is committed to offering students opportunities for professional museum work. Students from UCR and elsewhere are involved under the aegis of independent course status, internships, work-study, and as volunteers.

For more information, visit www.artsblock.ucr.edu.

SOURCE UCR ARTSblock

Related Links

http://artsblock.ucr.edu


'Lucky' doesn't begin to describe the amazing product placement that Vac-Tron received on the big screen. The movie showed the true power of the Vac-Tron units as actors Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, and Adam Driver used the unit to suck money out of an underground vault and into the vacuum unit for the big heist.

The Vac-Tron unit made its 'star' appearance within a few minutes of the movie starting. It was a surreal experience to see the Vac-Tron unit live and in action with the loud cheers from the crowd. The movie showcased the unit at least 10 times with extended periods during each shot and the crowd's enthusiasm increased every time. This was a humbling experience for the employees of Vac-Tron to see a unit that they built in the little city of Okahumpka, FL make it to the big screen. Vac-Tron units have been built in Central Florida for over 20 years and shipped all around the world.

A reporter with The Daily Sun interviewed Vac-Tron's Founder Don Buckner and President Tim Fischer. "We never thought that we'd make it on the big screen and we are excited for all of our employees. We have a great team and to be able to celebrate this event and our 6,000th unit is a true honor," said Fischer.

"I started Vac-Tron in my two-car garage more than 20 years ago. We started with nothing and built it to the organization it is today," said Buckner. "It's just surreal to me to imagine that we had this kind of success with our equipment."

It's no wonder the director decided to use a Vac-Tron unit when looking for a versatile way to safely dig and suck material up quickly for a project, even if it was just for a movie. While Vac-Tron does not list "robbing a NASCAR race," as an application for its product, there are many highly efficient applications for a Vac-Tron unit, i.e. locating utilities, potholing, directional drilling, controlled excavation, industrial cleanup and many more.

Vac-Tron Equipment is the industry's innovative leader and one of the world's largest producers of industrial vacuum equipment and vacuum excavation equipment. Vac-Tron Equipment, which has more than 30 industrial vacuum products and more than 50 wet and dry uses, has 115 dealer locations in North America.

Contact vactron.com for a demo in your area.

SOURCE Vac-Tron Equipment

Related Links

http://vactron.com


NEW YORK, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

WallStreet Research (WSR), a top-ranked independent research firm with a history spanning over three decades, today announced that the firm has updated Corporate Profile coverage on ChineseInvestors.com Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX). WallStreet Research is ranked Number One on the Google, Yahoo, and Bing search engines in both small and microcap research with a global following. An updated analyst Corporate Profile Report, together with additional information about WallStreet Research, is available at the http://www.WallStreetResearch.org website. The WSR Corporate Profile highlights the Company's recent accomplishments and growth plans for 2017 and beyond.

Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. ("CIIX" or "the Company") headquartered in San Gabriel, California, with offices in New York and Shanghai China, is a premier financial information website for Chinese speaking investors. http://www.Chinesefn.com, provides web-based, timely market information about United States publicly traded stocks and foreign currencies with free quotes, charts, market news, and links to investment research. The Company recently announced it is planning to launch the first Chinese Daily Video News Broadcast from the NYSE floor covering cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin currency. CEO, Mr. Warren Wang, an expert in the cryptocurrency market, will be able to add his commentary to the daily broadcasts on the Company's website at http://www.ChineseFN.com . The Company earlier announced it is launching cryptocurrency education and trading subscription services on its ChineseFN.com website platform to subscribers.

The Company currently tracks United States stock market quotes and provides access to sample investment portfolios for educational purposes, as well as real-time trading demonstrations. Through its relationship with Phoenix Television, the Company produces and broadcasts a weekly television show covering the financial markets entitled "Wall Street Weekly." In addition, CIIX offers a wide range of investor relations services to publicly-traded companies in the United States and China. CIIX went public in 2011 and has profited from earning and holding shares in publically traded companies through its consulting and advisory services over the past few years.

In recognition of the unprecedented opportunities in the non-industrial hemp industry, CIIX has expanded its business to capitalize on the growing demand for non-industrial hemp based products including healing oils, food products, and other health and beauty products. CIIX has opened its retail store "Chinese Wellness Center" in the predominantly Chinese community of San Gabriel, California. In addition, CIIX announced its release of its first CBD oil product line, "OptHemp", a premium, private label oil, made from full-spectrum, Colorado grown, GMO-Free, non-industrial hemp, manufactured using a CO2 Extraction process. As part of its expansion, the Company also has established a wholly owned foreign enterprise, "XiBiDi Biotechnology Co. Ltd," also known as CBD Biotechnology Co. Ltd., which operates its site ChineseCBDoil.com. In May 2017, CBD Biotechnology appointed Summer (XiangYang) Yun as CEO. Yun's initial focus will be the launch o "CBD Magic Hemp Series" cosmetics line, which is expected to launch this quarter with 3-5 CBD-based core skin care products. Yun is a marketing and branding executive with over 25 years of experience. CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd. plans to use multiple sales channels to implement its sales plan.

The Company filed its most recent 10K report for the year ended May 31, 2017, and reported total revenues of $1.67 million, up from $.95 million in the previous year, a growth rate of 76%. The growth in revenues consisted of strong revenue growth from subscription sales and from increased investor relations and consulting activities. The operating loss was $4.9 million vs. $2.9 million, and EPS was ($.86) vs. ($.26) from the prior fiscal year. The Company had incurred additional costs related to its growth strategy of adding several new lines of business including the ChineseHempOil.com activities, CBD Biotechnology, and others.

The Company in its 10K filing announced it has authorized up to 10 million shares in Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to accredited investors at $1 per share, each share converting into two shares of common, with a 6% annual dividend for two years. It has thus far completed approximately $2 million of the offering.

Mr. Alan Stone, Managing Director of WallStreet Research commented, "CIIX is gearing up for another year of strong growth with its new expanded business activities and improved financial position."

About WallStreet Research

WallStreet Research ("WSR") is a prominent research boutique led by Mr. Alan Stone, Managing Director of Alan Stone & Company, LLC (ASC). The firm specializes in the microcap and small cap investment arena, looking for emerging growth companies with strong management, unique or proprietary technology, significant market potential, financial strength, and outstanding long-term earnings growth possibilities. The firm has offices in Los Angeles, CA, Palm Beach, FL, and New York City, NY, and is well known for discovering undervalued companies and bringing them to the attention of the investment community. ASC/WSR also arranges road shows for its publicly traded clients, before the investment community in New York City, California and Florida.

Information on WallStreet Research can be found at http://www.WallStreetResearch.org.

About ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (CIIX)

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc., (CIIX), headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in New York and Shanghai China, is a company that engages in providing a wide range of products, services, and information for the global Chinese population. Founded in 1999, CIIX endeavors to be an innovative company providing (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) support services to various partners; (c) consultative services to smaller private companies considering becoming a public company; (d) advertising and public relation related support services; and (e) other services they may identify having the potential to create value or partnership opportunity with their existing services. http://www.Chinesefn.com.

The Company offers various products beyond its website information, the Company also offers a wide range of investor relations and is now beginning to change focus of solely being a premier Internet information provider by expanding into retail and online sales of CBD products via http://www.ChineseCBDoil.com and http://www.ChineseHempOil.com .

CIIX maintains its commitment to continue to grow its membership subscriptions and investor relations business thus adding to the potential for continued growth in the near future.

Information on CIIX can be found at http://www.ChineseInvestors.com.

Disclaimer

The information presented herein is not to be construed as an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities. This corporate profile is not a research report, but a compilation of information available to the public, which has been furnished by the featured company or gathered from other sources, in each case without independent verification, and no representations are made as to the accuracy or validity thereof. The information may include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Commission Act of 1934, which may be affected by unforeseen circumstances or certain risks. Any investment in securities contains inherent risks and should only be done after consulting an investment professional. The featured company paid a fee of $3500 in cash to Alan Stone & Company LLC for preparation and distribution of this profile, including other potential fees associated with various consulting and investor relations' services. For complete disclaimer information, readers are hereby referred to the Disclaimer Page at the http://www.WallStreetResearch.org website.

Contact / Source:

WallStreet Research

Alan Stone, +1-310-444-3940

[email protected]

Barbara Blake, +1-415-419-4239

[email protected]

http://www.WallStreetResearch.org

http://www.SouthFloridaInvestmentForum.com

http://www.SouthernCaliforniaInvestmentForum.com

http://www.SmallCapConference.org

ChineseInvestors.com Inc.

227 W. Valley Blvd. Suite 208 A

San Gabriel, CA 91776

Alan Klitenic, Investor Relations

+1(214)636-2548

Email: [email protected]

Headquarters: +1(888)789-1670

http://www.Chineseinvestors.com

http://www.Chinesefn.com

http://www.ChineseCBDoil.com

http://www.ChineseHempOil.com

SOURCE ChineseInvestors.com Inc. and WallStreet Research
"We were an early adopter of the Microsoft platform for devices and cloud services," states John Bailey, Whitlock VP of Technology. "This gave us a first mover's advantage to support key enterprise customers. We also adopted these new technologies internally to improve our team collaboration and service delivery to customers both in the US and around the world."

Microsoft announced a Partner First message at Inspire, where they are shifting their sales and marketing strategies to support their top partner channels. Whitlock has been in the audio, video and now UC industry for more than 60 years, and the company is a founding partner of the Global Presence Alliance. This history of strong relationships and global partnerships positions the company for continued support of the Microsoft message.

"Congratulations to Whitlock on being awarded the 2017 top U.S. sales and top global sales partner for Surface Hub. Microsoft relies on innovative partners like Whitlock to drive Windows 10 and Surface Hub value in all our customer accounts," said Margaret Arakawa, General Manager, U.S. Windows & Devices at Microsoft Corp.

In addition to winning awards and being designated as a Modern Workplace Partner, Whitlock also earned an upgraded status from a U.S. member to a global one, joining the Microsoft Multinational Partner Network (MPN).

"Our customers are looking for one partner to procure, integrate and manage their technology solutions globally," explains Julian Phillips, Whitlock EVP. "With this new status, we can expand our delivery capability to existing customers around the world. We are proud of our growth and the strong partnership with Microsoft."

This week in Durham, Whitlock is hosting its Vibe Roadshow on the future of work, with Microsoft featuring its new devices and delivering the event's keynote. Learn more at http://www.whitlock.com/events/vibe-durham-northcarolina/.

About Whitlock

Whitlock is a video collaboration company that provides strategy, management, technologies and support to the world's largest and most innovative businesses. We believe face-to-face collaboration creates stronger relationships and makes way for both business and personal success. What we give to a customer is the ability to connect, work together and share ideas with each other and the world, with a reliable video experience every time. Whitlock serves customers across the U.S. and provides multi-national solutions through the Global Presence Alliance.

SOURCE Whitlock

Related Links

http://www.whitlock.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Wisconsin voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Wisconsin voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 603 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17, 18, and 19 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.0 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Wisconsin voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 77.5 percent of Wisconsin voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 14.2 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 68.9 percent to 19.8 percent, Wisconsin voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Wisconsinites want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Wisconsin voters' views on sanctuary policies:

77.5 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These views are shared by Hispanic voters, 70.6 percent of whom support that requirement.

68.9 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

66.5 percent of likely voters want Sen. Ron Johnson to support H.R. 3003, including 50.7 percent of Democrats and 65.5 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 50.7 percent of Democrats and 65.5 percent of Independents. 61.0 percent of likely voters want Sen. Tammy Baldwin to support H.R. 3003, including 79.4 percent of Republicans and 57.6 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) announced today that the Company will be participating in the Barclays CEO Energy-Power Conference to be held September 5-7, 2017 in New York City.

Tracy Krohn, W&T Offshore's Chairman and CEO, is scheduled to make a presentation on Wednesday, September 6, at 12:25 p.m. Eastern Time. The presentation will provide an update on the Company's operations and will be broadcast over the Internet. The webcast link to the audio presentation and accompanying slides can be accessed live and for replay by visiting the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.wtoffshore.com.

About W&T Offshore

W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. The Company currently has working interests in approximately 50 producing fields in federal and state waters and has under lease approximately 730,000 gross acres, including approximately 480,000 gross acres on the Gulf of Mexico Shelf and approximately 250,000 gross acres in the deepwater. A majority of the Company's daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T Offshore, please visit the Company's website at www.wtoffshore.com.

Lisa Elliott

Dennard Lascar Associates

[email protected]

713-529-6600

Danny Gibbons

SVP & CFO

[email protected]

713-624-7326

SOURCE W&T Offshore, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.wtoffshore.com


TOKYO, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's Wear Daily (WWD), the leading source of news and insights for the fashion, retail and beauty industries, will host its debut Retail 20/20 Forum: Tokyo on February 28, 2018. Cohosted with LUMINE, the leading developer of full service shopping centers in Japan, the event is set to draw top executives from Japan, the United States, Greater Asia and beyond.

"We are thrilled to produce our first live event in Japan and bring WWD's exciting fashion, retail and beauty content to life in one of the most prominent fashion and business capitals in the world," said Amber Mundinger, Fairchild Live's VP, New Ventures and GM, Summits + Events.

WWD's premier retail event, Retail 20/20 takes place each year in both New York and London. In addition to these two markets, WWD Retail 20/20: Tokyo will continue annually through 2020, in partnership with LUMINE.

"LUMINE prides itself on innovation and not only pioneering, but creating new markets and 'Life Value.' Through this approach, we hope to work as a cornerstone of further growth by revitalizing the Japanese retail industry, including the development of human resources. We greatly look forward to our upcoming partnership with WWD," stated Yoshiaki Arai, chairman of LUMINE.

With more than 30 annual events, including 10 C-level summits and forums, Fairchild Live brings the editorial properties of Fairchild Media to life by connecting industry stakeholders at events designed to inform and inspire. With content curated by WWD's renowned editorial team it's where relationships are born and deals are made.

For more information about Fairchild Live and the WWD Retail 20/20 Forum: Tokyo, visit www.fairchildlive.com

About WWD

WWD is the authority for news and trends in the worlds of fashion, beauty and retail. Featuring daily headlines and breaking news from all Women's Wear Daily publications, WWD provides the most comprehensive coverage anywhere of fashion, beauty and retail news and is the leading destination for all fashion week updates and show reviews from New York, Paris, Milan and London.

About LUMINE

LUMINE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya Tokyo, CEO: Yuji Morimoto) is a company that manages representative commercial facilities in Japan.

LUMINE is at a center of group company of East Japan Railway Company, Japan's largest railway company, and has 16 stores directly connected to major stations (e.g. Shinjuku station) around Tokyo. LUMINE has gained the support by proposing cutting edge fashion trends for women living in the metropolitan area and creating new life value beyond customer expectations.

For more information about LUMINE Co., Ltd., please visit www.lumine-info.com

SOURCE WWD
SILICON VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In the recently released results of Face Recognition Vendor Test, a prestigious international benchmark, Yitu Technology, a company from China, won first place in four different categories, overtaking the Russia company Vocord, a long-established international security brand that beat Google in various facial recognition benchmarks for years, and Morpho, a well-known French biometrics company.

Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT), is a benchmark organized by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which serves as the official guideline for U.S. government purchases. The test results are the golden standards of global security industry in practice.

The test datasets of FRVT are all of real-world scenarios provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, e.g. massive number of photographs taken by border control agencies and in criminal investigations. Compared to other popular tests setup by academia, such as LFW and MegaFace, FRVT is more practical and at a larger scale. Not only is the test dataset scale in the order of millions, but also it is not available to the public, thus, results in effective prevention against algorithmic over-fitting or any manner of unfair practices.

Table 1: Comparison on the test scenarios, datasets and key factors of facial recognition.



Administered By Data sources Dataset size Testing data Performance metrics LFW University of Massachusetts Internet Celebrities 10,000 (easy to over-fit data) Testing data is public; difficult to ensure training and test data training independence Recognition performance results in 1/1000 false match rate making it difficult to determine difference between algorithms MegaFace University of Washington Internet Celebrities 1,000,000 Testing data is public; difficult to ensure training and test data independence First hit rate from over a million data points allows for comparing differences among algorithms FRVT National Institute of Standards and Technology Official data from US immigration and criminal investigations 1,000,000 Testing data is not public (blind test) Largest scale for testing, 1/10,000,000 false match rate (sample taken from pool of over 10 billion sample pairs)

Table 2: Comparison on the results of renowned brands on three test datasets (Hikvision did not provide data)



Yitu Technology Vocord Tencent Youtu Dahua Baidu Megvii Sensetime FRVT 95%, 1st place 93.5% 2nd place









MegaFace

91.7% 1st place 83.3% 2nd place







LFW



99.8% 2nd place 99.78% 4th place 99.77% 7th place 99.5% 99.53%

Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW), is collected and maintained by the University of Massachusetts. he test dataset scale is in the order of ten thousand. A number of companies from China, including Baidu, Tencent, Dahua, Megvii, and SenseTime, achieved results of over 99.5% accuracy.

MegaFace is a public facial dataset collected and maintained by the University of Washington, which is 100 times larger than LFW and more capable of distinguishing performance differences of algorithms developed by participants.

The long-established Russia company Vocord won first place, with 91.7% accuracy, which is 8% ahead of Tencent, which ranked second.

In the highest class of competition, the advantages in training dataset and computations do not guarantee the best algorithmic performance.

FRVT is organized by NIST

The test results have the highest credibility, which originate from the rigorous and comprehensive.

Test datasets are from real-world scenarios, meaning good results imply immediate straight deployment of the technology. The dataset is in the order of 1 million out of 10 billion possible samples .

t he evaluation processed with such a large-scale test dataset gives consistent results on algorithm performance, thus distinguishes the leading companies in the field . The test dataset is not available to the public (blind test), thus fairness is assured.

Due to the unavailability of the test dataset, the participants are not able to use them as a training set, thus over-fitting, or any other unfair advantages were effectively avoided. Therefore, FRVT reflect ed fair results over LFW and MegaFace . FRVT adapts professional and objective approaches. FRVT provides detailed evaluations of recognition performance, such as, the speed of the models, the size of characteristics databases, comparative thresholds , e tc. on different areas like background, ethnicity, age and gender.

According to the latest official report, Yitu ranked No.1

The result is 95.5% accurate, subjected to the false match rate of ten-millionth (based on 10 billion samples). This is 2% higher than the Russia company, Vocord, whose accuracy is only 93.5%.

This is the ever-best result from the most prestigious public evaluation based on the large scale dataset, which shows a significant increase from 2014 when NEC, a Japanese company, ranked first.

FRVT evaluates recognition performance in details concerning different scenarios, ethnicities, genders and ages. As described in the official FRVT report, its test dataset covers real-world scenarios such as border control, ID passes and city-level security.

Yitu ranked No.1 in four major scenarios.

The algorithm developed by Yitu was consistent in its performance in detailed ethnicities and gender tests. However, as the difficulty increases, the algorithms submitted by its rivals showed a drop in recognition accuracy. The results justify the adaptability of Yitu's algorithm on different datasets of various real-world scenarios. For example, Yitu's algorithm performed well despite current issues with darker skin tones.

The report as of June 19, 2017:

https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2017/06/20/frvt_report_2017_06_19.pdf

The unbelievable increase of Artificial Intelligence

Over the last for years the key testing factors and false match rates have dropped from one-thousandth to ten-millionth. The accuracy has increased ten thousand times. It could be foreseen that recognition performance comparison subject to the key test factor of false match rates of thousand-millionth, one-billionth, or even ten-billionth will emerge very soon.

This would be another AI recognition power growth of thousand times.

We can imagine that high performance facial recognition based on super-large-scaled comparison, as large as one in one-billion, with super-low false match rate of one-billionth, will unleash this technology to wider range of daily settings.

Facial recognition at all levels, from a single building, to a city, or metropolitan areas, to even a whole nations, is becoming possible.

For more information contact:

Li Jingyi

[email protected]

Han Yang

+86-021-6151-7311

[email protected]

SOURCE YITU TECH
FRASER, Mich., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- zipLogix, creators of zipForm, today announced an increased presence in the Chicago real estate market after signing an agreement with renowned brokerage Baird & Warner, one of the nation's top real estate firms. Baird & Warner has an unrivaled record of success and longevity in the industry and has prevailed in Chicagoland real estate for more than 160 years.

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To discuss industry-leading technology solutions of zipLogix, please contact a zipLogix representative at (866) 693-6767 or visit www.ziplogix.com.

Fraser, Mich.-based zipLogix, creators of zipForm, is a technology company created by, owned by and working for real estate professionals to improve productivity and efficiency industry wide. Its software automates and simplifies the repetitive and complex steps of real estate transactions, and is used by more than 700,000 real estate professionals across the country.

About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.

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SOURCE zipLogix

Related Links

http://www.ziplogix.com


Lucknow, Aug 30 : Deaths of children and infants at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur continued to mount, with more than 40 deaths reported in the last 48 hours.

Local and national TV reported that 42 children have died in the hospital, three weeks after over 60 children, including infants, died in a span of five days.

Officials at the hospital confirmed the deaths but said it was "not due to paucity of medicines, doctors or oxygen" as had allegedly been the case when more than 60 children died in a span of a week earlier this month.

Principal of the medical college, P.K. Singh said the deaths were routine in August as the acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is at its peak in the month.

Talking to IANS, the principal said that between Sunday to Monday midnight, 25 children had died, with seven succumbing to AES. The remaining 18 died due to other complications like infections, pneumonia and other causes.

Singh said that a total of 344 "on bed patients" were admitted in the ward. Of the 25 deaths, 10 had taken place in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and 15 in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).

Doctors inform that many children come to the hospital in "extremely critical condition" from Bihar, Nepal as well as other districts of the state, where it is "nearly impossible to reverse their condition".

The BRD medical college attracted global attention when more than 60 children, including infants, died at the hospital within a span of a week earlier this month. The deaths reportedly happened due to disruption in the oxygen supply by the vendor who was not paid for several months. The charge however was denied by the state government.

AES has become a scourge in many districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. According to a report by the Directorate of National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP), 26,686 cases of encephalitis were reported in the state between 2010 and August 2017.

Of this, 24,668 cases were of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and more than 2,000 of Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Out of the AES patients, 4,093 died between 2010-17 period, 308 JE deaths were also reported between the corresponding period.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a five-time MP from Gorakhpur, says he has launched a battle against the diseases. He has also stressed that besides vaccination, cleanliness is the best way to keep the vector borne disease out. Under the 'Swacch Bharat' campaign, the Chief Minister says a lot was been done in Uttar Pradesh's AES affected areas.
Darjeeling, Sep 1 : The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership on Friday expelled the Morcha's Joint Secretary Binay Tamang and senior party leader Anit Thapa, accusing them of conspiring to derail the Gorkhaland movement in the north Bengal hills.

"The GJM central committee has expelled Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa from the party. They were not working in sync with the party's aspirations and attempted to derail the Gorkhaland movement," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told IANS.

Tamang, who was also the Chief Coordinator of the party, was removed from his post on Thursday evening after he announced withdrawal of the indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills for 12 days.

Other senior leaders of the GJM, including party chief Bimal Gurung, vehemently rejected the news that the shutdown had been called off and alleged Tamang and Thapa of conspiring with the state government.

Giri also informed that some of the GJM leaders would be present at the September 12 all-party meeting convened by the state government.

"We have decided to send some of our party leaders in the all-party meeting," he said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee decided to hold a second round of all-party meeting in the north Bengal branch of state Secretariat -- Uttarkanya -- after finding the first leg of meeting in Kolkata "satisfactory".
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Sydney, Sep 1 : An increase of just 1-2 degrees Celsius in shallow waters on the West Antarctic Peninsula has radically reduced marine diversity, a new study revealed on Friday.

Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre placed heating panels at the bottom of the seabed in order to measure what effect it would have on local marine species.

Although the temperature only warmed the water a few millimetres above the panels, the increase was enough to have "massive impacts on a marine assemblage", the study said.

Marine biologist Jonny Stark from the Australian Antarctic Division told Xinhua news agency here that the results of the study were "very surprising".

"It goes against a lot of what we understand about how animals respond to changes in temperature, particularly in Antarctica," Stark said.

"The fact that a couple of species had a big increase in their growth rate was quite unusual at only one degree above what it would usually be at that time of year."

Over the course of the nine-month study, the research highlighted that very little is known about what impact climate change will have on the balance of sea life in certain parts of the world.

In an area like Australia, differences in ocean temperatures are likely to change around 10-20 degrees throughout the year, however, species in Antarctica have evolved in an environment where there is very little variation in temperature.

"It's certainly a concern, I don't think anyone was expecting to see such an increase with only one degree change in temperature," Stark said.

As other marine animals decreased, two particular species began to thrive.

A marine worm known by its scientific name Romanchella perrieri and Fenestrulina rugula, a small invertebrate, both grew by around 70 per cent in the area.
Yangon, Sep 2 : More than 2,600 houses have been burned down over the past week in the Rohingya-majority areas of the country's northwest, the Myanmar government said on Saturday, in one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence involving the Muslim minority in decades.

"A total of 2,625 houses from Kotankauk, Myinlut and Kyikanpyin villages and two wards in Maungtaw were burned down," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

The Myanmar officials blamed the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which is said to be defending Rohingya Muslims, for the fires in Rakhine villages. The group claimed responsibility for last week's coordinated attacks on Army posts, which led to further clashes and a major clampdown by the country's military forces.

The Rohingya Muslims fleeing the violence to Bangladesh, however, insist that a campaign of arson and killings by the Myanmarese Army aimed at forcing them out of the country is responsible for the carnage and destruction in the area, according to reports.

The skirmishes and ensuing Army crackdown have killed at least 400 people and led to evacuation of more than 11,700 "ethnic residents" from the area, government officials said, referring to the non-Muslim population of northern Rakhine.

According to the UN estimate, nearly 58,600 Rohingya refugees have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh from Myanmar. Another 20,000 Rohingyas are thought to be stuck along the Naf river, which forms the border between the two countries, a BBC report said.

Aid agencies say they are at risk from drowning, disease and venomous snakes.

Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended aid work in Rakhine amid the intensifying violence.

"We are coordinating with the authorities to resume distribution for all affected communities as soon as possible, including for any people newly affected by the current unrest," the WFP said in a statement.

The suspension of food assistance operations would affect 250,000 internally displaced and "other most vulnerable populations," the statement added.

Rakhine, the poorest region in Myanmar, is home to more than a million Rohingyas. They have faced decades of persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are not considered citizens.

Between 300,000 and 500,000 Rohingyas live in Bangladesh but only about 32,000 of them have refugee status and live in camps in the Cox's Bazar district.
Phnom Penh, Sep 3 : Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha was arrested on Sunday for allegedly plotting a conspiracy against the government along with others, including foreigners, authorities said.

The authorities in a statement added that they possess a video clip to confirm the allegation, reports Efe news.

The arrest was confirmed by Kem Sokha's daughter, Monovithya Kem, who tweeted that her father and the bodyguards were taken away by the police without a warrant after they raided his home.

"Kem Sokha is in police custody at city hall. Handcuffed. No arrest warrant. After 100-200 police raided and vandalized his home," she tweeted and later added that his whereabouts is currently unknown, but "he's likely still in Phnom Penh".

The arrest came after weeks of political tension following the government's ban in July on references to Sam Rainsy, Sokha's predecessor.

Sam Rainsy has been living in self-exile in France since 2015 after facing a lawsuit filed against him by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, and Defence Minister Tea Banh warned in June that the country could plunge into civil war if his Cambodian People's Party loses next year's general election.
Seoul, Sep 3 : South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday ordered all available diplomatic efforts to completely isolate North Korea after Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test earlier in the day.

Moon convened an emergency National Security Council (NSC) meeting, which lasted for one-and-half hours from 1.30 p.m. (local time), according to the presidential Blue House.

The meeting was called to discuss countermeasures following Pyongyang's test of what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb that can be loaded onto a ballistic missile with intercontinental capabilities, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the NSC meeting, President Moon instructed high-ranking cabinet members and senior secretaries in charge of foreign affairs, security and defence to draw up the strongest punishment measures on North Korea in cooperation with the international community.

North Korea's state TV announced the country's test of the device meant for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was a complete success.

North Korea's sixth nuclear detonation was officially confirmed by the Blue House during a press conference held by Chung Eui-yong, top national security advisor to President Moon.

Moon said all available diplomatic actions, including new UN Security Council resolution, should be considered to completely isolate North Korea in response to the its sixth nuclear device test.

The South Korean leader said his country would never tolerate an advancing technology of the North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, ordering the military to maintain a full defence readiness against further provocation.
Phnom Penh, Sep 3 : Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Sunday accused the US of master-minding an anti-government plot by Cambodian main opposition leader Kem Sokha, the media reported.

Sokha, President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested early on Sunday at his home in Phnom Penh and sent to a prison in Tboung Khmum province, about 150 km from here.

"It is the United States. The act of treason by conspiring with foreign country, betraying his own nation, requires immediate arrest," Xinhua news quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Hun Sen said Sokha's arrest would not affect the national election, which is scheduled on July 29, next year, and called on the people to keep calm and let the court proceed with the case, government-aligned media Fresh News reported.

The arrest was made just hours after an old video clip broadcast by Australia-based CBN (Cambodian Broadcasting Network) was posted on Facebook showing Kem Sokha speaking with his supporters in Australia on December 8, 2013.

Sokha told his supporters that he followed the order of the US to prepare an anti-Cambodian government plot, taking the model of the strategy that had been used to topple the governments of Yugoslavia and Serbia.

The government said the video clip and other evidence collected by authorities clearly indicated the conspiracy between Sokha and his accomplices with a foreign power, which harms Cambodia.

Sokha is facing charges of treason and espionage under article 443 of the country's Criminal Code, a government statement said.

In its statement on Sunday, the CNRP vehemently condemned Sokha's arrest, saying that it "is politically motivated and violates law and constitution" because Sokha is a lawmaker who has parliamentary immunity.
Kolkata, Sep 3 : Jaipur Pink Panthers avenged their defeat at the hands of table-toppers Gujarat Fortunegiants in their first meeting with a clinical 31-25 victory in a Zone A Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) tie at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium here on Sunday.

With co-owner Abhishek Bachchan in attendance, skipper Jasvir Singh (six points) led the charge, with Somvir Shekhar (four points) and Pawan Kumar (four points) giving him good company.

Somvir was brilliant defensively with four tackle points. For Gujarat, Sachin's efforts with seven raid points and Abozar Mighani's work defensively (four tackle points) went in vain.

Courtesy the triumph, Jaipur are now on third in Zone A with 28 points from eight games while Gujarat remained top of the heap having 43 in their kitty from 12 outings.

The last time the two sides met, Gujarat won 27-20 over the inaugural champions.

Without the services of Manjeet Chhillar who is out for the last last three matches with an injury, Jaipur showed they have the arsenal to beat the in-form side.

Gujarat were leading 8-6 in the beginning but Jaipur, who never their more successful rivals so far this season pull away, drew level riding Ajit Singh's two raid points.

It was all Jaipur from there on as they inflicted an all out on Gujarat to lead 14-9.

Star raider Jasvir started the second half with a bang helping Jaipur further consolidate their lead at 15-9.

Jaipur never let the match slip away and with seven minutes to go to the final whistle, handed another all out to their rivals stretching the lead to 26-17.

As much as the men in pink had their raiders to thank, their defence looked rock solid throughout the match.
Berlin, Sep 4 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Turkey should not become a number of the European Union (EU) but declined to close the door for Ankara.

"I don't see Turkey entering the European Union, I never did, it was different for the SPD however," said Merkel on Sunday in the TV duel with her major election rival Martin Schulz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Xinhua news agency reported.

Merkel argued that the cease of the accession talks with Turkey can only be decided in the concert of the EU states.

"Such a step must be well considered," said the German chancellor.

Merkel said she did not want to break Germany's ties with Turkey or cease Turkey's opportunity to join the EU, as at least 50 per cent Turkish people hope to join. The decision needs careful consideration.

Schulz said at the TV duel that if he becomes German Chancellor, he will stop accession talks with Turkey.
Berlin, Sep 4 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said although "radical Islamists" are perpetrating acts of terror in Europe, she still believed that "Islam belongs to Germany".

Merkel made the remarks on Sunday at the TV duel with Martin Schulz, chancellor candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), her major rival in the upcoming federal elections, as refugee and immigration issues are some of the prime focuses in the debate, Xinhua news agency reported.

Both Merkel and Schulz see no issue with Muslim immigration to Germany, but Merkel said the 2015 refugee crisis has left Germany with a "difficult task" of integrating new arrivals into society, making sure they find places in educational institutions and the labor market.

"People who don't have the right to be in our country should leave it -- people have already been deported," said Merkel, defending her open-door immigration policy, calling for fighting the causes of such crises, like the violence in Syria.

Merkel called for cooperation with Turkey, Libya, Niger and other countries in solving refugee and immigration issues, and in the meantime opening channels for legal immigration. She also urged to better screening asylum seekers on for what reasons they come to Germany.

The SPD chairman Schulz criticized that Merkel had not voted with the European partners at the beginning of the refugee crisis in autumn 2015, however, Merkel defended her decision of two years ago to allow over about 1 million refugees to enter Germany, mostly from war-torn Middle East and North Africa, that she could not act otherwise.

"It had to be decided," Merkel said.

When talking about anti-terrorist efforts, Schulz said he could not ensure that terrorist attacks like the Berlin attack last December, which killed 12, could not repeat.

The duel was broadcast by four German TV stations and was expected that up to 20 million viewers, about one fourth of German population, could watch it.

It was the only TV debate before German federal elections on September 24. Latest polls showed Merkel's CDU party and their Bavarian CSU sister enjoying about 17 percentage point lead over Schulz' SPD, which hoped to save the election campaign with the TV debate.

However, according to the quick poll by Infratest dimap after the debate, about 55 per cent respondents believed that Merkel was more convincing, against 35 per cent of that of Schulz.
Berlin, Sep 4 : Bomb disposal experts in the German city of Frankfurt have successfully defused a massive unexploded bomb from World War II, officials said.

The news was greeted with spontaneous applause among some of about 65,000 people who were evacuated to enable experts to make the bomb safe, BBC reported on Sunday.

Many residents are now awaiting permission to return to their homes.

The evacuation on Sunday morning was the biggest in post-war German history, involving hundreds of officials. Police checked every designated house with heat-detection technology to make sure everyone was out.

The evacuation area in the Westend district included hospitals, nursing homes and Germany's central bank. There are believed to be hundreds of thousands of unexploded wartime bombs across Germany.

Police early on Sunday morning cordoned off the 1.5 km evacuation area as residents carrying luggage vacated the danger zone. A few stragglers who were slow to move may be prosecuted, local media reported.

Many residents made the most of the day, either by visiting relatives or enjoying a day out in a different part of the city.

Police told local media that the evacuation took place on schedule even though a handful of residents - for various reasons - were not initially prepared to vacate the area.

The 1.4 tonne British bomb was found on a building site last Wednesday.

More than 100 patients from two hospitals were moved on Saturday including premature babies and people in intensive care. Some care home residents left early on Sunday.

Fire and police chiefs in the city warned that an uncontrolled explosion of the HC 4000 bomb would be powerful enough to flatten an entire street.

The bomb disposal operation was completed ahead of the 12-hour estimate.

Police helicopters carrying heat detecting cameras scoured the area as bomb disposal experts began their task. Police will continue guarding empty houses and apartments from burglars until evacuees have returned home.

The area affected included 20 retirement homes, an opera house, and Germany's central bank where half the country's gold reserves are stored.

The city opened shelters for evacuees to spend the day, and most museums opened their doors for free.

A smaller evacuation took place on Saturday in Koblenz, about 110 km west of Frankfurt, while experts disposed of a World War II that had been found during the construction of a new kindergarten.
Seoul, Sep 4 : South Korea on Monday conducted live-fire drills in which it simulated an attack on North Korea's nuclear test site, in response to the sixth nuclear test conducted by Pyongyang on Sunday.

The exercises included the launch of the Hyunmoo ballistic missile and projectiles fired by F-15 fighter jets, which accurately hit the designated targets in the Sea of Japan, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Efe news reported.

The distance to the simulated targets and their location were set in accordance with North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the northeastern province, where all six nuclear tests have been staged, a military spokesperson told Yonhap news agency.

North Korea on Sunday tested its most powerful nuclear bomb to date, technically known as a two-staged thermonuclear device which according to the North Korean regime, could be installed on an intercontinental missile, an achievement which would be a dangerous advance in its military capabilities.

The international community has unanimously condemned Pyongyang's new atomic test. Seoul and Tokyo have also called for more sanctions on Pyongyang.

US President Donald Trump said that he was considering suspending trade with any country doing business with Pyongyang and also hinting at a possible attack on North Korea.

Defense Secretary James Mattis said Sunday in Washington, that the US is preparing for and examining all military options after North Korea said it successfully tested an H-bomb.

"Any threat to the US or its territories, including Guam or our allies will be met with a massive military response - a response both effective and overwhelming," Mattis said.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged the US and Russian presidents to push North Korea to a halt its arms development, in phone conversations with both presidents.

The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday to discuss the new nuclear test conducted by North Korea.

The meeting was called by the US, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea, according to the US mission to the UN.
Iowas Republican-dominated congressional delegation largely praised the Trump administrations move Tuesday to rescind the Obama-era program allowing 800,000 younger undocumented immigrants to be shielded from deportation.

However well-intentioned DACA may have been, the program was created by executive edict rather than by Congress as the Constitution requires," Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Tuesday, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which President Barack Obama created by executive order five years ago.

There were signals in recent days the Trump administration would end the program. And the announcement Tuesday drew criticism from Democrats, including Iowas lone Democrat in Congress, Rep. Dave Loebsack. He called the decision disheartening.

We should not allow children who were brought to this country through no action of their own -- including men and women who have proudly served in the United States military -- to be deported, Loebsack said.

The 2012 order was roundly attacked by Republicans after it was issued. And as a candidate, Donald Trump also criticized the program. However, since he took office, his administration has debated how to deal with it. Trump has even expressed admiration for the young immigrants, who are sometimes called Dreamers. At one point, Trump said "we love the Dreamers."

Most DACA recipients are in Southern and Western states, but some are in every state in the nation. In Iowa, about 2,800 were in the program as of earlier this year, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an arm of the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Rosa Mendoza, executive director of the Diversity Service Center of Iowa, a nonprofit in Muscatine, said the center has helped with about 50 DACA applications. Mendoza said Tuesday that she is disappointed in the decision and that DACA recipients have become part of the community.

Theyve found stability through the program, she said. Now, they live in fear.

In her reaction, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, noted the circumstances of the younger immigrants presence in the state, saying we must show compassion toward these children. She added, while I do not support giving them citizenship, we must identify and pursue a measured approach that addresses their unique situation, but also respects the importance of our immigration laws ..."

Rep. Rod Blum, R-Iowa, said he backed the presidents decision.

I believe the decision President Obama made to implement the program on DACA was unconstitutional, and I agree with President Trumps decision to return power to Congress to write, debate and vote on legislation.

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, also praised the move in tweets over the weekend.

Its not clear whether Congress will take any action on immigration before March 5, when benefits for existing DACA recipients expire. But Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has proposed a bill, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would grant permanent legal status to people in similar circumstances as DACA recipients if they meet certain conditions.

On Tuesday, Durbin said the administration's actions have started the clock on Congress to prevent "rolling mass deportations of hundreds of thousands of young people" and urged passage of his bill.

Grassley had a different take on how deportations might proceed. In his statement, he said he expected the administration would focus on deporting "criminals ahead of those who have otherwise abided by our laws."

The Trump administration said Tuesday that current DACA recipients will be allowed to retain deferred action benefits and their employment authorization documents until they expire, unless they're terminated or revoked. DACA generally runs for two years from issuance.

No new requests will be taken after Tuesday, the administration said. As for renewal requests, the administration said it would not accept any after Oct. 5.
Seoul, Sep 4 : South Korea on Monday conducted a live-fire drill in response to the sixth nuclear test conducted by North Korea a day earlier, the media reported.

The drill intended to simulate a strike on North Korea's Pyunggye-ri nuclear test site involved the Hyunmoo ballistic missile system and F-15K fighter jets, reports Yonhap News Agency.

In the drill, the Army's Hyunmoo-2A surface-to-surface missile and the F-15K's SLAM-ER precision-guided air-to-ground rocket hit a designated target in the East Sea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

It said the range to the simulated target was set in consideration of the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site in its northeastern province.

The JCS did not specify the location of the drill.

The Hyunmoo-2A's range is around 300 km, and the SLAM-ER can fly up to 270 km.

"The training demonstrates the South Korean military's resolve to destroy not only the origin of provocation but also the enemy's leadership and supporting forces if they threaten the security of our people," JCS spokesman Col. Roh Jae-cheon told the media.

He added: "We staged the real-distance shooting exercise, simulating the Punggye-ri area as the origin of provocation."

The Ministry of National Defence, meanwhile, said it was preparing for joint measures with the US military for a show of force against the North Korean provocation.

"South Korea and the U.S. are in consultations on appropriate ways on the issue," ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said at a press briefing.

North Korea on Sunday tested a hydrogen bomb deemed as its most powerful nuclear bomb to date.

Technically known as a two-staged thermonuclear device which according to the North Korean regime, could be installed on an intercontinental ballistic missile, an achievement which would be a dangerous advance in its military capabilities, reports Efe news.

The international community has unanimously condemned Pyongyang's new atomic test. Seoul and Tokyo have also called for more sanctions on Pyongyang.

US President Donald Trump said that he was considering suspending trade with any country doing business with Pyongyang and also hinting at a possible attack on North Korea.

Defence Secretary James Mattis said Sunday in Washington, that Washington preparing for and examining all military options after North Korea said it successfully tested an H-bomb.

The UN Security Council will meet on Monday to discuss the test.

The meeting was called by the US, France, UK, Japan and South Korea.
Xiamen (China), Sep 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasized the need for cooperation among the BRICS member nations for peace and development.

"Cooperation is important for peace and development. A strong BRICS partnership on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the SDGs (sustainable development goals)," Modi said while speaking at the plenary session of the bloc's three-day summit here.

He started his address by thanking Chinese President Xi Jinping for the warm reception and excellent organisation of the 9th edition of the annual summit.

The Prime Minister stressed on accelerating cooperation in smart cities, urbanisation and disaster management - continuing the dialogue at Goa in India during the last summit. "We are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty, to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education," he emphasised.

He said that the BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- can work closely with the International Solar Alliance to strengthen the solar energy agenda and that affordable, reliable and sustainable access to energy is crucial for development of nations.

"Renewable energy is particularly important," Modi added.

Appreciating a boost in people-to-people exchanges, Modi stated that such inter-mingling would consolidate their links and deepen their understanding.

He said that BRICS has developed a robust framework for cooperation, contributing stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty.

Modi welcomed cooperation for capacity building between BRICS and African countries in areas of skills, health, infra, manufacturing and connectivity.

Modi, who arrived in Xiamen on Sunday for the summit, said: "Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote co-operation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF."

He urged for early creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

The Prime Minister stressed on the women's empowerment programmes as productivity multipliers, saying it would lead to "mainstream women in nation building."

"Our endeavours today touch diverse areas of agriculture, culture, environment, energy, sports, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology)," he added.

Apart from the BRICS members, Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico, and Thailand have been invited by China as special guests for the summit.

Modi and Xi are to meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on Tuesday to discuss a range of issues.
: Mumbai: Star India CEO Uday Shankar and BCCI and the court-appointed committee of administrators (CoA) member Diana Edulji during the auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights for TV and ... Image Source: IANS

: Mumbai: Star India CEO Uday Shankar addresses during the auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights for TV and digital broadcast in Mumbai on Sept 4, 2017. Star India on Monday bagged the ... Image Source: IANS

Mumbai, Sep 4 : Star India on Monday bagged the Indian Premier League media rights for TV and digital broadcast worth Rs 16,347.50 crore with a single consolidated bid worldwide during the auctions here.

Star India edged past Sony to acquire the rights from 2018 to 2022.

Initially, 24 companies picked up rights papers to contest for the several rights up for grabs in the auction organised by the BCCI.

Several bigwigs of the ilk of Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Yahoo, Reliance Jio, STAR India, Sony Pictures, Discovery, Sky, British Telecom and ESPN Digital Media purchased the bid rights papers.

Latest updates on IPL 2020
New Delhi, Sep 5 : Grammy nominated Indian-American songwriter, rapper and recording artiste Raja Kumari says she wants to push the south Asian profile forward worldwide.

Raja will begin her musical career in India with global music company Sony Music in a recording and an exclusive management deal.

"It is really exciting and inspiring to be in India right now. I have always wanted my music to be the bridge between the East and West. I want to push the south Asian profile forward worldwide and I think working with an amazing team of Sony Music will help me achieve this," Raja said in a statement.

"I believe this is just the beginning of my journey in the motherland and I know that together we will create some amazing music for the people worldwide. I'm here to make history," she added.

Her music has Indian classical roots influencing her hip-hop/rap expression.

She has penned hits for international artistes like Iggy Azalea, Gwen Stefani and Fifth Harmony.

"Raja Kumari's music has a unique blend of western and Indian influences. Her global music sensibilities and song-writing will resonate equally with the Indian as well as the international audience," said Rohan Jha, Pop Lead at Sony Music India.

Her debut single "Mute" garnered rave reviews and Sony Music is set to release her first single under the label.
Cape Town, Sep 5 : The South African government refuted claims that foreign nationals in South Africa, and in particular Somalians, are being killed every second day in Cape Town.

"The discourse of Somalian isolation to crime is incorrect," Xinhua news agency quoted Minister in the Presidency and Chairperson of Inter-Governmental Committee on Migration (IGCM) Jeff Radebe as saying on Monday.

He was responding to claims by the Somali Community Board of South Africa (SCBSA) that Somalian refugees have become the target of crimes as a result of xenophobia.

Crime affects everyone irrespective of nationality or race. This type of isolation may foster strong identification within a community and lead to relatively conflictual relations with other groups, said Radabe.

The SCBSA claims that dozens of Somalians have been murdered in South Africa since the beginning of this year, with most of the murders taking place in Khayelitsha, an impoverished area in Cape Town.

Referring to reports that Somalians are arming themselves in an attempt to protect themselves and their properties, Radebe said firearm owners in South Africa have to be legally licensed and follow the protocols as required by law to obtain a firearm.

The government discourages any attempt by the Somali nationals to cause divisions among community members, Radabe added.

South Africa has been hit by xenophobic attacks over the past few years, with the most recent spate of violence taking place in February this year, in which dozens of foreign-owned shops and businesses were burned down.
Xiamen (China), Sep 5 : Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed the Belt and Road project at a BRICS forum here, saying that the initiative has received a good response.

India has opposed Xi's ambitious project, the artery of which -- China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- passes through a part of Kashmir held by Pakistan.

Speaking at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, Xi said: "Four years ago, I put forward the idea of building a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st century Maritime Silk Road. The initiative received a warm response from the international community.

"In May this year, China hosted a successful Belt and Road forum for international cooperation.

"Together with the participating countries and international organisations, we outlined a vision for future cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative and proposed the concrete measures to support countries along the belt and road in pursuing sustainable development," he added.

India had boycotted and skipped the grand event, citing opposition to the CPEC.

"It was widely agreed that the philosophy and the vision of the Belt and Road initiative and its focus on policy infrastructure trade and financial and people-to-people contact have much in common with 2030 agenda of sustainable development," the President added.

However, the project was not mentioned in the joint declaration of the five-member bloc -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- which was released on Monday.
Tokyo, Sep 5 : A Japan Airlines (JAL) plane bound for New York made an emergency landing at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday due to a fault in its engine, the Transport Ministry said.

After departing from Haneda at 11 a.m. (local time), the crew aboard the Boeing 777 alerted the airport controller at the airport about the fault in the left engine, reports Xinhua news agency.

The plane, carrying 250 passengers, landed safely, the airline said.

Flames were seen coming from the left engine of the plane when it took off and there were reports the engine was on fire, according to the ministry.

Both the airline and the ministry said that a bird strike was the likely cause.

Smoke was also seen on the runway from where the aircraft took off.
Lucknow, Sep 5 : Upset over charges brought against senior doctors of a state-run hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Farrukhabad, where 49 infants died within a month, all government doctors in the district went on mass leave from Tuesday.

An FIR was lodged on Monday against the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) and a senior child specialist of the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) district hospital following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's directive.

Office bearers of the medical associations in the state informed that they have decided to be on leave till September 7, but added that emergency and post-mortem services would not be disturbed.

The Provincial Medical Services (PMS) Association has urged the state government to form a technical team to evaluate the deaths of infants.

A non-technical team has been probing the deaths of 30 infants in the neonatal critical care unit and 19 in the delivery room between July 20 and August 21, due to poor treatment, lack of attention and paucity of oxygen.

Accusing the state government of acting in haste and under pressure, the doctors have warned that the victimisation of innocent doctors must be stopped immediately.

In a memorandum sent to Principal Secretary (Health) Prashant Trivedi, the PMS doctors have also demanded that the FIRs against the three doctors be immediately withdrawn.

President of the district PMS Association Ashok Yadav and General Secretary Amit Singh have pointed out that only critically ill patients are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and doctors work hard to save their lives with "limited resources and man power".

The also spoke to Health Minister Siddhartha Nath Singh.

On Tuesday, Joint Director Medical Health Karan Singh reached Farrukhabad and started the probe ordered by the state government.

The government on Monday had also transferred three officials of the district including the District Magistrate.
Srinagar, Sep 5 : Students in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam and Pulwama districts took to the streets on Tuesday to denounce attacks on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

On Monday, similar protests were held in Tral town.

Social media sites are awash with Kashmiris expressing their anguish over the attacks on Muslims in Myanmar.

Over 4,000 Rohingya refugees are living in Jammu city after fleeing their country.
Beijing, Sep 5 : Chinese authorities have mapped out a 400 million yuan ($61 million) development plan to turn a red rock basin in the country into a Mars simulation base for scientific research and eco-tourism.

Liu Xiaoqun, from the moon and deep-space exploration department of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), said on Tuesday that a planning meeting was held in Qinghai province to determine the base's development, reports Xinhua news agency.

As China's only Mars simulation science and recreation base, we hope it will focus on the scientific theme of space exploration."

The red rock area in Qaidam basin in western Qinghai has been called the most "Martian" place on the Earth, with its natural features, landscape and climate all similar to those on the red planet.

The provincial government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences signed an agreement last November to build the base.

China has started an unmanned Mars probe project and plans to launch it around 2020.
NORTHWOOD | A local anti-CAFO group on Tuesday will ask the Worth County Board of Supervisors to support a petition temporarily halting construction of new hog confinements statewide until scoring methods are revised.

Worth County Against CAFOs is scheduled to speak with the board during its regular meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Worth County Courthouse.

Worth County residents rally opposition to CAFOs KENSETT | There was an unspoken yet prevailing theme Thursday night at a meeting of Worth Co

The group in a news release said it will give the board an Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) petition, to place a moratorium on new concentrated animal feeding operations until the Iowa DNR's master matrix -- a system that approves new confinements based on scoring -- until it is updated.

Board members will also be asked to sign a letter of support for the petition, the group said. Its members have been attending board meetings since July, sharing concerns about what they say is an "influx of CAFOs" in the county.

Worth County Against CAFOs says it's concerned about pollutants, health risks and sewage disposal issues related to hog confinements.
New Delhi, Sep 5 : A man who distributed stolen electricity to over 700 consumers in Delhi's Nangloi area has been sentenced to two years simple imprisonment and fined Rs 57 lakh, discom BSES said on Tuesday, Special Courts at Dwarka and Karkardooma have convicted a resident each at Nangloi (west Delhi) and Seelampur (east Delhi) of large scale power theft, a BSES statemnt said.

The Special Court at Dwarka convicted Om Prakash for distributing stolen electricity to over 700 consumers in Bakkarwala in Nangloi. He got two years in jail and was fined Rs 57 lakh.

The Special Court of Karkardooma convicted Shiv Mangal of Seelampur for power theft. BSES said he was caught stealing over 30 KW for industrial purposes.

"The BSES inspection team was accompanied by Delhi Police. Subsequently, a power theft bill of Rs 1.24 lakh was raised, which the accused did not pay," a BSES spokesperson said.

In July, a young engineer lost his life and four other officials were seriously injured when they were attacked by power thieves.

Earlier this year, the BSES announced the sentencing of three offenders to jail terms and cumulative fines of over Rs 55 lakh.
Srinagar, Sep 5 : The NIA on Tuesday said it has arrested two stone-pelters in Kashmir in connection with an ongoing probe into terror funding to stoke unrest in the Valley.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) official identified the arrested accused as Javed Ahmad Bhat and Kamran Yusuf of Kulgam and Pulwama districts, respectively, of Jammu and Kashmir.

On August 17, the counter-terror agency had arrested Zahoor Ahmed Watali, a prominent businessman of Kashmir.

On July 24, the agency had arrested seven separatist leaders in connection with its probe into terror funding from Pakistan and militant groups based there.

The NIA had asked Kashmir Bar Association President Mian Qayoom on Monday to appear before it on Tuesday as a witness, and not as an accused, in the case.

Valley-based lawyers on Tuesday boycotted courts in protest against the summoning of Qayoom by the agency.
New Delhi, Sep 5 : Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday defended the government's decision to deport Rohingyas, saying they were illegal migrants who did not have same rights as any ordinary Indian.

He said that international organisations and human rights bodies were unfairly accusing the government of being harsh towards the Rohingyas.

"Let me make it very clear. Rohingyas are illegal migrants and not Indian citizens... So they are not entitled to anything that any ordinary Indian citizen is entitled to," Rijiju told a press conference.

He said his statement in the Parliament regarding deportation of Rohingyas was based "completely on a legal position".

"They are illegal migrants and as per law, they stand to be deported. So we have instructed all state governments to constitute task force to identify Rohingyas and start the process of deporting them.

"It's a completely legal process," Rijiju said.

However, he added, India is a nation with democratic tradition.

"We are not going to throw them in the middle of the ocean or going to shoot them. Why are we being accused of being very inhuman," he asked adding that international human rights organisations were unnecessarily targeting the central government.

"India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world. So no one should teach India the lesson on how to deal with refugees," he said.

Rijiju had earlier told Parliament that the central government had directed state authorities to identify and deport illegal immigrants, including Rohingyas.
Bengaluru, Sep 5 : Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence, police said. She was 55.

"She was shot dead from a close range at her house in Rajarajeshwari Nagar (in the suburbs) around 8 p.m. as she was entering the house," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar told reporters here.

"A total of seven bullets were fired out of which four missed the target and hit the wall of the house. Three bullets had hit her -- two in her chest area and one in the forehead," he said.

Her brother Indrajit Lankesh demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death.

"I don't have any words to say. It is shocking that my sister, a journalist and activist, was targeted this way," he told reporters.

"There must be a CBI investigation into the death and there must be severe punishment for the killers," he said.

The Commissioner meanwhile said that police have "extracted the footage from CCTVs around the house and will examine it closely".

"We will register a case of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and set up a special team to nab her killers," a police official told IANS.

Lankesh was Editor of the weekly Kannada tabloid "Lankesh Patrika".

Karnataka's new Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who rushed to the spot with the Police Commissioner, told reporters that the assailants probably fired seven rounds.

"Within minutes, seven rounds were fired at close range. She was attacked outside her residence. As she had not sought police protection, no security was provided to her," Reddy said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the crime. "Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," he tweeted.A

"Gauri was an advocate of secularism. She fought against injustice," he told the media here.

"Police has formed three teams and begun investigations," Siddaramaiah said, adding that he had directed police to nab the killers at the earliest.

Congress state unit chief G. Parameshwara called her death a "great loss to the community of independent journalism". "Lost a dear friend, an accomplished journalist and a wonderful human being," he said.

A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh was convicted last year in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Pralhad Joshi.

Her siblings Indrajit Lankesh and Kavitha Lankesh are both film-makers in the Kannada film industry.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher M.M. Kalburgi was shot dead in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400km from Bengaluru.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed her "alarm" over Lankesh's killing and demanded justice.

"Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice," she tweeted.

Biotech firm Biocon's Chairman and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar Shaw tweeted: "Shocking and blood curdling to hear about the murder of Gauri Lankesh. These monstrous criminals must be nailed n dealt with sternly".
Gioia Tauro (Italy), Sep 5 : Italian Police on Tuesday seized 52.7 kilos of cocaine hidden inside coal sacks in a container ship at the port of Gioia Tauro with a market value of at least 10 million euros.

The narcotics had divided into 49 'loaves', were shipped from Paraguay and were destined for Israel's port of Haifa, police said.

Police said they used scanning devices loaned by the port authorities and cross-checks on customs documents seized from the ship to locate the cocaine.

Tuesday's operation was carried out on the orders of local anti-mafia prosecutors, police said.
Kolkata, Sep 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed alarm over the killing of senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh and demanded justice.

"Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice," Banerjee tweeted.

Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence in Bengaluru.

Lankesh was the editor of the popular Kannda tabloid "Lankesh Patrike". In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.
Hyderabad, Sep 6 : The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the Indian citizenship of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) legislator Chennamaneni Ramesh.

The member of Telagana state legislative assembly from Vemulawada constitutency on Tuesday received a letter from the central ministry to this effect.

A joint secretary in the ministry issued order, which may be reviewed in 30 days. The TRS leader plans to seek a review of the decision.

The Home Ministry took the action following last week's direction of the Supreme Court to inquire into and determine the dual citizenship of TRS legislator Chennamaneni Ramesh within six weeks.

The apex court's order came on a petition filed by Adi Srinivas, who contested election against him as the Congress candidate.

Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier set aside Ramesh's election on a petition by Srinivas, who alleged that Ramesh possessed citizenship of Germany.

Srinivas claimed that Ramesh had submitted fake documents, stating that he was in India for continuous one year.

The Supreme Court had stayed the High Court order and asked the Centre to inquire into Srinivas' complaint in six months. With the Home Ministry not addressing the issue even after one year, the petitioner again approached the apex court, which last week set the six week deadline.

The ruling party legislator maintains that he had surrendered his Indian passport and took German citizenship in 1993. However, in 2009, he applied for the Indian citizenship and was granted the same.
MASON CITY | A Mason City couple is looking to help feed and be a part of the North End revitalization in Mason City.

Vickie and Mike Lau officially opened The Blue Heron Bar & Grill Friday and hope to find success feeding the neighborhood -- and the rest of town.

They began their soft open Aug. 26, which is also the couples anniversary.

We celebrated our 24th anniversary by opening up, Vickie said. That was our present to each other.

For now, their daughters, Stephanie, Alyssa and Katie are helping along with other family members and friends.

Its a family business, Vickie said. Its just big enough.

The couples co-owner, Vivian Wyre, is Vickies mother. The blue heron is Wyres favorite bird and became the name of the comfort food restaurant, which also features a full service bar.

Were not scared of being on the North End, Vickie said. The community has been so supportive of us.

Were not going to be open at 2 a.m., Mike said.

Vickie said the local neighbors would stop in throughout the process, excited to see a business pop up in the area.

Every night that weve been open, the people coming in have been from the neighborhood, Vickie said. Its so nice to have the support of this neighborhood, too.

Facebook helped the couple grow a following as well. In a few days, hundreds of people were liking and following the page.

I couldnt believe it, Vickie said.

It took several months of elbow grease to clean up the place, Vickie said. The original floors are still in place but needed a lot of work and polishing.

Vickie is pleased with the work inside. The walls originally featured a dark red color with the brown woodwork.

It was dark and dreary, she said.

Now, with much lighter walls and freshly-scrubbed woodwork, Vickie is happy that its more light and airy. The painted signs throughout the restaurant were made my Vickies friend.

Somebody said it reminds them of a Minnesota cabin, it reminds me of the beach, Vickie said.

They want to give their guests a comfortable atmosphere with good home cooking.

Mike wants to make as much as possible from scratch with burgers, sandwiches and other homemade items.

Weve been working the kinks out through the soft open, Mike said.

Mike went to culinary school in Portland where he met Vickie. They moved back to Mason City and worked at Gentle Bens, owned by Mikes grandmother.

They couple stayed, raised their family and decided to get back into the restaurant business.

It kind of came to us, Mike said. People around here need good food.

The Blue Heron Bar & Grill is located at 1401 N. Federal Ave. and will feature breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
CEDAR FALLS | The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's director of tourism, Libbey Hohn, was recognized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority for her dedication to the industry.

Hohn, who also serves as the Iowa Group Travel Association president and Travel Federation of Iowa president-elect, received a Governors Volunteer Award from Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg during a ceremony Sept. 1 in Cedar Falls.

Hohn is among more than 600 individuals who will be recognized through the Governors Volunteer Award program this year around the state.
FOREST CITY  Michaela Clark, 82, has always loved to read.

Sometimes I have three books going at once, said the Forest City resident.

Now she is encouraging others to develop a love of reading.

A few weeks ago she opened a Little Free Library in front of her house at 130 Westgate Drive. She thinks its the first one in Forest City.

A Little Free Library is a wooden box thats filled with books. The box has a door with a window so passers-by can see the titles of the books that are inside before they open it.

People are encouraged to take a book and return it, or keep the book and replace it with another book.

The more than 50,000 Little Free Libraries around the globe are maintained by volunteer stewards like Clark.

Clark said she had heard about Free Little Libraries here and there and mentioned it to her daughter Theresa Giradi, who lives in the Des Moines area.

Theresa told her husband, Tony, and he looked up the directions online on how to build a Little Free Library.

Clark, who had forgotten she had even told her daughter about the Free Little Libraries, was at their house and saw Tony building something.

I asked if it was a birdhouse and he said, No, its for you. Its your library, she said. Hes such a sweetheart.

Theresa painted the library for her mom.

Clarks other daughter and son-in-law, Lorie and Doug Bolinger, who live south of Forest City, installed the Little Free Library box on top of a post on the lawn next to the curb in front of her house.

Clark put some books from her huge collection in the box. She said she checks the library once in a while and can see people have removed books and replaced them.

One day she saw some children open the door to check out what was inside.

They were so cute standing there and going through them all, Clark said.

The youngsters came back and put some childrens books in the Little Free Library. Clark said she appreciates that because there werent many books for kids in the library originally.

Last Wednesday the Little Free Library contained novels by Danielle Steel, Tom Clancy, Herman Wouk and Gillian Flynn, as well as the classic childrens book The Story About Ping and the more contemporary Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

She plans to switch out some of the books in the box with others she owns.

You never know what people like to read, she said.

Clark has plenty of books to choose from.

I have quite a stash downstairs, she said.

Clark said her library, which is registered with the Little Free Library non-profit organization, is in an ideal spot, with lots of single family homes and apartment buildings in the neighborhood.

We have a lot of little kids from across the road, she said.

Its not difficult to start a Little Free Library of your own, she said. All the information is available online at littlefreelibrary.org.

The hardest thing was getting a building permit and all the stuff that goes with it, she said.

Clark hopes her library will encourage others to read, and maybe start Little Free Libraries of their own.

I hope it catches on and someone gets some good out of it, she said.
In, ShiPu Wang analyzes the works of four early twentieth-century American artists who engaged with the concept of Americanness: Frank Matsura, Eitaro Ishigaki, Hideo Noda, and Miki Hayakawa. In so doing, he recasts notions of minority artists contributions to modernism and American culture.

Wang presents comparative studies of these four artists figurative works that feature Native Americans, African Americans, and other racial and ethnic minorities, including Matsura and Susan Timento Pose at Studio (ca. 1912), The Bonus March (1932), Scottsboro Boys (1933), and Portrait of a Negro (ca. 1926). Rather than creating art that reflected Asian aesthetics, Matsura, Ishigaki, Noda, and Hayakawa deployed imagery of the Other by the Other as their means of exploring, understanding, and contesting conditions of diaspora and notions of what it meant to be American in an age of anti-immigrant sentiment and legislation.

Based on a decade-long excavation of previously unexamined collections in the United States and Japan, The Other American Moderns is more than a rediscovery of forgotten minority artists: it reconceives American modernism by illuminating these artists active role in the shaping of a multicultural and cosmopolitan culture. This nuanced analysis of their deliberate engagement with the ideological complexities of American identity contributes a new vision to our understanding of non-European identity in modernism and American art.
CEDAR FALLS  A 4-year-old is in intensive care after he was injured in a riding lawnmower accident Wednesday night.

According to a YouCaring page set up to help with medical expenses, the boy's name is Tate Manahl whose parents are Ryan and Fonda Manahl of Cedar Falls.

Fonda is a Dows native who graduated from CAL-Dows High School in 2005.

"Tate was rushed to Covenant Medical Hospital and later life-flighted to The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital," family friend Amanda Brenden wrote on the page. "Tate is currently heavily sedated and on a ventilator in the PICU to ease his pain and discomfort. Tate is scheduled to have a major surgery on Friday to begin mending his precious little body. The family is in desperate need of your prayers and support."

The page appeared to have already exceeded its $25,000 goal from nearly 300 donors by Friday afternoon.

The incident happened about 6:25 p.m. Wednesday behind a home in the 1700 block of Vera Way, which abuts Hudson Road in Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls Police Chief Jeff Olson said an adult operating the riding mower wasnt aware the child was outside in the vicinity of the mower. The child ran behind the mower as it was backing up and was struck by the mower, Olson said.

The boy was caught under the mower, and the mower had to be lifted off of him, police said.

Olson said no foul play is suspected in the accident. Cedar Falls firefighters and police and paramedics with Sartori Ambulance responded to the incident.
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A photo Linton posted to Instagram, which showed her disembarking from an Air Force jet with her husband during a day trip to Kentucky, received some critical comments. In response to one commenter who wrote "Glad we could pay for your little getaway. #deplorable," Linton unleashed a long rebuke.

"Aw!!! Did you think this was a personal trip?! Adorable!" Linton wrote. "Do you think the US govt paid for our honeymoon or personal travel?! Lololol. Have you given more to the economy than me and my husband? Either as an individual earner in taxes OR in self sacrifice to your country?"

Linton, who married Mnuchin in a June 2017 ceremony attended by the president and officiated by the vice president, went on to call the woman "adorably out of touch" and her children and life "cute."

In an interview and photo spread with Washington Life published on Tuesday, Linton, posing in ball gowns, apologized for the comment and the photo, calling her response "indefensible" and not reflective of her values.

"I concede completely to the comments of my critics. My post itself and the following response were indefensible. Period. I don't have any excuses, nor do I feel any self-pity for the backlash I experienced. I sincerely take ownership of my mistake," Linton said. "It's clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending. I wish I hadn't spoken in such a patronizing tone. It was an out of character, knee-jerk reaction, and I felt so awful about it that I removed it."

Linton added that her husband's government work did not, in fact, qualify as a sacrifice.

"I don't feel like a victim. I feel like the world gave me a good, hard wake-up call and I'm OK with that," Linton said. "I had no place to talk about sacrifice when there are millions of men and women making real sacrifices for this country every day. My husband is very fortunate to be part of the government. It is a great honor and privilege and in no way is his work, or my part in this, any kind of sacrifice."

The appropriateness of the day-long trip, during which Mnuchin, Linton, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell visited a gold stash at Fort Knox and viewed the solar eclipse in one of the country's prime viewing spots, is being investigated by the Treasury Department's inspector general, The Washington Post reported last week.

Linton called the episode a "life-changing event" that has helped her refocus on her interest in animal welfare.
A window to the world. Thats what its been said journalists provide.

In a sense, its absolutely true. We have a front-row seat to history. We listen, we watch, we question, we try to understand. Most important, we share.

We share what we see, what we learn, what we discover. And we share it with you.

No two windows are identical, however. Windows come in different shapes, sizes, tints and materials. Also, no two windows can offer the exact same view.

Similarly, no two journalists offer identical accounts of the same event. Each varies in experiences, histories, cultures and perspectives. Those variations dont mean journalists report skewed views of the world though.

As humans, each of us can walk away from watching an event or hearing a speech, with slightly (sometimes very) different perspectives. The same goes for an experience.

Why? Each of us has had our own individual experiences, shaping how we see, react and interpret the world around us.

Journalists are no different.

So, is a person inherently biased based on their experiences, history and learned reactions?

I think the answer could be yes. A lot of people agree humans are inherently biased.

So, lets apply this to a journalist. I think  and certainly hope  we can agree the public has a right to information, to know what is happening around them. Its a journalists role to fill that need and that right.

Sometimes that role is easy. We have straight facts, nobody disputes them, and we report them that way.

Most of the time its more complicated. Very rarely are the facts cleanly laid out. Even rarer: all sides agreeing with what is being said. Add complications, like not having access to speak to individuals involved in the story, not having complete access to all of the facts, and telling a complete story including every detail is harder than it looks.

Im not making excuses for journalists or complaining about the job. Having a front-row seat to history, working in a profession that is specifically mentioned in the U.S. Constitution is something that brings joy, a sense of purpose and  most important  responsibility.

As humans, we may inherently be biased, but as journalists, we learn to recognize those biases, make them known to ourselves, our editors and our newsrooms. We discuss those biases. We go out of the way, once we recognize a bias, to find those who have a different perspective. We learn to leave our opinions out of stories, and if we cant, we let another journalist who can to tell the story.

The Society of Professional Journalists has a Code of Ethics. Its one of the most widely used in the journalism profession. It discusses being transparent, seeking truth and being accurate, minimizing harm and holding ourselves accountable.

There are times when a journalists view and perspective and not just facts are absolutely needed. In order to gather facts and tell stories, we gain access to places people may not be able to get access. In these cases its very much up to the journalist to add context to what is happening; describe for the viewer what theyre seeing and experiencing. Is the crowd agitated? Are the people hopeful, angry, excited? In breaking and quickly developing stories this perspective can be very helpful and important.

I wish I could bring every person who tells me the media is biased into my newsroom for our daily morning meetings. Its how we start the day, each and every day. We pitch story ideas and discuss them in detail: who should we talk to, why is this important, do people care, what would this group say about the story? Sometimes the meetings are long, but theyre needed. Every day we try to make sure we are cutting through our biases, throwing our personal worldview upside down, so we can tell the most accurate truth in the context of the present facts.

My current newsroom is not unlike the rest around the country. These are common discussions that SPJ and other journalism groups encourage in newsrooms.

Journalists not only provide a window to the world, they provide many windows to the world. Each may vary from another, but ethical and responsible journalists will make sure people get the most accurate view possible.
In a Facebook post written shortly after the announcement was made, Obama said the White House's decision was not about improving immigration policy, adding that it was a political decision, not a legal one. After explaining why he established the program, Obama said Trump's decision to rescind it was "self-defeating" and "cruel."

"

He continued: "

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced in a press conference on Tuesday that the Trump administration would begin "an orderly and lawful wind-down" of the program, originally implemented by Obama in 2012.

"To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone that wants to come here," Sessions said. "As attorney general, it is my duty to ensure that the laws of the United States are enforced and that the constitutional order is upheld."

Sessions also lambasted Obama for implementing an "unconstitutional exercise of authority," and he described the 800,000 DACA recipients as "mostly adult illegal aliens" that had deprived American citizens of jobs and encouraged further illegal immigration.

Trump said in a statement that the action was aimed at creating a permanent legislative solution to the issue.

"There can be no path to principled immigration reform if the executive branch is able to rewrite or nullify federal laws at will," he said, adding, "It is now time for Congress to act!"

Obama also touched on Congress' responsibility in his Facebook post, writing that he asked lawmakers to send a bill to his desk that would protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children. "The bill never came," he wrote.

Still, he said that ending the program would not, as Sessions implied, improve the economy, raise wages, or reduce taxes.

Now that Trump has ended the program, Obama called on Congress to act to find a long-term solution to protect DREAMers. "I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel," the former president wrote.

"Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated. It's about who we are as a people - and who we want to be," he concluded.
The survey showed 38% of French people said they would rather the UK left the EU, with 32% saying they wanted the UK to stay in. Almost a third (30%) said that they don't know what should happen.

Six EU countries were surveyed, with only France and Britain saying that they think Brexit should happen. Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark all said overwhelmingly that they wanted the UK to stay in the bloc.

Six in ten (62%) Danes said they wanted Britain to stay, along side 56% of the Swedish and 51% of Finns. Almost half of Germans asked (49%) agreed that Britain should stay.

Support for Brexit in Britain was also clear, with 47% of those polled saying that they would prefer leaving the EU, against 43% saying that they want to stay in.

The data also revealed that Germans were largely positive about the idea of the UK changing its mind and reversing Brexit, with the most common responses being "relieved" (23%), "pleased" (22%) and "delighted" (15%).

However, the biggest reaction from the French was indifference, with 23% saying their response to the UK staying would be "indifferent." Fifteen percent of French people said they would be "angry" if Brexit did not happen.

YouGov also published polling showing that 48% of British leave voters would prefer that the UK left the EU immediately, compared with 47% who said Brexit should wait until after negotiations are complete.
Bell Pottingers second-largest shareholder walked away from the business by writing off its investment and handing back the stake to the struggling PR firm.

The firm was sanctioned last week and given a week to appeal, which failed to change the final decision.

Reports say the firm breached the industrys ethical standards when it ran a campaign that shifted focus on racial inequality in South Africa.

READ ALSO:The number of tech hubs across Africa has more than doubled

The South African authority imposed on the firm the harshest sentence ever, this makes Bell Pottinger unable to re-apply for membership for five years.

Hours before the Bell Pottinger got expelled its chief executive James Henderson stepped down.

Bell Pottinger has brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with its actions, and it has received the harshest possible sanctions, said the associations director general Francis Ingram. The firm said it accepts the ruling, adding that staff members not involved in the matter may apply for individual membership, according to the BBC.

South Africas main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, laid a complaint with the association, which led to the industry investigation. Bell Pottinger walked away from the Oakbay account in July after protest from South Africans, citing online harassment of their staff. The firm fired the executives behind the campaign and apologized, but it was roundly rejected by South African civil society, who believed the campaign had real power to stir discord in a country still struggling with its past.

For the year that Bell Pottinger worked for the Guptas company Oakbay Capital, they successfully introduced the phrase white monopoly capital into the popular discourse in South Africa.

READ ALSO:Here are top 10 most grand and largest airports in Africa

The communications firm will likely struggle to salvage its own reputation and has already lost clients over the Gupta scandal. Luxury goods company Richemont, founded by South African Johann Rupert, abandoned the firm along with investment bank Investec, also established in South Africa.
An earlier communique signed by the spokesperson of Polytechnics Students Association Kumah Alfred Brown, said: It has been more than a year we completed school without certificates to seek for jobs or even further our education due to government's refusal or inability to constitute the governing councils of our various institutions.

The graduates belonging to the 2015/16 and 2016/17 batches of the various Polytechnics and Technical Universities across the country are expected to march across the principal streets of Accra to pile pressure on the government to reconstitute all governing councils of the technical universities and polytechnics in the country.
According to New York Post, a nurse on duty was said to have bumped into the alleged perpetrator, Keith Nembhard, 37, while he was sexually assaulting the woman.

READ MORE: Police arrest village council for ordering rape

Officials at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital called security straight away and the suspect was held until police arrived.

Keith Nembhard is facing a charge of second-degree rape.

Nembhard reportedly knew the 32-year-old victim, but doctors said the patients injuries meant she was unable to give consent to sexual intercourse.

The incident happened earlier this month and police have since released details about it.

READ ALSO: 3 men docked over alleged gang rape of teenage girl

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital was at the centre of another serious incident in June when Dr Henry Bollo shot dead a colleague and injured six others after going on a shooting spree.
Few seconds into the brawl, the drunk woman was heard screaming with her legs waving in the air as her opponent pinned her down on the floor.

The interesting fight became uncontrollable and the two women eventually had to be separated by eyewitnesses.

The fight came just hours after the woman purported to be drunk launched an attack on a man while onboard the Ryanair flight.

Footage of that incident, which emerged earlier this week, shows the woman shouting and screaming before throwing punches at a fellow passenger.

According to Witnesses, the woman was due to be met by police in Spain following the mid-air attack, but was ostensibly allowed to move around within the airport where she launched the second attack.

One of the witnesses, a 35-year-old Rachel Burns, who had been on the same flight as the two women, alleged that the woman wearing a yellow top was intoxicated

She however expressed shock that It was unbelievable. At the airport, the police had already seen her and let her go.

When we got into the baggage collection area that's when the violence started. 'I was with my family, we'd got our bags and had been walking away and then they got stuck into it.

I saw her just go up to a lady who had been one of the people telling her to sit down. Then they were going at it on the floor.

READ MORE: Police arrest drug suspect in the ocean

She said "It went on for a couple of minutes. She just seemed intoxicated. She was very, very drunk. Some man tried to pull her off, then she started again.

She also alleged unprofessionalism on te part of the security officials at the airport.

It was an absolute shamble, she said. 'She just left. She was with two friends, they seemed mortified and were crying.

Then we left, we just needed to get the children away from it.

She added that It's shocking that she'd even been able to get on the plane in the first place, let alone get to that point in the airport.

A video of the scuffle on board the flight showed men and women aboard the Newcastle to Alicante Ryanair flight scrapping over the top of seats.

Ms. Burns further said that the staff and other people on the plane kept telling her to sit down. The plane staff said they hadn't served her alcohol.

She was sat two rows behind me, and she started getting really aggressive with people in front of her, f-ing and blinding and saying "What you looking at?"

Then she started fighting with the man in front, and started getting aggressive with the lady asking her to move. The plane staff couldn't control her.

The people she was attacking got moved to the front of the plane.

She called my mum an "old hag" so that's when I started shouting at her as well, saying "Don't call my mum that."

Ryanair said the fight justifies the airline's call for changes to the sale of alcohol at airports. The firm's head of communications, Robin Kiely, said it was important to introduce a two-drink limit for each passenger and also a ban on alcohol sales before 10am

It was all going on for about an hour and a half.

She said she was disgusted that this sort of behaviour could be tolerated at no less a place than an airport.

It's just something you don't expect to see there. And especially in mid-air on the plane too. It could have been much worse, and you don't want the children to see it, she said.

She suggested that I just don't think drinking should be allowed on planes.

A spokesman for Ryanair said The crew of this flight from Newcastle to Alicante (31 Aug) requested police assistance upon arrival after a passenger became disruptive inflight.

The aircraft landed normally and the passenger was met by police. We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority.

This passenger has been banned from flying with Ryanair and this is now a matter for local police.

This is exactly why we are calling for significant changes to prohibit the sale of alcohol at airports, such as a two-drink limit per passenger and no alcohol sales before 10am.
Robbie Travers is being probed by Edinburgh University amid claims he committed a 'hate crime', despite no criminal investigation by the police.

He made the claims in a Facebook post after the US Air Force bombed an ISIS stronghold in Afghanistan in April.

The 21-year-old students comments attracted backlash from fellow student Esme Allman, who filed a complaint with the school authorities accusing him of blatant Islamaphobia.

Following the air attack in April Mr Traves wrote: I'm glad we could bring these barbarians a step closer to collecting their 72 virgins

A second-year history student, Ms Allman claimed Mr Travers comments put minority students at risk and in a state of panic which is in breach of the student code of conduct of the school.

However, according to The Times Robbie Travers said his post came in retaliation to Ms Allmans alleged calling of black men trash.

Mr Travers had reportedly sparked an earlier controversy over inflammatory comments made on gender issues.

READ ALSO: Police officer allegedly commits suicide over Borno posting

He has responded to the investigation initiated by his school as he wrote on Facebook last night Afraid I've been a little more quiet as I have been accused of Islamophobia because I mocked ISIS, and I'm being investigated on such a ground by my University.

Mocking ISIS allegedly made Islamic and minority students feel 'threatened' and 'unsafe,' so goes the complainant's ramblings.

Have engaged legal advice to dismiss this nonsense. Wish me luck.

The controversy is heated more between Ms. Allman who identifies herself online as a self-proclaimed feminist and womanist from inner-city London.

READ ALSO: Court remands 3 for alleged armed robbery

She said 'I value inclusivity as well as building and preserving safe spaces for us.

Creating a truly intersectional campaign is incredibly important to me and my first job will be to work alongside the other liberation groups to ensure EUSA are fully representative of our views.
The suspect, Blessing Atia is reported to have collected the victims panties, pubic and armpit hair and threatened them that if they refused to work for her they would go mad.

After bringing them to Ghana, the suspect demanded 4,000 Ghana cedis each from the victims, which she said would be used to defray the cost she incurred in transporting them to Ghana.

Blessing Atia is facing four counts of human trafficking, and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

An Accra Circuit court, presided over by Mrs Jane Harriet Akweley Quaye, has remanded Blessing into Police custody to reappear on September 18.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) C.K Abadamlora, told the court that one of the victims was unemployed, with another being a hairdresser.

The accused person resides at Kata Hostel in Accra.

DSP Abadamlora said in June, this year, Blessing travelled to Nigeria and met two of the victims in a salon and during a conversation, Blessing promised to bring them to Ghana to be engaged as sales girls in her boutique.

READ ALSO: 17 suspected prostitutes and their men arrested

According to DSP Abadamlora, Blessing also promised to pay them GH400.00 each monthly.

On June 15, this year, the victim arrived in Ghana and they were hosted by Blessing at the Kata Hostel for two days.

The prosecution said Blessing took the victims to Bigot, a spot near Lapaz, and forced them into prostitution and they made GH600.00 each for her.

On August 30, this year, Blessing informed the auntie of the two other victims that she needed them to run her boutique in Ghana.

She, therefore, paid their transportation and they joined her at Kata Hostel, where she lived.

The prosecution said the accused person collected the victims panties, pubic and armpit hair and threatened that if they refused to work for her they would go mad.

In addition Blessing demanded GH4,000.00 as the cost she had incurred before she would allow them to go back to Nigeria.

The victims, after engaging in prostitution for some time, realised they could no longer continue with the act and demand to go to Nigeria but Blessing refused.

On August 30, this year, two of them informed a police officer about their ordeal and Blessing was arrested at Kaneshie in Accra.

According to the prosecutor, two other victims were also rescued at the Kata Hostel.
According to the Dailymail.com, the ban also prohibits children from attending religious sermons and other activities in several provinces across the country.

Chinese authorities initiated steps several years ago which analysts thought was a clandestine attempt to ban Christianity in the country, when places of worship were ordered to remove crosses from their buildings in Zhejiang Province.

Reports suggest that, earlier this month, over one hundred churches in Wenzhou, China's Zhejiang province received a notice from government officials informing them that, young people will be banned from entering churches.

READ ALSO: Law student likely to face sanctions for allegedly mocking ISIS

Reports further have it that, minors are also banned from participating in religious activities.

Members of the church were told not to participate in religious activities and churches were not allowed to organise a youth summer camp.

William Nee, researcher for Amnesty International said at this point, it is unclear how widespread the bans on children attending church services are in China, but these alarming reports seem to be coming in from fairly diverse areas throughout the country.

Amnesty International went further to assert that the move reflects the tightening control of religion in particular, Islam and Christianity under President Xi Jinping regime.

China is in the midst of a religious revival and the current government seems concerned that religion could be a means through which foreign values may 'penetrate' into China and ultimately affect political stability.

It is reported that the Communist Party of China already stipulates that its members and officials cannot believe in religion.

READ MORE: Passenger banned from travelling by air

According to UCA News, the ban also promises that officials will investigate government approved churches and underground congregations who operate outside the tightly controlled Beijing-run Catholic and Protestant Churches.

In Hunan province, Liang Guochao, head of the Education Bureau, stressed making a decisive effort to prevent religions infiltrating into schools and to guide students to consciously resist religious cults. However, in neighbouring Henan province, a document was issued in July reinforcing the communist policy of not allowing religions to run study classes for minors.

MailOnline has also reported that, In an important speech on religion last year, Xi Jinping said that young people must study science, believe in science and develop a 'correct' worldview and set of values.

Suspicions are rife that the government is concerned that young people going to church or religious activities may challenge their monopoly on truth and the government's ability to instill its own historical narratives and worldview through the public education system.

In this speech, President Xi Jinping also re-emphasized the need for Communist Party cadres to be strict Marxist atheists, and not to find values or beliefs in religion. As a result, weve seen more cadres and government employees punished and fired government for attending religious activities.

In 2014, there was a public outcry in China's Zhejiang province after churches were ordered to remove their crosses with some churches demolished.

Within seven months, three churches were demolished and over 360 crosses including those from Catholic churches were taken down.
The Minority argued that the Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta usurped the authority of the board of ADB by approving GH10million loan facility for Mc Dan.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu alleged that Ofori Atta single-handedly, approved the loan facility, in breach of the countrys financial laws.

READ ALSO: Ecobank dismisses 181 outsourced staff

The Minority said that Ofori-Atta issued a letter to the Managing Director of ADB to grant the loan to the shipping company to finance a contract with COCOBOD.

The contract for which authorization of the ADB loan was approved by the Minister of Finance, we are told, originated from the Ghana Cocoa Board.

Serious question arise that seem to be whether they have demonstrated respect to our procurement processes. The breach is an affront to corporate governance processes and procedures in our country, he added.

He called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure the loan is reversed for the due diligence to be done.
Fifteen years ago, The Courier won a unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision against Hawkeye Community College trustees involving an open meetings lawsuit.

The Courier sued the trustees after they held two closed-door meetings in 1999 in violation of the state Opening Meetings Act to force President William Hiersteins resignation. The trustees then challenged The Courier to reveal its sources about the meetings, but the court ruled The Courier was protected by a reporters privilege. The case was later settled.

In an editorial, we contended a private entity  the media or individuals  shouldnt bear the expense  nearly $30,000 in that instance  to ensure a public body obeys sunshine laws.

Ten years later, the Legislature approved the Iowa Public Information Board to resolve issues regarding open meetings and public records  and avoid expensive lawsuits.

However, instead of shining a light on public records, the board recently voted against releasing information about an accidental fatal police shooting in Burlington, then held a secret meeting to take further action, which it wouldnt divulge.

Autumn Steele, 34, a dental technician, was killed after Burlington Police Officer Jesse Hill, 35, responded to a domestic disturbance between Steele and her husband at 10 a.m. Jan. 6, 2015, at their home.

Hill observed Steele striking her husband, who was carrying their child to his vehicle. Hill, the only officer there, attempted to intervene and the family dog, a German shepard/collie mix, attacked him. He tried to shoot the dog, but slipped on ice and snow and fell backward. He fired two shots, killing Steele.

Steele had been released 90 minutes earlier from the county jail after being held overnight on charges of domestic battery following an incident with her husband. She was told not to return home unless accompanied by a police officer.

Hill was put on paid administrative leave while the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation investigated. The DCI submitted its findings to Des Moines County Attorney Amy Beavers, who determined criminal charges werent warranted.

But the circumstances remained mostly secret. Authorities would only release a 12-second body-camera video showing the gun was fired twice without warning while the unseen dog was growling.

Burlington and Iowa Department of Public Safety officials wouldnt divulge more information  911 call transcripts, more video or other records  claiming it is part of the investigative file.

The Burlington Hawk Eye and a Steele family attorney filed complaints with the Iowa Public Information Board seeking more information. The board voted 4-3 in December 2015 to hire Mark McCormick, a former state Supreme Court justice, to handle the case and spent $43,000 on it. (Of note, eight of the boards nine members since have seen been replaced.)

Administrative Law Judge Karen Doland ordered public safety officials to provide an inventory and general description of records. They appealed, maintaining even that was confidential.

The board also fined Beavers $200 as part of agreement in which she did not admit wrongdoing for failing to turn over records. The board found she violated the open records law by stating she didnt have the records, claiming to have returned them to the DCI.

The board reversed course Aug. 18, voting 7-1 to vacate Dolands decision on releasing the list of records stating, The respondents (BPD and DCI) have met their burden ... and that the records in dispute are confidential investigative reports under Iowa Code section 22.7(5), and thus not subject to disclosure. Nor are the records subject to being identified in a privilege log where such identification would essentially eliminate their statutory protection as confidential records.

The bizarre turn of events was heightened since the board was represented by a lawyer from the state Attorney Generals Office, which also provided the opposing lawyer, rationalizing a conflict didnt exist because of different supervisors.

On Aug. 25, the board voted, 7-0, to go into closed session to take further action but wouldnt reveal the outcome. The Des Moines Register filed a complaint with the board against the board, seeking an immediate recording of the meeting, a $1,000 fine for each member and a public apology.

Randy Evans, director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, said its secrecy undermines its own credibility, calling it a sadly laughable example of transparency.

As was witnessed in fatal police shootings of civilians in Chicago and Minneapolis, the public needs to know the complete circumstances, not just selectively released portions of video. That may require the Legislature to revisit Chapter 22 to provide more transparency in investigations  unlikely given the Legislatures recent penchant for added secrecy.

For its part, the Iowa Public Information Board took the cowardly way out by completely hiding its actions when it is supposed to make sure other government bodies dont do so. That calls into question its existence as presently composed.
We have disengaged some of our outsourced staff due to most of the clients moving onto our digital platforms. We have our Masterpass QR which makes prompt payment possible, POS, ATMs, the Ecobank App and internet banking.

READ ALSO: SSNIT begins verification of qualifications of over 2000 employees

With effect from yesterday, 4th September 2017, the staffs, including front and back office branch executives and other departments spread across the country were asked to go home.

She added that the bank is seeing a reduction in the face to face interactions. We are downsizing because of our digital channels.

She said their permanent staffs are still at work.

The move will also lead to the reduction of the banks branches from 77 to 67 across the country.
This follows the disengagement of 181 outsourced staff of the bank effective September 4, 2017.

In an interview with Head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank, Ghana and Anglophone West Africa (AWA), Rev Patricia Sappor, told B&FT Newspaper that they will merge the branches that are closer to each other.

READ ALSO: Galamsey taskforce sleep in classrooms

We have disengaged some of our outsourced staff due to most of the clients moving onto our digital platforms. We have our Masterpass QR which makes prompt payment possible, POS, ATMs, the Ecobank App and internet banking, she said.

Some areas have branches just about 200 metres away from each other. It is prudent for the bank to merge.

READ ALSO: SSNIT begins verification of qualifications of over 2000 employees

She said this is due to the digital agenda of the bank.

The bank recently indicated its agenda to become the most digitally advanced bank.
This is an assertion by the Head of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghana Office Cyril Darkwa.

He was speaking at a one-day roundtable workshop for some of Ghanas exporters of raw vegetable and fruits organised by the Dubai Chamber for Commerce and Industry.

READ ALSO: Ghana to start importing timber from Liberia next month

The one-day was on the processes and requirements to be met in order to export their produce to Dubai.

According to Darkwa, the UAE provides Ghanaian food manufacturers and exporters with a gateway to access a market of more than 4 billion consumers across the Middle East and Asia.

The UAEs fast-growing population and the rising number of tourists are driving up demand within the food and beverage sector, which is projected to grow by 4 per cent annually to $13.2 billion by 2018, while it has stepped up its efforts to collaborate with other countries on food security.

Agricultural commodities and foodstuff were among the top products traded between Dubai and Ghana in 2016, contributing around $22 million to total non-oil bilateral trade during the year. We hope to see that volume grow in the near future through our combined efforts and increased cooperation, he added.

He said that this was the ideal time for Ghanaian exporters to build bridges with their Dubai counterparts. This he said will help them benefit from the emirates world-class logistics infrastructure and position as a trade link in the GCCs food chain.
The Effiduase District Police Commander, Superintendent Asare Bediako, said the thieves are currently at large, but investigations have begun.

I got a call from the District Chief Executive of Sekyere East that there has been a burglary at the MPs residence so I organized my men to the scene. After inspection, we found out that the suspected thieves broke into the room through the window and took away clothes and other items from his bedroom.

We have intensified our patrols but we are forming neighborhood watchdogs to assist us in patrolling. The police cant be everywhere at the same time, so I have discussed with the DCE and other opinion leaders about the formation of the watchdogs to prevent such vices from reoccurring in future, he said.

This happens to be the second time a Member of Parliament has been attacked within a month in the Ashanti Region.
The plaintiff, Edward Ghunney, who used to be the official driver of the director, said he was accused of being HIV positive after he had donated during a blood donation exercise in July 2014.

According to him, the director, Justina Ansah later told him that he had tested positive for the virus.

He has since rejected those claims, but the director stopped him from driving her.

This was in spite of tests from the Central Laboratory that he did not have the virus.

The plaintiff said that as a result of the stigmatisation and scorn he suffered, he requested a transfer to another department (the disease surveillance).

I became traumatized and scornfully looked upon by my working colleagues who avoided me like a plague infested person, he told the Ghanaians Times newspaper.

In his affidavit to an Accra High Court, Ghunney is demanding a GHC20,000 compensation from the blood service and a letter of apology with copies to be posted on the notice board of the service.
The child was left unattended because the mother could not afford the cost of a patient folder  GHC10.

In an interview with TV3, Azumah Atiah said she reported to the hospital at about 8:00 pm on Monday with a suspected case of convulsion.

READ ALSO: Driver sues boss for accusing him of being HIV positive

The hospital asked her to pay GHC10 before a folder could be issued for her to see a doctor.

Atiah said even though she informed them that she was a subscriber of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), they told her NHIS does not cover the cost of the patient folder.

She said she only had GHC5 on her at the time. She, therefore, pleaded with the officials to accept the part payment but they refused to take it.

Atiah then left the baby on a bench at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the hospital hoping to find an extra GHC5 to pay for the full cost.

After 30 minutes, Atiah returned unsuccessful but met her baby in a worse condition. The baby was foaming at the mouth with high temperature too.

A man who saw her frustrated gave her GHC5 to pay for the folder but it was too late.

Her baby girl had passed away.

The body of the baby has since been released to the bereaved family for burial.

Atiah and her family are demanding for an investigation and possible sanction applied if officials are found guilty in the death of her child.

READ ALSO: Minister wants expensive bride price reviewed

Meanwhile, the Assembly Member for Aramkoliga a suburb of Zebilla, Layo Nduy Nguy, has supported the call for an investigation into the incident.

In a related development, the Bawku West District Health Director, Samuel Aruba, said the Medical Director and the Matron at the hospital were not aware of such an incident at the facility.
The two suspects have been identified as Benjamin Bampoe, the Tema Metropolitan Director, and Francis Torsu, who is the New Juaben Municipal Director of the Department.

Saaka Salia, the man who lodged a formal complaint to the CID for the two to be investigated said that the suspects disclosed that the Roads Minister was available for taking bribes, adding that they will do his bidding if he is able to give a certain amount of money.

When the president addressed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national Delegates conference last week, he assured the nation that corrupt officials in his government will be investigated.

He was, however, quick to add that persons who make allegations of corruption against his officials should also be prepared to give evidence when called upon.
READ MORE: Exton Cubic threatens legal action in petition to AG

A statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said Exton Cubic failed to officially accept the offer given them in writing.

The statement also cited several irregularities in the award of the contract to Exton Cubic, a company Mr Ibrahim Mahama has links with.

Section 13, subsection 6 indicates an approved application shall lapse if the applicant fails to accept the offer in a form stated in subsection 4," the statement said.

There is no record of an acceptance of the offer of the mining lease in writing by the company as mandatorily prescribed by section 13, subsection 4 of the act, the statement added.

The statement further said the failure of Exton Cubic to obtain an environmental permit, operations permit as well as various statutory infractions leading to the purported grant of the three mining leases to the company render the purported leases invalid and of no effect.

Please be informed in the event that you have not already been so advised that the company has no valid mining rights in the designated areas.The company is further advised to deists from entering the land under reference to prevent any further breaches."

But speaking on Adom TV Tuesday, Ken Agyapong said the country will benefit greatly if Exton Cubic is given part of the mining concession to mine.
The Akufo-Addo administration on Monday cancelled the bauxite mining lease awarded to the company.

READ MORE: Exton Cubic threatens legal action in petition to AG

A statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said Exton Cubic failed to officially accept the offer given them in writing.

The statement also cited several irregularities in the award of the contract to Exton Cubic, a company Mr Ibrahim Mahama has links with.

Section 13, subsection 6 indicates an approved application shall lapse if the applicant fails to accept the offer in a form stated in subsection 4," the statement said.

There is no record of an acceptance of the offer of the mining lease in writing by the company as mandatorily prescribed by section 13, subsection 4 of the act, the statement added.

The statement further said the failure of Exton Cubic to obtain an environmental permit, operations permit as well as various statutory infractions leading to the purported grant of the three mining leases to the company render the purported leases invalid and of no effect.

Please be informed in the event that you have not already been so advised that the company has no valid mining rights in the designated areas.The company is further advised to deists from entering the land under reference to prevent any further breaches."

But the Public Relations Officer of Exton Cubic, Sammy Gyamfi, said that, his outfit was currently studying the letters received from government before seeking redress by taking the necessary legal steps.We will take the appropriate legal steps to seek redress These are technical and legal issues which our lawyers will go through, he stated. Mr. Gyamfi further indicated that, governments claims in the letters issued to Exton Cubic were false, saying in the coming days, we will delve into the details of the two letters and we will demonstrate to you that the facts and complaints contained in those government letters are totally false. The claims are totally untenable, he told Accra-based Citi FM.He further indicated that Exton Cubic had not breached the law as far as the exploration of bauxite was concerned.
The group said the demonstration will take place when the president attends the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly from September 12 to 15, 2017.

The Akufo-Addo administration on Monday cancelled the bauxite mining lease awarded to the company.

READ MORE: Exton Cubic threatens legal action in petition to AG

A statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said Exton Cubic failed to officially accept the offer given them in writing.

The statement also cited several irregularities in the award of the contract to Exton Cubic, a company Mr Ibrahim Mahama has links with.

Section 13, subsection 6 indicates an approved application shall lapse if the applicant fails to accept the offer in a form stated in subsection 4," the statement said.

There is no record of an acceptance of the offer of the mining lease in writing by the company as mandatorily prescribed by section 13, subsection 4 of the act, the statement added.

The statement further said the failure of Exton Cubic to obtain an environmental permit, operations permit as well as various statutory infractions leading to the purported grant of the three mining leases to the company render the purported leases invalid and of no effect.

Please be informed in the event that you have not already been so advised that the company has no valid mining rights in the designated areas.The company is further advised to deists from entering the land under reference to prevent any further breaches."

But the Communications officer of the Ashanti Youth for Development, Kwaku Asafo Agyei, told Accra-based Class FM that they will resist any moves by the government to frustrate local businesses.

I can tell you as we speak, we are organising a demonstration  in New York to demonstrate to the whole world and the international community to know what this government is doing to our natural resources. We know the president will be going for his first UN General Assembly meeting and plans are far advanced in the United States of America for that demonstration, he stated.
Amsterdam, 5 September 2017

Brunel international N.V. today announces the acquisition of SES Labour Solutions, a contingent workforce provider specialising in the Mining, Oil & Gas and Construction sectors throughout Australia. The acquisition supports Brunel's strategic direction to be the leader in specific segments of the international labour market.

Established in 2011, SES Labour Solutions (SES) is comprised of a team of industry professionals from the HR, mining and construction sectors. SES has the industry knowledge, personnel and facilities to be able to directly screen, assess, test and train talent for clients. Directors Chris Salmon and Nathan Sharpe will continue to lead the business forward.

Jan Arie van Barneveld, CEO of Brunel International N.V. comments: "We are excited to welcome SES to Brunel. The relationship between Brunel and SES has been growing strong and we are enthusiastic to welcome them on-board. Together we will grow from strength to strength driving our growth and diversification strategy and offering a more complete portfolio of services."

Chris Salmon, Director of SES Labour Solutions, comments: "I'm happy to announce the sale of SES to Brunel. We are proud of the business we have built to date and are very excited with the opportunity. The Brunel culture is a strong fit with SES. The humility & integrity in which Brunel approach business has made it a logical fit for both businesses. This acquisition allows us to further evolve as a business and add exceptional value add solutions for our partners."

SES has approximately 300 FTE's operating from its Stapylton (QLD) and Darwin (NT) offices, generating AUD 35 million in revenues in the last 12 months up and until June 2017. Brunel will finance the transaction using its healthy cash position. Parties do not disclose further financial details of the acquisition.
He said he has no evidence that the two [Samuel Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye] are involved any corrupt act.

READ MORE: Kennedy Agyapong names corrupt officials at the Flagstaff House

He said "Sometimes, people dont get your explanation when you talk about corruption. Corruption does not only mean that the person has taken a bribe and so people might think that two persons I have mentioned have taken bribes; no, they have not taken any bribe anywhere."

The NPP sympathiser told Accra-based Okay FM that his words against the two deputy Chief of Staff, were inappropriate.

The musician has been in a war of words with two deputy Chief of Staff - Samuel Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye.

He described the two government appointees as "very corrupt" and "stupid."

In a Facebook post, A-Plus who declared his support for the NPP wondered why the two personalities were appointed to serve in government.

He said "NPP delegates congress. 7 months of NPP government. So far so good except appointing some very corrupt officials including the two very stupid deputy chief of staffs. Its amazing how Nana was able to appoint thieves whose level of stupidity is the same. Arrogant and corrupt fools. You think youll be in power forever. Even John Mahama I was not afraid of him then you."

But with barely less than 12-hours left for him to provide evidence to back his corruption claims, he said he deliberately twisted the narrative to paint a different picture.
He said Presiding Judge Justice William Atuguba's verdict was an insult to Ghanaians.

His comments come at back of the Supreme Court in Kenya which has annulled the result of the recent presidential election.

The court cited irregularities and indicated that a new poll should be organized within 60 days.

READ MORE: Charlotte Osei battles fresh impeachment petition

Maurice Ampaw speaking on the development in Kenya said "If you read Justice William Atugubas verdict it is full of insults."

According to him, "he [William Atuguba] insulted Nana Addo and NPP that their petition is one of most useless petitions ever.

"When we have a clear case where the Constitution says 'Shall' then we have Atuguba interpreting it another way."

"Justice Atugaba led the Supreme Court to fail to uphold the law and constitution of the country," Maurice Ampaw said in an interview on Kumasi-based Hello FM.

Background to election petition

On August 29, 2013, Ghana experienced a landmark ruling in an eight month long prolonged tussle at the Supreme Court over the validity of the presidential results in the 2012 polls.

This follows the challenge of the 2012 presidential results by the NPP led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The NPP argued that they had every reason to believe that the results were rigged in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Mahama.

They prayed the Court to declare their candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo as President with reasons that unpardonable malpractices and irregularities at 10,119 polling stations justified the nullification of 3,931,339 invalid votes which, the petitioners argued, would have beaten down John Mahamas votes and overturned the declared results by the Electoral Commission.

According to the NPPs pleadings, over-voting occurred at 1,722 polling stations, while voting without biometric verification occurred at 2,020 polling stations.

They claimed presiding officers did not also sign pink sheets at 1,638 polling stations, while the use of duplicate serial numbers on pink sheets affected 8,987 polling stations.

The petitioners further argued that if the results of the 10,119 polling stations were annulled, President Mahamas votes would have reduced by 2,622,551, which would have, in turn, beaten down the results declared by the Electoral Commission in his favour, to 41.79 per cent.

They said although Nana Akufo-Addos votes would have, in like manner, been reduced by 1,233,186, he would have nonetheless secured 56.85 per cent, per their permutations, to cross the 50 per cent mark for victory.

But the court by a 5-4 majority decision justified why Mahama was validly elected.

There were four and three consistent judges who voted against and for the annulment of more than two million votes due to what the petitioners described as gross and widespread irregularities recorded during the election.

Justices William Atuguba, Mrs Justice Sophia Adinyira, Mr Justice N. S. Gbadegbe and Mrs Justice Vida Akoto-Bamfo in an overall decision dismissed the petitioners claims for the annulment of a total of 3,931,339 votes due to electoral irregularities in the December 7 and 8, 2012 presidential election.

The dissenting justices who held the view there were issues to be settled with allegations of over voting, absence of presiding officers signature and voting without biometric verification were Mr Justice Julius Ansah, Ms Justice Rose Constance Owusu and Mr Justice Anin Yeboah.
"We have put in place the structures necessary for Catalonia to be ready to enforce the will Catalans express in the October 1 referendum," the head of the Catalan regional government, Carlos Puigdemont, told a news conference called to present the tax agency.

He has said Catalonia will declare independence from Spain within days if voters back secession in the plebiscite. If the "No" side wins, an early election would be called to form a new government in the wealthy northeastern region including Barcelona.

Pro-separatist parties, which control the regional assembly in Catalonia, are expected to approve the law that lays the groundwork for the referendum on Wednesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government has vowed to immediately challenge the law in the courts to stop the referendum, which it deems illegal.

He dismissed the law on Monday as an attempt to "cheat democracy" and vowed his government would respond "with proportionality and intelligence".

"They want to bypass all legal procedures which are used in all civilised and democratic parliaments around the world" with this law, he added.

Rajoy's government has also threatened legal action against top Catalan political figures involved in the plebiscite.

Criminal penalties

The Catalan tax agency has more than doubled its workforce to 800 employees from just 321 in 2015 when separatists won a clear majority of seats in Catalonia's parliament. It boosted the number of its offices to 32 from just four during this time.

The agency has also set up a new software programme which will allow it to collect all types of taxes within a few months.

Spain's central government currently collects most taxes and then distributes funds to regional administrations.

"The goal of this deployment is to have the capacity to manage taxes regularly and in a large scale," Catalonia's vice-president Oriol Junqueras told the news conference.

Puigdemont said the Catalan tax agency would be "fairer" and "closer" to citizens.

Many in the region argue that Catalonia pays more in taxes to the central government than it receives in services and infrastructure.

Spain's finance ministry warned in a statement that anyone who paid their taxes to the Catalan tax authority instead of to the central government's tax agency could face "criminal penalties". It did not give further details.

Catalonia, a wealthy region of 7.5 million people with its own language and customs, has significant self-governing powers.

But economic doldrums, public spending cuts and perceptions of unfair taxes and the concentration of power in Madrid have fed support for independence.
"The lawyer of one of the affected people told us that he has now been freed, without restrictions," said a German foreign ministry spokesman, adding that the ministry was still seeking independent confirmation of the release.

Foreign ministry officials said the German nationals were detained on Thursday for "political reasons".

The arrests came at a time when ties were already at rock bottom between the two countries which share longstanding historical links.

Ankara had been smarting over Germany's criticism of its rights record following a failed coup in July 2016 that prompted a massive crackdown in Turkey.

The escalating tensions have split the Turkish community in Europe's top economy, the largest Turkish diaspora abroad, which is a legacy of Germany's "guest worker" programme of the 1960s and 70s.

On Sunday, Chancellor Angela Merkel signalled that she had run out of patience, saying she did not see Turkey ever joining the EU, and that she "had never believed that it would happen".

She said she would discuss with EU counterparts whether to call off membership talks with Ankara, adding that Germany would also look at imposing economic restrictions on Turkey.
Images: Mercedes Sayagues, Jose Forjaz

Not only in Maputo is the catch getting smaller. Shallow- water shrimp are fully exploited, says a USAID study. Shrimp catch is decreasing in the Zambezi estuary, likely because the big hydro-electrical dams upriver create nutrient-poor sediment loads.

Everything is under pressure along the coast, says Maria Joao Rodrigues, a marine biologist with the World Wildlife Fund.

When Ogojiii spoke to Rodrigues, she was diving in areas open to controlled fishing in the Quirimbas Islands National Park in the north. The coral reefs look healthy, she says, but I see fewer fish and of smaller size.

The problem, she explains, is Mozambiques open fishing system, with no control of fish caught and number of nets, just a bit of mesh-size control. Night light-luring fishing is not regulated as it should be.

She sees a fish stock crisis looming in 10 years. Everything is fished here: at low tide, women and kids catch octopus, clams and the endangered sea cucumber, likely for Chinese traders. Men hunt with spears.

And, as agricultural soils along the coast become less fertile, more people turn to fishing for food and income. More than half of the population scrapes by on US$1 a day.

Poor environmental practices dont help. People destroy mangroves and coastal forest for fuel and charcoal.

Mangroves shelter shrimp, crab, squid and fish nurseries, as well as protecting the coast against storm surges.

In spite of awareness campaigns, fishing with mosquito nets, or chicocotas, continues, especially in estuaries. Their tiny holes - smaller than a mosquito  trap young fish and deplete already dwindling fish stocks. Estuaries are crucial breeding grounds for high-value fish and crustaceans.

Using chicocota nets in estuaries is one of the major threats to the sustainability of Mozambiques artisanal fisheries, says Alex Benkenstein, author of a 2013 study on Mozambican small-scale fisheries for the Johannesburg-based South African Institute for International Affairs.

Benkenstein saw improved controls near big towns, but these faded in remote areas. Community fishing councils and fisheries officials find it hard to deal aggressively with perpetrators because they are often fishers who are very poor, he adds.

Other problems are insufficient landing jetties and cold storage, lack of electricity for refrigeration, the high cost of ice, poor roads, poor protection and cleanliness during handling, transport and selling; and unsanitary town markets. These factors translate into high post-harvest losses of up to 50%.

Fish is captured, but it doesnt reach the market while fresh, says Custodio Mucavel, programme officer with the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development. Salted or smoked fish loses quality and sells for less.

Her wish list for Mozambiques artisanal fishers includes:

Efficient shing tools - boats, engines and nets

Access to markets, roads and price information

Refrigeration equipment and cheap ice

Investment in aquaculture to yield more protein and income
The travel company  known for their guides, e-books, and blog  listed the top 20 destinations on their website on Monday, re-releasing data that was originally gathered in 2014.

Rough Guides asked its readers to send in their submissions through social media feeds on Twitter and Facebook. The travel company collated the responses in order to create a top 20.

The list includes everything from stunning tropical landscapes like Indonesia and Vietnam, to icy retreats such as Norway and Finland.

Surprisingly, the number one spot was claimed by somewhere a little closer to home  Scotland.

England, Ireland, and Wales also made the top 20 list thanks to their "romantic" rural landscapes and historic sites.

Scroll on to see the 20 most beautiful countries in the world, as votes for by Rough Guide readers, alongside stunning photos which justify each country's place on the list.

20. Vietnam

Vietnam's wild and impressive landscapes, including the terraced fields of the Sa Pa mountains, earn the Southeast Asian country a place in the Rough Guides readers' top 20.

19. Croatia

The terracotta skylines of Croatia's tourist traps like Dubrovnik and Split against the deep blues of the Adriatic sea make for great tourist snaps, and won over Rough Guides readers earning a place on the list.

18. Ireland

Among its dewy hills and rocky coastlines, Rough Guides readers are rarely left disappointed  even if they are left a little wet.

One guide states that, "Among the romantic preconceptions visitors bring to Ireland, it is their expectations of the landscape that are most likely to be fulfilled.

17. Norway

Whether it's the glacier peaks, the bustling cities, or the Northern Lights that brings visitors to Norway, few are left disappointed  Rough Guides readers included.

16. Peru

Rough Guides readers were won over by Peru's eclectic and varied landscapes  with everything from the stripey peaks of Rainbow Mountain, the perilous steps of the ancient Inca Trail, leafy rainforests, snow-capped summits, and many deserts, Peru has it all.

What's more, Peru made it onto Business Insider's recent list of 100 trips everyone should take in their lifetime, according to the world's leading travel experts  proving that it really is a must-see getaway, regardless of what you're going in search of.

15. Switzerland

Switzerland's mountainous landscape, snowy runs and hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to get out into the wild and actively enjoy its stunning landscapes.

14. Finland

One Rough Guides reader believes that "the skies, the forests, the mysticism, and just about everything else" earn Finland's stunning Nordic landscapes a place in the list.

13. India

Whether it's the beautiful cultures or lush landscapes, Rough Guides readers have a soft spot for India, and it was voted the 13th most beautiful country in the world.

12. Mexico

One Rough Guides reader states that Mexico has it all when it comes to history, breathtaking sites, and deeply-engrained, enchanting culture: "Beautiful nature, ancient temples, great food. So much to see and explore."

11. Slovenia

This small European country is has an endless number of historical and cultural sites that will leave visitors reaching for the camera.

There are the mirrored waters of Lake Bled  a glacial lake with hot springs and a tiny, church-topped islet, as well as the stunning baroque architecture lining the streets of Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana.

Slovenia's natural landscapes partnered with its unique national identity makes the country one of the most beautiful places in the world, according to Rough Guides readers.

10. Wales

Described on the Visit Wales website as "epic", Wales' trademarks hills and lush valleys are truly the stuff "of Legends" to Rough Guides readers.

In addition, the number of castles, heritage sites, and quaint villages add to rather than interrupt the vast landscape of wild greens and cool stone.

9. USA

The states' varied landscapes makes the USA the ninth most beautiful country in the world, according to Rough Guides readers.

Boasting peaks to canyons, metropolises to wastelands, there are few places across the vast nation that aren't worth getting the camera out for  especially national parks and landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, which are "protected for posterity with the world's best national park system" according to one Rough Guide reader.

8. Iceland

With its volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, and number of natural hot springs, Iceland's unique and dramatic landscape was ranked the eighth most beautiful place in the world in the Rough Guides list.

7. England

England climbed to seventh place in the Rough Guides' reader ranking, thanks to its stunning coastlines and historic sites. Visitors can take a bus ride along the

6. Indonesia

Indonesia ranks in the top 10 most beautiful countries in the world, with one reader choosing it for its myriad islands, while another favouring the country's mountains and proud heritage.

5. South Africa

Whether it's the inquisitive wildlife, sprawling vineyards, hidden-gem beaches, or the bustling towns and cities, South Africa's varied and breathtaking landscape earn the country fifth place on the Rough Guides' list.

4. Italy

Each with their characteristic styles and ways of life, Italy's many regions all boast their own variations of Italian food, language, culture, and landscape.

3. New Zealand

One Rough Guides reader defines the magic of New Zealand's varied sites that earn the country third place in the list by its "rolling green hills, majestic mountains, breathtaking fjords and amazing diversity of landscape from one island to the next".

2. Canada

Canada's vast wilderness includes world renowned, waterfall-haven Niagra Falls and lake-filled Banff National Park in the Rocky mountains.

Rough Guides praises the North American country for its "raw beauty and majestic landscapes", which its readers ranked the second most beautiful country in the world.

1. Scotland

Landing the top spot and the title of most beautiful country in the world, it is Scotland's rugged hills and heathered highlands that won over Rough Guides readers.
The poll by the Conservative Home website found that Mogg is now well ahead of his more senior rivals for the job, David Davis and Boris Johnson.

23% of party members backed Mogg, compared to just 15% for Davis and just 7% for Johnson.

Yesterday, the Activate group, which is seeking to become the Conservative version of Labour's Momentum movement, released a statement endorsing Mogg for leader.

"Enough is enough. @theresa_may must resign so we can build a movement behind @Jacob_Rees_Mogg," the group tweeted.

The Conservative Home poll also found a majority of members want May to stand down before the next election. Over 60% said the prime minister should stand down either immediately, or before Britain goes back to the polls.

The findings come as Mogg prepares to address Tory grassroots activists at an event in Westminster this evening.
A new excavation on Triquet Island, on British Columbia's Central Coast, has now backed up that claim, according to local news outlet CBC.

Archaeologist Alisha Gauvreau, a doctoral student from the University of Victoria and a scholar with the research institute Hakai, led a team that excavated the site in late 2016. They discovered several artifacts from what appears to be an ancient village, including carved wooden tools and bits of charcoal, in a thin horizontal layer of soil, called paleosol.

The team sent the charcoal flakes to a lab for carbon dating and found that the pieces date back between 13,613 to 14,086 years ago, thousands of years before Egypt built its pyramids.

The artifacts are some of the oldest found in North America. In 1977, Washington State University archaeologists excavated a spear tip and mastodon rib bone (an extinct species related to elephants) near Washingtons Olympic Peninsula. After CT scans in 2011, the fossils pushed estimates of the earliest human habitation on the West Coast back by 800 years (to about 13,800 years before present day).

The latest discovery will help archaeologists understand with more detail how more North American civilizations like the Heiltsuk Nation began. One popular theory is that the first native North Americans ventured from Asia over an ice-free, Alaskan land bridge to what is now eastern and central Canada during the Ice Age.

Another theory, which the University of Victoria's research supports, is that they were sea mammal hunters and travelled by boat.

In a 2016 paper Gauvreau said other oral histories could be further legitimized through archaeological digs.
Hurricane Irma continues to barrel toward Florida, and state officials are already ordering evacuations from areas likely to be hardest-hit when the storm makes landfall.

Irma  one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic  is currently a Category 3 hurricane with maximum wind speeds of 125 mph. The storm has hit several Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico and St. Martin, and comes just weeks after flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey destroyed buildings and neighborhoods in Texas.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott ordered an additional 700,000 residents to evacuate on Saturday morning, bringing the total number of people evacuating to nearly 7 million throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Scott also activated the entire Florida National Guard on Tuesday, calling on all 7,000 members to report for duty on Friday morning. He asked President Donald Trump to declare a state of emergency for Florida to free up federal funding for evacuations and flooding infrastructure, which the president granted.

"Please do not ignore evacuation orders," Scott tweeted on Wednesday. "Remember, we can rebuild your home, not your life." He reiterated this point in multiple news conferences throughout the week.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio also issued warnings about the hurricane on Twitter:

#HurricaneIrma Thursday 5 p... @ Marco Rubio

Brock Long, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that he has already deployed crisis professionals to assist in Florida.

"Just like in Texas, the response to Irma is going to take all levels of government and the whole community," Long said in a statement. "This has the potential to be a catastrophic storm."

Evacuations

Officials in Monroe County, where the Florida Keys are located, ordered a mandatory evacuation for all residents on Wednesday morning. The county's schools also closed, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Miami began ordering evacuations in vulnerable areas  like Miami Beach  on Wednesday morning. Schools in Miami were closed Thursday and Friday.

The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos Gimenez, urged residents who are staying in their homes to have at least three days of food and water on hand, according to The Washington Post.

"This hurricane is far too powerful, poses far too great a threat for us to delay actions any further," Gimenez said.

The Washington Post reported that some residents lined up for hours to fuel their vehicles. Traffic has been very slow along evacuation routes, though Scott waived all tolls to facilitate travel.

Miami International Airport is open but has issued a travel warning ahead of the storm. Airline officials at Orlando International say they're monitoring the storm and will decide whether to relocate planes and move equipment off the runway as necessary.

Airlines including American, JetBlue, Spirit, and Air Canada are issuing waivers for travelers to change their itineraries to a number of Florida airports for no fee.

South Carolina, Georgia

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, as forecasts are predicting Irma could hit the state.

"The state of emergency allows one of the best, most experienced emergency response teams on earth to begin organizing response efforts," McMaster tweeted.

"South Carolina is fortunate to have time to allow us to prepare for Hurricane Irmas potential landfall," he continued. "And it is important that families and individuals in vulnerable areas use that time to review safety plans in case they are needed."

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in 30 counties in coastal Georgia, and issued an executive order authorizing up to 5,000 state National Guard troops to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

Deal further ordered the mandatory evacuation of Chatham County and other coastal areas in Georgia.
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The two companies will work together on new eco-sustainable materials to match and exceed the characteristics of the plastics used to date in eyewear

The aim is to create a series of innovative materials to broaden creativity

Kering Eyewear, part of Kering Group, created to manage the eyewear category for the Group's brands, is the world's first company in the sector to use Bio-on biopolymers

BOLOGNA - PADOVA (Italy) September 5, 2017 - Bio-on, listed in the AIM segment of the Borsa Italiana, announces a partnership with Kering Eyewear to develop new materials based on Minerv PHAs, the revolutionary bioplastic which is 100% natural and biodegradable. "This is the first time in the world that a company in the eyewear industry has decided to carry out research with our biopolymers" explains Marco Astorri, Chairman and CEO of Bio-on.

Kering Eyewear's aim is to make an active contribution to the development of an innovative and sustainable business model, providing its team of designers with a series of cutting-edge materials to broaden their creative possibilities, setting new trends in the luxury and sport & lifestyle segments. Researchers from the two companies will collaborate to design, certify and put on the market new eco-sustainable materials to be integrated with the use of cellulose acetate, one of the most common materials used in the majority of the eyewear products on the market to date.

All PHAs bioplastics (polyhydroxyalkanoates) developed by Bio-on are made from renewable plant sources with no competition with food supply chains. They guarantee the same thermo-mechanical properties as conventional plastics with the advantage of being 100% eco-sustainable and naturally biodegradable.

"We are proud to be the first in the world to use our PHAs biopolymer together with such a prestigious and internationally renowned company as Kering Eyewear. Thanks to this collaboration, we are launching a new era in the eyewear world" says Bio-on Chairman and CEO Marco Astorri. "The union of creativity and technology will give rise to items with absolutely innovative characteristics. Our laboratories and scientists will develop a vast range of new formulations, giving free rein to the creativity of the most discerning designers."

"The partnership with Bio-on represents a tangible sign of Kering Eyewear's attention to sustainability and its desire to bring innovation to a consolidated industry. In our Group," explains Roberto Vedovotto, Chairman and CEO of Kering Eyewear, "we strongly believe that 'sustainable business is smart business'. The materials developed by Bio-on, 100% natural and biodegradable, will be a revolution in the eyewear industry and completely dovetail our unique approach to the market, as well as our desire to offer increasingly high quality and innovative products. In the luxury sector, sustainability and environmental awareness are no longer an option, they are a must."

Press information:

Simona Vecchies +393351245190 - press@bio-on.it - Twitter @BioOnBioplastic

Sara Amadei +393351781106 - sara.amadei@kering.com

Bio-on S.p.A.

Bio-On S.p.A., an Italian Intellectual Property Company (IPC), operates in the bioplastic sector conducting applied research and development of modern bio-fermentation technologies in the field of eco-sustainable and completely naturally biodegradable materials. In particular, Bio-On develops industrial applications through the creation of product characterisations, components and plastic items. Since February 2015, Bio-On S.p.A. has also been operating in the development of natural and sustainable chemicals for the future. Bio-On has developed an exclusive process for the production of a family of polymers called PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) from agricultural waste (including molasses and sugar cane and sugar beet syrups). The bioplastic produced in this way is able to replace the main families of traditional plastics in terms of performance, thermo-mechanical properties and versatility. Bio-On PHAs is a bioplastic that can be classified as 100% natural and completely biodegradable: this has been certified by Vincotte and by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The Issuer's strategy envisages the marketing of licenses for PHAs production and related ancillary services, the development of R&D (also through new collaborations with universities, research centres and industrial partners), as well as the realisation of industrial plants designed by Bio-On.

About Kering Eyewear

Kering Eyewear is part of the Kering Group, a global Luxury group that develops an ensemble of luxury houses in fashion, leather goods, jewellery and watches. Today, Kering Eyewear designs, develops and distributes eyewear for a complete and well-balanced portfolio of 15 brands: Gucci, Cartier, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Brioni, Altuzarra, Azzedine Alaia, Boucheron, Pomellato, Puma, McQ, Christopher Kane, Tomas Maier.
This proportion is the highest ever, up from 48 percent in 2015 and 31 percent in 1983 when the British Social Attitudes survey was begun by the independent National Centre for Social Research.

The trend is evident across all age groups but is particularly marked among young people, with 71 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds surveyed in 2016 saying they had no religion, up from 62 percent the previous year, said the survey out Monday.

The majority of older people still have some faith -- only four in ten of those aged 65 to 74 describe themselves as having no religion, and only 27 percent of those aged 75 and over.

"This increase follows the long-term trend of more and more of us not being religious," said Roger Harding, head of public attitudes at the research centre.

"The differences by age are stark and with so many younger people not having a religion it's hard to see this change abating any time soon."

"The falls in those belonging to the Church of England are the most notable, but these figures should cause all religious leaders to pause for thought."

Affiliation to the Church of England has declined markedly in recent years, with just 15 percent of Britons now considering themselves members -- half the proportion of 2000.

However, the proportion of Catholics has remained relatively stable, at around one in ten.

Six percent of Britons said they follow a non-Christian faith, down from eight percent in the previous year but up from two percent in 1983. The survey did not go into more detail.
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The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the union was dissolved on the grounds of lack of care for the petitioner and children, mismanagement of his business, fetishism, infidelity, stubbornness and frequent fighting.

The petitioner, Mr Rasak Bello, 43, a businessman, and a resident of No.7, Basiri Street, Ado-Ekiti, had earlier told the court that he had known the respondent for eight years and they conducted a traditional marriage.

According to him, the marriage was later blessed with three childrenAbideen, Idayyat and Mubarak aged seven, four and one respectively.

The petitioner, however, expressed regrets over his marriage with the respondent, saying she does not cook for him neither does she take care of the children.

The father of three told the court that when the respondent refused to perform her duties, he employed a housemaid to cook for him.

He, however, said the respondent often beat the house maid mercilessly.

Rasak also alleged that the respondent contributed to the collapse of his rice business because she was selling on credit to friends and siblings.

The petitioner further said that the respondent was fetish, alleging that she often brought a native doctor and clergyman to his apartment without his consent and in spite of the fact that she is a Muslim.

He said the respondent later confessed to him that the pastor  caused the petitioners former wife to pack out of the house.

Rasak said the respondent underwent a family planning without his approval, adding that he had to take her to the hospital for proper treatment after she experienced some complications.

He also told the court that the respondent often received love messages from men whom she claimed were her ex-boyfriends.

The petitioner prayed to the court to dissolve his marriage with the respondent and award the custody of his three children to him for the sake of their future.

The respondent and 29-year-old trader from Ughele in Delta, however, denied all the allegations levelled against her by the petitioner.

She blamed the mismanagement of the rice business on the calibre of sales girls that the petitioner employed.

Aminat also denied the allegations of fetishism, adding that she did not bring any native doctor or pastor to their matrimonial home.

She, however, admitted smacking the housemaid because she was rude and refused to take corrections.

The respondent explained that the maid was fond of indecent dressing and had always refused to change.

Aminat consented to the request by the petitioner that the marriage be dissolved.

Akomolede, in her ruling, ordered that the petitioner be given custody of the two eldest children while the youngest remains in the custody of the respondent until he attained the age of six.

The president also added that the respondent should release him to the petitioner for proper care and monitoring once he is six years.

Akomolede ordered the petitioner to be paying N4,000 to the respondent as monthly upkeep allowance for the youngest child.

She also ruled that the petitioner should be responsible for the education of the three children at all levels.
The foreigners all of whom are of African descent are a 16-year-old Nigerian, 20-year-old Congolese asylum-seeker and two Moroccan brothers, aged 15 and 17.

They allegedly beat up the Polish womans companion to a pulp, robbing and also raping a Peruvian woman.

According to Sun News, Patryk Jaki, Polands Deputy Justice Minister, said the country will seek the extradition from Italy of the four teenagers in the gang rape of the Polish tourist on a beach in the resort of Rimini in Italy.

On Monday, the minister stated the four suspect should face a grave penalty which would hinder others from engaging in such criminal act.
The victim was said to have been trailed after picking up his junior brother from the Murtala Muhammad Airport, local terminal, to his home of residence around 8 am on Saturday, September 2, by the attackers.

The men were said to have shot him. He was later rushed to a hospital in the area where he was confirmed dead.

According to Punch Metro, it was gathered that the assailants had lost track of the deceased at first when he entered his apartment, but after threatening one of the tenants of the residence, he directed them to his apartment, where he was shot.

He was taken to a hospital in the vicinity, where he was pronounced dead. The incidence was said to have been reported at the New Oko Oba Police division. A police source said investigations showed the murder was cult-related.

"He had returned to the country about three months ago. He went to pick his brother on Saturday. The killers followed him to his house. When they got to the apartment, they met his younger brother who asked who they were. They told him that they wanted to see his elder brother. Immediately they sighted him, one of them brought out a gun and shot him dead."

From what we have gathered, it appeared to be a reprisal. There are some pointers that it had something to do with cultism.

Three suspects had been arrested in connection to the attack according to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole.

He said, The residents picked the faces of some of the suspects, which aided police investigations. Three suspects have been arrested.
The community however got the shock of the century when information got to them stating that Frank had escaped from police custody. He is said to have escaped through the roof of his police cell.

The robber was arrested during a robbery attack at St. Patrick Quasi Catholic Parish, Obio Ndot, in the local government area. He was said to have been terrorizing the environs for months with his gang members.

He was said to have been beaten and later handed over to the Ikot Uboh Police Post, under the Oruk Anam Police Division, last Tuesday.

According to residents of Obio Ndot village, St. Patrick Quasi Catholic Parish, had been attacked three weeks earlier by Frank and his robbery gang, making away with the church offering realised from the church harvest service.

A resident of the area, Mr Iwok Essien, said, Last Tuesday, at about 12 am, the robbers attacked the Catholic parish again. They scaled the fence from behind the church to enter the premises.

They did not know that after the first attack, the parish beefed up its security by engaging three additional security men because there was only one security man positioned at the gate the first time the gang robbed the parish. When the robbers came last Tuesday, one of the security men raised the alarm.

Frank was caught, while others managed to escape. The suspect was almost lynched, but the church intervened. Frank was later handed over to the police.

But last week Friday, some officers told the villagers that Frank had escaped. As I speak with you, there is controversy over the whereabouts of the suspected robber.

Mr Zubairu Muazu, the state commissioner of Police, said he contacted the Divisional Police Officer of the Oruk Anam Police Division who through a text message informed him that no suspect broke out of the police cell.

The text message which the DPO sent to the CP, which the CP then forwarded to the press, read, Good afternoon, sir, no armed robbery suspect escaped from the Oruk Anam Police Division.

Rather, there was a case of stealing of aluminium zinc at the Ikot Uboh Police Post in which the arrested suspect was said to have escaped from custody on August 28, 2017.
IQE plc

Strong ramp in sales of VCSEL wafers marks the start of a new wave of growth with a pipeline of new mass market technologies.

Cardiff, UK. 5 September 2017: IQE plc (AIM: IQE, "IQE" or the "Group"), the leading global supplier of advanced wafer products and wafer services to the semiconductor industry, announces its unaudited half year results for the six months to 30 June 2017.

' MILLION (except EPS) 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 Change REVENUE

WAFERS

LICENSING



70.4

69.4

1.0 63.0

59.5

3.5 +12%

+17%

-71% ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT*

WAFERS

LICENSING



10.6

9.6

1.0 10.8

7.3

3.5 -2%

+32%

-71%



ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX* 9.6 10.1 -5% PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 7.3 10.0 -27% ADJUSTED FULLY DILUTED EPS*



1.35p



1.46p



-8%



CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS



11.2



12.4



-10%



CAPITAL INVESTMENT



15.4



7.6



102%



LEVERAGE (NET DEBT + DEFERRED CONSIDERATION) 41.9 35.4 18%





HIGHLIGHTS

Wafer sales up 17% against H1 2016, delivering a 32% increase in the related operating and adjusted operating profit.



Overall revenues up 12% against H1 2016.





Sales up in all three primary markets with Wireless up 9%, Photonics up 48%, and Infrared up 19% compared with H1 of 2016. Foreign exchange tailwind of c10% following the devaluation of sterling in 2016.

Continued strong growth in Photonics includes the early phase of a significant ramp in VCSEL wafers for a mass market consumer application, and contributed to record monthly Photonics sales in June 2017.

License income of 1.0m, compared with 3.5m in H1 2016 (which included upfront amounts). No upfront license income in H1 2017.



Conversion of adjusted operating profit (10.6m) into operating cash (11.2m) of 106% after funding 3.7m investment in working capital, largely in connection with mass market VCSEL ramp (H1 2016: 115% conversion).



Investment in capex and product development of 15.4m (H1 2016: 7.6m) to support further growth, including the expected mass market adoption of VCSELs. This investment was funded primarily through organic cash generation, and supplemented by debt funding.



A further capacity expansion plan initiated to meet higher levels of demand which are expected in H2 2018. 5 new tools on order and lease signed on new premises in South Wales which provides a flexible and cost effective route to add up to 100 new tools, which would double IQE's current tool count.



Breadth and depth of customer engagement across a range of technologies and applications sets the scene for increasing revenue diversity and growth through 2018 and beyond.



Direct engagement with OEMs has expanded to multiple programmes across a range of materials technologies, validating the strength of IQE's IP portfolio as a key differentiator and strong competitive advantage. These programmes are central to several next generation mass market applications.



Net debt up 2.4m since year end to 41.9m (December 2016: 39.5m).



* The Directors believe that the adjusted measures provide a more useful comparison of business trends and performance. Adjusted measures exclude exceptional items, share based payments and non-cash acquisition accounting charges as detailed in note 5.

Dr Drew Nelson, IQE Chief Executive, said:

"The compound semiconductor industry is moving through an inflection point. Many of the key innovations that are taking place in the technology world would not be possible without the advanced properties of compound semiconductor materials. Indeed, compound semiconductors are the fundamental enabler of innovations such as 3D sensing, biometric sensors, electric and autonomous vehicles, high speed wireless and optical communications, and advanced manufacturing.

"IQE has developed an unparalleled breath of materials IP, which position it to prosper from the inflection that is taking place in our industry. Our broad portfolio of IP is a powerful competitive advantage which is enabling us to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace. The strength of our IP has enabled us to broaden our direct engagement with OEMs from single points of engagement a few years ago, to multiple programmes enabling a number of next generation mass market technologies.

"IQE's outlook has never looked better. The broad range of customer engagements across multiple technologies and multiple end markets, provide a clear path to increase revenue diversity and accelerate growth over the coming months and years ahead. The breadth and depth of customer engagement underpins the Board's confidence in approving the capacity expansion plan, which provides a flexible and cost effective route to significantly scaling up in our business over the next few years"

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

CONTACTS

IQE plc +44 (0) 29 2083 9400

Drew Nelson

Phil Rasmussen

Chris Meadows

Canaccord Genuity + 44 (0) 20 7523 8000

Simon Bridges

Henry Fitzgerald O'Connor

Richard Andrews

Peel Hunt +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Edward Knight

Nick Prowling

Note to Editors

IQE is the leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor wafers with products that cover a diverse range of applications, supported by an innovative outsourced foundry services portfolio that allows the Group to provide a 'one stop shop' for the wafer needs of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers.

IQE uses advanced crystal growth technology (epitaxy) to manufacture and supply bespoke semiconductor wafers ('epiwafers') to the major chip manufacturing companies, who then use these wafers to make the chips which form the key components of virtually all high technology systems. IQE is unique in being able to supply wafers using all of the leading crystal growth technology platforms.

IQE's products are found in many leading-edge consumer, communication, computing and industrial applications, including a complete range of wafer products for the wireless industry, such as mobile handsets and wireless infrastructure, Wi-Fi, base stations, GPS, and satellite communications and optical communications.

The Group also manufactures advanced optoelectronic and photonic components such as semiconductor lasers, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and optical sensors for a wide range of applications including optical storage, thermal imaging, leading-edge medical products, pico-projection, finger navigation ultra-high brightness LEDs, and high efficiency concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar cells.

The manufacturers of these chips are increasingly seeking to outsource wafer production to specialist foundries such as IQE in order to reduce overall wafer costs and accelerate time to market.

IQE also provides bespoke R&D services to deliver customised materials for specific applications and offers specialist technical staff to manufacture to specification either at its own facilities or on the customer's own sites. The Group is also able to leverage its global purchasing volumes to reduce the cost of raw materials. In this way, IQE's outsourced services, provide compelling benefits in terms of flexibility and predictability of cost, thereby significantly reducing operating risk.

IQE operates a number of manufacturing and R&D facilities across Europe, Asia and the USA. The Group also delivers its products and services through regional sales offices located in major economic centres worldwide.

INTERIM RESULTS 2017

1. INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

Integrated circuits or "chips" are the critical components which lie at the heart of all electronic devices. In the past, these chips have been primarily fabricated using silicon. Silicon is an abundant semiconducting element which has enabled the Silicon chip market to grow to over $350 billion per annum. However, like every element, silicon has a finite, and therefore limited, set of properties.

There are many other semiconducting elements which have much more advanced properties than silicon. Compound semiconductors refers to the technology of combining these other semiconducting elements to create materials which overcome the inherent performance limitations of silicon. This enables chip companies to produce compound semiconductor chips which achieve functionality that silicon chips just cannot match. Indeed, the wireless communications revolution, fibre optic communication (the internet), and LED lighting would not be possible without compound semiconductors.

2. IQE AND THE COMPOUND SEMI SUPPLY CHAIN

The three key steps in the supply chain are typically viewed as "wafers-chips-devices". IQE designs and fabricates compound semiconductor wafers. It generates its revenues primarily from selling bespoke wafers to its customers, who in turn fabricate these wafers into compound semiconductor chips such as wireless communication chips, laser devices or advanced sensors. These chips are then incorporated into devices such as smartphones, base stations or other electronic systems and gadgets.

IQE also generates income from licensing IP to Joint Ventures, being related entities which are not controlled by IQE. These joint ventures were established with IQE's partners to provide a bridge between academia and industry. Our university partners are participating in these JV's to provide a cost-effective route to commercialise their new technologies, whereas IQE and its industrial partner are using the JV's to seed future revenues by using their "right of first refusal" over the commercial supply for these new technologies.

IQE differentiates itself from its competitors through technology leadership, economies of scale, and dual site manufacturing for security of supply. This has enabled IQE to develop a strong leadership position, where it is recognised globally as the market leader, with an estimated 55% share of the wireless market and an unparalleled breadth of materials technologies.

IQE has developed a market facing organisational structure, based around its 6 key markets: Wireless, Photonics, Infrared, Solar, Power, and CMOS++.

3. RESULTS

The Group's results are reported after a number of one-off items and non-cash accounting charges. In aggregate, these resulted in a net charge of 2.5m in H1 2017 (H1 2016: 0.2m) consisting of non-cash accounting charges of 2.8m (H1 2016: 1.8m), the release of deferred consideration (H1 2016: 2.1m credit) in the prior year and a related deferred tax credit of 0.3m (H1 2016: 0.6m charge). These items are fully detailed in note 5, in order to assist with an assessment of the Group's underlying business performance. The following commentary on the first half results is based on these adjusted profit measures.

First half revenues increased by 12% to 70.4m (H1 2016: 63.0m). Wafer sales of 69.4m were up 17% against H1 2016. This reflects increased sales in each of its primary markets: Wireless sales were up 9% to 47.3m, Photonics sales ups 48% to 15.9m and InfraRed sales up 19% to 5.6m. License income from joint ventures was 1.0m (H1 2016: 3.5m), reflecting that IQE benefitted from significant upfront license fees in H1 2016.

Gross margins on wafer sales increased from 24% to 25%, and gross margin on license income remained at 100%. Overall gross margin of 26% was lower than prior year (H1 2016: 28%), reflecting the mix effect of lower license income in 2017.

Selling, General and Administration expenses (SG&A), increased 3% to 7.5m (H1 2016: 7.3m). Despite the increase in sales, the operating profit of 10.6m was 2% lower than prior year (H1 2016: 10.8m), which benefitted from one-off upfront license income. There was no upfront license income in H1 2017.

Adjusted profit after tax reduced 0.4m to 9.8m (H1 2016: 10.2m), which combined with an increase in the fully diluted share count (due to the increase in share price) resulted in an 8% decrease in adjusted fully diluted EPS from 1.46p to 1.35p. After exceptional charges of 2.5m (H1 2016: 1.7m), the reported profit after tax decreased from 9.8m to 7.3m.

The Group's net debt increased by 2.4m since the prior year end to 41.9m (December 2016: 39.5m). Deferred consideration, which related to previous acquisitions, is nil, having being settled in full during H2 of 2016.

The Group has approximately 115m of accumulated tax losses, which represent a potential reduction in future tax payable of 33m. The tax credit of 0.6m (H1 2016: 0.4m charge) primarily reflects the recognition of additional tax losses consistent with the Groups growth opportunities, partially offset by tax charges in Asia where historical brought forward tax losses have now been utilised. This has resulted in an adjusted effective tax rate of -2.8% which has reduced from 1.8% in H1 2016 (FY 2016: -3.9%) and a reported effective tax rate of -8.4% (H1 2016: 4.2%, FY 2016: -2.1%).

4. VISION AND STRATEGY



The evolution of semiconductors



Compound semiconductors are continuing to play an increasingly important role in the electronics industry as their advanced properties exceed the performance limitations of silicon semiconductors. Through continuing innovation, compound semiconductor technologies are now achieving the cost-performance thresholds that is accelerating their adoption on many fronts. Moreover, as the technology continues through this inflection point of mass adoption, it is approaching a paradigm shift with the emergence of "Compound Semiconductor on Silicon" technology (CS-on-Si).

CS-on-Si combines the superior performance of compound semiconductors with the low cost of traditional silicon technology to create a high performance, low cost hybrid solution. This technology has been under development for more than a decade, through a host of government and industry funded programmes that has engaged blues chips, leading universities and specialist high technology companies alike. IQE has been firmly embedded in these programmes as a materials specialist, and has many patents in this field. This transition is almost upon us, as the supply chain anticipates initial commercialisation of GaN-on-Si for wireless base stations as early as 2018.

Vision and strategy

Our vision is to be the leading global provider of advanced semiconductor materials - the global "go to" compound semiconductor materials specialist in the electronics industry.

To realise this vision requires the ability to deliver "enabling technology", which meets the price points needed for adoption, and which can be delivered reliably, on-time, every-time with the ability to scale rapidly. IQE has positioned itself well for this challenge, having built the broadest portfolio of materials IP in the industry, and developed a unique platform for a secure low cost supply. Moreover, IQE believes it has developed a reputation to match - for excellence and reliability.

As part of the Group's strategy, IQE announced in July 2017 that, as part of its expansion plans, it has agreed a lease of a new premises in South Wales. The lease is with the Cardiff City Region, which has a goal of supporting the development of the Compound Semiconductor Cluster in South Wales. This lease provides the infrastructure needed for IQE's expansion in a highly cost effective manner. The lease is for 11 years, and provides IQE with an option to extend the lease or purchase the freehold. In parallel, the Group has placed orders for new MOCVD equipment.

5. MARKETS

The Group has established six business units along market lines, to address its primary and emerging markets, the emerging markets of Solar and Power control are not yet significant enough to be separated in our segmental reporting.

Wireless

"Wireless" refers to a broad range of applications from mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, routers, and WiFi through to large system applications such as base stations and radar. It is IQE's largest market today, and accounted for 68% of wafer sales in the first half of 2017 (H1 2016: 73%). This has been the main growth driver in IQE's business over the last decade.

The smartphone revolution was triggered by the launch of the iPhone in 2007. The consumer "feeding frenzy" that followed delivered double digit growth in the market for wireless materials including power amplifiers (PAs), driven by both the increase in the volume of handsets sold and an increasing chip content in each handset. Through this period of strong growth IQE built its global leadership position in wireless, and now enjoys an estimated 55% global market share. However, the market has been more subdued over the past few years reflecting a lull in mobile phone handset innovation, and technology/fabrication trends resulting in smaller die size has resulted in the materials market remaining relatively flat over that period. However, the much speculated revival in handset innovation, and the advent of 5G, provide clear routes to the return of double digit growth in this segment.

At present, growth in IQE's wireless division is being driven by high voltage applications such radars and base stations. Although this has historically represented only a modest part of IQE's wireless sales (C.10-15%), it is a high growth area delivering double digit growth. In these applications, compound semiconductor technology (GaN-on-SiC) is replacing incumbent silicon technology (LDMOS) which is unable to meet the rising performance required for today's high speed communication systems. Moreover, working closely with its chip customers, IQE has developed GaN-on-Si technology which delivers the high performance of compound semiconductors but at a dramatically lower cost of manufacture, and hence offers the potential to disrupt this market and deliver strong growth for IQE in the near term.

A further dimension to IQE's wireless business is the market for wireless filters. This is a very large market, which is already more than double the size of the existing wireless PA market, and growing rapidly. Currently, a range of filters are made using poly-crystal aluminium nitride material. However, IQE has developed and internally demonstrated a single-crystal aluminium nitride material which offers superior performance characteristics. Further development is required before this technology can be commercialised, but initial results reflect substantial promise, and the potential to commercialise over a 2-3 year time frame.

Photonics

Photonics refers to semiconductor applications which emit or detect light - essentially lasers and sensors. It accounted for 23% of the Group's wafer sales in the first half of 2017 (H1 2016: 18%). It is the fastest growing segment within IQE, and delivered a growth rate of 48% in the first half following several years of strong double digit growth.

The critical materials technologies in this market are VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers) and InP (Indium Phosphide). After several years of development, the advances in these technologies and the improvement in manufacturing processes means that these technologies are now hitting the performance and cost points necessary for mass market adoption.

The application space for VCSEL is very broad and spans mass-market consumer applications, fibre optic communication, and industrial and health applications. Specific uses include 3D sensing, LIDAR, gesture recognition, laser autofocus, proximity sensing, fibre optics for data centres, industrial heating, machine control and biometrics to name but a few.

IQE is the technology and market leader in VCSEL materials, working with leading chip companies and OEMs directly. Indeed, IQE's IP is a strong differentiator which provides a powerful competitive advantage in the VCSEL marketplace, and which has enabled IQE to secure multiple multi-year contracts for mass market applications.

Over the past few years, IQE has enjoyed strong double-digit growth in its VCSEL business, much of which has been customer funded development spanning a broad base of customers and applications. In its recent trading update, IQE announced the start of a ramp in a mass market consumer application using VCSELs. This application, which relates to a sensing technology, helped deliver record sales for IQE in June, and offers the potential for a dramatic acceleration in VCSEL sales growth over the next few years.

InP is the technology that is critical to fibre optics in telecommunications. The main growth drivers here are "Fibre to the Premises" (FTTx), data centre infrastructure and mobile base station backhaul. The continued exponential growth in data traffic is driving the roll out of fibre "to the last mile" across the planet, the need for greatly increased data storage capacity with rapid access to data and 4G/LTE backhaul Fibre Optic links.

A key technology in InP fibre optics is Distributed Feedback Lasers ("DFB"s). In contrast to our other technologies, there is an intermediary step in the supply chain which sits between the epitaxial wafer production and the chip fabrication. In particular, a "grating" is added to the epitaxial wafer, followed by further epitaxial films on top of the grating. Historically, IQE has only provided the base epitaxial wafers with third parties undertaking the additional steps. However, IQE has developed a cost effective, highly flexible grating technology which solves some of the key challenges currently facing this sector. This technology has passed internal testing and is being qualified by customers. We believe that this is a disruptive technology which could allow for rapid growth and market share gains for IQE in this segment in the near term.

In overview, we believe that our photonics business is at the start of a long term and exciting high growth curve. Our growth ambitions are underpinned by an impressive pipeline of programmes with blue chip customers for high volume applications, and IP which provides IQE with powerful competitive advantages.

Infrared

We are the market leader in the supply of indium antimonide (InSb) and gallium antimonide (GaSb) materials used in high resolution infrared systems, with an estimated market share of approximately 80%. This segment accounted for approximately 8% of the Group's wafer sales in the first half of 2017 (H1 2016: 8%).

Sales are currently concentrated in defence related applications, but through our engagement in programmes in consumer, medical and industrial imagining, we expect this segment to increasingly transition into new high volume markets over the coming years.

Power

"Power" relates to the use of semiconductors in Power Switching and LED lighting applications. IQE is developing materials solutions to address some of the key technological challenges faced in these markets. The size and scale of these markets are many times larger than IQE's existing markets, so these represent truly transformational opportunities for IQE.

Power switching devices are used where electricity is switched between AC and DC, or where voltage is switched. This happens throughout electricity generation and distribution, and in virtually all applications that are powered from the grid, from transformers in industrial machinery and electric vehicles, through to power supplies for your laptop. The market for power switching chips is estimated to be worth at least $12 billion, which is approximately 4x the size of the existing wireless power amplifier chip market. Again, a truly transformational opportunity.

At present, these power switching chips are made using silicon, which has performance limitations. Accordingly, the industry is investing heavily in a step change in technology to overcome this inefficiency and deliver a high performing lower cost solution. That step change is the adoption of a hybrid compound semiconductor on silicon technology called GaN on Si. IQE is at the forefront of the materials development.

We are all becoming accustomed with LED technology as it gathers momentum in a range of lighting applications from automotive lighting to office lighting and residential lighting. The prevalent materials technology in this industry is currently "gallium nitride on sapphire", but it is widely accepted that GaN on Si will become an important technology in this space. This provides a major opportunity for IQE to leverage its development of GaN on Si for Power into this adjacent market.

Advanced Solar

Solar panels are largely made from silicon, which is inherently inefficient in converting sunlight into electricity, typically achieving efficiencies of only 15-20%. In contrast, compound semiconductors are significantly more efficient, and today deliver efficiencies of over 44%. Furthermore, there is a technology roadmap to increase this efficiency to over 50%. With its supply chain partners, IQE has developed technology leadership and is working to qualify this into production.

There are two key markets for this Compound Semiconductor solar technology: "space" (satellite power supplies) and "terrestrial" (renewable energy). The adoption of this technology in terrestrial in the short term is limited by the historic low oil price and over-supply within the silicon panel market, but this remains a major market opportunity as these issues unwind. Therefore, our primarily focus is on penetrating the space market, where this technology is already embedded. As technology leader we have a clear strategy to penetrate the market and win market share.

CMOS++

The ever-increasing demand for higher speed and improved performance from today's electronic devices is ushering in a new era of semiconductor materials that combine the scale and low (per chip) cost base of the silicon industry with the power and performance of compound semiconductors.

IQE is at the forefront of developing this technology, and is working with a range of partners from global industry giants, universities and governments to dynamic start-ups. As a result, we have developed an enviable portfolio of technologies and patents which position us well to increasingly participate in the continuing evolution of the semiconductor industry.

6. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Following the AGM on 13th June 2017, Professor Simon Gibson OBE retired from the Board. The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his significant commitment and the contribution that Simon provided over the past 15 years.



7. CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK



The Group has continued to make good strategic, operational and financial progress in 2017, and has a clear vision and roadmap for the continuing growth of the business. The first half progressed well, and ended strongly with the start of a major new product ramp. In light of the benefit of a strong pipeline and increasing revenue diversification the Board remains confident that the Group is on track to deliver full year earnings in line with the recently upgraded expectations.

Dr Drew Nelson, CEO





CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Note Unaudited Unaudited Audited Revenue 70,370 63,010 132,707 Cost of sales (53,665) (45,766) (97,979) Gross profit 16,705 17,244 34,728 Other income - 2,163 2,340 Selling, general and administrative expenses (8,920) (8,270) (16,356) (Loss)/profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment (4) 137 (47) Operating profit 7,781 11,274 20,665 Net finance costs (1,025) (802) (1,633) Adjusted profit before tax 9,561 10,061 20,630 Adjustments 5 (2,805) 411 (1,598) Profit before tax 6,756 10,472 19,032 Income tax credit/(charge) 566 (444) 408 Profit for the period 7,322 10,028 19,440 Profit attributable to: Equity shareholders 7,297 9,936 19,276 Non-controlling interests 25 92 164 7,322 10,028 19,440 Basic earnings per share 6 1.07p 1.49p 2.87p Diluted earnings per share 6 1.00p 1.43p 2.71p

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share is presented in Note 6.











CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited Profit for the period 7,322 10,028 19,440 Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments* (7,521) 12,713 24,347 Total comprehensive income for the period (199) 22,741 43,787 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Equity shareholders (236) 22,333 43,063 Non-controlling interests 37 408 724 (199) 22,741 43,787

* This may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement when it becomes realised.







As At As At As At CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited Non-current assets : Intangible assets 105,903 95,990 103,972 Property, plant and equipment 81,968 73,331 85,001 Deferred tax asset 18,155 15,745 18,181 Financial Assets 8,000 8,000 8,000 Total non-current assets 214,026 193,066 215,154 Current assets : Inventories 30,358 23,767 28,498 Trade and other receivables 31,683 25,838 30,868 Cash and cash equivalents 8 5,465 4,311 4,957 Total current assets 67,506 53,916 64,323 Total assets 281,532 246,982 279,477 Current liabilities : Borrowings 8 (5,778) (3,344) (7,652) Trade and other payables (34,030) (33,083) (36,939) Provisions for other liabilities and charges 9 (1,544) (1,351) (1,421) Total current liabilities (41,352) (37,778) (46,012) Non-current liabilities : Borrowings 8 (41,549) (34,553) (36,854) Provisions for other liabilities and charges 9 (1,455) (2,778) (2,167) Total non-current liabilities (43,004) (37,331) (39,021) Total liabilities (84,356) (75,109) (85,033) Net assets 197,176 171,873 194,444 Equity attributable to shareholders : Share capital 10 6,830 6,723 6,755 Share premium 52,735 50,609 51,081 Retained earnings 96,773 80,136 89,476 Other reserves 37,644 31,564 43,975 193,982 169,032 191,287 Non-controlling Interest 3,194 2,841 3,157 Total equity 197,176 171,873 194,444





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Unaudited







(All figures '000s) Share capital Share premium Retained earnings Exchange rate reserve Other reserves Non-controlling interests Total equity Balance as at 1 January 2017 6,755 51,081 89,476 31,712 12,263 3,157 194,444 Profit for the period - - 7,297 - - 25 7,322 Foreign exchange - - - (7,533) - 12 (7,521) Total comprehensive income - - 7,297 (7,533) - 37 (199) Issues of ordinary shares including employee share schemes 75 1,654 - - 1,202 - 2,931 Total transactions with owners 75 1,654 - - 1,202 - 2,931 Balance as at 30 June 2017 6,830 52,735 96,773 24,179 13,465 3,194 197,176



Unaudited







(All figures '000s) Share capital Share premium Retained earnings Exchange rate reserve Other reserves Non-controlling interests Total equity Balance as at 1 January 2016 6,655 49,600 70,200 7,925 10,221 2,433 147,034 Profit for the period - 9,936 - - 92 10,028 Foreign exchange - - - 12,397 - 316 12,713 Total comprehensive income/(expense) - - 9,936 12,397 - 408 22,741 Issues of ordinary shares including employee share schemes 68 1,009 - - 1,021 - 2,098 Total transactions with owners 68 1,009 - - 1,021 - 2,098 Balance as at 30 June 2016 6,723 50,609 80,136 20,322 11,242 2,841 171,873





Audited







(All figures '000s) Share capital Share premium Retained earnings Exchange rate reserve Other reserves Non-controlling interests Total equity Balance at 1 January 2016 6,655 49,600 70,200 7,925 10,221 2,433 147,034 Profit for the year - - 19,276 - - 164 19,440 Foreign exchange - - - 23,787 - 560 24,347 Total comprehensive income - - 19,276 23,787 - 724 43,787 Issues of ordinary shares including employee share schemes 100 1,481 - - 2,042 - 3,623 Total transactions with owners 100 1,481 - - 2,042 - 3,623 Balance at 31 December 2016 6,755 51,081 89,476 31,712 12,263 3,157 194,444









6 months to 6 months to 12 months to CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited Cash flows from operating activities : Adjusted cash inflow from operations 11,877 13,010 24,281 Cash impact of adjustments 5 (682) (605) (1,818) Cash inflow from operations 7 11,195 12,405 22,463 Net interest paid (1,043) (723) (1,489) Income tax paid (946) (684) (839) Net cash generated from operating activities 9,206 10,998 20,135 Cash flows from investing activities : Acquisition deferred consideration for Kopin Wireless - (10,650) (11,250) Investment in intangible fixed assets (9,604) (3,539) (8,104) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (5,763) (4,065) (10,956) Net cash used in investing activities (15,367) (18,254) (30,310) Cash flows from financing activities : Issues of ordinary share capital 989 74 578 Repayment of borrowings (9,395) (1,765) (3,341) Increase in borrowings 15,239 8,269 12,623 Net cash generated from financing activities 6,833 6,578 9,860 672 (678) (315) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 4,957 4,644 4,644 Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents (164) 345 628 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 8 5,465 4,311 4,957







1 BASIS OF PREPARATION

These interim results have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and interpretations in issue at 30 June 2017.

The interim results were approved by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee on 30 August 2017. The interim results do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have not been audited. Comparative figures in the interim results for the year ended 31 December 2016 have been taken from the published audited statutory financial statements. All other periods presented are unaudited. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016 were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 March 2017 and were delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

IQE plc is a public limited company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The Company is domiciled in the United Kingdom and is quoted on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

As permitted these interim results for the half-year ended 30 June 2017 have been prepared in accordance with UK AIM rules and IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union. These interim financial results should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, as described in those annual financial statements.

The financial information contained in these interim results has been reviewed by the Company's auditor in accordance with ISRE 2410 however this does not constitute an audit.

Having considered the Group's forecasts the Directors have formed a judgment that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated financial information.

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, as described in those financial statements on pages 78 to 82.

Recent accounting developments

In preparing the condensed consolidated half-yearly financial information the Group has adopted the following Standards, amendments and interpretations which are effective for 2017 and will be adopted for the year ended 31 December 2017:

Amendment to IFRS 12 "Disclosure of interests in other entities' clarifying scope.

Amendments to clarify the classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions

IAS Amendments to IAS 7, "Statement of cash flows" on disclosure initiative.

Amendments to IAS 12,'Income taxes' on Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses.



The adoption of these standards and amendments has not had a material impact on the interim financial information.

The following new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet endorsed for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2017 (noted below), and have not been adopted in preparing the condensed consolidated half-yearly financial information.

Annual improvements 2014-2016 cycle

Amendments to clarify the classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions

Amendment to IFRS 2, 'Share based payments' to clarify the classification and measurement of certain share based payment transactions

IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers'

IFRS 9 'Financial instruments'

IFRS 16 'Leases'

IFRS 17 'Insurance contracts'

Amendment to IAS 28 'Investments in associates and joint ventures' to clarify certain fair value measurements

Amendment to IAS 40 'Investment property' to clarify transfers or property, to, or from, investment property

Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash, trade and other receivables, other equity instruments, trade and other payables and borrowings also represent their estimated fair values. There are no material differences between carrying value and fair value at 30 June 2017.

Additional disclosure of the basis of measurement and policies in respect of financial instruments are described on pages 102 to 105 of our 2016 Annual Report and remain unchanged at 30 June 2017.

Estimates

The preparation of interim financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.



Impairment

No Impairment charges have been recognised in the period to 30 June 2017.

3 PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The principal risks and uncertainties impacting the Group are described on pages 28 to 31 of our 2016 Annual Report and remain unchanged at 30 June 2017.

They include: competition, technological change, financial liquidity, natural disasters, retention of key employees, business interruption - supply chain, customer concentration and legislative compliance.

4. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

6 Months to 30 June 2017

Unaudited



6 Months to 30 June 2016

Unaudited



12 Months to 31 Dec 2016

Audited



'000 '000 '000 Revenue Wireless 47,257 43,228 91,291 Photonics 15,867 10,705 22,792 Infra Red 5,594 4,689 10,560 CMOS++ 702 871 1,406 Total Segment Revenue 69,420 59,493 126,049 License income from sales to joint ventures 950 3,517 6,658 Total Revenue 70,370 63,010 132,707 Adjusted operating profit Wireless 7,298 6,741 13,040 Photonics 6,451 4,549 9,254 Infra Red 1,360 1,034 2,651 CMOS++ (977) (1,368) (1,576) Segment adjusted operating profit 14,132 10,956 23,369 Central corporate costs (4,531) (3,691) (7,908) Profit from license income from sales to joint ventures 950 3,517 6,658 Adjusted operating profit 10,551 10,782 22,119 Non-cash accounting charges (2,805) (1,752) (3,560) Net reduction in contingent deferred consideration - 2,163 2,340 Restructuring and reorganisation - - (378) Finance costs (990) (721) (1,489) Profit before tax 6,756 10,472 19,032

The segmental disclosure for the 6 months to 30 June 2016 and the 12 months to 31 December 2016 has been restated to separately disclose central costs following reorganisation of the Group's functions. Central corporate costs include all head office and other corporate related support functions.

5 ADJUSTED PROFIT MEASURES

The group's results are reported after a number of imputed non-cash charges and non-recurring items. Therefore, we have provided additional information to aid an understanding of the group's performance.

Adjustments to profit



(All figures '000s) 6 months to 30 Jun 2017 Unaudited 6 months to 30 Jun 2016 Unaudited 12 months to

31 Dec 2016 Audited Non-cash accounting charges (2,805) (1,752) (3,560) Gain on release of contingent deferred consideration - 2,163 2,340 Restructuring and reorganisation - - (378) Total before tax (2,805) 411 (1,598) Deferred tax on adjustments 301 (629) (402) Total after tax (2,504) (218) (2,000)

The non-cash accounting charges of 2.8m (H1 2016: 1.8m, FY16: 3.6m) reflect a charge for share based payments of 2.0m (H1 2016: 1.0m, FY16: 2.0m), the amortisation of acquired intangibles 0.7m (H1 2016: 0.7m, FY16: 1.4m) and the unwind of the discounting of long term balances of 0.1m (H1 2016: 0.1m, FY16: 0.2m).

The adjustments above are classified 1.3m (H1 2016: 0.7m, FY16: 1.7m) within gross margin, 1.4m (H1 2016: 1.0m, FY16: 1.7m) within selling, general and administrative expenses and 0.1m (H1 2016: 0.1m, FY16: 0.2m) in net finance costs.

The Group generated a non-cash profit of nil (H1 2016: 2.2m, FY16: 2.3m) arising from a reduction in the estimated remaining deferred consideration (settled via trade discount) in respect of a previous acquisition. The non-cash profit arising in prior periods has been classified within other income and expenses in the consolidated income statement. The deferred consideration was settled in full in FY16.

The restructuring and reorganisation costs in the prior period (H1 2016: nil, FY16: 0.4m) reflect some one-off redundancy and asset write downs associated with the restructuring of the groups manufacturing operations.

The deferred tax credit of 0.3m (H1 2016: 0.6m credit, FY16: 0.4m credit) reflects the deferred tax impact associated with the adjustments to profit.

The cash flow impact of adjustments in the first half of 2017 of 682,000 relates to lease rental payments associated with a previously provided onerous lease.

Certain items noted above are accounting estimates based on judgements, accordingly, the actual amounts may differ from these estimates.

5 ADJUSTED PROFIT MEASURES (Continued)





(All figures '000s) 6 months to 30 Jun 2017 Unaudited 6 months to 30 Jun 2016 Unaudited 12 months to

31 Dec 2016 Audited Adjusted gross margin 18,047 17,925 36,415 Reported gross margin 16,705 17,244 34,728 Adjusted sales, general and administrative expenses (7,492) (7,280) (14,249) Reported sales, general and administrative expenses (8,920) (8,270) (16,356) Adjusted operating profit 10,551 10,782 22,119 Reported operating profit 7,781 11,274 20,665 Adjusted profit before tax 9,561 10,061 20,630 Reported profit before tax 6,756 10,472 19,032 Adjusted profit after tax 9,826 10,246 21,440 Reported profit after tax 7,322 10,028 19,440





Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) have been calculated as follows:







(All figures '000s) 6 months to 30 Jun 2017 Unaudited 6 months to 30 Jun 2016 Unaudited 12 months to 31 Dec 2016 Audited Profit attributable to equity shareholders 7,297 9,936 19,276 Minority interest 25 92 164 Tax (566) 444 (408) Finance costs 1,025 802 1,633 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 3,092 3,120 5,561 Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 2,714 2,444 5,377 Share based payments* 2,034 1,021 2,042 Profit and Loss on disposal* 4 (137) 47 Release of contingent deferred consideration* - (2,163) (2,340) Restructuring and re-organisation* - - 378 EBITDA 15,625 15,559 31,730

*Exceptional items impacting EBITDA include the following items: share based payments, profit and loss on disposal, impairment of assets, provision for onerous lease, wireless business unit re-organisation costs and the release of contingent deferred consideration.





6 EARNINGS PER SHARE

6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Results in '000s: Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 7,297 9,936 19,276 Adjustments to profit after tax (note 5) 2,504 218 2,000 Adjusted profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 9,801 10,154 21,276 Number of shares: Weighted average number of ordinary shares 676,378,550 666,683,779 671,532,674 Dilutive share options 49,256,183 27,885,351 38,548,084 Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares 725,634,733 694,569,130 710,080,758 Adjusted basic earnings per share 1.45p 1.52p 3.17p Basic earnings per share 1.07p 1.49p 2.87p Adjusted diluted earnings per share 1.35p 1.46p 3.00p Diluted earnings per share 1.00p 1.43p 2.71p

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares and 'in the money' share options in issue. Share options are classified as 'in the money' if their exercise price is lower than the average share price for the period. As required by IAS 33, this calculation assumes that the proceeds receivable from the exercise of 'in the money' options would be used to purchase shares in the open market in order to reduce the number of new shares that would need to be issued.

7 CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited Profit before tax 6,756 10,472 19,032 Finance costs 1,025 802 1,633 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 3,092 3,120 5,561 Amortisation of intangible assets 2,714 2,444 5,377 Loss/(profit) on disposal of fixed assets 4 (137) 47 Gain on release of contingent deferred consideration - (2,163) (2,340) Contingent deferred consideration (settled through contractual discounts) - (2,528) (3,959) Share based payments 2,034 1,021 2,042 Cash inflow from operations before changes in working capital 15,625 13,031 27,393 Increase in inventories (2,698) (1,546) (4,206) (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (2,966) 774 1,437 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 1,234 146 (2,161) Cash inflow from operations 11,195 12,405 22,463

8 ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT

As At As At As At 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited Bank borrowings due after one year (41,549) (34,553) (36,854) Bank borrowings due within one year (5,778) (3,344) (7,652) Finance leases due after one year - - - Finance leases due within one year - - - Total borrowings (47,327) (37,897) (44,506) Cash and cash equivalents 5,465 4,311 4,957 Net debt (41,862) (33,586) (39,549)

9 PROVISIONS FOR OTHER LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

As at As at As at 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited As at 1 January 3,588 4,038 4,038 Charged to the income statement 140 53 104 Utilised during the period (682) (605) (1,283) Foreign exchange (47) 643 729 As at 30 June / 31 December 2,999 4,129 3,588

As part of the re-organisation and rationalisation of the Group's facilities the Group ceased its manufacturing activities in Singapore and established the Compound Semiconductor Development Centre. The provision above represents the onerous lease obligation in respect of the Singapore property. This is expected to be utilised over the next two years. The provision has been discounted using a risk free rate of 2.5%.





10 SHARE CAPITAL

As At As at As at 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 Number of shares Unaudited Unaudited Audited As at 1 January 675,506,061 665,533,170 655,533,170 Employee share schemes 7,516,861 1,667,010 4,831,424 Shares issued to settle Translucent deferred consideration - 5,141,467 5,141,467 As at 30 June / 31 December 683,022,922 672,341,647 675,506,061

In the period to the 30 June 2017 7,516,861 (H1 2016: 1,677,010, FY16: 4,831,424) ordinary shares were issued to satisfy employee share schemes.

As At As at As at 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2016 31 Dec 2016 (All figures '000s) Unaudited Unaudited Audited As at 1 January 6,755 6,655 6,655 Employee share schemes 75 17 48 Shares issued to settle Translucent consideration - 51 52 As at 30 June / 31 December 6,830 6,723 6,755

11 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Group recognised revenue of 1.0m (H1 2016: 0.8m, FY16: 1.7m) and made purchases of 6.4m (H1 2016: 4.2m, FY16: 7.2m) from its joint venture in Singapore, the Compound Semiconductor Development Centre Private Limited.

The Group also recognised revenue of nil (H1 2016: 2.8m, FY16: 4.9m), made purchases of 3.3m (H1 2016: 2.0m, FY16: 4.0m) and recharged other costs of 1.4m (H1 2016: 0.2m, FY16: 0.4m) with its joint venture in the UK the Compound Semiconductor Centre Limited.
Punch reports that the father contracted men believed to be soldiers to kill his son identified simply as Chibuzor.

ALSO READ: Father beats son to death in Ogun

An eyewitness reportedly revealed to Punch correspondents in Awka, the Anambra State capital where the shocking act took place, that the men in the Nigerian Army uniform beat their victim to a coma.

Chibuzor, who it was gathered, had been the only son of his father, however, died at a nearby hospital where he was rushed to.

According to the reports, trouble began when the deceased brought his fiancee home to meet his father.

Pleading anonymity, a source revealed that Chibuzor had an altercation with his father after the introduction.

The source said,The father had rejected the choice of the woman Chibuzor brought home, saying the lady was older than his son.

Chibuzor who had had a failed marriage that produced a child decided to remarry after separating from the first wife,

He was disappointed when the father refused to give his approval to the marriage.

When the rift between the deceased and his father escalated, the father invited some soldiers; this annoyed his son, Chibuzor, who as a result poured hot water on his father.

Punch reports that the soldiers descended on the deceased and beat him to a pulp after which he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died.

The sad incident which occurred on Saturday, September 2, in Umuayom village Awka, reportedly triggered a protest by the youths in the community.

According to the reports, the protesters made bonfires, blocking major roads in the area while demanding justice over the death of their kinsman.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiru Nwode, while confirming the incident on Monday, September 4, said the command was investigating the matter.

She added that the fiancee has been placed in protective custody while the investigation was ongoing.
The footwear brand owned by media personality Taje Prest is inspired by the creative director's travels across Africa in recent times.

"This collection is a limited edition inspired by Taje's travels as she toured Africa recently. Taje explains she was exploring different countries - Burkina Faso, Senegal & Cote D'Ivoire, and their fabrics, which in turn fascinated her and became the theme of the new collection.

Each country she visited, she loved seeing a non-tourist version of the country, as she was able to shop for fabrics like a local. The collection is made up of three pairs of slides, each slide type is named after its material origin as she felt it was best to keep them true to its source.

Taje's inspiration for the collection is the need for us all to embrace different cultures the best way we can. And to her, this was her first step towards that goal" a rep for the brand shares about the collection.

Credits:

Photographer: @TheFifoGrapher

Models: @elisabeth.prest @darkskinnedfemale @mel_devidal

Make up: @amaebiere

Creative Direction: @TheStyle.Concierge
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization report, in 1985, Nigeria produced 18.3 million tonnes of yam from 1.5 million hectares, representing 73.8 percent of total yam production in Africa.

Yam are very surplus around August to October in the western part of the country while north central States like Benue, Nasarawa and Niger have yams in abundance September to November.

Below are the top states you can find quality yams:

1. Zaki Biam yam market - Benue state

It is no exaggeration to say that the Zaki Biam market is the largest in the country, and maybe in Africa.

Farmers from far and wide bring their produce for better bargains while traders come from across the country and neighbouring Cameroun, Niger and Ghana to make purchases.

The market opens to only yam sellers and buyers. This is the best place to buy yams at a very low cost as most sellers are local cultivators of the crop.

Benue is Nigeria's largest yam producing state and records an average sale of 1.5 million yams a year.

2. Wukari, Taraba

Taraba is blessed with 4 million hectares of arable land of which only about 1.5 million is said to be under cultivation annually, mostly yams.

Taraba State is a big time producer of yam. A visit to Wukari and Danacha yam markets shows that they are also major exporters of yams.

3. Nasarawa state

Nasarawa is one of the largest yam producing states in the country. Nasarawa State, was at a time exporting over 150 tonnes of paper yam species to UK.

4. Adamawa

According to the World Data atlas, Adamawa's production of yam is at over 10, 1000 metric tons.
Images: Mercedes Sayagues, Jose Forjaz

Halfway between Nampula province and Maputo lies the port city of Beira and the 950 km-long Sofala bank, Mozambiques richest fishing grounds. Most industrial fishing is based here.

In spite of its fish wealth, Mozambique is not a significant player in the world fish market, says a USAID study, and one reason is lack of capital for private and public investment.

A recent attempt to found a Mozambican tuna-fishing fleet turned sour. In 2013, the government issued

a $850-million bond to buy 26 fishing boats and four patrol vessels in France for the newly-formed EMATUM (Mozambican Tuna Fishing Company), which is 33% owned by the state security services pension fund and by government. The deal bypassed parliament, and was much criticised by donors and the opposition for its lack of transparency and high interest-rates (LIBOR +6.5%), to be repaid within seven years.

Elections were held at the end of 2014. In July this year the new finance minister described the bond as a bad deal. Having ballooned to $980-million and accounting for 13% of the national foreign debt, it had to be renegotiated. Citing EMATUMs distressed debt exchange, credit-rating agency Standard & Poor downgraded Mozambiques long-term rating from B to B-.

Instead of the trumpeted $200-million annual earnings, EMATUM posted losses of $35-million for 2013-2014. Mozambique doesnt even have trained crews for this fleet.

Meanwhile, the threat of Somali pirates sharply reduced foreign fishing, legal or illegal, in the Indian Ocean. But that danger receded in 2013, thanks to international patrolling using vessels and drones, and unscrupulous foreign trawlers are back in East Africa the worlds richest tuna fishing grounds, with shark and swordfish as well.

The 2014 Africa Progress Report: Grain Fish Money, by an expert group chaired by former UN chief Ko Annan, describes how Africa is losing billions to illegal and shadowy [fishing] practices. West Africa loses as much as $1.3-billion annually. In Senegal, losses amount to 2% of GDP.

Why? The report lists limited monitoring and tracking capabilities, poor domestic governance, corruption and links between politically IN

connected elites and fishing companies. The pay, fish, go system controls the number of vessels but not the volume of catches. One large trawler catches 250 tons of fish in a single day, the same amount that 50 pirogues catch in one year.

Africa is at the epicentre between sustainable management and unsustainable mining of marine fisheries, says the report.

Some 130 foreign fishing vessels from the EU, China and Japan pay Mozambique about $4.1-million in annual licence fees. Foreign ships dont employ Mozambican seamen and dont dock at Mozambican ports, preferring the efficient ports in Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar.

On 22 July the Minister for Sea, Inland Water and Fisheries, Agostinho Mondlane, told parliament that foreign fishing vessels declare some 5 000 tons of catches but might well catch six times as much.

Telling the story

Back in Maputo, the museums director, Larsen Augusto Vales, a fisheries official who for 12 years dreamed of displaying this collection, is proud to preserve our cultural heritage.

Indeed, the artefacts have a handsome home. What it is missing is a coherent narrative that links the reed traps and sails inside to the mamanas and boats outside.

The building is contemporary in design, but the exhibition concept is traditional and static, its gaze turned towards the past. Fisheries conservation, management, social and economic context get short shrift. There is little interactivity - essential for its key public, urban students - except chatting to the guides.
Princess Mako and her fiance, Kei Mekuro became known earlier in May of this year and we reported the story herewhen it appeared that the couple would go on with their romance despite the conditions attached to such move.

Under Japanese cultural norms, whenever a princess marries someone who isnt royalty, she is stripped of her status and becomes a commoner like her husband.

The Princess, 25 has now decided to let go of that so as to marry her ex-classmate, a commoner she met during her time at the International Christian University in Tokyo.

At an announcement made on September 3, she said she was first attracted to Kei Komuro's "smile like the sun".

"I've been aware since my childhood that I would lose royal status once I married," she said.

"While I've worked to help the emperor and fulfil duties as a royal family member as much as I can, I've been cherishing my own life."

In the televised conference, the groom-to-be, also 25, described the princess as someone who quietly watched over him "like the moon".

Princess Mako, 25, is the eldest child of Prince Fumihito, the emperor's second son.
According to AFP, members of the sect, riding on motorbikes, opened fire on people working in their farms in Ngawo Fato Bulamari village.

Speaking to Punch, a member of the vigilante group in the village, Babakura Kolo said The Boko Haram gunmen while riding past the farmlands opened fire.

Four people were killed while many have gone missing and our assumption is that they ran into the bush to escape the attack.

ALSO READ:7 things Boko Haram fighter disclosed about Shekau

Many lives and properties have been lost as a result of the dreaded terror groups reign of terror.

Recently, an ex Boko Haram commander, Abdulkadir Abubakar accused the sects leader of refusing to dialogue with the Federal Government.
Squadron Leader Jeremiah Amase, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that some of the patients were suffering from hypertension, Malaria, diarrhea, upper and lower respiratory infections among others.

The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, had earlier inaugurated the Medical Outreach Programme to assist IDPs as part of the Nigerian Airforces (NAF) social responsibility to the people of the state.

Amase explained that the over 200 patients attended to responded to treatment.

He said that the clinic had not received any case beyond the medical teams capability and commended the efforts of medical doctors from the Benue State University Makurdi for their collaboration.

He, however, disclosed that the major challenge facing the camp was lack of water and poor sanitation system which he said was being addressed.
French English

Press release 05.09.2017





Altran acquires GlobalEdge, an India-based product engineering company specialized in IoT connectivity and embedded software

GlobalEdge increases Altran's presence in India, reinforcing significantly the Group's Industrialized GlobalShore(TM) end-to-end delivery capabilities

GlobalEdge will help accelerate Altran's commercial footprint development in North America, with strong US-based blue-chip companies

GlobalEdge is aligned with Altran's strategy to reinforce its operations with the Semi-conductor, Telecom, Automotive and Software/Internet industries

The acquisition provides Altran with deep expertise in connectivity technology, and supports Altran's overall software strategy

Altran has today announced the acquisition of GlobalEdge Software Limited, an India-based product engineering company specialized in embedded software solutions and IoT Solutions. The company serves mostly the Semiconductor, Telecoms and Automotive industries, but also addresses a larger range of industry segments such as Software & Internet and Consumer electronics, with many blue-chip clients.

Headquarted in Bangalore with a branch in Hyberabad and two specific client locations in Chennai and in Mumbai/Pune, the acquisition of GlobalEdge significantly increases Altran's presence in India with additional 1,000 engineers. The critical size achieved will improve Altran's Industrialized GlobalShore(TM) delivery capabilities and accelerate Altran India's strategy to increase penetration in US Groups with Indian captive centers.

GlobalEdge accelerates Altran's commercial footprint in North America, with a desirable and balanced client base of blue-chip companies mainly headquarted in the US, to which GlobalEdge offers a unique delivery model with a dedicated Californian-based team of several dozens engineers.

The acquisition provides Altran with deep expertise in the latest mobile connectivity technology and emerging technologies such as 5G. It will reinforce the leading edge expertise of the Altran's Advanced Network World Class Center created earlier this year. GlobalEdge also strengthens Altran's high-end expertise in embedded software development and testing. GlobalEdge has strong knowledge in the development of embedded software solutions and services to enable diverse applications across industry segments. The company owns its own product IP frameworks focused on connectivity, and offers a highly automated connectivity lab-as-a-service, currently sold to a number of major clients.

Commenting on this acquisition, Dominique Cerutti, Chairman & CEO of the Altran Group stated: "I am delighted to announce the acquisition of GlobalEdge, which is strategically aligned with the objectives of Altran 2020. Ignition. GlobalEdge has shown its capacity to generate steady and profitable growth while diversifying its portfolio in industries which are strategic priorities for Altran. The company will actively support the expansion plans of Altran North America, thanks to its clear positioning with a strong focus on marquee clients, and high value-added solutions that could be leveraged at Altran Group level to accelerate growth."

MP Kumar, Founder and CEO of GlobalEdge, added: "We are thrilled to be able to take superior end-to-end solutions to our clients based on Altran's expertise in product development and intelligent systems. Being a part of Altran gives our employees greater opportunities for growth and to create greater value for our clients in dramatically different ways. We believe the combination creates an unbeatable force in the IoT, connectivity and embedded world that can provide solutions that address many more industries."

Founded in 2001, GlobalEdge is currently held by the founders and their families, Coffee Day Trading Ltd. (formerly known as Global Technology Ventures) and ESOP. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to be completed in September 2017.

Legal and Financial Information:

Altran advisors:

- Legal: K&L Gates, HSA Advocates

- Financial, Tax and Legal Due Diligence: KPMG India, K&L Gates, HSA Advocates

GlobalEdge advisors:

- M&A and Tax: EY India

- Legal: P&A Law Offices

About Altran

As a global leader in Engineering and R&D services (ER&D), Altran offers its clients a new way to innovate by developing the products and services of tomorrow. Altran works alongside its clients on every link in the value chain of their project, from conception to industrialization. For over thirty years, the Group has provided its expertise to key players in the Aerospace, Automotive, Defence, Energy, Finance, Life Sciences, Railway, and Telecom sectors, among others. In 2016, the Altran group generated revenues of 2.120bn. With a headcount of more than 30,000 employees, Altran is present in more than 20 countries.

www.altran.com

About GlobalEdge Software Limited

Founded in 2001, Global Edge Software Limited, headquarted in Bengaluru, is an embedded product engineering and testing services company primarily working in the Semiconductor, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Telecom, IoT and Industrial sectors. With a headcount of 1000 employees, GlobalEdge provides product design, development and testing services that encompass software and electronics design to its customers primarily in the US region. With a portfolio of products, middleware solutions and test automation frameworks GlobalEdge gives its customers a 'time-to-market' edge.

www.globaledgesoft.com

Contacts

Altran Group

Albin Jacquemont

Executive Vice-President and CFO

Tel: + 33 (0)1 46 41 71 89

comfi@altran.com

Stephanie Bia

Group VP Investor Relations

Tel: + 33 (0)1 46 41 71 89

comfi@altran.com

Marine Boulot

Group Vice-President Communications

Tel: + 33 (0)1 46 41 71 73

marine.boulot@altran.com

Press relations

Shan

Candice Baudet Depierre, directeur conseil

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 50 51 71

candice.baudetdepierre@shan.fr

Anne Vernois, directeur associe

Tel: + 33 (0)1 44 50 51 75

anne.vernois@shan.fr

Follow us on Twitter:

@Altran #Altran2020

DISCLAIMER

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, as amended) based upon current management expectations. Numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors (including, risks relating to: government legislation affecting our businesses; competition; our ability to manage rapid technological change in the industries in which we compete; litigation risks, labour issues; unanticipated costs from disposals or restructuring) may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine our future results are beyond our ability to control or predict. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and, therefore, actual results may differ materially from our forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which reflect our views only as of the date of this presentation. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The corporation debunked the report in a statement signed by Mr Jude Nwauzor, Head of Corporate Communications, in Lagos.

It is on record that the Receivership Team has within the period stabilised the operations of the airline, marked by stability of schedules; improved On-Time-Performance (OTP) and revamped customer service among others.

Today, the Airline has regained its dominance as the most reliable carrier in the country with growing passenger patronage and confidence.

The general public and all stakeholders will be kept duly informed on issues relating to the airlines divestment , Nwauzor said.
The Chairman of the association, Dr Muhammad El-Yakub, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen at the end of its congress meeting held at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

El-Yakub said that the action was in compliance with directives from its national secretariat, adding that resident doctors had so far joined the strike in the state.

He explained that the national body of the association would direct its members if to resume work, to enable them to provide humanitarian services in the event of emergencies.

We embarked on an indefinite strike in compliance with the directives from NARD national body.

In case of emergencies we will notify the national leadership of the association and they will give further instructions to that effect.

There is a report indicating that about 20 persons died of cholera outbreak in Maiduguri and in view of the insurgency, resident doctors in Borno were exempted from the previous industrial action by the union, El-Yakub said.

He said about 150 resident doctors were deployed to various hospitals in the state.

Also, Dr Muhammad Tahir, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the hospital said that the association had not notified the management on the strike.

Tahir noted that residents doctors at the hospital had attended to their various duty posts on Tuesday.

The association has not officially notify the management about the strike by resident doctors. And when they notify us, we will adopt effective measures to ensure that services are not grounded.

Apart from residents doctors, we also have consultants and other cadre of health professionals who could provide medical services in the hospital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 14 persons died of cholera since the outbreak was reported at Muna Garage IDPs camp in the past three weeks.

Earlier, Dr Haruna Mshelia, the Borno Commissioner for Health, confirmed that more than 230 patients were treated and discharged from cholera treatment centres in the metropolis.

Mshelia added that the state government in collaboration with partner agencies had set up a cholera treatment center at Muna Garage IDP camp and Dala area of Maiduguri.

According to him, the ministry also embarked on awareness creation activities to sensitize the people on sytomps and preventive tips of the disease.
Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA) Workshop held in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The Kingdom of Morocco had applied to join the ECOWAS.

The application was presently being considered by the member states and the relevant council of ECOWAS.

The theme of the two-day workshop is Rebuilding and Consolidating OTUWA and the Challenges of Implementing its 5years Strategic Plan.

Wabba said; We cant find a clause permitting a geographically non-West African State to become a member of the organisation.

Our concern in the NLC is that Morocco has a record of quarrelling with its neighbours and even the entire continent.

Thats why it stayed away from the Organisation of African Union (OAU), later AU for over 30 years.

Similarly, we cannot be hobnobbing with a monarchy which is against the wish of the international community, the UN and the AU.

To be specific, Morocco has continued to illegally occupy Western Sahara, and is holding it as a colony. 

He also called on OTUWA member countries to appeal to their governments and national legislatures not to endorse the application of Morocco as a member of ECOWAS.

Wabba while speaking on the theme said it was apt to assess how far the organisation had gone on the journey.

I am sure our comrades and colleagues might express concerns that we have not yet obtained the necessary diplomatic status for OTUWA since the office became operational in Nigeria.

I am aware that the OTUWA secretariat had submitted the application about a year or so ago after the OTUWA leadership had visited the relevant ministries.

The process of obtaining the required approval has been hindered by governmental procedure and processes.

I want to assure you all that we shall follow-up on the pending application with the Minister of Labour and his other colleagues to ensure that this matter is put behind us. 

However, the NLC president expressed condolence to the Sierra Leone people over the recent mudslide that claimed many lives, adding that the congress would support the call for solidarity assistance.

Declaring open the two days workshop, Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment called on the trade unions to ensure that their unions embrace social dialogue.

Ngige said that social dialogue was imperative as it encouraged peace and harmony in the various sector of the economy.

Also, Mr Mademba Sock, OTUWA President expressed dismay over the delay of Nigerian government in signing its headquarters agreement located in Nigeria.

We intimated the relevant government officials when we visited Nigeria in May 2016 on the need for effective take off of the secretariat.

We have since put up a formal request to this effect.

It is our hope that the relevant government agencies would give expedited consideration and approval to our application.

The OTUWU president said the workshop was to enable them look at ways of implementing the roadmap of building a strong and dynamic labour movement in the West African sub-region in the coming years.
A visibly elated Ayanlola, on Monday received the donation from the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, who visited her at the State General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.

She thanked the governor for the gesture and all those who assisted her and the baby during the episode which she claimed caught her unawares.

In a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after receiving the gift, Ayanlola narrated how medics came to her aid when they heard her distress call.

NAN reports that Ojude-Oba is an annual festival celebrated in Ijebu-Ode, the third day after Eid-el-Kabir.

Ayanlola told NAN that though, she hails from the Awori clan in Ogun, she regularly attended the annual celebration of the Ojude-Oba with keen interest.

Narrating her ordeal further, Ayanlola said that she never expected she would suddenly go into labour having been told by her caregivers that the expected delivery date was Sept. 12.

According to her, what more can I say. God spared my life and my babys, now the governor came to my aid with a cash gift of N100, 000.

I am a caterer by trade, while my husband, Lukman is a transporter, but personally, I travel down every year from where I reside to partake in the Ojude-Oba Festival which thrills me.

I went to urinate having been pressed while partaking in the event. As I came back, I started feeling uneasy and decided to relax a bit on the stairs of the pavilion.

Before I realised what was happening, I couldnt stand on my feet again and then went into labour before eventually birthing at the spot.

It was the quick intervention of the emergency medical team that saved my life and that of my baby.

I normally attend my antenatal clinic, which is programmed for Thursdays and was told my date for expected delivery was Sept. 12.

I thank God for living through this episode and also thank Ogun Governor, , for his benevolence through the financial support, she said.

Ayanlola says the baby is her fourth child having had three children, all males.

In his remarks, Ipaye advised pregnant women to take necessary steps in ensuring that they remained healthy by conforming to their doctors advice, particularly after 35 weeks of the pregnancy.

The commissioner urged them to minimise travelling, saying that it posed a great risk to their safety and the development of the baby.

She took a great risk, but was lucky that the emergency team prepared well for such eventuality.

Usually, when we have large gatherings like this in Ogun, it is customary for us to always have an emergency medical team on standby.

The baby was delivered with the umbilical cord round her neck which created some complications in her birth as we have to eliminate the risks.

If that level of care was not given, the baby might not have survived and the possibility of losing the mother too was high, because she lost a lot of blood in the process.

She was delivered of the baby on the floor which was not the best place for such activity; so she was immediately rushed to the hospital for proper care afterwards.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, who confirmed this to newsmen in Lokoja, said that the victim was one of the 15 persons that had contact with Aisha before her death at the General Hospital, Irua, Edo.

According to Audu, the victim said to be 14 years old and immediate younger sister to the late Aisha started manifesting the symptoms on Sept. 3, 2017.

He said that victim and 14 others had been in isolation in a ward at the State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, since the late Aisha was diagnosed of the disease.

The State Rapid Response Team already had an alert cases of 15 persons and they are monitoring them on daily basis.

We have already prepared an Isolation Centre in Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, to take care of the patients, the commissioner said.

ALSO READ:Teenager dies of Lassa Fever in Edo

He said that the blood sample of the victim had been collected for laboratory test and confirmation.

The patient will be transferred to Irua if tested positive for Lassa fever.

We urge the general public to remain calm and give us the necessary support as the state government is working round the clock to forestall further loss of life, Audu said.
According to presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari said this while receiving the President of Niger, Alhaji Mahamadou Issoufou, at his country home in Daura.

The President told newsmen that he was "very happy to hear the country was finally out of recession, adding that the real gain should be improved conditions for Nigerians.

Responding to questions from newsmen, the President said, Certainly I should be happy for what it is worth. I am looking forward to ensuring that the ordinary Nigerian feels the impact.

Buhari also commended all the managers of the economy for their hard work and commitment, stressing that more work needed to be done to improve the growth rate.

He said, Until coming out of recession translates into meaningful improvement in peoples lives, our work cannot be said to be done.

In his remarks, the Nigerien President said he was most delighted to see President Buhari in good health, praying that the almighty God would continue to strengthen him.

President Issoufou said he used the opportunity of the visit to discuss some bilateral and regional issues with President Buhari.

He said he will speak with the Nigerian President on the fight against Boko Haram, the economic challenges in the Lake Chad Basin and other developmental concerns that directly affect the livelihood of the citizens of both countries.
Baru, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, said this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), Abuja Chapter, led by its President, Mr Ishili Emmanuel.

According to a statement signed by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Baru said that it was part of the measures to eradicate corruption in NNPC.

Baru said that the training of members of staff on fraud examination would ensure that NNPC was not involved in the five per cent annual global revenue loss to fraud.

We will use the opportunity offered by the CFE to train at least 50 per cent of our workers on fraud examination.

We do know that there are a lot of advantages in getting as many staff as possible trained in fraud examination, he said.

Baru explained that as the major foreign exchange earner for the country, NNPC was conscious of corruption in all its ramifications and had gone beyond looking at corruption in terms of money alone.

NNPC, under my leadership, has instituted what we call Governance, Risk and Compliance Division, which is very much in line with the mission of CFE.

The division is not only looking at corruption in terms of naira and kobo, but also at the system itself.

The new division will ensure that fraud does not manifest in our system, and if it does, it will be quickly nipped in the bud, he said.

Baru described corruption as a major waster of human resources, saying that any worker found culpable would be prosecuted and sacked.

The NNPC group managing director said that it was better to train them on fraud and safeguard them.

He said that the corporation was at the vanguard of providing support to anti-corruption agencies in the country by providing them with necessary information on cases involving its employees and other relevant third parties.

We have been using the anti-corruption bodies effectively, particularly, we have very strong collaboration with the ICPC, he said.

According to him, during my stint as the chairman of the NNPC Anti-corruption Committee, we saw the need to train and certify fraud examiners.

Earlier, the CFE President said that NNPC, as the apex oil and gas company in Nigeria, ought to have a robust human asset capability to deal with unique socio-economic development challenges within the industry.

He lauded Baru for his tenacity and commitment to fight corruption since assuming duty as the helmsman of the corporation.

Emmanuel said that by joining the CFE as a corporate member, the NNPC stood to benefit from the pool of unlimited anti-fraud resources like other World-class organisations around the world.

He explained that membership of the anti-corruption body would make a bold statement about the corporations integrity, capacity and willingness to entrench the culture of transparency and anti-corruption in its system.
This was in a statement issued by Mr Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to the Edo governor, which was made available to newsmen in Benin on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Gov. Obaseki said while speaking at the 101-year-old Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute in Medan, that his administration was ready to diversify the economy of Edo by taking advantage of its oil palm industry.

He said the visit would explore the possibility of reaching agreements with the Indonesian government to support the development of the sector in Edo.

We are poised to revamp the agricultural sector and reposition the state as the oil palm capital of Nigeria.

With the present pace of research in the agricultural sector, oil palm can replace crude oil as a major source of food, industrial materials and energy, the statement said.

Obaseki said discussions were already in progress to develop a business case to reinvigorate the oil palm sector in Edo at a commercial level.

He assured that the visit would yield results that the Edo agricultural sector requires to create jobs, raw materials for local industries, and produce for export.

The governor said it would also help to produce time-tested research approaches to strengthen institutes like the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi.

Obaseki is accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Mr Emmanuel Usoh, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Kadiri Bashiru.

Indonesia is currently the largest exporter of palm oil in the world and its agricultural sector is the countrys most valuable export sector.
FEC is Nigeria's highest decision making body which is often presided over by the president or his deputy.

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in Daura, his hometown, on a Sallah vacation.

However in a statement just made available to Pulse, Mohammed didn't adduce the president's absence as reason why the FEC will not hold for the second week since Buhari arrived Nigeria from London.

"This week's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting will not hold due to inadequate time to prepare the documents for the meeting", read a statement signed by Segun Adeyemi who is Special Assistant to Mohammed.

Mohammed also said the two-day public holidays declared for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations left little or no time to prepare for the weekly meeting.

Buhari, who made a return to Nigeria on August 19 after spending 103 days in the UK on a medical vacation, missed the FEC meeting which held the week after his arrival.

However, on August 30, Buhari presided over his first FEC meeting in a long while.

Before his trip to London on May 7, the Nigerian leader missed consecutive FEC meetings; with Mohammed saying at the time that Buhari will be working from home for a while.
Oftentimes, people are following their stomach too. Dont be surprised, between now and 2019, a lot of people will cross over to the PDP, he said.

In a report by Punch, Aliyu said politicians defect to other political parties for different and sundry reasons that include personal gains and pressure from loyalists.

The ex-governor stated, In politics, there are people who join and stick to principles; there are those who join for food; there are those who join so that they may be pushed for other reasons to be elsewhere.

So, movement may not be for only one reason, sometimes it might be pressure from ones community.

Just recently, Andy Uba and Osita Chidoka, strong members of the PDP, crossed over to the All Progressives Congress and the United Progressives Party, respectively."

The former governor also stressed that the PDP was not intimidated by the status of the APC, adding that anything that happens to you is from God.

He said, I believe in destiny and I believe nothing happens without Gods knowledge. Intimidation is not part of my understanding of human character. I see intimidation as when one is scared or frightened or that which will make sure you do nothing personally.

I am not in any way intimidated. I also believe that certain things happen to you to bring you back to your senses or to enlighten you on certain things.
TORONTO, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rio2 Limited (Rio2 or the Company) (TSX-V:RIO) announces today that the Company continues to strengthen its management team.



Senior Management Appointments

Rio2 is pleased to announce the appointment of Alejandra Gomez as Senior Vice President  Corporate Communications and Andrew Cox as Senior Vice President  Operations. Both Alejandra and Andrew assumed their new positions with the Company on September 1, 2017.

Alejandra Gomez is based in Vancouver and has over 15 years of experience working with public companies, assisting management teams and boards of directors with corporate administrative activities. Throughout her career Alejandra has been Corporate Administrator for a number of publicly listed companies.

Alejandra held various positions at Rio Alto Mining Limited since it became public in 2009 until acquired in 2015. Her last position at Rio Alto Mining was Vice President of Corporate Communications and Manager of Investor Relations. Alejandra brings extensive experience coordinating corporate compliance with various stock exchanges and securities commissions in Canada, the United States, Europe and South America.

Andrew Cox is based in Lima, Peru and has over 24 years of experience in mining operations around the world.

Andrew held various positions at Rio Alto Mining Limited since 2011 until acquired in 2015. He was Operations Manager at La Arena mine from 2011 to 2014, moving to the Shahuindo gold project as acting Operations Manager for the first year of construction in 2015. Following the acquisition of Rio Alto Mining Limited by Tahoe Resources Inc. in April 2015, Andrew was the Corporate Operations Manager - Peru until December 2016.

Prior to his involvement with Rio Alto Mining Limited, Andrew managed the Dam Embankment Project at Oceana Gold's Macraes Flat mine and the Alliance Mining contract at the Globe Progress Mine for Stracon New Zealand from 2009 to 2011. In 2005, Andrew joined mining and civil contractor Stracon GyM in Peru as manager of the El Brocal open pit mining contract until 2009. Andrew started his career as a production geologist in New Zealand at Solid Energys Stockton mine before spending 10 years in alluvial gold mining and exploration in New Zealand, Chile and Bolivia.

Andrew holds an MSc Geology Honours and Bsc Geology from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

Rio2 has granted an aggregate of 250,000 Restricted Share Units and 650,000 options to purchase Rio2 common shares to certain senior managers pursuant to Rio2s Share Incentive Plan and Stock Option Plan. The grant of the RSUs and Options are subject to regulatory approval.

About Rio2

Rio2 is building a multi-asset, multi-jurisdiction, precious metals company focused in the Americas. With projects in Peru and Nicaragua, Rio2 will continue pursuing additional strategic acquisitions to compile an attractive portfolio of precious metals assets where it can deploy its operational excellence and responsible mining practices to create value for its shareholders.

Rio2 has assembled a highly experienced executive team to generate significant shareholder value, with proven technical skills in the development and operations of mines and capital markets experience.

Through its strategy of acquiring precious metals assets at exploration, development, and operating stages, the executive team will grow Rio2 and create long-term shareholder value through the development of high-margin, strong free-cash-flowing mining operations.

Reader Advisory

Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this document contains statements regarding the Companys acquisition and exploration strategy and plans. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "potential", or other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "could" occur.

The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions concerning timing of receipt of required regulatory approval and general economic, operational and financing factors. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable by the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Mr Suffyan Koroma, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative joined stakeholders at the Capacity Building Workshop for ECOWAS member states, to raise alarm about the spread of armyworm in West African countries.

To date, more than 32 countries including 10 of the 15 countries in the West African sub-region have reported the pests presence."

This poses a real challenge to sustainable and profitable production of maize among smallholder farmers."

To tackle the problem, governments are giving away pesticides to maize farmers, he said.

According to him, armyworm is capable of feeding on more than 80 plant species, including maize, sorghum, rice, wheat, sugarcane, cowpea, vegetable crops and cotton.

Unfortunately, this pest is not common in Africa. It is known to be part of America."

We have learnt best practices from countries like Brazil and part of America that have been attacked."

We are not focusing on eradication of the pest now but focusing on control. It is a perennial problem because when you eradicate this season next season it comes again."

We want to build capacity on how farmers when they see it in their farm could control it. Eradication no, but management and control is our focus for now."

There are states that are affected here and they will be part of our mitigation programme here in Nigeria, he said.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who declared the workshop open, said that the armyworm outbreak affected the countrys maize production.

Ogbeh said this had resulted in the importation of maize from other African countries to meet the countrys demand since the first case was reported two years ago.

He said that importation was not an option in an effort to achieve food sufficiency in the country, noting that measures should be put in place to curtail the disease.

He, however, appealed to FAO to standby to assist the country to proffer solution to manage and control the pest and further outbreak to non-affected states.

He also appealed to farmers to be reasonable in fixing the prices of food items in the market, expressing concern that so many Nigerians could not afford to buy food.

Mr Allan Hruska, FAO, Rome, said that the essence of the capacity building was to bring the best brain and experts to Africa to adopt the techniques that had been used by farmers in other countries.

Hruska, who said that the pest was not common in African countries but in the U. S. and Brazil, urged the affected West African countries to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the training.

He added that this message had to get to millions of farmers across the sub region on how to manage the pest when affected.

Mr Keith Cressman, the Head of Surveillance, FAO, said early warning on pest control was important, adding that if not heeded, the attacks could cause colossal damage.

The armyworm has affected many countries in Africa. So, we are moving from country to country on how to manage and control the pest.

The programme that FAO is developing for armyworm is to initiate and develop tools that can be used by the farmers  that is to give information on what they see in the field to us.

The information is important because if it is late, they will cause a lot of damage and that will affect food production for such countries, he said.

NAN reports that they Minister of Agriculture and FAO Country Representative signed into operation the FAO Technical Cooperation Project to control and manage the infestation of the armyworm in Nigeria.
The European Court of Justice will issue its verdict on a legal challenge that Hungary and Slovakia lodged against the scheme that requires bloc members to take in Syrians and others from overstretched Greece and Italy.

The European Union approved the scheme as part of efforts to boost EU solidarity and end the chaos generated by Europe's worst migrant crisis since World War II.

The Luxembourg-based court's senior lawyer Yves Bot recommended in July that the judges throw out the challenge, arguing the so-called relocation scheme was a proportionate means to help Greece and Italy.

The court often follows such opinions but not always.

At stake is the EU's legal authority to take joint action to ease an unprecedented crisis and override opposition from a minority of member states.

In this case, eastern member states rejected the plan on grounds they lack the capacity to integrate foreigners, most of them Muslim.

'Legally binding'

No matter the outcome of the court case, the scheme has been troubled from the start.

EU figures show that just under 28,000 people have been relocated since a majority of member states agreed in September 2015 to relocate 160,000 Syrian, Iraqi and Eritrean asylum seekers from Italy and Greece by September this year.

Officials in Brussels have argued the scheme is legally binding on all member states, including those who voted against the quotas like Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Romania.

Under the plan, Hungary must admit more than 2,300 asylum seekers, while Slovakia must in the long term take in 1,400.

But in June, the European Commission, the 28-nation EU executive, launched legal action against Poland and Hungary for having failed to admit any asylum seekers.

It also took legal action against the Czech Republic for having stopped taking them but spared Slovakia which agreed to take a handful of them.

Although it voted for it, Poland has come out strongly against the plan since a right-wing government came to power.

The EU action -- which would be bolstered by a favourable ruling in Luxembourg -- could see the three countries referred to the Court of Justice and given stiff financial penalties.

Other EU member states have dragged their feet despite having voted for the plan.

'Disappointment'

In June, Filippo Grandi, the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees, called the relocation plan a "disappointment" where only a handful of countries on a wealthy continent were fulfilling their duty to asylum seekers.

He singled out Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Austria.

European sources have blamed the delays on governments trying to screen jihadists in the wake of terror attacks, a lack of housing and education for asylum seekers, and logistical problems.

With the relocation scheme struggling to lift off, many Syrians and others in Greece and Italy have travelled with smugglers to wealthier northern countries like Germany and Sweden.

Brussels launched the relocation scheme in September 2015, the year more than one million migrants arrived in Europe by sea.

It was introduced as an exception to so-called Dublin rules under which migrants must apply for asylum in the member state where they first land.

Under international and European law, countries are required to grant asylum to people fleeing war or persecution but not those classed as economic migrants.

Political pressures have eased since March last year when the EU signed a deal with Turkey to send back migrants in return for billions of euros in aid and for admitting asylum seekers directly from refugee camps in Turkey.

The controversial deal sharply cut the flow across the Aegean Sea to Greece, which had been the main point of entry to Europe.

Other routes have since seen a resurgence in migrants, including via Libya to Italy as well as Morocco to Spain. The EU deems most people coming from sub-Saharan Africa as economic migrants.
Analysts say it is unlikely enough lawmakers will back the vote, given the alliances Morales' conservative National Convergence Front has.

Morales is under investigation by the UN International Committee Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and Guatemalan prosecutors for allegedly failing to declare $1 million in campaign funding to his party for his election in 2015.

He sparked a storm August 27 by ordering the head of the Colombian CICIG, Ivan Velasquez, out of the country, two days after applying to have Morales' immunity lifted.

But Guatemala's top court overruled the order and the CICIG is forging on with its probe.
Haitian law sets the fee for public schooling at 1,000 gourdes ($16) a year, but the cost of a uniform, shoes and school supplies is simply beyond the reach of many parents.

In a neighboring high school, two schoolgirls quickly comply when the assistant principal orders them to remove colorful ribbons from their hair, a violation of the school's strict rules. The girls know that a spot in the private school is a precious thing.

"Many parents are desperate because they can't find a place for their kids in the public schools," says Principal Jean-Marc Charles.

80 students per class

At the morning flag-raising ceremony, a daily tradition in Haitian schools, the courtyard is packed: 4,000 students attend the school, in two shifts.

"On average we have 60 to 70 students per class," with 80 in the upper grades, Charles said apologetically.

"Haiti's education system today is like the system of a country at war," said Nesmy Manigat, national education minister from 2014 to 2016.

This fall some 400,000 students will be unable to return to school because of economic problems or the lack of space, said Manigat, who heads a committee at the Global Partnership for Education.

He said 80 percent of teachers lack proper training. "We can't keep recruiting people who are not qualified."

Only three of every 100 elementary school students will graduate high school without having to repeat a year or dropping out.
Lavrov "noted that a choice should be made in favour of political and diplomatic efforts to look for a peaceful settlement," Russia's foreign ministry said after he spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

It added that Lavrov "urged against giving in to emotions".

Lavrov "vigorously spoke out against an escalation of military tensions in Northeast Asia," the ministry said.

World powers are scrambling to react to the latest advance in the North's rogue nuclear weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring.

The United States is planning to circulate as early as Tuesday a draft sanctions resolution in response to North Korea's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Lavrov said that Russia is ready to consider it, the ministry said.

At the same time, the avoidance of a military solution to the crisis "should be reflected in the reaction of the international community," the statement said.
"If the enemy launches a provocation above water or under water, we will immediately hit back to bury them at sea," Captain Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said in a statement.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

On Monday the South's military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site.

US President Donald Trump and South Korea's leader Moon Jae-In agreed during a phone call late Monday to remove limits on the payload of the South's missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also said he was willing to approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea", according to a statement released by the White House.
Santos said his government met Sunday with the head of the Gulf Clan, who had made clear he was ready "to submit to justice with all of his men."

Justice Minister Enrique Gil and Attorney General Nestor Martinez will evaluate the offer and "take appropriate action," said Santos in a speech at the presidency in Bogota.

The announcement came on the eve of a five-day visit to Colombia by Pope Francis and follows a ceasefire deal Monday with the country's last active guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN).

Colombia's defense ministry said the Gulf Clan has around 1,800 members, less than half its original strength following a major offensive by Santos' government.

"It would be a submission to justice, not a political negotiation," said Santos, whose government also signed a recent accord that saw the disarmament of Colombia's biggest rebel group, the FARC.

Last week, Santos announced that the Gulf Clan's second in command had been killed in the jungle during an operation by security forces.
The US on Monday demanded the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a missile.

The announcement dramatically upped the stakes in its standoff with the international community over its banned weapons programmes, which have seen it subjected to seven sets of UN Security Council sanctions so far.

As well as the US, South Korea and Japan, plus permanent Security Council members France and Britain, have called for stronger measures against it, with several arguing for a potentially crippling oil embargo.

But Putin made clear that Russia was opposed to further interdictions, and while China -- North Korea's patron and closest political and economic partner -- has yet to be drawn on the issue, it tends to resist placing pressure on Pyongyang.

'Planetary catastrophe'

Putin, speaking after an international gathering in China, said Russia condemned North Korea's "provocative" actions.

But he called for dialogue and warned against other actions that could escalate the crisis.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen following a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims."

World powers are scrambling to react to the latest ominous advance in the North's rogue weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring.

US President Donald Trump has approved in principle the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" for South Korea, the White House said Monday.

South Korea said it fired a volley of ballistic missiles on Monday to simulate an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed Tuesday by major live-fire drills at sea.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Washington would present a new sanctions resolution for debate in the coming days.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said existing measures not worked and accused North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un of "begging for war" with the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Seoul estimated the blast's yield at 50 kilotons, more than three times the size of the bomb detonated over Hiroshima in 1945.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said it could target oil supplies to North Korea -- potentially dealing a major blow to its economy.

In a phone call with Putin on Monday, South Korean president Moon Jae-In -- who travels to Russia Wednesday -- told him it was time for the Security Council to "seriously review" the suspension of crude oil supplies to the North, and the export of its workers, many of whom are sent to Russia to earn funds for Pyongyang.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country.

The most recent measures, imposed last month following Pyongyang's July firing of two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range, zeroed in on the economy.

They targeted key exports such as coal that are a source of foreign currency for the regime.

Seoul has said the North could be planning another missile test.

At the Security Council meeting, China's ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasised the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," he asserted.

Chinese-Russian plan

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Haley rejected the proposal as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she declared.

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that trade with North Korea.

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

South Korea's defence ministry said it was already strengthening its defences, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile launchers.
Regulated Information - Inside Information

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW NOR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ANY U.S. PERSON.

5 September 2017 at 6:30 p.m. CEST

Nyrstar Netherlands (Holdings) B.V. (the "Issuer"), a subsidiary of Nyrstar NV (the "Company" or "Nyrstar"), announced today that it has priced its offering (the "Further Notes Offer") of 100,000,000 additional senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the "Further Notes"). The Further Notes were priced at 101.50% and will be consolidated with and form a single series with the original 400,000,000 6.875% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "Notes due 2024") that were issued in March 2017. Like the Notes due 2024, the Further Notes will be guaranteed by Nyrstar, as parent guarantor, and certain subsidiaries of the Company. The issuance of the Further Notes, which is subject to conditions, is expected to occur on 15 September 2017.

The Issuer intends to use the net proceeds from the Further Notes Offer to refinance amounts outstanding under the convertible bonds due 2018 issued by Nyrstar and to pay down indebtedness under, but not cancel, existing credit agreements.

About Nyrstar

Nyrstar is a global multi-metals business, with a market leading position in zinc and lead, and growing positions in other base and precious metals, which are essential resources that are fuelling the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of our changing world. Nyrstar has mining, smelting, and other operations located in Europe, the Americas and Australia and employs approximately 4,300 people. Nyrstar is incorporated in Belgium and has its corporate office in Switzerland. Nyrstar is listed on Euronext Brussels under the symbol NYR. For further information please visit the Nyrstar website: www.nyrstar.com

For further information

Anthony Simms - Group Manager Investor Relations T: +41 44 745 8157 M: +41 79 722 2152 anthony.simms@nyrstar.com

Franziska Morroni - Group Manager Corporate Communications T: +41 44 745 8295 M: +41 79 719 2342 franziska.morroni@nyrstar.com





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HAMPTON -- Crowds turned out Monday afternoon to hear gubernatorial candidates at the Rock Island County Democrats' 50th annual Salute to Labor picnic at Illiniwek Forest Preserve.

Four candidates running for governor, as well as 36th District State Senate candidate Gregg Johnson, made their pitches as to why they deserve to be on the Democratic ticket after the March 2018 primary.

Chicago businessmen J.B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss, of Evanston, and regional school superintendent Bob Daiber, of Marine in Madison County, worked the crowd as they discussed Illinois issues and why they would make better governors than Bruce Rauner.

Jim Bivens, of Milan, arrived early with his family to set up lawn chairs in front of the stage.

Proudly wearing a "JB for Governor" sticker, Mr. Bivens already has chosen Mr. Pritzker as his gubernatorial pick.

"I'm very interested in what he's going to do if we could get him elected governor," Mr. Bivens said. "What sticks out for me is he wants to feed the children in school. He wants to make sure all the kids have a good breakfast. It's important to me that he's taking care of everybody, not just the rich or the poor."

Arriving with running mate Juliana Stratton in a sleek, slogan-wrapped touring bus, Mr. Pritzker ended his five-day statewide Think Big bus tour in Hampton.

"We need to put Springfield back on the side of working families in this state," he said. "For too long, we've had a governor who has created crisis after crisis, which is affecting working families."

Mr. Pritzker said Gov. Rauner wants to lower wages and get rid of labor unions -- a message popular with many in the crowd who were proudly wearing union T-shirts.

"We need somebody who is going to stand up for our labor unions, for our workers, and for our working families," Mr. Pritzker said. "We're not attracting jobs to the state. We had a half percent of job growth last year. It's not enough to create any new jobs for people."

Mr. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, said his billionaire status should not hurt his image in the eyes of working class families because those are the people he fights hardest for.

"I don't think that one's income or wealth should play a part in (the race.) It really should be about values," he said. "This is not about money."

He supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, and he doesn't want to wait for the federal government to do it.

"I have spent my whole life fighting for working families," he said. "I expanded a program that feeds 230,000 kids in low-income school districts across the state. There are thousands of kids who get preschool and child care because of the work that I've done.

"I've created thousands of jobs in a nonprofit, small business incubator, as well as thousands of other jobs in my own business."

Mr. Kennedy, son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, told a reporter he stands out among the other gubernatorial hopefuls because the others "will protect the status quo.

"I want change, and I'm going to bring it," Mr. Kennedy said. "If they want to bend the arc of history toward a better change, I will bring it."

Mr. Kennedy said, when he served as chairman of the University of Illinois board of trustees, he was shocked by how many high schools couldn't send students to the university because 75 percent of children in the state don't meet college readiness levels.

"We have bad results because we pay for schools with property taxes," he said. "A progressive income tax should pay for schools. If we produce highly educated kids, the jobs will return. We need to fix it, or we'll destroy our future.

"People think government is corrupt," Mr. Kennedy said. "We need to get the dirty money out of politics so we can get the dirty politicians out of government. Corruption is destroying our state."

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, shook hands and greeted people in the crowd. She said it was important for her to show her support for labor on Labor Day.

"We grew up with my father saying if it weren't for organized labor and the Democratic Party, we wouldn't have a middle class," she said. "This is my family's heritage, that's why it's important to be here."

Rep. Bustos said she will endorse a gubernatorial candidate in the next few weeks.

"I have two criteria: How are they going to be successful in winning the governor's seat and what is their plan for downstate Illinois?" she said.

"As we know, we have 102 counties in this state, and only one of them is Cook County. All of the 14 counties in my congressional district are very important to me, and I want to make sure whoever is our next governor is going to fight alongside me for the people in our region," Rep. Bustos said.

"One year ago today we were all here with Hillary Clinton. You think about what a difference a year makes. Our country is in a much, much different place now and we have a lot of work to do."

Sen. Biss said too many people are suffering in the current economy under Gov. Rauner. He said his political experience gives him an advantage over other gubernatorial candidates.

"I think we've learned what happens when you put a rookie in the governor's office -= or the president's office, for that matter," he said. "We need someone who understands state government and knows how to get things done.

"We need someone with an aspirational progressive vision. It's not just about how bad Bruce Rauner is -- because he's terrible -- but how can we use government to lift people up across Illinois?"

Mr. Daiber touted his experience as the only candidate who has been president of a labor union.

"I've paid union dues and collectively bargained," he said. "All those things we're here celebrating Labor Day about, I have done.

"I'm the first candidate in 20 years to emerge from southern Illinois to become a candidate for governor. I'm doing this specifically because I believe all of Illinois needs to be represented, and I think too often we see candidates emerge from Chicago."

Mr. Daiber said he is the only candidate not from Cook County and the only local and county elected official in the running.

Citing his 22 years of local government experience, he said he understands best how municipal and county government works for people.

"I believe state government should serve people in the same capacity," he said. "I'm an everyday guy, living an everyday life. I want to represent everyday people, especially the working class in the state."
As I write this, the Illinois House has just passed a school funding bill that includes $75 million in first-ever state tax credits for scholarships for youngsters to attend nonpublic schools in our state.

The proposal is yet another declaration of lack of confidence in Illinois public schools. I am a believer in public schools as the historic bedrock upon which our nation has been built. I also believe in competition as a tool for enhancing quality.

Yet, public schools have been held suspect in various quarters since the mid-1800s.

Catholic schools became especially important to Irish Catholic immigrants because of intense discrimination against these newcomers from Yankees, who controlled the public schools.

By the 1960s, however, many Catholic parish schools began to struggle because they were losing their low-cost teaching-religious sisters and brothers. About the same time, Catholic families began fleeing many inner-city neighborhoods, leaving behind poor parishes that then struggled to provide education to minority students. Coincidentally, or not, the four Illinois legislative leaders (two Democrats, two GOPers) who recently approved the tax credit idea are Irish Catholic.

When I was a back-bench lawmaker in the late 1960s, many of us felt aid-to-nonpublic schools was unconstitutional.

Yet, a series of court decisions since then concluded aid to religious schools can pass constitutional muster. The aid must benefit the student, as in scholarships to students, who, in turn, use same for tuition at nonpublic schools (most of which are Catholic).

In 1983, the Reagan education department issued A Nation at Risk, a report that excoriated American schools, 90 percent of which still are public, for falling behind other nations in student achievement.

This prompted a school reform movement that soldiers on to this day. The report energized American corporate leaders to weigh in, saying they could improve schools by making them more similar to accountable businesses.

Also in the 1980s -- I said this was complicated -- teacher unions gained the right to strike in Illinois and rapidly became political powerhouses. Some business leaders saw a connection between teacher unions and perceived poor student achievement. This fueled efforts to provide alternatives to traditional public schools.

These initiatives include charter schools, which are somewhat independent schools within public school districts. They operate free of unions thus far.

Most of the 100 or more charter schools in Illinois are in Chicago. Few are found downstate, where most school districts are too small to fit in another school, even if they wanted to.

I always have felt most education failings result primarily from increasing family dysfunction and low parental expectations for their children.

For example, I go right by the local high school on my frequent walks into the country. I see many teacher automobiles in the parking lot early each morning, long before school begins. The many teachers I know work their butts off and often seem more caring of the students than some of the parents -- all for an average salary in my rural district of $48,500.

As I understand the sketchy details of the tax credit proposal, wealthy individuals would get a 75 percent credit for contributions to a scholarship fund to help low-income youngsters attend nonpublic schools. This credit, plus federal tax deductions, might make it possible for donors to actually make a buck net from their good deeds.

The $75 million in tax credits would deprive the state general funds of that amount, money that otherwise might go to public schools. Clearly, the idea is a slap at public schools. I do believe competition via school choice induces educators to up their game in order to keep their students.

On the other hand, alternatives to traditional public education, by their nature, tend to attract better students, probably with fewer problems overall, into their classrooms. Some perform better than traditional public schools; some do not.

Neighboring Iowa offers its students open enrollment. That is, students can attend any public school they wish at no increased cost. If a neighboring school district has a better music program, a talented aspiring musician can attend that school.

People say open enrollment wouldnt work in Illinois. They say parents who could figure out the transportation involved would send their kids to the schools that spend twice as much per pupil as their own district and for other reasons.

I say we should pilot the idea in part of the state, as another public school choice option.
With six months experience of Donald Trump in the White House, its reasonable to take a look at what hes done to fulfill his promise to make some great deals for America. Lets review the record.

1. Health care reform: Trump promised he would get a great health care package adopted quickly that would give everybody great coverage at a lower cost. The results? Passage of one bill in the House of Representatives that Trump first praised, then described as mean." Meanwhile, the Senate sensibly rejected the House bill, which would have left 22 million Americans without insurance, but then instead tried to pass their own bill that still would have left 21 million uninsured.

Ultimately, they approved nothing. Where was the great dealmaker in all this? Sitting on the sidelines, first complaining health care was more complicated than he thought; then berating his fellow Republicans for failing to repeal and replace Obamacare -- though with what he never did say.

Now, he is threatening to sabotage Obamacare," with measures likely to drive most folks' insurance premiums much higher.

2. Draining the swamp in Washington: Instead of appointing any of the working-class folks who supported him, Trump filled his cabinet with a roster of billionaires: the very folks who created the swamp in the first place, with their tax breaks and special privileges! Not content with this, Trump also put folks in charge of the very agencies they oppose, thus turning foxes loose in the chicken coop to work their mischief -- in education, environment, energy and human services.

Seems as though the swamp just got a lot deeper and murkier.

3. Building a wall and making Mexico pay for it: Neither has happened; though Trump has managed to antagonize our neighbors to the South. Now, he is pushing to build the Wall  though at U.S. taxpayer expense, and threatening to shut down the government if he doesnt get his way.

4. Rejecting bad trade deals such as NAFTA and making great new deals: In what seems an emerging pattern, he has done virtually nothing here either -- though he backpedaled on his NAFTA promises after getting push-back from Canada, Mexico and a whole lot of U.S. corporations that do business under NAFTA.

5. Making America great again: For those of us who felt America already was great, this seemed a strange promise from the start. But here, too, Trump has managed to take us in the opposite direction. Hes antagonized our allies in Europe and the Pacific while cozying up to dictators such as Putin in Russia, Duterte in the Philippines and the same Arab nation that funded the terrorists of 9/11.

Likewise, by deciding -- against the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and mounting climate disasters here and abroad -- that climate change is not real, Trump has taken the U.S. out of the race to develop more efficient and environmentally responsible products the world increasingly needs and demands.

Meanwhile, he has engaged in a childish exchange of insults with a similarly immature, unstable leader in North Korea. This would almost be laughable if both nations didnt have nuclear weapons.

In short, the six month scorecard for Donald Trump yields impressively dismal results.

Meanwhile, working folks who voted for him should ask: What has he done for you? He might have channeled anger with his petulant tweets. Yet, he hasnt advanced a single major initiative to improve the income of workers, OR better assure their health care, OR improve public education, OR meaningfully expand our job base -- some of the big things most Americans worry about.

But this really should come as no surprise. After all, Trumps nature is to promise things he has no intention of delivering. Ask the victims of his Trump University, or of his six bankruptcies, or even of his three marriages. They will tell you Trump is, and always had been, concerned about only one thing: the well-being of Donald Trump.

So, unless youre a billionaire or somehow attached to the Trump family, dont hold your breath waiting for good news.
Celebrating Our Service Members

Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day, when we honor and show gratitude to all members of our Armed Forces  those currently serving, those who...

Transit Equity Starts With QueensLink

For decades Queens has seen a disinvestment in the necessary transit infrastructure the borough needs to promote equity and sustainability. Most of the time, transformative...
TORONTO, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norrep Capital Management Ltd. (Norrep) and B2B Bank have signed a distribution agreement that will allow Canadian investors, through their advisors, to invest in Norrep mutual funds utilizing investment loans at a preferred loan rate. The loan program is now exclusively available to advisors.



"This preferred rate loan program provides an alternative solution for advisors and their clients to allocate Norrep mutual funds into their portfolio, says Wan Kim, Senior Vice President National Sales & Marketing, Norrep. This is a great opportunity and consistent with our goal of actively pursuing long-term and sustainable wealth for our clients.

With a long-standing history of investment lending experience and a loan portfolio in the billions, B2B Bank is well known amongst the financial advisor community for its comprehensive suite of investment lending products and solutions. B2B Bank provides Investment, RSP and TFSA Loan options to advisors in the mutual fund and insurance sectors to support them in building their clients wealth.

"We are pleased to launch this new Distribution Alliance Investment Loan Program with Norrep Capital Management Ltd.," says Donald King, Senior Vice President, Distribution at B2B Bank. "This agreement allows advisors to offer their clients access to the Norrep mutual fund lineup at lower borrowing rates. We are proud to offer innovative lending programs, such as this one, that combines excellent products and services with superior rates."

About Norrep Capital Management Ltd.



For over 20 years, Norrep Capital Management Ltd. has been one of Canadas leaders in actively managed investment products. With an in-house Portfolio Management team and a family of actively managed funds, Norrep has earned multiple awards to recognize its investment success. Norrep Capital Management Ltd. is a Canadian investment firm with offices in Calgary and Toronto.

Please visit http://www.norrep.com for more details about Norrep Investments.

About B2B Bank

B2B Bank is a leading provider of banking products to more than 27,000 financial advisors and brokers across Canada. Through the professional advisor and broker channels, it offers a broad range of products and services to consumers including Investment, RSP and TFSA Loans, mortgages, GICs, banking services and investment accounts and services through B2B Bank Dealer Services. B2B Bank is proudly dedicated to serving the needs of its clients and it continues to provide innovative products and solutions that help advisors and brokers build rewarding relationships with their clients.

B2B Bank is a Schedule I bank with $12.9 billion in consumer deposits, $11.6 billion in loans and mortgages and $35.2 billion in assets under administration. B2B Bank is a member of industry associations serving the financial community and is also a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). For more information, please visit https://b2bbank.com.



For further information:
G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now!
Knee-jerks are part of business, one of the risks of doing business. As for knees, like most people, I have two of them, and as for jerks, Ive been one, on occasion.

I remember my own knee-jerk after 1996 and FRAs announcement that it would develop crashworthiness standards for locomotives. Waste of money, I knee-jerked, Use the cash to develop crash-prevention systems, which of course was undercut in 2008 when PTC was mandated and the industry knee-jerked unfunded mandate.

Knee-jerks are just that: reflex responses, formed and informed by habit, prejudice and vested interest. Before they are allowed to become policy, they need vetting. We need to be certain that we have identified a real issue, and a realistic response.

Which gets me to  where, exactly? CSX, exactly. Over the past several months, Hunter Harrison, described by some as a railroaders railroader, and by others as a hedge funds railroader, has roiled the waters, rattled the cages, and shaken, not stirred, things up over on CSX where he was brought in to work that old Hunter Harrison magic.

Magic doesnt come cheap in this business, and Ive seen estimates of the compensation awarded to Harrison ranging from $72 million to $300 million.

Too rich for my blood, thats for sure. And besides, I dont believe in magic.

Better railroading was, and is, grunt work, based on fundamental principles of safe train operations, driven forward by applying simple math to the problems of distance, time, velocity and available space. Those calculations give us the relations and the totality that make up capacity.

Hunter Harrison steps in at CSX and he closes down a significant number of hump yards, maybe 8 of 12 across the system, in favor of flat switching, and with predictable results. Elapsed time, the yard dwell time of cars on the system, soars. Overall network velocity declines. And, no magic to this, customers complain and seek relief.

OK, Hunter Harrison has been through this before, transition painsschedules are altered, customers dont like change, etc., etc. but Hunter Harrison has the visiona vision where trains are built precisely, and blocked at the originating point precisely for the final destination of the cars in the train.

No magic there; its just the application of the first principle of good railroading. Dont make me handle the car twice!

There are limits to the above. Has anybody ever worked a switching yard, flat or hump, anywhere, anytime and not adiosed a car short of its assigned destination? Maybe in the former Soviet Union, but look what happened to them.

If you get traffic in interchange, you might have to negotiate some special arrangement to share the benefit that will be derived from the extra work youve just sloughed off onto to your interchange partner. Thats not magic.

Certain policies Hunter Harrison instituted seem to speak more of knee-jerks than vision.

CSX recently decided to abolish the policy that authorized road crews to request, and be allowed, naps as long as certain requirements were met. Now, the napping policy is relatively new by railroad standards, much newer than the no-sleeping policy. Still, over the past 20 years railroads have allowed it, refined it, and specified the conditions under which it is permitted with no noticeable ill effects.

Maybe Hunter Harrison did away with that policy to demonstrate to train dispatchers, supervisors and T&E and yard employees that the default condition of the railroad is the movement of trains, not the non-movement of trains, but thats a knee-jerk response. Naps were never allowed when it might interfere with the movement of that crews train, or another trains movement.

Under actual operating conditions, over significant sections of single-track territory where trains have to operate or remain in a siding to meet or pass another train, or over other sections of track where trains cannot follow each other into the same block, there is no degradation of system operations, of network velocity, by allowing crews to formally request and receive permission for a 30-or 45-minute nap.

Harrisons former railroad, Canadian Pacific, is a member of the group of railroads adopting and abiding by GCOR, the General Code of Operating Rules. Those operating rules include the following:

1.11.1: Napping is permitted by train crews, except crews in passenger, commuter or yard service under the following conditions 

 followed by the double handful reasonable conditions and restrictions for providing crew members to take rest while on duty. Did Canadian Pacific have a special instruction in its employee timetable stating that Rule 1.11.1 did not apply to CP employees, or to other railroads while performing service on the CP, when Harrison ran the railroad?

CSX now allows employees to get on and off moving freight cars in the performance of their duties. CSX has decided to break with the long-standing SOFA (Switching Operations Fatality Analysis) recommendations for three-point protection (brake applied, reverser centered or removed, and generator field off) before going between cars to align couplers, connect air hoses, etc.

Eliminating three-point protection is not going to reduced elapsed yard dwell time when the yards themselves are buried in cars that formerly went to those 8 shuttered hump yards.

Eliminating three-point protection is not going to improve system velocity by even 0.001 mph when the main line is backed up with trains waiting to enter yards.

These changes appear to be knee-jerks, twitches that bypass the rational decision-making processes and organs of a railroad.

The industry has continued to improve its safety performance over the past ten years. Between 2007 and 2016, the rate of total train accidents per million freight train-miles declined 30%. The number of accidents attributed to human factors (employee errors) declined 40%. (FRA safety data can be interpreted at this link.)

For yards and switching railroads, the overall rate of accidents per million freight train-miles declined 40%, with non-fatal employee on duty injuries declining 27%, despite an increase in employee working hours of approximately 7% over the period.

Its difficult to prove that the SOFA recommendations are the cause for this improvement. I dont know how many of the injuries that did occur are the result of non-compliance with SOFA recommendations, or if they occurred despite the proper execution of all the recommendations.

We cant knee-jerk a yes or no here. However, we can draw warranted conclusions based on correlations, and correlations establish themselves in the trendin the overall level of, and changes in, performance that give us an idea of the direction things are going. So I think we have to give credit to the SOFA recommendations, to the heightened awareness and vigilance as expressed in the requirement for three-point protection.

Hunter Harrison and CSX are on the wrong side of this trend. From 2008 through 2012, CSX total accidents on yard track trended downward. From 2013 through 2016, that trend reversed and the total number of yard accidents has trended upward. The rate of yard switching accidents (per million train-miles), declined significantly through 2012, but has trended upward through 2016. The total number of train accidents per million train-miles declined steadily through 2013, only to reverse direction and trend upward through 2016.

Yes, CSX was on the wrong side before Hunter Harrison arrived, but the recent changes dont indicate that CSX has recognized that, and is acting to stop that trend.

Maybe it is part of the vision Hunter Harrison has for the railroad, and maybe its part of the vision the hedge funds have for railroads. Harrison has proclaimed that coal is dead, and if thats truly the case, network velocity isnt going to be a problem at all.

Coal accounts for 34% of carloadings on the Class Isup from last years dismal 30%, but down from the long-established ratio of 40%. The revenue contribution is less than the traffic ratio, but its still significant. If coal is dead, then railroads have a lot of excess locomotives, excess employees, excess track, excess track slots, excess equipment, excess yards, and excess railroad on their hands.

One solution to wringing that excess capacity out of the system requires an end-to-end, transcontinental merger.

Hedge funds dont generally play a long game built on expanding the asset base of the business, and using that expanded asset base to achieve economies of scale, and increased revenue. They take positions, and they position themselves for the big payout. The big payouts are not derived from the accumulation of new customers, or increased volumes. The big payouts are dependent (usually) on merger, acquisition, takeover, and  liquidation.

Harrison went for the big payout when he was at Canadian Pacific, attempting an end-to-end merger with CSX and then Norfolk Southern, only to be rebuffed.

Closing yards, furloughing personnel and devaluing assets may make CSX a tempting target for takeover, to the benefit of the big institutional shareholders, hedge funds, etc. But no one should doubt the devastating impact it will have on an economy that has experienced the weakest recovery from the deepest recession in the post World War II period.

And no one should confuse knee-jerks with vision, or hedge funds with good railroading.

Capitol Hill Contributing Editor Frank N. Wilner adds the following commentary:

Successful dispute resolution first requires agreement on outcomes. Here, there appears mutual accord among stakeholdersshippers, railroads, investors, lawmakers and regulatorsthat railroads, in general, and CSX, in particular, have a duty to deliver freight to where it is wanted, when it is wanted, in the condition desired, and at a reasonable price.

In the marketplace of ideas, Hunter Harrisonbacked by a hedge fund and encouraged with an outsized compensation packageintends to prove that his precision railroading model, widely celebrated in Canada, can be equally successful in the United States, and will outperform all other operating models. The implementation on CSX, so far, has been most rockyso troubled, in fact, that in a recent blog we observed that the luster is fading from Hunter Harrisons Dr. Fixit image faster than an old jalopys back-alley paint job.

Perceptions are subjective, of course. What many CSX shippers, and some CSX connecting railroads (the latter perhaps more privately), currently view as unsettling and unacceptable, likely is seen by investors supporting Mr. Harrison as unjust premature interference with their chosen change agent; while Mr. Harrison presumably senses uninvited meddling impeding his effort to transform CSX to his brand of formularized precision railroading.

Whether events are ripe for regulatory intrusion, as some shippersand even some lawmakersseek, could be decided following a Surface Transportation Board listening session scheduled for Sept. 12 but now delayed to a date still to be set owing to Hurricane Irma.

. Shippers will reveal details of difficulties being experienced on CSX, while CSX will explain its new operating plan and respond to allegations of service problems. Expect questions as to the reasons for, and results of, Harrisons cashiering of competent managers and their precious institutional knowledge in favor of those he considers more loyal to his brand of management; the logic of publicly blaming his workforce for what may well be managerial shortcomings born of unfamiliarity with the CSX network and culture; and other morale draining actions such as scrapping a relatively long-standing, industry-wide formalized and science-endorsed train-crew napping policy.

Yet, not to be unheeded in the instant unpleasantness is that under our economic system of capitalismthe worst except for all the othersprivate property rights are sacrosanct. Those owning an asset control that asset, absent very limited governmental intrusion, sanctioned, in the case of interstate railroad transportation, by the Constitutions Commerce Clause.

The conundrum, then, is when, and just how much, regulatory intrusion is wiseand for how long. The STB toolbox, as authorized by Congress, is diverse, extending from mediation assistance to the extreme of directed service.

Investors could make a positive difference and serve as de facto economic regulatorsat least those signed up for the long term. But activist hedge funds, such as the one currently exercising control at CSX, represent hot money, with a relatively short-term horizon. While activist investing is rightly defended for imposing greater economic efficiency, the short-term pain can arguably be intolerable, as the nations security and economic health are directly tied to an efficient, interconnected rail networka point emphasized by Congress whenever a labor-management bargaining impasse looms. A counterpoint is that CSX historically has been considered as having a superior franchise to regional rival Norfolk Southern, but inferior financial results, begging for what economists call creative destructionshorthand for internally reforming an organization through destruction of its inefficiencies and redeploying its assets to a higher valued and more productive use.

As for regulatory scrutiny of available evidence, the STB should be mindful of advice provided more than a generation ago by the late economist Herb Stein while chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under Presidents Nixon and Ford. Stein warned that, too often, variables in economic models are purposely adjusted to influence outcomes more in line with expectations, and even desires. Similarly, metrics defensible for Canadian rail operations may be quite inappropriate for the U.S. rail network.

Perhaps in evaluating precision railroading, we should be mindful of German physicist Werner Heisenbergs Principle of Uncertaintythat things have neither definite position, definite trajectory, nor definite momentum. Uncertainty looms. As Dave Schanoes pointed out in an email exchange, Einstein thought, in partial response to Heisenberg, that God didnt play dice with the universe. Hedge funders think that they are the god who does play dice with the universe.
Oct. 31, 2017 marks the 30th anniversary for Montana Rail Link, a Class II regional operating more than 900 miles of main line and branch trackage from Jones Junction (Huntley), Mont., west to Sandpoint, Idaho, with trackage rights beyond Sandpoint to Spokane, Wash., over BNSF.

A true success story emerging from Burlington Northerns disposal of routes that were considered redundant or unprofitable in the 1980s, MRL has flourished not only through its service to more than 100 Montana-based customers, but also by providing an important bridge route for roughly one-third of BNSFs traffic moving to and from the Pacific Northwest. Much of that PNW traffic involves grain, coal and other commodities being exported overseas, making MRL a key player in international trade.

MRL President Tom Walsh says, On behalf of our 1,100 employees, we thank our customers, suppliers and other business partners who have been integral to our operations from MRLs beginning in 1987 and continue to be vital to our success. That success, Walsh notes, was built upon the shoulders of hard working men and women who knew from day one that they were part of something special.

Walsh credits his companys founding leadership for putting MRL on its proper course, saying, Bill Brodsky, our first president, instilled in all of us that not only are we in a service industry, we are also a people business. He also instilled (Great Northern Railway founder) James J. Hills motto of helping our customers grow and prosper. Brodsky set the tone in the early days, and we continue to march to that mantra every day.

MRL plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a series of employee appreciation train trips across its system. Nearly 2,800 current and former employees and their families will be invited to ride along and share in the historic occasion.

In 2016, MRL handled 385,000 carloads. One-third of that business was grain, another third was mixed manifest or industrial carloads, and 24% was coal. Vehicles made up 11% of MRLs traffic, while the remaining 4% was divided between intermodal and crude. Railway Age recognized Montana Rail Link as Regional Railroad of the Year in 2013.
President Trump is expected to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy on Tuesday, ending deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children. Jeff Sessions is set to make the announcement at 11 a.m., and will reportedly lay out the president's plan to give Congress six months to enact a replacement of the Obama-era executive action.

It remains unclear what the administration's decision will mean for the country's 800,000 DREAMers, many of whom have lived in the United States nearly their entire lives. Throughout the week, New Yorkers will take to the streets to voice their opposition to the president, and to show their support for DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants. See below for our roundup of those demonstrations, along with some other activism opportunities happening throughout the city this week.

DACA Fights Back: Trump Tower Take Over



On Tuesday morning, thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Trump Tower as part of a "DACA Fight Back Midtown Shutdown." Organized by activist group Movimiento Cosecha, and promoted by the Women's March, the demonstration will involve school walkouts, attempts at street shutdowns and an occupation of Trump Tower, plus other forms of direct action protest taken by undocumented leaders. According to an event flyer, protesters will begin gathering outside the Fifth Avenue tower at 11 a.m., and will stay there all day and into the evening.

Tuesday, September 5th, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. // Trump Tower, 725 Fifth Avenue



CUNY Students Defend DACA At City Hall

On Tuesday afternoon, about four miles south of Trump Tower, a separate rally in support of DACA recipients has been planned by students at the Borough of Manhattan Community Collegehome to one of the largest student DACA populations in the city. Organizers are calling on "all CUNY students...to join us. Let us all stand united as one and show our support." Advocates will gather at Icarus Plaza in Tribeca (119 Chambers Street), before marching to City Hall for a rally featuring student speakers and more.

Tuesday, September 5th, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. // 199 Chambers Street to City Hall



Fight For DACA

The New York Immigration Coalition will gather supporters in Foley Square at 5:30 p.m. "to remind this President that we will protect immigrant New York and that we are HERE TO STAY!" After rallying at the downtown square, the protesters plan to march to the Brooklyn Bridge, according to an event flyer.

Tuesday, September 5th, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. // Foley Square 111 Worth Street to Brooklyn Bridge

The Fight For Healthcare For All

Healthcare workers and progressive activists will gather at Verso Books in Dumbo on Wednesday for a town hall meeting on the coming fight for universal health care. Speakers include Oliver Fein, chair of the New York Physicians for a National Health Program; Sean Petty, who serves on the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Board of Directors; and Laura Bartkoviak, a health care analyst and member of the International Socialist Organization. A discussion period and reception will follow the town hall-style meeting.

Wednesday, September 6th, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. // Verso Books, 20 Jay Street, Suite 1010



NYC Labor Day Parade

The NYC Labor Day Parade, hosted by the city's AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, comes to midtown this Saturday. A host of union and worker-supporting groups will participate, and some coalitions have specifically said they'll be marching in support of immigrant and low-wage workers. The full parade route can be found here.

Saturday, September 9th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. // Fifth Avenue and 44th Street



Fight For DACA!

Another rally in support of DACA, this one is planned for Saturday afternoon outside Trump Tower. Protesters here will demand that Trump not repeal the protections, and that Congress pass the DREAM act. The act, which would provide a legal path to citizenship for DREAMers, currently has bipartisan sponsors in both the House and Senate, but faces opposition from a majority of Republicans.

Saturday, September 9th, 2 p.m. // Trump Tower, 725, Fifth Avenue


VIA Rail is coyly dripping details of its desired route for dedicated High Frequency Rail (HFR) service linking Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto as it seeks to build political support for the C$6 billion scheme that requires approval of its single shareholder, the government of Canada.

While the railway has not officially unveiled its proposed route map, VIA Rails personable CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano has been meeting discreetly with leaders of towns and cities that would be served by new stations, some after decades without any passenger rail service. VIA Rail hopes local and national politicians will in turn urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to finish the job started 40 years ago by his father Pierre, who forged VIA Rail from the remnants of passenger service then reluctantly operated by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific.

The HFR scheme would seem to fit nicely with the governments promised public-private infrastructure bank expected to be launched later this year. Desjardins-Sicilianjo has long been courting the high public pension funds that would comprise the core of the infrastructure investment bank.

A rejection by Ottawa would effectively strangle passenger rail in Canada by constraining it to the shrinking slots between CN freight trains between Quebec City and Toronto. Without exclusive trackage, VIA Rail cannot grow in its most important market. It would also be a career disappointment for Desjardins-Siciliano and likely deflate employee morale, boosted over the past three years by the CEOs energetic ambition for the railway.

It would take a brave Justin Trudeau to risk his immediate electoral fortunes in Ontario and Quebec and assume oedipal notoriety as the boy who killed his fathers creation. Infrastructure spending was a signature promise of Trudeaus 2015 landslide victory, but so far there has been little to show for it. A highball this year for VIA Rails HFR could see shovels in the ground by the countrys next election in 2019.

VIA Rails proposal offers either the C$6 billion full-meal deal of clean, green trains powered by Quebecs abundant renewable hydroelectricity or a meager C$4 billion, diesel-hauled childs portion through a region already visibly smudged by fossil fuel pollution.

There is no status quo alternative: Without HFR, VIA Rails existing motley fleet of locomotives and cars would have to be replaced at a cost of C$1.5 billion, or passenger rail in Canada would simply be allowed to rust into irrelevance.

VIA Rail annotates its proposed route map with caveats that it is so far only a management initiative, does not reflect government policy, and is subject to change.

From Quebec City in the east, the HFR line would restore passenger service to CPs former north shore route to Montreal, now operated as the Quebec Gatineau Railway by Genesee & Wyoming. VIA Rail would take over the marginal Quebec Gatineau but could accommodate overnight freight service to existing customers as it does in Ontario with the Smith Falls to Brockville line acquired from CP.

From Montreal, the HFR route would subsume VIAs existing fully-owned Ontario trackage through Alexandria, Ottawa and beyond to Smiths Falls, whence it would more-or-less retrace abandoned CP right-of-way to Peterborough and carry on to Toronto over a still-operational subdivision to be acquired from CP. (Download a PDF map from the link below.)

New passenger rail service thus would be gained in Quebec by the St. Lawrence River port city of Trois-Rivieres and in Ontario by Sharbot Lake, Tweed and Peterborough.

Station stops along VIA Rails existing CN lines would be continue to be served by local schedules tuned to the needs of communities between the big cities. Kingston would become the terminus for regional trains to and from Montreal and Toronto. The existing snippet of VIA Rail trackage between Smiths Falls and Brockville would bridge the new HFR service to the future Montreal-Kingston-Toronto locals.

Some route details remain obscure, particularly access to downtown stations in Montreal and Toronto, where nascent regional transit projects are competing for the same track. But those are trivial compared to the larger issue of whether Canadas rail passenger service will thrive, remain on life support, or be allowed to expire.
Two of Ontario, Canadas numerous light rail transit projectsthe Kitchener-Waterloo ION and Hamilton Street Railway B Linehave been facing difficulties, albeit of a different nature. The former is still without functional LRVs; the latter is looking at potentially conflicting operating proposals.

ION LRVs, Extension Stalled

As of Sept. 5, there was still no word on arrival of a second Flexity LRV from Bombardier, which was supposed to occur in either August or September, and be more or less ready to operate. A Waterloo Region Councillor who is the point person on the LRT project said the agency is in discussions with Bombardier. The prototype LRV arrived on the property in February, but it still isnt operational, despite the efforts of Bombardier engineers.

The first segment of the ION LRT is essentially complete, except for a few minor details, but wont be operational until 2018 due to late LRV delivery from Bombardier. However, construction of a planned extension to the adjoining city of Cambridge may not commence until 2025.

Work on the Cambridge extension was originally hoped to begin soon after opening of the initial Kitchener-Waterloo line. However, the route proposed by the Waterloo Region Council (the overall governing body for both Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge) was rejected by the Cambridge Council in July 2017.

The reasons given for the rejection were essentially twofold: the LRTs negative impact on motor vehicle traffic at Shantz Hill, a notorious bottleneck in north Cambridge; and the bypassing of the business district in the Preston area. Preston is one of three former towns (the others being Hespeler and Galt) that were amalgamated to form the city of Cambridge in the early 1970s. Population growth has not been as great here as in Kitchener-Waterloo, which has two universities and thriving downtowns.

Waterloo Region Council had devised a route that would leave downtown Preston at the edge of the business-residential district and take, in effect, a massive dogleg to the northa route with minimal potential patronagealong Eagle Street and Hespeler Road. It would also miss a major local hospital, and a large industrial park.

This route was reportedly endorsed due to the hope for major future redevelopment along Hespeler Road, a thoroughfare characterized by almost exclusively automobile-oriented businesses (shopping malls, fast food restaurants, car dealerships, etc.). If the line were to continue straight through downtown Preston on King Street, which is four lanes wide, it would be necessary to remove curb parking to allow for a center reservation for the LRT tracks. This, of course, would likely be unpopular with local merchants and motorists. The alternative, a tunnel, would be very costly; however the Eagle-Hespeler plan would require several underpasses beneath railway lines.

Another factor is overall project cost: The Kitchener-Waterloo line was financed with a combination of federal, provincial and local funding, but it is questionable to what degree, if any, Cambridge taxpayers would be willing to contribute.

It thus appears that the Waterloo Region Council will have to return to the drawing board to come up with a proposal that will be accepted by Cambridge councillors and taxpayers.

Who Will Run Hamilton?

In a surprise, eleventh-hour action, the Hamilton Council recently approved, although not unanimously, a motion by Councillor Matthew Greene that the local bus transit provider, Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), have responsibility for operation and maintenance of the citys LRT line. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2019, with opening in 2024 or 2025.

The project, although originated by the city, has been planned by Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, using the design-finance-build-operate method. In short, Metrolinx would be responsible for most of the costs associated with the LRTs construction and operation.

The rationale put forward by Councillor Greene, and the local branch of the Amalgamated Transit Union, was avoiding the possible loss of HSR jobs when the LRT opens, replacing parallel bus routes. One of these, the B line, is HSRs heaviest, and thus produces the greatest revenue for the city-owned agency.

The ultimate decision is with Metrolinx, although Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is facing re-election, said in an interview that, in effect, she would consider the proposal.

Members of Hamiltons City Council are also facing the voters in 2018.

Paul Johnson, of the City of Hamiltons LRT office, and Andrew Hope, the Metrolinx manager associated with the project, both pointed out that, if approved, the Greene-ATU proposal could delay the start date by several months, as contract proposals would have to be rewritten and re-submitted to potential bidders.

In addition, if the HSR assumes responsibility for operations and maintenance, rather than Metrolinx, the city might have to cover the significant costs involved.

The LRT has been quite controversial with Hamilton residents, and has been partly sold to them on the basis that it would essentially be a no cost project for the city. In fact, the city would benefit from having utilities, road pavement and a major bridge replaced at Metrolinx expense.

It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved, but presumably this will occur fairly quickly, perhaps with some form of compromise.

HSR, incidentally, is possibly the only North American transit operator to have never changed its name, dating back to horsecars in the mid-1870s. HSR electric streetcars made their last runs in 1951, but Hamiltonians have insisted on keeping the name, despite its inaccuracy. Now, of course, HSR should be returning to street railway operation.
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In May, Southern Company cancelled the nations major coal sequestration project. This action was followed by the shutdown of massive nuclear construction projects in South Carolina, announced in July. An August decision in by Duke Power to suspend plans for nuclear construction in Florida added another major jolt for energy planners.

On August 31, Southern Company announced that it would attempt to complete its Vogtle nuclear plants, on shaky ground due to large budget overruns and lengthy delays. But with the bankruptcy of the Westinghouse Electric Company  the firm that was supposed to build the new nuclear reactors  and the loss of the synergies and industry learning that would come from multiple projects, hopes for an American nuclear renaissance now appears in tatters.

In the short term, these turning points create considerable pain for power company shareholders, ratepayers, and senior executives whose investment strategies had admirable intentions but fell short of feasibility.

But there may be even more important ramifications that are longer-term. Two technologies long thought essential for sharply reducing carbon emissions from electric generation and, thereby, slowing climate change, now appear to have a diminished future, at least in this country.

If we want to learn from recent developments, we need to ask what went wrong, if prescient strategic planning could have produced more favorable results, and whether there are lessons for fuels like natural gas, currently on a hot streak but whose role in the coming decades is a topic of fervent debate.

In the early 1980s, I joined a delegation of state officials from around the country that inspected abandoned nuclear construction sites in the State of Washington. The Washington Public Power Supply System had started out to build five large, 1,200 megawatt reactors, but finished only one, after the projected costs for completion became unsustainable. The fiasco led to the largest municipal bond default up to that time and the irreverent acronym WHOOPS for the red-faced power organization.

As our group visited a giant 480-foot tall, concrete cooling tower for a plant never completed, we jokingly wondered what would anthropologists think if they unearthed it centuries later, like an ancient Mayan pyramid. Would they try to discern some ancient religious meaning to this massive human endeavor?

The epic failure in the Northwest resulted from vast overestimation of future demand for electricity and an equally vast underestimation of the challenges managing projects of such magnitude. For a long time, the incident became part of the rationale for delaying further attempts to build new nuclear plants.

In 1984, the Office of Technology Assessment issued a report, "Nuclear Power in an Age of Uncertainty" (for which I served as an advisor). The report focused on safety, an issue that the American industry addressed with admirable vigor after the accident at Three Mile Island. In subsequent years, concerns about safety resided as a barrier to the growth of the industry.

Less noticed, the OTA suggested smaller nuclear reactors as potential alternatives to the very large ones that had become the industrys norm, despite the latters economies of scale in construction and operation. The report suggested that smaller reactors might prove appealing to utilities because they allowed more flexibility in planning for future demand, reduced the consequences of an outage on the overall grid, would limit the financial exposure of the utility to loss, and increase overall system reliability. In addition, more of the smaller plants could be fabricated in the factory rather than constructed in the field, potentially resulting in large cost savings if the market was large enough. Moreover, the construction times for small plants would probably be much less than for their larger counterparts.

In the 21st century, as the possibility of new nuclear construction reemerged, I suggested to several nuclear engineers that smaller nuclear plants might be the best option due to the historic problems of bringing large plants in on time and on budget and to the slow growth of electricity demand in the American market. The invariable response was that I did not understand nuclear power, particularly the economies of scale of the giant reactors.

In any case, the effort to revive nuclear construction in this country chose to rely once again on very large reactors. And again, electric companies could not manage costs or projected schedules for the projects. Some of the bugs could have been worked with the experience that comes with repetitive building. But it has been clear for a while that demand growth in the United States might not justify building a lot of these very large plants.

For the coal industry, a turning point came in the decade of the 1990s. West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd reigned as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and coal companies were getting government assistance meeting the requirements of the Clean Air Act. But coal companies failed to push proposals to beef up federal research and development on carbon sequestration, preferring a strategy of disputing scientific analysis of the likely impacts of fossil fuels on climate. If sequestration from coal was to become a viable alternative in the energy mix, supportive efforts probably needed to have begun much sooner than they did, though the costs still might have proven too high in a competitive market.

The fracking of oil and gas in shale formations, solar panels, and wind turbines, for their part, have followed their own trajectories in achieving current market success  government support tracing back to the 1970s for basic research and market incentives, long periods of apparent lack of progress, and private companies doing the fine tuning necessary to eventually make these technologies market competitive and achieve continuous improvements in efficiency and cost.

While foreign markets with rapid demand growth may offer opportunities for smaller nuclear reactors and coal generation with carbon sequestration, the push for them in the United States may have started too late to follow the paths to progress of fracking, solar, and wind.

Which brings us to the future of natural gas. Currently, the displacement of coal generation with gas is a win-win situation, reducing both overall costs and the emissions of greenhouse gases. Natural gas can become an even better fuel for the environment with improved controls of methane leakage, a relatively easy task with current technology. Some environmentalists believe that developments in storage will allow the creation of reliable electric grids with only intermittent generation (wind and solar), providing a path to very low emissions of greenhouse gases needed by mid-century. Another path with less risks is the creation of another leg to the stool, the creation of gas generation with carbon sequestration.

Eventually, the cries will come for these advanced gas plants. But given the time lags from science experiments to large demonstrations to market competitiveness, a crash effort needs to begin now. Even if solar, wind and storage technologies continue to achieve remarkable progress in the decades to come, a prudent strategy for maintaining a reliable electric grid with least risk should include an option to generate power from natural gas with only negligible emissions of greenhouse gases.
North Koreas hydrogen bomb test is a game changer. The trendlines are clear: Unless some sort of major action is taken, in relatively short order, Kim Jong Un will have a weaponized hydrogen bombthe most powerful of all nuclear weaponsand the missiles to deliver them to all points in the continental United States.

And once again, the world gets this terrible news from Kims now favorite delivery methodwhat amounts to a selfie with his new atomic menace and accompanying nuclear test. Far from being a maniac, he has shown himself to be a shrewdly calculating leader who has repeatedly backed up his boasts with successful atomic tests.

Now to be fair, we dont have any real confirmation, besides a picture and a news clip from North Korean state media that Kim has an operational Hydrogen Bomb that is miniaturized or a missile that can carry it aloft to a target and an atomic test. But experts are already concluding that the scale of the test indicates that North Korea does indeed have a hydrogen bomb capability.

I for one am not shocked that Kim seems to have achieved a working design. Last month, I cited a Pentagon source declaring that Pyongyang was 6-18 months away from a Hydrogen Bomb. As of now, my source is still sticking to that assessment but added nothing Kim does or can do shocks him anymore.

Indeed, we must remember a few additional benchmarks Kim would need to hit in order to have an H-bomb for the battlefield. For Kim to have confidence in such an advanced nuclear weapons design, he would want to test it, potentially on several occasions, to ensure a working system, as well as multiple yields. So far, despite what Pyongyang has told us, Kim has never tested anything with the destructive power of a Hydrogen Bombexcept for maybe last night.

North Korea would also have to miniaturize this new weapon as well. Again, this would take additional time and would be a big leap for Kim. He would also have to place the new weapon onto a missile and test such a missile design.

My assessment is that Kim does not yet have an operational H-Bomb, but is doing what he always doesproving to the world he has the resources, technology and capability to deploy a powerful nuclear deterrent. But he could have taken an important first step towards testing a viable design.

What is to be done?

As a first step, its time to pull out all the stops to make sure we restrict the amount of financial resources going into North Korea and make it as hard as possible for Kim to build up his nuclear program and H-bomb designs. The goal of this new actionjust like the last set of sanctions passed by the UN Security Council just weeks agoshould be to limit the amount money going into North Korea that helps fund its nuclear and missile programs.

President Trump needs to act fastand unilaterallyby naming and sanctioning any entities that help launder money for North Korea or assist them in evading past or present sanctions, which could easily amount to billions of dollars. This will undoubtable impact China and its banks here in the U.S., but is a necessary step to ensure Beijing and Pyongyang know such actions will no longer be tolerated.

Second, we need to expand our military footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. President Trump should deliver on the promise of Barack Obama and actually pivot or rebalance to Asiamaking it the number one national security priority. That means instead of sixty-percent of U.S. naval assets stationed in the Pacific we should increase that number to seventy-percent. These new assets should be a mix of attack and guided missile submarines as well as AEGIS destroyers that can defend against North Korean missile attacks.

Third, our land-based missile defenses in the region need to be ramped up as well as at home. We should work quickly with Japan to deploy additional PAC-3 batteries as well as deploy the THAAD missile defense system there as well. Washington should work to quickly expand the number of Ground-based-Midcourse-Defense Interceptors we need to defend against a North Korean ICBM attack.

Lastly, President Trump should make clear that it is the policy of the United States that we will nevereveraccept a nuclear North Korea, and that all options still and will always remain on the table. While Washington will not start a war with Pyongyang, Kim must know we would respond to any North Korean military attack with the most severe of kinetic responses. And if Kim ever launched a nuclear attack, President Trump should also make clear that the portly pariah of Pyongyang would be signing his and his nations own death warrant.

Today we are paying the accumulated price of having not paid the required attention to a national security challenge that should have been front and center for past U.S. administrations. And while we might not have a perfect plan to mitigate the danger coming from North Korea, we do have many strong options that can collectively keep our nation and our allies secure.
In his 2017 New Year address, Pope Francis urged world leaders to fight against the plague of terrorism. The Pope was not the first to make use of this metaphor, of course. Equally serious sources speak in similar terms. While The Economist magazine has measured with charts the plague of global terrorism, The National Interest has identified terrorism as the plague of the 21st century.

The use of plague as a metaphor for terrorism is not limited to religious leaders and magazine writers. Just ask readers of The Plague, Albert Camuss postwar novel about German-occupied France that celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The story is as simple as it is sobering. In the near past, a plague settles upon Oran, a city in then-French Algeria. Quarantined from the rest of the world, the city must first accept its new normal before it finds an effective form of resistance. As the citys body count climbs during the torrid summer months, the efforts at stopping it seem derisory.

Even the novels narrator, Dr. Rieux, minimizes the impact of the sanitation teams in halting the plagues advance. Tellingly, Rieux believes that resistance begins with language. In his world, words matter as much as acts. He and his fellow resisters believe that finding the right words to express their thoughts is an ethical duty. The man responsible for organizing the sanitation teams, Jean Tarrou, insists that all of humankinds troubles spring from our failure to use plain, clear-cut language. Similarly, Rieux tells his readers that so as not to play false to the facts, and not to play false with himself, he will strive for objectivity. He is someone who recognizes what has to be recognized.

What Rieux does not recognize, though, is that language, no matter how simple and clear it appears to be, is inevitably infused with metaphors. They mold our recognition of what has to be recognized, just as they shape our response to those recognitions. Not only do we live our lives by metaphors, as linguists George Lakoff and Mark Johnson famously observed, but we also kill and die by them. Metaphors may create realities for us, they argue, especially social realities. A metaphor may thus be a guide for future action. Such actions will, of course, fit the metaphor. This will, in turn, reinforce the power of the metaphor to make experience coherent. In this sense, metaphors can be self- fulfilling prophecies.

Metaphors in the real world

With the rise of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, we have seen several instances of the power of metaphors to burrow into public discourse and public policy. In the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush described American policy as a crusade against terrorism. Critics denounced the metaphor of crusade as divisive and destructive  as one that reinforced the notion that we were engaged in a clash of civilizations. Trying to correct course, the Bush administration then glommed onto the phrase war on terror. In effect, they replaced one misbegotten metaphor with another. Not only did Bush confuse a political phenomenon, terrorism, with an emotional state, terror, but he also declared we were at war with it. As Bruce Hoffman observed, the United States had launched itself into a virtually open-ended struggle against anyone or anything that arguably scared or threatened Americans.

As recent events remind us, there are still other metaphors that can make or break careers as well as lives. Sebastian Gorka insisted that he stepped away from his never fully defined position as White House advisor  and was not pushed out, as seems to be the case  because U.S. President Donald Trump did not use the phrase radical Islamic terrorism in his speech on Afghanistan. Trump tirelessly harped on this phrase during his presidential campaign, lambasting the refusal of the Obama Administration and Hillary Clinton to use it. To solve a problem, he explained, you have to be able to state what the problem is, or at least say the name.

"Every bit of that phrase is analytically unhelpful, observes Will McCants, the well-known scholar on the Islamic State. It may well be that McCants, though, gives Trump too much, or too little, credit. Rather than a tool of analysis, the phrase is, well, a metaphorical Molotov cocktail, meant to incite fear and spark division.

But if we compare terrorist acts to plague outbreaks, we discover that some metaphors are more equal than others. For example, a growing number of researchers are applying epidemiological models to the study of terrorism. Such an approach, argues Bryan Price, a terrorism specialist at West Point, encourages policymakers to see terrorism for what it is (an all but inevitable facet of modern life that can be managed but never fully eliminated), and not what they wish terrorism to be (a national security problem that can be solved, defeated, or vanquished). Whereas Price finds cancer as a useful metaphor, others focus on casting terrorism in the role of plague. As Paul Stares and Mona Yacoubian argue, this particular epidemiological analysis offers several advantages. Not only does it present terrorism as a dynamic and shifting phenomenon, one shaped by its particular environment and host, but it also offers strategies for containing, if not eradicating it.

It is unclear whether such approaches can be translated into effective counter-terrorism strategies. What does seem clear, though, is the need to recognize how metaphors can either raise or debase public debate and government policy. We cannot escape their use, but we must attend to their uses and abuses. For Camuss contemporary, the philosopher Simone Weil, paying attention entails the effort to shed the metaphors that shape the way we see. This is too much to ask of most human beings, of course, but at the very least it is an effort we should expect from those in power.
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Sharon Osbourne doesn't think Kim Kardashian's sexy selfies embody true feminism.

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The 64-year-old British television personality said in an interview with the Telegraph that Kardashian "showing off her body" on social media doesn't represent "female progress."

"Kim says she's doing everything in the name of feminism, but that's not feminism!" Osbourne said.

"Those girls live off their bodies, half of L.A. has been through them and everything they do from the sex tape to the plastic see-through dresses and the gym wear is about sex, not female progress."

"And listen: God bless them," she added. "If Kim wants to show off her body, fine. But that's not feminism, that's being a ho. And there's nothing wrong with being a ho, but always remember what you are."

Kardashian declared at the Webby Awards in May 2016 that she will share naked selfies until she dies.

She defended her posts as an expression of sexuality and confidence following her highly-publicized naked selfie in March 2016.

"I am empowered by my body," the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star wrote.

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"I am empowered by my sexuality. I am empowered by feeling comfortable in my skin. I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about it."

"The body-shaming and slut-shaming -- it's like, enough is enough," she said. "I will not live my life dictated by the issues you have with my sexuality. You be you and let me be me. I am a mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter an entrepreneur and I am allowed to be sexy."

Osbourne previously clashed with the Kardashians after Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner superimposed their faces over musical artists such as her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, and Notorious B.I.G. for a t-shirt line in June.

"Girls, you haven't earned the right to put your face with musical icons. Stick to what you know...lip gloss," she tweeted at the time.
India has a new Defence Minister: Nirmala Sitaraman, the nation's first woman Raksha Mantri.

'An expanding army, rising salaries due to the 7th pay commission, and raised pensions due to OROP are consuming money at the cost of badly needed bulletproof jackets, rifles, artillery, submarines, warships and fighter aircraft,' notes Ajai Shukla.

The defence allocations, presented as part of the Union Budget on February 1, 2017, highlighted the drawbacks that plague our defence planning.

Once again, the military emerges as an over-manned, poorly equipped, early 20th century force; with a bloated salary bill that leaves little for modernising a vast inventory of obsolescent equipment.

The depressing surrender of Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 70 billion) of capital budget underlines again our structural incapability to spend even the inadequate allocations we lament.

The discussions on the Budget make it evident that the political and strategic elite and the public remain largely oblivious to the continuing and dangerous hollowing out of the last resort of the State.

Using a methodology where allocations under disparate heads are extrapolated and tabulated in a common format, so that comparisons are made on an apples-to-apples basis, the chart (below) dis-aggregates the Budget allocations to the three armed services: The army, the navy and the air force.



*Excludes budget for Border Roads Organisation, but includes Rashtriya Rifles and National Cadet Corps

** Capital budget for services only, excludes allocations for DRDO and Ordnance Factories

^ Excludes budget for Coast Guard, but includes for Joint Staff

The year's allocations to the services amount to Rs 328,000 crore ($48.82 billion), or 91 per cent of the total defence budget of Rs 359,854 crore ($53.56 billion).

The remaining 9 per cent, which is off the chart, includes spending on the Defence R&D Organisation, the Ordnance Factory Board and the defence ministry -- including the Border Roads Organisation, Coast Guard and, mystifyingly, the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, a regular infantry group.

Next year, as part of its continuing effort towards defence budget transparency, the government could consider merging Coast Guard allocations as a sub-head in the navy's budget, and JAK LI allocations into the army's budget.

The central problem in defence spending, which is evident from the last three columns (H, I and J) of the chart, is the crowding out of equipment procurement by steadily rising manpower costs.

An inexorably expanding army, rising salaries due to the Seventh Central Pay Commission, and raised pensions due to One Rank, One Pension are consuming money at the cost of badly needed capital procurement of bulletproof jackets, rifles, artillery, submarines, warships and fighter aircraft.

In 2015-2016, when only 8 per cent of the army's budget was buying new kit, the government boosted the army's capital allocations by Rs 7,500 crore (Rs 75 billion), following that with a Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) increase in 2016-2017 and now Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion) next year.

Even so, a salary and pensions bill that consumes an eye-popping 72 per cent of the army's overall Budget, leaves no more than 11 per cent for new equipment.

Even the navy and air force, which traditionally spent more than half their budgets on new equipment, have been pegged down by the 7th CPC and OROP.

In the coming year, the navy will spend just 47 per cent of its money on capital procurement, despite a serious shortage of capital warships.

Only the IAF will spend more than half its budget on modernisation, thanks to a Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) infusion to pay for last year's purchase of 36 Rafale fighters.

It should worry planners that an army engaged 24x7x365 on an active Line of Control, in counter-insurgency operations and in staggeringly hostile terrain conditions, makes do with a substantially lower modernisation budget than an air force that faces less immediate challenges.

Nor is this likely to change, going by the 14th Finance Commission recommendations that focus mainly on meeting manpower expenses.

It is noteworthy that finance ministry bureaucrats justify the inadequate capital allocations with the argument the military is unable to spend its allocated capital budget anyway.

This is technically correct: Most years, the defence ministry returns several thousand crores of unspent capital rupees, or transfers them to the revenue head.

But the well-known reason is that finance ministry officials impose an informal slowdown in according approvals as the year draws to a close, causing funds to lapse, and the deficit to appear in a rosier light.

The military, the victim in this game, can only watch helplessly since any significant expenditure requires the ministry or Cabinet sanction.

Individual services can sanction expenditures only up to Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion), while the defence minister can spend Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion); the finance minister up to Rs 1,000 crore (Rs 10 billion); and the Cabinet sanction is needed for any procurement larger than that.

Unclogging the system and preventing the services from being held hostage by tortuous approvals require the military's financial powers to be urgently and significantly raised.

Separately, accountability must be fixed for delays in finalising procurement proposals.

Technology provides for this; radio frequency identity tags, affixed to each procurement file, could identify how much time it has spent in each office up the approvals chain -- which routinely extends to months.

For years, the defence ministry has blithely ignored blatant violations of its own approvals timelines. This must end.

At a broader level, the military -- especially the army -- needs to be co-opted into a concerted process of reducing manpower to free resources for equipment acquisition.

The generals must be given ironclad assurances that manpower cost savings would be added onto the modernisation budget.

A culture of realistic long-term planning must be promoted by providing funding assurances well into the future, so that key planning documents, like the 15-year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan, are anchored in financial realities rather than remaining empty wish lists that slip back at the end of each financial year.
With PM Modis visit, the time has come for a relook at India-Myanmar ties, and elevate the relationship to higher levels, says Dr Rahul Mishra.

Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Nay Pyi Taw on his maiden visit to Myanmar in November 2014. Photograph: MEA/Flickr.

After registering diplomatic success at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China, Prime Minister Modi is heading to Myanmar.

Modis Myanmar visit will take bilateral relations to new heights and address some of the issues of common interest to the two countries.

During his visit, Modi will visit the capital Nay Pyi Taw, financial capital Yangon, and Bagan. Bagan is one of the richest examples of the Hindu-Buddhist past of both nations, and is waiting to be resurrected. India could contribute immensely in restoring the temples and pagodas of Bagan.

Clearly, the focus of Modis visit will be on promoting trade ties; strengthening non-traditional and traditional security cooperation, the ground work for which was done with the recent visit of Army Chief General Min Aung Hlaing; and encouraging greater cultural cooperation and people-to-people linkages.

Modis proposed address to the Indian community in Yangon is aimed exactly at that. There are approximately 2.5 million persons of Indian origin in Myanmar, and mutual interests and common challenges bind the two peoples.

The rising threat of terrorism is one of the fastest growing challenges for India and Myanmar.

The Rohingya crisis is looming over Myanmar. What was earlier believed to be a domestic issue, popularly perceived as a human rights violation by the majority against the Rohingya Muslim inhabitants of the Rakhine province of Myanmar, is turning vicious with each passing day.

This is evident from the formation of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which was recently involved in clashes with Myanmars security forces. ARSA is run by a Pakistani origin Rohingya, Attaullah Abu Ammar Jununi, and claims to have about 500 recruits.

The worst part of this is that Myanmar is being increasingly affected by radicals who use terror tools to take revenge against the government and majority community on grounds of perceived injustice.

The ARSA might try to spread wings to neighbouring countries including the Indian sub-continent. India and Myanmar must work together in fighting the menace, especially in terms of information-sharing and preparedness.

Addressing human rights issues also demands their attention. More than 5000 Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and the issue is likely to figure in Modis discussions with President Htin Kyaw and Aung San Suu Kyi.

Security cooperation with Myanmar becomes all the more important as the two countries share a 1640 km long border, with four Indian states abutting Myanmars Chin, Sagaing, and Kachin provinces. This is particularly important in the context of insurgency in the north-eastern states.

While recent developments like Indias hot pursuit against insurgent groups, the Naga accord signed by Modi and NSCN (IM), death of NSCN (K) leader Khaplang, have blunted insurgent activities, coordinated efforts must continue to eliminate insurgency along the border.

India-Myanmar trade and economic ties are much below their potential. In 2016-17, Indias trade with Myanmar was US$ 2.1 billion. Amongst the 10 ASEAN countries, only Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Philippines are behind Myanmar in terms of trade with India. This needs to be expeditiously rectified.

To overcome trade inertia, both have to go beyond trade in primary commodities. With Indias Act East Policy in action, the north-eastern states have become emerging centres of trade in processed good and services. Other initiatives could be building world-class medical facilities to make north-east the regional hub of medical tourism. Food processing industries with international standards can help save the wastage of products and trigger exports too.

Establishing robust transport and telecom linkages is critical too. India and Myanmar could work together in enhancing maritime connectivity and trade through the development of the Dawei port, which has been waiting for investors after the withdrawal of the Italian Thai Development PCL.

Notably, both China (Kyaukphyu), and Japan (Thilawa) have already worked with Myanmar on maritime connectivity, which not only caters to their business interests but also gives them greater transport and business access.

China and Japan have also launched ambitious connectivity projects in the form of Belt and Road Initiative and the Partnership for Quality Investment respectively.

Indias Sagarmala initiative, lauded as a response to Chinas Maritime Silk Road, and aimed at upgrading major domestic ports, increase their capacities, and link them robustly with regional transport networks, could be used to reach out to the neighbourhood.

Indias other connectivity initiatives include the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway, and BBIN corridor. India is also working on the Kaladan multimodal project which links Sittwe port with Kolkata.

With PM Modis visit, the time has come for a relook at India-Myanmar ties, and elevate the relationship to higher levels.

Devising joint plans for the development of north-eastern states and Myanmars bordering provinces, and working closely in terms of investing in the future of Myanmar, should be the first steps in that direction.

Dr Rahul Mishra is a New Delhi-based expert on Asia-Pacific affairs.
Its clear that India is treating Muslims facing persecution in their countries differently to people of other religions, says Karan Thapar.

IMAGE: A Rohingya refugee walks through a camp in Delhi. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

In a country the size of India its not surprising that important developments sometimes dont get the attention they deserve.

However, the fact that the home ministry's decision to forcibly deport 40,000 Rohingya refugees, including 16,500 who have been officially registered by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, has been disregarded by most of the media is particularly dismaying and upsetting.

This is not just because an important story has been neglected but, more importantly, because the decision to forcibly deport is immoral, arguably illegal and definitely damaging to the idea of India we supposedly cherish.

Home ministry officials have said the government plans to set up 'detention centres' for the Rohingyas and, if required, 'push them back' over the India-Myanmar border.

Speaking in Parliament, junior home minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that states have been directed to deport in a 'continuous manner'.

A home ministry advisory (24013/29/Misc./2017-CSR.III(i)) of August 8 has informed all state governments they have 'powers to identify and deport the foreign nationals staying illegally in the country'.

If this were to happen, the deported Rohingyas would face discrimination and persecution in Myanmar but also, possibly, elimination. There can be no doubt of that.

The UNHCR reports that since last October hundreds have been killed and up to 69,000 forced to flee to Bangladesh.

This is why the UN Secretary General's office, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have appealed to the Indian government to reconsider.

So too our own National Human Rights Commission. As the NHRC put it: 'Refugees are no doubt foreign nationals but they are human beings.'

However, home ministry officials continue to maintain that India will proceed with its deportation plans.

India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol but we are still bound by the many UN and other international conventions on human rights. This includes the UN principle of 'non-refoulement', which explicitly forbids the forcible return of refugees. The decision to 'push back' Rohingyas deliberately disregards all of this.

Worse, its clear proof that India is treating Muslims facing persecution in their countries differently to people of other religions.

In September 2015, the home ministry issued a notification exempting minorities facing persecution in neighbouring countries from the requirements of the Passport Act and Foreigners Act.

The notification explicitly mentioned 'Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis and Buddhists' but pointedly left out Muslims. The Rohingya refugees fulfil two requirements of this notification but not a critical third. Theyre a minority and they face persecution. Unfortunately, they're Muslims.

Is this not immoral discrimination?

As the NHRC has pointed out, this deportation could also flout India's Constitution.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 applies to all people in India, irrespective of citizenship. That includes the Rohingyas no matter how much their presence might embarrass Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits Myanmar after the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- Summit.

But instead of circumventing our legal requirements, Modi should remind Aung San Suu Kyi nothing has damaged her iconic status more than her expedient equivocation on the Rohingya issue.

Finally -- but, perhaps, most importantly -- the decision to forcibly deport Rohingyas damages the idea of India which we claim to uphold.

We see ourselves as a secular democracy where equal treatment is guaranteed regardless of caste, creed, culture or complexion.

Indeed, in 1971 India accepted 10 million refugees from Bangladesh, many or most of whom were Muslims, and considered that as a badge of honour.

Today, when we boast we are the third-largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity, a home ministry advisory says of the 40,000 Rohingyas: 'Infiltration from (the) Rakhine state of Myanmar into Indian territory (is) a burden on the limited resources of the country.'

Thats only true if our concept of India has altered.

Thats only true if our hearts have shrivelled up.

Thats only true if prejudice has eroded our principles and diminished our commitment to justice.

In fact, its not true at all. Its an unconscionable lie trumped up to justify a deplorable decision which, if implemented, will shame us.

But does the government care? It seems deporting Muslims is a greater priority than protecting human lives.
'Modi and his team have read the message from the ground.'

'People have started questioning what they have achieved by putting Modi in power.'

IMAGE: The PMO prepared an excel sheet on the performance of ministers and sent it first to Amit A Shah, then Prime Minister Narendra D Modi, says Ajay Kumar Singh. Photograph: PTI Photo

Prime Minister Narendra D Modi restructured the Union council of ministers on Sunday, September 3, with a focus on good governance, performance and, of course, politics.

Ajay Kumar Singh, head of department and director, UGC Centre for Federal Studies, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, explains to Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf the significance of the reshuffle and what lies ahead for the prime minister, Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

How do you view the reshuffle?

It is simply an eyewash. It has no merit.

There are only 18 months left for the Modi government after which general elections will be held.

How the non-performing ministries will perform in the remaining 18 months needs to be answered.

It is not a good decision. The prime minister should have opted for the continuation of old ministers with more performance-oriented monitoring.

What do you think compelled Modi to opt for a reshuffle 18 months before the next general election?

There is nothing new. There is a persistent view that every reshuffle is aimed at restoring the primacy of Amit Shah and Modi within the organisation.

Nirmala Sitharaman becomes defence minister. What's your take on it?

Modi is following a diplomatic defence policy. In that diplomatic and commercial defence policy, probably Nirmala Sitharaman is a good choice.

Modi's Shuffle

Critics say the Modi government is more interested in winning elections than running a government and this reshuffle is one more move in that direction.

That is true. Take any programme of Modi -- be it Swachch Bharat or Smart City; I have been consistently writing that there is a structural fault in the design itself.

There is a perception gap of what people want and what Modi wants to give.

There is a huge gap and, therefore, I do not see any change happening in the next 18 months.

In one year, you cannot deliver Swachch Bharat, smart cities, Skill India and deliver jobs to youth as the economy has slowed down.

But most people feel Swachch Bharat is a success.

The discourse is changing. Now, even hardcore supporters of Modi are shifting their stance

How? Swachch Bharat has three components. One is toilets and I have not seen much development of toilets during my travels.

Second, there is garbage and filth of 12 million tonnes (left out).

Third is the creation of infrastructure and manpower. You might be aware of what happened in Delhi recently -- of the manhole deaths.

What is successful of the Modi government is the Ujwala scheme, I would say.

But Modi connects with the people and wins elections.

Indian democracy and the Indian people are too mature.

Modi can connect with the masses, but it is not necessary that the masses will be connected with him.

After three-and-a-half years of the Modi government, the discourse among the poor is now shifting.

Modi and his team have read the message from the ground.

Now the Modi government is in panic mode.

People tolerated demonetisation and responded positively. But if you are not delivering jobs, how can I expect your legitimacy of demonetisation?

The discourse is changing. Now, even hardcore supporters of Modi are shifting their stance.

They are placing blame that the Prime Minister's Office is the main hub of power. Ministers have no discretion or autonomy.

But that is being done to keep corruption in check.

Is there any reality check about corruption under the Modi government? We do not know.

If media reports are true, there is a question mark about the ministers being removed from the various ministries.

Moreover, you are not delivering on the projects.

When projects are implemented, the question of corruption will be known.

If there is corruption, you will know at a later stage -- like 2G and other scams. We do knot know anything of corporate corruption.

IMAGE: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan were all elevated to Cabinet rank. Photograph: PTI Photo.

You mentioned the Modi government is in panic, but the BJP has had resounding electoral victories. Now, there are predictions of a sweeping victory for the party in Gujarat too.

For Modi, the challenge is that he has set the target to win 350 parliamentary seats in 2019; Amit Shah has set the target.

The ground reality says that even if Modi wins, he will not be in a comfortable position. That is the change.

The grass root narrative is changing at this point of time and these narratives will have a serious dent in 2019.

The exit poll of today and what will happen in the 2019 general election cannot be compared.

Modi may win Gujarat and other state elections, but my point is that after three-and-a-half years, people have started questioning what they have achieved by putting Modi in power.

The discourse is changing. Farmers' issue, price issue and jobs. Here lie the fault lines of Modi if he wants to win the elections.

The poor suffered during demonetisation, but still they supported Modi in big numbers in Uttar Pradesh.

There are two parallel discourses that are going on. Nationalism and demonetisation which are in the public debate.

About demonetisation, the legitimacy was black money. There was hope, but where has the money gone?

After the Reserve Bank of India's annual report, even the lower middle class are asking where is the black money.

Poor people were expecting that they will get some government money in their Jan Dhan accounts.

The BJP won the UP elections because of their anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan stance.

Entire western UP is polarised. The support of the media also helped to polarise the vote.

The BJP won 40 per cent of the votes, but it was not a mass discourse. More than 1,000 street riots took place.

Can this anti-Muslim narrative reap dividends for the Modi government forever? One day people will get up and ask where is the economy going?

This anti-Muslim discourse will keep continuing.

Two, three days before Bakri Eid just see most of the news channels. What is being debated?

Goats must not be slaughtered. Paid maulanas come to the shows and make statements.

The media then takes those statements and discusses that statement.

The BJP won the UP elections because of their anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan stance.

There is a counter question. Entire Nepal and north Bihar sacrifices goats during Durga Puja. What about that? Do TV channels arrange similar debates?

In this way, with the help of the media, all these RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) people are polarising society.

This year it was the Bakri Eid debate. Whom is it affecting? Not every age group in Hindus.

Where the Sangh has succeeded is that they have been able to convince a lot of people that Muslims don't accept the idea of nationalism (as what the RSS perceives it to be).

How do you view Amit Shah's role in this reshuffle?

The PMO prepared an excel sheet on the performance (of ministers).

The excel sheet was first handed to Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. It was almost against the ethics of the government.

The PMO is accountable to the prime minister and not Amit Shah who is the BJP president.

In the BJP, you cannot raise your voice. It is worse than what used to happen in the Soviet Union.

In the BJP if you raise your voice you will be simply phased (out).

But Amit Shah delivers electoral results.

It is not magic, but just chance.

Before 2014, people were disturbed because of the 2G and Coal Gate scams.

People wanted change and for that change they thought that something like a Vajpayee government will come.

They thought the BJP will be a moderate government, but have you seen any moderation?

After taking resignations, Modi met RSS people and Amit Shah.

These people have become so powerful that even Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh panicked. They didn't know what they were up to.

If you recall, who created space for Modi? It was Rajnath Singh.
In a bid to avoid Doklam-like situation, India and China on Tuesday decided to make more efforts, including strong contact and cooperation between their defence personnel.

This was announced by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar after a "constructive and forward-looking" bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The two leaders emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding it was agreed that "the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently do not recur."

The prime minister met the Chinese leader for more than an hour during which they also talked about inter-governmental mechanism such as joint economic group, security group and strategic group which can help both countries move forward.

This was the first substantive meeting between the two leaders after the 73-day Doklam face-off.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, India's external affairs ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Doklam area.

India and China had set up a working mechanism in 2013 to ensure peace and tranquility along the border between the two countries.

Under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, officials from the foreign ministries and militaries of both the neighbours meet periodically to resolve issues that may affect maintenance of peace along the border.

The two sides also hold sectoral commanders meeting at various border points.

India asserts that the border dispute covered nearly 4,057-km long Line of Actual Control, while China claims that it confined to about 2,000-km to the area of Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers as Southern Tibet.

In 2003, both the countries had set up the Special Representatives mechanism to resolve the boundary dispute and several rounds of talks were held since then on the vexed boundary dispute.

The Indian side is led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval while State Councillor Yang Jiechi represents China as the SR.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets China's Xi Jinping for a bilateral meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Putting behind the Doklam standoff, India and China on Tuesday agreed on a forward-looking approach in their ties and make more efforts, including strong cooperation between their security personnel, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all smiles as he meets China's Xi Jinping for a bilateral meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

In their first substantive meeting post the 73-day Doklam face-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held constructive talks during which it was reaffirmed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a pre-requisite for the development of India-China relations.

Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China, Modi tweeted after his talks with Xi.

The prime minister met the Chinese leader for more than an hour during which they also talked about inter-governmental mechanisms such as a joint economic group, security group and strategic group which could help both countries move forward, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told reporters after the meeting.

Asked if both the countries have left behind the Doklam episode, he said, It was a forward-looking conversation... and not a backward-looking one.

The two leaders also emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding that it was felt that the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently does not recur.

He said it was natural between two neighbours or large powers to have differences but they should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find common ground in addressing them.

Jaishankar said there was a reaffirmation of the Astana spirit that the two sides will not allow differences to become disputes.

There was a very strong affirmation at the leadership level that it is in the interest of both the countries to keep this relationship on an upward trajectory, the foreign secretary said.

IMAGE: Modi in a bilateral meeting with the President of the Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

In his initial remarks during the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on hosting a very successful BRICS Summit, saying that the conference was a success in making the grouping more relevant in a fast-changing world.

The Modi-Xi meeting came amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the face-off between their troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese army.

On August 28, Indias external affairs ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on expeditious disengagement of their border troops in the disputed Doklam area.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that during their meeting, President Xi stressed that China and India are each others opportunities not threats.

We hope India can view Chinas development in a correct and rational way, Geng quoted Xi as saying.

Asked whether the recent standoff at Doklam figured in the talks, Geng said, Xi pointed out that China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border area.

As far as I know, Prime Minister Modi agreed that the two sides should work together to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas, Geng said.

IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen.

Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/Reuters

Xi told Modi that if the bilateral relationship can grow in a sound and steady way it would serve the interests of the two countries and also serve the joint aspirations of the region, according to Geng.

Xi stressed that China and India are each others important neighbours and two important markets and emerging countries, Geng said.

During the meeting, the Chinese president said that in recent years the two sides reached wide of consensus on developing bilateral relations including strengthening partnership. The two sides have been moving forward and making headway upholding this principle.

China would like to work with India to uphold the five principles of peaceful coexistence (Panchsheel), advance political mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation and move forward the development of bilateral relations along the right track, Geng quoted Xi as saying.

He quoted Xi as telling Modi that, We need to show to the world that the peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the only right choice between the two countries. The two countries should shelve differences and seek common ground and together ensure peace and tranquillity at the borders.

Xi also called for alignment of strategies to expand economic cooperation.

On the economic and social development, the two countries have great potential for cooperation which should see greater synergy in strategy alignment, expand cooperation in infrastructure connectivity as well as international affairs, the Chinese president said.

Together we can move the international order in a more equitable and reasonable way, Xi told Modi, according to Geng.

China would like to work with BRICS countries to implement the outcomes of the BRICS Summit to usher in a new chapter for the BRICS cooperation, Geng quoted Xi as telling Modi.
Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen on Monday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

The 43-page declaration, adopted at the end of the BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al-Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

"We reject the declaration (released by member countries) at the BRICS Summit," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir said during a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence.

Dastgir claimed that Pakistan has no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV.

"Forty per cent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists," he said, later while talking to the media.

Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastagir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57 per cent are under their control.

"The foreign minister will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US," he said when asked about Pakistan's plan following US President Donald Trump's recent comments.

Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

He also slammed Pakistan for its support to terror groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

"This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability," Dastagir added.

In response to a question, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistans ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.

IMAGE: From left, Brazil President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Jacob Zuma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a photograph at BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China on Monday, September 5, 2017. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Britains Prince William and wife Kate are expecting their third child, Kensington Palace announced on Monday, bringing delight to the royal family.

IMAGE: Catherine, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge look out from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 17. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

There had been little indication that the 35-year-old Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, was pregnant.

The royal couple already have two children -- Prince George and Princess Charlotte -- aged four and two. George is set to start school in London this week and Charlotte celebrated her second birthday on May 2 this year.

The palace said the Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

Kate is suffering from severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum as in the early stages of her previous two pregnancies. Her condition forced her to cancel a planned engagement at a childrens centre in London on Monday.

The Duchess is being cared for at KensingtonPalace, the palace noted in the statement.

The expected child will become the fifth in line to the throne behind Prince Charles, William, George and Princess Charlotte.

A change to the rule of male primogeniture -- which meant sons took precedence over their female siblings in Britains line of succession -- had come into force in March 2015.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridges third child and Queen Elizabeth IIs sixth great-grandchild will also push Williams brother Harry further down the succession line to sixth.

IMAGE: Prince William's third child will be born fifth in line to the throne. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The news of pregnancy comes as Prince George will be attending the Thomas Battersea school near the royal couples KensingtonPalace home in London from later this week.

It is expected that Kate will choose to have her baby in the Lindo wing of St Marys hospital in Paddington, London, where she has already experienced two deliveries.

On a recent royal tour of Poland in July, Kate seems to have dropped a hint at plans to have more babies after being given a present designed for new-borns.

She had turned to William to say: We will just have to have more babies.

William had resigned from his job as an air ambulance rescue pilot in July to take on royal duties full time and spend more time with his family.

The 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge had ended his job as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance after two years with the charity.

The second in line to Britains throne is also set to take on additional royal responsibilities as his grandfather and the queens husband, Prince Philip, commenced his retirement from royal duties last month.

The Queen and Prince Philip had already cut down on long-haul travel for some years now, with younger royals taking on those duties.
The dead body found wrapped in a blue tarp with a cinder block chained to its legs in the waters off Brooklyn's Mill Basin over the weekend has been identified by police as Carmine Carini, a 35-year-old resident of the neighborhood with reported ties to the mob.

His death was ruled a homicide by the city medical examiner's office, who said the cause was blunt force trauma to the head, the Times reports. He was found to have suffered a fractured skull, and was repeatedly stabbed in the arm and leg.

Carini is the son of a well known mobster, also named Carmine, who spent decades in prison for his role in the 1983 murder of a Brooklyn record store owner. The elder Carini's murder charge was vacated in 2007, after two mafia informants testified that his cousins, Vincent and Eddie Carini, were actually responsible for the killing.

Both of those cousins were found dead in Sheepshead Bay in 1987, after botching a hit on William Aronwald, a former prosecutor on the Justice Departments Organized Crime Strike Force.

The younger Carini, meanwhile, is considered a "low-level mob associate" of the Colombo crime family, according to law enforcement officials who spoke with am New York. Prior to his death, Carini was arrested four times, on charges ranging from robbery to possession of large quantities of pain killers. He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2003 for robbery and menacing, and twice returned to jail for violating his parole.

It is not known how long Carini has been missing. The investigation into his death is continuing, police said on Tuesday.


Thousands of people continue to face the lingering risk of environmental hazards in storm-hit state of Texas where Hurricane Harvey wrecked havoc, killing at least 60 people and costing up to $180 billion (Rs 11,542 crore).

Local authorities advised residents returning homes within the evacuation zone to drink bottled water and wear surgical masks, closed-toe shoes and gloves as a precautionary measure.

IMAGE:Samaritans help clear debris from the house of a neighbour which was left flooded from Tropical Storm Harvey in Houston. Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters

In a statement, the Harris County Public Health Department said the same recommendation is given to those returning to flooded homes.

The sheriffs office in Fort Bend County, located in the Houston metropolitan area, has asked residents to leave reptiles, like alligators, found on their properties alone

until the water recedes.

We have everything from snakes to alligators to fire ants, said Lach Mullen, spokesperson for the Office of Emergency Management in Fort Bend County.

Even though evacuation orders have been lifted, people have to be wary of new occupants in their homes. They dont want to occupy the same space as you; they will leave on their own when they can, said Mullen.

IMAGE: George Diaz disposes of furniture while salvaging through belongings from his family home in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey. Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters

Umair Shah, Harris County public health director, is making the rounds in the flooded areas of Houston and warning residents about the risks they face while cleaning up their homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Kirtikumar Shah, a leading gastroenterologist in Houston said that, One of the health hazard is people walking in the water and children trying to play in the water. They can get hurt with some sharp objects which they cannot see because these objects are submerged in the water. Another health hazard in flood water could be snakes and if the person is walking in the water you can get hurt.

The greater danger comes when the flood water interfere with the clean water supply as it happened in Beaumont. There can be scarcity in drinking water because the supply trucks cannot reach the target area because of the floods at all, he added.

According to Nik Nikam, a leading cardiologist said, People who are displaced can miss their medicines that can make their chronic conditions like heart disease or kidney disease worse and put them in the hospital.

IMAGE: Nancy McBride collects items from her flooded kitchen as she returned to her home for the first time since Harvey floodwaters arrived in Houston. Photograph: Rick Wilking/Reuters

Meanwhile, officials confirmed that Harvey has killed at least 60 people, many from drowning and indirect effects of the storm.

In a conference call, an officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency said efforts had shifted from life-saving to recovery. John Long, the Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer, said 550,000 families had registered for a FEMA assistance programme and that more than 16,000 were staying in hotels as part of a transitional shelter program.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott increased his damage estimate to between $150 billion and $180 billion.

The quick and focused work of our federal partners in response to Hurricane Harvey has been essential to the recovery in Texas, Abbott said in a statement.

IMAGE: Ruben Morales eats dinner without using utensils after clearing furniture from the house of a neighbor left flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey. Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice re-populated two Richmond prisons, after the facilities were evacuated last week amid flooding from the storm. About 1,400 inmates were returned to the all-male Jester 3 and Vance Units.

Three other prisons, housing some 4,500 male inmates among them, remain evacuated.

IMAGE: A volunteer with Merging Vets and Players distributes food, water and pet food to flood victims after the town was inundated when torrential rains pounded Southeast Texas following Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey causing widespread flooding. Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

US House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy paid a visit on Monday to Houston, where he announced the House will vote Wednesday morning on an initial relief package for Harvey victims. McCarthy, a California Republican, made the announcement at a news conference at the NRG Center, which is being used as a shelter.

It wont be the only relief package we vote on, McCarthy said, flanked by members of the Texas congressional delegation. What we want to do is make sure FEMA has the money going forward as the cities and the counties assess the damage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar to chart out a roadmap for closer cooperation in areas like security and counter-terrorism.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw," Modi tweeted along with some pictures of the meeting.

He also presented the Myanmar president a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two- nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi.

"'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship," he said in a tweet.

The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

"Landed in Naypyitaw, marking the start of my Myanmar visit. I will join a wide range of programmes during my visit to Myanmar," Modi tweeted soon after his arrival.

Modi arrived for the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

"Mingalaba Myanmar! After intense diplomatic engagements at #BRICS2017, PM @narendramodi arrives to a warm welcome at Naypyitaw," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with some pictures of the prime minister's arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw airport.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday. He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is headed to the United States where he is likely to meet the pioneers of research on artificial intelligence, the science of making machines that think like humans.

Gandhi, who recently returned from Norway, is gearing up for another offshore visit, this time to the Silicon Valley in the US to "expand his thoughts about artificial intelligence", party sources said.

The sources said Gandhi wants India to lead in the niche area which comes after software development, in which India has already won global recognition.

While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.

A senior Congress leader said the idea was to bring back knowledge and implement it at the policy level in the Congress partys vision documents.

Facilitating Gandhi's US visit is the chairman of Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, a technology innovator who was brought back to India by Rajiv Gandhi and was among those behind the telecom revolution in the country.

The Congress VP had met leaders in the field of biotechnology during his Norway visit.

He is currently grappling with the party's sliding electoral graph after a series of defeats. The Congress is set to lose Himachal Pradesh to the BJP in the upcoming state assembly poll.

The party is weighed down by anti-incumbency sentiments and infighting in the state unit in Himachal Pradesh. In Gujarat, where elections are slated to be held later this year, it lost a veteran when party leader and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela walked out of the Congress.

Gandhi will also address a conference on 'India At 70: Reflections On The Path Forward' at the University of California, Berkeley, on September 11.
Two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including a self-styled divisional commander of the outfit, were on Monday gunned down by security forces in Sopore township of north Kashmirs Baramulla district, the police said.

Acting on specific information about the presence of terrorists in the Check-e-Brath area of Sopore, security forces launched a cordon and search operation this morning, a police spokesperson said.

During searches, the terrorists who were hiding in the area opened fire on the security personnel, who retaliated, resulting in an encounter.

Two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in the gunfight. They were later identified as Pervaiz Ahmad Wani of Galoora Handwara and Naeem Ahmad Najar of Shelpora Brad, Sopore, he said.

Wani was the divisional commander of the outfit for north Kashmir.

Two AK assault rifles, three AK magazines, 90 AK rounds, one INSAS rifle, one INSAS magazine, 13 INSAS rounds and other items were seized from the encounter site, the police spokesperson said.

He said the two terrorists were involved in many anti-national and anti-social activities.

Wani was involved in serial blasts that targeted mobile towers in the area in 2015, the killing of two police personnel in Handwara market in 2013 and an attack on the Langate police post last year, he said.

Image for representation only.
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday discussed with leaders of Germany, South Korea and Japan the reckless and dangerous behaviour of North Korea and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination on the issue at the United Nations.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a perfect success, sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, South Korea President Moon Jae-In and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump underscored the need to give a coordinated response to North Korea.

The two leaders (Trump and Merkel) condemned North Koreas continued reckless and dangerous behaviour and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at the UN. President Trump noted that this latest provocation only serves to increase the international communitys resolve to counter North Koreas prohibited activities, the White House said in a read out of the call.

All options to address the North Korean threat are on the table, the White House said.

In a separate phone call, Trump and Moon underscored the grave threat that North Koreas latest provocation poses to the entire world.

The two leaders agreed to maximise pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal.

They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities.

President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Koreas initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities. President Trump also provided his

conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, the White House said.

In another phone call with Abe, the two leaders condemned North Koreas continued destabilising and provocative actions.

They confirmed the two countries ironclad mutual defence commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation.

President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal, the White House said.

Image: A man walks past a street monitor showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump in a news report about their telephone conference on North Korea's threat. Photograph: Toru Hanai/Reuters
Umar Khalid remembers Gauri Lankesh, the brave journalist who was killed in cold blood on Tuesday night.

Umar Khalid, the controversial Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader, knew Gauri Lankesh, the journalist who was murdered in Bengaluru on Tuesday, September 5, night.

In this first person account -- as related to Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf -- Umar Khalid looks back at his association with Gauri Lankesh.

This news has completely shaken me.

I feel there is an attempt to terrorise us.

We saw this in the (Kannada writer M M) Kalburgi murder -- they want to send a message to all those who oppose the Hindutva regime.

They want to silence their opposition, but we will not be terrorised.

I knew Gauri for the last few months. She was a strong supporter of the JNU movement. Whenever she came to Delhi she used to meet us.

Her death is a very personal loss for me as she used to call me her son.

She used to tell me that she had three sons: Kanhaiya Kumar, me and Jignesh Mewani.

I remember she used to say that her vision for India was that of a secular, democratic, India.

She stood fearlessly for her beliefs and for the JNU movement.

Her fearlessness was inspirational.

Besides being a journalist, she was also a very humorous person. When people used to criticise her on social media she used to give them back. She would not take any nonsense on social media.

Her fearlessness was something that marked her life.

She did not tell me personally that her life was under threat, but I came to know from Kanhaiya that she was on a hit list.

After Kalburgi that they can do something like this to Gauri Lankesh in Karnataka shows the kind of impunity these murderers enjoy.

Prima facie to me, it looks like a political assassination. It is on the lines of what happened to (rationalist Dr Narendra) Dabholkar and Kalburgi.

What does her death means for India's democracy?

Someone who has been shot today is India's democracy.

She had certain views and therefore she died and democracy died with that.

She messaged me when Kanhaiya was attacked in Indore. She told me that she was worried if something happened to us she would not be able to bear it.

She always told us to travel safely and I would tell her we follow her advice.

But then who is safe today?

If you see Gauri's assassination it is an attempt to terrorise and silence people and tell them to fall in line.

If this can happen to Gauri, it can happen to anyone.

Anyone who stands for a pluralistic, secular and democratic India, this will be the end.

They killed one Gauri, but now there will be lakhs of people who will continue to do Gauri's work.

IMAGE: Gauri Lankesh, left, posted this photograph on Facebook saying, 'with two of my 'sons' kanhaiya kumar and umar khalid in delhi.'
M D Riti remembers Gauri Lankesh, the courageous journalist who was murdered in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

The first time I met Gauri Lankesh was on a train to Delhi. My first impression of her was of a petite, slim, short haired young woman in jeans, who kept going to the door of the train or to the window to smoke.

She was on her way back to a new term at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication from Bangalore, whereas I was with my classmates from the PG department of Journalism and Communication on a field trip to Delhi.

Many of my classmates knew her from her undergrad days, and so we sat for a while in her compartment and talked. We were exactly contemporaries in terms of graduating year and class, though she was a couple of years older than me.

I still remember a conversation in which she spoke of how she had to escape the watchful eyes of her father P Lankesh, a man known for his poetry, his stories and his liberal views, even as he was a conventional and conservative father.

Gauri had to actually smoke in toilets, and somehow escape her home to meet her then beau. It all sounded very daring and exciting to a rather shy me, fresh out of all-girl nun-run schools and colleges, where I was the nuns poster girl for good behavior!

The next time we met, we were both professional journalists. She had taken the conventional route of a job in the most upcoming media house in Bangalore while I was a busy freelancer for magazines in Bombay by choice.

Then, I landed a job in the same media house, and there began a period where we were rivals who disliked each other strongly, purely because of professional rivalry.

We spent the next decade as correspondents of different rival weekly news magazines. We would come across each other in prominent politicians' houses, Gauri in her trademark jeans and tuck in shirts, confidently talking to politicians, and me in demure sarees and salwar kurtas, trying hard to be accepted in the political milieu that she was perfectly comfortable in.

The years passed by, and so did Lankesh, and Gauri suddenly took over her father's weekly.

This was quite a surprise to many of us, to whom Gauri was the archetypal English language journalist.

How would she be able to edit and lead a Kannada magazine week on week, we all wondered. So did Gauri, as Kannada writing was certainly not her forte, as she herself said.

But she took on this role with characteristic confidence and courage, and finally, we moved from being professional rivals to suddenly being good friends.

I spoke to her on her journey, we had dinner together at her lovely home in Rajarajeswarinagar and the journey went on. I quit professional journalism and became a businesswoman.

Somewhere along the way, we also became gym buddies. Gauri would do a rigorous two hours of non stop aerobics every evening, and the plump young mother that I was by then wondered how she had the stamina for it!

That came to a stop when she took over Patrike, as an editor can never be away from the office in the evening.

Gauri greyed gracefully, the taut, super hot and slim body filled out a bit and the attire changed to kurtas. And the woman inside reached a new level of maturity and personal growth.

Gauri and I last communicated a few weeks ago when she suddenly pinged me, and remarked that it was time we met. I agreed at once, and was just thinking that in the next lull from business, which would be in the Dassera holidays, I must visit her, after over a decade.

I cannot believe that I will actually never see her again.

IMAGE: Gauri Lankesh, left, posted this photograph on Facebook, noting: 'Send off at Bengaluru airport to Jignesh Mewani tonight. Myself, Jignesh and Harshakumar Kugwe. Jignesh loved the sea food dinner that I hosted for him. He also loved the gifts he got (they are not much, just a shirt, a t shirt and a pair of trousers :-( . all in the colour blue by the way) from me, his Kannadati mother.'

M D Riti is a long time contributor to Rediff.com
Indrani is clearly in charge in her little corner.

She is speaking rapidly to a not-very-tall, pot-bellied, balding man, whom she repeatedly, decisively, asks, "Have you understood?"

The tone is that of a boss talking to an employee.

The words "cheque" and "two lakhs" float by.

Savera R Someshwar reports from the Sheena Bora murder trial.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

There are many things you learn when you sit in Courtroom 51 of the Mumbai City Civil and Sessions Court, presided by the honourable Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale.

You learn, for instance, that there are so many different ways of saying 'Maloom nahi' and 'Yaad nahi'.

You learn that there can be moments of humour even in a case as heart chilling as that of a mother accused of cold-bloodedly planning and then executing her daughter's murder.

You learn that, even amidst that light banter, the legal sabres remain sharply honed, ready to take advantage of the slightest error.

You learn of the loyalty of a sister and a brother, whose lives are probably timed to the next date in a court case that has their siblings in the enclosure reserved for the accused, in a case that will probably go on for a long time.

That last mentioned, you learn, as soon as you walk towards Courtroom 51, past Room 97 A to which four plates of Chinese fried rice, Manchurian gravy and a couple of accompaniments have been delivered by a wobbly-handed waiter who has balanced them from the ground floor, through the lift, to the third.

Past Courtroom 49, presided by Additional Sessions Judge J S Sharma, that is at present populated by five people -- two lawyers having lunch, a black robed lawyer speaking to a colleague/client and a lady in a salwar-kameez, sitting with her head bent.

Past Courtroom 50, presided by Additional Sessions Judge T S Tarare, which, for the moment, houses just a court official and two lawyers.

Then, on a long bench facing the stairs, sit Accused No 4 Peter Mukerjea in the Sheena Bora Murder Case and his sister, Shangon Das Gupta.

Between them are two small cardboard carry boxes, now empty of their burgers, gaily orange-and-white striped tissue papers and steel tumblers of hot chai or coffee that have come up from the court canteen on the ground floor.

On the other side of the courtroom, next to a metal gate sit Accused No 1 and 2, Indrani Mukerjea and her rather lonely looking ex-husband, Sanjeev Khanna.

Both are dressed in a pale shade of orange.

Peppered around all three accused are male and female policemen, some hanging on desultorily to their rifles, waiting until it is time to escort charges to the courtroom and later, the police van.

Indrani is clearly in charge in her little corner. She is speaking rapidly to a not-very-tall, pot-bellied, balding man, whom she repeatedly, decisively, asks, "Have you understood?"

The tone is that of a boss talking to an employee. The words "cheque" and "two lakhs" float by.

A canteen employee approaches her. His payment is due. "At 5.30 pm," Indrani tells him. Clearly, he will have to wait until after the day's hearing.

Her voice lowers as she continues to issue what appear to be instructions.

Her eyes dart around constantly, settling speculatively on every new face that lingers near her.

Khanna sits quietly, cradling a thick, spiral-bound copy on his lap.

Suddenly, movement stirs the thick afternoon air.

Indrani wants to use the washroom, but there seems to be some confusion.

"Zyacha aahe ka washroom? (Do you want to go to the washroom?)," a policewoman asks her, a trifle impatiently.

"Haan, jaana hai (Yes, I do)," says Indrani who seems torn between the washroom visit and the instructions.

By the time she is back, Sanjeev Khanna's advocate, Shreyansh Mithare, is chatting with his client who looks a little less lonely.

At 2.45 pm, CBI Advocates Kavita Patil and Bharat Badami -- who are prosecuting the case -- are in their chairs.

A fresh cup of tea appears for Peter, dressed in his customary white and khaki, and there is a smile on his face as he chats with his sister.

A courtroom sweeper appears with a bright pink dustpan and a bright green handled broom. He sweeps around Indranis feet in a gesture that seems strangely symbolic.

At 2.50 pm, the policemen begin wearing their blue topis, in preparation to entering the courtroom.

Indrani has been asked to go in at least three times, but she is still talking to her male visitor.

Peter, on the other hand, now wants to visit the washroom. His escorts are in two minds. Apparently, the men's washroom seems to be in another, longer, direction.

Finally, a decision is made. He is escorted in the same direction Indrani went earlier -- probably towards the washroom that was closer.

By 3 pm, everyone -- the battery of lawyers, their assistants, the accused and the judge -- are in place.

Shyamvar Pinturam Rai, Accused No 3 turned approver, is brought in.

The fan whirring over Sudeep Pasbola, Indrani's lawyer and Rai's cross-examiner, is switched off.

Pasbola begins probing Rai about the Buddha brothers -- Sohail, a policeman with 22 years of service under his belt, and apparently an associate of former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria, before he joined Peter at Star TV as vice president, internal security, and Sameer, who worked for INX Media.

Pasbola nudges his memory, "Crime branch officer?"

Rai's memory is stuck at "Mujhe maloom nahi (I don't know)" for Sohail, but does remember Sameer, "an officer at INX."

(A Mumbai Mirror report (external link) dated February 18, 2016, says he was employed by Sameer at Indrani's request and was in their employ when he was arrested for the possession of an illegal weapon. It was this arrest that began unravelling the skein surrounding Sheena Bora's murder.)

But the star of Monday's cross-examination -- in absentia -- is Indrani's son Mekhail and the conversations he and Rai had between January 2012 and May 2012.

It's like watching a game of badminton.

Pasbola serves a few mobile phone numbers and asks if they belong to Mekhail.

Rai returns the serves with either silence or "maloom nahi."

Pasbola lobs back the questions, sometimes with raised brows, sometimes a shrug, sometimes a "maloom nahi, toh bolo na" even as Rai gives his answer, which is mostly -- as anyone can predict by now -- a "maloom nahi."

Or his other safe serve, "Yaad nahi (I can't remember)."

Or he repeats Pasbola's questions.

Pasbola feigns irritation, but he is a patient man.

Rai lets the clock tick by, looking straight at the cupboards lining the wall, the ceiling or the judge.

Sometimes, the judge repeats Pasbola's questions.

There are long pauses before he answers.

At one point, it actually looks like one of the three court staff members facing the lawyers is grabbing a quick nap.

Pasbola again rattles off a number. "8800638235. Ek sau gyarah baar (11 times)," he tells Rai, "you've spoken to Mekhail on this number in a span of four months."

"Kya baat ho rahi thi? (What were you talking about?)" Pasbola asks.

"Maloom nahi."

Another number.

"8486093147."

Rai remembers this one -- "Confident? You haven't forgotten?" asks Pasbola before telling him there have been "sataees (27) calls" between Rai and Mekhail in the January 2012 to May 2012 period on this number.

Pasbola wants to know the "tareek (dates)" and "mahina (months)" of these calls, but Rai does not know the "time, din, mahina. Yaad nahi."

As the thrust and feint continues at the front of the courtroom, dynamics are at play at the back of the courtroom, in the enclosure for the accused.

Peter prefers to stand, arms resting on the barrier, mouth pulled down into a frown.

Indrani, whom he completely ignores, is coquettish when she attempts to speak to him, once even putting a note before him, which he drops on the bench behind him without looking at her.

With Sanjeev Khanna -- whose brother she summons to pass messages to Pasbola's assistant until Badami issues a warning -- her behaviour is merely friendly.

Pasbola, meanwhile, flits around topics.

Does Rai remember picking up Indrani from the airport on April 3?

"Yes."

What time?

"Yaad nahi."

Does he remember speaking to Mekhail the same day from Indrani's flat?

Does he remember telling Mekhail, "Bhaiyya, bahut paisa hai, aaja mazaa karenge (Brother, I have a lot money today, we will have fun)."

Yes, but he just did what "Madam told him to do."

So, then, Pasbola wants to know why were they calling each other so often between January 4, 2012, and May 21, 2012?

What were they talking about in calls that lasted anywhere between 200 seconds to 400 seconds?

"Yaad nahi."

"Nahi yaad? Lambi-lambi baatein hoti thi yaar! (Don't remember! You guys were chatting for so long)," Pasbola smiles, incredulous. And shifts the topic to Goa.

Rai can't remember if he had taken his mobile phone or not, but Pasbola gets him to admit he had not given his phone to anyone else between April 3 and 6, 2012, the days he was in Goa.

"On April 5, Mekhail called you many times."

"Yaad nahi."

He tries again and asks about the numerous calls between April 3 and 11, 2012, but Rai does not budge from "yaad nahi."

Pasbola returns to Rai's Goa trip... did he go by bus or train?

"Yaad nahi."

Did he go to the Villa Pardiso, owned by the Mukerjeas?

Yes, but he does not know the name of the bungalow, but he knows where it is.

Prosecutors Kavita Patil and Bharat Badami are quick to underline, "He is not saying he knows the name of the bungalow."

Pasbola wants specifics. Why did he go when Madam was not there?

"To get the windows fixed before the rains."

Was anyone there at home?

"The society boy came with the key..."

"Was anyone at home? Did you take the key?"

By now, Pasbola and Rai are speaking over each other... Pasbola, flinging Rai's "maloom nahis" and "yaad nahis" back at him and Rai satisfying himself with an occasional glare and repeating some of Pasbola's simplest questions as if they were far too confusing for him.

At which point, Judge Jagdale -- who has been patiently translating the flurry of questions and "maloom nahis" and the occasional answers for the court stenographer -- smiles soothingly and suggests to Pasbola. "When you have put a question, he has the right to answer."

Pasbola shifts the focus to Rai's visit to Delhi, from April 11 to 16.

Rai says he went by train, via Nagpur, and returned by flight, a statement Pasbola lets go then but pounces on later.

"Where did you stay?" Pasbola asks Rai, who is dressed head to toe in light grey.

"Jagah ka naam maloom nahi (Don't know the name of the place)."

Pasbola won't let go. "Whose place was it?"

"An employee at the Delhi office."

"Was it a house, hotel, office?"

"House."

Pasbola then wants to know if Mekhail called Rai when he was in Delhi.

"He met me."

Pasbola repeats his question.

"Shayad, but he met me."

How many times did he call between April 11 and 16?

Rai is dogged. "We met in Delhi."

Did they stay together?

"I don't know if he stayed in Delhi, but we met."

Then Pasbola wants to know why Mekhail only called Rai on April 12 to 16. The reason, he says, because they were staying together.

Rai looks at the wall ahead, stoic, silent.

Pasbola shift the conversation to when Rai and Mekhail first met.

Rai has no details to offer, except that he met Mekhail when the latter visited Indrani after Rai was hired as the driver.

How many times did they meet?

"Nahi maloom. Main wahan kaam karta tha (Don't know, I was just working there)" Rai underlines the impression that he was just a lowly underling.

"Madam said he was her brother. She must have given him my number because I was the driver."

Did he call after going back?

Rai had admitted, after repeated questioning and Judge Jagdale's intervention, that Mekhail would stay for "thoda time," but this question elicited yet another "yaad nahi."

Were they friends, Pasbola wanted to know.

"Driver hoon unka. Baat karta tha. Dosti ka kya hai? (I am their driver, I used to speak, how could we be friends?)," he shrugged as if Pasbola did not know the economic and social divide that would prevent a mere driver from being friends with Madam's brother.

Why did they chat then, almost every day, Pasbola wanted to know. Why did they meet in Delhi?

"Usko bataya tha nahi uske khilaaf saazish ki jaa rahi hai? (I did not tell him about the plot against him)."

"Indrani Madam ka plan."

"Why didn't you tell him?"

Patil and Badami object. "He is not being allowed to answer."

Pasbola asks Rai again.

"Why should I?" Rai says. "Hum dost nahi the (We weren't friends). We were no one to each other."

Didn't you feel you should warn him, Pasbola asks again.

"It was Indrani Madam's instructions..."

As Pasbola makes to repeat. Badami and Patil object, "He must be allowed to answer."

As Rai looks at Judge Jagdale, Indrani's lawyer turns to his fellow lawyers, "He is saying the same thing... Indrani... Indrani..."

Pasbola is firing questions rapidly.

"Did you tell anyone this is her instruction?"

"Have you volunteered this information to anyone?"

Judge Jagdale, patiently, "He's answering."

Patil is not happy. "This has come under cross examination. How can I expect it? There is no question of telling this to anyone. How can this be ancitpated?"

"Madam," says Pasbola. "Shanti rakho. First he has to answer if he has stated or not stated. The objection is secondary."

Pasbola moves on to the purchases made by Shyamvar Rai, supposedly sedatives that were to be used to drug Mekhail.

How much did he pay for the medicines? Did he get the bill? Did he get the prescription back?

Again, it requires multiple questions before Rai says he took the "chitti, the davai and the bill" and gave it to Indrani when she came to Mumbai on April 25.

Pasbola then wants to know about the time Rai picked up Indrani and drove her to the Grand Hyatt in Kalina, north west Mumbai, close to where Rai used to stay in Mosambi Tabela, Vakola.

First, Rai cannot remember.

Then he does, but "Madam hadn't told him anything about meeting Sheena."

Nor can he remember how long he waited for Indrani at the Hyatt.

Pasbola asks Rai about his trips to Kolkata, Indore and Bhopal. And then returns to the Delhi trip.

"Delhi jaane ke liye Nagpur chala jata hai (To go to Delhi you travel to Nagpur first)."

"Meri ichcha (My wish)," Rai says jauntily as Pasbola grins at his fellow defence lawyers, Shreyansh Mithare and Shrikant Shivade, and says, in an aside. "Seth ka paisa idhar kharcha karo (Spend the Seth's money)."

Judge Jagdale too wonders why Rai had to go to Nagpur if he was going to Delhi.

Pasbola says Rai flew to Nagpur. Rai says he took a "chalu (unreserved) ticket" to Delhi.

Did he tell the police that he flew to Nagpur in his statement dated 6-9-2016, asks Pasbola. The atmosphere suddenly changes.

"If what is there in the affidavit is not there in the statement, he can be asked to explain," whispers an assistant lawyer.

"Madam," Pasbola addresses Patil, as he reads out the relevant sentence on page 7 of Rai's statement, "I have not read Marathi as a subject so correct me if I am wrong."

There is a pause as everyone, including the judge, refers to the statement.

"Did you tell the police that you went by flight?" Judge Jagdale asks Rai.

"Yaad nahi."

Patil objects. "It is a matter of interpretation," she says with reference to the statement in Marathi.

Which, Pasbola says, could be interpreted to mean he did take a flight.

While Rai may have got confused with the statement he gave to the Khar police, which was prepared in Marathi, what about the statement made to the CBI, which was prepared in Hindi, asks Pasbola.

And he reads out the bit where Rai states he had travelled on a "sadhararn ticket" from Mumbai to Delhi "via Nagpur by train."

"Bataya hoga" shrugs Rai.

"CBI ko sahi bataya ke jooth? (Did you tell the CBI the truth or lies?)"

"Kya?

More than two hours have passed.

Pasbola, who has done most of the talking, wants to know if he should continue.

How much more time does he need, the judge asks.

"Three days," Pasbola says. And quickly corrects himself. "Three half days."

"Or three-and-a-half days?" Patil inquires, with a smile.

Judge Jagdale sets the next date for September 7; he has a judgment to write.

Badami is not too happy; he would like an earlier date. "Too many breaks," he says.

Rai is taken away. Accused No 1, 2 and 4 leave.

Peter huddles outside the courtroom with sister Shangon and his lawyer Shivade, who -- just before leaving the courtroom -- has requested Judge Jagdale to reconsider their request for access to the Khar police station case diary; Jagdale has refused once, Shivade and team approached the high court, who have referred the matter back to the civil court.

Pasbola's assistant confers with Indrani. She is upset with something Indrani has done, probably the number of times she has sent across messages during the court session, once resulting in Pasbola taking the court's permission so that his assistant could meet Indrani at the enclosure for the accused.

"Don't over think," she joins her hands and tells Indrani. "Don't anticipate."

The conversation continues in hushed tones.

Sanjeev spends a few minutes with his brother before climbing down the stairs with his escort.

Indrani won't budge. She wants Peter to leave first.

Peter won't budge. He wants Indrani to leave first.

Their respective escorts are getting antsy, but the Mukerjeas won't move.

Badami steps out of Courtoom 51 and glares at Indrani.

"Have you finished conferring with your lawyer? Then you please leave."

"Send him first," Indrani points at Peter.

An argument ensues.

"I know what you are up to. I'll take videography and prove it."

And before the weather, or the atmosphere gets any hotter, the police hustle their respective charges away.

EARLIER IN THE TRIAL
The BJP's faces for 2019 will be Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, Yogi Adityanath and Devendra Fadnavis, predicts R Rajagopalan.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Photograph: Kham/Reuters

Nirmala Sitharaman's elevation as defence minister and into the Cabinet Committee on Security has sent out plenty of messages.

A day after the momentous decision, the questions still abound in officialdom.

Why and how was the decision taken?

Why did Prime Minister Narendra D Modi spring a surprise like this, especially considering the announcement was made within moments of his departure for China.

While a message was also sought to be sent to neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the crux of Sitharaman's elevation was meant for the internal audience, especially to seniors in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Naturally, it has rattled the BJP's top 10 to 15 leaders.

On Monday, when offices reopened in government, most of the RAX telephones of Union ministers were buzzing over one point: Just how did Nirmala make it? What is her strength?

Party insiders know that Sitharaman was the draftsperson of the BJP's 2014 manifesto.

Prior to that she was the BJP's official spokesperson during the Gujarat polls in 2012.

BJP President Amit Shah has included her in the 2017 Gujarat election think-tank.

It is not that Sitharaman had a smooth run; when she encountered difficulties she tackled them in her own style, of course, helped along by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Ranged against her in internal party meetings were Sushma Swaraj and M Venkaiah Naidu.

But for Jaitley neutralising their opposition, Sitharaman would not have been included as the BJP's official spokesperson in New Delhi just before the 2014 elections.

While navigating the rough waters Sitharaman also took care to not go against the party elders now housed in the Margdarshak Mandal. She was respectful, but kept a distance from the seniors.

So what is her strength? Insiders say it is her drafting skills, understanding of issues, ability to go deep into the subject matter and present it to Prime Minister Modi succinctly in two paragraphs.

Perhaps she is the one minister who goes through almost all the pages of thick files, especially the controversial ones.

On international negotiations like at the WTO and G20, she made sure she read the notes of her predecessors like Pranab Mukherjee, Murasoli Maran, Kamal Nath and others, which gave her real knowledge and power during the tough negotiations.

Given this background, if her elevation piqued curiosity within the government, the internal political dynamics of the BJP too has been impacted.

As the shockwaves from the move settle down, many BJP leaders have begun to analyse her elevation.

A few seniors who are privy to the mindsets of Modi and Shah say the decision to promote her over the heads of so many seniors was deliberate.

When Modi hinted to a few top BJP leaders that defence needed a full-timer, around last Wednesday, the murmurs began.

On Friday, a quick ginger group-like meeting was called by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, which was attended by Nitin Gadkari, Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, at which apprehensions were voiced that their portfolios may now go.

The politics of last Friday's meeting at Rajnath Singh's home holds the key to understanding Modi's mind.

Another crucial meeting was between Sushma Swaraj and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.

My own understanding is that Modi's actions over the past two months have been very calculating.

Without others being aware of it, Modi had been moving the pieces carefully like on a chess board.

There was the removal of Venkaiah Naidu, by promoting him as vice-president, which also sent a strong message to the BJP.

It is well known that Naidu went with reluctance, and in his support the Telugu Desam Party even officially released a statement that Naidu's elevation will affect Andhra's capital Amravati being built.

Both Naidu and Sitharaman were not on good terms, given the BJP's internal dynamics in Andhra Pradesh, and Modi was all too aware of it.

After the BJP's resounding victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections a few senior ministers were apprehensive of the Modi Wave continuing even in 2019, and how it may lead to their own marginalisation. This reached the prime minister's ears.

After recovering from her kidney surgery Swaraj too has been politically active.

Before the 2014 polls, at a BJP parliamentary board meeting, Swaraj opposed Sitharaman's candidature for the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

Jaitley had to persuade L K Advani to ensure Sitharaman reached the Rajya Sabha.

In 2017, the tables have been turned.

Sitharaman, with Modi's blessings, is ensconced in the Cabinet Committee on Security, with Swaraj.

According to a senior BJP leader, this is how things will shape up in the BJP.

The Modi-Shah combine sent Advani and Dr Murli Manohar Joshi to the Margdarshak Mandal in 2014.

After 2019, if Modi wins again, he will certainly show the same route to Rajnath Singh and Sushma Swaraj, and possibly three more ministers.

Jaitley, an old associate, will escape this fate.

The BJP's faces for 2019 will be Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, Yogi Adityanath and Devendra Fadnavis.

R Rajagopalan is a veteran political commentator.
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Earlier this summer, flights at JFK Airport were delayed due to the mating habits of terrapin turtles who cross the runway and to lay their eggs. Now the eggs are hatching, and the babies are adorable!

Last week, the NYC Parks Department ecologists visited Idlewild Park to place protective enclosures around about 27 nests to keep the eggs safe from raccoons.

There are about 205 eggs across three sites, and high school volunteers also assisted in the effort by cutting openings on the enclosures for the turtles.

While the turtles have been laying eggs around the airport for years, this the first year that the Parks Department is actively monitoring and protecting the terrapins. Last year, Parks Department workers found terrapin nests in Idlewild Park but many of the eggs were either already hatched or eaten by raccoons.

Ellen Pehek, who is the principal research ecologist for the Parks Departments Natural Resources Group, says the terrapins play an important role in Jamaica Bay, "They are part of the whole salt marsh ecosystem," Pehek told told amNewYork. "They eat mud snails and other snails that would otherwise overpopulate and consume the marsh grasses, which help buffer storm surges. They keep the marsh going."
Tajikistan: Conscientious objector's military trial imminent

Publisher Forum 18 Author Mushfig Bayram Publication Date 31 August 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Tajikistan: Conscientious objector's military trial imminent, 31 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae968c4.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

18-year-old Jehovah's Witness conscientious objector Daniil Islamov faces up to two years' imprisonment if convicted at Qurghonteppa Military Court. Forcibly conscripted in April, he has been detained in a military unit. Protestant Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov lost his appeal against his three-year prison term.
Russia: First prosecution after Jehovah's Witness ban

Publisher Forum 18 Author Victoria Arnold Publication Date 25 August 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Russia: First prosecution after Jehovah's Witness ban, 25 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae97624.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In the first prosecution since the Jehovah's Witness ban came into force, Kursk prosecutors are investigating a woman on "extremism" criminal charges for offering leaflets to passers-by. Elsewhere, Jehovah's Witness elder Yury Zalipayev is under investigation on "extremism" charges. Five Muslim Nursi readers are on trial.
Azerbaijan: Torture unpunished; compensation for imprisonment

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 22 August 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Azerbaijan: Torture unpunished; compensation for imprisonment, 22 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae97c24.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Muslim Unity Movement deputy leader Abbas Huseynov was beaten and handcuffed "as if crucified" in Qobustan Prison's punishment cell. Appeals brought "no result". Movement leader Taleh Bagirov was sent to punishment cell for requesting a doctor. A Baku court compensated two Jehovah's Witnesses for their year's imprisonment.
Kazakhstan: More legal restrictions to reach parliament

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 18 August 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Kazakhstan: More legal restrictions to reach parliament, 18 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae98424.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Legal amendments to 4 Codes and 13 Laws (including the already restrictive Religion Law) about to reach parliament seem set to impose further controls and punishments for non-state-approved religious teaching, confiscate religious literature which fails to pass the state censorship, and allow religious organisations to be banned.
Kazakhstan: 30 months' jail for sharing faith

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 15 August 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Kazakhstan: 30 months' jail for sharing faith, 15 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae98b74.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Tekeli Court in Almaty Region jailed 25-year-old Iliyan Raiymzhan for 30 months for alleged membership of Muslim missionary movement Tabligh Jamaat. The Prosecutor claimed &ququot;society suffered" because of Raiymzhan's exercise of freedom of religion, but refused to say how or identify any specific victims.
Guatemala Stumbles in Central America's Anti-corruption Fight

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Author Arturo Matute Publication Date 1 September 2017 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Guatemala Stumbles in Central America's Anti-corruption Fight, 1 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae99664.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A remarkable and hopeful two-year interlude in one of Central America's most corrupt countries may now be ending.

The key reversal came on Friday 25 August 2017, at a meeting requested by Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. Morales signalled his intent to eject the head of the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), Ivan Velasquez. Morales protested that Velasquez had interfered in Guatemalan politics by calling for constitutional reforms and by exploiting media coverage in legal proceedings. After returning to Guatemala he declared Velasquez persona non grata and ordered his expulsion from the country.

This represents a setback to the progress made toward rooting corruption out of Guatemala's political system between 2015 and 2017, thanks to a combination of popular protests, a new president, a brave external judge and a groundswell of support for change in the growing educated middle class.

Guatemalans are still not ready to go back to the old ways. Two days later, on 27 August, the Constitutional Court - Guatemala's highest court on constitutional issues - temporarily suspended President Morales' order. Some members of the government resigned to protest Morales' move, notably the minister of foreign affairs, the minister of health and most of their vice ministers. Demonstrators in support of Velasquez poured into squares in Guatemala City, while other sets of demonstrators voiced their support for Morales' move against CICIG's Commissioner. On 29 August, the Constitutional Court overturned the expulsion order.

Exactly what will happen next is unclear. In a social media posting on Monday 28 August, Guatemala's president said that he will respect resolutions from judicial bodies. While the fact that he has adopted this position is welcome, it does not mean he will halt his efforts to ensure Velasquez departs the country and to curb CICIG's influence.

Why has President Morales moved against CICIG?

CICIG - proposed by Guatemalan civil society, in operation since 2007, and acting through the attorney general's office - has been steadfast in its fight against corruption in Guatemala. Central to CICIG's recent success has been Velasquez, a courageous former judge with considerable experience dealing with political corruption in his native Colombia. Velasquez has moved CICIG away from a more general mission of fighting impunity toward a tightly-focused mandate of combating illegal money-producing schemes. It has spearheaded probes into political funding and corruption, resulting in almost two hundred defendants facing investigation and trial this year alone. Most are currently jailed on remand, including former President Otto Perez Molina and his Vice President Roxana Baldetti.

Corrupt traditional actors who have profited in the past from Guatemala's rigged political system have campaigned relentlessly against CICIG. Morales was swept into office after the country experienced a wave of disgust at revelations of the depth and breadth of a high-level corruption scandal in 2015 that forced the previous incumbent, Perez Molina, to resign. Since then he has come under considerable pressure from elements of Guatemala's political and business elite to revise his initially supportive attitude toward CICIG's agenda of reform and to oppose the anti-corruption campaign.

Morales had some success in treading a balanced line, but events last week altered his political calculus. On 25 August, the same day that Morales flew to New York, CICIG and the attorney general's office formally presented a request to the Supreme Court to lift Morales' presidential immunity, a necessary step before a final decision is made by Congress. They claimed there are sufficient grounds to investigate Morales for illicit financing of his 2015 presidential campaign, specifically $900,000 USD in unreported contributions. It was the first time in Morales' presidency that CICIG had targeted the president himself, making clear to Morales that his political survival could be at risk. Rather than abiding by his previously balanced line, the president heeded the counsel from elements of the business and political elites and set out to defend his own endangered mandate by seeking Velasquez's expulsion.

Why does the attempted expulsion of the head of CICIG matter?

The future of Guatemala's corruption-fighting commission is closely tied to the country's development as a democratic state. Since the 2015 corruption scandal, CICIG has capitalised on the political fallout from the previous government's collapse. It has sought to bring about lasting change by backing proposals to reform the constitution and bolster the justice system's independence.

But Guatemala has been ensnared in an ongoing political crisis between two camps. On one hand, there are social, political and business actors supporting CICIG's efforts to strengthen Guatemala's justice institutions. On the other hand, there is a traditional, conservative group of actors who seek to maintain their privileged position. They control ports and customs offices, have links to organised crime and are involved in illicit activities such as people smuggling and drug trafficking. They have wielded significant power and influence over various government institutions for many years.

CICIG's work also has kindled discord in Guatemala's foremost business elite group, the Coordinating Commission of Agricultural Commercial Industrial and Financial Associations (CACIF). Within the organisation, which traditionally has presented a united public face and has been a powerful actor in Guatemala, younger industrialists and tradesmen who support CICIG's anti-corruption agenda are pitted against others who seek to reduce the risk of their own prosecution. President Morales' recent move to weaken the anti-corruption agenda will make it more difficult for the business organisation to maintain its unified position.

CICIG's support to the justice system through technical advice and direct collaboration designed to reveal large corruption schemes has catalysed previously unthinkable modifications to Guatemala's legal order. The expulsion of its head would have represented a significant setback to the anti-corruption fight, validating claims that CICIG has exceeded its mandate when in reality it is robustly enforcing it. It might even have served as a stepping stone toward a "conservative restoration" - a return to the more corrupt mores of the past - in the country's political system and damage the country's favourable image in Latin America as a relative success story. Such an outcome would have reassured other regional leaders that they could continue to act with impunity and could fight back any effort to establish a CICIG-like entity in their country. Finally, it would have meant that even the most innovative tool of international cooperation to strengthen the rule of law in the form of CICIG is not strong enough to break a well-established corrupt system.

What are the next steps and potential risks?

The Constitutional Court's provisional decision to block Velasquez's expulsion is now definitive. The court's final ruling found that the order violated the constitution because it was only signed by the president and not by all of his ministers. While some observers speculate that this merely was a temporary, face-saving measure approved by the UN and Morales to avoid a direct conflict, and that Velasquez will still eventually be removed, for now the president has had to back down.

This is good news. Although there is a risk that Morales might seek to assume more power in light of this crisis, this seems limited given the potential for judicial action against him and significant public opposition to his recent actions. Nor does Guatemala appear likely to experience a resumption of the state-sponsored violence that plagued it in the past. Both the minister of defence, General Williams Mancilla and government Spokesman Heinz Heimann have ruled out the imposition of a state of siege or punitive measures against those who had protested President Morales' decision to expel Velasquez. That the minister of the interior, Francisco Rivas, a trusted former attorney, has remained in place suggests that heavy-handed methods can be avoided. The army, too, has been weakened in recent years and no longer is a decisive political actor.

That said, protests could well grow. For now, widespread turnout remains significantly short of the unprecedented level of mobilisation that was witnessed during the 2015 corruption scandal. However, should there be a future attempt to remove Velasquez or curb CICIG, this could trigger wider anger. Most importantly perhaps, it remains to be seen what Morales will now do to resist CICIG's requests to lift his immunity from prosecution for illicit campaign financing.

What can the international community do?

The U.S. has important interests in Guatemala, frequently referred to by high-level U.S. officials as a significant national security concern. The European Union (EU) also has an interest in Guatemala. It has provided as much financial support to CICIG as the U.S. Both the EU and U.S. have made clear their opposition to Morales' action, the EU through communiques opposing Morales' decision, the U.S. through the voice of its ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, as well as through various members of Congress. They, along with others, should continue to support Velasquez's position but without a heavy-handed approach that would smack of interference. Facing such pressure, Morales may already have realised that he has committed a political error, and will need to devise less provocative strategies to avoid the threat of prosecution and a premature end to his presidency. He also will want to avoid overly alienating the U.S., given the risk of counter-measures from Washington, in particular a halt to its financial aid to the Northern Triangle area.

For the international community, CICIG is a unique case study in international support for the justice sector in a weak democracy. It remains to be seen if CICIG will be strong enough to stand up to the power of a national corrupt system under threat. Whatever happens, measures to clean up Guatemala's system should emanate from Guatemalan institutions, not from obvious direct impositions by outside powers, and the international community should demonstrate its confidence in them and in the country's citizens. Over the past decade, the CICIG has shown the capacity to act effectively, even if it is now threatened by those who stand to lose money and influence or who seek to justify the defence of their interests by denouncing foreign intervention in a sovereign state. That is an indicator in itself of CICIG's success, which can and should be replicated in other Latin American countries.

Guatemala's would-be reformist President Jimmy Morales won office by a landslide last year by using a simple but effective slogan: "not corrupt, nor a thief". In one of Latin America's most violent, unequal and impoverished countries, his election was part of an anti-corruption "tsunami" that began in April 2015, led by the UN-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and the Attorney General's Office (AG). The racket that emerged in April 2015 in the customs authorities claimed the scalps of high-ranking officials, sparked massive protests throughout the country, and eventually brought down the corruption-plagued administration of former President Otto Perez Molina, who was jailed promptly after his resignation.

Perez Molina's former vice president, most of his cabinet, scores of politicians and many prominent businesspeople now face trial in connections to the customs fraud and a barrage of ensuing cases. As a result, Guatemala stands at a crossroads. Either it continues the unprecedented anti-corruption actions, or falls back into the vice-ridden past where illicit networks sought to embezzle, defraud, bribe and extort public money for private gain, with no adverse consequences.

The past year proved how emboldened institutions are now willing to use legal prosecution to disentangle the state and political parties from criminal groups. Guatemala's capacity to bring to justice officials who had previously enjoyed complete impunity represented a unexpected revolution in national life. The country is still reeling from the shock of this change, and the outcome of this process is far from certain. "Justice doesn't change states on its own, it just contributes to identify what ails them" warns CICIG commissioner, and centrepiece of the judicial campaign, Colombian investigative judge Ivan Velasquez.

President Jimmy Morales, an outsider who gained fame as a TV comedian, broke with a relatively long tradition of Guatemalan politics in winning by 67.4 percent of the vote in the second round of the 2015 elections even though he was not the runner-up in the previous presidential contest, nor the greatest spender in the campaign. Manuel Baldizon, the candidate in question on both counts, fled the country after a poor showing in the first round, allegedly to escape the wrath of his many financial backers.

However, Morales is now struggling to differentiate his government from that of his predecessors. A new joint CICIG and AG investigation into corruption in the National Registry of Property (NRP) has enveloped Samuel "Sammy" Morales, the president's older brother and a close adviser, and Jose Manuel Morales, his son. The two men allegedly presented an invoice in 2013 to the NRP for US$12,000 for an event that never took place. They are barred from leaving the country during the investigation.

The case illustrates the slow pace of change in Guatemala. While the modes and networks of corruption have been disturbed, structural conditions of poverty and inequality, as well as rates of violent crime, remain far above the global or Latin American average. Recent death threats against Attorney General Thelma Aldana and the judge handling the main corruption cases are the most sinister side of this anti-reform backlash: Aldana had to leave the country for a month, but the threats have reportedly continued since her return.

The Guatemalan Congress modified the electoral law in April 2016 and introduced stronger controls over financing of political parties. It also passed laws to strengthen the autonomy of the attorney general and create a much-delayed institute for victims of crime. But critics point out that the initiatives have been hastily patched together to assuage popular demands for reform, and are riddled with inconsistencies. They argue that more stringent rules are needed to ensure internal democracy within parties to prevent them from being controlled by strongmen, or to allow for start-up parties such as "Seed Group" (Grupo Semilla), "Justice Now" (Justicia Ya) and "We Are" (Somos) to get a foothold in the party system.

Even though many of these recent achievements are impressive, frustration has festered among many of the civil society groups that drove the anti-corruption mobilisation last year. Most of the lawmakers elected in 2015 conform to the traditional way of doing politics in Guatemala, described in a report published by CICIG as a system where "the money that comes from corruption [to finance political parties] is increased by resources contributed by criminal organisations, which achieve dangerous influence and, in certain localities, control over authorities". Recent efforts by the president to secure control of Congress' governing board have been sharply criticised for relying on deputies with shady pasts.

Evidently, President Morales has not become the anti-corruption crusader that many voters wished for. His anti-establishment stance still lacks a clear plan to clean up political life and to broaden the state's measly provision of basic services. His effort to improve state finances by raising what are Latin America's lowest tax rates was badly planned and rejected by most sectors of society. The shadow of the so-called military "juntita" - a clique of former army officers who came into power with him - hangs over his administration and undermines his credibility as a political outsider. His call on foreign states not to intervene in Guatemalan judicial matters, presumably under the advice of juntita members bitter at international support for cases against human rights violations during the armed conflict, has also been questioned by international bodies. Falling asleep during the presentation of the 2017 budget has not helped his public image.

However, a counter-reformist backlash is unlikely. The traditional powerful actors who dominated Guatemala's post-conflict democracy and might seek a return to the old order have lost the initiative and lack an agenda. The army is no longer a preeminent political force, and would be very reluctant to join an anti-reform effort that would face fervent opposition from citizens and international opprobrium. Opposition from the private sector has also weakened. The head of the main business association and a former fortress of political power, the Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations (CACIF), recently pledged the private sector would continue to support the anti-corruption campaign, even if it harms its members. Another new constituency vocally supporting reform is an engaged and critical middle class making use of new outlets in cable television, online newspapers and radio.

At the same time, some of Morales' high-level appointments have pumped oxygen into his faltering administration. One of them is Francisco Rivas, a lawyer who ascended through the ranks of the prosecution service leading investigations that produced the arrests of major drug traffickers - earning him the trust of the attorney general, the CICIG and U.S. security agencies. Rivas is now providing the operational back-up to their investigations, which was not always forthcoming in previous administrations.

Another fresh face is the current Health Minister Lucrecia Hernandez, daughter of Myrna Mack, an anthropologist murdered by a military death squad in 1990 due to her work with communities displaced by the conflict. Hernandez and her aunt, Helen Mack, have carried out a decades-long struggle for justice in the case and created the Myrna Mack Foundation, one of Guatemala's leading human rights organisations. Waging a complicated battle against entrenched corruption in the health ministry, Hernandez confronts an acute crisis of medical supplies in hospitals.

Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa, for his part, was allegedly blackballed by the military juntita and prevented from joining Rivas in the interior ministry, but has since become another member of Morales'young bloods after his appointment as chief of the Guatemalan Tax Bureau (SAT). He worked for thirteen years in the Attorney General's Office, where he carried out investigations against street gangs and undertook the wiretap recordings that helped bring down the Perez government. "Foppa" developed a reputation of fearlessness, and in his new role has taken on large firms formerly considered untouchable, such as the steel works "Aceros de Guatemala", the soft drinks firm "Big Cola" and the drugstore chain "Farmacias Galeno", which during his first three months in his job returned over US$110 million in unpaid taxes.

But Guatemala needs more than new faces in politics to right the wrongs of the old establishment. International backing is fundamental in this effort, and unless the Republican president-elect's campaign against undocumented migration affects other areas of policy in Central America when he takes power in 2017, U.S. support seems reliably strong.

The U.S. remains the region's geopolitical hegemon, and regards the Northern Triangle of Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) as one of its national security priorities, largely due to the stream of migrants and refugees fleeing the region's poverty and violence. Guatemala is exemplary in enjoying bipartisan U.S. support in its anti-corruption crusade and is a beneficiary of the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity of the Northern Triangle of Central America, which will significantly increase cooperation funding.

Extraordinarily, the actions of the U.S. in Guatemala are regarded as welcome even by individuals personally harmed by its earlier Cold War interventions. The "holy trinity" of the U.S. embassy, the attorney general, and the CICIG, as certain wits brand it, has been fundamental to the high-level corruption cases and reform plans in the fields of justice, politics and the constitution as a whole. Allies of the U.S. government in Guatemala are also changing, as reflected by the absence of some of its usual political associates during independence day celebrations in July 2016: most of those present were less prominent civil society activists and academics.

The strengthening justice system, new initiatives for political reform processes and support from an activist citizenry and the international community provide President Morales with exceptional opportunities to turn his campaign slogan into the new identity of the Guatemalan state. If properly implemented, reforms to the electoral law and the subsequent constitutional amendments may go a long way to cleaning up politics, but the construction of a new political party system is a challenge that must be dealt with head on. Rules must be simplified so that new groups, composed primarily of young people, are able to participate. These new political actors should hopefully be able to overcome the divisions of the past and the injustices in Guatemala society. There is a long road to travel, but the journey has at least begun.
Kenya: A Historic Decision, A Tough Road Ahead

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 4 September 2017 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Kenya: A Historic Decision, A Tough Road Ahead, 4 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59ae9a0e4.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Unsurprisingly, strongholds of opposition leader Raila Odinga in Nairobi, Western Kenya and in the port city of Mombasa celebrated the decision. Odinga himself welcomed the judgment, calling it "a historic day for the people of Kenya, and by extension the people of Africa". Initially, President Kenyatta struck a conciliatory tone, coupling disagreement with the decision alongside a commitment to respect it. That shifted over time, however. At a rally following the court's decision, he blamed the judges for attempting to "overturn the will of the people", and subsequently asserted that the country had a problem with the judiciary that ought to be "fixed".

Kenyatta's more ominous tone is but one of the many challenges ahead as Kenyans embark on the perilous task of delivering a relatively smooth poll within two months.

Improving election supervision

At the centre of the looming battle, and by far the trickiest and most divisive issue, is the fate of the electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, (IEBC), which was criticised by the judges for committing "irregularities and illegalities" in running the 8 August election. Odinga's National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition is demanding wholesale changes in the commission's secretariat and the resignation of six officials, including Ezra Chiloba, the Commission's chief executive officer. Conversely, Kenyatta's camp has signalled it would resist any such change. On 2 September, Deputy President William Ruto ruled out altering the IEBC's composition, accusing the opposition of not being ready to take part in the rerun.

That there were problems with the IEBC systems seems beyond dispute, as Crisis Group warned last March and as the Supreme Court found. Some change therefore will be needed if confidence in the electoral process is to be restored. But reaching an acceptable resolution will require compromise on both sides, not belligerent rhetoric. The opposition and government should immediately begin talks on this matter and seek a pragmatic solution that can be implemented in the tight statutory timelines. Odinga has offered a possible way forward: to get members of parliament to work in a bipartisan manner and agree on the appointment of officials who will conduct the rerun. At a minimum, this is a positive signal, but whatever changes are made should include a rapid assessment of what went wrong during the 8 August election as well as implementation of safeguards to avoid a repeat of those failures. In the absence of an agreement, religious leaders and diplomats with leverage over key actors should step in to broker an acceptable compromise, as they did in October 2016 when the opposition led protests to oust commissioners that presided over the 2013 election.

Ultimately, going into the new election, the IEBC should heed Chief Justice David Maraga's clear admonition: elections are a process, not a single event, and should strictly adhere to the constitution and statutory processes at every stage. In particular, they should ensure that the expensive electronic system procured to improve transparency in transmission of results is deployed effectively and results posted without undue delay. Unexplained delays in releasing returns from tallying centres underpinned early opposition complaints over the 2017 vote.

Ensuring effective, non-partisan policing

If the electoral commission fared poorly in the elections, police forces did no better. Security forces brutally cracked down on protesters in the aftermath of the voting, with at least 24 Kenyans killed by the police, including a six-month old baby. As an immediate step, the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), the state agency charged with investigating police excesses, should expeditiously probe the killing of innocent civilians and bring charges against suspects. This, combined with a clear statement by the authorities that such behaviour is unlawful and perpetrators will be held to account, should help deter similar behaviour in the run-up to, and aftermath of, the new elections.

In the longer term, far deeper reforms of the security forces will be needed, involving in particular greater investment into training for conflict-sensitive policing.

The role of observers

Observer missions were not spared by Kenyans unhappy with their elections. In reality, observers for the most part made their preliminary statements with caveats, underscoring that they were but initial assessments of voting and counting. Few of those statements could be read as ringing endorsements of the polls, while most highlighted significant flaws. Some observers subsequently took the unusual step of criticising the lack of transparency and speed in tallying of the results. None dismissed Odinga's complaints, instead calling on him to pursue them through the courts not the streets, which, to his credit, he did, with the stunning results we now know.

That only goes so far, however. The impression created, by the statements themselves and by observers' other pronouncements, was that results were accurate, and it was time to move on.

As the Supreme Court explains its reasoning, and more facts come in, there are lessons to be learned by all ahead of the next round. The timing and tone of preliminary statements after a complex and tense election always poses dilemmas for observers. Early statements risk precipitous and flawed assessments, with consequences for observers' credibility. But they can also calm jittery nerves. In 2007, the European Union delayed its statement by a few days, but was criticised at the time for reinforcing the sense of uncertainty that played into the post-election violence. As in all such circumstances, parties that were involved - such as observer missions and independent organisations, Crisis Group included - stand to gain by engaging in a measure of introspection and lessons learned.

There is, particularly among opposition ranks, understandable anger, justified or not, at the international observers' performance. Yet all Kenyan leaders should hold their fire. Observers, like the media and outside organisations, can play a central role in deterring abuse and in improving the atmosphere in heavily polarised environments marked by low trust in public institutions. Their voice in what is likely to be a fraught campaign and poll over the coming weeks will be critical. In this context, observer missions will need to redouble efforts to define precisely and with greater clarity their conclusions in all public statements.

The Supreme Court's decision represents a victory for the independence of Kenya's judiciary and the rule of law. The onus now shifts to the country's politicians, and to those in the international community with influence over them, to act responsibly so that Kenyans can witness a smooth, peaceful and credible vote by the end of October.
Title Syria: Recruitment Practices in Government-controlled Areas and in Areas under Opposition Control, Involvement of Public Servants and Civilians in the Armed Conflict and Issues Related to Exiting Syria

Publisher Danish Immigration Service

Publication Date August 2017

Country Syrian Arab Republic

Citation / Document Symbol 5/2017

Cite as Danish Immigration Service, Syria: Recruitment Practices in Government-controlled Areas and in Areas under Opposition Control, Involvement of Public Servants and Civilians in the Armed Conflict and Issues Related to Exiting Syria, August 2017, 5/2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aea2694.html [accessed 14 November 2022]

Comments Report based on interviews in Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan, 26 March to 5 April 2017. Co-published with the Danish Refugee Council.
Final Curtain for Venezuela's Democracy as Parliament is Dissolved

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 22 August 2017 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Final Curtain for Venezuela's Democracy as Parliament is Dissolved, 22 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aea7704.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Venezuelan government has dissolved the elected, opposition-led parliament and initiated de facto rule. Foreign governments and multilateral organisations should regard all government actions carried out in contravention of the 1999 constitution as invalid and press the government to take urgent steps toward the restoration of democracy.

On 19 August, Venezuela's self-styled Constituent Assembly, installed two weeks earlier by the government of President Nicolas Maduro, announced that it was taking over the functions of the country's opposition-led parliament, elected in December 2015. Although the government insists it has not dissolved the legislature, that is a mere technicality. Ever since the opposition Democratic Unity coalition took over, parliament has been prevented by the government-controlled Supreme Court (TSJ) from exercising its constitutional functions. Now it has been formally stripped of all its powers.

The Constituent Assembly's move effaces any lingering pretence that Venezuela remains a democracy. Without a single seat in the assembly, the opposition movement has no meaningful foothold in national institutions and is subject to increasing judicial and police harassment. The assembly's 545 members appear to be there solely to approve by acclamation any government proposal, since there have been no actual debates.

Venezuela's increasingly grave crisis - whose effects are felt not only in disappearing civil liberties but also in growing poverty, hunger, disease and crime - can only be resolved through a negotiated restoration of democracy. An unfettered and unpopular government is likely to further exacerbate the political violence and emigration flows of recent months. Preventing this will require outside mediation, and will almost inevitably involve the establishment of a transitional regime with international guarantors. No "winner-take-all" scenario, whether it be a coup d'etat or a general election, is either plausible or likely to produce a stable outcome.

For now, the chavista government holds absolute power, unrestricted by any judicial or parliamentary checks and balances. The president called the 30 July elections in contravention of a constitutional requirement that the electorate first decide whether such an assembly should be convened. The opposition then boycotted the vote amid a surge of anti-government protest marches across the country that were met with violent repression. Although the government claimed that over eight million of the country's twenty million voters took part, independent estimates suggest a figure of around half that. The opposition claimed more than seven million rejected the proposal in an informal poll it mounted on 16 July.

A so-called Commission for Truth, Justice, Peace and Public Tranquillity, installed by the assembly, is charged with investigating the violence that took more than 120 lives during four months of opposition-led protests prior to 30 July. But the commission's one-sided nature, and the government's statements on the issue, make it clear that the aim is to pin blame for the bloodshed on the opposition and even to charge and imprison its leaders for allegedly inciting violence. Human rights organisations have reported that witness testimony and other evidence shows government security forces and their associated civilian gunmen were to blame in most cases.

The government has said any opposition politicians seeking to stand in forthcoming regional elections will need a certificate of good conduct from the assembly stating that they did not take part in violence. Together with other actions, such as arbitrarily banning the most popular opposition leaders and either jailing others or forcing them into exile, this will enable the government to compete only against candidates of its own choosing. The government-controlled election authority has violated the law by scheduling or suspending elections according to the political convenience of the ruling party and has - with the help of the TSJ - cancelled or denied the registration of many parties, preventing them from participating.

At the same time, the assembly has targeted the main source of dissent from within the government: the public prosecution service (fiscalia). Attorney General Luisa Ortega had become an acerbic critic of the government and was investigating senior figures for corruption and human rights abuses. Ortega and her husband, a dissident MP from the government party, fled to Colombia on 18 August after she was unconstitutionally removed from office in the assembly's first resolution. Both have been threatened with prosecution.

The Venezuelan government has for many years openly defied the principles of democracy and human rights on which the Inter-American system is based. As it has become more unpopular, it has simply cancelled free and fair elections and persecuted those who object. The region is bound by its own rules and morally obligated to act. That does not mean intervening with military force - a possibility mooted by U.S. President Trump, but resisted across the region - nor should it involve economic sanctions, such as on the oil trade, which would inflict further pain on an already suffering population while allowing the government to pose as a victim. It does mean insisting that the prerogatives of parliament be respected and declaring invalid any government actions that usurp the parliament's constitutional powers.

To negotiate the restoration of democracy, it will be essential not only to raise the cost of consolidating dictatorship but also to lower the cost of relinquishing power by offering the government credible guarantees that its members will not face witch-hunts and that their rights will be respected.

The region should build on the initiative launched on 8 August by the twelve Latin American nations that signed the Lima Declaration, which included a proposal to deny support for Venezuelan candidates for international organisations and ban arms sales to the country. It should also support the formation of a "contact group" whose purpose would be to bring the Venezuelan government and opposition to the table for substantive negotiations leading to a democratic transition. The group should comprise both allies and adversaries of the Venezuelan government. The governments of key allies Cuba, Russia and China, although potentially reluctant to take part in such an initiative, should not stand in its way. The contact group should at the least hold informal talks with all three with a view to addressing their respective concerns.

It is likely that the Venezuelan crisis will exceed the capacity of regional bodies to contain and address it. The Secretary-General of the UN should take steps to prepare for the possibility that the various components of the UN will be called upon to assist. He should initiate the process of appointing a special envoy to engage with those seeking a solution, as well as preparing the UN Country Team in Venezuela for a possible role in mediation and activating mechanisms to deal with the humanitarian emergency that is already taking shape.

There is no quick fix for the Venezuelan crisis, but while pushing for a negotiated solution the international community must also deal with its immediate impact. That means aiding neighbouring countries that are trying to cope with a refugee exodus (above all Colombia), providing support and solidarity for human rights and democracy activists on the ground and seeking creative ways to alleviate the hunger, malnutrition and disease that increasingly afflict the population. The government's persistent refusal to engage with its critics, both domestically and internationally, must not become an excuse for inaction.
Title Response of the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on its visit to Liechtenstein from 20 to 24 June 2016

Publication Date 25 August 2017

Country Liechtenstein

Citation / Document Symbol CPT/Inf (2017) 22

Cite as Council of Europe: Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Response of the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on its visit to Liechtenstein from 20 to 24 June 2016, 25 August 2017, CPT/Inf (2017) 22, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aea91b4.html [accessed 14 November 2022]
Ukraine: Foreign Journalists Barred or Expelled

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 September 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Ukraine: Foreign Journalists Barred or Expelled, 1 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aeb89c4.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Ukrainian authorities have detained and expelled several foreign journalists in recent weeks, most recently Russian reporter Anna Kurbatova, Human Rights Watch said today. In just over a month, the Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) have expelled or denied entry to at least five foreign journalists - three from Russia and two from Spain - for allegedly engaging in anti-Ukrainian "propaganda."

"The Ukrainian government's practice of accusing journalists of anti-Ukraine bias, then expelling them or denying them entry, is a serious violation of its international human rights commitments," said Tanya Cooper, Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Barring journalists is short-sighted and vindictive, and undermines Ukraine's pledges on democratic reforms and the rule of law."

On August 30, 2017, the SBU in Kyiv detained Kurbatova, a journalist with Channel One, a major Russian television station. An SBU spokesperson announced via Facebook that Kurbatova had been expelled and banned from Ukraine for three years. The spokesperson also said that this would happen to "anyone who allows themselves to discredit Ukraine."

In one of her latest reports from Kyiv, Kurbatova described Ukraine's Independence Day anniversary as a "sad celebration" due to the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine and economic hardships in the country.

Kurbatova's detention and removal from Ukraine is the latest example of mistreatment of foreign journalists.

On August 25, the SBU denied entry to two Spanish journalists, Antonio Pampliega and Manuel Angel Sastre, and barred them for three years. Pampliega and Sastre work for several media outlets, and had covered the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. The SBU accused the journalists of carrying out "activities countering national interests of Ukraine."

On August 29, Ukraine's Ministry of Information Policy released a statement expressing concern about the journalists' situation and claiming that it had "filed requests to the relevant law enforcement agencies, including the SBU, asking for a detailed explanation." The journalists wrote on Twitter that they had been detained in the Kyiv Boryspil airport for 20 hours, "treated like criminals," and then sent back to Spain without explanation. The journalists covered a variety of issues related to the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, including the plight of civilians in the conflict zone, and criticized the Ukrainian government for not doing enough to protect them.

On August 14, the SBU detained and expelled Tamara Nersesyan, a correspondent with the Russian state television and radio company VGTRK, accusing her of "actions damaging to Ukraine's national interests." Nersesyan was banned from entering the country for three years. Another VGTRK journalist, Dariya Grigorieva, was expelled from Ukraine in April and banned for five years.

On July 26, the SBU expelled Maria Knyazeva, a journalist with Russian television channels Rossiya 1 and Rossiya 24. The SBU also banned Knyazeva from entering Ukraine on the grounds of "biased coverage of the situation in Ukraine."

The Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Harlem Desir, expressed concern over the detentions and expulsions of journalists. Ukraine is a member of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, as well as a party to the European Convention on Human Rights and has taken on specific obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and support media freedom.

Much of the mainstream media in Russia, including television, print, and online outlets, are either owned or indirectly controlled by the state and have become the voice of the government. Moreover, some use elaborate propaganda tools, including blatant misinformation, to mobilize patriotic support for the government and its agenda, including support of armed groups in eastern Ukraine and Russia's occupation of Crimea.

"Ukraine has legitimate reasons to be concerned about biased or false media reports, particularly Russian propaganda, but barring journalists is not the answer," Cooper said. "The authorities should make Ukraine a country where media can convey different views without fear of retaliation."

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Cambodia: Leading Paper Threatened with Closure

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 2 September 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cambodia: Leading Paper Threatened with Closure , 2 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aeb9764.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Cambodian government should end its politically motivated threats and legal action to close the independent Cambodia Daily, Human Rights Watch said today. The newspaper faces closure and confiscation of its assets on September 4, 2017, if it does not pay a US$6.3 million back tax bill based on false financial assumptions and rushed enforcement in violation of standard procedures.

"The government's targeting of the highly regarded Cambodia Daily is one of the gravest threats to freedom of the press in Cambodia since the 1991 Paris Peace Accords," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Cambodia's donors should call upon the government to cease its legal actions against the Cambodia Daily until a legitimate audit of its alleged tax debt - that is conducted in an independent, fair, and timely manner - proves there is a genuine bill to be paid."

The Cambodia Daily is one of Cambodia's few investigative news outlets, with an award-winning global reputation for unbiased news reporting in English and Khmer since 1993. The Daily's staff told Human Rights Watch that unless the tax bill is paid, the authorities have threatened to enter the Daily's offices and seize its assets on September 4. The Ministry of Information has already delayed extending the newspaper's press license, which expired in mid-August.

On August 4, after months of government harassment of the paper's journalists, tax authorities hit the Cambodia Daily with a US$6.3 million tax bill alleging non-payment of tax since 2007. The authorities based the bill on assumed income and a profit of 20 percent, with additional penalties and interest, but did not review the Cambodia Daily's financial books despite offers to make those accounts available for inspection. The paper maintains it has taken all steps to properly register with the government since the country required news and media companies to do so in 2016 and said that it has paid legally-owed taxes. The newspaper's request to the General Department of Taxation (GDT) to stay punitive action pending conduct of a legitimate audit of the tax bill was rejected.

The government has given the Cambodia Daily 30 days to pay or "pack up and go," as dictated in a recent speech by Prime Minister Hun Sen, head of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Hun Sen has described the Daily as a "thief" and the paper's Cambodian staff as "servants of foreigners."

GDT tax correspondence to the Cambodia Daily, including the notice of the tax bill and the GDT denial of an audit, was leaked in letters containing confidential tax information to the CPP-aligned Fresh News media outlet, even before letters to the newspaper were postmarked. Such leaks violate article 94 of the country's Law on Taxation, which states that the, "tax administration and every person who is or has been official and agent of the tax administration must keep confidential the information pertaining to the taxpayer." Expectations that the government will move to close the Daily on September 4 has effectively kept the paper from collecting payments for subscriptions and advertising, or booking any future advertising, making it financially impossible to continue operations.

Within weeks of the leaks about the Cambodia Daily's supposed tax evasion, GDT letters emerged suggesting that Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, two US government-funded media outlets, could be similarly targeted.

An Economy and Finance Ministry spokesman has denied any political motive for these actions. However, officials have also raised these issues with regard to a consortium of nongovernmental organizations, the "Situation Room," which reported on irregularities in the local commune elections in June 2017. The government recently put the Situation Room under investigation for allegedly violating a new law on nongovernmental organizations and suggesting its work for free and fair elections aimed at fomenting a possible "color revolution" to topple the government.

Since the government ordered the Situation Room to stop its monitoring activities, three of its member organizations have received notices that they must address potential back tax issues. Government investigations about possible taxes owed by these three groups - the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), and the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL) - are ongoing. The government's tax campaign seems designed to threaten or even shut down the country's leading independent voices, Human Rights Watch said.

"Unless there is a global outcry, there is every reason to believe that Hun Sen's government will kill off the Cambodia Daily and end its 25 years of independent news and objective criticism," Robertson said. "Countries that for nearly three decades have invested their energies and resources in a free and open Cambodia should realize that all is about to be lost. They need to denounce the government's action or accept a share of the blame."

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Uzbekistan: New Political Era Should Focus on Rights

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 September 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Uzbekistan: New Political Era Should Focus on Rights, 5 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aeba2a4.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Uzbek government should take advantage of the country's new political era to act on its international human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said today. A Human Rights Watch delegation is visiting Uzbekistan the week of September 4, 2017, the organization's first full delegation to visit Uzbekistan since 2010, when its representatives were banned from working inside the country.

Human Rights Watch urged the Uzbek government to release all prisoners held on politically motivated charges, cease torture and ill-treatment in detention, and end forced labor in the cotton fields.

"This is a real moment of hope for the human rights of the Uzbek people," said Steve Swerdlow, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The key is for the Uzbek government to transform the modest steps it has taken thus far into institutional change and sustainable improvements."

Since assuming power in 2016 following the death of the country's long-time authoritarian leader Islam Karimov, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken some actions to improve human rights in the country. These include the release of several political prisoners and increased public accountability of government institutions.

Over the past year, the government has established a complaints mechanism that is widely used by ordinary citizens, and there have been small steps to loosen restrictions on free expression. The government has also announced an intention to eliminate the Soviet-era practice of requiring citizens to obtain state permission for travel outside the country.

During its visit, the Human Rights Watch delegation is meeting with senior officials from a wide array of government agencies, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice, and Labor; the parliament; Supreme Court; and National Human Rights Center; as well as with human rights defenders, journalists, and recently released political prisoners.

In its meetings, Human Rights Watch has called on the government to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly, allow civil society activists to operate without fear of harassment or detention, and to cooperate fully with United Nations human rights bodies.

"We're pleased Human Rights Watch has been able to reenter Uzbekistan. We're keen to work with all our partners here to help improve human rights," Swerdlow said.

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UN: Create International Inquiry into Yemen Abuses

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 29 August 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, UN: Create International Inquiry into Yemen Abuses, 29 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59aeba744.html [accessed 14 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Update:

The original news release had listed 57 organizations and has since been updated to reflect an additional five signatories, listed here, now totaling 62.

(Geneva) - The United Nations Human Rights Council should create an independent, international inquiry into abuses committed by all parties to the conflict in Yemen, Human Rights Watch and 61 other national, regional, and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) said today in a letter to council member countries.

Parties to the conflict continue to commit serious violations and abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law, the organizations said. Yemen is home to the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with at least 7 million people on the brink of famine and hundreds of thousands suffering from cholera. The Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition supporting it have failed to impartially and transparently investigate alleged abuses by their forces.

"What was a steady drumbeat of support for an international inquiry into Yemen abuses has become a crescendo," said John Fisher, Geneva director at Human Rights Watch. "Human Rights Council member countries should live up to their own mandate, heed these calls, and put in place a body to begin chipping away at the impunity that has been a central facet of Yemen's war."

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the head of OCHA, the UN's lead humanitarian agency, and the Security Council's Panel of Experts on Yemen have also called for an international inquiry into Yemen abuses. They have been joined in the call by dozens of Yemeni organizations from areas under the control of both Houthi-Saleh forces and of the Yemeni government.

Since March 2015, the UN human rights office has specifically verified that at least 5,110 civilians have been killed and 8,719 wounded during the conflict, but believes "[t]he overall number is probably much higher."

Since March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has conducted scores of unlawful airstrikes, some of which may amount to war crimes, and Houthi-Saleh forces have fired weapons indiscriminately into populated areas in cities such as Taizz and Aden, that may also amount to war crimes. Both sides have harassed, arbitrarily detained, and forcibly disappeared Yemeni activists and other people, with the number of the "missing" growing across Yemen. Both sides have used widely banned weapons that can endanger civilians long after a conflict ends and have impeded the delivery of aid.

The Human Rights Council in 2015 and 2016 failed to create an international inquiry into Yemen abuses, instead endorsing processes that have - over the course of two years - failed to provide the impartial, independent, and transparent investigations needed to address the gravity of violations in Yemen. The 62 organizations that signed the letter urged the council to establish an independent, international inquiry with the mandate to establish the facts and circumstances, collect and preserve evidence, and clarify responsibility for alleged violations and abuses with a view to providing accountability in the long-term.

"Council member countries have twice capitulated to pressure from the Saudi-led coalition and failed to take a principled stance in the face of repeated war crimes and the world's worst humanitarian crisis," Fisher said. "Governments this September should not cave to political pressure, but instead respond in a way that best helps the Yemeni people and ensures that the council lives up to its mandate by promoting accountability regardless of the parties involved."



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After years of anticipation, China plans to launch a nationwide carbon-trading system in November to help curb greenhouse gas emissions, but full implementation still faces further delays.



The official announcement of the new emissions market, also known as the "cap-and-trade program," is expected in time for the next United Nations climate conference in Bonn, Germany starting Nov. 6, analysts said.



The program aims to manage carbon emissions by major energy users in eight key industrial sectors, the official English-language China Daily said, citing reports by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the U.S.-based journal Scientific American.



According to the NDRC, China's top planning agency, the system will cover companies with annual energy consumption of over 10,000 metric tons of standard coal in the petrochemical, chemical, building materials, iron and steel, nonferrous metals, paper, electricity and aviation sectors, China Daily said.



The establishment of a national system follows four years of cap-and-trade pilot programs in seven cities and provinces since 2013. So far, the programs have included over 2,000 companies in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Hubei and Guangdong provinces, the paper said.



Cap-and-trade programs have the potential of accelerating efforts to reduce emissions by creating incentives for companies through assignment of carbon quotas that can be turned into tradeable credits if savings exceed pre-set limits.



Companies can exceed their quotas by buying credits, eventually establishing a market price for carbon emissions.



Carbon markets have been operating successfully in the European Union and the U.S. state of California, despite some problems in determining prices and emissions caps. In time, China's national trading system could become the largest in the world.



The plan could help China meet its pledges to cut carbon emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 40-45 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and reach peak emissions by around 2030.



Global warming impact



China's reductions could have major consequences for global warming.



In 2015, China accounted for 10.357 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, or 28.5 percent of the world's total.



While China's CO2 releases were 91 percent greater than those of the second-place United States, they remained 56 percent lower on a per capita basis, according to Global Carbon Atlas data.



But the significance of China's potential step forward in curbing emissions has been hard to assess due to differences in reporting and the prospect of delays.



In 2014, the NDRC said it planned to launch the nationwide trading system in 2016, the U.N.-affiliated Climate Action Program reported at the time.



Startup plans have faced further delays this year.



In June, an unidentified "government researcher" told Reuters that the nationwide trading platform would begin in November at the "very earliest."



The China Daily report on the startup also left out a long list of qualifying comments and details from the Scientific American article on which it was based.



"Details of China's national system are still murky, but enough information has emerged that observers are skeptical it will be immediately comparable to existing programs, due to design features as well as the haste with which China is rolling it out," the Scientific American article said.



Among the details, the platform will initially cover only three of China's industrieselectricity, aluminum and cementrather than the eight sectors designated for trading.



"That's due to a lack of good data on emissions and output from the rest of the sectors," said Scientific American in its ClimateWire report.



The impact will still be significant because cement production accounts for "fully half" of China's CO2 emissions, said Angel Hsu, an assistant professor at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, as quoted by Scientific American.



Elsewhere in the article, Scientific American stated that the new emissions market "will cover roughly a quarter of the country's industrial CO2."



The apparent difficulty in estimating the industries may be troubling for efforts to determine China's total emissions and contribution to climate change.



"Concerns remain about the quality and opacity of China's emissions reporting data," the journal said.



Gaming the system



The delayed launch of the national system coincides with the government's crackdown on environmental violations with harsher penalties for data falsification and fraud.



"Authorities are worried that unreliable data in some industrial sectors would undermine the integrity of the market and allow firms to game the system," Reuters said.



Faulty estimates have already posed problems for some provincial pilot trading, according to a recent posting by Latham & Watkins LLP.



"Verifying emissions data has been an issue for regulators managing China's eight pilot programs, with Hubei province recently delaying its compliance deadline due to problems verifying total emissions for 2016," the London-based law firm said.



David Fridley, staff scientist for the China Energy Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, said the national program is starting with emissions from the three industries that are easiest to measure.



"It's enormously more complicated to get accurate emissions measurements for a diverse industry such as petrochemicals or chemicals, since each plant may have a different mix of processing equipment and a number of boundary issues ... as well," Fridley said.



The trading system is expected to run on a trial basis until 2020 while the other sectors are eventually brought in, Fridley said by email.



"I don't think the slow start is significant since carbon trading wasn't designed to be the main tool to achieve emissions reductions but as a way to discover a price for carbon, at least initially," he said.



Like its EU and California counterparts, China's platform may be seen as a work in progress for some time.



"No carbon-trading system in the world has actually resulted in significant emissions reductions yet," Scientific American said. Instead, the programs have served to build consensus around climate policies, it said.



Estimates of how much carbon has been covered by China's existing pilot programs are widely divergent.



The seven pilot markets include some 2,000 businesses with 1.2 billion tons of annual emissions, or nearly one-eighth of China's total, according to a Fudan University economics professor cited by Scientific American.



As of May, total trading volume reached 160 million tons, said a report cited by China Daily. At the end of June, "aggregate carbon turnover" stood at 446 million tons, the Climate Action Program reported.



Based on the lower figure, pilot trading would affect only 1.5 percent of China's emissions. The higher figure would cover about 4 percent.



"Whether China's system will be any better than what California or the EU has, or if it will even succeed, is impossible to say before it even begins, so its ultimate contribution to China's 2030 goals is unknown," Fridley said.
English language newspaper the Cambodia Daily has closed its offices after failing to meet a deadline to repay millions of U.S. dollars in back taxes, prompting Washington to question why Prime Minister Hun Sens government didnt provide the media outlet due process to investigate the debt.



On Aug. 22, Hun Sen had vowed to shut down the Daily if it did not pay U.S. $6.3 million in back taxes and interest, prompting the papers owner to call for an investigation into the charges. The Ministry of Economy and Finances General Department of Taxation gave the paper until Sept. 4 to pay the debt or face foreclosure.



The Daily voluntarily ended its run of more than 24 years in Cambodia on Monday with a front page article entitled Descent Into Outright Dictatorship, in which several observers condemned the deterioration of democracy in the country amid a crackdown on the political opposition, civil society, and independent media in the lead up to a general election set for July 2018.



RFAs Khmer Service was unable to contact the Cambodia Dailys publisher for comment on the decision to shut down operations, but the newspapers representatives have said they believe the tax debt is politically motivated and have called for an audit.



In an article published on Monday, the Daily quoted owner Deborah Krisher-Steele as saying that the power to tax is the power to destroy, and that the Cambodian government had used that power to eliminate the paper.



In an ordinary process, matters in dispute would be resolved after an audit and private negotiations, Krisher-Steele said.



Instead, the Daily has been targeted for an astronomical tax assessment, leaks and false statements by the tax department and public vilification by the head of government before an audit, much less a legal proceeding.



Despite the Cambodia Dailys decision to close on Monday, the General Department of Taxation said Monday that the paper would still be held accountable for its debt and department chief Kong Vibol ordered the countrys immigration officials to bar its owners from leaving the country.



The General Department of Taxation would like to request high cooperation from the General Department of Immigration by taking a measure to ban any travel attempt out of Cambodia by Ms. Deborath [sic] Krisher Steele and Mr. Douglas Eric Steele in order to place burden on them and foster the two individuals to come to settle tax debts with the state in advance so as to avoid any risk of any eventual loss of the state revenue, Kong Vibol wrote in a letter.



The Cambodia Daily was founded in 1993 by U.S. reporter Bernard Krisher to assist in the development of journalism in Cambodia as the country embraced democracy. In April, he sold the paper to Bernard Krisher Jimusho Co. Ltd., a company owned by Krisher-Steele, his daughter.



Last month, Hun Sen called the Dailys leadership thieves who had stolen from the country by refusing to pay their debts, prompting Krisher-Steele to respond that her company was following the tax law impeccably and demand an explanation of why the General Tax Department believed it was in arrears.



The Cambodia Daily had made charitable contributions of U.S. $39 million in helping to build schools and hospitals around the country, she said at the time, adding that the donations should be deductible, according to Cambodias tax law.



On Tuesday, the papers editor-in-chief Jodie DeJonge expressed concern that next years election would be held in darkness and that Hun Sens government would use every means available to suppress dissent.



I think that the Cambodia Daily does not get along well with Prime Minister Hun Sen, and he has also had a hard time with us for a long time, she said.



Government spokesperson Phay Siphan, meanwhile, dismissed the accusations of political repression made by observers in the Dailys final issue and suggested that the paper belonged to a rebel group that worked to incite Cambodians against one another.



A sad day



On Tuesday, the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh posted a statement on its Facebook page calling the Cambodia Dailys closure a sad day for the press and for Cambodia, noting that the paper had provided the professional foundation for generations of Cambodian and Western journalists.



The Cambodia Dailys hard-working, dedicated team of Khmer and Western reporters and staff provided insightful coverage that not only benefited Cambodias citizens, but also built an understanding of Cambodia around the world, the statement said, adding that this important voice is now lost.



We regret that the Cambodian government did not seek a solution that would have allowed the Daily to continue operating. The Cambodia Daily connected, informed, and inspired Cambodians and their friends, both here and internationally; with its closure, there is one less window into, and out of, Cambodia.



Cambodian citizens echoed the embassys concerns, telling RFA they were losing an important source of information on topics including corruption, illegal deforestation, land protests, and political issues, noting that such coverage is difficult to find in other media outlets.



I think the newspaper  upholds independent views without any bias, said Chhoeun Sok Houng, a resident of Battambang province who studied English by translating the Dailys articles into Khmer.



I call on the government to reexamine the closure of the Cambodia Daily. I want it to reopen as normal, because the newspaper takes no sides. It only tells the truth.



Chan Bona, a teacher of translation, told RFA that he would miss the independent coverage the Daily provided.



It reported exactly what the government and the opposition said, and reported actual news without taking any side, he said.



Their articles were convenient for me to use as teaching materials. I could use the grammatical structure from their articles to teach, while also learning what happens in society.



The Cambodia Daily closed amid widespread condemnation of Hun Sens government for what critics say is a widening crackdown on dissent in the country ahead of next years election.



Since Aug. 22, the government has expelled U.S.-funded NGO the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and suspended some 20 radio stations that aired content by U.S. broadcasters Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, while a court charged the head of Cambodias opposition party with treason over the weekend.



Reported by Sel San for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
A court in Cambodia formally charged opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president Kem Sokha with treason Tuesday in a case his lawyer dismissed as politically motivated in the lead up to general elections scheduled for July 2018.



The charges came as the international community and rights groups heaped criticism on Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) government for ordering the arrest amid a wider crackdown on the political opposition, independent media, and civil society as the country gears up for next years ballot.



Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) chief Kem Sokha was arrested Sunday in the capital Phnom Penh after government-aligned media outlet Fresh News released a heavily edited video from Australia-based Cambodian Broadcasting Network (CBN) it said showed the opposition leader was working with the United States to unseat strongman Hun Sen.



On Tuesday, Phnom Penh Municipal Court deputy prosecutor Sieng Sok concluded his investigation into Kem Sokhas case and formally charged him with conspiring with a foreign power to foment hostilities or acts of aggression against Cambodia, in accordance with Article 443 of the countrys Criminal Code.



According to the courts prosecution office, Kem Sokhas statement in the video, as well as evidence collected by competent authorities, proved the opposition leader had been conspiring to topple Hun Sens government since 1993activities it deemed in flagrante delicto under Cambodian law.



Following examination of the case, as well as investigation and verification of evidence based on the suspects testimony, the Phnom Penh Municipal Courts Prosecution Office is of the opinion that there is sufficient basis to charge Kem Sokha with conspiracy with a foreign power, the office said in a statement.



A representative from the Prosecution Office took the unusual step of traveling nearly 120 miles (195 kilometers) northeast of Phnom Penh to the remote Trapaing Phlong maximum security prison in Kampong Cham province, near the border with Vietnam, to charge Kem Sokha.



The outcome of Kem Sokhas trial now rests with the courts Investigating Judge Ky Rithy. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.



Following the decision by the Phnom Penh Municipal Courts Prosecution Office to charge Kem Sokha, the court ordered the National Assembly, or parliament, to strip the opposition chief of his immunity as a lawmaker so that his trial could proceed.



National Assembly spokesperson Leng Peng Long told RFA that he had received the courts order and said the Permanent Commission of the National Assembly plans to hold an emergency meeting shortly to decide how to respond, though a date has not yet been set.



Legal team



Choung Choungy, one of Kem Sokhas five defense lawyers, rejected the charges against his client Tuesday, calling the deputy prosecutors decision baseless and purely politically motivated.



He added that police had initially refused him access to Kem Sokha at Trapaing Phlong Prison, which he said was in violation of the law.



Hem Socheat, another of Kem Sokhas defense lawyers, told RFA that the opposition leaders legal team had eventually been granted a 15-minute visit with him, and noticed that his health did not seem good.



The appearance of his face and physical condition suggested that he wasnt well, he said, though he added that Kem Sokha had later seemed in good spirits while being interviewed by the Prosecution Office.



While Hem Socheat said Kem Sokhas current health condition was not immediately clear, he noted that his family had been barred from bringing him medication on Monday.



CNRP reacts



Speaking to RFA on Tuesday, CNRP deputy president Eng Chhay Eang said that the party would continue to function in Kem Sokhas absence and had made no plans to replace him.



In view of the current deteriorating situation, it makes no difference who assumes the position of president of the party, as the election cannot be free and fair, he said, adding that Cambodia had regressed to a political climate of arbitrary arrests where powerful individuals can do anything at will, without respect for the law.



The CNRP finds no reason to replace Kem Sokha, even if the court decides to convict him, and will not participate in any election unless the political situation returns to normality, as it was before.



Former CNRP president Sam Rainsy, who has been living in self-imposed exile in France since November 2015 to avoid jail time for convictions also widely seen as politically motivated, on Tuesday accused Hun Sen of allowing influence from authoritarian Vietnam and China to undermine Cambodias national interests in exchange for backing from Hanoi and Beijing to remain in power.



Only the present leader has involved the country in losing its independencebecoming an orbit country and a colonized nation of neighboring countries, he said in a video statement posted to his Facebook account.



CPP spokesperson Sok Ey San dismissed Sam Rainsys statement as coming from a person who has been dismissed from society, adding that Hun Sen had never requested assistance from a foreign power to overthrow a legitimate government.



Hun Sen is different from Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, since he has never been connected to any [foreign] individuals for assistance or received any orders from anyone, he said.



Wider concerns



Also on Tuesday, civil society organizations working to promote electoral oversight in Cambodia issued a statement voicing their concerns over Kem Sokhas arrest, saying it could dissuade the public from registering to vote during a 70-day registration period launched by the countrys National Election Committee (NEC) on Sept. 1.



Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC), said low turnout since the registration period began indicated that the arrest may have influenced potential voters.



We are concernedthat is why weve actively promoted [registration], he said.



We want to see all [prospective voters] come to register to vote.



The concerns over voter registration came amid a continuing deluge of international condemnation over Kem Sokhas arrest from Western governments and rights groups, who called it the latest salvo in Hun Sens ongoing attack on democracy in Cambodia.



The arrest of Kem Sokha is part of Hun Sens all-out offensive to wipe out any form of opposition ahead of next years general election, Paris-based Federation of International Human Rights (FIDH) president Dimitris Christopoulos said in a statement on Tuesday.



Its imperative for the international community to step up political pressure to prevent Cambodia from descending into irreversible authoritarianism.



Over the weekend, the European Union said Kem Sokhas arrest marked a dangerous political escalation and said that, along with recent actions by the authorities against NGOs and some media outlets, it suggested a further effort to restrict the democratic space in Cambodia and the space for independent reporting, comment and criticism.



A credible democratic process leading up to the National Assembly election in July 2018 requires an environment in which political parties, civil society and the media are able to carry out their legitimate roles without fear, threats or arbitrary restrictions  In view of his parliamentary immunity, we expect the authorities to release Kem Sokha immediately.



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein in a statement on Monday expressed serious concern over the arrest, which he said appeared to have been carried out with no respect for due process guarantees, including respect for his parliamentary immunity.



Hussein noted that Hun Sen and other high-ranking officials had made numerous public statements about Kem Sokhas supposed guilt, which he said breach the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial to which he is entitled under Cambodian and international human rights law.



Reported by Moniroth Morm, Vanndeth Van, and Vuthy Tha for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
As North Korea warned of further "gift packages" for the United States following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test at the weekend, China's were busy on Tuesday erasing official articles and social media comments linked to the standoff over Pyongyang's nuclea program.



At the close of the BRICS summit in the southeastern Chinese port of Xiamen on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Pyongyang would rather "eat grass" than abandon its nuclear program, and warned of a "planetary catastrophe."



His comments came after Han Tae Song, North Korean ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, said Pyongyang was proud to have detonated a hydrogen bomb in the test, that was ready to be fitted to a missile.



"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a 'gift package' addressed to none other than the U.S.," Han said.



"The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating



The U.S. on Monday demanded the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea for detonating what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on a missile.



But while China foreign ministry condemned the North Korean nuclear test, its statement was later apparently removed across the Chinese internet, while a commentary relating to the test by The Global Times newspaper, which has close links to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, was also removed.



Chinese social media commentator Hua Pu said that the authorities appear to have greatly expanded the list of "sensitive words" that lead to automatic deletion of content within the Great Firewall.



Keyword-searches on the Chinese internet for "hydrogen bomb" on Tuesday resulted in a notification saying search results couldn't be displayed owing to "relevant laws and regulations."



Instead, Hua Pu said state media has been focusing entirely on the BRICS summit, and appears to be ignoring the North Korean nuclear crisis entirely.



"This is very delicate," Hua Pu said. "They may be afraid of the impact it will have on the BRICS summit, but they are pretty angry with North Korea in private, because of the impact of North Korean nuclear testing on China."



China 'main external victim'

China's powerful internet censors have already called for all comment on the nuclear test to be shut down, and for websites to "avoid deliberately hyping the issue."



Former state media journalist Zhu Xinxin hit out at Beijing for failing to confront North Korea openly on the nuclear issue, however.



"This evil is now a serious threat to world peace," Zhu said. "The international community should reject the Chinese Communist Party's policy of appeasement."



The Global Times website ran an editorial on Tuesday warning against confrontation among the "interested parties" regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, echoing Putin's comments.



"Any stakeholder who excessively pursues its own security will add a sense of threat to the other parties," the paper said. "Such a vicious circle may eventually come to a tipping point."



It said China is the "main external victim" of the crisis, and shouldn't be expected to shoulder the burden of responsibility for it.



But it added: "As Washington cannot intimidate Pyongyang, it is even more naive for Pyongyang to attempt to intimidate Washington through owning nuclear weapons."



Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, authorities in Xiamen detained prominent rights lawyer Chen Jiangang as he tried to pass through the city on his way to represent a client.



"They have finished investigating me now," Chen told RFA en route back to Beijing after being questioned by local police. "Let's see what happens, one step at a time."



"I don't really want to say much more about it. The summit really didn't occur to me; I was just on my way through, and didn't think the authorities would react in that way."



Reported by Xin Lin for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in the southwestern province of Sichuan are planning to prosecute a long-term political activist for supporting a call for direct elections to choose the head of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

Huang Xiaomin was tracked down to a detention center in Sichuan's provincial capital, Chengdu, last month, after being detained for more than three months with no notification to his family or access to a lawyer.



His lawyer He Wei, who visited Huang for the first time in the Chengdu Detention Center on Friday, told RFA that his client faces charges of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble" over his support for a petition launched by detained former party ideologue Zi Su.



Zi Su was taken away from his home in Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu on April 28 after he posted an open letter online calling on Xi to step down as head of the party in favor of Hu Deping, son of late ousted premier Hu Yaobang, whose death in 1989 sparked the Tiananmen Square democracy movement.



"Xi Jinping was elected general secretary ... in 2012 and has served for five years," Zi's letter said. "His achievements ... have been to punish a number of corrupt officials, but his faults have been to imitate [late supreme leader] Mao Zedong with a personality cult around him and a focus on centralization of power."



The letter also called for "direct elections" to choose the next head of the Communist Party.



The outspoken professor had previously told RFA as the party celebrated its 95th birthday on July 1, 2016, that Xi was using "controls and political struggle of the kind used by Mao Zedong."



"It's to do with things he has said in public," He said following the meeting with Huang. "I am guessing it's a bunch of things, and

probably gathered together over a long period of time."



"The meeting went quite smoothly, and I was surprised to find that Huang Xiaomin seemed in pretty good shape, physically and emotionally."



He said the case, which will likely be dealt with separately from that of Zi Su, has already been sent to the state prosecution service, paving the way for a trial.



No word from authorities

But Huang's family said they have yet to receive any formal notification from the authorities.



"It doesn't matter how many times we ask the prosecution service; it's very hard to get anything out of them at all, whether verbally or in documentary form," Huang's sister Huang Xiaoqin said.



"They're not providing us with the correct legal documents, not even a notification of detention," she said. "The are also very rude in their dealings with the family, because people fighting for their rights makes life very difficult for them."



Repeated calls to the Chengdu Detention Center rang unanswered during office hours on Aug. 30.



Huang Xiaoqin said the reasons given to the lawyer for her brother's detention were unexpected.



"This had to do with signing something with Zi Su, which wasn't what we were expecting at all," she said. "But the lawyer told me that [the real reason] is that he got across someone in the local government when he helped some petitioners file a complaint against some vested interests, which included allegations of corruption."



Meanwhile, U.S.-based human rights researcher Gao Wenqian said Huang's detention comes against a highly politicized backdrop, and isn't an isolated case.



"The power struggle ahead of the 19th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party [on Oct. 18], is very fierce this year, and they are cracking down on anything [to do with President Xi] ahead of his reshuffle," Gao said.



"Xi Jinping told a meeting ... in July about the Four Things We Must Do At All Cost," he said. "One of those things was to 'suppress at all costs any unstable factors within the party.'"



"Huang Xiaomin's case is being viewed as one of those factors."



And the U.S.based editor of Hong Kong online magazine The Trend, Zhang Weiguo, agreed.



"Huang Xiaomin's case is definitely very closely linked to Xi Jinping," Zhang said. "Back in the days of [former presidents] Jiang Zemin and Deng Xiaoping, this sort of thing would only have resulted in being invited to drink tea [with the state security police]. They wouldn't normally be detained."



"Back then, there were people who used to talk openly about Jiang Zemin's past record ... and they were never treated like Zi Su and Huang Xiaomin," he said. "They might have gotten into trouble, but this is trouble on a different level."



Reported by Hai Nan for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Lin Ping and Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Men in plain clothes and armed with pistols, batons, and pepper spray descended on a Catholic church in southeast Vietnams Dong Nai province on Monday to confront the parish priest over a Facebook post the priest had made urging political reform in the one-party communist state.



The assault, in which the churchs attackers arrived by bus, took place at about 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 4 at the Tho Hoa parish church in the Xuan Tho commune in the provinces Xuan Loc district, parish priest Nguyen Duy Tan wrote later on his Facebook page.



Tan identified at least one of the harassing group as a member of a local pro-government activist group, Tan told RFAs Vietnamese Service on Sept. 5.



I recognized Nguyen Trong Nghia of the Red Flags group, Tan said, adding that he saw other signs of support for the group from local police and other authorities.



Commune security kept inviting them back to their office, and district security officers behaved the same way, refusing to do any work at the scene. They wouldnt note down the registration numbers of the guns or count how many bullets they had, he said.



Tan told RFA he declined to press charges with police against the group because they are all on the same side, the side of the Communist Party.



There would have been no point in pushing for prosecution, he said.



Writing on Facebook, Tan said that he had locked the church gate when the group arrived, and had rung the churchs bell to alert parishioners in the neighborhood to come to help.



Parishioners then briefly held 13 of the invading group, who identified themselves as Catholics and wrote in a statement of confession that they were angry at Tan because he had wanted to overthrow the Communist Party and government of Vietnam and had used insulting words against Party founder Ho Chi Minh.



A 'complicated case'



District police deputy chief Nguyen Thanh Loi complimented the parish on their handling of the situation, describing the case as complicated, and promising to report later to the parish on how it would be resolved, Tan wrote on his Facebook page.



Speaking to RFA, Tan said that the group had objected to his proposal, shared on Facebook, that the Communist Party be dissolved. He added that authorities themselves should take action if he had broken the law, though, and that private groups should not become involved.



Netizens contacted by RFA said that though Father Tan had declined to press charges, Xuan Loc authorities should still treat the matter as a criminal case and prosecute the members of the harassing group.



Nguyen Van Hau, vice president of the Lawyers Association of Ho Chi Minh City, told RFA that group members could be tried, if authorities agreed, on charges of disturbing public order under Article 245 of Vietnams penal code.



The use of guns by unauthorized persons to threaten others is an especially serious offense, Hau added.



[Vietnams] constitution makes it very clear that peoples physical safety is inviolable. This case should therefore be handled in accordance with the law, he said.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Emily Peyman. Written in English by Richard Finney.




Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has agreed to settle a campaign violation case involving his state airplane use during his 2016 re-election bid.

Bullock and his 2016 campaign organization Friends of Steve Bullock have agreed to pay a $3,000 fine to avoid a lawsuit involving the governors use of the state plane for campaign purposes during the Democrats successful re-election bid.

On 36 occasions, Bullock used the the state Beechcraft King Air plane for politicking, piggybacking campaign events on official business trips. Part of the cost of those trips was billed to Bullock's campaign, but left off his campaign finance reports for several months, in some cases until weeks after he was re-elected.

Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan identified five months of Bullock campaign reports in which expenses related to the state plane were missing.

"There are folks that want to know," Mangan said. "It's all about transparency, and folks want to know, just in general, what campaigns are spending their money on and how they're utilizing their campaign funds."

The governor's office issued a statement Tuesday, calling the campaign violations an error. The 2016 election cycle was Bullock's third as a statewide candidate. He campaigned for attorney general in 2008 and governor in 2012, winning both times.

Gov. Bullock has fought for transparency in government and in elections both as attorney general and as governor. He was happy to correct this error," communications director Ronja Abel said in an email.

All told, Bullock's campaign used the government plane 41 times between April and November. Tax dollars paid for the trips, unless the pilot's workweek exceeded 40 hours, in which case Bullock's campaign paid for the overtime.

The governor's campaign also picked up any extra time incurred by co-pilots.

The state billed Bullock's campaign $4,561.66 for the 36 flights involved in Bullock's political violation.

In Montana, the public has a right to full disclosure of all of a candidate's debts and estimated debts. Those debts are supposed to be reported on schedule. Bullock failed to do so.

Criticism of Bullocks use of the state plane for campaigning started in February after the governor piggybacked a Billings campaign fundraiser onto an official trip to make peanut butter sandwiches for a Billings schools lunch program and meet with a union representative.

Campaign flights taken in April and June didnt show up on the books until August, Mangan reported. Flights in July and September werent reported until 16 days before the general election ended. Bullocks October campaign trips went unreported until Nov. 28.

All of the flights should have been reported within a month of occurring, Mangan said.

By delaying reports about the flights, Bullock provided little ammunition to Republican campaign messaging about the trips.

The governor's other campaign expenses were reported as required under a 2015 campaign reform bill signed into law by Bullock.

The use of the state plane for campaigning was new to the governor, Abel said. Bullock didn't have access to the plane in his two previous statewide campaigns. Paying for the flights and reporting the use as a campaign expense was a new issue.

Mangan didn't take issue with the reimbursement policy Bullock, as governor, used to bill his campaign.

"The campaign fully reimbursed the state for the use of the plane and reported it," Abel said. "This was an honest misunderstanding about the proper time at which to file the reports."

Hamilton resident Jason Ellsworth filed the campaign complaint against Bullock with the Commissioner of Political Practices last October.

Abel said that before Ellsworth's complaint, Bullock was unaware the plane expenses weren't being filed according to law.

Bullock's plane reimbursement policy was revealed in March 2016 after campaign fundraising events in Billings, Bozeman and Missoula were paired with "official business" critics called superfluous.

Responding, the governor identified 21 flights on which non-government functions were paired with official trips. Bullock paid $2,671.84 for those flights, which dated back to 2014. None of those flights were part of the complaint filed by Ellsworth.
A Virginia inmate who was given up for adoption as a child and met his birth mother while serving a life sentence for a 1986 murder has been paroled.

Monty King, 50, left the Greensville Correctional Center on Tuesday morning, ate breakfast at a nearby Dennys with his brother Tony Hicks, stepfather Tim King, niece Allaja Hicks and Richmond lawyer Stephen A. Northup, who helped King win parole. He will be flying to California on Wednesday where a job and home await him in Berkeley.

It feels terrific. Its still surreal. I cant believe Im in a car, actually, said King, reached by telephone while being driven to Northups Richmond office after breakfast.

As reported in the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2015, Kings birth mother, Jo Liana King of California, gave King and his younger brother up for foster care in 1972 and adoption in 1973. In 2005, Hicks, who lives in Northern Virginia, tracked down his mother, who had remarried to Tim King.

When Jo Liana King learned Monty was serving life for a 1986 murder, she was devastated but decided she would do everything she could to win his freedom. She and Hicks traveled to the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, where the three were reunited in a visiting area in 2005.

Kings mother could not make the trip to the prison for her sons release Tuesday, but Monty King said they spoke on the telephone and she is thrilled.

Parole ended in Virginia for crimes committed on or after Jan. 1, 1995. However, there are still inmates like King who committed crimes before that date and who are eligible for parole under the old law.

King was convicted of the May 1986 slaying of Jean C. Velie, 67, in Arlington County. Velie was found beaten and unconscious in her parking garage. Her car was found the next day less than a mile away. King said he was high on drugs at the time and had not intended to kill her. He had no prior record but was sentenced to life plus 12 years.

In 2008, King was one of 11 parole-eligible inmates who committed violent crimes but had at least two decades worth of good prison records selected by the Legal Aid Justice Center to file a class-action challenge against the Virginia Parole Board. The challenge was ultimately unsuccessful.

In 2008, Monty had his last name legally changed to King. He has earned an associate of arts and sciences degree from Paul D. Camp Community College and has taken extensive substance abuse classes.
A 19-year-old Richmond man was fatally shot at a Wendys in Prince George County on Monday afternoon after a man opened fire inside the restaurant.

Police said there was an altercation between two female employees about 30 minutes before the man entered the restaurant connected to the Pilot Travel Center gas station in the 4600 block of County Drive in Disputanta. Witnesses said the man immediately opened fire upon entering, according to Prince George police spokeswoman Alexis Grochmal.

Coron Bond, 19, of Richmond died at the scene, Grochmal said.

Prince George police said Jules Moultrie Jr. III was taken into custody without incident Tuesday and was charged with first-degree murder in Bond's death. Moultrie is being held at Riverside Regional Jail without bond.

Police responded to the shooting at 4 p.m. Arriving officers found Bond in the travel centers entranceway, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

According to the preliminary investigation, two female employees  Tatiyana Wright of Petersburg and Norma Glover  left the area at the same time as the shooting suspect.

The shooter fled in a car with the two women, including one of the employees involved in the earlier altercation, Grochmal said. The women willingly left with the man, she added.

Police said they arent sure if Bond was involved in the earlier incident but said he had been involved with one of the women in the altercation.

Police were still looking for the shooter and the two women Monday night. Anyone with information is asked to call Prince George police at (804) 733-2773 or Crime Solvers at (804) 733-2777.
Richmond police are investigating four deaths in a two-day period that punctuated a bloody holiday weekend.

Three separate shootings on Sunday claimed the lives of Terrain L. Hunter, 35, Jamar L. Anderson, 32, and Leonard S. Carr, 38. It was the second time this year that Richmond police have worked three homicides in a single day.

A fourth fatal shooting occurred Monday evening; police did not immediately identify the victim. In addition, two other men suffered injuries that were not life-threatening Monday afternoon in separate shootings a half-hour apart.

It has been a particularly violent year in the city  not only because Richmond has already seen 54 lives cut short by violence so far in 2017, compared with 45 at this point last year, but also because shootings this year are claiming more lives at a time.

The city has already had five double homicides, compared with four in all of 2016. Last year ended with 67 killings and was the citys deadliest year in a decade.

Sunday was the second day since Jan. 29 that police investigated three deaths. On no single day in 2016 were as many lives lost  though there were five days in 2016, and four more this year, on which two slayings occurred.

This Labor Day weekend marks the deadliest two-day period all year. In May, there were four shooting deaths in a three-day period.

The first incident occurred early Sunday, just after midnight. Police found Carr, who had been shot in the 3400 block of Walmsley Boulevard in South Richmond. He lived in the same block, police said.

Later that day, about 7:15 p.m., police received several calls about a shooting at Gillies Creek Park in the Fulton Hill neighborhood. Hundreds of people were attending an event at the park, police said, but none of them provided any information on the whereabouts of victims or suspects.

Minutes later, a man arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. Anderson, of the 2200 block of Selden Street, died Sunday night.

A second person, who was wounded in the shooting at the park but is expected to survive, was also taken to a hospital.

Less than three hours later, officers found Hunter in the drivers seat of a white Ford SUV just before 10 p.m. in the 100 block of Wythemar Road, near the Midlothian Village Apartments off Midlothian Turnpike.

Hunter, of the 2200 block of Summerhill Avenue, died at the scene. Police said it appeared that the SUV had struck multiple vehicles in the intersection of Larchmont Lane and Wythemar Road, close to where they found it.

All three deaths are being investigated as homicides, police said, though they do not believe the incidents are connected.

On Monday, about 7:20 p.m., police launched a death investigation in North Richmond after finding a man shot on a sidewalk near the intersection of Meadowbridge Road and Carolina Avenue. A passer-by tried to render aid, but the man later died at a hospital.

Earlier Monday, about 5 p.m., a man suffered injuries that were not life-threatening in a shooting near East 16th and Decatur streets. Found inside a vehicle, he had been shot in the abdominal area, Richmond police Lt. R. Marland said.

About a half-hour later, another man, also suffering injuries that were not life-threatening after being shot in the abdominal area, was driven by an unidentified person to VCU Medical Center. He had been shot in the 1100 block of Jefferson Davis Highway.

It was unclear whether the two shootings Monday afternoon are related, Marland said.

Of the 54 killings so far this year, 43 are homicides, according to police. Richmond police are investigating 40 of them, while Virginia State Police are working three others.

Six others, including the most recent, are being classified as death investigations; two have been deemed justified homicides, or self-defense; and one was ruled manslaughter, or an accidental killing. Police have also killed two people this year.

Anyone with information about any of the crimes can send tips to Crime Stoppers by calling (804) 780-1000 or visiting www.7801000.com.

For Carrs death off Walmsley Boulevard, detectives ask anyone with information to call police at (804) 646-3926.

For Andersons death in the Gillies Creek Park case, call Detective D. Cuffley at (804) 646-6795.

For Hunters death along Larchmont Lane, call Detective A. Sleem at (804) 814-7123.

You can also submit tips about people in illegal possession of a gun by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the keyword GUN250 followed by the tip. Rewards of up to $250 are possible. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
WASHINGTON -- Nobody wants to pick on Texas, or especially Houston, after a 1,000-year weather event that for several days turned the city into a lake and dispossessed thousands of their homes, belongings and, in some cases, loved ones.

The ultimate effects of the storm blandly named Harvey are yet to be fully understood. What is known is that most of the homes destroyed were uninsured for flooding and that U.S. taxpayers will be doing much of the bailing.

Meanwhile, comparisons to Hurricane Katrina 12 years ago are intriguing, if one is fortunate enough to be hugging dry land. Chief among the obvious differences is the death toll. Katrina took close to 2,000 lives. As of Friday, Harvey's toll was 46, and the figure wasn't expected to rise significantly.

Numbers matter little to those in mourning, but such comparisons can be instructive. In explaining differences between Katrina and Harvey, most experts naturally examine the weather itself and topography. During Katrina, New Orleans, which is shaped like a bowl, was hardest hit. Flooding from burst levees, as well as the colossal tidal surge driven by winds, essentially filled the bowl.

In Houston during Harvey, the main force of the storm came from the skies, which dropped 9 trillion gallons (nearly 50 inches) of water onto the city, the flat topography of which gave residents an obvious advantage over New Orleans. Although cataclysmic over time, Houston's flooding was less abrupt and gave people more time to find higher ground.

Setting aside weather factors -- and postponing for now a critique of human failure -- a couple of distinguishing psycho-techno-sociological factors also came into play. First, in 2005 when Katrina hit, there was no widespread use of smartphones -- iPhone hadn't hit the market yet -- and social media was in its incipient stages. Facebook was only a year old and still restricted to college students. Just think: When George W. Bush was beginning his second term as president, no one was tweeting.

A second important factor affecting outcomes was the way people responded to the storm. Many New Orleans residents, given their historical distrust of public officials, disregarded warnings and failed to heed evacuation orders. In Houston, there was no call to evacuate.

And though many of the poor in both cities often had no means of personal transportation, nearly every household in sprawling Houston has at least one car, according to the Census Bureau. New Orleans in 2005, by contrast, had the fourth highest rate among 300 metropolitan areas of individuals without access to a household car.

Thus, the storms were very different, as were the people primarily affected. Reaction to the two storms also was initially different, though a common denominator seems to be the God factor. Recall that when Katrina hit New Orleans, some members of the cloth, including the Rev. Franklin Graham, Catholic priest Gerhard Wagner and televangelist John Hagee, opined that God was punishing the city for its legendary indulgences and supposed sins.

But where is the comparable condemnation of Houston given Harvey's Noah-esque proportions? How soon before some looney says that Houston, the epicenter of America's energy and oil industry, bears responsibility for the flood? Already, one pastor is saying that Harvey was retribution for Houston's leniency toward the LBGT community. And Ann Coulter suggested that Harvey was more likely God's punishment for Houston's lesbian mayor than a result of climate change.

No matter what one's religious beliefs or commercial incentives, it is absurd to blame cities or their residents for natural disasters. When otherwise intelligent people engage in such hyperbolic rhetoric, they encourage the sort of dumbing down that gets people killed. The science behind weather events isn't that complicated to understand.

As a footnote, the Christian God doesn't single out the poor or the powerless for punishment. Rather, as Jesus said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God," and also that the meek would inherit the Earth -- if they still want it.

But make no mistake: We are being warned. Storms of the Harvey variety will become not one-in-1,000-year events but one-in-100. And then, well, who knows beyond worse-is-coming? The least we can do is exercise our free will -- and our reasoning powers -- to mitigate the effects of human activities on global warming to the extent possible.

If we don't, Mr. President, we're going to need a bigger ark.

Kathleen Parker is a columnist for The Washington Post.
The organization is called Protect Americas Consumers. It accepts donations and says it will use the money to stop future scandals at a federal consumer protection agency.

Protect Americas Consumers sounds official. But the organization is registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization with the IRS and collects and spends whats known as dark money  money designed to influence politics and elections whose sources dont need to be disclosed.

Protect Americas Consumers is engaged in an advertising campaign attacking Richard Cordray, director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Hes a former Ohio attorney general and, according to The Columbus Dispatch, a potential Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio.

Protect Americas Consumers and similar groups have used the legal services of the Warrenton law firm Holtzman Vogel Josefiak Torchinsky. The firm is headed by Jill Holtzman Vogel, a state senator from Fauquier County and the Republican Partys nominee for lieutenant governor in November.

It employs power lawyers such as Tom Josefiak, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, and they are adept with election laws across the country.

Vogel, the managing partner, is a former chief counsel for the Republican National Committee and a former deputy general counsel at the U.S. Department of Energy under President George W. Bush.

She founded her firm in 2001 and it has worked for clients such as the super PAC American Crossroads, which Ed Gillespie, the GOP nominee for governor, helped GOP strategist Karl Rove conceive of in 2010.

Vogel often describes herself on the campaign stump as an ethics attorney.

What her law firm specializes in, however, includes helping dark money nonprofits establish themselves and spend money in politics from anonymous donors.

The bottom line is, somebody hires my firm to make absolutely sure that they do not get in trouble, Vogel said in an interview this spring. When asked about groups that have criticized her firm, she said, Theres always the other side who doesnt like your group.

Included in that other side are organizations like Common Cause, which wants to reduce the influence of money in politics. Why? A well-informed electorate, said Paul S. Ryan, vice president of policy and litigation.

Elected officials will behave in manners consistent with those who have supported them financially, he said, and even the U.S. Supreme Court with a conservative majority has acknowledged the public interest in voters knowing who is spending money to try to influence their opinion.

Vogels firm has been on the forefront of funneling dark money into our elections in states around the nation, Ryan said. Theyve also been forceful advocates for deregulation of disclosure laws.

Vogels campaign offered an additional comment from the candidate via email for this story.

My law firm is one of the foremost ethics, tax, IRS compliance and election law firms in the country doing work in many of the 50 states, Vogel said in the statement. I am bound by attorney-client privilege and cannot discuss who I or my partners do or do not represent.

Dark money

The Facebook page for Protect Americas Consumers says its Americas independent, non-partisan consumer watchdog. We look out for you when Washington doesnt.

The website the group created to attack Cordray is www.cordray2018.com, but its loaded with attacks on him and snippets from news articles.

The organization incorporated in November 2015 and its registered agent is North Rock Reports LLC, which shares an address with Vogels law firm in Warrenton, according to filings with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. And the registered agent for North Rock Reports is attorney Jason Torchinsky from Vogels firm.

Protect Americas Consumers can accept unlimited donations and has a policy of not providing the names of its donors to the public.

Any person or entity that contributes more than $5,000 to a Section 501(c)(4) organization must be disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 990, the organizations website says. However, the IRS does not make these donor disclosures available to the general public.

SCC records list GOP operative Dan Centinello as president of Protect Americas Consumers and Steve Gates as director. Centinellos biography on the website of the Lincoln Strategy Group consulting firm says hes the executive vice president there.

According to his office, hes currently based in Barcelona, Spain. Centinello did not respond to a message left Thursday, and Gates did not respond to an email sent Wednesday.

In 2011, a lawyer with Vogels firm helped a 501(c)(4) called Americans for Responsible Leadership incorporate in Arizona, and the firm continued representing it.

The California Attorney Generals Office and the California Fair Political Practices Commission filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit before the November 2012 election, asking for records after it gave an $11 million donation to a California campaign committee.

The investigation began after a complaint made by California Common Cause.

An investigation then showed that Americans for Responsible Leadership was an intermediary and not the true source of the donation, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission.

The true source of the $11 million donation and a $4.08 million donation, both made through intermediaries, was another tax-exempt organization called the Center to Protect Patient Rights, which is now called American Encore.

Under California law, the failure to disclose this initially was campaign money laundering, according to a 2012 news release from the state commission. At $11 million, this is the largest contribution ever disclosed as campaign money laundering in California history.

In 2013, the Center to Protect Patient Rights and Americans for Responsible Leadership agreed in a civil settlement to pay $1 million to the California general fund for failing to disclose the contributions, according to the state commission.

Vogel faces Democrat Justin Fairfax in the Nov. 7 election. Virginias part-time lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate when its in session and breaks tie votes on most issues, and the office is a potential steppingstone into the governors mansion.

Vogel herself came under withering attack by dark money advertising earlier this year in her GOP primary campaign against state Sen. Bryce E. Reeves, R-Spotsylvania. An anonymous advertising campaign directed people to a website called www.hillary ofthecommonwealth.com.

The website features an unflattering photo of Vogel and the phrase Just like Her, using the logo Hillary Clinton used in her failed Democratic presidential campaign last year.

Whoever funded the ads remains unclear.
A Georgia man accused of a felony assault in the Aug. 12 beating of a local man after a white nationalist rally was given a court-appointed attorney on Tuesday. He remains detained in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail pending a bond hearing.

Alex Michael Ramos, 33, is being held until he can meet with his court-appointed attorney. He is scheduled for an Oct. 12 hearing unless his attorney asks for a bond hearing prior to the date.

Judge Robert Downer, Jr. appointed local attorney Michael Hallahan to represent Ramos.

Ramos is charged with malicious wounding of local resident DeAndre Harris. Ramos surrendered to the Monroe County, Georgia, Sheriffs Office, where FBI agents and U.S. Marshals also were present, according to Monroe County sheriffs officials.

Harris assault was caught on video and has been widely shared on social media. The video shows the 20-year-old cornered in the parking garage, being beaten by six men who had attended the Aug. 12 rally in Emancipation Park.

Harris suffered a broken wrist and a head injury that required 10 staples, according to his attorney.

Ramos agreed to be extradited to Virginia.

In an interview with Atlanta TV station WGCL, Ramos said he hit Harris once and that others beat him with sticks and shields. He said he went into the incident in defensive mode.

Ramos also denies being part of a white nationalist group. He said he went to the event as a conservative in the interest of free speech.

Harris, a special education instructional assistant, attended the rally with friends to show his opposition to the white nationalist groups, his attorney said. When a member of Harris group got into an argument with a white supremacist, Harris stepped in to help and thats when the assault occurred.
DECATUR  The County Market at 1175 W. Grand Ave. will become a Save-a-Lot and Pet Supplies Plus, owner Niemann Foods Inc. confirmed Tuesday.

No date has been set for the opening of the stores.

According to Gerry Kettler, Niemann Foods director of consumer affairs, County Market associates were informed Tuesday of the conversion.

We are providing opportunities for the employees, he said.

Employees will be given opportunities to work for the new stores or transfer to other Niemann Foods-brand stores in the area, including the County Market on Pershing Road, he said.

Kettler said that with the addition of Pet Supplies Plus, changes are needed for the grocery business.

That changes the way we operate the grocery store, he said.

Save-A-Lot is full-service store with groceries, fresh produce and fresh meats, Kettler said.

Quincy-based Niemann Foods operates more than 100 grocery, pet food, hardware, pharmacies and gas stations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri.

Ground was broken on March 28, 2014, on the 38,000-square-foot County Market store and cost about $15 million to build. The store had its grand opening on Jan. 21, 2015.

Officials from the city, Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Niemann Foods attended the groundbreaking, which signified the city's efforts to revitalize the area.

Rich Niemann Jr., CEO and president of the company, said at the time that the new store would look different and offer different opportunities than the city's other County Market on Pershing Avenue. The store includes a mezzanine area where people can sit to eat the store's prepared offerings, as well as a drive-through Caribou Coffee shop.

This store is going to be very unique in the market, Niemann said during the ground-breaking ceremony. I think people are going to be excited when they see it."

The Decatur City Council in May 2013 approved a tax increment financing district for the area that includes the new store, as well as a triangle of land to the north and some property to the northeast on Oakland Avenue.

The city also used money from an Environmental Protection Agency grant to provide some help with assessment and cleanup. The site had formerly housed a gas station and dry cleaning business, two types of businesses that are often perceived to create environmental hazards.
BUENA VISTA  Virginias fall campaign season stepped off Monday at the annual Labor Day Parade and Festival, but the top of the Democratic ticket was largely absent.

Republican candidates and supporters made much of the change from past years.

Im sorry Lt. Gov. (Ralph S.) Northam decided not to be here today and broke a long-standing bipartisan tradition, said the GOP candidate for governor, Ed Gillespie, in a speech after the parade. I am glad to be here with you today.

Gillespie promised that if elected, he will focus on economic growth and boosting prosperity by reducing taxes. He was joined by state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, and John Adams, who is running for attorney general.

Northam, the Democratic nominee for governor, attended a 7:30 a.m. breakfast sponsored by the Buena Vista Democratic Committee, but skipped the parade and speeches.

Democratic hopefuls Justin Fairfax, who is the candidate for lieutenant governor, and Mark R. Herring, the incumbent attorney general, also attended the breakfast but left before the parade. The group traveled in helicopters and had previously released a Labor Day schedule of events planned across the state.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, joined them at the breakfast. Deeds stayed for the parade.

Northam was asked at the breakfast what he would say to people in Buena Vista, who wouldnt see him at Mondays other events.

Its all about our economy, and weve done a lot of great work over the years  again, bringing in 200,000 jobs, Northam said of his work with Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. Were going to put a lot of focus on rural Virginia.

Old Dominion voters will go to the polls on Nov. 7 in what is widely regarded as a referendum on the first months of Republican Donald Trumps presidency. Virginia was the only Southern state Trump lost in 2016.

The parade and speeches by both parties in Buena Vista  a Blue Ridge city about an hour northeast of Roanoke  are a long tradition leading up to the November election. But the public events Monday were dominated by the GOP.

Republican signs lined the parade route and covered the grounds of Glen Maury Park. Inside the park pavilion, where candidates gave their stump speeches, Republican supporters held signs that read No Show Northam and chanted the phrase between speakers.

Buena Vista resident Missy Brown, who described herself as a Democrat-turned-independent, said she was on the fence about who she would support for governor.

I vote for the person, said Brown, who attended the parade with her dog, Prince. I try to vote for whoever is going to do the best job.

Im just looking for an honest person, she added.

Asked what message Democratic candidates were sending by skipping the parade, Brown said: Not a very good one.

But some Democrats defended the decision to campaign in other parts of the state.

I think its important for people to look at what the candidates are going to do for you, not whether they marched, said Pat Thomas, a Rockbridge County Democrat.

Thomas pointed to issues such as health insurance. Those with good, full-time jobs have coverage, but if they lose their jobs, they lose their access to health care, she said.

The Democratic candidates all expressed support Monday for the expansion of Medicaid to cover the poorest Virginians under the Obama-era Affordable Care Act.

Vogel and other Republicans said they would support policies that expand coverage through increased competition in the insurance market.
The flooding in Texas has been biblical in proportions. Houston was particularly hard-hit. Officials say nearly 40,000 area homes have been destroyed  and only around 17 percent of affected homeowners carried flood insurance.

As the waters begin to recede, the future looks grim for flood victims returning to survey the devastation. Lost homes, lost wages, and lost vehicles mean enormous expenses for families who were evacuated with only the clothes on their backs. Even with FEMA assistance and private aid (with which Americans have been overwhelmingly generous), parents will be struggling for years to keep roofs overhead and food on the table for their children.

The recent announcement from the Houston Independent School District that it will provide three meals a day to every student in its system during the 2017-2018 school year was undoubtedly received with grateful relief by parents. The decision to provide the free meals was made possible when the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture agreed to waive the application process for the National School Lunch/Breakfast program. The free meals will begin as soon as schools reopen.
Our country has long been admired as a place where ordinary people can succeed by working hard and playing by the rules. But the American Dream is under assault by a government that rewards the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of the average citizen, leading 72 percent of Americans to believe that the economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful.

Few things contribute more to this sentiment than our nations broken tax code.

The last major code overhaul was during the Reagan administration, and in the years since it has become increasingly complex, burdensome to taxpayers, and riddled with special-interest loopholes. Our sky-high corporate income tax alone is estimated to have cost the United States up to 3 million jobs.

Fortunately, relief is in sight. With both Congress and the president united around the need for tax reform, we have a real chance to level the playing field and unleash economic growth that will benefit all Americans.

To start with, legislators can eliminate the billions in subsidies, special deductions and other loopholes that lobbyists have managed to sneak into the tax code for their powerful clients.

The government makes up for this revenue by shifting the burden onto others, including future taxpayers through excessive borrowing that will eventually have to be paid back.

Besides restoring fairness, eliminating special deductions will help cut down on the tax codes maddening complexity.

Americans spend more than 6 billion hours per year simply trying to comply with the tax code, and 90 percent of us resort to using tax preparation software or hiring a tax preparer. But even the professionals struggle to follow the law.

In a 2006 study, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) had mock tax returns prepared at 19 different tax preparers.

The GAO found that only 2 of 19 tax returns showed the correct refund amount, and in both of those visits the paid preparer made mistakes that did not affect the final refund amount. In five cases, the preparer miscalculated the tax refund by nearly $2,000.

Individuals and businesses alike would benefit from a simpler code, and that can be achieved by cutting out deductions, reducing the number of income brackets, and eliminating the alternative minimum tax, originally aimed at the highest earners but increasingly affecting the middle class.

Moreover, all Americans would gain from lower tax rates.

Besides allowing families and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money, cutting taxes would produce a stronger and more competitive economy.

Our 35 percent corporate income tax  the highest in the industrialized world  encourages businesses to invest abroad and leave American workers behind. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that domestic workers bear more than 70 percent of the corporate tax burden.

A fairer, simpler, and less burdensome tax code is key to unrigging our economy. These same principles should be applied here in Virginia, where outdated and uncompetitive tax laws are taking their toll on workers.

This year, Virginias tax climate fell from 29th in the nation to 33rd  well behind our neighbors like North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Economic growth has been sluggish, and for the past three years, more people have moved out of Virginia than have moved in.

At both the state and the national level, Virginians need relief.

Fixing our tax laws will spur growth and help attract jobs back from other countries and other states.

It will also help restore the belief that in our country, everyone has a fair shot at earning success.
Whenever I meet Richmond Public Schools students, I dont see a statistic or a stereotype. I see precious potential: future college graduates, future tradespeople, future artists, future parents, future community leaders.

I tell them they owe it to themselves to do everything they can to develop that potential, and to never let anyone tell them, You cant do this.

But we as policymakers and community members in the city of Richmond owe something to our children as well. We owe it to them to implement a concerted plan to improve our schools and expand the opportunities available to our children. We owe them action.

The first step is all of us agreeing to work together on our shared goals. Thats why my administration invested so much effort in creating the RVA Education Compact, which was unanimously adopted by City Council and the School Board last month.

Through the compact, we recognize that everyone has a role to play in helping children succeed. Richmond Public Schools bear responsibility for providing quality instruction in well-run schools to all children.

The city of Richmond and our community partners have responsibility for making sure more children have strong after-school opportunities, that more parents are being connected to jobs and economic stability, and that all children get the support services they need.

Finally, the city and the Commonwealth of Virginia together have responsibility for supporting these needs financially.

We have set the framework in place. Now its time to act, together.

We have already discussed with School Board leadership the importance of the board taking action to approve a long-term facilities plan involving both the construction of new facilities and the consolidation of existing buildings, similar to the Option Five laid out by the Schools Facilities Task Force in 2015.

Once that plan has been presented and vetted, I will instruct my administration to develop a plan to fund the first phase of the needed investment over the next five years. All policy options to achieve that goal will be on the table, and will be vetted through the Education Compact process prior to presentation of a formal proposal in next years budget process.

I am also committed to making the needed investments to support our children inside and outside the classroom. We can all agree that the academic progress of our schools is not acceptable. The School Boards memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Department of Education establishes a baseline of needed progress to improve the quality of instruction and learning in each of our schools, including accountability targets, in the coming years.

Funding that action plan, once it is developed by the School Board, will be another major priority in my administrations forthcoming budgets. I am also committed to working with community stakeholders to assure that Richmond schools get stronger support at the state level.

But we also know that we cannot address the needs of schools in isolation from those of the larger community, where 40 percent of our kids live in poverty. I am committed to establishing and working to fund a robust out-of-school time initiative that ensures that all students K-12 have access to a quality after-school program that provides enrichment activities while reinforcing academic goals. We also must continue our efforts to reduce poverty outright by moving parents into full-time employment and providing work training opportunities for our older youth.

I will not lie to you and suggest that this can be accomplished overnight, as much as we would like it to happen. The fact is, our aging facilities, depleted staffing and at-risk student population issues have developed over decades, and they will take years to fix. But my promise to you is that we will begin the fix. And this upcoming budget cycle must be the year that policymakers in Richmond step up to the plate to start writing a new story for Richmonds schools.

Showing we are serious in working together to meet our long-standing needs will also help attract additional needed support and investment from the General Assembly as well as our business and philanthropic partners. My challenge to the broader community is to support the city in these difficult initial steps.

We ask our teachers and staff to work as hard as they can to ensure learning, growth, and the development of young people well-prepared for the future. Our task as policymakers is to work hard together to make sure those teachers, students, and families have all the resources and support they need to be successful.

RPS students have already waited too long. They are the future of our city, and their success will be the best and most important barometer of our communitys progress. This is the year we must make it happen.
Hurricane Irma strengthened into one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record late Tuesday, and the storm will slam the Leeward Islands and graze Puerto Rico late Wednesday as it continues moving northwest.

The National Hurricane Center expects Irma to remain a major hurricane over the next five days, and by the weekend it will be positioned somewhere around Cuba, the Bahamas or South Florida.

Beyond that time, it is still far from certain whether Irma would have any direct impact on the weather in North Carolina and Virginia early next week.

The latest

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Irma had sustained winds of 185 mph and was centered about 10 miles southwest of Anguilla.

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1:47 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Irma reached the rare Category 5 threshold on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale on Tuesday morning.

Irmas sustained winds are the strongest measured in any Atlantic hurricane in more than a decade, and 5 mph short of being the highest on record.

Only four Atlantic hurricanes had sustained winds that high or higher: Wilma in 2005, Gilbert in 1988, Allen in 1980 and the Labor Day hurricane in the Florida Keys in 1935.

Very likely to happen (Updated Wednesday morning)

Irmas track over the next three days is very clear now, and it will remain a powerful Category 4 or 5 hurricane as it moves west-northwest

The eye of Irma is likely to track over British Virgin Islands on Wednesday afternoon with 175 mph winds.

Hurricane-force winds will extend about 50 mph away from the eye and affect the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, though they could be spared from the storm's most intense winds.

The eye of Irma will probably stay just off the northern coast of Puerto Rico instead of making a direct landfall on the island.

Irma will continue moving northwest on Thursday and remain over water just to the north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Hurricane warnings are now in effect for the northern coast of the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and hurricane watches extend west into the Bahamas, Haiti and Cuba.

Moderately likely

Its now more likely than not that Irma will affect the Bahamas, Cuba and South Florida over the weekend.

By Saturday and Sunday, the center of Irma is forecast to be in Straits of Florida between Miami and Havana, though the margin of error could put it anywhere in the Bahamas, South Florida or Cuba.

The exact position of the center will determine where the truly disastrous winds will be experienced, but heavy rain, large waves and at least tropical storm-force winds are a strong possibility for that entire region.

Irma will remain a major hurricane  Category 3 or higher  for the foreseeable future, but expect to see some fluctuations.

Hurricanes of Irmas caliber are rare, but they still usually oscillate between Category 4 and 5 intensity.

It probably wont stay at the Category 5 level uninterrupted for several days.

Dont read too much into talk of weakening if Irma goes back to being a Category 4 at some point, because it could just as well restrengthen the next day in this kind of environment.

Even a Category 3 hurricane approaching that region with 115 mph winds would be extremely dangerous.

Still unclear

What happens beyond Sunday is still hazy. Once Irma arrives in the vicinity of South Florida, it will probably start moving farther to the north.

The question is the angle of that northward movement: Does Irma swing northwest into the Gulf of Mexico, drive right through the Florida peninsula, or curve up the East Coast?

A direct strike on the coastline of South Carolina or North Carolina is a possibility, but it is just one of many that are still on the table. By Thursday or Friday, we ought to have a clearer picture of where Irma goes beyond South Florida.

If the storm were to take a track that affects any part of the Carolinas or Virginia, it could be in the Tuesday-to-Wednesday time frame of next week.

For people with interests along the coastline of the Carolinas: Review your hurricane plan and be ready to take action late this week if the forecast starts to look worse.

It may or may not trend closer, but remain aware.

For Richmond and the inland parts of Virginia, theres no reason to be alarmed.

An indirect effect for this area  like some remnant rainfall  is a growing possibility for the early-to-middle part of next week but not guaranteed.

Unlikely

Unfortunately, there are no longer viable scenarios where Irma misses the United States entirely. Some direct or indirect impacts look inevitable for parts of the southeast, but the exact details are to be determined.

Elsewhere in the tropics

Tropical Storm Jose formed in the eastern Atlantic on Tuesday, but it will probably not follow Irmas exact path. Though it may strengthen into a hurricane, it is destined to make a curve to the north and head for the open ocean after brushing to the east of the Leeward Islands this weekend.

Tropical Storm Katia developed in the western Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Unlike Harvey, this storm will gradually drift south toward Mexico by the weekend instead of spinning north toward Texas.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
One conservative estimate calculates that construction and operation of the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline could increase the sediment load in the Roanoke River by 2 percent.

That would translate to about 1,039 more tons of sediment per year  and the potential for the city of Roanoke spending tens of millions of dollars more on erosion and sediment controls and managing storm water to improve the Roanoke River.

That scenario raised hackles Tuesday among members of Roanoke City Council.

Somebody is going to have to deal with the consequences of not meeting the stormwater requirements, said Councilman Bill Bestpitch. And it looks like to me that a big part of that somebody is going to be the city of Roanoke because whatever goes into the river upstream of us ends up affecting us.

During a briefing for the council Tuesday, Dwayne DArdenne, the citys storm water utility manager, advised that the 2 percent estimate is likely low.

He said the figure, cited by a consultant to Mountain Valley, emerged from a study that focused on erosion and sediment along sections of the pipeline route through the Jefferson National Forest.

DArdenne noted that large portions of the Roanoke River watershed that could be crossed by the pipeline were not included in that study.

Sediment that settles in streams can smother aquatic life and transport bacteria and industrial pollutants like PCBs.

The city noted in a letter to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality that the inevitable increase in sediment associated with the pipeline would severely impact the federally endangered Roanoke logperch.

Federal and state agencies mandate that the city control and eliminate stormwater pollution. In 2013, Roanoke approved a utility fee to raise money to improve the citys stormwater system and started collecting the fee from property owners in July 2014.

DArdenne said the DEQ has estimated that the city will need to spend about $100 million on best management practices to reduce annual sediment loads in the Roanoke River as the city continues its quest to clean up the river.

He said that calculation suggests it would cost another $36 million for similar practices that could keep pipeline-related sediment out of the river.

If Mountain Valley doesnt cover those costs, he said, then someone downstream might be stuck with them.

Councilman Ray Ferris said DEQ must do its job and protect streams along the pipeline route. And if Mountain Valleys project increases sediment in the Roanoke River, he said, the company should be responsible for any related costs.

If approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the 42-inch diameter, 303-mile buried pipeline would pass through the Roanoke Rivers watershed in Montgomery and Roanoke counties as it transports natural gas at high pressure from Wetzel County, West Virginia, to another pipeline in Pittsylvania County.

No one disputes that the project would add sediment to the Roanoke River watershed. The pipeline would cross tributaries to the river more than 100 times and also trench through the river itself about 1.2 miles upstream from the intake for the Spring Hollow Reservoir, a regional source of drinking water.

The potential for increased sediment loads would be especially high during construction.

A 125-foot-wide construction right-of-way would be cleared of trees and other vegetation that serve to reduce runoff into creeks that feed the north and south forks of the Roanoke River.

There would be trenching and blasting. Heavy equipment would compact soils. The pipelines route would travel steep slopes where soils are already susceptible to erosion.

According to a report by Environmental Solutions & Innovations, a consultant hired by the pipeline company, increased sediment loads associated with project construction are likely to continue downstream [in the Roanoke River] until the sediment is arrested behind the first dam (i.e. Niagara Dam) or is deposited into Smith Mountain Lake.

DEQ is requiring Mountain Valley to submit construction plans that are being reviewed by a consultant for erosion and sediment controls and stormwater management.

Mountain Valley has submitted plans for one construction segment that the consultant found to be deficient. The company has not submitted plans yet for the sections that would affect the Roanoke River watershed.

DEQ pushed back the deadline for comments about Mountain Valleys erosion and sediment controls from Oct. 13 to Oct. 22.

The city has asked DEQ to give it 60 days to comment after Mountain Valley submits the construction plans for the two segments crossing through the Roanoke River watershed.

Without those plans, we cannot adequately assess the risk to our community, the city observed in a letter to DEQ last month.

In addition, the city asked DEQ to insist on comprehensive water quality monitoring of streams before, during and after construction, as well as monitoring of stormwater discharges.

Regional environmental watchdogs Diana Christopulos and Rupert Cutler observed DArdennes briefing, which did not express a position pro or con about the pipeline, and councils reactions.

I think its really good that the city is stepping up and protecting its citizens, Christopulos said.

The city of Roanoke should not have to deal with the consequences of pipeline construction when they are so predictable, so negative and do not lend themselves to mitigation, Cutler said in an email.

He noted that DEQ could stop the project outright by rejecting Mountain Valleys application for water quality certification.

The governor and his DEQ should stand up for the rights  and the pocketbooks  of potentially affected citizens and proactively use scientific data to justify a decision to deny the required Clean Water Act permits, he said.
Tom Carr and his wife, Becky, had some friends over to their South Roanoke home for a fine dinner the other night. Theyre all retired now. One was a local businessman. Another worked as a railroad engineer. Carr, 68, used to be the director of planning for the city of Roanoke. He pulled the career plug in 2012.

During the evening they got to reminiscing about gastronomic adventures of young adulthood.

More often than not, those forays were on the cheap, out of necessity. They included truck stops, diners and other places where the menus were loaded with inexpensive, down-home fare.

Carr mentioned items like chicken-fried steak, pork chops, country ham, red-eye gravy, rice and beans, and green beans seasoned with bacon (or ham). And other stuff physicians often advise you to avoid eating regularly.

Remember those joints?

Some had matronly waitresses wearing white dresses (almost like old nurse uniforms)with black aprons. And short-order cooks who wielded a spatula and a spoon like a skilled martial artist. They could whip together a dozen rib-sticking meals all at once, hardly breaking a sweat.

Anyway, before the night was over, Carr and his cohorts had hit upon a plan. It was for a weekly crawl to rediscover those breakfasts, lunches and dinners they ate in the days before they got married.

We admire your fine sensibilities and judgment, and would appreciate any suggestions you may have, he wrote me in an email. There was one caveat: We are not thinking of the Texas Tavern, Carr added. Noted.

The next morning he and I were on the phone.

Like me, Carr is a native of upstate New York. And like me, hes been moving south most of his life. (His last move, from Hickory, North Carolina, to Roanoke, was about 10 years ago. Yes, that was headed north, but it kept him below the Mason-Dixon Line.)

Heres his question, a bit refined: Where are some restaurants we could eat the way our moms used to cook 40 years ago? Carr asked. All the tasty foods when we couldnt afford better  those places have gone away.

To a large extent, hes right. The Roanoke Valley probably has more restaurants than ever  there are many demographic reasons for that. But cheap, home-style southern cooking joints havent necessarily benefited from the trend to eat out more often.

Remember the old Boiler Room, downtown? I dont  I think it closed before I moved to Roanoke. But Ive heard so many stories about the place I almost feel like I recall it. Or how about Ernies on Market Street? And the Little Chef, on Williamson Road?

The latter closed in 2012, the same year Tudors Biscuit World on Church Avenue shut its doors. Both were huge blows on the home-cooking, cheap-eats scene.

Another big loss was Angelos Restaurant in Vinton, my favorite area eatery. A Mexican version of the sort of place Carr is looking for, it closed in February when proprietor Angel Linares and his wife, Elvia, were fatally injured in a tragic auto accident on their way to work one morning. That was just before their 30th anniversary in business.

Carr wants to know the down-home places that remain, where the fare is tasty and it wont put a hurting on your wallet. Do you readers have suggestions? If so, drop me an email and well review some in a future column. Before you do so, please consider the criteria below.

Carr isnt necessarily limiting the selection to places that serve southern-style food. Distinctive ethnic food is fine, too.

Ideally, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but Carr will settle for merely lunch and dinner. Im going to mention a few breakfast-lunch joints, too, because there are some worth noting.

Heres the non-negotiable criteria:

First, the place has to be inexpensive. That would be a lunch for under $10 and dinners for $15 or less. The lower the prices, the better.

Second, it must be a mom-and-pop place. That rules out all fast-food joints, and chains like Dennys, IHOP and Waffle House, too. (It probably also excludes Famous Anthonys, a local chain thats a favorite of many.)

Finally, they dont have to be situated in Roanoke-Roanoke County-Salem. Somewhat out-of-the-way, semi-distant places would be fine.

Email your suggestions to dan.casey@roanoke.com. PLEASE explain what makes the place youve nominated special. And include your name and locality.

Here are handful of places I suggested to Carr, either because Ive been there myself, or friends have raved about them, or they appear interesting. Some accept only cash  you might want to give them a call to find out before you head there.

Aesys, at 505 Campbell Avenue SW in Roanoke, has been around for decades and has many fans. I know theyre open for breakfast and lunch; unsure about dinner. Its been so long since Ive eaten there that I cant remember the meal. But regulars rave about their fried bologna, egg and cheese sandwiches. Its definitely a home-style place  no pretentions whatsoever.

Libbys, at the corner of Salem Avenue and 12th Street SW, may take the cake for the old-timey place in town. Ive never eaten there  the only time I tried I didnt have cash, and was out of luck. But Ive peered in its windows many times, in awe of the old fixtures and early 1960s ambiance. They serve breakfast and lunch and I hope to try it soon.

The Greenwood Restaurant on U.S. 11 in Troutville is another place Ive never been. But friends have raved about it for years. The word is, they have the best fried chicken in the region.

The Roanoker on Colonial Avenue is no diner, but it belongs on any short list of home-style restaurants in the Star City. The venerable and popular restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and accepts plastic.

The Pink Cadillac Diner also on U.S. 11 just north of I-81s Exit 180 (Natural Bridge/Fancy Hill) is a place Ive stopped a time or two. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Theres a selection of burgers (including the Elvis Burger). And for $9, they have dinner plates of meatloaf and chicken-fried steak.

So there are five places, Tom  four if you and your pals have already done The Roanoker (most folks in town have).

Stay tuned for more suggestions from readers.
LINCOLN  A Missouri truck driver has been arrested on a preliminary charge of reckless homicide in connection with a July 2016 six-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Logan County.

A Logan County warrant was issued for Taven Webster, 25, of Reeds, Missouri, who was arrested Saturday at the Berry County Jail in Missouri. He is expected back in Logan County this week.

At 3:02 p.m. on July 31, 2016, Illinois State Police said a semitruck driven by Webster was traveling north on Interstate 55 near Atlanta in a construction zone when it struck a northbound van driven by David Roock, 40, of Chicago.

The force of the crash caused a chain reaction, police said, and the van struck an SUV, two cars and a pickup truck.

Two children in the van, Abby Roock, 2, and her sister, Maya, 4, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third Roock child, Maddy, 7, was transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She survived.

Dave Roock, the father of the children, was taken to a Peoria hospital where he was admitted and treated for serious injuries.
RICHMOND  Virginia Democrats on Tuesday denounced President Donald Trumps move to end an immigration program that benefits the children of people who came to the United States illegally, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie said he wants Congress to find a legislative solution.

Trumps decision to phase out DACA  a program championed by President Barack Obama that allows an estimated 800,000 young undocumented immigrants to remain in the country  would affect roughly 12,000 Dreamers in Virginia, one of only two states with a gubernatorial election this fall.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday that the Trump administration plans to rescind DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, while allowing time for Congress to act on the program Sessions called an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws.

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee for governor, said Trumps decision tramples on the American dream, while Gillespie said he was holding out hope that Republican lawmakers in Washington will find a fix.

Im encouraged that Senator Tom Cotton and others say they are going to find a legislative solution to DACA, Gillespie said in a written statement. I dont believe that children should be punished for decisions that were not their own, but at the same time, it is important for us to enforce our laws. If an illegal immigrant commits a crime, he should be deported. And we should not allocate scarce tax dollars for in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, and provide them scarce slots at our public colleges and universities over Virginia citizens.

Cotton, R-Ark., has said he supports granting legal status to Dreamers while imposing sharp new immigration restrictions, including a Trump-backed plan to slash legal immigration in half within a decade.

Gillespie spokesman Davis Abrams said Gillespies comment was not endorsement of any specific bill.

In a statement, Northam called on Congress to pass clean legislation to preserve DACA, saying Dreamers should not be used as bargaining chips.

I strongly disagree with President Trumps decision to pull the rug out from under Dreamers who came out of the shadows to build a better life for themselves and their communities, Northam said. His decision lacks compassion, lacks moral sense, and lacks economic sense.

A handful of state attorneys general have threatened to sue the Trump administration over the DACA decision, but Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has not yet indicated whether he intends to pursue a legal challenge to preserve the program. In a statement, Herring reiterated his earlier defenses of DACA but did not mention possible litigation.

Instead of focusing on dangerous gang members and violent felons, the Trump administration will now be in the business of picking up and throwing out teenagers and young people who were brought here as children, have lived responsible, productive lives, and know no home but Virginia, Herring said.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe also criticized the ruling.

Todays decision will not make America great again  it will damage our economy, make us less safe and even further diminish our nations standing as a leader on the world stage. As the governor of a state where DREAMers make a significant contribution, I urge President Trump to reconsider this terrible decision and work with Congress to pass real immigration reform that will bring these young people out of the shadows for good.

Republican Corey Stewart, who narrowly lost the Republican gubernatorial nomination to Gillespie this year after promising to hunt down undocumented immigrants, took to Twitter to back Trump.

#DACA undermined the law under Obama, & weakens immigration law now. No deals, #NoAmnesty, #NoDACA, said Stewart, whos now angling to take on Sen. Tim Kaine in the states 2018 Senate race.

In a statement, Kaine urged Congress to save the program before pursuing a deal on comprehensive immigration reform.

Todays action will force DACA recipients back into the shadows and put them in danger of being deported from the only home theyve ever known, Kaine said.

The (Charlottesville) Daily Progress contributed to this report.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  Charlottesville city councilors on Tuesday evening will try getting back to business after an crowd took over their last meeting two weeks ago, chastising officials for failing to prevent a planned white nationalist rally.

Though questions remain about the citys preparations and police operations for the planned Aug. 12 rally and two earlier gatherings, the council Tuesday is expected to amend a resolution to clarify its support for removing city park statues of Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

In February, council voted 3-2 vote to remove the statues. Mayor Mike Signer and Kathy Galvin voted no, but changed their minds following the Aug. 12 rally.

As a compromise, the council unanimously passed a separate resolution in February to redesign Emancipation Park independent of the Lee statue.

The resolution, which is likely to be amended Tuesday, also called for Justice Parks redesign to include space for a memorial to those who were enslaved in the city.

The resolution to redesign the two parks made no mention of the Jackson statue in Justice Park.

Now, per the proposed amendments, the city is effectively voting to remove both statues, pending court decisions and/or changes in the Virginia Code.

Attorneys for a team of local plaintiffs who earlier sued the city following the councils decision to remove the Lee statue were back in court last week.

A six-month moratorium on moving the Lee statue that was issued in May remains in place, but Charlottesville Circuit Judge Richard Moore indicated again Friday that he considers the Lee statue to be a war memorial, which would mean it is protected by state law prohibiting the removal of war monuments.

Among other arguments, attorneys representing the city argue that the statue is not a war memorial. An official legal determination has yet to be made.

In addition to voting Tuesday on the two downtown parks, council

will talk about participating in a nationwide initiative to recognize victims of racial lynchings .

The council also plans to vote Tuesday to officially recognize March 3 as Liberation Day to commemorate when the city surrendered to Union forces on that day in 1865.

City staff is recommending the council approve the resolution to officially adopt Liberation Day. However, its observance would not be recognized as an official holiday in which city offices are closed.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis led the U.S. House of Representatives in a moment of silence Tuesday to honor 10 sailors who died onboard the USS John S. McCain last month, including Logan Palmer of Decatur.

Davis, a Taylorville Republican who had been in contact with the Palmer family while the 23-year-old was missing, read the name of each sailor and called on his fellow lawmakers to take a moment to honor them and pray for their families.

"The service and sacrifice of these brave men is not lost on this House and will always be remembered by the country they dedicated their lives to serve and protect," Davis said.

The sailors were killed when their Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer collided with the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Alnic MC on Aug. 21. The incident remains under investigation.

The Navy announced last week that all 10 sailors were posthumously promoted. Palmer, a 2012 Sangamon Valley High School graduate and Harristown native, was advanced to interior communications electrician second class. He had previously been third class.

The 550-mile-long Strait of Malacca, where the accident occurred, runs between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It connects the Pacific and Indian oceans and is one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes.

The collision ripped a gash in the McCain hull, flooding crew berths and machinery and communications rooms. The destroyer is now in port in Singapore.

The commander of the 7th Fleet was fired after four accidents this year raised questions about its operations.

Davis is scheduled to participate in a House Armed Services Committee hearing focused on Navy Readiness  Underlying Problems with the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

Witnesses include Rear Admiral Upper Half Ronald A. Boxall, Director Surface Warfare, U.S. Navy; Admiral Bill Moran, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy; and Mr. John H. Pendleton, Director, Defense Force Structure and Readiness Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
ASSUMPTION  Teaching middle school students a historical perspective isn't always easy, but Central A&M teacher Tricia Koonce knows that seeing history in person is a good start.

Every year, she chaperones the middle school trip, which alternates destinations between New York City and Washington, D.C. The idea is twofold, she said: to give the kids a wider worldview and travel outside their comfortable hometown, and to provide a perspective on history and world events that are happening all around them.

Living in a small town and going to school with mostly the same classmates from kindergarten through high school, it would be easy for students to miss out on that and would make it a little tougher to adjust when they grow up and go to college and work outside their comfort zone. Seeing Washington, in particular, helps the students appreciate history more when they study it more in depth in high school, because they'll have seen in person the things they will see again in photos in their textbooks.

It does give you perspective, said Cody Sloan, an eighth-grader. History will be more real to me now.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was among the places the students visited this year on their trip to Washington, D.C., in June.

The shoes is the first thing I think of, said Madison Hunter, who is a freshman at Central A&M High School this year.

The display she referred to is shoes of all sizes and shapes, taken from Jewish prisoners who were doomed to die. Knowing that people of all ages were included in that number, and seeing the shoes they wore in person, are entirely different things, Madison said, especially when she noticed that many of the shoes obviously belonged to children.

Most of the students have yet to study the Holocaust in-depth in school, and some were only aware that Germany built concentration camps in an attempt to exterminate the Jewish people. At the entrance to the museum, visitors are issued ID cards, with the names and history of specific victims of the Holocaust and that person's ultimate fate, if it's known.

It was hard to see what people went through, said Marissa Snearly, an eighth-grader.

Above the shoes display are these words by Yiddish poet Moses Schulstein:

We are the shoes, we are the last witnesses. We are shoes from grandchildren and grandfathers from Prague, Paris and Amsterdam, and because we are only made of fabric and leather and not of blood and flesh, each one of us avoided the hellfire.

Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns was sobering for many of the students as well. No one had to tell them to fall silent. The atmosphere and dignity of the site did that.

I really wanted to see what was there and what you could learn about everything that was there (in Washington), said Makenzie Smith, an eighth-grader. My favorite was the Arlington (National) Cemetery and the changing of the guard.

Rainey Mitsdarffer has relatives who have served in the military, and Arlington is her most vivid memory of the trip as well. Most of them died in World War II, and that was really touching for me, to see the (graves of) people who died for our country.

One especially sobering visit was the the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where the students took a rubbing of the name of Capt. Joe Smith, whose remains were recently returned to his hometown of Assumption and honored with a parade and memorial services.

Smith was a fighter pilot who was shot down in Cambodia in April 1971. The students took the rubbing and when they brought it home, presented it to the Assumption Veterans of Foreign Wars post, which has a display dedicated to Smith.

Seeing Washington was not like other "tourist" destinations, Cody Sloan said.

Everyone was solemn and somber at all the memorials, he said. Most of them knew it was not a place where you go to have fun, but that people had risked their lives so that you could have your freedoms. A lot of people knew it was not something to mess around at.
DECATUR  Decatur Councilwoman Lisa Gregory will not run in next years race to replace outgoing state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, she said Tuesday.

In a statement, Gregory said poor timing in both her political and personal life prevented her from seeking to represent the 101st House District.

While it saddens me to set aside my dream at this time, I am at peace with this decision, she said.  I want to take this opportunity to thank those that have provided support to me through the assessment process by prayer and words of wisdom. I will continue to diligently represent the interests of Decatur residents through service on the City Council.

Gregory was among the 37 full-time and part-time employees at Richland Community College who were either laid off or offered buyouts this spring. She said she has been looking for a job in Decatur for eight months, and that continues to be a top priority.

Gregory's announcement came as former Decatur City Councilman Dan Caulkins said Tuesday he would announce his candidacy for the seat at an event Thursday in Decatur. Caulkins served on the council from 2005 to 2009 and is an Eastern Illinois University trustee.

Mitchell, who has served in the House since 1999, announced Aug. 3 that he would not seek re-election. Since then, multiple potential candidates publicly expressed interest in running for the seat.

The district, considered heavily favorable for a Republican candidate, contains parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.

In addition to Caulkins, Cerro Gordo School Board President Todd Henricks announced his intent to run on Aug. 10.

Joe Alexander, a Clinton resident who recently served as mid-state coordinator for Donald Trumps presidential campaign, has previously said he has 'strong interest' in running. Both Piatt County Board Chairman Randy Keith and DeWitt County Republican Party Chairman Dustin Peterson also have said they are considering a run.

In her statement, Gregory said she was concerned after learning that two groups had already chosen a candidate to support: the House Republican Organization, the official campaign arm to fund GOP candidates, and the Illinois Opportunity Project, a nonprofit founded by prominent Republican fundraiser and talk radio host Dan Proft.

It causes me great concern that upwards of one million dollars will be spent in this district destroying the reputations of those other than their chosen candidate, she wrote.

Gregory declined further comment when asked Tuesday evening. Representatives from the House Republican Organization or the Illinois Opportunity Project could not be reached for comment.

When asked about Gregorys statement, Macon County Republican Party Chairman Bruce Pillsbury said he did not know who the so-called "chosen candidate" could be, adding he was not privy to any discussions from those organizations.

Pillsbury said the local party would not endorse any candidate as he feels many who have expressed interest would make a great representative for the district.

We just want to stay out of it and let the best candidate win, he said.

Read Gregory's full statement below:

To All -

Traditionally Labor Day weekend is a time when a political candidate will make public their intention to run for election. Since Bill Mitchells announcement that he would not seek re-election my name has been circulated as a potential candidate. Many of you know I have always wanted to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Over the last several months I have taken the time to seriously assess my capacity to serve this district. While I know this district and its needs well and believe that I have the knowledge, skills, and talent to represent the people of 101st district both in the district and in Springfield, the one hurdle I cannot overcome is that of timing, both personally and politically.

On January 13, 2017, I received a phone call informing me that my position as Executive Director of Public Information and Chief of Staff at Richland Community College was being eliminated immediately due to several years of declining enrollment and the lack of State funding in 2015 and 2016. My first priority for the past 8 months has been to find employment. I continue to seek opportunities that would provide a job in Decatur.

Additionally, I learned last week that the House Republican Organization and the Illinois Opportunity Project have reached a consensus on the candidate they will support in the 101st district. It causes me great concern that upwards of one million dollars will be spent in this district destroying the reputations of those other than their chosen candidate.

For these reasons I have decided not to seek election to the Illinois House of Representatives. While it saddens me to set aside my dream at this time, I am at peace with this decision. I want to take this opportunity to thank those that have provided support to me through the assessment process by prayer and words of wisdom. I will continue to diligently represent the interests of Decatur residents through service on the City Council.

If voters in Illinois are truly serious about changing our States economic and political environment, I would encourage them to become an active participant in the democratic process. Voters need to do their own research on candidates and not simply believe every mailer, television and radio advertisement, or information disseminated from their state political party. Voters should be asking candidates what type of plan they would propose or support that: pays $14.6 billion in unpaid bills; cuts a $6 billion deficit; reduces a $130 billion pension liability; and, defines the States moral and service obligations. Voters also need to understand that the individuals elected in November 2018 will never realize in their lifetime the solutions to the problems listed above; however, may only be able to establish a framework that moves Illinois in the right direction.

Please join me in becoming an active participant in our democratic process. It is a process that only works when we do our part.
The Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of its newest gallery show, Something Old, Something New, featuring the watercolor and acrylic paintings of Frank Herzog. The gallery will celebrate the opening with a reception for Herzog on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 pm.

Originally from the northeast, Herzog now calls Radford his home. He displayed an interest in art from an early age. As a child, he would handle the long, cold winter days of eastern Pennsylvania by drawing.

His teachers and family encouraged him to pursue his artistic interests, a passion that he has to this day. Eventually he found watercolors, teaching himself to manage this flexible and dynamic medium. Family obligations and changing interests made Herzog put his creativity on the proverbial back burner, but for many years now he has painted continuously.

Herzog believes his watercolors are his strongest suit, yet he continues to experiment with other media. Most recently he has been working with acrylic on canvas and board. Herzog has displayed in many local galleries and juried shows. He has even had a work purchased for display at the Lance Corporation headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For his show at the Glencoe Mansion, Herzog chose the name Something Old, Something New because it is a showing of older works, some never displayed before, and his newest creations.

I paint because I love it, Herzog said, the creativity of it, the solitude of me, my brushes and my paints. In a sense, its an escape from the information age, the craziness and complications of the fast-paced, computer-driven world we live in. If you view my paintings, I hope you will see and feel the serenity, peacefulness and solitude I try to create.

Everyone is welcome to attend the art opening. There is no admission charge. Something Old, Something New will be on display through the end of October.

Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery is located at 600 Unruh Drive in Radford. For information, call 731-5031 or email info@glencoemuseum.org.

 Submitted by Scott Gardner
Kroger pharmacies are partnering with Feeding America to help feed the hungry this flu season. For every flu shot administered at a Kroger pharmacy, the company is donating one meal through the Feeding America network of food banks.

The shots are administered by certified pharmacists. No appointments are necessary at Kroger pharmacies. All pharmacies are open every day, but hours vary. Visit Kroger.com for the hours at your local store.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu shot for all people age 6 months and older. Many insurance plans cover the cost, and Kroger accepts Medicare.

Kroger also offers Fluzone HD for patients 65 and older. Fluzone HD offers better protection against influenza for patients 65 and up since it contains four times more antigen than the regular flu vaccine, according to Chris Koon, pharmacy manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Kroger operates 119 pharmacies in the Mid-Atlantic, which includes Virginia, as well as West Virginia, North Carolina, northeast Tennessee, southern Ohio and the Ashland, Kentucky, area.

Kroger pharmacies also provide on-site flu clinics for workplaces and businesses. For information about the Kroger workplace flu program, visit www.kroger.com/workplaceflu.

 Submitted by John Lambert
The letter ("No more money for military") by Debora F. Warren in The Roanoke Times Aug. 24 was excellent. Few of us realize that the money spent on our military since WWII has done very little except keep our economy rolling along. We have not won a war since WWII.

The book by Bevin Alexander, "Korea: The First War We Lost," explains in detail how thoroughly we were trounced by the Chinese from Oct. 25 1950 (the day became known as Shock beyond belief) until July of 1953.

Page 484 states the aftermath.: The failure of the United States to win the Korean War so profoundly disturbed American leaders that they spent much effort over the next two decades attempting to hurt Red China, the country which had prevented victory."

Page 485: Most frustrating of all was the realization that the Red Chinese with pitifully poor weapons and a laughably primitive supply system had halted the United States, the most powerful nation on earth with a glittering array of modern technology, sophisticated industry and advanced weapons."

Then we get involved in Vietnam, another country on the border of China. Adding to that, we attack Afghanistan and Iraq, which had nothing to do with 9-11. Training for the attack was done in Florida. George W. Bush calls for a crusade and plans on giving them freedom, liberty, and democracy. Now Donald Trump calls for more in Afghanistan. As Country Joe McDonald sang at Woodstock in 1969,  Come on all you big strong men, Uncle Sams got himself in a big ole jam way down yonder in Afghanistan.

W. HAYWOOD WEBB

ROANOKE
TUSCOLA  A Tuscola man was injured when his motorcycle was involved in a crash on U.S. 45 at Northline Road at 6 a.m. Monday morning, the Illinois State Police said.

Police said Jeffrey E. Marker, 53, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, but did not have any further information on his condition Tuesday afternoon.

Police said James E. Kleiss, 66, of Tuscola, was driving south on U.S. 45 in his Ford Edge and turned east (left) onto Northline Road, into the path of Marker, who was traveling north on U.S. 45. Marker collided with the passenger side of Kleiss' SUV and was thrown from his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.

Police cited Kleiss for failure to yield  left turn.
DECATUR  No serious storm damage was reported Monday evening after a storm swept through the area, according to the Macon County Sheriff's Department and Decatur Fire Department.

The National Weather Service at Lincoln had issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 6 p.m. for parts of Macon, Piatt, Shelby and Moultrie counties. Hazards from the storm include quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

The weather service did not predict rain for the rest of the week. On Tuesday, the forecast calls for sunny weather with a high near 74 degrees.
Four years after Yerevan announced its intention to join the Russian-led Customs Union (now Eurasian Economic Union - EAEU), the consequences of the move are still haunting Armenia.

The basis of Armenias declared multi-vector foreign policy has been shattered. The 3 September 2013 U-turn put a halt to the Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union that Armenia was supposed to sign two months later. Apart from the long-term economic benefits, the Agreement with the EU was meant to balance Armenias over-reliance on Russia.

The EU integration path enjoyed a broad consensus across Armenias political and civil society spectrum during the course of almost four-year-long negotiations with Brussels. That consensus swiftly turned into a polarization following the U-turn, amidst the fallout between the West and Russia and the inevitability of a choice for Armenia. Events in Ukraine deepened this polarization in political and public discourse in Armenia. Much-needed debates over Armenias interests were eclipsed by the hybrid war between Ukraine and Russia and the geopolitics of Western-Russia contention.

Amidst the domestic and foreign polarization, Armenias decision makers chose to justify the turnabout and pretended that no policy change had happened. Armenia spent almost four years in an attempt to control the damage done to the relations with the EU and sign a new, watered-down agreement.

It is an open secret that the U-turn was a decision based on thinly veiled threats from Moscow that Yerevan would not be able to rely on Russian security guarantees if it were to sign the EU agreement. Armenias decision makers tried to solve this strategic dilemma with logic typical to Armenian foreign policy in general -- short-term solutions without long-term planning. But while presumably neutralizing the immediate security threats, Armenia has acquired a new set of strategic setbacks that are not easy to solve.

As a result, Armenia has depleted the legitimacy of its multi-vector foreign policy, drawn doubts on its ability to make sovereign decisions, and lost its international credibility. Across the board, Armenia is seen as a satellite-state that serves Russias interests more than those of its own. Its own interests are ignored on the part of its formal allies, be that within bilateral relations with Russia or within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the EAEU. The security risks that once guided the September 3 decision have only multiplied, as previous deterrents against war by force of the alliance with Russia and membership in the CSTO have eroded.

These developments significantly limit Armenias ability to pursue its interests and the interests of de facto republic of Nagorno-Karabakh whose security Armenia guarantees.

However, the most dangerous consequence of the September 3 volte-face is the precedent it sets. The security factor is a card that can be used to further alter Armenias sovereign decisions. This puts Armenia in a vulnerable position, undermines its international standing, and makes it an easy target for rivals.

It was this impression of Armenias vulnerability that contributed to gradual deterioration of the security situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone during 2014-2015. This culminated into the four-day war in April 2016 against the background of the so-called Lavrov plan which aimed at partial alteration of the status quo without final solution to the conflict.

The reasons and consequences of the September 3 turnabout remain a taboo in Armenias official discourse. The event called for an overhaul of Armenias foreign policy and security doctrines, but with moves that followed, Yerevan deepened the decisions consequences and the mistrust towards itself.

While at rhetorical level the multi-vector policy line was kept intact, Yerevan in fact ended up deepening Armenias integration into Russian zone of influence. One such move was the Armenian-Russian gas agreements signed on December 2, 2013, which significantly decreased Armenias freedom to conduct an independent energy policy. The November 2016 agreement on the creation of Armenian-Russian joint military forces was a further step in security integration between Yerevan and Moscow. Prior to that, in March 2014, Armenia found itself among a handful of states with autocratic regimes as it voted against a UN General Assembly resolution that recognized Ukraines territorial integrity and denounced the Crimean independence vote as invalid. Yerevan explained this move by its adherence to the principle of self-determination. However, it remains unclear as to why Yerevan needed to associate Nagorno-Karabakh with Crimea, given that Crimeas independence, in contrast to that of Nagorno-Karabakh, is clearly denounced by the international community. Armenias Western partners werent convinced with references to the Karabakh issue, and Yerevans vote was seen as yet another event of Armenia putting its voice to Russias service.

Both domestic and foreign audiences are similarly not convinced by claims that Armenia economically benefits from the EAEU membership. All figures point to low volumes of trade within the Union, Armenia barely trades with any other Union member than Russia, and free movement of goods among the members is often hindered. The EAEU is unlikely to develop into a coherent economic union serving its members interests, but it will continue to incur economic and political costs on Armenia and put Armenian diplomats trying to prove its benefits in awkward positions.

The EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement set to be signed in November, Armenias growing participation in NATO activities, as well as deepening cooperation with Iran are important in Armenias bid to balance its foreign policy. However, further deepening of relations in all these directions face one and the same hurdle -- Yerevan is constrained by Armenian-Russian de jure and de facto arrangements. It is an imperative for Armenia to bring Yerevan-Moscow relations on an equal footing regardless of its relations with other partners.

Examining future foreign policy challenges, Armenia should consider the following:

Improvement of relations between the West and Russia is unlikely in the near future, which means that Armenias maneuvering space in ways practiced so far will continue to remain limited. Even if the relations between the two were to improve, Armenias benefit is not a given. This scenario would be possible if:

a) The West recognizes the post-Soviet space as Russias zone of interests. This is what Russia wants. For example, personal sympathies between Americas Trump and Russias Putin are supposedly anchored in the logic of such a possible transaction. For Armenia, such a turn of events is dangerous in that it would definitely anchor the country in Russias zone of influence and in the long run might led to the erosion of Armenias sovereignty -- with only nominal attributes of independence in place.

b) Russia acknowledges the post-Soviet space as a free zone, allowing these countries to choose foreign and security policies as they please and without attaching a price tag to this freedom. This is a rather unlikely scenario and could happen in the event of a regime change in Russia or if Russia weakens. Such turn of events would increase the maneuvering space for Armenia; however it would also create a security vacuum in the region which could immediately lead to a war.

Therefore, Armenias overreliance on Russia in security terms is dangerous not only because Yerevan has to pay a high price for continuous security guarantees. Russias post-Putin future should be another concern for Armenia. The western sanctions against Russia, low oil price and the failure to reform combined are likely to weaken Russia economically and politically. Armenian policy planning shouldnt exclude the risk of a systemic collapse in Russia similar to those of 1917 and 1991, or else transition of power to avoid such collapse. If something like this were to happen, Armenia would be hit hard; more so amidst the regional security vacuum such a development would have created.

Rather than wait for a fortunate change in the geopolitical environment, Armenia should create a maneuvering space for itself. Armenias foreign policy remains reactive, accepting the role that geopolitical circumstances draw for the country.

The strategic setbacks Armenia faces today require new systemic approaches. No ready-to-use templates are going to be presented to Armenia from the EU, NATO, Iran or China to fully balance Russia, nor will analysts draw a road map of solutions to Armenias all problems. It is the imperative of the Armenian state, with its human and material resources, to create, as opposed to wait for, alternative opportunities for itself.
TYRES and a roadworks sign were set on fire by arsonists overnight.

Firefighters from Rotherham station attended the tyre blaze at 7pm on Sheffield Road, Conisbrough, on Monday and were at the scene for 30 minutes.

The sign was then set ablaze at 12.30am this morning on Colliery Road, Kiveton Park.

A crew from Aston station was at the scene for an hour.
THEY put their lives on the line defending our freedom  and now they need your help to ensure they can continue to receive vital support adjusting back to civilian life.

The Royal British Legion, which supports current and former soldiers and their families, has issued an appeal for volunteers as it prepares for this years Poppy Appeal campaign.

The charity has an army of around 350,000 volunteers who help raise funds for the charity.

Mia Senior, the legions community fundraiser, said: We need approximately 40 additional volunteers in Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield this year to ensure we raise much-needed funds.

Volunteering can provide great opportunities for those involved.

It allows the chance to meet new people, learn new and transferable skills and be part of a team that helps the Armed Forces community and promotes understanding of remembrance.

Wed love all who want to volunteer with us to get in contact.

Claire Rowcliffe, director of fundraising at the RBL, said: The Poppy Appeal is The Royal British Legions main fundraising event of the year.]

Our volunteers are very much the lifeblood of the Poppy Appeal and contribute enormously to the charity year-round through a variety of roles.

The best thing about being a volunteer for the Legion is that we welcome all ages and all backgrounds.

People dont have to be associated with the Armed Forces, they just need to be passionate about the cause.

Contact Ms Senior on 07769 877443 or email MSenior@britishlegion.org.uk for more information or if you would like to volunteer.
Namdeb Holdings, a joint venture diamond company between the Namibian government and De Beers, said its satellite mining operations, Elizabeth Bay and Daberas mines, are well beyond their original planned life of mine.

The company said although it had been investigating new mining opportunities, it was equally important that it plans responsibly for the possible closure of operations at the end of their economic lifespans.

The closure of any operation is always a last resort, and we are doing everything to operate economically, which includes seeking alternative ways of creating value, company acting chief executive Markus Lubbe was quoted as saying by The Namibian.

Meanwhile, the company said the southern coastal mines were its core mining assets, and they are working on a robust plan for the next five years, which included increasing production significantly next year.

We are mining an ore body that is well over 100 years old, said Lubbe.

Namdeb Holdings output eased 11 percent to 1.6 million carats in 2016 from 1.8 million carats, a year earlier, with reduced output at Debmarine Namibia and lower grades at Namdebs land operations.

The group also produced 900 000 carats during the first half of 2017, a 17 percent jump from 700 000 carats, a year earlier.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Sarine Technologies has announced that it is expanding its services, adding 4Cs grading and diamond identification to its Sarine Profile report, according to a press note from the company.

The enhanced 4Cs Sarine Profile report will, optionally, include advanced synthetic diamond and treatment detection.

Sarine is closely collaborating with GGTL Laboratories, a prestigious independent Swiss gem lab and a global leader in research of synthetic diamonds and other treatments.

With significant enhancements, the Sarine Profile report can be configured to include either 4Cs grading and diamond verification, or the standard Sarine Profile report with light performance, the hearts & arrows pattern and advanced 3D diamond imaging, or an all-inclusive combination provided in one comprehensive report.

David Block, Chief Executive Officer of Sarine, said, Our new services include the world's first automated measurement and grading of all the 4Cs and light performance, diamond verification, interactive digital reports, and a host of revolutionary new approaches to gemmological research that add layer upon layer of depth and power to the diamond story.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




Michael Hill International Ltd. the retail jewellery brand headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, with a footprint in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, posted a 66 percent increase in annual profit for the year ended June 30 to $25.9 million (A$32.6 million) on revenue of $462.3 million (A$583 million).

The company had reported a profit of $15.5 million (A$19.6 million) a year earlier.

Michael Hill said the higher profit was a result of a steady growth of its chain in Australia and New Zealand and higher revenue growth in Canada. It reported higher losses in the US market, which also features its new Emma & Roe chain.

The company opened 26 new stores during the year  13 each for the Michael Hill and Emma and Roe brands. It also closed seven stores and its retail door count now stands at 332.




The success of TAGS over the past 5 years has encouraged many large tender houses to establish regular and sizeable tender operations in Dubai Mike Aggett is an experienced Private Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the mining and metals industry. Skilled in Luxury Goods, Business Planning, Sales, Gemology, and Jewelry, Mike is a professional who graduated from Dover College...

It all starts with stones - it is they that give impetus, determine the image and embodiment Maxim Selikhov is the founder of the SelikhoV Diamonds brand launched in 2006, and the company manufactures unique handmade jewellery with rare high-quality gemstones. He is also known as a collector of unique and large-size jewellery stones who considers...

Our technologies  CVD machines and growing technology  are game changers, asserts Arnaud Flambeau, Executive Chairman, 2DOT4 Diamonds LLC Arnaud Flambeau is the Executive Chairman of 2DOT4 Diamonds LLC, Dubai, a fully integrated lab-grown diamonds company. The Company provides rough 'as grown' diamonds, in-house polished IGI certified loose polished diamonds and high-quality...

Stargems brings the DaVinci system to Botswana Stargems, which was founded by Shailesh Javeri in 1981, has diversified into manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing and tendering or auctioning of diamonds and diamond jewellery.

It is also one of the leading players in the manufacturing, wholesaling...
Hong Kong-based jeweler Chow Sang Sang saw a 3% rise in sales in the first half, powered by stronger demand in China and a pickup in mainland tourism to the territory.

Sales came to $1.02 bn for the six months ending June 30, and profit rose 8% year on year to $50.1 mn.Revenue in mainland China rose 8% year on year to $516.2 mn as the nations gross domestic product grew by an unexpected 6.9% during the period. In the local Chinese currency, revenue increased 13%, with same-store sales up 8%.

Sales in Hong Kong and Macau slipped 5%, 4% of which the jeweler attributed to shop closures. Same-store sales there fell 3%, indicating the downward trend was bottoming out after a 26% plunge a year ago.However, sales of gem-set jewelry were still on the decline.

During the six-month period, Chow Sang Sang said, both the property market and stock market were showing stronger momentum, which was favorable to consumer sentiment. The slippage in arrival of mainland tourists had largely halted, despite the renminbi having been soft against the Hong Kong dollar.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




On the background of a general decline in the financing of geological exploration from Russias state budget in recent years, junior companies capable to attract private investments began to acquire more importance in this sphere of production. Despite multiple problems in the work of junior exploration companies, some of them manage to achieve quite obvious success in their business.

OOO Proex Service, established in 2008, is searching for diamond deposits in the Arkhangelsk Region  the area, where the Grib and Lomonosov diamond fields have already been discovered and are currently being developed. The company has a team of specialists capable of solving any tasks in the exploration process at the highest professional level. All the employees of Proex Service have higher special education, while two of them have Ph. D. degrees in geology and mineralogy.

The company has developed and is using a specialized software package to solve diverse tasks in geological exploration. The "Proex-geology" software complex is a target-oriented automated system for comprehensive processing of geological and geophysical data needed to forecast and search for mineral deposits.

Proex Service has licenses giving the right to search for diamond deposits in the Patrakeevskaya (license  15737 ), Kozolskaya (license  15736 ), Filatovskaya (license  15738 ), Dubrovinskaya (license  15735 ) and Spasskaya (license  15740) areas. The licenses are valid until June 1, 2019. A large amount of prospecting operations has been carried out in the above areas, as a result of which the company obtained direct signs pointing to the presence of new diamond deposits.

In 2016-2017, the company discovered seven new kimberlite pipes. The most studied at the moment is the KL1 pipe, while the others have been tapped by 1-2 wells. On the KL1 pipe, about 7 hectares in size, Proex Service intersected xeno-tuff breccias of kimberlites. By its petrochemical characteristics and a set of kimberlitic indicator minerals, this pipe is analogous to the highly diamond-bearing Grib Pipe. The study of the identified pipes and their evaluation is planned for the coming winter season. "This is a very good result. We are sure that diamondiferous kimberlites will be discovered in other licensed areas," said Vladimir Shchukin, Director of Proex Service, answering the questions from Rough & Polished. In general, the probability of discovering new diamond deposits in the licensed areas is evaluated by the company as high.

In December 2016, Proex Service received two more licenses for diamond exploration in the areas of Kuropalda (license  01574 ) and Koksha (license  01575 ) located to the north of the known diamond deposits in the Zimneberezhny diamond-bearing area. These licenses are valid until December 31, 2021.

According to Vladimir Shchukin, this project is one of the largest diamond exploration projects in Russia and therefore the company is interested in attracting funds for its full implementation. "We have carried out the major part of exploration work, which is the riskiest part," he says. Now it is necessary to proceed with the planned discovery of new kimberlite pipes and their evaluation. The possibility of discovering a new diamond field is very high, and in our opinion, this should attract investors."

Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow




(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Colombian coffee production grew 9% in August from a year earlier, reaching around 77,640 tons, said Colombia's National Federation of Coffee Growers.

Year-to-date, the Colombian coffee harvest has exceeded 9 million sacks - or 540,000 metric tons - up 2% from the same period of 2016. In the 12-month period ended in August 2017, the output reached 13.4 million sacks - or 804,000 metric tons - rising 3%.

Meanwhile, the Colombian coffee exports in August decreased 8% in August from the same month in 2016, to 1,167,000 sacks, or 70,020 tons. Year-to-date, however, Colombia's exports exceeded 8.3 million sacks - 498,000 tons - a 6% increase from the same period a year before.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Mercosur and the European Union (EU) are moving forward with negotiations to conclude a free trade agreement. The discussions took place within the framework of the second round of talks between both blocs in Geneva over the weekend.

According to the Argentinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mercosur and the EU delegations went through "a fruitful exchange of information in all areas, including trade in goods, trade facilitation and customs cooperation, trade in services, technical barriers to trade, and intellectual property," among others.

The Mercosur includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The Mercosur and the EU delegations agreed to hold a meeting on market access in Buenos Aires on October 16 and 17.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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From left, two employees of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Lizzy Schultz and Kirk Scott, help pack a delivery truck full of cheese bound for Houston.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Venezuelan government rejected the Spanish and Chilean calls of support for Lilian Tintori, the wife of the opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, to leave the country.

Caracas forbid Tintori to leave Venezuela to meet with European leaders and talk about the crisis in the South American country. The local authorities investigate her for transporting 205 million bolivars (US$ 20.5 million) in her car.

"Mrs. Lilian Tintori faces legal procedures for serious, public, notorious, communicational and confessed crimes. In our country, every political organization must be accountable for the origins of its funds. There are no political parties or untouchable figures in our nation," said Venezuela's Foreign Ministry.

In Spain, the country's Foreign Office posted in its official profile on Twitter that "we regret that the Venezuelan authorities prevented the departure of Lilian Tintori."

The Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz also questioned on Twitter "why is Lilian Tintori forbidden to leave the country? The situation in Venezuela goes from bad to worse. It's hard to believe in a negotiated solution."

by Agencia CMA Latam

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Australia will on Wednesday release Q2 numbers for gross domestic product, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

GDP is expected to add 0.8 percent on quarter and 1.8 percent on year after gaining 0.3 percent on quarter and 1.7 percent on year in the three months prior.

Japan will see July figures for labor cash earnings, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 0.5 percent on year following the 0.4 percent decline in June. Real cash earnings are called flat following the 0.8 percent decline in the previous month.

Malaysia will provide July figures for imports, exports and trade balance. In June, imports were worth 63.2 billion ringgit and exports were at 73.1 billion ringgit for a trade surplus of 9.9 billion ringgit.

Singapore will see August results for its private sector PMI from Nikkei; in July, the index score was 51.3.

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, celebrated the announcement of the ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group.

According to Almagro, the deal is "a clear sign of the goodwill of the parties and a significant step forward towards the longed peace in Colombia."

In a statement, Almagro encouraged the parties to move quickly in a dialogue aimed to "generate greater confidence in the process and fundamentally to contribute to ending the severe effects and violation of human rights that today different communities continue to suffer because of armed violence in the country."

Almagro recalled that the OAS' Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia had been actively accompanying various initiatives by civil society to promote humanitarian action. He also reiterated the OAS permanent desire and commitment to continue supporting peace talks.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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European stocks may open slightly higher on Tuesday after falling the previous day on concerns over escalating geopolitical tensions and a strengthening euro amid expectations the European Central Bank (ECB) may eventually reduce stimulus.

The ECB meets on Thursday, with most economists expecting President Mario Draghi to use the opportunity to mention the euro's recent strength.

Asian stocks are trading mixed after the White House said that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table".

Separately, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called for more diplomacy and urged the 15-member U.N. Security Council to consider imposing the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter Pyongyang.

Media reports suggest that the Japanese government is drafting a plan to bring thousands of South Korea-based nationals to safety in the event of a military conflict with North Korea.

In economic releases, activity in China's services sector expanded at a faster pace in August as new orders picked up, a private business survey showed. Elsewhere, Japanese and Australian service sectors showed signs of slower growth.

The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its official cash rate on hold at a record low for the 13th month in a row, citing signs of a housing market slowdown.

Closer home, like-for-like sales in the United Kingdom climbed 1.3 percent on year in August, the British Retail Consortium said - accelerating from the 0.9 percent increase in July.

The Japanese yen was little changed, gold held firm to trade near its highest level in nearly a year on safe-haven demand and copper hovered near three-year high on expectations of solid economic growth in China, while crude oil prices traded mixed amid easing supply concerns.

The U.S. were closed on Monday on account of Labor Day.

In Europe, stocks fell to snap a three-day winning streak on Monday after North Korea said it had tested an advanced hydrogen bomb and the U.S. warned it could launch a "massive" military response if it or its allies were threatened.

The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index fell half a percent. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 and France's CAC 40 both dropped by 0.4 percent while the German DAX declined 0.3 percent.

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Editors Pick

United Airlines Holdings Inc. is giving pilots a 5 percent pay raise as promised during a pandemic cost-reduction deal, reports said. The pay hike is months ahead of schedule following the airline's return to profitability and positive outlook. The news came as the airline is struggling to come to terms on a new contract with its pilots' union, The Air Line Pilots Association or ALPA.

Elon Musk, in his first meeting with Twitter staff following the acquisition, warned that the social media platform could file for bankruptcy next year, reports said. The news comes as more and more key employees are leaving Twitter following the recent mass layoff. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said its watching Twitter with deep concern after the company's top privacy and compliance officer

Deutsche Telekom AG reported Thursday significantly higher profit in its third quarter with improved revenues. Further, the German telecom major lifted its dividend, and also raised fiscal 2022 guidance for the third time in the current financial year. Meanwhile, the shares were losing around 3 percent in the morning trading in Germany.
Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune owner Tronc Inc.(TRNC) acquired New York Daily News. According to media reports Tronc would receive 49.9 percent stake in the Daily News, which has been in existence since 1919. There will not be any cash transaction for the deal.

The New York Times that published an exclusive on the deal said Tronc would undertake the news operations, 25 acre printing plant in Manhattan as well as the pension liability.

The Daily News is said to have 7.6 online visitors every month. Mortimer Zuckerman has been the owner of the Daily. Justin Dearborn, CEO of Tronc said it looks forward to working with them to serve audiences and marketers while delivering value for the shareholders.

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Business News
Gold futures continued to rise Tuesday morning as North Korea was ramping up its nuclear efforts.

South Korea media say North Korea has moved an ICBM missile toward its West Coast in preparation for another test launch.

Gold was up $5 at $1235 an ounce, near its highest in a year.

The Commerce Department's Factory orders for July will be issued at 10.00 am ET. The economists are looking for consensus of a decline of 3.1 percent. In the previous period, the factory orders grew 3.0 percent.

A trio of Federal Reserve speakers are on tap today as well.

Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari will speak at a moderated Q&A at the 1st Tuesday Speaker Series at Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis, with audience Q&A at 1.10 pm ET.

Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard will speak at the Economic Club of New York in New York City 7.30 am ET.

Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Robert Kaplan will participate in a moderated Q&A session in Dallas, with audience and media Q&A at 7.00 pm ET.

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Market Analysis
Canadian stocks are looking for direction Tuesday morning after the Labour Day saw further escalation of tension involving North Korea.

Markets are on edge amid reports that North Korea is moving ICBM missiles towards its West Coast in preparation for another test launch.

However, Canadian stocks may withstand downward pressure due to rising commodities prices.

Crude oil prices are higher in anticipation of renewed demand from refineries. WTI light sweet crude oil was up 54 cents at $47.84 a barrel.

Gold has jumped to a yearly high near $1235 an ounce.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE.TO, CVE) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Pelican Lake heavy oil operations, as well as other miscellaneous assets in northern Alberta for gross cash proceeds of $975 million.

Hudson's Bay Co's (HBC) opens the first of 10 planned department stores in the Netherlands today.

Boeing has rejected the Canadian government's request to drop its anti-competitive complaint again Bombardier (BBD.B.TO).

Russel Metals has acquired Color Steels Inc. on September 1, for an undisclosed term.

LiCo Energy Metals has acquire a Glencore property near Cobalt, Ontario.

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Market Analysis
Record-breaking American astronaut Peggy Whitson and her colleague Jack Fischer received a special welcome as they were flying home to Houston Sunday evening, a day after landing on earth after completing their months-long mission aboard the International Space Station.

President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Whitson and Fischer while they were flying to NASA Johnson Space Center's Ellington Field Sunday.

Trump congratulated Peggy and Jack for their incredible accomplishments. "Exploration has always been at the core of who we are as Americans, and their brave contributions to human spaceflight have continued that great tradition," said Trump.

"Peggy is an inspiration to us all, especially to young women interested in or currently pursuing careers in science, , engineering and math," the President added.

This was the president's second call with the two astronauts. On April 24, when Whitson officially set the U.S. record for most cumulative days in space, Whitson and Fischer received a celebratory phone call from Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump.

Whitson, along with Fischer and Fyodor Yurchikhin, the Russian commander of Expedition 52, had landed back on Earth Saturday night in Kazakhstan.

The veteran NASA astronaut holds a number of records unparalleled in aerospace history.

Whitson is the U.S. astronaut who has spent the most cumulative time in space with a total of 665 days during three long-duration missions.

She is also the oldest female astronaut ever in space, aged 57.

She is the only female astronaut to command the International Space Station twice.

She holds multiple spacewalking records: completing a total of 60 hours, 21 minutes in 10 spacewalks.

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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Brazilian Attorney General Rodrigo Janot will investigate the plea-bargain deal of JBS amid recent evidence pointing that a former public prosecutor guided the owners of the company through the negotiations while working for the attorney-general office.

According to Janot, Marcelo Miller left his post as a federal prosecutor in April, after requesting his dismissal in February. Right after that, Miller presented himself as a partner of the Trench, Rossi, and Watanabe law firm, which was the first to work on a plea bargain deal between the attorney-general office and J&F - the holding that controls JBS.

However, the authorities had access to an audio recording of a conversation between Joesley Batista and Ricardo Saud, both from JBS, where they discuss how Miller was helping the company to strike a deal with public prosecutors.

The audio dates from mid-March - before Miller left his post as a federal prosecutor and also before any formal attempt by JBS to reach a plea-bargain deal with the attorney general office.

At a press conference Monday, the prosecutor added that if any unlawfulness is proven, "the plea-bargain deal agreement will be terminated," but that would not invalidate the evidence offered so far.

"Under the legislation that disciplines plea-bargain deals, if the collaborator's guilt prompts the end of the agreement. He loses all or some of the benefits, and the State takes advantage of all the evidence submitted," the prosecutor said.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN) Tuesday announced its plans to build a $320 million poultry complex in eastern Kansas, in response to strong demand for chicken.

The company said it will build a processing plant, hatchery and feed mill near the city of Tonganoxie, in Leavenworth County, that will create about 1,600 jobs. The company will also contract with northeast Kansas farmers and ranchers to raise chickens. The operation, currently scheduled to begin production in mid-2019, will produce pre-packaged trays of fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide.

"More people want fresh food and as one of the world's leading protein companies, we're well-positioned to provide it," said Tom Hayes, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. "We believe this new operation, which will incorporate the latest production , will enable us to meet the sustained growth in consumer demand for fresh chicken."

The plant will be capable of processing 1.25 million birds per week. The payroll and payments to farmers from the new operation, along with its purchase of grain and utilities, is expected to generate an annual economic benefit to the state of Kansas of $150 million.

Tyson Foods anticipates purchasing about 300 acres of property south of Tonganoxie and currently plans to break ground sometime this fall.

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Business News
State Debate: Journal Sentinel columnist likes $100 hybrid vehicle fee, but says much more is needed
In this photo taken Aug. 28, 2017, President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
By SA Commercial Prop News

Stor-Age Property REIT CEO, Gavin Lucas says Storage King represents an excellent entry point into the UK market and springboard for future off-shore expansion.



Stor-Age Property REIT [JSE: SSS] has diversified its portfolio entering the UK self storage market  with an estimated R1.3 billion acquisition of the regions sixth largest self storage operator, Storage King.

The acquisition is in line with Stor-Ages stated strategy of targeting international self storage markets with attractive growth potential to complement its ongoing success in the South African market.

The Storage King transaction is expected to conclude in October 2017.

CEO Gavin Lucas says Storage King represents an excellent entry point into the UK market and springboard for future off-shore expansion.

The REIT will settle the c. 77.13 million purchase price (c. R1.3 billion) through an optimal mix of equity and debt at Stor-Ages election.

Stor-Age has negotiated for a refinanced 25 million debt facility in Storage King, which will effectively see Stor-Age pay a purchase price of c. 53 million (c. R887 million) for 97.3% of the issued shares in Storage King, with the balance of the shares being acquired by management of Storage King on the same terms.

The Storage King portfolio currently comprises 13 properties throughout England with a bias towards the South East and East, and an average occupancy of 78% (c.542 000 square feet (sqf)* of gross lettable area (GLA)). On full fit-out, the GLA will increase to c. 577 000 sqf.

A further 12 properties trade under license of the Storage King brand in the UK, generating license and management fees. This makes 25 properties in total under the Storage King brand at present. Storage King also exclusively owns the Storage King brand rights for the whole of Europe and further, has in place a pipeline of third party acquisition opportunities.

Storage King management team will remain in place and co-invested with 2.7% alongside Stor-Age going forward.

Explaining the UK as the REITs first port of international departure, Lucas says: Self storage is a growth sector globally, not only in emerging markets but also in the first world. The UK self storage market is a significant growth opportunity - it offers a more robust macro environment but with a relative undersupply of self storage compared to the US and Australia, and a language, culture and regulatory system familiar to us in South Africa. Even approaching Brexit, self storage remains an attractive investment in the UK due to the proven resilience of the sector.

Of the timing of the acquisition, he says now is opportune given the imminent exit of Storage Kings private equity shareholder, Cabot Square Capital. He says: Our strong relationship with management for a number of years, together with Cabots intended exit in 2017/8, has seen us position the group as far back as 2014 to take advantage of the opportunity now.

He emphasises that notwithstanding the positive impact of Stor-Ages entry into the UK, Stor-Age remains a South African group with a primary focus on the local market.

Post the acquisition, Stor-Ages portfolio will remain approximately two-thirds South African in terms of value but with added growth potential for group earnings and a Rand-hedge for a significant portion thereof, Lucas said.
JUSTICE ON AGENDA: The Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland is in Samoa for the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Meeting being held this week.

She is pictured here during a meeting with the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu.

They discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting in Bahamas in October and areas of possible technical support from the secretariat for the Ministry of Justice. Photo: Supplied.
Labour mobility, fair and equitable air services agreements and upper airspace management initiatives were at the forefront of discussions at the Small Island States (S.I.S) Leaders Meeting yesterday.

Held at the conference room of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel, the meeting was part of the build up to the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting which will be officially opened this evening.

Members of the Small Island States Leaders group include Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau and Tuvalu.

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, addressed the conference saying the presence of the leaders in Samoa attest to the unity of the Blue Pacific, the theme for this years Forum.

Your Excellencies, you have repeatedly expressed your desire and commitment to strengthen the capacities of your countries to overcome challenges specific to S.I.S and as the first of the official meetings this week, this platform provides a space to discuss how the specific issues of S.I.S can be constructively tackled here, and effectively presented over the course of the week. One avenue to achieving this may be through the endorsement of the S.I.S Strategys companion implementation plan, she said.

The agenda before you contains issues of great consequence, and the topics of discussion contained within the S.I.S Officials Chairs Letter to the Chair of this meeting have been incorporated in the provisional agenda and briefs before you.

It includes recommendations on air services and labour mobility, initiatives that seek to bring S.I.S countries closer together. It also presents the possibility of joint-S.I.S proposals to the Green Climate Fund, an initiative which would require great cooperation, coordination and collaboration between the Secretariat and your respective administrations.

In presenting the first annual progress report on the S.I.S Regional Strategy 2016-2020, I hope to shed some light on how we are facilitating the intentions of the Strategy through regional cooperation. Regionalism is as important to our agenda as ever.

S.I.S positions on these issues cannot be overestimated. I, therefore, encourage you to take this opportunity to discuss and decide SIS position on the issues on your agenda today.

The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Nauru, Baron Waka.

This years theme for the Forum Meeting is The Blue Pacific: Our sea of islands  security through sustainable development, management and conservation. We all know that the waters that surrounds us is what sustain our islands and our people. We owe it to our children and their children to ensure that their future is one in which they can enjoy with happiness and with abundant blessings. I look forward to working with you all on the theme over the course of this week, he said.

According to the Chair, the matters debated are of specific importance and of strategic value to the S.I.S, particularly in relation to the recently adopted S.I.S Regional Strategy.

I encourage Leaders therefore that we coordinate our efforts to ensure that, where necessary, our decisions today are reflected and incorporated in the Forum Leaders Communique.

I must emphasise on the importance of Leaders discussing and building solidarity on issues of common and special interest to S.I.S during the course of this weeks meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum. As the smallest members of the Forum, we must stand together and be firm on what we believe is important to our future.
Business was disrupted at the Accident Compensation Corporation (A.C.C.) building yesterday morning as a result of a problem with the power supply.

Workers in the building had to leave their workstations for a period of time.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour declared a day off.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Chief Executive Officer of the A.C.C. or the General Manager of the Electric Power Corporation.

However, the Ministry of Commerce left a note on their main entrance to inform members of the public about what was happening.

Due to the power outage, M.C.I.L wishes to advise the public that its office will be closed on Monday 4th September 2017 and will re-open for usual business on Tuesday 5th September at 9.00am, the notice reads.

A security officer told the Samoa Observer the power had been off for most of the morning.

The power was only restored midmorning, he said.

All employees of government ministries and the bank were waiting outside the whole morning.

I think they (government ministries, businesses and staff of the National Bank) returned back to work except for the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour.

The A.C.C. is responsible for managing the operation and maintenance of the A.C.C. five storey building at Matafele.
A man accused of stealing a truck as well as other products valued at more than $80,000 appeared before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu, for sentence yesterday.

The truck and the goods belong to a Chinese businessman identified as Muliagatele Wilson Fang.

He is charged with two charges of burglary and two charges of theft.

According to the Police summary of facts, the incident occurred on the 24th of May.

On the 24th May, he took a Mitsubishi Truck worth of $80,000, 20 cases of mosquito coils, 30 cases of canned fish, 40 sacks of rice, 10 sacks of flour, 5 sacks of salt and 40 cartons of Shasta drinks.

Chief Justice Patu then asked the defendant what he did with the stolen goods.

Your Honour, on the day I was charged I returned all the goods together with the vehicle back to the Police, the defendant told the Court.

I didnt use any of the goods that I took.

But the Prosecutor, Anne Matalasi, of the Attorney Generals Office disputed this.

Your Honour, if I may, according to the victims report all the items that were inside the truck were taken by the accused, said Ms. Matalasi.

The defendant was adamant all the goods and the truck were returned.

The Police officers that came to arrest me know that I gave everything back to them and they said they will deliver it back to the owner.

The Chief Justice then told the Prosecutor to look into the matter.

I would like confirmation from the Police that everything were returned to the owner because the return of those things is a mitigating factor that relates to the defendant, said His Honour.

In other words the victim did not lose everything, and now the accused is saying the goods together with the truck were returned not to the owner but to the Police.

So I would like an explanation from the Police whether what the accused is telling the Court is true or not and if its true then where are the goods?

If not true then I will not take into account a mitigation the return of any goods by the accused.

This matter has been rescheduled for today.
A prizewinner during the recent Siva Afi competition, Matuni Vaiaoga, donated his cash prize of $500 tala to the Siva Afi Club.

The donation was done on Saturday night after the competition and was accepted by owner and organizer of Siva Afi Leota Lene Leota.

I just want to donate my cash prize back to the Siva Afi Club and hope they can take this and use it to continue to perpetuate the fire knife dance and just keeps it going, said Matuni.

Matuni also went on to thank Leota for bringing him to Samoa and letting him be a part of this competition.

Hes looking forward to coming again next year and bringing more competitors back home.

Leota acknowledged Matuni on behalf of the club for his kindness.
Well, there you go ladies and gentlemen. The 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is now officially underway.

It follows a very colourful opening ceremony at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum last night, where our visitors were accorded the best of Samoan hospitality with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi welcoming everyone.

During the next few days, the regions leaders will engage in discussions and bilateral and multilateral meetings as part of their collective effort to ensure a healthy, safe, and prosperous environment, mainly related to the Blue Pacific ocean, as weve been talking about quite a bit over the past couple of days.

The tone has been set and judging from whats been said so far, working regionalism and unity, in terms of presenting a united Pacific voice to the world in response to challenges we are facing, are key goals.

The Blue Pacific is a strong expression of Pacific Regionalism, said the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariats Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor.

Its about reclaiming that identity that we are one oceanic continent -- and that as Big Ocean Stewardship States, we can do more together than we can alone.

It encourages us to see the collective potential of harnessing the energy and opportunity that lie both above and below our Pacific Ocean.

It is an empowering identity that can spur us to greater ambition when it comes to building the secure future our people pray for. It also puts forward a clear portrait of Pacific regionalism that our people and partners can see and interact with.

I am sure the leaders and our many stakeholders will explore the myriad possibilities of the Blue Pacific as the week unfolds and I look forward to hearing the fruits of those discussions.

Well, we all share the same hope. After all, we dont want these meetings to be waste of time now, do we? Keep in mind that the irony of all this is that these forums happen every year and from where we stand, we just cannot be confident enough to say the Forum knows where it wants to go.

All weve seen are meetings after meetings and plans to plan more meetings. Where does it end? Perhaps thats a question for another day.

That said, I received a letter from a well-informed source yesterday. The source does not want to be identified but having been involved in the discussion around the Blue Pacific and Sustainable Development over the years, he wanted to share this message -- we hope all the leaders in Samoa this week, and their officials, take time to read it. Titled Blue Pacific and Sustainable Development, it reads:

We have heard much about the theme of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week Blue Pacific, our Sea of Islands, our Security through Sustainable Development, management and conservation.

The one thing we havent heard much of this week is the draft Pacific Roadmap on Sustainable Development (S.D.G.). The leaders asked for this in P.N.G., during the 2015 Forum, to focus and streamline the implementation and reporting of S.D.G.s in the Pacific.

The first important thing the draft roadmap says is that we should be using accessible, simple and clear language to ensure the concepts that underpin sustainable development are easy to understand.

On what we should do to achieve the Blue Pacific, one suggestion reflected in the 132 S.D.G.s indicators accompanying the roadmap, is to stop ourselves from dumping our rubbish, including plastics, in to our Pacific waters. Were also asked to stop killing and acidifying the ocean.

There is a strong focus in the 132 S.D.G. indicators on ways to reduce the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is our other blue Pacific. By the way, while we tend to think of blue economy as ocean economy, the initiator of the Blue Economy approach, Gunter Pauli, was really promoting blue sky thinking. This is not confined to oceans, which makes perfect sense since most of what pollutes the sea, especially humans, come from land.

As weve heard this week, the Pacific seeks an increase in the benefits of tuna fisheries to small islands, which the roadmap supports by including the S.D.G. indicators on stopping illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

But colour coding can confuse us, as a former Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat warned us years ago, when we were advocating green economy and green growth.

At a recent Blue Economy conference in Suva, the Solomon Islands Fisheries Minister asked to do something about the blue boats out of Vietnam, which are pillaging the waters of Micronesia and Melanesia.

Adam Wolfenden in PACNEWS this week was pleading with Forum leaders to prioritize development instead of P.A.C.E.R-Plus, a major trade deal which has gone ahead without Fiji and P.N.G. So its good the draft roadmap indicators are prioritizing things like increasing the trade share of small islands and aid-for-trade, while generating more decent jobs to reduce poverty, and tackle diabetes.

Earlier in the week, Fiu Mataese Elisara was critical of the way customary lands are being handled. He was also critical of the S.D.G.s for shifting attention away from developing countries and for ignoring the principle of equity.

Actually, its clear from the indicators of the draft Pacific roadmap that the Pacific knows where it wants to focus its attention, some of which Ive noted above. Its also clear that responsibility for development assistance and emission reduction sits with developed countries and major emitters, not small island developing countries.

On the issue of customary lands, I like what the Pacific draft roadmap on S.D.G.s has to say on customs and equity. Governments should be looking at having legal frameworks (including customary law) which guarantee womens equal rights to land ownership and/or control.

Equity and inclusiveness begets sustainability and security. The draft Pacific roadmap brings with it 132 success indicators, some of which mentioned here, to which we ought to pay more attention if we are to know what it is that we should do. For as one of my favourite bloggers said this week, we can dream all we want but it is what we do that we get.

What do you think? Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone, God bless!
Samoa put on a spectacular show last night to officially open the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, being held in Apia this week.

The rain did not dim the excitement as a dazzling display of Samoan dances and a cultural show greeted Pacific leaders and development partners, from all over the world, who are congregating in Apia.

Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, officially opened the meeting at the famous Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

Putting the Blue Pacific at the center of regional policy making strengthens collective action to advance the implementation that has been reflected in the regional initiatives, Tuilaepa said.

He acknowledged that as incoming Chair, his responsibility is to drive the implementation of their priorities and is willing to work with Pacific leaders to see their agenda through.

The theme of the Pacific Islands Forum is Blue Pacific -- our sea of islands, our security through sustainable programs, management and conservation.

For the Pacific region and its island countries, the ocean is crucial, and exercising the sense of common identity has been critical for protecting and promoting the potential of our shared Pacific Ocean.

It is the commonality of the fundamental essence which has the potential to empower the region through its collective and combined agendas and actions.

Blue Pacific will strengthen the existing policy frameworks and harness the ocean as a driver of transformation of social, cultural, and political development of the Pacific.

The Prime Minister highlighted efforts to address climate change.

Collectively, we as Pacific leaders successfully persuaded the world to see the high end change through the lens of small island communities most vulnerable to climate change, he said.

He paid tribute to a Pacific leader and climate change activist, the late Tony deBrum.

He said the Pacific long term commitment of acting together as one blue continent ensures the sustainable security, resilience and peaceful blue journey, as well as blue Pacific diplomacy to protect the value of our ocean and people. He also congratulated the Smaller Island States Leaders and Polynesian Leaders Group who came to the successful conclusion of their meetings.

More than 600 guests, including Pacific leaders and delegates, attended the special event.

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, spoke briefly and welcomed the delegates to the P.I.F.

She congratulated Prime Minister Tuilaepa, noting that this is the fourth time Samoa has served as Chair.

You clearly have a special relationship with the Forum and we can all benefit from your leadership, insights and wisdom, she said.

Honorable Prime Minister, I am very inspired by your choice of theme for this years forum. I believe the Blue Pacific has great potential to strengthen our sense of commonality. We are all connected by the Pacific Ocean.

The opening started with a traditional Ava ceremony.
The Free West Papua Movement brings the reality of their struggle to Samoas shores today, in the hope to raise international awareness about their plight.

Leading the local protestors in a planned peaceful protest is Samoa First Union, who will be hoping to draw the attention of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to the issue.

In an email to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Jerome Mika said the protest will take place outside the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel where the Forum meeting is taking place.

Mr. Mika said leaders in Apia this week should not ignore the issue of West Papua.

We plan to do a peaceful demonstration outside the Pacific Leaders Forum in support of self-determination of our Pacific cousins, West Papua, Mr. Mika said.

We call on the other Pacific Island heads of state to join the seven countries pushing to re-list West Papua with the U.N. Decolonisation Committee, which includes Samoa.

We should stand together with West Papua. Lest we forget.

Mr. Mika said many supporters of the Free West Papua Movement are expected to be present.

The protests are being planned between 8am and 9am and again at 4pm to 5pm.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauai Kaimahi released a statement on Monday, strongly endorsing the rights of West Papua to self govern.

Last Thursday, the national council of affiliates of the N.Z.C.T.U. voted to add their weight to growing international calls for self-determination for West Papua, said N.Z.C.T.U. Secretary, Sam Huggard.

It follows the signing in 2016 by 11 Members of the New Zealand Parliament, from four different parties, of a declaration in support of independence for West Papua that other parliamentarians globally have signed. The whole world is watching.
Samoa is the new home of the Polynesian Leaders Group (P.L.G.).

Its something Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is extremely proud of, especially at a time when Pacific leaders are congregating in Apia for the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which opened last night.

This means Samoa will work towards establishing the headquarters here, Tuilaepa told the Samoa Observer.

The group, which Samoa has played a lead role in developing, is six years old.

Its membership is made up of Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, American Samoa, Tahiti, Niue and the Cook Islands, with Wallis and Futuna becoming the newest member.

The Prime Minister said the P.L.G. is now the largest sub-group in the Forum.

Tonga also submitted a bid to host the P.L.G. Secretariat but later withdrew after strong support for Samoa.

The issue was decided during the P.L.G. meeting on Tuesday.

Another issue discussed, according to Tuilaepa, was the proposal by Samoa to unite the Polynesian countries through the Manatua Polynesian undersea fiber optic cable.

At the moment, we have on board, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Fiji, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, and American Samoa, he said.

Its actually much cheaper if the Pacific Islands reunite as one for the Manatua undersea fiber optic cable.

The lines are laid on the very bottom of the ocean floor and the transmissions between continents at the speed of light and that each single cable can carry tens of terabits of information per second.

According to the Prime Minister, the undersea fiber optic cable carries data faster and cheaper than satellites.

So while countries can go on their own to purchase their own terabits, imagine coming together as one, because in actuality the more customers, the cheaper it will get.

Also on the agenda was Air Service proposal by French Polynesia.

President Tagaloa Eduard Fritch told the Samoa Observer their plans to bring the Pacific Islanders together through an Airline Project.

The plans is to have smaller airplanes which are more appropriate for the region but more importantly the quality of the customer, he said.

President Tagaloa is adamant the Airline plan will take some time.

But were almost there, he said, maybe in the next two to three years.
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, has urged leaders at the Pacific A.C.P. Leaders (P.A.C.P.) Meeting to make a decision in relation to the European Unions development assistance to the region.

Dame Meg delivered the message when she spoke during the opening of the P.A.C.P. meeting at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel, yesterday. The meeting was part of the build up to the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, opened at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, last night. Speaking about the European development assistance, Dame Meg reminded that such assistance is channelled through the European Development Fund (E.D.F.).

We are now in the middle of its eleventh cycle, she said.

Excellencies will further recall that at your meeting in 2016, leaders were updated on the challenges faced in the programming of the European Development Fund -- Pacific Regional Indicative Programme for 2014--2020, commonly referred to as E.D.F.11.

It is extremely disappointing that the region has still not been able to draw down on the regional envelope of E.D.F.11 funds to address the agreed priority areas identified by the region.

Further, the region has witnessed in recent months, a redistribution of funds within the regional indicative programme. It has also been brought to my attention that the European Union is considering a reduction in the allocated funds for the Pacific Regional Indicative Programme, particularly in the focal area on Regional Economic Integration. This meeting provides the opportunity for leaders to discuss this matter in more depth.

Dame Meg also touched on other 'high-level political issues and some operational matters', including the 'post-Cotonou negotiations'.

"As the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020 approaches, we will need to be proactive in ensuring that the development support under this arrangement is channelled effectively to our region and aligns with our regional priorities. We must also ensure that our priorities are reflected in any future partnership agreement with the European Union.

The broader theme of the 48th Pacific Island Forum -- The Blue Pacific -- focuses on strengthening our collective identity and indeed, collective political action to advance our regional priorities.

"I would therefore encourage the Pacific A.C.P. leaders to capitalise on this renewed impetus and new narrative in progressing the preparatory discussions on post-Cotonou.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who chaired the meeting, said A.C.P. Secretariats efforts to ensure an inclusive approach with respect to the post-Cotonou negotiations with the European Union are of crucial importance.

Substantial efforts remain and are needed on both fronts from our regional organisations in ensuring that our efforts are prioritised and coordinated, and that the political will and solidarity of P.A.C.P.S. remains strong, Tuilaepa said.

It is important that we are active and involved in discussions relating to our relationship with the A.C.P. Group, and with the European Union, particularly given these uncertain times that we find ourselves in.

In New Caledonia, many of us met with the E.U. High-Level representative, H.E. Pascal Lamy, through bilaterals as well as the collective consultations with P.A.C.P, representatives, wherein we were advised that the E.U. Parliament will discuss the negotiating directive in November 2017, before the roll-out of the negotiating process with the A.C.P. Grouping."

In May 2017, the A.C.P. Council of Ministers mandated the A.C.P. Ambassadors to constitute and determine the negotiating structure for the A.C.P. Group.

P.A.C.P. Foreign Ministers took the opportunity of being together in Suva for the second Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting to hold an informal caucus on 11 August, to specifically discuss post-Cotonou arrangements and the approach the Pacific region would take in the A.C.P. Group negotiating structure.

The negotiations for a post-Cotonou arrangement will need to commence no later than August 2018, said Dame Meg.
I come to you today for three reasons: 1) it is so windy outside this morning that my entire house will shortly be carried away (to Oz, I hope) and I want ...

6 years ago
A new class of drugs that delay aging symptoms in animals and human cells has been discovered, according to a study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute.

Tested in a mouse model of premature aging, the drugs delayed the onset of age-related symptoms. These included tremor, trouble walking, and loss of forearm gripping strength.

The drugs selectively kill senescent cells, which produce substances injurious to normal cells. This newly discovered class of senolytic compounds inhibits a protein called HSP90. Other senolytics use different mechanisms to kill senescent cells.

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The open-access study, published Monday in the journal Nature Communications, can be found at j.mp/tsriage. It was led by Professor Paul Robbins and Associate Professor Laura Niedernhofer. Heike Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg was first author. All are of of TSRIs campus in Jupiter, Fla.

Direct attacks on aging were long considered impractical in the mainstream scientific community; aging was considered a natural and inevitable process.

However, recent research has uncovered a number of molecular mechanisms implicated in aging. Scientists are exploiting these mechanisms to develop various anti-aging compounds.

Not all approaches involve killing senescent cells. In December, a team led by Salk Institute researchers demonstrated partial reversal of aging signs in mice made to intermittently produce proteins active in embryonic stem cells.

In addition, an ongoing clinical trial of the diabetes drug metformin is looking for evidence it can reduce the effects of aging by restoring genetic activity typical of younger people.

The field of senolytics took off with a 2015 study led by Robbins and Niedernhofer, along with researchers from the Mayo Clinic.

They found a strong senolytic effect in mice given a combination of the cancer drug dasatinib and quercetin, a nutritional supplement. Old mice demonstrated better endurance, heart function and a prolonged period of health, or healthspan.

The team has continued to look for new senolytics, aiming to improve performance while maintaining safety.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Connor Group; the Noaber, Ted Nash, and Glenn Foundations; the American Federation for Aging Research; and Aldabra Biosciences.

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

For further reading

Aging signs reversed in mice by killing senescent cells

Mayo Clinic researchers uncover new anti-aging agents

Long-term benefits of senolytic drugs on vascular health in mice

Scientists take on what was once thought impossible: reversing aging

Anti-aging drugs discovered

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1020
A quilt sale featuring hundreds of quilts and a vendor mall is set for Sept. 29-30 in Escondido.

The two-day Biennial Quilt Show & Sale put on by the North County Quilters Association raises money for local charities, ranging from Interfaith Community Services, the Camp Pendleton C.A.R.E.S. program (division of Wounded Warriors) and Wheelchair Quilts for Balboa Naval Hospital to the San Diego Humane Society and nonprofit Rare Science (helping children with rare diseases).

There will be quilts for immediate purchase along with a mini quilt auction, vendor booths, boutique items and raffle.

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The show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Elks Lodge, 2430 S. Escondido Blvd.

Admission costs $5; free for adults ages 80 and older and children younger than 8.

Visit www.ncountyquilters.com for a $1 off coupon or show this brief.
Every Tuesday, hundreds of people descend on a Vista side street, waving handmade signs, chanting, cheering, jeering and singing for an hour  as they have since last winter.

They recite the Pledge of Allegiance, give speeches and sometimes hold moments of silence following tragedies around the country. Occasionally, the gathering is street theater, as in March with a die-in that saw more than 300 lie on the grass, healthcare protest signs serving as grave markers.

The demonstrations are a weekly event outside the field offices of Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, that started as pushback against President Donald Trump and his agenda and actions. One rally in May saw roughly 800 people  some in tears  show up to protest the House vote  including Issas  to repeal and replace Obamacare.

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Seven months after Trumps inauguration, the rallies still draw roughly 300 people a week to Thibodo Road. They have also started to draw more counterprotesters, some criticism and even a touch of controversy during a battle over where they could stand and how loud they could get during their hour on a shady sidewalk.

Dont look for the rallies or counterprotests 50 feet across the street to taper off anytime soon. People on both sides of the road say they see the weekly sign-waving as ground zero in the battle for the House of Representatives next year, particularly because Issa won re-election by a razor-thin margin, just 1,621 votes, in what was the closest congressional race in the country last fall.

Issas Democratic opponent in that election, Doug Applegate, and his supporters often attend the rallies. So, too, does Democratic candidate Mike Levin and his supporters. Paul Kerr, another Democrat who has also announced his candidacy, has also been there.

Rally organizer Ellen Montanari said she doesnt offer them the mic. Everyone is welcome, she said, but this is not a campaign event for them.

The rallies started out as a grassroots movement last winter by people who said they wanted Issa to hold town halls and take questions; healthcare was the big topic at that time. The congressman has done so, not just with some organized events but also with pop-up town halls outside his office during the rallies.

About two weeks ago, Issa came out and talked to some of his supporters. As he was leaving, he stopped to answer a reporters questions about the continuing demonstrations, which he said he did not think had ever been a grassroots effort but rather set up and organized by political operatives.

He also said that although its interesting to see a couple hundred people turn out every week, I think you have to look at that as a relatively small amount, all facts considered, Issa said.

The state apparatus of both major parties has seized on the rallies, with Democrats promoting them, and Republicans seeking a rally permit of their own. But people on both sides of Thibodo laugh at the notion they are paid to be there.

Pro-Darrell Issa and Trump supporters pause for the National Anthem during the weekly rally by anti-Issa and Trump supporters. Sean Colgan, center holding the red cap, has attended every rally since winter. (Howard Lipin/San Diego Union-Tribune)

Months back, when only Issa critics lined the sidewalk, a solitary man carrying a Trump sign stood across the street every Tuesday. Sean Colgan, 61, always showed up  occasionally on a bicycle, most often on his motorcycle. Protesters welcomed him, chatted with him, even started asking him to lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance.

But relatively warm relations have cooled in recent months. Colgan says the change came when he added an anti-abortion sign. People on the other side of the road said its because Colgan has company now.

Colgan has emerged as the de facto leader of the counterprotest, and when emotions spike, he has stepped in. And the Issa protesters give Colgen a heads up when the Pledge of Allegiance is about to start, so he can let his cohorts on his side of the street know to join in.

Come here and see how we do it in North County, Colgan told a reporter at the rally a few weeks ago. We know how to disagree without being violent.

The rallies happen against a backdrop of increasingly strained national tensions. But here, the hour starts with people on both sides of the street removing hats, placing hands over hearts and giving the same pledge to the country.

People on both sides of Thibodo wave American flags. A few weeks ago, as it happened, each side played or sang Woody Guthries folk anthem This Land Is Your Land.

At another gathering, when one side chanted This is what democracy looks like, the other chanted back, changing democracy to a republic.

There are, however, scowls and occasional confrontations. Last Tuesday, tensions rose following a verbal exchange between rivals on opposite sides of the road. It peaked when one man yelled Call me an (expletive) again and I am coming across the street  his voice so loud it cut through all protest chants and left the crowd stunned. On the other side of the road, his rival taunted him with feigned fear.

But bystanders on both sides quickly quashed potential escalation, with entreaties to the two men to disengage. The strain eased as quickly as it began.

The location itself along Thibodo Road does sort of keep the protests hidden, with no more than a few hundred passersby over the course of the hour  though theyve received national media coverage over the months. When folks do drive by, some of them honk and wave at whichever side they support.

Initially, the plan was to keep the protests up during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Then it stretched to run through September. But now, Montanari said last week, the protests will continue as long as people want to be out there.

As soon as interest wanes, I will go away, said Montanari, who owns a business and said she loses money when spending time at the rallies. I started doing this for me. Now, I am doing it for them.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

(760) 529-4945

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
Theres plenty thats prone to feel unfamiliar to most playgoers about Wild Goose Dreams, the Hansol Jung play thats about to receive its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse.

First, theres the fact one of its main characters is a goose father  the South Korean term for a dad who has stayed behind in his home country while sending the rest of his family overseas (often to the United States or another English-speaking country) for the kids education.

Second is that its other main character is a defector from North Korea  a nation thats been much in the news of late, and yet whose citizens are rarely heard from in the West, in life or on stage.

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But a curiosity about how the unfamiliar meets up with the everyday is a big part of what drives Jung, a rising writer whos making her Playhouse debut.

I was looking for something to set in Seoul, the South Korean-born Jung (who grew up partly in South Africa) says of the plays genesis. And I read an article about a North Korean defector who re-defected to the North.

And you know, when I learned about it, it was just like, Wow, that guy was insane! Why would anyone do that? So I was trying to get inside that persons head.

In the process, Jung started questioning her own assumptions, as she pondered how the pull of home can be powerful no matter where one hails from.

That sense of dislocation and longing, says Jung, helps drive Wild Goose Dreams, directed by the accomplished Leigh Silverman, a Tony Award nominee in 2014 for the musical Violet.

In the play, the lonely goose father Minsung (played by James Kyson of TVs Heroes and Hawaii 5-0) begins an online relationship with Nanhee (Yunjin Kim of TVs Lost), a young defector who has left her family behind in North Korea.

(The cast of eight also includes the Broadway veterans Francis Jue, Julian Cihi and Rona Figueroa, as well as Carolyn Agan, Samantha Wang and UC San Diego grad students DeLeon Dallas, Kyle Hester and Kimberly Monks.)

As Silverman describes it, the show employs choral singing to give a sense of characters who live online and in the outside world, as well as in Nanhees dream world.

The director says Jung has a gift for telling stories that are very universal and very theatrical. Its one of the great joys of our collaboration  sort of getting inside of her brain and figuring out, what is so specific about this North Korean defector living in Seoul, what is so specific about this goose father living in Seoul?

(And) what is it that will resonate deeply in our hearts, even though many of the people in the audience will be neither of those things?

But in the case of good writing, those stories feel as though theyre mirroring our own lives  even if theyre very different circumstances.

Wild Goose Dreams

When: In previews. Opens Sunday. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 1.

Where: La Jolla Playhouses Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive (Playhouse/UC San Diego Theatre District).

Tickets: About $35-$60 (discounts available)

Phone: (858) 550-1010

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebert
The words from Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos this week contrasted sharply with his usual promotion of cross-border goodwill: In the United States, they celebrate every death that is announced in Tijuana. They celebrate it so that the money stays there, he said. California real estate developers celebrate when things go badly in Tijuana so that people buy houses over there.

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Ramos has a history of reaching out to U.S. officials, and he continues to maintain a good relationship with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. But on Monday at the opening of Tijuanas new police command center, Ramos struck a defensive, almost adversarial tone.

He told the audience that Tijuana has enough outside enemies. He pleaded with those from inside to refrain from publicly voicing doubts and negativity that could destroy the citys efforts to curb drug-related violence and restore economic stability.

Lets wash our dirty linen at home, Ramos said in Spanish. Im not saying there shouldnt be criticism, but lets have a single external strategy.

His remarks touched on the sensitivity felt by many in Baja Californias tourism sector about their regions international image.

The industrys hotels, restaurants, shop owners and streetside vendors all are struggling to recover from deep losses that stem from the Great Recession, long border waits tied to stiffer security measures and turf battles between drug traffickers.

While some heard a painful grain of truth in Ramos comments, others shrugged them off as rhetoric.

He was defending Tijuanas image at all costs, without taking into account the significance of his words, said Miguel Angel Torres, editor of the daily newspaper El Sol and president of the Association of Tijuana Journalists.

Jorge DGaray, a public relations consultant who has advised municipal and state leaders, cast Ramos statements as an empty political speech. Hes trying to come across as a strong mayor.

Fernando Otanez, president of the Business Coordinating Council in Tijuana, also stresses that San Diego and Tijuana are a single economic region.

For San Diego businesses, its convenient that things go well for us, said Otanez, who heads his familys real estate firm in Tijuana. Ramos perhaps is expressing some frustration, but this is definitely not the feeling of the business sector.

On Avenida Revolucion, Tijuanas main tourist strip, businessman Jack Doron said he identifies with Ramos assessment.

Doron, who serves as president of the merchants group Ceturmex, said numerous foreign customers who come to buy his embroidered blouses and tablecloths tell him that they had received warnings against traveling to Mexico.

Some hotels (in California) tell them not to come, that its dangerous, but they still come, Doron said.

Brian Flock, a U.S. real estate broker who has sold properties in Baja California and San Diego County, said he has never heard of Mexico being considered a significant competitor for housing in San Diego County.

Still, Flock concluded, the Tijuana mayors pointed words have resonance. Ramos comments may be populist, but that is a sentiment of most people in the tourist area.

Ramos remarks also echoed somewhat the complaints of Baja Californias political leaders about news coverage, which they feel is overly focused on crime and ignores a multitude of accomplishments. Journalists in Tijuana have been urged to change their tone, and authorities have turned to U.S. public relations firms to market their theme of progress to the U.S. media.

My impression is that the press goes over and over the same story, said Carlos Bustamante, the mayor-elect of Tijuana.

In neighboring Rosarito Beach, Mayor Hugo Torres said Ramos probably was feeling hurt because of the perception of insecurity when he has done so much work, Torres said.

Torres often has criticized U.S. media for what he believes is a penchant for sensationalizing violence in Baja California, and for what he sees as a lack of distinction between the dynamics in Rosarito and other parts of Mexico. We are tired of this permanent information exaggeration and not recognizing U.S. problems in some regions, he said.

Just days after warning of American antagonists, Ramos was once again celebrating binational ties during a conference of border mayors in San Diego on Thursday.

Tijuana and San Diego are one region, he said. Were a single city, and anything good that happens in San Diego is also for the good of Tijuana.
A juvenile humpback whale, injured and swimming slowly off the coast of La Jolla, is being monitored closely by multiple agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and San Diego lifeguards.

There is a lot of concern that the whale is not doing well, said Lifeguard Lieutenant John Sandmeyer. The concern is that its having trouble diving.

The whale has large lacerations on its back and flukes, Sandmeyer said.

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San Diego city lifeguards first became aware of the whale earlier in the weekend, after learning it been entangled in ropes and buoys. At the time, the animal was near Bird Rock in La Jolla and not moving well.

Monday afternoon the young humpback whale, measuring between 20 feet and 25 feet long, was still swimming slowly about a half mile off the shore of the Childrens Pool.

A team of researchers from SeaWorld, authorized by NOAA Fisheries, evaluated the whale from a distance, using poles and cameras. They determined the mammal, likely a few years of age, to be in poor condition, as the entanglement had caused severe wounds.

Members of the public had removed the lines entangling the whale prior to the teams evaluation. No additional lines were found.

There is potential the animal will not survive, said Justin Viezbicke, the California stranded network coordinator for NOAA Fisheries. Theres not much we can do.

Lifeguards alerted the Coast Guard to the whales whereabouts and the agency issued a navigation hazard warning boaters to stay away.

Early Monday evening, a few nearby boats appeared to ignore the warning in the hopes of getting a closer look at the young humpback. Most visitors to the Childrens Pool on Monday, however, seemed unaware of the mammals presence. Those that did spot it were not aware of the whales condition.

Its kind of odd that (the whale has been) there so long, said Ofer Shimrat, 57, who was visiting the Childrens Pool with his daughter when he noticed the whale lingering in the area. The Rancho Penasquitos resident stayed to observe the whale. Its staying above the surface.

Lifeguards monitored the juvenile humpback whale from shore until sundown on Monday. They plan to resume their watch on Tuesday morning.

https://www.10news.com/news/seaworld-and-lifeguards-help-young-whale-at-windansea-beach

Business

jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin
A suspected drunken driver crashed into a Bay Terraces laundromat Monday afternoon, leaving three people injured, San Diego police said.

The driver smashed a white sedan into the glass doors of a laundromat on Alta View Drive near South Woodman Street shortly after 6:30 p.m. Before the collision, the man had argued with another man in the parking lot before getting behind the wheel of his car, San Diego police Officer Emilio Ramirez said.

Three people were injured, including two that were taken by ambulance to a hospital to be evaluated, Ramirez said. He said a third victim declined medical attention.

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The driver, who was in his 20s, showed signs of being intoxicated and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Ramirez said.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
President Trump has tentatively decided to leave the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program intact for six months to give Congress time to find a legislative solution, aides said Monday, a delaying tactic likely to please neither side in the bitter debate over immigration.

Aides cautioned that Trump could change his mind before Tuesday, when the White House says he will announce whether he will keep the Obama-era program going, or expose to deportation about 800,000 immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

As of Monday, it was unclear whether Trump will firmly commit to ending the DACA program after six months, begin allowing existing work permits to expire or simply revisit the matter at that time.

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The Republican-led Congress already faces a heavy agenda in coming months, including preparing a federal budget and writing a tax reform bill. Lawmakers have not passed any major legislation since Trump took office and its far from assured they will find the time and will to cobble together a DACA replacement.

Uncertainty about DACAs fate since Trumps election has created a palpable fear for the nations so-called Dreamers, people who were able to obtain work permits and other legal documents under its provisions.

Regardless of how Trump frames his decision Tuesday, ending DACA at some point would upend their lives, affect scores of communities and ripple through the economy.

Since June 2012, people could qualify for DACAs protections if they had lived in the country at least 10 years, had no criminal record and could pass a federal background check.

If approved, they could legally remain and work in the United States, attend school and apply for student aid, and serve in the military. The DACA protections could be renewed every two years.

Politico first reported that Trump would delay ending DACA for six months. Advocates on both sides responded with anger and concern on Monday.

Several senior lawmakers vowed to try to find a bipartisan fix this year.

If President Trump chooses to cancel the DACA program and give Congress six months to find a legislative solution, I will be supportive of such a position, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a frequent Trump critic, said in a statement.

Graham and Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) have jointly introduced legislation to create legal status for Dreamers.

A separate effort, led by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), would create a pathway to legal status for high school graduates without a serious criminal record who were brought illegally to the U.S. as minors before 2012.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) focused on the notion that Trump would end DACA in six months, denouncing it as a cruel act of political cowardice.

Congress must move immediately to protect these courageous, patriotic DREAMers, she said in a statement.

Although House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) has urged Trump not to dismantle the program, preferring a congressional approach, Republicans are deeply divided on the issue and risk alienating Trumps core supporters if they try to save the program.

But failing to act swiftly would almost ensure that the fate of the Dreamers would spill into the 2018 midterm election season, which would prove politically difficult for many lawmakers facing reelection.

During the campaign last year, Trump repeatedly vowed to end DACA as part of his pledge to crack down on illegal immigration and to step up deportations of people in the country illegally, including Dreamers and other longtime residents .

Since taking office, however, Trump has balked at pulling the plug on DACA, professing a sympathy for Dreamers that was encouraged by his daughter Ivanka Trump.

Many of the presidents more hard-line anti-immigration supporters, including Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, oppose DACA. Trump also faced pressure from attorneys general of 10 states, all predominantly Republican.

They pledged to sue the administration if Trump didnt take steps to roll the program back by Tuesday, though on Friday the attorney general of Tennessee withdrew from the group, citing the human element.

White House aides who favor more immigration restrictions have privately hoped a lawsuit by the states would pressure Trump to take action or prompt a court to end the program and shield Trump from political blowback.

But in recent days, as reports suggested that Trump was preparing to cancel the program, the president came under intense pressure from the other side.

Hundreds of the nations top business executives, religious leaders and top officials in Congress deluged the White House with petitions and other support for the Dreamers, urging the president to reconsider.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and leaders of corporations as diverse as General Motors and Starbucks all lent their clout to backing the young immigrants.

According to a report from the Center for American Progress, a liberal-leaning advocacy group, 87% of DACA beneficiaries are using their work permits and 83% of those in school also are working.

About 6% of DACA beneficiaries have started businesses, the report said, and 12% have purchased homes.

Work permits issued under DACA must be renewed every two years. Hard-line nationalists in Trumps inner circle, such as the recently removed White House strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, and senior policy advisor Stephen Miller, had advocated since January that the administration should stop renewing the permits and allow the program to die.

Bannon, who now runs the conservative media website Breitbart, has been pushing from the outside for Trump to halt the program.

This isnt a decision the president takes lightly, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Friday. The decision, she said, was weighing on him.

Trumps decision comes after months of signaling he was softening on his previous vows to deport Dreamers. In April, he told the Associated Press that people protected from deportation under DACA could rest easy.

Then in July, aboard Air Force One en route to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations, Trump told reporters he was struggling with what to do about the program.

Its a decision thats very, very hard to make, he said. I really understand the situation now. I understand the situation very well. What Id like to do is a comprehensive immigration plan. But our country and political forces are not ready yet.

There are two sides of a story, he added. Its always tough.

Staff writers Noah Bierman, Lisa Mascaro and Katherine Skiba contributed to this report.

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

brian.bennett@latimes.com

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The congressional campaign of Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, has twice purchased Costco memberships.

The membership dues  $50 and $150  were paid in November 2009 and December 2012, respectively. U-T Watchdog identified the payments in reviewing some of Hunters older expenses  an exercise federal investigators are also going through, as they review his personal spending of campaign funds.

Using political contributions for personal matters is prohibited to guard against undue influence by donors.

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Hunter in November 2016 repaid his campaign for $6,142 of charges at Costco that he identified as personal, mistaken or insufficiently documented. The reimbursements dated back only to 2015.

U-T Watchdogs latest review found 18 payments to Costco before 2015, totaling $5,392. Hunters attorney and office staff did not respond to questions about why the older Costco expenses were not reimbursed as well.

The membership payments may be more problematic than the store purchases. Federal law says campaign funds cannot be used to pay dues to country clubs, health clubs and other nonpolitical organizations unless the payments are made in connection with a specific fundraising event that takes place on the organizations premises.

1 / 4 An unspecified number of transactions totaling $1,920. ( / AP) 2 / 4 An unspecified number of transactions totaling $2,605. ( / AP) 3 / 4 An unspecified number of transactions totaling $2,617. (Christian Rodas / UT San Diego) 4 / 4 An unspecified number of transactions totaling $2,892. (Jeff Zaruba / Handout)

The exclusion for political, civic and community organizations is to allow officeholders to meet with their constituents to carry out their duties as an officeholder  not so they can shop at Costco, said Brett Kappel, an attorney at Akerman LLP in Washington, D.C., and noted expert in campaign law and ethics rules.

Even if the officeholder used their own money to buy the personal items, if he used the campaigns membership card he got the personal discount at the campaigns expense, Kappel continued. Any way you look at it, using campaign funds to buy a membership at Costco raises significant personal use issues.

Hunter has said he took part in no criminal action and that he made none of the questionable charges himself.

Previously: Hunter

Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
The congressional campaign of Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, spent $314 at a Hawaiian resort, $282 at Dicks Sporting Goods and $455 on one Vons visit  all in 2012.

The expenses are comparable to the spending that has come under scrutiny for Hunter, and the kinds of expenses for which he has reimbursed his campaign.

The difference? All three were before 2015  and none have been repaid.

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After questions first arose in April 2016 about Hunters spending of campaign money for video games and his childrens private school tuition, the congressman commissioned an audit and ended up repaying more than $60,000 in expenses he identified as personal, mistaken or undocumented.

His audit uncovered problematic expenses for three years back.

Now federal agents are investigating Hunters campaign spending, and a search warrant obtained last month by U-T Watchdog shows they are reviewing his expenditures as far back as February 2010.

The Watchdog decided to review Hunters campaign spending during the earlier time period as well, and found numerous unreimbursed expenses similar to those Hunter has found it necessary to repay.

Between Feb. 1, 2010 and the end of Dec. 31, 2014, Hunters campaign made at least 17 payments totaling $2,946 to grocery stores, including Albertsons and Vons  which remain unreimbursed. Last year, Hunter repaid his campaign $5,678 for 32 transactions at grocery stores in 2015 and the first quarter of 2016.

In 2012, his campaign paid $314 for gifts for supporters at a resort on Kaanapali Beach in Maui. Hunter reimbursed his campaign in 2015 for $5,161 it spent earlier that year for Hunters vacation at an affiliated resort on the same beach.

From 2012 through 2014, Hunters campaign paid Barnes & Noble bookseller at least six times for a total $1,246, all reported as payments for gift baskets. Hunter reimbursed his campaign $686 last year for at least seven payments to the bookseller in 2015 and 2016 for purchases including those identified as donor acknowledgements.

Federal law forbids personal use of campaign funds to guard against undue influence by campaign contributors.

Hunters chief of staff, Joe Kasper, and an attorney representing Hunter, Elliot Berke, did not respond to The San Diego Union-Tribunes questions or requests for comment, including questions about every expense mentioned in this story.

Hunter has denied participating in any criminal actions and he told Politico in March that he did not personally make any of the charges in question.

I have fixed it now; I have fixed it now, its all straightened out, I paid it back, Hunter told said at a town hall in Ramona in March. I take responsibility for it, I fixed it, and as far as Im concerned, end of story.

Hunter told the Union-Tribune in April 2016 that he and Margaret Hunter, his wife and long-time campaign manager, were the only two holders of the campaigns credit card.

The campaigns first payment to Margaret Hunter was a $276 mileage reimbursement in March 2010, one month after the time period that federal agents are reviewing. She received mileage payments on an ongoing basis through that year and the next. Hunters campaign then began paying Margaret Hunter for campaign consulting in September 2011, reports show. It paid her between $2,000 and $3,000 per month until Feb. 27, 2017.

Also around the start of the time period being reviewed by federal agents, the Hunter campaign began frequent purchases at grocery stores  not common among his colleagues in the San Diego delegation.

Hunters campaign treasury reported no spending on groceries from its founding in April 2007 until Feb. 17, 2010. On that day, the campaign reported spending $243 at Vons for event catering.

Going forward, grocery purchases were reported for gift baskets, flowers, meals for workers, items for adopted family program and other specific uses. Starting in November 2014, repeated grocery purchases totaling thousands of dollars were simply reported as food and beverages.

Questions about Hunters campaign spending came to light in April 2016, when The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on a letter from the Federal Election Commission seeking an explanation of video game and private school expenses.

Last year, Hunter reimbursed his campaign in April 2016 for three payments totaling $6,150 to Christian Unified Schools in El Cajon. He has also reimbursed his campaign treasury for school uniform expenses and payments to the restaurant that catered the schools lunches.

A review of Hunters older expenses shows unreimbursed expenses that also appear to have a connection to the school.

Hunters campaign reported paying Shadow Mountain Community Church $1,000 on Nov. 14, 2010 for a Christmas program ad, and another $1,000 on Dec. 15, 2011 for a similar purpose.

Students at Christian Unified Schools perform their annual Christmas productions at the church, which the school lists as a related tax-exempt organization on federal tax forms.

Previously: Hunter

Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
While Daniel G. Lewis had a lauded career as a violinist, conductor and teacher in the Los Angeles area, San Diego was where it all began. When here, from 1948 to 1963, Mr. Lewis earned his bachelors and masters degrees, spent a decade with the San Diego Symphony, taught music in local schools and founded the still-thriving Civic Youth Orchestra (CYO).

He was extremely well-organized, said Denise Lewis, his daughter, who lives in Vancouver, Wash. He had a family to support and he was a workaholic.

On June 17, the Civic Youth Orchestra honored Mr. Lewis at a La Jolla reception and dinner for founding the organization in 1957. The next afternoon, the CYO held its annual concert, featuring several former CYO students.

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He was tired, but he enjoyed the alumni and other people coming up to talk with him, said longtime companion Joni Steshko, who accompanied Mr. Lewis to the June event.

He was shy. When you complimented him, he enjoyed it, but he was modest about it.

A month later, on July 7, Mr. Lewis died of natural causes at the Freedom Village assisted living community in Lake Forest. He was 92.

Mr. Lewis was well-known to many San Diegans, including SummerFests violinist and music director, Cho-Liang Jimmy Lin.

I met Daniel Lewis when he visited the Aspen Music festival in 1977, Lin said, via email. I played in a class he gave  about how to work with a conductor and orchestra in a concerto. A week or so later, I won the Aspen Festivals concerto competition. It was the B minor Concerto of Saint-Saens. Daniel Lewis was my conductor.

Immediately after the concert, he invited me to be soloist with his Pasadena Symphony. It was to be my Los Angeles debut  two years before I played at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Michael Tilson Thomas.

I recall the Pasadena Symphony being absolutely brilliant and Dan Lewis being a great musician with every exact demands of his musicians. He was as supportive a conductor as a young soloist could ever hope for (I was 18 then). He spoke his mind and it was full of conviction and passion. I was totally in awe.

Later, I played with him at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I remember Martin Bernheimer of the L.A. Times said this in his review: Lewis looks like Clark Kent and conducts like Superman. Dan Lewis was exactly that.

Daniel G. Lewis was born May 10, 1925, in Flagstaff, Ariz., to Mary Rozen and Urban James Lewis. A few years later, the family moved to La Mesa, where Mr. Lewis attended elementary school. He graduated from Grossmont High School in 1942.

After a brief stint at what was then San Diego State College, he served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. During his service, he married his first wife and high-school sweetheart, Oneta Belsha Lewis. They had six children.

In 1948, Mr. Lewis graduated from San Diego State and continued his studies, commuting from La Mesa to Claremont Graduate School, graduating in 1950. From 1950 to 1962, he was music director at Helix High School and instrumental music director at what was then the Grossmont High School District. In 1962, he headed Grossmont Colleges music department.

From 1948 to 1959, Mr. Lewis also alternated as assistant concertmaster and concertmaster of the San Diego Symphony, and was assistant conductor from 1956 to 1959. That year, he and his family spent 10 months in Munich, Germany, where he studied music as a Fulbright Scholar.

After moving to Orange County in 1963, Mr. Lewis developed a sterling reputation. He was music director of the Pasadena Symphony from 1971 to 1982, served as music director of several festivals and guest-conducted orchestras across the country.

In 1973, he co-directed the first season of the now-defunct Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute with Leonard Bernstein. The next year, he debuted with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, guest-conducting more than 30 concerts.

But Mr. Lewis was probably best known for teaching at the University of Southern Californias Thornton School of Music and leading the USC Thornton Symphony. He was there from 1970 to 1995, retiring as professor emeritus.

Dan was proudest of the accomplishment of his students, his daughter Denise said. He was always delighted when hed hear one of his students was doing especially well in the professional world. He held them to a very high standard and the quality of music they produced was astounding.

Mr. Lewis was known among his students for being a strict taskmaster.

A lot of people thought of him that way, Denise recalled. He was always prepared and was on time or early. He also had a good sense of humor. In his funeral notes, he included funny comments.

Mr. Lewis is predeceased by his second wife, Colleen Knapp Lewis, and his son, Stephen. In addition to his companion, Steshko, who is also a conductor, and daughter, Denise, he is survived by his former wife, Oneta Lewis, sons Daniel I., Lawrence, Ralph and Paul, plus 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The USC Thornton Symphony will pay tribute to Mr. Lewis during its opening concert of the 2017-2018 school year on Friday, Sept. 8. No San Diego memorial is planned. Donations can be sent to the Daniel Lewis Memorial Scholarship, Civic Youth Orchestra, P.O. Box 2170, San Marcos, CA 92079 or www.civicyouthorchestra.org/daniellewis.

Wood is a freelance writer.
It doesnt take much to make a hurricane worse

Phillip Hawley (There are lots of ways to look at climate change, Sept. 2) writes that there is no hard evidence to correlate higher temperatures with storms such as Harvey. In fact, there is abundant scientific evidence that our fossil fuel emissions made Harvey much more destructive.

Warm air holds more water vapor (4 percent per degree F), and the Gulf of Mexico has warmed more than 2 F under human influence. Furthermore, fossil fuel emissions have caused loss of much Arctic sea ice, leading storms to stall in one place for longer. Much of the damage caused by Harvey was because it stalled over Houston for many days. Damages increase exponentially with amount of water, so even a modest human contribution to the amount of water matters.

Taken together, the total destructiveness of Harvey was probably twice what it would have been without fossil fuel burning.

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Jeff Severinghaus

Professor of Geosciences

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

One hurricane and people jump to conclusions

Steve Breens climate change cartoon Climate change is a hoax (Sept. 1) of a car under water was an effective propaganda piece that completely ignores facts.

Harvey was the first storm of Category 3 or higher to hit the U.S. in 12 years  we were long overdue if the climate change experts were correct. The frequency or intensity of major storms is down since 1970.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said it is premature to conclude that human activities  and particularly global warming  have already had a detectable impact on Atlantic hurricane or global tropical cyclone activity. Breen needs to stand down in light of facts, not emotion or politics.

Maurice Caskey

Rancho Penasquitos

Irmas path is not being debated, despite being based on science

Florida governor Rick Scott Monday wisely declared an emergency in case Hurricane Irma makes landfall there. He took action despite the hurricane track computer model projections that as of Monday showed Irmas path taking her anywhere from the Gulf of Mexico to the open Atlantic, missing Florida altogether.

Its notable that no such urgency or trust is attached to computer model projections of future warming, and especially the associated sea level rise, which are qualitatively far more certain than Irmas path. This is especially true for Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, the states most vulnerable, but where climate change is still a political debate.

R.E. Flick

Scripps Ranch

When will we learn the lesson planet is showing us?

Eugene Robinsons article, Natures Message (Aug. 30) is a powerful piece. Hes right -- how many more super storms must we endure, with great cost to lives, homes and jobs -- before we accept that climate change takes normal storms and makes them more intense.

President Trump pulled out of the Paris accord because he believed it was a job killer. How many jobs are now lost in Texas? How many lives were lost? Good lord, weve basically lost the fourth largest city in the U.S. How long will we continue dumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with no regard as to the consequences?

Changing light bulbs or driving a Prius is nice, but wont make a dent in this problem. Its time for legislation to enact a fee on carbon with dividends returned to American households. Its time for citizens to ask their member of Congress to wake up and do something.

Susan Kobara

Carlsbad

Will Houston be enough for the president to get real about climate change?

Maybe they can take him for a little walk in waist-deep water.

Lavana Sivam

Escondido

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.

Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.

Related:

Hurricane Irma called potentially catastrophic as it bears down on the Caribbean and Florida

Florida on edge, evacuations coming as Hurricane Irma nears
Wells Fargo is the poster child for why Congress must reject Wall Streets calls to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Not only did Wells Fargo employees fraudulently open 3.5 million accounts, the company was recently fined for charging illegal fees to veterans to refinance their mortgages, and wrongfully sold 800,000 customers car insurance they didnt need.

Unfortunately, San Diego area Reps. Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa both recently voted to significantly curtail the CFPBs ability to write rules and enforce consumer protection laws. I urge them to reconsider their position. They should instead work to protect the CFPBs authority to hold financial firms like Wells Fargo accountable when they rip off their customers.

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Emily Rusch

Executive Director

CALPIRG

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.

Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
President Donald Trump is dismantling an Obama -era government program that gave two-year work and study permits to young immigrants who had been brought to the U.S. illegally as children, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Tuesday.

I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents, President Donald Trump said in a written statement. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

DACA was established with an executive order by President Barack Obama in 2012 and allows unauthorized immigrants who came to the U.S. as children  and who also meet several education and security guidelines  to be protected from deportation. It also allows participants to legally work in the U.S.

RELATED: What is DACA and why is it in jeopardy under Trump?

So what happens to all the participants now? Heres what you need to know.

How many people are we talking about?

The program has about 800,000 participants, according to the most recent figures from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This group is commonly collectively called dreamers.

Where are these people coming from?

The largest portion came from Mexico, and El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, South Korea, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia make up other top countries of origin since the programs inception.

Heres a full breakdown.

At least a quarter of DACA participants are in California.

Who are the people in the program?

Requirements for acceptance include coming to the U.S. before an applicants 16th birthday and being enrolled in school or being a high school or general education development (GED) graduate. Participants also cannot have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors and cannot otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Read more about the guidelines for participation here.

Why is Trump ending the program?

The Trump administration was faced with a Sept. 5 deadline to either take steps to end the program or be sued by a group of nine state attorneys who say DACA is an overreach of the federal government.

Led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, 9 state attorneys were urging the president to end the program. In June, Paxton sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking that DACA be phased out.

Arkansas, Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginias attorney generals joined Paxton as well as Idaho Governor C.L. Otter. Tennesses attorney general had been involved, but withdrew over the weekend, saying a better approach would be a congressional action.

Sessions says he and the administration agree with the group of attorneys general threatening a lawsuit.

Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch, he said on Tuesday.

What happens to the program now?

The Department of Justice has advised the president and the Department of Homeland Security that DHS should begin an orderly, lawful wind down, including the cancellation of the memo that authorized this program, Sessions said.

The plan is to let DACA expire in six months. New applications will be halted for now.

The Trump administration basically threw the ball back to Congress to deal with dreamers as the program undergoes a wind down process.

This will enable DHS to conduct an orderly change and fulfill the desire of this administration to create a time period for Congress to actshould it so choose. We firmly believe this is the responsible path, he added. Congress should carefully and thoughtfully pursue the types of reforms that are right for the American people.

Trump tweeted at Congress to get to work.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, said he hopes the House and Senate will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

So what happens to dreamers?

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, which administers the DACA program, has a lot of information about these individuals, including their own admission that they entered the country illegally. So what will happen to them?

People with permits whose renewals are set to expire between now and March 5, will be able to re-apply as long as their applications are submitted by Oct. 5. No current permits will be revoked and applications already submitted will be processed. The CATO Institute estimated that 595,000 of the roughly 800,000 permitted dreamers are on permits that expire after March 5, so would not be able to renew their permits under Trumps phaseout. That means about 190,000  or about 24 percent of the current dreamers  would be able to renew their permits before March 5.

But DACA participants could technically face deportation to their countries of origins as soon as March if Congress doesnt move to support them with new legislation. Immigration officials say they dont plan to actively pursue participants for deportation when it ends, however.

Our enforcement priorities remain unchanged, Trump said in his statement. We are focused on criminals, security threats, recent border-crossers, visa overstays, and repeat violators. I have advised the Department of Homeland Security that DACA recipients are not enforcement priorities unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang.

What do critics of the decision say?

Information provided to government officials by DACA applicants and participants will not be proactively provided to immigration officials, according to current DHS rules.

But immigrant rights groups still worried about dreamers futures.

We will fight the Trump mass deportation agenda, said a statement from the United We Dream organization. Immigrant families are beautiful and strong, this is their home and they are #HereToStay!

Unauthorized immigrants and other protesters gathered in front of the White House to voice their frustration on Tuesday and other protests were expected across the country, including in San Diego.

U.S. business leaders including executives at Apple, Microsoft and Starbucks opposed rescinding DACA ahead of the decision.

"Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy. With them, we grow and create jobs," they wrote in an open letter.

Obama released a statement via Facebook on Tuesday calling the decision cruel and urged Congress to take quick action.

Want to learn more about DACA? Read all about it on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website here.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
Dozens of cats and dogs, displaced by Hurricane Harvey, are coming to town courtesy of Helen Woodward Animal Center and Southwest Airlines.

The center is throwing the pets a welcome-to-your-new-home party on Tuesday at its Rancho Sante Fe facility. The event, open to the public, came to be thanks to a partnership between Helen Woodward, Operation Pets Alive! and Southwest Airlines.

After receiving a call for help from Operation Pets Alive! of Montgomery County, TX., Helen Woodward sent four staffers to a makeshift pet rescue center at the Lone Star Convention Center to assist with on-the-ground operations. The local non-profit organization also agreed to bring back up to 80 pets, saving them from potential euthanasia.

Southwest Airlines is donating a plane and their employees time to transport the orphaned animals to San Diego.

Between 60 and 80 cats and dogs are expected to land at Terminal 1 and San Diego International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The pets will then travel to the Rancho Sante Fe animal center where visitors can greet them and snap pictures. The animals will be evaluated and made available for adoption as soon as possible.

These are the silent victims, said Helen Woodward President and CEO Mike Arms. We are honored to help save those lives and we are lucky to have incredible friends like Southwest to help make this all possible.

Helen Woodward is asking that members of the public who wish to make Harvey-related donations give to Operation Pets Alive! or the Montgomery-County Animal Shelter, and not Helen Woodward. The centers welcoming party is Tuesday at 2:20 p.m. at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.

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jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin
Five Salvation Army volunteers from throughout the San Diego an Imperial county regions landed in Houston over the weekend to help survivors following one of the largest disaster relief efforts in its history.

The team, which received emergency disaster training prior to leaving, left on Sept. 2 and will return on the 15th.

After landing at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Saturday, Salvation Army Lt. James Fleming from the divisional headquarters in San Diego, said the aerial of Hurricane Harveys aftermath wasnt what he expected.

On the news you see water and floods and hear the word Houston, we didnt see any disasters...

He said they thought the devastation would be everywhere, but like a tornado that appears abruptly, destroys whats in its path and then disappears, the hurricane was also selective.

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You can drive down one street and not see anything and then turn a corner and see up to a thousand homes...with all the property out on the front lawn.

Fleming said when they arrived the volunteers hit the ground running, going out into the communities immediately following a debriefing to help people with the most need first.

In the greater Houston area, 33 mobile feeding unit and response team volunteers are providing survivors and first responders with drinks, snacks, water, hygiene items, clean up kits.

They are also providing what Fleming called emotional and spiritual care.

Yesterday he said that he and others spent a lot of time just talking and listening to people.

Ive talked to people who have lived in their homes for 45, 60 years, and said theyve never dealt with something like this before. A lot people are safe but their houses are destroyed.

Fleming, 40, said he got involved with the Salvation Army seven years ago, during a time when he needed help.

The Salvation Army helped me at a low point in my life and helped guide me and turned my life around, he said. It leads you into a life of service.

Never serving outside of San Diego or helping with a disaster on this scale, Fleming said he jumped at the chance to help survivors in the aftermath.

Since Hurricane Harvey hit land, The Salvation Army has provided more than 150,000 meals, deployed 78 mobile units and put in more than 200,000 volunteer hours.

When asked what the greatest need is, Fleming said because of the scale of the disaster, monetary donations are needed the most as rehabilitation will continue long after the flood waster has receded.

To donate online visit: helpsalvationarmy.org or call: 1 (800) SAL-ARMY.

To receive a donation link via text, text STORM to 51555.

For more information visit: sandiego.salvationarmy.org or inlandempire.salvationarmy.org
A truck driver was beaten and robbed Monday night at a rest area on I-41 in Dodge County, by two suspects who jumped over a wall of a bathroom stall to get to the victim.

The unidentified truck driver from Pennsylvania was seriously injured and was taken to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee for treatment.

The assault and robbery happened at about 10:30 p.m. at the rest area on the southbound side of I-41 just south of Lomira.

The investigation showed two men jumped over the stall wall and assaulted the truck driver, stealing an undisclosed amount of money.

Anyone with information about the incident or who might have witnessed the incident is asked to call the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, 920-386-3726.
So far, Disney Cruise Line has just reordered the port calls for Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. No destinations were dropped.

Carnival Valor's Sept. 2 week-long cruise from Miami is going westward, and will visit Grand Cayman, Roatan's Mahogany Bay, Belize City and Cozumel, instead of the eastern ports of Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk.

Carnival Magic's Sept. 3 six-day cruise from Port Canaveral is also heading west, to Cozumel, Belize City and Costa Maya, instead of Nassau, Amber Cove and Grand Turk.

Carnival Splendor's Sept. 3 six-day sailing from Port Everglades is substituting the western ports of Cozumel, Mahogany Bay and Belize City for Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Amber Cove.

And the Baltimore-based Carnival Pride is rerouting to Charleston, Freeport and Nassau this week, instead of calling at Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay.

These changes follow the earlier announced rerouting of Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas from an eastern to a western Caribbean cruise, and Royal Caribbean has said it's closely monitoring Irma's path and its potential impact to a dozen sailings later this week and on the weekend.

Those include the Sept. 7 Canada/New England cruises of Grandeur of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, and the Sept. 8 Bahamas saiilings of Enchantment of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas.

Also cited on the company's watch list are the Sept. 9 voyages of Adventure of the Seas to the southern Caribbean, Anthem of the Seas to Bermuda, Empress of the Seas to Cuba and Harmony of the Seas to the eastern Caribbean, and the Sept. 10 sailings of Allure of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas to the western Caribbean, Oasis of the Seas to the eastern Caribbean and Serenade of the Seas to Canada/New England.

Hurricane warnings are in effect for portions of the Leeward Islands and Irma could directly affect the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as a dangerous major hurricane later this week, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Hurricane watches have been issued for these areas, and tropical-storm-force winds could arrive there by early Wednesday.

Irma could directly affect Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Cuba as a dangerous major hurricane later this week, forecasters warned, adding there is an increasing chance of some impacts in the Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and over the weekend.

Port Everglades said staff will be conducting surveys in anticipation of the possible declaration of Condition Whiskey by the Coast Guard, which would happen 72 hours before the arrival of sustained tropical storm force winds.
Last year, DP World was awarded a 50-year concession from the Government of Ecuador to build a 750,000 teu-facility to connect Ecuadors coast.

The $500m-initial investment -Phase 1- includes the purchase of land, dredging of a new access channel, a 20km-access road and a 400-metre-berth equipped to handle containers and other cargo. Total investment will be over $1bn for the entire project along with plans to develop a logistics zone and creating a regional trading hub.

The future port, located 65 km from the countrys main business city of Guayaquil, is expected to take around 24 months to complete. Additionally, a 1 sq-km-logistics and industrial park, as a Special Economic Development Zone, will be developed adjacent to the port. China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is in charge to build the future port and began in July to work on the access roads. Draught at the port of Guayaquil is 9.5 m which makes currently impossible for the post-panamax vessels to arrive in Ecuador.

This is an important landmark in Ecuadors growth story  were celebrating today the first public-private partnership that will benefit local economy and change forever the way it trades with the world. The port has been designed to serve the growing needs of global markets  something weve been able to witness first-hand with our 78 terminals around the world  and will dramatically improve the global competitiveness of Ecuadorian exporters, said Sulayem during the ceremony.

DP World is always on the lookout for opportunities that help meet the growing demands of the global supply chain. This facility will help Ecuador become an important player in regional and global trade and its deep draughts and quay lengths will handle neo-panamax vessels to complement Guayaquil and other nearby terminals, commented DP World Posorja general manager Jorge Velasquez.

Its navigation channel is designed for ease of access, allowing large capacity ships to call at our shores, added Velasquez.
These vessels normally have a steady run bringing petroleum products from refineries in the US Gulf into Florida and the southeastern US with refineries in the mid-Atlantic supply needs locally and into the Northeast. As the revelers at the famed Jersey Shore (best known for Bruce Springsteen) enjoyed a delightful Labor Day - the unofficial end of summer holiday - with the eastern-facing backdrop at the beach included a group of Jones Act tankers anchored not far off the coast.

An unusual constellation of factors, stemming from Hurricane Harvey, which shut down refineries in Texas, and the upcoming weather event, has brought about a slowdown in the coastwise trades. Mr. Court Smith, veteran oil and tanker analyst at Shipping Intelligence & Analytics, based in Connecticut, explained to Seatrade Maritime News: Vessels appear to be waiting at anchor as the demand for clean product shipments has slipped now that the Colonial Pipeline is restarting.

He went on to point out that: This, combined with the possible impact of Irma on Florida, a key Jones Act market, appears to have reduced the incentive to use US flagged ships.

Meantime, the time charter equivalent (TCE) of hires in the westbound trans-Atlantic (TC2) MR tanker trades has already backed off; brokers estimates on Labor Day (4 September) had the TCE equating to around $16,000 per day- way down from the $23,000 per day seen late in the previous week.
After rejecting a contract for what would have been the districts first public Montessori charter school, the Madison School Board has started changing its approach to considering charter school applications.

We have learned that our current policy ... still does not serve us in a sufficiently nimble, concise or user-friendly manner, district lawyer Dylan Pauly said in an Aug. 10 memo to board members about the proposed changes, which were approved at the boards Aug. 28 meeting.

Now, if a group wants to start a charter school  whether from scratch, like the districts two existing charters were created, or by converting a private school into a charter, like Isthmus Montessori Academy (IMA) tried to do  applicants will use a simplified timeline that begins at least two years prior to the proposed charter school opening.

Thats about a year longer than the previous timeline, with a slightly longer active-review period of about eight months and then several more months than before on the back end for an approved charter school to prepare to open.

The timeline also was adjusted to prevent major board decisions from having to be made in April or May, which can be a time of transition due to board member elections.

Its more time to review things and to prepare for opening, board member TJ Mertz said. It makes the whole process almost twice as long.

The type of charter school to be considered under the new timeline would be whats known as an instrumentality of the school district. That means the School Board would employ the school staff and retain ultimate responsibility for the school, even as the school receives considerable flexibility and autonomy in its day-to-day operations, focus and/or teaching methods.

That could mean, for instance, using a non-traditional instructional style, such as the Montessori approachs self-directed learning and long academic time blocks.

Or it could allow for a school to have a particular focus through which curriculum is themed  such as the environmental focus of Badger Rock Middle Schools academics and the dual-language immersion of Nuestro Mundo, the districts two existing instrumentality charters, which were created in 2011 and 2004, respectively.

In no case, though  according to a part of the boards policy on charters that isnt new  will the board consider proposals for an independent charter school, also known as a non-instrumentality of the district. Those kinds of charters can be created by the board under state law, but the district would retain no authority over them, their staff would not answer to the board and the district would lose about $8,100 annually for each student who attends one.

No independent charter schools currently exist in Madison  and the board turned down an application for one proposed in 2011 that was geared toward low-income minority students  but a state office was created in 2015 that could approve some in the city as early as fall 2018.

Instrumentality or not, charter schools are publicly funded  though the school may be required to do some private fundraising  and tuition-free. The idea behind them is to foster innovation and experimentation, and to give students additional choices that may serve them better.

Beyond the timeline revisions, the board in a 7-0 vote on Aug. 28 also agreed to post all charter school proposals, which are public records, on the districts website within two weeks of getting them, as well as the administrations analysis of proposals and the guide used for rating them.

A final change approved by the board added a deadline for contract completion to the charter school timeline  by April 2019 for approved schools opening in fall 2020.

IMAs original proposal in Sept. 2016 envisioned a Sept. 2017 opening for the school. At Superintendent Jen Cheathams suggestion, the board changed the proposed opening to Sept. 2018 in January, when members gave conditional approval to the charter proposal, pending contract negotiations to clear up remaining areas of concerns that took about seven months and ended with the boards rejection of the five-year contract on Aug. 21.

In the coming months, the board is slated to consider several more possible changes to the charter policy that members discussed but didnt vote on in August. Those include creating a more spelled-out process for renewing charter school contracts, putting outside experts on a charter application review committee that works before the board gets involved, and using the districts average per pupil cost of $11,700 to estimate annual charter school budgets, rather than relying on the current method, which uses a per-pupil figure thats $4,800 lower.

The discussions are raising bigger questions about where we stand on community-fostered innovation, and those are really important questions for us to grapple with, Cheatham said. This idea of community-fostered innovation is really important and deserves a place.

This idea of community-fostered innovation is really important and deserves a place. Jen Cheatham, Madison schools superintendent
As the Madison School District begins a new school year Tuesday, former Madison police captain Joe Balles will lead efforts to help keep the districts 50 schools safe.

In an extension of the job he began on an interim basis in April, and then continued in a limited way through the summer, the South Side policing veteran is coordinating safety and security operations for the district under a 10-month contract for services that started Sept. 1 and is scheduled to end June 30, 2018.

As before, rather than use a traditional employment contract, the district is paying Balles $73 an hour as an independent contractor, with no benefits. He is to work about 30 hours a week over the 10-month period, receiving no more than $88,000 total, according to the terms.

The School Board approved the contract Aug. 28 with Balles consulting company, a limited liability corporation known as JB Public Safety Consulting, with board members Nicki Vander Meulen and TJ Mertz opposed.

Contracting for whats traditionally been a staff position is not a good idea, Mertz said, arguing it wasnt good practice for contractors to supervise regular district staff, as Balles will do with the 25 security assistants who work in the four main high schools and some middle schools.

Because it has fewer than 15 employees, Balles company also is exempt from complying with affirmative action requirements for vendors and contractors set by Board Policy 6600, which Vander Meulen said she didnt like.

District staff said the arrangement was necessary due to a limited pool of qualified applicants and because of state rules limiting the number of hours that state or municipal retirees may work for another public agency in the states retirement system while collecting retirement benefits.

We realized we had to consider a new model for employment in order to hire the best of the best for our schools, families and students, said Kelly Ruppel, the districts chief of staff, in an Aug. 11 memo to the board.

Balles retired from the Madison Police Department in January 2016 after 32 years. He was hired by the district on an interim basis in April after the previous security coordinator, former Madison police officer Tony Peterson, quit after less than three months. Peterson had replaced Luis Yudice, another retired Madison police veteran who had worked as the school districts security chief since 2006.

Balles received nearly $23,000 under the interim contract, including $20,000 for about 25 hours of work per week while school was in session from April through June, plus $2,192 for a total of about 30 hours in July and August.

I understand we were left in a lurch, Mertz said about Balles taking over after Petersons departure. But this is looking more and more like a permanent solution.

Mertz proposed giving Balles a five-month contract while staff continued to look for someone who could be hired using a traditional employment contract. But other board members didnt want to chance Balles turning them down and the district perhaps having trouble replacing him on short notice, and with the school year about to begin.

Its difficult in our school district not having a security person leading the way, board president James Howard said. I dont want to take that risk.

Superintendent Jen Cheatham said district officials would use the next 10 months to explore multiple creative options for filling the job after Balles contract is up.

We certainly have never seen (the consultant approach) as a permanent solution, but as a very practical and good one for the year were about to begin, Cheatham said.

The security coordinator position works with staff, families, police and community groups to maintain safe environments, engage in prevention efforts and provide support to schools when situations arise. The coordinator also oversees the functions of educational resource officers, who are employed by the Police Department, and the districts security officers, in addition to training administrators and other staff members on safety procedures and on proper responses to crimes or suspected crimes in the school setting, Ruppel said.

This position has been an invaluable safety position that both school and district administrators rely on daily, Ruppel said.
Press Release

September 5, 2017 Sen. Bam: Give clear directive not to kill minors and unarmed suspects Sen. Bam Aquino called on Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa to issue a clear and unequivocal directive to the police force not to kill unarmed suspects and to end the indiscriminate killing of minors. "A clear, definitive directive from the top na nagsasabing mali pumatay ng suspects na hindi nanlalaban, mahalaga iyon sa kapulisan," said Sen. Bam after the hearing of the Committee on Public Order on the killing of Kian Delos Santos, who was killed during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City. Police claimed that Kian fired at the policemen, forcing them to fight back. However, CCTV footage from the barangay showed that two policemen were seen dragging Kian to the alley where he was killed. Another teenager, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, was killed by Caloocan City policemen after he allegedly robbed a taxi driver. However, forensic examinations showed that Arnaiz was handcuffed and was on his knees when he was shot two to three times in the chest. By punishing policemen involved in the killing of Delos Santos and Arnaiz, Sen. Bam said it will send a strong signal that their unlawful acts will not be tolerated. "Kailangan bantayan ang mga kasong ito. The resolution of these two cases should send a clear signal to the rest of the police force that these unlawful acts will not be supported by the Senate or by the police hierarchy," Sen. Bam stressed. "Maraming nakabantay sa mga kasong ito. Nakabantay talaga tayo kung magpapatuloy pa ang mga operations na ganito, kung may mamamatay pa ba. Gusto nating matigil na ang patayan," added Sen Bam. During the hearing, Sen. Bam asked Gen. Dela Rosa if there's a pattern of killing in the PNP with the recent deaths of Delos Santos and Arnaiz. The top PNP official vehemently denied the existence of a pattern, saying the police have arrested 120,000 drug suspects alive. "The Senate is supportive of the war on drugs and arresting 120,000 criminals involved in drugs is appreciated, but killing of unarmed suspects is still a problem," said Sen. Bam, adding that a clear directive from the top is a start.
Press Release

September 5, 2017 De Lima: I worry more about EJK victims than my freedom Senator Leila M. de Lima has welcomed ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights' (APHR) call for her release from detention as she expressed support to the group's plea to end extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the country. De Lima, a known human rights defender, said the support she is getting from APHR and other human rights groups gives her strength and fortitude to continue without relent her fight against EJKs. "The President can lock me in jail as long as he wants to but he cannot stop me from opposing the alleged state-sponsored daily drug killings in the country, the same way that he cannot hide my innocence from sensible people such as the ASEAN lawmakers who know that the charges filed against me were politically motivated," she said. "I will never stay silent about the brazen killings in our country that have claimed thousands of lives, as well as the flagrant abuses and injustices of this government that clearly violate the basic rights and human dignity of the people," she added. Amid uproar against President Duterte's murderous war on drugs, APHR joined snowballing call for De Lima's freedom, pointing out that the Senator's effort to defend human rights should be "applauded, not punished." "President Duterte's increasingly brutal war on drugs is an affront to human rights, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. Senator De Lima's pointed criticism of it should be applauded, not punished, and she should be freed from prison and allowed to continue her important work in the Senate," APHR Chairperson Charles Santiago, a member of the Malaysian Parliament, said in a statement. APHR noted De Lima's continuing detention is the government's attempt to silence critics of the murderous drug war and other policies spearheaded by the President. "It's clear that the charges against her are politically motivated, and her continued imprisonment, along with threatening rhetoric from the administration, sends a chilling signal to others who might oppose this killing spree," Santiago said. "Senator De Lima has always been a thorn in President Duterte's side, first investigating Davao City's notorious death squads and more recently, taking action to investigate extrajudicial killings. To pretend that this is not related to her arrest and imprisonment would be turning a blind eye to the reality on the ground," added APHR board member Mu Sochua. While she is grateful for the overwhelming support she has received from local and foreign lawmakers and human rights groups who vouched for her integrity, De Lima said her freedom does not worry her the most. "More than my freedom, I am more concerned about rising death toll in Duterte's drug war. I feel for the Filipino people who have been murdered without a day in court and the families, especially children who lost their loved ones by violence," she said. Duterte, who has unfailingly backed police-led killings, maintained he would continue his deadly war on drugs that killed an estimate of 12,000 people, up to the last day of his term in 2022. A staunch critic of injustices happening in the country since Duterte became the country's President, De Lima vowed to protect human rights even while in detention for trumped-up drug charges fabricated by the present administration.
Press Release

September 5, 2017 De Lima to Duterte: You know why I should be released immediately The President may be singing a different tune by backtracking on his constant public attacks against me but his sudden parade of uncharacteristic discretion and self-restraint will not change how he prejudiced my right to a fair trial through his previous statements, Senator Leila M. de Lima today has said. De Lima, who has since been subject of shameful and misogynistic attacks by President Duterte, said the President's sudden refusal to comment on her cases will not change how he contributed to making her a victim of trial by publicity. "Out of the blue, the President suddenly remembered the sub judice rule and why he, as Chief Executive, should know better than to make public statements that prejudge and undermine the presumption of innocence of an accused, whose case has already been filed by his own prosecutors before the courts," she said in a Dispatch from Crame No. 149. "[But] no amount of backtracking can erase those shameful and shameless tirades now. By his own acts, he has prejudiced my right to a fair trial by effectively poisoning and impairing the independence of the courts. As countless embarrassing recordings would attest to, this President has had no qualms about persecuting me, of adjudging me guilty, and even sentencing me to go hang myself," she added. Based on reports, Duterte declined to welcome further questions from the media regarding his reaction on the recent statement of the Women's Caucus of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), that there was not enough evidence to incarcerate De Lima for alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade and the CALD's accompanying call for the immediate release of De Lima. While the President reportedly said he does not want to talk about De Lima's because it is already in court, he nevertheless rebuffed the CALD's call to release De Lima from detention, asking "on what grounds?" Note that the Women's Caucus of the CALD, represented by lawmakers from Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, visited De Lima last Aug. 31 to check on her condition as they sought for her release. They further called on Duterte to cease from politically persecuting the Senator. De Lima, a former Justice secretary, said Duterte continues to peddle lies by pretending not to know on what grounds he should effect her immediate release. "Of course, he knows on what grounds: on the grounds that the charges against me are all fabricated, based on the perjured statements of convicted felons; that even the perjured testimonies they provided are grossly inadequate to support the finding of probable cause; that the charges filed are even inconsistent with what little evidence the prosecution has; and, most of all, this is all part of my political persecution for daring to stand up for human rights and against EJKs," she said. "The President knows what he and his men have done. And he knows he has the power to order prosecutors to withdraw the cases against me in order to rectify a monumental wrong. Unfortunately, he does not have the guts to man up to it, and do what is right--free an innocent woman, and stop the killings of his own people," she added. A "Prisoner of Conscience," De Lima continues to gain support from different international organizations and human rights groups who condemn her illegal arrest and unjust detention.
Obstructed by clouds for most of the day, the sun peeked out Monday evening just in time for those at Union Terrace to watch it set.

Among the crowd of gazers eating pizza and ice cream and drinking beer on the lakeside terrace were those who had come to re-create the sunset with paint.

Hundreds of artists  from skilled to novice  spread out across the terrace to paint their depictions of a hazy sunset punctured by golden streaks of fading sunshine over the west side of Lake Mendota during the Terrace Paintacular.

Despite a mostly windy and overcast day, the artists helped fill Union Terrace just in time for the clouds to break at about 6:30 p.m. so they could paint the setting sun over the sailboat-dotted lake.

The event was the third  and second one on Labor Day  hosted by the Wisconsin Unions Wheelhouse Studios.

Mondays gathering was the largest one so far, said Jay Ekleberry, director of Wheelhouse Studios.

Organizers ran out of the 822 canvases they had for the event, which was geared toward move-in week for UW-Madison students, he said.

This turned into a beautiful evening, Ekleberry said, adding that he was more worried about the wind not letting up than the cloudy skies throughout the day.

Although the event was aimed at students, everyone from parents and children to older couples turned up to paint.

The painters were given all they needed for free to re-create the scene on their canvases as the sun sank below the horizon: brushes, paint, a cup of water to clean their brushes and guidance from two instructors.

Attendees used red, yellow, white, green and blue paint to depict the setting sun, the gray and light blue of the clouds and sky, and the dark outline of land on the other side of Lake Mendota. Others included the iconic sunburst Union Terrace chairs in their paintings.

The range of Mondays paintings included more literal re-creations of the sunset over the terrace to more abstract to ones featuring the Loch Ness Monster and cheese crumbles in the lake. Some didnt even include the sunset.

We just kind of did what we wanted to, said incoming UW-Madison freshman Sarah Huber. It didnt make it any less fun.

Huber was among a group of six other incoming freshmen, with most opting to paint what was on their minds rather than the evening sky.

But for those who attempted to paint the twilight sky and landscape around the terrace, most  like 61-year-old Barb Bowman, of Sun Prairie, who was with her grandson and a group of friends  said it didnt matter if the paintings turned out well.

Uh, OK, she said when asked how the paintings turned out. Some are better than others. But it was lots and lots of fun.
The most detailed report yet on what went wrong at Oroville Dam last winter when 180,000 people fled amid fears of flooding found that state and federal officials failed to uncover long-standing construction and maintenance issues at the nations tallest dam.

Water released from Lake Oroville for decades via the dams primary spillway seeped through cracks on the concrete chute, weakening the half-mile-long channel, wrote the team of experts behind Tuesdays independent report. A comprehensive inspection of the spillway and its history could have identified the flaw, the team said.

The problems came to a head Feb. 7 when a section of spillway gave way as large amounts of water poured out of the lake. Dam managers closed the damaged chute as it continued to erode, and when a backup spillway failed days later, they ordered temporary evacuations of towns downstream out of concern that water might pour uncontrollably out of the lake.

The independent forensic team has not seen any indication that such a (comprehensive) review for the service spillway chute at Oroville Dam has ever been conducted since original construction in the 1960s, the reports authors wrote. Such a review would likely have connected the dots.

Inadequate drainage beneath the spillway, an absence of water stops at joints and too little anchorage of the concrete, all of which contributed to water seepage, would have been discovered by examining the dams original design documents, according to the report.

While the authors said signs of the spillways potential failure were clear, they acknowledged that looking at old construction plans and comparing them with modern-day standards is time-consuming and not the industry norm.

Hopefully, this can be an impetus for dam safety programs to get more resources, and they can do more, said John France, an engineer who is leading the investigation into the dams near-disaster. This kind of review really needs to be done for all the features of a dam and its pertinent structures.

The reports authors speculated that the large amount of water released down the Orville Dam spillway during last winters big storms supplied the final bit of stress needed to cause the collapse. Not only did more water probably seep into the ground beneath the spillway, but more pressure from water below lifted the chutes slabs, allowing water releases from the dam to get hold of the concrete and loosen it.

The new report was ordered up by the California Department of Water Resources, which manages the 770-foot-tall dam and the 3.5 million acre-foot capacity reservoir.

Its the teams second report on the likely causes of Februarys scare, narrowing the list of some two dozen possible problems that the experts first presented in May. A final report is expected this fall.

The Department of Water Resources responded by promising to improve inspections.

DWR agrees with the independent forensics team that dam owners need to reassess current procedures, as visual inspections (alone) would not have caught the February failure, said spokeswoman Erin Mellon. Additional spillway evaluations already under way are the start of that process.

Both the Department of Water Resources and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have historically performed routine inspections of Californias reservoirs, including Oroville Dam. But the independent team of safety experts reported that the review process appeared to be unable to uncover more than superficial problems.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Physical inspections, while necessary, are not sufficient to identify risks and manage safety, the teams report said.

Besides missing the design flaws, the inspections failed to identify problems posed by shoddy repairs of spillway cracks, the report said. They also missed erosion that probably opened up small cavities beneath the spillway and corrosion of rebar anchoring the chute, all of which could have contributed to water seepage, according to the report.

The Department of Water Resources is rebuilding much of the dams spillway and making improvements to the emergency spillway, essentially a barren hillside that began to erode when lake overflow was directed to it in February.

State officials said Tuesday that the upgrades are on track to be completed by Nov. 1, around the time the first rains are likely to fall.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
San Francisco supervisors on Tuesday will reconsider the flavored-tobacco ban they passed unanimously in June. It is now facing a referendum petition to suspend it that has nearly 34,000 certified signatures  well over the 19,040 required to put the matter to voters.

The board, which is just back from summer break, has two options. It can back down and repeal the ordinance. Or it can put the law on the June ballot, opening the door for a fierce battle against tobacco manufacturers and local store owners who rely on e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and candy-tinctured cigarillos as anchor products.

It could also be auspicious for the laws sponsor, Supervisor Malia Cohen, who is running for state Board of Equalization on the same ballot. She may cast herself as the candidate who fought to keep sweetened and brightly packaged cigarettes out of the hands of children  a fight that will probably play well in health-conscious San Francisco.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, said Cohen, who characterized flavored tobacco as a gateway drug marketed to African Americans, Latinos, the LGBTQ community and children, luring them into a life of addiction.

Cohen said she expects her colleagues to stick by their vote and put a ban on the ballot. But the supervisors are up against a vigorous campaign by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., which spent $685,170 on the petition drive. The effort was led by a front group called Lets Be Real San Francisco, which also had backing from e-cigarette manufacturers and immigrant shop owners who said the ban would hurt their business.

Politicians in San Francisco like to romanticize small businesses, but they dont understand ... that our livelihoods are very much tied to the alcohol and tobacco licenses that we have, said Miriam Zouzounis, a board member with the Arab American Grocers Association.

She said grocers and smoke-shop owners are already struggling with other taxes and costs, including cigarette litter abatement fees, tobacco retailer licenses and the $2-per-pack cigarette tax that California voters approved last year.

Its unclear whether these shop owners pleas would sway San Franciscos electorate. Election results for two recent state ballot measures  the $2 cigarette tax that won last year and the $1-per-pack hike that lost in 2012  showed that the majority of San Franciscans disapprove of tobacco and smoking, said strategist Chris Lehman, who worked for both campaigns.

Even so, it took two elections for San Francisco politicians to win a similar crusade against sugar-sweetened soft drinks.

Cohen is optimistic.

Were talking about really sophisticated voters in San Francisco who have a strong sense of social obligation, she said. Were talking about the same voters who increased the tobacco tax.

Supervisor Jeff Sheehy is also confident about winning popular support for the citywide prohibition on sale of cigarillos, menthol cigarettes, hookah tobacco and e-cigarettes. Like Cohen, hell appear on the June ballot, in a tough contest to keep the District Eight seat Mayor Ed Lee appointed him to when former Supervisor Scott Wiener was elected to the state Senate.

Sheehy is already establishing himself as the antitobacco candidate in that race.

I have to assume that they (tobacco companies) will spend money to oppose me, he said, because Im an opponent of their products.

The fight against flavored tobacco has picked up regionally. Two years ago, Berkeley created 600-foot buffers around schools and barred the sale of sweetened or menthol tobacco products within the perimeters. Santa Clara County outlawed the sale of most flavored products in unincorporated areas in 2014 and added menthol to the ban last year, and the Oakland City Council is on track to pass a citywide prohibition this month.

San Franciscos law had wide backing from neighborhood groups and health advocates even before the board approved it. But some politicians said they expected resistance from the tobacco industry and werent surprised by the petition.

Big Tobacco isnt going down without a fight, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who co-sponsored the ban. Were talking about a multibillion-dollar industry that sells products that kill people, and (San Franciscos) law has the potential to be a state and nationwide model.

Safai said he will continue supporting the ban. So did Supervisor Jane Kim, although she expressed sympathy for the stores that stand to lose income if the law passes.

Its incredibly challenging, because we know many of these grocers business models depend on the sale of these products, Kim said. But you have to weigh that against the fact that these companies are marketing to kids ... and you have to take public health into consideration.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
At a vast new warehouse in American Canyon, workers and machines collect and package tens of thousands of wine bottles per day, ready for shipment to customers around the nation.

As many as 13,000 orders are processed a day, thanks to the $7 million WineDirect, the Napa Valley company that owns it, poured into it. The facility is the most advanced in the wine industry, according to the company.

Theres nobody in our space that has anything close to this, said Joe Waechter, CEO of WineDirect, which shipped out the highly automated warehouses first packages Aug. 7.

Waechters goal: getting a larger slice of the growing, and highly competitive, business of shipping wine straight to customers, with no store or wholesale distributor in between. In just five years, as e-commerce has soared and states have peeled back decades-old laws that prevent interstate shipping of alcohol, the number of wine cases shipped directly to consumers rose from around 3 million to 5 million, according to the Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report.

The only way for us to survive in the business is to cultivate that direct-to-consumer business, said Judd Finkelstein, who runs Judds Hill Winery in Napa Valley. The Finkelstein family, which has been making wine for 40 years, used to focus on retail distribution and did not have a tasting room. To get Judds Hill wines placed in stores and restaurants, Finkelstein would meet with distributors nationwide, a major investment of time and money.

He said the winery was just breaking even on its deals with wine distributors. It became clear flying around the country to sell a few cases of wine here and there was not maximizing that potential.

A little over a decade ago, a facility like WineDirects would have been unimaginable. Shipping directly to consumers was illegal for wineries in almost every state.

Thats because states were granted the power to regulate the import of alcohol following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933  and they passed strict laws to prevent interstate shipping. In the mid-80s, there were no wineries that could legally ship across state lines to a consumer, said Steve Gross, vice president of state relations at the Wine Institute, a San Francisco advocacy group that represents wineries and wine-related businesses.

A 2005 Supreme Court case decision, Granholm vs. Heald, changed things. The Granholm opinion stated that if wineries within a particular state were allowed to ship directly to that states consumers, then out-of-state wineries must be allowed to do so too.

Now, 44 out of 50 states allow wineries to ship directly to customers  most recently Pennsylvania in August 2016. However, some states still have limits on how much wine can be shipped in this way, and many others levy taxes. So any winery trying to ship direct has to be familiar with and follow the rules of every other state, Gross said.

About 80 percent of the wine shipped nationwide comes from California. And so, a handful of enormous wine warehouses, also called fulfillment centers, is scattered around the Napa Valley. Wineries partner with centers like WineDirects to package and ship their wine. WineDirect fulfills some winery customers orders placed on Amazon, and it also announced a partnership with eBay in February.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

The number of wineries in the United States has more than tripled in the last two decades, according to research by Silicon Valley Bank. The growing number of wineries is crowding the market, so many of them have become interested in selling wine directly.

At Lamborn Family Vineyards, which operates a small, 10-acre vineyard in the Howell Mountain area of Napa Valley, around three-fourths of its wine is sold direct to consumer, said Brian Tyler Lamborn, president of winery operations.

Twenty years ago if I was out selling wine, if the wine was good it would sell, no problem, Lamborn said. Nowadays you need to have great wine, a great story and a great perceived value, because the competition is so fierce.

Smaller wineries like the heftier profit margins achieved by selling direct rather than through stores. And they can get lost in the portfolio of large wholesalers, Lamborn said.

Wholesale distributors with a national presence prefer to work with bigger wineries, according to Rob McMillan, an executive vice president at Silicon Valley Bank who created its wine division. Wineries are looking at direct sales not because they wanted to sell direct, he said. The distribution wholesale system failed them.

Lamborn produces a little under 2,000 cases per year. They go out through high-end restaurants, small local wine shops, a mailing list and its website, which uses software made by WineDirect.

Plenty of consumers appreciate direct sales. San Francisco resident Andrew Hanebutt, 29, follows winemakers on Instagram and on the wine app Delectable. He discovers wineries through recommendations, restaurants or social media. Of the $3,000 he spends a year on wine, about 40 percent goes to winery mailing lists. Hanebutt says he likes to buy wine directly in order to support the wineries.

Im very aware that when I buy direct that helps ... more than buying it from a wine shop, he said.

Brian Schaffer, 41, has been buying most of his wine from winery mailing lists for around a decade. A crisis communications consultant in New York, he spends at least one week a year in Napa Valley visiting wineries  some of which he discovers through restaurant wine lists. The ability to buy wine directly gives us an access to wines I would not be otherwise able to obtain due to availability and pricing and costs less than buying from stores, he said.

But wine shops are getting into the business of buying direct, too, says David Driscoll, assistant head buyer at K&L Wine Merchants, which has stores in San Francisco, Redwood City and Hollywood, and purchases wine from both wineries and wholesalers. He said K&L has expanded its range of products bought directly from wineries in the decade he has been at the company. Going around the wholesaler allows wine shops to develop a more unique selection and sell bottles for a lower price, which appeals to consumers, Driscoll said.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

For the average winery, more than 80 percent of direct wine sales comes from wine clubs and tasting rooms, according to McMillans research. Just 7 percent come from website purchases  leaving ample opportunity for growth.

Wine has traditionally been sold through middlemen: Wineries ship to wholesalers, which then sell wine to retailers and restaurants that make it available to consumers on store shelves and wine lists at a markup. The winery receives a cut. But its four to five times more profitable for wineries to sell direct to consumers, said Lesley Berglund, Wine Industry Sales Education co-founder and chairman.

Still, the cost of running a tasting room and maintaining the infrastructure needed to get wine directly in the hands of buyers can eat substantially into that revenue. I dont see a material benefit in selling direct, other than survival, McMillan said.

Wineries selling directly have to deal with plenty of quirks, even beyond state law: Its illegal to ship alcohol through the U.S. Postal Service, so wineries and fulfillment centers must go through carriers like FedEx or UPS. These shippers bear the responsibility of making sure that alcohol is delivered to an adult of legal drinking age and keeping records of each delivery.

Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, proposed a bill in 2015 to end the ban on shipping alcohol through the U.S. mail  a change that could bring the post office an extra $50 million in annual revenue, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. The bill did not make it out of committee.

A bottle of wine is also breakable, temperature sensitive, and relatively heavy, resulting in higher shipping costs. WineDirect employees handle wine bottles only twice as they pass through the warehouse. It also stores its wine at 58 degrees and offers cold packs with shipments for an additional cost. Many wineries encourage larger orders by offering free shipping for customers who buy a full case of wine or spend more than a given amount  like $100 or $150.

Waechter thinks customers increasingly expect wine, like everything else, to ship to their homes quickly and without mistakes. Were in an Amazon world, he said. Do you really think youre going to stop the tsunami of the Internet?

Isha Salian is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: isalian@sfchronicle.com
How to fund Wisconsins roads and bridges, the much-debated question that has delayed passage of the states two-year budget, now may be answered by a plan that cuts funding for highway maintenance, hikes fees on hybrid vehicles and ends a minimum-pay requirement for public works projects.

The plan, the contents of which were made public Tuesday night, also trims Gov. Scott Walkers road-borrowing blueprint and moves the state incrementally closer to collecting highway tolls.

The state Legislatures budget-writing Joint Finance Committee passed a motion including the plan late Tuesday on a party-line 12-4 vote. It now is on track to advance to the full Legislature as part of a larger budget bill.

The finance committees co-chairman, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said the committee on Wednesday will finish its budget work by taking up a tax plan and a catch-all wrap-up motion, the contents of which are not yet known.

That puts lawmakers on the verge of ending the monthslong standoff over the states budget and establishing spending levels for state government through June 2019.

There was debate Tuesday on how the transportation budget motion will affect the timeline for highway projects currently under construction.

Nygren said he doesnt expect the plan to cause additional delays beyond what was proposed in Walkers budget. He specifically said it would not delay an ongoing expansion of Verona Road in Fitchburg, south of the Beltline. Another local project now underway is rebuilding and expanding Interstate 39-90 from the Madison area to the Illinois state line.

But transportation advocacy and road-building groups question how the plan can avert such delays.

The plan borrows slightly more than $400 million for transportation, compared to Walkers budget, which borrows $500 million. Relative to Walkers budget, the plan cuts funding for major highway projects outside southeastern Wisconsin by 15.8 percent, or $106 million.

Its hard to understand how you could have a 15 percent cut and have no impact, said Craig Thompson, director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin.

I just dont see any way that you cant have delays, said Patrick Goss, director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association.

The plan cuts funding for highway rehabilitation projects, which includes resurfacing and maintenance projects, by about 5 percent, or $82 million, relative to Walkers budget  and by about $79 million relative to the last budget.

The plan will impose new state registration fees of $100 for electric vehicles and $75 for hybrid vehicles. Walker first publicly acknowledged last month that he and lawmakers were considering the new fee in this budget. Walker, Nygren and other Republican supporters of the move have described it as a matter of fairness, since electric or hybrid vehicle owners pay no, or much less, fuel tax than owners of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles.

Another blow

to unions

Repeal of the New Deal-era prevailing wage requirement would mark another historic defeat for Wisconsin labor unions.

Two years ago, GOP lawmakers and Walker partially repealed prevailing wage, the minimum pay requirement for workers on public construction projects, by removing it from projects funded by local governments.

The budget plan would abolish it entirely by removing it from state-funded projects, effective in September 2018. Only projects with federal funding would remain subject to the federal prevailing wage requirement, known as Davis-Bacon.

The budget plan also will enable the state Department of Transportation to further study tolling federal highways in the state, eliminate 200 Wisconsin Department of Transportation positions and limit the ability of local municipalities to restrict certain quarry operations.

Nygren cast the plan as a fiscally responsible approach to the states road-funding woes.

This budget shows youre not going to make a commitment that you cant pay for, Nygren said.

At the same time, Nygren called it disappointing that the measure doesnt reconcile the states transportation funding ledger for the long term, as Assembly Republicans sought.

Im concerned today where were going to be two years from now when the next budget is crafted, Nygren said.

During Tuesdays debate, Democratic Rep. Katrina Shankland, of Stevens Point, called the prevailing wage repeal plan an attack on workers. Others said the plan shows Republicans arent serious about fixing the states long-term transportation funding shortfall.

Theres no fix in here, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Taxing my moms Prius isnt going to do it.

Earlier in the day, owners of businesses on and near Verona Road told reporters that they fear how prospective delays to the project could affect their bottom lines.

Deirdre Garton, co-owner of Quiveys Grove, said business at her restaurant has declined by 20 percent in the last year as construction on nearby Verona Road has ramped up.

DOT plans for the project to be done in 2020. If that date is delayed, we would have to do some major cutbacks in terms of expenses, Garton said.

Heading into this budget cycle, the state faced a transportation funding gap that, by one measure, was about $1 billion.

To fill part of that gap, Assembly Republicans pushed for new revenue, likely through a gas tax or vehicle fee increase. Senate Republicans and Walker resisted, except for the relatively small amount of revenue expected to be generated by the electric-hybrid fee hike.

Assembly Republicans countered by saying Walkers proposed level of transportation borrowing must be reduced because, without more revenue, the state cant afford it.

Wrap-up

still unknown

The wrap-up motion set to be taken up Wednesday refers to a grab-bag of legislative odds and ends that, in past years, has been deeply controversial.

Two years ago, as part of the last state budget, such a motion proposed a sweeping curtailment of open-records requirements. Lawmakers quickly removed that provision amid a fierce, bipartisan public backlash.

Nygren said this years wrap-up motion will be less extensive.

Theres really not a lot of issues in there other than technical changes, Nygren said.

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, who sits on the finance committee, has said lobbyists for the states rent-to-own industry have boosted lobbying efforts in recent days to convince lawmakers to relax consumer protections on the industry.
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The empty runway stretching before Mark Hendrickson extends so far that its edges vanish in the heat shimmer of a broiling Central Valley afternoon.

Presidents have landed here, back when it was the center of a bustling Air Force base. Aerial firefighters battling blazes in the Sierra foothills touch down here to refill their tankers with water and flame retardant before taking off for another run.

But Hendrickson, Merced Countys economic development director, has a very different use in mind for the former Castle Air Force Base near Atwater. Its massive tarmac and little-used streets could make an ideal test track, he says, for the self-driving cars being developed two hours away in Silicon Valley.

Part of it already is. Google leased a 91.5-acre chunk of the base in 2014, sealing it off from the rest with a black fence. Now, white Chrysler minivans topped with sensors run daily tests through a maze of refurbished streets, complete with a rain tunnel to simulate bad weather.

When Google came in here, it opened up a number of eyes, Hendrickson said. Other industry leaders started coming to us as well and saying, What if?

The base could allow automakers and tech companies to put autonomous cars through the kinds of tests they cant easily or safely do in public: situations where cars must navigate the same oddly shaped intersection over and over again, or where they must evade other cars intentionally darting into their way.

This is a very large piece of concrete  a lot of things could happen here, Hendrickson said, admiring the 2-mile-long runway. Its off the beaten path, and youre not going to bother anybody.

Silicon Valley, a land of labs and corporate campuses, never had need for automotive test tracks  until now. While 39 companies have received permits from California to run their autonomous vehicles on public streets, the companies also want enclosed places where they can experiment without endangering or annoying pedestrians and drivers.

So far, two facilities have emerged to meet the need.

Google, whose self-driving unit now goes by the name Waymo, uses Castle, and Hendrickson said several automakers stand poised to follow suit, though he declined to name them.

Meanwhile, Honda, Uber and two other companies test their vehicles at a former naval base outside Concord. Renamed GoMentum Station by Contra Costa County officials, the old Concord Naval Weapons Station features a cluster of old buildings that can simulate a small town, while the streets linking rows of munitions bunkers can mimic a city grid.

Officials at each facility say they dont consider the other competition. Theres more than enough demand to go around.

Anything we can do to accelerate this technology, well do, said Randell Iwasaki, executive director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, which runs GoMentum Station. Theres definitely a need for secure test beds. You cant close down a city street and run the same maneuver over and over again without people complaining.

Iwasaki first hit upon the idea after then-Contra Costa County Supervisor Susan Bonilla told him to take a look at the old weapons depot and figure out ways it could generate jobs.

As soon as I got out here, I thought this would be an amazing test facility, Iwasaki said. Its clean, its wide-open and its guarded by the military.

On a tour of the station this spring, Iwasaki noted how the bases abandoned buildings, long straightaways and occasional quirks could all serve as interesting tests for robotic cars. A mini-city comprised of former barracks, the officers club, a firehouse and a chapel serves as an ideal stand-in for a town, minus the people. As he spoke, a red autonomous shuttle from French company EasyMile slowly circled the white-washed buildings.

You have buildings, trees, shadowing, sidewalks  everything you need, Iwasaki said.

Two tunnels nearby show companies how their cars behave when cut off from GPS signals. A long, straight road, meanwhile, has been re-striped to look like an interstate highway. An autonomous big rig from Ubers self-driving truck division, formerly known as Otto, rumbled back and forth. Not far away, Honda engineers had set up a portable traffic light next to a row of grass-covered bunkers.

At 5,000 acres, the sprawling base is big enough that multiple companies can test there at once without peering over each others shoulders. (Chinese Internet giant Baidu also uses the site.) Locked and guarded gates keep out the public, creating a wide-open space populated by fat, burrowing squirrels, flocks of wild turkeys and very few humans.

Although both Concord and the county have long-term plans to redevelop much of the site with housing, offices and parkland, Iwasaki says a portion will be reserved for GoMentum. The station may someday serve as a way to lure tech companies into opening offices there.

We want those jobs to keep some of our people, so they dont have to drive south on Interstate 680 every morning, Iwasaki said.

The need for jobs drives Castles redevelopment as well.

The base closed as a military installation in 1995, and the county took over ownership in 2006. The Castle Commerce Center, as its now known, has about 80 tenants, including a startup designing rocket engines and a UC Merced office researching drones.

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While old barracks pocked with shattered windows dot parts of the base, the entire facility has working water, electricity and sewer services, as well as broadband Internet. Waymo, Hendrickson said, even rehabbed some of the buildings into dorms for its engineers.

Waymo declined to let a Chronicle reporter tour its facility.

Hendrickson credited Google with having the idea of using part of the base for self-driving research.

We did not envision that  it was a little bit of luck, he said.

Now, however, he sees all the ways that other companies could use Castle for the same purpose. The base features intersections where roads meet at strange angles  potentially confusing a self-driving car. Large hangars can store cars, so companies dont need to constantly bring vehicles to and from the base.

And for foreign automakers, the airstrip can allow easy access for visiting company executives. Although part of the strip may be redeveloped, most of it will stay open for air traffic.

Hendrickson, however, doesnt just want Castle to serve as a testing facility. Merced Countys unemployment rate stood at 9.7 percent in July, and the county wants some of the old base used for manufacturing. Castle competed to host Teslas battery Gigafactory, but lost out to a site near Reno.

Are we going to be a place that builds rockets, Hendrickson said. Probably not. But can we be a place where components of rockets are built? Absolutely.

That said, Hendrickson believes Castle can play a key role in keeping California at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle industry.

While Detroit has been, historically, the global epicenter, the reality is that California has a unique opportunity to be the epicenter for the 21st century, he said. And we fully intend to be part of that.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
If Karina Macias is deported from the U.S. and forced to leave her Silicon Valley job, there are always other countries where she can make a life for herself.

Thats the beauty of tech, the 22-year-old East Palo Alto resident said. Its so global and connected, and there are definitely opportunities elsewhere.

Losing highly skilled immigrants like Macias is exactly what business executives said they feared when the Trump administration announced its plan Tuesday to roll back a program that protects immigrants who entered the U.S. as children from deportation.

The elimination of the program, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a symbolic blow to the many supporters of immigration in the tech industry, who include company founders born overseas and CEOs who employ many foreign-born workers.

More than a hundred business leaders blasted Trumps decision in a letter to the administration. Among the signers were Apple CEO Tim Cook, who said 250 of his employees are DACA recipients, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who said at least 39 of his employees have benefited from the program, whose beneficiaries are sometimes known as Dreamers. They called on Congress to pass legislation that would continue to protect DACA recipients.

As an employer, we appreciate that Dreamers add to the competitiveness and economic success of our company and the entire nations business community, Nadella said in a statement. In short, urgent DACA legislation is both an economic imperative and a humanitarian necessity.

The CEOs of JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs also voiced their opposition to the administrations decision.

Immigration is a complex issue but I wouldnt deport a kid who was brought here and only knows America, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein said in a tweet. Congress must address.

The program was instituted by the Obama administration in 2012. It offered protection from deportation and a two-year work permit for those 31 or younger who had come to the country before age 16, had lived in the U.S continuously since 2007 and were in school or had graduated. With Tuesdays announcement, the beneficiaries will be at risk of deportation unless Congress legalizes their status.

Silicon Valley has long been a loud voice in the immigration debate as it pushes to expand visa programs for highly skilled foreigners. This move comes as the Trump administration attempts to curtail the H-1B visa program, which allows high-skilled immigrants to live and work in the U.S. for up to six years.

The prevailing argument for retaining and expanding such visa programs is that the industry is already short of technical talent. In 2012, the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology warned the U.S. could have a shortfall of nearly 1 million technical professionals within 10 years.

But other studies, such as those from IEEE-USA, an association of technical professionals, have argued that any such shortage is a myth.

According to a 2015 report by the Institute for Immigration, Globalization and Education at UCLA, about 28 percent of unauthorized immigrant students were majors in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

In announcing the administrations decision Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said this move will fulfill the Trump administrations promise to protect American jobs.

But Daniel Costa, a researcher for the Economic Policy Institute, said that while this decision might in theory free up jobs at big companies, it will force DACA recipients into less regulated sectors such as the service industry, where wages are much lower.

People who have DACA are still the lowest priority for deportation, and probably have more ties to the U.S. than other unauthorized immigrants, which means they are unlikely to leave anytime soon unless they get removed, he said. Those who dont leave voluntarily, he said, will be forced to work for lower wages, or without authorizations.

Macias, whose family brought her to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 3 and now works for a major biotech company in East Palo Alto, is confident that something will eventually work out for her.

But the thought of trying to break into the workforce in another country comes with daunting questions: What is the tech industry like there? What is the corporate culture like? What language will the interviews be in? Should she translate her resume?

And though she can likely find opportunities in other countries, that doesnt mean she wants to leave the U.S., the only country she has ever called home.

Theres always a sliver of hope that Congress will do something within the next six months, she said. There are a lot of people that are really hopeful that something is going to happen  but at the same time, Im trying not to get my hopes up too high.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
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In spring 2016, UC Berkeleys first Foundations of Data Science course attracted around 300 students. This semester, nearly 1,000 have enrolled  and university officials are working to create a data science undergraduate major, the first new major for the College of Letters and Science in at least 16 years.

No program has grown this fast at Berkeley, said David Culler, interim dean of the Division of Data Sciences, which was established in December. The first students could graduate with a data science major as early as May next year, he said, and certainly by 2019 (a minor is also planned).

Across the UC system, campuses are quickly adding data science programs in response to soaring workplace demand. UC San Diego is starting a data science undergraduate major and minor this fall. UC Davis opened a statistical data science track within its statistics major effective this year. And at UC Santa Cruz, a new D3 Research center  short for Data, Discovery and Decisions  pairs students with companies to work on research projects using data science skills.

UC Irvine was the first in the University of California system to create a data science major in fall 2015.

This is the national conversation at pretty much all of the leading universities, Culler said.

Data science uses the modeling and analysis skills of statistics combined with the programming and machine learning tools of computer science to find patterns in data and extract insights. But the third element that makes data science unique, according to Cathryn Carson, faculty lead for the program, is the need for expertise in a particular field of inquiry  which could be anything from medicine to linguistics to economics.

Sam Lau, 21, was a teaching assistant in fall 2015, when Berkeley tested a pilot of its data science course, in which around 100 students enrolled. At first, I totally thought data science was a buzzword  one of the words people made up to describe people who know machine learning and statistics and all that stuff, he said.

Now Lau, who taught the course this summer, thinks data science is an essential skill and is particularly impressed by how the class attracts students of all backgrounds. Recently, the data science foundations course attracted more economics majors than computer science students, Culler said.

The Cal course teaches statistical thinking and coding using the programming language Python. Around half the students also enroll for connector courses that apply data science skills to topics like smart cities or literature. Companies including Microsoft, Intel and Google are providing funding for the universitys data sciences division and cloud services for its classes, Culler said.

The job title data scientist topped Glassdoors 50 Best Jobs in America for the second consecutive year in 2017. Data engineer and analytics manager both cracked the top five. A study this year co-authored by IBM projects that the demand for data scientists and data engineers will grow 39 percent by 2020, when the number of annual job openings for data professionals reaches 2.72 million.

We hire data scientists all the time, said Jon Rooney, head of product marketing at Splunk, a San Francisco company that sells data analytics software. Machine-learning algorithms can automate some analyses and lower the training barrier for employees working with data, but many companies will still need a vanguard of skilled data scientists, he said.

Michaela Palmer, a UC Berkeley fourth-year student majoring in geography, said taking the introductory data science course was life-changing, honestly. Palmer hopes to work on geospatial data analytics after graduation, and is considering pursuing a graduate degree in computer science. Data is everywhere, she said. Knowing how to handle it is such an important skill.

In addition to its new undergraduate major and minor, UC San Diego is creating a data science institute, funded largely by a $75 million donation this year from Taner Halicioglu, an alumnus who was Facebooks first full-time hire after its founders.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

You launch a new major maybe once a decade, once every two decades, said Rajesh Gupta, a UC San Diego professor who chaired the computer science and engineering department during the creation of the data science program. This has to last for a very long time ... regardless of whats needed in the market today.

Gupta believes the last new major at UC San Diego was nanoengineering  which admitted its first freshman class in 2010, according to the departments website. He said the data science program could offset some of the overwhelming enrollment in computer science classes.

Not every university thinks data science should be its own major, since many of the underlying skills overlap with existing computer science and statistics programs.

Everyone is grappling with what (data science) is, said UC Santa Cruz computer science Professor Lise Getoor, who also directs the universitys D3 Research center, which was established in June. Is it just a renaming of old stuff, or is it a new thing?

UC Santa Cruz does not plan on forming a data science major in the near future, said Abel Rodriguez, applied mathematics and statistics professor and associate director of the research center. The universitys statistics department was created as recently as 2006, he said, and UC Santa Cruz introduced an undergraduate requirement in statistical reasoning a few years ago.

Rodriguez said the universitys focus is instead on integrating material from computer science into the statistics program, and vice versa. Rather than trying to create this new coursework, its just trying to make sure that we have more communication and more cross-fertilization of these skills.
A lot of mail comes in about this column, most of it is positive. A few loyal readers correct my grammar, geography and answers to the Christmas Quiz, but the only hate mail I get is from Brother X.

Brother X does not like it when I mention him. He complains when I describe his accordion playing. What Brother X doesnt get is that only Brother X and I know who Brother X is. His name never gets referenced in the column, nor does Mrs. X, Son of X or Daughter of X. Not even Dog of X. Far as I know, there arent many Chronicle readers back in X-ford, and the few who do see my articles are unlikely to connect this 67-year-old man with the boy who peed his Peter Rabbit costume in the kindergarten play at St. Anthony of Padua.

Fact of the matter is that he is not the interesting sibling. Brother Not-X is.

Brother Not-X got his moniker when he refused to show up for Zanes adoption because airplanes were too dangerous. Brother Not-X doesnt fly and hasnt had a valid drivers license since 1971. The only mass transportation he trusts is the railroad, and then, only if the car doesnt have air conditioning. He spent a year in Adak, Alaska, and swore that he would never be voluntarily cold again.

The smartest of the three, Brother Not-X quit Queens College in 1966. Forty years later, on a lark, he earned a bachelor of nescience degree from the International University of Nescience in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Nescience, I later learned, is the study of ignorance. The final exam consisted of one multiple choice question online. Either answer was acceptable.

He took a job with Ma Bell and worked for it for a little over a year. His union went on strike, and Brother Not-X so much enjoyed not working that he never again worked for more time than it would take to get unemployment benefits.

Brother Not-X got married on May 19, 1975, the only day in my entire life that I wore an orange-ruffled shirt. His wife stopped living with him less than a year later, but Ms. No-Longer-Mrs.-Not-X refused to divorce him because he made such a good tax deduction. Year, after year, on May 19, he asked for the separation, but it wasnt for another 20 years that she met someone she loved more than her dog, and thus made the non-marriage official. To this day, Brother Not-X celebrates his Divorceaversary.

Brother Not-X collects stray theories, such as why horses should wear sneakers and how you shouldnt wear sunglasses, because your eyes actually need ultraviolet rays.

The Paulsons have made a tradition of urban myths. Pop used to put WD-40 on his joints, and Nurse Vivian told him that the true cure for arthritis is exactly three golden raisins soaked in gin. They both insisted on two ginger snaps each day, so that they wouldnt get dizzy. And that blackberry brandy cures just about anything.

My husband, Brian, commented that I was as eccentric as the rest of the Paulsons. Like Brother Not-X, I collect odd fancies, like how hydrogen peroxide is healthy for you because of the free oxygen, or that if you put a dryer sheet in a dirty frying pan it makes the food stop clinging to the utensil. These are things we accept, without having any real proof.

Family is just that. Its the things we believe together. Brother X, Brother Not-X and I couldnt agree on questions as basic as whether there is an intervening God, and if there is, then why did He allow Donald Trump? But all three of us will tell you that Nurse Vivian baked the best apple pie because she wouldnt touch the crust with her fingers.

Family is still like that in the outer, outer, outer Excelsior. We still embrace our nescience: Zane believes that if the statue of St. Jude turns around, something bad will happen. Aidan believes that Krypto avoids the office because of the ghost. And whoever gets the Kennedy half dollar in the barmbrack on St. Patricks Day will have luck the rest of the year.

My husband comes from a non-eccentric family. They make them that way in Maine. He even suggested those raisins dont do a damn thing for arthritis. But the truth of the matter is that I do it because it reminds me of Nurse Vivian. And because I prefer the taste of Tanqueray to that of spray lubricant. In vodka veritas.
On the last afternoon of her months-long break, Mong Thu owner Kim Lien Nguyen was almost too excited to stand still. Her eyes darted constantly to the tasks left to do. Signs to put up in the window, a kitchen to rearrange. So much food to prep.

Nguyen and her family reopened her 28-year-old Tenderloin Vietnamese cafe this week. The city, which in January had told Nguyen she couldnt serve the dishes the restaurants regulars loved best, had helped her reopen as well.

Im ready, she said in Vietnamese, her daughter acting as interpreter, then switched to English: Im very happy.

There are more than 6,000 restaurants in San Francisco, and hundreds close every year, with restaurateurs citing unfriendly regulators, hikes in the minimum wage, rising rents, changing tastes and other factors. Mong Thus reopening shows how one small, family-owned neighborhood restaurant persisted despite its challenges.

The Nguyens arrived in San Francisco in 1984, bringing with them a clutch of tiny daughters. A brother-in-law first rented the Hyde Street cafe in 1989, but realized after four months that he couldnt make it profitable.

Little Saigon, as the strip has come to be called, was still coalescing, and there were few Vietnamese cafes back then. Kim Nguyen had spent eight months in a nail salon, but the work didnt suit her. Cooking did. So did being her own boss. And so she took over running the cafe, which then only served coffee and Vietnamese sandwiches. Six years later, the family transferred over the paperwork to make it officially hers. Nguyen named the business Mong Thu after one of her daughters, who has since died.

The cafes kitchen was never any bigger than a coat closet, but as the years passed, Nguyen added more dishes to her list of banh mi. First she served beef porridge and seafood noodle soup. Then she slowly rolled out additional soups, each requiring a different broth. Shed try new dishes on her family until she found the right formula before adding it to the menu.

Mong Thu became known for its soups, such as the spicy pork-and-beef bun bo hue, bun mang vit (duck and bamboo-shoot soup with a duck-meat salad on the side), and Kim Nguyens favorite, bun mam, with its sweet and pungent fish broth. The only problem was that the kitchens ventilation was so paltry that she wasnt supposed to be prepping or cooking inside the cafe. The family tried renting a commissary, which was expensive. And yet, for more than 20 years, they made it work.

Mong Thu has become a steady presence in Little Saigon. A lot of the client base is Vietnamese, so she knows a lot of the people who come here, daughter Linh Nguyen says. She knows their family, their kids, whos getting married, who died. Its very close-knit.

One daughter, a graphic designer, set up a website and redesigned Mong Thus restaurant, while another painted the walls a pale mint green that reminded the Nguyens of Vietnam and some of their American-born customers of 1950s diners. Even after the owners of the building refused to renew the lease for Lafayette Diner next door, they offered Mong Thu another five years.

In January 2017, the city, however, finally stepped in. In January, Kim Nguyen was forced to give up making soups, serving only the sandwiches allowed in her health permits. Her daughter Linh began negotiating with the city, as well as contractors, to find a way to legally cook in the space.

The Office of Workforce and Economic Developments SF Shines program, which primarily helps local businesses improve their facades, kicked in $47,514 in design services and technical assistance. SF Shines helps 12 to 15 businesses a year, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

Three months ago, the Nguyens closed Mong Thu and rebuilt the kitchen and the dining-room counter.

Despite the fact that neighbors would tell them how much they missed Mong Thu, the past three months have been stressful for Kim Nguyen. There were obstacles to everything we did, Linh Nguyen says. Every month, as they paid rent on a closed business, they fretted more: Would they be able to finish the renovations before their money ran out?

The compromise the health department settled on with the Nguyens suits Mong Thus short menu: a more powerful stovetop hood plus a set of four induction burners, which can heat big pots of broth quickly and efficiently without any hint of fire. During the hiatus, the daughters posted regular updates on the restaurants Instagram page, culminating in an announcement on Friday that the final permit had come through.

As the cafe resumes its regular schedule  7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily  its back to 5 oclock mornings and 12-hour days for Kim Nguyen. And she couldnt be happier. When shes sleeping, shes still smiling, Kims daughter wrote on Instagram. The chef celebrated by returning to the kitchen.

Jonathan Kauffman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jkauffman@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jonkauffman

If you go

Mong Thu: 248 Hyde St., San Francisco, (415) 928-6724, www.mongthu.com. Open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Filmmaker Peter Nicks used the phrase aggressively open-minded more than once during a recent conversation about his bracing new police documentary The Force, which opens in San Francisco on Sept. 15 before rolling out nationally. Its an apt description of what Nicks calls his Frederick Wiseman-esque, non-judgmental stance, as well as the mind-set he hopes to instill in audiences watching his chronicle of two turbulent years of progressive reforms and brazen transgressions in the long-embattled Oakland Police Department.

Even before persuading the department in 2013 to allow him remarkably unfettered access  to film everything from the 171st Police Academy and rookie use-of-force trainings to late-night ride-alongs and the controlled chaos of the dispatch center  Nicks was aware he was taking on a subject that required a special degree of equanimity at a time when the national conversation around urban policing and the need for accountability was roiling.

There is a gulf in trust between how officers see themselves, as keeping the community safe and saving lives, and how the community they serve sees those officers, Nicks, 49, said recently in the quiet downtown Oakland office of his nonprofit film-production group Openhood.

Nicks, who lives in Oakland with his wife and two children, spent two years embedded with the Oakland Police Department in an attempt, he said, to add depth to what have become flattened two-dimensional portraits in our Facebook feeds and in the press of police officers, as well as protesters. The Oakland community needs to understand what cops really go through, the pressures they face, and the police need to understand the legitimate distrust of law enforcement generations of African Americans have been carrying with them.

The Force is Openhoods second verite-style film (following Nicks well-received 2012 documentary The Waiting Room, set in Highland Hospital) in a conceived three-part portrait of Oakland as told through its public institutions  health care, the criminal justice system and education. The third film, Homeroom, is in development. Nicks is also directing the new Fox Searchlight movie The Fence, about a Boston Police Department corruption and cover-up case.

The consequences of poverty, said Nicks, are a theme threaded through all of his work. Were asking officers to deal with those consequences, and thats a tall order for a teacher, a doctor or a cop.

Nicks own experiences as a mixed-race kid, adopted by a black family, identifying as a black filmmaker and having my own interactions with law enforcement all carried into this story very strongly, he said. Nicks spent a year in a West Virginia federal prison in his early 20s on drug charges, an experience that inspired his first feature film script, Escaping Morgantown.

Nicks said he considers himself fortunate to have gotten back on track and also unique. I was never treated poorly by law enforcement, maybe because of the way I speak or dress or carry myself. Without that emotional anger, I was able to go into the Oakland Police Department and say, Im not going to pass judgment on you. I told them we had no agenda, but it wasnt going to be a commercial for the OPD either.

Ironically, given the tumultuous period Nicks wound up filming  including a sex scandal involving numerous officers and a teenage girl, and the resignations of three chiefs of police  Nicks said its worth remembering that when he began, the Oakland Police Department was 11 years into federally mandated oversight (in the wake of the Riders officer-misconduct case) and was actually getting a lot of national press as a model for successful reform.

Chief Sean Whent, a central character in The Force, is portrayed as an idealistic reformer setting a high ethical bar for his new recruits and determined to repair public trust. There hadnt been an officer-involved shooting in more than 20 months. Crime as well as complaints about officer misconduct were down, and body cameras were having what Whent called a civilizing effect.

Courtesy Open'Hood and Kino Lorb

Ferguson hadnt happened and Black Lives Matter wasnt yet a hashtag, sad Nicks. But then, in the intervening months, everything changed.

When the Ferguson, Mo., grand jury declined to press charges in the shooting death of unarmed Michael Brown, what became known as Oaklands 2014 winter of protest began  four straight weeks, longer than the protests in Ferguson itself.

Suddenly we found ourselves filming nothing but protests for the first two months, said Nicks. Four officer shootings of black men over four months in the summer of 2015 triggered community activists and the Take Back Oakland Coalition to demand greater accountability and civilian oversight, ideas that took on more prominence in the film.

Ferguson changed everything in terms of the films focus, but it also highlighted how complex officers jobs are, the way they balance priorities every day, from responding to a call to a talk down from the ledge of a building to managing a massive street protest, said Oakland Police Department Public Information Officer Johnna Watson. She appears by Whents side throughout the film and served as the documentarys project manager.

Watson said the department has no regrets about giving Nicks such unrestricted access, even though he documented a period of unprecedented upheaval. He caught on film the things we did right, as well as the things weve done wrong and what weve learned from those. Were a better department now.

Im hopeful this project brings empathy and understanding to all members of our community, said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf in an email. Pete is a talented local filmmaker who captured a difficult moment in Oaklands history. The film also documented the challenging realities our police face every day, as well as the communitys legitimate anger toward past injustices.

A project that began as being unapologetically from the point of view of the police, looking at the question of who becomes a cop and why, shifted during filming to become a more nuanced, unflinching look at issues of moral failure and abuse of power.

I am here to run a police department, not a frat house, Schaaf says in the film during a news conference after the sex scandal broke.

She introduced the citys first female police chief, Anne Kirkpatrick, in February as the reform-minded leader that Oakland has been searching for.

One thing that really stood out to me is that when you become a cop, you change, said Nicks. Cops get a distorted view of the world around them, as more unsafe, more violent than it is. And, unfortunately in Oakland the people committing most of the crime are largely African American, so racial disparity is threaded through everything.

Steve Havey

Police Department Deputy Chief LeRonne Armstrong talks movingly in The Force with recruits about running from the police as a boy in West Oakland, then growing up to join the patrol he once feared.

Its important to bring in my own experience to help officers understand where peoples reactions to the police come from, Armstrong said after a Berkeley advance screening of The Force. I challenge all our new officers, Dont allow the culture to change who you are.

The Force is one of several new documentaries released this year on law enforcement and race relations, including Whose Streets, Copwatch, Do Not Resist, and Ava DuVernays The 13th

We knew there was a need to dig into the police officers point of view, as troubling as that is for some people to accept, said Nicks. I went in with an open mind, not to convince you of a specific one-sided argument, like cops are evil. That doesnt mean that evil wasnt revealed.

Jessica Zack is a Bay Area freelance writer. Twitter: @jwzack

The Force: Opens on Sept. 15 in Bay Area theaters. (Not rated).
SFPD / /

A 25-year-old San Francisco man who works as a driver for ride-hailing services was arrested for possessing hundreds of child pornography videos and images, police said Tuesday.

Esam Abualshaar was busted Aug. 29 when San Francisco police raided his home on the 200 block of Summit Street, officials said. At the home, investigators found numerous media devices containing more than 600 files of child porn, police said. Abualshaar was not home when officers arrived, but he later showed up as detectives were going through his things.
When he was a San Francisco supervisor, Sen. Scott Wiener got a lot of flak from progressives for being the buttoned-up, boring moderate who mandated that the citys naked people cover their genitals.

Now that hes a Sacramento legislator, hes getting even more flak  this time from the far right. Not only is he a San Francisco liberal (shocking!), but hes also gay (good heavens!). And hes spending a lot of time  grab the smelling salts!  writing laws to help the LGBT community.

Wiener was already on former Fox News blabber Bill OReillys rhymes-with-snit list after, as a supervisor, he walked away from a Fox News reporter at City Hall and said, Fox News isnt real news. The always mature OReilly countered that Wiener was a pinhead.

Now that Wieners in Sacramento, that kerfuffle seems like childs play. From his legislation to decriminalize the knowing transmission of HIV to the proposal to add a third gender  nonbinary  to state identification cards, Wiener seems to be picking all the items sure to raise the ire of hard-core conservatives.

Now, hes really struck gold with a seemingly more innocuous proposal: implementing an LGBT Senior Bill of Rights. It would protect gay, lesbian and transgender elders from discrimination in nursing homes through several measures, including requiring staff to use the residents preferred pronoun and name, and preventing staff from denying admission to the facility based on sexual orientation.

It has already passed the Senate, but its unclear if the Assembly will vote on it before the end of the session this month.

Conservative news sites are really having a field day. Theres the story with the headline that just rolls off the tongue: California LGBTQ bill could force grandma to share a room with a gender-confused man in care center. The stories also dwelled, as they so often do, on the whole transgender bathroom issue. And, of course, they refer to Wiener as a California homosexual senator.

The latest line of attack against the proposal? Sites such as Breitbart News are saying the bill would send nursing home staff who use the wrong pronoun for a transgender person to jail for a year. Youll be shocked to learn thats not true.

Thats absurd  its never going to happen, Wiener said. This is pure transphobia.

The provisions in his bill would become part of the same health and safety code that governs long-term care facilities around California. While the most egregious violations of the code, such as abusing elders, come with jail time, using the wrong pronoun wouldnt. The bill is backed by Equality California, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Transgender Law Center and many other groups.

Asked whether hes proud to have made so many enemies because of his pro-gay-rights legislation, Wiener said, Absolutely.

Its their national pastime to throw bombs at San Francisco, but it makes me even more proud to be a San Franciscan, he said. I will take those enemies any day of the week.

Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle

Eight years ago, when then-Mayor Gavin Newsom selected George Gascon to be the citys first outsider police chief since the 1970s, one of the big selling points was Gascons pitched battle with Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. If Arpaio  the self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America  hated Gascon, the thinking went, Gascon must be a good guy.

Gascon, now San Franciscos district attorney, had been the police chief in Mesa, Ariz., in Maricopa County, Arpaios stomping grounds. Arpaio famously led sweeps of Mesas City Hall, libraries and other institutions in his quest to round up immigrants living in the country without documentation so he could hand them over to federal immigration agents for deportation.

Gascon set up free speech zones for demonstrators to protest Arpaios sweeps and testified against him on Capitol Hill. When I wrote about Gascons selection as police chief in San Francisco, Arpaio declined to comment, saying through a spokesman that if he didnt have anything nice to say about someone, hed rather keep his mouth shut.

Gascon certainly didnt stick to that philosophy when I asked him about President Trumps pardon of Arpaio. The former sheriff had been convicted of criminal contempt for ignoring a judges order to stop detaining people on suspicion they might be in the country illegally and was facing six months in jail.

Its very disturbing on many levels, Gascon said. I have never seen a pardon of a high-level law enforcement official who has been found to engage in discriminatory practices and has been deemed to violate a court order.

Now the president has said, Oh, that was OK. He was just being politically targeted. Its so wrong, he continued. I find it beyond the pale.

As with just about all of Trumps moves, beyond the pale is right.

Amy Osborne/Special To The Chronicle

I was walking past the controversial Pioneer Monument the other day when I noticed big splatters of what appeared to be red paint on one of the pedestals.

As you may recall, the monument is in the spotlight because some are calling for its removal. The behemoth that sits on Fulton Street between the Main Library and the Asian Art Museum contains a nearly naked American Indian man on the ground with a missionary and Spanish vaquero towering over him.

Just before it was moved to its current location in the early 1990s, protesters who wanted it gone altogether splattered red paint on it, and I wondered if that had happened again. A staffer with the Arts Commission, which will debate the monuments fate at a meeting Oct. 2, went to investigate.

The verdict? Not paint, but ketchup.

Its hard to get up close to the red stuff because of a tall black fence. The staffer didnt do a taste or sniff test, but still thinks its ketchup and doesnt think it was vandalism.

Now thats hard to believe unless somebody who happened to be carrying a really big bottle of ketchup happened to trip right in front of the section of the statue that happens to be in the news. In any case, the commission staff pledged that a quick power wash was in the works.

By the way, that vaqueros empty hand is positioned in a funny way because a lariat that he once held is long gone. Nobodys sure when it was removed or why. Perhaps the ketchup vandal had something to do with it.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Tuesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
Familia Dental, which last year opened a clinic on Madisons East Side that mostly treats Medicaid patients, will open another clinic Tuesday on the West Side.

The new clinic, on Gammon Road near Watts Road, will be Familias 10th in Wisconsin. The for-profit company, based in Schaumburg, Illinois, has 42 clinics in six states.

Many dentists avoid seeing Medicaid patients, saying Medicaid reimbursements are too low. That makes it hard for many people in the program, also known as BadgerCare in Wisconsin, to find dental care.

Familia says its centralized business model, which includes a single call center for patients and a streamlined billing system, allows it to successfully treat mostly Medicaid patients. The company also accepts private insurance and sees patients without insurance who can pay out of pocket.

Familia is opening a second clinic in Madison because the need is there, said Kayvan Azar, a co-founder of the company. It is one of the most underserved areas in Wisconsin as far as dental coverage for people with low-income, Medicaid.

The opening of Familias new clinic comes as More Smiles Wisconsin, a nonprofit formerly known as the Madison Dental Initiative, plans to open a second clinic in January at the Boys & Girls Club of Dane Countys Allied Family Center in Fitchburg.

More Smiles, which sees patients on Medicaid and without insurance, is considering a third clinic on Madisons North Side, said Jeff Okazaki, executive director. Its first clinic, at the Salvation Army on East Washington Avenue, opened in 2009.

There is definitely a significant need within our community, Okazaki said. It really is so significant that its not something any one organization can take care of.

Only about 43 percent of Dane Countys nearly 50,000 people on Medicaid saw a dentist in 2014, according to a report last year by Public Health Madison and Dane County.

The next year, in 2015, there were 2,093 visits for dental pain to emergency rooms at SSM Health St. Marys, UnityPoint Health-Meriter and UW Health, at a cost of $2.5 million, according to another health department report this year.

You have people falling through the cracks and ending up in ERs, said Dr. David Gundersen, president of the Oral Health Coalition of Dane County. Were just not getting far enough upstream.

Gundersen, a dentist at First Choice Dental in Fitchburg, said he doesnt take Medicaid patients because the rates are too low. He and other First Choice dentists provide some free dental care, however, through programs for the underserved.

Gundersen said the state needs to increase Medicaid payments for dental care, dentists need to take Medicaid patients if rates go up and more financial assistance should be available to help low-income people afford private dental insurance.

In the meantime, providers such as Familia and More Smiles are helping to address the problem, he said. Access Community Health Centers, a federally qualified health center based in Madison, has also expanded its dental services in recent years.

Familia, started in 2008, has clinics in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico and Texas. In Wisconsin, its clinics are in Green Bay, Janesville, Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee and Racine.

About 60 percent of Familias patients are on Medicaid, about 20 percent have private insurance and about 20 percent are uninsured, Azar said.

The clinics offer cleanings, fillings, root canals, dentures and other general dental care, said Brendan Gibney, Familias head of corporate development. Many of the clinics also provide orthodontics, though those in Madison do not.

Dentists, instead of dental hygienists, perform the teeth cleanings at most of the clinics, Azar said.

Its not cost-effective to keep hygienists on staff because some patients dont show up for cleanings, he said.

Familia opened its first Wisconsin clinic in Milwaukee in 2015. Its East Side Madison clinic, on East Washington Avenue, opened last September.

Azar said the company plans to expand into more states.
The long, contentious battle between San Francisco City Hall and the short-term rental platforms Airbnb and HomeAway appears to be coming to a peaceful resolution. The new rules taking effect this month strike a reasonable balance between extending the benefits of innovation  for residents trying to make a little income and visitors trying to find affordable lodging  and the concerns about its effects on the supply of long-term housing, neighborhood atmosphere and hotels that are subject to much higher overhead and regulation.

We want to be in a place with a constructive, positive relationship with San Francisco, said Chris Lehane, Airbnbs head of global policy.

The key to this new regulatory system is what Lehane calls pass-through registration. In other words, when Airbnb hosts sign up with the platform, their information will automatically be sent to the city. This is a critical change from what amounted to an honor system in which only about 1 in 4 hosts had complied.

The automatic registration solves other enforcement issues as well. For example, the city is expected to notify landlords when it receives a tenants application. The system will allow the city to flag when a host is listing short-term rentals at more than one address or exceeding the 90-day-a-year limit on unhosted stays.

Beyond that, the data should put San Francisco in a position to answer some of the serious policy questions posed by the Airbnb phenomenon. For starters, the city will have a better sense of the scale and pattern of the short-term rental market. Which neighborhoods are most affected? What is the effect on the long-term housing shortage, which is directly connected to the cost of living that is driving families out of the city?

Airbnb has reported that it has about 8,000 active San Francisco hosts, 89 percent of whom are renting space in their primary residences, with a typical payout of about $10,000 a year.

Those who have been exploiting the heretofore lax regulation by turning apartments into unregistered hotels have been put on notice: their activity on those two popular sites can and will be tracked.

The relationship between the short-term rentals and the city has now shifted to trust, but verify. This is a positive development.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.

Whats new for Airbnb and HomeAway?

Registration: Starting this month, hosts will be forced to register with the city before they can post a rental. A new pass-through system automatically sends registration data to the city.

Restrictions: For the past year Airbnb has had a one host, one home policy that limits each host to a single address  thus blocking commercial operators from the platform. The registration system assures enforcement.

90-day limit: Unhosted stays  those in which the host is not present  will be subject to a 90-day cap per year, and the registration system will make it easier to enforce.

Landlord notification: The city is expected to send a notice to landlords when it receives a tenants application to begin renting space. This requirement has been in effect since 2014, but has been extremely difficult to track.
The tech industry continues to have a problem combatting extremism. Kent Walker, general counsel for Google, recently wrote, the uncomfortable truth is that we, as an industry, must acknowledge that more needs to be done. Now.

From the company that once committed to employees and customers dont be evil, this has to be a frustrating challenge.

In the wake of several deadly acts of terrorism and calls from European politicians for government regulation of radical online content, Googles statement  which includes a pledge to voluntarily stop the monetization and promotion of supremacist, extremist or inflammatory material  certainly appears to be a necessary step in the right direction.

But such simple steps are not going to be enough, and unfortunately, if history is any indication, its hard to take this latest pledge at face value. This isnt the first time Google has publicly committed to reforms  and it probably wont be the last time the Internet giant will fail to deliver on its promises to curb nefarious conduct online.

In fact, Google was making similar public promises just a few months ago. In March, Google came under fire for running ads for reputable businesses alongside hateful and offensive YouTube videos, such as racist content, pro-ISIS propaganda, and anti-Semitic rants. More than 250 organizations, who should all be commended for their actions, including the British government, Johnson & Johnson, and GlaxoSmithKline responded by withdrawing their advertisements.

In the face of lost ad revenue, Google was, of course, quick to issue apologies: Starting today, were taking a tougher stance on hateful, offensive and derogatory content, Chief Business Officer Phillip Schindler assured on the company blog. YouTubes CEO Susan Wojcicki followed suit, telling advertisers, We can, and we will, do better.

Google cannot afford to have big-brand advertisers jumping ship. Because while many consumers think of Google as an innovative search, email and mapping company, that isnt what pays the bills.

The terabytes of data Google collects from users of its free services allow it to sell ads that target consumers with greater and greater sophistication. Its made Google the leading seller of digital ads, with 40.7 percent of the U.S. market share. In 2016, Alphabet/Google topped $79 billion in ad revenue  up from $59.6 billion in 2015.

The real reason for Googles repeatedly newfound contrition for ads being served next to hateful and offensive videos: It keeps getting caught. Google has a long history of prioritizing its own profits over accountability and responsible behavior  and then pledging to fix the problem in the face of public outcry.

Back in 2011, an investigation revealed that as early as 2003 Google  through its ad program  had been knowingly allowing online Canadian pharmacies to illegally import prescription drugs into the United States.

As a result of the investigation  and enough negative PR  Google settled with the Department of Justice for $500 million.

Just two years later, Google once again found itself in hot water for profiting on ads tied to YouTube videos promoting illicit activities. A 2013 report showed YouTube promoting the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics and prescription drugs without a valid prescription, knock-off merchandise, and fake drivers licenses and passports.

Again, Google responded with words not actions: Making sure ads appearing on Google and our partner sites are safe continues to be a top priority. Yet in recent weeks Google has again been caught red-handed, forced to issue large refunds to advertisers after charging them for page views on fake traffic.

Google made promises again in 2013 and 2015 to combat online child pornography, in May 2016 to stem hate speech, in July 2016 to protect creativity online and reduce piracy, and finally, in December 2016 to fight terrorist propaganda.

And yet, here we are, six months later, and Google-owned YouTube was still selling ads opposite offensive and hateful content.

Once and for all, it would be nice if Googles promises to take a tougher stance on making profits from hateful and offensive material was finally met with action.

At its core, Google is an engineering company, and engineers are constantly in search for an elegant, technological solution and in the instance of fighting extremism there may not be a short-term fix. This is important because Google, much to its delight, has become woven into the very fabric of our everyday Internet life  even becoming a verb  and as the narrator in the Spider-Man comic said, With great power comes great responsibility.

Until Google starts matching its actions to its words, we should all remain skeptical rather than cautiously optimistic, and for me personally, to paraphrase a well-known Google search button, Im not feeling lucky.

Jonathan Freeman is a former U.S. Army officer who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and served as senior adviser in USAIDs Office of Military Affairs from 2009 to 2012.
Jane Campion gets away with things in Top of the Lake: China Girl that few other directors could, including taking extraordinary chances with plot and character that should not pay off but most decidedly do. Youll see that when the six-episode, three-night second season of Campions drama returns to SundanceTV on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) has returned to Australia and is attempting to re-establish her career and life, and compartmentalize her ever-present demons. During her time in New Zealand, she worked on a case that echoed a horrifying incident in her own life. Shes still haunted by it now thats shes back in Sydney. She finds herself fixated on the child she gave up only days after she gave birth 17 years earlier. The girl, Mary (Alice Englert), has written her but Robin hasnt had the courage to write back. Instead, she pretty much stalks her, from a distance, observing Mary with her adoptive parents, Pyke (Ewen Leslie ) and Julia (Nicole Kidman).

At the same time, we view a couple carrying a large, heavy suitcase to the edge of a cliff in the dark of night and throwing it into the sea. The suitcase reappears often in the early part of the miniseries, moving with disconcerting grace beneath the surface of the waters, something silken and dark streaming through an opening, like some kind of exotic undersea flora. As an aside, I know nothing about physics, but if you see bubbles rising from a submerged suitcase, I think that means its filling up with water. In turn, that would make it unlikely that the suitcase would rise to the surface and float toward the shore.

Bit by bit, Campion moves to various elements of the overall story. Julia and Pyke are separated, after Julia has fallen in love with a female French teacher at the school where she works. Mary has taken up with a 42-year-old, self-styled artist named Alexander, nicknamed Puss (David Dencik), who has some kind of association with a brothel specializing in young Asian women.

From here, the plot elements are built on a foundation of unlikely coincidence, the kind of thing youd expect in a Victorian novel  the kind of thing that suggests the world is very small and everyone lives on an island. You spend a second or two thinking, well, that wouldnt happen in real life, and then you move on, drawn to the characters and to the performances.

Campion is far more concerned with character than the niceties of plotting. In the first season, she was able to give deeper, shattering insight into Robins character through the experiences of the young girl named Tui who was found to be pregnant.

This time, Campion takes us deeper into Robins character by reflecting and refracting her experience through the characters of Mary, Julia, a missing girl from the brothel named Cinnamon, and Miranda (Gwendoline Christie), a young officer who is assigned to partner with Robin, much to Robins initial displeasure.

These women, together and individually, create a kind of cinematic discussion on what it means to be a mother and in a larger sense, what it means to be female.

How do men fit into that conversation? How do the males impose their definitions on the nature of women? There are the men who raped Robin years earlier, there is the odious Puss, whose hold on Mary is hard to fathom, there is Pyke, of course  fussy, ineffectual, resentful  and there is Brett (Lincoln Vickery) who has been patronizing the brothel looking for GFE  a girlfriend experience. He is also part of a group of guys who regularly get together and rate prostitutes. Each of these men, in ways both subtle and glaring, think they can impose their own concepts of what a woman is on the female characters. And, in ways only glaring, they havent got a clue.

This is what we take away from China Girl. The unlikely plot conveniences are irrelevant, and theres a moment in the finale that can only be described as a complete howler. Its a moment of excess and perhaps hubris, but as overblown as it is, it doesnt sink the film because of how the characters are written and performed.

It would be difficult if not impossible to find so many top-notch performances in one series as you will find in China Girl. Moss delivers a performance of symphonic complexity. Inevitably, and without giving anything away, theres a moment when Robin realizes the links between her life, the case shes working on and her biological daughters life. She has to be gobsmacked at the realization, but she barely reacts  at least not in a demonstrable way. Its not necessary: We see it in her face, in her eyes.

Kidman is brilliantly icy and unforgiving. Her face seemingly free of any makeup, a serpentine tangle of gray hair on her head, she is credibly monstrous. And yet, she is a woman whose anger has to be directed at the rest of the world because she doesnt have the emotional tools to be a mother to her daughter, a wife to her husband, a partner to her lover. She has been victimized by the imposition of other peoples concepts of what she should be as a woman and is rebelling against them, however clumsily.

Casting Christie as Robins partner Miranda was genius. She is imposing, of course, towering over Robin and many of the men in the Sydney police department. Because of her physical presence, others have certain expectations of Miranda. In her way, shes struggling to be who she is and belie those expectations. She is improbably girlish, a goo-goo-eyed romantic, but she also stands up for herself.

Englert, Campions daughter, makes Mary more than just a headstrong, rebellious teenager. Like many of the other women in the film, she is tough and determined, but at her age, she is just learning to sort out and separate who she really is from the expectations imposed by others around her, especially Julia, who she thinks has betrayed her.

Vickery makes Brett more than just damaged goods. He is a victim of societal expectations almost as much as the female characters are. Vickery delivers a nuanced and disturbing performance, one that regularly manipulates our feelings about Bretts character. For a while, we feel sorry for him as he clings to fantasy. Later, our feelings change radically.

The coincidence-laden plot, the floating suitcase, a few moments of character inconsistency and a really bad, mad decision on how the series ends, cannot be overlooked, of course, but these are far outweighed by the overall power of the series, the strength of the performance and most of all what Campion wants us to understand about identity and expectations of others.

David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook. Email: dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV

Top of the Lake: China Girl: Dramatic miniseries. 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, with the other two parts 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 11 and 12, on SundanceTV. Each episode will be available for streaming on Hulu the day after it airs on SundanceTV.
San Jose must pay $11.3 million to a mentally disturbed man who was shot in the back by a police officer while standing on his front lawn holding a knife, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

Hung Lam, a Vietnamese immigrant in his mid-30s, survived the shooting but was left paralyzed and must use a wheelchair, said his lawyer, John Burris.

The officer, Dondi West, testified that Lam had first held the knife to his own throat but then began walking backward in her direction, still holding the knife and causing her to fear for her life when she shot him. But the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the jury was entitled to believe another witness, a retired sheriffs deputy, who said Lam made stabbing motions only toward himself and posed no threat to West.

The jurys verdict is supported by a (first-hand) witness testimony, Judge N. Randy Smith said in the 3-0 ruling.

Lam had been confined in a psychiatric hospital for two days before the January 2014 shooting. His boyfriend drove him home, but Lam refused to enter, said someone else was there and picked up a knife, the court said. Their next-door neighbors called police, and one neighbor, Helen Anderson, the retired deputy, tried to calm Lam down as she spoke to him from 10 to 15 feet away.

Anderson said West arrived with her gun drawn, ordered Lam to drop the knife, and started shooting after Lam instead made stabbing motions toward his stomach. West said she saw Lam pull the knife out of his waistband and walk toward her, sometimes facing her and sometimes with his back turned, and that he was starting to turn in her direction when she fired.

The jury found that West had used unreasonable force and violated Lams rights, and awarded damages for economic losses and pain and suffering. The city is responsible for the damage award.

Lam was a former restaurant owner in Vietnam who worked as a cook and had hopes of becoming a dancer, said Burris, his lawyer.

He was always trying to hurt himself, never trying to hurt anybody else, Burris said. He said the situation on the front lawn could have been deescalated, as Anderson was trying to do, before the officer came in yelling and screaming.

The citys lawyer could not be reached for comment.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko
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The response to President Trumps decision to phase out the DACA program, which protects immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, was swift in San Francisco and across California, with many elected officials lambasting the policy reversal Tuesday and vowing to fight it.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Kamala Harris, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and others called the elimination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program irresponsible and cruel. If Congress does not step in, the program will wind down over the next few years, leaving about 800,000 people often referred to as Dreamers vulnerable to deportation.

President Trumps decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America, said Pelosi, D-San Francisco. Deporting Dreamers means destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of patriotic young people, costing the economy billions and betraying the fundamental values of the American Dream.

Now Playing: President Trump on Tuesday issued a statement concerning the DACA program. Video: GeoBeats

When former President Barack Obama established the program in 2012, it was a ray of hope for people who were American in every way except on paper, said U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto.

Over 787,000 individuals have received relief from deportation under the DACA program, Eshoo said. These children put their faith in our government when they chose to come out of the shadows and I will fight with all that I have to ensure Congress passes legislation to overrule the President's irresponsible action and ensure that these children can remain in the only country they have ever known.

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from Costa Mesa, agreed that Congress must take action and face the issue squarely and fearlessly, but he was among a handful of California officials who sided with Trump.

However much we may sympathize with the hundreds of thousands of these children, many of whom have reached adulthood and have become Americanized, we in Congress must work to prevent such cynical loopholes from being created again by executive fiat, he said. I applaud President Trump and Attorney General Sessions as they restore rigorous constitutional standards to the vexing issue of illegal immigration.

Sen. Kamala Harris scolded Trump, saying that ending DACA undermines our nations values and is a cruel betrayal to more than 200,000 Californians. The consequences of this decision will be devastating, she said. It will split up families, force young people back to countries they never knew, and cost our economy billions of dollars. It is heartless.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee called the decision unconscionably cruel in a statement. As a country and as a government, he said, we asked young people to step out of the shadows and participate in the program.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein urged Congress to act, and sought to reassure young immigrants who could now face deportation.

To DACA youth across the country, I say this is not over, Feinstein said. I stand with you and your families. You are valued. Our country needs you. And I wont stop fighting to protect you.

Republican officials across California offered a mixed reaction. U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton, sided with the Democrats, saying the status of DACA recipients shouldnt change from one federal administration to the next.

Congress should act now to provide a permanent, legislative solution that gives certainty to these kids, he said. We should not deny residence to children who have only known America as their home, positively contributed to this great country, and passed a background check.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, said that while Obama unlawfully overstepped when he created DACA, the onus is now on Congress to create a solution that respects the nations laws and secures the borders while maintaining compassion for those brought to the U.S. in their childhood.

Im eager to get to work on a permanent fix, Issa said, and call on Democrats and Republicans alike to immediately put political posturing aside and let this be a catalyst to achieve long-overdue reforms in this important area of concern.

State education leaders vowed to fight Tuesdays decision and protect students who have benefited from DACA protections.

Our country made an honest deal with these students  study hard, earn your degree, and you will get a fair chance to compete for college, said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. We should keep deals, not break them. We should support dreams, not defer and destroy them.

The decision was heartless and senseless, said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley.

The California Community Colleges remain committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status and to providing safe and welcoming environments in which to learn, he said. We will do all within our power to assist students affected by this decision, and we will advocate tirelessly in Congress for a permanent resolution to this issue.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
In an effort to promote donations to aid those displaced and distressed by Hurricane Harvey, East Bay punk icons Green Day are planning to perform in a Facebook Live on Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. PST.

The band, who will play live from Tampa, Fla., where they have a show scheduled for Tuesday night, are asking that those who watch the livestream donate to Americares.
Russian playwright Anton Chekhov noted that, as a dramatic device, a gun introduced in the first act of a play must be fired in the second, otherwise it has no reason to be there. Lets hope thats not as true in life as it is in art, now that we have an armed racist right squaring off against leftist counter-protesters in public confrontations.

Weve already seen violence, even death, at these rallies. But the potential is for much worse if participants continue to carry guns into such provocative situations. The question is how to minimize the risk without trampling peoples constitutional rights.

The First Amendment to the Constitution establishes the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. The Second Amendment creates a right to own firearms. Neither is absolute. Nevertheless, firearms have become a significant presence in our culture, and only a dozen states prohibit people from carrying them openly in public. Whats more, over 40 states have NRA-backed preemption laws, which to varying degrees limit the ability of local governments to adopt stricter gun regulations than the state as a whole.

Virginia is a preemption state that also allows open carry, and the nation saw the results at Charlottesville, where paramilitary militias  men heavily armed with military-style weapons and in some cases battle gear  appeared as part of the Unite the Right rally. But far-left groups, including the so-called Redneck Revolt, a liberal pro-gun group, have also paraded around with their firearms at various demonstrations.

This is a problem the nation must resolve. A group of self-organized, trained and heavily armed men (and these groups are predominantly male) is a paramilitary organization, and giving it megaphones and parade banners doesnt magically transform it into something peaceful. Adding open carry to a contentious event can put public safety at risk, and the presence of visible firearms creates unique problems for the police.

Open carry can also be an act of intimidation. Heres one illustration: During the Unite the Right event, gun-toting and swastika-carrying Nazis chanting anti-Semitic slogans marched past a Charlottesville synagogue containing 40 worshippers, leaving them so frightened that they felt compelled to sneak out the back. And heres another: In April 2016, opposing protesters at a Dallas-area Nation of Islam mosque engaged in a tense face-off that, fortunately, ended without those Chekhovian firearms being used. This is not the America we want.

Another complicating factor: Two dozen states have adopted stand your ground laws similar to the one that became an issue in Florida after George Zimmerman shot dead 17-year-old Trayvon Martin during a confrontation.

The details differ among the states, but at their core the laws allow people to shoot to kill if they perceive they are under physical threat.

Incendiary speech, demonstrators, open-carry and stand-your-ground laws  what could possibly go wrong here?

This is madness. Police train to control unruly crowds and develop strategies for separating rival groups of protesters, but are they equipped  and able  to keep the peace when the protesters have become paramilitary militias? If states insist on allowing citizens to strut around their streets with guns slung over their shoulders like Third World mercenaries, they must at least make an exception at rallies and demonstrations.

A ban on weapons  from firearms to pointed sticks, concealed or carried openly  should be a condition for obtaining a permit.

Boston took the right approach at a recent controversial Free Speech rally that drew 40,000 protesters: Anything that could be used as a weapon, from guns to sharp sticks, was prohibited.

Fearing violence, some lawmakers and advocates have urged officials not to give permits, period, for these contentious rallies. But thats the wrong answer. Its not the right to speech and assembly that should be restricted; its the right to carry guns in certain potentially explosive situations. Gun advocates like to argue they have the right to bear arms as a bulwark against tyrannical government, but government has a responsibility here as well: to keep people safe.
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Locals headed to Ocean Beach in San Francisco over the Labor Day weekend found themselves walking through trash "overflowing" from garbage cans and "strewn across the sand," as NBC Bay Area reports.

The mess over the weekend, likely exacerbated by the hot weather driving foot traffic to the beach, included scattered beverage cups and food wrappers. However, it was the broken glass bottles that most concerned some attendees with children and pets.

"People don't clean up what they bring in," said Jessica Feeney, who brought her 2-year-old daughter Violet to Ocean Beach. "I had the feeling: Should she be walking in the sand? Is there gonna be broken glass?"

""

For some, the trash was not a surprise sight.

A "People Behaving Badly" television segment by KRON's Stanley Roberts that aired in late August caught people littering before the heat wave even began. "If you're planning to visit Ocean Beach in San Francisco, there's something you need to remember," said Roberts in the clip. "Bring some shoes. I'm not kidding, because the beach is filthy. You'll find things from baby diapers to wine bottles."

Garbage left behind at San Francisco parks and recreation areas by locals and tourists continues to be a problem for city and parks organizations.

In one weekend during the spring earlier this year, for example, Dolores Park visitors left enough trash behind to fill 460 garbage bags. By the next month, the city was considering monetary fines for littering at the park.

At Ocean Beach, which is part of Golden Gate National Parks, littering is prohibited, but that didn't keep park rangers from having to pitch in to help clear the sand of refuse each morning over the weekend, as NBC reported.

SFGATE has reached out to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for comment.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


WELLESLEY, Mass.  Until last year, Ninotska Love would have been barred from attending Wellesley College. Shes an accomplished student who has persevered through hardship, but under long-standing rules, the college would have rejected her.

Now the rules have changed. This week, Love will become one of the first transgender women to attend Wellesley in the schools 147-year history.

For me to be accepted to one of the best colleges for women in the nation, it is a big validation of the person that I have become. At first I couldnt believe it, said Love, 28, who was born in Ecuador but fled to the U.S. in 2009 after being kidnapped and threatened because of her gender identity. Im so thankful to be here.

Her arrival on campus reflects a quiet but momentous shift thats taking place at a wave of womens colleges that have begun allowing trans women. But even as many schools embrace shifting views on gender, some have been reluctant to change amid lingering differences over the role of womens colleges.

Since 2014, at least eight womens colleges have moved to allow trans women, starting with Mills College in Oakland. Joining Wellesley in 2015 were Smith, Bryn Mawr and Barnard colleges, the last of the so-called Seven Sisters womens colleges to make the change. Advocates say others have likely done so without advertising it.

I think its a step forward, one thats long overdue, said Genny Beemyn, director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a resource group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. If they say theyre women, then saying that they cant attend is denying their identities and marginalizing them.

Just how many trans women are attending womens colleges remains unknown. Many schools that now accept them wont say how many they enroll, if any, citing privacy concerns.

Chicora Martin, vice president of student life and dean of students at Mills College, said some fear backlash from alumni or donors who dont support the change, and they want to protect students from outside scrutiny. At Mills, 8 percent of more than 700 undergraduates identify as trans women.

Love, meanwhile, is considering a major in womens and gender studies and hopes to become a civil rights lawyer for LGBT students and immigrants.

Collin Binkley is an Associated Press writer.
1 Trump on taxes: President Trump calls the U.S. tax code self-destructive and says hell work with Congress on a plan to simplify it and dramatically reduce income taxes for Americans. In a Labor Day opinion piece for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Trump outlined his goals for a new U.S. tax plan. Our plan will dramatically reduce income taxes for American workers and families. It will nearly double the standard deduction to help families get ahead. It will make our complex tax code more simple and fair. Congress is expected to take up the issue when it returns from its August recess this week.

2 Remains found: Police in Wichita, Kan., are investigating after the body of a small boy was discovered encased in concrete inside a rental home. The landlord was cleaning the house Saturday when he found a concrete structure and noticed an odor coming from it. Police removed the structure and discovered the remains of a child, possibly 3 years old, inside. Police said a 40-year-old man and 36-year-old woman who lived at the home were arrested last week on separate charges associated with a child custody case. Both are being held in jail.
NEWARK, N.J.  Its a tale of international jet-setting, $1,500-a-night hotel rooms and, for good measure, allegations of affairs with models and actresses.

Beyond the tabloid angles, this weeks corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and a wealthy friend promises to put the very business of governing under a microscope  and could eventually lead to a Republican taking over his seat in the deeply divided Senate.

Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday in the trial of Menendez and a Florida ophthalmologist, Dr. Salomon Melgen.

They are charged with a conspiracy in which, prosecutors say, Menendez lobbied for Melgens business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts that included luxury vacations, flights on Melgens plane and stays at his private villa in an exclusive Dominican Republic resort frequented by celebrities including Beyonce and Jay-Z.

The indictment also alleges Menendez pressured State Department officials to give visas to three young women described as Melgens girlfriends.

The men both pleaded not guilty, and Menendez has vehemently denied the allegations. Defense lawyers say that the trips described as bribes were examples of friends vacationing together, that most of Melgens contributions went to committees Menendez didnt control and that he didnt control the people he lobbied on Melgens behalf.

Im looking forward to finally having the opportunity to seek exoneration, Menendez, who was indicted in April 2015 and has been dogged by some of the allegations since 2013, said recently. I do believe well be exonerated. I did nothing wrong, and I did nothing illegal.

Menendez is up for re-election next year. If he is convicted and steps down or is forced out of the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote before Gov. Chris Christie leaves office Jan. 16, the Republican governor would pick a successor.

While a Democrat has a large polling and financial advantage in Novembers election to replace Christie, the stakes are high. A Republican-led partial repeal of the Affordable Care Act might have succeeded this summer if Menendezs seat had flipped before then.

David Porter is an Associated Press writer.
SALT LAKE CITY  Officials at a Utah hospital where a nurse was arrested after refusing to allow police to draw blood from an unconscious patient apologized that security officers didnt intervene and said Monday that they have implemented policy changes to prevent it from happening again.

The announcements mark the latest fallout from nurse Alex Wubbels release last week of July 26 video from a Salt Lake City police officers body camera showing him dragging her from University of Utah Hospital and handcuffing her. The officer has been put on leave, and his agency has apologized.
DACA is short for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects certain people who were brought into the country illegally as children from being deported. Former President Barack Obama launched the program in 2012, saying he wanted to provide a reprieve for young immigrants who have established lives in the U.S., often dont know any other home, and sometimes dont speak a language besides English. For those who qualify, deportation is deferred two years, with a chance to renew. Recipients can legally obtain work permits.

Who is covered by DACA?

About 800,000 people nationwide, and more than 200,000 in California, have been approved for DACA protection. To qualify, applicants must have been younger than 31 on June 15, 2012, when the program started, and have come to the U.S. before they were 16, living here continuously since at least June of 2007. The majority of recipients, often called Dreamers, are from Mexico.

What did President Trump do?

The Trump administration, which claims that Obamas move creating DACA was an unconstitutional overreach, announced Tuesday that it would wind down the program, which will take a few years. Recipients will remain protected through their current term. But new applications for DACA will no longer be accepted, and those with current protection must renew their two-year legal status by Oct. 5. Starting March 5, tens of thousands of recipients will begin to see their status expire, and could be deported.

What happens next?

By ensuring there will be no deportations of DACA recipients for six months, the Trump administration is giving Congress time to pass legislation that would determine the fate of Dreamers. Many in Congress, including Republicans who favor tighter immigration policy, such as House Speaker Paul Ryan and Arizona Sen. John McCain, have supported protection for DACA recipients, but lawmakers for years have been unable to reach consensus.

What happens

to Dreamers?

If Congress doesnt enact a policy by March 5, those who lose protection will be subject to removal. Trump said he told immigration officials that DACA recipients should not be considered priorities for deportation unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang. But since Trump took office, the government has deported people with clean records.

 Kurtis Alexander
After a beautiful and warm end to Labor Day weekend, much cooler weather has moved into south-central Wisconsin and will stick around for a few days, according to forecasters.

However, another gorgeous weekend is expected, with sunny skies and highs in the 70s predicted.

In Madison on Tuesday, theres a 40 percent chance for precipitation, with a slight chance for showers between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., then a chance for showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m., increasing clouds, a high near 65 and northwest winds at 10 to 15 miles per hour, the National Weather Service said.

Overnight, theres a 30 percent chance for showers, mainly before 7 p.m., as the low falls to around 47.

The chance for showers is 30 percent on Wednesday, mainly after 1 p.m., with partly sunny skies, a high near 64 and northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph.

There are no more chances for precipitation through Monday, according to the Weather Service.

Skies over Madison should be partly sunny Thursday and sunny Friday through Monday, with highs near 66, 70, 70, 72 and 74, and lows Wednesday night through Sunday night around 49, 49, 49, 51 and 51.

27 Storm Track meteorologist Branden Borremans forecasts cooler weather turning warmer for the weekend, with a few scattered showers Tuesday afternoon into the evening, a few scattered afternoon showers on Wednesday, and then dry weather into next week.

Borremans said skies over Madison should be mostly sunny becoming mostly cloudy Tuesday, mostly cloudy Wednesday, partly sunny Thursday, sunny Friday through Monday, and partly sunny next Tuesday, with highs near 64, 64, 66, 71, 74, 75, 77 and 67, and overnight lows around 46, 45, 48, 50, 50, 52, 54 and 46.

Mondays high in Madison was 74 at 2:15 p.m., 2 degrees below the normal high and 20 degrees below the record high of 94 for Sept. 4, set in 1925.

Mondays low in Madison was 54 at 11:59 p.m., 1 degree below the normal low and 19 degrees above the record low of 35 for Sept. 4, set in 1974.

A trace of precipitation was recorded at the Dane County Regional Airport on Monday, leaving Madisons September and meteorological fall (September through November) precipitation total (rain plus snow converted to liquid) at 0.07 inches, 0.39 inches below normal. The 2017 total stayed at 32.83 inches, 7.55 inches above normal.

Madisons record precipitation for Sept. 4 is 1.81 inches in 1890.
We are gathering information for the 2022 general election. On desktop, click "election information" on the right side of this pag...
. To do so, first type the original number into the text box. Then click on the "Scientific Notation" option located at the top of the floating window. Finally, click on the "Standard" button found beneath the text box to display your result. This program is useful for scientists and engineers working with decimal-based numbers. It provides easy access to those who need to convert those numbers into more compact forms without having to do heavy math calculations first.

Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers. It is used in physics, chemistry and other fields where large numbers are common. Those numbers are written as a power of 10 followed by a number with an exponent. For example, 1,000,000 (one million) is written as 1  103. The exponent shows how many zeros are after the first digit. For example, 1,000,001 is written as 1  102. Scientific notation is a useful tool for making calculations easier. You can use it to write down very big or very small numbers in one step instead of writing out both the large and small numbers separately. You can also use it to express large or small numbers in terms of other units like centimeters or millimeters.

Scientific notation solver is an online tool that can be used to convert any number into scientific notation. Simply enter any number to the left of the decimal point and it will automatically convert it into a scientific notation equivalent. This web tool can be very helpful when you need to convert a large number into scientific notation. However, please note that this online tool can only convert numbers that are in scientific format. For example, it cannot convert a non-scientific number like "1,085" into a scientific notation equivalent. It is also important to keep in mind that this web tool only works when converting numbers from one particular format to another. For example, if you want to change a non-scientific number like "1,085" into standard format, then you will have to use another online tool like NumberFormatting.com.
BEIRUT  U.S.-backed forces in Syria have captured the Old City of Raqqa, the latest milestone in their assault against the self-proclaimed capital of the Islamic States rapidly shrinking territories, according to a U.S. military statement Monday.

Kurdish and Arab fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces secured the neighborhood over the weekend after vanquishing a last pocket of resistance in the citys historic Grand Mosque, the statement said.

The capture followed a grinding two-month battle for the neighborhood that has proved the toughest challenge yet of a 3-month-old offensive for Raqqa, begun in June and still far from over.

Unlike the Old City in Iraqs Mosul, the one in Raqqa does not lie at the heart of the city and its seizure does not signify an imminent end to the fighting, said U.S. military spokesman Col. Ryan Dillon.

The Syrian Democratic Forces now control roughly 60 percent of Raqqa, said Dillon, who would not put a timeline on how long it would take to claim the rest but predicted that weeks of fighting lie ahead.

He said it does, however, represent a significant step in the overall battle for the city, which has turned into a block-by-block advance against a largely unseen enemy.

The Kurdish and Arab forces have been advancing simultaneously on multiple fronts, backed by U.S.-led air strikes and accompanied by U.S. special operations forces, in an effort to stretch the resources of the defending militants.

They are being met by barrages of improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers, many of them emerging behind Syrian Democratic Forces lines from an extensive network of tunnels dug by the militants to defend the city.

The United Nations says there are around 20,000 civilians trapped in the city, and as was the case in the battle for Mosul, they are bearing the brunt of the relentless air strikes. Amnesty International said last month that hundreds of civilians had died in air strikes since the offensive began, and said it had documented 176 deaths in June and July.

The toughest battle is expected to be for a cluster of government buildings in the city center, known as the security block, where the Islamic State has prepared its heaviest defenses.

The advance in Raqqa coincides with significant gains by Syrian government forces further south on the outskirts of the city of Deir al-Zour, now the only major city in either Iraq or Syria that still is mostly under Islamic State control. Syrian army units backed by militias advanced to within 6 miles of a garrison of Syrian soldiers that has been besieged on the edge of the city for the past three years.

Liz Sly is a Washington Post writer.
DANAN, Ethiopia  Men, women and children in this remote region of Ethiopia scramble to receive food aid and feed their rail-thin cattle as a huge cloud of dust rises into a sky that hasnt delivered enough rain for the past three years.

The mass feeding program, managed by aid groups in this sun-scorched district, is the last attempt to save the lives of humans and animals until the rains hopefully materialize in mid-September.

More than 8 million people in drought-hit southeastern and southern Ethiopia are in need of emergency food assistance, officials said as the heads of the World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization and International Fund for Agricultural Development made a rare joint visit over the weekend.

Despite economic growth in the past decade that has made Ethiopia one of Africas fastest-developing countries, rural areas are suffering as the nation faces its worst drought in years. This barren district called Danan, populated mostly by ethnic Somalis, has been historically neglected and is home to a rebel movement that seeks secession.

This particular year is more intense due to the fact that its the third for fourth year that the drought repeats itself in this region, said Jose Graziano da Silva, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization. In Africa, Ethiopia was best-prepared to face the impacts of climate change. But after having three successive years of El Nino, the country is unable to deal with it alone.

The situation has been overshadowed by drought in neighboring Somalia and the famine that was briefly declared earlier this year in parts of neighboring South Sudan, aid workers say. Over 27 million people in East Africa are in need of food assistance, largely because of drought, according to FAO.

The aid we are receiving is not enough to feed ourselves and our animals, a local chief, Sheikh Hussein Mohammed, told the delegation. Besides, the food that is being delivered to us is not the one that we are used to eating. And worst of all, the animals arent providing us any milk and meat. We are really hungry. And we are suffering.

While no official death tolls are available, regional officials say half of Danan districts estimated 280,000 cattle have died, a serious blow to the seminomadic population that relies on the animals for food, transport and income. Aid groups say an additional 2.2 million households require livestock-related assistance until the end of the year.

Elias Meseret is an Associated Press writer.
1 Myanmar conflict: At least 123,000 Rohingya have fled from western Myanmar into neighboring Bangladesh since late last month, the United Nations said Tuesday, as a military crackdown has destroyed villages and killed hundreds. At least 46 Rohingya died last week when boats capsized while crossing a river between the two countries, Bangladeshi authorities said. The Rohingya are a largely Muslim ethnic group who mainly live in Rakhine state in western Myanmar, where they face severe restrictions on basic rights. On Aug. 25, Rohingya militants attacked several police outposts and a military base, killing at least 12 members of security forces.

2 Lesotho gunfight: Lesothos military commander was killed Tuesday in a gunfight with two rival officers who also died, the defense minister of the tiny southern African nation said. Defense Minister Sentje Lebona confirmed the death of Lt. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso in a resurgence of the political instability that has plagued Lesotho. Witnesses said the gunfight happened after the two officers forced their way into Motsomotsos office at a military barracks. Lesotho has been beset by power struggles and concerns about military interference in politics.
LA PAZ, Colombia  The rebel commander approached church workers at a remote camp in northern Colombia with an unusual request.

Four former combatants beginning life as civilians had recently given birth, the first children born to women no longer dodging bombs and bullets in the jungle.

They are waiting to be baptized, he explained.

Would the church provide a priest?

In the nine months since Colombia passed a historic peace accord with the nations largest rebel group to end Latin Americas long-running conflict, the Roman Catholic Church has emerged as a guiding force in bringing rebels back to civilian life and leading a still-bitter nation toward reconciliation. Pope Francis is expected to build on those efforts during this weeks trip to the South American country.

Priests are celebrating Mass at the rustic camps where rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia have laid down their arms. Catholic aid workers are helping former guerrillas track down relatives they have not seen in decades. In the rural communities hit hardest by the 53-year conflict, church teams of psychologists and social workers are explaining the peace accord and facilitating encounters with the rebels many mistrust.

The immediate task is implementing the accords, but the bigger challenge is how to reconcile Colombians, said the Rev. Dario Echeverri, secretary general of the church-led National Conciliation Commission.

Francis has been one of the chief advocates for peace in this deeply Catholic country, urging leaders for and against the agreement to settle their differences. He will lead a prayer for national reconciliation in the city of Villavicencio, where 6,000 victims from around the country are expected to gather. And he will beatify a Colombian bishop killed in 1989 by guerrillas of the National Liberation Army, another leftist rebel group now negotiating peace.

In total, the conflict left more than 250,000 people dead, 60,000 missing and millions more displaced  wounds that for many cannot be closed with the generous terms offered to rebels under last years accord.

A narrow majority of Colombians rejected the agreement in a referendum before it was passed by congress.

Christine Armario is an Associated Press writer
BEIRUT  Syrian troops and allied forces reached the eastern city of Deir el-Zour on Tuesday, breaching a 3-year-old Islamic State siege on parts of the contested city near the Iraqi border, the army command and a war monitoring group said.

Lifting the siege on Deir el-Zour, parts of which have been ruled by the extremist group since January 2015, marks another victory for President Bashar Assad, whose forces have been advancing on several fronts against Islamic State and other insurgents over the past year.

It also puts an end to a humanitarian crisis for the estimated 70,000 people who survived on erratic air drops of food and supplies during the 32-month siege. Syrian state media said dozens of trucks carrying aid are ready to move in.

The army command said in a statement that reaching Deir el-Zour marks a strategic turn in the war against terrorism, and that the city will be used as a launching pad to expand military operations in the region.

Syrian state TV said troops reached the western outskirts of the city and broke the siege after Islamic State defenses collapsed. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also reported that troops had breached the siege.

Islamic State has suffered a series of major setbacks in recent months. Iraqi forces drove the extremists from the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in June, and U.S.-backed Syrian forces have seized more than half of the Syrian city of Raqqa, once the groups self-styled capital.

Syrian troops and allied militiamen, backed by Russias air force, have for months been advancing toward Deir el-Zour, the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name.

Deir el-Zour is in the Euphrates River Valley, which stretches all the way to the Iraqi border, taking in several towns and villages, and is the largest remaining Islamic State stronghold. The extremists still control around 60 percent of the city, and it could take Assads forces months to drive them out.

Russias Defense Ministry said a Russian warship in the Mediterranean fired cruise missiles early Tuesday toward Islamic State targets near the city. The ministry said it targeted a fortified area around the town of el-Shola, where most of the militants are believed to hail from Russia and former Soviet republics.

Bassem Mroue is an Associated Press writer.
The government has reached a deal with the remaining uninsured or uninsurable Christchurch property owners in the city's 'red zone' after the Court of Appeal deemed the second offer to be "unlawful".

Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner today said Cabinet has agreed to pay the 16 litigants 80 percent of the pre-quake rateable value of uninsured property developments plus a one-off payment to account for the court's judgment and cover off the "extra uncertainties and cost". The property owners known as the Quake Outcasts had already been paid 100 percent of the pre-quake rateable value for the land.

The original 46 Quake Outcasts and property developer Fowler Developments lodged their first objection to the 'red zone' offer to pay half the rateable value of bare land and uninsured property in 2012, claiming it breached the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act and their human rights. That dispute went all the way to the Supreme Court which sided with the property owners in a split decision.

All the property owners took the payment, however, a subset still deemed it was unreasonable and again went to the courts to dispute it. Last month the Court of Appeal upheld their challenge, saying the second offer was also unlawful in that an area-wide offer limited the minister's ability to judge each case on its own and was unfair.

The appeal court bench also noted the extraordinary delays "may well have adversely affected owners ability to re-establish themselves".

Wagner today said once the Court of Appeal made its decision on Aug. 1 "we moved swiftly to provide certainty" and that all decisions were made in good faith with the best information to hand at the time. Cabinet last met yesterday morning.

"In saying that, the decision to settle was not taken lightly," Wagner said in a statement. "The government carefully considered a range of factors, including fairness, financial responsibility, protecting the value of insurance and the litigants well-being."

The settlement heads off the need for a second round of submissions to the appeal court over how to remedy the breach and subsequent judgment.

Wagner said any other decisions in response to the appeal court judgment will come after the Sept. 23 election.

(BusinessDesk)

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CHICAGO - WBEZ reports that despite getting $250 million more from the state of Illinois in the latest education budget, the Chicago Public Schools will lose thousands more students this year, as it did last year.

It's part of the biggest loss of black students since Chicago's white flight in the 70s, the radio report says.

CPS has been hemorrhaging students for years, and it expects enrollment will drop this year by another 8,000 students. Last year, CPS saw an enrollment loss of 11,000 students, the largest single-year drop in recent history. More than one-third of the districts African-American students  83,000 black children  have left the school system since 2000. Its the largest exodus from Chicago schools since white flight in the 1970s. These major student declines mean cuts to individual school budgets, layoffs, and potential school closings. This year, CPS expects 306,000 students in the district-run public schools and another 58,000 in the citys charter schools, which are privately run but publicly funded.

Read the rest HERE.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An armed robber remains at large on Tuesday morning after taking about $1,200 in cash and a cell phone from a store in Rosebank, police said.

The masked suspect entered the front door of the Lucky Deli & Grocery at 1200 Bay St., at the busy corner of Hylan Boulevard, at about 10:14 p.m. on Monday, according to an NYPD spokesman.

The robber brandished a black firearm to the 30-year-old male employee who was behind the counter before taking the loot, police said.

The police spokesman was unable to provide a description of the suspect.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A New Jersey man, now in his early 60s, was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl on Staten Island.

Luis Figueroa-Acuna subjected the victim to oral sex at least three times between November 2012, and October 2013, an indictment alleged.

Figueroa-Acuna was in his late 50s then.

The victim was 8, and she and the defendant knew each other, said a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case.

The crimes occurred in a South Beach home, according to the indictment and the source.

Three weeks ago, Figueroa-Acuna pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to first-degree sexual abuse.

The dark-haired defendant, who was garbed in a tan jail-issued sweatshirt and pants, declined through a Spanish interpreter to make a statement before sentence was imposed.

Besides prison time, Figueroa-Acuna was sentenced to three years' post-release supervision and must register with state authorities as a sexual offender.

A five-year protection order was issued in the victim's favor.

Assistant District Attorney Melissa O'Leary prosecuted the case.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island officials urged legislative action to fix a "broken" immigration system after President Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday that it will "wind down" the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The announcement, made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, came the same day as the deadline set by a group of Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the administration repealed it.

The Trump administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said he looks forward to working with his colleagues in Congress to "sort this out."

"First of all, I support President Trump's focus on securing our border -- this problem will only get worse until we stop illegal entries," Donovan told the Advance on Tuesday, adding that he supports the administration's work to "secure the border and target criminals for deportation."

"I spent most of my career prosecuting criminals, and respect for the law is a bedrock principle in our country. Young children whose parents brought them to the United States had no intent to break our laws and really had no choice in the matter, and our policies should reflect that fact," he said.

MALLIOTAKIS CALLS FOR STREAMLINED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis "urges" the Trump Administration to allow Congress to "craft a reasonable plan" that would allow DACA recipients who have not committed a crime and are either employed, enrolled in college or in the military a path to citizenship.

The Republican mayoral nominee challenging Bill de Blasio, Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) calls the administration's decision to "wind down" DACA an opportunity "to fix a broken system once and for all."

"As the daughter of immigrants, I strongly believe that our broken immigration system must be streamlined to provide those seeking a better life the opportunity to achieve the American dream. For three decades, Washington has refused to address the issue, causing many immigrants to get caught in red tape," Malliotakis said in a statement.

Adding: "And instead of advocating for common sense reforms, many officials at the city and state level prefer instead to disregard the law altogether, further keeping immigrants in the shadows of society."

DONOVAN CO-SPONSORED RACA

Earlier this year, Donovan co-sponsored the Recognizing America's Children Act -- RACA -- which provides a pathway to citizenship for "DREAMers," illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children.

Different than DACA, the proposed RACA first provides conditional lawful status, then permanent legal status and a path to citizenship, while giving eligible undocumented immigrants a five-year conditional legal resident status, and the ability to reapply for a five-year permanent status.

"Our immigration system is terribly broken and needs comprehensive repair. This bill is a good first step to helping hardworking young men and women - who were brought to the U.S. as children and raised here by no choice of their own - obtain legal status. These individuals have contributed to our nation, the only place they've called home, by pursuing military service, higher education, and contributing to our economy, and I am proud to support this legislation which will make our nation stronger," he told the Advance in March.

GILLIBRAND: CONGRESS MUST 'LEAD'

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) released a statement following Sessions' announcement, calling on Congress to "lead" and pass the DREAM Act.

"President Trump's action today is an affront to who we are as Americans," Gillibrand said.

"He is needlessly targeting children who know no other country as home than America. This does not make our communities safer or our economy stronger. In fact, it does just the opposite. America does not merely tolerate immigration -- we thrive on it, and we are better than needlessly targeting hardworking young adults to score crass partisan points," she said.

The Obama-era DACA protects undocumented immigrants from deportation for a renewable two-year period if: They were brought to the United States as children before age 16 and before June 5, 2007; are enrolled in school; are a high school graduate or are honorably discharged from the military; are under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or three other misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security.

ROSE: 'TODAY'S ACTIONS ARE UNAMERICAN

Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) said she "condemns" the Trump administration's actions and joins her colleagues who are urging Congress to pass "long-overdue legislation."

"Today's rescinding of DACA throws these young people -- the vast majority of whom are going to school or working and paying federal and local taxes -- into a shadow of fear and uncertainty," Rose said in a statement.

"I condemn today's action as un-American and contrary to the values we hold dear. I call on Congress to pass long-overdue legislation that allows these dreamers to pursue their education and careers, and continue to contribute to nation they call home, the United States," she said.

MATTEO SAYS 'IT IS NOW UP TO CONGRESS'

"I empathize with the plight of those who were brought to this country illegally as children, not on their own accord. But it was clear from its creation that DACA did not have the permanence of law, nor was it intended to. By ending the program, as he said he would, the President is laying the responsibility to fix our country's byzantine immigration system at the feet of Congress. It is now up to Congress to work together on a solution," said Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island).

CITY HALL: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office posted a statement to Facebook letting "The Dreamers" know that they are not alone.

"If you're worried, know we are deploying legal services funding quickly across all five boroughs. If you face legal problems, we'll be right there with you," the statement said.

De Blasio's office stated that Know Your Rights Forums will continue to be held throughout the city.

He ended the statement with: "We have your back. New York City is still your home."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A group of Rep. Dan Donovan's constituents held a rally Monday to ask that he put "patriotism over partisanship."

The organizers of the rally, Fight Back Bay Ridge and Staten Island Women Who March, hoped to urge Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) to take action on issues he says concern him, organizer Amir Shani said.

Specifically, the organizations asked that Donovan support the Presidential Tax Transparency Act, the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act and the Justice Safety Valve Act.

Shani said he has spoken with Donovan's staff about the bills and that the congressman expressed concerns about the issues the bills would address.

"He agrees there's a problem, but what are you going to do about it?" Shani asked.

In a press release from the group, organizers referred to the bills as having bipartisan support in Congress.

Of the 166 cosponsors for the Presidential Tax Transparency Act in the House of Representatives, four are Republican; and one Republican member of the House is among the 51 cosponsors of the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, as well as the 12 sponsors of the Justice Safety Valve Act, according to Congress.gov.

A representative for Donovan issued a statement noting the times Donovan has reached across the aisle to work with his Democratic colleagues.

"Patriotism over partisanship means working collaboratively in the best interests of our country. Congressman Donovan has worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure health care for 9/11 first responders and ensure NYC has funding to defend against terror attacks. Hopefully, today's organizers also call on their fellow Democrats to focus on achieving results rather than scoring political points against the President," the statement said.

About 50 people attended the event, which took place outside Donovan's Brooklyn office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Shani said.

Lorie Honor, co-founder of Staten Island Women Who March, addressed what she sees as a lack of leadership in the country.

"I think that what's happening is the leadership void, especially in CD-11 but also throughout the country, is really calling on the people to do their jobs for them," she said in a release.

Organizers held the event on Labor Day, sang patriotic songs and handed out copies of the Constitution with the hope of appealing to Donovan's patriotism, Shani said.

He was also critical of Donovan's lack of in-person town halls. He said that was one of the reasons they organized the rally.

"This is why we have to have rallies like this," he said. "I would hope we could appeal to him to do what he's not doing."
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context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

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The ACT government has been called upon to review its payroll tax exemption for people with a disability after advocates said its success was "limited".

The concession for up to $4000 was trialled from 2013 to 2016 as a way of in getting people aged 17 to 24 with disabilities into jobs.

People With Disabilities ACT executive officer Robert Altamore. Credit:Jeffrey Chan

But during an inquiry into the employment of people with a disability in the ACT public service earlier in the year, the ACT Council of Social Service highlighted the minimal role it played in helping people stay employed.

ACTCOSS executive director Susan Helyer told the committee the exemption risked propping up businesses that weren't "sustainable" without the incentive.
The Australian National University has slipped backwards one place and the University of Canberra moved forward in the latest university world rankings.

The ANU was one of just two Australian universities to make the top 50 in Times Higher Education's World University 2018 rankings, placing 48th out of a possible 1000. The institution was ranked 47th in 2017.

The University of Canberra placed in the 351 to 400 range, an improvement on this year's 401 to 500 ranking.

Vice-chancellor Deep Saini praised staff for their work in moving the University of Canberra forward: "This is another proud moment for UC.
Canberra could be facing its worst bushfire season since the devastating 2003 fires after a drier than usual winter.

Emergency Services Agency commissioner Dominic Lane said ACT residents should prepare now in the face of a higher than usual threat.

He said everywhere along the south-eastern coast of Australia was bracing for a season of elevated bushfire risk.

"There are large parts of Canberra that are bushfire prone," he said.
Poorly trained and inexperienced IT contractors are being hired for important government projects without proper scrutiny of their technical abilities, the public sector union says.

Last week the Department of Human Services sacked as many as 100 IT subcontractors as it investigated allegations some had been employed using fake CVs.

CPSU National Secretary Nadine Flood says "labour hire must go". Credit:Jamila Toderas

Many of these subcontractors were supplied by an external labour hire company with little departmental oversight, DHS sources said.

The Community and Public Sector Union's national secretary, Nadine Flood, said the government must scrap such contracting arrangements.
Police are investigating a family's claim their daughter was cut by a deliberately placed razor blade at a Gordon playground over the weekend.

Six-year-old Bella was celebrating Father's Day with her family at the Gordon adventure park on Sunday afternoon when her finger was sliced open riding down the slide.

Neil, Donna, and Bella Brown at a slide in Gordon's Adventure Park. Donna cut her finger open on a razor blade on Father's Day while playing on the slide. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

"Bella was really shaken up," said mother Donna Chandler-Brown.

"She ran towards us, crying ,with her hand covered in blood, and when [my husband] went to check, he found she'd knocked a razor blade off the slide," she said.
Former Billabong boss Matthew Perrin has had six months shaved off his eight- year prison sentence but lost an appeal against fraud convictions for scamming $13.5 million.

Perrin has been in jail since January for forging a number of signatures, including those of ex-wife Nicole Bricknell and brother Fraser Perrin, in order to swindle the Commonwealth Bank.

Matthew Perrin, pictured leaving Brisbane's federal court, enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle for a number of years until it all fell apart. Credit:Glenn Hunt

"(Perrin) had been a successful businessman but had resorted to criminal conduct when he encountered financial difficulties," Supreme Court Justices Anthe Philippides, Philip Morrison and Roslyn Atkinson wrote in their judgment, which was published on Tuesday.

"(Perrin) blamed not only his former wife but the bank and his former business partners."
Global jewellery brand Pandora will open a flagship store in Melbourne's Bourke Street mall after signing a million-dollar lease on a four-storey gothic-style brick building next to Spanish fast fashion retailer Zara.

The Copenhagen-headquartered jewellery brand is understood to have signed a lease for nearly $1 million in annual rent at 280-282 Bourke Street.

Bourke Street's mall attracts some of the highest per square metre rental rates in Australia. Credit:Daniel Pockett

Pandora has three other stores, in Little Collins Street, Melbourne Emporium and Melbourne Central, that are within a 500-metre radius of its new site.

Bourke Street's mall attracts some of the highest per square metre rental rates in Australia, with some retailers paying up to $10,000 a metre.
Geelong developer Scott Vickers-Willis is taking another punt on the regional city's office market, launching a new $80 million project for the iconic wool stores.

Mr Vickers-Willis' Techne Developments will join forces with local Geelong developer Dean Montgomery for the eight-level Dennys Lascelles Tower at 20 Brougham Street.

An artist's impression of the proposed building at 20 Brougham Street, Geelong.

Mr Montgomery, who has extensive business interests in China, has agreed to purchase the historic four-storey red brick wool stores, once occupied by Dennys Lascelles agricultural business.

The proposal, designed by Hassell, revives a plan first unveiled by Grocon in 2015. Grocon obtained a permit for 11-storey 13,000 square metre building in its bid to develop the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Telstra's group executive of consumer and small business, Kevin Russell, has left the telco giant after just 18 months in the role and will be replaced by Vicki Brady.

The telco has not explained Mr Russell's sudden departure, although the recent annual report showed he did not receive the same bonus payments as other senior executives.

Kevin Russell is leaving Telstra after 18 months as group executive of consumer and small business. Credit:Rob Homer

"We are grateful for the contributions which Kevin Russell made during his time with Telstra and wish him all the best for the future," Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said.

Mr Russell will be replaced by Ms Brady, who has been Telstra's group managing director, consumer since mid-2016. She previously worked at Telstra's rival Optus, as managing director of marketing and products in Australia
Margaret Mary Henderson was born in Melbourne on November 13, 1915, the first child of the Reverend Kenneth Thorne Henderson MA DipEd and his wife Charlotte Mary, who was the eldest daughter of Rear Admiral Frederick Tickell.

For Margaret service to others was in her veins. Her father and her two uncles Rupert and Alan were enrolled in 1903 as Foundation Scholars at Trinity Grammar School, Kew. In 1915 Rupert and Alan died at Gallipoli. Kenneth enlisted in 1916 as a chaplain in the 1st AIF and served in France on the Somme until 1918, when he was invalided home.

Margaret Henderson, doctor and author.

After the war the family moved to Adelaide where Kenneth joined the staff of St Peter's College as assistant chaplain and teacher. In 1923 Kenneth and Charlotte, with the baby Kenneth junior, went to Oxford to enable Kenneth to study for a BLitt over three years. They left Margaret, with her two younger siblings, in the care of their maternal grandmother Charlotte, a widow living in Denmark Street, Kew. Charlotte's two adult daughters Kathleen and Lucy, an architect, assisted with the care of their cousins.

Margaret attended the Church of England Girls' Grammar School in South Yarra, where she had won a scholarship. Her paternal grandmother, Jessie Henderson, lived in Harcourt Street, Hawthorn.
It is National Child Protection Week. The week where every Australian is urged to do their part in protecting children. The campaigners for a "no" vote in the marriage equality survey are using the protection of children as one of their key planks. One politician stated outright last week that the "state has an interest in marriage is because of the welfare of children". The "no" campaign is predicated on a belief that Australians care deeply about what children are taught in schools, what children may or may not be forced to wear, and care above all about children's right to be raised in a loving relationship by parents of differing genders.

To hear the "no" vote messages you would think that Australia is a country that cares deeply about children and their protection. But is it? Are children that important to Australians? Or is it time we stop pretending that we are a country that cares that much about children's protection?

If we really cared about children would one in 33 children receive child protection services?

If we did care about protecting children would we be a country where 22 per cent of children are considered developmentally vulnerable by the time they start kindergarten? Where 42.1 per cent of Aboriginal children are developmentally vulnerable in one or more areas? The Australian Early Development Census has shown us that almost 10 per cent of children "experience a number of challenges that interfere with their ability to physically cope with the school day. This may include being dressed inappropriately, frequently late, hungry or tired." It shows us that more than 8 per cent of children have poor communication skills and have difficulties talking to others, understanding, and being understood in their first year of school.

If we really care about protecting children would we let them be hungry? According to Foodbank Australia, 33 per cent of the people who receive food relief in Australia are children. More than 216,000 children receive food relief from Foodbank agencies each month and an additional 14,600 children are turned away every month because of food shortages.
Hurricane Irma captured by weather satellite GOES-16 and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Credit:NOAA via AP All of Florida - especially South Florida and the Florida Keys - should be preparing for a major hurricane landfall on Sunday, the authorities warn. The storm is extremely dangerous and will produce the full gamut of hurricane hazards across the Caribbean and potentially in South Florida, including a devastating storm surge, destructive winds and dangerous flash flooding. In preparation for Hurricane Irma, people put up a steel sheet over a window in Fort Road, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, on Tuesday. Credit:AP It is expected to remain at least a Category 4 for the next few days with minor fluctuations in intensity.

It could even become slightly stronger, but has neared the theoretical limit for how strong it can get, given ocean temperatures. Christopher Rodriguez installs wood panels over a storefront window in preparation for Hurricane Irma in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday. Credit:AP Computer models are in strong agreement that, by Saturday, Irma will be approaching the Florida Keys, where dangerous storm conditions are likely. Then, they show a sharp northward turn by Sunday morning. The precise timing and location of the turn has huge implications for Florida. It is impossible to say with certainty whether Irma will track up along the eastern side of the Florida peninsula, the western side, or straight up the peninsula. Irma, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday US time. Credit:AP

Since the weekend, models have generally shifted westward with the storm's forecast track, which means interests along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico should also monitor this storm. For a major hurricane, the exact track of the storm's eye wall - the zone surrounding its calm centre - is critical as it will determine where the most severe effects tend to concentrate. The most violent winds coincide with the eye wall, and the biggest storm surge occurs just to its right (or north). But as Irma is such a large and powerful hurricane, very dangerous weather will also occur up to 320 kilometres away from the eye wall - including coastal surges, flooding rains and potentially damaging winds. Beyond the weekend, the scenarios really depend on which side of Florida it tracks. But for now, it's safe to say that the south-eastern United States, including the Florida panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas, should also brace for potential impacts, such as flash flooding, storm surges and strong winds.

At 5pm on Tuesday local time, the storm was 200 kilometres east of the island of Antigua in the northern Leewards, where it is forecast to make a direct impact early on Wednesday. The storm was moving westward at 24km/h and the Hurricane Centre warned that weather conditions would soon deteriorate. Destructive winds, heavy rain (20 to 30 centimetres, with isolated amounts of 50 centimetres) that can produce flash flooding and mudslides are possible in the warning areas. Along the coast, the storm surge height - or rise in water above normally dry air - could reach two to three metres - especially just north of the storm centre. Irma is likely to become the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Leeward Islands, even more intense than David, which raked across the central Leeward Islands in 1979. "David was a horrible hurricane for Leeward Islands: 56 fatalities in Dominica," tweeted Phil Klotzbach, hurricane expert at Colorado State University.

Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Anguilla - in particular - are right in the path of the storm. "Really feel for the northern Leeward Islands," National Hurricane Centre forecaster Eric Blake tweeted. "A hurricane this strong there only comes around once a generation or two." Areas affected by the core winds near the storm's eye face devastating wind destruction. The Hurricane Centre provides this description of the damage inflicted by Category 5 winds: "A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months." Irma's peak intensity so far ranks among the strongest in recorded history, exceeding the likes of Katrina, Andrew and Camille - whose winds peaked at 280km/h.

Among the most intense storms on record, it only trails Hurricane Allen in 1980 which had winds of 305km/h. It is tied for second most intense with Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane. "The hurricane force winds in Irma are wider than Florida," Bryan Norcross, hurricane specialist at the Weather Channel in the US, tweeted. "You won't need a direct hit to get Wilma-type winds & storm surge on both coasts." If Irma makes landfall as a Category 4 or higher in the United States, joining Hurricane Harvey, it will become the first time two storms of such strength struck the United States in the same season. While all attention is on Hurricane Irma, Tropical Storm Jose formed in the eastern Atlantic on Tuesday morning. This storm is also predicted to intensify into a hurricane over the coming days, but the latest track forecast keeps it away from land areas for the most part.

Loading Below are some of the most visually stunning views of the storm reaching such rare strength, from zoomed out to close-in perspectives:
Australia's largest electricity generator has strongly dismissed a new push by the Turnbull government to make the country's coal-fired power stations run for years longer than originally planned.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull raised the prospect in Parliament  and in a phone call to AGL chief executive Andy Vesey  after a new report from the nation's energy regulator warned urgent action was needed to stop homes and businesses losing power during extreme summer heat.

Mr Turnbull has revealed that the government wants NSW's 46-year-old Liddell plant to remain operating for "at least" another five years beyond its scheduled 2022 closure.

But the Prime Minister was rebuffed only hours later when Mr Vesey said in a series of tweets the company was "getting out of coal" and that it was committed to the closure date.
Labor's support for same-sex marriage is being used against it in a homophobic pamphlet being circulated in Sydney during the final stages of local government elections in NSW.

The flyers - distributed inthe Georges River, Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown and Strathfield council areas - have been referred to the NSW Electoral Commission for investigation.

The material features a picture of a child covering her eyes under the headline 'Do not vote Labor', surrounded by cartoons of same-sex couples holding hands, holding a baby, and in compromising sexual positions.

They appear to be the first flyers used to directly target one of Australia's major political parties since the Turnbull government announced plans to hold a postal survey on same-sex marriage.
End of the day for me. What happened?

the High Court will announce its decision on the same-sex marriage postal vote challenge tomorrow afternoon ;

will ; in a neat bit of timing, the announcement will come just after the beginning of question time ;

; today, the government picked a fight with energy giant AGL about the future of a NSW power station;

about the future of a NSW power station; this suits the government because it wants to talk about energy rather than, say, citizenship;

rather than, say, citizenship; Malcolm Turnbull said he had a "warm" conversation with Donald Trump about North Korea ;

said he had a about ; the pair agreed further sanctions could be necessary to prevent conflict on the Korean peninsula.

My thanks to Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen for their super work. And thanks to Farrah Tomazin for her updates from the High Court.

You can follow me on Facebook.

Alex, Andrew and I will be back in the morning. We hope to see you then. Until then, go well.
In 2004, Matt Rule had an epiphany in Austin, Texas, while spending three days at the annual South By South West festival. He was turned onto bands he'd never heard before, and as he wandered the streets he was astounded to see that every conceivable space had live music pouring out of it.

He got to thinking. Why couldn't this happen at home in Sydney?

The Mis-Made: Ned Wu (left), Jess Finlayson, Rexy Yasa and Jess Coram will be playing at the Town Hall Hotel.

At the time he was too busy to do anything about it. He and brother Dan had bought the Annandale Hotel in 2000, re-establishing it as a live music venue, but ongoing battles with residents and the local council took their toll. In 2013, they gave up. That's when Rule got thinking about Austin again.

The result was the first King Street Crawl. On a Sunday in September 2015, more than 100 bands made noise throughout the afternoon and evening in a couple of dozen venues around Newtown and neighbouring Enmore and Erskineville.
News of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting their third child popped up on my phone late last night. My first thought? Kate Middleton must be mad.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is not to be taken lightly. It is an absolutely crippling pregnancy sickness which renders sufferers incapable of holding down a glass of water. In many cases, the only way to deal with it is to be admitted to hospital and have fluids administered via a drip.

My own experience of chronic "morning sickness" was tough. In my first pregnancy, I vomited at least six times a day for the first 25 weeks.

I carried "sick bags" with me wherever I went. At work it was impossible to hide my malaise; I had to dash out of meetings to run to the bathroom, and carefully plan routes around the office that avoided food smells coming from the kitchen.
A French court has awarded the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 103,000 euros ($150,000) in damages over the publication of photos from a 2012 holiday  including shots of Kate topless.

The fine was among the highest awarded for invasion of privacy in a French court, though it was significantly less than the couple's ambit claim when they fought the case.

They had argued that the family's status and history required a "very significant" fine, as they were "not ordinary victims".

William and Kate had sued the French magazine Closer for 1.5 million euros ($2.2 million) over the images of the couple relaxing at a remote private chateau in Provence owned by the Earl of Snowdon.
Big financial decisions like buying a car or taking out a loan can be complex enough on their own.

But recently, regulators have put the spotlight on something else to look out for: the "upselling" of various types of insurance known as "add on insurance".

This is where the car dealer might suggest that for a few extra dollars a week, why not take out insurance so that your car loan repayments are protected if you get sick?

Or the bank teller might suggest a policy that claims to cover your credit card repayments if you lose your job.
Six Australian universities have been listed among the top 100 institutions in the world, amid warnings that they could soon be overtaken by Chinese universities that are quickly rising in the global rankings.

The University of Melbourne is the top-ranked Australian university with an overall rank of 32, followed by the Australian National University at 48 in the latest Times Higher Education world university rankings, which were released on Tuesday.

Another four Australian universities are ranked in the top 100, including the University of Sydney at 61, the University of Queensland at 65, Monash University at 80 and the University of NSW at 85.

Each of the top Australian universities fell between one and seven places from last year's rankings with the exception of the University of Melbourne, which gained one place.
A five-year-old boy has died less than 10 hours after being sent home from a Sydney emergency department.

The boy, from Wahroonga, had complained of a sore stomach on Wednesday night and ate very little before going to bed, The North Shore Times first reported.

The boy was sent home form the ED, but was rushed to another hospital hours later. Credit:Jay Cronan

He woke up several times during the night in pain, his parents told police, before they took him to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital with stomach pain on Thursday morning.

After four hours at the hospital, the boy reportedly passed a stool and felt a little better, before he was sent home from the hospital about 7am. Doctors reportedly told his parents to monitor him.
More than 3797 people have been taken to hospital this year suffering from the flu as statistics released by Queensland Health confirm it is one of the worst influenza outbreaks on record in Queensland history.

Overall this year there have been 35,296 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu.

The majority of flu cases have been influenza A, the more severe strain of the virus. Credit:Paul Jeffers

In addition, 43 aged care centres in Brisbane have been hit with major flu outbreaks in the past two months, the public health units confirmed.

In Victoria eight elderly people in aged care centres have died from influenza, and six people in aged care facilities in Tasmania have also succumbed to the winter illness.
A Chinese tourist whose efforts to perform a breast implant procedure on a beauty salon manager resulted in her patient's death has been charged with manslaughter.

Jie Shao, 33, allegedly used the wrong dosage of anaesthetic when she attempted to put fillers into the breasts of Jean Huang at the Medi Beauty Clinic in Chippendale on August 30.

Ms Huang was rushed to hospital after she went into cardiac arrest at the clinic. She died in hospital two days later.

Central Local Court heard on Tuesday that an additional charge of manslaughter has been added to the original charge of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm and using poison to endanger life.
The NSW police and Liberal party are under fresh pressure to investigate Felicity Wilson, the MP who falsely swore to have lived in her electorate for a decade, following a new police complaint and after five other Liberal candidates were suspended for irregularities in statutory declarations.

The case of whether Ms Wilson breached the law by incorrectly claiming to have lived in her North Shore electorate for a decade on a statutory declaration has been revived by a detailed 200-page complaint submitted to the Police Commissioner last week, unsigned but understood to have been compiled with input from eminent Sydney lawyers.

Harbourside police had earlier declined to investigate a complaint from a member of the public about whether Ms Wilson had breached the Oaths Act because the form she signed had a typo that rendered the title of the Act as 1990, not its true date of 1900, and they argued it lacked legal status.

But three legal experts contacted by Fairfax Media back up one of many strands of argument made in the fresh complaint, which accuses the police of misapplying the law: that a typographical error does not make the document Ms Wilson signed invalid.
When voters head to the polling booths across Sydney's seven new councils on Saturday, there will be a common theme on the Liberals' how-to-vote card.

In all but a handful of wards across the new super councils, created by the NSW government's council merger policy, the Liberal party tickets will be led by men.

Lorraine Wearne is seeking re-election at Parramatta. Credit:Ben Rushton

There are no Liberal women in the coveted number one ticket spot in three of NSW's biggest councils  Parramatta, Canterbury-Bankstown and Cumberland council  where the party is running a total of 15 tickets.

Overall, women hold the top ticket spot, where they are most likely to win a council position, in just six of the 35 Liberal tickets across the new councils.
A firefighter has been charged after allegedly making more than 40 hoax calls to the triple zero emergency line.

The 20-year-old man, who is a probationary member of the NSW Rural Fire Service, allegedly made false reports about fires and car accidents.

Police officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command and arson specialists formed Strike Force Wenske in August to investigate the series of fake calls.

Investigators attended a home in Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, on Monday morning and arrested the 20-year-old man.

The man has been charged with three counts of making false calls to an emergency services number, eleven counts of making vexatious calls to an emergency services number and assault with act of indecency.
An investigation into the gangland shooting of underworld figure Walid "Wally" Ahmad has taken a high-tech turn, with forensic experts using a laser scan to create a digital 3D representation of the scene where he was gunned down.

Ahmad was sitting in a cafe at the Bankstown Central shopping centre one morning in April 2016 when a hooded gunman shot him in broad daylight as horrified patrons looked on.

The high-profile murder, believed to be linked to a long-running dispute between a group of families in Sydney's south west, remains unsolved.
A parliamentary committee has recommended the Queensland government reject a bill that would clear the name of axed Supreme Court judge Angelo Vasta QC.

The Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee handed down its report into the proposed legislation on Monday.

Dismissed Supreme Court Justice Angelo Vasta and his son Ross, who went on to win a seat in federal parliament, arrive at court in 1990. Credit:Fairfax Media

The six-member team recommended that it not be passed by the Parliament.

Three members of the Liberal National Party opposition used a statement of reservation at the end of the report to say they didn't think it was the role "of this Parliament to stand as judge and jury of the actions of members of the Legislative Assembly almost three decades ago".
One of Brisbanes best chefs has less than three weeks left at the venue he lifted into the top echelon of the citys dining scene, where he hosted world leaders and developed a dish that left a MasterChef contestant in tears.

After five years, Josue Lopez, who will probably tell you to call him Josh, is leaving the two-hatted GOMA restaurant to take the helm at the new Emporium Hotel Southpoint, due to open down the road at South Bank next year.

Josue Lopez has worked in some of the top restaurants in Europe. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

He has ambitious goals for the developments yet-to-named flagship restaurant, aiming to claim another hat in Fairfaxs Good Food Guide and make the venue one of Australias best.

But first, theres the matter of some well-earned rest, before the 33-year-old launches into the weighty task of designing a fine-dining menu plus considering in-suite feeds, a rooftop bar, piano bar, patisserie, conferences and events.

The El Salvador-born chef is renowned for his focus on local food and relentless cheerleading for south-east Queenslands top-notch produce, which he promised to continue when the new venture opens mid-2018.
Police believe the key witness in the appeal of a Tasmanian woman convicted of murdering her partner could be planning to withdraw her statement - and could be charged with criminal offences - in another extraordinary development in the controversial case.

Tasmania Police have informed lawyers for Meaghan Vass they want to interview her about perverting the course of justice allegations relating to the appeal of Sue Neill-Fraser.

Sue Neill-Fraser has spent the past seven years in jail. Credit:'Sue Neill-Fraser Is Innocent' page/ Facebook

A letter sent to Ms Vass' lawyer outlines that police believe Ms Vass is guilty of making a false statement and perverting the course of justice, but made the statement under duress.

Neill-Fraser is serving a 23-year prison term for the murder of her partner, Bob Chappell. Mr Chappell went missing on January 26, 2009, when the couple's yacht, the Four Winds, was moored off Hobart's Sandy Bay.
Christopher Shortis Shortis confirmed outside court he planned to appeal against the magistrate's decision to a higher court. He told the court he had political aspirations. United Patriots Front leader leader Blair Cottrell outside Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Credit:Eddie Jim Cottrell and Erikson confirmed their appeals would be heard in October in the County Court.

Cottrell said the magistrate's decision set a "dangerous precedent" for Victorians, and believed the state was a step closer to introducing blasphemy laws. In court, Mr Hardy told the trio they had "crossed the line" in staging a mock beheading outside the City of Bendigo offices on October 4, 2015, in protest against building a mosque in Bendigo. "We live in a community that is extraordinarily diverse and each person is entitled to live their life without being subjected to wrongful conduct by others," the magistrate said. In the video, Cottrell speaks to camera about the mosque plans and directs Shortis  wearing a Middle Eastern-style head covering, and shouting "Allahu Akbar"  and Erikson to decapitate a dummy with a toy plastic sword. When the dummy is beheaded, red liquid spills onto the footpath.

Mr Hardy found the video  which was posted onto the UPF's Facebook page  was designed to incite contempt and ridicule of Muslims, and encourage other "like-minded people" to attend a rally opposing the mosque. The date of the rally was broadcast on the video. The fact the video was seen at least 275 times on the Facebook page indicated the men made their video for an audience, Mr Hardy said. During a short pre-sentence submission, Cottrell told the court he had been in prison before and was concerned "there is going to be some issues" if he returned, until Mr Hardy interrupted and reassured the men he would not impose jail terms. At some point on Tuesday, Cottrell also tweeted that he had received a "twisted hearing", although he did not criticise the magistrate outside court afterwards.

Cottrell, Shortis and Erikson, who all pleaded not guilty to all charges and represented themselves, earlier on Tuesday submitted that the video was not intended to insult Muslims, but to highlight beheadings as a danger of the religion, carried out by fundamentalists claiming they act in the name of Islam. "We made a political statement on the dangers of Islam by focusing on a tenet of [the religion]," Shortis said. "The state is effectively trying to defend what is an unlawful act under Australian law." Shortis said it was notable no one had officially complained about the video. However, the magistrate said a complaint was not a requirement under the Act, as the men's conduct incited contempt, revulsion and ridicule of Muslims.

After the guilty finding, the men maintained the law was wrong. Shortis told court the ruling was a "red line", while Erikson described it as a "bad law". Shortis said he had paid the City of Bendigo the costs of the clean-up of the red liquid, and there was "zilch" chance of him reoffending given his political aspirations. Erikson told the court he had lost his job with a logistics company when news of the stunt first broke, and was still unemployed. In submissions before the magistrate's ruling, prosecutor Fran Dalziel said the men were "imputing" acts of terrorism to Islam by depicting a beheading, and by doing so were "seeking to stir up or stimulate" feelings of revulsion towards Muslims.
A hoaxer who used a $300 handheld radio to abort a plane landing at Melbourne Airport revelled in his ill-gotten fame on YouTube before he was arrested by police, a court has heard.

Former baggage handler Paul Sant, 20, admitted making five hoax transmissions to Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas planes in October last year, as well as one mayday call to the airport's air traffic control centre.

Airport radio hoaxer Paul Sant poses in a cockpit. Credit:Facebook

All of the calls were ignored by pilots and officials, except for a transmission on October 27 in which Sant asked Virgin flight 740 to "go around" as it was preparing to land.

The plane aborted the landing before touching down without incident 15 minutes later.
Terrified commuters were forced to flee a burning Melbourne tram on Tuesday morning, after it was set on fire by live overhead power lines.

Witnesses say they heard a series of "bang noises" come from a Route 58 tram, when it caught alight about 9.30am on Tuesday near the corner of Toorak and St Kilda roads.

They then saw live, sparking electric wires flying across the top of the tram. Construction workers, who were working on the tram stop, came to the rescue of 30 passengers on board the tram, who had to be evacuated.

The tram was at a newly-installed tram stop, one of two that were built along Toorak Road West during a school holiday "construction blitz" in early July.
An airport rail link to help Melbourne prepare for expected population growth will be on a wish-list a delegation of mayors and council chief executives from the city's west will take to Canberra on Wednesday.

Melbourne is predicted to become the nation's biggest city, reaching 8 million by 2051  and the city's west is expected to grow most quickly, from its current 835,000 residents to 1.8 million.

An airport rail link stopping in Sunshine is on top of a wishlist of infrastructure mayors from Melbourne's west are taking to Canberra. Credit:Paul Jeffers

To help accommodate the extra residents, LeadWest  a lobby group for the city's west  is taking a set of projects and policies to Turnbull government ministers, the federal infrastructure department, Opposition leader Bill Shorten and Labor MPs.

Counting among its members six western suburb councils, Victoria University and CityWest Water, the group wants to cut a "city deal"  an agreement for a co-ordinated plan of investment  with the federal government to improve infrastructure.
A severe weather warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Tuesday morning for damaging winds across most of Victoria. Snow in Lorne, at the site of Falls Festival. Credit:Facebook/Falls Festival Bureau senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said the weather on Tuesday would probably be worse than on Monday, with gusts of between 90 and 100km/h and showers mainly around the coast and eastern ranges. "Melbourne hasn't seen that many showers so far, we've been in what's called a rain shadow where the mountains to the north have blocked those falls," he said. The wild spring weather should ease by Sunday. Credit:Joe Armao

"That will change later Tuesday and we'll see extensive showers, small hail is possible and even lightning." Mr Carlyon said Melbourne reached a high of 13 degrees on Tuesday, would see a high of 14 degrees on Wednesday and 15 degrees on Thursday before dropping to 12 degrees on Friday. Heavy snowfall at Mount Buller in the first week of September. "Then towards the second half of the weekend temperatures should creep up towards average with 17 degrees on Sunday and 19 degrees on Monday," he said. The forecaster said rain cover and wind meant minimum temperatures were not expected to drop below 6 degrees.

Mt Hotham has had 26 centimetres of snow since Monday morning. Credit:Karl Gray "But with wind chill it's going to feel a lot colder than that," he said. Snow news is good news for spring Fresh snow blanketed the alpine region with resorts getting top-ups of between 10 and 30 centimetres of snow. Jamie and Ryan Haworth, ages 6 and 4, playing as snow is falling at Day's Picnic Area, Mt Macedon, on Monday. Credit:Daniel Pockett

Huge snowfalls in Mount Hotham overnight has brought with it springtime weather conditions that haven't been seen in 26 years. Almost 30 centimetres of snow fell in Mouth Hotham, shutting down a large section of the Great Alpine Road. Snow and hail at St Mary's Primary School in Ballarat. Credit:Nadine Jankowski The road is closed from Harrietville to Mount Hotham due to poor visibility and heavy snow, but access is still possible via Omeo and Bairnsdale. "There is snow blowing around everywhere and there was about two metres of snow out our front door this morning. I don't remember conditions like this since the ski season in 1991," Mount Hotham Alpine Resort chief executive John Hutchins said

Mr Hutchins said it was the third major snow storm to hit the slopes this year and it was the second time the Great Alpine Road has been closed off by VicRoads. "People's safety is our number one priority," he said. "If there is any element of doubt the road gets closed off." Mr Carlyon said snow would continue to fall on Tuesday, mostly in areas above 700 metres. Mr Carlyon said between 10-30 centimetres of snow fell on the alpine resorts in the 24-hour period until 6am on Tuesday morning. He said the same amount of snow was expected in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning. "So for the resorts thinking spring would bring higher temperatures and receding snowlines, this will be an exceedingly good week building on the impressive depth they've already got," he said.

Police have warned people travelling to the snow to be prepared, after two men were trapped in their vehicles for days because of heavy snow in rural Victoria. "We're having significant snowfall, but people are still venturing into the back country," said Inspector Paul Hargeaves, of Hume police regional emergency management. "Avoid the back country areas during extreme weather. It is fraught with danger. No doubt you will become disoriented or stuck, and then police resources will have to pull you out. "Please heed the warnings and save us the heartache and potential consequences for people when they get lost. Hypothermia sets in very quickly in conditions like this." Inspector Hargreaves said two stranded hikers had been rescued from Staircase Spur, in Mount Bogong, in the early hours of Friday morning, after becoming disoriented.
The horrors of trench warfare during World War I unfolded a world away from the suburbs of Australia  but those two worlds have been brought together in the latest mural to adorn Melbourne's laneways.

For local street artist Adrian Doyle, his piece unveiled in Hosier Lane on Tuesday was an opportunity to combine those two topics.

Street artist Adrian Doyle, in front of his latest mural in Hosier Lane, Melbourne. Credit:Daniel Pockett

"I have a personal interest in WWI history and Australian suburbia and so it meant a lot to combine these topics in a way that reminds us of the horrors of war  both in the field and at home," Doyle said.

The mural depicts two images  one a fallen Digger on the waterlogged Flanders fields after the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium. In what was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war, half a million casualties fell in 100 days for a gain of eight kilometres of territory. A total of 38,000 Australians were among those killed, wounded or missing. The other image in the mural shows a grieving woman at home, holding a letter. A calendar behind her marks the date  September, 2017.
Victorian schools are scrambling to prepare senior students for a new test which screens those applying for teaching degrees for resilience, ethics and empathy.

Careers counsellors said they only recently discovered that VCE students who want to study teaching next year must pass the test.

Universities will use the non-academic test, along with students' ATARs, to determine who is suited for a teaching degree.

Eight of Victoria's 11 institutions that offer initial teacher education courses have signed up for the Canadian-owned CASPer test, while others including the University of Melbourne are already running their own tests.
The principal of a school where a mother and daughter were killed in a crash last month says he is relieved the speed limit on the highway outside its front gates is finally being lowered.

But the measures come after a number of serious accidents on the road, with pleas from locals for the speed limit to be changed falling on deaf ears for years.

On Tuesday the state government announced immediate work to improve conditions on the South Gippsland Highway outside Lighthouse Christian College in Cranbourne East.

This includes temporarily reducing the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h before community consultation begins in coming weeks.
One evening in 1991, while under house arrest at her home in Yangon, Aung San Suu Kyi was listening to the radio when the presenter reported that she had won the Nobel peace prize.

The news, she recounted in her Nobel lecture two decades later, "did not seem quite real because in a sense I did not feel myself to be quite real at that time." Her imprisonment, she said, had divorced her from the reality around her. She credited the Nobel Committee's award with restoring that sense of reality and drawing her "back into the wider human community".

Today, Aung San Suu Kyi leads Myanmar's government, but seems to have once again lost that sense of reality and connection with the wider human community.

Over the past two weeks, Myanmar security forces have unleashed a campaign of terror against the country's ethnic Rohingya minority in parts of Rakhine State in the country's west. The violence has left at least 400 dead and forced 80,000 to flee into Bangladesh.
Juliana Torres, 16, of Baltimore, rallies in support of DACA, outside of the White House on Tuesday. Credit:AP Mr Sessions said the action does not mean the DACA recipients are "bad people." "To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. It's just that simple. That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that," Mr Sessions said. Attorney-General Jeff Sessions said Americans had rejected an "open border" policy. Credit:AP In a statement issued by the White House, Mr Trump said, "I do not favour punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws."

Former vice president Joe Biden said on Twitter the move was "cruel". DACA supporters march in protest of the announcement in Phoenix, Arizona. Credit:AP "Brought by parents, these children had no choice in coming here. Now they'll be sent to countries they've never known. Cruel. Not America," he wrote. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg wrote on the social media service that it was a "sad day" for America. "The decision to end DACA is not just wrong. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it."

Sundar Pichai, chief executive officer of Alphabet's Google, tweeted "Dreamers are our neighbours, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers". The move to end DACA marked the latest action by Mr Trump that is sure to alienate Hispanic Americans, a growing segment of the US population and an increasingly important voting bloc. Most of the immigrants protected by DACA, dubbed "Dreamers," came from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Mr Trump's order, deferring the actual end of the program, effectively kicks responsibility for the fate of the Dreamers to his fellow Republicans who control Congress. But Congress has been unable since the president took office in January to pass any major legislation and has been bitterly divided over immigration in the past. Mr Obama bypassed Congress and created DACA through an executive order in 2012. Mr Sessions said the Trump administration concluded that Mr Obama exceeded his authority in setting up the program, which has long been the target of conservative hard-liners on the issue of immigration.

Elaine Duke, acting head of the Homeland Security Department, issued a memo rescinding DACA. The department will provide a limited window - until October 5 - for some DACA recipients whose work permits expire before March 5 to apply to renew those permits. This would mean that some beneficiaries of DACA could be in the country through 2019. DACA recipients whose work permits expire will be considered to be in the country and eligible for deportation, but will be a low priority for immigration enforcement, administration officials said. Mr Trump appeared determined to pressure US lawmakers to act. "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" the president wrote on Twitter on Tuesday morning before the policy announcement was made. There were some signs that Congress might be willing to act, with a number of senior Republican lawmakers coming forward to express an interest in protecting the Dreamers. The president's decision may have been forced by nine Republican state attorneys general, led by Texas, who had threatened a legal challenge in federal court if Trump did not act to end DACA. A number of Democratic state attorneys general have threatened legal action to defend the program.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan called on lawmakers to find a long-term solution for the young people affected by the reversal of the program. "At the heart of this issue are young people who came to this country through no fault of their own, and for many of them it's the only country they know. Their status is one of many immigration issues, such as border security and interior enforcement, which Congress has failed to adequately address over the years," Mr Ryan said. Mr Trump made a crackdown on illegal immigrants a centerepiece of his 2016 election campaign and his administration has stepped up immigration arrests. But business leaders say immigrants make important economic contributions and that ending the DACA program would hit economic growth and tax revenue. There are deep divisions in the United States over the fate of roughly 11 million illegal immigrants, most of them Hispanics. As a presidential candidate Mr Trump promised to deport all of them. He left the DACA announcement to Mr Sessions, with whom the president has had tensions arising from the investigation into potential collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia.
Highly dangerous Category 5 Hurricane Irma rolled toward the Caribbean and southern United States, packing winds of 295 kilometres per hour on Tuesday, even as Texas and Louisiana still reeled from devastating Hurricane Harvey.

Irma's eye was forecast to cross the northern Leeward Islands, east of Puerto Rico, on Tuesday night or early Wednesday, and hurricane warnings were in place from there to the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said in a statement.

The NHC called Irma a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane and tweeted that it was "the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic (Ocean) outside the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico in NHC records." Category 5 is the highest NHC designation.

"Preparations should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area," the NHC said.
New York: Hurricane Irma, barrelling toward the Caribbean and the southern United States, was upgraded to a powerful Category 4 storm on Monday, US time, as islands in its path braced for a possible onslaught.

Hurricane advisories were issued for territories that dot the West Indies, including parts of the Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, in preparation for the intensifying storm that could pummel the area with life-threatening wind, storm surges and torrential rain by Tuesday evening, according to the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC).

People began to shop as early as last week to stock up on water, canned products and batteries as Irma neared and continued through the weekend.

A Category 4 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale means sustained winds of 209-251 kilometres per hour with "catastrophic" outcomes, including uprooted trees and downed power lines, water and electricity outages, and significant property damage causing uninhabitable conditions, according to the Miami-based hurricane centre.
Jakarta: Islamic groups behind the mass anti-blasphemy protests that rocked Jakarta last year are planning a "solidarity action" near Borobudur - the world's largest Buddhist temple in Central Java - to protest the outbreak of violence targeting Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

The action, scheduled for Friday, comes amid fears the resurgence of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state could stoke tensions in other countries in south-east Asia.

"Never in modern times have tensions been so high between faiths that have co-existed in this region for centuries," said Michael Vatikiotis, the author of Blood and Silk: Power and Conflict in Modern Southeast Asia in Nikkei Asian Review.

"If the trend continues it could become a more dangerous threat to social stability than that posed by Islamic State fighters returning from the Middle East."
The St. Maarten Bankers Association would like to inform the general public of the following:

ALL BANKS WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH 2017.

MOST ATMS WILL BE AVAILABLE UNTIL 5 PM ON TUESDAY.

RBC BRANCH ATMS UNTIL 7 PM AND OFF SITE ATMS UNTIL 4 PM

WIB ATMS AVAILABLE UNTIL TUESDAY 5 PM ARE

 GRAND MARCHE/ SUNNY FOODS/ SOL BOBBYS MARINA Drive thru/ DELTA GAS STATION/ MADAME ESTATE/SABA/ ST. EUSTATIUS)

 FCIB ATMs will close at 7 pm for Cole Bay office and 5pm for Philipsburg Office

 WIB Philipsburg ATM/ Simpsonbay ATM/ Airport ATMs will remain open.
PHILIPSBURG:---- In their series The Law Matters to You, the Department of Communication (DCOMM) and the University of St. Martin (USM) is having their fifth law lecture in the area of Constitutional Law.

The Keynote Speaker will be Judge Jacob Bob Wit, who has an extensive learning, experience, and specializations in different and distinct areas of the law.

Judge Wit (born 1952) has a Master of Laws degree (1977) from the Free University of Amsterdam. During his judicial training Studiecentrum Rechtspleging, Wit worked in different capacities and areas of law, from being a law clerk to deputy prosecutor to attorney.

His military service (1976-1978) includes being a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Dutch Navy.

After being appointed judge by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix in 1986, Wit worked in numerous capacities as in the Netherlands, throughout the Dutch Caribbean and in the region.

As of 2005, Judge Wit took the Oath of Office as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice in Trinidad. In November 2010, Judge Wit was appointed and sworn in as the President of the Constitutional Court of St. Maarten.

Head of DCOMM Rodney Richardson indicated that the continuation of the Law Matters to You lecture series is very important to the community. Judge Jacob Wit will enlighten those in attendance on the Constitutional Court and the Kingdom Structure as it relates to Constitutional Law. I hereby encourage all persons to take advantage of the opportunity to expand their knowledge on Constitutional matters, he said.

While President of USM Francio Guadeloupe references the topic as potentially an expansion of the humanistic project of accountability.

The educational value through the Constitutional enlightenment efforts to the community by the judge is important, and should not go unnoticed throughout the different societal levels. What is important is the vetting process that is undertaken; more such has to happen on a daily basis throughout all sections of society, I propose. Come and hear and enjoy the lecture.

The event, which starts at 7pm, is scheduled for September 12 at the University of St. Martin, room 202.
James Krauseneck maintained his innocence at the sentencing Monday and was supported by his daughter, Sarah, who was 3 at the time and saw her deceased mother, Cathleen Cathy Krausneck, 29, a Macomb County native.
Notebook: Notre Dame keeps blocking punts, WR Braden Lenzy hauls in amazing TD catch

Jack Kiser became the sixth different player with a blocked punt this year for Notre Dame.
By PTI: By M Zulqernain

Lahore, Sep 5 (PTI) More than 20 members of Jaish-e- Mohammad terror group and an outfit linked to 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed have been arrested in Pakistans Punjab province for illegally collecting hides of sacrificial animals on Eid-ul Azha, police said today.

The Punjab government had last month banned collection of the hides by banned organisations around Eid. Its order had listed 64 groups, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), to prevent them from raising funds in the country.

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Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Athar Ismael told reporters that the people arrested were members of Saeed- linked Falah-e-Insaniat (FIF) and Jaish-e-Mohammad of Maulana Masood Azhar, whom India accuses of being the brain behind the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri last year.

"We have taken more than 100 people including FIF and JeM members for illegally collecting hides. Police have also dismantled over 40 hide collection centres of the FIF in the city and stopped the mobile operation as well," Ismael said.

The chief coordinator of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, with which the FIF is allied, Khalid Waleed, said Lahore police have arrested over a dozen of FIF members for collecting hides. He said the police also dismantled the centres they had erected for hide collection.

Waleed claimed there had been no "official ban" on the FIF. "We had challenged the home departments notification in the Lahore High Court last year and got relief," he said.

The JuD member alleged the government run by Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of Nawaz Sharif, took action against them to coerce the JuD to withdraw its candidate from contesting against Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of the former prime minister.

The authorities in Pakistan have been issuing orders banning proscribed groups from collecting hides during Eid festivals but they never acted against them previously. PTI MZ ABH AKJ ABH

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Colombo, Sep 5 (PTI) Sri Lanka has released 80 Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing illegally in the island nations territorial waters, according to a media report.

Four of them were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were drowning in northern seas on August 31 while the others have been arrested for trespassing into the Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities, The Colombo Page reported.

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The 76 Indian fishermen were apprehended on separate occasions by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard for engaging in the illegal fishing method of bottom trawling in the Sri Lankan territorial waters.

The repatriated Indian fishermen were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarang at the International Maritime Boundary Line north of Kankasanthurai, the report said.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently by the maritime security agencies of both countries for illegal fishing and often stray into illegal waters due to absence of any proper technology to confirm the coastline border between Pakistan and India near Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea. PTI UZM AKJ UZM

--- ENDS ---
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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Leading dairy firm Kwality Ltd today said it has renewed contract with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as its brand ambassador for the next two years.

The company had signed up the actor as brand ambassador in October 2015 for two years, according to a BSE filing.

Kwality Ltds President and Head Business Transformation Nawal Sharma said, "We are currently in the process of creating a strong consumer brand as we are shifting our product-mix rapidly towards consumer products with the launch of fresh and differentiated value-added products."

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He said the company believes that having the right brand ambassador would help in brand building and instilling confidence among consumers towards the products.

"Akshay Kumar is an epitome of fitness and all age groups look up to him for his healthy and active lifestyle. He is an ideal fit for our brand," he said.

Since February 2017, the company has launched three value-added products i.e. UHT Milk, cream in tetra packs and flavoured Milk.

"Further, over the next 5-6 quarters, we would roll out 6-8 high-margin and differentiated value-added products in categories such as cottage-cheese, yoghurts, cheese, table- butter, milk-shakes and ghee, among others," he said.

Incorporated in 1992, Kwality has milk processing capacity of 4.3 million litres per day through its six state- of-the-art plants strategically located close to key northern markets.

The company has established procurement network comprising 3,50,000 farmer families across 4,700 villages in UP, Haryana and Rajasthan. PTI MJH ARD

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Washington, Sep 4 (PTI) Human antidepressants are building up in the brains of common fish in the Great Lakes region in the US, scientists say.

In a new study, researchers detected high concentrations of these drugs and their metabolised remnants in the brain tissue of 10 fish species found in the Niagara River.

This vital conduit connects two of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, via Niagara Falls.

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The discovery of antidepressants in aquatic life in the river raises serious environmental concerns, said Diana Aga, from the University at Buffalo in the US.

"These active ingredients from antidepressants, which are coming out from wastewater treatment plants, are accumulating in fish brains," Aga said.

"It is a threat to biodiversity, and we should be very concerned," she said.

"Other research teams have shown that antidepressants can affect the feeding behavior of fish or their survival instincts. Some fish wont acknowledge the presence of predators as much," she added.

If changes like these occur in the wild, they have the potential to disrupt the delicate balance between species that helps to keep the ecosystem stable, said Randolph Singh, a recent graduate from Agas lab.

"The levels of antidepressants found do not pose a danger to humans who eat the fish, especially in the US, where most people do not eat organs like the brain," Singh said.

"However, the risk that the drugs pose to biodiversity is real, and scientists are just beginning to understand what the consequences might be," he said.

The study looked for a variety of pharmaceutical and personal care product chemicals in the organs and muscles of 10 fish species: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rudd, rock bass, white bass, white perch, walleye, bowfin, steelhead and yellow perch.

Antidepressants stood out as a major problem. These drugs or their metabolites were found in the brains of every fish species the scientists studied.

The highest concentration of a single compound was found in a rock bass, which had about 400 nanogrammes of norsertraline - a metabolite of sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft - per gramme of brain tissue.

This was in addition to a cocktail of other compounds found in the same fish, including citalopram, the active ingredient in Celexa, and norfluoxetine, a metabolite of the active ingredient in Prozac and Sarafem.

More than half of the fish brain samples had norsertraline levels of 100 nanogrammes per gramme or higher.

In addition, like the rock bass, many of the fish had a medley of antidepressant drugs and metabolites in their brains.

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The research was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. PTI MHN MHN

--- ENDS ---
Introducing our new podcast, Problem Solvers with Jason Feifer, which features business owners and CEOs who went through a crippling business problem and came out the other side happy, wealthy, and growing. Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine's editor in chief, spotlights these stories so other business can avoid the same hardships. Listen below.

What happens when customers dont share your vision? Its a hard thing to consider. You got into business because you have a vision -- a thing that excites you, that you want to share with the world, that makes all the sacrifice worth it. But then you release it, and your customers just dont get what youre going for.

And then what?

Related: Podcast: From a $50 Consulting Gig to Millions of Website Visitors, How 'The Points Guy' Turned His Idea Into a Booming Business

Shira Berk knows this problem well. She created a brand of gluten-free cookies called Goodie Girl Cookies, and spent a lot of time personally developing its branding. Customers loved the cookies in taste tests, but werent buying them off the shelf. At first, Berk had no idea what the trouble was. She knew she had a good product, so why wasnt it moving?

Then she discovered the problem: Her branding was fun and clever, but it was also confusing customers. She had gotten too clever for her own good. And to succeed, shed have to dial back some of the personal touches she loved the most.

It's been a struggle, Berk says, because it's giving up a little bit of the creativity. My daughter, who is on the front of the package, screams at me every night when I come home and tell her we changed something, and she's like, You're totally giving in! Youre losing your creativity! It's like every other cookie now! And I'm just like, well, I mean, it's not selling.

On this weeks episode of Problem Solvers, were telling the story of how Berk learned to give up a little of her vision in order to connect better with customers. Its a hard, emotional trade-off -- but its been a difficult, yet worthwhile one. Shes now doing about $3 million in sales, and you can find Goodie Girl Cookies in Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Fairway, Whole Foods, Publix and other major outlets.

Related: Podcast: What to Do When Your Best-Laid Plans Turn Out Wrong

So, howd she figure it out? Listen to the show below, or subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Related:

After Realizing Customers Didn't Share Her Vision, an Entrepreneur Makes a Big Change -- And Sales Grew More Than $3 Million

Podcast: From a $50 Consulting Gig to Millions of Website Visitors, How 'The Points Guy' Turned His Idea Into a Booming Business

From $50 Consulting Fees to 4m Monthly Uniques with The Points Guy Brian Kelly



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


While SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is known for his wariness of the power of artificial intelligence, hes taken to social media again with another dire warning. However, this time, he has made an even stronger claim to his 12 million-plus Twitter followers: that a race for AI superiority is likely to trigger the next world war.

Related: Why Small Business Should Be Paying Attention to Artificial Intelligence

Musk's comment didnt come unwarranted and was sparked by recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week, Putin spoke to a group of students about AI, saying, Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind.  Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world, reported RT.

In response, Musk tweeted out what might occur if that were to happen -- and in his mind, the results would be dire.

China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

Further elaborating, the serial entrepreneur and chronic doomsday worrywart shared how his concerns were less focused on the countries with the strongest AI and more on the actual powers that AI will possess.

May be initiated not by the country leaders, but one of the AI's, if it decides that a prepemptive strike is most probable path to victory  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

Musk has often warned of the dangers of these self-thinking machines, and has taken steps to try to prevent any sort of futuristic AI takeover. In August, he joined a group of AI experts in calling for a robotic weapons ban by the U.N. He also started a side project called Neuralink, which is creating a computer-brain interface in order to help keep humans more competitive in the face of emerging AI, explains CNET.

Related: Can Artificial Intelligence Identify Pictures Better than Humans?

While a number of AI experts and tech companies today are confident in the future of AI, many are like Musk and cognizant that efforts must be taken to make sure it remains safe. The Partnership on AI involves major companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and DeepMind coming together to work out programs and a set of ethics for AI to make sure it is not exploited and used for harm.

Related:

Elon Musk Says Competing for the Best AI Could Lead to World War III

Use Elon Musk's Communication Philosophy to Make Your Team More Efficient

How Do Your Drinking Habits Compare to Warren Buffett, Elon Musk and Oprah?



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


In this series, Leader Board, we speak with CEOs, managers, founders and others who lead organizations to learn what makes them tick, what they look for in new hires and even where they eat lunch.

From weekly yoga classes to pre-meeting guided meditation, in everything they do -- and beyond -- the staff of Well + Good stays committed to its core mission: wellness. Launched in 2010 by former journalists Alexia Brue and Melisse Gelula, Well + Good is an online news publication that focuses on wellness, covering topics such as exercise, beauty, travel and more.

Related: The Success Secrets of the 4-Time Entrepreneur Behind BarkBox, Which Brought in $100 Million in 2016

Today, the website garners a monthly readership of more than 5 million, has more than a million social followers and is on the path to doubling its users and annual revenue, which is already eight figures, by next year, according to the company. While its safe to say Well + Good is doing well, that didnt happen quickly -- it involved sleepless nights, quick decision-making and a whole lot of stress.

With no experience starting her own business, Brue, who is also CEO, spent most of her early career writing about the health and beauty space for publications such as Vogue and The New York Times. However, after meeting Gelula, and right before the rise of the trendy health scene when companies such as SoulCycle and BluePrintCleanse didnt even exist, the two saw an opportunity. And while the initial focus of Well + Good was only on New York City, the co-founders knew they needed to expand their reach and launched nationally in 2014.

While its still growing, today Brue leads a team of more than 40 employees, all with a passion for health and wellness, along with a wide network of contributing writers and editors. However, coming from a journalist's perspective was helpful, as Brue had to learn to bridge her creative side with business, leading the teams strategic direction, revenue and business development functions. And from the experience, shes learned It all comes down to communication and clarity, she shared with Entrepreneur. Setting the vision and the tone for everything is the most important.

And shes done a pretty good job at that -- creating a team that even works out and meditates together. From hiring to leadership habits to company culture, we caught up with Brue to learn how she leads a growing company.

On the most important leadership traits:

It all comes down to communication and clarity. Setting the vision and the tone for everything is the most important thing. It's really important that the whole organization is really clear on what Well + Good good stands for. We're all about high quality journalism and a pioneering point of view on wellness that we don't think readers can get anywhere else. It's also really important to lead by example. So if we value responsiveness across the team, [I] display that myself.

Related: Why This 'Ruthlessly Prioritizing' Entrepreneur Says You Should Write Down One Goal Each Day

On leadership style:

Melisse and I founded Well + Good in 2010 -- the first years were really challenging because we were bootstrapped and didn't have [the] resources to invest in the team. Now that we've been around for over seven years, we are able to invest more and be more supportive, and help different people reach their fullest potential.

I have a lot more time now to listen really actively. My role is to make my team's ideas be the best that they can be. It's not about me imposing my thoughts in a brainstorm, [its about] empowering and helping [employees] refine their ideas.

On habits that help her lead:

Getting a good amount of sleep is critical to judgment and productivity. I also prioritize daily workouts, which are really great stress reliefs for me and also a time [to] think through things. I don't always start my workouts with a clear mind but I always end with one. I also have a gratitude app on my phone that I use every day. It helps me feel more optimistic and grounded.

On challenges:

It's always really challenging to prioritize one's time and to stay focused on the big picture. My co-founder, our COO [and] I use SMART goals, which we revise every quarter. The S is specific, the M is measurable, the A is agreed upon, the R is realistic and the T is time-based. So every quarter we each lay out what we want to accomplish. I visit my SMART goals fairly often to make sure I'm prioritizing [the] things I want to get done and staying focused on what's going to drive the business forward."

On the toughest business decision:

The toughest decision was not to raise money early on. On one hand, we would have had the ability to fund our projects and not worry about daily liquidity, but on the other hand, we would have been giving up control and we wouldn't have been able to build the company we wanted to. Spending a lot of time answering to investors instead of building our business in a way that felt true to us didn't feel right. [But] it meant there were a lot of years [of] giving up sleep -- we were doing the work of three people each.

On the most important traits in a new hire:

One of the questions I always ask when I'm interviewing people is about the type of work environment that they thrive in. Some people really thrive in fast moving, nimble startup environments, and other people prefer the structure and predictability of a corporate job. We try to find people who are going to be energized and invigorated by the type of environment we have.

Also a passion and enthusiasm for the information that we're putting into the world. This enthusiasm makes people better problem-solvers and more creative. It's obviously so much easier to bring your A-game and work really hard for something that you believe in.

On recognizing employees:

We have a bi-weekly all-hands meeting [where] we go through weekly wins. So it could be anything from recognizing a seller for a new account to our audience development team for a record traffic month. And then I try to take the time to casually congratulate people and create a culture where people are recognizing each other on a daily basis.

Related: Why the President of TLC Encourages Her Team to Take Big Swings, Even If it Ends in Failure

On team-building:

For us, team-building revolves around trying new workouts at different studios about every two weeks. People can go or not go -- totally up to them -- but most love it and it's a way for us to all do something fun together. We also host weekly yoga in the office. We have a different Yoga Resident every month and [they] will teach classes. [Its] called our Yoga Resident Program.

We also have lunch and learns, [where] we'll have different experts come in and teach the thing they're passionate about. We have regular happy hours with different healthy food and beverage companies -- they'll come in and host a happy hour for the team.

On unique office rituals:

Whenever we're welcoming a new team member in our all-hands meeting, we always play two truths and a lie with them. It's a fun Icebreaker so we can get to know [them] in a casual, silly way. We also start our all-hands meetings with a five-minute guided meditation: we'll all come in, sit down and use one of the different meditation apps and then do a body scan or a visualization exercise. It's a moment for everyone to hit the pause button.

On managing meetings:

We try to keep them as tight and organized as possible, making sure there's an agenda beforehand [and] that the meeting is getting kicked off with stating the goal. We try to be mindful of who's in meetings -- if a meeting can happen with five people let's make sure there aren't 10 people there.

On scheduling:

We're all on Google Calendar. Everyone can see everyone else's Google Calendar. So my meetings are there and I've started blocking out time for planning the different things that I need to review so I can make sure I have a solid hour at my desk to get things done.

On office setup:

We have a whole floor and it's all open plan. We have four conference rooms and they were just renamed after crystals -- Tourmaline, Quartz, Moonstone and [Amethyst]. I sort of sit on my own so I have a little more space around me but it feels very much like a newsroom. I have a chair next to my desk so people can just pull up and have a spontaneous chat.

On lunch:

There's a restaurant just down the block from us called Haven's Kitchen and it's like the Well + Good cafeteria. [You] can't go in there without seeing someone else on the team. A lot of days I'll either just grab lunch from there and bring it back or sit down and eat there with a colleague.

On a strong company culture:

Uniting everyone around why we do what we do is the most important thing. I think that people want to make a difference, and so all of us feeling like we're putting out information that's making a difference and that our company conducts itself in a way that is demonstrative of our core values is really important. That sets a lot of cultural tone.

We have a lot of different manuals. We have this 100-page document that has all of our visual branding in it but it also what we stand for as a company. The editorial team has their true north documents around what we cover, what we don't cover. We also have these glossaries, this sort of encyclopedia of Well + Good -- the whole lay of the land.

Related: Why the CEO of Pencils of Promise Wants to Build a Team of Rule-Breakers

On cultural mistakes:

Early on, not having the bandwidth and the resources to celebrate the wins and the milestones, and invest in culture. There were those early years where we were stretched so thin that we didn't take the time to communicate clearly why we're doing what we're doing.

On her biggest cultural win:

A recent one was a lot of people were interested in having a day to work from home and summer [was] coming up so we started a summer Friday program that was really effective and gave people that work-from-home access they wanted. We were really clear on what the expectations were to make the program successful. We said you can work from anywhere you want on Friday but this means everyone still needs to be getting work done [and] if it's abused we won't be able to do it. Everyone was amazing and really enjoyed it. I think no one wanted to let down their colleagues.

On her role models:

Tory Burch is amazing. I love the way she saw an opportunity -- she saw that there weren't beautiful clothes out there that didn't cost a fortune -- and really invented a category and [filled] the need she saw. And she is a creative who is also the CEO -- she's really inspiring as someone who's been able to straddle the creative and the business side really beautifully.

On her favorite leadership books:

Start with Why [by Simon Sinek]. I love his focus on people [to] connect with why you do things not what or how.

On where most leaders go wrong:

Trying to do too much themselves and not trusting their team. The most important thing is getting the right people in the right positions and empowering them to do their jobs.

Related:

The Challenges of Identifying and Nurturing Talent in a Company

This 108-yr-old Jewellery Brand Continues to Wow Mumbaikers with its Glam & Glitter

A Founder's Key Function is to Do the Balancing Act



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Winter is coming for the North.

Last year, three states in the NortheastConnecticut, New Jersey, and New Yorklanded in the top five places people were moving out of fastest, according to 2017 data from United Van Lines. (The other two states on the list were Illinois and Kansas). And data from Pew Charitable Trusts found that while people are all about moving to the South (their population grew by nearly 1.4 million people from 2014 to 2015) and the West (866,000 more people), the population growth in the Northeast is sluggish.

The Northeastern exodus is particularly acute in many big cities like New York City. Since 2010, more than 1 million people have moved from the New York areawhich includes parts of Connecticut, New Jersey, and Long Islandto other parts of the country.

So why are so many northerners packing their bags?

Reason No. 1: The insanely high cost

Data released on Wednesday by personal finance site GoBankingRates.com reveals that the No. 1 financial fear of people who live in the Northeast is that they will have to live in debt forever; the Northeast is the only region of the country that ranked this as No. 1. (The other regions put retirement as their No. 1.)

And no wonder theyre worried. The cost of living across the region is among the highest in the nation, and three of the five most expensive states or districts in the country (New York, Washington D.C., Massachusetts) are in the area. (The other two states are Hawaii and California.) Having to spend so much just to get by can make getting out of debt seem much harder. And housing costs and taxes in many of these states are also sky high.

Reason No. 2: The horrendous weather

We told you winter was coming to the Northand its so bad that many people are leaving the Northeast in search of better weather. Indeed, the largest migration between states is from New York to Florida, according to data from the Census Bureau. And simple looks at recent winters in the Northeast explains why. For example, in 2015, Boston had its snowiest winter on record, and New York City had one of its snowiest blizzards on record in 2016.

Just ask Karen Lanovi, a lifelong New Yorker who says she left for better weather, moving to central Florida 12 years ago. It has proven a great decision for my husband, myself and our three children. We for the most part, have a better life, she says. The same reasons drove tech entrepreneur Jaimyn Chang out of the Northeast to Austin; he says he was sick of the ridiculous snowy winters and bone-chilling temperatures and  the constant seemingly endless gray overcast days.

Reason No. 3: The jobs

Many companies are setting up shop in warm and less expensive places, which means that people pondering getting out of the Northeast can now find work. Texas, for example, has seen massive job growth since the recessionand some of these jobs are in fields you wouldnt normally think of as being in Texas. For example, tech: Google, Apple, Dropbox and Oracle all recently built or expanded offices in Austin, along with many others.

This story originally appeared on Moneyish.com.

The post 3 Reasons So Many Americans Are Getting the Hell Out of the Northeast appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
By PTI: Chennai, Sep 5 (PTI) In a veiled dig at the government, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan today said it is always better to under-promise and over-achieve than to face awkward questions when it comes to growth comparisons with China.

Rajan, the only central bank governor in two decades who did not get a second term, also seemed to defend his controversial remark of India being a one-eyed king in the land of blind, saying GDP expansion slipped in every quarter since that remark in April of last year.

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Breaking his silence after completion of the unwritten one-year moratorium for not commenting on India-specific issues since his exit from RBI on September 4, 2016, Rajan said India has a lot of potential and is capable of doing significantly more but should not get complacent.

"This notion that, we at every corner, we have to say we are the best and there is no body else like us. Well that is not true, first. There is lot of potential in India, we are capable of doing significantly more over the years to come.

"Let us be confident, we can do it. Let us do it. But let us boast only after we have achieved it. Let us not be overly complacent before that," he said at an event here to launch his book.

Rajan said he faced awkward questions in Beijing recently on India lagging behind China in terms of GDP growth rate for the second quarter in a row.

"I was in Beijing and reporters there were asking me... India was doing so well...of course we had a certain tiff with them recently which keeps them a little antagonist, but they all (said) India was doing so well (but tell us) which is the fastest growing country in the world (now)," he said.

Indias GDP growth slowed to 5.7 per cent in April-June quarter, down from 6.1 per cent in the preceding three-month period. China clocked 6.5 per cent growth rate in both the quarters.

Replying to a question on demonetisation, Rajan said "the jury in terms of data is still out".

"We still have to wait for the full evolution of data to understand what exactly the cost and benefits have been. It may be that we never know because we do not measure some of the areas where demonetisation had impact because those were part of informal economy," said Rajan, currently professor of finance at the University of Chicago.

He, however, said the cost of demonetisation has been quite substantial.

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"What (the impact) is because of demonetisation, what is because of banking sector stress, what is because of anticipation of GST...all three are happening at the same time. So I dont think you can pinpoint and say exactly this much but analysts have made an estimate -- 1 per cent and 2 per cent of GDP in terms of the growth cost," said the former RBI Governor.

Rajan also said that he worked under two governments and there was absolutely no interference.

"I had very cordial relations with both the governments, kept them informed and essentially had government support all along the way," he added. PTI KPM DP NKD CS ANZ ABM

--- ENDS ---
In yet another case of this deadly online challenge showing its effect, a Jodhpur teenager tried to kill herself. Jodhpur Police averted a Blue Whale suicide by rescuing the Class 10 girl. Here are the chilling details.

By India Today Web Desk: The infamous Blue Whale challenge has been in news for a over a month-and-a-half now for making vulnerable teenagers indulge in self-harming acts and ultimately taking their own lives.

In yet another case, Jodhpur Police averted a Blue Whale suicide last night by rescuing a Class 10 student who tried jumping into a river to kill herself.

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This is the first case of Blue Whale Challenge attempted by a girl, and is the first case to be reported from Rajasthan.

While patrolling an area near Kaylana point, Jodhpur Police officials noticed the girl making rounds there and decided to follow her. Seeing she was about to jump into the river, they stopped her. An investigation revealed that she had a whale mark on her hand (one of the tasks of the Blue Whale challenge). We do not know yet if it is carved using a sharp object or drawn.

#FYI Blue Whale Challenge: 17-year-old girl arrested for being worldwide mastermind of the suicide challenge

The girl claimed that she decided to jump so that her parents are not harmed. This ascertains the assumption that the curators (those who allot the tasks) could be threatening and even blackmailing the victims.

To control the spread of this challenge, the Modi government had directed internet majors -- Google, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Microsoft and Yahoo -- to immediately remove the 'links' of this dangerous online game.

Just that there are no 'links' to the Blue Whale Challenge. The curators and victims have a one-to-one interaction and that's how the tasks are allotted and proofs are provided.

The Madras High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings in the matter and directed Central and Tamil Nadu government to explore possibilities of banning it.

Banning the Blue Whale Challenge is, however, an illogical goal simply because it cannot be.

#FYI Blue Whale Challenge in Puducherry: Police rescue woman, teenager posts video on Facebook seeking help

Justices KK Sasidharan and GR Swaminathan of Madurai bench issued notice to the Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary and State Home Secretary and IT department and made several suggestions. The bench directed that IIT-Madras Director be included in the case to offer suggestions to ban such online games, PTI reported.

(With inputs from Naveen)

--- ENDS ---
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Hu Shisheng, director of the state-run China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said Chinese diplomats will have a lot of explaining to do to Pakistan in the coming months.

By India Today Web Desk: The move to name some Pakistan-based terror groups in the BRICS declaration would "irritate" Islamabad and may strain its ties with China, a Chinese scholar said in a rare criticism of the government's decision.

Hu Shisheng, director of the state-run China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said Chinese diplomats will have a lot of explaining to do to Pakistan in the coming months. "How will we carry forward?" he asked.

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He also said that naming the Haqqani network, which operates in Afghanistan and targets the NATO forces stationed there, in the document was beyond his understanding.

"The head of the group is also the actual head of the Afghan Taliban. It will make China's role for Afghan political reconciliation process more difficult. Or you can say we have no role to play in future," Shisheng told the news agency PTI.

'THINK THOSE WHO PREPARED DECLARATION GOT MISLED'

His criticism of China came after the five-member BRICS grouping today issued a declaration that for the first time highlighted its shared concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan-based terror groups. However, Pakistan wasn't explicitly named.

The Xiamen declaration for the first time listed specific Pakistan-based terror organisations, a message surprisingly endorsed by host China, despite its past diplomatic shielding of its "all-weather" ally from any global pressure on terror.

The Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the Taliban, and the Haqqani Network were all named in the declaration.

"It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I dont think it is good idea," Hu Shisheng said.

"I think some persons who prepared this declaration got misled. Otherwise I could not understand why."

In the light of the inclusion of the JeM, China may reconsider its stand on blocking a proposed UN ban on the leader of the group, Masood Azhar, Shisheng said.

'PAKISTAN WILL BE VERY UPSET'

Hu said the declaration will augment pressure on Pakistan, especially after US President Donald Trump rebuked Islamabad for harbouring these terror groups on its soil.

"This will irritate Pakistan. I dont think when the BRICS declaration was made, Pakistan was consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan.

"I am not against listing LeT and JeM as terrorist groups. But there are more deadly groups than these - like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al-Alami of Pakistan, which was behind killing of two Chinese youths in Balochistan," he said.

China may have agreed to name these to include the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, which is active in its restive Xinjiang region. It is also said to have bases in Pakistan.

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"(But) This is too costly to China... Pakistan will be very upset," he said, adding that this could be a victory for India, which "has done a lot of work".

'EXAMPLE FOR WORLD COMMUNITY'

However, another Chinese scholar, Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, said the BRICS declaration will set an example for the world community.

"To successfully counter all kinds of terrorism, the first important concern is violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al-Qaida and its affiliates and should reach consensus on which terrorists we should attack," he said.

On potential listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, he said China may have had its reasons to block the move but, "I guess after India has given more facts, China may have changed its former stand."

Wang said all BRICS members should now adopt a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism. "May the BRICS member states make more contributions to counter terrorism, world peace and stability," he said.

(Inputs from PTI)

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Big diplomatic win for India: Pakistan terror groups mentioned in BRICS declaration

--- ENDS ---
In response to a question on Doklam, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said, "It was not a backward-looking conversation, but a forward-looking one. Peace and tranquility in border areas is a prerequisite for developing ties between India, China further."

By Geeta Mohan: The India-China bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit focussed on the way 'forward' for both nations. This was the first meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping post the resolution of the Doklam standoff.

Briefing the media after the meeting between the two leaders, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar alluded to the fact that while 'Doklam' specifically was not discussed, all other aspects of maintaining 'peace and tranquility' at the border came up. In response to a question on Doklam, he said, "Both of us know what happened. This was not a backward-looking conversation, it was a forward-looking conversation. Any forward movement in ties will require commitment to peace from both sides. One of the most important points is that peace and tranquility in border areas is a prerequisite for developing relations further", Jaishankar said.

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India and China were caught in a bitter 72-day-long border standoff at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. The crisis began when Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana which led to a huge distrust between the two countries. In order to ensure that such incidents do not recur, both sides focussed on ways in which they could prevent the same. Foreign Secretary Jaishankar said, "It is natural that between neighbours and large powers there will be areas of difference. But such areas of difference should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find a common ground in addressing those areas".

'CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT KEY TO TRANQUILITY'

He also specified the need for a continued engagement to maintain peace and tranquility. "Particularly with regard to defence and security personnel, they must maintain strong contact and cooperation and ensure the sort of situation that took place recently does not recur", Jaishankar added.

The Modi-Xi bilateral meeting also focussed on other areas of cooperation as well as ways to strengthen the BRICS forum. But India's concerns regarding terrorism, particularly coming from Pakistan, were not discussed in this bilateral but were a subject of discussion for the BRICS forum. Foreign Secretary Jaishankar said, "Counter-terrorism issues were largely taken up in discussions leading up to BRICS. These were not addressed in today's meeting. A broad sense was that most countries feel similarly about the challenges posed by terrorism. This was not just India's stand. It was a common position".

Earlier on Monday, India managed to ensure that Pakistan-based terror organisations - Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad - were part of the BRICS Xiamen Declaration which now adds weight to India's argument on the need to fight terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil.

ALSO READ |

Modi-Xi Jinping bilateral talks: India, China reiterate not to let differences become disputes

PM Modi to BRICS nations: Make 10 commitments for role in global transformation

WATCH VIDEO | Discussions were very constructive and forward looking, says S Jaishankar after Modi-Xi meet

--- ENDS ---
Terrorism was an issue that India wanted raised and addressed at the BRICS platform, which was bigger than raising it bilaterally with just one country, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said.

By Geeta Mohan: On the third day of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of terrorism in the context of being an impediment to economic growth and prosperity. At the intervention at 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries', the PM spoke of commitments that could enable 'global transformation' through "proactive approach, policies and actions".

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Modi said, "It is our solemn duty to make a better world - brick by brick, or, through BRICS".

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that, among other things, creating a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security and Disaster Management was essential for the next ten years to be a golden decade for BRICS nations.

On Monday, PM Modi and other BRICS leaders, through consensus, had adopted the Xiamen Declaration, which named Pakistan-based terror groups in the segment on counter-terrorism and "concerns" on security situations. "We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb-ut-Tahrir," the 48th paragraph in the 43-page declaration said.

When asked whether the issue of terrorism figured during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar clarified that this was an issue that India wanted raised and addressed at the BRICS platform, which was bigger than raising it bilaterally with just one country.

"Counter-terrorism issues were largely taken up in discussions leading up to BRICS. These were not addressed in today's meeting. A broad sense was that most countries feel similarly about the challenges posed by terrorism. This was not India's position alone. It was a common position", he said.

ALSO READ |

Modi, Xi's first meet after Doklam thaw: Foreign Secretary Jaishankar says peace a must for better ties

Time to shelve differences on border, Xi tells Modi

WATCH VIDEO | Discussions were very constructive and forward looking, says S Jaishankar after Modi-Xi meet

--- ENDS ---
Charlotte Saucedo, age 95, of Scottsbluff, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 in her home. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 4 to 7 pm at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 at 10:30 am at Christ the King Church in Gering, with Father Mike McDonald officiating. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.

From her birth in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 19, 1921 to her death, she nourished her family and people around her with love, faith, and food. She was the oldest of the six children of Jose Isidro Medina and Felipa Espinoza. Charlottes family moved to Scottsbluff in 1928 and she attended school in Scottsbluff, Morrill, and Scottsbluff College. Her strong work ethic and bilingual skills were exemplified in her working career. She worked in Laredo at a cleaners, S.H. Crest and as domestic help. She worked at the Shirley Savoy Hotel in Denver. She was one of the first Latinas to work in downtown Scottsbluff at Woolworths, L.B. Murphys and other stores. Charlotte also volunteered in the community as a secretary for the Baptist church, a Scottsbluff County Election Clerk from 1966 to 1976, a Cub Scout Den Mother, Roosevelt Elementary room mother and collected for charities like the Red Cross in the neighborhood. Most recently, she worked as a cashier at Walmart for 30 years before retiring in April 2016 at the age of 94.

She met and married Andres Saucedo, raising a family of four children (Dolores, Anita, Andrew, and Elizabeth). Charlotte was a loving mother and outstanding cook. Charlotte promoted education and was proud of all her children who graduated from college. Her family grew to include thirteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren who knew her home as the family base. Charlotte was a strong pillar of support for her children and their families. Her faith in God sustained her. She was a regal lady with a wonderful smile who enjoyed life and family. She will be missed by many.

Left to honor Charlotte and remember her love are her children Dolores (Eli) Saucedo Cardona, Anita (Pete) Saucedo Urdiales, Andrew Lawrence Saucedo, and Elizabeth Saucedo Rodriguez; 13 grandchildren (Andrea, Maria, Marisela, Andres, Aviana, Miguel, Mareva, Zaide, Liane, Andrew, Artemio AJ, Alexander, and Marisa) and 10 great grandchildren (Aidan, Isabella, Michael, Devin, Donoven, Angelo, Jordan, Calixto Olin, Jahlil Amparo, and Juan Carlos); her brother and sister Pete Medina and Martha Perales; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joe and Jesus Medina, sisters Trina Medina and Isabel Abrego, and half-sisters Lucy Garcia and Nellie Archuleta.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held talks that officials described as "forward looking" and that lasted for more than an hour - beyond the scheduled 30 minutes - following the end of the BRICS Summit.

By Ananth Krishnan: India and China today looked to move beyond the 72-day border standoff that strained relations and to ensure such incidents do not recur, as their two leaders met in Xiamen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held talks that officials described as "forward looking" and that lasted for more than an hour - beyond the scheduled 30 minutes - following the end of the BRICS Summit.

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This was their first meeting since the August 28 disengagement at Doklam, and their ninth meeting. Both leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including managing border disputes and strengthening mechanisms to ensure "an upward trajectory" in the relationship, officials said.

An important consensus was that peace and tranquility in border areas was "a prerequisite" for developing ties , Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said.

"Especially with regard to defence and security personnel, they must maintain strong contact and cooperation, and ensure that the sort of situations which happened recently do not occur," Jaishankar said.

He said both leaders laid out "a very positive view of where our relationship could go" and that there was "detailed discussions of mechanisms that could help both countries really go forward". This included intergovernmental mechanisms such as the joint economic group, as well as defence and security dialogues, as well as fora such as BRICS and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank that both sides see as valuable platforms to widen engagement.

Much of the focus of the bilateral was also on widening economic cooperation particularly under the BRICS framework.

Terrorism was not discussed at the bilateral, although it figured in discussions in the lead up to the BRICS Summit, which on Monday issued a declaration that strongly endorsed India's concerns and named several Pakistan-based groups.

Xi conveyed to the PM that both sides should "shelve differences" on border disputes, Chinese officials said. He said that "China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquillity of the border areas," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Xi also called on both sides to "jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in border areas" and to "see each other as development opportunities, not threats", the official Xinhua news agency quoted the Chinese President as saying.

The PM on Tuesday also held a bilateral with Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. On Tuesday afternoon, the PM left Xiamen for Myanmar.

ALSO READ |

Modi-Xi Jinping bilateral talks: India, China reiterate not to let differences become disputes

PM Modi to BRICS nations: Make 10 commitments for role in global transformation

WATCH VIDEO | Discussions were very constructive and forward looking, says S Jaishankar after Modi-Xi meet

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Minister of National Defence Adrian Tutuianu tendered his resignation and Premier Mihai Tudose accepted it, government sources told Agerpres. Adrian Tutuianu announced on Tuesday that he tabled his resignation from the helm of the Ministry of National Defence to Premier Minister Tudose, citing "poor communication" regarding the disbursement of the military pays/wages for the military system overall.

The Defence Minister said on Tuesday that he had a meeting with the head of the government during which the PM blamed him for the way he communicated about the wages and benefits of the military personnel. Tutuianu assured that there are no financial issues related to the payment of wages in the military system.
The meeting on Tuesday between the US ambassador in Bucharest Hans Klemm and the Justice Minister Tudorel Toader was a "good opportunity for an open exchange of viewpoints", a joint release of the US diplomatic mission to Romania and of the Justice Ministry informs. Justice Minister Tudorel Toader and the secretary of state in the relevant ministry Marieta Safta received on Tuesday morning the visit of ambassador Klemm.

"On this occasion, the Romanian-American cooperation was highlighted, based on partnership and collaboration on the Judiciary, with an accent on promoting exchanges of best practices in the joint interest areas. Today's meeting was a good opportunity for an open exchange of points of view and a fruitful talk in the spirit of cooperation within the bilateral Strategic Partnership," the release says.

Agerpres.
The criminal file in which the Social Democratic Party (PSD, main at rule) national leader Liviu Dragnea is charged with incitement to abuse of office and forgery in connection with the hiring of two party members at the DGASPC (General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection) Teleorman will be resumed on 3 October, according to a decision taken by the High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ) on Tuesday. Justice Ana-Maria Dascalu was replaced in the panel, following retirement, and the new magistrate raised for discussion the resuming of the entire judicial investigation.

The sitting prosecutor said that the culprits should express their point of view, since they are directly affected by such a decision. Liviu Dragnea's lawyer demanded the court to resume the judicial investigation, "in accordance with the ECHR decisions", saying that no other solution exists. "The justices who make the decision have to be the same who have participated in the administration of all evidence the long of the trial. For the deadline we are going to give, all defendants have to be present in court," said the chairman of the court panel.

Liviu Dragnea was sent to court by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) on 15 July 2016 for two counts of incitement to abuse of office if the public sector worker obtained for self or for another an undue benefit and for incitement to forgery, respectively, in his capacity of Chairman of the Teleorman County Council. The former wife of Liviu Dragnea, Bombonica Prodana was sent to court in the same case for abuse of office if the public sector worker obtained for self or for other an undue benefit. At the time the alleged offenses were perpetrated, Prodana was the coordinator of the Complex for child and family services and head of the Secretariat with the Teleorman General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection. Several other employees with the DGASPC Teleorman were also sent to court.

DNA says that Dragnea meddled for the maintaining in their jobs and payment of their salaries for two DGASPC Teleorman female employees, although he knew that the two were actually working within the PSD Teleorman organisation. The two are Adriana Botorogeanu, hired since 2005 at the DGASPC Teleorman as expert inspector with the Administrative Department, and Anisa Niculina Stoica, hired as reference officer since 2006. According to the prosecutors, the two employees have never showed up at work and never worked for the DGASPC Teleorman, actually activating at the PSD Teleorman county organisation.

Agerpres.
Prime Minister Mihai Tudose on Tuesday stated that he met the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) representatives to show them the figures for the year-end forecast and to receive technical support from them for the strategic projects of Romania. "I had an important meeting today with the representatives of the World Bank and the IMF. With the World Bank I wanted to meet just to secure our cooperation, given that the team representing the Bank in Romania has changed. We have all of their support and I do not mean here financial support, but the technical support that we need for the strategic projects of Romania. Moreover, I invited the IMF representatives to talks not to ask them for money, but to discuss with them and with the Minister of Finance to go to the Ministry of Finance and see the figures, since in October they will prepare the year-end financial forecast for Romania. Given the fact that the last two forecasts were wrong, for Romania did not do as IMF said, but it did better, we want to make sure that there wouldn't be a third mistake, which might lead to interpretations; therefore, we offered them our support to show them the official figures for Romania, so that they can rely on this figures," the Prime Minister said at the Parliament Palace.

He specified that he did not make any reproaches to the IMF team, but only "drew their attention." "They are a huge organisation, after all, and people are paying attention to what the International Monetary Fund says. In fact, they got the previous two (forecasts - editor's note) wrong. I did not accuse them of ill-will, I just kindly asked them to be more careful," said Mihai Tudose. The Prime Minister denied that the IMF people voiced any concerns related to the Romanian economy, budget deficit or wage law. "We didn't discuss money at all, only those forecasts that I wish to come out accurate," said the head of the Executive. Asked what kind of rectification it is going to be, the Prime Minister said: "Not a negative one."

Agerpres.
Naidu was addressing his party after it secured a landslide victory over opposition YSR Congress party in Nandyal by-polls and Kakinada municipal election.

By Ashish Pandey: After two consecutive wins on two separate platforms, Telugu Desam Party chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu has hinted at an early Assembly election in the state, and he has asked his party cadre to ensure the victory is by a massive margin.

Naidu was addressing his party after it secured a landslide victory over opposition YSR Congress party in Nandyal by-polls and Kakinada municipal election.

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The TDP chief was attending a gathering of party functionaries at a private resort in Mangalagiri of Guntur district on Monday.

Addressing his party workers, the TDP chief said that as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already opined that elections for Parliament and Assemblies of all states should be conducted simultaneously, he would prefer to go for the state polls by the end of 2018.

Andhra Pradesh goes for its legislative Assembly election alongside Parliament election which is expected in April-May 2019.

"We have time till December 2018 to deliver on our promises and let's aim at winning all the Assembly seats," said Naidu while cautioning party workers not to become over confident and to be prepared for next election without taking any chances.

The TDP chief also asked party leaders to prepare the Yellow Book carrying the details of the poll strategy, style of electioneering and booth management which will be followed by the party during the next polls as a handbook.

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Black workers earn less than their white counterparts in a worsening trend that holds even after accounting for differences in age, education, job type and geography, new Federal Reserve research shows.

In 1979, the average black man in America earned 80 percent as much per hour as the average white man. By 2016, that shortfall had worsened to 70 percent, according to research Tuesday from the San Francisco Fed, which found the divide had also widened for black women.

Especially troubling is the growing unexplained portion of the divergence in earnings for blacks relative to whites, San Francisco Fed Research Director Mary Daly and her fellow authors wrote in the report, adding that this could owe to hard-to-measure factors including discrimination or school-quality differences.

The opportunity to succeed is at the foundation of our dynamic economy. In this context, large and persistent shortfalls for African-Americans, or any other group, are troubling, they wrote.

The San Francisco Feds study marks a growing focus by the U.S. central bank on inequality and the lagging employment performance of U.S. minorities. Chair Janet Yellen has talked about the subject and the Philadelphia and Minneapolis Feds have set up institutes to study inequality and social mobility. The increased attention stands in contrast to the past, when the topic was rarely investigated by Fed research staff or broached by officials, who viewed the problem as outside their remit for monetary policy.

The new research, which highlights the persistence of a racial wage gap 50 years after the passage of the U.S. landmark anti-discrimination Civil Rights Act, points to a problem for politicians and policy makers: Its tough to address disparities if its impossible to measure whats driving them.

The fact that the gap has lingered and even worsened over time also means that a stronger labor market, which politicians often cite as a remedy for black workers economic disadvantage, probably wont permanently narrow the divide.

A job is the first condition, but its really not a sufficient condition to fix disparities, Daly said.

Black workers have consistently higher unemployment than their white counterparts, but that divide is highly cyclical: In strong labor markets, it shrinks, but then it skyrockets again during recessions. Black wage gaps change less across business cycles.

The fact that black workers earn less is a problem in part because it limits their chances at moving up the income ladder. Lower wages can make it harder to afford time off for education and training, for instance.

And its particularly worrying that the black-white gap is climbing on the back on unexplainable factors. While a sizable portion of the racial wage divide arises from the different industries and occupations black people work in, their education levels, and their ages, the share owing to factors that arent traceable accounts for much of the growth in the wage gap over time.

In 1979, about 8 percentage points of the earnings gap for men was hard to explain, and by 2016, that had risen to 13 percentage points  just under half of the total earnings gap.

This implies that factors that are harder to measure  such as discrimination, differences in school quality, or differences in career opportunities  are likely to be playing a role in the persistence and widening of these gaps over time, the authors write.
Calling Hawaii "a state as well as a state of mind," a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the maker of Kona craft beer of misleading consumers into believing the beer was actually made in the 50th U.S. state, causing them to overpay.

In a decision issued late on Friday, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose, Calif., said the plaintiffs could pursue claims for damages over Craft Brew Alliance Inc.'s packaging for six- and 12-packs of Kona.

Freeman said that while the defendant's use of the phrase "Liquid Aloha" and images such as hula dancers, surfers and volcanoes was acceptable, other images could prove problematic.

She said this was despite a disclaimer on Kona packaging saying the beer was brewed in New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington state, as well as Hawaii.

"The Hawaiian address, the map of Hawaii identifying Kona's brewery on the Big Island, and the statement 'visit our brewery and pubs whenever you are in Hawaii' ... are specific and measurable representations of fact that could deceive a reasonable consumer," Freeman wrote.

Freeman also said the disclaimer left a reasonable consumer with "no way to tell" where such Kona beers as Big Wave Golden Ale, Castaway IPA and Wailua Wheat were brewed.

Lawyers for Craft Brew Alliance and a company spokeswoman did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment.

The Portland, Ore.-based company also owns the Redhook and Widmer Brothers brands, among others, and is nearly one-third owned by an affiliate of Anheuser-Busch InBev NV.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case is one of several lawsuits accusing beer producers of deceptive marketing.

In 2015, A-B InBev won U.S. court approval for a roughly $20 million settlement of claims it tricked consumers into thinking its St. Louis-brewed Beck's beer was actually a German pilsner.

The case is Broomfield et. al. v. Craft Brew Alliance Inc. et. al., U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 17-01027.
Companies from a broad range of industries, including technology, finance and autos, swiftly condemned the Trump administration's decision to end a program preventing the deportation of immigrants illegally brought to the U.S. as children  a group known as Dreamers.

"This is a sad day for our country," Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg wrote on the social media service. "The decision to end DACA is not just wrong. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it."

Businesses underscored the economic contributions made by children of immigrants, many of whom are employed by the largest companies in the U.S. Some called on Congress to pass new legislation, while others threatened legal action.

"Wells Fargo believes young, undocumented immigrants brought to America as children should have the opportunity to stay," spokeswoman Jennifer Dunn wrote in an email. "DACA is relevant to our team members and the communities we serve."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, calling it "an unconstitutional exercise." Trump will delay the action for six months so Congress can work on legislation to codify the protections President Barack Obama created in 2012. "Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA!" Trump tweeted Tuesday morning.

"Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers" tweeted Sundar Pichai, chief executive officer of Alphabet's Google.

Software maker Microsoft called on Congress to upend its planned fall legislative calendar to address the issue and said it may go to court to defend Dreamers within its ranks. "We need to put the humanitarian needs of these 800,000 people on the legislative calendar before a tax bill," Microsoft Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith wrote in a blog post.

Many executives had urged Trump not to scrap DACA last week. The tech sector has been particularly outspoken on the issue because it employs many immigrants and their children. Microsoft says 39 of its employees are affected, while Apple has 250. "I stand with them," Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote in a recent tweet. "They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values."

Javier Palomarez, CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, resigned from Trump's diversity coalition, calling Tuesday's decision "inhumane and economically harmful."

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., said that when people come to the U.S. to "learn, work hard and give back to their communities, we should allow them to stay."

Digital music subscription service Spotify created a playlist titled "No Moment for Silence" that features immigrant and immigrant-supporting artists sharing messages of support.

With assistance from Mark Bergen Hugh Son and Sarah Frier.
Nuns in Kerala performed Thiruvathirakali on Onam, a traditional Kerala dance form, and proved why the festival is all about oneness.

By India Today Web Desk: India's diversity is incomparable, and we all know it.

From multiple cultures and religions to festivals, India has a lot to offer.

On the occasion of Onam, a 10-day festival celebrated by Malayalis, Shashi Tharoor shared a video on his Facebook page to prove and celebrate the beauty of Onam and oneness of our nation.

The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram wrote, "This is what makes Kerala God's Own Country! Christian sisters performing Thiruvathirakali (a Hindu group dance) is not a rare sight in Kerala during Onam; it celebrates the spirit of oneness and prosperity."

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In the video the nuns were seen performing 'Thiruvathirakali' around a beautifully made pookalam or flower designs. 'Thiruvathirakali' is a traditional Malayali Hindu dance form and is also known as Kaikottikkali. It is one of the most popular folk dance forms common among the Hindu communities.

Here's the video:

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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

The attorney general of the United States had just told Areli Munoz-Reyes that her hold on the American dream had a shelf life  six months to be exact.

In announcing Tuesday morning that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  or DACA  was to be canceled by the administration of President Donald Trump, barring congressional action to save it, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was starting the clock on deportation for the 3,500 students such as Munoz-Reyes who live in Missouri under the protection of former President Barack Obamas executive order.

There are at least 800,000 such immigrants nationally  most of them students who, like Munoz-Reyes, also have full-time jobs. Trump has put a target on their backs.

But Munoz-Reyes, who is 21, will not go quietly into the night.

Were not going back into the shadows, Munoz-Reyes told me moments after she watched Sessions news conference on television. She skipped a class to watch it. It wasnt so much that the news was a surprise. Shes been girding for it ever since the election of Trump.

Munoz-Reyes is going to be a nurse. She has one semester left of school at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park before she transfers to a nursing program.

She is a dreamer, literally and figuratively. Brought to the United States by her parents when she was 8, from Tlaxcala, Mexico, Munoz-Reyes would be given a path to permanent American residency were Congress to pass the DREAM Act, first introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican, in 2001. The act  like the DACA program  recognizes the humanity of children brought to the U.S. through no fault of their own, who go to school, and work, and contribute positively to the fabric of America.

Like so many other Dreamers in similar situations, Munoz-Reyes didnt even know of her status as an undocumented immigrant growing up. She learned when she was about to turn 16. As she planned to get her drivers license  she lived in University City at the time  her parents gave her the talk. They explained that she wasnt a citizen, that she couldnt get a license like all of her friends.

That didnt hold her back.

I met Areli two years ago as she was beginning her college journey.

At the time, the Missouri Legislature was preparing to override Gov. Jay Nixons veto of a bill that was as heartless as Sessions announcement on Tuesday. The bill made it illegal for Missouri colleges to honor A+ scholarships if they are earned by undocumented immigrants such as Munoz-Reyes.

The A+ program provides two years of community college tuition to Missouri students who maintain a 3.0 grade-point average, have high attendance and perform community service.

Munoz-Reyes did all those things. She tutored elementary students. She graduated from University City High School with honors.

Then the Legislature pulled the rug out from under her.

With the help of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, and her own hard work, Munoz-Reyes found the money for college. And she found her activist voice.

She has become a leader in the Dreamer movement, advocating not just for students like her who want to continue their quest for the American dream, but other undocumented immigrants who in the age of Trump have become targets for deportation.

Sessions speech left Munoz-Reyes full of emotions. She is angry and sad, worried and motivated.

Im kind of frustrated that Trump didnt face the camera himself, she says. Tuesday morning she started calling her fellow DACA students to check on them, and to organize.

We have to fight back, Munoz-Reyes says. Weve got six months.

She wont be fighting alone.

Within moments of Sessions standing in for Trump to announce that America is no longer the shining city on a hill, faith and civil rights leaders issued statements standing up for the Dreamers in our midst.

Welcoming the stranger, the immigrant, and the refugee have been long-standing hallmarks of our American way of life and religious convictions, said St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson, leader of the regions Roman Catholic Church. The Archdiocese of St. Louis will continue to be a place of welcome, service and mutual hospitality, especially to the suffering and most vulnerable among us.

The American Civil Liberties Union announced its intention to fight on behalf of the DACA students now left out in the cold by the Trump administration. State attorneys general in New York and Washington said they would fight the administration in federal court.

And the Scholarship Foundation  which helped pay Munoz-Reyes tuition and that of other undocumented immigrants  urged St. Louis organizations to protect DACA students where the government has failed them.

We urge our nonprofit partners, higher education institutions, and elected officials to stand loud and proud in support of those in our community affected by todays announcement, said Faith Sandler, executive director of the Scholarship Foundation. More importantly, we urge them to put policy and financial resources in place to support students who have lived with discrimination, fear, and uncertainty far too long.

For Munoz-Reyes, as heartbreaking as the day is, the time for fear, and crying, is over.

I dont have any more tears, she said. Im tired of crying. Its time to mobilize. Its time to fight back.
ST. LOUIS  A 16-year-old student who was shot multiple times Tuesday morning while standing at a school bus stop in the 1700 block of North Euclid Avenue has died.

Police and school officials identified the student as James Scales, a junior at Beaumont High School.

Police say the victim wasn't breathing or conscious at the scene at about 6:20 a.m. Scales' mother told police her son was shot at the bus stop and had run to his home in the same block before he collapsed. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The scene on Euclid is in the city's Kingsway East neighborhood. It is near Cote Brilliante Avenue and about two blocks north of Martin Luther King Drive.

Patrick Wallace, a spokesman for St. Louis Public Schools, said grief counselors were available at Beaumont Tuesday.

"We do the best we can to help them deal with their grief," he said, referring to the school's students and staff.

Police have released no additional details.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
ST. LOUIS  An East St. Louis man indicted along with others in the 2015 fatal shooting downtown of a Desmet High School graduate was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison in a carjacking two days before the killing.

Omar Glass, 20, of the 1300 block of St. Louis Avenue, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of second-degree robbery and was sentenced by St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison. Glass admitted robbing a man of his cellphone and car Jan. 9, 2015, in the 1700 block of Lucas Avenue. A St. Louis County prosecutor handling the case because of a conflict dismissed a count of armed criminal action in exchange for Glass' guilty plea.

Glass was among three men indicted together in a Jan. 11, 2015, deadly robbery attempt at Lucas Avenue and North 15th Street near Washington Avenue. Bobby Christman, 19, of south St. Louis County, was shot to death.

Glass was charged only in the carjacking two days before and not with the robbery attempt that left Christman dead. Glass, Christopher Grant, 20, of Collinsville and Tony Ross Jr., 21, of East St. Louis, were named in the same indictment.

The indictment said Glass and Ross together committed the Jan. 9 robbery of a man's car and cellphone.

Charges of murder, robbery and armed criminal action against Grant and and Ross stemming from Chistman's death are set for trial in December in St. Louis Circuit Court.

Christman was a sophomore at Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
Abbey Fortner knew she struggled with math at Francis Howell Central High School. But she said her teachers, instead of taking the time to help her understand it, told her to find the answers on the Internet or with her peers.

They kind of just shuffled me along, said Fortner, 18.

Still, those teachers gave her passing grades for algebra, geometry and statistics. In May, the school handed her a diploma  a piece of paper that was supposed to mean she was ready for college.

So Fortner was shocked to find that, when she arrived at St. Charles Community College this fall, she could not even test into the colleges basic starting math class.

Rather than pay $400 for a remedial class that wouldnt count toward her degree, Fortner joined about 100 other St. Charles Community College students who are taking a class thats one step below remedial: an adult education, or GED, class. This class starts at the very beginning of math, with place values of numbers.

I didnt know as much as I thought, Fortner said. Why would I pay to take a math class that Ive already taken?

In July, Gov. Eric Greitens signed into law a measure that calls for the eventual opening of four adult high schools, including one in St. Louis. Nobody has decided yet how much they will cost or who will run the schools, nor is the funding appropriated.

The measure was meant to help the approximately 12 percent of Missouri adults who lack a high school-level credential, and it was written based on an assumption that high school diplomas are more attractive to employers than high school equivalency certificates, known as GEDs in other states.

But people who lead local adult education programs feel like their work has been overlooked by the measure.

Last fiscal year, 27 programs served about 21,100 adults statewide, including adults in prison. Each of those adults on average cost $645 to educate, compared to the thousands of dollars that Missouri public schools spend on average per K-12 student. The programs are funded primarily by federal grants  which President Donald Trump has recommended cutting by 16 percent  and $12 million in state funds, said Kris Shannon, supervisor for the St. Louis city adult education program.

The programs are low-budget operations that leverage charitable and community resources. Shannon scrapes together donations to buy food for graduation ceremonies and pay the $95 high school equivalency exam fee for her students. Her classes are taught in school buildings, churches, community colleges, work centers and library spaces that are donated in-kind.

About 43 percent of students who took adult education classes statewide found employment last fiscal year, and 22 percent enrolled in postsecondary education or training, Shannon said.

But despite these results and the fact that the programs are free to everyone, local program leaders say they havent had a waiting list since the days of the recession.

People dont realize we exist, said Amanda Rose, associate dean of adult education and literacy at St. Charles Community College.

I want to learn

There are an estimated 470,000 Missouri adults 25 and older who lack a high school-level credential, according to the 2015 American Communities Survey.

Arguably the greatest local need is in St. Louis city, where an estimated 16 percent of St. Louis adults 25 and older lack a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Those adults include Regina Sparkman, 48, a St. Louis resident who dropped out of school in 10th grade to care for her son. Before enrolling in an adult education class, she was so embarrassed at not being able to pronounce certain words that she stopped reading altogether. She feared she was getting cheated at the cash register.

I want to learn all I can. I wanted to better myself, said Sparkman, who doesnt have a job but wants to become a nurse.

An incomplete high school education is linked to poverty. In St. Louis city, 41 percent of adults who lack a high school diploma or equivalency certificate live in poverty, compared to 27 percent have one but lack a higher credential, according to estimates from the 2015 American Communities Survey.

Adults in St. Louis who have diplomas or a high school equivalency certificate earn a median of $7,000 more annually and are less likely to be unemployed, according to a 2017 St. Louis Community College report.

Missouri legislators want to build four adult high schools because they believe diplomas are more desirable to employers than high school equivalency certificates. But Rose said she has never come across an employer who cared whether an applicant had a certificate or a diploma.

What employers ideally want is a combination of postsecondary training or education with soft skills like a demonstrated work ethic, said Steve Long, associate vice chancellor of workforce solutions at St. Louis Community College.

Oftentimes theyll say, Im not sure what a high school diploma means anymore, Long said.

Its not just high school dropouts or older adults who enroll in adult education classes. They include high school graduates who, like Fortner, learned that even diplomas are no guarantees that they could get into a community college math class.

Statewide, 27 percent of public high school graduates who enrolled in public colleges took remedial courses in the fall of 2016, though that number is down from 36 percent in 2012.

More than 70 percent of Shannons students come into the program with a sixth-grade level of reading and math skills, she said, and that includes people with high school diplomas. Shannon said that St. Louis Community College students flagged for remedial classes test below her adult education students.

I was dumbfounded, Rose said. It really speaks to students being able to get out of high school without a basic level of math.

Its not hard

Thursday was the second day of Jane Scheeles adult education Focus Forward math class at St. Charles Community College. The college debuted the course offering last year to target high school graduates like Fortner who tested into, or below, remedial math and want a free option to catch up to the colleges required math class.

Scheele presented an algebra problem to her 14 students disguised as a picture problem: If three sodas equal 30, if one soda and two burgers equal 20, and if one burger and four fries equal nine, then what does a fry times a soda, plus a burger equal?

It took the class about half a dozen tries, but a few students finally shouted out the correct answer: 15.

Youre doing algebra. If you dont like letters, do pictures, Scheele told them. But I dont want you to be afraid of where youre going, because its not hard.

No student was sleeping or wearing earbuds in Scheeles classroom. It was only the second day of class, but several students said they already notice a difference from their high school math classes: they had a teacher who only had to teach 14 students, not dozens of students, and it was a teacher who worked, through the problems with them, not just lectured, Fortner said.

Scheele, who has been teaching for seven years, says many of her students ended up in this class because they were overlooked by their high school teachers. Some of her students have learning disabilities. Some were told in school that they could use a calculator to solve everything instead of their brains.

A lot of times our students got lost, especially in math. Once they got left behind, they couldnt catch up, Scheele said. My challenge is not to teach them math, but make them believe in themselves again.

Scheele said she enjoys teaching the class, but its a course that shouldnt need to exist, she said.

Its a program that I should not be teaching, Scheele said. We should not have high school students graduating who cannot test into college.
An independent schools plans to discipline a group of students who exchanged racial and sexual slurs in leaked private Snapchat messages have raised issues of digital privacy and questions about how much schools can regulate student social media use.

But private schools have ample right to discipline students in such cases when student actions violate the schools mission statement or code of conduct, said Claudia Daggett, president of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. It was on those grounds that leaders at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School acted this week.

The students in an independent school are electing to be there, so by electing to be there, they are agreeing to abide by the schools rules, Daggett said.

MICDS, a prestigious pre-K-12 private school in the affluent suburb of Ladue, has said it plans to discipline students who used racial and sexual slurs in a leaked series of private Snapchat messages.

The slurs included the N-word. In one message thread, one of the students who used offensive language claimed that we were all joking. All the students who sent the offensive Snapchats were freshmen girls.

Another student who did not receive the messages posted leaked screenshots of the Snapchats on Twitter on Sunday, leading to widespread condemnation of the messages.

Theres no situation in my mind where referring to somebody as a (N-word) is a joke, said Tabari Coleman, education director for the Anti-Defamation League in St. Louis, who is African-American. In 2017, there shouldnt be a need to tell anybody that using (the N-word) is not funny or not a joke.

Lisa Lyle, MICDS head of school, said the Snapchats violated rules in MICDS student handbook, which prohibits verbal conduct and social media use that includes insulting, abusive, or degrading language based on an individuals race or color  or other protected characteristic.

She also said the messages violated the schools mission statement, which declares that the country needs responsible men and women who  embrace all its people with compassion, and that the next generation needs people who stand for what is good and right.

These inflammatory postings are clearly inconsistent with the MICDS mission and our communitys values, Lyle wrote in a letter Monday to school families.

In an interview, Lyle went so far as to say that the Snapchats compromised the schools learning environment, even though the messages werent necessarily exchanged in a school setting. The influence of social media is far-reaching and pervasive, Lyle said, and can easily invade and disrupt a school environment.

When the decisions are so egregious that they jeopardize the social, emotional health of the community or the physical health of the community, thats a different thing, and we take that very seriously, Lyle said. Students must be mindful that their social media activity is public and permanent and impacts how their peers experience them.

The issue of how students social media activity affects a schools learning environment is key. And it has particular bearing in public schools, where educators are more limited in how they can crack down on objectionable social media activity.

Kelli Hopkins, associate executive director of the Missouri School Boards Association, said in most cases the law does not allow administrators to punish students for off-campus social media activity  like the postings in MICDS incident.

But it is clear that if students use racial slurs or engage in other forms of discrimination on campus or in a way that interferes with the schools educational environment, public schools can punish them, Hopkins said. That kind of protection is mandated by federal law.

You dont get to engage in racial discrimination, Hopkins said. Even if its not a protected class, like race or religion, were still not going to tolerate the mistreatment of anyone based on anything.

But if public school students use racial slurs off campus or on their own personal time, their school wont be able to discipline them if there isnt a clear nexus to the school, she said. One way for that to occur, she said, is if a social media post poses a clear threat to school safety.

Two incidents of objectionable social media activity surfaced at Clayton High School, a public school, last school year. The school first disciplined a group of students who made anti-Semitic comments on an Instagram post. A few months later, a former student posted an anti-Semitic photo of a student on Snapchat.

The incidents prompted the school board to begin studying possible changes to the districts bullying and discipline policies.

Experts say the key to addressing such situations has as much to do with education as with policies.

The Anti-Defamation League, for example, has provided anti-bias training and education to students and school staff in St. Louis since 1987, Coleman said. The national organization provides free lesson plans on a number of topics that include slurs and offensive jokes.

Researchers at Harvard University are among those who say its becoming increasingly important for schools to teach digital ethics and safe and responsible social media use.

Young people may only rarely consider the learning opportunities, risks, and the related question of what it means to be an ethical, socially responsible citizen on the Internet, the researchers wrote.

While there are ways to use social media with some degree of privacy, some say the idea of social media being private has become a misnomer. The ease with which even private social media posts or messages can migrate to a wider public audience creates risks for both teens and adults.

Social media is by nature public, Daggett said.
By PTI: headquarters at Sirsa

Chandigarh, Sep 5 (PTI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court today appointed a retired sessions judge as the Court Commissioner to oversee the "sanitisation" process of Dera Sacha Sauda premises at Sira, housing the headquarters of the sect.

The order came after Haryana government filed a plea on Friday seeking "permission to hold sanitisation process of the Dera headquarter at Sirsa under "judicial supervision", following the incarceration of the sect chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, for raping two disciples.

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"The high court bench appointed retired sessions judge AKS Pawar as Court Commissioner for the sanitisation of the Dera headquarters at Sirsa," Haryanas Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan said after the hearing in the matter today.

He said the process will be taken up immediately and will be videographed.

The state had sought the sanitisation of the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters under judicial supervision, Mahajan said.

Asked how soon the process would start, Mahajan said, "the state will request the Court Commissioner to take it up immediately."

He said the government will provide adequate security to ensure that the sanitisation process is carried out smoothly.

Mahajan said a report of the whole process will be submitted to the high court by the commissioner, with a copy to be given to the state government. The order was passed by the full bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, A G Mashih and Aneesh Jhingan. In its plea, the Haryana government had sought appointment of area magistrate or some other senior judicial officer to oversee the sanitisation process "to ensure greater transparency". The Dera headquarter at Sirsa is spread over nearly 800 acres with many residential, institutional and commercial buildings.

"In the sanitisation process, officials of revenue and taxation department would participate, besides police and other security forces," Mahajan said. The operations will be videographed, Mahajan said. The high court had earlier taken up a PIL filed by Ravinder Dhull, a Panchkula resident, who had raised concerns over the law and order situation and stated that over 1.5 lakh people had reportedly entered the district earlier despite prohibitory orders. Large-scale violence broke out in Panchkula after the Dera chiefs conviction in rape cases, leaving at least 35 people dead. Six others died in incidents of violence in Sirsa. Ram Rahim was later sentenced to 20 years in prison in the rape case. Yesterday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had said that some "objectionable" items were found during the sanitisation of Namcharcha Ghars (congregation centres of Dera Sacha Sauda) in the state. As many as 117 Namcharcha Ghars, associated with the Dera, have been sanitised in the state, he had said in Rewari. Khattar had earlier said the high court was monitoring the Dera issue and the sanitisation process of the sects headquarters at Sirsa will be conducted only after the court takes up its application and gives necessary direction in this regard.

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Khattar had maintained that the forces cannot enter on their own without the court directions. "We do not want anybody to raise finger at us tomorrow that how we allowed them (the forces to go inside the sects headquarters)," the chief minister said. The Haryana government had come under attack for allowing a huge build up of Dera Sacha Sauda followers in Panchkula. Khattar had said the violence could have turned much worse had the government not been alert. The sect had yesterday said that the state government could carry out a search of its premises any time and it will cooperate with the authorities. "We have requested the district administration to search our premises in (Sirsa) any time. We will cooperate with them in this exercise," Dera Sacha Sauda Chairperson Vipassana Insan had said in Sirsa. She also said that licensed weapons had been deposited by Dera followers at Sirsa with the police authorities.

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Hearing the PIL last week, the high court had directed that Haryana and Punjab will set up Special Investigation Teams of three officers to be headed by an officer not below the rank of an ADGP to investigate all the FIRs registered at various places in connection with the Dera violence issue. PTI SUN CHS RT

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WASHINGTON  Senators Roy Blunt and Tammy Duckworth are on the opposite ends of the political spectrum, but they agree on one thing: Young people brought to the United States illegally by their parents should not be deported from the only country they know.

Unreasonable is how the conservative Blunt, R-Mo., describes that possibility, pointing out the contributions that law-abiders among these young people  798,942 by the governments count  make to the economy and society.

Heartless and irresponsible is how the liberal Duckworth, D-Ill., phrases it. Congress must act immediately and make DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) the law of the land.

That last point is where the disagreements begin.

Congress has contemplated this question, and many others related to legal and illegal immigration, for 16 years without resolution. Splits between Democrats and Republicans have long scoured the debate.

But a division has emerged between hard-line Republicans who believe the issue is primarily that of law and order vs. more moderate Republicans, such as Blunt, who want a compromise to thwart deportation of the Dreamers while trying to adhere to the rule of law.

On Tuesday, Trump forced the issue. A president who promised to thwart illegal immigration and build a wall on the Mexican border has started a six-month clock for Congress to do something about it.

What happens if Congress does not act is anyones guess. Current and recent Congresses have had a history of kicking the biggest problems down the road.

Federal legal and immigration officials have started a six-month, rolling phase-out of DACA that would start sending the nearly 800,000 people into more tenuous immigration status starting March 5, unless Congress changes the law.

How big, and how possible, those changes would be are not knowable at this point, especially with a Congress that has struggled to come up with any solutions on big-ticket items such as health care, transportation and tax reform. But many in both political parties say Congress now must act.

The idea that you would send somebody who came to the United States when they were 3, 4, 5 or 6 back to a different country than they grew up in and expect them to live effectively in that country is unreasonable, Blunt told Missouri reporters last week.

On Tuesday, he called for a permanent, common-sense solution that will allow them to continue working and going to school in the only country that many of them have ever known.

In the wake of the announcement, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who first introduced legislation to grant permanent residency status to undocumented minors in 2001, joined with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to support passage of that act, commonly called the DREAM Act, by the end of September.

We have plenty of time, right? Not by Senate standards we dont, Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, said. Lets move and do it now. Now we have a timely reason, compelling reason: DACA is about to expire, he said.

Graham, a supporter of the DREAM Act, also acknowledged some members of his party believe that granting permanent legal status would incentivize more illegal immigration. But Graham also said that although he and Durbin disagree over the constitutionality of President Barack Obamas action setting up the program  Graham called it an unconstitutional overreach  he and Durbin may have accord in a broader immigration reform proposal that would include beefed-up border enforcement.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said after Sessions announcement that he hoped Congress could pass a permanent legislative solution.

Duckworth and other Democrats were more blunt.

Make no mistake: This decision is not about rule of law,  Duckworth said Tuesday. This is a gut-wrenching betrayal of American values that leaves nearly 800,000 of our neighbors vulnerable to deportation and tears families and communities apart.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., called Trumps decision as dumb as it is counterproductive.

She added: Republican leaders in Congress should use this opportunity ... to tackle the issue so there is certainty and the rule of law to allow these young people to keep contributing to America.

Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, Mo., said that he agreed with the president that Congress must do our job and fix our broken immigration system.

I look forward to discussing policies and proposals in the months to come that will ensure a fair and just immigration system that prioritizes American citizens and does not unfairly punish individuals who were brought to our country through no fault of their own, Luetkemeyer said.

Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, also criticized Obamas order but followed her Republican colleagues in calling for congressional action that strengthens national security, advances the American economy, stands behind those who are patiently waiting to enter our country legally, and ensures that those who came to the United States as children are not penalized for the decisions of their parents.

Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, agreed that the announcement puts necessary pressure on Congress to act on illegal immigration.

He said the House had already started immigration reform, including voting to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities and to devote $1.6 billion toward a wall on the border with Mexico. But Democrats oppose those initiatives, and they are likely to continue to be sticking points if linked with DACA-related legislation.

Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, Ill., agreed that we need stronger border protections and enforcement measures, which the House has already started to address.

Obama said himself in 2012 that DACA was never meant to be a permanent fix, Davis said. He called for a permanent, bipartisan solution that balances compassion and lawfulness.
President Donald Trump has long toyed with the idea of mass-deporting immigrant youths for reasons that never made sense. The 800,000 undocumented youths known as dreamers pose no security dangers. Business leaders describe them as important workforce assets.

On Tuesday, the administration punted the long-term dreamer problem to Congress. These are young people whose parents brought them here illegally and who, for the most part, know no other country. Deporting them would stand as an act of overt cruelty to a group whose academic and work performance exceeds that of the U.S.-born population.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says that President Barack Obamas 2012 protective order, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is legally indefensible because it effectively orders immigration authorities not to enforce existing law when it comes to dreamers.

Yet the administration proposes to honor existing DACA protections for six months and says it will review renewal applications on an individual basis. If the program isnt legally defensible, then what is the legal basis for allowing for renewals?

On the positive side, Sessions solution puts the onus where it belongs  on Congress  to come up with a permanent legal and humane fix. Even House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., had urged the president last week to leave DACA intact and let Congress work it out. Now Congress has a firm deadline, which past history suggests lawmakers badly need in order to stop continually kicking the immigration issue down the road.

The March deadline, however, places immigration as a front-burner issue in the 2018 campaign.

Trump has spoken compassionately about DACA youths, many of whom speak English as their primary language. Canceling DACA outright would be unfair because, unlike other undocumented immigrants, these immigrant youths came forward voluntarily and registered in order to qualify for protected status. It took guts to emerge from the shadows because the permit application effectively gave federal authorities all the information they needed to knock on their doors and round them up.

Any future immigration reform program that entails registering migrants for legalization status will now be met with high levels of distrust. Why come forward if the threat of even faster arrest and deportation could be the result?

Scores of the nations top business leaders last week urged Trump and Congress to keep DACA intact. More than 97 percent (of DACA enrollees) are in school or in the workforce, 5 percent started their own business, 65 percent have purchased a vehicle, and 16 percent have purchased their first home, their open letter said. At least 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies count DACA recipients among their employees.

The new threat of deportation promises to send these productive members of American society back into the shadows. Tuesdays action is no solution. Its a dodge.
05 September 2017

South Sudan Bans Cluster Munitions

Congratulations!

Mr. Jurkuch Barach Jurkuch, Chairperson of National Mine Action Authority of South Sudan at the 7th Meeting of States Parties. 05 August 2017 CMC

Today, 5 September 2017, the representative of South Sudan at the Seventh Meeting of States to the Convention on Cluster Munitions announced that South Sudan unanimously decided to fully accede to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The decision was made by the South Sudans Council of Ministers on 25th August 2017.

The Cluster Munition Coalition congratulates South Sudan on its decision to accede and encourages it to actively promote the universalization of the Convention by inviting all states not party to join the Convention.

The Cluster Munition Monitor has seen no evidence to indicate past production, export or stockpiling of cluster munitions by the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army prior to the country becoming an independent state on 9 July 2011. At the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in September 2014, South Sudan stated that it does not produce nor possess any cluster munitions and declared we do not intend to acquire or use cluster bombs. However remnants of air-dropped cluster bombs were discovered outside the town of Bor in February 2014, after fighting between government forces and opposition fighters. South Sudan denied responsibility for this use of cluster munitions, as did Uganda, which was providing air-support to the government of South Sudan at the time. The ban on the use of cluster munitions is the most important obligation for States Parties.

44 of the 54 countries in Africa have ratified or acceded to the Convention. 12 countries (Angola, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Djibouti, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Uganda) have signed the Convention. 10 countries in Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Zimbabwe) have not joined the Convention yet.

South Sudans instrument of accession to Convention on Cluster Munition has not been submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations yet.

Also, South Sudan announced its decision to accede to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW).
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Former NSA Shiv Shankar Menon today rued that the domestic politics of India and Pakistan does not support a change of narrative required to normalise ties between the neighbours.

Shankar, who served as the Foreign Secretray from 2006 to 2009, said the Pakistani Army is also "reluctant" to have robust relations with India and the two countries have "profound misunderstandings" about each other.

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To a question on the claim of former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri that both sides had come to an agreement on the Kashmir issue in 2007 through back channel talks, Shankar said there were still some aspects left to concur on.

"In March 2007, after most of the progress had been done Musharaff said, I cant fight on all fronts. He had just sacked the Chief Justice (Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry)," the former national security adviser said.

Chaudhrys sacking had led to massive protests by the legal fraternity and the civil society in Pakistan.

In his book Neither a Hawk nor a Dove, Kasuri has claimed that in 2007 the "solution to Kashmir was in the grasp of both governments".

Menon acknowledged that "there was tremendous progress made" through these back channel talks.

"Pakistani domestic politics could not support that (the hope of a resolution to the Kashmir problem). You have the same problem repeatedly on both sides where the domestic politics does not support it," Menon said.

He also noted incidents like the Mumbai train serial blasts of 2006 and the 26/11 terror attack in 2008, indicating that these were the reasons on the Indian side that hampered the talks.

"Domestic politics does not support big initiatives or big steps which changes the narrative of fundamentals," the former top diplomat said.

Menon was a part of the panel discussion organised after the launch of a book The People Next Door: The Curious History of Indias Relations with Pakistan, authored by TCA Raghavan, former Indian envoy to Islamabad.

He added that the Pakistani Army considers itself as the guardian of the state and is cautious about its ties with India.

"The armies (of the two countries) themselves are in touch with each other. (But) the Pakistan army is very reluctant to get into a roboust engagement with us. We, at various stages, have tried to establish direct military to military links to do various things," Menon said. PTI PR BSA

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PLANS for a new Lidl supermarket in Stratford-upon-Avon are expected to be approved by the district council on Wednesday night.

The proposal, which involves reconfiguring two large units on the Maybrook Industrial Estate on Birmingham Road, one of which would be a 2,000sqm supermarket, have been recommended for approval.

Forty new jobs would be created by the company and the appearance of the revamped units will take inspiration from the Maybird Retail Park opposite.

Under the plan the size of the current Carpetright store would be reduced in order extend the next door unit occupied by Lidl.

A large extension would also be built at the rear of the Lidl unit, within the current service yard, to create yet more space for the supermarket.

The car park will be reconfigured, increasing the number of spaces from 146 to 155.

Watch Wednesday night's meeting HERE
The Brexit vote is heaping yet more pressure on Stratfords hospitality industry as local hotels struggle to recruit staff.

Hotels in Stratford are already experiencing difficulties in recruiting staff, but there are fears that leaving the Europe may discourage EU workers from wanting to work in Britains hotels or tempt existing workers to leave.

Some have suggested that worries over the fall in value of the pound and uncertainty over the rights of EU workers could make Britain a less attractive destination to work.

With Stratfords heavy reliance on tourism, the impact of leaving Europe may be felt particularly hard here.

The problem for local hotels is two-fold though as fewer local residents are interested in following a career in hospitality.

Helen Peters, chief executive at Shakespeares England, said: There was definitely as skills shortage that existed in Stratford before the Brexit vote, but that has certainly not helped the situation. We have very low levels of unemployment in Coventry and Warwickshire and a large number of workers within the hospitality industry are from EU countries. There is so much uncertainty surrounding things like the future status of EU nationals in Britain that some of these workers may choose to work elsewhere within the EU.

There have also been challenges recruiting locally which is why we are working with Warwickshire County Council to provide skills grants to those who would like to pursue a career in hospitality.

I think people sometimes have this opinion that the hospitality industry is a bit fluffy, but hotels need marketing departments, people to work in accounts and all sorts of different roles, there are a wide variety of skills needed and we are working to encourage young people to consider a career in hospitality or the visitor economy.

Larry Coltman, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, also recognises the problem.

He said: There is certainly a drop off now in applications from EU applicants and insufficient home grown workers to replace any who leave.

The big problem is fear amongst EU workers of what they will face in two years time. Some hotel groups have offered assistance both financial and practical in applying for citizenship now to avoid any problems then.

Josephine Blomqvist, manager of Stratfords Arden Hotel, said: There is an ongoing problem with recruitment in Stratford and I think most of the hotels in the town would probably tell you the same thing. A considerable part of the workforce is made up of European workers and if we dont have access to these people in a few years time it will create further problems for us. For some roles there is not a great interest from the local community, maybe because some of these jobs are low skilled.

Stratfords hospitality industry is not alone in experiencing these problems, it is an issue that affects the whole country. Hotels are working with Warwickshire County Council to encourage more young people to consider a career in hospitality, theres a lot of opportunities for travel and you develop multiple skills.

Joe Baconnet, director at Stratforward, added: Like in all industries, good, committed staff are the lifeblood of our businesses. Were committed to lobbying and supporting the measures being put in place to help our businesses recruit those good, committed staff.

Our hospitality industry provides a lot of potential career routes for individuals with different skill sets, particularly those that want to get on. As a career, its also hugely transferable around the globe.

There might be some good news for the hospitality industry locally though, with Warwickshire College Group unveiling plans to convert Moreton Hall at Moreton Morrell into a 7million hotel training school last month.

Such a facility could help encourage more local youngsters to consider a career in the industry.
Pakistani education advocate Malala Yousafzai has called on fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn the "tragic and shameful" treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

In a statement posted to Twitter Sunday, the 20-year-old said the "world is waiting" for Suu Kyi, Myanmar's state counselor and de-facto leader, to address the violence that has forced almost 90,000 Rohingya people to flee into neighboring Bangladesh.

"Over the last few years I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment," she wrote. "I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same."

Yousafzai called for a stop to the violence, citizenship for the Rohingya people  who are effectively stateless, despite having lived in Myanmar for generations  and for her native Pakistan to offer shelter, food and education to Rohingya refugees.

"Today we have seen pictures of small children killed by Myanmar's security forces. These children attacked no one, but still their homes were burned to the ground," she said.

Yousafzai's comments come amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar's western Rakhine state. The latest outbreak of violence in Rakhine erupted after Rohingya militants attacked police and paramilitary outposts on Aug. 25. Ensuing clashes between the Myanmar army and Rohingya insurgents killed about 400 people, according to government figures.

In the days since, the military has been engaged in what it describes as "clearance operations" against insurgents. Rohingya villagers who have fled to Bangladesh have spoken of a massacre perpetrated by the Myanmar military, and soldiers burning down their villages. Many have likening the situation to ethnic cleansing, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Myanmar of committing genocide.

The Myanmar government blames Rohingya insurgents for burning the houses and deaths of civilians. Many of Rakhine's Buddhists have also fled, seeking shelter in monasteries and schools.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) A Delhi Court today warned an advocate, who sought lodging of an FIR alleging anti-national sloganeering at the Ramjas College in February, against mixing this incident with the JNU case in which sedition charge were slapped against some students.

The JNU incident of February 2016 had hogged the limelight after the arrest of its student leaders, including then JNUSU President Kanahiya Kumar, while the Ramjas college case involved the raising of slogans and a clash between the students owing allegiance to the ABVP and Left organisations AISA and SFI.

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"Delhi Police FIR is not a precedent for me. It is not binding in this case, nor is it a Supreme Court ruling. JNU charge sheet is not relevant in this case. These are two different cases. Do not mix JNU matter with the DU case," Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra said.

The courts remarks were aimed at advocate Vivek Garg, who had raised the Ramjas college incident and sought a direction to thge police to supply him a copy of the charge sheet filed in the JNU matter.

The court, however, could not hear arguments due to the absence of the concerned police officials and posted the matter for arguments on the ingredients of sedition charge for September 14.

"ACP Pankaj Gupta has sought exemption from appearance due to official duties. Put up for arguments on September 14," the magistrate said.

Garg, who could not argue today, submitted before the court that he needed the JNU charge sheet "as it is not available on internet. We need a copy of the FIR also to argue in this case."

The court had on August 29 observed that sedition charges cannot be pressed on the basis of an unauthenticated and unreliable video, after it was shown a footage of alleged "anti-national" sloganeering held on February 21 this year at the Ramjas College here.

The magistrate had said that the authenticity of the video was to be ascertained by the police.

"Authenticity of the video is not established. What is the source of this video? On the basis of unreliable material, how can we press charges of sedition? You have to be confident of the authenticity of the video," the court asked complainant Vivek Garg, while also pointing out the existence of several doctored videos being in circulation.

"Tomorrow if AISA and ABVP clash again, will it be termed as sedition? There are many doctored videos circulated on Whatsapp. These have to be verified," it observed.

The court was hearing Gargs plea seeking a separate FIR into alleged anti-national slogans raised by members of students groups All India Students Association (AISA) and Students Federation of India (SFI) at the Ramjas College.

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The plea, which sought registration of an FIR for alleged offences of sedition, criminal conspiracy, waging war against the State and defamation under the IPC, also demanded action against Delhi Police officials for not lodging the complaint.

The police had on August 3 submitted an action taken report in the matter and said it was examining students and teachers to identify the culprits involved in the Ramjas College clashes that broke out between the ABVP and Left- affiliated student bodies.

In the report, the police had said they had lodged an FIR at the Maurice Nagar police station on February 22 for the alleged offences or rioting and obstruction, causing hurt and assault to deter public servant from discharging duty.

However, the complaint had alleged that "anti-national slogans/activities were being carried out by leaders/students of AISA/SFI in Ramjas College, shamelessly and openly which supported Indias enemy Pakistan. The criminal acts of accused were also boosting the morale of terrorists against our country."

On February 21, members of RSS student wing ABVP had gathered outside the college and shouted slogans in protest against the seminar for which JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid were invited. The ABVP members allegedly pelted stones, vandalised the venue and disrupted the seminar.

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The next day violent clashes had erupted between the Left and the ABVP students leaving several of them and three teachers injured. PTI AG RKS ARC

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The US had to step back from its policy of regime change in Syria after multiple failures, as the jihadists they allegedly hoped to use as a proxy began posing a threat, Hezbollahs Deputy Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Kassem, argued in an interview to RT.

For an exclusive interview with RTs Eisa Ali, one of the most senior Hezbollah leaders agreed to meet with the toughest security precautions in place  in a clandestine location in Beirut. Kassem told RT he believes US President Donald Trump has opted for a less confrontational approach in Syria of late after previous attempts to oust the Syrian government proved futile.

When they failed by using the military option, or by using the opposition option, or by using their cooperation with the regional Arabic countries that wanted change in Syria in favor of Israel, America adopted a new non-confrontation policy with President [Bashar] Assad because of their inability to do more, and because they know that [Islamic State] is against them as much as they are against the Syrian people, Kassem claimed.

He noted, however, that a perceived change in political strategy does not mean that the White House has reversed its opinion of Assad, arguing that the US has been left with no better option than to fight the monster of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) which they helped to create in the first place but which has now shifted against them.

Well respect any choice made by the Syrian people

Speaking of Syrian President Bashar Assad, and Hezbollahs view on his role as the countrys head of state, Kassem said that the group regards Assad as the legitimate ruler of Syria, re-elected by the people to serve as the countrys leader.

Arguing that the main interest of the US in the war was to remove President Assad from power and change Syria's stance from resistance to American-Israeli friendly, he praised Assad for being an effective leader, guiding his country through difficult times of war.

However, he went on to stress that the Syrian Presidents fate lies exclusively in the hands of the Syrian people.

We are with the Syrian peoples choice and when it is election time and Syrias choice will be made without external intervention, we will respect any choice made by the Syrian people.

Kassem said there is an effective cooperation between the Syrian and Russian armed forces, Iran and Hezbollah, which has contributed greatly to Syrias driving jihadists out of swathes of its territory.

Accusing Israel of fuelling the protracted Syrian conflict, Kassem in particular pointed to the Jewish states reported support of armed opposition groups fighting the Syrian forces and affiliated militias in the south-western Syrian city of Daraa and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Israel plays the main part in Syrias destruction, and it is an important supporter of the armed opposition, especially in the southern part of Syria, Kassem said.

Kassem further claimed that over 3000 militants fighting the Syrian government have received treatment in Israeli hospitals, adding that there have been reports of cross-border supplies of munitions and food from Israel to Syria.

A US-Russian ceasefire agreement for south-western Syria dealt a blow to Israels alleged aspirations as it did not include removing Hezbollah from its positions in the border area, Kassem argued. Shortly after the deal was agreed in July, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the plan, saying it might strengthen Iranian influence in the country.

Criticism was levelled at Hezbollah in late August for allowing the evacuation of some 300 Islamic State terrorists and roughly as many family members from the Qalamoun Mountains to the eastern province of Deir al-Zor as part of the deal to return bodies of eight slain Hezbollah fighters. Kassem justified the controversial move by saying that the group did not know whether the fighters were alive or dead and that it was an important chance that could not be [used] again.

The deal sparked outrage, with critics slamming the group for negotiating with terrorists. After the deal was struck and the militants departed to Deir ez-Zor, the US-led international coalition shelled the road to impede relocations of militants and their family members and struck some of the vehicles and fighters it clearly identified as ISIS. In a statement following the attack, the coalition said it was not a party to any agreement negotiated between Lebanon, ISIS and Hezbollah and considered the moving of terrorists from one part of the country to another not a lasting solution.

Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict six years ago, Hezbollah has been embroiled in fighting IS and Al-Nusra Front terrorists in Syria in cooperation with government forces. The group, which is listed as a terrorist entity in the West and in most of the Arab League countries, has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli airstrikes on Syrian soil.
By PTI: Boston, Sep 5 (PTI) Facial recognition is not an innate ability, but a skill that forms through experience, a study in monkeys has found.

Working with macaques temporarily deprived of seeing faces while growing up, the researchers from the Harvard Medical School in the US has found that regions of the brain that are key to facial recognition form only through experience and are absent in primates who do not encounter faces while growing up.

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The finding, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, sheds light on a range of neuro-developmental conditions, including those in which people can not distinguish between different faces or autism, marked by aversion to looking at faces.

Macaques - a close evolutionary relative to humans, and a model system for studying human brain development - form clusters of neurons responsible for recognising faces in an area of the brain called the superior temporal sulcus by 200 days of age.

The relative location of these brain regions, or patches, are similar across primate species.

That knowledge, combined with the fact that infants seem to preferentially track faces early in development, led to the longstanding belief that facial recognition must be inborn, said Margaret Livingstone from Harvard Medical School.

However, both humans and primates also develop areas in the brain that respond to visual stimuli they have not encountered for as long during evolution, including buildings and text.

The latter observation puts a serious wrench in the theory that facial recognition is inborn.

To better understand the basis for facial recognition, Livingstone, along with postdoctoral fellow Arcaro and research assistant Schade, raised two groups of macaques.

The first one, the control group, had a typical upbringing, spending time in early infancy with their mothers and then with other juvenile macaques, as well as with human handlers.

The other group grew up raised by humans who bottle-fed them, played with and cuddled them - all while the humans wore welding masks.

For the first year of their lives, the macaques never saw a face - human or otherwise. At the end of the trial, all macaques were put in social groups with fellow macaques and allowed to see both human and primate faces.

When both groups of macaques were 200 days old, the researchers used functional MRI to look at brain images measuring the presence of facial recognition patches and other specialised areas, such as those responsible for recognising hands, objects, scenes and bodies.

The macaques who had typical upbringing had consistent "recognition" areas in their brains for each of these categories.

Those who had grown up never seeing faces had developed areas of the brain associated with all categories except faces.

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The findings suggest that sensory deprivation has a selective effect on the way the brain wires itself.

The brain seems to become very good at recognising things that an individual sees often, and poor at recognising things that it never or rarely sees. PTI MHN MHN

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By PTI: Mumbai, Sep 5 (PTI) Foreign liabilities of mutual fund companies in India stood at Rs 71,980 crore for the fiscal ended March 2017, up 23.7 per cent from a year ago, data from Reserve Bank showed today.

The data is based on RBIs survey on foreign liabilities of 44 Indian mutual fund (MF) companies and their asset management companies (AMCs) during 2016-17.

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With regard to mutual fund companies, the RBI said their foreign liabilities at Rs 719.80 billion in March 2017, of which 99.8 per cent were the units issued to non-residents.

It stood at Rs 58,168 crore for fiscal ended March 2016.

The remaining liabilities included unpaid income/dividends to non-residents and sale proceeds pending repatriation, the RBI said.

As per the RBI data, UAE, Singapore, UK, USA and Mauritius together accounted for nearly half of the MF units held by non-residents in March 2017.

Units held in Mauritius recorded a 48 per cent decline, coinciding with the signing of the Protocol to amend the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) during 2016-17, showed the data.

The US and Luxembourg were the major overseas investment destinations for MFs companies during 2016-17.

With respect of asset management companies of these MFs, the net foreign liabilities were Rs 5,242.5 crore (USD 0.8 billion) in March 2017, against Rs 4,157.2 crore, showing an increase of 26.1 per cent for the last fiscal.

Foreign liabilities of AMCs were mainly owed to non- residents in Mauritius, the UK and Japan whereas Guernsey was the main destination of their relatively small overseas assets, the RBI said. PTI KPM MKJ

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Apart from public conveniences like toilets, changing rooms and locker facilities being developed on the beaches, Goa will soon decide if the drinks will be served in glass bottles or cans.

By India Today Web Desk: Goa has a question in its face. To drink in cans or glass bottles.

Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar on Tuesday told officials to find a way to ban glass bottles on beaches as shack owners suggested that drinks should only be served in cans on beaches.

However, it is not known whether drinks include soft as well hard drinks or either of them.

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"Considering the demand from beach shack operators to ban supply of drinks in glass bottles on the beaches, the Minister has directed the Tourism Department to work out a mechanism to bring in the necessary measures within the ambit of the law," a spokesperson for the Tourism Ministry told reporters.

Ajgaonkar, at a meeting with the Shack Owners Welfare Society, also said that public conveniences like toilets, changing rooms and locker facilities were also being developed on the beaches under the central government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

"Ajgaonkar categorically stated that the government will crack down on activities such as drugs, illegal masseur activities and dance bars," the spokesperson said.

Cruz Cardozo, the Society's President, had requested the Minister to allow the use of beverage cans on beaches, instead of bottles, which are littered on the sand and cause pollution and often injuries to swimmers, the spokesperson said.

By amending the state excise act last year, the government had banned drinking in public places including beaches.

Goa, a top beach tourism destination in India, attracts more than six million tourists every year.

FYI || Beercycling: Denmark helps environment by recycling urine to make beer, might call it Pale Piss ||

FYI || Biblical Brew: Last sip of beer Jesus might have drunk ||

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A boy had to be flown to Tauranga Hospital after being struck down by a serious medical condition.

The Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was called out to Matakana Island about 8.30am.

Pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly says a 10 year local boy had become unwell with a serious medical condition.

He was flown to Tauranga Hospital under the care of the helicopters St John medic, and he was accompanied by his mother.
The Sirsa ashram was at the centre of the controversy surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim and after his conviction a number of other incidents, including those of missing women, had also come to the limelight.

By India Today Web Desk: Days after self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was jailed on rape charges, the Punjab and Haryana High court has allowed the Haryana government to conduct a search and evacuation operation in Dera Sacha Sauda's Sirsa headquaretrs.

The Sirsa ashram was at the centre of the controversy surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim and after his conviction a number of other incidents, including those of missing women, had also come to the limelight.

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The court has appointed retired judge KS Pawar as court commissioner for search on Dera. He will submit report to the High Court in a sealed cover.

Sources said the police has prepared a SWAT team and a bomb squad to conduct the search operations. The aim is to sanitise Dera headquarters and ensure no illegal activities are carried out in the premises.

The entire operations will be video recorded.

HONEYPREET REMAINS MISSING

Gurmeet Ram Rahim's confidant and adopted daughter Honeypreet Insan, against whom a lookout notice has been issued for hatching a conspiracy to hatch a plan for the escape of the convicted godman from police custody.

Police sources said there is no trace of her.

Ram Rahim's appeal to allow Honeypreet to stay with him in jail has already been rejected by the CBI court.

Also read:

Gurmeet Ram Rahim wants to meet these 10 guests in jail, Honeypreet on top of list

Gurmeet Ram Rahim: Why millions of people love a rape convict, his Dera Sacha Sauda

Unholy Baba: Gurmeet Ram Rahim's fall from guru to rapist

Gurmeet Ram Rahim to court: Allow Honeypreet to remain with me as she is my masseuse

ALSO WATCH | High Court allows Haryana Police to raid Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa

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TECT All Terrain Park will receive funding for a cellphone tower under a $270 million rural broadband package announced by the Government.

The Park, including the Adrenalin Forest adventure experience, has succeeded in its bid for funding through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Mobile Black Spot Fund and Rural Broadband rollout programmes.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says the news is fantastic for the Park in all respects.

"Cellphone coverage will be an enormous boost for TECT Park. Aside from the inconvenience, the lack of telecommunications has been a huge barrier to commercial development and our ability to promote the park to its full potential as a tourist and visitor attraction.

For Park Manager Bill Wheeler, the news is equally as exciting.

Bill has spent the past five years chasing opportunities to get mobile coverage for the park.

An initial bid for Vodafone failed five years ago due to the company pulling out of the cellphone programme. Since then Bill has spent many hours with various telecommunications companies exploring locations around the Park. Finally his efforts bore fruit through Councils application to MBIEs rural broadband and mobile black spot programme.

In addition to opening up commercial opportunities, Bill says the safety of Park users is paramount and cellphone coverage will raise the Park to a new level of assurance for users.

"All activities in the park have an inherent risk, and while the user groups have robust safety processes in place, mobile coverage enables them to broaden their horizons with larger competitions and events. This will open up so many doors for commercial development and makes us more attractive for big events such as car launches and concerts.

Council is waiting for more detail from MBIE on the location and timing of the construction of the tower. The programmes rollout across New Zealand will be completed by the end of 2022.

The money includes $140m to extend rural broadband to a further 74,000 households, including 2700 Bay of Plenty households and businesses, as well as enabling mobile coverage in "black spots" on stretches of state highways and tourist hotspots such as TECT Park and Adrenalin Forest.
Tauranga has already has it annual quota of rain, in just eight months, but there is still more to come.

Nearly 1400mm of rainfall has already been recorded for the region for the year to date, a figure which already shows up last years total rainfall of just over 1200mm.

The MetService says regions in the west and north of both Islands recorded above normal rainfall last month, particularly in the Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Taupo.

Wellington, Nelson, and most of the West Coast in the South Island also recorded higher rainfall than normal.

MetService meteorologist John Law says the Tauranga area has seen plenty of rain this year.

Its been a very wet year so far in the Bay of Plenty.

In August our monthly rainfall was 159mm, a fair bit more than average, which would usually be expected to be around about 117mm.

He says most of this rainfall occurred in one day, towards the end of August where about 79mm of rainfall fell within only a few hours.

Following that, another burst of rain was recorded earlier this month, with 81 mm of rainfall.

Nearly 1400mm of rainfall has been recorded in Tauranga this year. Photo: MetService.

Our average for the whole of September is only about 93mm, so were already well up on what we expect to get and we have plenty more to come, says John.

Radio New Zealand also report that Auckland is heading for its second wettest year on record, with more storms and rain on the way for most of the country.

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research forecaster Ben Noll says that Christchurch had had almost four times the rain this winter than last, while Auckland was tracking for the highest rainfall since its wettest year on record in 1979.

This years weather has been partly due to warmer than average sea surface temperatures around and to the north of New Zealand, increasing the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere.

"It can influence storms, as they track over these warm waters and then often can dump rain on New Zealand.

"So patterns in the ocean and atmosphere are working together to create what has been a very wet start to the year so far.

Ben told Morning Report storms would continue to track in from the north over the next three months.

A heavy rain watch has been issued from midday tomorrow through to early Thursday morning, for ranges of Eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne areas.

Its not for the areas of Tauranga and Whakatane - although there will be some wet weather and stronger winds for the area in the next couple of days, says John.

The worst of the weather will be up in the ranges to the east of the region  right up in the boundary between Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.

Its going to be wet and its going to be windy, the rain is spreading in over the next few days so its definitely worth keeping an eye on the forecast.

Northerly winds are set to push rain into the Bay of Plenty area and weather looks to be unsettled through to the weekend.
Police are seeking more information after a student was approached by men in a silver Nissan on Fraser St earlier this week.

A police spokesperson says reports were received about a suspicious approach involving three to four men in a vehicle attempting to approach a female student on Monday morning.

Police say the student recorded the registration plate and theyre now following strong lines of enquiry and working with her and her school to find out more information about the men in the car.

She did the right thing by remembering the registration of the car and then alerting her school, says Police.

Any members of public who may know any information about the incident are being urged to contact Detective David Harris at the Tauranga Central Police Station, on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.
The mayor of Gibraltar, Kaiane Lopez, has opened the Mayor's Parlour at City Hall to the public this week as part of the National Week celebrations and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

The Mayor's Parlour was restored to its original beauty in 2000 after 11 months of works.

It is a fine example of Empire-style decor with many Neoclassical features.

It will be open from today, Tuesday, until Friday 8 September from 9am to 1pm.
During the hearing of this case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the police why they have not filed an FIR in the case so far against Radhe Maa.

By India Today Web Desk: After Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's conviction in rape cases, another controversial guru Radhe Maa may be in trouble soon. The Punjab and Haryana High Court today pulled up Punjab police for not acting against a complaint on her.

Phagwara resident Surender Mittal had complained to the court that Kapurthala police station is not filing an FIR against Radhe Maa.

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During the hearing of this case, the court asked the police why they have not filed an FIR in the case so far against Radhe Maa.

Mittal has alleged that Radhe Maa has been threatening her over the phone with dire consequences asking him not to speak against her.

Punjab police has been asked to reply to the High Court within November 13 why a criminal case was not filed against Radhe Maa in the police station.

Radhe Ma has faced several controversies in the past too.

In 2015, a woman had named Radhe Maa in a dowry harassment case. She accused the godwoman of inciting her in-laws to demand more dowry, and of forcing her to work at the ashram, where she was reportedly assaulted.

Actress Dolly Bindra had also filed a criminal case of threatening and sexual harassment against Radhe Ma.

A few days later, videos of Radhe Maa's devotees carrying her around during satsangs went viral. Activist lawyer Falguni Brahmbhatt lodged a police complaint against her for obscenity, running a business disguised as religion, fraud and cheating.

Also read:

Everything happens by God's grace, karma: Radhe Maa on violence after Ram Rahim verdict

Now, Radhe Maa accused of insulting Goddess Durga

Radhe Maa has it all to attract masses and debates

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By PTI: Chandigarh, Sep 5 (PTI) The Haryana government today said the state stood at the sixth place in terms of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue with collections to the tune of over Rs 4,500 crore.

"The state has become the sixth highest Goods and Services Tax (GST) depositing state in the country with the deposit of Rs 4,647.94 crore up to August 31, 2017, way ahead of the neighbouring states," Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu said here today.

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He thanked the business community for the successful GST implementation in the state.

The minister said 76.98 per cent of the enrolled dealers filed their GSTR 3B returns as against the present national average of 72 per cent.

Abhimanyu also appreciated the efforts of officers of the Excise and Taxation Department in implementation of the GST in letter and spirit.

"Haryana is the sixth highest GST depositing state in the country way ahead of neighbouring states including Punjab which had deposited Rs 1,516.32 crore, Himachal Pradesh Rs 820.67 crore, Jammu and Kashmir Rs 263.99 crore, Uttarakhand Rs 1,688.34 crore, Delhi Rs 3,236.91 crore, Rajasthan Rs 2,535.24 crore and Union Territory Chandigarh Rs 174.1 crore," he said in an official release here.

The only states contributing more GST than Haryana are much largest states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat, he added. He said the total GST deposited by the state included Rs 794.65 crore as the Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST), Rs 2,246.80 crore as Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), Rs 1,263.84 crore State Goods and Service Tax (SGST) and cess of Rs 342.65 crore.

"As against this, Punjab has deposited GST of only Rs 1,516.32 crore including Rs 311.86 crore as CGST, Rs 612.31 crore IGST, Rs 574.67 crore SGST and Rs 12.48 cess," he said in the release.

The finance minister said that Gurugram (East) topped the list with contribution of Rs 701.623 crore followed by Gurugram (North) with Rs 593.224 crore, Gurugram (West) with Rs 324.631 crore and Gurugram (South) Rs 234.313 crore.

He said that similarly, GST payment of Rs 268.381 crore has been made by district Panipat, Rs 253.489 crore by district Rewari, Rs 244.078 crore by district Sonepat and Rs 215.96 crore by district Ambala. PTI SUN MKJ

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A group of the worlds top technology leaders, led by Tesla founder Elon Musk, on Sunday published an open letter urging the United Nations to ban the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems, amid growing concerns that autonomous killer robots could wind up taking control.

The group of 116 companies, most of which specialize in robotics or artificial intelligence, argued that the growing use of AI could revolutionize modern warfare in irreversible ways and pose a danger to nation states.

Lethal autonomous weapons threaten to become the third revolution in warfare, the letter states. Once developed, they will permit armed conflict to be fought at a scale greater than ever, at timescales faster than humans can comprehend.

Such weapons could be placed in the hands of terrorists, the letter points out. Despots could use them against innocent civilians. Further, cybercriminals possibly could hack them, turning the weapons against innocent victims.

AI All Stars

Among the signatories to the letter are many of the worlds top names in AI: Musk, who also is founder of SpaceX and OpenAI; Mustafa Suleyman, founder and head of applied AI at Googles DeepMind; Esben Ostergaard, founder and CTO of Universal Robotics in Denmark; and Jerome Monceaux, founder of Aldebaran Robotics.

A key figure behind the letter, Toby Walsh, a professor of AI at the University of New South Wales in Sydney Australia, presented it at the opening of the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Melbourne, Australia. The annual event is considered the worlds most important gathering of AI experts.

Walsh also was behind a 2015 letter that warned of the dangers of using AI in autonomous weapons development, noting that such systems could spark a public backlash that would create long-term damage for AI technology in general.

Walsh likely will attend the next UN Convention on Conventional Weapons meeting to discuss the open letter, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Building Consensus

Sundays joint statement from the worlds leading experts in the field could mark a turning point on the issue.

A group of 123 member nations of the UNs Review Conference on the Convention on Conventional Weapons last year unanimously agreed to begin formal discussions on the use of lethal autonomous weapons, University of New South Wales officials said. So far, 19 member nations have called for an outright ban.

AI specialists previously have raised questions about the potential for lethal autonomous weapons to create very destructive and lasting security issues for the world.

Musk just last month got into a public spat with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the potential for unregulated AI to put the public at increased risk.

Musks position is that global regulatory changes must be enacted to maintain long-term peace and security, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

However, past history makes it difficult to imagine a scenario where many global powers would be willing to [accept] such restrictions, he told the E-Commerce Times. Some would argue that they require such weaponry for their own protection, where others will say the threat of robotic firepower will deter their enemies from pursuing war.

It is possible that the outlook portrayed by Musk and others is more than a little hyperbolic, suggested Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

This is a person that is promoting the augmentation of humans through technology and the use of AI for self-driving cars, he told the E-Commerce Times, but AI in robots is bad? Didnt anyone see Maximum Overdrive?

Tech Industrys Responsibility

The question of whether or how to regulate lethal AI weaponry is one that is deeply connected to values, suggested Ryan Gariepy, CTO of Clearpath Robotics, which previously had called for an outright ban.

It is a choice between using AI for good versus using it for lethal means, Gariepy, who was the first to sign Sundays letter, told the E-Commerce Times.

Clearpath and its founders have made a conscious decision to align their business values to their personal values of using technology for good.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) A plea seeking directions to authorities on testing and treatment of the deadly Hepatitis C, including free diagnostics and medication to patients, today prompted the Delhi High Court to ask the Delhi government to file a status report on the matter.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar also issued notice to the Delhi Government on the petition which sought direction to identify and publicise the names of hospitals, laboratories and medical stores which will provide testing and treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) free of cost in the national capital.

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The matter was listed for further hearing on December 18.

"That viral hepatitis caused by two high-burden viruses - Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C - is a major public health challenge that requires an urgent response.

"Globally it is estimated to have caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015, a number comparable to annual deaths caused by tuberculosis and higher than those caused by HIV," the petition said.

The PIL, filed by NGO Delhi Network of Positive People, through its president Paul Lhungdim, said HCV was a "life- threatening disease" and its treatment is expensive.

It said if medicine is denied in government hospitals, the patients may not even buy it, thus defeating the Delhi Governments aim to provide quality healthcare to all citizens.

"This is precisely the experience of people living with chronic HCV who have been repeatedly denied access to essential diagnostic tests such as viral load and HCV medicines in hospitals under the Delhi government such as Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) and GB Pant Hospital.

"Most patients have been forced to go to the private sector which charges much high prices," advocate Shwetasree Majumder, appearing for the NGO, said.

The other petitioner, a Delhi resident infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, sought urgent hearing saying he was in urgent need of treatment for HCV but unable bear the expenses. Lack of adequate treatment could prove fatal for him, he said.

The plea also sought direction to the state government to ensure that mohalla clinics are adequately equipped and authorised for HCV antibody testing and referral to hospitals for further treatment. PTI SKV PPS ARC

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By PTI: Mumbai, Sep 5 (PTI) The immersion processions of the idols of prominent Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra began this morning amid fanfare.

Devotees thronged in large numbers to bid adieu to the idols of the elephant-headed God.

Among the early starters for the immersion in the city were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival, that began on August 25 and concludes on Anant Chaturdashi today.

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Several devotees performed the Koli dance, a traditional dance of the fishermen, at the Lalbaughcha Raja pandal in central Mumbai before the visarjan (immersion) procession began.

In Solapur, the devotees took Ganesh idols from their homes and immersed them in the Siddheshwar lake.

The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj.

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes will be immersed today, police said.

The smaller idols will be immersed first, followed by the big ones like Lalbaugcha Raja, which will be immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), police, Coast Guard and Navy have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and safe immersion of the idols.

The prime locations for immersion are Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve in Malad.

The BMC has appealed devotees to inform the civic authorities as and when they need any assistance or if they are stung by jelly fish or sting ray.

Police have beefed up security and companies of the State Reserve Police Force are also being deployed.

Cranes, watchtowers, drones, CCTVs and floodlights have been arranged to keep a watch on every movement of the revellers and devotees, a police official earlier said. PTI VT DC GK

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By PTI: By Priyanka Tikoo

Xiamen, Sep 5 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Egyptian President Fattah el-Sisi and held talks on ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

Modi, who had come to this port city of China on September 3 to attend the 9th BRICS Summit, held two bilateral meetings on the last day of his China visit. After meeting Sisi, Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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"Delighted to meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We held talks on further strengthening our historical ties with Egypt," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

Earlier, during his address at the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, which was attended by Egypt, Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan on Chinas invitation as part of BRICS Plus outreach exercise, Modi described these countries as "close and valued" partners of India. PTI PYK ASK ASK

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The charges of racism that swirled after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 12 years ago have yet to surface as Houston recovers from the floods unleashed by Harvey.

Houston was hit as the nation roiled from a white supremacist rally that turned deadly Aug. 12 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The violence left in its wake deep divisions primed by President Donald Trump's assertion that "many sides" were to blame, producing heated debates about Confederate statues and whether they are important historical markers or symbols of hate that should be removed.

Those raw tensions didn't boil over even as Trump provided another potential spark by pardoning Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of ignoring a judge's order to stop targeting Latinos suspected of being in the country illegally. Trump made the move just as Harvey made landfall Aug. 25 and took aim at Houston, where Hispanics make up about 44 percent of the population.

When Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005, New Orleans had 500,000 residents, nearly 70 percent of them black. Americans were horrified by images of people stranded on rooftops and scrounging for food and water. There were appalling conditions in the Superdome, the shelter of last resort for thousands and a hell-scape for those too poor to leave ahead of the storm.

The face of Katrina was largely black and poor. Within days, Katrina's death toll was into the hundreds. By contrast, Harvey's death toll hovered around 60, though it's expected to rise as waters recede.

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Many cited the heavy death toll following Katrina, and the slow, inadequate government response, as evidence that New Orleans' poor, black residents were considered disposable. "I hate the way they portray us in the media," rapper Kanye West declared during a Red Cross telethon, adding that President George W. Bush "doesn't care about black people," a sentiment that resonated with many African-Americans.

By comparison, Houston  a sprawling city of more than 2.4 million  is more racially diverse, with blacks and whites each accounting for about a quarter of the population. Because there was no mandatory evacuation, people of all races and classes remained in the storm's path, not just folks who couldn't afford to leave.

That made for diverse images in the scenes of boat rescues and families huddling in shelters, said New Orleans native Mtangulizi Sanyika, a retired professor and social activist who left his New Orleans neighborhood the day before Katrina hit and now lives in Houston.

"In New Orleans, we had a human tragedy on our hands that obviously, black people were the primary victims," Sanyika said. "The flood here ... was an equal opportunity flood."

George Washington University sociologist Gregory Squires said "there's no question the optics feel different" in Houston.

"What we're not seeing in Houston are the hundreds of black people being stuck in a building or stopped on a highway and blocked from getting out of the city," said Squires, co-editor of the book, "There Is No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster: Race, Class and Katrina." ''Nobody is saying that Donald Trump doesn't like black people."

In New Orleans, as the levees broke, the water rose and people struggled to survive as media reports of looting depicted storm victims as criminals. Those who were eventually able to relocate to other cities were labeled "refugees," a term usually reserved for people fleeing one country for another.

The narrative around Katrina was urban neglect  years of disinvestment in infrastructure affecting a largely minority population. With Harvey, the focus is more on urban sprawl and how development may have compounded a natural disaster.

"Katrina was kind of a crime scene, with implications against local, state and federal government on how they were failing poor people; in Houston, it's kind of universal," said Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is black and grew up in a lower-income area of the city, noted that the George R. Brown Convention Center where 10,000 people took shelter was far different from what those in New Orleans encountered.

"I think people have felt comfortable," he said. "This is not their place of choice. They would rather be at home. But we try to treat people with respect. They are our guests. They are our fellow Houstonians."

Devin Coleman, 34, moved to Houston from the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans just before Katrina hit. He lost his aunt and his grandmother in the storm. He was sheltered at Houston's convention center for nearly a week and was amazed at how helpful people were.

"If you weren't white or had your own money, it's almost as if they didn't want you there." Coleman recalled of the environment during Katrina. "In Harvey, nobody is talking about race. It's just, 'What do you need?'"

Al Sistrunk, 67, echoed Coleman's sentiments, praising the city's response to Harvey while waiting in line to file a Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"Here in Houston, it's everybody," Sistrunk said. "We're getting housing, people are getting food, people are getting material they need for their houses. They rescued everybody, they weren't rescuing white people first or black people first, at least that's what they show on the news."

Texas Southern University urban planning professor Robert D. Bullard warned what happens next could uncover racial disparities.

Homeowners of color may lack the financial resources or networks to rebuild as quickly, if at all, he said. On the city's more affluent and white west side, Bullard noted people are "hiring contractors and starting to rebuild."

Bullard, regarded as the father of "environmental racism," also pointed out that poor and minority residents were most likely to have lived in proximity to the industrial areas affected by the storm. Pollution and chemical spills could affect those communities disproportionately.

Squires predicted as the scope of the damage is surveyed the racial impact will grow.

"Rich and poor alike were affected by the storm, but I strongly doubt that these groups were affected equally," he said. "The optics clearly are not as racial here as they were in New Orleans. But I think we need to distinguish between the optics and the reality."
At least 11 wills that Southern University Law professor Dorothy Jackson drafted between 2013 and 2016 included a phrase in which she named herself as the attorney for the will's executor and the estate that a person was leaving behind, according to a report recently released by the university.

But that sort of language in a will is neither necessary, nor is it customary, according to LSU law professor Elizabeth Carter who specializes in successions, which is the process of settling a deceased person's estate and distributing the property after the bills are paid.

One of the wills in which Jackson named herself as attorney for the executor and estate was that of Helen Plummer, a will that has been cloaked in controversy in Baton Rouge.

The will for Plummer, who died in March, specified that Council on Aging CEO Tasha Clark-Amar was to pay herself $500 a month over 20 years to be the executor and trustee of Plummer's estate. Jackson, a Council on Aging board member and the head of Southern's Elder Law Clinic, wrote the will in 2016.

Southern University releases report that Advocate, WBRZ won lawsuit to obtain Documents released by the Southern University Law Center on Monday along with its investigat

The will prompted an outcry from Plummer's family and multiple political leaders. Clark-Amar removed herself from the will after multiple reports about it surfaced in the media.

Jackson has been placed on administrative leave from Southern while the university's law center investigates her role in drafting the will. The Advocate and WBRZ sued Southern after the university refused to release an initial investigation into Jackson, and won the lawsuit and received the documents Aug. 28.

The dossier includes a letter from Virginia Listach, director of Clinical Legal Education, to Alfreda Diamond, vice chancellor of Institutional Development. Listach writes in the May 2 letter that 50 wills were drafted and the files on them were closed through the Elder Law Clinic between 2013 and 2016.

Of the 50 wills, 17 of them had not been placed in storage. When Listach reviewed those, she found that 11 of them appointed Jackson as their attorney. Only one of them  Plummer's  has been probated as a private case.

"When an attorney who prepares a will includes a provision designating himself as attorney for the estate after the clients death, a number of challenging ethical and moral issues can arise  but the practice is not generally prohibited by the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct," Carter said. "These designations are quite uncommon in wills prepared by reputable lawyers who routinely practice in this field.

"Personally, I do not believe an attorney should ever include this type of provision unless the client specifically asks for it," Carter said.

Bill Aaron, the attorney representing Jackson, disagreed. He said that even Carter conceded that naming an attorney in a will violates no rules of professional conduct.

"The custom and practice in Louisiana is usually for a lawyer to name themselves," Aaron said. "It's not unusual."

Southern has not answered The Advocate's questions this week that would clarify whether such designations are common practices at the university's Elder Law Clinic. Southern administrators did not respond to questions The Advocate sent multiple times about whether the Elder Law Clinic handles both the drafting of wills and the probates after someone dies, nor did anyone explain whether clients of the Elder Law Clinic need to meet certain criteria, including income levels.

Both have become issues in Jackson's case.

Plummer was a client of the Elder Law Clinic, according to the recent report from Southern. But Jackson later switched her to being a client at Jackson's private law firm, and maintained after Plummer's death that it had become a succession she was handling in her private capacity.

Aaron said his understanding is that the clinic handles both the drafting of wills and the successions to follow but that clients do have to meet income requirements for them. While Plummer was a 95-year-old woman who was no longer working, she may have met requirements to draft a will through the clinic.

But once she died and it became a succession case, her family members or Clark-Amar, who are named in the will, probably did not meet the low-income requirements. And since Jackson was named in the will as the attorney, she then took over the succession in a private capacity, Aaron said.

Rule XX of the state's Supreme Court says that law clinics are intended to represent the indigent whose income does not exceed 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

Plummer left behind an estate even larger than initially reported after her death in March, when court documents estimated it to be around $314,000.

The Plummer estate was actually worth more than $650,000, comprising two homes, savings accounts, money market certificates, cash on hand, household furnishings and more, according to court documents recently filed earlier this month in her succession case.

The Louisiana Civil Code of Procedure lists the customary fee for the executor of a will at 2.5 percent of a gross estate if not otherwise specified in a will, which would have amounted to about $16,268 of Plummer's estate, rather than the $120,000 Clark-Amar stood to collect. However, Aaron pointed out that Clark-Amar was also named as the trustee of the estate, which involves more work.

Jackson also billed $10,000  $9,000 for her legal work and another $1,000 in court costs  to Plummer's family for the work she did on the succession. Jackson has offered to waive the $9,000 for the legal work, Aaron said.

While the drafting of the will through the Elder Law Clinic should have been free, Jackson charged $200 an hour for 45 hours of work she did in a private capacity on the succession after Plummer died, Aaron said.

Carter said $200 an hour is a reasonable price for an attorney in Baton Rouge, but that she was surprised Jackson said she did 45 hours of work on the case. Jackson quickly removed herself from the succession when it went to court.

+2 Southern refuses to release investigation into law professor entangled in COA controversy Southern University is refusing to release its investigation into a law school faculty membe

"Having read the will, I would be surprised if a significant amount of time was spent preparing it," Carter said. "Similarly, the initial pleadings that professor Jackson filed in the succession proceeding should have only taken a few hours, at most, to prepare. It is certainly possible, given the controversial nature of the case, that professor Jackson did additional legal work for Ms. Clark-Amar after those initial pleadings were filed that would perhaps justify more hours of work."

Aaron and the attorney for Plummer's grandchildren say they are working out an agreement on the fees for the succession case. Aaron said Jackson "has not received a dime" from Plummer's succession thus far.
Reacting to a troubling spike in homicides, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome pledged to improve public safety through a variety of efforts, including fixing street lighting, addressing blight and encouraging residents to set up or strengthen neighborhood watch groups.

"There's a shared common denominator among the citizens of this community, and that is that everyone wants to feel safe," Broome said Tuesday at a news conference, joined by law enforcement and other local public officials. "Our goal and our commitment is certainly to work together to take immediate action."

Thus far this year, there have been 65 killings that were not ruled justified or accidental in the parish, according to The Advocate's records. In all of 2016, there were 62 homicides.

Baton Rouge surpassed New Orleans in the number of homicides in July and August, said crime analyst Jeff Asher  a role reversal, as the Big Easy typically sees significantly higher homicide counts. And the beginning of September had five straight days with a homicide in Baton Rouge.

We recognize that there has been an increase as it relates to homicides in our city and parish, Broome said. We want to engage and encourage the engagement of the citizens in this community to be part of the equation of solving criminal and violent activity.  That action involves the collaboration of, not only law enforcement, but the citizens of this community as well.

Broome said she has once again called upon her public safety transition team to come up with a plan to encourage residents to play a role in decreasing crime, and she called on residents to start reviving or strengthening neighborhood watch programs.

Baton Rouge interim Police Chief Jonny Dunnam echoed Broome's call for community engagement.

"As a community, we can combat crime," Dunnam said. He encouraged residents to not hesitate in coming forward and working with police, especially in homicide investigations.

Dunnam said the staggering increase in killings  as well as violent crime  is not from a lack of effort by law enforcement, noting the recent increased Friday night patrols, extended hours on the job by their Street Crimes Unit, and the implementation of a new data-driven policing model to target crime-ridden areas.

Dunnam said the majority of this years homicides are drug-related and an increasing number are connected to domestic violence.

+2 Domestic violence killings in BR reach 'epidemic proportions' as homicides surge overall Miquel Angel Lopez stayed in his bedroom for more than 10 hours Sunday with the body of an e

He also mentioned that the spike in violence could stem from the chaos and disruption the community faced following the Great Flood of 2016, a theory known as social disorganization.

District Attorney Hillar Moore III called Tuesday for fully staffed law enforcement departments, as both the police department and the parish Sheriff's Office are still short officers. The Baton Rouge Police Department was about 60 officers short as of Tuesday, Dunnam said.

Baton Rouge Police will hold a 15- to 20-person academy beginning this month, Dunnam said, adding that he he also hopes the department can hold two academies in 2018.

Broome said she is looking at the budget very seriously to fund those two other academies, but made no promises on funding.

+2 Amidst spike in homicides, Baton Rouge law enforcement agencies short on officers At the end of July, as homicides in the parish continued to surge far ahead of last year's 

Moore said local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have been working together for the last few months as they noted the uptick in violent crime, meeting Wednesdays to track and evaluate shots fired, and that will continue.

Weve been meeting as a team, we are going to work as a team, Moore said. We have better days ahead of us.
A fast-growing, publicly financed tuition assistance program for Louisiana private schools hit a big snag this year with the demise of its biggest contributor, First NBC.

Before federal regulators forced the New Orleans bank to close in late April, First NBC gave millions to the states Tuition Donation Rebate program and committed to giving at least $1 million more. The banks failure meant its remaining commitments were canceled, for a time jeopardizing private school attendance for hundreds of low-income children relying on the banks largesse.

+3 The decline and fall of First NBC Bank: What happened? Four years to the day after they first went public, shares of First NBC Bank Holding Co. wil

The Tuition Donation Rebate program is the lesser known sister to the states much larger private school voucher program. While both were approved by the Legislature in 2012, lawmakers recently reworked the rebate program, changes that some proponents believe could make it stronger as it moves forward.

As vouchers have plateaued  about 7,000 students use them currently and funding has been recently flat at about $40 million a year  the state Department of Education has increasingly turned to the rebate program as an alternate way to publicly support private school education.

The tuition donation program is less generous but more flexible than vouchers, and it has grown fast after a slow start. Following an approach adopted by some other states, it relies on the tax code to direct money to private schools rather than the state appropriations that fuel vouchers. Last year, the tuition donation program allowed about 1,700 Louisiana children to attend 167 private schools, double the enrollment of the year before. Donors to the program are set to recoup about $7 million in taxpayer-funded rebates from last year's scholarships.

The task of trying to find new donors to replace the missing First NBC money fell to private groups known as student tuition organizations, or STOs, which administer the program for the state.

There are three approved STOs in Louisiana. Only two of them, ACE Scholarships and Arete Scholars, place students in private schools statewide. The third STO is operated by the New Schools for Baton Rouge, which is much smaller than the others and has so far worked only with donors and schools in the capital city.

Both ACE and Arete raised significant chunks of money from First NBC. The hole created by the First NBC meltdown meant this year ACE and Arete had to fight just to keep the students they had.

We had to really gap-fill with donations, so holding steady was the goal, said Danny Willis, development director for Arete.

Arthur Dupre, the Louisiana director of ACE, the largest STO in the state, said his organization still managed to add about 200 slots statewide.

We were very blessed to able to cover the existing students and to grow a little bit, Dupre said.

As of Aug. 7, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which last year educated more than 40 percent of the children in the program, was still $600,000 short of what it needed. By late August, though, the crisis had passed.

The school superintendent for the archdiocese said donors had come through, supplying the additional money so that all 653 returning students could stay at their 49 Catholic schools. The archdiocese, however, didnt have money to expand and educate more tuition donation students, as it had originally planned.

Budget cuts mean more private schools shifting public aid from vouchers to rebates As budget cuts have led Louisiana private schools to cut back on the number of children they

Even as First NBC was collapsing, the Louisiana Legislature was quietly revamping the four-year-old program. Commercial entities that do lots of business in Louisiana will still be able to give, but many other current donors won't. Detractors say changes wrongly penalize donors whove contributed in the past, while supporters say the revised program should help attract many others to give.

The basic setup is the same. Donors underwrite part, but not all, of a childs private school tuition. Later, donors get back 95 cents for every dollar they give. And they can write the whole thing off as a charitable donation on their federal taxes.

Starting Jan. 1, though, donors to the program will no longer get recompensed via a state rebate that's paid out of general state tax collections.

Instead, donors will be repaid in the form of a credit on their state income taxes. Thats in line with how 16 other states already organize their own private school choice programs. Their tax payments then will be redirected out of the state treasury and into the hands of Louisiana private schools to offset student tuition.

After the new law goes into effect, only companies and individuals required to file Louisiana income taxes can get a credit. Consequently, past donors who dont pay income taxes to the state of Louisiana will no longer be able to participate. That includes out-of-state companies such as the Atlanta Falcons, religious institutions like the Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and nonprofits that have included the Louisiana Family Forum.

And these new nonrefundable tax credits pay no more than an individual or a company actually owes in income taxes. The credits, though, can be spread out over three years.

+7 Louisiana Legislature uses Sunday to prepare for final drive to adjournment Both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature convened in a rare Sunday meeting to vote on a fe

Its unclear whether these changes will slow or accelerate the growth of this program.

All three STOs came out in support of the new law, which was authored by Sen. Dan Blade Morrish, R-Jennings.

Supporters predict the credits will be more attractive to donors than rebates since they are paid out much more quickly. Currently, donors don't get their rebate check until after the child receiving the scholarship concludes his or her school year. That worked out to a gap of a year to two years between the time the donation was made and the rebate check was issued. Under the new law, credits shall be earned when the donation is made. In practice, that will mean months, perhaps even weeks, for donors to get repaid, not years.

Some states that rely on tax credits have seen their programs grow fast. Florida, in particular, stands out. Started in 2003, Floridas tax credit program pays for about 100,000 children to attend private school.

The program currently educates only a tiny fraction of Louisiana children who potentially could be eligible. Indeed, 44 percent of families in Louisiana earn less than the tuition donation programs income threshold; a family can earn no more than 250 percent of the federal poverty line, or about $61,500 a year for a family of four.

Floridas program educates nearly a third of all children in the states private schools and more than 3 percent of all schoolchildren in the Sunshine State.

In Louisiana, several religious groups came out in opposition to Morrishs legislation. While some see advantages to a tax credit, they objected to limiting the benefit to those required to pay income taxes.

I just dont think you got to throw the churches, the nonprofits, the children who are already receiving those scholarships and the high-dollar donors who would give in excess of their tax liability under the bus in order to pass this, said Gene Mills, president of the Louisiana Family Forum and a member of Aretes state advisory board, told the House Ways and Means Committee on May 30.

Mills admitted that new donors would likely emerge in their place, but said there's no guarantee.

Arete looks to have to change its donor base the most.

Im optimistic that well have an opportunity to grow, but well need more participation, more visibility for that to happen, said Willis with Arete.

Based in Atlanta, the student tuition organization has drawn hundreds of thousands dollars each from two other Atlanta institutions, the Atlanta Falcons and Chick Fil As charitable foundation. Arete has also drawn money from a handful of churches and nonprofits, including The Church at St. Amant. That church last year enrolled 43 children receiving Arete scholarships at its schools in St. Amant and Baton Rouge.

Denver-based ACE draws largely from in-state donors, but the organization has received money from religious groups, particularly the Catholic Church, which will no longer be able to participate.

ACEs Dupre said the new law will mean more work for his organization to diversify its donor pool. But as word gets out, he thinks it will grow even larger than it would have.

I am incredibly optimistic," Dupre said. I really believe the door between us merely maintaining the program, and us blowing the doors off it is purely knowledge  people knowing about this and people becoming aware of it.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sept 5 (PTI) Stepping up cooperation between the two coast guards, India today handed over an off-shore patrol vessel, Varuna, to Sri Lanka, the Indian maritime security agency said.

The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on August 23 to facilitate the handing over at Kochi.

India has earlier handed over two OPVs of the Indian Coast Guard, Varaha in April 2006 and Vigraha in August 2008.

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"The handing over of the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel to Government of Sri Lanka for training and surveillance purposes is a part of Indias continuing efforts for cementing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries," the coast guard said in a statement.

The ship has been allocated pennant number SLCG-60 by Sri Lanka Coast Guard and will be commanded by Captain Neville Amara Ubayasiri.

Prior to the ships departure to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be imparted familiarisation and on job training by Indian Coast Guard workup team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machineries.

Rear Admiral SS Ranasinghe, Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy was also present during the ceremony.

Handing over ships, patrol vessels, interceptor boats to littoral states in the Indian Ocean like the Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and helping them in capacity-building has been a vital element of the Indian diplomacy. PTI PR AAR

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The states strategy for keeping peace at Louisianas only facility caring for the intellectually disabled received a crippling blow in a legal action held behind closed courtroom doors.

Three residents who had violently attacked staff  two of whom were seen setting fire to a residence hall  successfully challenged their transfer from Pinecrest Supports and Services Center to a secured mental illness hospital. Their legal action was held behind closed doors in Alexandrias 9th Judicial District Court. It ended last week when the Louisiana Department of Health agreed to find another placement for the three within the next 60 days.

The settlement effectively stops one of the health department's key efforts to lower levels of violence at Pinecrest. The state also is increasing staff training on how to de-escalate situations before they become violent.

Some unruly, violent Pinecrest patients transferred after details of frequent attacks emerge The state is moving some of the most violent offenders out of its last facility for the inte

The health department began shifting some of the most aggressive Pinecrest residents within days of The Advocate reporting in late March that direct care staff was being beaten up regularly by a younger population, newly arrived because of years of budget cuts.

I want to know, are they placing these individuals back at Pinecrest, where they were attacking people? said James Ray, a field representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents many of Pinecrests direct care staff.

The 95-year-old facility with about 430 residents is staffed predominantly by middle-aged women who for years had cared for largely docile individuals with profound intellectual disabilities  bathing, feeding and otherwise helping them through the day.

Theyre there because the state couldnt find another facility to place them, Ray said of the facility's residents. What happens in 60 days? And what happens to the others who were removed from Pinecrest?

Officials with both the health department and the state Mental Health Advocacy Service, which represented the three residents in the legal action, could provide no answers. They refused comment, citing patient confidentiality. The same reason was given for why the legal proceedings were not held in public.

The settlement was confirmed by The Advocate through three sources familiar with the legal action. The Advocate chose not to disclose the names and patient numbers of the three litigants.

To save money, the state began about seven years ago relocating Pinecrest clients to private facilities, which generally took those without behavioral problems. Lawmakers in 2013 closed all the other state facilities for the intellectually disabled, except Pinecrest, as well as reduced services offered by other agencies.

This left a concentration of people diagnosed with milder forms of intellectual disabilities but with violent backgrounds. Pinecrest was required to take these people and has limited legal options on moving them elsewhere.

Patient confidentiality laws forbade the health department from releasing reports of violence between residents. But forms required to be filed when a state employee might miss work because of an on-the-job incident are public record.

For the year prior to Feb. 28, the staff filed 524 worker compensation reports after being punched, kicked, bitten, scratched or otherwise assaulted by their charges, whose names were redacted from the forms. Three years ago, virtually no incidents of violence on the staff were reported.

About a half dozen unruly Pinecrest residents were moved in April to the Central Health State Hospital, near Alexandria, and the 170-year-old Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, 35 miles north of Baton Rouge in Jackson. Both are secured facilities that treat mental illnesses whose populations include residents with criminal charges.

Two of the three residents filing legal challenges to their removals were seen by staff setting fire to curtains in an attempt to burn down a residence hall on the Pinecrest campus, said Sonja Perry, a direct care giver for nearly 20 years and head of AFSCME Local 712 at Pinecrest. All three men had repeatedly punched, scratched and thrown things at the women charged with caring for them, she said.

Perry refused to identify the patients by name but said they were well known to her members. She allowed that the staff fears the prospect of the three  along with the others  being returned Pinecrest. We are very much afraid, Perry said.

+3 Senate Finance Committee hears from people how budget cuts impact them personally In what the chairman called something of a new Memorial Day tradition, a parade of people Sa

Speaking in general, not specifically about the residents who were moved or the legal action, officials with the health department and Mental Health Advisory, said state and federal law requires institutionalized residents to receive appropriate care in line with the diagnosis that caused them to be placed in care. Mental illness facilities generally do not provide the services needed for patients diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.

Its apples and oranges. The way you treat people who have troubles with poor social skills is far different from mental illness, which is treatable with medications and other services, said Joseph Seyler, director Mental Advocacy Service. The independent agency under the Office of the Governor provides legal services to those placed in mental institutions.

Pinecrest Supports and Services Center is an intermediate care facility for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who dont have other options such as living with a family member or in a community placement. It is not a "secure" setting.

For some people, it might not be the most appropriate facility, health Deputy Secretary Michelle Alletto wrote in an emailed statement in response to specific questions about the future of the three residents. Her statewide duties include overseeing Pinecrest.

For example, Alletto wrote, an individual at Pinecrest might move out because they require acute medical care in a hospital, or they require in-patient psychiatric care. As you have seen, too, some people have been moved out because of criminal behavior.
For many years, Louisiana has relied on local jails and detention centers to house large numbers of state prisoners. State prisoners are almost exclusively all felons who are intended to serve their time in state correction facilities. According to the Louisiana Department of Corrections, there are presently more than 36,000 offenders serving time for state felonies. After several years of steep state budget cuts, DOC has been left with only seven state facilities that have a total capacity of just under 19,000 beds. Doing the quick math, that leaves 17,000 more beds needed to house state offenders.

To make up for the gap, the state has relied heavily on local sheriff-run jail facilities to house state offenders in Louisiana. Unfortunately, local jails are not reimbursed at the same rate as state facilities operate, which can cause a litany of issues in terms of public safety and successful reintegration for returning citizens.

Letters: Crime reforms help Louisiana Louisiana recently witnessed a rare occurrence in todays political environment: Democrats a

The biggest downside to relying so heavily on local jails is that they lack the funding for reentry programs that state facilities can afford. Reentry programs include substance abuse treatment, job readiness, and GED programs, all of which contribute to more effective rehabilitation and reduced recidivism. The lack of funding comes back to reimbursement rates. Local jails cannot possibly provide the same level of programming on just $24.39 per day per offender. That amount of money barely covers the housing and food aspect of incarceration  not to mention medical care which can be close to non-existent in the local jail setting. Conversely, state facilities run on approximately $51.62 per day per offender.

There are no anticipated plans to expand prison capacity at that higher rate of reimbursement of $51.62 a day. However, there is a possible light at the end of the tunnel. With the recent passage of major criminal justice reform in the Pelican State that is anticipated to avert hundreds of millions of dollars in corrections costs over the next ten years, 70% of those savings will be allocated across a spectrum of reentry programs.

Letters: Grateful for leadership on justice reform On behalf of the members of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber Diversity and Inclusion Committee, 

One measure will allow local jails and their community partners who currently provide or wish to establish reentry programming to apply for a grant from DOC to enhance and expand their programs. The DOC Implementation Committee, which is in its formative stage, will determine what this process will look like. However, its been noted that a high level of accountability should be required of the local facilities and/or community partners receiving said funding. It is imperative that the grantees provide measurable goals for their reentry programs  and be held responsible for the results.

Eighteen thousand people are released each year in Louisiana, with 14,000 of them coming out of local jails. Utilizing a portion of the Justice Reinvestment dollars as a funding stream to establish reentry programs in local jails is crucial because it is proven to help reduce recidivism. Rehabilitating offenders and protecting the public is well worth the time and effort it takes to ensure Justice Reinvestment dollars are spent effectively. Having, been there and done that as the leader of a highly impactful non-profit dedicated to implementing jail reentry programming, I personally know it is possible to transform a jail from lock and feed to a center of rehabilitation and restoration that makes communities safer and keeps families together.

Elain Ellerbe is the Louisiana state director/policy analyst for Right on Crime (www.rightoncrime.com), a conservative initiative for criminal justice reform.
A Canberra man who ripped off a string of Gumtree sellers to the tune of more than $6000 for mobile phones knew he would eventually get caught as he scammed victims to fund his illicit drug habit, a court heard.

James Lawrence Michael Raftery, 29, told sellers he would transfer money to buy smartphones they had advertised on the popular website before he handed over his driver's licence details and fake bank transfer receipts.

The offender showed sellers fake receipts for bank transfers when he went to collect smartphones advertised on Gumtree.

The ruse involved amounts between $300 and $1000, and a total of $6300, for the phones between August 2016 and February this year.

Raftery was arrested after sellers went to police with screenshots of the fake receipts and photos of his licence.
The Coalition remains unconvinced by Katy Gallagher's explanations over citizenship claims, accusing Labor of gross hypocrisy for refusing to release legal advice on her eligibility to sit in Parliament.

Liberal Assistant Minister Zed Seselja said the ACT senator's statement to the Senate on Monday was insufficient, as Labor used Parliament to call on the government to release legal advice suggesting Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash are not in breach of section 44 of the constitution.

Senator Katy Gallagher in the Senate on Monday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

After days of questions about her mother's birth in Ecuador in 1943, the former chief minister revealed on Monday she had sought urgent legal advice to confirm she was not implicated in Parliament's dual citizenship crisis.

In a surprise move, she also revealed having moved to formally renounce any right to British citizenship in 2016, a year after she joined the Senate through a casual vacancy.
Katy Gallagher has revealed Labor sought urgent legal advice to confirm she is not implicated in Parliament's dual citizenship crisis and she formally renounced any right to British citizenship after joining the Senate.

Following media reports suggesting she could be entitled to dual citizenship because her mother Elizabeth was born in Ecuador in 1943, Senator Gallagher said on Monday new legal advice confirmed she was eligible to sit in Parliament.

Senator Katy Gallagher has denied she's implicated in the citizenship crisis. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Labor asked Ecuadorian legal expert Gabriel Echevierra and Melbourne Queens Counsel Matthew Collins for advice on a possible breach of section 44 of the constitution, which confirmed the former ACT chief minister is not an Ecuadorian citizen and had not obtained the status by descent.

"The expert opinion of Dr Echevierra concludes that I am not an Ecuadorian citizen nor am I entitled to apply to become an Ecuadorian citizen," Senator Gallagher told Parliament.
The Australian Securities Exchange has issued a "please explain" letter to 50 Chinese companies listed on the local bourse regarding any problems they may have with capital flow in and out of China.

This was prompted when one group, Ding Sheng Xin Finance, went into suspension on August 29 after failing to submit its annual results on time.

But the group did not issue a reason why, which piqued the ASX interest.

The ASX is now asking the companies if they are having any trouble repatriating or converting Chinese renminbi (RMB) into foreign currencies and if they are aware of any changes to laws in China that may prohibit the repatriation or conversion of RMB to foreign cash.
An Indigo Airlines pilot got into a scuffle with an air hostess outside the Jaipur International Airport today. Both were arrested later.

A CCTV grab of the quarrel between the pilot and air hostess.

By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: There was high drama at the Jaipur International Airport today as the pilot and air hostess of Indigo Airlines got into a scuffle.

The pilot has been identified as Aditya Kumar, a resident of Jaipur while the air hostess' name is Arpita, who hails from Gurugram.

The air hostess allegedly smashed the pilot's mobile phone and slapped him. The pilot, it has been learnt, tried to rough up the airhostess.

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The CISF personnel in-charge of security at the airport tried to pacify the quarrelling duo but to no avail.

The two were later detained and handed over to Jaipur Police.

DUO ARRESTED FOR DISTURBING PEACE: SHO

Shiv Ratan Godara, Station House Officer (SHO) of Jaipur's Sanganer Police Station, told India Today, "The duo was arrested on charges of disturbing peace under Section 151. They were produced before the court and later released on bail."

Aditya had reached Jaipur by an Indigo flight whereas Arpita had come to the airport to meet him as she was apparently upset with him for not answering her call.

The police claimed the two were friends and used to work together. The air hostess had been on leave for a few days.

ALSO READ |

Air India Express flight skids off taxiway in Kochi, all 102 passengers on board safe

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Drama outside Jaipur airport as air hostess, pilot get into ugly spat

--- ENDS ---
Making a pregnant employee redundant has been found to be unlawful because it was done two days before she was due to start maternity leave.

The Federal Circuit Court heard that Caroline Power discovered she was pregnant two years after she began working for gas and welding company BOC. Her parental leave was approved to start on November 6, 2015, but her employment was terminated on November 4.

While it is not illegal to make a pregnant employee redundant, the timing of such a move is crucial. Credit:PeopleImages

She was one of eight employees nationally to be made redundant as a result of a business restructure.

The court found there was a genuine business case for Ms Power's redundancy, but it was unlawful because it was brought forward due to her workplace right to take parental leave.
Lawyers fear some canny franchisors may still escape liability for the exploitation of vulnerable workers bill under new federal government legislation.

Employers, particularly franchise chains, face stiff new penalties and a beefed up watchdog after reforms to protect vulnerable workers passed this week.

7-Eleven has paid out $150 million in compensation Credit:Bloomberg

The bill was introduced in response to Fairfax Media's exposure of rampant underpayment and exploitation of vulnerable workers stretching back to a joint Fairfax Media/Four Corners investigation of 7-Eleven as well as subsequent scandals involving prominent companies such as Caltex and Domino's.

Employment lawyer, Giri Sivaraman, a principal at Maurice Blackburn who has represented 7-Eleven workers who were underpaid, said the legislation was a good start in increasing the liability of franchisors. However, he was worried that canny franchisors would work around the system by arguing they had taken reasonable steps to prevent wage theft by franchisees.
This reassessment has been driven by key advances in North Korea's capabilities  and the policy responses to these advances on the part of the US, China and the North Koreans themselves.

The reality is that it has now become an increasing possibility, but not a probability. Until recently most analysts would have regarded the prospect of a renewed conflict on the Korean Peninsula as a 5 per cent possibility. But because of a range of new factors, that possibility has now increased to between 20 and 25 per cent.

Having followed closely the events on the Korean Peninsula for the better part of 35 years, I believe the prospect of a second Korean War remains highly unlikely.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who is building a nuclear arsenal and has threatened to send more "gift packages" to the US. Credit:AP

There has also been a significant technical leap in the North's ballistic missile program, it having demonstrated the ability to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile with the range to strike the continental US. The fundamentals of the geopolitical landscape in our region, the East Asian hemisphere, have now changed.

The core reason for development of the North's missile and nuclear programs is regime survival. As much as Kim Jong-un might serve as a source of comic relief and caricature, he is not irrational or "crazy" as many would claim. He is a belligerent, dangerous, totalitarian leader  but one who is also providing what he concludes as the best guarantee of regime survival.

In China, there is a brutal assessment about how this is likely to play out. China needs to be seen to be doing everything possible to pressure North Korea into action, both diplomatically and economically. For China this would mean a halting of the North Korean ballistic missile and nuclear testing program. But whatever pause or cessation of the programs might be deliverable, the Chinese see little chance that North Koreans will scrap their nuclear bombs or ballistic missiles altogether.

The Chinese ultimately believe the US is going to have to live with North Korea as a nuclear weapons state. China's object in the meantime is to convince the US and the wider international community that it is doing whatever it can to prevent that. The Chinese military also believe that a North Korean nuclear capability is a nine-out-of-10 problem for America, and a one-out-of-10 problem for China.
Motorists heading up Nepean Highway the morning after the 1966 VFL Grand Final were astonished to see that the big statue of the infamous Tommy Bent was now adorned with a St Kilda guernsey.

With a one-point win, Bent's southern suburbs had finally risen up and snatched the premiership from Collingwood.

The master of any occasion: Ralph Sierakowski

Playing in the back pocket that sunny afternoon was Brian Sierakowski, son of Ralph, whose pub, the Brighton Club, was situated on the other side of the Highway (now the local Dan Murphy's).

Years would pass before Ralph was fingered as the culprit, yet it was obvious in hindsight: he was the master of any occasion, a man genuinely in love with life, the paterfamilias of a large family, and the embodiment of the newly prosperous Catholics who helped change Australia after the Second World War.
Before Territory voters dumped her, Griggs had served on Parliament's external territories and immigration detention network committees, posts the government apparently thought prepared her admirably for her new job.

Monday's appointment of former Northern Territory MP NatashaGriggs as administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands  a position that pays $293,000 a year  was but the latest example of Turnbull government largesse. The salary is nearly $100,000 more a year than Griggs received as a backbencher.

The Turnbull government has blithely appointed 11 former Liberal MPs to high-paid government jobs in the past year, among them nine of the 15 who lost seats at the 2016 election.

If federal politicians want to know why there is a degree of cynicism about their competency and sense of propriety, then the hypocrisy in cutting funds to programs while handing out well-remunerated "jobs for the boys/girls" provides a ready reckoner to political vanity and stupidity.

Among the other travellers on what has become a very long and very lush gravy train are Matt Williams, Brett Whiteley,Karen McNamara and Peter Hendy, who have all taken up advisor roles with sitting MPs. Jamie Briggs, noted for quitting the Turnbull cabinet after an "incident" involving an Australian public servant in a Hong Kong bar in 2015, was made a non-executive director of Moorebank Intermodal, a government enterprise focused on freight.

The government also tossed well-paid diplomatic jobs to two Liberals who retired ahead of the election: Philip Ruddock was made Special Envoy for Human Rights and Sharman Stone was made Ambassador for Women and Girls.

The general public presumption is that MPs are masters and mistresses at over-indulging themselves. The way, for instance, they flee Australia during the winter recess of Parliament like tourists seeking a warm holiday overseas  rather than dedicated legislators  provide some evidence that they can usually find a good reason to pamper themselves. And there are unlimited business class airfares for themselves and limited business class airfares for partners and children, life gold passes for some, and the inflated superannuation payouts to cushion the hurt when the voters turn against them or when they opt for retirement. But they are not entitled to access to the public purse after politics.

Patronage systems in the public service are universally reviled as undemocratic and corrupt. There long have been calls for merit-based appointments yet those in power have consistently resisted such reforms because they are seen to offer political executives flexibility to achieve a wide variety of objectives free from the hinderance of outsiders.

In the past, conservative parties were always able to make political mileage out of jobs-for-the-boys/girls controversies because their own appointments were rarely openly political. A conservative party merely had to choose an establishment figure for a job and know that he or she was conservative. The ALP, on the other hand, had to be crude in its selections. The ALP's exercise of patronage, necessitated by the factions ruthless way of dividing up the spoils among the cadres, created a new establishment that was Labor-oriented.
If federal politicians want to know why there is cynicism about their competency and sense of propriety, then the hypocrisy in cutting funds to programs while handing out well-remunerated "jobs for the boys/girls" provides a ready reckoner to political vanity and stupidity. The Turnbull government has blithely appointed 11 former Liberal MPs to high-paid government jobs in the past year, among them nine of the 15 who lost seats at the 2016 election.

Monday's appointment of former Northern Territory MP Natasha Griggs as administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands  a position that pays $293,000 a year  was but the latest example of Turnbull government largesse. Ms Griggs had served on Parliament's external territories and immigration detention network committees, posts the government apparently thought prepared her admirably for her new job.

The gravy train is long. Credit:Rob Homer

Among other travellers on what has become a very long and lush gravy train are Matt Williams, Brett Whiteley,Karen McNamara and Peter Hendy, who have all taken up adviser roles with sitting MPs. Jamie Briggs, noted for quitting cabinet after an "incident" involving an Australian public servant in a Hong Kong bar in 2015, was made a non-executive director of Moorebank Intermodal, a government enterprise focused on freight. The government also tossed diplomatic jobs to two Liberals who retired before the election: Philip Ruddock was made special envoy for human rights and Sharman Stone ambassador for women and girls.

The general public presumption is that MPs are expert at over-indulging themselves. There are unlimited business-class airfares for them, life gold passes for some, and inflated superannuation payouts to cushion the hurt when voters turn against them or when they opt for retirement. But they are not entitled to access the public purse after politics.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's controversial crackdown on Australian citizenship appears doomed, with the crucial Nick Xenophon Team declaring it won't support the plan as it stands.

The proposal, which passed the lower house, would introduce a four-year waiting period for permanent residents, tough English language requirements and a test on Australian "values".

But the changes are set to be blocked in the Senate by Labor, the Greens and now the NXT, which confirmed its position to Fairfax Media on Tuesday.

"We will not be supporting the bill's passage through the Parliament," NXT senator Stirling Griff said. Mr Dutton's plan was "an attempt to fix problems that don't exist", he said.
The Turnbull government's same-sex marriage postal vote hangs in the balance, with the High Court told that the government does not have the authority to spend $122 million of taxpayer funds on the survey.

In a move that could stop ballots from being issued next week  and reignite pressure on the Prime Minister to grant a parliamentary conscience vote on marriage equality  critics of the postal survey have begun a legal challenge questioning its lawfulness.

"This postal plebiscite is completely unnecessary; it's costly, divisive, and already causing harm to our community," Human Rights Law Centre director Anna Brown said before the Melbourne hearings on Tuesday morning.

The legal challenge was brought by two separate groups. The first includes independent MP Andrew Wilkie; Shelley Argent from Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; and Victorian mother-of-three Felicity Marlowe. The second includes Australian Marriage Equality and Greens senator Janet Rice.
Australia's energy grid remains messy, ad hoc, stridently politicised, and subject to an uncertain outlook.

The Turnbull government wants to address this, both for policy reasons, and for reasons more nakedly political.

Its Finkel Review proposed a clean energy target to begin in 2020-21, but the details of that are still to be hammered out with party room recalcitrants. It is part of the answer.

But so too are other mechanisms designed to provide greater stability of supply and price  including an equally ill-defined "strategic reserve" mechanism proposed by the Australian Energy Market Operator  essentially off-market extra generation capacity via diesel and gas to be accessed in extremis to forestall blackouts and limit wholesale scarcity pricing.
Some love stories transcend social norms and expectations, and this is one of them.

By Shivani Chhabra: If we had to talk about an ideal fairy tale romance then it would be this Japanese story of a princess and a commoner that has reinstated our faith in love.

In the 21st century, where love has been reduced to only a bookish concept or a mere release of dopamine in our bodies, this Japanese couple has turned out to be the epitome of love. While most fairy tales have princes, this one is about a Japanese princess giving up her royal status to marry the love of her life, a commoner, and this story isn't fictional.

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Also Read: Kate Middleton is pregnant for the third time, and the Royals are overjoyed

The princess of Japan, Mako, the eldest grandchild of Emperor Akihito, fell in love with her classmate, Kei Komuro at Tokya International Christian University, and they started dating in December, 2013.

Recently during a press conference, the princess announced her engagement to the 25-year-old, who is currently working at a law firm, and declared that she'll be giving up her royal status to do so.

Photo: Reuters

According to the Japanese law, the female members of the Royal family have to renounce their status if they wish to marry a commoner, and Princess Mako is willing to do so.

The much-in love princess was also quoted saying, "I was first attracted to his bright smiles that seemed like the sun. It would be nice to have a warm and comfortable household with Mr. Komuro, so that we can make a family full of smiles."

Photo: Reuters

While most of us spend our lives chasing fame and wealth, Princess Mako has set an example by valuing love over materialistic possessions.

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Dick Smith is launching an advertising campaign against ABC TV news and current affairs, which he says has warped the debate he has tried to spur over Australian population growth.

He claims both Labor and Liberal politicians have told him they agree that Australia needs to cut its immigration intake to avoid future social and environmental fracturing, but they say they cannot say so publicly because the ABC will label them racist.

"This is warping our democratic process, it is basically treasonous," the businessman and publisher told Fairfax Media.

He claims ABC television's news and current affairs has deliberately ignored his campaign over the issue. In recent weeks Mr Smith has spent $1 million in advertising promoting his campaign to have Australia adopt a policy that would slash immigration numbers to around 70,000 - around the levels of the Hawke and Keating era - in order to see population level off at around 30,000,000.
Han Lim Chin thought his restaurateur wife was having an affair with her fitness instructor because she gave him some abalone soup and drove him home.

After months of tension, Mr Chin and his wife Qian Liu wanted to put their marital problems behind them and start 2016 afresh.

Qian Liu has pleaded not guilty to murdering her husband. Credit:Daniel Munoz

But two days into the new year, Mr Chin delivered a dish to the wrong table at his wife's Chinese restaurant in Auburn.

"That led to Qian Liu remonstrating him. He took offence to this and it appears this was somewhat of a catalyst for marital problems to come to the fore again," Crown prosecutor Brad Hughes, SC, told a NSW Supreme Court jury on Tuesday.
Brenden Bennetts lied to police about his contact with Gatton schoolgirl Jayde Kendall then changed his story when confronted with evidence, his Brisbane murder trial has heard.

Jayde was last seen alive getting into Bennetts' distinctive red Toyota Corolla after school on August 14, 2015.

Jayde Kendall was killed in 2015.

The 16-year-old was found dead 13 days later covered in grass on the outskirts of town.

Bennetts has admitted to killing the teenager and interfering with her corpse but denied he intended to cause her death.
Warning: Graphic image

A severed pig's head was left outside a Logan mosque, but the community responded by inviting those responsible over for a meal.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Queensland's Zain Baig said the pig's head, left outside the Stockleigh mosque gate on Monday afternoon, was a "disturbing sight".

On Monday afternoon a pig's head has been left outside mosque in Stockleigh, about 40km south of the Brisbane CBD.

"Even though an investigation is ongoing, we earnestly encourage the person(s) who may have left the animal's head at the mosque to contact us and get to know the mosque community," he said.
Queensland's Labor government appears to have written off any chance of getting federal funding for Cross River Rail, announcing it was pulling out of the funding agreement for the project.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad announced on Tuesday she was "drawing a line in the sand" on the issue.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad believes the decision was related to the state's refusal to sell assets.

Ms Trad said comments from federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, in which he appeared to suggest Queensland had missed out on Cross River Rail funding because it wouldn't consider asset sales, prompted the move.

"Comments last week by Mr Fletcher made it clear the only way the LNP will get on board with Cross River Rail is if we sell our assets," Ms Trad said on Tuesday.
Far right protesters opposed to Yarra Council's decision to ban Australia Day have stormed a council meeting.

Nine protesters from the Party for Freedom group, armed with megaphones and clutching signs reading "Love it, or leave it", gathered out the front of the Richmond Town Hall just after 7pm on Tuesday to rally against the controversial decision.

Neil Erikson, who had been convicted in court earlier in the day for his role in staging a mock beheading to protest a Bendigo mosque, was among the protesters who stormed the council chamber holding a megaphone.

Hours after being found guilty and fined in court, Erikson led protesters into the council chamber, Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly said.
JD(U) has termed the recent activities of the rebel leader as anti party. Sharad Yadav had opposed party national president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to snap ties with Lalu Yadav's RJD and ally with BJP.

By Anand Patel: A delegation led by RCP Singh, the new leader of Janata Dal United in the parliament and party's General Secretary Sanjay Jha today met the Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman Venkaiah Naidu and submitted a memorandum demanding termination of membership of rebel leader Sharad Yadav's.

JD(U) has termed the recent activities of the rebel leader as anti party. Sharad Yadav had opposed party national president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to snap ties with Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and ally with Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Nitish Kumar had accused Lalu son and Dy CM Tejaswi Yadav of failing to come clean on corruption charges leveled against him by central agencies.

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The letter from party's national president Nitish Kumar was handed over the Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman has urged him to disqualify from the membership of the house on the grounds of anti party activity.

JD(U) has alleged that Sharad Yadav has been openly expressed views contrary to party line and had participated in the meetings organised by political opponents where JD(U) leadership was criticized. The party has also submitted a report on the anti party activity of the rebel leader.

Earlier, JD(U) had removed Sharad Yadav as leader of the party in the parliament. It had also suspended its Rajya Sabha MP Ali Anwar and close aide of Sharad Yadav from party. The action came just days after Sharad Yadav had aired his views against the alliance with BJP in Bihar. Sharad Yadav had participated in the rally organised by Lalu Yadav's RJD in Patna late last month. JD(U) leadership took strong exception to it and called it anti party activity. Before this, Sharad Yadav and his supporters had hosted a parallel meeting on the day JD(U)'s national executive committee met in Patna to stamp its approval on the new ally.

Anticipating the move, the Sharad Yadav faction has already moved a petition before the Election Commission of India. In his petition Sharad Yadav has claimed to be real JD(U) and staked claim over the party symbol. The matter is yet to be decided by the ECI, while all party MLAs in Bihar and seven out of nine Member of Parliaments have openly supported Nitish led faction in the recent times leading to a bitter rivalry between the two sides.

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Once a week, the staff at my son's early learning centre load up an old shopping trolley with a camping toilet, cheese sandwiches, a first aid kit, loo roll and sunscreen.

Rain or shine, they trundle along through suburban streets. Behind them are a flock of four-year-olds in raincoats, who hold hands, tell fart jokes and practise their superhero moves at the traffic lights.

There's a lot more to working in childcare than wiping noses. Credit:Gabriele Charotte

Their destination is a hidden oasis, where a sprawling oak tree and an urban creek form the backdrop to an invigorating morning of "bush kinder".

This weekly expedition is a logistical feat, and a shining example of quality early education.
Almost 11kg of methamphetamine has been seized by police in South Australia after a tip off from WA Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

The drugs were seized on Saturday in a car which was bound for Ceduna in South Australia on the weekend, South Australian police said.

11kg of meth was seized before it could hit the streets. Credit:SA Police

About 5.30pm, a police patrol "acting on information" received from WA Police and ACIC stopped and searched a car in Nundroo, about 325 kilometres east of the WA border.

The search unearthed almost 11kg of methamphetamine worth up to $11 million on the streets.
Transperth has announced a major shutdown to its Midland line which will affect eastern-suburb commuters and those planning to catch the train to the Perth Royal Show in its opening days.

The line closure will take place from September 21 to 25 to facilitate upgrades to East Perth Station.

The Midland line shutdown is expected to impact families headed to the Perth Royal Show. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Carnival-goers planning to head to the Perth Royal Show for the first three days of the annual event will be offered free public transport to catch replacement train buses.

Parking at the Claremont Showgrounds venue will be limited.
An experienced Perth beautician is urging customers to "do their research" before choosing their salon after a client walked into her business with missing lashes and an infection following a botched eyelash extension job.

Emmaculate Beauty owner Emma Dhanjal said there was little she could do to save her potential client's lashes, after she worked out the extent of the existing damage.

The woman was left with no lashes. Credit:Facebook/Emmaculate Beauty.

"I could not lash her because she has been left with no lashes... her natural lashes are so damaged from the place she has been having [them] done, they were falling out when I touched them with the tweezers," she said.

"As well as inflamed eyelids and needing to see her doctor for infection, her lashes may never be the same again."
Washington: New York and Washington states have vowed to sue US President Donald Trump if he scraps a program shielding from deportation immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children.

The Trump administration is expected to announce on Tuesday, US time, that he will end the so-called Dreamers program but give the US Congress six months to craft legislation to replace it, according to sources familiar with the situation.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions will announce plans for ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program on Tuesday morning, but will not take questions, the Justice Department said.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in a joint statement with the state's Attorney-General Eric Schneiderman, said, "The President's action would upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people who have only ever called America their home."
Delhi: Waiting in the corridor for the hearing of his extradition case, runaway Indian driver Puneet Puneet sat in a wheelchair with his face covered by a surgical mask, his uncle claiming he is suffering from schizophrenia.

"He is in bad shape," his uncle, Happy Malhotra, said of Puneet.

"Not only does he have liver problems, but the doctor has diagnosed his mental illness as schizophrenia."

Puneet refused to speak. Slumped in his wheelchair, coughing occasionally, his eyes looked glazed and he rolled his head slightly.
Beijing: North Korea has conducted all of its underground nuclear tests beneath one mountain, Chinese scientists believe, prompting one to express concern the mountain may collapse, causing an environmental disaster.

"We call it taking the roof off," the China Institute of Atomic Energy's Wang Naiyan told the South China Morning Post.

"If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things."

Chinese media reaction to the sixth nuclear test has been muted, social media comments censored, and the focus placed on the Chinese government's efforts to ensure the safety of its population through environmental monitoring for radiation leaks. China says no leaks have been found.
Taipei: Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani Nobel Peace laureate, has added her voice argainst the Myanmar army's brutal crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority and the failure of Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's civilian de facto leader, to stop it.

Nearly 90,000 Rohingya have poured into Bangladesh from Myanmar over the past 10 days after a military operation in western Rakhine state, which has led to security forces standing accused of widespread arson and indiscriminate killing of civilians, including beheading and drowning children.

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai during a visit to school in Maiduguri, Nigeria, in July. Credit:AP

While the official death toll is 400, human rights activists claim there are at least 1000 casualties among the Rohingya people - described by some as the world's most persecuted minority.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the formerly feted political prisoner of Myanmar's junta, and a Nobel Peace laureate herself, has come under increasing criticism over her perceived reluctance to condemn the military's harsh treatment of Rohingya civilians.
Xiamen: Russian President Vladimir Putin said he's still hopeful of improving relations with the US under President Donald Trump, and won't hit back for now against Washington's order to close Russia's consulate in San Francisco.

It's "very naive" to ask whether he's disappointed in the US leader because "he's not my bride, and I'm also not his bride or groom," Putin told a news conference at the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China, on Tuesday.

"Trump is guided by the national interests of his country, and I by mine. I very much hope that we will be able, as the current US president has said, to reach some compromise in resolving bilateral and international problems."

Putin said he won't respond "for the time being" to the closing of the consulate, though he noted that 155 of 455 Russian diplomats working in the US were actually assigned to duties at the United Nations. While the Kremlin had ordered the US to cut its embassy staff numbers to 455 to achieve parity, it "reserves the right" to demand further reductions, he said.
Sunil Grover, who is recovering from dengue, recently took to Twitter to share a message with his fans.

By India Today Web Desk: Comedy king Sunil Grover, who is known for his popular characters Dr Mashoor Gulati and Rinku Bhabhi, was recently hospitalised for dengue. The artist has been recovering steadily from the disease, and will soon be seen back in action, according to reports.

Sunil recently took to social media site Twitter to thank his fans for their love and support. He wrote, "My health is improving. Thanks for your wishes and love. And yes, Beware of mosquitoes. Keep surroundings clean for you and your family."

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Check out the post:

My health is improving. Thanks for your wishes and love. And yes, Beware of mosquitoes. Keep surroundings clean for you and your family. ???- Sunil Grover (@WhoSunilGrover) September 4, 2017

The fans had been sharing sweet get-well-soon messages on his social media accounts, which the actor-comedian had been reading while recuperating.

Meanwhile, Kapil too has decided to take a break from TKSS owing to health issues. Kapil recently confirmed that the show is going for a season break, and he will be back soon with better content.

While fans are still wondering if the two comedians will work together again, Kapil had given a statement a while ago that his doors will always be open for Sunil. When probed about the same, Sunil said, "Currently, I am focusing on increasing my platelets."

Also read: Comedian Sunil Grover aka Mashoor Gulati hospitalised

Also read: Here's what Sunil Grover has to say about Kapil Sharma's upcoming movie Firangi

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Just a day before kickstarting the shooting of his next film Kedarnath, filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor shared the first look poster of his much-talked-about film. Ever since Kapoor announced his new project, there has been a lot of buzz around the film which stars Sara Ali Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput.

And the first look poster is quite intriguing. From Lord Shiva or his trishul to the mountains to the temple of Kedarnath, the poster has piqued our curiosity. If this wasn't enough, it also shows a silhouette of man kissing the forehead of a woman, and the tag line reads, "Love is a pilgrimage".

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Kapoor took to Twitter to share the first look poster a day ahead of the shooting. He wrote, "Nite b4 the 1st day of shoot is always a long 1. b4 i hit the sack,heres the 1st look of r latst obsession #kedarnathfirstlook (sic)."

Nite b4 the 1st day of shoot is alwys a long 1. b4 i hit the sack,heres the 1st look of r latst obsession #kedarnathfirstlook pic.twitter.com/lVgkkHyOJD- Abhishek Kapoor (@Abhishekapoor) September 4, 2017

Touted to be a love story, Kedarnath is set against the backdrop of a pilgrimage. If Sushant will essay the role of a pithoo, Sara will be seen in the role of a rich tourist.

Kapoor in an interview to Bombay Times had said, "Kedarnath is a love story that unfolds during the course of a pilgrimage. It's important for me to look within and soak in the vast beauty of our country, culture and stories. India is a treasure trove of spiritual experiences that I want to present to the audience. This is a story that the world would love to watch."

The film is set to hit the screens in June 2018.

ALSO READ: Sushant-Sara leave for Dehradun, shooting to begin in first week of September

ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan's debut film opposite Sushant Singh Rajput to release next year

ALSO WATCH | Sushant Singh Rajput on MS Dhoni, what he hates about him and his break-up

--- ENDS ---
Before approaching the link between taxiway and apron, the aircraft took a turn leaving the rear wheels in a drain duct.

By P S Gopikrishnan Unnithan: A Kochi bound Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi which landed at 2.40 am skidded off the taxiway while approaching the apron. All 102 passengers on board were safely evacuated from the aircraft.

According to CIAL PRO, Air India Express flight (IX 452) from Abu Dhabi to Kochi touched down at 2.39 am. After landing the aircraft was heading towards the apron area through the taxiway. However, before approaching the link between taxiway and apron, the aircraft took a turn leaving the rear wheels in a drain duct.

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According to sources, both engine turbines have been damaged.

Immediately after the incident, ground handling staff evacuated all passengers safely with the help of a ladder. Since the incident took place away from the runway, other services were not affected.

Since the luggage carrier was damaged passengers left without their check in baggage. Air India Express authorities have assured passengers that the luggage will be delivered to their respective addresses at the earliest.

The aircraft is still at the accident site and will be recovered after and inspection Air India Express safety officials who will reach Kochi in the afternoon. The Director General of Civil Aviation has initiated a probe into the incident.

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This year marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center.

The library and museum opened its "20th Anniversary of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center" exhibit on Friday. Please visit www.bush41.org for details on the exhibit and other 20th anniversary celebration events.

The Bush School of Government and Public Service will host several events this fall that are open to the public. Additional information about each event and how to register to attend can be found on the websites included with each event listing.

On Tuesday, a panel of experts will discuss "The Future of Iraq: Stability, US Role and the Defeat of ISIS." Panel participants will include former Bush School Dean and career ambassador Ryan Crocker; Lukman Faily, the Iraqi ambassador to the United States; and Trudy Rubin, foreign affairs columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, who has special expertise on the Middle East, international terrorism and U.S. foreign policy. The program is sponsored by the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs, the Department of International Affairs at the Bush School and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation. A reception at 4:30 p.m. will precede the program, which begins at 6 p.m. Both events will be in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. bush.tamu.edu/scowcroft/events/future-of-iraq/

"What's Next for National Security?" will be the topic of the Bush Foundation's Distinguished Lecture Series by Wells Fargo on Oct. 10. Bush School Dean Mark Welsh will moderate a panel including Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and president pro tempore of the Senate; Tom Ridge, 43rd governor of Pennsylvania and the first secretary of Homeland Security; and Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah.

The program, hosted by the Bush School's Mosbacher Institute and Scowcroft Institute, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. bush.tamu.edu/national_security

Pandemic Preparedness and Global Health Innovation Forum will be from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. Open to the public, the forum is sponsored by the Bush School's Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. Individuals from the private sector, government and NGOs will join with faculty, administrators, and students from the Texas A&M community to discuss the need for multi-sector collaboration in preparing for and responding to pandemics. Additional information on the forum and the registration form can be found at bush.tamu.edu/scowcroft/events/pandemic2017/
The American Civil Liberties Union has been much scrutinized since its decision to represent white supremacists in their quest to march in Charlottesville, Virginia. Board members have resigned and allies have declared that the ACLU, at long last, has gone too far. In the aftermath, the ACLU of California issued an equivocal statement, endorsed by the national ACLU, clarifying that the First Amendment does not protect people who incite or engage in violence but reiterating the organizations complete support for freedom of speech and expression.

Commentators rightly have observed that the ACLU has defended far-right speech since its founding, despite fierce criticism. But there is a common and mistaken premise in this analysis. It assumes that the organization always has believed, as it does today, that freedom of expression is an end in itself. In reality, the early ACLU viewed free speech as a tool of social justice, suited to particular purposes under particular conditions.

To correct the prevailing misconception, we need to look back to the 1930s, when economic desperation was fueling a battle between reactionary impulses and radical aspirations, and Nazis first appeared on American streets. Even as American fascists appealed to anti-Semitism and white privilege, the ACLU fought for their right to hold rallies. Although it did not oppose regulations against armed marches, it insisted that the right to parade, even in brown shirts with swastikas, should never be denied.

Why did the ACLU defend Nazis when they were terrorizing Germany and their virulence was painfully apparent? As the organization acknowledged in its pamphlet on Nazi speech, it was a practical tactic as much as an abstract principle.

A core contingent of the ACLU leadership hoped that an expansive interpretation of the First Amendment could pave the way to fundamental economic change, above all through the movement to organize Americas workers. The organizations founders described themselves as partisans of labor. And they understood that the courts, which historically were hostile to unions, were disinclined to distinguish between the intimidation posed by Nazis marching in uniform and the intimidation posed by workers on a picket line.

Defending radical tactics exposed the ACLU to charges that it was just as subversive as the agitators it represented. Defending Nazi speech furnished a compelling response. When one government lawyer sought to deflect a labor picketing challenge by accusing ACLU general counsel Arthur Garfield Hays of fronting for Communists, the judge pointed out that Hays, who was Jewish, previously had represented a Nazi group. Certainly you cannot accuse Mr. Hays of being a Nazi, he reflected.

To convince the courts that the First Amendment encompassed all speech short of inciting violence, the ACLU articulated the now-conventional justifications for free speech. It argued that the best way to fend off totalitarianism was to preserve American freedoms. It emphasized the difficulties of line-drawing and the ease with which restrictive laws, once passed, were used to silence progressive groups as well. It reasoned that propaganda arousing religious or race hatred was best defused through counter-propaganda and protest.

Yet the ACLUs defense of Nazi speech in the 1930s never was untethered from the exigencies of its historical moment. In the words of co-founder Roger Baldwin, it was the only sound position to get the results you want  at least in this country and at this particular period.

The ACLU weighed the transformative power of workers strikes and protests against the possibility that America would succumb to fascism. The upsurge of progressivism that swept President Franklin D. Roosevelt into office made the former a reasonable bet.

For a time, it seemed the gamble might pay off. The Supreme Court held that labor picketing was within the ambit of the First Amendment. As union strength grew, however, it permitted the government to curtail picketing and boycotts after all.

Almost a century later, is a dogged commitment to free speech still the best strategy for an organization that is avowedly pursuing the advancement of civil rights and social justice?

That question once again requires evaluation of conditions on the ground.

The balances have shifted dramatically since the 1930s. In recent years, nearly half of First Amendment victories have gone to corporations and trade groups challenging government regulation. Free speech has served to secure the political influence of wealthy donors. Labors strength has plummeted, and the Supreme Court is poised to recognize a First Amendment right of public sector employees to refuse to contribute to union expenses. Long-settled principles of American democracy newly are vulnerable, and hate has found fertile terrain.

Todays First Amendment has plenty of eager defenders. As the ACLU reassesses its agenda, it should consider a warning issued by a disaffected board member when, on the brink of World War II, the organization assumed its current neutral posture. Speech and the other civil liberties are meaningful only to men who dare to use them, he insisted  and before daring come bread and water, come roots in the community, comes respite from fear.

Laura Weinrib is professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School. She is author of The Taming of Free Speech: Americas Civil Liberties Compromise. She wrote this for the Los Angeles Times.
Lost amid all the news chaos of the past week was a remarkable statement by John Danforth, an admired former Republican senator, calling on his party to separate from President Donald Trump.

We Republicans must disassociate ourselves from Trump by expressing our opposition to his divisive tactics and by clearly and strongly insisting that he does not represent what it means to be a Republican, he declared in a column, calling Trump the most divisive person in national politics since George Wallace. Danforth, a three-term mainstream GOP lawmaker from Missouri, is also an Episcopal priest who officiated at Ronald Reagans funeral.

For the oft-asked question  When will Republicans stand up to this disconnected president?  he has laid down the marker, and scores of congressional Republicans privately empathize with him.

Yet, except for a few such as Arizona Sens. Jeff Flake and John McCain, they are unwilling to break with Trump other than by offering selective criticism, often with the false hope hell change. This comes from a mixture of fear, given Trumps support with the narrowing base, and calculation that some of the conservative agenda may be enacted.

Many conservative columnists, such as Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner, have been unsparing in their articulate denunciations. Trump just lumps them in with his fake-news charges.

The danger to the Republican Party, as forcefully noted by Danforth, is not ideological. Its the presidents politics of anger, hate and exclusion that poses long-term peril.

To appreciate why most Republicans still are unwilling to challenge Trump  despite their distaste for him and suspicion that the Russian probe is for real  consider these blocs:

 The Bush network  Both former Presidents Bush have been appropriately quiet, though there are reports of their disdain. But how about the rest of their teams?

Start with Dick Cheney. A staunch conservative, he charges that the Russians may have committed an act of war by interfering in the 2016 election, even as the president tries to suppress evidence that they did. The former vice president also declared that a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. goes against everything we stand for and that Trumps inaugural address was not a speech I would have given. And in contrast to Trump, there has never been a whiff of racial prejudice with Cheney.

What he really cares about is national security. As someone at the highest levels of three administrations, Dick Cheney must stay awake at night worrying how Trump will respond to the first genuine crisis, which is inevitable. But breaking with the president would alienate some movement conservatives.

Itd be nice, too, if former Secretaries of State Jim Baker and Condoleezza Rice abandoned their customary caution. Dont hold your breath.

 Former office holders  Republicans who no longer face electoral risk should be joining Danforth. I would have expected to hear more from Judd Gregg, a high-caliber former New Hampshire senator and governor, for example.

Sorry. Gregg has expressed worries about Trumps tweets and whether the president would make the transition to governing (in order to enact tax cuts for the wealthy). But the former senator also has accused the mainstream media of being unfair to Trump, praised his uniquely strong cabinet, and said the president has a penchant to grow. All nonsense.

 The religious right  A few evangelicals have deserted the president, but most of the politically connected are clinging to their access. Trumps favorite venue after his country clubs may be Liberty University, whose leader, Jerry Falwell Jr., defended Trumps failure to single out white nationalists after Charlottesville, claiming the president had inside information.

But even Falwell is outdone by longtime Christian right operative Ralph Reed, a charming rascal and strong Trumpite. In answering a query, Reed recited his own record of supporting civil rights and minorities, and tried to play down Trumps Charlottesville comments by saying they were made in the heat of a back and forth with the press. Reed claims Trump consistently has condemned bigotry and supported equal rights, and campaigned in more black churches than any Republican presidential candidate other than George W. Bush and perhaps Jack Kemp.

The truth: Trumps first failure to distinguish between white nationalist racists and other protesters was in his own statement, no questions asked, not at an emotionally charged exchange with the press. Rather than acting as a racial healer, Trump sowed discord in New York City in his real-estate career; led the birther movement, claiming falsely that Barack Obama wasnt born in this country; called an American judge unfit because his parents were born in Mexico, and leveled many slurs against Muslims. Trump campaigned for the first time in a black church in September 2016, and then at two other contrived events. At one of them, the pastor chastised his comments as inappropriate. By contrast, Jack Kemp, in his campaigns in 1988 or 1996, might go to black churches three times in a week.

 Congressional leaders  Ive largely given House Speaker Paul Ryan a pass for only selectively criticizing Trump outrages; he leads a Republican caucus, and he genuinely wants to enact a conservative agenda, especially major tax cuts.

That rationale is dead. Arguably, if Ryan pushed a tax-reform measure like the one Republicans succeeded in enacting in 1986, it would be a legacy achievement. But the best the speaker can get is something like the 2001 tax cut, which may do more harm than good. Who was the speaker 16 years ago?

Ryans position was captured by his longtime friend, Wisconsin talk-show host Charlie Sykes, who laments the speakers Faustian bargain. In a description that could apply to other Republicans as well, Sykes said: I keep thinking about that scene from A Man for All Seasons, where Thomas More says, What profit a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul, but for Wales? And I keep thinking, But for tax cuts, Paul?

Albert R. Hunt is a Bloomberg View columnist. He was the executive editor of Bloomberg News, before which he was a reporter, bureau chief and executive Washington editor at the Wall Street Journal. email him at ahunt1@bloomberg.net.
The cause of the building collapse is yet to be known. Relief and rescue work is on.

By India Today Web Desk: A 94-year-old man was killed and three others were injured when a building collapsed in Kolkata's Burrabazar area.

The injured have been rushed to a hospital nearby.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) workers are at the site assisting in the relief and rescue work. The cause of the building collapse is yet to be known.

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The incident comes less than a week after a century old building came down crashing in Mumbai's Bhendi Bazar area killing over 30 people.

The dilapidated Husaini Building, said to be about 117-year-old, was home to 9 families. Located in the Muslim-dominated Pakmodia Street, the heritage structure was declared unsafe for living about 6-7 years ago.

More details are awaited.

ALSO READ:

Century-old building collapses in Mumbai's Bhendi Bazaar, 24 dead. Did rains made it weak?

Mumbai building collapse: Death toll rises to 33

--- ENDS ---
Around eight mid-size companies in Delhi have become the victims of Locky ransomware. Police officials claim to have received complaints from corporate firms, including a leading publishing house.

By Shashank Shekhar: Despite the government issuing an alert against fresh wave of the widespread malware Locky ransomware, over half-a-dozen corporates have approached the Delhi Police, claiming that their computer systems have been locked and that an unidentified hacker is demanding ransom to unlock it.

Around eight mid-size companies in Delhi have become the victims of Locky ransomware. Police officials claim to have received complaints from corporate firms, including a leading publishing house.

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Although these companies have asked for a probe in the matter, experts say criminals in such international cases are beyond the police radar as they operate from geographical boundaries that are not in reach.

Cyber experts have already declared 'Locky' as one of the largest malware campaigns of 2017. This year saw a sudden influx of ransomware, starting with WannaCry in May and followed by Mamba, Petya and Locky.

RS 2 LAKH RANSOM

MAIL TODAY got in touch with the spokesperson of a company hit by ransomware who disclosed that around 40 computers in their premises have been locked by the hacker.

The official revealed that all of company's data has been locked and according to their IT department, the network was infected after an infected mail was opened by an employee. The attackers are now demanding a ransom between .5 to 1 Bitcoin which amounts to over Rs 2 lakh.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has also issued an alert for 'Locky'. It has advised users to take caution while opening emails and to avoid those with suspicious file attachments.

Organisations are also being asked to use anti-spam solutions on their systems and update their spam block lists. In addition to this, the basic practices of installing certified anti-virus software on systems and updating them regularly is also advised.

"This is the third such large-scale coordinated ransomware that we are facing. Earlier this year, Wannacry and NotPetya wreaked havoc across the world and India was among the worst affected country. Critical infrastructure, corporate and institutions should put in place latest security measures and fire walls to avert such situation. Indian has always been top on the radar of cyber criminals so the country needs to prepare for more such attacks," said cyber crime expert, Kislay Choudhary, of the Indian Cyber Army.

HOW LOCKY WORKS

Locky is being sent via spam emails with vague subject lines like 'please print', 'documents', 'images', 'pictures', 'photos' and 'scans'. Users are likely to be more vulnerable to fall for such hooks.

Some emails are also coming in the form of 'Dropbox verification' mails. Inside the email is a zip attachment file which hides the malware in the form of a Visual Basic Script (VBS).

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Once the victim clicks on it, the script downloads the latest version of the Locky ransomware, named Lukitus and encrypts all the files in the system as well as the server.

The scrambled data is appended to the extension, [dot]luktius. This isn't the first time Locky has reared its head in the cyberspace.

In 2016, it was behind one of the largest orchestrated malware campaigns across the world. The ransomware has allegedly been sent over 23 million emails in just 24 hours on August 28 in the United States alone. The one in circulation is a new variant of the Locky malware for which there are no free decryptors available unfortunately.

ALSO READ

What is Locky ransomware? How does it work?

Government issues alert on Locky ransomware spreading through email; 2.3 lakh mails reported

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Liz O. Baylen / TNS

With the state on track to hit a thousand drug overdose deaths by the end of the year  and with most of those expected to be linked to some opioid drug  many people are likely look for a way to treat their substance abuse issues before they get out of hand. However, as the Connecticut Better Business Bureau warns, wherever theres a need, theres likely a con artist looking to take advance of it.

The BBB is cautioning consumers about home-based detoxification products that claim to make addiction recovery fast and easy.The Federal Trade Commission has won a court order barring Caitlin Enterprises from selling Withdrawal Ease: and Recovery Ease. The regulator says Caitlin Enterprises made claims about its products that were false and unsupported by scientific evidence.
With September upon us, take a look back at the summer that was.
CAIRO  When Jason Combs was hired five years ago to appraise items at the Junk Jaunt in Cairo, he didnt know he was about to unbox an adventure.

And a new book.

Combs, a professor of historical geography at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has many years of experience in appraising antiques. So he knows a remarkable find when he sees it.

A gentleman approached him that day, seeking an evaluation on a box of old glass negatives.

I thought, Oh, wow, when I saw what I was looking at, Combs said.

What he was looking at was a collection of some 1,200 images taken by Henry Balcom and his son-in-law, Ray Green, two Cairo farmers, from the 1890s through the 1920s.

And the man who brought the box was Ken Harders, a Hall County history enthusiast and area farmer. Through his association with the Cairo Roots Museum, where the images are housed, Harders was at the Junk Jaunt seeking an assessment for insurance purposes.

The images were taken mostly in and around Cairo, depicting farm life and the homesteaders and pioneers who worked the land. Some slides showed images of national landmarks and several metropolitan U.S. cities, but most of them portrayed life on the Great Plains more than a century ago  the animals, chores and equipment  and the people associated with it.

Through the shared interest, the men formed an instantaneous connection and, the friendship took off from there, Combs said.

Harders said Combs was instantly smitten with the images and called him later on to propose a collaboration.

I was so taken by this, Combs said. I couldnt quit looking at them. I wanted to bring them to life again.

Jason looked at it with a scholastic view and I brought a historians view, so it was a balanced effort to finally get it to this point, Harders said.

The slides themselves have a history as interesting as their content.

A man named Jay Beckenbach bought a wooden crate full of negatives from a South Sioux City junk store in 1972. He was so taken by his find, that he went back later to get the rest of the negatives  four more boxes. Papers found in the boxes named both Balcom and Green, as well as Cairo, Nebraska.

Several years later Beckenbach published an essay in a national magazine about his find, which caught the eye of a former Cairo resident living in Texas at the time. That person contacted Jo Riedy, a member of the Cairo Roots Historical Society, who promptly contacted Beckenbach.

Riedy invited Beckenbach to Cairo to discuss the photos, and also invited area residents and Balcom and Green descendants in an effort to identify the subjects and locations portrayed in the images.

Twenty years later, the connection with Beckenbach with lost. But through the Internet, Riedy was able to get Beckenbach to donate more than 1,000 glass negatives.

Harders catalogued and scanned approximately 1,200 images, purchasing a special scanner for the arduous task.

Soon, Combs and Harders took their slides to The Making of the Great Plains, an invitation-only symposium held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Combs presented during the event and said, the audience was wowed by them.

Book publishers soon came calling. The men worked with Morris Publishing in Kearney to give the images a second life  Pioneer Life on Glass: The Balcom-Green Collection was born.

During the times of Balcom and Green, photography was a novelty. Photographers would hang around an area for awhile, take staged portrait-type shots, then move on. Balcom and Green lived in the Cairo area, taking pictures of their neighbors and people they knew.

The home run for these guys, Combs said about Balcom and Green, is that they just showed up and took pictures at farmsteads. To me, thats the key fascination with the collection.

It wasnt quota photography, Harders said. They farmed, so they took photos of what interested them, like a kid with no shoes.

The books cover is a photo of three small children in a sod house, filthy and adorable. By the angle and the eye contact, it is clear the photographer engaged the children.

When he was 14, Harders great-grandfathers sister gave him a photo of his great-great-grandfather standing in front a barn with two of his sons. She was working on a family history project at the time, and knew Harders would appreciate the link to his familys past.

Years later, when Harders was scanning the Balcom-Green images, he came across that same image. The photographers had visited his own family.

Harders often thinks of the duo when he is driving around northwestern Hall County.

Its home to me, he said. I know where these places are. When you figure out where a photo was taken and then drive by it, it just grabs your imagination.

Harders said hes been touched more than once with a that photo was taken right there moment.

Combs and Harders are taken by the fact that so many people in the collection have been identified. Names are attached to most photos of cattle and sheep farmers, daily activities, butchering days, subjects of post-mortem photos.

Its rare to have a collection of this size, Combs said, and know who is in them.

Many of the images feature the locations and names in the bottom right-hand corner, scripted in Balcoms own hand.

Harders and Combs surmise that Balcom and Green, despite the technological advances that took place over the span of their photo-taking, stuck with dry plate photography simply because they had become so proficient at it.

Dry plate photography meant the photographer could take a photo, store it, and then take it later to a darkroom for exposure, much more convenient than wet collodion process, where the plate had to be prepared just before exposure and developed immediately after. Celluloid film came in the early 20th century, and still the men continued with dry plate exposure.

They had a darkroom in the house on the farm, Combs said. We think they just mastered that technology and stuck with it.

Combs and Harders appreciate the offering Balcom and Green made to historical preservation, even if the men didnt know that at the time.

I think they were documenting a story for us, Harders said. If you have any interest in how people lived one hundred plus years ago, its a priceless collection for historys sake.
Ten officials including a deputy director and three veterinary doctors were posted at the sanctuary two years back but there are no cows in it.

By Hemender Sharma: The first such cow sanctuary of the country in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, that was ready more than a year back, is still waiting for cows and a formal inauguration. Ten officials including a deputy director and three veterinary doctors were posted at the sanctuary two years back but there are no cows in it.

"We have a deputy director, three doctors and six assistant veterinary doctors here. It is now for the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the chairman of the cow protection board to decide when will the sanctuary be opened," Shashi Mohan, a veterinary doctor posted at the sanctuary, told India Today.

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A large number of stray cattle die in road accidents every year in the state and a sanctuary was the only solution. Hence, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in 2008 announced setting up of the first cow sanctuary to preserve cows that are not self sustaining. Union minister of state for Home Hansraj Gangaraj Ahir had proposed to the environment ministry to allot 1,000 hectares of forest land in every district of 16 states to set up cow sanctuaries.

Amidst much fanfare, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat did the 'bhoomi poojan' of the sanctuary 'Kamdehenu' in December 2012. It was ready a year back but cows are yet to take shelter in the sanctuary.

Spread over 1,200 acres of land in Susner of Agar district in Madhya Pradesh, the sanctuary has an office building, staff quarters, laboratories, solar plant, farmers training centre and sheds that can house 6,000 cows.

"I'm here for the past two years but the construction work was going on till recently. There is water issue also in the sanctuary which needs to be looked into," SV Kosarwal, deputy director of the sanctuary, said.

As a face saving measure, the sanctuary has taken over around 600 cows that belonged to a nearby gaushala. While the sheds in the sanctuary remain locked, cows continue to roam astray on roads leading to it. Many are injured and even killed in accidents every day. Other gaushalas like the Madhav Gaushal in Agar remain overcrowded.

"Stray cattle roam everywhere and many accidents are reported. We don't have the resources but we are trying our best. We have a capacity of 600 cows but there are 1,200 cows here. I don't know when the sanctuary will start functioning," Shanti Lal Jain of the Madhav Gaushala told India Today.

The government, for the record, said that it is because of lack of adequate security arrangements that the cow sanctuary is still not operational. "The sanctuary was ready in 2016 but we could not start it because of lack of security and absence of adequate fodder," said Swami Akhileshweranand, chairman, Gau Palan and Pashu Samardhan Board.

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ALSO READ |

In Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh, cows get an ambulance service

No country for old men: How funds for old cows may outstrip that for senior citizens

Cow is the new tiger for Narendra Modi govt. Minister Hansraj Ahir explains how

ALSO WATCH | Chhattisgarh: 200 cows starve to death due to lack of proper care in a gaushala

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Veterans past and present were honored at the Nebraska State Fair on Monday afternoon at a celebration ceremony at the Heartland Events Center.

Across the arena, veterans filled the seats, equipped with hats which stated things such as, Korea veteran, Vietnam veteran, U.S. Navy, Purple Heart combat wounded, and Iraq War veteran.

Travis Karr, director of veterans and military services for Central Community College and one of the ceremonys program hosts, said the Veterans Day celebration was one of a number of events Monday at the state fair to honor veterans and active military personnel.

The Nebraska State Fair, on the last day of the fair, hosts Veterans Day activities, Karr said. Our ceremony here today is just one part of it.

Other Veterans Day events on Monday included a U.S. flag ceremony by the Grand Island Elks Club and a parade of colors featuring veterans and active military personnel.

Karr said the Veterans Day ceremony has been an annual event at the State Fair since it moved to Grand Island in 2010.

The ceremony featured a variety of activities including music performed by Major Minor Three and Galaxy of Stars participants, and a POW/MIA recognition using an empty chair.

Karr said there were POWs and soldiers missing in action who were never accounted for. These soldiers were recognized with an empty chair on stage and a moment of silence. A POW/MIA flag was placed on the empty chair.

The purpose of Monday afternoons celebration, Karr said, was to get veterans together to share their camaraderie and honor and to meet each other.

You meet veterans from other ends of the state, Karr said. Theyve never met each other, but they both served in the same military branch at the same time. That camaraderie is amazing.

World War II veteran Rudy Liedsack, 98, of Grand Island, was perhaps the oldest veteran who attended Mondays celebration. He said, despite his age, he still tries to get out to the State Fair to attend the Veterans Day activities.

I dont miss one of these, Liedsack said. Every year, I come to this veterans deal. I look forward to this.

Liedsack added he looks forward to the ceremony because he gets to interact with fellow veterans in attendance.

I see people here I dont see very often, he said. We all have something in common today for what we did then.

Vietnam War veteran Jerry Hirschman referred to himself and his fellow veterans as a band of brothers. He echoed Liedsacks comments, saying he enjoys meeting fellow veterans and listening to their stories.

Its a good opportunity to meet the guys, talk to the guys, tell stories and to hear them, Hirschman said. it eases everybody up a little bit. Were all in the same boat here.
By PTI: By Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Sep 5 (PTI) Gunshots and explosions today rocked the Bangladeshi capital after police laid a siege to a six- storey building where suspected militants belonging to an outlawed Islamist group behind the countrys worst terror attack were holed up.

Bangladeshs elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has evacuated residents in the neighbourhood area after two Islamists were arrested from the central Tangail district.

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The RAB has prepared to launch an offensive at a militant hideout here.

Officials and witnesses said the RAB troops cordoned off the building after midnight yesterday and asked the neo-JMB militants to give-up but they have so far responded with gunshots and petrol bombs.

RABs director general Benajir Ahmed said their intel suggested seven persons, including militant leader Abdullah, two of his associates, his two wives and two children were holed up on a fourth floor of the apartment building.

He said the RAB men managed to contact who said he had over 50 improvised explosives devices (IED) with him, indicating the militants were capable to fight back in the face of a security assault.

"We are yet trying to evade the assault and trying to convince the militants to surrender so the lives of the innocent children and women could be saved," he said.

A spokesman of RAB, which draws personnel from army, navy, air force and police, earlier described Abdullah to be a "dangerous militant".

"We spoke on the phone with one suspect inside. We are continuing our communication. We have also successfully moved all residents to safety," Police commander Mufty Mahmud Khan said.

He said 65 other residents have been evacuated from the building.

Residents at the neighbourhood said the "militants" blasted some crude bombs as the RAB raided the building.

Neo-JMB is inclined to Islamic State and carried out the July 1, 2016 militant attack on a posh Dhaka cafe where 22 people, including an Indian girl, were killed.

Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013.

The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack. PTI AR UZM

--- ENDS ---
The Future Won't Be Long

By Jarett Kobek

Viking. 399 pp. $27

---

Jarett Kobek's previous novel, "I Hate the Internet" (2016), was a scabrously funny self-published diatribe against the Bay Area's tech culture and especially the way that culture has changed both San Francisco and San Franciscans. Smart and acerbic, it skirted the line between a conventional novel and a book-length essay as it interposed the story of Adeline, a comic-book artist, with razor-sharp commentary regarding the effect of so much tech "disruption." Cultural-studies heavyweights such as Greil Marcus and Chris Kraus sang Kobek's praises. The novelist Jonathan Lethem wondered whether he might be the "American Houellebecq," as in Michel Houellebecq, the controversial French author whose work similarly blends plot and polemic.

Now, with the publication of "The Future Won't Be Long" - a kind of prequel to "I Hate the Internet" - we see Adeline, some two decades earlier, living in New York. But retrospection is more than just a means of continuing a character's story by looking backward. "The Future Won't Be Long" feels a lot like a document from the period it details - from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s - and even more like one of the novels that Bret Easton Ellis or his literary Brat Pack contemporary Jay McInerney produced during the gaudy fin of the last siecle.

Have you been pining for tales of drug-fueled big-city debauchery set in the pre-digital era, when MTV was king, people still used landlines and hookups were orchestrated on dance floors instead of dating apps? Look no further. As Adeline - and Gatsby - is fond of saying whenever someone tells her that she can't repeat the past: "Can't repeat the past? Of course you can."

The first voice we hear in "The Future Won't Be Long" belongs to Baby, who arrives in Manhattan in 1986 - just out of high school, fresh off the farm and still in the closet. When he chivalrously punches Adeline's cheating boyfriend only moments after meeting her, she returns the favor by giving him a place to crash in her dormitory. Thus a friendship for the ages is born. In short order, Baby and Adeline are inseparable companions and platonic soul mates: not just living together but traveling together, enduring professional and romantic crises together, and (especially) experiencing the intoxicating ferment of late-'80s Lower Manhattan nightlife together.

Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll: It's never been a bad combination for storytelling purposes. It works here, too, but mainly because Kobek knows that milieu isn't everything. When it inevitably occurs, Baby's descent into the orgiastic "club kid" world is interesting, mainly as an obstacle to his creative ascent, first as a college student and later as a burgeoning science-fiction writer. With limited means and no family support, Baby needs someone in his life to spur him on and help him cultivate his talent. And Adeline is always there for him - until she isn't.

Instead, she's off discovering her own self and cultivating her own talent. Given that Kobek has already told us where Adeline ends up and what she does with her life, there's not much suspense attached to her voyage. Even so, you may find yourself cheering her on as she begins to jettison the trappings of a dilettantish rich kid and morphs into a thoughtful artist. By that point in the novel, the most distinctive aspect of her character - her unusual voice, which is self-consciously old-fashioned, like something out of a 1940s movie - starts to sound less like an affect and more like a deliberately chosen means of separating herself from her cohort.

It seems unlikely that "The Future Won't Be Long" will garner the same cultish following that its companion novel did. Its humor is biting but not lacerating; its critique of the amoral club-kid culture of the '80s and '90s can't resonate in the same way that Kobek's takedown of our current digital culture does. Oddly, for all of the squalor and degradation it depicts, this novel can't help but elicit nostalgia for a time when our social lives weren't entirely mediated by tiny screens, when New York felt like the center of the world, and when the prospect of someday becoming an artist or a writer seemed cooler than becoming a software developer.

---

Turrentine, a frequent Washington Post Book World contributor, writes about politics, culture and the environment for OnEarth and other publications.
An Arkansas man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for shooting at a Maryville Police officer.

Christopher D. White, 38, pleaded guilty to a Class X felony of aggravated discharge of a firearm.

White, from Arkansas, was arrested after an incident that occurred on June 25, 2016.

The incident unfolded when Maryville Police Officer Justin Krausz tried to initiate a traffic stop.

White, in a stolen 2014 Ford van, fled from Krausz and headed toward Troy. During the high-speed pursuit, Whites vehicle left the roadway in the 1500 block of Spring Valley Road. He exited the stolen vehicle and fired a weapon at Krausz.

Krausz returned fire and wounded White who was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The vehicle White was driving was stolen out of St. Louis.

According to court documents, White was on parole from a prison term he had served in Arkansas.

After the incident, Krausz was placed on administrative leave while the Illinois State Police investigated the officer involved in the shooting. Illinois State Police investigators confirmed that White had fired at Krausz and it was a justified shooting.

Krausz is the same Maryville Police officer who rescued the heavy equipment officer who from the natural gas explosion on Route 162 in April 2016.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office issued the following press release Monday:

On Sunday, September 3, 2017, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Madison County Sheriffs Office, along with the Glen Carbon, and Maryville City Police Departments responded to a residence in the 100 block of Hillcrest Drive, in rural Glen Carbon, Illinois, for a call of shots fired. The responding officers met with multiple subjects at the home, and located an unresponsive 43 year old white male, in the backyard, who had been shot multiple times.

Officers detained one subject at the scene, who reportedly fired the gun that resulted in the 43 year old gunshot victims injuries. The gunshot victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Madison County Sheriffs Office is actively investigating this incident, and has taken the shooter into custody in connection with the investigation. The shooter is currently being held at the Madison County Jail.

Further information related to the investigation, as well as the identity of the victim will be released in the coming days. No further information is available for release as this time.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 09:10 1896 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af332f4 4 Editorial #Editorial,diplomacy,#IndonesianDiplomacy,international-relations,peace-and-conflict-resolution,Rohingya,Rohingya-people,#Rohingya,Jokowi,#Jokowi,Retno-Marsudi,minority-groups,#minority,Myanmar,#Myanmar Free

Through adding its voice to the global concerns about the outbreak of violence and ensuing humanitarian crisis in Myanmars Rakhine State, Indonesia is making a difference. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has sent Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi on a peace-brokering mission aimed at putting an end to what the UN-sanctioned advisory commission describes as the threefold crisis related to development, human rights and security the Rohingya people have been experiencing.



Many may perceive Indonesias diplomacy in Myanmar as pointless given the gravity of the conflict between the government in Nyapyidaw and resistance groups in Rakhine, which was recently exacerbated by the rise in attacks perpetrated by Muslim militias. Fears are rife of further radicalization in the territory, as the UN commission under the leadership of former secretary-general Kofi Annan has warned in its report, and which could invite terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) to fish in the murky waters, as has already happened in Myanmars ASEAN neighbor the Philippines.



Escalation of the conflict will easily divert the core issue of a humanitarian crisis into a holy war in defense of Muslims oppressed by their Buddhist rulers, not only in Myanmar but also other countries, including Indonesia as evident in the recent Molotov-cocktail attack targeting the Myanmar Embassy in Jakarta.



It was amid such complexity that Retno arrived in Myanmar to once again try to convince the government and its iconic leader, Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, to handle the Rakhine state issue with extra care. Protraction of the conflict, not to mention the intervention of ill-intentioned outsiders, will not only prolong the plight of thousands or millions of people but also endanger peace and stability in Southeast Asia and beyond.



On the other hand, the Indonesian Constitution mandates the country to participate in maintaining world peace and order, Myanmar and the Southeast Asia region included. Indonesias credentials as a peace broker have long been proven as has its commitment to peace-keeping missions in war-torn countries in the Middle East and Africa under the UN.



Retnos visit to Myanmar testifies to Indonesias leverage with the predominantly Buddhist state, which eludes many other countries. As the biggest ASEAN nation Indonesia played a leading role in Myanmars accession to the regional grouping as well as its transition, albeit with difficulty, to democracy.



Ever since the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar deteriorated in the past few years, Indonesia has taken actions rather than simply making statements, ranging from humanitarian relief for the Rohingya to bilateral dialogue, to seek solutions to the conflict in natural-resource rich Rakhine on the border with Bangladesh.



With many accounts, including the Annan-led commissions 63-page report, showing the severity of abuse, statelessness and discrimination in Rakhine, Retnos visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh should kick start a concerted global effort to end the humanitarian tragedy.



It is too early to expect a settlement, or even a quick fix, in Myanmar as a result of Indonesias peace diplomacy. Such endeavors, however, are better than doing nothing.
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Linkedin Pavel Alpeyev (Bloomberg)  Tue, September 5, 2017 18:09 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af546ed 2 Science & Tech authentic,handbag,gadget,technology,Entrupy,fashion,luxury,#technology Free

Distinguishing an authentic Louis Vuitton bag from a well-made fake is a subtle art that involves counting stitches, feeling the leathers grain and poring over print patterns. A New York startup says it has a technology that can spot counterfeits without the guesswork.

Entrupys solution is a handheld microscope camera that lets anyone with a smartphone check a luxury accessory within minutes. Since launching the service a year ago, the company says its accuracy has improved to better than 98 percent for 11 brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.

Holographic tags, microprinting and even radio beacons woven into fabric have been used by fashion labels for years to help establish the authenticity of their products. Apparel makers will spend $6.15 billion on anti-counterfeit technologies in 2017, according to London-based researcher Visiongain, but the anonymity of internet shopping and the growing popularity of second-hand dealers is making the war against fakes harder.

Even 10 years ago, a woman going to buy a second-hand bag would know very well that Chanel, Gucci and Prada dont sell on the street corner, said Susan Scafidi, director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University in New York. But now, with so much legitimate and illegitimate commerce occurring online, it is very difficult for consumers to tell the difference.

The issue was highlighted last year when the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition suspended the membership of Chinas biggest online retailer, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., amid criticism that it and other e-commerce marketplaces werent doing enough to cull fakes. Alibaba founder Jack Ma didnt help matters when he said that Chinese-made knockoffs today can offer better quality than the genuine articles.

Second-hand online stores such as RealReal and Vestiaire Collective use experts with years of experience to determine the authenticity of the goods they buy and sell. Its a painstaking process that isnt absolutely foolproof, according to some online reviews from customers who complain theyve been sold counterfeits.

Entrupy says its camera magnifies objects 260 times, so features invisible to the human eye become telltale signs: misshapen stamp marks, tiny gaps in leather grain, and paint overruns.

The device, which looks like a bulky flashlight with a wireless connection, can be leased for an initial fee of $299. Monthly plans start from $99. So far, about 160 businesses including pawn shops, wholesalers and online retailers have signed up.

Today everything is done by humans, Entrupy co-founder Vidyuth Srinivasan said by telephone. For businesses that are growing, thats not a scalable solution.

Read also: Five things to consider before investing in luxury bags

Srinivasan and two New York University researchers, Ashlesh Sharma and Lakshminarayanan Subramanian, started Entrupy in 2012, a year that was a turning point for computer vision.

A breakthrough in algorithms at a science competition called ImageNet vastly improved the ability of machines to identify everyday objects in photographs by using massive data sets to find patterns. It was a watershed moment for deep learning technologies that also underpin self-driving cars and better speech recognition software.

With some help from Yann LeCun, Facebook Inc.s director of artificial intelligence research and an angel investor in Entrupy, Srinivasan and his partners started with a hunch that computers could be trained to look at pictures of luxury goods and extract a kind of genome, an essence of, say, a Fendi or an Hermes handbag.

The problem was that deep learning requires tons of data they didnt have: none of the founders had a closet full of designer handbags, fake or otherwise.

After some unfruitful spy missions to the womens sections of department stores, they convinced several New York second-hand shops to give them access to their inventories. Getting the knockoffs was easier: one of the co-founders brought a suitcase-full back from a trip to China. Entrupys database now has tens of millions of photographs from about 30,000 different handbags and wallets. The software learns as clients upload new pictures.

Srinivasan says the company has no relationships with any of the fashion brands whose products they authenticate. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton Se and other makers of luxury goods prefer not to acknowledge that there is a second-hand market for their merchandise.

Entrupy in July raised $2.6 million from investors led by a venture between Tokyo-based Digital Garage Inc. and Daiwa Securities Group Inc. The money will be used to design a faster and more portable camera and add more brands to Entrupys list, according to Srinivasan, who said the company is also looking at other uses for its software.

The technology works pretty well on everything except for diamonds and porcelain, because those are refractive and we use optical analysis, Srinivasan said. Weve already tested it on auto parts, phones, chargers, headphones, jackets, shoes, even crude oil.
By PTI: Bengaluru,Sep 5 (PTI) Karnataka Minister K J Georgetoday welcomed the Supreme Court order for a CBI probe into the alleged suicide of a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who had accused him and some senior IPS officers of harassing him. DySP Ganapathy (51) was found hanging from a ceilingfan in a room at a lodge in Madikeri on July 7 last year, with the mystery surrounding it raising a huge controversy. Prior to the alleged suicide, Ganapathy had told a local TV channel in an interview that the then Home Minister George and two senior police officers A M Prasad and Pranab Mohanty would be responsible "if anything happens to me". Ordering a CBI investigation, the Supreme Court today said there were "startling facts" in the case which needed to be probed in a fair manner. It asked the CBI to file a status report on the probe within three months. "I welcome the Supreme Courts order for a CBI inquiry. Iwelcome a fair trial to bring out the truth. I will cooperatewith the CBI inquiry," George said. Noting that he had earlier tendered his resignation voluntarily because his remaining a minister might influence the probe by the state police or CID, George rejected the opposition demand that he quit again. "After inquiry in three months time if it is proved that Im guilty, let them ask, then I will answer their resignation demand. Now there is no reason for me to resign as CBI is not under the state government but the Centre," he added. The CID, which investigated the case after the death of Ganapathy, had given a clean chit to George and the two officers in closure report filed before a court inMadikeri. George had resigned soon after a court directed police to register an FIR against him and the two police officers. After his name was cleared by CID,George was re-inducted into the Cabinet. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refused to comment on the SC order, saying he is yet to read it. "Let the order come. Once I get the order copy I will speak. I have not yet got the order copy," Siddaramaiah said.

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He said "Whether B (closure) report has been quashed or not, whetherthey have asked for only re-investigation, I do notknow. I will have to go through the judgement." Media reports had recently claimed that the forensic science laboratory report in the case exposed the "shoddy" investigation of the case by the CID. According to forensic reports cited by the media, documents that were purportedly in the mobile phone and computer of Ganapathy had been destroyed, following which the opposition BJP demanded a CBI probe and called for resignation of Siddaramaiah taking moral responsibility for "destruction of evidence". Welcoming todays Supreme Court decision, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa demanded immediate resignation of George for a fair probe. If George does not resign, Chief Minister Siddaramiahmust dismiss him immediately, he said. Also asking for the immediate suspension of senior policeofficials A M Prasad and Pronab Mohanty, named in the case,he said that the BJP would wait for two days and launch a state-wide agitation if the demands were not met. Ganapathys brother M K Machaiah expressed happiness over the Supreme Court order. "We want to know who were the people responsible for my brothersdeath. We have many doubts about the case and circumstances under which my brother was found dead," said Machaiah, accusing the CID of having probed the case shoddily. PTI KSU GMS RA APR SK

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 11:34 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af3bd52 1 Lifestyle universitas-terbuka,indonesian-open-university,Education,#education,university Free

Universitas Terbuka (UT), which translates to open university, celebrated its 33rd anniversary on Monday at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center building in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang.

Themed "UT Builds the Nations Independent Character", the university emphasizes a flexible learning system, in which students can choose their studying time and academic programs depending on their personal situation.

Universitas Terbuka Rector Ojat Darojat gives a speech during the university's 33rd anniversary celebration on Monday at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) building in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

During the learning process, UT provides resources for students to learn independently, said Ojat Darojat, the newly elected rector of the university.

At the anniversary celebration, UT also launched a book that marks its dedication to the preservation of nature. Titled UT Membangun Karakter Mandiri Bangsa untuk Melestarikan Bumi (UT Builds the Nations Independent Character to Preserve the Earth), the book explores the steps the university has taken to protect the environment and implement its Green Campus program, which was initiated in 2010, including by planting endangered trees around the campus, creating a man-made lake behind its office complex and rehabilitating beach ecosystems in Semarang, Central Java, as well as North Sulawesi.

Read also: Pursuit of parallel careers catching on among young Japanese

A lake in the Universitas Terbuka (UT) campus area was created by the university. (twitter.com/UnivTerbuka/File)

Every year, UT memorializes its [annual] highlights through a book, said Mohamad Yunus, the deputy rector for partnership and institutional development, adding that the book would be sold via the universitys online bookstore and could be accessed by the public.

Established on Sept. 4, 1984 by former president Soeharto, UT is a state university that aims to provide learning opportunities for everyone, whether they live in cities or small villages, as its learning system can be done online using print (modules) and non-print media (internet, TV, radio). It also boasts the Distance Learning Unit Program that reaches across Indonesia, from Banda Aceh to Jayapura. (kes)
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 21:40 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af60251 1 City Asian-Games,sailing,jet-ski Free

After a long period of study and consideration, the Jakarta administration has finally come up with locations for the sailing and jet ski events at the upcoming 2018 Asian Games. The events will be held on city-owned land in West Ancol and off the northern coast of Indah beach in Ancol, North Jakarta.

Jakarta Spatial Planning Agency head Gamal Sinurat said the administration had previously proposed Marina beach, located within the Ancol Dreamland Park, to be the venue for the two sports. However, the parks operator, PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, rejected the idea, saying it could "hamper our development plans."

As a result, the administration decided to use vacant land in West Ancol as the venue for sailing, which needs about 1.2 hectares of space.

The jet ski event, which needs a similar amount of land, cannot be built on the same city-owned land, as the remaining 1.4 hectares will be used by Thousand Islands regency to build its representative office.

"Therefore, the venue for the jet ski event will be built offshore near the northern part of the Mercure Hotel on Indah Beach," Gamal told The Jakarta Post on Monday evening.

The construction of these two venues will require Rp 185 billion (US$13.8 million).
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 19:26 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af5bf35 1 City OK-OCE,budget Free

The Jakarta administration has budgeted funds for governor-elect Anies Baswedans entrepreneurship training program, in the revised 2017 city budget.

One District One Center of Entrepreneurship (OK OCE) is one of the priority programs of Anies and his deputy Sandiaga Uno.

Jakarta Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade Agency head Irwandi said the funds for the program amounted to Rp 1.2 billion (US$90,000). Therefore, the agency planned to attract thousands of people throughout Jakarta and the Thousand Islands regency this year to join the program.

Around 4,000 people will be enrolled from all regions including those coming from the Thousand Islands, Irwandi said at City Hall on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

He added that the agency would disseminate information about the program, recruit people and provide training in collaboration with the citys manpower and transmigration, industry and energy and social affairs agencies.

With the program, the agency plans to create 40,000 new entrepreneurs per year. (wnd)
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra  Tue, September 5, 2017 11:09 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af3a397 1 National passenger,passenger-flight,passenger-misbehaviour,passengers,citilink,Kualanamu-airport,attack Free

Airport officials removed a married couple from a Citilink flight on Monday after they hit a female flight attendant and caused a one-hour delay in the flight's departure.

The incident occurred aboard Citilink flight QG 0837 departing on Monday morning for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, from Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra.

Joko Irawan, who was also a passenger on the Citilink flight, told journalists that the couple, Rimon Sianipar and his wife Nursyda Sihombing, became angry when they were asked by a female flight attendant to check in their luggage instead of taking them onboard as carry-on luggage.

They quarreled about the luggage. The two passengers did not want their belongings in the baggage hold. They then hit the female flight attendant, he said.

Joko said the flight attendant reported the incident to the pilot, who asked airport officers to immediately remove the two passengers from the aircraft. The couple refused to leave the aircraft, however, causing the flight to be delayed and other passengers to protest their improper behavior.

All the passengers were fed up with the couples misbehavior. They finally agreed to leave the aircraft, said Joko. The aircraft took off at 10:30 a.m. local time, one hour later than its scheduled departure of 9:35 a.m.

Their tickets were refunded. They were not allowed to fly with Citilink, said Kualanamu communications and legal manager Wisnu Budi Setianto. (ebf)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5 2017

The move to extend motorcycle-free areas is not a form of discrimination against motorcyclists, says Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

The Jakarta administration, with support from the Transportation Ministrys Greater Jakarta Transportation Agency (BPTJ), is set to extend the ban on motorcycles from Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta to the Senayan traffic circle on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta  beyond the current restriction from Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta.

The policy has garnered strong criticism from the public, particularly motorcyclists who describe the policy as discriminatory.

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Linkedin Danielle Bochove (Bloomberg) Toronto, Canada  Tue, September 5, 2017 13:07 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af42d31 2 Business mining,multinationals,Indonesia,Freeport-Indonesia,nationalism Free

Outnumbered and outflanked, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. Chief Executive Officer Richard Adkerson made an about-face.

Only months before, Adkerson had dismissed the idea of selling a majority stake in the Phoenix-based companys flagship Indonesian copper-and-gold mine to local investors. But, seated beside government officials in Jakarta last week, the veteran executive told reporters he planned to do just that.

Freeport caves to govt demands headlined The Jakarta Post while the Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry tweeted its glee: Freeport obedient, Indonesia is sovereign and posted pictures of Adkerson, conspicuous in gold-and-black batik alongside triumphant local officials.

That image -- a red-faced American CEO in a tropical shirt furiously back peddling -- may come to haunt not just Adkerson but his cohort of multinational CEOs. Freeports loosening grip on its Indonesian crown jewel illustrates a larger challenge facing the global mining industry: In a surge of economic nationalism, local governments and unions are pushing back against Western dominance of the worlds natural resources.

(Left to right)) CEO Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc Richard Adkerson, Menteri Keuangan Sri Mulyani, Menteri ESDM Ignasius Jonan saat konferensi pers perundingan pemerintah dan PT Freeport Indonesia di Kementerian ESDM, Jakarta, Selasa, 29/8/2017. Freeport Indonesia sepakat melakukan divestasi 51% saham kepada Indonesia, akan membangun smelter dalam 5 tahun hingga Januari 2022, dan menjaga besaran penerimaan negara sehingga lebih baik dibanding penerimaan melalui kontrak karya (KK). (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)

Were seeing the rise of more nationalistic governments everywhere, said Paul Mitchell, a partner at Ernst & Youngs mining and metals practice. That desire to hold the assets of a nation and work on them themselves, I think is only going to rise as we realize theyre becoming scarce, and are only going to become more scarce.

In the past year, a merger between Harmony Gold Mining Co. and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. stalled in South Africa because of regulations meant to increase black ownership of natural resources.

In Mongolia, calls for greater control of such valuable commodities have dominated the national election, while an attempt to force foreign miners to channel sales revenue through local banks threatened Rio Tinto Groups operations and almost derailed an IMF bailout.

Last year, Freeports attempts to sell its share of a copper-and-cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo were stalled for eight months, ending only when the company made a $33 million exit payment to the government, a third of a settlement involving several companies.

In Zambia, Glencore Plc, a Baar, Switzerland-based miner and commodities trader, threatened to fire 4,700 workers after the government raised power prices -- and then turned off the switch -- before agreeing to pay, the presidents office said. First Quantum Minerals Ltd. had earlier agreed to higher tariffs, according to the government.

In Tanzania, gold miner Acacia Mining Plc., majority owned by the worlds largest gold producer, Canadas Barrick Gold Corp., is facing a tax bill on its gold mines equal to four times the countrys GDP and a demand from the president that it seek forgiveness in front of God and the angels.

Governments start seeing companies making more money and, around the world, start seeing other ways of getting more out of it, Adkerson told analysts during Freeports second quarter earnings call in July. Those government disputes, as well as more strikes and aging mining equipment, will disrupt metal supplies and super charge prices, he said.

To be sure, some developing nations are becoming more welcoming of foreign mining companies. In Latin America, for example, Argentina and Ecuador have adopted more investor-friendly rules in a bid to exploit their vast mineral potential.

Still, a decade-long boom in copper prices, which peaked in 2011, has made many governments increasingly eager for a piece of the mining action. Prices retreated, reaching their low in early 2016 and have since partly rebounded.

People perceived companies to be making very large windfall profits, notwithstanding the fact that many companies costs also increased amid higher commodity prices, said Gus MacFarlane, vice president of mining and metals at Verisk Maplecroft, a research firm that focuses on reducing corporate risk.

Freeports Indonesian operations have always been lucrative and tough to manage. Rain forests surround the property in Papua, the largest and most remote province in Indonesia. Grasberg, its flagship mine, means grass mountain in Dutch. (The Netherlands colonized much of Indonesia.)

Viewed from above, Grasbergs gaping maw dwarfs nearby Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Indonesia. Freeports largest mine, it represented roughly a fifth of the companys $14.8 billion revenue last year and produced more than a billion pounds of copper and a million ounces of gold.

Since its early dealings with President Suharto, the company has been the target of local separatist and indigenous groups, as well as international environmental and human rights organizations. Freeport has relied on the military to protect operations from riots and violent protests. In 2011, the authorities fired on striking workers, killing one.

Students from the Indonesian Nationalist Student Movement (GMNI) staged a rally in front of PT Freeport Indonesia headquarters in Central Jakarta on Feb. 24, 2017, calling for nationalization of the company's mine in Papua. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)

Since then, the union has not been shy about making strong demands and backing it up with industrial action, said Adam Lee, director for campaigns for Geneva-based IndustriAll, an umbrella group for unions.

Today, workers at Grasberg are entering month five of what they consider a strike. Freeport describes it differently, saying that 4,000 workers have voluntarily resigned after being asked to refrain from high rates of absenteeism.

Given this environment, Fraser Institute, a Canadian think tank, ranked Indonesia 99th out of 104 mining jurisdictions in terms of investor perception of the favorability of government policies.

Adkerson, who is 70 and has worked for the companys various incarnations for more than two decades, must now negotiate the terms of Grasbergs divestment with the Indonesian government. The two sides still need to agree on the price that local investors will pay Freeport to reduce its stake from 81 percent to 49 percent.

For now at least, Freeport intends to keep operating the mine. But, someday, improved technology may let national governments run mines essentially on their own, cutting out the Freeports of the world almost entirely, according to Ernst & Youngs Mitchell.

I wonder if what were starting to see is governments realizing that, and starting to agitate in preparation, he said. Is the increase in nationalism just nationalism or is it governments thinking: we dont actually need the mining companies anymore?
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Linkedin News Desk (Eleven Media Group/ ANN) Naypyitaw  Tue, September 5, 2017 18:45 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af5ac0b 2 World #Myanmar,#MyanmarRohingya,#Bangladesh,#Rakhine,#humanrights,#HumanRightsAbuse Free

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives released a statement on Sept. 3 saying that all trade ties between Myanmar and Maldives has been cut out as long as Myanmar government takes actions for the deeds committed towards Bengalis.

Moreover, the Maldives government urged the general-secretary of the United Nations and UNs Human Rights Council to investigate human rights abuse of Bengalis in Myanmar.

The statement also strongly condemned plight of Bengali community in Rakhine State in Myanmar and they worried about the current violence.

After releasing the statement, Myanmars Health Minister cancelled his annual meeting of World Health Organization to be held in Maldives.

On Sept. 1, Myanmar government designated Maungdaw district as an operation area. Although, Maungdaw Township is in stable condition, locals and villagers from neighbouring areas of Maungdaw Township are now fleeing to Buthedaung and Sittwe Townships.

Moreover, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a State Counsellor, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services held separate meetings concerning Rakhine affairs with the Indonesia Foreign Minister in Nay Pyi Taw on Sept. 4.

On the occasion, both sides discussed about development of Rakhine State, providing of humanitarian aids and health care services for the two communities in Rakhine State by the Indonesian government.

The international community already worried about Rakhine affairs and Turkey and Iran are now calling for stopping of abuse upon the Bengalis. Protests were held in Russia, Indonesia and Malaysia concerning Bengalis in Myanmar.

Likewise, the UN and International community urged State Counselor Suu Kyi to settle the Rakhine affairs and to control the riots in northern Rakhine State.

Topics :

This article appeared on the Eleven Media Group newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin News Desk (The Star/ANN) Kuala Lumpur  Tue, September 5, 2017 16:25 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af51296 2 Business #Malaysia,#China,#China-ASEAN,#port Free

Five more ports in Malaysia and China are set to join the alliance of such facilities between the two countries, bringing the total number in the partnership to 21.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the new additions were Kemaman Port, Sabah Ports Authority and Kuching Port Authority, as well as Chinas Tianjin Port and Qingdao Port.

We will have a more comprehensive collaboration because we now have ports in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak in the alliance with Chinese ports, he said.

Liow, who is also MCA president, was speaking to reporters after the second annual meeting of the alliance, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday.

Also at the launch of the two-day conference were Port Klang Authority chairman Kong Cho Ha and Chinas Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang.

The port alliance was forged in November 2015 during Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs official visit to Malaysia.

It is aimed at promoting technology and knowledge transfer from the bigger ports to the local port industry on port technology, container processing and speeding up processes by reducing red tape.

Liow said that Malaysia aspired to be the logistics hub for the South-East Asia region and was keen on improving its infrastructure to increase its cargo-handling capacity.

He said the authorities were expanding key ports, mainly Port Klang, to facilitate an anticipated increase in the number of vessels in the future, as well as recreational ports for cruise lines.

The ministry is also planning to open the Melaka Gateway for docking and maintenance of cruise ships. Currently, only Penang Port has the facilities for this, he added.

Liow said Malaysia was strengthening its infrastructure to bring in goods from southern Thailand and Sumatra, Indonesia.

On the worries of over-capacity, he said that although transshipment volumes have dipped slightly, local production and exports have increased.

Some shipping lines changed their port destinations to Singapore and other parts of the region but we can see strong growth in Malaysia as there is a lot of output. This is a good sign, he said.

In his speech earlier, Liow said that China has been Malaysias largest trading partner since 2009, with trade between both countries reaching RM240.91 billion (US$56.47 billion) last year.

Topics :

This article appeared on The Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 14:01 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af45cbb 1 Business Jakarta-Surabaya-train,new-tracks Free

The government has decided to construct new tracks for the medium-speed Jakarta-Surabaya railway connection, an official has said.

The Transportation Ministrys railway traffic director, Zulmafendi, said the new tracks would use land owned by state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and run parallel to the existing 700 kilometers of railway tracks in the northern coastal areas of Java.

The new tracks would cut the travel time to around four hours, Zulmafendi said in Jakarta on Monday, as reported by kompas.com.

It will be less than five hours for sure, he said, adding that there would be no railway crossings, because the rail tracks would be elevated to pass over roads.

He declined to mention the total investment needed for the construction project. The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) in the past estimated that if the project only revitalized existing tracks, it would cost Rp 81.2 trillion (US$6.10 billion).

The ministry official made no mention of a partnering company in the construction of the projects, but it would likely use Japanese technology, as previously suggested by government officials. (bbn)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 19:47 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af5c189 1 City Central-Jakarta,online-ojek,death,street-crime Free

A motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver, Topan Fernando, 20, was stabbed to death in Johar Baru district, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

The incident happened at 11:30 p.m. when the alleged perpetrator, Sadam, and his girlfriend Syiananda passed Jl. Kramat Pulo Gundul on a motorcycle, Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Suyudi Ario Seto said on Tuesday.

Topan and some of his friends reportedly catcalled Syiananda and repeatedly called her name.

The perpetrator was angry and felt resentful [of the men catcalling his girlfriend]. He left the scene and came back with a sharp weapon, Suyudi said.

Sadam then chased Topan, allegedly stabbed him in the left side of the chest and mid-torso and fled the scene.

Topan, who was badly injured, was announced dead on arrival at Johor Baru hospital.

Suyudi said that the perpetrator had been arrested.
By PTI: (EDS: Updating with more quotes)

By Priyanka Tikoo

Xiamen, Sep 5 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for an organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, as he suggested 10 commitments through which BRICS leadership for global transformation can be achieved.

Speaking at the "BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue", organised by China on sidelines of BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, Modi also assured Indias partnership with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

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"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world ?- brick by brick, or, through BRICS...," Modi said.

"I had spoken about the BRICS driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a Golden Decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies and action," he said.

Apart from Modi, leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and five guest countries -- Egypt, Tajikistan, Thailand, Mexico and Kenya -- attended the dialogue.

Describing these countries as "close and valued" partners of India, the prime minister said he was pleased to exchange perspectives with them on the shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable development and thanked President Xi Jinping for bringing the countries together.

He said that BRICS, which represents almost half of the humanity, can achieve global transformation with a proactive approach, policies and action based on ten "Noble Commitments".

The commitments include creating a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues -- counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

The commitments suggested by the prime minister also included creating a greener world by taking concerted action on countering climate change through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance.

Other noble commitments were -- creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Talking about Indias national review of sustainable development goals as per the UNs 2030 Agenda, the prime minister said the bedrock of the countrys development agenda lies in the notion of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (with all, for everybodys development).

"Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner. To cite just one example, our three-pronged approach of providing a bank account to the unbanked, providing a biometric identity to all, and using innovative mobile governance solutions, has enabled direct benefit transfers to almost 360 million people for the first time," he said.

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Maintaining that India would like to see such domestic efforts buttressed by strong international partnerships, Modi said the country stands ready to play its part.

"India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing our own aspirations for growth. At every step, we have shared our experience and resources across a range of sectors: from strengthening democratic institutions to deploying high-tech solutions for public good," the prime minister said.

He also noted that India had launched the South Asia Satellite for the benefit of willing regional partners in meeting their developmental goals in education, healthcare, communication and disaster management.

He also said that for over half a century, Indias flagship initiative -- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) -- has offered training and skill development to 161 partner countries from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Caribbean and Pacific Island states.

"And, in all of this, our no strings attached model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries," Modi added. PTI PYK ASK AKJ ASK

--- ENDS ---

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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 14:54 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af4ad54 1 National YLKI,National-Police,Bareskrim,Religious-Affairs-Ministry,umrah,umrah-pilgrims,travel-agents,First-Travel Free

The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has called on the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) and the Religious Affairs Ministry to work further to uncover fraud allegedly committed by several umrah travel agents.

The YLKI suspected many travel agents had carried out scams similar to the fraud case implicating First Travel, which was reported to have extorted hundreds of billions of rupiah from would-be umrah (minor haj) pilgrims.

The foundation has a list of travel agents suspected of running umrah scams, including Kafilah Rindu Kabah, an umrah agent with PT Assyifa Mandiri Wisata, Hannien Tour, which belongs to PT Usmaniah Hannien Tour, and Basmalah Tour of PT Wisata Tour and Travel-Bintaro.

YLKI's data shows that 3,056 people fell victim to umrah scams allegedly committed by Kafilah Rindu Kabah, while more than 1,800 would-be pilgrims claimed to have suffered losses from the umrah services offered by Hannien Tour.

Separately, Basmalah Tour and Travel has not yet fulfilled its promise to send 33 would-be pilgrims on umrah as of today.

Thus, the YLKI strongly urges Bareskrim and the Religious Affairs Ministry to impose strict sanctions on these three travel agents, whose business activities are as problematic as First Travel's, YLKI executive chairman Tulus Abadi said in a statement on Tuesday.

He asserted the police must take immediate action to hunt down the travel agents, especially since YLKI had discovered that several of their victims had actually reported the agents to Bareskrim last year.

The Religious Affairs Ministry must also immediately set up a crisis center to allow more people to report similar umrah scams, Tulus added. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Jimbaran, Bali  Tue, September 5, 2017 20:23 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af5dbd2 1 National Japanese-citizens,Denpasar-Police,Jimbaran,murder,murder-case,forensic-doctor,ForensicLaboratory Free

The Denpasar Police have said they could not yet confirm whether or not a Japanese couple, found dead on Monday, were murdered although an external examination conducted by a forensic doctor team concluded that their deaths were unnatural.

The investigation is still ongoing. We have searched the crime scene and will carry out further investigations based on the evidence we find, the polices general crime unit head Comr. Aris Purwanto told journalists on Tuesday.

Matsuba Nurio, 76, and his wife Matsuba Hiroko, 76, were found dead at their house at Puri Gading residential complex in Jimbaran, Bali, on Monday. Their bodies were found burned on the second floor of the two-story house.

(Read also: Japanese couple found dead)

The external examination was conducted on Tuesday after the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) team removed their bodies from the crime scene to Sanglah Hospital morgue.

Sanglah Medical Forensic Department head Dudut Rustiyadi said the forensic team had found many wounds on the couples bodies.

On the males body, we found several open wounds, which appear to have been caused by sharp objects. There are circular cuts to the neck, said Dudut, adding that many stab wounds were also found on the man's back.

Dudut said the team had found many wounds to the female's body that also appeared to have been caused by sharp objects. Plastic ropes were found on her neck and left hand.

We need to conduct an autopsy to discover the cause of their deaths, Dudut said. The team is waiting for approval from the victims family. (ebf)

Fatal incident: National Search and Rescue Agency personnel remove the bodies of a Japanese couple found dead at their house at Puri Gading residential complex in Jimbaran, Bali, on Sept.4. (JP/Ni Komang Erviani)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 17:34 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af539cb 1 City marijuana,drug-abuse,Vivick-Tjangkung,marijuana-trees,marijuana-plants,narcotics Free

A cafe musician Kaifu Loangadi, also known as Kevin, 26, was arrested by police in South Jakarta for allegedly growing marijuana inside his house in Kebagusan, Pasar Minggu.

Head of South Jakarta Police narcotics unit Comr. Vivick Tjangkung said Kevin was arrested after a tip-off from local resident in his neighborhood, who claimed to have seen him growing marijuana in plastic pots.

This arrest is possible thanks to residents who had reported the violation to the police so that our personnel could respond it quickly. We have confiscated one pot with five marijuana stems, which are around one-meter high and one-month old, said Vivick as quoted by Tribunnews.com at the South Jakarta Police headquarters on Monday.

Kevin claimed during an interrogation that he had smoked marijuana for four years. He told the police he planted the marijuana for his personal use .

Kevin also gave other details that he first bought a package of marijuana worth Rp 50,000 (US$3.75) from a friend that he would then use as seeds.

We are still investigating further on whether he has once marketed marijuana trees he has cultivated, said Vivick.

During the raid, Vivick said that police also confiscated 1.36 grams of marijuana Kevin stuffed inside a doll.

Kevin will be charged with Article 111 (1) of Law No.35/2009 on narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. (yon/ebf)
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Linkedin Choi He-suk (The Korea Herald/ANN) Seoul  Tue, September 5, 2017 18:00 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af5457e 2 World #SouthKorea,#NorthKorea,#NorthKoreaNuclear,#KoreanPeninsula,#war Free

Further hardening his stance against North Korea, President Moon Jae-in said that it is time for the international community to consider cutting oil supplies to the defiant regime.



The remark came in a late-night phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, which capped a long day of trying to rally leaders of major powers against the Norths fast-advancing nuclear weapons program, while beefing up the Souths own military capabilities.



It is time that measures for fundamentally cutting off North Koreas foreign currency income and cutting off crude oil supply should be considered by the UN Security Council, Moon was quoted as saying by his chief press officer Yoon Young-chan.

Moons remarks to Putin, which was not met by a direct answer, hints at Seouls desire to see a bigger role from Russia.



While China is thought to be Pyongyangs main source of crude oil, Russia is a major trading partner. According to reports, North Korea-Russia trade, which mainly consists of fuel, doubled from a year ago to come in at over $31 million in the first quarter of the year. Russia, along with China, had also opposed clauses prohibiting North Korea from importing fuel in the US sanctions adopted in August.



Moons remarks regarding Pyongyangs foreign income refers to North Korean workers sent abroad.



It is estimated that over 50,000 North Koreans are currently working abroad with much of their pay going to the Kim Jong-un regime.



While agreeing on the seriousness of the North Korean nuclear program, Putin did not directly address the possibilities raised by Moon, suggesting instead that they discuss the issue at upcoming summit talks.



Moon and Putin are set to hold their second summit talks on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday.



While in the country, Moon is also scheduled to meet with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and expand on the strong and real responses the two agreed to bring against North Korea during their telephone conversation.



Ahead of the conversation with Putin, Moon spoke with US President Donald Trump, during which the Korean president elicited Washingtons agreement to give Seoul more room to strengthen its missile capabilities.



As an effective response, (the leaders) agreed to lift the warhead weight limit, the Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.



Until now, South Korean missiles payload was limited to 500 kilograms, and Seoul had been negotiating to have the limit raised to 1 ton. Following Mondays agreement, Seoul is allowed to develop missile warheads of any weight within its technological capabilities.



The range limit of 800 kilometers will not be affected by the changes.

According to Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Park Soo-hyun, Moon and Trump also agreed on the need to apply further pressure on Pyongyang, and the US leader reaffirmed the countrys policy of defending South Korea.



In the conversation, Moon also said that the temporary deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system would be completed quickly. Seouls Ministry of Environment recently concluded that THAAD system had negligible environmental effects. Four additional THAAD launchers are expected to be transported to the site in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, as early as this week.

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This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Carole Landry and Hwang Sunghee (Agence France-Presse) New York, United States  Tue, September 5, 2017 09:44 1896 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af33953 2 World North-Korea,UN,SecurityCouncil,Nuclear,sanction Free

The US has accused North Korea of "begging for war" and pushed for the "strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

As world powers scramble to react to the latest grave step in the North's rogue weapons programme, South Korea launched major live-fire naval drills to warn its isolated neighbour against any provocations at sea Tuesday morning local time.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," Haley told the meeting Monday called by the United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

The underground blast had a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima, UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the council.

Declaring that "enough is enough," Haley said incremental sanctions imposed on Pyongyang since 2006 had failed.

Leader Kim Jong-Un's "abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war," she said.

"War is never something the United States wants and we don't want it now, but our country's patience is not unlimited," she said.
AIA Financial chief marketing officer Lim Chet Ming (left) and AIA Financial head of customer care Lika Shalia (center) greet a customer at the AIA Customer Care desk in Jakarta during the companys AIA Customer Week 2017 event to commemorate National Customer Day on Monday. During the event, which was held simultaneously in four cities, the company offered healthcare services to customers at its Customer Care desks. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)(left) and AIA Financial head of customer care Lika Shalia (center) greet a customer at the AIA Customer Care desk in Jakarta during the companys AIA Customer Week 2017 event to commemorate National Customer Day on Monday. During the event, which was held simultaneously in four cities, the company offered healthcare services to customers at its Customer Care desks. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 16:49 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af52da5 1 Politics Rohingya,Myanmar,Wiranto,envoy Free

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto has rejected mounting calls for the government to expel Myanmars ambassador to Indonesia Aung Htoo following the outbreak of violence in Rakhine state.

Wiranto said that such a dramatic move would prevent Indonesia from playing constructive role in finding solution to the crisis.

If we do that, we will not have a diplomatic relation. So how will we send aid that the Rohingya people who desperately needs it, Wiranto said as quoted by kompas.com on Tuesday.

Wiranto said that the Indonesian government had to tread carefully in dealing with the problem.

We should not make reckless decision while being emotional. [We should not] expel their envoy or withdraw our envoy, Wiranto said.

In a number of rallies to protest the violence against the minority Muslim Rohingyas, protesters have called for the Indonesian government to expel Myanmars ambassador here.

Some have also called for the Nobel Committee to revoke its prize to the de-facto leader of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi for failing to take actions against the prosecution against the Rohingya people.

Topics : Rohingya Myanmar Wiranto envoy
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Linkedin Kornelius Purba (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6 2017

For the first time since he came to power in October 2014, the usually inward-looking President Joko Jokowi Widodo has launched a weighty diplomatic offensive with his decision to engage himself in ending the gross human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

The rewards are evident: He will boost his reputation abroad and at home voters will be impressed by his commitment to defend Muslims, which is essential with the election less than two years ahead.

The President sent Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to Myanmar to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar military chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and other senior Myanmar officials. They warmly greeted Retno and sent strong signals that they welcomed Jokowis peace-mediation efforts, at least on the surface.

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Linkedin Stefani Ribka and Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6 2017

Seven, in Japanese culture, is considered a lucky number, and is even celebrated by a summer festival held on July 7 (7/7). Indonesia on Tuesday experienced such luck as Japanese delegates expressed their definite interest in partaking in seven strategic projects in the country.

The projects are Patimban Port in West Java, a medium high- speed train project from Jakarta to Surabaya in East Java, Jakarta MRT, two water sewerage systems in Pluit and Duri Kosambi in Jakarta, the Sumatra highway, Masela gas block and the development of Indonesias outermost islands.

The Japanese special adviser to the prime minister, Hiroto Izumi, discussed the seven infrastructure projects with President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Tuesday at the State Palace. On the same day, the Japanese mission held a business matching program to explore possibilities for partnerships with local entities.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 10:04 1896 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af36227 1 News Gunungkidul,travel,#travel,traveling,#traveling,flying-fox,Yogyakarta,destination,#destination Free

Those looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity may want to schedule a visit to Mertelu village in Gedangsari district, Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta.

Last week, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, who is also the Yogyakarta governor, inaugurated a 623-meter-long flying fox in the village. Visitors will be able to ride the flying fox and enjoy the views of Klaten and Sukoharjo regencies from above for Rp 100,000 (US$7.50).

The flying fox is said to be the second-longest in Southeast Asia. According to kompas.com, the longest flying fox in Southeast Asia, at 700-m-long, is located in Pasuruan regency, East Java.

Yogyakarta Tourism Agency head Aria Nugrahadi said the flying fox was constructed in October last year and had been open to the public since January.

Read also: Ten beaches to visit in Yogyakarta

Aria added that the flying fox's set up involved a professional team to ensure its safety.

The newly opened tourist attraction is reportedly managed by Mertelu villages community with financial support from the governor.

Prior to the opening, Hamengkubuwono expressed his hope that the attraction would help develop the village economy. He explained that the flying fox's fee, topped up with transactions from restaurants and shops, would drastically improve the local economy. (jes/kes)
By PTI: (EDS: Recasting intro)

By Priyanka Tikoo

Xiamen, Sep 5 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for an organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, as he suggested 10 commitments through which BRICS could drive global transformation.

Speaking at the "BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue", organised by China on sidelines of BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, Modi also assured Indias partnership with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

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"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world ?- brick by brick, or, through BRICS...," Modi said.

"I had spoken about the BRICS driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a Golden Decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies and action," he said.

Apart from Modi, leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and five guest countries -- Egypt, Tajikistan, Thailand, Mexico and Kenya -- attended the dialogue.

Describing these countries as "close and valued" partners of India, the prime minister said he was pleased to exchange perspectives with them on the shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable development and thanked President Xi Jinping for bringing the countries together.

He said that BRICS, which represents almost half of the humanity, can achieve global transformation with a proactive approach, policies and action based on ten "Noble Commitments".

The commitments include creating a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues -- counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

The commitments suggested by the prime minister also included creating a greener world by taking concerted action on countering climate change through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance.

Other noble commitments were -- creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Talking about Indias national review of sustainable development goals as per the UNs 2030 Agenda, the prime minister said the bedrock of the countrys development agenda lies in the notion of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (with all, for everybodys development).

"Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner. To cite just one example, our three-pronged approach of providing a bank account to the unbanked, providing a biometric identity to all, and using innovative mobile governance solutions, has enabled direct benefit transfers to almost 360 million people for the first time," he said.

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Maintaining that India would like to see such domestic efforts buttressed by strong international partnerships, Modi said the country stands ready to play its part.

"India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing our own aspirations for growth. At every step, we have shared our experience and resources across a range of sectors: from strengthening democratic institutions to deploying high-tech solutions for public good," the prime minister said.

He also noted that India had launched the South Asia Satellite for the benefit of willing regional partners in meeting their developmental goals in education, healthcare, communication and disaster management.

He also said that for over half a century, Indias flagship initiative -- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) -- has offered training and skill development to 161 partner countries from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Caribbean and Pacific Island states.

"And, in all of this, our no strings attached model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries," Modi added. PTI PYK ASK AKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---

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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Tue, September 5, 2017 15:09 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af4bafc 2 News Tourism-Ministry,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,sustainable-tourism Free

The Tourism Ministry is set to hold the first Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Awards (ISTA) that will recognize destinations in Indonesia that have shown good progress and results following the implementation of sustainable tourism principles.

Themed "People and Nature Based Tourism", ISTA 2017 is said to target tourist village managers, Destination Management Organization, Technical Managing Unity (UPTD), Tourism Authority Boards (BOP), foundations and Limited Companies (PT).

The award itself will be divided into four categories, namely tourist destination management, economic utilization for local people, cultural preservation for the public and visitors and environmental preservation.

One destination with the highest score from all categories will be chosen as the top winner.

The assessment criteria will be based on the ministry regulation No. 14/2016 on the guidelines for sustainable tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Read also: Bali's water question

The standard for sustainable tourist destination used by the ministry has been recognized by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and adopted from the GTSC.

The ISTA assessment will include administrative selection, desk evaluation and direct visit.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said with the abundance of nature and cultural resources, Indonesia has a huge chance to compete in the international level.

I cant imagine this country winning in manufacturing, but we can be the winner in tourism or at least we can envision this country winning it. If you can imagine it, you can reach it, said Arief.

Winners of ISTA 2017 will be announced on Sept. 29 at the Tourism Destination Appreciation (APDI) 2017 event that will be held to commemorate World Tourism Day. The winners will later become Indonesian candidates for ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA). (kes)
By PTI: calf

(Eds: Recasting overnight story)

Bhind (MP), Sep 5 (PTI) An elderly woman was ordered by a caste panchayat here to beg for seven days outside her village and take a dip in the Ganga river as penance for the "sin" of accidentally killing a calf.

Last Friday, Kamleshi Devi (60), a resident of Sriwas Nagar, was trying to pull the calf off a lactating cow but the rope around its neck tightened, resulting in its death, corporator Mukesh Garg said.

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Members of the backward Sriwas community, to which Devi belongs, held a panchayat on Saturday which ordered her to beg outside her village for seven days as penance.

Garg said the caste panchayat asked the woman, a widow, to take a dip in the Ganga and serve food to girls.

He said the order was "inhumane and illegal".

"In todays era, such diktats are not justified. The police should take action," the corporator said.

Devi fainted on hearing about the order and was hospitalised.

District Hospital Superintendent Dr Ajit Mishra said the woman underwent treatment there.

Devis son, Anil Sriwas, said his mother had committed a "mistake" and the caste panchayat only followed the religion and customs.

When contacted, Superintendent of Police Anil Singh Kushwaha said no one had approached the police with a complaint.

"I came to know about the incident through the media. We have not received any complaint in this regard," he said.

When asked, District Collector Ilayaraja T said he would look into the matter. PTI COR ADU LAL MAS NSK GVS AAR

--- ENDS ---
Post-apocalyptic zombie thriller It Stains the Sands Red is a totally bizarre zombie movie which yo-yos between bearable and unwatchable.

From the offset its clear this zombie flick is far from one of the higher budget films released this year. However, that isnt an excuse for a below-par film which really drags.

It Stains the Sands Red begins in the midst of a zombie apocalypse as the bitter couple of Molly (Brittany Allen) and Nick (Merwin Mondesir) drive through the desert in an attempt to meet their friends at an airfield.

When Molly finds herself needing to throw up as a result of cocaine and vodka on the journey, Nick pulls over into the sand, which gets the car totally stuck and puts their journey to a halt.

It has to be said, that despite the totally awkward and unnatural interaction between the couple which starts the film, the initial introduction to the zombie apocalypse is actually quite cool.

In the distance a man in a suit is seen limping quite rapidly towards the pair; its chilling to say the least, and just like that were thrown into the apocalyptic world of zombies.

However after an incident involving Nick and the zombie sees Molly left to fend for herself, the real narrative of the film gets going.

Molly powers on through the desert by foot (in some seriously impractical clothing), in an attempt to get to the airfield. Not before long she releases she is not alone, and is being pursued by the same zombie who killed her boyfriend. This chapter of the narrative is actually quite enjoyable initially. Brittany Allen is a capable actress, while unfortunately finding herself in a below- average film, but is very suited to the role.

Her attitude towards her predicament is by no means admirable, but her absolute foul mouth and extreme anger towards the zombie (Juan Riedinger) which she names Small Dick (Smalls for short), does prove to be a source of laughs and her frustration is palpable.

However, Mollys pursuit in the desert drags out for far too long, relying on repetitive scenes with Smalls in which she finds herself in a number of close encounters with the flesh eating zombie. But when it really gets weird is when she actually finds herself attached to Smalls, actually talking to him, disciplining him and wanting to keep him alive (even though hes already dead).

The attempt to conjure up emotion from this relationship is totally superficial and basically really dumb. Other attempts at an emotional parallel storyline come from Mollys flashbacks of a child and the discovery that she had to give her child to her sister to look after. This becomes her motivation to stay alive, but for some reason only about half way through the film.

The film attempted to make her journey through the desert the catalyst for her epiphany which made her release her love for her child. However, one thing this film doesnt do well is emotion, considering she doesnt even dwell on the fact that she watched her boyfriend get eaten alive by Smalls (I know they werent keen on each other, but come on, wouldnt that scar you a bit?).

However, while it lacks quality in the narrative and screenplay, the settings are pretty impressive. With most of the film set in the desert, finally getting to see the effects of the zombie outbreak on the air field and Mollys home town is the kind of stuff we should have seen more of. Similarly, Mollys physical effects from her time in the desert are really spot on and shocking.

And again, there are scenes which just underline that the film had potential to be more. One scene where Molly hides for her life behind a shower curtain is painfully tense and exactly the kind of tension that the whole film needed.

In addition, saying something is unrealistic in a film set in a zombie apocalypse seems unfair. But when a film is claiming that the circumstances are real, everything else needs to feel real too. And Mollys overall attitude, actions, and most of all, her interactions with Smalls, are unrealistic and that massively lowers the films quality almost instantly.

It Stains the Sands Red screams awkward, cringe and unnatural for most of the runtime, and for that, its really hard to endure for all the wrong reasons.

It Stains the Sands Red screened as part of FrightFest 2017's schedule.
Making friends at college or university can be difficult, but who knew that Post-it Notes might have been the secret to success all along?

These students demonstrated the benefits of a particularly thorough stationery shop by conducting a conversation with students in a different apartment using just the sticky labels, inviting people over for a film night.

It didnt go entirely smoothly, but it did seem to work as a method of communication.

Aside from the BEUH (Bruh?) incident, the two apartments seemed to understand one another perfectly.

Charlotte Alegado, 18, a hospitality and tourism management student at San Francisco State University, said: I want to say it was my roommates idea to start this so went forth with it.

Students can be cruel though, and the next day this sad message demonstrated all too clearly that film night had in fact not brought the distant students together.

8L Y U FLAKE the message read.

And Charlottes flat got hit with a classic break-up response.

The film night did go ahead, with people on other floors attending to watch The Strangers.

It was supposed to be scary but it was a little dumb, Charlotte said. Its a good movie for that time period though lol.

Charlottes not given up on 8L though. Theyve arranged another movie night maybe some time this week.

Asked if the others will turn up this time, she said: Yeah Im sure. I got a message from that floor saying theyll for sure come this time.

Hopefully theyve still got the popcorn.
Away from the culture and historical artefacts of Sardinia's inland towns and villages are countless perfect sandy beaches - so it's no wonder this Italian Mediterranean paradise has become such a popular destination for travellers far and wide.

Here's a round-up of the best five beaches the island has to offer.

1. Chia

A post shared by @81mi.tra on Sep 2, 2017 at 10:29pm PDT

No list would be complete without including Chia . The popular resort is a stones-throw away from the Sardinian capital Cagliari and has excellent transport links with the city. The main drawback of this family friendly beach is that it gets quite busy, so perhaps isn't the place to go if you want a bit of seclusion. Most of the bars and restaurants nearby are also inside of the local hotels, so it's best to bring a picnic with you. What makes Chia more unique than other beaches on the island, though, is that a nearby lagoon is home to a flock of pink flamingos.

2. Is Aruttas

A post shared by Inna (@inna_rya) on May 3, 2017 at 5:58am PDT

For years, the white sand and tiny pebbles that make the beach at Is Aruttas so alluring were some of Sardinia's biggest exports, finding their way to aquariums on every corner of the earth. Nowadays, Is Aruttas is a secluded slice of paradise that, despite its overwhelming beauty, is usually quite quiet and empty.

3. Spiaggia di Piscinas

A post shared by Chemi Salvador Abella (@chemisalvador) on Jun 19, 2016 at 11:57pm PDT





Towering sand dunes meet green foliage and mangled trees at this wild corner of Sardinia. Shrouded in solitude, Spiaggia di Piscinas is idyllic and untouched with beauty everywhere the eye can see.

4. Piaggia del Principe

A post shared by Coast.Style (@thecoaststyle) on Sep 1, 2017 at 6:58am PDT

A royal favourite, the beach at Piaggia del Principe is a perfect crescent. Turquoise waves gently lap against the warm white sand. Isolated, quiet and incomparable, Piaggia del Principe is a must to experience.

5. Golfo di Orosei

A post shared by Billionaires Lifestyle (@ballers_media) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:08am PDT

Dramatic cliff faces collide with the Med at Cala Goloritze. There are countless caves to explore and the beach is a favourite for hikers and rock climbers as well as sun revellers. The shimmering sea is one direction and the breathtaking landscape in the other makes for an enchanting sight if you explore the top of the cliffs. Cala Goloritze is also a great location to charter a boat and discover the coast's countless coves.
Andrew Bicknell

The episode starts with Albert (Tom Hughes) and Victoria (Jenna Coleman) cooing over baby Victoria, all loved up and wanting to "fill [the] nursery" with children. Albert leaves to meet with some mathematicians at the Royal Society, leaving Victoria to "do the boxes" by herself.As Albert is about to leave in the carriage, his father, Ernest (), jumps in to talk to him "with no women around" about his homeland. Apparently people are flocking to Coburg to see "the birthplace of the King of England", but the town is in disrepair and there is no money to fix it. Albert, however, reminds his father that he isn't the King of England and seemingly has no desire to engage with his father on the topic - he tells Ernest later that he "wants to use [his] money for good, not to pay for his [father's] vices". After a slightly creepy conversation with Uncle Leopold (Alex Jennings) in which he talks about how excited he is for her nursery to be full, how she's "pleasingly fecund", and how they need to produce a Prince of Wales, Victoria very much dismisses him before continuing with her her admin letters; reading on economics, geometrical ratios and conversations about the preservation of the Holy Land. Certainly, this is not a woman who seems to care for any more conversations of childbirth right now! Meanwhile, Albert is shown Charles Babbage's (Jo Stone-Fewings) engine designs, and in particular, a mathematics machine by Lady Lovelace (Emerald Fennell) which is faster than the human brain - it can even calculate prime numbers. He returns to gush about the machine with "so much potential" - imagine, if "computing machines" could do work that men could do (!) - and Victoria, though surprised that the Society has a female mathematician, suggests that they hold a party for the scientists. While Victoria writes the guest list for the cultural evening, she also pens a letter to Lord Melbourne (Rufus Sewell) suggesting that it's time for him to come back to the palace - something of a relief for fans, who were furious about the lack of Lord M in the first episode. And of course, we see him with the letter in hand, ready to return. Is Victoria really the same without Lord M involved? One thinks not.Back at the palace, as Victoria is being dressed, it is noted that her corset can't go any tighter if she still wants to be able to breathe - but of course, it's absurd for Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) to suggest she may be pregnant again so soon after the birth of "Vicky"... At the party, Alfred introduces Victoria to Charles Babbage and Lady Lovelace. Victoria comments on how "striking" Lovelace is, before she sees Melbourne and the three of them have a brief catch-up. During the party, Lord M and Victoria talk about the baby, and Melbourne is yet another person who can talk about Lady Lovelace - she's Lord Byron's daughter, which Victoria seemingly didn't know. Later she approaches Alfred et al., which serves as an opportunity for her to show her lack of mathematical knowledge as she asks if the "thinking machine" they plan to make will move very fast, and why would you need to calculate pi to the 125th place - because what kind of pie needs cutting into 125 pieces? It's clear that Victoria feels a little threatened by how well Alfred is getting on with the clever Lovelace. After we see Victoria vomiting, Alfred and Victoria have an argument revolving around Melbourne. Alfred doesn't think it was suitable to invite the Whig ex-Prime Minister as she's meant to be above politics, but she says she only invited him because she enjoys his company - as he enjoys Lovelace's. He calls Lovelace an intelligent woman doing incredible work, which seemingly makes Victoria feel a little put out as she asks if she's just "an ignoramus who has to have things summarised by her husband?" Still, the balance between being the reigning monarch of the country and being a wife in a time when spouses should be subservient to their husband, seems to be weighing down hard on Victoria. Albert leaves for a dinner with Babbage and Lovelace, among others, despite Victoria's reluctance and her messenger asking him to come back. When he returns, the Queen gives him a frosty, wordless reception. The next day, Victoria leaves for Brocket Hall, clearly surprising Melbourne as she walks in on him in his greenhouse. She tells him she is there for marriage advice, finding it difficult to balance ruling as a Queen and being a subservient wife, and worrying that he wants a lot of children so she can always be busy with pregnancy and he can rule in her place. She knows he knows a lot more than her, but as Melbourne tells her "knowledge is not wisdom." Lord M dissuades her worries about Lady Lovelace, stating that in his experience, if a man wants to flirt, he doesn't tend to do it with maths. When she and Albert finally talk again, they argue (again) - he thinks she's naive not to realise that everything she does is political; she thinks he's naive to think everything he does at the Royal Society is mathematical. But, at last, he knows she's pregnant again. Over at Brockett Hall, Melbourne sits with leeches on his arm, looking weary. Ultimately, this episode seemed a bit too convoluted - Victoria was jealous of Lovelace despite Melbourne calling her "more scientist than siren", she fell pregnant again, and she and Albert are still arguing. But at least she knows that Lovelace has children - so all of that tension over the 47 minute run-time has essentially amounted to nothing. As we move forward, one can only hope that Victoria doesn't get too steeped in empty melodrama.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested that the BRICS nations make 10 commitments, including efforts to combat terrorism, to play a more effective role in global transformation.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested that the BRICS nations make 10 commitments, including efforts to combat terrorism, to play a more effective role in global transformation.

Modi was speaking at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries as part of the 9th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Xiamen. He said that India's development agenda was based on the notion of "sabka saath sabka vikaas" (collective effort, inclusive growth).

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While pointing out that India had mapped each of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to its own development programmes, Modi said, "Our programmes are designed to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner. To quote just one example, our three-pronged approach of providing a bank account to the unbanked, providing a biometric identity to all, and using innovative mobile governance solutions, has enabled direct benefit transfers to almost 360 million people for the first time."

He emphasised on the need for BRICS nations to play a role in global transformation, as it represented half of humanity and hence should follow the "10 noble commitments".

Modi said, "We need to create a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues - counter-terrorism, cyber security and disaster management."

The Prime Minister called for creating a greener world by taking concerted action on countering climate change, through initiatives such as the India-initiated International Solar Alliance.

Modi's another advice for helping create an enabled world was by sharing and deploying suitable technologies to enhance efficiency, economy and effectiveness.

MODI CALLS FOR CREATION OF AN INCLUSIVE WORLD

Reiterating his vision for a digital economic and financial system, Modi called for creating an inclusive world "by economic mainstreaming of our people including in the banking and financial system".

He also stressed on "creating a digital world by bridging the digital divide within and outside our economies and on creating a skilled world by giving future-ready skills to millions of our youth."

The Prime Minister also called for improvement globally in healthcare services by urging BRICS nations to cooperate in research and development to eradicate diseases, and enabling affordable medical facilities for all.

As far as creating an equitable world was concerned, he said the BRICS nations should provide equality of opportunity to all, particularly through gender equality.

In terms of a connected world, Modi suggested enabling of free flow of goods, persons and services.

He also called for creating a harmonious world "by promoting ideologies, practices and heritage that are centred on peaceful coexistence and living in harmony with nature".

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"Through these agenda points, and action on them, we will be contributing directly to the welfare of the global community in addition to the welfare of our own people.

"And in this, India stands ready as a willing and committed partner to enhance cooperation and support each other's national efforts," Modi added.

(WITH INPUTS FROM IANS)

ALSO READ |

BRICS declaration names Pakistan terror groups in big diplomatic win for India

BRICS Xiamen summit 2017: Significance of 5-nation bloc and challenges it faces

PM Modi in Xiamen: BRICS a source of stability in uncertain world

WATCH VIDEO | India, China join hands at BRICS to condemn Pakistan-based Lashkar, Jaish, Haqqani

--- ENDS ---
PM Modi's promises to 'Act East' and cement ties with India's eastern neighbour have slipped even as China has strengthened its influence.

By Reuters: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss rising violence in Myanmar's western Rakhine state during a visit that begins on Tuesday, and push for greater progress on long-running Indian infrastructure projects, officials said.

India seeks to boost economic ties with resource-rich Myanmar, with which it shares a 1,600-km (1,000-mile) border, to counter Chinese influence and step up connectivity with a country it considers its gateway to Southeast Asia.

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Two-way trade has grown to around $2.2 billion as India courted Myanmar following the gradual end of military rule, but Indian-funded projects have moved slowly.

Modi's promises to "Act East" and cement ties with India's eastern neighbour have slipped even as China has strengthened its influence.

His first bilateral visit comes amid a spike in violence in Rakhine, after a military counter-offensive against insurgents killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of nearly 90,000 villagers to Bangladesh since August 25.

The violence could hit development of a transport corridor that begins in Rakhine, with the Indian-built port of Sittwe and includes road links to India's remote northeast, analysts said.

"It's going to be a very vexed and complex issue," said Tridivesh Singh Maini, a New Delhi-based expert on ties with Myanmar.

"You need to play it very smartly. You need to make it clear that Rakhine violence has regional implications...but India will not get into saying, 'This is how you should resolve it.'"

Last month, India said it wanted to deport 40,000 Rohingya refugees who left Myanmar in previous years.

Modi arrives from China late on Tuesday in the capital Naypyidaw to meet President Htin Kyaw on a three-day visit.

New Delhi believes the best way to reduce tension in Rakhine is through development efforts, such as the Kaladan transport project there, said Indian foreign ministry official Sripriya Ranganathan.

"We are very confident that once that complete corridor is functional, there will be a positive impact on the situation in the state," she told reporters.

Modi will meet Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and visit the heritage city of Bagan and a Hindu temple. The countries share close cultural ties, and several in Myanmar trace their roots to India.

Modi will also talk up a trilateral highway project connecting India's northeast with Myanmar and Thailand.

"There is a fear that China is already going full steam ahead," said Udai Bhanu Singh of Delhi think-tank, the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. "From the Indian side, there has been some laxity."

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Singh said India could offer Myanmar help in building its navy and coastguard, while Myanmar would seek assurances that India was a reliable economic partner and an alternative power to Beijing.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind both paid tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second president. Radhakrishnan's birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teacher's Day.

By India Today Web Desk: On Teacher's Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said teachers had a "central role" to play in building "New India," a five-year roadmap for development that he recently outlined.

Modi paid tribute to philospher-author Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second president and an advocate of the importance of education. Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888. The anniversary of that date is celebrated in India as Teacher's Day.

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"I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds and spreading the joys of education in society," Modi tweeted.

In another tweet, he repeated a mantra he coined for last month's edition of his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat.

Let us make the next 5 years about 'teach to transform, educate to empower & learn to lead.' https://t.co/4fdnDPf6lF- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

More than five decades have passed since Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's tenure as president ended. The current occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Ram Nath Kovind, had this to say about Teacher's Day on Monday.

"Our nation has a warm tradition of the Guru Shishya parampara by which teachers impart their knowledge to students and empower them. It is our moral responsibility to pay respect and regard to teachers, as they are role models who guide children to become good and productive human beings."

"Teachers also develop the creativity of children and kindle a desire in them to be innovative," he added.

On Teachers Day, I pay homage to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan & extend heartiest greetings to all teachers of our nation #PresidentKovind- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 5, 2017

ALSO READ

In case you've forgotten, this is why Teacher's Day is celebrated

When Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan met Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin

FYI | Happy Teacher's Day: 5 teachers who changed the vision of learning

ALSO WATCH

75 years of Quit India movement: Modi calls it a proud day, vows to create New India by 2022

--- ENDS ---
Besides discussing the Rohingya crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would like to mend ties with Myanmar and win the trust of a key ally in the East.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar comes in the backdrop of the worsening Rohingya crisis in the Rakhine state and the Centre's decision to deport illegal Rohingya immigrants.

During the two-day visit to Myanmar, Narendra Modi is expected to bring up the subject for discussion when he meets state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday. Thousands of Rohingya Muslims have taken refuge in India to escape persecution by Myanmar authorities.

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Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told Parliament last month that nearly 40,000 Rohingyas are staying in India illegally, and majority of them are living in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.

The Centre has said that illegal migrants like the Rohingyas pose grave security challenges as they may be recruited by terror groups, and directed states to identify such immigrants and deport them.

AMBITIOUS STARTS, DELAYED PROJECTS

Ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, India, which has maintained that there is no change in policy on illegal immigrants, has said that New Delhi would encourage the Myanmar government to "find ways of stimulating socio-economic development" in Rakhine.

"If there is active economic activity in the state, many of the problems will be at least reduced," said Joint Secretary, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Ministry of External Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan at a press briefing before Narendra Modi's Myanmar visit. She said India was working in that direction.

New Delhi did start working in that direction by proposing the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project in 2003, with the aim to push economic collaboration between India and Myanmar by connecting Mizoram to some of the western towns and ports cities in Myanmar.

The estimated USD 484-million project has since run into several delays, with India completing the construction of Sittwe port, in Rakhine state, last year. The work on another leg of the project--building road transport to connect Paletwa in Myanmar to Mizoram in India--is still on. The Modi government now aims to complete the project by 2019.

CHINA MADE ECONOMIC INROADS

The bilateral trade between India and Myanmar stands at a meagre USD 2.2 billion. Contrast this with the bilateral border trade between China and Myanmar which was estimated to be nearly USD 6 billion during 2016-2017, while overall bilateral trade figures stood at close to USD 9.5 billion.

Narendra Modi has called Myanmar a "key pillar" of India's Act East Policy which aims to strengthen India's economic and strategic ties with southeast Asian countries against a rising China. India shares over 1600 km-long land border with Myanmar as well as maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar is the only ASEAN country with which India shares its borders and is therefore New Delhi's gateway to ASEAN.

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Yet, the economic ties with Myanmar have been neglected by successive Indian governments. Under Narendra Modi, the Act East policy has got a much-needed push but many suggest that it will be difficult for India to woo Myanmar and the Aung San Suu Kyi government when China has made deep economic inroads into the country.

That Aung San Suu Kyi visited China before coming to India in October shows that Myanmar places enough importance to its relations with Beijing.

It was, therefore, symbolic and significant when India despatched the first diesel consignment to Myanmar a day before Modi reached Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar. Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) in Assam has entered into an agreement with Parami Energy Group of Companies for the supply of diesel and collaboration in the retail petroleum sector of Myanmar.

BEYOND ECONOMICS, BUILDING CULTURAL TIES

During Modi's two-day visit to Myanmar, agreements on maritime cooperation, health, development cooperation projects are in the offing. The two countries will sign an MoU for conservation of earthquake-damaged pagodas at Bagan, Myanmar.

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India, which has always stressed on building cultural ties with its neighbours, would want to connect culturally with Myanmar, an area where it hopes to edge past China.

The government release on the MoU says that the project will generate "immense goodwill for India among the people of Myanmar due to religious significance as well as touristic significance of the project".

The Prime Minister sought inputs from Indian community in Myanmar through his Narendra Modi app before his interaction with them during his two-day visit.

As Modi meets Myanmar's top leadership over the next two days, the Prime Minister would hope to convince Myanmar about its seriousness in strengthening ties as an alert China keeps a close watch on the developments.

ALSO READ:

Supreme Court seeks Modi government's view on Rohingya Muslim refugees

Malala Yousafzai urges Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn attacks on Rohingyas

Thousands of Rohingya Muslims flee Myanmar to Bangladesh, toll rises to 96

Rohingya Muslims aren't only ones fleeing Myanmar genocide, over 500 Hindus cross over to Bangladesh

ALSO WATCH: BRICS Summit: Modi, Xi meet for first time after 73-day-long Doklam standoff

--- ENDS ---

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen. Both the neighbouring nations agreed over maintaining peace at the border which they said was a prerequisite for good relation.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Chinese town of Xiamen attending the ninth BRICS Summit, met Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was the first bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two neighbouring nations after the over 70-day Doklam border standoff.

During the hour-long meeting, Jinping told Modi that his country was willing to work with India on the five principles of Panchsheel or peaceful coexistence.

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The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from the port city of Xiamen.

There was a sense that if relationship is to go forward then peace & tranquility on border areas must be maintained: FS on Modi-Xi meet pic.twitter.com/Voe8sxE2jo- ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

HIGHLIGHTS:

Issue of counter-terrorism was discussed during BRICS Summit. Terror was not on agenda during bilateral talks: S Jaishankar

Agreed at Astana that will not let differences become disputes, that was reaffirmed: S Jaishankar

Peace and tranquility at the border areas is a prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China: S Jaishankar

Discussions were very constructive and forward looking: S Jaishankar

Meeting lasted for little more than an hour. First half of the discussion was dedicated to BRICS issues: Foreign Secretary Jaishakankar

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls to push forward Sino-Indian ties on "right track", says stable Sino-Indian ties in line with fundamental interests of people

China is prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel: Jinping tells PM Modi

I congratulate you for the successful execution of BRICS Summit: PM Modi tells Chinese President Xi Jinping

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

During the meeting, which is taking place amidst efforts from the two sides to leave the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector, sources said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to create confidence building measures. However, they refused to divulge details about the issues to be discussed. The sense is that both countries want to "move on" after the standoff. World leaders at 9th BRICS Summit, Xiamen, China The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army. On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area. Asked if there was any link between the BRICS declaration which for the first time named Pakistan-based terror groups for their violent activities and resolution of the Dokalam standoff, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran answered in the negative, saying BRICS is a multilateral forum where outcomes are based on consensus. "It cannot be linked," she added. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing that "details of the meeting we will release in due course." Apart from Xi, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, which is among the five counties - Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan -- invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise. Xi and his wife hosted a banquet for the BRICS leaders this evening followed by Chinese cultural extravaganza. Modi, who attended the banquet along with other leaders, also interacted informally with the leaders of the guest countries.

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ALSO READ:

BRICS backs India on Pakistan-backed terror without naming the country

PM Narendra Modi in Xiamen: BRICS a source of stability in uncertain world

BRICS declaration naming Pakistan-based terror groups will irritate Islamabad: Chinese scholar

WATCH: Big diplomatic win for India: Pakistan terror groups mentioned in BRICS declaration

--- ENDS ---
Their bilateral meeting following the BRICS Summit in Xiamen was the first following the August 28 resolution of the 72-day border stand-off at Doklam.

By Ananth Krishnan: China's President Xi Jinping conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their hour-long meeting on Tuesday that India and China should "shelve differences" on border disputes, Chinese officials said.

Their bilateral meeting following the BRICS Summit in Xiamen was the first following the August 28 resolution of the 72-day border stand-off at Doklam.

Xi said that "China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquillity of the border areas," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

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Xi also called on both sides to "jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in border areas" and to "see each other as development opportunities, not threats", the official Xinhua news agency quoted the Chinese president as saying.

Geng said Xi also conveyed the hope that "India can view China's development in a correct and rational way" and the "need to show to the world that peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the only right choice for the two countries."

Also Read:

PM Modi to BRICS nations: Make 10 commitments for role in global transformation

BRICS declaration names Pakistan terror groups in big diplomatic win for India

PM Narendra Modi in Xiamen: BRICS a source of stability in uncertain world

Watch Video: BRICS Summit: Modi, Jinping meet for first time after 73-day-long Doklam standoff

--- ENDS ---
By Amarnath K. Menon : Seldom does an activist register a remarkable rise in politics, more so a woman, like 58-year-old Nirmala Sitharaman.

She joined the BJP in 2006, at the behest of Sushma Swaraj, while running Pranava The School, now suspended, to make quality alternate education accessible to children of middle and lower middle class families in Hyderabad.

Earlier, Swaraj inducted her in 2003 as one of the youngest members of the National Commission for Women (NCW) impressed by Sitharaman's speaking skills and dogged determination to chase and realise goals.

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These attributes transformed the studious Tiruchirappalli born girl from a conservative Brahmin middle class family, daughter of an Indian Railways officer, which placed a premium on scholarship, to excel and evolve as a go-getter.

STUDENT LIFE

She joined the Jawaharlal Nehru University for a Masters in Economics, after graduating from the Seethalakshmi Ramasamy College, Tiruchirapalli and soon cultivated an interest in campus politics by joining as a member of the Free Thinkers that strived to shake off the stranglehold of the Students Federation of India and curb the influence of Marxism.

A campus romance, blossomed into marriage to Parakala Prabhakar, the son of an Andhra Pradesh minister Parakala Seshavataram of the 1970s also a PV Narasimha Rao acolyte, in 1986. It made her abandon her doctoral dissertation on Indo-European textile trade and move to London where he enrolled for a doctoral degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She did odd jobs, including that of a salesgirl at a home decor store on Regent Street and as a translator in BBC Radio's Tamil Division, and then employed as an analyst at the research division of the consulting firm Price Waterhouse before they returned with a daughter, their only child, in 1991.

While Prabhakar headed a think tank Centre for Policy Studies, now called RightFolio, the purposive Sitharaman conceived Pranava that was established by the Parakala Seshavataram Memorial Trust in May 1997.

All that she assimilated earlier came in handy during her stint at the NCW (2003-2005) and after becoming the BJP national spokesperson, four years after joining the party.

FALLING-OUT WITH SWARAJ

Seemingly aggressive but forceful, Sitharaman believes family support is critical for work-life balance.

Known to speak her mind, she fell out with Swaraj in 2014 for endorsing M. Venkaiah Naidu and Arun Jaitley opposing bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in a tweet.

"With spokespersons like @nsitharaman u don't need enemies," retorted Swaraj and opposed her entry into the Rajya Sabha.

Asked once about her counsel to women, the pragmatic Sitharaman said, "Always choose the middle path and try to maintain equanimity. In other words, never go to any extreme - don't be too suppliant because you will lose your dignity nor be too over confident and aggressive or you will eventually lose your ground. Remain balanced. That way you can never fall too far."

No wonder, therefore, the ardent Krishna devotee and classical music buff falls back on allusion to describe her position in the party. "Tamarai elai thanni" (I am like a drop of water on a lotus leaf).

--- ENDS ---

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It's our annual Labour Weekend tradition ...The Sound 'Hall Of Fame' Countdown... Where we honor the greatest 500 songs of all time as voted by you.
The ministry of human resource development, Government of India had announced to scrap University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education and replace it with a new body named Higher Education Empowerment Regulation Agency to regulate both technical and non-technical institutions, but in a recent announcement this has been put on hold.

The reform issues behind this, nonetheless, are of critical significance for the higher education. For the past few years, or rather a decade, concerns have been raised in many quarters about the deteriorating quality and the associated command and control based regulatory mechanisms in India.

A 2010 circular of AICTE announcing that admissions, curriculum, fee, etc, will be decided or approved by an authorised government agency only, is a case in point. This was challenged in the Supreme Court and institutions have been functioning since then based on reprieve granted.

Multiple regulatory control by numerous statutory bodies with their labyrinthine mechanisms have challenged all institutions, preventing innovative and creative environment taking root in higher education institutions. To illustrate, the regulators prescribing area shows the level and extent of regulation. Such deep regulation reflects a flaw in the entire system.

The reports of various committees and commissions have in the past highlighted the deficiencies of regulatory bodies and pointed out the lack of autonomy and freedom given to the institutions, and made recommendations for their growth and qualitative improvements. However, so far nothing substantive has come out of these reports. All existing acts / guidelines of UGC and AICTE need to be thoroughly reviewed in the context of educational requirements of the present global times. Indian universities have had a dismal ranking in the world. The best we have currently is IISc Bangalore at 152 in QS World University Rankings and IIT Delhi next at 185.

With huge financial support and almost full autonomy to these government institutions this is the best we have attained in about 60 years of their existence. With pincer like grip of regulators stifling autonomy it can be anybodys guess as to what Indian private institutions can achieve when it comes to global standard. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Kellog, Oxford, MIT, etc, earned their status of world class not through government guidelines or regulations but on their own remarkable quality enrichment through the autonomy they enjoyed.

It is high time for Indian higher education to find its proper mooring at the global level and to minimise the outflow students in search of good institutions abroad. If these issues are not handled appropriately then the new regulatory environment, reflecting any lackadaisical reform may become a case of problem being handled getting changed from one hand to only the other hand.

It is time for all those who are involved in drafting the blue print of a reform to revitalise the very thinking of encouraging conducive environment for promoting quality education, emphasising autonomy and accountability, and fostering creativity and innovation, and thereby nudging institutions to move towards world class.

The writer is director, Fore School of management, New Delhi
Title: A Voice in the Night

Author: Andrea Camilleri/Stephen Sartarelli (Translator)

Publisher: Picador/Pan Macmillan

Pages: 288

Price: Rs 450

Law and justice seem an uneasy, unlikely pair in our world where networks more often mean the deep, shadowy nexus of the political establishment, big business and organised crime which can influence the states instruments for their own ends. But there are always maverick policemen who can uphold the law  and ensure justice too.

Like Chief Inspector Salvo Montalbano in Sicilys (fictional) Vigata town, who can take several unorthodox approaches and measures  unlikely to be found in any police manual  to both solve the crime and ensure the guilty, no matter how powerful or influential, get their just desserts.

In his 20th appearance, Italian author Andrea Camilleris honest, effective but markedly idiosyncratic policeman has to solve a case in which a robbery at a supermarket leads to the managers suicide after allegations of police inaction/threats. Alongside, there is the brutal murder of a young student, who happens to be the girlfriend of a prominent local politicians son.

In fact, both cases have prominent political and Mafia overtones and Montalbanos superiors and other officials, either complicit or afraid, seek to order him to play safe. But this admonition has never stopped him before, and he can soon find what direction he is being nudged into and fight back. Despite all the complications, our hero can still spring surprises that even astound his men, well used to him by now, leave alone the readers.

In this particular outing, he lies to or lays clever traps for suspects, hides and uses crucial evidence, including leaking it to the media, manages to convince his superiors to trust him, and carries out unauthorised searches with the connivance of his loyal and equally quirky subordinates, among others.

Finally, he takes direct action against a major but rather untouchable suspect, with the aid of some clothes pegs, a loaf of bread, a bundle of cotton and a roll of gauze, that leads to a shocking but not unjust outcome.

But Camilleri, who is his early 90s now but still going strong, does not serve us the Montalbano adventures only as intricately-plotted police procedural but also injects quite a bit of social and political commentary about his country and countrymen, their leaders and their governing structures (including a multiplicity of law enforcement agencies).

Then, while the stories are considerably dark, given their setting in the original homeland of the Mafia, there is a lightness of touch that makes them compulsive, as well as a range of humour, ranging from the slapstick to the surreal.

And Montalbano is a singular character.

This story, like a quite a few others, begins with our good Chief Inspector waking up and taking stock of his life, giving himself the shock of his life from a gift he accepts from a local fisherman acquaintance and then squabbling with his long-time girlfriend, Livia, who lives on the other end of the Italian peninsula, over telephone when she reminds him he has turned 58.

Going to work, his slow driving pisses off many, including a young man in a flashy car who insults him while overtaking him, but Montalbano, already smarting over his spat, comes across on him again at a service station, blocks his car, arrests him at gunpoint and subjects him to all kinds of health and official checks. (It is the same youth who reports the death of his girlfriend and becomes a suspect.)

The series greatest contribution is in showing that even in the Mafia heartland, its power is not absolute and there are many who fight against it  and succeed.
Shell Lubricants, the global market share leader in finished lubricants and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) under the aegis of the Energy Efficiency Council along with Godrej GBC, organised the 16th edition of Energy Efficiency Summit, International Conference and Exposition.

The three-day summit, held from August 30th to September 1, 2017 at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), focused on energy saving solutions, trends, innovations, case studies, and success stories in energy efficiency across the Indian industry. As industry leaders, Shell and CII led the discussions onrenewable energy generation, technologies and upgradation of performance for thermal power plants, pulp and paper sector and the sugar industry. The summit highlighted the importance of using energy efficient lubricants across factories and plants nationwide to result in savings.

The summit also felicitated companies for their excellent contribution in energy sector under the 18th National Award for Excellence in Energy Management 2017. To name a few, Bajaj Auto Limited, Waluj, Aurangabad (MH), Ambuja Cements Ltd. Unit and ACC Limited were awarded under the Automobile, Engineering and the Cement categories respectively.

Mansi Tripathy, Country Head of Shell Lubricants India Cluster said, The Lubricants industry holds key significance in the business operations of its allied industries and it is necessary for sectors to perceive the contribution of lubricants as an enabler of efficient macro operations. Sectors such as Pulp and Paper, Thermal Power and Sugar are important for the economy. We are hence trying to create an ecosystem and dialogue with industry stakeholders to help them understand Total Cost of Ownership and the connection between Lubricants and energy efficiency. We are and will continue to be a trusted partner in their journey to achieve the same.

Representing Shell Lubricants at the event, Siva Kasturi, Asia Pacific Regional OEM Manager shared his views on New Technologies and Trends in Thermal Power Plants and Opportunities in Enhancing Green Energy in Pulp and Paper Sector. Siva said, It was incredible to see several eminent industry leaders having attended the event. Our effort is to create awareness on energy costs and that any contribution of an appropriate synthetic lubricant in energy efficiency can translate into major savings. In alignment with our global objectives  Total cost of ownership and Together Anything is Possible  both conceptualised to provide end-to-end solutions for customers and partners to help them meet business challenges.We understand that there is little awareness about the need for choosing a quality product for a specific machine and therefore we are working extensively in this domain. Through collaborations with industry organisations, we are reaching out to a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve efficiency across industries.

Siva Kasturi also highlighted the relevance of technically advanced products and services like Shell lubricants that helps customers use less energy and improve machines performance.

Eminent stakeholders from renowned multi-business conglomerates including ITC, Siemens Ltd, TATA Power Company Ltd, Forbes Marshall, Environment Reliance Power Limited, Greenbank Group UK, India Uniper, among others, attended the summit and shared their insights.

Speaking at the summit, Arvind Kumar, Principal Secretary (Energy), Telangana, said: India is currently entering a high energy-intensive phase with a prime focus on economic development. Such a rapid transition demands unmitigated energy and environmental consciousness coupled with increased saving efforts more than ever. The State is in the forefront in leading the conversation about energy efficiency and working towards an empowered India.

Shell, in association with CII, is bringing together key sectors Paper, Thermal, Green Sugar, Cement and Metals  to contribute towards energy efficiency. The relevance of this summit is significant considering the worlds demand for energy is expected to double by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This increase is driven by numerous factors, essentially income and economic growth, which calls for greater demand for energy services such as lighting, mobility, industrial production, automation, cooking, etc. The summit was a call to action for these sectors to collaboratively address energy saving potential in India despite its low level of energy supply.
Do you have that feeling after watching a film that this film didnt live up to the expectations? But after sometime when the reboot of that film comes you feel justice has been finally served. Well, thats the case with some Hollywood movies which needed a remake/reboot that should impress the fans!

Heres a list of Hollywood remakes which were far better than their original version.

Heat (1995)

Michael Manns adaptation of his own original movie was a classic! From the direction to the performances of the cast, everything was in place for this masterpiece. The crime/drama film was high on action and an intriguing plot added to the pack of offerings the film had. One of the best reasons to watch this classic film is Al Pacino and Robert Di Nero! The film featured two of the most iconic actors of all time and even shared screen space in the famous coffee shop scene unlike their previous outing together, The Godfather 2.

Original film: LA Takedown (1989)

Scarface (1983)

Whenever you hear the name Scarface, the name Tony Montana strikes your thought! Reason being the commendable performance of Al Pacino. Like many of his previous films, Scarface carved the way for Pacino in Hollywood to become the leading man of the 80s and early 90s. Oliver Stone delivered one of the best directorial performances of his career and the film is considered one of the best gangster movies of Hollywood.

Original film: Scarface (1932)

True Lies (1994)

Director James Cameron left the Sci-fi side for a while when he directed action/comedy, True Lies. The film was a big commercial success and the performances of the entire cast were applauded by the audiences. Arnold Schwarzeneggers casting as the lead actor was the best decision as the movie required someone strong and huge, who had a larger than life persona to take on a terrorist organisation.

Original film: La Totale! (1991)

True Grit (2010)

The Coen brothers did justice to this masterpiece! Something Henry Hathaway failed to deliver in the original. What do you get when you mix great actors and an interesting plot? Masterpiece! The remake starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin was better than the original in every way possible. The direction, performance, background score, cinematography and dialogues, the directors justified why there was a need for a remake of the cult classic.

Original film: True Grit (1969)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

The much-needed remake which became the saving grace for the original versions legacy is a must watch for all fans who prefer the genre, comedy, any day. Directed by Frank Oz, the film is infamous for its tacky dialogue delivery and the performances of the scoundrels, Michael Caine and Steve Martin. The film focused more on the dialogues and slapstick comedy, which is one of the reasons to watch this Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. You can expect a laugh riot while watching this film!

Original film: Bedtime Story (1964)

The Departed (2006)

Martin Scorsese proves again why he is the master of crime/drama. The Departed is one of the finest works in the career of Scorsese. The film, which had an ensemble cast lived up to the expectations of fans and critics and grabbed every major award at the Oscars. The movie is also popular for the intriguing storyline and its cast and was a commercial success. And, of course, the name Martin Scorsese attached to it.

Original film: Internal Affairs (2002)

Oceans Eleven (2001)

Talking about ensemble cast! How can we forget the Danny Ocean and his team who are considered the coolest thieves ever? Steven Soderberghs Ocean Eleven is regarded as one of the best heist films. The film also was popular among women as the main leads cast in the film are all considered sex symbol, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt. Vegas is known for its casinos and how people lose everything in those casinos. But what if the casinos lose everything instead? This film is the answer to all the gamblers out there!

Original film: Oceans 11 (1960)
The RBI has told a parliamentary panel that it has "no information" on how much black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes or about unaccounted cash legitimised via exchange of currency post note ban.

By PTI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has told a parliamentary panel that it has "no information" on how much black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes or about unaccounted cash legitimised through exchange of currency post note ban.

Stating that an estimated Rs 15.28 lakh crore in junked notes had come back "subject to future corrections based on the verification process", the Reserve Bank also said that it had "no information" whether demonetisation was being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.

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The RBI has been facing flak from opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits.

Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that had come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15.28 lakh crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Replying to queries from the panel, the RBI said that the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy was still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500/1,000 notes), which were accepted by banks and post offices, were still lying in currency chests.

The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification would take time in view of the large volume involved.

NOTES' VERIFICATION PROCESS GOING ON IN FULL SWING

The process is "going on in full swing" with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.

"Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in estimation of specified bank notes (SBNs) received back is possible. Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion", the RBI said in its written reply to the panel.

In response to a query on how much amount of black money had been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "The RBI has no information in this regard."

The RBI gave a similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money had been legitimised through the exchange of junked currency.

The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss. The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector.

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Last week, several members of the panel had sought redrafting of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details, including on the quantum of junked Rs 500/1,000 notes.

ACCEPTANCE OF PANEL DRAFT REPORT DEFERRED

The acceptance of the report was deferred as member MPs across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panel's report on demonetisation needed to be "redrafted" while some of them stated that it "lacks punch".

In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 per cent of the scrapped currency notes had come back into the system.

The government had on November 8 banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country. The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.

The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.

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ALSO READ |

After RBI reveals demonetisation data, Congress, AAP hold 'told you so' press briefings

RBI report suggests note ban was a lot of pain for very little gain, 99% notes came back

RBI coming out with new Rs 1,000 notes? No such proposal, says government

WATCH VIDEO | India Today Editors Roundtable on DeMo: RBI was consulted, its board recommended the measure, says NITI Aayog VC

--- ENDS ---
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sought coordinated action and cooperation among the BRICS nations to deal with the menace of counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

Addressing the Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue at the 9th BRICS Summit in the Chinese southeastern city Xiamen, Modi said: We need coordinated action and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

We need to work together to create a greener world and mitigate the menace of climate change, added Modi as he called for an inclusive world, where the poorest of the poor are integrated into the financial mainstream.

Modi further urged the BRICS nations to work collectively for a digital world, skilled world, healthier world, equitable world and harmonious world.

Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the three-day event and their meeting will be keenly watched in the wake of the Doklam border row, which pitted the armies of the two countries against each other for over two months.

This will be the second bilateral meeting between the two leaders this year. The last one took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

After the BRICS Summit, Modi will travel to Myanmar.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday granted permission to search the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa. The Haryana government had moved a plea in the court for a thorough search of the premises. This comes a day after hundreds of Dera followers deposited their weapons with the police.

Meanwhile, Dera chief Ram Rahims adopted daughter is evading the police. A team of Haryana police went to Kheri on the India-Nepal border looking for her as she was suspected to have left for Nepal through the porous border.

The main clue was an unclaimed vehicle bearing the registration number of Punjab that was found abandoned on the border. Police have started a probe to ascertain its ownership and its connection with Honeypreet, if any.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ghanshyam Chaurasiya confirmed the arrival of two Haryana police personnel at Gaurifanta border in Kheri.

The ASP told PTI that the Haryana Police had shared some information with the Gaurifanta Police and inquired about her suspected movement towards the neighbouring country through the porous India-Nepal border.

However, when no clue about Honeypreets departure for Nepal could be gathered, the Haryana Police returned, the ASP said.

Honeypreet, who is in her thirties, is the adopted daughter of Ram Rahim whose conviction in a rape case triggered mob violence that killed 36 people across Haryana.

She had accompanied the Dera head when he was brought to the special CBI court in Panchkula for the pronouncement of the verdict in 15-year-old rape case. She also travelled along with him in a special chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction.

The police had issued a lookout notice against Honeypreet who has emerged as the Dera heads likely successor to head the controversial sect.

(With inputs from PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the death of Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena.

The Prime Minister has expressed grief on the demise of Health Minister Jomde Kena and extended condolences to his family and supporters, an official statement said.

Kena, 52, died on Monday night at a private hospital in Guwahati in Assam.

Kena was the MLA from Likabali in lower Siang district since 2014.
In what may spell trouble for self-styled godwoman Sukhwinder Kaur alias Radhe Maa, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the Punjab Police to register an first information report (FIR) against her for allegedly threatening a member of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Surinder Mittal.

In his petition, Mittal, a resident of Punjabs Phagwara, had alleged that Radhe Maa had been constantly threatening him not to speak out against her, after an audio tape had surfaced in 2016 in which the controversial Radhe Maa allegedly was heard seducing Mittal. In the audio clip, that went viral on the Internet, Radhe Maa was reportedly heard flirting, seducing and threatening Mittal, who used to be her

acquaintance.

Radhe Maa is often spotted wearing bright red dress, over the top make-up and carrying a gold trident.

In 2016, the she had courted controversy when a Mumbai woman Niki Gupta accused Radhe Maa of instigating her husbands family to torture her mentally and physically for dowry.

In 2015, Radhe Maa was booked under obscenity and cheating charges when videos surfaced of her being carried around during satsangs. In another controversy, a Gujarat family of seven committed suicide after they spent crores of rupees on the godwoman but did not receive anything in return.

Another godman, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was recently to 20 years in jail for raping two of his female disciples, while another Godmen Rampal and Asaram Bapu are also in jail in separate cases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived here on a three-day visit to Myanmar from China, where he had gone to attend the 9th BRICS Summit.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had earlier come here in 2014 to attend the Asean-India Summit.

Later on Tuesday, he will call on Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he has come.

On Wednesday, Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the countrys Foreign Minister and Minister of Presidents Office, following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Both Kyaw and Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi visited India last year after the National League for Democracy assumed power in the country.

During the course of the visit, Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in the restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon, where he will interact with members of the Indian community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday agreed that peace and tranquility at the border areas was a prerequisite for fruitful relations between the two nations.

Briefing the media about the bilateral meet, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said that several issues including the Doklam standoff were discussed between the two countries during the hour-long meeting on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit.

Peace and tranquility in border areas a pre-requisite for further development and to enhance mutual trust. It is natural between neighbours to have areas of differences but they should be handled with mutual respect, Jaishankar said.

The foreign secretary said that in case of differences, it was imperative to find common ground while the defence and security forces must maintain strong communication.

Both the countries agreed to have a forward looking approach and all the discussions were constructive. We agreed to not let differences become disputes and to have stability in our relations, Jaishankar said.

Doklam issue was discussed and both the countries agreed it should not recur; differences must be handled with mutual respect, he added.

The meeting between Modi and Xi was being keenly watched in the wake of the Doklam border row, which pitted the armies of the two countries against each other for over two months.

This was the second bilateral meeting between the two leaders this year and the last one took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

After the BRICS Summit, Modi will now be heading to Myanmar.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian pledged his countrys support for efforts to resolve Libyas political and security chaos during a visit to the war-wracked country.

Le Drian held talks in the capital Tripoli with the foreign minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord, and then travelled to the east of the country, where he met military strongman Khalifa Haftar who backs a rival administration.

This is a signal of the commitment of France, of President (Emmanuel) Macrons will, to contribute to resolving this crisis, Le Drian told reporters in Tripoli.

He said the visit was a follow-up to a July 25 accord sealed in Paris between the GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj and Haftar.

Our objective is the stabilisation of Libya in the interest of Libyans themselves but also in the interest of neighbouring countries, of which we form part in a way, Le Drian said at a joint news conference with Libyan counterpart Mohamed al-Taher Siala.

The French foreign minister said the aim was a unified Libya with functioning institutions that would stave off the terrorist threat and clear the way for reconciliation.

He met Haftar at his headquarters in second city Benghazi, the military strongmans spokesman Khalifa al-Abidi said, for talks on national and international developments.

Libya has plunged into chaos since the overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 with dozens of armed factions filling the power vacuum as people smugglers exploit the chaos to ferry migrants on unseaworthy ships across the Mediterranean to Europe.

At the July talks hosted by France, Sarraj and Haftar accepted that only a political solution can end the crisis, starting with a ceasefire.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen their ties at a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Delighted to meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We held talks on further strengthening our historical ties, Modi tweeted after their meeting.

Delighted to meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We held talks on further strengthening our historical ties with Egypt. pic.twitter.com/exwJZtg7mv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

He said that el-Sisi emphasised on Indias commitment and endeavours towards expanding development cooperation with other nations, particularly Africa.

The two leaders previously met during the Presidents visit to India last September.
A convicted Italian drug kingpin has been arrested in Uruguay after being on the run for over 20 years, authorities said here in a statement.

Rocco Morabito, described by the authorities as a prominent member of the Calabrian Mafia, had been wanted since 1994. He was convicted in absentia for drug trafficking and organised-crime activities in Italy, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, reports CNN.

Italian authorities said that Morabito had been responsible for shipping drugs into the country and arranging distribution in Milan.

The Uruguayan Interior Ministry said Morabito was arrested on September 2 in a hotel here.

Italian police said the arrest followed months of international cooperation and intelligence activity.

Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti lauded Morabitos arrest, saying he was considered one of the most sought-after members of the Calabrian Mafia.

Uruguayan authorities said some months ago that Morabito tried to enrol his daughter in a local school using his real name, and his fingerprints were confirmed by Italian authorities, CNN reported.

Interpol issued a red notice for Morabito  its highest-priority international arrest warrant in 1995 following an arrest warrant issued by Italian prosecutors.

When he was arrested, Morabito had 13 cell phones, an automatic pistol, 12 credit and debit cards, a large quantity of Uruguayan money and $50,000 in cash, plus currency certificates worth $100,000, the Uruguayan Interior Ministry added.
Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that a US bid for the Security Council to vote on Sept 11 on new sanctions is a little premature.

By Reuters: A top North Korean diplomat warned on Tuesday that his country is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyang's latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

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"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the U.S.," Han told a disarmament conference.

"The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of "begging for war" with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests. She urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

But Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday that a U.S. bid for the Security Council to vote on Sept. 11 on new sanctions is "a little premature." Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and has veto power.

"I don't think we'll be able to rush it so fast," Nebenzia told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Tuesday described more sanctions as a "road to nowhere."

Wall Street stocks fell on Tuesday as U.S. trading reopened for the first time since the North Korean nuclear bomb test, and the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields fell. "It's a more risk-averse picture," said Vassili Serebriakov, FX strategist at Credit Agricole in New York. "North Korea accounts for most of it."

Sanctions have done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with U.S. President Donald Trump who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the mainland United States with a nuclear weapon.

Haley acknowledged on Tuesday that more sanctions on North Korea are unlikely to change its behaviour but would cut off funding for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

"Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily," she told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington. "But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles."

MORE SANCTIONS?

Diplomats have said the Security Council could consider banning North Korean textile exports, banishing its national airline and stopping supplies of oil to the government and military.

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Other measures could include preventing North Koreans from working abroad and adding top officials to a blacklist aiming at imposing asset freezes and travel bans.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Korea's trade in 2016, according to South Korea's government. China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in "a responsible and constructive manner".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke by telephone on Tuesday and agreed that sanctions against Pyongyang should be stepped up.

South Korea said on Tuesday an agreement with its ally the United States to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threat.

South Korea's Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported that North Korea had been observed moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the newspaper said.

South Korea's defence ministry, which warned that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said it was not able to confirm the report.

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Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around Sept. 9, when it celebrates its founding day.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as U.S. aggression.

South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences.

Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles, South Korea's presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war.

The White House said Trump gave "in-principle approval" to the move.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Both sides have thousands of rockets and artillery pieces aimed at each other across the world's most heavily armed border.

Also read:

India 'deplores' North Korea nuclear test, says such actions impact peace in Korean peninsula and beyond

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ALSO WATCH | North Korea conducts 6th nuclear test with hydrogen bomb

--- ENDS ---
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday opposed tougher sanctions against North Korea which were imposed following Pyongyangs sixth nuclear test.

Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient, Putin told media persons after attending the 9th BRICS Summit  of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa  here.

All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims.

The President called on relevant parties to return to the negotiation table, reports Xinhua news agency.

It is necessary to push the issue to a dialogue between all interested parties. All participants in this process, including North Korea, should not have any of these considerations that are associated with the threat of destruction, but, on the contrary, all parties to the conflict should get on the path of cooperation, Putin said.

North Korea conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday.

However, the UN Security Council on Monday remained divided over possible new and tougher sanctions.
South Koreas navy held major live-fire drills on Tuesday to warn the North against any provocations at sea, it said, two days after Pyongyangs biggest nuclear test to date.

The drills, conducted in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), involved the 2,500-tonne frigate Gangwon, a 1,000-tonne patrol ship and 400-tonne guided-missile vessels, among others, the Navy said in a statement.

If the enemy launches a provocation above water or under water, we will immediately hit back to bury them at sea, Captain Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said in a statement.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

On Monday, the Souths military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the Norths nuclear test site.

US President Donald Trump and South Koreas leader Moon Jae-In agreed during a phone call late on Monday to remove limits on the payload of the Souths missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

Trump also said he was willing to approve the sale of many billions of dollars worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, according to a statement released by the White House.

Tensions have mounted on the Korean peninsula following a series of missile launches by the North, including two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday announced that the 10th edition of the annual BRICS summit will be held in Johannesburg next year.

Xi made the announcement after the end of the 9th BRICS  Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa  Summit here.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here on Tuesday, with Xi calling for healthy, stable bilateral ties between the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Modi congratulated Xi for the very successful execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

The two leaders met in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the three-day Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Light snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%..

Tonight

Light snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%.
Two people, including a child, hospitalized following one of three crashes in just over an hour in St. John's Sunday night

Two people were sent to hospital following one of three crashes in just a little more than an hour in St. Johns Sunday night. One of the crashes happened on the Robert E. Howlett highway at Heavy Tree Road at about 7:40 p.m. and left a pickup and an ...
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 5 (PTI) North Korea is "begging for war" with abusive use of missiles and nuclear threats, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, pushing for the "strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang following its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a "perfect success", sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Uns action cannot be seen as defensive. He wants to be acknowledged as a nuclear power. But being a nuclear power is not about using those terrible weapons to threaten others, she said.

"Nuclear powers understand their responsibilities. Kim Jong-Un shows no such understanding," Haley told members of the Un Security Council during a meeting on North Korea.

The Indian-origin US ambassador to the UN said that his abusive use of missiles, and his nuclear threats show that he is "begging for war".

"War is never something the US wants. We dont want it now. But our countrys patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory," she said.

The idea that some have suggested of a so-called freeze- for-freeze is insulting, she said.

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly wont," she said, adding time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy. We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left," Haley said in her address.

Haley and her counterparts from Japan, France, the UK, and the South Korea requested the emergency meeting in response to North Koreas latest nuclear test.

"To the members of the Security Council, I must say: enough is enough," she said.

British Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft said that North Korea has created a deeply dangerous and unstable situation.

"The UK will work with our partners on this Council and beyond to tackle the challenge," he said.

Dialogue, he said, will always be the "end goal".

"But returning to dialogue without a serious sign of intent from Pyongyang would be a set up to failure. North Korea must change course to allow a return to dialogue. Were they to do so, the opportunity exists to end this crisis. Until that moment, we must stay the course on sanctions, and continue, as the Secretary-General has called for, to present a united front," Rycroft said.

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Ambassador Koro Bessho of Japan said it was clear how belligerent and dangerous the North Korean actions were, posing a problem, not only for that countrys neighbours, but the entire international community.

The sixth nuclear test had exhibited a magnitude of explosion far greater than the previous one and had raised the threat to an unprecedented level.

In that context, he stressed the need for the Council to swiftly adopt a new resolution with further robust sanction measures Firmly supporting the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi strongly urged Pyongyang to comply with international measures.

The situation on the Peninsula had deteriorated, he said, stressing that China would never allow chaos or war to erupt.

Haley told the 15-membered body that US will be circulating a draft resolution soon, with the expectation to have it passed by Monday ? September 11.

The South Korean Ambassador Cho Tae-yul said the Security Council must respond to this serious provocation with the adoption of a new resolution containing much tougher measures, corresponding to the magnitude and gravity of the test.

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"Now is the time to take measures that are strong and robust enough to compel North Korea to seriously engage in dialogue. The new resolution must include not only additional measures to further block funds that could possibly flow into North Koreas illegal WMD program, but also truly biting and robust measures such as cutting off crude oil and oil product supplies," he said. PTI LKJ UZM

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Kolkata, Sep 5 (PTI) A four-storey dilapidated building in the Posta area of central Kolkata collapsed today, killing one member of a family and grievously injuring two others, police officials said.

The three were trapped inside a room when the building collapsed, they said.

Taraprasanna Saha, Sobha Rani Saha and Beauty Roy were pulled out by local residents and fire brigade personnel, the officials added.

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They were taken to the Calcutta Medical College Hospital where doctors declared Taraprassana as "brought dead". The injured, who are in a critical condition, were admitted to the hospital.

It was not immediately known how they were related, and if there were others in the building.

The police said people were living there even after it had been declared a "dangerous structure" by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The area was cordoned off and the building evacuated, they said. PTI AKB BDS

--- ENDS ---
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
The tonnes of garbage at the 'over-saturated' Ghazipur dump-yard which collapsed on Friday claiming two lives is estimated to be just one per cent of the entire landfill, a senior municipal engineer said.

While the officials yet don't see it as 'big issue', the site which was suppose to be shut in 2008, had been polluting air, water and soil since 1984, and it now poses a real time threat to the people.

As heap of garbage fell into the Kondi Canal running parallel to the site, experts also fear adverse consequences and a medical situation for the locals in the long run.

The Ghazipur dumping ground holds 130 lakh tonnes of solid waste. "Just a piece of the landfill has come down, its only one per cent of the total landfill. We had removed most of the dump and are putting it back to the site," said Pradeep Khandelwal, chief engineer, east Delhi Municipal Corporation. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday banned the dumping of waste at the Ghazipur landfill site.

Ghazipur site is the oldest and one of the three "un-engineered" dumping grounds located in East Delhi. The others include Okhla in South Delhi and Bhalaswa in North Delhi. The yard at Bawana, which qualifies as a "landfill site" as it is the only "engineered solid waste dumping and processing site" in the entire National Capital, experts said, advising the authorities to wake-up and start working on "decentralised processing centres".

Delhi produces over 14,000 tonnes of solid-waste daily.

Explaining the reason of collapse, the municipal engineer said that the site was running out of space. The officials also underplayed the role of rains as sole reason, as a joint-efforts of rains, fire and excessive pressure collectively bought down a small chunk of the Delhi's garbage mountain.

"The landfill had saturated long back and was holding more than it's capacity," Khandelwal said.

Further speaking on the future, the official reiterated the year old story that the solid-waste from Ghazipur will be used by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for construction of 74km of Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

They, however, claimed that the tendering process had been done and procurement of garbage would begin from "mid-November" this year.

The Ghazipur dump-yard spreads over 70 acres and is 50 metres high. Okhla landfill spreads over 32 acres and Bhalaswa covers an area of 40 acres.

"Delhi has not learned anything and its high time to switch the process. Land is not at all a solution, there is hardly any left in Delhi anyway," said Swati Singh, waste management expert at Centre for Science and Environment. Calling the sites as simply "dumping yard", she added that Ghazipur, Okhla and Bhalaswa were "not landfill sites at all", as they did not the follow prescribed norms.

According to the 2016 solid-waste management rules, a landfill site must not exceed 20 metres in height, must not be older than 22-25 years and must have a clay-lining at the bottom to save the land and ground water.

"Delhi has over 2,100 dhalaos (small dumping sites) which must be turned into processing centres. We should not use dhalaos anymore," she said.

Stressing on the need of a decentralised processing centres, where segregation of wet, dry and domestic hazardous waste is done and then treated, experts say that Delhi must follow cities like Pune, where such management system is at the place.

"Bio-methanisation plant would be the ideal solution," Singh said.

Warning that while the sites had been fuming toxic gases affecting the locals for years, risks of skin and gastrointestinal disease now stand increased. All the three landfill sites had been catching fire in past, with Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court pointing out the same in the past.

"As per the rules, the operation of an un-engineered landfill site is not permissible. However, as an immediate step for controlling the fire, in view of severe pollution level in Delhi, you are hereby directed to use the sludge generated by water treatment plant," said DPCC direction to the EDMC, regarding Ghazipur landfill in November, 2016, after the smog situation brought down Delhi's air quality to a 10-year low.

The DPCC also asked the EDMC to cover up the entire Ghazipur landfill site with the debris from construction and demolition waste.

However, the site, like other three dumping grounds continued as they had been doing since decades of its operations. - IANS
China wants to put its relationship with India on the right track, President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting on the sidelines of the ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen. Xi told Modi that healthy, stable ties were in the interests of both countries.

It was the second time the leaders had met in three months, but the first since a tense Himalayan border standoff that was the most serious military confrontation between the two countries in decades.

The stand-off between Chinese and Indian troop in the Doklam border region ended about a week ago, in time for the BRICS summit of emerging economies, which also includes Brazil, Russia and South Africa.

Hundreds of troops were deployed on the Doklam plateau, near the borders of India, its ally Bhutan, and China after New Delhi objected to China building a road through the mountainous area.

The quiet diplomacy that ultimately ended in de-escalation was based on a principle of stopping differences becoming disputes that Modi and Xi had agreed in Astana in June at their last meeting.

China has since sought to cast its ties with India in a positive light, saying there was huge potential for cooperation between the giant neighbours.

The prospect of the Xi-Modi meeting had raised hopes they will try and repair a relationship that has deteriorated as the two countries find their interests divergeand often clashwhile competing for influence across Asia.

Ties remain strained over the disputed frontier and India is deeply suspicious of Chinas growing military activities in and around the Indian Ocean.

For its part, Modis government has upset China with its public embrace of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, whom the Chinese regard as a dangerous separatist, and growing military ties with the United States and Japan.

China has said its forces will continue to patrol in Doklam, which is claimed by Bhutan, and that it hoped India had learned a lesson from the incident.
A meeting that was scheduled for half an hour went on for nearly one hour as Prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping sat together after the BRICS meet in Xiamen to discuss the relationship after the scars of Doklam. In a briefing after the meet, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said that both sides agreed that peace and tranquillity on the border was a prerequisite for a healthy and friendly relationship.

The bilateral was crucial to put the ghost of the recent dispute to rest and move on. The dispute nearly cost the BRICS meet, it would have been a failure had Modi not turned up for it. Diplomats worked frantically on both sides to resolve it days before this crucial summit.

It was not a backward looking meet, said Jaishankar, emphasising that both sides knew what happened at Doklam. This meet was more about finding ways to ensure that there is no repeat of Doklam and to develop mechanisms to tackle any arising problem. He said that both sides agreed that two countries so large are bound to have differences, the efforts would be to find common ground. Also, the effort would be to continue to resolve differences as per the Astana convention (not to let differences become disputes). Jaishankar added that the two leaders agreed there must be greater effort to establish trust on both sides.

The two countries discussed ways of establishing contact between defence and border security personnel so that flashpoints like Doklam do not recur. Jaishakar said that the two countries needed to work together with bilateral mechanisms as well as through institutions like BRICS.

The foreign secretary said that the two leaders did not discuss terror outfits and their banning at the bilateral. He in fact added that it was not discussed even at the leaders' summit, but was taken up in the discussions leading to the summit. He said that all member nations felt strongly on the issue of terror and had therefore mentioned it in the joint declaration.



The foreign secretary added that both leaders were keen to take BRICS towards its golden decade. The discussions have been forward looking,'' he said.
In a major embarrassment to the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of DySP M.K. Ganapathy.

With the apex court order, Bengaluru development minister K.J. George and two IPS officersAM Prasad and Pranab Mohantywho had been given a clean chit in the case by the CID, will once again face inquiry. The CBI is to submit the report within three months.

The case will be reopened after almost 13 months after the death of Ganapathy, who was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his room at a lodge in Madikeri on July 7, 2016. In his last interview to local television channels, a few hours before his body was recovered by the police, Ganapathy had alleged that he was being harassed by George, IGP (Lokayukta) Pranab Mohanty and ADGP (intelligence) A.M. Prasad. He had also held them responsible for anything untoward that would happen to him.

The Siddaramaiah government ordered a CID probe despite objections from the opposition parties and Ganapathy's family. The CID filed a B (closure) report in September 2016. The government blamed depression and marital discord for the suicide.

A distraught family, which had suspected foul play from day one and was unhappy with a botched up investigation by CID, decided to move the high court seeking a CBI probe. But the high court dismissed the plea filed by Ganapathy's father M.K. Kushalappa and brother M.K. Machaiah, stating the material produced does not make out a case for a CBI probe. Meanwhile, George, who had stepped down as the minister was re-inducted into the cabinet.

The family filed a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court. Strangely, the CID had filed a B report on September 17, 2016 even before the forensic report, submitted to the SC, was out in May 2017.

The forensic report states that data from his computer and mobile have been deleted, including the call records, text files, SMS, and excel files, e-mails, pictures and PPT files from his computer. Data from his two pendrives have also been deleted. The fingerprints at the crime scene were not collected, it stated.

The apex court had issued notice to the state government in last January asking as to why it could not order a CBI probe and had also sought George's response on the plea.

Welcoming the SC order, the opposition partiesBJP and JD(S)expressed hope that the aggrieved family would get justice. The CID probe was shabby and now the CBI inquiry will deliver justice. The SC order has reinforced people's faith in the judiciary, said JD(S) state president H.D. Kumaraswamy.

BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa said, George must resign to pave way for a fair probe.

George, however, ruled out his resignation. "Last time, I stepped down as it was a state agency (CID) probing the case. But now, there is no need to resign as it is an independent agency which will be probing. I welcome the probe as I want the truth to come out," he said.
By PTI: likely to be grounded

(EDs: Updates with AI reax)

By Shah Imran Ahmed

Mumbai, Sep 5 (PTI) Indias aviation regulator DGCA has found 132 pilots and 434 cabin crew of state-owned Air India to have allegedly skipped the mandatory pre and post-flight alcohol test this year and they face the prospect of being grounded.

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These crew members had regularly been "evading" the breath analyser(BA) test over a period of time for flights to and from certain destinations such as Singapore, Kuwait, Bangkok, Ahmedabad and Goa, sources close to the development told PTI today.

Air India on its part said it is in full compliance of all the norms set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) and that it will be complying with any directive issued by the the regulator.

Any crew member who tests positive in the pre-flight medical check or refuses to take a breath-analyser test is required to be taken off flying duty for at least four weeks and the airline is required to initiate disciplinary proceedings, according to civil aviation rules. DGCA has already served an ultimatum to the Air India management over the alleged safety violations by the airlines crew members ahead of its enforcement action, the sources said.

As part of the DGCAs safety regulations, all pilots and cabin crew must undergo the BA test before and after flights. Notably, aircraft rules prohibit crew members from taking any alcoholic drink 12 hours prior to the commencement of a flight.

"The DGCA already brought it to the notice of Air India management that its 132 pilots and 434 cabin crew have evaded the mandatory breath analyser(BA) test, which is to be taken both before and after operating a flight. It is a safety violation and it (DGCA) is taking a suitable action against these crew members," the sources said.

Since the grounding of such a large number of crew members could cripple the airlines narrow body operations, the DGCA is likely to enforce its action in a phased manner, the sources said. Stating that Air India is in full compliance of all the DGCA norms, an airline statement said, " We are working with DGCA and will be complying with any directive issued by the DGCA." Referring to the present issue of the crew allegedly skipping the tests, the statement said the Civil Aviation Requirements(CAR) of the DGCA indicated that all schedule flights originating from destinations outside India, post flight-breath BA examination of each flight and cabin crew are to be carried out on reaching India. "This has been interpreted by the Airline Management as a requirement to carry out post flight medical after completion of their flight which gets over at final destination," it said.

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Significantly, the DGCA had in February suspended the flying license of Air Indias then executive director for operations, Arvind Kathpalia, for three months after an internal probe found him "guilty" of skipping the breath analyser test for one particular flight.

Kathpalia is now head of operations and a Board member at the disinvestment-bound Air India.

As per DGCA, 224 pilots and crew members of various airlines failed the test in 2016, whereas 202 pilots and crew members failed the test in 2015. PTI IAS RAM GK GSN GSN

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Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, was shot dead here on Tuesday night, police said.

Karnataka police chief R.K. Dutta said Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar.

Lankesh, in her 50s, edited a Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications.

Dutta said Lankesh had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.

Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first."

Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy condemned the incident, calling it unfortunate.

Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.

Several people in media and public life took to twitter to express shock at Lankesh's killing.

"As a friend, colleague & admirer for decades shocked & shattered to hear of the murder of Gauri Lankesh, one of India's gutsiest journalists," said Vir Sanghvi, an eminent media personality.

"If it is BJP ruled state, Liberals would have cried for emergency, Intolerance, Fascism," tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!"
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his two deputies Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma and two other ministersSwatantra Dev Singh and Mohsin Razawill contest legislative council polls to become legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The CM and his ministerial colleagues are required to have the membership of either upper or the lower house of UP legislature to continue in their posts.

Their victories are certain as the BJP has enough numbers in the state assembly. Of these five ministers, the CM and Maurya have faced direct pollsAdityanath has been a five-term MP from Gorakhpur while Maurya won from Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Maurya has contested assembly polls as well in 2002, 2007 and 2012. Sharma has been the mayor of Lucknow, but has not faced other high profile polls. Raza, the only Muslim minister in the UP cabinet, and Singh, who has been an RSS pracharak, have not faced any direct polls.

A BJP leader said victory of these leaders are certain and asked why waste time, energy and money for the elections.

The party wants all its leaders to win the polls, hence it has opted for the upper house route. Although party is sure of chief minister and Maurya winning any elections, the BJP is tad apprehensive about Raza and Singh and hence did not want to take the risk of fielding them for assembly elections. Besides, the state had chief ministers who took the legislative council route in the form of Akhileh Yadav and Mayawati. Political heavyweights like N.D. Tiwari and former prime minister V.P. Singh too had opted for upper house polls.

However, the decision of Adityanath and his ministers to opt for legislative council polls has attracted criticism with former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav claiming these leaders lack courage to face direct elections.

The last day for filing nominations for the polls is Tuesday and the scrutiny will take place on Wednesday. The last day for withdrawal is September 8 and the elections will be held on September 15. The results will be declared on the day of the poll itself.
Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan today rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen yesterday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

The 43-page declaration, adopted at the end of the BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

"We reject the declaration (released by member countries) at the BRICS Summit," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir said during a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence.

Dastgir claimed that Pakistan has no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV.

"Forty per cent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists," he said, later while talking to the media.

Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastgir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57 per cent are under their control.

Later, the Foreign Office (FO) issued a brief statement about the BRICS' leaders summit document naming various militants groups including LeT and JeM.

"Pakistan is also seriously concerned about the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region," it said, adding that terrorist groups based in the region, including in Afghanistan, such as the TTP and its associates like Jamatul Ahrar have been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people.

"We are deeply concerned at the presence of groups like Daesh (ISIS), ETIM and IMU in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to peace and security in the region," it said.

Pakistan was also "concerned at the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities," the statement added.

When asked about Pakistan's plan following US President Donald Trump's recent comments, Defence Minister Dastgir said that Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US.

Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

He also slammed Pakistan for its support to terror groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

"This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability," Dastgir added.

In response to a question, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistans ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.
Dr Aditya Arora alias Aditya Insan, in his 40s, is an articulate man. Hours before thousands of Dera Sacha Sauda supporters clashed with security forces near the CBI court in Panchkula on August 25, Aditya was seen managing the swelling crowd on the ground. An ophthalmologist, he was with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for a decade, and now works as a senior consultant and director of the eye bank at Shah Satnam Ji Speciality Hospitals in Sirsa. He also owns an automobile companyMSG Motors Pvt Ltd.

When THE WEEK caught up with him minutes before Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was found guilty of rape, Aditya accused the government, intelligence agencies and media houses of conniving for months to nail baba. His face fell when the news of the verdict poured in. He moved aside quietly, but Dera crowds had erupted by then. Aditya has now been charged with sedition, for allegedly inciting violence. Edited excerpts:

The Dera chief has been accused of rape.

This is a conspiracy against Guruji. There are certain police officials, couple of media houses, media persons and politicians who are behind this.

Who is targeting him?

The Intelligence Bureau had intercepted conversations between a certain shrine in Punjab and their ISI handlers in Pakistan. A few years ago, there was an RDX attack on Guruji. There have been three attacks, 15 consignments of AK47s and RDX have been caught, and his followers are being attacked.

Then there was the dress episode [In 2007, he had dressed up as Guru Gobind Singh, which led to violent clashes between Sikhs and Dera followers]. Today, the situation is such that Guruji can't even go back to his house in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. So, the angst has been building up, but Guruji has been directing this into constructive forms. The total number of social initiatives we have undertaken has gone up from 50 to 103. So, Guruji has been very keen that there should be a constructive outlet for all this.

But, if the verdict is not in his favour, can we expect trouble?

Guruji has made multiple appeals to them [followers] and I hope his appeal will have an impact. But, the situation has become such that followers have started telling Guruji that as far as countering these negative forces is concerned, please let us do it on our own. This is for the first time they have defied Guruji. It is a very sad precedent even for us. I apologise to the people of the three cities [Sirsa, Panchkula and Chandigarh] for all the inconvenience.

Haryana and Punjab are in a state of shutdown at the moment. Other states are also affected. Your comments.

Just look at it. It is trivial compared to people facing bomb attacks, people being knifed, shot at and treated as second-class citizens. But, I still apologise with folded hands, that this should not have happened.
A specific input implied that the Pakistan Army is planning a strike by its special service group with Jihadi terror outfits in areas like Gurez, Keran, Nowgam, Uri and in Kashmir Valley.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Pakistan Army and the ISI are planning a Border Action Team (BAT) operation to open an offensive against the Indian Army at the Line of Control (LoC), an intelligence report said. A specific input implied that the Pakistan Army is planning a strike by its special service group with Jihadi terror outfits in areas like Gurez, Keran, Nowgam, Uri and in Kashmir Valley.

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Following crackdowns on terror outfits in Kashmir Valley, the security forces could be under attack both at the LoC and hinterland.

The intelligence report also outlined that the terror groups may target security forces on national highway in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam in south Kashmir and Kupwara, Baramulla in North Kashmir, besides Srinagar, and its adjoining Ganderbal. This comes in the backdrop of a Lashkar attack on CRPF road opening party in Quazigund on Monday in which four CRPF personnel were injured.

Nearly 140 terrorists have been neutralised by security forces in which top terror commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar have recently been eliminated. Sources in security establishment also said the three terror groups Hizb, Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammed met recently in central Kashmir to chalk out strategy.

The terror groups have avoided using cell phones and electronic devices to avoid being tracked, but forces feel it wont hold till long.

Also read:

Stone pelters on hire in Kashmir: India Today nails Valley's insidious villains

Kashmir: Clashes in Kulgam after LeT terrorist, who plotted Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz's murder, is killed

2 Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists gunned down by security forces in Sopore

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(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Israel traffic police stopped a vehicle and learned the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended license. It was the sixth time he was apprehended driving with a suspended license.

Police over the weekend participated in operations in a number of areas, including the apprehension of drivers with suspended licenses  chronic abusers. At about 2:00AM on Shabbos morning, the driver was apprehended on Route 2 near Shefyam Interchange.

The driver, a resident of northern Israel in his 40s, was driving with a license that expired in 2002 as he is barred from having a license now due to multiple suspensions, six in total, with the latest in November 2016, for a 24-month period.

This time, the driver was jailed and taken for an arraignment hearing.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Kansas Governor Samuel Brownback who is waiting for confirmation as Trumps new Ambassador for Religious Freedom visited the magnificent Aish HaTorah Dan Family World Center on September 1st, this past Friday morning.

Although this was the Governors first visit to the breathtaking building and view  directly overlooking the Temple Mount, rising seven stories above the Western Wall Plaza in the Old City of Jerusalem, he is not a novice to religious institutes. He has now been chosen by President Trump to be the next Ambassador for Religious Freedom. Governor Brownback also served as a United States Senator from 1996 until he became Governor in 2011.

Governor Brownback remarked recently, Religious Freedom is the first freedom. The choice of what you do with your own soul. I am honored to serve such an important cause.

Throughout his career, Mr. Brownback has been known as an ardent supporter of Israel whether during his time as the US Senator or Governor of Kansas. Governor Brownback recently signed a Kansas State bill outlawing discriminatory boycotts of Israel.

Rabbi Steven Burg, Director General of Aish HaTorah Global commented, Governor Brownback stands by Israel and against the anti-Semitic BDS movement. We at Aish are proud that the future Ambassador chose to visit us on his recent trip to Israel. It is the hope that this is just the beginning of a warm, embracing relationship between the current Governor of Kansas and the future American Ambassador of Religious Freedom and Aish HaTorah. Aish HaTorah is an international platform empowering Jews to discover their limitless potential through Torah wisdom in an inspirational, meaningful and welcoming way, encouraging every Jew to fulfill their destiny. To date, Aish HaTorah has 35 branches worldwide, engages over 250,000 people per year and reaches over 1,000,000 people online.

It was an honor to host Kansas @govsambrownback at @Aish_Global for a tour & an educational visit. The Governor is a true friend of Israel! pic.twitter.com/mmp71tsoWD  Rabbi Steven Burg (@stevenburg) September 1, 2017

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Health Ministry calls on the general public not to buy Yesh Maohf eggs with a last date of sale of 20 October. Officials are also calling on the tzibur at large to destroy 11 million eggs.

After comprehensive tests conducted in the framework of the joint efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health to protect the public health, Salmonella was found in an environmental examination of coops in Moshav Goren.

Upon discovery of laboratory test results, the offices immediately stopped marketing the eggs from the sorting station. The amount of eggs that are suspected of being infected by the chicken coop is less than one percent of the total number of eggs marketed in Israel.

While at times, if infection is suspected, consumers are told to cook eggs completely but in this case, officials instruct consumers to destroy the eggs. Officials do not want the eggs returned, for this will spread the infection. Consumers are instructed to take the loss and destroy eggs.

The Ministries of Health and Agriculture emphasize that it is forbidden to consume eggs that have already been purchased and that they must be destroyed by throwing them into the garbage can.

Salmonella is a common bacterium in the world and the State of Israel makes efforts to minimize its presence. As part of the program for monitoring Salmonella in the laying coops, 60% of the laying interfaces in Israel have already been examined. The prevalence of salmonella in the Israeli egg-laying alleys is less than 3%, a smaller percentage than that in Europe and the United States.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan has rejected BRICS statement and said no terrorist organisation has complete safe havens in their country.

By Reuters: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by the five emerging-market BRICS powers that militant groups in Pakistan pose a regional security concern, with its defence minister saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.

The minister's response follows a statement on Monday by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that also called for patrons of the Pakistan-based militant groups to be held to account.

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"These organisations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which we're cleaning," Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

"But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organisation has any complete safe havens."

The groups named by the BRICS include anti-India militant factions such as Jaish-e-Mohammad, which was blamed for a 2001 attack on India's parliament, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blames for cross-border attacks including a 2008 assault in Mumbai in which 166 people were killed.

Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network, which is allied with the Afghan Taliban militants waging war on the US-backed government in Kabul and foreign forces there.

The United States has been calling on Pakistan to do more to tackle alleged Haqqani network sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, or it might cut military aid.

China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region, where some members of a Muslim minority chafe at Chinese Communist Party rule.

Countries attending a December conference aimed at stabilising Afghanistan made a similar statement, naming several Pakistan-based groups as a source of concern.

Pakistan has always strongly denied offering safe havens to militants groups.

Also read:

BRICS backs India on Pakistan-backed terror without naming the country

BRICS declaration names Pakistan terror groups in big diplomatic win for India

Also watch:

India, China join hands at BRICS to condemn Pakistan-based Lashkar, Jaish, Haqqani

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Electricity bills are on the rise with all of the big six providers hiking prices this year - but could you cut your bills by creating and storing your own energy?

Darren Widdowson, from Northamptonshire decided to try generating his own electricity with solar panels and a battery storage unit from Ikea and he now pays just 4.50 every month for electricity to power his home and electric car.

Ikea claims the system can cut electricity bills by 70 per cent - or an average of 540 a year - as having the battery storage allows households to keep more of the electricity they generate, so they're not as reliant on the national grid.

Sun power: Ikea launches solar battery units which promise to double solar panel savings

But with the battery price starting at 3,000 and the solar panels pushing the total price up to 6,925 is it ever worth investing in a measure such as this and just how long does it take before you've got your money back?

Solar panels are a way to generate your own electricity by harnessing power from the sun and converting it into energy you can use to power your house, while the battery storage units allow households to use more of the energy they generate.

Neither of these are new products to the market, but Ikea claims its offering is the most competitive for sale and it is significantly cheaper than Tesla's similar system - its Powerwall, which starts at 5,400 not including the solar panels.

'MY ELECTRICITY BILLS ARE NOW 4.50 A MONTH' Darren Widdowson has seen his bills drop by 60 per cent with the new system Darren Widdowson, a freelance business consultant from Northamptonshire, had a set of 18 solar panels installed in April along with a battery storage unit. Here he tells us how it works, the difference it's made to his home and how much money he's now saving. 'Technology is getting better, and the price is coming down, I already had an electric car so had been looking into solar panels for quite a while. It was a significant investment for me but when I heard about the battery storage I thought it was a cracking idea. I wanted to get a lot of panels to make the most of having them so had 18 installed on my roof. 'And now it's doing everything I want it to  it's a pretty overcast day today but the battery is still at 100 per cent. Usually first thing in the morning it's at around 30 or 40 per cent and then back to 100 per cent by mid-morning. 'I had them installed in April and it took around a day to do, and now any electricity that I don't use is stored in the battery. David is almost entirely off-grid now and produces most of his own electricity 'My electricity bills have dropped by around 60 per cent and I'm now paying more for the standing charge than I am for the electricity I use to my provider. When looking at just the electricity my bills are around 4.50 a month. 'The initial payout was 10,500, although this is more than the standard because I had 18 panels installed. 'If British Gas were to put its prices up by 12 per cent every year for electricity, my bills without the panels would have risen by around 2,000 every year. 'To me it's the way forward. I'd recommend it to anyone and I love the fact I can look at a web page and find out how much electricity I'm generating and how much I'm using around the house.'

A typical house with solar panels will consume 40 per cent of the electricity generated, with the remaining 60 per cent being sent back to the National Grid.

But the battery storage system, which has been produced with Solarcentury and Ikea, allows an average house to use 80 per cent of the electricity generated from the solar panels.

Ikea claims these units can double the amount of savings made by having solar panels and reduce average electricity bills by 70 per cent.

Energy storage: Ikea launches solar battery units which promise to double solar panel savings

The total cost for the solar panels and battery storage is 6,925 and after around 12 years on average this will be repaid, the company estimates  during which time the household has been generating free, clean energy.

The exact price paid will vary depending on the number of panels installed, Ikea has a calculator on its website to estimate the savings possible by postcode.

Hege Saebjornsen, country sustainability manager, Ikea UK & Ireland said: 'At Ikea we're always looking for ways to help customers take positive actions at home for both the environment and their wallets.

'We know that our customers want to live more sustainably and together with Solarcentury we will help them to get more value from their solar panels and do just that.

'With energy bills already going up 15 per cent this year, there's never been a better time for customers to take back control of their electricity bills and maximise their savings by switching to solar and solar storage.'

Susannah Wood, head of residential solar at Solarcentury commented: 'We're committed to helping homeowners reap the benefits of going solar and our business partnership with Ikea is a significant step forwards for the renewable energy industry.

Ikea says the battery storage and solar panel package could lower energy bills by 70 per cent

'The cost of solar installations has dropped considerably in recent years and is in fact 100 times cheaper than it was 35 years ago. We believe Ikea and Solarcentury are bringing the most competitive package to the market yet so more people than ever before can profit financially and environmentally by producing their own energy.'

Lots of homes across the country have solar panels but since 2015 when the Government subsidies for those with the panels were reduced, they are now more costly.

While solar panels are a big cost, the idea behind them is over time you make the money back through lower electricity bills.

The feed-in-tariff is a certain amount paid by the Government to certain households for the electricity they generate through their solar panels.

It is paid quarterly by your energy provider but was cut by around 65 per cent in 2016.

For those thinking of having them installed, its worth looking at all the costs involved first. While the overall cost will be high  if youre making a substantial saving each year on your electricity bills then solar panels may be worth it, however it could be 20 years or so before you start to see the savings.
With many children heading back to the classroom this week, experts are warning parents about the dangers of leaving their cars idling at the school gates.

A new study by ClickMechanic found that each driver who don't turn their car engines off during a 10 minute period spent waiting for their kids produce enough excess fumes to fill two jumbo jets a year.

Health experts are now calling for 'no idling zones' outside schools over fears that children are being exposed to a high concentration of dangerous emissions as they exit the school gates.

Invisible danger at the school gate: Research has found that there could be a higher concentration of toxic fumes outside schools than many other locations due to the number of parents dropping off and collecting their kids by car

Public Health England and Care Excellence have backed the idea of a crackdown on engine idling outside schools, as well as hospitals and care homes to protect those most vulnerable to harmful emissions.

A recent study by Barcelona's Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology found that children's brains slow down when they are exposed to high levels of air pollution.

The research identified that pupils who breathed in toxic diesel fumes on the way to school struggled to perform as well as normal, taking longer to respond to questions and finding it harder than usual to concentrate. On days when air pollution peaked, the problems worsened.

Additional studies have warned that parents are exposing their children to toxic gases just by driving their kids to the school gate because they provide very little protection from the fumes produced by the vehicle. A study by Professor Sir David King warning it could stunt the growth of children.

'Air Marshals' in Westminster are already issuing 80 fines to those caught in the act of not switching off their engines and then refusing to do so, though health associations have demanded for wider policing in a bid to strangle emissions outputs in the most at-risk locations.

Just by letting an engine tick over for a minute a day on the school run generates enough harmful gases to fill 150 balloons - extend that period of idling to 5 minutes and your car will emit excess fumes to fill 23 shipping containers.

ClickMechanic, an online marketplace for car repairs, said 15 minutes of engine running would see your vehicle cough-out enough gases to overfill an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Just 10 minutes of parking outside the school gates with your engine running is enough to fill two jumbo jets a year. And that's just one car idling - what about all the other parents?

Research carried out by online car repair marketplace ClickMechanic showed the hazardous impact of letting a car idle for 5 minutes or longer each day

Many parents admit that they don't switch their engines off during the time they're waiting for their children to emerge from the classroom, mainly because they're unaware that it is illegal.

According to Rule 123 of The Highway Code, you must 'not leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.

By simply switching off the engine whilst waiting, drivers in the UK would dramatically reduce the level of pollution and the associated health risks for those breathing it.

Just 5 minutes of idling can produce enough emissions to fill 23 of these shipping containers, the RAC Foundation warned

Leave your car running for up to 20 minutes outside a school and your car emits enough excess fumes to full an Olympic-size swimming pool

Andrew Jervis, Co-Founder of ClickMechanic, said: 'Switching off your cars engine whilst you wait at school is a small change which will have a huge impact on our carbon footprint.

'Leaving an engine to idle wastes fuel, costs money and adds to the pollution.

'It also contributes to the potentially harmful emissions around the school and can affect both yourself within the car and those around.

By putting a stop to this popular habit, drivers in the UK will be taking a step closer to cleaner, safer air.'

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, backed the suggestion of introducing a fine system - similar to that introduced in Westminster - across the UK to enforce a clampdown on unnecessary emissions production.

He said: 'With concern about the air we breathe running high, nowhere more so than outside schools, it is simply irresponsible for people to sit with their engines idling making matters worse.

'The Highway Code already prohibits idling but perhaps it will take the introduction of a fine to make people stop and take notice.'

'Air Marshals' in Westminster are issuing 80 fines to those who are caught with their engine running at the side of the road

Health organisations want to see engine-idling fines to be introduced across the UK and not just in the capital

Facing pressure from ministers in a bid to reduce the nation's emissions output, local councils are considering the introduction of clean air schemes to banish older diesel cars from city centres.

Government-back low clean-air zones are also due to be introduced across the UK in 2019, following the London Toxicity Charge in October this year and Low Emissions Zones in 12 months' time.

UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart said letting a car engine idle near schools was 'selfish and wasteful', especially as it means you're losing money on unused fuel.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research, added: 'IAM RoadSmart dont object to giving councils the power to fine drivers but they must use these powers with a high degree of common sense.'
The idea behind squirreling away modest sums of money into a pension during your working life is to one day use the savings to fund a comfortable retirement.

Accumulating wealth to this end is a big part of the picture, but not all of it.

A huge part of having money is spending it on things that bring a smile to your face - be it a luxurious cruise around the Caribbean, or that Lamborghini former pensions minister Steve Webb was on about in 2014 when talking about the pension freedoms.

But how exactly should people spend their nest egg and what assets should they cash in first?

A lot has been said about the need of to resist superfluous spending at retirement savings but it is also important to use some of your nest egg to achieve personal life goals

At present, the UK does not have a default retirement age so you are free to choose when to retire. However, the age at which you can access your private pension is 55. This rises to 57 in 2028.

For state pensions... well that's an entirely different story.

The state pension ages have been undergoing radical changes since April 2010. The age is 65 for men and will rise from 60 to 65 for women by 2018.

It's 63 and nine months from April 2017 and then 64 and six months the following year.

Post-2018, the state pension age for both sexes will increase to 66, 67 and then 68.

Get help sorting your pension Pension freedom has delivered a lot more choice for people retiring today, but also some tough choices. Should you buy an old-fashioned annuity, keep your pension invested in drawdown, or take lump sums of cash? How do you balance investing to deliver the income you need with making sure your pot doesn't run out? Good financial advice is essential when trying to work these things out, but finding it can be tricky. This is Money has teamed up with Timber to offer readers easy access to carefully selected financial advisers who you can trust, with fair and affordable charges. > Find out if Timber could help you

Under new proposals announced in July this year and subject to parliamentary approval, the rise in pension age to 68 will happen in 2039.

However, once these retirement income taps are opened, pensioners should think twice before splashing their cash.

You should consider your short, medium and long-term income needs, as well as how long you need the money to last.

Fiona Tait, technical director at Intelligent Pensions says the usual port of call is to consult a financial adviser to determine a level of income that is sustainable over your predicted lifetime, adding this is all the more important as many people underestimate just how long they will live for.

Those approaching, or at, retirement can also use the government guidance service Pension Wise, which launched alongside the pension freedoms, to help them understand the options available in the new pension landscape.

How much do I need at retirement?

A 2017 study by consumer group Which? found retired couples need on average 18,000 a year to cover household essentials such as food, utilities, transport and housing costs.

The figure rises to 26,000 allowing for extras such as a European holiday and leisure activities.

The research, which involved a sample of 1,590 retired couples, found a couple would need a defined contribution pot of 210,000 alongside their current state pension entitlement to generate a yearly income of 26,000.

Don't run out of cash Ritu Vohora, investments director at M&G Investments, says: 'Not only are we living longer but were also living healthier lives. 'While this means many of us can look forward to full and active retirements, it also means we may underestimate how much money we might need, and when we might need it. 'Everyone has different retirement goals, so its important to budget realistically for these and get advice if necessary. Its also vital to review your finances regularly to make sure your money is working as hard as possible at each stage through retirement. 'Accurately modelling your spending habits against the rate at which your assets are decumulating, could be the difference between being left with no money, or having enough to pass on.'

A defined contribution scheme, or 'DC' scheme for short, is where an individual, or employer and employee, agree on a set amount to be paid regularly into an individual pension.

When you retire, you then have a range of choices for how you access the money saved.

Based on the current retirement ages and state pension entitlements, this means couples who are starting from scratch need to be saving 131 a month from age 20 - rising to 633 for those starting to save at aged 50.

Studies like the one above provide a good snapshot of how people should save but in reality, it is difficult to describe a 'typical' scenario as retirement objectives are unique to each pensioner.

Tait says: 'I would recommend drawing up a list of objectives then putting them in to priority order so that the most essential needs are met first, followed by the "nice to haves". For example, someone might identify a "necessary" level of income that is required to pay their bills, followed by predictable capital expenses and then discretionary or 'nice to have' income.

'The necessary income can then be secured by some form of guarantee or low-risk investment, while the remainder of their savings may be invested in medium- or higher-risk assets that have the potential to provide higher returns.

'In this way, essential needs are taken care of even in times of poor market returns, while the chances of achieving the other objectives are increased.'

Which assets should you spend first?

In a perfect world, you should be able to dip into different savings vehicles for income at retirement. Of course, we do not live in a perfect world, and the plight of those who were not astute in saving for latter life is well documented.

However, it is not beyond the realms of possibility for a typical pensioner to have an Isa - be it cash or stock and shares - and at least one pension.

It can be easy to lose track of a pension, especially one held in the early stages of your career. A pensions dashboard - allowing everyone to find out their future retirement income at a glance - is in the works. In the meantime, the easiest way to find an old pension is to contact the government's Pension Tracing Service.

The rule of thumb is to spend Isa money first, because it is not taxed on withdrawal, before dipping into the pension, which becomes subject to tax at a rate linked to all income received that year, according to Tait.

However, pensioners can take a maximum of 25 per cent of the value of their pension as a tax-free lump sum from the outset (from the age of 55).

She adds: 'In terms of investment assets, it is important to have a diversified portfolio that reduces exposure to any one asset class. For those who are taking income from their savings, the portfolio must include assets that are readily accessible, such as cash or income-producing funds.

'These assets would normally be the ones that are spent first, and then topped up as required. However, the diversified portfolio allows the pensioner to leave them untouched if they have not performed well and to take their income from other assets instead.'

Spending your Isa savings first before breaking into your pension pot makes sense when it comes to inheritance tax planning

Leaving your pension money until last also makes sense when it comes to inheritance planning. That is because it is not counted towards an individual's estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. In other words, you will not be taxed for passing the pot onto the kids once you shuffle off this mortal coil.

There is a 'but' here. A beneficiary will be able to inherit a pension tax-free if the pension holder dies before the age of 75.

However, if they are at or above the age of 75, the beneficiary will have to pay 45 per cent tax if they take a lump sum from the pot, or at their marginal rate if the fund is paid as income.

Tait says: 'Most pension funds are held within a discretionary trust that allows the trustees to decide who should receive the funds after a members death. Provided this discretion is left in place the funds will not be subject to inheritance tax.'

Defined benefit (DB) pensions - which pays out a secure income for life that increases each year - and workplace pension arrangements restrict who they can elect to receive their pension when they pass away.

Personal and Sipp arrangements, however, allow the member to choose any person, or any combination of people to receive the funds.

Tait adds: 'As most other assets will fall within the pensioner's estate it might be more efficient to leave the pension assets to someone other than the spouse, who would receive any inheritance free of IHT in any case.'

What if I have both a DB and DC pension?

Current and pending retirees could have been fortunate enough to be recipient of a DB pension, which are often described as 'gold plated' because they offer a guaranteed level of income for life.

However, these schemes are now a silhouette in time and are generally unavailable because they cost firms a fortune to run. In fact, many operate in with huge deficits.

Today, most workers are in a DC pension scheme where an individual, or employer and employee, agree on a set amount to be paid regularly into an individual retirement pot.

Those with both DB and DC pensions are in a good position but should consider the level of income needed to meet their everyday expenses at retirement and use the guaranteed income stream available from their DB plan to cover these, says Tait.

'DC savings are generally more flexible and can be used to meet less regular requirements such as paying off debts or providing a bridging income until the state pension becomes payable.

'Of course, life is rarely that neat and it may be that some DC benefits are required to provide secure income or the DB benefits are well in excess of the amount required by the individual at the time.

'In the latter case, it may be possible to transfer some DB benefits to another [DC] plan but this is a one-way process and should only be undertaken after very careful consideration. If the DB fund is greater than 30,000 it will also be necessary to take financial advice.'

Don't be afraid to spend your cash

A lot has been said and written about the dangers of splashing retirement cash willy-nilly and quite rightly, with things like the cost of latter life care to factor in. However, there is a thin line between being prudent with your pension fund and being overly frugal.

'Arguably this is a lesser problem, particularly if there are family members who could inherit the fund after their death. The optimal approach would be to use online planning tools or ask a professional adviser to calculate how much may be spent each year,' Tait says.

'This should then be revised regularly as people age and their circumstances change.'
One in 79 Britons over the age of 21 is now a millionaire thanks to the relentless rise of property prices.

The number is up from one in 84 last year and is the highest level on record, according to a report published today.

It means Britain is now home to 625,000 millionaires, with the number of people worth at least 1,000,000 having increased by 44,000 over the past 12 months and by 142,500 since 2010.

London has 26,4 per cent of the UK's millionaires and an average house price of 482,000

The Barclays Wealth report shows every region of the UK saw an increase in the number of millionaires in the last year except Scotland where house prices have been hit by the crisis in the oil industry.

Experts said rising house prices meant the millionaire tag was no longer reserved for those with extreme wealth.

Bath, in the South West of England, a region that was found to have the fourth-most millionaires in the UK

Nearly half of millionaires in the UK live in London and the South East where property prices are typically higher than they are in the rest of the country.

London, where the average house price is 482,000, is home to 165,000 millionaires, or 26.4 per cent of the UK total.

Canterbury in the South East of England, which is home to 130,000 millionaires, the second highest in the UK

In other parts of the South East, where a typical home costs 320,000, there are 130,000 millionaires, or 20.8 per cent of the total.

The North East is the region with the fewest millionaires, according to the UK Prosperity Map published today [tues] by Barclays Wealth.

There are just 12,000 people worth at least 1,000,000 in the area, or 1.9 per cent of the total.

The East of England was third on the list, with 23.3 per cent more millionaires than it had in 2010

The average house price here is 130,000.

Wales and Northern Ireland each have 12,500 millionaires while Scotland is home to 30,500.

This is down on the 32,500 millionaires recorded in Scotland in 2010  with the fall thought to be due to the slump in the oil price in recent years.

This has hit the North Sea oil and gas industry hard, resulting in thousands of job losses, and depressing house prices in areas such as Aberdeen.

The biggest increase in the proportion of millionaires came in the East Midlands and the South West, up 11.1 per cent and 10.5 per cent respectively.

House prices in the East Midlands are among the fastest growing in the country, rising by more than 7 per cent in the last 12 months to an average of 182,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Cheshire in the North West of England, where the average house price is 156,000

Dena Brumpton, chief executive of Barclays Wealth & Investments, said: Its interesting to note that the regions that have seen the greatest advance in millionaire numbers, namely the East Midlands and the South West, have both seen healthy upticks in property prices. The regions that have seen lower growth in millionaire numbers  for example, London  have typically experienced slower house price growth over the same period.

A report by estate agent Savills shows the number of homes in the UK worth 1million or more has doubled in the past ten years to nearly 400,000.

The list shows the North East is the region with the fewest millionaires in the UK

Lucian Cook, director of residential research at Savills, said: A 1million-plus home isnt exactly run of the mill, but nor is quite the benchmark it was ten years ago. And where once outside London only a large detached rectory or farmhouse came with such a price tag, it now applies to terraced townhouses in some regional hotspots.

Paul Cheshire, professor of economic geography and the London School of Economics, said: The term millionaire has long been reserved for those considered to have extreme wealth. A distant aspiration that was unattainable for the vast majority of the UK. As house prices continue to climb, the million pound marker becomes less of a pipe dream for many of those nearing the top of the ladder.
Pakistan finds itself increasingly isolated on the world stage, especially after being repeatedly criticised for offering a safe haven to terrorists by the Donald Trump administration in Washington.

(Right to left) PM Modi, Jacob Zuma, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Michel Temer at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen (Photo: Reuters)

By Santosh Chaubey: Pakistan today rejected the BRICS Declaration, which named and shamed terrorist groups operating from its soil, but it should be worried about the language in the document.

The Xiamen declaration says "those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable." It adds that fighting terrorism is primarily the role of the state.

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"Recalling the primary leading role and responsibility of states in preventing and countering terrorism, we stress the necessity to develop international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of international law, including that of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs", the declaration reads.

And that's why Pakistan had to reject it - even if it wasn't explicitly named, and even though China had said Islamabad's counter-terrorism record wouldn't be discussed at the summit.

INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION

Pakistan finds itself increasingly isolated on the world stage, especially after being repeatedly criticised for offering a safe haven to terrorists by the Donald Trump administration in Washington.

So even if the BRICS Declaration didn't name Pakistan, the bloc's leaders decided to mention terrorist groups that continue to operate with impunity with the tacit support of Pakistan's ruling elite.

The message - that Pakistan needed to rein them in - was clear.

Pakistan's response, of course, was a flat denial. Its defence minister, Khurram Dastagir, said "there are no safe terrorist safe havens in Pakistan," The Nation reported.

Dastagir repeated the claim that the international community had failed to acknowledge his country's efforts and sacrifices in the war against terror. He also alleged that it was Afghanistan that was a sanctuary for terrorists.

WIN FOR INDIA

For New Delhi, the strongly-worded BRICS Declaration is a diplomatic win, as the document specifically names Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, groups that perpetrate acts of terror on Indian soil.

They're mentioned in a passage on the impact of terrorism in Afghanistan. "We strongly condemn terrorist attacks resulting in death to innocent Afghan nationals.... We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir."

PAKISTAN'S PATRONAGE OF TERRORISM

Khurram Dastagir said whatever remained of the Pakistan-based terror groups listed in the BRICS Declaration would soon be eliminated.

But only last month, Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who's under house arrest in Pakistan, launched a political outfit: the Milli Muslim League. The party will contest the 2019 general elections.

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Saeed, who masterminded the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, is only one of several examples of Pakistan's patronage of terrorism.

The US and the United Nations declared him a terrorist, and Washington put a $10 million bounty on his head. But he continued to roam free in Pakistan for years.

It was stiff pressure from the US that led to his being placed under house arrest. But as the launch of the Milli Muslim League demonstrates, that hasn't affected him in any perceptible way.

ALSO READ

Pakistan rejects BRICS statement, claims they have no safe haven for any terror outfit

BRICS backs India on Pakistan-backed terror without naming the country

BRICS declaration names Pakistan terror groups in big diplomatic win for India

ALSO WATCH

India, China join hands at BRICS to condemn Pakistan-based Lashkar, Jaish, Haqqani

--- ENDS ---
Sir,



Again the intrepidly cold and bold, daring, reckless, arrogant enemy of humanity has struck the Department of African Languages and Literature of the University of Swaziland.

On this occasion, its wicked hands did us an irreparable damage which is permanent. It has snatched away our humble but brilliant, amiable, creative, hard-working professor; Eric Sibanda, from us in a shocking manner. We are all aware of deaths recklessness, yet we raise our heads with pride, as the faithful children of God who believe in His holiness, the resurrection of Jesus and His superior power over all mundane activities and interests of this wicked world.



When one of my former students at UNISWA told me of Sibandas demise, I screamed so loud; out of obvious disbelief. Well, I did not scream because I thought he was too young to answer the call of his Maker but rather too endowed. I thought upcoming Swazi scholars and his students at UNISWA who have always had him as a role model still had a lot to learn from him before finally joining his ancestors.

I am deeply and poignantly distressed by the demise of this erudite linguist who had become my close associate and brother even after leaving UNISWA. The sudden passing of Sibanda will remain one of my greatest personal losses of a loving, unassuming and brilliant colleague. I was privileged to work closely with Eric as a colleague for more than eight years. In him, we lost a regal heritage of wisdom and learning. We lost a gem of intellection, knowledge and excellence. For students of African Languages and Literature at UNISWA, it is a storm in the yuletide.



It was Benjamin Franklin who said; If you would not want to be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. Sibanda, you have not just written things worth reading to always be remembered with, but you have also done a lot worth writing about. You really are one of the few people who will be smiling in their graves while those of us around will be crying for you.



Sibanda, it is my fervent prayer that, as you are having your everlasting rest with your Maker, may your departure inspire and motivate Swazis to develop greater love for their language; siSwati, this should be their way of honouring you. When you reach the land of the silent world, greet our former colleagues G N Mamba and Professor Ogunleye who came before you. Tell them we are sad.



Sibanda, instead of just mourning you, some of us will also celebrate you. May your gentle soul find peace with the good Lord in Heaven; and if you find pen and paper there, please still write those short stories for those of us who will one day join you, to come read and still enjoy. You have really been the man of the people.



Dear Sir, the space I have here is not just enough to contain all the songs to sing about you! Scholars will miss you; your family will miss you; UNISWA will miss you; your students will miss you; Swaziland and the world are missing you already!



Enongene M Sone, PhD

Department of Arts (English)

Walter Sisulu University


















LOBAMBA  Visiting President of the Republic of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, got first hand experience of the Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony as he joined the thousands who attended the main day yesterday.



Lungu, who was His Majesty King Mswati IIIs main guest, donned the Swazi traditional regalia and it was obvious that he was feeling at home.



The president was all smiles as he joined His Majesty and libutfo during the kudlalisela session, where they walked around the whole dancing arena to appreciate the maidens.



The King also took some time to greet some of the diplomats who had attended the Reed Dance.

A long queue of the diplomats was seen during the ceremony and His Majesty had no problem greeting all of them.
MANZINI  The opening of schools next Tuesday is in limbo as SNAT has called an urgent teachers mass meeting over the cost of living adjustment increment.



The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) wants to find a way forward and strategies to push government to finalise and pay them the 9.15 per cent cost of living adjustment before the round table gets suspended due to the start of the Incwala ceremony.



This transpired during the SNAT Extra-ordinary General Council meeting, which was held at SNAT Centre yesterday and the date for the meeting was discussed by SNAT NEC after the gathering. The mass meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday September 12, the day when schools will open for the third term. The proposed venue for now is the SNAT Centre in Manzini.



The meeting was called by teachers organised under SNAT and they sent their branch leaders to get an update from the National Executive Council (NEC), about the ongoing negotiations with the employer, as they are not in a position to accept the zero per cent offer tabled by government.



After getting the update, the leaders of the association took a resolution to call an urgent mass meeting for all teachers, where they would be given an opportunity to discuss a way forward on the matter.

A source within the organisation said the teachers were worried that if government was offering zero per cent, it meant government was not willing to negotiate and the issue could drag until the start of the Incwala ceremony, which would automatically suspend the round table. The leaders then decided to give the matter to the members on the ground so that they can come up with a way forward to force government to pay them the cost of living adjustment increment before the Incwala, the source said.
Did you vote in the midterm elections as if your countrys existence depended on it?

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The administration armed with several policemen had reached Rajeev Nagar to carry out the demolition of illegal buildings and encroached land but were pelted with stones by the locals including women and children.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The police and officials from the local administration in Patna had to face the wrath of the residents when they tried to initiate the anti-encroachment drive in the Rajiv Nagar area. The administration armed with several policemen had reached Rajeev Nagar to carry out the demolition of illegal buildings and encroached land but were pelted with stones by the locals including women and children.

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The stone pelting which was done from the residents resulted in few policemen getting injured including the SHO of Rajiv Nagar. Angry locals also set a police jeep on fire and the 3 JCB machine belonging to the administration. The police had to resort to 20 rounds of firing in the air to control the situation. Senior police officials including the Patna City SP rushed to the spot to control the situation.

It is notable that the disputed Rajiv Nagar land is divided into two parts. The Nitish Kumar govt in 2010 after coming into power for the second time had regularized one part of the disputed land, 600 acres, on which hundreds of houses have been constructed. The Bihar govt has passed the Digha Rajiv Nagar Land Acquisition Act 2010 for regularization of the one part of the disputed land. On the rest 400 acres of land, the govt banned any sort of construction.

However, despite the state govt's order, hundreds of building have come up on this disputed piece of land. It is this disputed land on which the administration had gone to carry illegal construction and encroachment drive when they faced the fury of the locals.

--- ENDS ---
Saratoga Springs

The namesake of one of the city's notable restaurants, and the first woman of color to graduate from Skidmore College, recently died at the age of 92.

Mia Mouzon Groce, who died Aug. 23 and whose memorial services were conducted last week, was poised, well-spoken and fearless, according to those who knew her best. She was a presence, a beautiful and smart diva.

The way Mia carried herself was her armor  a defense against the racism she endured as a child growing up in Saratoga Springs in the 1920s and '30s. The experience left scars Mia felt all of her long life.

Mia graduated from Skidmore in 1947. The school administrators initially rebuffed her. She would later tell loved ones the school said she "would have no social life to speak of" at Skidmore. But by the time Mia was college-age, she was accustomed to slights and cruelty shown her because of her skin color.

Mia's mother, Ardelle Mouzon-McCoy, was an American Indian and her father was African-American Creole. In 1919, Ardelle bought property at 1 York St., a brick house built in 1883 that is now the Mouzon House restaurant. Ardelle raised her only child to be strong and proud, and she lived the example. During urban renewal in the 1960s, when the city seized the land along High Rock Avenue between York and Lake streets, Ardelle fought back and managed to hold on to the property.

Mia went to public school, where she was subjected to prejudice by adults and children alike, said her daughter, Michelle Groce.

When the teachers wanted to punish other children, they made them sit next to Mia.

Michelle Groce said Mia found Skidmore more inviting.

"My grandmother and Skidmore were the most important parts of her life as far as helping her with the sadness that came with what she had to deal with," Michelle said.

Even at Skidmore, there was still what Michelle called "latent racism." There were people who showed concern, but had a way of letting her know she didn't belong there. Family friend Daesha Devon Harris remembers Mia telling about being in class when a professor was talking about civil rights activist Paul Robeson. A classmate shouted out, "how dare you talk about n-----s in the White House."

"Mia said, 'In grade school (the racism) really hurt me but by college it was a joke to me,'" Harris said.

Mia had happy memories of Saratoga Springs, too. She loved Congress Street, which was lined with clubs and restaurants. Skidmore girls were not supposed to go there because it was allegedly seedy, Harris said, but Mia said that was a lie. It was the liveliest and best part of the city. When Mia was growing up, York Street ran perpendicular to High Rock Avenue, downhill from Maple Avenue into an area known as Spring Valley. Mia used to sled there as a little girl, one of the many stories she told Dianne Pedinotti after Dianne and her husband, Dave, bought the house from her.

After graduation, Mia moved to Florida and became a teacher. There, a reporter from Jet magazine photographed her wearing a white halter top on the beach. The picture was published in a 1953 issue of the magazine under the caption, "teacher enjoys Miami sunshine." The description noted Mia was "the first Negro to graduate from Skidmore College," a description Mia didn't like. She described herself as a "multicultural woman of color," and didn't like seeing people put in what she thought were oversimplified categories of black and white, Michelle said.

Mia married Brooklyn-born record promoter Ellsworth "Rocky" Groce and the couple moved to New Jersey, where Mia continued her teaching career.

In the 1980s, the city came for her house again. Mia, who bought it from her mother in 1989, refused the city's offers to buy it, said Pedinotti, recalling the story Mia told her. One winter, while Mia was caring for her mother, who was recuperating in a Westchester rehab facility after a fall, the power went out at the house. The pipes burst and the house flooded, leaving the foundation seriously damaged.

"The city asked her again if she wanted to sell," Pedinotti said. "Mia said no. She had the foundation fixed."

In the early 1990s, Rocky and Mia moved to Saratoga Springs, following Michelle, who moved there with her daughter, Trinity.

Mia and Rocky bought a house on Caroline Street and continued to operate the house on York as a rooming house, as Mia's mother had done. In 2005, Mia decided to sell it, which disappointed Michelle. But there was no talking to her mother about it.

"My mother was the general in her house and she ran everything meticulously," Michelle said. "Family decisions were unilateral, made by Mia."

The Pedinottis went to work restoring the house to the look it had when it was first built. They often saw Rocky Groce drive by with Mia in the back seat, wearing a gorgeous hat and carrying a dog on her lap. Eventually, they came for a visit and the Pedinottis were relieved Mia approved of their work. She ate at the restaurant many times and always sat at the table closest to the portrait of her painted on the wall by Rebecca Pedinotti.

The fact the building still stands is part of Mia's legacy, but only part of it. Her spirit is alive in the women closest to her  friends and relatives alike  who learned from her.

Trinity Wofford, Michelle's daughter, said Mia spoke a lot about how she should carry herself in the world.

"Racism deeply affected her, it was a big part of her world and she knew it would be part of mine, too, because I was usually the only black girl in my school," Trinity said. "She had a way of making you feel smart and limitless."

lhornbeck@timesunion.com  518-454-5352  @leighhornbeck
ALBANY  Guillermo Maciel was 12 years old when his father was deported to Mexico. He never forgot the fear that gripped him the day his father was taken away from him  fear he would never see his father again, and fear his mother would be next. Though Maciel was born in the United States, he shares this fear with thousands of undocumented immigrants, and that fear has now deepened with Tuesday's announcement that President Donald Trump's administration will be rescinding DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program.

Maciel and dozens of other Capital Region residents responded to the announcement by joining together at Wallenburg Park downtown Tuesday evening, holding up posters to drivers-by and singing out chants in support of immigrants both documented and undocumented, and the American Dream. At one point, the demonstrators blocked a ramp to I-787 at Orange Street and North Pearl causing police to redirect traffic.

"Today is us saying, 'Enough is enough, the Trump administration cannot have our DACA youth," said Maciel, a volunteer with Cosecha Upstate New York, a volunteer-based organization that fights for the protection of and respect for immigrants. "Our hope is to alert the Capital Region and let them know that this attack on DACA youth is an attack on us all."

President Donald Trump's decision to bring the curtain down on the hopes of 800,000 so-called dreamers - including 42,000 in New York state - ends a federal practice initiated by the Obama administration in 2012 that allowed undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors to apply for a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation, as well as eligibility for a work permit.

"When DACA is under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back," protesters shouted as they took the four corners of North Pearl and Orange Streets. A cacophony of horns and thumbs-ups ensued from the cars driving by in support of the advocates.

Hined Rafeh, a first-generation Syrian-Venezuelan and graduate student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, attended the protest, saying it is her duty as an American citizen to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

"I know many people who saw DACA as their lifeline," Rafeh said. "Now that's not only being taken away from them, but they're also being exposed in dangerous ways."

A point that was stressed at the protest was not just that immigrants are not criminals, but also that they are essential contributors to American society.

"There's this image that our DACA recipients are children, are young men and women of high school and college age," Maciel said. "But our DACA recipients are also men and women who are engineers, they are involved in major finance, they are job creators. This idea that we feel comfortable as a nation allowing our current administration to rip into and across not just the social but economic fabric of who we are does not make sense."

Greg Reynoso, an immigrant from the Dominican Republican, stressed that the resistance shown downtown Tuesday would not fade away.

"If (Trump) really thinks that he's going to attack working class and poor immigrant people and no one will fight back, he's wrong," Reynoso said. "We are going to do everything to protect them."
ALBANY  It was the first day of school and the kids looked around, waiting for someone to go first.

A girl, about 10, bounded up to the whiteboard and, writing in swoops and swirls and dots, spelled "Welcome" in her native Farsi.

A boy followed, shy at first but gaining confidence with each step, and used a blue marker to spell out "Bienvenidos!" just below his schoolmate's message.

A line began to form, each student eager for their own turn, and the scene repeated itself throughout first period, as the young immigrants and refugees settled into a new classroom in a new school in a new country with new people every way they turned.

One of those people was state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, who showed up at the North Albany Academy school building Tuesday morning to meet students and get a first-hand look at the Albany International Center, a new program the city school district is launching this fall for students who are new to the English language.

The program is a spinoff of the district's successful summer Newcomer Program, which gave students who were new to the country a crash course in English and American culture to help them adjust when school started. The year-round version will continue that work, but will also include the typical roster of credit-bearing courses that all students take so that when students are ready to return to their assigned school they're on track to graduate.

"I really support the fact that this is very focused on supporting students to ultimately transition into their regular neighborhood school," Elia said. "I think that's a big issue. This isn't a place where the student is going to be for a long time. ... This is a transition point where we're preparing them better to go back into schools across the city."

Nationwide, school districts have struggled with educating students who not only have a language barrier but may have gone without schooling for years in their home countries or refugee camps.

Some school districts, such as Utica's, have been accused of breaking the law by refusing to allow non-English speakers to enroll, or by funneling older kids into dead-end programs that don't count toward graduation.

But New York officials, including Elia, point to new state data that has come out in the past year showing that students who manage to get past the language barrier are actually more likely than their native-English-speaking peers to score well on state tests and graduate.

The trick is getting past that barrier, and Albany school officials have spent the past few years coming up with a new educational model they hope will make that transition easier for everyone.

Aware that younger students have an easier time picking up a new language, the Albany International Center is focusing its efforts on students in grades 6 through 12 who have to learn a new language, take Regents coursework and pass exams to graduate. Under the previous model, students who were still learning basic English would take classes with native students or students farther along in their English instruction. At the new center, all students will be brand-new to the language.

Grouping these students together into one program will allow their teachers to better tailor their instruction, and free up teachers in regular classrooms who previously had to differentiate their instruction based on five different language skill levels. For a district where students speak 57 different languages, that was a lot of work.

After about two years in the program, the students will transition back to their assigned schools.

"In a city like Albany, where the population has a particular need, designing a program around the needs of the students makes a lot of sense," Elia said.

The program currently has 79 students to start, but has room for up to 175. School officials expect enrollment to hit that number before the end of the school year, as the district has been averaging two to three new students a day.

Overall, more than 1,300 students in the district qualify for English-language services. Eventually, district officials hope they can expand the program to students in grades 3 through 5. But the district is also running out of space. Enrollment of all students has been rising for the past few years, as charter schools have closed and more families move into the district.

As Elia prepared to leave Tuesday, the commissioner thanked the staff who helped make the new program possible, and seemed to indicate the program had replicable qualities for other districts with similar populations.

"You're going to be a great model for everyone who's wondering how to make this work," she said.

bbump@timesunion.com
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President Donald Trump is expected to phase out the Obama-era program that grants work permits to about 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, but delay its end for six months to give Congress time to pass legislation to replace it, according to multiple people briefed on the president's discussions.

Trump's plan remains fluid and could change, however, and administration officials stressed Sunday evening that the president has not finalized his decision. The White House has scheduled an announcement for Tuesday.

Trump has been wrestling over the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program since the start of his presidency, and he has been known to change his mind about policy issues until the moment he makes public a decision.

Politico first reported Sunday evening that Trump had decided to end DACA.

Two people briefed on Trump's deliberations confirmed Politico's report to The Washington Post, and a third person with knowledge of the internal discussions confirmed that the White House is preparing to slowly phase out the program so Congress could pass legislation for an alternative program to help the program's recipients, known as "dreamers." All of these people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.

Many questions remain about how the policy would be implemented, including how long after Trump's announcement current DACA beneficiaries would have to renew their protected status.

Should Trump move forward with this decision, he would effectively be buying time and punting responsibility to Congress to determine the fate of the dreamers. There is a consensus view among many of his top advisers that the DACA program, which President Barack Obama created by executive action, would not stand up in a court of law.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, senior policy adviser Stephen Miller and recently departed chief White House strategist Stephen Bannon have advocated a hard-line immigration stance with the president, including ending DACA.

But Trump has long voiced sympathy for the program's beneficiaries, many of whom immigrated to the United States as young children and have lived here for most of their lives.

"We love the dreamers," Trump told reporters Friday in the Oval Office. "We think the dreamers are terrific."

Surrogates for Trump said Sunday that American workers would benefit by ending the DACA program, which has let undocumented children work and study in the United States without fear of deportation, but congressional Republicans urged the White House to leave the program intact.

Trump "wants to do what's fair to the American worker, what's fair to people in this country who are competing for jobs and other benefits," counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway said Sunday on "Fox & Friends." She said that the president's decision should be viewed as part of an "entire economic and domestic agenda" that includes an end to sanctuary cities, increased border security and constructing a wall along the Mexican border.

"He says we have to keep people and poison out of our communities. People who are coming here illegally and competing for those jobs," Conway said.

In an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that he was "less concerned about the economic impact" of ending the DACA program because "we'll make sure that we have plenty of workers in this economy. We want to put more people back to work."

Neither Conway nor Mnuchin specified what Trump will say when he addresses the future of the DACA program on Tuesday.

As a candidate, Trump promised to end the program, but he has never acted on that promise. Instead, he has several times expressed sympathy for the plight of DACA recipients  and eschewed signing draft executive orders presented to him that would end the program.

Congressional pushback to reports Trump may end the DACA program continued unabated through the weekend, as lawmakers implored the president to leave the program alone.

"It would be the right thing to do to go back on that promise," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said of Trump's DACA campaign pledge on CNN's "State of the Union." "This is one that he ought to ignore."

Flake has long criticized Trump, but their relationship has deteriorated in recent weeks after the president endorsed his 2018 primary challenger Kelli Ward. On Sunday, Flake also voiced skepticism about the idea that Congress might barter with Trump to get him to leave the DACA program intact by funding his much-desired border wall.

Flake is not the only member of Congress attempting to stand in between the president and the DACA program. Those urging the president to let DACA survive include House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and conservative senators like Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who have implored Trump to give Congress a chance to address the program in law.

Tackling immigration is not easy for Congress, where many conservatives argue that more must be done to secure the border before addressing programs to streamline entry for immigrants or legalize the undocumented. Previous efforts to combine immigration and border enforcement initiatives have failed, even when Democrats had congressional majorities.

Still, the sympathetic cases of DACA recipients have inspired lawmakers from various corners of Congress to sponsor legislation to legalize their status. Their support raises the possibility that a handful of Republicans could join congressional Democrats to get a bill over the finish line.
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FORT EDWARD  General Electric Co. took aim at New York state and federal agencies in a duel over science that claims the $1.7 billion PCB dredging project of the Hudson River has been a failure.

In a report filed Friday with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is considering whether to declare the seven-year project a success, GE called the state Department of Environmental Conservation "misguided" for urging EPA to order GE to do more dredging.

GE also called the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which also favors more dredging, "inaccurate and misleading" in its 2016 study that claims PCB levels in fish will drop much more slowly than was predicted in 2002, when EPA and GE agreed to the cleanup plan.

DEC and NOAA are two of the three federal trustees for the Hudson, which are responsible for determining under a federal Natural Resources Damage Assessment whether GE is being held accountable for the damage caused by PCBs released into the river from factories in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls.

In a Friday report to EPA, NOAA Hudson River Case Manager Tom Brosnan said EPA has overestimated how quickly fish will recover from PCB levels that currently make them unsafe to eat.

Brosnan also wrote "very high levels of sediment PCB concentrations left behind (will) continue to contaminate and adversely impact natural resources, and the human use of those resources."

In a letter last week to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said EPA "appears desperate to come to a conclusion which is simply not supported by the current conditions of the Hudson River ... EPA has abandoned its responsibilities."

While EPA set a Friday deadline for comments before the agency decides whether to declare dredging complete  which likely would remove future environmental liability from GE  Seggos said the state will submit its own tests for remaining PCB spots in the river with EPA this fall.

DEC has invested $2 million to gather 1,600 water and river bottom samples this summer from Troy to Fort Edward.

EPA also disputes the 2016 findings by NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the third federal trustee for the Hudson, that PCB levels in fish at the end of dredging were higher than had been predicted when the cleanup began.

GE dredged a 40-mile section of river from Fort Edward to Troy for seven years, under EPA oversight, before concluding in the late summer of 2015. The company has steadfastly maintained it has met the terms of it agreement with EPA and is not required to do any more.

Another scientific study that claims the cleanup won't meet the goals set in 2002 was also submitted to EPA by the environmental groups Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper.

That study, by the firm of S.S. Papadoulous and Associates, found that EPA's predictions that fish could be again safe for regular human consumption within 55 years, or possibly later, were "so uncertain as to be meaningless."

Several attempts to reach U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials for comment were not successful.
ALBANY  Even though it's been a decade since the state legislature changed school aid formulas for New York's urban districts, funding advocates have continued their legal battles to get more money for needy schools.

On Tuesday, lawyers for a group of small, impoverished upstate city school districts were appealing the dismissal of their case a year ago in a lower court.

"This case has been pending for eight years. We're dealing with the poorest districts in the state in these hollowed-out cities," David Kunz told a panel of mid-level appellate judges.

Representing the state Association of Small City School Districts, plaintiff lawyers contend that the changes instituted by the 2007 settlement of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity suit havent done enough to help student achievement, and these district are still suffering from reductions made in the wake of the 2008 financial crash. Many lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo say theyve since restored the cuts.

The districts pursuing the lawsuit, known as Maisto vs. State of New York, are Utica, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Port Jervis and Mount Vernon.

If they prevail, the courts could order individual studies to determine if those districts are getting enough state aid to adequately serve their students.

And that could lead to studies for other districts such as Albany, Schenectady and Troy to determine if they too get enough state aid.

Every district is entitled to have its day in court, plaintiffs' attorney Greg Little said after the testimony.

Small city districts tend to serve large numbers of students in poverty. The plaintiffs argue that they need more support to reach the academic standards that are achieved in wealthier suburban areas.

Kunz noted that the eight districts in question perform worse than the New York City schools, with lower graduation rates and test scores.

The state contends that after the CFE settlement, revised aid formulas for New York City and other needy areas yielded large increases.

Robert Goldfarb, representing the state, noted that state aid has increased 32 percent over the last six years, even while spending on other state functions has generally risen no more than 2 percent annually.

Moreover, he said, the judiciary should only go so far when it comes to telling the Legislature how to fund the schools, once the judges determined that changes were needed.

Part of Tuesdays arguments turned on inputs, or the amount of resources going into a given school district, and student achievement outputs.

Precise matching of these two factors is difficult, a difficulty Albany County State Supreme Court Acting Justice Kimberly OConnor noted in 2016 when she ruled against Maisto.

This years state budget allocates $25.8 billion toward school aid  not counting the property taxes that are raised locally. New York spends more than any other state on education, putting out more than $21,000 per student, or more than 80 percent above the national average.

But representatives of the small city districts argue that they need proportionately more aid given the challenges they face.

Robert Biggerstaff, director of the NYSCDA, estimated that the eight districts in the lawsuit need an additional $147 million per year for eight years to help meet their needs. There are about 55,000 students in those districts.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU
The month-long Pitrapaksh Mela falls under the shraddh ritual which is performed for the salvation of the deceased' soul.

By India Today Web Desk: The Pitrapaksh Mela has begun in Bihar's Gaya and people from all over the country will now flock to the city to pray and offer pind daan to their ancestors.

The Pitrapaksh Mela is a month-long event where people pray for the souls of their deceased relatives. The mela falls under the annual shraddh ritual.

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This year Pitrapaksh Mela was inaugurated by state culture and tourism minister Ashok Kumar Singh in the famous Vishnupad Temple area of Gaya. Over half a million pilgrims flock to Gaya to perform pind daan, the ritual meant to provide salvation to the deceased ancestors.

As per Hindu beliefs, the souls of the departed family members wander till a male descendant of the deceased performs pind daan.

The common rituals include pind daan, i.e. offerings of rice, cow milk, ghee, sugar and honey in the for of a pind (round heap of offering), shaving the heads of the person performing pind daan and taking a dip in the holy Baitarni.

The rituals performed during the Pitrapaksh are performed by Gayawal pandas. Gayawal pandas are considered to be descendants of Magga Brahmins, and claim to hold the key to the gateway of salvation.

Gaya administration had been preparing for the Pitrapaksh Mela for the past few weeks. Special traffic arrangements have been made to avoid any hassle to the pilgrims. Heavy vehicles, excluding school buses, are barred from entering the city during this time.

Police personnel have been deployed at more than 29 checkpoints so as to avoid any discrepancy in law and order.

For complete information about the facilities and arrangements made by the Gaya authorities you can also visit their website.

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Air Techniques Welcomes Sylvia Rochon as National Sales Manager, Canada

Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment, is pleased to welcome Sylvia Rochon as National Sales Manager, Canada.

Ms. Rochon is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor's degree in Administration. She joins Air Techniques with nearly 20 years of progressive experience and success with dental digital products. Most recently, she held the position of Regional Sales Manager, Eastern Canada at Dentsply Sirona, where she was responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities.

"We look forward to the impact that Sylvia will bring to Air Techniques in the Canadian market as we build our newly dedicated field sales team," said Lou Guellnitz, Vice President of North American Sales. "Sylvia's strong sale leadership and her digital equipment expertise will support our company's future growth in the dental industry."







"Air Techniques is a highly respected company in the dental industry," Ms. Rochon stated. "I am excited to be part of the team and utilize my dental equipment experience and strong relationships within the Canadian dealer network to foster increased service and support to our customers."

For more information on Air Techniques, please visit: www.airtechniques.com. Become a fan of Air Techniques on Facebook and follow the company on Twitter and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005063/en/
[September 05, 2017] China Continent Insurance chooses eBaoTech's new generation core system for its digital transformation

SHANGHAI, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China Continent Insurance Co., Ltd. (CCIC) and digital insurance solutions provider eBaoTech Corporation (eBaoTech) jointly announced the adoption of the latest version of eBaoTech GeneralSystem Suite to enable its digital transformation. CCIC achieved annual premium income of US$ 4.7 billion in 2016, ranking sixth in China insurance market. To comprehensively promote China Reinsurance Group (CCIC's parent company) and CCIC's middle term strategies to build a business model with unique characteristics, CCIC kicked off a strategic IT transformation project, where the underwriting and reinsurance systems provided by eBaoTech are the important components of the entire project. Commenting on the significance of the new policy administration system, CCIC's general manager Chen Yong said, "In the digital age, the traditional enterprise software is no longer capable to meet the requirements of massive connectivity. CCIC needs a future-proof underwriting and reinsurance system, facing to the broad and dynamic insurance ecosystem and can adapt to the system requirements in the mobile internet age. The rebuilt underwriting and reinsurance systems will enable CCIC to flexibly access massive channels so as to provide richer, more personalized products and services to customers, enhance inclusive finance and boost the real economy. Specifically, the system supports rapid launch of new products, flexible integration to channels, differentiated pricing for customer segmentation, accumulated management of insurance risks, automatic reinsurance and ceding, and other functions. It also supports transmission of high-concurrent and massive data, and makes operations more convenient." "The insurance industry is underging a critical transition," remarked Woody Mo, CEO of eBaoTech, "In our view, digital insurance is connected insurance. In the digital age, it is essential to embed insurance in numerous affinity businesses and leverage insurance to support other businesses and life events of people at all income levels. Today, almost all existing insurance core systems were designed primarily to support internal operations and no longer meet the future's needs. Insurance systems based on micro-services and cloud-native architecture represents the next generation of insurance technologies. CCIC's recognition of the design concept of our new core systems is a great endorsement of the global leading innovation of eBaoTech Corporation, and we will make all efforts to achieve the successful deployment of this critical project."



eBaoTech's new generation of the core systems are designed based on 4G insurance technologies with cloud native and micro service architecture and open APIs to enable connected insurance. The "middle office" layer enables insurance companies to connect to the open insurance ecosystem, empowering high-frequency & high-speed transactions, and the smaller "back office" layer focuses on low-frequency and low-speed management, providing insurance companies with more flexibility to support the needs of the ecosystem.

"CCIC decided to select eBaoTech GeneralSystem Suite after rounds of prudent tendering, evaluation, and proof-of-concept because its design concept meets CCIC's requirements for a new IT system that is industry leading, customer oriented, forward looking, and scalable, providing IT capabilities in a flexible manner for the construction of the company's three major strategies in the future, namely 'Customer Orientation', 'Digitalization', and "Value Chain". We look forward to working closely with the eBaoTech team to carry out a future-proof industry benchmark project," added Zhan Qiang, Head of Insurance IT Project of CCIC. About China Continent Insurance China Continent Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Ltd. is a national property and casualty insurer established with the approval of the State Council and China Insurance Regulatory Commission. It is also the only direct P&C insurance company under China Re Group. China Continent Insurance was established on October 15th, 2003 based in Shanghai, with registered capital of USD 1.23 billion. In 2016, the company achieved annual premium income of USD 4.7 billion, ranking the sixth in the domestic market. China Continent Insurance achieved leaps forward in development in the sixteen years since its foundation, with a nationwide network of 35 branches, one special sales unit, one shipping insurance operation center, one e-commerce company, and over 1800 affiliates at provincial, municipal, and county levels. In 2014, the company was rated by A.M. Best and received an "A" in both financial strength rating (FSR) and issuer credit rating (ICR) with stable outlooks. More Chinese information at http://www.ccic-net.com.cn/ About eBaoTech eBaoTech's mission is "make insurance easy". Since its founding in year 2000 and pioneering the 3G insurance tech, or Java based core insurance system, eBaoTech has grown fast and today has business in more than 30 countries globally, serving more over two hundred carriers and numerous agents, brokers, and other ecosystem players. Digital insurance is the coming wave. In eBaoTech view, digital insurance means connected insurance. To enable connected insurance, eBaoTech led the world again in developing 4G tech for insurance industry and offer it in both software and cloud business models. eBao Cloud is an Open API platform to provide real connectivity and enablement for insurers, traditional channels, affinity partners, and FinTech startups. eBao Software mainly include core system suites for life, general, and health insurers as well re-insurers. More information at www.ebaotech.com. Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150727/0861506750LOGO SOURCE eBaoTech Corporation

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[September 05, 2017] CSC Announces European Expansion J-P Nowacki to Lead New Capital Markets Business in UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg

CSC (News - Alert), a world leader in business, legal, tax, and digital brand services, today announced it has expanded its presence in Europe through the launch of its Capital Markets business in the UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg. This strategic move was made to address the increasing level of market demand for specialised independent service providers within the European securitisation and alternative finance sectors, and is a logical extension of the accounting, special purpose vehicle management, and director services that CSC provides in the United States. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005791/en/ J-P Nowacki, managing director of Capital Markets Europe (Photo: Business Wire) A team of seasoned professionals with investment banking, legal, accountancy, and technology backgrounds have joined CSC to lead its efforts in Europe for its Capital Markets service offering. The tam will be led by J-P Nowacki, a London-based capital markets professional with 20 years in the industry, and will focus on providing corporate and agency services across a broad range of securitisation, structured, and alternative finance transactions. The senior management team also includes Laurent Belik, a highly experienced Luxembourg-based professional, who will lead the Luxembourg business.



"It's an incredibly exciting time to be launching in Europe, given the unprecedented rate of change in our market," says J-P Nowacki. "As deals become increasingly bespoke and complex, we understand that clients and deal participants have a growing appetite to work with stable, specialist partners who are able to provide high quality, flexible services. We believe that CSC, with its long-standing private ownership, expert teams, and commitment to client service, is perfectly positioned to meet these demands." "With the addition of a strong team that has a deep understanding of the European capital markets, CSC is excited to expand our core corporate and agency services into additional jurisdictions," says CSC Global Financial Markets President Bill Popeo. "CSC is a global company, doing business wherever our clients are, and our increased Capital Markets capabilities reinforce that commitment to clients and client service."

CSC provides knowledge-based solutions for every phase of the business life cycle, helping businesses form entities, maintain compliance, execute transaction work, and support real estate, M&A, and other corporate transactions in hundreds of U.S. and international jurisdictions. About CSC CSC is the world's leading provider of business, legal, tax, and digital brand services to companies around the globe. From keeping your business in compliance and streamlining operations, to protecting and promoting your brand online, we use our expertise and personal approach to help your business run smoother. We are the business behind business. We are the trusted partner for 90% of the Fortune 500, more than half of the Best Global Brands (Interbrand), nearly 10,000 law firms, and more than 3,000 financial organizations. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, since 1899, we have offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005791/en/

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[September 05, 2017] DLD Conference Celebrates Israel as a "World-Leader in Food Technology," says Horsky Innovation Executive at Mondelez

TEL AVIV, Israel, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This week Israel's largest annual technology and innovation festival embarks on its fifth year, with events taking place across Tel Aviv. The DLD (Digital Life Design) Conference will host over 10,000 global attendees and over 100 events, with senior delegations from world leading brands including Google, Samsung, Amazon and Facebook visiting Tel Aviv to share their knowledge across the digital technology space. The event will provide the ultimate networking platform for start-ups and entrepreneurs looking to partner and gain global reach. DLD organisers have extended this year's event for the first time to also focus on food and agtech (agriculture technology), acknowledging Israel's "world-leading innovation in food technologies, with more than 500 locally founded start-ups in this area." As part of the FoodTech & Agtech Revolution Panel, international delegates, including Gil Horsky, Global Innovation Lead at Mondelez International and Yaron Amar, Head of Food E-Commerce at the retailer Carrefour will be discussing key industry developments and future trends. Panellists also include Yossi Dan, Chief Innovation Officer, hallengy as panel moderator, and Venture Partner from AgriNation, Adi Vagman, along with other industry leaders.



Speaking on the key areas to be covered during the panel discussion in addition to the wider festival, Horsky says: "The inclusion of foodtech and agtech here shows how far DLD has come since its inception and how it continues to expand beyond mainstream areas of digital technology and into emerging technology-enabled domains such as food." Horsky, who is responsible for driving the innovation agenda at Mondelez Intl., the world's biggest snacking company, owner of iconic global brands Oreo, Milka, Toblerone, Belvita and others will be discussing the role health and wellness plays in the food and snacks category, and the impact technology can have in supporting people to make healthier choices. "From an innovation perspective, this is something Mondelez is especially keen to follow closely, in addition to getting personally involved with the foodtech leaders of tomorrow. DLD is one of the largest conferences of its kind, with Israel boasting a stronger than ever innovation hub which continues to show true leadership in this area," Horsky cited.

Commenting on the future of the industry, venture capitalist Adi Vagman says: "Agriculture today is entering its digital phase. As farmers need to grow more food with less resources the transformation to a more data driven and efficient industry is a must." "I am particularly interested to look at how agricultural and food ventures will transition to the digital world, adopting technologies such as machine learning and blockchain as the entire food industry becomes more advanced." Horsky concludes: "Our future is rooted in helping people eat in a balanced way and enjoy life with products that are safely and sustainably sourced, produced and delivered. That's why it is critical that the food and agtech ecosystem partners in events like DLD to deliver positive change for the entire food-chain, and by that bettering people's lives." The FoodTech & Agtech Revolution panel will take place from 15:05 IDT on September 7th as part of the wider DLD Tel Aviv Festival. For more information about the DLD Tel Aviv 2017 Festival, visit the website: http://www.dldtelaviv.com SOURCE DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival

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[September 05, 2017] The Seri Jakala Group and Stellar Loyalty Join Forces to Bring Next-Generation Data-Driven Customer Engagement and Loyalty Solution to Italy

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Seri Jakala Group, Italys leading provider of marketing and sales solutions, announced its strategic partnership with the California-based software company Stellar Loyalty. With Stellar Loyaltys mobile-best cloud loyalty and engagement solution, brands can deliver personalized, real-time, multichannel experiences to their consumers. Value Lab Spa, part of the Seri Jakala Group, brings to this partnership leading data management, advanced analytics, marketing & trade solutions as added value to existing and future loyalty customers.





"Our approach in developing and implementing engagement solutions for our customers is based on three primary pillars: actionable data, smart technology and excellent customer experience design," said Stefano Pedron, CEO of the Seri Jakala Group. "With this in mind, it is crucial our technology stack is powered by a state-of-the-art data-driven platform like Stellar Loyalty that enables customized, omnichannel and real-time customer experiences." Aligning Seri Jakala and Stellar Loyaltys executive teams is a common desire to build and bring to the Italian market an innovative approach to customer engagement based on the principles of omnichannel, relevant, contextual and personalized customer interactions. Togethe, Seri Jakala and Stellar Loyalty offer clients an unparalleled combination of rich domain expertise and innovative technology to help brands enhance long-term loyalty, brand advocacy, customer satisfaction and profitable engagements.



"We are proud to be selected as the technology partner for the Seri Jakala Groups loyalty and engagement offering," said Mario Invernizzi, VP and GM EMEA of Stellar Loyalty. "Our two organizations are committed to delivering the most modern and efficient engagement & loyalty programs where off line and online, push and pull communication coexist in a streamlined and efficient manner. Invernizzi continued, "Our collaboration with the Seri Jakala Group combines their deep experience in innovative big data, advanced analytics and consumer engagement solutions for key industry sectors with our leading-edge customer experience capabilities, creating a new standard in the market. We are seeing a growing interest for this partnership on the market and have demonstrated early success with our first customer, THUN Spa, the Italian brand leader in the gift and collectibles market, as well as others.

Seri Jakala and Stellar Loyalty will be working closely with the strategy experts at Value Lab as they bring their joint solution to market. "With our strong expertise and track record in strategy, data management & analytics and digital transformation, Value Lab looks forward to further enriching this portfolio of smart technologies that enable data-driven customer engagement programs design and execution," said Giacomo Lo Russo, Managing Director at Value Lab. About: SERI JAKALA GROUP

Founded in 2014 by the merger of Jakala and Seri System, the Group is now Italys top player in marketing & trade marketing services. The Groups mission is to support our Clients top line, through data driven, innovative, omnichannel and tailor-designed solutions for each industry and for our Clients Brand values. Among the companys main areas of expertise are Loyalty & Engagement programs, Short Term Promotions, Kids Promotions, Incentives, Rewards Management, Logistics & legal advisory. The Group operates in Italy and abroad, with 8 operating and commercial headquarters across Europe. VALUE LAB

VALUE LAB is a management consulting, analytics, digital and information technology firm, leader in marketing, sales retail and omnichannel customer experience. VALUE LAB supports international industry leaders to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through revenues increase and cost optimization, operating on a worldwide scale. Among VALUE LABs main areas of expertise are Strategy, Analytics, Digital & Information Technology focusing on Customer, Digital & E-commerce, Retail and Sales Force. STELLAR LOYALTY

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Stellar Loyalty is a fast-growing consumer relationship company with a mobile-best cloud loyalty and engagement solution. The companys mission is to bring delight and value to every consumer experience by enabling brands to instantly recognize, engage and reward their loyal customers across the network of digital, physical and human interactions. Founded in 2014 and funded by InterWest Partners and TDF Ventures, Stellar Loyalty is privately held with offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more details please visit www.stellarloyalty.com or follow Stellar Loyalty on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter @StellarLoyalty. Stellar Loyalty is a trademark of Stellar Loyalty Inc. Sue Parente Tier One Partners 781-642-7788 [email protected]

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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Outlining his priority, new Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu today said the ministry will work on promoting agri exports and will ensure global market for farmers. He said that farmers have all the right to access global markets and get better prices and "for that we will put in place a good policy framework very soon".

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Prabhu, who took charge as Commerce and Industry Minister yesterday, said that his ministry will work on developing global supply chain for the agriculture sector. Addressing the 10th Agriculture Leadership Summit 2017 here, the minister said at the multi-lateral platforms also, there is a need to work on removing trade restrictions with an aim to boost the countrys agri shipments.

"We have right to have access to global markets for our farm produce by removing all trade restrictive practices," he said adding all these measures would help increase farmers income. The Narendra Modi-led government aims to double farmers income by 2022. Crop diversification, focus on allied sectors and food processing and tapping global markets are among the steps the government is taking to meet the target. In 2016-17, export of agri products, such as cereals, processed fruit and vegetables, processed foods, and animal products, was around USD 16.27 billion, according to the data by Apeda. Prabhu said the ministry will work on developing global supply chains for the sector.

"We have to develop global supply chains and we are going to actually work on that," he added.

The commerce ministry, Prabhu said, will make sure that "we will achieve this goal to ensure that Indias agri sector will also be able to feed hundreds of others".

As a commerce minister, he said "my job is to ensure that we will develop this global supply chain and ensure farmer get better prices".

Domestically, the ministry will work with its agri counterparts to develop agriculture parks in India.

"If here are clusters for industry, why should we not think about clusters for different kinds of agriculture," he said.

Further Prabhu informed that soon he would be meeting trade ministers in Manila, the Philippines, and Seoul, South Korea.

Talking about the World Trade Organisation (WTO), he said the ministerial conference is in Argentina in December.

"Our agenda is going to be very aggressive. This is a development round ... We will like to make sure that Indian farmers get their due by getting better price from global markets. This is very important and this is going to be part of the strategy to increase farmers income in India," the minister said. Talking about challenges in the agri sector, he said land and water is limited but the population is growing and "we have a challenge to keep feeding".

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"New challenge is climate change. It will have a huge negative impact on agriculture ... how to keep feeding more people," he said, adding the changing food habits are also going to be a big challenge and to address these "we have to have technologies and you need to think differently". PTI RR MJH CS MR

--- ENDS ---
[September 05, 2017] UFred Among First in Canada to Commit to Universal Health and Safety Training Standards at Historic International Signing Ceremony in Singapore

FREDERICTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - The University of Fredericton (UFred) has joined an international coalition to create universal standards for health and safety training to reduce workplace injury and death around the world. On September 3, 2017 delegates from UFred joined more than 40 organizations from around the globe in signing the Singapore Accord, a historic first step in the shift to a global standard in the field of health and safety, conceived by the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO). "Our goal is to ensure that a mother working in a factory in Bangalore will have a healthy and safe work environment just as a mother in Ottawa can expect. That she will return home to her family at the end of the day," said UFred President Don Roy, who is in Singapore for the Accord signing. "Our commitment is to offer our expertise to the development of standards that will make this happen. Then, to align our programs to the standards that will be created and deliver quality educational programs that are accessible, affordable, and available anywhere, because we are already completely 100% online." The Singapore Accord represents a commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration in developing global standards of practice for improving the skills of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals. These standards, known as the Global Capabilities Framework, were conceptualized by INSHPO and will lead the way towards creating universally safer workplaces. "The global framework represents the most significant initiative ever produced on the international stage, by the health and safety profession, across multiple countries and jurisdictions," said UFred artner and INSHPO President Eldeen Pozniak from Singapore. "It displays for the first time a common commitment to define the critical roles which are taken up by practitioners and professionals to prevent workplace injury, illness, and fatalities, in a language to be used commonly throughout the world."



Currently, differing standards of practice exist between jurisdictions globally on matters of occupational health and safety. Conditions such as these have resulted in appalling human suffering and severe economic burden. The objective of the Singapore Accord is to use evidenced based, scientifically proven concepts from a variety of professionals and practitioners to develop preventative measures and standards of practice. Signatories of the accord are members of business and workers, educational institutions, government policy-makers, and associations and experts in the field of OHS. These individuals will be the driving force behind the establishment of defined and consistent standards required for competence in OHS roles and to lend credence to the endeavor to gain acceptance from various authorities in government and business.

"Our structure allows us to react quickly to industry needs and update or add new programs in a timely manner," said Sheri McKillop, Dean of the School of Occupational Health and Safety at UFred. "Health and safety standards are rapidly evolving, so we consult our professional advisory committees and industry partners regularly to ensure we are offering the type of education and skills in demand right now." By signing the accord, UFred is committing to use the Occupational Health and Safety Professional Capability Framework  A Global Framework for Practice, developed by INSHPO, to develop and review its OHS education programs to ensure that they comply with the Framework. To learn more about the Singapore Accord, click here. For a full list of Singapore Accord signatories, click here. To see the OHS Professional Capability Framework, click here. About the University of Fredericton The University of Fredericton (UFred) is a fully online University based out of Fredericton, NB. UFred is home to a range of OHS diplomas, certificates, and continuing education modules, and features an Executive MBA with a specialty stream in Health and Safety Leadership, offered in partnership with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE). Visit www.ufred.ca to learn more. To arrange an interview with UFred president Don Roy in Singapore please contact Sarah Chiasson, Marketing and Communications Manager, who is accompanying the UFred contingent in Singapore. There is a 12-hour time difference. Sarah can be reached at [email protected]. SOURCE University of Fredericton

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[September 04, 2017] AHF to Host #StandAgainstHate Community Forum Tues., Sept. 5th in Ft. Lauderdale @ 5pm

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will host an open community forum in Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday, September 5th at 5:00pm as part of its new, national advocacy campaign, #StandAgainstHate. AHF launched the #StandAgainstHate campaign in response to the tragedy in Charlottesville and its turbulent, eye-opening aftermath-a tragedy which exposed a national moral crisis rending the country the scale of which has not been seen for more than half-century. The campaign is taking on the hatred, racism and burgeoning white supremacy movement so brutally unmasked by Charlottesville and its aftermath. The #StandAgainstHate campaign features a national billboard campaign, a social media launch on media platforms of AHF and many of its affiliate organizations as well as the hosting of community forums-such as this one Ft. Lauderdale-including listening and talkback sessions in select cities around the country where AHF has a presence. #StandAgainstHate Community Forum set for FT. LAUDERDALE Tuesday, Sept. 5th #StandAgainstHate - Open Forum

Address: 700 S.E. 3 rd Ave, Ft. Lauderdale FL 33316 AHF Southern Bureau Community Room

700 S.E. 3 Ave, Ft. Lauderdale FL 33316 Time: Tuesday, September 5 th , 5:00pm

Tuesday, September 5 , 5:00pm Vice Documentary screening: "Charlottesville: Race and Terror"



Jason King, Associate Director, South Florida Community Engagement & Legislative Affairs for AHF. "The creators of these terms purposely make them sound increasingly academic as followers attempt to legitimize their ideology. But we recognize all these different terms and faces as just old-fashioned hate, and we stand in solidarity with the millions who aim to stand against hate." As part of the Ft. Lauderdale #StandAgainstHate forum, the powerful Vice-TV mini-documentary, "Charlottesville: Race & Terror," documenting the events in Charlottesville will be screened, and followed by frank and open dialogue intended to explore emotions and thoughts about the current cultural strife our country is going through. AHF welcomes the public to experience this safe space as a time to heal.

"AHF has always been willing to protest and stand up against injustice, and we joined with the majority of Americans in condemning the acts of violence, murder and domestic terrorism in Charlottesville," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "However, the ongoing aftermath of Charlottesville has exposed a festering underbelly of racism, white supremacy and hatred still present, and growing-and now, sadly, far more exposed and open in the sunlight than ever before. These events have led us to moral turning point for our nation and we must all stand up against such hate." The primary target of the hate groups in Virginia-racial and ethnic minorities-are also among key populations that AHF cares for and serves in 14 states and the District of Columbia across the country and 38 other countries around the globe. "In addition, as a provider of care and services for those living with HIV and AIDS, stigma and hate are bad for people's physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing," added AHF's Weinstein. "And as one cannot really separate such social determinants from the environment, we must #StandAgainstHate and against this newly brazen racism and white supremacy infecting our nation." About AIDS Healthcare Foundation AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 804,000 individuals in 39 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert): @aidshealthcare. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170904005397/en/

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[September 05, 2017] Denim Industry Comes Into Limelight With the First Edition of Denimsandjeans at Bangalore on September 25 and 26

BENGALURU, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The first edition of Denimsandjeans India show is set to launch on September 25 and 26 at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. After running over 9 shows in Bangladesh and Vietnam, Denimsandjeans brings its first edition to India enabling a niche denim trade platform to come up in India. The show will host most of the premium denim companies from India besides many other companies coming from Bangladesh, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Italy, Ethiopia, etc. as participants. With about 30 companies the event will be a niche boutique show with a very informal, denimish environment! It needs to be remembered that India is the second largest consumer of denim apparel globally as well as the second largest producer of denim fabrics after China. There is immense potential in the Indian market as young Indian consumers show their preference for jeans over other apparel. The organizers have received unprecedented response from the visitors and all the major retailers and brands including H&M, Marks & Spencer, VF Corporation, Landmark Group, Li Fung, GAP Inc., Zara, Tesco, Pepe Jeans, Killer Jeans, Spykar, JC Penny, Target, Benetton, V-Mart, Shopper Stop, Reliance Trends, Myntra, Hypercity Retail, ITC Limited, Carrefour, Levis, C&A, Pantaloons, Tata CLiQ, Westside, etc. are expected to visit the show. Some of the most reputed factories and exporters including Orient Craft and Gokaldas Exports will be visiting the show along with their team. The show will have important talks on the latest trends, technologies, sustainability, latest innovation and developments by reowned global experts from Turkey, Italy, Spain and U.S. on both days.



Stefano Aldighieri - ex Creative Director of 7 for All Mankind, with his vast international experience, will talk about the secrets of making a denim brand successful. Dr Dilek Erik from Turkey will share her ideas on why Rigid denim is coming back but Stretch is still being used. Jordi Juani from Jeanologia will give details about the evolution of jeans finishing from hand to technology and how this has changed the jeans world. Vasco Pizarro, the Director at the largest European laundry will speak about Denim Wash Trends from Top European Brands for AW18 season. A trend area on the major trends emanating globally will be created where latest looks in various categories will also be featured at the show so that the visitors will be able to savor the latest global looks.

The main idea behind the Denimsandjeans show is to create a platform where the best-in-class denim products and technologies can be displayed and knowledge can be shared at one place. The show will bring together all segments of the Indian denim industry including denim brands, retailers, traders, second-tier brands, garment manufacturers and exporters, buying houses, international buyers and others. The show organizers hope that it will bring increased attention to great possibilities of denim business from and in India. India is already the second largest consumer of denim apparel globally and is expected to grow at a fast pace in the coming years. "We are very excited for our first edition in India. We had been organizing shows outside India but were always looking for the right time to come to India and to play a small part in the growth of the denim industry in India. Denim is going to continue as the fastest growing apparel sub sector and with new technologies and strengthening organized retail; the segment will get a great fillip. We are very hopeful for the industry growth in India," said Mr Sandeep Agarwal, Founder of Denimsandjeans.com. The show starts at 10:00 AM and closes at 06:00 PM on both days. The entry at the show is mainly for buyers who may register online at http://www.india.denimsandjeans.com/invite to get the official invitation for the show. About Denimsandjeans.com: Denimsandjeans.com is a brand name owned by Mahadeva Esys Pvt Ltd. Denimsandjeans.com has been serving the denim industry with the latest trends, news and technologies through its online and offline platforms and has been bringing the different segments of the industry together at one place. For more details, you can visit the official website of Denimsandjeans India - http://www.india.denimsandjeans.com and for any query, mail them at [email protected]. Media Contact:

Dhairyakant Mishra

[email protected]

+91-11-42828050

Mahadeva Esys Pvt Ltd





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[September 05, 2017] Wirecard and Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) Expand Collaboration with new Value-Added Services

ASCHHEIM, Germany, September 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OBB uses Wirecard's new fully digitised voucher platform for voucher issuance and acceptance Following a successful start of the collaboration between Wirecard and Austrian Federal Railways (Osterreichische Bundesbahnen, OBB) last year in the field of payment processing, both companies are expanding their cooperation into new areas. As a leading provider of payment solutions and internet technology, Wirecard has developed a fully digitised voucher platform for issuing and accepting vouchers. OBB, Austria's largest mobility service provider, is implementing this platform. In 2016, OBB achieved a new record for the number of passengers using its bus and train services: 461 million people. Wirecard and OBB are now strengthening OBB's service pledge to its customers with voucher issuance and acceptance. Together with the confectionery company, Storck, OBB is currently conducting the first sales cooperation to be based on this voucher platform in Austria. Between August and October, approximately 1.2 million Toffifee campaign packs will have an OBB voucher code worth EUR 5 on the inside of the packaging (applies for OBB online ticket purchases above EUR 29 from 15 August to 20 December 2017). Customers have until 20 December 2017 to redeem these vouchers when booking travel, in accordance with the redemption conditions (see http://www.toffifee.at/oebb-aktion). Redemption is possible both online at tickets.oebb.at and in the OBB app.



OBB is using Wirecard's new voucher platform for this in order to make its quality service more comprehensive and technically innovative. Its customers can now combine various payment methods and use them in one sales transaction. Both vouchers and credit cards can be handled in one process online using a single transaction ID. Jan Rubel, Head of Sales Travel & Transport at Wirecard: "Vouchers are an important element in customer loyalty. With the new platform, we are offering OBB travellers a concrete redeemable benefit and thus more added value. We are delighted with our strategically important collaboration with OBB and look forward to continued cooperation in future."

Martin Schmutz, Marketing Director at OBB-Personenverkehr AG (Passenger Transport) adds: "We are clearly and definitively driving forward OBB's digitisation strategy in order to offer our passengers as many advantages as possible. With Wirecard at our side, we have found a reliable partner with whom to implement these innovative product concepts." About Wirecard: Wirecard AG is a global technology group that supports companies in accepting electronic payments from all sales channels. As a leading independent supplier, the Wirecard Group offers outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments. A global platform bundles international payment acceptances and methods with supplementary fraud prevention solutions. With regard to issuing own payment instruments in the form of cards or mobile payment solutions, the Wirecard Group provides companies with an end-to-end infrastructure, including the requisite licences for card and account products. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060, WDI). For further information about Wirecard, please visit http://www.wirecard.com or follow us on Twitter @wirecard. OBB: Austria's largest mobility service provider As a comprehensive, global mobility services provider, the OBB Group brings 461 million passengers and 111 million tons of goods to their destinations every year in an eco-friendly manner. In total, 92% of the traction power comes from renewable energy sources, with up to 90% from hydraulic energy. In 2016, OBB was among the most punctual railway operators in Europe with a punctuality rate of around 96%. 40,265 employees in railways and bus services (plus about 1,700 apprentices and trainees) across the Group ensure that around 1.3 million passengers reach their destinations safely every day. The strategic leader company of the group is OBB-Holding AG.

Wirecard media contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49-(0)-89-4424-1363

Email: [email protected]





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[September 05, 2017] Atos launches world's first Open Source high-performance data warehouse for Amazon Web Services

IRVING, Texas and PARIS, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, launches the world's first open source high-performance and data warehouse for Amazon Web Services (AWS), leveraging zData, a recently-acquired premier consulting firm with unparalleled expertise in Big Data solutions. Powered by Pivotal Greenplum, the new massively parallel clustered data warehouse features unique machine learning, text and natural language analytic together with geospatial location queries and windowing functions. It allows users to build and test an Open Source analytics cluster directly from zData's Website without any limitations, to enable powerful and rapid Big Data analytics on petabyte scale data volumes, taking advantage of the Atos Codex expertise. Pre-built to allow for timely usage, the Greenplum stack enables businesses to benefit from cost savings of 30 percent compared to Amazon Redshift and Google Big Query. "As the first enterprise-grade, MPP (massively parallel processing) analytical warehouse technology to go Open Source,I believe it's important for everyone to be able to harness the power and value of Open Source Greenplum. It offers an incomparable advantage over the present-day cloud-based alternatives," said Jacque Istok, VP, Pivotal Data.



Jerome Sandrini, Atos Vice President and Head of Big Data North America, Atos added, "zData's release of free Open Source Greenplum on AWS accelerates the adoption of Greenplum, a main technology behind Atos Codex, providing one of the fastest and most cost efficient ways to explore your data." This new data warehouse is also available on Atos Canopy Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Atos' Cloud service offering, which gives businesses the security and control they need to manage their data across private and public clouds.

Press Contacts: Europe: Terence Zakka | [email protected] | +33 1 73 26 40 76 | @Mr_Zakka

US: Lacey Hautzinger | [email protected] | +01 2147 357 964 | About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around EUR12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. www.atos.net. Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170629/1887988-1LOGO-b SOURCE Atos Information Technology

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[September 05, 2017] First "Alliance for Development of Artificial Intelligence and Block Chain Technologies" Will Be Established in China for Development of Integration of the Two Technologies

BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Seminar of Artificial Intelligence and Block Chain Technologies" was held in Tsinghua University on September 3rd, during which it was proposed to establish the "Alliance for Development of Artificial Intelligence and Block Chain Technologies" (ABCD Alliance for short). The alliance, which will become the first alliance committed to development of integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and block chain technologies in China, aims at promoting integration and long-term development of "artificial intelligence and block chain", advancing innovation for the two technologies and other relevant innovations, making Chinese have a say in and develop standards for new technologies, and building a production-study-research cooperation platform for this. According to Zhang Guoqiang, the head of the Prearatory Committee for the alliance, the alliance would be commonly proposed and voluntarily sponsored by interested parties. Currently, experts from some worldwide universities including Duke University and Tsinghua University have intentions of joining the alliance. Subsequently, interested parties will be invited to join the alliance.



The alliance's first brain-like computing laboratory - Bayes Laboratory has been established in Tsinghua University. Subsequently, a think tank will be also established, and participation and support will be sought in the academia and industry. Integration of AI and Block Chain Will Be a Trend

Experts from Jingdong, Ping'an, Horizon Robotics and other enterprises gave wonderful reports at the seminar, which was received by the audience. Experts attending the seminar said that, AI and block chain represented the future development direction, and their integration was the development trend of next step. They also said that, it could realize a new generation of value internet, would bring another storm to the whole IT industry and also immeasurable benefits and astonishing changes to the society. Li Qinghua, the chief architect scientist of MATRIX block chain, introduced many promising applications which could be achieved by integration of AI and block chain, as well as distinctive MATRIX block chain based on underlying data chains and AI. He said that, block chain was used to integrate time with space, and AI could be used to predict future with history, which would lead to many things with public benefits. SOURCE MATRIX

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[September 05, 2017] 1st legal ICO in the Americas - impak Coin raises over $1M up-to-date for social good

Unlike China that banned them, Canada supports the first legal Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in the Americas: impak Coin (MPK), which already reached over $1 000 000 worth of MPK following its opening. Joining the movement, citizens of over 50 countries have already invested in the crowd-sale ending September 20th. MONTREAL, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - impak Finance, the fintech company focused on driving the social impact economy that has launched the presale of impak Coin, the first legal cryptocurrency crowdsale in the Americas, announces today that it has sold $1 000 000 worth of impak Coins following its opening. Worldwide investors supporting social impact businesses can participate on www.impakcoin.com until September 20th 2017. "We are amazed in seeing such a strong demand for the impak Coin from citizens around the world supporting the impak Finnce project. This is a tremendous start to a ground-breaking movement," says Paul Allard, impak Finance's Chief Ecosystem Officer. "This is a demonstration that people everywhere are ready to use technology in order to reinvent the way they use money for doing good."



Up to now, there are more than 1 750 impak Coin holders, from 50 countries that made an average investment of $600. impak Coin, 1st legal ICO in America

impak Coin is one of the few ICOs in the world to have passed all of the national regulatory requirements ensuring transparency and integrity for participants in the presale of this cryptocurrency.

impak Coin, a cryptocurrency for a better world

Impak Coin combines the advantages and functionalities of complementary currencies, recognition programs, and new cryptocurrencies. Built on a fully transparent blockchain platform, it is stable, safe and more efficient than many other digital currencies. Designed for everyday use, transactions within the impak ecosystem are free for both merchants and customers. About impak Finance

impak Finance Inc., an innovative Canadian fintech company focused on driving the social impact economy, proposes to radically change the way citizens and organizations collaborate and transact. Impak Finance Inc. is building a financial ecosystem that connects investors, businesses and citizens who share the same social values while on its way to creating Canada's first 100% digital Canadian chartered bank . Press kit: download link

Video: Introducing impak Coin

Info at www.impakcoin.com SOURCE impak Finance Inc.

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[September 05, 2017] Amerigroup District of Columbia (D.C.) Awarded Contract to Serve the District's Medicaid and D.C. Healthcare Alliance Populations

Amerigroup District of Columbia, Inc. (Amerigroup D.C.) received a notice of intent to award a new contract to Amerigroup D.C. by the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) to begin serving individuals who participate in the District of Columbia Healthy Families Medicaid managed care and D.C. Healthcare Alliance programs. Although the award of the new contract has been protested, it is scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2017. Amerigroup D.C. anticipates providing medical benefits to nearly 60,000 of the 181,000 District residents for up to five years under the new contract. "Amerigroup D.C. is honored to have been selected to serve Medicaid and Alliance beneficiaries in the District of Columbia and we look forward to providing high quality services and support to our enrollees," said Dr. Linda Elam, PhD, MPH, Amerigroup D.C. Medicaid plan president. "While Amerigroup will be a new managed care option in the District, we have a long and well-established history across the country with more than 20 years of experience improving the health and well-being of our enrollees." Amerigroup D.C. is one of three Medicaid managed care organizations selected to serve the District of Clumbia. Under the new contract, Amerigroup D.C. will coordinate medical, behavioral, dental and vision health benefits for managed care enrollees. Through its innovative approach and customized services, Amerigroup D.C. will improve health services to eligible residents throughout the District.



In June 2017, Dr. Elam joined Amerigroup as D.C. Medicaid plan president where she will oversee the administration of all services for the newly-awarded health plan. "I'm excited about the opportunity to lead Amerigroup D.C. and to be a part of a team that is dedicated to the development and implementation of strategies designed to improve population health," said Dr. Elam. "We are committed to serving our enrollees and the District by building strong community-based relationships, supporting healthy behaviors, and providing timely, high quality health care."

Before joining Amerigroup D.C., Dr. Elam was a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she oversaw the office responsible for policies focused on supporting the independence, health and productivity of elderly individuals, people living with disabilities and behavioral health issues. Prior to her federal appointment, Dr. Elam served as the State Medicaid Director for the District of Columbia. ABOUT AMERIGROUP D.C. Amerigroup D.C., Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthem, Inc. Through a family of affiliated companies, Amerigroup provides managed care services to more than 6.5 million beneficiaries participating in state Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and Long Term Services and Supports programs. Amerigroup D.C. recognizes the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face in meeting their health care needs. Amerigroup D.C. will offer plans focused on providing access to high quality care for its enrollees while expanding access to care and improving health outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905005796/en/

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[September 05, 2017] Profitect to Discuss Prescriptive Analytics Success at Goldman Sachs 24th Annual Global Retailing Conference in New York City

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profitect Inc., the leading prescriptive analytics provider for the retail and CPG industries, today announced company CEO, Guy Yehiav, will be speaking on prescriptive analytics and the successes seen at Profitect at the Goldman Sachs 24th Annual Global Retailing Conference. Yehiav will participate in a panel session on Emerging Technology Solutions for Retail. Profitect is only one of a select few technology companies attending the exclusive conference taking place in New York City September 6 and 7 at The Plaza Hotel. Yehiavs presentation will begin at 3:55 pm ET on September 6.





Weve been fortunate at Profitect to be among the few technology companies invited to attend this exclusive Goldman Sachs Retailing conference over the years, but being invited to present this year is a true privilege, said Guy Yehiav, CEO, Profitect. This is an exciting time for retail where innovation is celebrated and to stay competitive, successful retailers are leveraging technologies like prescriptive analytics. The pattern Ive noticed with growing global retailers is they are not afraid to adopt change to better understand their customer base, eliminate errors, and grow margins." The informative session will feature Profitect CEO, Guy Yehiav, discussing pressing trends in the industry including where online retailers have a competitive advantage via data, how retailers are thinking about the way they gather data, how AI is changing the ability to interpret data in retail, and more. Yehiav will also present real-world examples of the benefits many of Profitects global customer base have by turning to prescriptive analytics to solve their data and reporting needs.

Session Title: Panel: Emerging Technology Solutions for Retail

Panel: Emerging Technology Solutions for Retail Date and Time: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 3:55 pm

Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 3:55 pm Speakers: Profitect CEO Guy Yehiav, Videomining CEO & Co-Founder Rajeev Sharma, Blue Yonder Founder & CSO Michael Feindt

Profitect CEO Guy Yehiav, Videomining CEO & Co-Founder Rajeev Sharma, Blue Yonder Founder & CSO Michael Feindt Location: Terrace Room  Second Floor About Profitect

Profitects award-winning prescriptive analytics solutions eliminate confusion around reports within the worlds most innovative retail and CPG companies by taking their data, identifying opportunities, prescribing easy-to-understand actions, and leveraging workflows and tasks to ensure the right actions are taken when needed. To learn more about Profitect visit: http://www.profitect.com. Media Contact: Tania Stockbridge [email protected] 781-290-0009

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[September 05, 2017] Ascendant's Jason Morton to Speak on RegTech at Strata Data Conference

SALISBURY, Conn., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alongside technology experts from American Express, Credit Suisse and CIBC, Ascendant's Jason Morton will speak on developments in regulatory technology at the 'Fintech Data Day' at the annual Strata Data Conference on September 26, 2017 in New York. Jason's presentation will focus on challenges and opportunities for cutting-edge technologies to help firms and regulators detect manipulation in the markets, specifically focusing on how to leverage data to detect spoofing and layering. FINRA has defined layering as "entering limit orders with the intended effect of moving the market to obtain a beneficial execution on the other side of the market" and spoofing as the practice of "entering orders to entice other participants to join on the same side of the market at a price at which they would not ordinarily trade, and then trading against the other market participants' orders." Ultimately, both of these actions are attempts by traders to manipulate the price of securities by creating false representation of market interest and then directly benefiting from those false impressions. For example, in a recently-settled CFTC enforcement case, a trader was placing spoof orders on the opposite side of the market as his 'real' orders for customers in order to create a false flurry of market activity regarding the securities, in this case gold and silver futures contracts. This false activity was designed to induceother market participants to fill his real orders. Once they did, he cancelled his spoof orders, which he never had any intention of filling anyway. On a number of occasions, he actually did move the market on these gold and silver contracts.



The expectation from regulators is not only that no one in your organization is committing that type of market manipulation or fraud as in this CFTC case, but also that you have adequate training, policies and controls to prevent it and good enough technology to detect it right away. This self-policing, Jason points out, has a critical dependency on a firm's internal data-handling capabilities, but with the right technology framework, tools can detect patterns in large, structured data sets from fields like time stamps and cancellation messages and flag anomalies to compliance or risk officers to review. Jason is optimistic about the future of technology to help firms and regulators root out fraud and market manipulation in the industry, particularly in light of developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence  both key topics of discussion at Strata and internally with our own engineers: "this has the potential to unlock even higher rates of accuracy in discerning ordinary market behavior, particularly market-making behavior, from intentionally fraudulent behavior." About Dr. Jason Morton

Dr. Jason Morton advises Ascendant on applied mathematics, statistics and quantitative modeling for the firm's proprietary post-trade compliance technology suite. He is a tenured professor of Mathematics and Statistics at Pennsylvania State University and a visiting scholar in Computer Science at Harvard University. He has published papers in mathematics, mathematical finance, statistics, machine learning, computational complexity and quantum physics. His research has included factor modelling, credit derivative pricing and the foundations of deep learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from U.C. Berkeley, an M.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan, and an A.B. from Harvard University. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Morton worked for Credit Suisse in Mergers and Acquisitions and Technology Investment Banking, seeded hedge funds and managed an endowment. About Ascendant Ascendant Compliance Management provides regulatory compliance consulting services and end-to-end technology solutions to enable investment advisers, private fund advisers, investment companies, commodity trading advisers and broker-dealers to make compliance a source of strength at their organizations. Ascendant's proprietary technology tool, ACM, provides a framework to manage operational risk and streamline compliance processes with policy collaboration and distribution, risk matrices, compliance calendars, post-trade compliance analytics and more. For additional information on Ascendant products and services, click here. About Strata Data Conference The Strata Data Conference is an annual conference for technology and business professionals who are seeking innovative and cutting-edge ways to leverage data to add value to their businesses. This year the conference is being held in San Jose, London, Beijing, Singapore and New York. For further detail on the Strata Data Conference and to register, click here. CONTACT

Melissa Maleri, 860-435-2255, [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ascendants-jason-morton-to-speak-on-regtech-at-strata-data-conference-300513106.html SOURCE Ascendant Compliance Management

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By Shweta Keshri: Sony TV aired the first trailer of their magnum opus Prithvi Vallabh after Kaun Banega Crorepati on Monday. The first look assures Prithvi Vallabh to be a visual treat for the viewers. But the two minute trailer will many a times remind you of popular American fantasy drama Game of Thrones.

The music of played during the entire trailer is a straight lift from Game of Thrones but a slower version. We aren't complaining, as we love the music and it nicely fits the premise of this show but the makes could have thought of something original. All the more when this is the first show launched by Sony Originals.

Ashish Sharma and Sonarika Bhadoria in a still from the show.

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THE CAST

Ashish Sharma, who we loved as the righteous king Rama in Siya Ke Ram, looks hot as the warrior king Prithvi Vallabh. The man bun really suits him. He makes a Baahubali kind of grand entry on an elephant. Ashish had been preparing for the role for long. Devon Ke Dev Mahadev's Parvati aka Sonarika Bhadoria is making a comeback on TV with this historical show as warrior princess Mrinal. The warrior princess literally slays it during the war scene beheading her enemies.

Sonarika Bhadoria as Mrinal beheading a soldier on the battel field.

THE PLOT

Prithvi Vallabh is based on a novel by the same name written by Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi. The novel has seen two movie adaptations already, once in 1924 and the other in 1943. The story revolves around Prithiv Vallabh, the kind and righteous king of Avantipur who is captivated by his neighbouring King Tailap and his sister Mrinal. The war scenes have been shot magnificently with hundred of warriors on field.

THE CHEMISTRY

Although the trailer doesn't reveal much of a love story but one can feel the sexual tension between the leads - Prithvi and Mrinal. You can see that in their eyes when Mrinal throws a spear at Prithvi and he catches it on time. It would be interesting to see them romance on the show.

These ship reminds of Dany entering Westeros.

THE GOT INFLUENCE

The show is highly influenced from Game Of Thrones. The opening music plays throughout the trailer. The blood and gore will be in plenty, although we can't say much about the skin show, as unlike American shows, Indian shows are censored and Game of Thrones aired on Indian channels are more or less like a family drama. Sonarika beheading an enemy soldier promises you to show enough of blood-shed. The ships sailing in the trailer looks quite similar to the scene when Daenerys (Emilia Clark) arrived in Westeros. The special effects gives a grand feel to the show.

The trailer has intrigued us enough to look forward to the show, which we hope to be as good as its first look.

Also read: 5 reasons we are looking forward to watch the most expensive show of Indian TV, Porus

--- ENDS ---

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[September 05, 2017] Runtime Closes $7.5 Million from NEA, Foundation Capital, DHVC

Redwood City, CA, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Redwood City, California  Runtime, a start-up leveraging open source for connected devices, today announced its initial $7.5 million in funding from investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Foundation Capital, and DHVC. The number of connected IoT devices vary from huge to incredulous, and its clear that the vast majority will be low cost, constrained devices that dont utilize Linux or Android, said Runtime co-founder and CEO, James Pace. A critical missing link to fuel such growth is effectively managing billions of connected devices. In order to realize value, we need to reliably and cost-effectively manage them beyond the edge. Scores of companies around the world are already deploying Runtime for Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementations including smart cities, agriculture, fleet management, smart security, and more. CEO James Pace and CTO Sterling Hughes, co-founders and proven leaders in the field of implementing and scaling large IoT-connected deployments, are leading the company. There are many obstacles when deploying IoT, from security to connectivity to massive data collection, and an open source framework is imperative from the start, said Greg Papadopoulos, Venture Partner at NEA. Weve seen how Linux and Android disrupted entire industries. Runtime is poised to scceed because of its foundational work with Apache Mynewt. From the device itself and into the cloud, we believe Runtime has what it takes to effectively manage the complexity IoT developers face.



Using open source for connected devices, developers can achieve an IoT framework composed of a range of many kinds of devices. Runtime has been fully supporting Apache Mynewt to ensure developers don't get locked in to proprietary vendor SDKs, and is working daily with the hundreds of developers on their deployments. Working to de-risk large scale, critical IoT deployments, Runtimes end-to-end cloud service is bringing management and lifecycle services to enable at-scale deployments, fewer delays and errors during development, less technical debt and wasted resources working on embedded components. Foundation Capital general partner Steve Vassallo commented, Were thrilled to back Runtime in the earliest stages. We worked closely with this team through our investment in Silver Spring Networks and know first-hand how capable they are of providing coherence to huge fleets of high-value, connected devices.

DHVC managing director Kevin Ding said, IIoT has fast become an international phenomenon, from Asia to Europe companies are offering valuable services, software and hardware, and existing organizations are trying to find ways to marry physical and cyber worlds, not only to remain competitive, but to give customers relevant products and services. Developers who embrace an open source foundation will succeed, and Runtime has the experience to bring solutions to help developers scale efficiently and quickly. Thousands of devices are running Apache Mynewt, a modular real-time operating system for MCU-class connected devices that operate for long times under power, memory, and storage constraints. By 2018, the number of connected Apache Mynewt devices is predicted to be in the millions. Enabling a variety of embedded devices, such as wearables, light bulbs, locks, doorbells, and others, Apache Mynewt addresses these constraints in a hardware-agnostic way. This flexibility gives developers the ability to use a variety of microcontrollers (ARM, MIPS, RISC V) and sensors, and choose from many of todays popular IoT communication standards (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN), without being tied to a single vendor or re-factoring architectures. Runtime has supported the Apache Mynewt community since the beginning, offering developers low power, wireless connectivity. Last month, Runtime announced it was awarded the Open Connectivity Foundations (OCF) Outstanding Contributor Award for its open source implementation of OIC Core Specification v1.1.0. Runtimes commercial cloud solution is predicated on Apache Mynewt. About Runtime Runtime provides cloud-based management of connected devices and is a complete solutions provider for consumer, medical, commercial, and industrial IoT applications. Free, open source software is essential to all Runtime offerings. Runtime supports Apache Mynewt, an embedded OS optimized for networking and built for remote management. Apache Mynewt provides the components developers expect from a modern general purpose OS, but for constrained devices that are incapable of running either Linux or Android. Please visit Runtimes website, follow us on Twitter @runtime_io and check us out on LinkedIn. ### Runtime PR| Kelly Brieger | 650.704.1748 | [email protected] | www.runtime.io

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[September 05, 2017] Media Alert: Silvaco to Continue Worldwide Series of SURGE Users Events in Silicon Valley and Boston

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHO: Silvaco, Inc. today announced that its Silvaco UserRs Global Event (SURGE) series will hold the next events in the Silicon Valley and Boston regions.

WHEN: Silicon Valley: Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Hours: 12:30 PM  9:00 PM Boston: Thursday, September 14, 2017

Hours: 12:30 PM  9:00 PM WHERE: Silicon Valley: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, Calif.

Registration: http://go.silvaco.com/surge_santa_clara Boston: Boston Marriott Burlington Hotel, Burlington, Mass.

Registration: http://go.silvaco.com/surge_boston







WHAT: Each SURGE provides the opportunity to discuss new technologies, smart integration for innovative applications and new techniques for realizing advanced designs. The agenda includes:

Executive keynotes

Roadmap presentations

Exciting technology updates

Networking opportunities with industry experts The SURGE series commenced in July with highly successful events in Taiwan and China. Additional events are scheduled during the final quarter of 2017. About Silvaco, Inc. Silvaco, Inc. is a leading EDA provider of software tools used for process and device development and for analog/mixed-signal, power IC and memory design. Silvaco delivers a full TCAD-to-sign-off flow for vertical markets including: displays, power electronics, optical devices, radiation and soft error reliability and advanced CMOS process and IP development. For over 30 years, Silvaco has enabled its customers to bring superior products to market with reduced cost and in the shortest time. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. Press/Media Contact: Silvaco [email protected]

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[September 05, 2017] FirstService Residential Gives $100,000 to American Red Cross, Launches Donation Matching Campaign for Harvey Relief

FirstService Residential, North America's leading property management company, has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross for massive relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana stemming from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The company has simultaneously launched a donation matching campaign, pledging to match the first $50,000 contributed through a dedicated microsite the company set up with the Red Cross, with a goal of raising more than $200,000 in relief funds. Additionally, FirstService Residential has established a Paid (News - Alert) Time Off (PTO) Donation policy for its associates, enabling them to donate their paid time off to colleagues affected by the hurricane. The Red Cross contribution, matching campaign and PTO donation program come on the heels of a $10 million Hurricane Harvey recovery fund the company established to make short-term emergency loans immediately available to FirstService Residential managed communities to begin repairs while waiting for insurance claims to be realized.



"Our company is driven to make a difference every day for those in our care, which includes the residents of our managed communities, as well as our associates," said FirstService Residential CEO Chuck Fallon. The donation to the Red Cross was made to help meet the immediate call for assistance in the form of food, shelter and clothing for the thousands of displaced victims, some of whom are Texas-based FirstService Residential associates themselves. According to Fallon, it was this sobering fact that spurred the creation of the Harvey PTO aid package.

"This is a tough time for everyone who found themselves in Harvey's path of destruction," continued Fallon. "As our associates in Texas work alongside homeowners and residents to help them piece their lives, homes and communities together, our associates need to know their FirstService Residential family has got their backs." FirstService Residential has set up a microsite through the American Red Cross for anyone interested in making a financial donation. For more information, visit: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/firstservice-emp. About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is North America's largest manager of residential communities and the preferred partner of HOAs, community associations and strata corporations in the U.S. and Canada. FirstService Residential's managed communities include low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives, single-family homes, master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities, and rental and commercial properties. With an unmatched combination of deep industry experience, local market expertise and personalized attention, FirstService Residential delivers proven solutions and exceptional service that add value, enhance lifestyles and make a difference, every day, for every resident and community it manages. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, a North American leader in the property services sector. For more information, visit www.fsresidential.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006008/en/

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[September 05, 2017] BJ's Wholesale Club Highlights Quality and Value of Exclusive Brands with Two New Websites

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BJ's Wholesale Club today announced two new websites dedicated to showcasing the value, quality and assortment of its two exclusive brands, Berkley Jensen and Wellsley Farms. This is the first time the company has created dedicated ecommerce sites for its exclusive brands. "Our exclusive brands offer members exceptional value on a wide range of items, from fresh produce to paper goods to baby supplies," said Rafeh Masood, senior vice president and Chief Digital Officer, BJ's Wholesale Club. "The new websites allow BJ's to tell the story of these brands, educating members on the quality and assortment while allowing them to research products and shop." BJ's Wholesale Club is the first wholesale club to offer websites dedicated to its exclusive brands to better inform members about the selection, quality and value of the products. The sites (ww.berkleyjensen.com and www.wellsleyfarms.com) will showcase a broad assortment of both brands, showcase the stories behind the products and create a shoppable, dedicated experience for both brands. Members will also be able to access PICK UP & PAY to reserve select non-perishable products online and pick up in-club in as little as two hours.



"We are thrilled to highlight the quality and value of BJ's exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands with the launch of these two websites," said Scott Williams, vice president, own brands and quality, BJ's Wholesale Club. "Our Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen products are all backed by BJ's 100% Money Back Guarantee, so our Members can get everything they need without compromising on quality or value." BJ's is making significant updates to deliver an integrated omnichannel experience. The company expects to announce additional enhancements to its digital offerings, from increased use of technology in its clubs to a new mobile app.

About BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.

Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's is the leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 215 clubs and 132 BJ's Gas locations in 16 states. BJ's provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with top-quality, leading brands, including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, along with USDA Choice meats, premium produce and delicious organics, many in supermarket sizes. BJ's is also the only major membership warehouse club to accept all manufacturers' coupons and, for greater convenience, offers the most payment options. Visit www.BJs.com, and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. BJ's is wholly owned by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, CVC Capital Partners and its management team. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bjs-wholesale-club-highlights-quality-and-value-of-exclusive-brands-with-two-new-websites-300513895.html SOURCE BJ's Wholesale Club

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[September 05, 2017] QuantumClean and ChemTrace to Exhibit at SEMICON Taiwan 2017

Validated Ultra-High Purity. Maximum Productivity. QUAKERTOWN, Pennsylvania, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Global Technologies' companies, QuantumClean and ChemTrace , will exhibit at SEMICON Taiwan 2017 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from September 13 - 15 (booth 1718). Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/383596/Quantum_Global_Technologies_LLC_Logo.jpg

This year, Quantum Global Technologies unveiled the world's most advanced semiconductor chamber parts cleaning, coating and analytical facility in Tainan. "This plant is a 'Smart, Lean, Clean and Green' Center of Excellence, a first of its kind in its industry. The opening of this advanced facility is yet another milestone in our evolution. A demonstration of our continuous innovation, growth and value generation for our customers," states Scott Nicholas President and CEO, Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. "Our Tainan cleaning, coating and analytical testing Center of Excellence helps our customers REDUCE cost-of-ownership. Analytically validated ultraclean parts result in FASTER chamber recovery and LONGER Mean Time Between Cleans. Optimized cleaning methods and proprietary recoating technologies EXTEND part life. Fast part turnaround times REDUCE inventory costs. We are the only firm to offer ultra-high purity chamber part cleaning validated by a Certificate of Analysis from an accredited laboratory," explains Nicholas. The Tainan site is Taiwan's only cleaning and coatig service provider with an embedded microcontamination laboratory  ChemTrace.



ChemTrace is an industry-leading semiconductor laboratory that provides critical insight into microcontamination issues. "The recent laboratory opening in Tainan allows regional semiconductor industry customers direct access to our advanced laboratories for rapid turnaround and expert analysis," explains Surjany Russell, ChemTrace's Director of Sales. We welcome your visit to the QuantumClean and ChemTrace booth to learn more on how our service offerings can bring improvement to your operation by solving critical process chamber manufacturing challenges.

About Quantum Global Technologies, LLC ChemTrace and QuantumClean are divisions of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA. QuantumClean is the global leader in sub-10nm outsourced process tool chamber parts cleaning and coating services, tool part life extension and process tool part optimization solutions to the semiconductor wafer fabrication, OEM and OPM industries. Founded in 2000, QuantumClean operates innovative Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers built on the premise of providing customers process improvement through consistently cleaner parts that exceed industry standards. These solutions dramatically reduce our customers' total cost-of-ownership. With 1,500 employees in 18 facilities located in 8 countries, QuantumClean provides unsurpassed cleaning capability and convenience worldwide. quantumclean.com For over 20 years, ChemTrace has provided independent and analytical verification of process tool chamber part cleaning effectiveness. Recognized as the leading reference analytical testing laboratory for the semiconductor, solar and related industries, ChemTrace has the solutions for FAB, OEM and OPM's critical cleaning issues and requirements. With more than 100 employees in 5 labs located in 3 countries, ChemTrace offers unsurpassed microcontamination analysis of tool parts, wafers and depositions, chemicals, cleanroom materials, DI water and airborne molecular contamination. chemtrace.com Media Contacts QuantumClean: Meg Cox, +1-215-892-9300, [email protected] ChemTrace: Robin Puri, +1-503-251-0979, [email protected] QuantumClean, ChemTrace, Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers, ATCC, Process Improvement through Consistently Cleaner Parts, Single Part Chemical Clean and SPCC are all registered trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. ACS, Atomically Clean Surfaces, Alternative TWAS, Analytical & Engineering Services, C-Coat, Cleancoat, Cleaning, Coating & Testing Center of Excellence, Environmentally Clean Process, ECP, Final Surface Finish, FSF, QGT, M-Coat, PartSmart, PT3, QualClean, Selective Deposition Removal, SDR, Service Request form, SRF, Solution Based Chemistry, TechBriefs, The Perfect Order, The Perfect Qual, The Perfect Process Transfer, Tight-Coat, V-Clean, VeriClean, Waterless Acid, Y-Coat, Z-Coat, Smart, Lean, Clean and Green, Center of Excellence and Validated Ultra-High Purity. Maximum Productivity are all trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. SOURCE QuantumClean

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[September 05, 2017] Honeywell Donates $2 Million In Personal Protective Equipment To Aid In Texas Recovery Efforts From Hurricane Harvey

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has donated about $2 million in personal protective equipment (PPE) to support first responders and emergency personnel in efforts to assist their communities following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Houston and other communities across southeast Texas face massive cleanup and restoration efforts in the wake of the storm's torrential rain and flooding. Hurricane Harvey displaced thousands of families and caused billions of dollars in losses, including damage to the equipment and PPE that many fire departments and first responders need to respond to emergencies in their communities. Honeywell, a global leader in safety products, will donate nearly 100,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to support first responders and emergency personnel in the region affected by the storm. This equipment includes safety clothing, protective footwear, rubber boots, safety gloves, disposable masks for respiratory protection, protective eyewear, hard hats and hearing protection. Also included are high-visibility T-shirts and coats for safety near roads. "This past week has been an impossibly difficult one for many Texans as Hurricane Harvey caused mass devastation in Texas and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Our thoughts are with the many thousands of families whose lives have been disrupted," said Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell president and CEO. "In addition to supporting first responders, Honeywell will provide employees in the area with protective safety gear to support their personal needs along with emergency financial support through our humanitarian relief program." Delta Industrial Service and Supply, a Honeywell distributor in Texas, has been in contact with many local and regional fire departments about their equipment needs, and will coordinate distribution of the donated gear to fire departments. Fire departments should contact Delta at 1-800-249-5292 for more information. "Under these extraordinary circumstances, we want to help volunteers, employees and our customers to be as safe as possible," said John Waldron, president, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. "We are proud of the great work being done by first responders and so many others, and we are thankful for the ability to help those on the front lines who provide help where it is needed the most." Honeywell has nearly 1,000 employees across nine sites in the Houston metropolitan area along with another 100 employees in Orange, Texas. The Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Fund (HHRF) is supporting Honeywell employees who have been affected by the flooding, and the company is matching employee contributions to the fund dollar for dollar. During the past decade, Honeywell has donated more than $9.8 million to support disaster relief around the world, and more than 1,400 employees have received emergency assistance. Through the relief fund, the company and thousands of Honeywell employees have responded with donations and support for long-term rebuilding efforts for recent tragedies such as the Japan tsunami, wildfires in Canada, tornadoes in Oklahoma, floods in Louisiana, and Hurricanes Matthew, Sandy, Ike and Katrina. About Honeywell Hometown Solutions

The Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Foundation is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company's corporate citizenship initiative, which focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com/. About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, cars, homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. Honeywell and the Honeywell logo are the exclusive properties of Honeywell, are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and may be registered or pending registration in other countries. All other Honeywell product names, technology names, trademarks, service marks, and logos may be registered or pending registration in the U.S. or in other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2017 Honeywell.







Media Contact Honeywell: Kerry Kennedy Honeywell Hometown Solutions 973-455-4087 [email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honeywell-donates-2-million-in-personal-protective-equipment-to-aid-in-texas-recovery-efforts-from-hurricane-harvey-300514088.html SOURCE Honeywell

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[September 05, 2017] KUKA Robotics Corporation Hosts Open House at West Coast Facility in Fremont, California

KUKA (News - Alert) Robotics Corp. opens the doors of its new West Coast facility to the public Sept. 12 and 13 in Fremont, Calif. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006415/en/ KUKA will introduce the new Electronics TechCenter located at the West Coast Facility in Fremont, California (Photo: Business Wire)







What: KUKA Robotics West Coast Fremont Open House KUKA Robotics is showcasing 10 live robot demonstrations highlighting the five stages of human-robot collaboration. Several feature the new KR 3 AGILUS robot, which is built for the production of the smallest components and products and is ideal for use in compact footprint automation cells. KUKA will also introduce the new Electronics TechCenter, which allows engineers to test customized solutions before causing any disruption to their own facilities. Learn about the latest technologies and see how KUKA's robotic automation solutions can help solve engineering challenges and achieve company objectives. Where: KUKA Robotics West Coast Fremont 48820 Kato Rd. #500B Fremont, CA (News - Alert) 94538 View Map Who: Companies looking to automate manufacturing processes or learn more about the latest in robotic technology. Date: Tuesday, Sept. 12 and Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days

TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATIONS Throughout both days of the event, KUKA Robotics will offer a variety of presentations on the following topics: -- Five stages of human-robot collaboration -- Ready2_use Packages from KUKA -- Mobile Robotics and Mobile platforms featuring the KUKA KMR iiwa -- KUKA Connect, Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories -- Guest Speaker: Jeff Burnstein, President Robotics Industries Association (RIA) Industry leading technology providers will also participate in the event including:  ATI Industrial Automation - Robotic End Effectors and Automation Tooling  Beckhoff - Open automations systems based on PC Control technology  Cognex - Vision systems, vision software, vision sensors and industrial ID readers  RobotMaster - CAD/CAM for robots offering offline programming software  Schunk - Gripping systems and clapping technologies KUKA Robot Demonstration Cells 1. Mobile robotics with KUKA KMR iiwa

Freeing industrial robots from their floor mounts results in more flexibility and functionality. The KMR iiwa from KUKA is a combination of the collaborative LBR iiwa robot and KMP mobile platform featuring our unique mecanum wheels with nearly infinite degrees of 2D freedom and sub-millimeter accuracy. Fully autonomous and safe navigation is possible thanks to laser scanning and live-mapping, with immediate collision avoidance. 2. KUKA Safe Operation Demo featuring KR AGILUS KR 10 R1100 sixx

This cell demonstrates how to use a traditional industrial robot in collaborative applications by incorporating auxiliary safety technology. With the use of area scanners, these fence-less solutions offer speed and throughput for automation cells but remain safe for humans to enter the work area when interaction with the robot is necessary. 3. Teach by Hand demonstration with KUKA LBR iiwa

In this demo, attendees will be able to teach a robot rather than program it. Once the robot is taught by lead-through motions, attendees can watch as the operation is immediately transformed into a robot program - demonstrating human-robot collaboration. 4. KUKA Ready2_Fasten_Micro featuring the new KR 3 AGILUS

This is a fully integrated and ready-to-use robotic system from KUKA featuring the KR 3 AGILUS. This system makes it easy to automate manufacturing of small parts and products in the very confined workspaces of the electronics industry. The KR 3 AGILUS is the newest and most compact member of the KUKA Robotics AGILUS family, offering even greater speed, flexibility, and accuracy for a variety of applications and industries. 5. LBR iiwa Gear Assembly Demonstration

This cell demonstrates how the robot can be fully utilized in a machine tool environment by assembling a group of metal gears. Those attending will observe the LBR iiwa using contact detection from the built-in force sensors to properly insert a third gear within two pre-assembled gears. 6. KUKA College Training Cells

The ability to offer training to partners and customers in the local area is very important to KUKA, so the same training cells that are found at our North American headquarters in Shelby Township, Mich., will be showcased at the facility. KUKA will have a large training cell featuring a KR 16 robot and small training cell featuring the KR AGILUS on display. 7. Electronics TechCenter

Introducing the KUKA Electronics TechCenter located at our KUKA West Coast Fremont location. This new TechCenter features the KR AGILUS sixx, the KR 3 AGILUS, and the LBR iiwa. KUKA's Electronics TechCenter is designed to meet the increasing needs of customers in this important industry. The TechCenter will offer customers the opportunity to work and test closely with KUKA engineers on customized solutions in a secure and confidential environment. 8. KUKA Connect

KUKA Connect is KUKA's new cloud-based software platform that provides customers access to, and analytics of, their robots at anytime, anywhere, on any device. Built on open global standards, KUKA Connect securely leverages cloud computing technologies and big data analytics to provide customers maximum visibility into their connected KUKA robots. About the KUKA Robot Group KUKA Robotics Corporation along with KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg Germany (part of the KUKA Aktiengesellschaft group of worldwide companies), ranks among the world's leading suppliers of industrial robots and material handling vehicles. Core competencies include the development, production, and sale of industrial robots, controllers, software, linear units, and omniMove omni-directional motion platforms. KUKA robots are utilized in a diverse range of industries including the appliance, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, logistics, food, pharmaceutical, medical, foundry and plastics industries as well as multiple applications including material handling, machine loading, assembly, packaging, palletizing, welding, bending, joining, and surface finishing. KUKA robots range from 5kg to 1300kg payloads, and 635mm to 3900mm reach, all controlled from a common PC based controller platform. Editor's Note: Editors are welcome to attend and should register by contacting Janine Krasicky Sadaj, J9 Media Solutions, at 248.542.3991 or [email protected]. Video and photos of the demonstrations can be found at https://we.tl/jVi2KvQuvS View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006415/en/

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[September 05, 2017] Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield helps to reduce opioid use in Colorado by 15 percent among its members

Prescribed opioids have dropped by 15 percent in the last year in Anthem's individual and employer-sponsored health plans in Colorado. Limiting coverage of opioids to seven days for those starting on opioids, requiring provider prior authorization and directing those most at risk for opioid use disorder to one pharmacy have all been a factor in reducing opioid prescriptions. The primary goal of the quantity limits was to prevent inadvertent addiction and opioid use disorder, and to ensure clinically appropriate use consistent with Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado contributed significantly to its parent company meeting a national goal to reduce opioids filled at the pharmacy by 30 percent since the opioid prescription peak in 2012. "As a health insurer, we have a responsibility to do what we can to address this health epidemic and we are committed to making a significant difference to our members," said Elizabeth Kraft, M.D., medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado. "We believe these changes in pharmacy policy, complemented by a broad set of strategies addressing the opioid epidemic, will help prevent, deter and more effectively treat opioid use disorder among our members." The opioid crisis was declared a national emergency last month. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. exceeding car crashes and guns. 1 In Colorado, opioid-related overdoses tripled from 2000-2015. "We're hoping our policies can help prevent members from developing opioid use disorder by carefully limiting coverage on quantities for short-acting opioids and requiring prior authorization from their prescriber to ensure a clinical need for long-acting opioids," said Dr. Kraft. "For those in MAT therapy (medication assisted treatment), we have removed prior authorization to support recovery from addiction. And as part of a holistic and integrated approach, we continue to provide access to non-pharmacological, evidence-based treatments to help our members manage chronic pain." We continue to explore additional ways to help ensure clinically appropriate use of opioids, and help prevent inadvertent addiction and opioid use disorder." Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield took the following steps designed to help ensure cinically appropriate use of opioids and to proactively prevent the development of opioid use disorder:



For short-acting opioids, initial prescriptions are limited to seven days. Members can only receive a maximum 14 days' supply for short-acting opioids in a 30-day period without additional authorization, consistent with CDC Guidelines. The quantity limits began rolling out last October.

For all long-acting opioids, prior authorization was put into place in September 2016 for initiation of therapy. Quantity limits for long-acting opioids have existed for many years, with exceptions for those have terminal or chronic illness.

Pharmacy Home programs exist for individual, employer-sponsored and Medicare members that can assign members to one pharmacy and/or one provider for their opioid prescriptions. The program allows doctors to better monitor access of opioids and helps ensure members are receiving counseling and mental health support.

Providers who receive member electronic dashboards are notified when a member is at greater risk for developing opioid use disorder - such as prescriptions from several providers or pharmacies, or when the member has prescriptions for opioids, muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines at the same time.

Providers are alerted of additional controlled substance use concerns and associated emergency room or urgent care use through letter, including when the member has prescriptions for both Suboxone and opioids or on persistent high doses of opioids. The pharmacy policy changes are part of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's holistic approach to prevention, deterrence and treatment to reduce the impact of this epidemic. To help ensure members have access to comprehensive evidence-based care, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to helping its affiliated health plans double the number of members who receive behavioral health services as part of medication-assisted therapy, drug and talk therapy, for opioid use disorder by 2019. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/AnthemBCBS_News, www.twitter.com/AnthemBCBS_News and on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem

1 Rudd RA, Seth P, David F, Scholl L. Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths - United States, 2010-2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1445-1452. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm655051e1 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006451/en/

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[September 05, 2017] AVOIDING DIGITAL DISASTER

Gulf Breeze, Florida, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gulf Breeze, Fla.September 5, 2017Bad weather can create a perfect storm for businesses. With Hurricane Harveys floodwaters still receding in Texas and Hurricane Irma making a path toward the US, AppRiver has activated its free Digital Disaster Preparedness Service (DDPS).



First made available in 2005, DDPS is a service designed to prevent businesses from losing email in the event of an email server outage. It is offered at no charge to organizations facing imminent natural disasters such as a hurricane or flooding. "Weve been through severe hurricanes before and they are dangerous, stressful events, said Michael Murdoch, CEO and president at Florida-based AppRiver. During a natural disaster, business owners should focus on making sure their families are safe  not fretting about lost email that can lead to lost business. Providing our Digital Disaster Preparedness Service to businesses this hurricane season will help them return to normal as soon as possible  and hopefully give them one less thing to worry about durng a stressful time.



So, what exactly is the DDPS? DDPS is a special offering to businesses that lie within the cone of uncertainty in advance of a hurricane or other natural disaster. The cloud-based service averts email loss and bounced messages by redirecting an organizations email to one of AppRiver`s secure data centers, while blocking any spam and virus messages. Once the danger passes and connectivity is restored, AppRiver will forward all outage-period email back to the company`s servers.

Registration is simple and typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Businesses only need to contact AppRiver to receive step-by-step instructions for redirecting their email to AppRiver. Almost immediately, AppRiver will begin monitoring the company`s server activity. When AppRiver detects a loss in connectivity with the email server, its service will begin queuing the business's incoming messages in one of its safely located, hardened data centers until the businesss servers are able to receive email again. Businesses can also choose a setup configuration that allows them to access and respond to email, again free of charge until their servers are up and running. For more information on AppRivers DDPS, please visit: https://www.appriver.com/solutions/by-need/disaster-preparedness/. For more information on AppRivers Email Continuity Service, please visit https://www.appriver.com/services/email-continuity/. About AppRiver AppRiver offers cloud-based cybersecurity and productivity services to 53,000 companies worldwide, with more than 10 million mailboxes under its protection. Launched in 2002 as a spam and virus filtering company, AppRiver has since added Web malware protection, email encryption, secure archiving and email continuity to its suite of security services. The company is also among the worlds top providers of Office 365 and Secure Hosted Exchange. All services are offered on a pay-as-you-use basis with a free, fully supported 30-day trial and 24/7 US-based Phenomenal Care customer service. Easy, effective and affordable solutions  backed by white-glove customer care  have enabled the company to maintain an annual 93-percent customer retention rate. AppRiver is headquartered in Florida and maintains offices in Georgia, Texas, New York, Switzerland and Spain. To learn more, visit AppRiver online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e311a5a3-28c8-403f-a383-e53df5f8b6b7 Jim McClellan AppRiver 850-932-5338 [email protected]

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[September 05, 2017] LP Commits $1 Million for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) (NYSE: LPX) announced today its commitment of $1 million to support Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts in Texas, as well as match employee contributions to hurricane relief. LP will make a $500,000 donation distributed to non-profit organizations including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the United Way of Greater Houston Relief Fund to help with emergency shelter, food and relief supplies. In addition, the company will work with appropriate organizations to donate $500,000 in LP building products for rebuilding efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. "Our thoughts and concerns are with those impacted by this storm, including some of our own LP employees," LP CEO Brad Southern said. "The devastation to lives and property caused by Hurricane Harvey is unprecedented and we trust that our contributions will help provide some measure of immediate relief, as well as assist during the rebuilding process." "Texas is near and dear to our hearts as the state is home to more than 300 LP employees and countless more of our customers and business partners," Southern added. "We are working to aid all who may have been affected by this storm."



Besides matching employee donations, LP sponsors the LP Cares Fund through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to aid LP employees in the United States and Canada affected by natural disasters or other emergencies. Headquartered in Nashville, LP operates 23 engineered wood manufacturing operations (14 in the United States including two in Texas, six in Canada, two in Chile and one in Brazil) and employs about 4,800 people worldwide.

About LP Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a leading manufacturer of quality engineered wood building materials including OSB, structural framing products, and exterior siding for use in residential, industrial and light commercial construction. From manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Chile and Brazil, LP products are sold to builders and homeowners through building materials distributors and dealers and retail home centers. Founded in 1973, LP is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under LPX. For more information, visit www.lpcorp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170905006464/en/

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By India Today Web Desk: Move over link-up rumours between Angad Bedi and Richa Chadha, because if latest buzz is to be believed, Richa Chadha is dating her Fukrey co-actor Ali Fazal. And this new picture from the Venice Film Festival is a proof of it. The 30-year-old actor recently flew to Venice to be with Ali at the premiere of the latter's film Victoria and Abdul.

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They walked down the red carpet together at the event, thus confirming the news. Richa and Ali met on the sets of their 2013 film Fukrey and have been good friends since then. But they started dating almost a year back.

Interestingly, it was only last year that Richa broke up with her french boyfriend Franck Gastambide whom she met at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.

A source was quoted as telling BollywoodLife, "The two want to focus on their work and don't want people's attention to be drawn to their private lives. Of course, close friends were aware of their relationship status. Richa and Ali have been friends for four years now and also have a common social circle. Their friendship turned into love only about a year ago. The transition happened gradually as they are like-minded people who share similar interests, be it films or their love for theatre."

On the work front, Richa and Ali will be seen together in Fukrey Returns.

ALSO READ: Richa Chadha quashes rumours of dating Angad Bedi

ALSO READ: Is Richa Chadha dating Angad Bedi? Other link-up rumours that grabbed eyeballs

ALSO WATCH: Yuvraj-Hazel to Bipasha-Karan, the biggest celebrity weddings of 2016

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[September 05, 2017] Minister Carr Reiterates Government's Commitment to Pipeline Safety in Canada

VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - A strong regulatory and safety regime for pipelines is vital to the public's confidence in pipeline projects and Canada's ability to sustainably move our energy resources to domestic and global markets. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, said in Vancouver today that Canadians need to have confidence our natural resources, including oil and gas, are being developed and transported in a way that does not compromise the safety and health of our communities or our rich natural environment. The Minister made his comments following a tour of the Pipeline Integrity Institute at the University of British Columbia, where he referenced key aspects of the Pipeline Safety Act, which came into force last year. The Act means Canada will maintain the highest safety standards for federally regulated pipelines and protect the health of Canadians, our environment and the economy. The Act enshrines the polluter pays principle into law, which includes unlimited liability for companies operating major oil pipelines regardless of fault, and requires them to have the financial resources available to respond to potential incidents. That means companies  and not Canadians  are responsible if an incident occurs. The Minister underscored that pipelines are a safe, efficient and reliable way to move Canadian energy to consumers. The Act furthers Canada's ability to access and export its resources safely by ensuring that pipelines undergo robust envirnmental and regulatory reviews and have strong safety and life-cycle management regulations in place.



Minister Carr said the Government of Canada is working to build public confidence on a number of fronts, for example, by continuing to improve how the federal government reviews, approves and regulates major resource projects. The $1.5-billion national Oceans Protection Plan is another example of safeguarding our coasts in a modern and advanced way that ensures environmental sustainability, safe and responsible commercial use, and collaboration with coastal and Indigenous communities.

Minister Carr also met with members of the newly established Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC). Co-developed through a partnership between Indigenous and federal representatives, the committee is working to advance shared goals of safety and protecting the environment and Indigenous interests by monitoring the Trans Mountain Expansion Project during construction, operation and decommissioning, including by having Indigenous monitors accompany National Energy Board inspectors as they oversee work on the Project. The Government of Canada has committed up to $64.7 million over five years to support this initiative. Quote "The Government of Canada is determined to improve the environmental safety of pipelines for the benefit of all Canadians. We believe strongly in our responsibility to ensure that our natural resources can move to market sustainably while we continue to protect the environment for future generations." Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources Related Pipeline Safety Act Discussion Paper Released on Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes The Prime Minister of Canada announces the National Oceans Protection Plan Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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[September 05, 2017] AgileTrailblazers to Exhibit at the 5th Annual B2G Conference & Expo Baltimore

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AgileTrailblazers, the Agile solutions provider renowned for its innovation and digital transformations for Fortune 500 enterprises, has signed on as a vendor for the 5th Annual B2G Conference & Expo Baltimore. A day of the best in Agile practices and experience, at the 5th annual expo dedicated to our Government allowing for people and ideas to flourish. All government employees attend for free. This is the time for business to have the opportunity to understand working with government agencies. The 5th Annual B2G Conference and Expo will have a wide variety of vendors available for networking, and this year's expo is being held on Sept. 20 at La Fontaine Bleue; 7514 South Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21061. AgileTrailblazers invites expo attendees to stop by its booth to learn more about its rapid proof of concept, its ability to empower digital transformations and how it helps business leaders create agile learning organizations. Digital Transformation : Increase your speed, scalability, quality and adaptability.

: Increase your speed, scalability, quality and adaptability. Agile Training : Skill-based training designed to jumpstart team Agile adoption.

: Skill-based training designed to jumpstart team Agile adoption. Software Delivery : Get more done with the lowest total cost of ownership.

: Get more done with the lowest total cost of ownership. DevOps: Build and release confidently with security and speed.



consultation of their agency/organization using AgileTrailblazers' proprietary methods. Visit the AgileTrailblazers booth at 5th Annual B2G Conference & Expo Baltimore and learn how your organization can be modernized through Agile innovation.

About AgileTrailblazers AgileTrailblazers is an industry-leading Agile solutions provider. With fortune 500 clients such as QVC, Nemours, and Capital One, the company is passionate about using innovation to empower its clients to undergo digital transformations and become agile learning organizations. AgileTrailblazers prepares organizations to quickly adapt to changing business environments ensuring that they stay one step ahead of their competition, and streamlines processes so software development and DevOps projects get done faster and more efficiently. Contact Robert Carabella

AgileTrailblazers

877-431-0767

[email protected] Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuVEQU8Bh94 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agiletrailblazers-to-exhibit-at-the-5th-annual-b2g-conference--expo-baltimore-300514201.html SOURCE AgileTrailblazers

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[September 05, 2017] Block Communications to Acquire Ripley Video Cable Operation

TOLEDO, Ohio, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Block Communications, Inc., a 117-year-old diversified media holding company with telecommunications operations in northern Mississippi and Alabama, serving customers through its MaxxSouth Broadband subsidiary, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Ripley Video Cable, a cable and broadband services provider in north-central Mississippi. Ripley Video Cable provides cable television, high-speed Internet and digital voice services to residential and commercial customers in the towns of Ripley, Blue Mountain, Falkner and Pine Grove, all within Tippah County, Mississippi. Allan Block, Chairman of Block Communications said, "We are a family-owned company operating in the cable business since 1965, and so we well recognize the hard work Leon and Diane Bailey, owners of Ripley Video Cable, have done over the years to provide excellent, local customer service. The Baileys' unparalleled contribution to the cable TV and broadband industry within Mississippi will live on through our MaxxSouth operation because we share a common vision: To be good corporate citizens by giving back to our communities in ways that enhance their quality of life." Peter Kahelin, MaxxSouth Broadband President and CEO said, "MaxxSouth will continue Ripley Video Cable's tradition of outstanding, local customer service and community support, which made the company a staple in the towns they serve." Kahelin and his team in Mississippi have led MaxxSouth since 2014, building a record of successful broadband operations, support for community organizations, and dedicated customer service in the long tradition of Block-owned businesses. Kahelin added, "I am honored to welcome Ripley Video Cable to our MaxxSouth family. Their almost 50-year history as a local business and their dedication to improving the lives of the people in the Mississippi communities they serve is what makes Ripley Video Cable such a perfect fit for us." In the nearly three years MaxxSouth has operated in Mississippi and Alabama, it has upgraded its physical plant to provide higher and more reliable Internet speeds, expandedits video offerings, and improved its retail stores to create a much more pleasant and welcoming experience for its customers.



"My wife Diane and I are confident that Block Communications, through its MaxxSouth Broadband leadership, will serve our communities with a strong commitment to excellence and will carry on our customer-oriented philosophy," said Leon Bailey, Jr., of Ripley Video Cable. "We are proud to pass the torch on to another family- owned company that enjoys a long, successful history in the telecommunications industry." Jodi Miehls, Block Communications Executive Vice President of Finance and CFO added, "This acquisition further advances Block Communications' broadband growth and geographical diversification strategy that was put in motion with the 2014 purchase of the former Harron Communications (MetroCast) properties in Mississippi and Alabama, now operating as MaxxSouth."

"We now look forward to investing in the future of Ripley Video Cable and its customers by, among other things, upgrading the network and offering a wider selection of video channels, faster Internet connections and a complete suite of advanced business services," concluded Allan Block. The transaction is expected to close during the last quarter of 2017, upon regulatory approvals. Last Mile Communications, LLC (LMC) and Milestone Communications, Inc., served as the exclusive advisors to Block Communications, Inc./MaxxSouth Broadband and Ripley Video Cable, respectively. About Block Communications, Inc. (BCI)

Block Communications is a 117-year-old privately held diversified media company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio with operations in cable television/broadband, commercial telecommunications, newspaper publishing and television broadcasting. The company owns and operates Buckeye Broadband, its cable system serving the Toledo and Sandusky, Ohio metropolitan areas, and Buckeye Telesystem, its facilities-based commercial telecommunications business serving commercial customers primarily in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. In addition, Block Communications publishes two daily metropolitan newspapers, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and The Blade in Toledo, Ohio, each of which is the dominant newspaper publication in its market. The company also owns and operates multiple television broadcast stations, among other businesses. For more information, visit www.BlockCommunications.com. About MaxxSouth Broadband

MaxxSouth Broadband's service area for video, high-speed Internet and digital phone stretches more than 200 miles and includes 20 counties and 61 communities in northern Mississippi and Alabama. Operating as a subsidiary of Block Communications Inc., MaxxSouth Broadband continues to expand and enhance its state-of-the-art broadband network in the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.MaxxSouth.com. Last Mile Communications, LLC (LMC)

Last Mile Communications, LLC, a management partnering and consulting firm based in Newtown, CT, served as exclusive advisors to Block Communications, Inc. and MaxxSouth Broadband. For more information, visit www.LastMile.net. Milestone Communications, Inc.

Milestone Communications, Inc., a brokerage and consulting services company in Castle Pines, CO, was the Ripley Video Cable advisor for this transaction. For more information, visit www.MilestoneCommInc.com. Media Contact:

Jodi L. Miehls

419-724-6257

[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/block-communications-to-acquire-ripley-video-cable-operation-300514240.html SOURCE Block Communications

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BNL girls thump Mitchell at The Hive

Bedford North Lawrence defeated Mitchell 78-20 at the Hive on Saturday evening. The win moved the Stars to 3-0 on the season.
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"What is your stand? Are they (Rohingyas) as a class entitled to stay in India as refugees? Tell us by September 11," a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta.

By Harish V Nair: The Supreme Court on Monday sought the view of the Modi government on the validity of 40,000 Rohingya Muslims who have taken refuge in India to escape persecution in Myanmar.

"What is your stand? Are they (Rohingyas) as a class entitled to stay in India as refugees? Tell us by September 11," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who represented the Narendra Modi government.

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The bench directed noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who is appearing for the Rohingya community (which has challenged the move to send them back) to give a copy of his petition to the Centre.

However, the bench refused to issue any interim stay on deportation. As Bhushan said the court needed to ensure that no coercive steps shall be taken against the Rohingya refugees till the next date of hearing (Monday), Mehta merely said, "I am not making any statement."

'VIOLATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION'

Rohingya Muslims have termed the move to deport them as a " violation of the constitutional protection they enjoyed in India".

Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, the petitioners, said, "This proposed deportation is contrary to the Constitutional protections of Article 14, Article 21 and Article 51(c) of the Constitution of India, which provides equal rights and liberty to every person living in India."

India has already warned Myanmar that Pakistan-based militants like Lashkar-e-Taiba are radicalising members of the Rohingya community, which posed a security risk to both the countries as well as the region.

'ILLEGAL MIGRANTS PRONE TO RECRUITMENT BY TERROR GROUPS'

In August, minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju had said that according to available data, more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, were staying in India.

He had said that around 40,000 Rohingyas were staying in India illegally.

In a communication to all states, the union home ministry had said the rise of terrorism in last few decades has become a serious concern for most nations as illegal migrants are prone to getting recruited by terrorist organisations.

The Centre had directed the state governments to set up a task force at district level to identify and deport illegally-staying foreign nationals.

He also said that India is a signatory to various Conventions that recognise the principle of 'Non-Refoulement', that prohibits the deportation of refugees to a country where they face threat to their life.

ALSO READ

Who are Rohingya Muslims and why does the government want to deport 40,000 of them?

At least 71 killed in Myanmar as Rohingya insurgents stage major attack

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Malala Yousafzai urges Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn attacks on Rohingyas

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Roto VR is approaching the home stretch in the development of its motorized Roto VR Chair. The company recently started updating its blog with progress updates, and today it sent notice to subscribers letting them know that production is about to start.

We first discovered Roto VR, and its motorized, VR locomotion-tackling chair in May 2016 when the company opened pre-orders for the setup and claimed that the hardware would ship in July. At the time, Roto VR showed a concept video and renders, but there were no images of the real hardware.

The lack of real photographs should have been an indication that Roto VR wouldnt be able to fulfill its ambitious July shipping goal. July came and went with nary a peep from the company. In October, Roto VR released a handful of images and a video clip of a pre production Roto VR Chair in action. The companys founder, Elliot Myers, told us that the production model would be ready in time to ship in January.

Evidently, Roto VR underestimated the challenges it would face in producing a complex product such as the Roto VR Chair. Months followed without any significant news from Roto VR. The motorized chair was beginning to look a lot like vaporware, and we werent holding our breath for its release.

As it turns out, though, our concerns of Roto VRs vaporware fate were overblown. The company has signed off on the final production model Roto VR Chair and its packaging, and the company is now in the pilot production phase. Over the next few weeks, Roto VR will assess the production process to weed out any issues. The company expects to approve the production line by the end of September. It also plans to keep people apprised of new developments with frequent updates to the Roto VR news blog.

Despite the setback in production time, Roto VR appears to have delivered on almost all of its promises. The Roto VR Chair includes the motorized base with the head tracking sensors that allow the chair to follow your gaze. The system includes options for foot pedals for simulated walking or attachments for throttle or rudder pedals for racing and flight simulation. You can also get a tabletop so you can use a keyboard and mouse if you wish.

The Roto VR Chair also offers a unique cable management system called a Cable Magazine that prevents your headsets tether cables from wrapping around you while the motorized chair spins you around. The base of the chair features inputs for HDMI, USB, and audio, which pass through the chair into the Cable Magazine.

The Cable Magazine is the only part that Roto VR couldnt deliver 100% as advertised. The company initially said that the Cable Magazines would support HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Sony PlayStation VR, but the PSVR support wont be available initially. If you ordered a Roto VR Chair to use with a PSVR headset, the company said you should contact info@rotovr.com to discuss your options. Roto VR didnt say when or if PSVR would be supported, but the company noted that it is in discussions with first party brand owners. With the Windows Mixed Reality platform just around the corner, we wonder if those discussions include Microsoft and its Windows MR hardware partners.

The only other thing that Roto VR changed about the chair is that you can now get a B2B package that includes a commercial license warranty. The B2B package also includes an armrest with an emergency stop button so that guests have an easy way to quit the ride if they dont want to continue.

Roto VR didnt say when it would begin shipping Roto VR Chairs to its customers, but it said that if you have a pre-order in and wish to change or upgrade it, you should do so in the next two weeks, which suggests the company plans to start shipping units as soon as possible.

As part of the final push to production, Roto VR is running one last pre-order promotion. If you buy the Total Roto VR Package, which includes all the available accessories, you can save an additional $100 off the already discounted (by $125) price. The base Roto VR Chair without any accessories is available for $999.
By PTI: Eds: Adds fresh inputs

Kolkata, Sep 5 (PTI) A row erupted today after a state- run auditorium here cancelled the booking for an event which was to be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on October 3, a move denounced by BJP and the Sangh as an act of "vengeance" but defended by the Mamata Banerjee government.

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The development set off a slugfest, with the RSS official twitter handle alleging that it was done to "appease jihadi elements", but the TMC government said the booking was cancelled over "safety and security reasons" as the auditorium would be under renovation and repair around that time.

"To take vengeance on RSS, Mamata cancelled event of Sister Nivedita Mission Trust, which is working among poor & destitute women," the RSS tweeted quoting Manmohan Vaidya, its chief of publicity.

"Mamatas knee-jerk responses r 2 appease #Jihadi elements who have infiltrated the state, upon which she built her political base," said another tweet.

A spokesman for the Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations Committee, which had booked Mahajati Sadan for the programme, claimed that the auditorium authorities had accepted the booking in June.

But last week they first said that police permission was required for holding the event. When told that police permission had already been obtained, they said that renovation work will be undertaken in the auditorium during the time and the programme cannot take place there, said Rantidev Sengupta, general secretary of the committee.

The BJP leadership also came down heavily on the state government and alleged that an "undeclared Emergency" prevailed in the state.

"Earlier when Mohan Bhagwat was supposed to address a programme at Brigade Parade ground, the state government tried to stop it. I was held only after a court order," BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha told PTI.

"Why is the state government so afraid of RSS-BJP? It is a programme related to Sister Nivedita and in that too they are trying to find politics. This is nothing but undeclared Emergency. This is nothing but vendetta politics," he alleged.

The Trinamool Congress government however dismissed the allegations as baseless.

"The allegations are baseless. All scheduled programmes from September 26 to October 6 have been cancelled due to renovation work.

"The decision was taken a few days ago and all the organizations concerned which had booked the hall have been informed about the decision," State Food Supplies minister and chairman of the renovation committee of Mahajati Sadan Jyotipriyo Mullick said.

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Sister Nivedita was a Scottish-Irish social worker, writer, teacher and a disciple of Swami Vivekananda. PTI PNT SUN JTR KK SK SK

--- ENDS ---
A statue must go to make room for Truman's What's the issue? Which figure from Missouri history - Thomas Hart Benton or Francis Preston Blair Jr. - will have to make way for a statue of Harry Truman in Washington, D.C.?How does it affect me? People in Eastern Jackson County and elsewhere have given money for the Truman statue with the understanding that it will be placed in the U.S.

Tribute to the Kansas City area's mostOR a statue of a segregationist military hero who, nevertheless, kept Missouri out of the Confederacy will be taken down so that we can rememberCheck the debate:
Police were sent to a shooting just before 9 p.m. near 89th Street and Virginia Avenue, where they found a man dead on the sidewalk.



There is no suspect description, but police were still canvasing the area as of 10:40 p.m.



Many people on the scene were upset that the area was blocked off, but would not talk to police.
Kansas City police are investigating after two people were shot at 24th and Cypress. The shooting happened just before 5 p.m. One person's injuries were not considered to be serious. The condition of the other person is unknown, as they transported themselves to the hospital before officers arrived.
Daughter of man killed in Kansas City trails shootings opens up about her dad Five months after Timothy Rice was found dead at Minor Park - one of a string of fatal shootings along Kansas City walking trails - his daughter wants the public to know her father. And she wants help.

A heartbreaking bit of testimony in which a daughter admits that "her dad wasn't perfect" but pleads with the public to come forward and help police with more deets:
Macron wishes to show that, as France supported Greece during the crisis, it will continue to do so during economic recovery

French President Emmanuel Macron will convey a message of confidence in Greece and the Greek people in achieving economic recovery during his two-day official visit to the country which starts on Thursday, an official revealed during a briefing at the French embassy in Athens on Tuesday.

Macron will meet on Thursday with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, with whom he will discuss issues of bilateral and European issues. In the evening he will speak on the hill of Pnyx, in central Athens. The French president wants to express his confidence for the new chapter opening for Greece and for Europe, the official said. By choosing to speak before youngsters, students and teachers of the French language at the Pnyx, Macron selects it as a symbol of the new page Europe has turned after the economic crisis and the crisis of confidence that swept through it. He is keen to show that Europe must be rebuilt democratically.

The speech will be followed by a visit to the French Archaeological School and a reception with the participation of the French community in the Greek capital.

During his visit, he will be accompanied by Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau and 40 businesspeople. About 140 French and Greek business leaders will have the opportunity to meet during the visit. The aim is for the two sides to identify opportunities and difficulties in cooperation on sectors of great interest to France, such as energy, transport infrastructure and the environment. The French delegation will also include several startups.

Macron wishes to show that, as France supported Greece during the crisis, it will continue to do so during economic recovery, according to the official. France believes the sacrifices of the Greek people have paid off, as there are positive signs of recovery, of investments restarting and of unemployment -although high- lowering steadily.

The French president also wants to underline that it is in the collective interest to complete Greece?s program in the specified timeframe and for the country to enter a phase of normalization, the official said. Following the decisions taken at the Eurogroup on June 15 on Greece, the main issue after the program is completed will be to build something new that will allow the momentum of the reforms to give more room for maneuver once the direct support of the country has ended.

He was present as Economy Minister to Francois Hollande's government during the management of the Greek economic crisis and had formed a very specific position: To support Greece and avoid Grexit at any cost.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Gouvernement francais License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ANA-MPA
This years summer season in Greece can be described as satisfactory overall, even though certain danger flags continue to fly.

For example, a Greek company operating in the tourism sector is obliged to pay up to 76% of the pre-tax income for various tax and insurance charges.

Under such excessive, unreasonable and debilitating burdens, entrepreneurship cannot be developed and Greek tourism cannot boost its competitiveness, no matter how strongly local firms strive to absorb part of these charges in their final prices.

Moreover, receipts from tourism fell by 6.5% in 2016, which translates to 920 million less revenue.

The average spending of the tourist visiting Greece in 2016 dropped to 471 euros from 541 euros in 2015, a 13% decrease.

Expenditure per night in 2016 dropped by 9.1% to 68 euros, from 75 euros in 2015, while the average length of stay shrank to 6.9 nights in 2016, down by 4.3% compared to 2015 when it stood at 7.2 nights.

No analyst worth his salt can doubt that the reduction in revenue from tourism is the result of tax burdens that make the countrys product more expensive.

Furthermore, the looming imposition of a new overnight tax on hotels and rooms to let will further aggravate Greek hospitality and diminish its competitiveness in comparison with rival neighboring countries in tourism such as Italy, Spain, Croatia and Cyprus.

There can be no doubt that the policy of over-taxation is extremely detrimental for Greek tourism and can ultimately even turn out to be critical.

Let us therefore embrace these simple and self-evident truths the soonest, so that we will not eventually starve the cow we aspire to continue milking...
Kuwait's Sovereign Wealth Fund investments in the US are roughly estimated at over $300 billion, and are diversified between stocks, bonds -primarily US treasuries- real estate and technology, a media report said.



In a report marking the current visit paid by the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, to the US, the US Embassy in Kuwait provided the Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) with business figures reflecting the growing cooperation between the two countries, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency.



According to the statistics, the US companies are well represented in several sectors in Kuwait, including oil and gas, defence and automotive areas.



American firms support Kuwait's power stations and refineries, design, local business offices and work with the country on its infrastructure requirements, among other aspects.



The US medical equipment is abundant throughout Kuwait's hospitals and clinics. Thanks to a law allowing foreign companies that meet certain requirements to be treated as Kuwaiti entities, three US firms have taken advantage of this benefit, with others considering it.



Kuwait's exports to the US are primarily petroleum products. MEGlobal, a wholly -owned subsidiary of Equate Petrochemical Company, is currently building a new, world-scale monoethylene glycol manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, USA.



Kuwait has investments in the Hudson Yards Project, the largest privately-funded real estate development project in North America.



There are also investments in tech start-up and enterprise investment, nurturing US technology, and small, but rapidly growing, companies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the escalating crisis over North Korea's weapons program risks developing into a "global catastrophe" with mass casualties, reported CNN.



But Putin, speaking in China on Tuesday, cautioned against "military hysteria" and said that the only way to resolve the crisis was through diplomacy.



He warned that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has calculated that the survival of his regime depends on its development of nuclear weapons. Kim had seen how western intervention in Iraq had ended in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein after which the country was ravaged by war, Putin warned, and Kim was determined not to suffer the same fate.



"Saddam Hussein rejected the production of weapons of mass destruction, but even under that pretense, he was destroyed and members of his family were killed," Putin said.



"The country was demolished and Saddam Hussein was hanged. Everyone knows that and everyone in North Korea knows that."



On Monday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Kim was "begging for war" and urged the UN Security Council to adopt the strongest sanctions measures possible to stop Pyongyang's nuclear program.



But speaking at the closure of the BRICs summit in Beijing -- which hosted the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa -- Putin said that while Russia condemned North Korea's latest actions, imposing any kind of sanctions would be "useless and ineffective."



Kim would rather starve his people than see his regime overthrown, he said.



North Korea has long maintained it wants nuclear weapons and long-range missiles in order to deter the US from attempting to overthrow the regime of Kim Jong Un, reported CNN, citing Putin.



Pyongyang looks at states like Iraq -- where former dictator Saddam Hussein was overthrown by the United States, and Libya -- the country's late leader, Moammar Gaddafi, gave up his nuclear ambitions for sanctions relief and aid, only to be toppled and killed after the US intervened in the country's civil unrest -- and believes that only being able to threaten the US homeland with a retaliatory nuclear strike can stop American military intervention, he added.



Many experts believe North Korea would not use the weapons first. Kim Jong Un values his regime's survival above all else and knows the use of a nuclear weapon would start a war he could not win, analysts say.



"They will eat grass but they will not turn away from the path that will provide for their security," he said.



The latest escalation of the crisis came on Sunday when Pyongyang announced it had conducted a sixth nuclear test, which it claimed was of a hydrogen bomb. The claim has not been independently verified, but seismological data indicated that the weapon was the most powerful ever to be detonated by Pyongyang.



North Korea claims it now has the capability of mounting a thermonuclear weapon on a long-range missile capable of striking the United States.



Weapons experts say it's almost impossible to verify if the warhead and missile could be successfully paired unless North Korea were to fire a nuclear-tipped ICBM.



North Korea has test-fired a number of missiles this summer, including two long-range ones in July and an intermediate-range one in August that overflew the Japanese island of Hokkaido. South Korea has claimed that the North is making preparations for another ICBM test.



Putin said it was clear that Pyongyang already had a nuclear capability -- and in any case, no missile defense system could offer adequate protection against conventional long-range artillery.



"We know that North Korea has nukes, we also know that North Korea has long-range artillery and it has other types of weapons and there are no weapons against long-range artillery -- and these weapons can be difficult to locate.



"So we think that this military hysteria will not lead to good results. It could lead to global catastrophe with lots of victims."



In response to the latest tests, the South Korean Navy announced Tuesday it conducted live-fire drills off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula to check its "immediate operational readiness" after the country's air force and army conducted their own joint drills. It had already mounted a huge show of military force on Monday.



South Korean President Moon Jae-in spoke with US President Donald Trump on Monday and agreed to lift current restrictions on the payload weight of South Korea's ballistic missiles, according to a South Korean presidential spokesman.
Oil prices surged higher on Tuesday following reports indicating that Russia and Saudi Arabia are considering extending the oil production cut deal agreed between the members of both Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and non-Opec once it expires in March 2018.



The Opec and other producers led by Russia are cutting oil output until the end of March next year. A committee of Opec and non-Opec nations recommended extending the curbs further if needed, reported CNBC.



Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak was a key architect of the output cut deal that was extended by nine months last May.



Novak was quoted by the domestic news agency Tass as saying on Tuesday that representatives from the two countries had talked about an extension but that no specific decisions had yet been reached.



The comments follow remarks attributed to Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh on Monday night that participants' compliance with the terms of the deal had been improving.



"I think the oil market is balanced. Opec members' compliance with output cuts has not fallen in the last six months; it has increased," Zanganeh was quoted by Reuters as saying via the Iranian oil ministry's news agency Shana.



The minister is reported to have added that unofficial talks between deal participants are currently underway.



Novak pointed out that the oil market was likely to move into balance by the first quarter of 2018, stated the CNBC report.



The deal has so far led to a pullback of around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of production generated by Opec members and around an additional half of that figure again by non-Opec participants.



However, compliance has been weakening according to monitors at the International Energy Agency, who claim that Opec members' levels of compliance slipped to their poorest in six months in June as several countries elected to produce beyond the agreed limits.



Brent oil was trading 0.29 percent higher at $52.50 per barrel at 9:50 a.m. London time on Tuesday while WTI was over a percent higher at $47.79. Since the original agreement was announced last November, Brent has gained around 6 percent while WTI has moved 13 per cent higher, stated the CNBC report.



In addition to the effects of the agreement, increasing output from US shale producers and a measured recovery in global demand have also been key influences pulling and pushing on the oil market over that period, it added.
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, said it has implemented a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways (KQ) covering services between its hub Muscat and Nairobi.



The new partnership will allow seamless connectivity to Kenya Airways customers in accessing Muscat directly from Nairobi. Oman Air launched its flights to Nairobi in March this year, said a statement from the national carrier.



On the Nairobi  Muscat route, KQ will place its codeshare flight numbers on the Oman Air flights operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, it added.



Commenting on the new code share agreement, CEO Paul Gregorowitsch said: "Through this partnership, Oman Air extends its exemplary services to guests of Kenya Airways. Trade between Kenya and Oman has been growing steadily over the years and this latest agreement is a natural progression, following the launch of our new flight from Muscat to Nairobi in March this year."



Oman Air's strategy, he stated, reflects the country's national character and the Omani people's legendary hospitality and their culture of friendliness.



This, combined with its internationally acclaimed services, has resulted in various important awards and accolades being bestowed by many prestigious organizations from around the world, he added.

Sebastian Mikosz, the managing director and chief executive of Kenya Airways Group, said this new codeshare agreement represents an important element of its strategy to increase the choice, convenience and connectivity that Kenya Airways offers its customers.



"The code-share partnerships and airline alliances continue to play an important role for Kenya Airways in improving the airlines competitive offering," noted Mikosz.



"Through this partnership, Kenya Airways extends its services to tourists as well as to those who are visiting friends and families, in Oman - through the cultural links that Oman shares with the coastal parts of East Africa - especially Kenya and Tanzania," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) The Supreme Court today ordered a CBI investigation into the death of M K Ganapathy, a deputy superintendent of Karnataka police, saying there were "startling facts" in the case which needed to be probed in a fair manner.

DySP Ganapathy had died at Madikeri in Karnataka under mysterious circumstances on July 7 last year.

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A bench, comprising Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit, allowed the appeal of M K Kushalapp, father of the deceased police officer, filed against the order of the Karnataka High Court rejecting his plea for CBI probe into the death case.

"There are certain startling facts in the case. Whether it is murder or suicide, it is required to be investigated in a fair manner," the bench said.

It asked the CBI to file a status report on the probe before it within 3 months.

The top court said it was neither determining the nature of the offence, nor the fact as to who are guilty.

"But public confidence and societal requirement demand that the guilty persons must be reached," the bench said while ordering the CBI probe into the matter.

The Karnataka government had opposed the plea in the apex court saying that a thorough and in-depth probe had been conducted in the case.

It was claimed in the appeal that before the death, the police officer had accused Bengaluru city development minister K J George and senior officers A M Prasad and Pranab Mohanty of harassing him.

The bench considered the allegations and said under these circumstances, the probe should be carried out by an independent agency.

Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the state government, opposed the plea and said the relevant materials could be submitted in the court to establish that the probe has been conducted fairly.

Another senior advocate A M Singhvi, who represented George, argued that the police officer was suffering from depression and had undergone treatment.

Senior lawyer Jayant Bhushan, appearing for the father of the deceased, said the state CID had probed the matter and filed the closure report without getting the forensic report.

The probe cannot be conducted by a state agency when former Home Minister and two senior officers are under the scanner, he alleged. PTI SJK ABA MNL RKS ARC

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Stepping up its crackdown on suspected shell companies, market regulator Sebi has ordered forensic audit of two listed firms -- Kavit Industries and GV Films -- even as it eased some trading curbs on their shares.

In case of GV Films, the regulator said the "balance sheet is disproportionate to the profit and loss of the company" which warrants an independent audit of its asset and liability, even as "there appears to be no prima facie evidence of misuse of the books of the company".

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Regarding Kavit Industries, Sebi said there is prima facie evidence of misrepresentations by the company and violation of listing norms, as also about misuse of funds and books of accounts.

Stating that the companys directors and top management have failed to discharge their fiduciary responsibilities, the regulator said they are "prima facie liable for action by Sebi and should not be permitted to exit the company at the cost of innocent shareholders".

Besides ordering a forensic audit, Sebi also barred Kavits promoters and directors from selling the company shares, though they can purchase the scrips.

Kavit and GV Films, where trading would now be allowed with applicable price bands and in trade-to-trade category, are among the firms against whom Sebi initiated action last month, by ordering trading restrictions, following receipt of a list of 331 "suspected shell companies" from the government.

The ordered trade restrictions -- allowing trade only once a month and that too for only buy transactions with a 200 per cent security deposit -- were revoked in some cases following appeals filed by them with the Securities Appellate Tribunal, but Sebi was asked to continue with its probe and pass its orders expeditiously.

Continuing with its probe, Sebi has now passed interim directions in case of GV Films and Kavit Industries, while more such orders are expected for several others.

Sebi received the list from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on June 9, wherein it was asked to initiate necessary action under its regulations. The MCA also shared with Sebi a letter from Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), containing the database of shell companies along with their inputs.

Sebi found that the companies identified as shell companies by SFIO and MCA were potentially involved in misrepresentation including of their financials and business in violation of listing regulations.

Besides, Sebi was of the view that they were possibly misusing the books of accounts and funds of the companies including by facilitating "accommodation entries to the detriment of minority shareholders", thus reneging on the fiduciary responsibility cast on the board, controlling shareholders and the key management personnel.

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Accordingly, Sebi took "pre-emptive interim measures" on August 7 by placing trading restrictions on promoters and directors of the listed shell companies, including Kavit Industries and GV Films, so that they do not exit the firms.

The trading restrictions ensured that trading in those shares was not suspended, but allowed under strict monitoring so that the investors could take informed investment decisions till Sebi and the exchanges completed their detailed probes, the regulator said in separate orders on the two firms.

While the exchanges initiated the action, as suggested by Sebi, on August 7 itself, the regulator further on August 9 asked the bourses to submit a report after seeking auditors certificate from all such companies, providing the status of the companies compliance requirements with the Companies Act and with listing regulations to ascertain whether they were going concern and what was the business model.

While some firms approached the SAT against being tagged as "shell companies", the regulator was also asked to expedite its probe and pass necessary orders after hearing them out.

After looking into the submissions made by the company and also the report submitted by BSE, Sebis Whole Time Member Madhabi Puri Buch said in her order on Kavit Industries that the company has not recovered any interest on certain loans which was "given at specific request and friendly guarantee by some common business friend".

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Also, the bank statements showed transactions that did not appear to be in the normal course of business and raised serious questions given the previous case of misuse of funds.

Besides, the company disclosed a sudden spurt in revenue and trade receivables for 2016-17, which Sebi said "prima facie raises doubt on the genuineness of these transactions".

Sebi also suspected "misrepresentation" by the company after it observed discrepancies in investment figures disclosed by the company in its annual reports and in its submissions before the regulator.

Stating that a detailed examination needs to be undertaken to unearth the entire extent of violations, Buch directed the BSE to appoint an independent auditor to conduct a forensic audit of Kavit Industries for checking credentials and financials of the company.

A similar order was passed by Buch in case of GV Films and both the companies have also been asked to submit their replies or objections to the interim directions within 21 days.

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In case of GV Films, Sebi has revoked the restriction on transfer of shares held by the promoters and directors.

After looking into submissions made by GV Films against being tagged as a shell company and the BSE report on it, Sebi said the company did not have any "substantial business model in terms of revenue and profit".

GV Films standalone revenue stood at Rs 5.68 crore in FY15, fell to Rs 3.36 crore in FY16 and further to nil in FY17, Sebi said, while observing that it had no other revenue stream to support expenditure of about Rs 9 crore and was incurring losses year after year.

Besides, the company made investments in shares of a subsidiary company to the tune of Rs 15.05 crore even as its networth was getting eroded over years.

"The financials of the company is dominated by current liabilities of Rs 96.87 crore against which total assets of Rs 118.73 crore are shown which are disproportionate to the income and expenditure of the company.

"Thus in the interest of the shareholders, the true status of these assets needs to be verified. However, there is no prima facie evidence of misrepresentation of the financials of the company," Sebi said. PTI BJ ABM

--- ENDS ---
We celebrate Teacher's Day year after year but seldom do we talk about those horrible human beings who don't deserve to be teachers because it's a huge responsibility.

By India Today Web Desk: Today is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India.

Great. You'd have wished your favourite teachers by now, right? We had even given you alternatives to lame forward messages to wish them.

September 5 was declared Teacher's Day in India because it happens to be the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first vice president of India and the second president of India. He was one of the celebrated academics at his time and he himself said that it would be his "proud privilege" if his birthday is celebrated as Teacher's Day instead of organising a gala event.

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But let us also not forget that there are many human beings, horrible ones, who masquerades as teachers, ruining the lives of children, year after year. Yes.

Sample these experiences.

"Hate me all you want but I have a confession to make: Teacher's Day has never invoked happy memories of a childhood spent in the shadow of sadistic teachers. Back in the day, kids made cards and some even brought flowers and small gifts in a show of respect that left me disgusted. It was a tribute, they said, to men and women who had chosen to devote their lives to shape the next generation. Tribute to what? To their unbridled cruelty or their complete lack of empathy?

My fondest memories from school revolve around my friends and my young cousin, whose presence in the junior section was a source of manic joy in hours spent dreading the next beating from teachers whose sole motto in life was to never spare the rod and ruin the child. Those teachers are the protagonists of my school nightmares, not the bullies who stomped the playground.

I hated my physics teacher, who doubled up as the School Prefect. He reveled in his ability to thrash boys. Hell, he did not even spare the girls. Oh and age was never a barrier. He had an assortment of canes and rulers which he wielded to good effect. Shoes not polished? That called for a nice caning. Hair too long? That deserved two slaps across the cheeks. Did you forget to bring your homework back to class? The beating that followed would have made a career criminal squirm.

Once I had seen him slap a little girl from kindergarten and when she started wailing, he screamed and yelled and bellowed.

What bravado! How could you not be impressed with a man like that? How could you not admire a teacher like that?

Come and ask me. My answers will make you squirm."

- Rajarshi Gupta, Editor, Sports, India Today Digital

"I was never a big fan of that dreaded subject - mathematics. But being the elder child of two science teachers meant that a lot of importance was given to my math scores. When they started dipping in Class 9 (basically, when it got tougher), they sent me to a math tutor who was said to be the best in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. I didn't know that my scores were only going to get worse, all thanks to him.

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My math teacher was a molester. Every time his female students gave a right answer, he touched us, and that touch was FAR from appropriate. We were horrified, but bore it all in silence. After all, we were all desperate to get our scores up! But sensitive 15-year-olds cannot keep something this devastating under control, and they shouldn't have to. I acted out; tearing up my Math books, throwing them out, and refusing to practice sums and equations was my way of showing my parents that I really didn't want to continue with the subject. Thankfully, my mother figured it all out, and after a heart-to-heart conversation with her, my tuition was discontinued.

I only scored a measly 56 in my 10th board exams, and still have a deep hatred for the subject. Thankfully, there were better teachers and engrossing literature all my life to make up for the great loss that was math."

- Shreya Goswami, Writer, Lifestyle, India Today Digital

"One of my history teachers was invigilating during an exam. After we were done with our papers, a little commotion broke out in the classroom, following which she came and started hitting girls. The girl sitting next to me was spared because she was a teacher's daughter, but not me. She slapped me across my face, one that I cannot forget till date.

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I hated her and could never respect her. This was not the only horrible experience I have had with her. Once, she took a surprise test and most of us didn't score well. She took a wooden ruler and most of the students had to face her wrath, barring those from influential families. Strange, but true.

I would never want to go back to my school life because I was put through a time where teachers were partial to kids. I always wanted to participate in dance and drama performances. but only the 'pretty' girls were chosen.

I can never forget my experience with one of my Geography teachers who had accused me of cheating. While checking the papers, I found that she had not given me marks for marking a river correctly on the map. When I went for re-correction, she accused me of marking it in the class and also took me to the principal. The feeling of being taken to a principal is one of the most humiliating experiences. I could never forgive that teacher, and since then, I also developed a dislike for the subject itself."

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- Shweta Keshri, Sub-editor, India Today Digital

"There was this maths teacher I had in Class 9 at Auxilium Convent. I won't name her here because when I recently named and shamed her, I was told that it was "disrespectful". This woman once rejected me from a dance recital before I could even give the audition, her reason being that she only wanted "experts". I tried to change her mind saying that I had been learning Bharatnatyam for over nine years, and that I deserved at least a shot at the audition.

Her response hit my self-confidence like a hammer: "I want experts only. You are an average student who can barely do mathematics, what good will you be in dancing?"

My school had teachers who would lift our skirts and cane us in the back of our thighs (true story), some who'd hit us on the knuckles with wooden rulers for bad handwriting (my 7-year-old self had swollen knuckles all year round). But none of them got to me as badly as this Math teacher.

Another woman from Auxilium I will never forget is my Class 2 teacher. She once banned me to a deserted corridor during a thunder storm for eating my lunch in class. I don't remember how long I was there, but since that day, I have never been able to sleep through thunders."

- Shreya Biswas, Writer, FYI, India Today Digital

"Hindi teachers by reputation are the worst when it comes to hitting students, followed by Sanskrit and Math. I had Mr VC, who would smack you first, then address the issue at hand.

Mr VC had terrible eyes. He was cockeyed and wore coca-cola thick glass bottle spectacles. When he would read, he would hold the book so close to his face, it would touch his nose. If he was talking to you, you were never quite sure whether he was speaking to you or the student sitting next to you. He also had foul temper. Incidentally, his class used to be next to an imli tree, which in the summers would provide a cool breeze. Once when he caught me sleeping at my desk, he picked up the broken leg of a chair lying about and thrashed me with it. He was an angry sort of man, but he wasn't vindictive. He wouldn't hold a grudge and I respected him for that.

He could also be easily misled. Sometimes when he would be immersed in reading, invariably a boy would make cat-sounds in class, and he would look up and ask, "Who is it?" Then some kid from the last bench would name the wimpiest kid in class, with a smirk. Sure enough, the boy who was named would be summoned and punished, despite his protests.

We weren't a very bright lot either. Once in a while, if we skipped our homework, Mr VC would give us two options, either do 15 sit-ups or become a "murga" for 5 minutes. There were some who would choose to be a murga."

- Jairaj Singh, Editor, DailyO

"I was in Class 9 or 10 and I remember being particularly bad at Maths and Physics. The two teachers who taught these subjects in my school believed in shaming children in front of others rather than helping them get better. Of course, there were remedial classes conducted for Maths, but it never helped me. So, I dreaded the results more than subject.

But it is this one incident which still haunts me, and back then, had butchered my self-confidence.

During mid-terms, since we had separate teachers for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, we had to write the answers for each subject in different answer sheets within those given three hours. In that exam, since I was slow at solving chemical equations and wasted time beautifying my chemistry and biology paper, I could not attempt the physics paper at all. Hence, left the sheet blank. I was scared of my physics teacher due to other bad experiences I had with her, so I did not inform her about this until a few days later. She told me she'll see.

I knew I would fail the subject because I had submitted a blank answer sheet. I was prepared for that, but not for what she did next.

While distributing the results a month later, she went to four different sections of my class to mock and announce that I had failed the exam because I had submitted a blank paper. She then humiliated me in front of the class saying, Sanjana has got an "anda" in the paper.

Just when I thought it was over, my friends from the other sections asked me about it and some even made fun of me. People who weren't acquainted with me now knew me as the girl who scored zero in physics."

- Sanjana Agnihotri, Writer, FYI, India Today Digital

--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, September 4

Another mobile set was recovered from Central Jail, Bathinda, as jail authorities failed to control the entry of mobiles by illegal ways. Moreover, police and jail authorities have done nothing regarding the earlier cases of seizure of mobile sets from inmates of the jail.

A case under Section 188 of the IPC has been registered at the Nathana police station against the accused.

As per a complaint lodged by an Assistant Jail Superintendent at the Nathana police station, during a search in court, one mobile and a SIM had been recovered from prisoner Lalit Kumar, a resident of Ferozepur.

This search had taken place on 50 days ago on July 16 and a case had been registered after one and a half months. Investigating Officer Kaur Singh said the police had received a complaint and registered a case.

The Nathana SHO said, We are not responsible for late as jail authorities wrote to head office of the jail department and they forwarded it to Bathinda police.

He said the police had started an investigation.

The Gobindpura Central Jail is under the area of the Nathana police station and in the past one and a half years 30 mobiles has been recovered from the different barracks of the Jail, during a search drive and cases have been registered in the Nathana police station on the complaints of Jail Superintendent and Additional Jail Superintendent.

In most cases, the police booked prisoners by name and in six cases of mobile recovered the police booked unidentified accused under Section 188 of the IPC and Section 32 of the Provisional Jail Manual Act.

According to sources, cell phones helped criminals threaten witnesses, besides making plans to escape from the jail. Sometimes, prisoners also extort money while staying in the jail.

The state government had decided to install jammers in all jails but the project had yet not started due to the absence of funds. About Rs 4 crore was earmarked to provide modern communication devices to the jail staff in 2012.

The role of police has been found only for registration of case and after this nothing found in primary investigation.

SSP Naveen Singla told that we will take hard action against accused responsible for this and also discussion with jail authorities going on and soon result will be out.
New Delhi, September 5

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) today issued a show-cause notice to fast food major McDonalds Corporation and its Indian arm over the contempt plea filed by their estranged Indian partner Vikram Bakshi.

Besides, the tribunal dismissed another plea by Bakshi challenging termination of the franchise licence of 169 outlets by McDonalds, run by their 50:50 joint venture  Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL).

Bakshi had filed a contempt petition alleging that by terminating the licence the US-based food giant has violated the NCLT order dated July 13 which reinstated him as the Managing Director of CPRL and also refrained McDonald's Corporation to interfere in the functioning of CPRL.

McDonalds and its Indian subsidiary contended that as they have already filed an appeal against NCLTs order before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), it should not be admitted at this stage.

Not consenting with it, the NCLT Bench headed by Chairman Justice MM Kumar said: It has been argued that on account of filing an appeal before the NCLAT, notice in the present application for contempt may not be issued. However, we are unable to accept the submission. The tribunal further directed McDonalds, MIPL and other respondents to reply the notice to show cause by September 20.

McDonalds India had asked CPRL not to use its brand within 15 days of the termination notice which gets over on September 6.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 4

A 29-year-old con man, who used to trick people and make way with their cars, has been arrested by the Chandigarh Police. The accused had recently befooled his gym mate and drove away with his Swift car from Sector 15. The fraudster has three similar cases registered against him in Punjab.

Sources said the accused had been identified as Mangaldeep Singh Dhaliwal, a native of Doraha near Ludhiana. The police said the accused had shifted to Sector 15 around a month ago and joined a gym there. The accused befriended Navdeep Singh, a PU resident and member of the same gym.

On August 24, the accused met Navdeep at the gym and borrowed his car claiming that he had to go to his room to change clothes.

The victim handed over the car keys only to find that the accused would never return.

The sources said the victim informed the police and simultaneously started looking for the accused. On Sunday, the victim came to know that the accused had returned to Sector 15 following which the police were informed and the accused was arrested. The police said in March, the accused had stolen a Duster of an elderly couple residing in Rajpura. On the pretext of helping the elderly, the accused had offered help by driving them to a hospital in Sohana, Mohali. While the couple went inside the hospital, the accused made way with their Duster.

Inspector Lakhbir Singh, SHO of the Sector 11 police station, said the accused had cheated a person in a similar manner and drove away with a Bolero jeep from Mohali. He was also lodged in Patiala jail earlier in another case of cheating in which he befooled someone and took away a car, the SHO said.

A case against the accused has been registered at the Sector 11 police station. The accused was produced in the court today and sent to two-day police remand.
Chandigarh: The Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, has appointed satirist and artiste Savita Bhatti the brand ambassador for the Swachh Bharat campaign. Bhatti, wife of the late satirist Jaspal Singh Bhatti, said she would chalk out a plan to reach out to the people in the city for creating awareness regarding the Swachh Bharat Mission. She said her focus would be on segregation of waste at source and she would plan nukkar nataks and other activities for creating awareness. The MC has planned to organise community activities, including street plays, hand wash fairs and local/ward-level cleanliness drives. Internal campaigns such as the Clean Employee of the Month and Best Driver would also be organised. TNS

Two booked for cheating

Chandigarh: The police have booked two persons, including a woman, for allegedly submitting fake documents for approval of a car loan of Rs 10 lakh from the State Bank of Patiala. The police said MS Lamba, AGM, SBoP, Sector 8, here, alleged that Sarit Kumar Murgai of Zirakpur, along with a woman, submitted forged documents for the approval of the car loan. A case has been registered. TNS

Car accessories stolen

Chandigarh: Manoj Kumar, a resident of Dera Sahib, Mani Majra, reported that unknown person had stolen a battery, a tyre and woofer from his car and woofer and an amplifier from another car parked at the MHC, Mani Majra, on the night intervening September 2 and 3. A case has been registered. TNS

3 held for attacking man, son

Chandigarh: The police have arrested three persons, including two women, for attacking a man and his son in Mauli Jagran. Hari Ram of Vikas Nagar, Mauli Jagran, said Ram Dhar Tiwari and two women attacked him and his son Ashish at their residence on September 3. The complainant suffered injuries and was admitted to the Civil Hospital, Mani Majra. He was later referred to the GMSH-16. TNS

Maloya resident attacked

Chandigarh: Vishal, a resident of Milk Colony, Maloya, here, alleged that three unknown persons attacked the complainant with sharp weapons near Guru Kripa Darbar, Sector 56. The victim suffered injuries and was admitted to the PGI. A case has been registered. TNS

Kidnapping: Man held

Mohali: The Mohali police arrested a person for kidnapping a minor girl. The accused has been identified as Naresh Puri, a resident of Gobindgarh village, who works as a mason. A case has been registered at the Sohana police station. According to the police, Naresh had eloped with the victim, a Class X student in the last week of June. First, they went to Bihar and then they returned and started living near Nangal, said the police. The police arrested Naresh when he, along with the victim, returned to meet their kin. The accused was produced before a local court, which has sent him to two-day police remand. TNS

50-year-old dies of swine flu

Chandigarh: A 50-year-old man from Ambala, identified as Amritpal Singh, died of swine flu at the PGI here on Monday. Sources said Amritpal was rushed to the PGI a week ago and was found suffering from swine flu. On Sunday, his condition deteriorated. TNS

Girl hangs herself to death

Chandigarh: A 23-year-old girl reportedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her house in Sector 29 on Sunday evening. The police said the victim had written a suicide note on her hand stating that she was taking the extreme step on her own and no one should be held responsible for it. Sources said the victim had been identified as Neha, who was pursuing a course at the ITI in Panchkula. The victim was found hanging by her family members. She was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. TNS

Seven booked in drug cases

Fatehgarh Sahib: The district police have arrested seven persons, including four youths, with 28 gm of heroin, 10 kg of poppy husk and 130 bottles of liquor. They all have been booked under the NDPS Act. Alka Meena, SSP, said the Amloh police had erected a naka at the T-Point, Raipur Chobdaran, and during the search of vehicles, they signalled a car to stop but its four occupants tried to flee. After some chase, the police overpowered them. She said 28 gm of heroin was recovered from them. They have been identified as as Akshey Sharma, a resident of Malerkotla, Sandeep Singh, a resident of Patiala, Avtar Singh and Kulwinder Singh, both residents of Amloh. They used to sell heroin to youths in colleges. The SSP said the Sirhind police intercepted two motorcyclists and recovered 10 kg of poppy husk. They were identified as Faqir Chand and Sonu, both residents of Tarkhan Majra. The Khamano police raided a building and recovered 130 bottles of liquor. The accused has been identified as Bant Singh, a resident of Khamano. OC

One arrested with liquor

Lalru: The Lalru police on Sunday arrested a resident of Dharamgarh village here with 22 bottles of Illicit liquor. The accused has been identified as Narinder Singh. A police party was patrolling on the Rurki-Dhire Majra road when they stopped the accused for checking and recovered 22 bottles of Indian-made liquor. OC
Hasan Suroor

Hasan Suroor

WHILE the world is preoccupied with Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, a deadly and open-ended war is grinding on in Yemen where Saudi Arabia and its allies are engaged in a cynical proxy war with Iran. The Shia-Sunni divide in the region couldnt get uglier than this. More than two years after a Saudi-led coalition invaded Yemen to restore its president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, who was toppled by Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels, theres no settlement in sight. Hadi, who sought refuge in Saudi Arabia, has since returned to Yemen but his governments writ barely runs. Nor, despite the daily bombings and a crippling naval blockade have pro-Hadi forces succeeded in dislodging the Houthis from their northern strongholds. Even the capital Sanaa remains under Houthi control forcing the government to pitch its tent in Aden.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis caused by two years of fighting is steadily deteriorating. Persistent and heavy bombardment, frequently killing innocent civilians, has reduced the countrys infrastructure  whatever little there was  to a rubble and theres no such thing as a functioning economy left. Up to an estimated 10,000 people have been killed, three million displaced and thousands are dying of malnutrition caused by food shortages. An outbreak of cholera epidemic has claimed hundreds of lives and its spreading because of poor medical facilities (mostly makeshift and poorly-equipped clinics) and severe shortage of medicines. Children have been the hardest hit.

The UN has described it as the worlds biggest humanitarian crisis, with more than 10 million people requiring immediate assistance. The situation, it has warned, is set to become even worse if immediate relief is not provided. Yemen is said to need $2.3 billion in humanitarian aid this year, but has received only a little over 40 per cent so far. Aid groups are struggling to cope with the crisis, particularly catastrophic for children. The number of children killed in Saudi-led attacks is unacceptably high, according to a UN report. They are also the worst victims of disease and hunger.

We are almost in the third year of the war and nothing is getting better. There are limits to what we can do in such a collapsed state, a Unicef spokeswoman told The New York Times.

For all the resources the Saudis and their allies have poured into Operation Decisive Storm, launched in March 2015, theyve made virtually no progress in weakening the Houthi campaign. The Houthis not only remain in control of Sanaa, theyve managed to seize territory in the south and step up their attacks on Aden. Experts say that the Saudi Arabian alliance, comprising members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons bought from America and Britain, lacks the requisite operational capabilities and skills.

The war in Yemen is part of a wider and vicious battle between the Sunni Arabs and Shia Iran for supremacy in the region. Saudi-Yemen relations have had a chequered history shaped by Saudis perception of Yemen as a hostile Shia power which threatens their Salafi-Wahhabi brand of Islam. Theres a large population of Shia Houthis who hold sway in the north and the west and have been agitating for an equitable share in political structures and resources controlled by the Sunni south. Ultimately they want to become a dominant force nationally.

The fear of a Shia Yemen sitting on their borders has spooked the Sunni Gulf states and united them. The last time they got together to punish Yemen was when it refused to support the international intervention in Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Yemens stance was seen as an implicit support for Saddam Husseins Kuwait invasion. Some 8,00,000 Yemeni workers employed in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were expelled, and Riyadh cut off all financial assistance to Yemen. It was resumed in 2000, but relations between the two countries have remained strained. Analysts say whats playing out in Yemen is the long history of political tensions and hostility between them.

The current civil war has its roots in the 2011 Arab spring uprising that led its dictatorial president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to Hadi, his deputy. Hadi, however, proved too weak to deal with the mess he inherited from Saleh. A militant separatist movement in the south was compounded by an Al-Qaeda bombing campaign  not to mention widespread corruption, rampant unemployment and, most crucially, the fact that the rebels had the support of a faction in the army still loyal to Saleh. Many ordinary Yemenis, including Sunnis, felt so frustrated that they switched support to the Houthis, facilitating their campaign to oust Hadi in September 2014.

The UNs repeated efforts to bring the warring sides to the negotiating table have failed. A breakthrough was expected at the last round held in Kuwait last year as both the Saudis and Houthis appeared willing to end the crisis. But the negotiations collapsed over the Hadi governments insistence that rebels withdraw from the areas they had seized and surrender their arms. With the peace talks deadlocked, there has been a significant escalation of hostilities, and an alarming rise in civilian casualties.

Saudi Arabias military intervention in Yemen was the first major foreign policy decision of its ambitious and flamboyant Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman as part of his new vision for his country: a country willing to play a more muscular role in the region to counter Irans creeping influence. But, as happens with hubristic ventures, it has not gone exactly according to plans, causing a huge political, diplomatic and military embarrassment. Plus, its economic cost has been staggering. The Saudi economy has been badly hit at a time when it was already slowing down because of a fall in the world oil prices. Last year, Saudi Arabia reportedly spent $175 million a month on bombing raids and an additional $500 million on ground operations.

In 2015 alone, the cost of the war stood at $5.3 billion, forcing the government to resort to unpopular austerity measures such as reducing subsidy on oil and introducing curbs on salaries. It has also been selling off billions of dollars worth of its holdings abroad. Local population, used to cheap oil and lavish wages, is reported to be getting increasingly restive posing a threat to Saudi Arabias famed political stability. Not surprising, then, that Salman is reported to be looking for a face-saving compromise to pull out of Yemen. And it had better been quick before both Saudi Arabia and Yemen sink deeper into the quagmire. It has all the makings of Saudi Arabias Vietnam.

The writer is a London-based commentator
MG Devasahayam

MG Devasahayam

Much water has flown down the mighty Brahmaputra. Yet, it has not washed away the shame of the 1962 Sino-Indian war when, thanks to political and bureaucratic blundering, India suffered a humiliating defeat and the entire blame was put on the Army. Civil-military relationship was dismal then and continues to be so. Despite this over half-a-century old painful experience, no lessons have been learnt and politicians and bureaucrats are vague and unclear about even defining this relationship.

Nevertheless, the armed forces have attempted a definition. In his treatise 'The Soldier and the State' (1998), the former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat (retd), lays it down with a fair amount of clarity: "The modern military profession exists as part of the government insofar as the term 'government' includes the executive departments of the nation-state... Modern democracies, therefore, pay great attention to the supremacy of the political class over the military in governance, normally referred to as 'civilian control of the military'. This is clearly how it should be, since all ultimate power and decision-making should be wielded by the elected representatives of the people." Successive Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force have endorsed this definition.

Civilian control of the military is a doctrine in military and political science that places the ultimate responsibility for a country's strategic decision-making in the hands of the civilian political leadership, rather than professional military officers. A lack of civilian control over the military may result in a state within a state. The civilian control ideal is summarised as "the proper subordination of a competent, professional military to the ends of policy as determined by civilian authority."

Civilian control is often seen as a prerequisite feature of a stable liberal democracy. The use of the term in scholarly analyses is in the context of a democracy governed by elected representatives, though the subordination of the military to political control is not unique to only democracies.

The role of the military in a democracy is an ever-relevant concern which was raised by Plato 2,500 years ago. The principle of political control of the armed forces as we know it today is rooted in the concept of a representative democracy. It refers to the supremacy of civilian institutions, based on popular sovereignty, over the defence and security policymaking apparatus, including the military leadership.

Democratic control should always be a two-way process between the armed forces and society. In a democracy, firm constitutional guarantees should protect the state, including the armed forces, from two types of potential dangers: politicians, who have military ambitions, and military with political ambitions.

There are a number of shared principles of how to establish the armed forces in a democratic society. They include indispensable prerequisites to organise and guarantee a proper civilian direction and control of the forces. These are essentially the existence of a clear legal and constitutional framework defining the basic relationship between the state and the armed forces and the role of parliament in legislating on defence and security matters. These also include the hierarchical responsibility of the military to the government through a civilian organ of public administration -- Ministry of Defence -- that is charged, as a general rule, with the direction and supervision of its activity.

The integration of the military into state and society also follows strict. Adhering to these principles, our military is under the control of the Government of India, Ministry of Defence. As the representative of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, it is the Defence Minister who wields 'civilian supremacy over the military'. It is imperative, therefore, that the Defence Minister of the country should be an 'elected representative of the people' and not someone nominated by the party chief and voted by some party MLAs.

This cardinal principle has been repeatedly violated by the Modi government. First it was Arun Jaitley, a defeated Lok Sabha candidate from the Amritsar constituency in Punjab, a state that contributes a large share to India's military. When the Modi government was sworn in, Arun Jaitley was made 'part-time' Defence Minister, though the BJP along with its NDA allies had more than 300 elected representatives in Parliament. Months later, Manohar Parikkar from Goa was brought in as 'full time' Defence Minister through the Rajya Sabha route, only to make his rapid return to the sunny beaches! And the ministry went back to Arun Jaitley as if there was no 'elected representative' in the stables of the BJP or the NDA.

As if to rub it in, for the fourth time now, we have an unelected Nirmala Sitharaman as the Defence Minister. While he brought in several 'super-performers' into his Cabinet as full-fledged ministers or ministers of state with independent charge, Prime Minister Modi could not find one elected representative to fill this sensitive position. Is there such dearth of talent?

The underlying principle behind an elected representative controlling the military is that in a democracy like ours, the people are sovereign and being controlled by their elected representatives means that the military is under sovereign control. This sovereignty cannot be usurped by the PM by making a person not elected by the people directly as the Defence Minister. This is particularly so because we know what kind of vested interests are obliged with Rajya Sabha tickets these days.

If this situation is accepted, tomorrow an arms merchant or lobbyist can be brought in through the Rajya Sabha and made Defence Minister who would exercise 'civilian control over military.' Can this be countenanced?

The writer is a former Army and IAS officer
Lakhimpur Kheri (UP), September 5

Haryana Police came looking for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahims close aide Honeypreet Insan in Kheri as she was suspected to have left for Nepal through the porous border.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ghanshyam Chaurasiya confirmed the arrival of two Haryana Police personnel at Gaurifanta border in Kheri.

The ASP told PTI that Haryana Police had shared some information with the Gaurifanta police and enquired about her suspected movement towards the neighbouring country through the porous India-Nepal border.

However, when no clue about Honeypreets departure for Nepal could be gathered, Haryana Police returned, the ASP said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

He said an unclaimed vehicle bearing the registration number of Punjab was seized from the border and a probe was on to ascertain its ownership and its connection with Honeypreet.

Honeypreet, who is in her thirties, is the adopted daughter of Ram Rahim whose conviction in a rape case triggered mob violence that killed around 40 people across Haryana.

She had accompanied the Dera head when he was brought to the special CBI court in Panchkula for the pronouncement of the verdict in the 15-year-old rape case. She also travelled along with him in a special chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction.

The police had issued a lookout notice against Honeypreet who has emerged as the Dera heads likely successor to head the controversial sect. PTI
Tribune News Service

Rohtak, September 5

Head Constable Promila of Rohtak police has brought laurels to the state by bagging the top honours in a wrestling event at the World Police and Fire Games held in Los Angeles, USA, recently.

Promila, who won the gold medal in the 60-kg women wrestling category, was honoured by the local SP, Pankaj Nain, here on Tuesday.

Nain said Promila was a role model for the youth, especially girls.

Cops from many countries had participated in the World Police and Fire Games held in Los Angeles. There were seven police personnel from the Haryana Police in the Indian squad.

Promila participated in four bouts in the event and won all of them. She won the gold medal after defeating a Russian wrestler 10-0 in knockout.

She belongs to Bhambhewa village in Jind district and is married in Sanghi village of Rohtak district.

She has won medals in several regional and national-level events and has participated in national and international events earlier as well.
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 4

The sub-national pulse polio campaign will be held from September 17 to 19 in the district. A meeting in this regard was held at the Civil Surgeons office here today.

During the meeting, Civil Surgeon Dr Raghubir Singh Randhawa said the preparations for the sub-national pulse polio round had been made.

The Civil Surgeon said the staff would be instructed that polio drops to be administered to children in the age group up to five years and none of the children in the district should be left out of the campaign.

Dr Randhawa said, I personally oversee the campaign. Keeping in mind the importance of time, the drive will be made a success. The participation of anganwari workers, nursing students, social welfare organisations, IMA, IAP, NEEMA, AIMA, district Ayurvedic Department, district Homeopathy Department, NGOs and other organisations will be ensured.

He also asked the officials concerned to put up posters regarding the pulse polio round in the district.

District epidemiologist Dr Tarsem Singh said as per the micro plan of the Health Department, children living in slums and high-risk areas in the district would be covered under the campaign.

An awareness rickshaw rally would also be taken out on September 15 to spread awareness about the campaign, he added.
Kishwer Merchantt has been advised to take a complete bed rest of three weeks.

By India Today Web Desk: TV star Kishwer Merchantt, who has been busy promoting fitness and having a blast in Jordan, has had a fracture. The actress took to social media site Twitter a while ago and shared a picture of her fractured foot with her followers.

The caption of the picture read, "They say u shud experience everythg once in ur life, I decided to experience what a fracture feels like !!! #willbebackstronger !!!"

advertisement

Now that is the correct attitude. Good for you, Kishwer.

They say u shud experience everythg once in ur life .. I decided to experience what a fracture feels like !!! #willbebackstronger !!! ? pic.twitter.com/Erjtfjc8DC- Kishwer M Rai (@KishwerM) September 4, 2017

However, the actress is having a difficult time dealing with the injury, as she has been asked to take complete bed rest for three weeks.

This shit is super boring and uncomfortable.. how will I survive like this for 3weeks ? ???- Kishwer M Rai (@KishwerM) September 4, 2017

"This s**t is super-boring and uncomfortable. How will I survive for 3 weeks?" Kishwer tweeted recently.

Get well soon, Kishwer!

Also read: When Siddharth Nigam felt happy about getting injured on Chandra Nandini sets

Also read: Jennifer Winget to Jigyasa Singh: 5 TV actors who got injured in on-set mishaps

--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 5

Various educational institutions on Tuesday celebrated Teachers Day by organising various events. The day is celebrated every year on the birthday of a famous teacher and philosopher who was the second President of India  Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishan.

The day was celebrated today at Sainik School, Nagrota, with a lot of enthusiasm. Senior cadets of Class XII welcomed the teachers and principal Capt (IN) A Muthuraman. The principal garlanded the portrait of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishanan and lighted a lamp to inaugurate the function.

Army Public School (APS), Badi Brahmana, too oragnised a cultural programme in which students presented various performances. The students enthralled the audience with their songs and dances. In a jovial spirit, students also imitated their teachers.

Government Degree College (GDC), Akhnoor, too held a cultural programme. Principal, GDC, Akhnoor Dr Anil Gupta enlightened the students and faculty members about the role of teachers and duties of students in todays changing scenario.

Army Public School (APS), Udhampur, paid tributes to Dr Radhakrishnan, on his birthday. In the morning assembly, principal Sanjeev Kumar took a pledge along with all students and teachers to work for the elimination of social evils in the society.

Students and teachers of Shangrilla Public too presented cultural items.

A grand function was organised at Shri Guru Gobind Higher Secondary School, Kunjawni. Students presented a colourful cultural programme. A prize distribution function was also organised. Principal Gurtaj Singh gave awards to best teachers of the school.

Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School, Jeevan Nagar, celebrated the day by organsing a cultural programme. Principal Rameshwar Mengi informed students about the significance of the day.

Dewan Devi, Playway/Hr. Sec. School, Rajpura Mangotrian, today celebrated the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli. Govt Girls Higher Secondary School, Canal Road, too held a cultural programme. Director, Delhi Public School, Jammu, SS Sodhi said teachers were the nation-builders and played a major role in shaping by providing them quality education, training them for various curricular and co-curricular activities and teaching them moral values of life.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 5

The coming weekend will see a lot of political activity in the state. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be in Srinagar and is likely to make a breakthrough in initiating a dialogue with various stakeholders while former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will land in Jammu. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party will also be holding a party convention in the summer capital.

Rajnath will arrive on a two-day visit to Kashmir on September 9 and there is a possibility that he may extend an olive branch to separatists, and may make an offer for dialogue as envisaged in the Agenda of Alliance of coalition partners PDP and BJP.

The Home Minister may offer dialogue during his upcoming Srinagar visit, a PDP leader disclosed.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asserted that the Kashmir problem could not be resolved by either bullets or abuses and a solution could only be found by embracing Kashmiris.

During his stay, Rajnath Singh will review the security and hold meetings with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Governor NN Vohra, the PDP leader said.

The Home Ministers visit comes at a time when there is a lot of apprehension over Article 35A and Kashmir-based mainstream parties, including the PDP, have warned against any tampering with the special position of the state.

The PDP is holding a rally in Srinagar on Sunday which will be addressed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is also the party president.

While the PDP leadership terms it a routine political rally, sources in the party said there was a possibility that the Home Minister might also attend the rally and announce the outreach. There is every possibility that the Home Minister may attend the rally, a party source said.

PDP vice-president Sartaj Madni, who has been a votary of dialogue with Pakistan and separatists, however, said the Sunday rally would be a routine party gathering.

A Congress delegation led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be also be visiting the state.
Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 5

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has recommended installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) in all police stations of the state to record the daily proceedings at the thana level.

The step, subject to the approval of the J&K Government and sanction by the Director General of Police, will help in making the dealings at the police station level more transparent as it is also part of the police modernising programme, the SHRC observed in its orders made available today.

The directions have been passed by a single bench of Jung Bahadur Singh Jamwal while disposing of a case titled Deepak Kumar Sharma versus state with regard to the installation of CCTV cameras in the police stations.

The cameras in each police station have to capture the footage of the entire proceedings and the same footage shall serve as an essential evidence for the (complaints of alleged) harassment and human rights violations, the SHRC observed in its orders.

The government through the Chief Secretary is directed to install CCTV cameras in all police stations of J&K and sanction the grant in favour of the DGP for the purpose, the SHRC said in its directions with further instructions to the Commissioner Secretary, Home, to process the case for determining the cost of installation of the CCTV cameras.

The installation of CCTV cameras will not only bring transparency in police dealings but will also assist in making the police stations more secure, the SHRC observed.

Many a times, it has been noticed that the citizens, who approach the police stations with complaints or for any other inquiry, feel harassed. But they need not to worry about any kind of harassment (at the hands of the police) once the proposal for installing the CCTV cameras in police stations is complete, the commission hoped.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 5

Three West Pakistan refugees, living in Jammu and Kashmir, have moved the Supreme Court against Article 35A of the Constitution, saying that the provision discriminated against them and forced them to live a life devoid of basic human rights.

Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954, Article 35A gives special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and debars the rest of the Indians from acquiring immovable property, obtaining state government jobs and settling in the state.

The petitioners  Kali Dass, Sanjay Kumar and Balwant Singh  said three lakh refugees were living like destitutes in deplorable conditions, deprived of basic human rights, safety and security and they could not secure employment in Jammu and Kashmir.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra on Monday directed that the petition be clubbed with other petitions challenging Article 35A. Several petitions are already pending in the apex court against Article 35A which also discriminates against women.

Amid growing political unease in Jammu and Kashmir over the alleged attempts to do away with Article 35A, the Supreme Court had on August 14 hinted at sending petitions challenging the controversial provision to a constitution bench for a definitive finding on its validity.

The petitioners submitted that even after being educated, the West Pakistan refugees were forced to work as sweepers or domestic helps and could not hold property, vote in the state and municipal elections, secure employment or enjoy any benefits available to permanent residents of the state.

Even after 67 years, the 3 lakh refugees live in dilapidated tin shacks and ramshackled huts in ghettos, without any basic amenities like drinking water, sewerage or other facilities, said the petitioners, who are the descendents of Hindu refugees who migrated from then West Pakistan in 1947 following the Partition.

Terming it a violation of their right to equality, right to non-discrimination and right to live with human dignity, the petitioners requested the court to strike down Article 35A as it violated their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

They also sought a direction to the state government to confer on them proprietary rights of the land occupied by them since 1947 or alternatively allot land in neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

The petitioners said 80 per cent of the refugees, who migrated from West Pakistan to J&K, were from scheduled and backward castes and were being denied basic human rights like the right to employment, education, ownership of property and political participation.

Interestingly, the Centre has been shying away from filing its response to spell out its stand on Article 35A.

In its affidavit, the state government had earlier defended Article 35A, terming it a permanent feature of the Indian Constitution. The 1954 Presidential Order granting special rights to permanent residents of the state had been recognised, accepted and acted upon since its enactment, it added.
Pervin Malhotra

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Q.Could you please tell me something about biological science? Is knowledge of maths required for this? Is it true that one can study biology at AIIMS?  Gopesh Ahuja

A.Approx 3.5 billion years old (give or take a 100 million), biology studies the natural world and all organisms that inhabit it  everything from frogs to monkeys to your pesky next-door neighbour. Many students are afraid of taking biology because they think its about smelly labs and test tubes. But if we dont understand who we are, how will we understand anything else?

Moreover, taking biology opens up myriad opportunities in life sciences at the college level. And beyond.

Modern biology interacts and overlaps with chemistry, physics, mathematics and even economics, geography, sociology, psychology and other subjects. Those whove chosen biology as a subject can later select specialised areas of higher studies and careers on the basis of their aptitude and expertise.

For example, while many students opting for biology (with physics and chemistry), go on to pursue medicine, those who are good in chemistry can work in the field of biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmacognostics.

Those proficient in computers can choose bioinformatics and those good at physics can choose biophysics or bioinstrumentation. A sociological and geophysical bent of mind can be helpful to a biologist in environmental management.

Biological science is an exciting and rapidly growing subject area, with many applications in fields as diverse as conservation biology and molecular genetics.

The study of living things has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years, and fields such as molecular genetics, neuroscience, biotechnology, evolutionary biology and ecology are advancing rapidly. These developments will have a considerable impact on medicine, environment and agriculture. Plant protection, forestry, epidemiology, applied entomology and ecology are other interesting areas.

If you major in biology youll spend your time in college studying the behavior, classification and evolution of living organisms.

You may specialise in one of the following areas:

Anatomy, Astrobiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Botany, Cell Biology, Ecology, Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Marine Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Origin of life, Palaeontology, Parasitology, Physiology, Structural Biology, Taxonomy, and Zoology, in alphabetical order.

Rapid expansion has been accompanied by a blurring of the distinctions between disciplines: for instance, a biologist with an interest in tropical plants may well use many of the tools and techniques that are indispensable to a medical researcher.

To answer your next question, well, although its often believed that bio-sciences dont require any mathematical ability, this isnt quite true. Both Physics, and chemistry to some extent, demand familiarity with mathematical concepts.

Also, should you wish to pursue BTech Biotechnology or Bioinformatics, you will find that maths is generally required in addition to PCB.

The earth has over one trillion microbial, plant and animal species, of which only one-thousandth of 1% have been identified so far! (2017)

Biology has never had it so good  the discovery of the double-helix catapulted it into the forefront of scientific endeavour.

So if the 20th century belonged to electronics, the 21st belongs to biotechnology. A large skilled workforce will be required in upcoming areas of molecular biology, genomics, agricultural and industrial biotechnology, and biomedical sciences.

While students who opt for careers in these areas need to be strong in theoretical aspects, they also require practical expertise and skills to fit into the corporate sector. The government is creating necessary infrastructures for training of manpower in modern areas of biology to meet the future needs.

Yes AIIMS is one of the few universities that offer BSc (Hons) in Human Biology (Details: www.aiims.edu); some others being Punjabi University, Patiala, and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar etc.

Documenting development

Q.Whats the scope of developmental communication in India and which are the colleges where I can do this? What are the requirements for taking up this subject?  Harish Jamkhedkar

A.Simply put, Development Communication is communication targeted at bringing about social change.

Development Communication covers a very broad ambit and is equally applicable to the more traditional fields (agriculture, health & hygiene, nutrition, education, etc) as to newer areas such as citizen empowerment, gender rights, governance, urban and rural development, environment, etc.

Development Communication studies equip you to apply the theories of development, media and communication, combined with an understanding of the prevailing social-economic, cultural and political scenario to design effective social campaigns not to be confused with social media campaigns.

A course in Development Communication will equip you to become a skilled planner, manager, designer or implementer in the development sector.

You may find opportunities in Government departments as well as in the Non-Governmental sector  International aid agencies, NGOs, Advertising agencies, advocacy groups, etc.

Courses in Development Communication are offered at several institutes and Universities. The typical eligibility requirement for admission is a bachelors degree (in any area). Selection is on the basis of a written exam and an interview. Some of the prominent courses are offered at:
Deepkamal Kaur, Gagandeep Sharma

As most of the companies that turned up at the 10-day job fair under the Punjab government-backed Ghar Ghar Naukri campaign had come on invitations received from the host colleges, the much publicised campaign turned out to be an improvised campus placement organised by these colleges. The only difference being that unlike campus placement, which is usually done for the last semester students, these job fairs also gave a chance to students of 2016 or previous batches besides youth already working in local/small companies.

The job fairs for polytechnic, ITI and engineering college passouts were held all across the state from August 21 to 31. However, due to five-day curfew in a few districts of Malwa the state government had extended the job fairs to September 3.

The state government has claimed that the campaign has got a positive response as close to 750 companies had came in job fairs in all districts and as many as 4 lakh youths had participated in these. But the government is yet to provide the exact figure of the number of people who got jobs in this initiative, as job letters of all selected candidates will be received after being signed by company officials from their respective headquarters.

In Bathinda, 458 candidates have got job offers. This includes 218 in local-level companies, while 240 had been selected by national-level companies. But the ground reality seems to be different despite the tall claimes of the government. Many of the job hopefuls expressed dissatisfaction as they had failed to get proper jobs.

In Doaba, there were four main venues, including Rayat Bahra campus at Nawanshahr, CT Institute in Jalandhar, Lovely Professional University at Phagwara and IK Gujral Punjab Technical University at Kapurthala.

At CT Institute, which held interviews only for diploma holders, the job fair was held on all 10 days. In between, there were days when not even a single company turned up and the applicants had to return after leaving copies of their resume with the officials.

Most applicants, who turned up in Jalandhar lamented the fact that there were very few offers for them. Even the ones who got job offers got meagre salary packages of Rs 9000 to Rs 11,000 pm only. A group of mechanical engineering diploma holders from Kapurthala was overheard ruing, Koi fayda nhi hoya. Reh gye asin beruzgar de berozgaar (There was no use of coming here. We are still unemployed)

Even at IKGPTU, which was primarily a venue for BTech and MTech pass applicants, around 2,500 youths turned up for interviews with 60 odd companies that collectively had about 1,700 jobs on offer. The interviews were held at the fag end of the programme on August 30 and 31 and just about 100 job offers had been made till Monday last. The companies have held the first round of interviews and for the final screening, they have called the shortlisted candidates at their company offices. The complete process may take some more time. At the moment, we cannot give any figures on selections done, said a placement officer of IKGPTU.

Barring a few prominent groups, including Videocon, Tech Mahindra and Max Life Insurance Company, most employers at IKGPTU were lesser known companies from Mohali, Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

At Rayat Bahra Institute in Nawanshahr, only 37 of the expected 55 companies came with job offers. As many as 1,500 applicants had turned up here.

In the Bathinda regionThe state-level mega job fairs were organised at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University and Guru Kaashi University. According to information, close to 3,500 youths participated in Bathinda job fairs.

Companies like M/s Partap Spintex Ltd., M/s Sportking India Ltd., New National Steel Industries, Cargill India A-6A Industrial growth centre Bathinda and Northern Coolers and Fan Manufacture Association turned out to recruit freshers and experienced candidates.

Besides this, the administration had asked 24 local firms to join the job fair and recruit the candidates, but out of which only five local firms had turned up.

Deal or drama

Even as Technical Education Minister Charanjit Channi, who visited all spots during the course of the job fair, expressed high hopes from the initiative, former BJP minister Manoranjan Kalia called it all a drama. What did government do in the entire exercise? The venues were college campuses, where job interviews are held in routine otherwise. Now, this government, which came making tall promises to the youth, perhaps also wants to take a credit for campus interviews.

Formal launch

The Punjab government formally launched Ghar Ghar Rozgar, its employment mission on September 5.

The mission was kicked off with an Employers Meet at ISB, SAS Nagar. A spokesperson said the Employers Meet served as a platform to get insights from the industry and employers on various aspects of employment generation strategies. The objective of this initiative is to have wide-ranging conversation with the industry directly in exploring the existing opportunities and creating future opportunities for employment. The conference was attended by employers from different segments MSME, large and mega industry and different sectors of industry such as manufacturing, construction, retail, food processing, hospitality, IT etc. Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Chairperson, India Council for Research on International Economics, KrishIyer, India CEO, Walmart, Paul Oswal, Chairman, Vardhman Textiles, Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Trident Group, A S Mittal, Vice Chairman, Sonalika International Tractors, among others participated in the conference. The government is committed to providing every household in the state with at least one job to the eligible youth in the family. PTI

Low packages disappoint

Many students, however, alleged that despite fulfilling the eligibility criteria and even having experience of two to three years, the companies were not offering good packages to the candidates, because of which a number of candidates had left without even appearing for the interviews.

Satish Kumar, a candidate from from Bathinda, who had done a course in gas welding IT last year, said that he was offered a package of only Rs 60,000 which was not enough,

Another candidate Rampreet Singh, who had two-year experience in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), also complained of not getting a reasonable package. Hardeep Singh, also a resident of Bathinda, told that he had not accepted the offer as the package offered was very low.

Sarabjot Sandhu, whose MCA-qualified wife had appeared for an interview in Jalandhar, said, The IT companies that came were offering jobs in South, in which we were not interested. Some other companies like Paytm and Videocon did not come at the venue. She finally appeared for a credit card company, which offered to pay her Rs 11,000, to which we had to agree as there were no other options. We, somehow, had a better hope.

Commenting on the low salary packages being offered a company official said, We have fixed packages for various trades and many student were expecting more pay, which was not in our hands. He also said a large number of the candidates lacked the job skills required for a particular role that is why they had to return empty-handed.
The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India proposes Women Scientist Scheme-B for women in Science &Technology for societal progress.

Eligibility: Women candidates of 27- 57 years of age giving break to their career and planning to work towards societal welfare. The candidate must be MPhil, MTech, MPharm, MVSc, MSc or PhD. in Basic or Applied Sciences, BTech, MBBS or equivalent degree are eligible for this fellowship. Age relaxation of five years is given to reserved and physically challenged category.

How to apply: Applications are invited online as well as via post.

Details: Travel, contingency grant, minor equipment and Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh will be given for the total project cost for MSc, MTech, MPhil. or PhD, depending on the programme undertaken by the candidate.

Deadline: September 15, 2017

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/jc/SSF5

North South Foundation (NSF) Scholarship

To help financially weak but academically strong students who have taken admission in the under-graduate professional course anywhere in India are extended helping hand by North South Foundation.

Eligibility: Students who have bagged a position in the top 10 in CET or JET in Class X or XII from their state with family income less than Rs 90,000 and must have secured a seat in engineering, medicine, dental, veterinary, BPharm, BSc Agriculture or Polytechnic in a government college and are not availing any other financial aid.

How to apply: Applications are accepted online as well as via post to C.R. Sofat, 4231 Phase 2, Urban Estates, Patiala, Punjab-147002.

Details: Up to Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 will be provided to the scholar.

Deadline: September 15, 2017

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/jc/NSF15

IVHQ Scholarships

Global Travel Academy and World Nomads is offering luring volunteering opportunity to budding travellers who are concerned about environment and are offered travel to 20 destinations around the world.

Eligibility: Candidate must be 18 years of age of any nationality with passion for conservation and wildlife, showing will to involve and imbibe new culture

How to apply: Applications are attended online only.

Details: A two-week wildlife or conservation volunteer abroad project in the destination of the candidate's choice, flight voucher of AUD 1000, 2 week travel insurance policy and a Certificate in International Volunteering online course will be provided to the candidate.

Deadline: September 13, 2017 7:00PM PST

Short Source URL: http://www.b4s.in/jc/IS45

 Inputs courtesy: www.buddy4study.com
New Delhi, September 5

Sounding the bugle for the coming assembly elections in three north-eastern states, BJP chief Amit Shah on Tuesday said he was confident its alliance NEDA would soon rule the entire region, building on the development work done by the Narendra Modi government there.

Shah chaired a strategic meeting of the six-party North- East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which was attended by the chief ministers of five states  Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagalandfrom the region.

The BJP-led NEDA is in power in five states but I am confident that in the coming days, the alliance will be in power in all the eight states in the north-eastern region, he said at the inaugural session of the NEDA conclave here.

At present, the BJP is in power in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, while its allies rule Nagaland and Sikkim.

Assembly elections are due in three non-NEDA statesTripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Elections in Tripura, where the Left is in power, will be held later this year. Congress-ruled Mizoram and Meghalaya will go to polls early next year.

He said the region was top priority for Prime Minister Modi. Development in the eight states was essential for the overall growth of the country, he added.

The development work done by the Modi government in the last three years for the long-neglected north-eastern region is several times more than the work done by Congress-led governments in the last 65 years, Shah said.

The work had not finished but just started, he added.

Citing numerous initiatives of the Modi government for the region, Shah said a Union minister visited one of the eight states in the region every 15 days.

He termed the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh a milestone in the history of the north-east and said the government was committed to the overall development of the area.

The BJP president expressed the confidence that all eight chief ministers would be from the alliance at the next NEDA meeting.

Emphasising the importance of NEDA, he said, It is not only a political platform but a platform to culturally unite all eight north-eastern states and increase their involvement in national affairs.

Talking to reporters, NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma later said it was confident of seeing a Congress mukt (Congress-free) north-east by November 2018.

Sarma, a minister in the BJP government in Assam, has been a key figure in expanding the partys footprints in the region.

Safe borders, inclusive development and national integration were on the agenda of the day-long NEDA meeting.

North-east states have used the NEDA platform to sort out boundary, law and other disputes, Sarma said at the meeting.

The BJP-led NEDA consists of the Naga Peoples Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, Peoples Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland Peoples Front.  PTI
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 5

A day after the Supreme Court stayed the insolvency proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) at Allahabad against debt-ridden real estate company Jaypee Infratech, its prime lender IDBI Bank approached the court for modification of the order.

IDBI Banks plea was mentioned before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipal Misra for urgent hearing by senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi who wanted the stay on insolvency proceedings to be vacated.

The stay order on NCLTs August 9 order will unintentionally benefit only Jaypee (Infratech) which will have a sound sleep, Singhvi told the Bench, adding the insolvency proceedings will take care of homebuyers interests.

The bank staying the order of the NCLT proceedings in Allahabad reversed the position and, as a consequence, the company had gone back to defaulting promoters.

The Jaypee group was in charge of the company again because of the stay order. The bank's money was also public money, he said seeking modification of the stay order, Singhvi told the Bench which posted it for hearing on Monday, September 11.

The bank accused some of the homebuyers who moved the top court against the insolvency proceedings of being hand in glove with Jaypee Infratech.

The Bank said it would prefer the Independent Interim Resolution Professional to settle homebyuerss claims along with those of banking institutions.

On behalf of homebuyers, senior advocate Ajit Sinha opposed the IDBI Banks contention and said they were happy with the stay order and there was no need to change it. The homebuyers slept peacefully after Mondays court order, said another senior counsel appearing for a homebuyer.

The Supreme Court had on Monday stayed the insolvency proceedings before the NCLT at Allahabad against Jaypee Infratech, which has failed to deliver flats of thousands of homebuyers who trusted it with their hard-earned money.

A three-judge Bench headed by CJI Misra had asked the company to respond to the petition filed by homebuyers. Issuing notices to Jaypee Infratech, RBI and others on a petition filed by Chitra Sharma and other homebuyers, the Bench posted all the petitions against Jaypee Infratech for further hearing on October 10.

Over 30,000 buyers have booked their homes in 27 different housing projects of Jaypee Infratech and they have been left to fend for themselves after the insolvency proceedings started against the debt-ridden company at the behest of IDBI Bank.

They have been left in the lurch after the NCLT on August 10 admitted IDBI Bank's plea to initiate insolvency proceedings against the debt-ridden company for defaulting on Rs 526-crore loan.

The petitioners contended that if the top court did not safeguard the interests of the homebuyers would be rendered remediless.

Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016, home buyers did not fall under the category of secured creditors like banks and as a result they would get back their money only if something was left after repaying secured and operational creditors, the petitioners had told the court in their plea filed last month.
Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, September 5

Devoting the 8.5 km-long first leg of the Lucknow Metro to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today announced the setting up of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Corporation that will implement future Metro projects across eight cities.

Union Home Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh flagged off the Rs2,600-crore first leg of Metro that will be open to the general public from Wednesday.

The 8.5-km stretch with eight elevated stations called Priority Corridor is part of the Phase 1 of the Lucknow Metro project. The stretch took around two years to complete and almost three years to be formally thrown open to public, which is said to be a record of sorts. At present, it will run between Transport Nagar to Charbagh railway station having seven stations in between.

Two women loco pilots drove the train out of Transport Nagar station on its first ride with VIP passengers, including Rajnath, Union Minister Hardeep Puri, Governor Ram Naik, CM Yogi his deputies KP Maurya, Dinesh Sharma and their Cabinet colleagues.

The speakers appreciated the contribution of Metro man E Sridharan for the timely completion of the Lucknow Metro.

The CM hoped that Sridharan would continue to guide the proposed umbrella body which would explore the feasibility of rapid transport services in cities, including Varanasi, Kanpur, Agra, Moradabad, Allahabad, Meerut, Gorakhpur and Jhansi.

Meanwhile, a war or words was witnessed between supporters of the Samajwadi Party and BJP, both taking credit for the project.

A tweet from Yogis official twitter handle about the inauguration saw a number of sarcastic comments such as Iska pura shreya Akhilesh Yadavji ko jata hai, aap to bas fita katne walo me se hai Yogi Adityanath, kuch apna kar k dikhao (Whole credit goes to Akhilesh Yadav, you are only cutting the ribbon Yogi Adityanath, do something on your own). Meanwhile, the Manak nagar police detained a dozen SP workers who were pasting posters claiming credit for the project.
By PTI: Ahmedabad, Sep 5 (PTI) The Gujarat High Court today asked social activist Teesta Setalvad to cooperate with the police in investigation against her for allegedly posting objectionable pictures of Hindu deities on micro blogging site Twitter in 2014.

The court of Justice A J Desai today orally asked Setalvad, who is represented by her lawyer Kalpesh Shastri, to cooperate with the police for investigation in an FIR filed against her.

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The government pleader today told the court that Setalvad was not cooperating with the investigating officer.

Teestas lawyer informed the the court that she has so far cooperated with the police after which the court posted the matter for further hearing in November.

The court was hearing her petition to quash the FIR filed against her for allegedly causing enmity between two religious groups and outraging religious feelings through her social media post.

The government pleader had earlier said that Setalvad had not deposited her laptop to the police through which the tweet was sent out.

Setalvads lawyer had told the court that the laptop was stolen from the airport. Her lawyer also told the court that Setalvad has given statements to the police six times.

Chargesheet has not yet been filed in the case, the court has been told.

Ghatlodia police station here is probing the case against Setalvad after an FIR was filed against her in August 2014 by local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Raju Patel.

Setalvad had allegedly tweeted a photo-shopped picture of an ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) terrorist having morphed heads of Hindu Gods and goddesses killing an American journalist James Foley, drawing parallel between God and Goddess with ISIS extremists.

Setalvad had, however, later removed the posts from her Twitter account after people objected to it.

She was charged under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 153(a) for promoting enmity between two religious groups and section 205 (a) for committing a deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs along with sections of the IT Act.

The High Court had in August 2015 exempted Setalvad from appearing in person before Ghatlodia police station every month while granting her anticipatory bail in connection with the FIR. PTI KA PD RMT IKA

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Nay Pyi Taw, September 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit, and discussed steps to deepen the historical relationship.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two- nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi.

Act East and Neighbourhood First Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship, he said in a tweet.

The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The prime ministers visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmars State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

He is expected to raise the issue of exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian Government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering deporting them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese President and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.  PTI
Islamabad, September 5

Under mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups, Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen on Friday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

The 43-page declaration, adopted at the end of the BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

"We reject the declaration (released by member countries) at the BRICS Summit," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir said during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence.

Dastgir claimed that Pakistan has no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV.

"Forty per cent of Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists," he said, later while talking to the media.

Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastagir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57 per cent are under their control.

"The foreign minister will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US," he said when asked about Pakistan's plan following US President Donald Trump's recent comments.

Trump, in his first prime-time televised address to announce his Afghanistan and South Asia policy, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

He also slammed Pakistan for its support to terror groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

"This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability," Dastagir added.

In response to a question, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistan's ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 5

The government today said states had been instructed to start identifying illegal Rohingya migrants from Myanmar for their deportation.

Nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world, said Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju at the BJPs strategy formulation for making the North-East Congress-free.

The Centre, he said, had instructed all state governments to constitute a task force to identify the illegal Rohingya migrants. As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. Ours is a nation with great democratic tradition. India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees, he said.

I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not, they are illegal immigrants in India and stand to be deported, he said.

The statement comes on a day PM Narendra Modi arrived in Naypyidaw for a two-day trip to Myanmar  his first bilateral visit to the Southeast Asian country with which India shares its land boundary.

The PMs trip comes amid Myanmar facing intense scrutiny over latest round of violence against Rohingya Muslims. Originally belonging to Rakhine province of Myanmar, they are said to have fled due to alleged persecution by the majority Buddhist community.

Recently, the Centre told Parliament that illegal Rohingya population in India was 40,000  a four-time jump from around two years back when their population was 10,500.

According to the Home Ministry statement, Rohingyas are mostly settled in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur. Dealing with armed insurgency for the past 28 years, reports suggest new security concerns for J&K due to their illegal settlements in parts of the state.

Given that illegal migrants are most prone to be recruited by terrorists, they pose security challenges as they may be recruited by terror groups besides being a burden on limited resources of the country, the Centre said.

Rijiju hit back at criticism of the governments tough stance on the issue. When we are following the legal path then why have we been accused of being inhuman? he said, adding that the decision to deport Rohingyas had nothing to do with violation of human rights.

Two Rohingya immigrants have approached the SC, urging it to direct the Centre to not deport them to Myanmar. Nearly 14,000 Rohingyas living here are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.
Bengaluru, September 5

Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, was shot dead here on Tuesday, police said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Karnataka police chief R K Dutta said Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar.

According to DCP M.N. Anucheth, she suffered multiple bullet wounds.

Shocked to learn abt murder of tall progressive force & senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Such cold blooded acts deserve highest condemnation  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017

Lankesh, in her 50s, edited a Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications.

Dutta said Lankesh had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.

Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first.

Pansare, Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh!

Same pattern: shot by masked men

Same motive: Silence voices of dissent?

Same forces? https://t.co/CYrOMeuTgX  Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 5, 2017

Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy condemned the incident, calling it unfortunate.

Pansare, Kalburgi, Dabholkar, Lankesh, who is next? What is going on? Why haven't the guilty been caught in previous cases? #GauriLankesh  Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 5, 2017

Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.

Several people in media and public life took to twitter to express shock at Lankesh's killing.

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 5, 2017

"As a friend, colleague & admirer for decades shocked & shattered to hear of the murder of Gauri Lankesh, one of India's gutsiest journalists," said Vir Sanghvi, an eminent media personality.

"If it is BJP-ruled state, Liberals would have cried for emergency, Intolerance, Fascism," tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

My friend Gauri Lankesh who recently published the kannada edition of Gujarat Files shot dead. Cowards, bigots. You disgusting people  Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) September 5, 2017

Shocking and blood curdling to hear about the murder of Gauri Lankesh. These monstrous criminals must be nailed n dealt with sternly  Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) September 5, 2017

Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!"  PTI
New Delhi, September 4

The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday suspended the director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Lucknow over an allegedly "misleading" report that held that the suspicious substance recovered from the state Assembly was highly explosive PETN, an official said.

The state government has initiated a probe in the case.

Director FSL, Shiv Bihari Upadhyay, has been suspended for allegedly giving a wrong, misleading, incomplete and un-confirmed report about the substance recovered in the state Assembly, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said.

"Upadhyay got the substance recovered from the state Assembly examined and in the report it was held to be PETN positive. When the NIA got it tested from CFSL, Hyderabad, it was found to be silicon oxide (Quartz) and not the dangerous explosive," Kumar said.

The "suspicious" substance had been recovered from the UP Assembly on July 12.

Kumar added that Upadhyay had been suspended for allegedly getting the substance tested using an explosive detection kit whose usage date had expired in March 2016 itself.

Another charge against him was that it was tested by a person who was not an expert in the field, he added. Director, Vigilance, Hitesh Awasthi will probe the charges, the official said.

There were also complaints against Upadhyay pertaining to irregularities during his tenure as the acting director of a laboratory in Patna, Bihar, from February 28, 2008 to August 20, 2012, Principal Secretary (Home) Kumar said. PTI

PETN is a dangerous plastic explosive found in black markets belonging to the same family as nitroglycerin. It is popular among militants because its crystals are colourless, making it undetectable.

A packet of the powder weighing 150 gm was found close to the seat of Leader of the Opposition Ram Govind Chaudhary, close the Speakers podium. PTI/Agencies
Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Kotkapura, September 5

A 20-year-old Dalit youth, who had committed suicide on July 10, was traced today even as three farmers have been languishing in jail for the last about two months for the abetment of his suicide.

The youth, Manpreet Singh, and his parents have been detained for concocting the suicide story to settle scores with the three farmers and pocket Rs 4 lakh life insurance claim. The family had even performed antim adras (bhog ceremony) to lend credence to their story.

On July 10, Rachhpal Singh, a quack at Chahal village, complained to the police that his son Manpreet Singh had committed suicide by jumping into the Rajasthan feeder canal as he was being harassed by three upper caste persons of the village.

Following this, the police registered a case against Mandeep Singh, Gursewak Singh and Harjit Singh.

Before they could search the body, the police under pressure from several organisations, who had launched protests, arrested the three accused, who were subsequently sent to jail.

KC Prashar, SHO, Kotkapura Sadar, said following a tip-off, they arrested Manpreet Singh from Lohara village of Nihal Singh Wala sub-division today.

Sources said Manpreet was a good swimmer. He had enacted the drama by jumping into the canal, but swam out to safety at some distance.

They said Manpreet had planned to leave for Kuwait, his frequent phone calls to a married woman, with whom he was in love with, proved his undoing. The SHO said they would take necessary action against Manpreet and his parents.
Ruchika Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 5

The Punjab governments ambitious Ghar Ghar Rozgar Yojana employers meet began at Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali, on Tuesday.

The idea of the meet is to seek feedback from the industry on their requirement for manpower. The government is taking this feedback so that they can frame their policies, especially on skilling youth, according to industry needs.

Industry doyens from the region led by SP Oswal, Rajinder Gupta, Sandeep Jain, among others, and Punjab government ministers led by Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal are present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Manpreet said corruption and unemployment are the biggest enemies of mankind. We are the make generation of Punjab. So we need to rebuild Punjab by creating an economically robust Punjab by working collectively, he told the industrialists present on the occasion.

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Isher Judge Ahluwalia said unemployment is the most challenging problem faced by Punjab. Even as India grew at a robust growth rate, employment was an issue. According to the survey by Labour Bureau, unemployment rate is 16.6 per cent as compared to 10 per cent for India as a whole. Its because economic growth in Punjab has been very slow. Punjab set a benchmark for growth in India, but it missed the bus in 1990s, when it failed to create an enabling environment for attracting private investment and employment, she said.

She said Punjab needed to create enabling environment, infrastructure and world-class cities to attract investment. Development has to be a holistic process. The Ghar Ghar Rozgar is an emergency step. But you (referring to Punjab) need to do much more to attract private investment in thrust areas like textiles and logistics, she said, adding that public-private partnership in infrastructure building would be the ideal way to go ahead in Punjab.

Home-grown IT entrepreneur, Dr PJ Singh, MD of Tynor Orthotics, said the need of the hour is to metamorphose small businesses into big ones. He recommended businesses to try e-commerce, which would help the companies grow.

He also recommended a paradigm shift in education sector, by providing e-education from world-class business schools; he also recommended mentoring of young entrepreneurs and start-ups by big business houses.

Bhavdeep Sardana, who is creating one of the biggest food parks in Phagwara, asked the Punjab government to set up clusters of specific industry; ensure backward and forward linkages for the food processing industry; and encourage contract farming. When the businesses grew, they would also go in for CSR in areas around, he said.

Sandeep Jain, executive director, Monte Carlo, talked of labour shortages and need for promoting homegrown brands.

Krish Iyer, CEO of Walmart India, said retail drove consumption and consumption drove growth. Punjab is a big consumption state, so there is immense scope for growth. He asked the Punjab government to bring a retail policy. GST had created a borderless country. Logistics and warehousing, along with retail, will drive growth, especially in a food-growing state like Punjab. Punjab should continue its focus on ease-of-doing business, he said.

The company has opened five cash and carry stores in the state and planned to open 10 more, including two more in Ludhiana and one in Amritsar.

Sarvjit Singh Samra, who has set up the Capital Small Finance Bank, said he had a policy of recruiting locally available talent. His bank recently graduated from being a local area bank to a small finance bank that had 77 branches. He said he would be adding 30 branches this year, and would be recruiting 3,500 by 2022. The attrition rate in the bank is nil as they recruit local youth, he said.
Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, September 5

Chances of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahims close aide Honeypreet Insan crossing over to Nepal from Lakhimpur Kheri appear to have dimmed as the car bearing a Punjab number parked near the border is registered in the name of a Ludhiana businessman.

According to Gaurifanta police station Inspector DC Mishra, barely 3 kilometres from the Nepal border, the white Skoda car bearing Punjab registration number PB 08BC 2525 belonged to Ludhiana businessman Jaswinder Singh who has crossed over to Nepal reportedly to pay obeisance at the Pashupati Nath temple.

Mishra said a Haryana Police sub inspector and constable had come to the district on Monday to check out an input that Honeypreet might have crossed over to Nepal from this area.

He admitted that the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) police post, barely 3 kilometres away, from where people cross over to Nepal, has no CCTV camera to check if she had indeed crossed over.

However, he said the police post is fully equipped for screening, frisking and has a dog squad. It is manned by customs, SSB, IB, and UP Police personnel, he said.

I accompanied the Haryana Police personnel to the Nepal side and alerted the security personnel there about the likelihood of the suspect crossing over, he said.

According to the police visitors parking their cars near the border and leaving for Nepal for a short visit is nothing unusual.

Haryana Police have requested us to fully verify the credentials of the car owner once he returns, he said.

After not finding any leads the Haryana Police team has returned.

Honeypreet, said to be the adopted daughter of Ram Rahim, is one of his closest aides. She was spotted accompanying him to the CBI court on the day of his conviction.

His conviction in a rape case saw a complete breakdown of law and order when his followers indulged in violence, which led to around 40 deaths across Haryana.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 5

The state government will soon hold talks with the Centre for finalising the stretch of the 73-km long Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh metro rail network. This was stated by Urban Development Minister Madan Kaushik while speaking to mediapersons here today.

He said the Cabinet would decide on the immediacy of the project and hold discussions with the Centre.

The project would be completed in two phases. In the first phase, metro track would be constructed from Haridwar to Rishikesh, while in the second phase, work to build metro track from Nepali Farm to Dehradun ISBT would be taken up.

The minister said the state government had already appointed project director and signed up with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for preparing the detailed project reports.

He rejected the Oppositions claim that the state was not getting support from the Centre. There is no dearth of funds. We were able to convince the Centre to enhance the assistance given for the construction of toilets in both the urban and rural areas to Rs 11,500. The Centre has sanctioned construction of one lakh houses under the housing project, he said.

Earlier, the minister took up the complaints during janta darbar at the BJP office.

He instructed the officials to take up the complaints on civic issues on priority basis.

We will soon hold district level janta durbars for our ministers, so that people can lodge complaints at the lowest level, he said.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 5

Uttarakhand Governor Dr KK Paul awarded Governors Teachers Award to 28 recipients at a function held at Raj Bhawan on the occasion of Teachers Day today. Those felicitated included a teacher from primary and secondary school at the district level, along with two Sanskrit teachers at the state level.

They were honoured for their contribution towards innovation, good exam results, environment conservation and cleanliness. The teachers were given Rs 10,000 each, along with a set of four books comprising Mahatma Gandhis My Experiments with Truth, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus Discovery of India, and former President Dr S Radhakrishnans Living with a Purpose and a compilation on PM Narendra Modis Mann ki Baat.

The awards were instituted by Governor Dr KK Paul in 2015 with the objective of publicly recognising performance of teachers and encouraging them to work for better.

Paying tributes to former president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the Governor said he was a great philosopher and a statesman. After Swami Vivekananda, he was the second Indian to have spread Indian culture and philosophy in the world, he said. Greeting teachers on the occasion of Teachers day, he said every teacher should make an effort to become a guru, who would impart not just education but true knowledge and wisdom.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) A 1,300-km undersea pipeline from Iran, avoiding Pakistani waters, can bring natural gas from the Persian Gulf to India at rates less than the price of LNG available in the spot market, proponents of the pipeline said today.

Releasing a study on the Iran-India gas pipeline, former oil secretary T N R Rao said natural gas imported through the over USD 4 billion line would cost USD 5-5.50 per million British thermal unit at the Indian coast, cheaper than the rate at which some of the domestic fields supply gas.

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Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported through ships costs about USD 7.50 per mmBtu.

Rao, who is the chairman of the advisory board of South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt Ltd (SAGE) - the firm wanting to lay the undersea line - said the pipeline can first travel to Oman, and then onwards to Porbandar in Gujarat.

"The cost of landed gas through an undersea pipeline will be at least USD 2 cheaper than importing LNG, saving about USD 1 billion annually," the study said.

SAGE wants the government to support the pipeline and help buyers enter into contract.

The pipeline is planned to carry 31.5 million standard cubic meters gas per day and will be built in two years from the date of necessary approvals and a gas sale and purchase agreement (GSPA) being signed.

The subsea pipeline is being seen as an alternative to the onland Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline. New Delhi has not been participating in talks on the 1,036-km Iran-Pakistan- India gas pipeline since 2007 citing security and commercial concerns but has never officially pulled out of the USD 7.6 billion project.

Under the proposal being discussed, SAGE will lay the 1,300-km pipeline bypassing the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. Any company wanting to buy gas from Iran can use the pipeline for rent, its Director Subhodh Kumar Jain said.

"SAGE will not be buying gas from Iran. It will lead an international consortium for building the pipeline," he said.

Chabahar port or Kuh-e-Mubarak could serve as the origin of the pipeline that may terminate near Porbandar in Gujarat. It can then be connected to Indias national gas grid.

Rao said gas from other nations can also be sourced through the pipeline.

Turkmenistan has a pipeline supplying gas to Iran in the north. Iran can use the Turkmen gas for its own use and supply and equivalent volumes to India from its offshore fields, he said.

Also, gas from Qatar can be pumped into the proposed pipeline.

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Jain said fertiliser and power sector can be main users of the Iranian gas. "Landed price of gas in India would be competitive to spot LNG price," he said. PTI ANZ ANU

--- ENDS ---
Nay Pyi Taw, September 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had a wonderful meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the historical relationship between the two neighbours.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit. Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw, Modi tweeted along with some pictures of the meeting.

He also presented the Myanmar President a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the Salween river (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two-nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi. Act East and Neighbourhood First Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship, he said in a tweet. The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The Prime Ministers visit comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmars State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow. He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian Government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingya are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit. The Myanmarese President and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states, including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.  PTI
London, September 5

British Hindu and Sikh groups on Tuesday came out in support of an opposition Labour party lawmaker who had to resign from the UK shadow cabinet for writing against Pakistani-origin men sexually exploiting vulnerable white girls.

Sarah Champion had been asked to quit as the shadow equalities minister by party leader Jeremy Corbyn last month after she wrote a newspaper column in wake of 17 men, mostly of Pakistani-origin, being convicted in Newcastle of 90 sex and drug offences including rape, sexual activity with a child, conspiracy to incite prostitution and child trafficking.

We commend Sarah Champion and the Muslim councillor Amina Lone for speaking up on a clear trend in criminality: the conviction of men of largely Pakistani Muslim heritage in sexual-grooming cases, reads a joint letter by Hindu Council UK and Network of Sikh Organisations published in The Times.

Besides the representative bodies for hundreds of Hindu and Sikh organisations in the UK, the letter is also co-signed by the British Pakistani Christian Association.

We are not willing to see the betrayal of victims, who are being sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. Its not racist or Islamophobic to raise a matter of significant public concern, their letter notes.

Champion had written in an article in the The Sun last month: Britain has a problem with British Pakistani men raping and exploiting white girls. There. I said it. Does that make me a racist? Or am I just prepared to call out this horrifying problem for what it is?

She later apologised for an extremely poor choice of words and quit her role as shadow secretary for women and equalities. A shadow minister in the UK is a member of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power.

Amina Lone later claimed she was rebuked by the party leadership for speaking out on her behalf.

The letter argues that it was not just white girls who fall victim to grooming gangs, but youngsters from their respective communities.

The common denominator is that victims almost always tend to be non-Muslim girls. We are dismayed by the Labour leaderships weak response, it says.

A series of trials have come to a conclusion this year in wake of the Jay Report on child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, northern England, in 2014.

Professor Alexis Jays report had found that more than 1,400 children had been groomed, trafficked and raped in the town over a 16-year period.

Similar cases of grooming, involving a majority of Pakistani-origin men, have also come to light in other regions of England, including Newcastle.  PTI
Xiamen, September 5

President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that emerging market economies and developing countries had become the main engine of world economic growth, as he announced that China would provide USD 500 million to help such nations.

Xi made the announcement at a meeting in which leaders of the five BRICS countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and heads of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand took part. It was held on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit under Chinas BRICS Plus initiative.

I wish to announce that China will provide USD 500 million for assistance fund for South-South Cooperation, Xi said addressing the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries here.

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The money will be used to help fellow developing countries to tackle famine, refugees, climate change, public health and other challenges, he said.

The purpose of inviting some representatives of developing countries from different regions to this dialogue is to foster a broad network for developing partnerships and build a community of common development and a shared future, Xi said.

The Chinese President called for stronger solidarity and cooperation among emerging market economies and developing countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He said efforts should be made to enhance the representation and voice of emerging market economies and developing countries in the global economic governance.

Xi said the emerging market economies and developing countries had become the main engine of world economic growth.

In his address, Xi also spoke about his Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of which the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part. India has protested to China about the CPEC as it passes through PoK.

India had also boycotted the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) which was organised by China in May this year in support of the BRI. India, however, is part of the Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor, which is also part of the BRI.

Speaking at length about the initiative, which is widely seen as an attempt by Beijing to firm up its influence with a vast network of roads, rails and port infrastructure, Xi said China would also provide 40,000 training opportunities for the developing countries in China in the coming years.

Four years ago, I put forward the idea of Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The initiative received warm response from the international community, Xi said.

In May this year, China hosted a successful Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Together with the participating countries and international organisations we outlined vision under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and proposed concrete measures along the BRI in pursuing sustainable development, he said.

It was widely agreed that the philosophy and vision of the BRI and its focus on policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity had much in common with the 2030 agenda for the sustainable development and the two could complement very well each other, Xi said.

The BRI is much a part of cooperation as much as one of hope and mutual benefit. As a follow-up to the BRF, China will develop cooperation with interested countries in infrastructure connectivity, production capacity and technological innovation and other fields, he said. Emerging markets and developing countries represented the future of the world development, Xi asserted.

It is our duty to promote international cooperation on development and implement sustainable development agenda. Let us work together to blaze a new path of development that is fair, open, comprehensive and innovative, he said.

The BRICS Plus arrangement floated by China was part of a tradition being followed by the five-member BRICS grouping in which the host country invites nations of their choice to take part in the dialogue with the BRICS leaders.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had told the media recently that the five countries that are taking part in the dialogue are not permanent invitees but only participating in the meeting for this Summit.

He compared their presence to Indias invitation to BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) leaders for last years Goa Summit. PTI
Tokyo, September 5

India and Japan today resolved to further strengthen military cooperation as the two countries held wide-ranging talks on bilateral defence and security ties amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the powerful nuclear test by North Korea.

A range of bilateral and regional issues relating to security and defence were deliberated at length during talks between Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera here, officials said. Jaitley also called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed ways to deepening defence and security co-operation.

In the meeting, Jaitley conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modis greetings to Abe, Indian envoy to Japan Sujan Chinoy said.

The annual Indo-Japan Ministerial Defence dialogue took place at a time when tension was mounting in the region due to North Koreas nuclear pursuits and Chinas growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.  PTI
SHAMLAPUR (Bangladesh)/DHAKA, September 5

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi came under more pressure on Tuesday from countries with Muslim populations to halt violence against Rohingya Muslims that has sent nearly 125,000 of them fleeing over the border to Bangladesh in just over 10 days.

Reuters reporters saw hundreds more exhausted Rohingya arriving on boats near the Bangladeshi border village of Shamlapur on Tuesday, suggesting the exodus was far from over.

Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi, in Dhaka to discuss aid for the fleeing Rohingya, met her Bangladeshi counterpart, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, a day after urging Suu Kyi and Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing to halt the bloodshed.

"The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term," Retno said after her meetings in the Myanmar capital.

The latest violence in Myanmar's northwestern Rakhine state began on August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

The treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmar's roughly 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing Suu Kyi, who has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against "terrorists" responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blamed Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths but rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force them out with a campaign of arson and killings.

"Indonesia is taking the lead, and ultimately there is a possibility of ASEAN countries joining in," H.T. Imam, a political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters.

He was referring to the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations that includes both Myanmar and Indonesia.

"If we can keep the pressure on Myanmar from ASEAN, from India as well, that will be good ... If the international conscience is awakened, that would put pressure on Myanmar." Malaysia, another ASEAN member, summoned Myanmar's ambassador to express displeasure over the violence and scolded Myanmar for making "little, if any" progress on the problem.

"Malaysia believes that the matter of sustained violence and discrimination against the Rohingyas should be elevated to a higher international forum," Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said in a statement.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has said the violence against Rohingya Muslims constituted genocide, told Suu Kyi the violence was of deep concern to the Muslim world, and he was sending his foreign minister to Bangladesh.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to Myanmar on Tuesday, during which he will meet top officials, including Suu Kyi.

Pakistan, home to a large Rohingya community, has expressed "deep anguish".

Full camp

The latest estimate of the numbers who have crossed into Bangladesh since August 25, based on calculations by UN workers, is 123,600.

That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October, when Rohingya insurgents staged smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counteroffensive and sending about 87,000 people fleeing into Bangladesh.

Refugees arriving in Shamlapur, and residents of the village, said hundreds of boats had arrived on Monday and Tuesday with several thousand people.

Reuters reporters saw men, women, children and a few possessions, including chickens, disembark from one boat.

"The army set fire to houses," said Salim Ullah, 28, a farmer from Myanmar's village of Kyauk Pan Du, gripping a sack of belongings. "We got on the boat at daybreak. I came with my mother, wife and two children. There were 40 people on the boat, including 25 women."

The new arrivals  many sick or wounded  have strained the resources of aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.

Vivian Tan, a spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said one camp in Bangladesh, Kutupalong, had reached "full capacity" and resources at others were being stretched.

"We are doing what we can, but will need to seek more resources," Tan said.

Bangladesh is concerned about Myanmar army activity on the border and would lodge a complaint if Bangladeshi territory was violated, an interior ministry official said.

A Bangladesh border guard officer said two blasts were heard on Tuesday on the Myanmar side, after two on Monday fuelled speculation Myanmar forces had laid land mines.

One boy had his left leg blown off near a border crossing before being brought to Bangladesh for treatment, while another boy suffered minor injuries, the officer, Manzurul Hassan Khan, said, adding the blast could have been a mine explosion.

The Myanmar army has not commented on the blasts near the border but said in a statement on Tuesday Rohingya insurgents were planning bomb attacks in Myanmar cities including the capital, Naypyitaw, Yangon and Mandalay to "attract more attention from the world".  Reuters
Seoul/United Nations, September 5

South Korea said on Tuesday an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threat after Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test two days ago.

South Korean officials believe more provocation from the reclusive state is possible, despite international outrage over Sunday's test and calls for more sanctions on North Korea.

South Korea's Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported on Tuesday that North Korea had been spotted moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the report said.

South Korea's defence ministry, which warned on Monday that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

North Korea tested two ICBMs in July that could fly about 10,000 km (6,200 miles), putting many parts of the US mainland within range and prompting a new round of international sanctions against Pyongyang.

On Monday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war" and urged the 15-member UN Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

US President Donald Trump held calls with foreign leaders on Monday, including South Korean President Moon Jae-in and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the White House declared that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table".

South Korea is talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences in the meantime.

Moon and Trump agreed on Monday to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles, South Korea's presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of a military conflict. The White House said Trump gave "in-principle approval" to the move.

"We believe the unlimited warhead payload will be useful in responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told a briefing on Tuesday.

Under the current guidelines, last changed in 2012, South Korea can develop missiles up to a range of 800 km (500 miles) with a maximum payload of 500 kg (1,102 pounds) South Korea's navy also held more drills on Tuesday.

"Today's training is being held to prepare for maritime North Korean provocations, inspect our navy's readiness and to reaffirm our will to punish the enemy," an unidentified South Korean naval officer told the same Defence Ministry briefing.

"Patience not unlimited"

Speaking at the United Nations, Haley said the United States would circulate a new Security Council resolution on North Korea this week and wanted a vote on it on Monday.

"War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory," Haley said.

China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, and Russia called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," said Liu Jieyi, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, urging North Korea to stop taking actions that were "wrong" and not in its own interests.

Russia said peace in the region was in jeopardy.

"Sanctions alone will not help solve the issue," Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said.

North Korea has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes. Typically, China and Russia only view a test of a long-range missile or a nuclear weapon as a trigger for further possible UN sanctions.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned of a "massive" military response if the United States or its allies were threatened in the wake of Sunday's test. Pyongyang said it had successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, something experts believe it has now achieved or is very close to achieving.

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Trump has previously vowed to stop North Korea developing nuclear weapons and said he would unleash "fire and fury" if it threatened US territory.

Despite the tough talk, the immediate focus of the international response was on tougher economic sanctions.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could now consider banning North Korean textile exports and its national airline, stop supplies of oil to the government and military, prevent North Koreans from working abroad and add top officials to a blacklist to subject them to an asset freeze and travel ban.

The sanctions imposed after July's missile tests aimed to slash Pyongyang's $3 billion annual export revenue by a third by banning exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood. Reuters
San Juan, September 5

Officials across the northeastern Caribbean cancelled airline flights, shuttered schools and urged people to hunker down indoors as Hurricane Irma barreled toward the region as a powerful Category 4 storm expected to strengthen more before nearing land late today.

States of emergency were declared in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and all of Florida while people on various Caribbean islands boarded up homes and rushed to find last- minute supplies, forming long lines outside supermarkets and gas stations.

Puerto Rico, home to about 3.4 million people, has 456 emergency shelters prepared to house up to 62,100 people. Puerto Rico also froze prices on basic necessities, including food and water, medicines, power generators and batteries, to help residents prepare. Irmas maximum sustained winds increased to near 240 kph early today, the US National Hurricane Center said. It was centered about 515 k east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 22 kph.

Authorities warned that the storm could dump up to 25 cm of rain, cause landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 7 meters.

The storms centre was expected to move near or over the northern Leeward Islands late today and early tomorrow, the hurricane center said. Residents on the US East Coast were urged to monitor the storms progress in case it should turn northward toward Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas.

In the Caribbean, hurricane warnings were issued for 12 island groups, including the British Virgin Islands, where the governor urged people to evacuate the tiny island of Anegada if they could ahead of the storm.  AP
Seoul, September 5

South Korea said on Tuesday an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threat after it conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test two days ago.

South Korean officials believe more weapons tests by the reclusive state are possible, despite international outrage over Sundays nuclear test and calls for more sanctions against it.

South Koreas Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported that North Korea had been observed moving a rocket that appeared to be an (ICBM) towards its west coast. The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the newspaper said.

South Koreas defence ministry, which warned on Monday that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said it was not able to confirm the report.

Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around September 9, when it celebrates its founding day. North Koreas fifth nuclear test fell on that date last year, reflecting its tendency to conduct weapons tests on significant dates.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as US aggression. South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences.

US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles, South Koreas presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war. The White House said Trump gave in-principle approval to the move.

The US and South Korea signed a pact in 1979, a year after the South successfully tested a ballistic missile, with Washington expressing the need for limits on ballistic missile capability over concern that tests could undermine regional security.

Under current guidelines, last changed in 2012, South Korea can develop missiles up to a range of 800 km with a maximum payload of 500 kg. Most of North Koreas missiles are designed to carry payloads of 100-1,000 kg (220-2,205 lb), according to Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a US-based think thank.  Reuters
The organisers of the event have been informed verbally about the cancellation of the booking for the auditorium, which is owned by the West Bengal government.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was to speak at the event in Kolkata. Photo: PTI.

By Manogya Loiwal : A Kolkata auditorium has cancelled the booking for an event where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat was slated to deliver a speech.

The organisers of the event have been informed verbally about the cancellation of the booking for the auditorium, which is owned by the West Bengal government.

The authorities at Mahajati Sadan, a prominent auditorium in Kolkata, have cancelled the booking for the event which was scheduled for October. At the event, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was expected to deliver a speech.

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In January this year, Kolkata Police had denied permission for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's rally in the city. The Kolkata Police cited "the interest of general security and public order" for denying permission to the RSS. The Calcutta High Court, however, allowed Mohan Bhagwat to hold the rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, dealing a blow to Mamata Banerjee.

The booking receipt for the event at Mahajati Sadan.

In December 2014, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) rally at the parade ground in Kolkata was denied permission by the state police. Mohan Bhagwat was scheduled to speak at the event. The high court, however, gave the nod to the VHP rally where the RSS chief defended the Ghar Wapasi programme.

Just a month before the VHP rally, the Mamata Banerjee government blocked a political rally of the BJP where party chief Amit Shah was slated to deliver a public address. After Kolkata Police denied permission for the rally, the BJP moved the Calcutta High Court which gave a go-ahead to the rally. Amit Shah addressed the rally and launched an attack on the Mamata Banerjee government.

Mamata Banerjee has been one of the most vocal and sharpest critics of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. She took to the streets to protest against the Modi government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes in November last year.

The Trinamool Congress chief was also critical of the Centre's much-hyped Goods and Services Tax rollout on July 1. Her party boycotted the special midnight session for GST rollout, calling the launch "ill-planned" and and an "epic blunder like demonetisation".

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Mamata government-owned auditorium cancels Mohan Bhagwat event in Kolkata

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NORMAN  Campus life is the good life for 600 upperclassmen who moved into the first residential colleges at the University of Oklahoma this month.

The stately and elegant Headington College and Dunham College opened this semester with spacious dining halls, made-to-order food options, private courtyards, game rooms, comfortable lounges and libraries filled with books and artwork on loan from the campus museum.

The amenities are not intended to pamper students but to increase their academic achievement by enticing them to spend more time on campus interacting with faculty and fellow students.

Im really excited, said senior J.D. Baker, one of the resident mentors living in Headington College. Its about cultivating academic excellence in a residential setting.
The Arkansas Rivers flow was swift as Oklahomans launched their hundreds of vessels  some of unproven construction  Monday morning.

The vessels, as teams pushed them into the water, were quickly swept away and out onto the river channel from the Sand Springs launch site of Tulsas Great Raft Race. The event was open to all comers, with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inflatable rafts and homemade rafts acceptable options.

One participant, Steve Daley, said a main attraction of the event is the view of downtown Tulsas skyline as rafters float along.

Another part of the fun was watching floaters try to dodge water balloons thrown from the several bridges under which they passed and the skirmishes with water guns and cannons shot from vessel to vessel and vessel to land.

The bridge people is what I call them, Daley said of those who watched from vantage points above the water. Theyre going down this year.

Daleys Team America vessel was one of dozens that launched Monday morning.

Mondays race was the third since the events modern-day revival. Originally launched in 1973, the Great Raft Race, an annual Labor Day event, attracted 600 rafts, 4,500 participants and 150,000 spectators to the Arkansas River banks at its peak. It then took a 25-year hiatus before resuming in 2015.

The first year, the race was 11 miles long, but it was shortened to 9.3 miles in 1974. After construction of Tulsas low-water dam, the race was cut to about 8 miles, stretching from River City Park in Sand Springs to the 21st Street Bridge in Tulsa.

All told, about 1,400 people made the 8-mile voyage down the Arkansas River on Monday, said Daniel Regan, co-founder of Tulsas Great Raft Race.

Regan said the third race since the Tulsa tradition was revived had the most participants.

The race, he said, helps showcase the natural assets in our community.

He also noted the creativity of the rafts.

The people out here are regular working-class people that get the chance to do something creative, said Regan.

Some rafts were more imaginative than others. KKT Architects, for example, pedaled their craft down the river using paddle wheels.

The craft of the Tulsa Worlds team  called the Berkshire Castaways for the newspapers corporate owner, Berkshire Hathaway  could only be described as a back porch on top of six rain barrels.

Rain barrels as flotation devices were ubiquitous at Tulsas Great Raft Race. Most rafts  not the Worlds  had a canopy to block the sun.

Participants ran the gamut of industry from utilities, such as Public Service Company of Oklahoma, to energy, such as Matrix Service Co.

The public sector was represented, as well. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and some city staff members had a raft that touted Route 66.

All in fun, speckled among the revelers on Mondays float trip were some rubber ducks. Dale Cuckler said the rubber ducky icon was a throwback.

In the 70s, back when we first moved to Tulsa, they would take a dump truck full of rubber duckies, dump it in the river, and the ducks would float down the river along with the rafts, he said.

Cucklers and his wifes crafts were yellow kayaks with, among other items, rubber duckies affixed to them. Cuckler opted for a kayak to make it from Sand Springs to Tulsas River West Festival Park in time to pilot a T-6 trainer aircraft later Monday, taking his day from the river to the sky.

The voyage ended at River West Festival Park, where food trucks, music and a sand castle contest awaited.

The small village of sand castles that resulted is one of the things that race director Seth Erkenbeck said has made the event a Labor Day staple.
By PTI: Berlin, Sep 5 (PTI) Women during the early Stone Age and Bronze Age travelled from home villages to start families, spread culture, ideas and knowledge around Europe while men stayed at home, a study has found.

At the end of the Stone Age and in the early Bronze Age, families were established in a surprising manner in Germany, researchers said.

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The majority of women came from outside the area, probably from Bohemia or Central Germany, while men usually remained in the region of their birth.

This so-called patrilocal pattern combined with individual female mobility was not a temporary phenomenon, but persisted over a period of 800 years during the transition from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, they said.

"Individual mobility was a major feature characterising the lives of people in Central Europe even in the 3rd and early 2nd millennium," said Philipp Stockhammer from Ludwig- Maximilian University of Munich in Germany.

Researchers suspect that it played a significant role in the exchange of cultural objects and ideas, which increased considerably in the Bronze Age, in turn promoting the development of new technologies.

They found that the settlements were located along a fertile loess ridge in the middle of the Lech valley. Larger villages did not exist in the Lechtal at this time.

"We see a great diversity of different female lineages, which would occur if over time many women relocated to the Lech Valley from somewhere else," said Alissa Mittnik of Max Planck Institute in Germany.

"Based on analysis of strontium isotope ratios in molars, which allows us to draw conclusions about the origin of people, we were able to ascertain that the majority of women did not originate from the region," said Mittnik.

Researchers also found that the burials of the women did not differ from that of the native population, indicating that the formerly foreign women were integrated into the local community.

"It appears that at least part of what was previously believed to be migration by groups is based on an institutionalised form of individual mobility," Stockhammer added.

The team examined the remains of 84 individuals using genetic and isotope analyses in conjunction with archaeological evaluations.

The individuals were buried between 2500-1650 BC in cemeteries that belonged to individual homesteads, and that contained between one and several dozen burials made over a period of several generations.

The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. PTI APA MHN MHN

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A Tulsa minister and his team came face to face with gun-wielding militants on a recent trip to the Middle East to help the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq set up a safe haven for Christians and other minorities.

Terry Law, founder of Tulsa-based World Compassion, said about 80 to 100 shots were fired into the air during the encounter and that three members of the Kurdish military escort protecting him and his team were beaten and hospitalized.

Laws son, Jason Law, president of World Compassion, also was on the trip.

The incident happened Aug. 21 when the team of 13 U.S., Canadian and British ministers tried to cross a border from Kurdistan into an area called the Nineveh Plains, a region that is home to Christians, Terry Law said.

Kurdistan is a semi-autonomous region of northern Iraq. Most Kurds are Muslims of Persian, not Arab, descent.

Law said the militants, later identified by Kurdish officials as members of an Iranian militia, surrounded their convoy of six vehicles, brandishing weapons and beating on the cars.

The convoy turned around to head back to Erbil, the Kurdistan capital, but was again blocked by militants who were shouting at them and shooting into the air.

The militants dispersed and let them pass after a man in military attire showed up and ordered them to stand down, Law said.

It was a very long hour, he said, adding that it was one of the most dangerous encounters he has had in nearly 50 years of overseas ministry.

Law said the team was invited to Kurdistan by Karim Sinjari, the minister of the interior and minister of defense of the Kurdistan Regional Government, on the eve of an election in which the people of Kurdistan will vote on whether to become independent of Iraq.

The region already has its own military and government.

He said his team was asked to connect with the Christian population in Kurdistan to assess their needs and to work with the government to develop a constitution that will guarantee freedom of religion for all minorities and to provide a safe haven for Christians in the Middle East.

The Kurdish referendum for independence is scheduled for Sept. 25.

The United States has long supported a unified Iraq, the so-called One Iraq policy.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has asked the Kurds to postpone the vote for independence over concerns that the election could interfere with the fight against the ISIS terrorist group and could anger Turkey and other neighboring nations.

Kurdish leaders have said the election will go on as planned.

Law said the Rev. Mike Hayes, who is on President Donald Trumps evangelical advisory board, was on the trip but not at the border incident.

He said Hayes, a Dallas pastor, will go back to the board with the teams recommendation that the United States abandon its One Iraq policy and support independence for Kurdistan. If the board adopts the proposal, it will recommend that to Trump.

Law said the Christian population of Iraq was 1.6 million in 2003 and is now under 300,000.

If the trend continues, he said, Christianity will disappear from the Middle East, where it began.

We want to create a safe haven for Christians in the Middle East. Its never been done before, he said.
In October of last year, a 2-month-old infant from Kiowa County died after co-sleeping with her parents.

Her mother woke up to find her fathers arm partially obscuring her face, according to an autopsy report, which attributed her death to probable asphyxiation due to overlay.

In May of last year, a 6-month-old Tulsa County infant died from suffocation after co-sleeping with an adult and a sibling on an adult bed. The baby was found unresponsive between the mattress and wall with his face in a pillow.

Three months earlier, a 5-month-old Oklahoma City infant was found dead in her crib with her 1-year-old sibling lying on top of her.

Despite more than two decades of national and state safe-sleep campaigns, unsafe sleeping practices are playing a significant role in dozens of infant deaths across Oklahoma each year.

An Oklahoma Watch review of autopsy reports from 2014 to 2016 found that 149 children under age 1, or around 50 a year, died in circumstances in which co-sleeping, sleeping in unsafe sleep environments, or both, were involved or suspected at the time of their deaths.

The deaths comprised about 12 percent of all infant deaths in the state during the three years, but they made up 64 percent of cases in which autopsies were performed. The infant deaths, many of which appear to have been preventable, contributed to Oklahomas relatively high infant mortality rate.

Co-sleeping is when infants sleep in beds or on couches or other surfaces with adults or other children. Unsafe sleep environments include couches, adult beds, cribs, bassinets or playpens that contain items that raise the likelihood of suffocation, such as stuffed animals, pillows or blankets. Swings and car seats also can be dangerous.

State data suggests that many mothers in the state co-sleep with their infant children. A 2014 Oklahoma State Health Department report, based on earlier survey data, found that nearly 75 percent of mothers reported co-sleeping at least some of the time. (The analysis looked only at first-time mothers who breast-fed for at least eight weeks; the purpose was to reduce potential bias from previous experiences.)

Thats a major issue, and  most people feel like theyre being nurturing by sleeping with their infant, not realizing that its really dangerous, said Joyce Marshall, director of maternal and child health services for the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Along with maternal tobacco use, unsafe sleep is a significant issue in infant mortality, said Kelli McNeal, who oversees maternal and child health outreach and fetal and infant mortality review for the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

We know babies should be placed on their back to sleep, but there are a lot of other issues surrounding infant safe sleep that people just arent aware of, like what the crib should look like, the fact that infants really should be  hopefully room-sharing with parents that first year, McNeal said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against co-sleeping, which is associated with increased risks of suffocation, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is a catchall term that includes SIDS, accidental suffocation and strangulation and deaths due to unknown causes.

Despite the warnings, many parents and some health experts argue that co-sleeping in a bed with an infant can be done safely and promotes breastfeeding and mother-child bonding.

An Invisible Toll





Pathologists for the state medical examiner rarely list co-sleeping or unsafe sleep practices as the cause of death in their reports. Instead they often cite Sudden Unexplained Infant Death, asphyxia, an illness such as bronchitis or undetermined.

The references to sleeping are noted as other medical conditions or a contributing factor. But in many cases the reports details are stark and chilling.

A 7-month-old Pushmataha County boy is found dead lying face down in a crib with blankets, a bumper pad, a stuffed animal, clothes and pacifiers  which pose risks of suffocation.

A 3-month-old child in Choctaw County dies after co-sleeping with two adults and two older children in an adult bed.

A 7-month-old Tulsa County infant with a respiratory illness dies while co-sleeping on her stomach with her father on a couch.

Some deaths involve suspected use of drugs or neglect or mistreatment by a parent.

But many reflect the risk of what seem to be simple loving gestures on the part of parents, who perhaps are tired or become careless in seeking warmth for, or closeness with, their children. Others may not even know whats safe or what isnt.

Many of the families whose children died live in lower-income areas, often in apartments, autopsy reports show. Two infants died while sleeping in day care centers  one in a carrier, the other lying prone.

The average age of death for the 149 children was a little over 4 months.

Infant deaths are rarely reported in the news media, making the problem of co-sleeping an invisible one.

A Public Health Concern





Encouraging safe sleep remains an active public health campaign.

The Oklahoma Child Death Review Board recommended last year that all hospitals that deliver babies educate families on safe sleeping practices after a birth. In 2015, the board, which reviews all child deaths in the state, studied 112 deaths over multiple years related to unsafe sleep environments.

I think people, really most Oklahomans, want their baby to be safe, but its hard getting the message out and understanding what is safe for a baby and what is not, because some of those recommendations have changed over the years, Marshall said.

Until a few decades ago, doctors and other medical professionals told parents to place their babies on their stomachs to sleep. Then in the early 1990s, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that caregivers place infants on their backs instead, which led to a dramatic decrease in SIDS cases. The national SIDS rate has continued to decline, in part because deaths that had been reported as SIDS began to be recorded as accidental suffocation or having an unknown cause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Co-Sleeping Advocates





Alora Brinkley, a Yukon mother of five, briefly became the unwitting public face of co-sleeping earlier this year after a Facebook post of her lying next to her infant daughter and 2-year-old son went viral and made international news.

Her husband, David Brinkley, took the picture and posted it on the social media site, praising his wife for being a loving mother. Soon anti-co-sleeping commenters criticized or scorned the couple, telling them they were terrible parents or should have their children taken away.

Parent shaming is what Alora Brinkley calls it. We literally live in a world where you cant love your kids too much, you cant hug them too much, you cant discipline them too much.

She said she supports mothers decisions about co-sleeping and expects them to support hers. Even among her moms group, no one agrees on every parenting choice the others make, she said.

The Brinkleys began co-sleeping when they had their fourth child. They didnt want to miss out on what they felt was a meaningful parenting experience. When they had their fifth, co-sleeping was a given.

Brinkley said she researched co-sleeping extensively and spoke to her pediatrician, who encouraged her to use a co-sleeping bed. Sweeping prohibitions against co-sleeping dont take into account individual parents needs, Brinkley said.

I just dont think that there can be any logical science behind it necessarily, because every situation is different.  I think we over-research everything, she said.

Brinkley, who is Vietnamese, said co-sleeping is common in countries such as Vietnam. Multiple families often live under the same roof, so theres no room to spare, she said.

People have been doing it since the caveman era, she said.

Many other parents and some health experts believe co-sleeping is beneficial and can be done safely. But top state and local health officials and the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree, saying all co-sleeping is dangerous. Even secure sleepers for adult beds are not recommended because research on their safety is lacking. Instead, experts recommend room-sharing.

Its not safe to ever sleep with your infant, said McNeal, of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. I think theres a lot of misunderstanding about that. Of course, we want you to be close to your baby. Of course, we want you to breastfeed your baby, but then we really want you to have them in their own sleep space. That allows you to sleep better and ultimately allows them to sleep better.

For some families, the issue is money: They cant afford a crib or cribs.

The state health department began a pilot program in 2015 to provide portable cribs and sleep sacks, a wearable blanket similar to a sleeping bag, to new parents who are lower income. In its first year, the program gave away 364 cribs, Marshall said.

The need has been significantly higher than realized, she said.

The program, funded with a $45,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, led to a 30 percent drop in co-sleeping from January 2016 to February 2017, surveys show. The program ended in April, but the state obtained federal block grant funds to continue the project, which is ongoing.
When someone serving time in prison is finally found to be not guilty of the crime of which he was sentenced, we all can breathe a sigh of relief that the U.S. justice system, although flawed, worked. When that same justice system works as it should and is flouted, there ought to be a collective shudder.

Such is the case with former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He was fairly convicted at a bench hearing of criminal contempt of court. Arpaio, by his own admission, deliberately ignored a federal judges order to stop detaining people solely because they were suspected of being undocumented aliens. The judge also ordered sweeping changes in the sheriffs department.

Arpaio, however, has friends in high places. Very high places. Like the White House.

Arpaio was an ardent supporter of President Trump before Trump was elected. They both have things in common. Like, misrepresenting and abusing people of color, especially Hispanics. They both were leaders in the birther movement, that group of loonies who claimed that President Obama was not an American citizen.

Long before Trump kicked off his campaign for president by calling Hispanic rapists and murderers and vowing to build a wall to keep such unsavory people out, Arpaio was rounding up anyone he thought looked Hispanic and throwing them into his jail.

His jail often was a tent city, outdoors in the suffering heat of Arizona where the temperature often reached 120 degrees. He proudly once called those makeshift jails concentration camps. He delighted in humiliating his prisoners by making them wear pink underwear.

In 2008, the Justice Department of President George W. Bush began an investigation into Arpaios policing practices. That probe followed a 2007 class-action lawsuit by Hispanic plaintiffs who said that Arpaios deputies discriminated against Latinos in traffic stops. In 2011, U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow, a George W. Bush appointee, ordered the sheriffs department to stop detaining people solely because they were suspected of being undocumented. Snow was considered a very conservative jurist.

Nevertheless, Arpaio ignored the judges order. In 2013, he said on PBS NewsHour, Im still going to do what Im doing. Im still going to arrest illegal aliens coming into this country. In 2015, Snow found Arpaio in civil contempt of court. Arpaio said that his violation was unintentional and that the order was unclear. That sure conflicts with what he had been saying to the media. And anyone who looked at the order, other than Arpaio evidently, would find it very clear.

It all came to a head in 2016. Arpaio was in a close race for re-election. The Justice Department announced, on the eve of early voting in the election, that it would charge Arpaio with criminal contempt of court. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, would hear the case. Bolton was recommended for appointment to Clinton by then-Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, who was regarded as one of the countrys most conservative senators.

Arpaio lost the election. He, of course, blamed it on a liberal Justice Department. But his popularity had been dwindling in Maricopa County. In fact, most of his campaign money had been provided by out-of-state backers. The Justice Department did lead the investigation, but it was two federal judges who found Arpaio guilty of contempt.

Arpaio is as bad a law enforcement officer as the infamous lawmen of the Jim Crow South. As the country tried to put those days of communities turning a blind eye to white men unlawfully imprisoning and even killing black men and women behind it, along comes Sheriff Joe and tars the state of Arizona with the same brush. Make no mistake, what Arpaio did was blatant racial discrimination.

He then ignored the law that he had sworn to uphold. He, not the Justice Department or the federal judges, is the criminal. No doubt, the president has unlimited pardon powers. He doesnt have to ask for permission from anyone. But a longstanding Justice Department protocol calls for a waiting period of at least five years and an expression of regret or remorse by an applicant before a pardon is considered. That, too, was ignored.

Trumps pardon has been criticized by leaders from both parties. Issuing the pardon while Hurricane Harvey was bearing down on south Texas is repulsive. His answer? I thought it would get higher ratings.

Presidential pardons have been used extensively by most all presidents. Many are difficult to swallow. But, this one not only willfully defies a federal court order, but is an attack on the judiciary. Trumps base has long derided the liberal justice system. With the Arpaio pardon, Trump pleased his base on two levels: the federal judiciary and immigration. And it might be only the beginning. If special counsel Robert Muellers investigation turns up any criminal wrongdoing look for more pardons.

Trump and Arpaio both ran for office as defenders of law and order. In this case, both law and order were trampled upon.

Drain the swamp? No. This swamp just got deeper and a lot nastier.
A newly arrived family stands in the mud at the overcrowded Kutupalong refugee camp, as thousands search for somewhere to stay.  UNHCR/Vivian Tan

An estimated 123,000 refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since violence broke out in Myanmars northern Rakhine state last month.

UNHCR is gravely concerned about the continuing conflict in Myanmar and by reports that civilians have died trying to reach safety. It is of utmost urgency to address the root causes of the recent surge in violence so that people are no longer compelled to flee and can eventually return home in safety and dignity.

Those who have made it to Bangladesh are in poor condition. Most have walked for days from their villages  hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes. They are hungry, weak and sick.

The new arrivals are scattered in different locations in south-eastern Bangladesh. More than 30,000 Rohingya are estimated to have sought shelter in the existing refugee camps of Kutupalong and Nayapara. Many others are living in makeshift sites and local villages.

UNHCR spokesperson Duniya Aslam Khan.

An unknown number could still be stranded at the border. Yesterday (Monday 4 September) UNHCR delivered some clothes, plastic sheets and relief supplies through an NGO partner.

UNHCR recognizes the challenges that Bangladesh faces. We continue to support efforts to ensure safe passage for people fleeing violence. Registering and documenting the new arrivals would also allow aid agencies to prioritise and provide much needed support and assistance.

With hundreds of new refugees arriving every day, Kutupalong and Nayapara camps are at breaking point. The new arrivals are hosted by refugee families and in refugee schools, community centres, madrassas and covered structures. We are running out of available space.

UNHCR is working with the local authorities and our partners to deliver relief supplies such as clothes, plastic sheets for shelter and sleeping mats. NGO partners and refugee volunteers are strengthening referral systems so that the new arrivals know where they can get critical services and aid. We are also identifying vulnerable arrivals, including unaccompanied children, who need additional care and protection.

There is an urgent need for additional emergency shelters and land as more refugees arrive. Coordination is crucial with the authorities to ensure that life-saving assistance gets to those who need it the most.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Professor to Examine Police Interrogations Sept. 7 at UW

Christian Meissner

An Iowa State University (ISU) professor will discuss his research into police interrogations as part of the William D. Griffith Speaker Series Thursday, Sept. 7, at the University of Wyoming.

Christian Meissner, from ISUs Department of Psychology, will discuss Developing an Effective, Rapport-Based Approach to Interrogation: From Research to Practice at 1:20 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Family Room. The program is free and open to the public.

The Griffith Speaker Series is supported by the William D. Griffith Endowment, founded in 1992 by Wyoming native and longtime FBI agent William D. Griffith. Visit www.uwyo.edu/cj for more information.

In his research, Meissner uses cognitive theories to test a variety of criminal justice-related issues such as interrogations, deception detection, eyewitness memory and legal decision making.

Meissners research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Intelligence Community.

His talk is sponsored by the UW Department of Criminal Justice and the College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information, call the UW Department of Criminal Justice at (307) 766-2988.
UW Fall Convocation Set Sept. 12

University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols invites the campus community to attend the annual Fall Convocation Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 3 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Yellowstone Ballroom.

Nichols will provide updates on key issues and initiatives, and outline future plans during her State of the University address. In addition, newly promoted faculty members and academic professionals will be recognized. The presidents of the Associated Students of UW, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate will offer brief remarks during the event.

The convocation will be streamed on WyoCast; the link will be provided later.

The president has authorized release time from 2:45-5 p.m. for employees to attend the convocation. The scheduling of release time should be a collaborative discussion between employee and supervisor to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the unit.
High Bay Research Facility: International Effort

By Micaela Myers



The High Bay Research Facility is brand new and packed with state-of-the-art equipment, but its most important asset is the people who work within its walls. It takes a talented team of researchersfaculty members, research scientists, and graduate and undergraduate studentsto move the science forward.

This facility, no doubt, will play a major role in helping us attract talent at the university, says Mohammad Piri, the Thomas and Shelley Botts Endowed Chair in Unconventional Reservoirs in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and a professor in the School of Energy Resources. We would like to be able to attract top talent from around the world. With the high-caliber talent, we can take the research to a new level.

Piris Center of Innovation for Flow Through Porous Media at the High Bay Research Facility is already attracting such talent from across the globe. The team of approximately 40 includes students and scientists from the United States, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The instruments that we have in this facility, plus the talented people who are willing to work together, will make everything possible, says Maziar Arshadi, a doctoral student from Tehran, Iran.

Here, meet five of the students and scientists working in the new High Bay Research Facility.

Maziar Arshadi, doctoral student, Tehran, Iran

Although Arshadi was accepted into Ph.D. programs in several countries, he chose UW for the chance to work on Piris team. He wanted to be part of a large team working with a collection of state-of-the-art equipment not assembled anywhere elsea team studying how to better extract oil and gas from unconventional reservoirs, where much of it is currently left stranded.

The High Bay Research Facility is a place that gathers researchers to look at the problem from different angles, because we are using the best imaging technology to map the in-situ movement of fluids in the rock, he says. That is the most complicated phenomena that controls the production.

At the High Bay Research Facility, researchers from around the world are invited to collaborate.

Our team is unique, Arshadi says. We come from different countries with different cultures and different backgrounds to solve an issue. I see it as a group of friends with a common goal. Of course, everyone is taking care of their own projects and research. All these pieces of the puzzle, if you put them next to each other, they are solving a bigger problem. It is a great feeling when you work with different people from all around the world to solve a problem. Its not just about the scientific part of itits about collaboration.

Arshadi finishes his Ph.D. this fall but plans to stay on for postdoctoral studies. Eventually he hopes to be a professor like his mentor Piri.

Opeoluwa Olawale, doctoral student, Lagos, Nigeria

Opeoluwa Olawale came to UW for the chance to study at the world-class High Bay Research Facility with Professor Mohammad Piri.

My research interest in porous media and the world-class facility at UW with the Piri Research Group brought me here, says Olawale, who came to Laramie after completing her masters degree in petroleum engineering at Imperial College London.

The sense of working as a part of something grand is incredible, Olawale says, citing the centers unparalleled focus on porous media applications, experimentations and modelling at all scales, enabling real-life-relevant studies. The research opportunities available also exemplify the amount of hard work and culture of excellence that continue to attract a top-notch portfolio of companies and organizations that are interested in environmentally safe and cost-effective means of meeting world energy needs in the likes of Hess, Encana, Saudi Aramco, Halliburton and even the U.S. Department of Energy.

She is finding her doctoral education exceptional and appreciates the team spirit and fast pace of the research group.

The level of diversity and international outlook in our group is outstanding, Olawale says. Daily, she is able to interact with people from around the world.

Olawale has high hopes for the future. After completing her Ph.D. at UW, she hopes to become a CEO of a fast-growing and sustainable energy company by championing, managing and directing renowned carbon-footprint-reduction projects in Africa and beyond. I believe energy should be available for all, she says. And I strongly understand the place of research for better optimized processes, not only in the petroleum industry, but also in all forms of energy.

Evan Lowry, research scientist, Cheyenne, Wyo.

After growing up in Cheyenne, Evan Lowry completed his bachelors and masters degrees at UW and now works as a research scientist.

Lowry grew up in Cheyenne and chose to attend UW for his bachelors degree in petroleum engineering. He then stayed on for a masters in chemical engineering, conducting research with petroleum engineering Associate Professor Lamia Goual, who recommended Piris research group to Lowry.

His team at the center focuses on nanoscale imaging and nanoscale characterization of shale resources.

I think one of the greatest things about this new facility is the capacity, Lowry says. We can streamline the research and end up being able to discover a lot more in a short amount of time.

I think that the High Bay is uniquely positioned to help propel the state and the university to a Tier-1 institution, Lowry continues. We have some of the worlds first at this facility in terms of instrumentation and research. I think by helping UW stand out in this way, we can help the university distinguish itself in the nation.

He also appreciates the international team, where people from all walks of life come together in collaboration. Currently a research scientist, Lowry enjoys the position and is excited about the research opportunities that lie ahead.

Peyruz Gasimov, doctoral student, Baku, Azerbaijan

After receiving his undergraduate degree at Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, Gasimov was drawn to UW by the research and instrumentation. Many reservoirs contain fractures, and his particular research interest is transport within fractures.

This research can have implications not just for petroleum engineering but also in aquifer remediation, in hydrology and in CO 2 sequestration, he says. Once reservoirs have oil extracted, the practice is to refill them with something so the pressure is not depleted. This is often CO 2 , which kills two birds with one stoneor, as they say in Azerbaijan, two rabbits with one shot. Gasimovs research will lead to additional understanding of how the CO 2 will behave once sequestered in these reservoirs.

I think this facility truly has the potential to put UW to the top of the list of universities pursuing studies in transport in porous media, Gasimov says of the High Bay Research Facility. What makes it a standout is the combination of instruments and people, he says. Rather than create conflicts, he says the diversity of the team brings new approaches, and he appreciates always having colleagues to discuss ideas with and seek advice from.

Gasimov is looking forward to continuing his research into transport in fractures, an area that is not well studied.

Samuel Afari, doctoral student, Accra, Ghana

Samuel Afari was drawn to UW for its reputation in petroleum engineering and believes the research being conducted at UW carries positive implications for future energy security worldwide.

Afari earned his masters degree in petroleum engineering at Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Petroleum Engineering in Edinburgh, Scotland, before returning to Ghana to teach. In the fall of 2016, he moved to Laramie to pursue his Ph.D. as part of Piris team.

With UWs reputation in petroleum engineering and with its state-of-the-art facilities for experimental research in the subject area, there was no better place to realize my ambitions, he says.

Afaris research focuses on atomic-scale interactions in enhanced hydrocarbon recovery processes. Visible phenomena at the macroscopic scale are a function of what happens at the atomic scale, he says. Likewise, to understand why we are only able to produce this much hydrocarbon and leave that much trapped in a reservoir, we need to understand the atomic-scale interactions between elements in the reservoir.

Afari says that the research taking place at the High Bay Research Facility carries positive implications for future energy security worldwide.

This work is the first of its kind in the oil and gas industry, he says. With UW at the forefront of this cutting-edge research, the implications on the universitys reputation and subsequent economic benefits cannot be underestimated.

Afari appreciates working in such a dynamic group and says he has not met a greater teacher and mentor than Piri.

The teamwork here is excellent, and I have learned a lot from the diverse cultures and experiences in the group, Afari says. This is a place where you dont get stuck with a problem for too longthere is always someone willing to help. The level of motivation, creativity and problem-solving ability in the team is very high. Coming to UW has been one of the best decisions I have made.

To learn more about the talented team at the Center of Innovation for Flow Through Porous Media, visit coifpm.com/members.


This week, Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at Treasure Island celebrated the attractions 1st anniversary (Pictured: ER nurses at Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominicans San Martin Campus  Photo credit: Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.).

We love seeing our fictional superheroes every day, but after being in the community for a year, we wanted to go out and visit the real superheroes of Las Vegas! said the GM of Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., Daniel Pearce.

On Tuesday, that is just what the group did: First, surprising ER nurses at Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominicans San Martin Campus and sweetening their day with cupcakes from Cupcakery.

Then the team, which included Captain America and Black Widow, made an unexpected visit to Clark County Fire Station 32 on the Las Vegas Strip with a catered lunch from Capriottis.

The day was simply about saying thank you  it was very cool and everyone was so appreciative for being recognized! continued Pearce.
A scene taken from the program Hanoi's Saturday Night

These performances, sometimes including Chau van - a highly rhythmic form of singing that often accompanies Hau dong (mediumship) rituals  are staged bythe Hanoi Cheo Theater at the Dai Nam Theater, No.89 Hue street, to rebuild public interest in this traditional art genre.

Quan Am Thi Kinh (Goddess of Mercy), a story about the transcendental journey of a young, fair lady to her Buddhahood, is perhaps the most famous repertoire of classical Cheo plays. Quan Am Thi Kinh is one of a wide range of prize-winning Cheo works which have been on stage alternatively in Hanois Saturday Night program since June.

Emeritus Artist Thu Huyen, Vice Director of the Hanoi Cheo Theater, said We often update the schedule on the Theatres facebook page and website so audiences can choose the plays of their interest. Were doing our best to hold regular performances.

The show features many famous Cheo artists, such as Peoples Artists Thuy Mui and Quoc Anh and Emeritus Artists Thu Huyen, Minh Nhan, Thanh Hien, and Ngoc Anh, who told VOV The Hanois Saturday night program has welcomed a large audience and their positive feedback. We have recently included a recreation of the trance ritual, which has received strong public support.

Joining well-known Cheo artists in Hanois Saturday night are also some very young artists. Quoc Phong, one of them, said Im a young artist with a passion for folk genres, particularly Cheo. Im happy to perform ancient Cheo plays in the Hanois Saturday Night program. A big hand of applause after every show proves the public interest in Cheo.

The Hanoi Cheo Theatre began to prepare plays, costumes, and props for its Hanois Saturday Night shows at early 2017. According to Emeritus Artist Thu Huyen, all artists are very excited to be on stage. Each ancient drama is performed by both well-known and young artists as a way to promote the art through generations. Huyen said All artists practice very hard for their performances. We are totally devoted to Cheo art and specifically the Hanois Saturday Night program.

In addition to this month-long program, the club of the Hanoi Cheo Theatre also stages excerpts of famous Cheo dramas at least once a month, which enables audiences to talk with artists and even sing with them on stage to better understand the traditional art.
A view of a Lat City, Central Highland Lam ong Province. Foreign online travel agencies have been dominating the online tourism market in Viet Nam. - Photo bazantravel.com

According to the Viet Nam e-Commerce Association, online tourism was growing rapidly and might generate opportunities for the tourism industry to make breakthroughs. However, majority of the international tourists to Viet Nam used services provided by the foreign booking websites, and even local tourists tended to make their bookings through foreign platforms, rather than the local ones, the association noted.

Vietnamese online travel agency gotadi.com said that the market share of room bookings made online had seen a significant rise recently, accounting for some 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the total tourists.

The travel agency said that the online room booking sector was dominated by foreign platforms, adding that two of them  agoda and booking  were together estimated to account for more than 80 per cent of the online hotel booking market. They accounted for bookings made by both the Vietnamese tourists travelling abroad, as well as those travelling domestically, and for foreign tourists coming to Viet Nam.

Ngo Minh uc from the Tourism Advisory Board said that the online tourism industry was not easy, especially as foreign firms were more experienced and advanced in technology.

According to a representative from travel agency Vietravel, hotels preferred to co-operate with online travel agencies owing to their well-established brand value and the high ratio of revenue sharing. Besides these, the foreign firms had better financial capacity, so they can afford to reserve rooms in good locations.

Nguyen Ngoc Dung, Deputy President of Viet Nam e-Commerce, said that to compete with the foreign websites, Vietnamese platforms must focus more on meeting the demand of tourists.

The Vietnamese online booking platforms must be more user-friendly, Dung said.

Also, competitive prices were among the most decisive factors, Dung added.

Le Van Son from Nha Trang Tourism Association urged the local platforms to improve their financial capacity, and invest more in technologies and online advertising.

In addition to this, co-operation with banks and insurance firms must be enhanced to develop convenient and secure payment solutions for users.

The local platforms should also focus on market researches to create appropriate products with competitive prices for tourists, he added.

A study by Google found that the value of the Southeast Asian online travel market was expected to jump to US$90 billion by 2025 from $22 billion in 2015, with Viet Nam set to account for around 10 per cent of it. At least 85 per cent of the value would be poured into room and flight ticket bookings.

According to the General Statistics Office, the foreign tourist arrivals to Viet Nam reached a record high of nearly 1.3 million in August, rising by 18.5 per cent over the previous month and 35.1 per cent over the same month last year.

During the period between January and August, foreign tourist arrivals totalled nearly 8.5 million, up 29.7 per cent over the same period last year.

Viet Nam has planned to attract around 17 million to 20 million foreign tourist arrivals, and 82 domestic tourists by 2020, with the tourism industry contributing 10 per cent to the gross domestic product by generating a revenue of $35 billion.

By 2030, Viet Nam has planned to become one of the leading tourism countries in Southeast Asia.
US actress Laura Dern poses on the red carpet before the opening ceremony of the 43rd edition of Frances Deauville American Film Festival. - AFP Photo

The festival, a showcase for American cinema, will run until September 10 for ten days and offer 14 films in the official competition. Dern appeared on the red carpet in a dress covered in blue and white feathers.

Known for her turn in David Lynchs Wild at Heart, which won the Palme dOr at Cannes in 1990, the 50-year-old American actress appears in the third season of Lynchs Twin Peaks.

"Its so exciting that the fans not only love it... but also my son and his friends are all watching," she said.

"Its beautiful for them to say to me: we cant believe that this is the craziest thing thats ever been on television, so 20 years later a new generation still feels that way about Twin Peaks, speaks to Davids genius."

The evening was set to continue with a showing of a thriller based on a true story of a US agent infiltrating the international drug world.

American Made, directed by Doug Liman, has Tom Cruise starring as Barry Seal, a pilot trafficking arms and narcotics who was recruited by the CIA for ultra secret missions in the 1980s during the presidency of Ronald Reagan.

The action film is not in competition and has already been released in many countries. None of its stars made the trip to Deauville.

In total, some 60 films will be shown by the end of the festival on September 10, of which 14 are in competition.

In contrast to the controversies that hit the Cannes festival over Netflix, Deauville has rolled out the red carpet to new forms of distribution.

The global streaming television giant will present Sweet Virginia -- also in competition -- from Jamie M. Dagg.

Other films on show: The Only Living Boy In New York by Marc Webb, produced by Amazon, Kidnap by Luis Prieto and distributed by TF1, and 47 Meters Down by Johannes Roberts, broadcast by Wild Side, an independent French DVD and Blu-Ray producer.

The online giant refused to show two of its movies in the running for the Palme dOr in French cinemas because strict rules mean it would have to wait three years to put them online.
The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum includes countries such as Kiribati, which are only metres above sea level and risk being swamped by rising oceans (Photo: AFP)

The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum includes countries such as Kiribati, which are only metres above sea level and risk being swamped by rising oceans (Photo: AFP)

APIA, Samoa: Climate change will dominate discussions when the leaders of vulnerable Pacific nations hold their annual meeting in the Samoan capital Apia this week, with global warming threatening their existence, officials say.

The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) includes countries such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, which are only metres above sea level and risk being swamped by rising oceans.

Others, such as Vanuatu and Fiji, have been battered in recent years by devastating cyclones that have become more extreme as global warming affects weather patterns.

Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga said there was no subject more important to the people of the Pacific.

"This is an issue about our existence... climate change threatens our very identities," he said.

PIF secretary general Meg Taylor said the summit, which opens Tuesday (Sep 5), was an opportunity for small island nations to speak as one voice.

"We can do more together than we can alone, I think this will be at the heart of the discussions," she said.

Taylor said the unified approach had already proved successful when Pacific nations successfully pushed for strong aspirational goals at the UN climate talks in Paris in 2015.

"That was led by the champions of the Pacific ... (we) were able to persuade the world that this was so very important," she said.

The Pacific's next chance to prick the world's conscience and demand further action on climate is at UN talks being held in Bonn in November.

Fiji, as one of the island nations on the frontline of climate change, has been invited to chair the talks, making this week's PIF an important forum for Pacific leaders to discuss strategy.

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama earlier this year offered permanent refuge to the peoples of Tuvalu and Kiribati.

But Sopoaga said the bigger issues of global warming and sea-level rise needed to be addressed and relocation was not the answer.

"It's not as simple as that because you have to be concerned of your protection and sovereignty rights, human rights and therefore you have to be very careful and you have to prioritise this issue," he said.

Conservation International's Sue Taei said leaders arriving for the Samoa meeting needed to examine how to pay for climate change mitigation.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the "Blue Pacific" theme of this year's summit put specific focus on placing the region at the centre of international policy making.

"Embracing this as a unique opportunity in the history of the region, the Blue Pacific provides a new narrative for Pacific regionalism and how the Forum engages with the world," he said.

The PIF links Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
At recent conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Ministry of Health officials discussed key aspects of the law, noting its implications for the domestic pharma segment and how Republic of Korea companies are poised to benefit most.

Certificate of Pharmacy Business Eligibility

Obtaining a certificate of pharmacy business eligibility from the Ministry of Health is now a prerequisite for any company desiring to conduct pharmaceutical operations in the country.

The new requirements greatly simplify the conditions for foreign trading companies that only want to import drugs and pharmacy products into Vietnam for resale, as currently they only need to obtain the Certificate from the Ministry.

Previously, such companies were required to jump through a complicated set of hoops in a long drawn out time consuming process to obtain a trading license. These latter requirements are now completely rescinded.

Import Rights for Foreigners

The requirements for issuance of the Certificate state the applicant must submit the required forms listing the store location, detail its storage area, equipment, means transportation, and quality control system in sufficient detail to allow the Ministry to evaluate the qualifications of the company.

Importers after obtaining the Certificate are strictly prohibited from engaging in any activity such as selling the drugs or related pharmacy products at the retail level and are restricted solely to activities that are and within the scope of those related to wholesale.

Export Requirements

Foreign companies, may export drugs and raw medicinal materials from Vietnam without the Certificate from the Ministry, for all products except for herbal items specifically detailed on a list of controlled rare or special herbs and certain drugs, medicinal ingredients that are psychotropic, narcotic ingredients, or precursors.

Import Permit License

Only products previously issued a license for import are immediately subject to the new rules.

The new law outlines out comprehensive procedures for obtaining a licence for importing first-time use products in Vietnam, and the steps required by companies holding a Certificate to apply to the Ministry to obtain the prerequisite authorization for them.

Control of Drug Price

Under the new law, the government still retains strict control of the prices that pharmacy business entities can sell drugs and these values must be published on the web portal of the Ministry of Health.

ROK Companies Likely to Benefit Most

Leading pharmaceutical companies from the ROK are pouring money into Vietnamese operations as they battle for increased market share in the fast-growing pharmaceutical segment, said the speakers at the conference.

The pharmaceutical market in Vietnam is forecast to increase from US$4.2 billion in 2015 to US$7.2 billion by 2020, according to a report by BMI Research, they noted.

Because of the domestic pharmaceutical segment still being very fragmented and the management standards typically quite poor, they suggested that the more professionally managed companies from the ROK are poised to benefit most from the new law.

The ROK companies, suggested the speakers, see the new law as a golden opportunity to gain market share in the rapidly growing segment of the Southeast Asian countrys market.
TH School is kicking off the new year with a bang

The opening ceremony of the school year was organised in Hanoi on the morning of September 5, 2017 in a cozy and ebullient atmosphere, with many activities in the first TH-branded school.

Based on Chua Boc Street of Hanoi, the school covers nearly 20,000 square metres, including a well-equipped system of playground, swimming pool, labs, and gyms.

The school includes 17 classrooms for 340 pre-school pupils, 25 classrooms for 625 primary-school pupils, 24 classrooms for 600 secondary-school pupils, and 21 classrooms for 525 high-school students.

Established in 2016, the TH School system, which is aimed to bring up international-standard pupils right in Vietnam, has taken the lead in applying international education and training programmes, such as IPC, IMYC, and AS/A Levels. These programmes have been widely used by many international-level schools.

The school is using Cambridge-standard English-language curricula that is successfully applied worldwide for multi-millions of students.

The first drumbeat of the year

At the 2017-2018 school years opening ceremony, Pete Kenedy, principal of the TH School system, and Le Hong Thuy, chairwoman of TH School Students' Council, struck the first drumbeat to announce the beginning of the new school year.

After one year of operation, TH Schools teachers and pupils have reached many achievements. They have become familiar with advanced educational and training methods and technologies.

The students have passed the systems IGCSE examination within a single year, with impressive results to boot: 75 per cent of the students scored A+ in math, 57 per cent reached A+ in chemistry, and 46 per cent got an A+ in physics.

Celebrating last year's excellent achievements to prepare for the new challenges

The students have also hit the average IELTS score of 6-7.5, reflecting their good English skills. The students will be granted international certificates after graduation. The certificates are valid across the world.

Following its vision, TH Group will expand its school system to construct universities and colleges throughout Vietnam.
Three Lao people were arrested when trying to smuggle drugs to Viet Nam. - Photo: zing.vn

On September 1, the anti-drug force under Quang Binh Province Border Guard and Laos functional forces arrested three drug traffickers -- Son But Ta Lat (28 years old) and Nang Mi Xay Nha Lat (22 years old) from Mahasay District, and Phon Ang Tha Lang Si (31 years old) from Boulapha District, Khammouan Province.

With the help of their testimonies, the functional forces on Monday arrested two more suspects -- Bun Thon Xuong Moi Ni (45 years old) from Kounkham District and Lin Xay Nha Xeng (48 years old) from Hinboun District, Khammouan Province.

Quang Binh Province functional forces are expanding the investigation to complete the case report before handing it over to Laos functional forces.
The latest recall comes after Volkswagen was forced to recall 680,000 vehicles over defects in coolant pumps, while it has been under the microscope since a 2015 emissions cheating scandal. (Photo: AFP/Paul J Richards)

The latest recall comes after Volkswagen was forced to recall 680,000 vehicles over defects in coolant pumps, while it has been under the microscope since a 2015 emissions cheating scandal. (Photo: AFP/Paul J Richards)

The firm along with SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen are calling back the vehicles owing to a faulty fuel pump, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its website.

The callback applies to 2007-2014 Magotans and 2009-2014 Volkswagen CCs produced domestically by FAW-Volkswagen, as well as the 2011-2015 Passat domestically produced by SAIC Volkswagen. It also includes around 19,000 imported models.

The defect can cause the engine to stall due to the failure of electronics in the fuel pump.

The companies will replace the fuel pump control modules for free from Dec 25.

In March Volkswagen recalled nearly 680,000 premium Audi cars in China over defects in coolant pumps that could lead to engine fires.

The carmaker apparently became aware of the latest defect after an investigation by Chinese authorities launched in April 2016.

Last week, the company informed US regulators that it was recalling 281,000 vehicles due to similar problems with the fuel pump.

VW is still trying to recover from the controversy after it admitted in 2015 to equipping its diesel cars with defeat devices to evade emissions tests.

The company pleaded guilty in March to charges stemming from "dieselgate" and agreed to pay US$4.3 billion in penalties - on top of US$17.5 billion in civil settlements.

Volkswagen still faces legal challenges in Germany and worldwide, and has so far set aside more than 22 billion (US$24.4 billion) to cover costs. Experts estimate the final bill from the scandal could be even higher.
Participating in the traditional Ambassadors Week, President Macron gave his first general speech on foreign policy since his arrival at the Elysee Palace [1]. In this article, all the quotations in inverted commas are taken from his speech. The President did not give an overall account of current international relations, nor did he explain the role that he imagines for France in the world, but the way in which he intends to use the tool of diplomacy .

According to him, France has not proved capable of adapting to the changes in the world since 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the triumph of US globalisation. In order to rebuild the country, it would be absurd to wish for a return to the ancient concept of national sovereignty. On the contrary, it is necessary to advance by seizing the available levers. This is why, today, -  Our sovereignty is Europe .

Of course, the European Union is a monster,  a Leviathan  [2]. It has no popular legitimacy, but becomes legitimate when it protects its citizens. In its current format, it is dominated by the Franco-German couple.Therefore he, Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Angela Merkel, govern it together. Thus, in his quality as French President, he was able to travel to Poland and, with the agreement of his German partner, who could not, in the light of History, allow itself to aggress Poland, speak there as the implicit representative of the Union, insult the Polish Prime Minister, remind him that Poland does not enjoy sovereignty, and pull it back into the European rank and file.

Already, with the Chancellor, he has decided to act in four sectors -

 the protection of workers ;

 the reform of the right to asylum and European cooperation in questions of migration ;

 the definition of a commercial policy and means of control of strategic investments ;

 the development of European Defence.

These objectives obviously determine the national policies of each of the member states, including France. For example, the measures that Macrons government has just adopted concerning the reform of the Labour Code, lay down minimal limits for the protection of workers, in conformity with the directives which had already been laid down by the civil servants in Brussels a good while ago. European cooperation concerning migration will set the limits of hospitality which will benefit German industry [3], while the reform of the right to asylum will set the capacity of Frances welcome within the Schengen area. European Defence will allow the unification of the armies of the Union and their collective integration into the ambitions of NATO.

In order to push the European Union along as fast as possible, France and Germany will organise strengthened cooperations on different themes, chosing their partners case by case. The principle of unanimous decision will be maintained, but only between preselected states which are already in agreement.

The cohesion of this structure will be maintained around four common values -

  elective and representative democracy ;

 the respect for the human person ;

 religious tolerance and the freedom of expression ;

 and the belief in progress .

 Elective and representative democracy  will only apply at the local level - (communities of communes and administrative regions, since communes and departments are programmed for elimination)  since there will no longer be any national sovereignty.

 The respect for the human person, religious tolerance and the freedom of expression  should be understood in the sense of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and no longer in the sense of the Declaration of 1789, which figures, after all, as the introduction to the Constitution.

 The belief in progress  will enable the mobilisation of European citizens in a period where everyone can see the richer countries of the Greater Middle East suddenly wiped from the map and beaten back to the Stone Age.

The Macron method

France should use the European tool to adapt itself to a  multipolar and unstable world , given that there is no question of re-establishing the Franco-Russian alliance that President Sadi Carnot and Emperor Alexander III concluded - and since the European Union is the civilian wing of the Atlantic Military Alliance, it is pointless to base French diplomacy on History or values.

It is better, on the contrary, to play the role of  counterweight  in order to maintain  the links with the great powers whose strategic interests are diverging . Lets be clear about this, the President is not talking about diverging interests between the United States on one hand Russia and China on the other, but about maintaining the links that the two major powers should maintain with the United States.

 For that, we must () become part of the tradition of existing alliances and, opportunistically, forge these alliances of fortune which will enable us to be more efficient . Therefore the role of the diplomats is no longer to defend the long-term values of France, but to sniff out the short-term opportunities, the promising deals.

 The stability of the world 

Having established the framework of the European workplace and his method, the function of French diplomacy will be to ensure the safety of the French people by participating in  the stability of the world , and to earn influence by defending  universal common treasure .

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of national sovereignty, France has no more conventional enemies, and so has no further need of an army to defend its territory. However, it has to face a non-conventional enemy,  Islamist terrorism , which requires both an omnipresent police force and a mobile army capable of intervening in the sources of terrorism abroad - Syria and Iraq on one hand, Libya and the Sahel on the other. It is obviously this change of objective, and not a question of budget, which led President Macron to fire the Army chief of staff. The police reform is still to come.

France will continue to protect its Muslim citizens while remaining aware of the link between the Islamist political ideology and the Muslim religion. In this way, it can continue to keep an eye on the practice of the Muslim cult, supervise it, and de facto influence the faithful.

The fight against terrorism also necessitates drying up its finances, which France is pursuing via numerous international institutions ; given that because of  regional crises and divisions, divisions in Africa, and divisions in the Muslim world , certain states secretly participate in this finance. However, first of all terrorism is not a question of men but a method of combat, and secondly, terrorist actions have been considerably better financed since the pretended effort to stop terrorism - it is evident that this system has been put into place by Washington, not against the Muslim Brotherhood but against Iran. And though this has no apparent connection with the financing of terrorism, President Macron brought up the question of Saudi-Iranian antagonism, taking the part of Saudi Arabia and condemning Iran.

Since the attacks by Daesh against  our interests, our lives, our people , peace in Iraq and Syria constitute  a vital priority for France . This is the source of the change of method which has been on-going since the month of May  of course, Paris  had been sidelined  from the Astana negociations, but it is today  instigating definite progress of the situation  by talking, one by one, with the participants in the Astana meetings. It has convinced them to adopt the objective fixed long ago by President Obama - the outlawing of chemical weapons and admission of humanitarian access to the combat zones. Finally, France has created an  international contact group  which will meet at the occasion of the UN General Assembly around Jean-Yves Le Drian. The return of Syria to the rule of Law should be accompanied by legal retribution for the crimes committed, notably by the rulers of that country .

President Macron is therefore making a U-turn on his previous declarations. There is no longer any question of accepting the Syrian Arab Republic and supporting it against Daesh, as he had stated in an interview with the Journal de Dimanche, but on the contrary, to pursue the old double game of using the humanitarian pretext to continue supplying the jihadists with weapons to use against Damascus. The announcement of judgement for the Syrian leaders is equal to the defeat of the Syrian Arab Republic, since never before, absolutely never, has a state brought victorious generals to trial for war crimes. President Macron does not specify which court will be called to judge the rulers, but his language recalls the plan by the Director of Political Affairs for the UN, Jeffrey Feltman, who had already planned in 2012 (that is before generalised war) for the  condemnation  of 120 leaders - a plan which had been drawn up under the direction of one of Madame Merkels civil servants, Volker Perthes [4].

Concerning Libya and the Sahel, President Macron reminded his audience of his initiative at La-Celle-Saint-Cloud, during which he brought together  Libyan Prime Minister  Fayez Sarraj and the  head of the Libyan National Army  Khalifa Haftar - a summit at which he had assured the two men of the support of the European Union on the condition that they write off the mysterious disappearance of 100 billion dollars from the Libyan National Treasury [5].

The first consequence of the overthrow of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya was the destabilisation of Mali, a country whose economy was very largely supported by Libya [6]. Mali split into two parts  on one side the sedentary Bantus, on the other the nomadic Tuaregs. French military intervention took note of these facts and prevented their immediate consequences for the civilians. The G5-Sahel was created by France in order to stop the consequences of the war against Libya and to prevent the confontation between blacks and Arabs, which only Mouamar Kadhafi had been able to contain. As for the Alliance for the Development of the Sahel, it is aimed at replacing  with far fewer ressources - the programme of aid for development that Libya had spearheaded in the region. All these measures will ensure the stability of this part of Africa until, in about ten years time, the Pentagon implements its plan for the extension of chaos to the black continent [7].

President Macron mentioned the common declaration which he has just had adopted by the African and European partners which sets up European immigration offices on the African continent. Their purpose is to make a primary selection of the immigrants who will be accepted by the Union, and put an end to the different routes of exile.  The roads of necessity must become the paths of liberty  - a formula which resumes the Presidential point of view  Africa is necessity, Europe is freedom.

For Emmanuel Macron,  re-establishing security  in Africa means reliance on the three Ds -  Defence, Development and Diplomacy , in other words the presence of the French army, French investments and French administration - the classic programme of economic colonisation.

The defence of common treasure

Far from neglecting the advantages of the French language and tourism, President Macron spoke of them at length. On this subjet, he launched the idea of profiting from the French legal system in order to expand the countrys influence. So doing, he is using the so-called  Korbel doctrine , according to which, the way in which a treaty is drawn up extends the influence of the country which conceives the concepts - a doctrine used by his daughter, Madeleine Albright, and then by his adopted daughter, Condoleezza Rice, in order to transcribe international treaties in the language of Anglo-Saxon law.

The first common treasure is the planet.

This speech was delivered during  Ambassadors Week , during which the Minister came to explain to his staff that as from now, the primary function of his administration was economic diplomacy. When he was Minister for Foreign Affairs, Laurent Fabius had the idea of mobilising the French diplomatic network in order to develop exports. To this end, he created Business France, a public establishment headed, at Fabius initiative, by Muriel Penicaud. She used public money which had been entrusted to her in order to launch Emmanuel Macrons electoral campaign overseas, which is causing her some current trouble with the Law. She is today the Minister for Labour, and drew up the measures intended for the  protection of workers . As for Laurent Fabius, he has become the President of the Constitutional Council. As such - and in violation of the role allotted to him by the Constitution  he has drawn up a Pact for the Environment which President Macron will present to the United Nations.

The second common treasure is peace.

Through  European Defence , President Macron intends to  give new energy  to NATO. The objective of the Alliance is clearly the promotion of  peace , as we can see in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Ukraine.

The third common treasure is the Law and human rights.

President Macron, who had previously mentioned the common values of the European Union , which are  respect for the human person, religious tolerance and freeedom of expression , now declares that  the place of women, freedom of the Press, the respect for civil and political rights  are universal values. Unfortunately, he did not specify the distinction that he operates between those which are European and those which are universal. Although he developed a taste for philosophy after he met Paul Ricoeur, he does not seem to have thought much about political philosophy, and in his speeches, he confuses Humanitarian Law with Human Rights, and also, while were on the subject, their Anglo-Saxon meaning (protection of the individual faced with state abuse) and their French meaning (responsabilities of men, citizens and the Nation).

The fourth common treasure is culture.

President Macron declared during his electoral campaign that there is no French culture, but there is culture in France. In the same way, he does not consider that culture in general is a development of the mind, but a collection of marketable goods. That is why he will continue the work of his predecessor for the protection of cultural treasures, rather than people, in the theatres of war.

Conclusion

We would need a lot of time to assimilate all the lessons of President Macrons vision of the world.

The most important fact remains that, according to him, the days of popular sovereignty are over, for the French as well as for Europeans in general. The democratic ideal may well continue at the local level, but is devoid of meaning at the national level.

Secondly, his conception of the Public Good (res publica), to which all political regimes  whether monarchic, imperial or republican  have been attached, also seems to be of another age. In their view, they intended to serve  or pretend to serve  the collective interest. Of course, Emmanuel Macron mentioned the Law and Rights, but immediately relegated these noble ideals to the same level as objects, like the Earth and marketable cultural products - and a dishonour, the slavery to NATO. It would therefore seem that the Republic is also dead.

At the end of his speech, the audience applauded him warmly. And neither the national Press, nor the leaders of the opposition, expressed any objection.
The political-media spotlights are directed at North Koreas nuclear missile tests. Yet the general context in which these test are taking place is completely obscured. What is this context? An arms race that is gathering pace, that while it maintains a nuclear arsenal capable of wiping out the human race from the face of the Earth, points its heads and high tech carriers that are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

In 2017, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) considers that North Korea has fissile material with the potential to produce 10-20 nuclear heads, but there is no evidence available that it has made operational nuclear heads that can be transported by ballistic missiles. Still going by what the FAS reports, the U.S. has 6,800 nuclear heads of which 1,650 are strategic and 150 are non-strategic, poised for immediate launch. Including the French and British heads (300 and 215 respectively), Nato nuclear forces have 7,315 nuclear heads, of which 2,200 are ready for launch, compared with 7,000 Russian nuclear heads of which 1,950 are ready for launch. Still, going by what the FAS thinks, around 550 US, French and British heads ready for launch, are stationed in Europe in the closest proximity to Russian territory. The analogy would be if Russia had lined up in Mexico a hundred nuclear heads pointed at the U.S.

Taking account of the Chinese bombs (270), Pakistani bombs (120-130), Indian bombs (110-120) and Israeli bombs (80), the total number of nuclear heads is estimated at about 15,000. Of course these are approximate figures, almost certainly default. And the race to nuclear weapons continues while the nuclear heads and nuclear carriers are constantly being updated.

Leading the pack is the United States which is constantly running tests on Minuteman III, its intercontinental ballistic missiles and is prepared to replace them with new missiles (the cost of which is estimated at 85 billion dollars). In 2015, Congress approved a plan (the cost of which is estimated at around 1,000 billion) to fortify its nuclear forces with another 12 submarines for attack (each 7 billion), each armed with 200 nuclear heads, and other strategic bombers (550 million each), each armed with 20 nuclear heads. This is the backdrop for replacing the US nuclear bombs B61, stationed in Italy and other European countries, with the new B61-12, weapons for a first strike. The nuclear forces have also been strengthened by the anti-missile shield to neutralize enemy reprisal, such as those lined up by the US in Europe against Russia and in South Korea, not against North Korea but in actual fact, against China.

Russia and China are speeding up the modernization of their nuclear forces so that they do not fall behind. 2018 will see Russia lining up a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat, with an 18,000 km range, capable of transporting 10-15 nuclear heads that, entering the atmosphere at a hypersonic speed (more than 10 times the speed of sound), manoeuvre so as to dodge the interceptive missiles piercing the shield.

In such a situation, where a closed circle of states maintains an oligopoly over nuclear weapons, where the state that possesses them threatens the state that does not have them, it is increasingly probable that other states will seek to obtain them for themselves  mission accomplished. In addition to the nine states that already have nuclear weapons, there are around another 35 states with the capability to build them.

And yet the newspapers and the news pay no heed to this; they set off the alarm on North Korea, condemned as the exclusive source for the nuclear threat. Also left out of consideration is the lesson that in Pyongyang they say they have learnt: Gaddafi  they recall  had totally renounced every kind of nuclear programme, allowing CIA inspection on Libyan territory. However, this did not save him when the USA and Nato decided to destroy the Libyan State. And so they reason in Pyongyang that if this state had had nuclear weapons, no one would have had the courage to attack it. Such a conclusion can also be extracted from other examples: in the present global climate, it is better to have nuclear weapons than not to have them.

Meanwhile on the basis of this dangerous logic, the probability of nuclear proliferation increases. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopted by the vast majority of the United Nations last July, is ignored by all nuclear powers, by Nato members (Italy included) and by their principal partners (Ukraine, Japan and Australia). Fundamentally, there is a large mobilization for insisting that our country is also a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons and therefore must remove from its territory the U.S. bombs lined up there. The presence of these bombs also violates the Non-Proliferation Treaty which Italy has already ratified. If you lack a political conscience, then at the very least, your basic survival instinct should be triggered.
The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods.
Accessible Beaches for All

Government says it is pleased to note that improvements carried out to its beaches in relation to accessibility have been utilised by various families to enjoy their summer.

In its statement earlier today, Government said it understands that Gibraltar has become the holiday destination of choice for a particular family that returns to the Rock, in large part, because of the beach facilities available to people with disabilities.

'By making our beaches accessible, the quality of life for a lot of people has been improved. Previously, the beach was a place that many people with disabilities were unable to enjoy, thanks to the improvements done under this Government, this has now changed.

Ramp accesses have been reconditioned and direct access to the shore at the beaches is available from accessible pergola units on mobi-mats (synthetic walkways specially designed for the transit of mobile chairs on the beach) at Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay and Western Beach. Furthermore, at Camp Bay, an accessible ramp and wider steps were constructed at the main swimming pool making this accessible too.

Accessible toilets are available at most beaches and changing places modified to accommodate an overhead hoist system are available at Eastern Beach, Camp Bay and the Bathing Pavilion. Electronically adjustable beds for adults have also been installed in the changing place facilities.'

Minister for Equality, Samantha Sacramento said: Going to the beach is part of the summer culture for most Gibraltarian families and it was this Governments vision to make our beaches as accessible as possible to all. It can be said that this project, which started in 2012, has transformed some of our beaches into accessible places for everyone to enjoy. Gibraltar has been at the forefront of providing accessible facilities at our beaches and bathing pavilion as this service is not as readily available elsewhere in Europe. This improvement to our beaches forms part of this Governments holistic vision of making Gibraltar as accessible as possible and I can be proud to say that it is gradually becoming a reality.

The Minister for the Environment, John Cortes, said: Our beaches are now accessible to everyone who wants to use them. This is a  and we must not forget the days when this was simply not possible. My Departments will always work very closely with the Ministry for Equality to continue this transformation of Gibraltar into a place of total equality of access and opportunity.
Meghan Markle. Photo: Andrew Toth/Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made their relationship Vanity Fair official. Markle spoke to the magazine about Suits, growing up in Los Angeles, and confirmed that she dated the royal for months in private before confirming their relationship publicly last year. Were a couple, she told VF. Were in love. Im sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. Its part of what makes it so special, that its just ours. But were happy. Personally, I love a great love story. Basically: Stop being so nosy!

Markle said she met Prince Harry in July in London, and they were introduced by mutual friends. She didnt dish on her favorite dates or much else, but the Suits star did talk about handling the new (and glaring) tabloid attention: I can tell you that at the end of the day I think its really simple, she said. Were two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was peoples perception. Nothing about me changed. Im still the same person that I am, and Ive never defined myself by my relationship.
Everything about the trip to Turdburglar Marys is 100 percent wrong. It is like rain on your wedding day, a free ride when you already paid, or Alanis Morissettes definition of irony. Every gay I know has been to plenty of drag bingo (shout to the genius that is Linda Simpson) and they all know that drag bingo does not mean that the contestants dress up in drag. What in the world gave these women the idea that they should dress up like the cast of Joe Dirt 3: Joe Meets the Planters Peanut Man to go play bingo at a gay hamburger restaurant?

The drag queen who hosts the thing is very sweet and lets them use her dressing room, but I think that her real feelings come out when Shannon gave a false bingo and got spanked in front of the crowd. No one asked you to dress like this, she said. Yes! She is exactly right. No one expects you to dress in drag for drag bingo. Its like bringing your clarinet to jazz brunch or bringing a loofah to a baby shower. Even worse, no drag queen on the face of the Earth wants to be upstaged by a bunch of middle-aged ladies kitted out for a Rock of Love porn parody.

Lydia looks the absolute worst. Shes dressed up like someone shot Lurch from The Addams Family with a shrink ray but he was still wearing the same suit as when he was a giant. She looks about as comfortable as a baby at a dingo convention. She admits as much because shes not sure how she should feel about gay people, drag queens, or dressing as someone of the opposite gender.

By why does she have her Hanes Her Way in such a wad? At one point she says, The Bible doesnt say anything about drag queens. Yeah, it doesnt. So lighten up! Who cares if people want to dress up in costumes? Who cares if people want to get spanked in public? Its not hurting anyone, so God wouldnt think it was a sin. I suffered through a decade of Catholic education so I know what Im talking about. But then again, Im Catholic and our priest wears dresses less ornate than the drag queen hosting this ordeal, so what do I know. I know this isnt a sin, thats what!

The real problem with dressing up for these events is that the women inevitably get into a squabble and then there will forever be footage of them yelling at the top of their lungs while dressed up like a 4-year-olds drawing of Americas growing opioid epidemic. This time, Meghan and Kelly are screaming at each other because Kelly told Meghan she thought Shannon was recording their conversation and wanted to confront Shannon about it. Meghan doesnt let Kelly do it, and then she calls Shannon to warn her.

But thats not what they are really yelling about. They are really yelling about Kelly accusing Meghans husband, Jim, a GIF of Aretha Franklin giving someone the side eye that somehow launched a candle line, of having an affair. In retaliation, Meghan then asks Kelly if she is having an affair with a man who is a family friend. That is the real reason behind this particular feud, so it seemed like it was a long time coming and just happened to wait until everyone was wearing the most regrettable clothing possible. Shouldnt Scott the psychic have seen this all coming? Couldnt he have given someone a heads-up about it?

Im starting to change my thinking a bit on Kelly Dodd. What if Kelly is always right? What if Shannon really was recording her and is playing dumb? What if Meghan is out to get her? What if she really has been wronged by all of these women and is really just a pawn in a greater war between Vicki and Tamra and Shannon? I think all of those things might be true.

The problem is Kelly fights to win. When Meghan tries to reason with her about why she gave Shannon a heads-up about the recording allegations, Kelly doesnt retaliate by listening  she retaliates by saying that Meghan should be home with her daughter instead. For Kelly Dodd, the only option is always the nuclear option, and she finds the one button to push that will do the most damage. That is why Kelly cant have any allies: Theyre all destroyed in the collateral damage of her verbal mushroom clouds.

Meghan should have expected this to happen eventually. She says, Ive always seen this side of Kelly, but it was never directed at me. Please, thats like putting poison ivy in your window box and then waking up one day and wondering why you have a rash.

I really did like the return of Meghan King Edmonds PI this episode, though. When she has lunch with Vicki, she tells Vicki all the hard truths that she had to hear. She tells Vicki that she shouldnt be spreading rumors about Eddie and Shannon. She told her that she really is a scammer, even if she didnt think that she is. Then, when Vicki tries to say that she is really worried about Shannons safety, Meghan pokes a hole in that and asks why she didnt call the police. It is like watching an expert fighter take on a 22-year-old who had been to capoeira class once at Equinox.

Vicki wont even hear Meghans sanity, though. In her mind, she has been wrong and she will continue to hold onto those slights until the end of the Trump presidency (which is also exactly as long as our civilization is likely to last). She says things like, I dont want to hurt Shannon, and I dont want to be an outcast, without thinking at all about how her actions actually hurt Shannon or how they made her an outcast in the first place. Vicki couldnt see herself if she were marooned on a planet made entirely of mirrors and MRI machines.

Now Vicki is completely isolated. Instead of getting in fights in costumes, which is very on-brand for Victoria Melanie Gunvalson (I made the Melanie up), she is talking about buying a boat with her children, grandchildren, and in-laws, a family activity that sounds about as fun as waiting out in the car for Vicki to get a massage. What is she even doing on this show anymore?

We have to ask this same question about Peggy as well. After the main story line of this episode, Vicki and Peggy are tacked on like two skin tags youre too lazy to have removed because your dermatologists office is 45 minutes away. Peggy goes to New York with her daughter, fights with human butterfly Diko about whether or not their daughter should go away to college, and reveals that she majored in English. Yes, Peggy, who has the same knowledge of American idiom as large Weimaraner, actually majored in English and is now extolling the benefits of a college education. And she soldiers on, as the wind whistles through the hornets nest of her hair, fighting battles like a salmon swimming upstream or an heiress trying to close an overstuffed suitcase by sitting on it. Peggy soldiers on and we can do nothing but sit there and blink, like butterfly wings, finally shedding its cocoon like so much facelift gauze.
Upstairs at the 40/40 club, Jay-Zs Flatiron District bar, the Bronx-born superstar Romeo Santos is curled up in a leather chair. Santos, whos become famous for infusing falsetto vocals and hip-hop rhythms into traditional bachata music, isnt here today to clink drinks and enjoy himself, even though he has a lot to celebrate. Earlier in the day, he unveiled his wax statue at the Madame Tussauds in Times Square. Soon, the Empire State Building would be lit up gold in honor of Golden, his third studio album. His previous album, Formula, Vol. 2, now holds the record for most weeks spent atop Billboards Latin Albums chart (its 125 and counting, beating out Selenas Amor Prohibido). Once you know a bit about his credentials, its less surprising to learn that he sold out Yankee Stadium in 2014. Twice.

But tonight, Santos is here to analyze the response to a new song, El Amigo, featuring Julio Iglesias, at a listening party a couple of days before Goldens official release. When the song is over, Santos, who is 36, turns and faces his chair toward the couch, where four journalists, including me, are seated. Tell me what you think, he coaxes, while sitting back and folding his hands. We all go around and offer our best interpretations of El Amigo. He smiles. Yall are all wrong. And Ill tell you this much. I feel  Im trying to word this so it doesnt sound arrogant, but Im just being transparent: To me, its one of my most genius records. Ill tell you why. The fact that yall are listening and you cant figure it out. If I tell you, or if you guess, and you listen to the record again, you realize that the reason why you dont get it is because it was put together in such a subliminal way that youre not supposed to get it right away.

It turns out  as the internet quickly deduced  that the song is an homage to a certain male appendage. (Ardiente, hiperactivo, aventurero / Un compinche en mis deseos / Que influyente es el, Iglesias sings, which translates as: Ardent, hyperactive, adventurer / A buddy in my dreams / How influential is he.)

Santos, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, says he wanted to challenge himself to write a song about the male anatomy and have it not be vulgar. While the topic is a first for him musically, its a classic Romeo Santos move: lyrics about indecent proposals that brush up against braggadocio and hover between silly and sincere, complete with a perfectly placed wink to let you know hes in on the joke. Santoss albums are Pop Psychology 101, often probing the unexpected underpinnings of romantic trysts. Take El Papel Part 1 (Version Amante) and El Papel Part 2 (Version Marido), sister songs that address the same situation from diametrically opposed perspectives (that of a womans lover and her husband, respectively). Yet, despite the fact that he sings almost exclusively about love, he famously keeps his personal life completely private. Still, hes the person his friends go to to unload their dramas and traumas.

I always like to listen and learn from other people. Maybe I can advise you and help you, but Im also being educated on how to become even a better writer. Because theres always a unique and original situation when it comes to love and relationships, he says. You could be going through the same experience, hypothetically speaking, that she could be going through, he adds, nodding toward a member of his team sitting next to him. But youre gonna feel something, youre gonna tell me the story from a whole different perspective. And as a writer, Im going to be able to feed off that and create off that. These are not only my stories. These are just situations. People go through fucked-up, crazy shit in life.

Later on, Santos and I go for a leisurely drive around Times Square in his Bentley (which he calls the truck) during rush hour, and the conversation turns to my own romantic woes. Being in the truck with Santos is not unlike lounging on a therapists couch. Is that because youve had bad experiences, or thats because its your nature? he asks me at one point.

A fan at a Santos album-release pop-up store last month in the Bronx.

Born Anthony Santos to a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican mother in 1981, he was exposed to a melange of musical traditions in his native Bronx, including, but not limited to, salsa, merengue, and hip-hop. He grew up studying the lyrics on the back of his mothers discos, written by such legendary crooners as Juan Luis Guerra (whos featured on Golden) and Manuel Alejandro. Yet he never had aspirations to become a performer. I was very shy, he says. So there was really no room for desire, just based on the fact that I didnt think I would be capable of really entertaining a crowd. When he and his cousin Henry would put on what he calls small family events, he would hold back. He was the type that youd be like, Henry, dance! And hed dance, no matter how many people were in the room, Santos remembers. I grabbed the mic and I would sing, but I would have my head down.

Santos discovered bachata, the guitar-based romantic music that originated in the Dominican Republic, when his father brought home a tape by a bachatero named Anthony Santos (yes, really). It was just a joke, like, Holy shit, this guy has your same name,  he says. I played it and I was like, This is dope! I just fell in love with the music. What grabbed him in particular, though, was that Santoss songs, as he puts it, tenian como doble sentido (they had double meanings). But it was put together so creatively, I respect that, he says.

In 1995, when Santos was 13, he joined his cousin Henry and a pair of brothers named Lenny and Max in fronting the bachata boy band Aventura. Unlike the Backstreet Boys and *NSync, who put their careers in the hands of managers, the young men of Aventura took control of every creative decision. They also strove to expand what bachata could be about. Bachata was typically: I love you, I need you back, Im going to kill myself if you dont give me another chance, Santos says. And even though we did some of that, too, I wanted to bring, lyrically, mas contenido (more meaning).

The alchemy worked, and Aventura went on to become a top-selling boy band in the early aughts. Its also with Aventura that Romeo  Santoss swaggery alter ego  was born. Early on, Santos says he knew he needed to step up his game onstage. I knew that if I had been myself onstage  which is very conservative  that wasnt going to work, he says, unwrapping a plain turkey sandwich on whole-wheat bread (he eats every three hours). I noticed that when I would talk to the crowd and I would, in a way, act a little arrogant and confident, it was giving me better results than being all shy and just singing. That was the beginning, the early stage, of this character Romeo.

He insists that, while Romeo is a character who says things he normally wouldnt, his alter ego and his true self arent so different. Romeo and Anthony are not, like, opposites, he explains. I am a very romantic guy, but Romeo, I think, is more of a combination of romance, a little bit of arrogance. Cause I say things onstage that I would never say to anyone in my personal life or in a room. But thats something Ive noticed: No matter how much of Romeo is on that stage, lo humano siempre va a salir  whats human will always come out  if I go through these experiences. Without that groundedness, Romeo would be a smarmy guy who might steal your girl. But that humanity is precisely what makes Santoss music so hard to shake and what has attracted a cult following of Romeistas, a.k.a. Romeo superfans, since Aventura broke up in 2011 and he went solo.

While the Romeistas exist worldwide, they often mobilize for causes in the best interest of their heartthrob. Thats how Santoss wax statue at Madame Tussauds came into existence: Back in 2015, Santos fan Jennifer Nieves started an online petition to have the star represented in the wax museum, pleading that from his beloved smile, dance moves, skills, and smooth voice that drives all his Romeistas crazy he truly deserves a place at the Madame Tussauds in New York City. It garnered more than 7,000 signatures, and Santos is now housed in wax at the museum alongside the likes of Selena. When I seen that, it was the weirdest feeling, Santos says, shaking his head, as we pass by Madame Tussauds on our drive. It was like, Whoa, this is super-creepy  It looks a lot like me. 

Thats not the only surreal love fans have shown him lately, either. When you perform in places like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, right away they want to let you know they love you, he says. And Im talking about even the men. Or, like, you see dudes who tattoo my face. And theyre with their girlfriends, like, Yeah, I love you as much as my girlfriend. And thats pretty  amazing. In spite of the heart-shaped hand sign hes always throwing, and the breezy kisses he blows at women who sneak into the press pen at his Empire State lighting ceremony, its clear from the way Santos sheepishly speaks about his successes that Romeo hasnt completely subsumed Anthony yet.

It doesnt satisfy me to hear people saying, Romeo, he sold out two Yankee Stadiums,  he says. Thats the past. It means a lot to me if someone comes up to me and they tell me, Yo, that new record you just wrote? Psh. This line, this thing you did?  Without changing the formula too much, hes bringing the likes of Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Usher into the studio to make Spanish records and crafting a body of work that he believes to be part of his golden era. I can tell you that you go to my studio, you will see no awards. No plaques. And I have plenty to put up. But I give them to my mother, because I want to walk into that studio every time and feel like Im a new artist. I dont want any reminder that Ive made it, that Ive succeeded. I dont take for granted everything Ive accomplished. And Im grateful. Its what keeps me hungry. He flashes a grin and glances down at his half-eaten sandwich. Like, Im probably hungrier today  and I dont mean literally  than when I started this music.

*This article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
James Franco as the Martino twins. Photo: Paul Schiraldi/courtesy of HBO

Nostalgia for America in the 1970s kicked off in earnest 20 years ago with Paul Thomas Andersons Boogie Nights and has continued unabated ever since. Those who actually lived through the decade might raise an eyebrow at the various films and television series that celebrate what Tom Wolfe in this magazine famously dubbed the Me Decade: that awkward bridge between the chaotic, utopian 60s and the unapologetic materialism of the 80s. Its often the perception of lawlessness, sleaze, and machismo that drives storytellers back to the era of wide-lapel shirts, platform heels, medallions, and cocaine. The appeal lies not in what was actually happening and whom it was happening to, but in a collective sense that the 70s was the last era in which men could be macho, women and people of color knew their place, casual sex wasnt freighted with fear of terminal illness, and you could say anything that popped into your head without fear of censure. HBO traveled down this pop-culture road just recently with Vinyl, a one-season disaster set against the backdrop of the record industry in New York City. That show flopped, despite its sumptuous production values and superb performances, because it was less an examination of alpha-male narcissism than a celebration of it  Mad Men with louder music and without the layered, intricate sense of history and psychology.

Lo and behold, less than two years later, here come executive producers David Simon (The Wire, Treme) and George Pelecanos with The Deuce, a series about the sex industry thats set around the same time and in the same city and spotlights many of the same themes and images that drove the network to bankroll Vinyl. But thats where the similarity ends. This depiction of sex workers and pornographers around Times Square is less a warm nostalgia bath than a cold shower. James Franco, the spread-thin prince of American hipster art, plays twin brothers Frankie and Vincent Martino, whose Times Square bar becomes a front for the Mafia. Maggie Gyllenhaal co-stars as Eileen Candy Merrell, a single mother turned streetwalker whose bleak existence takes an upswing when she becomes involved in hard-core porn and realizes that shell have more control over every aspect of her life if she can figure out how to get behind that camera instead of performing in front of it. Zoe Kazan plays Vincent Martinos wife, Andrea, whose infidelity drives him to cheat as well. Gary Carr is C.C., a pimp who seems affable and reasonable enough until you see how he terrorizes his stable of women. His grooming of a fresh-off-the-bus Midwesterner named Lori (Emily Meade) provides a window into the specifics of exploitation: Shes not the oblivious hick she initially seems to be, but she doesnt control her own narrative in quite the way she imagines, either. A Wire alum, Chris Bauer, plays Vincent and Frankies brother-in-law, who seems like a standard-issue audience surrogate until you sense the depth of his fascination with degradation and realize that hes one of many vehicles through which The Deuce explores its relationship with the audience.

Working with a formidable group of directors  among them Breaking Bad ace Michelle MacLaren, who helmed two episodes, including the feature-length pilot  The Deuce sets an unenviable task for itself: depicting the mundane reality of these characters with understated, at times shocking frankness, never shying away from the particulars of exploitation yet also going out of its way to make the transactions as non-titillating as possible. It might be an impossible goal, and there are times when the series runs up against a truism of storytelling in moving pictures: No matter how scrupulous you try to be when telling a story of physical exploitation, a part of the audience is still going to tune in for indefensible reasons while tuning out whatever context the storytellers try to provide. Historically accurate as its dynamics might be, this is still a series where boorish white men run things and women and minorities are stuck with economic table scraps. Despite the best efforts of the writing staff and Gyllenhaal (who became a producer on the series partly to make sure that her character was well served), there are moments when The Deuce seems to lose its grip on the leash of its worldview and the situations take on a hypnotic power that is presumably not meant to be exploitative but comes across that way anyhow. The scenes of pimps intimidating sex workers and angry men expressing hateful thoughts about women have a low, simmering fury that practically warps the borders of the screen.

This is a risk inherent in the subject matter; there were screenings of Taxi Driver where audiences cheered the psychotic cabbies final rampage after two hours of seeing what a sad, damaged person he was. When The Deuce is at its best  as in a long scene where Eileen spends an evening with an entitled, oblivious young man on his birthday and details the various tiers of service with the detachment of an insurance agent explaining a term-life policy  the show achieves the balance between coolheaded representation and you-are-there immediacy that it so plainly seeks. Its most salient virtue is its stubborn refusal to serve up any character who represents a supposedly enlightened, 21st-century-liberal point of view. The pilot includes a lengthy sequence of imminent, escalating violence that over 100 years worth of cinema assures us will be interrupted by a bystander who is properly horrified by what hes seeing. No such luck. On The Deuce, as on The Wire and Treme, its every man and woman for themselves, and capitalism against all.

*This article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Chinese court awards copyright damages to New Balance

China

A Chinese court in the city of Suzhou, eastern China, has ordered three entrepreneurs to pay copyright infringement damages to U.S. based sportswear manufacturer New Balance.

The court has ruled that three Chinese companies (Zheng Chaosong, Xinpingheng and Bosidake) pay US$1.5 million in copyright damages over New Balances famous "N" logo. The similarity of the logos and other details led the judges to conclude that the counterfeit products could be "easily confused" with the authentic shoes.

The courts decision comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of being negligent on counterfeiting issues and announced he was to launch as investigation into China's record on intellectual property.

Established in China since 1995, New Balances stake of the Chinese footwear market increased from 0.4% in 2011 to 1.8% in 2016, behind the Nike and Adidas sportwear brands that are reported to hold 7.8% and 7% respectively, according to consultancy Euromonitor.

Source: Financial Times
Three Hurricane Harvey evacuees received supplies at the Waco hurricane reception center by late Monday evening before the state of Texas placed Waco shelters on standby, city officials announced.

Three people received medical supplies, basic medical attention and food before returning to their hotel rooms, city spokesman Larry Holze said. No evacuees have requested overnight shelter since Waco opened the Church of the Open Door, 900 N. Loop 340, Sunday afternoon as a reception area to direct evacuees to shelters or other needed resources.

The city was notified Monday to go into "standby status," meaning the reception center will close after midnight and no shelters will be needed until requested by the state. While a small number of impacted evacuees have used the reception center, McLennan County Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Patterson said the state will keep local shelters available at the request of the state, but the reception center will no longer be open after midnight.

Patterson said shelter populations in larger cities appeared to have stabilized across the state. He said flooding is still a concern as mandatory evacuations are still in place, so local shelters may be asked to reopen at the state's request.

"One concern is the possibility of an unexpected event, like a levee break that would cause additional evacuations and the other one is the current capacity of other shelters across the state," Patterson said. "Statewide there is availability, but the state would like to maintain our shelter capabilities just in case."

Patterson said until the state requests a complete stand down for Waco shelters, American Red Cross workers and other volunteers plan to remain available until it is practical. He said all shelter and reception center workers have put in a great about of training and volunteer time to resources to evacuees available.
A Jeffrey Place Healthcare Center employee was arrested Tuesday, accused of touching a disabled man in a sexual manner in July and causing him pain and injuries, an arrest affidavit states.

James Wade Berry, 47, of Waco, was arrested after a man living at Jeffery Place Healthcare, 820 Jeffrey St., told his court-assigned representative a man had grabbed him in a sexual manner and asked if it felt good, according to the affidavit. The representative reported the information to Waco police.

Investigators found injuries to the victim a day after the alleged assault.

"(The victim) expressed that the man's actions caused him pain," the affidavit states. "The man told (the victim) not to tell anyone or he would lose his job."

Nursing supervisors helped police identify the alleged assailant as Berry, the only male certified nursing assistant on staff, the affidavit states. Berry was assigned to provide care to the victim at the time of the incident, according to the document.

Berry denied any wrongdoing to staff and to investigators but gave inconsistent statements, according to the affidavit.

Police arrested Berry on a second-degree felony charge of injury to a disabled person with intent. He remained in McLennan County Jail on Tuesday with bond listed at $156,500.

A Jeffrey Place administrator said Tuesday she was unaware of Berry's arrest and declined to comment on the incident or Berry's employment status.
President Donald Trumps tax reform speech last week hit exactly the right points, though you wouldnt know it from several of the media reports.

Yet tax-reform advocates who want a fairer and more competitive tax system cheered because it appears the president may have learned some lessons from the Obamacare repeal-and-replace disaster. Heres three reasons for their support.

The presidents role: When President Bill Clinton tried his hand at comprehensive health care reform in 1993, he set up a White House task force that controlled the process, releasing its draft legislation after eight months of behind-closed-doors deliberations. Congress then mostly ignored it, as members began drafting their own bills. The delay gave critics time to attack the plan, which lost momentum and doomed Clintons efforts.

Trump, by contrast, took a hands-off approach on health care reform, largely playing the part of cheerleader. But congressional Republicans were divided, arguing among themselves and dithering away precious time. Like Clinton, they lost momentum and the tide of opinion changed.

President Barack Obama did it right. He laid out eight health care consumer protections he wanted in a speech to a joint session of Congress, providing both principles and direction for the Democratically controlled Congress. And Democrats eventually delivered.

Trump now seems to be following the Obama model, identifying some basic principles he wants in tax reform but leaving the task of writing and passing a bill to Congress.

The presidents principles: The president named four.

The tax code needs to be simple and easy to understand.

The corporate income tax rate should be competitive with other developed countries.

Tax reform must provide relief to middle-class families.

The country needs to repatriate trillions of dollars in U.S. corporate profits sitting in overseas banks.

Can I get an amen?

Unlike the repeal-and-replace effort, there is broad bipartisan support for Trumps tax reform principles, though how to achieve them will be a battle.

Trump wants to lower the corporate income tax from 35 percent  the highest in the developed world  to 15 percent. House Republicans are pushing a 20 percent rate. In 2012, Obama proposed lowering it to 28 percent.

Both Obama and Trump have called for simplifying and streamlining the tax code by reducing the number of tax breaks. Generally speaking, the lower the tax rate the more willing companies are to give up tax breaks and loopholes, which means Congress should push for the lowest rates possible.

Some critics will demagogue lower corporate rates as a sop to big business, demonstrating they dont understand the modern economy.

We live in a global economy. According to the Tax Foundation, the average 2016 corporate tax rate across 188 countries was 22.5 percent. The average rate for Europe, one of our biggest competitors, was 18.88 percent  about half the U.S. rate.

The higher U.S. corporate tax rate translates to higher prices or lower wages, making U.S. products and services less competitive. One of the reasons U.S. companies have been setting up operations in other countries or merging with foreign-based companies, known as inversions, is so they fall under the foreign countrys lower tax rates. A 20 percent  or better yet, a 15 percent  corporate tax rate would reverse that trend and even lure companies back.

And it would address the tendency of multinational companies to leave money in foreign bank accounts. U.S. companies pay the foreign taxes due in the countries where they operate. The reason they dont bring after-tax profits home is they have to pay the U.S. government the difference between the low foreign rate and the high U.S. rate. Significantly lowering the U.S. rate will largely solve that problem because there would be little or no difference.

The presidents focus: Trump made it very clear that his goal in tax reform is to create jobs and spur economic growth  which are two sides of the same coin. President George W. Bush pushed through two sets of tax cuts, in 2001 and 2003, but their economic impact was minimal because not all tax cuts are created equal.

Tax breaks that help families pay for education or child care are nice, but they have almost no impact on economic growth. Cutting the corporate tax rate and allowing for immediate expensing of business spending will  and both are key Republican tax reform provisions.

Trump is right that tax reform is essential to U.S. economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness. He has proposed his principles. Now its time for Congress to do its job.
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Original Tuskegee Airmen veterans will share their fascinating experiences and stories at the Atlanta Warbird Weekend (AWW) Dinner with the Tuskegee Airmen, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at the 57th Fighter Group restaurant, Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. This is a rare event to hear first-hand about WWII from some of the dwindling number of heroes who flew the aircraft and experienced the battles. Five fighter pilots plan to attend, including Col. Charles E. McGee, LT. Col. Robert J. Bob Friend, Lt. Col. Harold H. Buick Brown, Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, Jr., and Lt. Col. James H. Harvey, III. They all earned their wings at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama in 1943 and 1944. Purchase the tickets HERE.

AWW is adding a new feature this year, an outdoor movie night for families on Friday, Oct. 6. Enjoy the projection of an aviation documentary right on the airport ramp. the documentary, In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen, will be featured along with a question-and-answer session with original Tuskegee Airmen. Gates open at 6 pm, with a pre-show presentation beginning at 6:30 pm. The 45-minute show will begin at 8 pm.

In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen, tells the exciting and heroic story of Americas first black fighter group from the beginning of their journey. This exclusive documentary event features a panel discussion with Tuskegee Airman George Hardy, granddaughter of Alfred Anderson (Chief Flight Instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen) Christina Anderson, Producer Bryan Williams, and Director Denton Adkinson. Watch as the Airmen recall being part of the beginning stages of the civil rights movement, and what it was like to see their contributions make changes that continue to resonate today.

The projection will take place in the unique setting of the Epps Aviation ramp at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. A $5 cash donation is requested. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs; no seating will be provided. Refreshments and popcorn will be available for purchase. Click HERE for the full program.
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The architect of Tony Abbott's controversial Commission of Audit has teamed up with a Liberal-leaning think tank to create a "blueprint for good government" for Malcolm Turnbull ahead of the next election.

But more than three years after his 2014 audit, which sank like a stone politically and helped to take the 2014 budget with it, Tony Shepherd is promising practical solutions that will set out the economic challenges facing Australia and outline policy solutions.

Tony Shepherd is working on a "blueprint for good government" with the Liberal-leaning Menzies Research Institute. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Mr Shepherd and the Menzies Research Centre will release five reform papers by the end of the first quarter of 2018, examining key challenges facing the economy; energy and infrastructure; pressures on state and federal budgets; innovation; and trade and investment.

The former Business Council president told Fairfax Media that Australia's tax settings - for people, businesses and the GST - will all be examined as part of the sweeping review.
Former Coalition minister Stuart Robert has been urged to quit Parliament after Fairfax Media revealed he was previously elected despite direct financial links to a company awarded millions in government contracts.

ASIC records and his register of interests show Mr Robert was a "director and shareholder" of GMT Group and a number of other GMT companies awarded about $16.5 million worth of government contracts between 2007 and 2010.

Mr Robert, who was sacked from the ministry last year following a series of scandals, was a director and shareholder of the companies for three years after entering Parliament in 2007.

Section 44 of the constitution prohibits MPs from directly or indirectly profiting from the Commonwealth.
It might have been Beyonce's birthday yesterday, but we the people are the ones who have been gifted.

For Queen Bey's 36th birthday a few of her favourite friends, including Serena Williams, Kelly Rowland, and Jay Z's mum, Gloria Carter, banded together to ... DRESS UP AS BEYONCE.

Michelle Obama dressed as Beyonce. Credit:Beyonce.com

Glory.

The greatest of all the tributes was former First Lady Michelle Obama, who, like the other participants, posed as Beyonce in her Formation video.
The Note brand has always been aimed squarely at geeks. It was a huge phone before huge phones were cool, and powerful enough to replace not just a tablet, but maybe a laptop as well. Samsung has a lot to prove with the Note8 following last year's recall, and for the most part the the phablet delivers. The dual camera system is impressive, the pen is greatly improved, but flaws of the last flagship Galaxy S8 are still here too.

Once again, Samsung has built a beautiful-looking phone that is almost all screen. The display wraps right up to the edges, with small slivers of bezel top and bottom. Samsung's AMOLED displays are the best in the business and with HDR built in, it has better specs than my TV.

It's impressive that the Note8 can be used one handed, despite its size. This is thanks to the phone being relatively narrow, just a few millimetres wider than the S8. But it was still just a little too big for my tiny hands, not so much in size but in weight.

When holding the Note, my hand only covered the bottom third of the device, making it feel top-heavy, and ready to topple out of my grip. I haven't dropped the phone yet, but I always felt I would, and that made me nervous. I doubt Note fans care  they're attracted to this phone because of its size  but I prefer the S8 in the hand.
London alt-rock band Placebo has been forced to pull out of their Perth gig last minute on Monday night due to illness.

Perth Arena announced the cancellation on Twitter just before 7pm and the promoter released a statement, telling fans to hang on to their tickets.

Singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist-bassist Stefan Olsdal. Credit:Neon Black Communication

"Placebo regretfully advise that they are unable to perform tonight's concert at Perth Arena due to illness. Promoter TEG Live has requested that fans retain their tickets until more information is available. The band hope to make it up to their Perth fans as soon as possible," the statement read.

Disappointed punters took to social media to vent their frustration.
A South Korean navy sailor watches the destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer during a joint exercises between the United States and South Korea. Credit:AP But the South Korean president's office said that it was not considering redeploying tactical nuclear weapons: "Our government's firm stance on the nuclear-free peninsula remains unchanged," said Kim Dong-jo, a spokesman for Moon. Military experts in the United States are almost universally opposed to the idea of deploying strategic or tactical weapons in South Korea. Mr Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will discuss the increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula in a call scheduled for 7.45am on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Mr Turnbull said of North Korea, "This is a very dangerous, reckless, provocative regime".

"The need now is to enforce the toughest economic sanctions on North Korea. Now, the Security Council already has imposed sanctions and what they're now considering is imposing even tougher ones. Really, that is the key to bringing the regime to its senses without conflict." The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Monday at a meeting of the UN Security Council that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was "begging for war" after testing what he claimed was a hydrogen bomb on the weekend. "Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy," she said. South Korea's navy held more drills on Tuesday as media reports citing an unidentified intelligence source suggested North Korea had been observed moving what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast. The rocket started moving on Monday night, a day after North Korea's sixth nuclear test, and was spotted moving at night to avoid surveillance, the report in Asia Business Daily said. North Korea has launch facilities for its missile program on its west coast.

There's a high chance of a launch before the September 9 which is North Korea's national foundation day, the Daily reported. South Korea's defence ministry said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report. The ministry said in Parliament on Monday that North Korea was considered ready to launch more missiles, including ICBMs, at any time. Earlier South Korea's navy conducted a live-fire exercise off the country's eastern coast into waters between Korean peninsula and Japan. North Korea's nuclear test site was the intended virtual target. Seoul's Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that 20 vessels warships including a 2500-tonne frigate, a 1000-tonne patrol ship and 400-tonne guided-missile vessels participated in drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean provocations. Seoul says more naval drills are planned from Wednesday to Saturday in the country's southern seas.

The South's army and air force conducted a joint drill involving F-15 fighter jets and land-based ballistic missiles on Monday that simulated an attack on North Korea's nuclear test site to "strongly warn" Pyongyang over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date. It's unclear if Trump had North Korea on his mind when he tweeted shortly after that, presumably he had, a "big week coming up". Haley said the U.S. will circulate new draft sanctions and wants the security council to vote on them September 11. Chang Kyung-soo, acting chief of the Defence Ministry's policy planning office, told lawmakers in Seoul on Monday that North Korea was readying a missile firing, but didn't give a timeframe.

The Yonhap News Agency cited the South Korea's spy agency as saying there is a chance Pyongyang could fire an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean. North Korea has previously threatened to launch missiles toward Guam. South Korean Defence Ministry will review "various possible options" to find a "realistic" solution to North Korea's threats, spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told reporters in Seoul on Tuesday. South Korea has removed the final administrative hurdle for the full deployment of a US missile defence system known as THAAD, which China views as a threat to the region's "strategic equilibrium". Haley reinforced Trump's threat on Twitter to cut off trade with nations that do business with North Korea, though many observers say that would be an unlikely step. While the U.S. has often threatened a China trade war, Trump is yet to follow through, in part given the risk that would create for his own economy. But China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, and Russia called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the [Korean] peninsula," said Liu Jieyi, the Chinese ambassador to the UN, urging North Korea to stop taking actions that were "wrong" and not in its own interests. Russia said peace in the region was in jeopardy. "Sanctions alone will not help solve the issue," Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said. Loading North Korea has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Typically, China and Russia only view a test of a long-range missile or a nuclear weapon as a trigger for further possible UN sanctions.
[September 04, 2017] High Adoption of Cloud-based Storage to Boost the Growth of Hyperscale Data Center Market: Technavio

Technavio market research analysts forecast the global hyperscale data center market to grow at a CAGR of more than 11% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170904005104/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global hyperscale data center market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The market study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global hyperscale data center market for 2017-2021. The report also lists tower servers, rack-mount servers, and blade servers as the three major critical infrastructure segments. According to Sunil Kumar Singh, a lead analyst at Technavio for data center research, "The increase in the construction of data centers is driven by the rise in demand for cloud-based services and big data analytics. The demand for these offerings is rising because of the increase in data generated through connected devices in the form of the Internet of Things. The demand for cloud-based services will continue to increase during the forecast period." This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. Technavio analysts highlight the following three market drivers that are contributing to the growth of the global hyperscale data center market: Adoption of cloud-based storage by enterprises

Increase in business operational needs

Emergence of government data centers Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report



Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Adoption of cloud-based storage by enterprises

Storing data in the cloud is proving to be an effective medium for enterprises worldwide. Commercial data requires a large storage space, which varies in SMEs and large enterprises. With the increasing amount of data generated through IoT, storing data on-premise is proving to be expensive. Therefore, many enterprises have started moving their data to the cloud storage by selecting service providers, such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (News - Alert), and Google Cloud Platform. The demand for storage as a service (STaaS) has also increased because of the reduced cost, better scalability, and high availability of storage. "The global STaaS market is expected to reach around USD 30 billion by 2020. CSPs are focusing on the construction of cloud data centers worldwide because of the growing adoption of cloud-based storage by enterprises. These data centers are likely to be installed with advanced storage infrastructures, such as flash and hybrid arrays. Cloud computing provides users with options to archive and backs up data online," says Sunil. Increase in business operational needs The adoption of cloud-based services and big data analytics is growing at a significant pace. Also, the growing digitization has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of data generated and processed by enterprises. Several devices are used to access information that is stored in data centers. This creates the need for powerful networking so that operators can provide better services. Processor, HDD, and SSD manufacturers, such as Intel (News - Alert), Seagate, and Western Digital, are looking to increase the efficiency of storage systems through innovative offerings. There has been a significant increase in the need for data access and number of applications deployed. Regarding storage infrastructure, B2C is growing with the increase in the Internet user base worldwide. The utilization of IT infrastructure has also increased with the advent of virtualization, leading to competition among businesses. To gain better control over IT infrastructure, organizations are adopting hyper-converged infrastructure. The growing business needs are prompting enterprises to adopt additional storage infrastructure. Many enterprises are becoming highly dependent on CSPs for their business operations. Emergence of government data centers ICT is the backbone of many government operations across countries. Over the past decade, many government agencies worldwide have constructed data centers for their operations. In the US, almost all state and local government agencies operate data centers that are located across the country. This trend is spreading worldwide along with the increase in adoption of cloud-based services, big data analytics, and IoT. Many countries also support global enterprises in establishing data centers in their countries. Several colocations and managed cloud hosting providers are allocating private spaces in their data centers for government agencies to gain benefits of a modern infrastructure, cloud, and big data analytics. Almost all government agencies worldwide are likely to operate through modern technologies, which augurs well for the global hyperscale data center market. Browse Related Reports: Global High-availability Server Market 2017-2021

Global Data Center IT Infrastructure Market 2017-2021

Data Center Construction Market in the Nordic Region 2017-2021 About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170904005104/en/

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At the request of the Mongolia Customs General Administration, a WCO mission team recently conducted a diagnostic analysis of the current Customs valuation infrastructure and provided recommendations on the way ahead.

The mission, delivered by experts from the WCO Secretariat, China Customs and Maldives Customs, took place between 28 August and 1 September and was kindly funded by the China Customs Cooperation Fund.

Based on tools developed under the WCOs Revenue Package programme, the mission team met with senior managers and key units in Mongolia Customs, including the central valuation team, risk management and Post clearance audit teams, as well as clearance officials. The WCO team emphasised the importance of strong cooperation and communication between these units. Advanced technical valuation training and development of valuation trainer capacity were also highlighted as important objectives.

As part of the mission programme, a two-day valuation workshop was delivered for specialists which covered recent discussions at the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation on topics such as transfer pricing, royalties and licence fees and good practices on a range of valuation issues, based on the Revenue Package recommendations.
Under the auspices of the WCO-EAC CREATe Project financed by Sweden, the WCO supported the East African Community (EAC) to successfully hold its second regional AEO Consultative Group meeting. The meeting, which took place on 21 August 2017 in Kampala, Uganda, was attended by members of the regional Consultative Group which comprises of Customs officials; representatives of EAC regional AEOs from Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda; representatives of private sector regional bodies (such as the East African Business Council, and the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Association); and the EAC Secretariat.

The meeting provided the opportunity to discuss key issues such as progress towards the implementation of regional AEO Unique Identifier in Customs Management Systems, harmonization of AEO Benefits Management across the region, as well as formulating indicators to measure the time and costs reductions enjoyed by regional AEOs since joining the programme.

The members of the Consultative Group also welcomed the increase of numbers of regional AEOs (from 13 in 2013 to 46 in 2016) across the region as it demonstrates the accrued interest in such a programme among the business community in East Africa.

The Regional AEO Consultative Group was established successfully in February 2017 as a key milestone of the WCO-EAC CREATe Project. It is part of the regional AEO programme governance structure, and it plays an important role in advising and supporting the administration of the AEO programme. The objective of the Consultative Group is to effectively involve stakeholders in the management of the AEO programme in the face of the increasing recognition of the value-added of a public-private partnership approach to Customs modernization and trade facilitation initiatives. The next AEO Consultative Group meeting of the EAC is planned to take place in the last quarter of 2017.

Mr. Kenneth Bagamuhunda, EAC Director General Customs and Trade, emphasized that the AEO programme is among the best regional programmes in the world, second only to the European Union programme, and thanked the WCO and Sweden for their continued support to this programme. He further noted marked improvements in EAC Partner States in trading across borders as reported in the recent World Bank Doing Business Report.

For more information about this activity or the project, please contact the WCO-Sweden Programme Director, Mr. Richard Chopra (Richard.chopra@wcoomd.org)
[September 04, 2017] South Africa - Telecommunication Services: Opportunities for growth mellowed by risks and low rewards (Strategy, Performance and Risk Analysis)

LONDON, Sept. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Summary

In South Africa mobile subscriptions rose from 68.9 million in 2012 to 92.9 million in 2016, at a review-period (2012-2016) CAGR of 7.8%. Subscriptions will reach 110.5 million in 2021, at a forecast-period (2016-2021) CAGR of 3.5%, as is evident from penetration increasing from 74.3% users as a percentage of the population in 2012 to 83.6% in 2016. As mobile phones get cheaper and new technologies are introduced, penetration will reach 89.6% in 2021.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5089331/

Key Highlights

Network expansion and modernization to create opportunities for operators

In 2016, UMTS accounted for 38% of all mobile subscriptions. Its share will increase to 57.3% by 2021. However, the combined share of subscriptions on the HSPA and Long Term Evolution (LTE) platforms will also rise, from 15.7% in 2016 to 32.9% by 2021. Operators have the opportunity to invest in developing their M2M/IoT service portfolios based on faster LTE technology which will allow many to broaden their service offerings and tap into new revenue streams. Neotel is collaborating with the Western Cape government to launch 384 Wi-Fi hotspots across the province by 2019.

Fiber optic technology to grow

Fixed technology such as FTTH will enhance network quality and help operators to meet the demand for faster internet speeds that will ultimately drive subscriptions.

Telkom SA SOC Limited announced the launch of FreeMe Family, which brings the data-led convenience of FreeMe to families, who will then be able to share a data allocation across 10 SIM cards. It s also investing in the roll out FTTH and plans to pass one million FTTH connections by 2018, in addition to its plan to migrate its ADSL subscribers onto fibre optic networks.





Government initiatives driving broadband connections

The government's National Broadband Plan (NBA) will create opportunities for investors to fund the development of a national broadband network. South Africa will require funding to build a viable and long-term broadband plan in order to achieve its goal of universal broadband access by 2030. With the right funding and investments, broadband penetration can be increased.



Scope

- Risk/Reward Index - enables you to assess the risks and potential rewards of investing in the South African Telecommunications market in comparison with other Middle East and African countries.

- Industry Snapshot and Industry View - Key Telecommunications Industry Statistics including fixed/mobile revenue, subscriptions, churn, market share, and ARPS are analyzed to reveal the key issues and trends driving market performance in the South African Telecommunications market.

- Industry SWOT Analysis - Discover the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats impacting market performance and investment in the South African Telecommunications market.

- Industry Benchmarking - Benchmark how the South African telecommunications market is performing compared to regional and global markets in terms of fixed or mobile revenue, subscriptions, ARPS, penetration, and usage to gauge potential for growth or market entry.

- Competitive Landscape - Analyze and compare the performance of the leading players in the South African Telecommunications market by business segment on metrics such as such as churn, ARPU, and subscriber and revenue growth.

Reasons to buy

- What are the Saudi Arabian Telecommunications industry's Strengths and Weaknesses and what Opportunities and Threats does it face?

- How is the market performing in terms of: Revenues, Subscribers, ARPU, and Customer Churn?

- What will Saudi Arabia's mobile market look like in 2021?

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5089331/

About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com

For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

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Website: www.reportbuyer.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/south-africa---telecommunication-services-opportunities-for-growth-mellowed-by-risks-and-low-rewards-strategy-performance-and-risk-analysis-300513571.html SOURCE ReportBuyer

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[September 05, 2017] eCube Systems and Connect Announce Dates for the OpenVMS Modernization Seminar in Europe.

eCube Systems will kick off a three nation tour featuring complimentary OpenVMS modernization seminars in Europe. HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- eCube Systems in conjunction with Connect is pleased to announce its schedule for the OpenVMS Modernization Seminar series this fall. Each complimentary seminar will feature expert directed labs where students follow steps to install and use desktop tools for modernization, a connection to an AVTware Virtual Server running OpenVMS and a 90-day evaluation license of the three modernization tools featured in the seminar for each student. The OpenVMS Modernization Seminar is scheduled to kick off at the OpenVMS Bootcamp on Sunday, September 24th in Boston, Massachusetts, and the following weeks will feature one seminar in each of the following cities: Eindhoven (new), Netherlands on October 2nd, Gothenburg, Sweden on October 5th, and London, England on October 9th. AVTware will sponsor the first seminar (a change in venue from Amsterdam) in the Netherlands to attract developers from Germany, France and Belgium. The training class will feature labs and will be hands on, so each participant will need to bring a Windows, Mac or Linux laptop to the seminar so that they can install the Eclipse environment and Java tools necessary to use each modernization tool. The modernization training will be broken into three components: Modernization of the Development environment: The Agile Development tool NXTware Remote will utilize an Eclipse based IDE for OpenVMS 3GL and Java Remote development environment with distributed services on OpenVMS. Modernization of the Deployment environment: NXTmonitor is an Agile Infrastructure tool that performs DevOps functions for Continuous Delivery functionality and incorporates Application Performance Management tools to orchestrate complex applications on OpenVMS. Modernization of the middleware: NXTera will demonstrate High-Performance middleware on OpenVMS with support for BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, Fortran, Perl and Python. NXTera Workbench tools are integrated into NXTware Remote developer tools so that the developer can generate connectors, compile and debug their code from one interface. After completing this class, the participant will be able to demonstrate modernization skills on OpenVMS applications to help existing developers be more productive and attract new engineers and developers to work on OpenVMS. NXTware Remote, eCube's modern Eclipse-based Distributed Developent Environment, provides developers the tools to simplify and integrate their software engineering. The IDE's suite of tools and best practices for Continuous Delivery, which automates much of the development process on VMS, will leverage eCube's close relationship with the VSI to ensure users get the most out of their VMS investment.



"As part of our continuing commitment to improve OpenVMS, we are happy to announce this modernization seminar to inform OpenVMS developers on modern, agile and distributed development and deployment environments like NXTware Remote and NXTmonitor," says Kevin Barnes, President of eCube Systems, LLC. "We hope that developers will use these modern tools on OpenVMS and realize its development environment is just as modern as any Linux, Windows or Unix platform, with a more secure and fault tolerant environment. This environment will enhance the user's ability to quickly and efficiently develop and extend valuable enterprise applications." "VMS Software, Inc. is committed to providing users with the most secure, productive and flexible VMS operating systems ever," says Harris. "We are happy to partner with eCube's best-of-breed software engineering offerings that ensure those qualities extend to the development and deployment process.

The OpenVMS modernization seminar will be a limited capacity one day, hands-on class that features a complete training on how to install and configure NXTware Remote on OpenVMS and various client workstations. The training is intended for OpenVMS integrators, engineers and developers and will educate them on the advantages of Agile Development as well as advanced features of Eclipse and NXTware Remote. As part of the class, VMS developers will learn tips and tricks to speed up development for up to one hour a day, saving developers time and money. In addition, new developers will learn how to develop on OpenVMS without having to learn any DCL or infrastructure, enabling ISVs to hire college new hires to take over support and maintenance of their OpenVMS based applications. If you have an interest in the Agile Development Environment, go to this link to register: Seminar Series: Modernization Tools for OpenVMS. About VMS Software, Inc.

VMS Software, Inc. develops, sells and supports innovative and advanced releases of OpenVMS, the most secure operating system on the planet. The company's core motivation is to support and enable customers to run their mission critical applications at the legendary uptime levels OpenVMS is known for, at maximum performance levels, today and into the future. VMS Software Inc. is headquartered in Bolton, Massachusetts. About AVTware

AVTware software solutions allow OpenVMS and Tru64 users to transfer their application software to modern X86-type computers without making changes to their software. vtAlpha and vtVAX run directly on top of the X86 hardware (or Virtual Machine equivalent) without the need of a preinstalled Windows or Linux OS. AVTware is founded and owned by OpenVMS and Tru64 experts from The Netherlands. About NXTware Remote

NXTware Remote is an Eclipse-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that makes it simple for developers to write code and then compile and debug it remotely. Enterprise IT organizations doing strategic development in COBOL, FORTRAN, C, BASIC, PASCAL, and JAVA on a variety of platforms use NXTware Remote to develop on OpenVMS, Linux and Unix servers from Windows, MAC or Linux workstations. About Continuous Delivery and Best Practices for OpenVMS

Continuous Delivery and Best Practices for OpenVMS is a process designed by eCube to support modern development on OpenVMS. It combines 1. the use of a modern IDE to support agile development and source code management system (SCM) to systematically improve quality and simplify activities that were previously complex and time-consuming, 2. automated build capabilities that can be triggered from the SCM and in turn can trigger automated testing and 3. automated application testing and dependency management. About eCube Systems

eCube Systems offers a family of middleware evolution products and services that maximize return on technology investment by leveraging existing technical equity to meet evolving business needs. Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies turn to eCube Systems to reduce risk, extend ROI and increase productivity as they consolidate existing capabilities and evolve legacy systems to contemporary SOA platforms. eCube Systems, LLC, is headquartered in Montgomery, Texas with marketing offices in Boston, Massachusetts and R&D in Montreal, Canada. For more information, visit us at http://www.ecubesystems.com or contact eCube Systems by email at [email protected] or by telephone: 866-493-4224.

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[September 05, 2017] Atos signs agreement with OCF DATA to sell Bullion high-end servers

LONDON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announced it has signed a channel partner agreement with OCF DATA Limited to resell the Atos Bullion server range to NHS trusts and higher education institutions as well as to companies in the manufacturing and utilities sectors in the UK. OCF DATA specialises in integrating management information with business processes and will now place the powerful SAP and Oracle certified 8 to 16 sockets x86 Bullion servers at the centre of its data analytics offering. Atos solutions are a highly differentiated value offer. Their modularity, high performance and flexible functionality make them the ideal product for high performance in-memory computing analytics solutions. Atos is one of few companies worldwide delivering a certified platform over 8CPU, also fully certified by SAP and Oracle. Bullion servers are creating a new industry standard for High-End Enterprise Computing, capable of providing real-time value for fast-increasing data volumes. Andy Grant, Head of Big Data and HPC, Atos UK&I said: "We are delighted to be working with OCF DATA to bring the capabilities of Bullion Big Data servers to new market sectors. Whether it is for large scale virtualisation, high performance data analytics or in-memory computing the Bullion architecture delivers market leading price performance and RAS capabilities, helping organisations manage their costs." OCF DATA Director Cliff Brereton said of the partnership: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to deliver the world-class Atos infrastructure technology to IT departments, where this will form the core infrastructure of an organisation's internal data services. Whether it is running enterprise databases, managing and exploiting data lakes or improving the performance of JAV applications, these solutions will improve performance, reduce licence costs, footprint and power costs over existing in-house deployments."



The news follows the recent announcement that an agreement with Dell EMC will see the company resell the Atos high-end x86 Bullion servers. Used by over 100 million end-users worldwide Bullion servers are widely deployed in businesses and governments, mainly in Europe, North America, Africa and Brazil. Through its unique features, it supports the digital transformation of many clients and offers:

An exceptional memory footprint, up to 24 TB (terabytes), to address Big Data applications, in-memory and real time.

A superior scalability, availability and serviceability which makes it the ideal scale-up platform for very large enterprise applications and in-memory databases.

A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction for large data lakes and virtualized clusters reaching up to 35% on database consolidation projects,

Official certification by SAP and Oracle,

A technological alternative at lower cost for Sparc and HP-UX systems. Bullion is part of the data intensive, real-time enabling infrastructures in Atos Codex, a complete set of solutions and capabilities to design, build, run and secure smart data and cognitive business services, data platforms and Internet of Things. For more information on Bullion go here. About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around EUR12 billion. In the UK & Ireland around 10,000 employees deliver business technology solutions for some of the country's largest public and private sector organisations. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index About OCF DATA OCF DATA Limited based in Sheffield UK, transforms the operating performance of Healthcare, Higher Education, Manufacturing and Utilities companies, by overlaying accurately and timely management information in to business processes with advanced data & analytics solutions. OCF DATA uses unique talent, techniques and technology to deliver positive business performance change to its clients. These clients see more sales, more profit, better outcomes / quality and better managed budgets. The OCF Group has over 15 years of experience delivering high value solutions to clients. Press contact: Adam Fisher - [email protected] - +44 7989 145 665 Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170629/1887988-1LOGO-b SOURCE Atos Information Technology

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In yesterday's Nassau Guardian we're told "The government issued a statement yesterday advising that price gouging and similar schemes to spike prices in the preparation for and wake of a natural disaster are considered criminal offenses under the terms of the Price Control Act and the regulations under that act."

But according to Professor Art Carden: "...letting prices temporarily shoot up is better in the long run because it acts as a "signal flare" to suppliers far and wide that a particular area needs more resources."

He went on:

"It's counterintuitive. And this is probably one of the reasons people hate economists," he said. "If we want to be really, really, compassionate  and not just make our friends happy on Facebook  we have to talk really hard about changing incentives."

Professaor Steve Horwitz noted that: "It forces people to make very careful decisions about how they use their resources,"

Read more here...

I long for the day the Government is as concerned about the taxes and fees it charges that contribute to the high cost of living here. A blip in p[rices for the short term will go away. Taxes will remain high.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Sep. 05, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 05, 2017 | 05:05 PM | PADUCAH, KY

A man has been arrested and charged with abandoning a child on the front porch of a Paducah home in August.



The Paducah Police Department says detectives interviewed 36-year-old Ned Conner Tuesday at his home, and he admitted to leaving a 17-month-old child on the porch of a home on South 20th Street and fleeing on foot.



The incident reportedly began when an officer stopped a car for a traffic violation on August 18. As the officer approached the car on foot, the driver sped away. Officers located the car in an alley several blocks away and began searching for the female driver and male passenger.



The driver, Katherine Lapierre, was located nearby and arrested on various charges and outstanding warrants. While searching for the male passenger, officers were approached by residents of a home in the 500 block of South 20th Street, who said a toddler had been abandoned on their front porch.



Lapierre told police she had custody of the child. She said when she and her passenger fled their car, she gave the child to him and told him to take the child to a family member. Lapierre told officers she knew the man only as Game. The child was taken into protective custody.



Detectives determined the mans name was Ned Conner, and questioned him Tuesday morning. They said he admitted to leaving the child on the porch. He was arrested on a charge of abandonment of a minor and booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 05, 2017 | 09:58 AM | MURRAY, KY

A Paducah man was arrested on methamphetamine and other charges Monday in Murray.

According to the Murray Police Department, an officer noticed a car with an expired registration plate at a stop sign on North 17th Street at College Farm Road. When the officer activated his emergency lights, the vehicle tried to take off, but instead spun out in the intersection.

Police were able to approach the vehicle and place the driver, 27-year-old William Stewart of Paducah, into custody. According to police, Stewart had an active warrant for his arrest.

Officers reportedly found items that tested positive for methamphetamine in Stewart's vehicle. Stewart was also later found in possession of a large amount of cash and more meth.

Stewart was arrested and lodged in the Calloway County Jail on multiple charges, including fleeing or evading police, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in controlled substance and promoting contraband.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Sep. 04, 2017 | CALLOWAY COUNTY, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 04, 2017 | 09:53 PM | CALLOWAY COUNTY, KY

An Owensboro man faces drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop on Saturday.



The Calloway County Sheriff's Office says deputies stopped a vehicle with a registration plate that belonged to a different vehicle. Deputies said the driver, 25-year-old Denzel Knight of Owensboro had a handgun under the passenger seat and did not have a permit for the weapon.



Deputies later found marijuana in Knight's left sock, and found two more handguns and ammunition underneath the carpet in the rear compartment of the vehicle.



Deputies said Knight admitted that he had put the plate on his vehicle. They seized the guns and marijuana, and returned the registration plate to the owner.



Knight was booked into the Calloway County Detention Center on charges of improper display of registration plates, no registration plates, no operators-moped license, possession of marijuana, theft of motor vehicle registration plate, and three counts of carrying a concealed weapon.
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By The Associated Press

Sep. 03, 2017 | WASHINGTON, DC

By The Associated Press Sep. 03, 2017 | 08:33 AM | WASHINGTON, DC

North Korea said it set off a hydrogen bomb Sunday in its sixth nuclear test, which judging by the earthquake it set off appeared to be its most powerful explosion yet.



South Koreas weather agency estimated the nuclear blast yield of the presumed test was between 50 and 60 kilotons, or five to six times stronger than North Koreas fifth test in September 2016. That would mark a significant step forward in the Norths quest for a viable nuclear missile capable of striking anywhere in the United States.



On North Korean television, a newsreader called the test a complete success and said the two-stage thermonuclear weapon had unprecedented strength. Hours earlier, Pyongyang claimed its leader had inspected a hydrogen bomb meant for a new intercontinental ballistic missile.



Seouls weather agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff said an artificial 5.7 magnitude quake occurred at 12:29 p.m. local time, in Kilju, northern Hamgyong province, the site where North Korea has conducted nuclear tests in the past. Seoul officials revised their earlier estimate of 5.6 magnitude quake. The U.S. Geological Survey called the first quake an explosion with a magnitude 6.3.



The U.S. State Department had no immediate reaction. South Koreas presidential office said it will hold a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Moon Jae-in. South Koreas military said it has strengthened its monitoring and readiness while mulling a variety of possible responses that could be executed in collaboration with the U.S.



Japan confirmed that North Korea conducted a nuclear test, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said. It is absolutely unacceptable if North Korea did force another nuclear test, and we must protest strongly, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.



The USGS and Chinas earthquake administration detected a second tremor in North Korea minutes after the first, describing it as a cave-in or collapse. South Koreas weather agency, however, said no second quake occurred.



North Korea conducted two nuclear tests last year, the last nearly a year ago, on the Sept. 9 anniversary of the nations founding. It has since maintained a torrid pace in weapons tests, including its first two intercontinental ballistic missiles test in July. Last month, North Korea fired a potentially nuclear-capable midrange missile over northern Japan.



Earlier Sunday, photos released by the North Korean government showed Kim talking with his lieutenants as he observed a silver, peanut-shaped device that was apparently the purported thermonuclear weapon destined for an ICBM. What appeared to be the nose cone of a missile could also be seen near the alleged bomb in one picture, which could not be independently verified and was taken without outside journalists present. Another photo showed a diagram on the wall behind Kim of a bomb mounted inside a cone.



State media said Kim visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute and inspected a homemade H-bomb with super explosive power that is adjustable from tens (of) kiloton to hundreds (of) kiloton.



North Koreas nuclear and missile program has made huge strides since Kim rose to power following his fathers death in late 2011. The North followed its two tests of Hwasong-14 ICBMs by threatening in August to launch a salvo of its Hwasong-12 intermediate range missiles toward the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam.



It flew a Hwasong-12 over northern Japan last week, the first such overflight by a missile capable of carrying nukes, in a launch Kim described as a meaningful prelude to containing Guam, the home of major U.S. military facilities, and more ballistic missile tests targeting the Pacific.



It may be difficult for outside experts to confirm that the nuclear device detonated Sunday was an H-bomb. State media reported that the test left no trace of radioactive material. The U.S. and its allies attempt to detect blast material to gauge North Koreas progress, but Pyongyang has become better at containing it as its nuclear program has evolved.



To back up its claims to nuclear mastery, such tests are vital. The first of its two atomic tests last year involved what Pyongyang claimed was a sophisticated hydrogen bomb; the second it said was its most powerful atomic detonation ever.



It is almost impossible to independently confirm North Korean statements about its highly secret weapons program. South Korean government officials said the estimated explosive yield of last years first test was much smaller than what even a failed hydrogen bomb detonation would produce. There was speculation that North Korea might have detonated a boosted fission bomb, a weapon considered halfway between an atomic bomb and an H-bomb.



It is clear, however, that each new missile and nuclear test gives the North invaluable information that allows big jumps in capability. A key question is how far North Korea has gotten in efforts to consistently shrink down nuclear warheads so they can fit on long-range missiles.



North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs.



South Koreas main spy agency has previously asserted that it does not think Pyongyang currently has the ability to develop miniaturized nuclear weapons that can be mounted on long-range ballistic missiles. Some experts disagree.



The White House said President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan regarding ongoing efforts to maximize pressure on North Korea. The statement did not say whether the conversation came before or after the Norths latest claim.



A long line of U.S. presidents has failed to check North Koreas persistent pursuit of missiles and nuclear weapons. Six-nation negotiations on dismantling North Koreas nuclear program in exchange for aid fell apart in early 2009.



The North said in its statement Sunday that its H-bomb is a multi-functional thermonuclear nuke with great destructive power which can be detonated even at high altitudes for super-powerful EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack according to strategic goals.



Kim, according to the statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, claimed that all components of the H-bomb were homemade ... thus enabling the country to produce powerful nuclear weapons as many as it wants.



In what could be read as a veiled warning of more nuclear tests, Kim underlined the need for scientists to dynamically conduct the campaign for successfully concluding the final-stage research and development for perfecting the state nuclear force and set forth tasks to be fulfilled in the research into nukes.



The two Koreas have shared the worlds most heavily fortified border since their war in the early 1950s ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. About 28,500 American troops are deployed in South Korea as deterrence against North Korea.



___



Associated Press writers Youkyung Lee, Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.




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By Jim Waters

Sep. 04, 2017 | LEXINGTON, KY

By Jim Waters Sep. 04, 2017 | 09:28 PM | LEXINGTON, KY

A serious assessment offered by an independent consulting group hired to audit Kentucky's public-retirement funds represents an important step in addressing the commonwealth's pension crisis.



If you think "crisis" is overstating the dilemma, then you may have set up a tent in the camp of former Gov. Steve Beshear, who, in an interview with a radio talk-show host about his recent book, "People over Politics" with its chapter entitled "Channeling Chicken Little," attempted to downplay the situation.



At one point, he called the problematic actuarial process at the heart of Kentucky's pension predicament "a game."



I'm pretty sure the half-million Kentuckians who swear they've seen that sky dropping would characterize the dire situation as anything but "a game."



A somber Mike Nadol, managing director of PFM, wasn't playing games, either, when he recommended "freezing accrued benefits" in the state's pension funds, explaining it's "the same general concept that would be undertaken for a private-sector plan that was in fiscal distress at below a 60-percent funded level."



If the threshold for "fiscal distress" is 60 percent, the only Kentucky retirement plans not in distress are those belonging to legislators and judges.



For everyone else, it's anything but fun time.



And for the 89 percent of Kentuckians not eligible for a public pension but concerned about whether funding will be available in the future for anything but retirement checks, the $48 billion pension hole the commonwealth finds itself in also is not a game.



In fact, it all may be developing into something more like "Kentucky's pension war," as one headline screamed atop a story covering the response of stakeholders and various groups to PFM's recommendations.



Wars usually start because of misunderstandings.



One such misnomer in this conflict claims taxpayers through the General Assembly have been chintzy when it comes to funding pensions.



However, as Senate budget chairman Chris McDaniel, R-Taylor Mill, noted in an op-ed, the amount of the commonwealth's annual budget dedicated to pension payments during the past decade swelled from 5.4 percent to 13.8 percent.



Another misunderstanding claims Kentucky must continue to fund every benefit ever granted during the 60-year history of the pension plans at the same level for the forever future.



Not according to the PFM audit, which, for example, rightly recommends ending the practice of allowing beneficiaries in the Teachers' Retirement System to not only receive one-time payments for their unused sick days when they retire but also to spike their benefits by applying the value of those unused days to their pensions, increasing the size of their lifetime retirement checks.



Nadol's group says the state should instead "allow for sick time to be cashed out at a more modest level in a one-time payment that doesn't increase an ongoing benefit-obligation stream or add to the unfunded liability pressures that the systems face."



Just like propaganda is part of any war, expect a narrative from those opposed to reforming the benefit structures of Kentucky's retirement systems to channel Chicken Little by painting every reform attempt by the Bevin administration and this legislature  who obviously approach the situation seriously  as an effort to take away all benefits, even those already given.



However, Nadol says PFM's recommendations "would involve fully continuing and protecting and preserving those benefits that have already been earned through existing years of service."



Pension benefits already awarded would be there, period.



Granted, there could be future changes regarding benefits not yet funded, including suspending cost-of-living increases until control is gained over the systems' funding levels and more cost-sharing of health-insurance premiums.



The upside of the changes will be the sky will not fall, the retirement systems will survive and those who have served our commonwealth will continue to receive their pension checks.



Jim Waters is president and CEO of the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, Kentucky's free-market think tank. Read previous columns at www.bipps.org. He can be reached at jwaters@freedomkentucky.com and @bipps on Twitter.
URBANA -- Have you noticed any new behaviors in your children since you sent them back to school? Sleep disturbances, acting out, or mood swings? These behaviors and others may be signs of stress, according to experts at the University of Illinois.

Often youre not going to hear a kid say, Im stressed out, so as parents we need to look for signs they are communicating to us through their behaviors, says Chelsey Byers Gerstenecker, family life educator at U of I Extension, according to a press release.

Once they are aware of their kids stress, parents can help them manage it by introducing effective coping skills early in life. According to Gerstenecker, stress management starts with getting kids into healthy routines with plenty of exercise and sleep. And she says parents should encourage kids to talk to them early and often about things that are worrying them.

Were teaching our kids its better to come tell us about it and not sit on it, so together we can brainstorm how to overcome whatevers troubling them. Its just being a family and helping them learn coping strategies that will serve them well throughout life.

Going back to school isnt just hard on kids. Most teachers experience stress on a daily basis, whether its from managing troublesome behavior in the classroom or from meeting expectations of administrators.

Erica Thieman, assistant professor in the Agricultural Education Program at U of I, is a teacher educator whose research focuses on stress management. She says the high attrition rate in the first five years of teaching can be attributed in large part to stress. But teacher stress doesnt just contribute to attrition; it can affect the stress levels of students.

You can quickly watch a stressed-out teacher turn an entire classroom into a bunch of stress balls just by walking around the room, Thieman says, due to something called communicative stress. Thieman explains that when the human heart beats, it emits an electromagnetic signal that can be felt by others within a 3- to 4-foot radius. When were stressed, our heart emits a very erratic signal versus when were calm, its very regular. That erratic signal can be picked up by other people.

The good news is that there are plenty of strategies for teachers to manage stress. One that Thieman endorses is both free and easy: breathing. Its really powerful to take three deep breaths. Cortisol lowers instantly; theres an instant response in the body to those three deep breaths. She also strongly recommends a good nights sleep.

Ensuring proper sleep -- 8 hours for adults -- is one of the best stress-management techniques I can offer, especially during the back-to-school time when people are adjusting to new routines and typically more difficult work is required of their brains, Thieman says.

Not going back to school? Fortunately, Gerstenecker and Thieman say these stress-management tips apply to everyone.

To hear more from these experts on the topic of stress management, listen to the #askACES podcast at https://soundcloud.com/aces-illinois/managing-stress.
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MATTOON -- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is hosting a continuing education seminar for all Lake Land College Nursing alumni as part of the colleges Laker Homecoming celebration.

The seminar, titled "The Future is Now: Updates on the Nursing Profession", is free to Lake Land alumni and will be held at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems -- Lumpkin Health Education Center, 101 Professional Plaza, on Sept. 29. The event sign in and lunch is at 11:30 a.m., while the panel discussion begins at noon and guest speakers will run from 1-4:30 p.m. Four continuing education hours will be earned through this seminar.

Following the guest speakers, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and the Lake Land College Alumni Relations office are hosting a social event for alumni with hors doeuvres and refreshments from 4:30-6 p.m.

Guest speakers include Susan Swart, executive director ANA-Illinois; Lisa Hernandez, CNO, SBLHS; and Cindy Rivas, director of Women & Childrens Center, SBLHS.

Swart is a registered nurse and serves as the executive director of ANA-Illinois, Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing and the Illinois Nurses Foundation. She received a bachelors degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis and a masters degree in the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2005. She is currently working towards a doctorate with an emphasis in ethical leadership at Olivet Nazarene University. Swarts work centers on advising registered nurses and advanced practice nurses how to become politically savvy and how best to interpret health care regulations.

Laker alumni must register in advance by going to lakelandcollege.edu/alumni. Once there, click on the Homecoming logo on the right and find the Nursing Alumni Continuing Education Seminar tab.

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers Commission on Accreditation.

Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural East Central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
Ive spent the end of the summer going through the old files, unvisited cardboard boxes and packing crates at the back of the cellar where things are placed for safe-keeping  or merely laid to rest without the dignity of being discarded.

Ive been busy recollecting my life, literally and figuratively.

The literalism of the word recollection has struck me as I find myself re-collecting, re-organizing and recovering sometimes forgotten pieces of my past, now that theres so much of it.

Lets say Im in the car listening to the radio and a song I never even liked (Nobody Does It Better from The Spy Who Loved Me) comes on. Suddenly, Im seeing the summer of 1977 again.

Its like accidentally clicking on a computer icon that causes the entire episode to unfold instantaneously, splashing into every corner and going full-screen.

Not only are there paperbacks, cassette tapes and cheap trinkets from 1977 that my 20-year-old self never would have imagined her 60-year-self examining with such interest, but the incidents and emotions conjured up by these somehow manage to surprise both of us.

Most odd is the telescoping of time: Ill be overwhelmed by my immediate recall of details from more than half a lifetime ago.

I remember the pattern on the sofa where we napped and studied, the texture of my favorite dark-green T-shirt and the taste of chocolate chip ice cream from the local place.

Embedded in such details, the smallest incidents are moments of the irrevocable, the initial forging of links and connections that would give gravity and beauty to the rest of my life.

You never know what will be the beginning of things until youre in the middle; its only in retrospect that you learn the importance of what started it all.

In the summer of 1977, I was at college taking three classes, which were required before studying abroad.

Initially upset because I couldnt stay at home earning money at a summer job, those months between sophomore and junior year was when I became a real student. I took a comparative literature course, an introduction to astronomy and a class on Greek and Roman mythology.

Those courses fit into each other like measuring spoons and, along with my own appetite for learning, provided the recipe for a real education.

I stared at constellations in the sharp, clear New Hampshire sky, understanding not only the provenance behind their names, but reciting poems they inspired.

1977 was also the summer of boyfriends.

Practicing a sort of emotional catch-and-release routine, I was far more interested in getting attention than in cultivating the sincere affections offered by earnest young men who could recite verse and recognize and explain the significance of Orions Belt.

Less than a month later, I would be the one caught and not released. London captured me, ensnared if not enslaved my imagination and changed everything I thought I knew about myself. That was 40 years ago, and yet those emotional lessons feel fresh as a wound even now.

My enchantment and enthrallment, my capitulation to a place, my falling in love with everything about England  including a boy in it  illuminated for me that Id never been in love before, despite all the star-gazing.

A different London boy, a friend, painted a portrait of me that year, which he exhibited as part of his final project at the Slade School of Fine Art.

It had been carefully wrapped and preserved, but I decided yesterday to hang the portrait in my office. Glancing at it as I write, it brings back the afternoon light, the noise from the street of buses grumbling past the window and Steeleye Spans All Around My Hat playing in the background.

Pictures of me no longer look much like the portrait of the girl in 1977, but Im still there from certain angles. My artist-friend caught the luminousness that 20-year-olds carry with them, I see it in my students, the way iridescent colors briefly flash in the edges of cut-glass mirrors.

As our own life portraits grow complex, as the backgrounds fill and grow in depth, we need to recollect our memories, being generous to those whom we were before we became ourselves.
A Sauk County horse has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Health Department reported.

The test result confirms there are mosquitoes in the area infected with the virus that can transmit it to people and animals.

The Sauk County Health Department announced the test result in a news release late Friday. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reported the positive test result to the state Division of Public Health.

Humans, horses, birds and other animals get the virus when bitten by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not transmitted person to person or directly between animals, or between animals and humans.

In 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported. In 2016, 13 cases of West Nile virus were reported among Wisconsin residents. The state Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season.

Most people infected with the virus do not have symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

A Dodge County horse tested positive for West Nile virus last week. Because West Nile virus is circulating, health officials urged Wisconsin residents and visitors to be vigilant in taking measures to prevent mosquito bites. Anyone suspecting they have an illness stemming from the virus is advised to contact a health care provider.

Health officials reminded horse owners to contact their veterinarians about vaccinating their animals. In addition to vaccination, owners can protect their horses by eliminating standing water and keeping animals inside from dusk to dawn.

The best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate their breeding sites. When cold weather arrives, the mosquitoes will be eliminated, but until then people are urged to take measures to protect themselves.

The Sauk County Health Department recommends the following steps:

Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Apply an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellant to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.

Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.

Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.

Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.

Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.

Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.

Trim tall grass, weeds and vines  mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.

Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

A dead bird was already reported to the Sauk County Health Department on June 2. Further reporting of dead birds in Sauk County is not necessary. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay or raven, call 800-433-1610.
She patrols the night shift in Americas fourth-largest city and served a tour in Iraq, but Amber (Schultz) Vick had never been more scared than she was last Sunday.

The Baraboo native had started her shift at a Houston Police Department substation last Saturday evening in a heavy rain. By 3 a.m., the parking lot was impassable. By 8 a.m., the station was taking on water.

The water just started rising real quickly, Vick said.

When the water inside the station became knee deep, the police called for help. Three hours later, as the water level rose to waist deep, first responders trained for water rescues arrived, taking stranded cops to a fire station.

It was pretty scary. We were thinking we werent going to get out of there, Vick said. I thought we were going to drown in there.

Local links

The 2000 Baraboo High School graduates harrowing escape is just one of several local links to Hurricane Harvey, which has claimed at least 60 lives and caused billions of dollars in property damage.

A building in Rockport, Texas, that served as the International Crane Foundations regional headquarters in the South was destroyed. The Baraboo nonprofit was sharing the rental building with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The storm came as ICF was preparing to move into a different facility nearby and expand its staff there from one to four. But that building also may have to be razed, said Tim Grunewald, director of North America programs.

Were dealing with it hour to hour, day to day, he said. Were kind of without a facility in the short term.

ICF wants to maintain its presence in Rockport, as it lies on St. Charles Bay, near a wildlife refuge where whooping cranes winter. Its really the heart of the whooping crane activity, Grunewald said. We have a purpose and reason to be there.

As the Wisconsin National Guard readied troops to respond to the storms aftermath, Wisconsin cheesemakers  including area producers Arena Cheese, Carr Valley Cheese and Foremost Farms Cooperative  sent 17,000 pounds of cheese to Houston.

Nights in jail

Help from home is welcome, Vick said, as resources are tight around Houston. Her department remained on around-the-clock call as the floodwaters receded. Her personal vehicle was totaled, as was most of the stations fleet of squad cars.

Vick spent two nights at the firehouse, then three more at a police substation. She spent two nights sleeping in jail cells, donning a state-issued jumpsuit in lieu of pajamas. Orange is the new blue, she said.

She and her colleagues had to move out of their cells to make room for suspected looters. They slept on cots, air mattresses and even the floor. Evacuees struggled to find food, and Vick is using a rental car.

There was a lot of frustration and chaos, Vick said. Its martial law right now.

Floodwaters neared her home in nearby Katy, but it was unscathed. Vick returned home for the first time last week, to the delight of her Doberman. She only goes home to sleep.

Vick spent eight years as a communications officer in the U.S. Army, serving one tour of duty in Iraq. Shes patrol officer working nights in a city where hundreds of murders are reported every year. She isnt faint of heart. But Harvey chilled her.

I was scared to death, Vick said. I was probably more scared of the flood than anything. I felt so helpless.

Cleaning up

Vick and her southwest substation colleagues continue to operate out of a southeast substation. Once Houston police are no longer in 24-hour operation mode, she hopes to visit Baraboo.

I would really like to spend time with family after all this, she said.

Meanwhile, first responders will continue to give their time to the rescue and recovery effort. Vick said Houston merchants are doing what they can to provide for basic needs as the water recedes.

Local businesses have been extremely generous, she said. Everybody came together.

The International Crane Foundation plans to be part of the effort to rebuild the Houston area. Grunewald said the nonprofit will re-establish its presence in Rockport, even though commercial space will be at a premium. Weve become part of the community, he said, and we want to rejoin the community.
My friend started reading The Hunger Games when her grandson was reading the first book in the series. It might not have been her first choice of summer reading that year, but it gave them a topic of conversation and a springboard for other discussions.

Instead of asking him what he is reading and asking him to tell a bit about it, she could ask him what he thought about the dystopian society. They could discuss loyalty and betrayal, good and evil with the anchor of the common characters in the book.

She continued reading what her grandchildren read and their long-distance chats went beyond how is school? When I hear a good idea, I take notes. I too now read some of the things my grandchildren read. I am well versed on the Magic Tree House Mysteries, I loved the books Wonder and Out of My Mind and know more than I want to know about Percy Jackson.

I love asking people what they are reading. In an airport, on a train, on a beach, at a conference or a family gathering. People who you might have nothing else in common with always are ready to start talking about what they are reading.

When I asked my niece what she was reading this summer, she and her sister laughed. Read? said the sister. And they laughed again. Apparently reading has fallen out of favor with some of the tech-savvy, Instagram-using, Snapchat-sharing, twittering young people. They are in contact with their friends, all 218 of them, at the same time, in abbreviated, three-line conversations that speak of what movie they are watching on Netflix and if they are eating popcorn or potato chips or cookies. That sentence is longer than any of their conversations.

Yes, I am sounding like one of those people who criticize the internet. Quite the contrary. I love internet for all the world it opens up to us and the research and information it provides. I love emailing friends and Facetiming family. I just dont like to hear laughter when I ask what someone is reading. Unless of course they are reading a book of very funny limericks they will share with me.

Thats why I was off put by the response. Or maybe because I take books so seriously I want everyone to love them as I do. My first loves were characters in books. My first adventure was through the stories I read; my first experience with a different culture, race and religion were in novels, not in my village or my schools.

I know my nieces read. They are bright and articulate. I think the redirection they take with their devices is temporary and a part of the current culture. I cringe to think where they are getting news and information that might affect their future. But I want to believe they search out truth.

Our sons had a wonderful teacher who taught them the most important of lessons. No matter what they were researching and writing about, they needed to find the original document, statement or historic fact from the source. The teacher said they should find where and when the original quote or the actual event took place and learn about its broader context.

It was tedious and rewarding. It was painful but fascinating, and they learned to read and, more importantly, think for themselves. They had to decide what it meant and what the impact was. This is quite different from a synopsis with the conclusion handed to them in 50 words or less. This is quite different from a tweeted incomplete thought.

Books can change lives, whether they are inspirational or a period piece that opens your eyes to the past or future. Science and technology can blow you mind and expand your universe. They can take you on a journey through your own memories. They can inspire you to action. Maybe the action is laughter. Or maybe it is sharing what you read.
Hunger affects communities across the country, including residents in Juneau County.

For the 10th straight year, Mill Haven Foods in New Lisbon will host Stepping for Hunger, a 5K and 10K run/walk to benefit Juneau Countys five food pantries. Hollie Slater, president of Mill Haven, said September is Food Awareness Month, which correlates well with the charity run.

The food pantry in New Lisbon is located next to Silver Star Health; which is owned and operated by Hollie and her husband, Brian.

I wasnt too aware of the food pantry 10 years ago, but I work there every Thursday now, Hollie Slater said. Its kind of become a part of who we are and its kind of why we continue to push for the food pantries.

This years Stepping for Hunger will take place Sept. 16 along the Omaha Trail near Hustler. The 10K will begin at 9:30 a.m., while the 5K kicks off at 10 a.m. Registration is open from 7 a.m.  9 a.m. Pre-registration for the 5K is $20 and $30 the day of the race, and the 10K costs $30 for those who pre-register and $40 on race day.

One of the nice perks for the 10K is were trying to draw all levels of runners so were offering cash rewards for the top male and female in those races, Hollie Slater said. Winners will take home $300 cash; runner-up gets $150 and third place gets $50.

Through the fundraiser, Mill Haven aims to raise $10,000 every year. In the first nine years of the event, Hollie Slater Stepping for Hunger has raised more than $70,000 for county pantries.

One hundred percent of the profits go toward all of them, Hollie Slater said. We try to serve all five in the county.

For those who would like to participate, but dont want to run in the races, Hollie Slater said Mill Haven will take donations. She said the race has attracted a strong group that shows support every year. The benefit usually brings in about 150 competitors.

The run extends through Hustler and with summer transitioning into fall, the races should provide a pleasant view of the early autumn foliage.

Little Hustler wakes up that day, thats for sure, Hollie Slater said.

About 10 years ago, the Slaters decided to become more active and took up running. They noticed there werent any 5K races in the area and the couple had to travel four hours to compete in their first race.

There werent any around, so we decided to do (this one), Hollie Slater said. We wanted to do it right from the first go; we have nice custom T-shirts, we have custom awards and weve proved to have a nice, solid group of followers.

We really didnt know the needs of hunger 10 years ago. Just in Wisconsin alone, one in five children go hungry  thats a crazy amount of kids right in our area. Our goal of giving out food to the community has grown over the years. It started out with one little race and its grown to doing the mobile pantries, the current pantry  were in Touched Twice. Its just a matter of getting food out there.

The New Lisbon pantry, located at 201 Leer Street, is open every Thursday from 8:30 a.m.  10:45 a.m. On Sept. 13, Mill Haven will have a mobile pantry at Silver Star Health.

With the mobile food pantry we just ask for a Juneau County address, nothing more, Hollie Slater said. We usually push about 200 people through the door in about two hours.
Marquette County recorded its third and fourth traffic deaths of 2017 in recent one-vehicle crashes.

A rollover crash Sunday night on Fox Road in the town of Oxford resulted in the death of 25-year-old Preston J. Roller of Oxford as well as life-threatening injuries for two juveniles from Columbia County, according to a news release from Marquette County Sheriffs Office.

Sheriffs deputies found three people lying outside of a sedan, where Marquette County Coroner Tom Wastart pronounced Roller dead at the scene. The two juveniles were transported by Marquette County EMS to a local hospital.

The crash is under investigation by the Marquette County Sheriffs Office and Wisconsin State Patrol.

Sheriff Kim Gaffney said few additional details were available Tuesday, but since the three occupants were found outside the vehicle, his department believes seat belts were not used.

I can say categorically and emphatically, please wear your seat belts and abide by your speed limits, Gaffney said. Theyre there for a reason. Your best opportunity to survive a major crash or collision is your use of safety belts.

The sheriffs office was unaware of the health status of the two juveniles Tuesday afternoon, Gaffney said, though the sheriffs office remains in contact with the families and hospital.

Marquette Countys third traffic fatality this year occurred Aug. 22 as a result of one-vehicle crash in the town of Newton, according to a separate news release from the sheriffs office.

Jerry Miller, 59, of Wautoma, died after his Jeep Wrangler went off the road and struck a utility box north of Duck Creek Lane. His vehicle started on fire as a result of the crash.

Miller, traveling north on 10th Lane, was the lone occupant in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

This crash is under investigation by the Marquette County Sheriffs Office and Marquette County Coroners Office.

The town of Newton Fire Department and village of Westfield Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

Weve had a lot of crashes in the last few weeks, for whatever reason, Gaffney said.

Typically, Marquette County averages between two and six traffic fatalities a year, sometimes suffering as many as seven or eight, he added.
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D), of Wisconsins second congressional district, was in Sauk City Aug. 30 at Village Hall to meet and talk with local constituents about any concerns they have with federal agencies. During the event, he spoke with the Eagle about the first eight months of President Donald Trumps administration, the challenges current lawmakers face, how the Democratic party failed in 2016 and the importance of working together to get things done.

Pocan said even if Hillary Clinton had won the election, there would have been minor disruptions in the administration with the influx and outflux of new staffers.

But I would argue that with Trump, weve had even more disruption because he comes completely from the outside and hes brought a lot of people in from the outside, Pocan said. The learning curve has been steeper than normal  I just think his style is so different than what weve ever been used to.

Pocan referred to Trumps style as bombastic and said the president is used to being a CEO and not having to negotiate with a Congress and Senate.

I think hes learning the job and along the way we are learning more about him, Pocan said. Well see if theres a collision course between the two, and that I could potentially see happening.

The congressman said for the most part there is a system of checks and balances to keep bad things from quickly escalating, such as Trumps recent ban on transgender people in the military.

Military leaders said well, were not going to do it yet because were going to put a study out there and see how this is going to impact everybody in the military, Pocan said. I was surprised because really they are defying their commander-in-chief. But they were doing whats right for the military. I think thats the kind of thing were seeing are a lot of people making sure things still run smoothly.

But because Trump is erratic in his behavior, Pocan said he does worry.

What I worry about is that 4:30 a.m. tweet that sets off Kim Jong-un and the next thing you know, two people who have nuclear powers are having a fight over 140 characters, Pocan said. Thats the stuff I think I worry most about.

The fact Trump has already gone through so much staff is also troubling to Pocan.

The Mooch (Anthony Scaramucci) was there for 10 days; (Stephen) Banons gone, (Sebastian) Gorkas gone, Pocan said. You go down the list and its a lot of people. Even Reince Preibus  he was the adult in the room and he got booted out during this process. But again hes brought a lot of outsiders in and thats been part of the disruption. These are people who didnt really have experience but thought they knew the answers without really knowing what the questions were first.

Pocan said he believes if Republicans would realize they are better off working with Democrats and not against them, more action would take place.

Really the Tea Party is the tail that wags the dog because they are empowered so much,Pocan said. Where instead if they did what John Boehner did occasionally  which was to pass the violence against women authorization by getting a bunch of Democratic votes  You can have bipartisan votes; thats generally how things are done. But they havent really operated that way and I think it would be a good practice to go back to.

Pocan said he is waiting for leadership to step up and realize democrats are a coequal branch of government.

Then we can function together and get things done and then negotiate with the White House which we just arent seeing a lot of right now, he said.

Pocan said even President Trump has casually referred to the parties working together; something Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, has largely disagreed with.

Paul Ryan said No, well do it ourselves, Pocan said. Well thats not the way you do things. His doing it themselves means getting nothing done. I wish he would come to us  I might not agree with everything that happens then but I bet he would get a lot more Democratic votes on some of the things we just have to get done, Pocan said. But Paul Ryan is not rising to be the Speaker of the House  which means everybody. Hes more resembling a staffer in the Trump administration than representing a coequal branch of government.

There is hope for democrats in 2020, though, Pocan said. The first step was realizing the mistakes the party made in 2016 with the Clinton campaign.

You cant just say, Im not the other person, which I think was a large part of the end message in the campaign, and we were lacking a coherent economic message, Pocan said. Most people are worried about the things they talk about at their kitchen table: Can I afford my mortgage or rent? Do I have health insurance for my family? Can I send my kids to college if they want to go to college? Can I take a family vacation? Those core economic issues. If youre not talking about that, youre not talking with voters.

He said issues such as racial justice and the environment are still important and necessary to discuss, but not before engaging voters in the topics that hit closer to home.

I think thats where we failed, Pocan said.

Pocan said the obvious hot topics such as healthcare and tax reform are paramount right now, and so is the budget and infrastructure.

I am heartened to see we understand we need to have a better economic message, Pocan said. When the House and Senate Democrats came up with this Better Deal proposal  which is a spinoff of the New Deal  it shows they are realizing there are a lot of core economic issues from raising minimum wage to some of the anti-trust laws that have affected too much corporate power in too few hands. And there are some really good initial signs but it has to be flushed out yet. Hopefully that will show us some leaders that might be there for the next election.
Eleven art pieces and the design for mile markers and benches for the Great Sauk State Trail were approved by the Great Sauk Trail Commission during a meeting Aug. 31.

River Arts Center Executive Director Lindsey Giese presented a slideshow of potential art pieces or structures that could go along phase one of the trail, however she said only eight places for art were identified for the first phase, from the beginning of the trail by the defunct Sauk City railroad bridge to the beginning of the recreation area. In addition, Giese presented the commission with two bench designs and a mile marker that would feature eagles and double as bike racks. In total, eight pieces of art being recommended along with 16 benches and nine educational signs. Mile markers would be placed every half-mile along the trail that goes through the villages, while closer to the recreation area mile markers would be placed every mile.

River Arts Inc., which has been serving as a clearinghouse for potential art for the trail, has been working alongside the commission and Friends of the Great Sauk State Trail for two years on the project.

Requests for proposals were sent to local and regional artists and of all the pieces it received, River Arts narrowed down the selection to 20, then 11.

This is only round one; we never intended to exclude anybody, Giese said. The art selected for consideration would be placed along spots identified in phase one. More art pieces will be selected for future phases, Giese said. She stressed the places for the art have yet to be approved, however to gauge how many pieces would fit, eight spots were ultimately identified.

Giese said River Arts wanted to focus on local and regional artists, some from the Madison area, Cross Plains and Mount Horeb, all the way to the Green Bay area.

The selected art pieces were mainly composed of metal, wood and stone. Two of the recommendations were working sundials, while others included an archway, sculptures of feathers, fish, prairie vegetation and birds. Artwork will be set in concrete bases.

Dana White-Quam of the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources said because the art pieces, benches and mile markers would be set in the rail corridor, she isnt sure whether permits are required from the Department of Transportation.

Im not sure if it requires permits since the DOT owns the corridor, White-Quam said. If you can give me a set of potential sites I can take that to the DOT to see if any lease agreements are needed.

Art pieces will be commissioned at the $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000 price points, Giese said, with the majority falling into the $10,000 range.

The two bench designs that were recommended by River Arts included a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired metal bench while the other featured metal and recycled plastic. Quam said in her experience benches are often targeted for vandalism, and believed the metal one would be easier to maintain.

The mile markers would be customized from two feet to four feet in height to also serve as bike racks.

Darin Carignan, interim Sauk County Highway Commissioner, said crews are making good progress on the trail and things are on track. The gravel base has been laid throughout phase one of the trail. Paving work on West Eagle Gate has been completed and curb and gutter work has begun on the Water Street crossing.

Were still working on the Highway 78 crossing; the tracks will be out within the next week-and-a-half, Carignan said. We will realign the trail and move the ditch seven feet to the east.

In addition all rail ties have been moved from Summer Oaks and dirt work alongside the trail has begun, Carignan said.

Paving work on the trail from the Water Street crossing to the former Badger Ammunition Plant is slated to begin the last week of September.

Carignan cautioned that although the trail looks done in some places, it isnt.

Theres still wet concrete in places, he said. Weve been noticing road barriers we have placed seem to keep getting moved out of our construction zone.

Marty Krueger, Sauk County Board chair and Great Sauk Trail Commission member said the original estimate for the asphalt work was projected to cost $100 per ton of laid asphalt. It was later identified the work could be done for $53.68 per ton of laid asphalt. Scott Construction came in with that bid, essentially saving the project about $46 per ton.

We are doing what we can to keep this at cost or lower, Krueger said. We intend not only not to exceed the projected cost, but to come in underneath it.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration of the Great Sauk State Trail was also announced during the meeting.

Jeff Wright, president of the Friends of the Great Sauk State Trail, said a short, ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 on the trail, below the Ruth Culver Community Library. On Oct. 21 also at 2 p.m. a community celebration will be held at VFW Park in Prairie du Sac.
Colleen Lorraine Schultz, 33, of Lexington, Kentucky, lived life on her own terms from the time she was born on March 21, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts, until the angels lifted her back into heaven on July 28, 2017. The ravages of cancer eventually wore down her body, but not her indomitable spirit.

Growing up in Mt. Horeb, Colleen formed many lasting friendships and graduated in 2002 from Mt. Horeb High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating and earning two degrees in 2007. Colleen loved to travel and experience new adventures, and she lived in many different places and had many different jobs. Her last and most beloved job was at Fresh Thyme in Lexington, Kentucky, where she was the manager of Natural Foods. She considered Lexington to be her home and gained many close friends who lovingly helped her through her illness

People were attracted to Colleens warm smile, her loving and giving ways, and her willingness to help whenever needed. One of her missions in life, in her own words, was to remind people how precious life is. She had a passion for learning and for reading, and delighted in choosing just the right book for family and friends.

Colleen leaves many people who deeply loved her and will miss her, including her mother and stepfather, Nancy and Jim Malmberg of Merrimac; her father and stepmother, Kevin and Melanie Schultz of Atlanta, Georgia; her baby brother, Corey Schultz of Merrimac; half brother, Ryan Schultz; step siblings, big sisters, Amy (Scott) Schneider and Jennifer (Kevin) Klingenmeyer, Sarah (John) Schenek; stepbrother John (Heather) Hamon; and many loving aunts (including her special God mother, Aunt Judi), uncles, cousins; nieces, nephews; friends, and her beloved kitty, Artemis.

The family would like to express great gratitude to Drs. Elizabeth Pelkofski, Katrina Nickels, and Marta Hayne, their staff, and the nurses and caretakers at Baptist Health Cancer Center in Lexington for their excellent and loving care of Colleen during her illness.

A celebration of life for Colleen will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Merrimac Memorial Park. Wear bright colors and bring your favorite Colleen memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Colleens name, especially ones that cared for animals, the environment, and battered women; or do something each day to spread the light and love Colleen brought to the world. Fly free, our precious angel, you were a kindhearted, compassionate presence in this world, and you will be deeply missed by the many lives you touched.
After Hurricane Harvey spawned epic flooding along the Gulf Coast, insured flooding victims will be able to get financial relief a little bit faster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a temporary change Monday that would "rush recovery money" into the hands of National Flood Insurance Program policyholders.

"When a policyholder contacts his/her insurer and verifies his/her identity, he/she can receive an advance payment for up to $5,000 on a flood claim, without an adjuster visit or additional documentation," FEMA said.

"Up to $20,000 may be advanced to a policyholder who provides photos and/or videos depicting damage and receipts validating out-of-pocket expenses related to flood loss, or a contractor's itemized estimate."

In addition, policyholders affected by Hurricane Harvey who have not been able to renew their policies will get a grace period of 120 days to do so, FEMA said.

It's part of the slow, arduous road to recovery as tens of thousands of people were uprooted from the historic hurricane and floods.

Also on Monday, residents were able to return to the 1.5-mile evacuation zone near the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas. Organic peroxide overheated and ignited, causing multiple fires at the flooded chemical plant near Houston.

Officials let chemical containers catch fire and burn out rather than endanger firefighters, the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said in a joint statement.

People living within 1.5 miles of the Arkema site were evacuated days before the explosions. The evacuation order was lifted after local officials determined it was safe to let residents return home.

"I want to once again apologize to the people of Crosby and Harris County," said Richard Rowe, CEO of Arkema North America. "The implications of the evacuation, the implications of Hurricane Harvey on our Crosby site layered upon the impact it's had on their personal lives -- I can only begin to imagine."

The Arkema plant represents just a snapshot of Hurricane Harvey's cascading effects. At least 53 people have died from the catastrophic storm, and tens of thousands of people are still living in shelters.

Toxic waste sites flooded

At least 13 toxic waste sites in Texas were flooded or damaged by Hurricane Harvey, the Environmental Protection Agency said. The 13 affected sites have industrial waste from petrochemical companies, acid compounds, solvents and pesticides.

The EPA announced over the weekend that it had assessed 41 Superfund sites using aerial images.

A Superfund site is land that is contaminated by hazardous waste and identified by the EPA as a candidate for cleanup because it poses a risk to human health and/or the environment.

The impact of flooding on the sites is unknown. The EPA said its workers have not been able to "safely access the sites" but are ready to do so as soon as the floodwaters recede.

In the Houston area, authorities had said it would take 10-15 days for floodwaters to recede.

Mayor: Houston open for business

Most of Houston is operational and more than 95% of the city is dry, Mayor Sylvester Turner told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday. He said most businesses will reopen Tuesday.

"And so if you have a conference, a convention, a concert, any of those things that were planned, that you were planning to come to this city, we are still ready to welcome you," he said. "On Tuesday we are getting back on our feet, and I'm expecting employees -- employers to open, employees to go to work. And all city employees, you are due back at work on Tuesday."

But Turner said residents are still struggling, and first responders will continue going door-to-door to check on the elderly, housing conditions and disabled people.

Mexico set to send help

Relief supplies and up to 50 Mexican medical professionals will soon cross the border to help thousands of flood evacuees in Texas, Mexican officials said.

Mexico offered the United States aid last week, and Texas officials gave Mexico the green light Saturday to start sending help, said Carlos Manuel Sada, Mexico's undersecretary for North-American relations.

More than a dozen trailers loaded with beds, portable generators, mobile community kitchens and other supplies will cross the border into Laredo, Texas, "in the coming days" and be taken to the Houston area.

"On top of everything, there is a deep relationship between Mexico and Texas," Sada said.

In 2005, Mexico sent drinking water and a convoy of soldiers among other supplies to help Hurricane Katrina victims.

As the government works to help those affected by Harvey, Hurricane Irma is looming in the Atlantic as a threat to Caribbean islands -- and potentially, by next week, to the United States.

CNN's Polo Sandoval, Rene Marsh, Ralph Ellis and David Wright contributed to this report.
Funny how politics changes everything. Forty-six years ago this summer, I took Army training in Ft. Jackson, SC. About 2/3 of the unit was black and most of them had rebel flags on their lockers or civilian clothes. It was Southern heritage to them, not racism. The statue of Robert E. Lee that was pulled down in Virginia had been there since the 1930s and was dedicated by Franklin Roosevelt. Nancy Pelosi walked by rebel statues in Congress for 30 years. Now she says they are racist and should be removed. Apparently she didnt think so during the Russian spy crisis, now debunked.

If Democrats are going down this road and blaming the KKK and slavery on Republicans, they need to relearn their history. The KKK was started by Southern Democrats to go after freed slaves and Republicans, mad because the first Republican president freed the slaves. Yes, we once had slaves in the US, as many other countries did. Lincoln outlawed it in 1860, but other countries still have slavery, especially the Middle East and Africa.

The Civil Rights Act of 1965 wouldnt have passed if not for Republicans. Most Democrats voted against it. Jim Crow laws were made by Democrats. All of this was in the past, but Democrats today are acting like they still exist and are the Republicans fault. Racism in the US was nearly gone until Barack Obama stirred it up and misrepresented history.

When I saw Lees statue pulled down, it reminded me of watching the Taliban destroy historical artifacts in Iraq. Our history is what it is. We should keep the good and learn from the bad, not repeat it. Less than 2% of people had slaves in the US. Lets not re-fight the Civil War.

Democrats are also going after freedom of speech, saying anything they dont agree with is hate speech and should be illegal. Other countries have that policy and they are all socialist, communist or just plain dictatorships. We cant go down this road, folks. If the people doing this win, we wont like where it ends up and neither will most of them. They cant all be the elite. What kind of world will our children and grandchildren have? If we lose our Constitution, well have to live under the rules of whoever is in charge and they could change every other day.

Sid Guill, Mattoon
Nebraska's governor, attorney general and other state Republicans stood firmly in favor Tuesday of President Donald Trump's action to rescind the DACA program.

Meanwhile, state Democrats branded Trump's decision a cruel act that threw thousands of families into disarray.

It was mostly Nebraska Democrats, with one exception in Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who said they would continue to support young immigrants, called Dreamers, who have enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program since 2012.

In Nebraska, more than 3,300 young people were enrolled in the DACA program as of March. The Center for American Progress estimates 2,933 are workers, and that Nebraska could stand to lose $150.2 million annually by removing those workers.

Half again as many Nebraska immigrants are eligible for the program, either now, in the future or if they had the proper education, the center reported. The permits, which allow the young people to work and study without being deported, are renewable after two years. No more applications are being accepted.

Most Nebraska Republicans cited rule of law and separation of powers in their support of Trump's action.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Trump made the right decision in ending President Barack Obama's "unconstitutional" DACA program.

The president cannot unilaterally change the rules and grant amnesty to people who come to the United States outside the law, Ricketts said.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the DACA executive order will be rescinded immediately and the program phased out over the next six months is an important step in protecting the rule of law and the separation of powers set forth in the Constitution.

Peterson said his purpose for joining in a letter with other state attorneys general asking for DACA to be rescinded was to prevent any president from unilaterally using executive orders to create laws.

The duty to address immigration issues properly belongs to the legislative branch, he said, adding bipartisan bills currently before the House and Senate addressing the DACA issue are the proper forums for debate.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said Obamas unilateral action in 2012 went beyond his constitutional authority.

"Today, President Trump took steps to address this executive overreach by the previous administration," she said. "Congress now has the opportunity to address the legal status of the DACA recipients as part of a broader discussion on border security and legal immigration reform.

By Tuesday evening, Sen. Ben Sasse had not responded to a request for comment.

Bacon, who co-sponsored the federal Bridge Act, which extends protections for DACA recipients while Congress works toward an updated immigration policy, reassured DACA recipients he was committed to keeping those who are law-abiding in the country.

I understand why many people are unsure of what the future holds for them and the fears they are feeling, Bacon said. This is the only home many of these children, students, friends, and neighbors have known."

The Trump administrations announcement recognizes that the Constitution gives lawmaking authority to Congress and laws cannot be changed by executive order, Bacon said.

Congress needs to work on a balanced and compassionate approach that ensures law-abiding DACA recipients are able to stay in the country, he said, but also addresses employer compliance with immigration laws, secures our border and improves our visa program.

I am eager to work on a solution as soon as possible and I urge my colleagues in the House to make this a priority as well, he said.

Rep. Adrian Smith, in saying Trump's action was correct, offered no promises for DACA recipients.

The DACA program violated the separation of powers established by our Constitution and should never have been created through executive action," he said. "This and many other aspects of our broken immigration system, such as border security, have gone too long without being addressed."

Congress and the President must come together to create strong, permanent immigration policies rooted in the rule of law, he said.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, too, said the issue is the responsibility of Congress, adding "necessary humanitarian exceptions must be nested in policies that further robust border security, interior enforcement against illegal activity, and foreign policy initiatives to mitigate the pressure for economic migration.

In May, 24 Nebraska lawmakers approved a nonbinding resolution (LR26), introduced by Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas, opposing any federal action to rescind protections for DACA youths. Seventeen declined to vote, one senator opposed the resolution, and seven were excused and not voting.

In 2015, the Legislature passed a bill (LB623) and then voted 34-10 to override Ricketts' veto of it, to allow young immigrants who grew up and were educated in Nebraska to obtain driver's licenses. The next year, lawmakers passed a bill (LB947) that allowed DACA enrollees to obtain professional and commercial licenses.

Vargas said Tuesday the actions taken by the Trump administration to end the DACA program were shameful and shortsighted.

These DACA youth live, study, work and pay taxes in Nebraska.

We cant turn our backs on them, said Vargas in a statement including three board members of Metro Community College and the Omaha Public Schools.

We must stand by the educational, economic, and community investments we have made in these young people and their families. And we must acknowledge both the talent investment and the economic impact they have on our local economies."

Omaha Sen. Sara Howard also urged Nebraskas congressional delegation to do the right thing and pass legislation during the six-month delay.

"Our countrys greatest strength has been our openness to immigrants and the diversity they bring. I will continue to do all that I can to support these students and to fix our broken immigration system, Howard said.

The Nebraska Republican Party said Obama, or any U.S. president, has no power to change the laws of the country unilaterally.

"To continue the deferred action program would have undermined our Constitution and the role of the Congress to implement laws. Congress now has the opportunity to properly address our broken immigration system, starting with securing our border, the party said in a statement.

Several Nebraska Democratic leaders stood in support of the Dreamers.

Jane Kleeb, chairwoman of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said the presidents decision was reckless, wrong and cruel.

America must continue to lead the way on welcoming immigrants to our great state and country. We believe in the hard work of immigrant families, Kleeb said.

Trump is a coward for not making the heartless announcement himself and taking questions on what the real motive is behind this reckless move."

Marta Nieves, chairwoman of the Nebraska Democratic Party Latino Caucus, said Dreamers bring intelligence, compassion, diversity of thought and perspective, skills, talents and passion to life and to the nation.

They have been contributing their creativity, and taxes, to the economy and their communities, she said. They inspire us to value the best in our nation."

Danielle Conrad, executive director of ACLU of Nebraska, said hundreds of thousands of young immigrants came out of the shadows five years ago and accepted, in good faith, the governments offer to live, study and work here if they passed a criminal background check.

Today, the government and President Trump went back on their word, threw the lives and futures of 800,000 Dreamers and their families into disarray, and injected chaos and uncertainty into thousands of workplaces and communities across America," Conrad said.

She urged the Nebraska congressional delegation to follow the lead of Congressman Bacon in standing with Dreamers, and said Attorney General Peterson and Gov. Ricketts should end their "misguided and hurtful attacks" on young immigrants.
A Lincoln woman who worked as a paralegal in the Lancaster County Attorney's Office for 16 years has accused her former employer of forcing her to retire early in a lawsuit filed Friday.

In the case filed in U.S. District Court, Nancy Weber said County Attorney Joe Kelly gave her the choice of retiring or having her employment terminated after she asked for additional time off under the Family Medical Leave Act in April 2016.

It followed a string of approvals for time off for other medical issues involving her and her husband.

Weber's attorney, Melanie Whittamore-Mantzios, alleged that forcing her to retire or be terminated for exercising her rights under the act was unlawful retaliation and she is entitled to damages and back pay.

In an email Monday, Kelly said he didn't have any comment on the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, Weber had worked in the office since August 1999. In 2013, she began working full-time as a "single case owner," a position expected to perform both the work of a paralegal and legal secretary.

Whittamore-Mantzios said in 2014 Weber asked for time off to care for her husband after he had a heart attack and underwent triple bypass surgery. She said Weber initially was told she would need to use all of her remaining vacation time since she didn't have any more paid family sick leave.

But she eventually was approved for intermittent family medical leave to take care of her husband for two or three hours a day for a four-week period.

Whittamore-Mantzios said Weber began working part-time but had difficulty keeping up with her full-time work load and asked for additional help, but was denied.

In April 2015, she said Weber was suspended a day without pay for failing to take timely action on her files.

Four months later, Weber got pneumonia and couldn't work for a week. When she returned to work part-time, she was expected to complete her full caseload.

In April 2016, Weber told the office manager she would need to take about a month of leave for a surgery on her foot the next month.

Two days before the scheduled surgery, Whittamore-Mantzios said, Kelly called Weber "and told her that he had decided he would terminate her employment or alternatively she could take retirement."

She said Weber was forced to retire in 2016. She had planned to retire at the age of 62 in 2019.

According to the lawsuit, Kelly had provided her notice of a proposed disciplinary action related to four specific instances where Weber had failed to enter notes or do other follow-up work as cause for dismissal.

But Whittamore-Mantzios alleged it really was done in retaliation for Weber exercising her rights under the Family Medical Leave Act.

She is asking for back pay and for actual monetary losses from the loss of health insurance benefits, retirement and social security income.




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What Is The Global Displacement Crisis?

The global displacement crisis refers to the large number of people from all over the world who are forced from their homes due to violence, internal conflict, persecution, climate change, natural disaster, and human rights violations. This social issue is also sometimes referred to as forced displacement. The UN Refugee Agency reported that by the end of 2016 at least 65.6 million individuals had been displaced from their native countries. This number is the highest the world has experienced since World War II. Of these individuals, 40.3 million are internally displaced, 22.5 million are refugees, and 2.8 million are asylum seekers.

In recent years, the number of people forced from their homes has increased at a significant rate. Just the number of refugees and internally displaced peoples alone has doubled since the year 2000. The Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council has commented that this crisis is continuing to grow with every passing year, with some countries now facing displacement because of both natural and manmade disasters. These individuals are forced to rely on humanitarian aid and can often be found living in the temporary shelters of refugee camps. Where humanitarian aid is unavailable or scarce, displaced individuals may resort to living in unused land outside of cities or in the streets. This article takes a closer look at who these people are, where they are from, and possible solutions to the problem.

Which Countries Experience Displacement?

The displacement crisis is not confined to only one area of the globe. Countries across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have all been affected. In some cases, reporters from mass media cover the stories extensively and the situation is well documented, like the crises in Syria, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. Other countries, however, receive less media coverage. Some of these nations include: Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, Iraq, the Ukraine, Myanmar, and Somalia.

Of these countries, Syria has experienced the greatest instance of displacement. In fact, it is the only country in the world where the majority of the population has been affected by forced displacement. For every 1,000 displaced individual in the world today, 650 of them are Syrian. By the end of 2016, 12 million Syrians were forcefully displaced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict. Of these individuals, 6.3 million were considered internally displaced, 5.5 million were refugees, and only 185,000 were asylum seekers.

The second largest group of displaced individuals are from Colombia. This country saw 7.7 million of its citizens displaced internally by the end of 2016. In terms of percentage of the population, however, South Sudan was the second most greatly affected. Here, 259 out of every 1,000 individuals was forcibly replaced due to an increasingly violent war. Within the course of just one year, the number of displaced individuals in this country increased by 85% and a 64% increase in the latter half of 2016. This increase represents the fastest growing displacement rate in the world.

Myanmar has perhaps experienced the longest incidence of displacement, with internal conflict taking place between ethnic minorities and government and military authorities since its independence in 1948. In total, this country has experienced the displacement of 1.095 million individuals, 90,000 of which sought safety outside of their homes in the year 2016 alone.

In terms of internally displaced individuals due to natural disasters, Nepal tops the list with 2.6 million individuals unable to return home after the earthquake of April 2015. Other natural disasters that have displaced individuals include: landslides, volcanic eruptions, high temperatures, storms, wildfires, and flooding. Other countries where natural disasters cause the largest number of displaced individuals include: India, Myanmar, China, Chile, and the Philippines.

Where Do The Displaced Go?

With such a large number of individuals fleeing from their homes and countries every day, finding a safe place that can fill their daily needs can be difficult to achieve. In many instances, displaced individuals turn to refugee camps in other countries, relying on humanitarian assistance for both food and shelter. Some countries around the world receive a higher number of displaced individuals than other nations. This difference in reception may simply be due to proximity between the sending and receiving countries or may be involve internal policies of the host country, which limit the number of refugees a country can receive.

For 3 years in a row, Turkey has held the top position in terms of number of displaced individuals hosted. As of 2016, this country had provided asylum for 2.9 million refugees. This number is followed by Pakistan (1.4 million), Lebanon (1 million), Iran (979,400), Uganda (940,800), and Ethiopia (791,600). Although Lebanon is in 3rd place, the number of refugees here make up a larger percentage of the population, where 1 out of every 6 people has been displaced. These countries represent some of the least developed host countries in the world. Despite their economic conditions and own internal struggles, these host countries have taken in approximately 28% of all refugees worldwide.

Demographics Of The Displaced

It can be difficult to imagine exactly what 65.6 million individuals looks like. For reference, if these individuals were the population of one single country, that country would be the 24th most populous in the world. To put that information in other words, approximately 20 people are newly displaced every minute.

Just over half (51%) of all displaced individuals are children under the age of 18. This percentage is disproportionate to the percentage of children in the global population, which is only 31%. Half of these children are primary school-aged. Of these displaced children, asylum seeking records indicate that around 75,000 are separated from their parents and family members or are unaccompanied by an adult. These applications for asylum were filed in at least 70 countries around the world and Germany received nearly half of these asylum applications (35,900). Most of the unaccompanied, asylum-seeking children are from Afghanistan and Syria.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that approximately 10 million people are stateless or at risk of being stateless as of 2016 as well. While all of this news seems disheartening, some good numbers have also been reported. At least 552,500 refugees were able to return to their home countries in 2016, which is a significant increase over previous years. Most of these refugee returns were to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the conditions within these home countries had not yet recovered by the time the refugees arrived.

Solutions To The Problem

Faced with this growing and uncontrolled crisis, humanitarian workers around the world are struggling to find sustainable solutions to the global displacement problem. Some nonprofit organizations work closely with governments around the world in an effort to secure funding for refugee camps and humanitarian supplies. Refugees International, for example, reported securing additional financial aid from the US for several countries, including: an additional $439 million for Syria, $155 million for Iraq, and $41 million for Nigeria. These funds were used to procure food supplies for displaced individuals.

Additionally, the UNHCR works to provide safe housing conditions and international protection for internally displaced individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers around the world. Their aim is to ensure these people have all of their human needs met and that they are able to carry on their lives with dignity. This organization has identified 3 principal goals as solutions to the problem of global displacement: resettlement, local integration, and voluntary repatriation.

Resettlement efforts concern those refugees or asylum seekers who were placed in a host country where they were unable to meet their needs, or where their livelihoods or safety continued to be at risk. In this situation, UNHCR workers identify a third host country and help transfer the asylum seeker after obtaining approval from the government. In this new country, the individual is provided with permanent residency status and receives full legal protection. In 2016, an increase of 15,000 resettlement places was achieved for Syrian refugees specifically. In total, 189,300 refugees from several countries were entered into resettlement programs in 2016; this number represents a 77% increase over 2015 numbers.

Local integration programs involve assisting refugees to obtain permanent housing and become a contributing member of their new community. Local integration requires an effort on part of both the refugee and the receiving nation. In order to measure success of this program, the UNHCR considers the number of naturalization processes completed by refugees in their new country.

Voluntary repatriation is considered the ultimate goal to strive for as it is the most sustainable solution. This program requires effort from 3 parties: the refugee, the host country, and the home country. Both the host and home countries must work together to ensure the refugee experiences a smooth transition from the asylum granting nation back to their homeland. Once in their homeland, the government must work to make sure the individual is able to successfully reintegrate into their original community. In 2016, the number of voluntary repatriation cases increased significantly, resulting in more than double the number of cases in 2015.

The state of the global displacement crisis, however, indicates that these solutions are no longer sufficient as a growing number of individuals remain in unsafe and unsustainable living conditions.
Annia Morin-Chavez came to South Sioux City from Mexico before she hit kindergarten.

Memories of her life growing up on the southern banks of the Rio Grande River in Reynosa, opposite Hidalgo, Texas, are spotty, filled in part through the dreams expressed by her parents in their drive to provide a better life for her and her siblings.

There was a chance for a better education in the U.S., and to leave behind the growing danger presented by the drug cartels, her mother often said.

As a so-called Dreamer, enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program created by the Obama administration in 2012, Morin-Chavez was pursuing the life her parents dreamed of creating.

Enrolled as a sophomore accounting major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Morin-Chavez said shes diligently working toward a lifelong, albeit unusual goal: I want to be able to do my own taxes.

But Tuesday, the future for Morin-Chavez and more than 3,300 other undocumented Nebraska youth protected from deportation and afforded a chance to complete an education and obtain employment under the DACA program, became more complicated.

The Trump administration announced it would be ending the DACA program, calling it unconstitutional and a circumvention of immigration law, and ordered the Department of Homeland Security to cease accepting any new applications.

Current enrollees whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, can apply for renewal by Oct. 5, while others have longer to see if Congress can come up with a solution that would keep protections for DACA recipients in place.

Morin-Chavez said the idea DACA could be scrapped has been at the forefront of her mind since Trump indicated his intention to do so nearly two years ago.

Watching the campaign, I really wasnt surprised at all, Morin-Chavez said of Tuesdays decision.

Enrolling in the Obama-era program in 2012 was something of a gamble for Morin-Chavezs family.

Her older sister was born in Texas and is a U.S. citizen, while her parents were able to become naturalized citizens as well, leaving Morin-Chavez and her older brother, also born in Mexico, both undocumented.

Since applying for protections under DACA at age 14, Morin-Chavez has been considered lawfully present in the U.S. and protected from deportation, but was not granted permanent residency or a path to permanent citizenship.

Its a status she said became more and more evident as she grew up in South Sioux City, where life became as much about maintaining a blemish-free record as it did about being a regular teenager.

I wasnt able to be like everyone else, Morin-Chavez said. As her American-born friends were getting their drivers licenses, she was bumming rides from family members, her mother determined she avoid any situations that could mean legal trouble.

Slowly, however, changes at both the federal level, with the creation of DACA, as well as incremental progress at the state level, made Morin-Chavez feel more at home.

An override of a Gov. Dave Heineman veto in 2006 ultimately allowed Morin-Chavez to attend UNL by paying in-state tuition rates as a high school graduate, free to earn the accounting degree she covets.

Other programs crafted by state lawmakers, including a 2015 bill allowing DACA youth to apply for drivers licenses, and a 2016 bill allowing them to seek professional and occupational licenses, opened up additional opportunities.

Both of those bills required state senators to override a veto by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

In the shadow of the same statehouse where those bills were passed, Morin-Chavez and other DACA recipients and their allies attended a noontime rally Tuesday attended by about 300 people in support of the program.

Joseline Reyna, who came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 9, learned English and was granted a scholarship to UNL as an eighth-grader in Grand Island, said she was pleased to see the state stand with DACA recipients.

It reassured me we have a lot of support in Nebraska, Reyna said. Its really powerful all these people came."

Those messages were reflected by NU administrators and student leaders, who gave a strong rebuke to Tuesdays announcement from the Trump administration while urging action by Congress.

NU President Hank Bounds said the order to rescind DACA creates uncertainty for "hundreds of thousands of young people who have benefited from this program, while UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said the change raises larger questions about the universitys promise to welcome and teach all students as a land-grant institution.

Student government leaders at UNL will urge the states representatives in Washington to continue the program in a resolution to be voted on Wednesday, according to ASUN President Joe Zach.

Were really trying to get some positive change out of what can happen, rather than just slam the decision to rescind the executive order, Zach said. Well be focused on lobbying our federal officials to continue the program with congressional approval.

Morin-Chavez, who renewed her DACA application earlier this year  it wont expire until 2019  said she is optimistic members of Congress will help find a path forward for so-called Dreamers like herself.

I hope they can resolve something for us, she said.
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Non-China investors more active: Outbound investors from Singapore ($6.8 billion), Hong Kong ($6.6 billion) and South Korea ($2.9 billion) remain active outbound investors and continue to deploy capital as Chinese investors rebalance portfolios.

Number of portfolio deals rising: Asian outbound investors are now more likely to deploy capital via portfolio transactions. In the first half of 2017, 26 portfolio deals were committed versus 13 in the first half of 2016.

Destinations becoming more diverse: Asian outbound investors are now looking beyond gateway cities when deploying capital into real estate. In the first half of 2017, the top five urban destinations comprised of 31% of all total Asian outbound capital compared to 54% in the first half of 2016.

China outbound diversity: Chinese capital continues to be deployed differently relative to the region. In the first half of 2017, the primary destinations of outbound investment were office (Americas), logistics (EMEA) residential (Japan) and hotels (Australia), representing the pull of diverse and quality real estate assets globally.

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According to CBRE, Australia's commercial real estate remains an attractive asset class for offshore capital, with foreign investors accounting for 33% of all transaction activity in the first half of 2017.New CBRE Research shows Asia remains a key source of this capital, with approximately $1.6 billion of Asian outbound capital directly invested into Australian property in the first six months of 2017.While this was 25% lower than in the 2016 corresponding period, CBRE's Head of Research for Australia Stephen McNabb said this needed be viewed in the context of a market where overall transaction volumes fell by 37% in AUD terms."Foreign investment still accounted for approximately one-third of all activity in Australia's commercial property sector, with demand for assets remaining strong given the higher yields and strong fundamentals demonstrated by the Sydney and Melbourne markets," Mr. McNabb said.He attributed the fall in investment activity to a lack of available stock rather than a decline in buyer interest and noted that Australia had been ranked as the number one destination for cross border capital in CBRE's 2017 Investor Intentions survey."At this stage of the yield cycle - which is nearing its peak in Australia's major markets - and with a reasonable immediate outlook for rent growth, there isn't a compelling reason to sell assets. From an investment perspective, assets remain eagerly sought after and this is evident in further yield compression across all assets classes nationally in the first half of 2017," Mr. McNabb said.CBRE Research shows approximately $45.2 billion of Asian outbound capital was directly invested into global property in the first six months of 2017, representing a 98.4% uplift on the $22.8 billion allocated in the first half of 2016.Strength in Asian outbound investment was led largely by the preference of investors for big-ticket deals in the global real estate sector. In the first half of 2017, 74% of committed investments were deployed into transitions valued at $250 million and over, versus 56% in the corresponding period in 2016.Geography-wise, Asian investors remain bullish on Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Americas, which drew $21.9 billion--driven largely by a single $13.2 billion from the logistics portfolio purchase--and $11.3 billion in capital, respectively. Intra-Asia investments continue to grow, finishing the first half at $10.4 billion and representing a 23% growth in total capital.Sectoral diversity also continues to be a major theme within asset strategies, with Asian outbound investors rebalancing real estate portfolios internationally. Office and logistics are the most attractive sectors, accounting for 44% and 34% of all committed capital throughout the first half, respectively. Residential (7%), hotels (7%), retail (6%) and specific sectors like aged-care housing (2%) remained niche investments globally.Outbound investment from China remains the region's largest despite heightened regulation, with a new group of investors more active over the first half. Chinese sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) emerged as the largest single outbound investor class in the first half of 2017, driving total capital deployment to $25.6 billion versus $10.1 billion year-on-year. China-based property companies and conglomerates have also been considerable buyers of offshore real estate assets in the first six months of 2017.Recently, a new round of capital controls issued by the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on August 18 was issued, with a focus on offshore real estate investments. However, according to CBRE, this regulatory move may not affect the medium to longer-term appetite for outbound investment, but potentially re-shape investment strategies going forward."Our data shows that China remained the largest source of cross-border commercial real estate investment capital (both new and capital already circulating offshore) from Asia in H1 2017," Director of Research, Asia Pacific, Robert Fong said."New regulations should help to ensure that future outbound investment is more financially sound and strategically focused, but the impact of Chinese capital on key global real estate markets should continue for some time."
A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took
Former Coleg Cambria student lands leading role in musical

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Sep 5th, 2017

A former Performing Arts student at Coleg Cambria will be touring the UK this autumn after bagging himself a lead role in a musical.

Former Performing Arts student Kane Oliver Parry has landed will be starring in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which will be touring the UK starting in September.

Kane, from Mold, studied Level 2 Performing Arts and then progressed onto Level 3 Performing Arts at Coleg Cambria Yale before heading off to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Since leaving Mountview, Kane has starred in many West End musicals such as Wicked and We Will Rock You, but has most recently been seen in Oklahoma, BBC Proms 2017 live at the Royal Albert Hall London, which was aired on BBC Four a couple of weeks ago.

Of his time at Cambria, Kane said: Coleg Cambria gave me all the tools I needed to help further my training and career in the West End. The teaching and facilities at the College are second to none.

Coleg Cambria Dance Lecturer, Jamie Jenkins said: We are extremely proud of Kanes achievements. He is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work, determination and of course talent.

We wish Kane the very best in his upcoming tour and are very much looking forward to taking our students to see him.
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The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) calls on students, youth and workers to oppose the Learn. Plan. Succeed. program of Chicagos Democratic Party Mayor Rahm Emanuel, recently adopted by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Beginning in the year 2020, the new policy will require CPS high school students to provide evidence of government-authorized plans to receive their high school diploma. Students will have to prove that they have been accepted into college, the military, a trade program, a gap-year program or have a job, before being allowed to graduate. The new policy is only the latest in Mayor Emanuels reactionary education reform.

The primary aim of this program is to push working class youth into the military. The program comes at time of unprecedented military control of the political establishment, and with the world on the brink of major military conflict. The Trump administration is dominated by Army and Marine officials, most notably retired Gen. John Kelly, retired Gen. James Mattis and active duty Gen. H.R. McMaster, who together occupy some of the most influential positions in Washington.

There is ongoing discussion among these layers over the depletion of US armed forces, now stretched thin over the decades of unending wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The military is searching for ways to broaden its base of recruitment, with some leaders considering the reintroduction of the draft. The targeting of inner city high school students in largely impoverished areas is only one tactic in a much larger plan of beefing up the armed forces.

Students graduating high school in the class of 2018 will be met with the highest college tuition prices of any generation in history. These students will be employed at a lower rate than their parents generation, make less money, and have a much smaller chance of finding a full-time job, let alone one with benefits. Under these conditions, the real choice being offered to young people is one of crippling debt, wage slavery or as cannon fodder for US imperialism.

Emanuels new graduation policy promotes the lie that students who drop out or do not go on to college are lazy youth draining societys resources. Such lies must be rejected. Students and youth are not responsible for the disastrous social conditions in Chicago and throughout the country. Unemployment, stagnating wages, the destruction of pensions and health careall have been carried out behind the backs of workers and students by the ruling class and its representatives, both Democratic and Republican.

Emanuel, President Obamas former chief of staff, has played a leading role in creating the disastrous social conditions in Chicago. His record on education differs very little from that of Trumps secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, who has made the destruction of public education in favor of privatization the center of her work. A recent lawsuit forced Mayor Emanuel to release more than 2,000 personal emails revealing that prominent businessmen, wealthy entrepreneurs, and billionaires Ken Griffin and Penny Pritzker were all included in Emanuels education discussions aimed at privatizing the public school system.

In Emanuels time as mayor he has overseen a systematic destruction of Chicagos public education system. In 2013, with the full complicity of the leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union, Emanuel carried out the largest mass public school closings ever to take place in a single US city, affecting over 11,000 students. At least two-thirds of those closed schools remain vacant buildings, while the $24 million cut have been used mostly on private charter schools.

What little funding has reached the school system has been used on reactionary measures such as increased security. Chicago has become one of the big-city school districts in the country that employs far more security staff than it does counselors.

One in five children in Chicago live in poverty, and the citys school district estimates there are over 18,000 homeless students. As the social crisis in the city has intensified, the entire Democratic city leadership has also worked to systematically cover up and defend police murder, including the killing of Laquan McDonald in 2014.

What is required to improve the future of high school students is a complete redistribution of social resources. College education must be free and available to everyone. Young people have the right to a good job of their choice after completing their education. Billions must be seized from the ruling class and spent on pressing social needs. The giant banks and corporations must be placed under the democratic control of the working class.

As part of this, the military should be abolished. No more young lives can be sacrificed for the wars of the ruling class! The hundreds of billions of dollars spent every year on the military-intelligence apparatus must instead be used to meet basic social needs, including the right to an education and a decent-paying job for everyone.

The IYSSE calls upon students to join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality and build chapters of the IYSSE at their schools to fight for socialism!
It is with deep sadness that the World Socialist Web Site reports the death of Cynthia Brust Moore, a lifelong supporter of the Trotskyist movement, at the age of 72. She passed away following ankle surgery on September 1, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is survived by her brother Steve Brust, her children Andrea and Kenny, and her five grandsons, in whom she took great pride.

Cynthia was the daughter of Jean and Bill Brust, both founding members of the Workers League, predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party. Cynthia was herself a member of the Workers League throughout the 1970s, writing many articles on workers struggles. Despite significant health problems, she remained a supporter of the Workers League and its successor, the Socialist Equality Party, until her unexpected death last week.

Cynthia was born in 1944 in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Minnesota, where her parents were active members of the Socialist Workers Party, then the US Trotskyist movement. She entered her teenage years during the postwar capitalist boom, in the wake of the McCarthyite witch-hunt that had been used to drive socialist and left-wing workers out of the unions.

Cynthia was educated by her parents in Marxism and the history of the socialist movement, including the important experience of the Minneapolis General Strikes of 1934, led by the Trotskyists.

The SWP, under the leadership of James P. Cannon, had played the leading role in the formation of the International Committee of the Fourth International in 1953, in opposition to the Pablo-Mandel faction in Europe and their American supporters, who repudiated the fight to build an independent revolutionary party against Stalinism and reformism. By the time Cynthia was 20, however, the SWP had forged a reunification with the Pabloites.

Bill and Jean Brust joined forces with younger members of the SWP to found the Workers League in 1966, which maintained political solidarity with the ICFI and worked closely with the British section, the Socialist Labour League. The Brust family by now included two younger brothers, Leo and Steve.

Cynthia joined the Workers League in the late 1960s, soon after graduating from Grinnell College. For over a decade she wrote for the Bulletin, the US forerunner of the WSWS. She spent much of the decade of the 1970s working in branches of the Workers League, first in Chicago and later in New York City.

Cynthia campaigned among steelworkers in South Chicago as well as neighboring Gary, Indiana, and among workers and youth at Chicagos massive Cabrini-Green housing projects. During this period, she wrote several hundred articles, often dealing with important labor struggles, under the penname Cynthia Blake.

Although Cynthia later withdrew from active participation in the Workers League, she remained loyal to the cause of Trotskyism. She moved back to the Twin Cities area and adopted two children with special needs, to whom she was extremely devoted. She went back to school to study speech-language pathology and became a well-known advocate for those with disabilities in the Minneapolis area.

The decade of the 1990s was to be a very sad one for the Brust family. Cynthia lost both of her parents, Bill in 1991 and Jean in 1997. In 1994 her brother Leo, only 40 years old, died after sudden heart failure.

Cynthia attended and spoke at memorial meetings for Bill Brust, held in the Twin Cities in 1991. She wrote Reminiscences of My Father, which appears in the volume Defending Principles: The Political Legacy of Bill Brust. In this, she recalled her fathers final days, in the last stages of pancreatic cancer:

During the period of his diagnosis and surgeries, he reread Trotskys The Young Lenin for pleasure. I read the final few pages for him when he had not regained enough strength to hold the book (or to correct my inept pronunciation of Russian names). I asked him once how he had put aside the anger that we were all feeling so keenly as the cancer weakened him. He only smiled a bit and said that Trotsky writes in the Transitional Program that we must face reality as it is. And his reality included the ongoing love of his family and the growth and strengthening of the International Committee, and not just the issue of his personal fate.

In the midst of these losses, Cynthia herself was diagnosed with advanced heart failure, and received a heart transplant in early 1994. Her new heart was to give her an additional 23 years of life.

Cynthia never wavered in her belief in and support for the fight for genuine socialism. She responded with great enthusiasm to the founding of the World Socialist Web Site in early 1998, recognizing the ability of the Trotskyist movement to reach out to a broad audience of workers, students and intellectuals with a Marxist analysis of world events and the crucial lessons of the history of the revolutionary movement.

Four years ago, she wrote a contribution for the WSWS as part of a commemoration of its first 15 years.

I read the World Socialist Web Site every day because it is an unbreakable link between present events and the history of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Left Opposition. For me personally, the WSWS connects me to the principles with which I was raised by the American Trotskyists, Jean and Bill Brust.

Out of the jangle of lies and confusion that comprise modern daily news coverage, the WSWS brings me back to the fundamentals of dialectical materialism, and the certainty that the world working class can forge a revolutionary leadership and meet its historical challenges 

Today, I see the WSWS publishing articles that detail events as they unfold in every corner of the world, in dozens of languages and accessible to the vast majority of the worlds population. I read sharp, unwavering analysis of these events, and of the culture that both shapes and too often misleads us. Jean and Bill would have been proud of this cadre of revolutionary journalists.

In recent years Cynthia was able to attend some of the meetings of the SEP and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality in Minneapolis. She continued to read and share articles from the WSWS and participate in the comments section.

Cynthia will be sorely missed by her family, friends and comrades all over the world.
President Trump is expected to announce today his decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the government program that offers limited citizenship rights to immigrants brought to the US as children.

Many media sources are reporting that the White House plans to end the program with the caveat that the enforcement of the decision would be held for six months, giving Congress a window to fix the program.

Ending the DACA program was one of Trumps many anti-immigrant campaign promises. After he dodged the issue in the first few months of his presidency, Republican leaders from 10 states, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, gave Trump a deadline of September 5 to end the program and threatening to sue the federal government if he failed to act.

Rescinding the DACA program will have devastating, and in some cases life-threatening, consequences for millions of people throughout the country. Likewise, any amendments or fixes offered by Congress will lead to an implementation of even more limitations on the rights of immigrants enrolled in the program at best, and the total collapse of the program altogether at worst.

The DACA program was implemented by the Obama administration in June 2012, largely as part of a cynical maneuver to court the Latino vote for the 2012 election. Under DACA, undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children were allowed to work or continue their education without fear of deportation so long as they avoided any run-ins with the law, including misdemeanors.

Implementation of the initiativedone under the pretenses of a turn toward a more humane immigration policywas in fact used in part to accumulate lists of youth living in the US without documentation.

The thousands of children who lined up for the chance at the limited rights offered by the program gave their names, addresses, countries of origin and their personal histories, and signed a document admitting to being in the country illegally. The cost of this program was paid for by the immigrants themselves at $465 apiece.

All of the personal information needed to carry out deportations of these children and their families is now conveniently in the hands of the Trump administrations Department of Homeland Security.

Jacqueline Ramos, who works as Intake Coordinator at San Diego, Californias Immigration Center for Women and Children spoke to the WSWS about the nature of the DACA program and the dangers confronting recipients.

Most alarming for these individuals is that they voluntarily gave up their information to the federal government in hopes of some future immigration reform, Ramos noted.

DACA applications are processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the DHS, meaning that they are not the department responsible for apprehensions or deportations, and while it is against USCIS policy to share information between departments, there are no federal or state laws in place which would criminalize this practice. Particularly since DHS head, Elaine Duke, is so clearly just another pawn of the Trump administration.

Now, the fate of the nearly 800,000 youth enrolled in the program hangs in the air. These young adults and children could overnight become targets for ICE detention and possibly deportation to countries of which many have no memory. Some of these youth, having been raised almost their entire lives in the United States, do not even speak the language used in their home countries.

With over seventy percent of those in the DACA program enrolled in higher education programs, hundreds of thousands of students will be returning to school, expected to carry on with their studies while Congress debates their fate, and ICE officials who may be their future detention guards patrol their neighborhoods.

The ending of DACA will have catastrophic consequences for millions of people far beyond those directly enrolled in the program. By obtaining the information on undocumented youth, DHS consequently was also obtaining information on at least two more undocumented immigrants: the parents of every individual enrolled.

Since eligibility for DACA requires that the participant must have arrived in the US before turning 16 and have lived in the US since June 15, 2007, the immigrants being targeted through this program have lived in the US for at least over a decade. In all likelihood, the majority of these immigrants have jobs and deep ties to their communities, as well as a network of friends, classmates, colleagues, and neighbors, all of whom will be affected by this mass persecution.

The tactics and tools of repression that are being forged through Trumps war on immigrants will more and more be turned against the working class as a whole. The mass roundup, detention and deportation of those covered by DACA would be an immense and horrific undertaking, requiring a vast expansion of the Gestapo-like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, an expansion of an already bloated prison system, and the further militarization and integration of local, state and federal law enforcement to carry it all out.

The Democratic Party has proven to be not only completely incapable and unwilling to defend the rights of immigrants but rather, just as ruthless as the Republican Party in their persecution of immigrants.

Former president Barack Obama earned the moniker, Deporter-in-Chief, overseeing the deportations of more than 2.5 million people between 2009 and 2017, an average of more than 1,000 per day. This is roughly double the rate under Republican president George W. Bush, and more than any other president in US history.

Obama vastly expanded a program begun under Bush called Secure Communities. The program united federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with ICE in an effort to deport immigrants who were already living in the United States, as opposed to intercepting those attempting to cross the border. It was also under this program that the practice of collecting and sharing biometric data on suspected undocumented immigrants, currently being implemented in the Republican-sponsored SB4 bill in Texas, was first introduced.

On track to outdo Obamas anti-immigrant legacy, Trump has received no substantial opposition from the Democratic Party. Those Democrats who have spoken out against Trumps policies do so out of economic considerations for their cities, or fear of not being reelected by constituents who overwhelmingly oppose the attack on immigrants.

Since Trump took office in January, there has been a massive outpouring of support from workers and students for immigrant rights. The issue has become a lightning rod around which hundreds and thousands of people have protested against the Trump administration. Trumps hesitation on the decision comes not from any concern over the fate of the 800,00 youth whose lives would be destroyed but rather from a fear of sparking mass popular opposition and further destabilizing the government which is already viewed by many is illegitimate.

Trumps incessant declarations that he will make the decision on DACA with a big heart are made even more contemptible considering that it will come on the heels of an escalation of the attack on immigrants from all sides.

In the past week alone, ICE has sought permission to routinely destroy records of immigrant deaths and assaults on inmates while in their custody; Trump pardoned notorious anti-immigrant former Arizona sheriff, Joe Arpaio; and the wildly antidemocratic SB4 law went into effect. Most harrowing of all, the largest immigrant population in the United States, located in Houston, suffered catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey, for which the Trump administration has made clear they would receive no long-term federal disaster benefits.
Palestinians in Gaza have suffered a catastrophic decline in living conditions, largely ignored by the worlds media, because of Israels drastic cut in June of the territorys already precarious supply of electricity.

The 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza are now able to access electricity for as little as two hours a day, and this during the sweltering heat and humidity of an East Mediterranean summer.

Last week, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres, speaking after a three day visit to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, described it as one of the most dramatic humanitarian crises he had ever seen. He called for the opening of Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt.

Guterres made no mention of Israels responsibility for the current disaster. However, the Israeli human rights group BTselem has been more forthright, saying Israel has condemned the people of Gaza to live in abject poverty under practically inhuman conditions unparalleled in the modern world.

BTselem declared that failure to provide power to the Gazan population is primarily a direct result of official Israeli policy. It describes how Israel prevents the repair and restoration of [Gazas only] power station it bombed in 2006, keeping it from operating at full capacity. It added that Israel compels Gaza residents to purchase Israeli fuel exclusively, and to do so for the same price paid inside Israel, despite immense disparities between the two economies, and delays or prevents repairs to the power grid and imposes restrictions on bringing spare parts into Gaza.

Gaza relies almost entirely on Israel for its electricity supplyeither directly via power lines or through the supply of diesel to run its power station. A small amount of electricity comes from Egypt. The Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA) under President Mahmoud Abbas, not Hamas-ruled Gaza, is responsible for paying for the supplies.

The already terrible situation was exacerbated in April, when the PA, in an attempt to pressure Hamas into relinquishing its control of Gaza and reconciling with the PA, suspended electricity payments to Israel. It also reinstated unaffordable taxes on diesel destined for Gaza, which had been suspended following mass protests in January, forcing the power plant to shut down.

By May, the International Committee of the Red Cross was already warning that Gaza was on the brink of systemic collapse as operating surgeries, as well as water and sanitation systems, ceased to function.

On June 19, Israel cut its electricity supply via its power lines to Gaza by more than half, ostensibly at the request of the PA, which is itself desperately short of cash.

These measures, on top of PA cuts to civil servants salaries and funding for hospitals and clinics in Gaza, have only served to increase the hostility of the Palestinian people towards Abbas. By nakedly siding with Israel against Hamas at the expense of the Palestinians in Gaza, Abbas has lost all semblance of political legitimacy. At the same time, the PAs security apparatus is widely hated for its increasingly draconian actions, including the shutting down of 11 web sites with alleged links to Hamas or multimillionaire Muhammad Dahlan, a longstanding rival to Abbas.

The combined measures of Israel and Abbas have reduced Gaza to 19th century conditions. With only a couple of hours of water being supplied a day due to power cuts, people are forced to store it or buy water from private suppliers at 25 times the normal price.

Without electricity, sewage, water treatment and desalination plants are unable to function effectively. Much of the coastline is now heavily contaminated. The pollution claimed its first victim last July, when a five-year-old boy died after swimming in the sea.

Basic health care services, including sterilisation and cleaning, have become almost inaccessible, leading to soaring rates of infection. Diagnostic services have been curtailed and sensitive equipment such as MRI machines have been damaged.

Medical supplies have become scarce, with the Ministry of Health reporting it had less than a months supply of essential medicines, including cancer and cystic fibrosis drugs, and medical disposables.

While the UN forecast in 2012 that Gaza would become unliveable by 2020, another report published in July stated that the deterioration had accelerated further and faster than anticipated. It drew attention to Israels refusal to allow construction material and equipment into Gaza to complete the necessary reconstruction, after Israels massive bombardment of Gazas basic infrastructure and housing in 2014.

Even before this latest crisis, the situation was dire. According to a recent report by the European Union-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, more than 65 percent of Gazans live in poverty, 72 percent are food-insecure, and 80 percent are dependent on international aid, while unemployment reached 43 percent at the end of 2016.

This catastrophic situation flows inexorably from the deliberate and criminal actions on the part of Israel, which as the occupying power is fully responsible under international law for the welfare of Gazas population. This flagrant breach of international law is passed over in silence by the imperialist powers, the US and the European Union. Not only is this an implicit endorsement of Israels ever tightening blockade of Gaza but an advance warning that they too will carry out similar measures against their enemies.

If Abbas retained any lingering hopes that his subservience to Washington, Israels paymaster, would bring about either talks on a Palestinian statelet or an end to further Israeli settlements, the recent visit to the Middle East of US President Donald Trumps adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner should have put paid to such fantasies. Kushner was reported to have said in off-the-record comments that there may not be a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Last week, Trumps ambassador to Israel, David Friedmana long-time supporter of Zionist settlements in the West Bankreferred to Israels occupation of Palestinian territories as only an alleged occupation.

Israel has been aided and abetted by the regional elites, which have refused to lift a finger to defend the Palestinians in Gaza against Israels murderous assaults in 2008-2009, 2012 and 2014, and in the ongoing blockade. Egypt too has largely kept its border with Gaza closed, particularly following the seizure of power in 2013 by General Abdul Fattah el-Sissi, who viewed Hamas as an offshoot of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Nevertheless, in a marked policy shift, Hamas has now managed to secure some fuel supplies from el-Sissis military junta as it makes a desperate attempt to break the ever-tightening siege imposed by Israel and Abbas.

Hamas has also apparently reconciled itself with Dahlan, a former Fatah member widely viewed as an Israeli agent, who fought a civil war with Hamas in 2006. Dahlan was expelled from Fatah by Abbas in 2011, alleging his involvement in corruption and the murder of PLO chairman Yassir Arafat. Israels preferred candidate to succeed the 82-year old Abbas, he is close to both the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he lives in self-imposed exiled, and Egypt, which brokered the rapprochement.

Earlier this year, Hamas agreed a new charter, stressing its role as a national liberation movement, omitting any mention of the Muslim Brotherhood and effectively repudiating its links with the organisation. Hamass officials also left Qatar last June, after the Saudi-led alliance imposed its embargo on the country, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

There have been indications that Egypt may reopen Gazas Rafah crossing into the Sinai Peninsula, where Egypt has been fighting Islamic State, if Dahlans men oversee the crossing and create a security buffer zone.

There are also pledges from the UAE to fund humanitarian projects in Gaza worth $15 million a month. The UAE now seems set to take over Qatars role as Hamass patron, in return for Gazas acceptance of some leadership role for Dahlan.
The much-hyped televised debate between Chancellor Angela Merkel (Christian Democrats, CDU) and her Social Democratic challenger Martin Schulz on Sunday evening was a disgusting political spectacle. Merkel and Schulz agreed on virtually every issue and appealed, among other things, for a stricter crackdown on refugees, more police, and a more aggressive German and European foreign policy.

Questions affecting millions of peoplesocial inequality and warwere only mentioned in passing. The major military build-up planned after the election, which both parties fully support, was not even discussed.

For the first hour of the one-and-a-half hour debate, the only topics dealt with were refugee policy and relations with Turkey. Encouraged by the moderators, both candidates made increasingly aggressive statements against refugees and the Turkish government. Schulz repeatedly attacked the Chancellor from the right. In 2015, Merkel opened the borders for refugees without consulting other European Union (EU) member states, Schulz stated. He added that he could only advise her against doing it all over again.

Merkel explained that she had been working for some time in close cooperation with the SPD to seal Europes borders and shut down refugee routes. She praised the recently signed migration agreement with the Egyptian al-Sisi regime, one of the most brutal and bloody military dictatorships in the world. But the Chancellors call for more deportations did not go far enough for Schulz. We could be a lot quicker there, he said.

On foreign policy, Schulzs threats against Muslim-majority Turkey came thick and fast, and he left no doubt that the SPD is also to the right of Merkel on foreign policy matters. I emphatically take a different view on the question of how to deal with Mr. Erdogan, he blustered. The only words the Turkish president understands are Now its over. As Chancellor, he would take a hard line towards Turkey, stop all payments to its government and break off talks on joining the EU.

The cynicism of Schulzs invocations of democracy and human rights was revealed when he, like Merkel, praised the EUs anti-refugee agreement with Ankara. This dirty deal, which the EU negotiated with Erdogan in the autumn of 2015, is a component of the EUs Fortress Europe policy and has prevented refugees from the war zones in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan from reaching Europe.

In spite of North Koreas latest nuclear test, the discussion of the crisis in the Korean peninsula was brief. But it shed light on Germanys new great power ambitions and growing tensions between the US and Germany. Some time ago, I suggested that the Europeans had to engage more strongly. Because we have to be clear about one thing: the US alone, under this President, wont manage the heavy lifting. Even the constructive forces in Washington dont know when the President will fire off his next tweet and destroy one or another diplomatic opportunity in the process, said Schulz. Germany therefore has to get together with Trumps opponents in Washington, Mexico, Canada, and EU partners to stand up to Trump.

Merkel also declared that there are deep-going differences with the American President, but still insisted that Germany needs the US as a power for peace. She praised the cooperation with the US in the wars in Syria and Iraq, and Washingtons recent announcement that is increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan. She naturally did not explain the base calculation behind this. The ruling class knows full well that it is dependent upon the US war machine so long as Berlin and the other European powers prove incapable of plundering the resource-rich and strategically important regions of the Middle East and Central Asia without Washingtons support.

The vast gulf between the political elite and their media lackeys and the rest of the population was demonstrated in the section on social justice. The moderators blustered about how good economic conditions in Germany were and asked Schulz if he was living in another country when he criticised current conditions. In reality, Germany is one of the most socially unequal countries in the world, with 36 German billionaires owning more wealth than the poorest half of the population. Around one in six residents of Germany lives in poverty and one in five works in a low-wage job paying less than 10 per hour.

Schulz and Merkel sought to divert attention away from their own responsibility for the social catastrophe by pledging a modest increase for spending on families, and promising to combat unemployment and precarious work. When the SPD last held the post of Chancellor with Gerhard Schroder, the party introduced the largest wave of social cutbacks in Germanys post-war history with their Agenda 2010 and the Hartz laws. The SPD has governed for eight of the past twelve years alongside Finance Minister Schauble and Merkel, and has pressed ahead with austerity policies throughout Europe.

In the last section of the debate, both candidates spoke out in favour of a major strengthening of the state apparatus in the name of the war on terror. I will do everything to ensure the authorities are up to the job. We have to adopt all preventive measures in order to identify threats and deport them, Schulz stated. The Social Democrat called for hiring 15,000 new police officers and boasted that he himself is the son of a police officer. He therefore knew what these people accomplish and intends to invest a lot of money.

Merkel had no intention in being outdone in this drive to establish a police state. She said that she intends to improve security standards in every state and introduce a model police law, so that all police officers in Germany obtain the same equipment. By way of concrete examples, the Chancellor mentioned the relevant interception and opportunities for data capture on social media and dragnet controls and video surveillance. The ability to read mobile telephones had been introduced by her government, she boasted.

Merkel and Schulzs right-wing programme is supported in all essentials by all of the capitalist parties. In a debate last Wednesday evening, the leaders of the Left Party, Greens, Free Democrats and AfD advocated more police and more funds for domestic security.

Three weeks before the election, the polls show Schulz trailing far behind Merkel, and not gaining any ground. But regardless of the outcome of the September 24 vote, the ruling class will bring a government to power committed to a massive military build-up, the cutting of welfare benefits and wages, and the establishment of a police state. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP) is the only party decisively combatting the rightward lurch of official politics and fighting for a socialist solution to the global capitalist crisis.
Nebraska lawmakers are looking for ways to give the state's tourism industry a boost in hopes of attracting more money-spending visitors, but a tight budget means they'll likely have little additional funding for their efforts.

Tourism leaders say they don't yet know what proposals might emerge in next year's legislative session, but argue that state officials should do more to expand the state's third-largest industry, behind agriculture and manufacturing.

Early ideas include partnerships between the state and local governments to pay for new facilities, such as visitors' centers, or maintenance of local historic buildings. Industry officials are also interested in so-called tourism improvement districts, in which local hotels and businesses agree to contribute money to a fund that promotes events and attractions in the area.

The Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations Committee is set to review the issue Friday at the request of state Sen. Dan Quick, of Grand Island, and local tourism officials.

Quick said he began researching tourism at the request of his local convention and visitors' bureau, which is seeking ways to compete with other states.

He said he may introduce legislation in next year's session and argued that expanding tourism could help diversify the economy when farms and ranches face low commodity prices.

"When agriculture is down, you have to have another revenue source, and I think tourism will play an important role in that," Quick said. "Maybe we don't have the Rocky Mountains and ski slopes, but we have a lot of great things here in Nebraska to be proud of."

Still, any proposal that costs money is likely to face heavier scrutiny as long as state revenue continues to lag behind projections. Quick said finding the money to pay for any new programs would be difficult unless the state's budget outlook improves.

Tourism officials in Grand Island believe additional support will help them compete with larger cities when hosting major events, said Brad Mellema, executive director of the Grand Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Mellema pointed to the Aksarben Stock Show, the nation's largest 4-H livestock show, which will take place in Grand Island for the first time this fall after an 89-year history in Omaha. The city now competes with similar shows in Denver, Fort Worth, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Mellema said many smaller communities also host popular events but don't always have enough hotel rooms or restaurants to support all of the visitors.

One such event is the Junk Jaunt, a huge garage sale of sorts spread throughout dozens of central Nebraska cities. The gathering draws hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors to the area over three days in September.

"Each community across Nebraska has its own challenges and opportunities," Mellema said.

Roger Jasnoch, director of the Kearney Visitors Bureau, said tourism improvement districts could help tourism officials generate additional cash to promote their local attractions or build and maintain convention centers.

"It allows communities to help themselves," he said. "They don't have to do it, but it's another tool they can use."
Members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka campaigned this month to gather support among students and youth for the WSWSs petition against Googles censorship of the Internet.

A change to Googles search ranking algorithm announced in April substantially demoted search results from socialist, anti-war, and progressive websites, with the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) being hardest hit.

Owing to the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals decades-long stance in opposition to ethnic communalism and for the unity of the working class, the World Socialist Web Site is very popular in Sri Lanka, ranking among the top 1,800 websites in the country.

SEP Campaign teams distributed the statement An open letter to Google: Stop the censorship of the Internet! Stop the political blacklisting of the World Socialist Web Site! among students in Colombo.

Students and youth enthusiastically signed the WSWSs petition against Googles censorship, with many opening the WSWS on their phones and laptops as they spoke with campaigners.

The issues brought forward by the WSWS are extremely important for making the public aware of what is really going on in the world, said Sugandha, a senior-year science student from University of Colombo.

The news that we usually see on television and newspapers merely mentioned the growing war situation and never contain this type of serious explanation into the issues. I completely oppose Googles censorship of WSWS as I believe this website must be remained reachable to anyone who needs to know the truth. I am enthusiastically signing the petition and will continue reading the WSWS.

Hasitha, a sophomore at the School of Computing in Colombo, said: Internet censorship cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. One group cannot decide what people should read and what they shouldnt. People always need to know the truth. It is their right.

Harinda, a science student from the same university, who had recently started reading the WSWS said that the site is the only news outlet from which I get a clear picture with a correct analysis of the war preparations of US imperialism and the crisis of capitalism.

He added, It is clear that the WSWS has faced a deliberate attack executed by the US ruling elite with the support of Google. The WSWS is the website whose readership has fallen the most. That proves the WSWS is the main focus of the attack. We need to oppose this attack and share the WSWSs articles as much as possible to defend it.

Bawantha, an art student who signed the petition, said: the WSWS is warning about the threat of a nuclear world war. It has published a wide-ranging, international analysis with socialist perspective. What is behind Googles censorship of WSWS is the fear of the ruling elite about an upsurge of the working class who see the danger of war through the reporting of the WSWS and are organized to fight it.

Janindu, a marine technology student from Matara, one of the main cities in southern Sri Lanka, said: The internet created the possibility for the masses to have access to unrestricted information. And that makes Googles censorship unacceptable. Google has no right to regulate what people are allowed to know. If companies continued this it would create totally unfair consequences. Thats why I support this petition.

Pramod, a student from Ananda College, a leading school in Colombo, stated I think the WSWS is fighting to save the world and Googles censorship is directed against it. 

His friend Pasindu from Isipathana College, Colombo added, Socialism is a new concept for me. But I understand that its a program for creating equality of the society. The WSWS represents that. I support this petition and will continue to read the WSWS.
San Diego County declared a local health emergency on Friday after the death toll from a Hepatitis A outbreak rose to 14, one of the deadliest outbreaks of the disease in the US in decades. The vast majority of the victims, some 70 percent, are homeless and are easily vulnerable to the highly infectious disease.

More than 264 people have been hospitalized since the disease was first reported last November. Between 2012 and 2016, San Diego County tallied an average of 28 acute Hepatitis A cases for each year. In just the last week, there have been 19 new cases and 32 new hospitalizations according to the San Diego Tribune.

The virus weakens liver function, producing jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and in some cases death. It is usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces and has an incubation period of up to 28 days, meaning people can spread the disease before they are aware they have it.

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) spokesperson said the number of fatalities from this wave of infections was likely the most deaths in an outbreak [of Hepatitis A] in the US in the past 20 years. While previous outbreaks were the result of contaminated food being served to the public, the cause of the outbreak in San Diego is still unknown.

Dr. Rohit Loomba, director of hepatology at the University of California at San Diego, told the Guardian, My gut feeling is it was a common source where somebody might have given food to a group of homeless individuals.

The unsanitary conditions that the homeless are forced to live under have only exacerbated the problem. They dont have a clean water supply to wash their hands, and once they have hepatitis A, then they become a source for another person, said Loomba.

Homeless individuals who suffer from drug use, alcoholism, and other illnesses are especially at risk of contracting the disease. While public health officials say that washing hands and good hygiene are the best way to prevent the spread of the disease, this has become an increasingly difficult challenge for the homeless in San Diego.

The only 24-hour restroom is miles away from downtown San Diegos main homeless encampments. Additionally, a pair of public restrooms in a downtown park were kept locked despite the city paying the parks developers $1.6 million to keep them open and clean. After public outcry over the locked bathrooms, city officials told the developer to keep the bathrooms open from 6am to 9pm.

City officials have been aware of the Hepatitis A outbreak for over two months and have not come up with a real solution besides installing hand-washing stations throughout the city.

Republican Mayor Kevin Faulconer released a worthless statement on Friday saying, We must continue to work collaboratively to stop this crisis and save lives. This after the city had already announced a pilot program to put washing stations in areas of San Diego frequented by the homeless two months ago.

Despite this promise, 11 more people died in the following weeks and months. Until last week, the city only had two hand-washing stations, both of which were located miles from the downtown homeless encampments. County workers moved one of the stations downtown last week and reportedly plan to install 30 more.

The county has also deployed workers with vaccines to inoculate more than 7,100 people considered particularly at risk and thousands more considered less at risk.

While city and county officials have plenty of time and resources to expel the homeless and their belongings off the streets twice a week, the hand-washing solution has gone at a snails pace. The city originally only addressed the crisis with a pilot program for the washing stations before it could be implemented on a larger scale.

County officials reported they could not set up hand-washing stations in the neighboring cities of El Cajon and Escondido as well as providing them to nonprofits working with the homeless without separate permits.

More time has been wasted since the washing stations could not be placed on non-county property without proper approvals. The original vendor for the stations could not deliver, and the city only signed a new contract with a vendor on July 6.

So callous were city officials to the crisis that even the bare minimum solution of wash stations was considered too much. Metropolitan Transit System enforcement director Manuel Guaderrama wrote in an August 15 email published by the Voice of San Diego, My only thoughts are that this would probably become a magnet for homeless people to come onto our property just to use the sink (take a bath, brush their teeth, wash their dishes, etc.), especially during non-revenue hours, adding, Perhaps the health department can set up locations with just the sanitizer.

Public health officials warned that hand sanitizers and wipes are not as effective as hand washing in preventing the outbreak from spreading.

The county health department urged authorities late Friday to take immediate action to address the unsanitary living conditions of the at-risk population. The city responded with a press release stating it would comply with the countys guidelines but that it may take 10 days because of a lawsuit that requires 72 hours before street washing.

Mayor Faulconers office called for an emergency declaration to allow the city to receive federal and state funding that could go to a variety of programs that could curb the spread of the virus. (emphasis added)

The response to the outbreak has illustrated quite starkly how even the gravest and most pressing social problems, such as a deadly disease long thought to be eradicated making a comeback, are treated under capitalism. The most vulnerable layers of the population are met with contempt if not outright hostility from the political establishment, if at all.

Meanwhile, the heads of the major banks and corporations who want an extra stadium or want to clear the streets of the homeless before another tourist convention, can easily mobilize city government and cops in a moments notice.
Chicago-area auto mechanics, members of the International Association of Machinists Local 701, have been engaged in a bitter five-week strike against the New Car Dealership Committee (NCDC), which bargains for more than 100 Chicago-area dealerships. Rank-and-file mechanics are striking for better pay and working conditions, more efficient training programs and to beat back the dealerships demands for givebacks on pension and health care benefits.

The mechanics on the picket lines remain militant in spite of intimidation tactics by the dealerships, but throughout the struggle, the IAM has worked to keep the nearly 2,000 mechanics isolated. It now appears that the union is seeking agreements with individual dealerships to weaken the unity of workers and pressure them to capitulate to managements terms.

NCDC has accused the IAM of illegally soliciting deals with individual dealerships outside of the multi-employer agreements. On its website, the NCDC condemns the deals, saying it will take legal action against the union to stop the individual deals and return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith to resolve this strike for everyone, not just a select few.

The union has responded to this on its page by denying solicitations of individual deals. Instead, it claims some dealerships have broken with the NCDC and have asked the union to work something out with them individually to end the strike. On August 31, the union wrote that it defends its right to selectively picket or not to picket dealers at its discretion and many of our members will soon be back working. Under what conditions, the union does not say.

Jim, a journeyman at a Hyundai dealership picket in Glenview, just north of Chicago, told the WSWS, We dont know what kind of deal they have struck with the dealers that have broken away. Weve heard they got 35 [guaranteed hours] for three years, 36 on the fourth year. A dollar more per hour for base pay. If you book more than 35 hours, you will get a $1.50 more for base pay.

I would say we deserve more money, Jim added. We should get closer to the trades that are out there. The carpenters, plumbers, get a much higher base rate. Our average base rate right now is about $32 an hour. We think we should get more than $40 an hour. We deserve it.

The IAM does not confirm or deny that strikes have ended at several Chicago area auto dealerships. However, reports in the press have confirmed this and several dealerships have sent emails to their customers informing them the strike has ended at their locations.

Nothing displays more nakedly the anti-worker, pro-corporate character of the IAM. It has isolated the mechanics from each other from the outset of the strike. While many workers remain on the pickets, the union is making side deals behind the workers backs to end the struggle. The fact of the matter is that both the NCDC and the union are eager to end the strike and push through a concessions contract in order to keep the dealerships profitable and to prevent the mechanics struggle from reaching wider sections of the working class.

The NCDC is demanding that workers maintain the hated flexible workweek, which denies weekends off; increase health care contributions from $5 to $15 per week; and keep the same weekly base pay rate, for only 34 hours of so-called part-labor per week guaranteed. Mechanics are paid not by the amount of hours worked on the clock, but by the hours assigned to each part by the manufacturer.

The manufacturers assign lower and lower rates to each part every year, making it very difficult for the mechanics to break even and afford a decent standard of living without working excruciatingly long hours. Mechanics are responsible for making phone calls to customers and ordering parts, hours for which they are not paid. Neither are they compensated for their training or toolboxes, which can total up to $100,000 or more for many mechanics.

In a video put out by the IAM on Facebook on August 25, International President Bob Martinez can be heard saying to workers, The machinists of this union have stood up to send a message to the dealers. Thatwe deserve what were owed and we expect you to pay it. Martinezs statements are pure hypocrisy. The same day the video posted, the union announced it offered a compromise to the 40-hour base-rate hourly pay, which it had proposed in the original contract proposal. It reduced this to 37 hours, to be implemented over three years. Now the dealerships are demanding the base rate pay be kept at the current 34.

IAM Local 701 have the closest relations with Democrats like US Senator Dick Durbin and Illinois State Senator Tom Cullerton of Illinois 23rd District, who toured Local 701s Apprenticeship Training Center in Carol Stream, Illinois earlier this year. Despite the unions claims that Durbin and Cullerton are friends of labor, the Democrats are a big business party, which under Obamas 2009 restructuring of GM and Chrysler slashed the wages of young auto workers in half.

The majority of workers are nearing a breaking point. After the grace period for health coverage runs outbetween 30 and 45 daysstriking mechanics will be required to go on COBRA coverage, which can cost up to $1,200 per month for a family. The unions only answer to workers who are struggling to pay for health coverage during the strike is to tell them to go on one of the expensive and inadequate Affordable Care Act plans.

One striking mechanic at Bredemann Ford in Glenview, told WSWS reporters that the 40-hour contract could lead to layoffs for workers who failed to meet the 40-hour demand. The union has said on its website it would move those workers back down to a 34-hour contract, in order to ensure that an increase in weekly base-rate pay would only be given to who the dealers deem to be deserving workers.

The same mechanic informed the WSWS that in the past, there used to be solidarity strikes, when the members of other unions would come out to the picket and support you on strike. Now theres none of that.

Workers at other pickets at Hyundai and Lincoln dealerships spoke about the conditions they face. Nikko, a young worker at a Lincoln dealership picket, said, The semi-skilled workers have no future. You stay as a semi-skilled for years and then your base rate barely goes up. Its still under $15 an hour. I spend $50,000 on school and another $10,000 on tools. Theres no future.

Another worker, Simon, agreed there was no future for younger workers. In our field, most young people have to spend a longer time to become a top-pay worker. You could spend less time to become a doctor than to become a journeyman. Who wants to spend 16 years before they become a journeyman?

If we have grievances, Jeff, a worker at the Lincoln dealership said, the union rep comes out and nothing gets resolved. You end up a target [at the dealership]. They find every way to blame you. If you go further into it to make it a big deal, you get picked off.

In order to win their fight for better pay and working conditions, the mechanics must break free from the leadership of the pro-corporate IAM and AFL-CIO, and form their own independent rank-and-file committee to put forth their demands. From there they must reach out to their class brothers and sisters in rail, auto, and steel to break the isolation imposed by the unions and fight for the social right for a good-paying and secure job, health care and a decent retirement.
In the UN Security Council yesterday, the United States dramatically raised the stakes in the intense crisis on the Korean Peninsula following North Koreas nuclear test on Sunday. Washingtons response targeted not only Pyongyang, but Beijing and Moscow as well.

A clear division emerged. The US and its allies threatened an economic blockade and, by implication, war against North Korea, while China and Russia continued to appeal for a reduction in tensions and talks.

In a belligerent and provocative speech, US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, delivered an ultimatum to China and Russia: end all economic relations with North Korea or face a full-blown trade war with the US. Moreover, if Beijing and Moscow did not bring Pyongyang to heel, the US would do so through military means.

Standing reality on its head, Haley declared that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was begging for war. The Pyongyang regime is escalating its nuclear program in a desperate and misguided attempt to ward off a devastating war with the United States that it would inevitably lose. Its latest nuclear test, which it claimed was a hydrogen bomb and had an estimated yield of 100 kilotons, came just days after the US and South Korea finished major annual joint exercises to rehearse for war with North Korea.

Haley demanded that the UN impose the most stringent set of sanctions on any country in a generation. She warned Washington would not accept what it regarded as half-measures. We have taken an incremental approach and despite the best of intentions, it has not worked, she declared.

While no details have been released, the sanctions being mooted include cutting off oil supplies, freezing all financial transactions and ending the export of North Korea labourers. Trump is threatening to cut US trade with any country that conducts any economic activity with North Korea.

The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions, Haley warned. She declared that US patience was running out, saying the time has come for us to exhaust all of our diplomatic means before its too late. By implication, the US would resort to war.

American military allies in Asia and Europe all joined the chorus of condemnation of North Koreas latest nuclear test and demanded the toughest sanctions. Grossly inflating the threat posed by North Koreas limited nuclear arsenal, Japans ambassador Koro Besso declared the danger posed by Pyongyang had been raised to an unprecedented level and was a grave threat to the peace and security of the world.

Chinas ambassador Liu Jieyi, however, while condemning Pyongyang, warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula was deteriorating constantly and called for the crisis to be resolved peacefully. He called on all parties to make joint efforts together to ease the situation, restart the dialogue and talks, and prevent further deterioration of the situation on the peninsula.

China and Russia have opposed North Koreas nuclear and missile program because it provides a pretext to the US and its allies for a massive military build-up in the Asia Pacific that is ultimately aimed at their countries. At the same time, however, Beijing is deeply concerned that a complete economic embargo on North Korea will precipitate a political crisis in Pyongyang that Washington will exploit to intervene, greatly heightening the danger of war.

Liu reiterated the freeze for freeze proposal made by China and Russia, for the US and South Korea to end major military exercises in return for North Korea halting its nuclear and missile testing so as to facilitate new talks. Haley again flatly rejected the plan.

In a blunt warning to the Trump administration, Liu warned that China will never allow chaos and war on the Peninsula. In other words, Beijing is determined to use all means at its disposal to prevent a US-led regime-change operation or war on Chinas doorstep that would result in a pro-US Korea.

The latest US threats are being accompanied by a major military build-up on the Korean Peninsula in preparation for a war that could include nuclear weapons.

After lashing out at South Korea on Sunday for talk of appeasement, President Donald Trump spoke with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in yesterday. Trump agreed to end the limit, imposed by a treaty between the two countries, on the payload that can be carried by South Korean missiles. In return, Moon gave the green light for the US to fully deploy its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile system. A White House statement said Trump gave conceptual approval to the sale of many billions of dollars worth of military equipment to South Korea.

Talks last week between US Defence Secretary James Mattis and South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo went far further. Speaking in South Koreas National Assembly yesterday, Song said he suggested to Mattis that many people in South Korea were calling for the reintroduction of American tactical nuclear weapons in the country.

The US already can annihilate North Korea using nuclear missiles delivered by aircraft, warships and submarines. The installation of tactical nuclear weapons would put the Korean Peninsula on a hair trigger and dramatically heighten the danger of a mistake or miscalculation escalating into a nuclear exchange. At present, President Moon has ruled out the option.

Song indicated that he pressed Mattis to send long-range heavy bombers, aircraft carriers and other strategic assets more often to South Korea. The US has repeatedly dispatched strategic B-1 bombers over the Korean Peninsula as a warning to North Korea and last week released photos of B-1 Lancers dropping bombs on a range near the border between the two Koreas.

Yesterday, the South Korean military carried out a drill involving F-15K fighter jets and surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to simulate a strike on North Koreas nuclear test site. Major General Jang Kyung Soo claimed North Korea was preparing another missile test for as soon as September 9 and said South Korea planned another missile drill to show its strong will and ability to respond.

Last week, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported that President Moon had ordered the military to formulate new war plans that could quickly switch to an offensive posture in case North Korea stages a provocation that crosses the line or attacks the capital region. The aim of the plan was to infiltrate Pyongyang to quickly bring down the North Korean regime.

In response to the US preparations for war, China and Russia are reinforcing their military positions. A lengthy article in the Wall Street Journal in July said the Chinese military had established a new border defence brigade, 24-hour video surveillance of the mountainous frontier backed by aerial drones, and bunkers to protect against nuclear and chemical blasts.

Both Russia and China have opposed the installation of THAAD batteries in South Korea, saying their high-power radars can peer deep inside their territories and undermine their nuclear deterrents. Russias deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday Moscow would increase its missile presence in the Pacific in response to the expanded THAAD deployment in South Korea.

The chief responsibility for creating this explosive tinderbox in North East Asia is the Trump administration. Far from North Korea begging for war, the US is systematically goading Pyongyang into making a move that would create the pretext for, in the words of US Defence Secretary Mattis, a massive military response that would result in the countrys total annihilation.
Amid mounting social tensions, there are intense concerns within Australian ruling circles over the discredited character of the political establishment. With the corporate elite demanding ever-deeper austerity measures, and all the major parties signalling unwavering support for US-led wars around the globe, polls have shown a collapse of support for the entire parliamentary set-up.

In this context, a conference held by Socialist Alternative in Sydney last month signalled the pseudo-left organisations preparations to try to channel popular opposition behind the thoroughly corporatised trade unions and the political establishment, especially Labor and the Greens.

There was no discussion at the conference about the unprecedented crisis afflicting the parliamentary system or the agenda of war, austerity and erosion of fundamental democratic rights supported by all the official parties.

Two conference sessions, however, underscored Socialist Alternatives efforts to spearhead a left regroupment, aimed at blocking the development of an independent movement of the working class based on a genuinely socialist and revolutionary perspective.

The organisations attitude to Labor and the unions in Australia was made crystal clear by its enthusiastic support for British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Presenting a panel on Corbyn, Socialist Alternative student leader Sarah Garnham declared that Labours result in the June 2017 British election, where it increased its share of the vote by almost 10 percent, represented a rise of mass support for left politics.

Garnham hailed Labours electoral program as the most left-wing in decades and declared that Corbyn had taken on the whole establishment. In reality, since being elected Labour leader in 2015, Corbyn has continuously capitulated to the right-wing of his party.

Corbyn has provided tacit support for Britains predatory bombing of Syria, backed austerity cuts by councils across the country, including those led by the Labour Party, and guaranteed his partys committment to Britains nuclear weapons program and its participation in NATO, the US-led militarist alliance.

All these regressive policies were carried over into Labours election manifesto. His record demonstrates that Corbyns claim to be a socialist is pure window-dressing, aimed at channeling growing anger behind the political establishment. Any British Labour government would dispense with his tepid reformist pledges and impose the dictates of the corporate elite.

Garnham nevertheless stated that revolutionary socialists have to support Corbyn. She said ones attitude to his leadership of the Labour Party was the dividing line in British politics. In other words, socialist opposition to Labour, a major party of British big business, is illegitimate.

Garnhams entire presentation was a whitewash of the record of a party that, over the course of more than a century, has played the central role in defending British capitalism, including by putting forward left-talking leaders in periods of deep crisisleaders who have invariably betrayed their limited election promises. Yet Garnham insisted Labour could be forced to enact a social-reformist agenda, if sufficient pressure were applied from below.

Mick Armstrong, Socialist Alternatives longstanding leader, identified the crucial role that the pseudo-left had to play in promoting this political fraud. He warned that workers who had experienced decades of betrayals by Labour would not be convinced by a few slogans from Corbyn. It was the task of the left, he said, to galvanise workers behind Corbyn. In other words, the left must prop up this key mechanism of capitalism, against the widespread opposition that already exists within the working class.

Socialist Alternatives support for Syriza, the Greek Coalition of the Radical Left, makes clear that its promotion of Corbyn is not a product of naivete or misunderstanding. Syriza won office in 2015 by pledging to end the crippling austerity measures enacted by previous governments. Within months, it had betrayed its election promises and has since imposed the deepest cuts to social spending in Europe.

Throughout 2015, Socialist Alternative promoted all the lies of the Syriza leadership. Even after Syriza began enforcing the austerity agenda demanded by the European financial elite, Socialist Alternative insisted there was no prospect of the party betraying.

At the conference, Garnham and other Socialist Alternative leaders shamelessly blamed the working class for Syrizas right-wing program, declaring workers had not placed sufficient pressure on the partys leadership. In reality, when the working class overwhelmingly rejected the austerity agenda at a referendum, the Syriza leadership ignored the result.

Like Syriza, Socialist Alternative is utterly hostile to the working class and speaks for layers of the affluent upper middle class. Its adulation of Corbyn and Syriza is a warning that it will play a similarly treacherous role in the political crisis unfolding in Australia.

Australian Labor leader Bill Shorten has already begun a campaign to falsely present Labor as a party of the working class, including by demagogically denouncing big business and invoking widespread opposition to social inequality.

The working-class hostility to the British Labour Party, of which Armstrong warned, is replicated in Australia, where the Labor governments of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating implemented a sweeping pro-business agenda in the 1980s and early 1990s, comparable to that imposed by Margaret Thatchers Tory government in Britain.

The dismantling of education, healthcare and welfare, and a broader austerity agenda, were deepened dramatically by the Labor governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, from 2007 to 2013. Shorten has adopted his present posture precisely in an attempt to overcome the deep hostility to Labor as a party of the corporate elite.

Socialist Alternative has already lined up behind this fraud. The organisation has hailed Sally McManus, the new secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), and a prominent Labor Party member, who is waging a bogus campaign against inequality and corporate tax evasion, in conjunction with Shorten.

At a panel titled, How to rebuild the union movement, Socialist Alternative signalled it would serve as a willing foot soldier for McManus and the ACTU. Speaker after speaker bemoaned the collapse in trade union membership, which fell to the lowest level in history this year, and declared they would seek to overcome it.

Kath Larkin, the panels featured speaker, is a member of Socialist Alternative and the womens officer of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). She said the unions crisis was a result of the mistakes of individual leaders, which would be reversed if officials adopted militant and class struggle politics.

This is a lie. McManus and Socialist Alternative are seeking to cover up the fact that the unions bear primary responsibility for the deepening social crisis afflicting the working class. For the past three decades, they have collaborated with successive governments and the corporate elite in the destruction of hundreds of thousands of jobs, and the gutting of wages and conditions.

The record of the RTBU is a glaring example. It has played a central role in the privatisation of public transport, aiding major corporations in their drive to reap a profit bonanza through the sell-off of state assets.

Last year, for instance, the RTBU welcomed a decision by the New South Wales (NSW) state government to provide a private company with a contract for all rail, bus and ferry services in Newcastle, a major regional centre. And the union pledged to assist a pro-business restructure of the NSW State Transit Authority, slated to eliminate 200 jobs.

Larkin denounced any suggestion that structural changes were responsible for the role played by the unions, insisting that the issue was merely the incorrect politics of their leaders.

In fact, underlying all the wretched pro-company deals and betrayals of the unions is their transformation into corporatised entities, hostile to the workers they falsely claim to represent.

The unions have always defended the profit system. But in an earlier period, when capitalism was regulated within the framework of the nation-state, they performed this function by placing pressure on employers and governments to grant limited social concessions to the working class.

The globalisation of production, beginning in the 1980s, shattered the objective basis for this national-reformist program. Now, the unions, taking their pro-capitalist and nationalist program to its logical conclusion, have become the chief proponents of ensuring the international competitiveness of their own national industries by imposing continuous cuts to jobs, wages and working conditions.

Hand-in-hand with this process has been the ever-greater enrichment of the union officialdom. Union leaders, earning six-figure salaries, sit on joint union-company management boards, overseeing superannuation funds that have billions of dollars in corporate investments. In other words, union officials have a direct material interest in suppressing the struggles of the working class.

Socialist Alternative and the rest of the pseudo-left are increasingly integrating themselves into these organisations. Like the union leaders with whom it collaborates, Socialist Alternative is above all seeking to prevent the emergence of a revolutionary upsurge of the working class that would challenge the profit system, upon which their own privileges depend.

Amid escalating class tensions, there is a growing recognition in ruling circles that the political establishment requires new left safety valves to head off the working class struggles that are on the agenda. This was unmistakably indicated by an extraordinary article that appeared in the Sydney Daily Telegraph the day before Socialist Alternatives conference began.

The Murdoch-owned tabloid is synonymous with the gutter press. It specialises in vicious demonisations of refugees, welfare recipients and the unemployed, and the promotion of xenophobia and racism. Earlier this year, for instance, it spearheaded a filthy campaign, based on lies, to slander Muslim primary school children, under 12 years old, as Islamic extremists.

The publication is the promoter of far-right and fascistic tendencies associated with the Reclaim Australia movement and has been prominent in McCarthyite-style witch-hunts of ostensibly left-wing academics and public figures, often deriding them as representatives of the lunatic left.

But on August 18, the Daily Telegraph adopted a very different tone, publishing a fawning profile of Haley Pessin, the featured speaker at Socialist Alternatives conference.

It provided Pessin, a prominent member of the US organisation Black Lives Matter, with column space to expound a racialist interpretation of American politics that aims to sow divisions in the working class, and legitimise the Democratic Partys attempts to ascribe Donald Trumps election victory to the racism of the white working class.

The article politely advised its readers that Pessin was in Sydney to talk at the Socialism Conference at Sydney University this weekend, favourably advertising the conference among its readers. This unprecedented promotion of Socialist Alternative is not a sign that the Daily Telegraph is changing its political spots, but rather, that such fake left organisations perform an essential function in helping to preserve the capitalist order.
Nearly 50 million public school students are starting the new school year, along with three million teachers and well over a million librarians, therapists, aides, school bus drivers and other support staff.

Like every year, schools open with the hope and expectation that by the end of the year, students will emerge more whole and bettered prepared for the future. There is a general sense of optimism that the dedication and hard work of educators and school employees will contribute to a healthier and more generous society.

This conviction, however, repeatedly collides with the social, economic and political realities of America. The US is not a harmonious society but one riven by a deep social and class divide. The relentless pursuit of wealth by the oligarchy, which exercises dictatorial control over the entire political system, is the greatest impediment to social progress.

Nowhere is this demonstrated more clearly than in the decades-long financial starvation of the public schools. Whatever sanctimonious statements the big business politicians make about their supposed commitment to children, the reality is when it comes to bailing out the Wall Street banks, funding criminal wars or paying for public education, they always come down on the side of the super-rich.

The billionaires who occupy the White House and top office of the Department of EducationDonald Trump and Betsy DeVosare sworn enemies of public education. They intend to accelerate the decades-long campaign, pursued by Democratic and Republican administrations alike, to dismantle public education and funnel even more money into the hands of private business interests.

Trumps budget proposal includes $1.7 trillion in cuts to social programs, including at least $9.2 billion in education cuts. The budget also includes $1.4 billion to promote school choice and voucher programs to siphon off funds from public schools to subsidize private and parochial institutions.

The proposal would cut the proportion of gross domestic product devoted to social spending for low-income and moderate-income families from 2.1 percent to only 1.0 percent in 2027, the lowest percentage since 1966, when the Johnson administration launched its so-called War on Poverty. While slashing health care, food stamps and welfare and ramping up attacks on immigrant workers, Trumps scorched-earth budget will provide hundreds of billions for tax cuts for the rich and the Pentagon war machine.

Far from devoting the necessary resources to rebuild Houston and eastern Texas and aid the more than one million public school students devastated by Hurricane Harvey, federal, state and local authorities plan to follow the same playbook they did after Hurricane Katrina, when the crisis was used to transform New Orleans into an all-charter district.

In this political climate, the coming school year will be more like Dante's journey with Virgil through the nine circles of hell rather than a journey of wonder and enlightenment by teachers and students.

Trump and his government of oligarchs, military generals and Nazi sympathizers are widely hated and mass social struggles are on the agenda. The Democratic Party, however, offers no alternative. The Democrats have attacked Trump from the right, criticizing the billionaire president not for his attacks on immigrants, destruction of social programs or reckless warmongering. Instead, the Democrats have complained that Trump is soft on Russia and are demanding more aggressive military measures even if it threatens to provoke a nuclear war.

The Democrats paved the way for Trump and DeVos through their promotion of pro-corporate school choice schemes first pushed by the Clintons in the 1990s. Obamas Race To The Top (RTTP) accelerated the attacks made under Bushs No Child Left Behind (co-sponsored by Democratic liberal stalwart Ted Kennedy), and tying federal school funding even more closely to test-based performance standards.

This has been used to scapegoat teachers for educational problems caused by decades of reduced funding and the immense growth of poverty and to provide a windfall of profits to charter school operators and businesses like Pearsons, McGraw Hill and Apple. Under Obama, nearly 9,000 public schools were closed and the number of students enrolled in charter schools tripled.

Any conception of an enlightened education, focusing on the development of curiosity and critical thought, an understanding of history, and appreciation of and participation in the arts, has been abandoned, because this could not be quantified and monetized.

The Democrats deregulation of the banks and promotion of financial and real estate speculation put billions into the pockets of criminals like Trump. At the other pole of society, conditions for the working class have never been worse, with poverty soaring and life expectancy declining.

Teachers know that poverty is the greatest obstacle to child development. Pat Levitt, a developmental neuroscientist at the University of Los Angeles and the director of the National Scientific Council, describes poverty as a neurotoxin. Overcrowding, substandard housing, loud noises, parental separation, exposure to violence and family instability can lead to an increased level of cortisol, which can interfere with the development of brain circuitry as early as in utero.

The precondition for the development of children, therefore, is good nutrition, clean and safe water, a household free from utility shutoffs and poverty and a social infrastructure that includes high-quality education and cultural stimulation provided by teachers and school employees that are secure in their jobs and well-compensated.

Educators know far better than big business politicians what is needed to provide such a learning environment. The main obstacle to marshaling the necessary resources and applying them in a rational way is the domination of society by a modern-day aristocracy whose insatiable appetite is an unbearable burden.

The fight to secure basic social rightsincluding high quality public education, health care, the eradication of poverty and social inequality, and future free from warwill necessarily thrust teachers and the entire working class into an irrepressible conflict with the corporate and financial elite and its political servants in both political parties.

The last number of years have seen growing opposition to the destruction of public education, from the 2012 Chicago teachers strike, to the mass protests against school closings in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and other cities in 2013, to the wildcat sickout strikes by Detroit teachers and students in 2016. This is part of a worldwide fight against the attack on education, which has seen mass struggles in Chile, Mexico and Australia.

Far from waging any struggle, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association have repeatedly sabotaged the resistance of teachers, students and parents. This is because the unions are allied with the Democratic Party and accept without question the supposed right of wealthy investors to profit from school and municipal bond debt. Whatever their rhetorical criticisms of Trump and DeVos, union officials such as AFT President Randi Weingarten only want to be partners in the dismantling of public education and the expansion of the for-profit education industry.

Teachers, parents and students must build new organizations of struggleschool and neighborhood committeesto mobilize opposition to budget cuts, layoffs, school closings and privatization.

This must be part of the development of a political counter-offensive by the whole working class to eradicate poverty and vastly expand funding for public education and other essential services. The precondition for such a struggle is a political break with the Democratic Party and all those, including Bernie Sanders, who claim this party of Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus can be turned into a peoples party.

The Socialist Equality Party calls for the expropriation of the ill-gotten gains of the Wall Street bankers, hedge funds and private equity firms, and the transformation of the banks and other big financial institutions into public enterprises under the democratic control of the working class.

The SEP insists that the working class has social rights that must be guaranteed regardless of what the corporate-controlled politicians say they can afford. To achieve this, the working class must be politically organized to fight for socialism.

The SEP calls on teachers, parents and students to subscribe to and circulate the World Socialist Web Site Teacher Newsletter and to contact the SEP to discuss the strategy and leadership needed for these struggles.
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature by writing to comments@wsws.org.

Latin America

Public sector strike set in Uruguay

The Intersyndical Coordination Board of Enterprises, Uruguays public enterprise workers union federation, issued a call September 1 for a one-day strike on September 7. The themes of the protest action will be job security, increased investment in public enterprises and halting the covert privatization of public enterprises.

Currently there are 34,000 workers in public enterprises in Uruguay. Almost a third, 10,000, are of precarious status, i.e., under temporary contracts or part-time. At the same time, the board accuses the government of underfunding public enterprises and encouraging the privatization of these enterprises. According to the board, the government does not replace workers on a one-to-one basis, but closer to two for every three positions that become vacant.

Other issues are government declarations of essentiality of a service when workers strike as well as attacks on union rights.

Mexican technical institute teachers and administrative employees strike over working conditions, lack of resources

About 170 teachers and administrative personnel at the Poniente campus of the Merida Technical Institute (ITM) in Merida, Yucatan stopped work on August 31. The walkout centered on the failure of the administration to deal with a number of problems about which the workers had complained.

A primary concern is the lack of decent equipment. There is a scarcity or lack of projectors, screens and whiteboards and undependable Internet access. Illumination is poor in many classrooms, as is ventilation. Technological materials are outdated or unavailable.

In addition, the strikers complain of the bad condition of the cafeteria, the dangerous, half-finished parking lot and the lack of timely, reliable transportation for students, which often results in them arriving late for class.

The strikers say they will continue their work stoppage until the problems have been addressed.

Dominican Republic: Radiology personnel strike to demand new equipment

Radiology workers at the regional university-affiliated Jose Maria Cabral y Baez Hospital in Santiago, Dominican Republic struck August 31 to demand that the Public Health Ministry replace its X-ray apparatuses.

The workers have been pleading for months with the hospital administration to replace the outmoded equipment, but have received no response. A similar situation exists at another university institution, Doctor Arturo Grullon Hospital, where the X-ray equipment has been out of service for years, causing patients to be referred to other sites.

Spokespersons for the striking radiologists announced that they will march to the National Palace and deliver a letter to President Danilo Medina if the problem is not addressed in the next few days.

Protests in Puerto Rico against fiscal control boards further austerity measures

Several hundred protesters demonstrated in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 31 against the austerity measures carried out by the nonelected fiscal control board charged with making the Puerto Rican working class bear the brunt of the islands fiscal crisis.

Attendance at the mobilization was a far cry from the thousands who massed a year previously. The issues that sparked the 2016 protests remain, however. They include new taxes; rising utility bills; pension cuts; attacks on workers rights, collective bargaining and wages; budget cutbacks for education and public services. Other issues have been added, among them furloughs and the end of the Christmas bonus, both of which would erode workers earnings even more.

The crowd was observed by hundreds of Tactical Operations police deployed to prevent protesters from getting near the Popular Center building, which was damaged during a protest in May, and the World Plaza Building, which is where the board has its headquarters. Unlike last year, no confrontations were reported.

Colombian small craft miners end protest strike after 43 days

A protest strike by some 10,000 small craft miners which began July 21 in the Colombian department of Antioquia ended with the signing of an accord August 31.

After almost six hours of talks between negotiators that included the national and departmental governments, Zandor Capital (subsidiary of Gran Colombia Gold), and the Miners Board (representing the craft miners), the parties reached an agreement.

Bolivian packaging plant workers strike for wage raise, bonus, job stability

Workers at the Empacar packaging plant in Santa Fe de la Sierra, Bolivia went on a seven-day strike last week. Their main demands center on categorization of their job posts, wage parity, a production bonus and job stability.

In addition, they demand that Empacar withdraw its petition to declare the strike illegal. On this subject, an official with the Santa Cruz Industrial Workers Federation called the Labor Ministry partial to the corporate side.

The walkout included marches, vigils and other mobilizations. Police broke up a vigil in front of the factory on August 30.

Argentine judicial workers hold three-day strike over wage impasse

The Buenos Aires Judicial Association (AJB) called a 72-hour strike August 30 to September 1 to press salary demands following fruitless negotiations with representatives of the provincial government.

On August 28, AJB bargainers rejected a new proposal, which it considered inferior to the previous one. AJB claimed that the offer stirred up the spirits of its members and encouraged them to participate in the temporary walkout.

AJB denounced unilateral actions by the government of provincial governor Maria Eugenia Vidal, such as a partial payment of 6 percent that reflects the position of the government, which instead of sitting down to discuss, resolves things unilaterally. AJB is demanding a 36 percent salary increase.

The United States

California Riverside County workers demonstrate, announce intent to strike

Government employees of Riverside County, California, held a protest demonstration outside the Board of Supervisors meeting in the city of Riverside August 29 to announce a strike for the following week. The 7,000 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 work for the most part in the county health system and the Department of Public Social Services and have been without a contract since 2016.

In the past, the union and county have implemented labor agreements that, while providing wage increases, have gouged workers by imposing higher health care costs and reduced retirement benefits for new hires. In the current round of talks, the county is seeking to reduce pay increases.

The SEIU has filed 19 unfair labor practice complaints that include unlawful surveillance and harassment of hospital employees. The county has been seeking to bar some employees from striking on September 6 as essential to public safety and are voicing concern that a strike will disrupt health care at the Riverside University Health SystemMedical Center in Moreno Valley.

The county has also declared an impasse in negotiations with the Laborers International Union of North America. The mandated fact-finding and mediated talks could result in the imposition of a contract by the county and a strike.

Texas aerospace workers continue strike over pay and benefit cuts

Aerospace workers at the Wyman-Gordon plant in Houston, Texas are continuing a strike that began August 21 against pay and benefit concessions. The International Association of Machinists, the union representing the 271 striking workers, has been in negotiations for several weeks.

Workers are fighting a significant cut in starting pay combined with a freeze on wage increases for three years. Workers also face cuts in short-term and long-term disability pay. The company also wants a reduction in breaks from 20 minutes to 15 minutes, a major concern to workers given the facility is not air-conditioned.

Wyman-Gordon operates 13 plants in five countries. It became a subsidiary of the Fortune 500 company Precision Castparts Corporation in 1999. In January 2016, Precision Castparts became a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Office staff continue strike in Seattle against union pension fund

Some 100 office workers in the Seattle area from Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 8 are nearing the end of the second week of their strike against Welfare and Pension Administrative Services that manages union pension plans for about 250,000 workers in the Western US. The office administrators are fighting against company demands for concessions on seniority rights, medical benefits, pensions and salaries.

While keeping the strikers isolated, the union leadership is pointing to a halt to garbage pickups as a victory. In addition the strike has forced UPS to send management personnel to make deliveries to the building since UPS drivers are refusing to cross the picket line. These minor successes are being used by the unions to cover their treachery while they work to wear down the workers and eventually force them to end their job action.

Canada

Workers at Toronto womens shelter vote to strike

Twenty-seven workers employed by Julliettes Place in Toronto have voted unanimously to go on strike after working without a contract since March of this year.

The workers are fighting against a range of employer demands for concessions in a new contract with their union, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). The workers provide services for women and children in distress and fleeing domestic violence in the Toronto area. Conciliated talks have so far failed to produce an agreement and no talks are currently scheduled.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The former youth pastor who faces several charges of sex offenses against a child will head to court Tuesday morning for a pre-trial case management hearing.

Roshad Thomas, 41, was arrested in July after a victim told police he had been fondled by Thomas when he was 13 years old.

Leon County deputies found and interviewed ten victims who, when offended against, at the time were between the ages of 11 to 15.

Until earlier this year, Thomas was a contracted employee at Maclay School. Thomas was also the youth pastor at Calvary Chapel Tallahassee until 2012.

MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV.com) - A St. Louis area mom is being applauded on social media for her donation to flood victims in Texas.

She found a unique way to help other families who lost everything after Harvey. Now, a cooler of her breast milk is on its way to Texas. But the story behind her supply is just as heartwarming.

From her home in Owensville, MO, Danielle Palmer said she was devastated watching the flooding in Houston.

"I cant imagine being in a situation where youre losing everything and just the fear of all of that," said Palmer via a Skype interview with News 4. "All I could do was sit and pray for the moms and dads and kids. Beauty can come from this. It wont be bad forever."

Then, the mother of three found another way to show her support. She says her son's speech therapist, who is part of the organization Guiding Star Missouri, approached her about donating some of her extra breast milk. She proudly packed up a cooler full.

"We gave 1,040 ounces and we figured that up, if a normal baby gets three ounces, that's 346 feedings," said Palmer.

It's a supply she wouldn't even have, had it not been for the trials of her youngest son.

"Truett has a congenital heart defect along with other underlying anomalies. For a big chunk of his life, he was unable to take my milk. Most of his nutrition came through IV," said Palmer.

The donated milk will go to moms who lost their frozen supply when power went out, those whose pumps floated away with flood waters, or ones who just aren't able to produce right now.

"With breast feeding, stress plays a big role in your supply. If you become stressed, your supply will drop," said Palmer.

Palmer says the organization who contacted her about the donation is packing a deep freezer with other donated milk, along with other supplies for families. They plan to drive it to Dallas where it will then be distributed as needed. Palmer explained that milk that is donated to a bank is rigorously tested but milk sharing between moms is another common route, albeit not many people talk about it.

Not only is it perfectly legal, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), human breast milk is not listed as a body fluid that requires for special handling precaution. The CDC goes on to state, "HIV and other serious infectious diseases can be transmitted through breast milk.

However, the risk of infection from a single bottle of breast milk, even if the mother is HIV positive, is extremely small. For women who do not have HIV or other serious infectious diseases, there is little risk to the child who receives her breast milk."

Now, the picture of the gift from Danielle and Truette to Texas moms is being shared all over Facebook.

"We have each others backs. We take care of each other. Breastfeeding is hard. Whether you're pumping or feeding or however it may be, it's hard. And we are like momma bears. We protect one another," said Palmer.

She hopes each bottle will bring nutrition to babies and relief to moms.

"With Truett's heart defect, I don't take that lightly but I also know I'm grateful for the situation God placed us in. Its given us the opportunity to do other things, I mean had we not been in this situation, we wouldnt be able to share some of our love with the babies in Houston," said Palmer.

Copyright 2017 KMOV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Several University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and staff members protested the message of a student promoting an organization best known for taking aim at leftist propaganda in the classroom.

In turn, the student said those criticizing her and her message were pretty intimidating before she eventually left the space outside the Nebraska Union.

The incident has gained significant attention because of its perception as a First Amendment battle between conservatives and liberals on a college campus. Whats being lost by this widespread but incomplete view is that free speech isnt always pretty  but its a vital right shared by both sides.

In many regards, the level of speech protected by the Constitution can be a double-edged sword. People can say truly nasty, awful things without fear of punishment  and bystanders may not want to be subject to the message they hear.

Colleges and universities have been at the center of First Amendment controversies lately, with students protesting  sometimes, bordering on rioting  against speakers whose views they find repulsive. A common criticism is that many college students have chosen to pre-emptively wall themselves off from ideas with which they disagree, rather than see and engage different viewpoints.

The situation at UNL was different. The student, Kaitlyn Mullen, never applied for an event planning registration to speak in front of the Union, an area with heavy pedestrian traffic, as required by school policy. Accordingly, university officials said they confronted her to try moving her to the zone where such activities are confined to preserve free and safe movement near the building.

But then things went viral  and got out of control, as these political proxy battles often become  with allegations of discrimination by others being perpetuated by both sides.

Not everything is right vs. left, as much as its often, and inaccurately, framed to be.

Mullen has a right to stand outside the Union and spread Turning Points message as unfettered as she pleases, so long as she follows the universitys content-neutral rules on location. And while one may disagree with the words and gestures directed at her  inappropriate and incompatible with civil discourse  they remain protected speech until they cross the line into threats and incitement.

Though the tools to disseminate speech have evolved, the century-old words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall ring true today: I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

Free speech can be a thorny topic, with the First Amendment often invoked as a shield. The effects of this kerfuffle at UNL will no doubt linger, but we hope all parties have come away more informed about the First Amendment and its broad protections in such situations.
According to an exclusive report from Page Six, Bradley Cooper and the model Irina Shayk are interested in having another child together. The couple
I was glad to see graduate students and faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln stand up to political operatives from the shadowy right-wing group Turning Point USA.

Turning Point has promoted a watchlist of university faculty they don't like, making them targets for online and real-world harassment. The whole point of the list is to stifle open inquiry and free speech. I'm very happy there are folks at UNL willing to stand up to this kind of bullying.

Turning Point has been associated with alt-right and white nationalist figures, such as Breitbart News and Milo Yiannopoulos, and refuses to make its funding sources public. It's a front for corporate and radical right-wing agitation on college campuses, and bullying earnest learners and teachers is a big part of their project.

Yet, these right-wing snowflakes don't seem to have the fortitude to cope with people talking back to them. Right-wing critics of universities love to talk about liberals and leftists wanting safe spaces.

But I think this episode with Turning Point shows quite clearly that's all projection. It's Turning Point that seems to want to be able to talk without anybody talking back. If they care so much about the right to free speech, why are they working so hard to get people in trouble or even fired for exercising that right?

Robert Underwood, Lincoln
State Department of Transportation officials have extended the closure of State Route 410 through at least Wednesday night.
More than 80 people rallied in downtown Yakima in support of immigrants protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals on Tuesday, Sept. 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a video on Monday, in which he spoke about his impressions of yesterday's visit to South Tel Aviv, about political meetings held Monday and about Israel's achievements in the world, but it is precisely the final chord of the video, in which he ridiculed former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, that is getting all the attention.

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The video was uploaded to Netanyahu's Facebook page after a series of political meetings, during which Netanyahu met with the Lithuanian foreign minister and the Macedonian prime minister.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu in his video

"You will not hear about it much or at all in the media, but this is your chance to know," said Netanyahu in the video, whose first half was dedicated to the illegal immigrant situation in southern Tel Aviv.

"Israel is a country that is courted. They admire us, value us, you need to hear how we are talked about. They want to be close to us, and this goes on from country to country and continent to continent."

Netanyahu mocks Barak

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It was at this moment that Netanyahu signed the video with a question: "Where is the isolation (of Israel), where is the 'Tsunami'?"pronouncing the last word "Thunami" as a slight jab at Barak, who famously has a mild lisp and often warns against Israel's political isolation and a political tsunami following the Netanyahu's actions.

"It is the other way around. Israel is reaching everywhere," Netanyahu ended.

Former PM Ehud Barak in his own Facebook video against Netanyahu

The relationship between Netanyahu and Barak is far from friendly, as Barak is now considered one of Netanyahu's greatest adversaries.

The former politician has often battled the prime minister and his policies on social media and interviews in recent years, and Netanyahu, for his part, strikes back, often with a humorous tone, calling him an " old man with a new beard ."
An indictment was filed in the Jerusalem District Court against a 39-year-old resident of Bnei Brak for extortion, threats, vandalism, and intent to commit arson.

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According to the indictment, the defendant used to send threatening letters to leading figures in the Reform community, including Professor Yaakov Malkin, a lecturer on secular and atheistic Judaism, Anat Hoffman, chairwoman of Women of the Wall and director of the Reform Center for Religion and State, director of the Israeli Atheists Association.

The threat made against Malkin (Photo: Israel Police)

Among other things, he sprayed threatening graffiti on a Reform synagogue in Ra'anana and planned to harm Breaking the Silence activists.

The indictment lists six different charges of events that took place from 2014 and until the defendant's arrest.

Among his other victims were Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism in North America, and Gilad Kariv, a Reform rabbi and executive director of the Movement for Progressive Judaism.

The Defendant used the Agron software, which was leaked several years ago and contained data from the Population Registry of the State of Israel, in order to collect details about his victims. In some cases, the defendant also distributed threatening letters to the neighbors of the victims.

The first charge describes how in May 2014 the defendant repeatedly threatened the life of Dr. Dan Boneh, an anthropologist and the author of the book "Never Happened" which represents a firm approach against the religious outlook, sent him a letter demanding that he stop all his "heretical-apostolic" activity in which he takes part: "Books, conferences, lectures, articles, etc., membership in organizations, and anything else related to the transmission of atheism in which you participate."

He also demanded that he repent and renounce his ungodly ways.

A few months later, the defendant sprayed the door of the Boneh's house with a Star of David and wrote the biblical inscriptions on the building's inner walls.

Later, in October 2014, he called him from a pay phone to ask him if he planned to attend a conference by the Israeli Atheists Association and asked the complainant if he had repented and bettered his ungodly ways.

The complainant replied to the defendant that his letter made him very nervous and that he was no longer active as an atheist activist, and asked for the defendant's mercy. Following the threats, Boneh stopped his activity and canceled lectures and conferences in which he was supposed to participate, dealing with his book or with atheism.

The complainant then moved to another apartment and changed his phone number.

Envelopes and a knife placed by the defendant in the Reform synagogue in Ra'anana (Courtesy of the Reform movement)

One of the cases published in the media is the spraying of graffiti on the home of professor Malkin. In addition, the defendant attached a knife to the door and an envelope bearing the biblical inscriptions that spoke about the Amalekite genocide, alleging that Malkin is a heathen and should be smited.

The last charge describes how in August 2017 the defendant collected information about 42 activists of the Breaking the Silence organization and purchased gasoline in order to set fire to the building in which the organization's offices are located.

"I do not know who the man is, but because mine is not the only case against him then it's good that they caught him," Professor Malkin commented on the indictment. "This is a success of the legal authorities and the importance of this is in the expression of intolerance towards non-religious and secular people.

"The reason I was attacked was my activity in secular Jewish culture. He chose to attack me because I lecture at a seminary with secular rabbis. Any criticism is justified, but not when it becomes violence."

Answering on whether he still fears for his safety, Malkin noted: "How can you not be afraid in this country? You do not know where there is a terrorist, whether he is Arab or a Jew. There is concern, but we repress itotherwise you cannot live in this country."
IDF, police and Shin Bet forces shuttered a printer in Ramallah overnight Monday, which produces materials used for incitement to terrorism, the IDF Spokesman's Office said Tuesday morning.

In addition, the forces seized in Hebron tens of thousands of shekels from Hamas meant to fund terror activity.
Saudi Minister of Gulf Affairs, Thamer al-Sabhan, has recently visited Lebanon as part of efforts to curb Iranian influence in the area.

"The inhuman crimes the party of Satan is committing against our nations will surely project on Lebanon," he said. "The Lebanese must choose if they are for or against the organization."

Diplomatic sources told Lebanese newspaper Al Joumhouria that "Lebanon will pay a heavy price for Hezbollah's madness if they don't deal with it inside the country."
Law enforcement authorities evicted an Arab family from its home in east Jerusalem early Tuesday after the property was purchased by Jews.

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This is the first eviction of an Arab family from its home in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood since 2009.

Police forces deployed in the neighborhood on Tuesday morning to secure the execution office personnel as they evicted the family. Entrances to the neighborhood were closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.

The property after the family's eviction (Photo: Israel Land Fund)

The eviction is the result of a long legal dispute. Under Israeli law, if Jews can prove their families lived in east Jerusalem homes before the 1948 War of Independence, they can demand that Israel's general custodian office release the property and return their ownership rights.

During the Jordanian rule of Jerusalem, from 1948 to 1967, the property was rented to a Palestinian family.

In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Jewish claimants, who subsequently sold the property on to another Jewish buyer, who acquired with the help of right-wing organization Israel Land Fund.

Jewish home owners arrive at the property (Photo: Ir Amim)

Since then, the Palestinian family has been waging a legal battle against the eviction.

The Shamasna family claimed it has been living in the building since 1964, arguing it enjoys the status of a tenant that cannot be evicted. The court, meanwhile, only recognized it has been living there since 1972.

Muhammad Shamasna after outside his home as he was being evicted

Two years ago, the Supreme Court ordered to evict the family from the house, but allowed for a year and a half extension to allow the family time to make the necessary preparations.

The evacuation was then postponed time and again, until on Monday the Execution Office determined the evacuation will be done on Tuesday.

The property (Photo: Ir Amim)

Fahamiya Shamasna, 75, told AFP that police arrived before dawn ordering her, her sick husband Ayoub, 84, their son and his family out of the house in the upscale Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood where the couple lived for 53 years.

"What greater injustice is there than this?" she said. "Maybe we will sleep in the street."

Plans for the eviction had been criticized by the European Union, United Nations and various Western governments, though not the United States.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it would seek to support the family financially to find another home.

Scott Anderson, head of UNRWA's West Bank operations, said such expulsions made peace between Israelis and Palestinians harder to achieve.

"We all support the two-state solution and a negotiated peace process. The expansion of settlements is not helpful to that end," he told AFP.

Arieh King, a member of the Jerusalem city council and the director of the Israel Land Fund, said, "70 years after the Hubera family was banished from its home, and after the owners allowed the Arab tenants to live on the property for five years without any rent, and since the tenants caused financial damages to the owners, the eviction was inevitable.

"I foresee additional evictions in the coming year of tenants who refuse to recognize Jews as the owners of the properties they live in. Along with the opening of a National Insurance Institute office nearby, the Nahalat Shimon neighborhood is facing a wave of Jewish settlement, the kind of which Jerusalem residents have been waiting many years for."

Photo: Israel Land Fund

Left-wing NGO Ir Amim said following the eviction, "Today, another sad landmark case has been noted in Jerusalem. This settlement project would not have gone ahead without support from the state. It is immoral, useless and will cost us all dearly."

Left-wing NGO Peace Now says the house is part of a larger process of establishing settlements in Sheikh Jarrah. "Settlers are already inside the Shamasna family's home," it said in a statement Tuesday morning. "Settlers are already inside the Shamasna family's home," it said in a statement Tuesday morning. "The eviction of the Shamasna family, who resided in the house since 1964, is not only brutal but it is also indicating a dangerous trend that could threaten a future compromise in Jerusalem," it said. "The eviction of the Shamasna family, who resided in the house since 1964, is not only brutal but it is also indicating a dangerous trend that could threaten a future compromise in Jerusalem," it said.






Brig. Gen. (res.) Shai Brosh was named Tuesday as the former Shayetet 13 commander who was arrested earlier this week in connection with the submarine affair.

He is suspected of taking bribes and of breach of trust.

His lawyer claimed Brosh is not connected to the affair itself, saying his client was questioned because he tried to start a business with state witness Miki Ganor.
South Korea said on Tuesday an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threat after Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test two days ago.

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South Korean officials believe more provocation from the reclusive state is possible, despite international outrage over Sunday's test and calls for more sanctions on North Korea.

South Korea's Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported on Tuesday that North Korea had been spotted moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.





South Korea's President Moon Jae-in (Photo: Reuters)

The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the report said.

South Korea's defense ministry, which warned on Monday that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

North Korea tested two ICBMs in July that could fly about 10,000 km (6,200 miles), putting many parts of the US mainland within range and prompting a new round of international sanctions against Pyongyang.

South Korea conducts live-fire exercise (Photo: AFP)

On Monday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war" and urged the 15-member UN Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

US President Donald Trump held calls with foreign leaders on Monday, including South Korean President Moon Jae-in and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the White House declared that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table."

US Ambassador Haley at UN discussion on North Korea (: )

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South Korea is talking to Washington about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defenses in the meantime.

Moon and Trump agreed on Monday to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles, South Korea's presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of a military conflict. The White House said Trump gave "in-principle approval" to the move.

South Korean cabinet meets on North Korea (Photo: EPA)

"We believe the unlimited warhead payload will be useful in responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told a briefing on Tuesday.

Under the current guidelines, last changed in 2012, South Korea can develop missiles up to a range of 800 km (500 miles) with a maximum payload of 500 kg (1,102 pounds)

South Korea's navy also held more live-fire exercises on Tuesday.

South Korea conducts live-fire exercise on Monday (Photo: AP)

"Today's training is being held to prepare for maritime North Korean provocations, inspect our navy's readiness and to reaffirm our will to punish the enemy," an unidentified South Korean naval officer told the same Defence Ministry briefing.

'Patience not unlimited'

Speaking at the United Nations, Haley said the United States would circulate a new Security Council resolution on North Korea this week and wanted a vote on it on Monday.

"War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory," Haley said.

UN Security Council meets to discuss North Korea (Photo: AFP)

China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, and Russia called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula," said Liu Jieyi, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, urging North Korea to stop taking actions that were "wrong" and not in its own interests.

Russia said peace in the region was in jeopardy.

"Sanctions alone will not help solve the issue," Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said.

North Korea has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Typically, China and Russia only view a test of a long-range missile or a nuclear weapon as a trigger for further possible UN sanctions.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned of a "massive" military response if the United States or its allies were threatened in the wake of Sunday's test. Pyongyang said it had successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, something experts believe it has now achieved or is very close to achieving.

North Korea's Kim examining what is said to be a hydrogen bomb (Photo: EPA)

Trump has previously vowed to stop North Korea developing nuclear weapons and said he would unleash "fire and fury" if it threatened US territory.

Despite the tough talk, the immediate focus of the international response was on tougher economic sanctions.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could now consider banning North Korean textile exports and its national airline, stop supplies of oil to the government and military, prevent North Koreans from working abroad and add top officials to a blacklist to subject them to an asset freeze and travel ban.

The sanctions imposed after July's missile tests aimed to slash Pyongyang's $3 billion annual export revenue by a third by banning exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood.
A Palestinian worker in his mid 30s was seriously injured in an explosion of a barrel, apparently of Acetone, at a factory in the Barkan industrial area in the West Bank.

Two other Palestinian workers were lightly injured.
Brig. Gen. (res.) Shai Brosh, the former commander of the elite naval commando unit Shayetet 13, is one of the six suspects who were arrested earlier this week in connection with the submarine affair , it was cleared for publication on Tuesday.

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Brosh is suspected of receiving bribes and of breach of trust.

Brosh's lawyer, appointed by the court from the Public Defender's Office, claimed Monday his client had no connection to the alleged corruption being investigated, and that he was arrested because he sought start a business with Ganor.

Brosh, right, in court (Photo: Shaul Golan)

The lawyer added Brosh eventually decided against starting a business with Ganor, as he felt Ganor was not being honest with him. Ganor, the lawyer said, compensated Brosh for damages incurred by his dealings with him as part of an agreement mediated by attorney David Shimron, a main suspect in the submarine affair.

Police seized computers and phones from Brosh's home and his remand was extended until Wednesday.

Netanyahu's former advisor testifies in case

Political advisor Shalom Shlomo arrived at the police's Lahav 433 Investigations Unit to give his testimony in connection with the case.

Shlomo served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's advisor from 2006-2009 and currently works for Education Minister Naftali Bennett.

Shalom Shlomo arriving at Lahav 433 offices to give his testimony (Photo: Avi Mualem)

He was asked to provide his testimony in light of information provided to the police by state witness Miki Ganor. He is currently not considered a suspect in the case.

Steinitz might give testimony

Police are also expected to summon Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz (Likud) to provide his testimony after three of his close associates were arrested in connection with the case.

Sources close to Steinitz said he was shocked by the allegations against his close associates, adding he heard about them for the first time from the media.

"His integrity has never been called into question, and it is well known," one source said. "If he is summoned to give testimony, he will do as required."

Minister Yuval Steinitz (Photo: AFP)

The sources noted Steinitz had no connection to the corruption allegations. "He was a member of cabinet when the decision to purchase the submarines was made, but he wasn't the finance minister at the time. It's true that he supported the acquisition. His position was known, and he wrote articles about the importance of increasing the Navy's strength."

Among the suspects arrested this week was also Rami Tayeb, a political advisor to Steinitz. Tayeb is suspected of mediating bribes between a businessman and a sitting public official.

Tayeb, who has been working with Steinitz for many years and is considered a well-known figure in the Likud party, is also suspected of receiving bribes, money laundering and obstruction of justice. His remand was extended by three days on Monday.

Rami Tayed, political adviser to Minister Steinitz (Photo: Dana Kopel)

"Rami is the one who helped Steinitz make connections within the party, organized meetings with activists for him," a Likud official said.

On Monday, strategic advisor Eli Kamir was also summoned to give testimony in the case.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test on Tuesday as "provocative."

But he stopped short of expressing support for imposing more UN sanctions on North Korea, and said Russia viewed them as "useless and ineffective."

Putin said it was "ridiculous" that the United States first slapped Russia with sanctions carried in the same bill that penalized North Korea, and "then asked us to help impose sanctions on North Korea."

North Korea's detonation of a hydrogen bomb on Sunday marked its most powerful nuclear test to date.
RACINE  When Knapp Elementary School opened the doors of its new building for the first time last September, it did so as a community school aimed at serving not just students, but their families and the neighborhoods they call home.

On the first day of the 2017-2018 school year, Knapp staff took their mission one step further by inviting students and their families to a free breakfast.

The school was just one of more than 30 institutions across the Racine Unified School District to welcome roughly 19,450 students to another year of learning on Tuesday.

Community meal

Knapp provides free breakfast every school day to its students, but this was the first time they opened up the meal to parents and the community at large.

This place was packed, said Assistant Principal Dani Dekker, describing the turnout.

The breakfast is just one example of initiatives designed to boost parent participation, said Dekker and Directing Principal Rich Wytonick, both of whom were on hand to greet families as they dined in the sunlight cafeteria.

Parents Stacey Joyce and Jesse Sykes, whose son JaiShun, 5, and daughter Sylvia, 6, attend the school, were just two fans of the outreach effort.

They should do this every day, said Sykes, with a smile and bagel.

I love this school, added Joyce.

In addition to breakfast, the school, located at 2701 17th St., also serves supper on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The meal is free for students and there is a small fee for parents. Much of the food provided during Tuesdays breakfast was donated by Panera Bread.

The goal is to show parents the resources that are available to them and to build that sense of community  that we are all in this together, said Wytonick, who attended Knapp as a child.

Star treatment

A full belly wasnt all that was provided to students on their first day.

Staffs at Gilmore Middle School, McKinley Middle School and Horlick High School took a page from the Post Prom playbook on Tuesday, giving students the star treatment with a red carpet welcome.

Holding signs that read Welcome back, teachers and staff at Gilmore, 2330 Northwestern Ave., lined up on either side of the carpet, eager to give the entering students  some sleepy-eyed and self-conscious  a high five and a little extra push of energy.

It makes them feel special, said Melinda Stewart, a seventh-grade English and social studies teacher.

The school started giving the red-carpet welcome last year because staff wanted to treat students like the academic rock stars that they are, Gilmores Directing Principal Amanda Jordan said.

For our teachers and staff (the first day of school) is giddy and exciting and we want it to be that way for our students, too, Jordan said.
Judge Esther Hayut was officially appointed the next chief justice of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, replacing Miriam Naor who will be retiring in about two months.

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The Judicial Selection Committee approved her appointment as well as the appointment of Judge Hanan Melcer as her deputy.

Hayut and Melcer will be sworn in at the end of October. Hayut's term as the chief justice will be six years.





Incoming Chief Justice Hayut with Justice Minister Shaked and outgoing Chief Justice Naor (Photo: Justice Minister's spokesman)

"You've heard me speak in different forums, and particularly in the Knesset, about the importance of the 'seniority system' to the independence of the Supreme Court. Today, I ask to speak in favor of Hayut's appointment as chief justice not just because of the 'seniority system,' but also in her own right and because of her excellent skills," Chief Justice Naor said Tuesday while presenting Hayut's candidacy to replace her.

Incoming Deputy Chief Justice Melcer with outgoing Chief Justice Naor and incoming Chief Justice Hayut (Photo: Justice Minister's spokesman)

"I've known Hayut as an attorney from her numerous appearances in my courtroom at the magistrate's and district court. Even then she stood out for her professionalism and meticulous work. Thanks to her talents, she advanced up the judicial ranks and was appointed as a Supreme Court justice after only 13 years, first as a acting-justice and later as a permanent appointment."

Judicial Selection Committee (Photo: Justice Minister's spokesman)

Naor then went on to talk about her work with Hayut in the Supreme Court. "At first, we regularly sat as a three-judge panel of (Asher) Grunis, Naor and Hayut. It was a civil panel that heard 14 complicated and intricate cases every day... During that time I got to witness Judge Hayut's unique professional talents up close. I discovered a brilliant jurist who knows every detail of every case. Her familiarity with the material, her enhanced sense of justice, and her original and creative thinkingall of these resulted not once in the quick resolution of the cases. Because of that, Judge Hayut has always been accepted by lawyers and litigators of all sides as a judge of the highest order."

'Her verdicts are masterpieces'

Noar continued her praise, speaking of Hayut's time at the Supreme Court. "Judge Hayut heads panels with wisdom and professionalism. Her verdicts are masterpieces, with some of them setting important and influential judicial legislation.

"In recent years, Judge Hayut has headed the Judicial Ethics Committee, which issues decisions used as ethical guidelines for all of Israel's judges. At her side all of these years was her partner, Dudi Hayut. Being a practicing lawyer who is married to a Supreme Court judge, attorney Hayut has been very strict, perhaps more strict than required, with regards to all professional ethical guidelines."

Judge Esther Hayut (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

Naor went on to say that "Judge Hayut is seen by all Supreme Court judges as the court's natural leader and as the one who will lead it in the future. This is thanks to her professionalism, her integrity, the fact she is a leader in matters of ethics and above all, because she is a symbol and serves as a personal example to every judge in Israel."

The Supreme Court chief justice, Naor said, "is the public leader of the judiciary, its representative and spokesperson to the other authorities, and is entrusted with protecting its independence. Because of her qualities and many virtues, I have no doubt Judge Hayut will know how to protect the independence of the judiciary and fulfill the many complex roles entrusted to the Supreme Court chief justice with great success."

On Judge Melcer, Naor said "there isn't a more suitable candidate to serve as the deputy chief justice."

Justice Minister Shaked with incoming Deputy Chief Justice Melcer (Photo: Justice Minister's Spokesperson)

"I've known Hanan when he was a practicing lawyer who appeared in various judicial cases. Over the years, Hanan became one of the more prominent and experienced lawyers in Israel. He established a prosperous law firm with his own two hands, created jobs for many laws, and accumulated rich managerial experience."

Naor went on to say that "Hanan joined the ranks of the Supreme Court about a decade ago straight from the private sectorsomething that was rare at the time. The expertise, knowledgeableness, and thoroughness that characterized him as a private lawyer also characterize him as a judge. Judge Melcer is familiar with the facts and the law, and has an enhanced sense of justice. In many cases, his verdicts include in-depth research of what is being done in other countries, in a way that enriches the judicial discussion."

The Judicial Selection Committee officially chose Hayut as the chief justice after weeks of uncertainty. About two months ago, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked demanded that a discussion be held in the Knesset on the 'seniority system,' according to which the most senior judge was elected Supreme Court chief justice. The discussion ended without an agreement.

Shaked noted that to her dismay, none of the Supreme Court judges, who are committed to the seniority system, chose to run against Hayut for the position.






German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as a "flagrant violation" of international conventions, but also said there can only be a "diplomatic and peaceful solution" of the crisis.

Merkel, who was speaking to the German parliament on Tuesday, said North Korea's distance from Germany should not keep the country from helping to end the crisis.

Merkel also talked to US President Donald Trump late Monday to discuss the latest provocation by North Korea.

Both leaders "condemned North Korea's continued reckless and dangerous behavior" and reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at the United Nations.
A Russian warship in the Mediterranean has fired cruise missiles toward targets of the Islamic State group in the eastern Syrian province of Deir el-Zour on Tuesday, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

Moscow is a main backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad and has fired such missiles in the past from the sea and mainland Russia.

Russia Today TV said a salvo of Kalibr cruise missiles targeted a group of militants stationed near the city of Deir el-Zour where government forces have been trying to reach the area under the cover of Russian airstrikes.

Syrian government forces have been trying to reach a handful of neighborhoods and a nearby airport that are besieged by ISIS.
RAMALLAH - Leading rights groups have called for the release of a prominent Palestinian activist who was detained after criticizing the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.

Amnesty International and the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights said Tuesday that Issa Amro's detention signals a growing crackdown on expression in the Palestinian enclaves.

Amro, 35, was detained Monday by Palestinian security forces after criticizing the detention of a local journalist who had called for Abbas' resignation.

Separately, Amro faces Israeli charges of inciting to violence. His military court trial is to resume in October.

Amro founded the group Youth Against Settlements in Hebron, a volatile West Bank city where Jewish settlers live in heavily guarded enclaves.

Amro has said Israel is trying to silence him.
Histadrut Labor Federation Chairman Avi Nissenkorn met with representatives from Israel's disabled people's organizations.

"This is an all hands on deck order," Nissenkorn said. "The Histadrut is a full partner."

Nissenkorn then added the agreement to solve this crisis should be based on "changing the linkage of pensions, promoting initiatives encouraging employment without harming pensions and updating pensions by increasing the budgetary framework."
The Administration for the Development of Weapons (ADW) at the Ministry of Defense unveiled a number of state-of-the-art military developments Tuesday set to roll out into IDF service within the next few years on land, sea and air.

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All the new armaments are based on advanced technology expected to revolutionize the way in which the IDF handles future clashes with Hamas or Hezbollah.

The Yasuron unmanned aircraft (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Among the new developments showcased were the Carmel armored transportwhich will be available in the form of a tank, APC and heavy engineering vehicle,a drone shooting small-arms fire from the air, a smart gun discharging only after locking onto a target and unmanned submarines for intelligence gathering and mapping.

These new armaments are all in the advanced stages of planning, and somesuch as the smart riflehave even been handed over the IDF, but they have yet to be declared operational. A prototype of otherssuch as the Carmel tankwill only be available in three years' time.

Further ADW developments that have yet to be presented to the public are "Fast", a system dispersing thousands of minute, covert sensors from the air over enemy territory in order to hermetically control it intelligence-wise, and the "Sky Eye", a drone autonomously scanning an area 10 square kilometers in size and enabling to reconstruct the area it has documented in a manner allowing the army to track down kidnappers' escape route.

An additional system enables shooting down enemy drones using a variety of offensive options: electronic warfare waves, laser beams or conventional fire. The Ministry of Defense is also developing real-time facial recognition technology, which is able to overcome two well-known obstacles: the targeting of wanted suspects walking among a crowd of people and trying to mask their features using a beard, hat and the like.

Unmanned submarines  UUVs

Despite the fact the lion's share of the Israeli Air Force's flight hours are taken up by unmanned aerial vehicles, the development of autonomous devices has yet to break through to the navy. In fact, the selection of unmanned naval instruments is scarce, and relatively limited. The small unmanned undersea vehicle, or UUV, is expected to change that. Other versions of this unmanned submersible already exist in the world, but now an Israeli version is being developed in tandem with Ben Gurion University.

The unmanned submersibles (:  ")

X

The UUV is a miniscule sub used for scanning and mapping missions that may be launched from either the shore, a manned submarine or a ship. The UUV will then be able to dive in a rapid, almost vertical line, to move in any direction andaccording to the Ministry of Defensewill cost a third of its international counterparts.

While work on the UUV is ongoing, a larger version is being developed, termed the "Little Caesar" ("Keysaron"), which is a true submarine for all intents and purposes, except for the fact it's unmanned. This large version will be used for covert operations such as information gathering.

Carmel  the tank of the future

After nearly 15 years of idle chatter and eventually-futile administrative work in the security establishment in the attempt to find a replacement for the massive and clunky Merkava tank, swapping it for a speedy armored vehicle more suited to the modern battlefield, a three-year plan got underway this year to develop the technological infrastructure for precisely that, an armored vehicle called the "Carmel."

Carmel, the tank of the future (:  ")

X

This next generation armored carrier will be unrecognizable when compared to the Merkava tank and will be able to serve as a platform for both an APC or other heavy combat engineering tools, replacing the current wave of Puma armored engineering vehicle.

Similar to the current Merkava Mark IV, the Carmel will contain an active protection system in the style of the Trophy system, enabling it to shoot down anti-tank missiles, but it may not need to operate it at all. Under certain conditions, this APC will be able to turn "invisible" with a low signature "transparent armor" including an electric propulsion system against the enemy's radar systems, mostly at night. The Carmel will also have an unmanned version.

In either case, its engine will be silent, quick and hybrid, it will be smaller in size than the Merkava, operating it will be simpler and it will require only half the number of crewmen necessary to operate a modern-day tank: two instead of four. The pair of operators will be act almost like pilots, possibly with smart helmets creating simulations of the environment, and will not have to physically look out of the vehicle at all.

Their cabin will be surrounded by large touch-operated screens displaying everything the tank "sees" around it and presenting its course, using smart cameras and enemy detection systems.

The Carmel will be logged onto a network along with other tanks in the area, enabling it to automatically and spatially defend its entire convoy against missiles, rather than only itself.

The tank's mortars and machine guns will be operated using joysticks from the crew's cabin at unusual 60- and 80-degree angles, should the soldiers decide, for instance, to bombard a specific apartment of a high-rise building above them.

Development on the tank is expected to conclude in about three years. Some of its proprietary technologies, however, will be "exported" to the army as they are completed while development is still ongoing.

The firing drone

The IDF's testing laboratories is already putting one of the more advanced weapons of the future through the paces, expected to enter operations as early as this year.

The firing drone (:  "  )

X

This relatively small drones carries some small-arms system resembling a handgun or assault rifle and has accurate sniping abilities, surprising the enemy and preventing putting IDF soldiers in harm's way.

The Israeli startup company in charge of developing this device is slowly but surely overcoming some of its attendant challenges, such as stabilizing the drone before firing, safely yet silently operating it and achieving maximal accuracy for its shots.

The smart rifle  only fires if it's sure to hit target

ADW calls it the "smart shooter", but this development may bear any number of nicknames. It represents, without a doubt, a revolutionary new capability for the single infantryman on the battlefield.

A group of former Rafael Advanced Defense Systems employees developed an electro-optic system assembled over the army's assault riflesthe Tavor and the M16intended to dramatically improve the chances of accurately hitting the target in all firing modes, emphasizing shooting after exertion and hitting with the very first shot, to prevent the target escaping if the shot misses.

The system actually marks the target itself and the smart trigger "prevents" discharge down to a split-second if the soldier is expected to miss. This ability should lessen the number of injuries to non-combatants. So far, testing of the system has gone well.

The Yasuron unmanned aircraft

Israel Aerospace Industries has developed an unmanned drone for ADW capable of flying up to 150 kmph and carrying up to 180 kilos, enabling it to carry logistical supplies such as ammo, water, fuel and food to our forces, nullifying the need to slowly and dangerously ferry them on the ground.

The Yasuron drone (:  ")

X

This drone-copter can reach 8 kilometers or more and carry out mission after mission using its internal combustion engine.

Aeronautics Defense Systems is concurrently developing a drone meant to serve a similar purpose, but using a battery-powered motor and hybrid propulsion, able to carry up to 90 kilos at a flight speed of 75 kmph.

This drone will be able to ferry special payloads for small concentrations of forces, at a low altitude, for tactical operations. After these two unmanned aerial vehicles have been presented and were able to fulfill missions, ADW is currently considering their continued development and usage.

Infantry robots and border defense using unmanned vehicles

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have been utilized in IDF operations for years, but have not seen widespread usesimilarly to the navy's scant usage of unmanned vehicles.

Robots assisting infantrymen (:  ")

X

One of the difficulties the army faces when operating UGVs in open terrain such as mountains or rocky outcrops is maintaining accurate fire capabilities. ADW is currently pushing through several UGVs simultaneously, some of which have already been handed over to the army.

Director of the Administration for the Development of Weapons Brig.-Gen. Dr. Daniel Gold (Photo: Ministry of Defense)

These UGVs are utilized in a number of scenarios, such as land maneuvers for engineering or logistical tasks and infantry robots for urban warfare and routine security missions near the borders.

"We handle a variety of armament developments, including training dogs for the Oketz unit, instead of purchasing them abroad," explained the head of ADW Brig.-Gen. (res.) Dr. Daniel Gold. "We try to find solutions for forces handling a multitude of threats, from order disruptions to preserving land borders and rocket fire, breakthroughs in inter-war warfare (covert IDF actions to prevent Hezbollah and Hamas becoming stronger  ed.) and ending with total defense and offensive operational control of cyberspace."
Like it or not, kids  well, everyone, really  will have to brace for the needle again this year when its time for their flu vaccines.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending for the second year in a row that everyone 6 months and older get a good old-fashioned flu shot rather than the nasal spray, FluMist.

The statement supports a similar recommendation that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued several months ago for all Americans. Reviews indicated that the nasal spray performed poorly against certain strains of the flu virus in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons, leading to last years advisory benching it as an option.

I just wonder if well ever see it again, said Cindy Ruma, immunization coordinator for the Visiting Nurse Association in Omaha.

That said, Ruma noted that the lack of the needle-free option last year did not appear to have had a big impact on vaccination rates, as some had feared.

The Visiting Nurse Association, she said, had just a few kids who balked at getting the shot at its clinics. The agencys overall vaccination numbers were pretty similar to previous years.

While one study in Pennsylvania showed a reduction in vaccination rates among children, preliminary national data from the CDC indicates that vaccination rates among kids ages 6 months to 17 years were virtually the same in 2016-17  58.2 percent  as they were the year before  59 percent.

Dr. Jessica Snowden, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Childrens Hospital & Medical Center, said that distraction techniques the health systems clinics had on hand last year worked quite well, according to all of the doctors she has spoken with.

Childrens Physicians implemented a new pain management policy not long before flu clinics began last year. The options include a sugar water solution for babies, a vibrating buzzy that pediatricians apply to the injection site before shots, and a cooling spray, which also is applied to the shot site.

It certainly did for my son, said Snowden, noting that Oliver, a first-grader, tells kids at school how the shot will help his bodys army fight better. He thought the cooling spray was pretty cool.

Ruma said its important for parents to prepare kids any time theyre going to get a shot. Most importantly, parents shouldnt tell them that theyre not going to get a shot or that they wont notice it.

Its going to feel like a little pinch in your arm, she said. It might hurt for a little bit.

FluMist, however, was a popular option, and one that worked well in prior seasons. The nasal spray accounted for about one-third of all flu vaccines given to children during the later seasons in which it was recommended.

Kids werent necessarily alone in their preference for the mist, which had been recommended up to age 49.

Dr. Scott McPherson, a retired Air Force doctor who now practices at Nebraska Medicine-Clarkson Family Medicine, said a lot of younger recruits also preferred FluMist because they had to get so many other vaccinations.

But he and Snowden stressed that a temporary twinge shouldnt deter people from getting the shot. Influenza can lead to serious illness and serious complications, even death.
CALEDONIA  While many Racine County residents were relaxing, swimming and cooking out this Labor Day weekend, workers and government officials gathered at the annual LaborFest.

The annual celebration was held Monday at Caledonia-Mount Pleasant Memorial Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave. (Highway K), and featured speakers, food, a car show and awards.

We as workers, as working-class people, were kind of all in this life together, said Rich Hinderholtz, chairperson of Racine area LaborFest.

Its a whole lot easier for us all to row our boat in the same direction. The opposition obviously wants to divide and conquer, so we try to create this event every year to be like a big family picnic, mostly for workers.

Upcoming elections, labor issues, DACA discussed

Labor issues and politics were brought to the table as Randy Bryce, a Democrat, Army veteran and union ironworker aiming to unseat House Speaker Paul Ryan in the 2018 midterm elections; state Sen. Robert Wirch, D-Somers; and Bob Harlow, a Democratic candidate for governor, all delivered speeches discussing the state of politics in Wisconsin and the nation.

Racine mayoral candidates also chimed in, including Cory Mason, Wally Rendon and Fabi Maldonado, who also spoke about the upcoming mayoral election.

Members of Youth Empowered in the Struggle and Voces de La Frontera, currently on a hunger strike regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, urged Racine Unified School Board members and other officials to support a safe zone resolution for undocumented Unified students.

I urge you guys to pass a safe-zone resolution, said Fernanda Jimenez, 17, a Horlick High School senior and member of Youth Empowered in the Struggle and Voces de La Frontera. We will not stop until that safe zone resolution is passed  our safe zone resolution.

Although Hinderholtz said that LaborFest officials welcome candidates from all sides of the political spectrum to speak, the event had a strongly Democratic presence.

Were a nonprofit (organization) and I invite all the candidates from both sides, said Hinderholtz. Its kind of interesting, we primarily get progressive or labor-friendly people to show up, mostly. Very few of the conservatives accept the invitation.

Local workers given awards

The event aims to provide workers with the opportunity to meet with local representatives and includes the introduction of Mr. and Mrs. Solidarity, Retired Labor Person of the Year and Labor Person of the Year.

Craig Olsen was named Labor Person of the Year. Olsen has served as a member, steward and financial secretary for UAW Local 180, and as the treasurer of the executive board of LaborFest.

Mr. and Mrs. Solidarity was awarded to Mike and Julie Krautkramer, who are both from union families and active union members.

Theres a Chinese proverb that says one generation plants the trees and the next generation enjoys the shade, Julie Krautkramer said. All I can say is its seed-planting time again. Im so glad to see so many seed planters out here.

Retired Labor Person of the Year was awarded to Ron Thomas.

Thomas previous work includes serving as union steward and president of Union Local 244, acting as a union representative and organizer for Service Employees International Local Union 150, representing District 9 as a City of Racine alderman, acting as Racine City Council president, serving as the Continuum of Care president since 1996 and holding the position as AFL-CIO community services director at United Way of Racine County since 1991.

I see a great need for us to rebuild, Thomas said. If we communicate effectively, we cooperate effectively. If we cooperate effectively, we can collaborate effectively. If we all can collaborate effectively, we can have community action.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism.

We hope you are equally as excited as us.

This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers.

Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited.

In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy.

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Washington, DC - Lenovo Inc., one of the worlds largest computer manufacturers, has agreed to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission and 32 State Attorneys General that the company harmed consumers by pre-loading software on some laptops that compromised security protections in order to deliver ads to consumers.

In its complaint, the FTC charged that beginning in August 2014 Lenovo began selling consumer laptops in the United States that came with a preinstalled man-in-the-middle software program called VisualDiscovery that interfered with how a users browser interacted with websites and created serious security vulnerabilities.

Lenovo compromised consumers privacy when it preloaded software that could access consumers sensitive information without adequate notice or consent to its use, said Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. This conduct is even more serious because the software compromised online security protections that consumers rely on.

VisualDiscovery software, developed by a company called Superfish, Inc., was installed on hundreds of thousands of Lenovo laptops. It delivered pop-up ads from the companys retail partners whenever a users cursor hovered over a similar looking product on a website.

To deliver its ads, VisualDiscovery acted as a man-in-the-middle between consumers browsers and the websites they visited, even those websites that were encrypted. Without the consumers knowledge or consent, this man-in-the-middle technique allowed VisualDiscovery to access all of a consumers sensitive personal information transmitted over the Internet, including login credentials, Social Security numbers, medical information, and financial and payment information. While VisualDiscovery collected and transmitted to Superfishs servers more limited information, such as the websites the user browsed and the consumers IP address, Superfish had the ability to collect more information.

To facilitate its display of pop-up ads on encrypted websites (those that include https:// in the web address), the complaint also alleges that VisualDiscovery used an insecure method to replace digital certificates for those websites with its own VisualDiscovery-signed certificates. Digital certificates are used to signal to a users browser that the encrypted websites visited by a consumer are authentic and not imposters. VisualDiscovery, however, did not adequately verify that the websites digital certificates were valid before replacing them, and used the same, easy-to-crack password on all affected laptops rather than using unique passwords for each laptop.

Because of these security vulnerabilities, consumers browsers could not warn users when they visited potentially spoofed or malicious websites with invalid digital certificates. The vulnerabilities also enabled potential attackers to intercept consumers electronic communications with any website, including financial institutions and medical providers, by simply cracking the pre-installed password. The complaint alleges that Lenovo did not discover these security vulnerabilities because it failed to assess and address security risks created by third-party software it preloaded on its laptops.

As part of the settlement with the FTC, Lenovo is prohibited from misrepresenting any features of software preloaded on laptops that will inject advertising into consumers Internet browsing sessions or transmit sensitive consumer information to third parties. The company must also get consumers affirmative consent before pre-installing this type of software. In addition, the company is required for 20 years to implement a comprehensive software security program for most consumer software preloaded on its laptops. The security program will also be subject to third-party audits.

The Commission vote to issue the administrative complaint and to accept the consent agreement was 2-0.
RACINE  Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce has endorsed Pastor Melvin Hargrove in his run to be Racines next mayor, the local business promotion and advocacy group announced in a release Tuesday.

Hargrove, a former president of the Racine Unified School Board, finished second to former Mayor John Dickert in the 2015 election. The RAMAC board voted to formally endorse Hargrove on Friday after objectively reviewing the voting records, experience, and business and job initiatives of the six candidates, according to the release.

The upcoming special election is an important opportunity for the business community, RAMAC President Matt Montemurro said. We have the chance to capitalize on recent events, such as Foxconn coming to southeast Wisconsin, and ensure a welcoming business climate in the Racine area. We need a local government that is strongly supportive of economic development and businesses that want to invest in our community and create jobs.

Montemurro called Hargrove a pro-business candidate and respected community leader. He also described Hargrove as a strong advocate for jobs, economic development and education.

RAMAC believes Melvin Hargrove is the best candidate who will help lead the city in the right direction to ensure a vibrant, thriving community and better future for our city and its citizens, Montemurro said. Based on his successful track record, the business community is proud to support the endorsement of Melvin Hargrove for Mayor and believes he has the integrity, vision, and leadership to help Racine succeed.
Arizona News

Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Ducey Orders Flags At Half-Staff For Fallen Army Soldier:

Today, all state flags are at half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Emil Rivera-Lopez. At just 31 years old, Staff Sgt. Rivera-Lopez served more than 11 years in the military, where he dedicated himself to defending our country and its freedoms. Arizona is eternally grateful for Staff Sgt. Rivera-Lopezs service. Our state mourns with his family, and sends our prayers and deepest condolences.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Karnataka police officer Ganapathy's death.

Ahead of the apex court order, Ganapathy's family had sought the apex court's intervention in the case.

Notably, the Karnataka CID had given a clean chit to senior Congress leader and Karnataka government minister KJ George.

The controversy over Ganapathy's death had forced George to resign as the Home Minister of Karnataka.

The CBI has also been asked to file a report within three months in the case in which senior police officers were also named as accused but were given a clean chit.

DySP Ganapathy was found dead in a lodge in Kodagu hours after he gave an explosive interview to a television channel accusing George and other police officials of harassment.
New Delhi: The National Company Law Tribunal on Tuesday dismissed a plea by Vikram Bakshi challenging termination of franchise agreement by McDonald's, while at the same time issued a show-cause notice to Mcdonald's Corporation over contempt petition by its estranged partner.

NCLT, which on Monday reserved its orders over two contempt pleas filed by Bakshi in his ongoing fight against McDonald's, asked his counsel to seek relief from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where matter is already pending.

Bakshi had filed a contempt plea before the NCLT against termination of franchise license of 169 outlets in the north and east India last month by McDonald's.

He had also filed another plea against McDonald's Corporation alleging interference into the affairs of their 50:50 joint venture -- Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL).

Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013.

McDonalds's India had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, within 15 days of the termination notice which gets over on September 6.

Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of license by McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL).

In June, 43 outlets of the fast food chain were closed in the capital following expiry of eating house licenses.
New Delhi: The board of Connaught Plaza Restaurant, the 50:50 joint venture between McDonald's India and its estranged partner Vikram Bakshi, will meet on Wednesday amid uncertainty over the fate of 169 outlets of the fast food chain run by it.

McDonald's India, which had cancelled license agreement with CPRL last month, said the termination notice period ends on Tuesday after which the franchisee is not "authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property".

On the other hand, Bakshi reiterated that the CPRL board will decide on the future course of action in its meeting tomorrow to be presided by NCLT-appointed administrator Justice G S Singhvi.

"We are having our board meeting on Wednesday under the Chairmanship of the administrator in which the two nominee directors of McDonald's Corporation would also participate," Bakshi told PTI.

In the previous two board meetings last month, McDonald's representatives had stayed away.

When contacted McDonald's India spokesperson said: "The termination notice period ends on Tuesday (September 5). Therefore, CPRL is no longer authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property".

They will have to stop using the McDonald's names, trademarks, designs, branding, operational and marketing practise and policies, and food recipes and specifications, he said.

"We are proceeding with exercising our legal and contractual rights," he added.

McDonald's India had cancelled license agreement with CPRL last month for 169 outlets in North and East India and asked to stop using the McDonald's trademarks, branding, food recipes and specifications, among others from September 6.

Already 43 outlets of McDonald's in the Capital have been closed since June following expiry of eating house license.

Meanwhile, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) issued show cause notice to fast food major McDonald's Corporation and its Indian arm over the contempt plea filed by Bakshi.

Besides, the tribunal dismissed another plea by Bakshi challenging termination of the franchise license of 169 outlets by McDonald's run by CPRL.

Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013.

McDonald's India had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, within 15 days of the termination notice which gets over on September 5.

Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of license by McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL).
New Delhi: As part of a broad crackdown on illegal transactions and tax evasion, the government on Tuesday said that names of over 2 lakh firms have been struck off from the Register of Companies (RoC) for failing to comply with regulatory requirements and action has been initiated to restrict operations of their bank accounts.

Existing directors and authorized signatories of such struck off companies will now become ex-directors or ex-authorized signatories, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

These individuals will not be able to operate bank accounts till such companies are legally restored by an order of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The restoration, as and when it happens will be reflected by change in the status of the company from struck off to active.

These individuals will not be able to operate bank accounts till such companies are legally restored by an order of the NCLT.  Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) September 5, 2017

"Government has stepped up decisive action against companies falling within the ambit of Section 248 of the Companies Act. The names of 2,09,032 companies have been struck off from the Register of Companies (RoC)", the Ministry said.

The department of financial services has, through the Indian Banks Association (IBA), advised all banks that they should take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of such struck off companies, it said.

Deptt.of Financial Services has advised all banks through IBA to take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of struck-off cos September 5, 2017

The statement further said that banks have been asked to employ 'enhanced diligence while dealing with companies' and keep a watch on companies which are defaulting in filing financial statements or annual returns.

A list of such companies (Registrar of Companies wise) has been published on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Here is the full list of companies

Earlier, the Finance Ministry had said on August 30 that the transactions of more than 3 lakh registered companies are under the radar of suspicion while 1 lakh companies were struck off the list.

The government had already identified more than 37,000 shell companies which were engaged in hiding black money and hawala transactions.

Around 163 companies which were listed on the exchange platforms were suspended from trading, pending submission of proof documents.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has dismissed Vodafone's petition against the consultation process adopted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for fixing interconnection usage charges (IUCs) between cellular and fixed line operators.

"The petition is dismissed," Justice Vibhu Bakhru said.

IUCs are charges paid by operators of telecommunication services on whom the call originates to operators on whose end the call terminates. The charges are currently determined in accordance with the Telecom Interconnection Usage Charges Regulations 2015.

Vodafone had moved the court earlier this year against consultation papers on IUCs floated by TRAI, in an attempt to make the regulator reveal the cost models gathered to determine the revised rates on the grounds of transparency.

The plea had claimed that if the data was not shared with them, the entire consultation would be violative of the principles of natural justice in accordance with the TRAI Act and other provisions of law.
New Delhi: Global pharma major Novartis on Monday named Vasant Narasimhan as its new Chief Executive Officer from February 1, 2018.

He succeeds Joseph Jimenez who will step down in 2018 after eight years in the position, Novartis said in a statement.

Narasimhan is currently Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer of the company and is also member of the Executive Committee of the company, it added.

Commenting on the development, Novartis Board of Directors Chairman Joerg Reinhardt said: "We anticipate a smooth transition as Joe built a strong leadership team and mentored his successor. Novartis will be well positioned to continue its momentum."

Both from a professional and a personal perspective, this is the right moment to hand the leadership reins of the company to Vas, Jimenez said.

Narasimhan has held numerous leadership positions across Novartis in commercial, drug development and strategy roles. Prior to his current role he served as Head of Development for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the company said.

"We will continue our legacy of bringing leading innovation to patients around the world. With our recent launches, our strong pipeline, broad capabilities, world-class leadership team, and committed people, I am very confident about our future", Narasimhan said.
New Delhi: Just days ahead of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Union elections, the varsity students have alleged that the current political environment in the campus has turned itself completely into the caste politics.

Shashank Singh, a first-year MA student revealed to DNA that he was surprised to see that instead of political ideologies and agendas, students have been talking in terms of 'caste'.

On August 30, the candidate's names for JNU Student Union (JNUSU) elections was announced by the poll committee.

As per Singh, the candidates, who have been nominated for elections leaders were found engaging in caste and identity politics, something the freshers hardly expected to witness on the 'liberal' campus, as JNU is found for.

Three Left groups -- All India Students Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Students Federation (DSF) which had joined hands together to beat the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). However, as per Singh, the nominees are instead engaging in spats with Ambedkarite organisation Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Association (BAPSA).

BAPSA, which had emerged as a contender just last year, has been slamming the former AISA-SFI-led student union, stating that its members were "Savarnas" (upper caste), who were "suppressing" the real "anti-brahminical" struggle on the campus.

Earlier, BAPSA members were at loggerheads with the JNUSU on missing university student Najeeb Ahmed and accused the varsity of betraying them for doing nothing concrete to bring justice in the case.

On the other hand, many students are of the opinion that the leaders should let these issues be and think about more pressing matters related to the campus.

The JNU Union elections are scheduled to be held on September 8 and the results will be declared on September 11.

On polling day the outsiders will be barrded from entering the campus.
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Tuesday told a court that it has received raw video footage from various news channels of the incident when few people allegedly raised anti-national slogans at Ramjas College in Delhi University.

Police told Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra that it was examining students and teachers to identify who allegedly raised anti-national slogans at Ramjas College.

Police earlier said that the authenticity of a video footage provided by the complainant was not clear as it had been obtained from unknown social network and media websites and "apparently looks doctored" and it had asked different electronic media and other sources to provide unedited and raw footage of the incident.

The court, hearing a criminal complaint from advocate Vivek Garg who alleged that "massive anti-national slogans" were raised by members of the Left-affiliated All India Students Association (AISA) and the Students Federation of India (SFI) at a Ramjas College event, listed the matter for September 14 for further hearing.

On February 21 and 22, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student's wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and activists of the AISA clashed at the college campus.

Police has told the court it was analysing the footage.
New Delhi: India will soon allow imports of 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar on the country`s southern ports, a government source said on Tuesday.

"The imports will be allowed in a day or two," the source added.

India`s food minister said on Monday the country would soon take a decision on the need to import sugar.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday held their first substantial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS grouping of nations after the Dokhlam standoff which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Chinese President told PM Modi that the two Asian giants are development opportunities for each other, not threats.

Here is a comparison between Indian and Chinese economy

Economy Size

Chinese economy: USD 11.22 trillion.

Indian economy: USD 2.45 trillion.

GDP Growth Rate

Indias GDP growth for June (2017) quarter was at 5.7 percent.

China's GDP growth for second quarter (2017) was at 6.9 percent.

Trade

China's July (2017) trade balance was $46.74 billion.

India's July (2017) trade deficit was $11.49 billion.

India-China Bilateral Trade

India's trade deficit with China was at USD 46.56 billion (2016).

China's exports to India totaled USD 58.33 billion (2016).



India's exports to China was at USD 11.76 billion (2016).

Gold Reserves

China's gold reserves rose to $75.084 billion (Latest data).

India's gold reserves rose $19.94 billion (Latest data).

Forex Reserves

India's forex reserves was $3.081 trillion (Latest data).

China's forex reserves for July USD 394.55 billion (Latest data).

Unemployment Rate

The registered unemployment rate in Chinese cities stood at 3.95 percent at the end of the second quarter (2017), the lowest level in recent years.

India's number of employed in August (2017) was at 4.4%.
Fujian: Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened Tuesday to expel up to 155 more US diplomatic personnel from his country as the diplomatic feud between Washington and Moscow rumbled on.

"We reserve the right to make a decision on how many American diplomats there are in Moscow. But we will not do that for the moment," Putin told a press conference after a summit of BRICS nations in southern China.

Moscow had previously ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic presence to 455 people by September 1, the same number that Russia has in the US.

That number, however, includes 155 people who work for Russia`s diplomatic mission to the UN in New York, Putin said, meaning his country could further cut the number of US diplomats to 300: "It`s 455 minus 155."

On Saturday Russia was forced to vacate its consulate in San Francisco and two diplomatic buildings in New York and Washington after the US ordered the move, the latest twist in a lengthy feud.

Russia demanded Sunday that the US rethink its shuttering of Moscow`s diplomatic premises, insisting that Washington bore sole responsibility for worsening ties after the "hostile act".
Colombo: Sri Lanka has released at least 80 Indian fishermen who had been caught poaching in the island nation`s waters, officials said Tuesday.



The Sri Lankan Navy handed over the fishermen to Indian Coast Guard at the international maritime boundary line, from there they were taken to Tamil Nadu, Xinhua news agency reported.



The fishermen were released as a goodwill gesture.



The released fishermen include 48 from Pudukottai district, 24 from Ramanathapuram and eight from Nagapattinam district, an official said.



Indian fishermen get frequently arrested for fishing in Sri Lankan waters. India and Sri Lanka are divided by a narrow strip of sea.
New Delhi: At the time when leaders from different political parties are gearing up for upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will spend a week in the Silicon Valley in the US to learn about the nitty-gritty of artificial intelligence (AI).

Gandhi will also participate in a round table at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC. He will be accompanied by family friend Sam Pitroda, and is also expected to attend a host of other events with Non Resident Indians (NRIs), venture capitalists and early stage investors in California.

Talking to DNA, a senior leader said, "Many important think-tanks of Silicon Valley at the San Francisco Bay are converging to discuss the artificial intelligence, the future technology. Rahulji is greatly interested in making India a leader in the artificial intelligence as some years later software technology will lose its sheen."

Meanwhile, his frequent trips to abraod has left many Congress leaders furious. "I am aghast to know that he is again off to US after returning from Oslo. Do we need to connect with voters here or think-tanks there Crucial assembly elections are due. What exactly is our strategy? We have no idea," DNA quoted a party leader as saying.

However, another Congress leader defended his visits and said,"We have become world leaders in software. We cannot become leaders in hardware, as there is no manufacturing base here. But age of software may not last long. Like China India also needs to invest heavily in artificial intelligence that is future technology."

While AI is still a nascent subject to most in India, many countries including China have begun investments in the area to strengthen research in it.
Xiamen: India's big diplomatic win came on Monday with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) nations unanimously condemning the violence carried out by terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad based out of Pakistan.

This declaration is likely to have major ramifications on China-Pakistan's relationship.

"It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I don't think it is good idea," Hu Shisheng, director of the state-run China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI yesterday.

"This will irritate Pakistan. I don't think when the BRICS declaration was made, Pakistan was consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan, added Shisheng.

"(But) This is too costly to China... Pakistan will be very upset," he said, adding that this could be a victory for India, which "has done a lot of work".

While unveiling the long-awaited Afghan strategy on August 22, US President Donald Trump had hit out at Pakistan for offering safe haven to extremists and `agents of chaos`.

This factor could have played a role in China agreeing to the declaration.

Meanwhile, China skirted around questions on its stand of blocking of JeM chief Masood Azhar's.

Instead, Chinese diplomats said that the concerned terror outfits "are violent in nature" and have been "censured by the UN Security Council".

"On participating in international campaign against terrorism, our position is consistent and firm," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing.

China has repeatedly blocked India's attempts to get the United Nations to censure Masood Azhar, the head of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror network.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit today. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders after India and China called off their 73-day stand-off at Doklam border.

With PTI inputs
New Delhi: Congress leader Meem Afzal believes that an important step has been taken against exposing terrorism in Pakistan in the BRICS Summit today after a joint declaration condemned terrorism and included Pakistan-based terrorist organizations in it.

"It will be an important step if the five nations sign on the resolution and work towards it. There is a chance to expose Pakistan again," he told ANI.

Afzal stressed that China will have an important role to play in this fight against terrorism.

He said, "It will be important to see how China reacts and if they manage to build any pressure on Pakistan regarding the issue."

The joint declaration, issued by Brazil-Russia- India- China-South Africa, named Pakistan based terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Haqqani network and Jaish-e-Mohammad, in a statement which labeled the attacks as deplorable.

"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification. We express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and and its affiliates including the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," the declaration said.
Xiamen: Both India and China on Tuesday agreed to work together for peace and stability in Asia under guidance from the five principles of the 'Panchsheel' Treaty. The two sides made these remarks during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at the International Conference Centre, Xiamen.

In his opening remarks, Modi congratulated Xi for the successful execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit and stressed that India and China  the two big nations in Asia - should work together for peace and stability.

China's Xi, too, reciprocated by saying that his country was prepared to work with India, seeking guidance from five principles of the 'Panchsheel Treaty'.

This was also the first meeting between the two leaders since the Doklam stand-off.

During the Modi-Xi meeting, the two sides discussed trade, terror, cyber security among other pressing issues.

PM Modi on Twitter said that he held fruitful talks with Xi Jinping.

Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China. pic.twitter.com/hbKRPpRwyl  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

The Xi-Modi meeting holds significance since the Dokalam standoff had put ties between the two countries under strain.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, while the Chinese delegation comprised of President Xi Jinping, chief spokesperson Lu Kang, foreign minister Wang Yi and state counsellor Yang Jiechi.

After the Indian delegation met the Chinese leader, PM Modi left for Myanmar from this port city.

I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

The meeting comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.

According to reports, the bilateral meeting lasted for about 30 minutes.

PM Modi had earlier this morning said the development agenda of BRICS countries lies with sabka saath, sabka vikas as he called for an ''inclusive world'' while addressing the 'Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries' in Xiamen, China.

The bedrock of our development agenda lies in the notion of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', the PM said.

PM also urged BRICS nations to work collectively for a digital world, skilled world, healthier world, equitable world and harmonious world.

The PM also called for an 'inclusive world', where the poorest of the poor are integrated into the financial mainstream.

PM Modi had earlier pitched for setting up of a BRICS credit rating agency to counter western rating institutions and cater to the financial needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing nations.

In an address at the plenary session of the BRICS Summit on Monday, Modi had said a separate rating agency would help the economies of the member countries as well as other developing nations.
Xiamen: PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the development agenda of BRICS countries lies with sabka saath, sabka vikas as he called for an ''inclusive world'' while addressing the 'Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries' in Xiamen, China.

The bedrock of our development agenda lies in the notion of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', the PM said.

PM also urged BRICS nations to work collectively for a digital world, skilled world, healthier world, equitable world and harmonious world.

The PM also called for an 'inclusive world', where the poorest of the poor are integrated into the financial mainstream.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier pitched for setting up of a BRICS credit rating agency to counter western rating institutions and cater to the financial needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing nations.

In an address at the plenary session of the BRICS Summit on Monday, Modi had said a separate rating agency would help the economies of the member countries as well as other developing nations.

BRICS Declaration Red-Flags Terrorism

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Prime Minister and other leaders of the BRICS bloc adopted the Xiamen Declaration at the ninth edition of BRICS Summit on Monday condemning terrorisim in all its forms and manifestations.

The leaders of BRICS - a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, for the first time, named Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network in a strongly-worded declaration condemning terror.

Earlier, both leaders met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet at Astana in June.

The meeting comes days after India and China called off their troops after a 73-day stand-off at the Doklam Plateau. The two leaders had greeted each other with a warm handshake and broad smiles before the start of the BRICS Plenary Session at Xiamen on Monday.

The BRICS Summit will conclude today.
New Delhi: To ensure smooth immersion of Ganesha idols, over 40,000 policemen will patrol the streets of Mumbai at the 119 notified spots on Tuesday.

In order to avaoid chaos and problem to the devotees a total 3600 policemen have been deployed on special duty and 500 traffic wardens have been appointed on duty for traffic movement in the city, on the last day of the Ganeshotsav, which is expected to see huge crowds.

As per the reports of Indian Express, the local police will be assisted by other paramilitary forces. 53 routes will remain close and 54 other routes to be one way tomorrow to avoid any traffic congestion. The Mumbai administrations have notified 99 places as no parking zone as the city will bid a grand farewell to lord Ganesha. Reports say that 119 immersion points and the routes heading to them will be monitored by 5,000 CCTV cameras. The officials will also use drones along immersion routes if required.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court stayed Bombay High Court order on noise pollution for Ganpati Visarjan processions and it will go on as previous years. Earlier on Septemeber 01, the Bombay HC had granted an interim stay to a recent amendment to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules that led to the elimination of 1,573 notified silence zones in Mumbai ahead of festive season.

(With inputs from ANI)
Delhi: The Indian Medical Association on Tuesday expressed concerns over the induction of Anant Kumar Hegde into the Union Council of Ministers.

The association has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that it has sent a wrong message to the medical fraternity.

IMA national president Dr KK Aggarwal, in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that the medical fraternity was 'disturbed' by Hegde's induction and requested him to take 'appropriate revision' in his decision.

Hegde had allegedly assaulted doctors at a private hospital in Sirsi in January this year, accusing them of not giving proper treatment to his mother.

The clipping of a media report with CCTV footage showing Hegde purportedly beating doctors was attached with the letter.

On September 03, PM Modi had rejigged his council of ministers and Hegde was appointed as the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Hegde, 49, has been a member of the 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th (present) Lok Sabha from Uttara Kannada.

He is an agriculturist by profession.

During his multiple stints in Parliament, he has served as a member of parliamentary standing committees on finance, home affairs, human resource development, commerce, agriculture and external affairs.

He has also been a member of the Spices Board of India for four terms.

(With PTI inputs)
Islamabad: A day after BRICS countries named for the first time Pakistan-based terror groups like the LeT and the JeM for causing violence in the region, Islamabad on Tuesday rejected the statement, with its defence minister saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.

"These organisations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning," Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told a TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

"But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organisation has any complete safe havens," he added, as per Reuters.

Yesterday, the 43-page 'Xiamen Declaration', adopted at the end of the five-nation BRICS plenary, expressed 'concern' over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Significantly, the ETIM is active in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and seeks to establish a separate "East Turkistan".

At the ninth Summit of the grouping, the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

"We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," the statement said.

(With Agency inputs)
Lahore: Abdul Rehman Makki, the second in command of terror outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), has renewed calls for 'Jihad' in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to ANI, the JuD leader had even warned the Pakistan government not to interfere in his group's continued fight to win freedom for Kashmiris allegedly being suppresed by Indian forces.

Makki made these remarks days after the United States lambasted the Pakistan government for giving safe havens to terror outfits.

Aaj mujaahid khada h khoon dene ke liye....azada-e-Kashmir ki taarikh ko anjaam tak pahuchaane mein: Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Abdul Rehman Makki pic.twitter.com/cpr50E4eTN  ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2017

Makki said this while speaking at the "Shohda-e-Kashmir" conference at Al-Daawa Model School in Lahore. The event was held to observe the "martyrdom" of terrorist Abu Waleed Mohammad, who was killed in Bandipora by the Indian security forces.

While revisiting JuD's commitment to continue with cross-border terrorism, Makki praised the spirit of Abu Waleed Mohammad and recalled the "sacrifices" made by other JuD terrorists in Kashmir.

While pledging to intensify Jihad against India in Jammu and Kashmir, Makki also condemned the Wests moves to label JuD cadres as terrorists and declaring the organization as dangerous for peace in the region.

He further said that JuD's basic aim was consolidation of Pakistan and freeing Kashmiris from the Hindu forces.

In a major diplomatic win for India, the BRICS leaders in China's Xiamen condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Makki also blamed the Indian government for convincing the international community to declare Hafiz Saeed a terrorist and have him placed under house arrest.

The JuD leader also did not spare the Pakistan government and said that the Pakistani leadership must be taught to work for the supremacy of Islam, liberation of Kashmir, and to stop being friends with New Delhi.

Hindus, he said, need to be kept under control.

On former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Makki said, "Allah punished people for stopping others from following the path of jihad."
Xiamen: Putting behind the Doklam stand-off, India and China on Tuesday agreed to take the bilateral ties "forward'' and make more efforts, including strengthening co-operation between their security personnel, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

In their first substantive meeting post the 73-day Doklam face-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held "constructive" talks during which it was reaffirmed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas was a pre-requisite for the development of India-China relations.

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," PM Modi later tweeted after his talks with Xi.

The Prime Minister met the Chinese leader for over an hour during which they also talked about inter-governmental mechanisms such as a joint economic group, security group and strategic group which could help both countries move forward, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told reporters after the meeting.

Asked if both the countries have left behind the Dokalam episode, he said, "It was a forward-looking conversation...And not a backward-looking one."

The two leaders also emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding that it was felt that "the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently does not recur."

He said it was natural between two neighbours or large powers to have differences but they should be handled with mutual respect and efforts should be made to find common ground in addressing them.

Jaishankar said there was a reaffirmation of the Astana spirit that the two sides will not allow differences to become disputes.

There was a very strong affirmation at the leadership level that it is in the interest of both the countries to keep this relationship on an upward trajectory, the Foreign Secretary said.

In his initial remarks during the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on hosting a "very successful" BRICS Summit, saying that the conference was a success in making the grouping more relevant in a fast-changing world.

The Modi-Xi meeting came amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the face-off between their troops in the Doklam area of the Sikkim sector.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

On August 28, India's External Affairs Ministry announced that New Delhi and Beijing have decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that during their meeting, "President Xi stressed that China and India are each others' opportunities not threats."

"We hope India can view China's development in a correct and rational way," Geng quoted Xi as saying.

Asked whether the recent standoff at Doklam figured in the talks, Geng said, "Xi pointed out that China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border area."

"As far as I know, Prime Minister Modi agreed that the two sides should work together to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Geng said.

Xi told Modi that if the bilateral relationship can grow in a sound and steady way it would serve the interests of the two countries and also serve the joint aspirations of the region, according to Geng.

"Xi stressed that China and India are each other's important neighbours and two important markets and emerging countries," Geng said.

During the meeting, the Chinese President said that "in recent years the two sides reached wide of consensus on developing bilateral relations including strengthening partnership. The two sides have been moving forward and making headway upholding this principle."

Xi also called for alignment of strategies to expand economic cooperation.

"On the economic and social development, the two countries have great potential for cooperation which should see greater synergy in strategy alignment, expand cooperation in infrastructure connectivity as well as international affairs," the Chinese president said.

"Together we can move the international order in a more equitable and reasonable way," Xi told Modi, according to Geng.

"China would like to work with BRICS countries to implement the outcomes of the BRICS Summit to usher in a new chapter for the BRICS cooperation," Geng quoted Xi as telling Modi.

With PTI inputs
New Delhi: Days after special CBI court sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years in prison in two rape cases, the self styled godman has given a list of 10 people whom he wants to meet, while serving his jail term.

The list includes adopted daughter and close aide Honeypreet Singh who is on the run. Earlier also, the rapist godman had urged court to allow Honeypreet to remain with him in jail. However, the court had rejected his appeal as Honeypreeet is reportedly his physiotherapist and masseuse (a woman who provides massage professionally).

Apart from Honeypreet, the list also has names of Naseeb Kaur (mother), Jasmeet Insan (son), Charanpreet (daughter), Amarpreet (daughter), Shaan-e-Meet (son-in-law), Ruh-e-Meet (son-in-law), Jagjeet Singh (committee member), PRN (ex-manager), Dharm Singh (close worker), Gobhi Ram (close worker).

However, according to jail rules, a prisoner can never submit a wishlist of people citing who all will be allowed to meet him/her in prison.

50-year-old Ram Rahim Singh is lodged in the Sunaria jail in Rohtak district, where a thick blanket of security has been thrown around.

Earlier on Monday, Haryana police seized 33 weapons including rifles, revolvers and pistols, owned by Dera Sacha Sauda followers. "A total of 33 licensed arms including single barrel, double barrel guns and 9 mm pistols have been deposited by Dera followers," Sirsa Sadar police SHO Dinesh Kumar had informed news agency PTI.

Dera followers deposited their licensed weapons after district police authorities asked them to surrender their arms and ammunitions.

(With inputs from PTI)
New Delhi: New Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has decided to convene a meeting with the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh over the Ken- Betwa river inter-linking project, sources said on Tuesday.

The ambitious project of the Centre, which has got almost all the major environmental clearances, hit a roadblock recently when the Madhya Pradesh government allegedly objected to it.

The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh has allegedly warned that the first phase of the project would not be allowed to take off if it was not reworked to incorporate three other smaller projects.

Another BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has already given a no-objection certificate to the project.

Gadkari, who assumed the additional charge of the water resources ministry yesterday, was expected to hold the meeting with the two chief ministers "soon", a source said without divulging further details.

"The minister had decided to call the meeting soon after taking charge. It is expected to be held soon," he added on the condition of anonymity.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Gadkari, in a different context, had underscored the need for resolving issues through discussions and said the pending projects could be expedited with the cooperation of all the stakeholders.

Referring to his remarks, the source said with Gadkari at the helm of the affairs of the ministry, which was led by Uma Bharti till Sunday's cabinet reshuffle, things were likely to start moving forward.

The Ken-Betwa river inter-linking project came across a new hurdle in July after the Madhya Pradesh government allegedly demanded the Centre to include the Lower Orr dam, Bina complex and Kotha barrage projects in its first phase.

Originally, these three projects were to be undertaken in the second phase of the river-linking project.

"Now, if you are going to add these three barrages and dams to the first phase of the project, it is likely to delay the launch even further, because the Centre may need to procure the environment, forest, tribal and wildlife clearances again," the source added.

The Rs-18,000 crore project aims to link the Ken river in Madhya Pradesh and the Betwa river in Uttar Pradesh to transfer the surplus water of one river to another.

The first phase of the project, worth Rs 9,500 crore, is envisaged to help irrigate an area of 6.35 lakh hectares annually.

Of this, 3.69 lakh hectares fall in Chattarpur, Tikamgarh and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh and the remaining 2.65 lakh hectares in Mahoba, Banda and Jhansi districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The project is estimated to provide 49 million cubic metres of drinking water to around 13.42 lakh people living in the Bundelkhand region annually.
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived here on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar and was welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw.

Later, he had a meeting with the President at his Presidential Palace.

"Landed in Naypyitaw, marking the start of my Myanmar visit. I will join a wide range of programmes during my visit to Myanmar," PM Modi tweeted soon after his arrival.

Landed in Naypyitaw, marking the start of my Myanmar visit. I will join a wide range of programmes during my visit to Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/xZEhAvKzpv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Mingalaba Myanmar!

After intense diplomatic engagements at #BRICS2017, PM @narendramodi arrives to a warm welcome at Naypyitaw pic.twitter.com/9YlaZSKMXF  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

PM @narendramodi welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw; both leaders inspect the guard of honour. pic.twitter.com/2v1vHDXbKi  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2017

He arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

PM Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

He had earlier said that India and Myanmar would look at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

PM Modi had hoped his visit would help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.

He had said that both countries would review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.

PM Modi had visited Myanmar in 2014 to attend the ASEAN- India Summit.

Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

His visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

PM Modi is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country and has been considering to deport them.

Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

(With PTI inputs)
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Myanmar President Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the 'historical relationship' between the two neighbours.

He called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw," PM Modi tweeted.

He also presented the Myanmar president a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Landed in Naypyitaw, marking the start of my Myanmar visit. I will join a wide range of programmes during my visit to Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/xZEhAvKzpv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw. pic.twitter.com/XGZVkYbVwq  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Some glimpses from the ceremonial welcome in Myanmar earlier today. pic.twitter.com/cgsT7IKkS0  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Presented Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween. pic.twitter.com/I84UUei3jk  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

Also presented President Htin Kyaw a sculpture of Bodhi tree. pic.twitter.com/fZ6cOCntFO  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

PM Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two- nation visit after attending the BRICS summit in China.

His visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Tomorrow, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

Ahead of his visit, PM Modi had said that India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy and culture.

This is his first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India summit.

Suu Kyi had visited India in 2016.

Rohingyas to be deported: Kiren Rijiju

Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said today that Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

He also asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India," Rijiju told reporters.

The MoS Home said, "As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. We are a nation with great democratic tradition. India has absorbed maximum number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees."

Taking a strong position on the reported criticism of the government's stand on the issue, Rijiju said, "We are following the legal path then why have we been accused of being inhuman," PTI reported.

He said that the Centre has instructed all state governments to start the process of their deportation.

Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in the country are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.

(With PTI inputs)
68,000 security personnel to be deployed in Province 2 for polls

Special security has been put in place for the last leg of local level elections in Province 2 slated for September 18.
Gurugram: Canine squads from across the globe will get together this week to showcase and share anti-terror prowess in a unique event in India.

The National Security Guard (NSG), a central contingency deployment force to fight terrorism in India, is for the first time organising a two-day global seminar on canine squads from September 7-8 in Gurugram's Manesar, reported the DNA.

Apart from Indian forces, canine squads from US, UK, Israel, France and Russia will take part in the two-day event.

"There will be 400 participants, including central armed forces, Army and Air Force," Colonel PK Chug of NSG told DNA. Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju will attend the event.

"We wanted to bring all forces on a single platform wherein they can share and demonstrate their skills," said Chug, adding that there are various technologies used to train canine squads that are not easily available in India.

He said that he has also invited civilians and dog lovers so that they can also share information in making squads more effective.

"Discussions will be held on how K-9 teams can support forces in India more effectively in the changing international scenario. Also the role of squads in low-intensity conflicts, strategy in response to counter-IED operations in left wing extremism-affected areas will be discussed," he said.
Washington DC: The White House on Monday announced that the United States and South Korea have agreed to remove the limits on South's missile payload capabilities after North Korea's sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

White House readout of the call between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-In said that Trump "gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities," The Hill reported.

"President Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea," the statement added.

Leaders of both countries have also agreed on "maximizing the pressure on North Korea using all means at their diposal" after the Pyongyang claimed on Sunday that they it has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb that can be placed on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The U.S. top United Nations representative said that North Korea is "begging for war" and urged UN Security Council to impose "the strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang over its sixth and largest nuclear test.

The United States top UN representative said that North Korea is "begging for war" and urged UN Security Council to impose "the strongest possible measures" on Pyongyang over its sixth and largest nuclear test.

Earlier, U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis had strongly warned North Korea of "massive military response," if it threatened the U.S. or its allies.

Trump on Sunday termed North Korea a "rogue nation" for conducting nuclear tests and said that its "actions continue to be very dangerous to the Washington."

In a series of tweets, Trump further said that North Korea has become a great threat and embarrassment to China.
New Delhi: In what can be called as a huge embarassment to Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, it has been confirmed that the 150gm of white substance recovered from the state assembly on July 12, was not highly explosive material PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) but silicon oxide (SiO2).

Following the development, Director of state Forensic Science Laboratory, Shiv Bihari Upadhyay, has been suspended for allegedly giving a wrong, misleading, incomplete and unconfirmed report about the substance recovered in the state Assembly, Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said.

Talking to PTI, Kumar said,"Upadhyay got the substance examined and in the report it was held to be PETN positive. When the NIA got it tested from CFSL, Hyderabad, it was found to be Silicon Oxide (Quartz) and not the dangerous explosive."

Reports say that Director of state Forensic Science Laboratory, Shiv Bihari Upadhyay allegedly tested the substance using an explosive detection kit whose usage date had expired in March 2016 itself. Director, Vigilance, Hitesh Awasthi will probe the charges, the official said.

There were also complaints against Upadhyay pertaining to irregularities during his tenure as the acting director of a laboratory in Patna, Bihar, from February 28, 2008, to August 20, 2012, Principal Secretary (Home) Kumar said.

On the basis of the false reports, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath had earlier told the Assembly that the suspicious powder, recovered under the seat of the Leader of the Opposition Ram Govind Choudhary was an explosive PETN. He had also ordered NIA probe into the matter. In his suo motu statement, the chief minister had said, "The security of the House is our concern. This is part of a dangerous terrorist conspiracy and should be exposed. The state government wants to get an NIA probe done in the matter and police verification of employees and officials working in Vidhan Bhawan."

Following the incidnet, the Opposition had also attacked ruling government saying it was an attempt to deter SP members to speak in the House.

(With inputs from agencies)
Jammu: The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday said it has arrested two stone- pelters in Kashmir in connection with an ongoing probe into terror funding to stoke unrest in the Valley.

The NIA identified the arrested accused as Javed Ahmad Bhat and Kamran Yusuf of Kulgam and Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir respectively.

The investigation agency probing the terror funding case revealed that WhatsApp was used by certain groups and this led to the stone-pelting activities.

Earlier in the day, the NIA identified properties worth crores in Dubai and United Kingdom of arrested Kashmiri business Zahoor Watali.

Watali, a prominent businessman of Kashmir, was arrested on August 17 by the counter-terror agency by NIA in connection with the terror funding case.

On July 24, the agency had arrested seven separatist leaders in connection with its probe into terror funding from Pakistan and militant groups based there.
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the terror funding case has reportedly identified assets worth crores of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali.

As per NIA, Watali has properties worth crores in Britain and Dubai.

Watali was arrested by the NIA slueths on the charges of receiving funds from Pakistan to sponsor terror activities and stone-pelting in Kashmir. He is said to be close to hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

As per a report, the NIA in its investigation found out that Watali met Pakistan High Commissioner in a reported bid to incite unrest in the Valley.

Earlier on August 16, the NIA conducted searches at a dozen locations in Jammu and Kashmir, including the house of Watali.

An NIA spokesperson said in New Delhi that officials searched the premises belonging to the family, relatives and aides of Zahoor Watali - an influential Kashmiri businessman known to be friends with Pakistani leaders and separatists as well as mainstream politicians in Kashmir.

The NIA had alleged that money was being raised to fund separatist and terror activities in J&K.

The agency had claimed that the accused were waging war against the country and were involved in various offences punishable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Bengaluru: Around 100 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were detained by the Karnataka Police in the city ahead of the party's "Mangaluru Chalo" rally, a party spokesperson on Tuesday said.

"We had given a letter requesting for permission for the bike rally to Mangaluru. But were denied permission stating traffic issues," BJP spokesperson for the state Shantharam told IANS.

"We will continue with the protest rally no-matter-what on September 7," the spokesperson said.

The state BJP had planned the bike rally and a public meeting to condemn the murders of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers in the state.

The Congress-led state government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had denied permission for the rally saying it would "disturb the peace and communal harmony" in the state.

WATCH: Clash between BJP workers and police in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Elected representatives and government employees may soon have to send their children to government schools.

The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has recommended to the Karnataka government to make it mandatory for lawmakers and officials to send their children to government schools in order to improve the quality of education in government schools.

The report was released by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The KDA has asked as to why would officials would be interested in improving government schools when they send their children to private schools.

The panel has also suggested the introduction of English lessons from standard one in order to counter the popularity of private English medium schools.

The report says that basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, library and playgrounds exist only on paper for many schools.

At the same time, as per thenewsminute.com, it also highlights the need to hire the stipulated number of teachers in government schools for all the subjects.

Further, one of the recommendations is the introduction of kindergarten classes to be at par with private institutions.

Moreover, the KDA has recommended that the government should not reimburse private schools for admitting students under the RTE quota.

Chairman SG Siddaramaiah, litterateur Chandrashekhar Patil and education experts like VP Niranjanaradhya were part of the committee.
Bengaluru: Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was on Tuesday shot dead at her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru.

She edited Kannada tabloid 'Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications.

Gauri, aged 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead. She died instantaneously.

Four bullets hit the compound wall of her building.

Karnataka police chief RK Dutta said that Gauri had not voiced any apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.

Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first," PTI reported.

On the other hand, Bangalore Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said, "We found Gauri lying in a pool of blood, found four empty cartridges from the scene of offence. Out of four, how many entered her body, only post-mortem report will tell," as per ANI.

In 2016, Gauri was convicted of criminal defamation by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Hubballi.

A penalty of Rs 10,000 was also imposed on her. She had received bail the same day.

A defamation case was filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in Gauri's tabloid against some BJP leaders.

Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that he was shocked to learn about the murder and had directed the police to carry out a thorough investigation.

Shocked to learn abt murder of tall progressive force & senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Such cold blooded acts deserve highest condemnation  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017

I have spoken with the DGP, and instructed him to ensure prompt and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. September 5, 2017

On the other hand, Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy condemned the incident, calling it unfortunate.

Gauri was the daughter of writer and journalist P Lankesh.

Her siblings - Kavitha and Indrajit Lankesh - are film and theatre personalities.

(With Agency inputs)
Kolkata: At least one person died and several others were critically injured after an old building collapsed in Kolkata's congested Burrabazar on Tuesday.

According to ANI, at least three persons have been critically injured in the incident. Those injured have been rushed to hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the local administration has begun the rescue work.

More people are believed to be trapped inside the debris.

A picture of the unfortunate incident was sghared by a Twitter user on the popular networking site.

The Kolkata incident comes day after at least 33 people were killed and another 14 injured when a 117-year-old five-storey residential building collapsed in Bhendi Bazar area of south Mumbai on September 1.
Budhi Gandaki listed as component of BRI

China has listed the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project in central Nepal as one of the components of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which envisages greater trade and connectivity and supports varied infrastructure projects.
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a Mumbai-based youth on Saturday was caught on camera stroking a stray dog with an iron rod.

The incident took place in the compound of Rizvi building in Kalina. The accused, a 24-year-old, has been identified as Haroon Khan, a resident of the same building.

The stray dog 'Dabbu', who have been admitted to a nearby hospital for vets, is said to be in a critical condition after the beating and has reportedly suffered a skull fracture.

Resident Surekha Kharat, 52, an animal lover, witnessed the brutal incident. She cross-checked the CCTV footage to find the 24-year-old hitting the stray dog on its head with an iron rod.

As per a report, Dabbu was quietly passing by when the accused picked up an iron rod and started beating the animal mercilessly. The dog soon collapsed and was rushed to Parel Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Following the incident, the local residents identified the accused and thrashed him for cruely assaulting the dog.

"We feed Dabbu every day and he is friendly. We rushed the dog to a veterinary clinic for treatment and later shifted him to SPCA at Parel," said Kharat.

Dattatray Khade, Police Sub Inspector, Vakola police station said, "During an investigation, we found that the accused had hit the stray dog with an iron rod. We arrested the accused under section 429 (Mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the IPC and under relevant sections of the Prevention of Animals to Cruelty Act.
Mumbai: Foreign liabilities of mutual fund companies in India stood at Rs 71,980 crore for the fiscal ended March 2017, up 23.7 per cent from a year ago, data from Reserve Bank showed on Tuesday.

The data is based on RBI's survey on foreign liabilities of 44 Indian mutual fund (MF) companies and their asset management companies (AMCs) during 2016-17.

With regard to mutual fund companies, the RBI said their foreign liabilities at Rs 719.80 billion in March 2017, of which 99.8 per cent were the units issued to non-residents.

It stood at Rs 58,168 crore for fiscal ended March 2016.

The remaining liabilities included unpaid income/dividends to non-residents and sale proceeds pending repatriation, the RBI said.

As per the RBI data, UAE, Singapore, UK, USA and Mauritius together accounted for nearly half of the MF units held by non-residents in March 2017.

Units held in Mauritius recorded a 48 per cent decline, coinciding with the signing of the Protocol to amend the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) during 2016-17, showed the data.

The US and Luxembourg were the major overseas investment destinations for MFs companies during 2016-17.

With respect of asset management companies of these MFs, the net foreign liabilities were Rs 5,242.5 crore (USD 0.8 billion) in March 2017, against Rs 4,157.2 crore, showing an increase of 26.1 per cent for the last fiscal.

Foreign liabilities of AMCs were mainly owed to non- residents in Mauritius, the UK and Japan whereas Guernsey was the main destination of their relatively small overseas assets, the RBI said.
New Delhi: Sounding the bugle for the coming Assembly polls in three north-eastern states, BJP chief Amit Shah on Tuesday said he was confident its alliance NEDA would soon rule the entire region, building on the development work done by the Narendra Modi government there.

Shah chaired a strategic meeting of the six-party North- East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which was attended by the chief ministers of five states  Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland  from the region.

"The BJP-led NEDA is in power in five states but I am confident that in the coming days, the alliance will be in power in all the eight states in the north-eastern region," he said at the inaugural session of the NEDA conclave here.

At present, the BJP is in power in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, while its allies rule Nagaland and Sikkim.

Assembly elections are due in three non-NEDA states  Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Elections in Tripura, where the Left is in power, will be held later this year. Congress-ruled Mizoram and Meghalaya will go to polls early next year.

He said the region was top priority for Prime Minister Modi. Development in the eight states was essential for the overall growth of the country, he added.

"The development work done by the Modi government in the last three years for the long-neglected north-eastern region is several times more than the work done by Congress-led governments in the last 65 years," Shah said.

The work had not finished but just started, he added.

Citing numerous initiatives of the Modi government for the region, Shah said a Union minister visited one of the eight states in the region every 15 days.

He termed the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh a milestone in the history of the north-east and said the government was committed to the overall development of the area.

The BJP president expressed the confidence that all eight chief ministers would be from the alliance at the next NEDA meeting.

Emphasising the importance of NEDA, he said, "It is not only a political platform but a platform to culturally unite all eight north-eastern states and increase their involvement in national affairs".

Talking to reporters, NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma later said it was confident of seeing a "Congress mukt" (Congress-free) north-east by November 2018.

Sarma, a minister in the BJP government in Assam, has been a key figure in expanding the party's footprints in the region.

Safe borders, inclusive development and national integration were on the agenda of the day-long NEDA meeting.

North-east states have used the NEDA platform to sort out boundary, law and and other disputes, Sarma said at the meeting.

The BJP-led NEDA consists of the Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front.
Bhubaneswar: Special benches of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) would conduct hearings at six places, including in Bhubaneswar, to expeditiously settle the compensation claims of the victims of the recent Kalinga Utkal Express and Kaifiyat Express train accidents.

The chairman of the RCT has directed the special benches to inquire into and decide on the compensation claims of the victims of the two derailments so that the compensation amount could be disbursed without any delay, a statement from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) said.

While the 18477 Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express had derailed on August 19, the 12225 Azamgarh-Delhi Kaifiyat Express met with an accident on August 23 in Uttar Pradesh, it added.

The special benches will be held at the RCT headquarters in Delhi and at five other places  Ghaziabad, Bhopal, Lucknow, Jaipur and Bhubaneswar  from September 11 to 15.

In Bhubaneswar, the special RCT bench would sit in the Odisha Forest Development Corporation Limited building, the statement said.

Those who had sustained injuries or suffered any loss, any agent authorised by a victim on his behalf, the guardian of a minor victim or a dependent of a deceased could apply for compensation with an original copy of a document establishing his identity such as the Aadhaar card, voter identity card, ration card, family register etc, it added.
New Delhi: World renowned physicist Stephen Hawking has time and again warned against various issues that concern the world at large.

The British physicist has been quite outspoken about the existence of alien civilization and has warned against efforts to contact them and has also said that the human race is destined to be doomed unless we move to space.

In August, last week, Hawking's USD 100-million 'Breakthrough Listen' initiative detected 15 fast radio bursts emanating from the mysterious "repeater" FRB 121102.

Fast radio bursts, or FRBs, are brief, bright pulses of radio emission from distant galaxies.

Vishal Gajjar, an Indian-origin scientist who is a part of the team working under the 'Breakthrough Listen' project told the Daily Telegraph, that, "We really have no idea about where they come from."

"There are more theories than the number of sources. We have opened more questions than answers. As we do more study we find more weird things," he said.

Could those signals really be coming from aliens? That's what scientists think. However, according to Forbes, there are five reasons why that conclusion could be wrong. This is what Forbes has to say:
Lucknow: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the first service of Lucknow Metro on Tuesday at the Transport Nagar railway station.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, senior Ministers of the state cabinet, local legislators and Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Hardeep Puri were present on the occasion along with Principal Advisor to the project E. Sreedharan.

The 8.5 km stretch of the rapid transport system Lucknow Metro - starting from Transport Nagar to Charbagh railway station - will be open for public from Wednesday.

Chief Minister Adityanath, in his address on the occasion, lauded the team behind the early completion of the project and said the metro would ease traffic congestion in the state capital.

He assured that the work on other phases of the Lucknow Metro project would be completed at the earliest.

Adityanath also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating a loan from the European Investment Bank for the project.
Colombo: Sri Lanka has released 80 Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing illegally in the island nation's territorial waters, according to a media report.

Four of them were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were drowning in northern seas on August 31 while the others have been arrested for trespassing into the Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities, The Colombo Page reported.

The 76 Indian fishermen were apprehended on separate occasions by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard for engaging in the illegal fishing method of bottom trawling in the Sri Lankan territorial waters.

The repatriated Indian fishermen were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Sarang' at the International Maritime Boundary Line north of Kankasanthurai, the report said.

Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently by the maritime security agencies of both countries for illegal fishing and often stray into illegal waters due to absence of any proper technology to confirm the coastline border between Pakistan and India near Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea.
Geneva: Human Rights Watch on Tuesday accused Beijing of sabotaging United Nations efforts to promote rights and slammed the world body for often capitulating to Chinese pressure.

"China engages with the UN on human rights but often with the goal of aggressively silencing criticism and eroding access for activists who work on China," HRW chief Kenneth Roth said in a statement.

He acknowledged that China was far from the only country misbehaving at the United Nations.

"But its Security Council membership, global influence, and fierce crackdown on civil society at home make it a model of bad faith that challenges the integrity of the UN rights system," he warned.

His comments came as the organisation launched a new report detailing Chinese efforts to harass independent activists, mainly from China, who attempt to participate in UN human rights forums.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang rejected the criticism, saying Beijing "attaches high importance and is committed to promoting and protecting human rights."

He urged "relevant organisations (to) remove their tainted lenses and view China`s human rights development and contributions to international human rights causes in an unbiased way and stop groundless accusations."

In its report, HRW accused Chinese officials of routinely photographing and filming activists on UN premises, in violation of UN rules, and barring Chinese activists from travelling to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Beijing has also used its clout to block non-governmental organisations critical of China from receiving UN accreditation and managed to blacklist accredited activists from taking part in UN events.

HRW acknowledged that taken individually, the Chinese actions might not seem so serious.

"But taken together, they amount to what appears to be a systematic attempt to subvert the ability of the UN human rights system to confront abuses in China and beyond," the report said.

In the most shocking case, Chinese authorities detained activist Cao Shunli in 2013 as she attempted to travel to Geneva ahead of a UN review of China`s rights record.

She died in custody.

With China scheduled for the next so-called Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record in 2018, the organisation voiced concern that many Chinese activists might opt to stay away.

Cao death "sends a signal to anybody who dares to stand up to Xi Jinping and his government," Roth told AFP.

HRW`s report also said the UN often folds to pressure from China, pointing to the example of well-known ethnic Uyghur activist Dolkun Isa who in April was ejected without explanation from the UN headquarters in New York, despite being fully accredited to participate in a forum on indigenous issues.

A few months earlier in January, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Geneva, UN officials took the unusual step of sending home many of the 3,000 staff members at the UN European headquarters and barring NGOs from attending his speech.

"Unless the UN and concerned governments put a stop to China`s efforts to manipulate or weaken UN human rights mechanisms, the UN`s credibility and indeed its ability to defend rights in China and around the globe are at risk," Roth warned.
Xiamen: First Lady of China and UNESCO Special Envoy Peng Liyuan on Tuesday awarded the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education to three representatives of the award-winning projects during a ceremony here.

The participants also included wives of delegation heads to the 9th BRICS summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries held in the southeastern Xiamen city.

At Xiamen University, Peng and UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Director-General Irina Bokova awarded the prize to three winners who hailed from Thailand, Peru and South Africa.

The prize was established in October 2015 to honour outstanding contributions made by individuals, institutions, non-governmental organisations or other entities engaged in advancing girls? and women?s education.

Peng, the wife of President Xi Jinping and also special envoy of UNESCO for the promotion of girls' and women's education, said valuing education is a fine tradition of the Chinese nation.

"We should offer help to women and children in need, and enable them to have the opportunities and capacity to change their fate and live a better life," said Peng.

She hopes that the BRICS countries, other developing countries and the rest of the world will make joint efforts in promoting the development of women's and children's education, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wives of the presidents of South Africa, Guinea and Mexico, and the prime minister of Thailand, attended the ceremony.
Hong Kong: Li Hejun, once listed as China`s richest man, has been banned from being a director of any Hong Kong company for eight years over his management of energy firm Hanergy which saw its shares implode in 2015.

The tycoon stepped down as chairman of Hong Kong-listed Hanergy Thin Film in May 2016, almost a year after the firm`s shares plunged 47 per cent in less than half an hour wiping $19 billion off its market capitalisation.

The city`s securities watchdog brought a case before the High Court in January, calling for a 15-year ban on Li.

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said Li had failed to question the viability of Hanergy`s business model which relied on sales to its unlisted mainland parent Hanergy Holding Group Limited and its affiliates as its main source of revenue.

The court judgement released on Monday said that Li had put himself in a position where there was a clear conflict of interest "and preferred the interests of Hanergy Holding".

It said Li had failed to recover very substantial "receivables" worth HK$3.28 billion in 2014 and over HK$2 billion in 2015 from Hanergy Holding.

It banned the 50-year-old from serving as a director or at the management level of any listed or unlisted company for eight years.

"Listed company directors should always put the company`s interests first," Thomas Atkinson, executive director of enforcement at the SFC, said.

"In this case, these directors flouted their responsibilities by putting the interests of connected parties before that of the listed company," he added.

Four other directors of Hanergy were also banned for between three and four years for failing to make disclosures about the viability of the business model.

Hanergy Thin Film, which saw its shares suspended since May 2015, said Monday that the judgment was one step towards the resumption of trade in its shares.

The firm captured the attention of investors after growing more than sixfold to become the world`s largest solar power company by market value ahead of the collapse.

The meteoric rise in share price once gave Li the title of China`s richest man, according to one wealth survey, with Forbes citing his current worth to be $1.93 billion.

The collapse of Hanergy and some other top-performing stocks on the Hong Kong stock market prompted critics to question the oversight of regulators.
Dhanusha turning into a transit for gold smuggling

A special police team nabbed Bishnu Gautam, 38, of Panchkhal, Kavre, Rajendra Khatri, 34, Rabin Khatri, 24, of Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur, and Deepak Kumar Shah, 38, of Janakpur with one kg gold from Ramananda Chok of Janakpur in Dhanusha district on August 30.
Kochi: The Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday handed over offshore patrol vessel ICGS Varuna to the Sri Lankan Coast Guard, an official statement said.

The patrol vessel was handed over to Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard by Rajendra Singh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, at a ceremony here on Tuesday.

Rear Admiral SS Ranasinghe, Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy, was also present during the ceremony.

"The handing over of the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel to Government of Sri Lanka for training and surveillance purposes is part of India`s continuing efforts for cementing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries," the Indian Coast Guard said.

India has earlier handed over two offshore patrol vessels of the Indian Coast Guard  Varaha in April 2006 and Vigraha in August 2008.

ICGS Varuna, named after sea god Varuna, was commissioned in the Indian Coast Guard in February 1988.

The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on August 23 this year to facilitate the handing over.

The ship has been allocated pennant number SLCG-60 by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and will be commanded by Captain (ASW) Neville Amara Ubayasiri.

Prior to the ship`s departure, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be imparted familiarisation and On-Job Training by the Indian Coast Guard Workup Team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machinery.

Coast Guard DG Rajendra Singh, in his remarks at the transfer ceremony, highlighted the significance of mutually beneficial relations shared between both the countries.

He also fondly remembered the contributions of the erstwhile training ship and wished good luck to the Sri Lankan crew in all future endeavours.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard D-G conveyed the gratitude of the Sri Lanka government for the transfer.
Tehran: Iran thanked Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage, saying it opened the way for negotiations between the regional rivals.

"We thank Saudi Arabia... For adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims," said Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organisation in Tehran, according to the state broadcaster.

Some 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part last week in the hajj. They were unable to attend in 2016 after talks collapsed over security concerns.

Iran had been highly critical of Saudi Arabia's organisation efforts in the wake of a stampede during the 2015 hajj that killed up to 2,300 people, including hundreds of Iranians.

"There are always differences arising among countries but the important thing is for the parties to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation," said Ghazi-Askar, according to the ISNA news agency.

"Right now, after holding a successful hajj, it is a good time for both parties to negotiate to resolve their bilateral issues in other fields."

The two countries severed diplomatic relations after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran in January 2016 in response to Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif remained circumspect, however, saying he had yet to see "a clear prospect for change" in the relationship.

"If such a development occurs in the Saudis' mentality, it will definitely be a positive development and will be met with Iran's positive reaction," he told Khabar Online newspaper.
Columbia: President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would allow Japan and South Korea to buy more "highly sophisticated" US military equipment, amid soaring tensions after Pyongyang`s latest atomic test.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump said in a tweet.

Trump`s statement came after North Korea on Sunday detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile, sparking global alarm with what was by far its most powerful test to date.

On Monday, the South`s military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the North`s nuclear test site.

Trump did not elaborate on the kind of weaponry and equipment he had in mind, but the White House has said the president is willing to approve the sale of "many billions of dollars` worth of military weapons and equipment" to Seoul.

The White House statement also confirmed an earlier announcement by Seoul that the United States would lift restrictions on South Korean missile payload capabilities.

Seoul was previously restricted to a maximum warhead weight of 500 kilograms on its ballistic missiles, according to a bilateral agreement with the United States signed in 2001.

The United States on Monday launched a bid at the UN Security Council to quickly slap the "strongest possible measures" on North Korea in response to its sixth and most powerful nuclear test, but China and Russia argued that diplomatic talks were needed to address the crisis.
Paris: A French court ruled on Tuesday that celebrity magazine Closer invaded the privacy of Britain`s Prince William`s wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, when it published topless photos of her in 2012.

The court handed the maximum fine of 45,000 euros ($53,500) to both Laurence Pieau, an editor of Closer`s French edition, and Ernesto Mauri, chief executive of Italian publisher Mondadori, the magazine`s owner.

William and Kate, who announced on Monday that they were expecting a third child, said they were pleased with the court ruling and the matter was now closed.

Closer magazine, a weekly round-up of gossip about the rich and famous, published a series of topless photos of Kate, the wife of the second-in-line to the British throne, while on holiday in southern France.

Two photographers from a Paris agency, who denied taking the photographs, were ordered to pay smaller fines after also being convicted under French privacy laws.

The damages ordered by the court were well short of the 1.5 million euros sought by the royal couple, a subject of fascination for many in Britain and other parts of the world, who filed the suit for what they called at the time a "grotesque" breach of privacy.

"This incident was a serious breach of privacy, and their Royal Highnesses felt it essential to pursue all legal remedies," a spokeswoman for the couple said. "They wished to make the point strongly that this kind of unjustified intrusion should not happen."

The photos were taken as the royal couple relaxed on a balcony of a chateau in the picturesque Luberon region of southeastern France.

The pictures rekindled memories for some in Britain of the media pursuit of William`s mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi.

Closer magazine`s lawyers had sought to justify publication of the photos on public interest grounds, saying they disproved rumours circulating at the time that Kate might be anorexic.

Jean Veil, a prominent French lawyer hired by the Duchess of Cambridge, said during the trial the article that accompanied the photos was only a pretext for publishing the pictures.
Ankara: Turkey`s President Tayyip Erdogan told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday that violence against Rohingyas was of deep concern to the Muslim world, and will send his foreign minister to neighbouring Bangladesh to discuss the fighting.

Myanmar has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after at least 400 people were killed and nearly 125,000 fled to Bangladesh in the deadliest bout of violence targeting the minority group in decades.

Erdogan, who has said that the violence against Rohingya Muslims constitutes genocide, told Suu Kyi on Tuesday that it was a violation of human rights and that the Muslim world was deeply concerned, Turkish presidential sources said.

The latest violence in Myanmar`s northwestern Rakhine state began on Aug. 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed hundreds and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

In the phone call, Erdogan and Suu Kyi also discussed potential solutions to the fighting and means to deliver humanitarian aid to the region, the sources said.

They said Erdogan had condemned terrorism and operations targeting civilians, voicing concern that the developments could turn into a serious humanitarian crisis.

Erdogan, with his roots in political Islam, has long strived to take a position of leadership among the world`s Muslim community. On Friday, he said it was Turkey`s moral responsibility to take a stand over the events in Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will travel to Bangladesh on Wednesday evening and hold meetings on Thursday, the Turkish sources said.
Dhaka: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations including Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after nearly 125,000 of them fled to Bangladesh.

Indonesian foreign minister met the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Monday to call on Myanmar to halt the bloodshed. The minister, Retno Marsudi, was due in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

"The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term," Retno said after her meetings in the Myanmar capital.

The latest violence in Myanmar`s northwestern Rakhine state began on Aug. 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

The treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmar`s roughly 1.1 million Muslim Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing Suu Kyi, who has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against "terrorists" responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blamed Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths but rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force Rohingya out with a campaign of arson and killings.

"Indonesia is taking the lead on this and ultimately there is a possibility of ASEAN countries joining in," H.T. Imam, political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters, referring to the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, of which both Myanmar and Indonesia are members.

"If we can keep the pressure on Myanmar from ASEAN, from India as well, that will be good."

CONSCIENCE AWAKENED

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to Myanmar later on Tuesday, during which he is due to meet top officials, including Suu Kyi.

"PM Modi is going there and our foreign secretary has already briefed the foreign secretary of India on this. If international conscience is awakened then that would put pressure on Myanmar," said H.T. Imam.

The latest estimate of the number of people who have crossed the border into Bangladesh since Aug. 25, based on calculations by U.N. workers on the Bangladeshi side, is 123,600.

That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October, when Rohingya insurgents staged much smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counteroffensive and sending about 87,000 people fleeing into Bangladesh.

The new arrivals - many sick or wounded with burns or bullet wounds - have strained aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed "deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims" and urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take "immediate and effective action to bring an end to all human-rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population".

Pakistan is home to a large Rohingya community.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, on Monday called on Suu Kyi to condemn the "shameful" treatment of the Rohingya, saying "the world is waiting" for her to speak out.
Geneva: North Korea is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States, one of its top diplomats said on Tuesday, dismissing the international uproar over his country`s latest and biggest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations in Geneva, was addressing the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion.

"I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the third of September, DPRK successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force," Han told the Geneva forum.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a `gift package` addressed to none other than the U.S.," Han said.

"The U.S. will receive more `gift packages` from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating.

U.S. disarmament ambassador Robert Wood sought to turn the tables on Han by using his language against him.

With regard to the so-called gift packages that the North is presenting, my recommendation to the North would be, instead of spending inordinate amounts of money on nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, that it give its people the gift package of peace with their neighbours, economic development and an opportunity to rejoin the family of nations.

Han said military measures being taken by North Korea were "an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right" to counter "the ever-growing and decade-long U.S. nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country.

"Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country," Han declared, adding: "The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table."

Wood said that North Korea had defied the international community once again with its test.

"We look forward to working with our partners in the (U.N. Security) Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK," he told the conference.

"Advances in the regime`s nuclear and missile programame are a threat to us all ... now is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated," Wood said.

"It can no longer be business as usual with this regime."

The White House said on Monday President Donald Trump had agreed "in principle" to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea`s missiles following the North`s latest test.

The United States accused North Korea`s trading partners of aiding its nuclear ambitions and said Pyongyang was "begging for war".
Moscow: A Russian warship on Tuesday fired cruise missiles from the Mediterranean at the Islamic State group near the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor where regime forces are battling the jihadists, Moscow said.

The Russian defence ministry said the strike, which was carried out by the frigate "Admiral Essen," hit IS targets near the town of Al-Shula, which were controlled by fighters from Russia and other post-Soviet nations.

As a result of the strike, a "large" group of fighters was destroyed, along with a communications centre, warehouses and ammunition, the ministry said in a statement.

"The launch of the Kalibr cruise missiles has ensured the continued success of the advance by Syrian government troops and helped thwart plans of IS militants to regroup and reinforce the positions of terrorists in the vicinity of the city of Deir Ezzor," the ministry said.

Syria's army faces fierce resistance as it is battling to break a jihadist siege on the government enclave of Deir Ezzor.

The jihadist group has already lost more than half of its nearby bastion of Raqa to attacking US-backed forces, and the loss of Deir Ezzor city and the surrounding oil-rich province would leave it with only a handful of isolated outposts.

Government forces and civilians have been under siege in Deir Ezzor city since early 2015, and the regime-held parts are divided into a northern and southern enclave.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday congratulated government troops who broke a years-long Islamic State group siege on the government enclave of Deir Ezzor city, his office said.

"Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city," Assad said in a call with the commanders of troops who had been besieged in a base in Deir Ezzor.

Syrian forces and allied fighters arrived on Tuesday at the Brigade 137 base on the western edge of Deir Ezzor, effectively ending a siege of more than two years on part of the city.
Feast and famine

Is Nepal still devoted to farming as it was before? It would not be incorrect to say no. If the countrys food import bill for the last couple of years is any indication, the answer is an emphatic no.
The Mexican government has committed $4.1 million to three local agtech venture capital funds. The aim of the fund commitments is to support the countrys fledgling agtech startup ecosystem and give university researchers a clear pathway to commercialize their work.

The investment comes through The Capitalization and Investment Fund for the Rural Sector (FOCIR, based on the Spanish). The agency estimates that the three funds are now worth $39.5 million with the potential to invest in 40 agtech startups.

FOCIR runs seven internal private equity funds totaling more than $500 million with more than 30 investments in rural projects. Guillermo Ruiz Cornejo of FOCIR told AgFunderNews that investing earlier in the funding chain, in startups, is a new strategy for FOCIR, which will allow the agency to support more local companies without expanding its fixed budget.

He added that FOCIR saw agtech innovation stalling in Mexico since the countrys university researchers were relatively well-funded while early stage capital in the form of seed investors and VCs is largely focused on fintech, tourism, and real estate.

South of the United States, agtech startup ecosystems are springing up in big ag exporting countries like Brazil and Argentina. Brazil got its first agtech accelerator just last month, and Argentina its own last year.

But Mexico, despite being number one in the world for avocados and tomatoes, has seen relatively little agtech development. Just one agtech startup in Mexico raised funding in 2016, according to AgFunder data: a $43,000 seed round for farm management startup Luxelare.

Mexico exports $14 billion in vegetables each year and an additional $11.4 billion in other foodstuffs, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity at MIT. Both Mexicos National Autonomous University of Mexico and National Polytechnic Institute fall into US News and World Reports top 200 agriculture universities.

Local agtech VCs

FOCIR invested in three newly founded Mexican agriculture-focused VC firms. The first is the Ercus Abaco Fund, an agriculture-focused venture fund founded by executives of Grupo Ercus, a corporation producing sweets  sold under the road name Usher. The fund is looking to invest in agribusiness startups with a social or environmental impact in $1 million amounts for short periods or two to five years, according to the funds website.

The second fund, Innova Camp, is a $7 million growth-stage venture capital firm founded in early 2017 through a public-private partnership, with 40% of its capital coming from the Ministry of Economy, and the remainder from the private sector including food companies and entrepreneurs. It focuses on livestock and fisheries, food preparation, manufacturing and processing, and packaging and marketing. The firm specifies on the website that it is looking in invest in companies with $10 million to $50 million in sales and has a focus on companies in the states of Michoacan, Guanajuato and Jalisco.

The third fund is a newly-founded agtech venture effort from generalist venture capital firm Enture, which focuses on seed stage investments in tourism, healthcare, and biotech.

In September, FOCIR and the EGADE Business School of Monterrey will hold the first First Capital Entrepreneur Forum for Agro Technology, Energy and Social Entrepreneurship.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. More than 150 firefighters continued tackling the wildfire in the forest nearby Byurakan village in Aragatsotn province overnight.

The ministry of emergency situations told ARMENPRESS that a helicopter was dispatched to the scene in the early morning September 5 to detect and specify the exact locations of the probable spread of the fire.

The chopper deployed firefighters to dangerous terrains who are attempting to contain the fire.

The fire doesnt pose danger to nearby settlements, authorities said.

Minister of emergency situations Davit Tonoyan personally arrived to the scene at 23:00, September 4.

Multiple firefighters and additional officers are working in the forest.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Hurricane Harvey has killed 60 people in Texas, US so far, according to Associated Press.

Out of the total number of victims, 30 people died in Houston.

The Houston Mayor said up to 100 million dollars will be needed to clean up the city.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot said a huge amount of money will be required to eliminate the consequences of the hurricane in the state  ranging somewhere between 150 and 180 billion dollars.

Earlier reports said 47 people died and two dozen went missing.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Law enforcement agencies launched a probe into the false bomb threat in the Parliament building in Yerevan.

Earlier of September 2, an unknown caller dialed 911 in the early morning and said that there is an explosive device in the Parliament building.

Multiple police units and emergency personnel searched the building and the threat was revealed to be false.

Police questioned a female citizen of Yerevan in connection with the bomb threat. Initial reports suggest her phone number was used to make the call.

Investigation continues.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees nothing 'Frondeur-ish' in what Chechnyas head Ramzan Kadyrov said on the situation in Myanmar, TASS reports.

"As far as the opinion of Russian citizens regarding the policy of the Russian state is concerned, each person is entitled to having ones own attitude regardless of rank or position," Putin told the media at a news conference following the BRICS summit. "The same applies to the leaders of regions to the full extent. But you may be certain that there is nothing Frondeur-ish about the Chechen leadership's stance."

"Im asking everybody to stay calm. Everything is all right," Putin said. He recalled that Russia and Egypt had jointly opposed any violence in Myanmar and urged the authorities of that country to take the situation under control.



Earlier Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said he will oppose the Russian policy in case it were to support the Myanmar authorities, who are oppressing the Muslims of Rohingya.

Even if Russia supports these Shaitan who commit crimes, I am against the position of Russia. I have my own vision, my position, he said.

The situation in Myanmar, a small Southeast Asian nation, was aggravated earlier in August due to confrontation between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. Nearly 400 people were killed in clashes and military confrontations in the country in late August, Reuters reported.

Around 73,000 Rohingya have fled into neighboring Bangladesh since the violence erupted, Vivian Tan, regional spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), told Reuters.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. St. Petersburgs Armenian community celebrated the 26th anniversary of Artsakhs independence on September 3. The celebrations were held in assistance of the Consulate General of Armenia.

A mass was held in the citys St. Catherine Church, followed by an event in the communitys cultural center.

The foreign ministry told ARMENPRESS that the Consul General Hrayr Karapetyan delivered opening remarks at the event, congratulating the attendees on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Artsakh. Karapetyan noted that this celebration is the celebration of all Armenians worldwide, since the achievements of the years of independence were reached due to the unity of all Armenians.

The event was concluded with the screening of a film dedicated to Artsakhs independence.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Embassy in Belarus organized an event dedicated to the 26th anniversary of Artsakhs independence on September 4.

The celebration was attended by representatives of cultural and non-governmental organizations of the local Armenian community, as well as Armenian businessmen of the country.

The foreign ministry said Armenias Ambassador to Belarus H.E. Oleg Yesayan delivered opening remarks at the event.

The Ambassador mentioned that Azerbaijan is actively pursuing the maintenance of escalation on the line of contact and distortion of the true picture of the negotiations process for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

His Excellency Yesayan called on the Armenian community to be more actively involved in various platforms for the presentation of historical reality and truth.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. On the sidelines of the official visit to China, Armenias defense minister Vigen Sargsyan visited the countrys defense academy in the morning of September 5.

China highly values military education.

Many military educational institutions operate in the country, which prepare professionals for the militaries of both China and other countries. The National Defense Academy is a key educational facility of China, with which Armenia has great cooperation experience.

At a meeting with the executives of the academy, the Armenian defense minister praised the cooperation experience, and thanked for the attitude towards Armenian officers.

According to the academys leadership, the Armenian officers are distinguished by excellent results and professionalism.

The Armenian defense minister later delivered a lecture for the academys students, touching upon the Armenian-Chinese historical similarities, the phases of formation of the Armenian Armed Forces, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as regional conflicts.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Transparency International, the global anti-corruption organisation, is calling for an investigation into the Azerbaijani briberies of European politicians, and to sanction the perpetrators.

Transparency International issued a statement after the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project released the results of a new investigation regarding the illicit activities of Azerbaijans ruling elite in Europe.

Investigative reporters from six countries (Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany , UK and US) revelaed that the Aliyev family operated a secret $2.8bn slush fund for two years to bribe European politicians and make luxury purchases.

It is shocking to see that some politicians at respected bodies like the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are up for sale and are willing to turn a blind eye to corruption and human rights abuses for cash. They must be sanctioned and we will put pressure on the authorities to take action. The story does not end here, said Jose Ugaz, Chair of Transparency International.

These investigations show that even in countries where corruption risks are considered low like Denmark, which ranks at the top of Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index, the regulatory bodies are still behind in enforce anti-money laundering legislation, added Ugaz.

Transparency International said it will Present evidence to the special corruption investigative group at PACE on 7 September and ask for a full, transparent investigation.

The secret fund, nicknamed the Azerbaijan Laundromat, operated for two years until 2014, according to the investigation, carried out by a consortium of European newspapers and published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The money was allegedly channelled through four UK-based opaque companies.

People said to have been paid include European politicians who adopted a favourable attitude to the government.

The origin of the money was unclear, the report said, but there was "ample evidence of its connection to the family of President Ilham Aliyev".

At the time the scheme took place, Azerbaijan was being accused of systematic corruption, vote-rigging and abuses, including the jailing of opposition politicians, human rights activists and journalists.

Much of the money was said to have been paid to lobbyists, journalists, politicians and businessmen.

According to the OCCRP, the scheme seemed to have been successful in, for example, persuading the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe to vote against a report critical of Azerbaijan in 2013.

The 47-member council - not part of the European Union - monitors compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, and judges in Strasbourg enforce it.

The vote is currently under investigation and a report is expected by the end of the year.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Development Foundation of Armenia, jointly with the Viticulture and Winemaking Foundation of Armenia, will promote local wines and brandies: the joint activity agreement was signed today by the heads of the Foundations Armen Avak Avakian and Zaruhi Muradyan, the Development Foundation of Armenia told ARMENPRESS.

As the first practical step, the Foundations will jointly organize the participation of Armenian companies in the Prwine China 2017 Exhibition to be held in Shanghai, China, from 14 to 16 November.

Prwine China is one of the largest international exhibitions of the sphere: 650 companies from 37 countries will attend the Exhibition; moreover, more than 12000 importers, distributors and wholesale buyers are envisaged to take part in it.

15 wine, brandy and alcoholic drinks producers will represent the industry of Armenian alcoholic beverages at the joint pavilion at the Prowine China 2017. The participation of the Armenian companies will be co-financed within the framework of state support.

The Armenian beverages have already been exported to the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Germany and other countries under the contracts concluded with the support of DFA during the previous international wine exhibitions. Last year, with the support of the Viticulture and Winemaking Foundation of Armenia, the Armenian wine-making companies took part in the MUNDUS VINI 20th Grand International Wine Awards international ceremony, returning with 10 gold and 13 silver medals and reaching new export markets.

The Development Foundation of Armenia has a fruitful experience in promoting the Armenian products at international exhibitions. Our delegations return with export orders after every exhibition. Besides Prowine China, my team is ready to further use its experience to present the local products at their best to international buyers and suppliers in cooperation with partner Foundations, noted the CEO of DFA Armen Avak Avakian.

In the short period of its activities, the Wine-growing and Winemaking Foundation of Armenia has already recorded significant results in raising recognizability and demand for Armenian wines. I am confident that this cooperation will create new opportunities for developing the sector and promoting export, added the CEO of the Wine-growing and Winemaking Foundation of Armenia Zaruhi Muradyan.
Govt working to formulate media-friendly policies: Info Min

Minister for Information and Communication Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said the government is making preparation to formulate policies that will be media friendly.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin expects to find compromises with his US counterpart Donald Trump in the interests of Russia, the United States and other countries, TASS reports.



"In doing what he does, Trump is guided by the national interests of his country, as I am following the interests of my country," Putin said at his final press conference at the BRICS summit in Chinas Xiamen. "I very much expect that we will manage to find some compromises while resolving bilateral and global issues, so that they are solved in the interests of the US and Russian people, as well as in the interests of many other countries, bearing in mind our great responsibility for global security," the Russian leader added.



When asked if Trump had disappointed him, Putin said that it was a naive question. "He [Trump] is not my bride, as I am not a bride to him, we both are involved in state activities," he explained jokingly.


YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Artsakhs Speaker of Parliament Ashot Ghulyan convened a consultation September 5 in participation of chairmen of committees and factions, the Parliaments press service said.

The Speaker presented the upcoming parliamentary works to the lawmakers, and particularly touched upon the extraordinary session of the Parliament, which will be convened as required under the Constitution.

As required under rules of procedure, the Speaker issued a statement saying the special session dedicated to the inauguration of the countrys president will be convened September 7 at 12:00.

Earlier in July, incumbent President Bako Sahakyan was re-elected to the post.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. No serious progress in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement can be expected from the upcoming New York meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in September, political analyst Alexander Markarov told a press conference September 5.

This meeting is essentially another attempt to clarify the stances of the sides, which havent been subjected to significant changes. The same thing which was expected from the previous meetings can be expected from this one. The sides will once again confirm their willingness to settle the issue in a peaceful way, Markarov said.

According to the political analyst, in the statement of the former US Co-Chair of the Minsk Group Richard Hoagland we see principles which have been proposed in the past also.

Serious progress of settlement and willingness of the sides to find solutions or negotiate around new proposals shouldnt be expected from the meeting, he said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. North Korea has evolved from being a regional menace to a "global threat," the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog has said, CNN reports.

Yukiya Amano, head of the International Atomic Energy Authority, told CNN that North Korea's claim that it had tested a hydrogen bomb on Sunday represented a "new dimension of threat."

Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula after the test at the weekend. Seoul launched a series of live drills in response and boosted the deployment of a controversial US-made missile defense system, THAAD.

"I think the North Korean threat is a global one now. In the past people believed it was a regional one, that's no longer the case," Amano, director general of the IAEA, told CNN.

"It is a global threat now and it combines nuclear weapons and missiles."

Earlier US President Donald Trump endorsed the supply of multi-billion dollar worth of weapons to South Korea, and also mentioned US 'nuclear capabilities' as an option for tackling North Korea.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenias defense minister Vigen Sargsyan, who is currently on an official visit to China, was hosted today in Norinco  a Chinese manufacturer of vehicles (trucks, cars and motorcycles), machinery, optical-electronic products, oil field equipment, chemicals, light industrial products, explosives and blast materials, civil and military firearms and ammunition.

During a meeting with the companys executives, the sides discussed possibilities and prospects for defense cooperation.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. At a September 5 consultation in the Presidential Palace, chairman of the ethics committee of high-ranking officials Siranush Sahakyan briefed President Serzh Sargsyan on the committees activities of the past years, achievements and issues.

Sahakyan particularly mentioned that the committee, among other actions, has introduced the analytical component of the e-declaration system, which enabled the committees online access to separate informational databases, significantly expanded the declaration registry, and has designed and submitted legislative proposals on improving the system.

The President highlighted the creation of necessary prerequisites for ensuring the effective operation of the Corruption Prevention Committee, a new body which will be formed in 2018 on the sidelines of anti-corruption reforms.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. During the September 4 celebrations on the Day of Emergency Situations Officer, among other awards, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan awarded medals of gratitude and certificates of appreciation to three employees of Lydian Armenia, the company which is carrying out the Amulsar gold mine project. The three employees had joined forces with firefighters during the Artavan fires and distinguished themselves with professionalism and selfless dedication.

The three employees of Lydian Armenia  Manuk Movsisyan, Arsen Stepanyan and Ashot Tadevosyan  are operators of heavy equipment  who used their bulldozers to make way in the terrain for firefighting equipment.

Arsen Stepanyan, a local of Gndevaz village, said although only a few were awarded, it must be noted that the group who was tackling the fire was bigger, and the disaster was possible to be prevented due to the joint efforts of all.
YEREVAN, 5 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 5 September, USD exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 478.29 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.45 drams to 568.30 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 8.27 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.68 drams to 618.52 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 198.26 drams to 20499.58 drams. Silver price up by 5.89 drams to 274.95 drams. Platinum price up by 125.27 drams to 15485.02 drams.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. "After the cruelties against Yemen and given the fact that the military system of a country is not separate from its government and trade system, therefore, we cannot show double-standard behavior towards the world and for instance, when we say that the US is a world arrogant power, therefore, we dont allow the US aircraft, even passenger planes, to fly over the Islamic Republic of Iran because we are against its government's policies," Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli said in an interview with a Persian-language newspaper on Tuesday, ARMENPRESS reports, citing FARS agency.

He added that the same rule also pertains to other countries which have attacked Yemen, including Saudi Arabia.

In relevant remarks last September a senior Iranian military commander underlined that enemies are afraid of sending their reconnaissance aircraft over Iran for spy missions, because they are aware of the country's powerful air defense shield now.

"No spy aircraft dares to enter the Iranian airspace as the countrys Air Defense Force constantly monitors the skies nationwide, particularly the skies over the country's Southern territorial waters," Commander of Imam Reza Air Defense Base Brigadier General Abdollah Reshadi said.

He reiterated that Iran's radar coverage of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman intercepts the aerial trespassing of enemies' spy aircraft.

We detect any flying activity in time and deliver tactical response in less than two minutes," Brigadier General Reshadi said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The USA has responded to the criticism about press freedom in the USA by the Azerbaijani representative in the OSCE. ARMENPRESS asked the US representative in the OSCE for comments. Charge dAffaires of the USA to the OSCE Harry R. Kamian responded.

We have taken into account the announcement of Azerbaijan over freedom of speech in the USA and we reserve the right to reply later. Anyway, I would like to clarify something. The USA has the most diverse and pluralistic media environment in the world. We take for serious our international commitments, including our commitments assumed in the sidelines of the OSCE regarding freedom of press and speech. They are both key American values reflected in our Constitution.

We've heard before from a number of delegations, including the Azerbaijani one, that the OSCE pays to much attention to the human dimension as compared to other dimensions that are included in the organization's comprehensive security concept. It has also been mentioned that the human dimension is used by some member states in a politicized and selective manner. Moreover, we have heard concerns by some member stated that raising human rights concerns by other member states is equivalent to intervening in the domestic affairs of those states.

I would like to thank Azerbaijan and reaffirm our commitment assumed in 1991 in Moscow, which says, They categorically and irrevocably declare that the commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension of the CSCE are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned., reads the statement issued by Harry Kamian.

During the regular meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council Azerbaijan, known for its crackdown against journalists, criticized the limitation of freedom of press in the USA and the EU.

The Azerbaijani mission to the OSCE, forgetting about the hundreds of cases of persecuting and detaining opposition figures, tried to draw attention on violence against reporters in the USA and some EU Member States.

Interestingly, at the end of the announcement the members of the Azerbaijani mission urged the OSCE member states to remain faithful to OSCE commitments.
House catches fire as owner tries to set fire to hornet nest

A house caught fire when residents tried to set fire to a hornet nest at Shantipatan of Pokhara  Lekhnath Metropolitan City-6 on Monday night.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended congratulations to Russian and Syrian military with a large-scale victory over terrorists in the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor and also sent a telegram on the issue to Syrian President Bashar Assad, ARMENPRESS reports, citing TASS, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin has congratulated the command of the Russian military group as well as the command of the Syrian state army with such a strategically important victory over terrorists from the standpoint of Syrias liberation from the Islamic State (a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia)," Peskov told journalists.

According to Peskov, "President Putin sent to Syrian President (Bashar) Assad a telegram, in which he highly evaluated this strategic victory and congratulated the Syrian president with such an important step toward the liberation of Syria from terrorism."

Peskov added that "terrorists put up a solid resistance and they still continue resisting, used suicide bombers and 50 of them were eliminated, but the zone of the breakthrough keeps growing and the battle moved to the streets of Deir ez-Zor."

"This is a very important strategic victory," Peskov added.

Defense Minister Shoigu said earlier that Deir ez-Zor was the main strategic point on the Euphrates. An end to its blockade would largely herald completion of the struggle against terrorists in Syria.
OAKLAND, Calif.Adult retailer Feelmore and owner Nenna Joiner have been getting recognition on various fronts lately, including from a U.S. Senator and a local ice cream shop.

Joiner recently attended U.S. Senator Kamala Harris town-hall meeting recently in Oakland, Calif., where the politician discussed Californians, their communities and the country.

As the program progressed, the floor was opened to questions, and Joiner seized the opportunity.

My heart was jumping out of my chest. How often do you get to have dialogue with a Senator? said Joiner. Joiner opened with, My name is Nenna I own Feelmore, a retail store in Oakland. There was a brief drop in audio which prompted Senator Kamala Harris to ask Nenna to plug the business after not hearing the name. It is not often a sex store owner gets asked by a politician to publicize their business in church. Joiner answered with, Its a sex shop called Feelmore, eliciting laughter from Harris and the crowd.

It was an opportunity one could not pay for, Joiner said. I was genuinely there to understand the information and influence change in my community and in doing so was presented with the opportunity!

To see the exchange, follow Feelmore on Instagram at Feelmore_AG. Additionally, searching for the town hall on C-Span provides the entire quip beginning at 1:05:00.

In addition to chatting with a U.S. Senator, Joiner and Feelmore have been approached by Humphry Slocumbe Ice Cream of San Francisco to be apart of a marketing campaign introducing the company to Oakland. Feelmore will be one of six businesses that will have a unique flavor for a month in all three of their locations. Humphry Slocumbes third location is a few blocks from Feelmore at THive business park.

When the co-owner Jake Godby and Amie, head of business, came into Feelmore, I greeted them like we do everyone, with enthusiasm and respect! Amie said they were from Humphry but was just hanging out in the neighborhood checking things out as they were moving in soon, Joiner said.

December will be the month the Feelmore flavor will debut, but in the meantime the community has the opportunity to taste other flavors.

Collaborations that sit outside of the adult industry are rare but coveted.

It was great to have a company with their amount of brand awareness want to collaborate with Feelmore. Ive wanted more collaboration for us inside of the industry but will take this win with great pride, said Joiner.

In 2015, Bon Appetit called Humphry Slocumbe Ice cream for adults by adults.

The tentative flavor will be Tamarind, Caramelized Banana, and a spice cookie named Cookie Sutra after the book written by Edward Jaye.

Finally, Feelmore Adult Gallery has been selected by the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Clubthe longest serving LGBTQ advocacy organization in the East Bayto receive Stonewalls 2017 Small Business Owner Leader Award.

The award is given to a LGBT Business Owner who has demonstrated innovation and is making a difference in the quality of life in the community.

It is an honor to be awarded this honor. Knowing the genuine work we do to connect others to information and stay active in the flow of information is important personally and professionally. To have a community that people can believe and are safe in is important. We want our community to reflect the clear diversity and values in our city. I believe Oakland is there yet we still have work to do, said Joiner.

Joiner has continually been active in their community and most recently as a board member of Oaklands Landmark Board appointed by the Mayor and prior to that a Delegate for the DNC in Philadelphia representing Congressional District 13.

Business owners in the adult industry have quite a bit of influence that could be used to champion multiple causes. It is not easy to have a heart for community and stepping away from your business to help but just as owners have the opportunity to influence change in the body, they can also change their community.

For more, email [email protected]; call (510) 891-0199 or visit Feelmore510.com.
Asda has been fined 700,000 after Environmental Health Officers found mice droppings and a live mouse at the bakery in its Bromborough store.

The retailer appeared before Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday (4 September) where it was also ordered to pay 34,856 in costs plus a 170 victim surcharge. Asda pleaded guilty to two offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013: failing to have adequate procedures to control pests and failing to ensure production was protected against contamination.

The case comes less than a year after Asda was fined 664,000 following a mouse infestation at its store in Park Royal, west London.

Mouse droppings found at the Asda in-store bakery

The Bromborough offences dated back to 28 October 2015 when Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) visited the store following a complaint from a member of the public.

Mouse droppings were found under shelving in the in-store bakery, under a water cooler, below metal storage cages and at the bottom of cooling racks. Officers also saw a live mouse on a baking tray and discovered mice droppings on a baking tray next to a cooled cookie.

Asda agreed to close the bakery voluntarily until the EHOs were satisfied there was no longer a risk to health, and the bakery re-opened on 30 October 2015.

Officers worked with the management team at Asda over the following weeks to remedy the situation and ensure there was no further risk to public health.

Live mouse found between the baking trays

Councillor Phillip Brightmore, Wirral Council cabinet member for the environment, said the council took complaints from members of the public seriously about food businesses who were breaking the law.

Although prosecuting a business is a last resort for the council, we will not hesitate to do so when we need to protect public health, said Brightmore. We are pleased that Asda stores have corrected the problem and have taken action to improve their systems.

Following the court case, Asda told British Baker: Our customers rightly expect our stores to be cleaned and maintained to the highest standards and we are deeply sorry that, in October 2015, the strict processes we have in place failed in the Bromborough store.

Our customers can be assured that immediate steps were taken to address the causes at the time and that our high standards have been restored.
The Democrat leadership has made constant, profound and incredible pronouncements that one's supportive vote for Republicans is tantamount to surrendering Democracy forever. Understanding their sincere thinking in their extreme position: How will you still vote on this election day?

Democrat; because the continuance of this Democracy from the existential threat of extreme Republicans is paramount.

Republican; the process of having a choice is the democratic method within what so called "Democracy" does exists.
Less than a week after hearing arguments in a lawsuit pitting Gov. Roy Cooper against the General Assembly, the N.C. Supreme Court has ordered a three-judge panel to reconsider the case. The governor supports the decision.The state's highest court also has ruled that county elections boards with one missing member still can conduct business if the two remaining members reach unanimous agreement on decisions they need to make during the ongoing municipal election season.The three-judge panel had dismissed Cooper's complaint because it ruled it had no jurisdiction to deal with the governor's complaints.said the order signed by Justice Michael Morgan, the high court's newest member."We are pleased that the Supreme Court has acted quickly so that the three-judge panel now has the opportunity to get this right on the merits of the case," Cooper spokesman Ford Porter responded in a prepared statement.The Supreme Court calls on the three-judge panel to issue a new order within 60 days. The new order should explain the basis for its earlier decision and address the merits of Cooper's complaint. Then the case will return to the Supreme Court for a final ruling.The Cooper v. Berger case deals with a dispute over the Republican-led General Assembly's new law merging state elections and ethics boards into a new eight-member group with equal Republican and Democratic membership. Cooper's lawyers argue that the change from a five-member election board with three members of Cooper's Democratic Party represents an unconstitutional infringement on the governor's power to "control" the elections board's makeup.The law calls on Cooper to appoint all eight members of the new board from lists of candidates submitted by the two major parties. Cooper has refused to make the appointments while fighting the law in court.One consequence of a state elections board with no members is that no one has power to appoint new members to existing three-member county elections boards. This has left some counties in limbo in dealing with current local elections. If those counties have an elections board vacancy, state law blocks the other two members from meeting.according to the new court order.A date has not been set for the three-judge panel's next hearing in the case.
Barack Obama trafficked guns to Mexican drug lords, secretly delivered pallets filled with billions in cash to Iran's America/Jew-hating mullahs, left four Americans to die in Benghazi and then lied about it, allowed his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to exchange government favors for hundreds of millions of dollars slushed into the Clinton Foundation, sic'd his IRS on everyday, law-abiding Americans, and used a trillion dollars in "stimulus" funds to pay off his cronies, like those behind a boondoggle called Solyndra.And all along, over eight terrible years, our media did a whole lot more than just let Obama get away with it. They wholeheartedly colluded. They allowed Obama to persecute them through the Department of Justice and to lie to our face (remember: I just now read about it in the newspaper, the IRS did nothing wrong, you can keep your insurance). And when that wasn't enough, the media mercilessly attacked as racist anyone who criticized the Precious and ginned up nothingburgers like Todd Akin to distract from those four dead Americans. And when even that wasn't enough, they themselves lied and obfuscated, covered up and dissembled, and most of all they set all kinds of precedents that, in a delicious form of irony, are now driving this utterly failed institution to the edge of insanity.The very same media that shrugged when Hillary Clinton set up a secret server, deleted 33,000 government emails, BleachBit'd whatever remained and then literally took a hammer to the devices - the media that set that precedent now wants us to get all worked up over Trump's tweets?The very same media that buried Bill Clinton's perjury and his numerous victims of sexual abuse - the media that set those precedents now wants us to consider an Access Hollywood video a disqualifier for the presidency? Now wants us to freak out over an awkward handshake?The very same media that gushed over Barack Obama's magical ability to "slow-walk the truth" - the media that set that precedent now wants us to impeach Trump over how the details of his son's meeting with a Russian lawyer have been released?The very same media that joined Obama in pointing and laughing at Mitt Romney's concern over Russia, the very same media that told us Obama's serial-appeasement of Russia (refusing Poland missile defense, "more flexibility after the election") was in reality an extraordinary form of statesmanship - the media that set those precedents now wants us to toss Trump out on his ear because he's hoping to work with Putin?The very same media that covered up the fact that Democrats and Team Hillary worked with the foreign government of Ukraine in the hopes of digging up dirt on Trump, the media that itself has used opposition research from the Russian government (the Golden Showers dossier) in the hopes of destroying Trump - the media that set those precedents now want us to turn on Trump because his son hoped for the same?The very same media that again and again used "Republican overreach" as a tactic to damage the GOP whenever a Democrat scandal rose up - the media that set that precedent now wants us to side with them when the Trump administration chooses to communicate directly through social media?The very same media that asked 23 follow-up questions of Trump and none of Hillary - the media that set that precedent now wants us to side with them when the White House limits the press briefings they can peacock in?The very same media that said nothing when Obama hired a 9-11 Truther as a Czar (and later hired him as one of their own) - the media that set that precedent wants us to be upset over Ivanka and Jared?The very same media that showed absolutely no interest in recovering even one of Hillary's 33,000 illegally deleted emails - the media that set that precedent, now wants us to share their outrage over the fact that Don Jr. tried to recover them in a 20-minute meeting?And now - now! - this very same media (with the help of #NeverTrump's forever-preening moral narcissists) is using the spear of Muh Principles to demand that those of us on the political right agree to destroy ourselves in their corrupt crusade, that we acquiesce like second-class citizens to their separate sets of rules?Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC
It's bad enough that Congress has cleared the path for trophy hunters and others to kill predators on national wildlife refuges. But to do it on National Park Service lands is even more unconscionable. Photo by Alamy

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Hes back. Alaska Congressman Don Young, thats who.

After spearheading a resolution to repeal a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) rule restricting particularly cruel and unsporting methods of killing grizzly bears, wolves, and other native carnivores on national wildlife refuges in Alaska, hes now taking aim at wildlife on Alaska lands managed by the National Park Service. Young plans to offer an amendment this week, during consideration of a massive spending bill, that would override federal wildlife management professionals on the ground in Alaska and open up 20 million acres of national preserves to ruthless trophy hunting and killing practices.

The February vote against wildlife in the House was one of the most disgraceful attacks ever against wildlife protection, and now it appears that round two is upon us. Its critical that you call your U.S. Representative (202-225-3121) and urge him or her to oppose the Young amendment to allow the baiting of grizzly bears and the hunting of wolves in their dens on lands managed by the National Park Service.

Its bad enough that Congress has cleared the path for trophy hunters and others to kill predators on national wildlife refuges with these unsporting methods. But to do it on National Park Service lands  the same agency that manages Yellowstone, Yosemite, Everglades, and other jewels in this system of lands that attract more than 300 million visitors a year  is even more unconscionable.

The attack is coming from Young and a few allies in Congress, and also from newly anointed political appointments at the Department of the Interior. In August, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) released a leaked memo that appeared to show that newly minted higher-ups at the Interior Department had barred top officials at NPS from speaking out against a Congressional amendment to undercut the Park Service rule protecting wildlife. A senior Interior Department official sent the memo back to the NPS officials with cross-out markings on nearly all of the objections raised by NPS leaders objecting to the state of Alaska unleashing trophy hunters intent on slaughtering grizzly bears and wolves on these federal lands.

It is time to stand up against this assault on wildlife. The Alaska Board of Game wants to run Alaska like a giant game farm, assaulting predators in a ham-handed attempt to inflate moose and caribou populations. But recent data from intensive predator control areas reveals that this strategy doesnt work  all it does is amass major body counts of bears and wolves.

In February, bowing to the wishes of Young and some state-based political appointees in Alaska, just more than 218 lawmakers (the number needed to pass a measure in the U.S. House) voted to overturn a federal rule  years in the works, and crafted by professional wildlife managers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They sanctioned some of most appalling practices ever imagined in the contemporary era of wildlife management: denning of wolf pups, killing hibernating bears, baiting grizzly bears, and trapping grizzly and black bears with steel-jawed leghold traps and snares.

The nearly identical NPS rule is a second, unwarranted assault. Hunting grizzly bears over bait, killing wolves in their dens, and other similarly unsporting practices have no place anywhere on North American lands  least of all on National Park Service lands.


Pissed off and misguided people have been burning books for thousands of years. At Smithsonian, Lorraine Boissoneault provides "A Brief History of Book Burning from the earliest examples on record through the Nazis (above) all the way to, um, the present day. Holy shit, did I really just type that? From Smithsonian:

In 213 B.C., Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang (more widely remembered for his terracotta army in Xian) ordered a bonfire of books as a way of consolidating power in his new empire. According to historian Lois Mai Chan, "His basic objective was not so much to wipe out these schools of thought completely as to place them under governmental control." Books of poetry, philosophy and history were specifically targeted, so that the new emperor couldn't be compared to more virtuous or successful rulers of the past. Although the exact amount of information lost is unknown, Chan writes that the history genre suffered the greatest loss.





Qin was only one in a long line of ancient rulers who felt threatened enough by the ideas expressed in written form to advocate arson. In Livy's History of Rome, finished in the 1st century A.D., he describes past rulers who ordered books containing the predictions of oracles and details about celebrations like the Bacchanalia be outlawed and burned to prevent disorder and the spread of foreign customs; philosophers Giordano Bruno and Jan Hus both took positions counter to the Catholic church, the former for his work on Copernican cosmology, the latter for attacking church practices like indulgences. Scholar Hans J. Hillerbrand writes that the executioner charged with killing heretics like Bruno and Hus was often the same person who put flame to their books.
House endorses two election-related bills

Parliament on Monday endorsed two election-related bills. The Bill on Election of House of Representatives and the Bill on Election of Provincial Assembly were stuck in the State Affairs Committee (SAC) of Parliament for about two months,
In June, China started vigorously enforcing its ban on VPNs, ordering mobile app stores to end access to VPN services that hadn't left a set of man-in-the-middle keys with the Chinese police.



Now, the Chinese courts have imprisoned a man from Dongguan in Guangdong province for providing un-back-doored VPN service. Deng Jiewei is 26 years old, and has sold VPN access since 2015; he had been detained in August 2016, and was convicted of "providing software and tools for invading and illegally controlling the computer information system" by the Supreme People's Court. He was sentenced to nine months in prison in March 2017, but the sentence was not made public until now.



Under new rules issued in March, people in Chongqing who use VPNs to access banned sites get a message on their computer telling them to disconnect, while those who generate profits of more than 5,000 yuan from using a VPN can be fined up to 15,000 yuan. VPNs are a popular way to skirt the Great Firewall by connecting to the internet outside the mainland. They allow users to access blocked sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and foreign news sites, which might carry information that is critical of the Communist Party. The authorities announced a 14-month campaign to crack down on unauthorised VPN services in January. Some domestic VPN providers, such as GreenVPN, have been shut down. Approved VPN networks used by multinationals, however, have not been affected.



Man jailed for selling VPNs to evade China's 'Great Firewall'

[Nectar Gan/South China Morning Post]

(via Naked Capitalism)

(Image: Ryan McLaughlin, CC-BY-ND)
Club Jager was a popular Minneapolis night spot until Citypages revealed that its owner, Julius Jaeger De Roma, donated $500 to the senatorial campaign of David Duke, a former KKK Grand Wizard and ardent Donald Trump supporter.

First, local entertainers and trivia night organizers cancelled their upcoming commitments to the club, then the regulars stopped coming, and then, when Nazis started coming to the club to show their support for white supremacy, the staff quit.



The owner of the bar was rarely on site, per local news reports, so the decision to shutter the club was made by the employees who actually controlled the day-to-day operation of the business. It's possible the owner could simply reopen the bar with a new staff. The bar's website is still up, as is its Facebook page. The Club Jager Twitter feed has been deleted. Other local businesses, including an improv theater and a used clothing store, found themselves caught up in the headlines because the bar owner also owns the properties where they operate. Both have publicly come out against their landlord's political donation and stressed that he is not involved in their businesses in any way beyond collecting their rent payments.

Bar Shuts Down After Employees, Customers Learn Owner Donated To Former KKK Leader David Duke

[Chris Morran/Consumerist]





(Image: Club Jager)
Editor's note: Forty years ago today, NASA launched Voyager 1, the second of two spacecraft on a grand tour of the solar system and into the mysteries of interstellar space. Attached to each spacecraft is a Golden Record containing Earth's greatest music, spoken greetings, "Sounds of Earth," and more than 100 images encoded as audio signals, a technological feat at the time. Technical director Frank Drake had always planned to encode the photos in the audio spectrum for the record. The challenge was finding technology capable of the task. While flipping through an electronics catalog, Valentin Boriakoff, Drake's colleague at the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, stumbled upon Colorado Video, a small television equipment firm in Boulder that had built a unique device for encoding television images as audio signals that could be transmitted over telephone lines. Donating their time and expertise to the project, engineers at Colorado Video projected each Voyager slide onto a television camera lens, generating a signal that their machine converted into several seconds of sound per photo. A diagram on the aluminum cover of the Golden Record explains how to play it and decode the images. Four decades later, Ron Barry followed the instructions.



How I decoded the images on the Voyager Golden Record





The video above is a decoding of more than 100 images that were packed into the audio channels of a record that was placed on each of the Voyager spacecraft. How does one pack data into audio? (Remember modems?) This article doesn't answer that question directly, but it does attempt to reproduce the efforts an alien would go through to recover those images. I tried to keep the conversation high-level enough to be broadly accessible, but still give enough detail that an interested masochist could reproduce (and, hopefully, improve upon) my results.

It was something of an accident that I recently met David Pescovitz. He had and his Ozma Records partner Tim Daly organized a panel at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, covering the design and production of the Voyager Golden Record, as well as the upcoming public release of a vinyl edition that they produced. During the talk, an image of the record's cover was displayed behind David and his guests, Timothy Ferris and Frank Drake, the producer and technical director, respectively, of the Voyager Record in 1977:





It's an iconic image, familiar to most space exploration enthusiasts, but I'd never taken the time to really study it. I have a background in computer graphics, so the zig-zag lines in the rectangle, just to the right of the hole, were recognizable to me. They suggested the scan lines of a television or computer screen. The repeated instances of |, |-, || also suggested to me that these were enumerations in binary (1, 10, 11.) The puzzle began to drag me in, and I continued to work through it, trying to track the talk while getting my puzzle geek on.





The next twenty minutes pretty much doomed the next two weeks of my spare time.





I can't say that I was 100% certain of how the encoding worked, but I was crystallizing a few guesses. First, the scan-line image starts with the 1, 10, 11 enumeration and continues to 100000000. When converted to decimal, this value is 512, so I knew I'd be seeing images with 512 columns.





The waveform at the top suggests that the audio would somehow be broken down into pixel values, though I had no guess as to how this would work until I started poking at the data. I guessed that the 101101001100000000000000 under the waveform was telling me how long it would take for the audio to play one "trace" (a single stripe of pixels), but I had no clue what the units on that number were. That number works out to 11,845,632 in decimal, so I knew that the time interval had to be very, very short. It seemed sensible that the key to the timing was on the record cover, but I was having a hard time working it out.





Unfortunately, I had gotten about this far when someone asked Dr. Frank Drake to explain what the hieroglyphics meant. What was obviously a record stylus had suggested nothing to me. How is an alien Kerbal supposed to know what a record stylus is? Dr. Drake resolved that one quickly enough: a stylus is provided with each spacecraft.





The starburst thing  bottom, left  was a total mystery to me. Dr. Drake covered that, as well. It's navigational information  distances and directions to local pulsars. It's a way for the Kerbals to figure out where our sun is. The two glyphs above the starburst suggested record play time and record rotation time, and that eliminated all but the barbells at the bottom right. I took a stab in the dark that it had something to do with helium oscillation and was dead wrong. Dr. Drake asserts that any chemist worth their precipitate would instantly recognize that the diagram represents the time it takes for a hydrogen atom's electron to change states. Let's just say that I barely passed freshman chemistry, so I'm not exactly Dr. Drake's target audience on that one.





The hydrogen/electron/transition thing was a spoiler, I have to admit. Though, if I were actually a Kerbal, I wouldn't know anything about a record to begin with, so just being human means I already had a quite few spoilers in hand. Maybe, if I were twenty years younger, I wouldn't have known what a record was and I wouldn't have had the hint that the marks on the upper-left diagrams were timing information? I think I got that from the waveform, but I can't say for sure how I pieced it all together.





I spoke with Dr. Drake and David Pescovitz after the talk, and asked if anyone had high-fidelity digital versions of the image data. David not only had gotten access to the master tapes for his anniversary vinyl edition, but happily provided me with a copy of the image data audio!!!



From that point on, I was determined to play the part of the Kerbal who recovers Voyager and its audio legacy from deep space, puzzling out how to extract the message it contains. I refused to do any research that would result in human-specific knowledge. Any science or math that would be universal (as in, known to any intelligent civilization in the universe) was fair game, but anything else was off-limits.





I brought up the data in Audacity, a free audio editing package, and worried that I'd made a mistake. The Golden Record cover glyph shows a sawtooth wave, followed by image traces. I found the sawtooth wave easily enough, but what followed didn't match the timing information on the cover. The recording is chock-full of waveforms that look something like this:





I've selected one full trace to demonstrate my issue. It's 0.017 seconds long (actually, 0.001667s.) Unfortunately, my math from the cover told me to expect traces to span 0.00834s. I had no idea how much of the record was dedicated to images, so I couldn't use the playtime (middle glyph, left column) to check, and wondered if there was something wrong with the data. I checked with David, who confirmed that there'd been concern that the master tapes had been recorded at an unusual tape speed, and that they thought they should have been 2x faster. This perfectly matched my math, and I was once again a happy Kerbal.





I don't consider this to have been cheating. The Kerbals will have the actual copper records in tentacle/hand/pseudopod/hoof. All I was doing was verifying that my data matched what our little green friends will be able to extract from those records.

Knowing that each image was 512 traces long, and each trace was roughly 8.3ms, I knew that each image would be about 4.2 seconds of data. It was easy enough to spot a regular pattern of 4.5-second uh thingies in between some noisy uh thingies. Yeah. I know almost nothing about Digital Signal Processing (DSP). I toyed with some fairly hackish solutions for finding where each image started, but in the end I went totally low-tech. In Audacity, I zoomed in on waveforms, manually found where sawtooths ended and traces began in each image, and hard-coded them into my project. It was slow going, but not as slow as me fixing this particularly gnarly gap in my education to cobble together some byzantine disaster of an analysis. I have a passing familiarity with Fourier's mathematics, but zero experience applying it. The Kerbals are stuck going low, low, low tech on this one. Welcome to the digital stone age.





I'd measured the length and width of the image glyph on the record cover and found it to be almost exactly four-thirds as wide as it is tall, so I chose to use an image size of 512 pixels wide (given from the cover) and 384 tall, computed by this 4-to-3 ratio. It seemed to make sense that, if the images were going to be square, they would have drawn them as squares. If they were to be rectangular, a ratio of small integers would be a good bet. (This guess was pretty close, but eventually had to be modified by a couple percent.)





My first approach was to just draw every vertical trace as though it started with the maximum sample, running to the next maximum. (In Figure 2, I selected the samples between one maximum and the next.) The distance between these peaks varied, so before turning each trace into pixels, I had to find the highest point that was 3000-3400 pixels ahead of "now", then condense those samples down to 384. So I'd need to generate a pixel intensity for every 7.8-8.6 samples.





For a first pass, I thought I'd set the pixel brightness to highest value in those samples. This worked well enough that, with some modification, it is the method I used for the final product. My first rendering of the first image on the left audio channel had some issues:





It didn't take long to figure out that I'd made a classic mathematical blunder (not quite as grotesque as getting involved in a land war in Asia, but close enough). I'd used the image width as a divisor instead of image height in computing my sample pitch rate  I was traversing the image far more slowly than 7.8 samples per pixel. That's why the circle was stretching off the bottom of the image. You can see an improved rendering in Figure 5.





Of note: this image is closer to 640 pixels wide. I wanted to render a bigger chunk of the audio to get a better visual clue of what was going on in that data than Audacity could give me. So there's some garbage to the left and right, but you can start to get an idea of where the intended image bounds are.





If you look at Figure 2 again, you can actually see the trace as it passes over the circle. The first "bump" in the trace is where that vertical column of pixels first encounters the circle, and draws brighter pixels. The second "bump" is where the trace draws the brighter pixels for the bottom of the circle. In Figure 3, above, you can see that what should be a circle is really two circles, each drawn on alternating vertical lines. In looking at my data, I found that the widths of traces were alternating between about 3100 and 3300 samples. The unmistakable interpretation is that I was not finding the correct start location for the vertical traces.





I was calling this annoyance "The Jitter Problem," due to the interlacing artifacts in all of the output images. I was unsure of what to do about it. Again, with no background in DSP, I had limited tools with which to attack the problem. That circle in the very first image came to my rescue, though.





The maxima I had used as trace boundaries clearly weren't. They are separated by ~3100 samples, then ~3300 samples, then 3100, then 3300, 3100, 3300. I killed this problem by looking for the bottom of the falling edge, 40-140 samples after that maximum. These troughs are separated by a far more consistent span of about 3200 samples.





It sounds ad-hoc, but there was a method to my madness. It stands to reason (look at the record cover's example of the circle image) that the circle is centered in the image. This means that every trace should have the same amount of space from its start to the first "bump" in the circle, and the last "bump" to the end of the trace. Given that the ad-hoc trace boundaries alternate between 3100 and 3300 samples, we can assume that a proper trace is about 3200 samples long, so all I had to do was measure the distance between the circle peaks of one trace (1364 samples) and subtract that from 3200 (to get 1836  the number of samples outside the circle.) Dividing this by two, there must be 918 samples on either side of the peaks, which confirmed my hunch:



The Jitter Problem still haunted me  though far more subtly  but at least my circle was now a single circle. I found that nearly every image had the same jitter characteristics. Every other trace would be off by a certain amount, starting with the 164th trace, off by another amount starting with the 2xxth trace yeah. I fixed the problem with a brainless heuristic instead of figuring out how traces are supposed to be detected.





Below the circle, you can see a "shadow". Above the circle, there's an "anti-shadow". You may notice that the number of bright pixels in a column affects how intense the shadow and anti-shadow pixels are in that column, as well as how far they extend after or before (respectively) the bright pixels. This is an issue that I haven't yet dealt with, though I have a number of ideas that I believe will clear up my images considerably.





Due to either an effect of the way the data were encoded, or the way they were sampled off the master tape, the image is darker at the top than at the bottom. If you look again at Figure 2, you can see that the trace trends upward over time. I would expect this image to be white-on-black or black-on-white, not gradient-on-gradient. I have seen this sort of thing before, when trying to use the audio auxiliary-in port of my computer as a poor-man's oscilloscope. I was driving that port from the LED on a remote control that I wished to reverse-engineer. I knew that the LED would produce a square wave, much like what I would expect the circle image to consist of, but instead I saw spikes, followed by exponential decay back to ground. At the time I was able to shrug it off because I was just after timing data, but here it's interfering with my image quality. It's on my list of things to try to devise a fix for.





I can't resist including this. It's the waveform for the circle, plus a couple seconds of lead-in. You can clearly SEE the circle in the rendering:





I wasn't making decoding decisions based strictly upon the features of that first image. The circle gave me a very clean visual, with which I could calibrate my process, but I was still checking my progress against the other images in the data. Figure 7a, below, had been bothering me for a while, but I'd been so focused on trace boundaries, jitter, aspect ratios, shadows/anti-shadows, that I'd not really paid it much attention. It finally occurred to me that, if this image were lit from the bottom left, the shadowed part of the moon should be the same darkness as space behind it. I eventually realized that my images were inverted  negatives of themselves.



Negating the image gave a much better  and more believable  result.







By now, I had a decent preview of all the images. They were very low-contrast, so I experimented with some expansion functions to enhance the detail in the middle range while throwing some out in the whites and blacks. As this wasn't a very Kerbish part of the project, I'm going to skip any further discussion on the topic.





This set of slides was the next hurdle.



I had a pretty good idea of what was going on here. One other spoiler was that I was aware that some of the Voyager images were in color, though I'd no idea what the process of conveying that information to the Kerbals would be. These slides were a dead giveaway to me because I'm color deficient and have taken a deep interest in the topic of human color perception for most of my life.





I knew what was being communicated, but I needed to figure out how the Kerbals would work that out before proceeding. I hated these slides. At the time I first saw them, I was still having major contrast issues, so there was ZERO detail in them. They were greyish rectangular blobs. Even boosting the contrast considerably, it's incredibly difficult to spot any information. There's an X in the middle of the second image, and all three appear to have two very faint, horizontal lines through them. I've no clue how these are telling Kerbals anything at all. I would guess that the X is where human luminous efficiency is at its peak, but I'm clueless.





One of many, many guesses finally paid off. Under certain conditions, every element has a specific set of frequencies of light that it absorbs, corresponding to the differences in energy levels between its electrons' orbits. When a hydrogen atom is hit by a photon, if that photon's energy exactly matches the energy required to bump the atom's electron up by an orbit or two, the photon is absorbed and the electron jumps. Passing white light through hydrogen, then splitting it with a prism will give a characteristic spectrum, minus some fine black lines at the absorption frequencies of hydrogen. Those lines are a fingerprint for the element and, while they're present in the slides, they are represented so faintly that they are nearly impossible to spot. It doesn't help that hydrogen absorption lines are rare in the visible range:





There's one in the red/green range, and most of the rest are so deep in the blues that they're very hard to spot on the left of the third slide. It made sense to use this method for conveying color information, especially since it allowed the communication of the intensity of our color sensitivity across the spectrum. For example, by varying the intensity of the spectrum slides to match the spectral intensities that the cones in our eyes pass, the slides could tell you that we are far more sensitive to green than red, but they don't appear to. I'm not sure why not. As I said, the mechanism made sense to me, but could have been made far more effective. I would have liked for them to draw in dark bars to highlight the locations of the absorption lines, instead of just using a photo of a projected spectrum.





Then again, maybe this is just another consequence of my substandard education in chemistry.





I believe that the slide preceding the spectral images is part of the color Rosetta Stone:



I must have seen this image go by a dozen times before I realized what it was. (Remember, my first few days of this work were producing very low-contrast images.) It's our sun. The bottom-right image should be recognizable to an astronomer as the surface of a star. Maybe some feature that is particular to a star of our type? Armed with this knowledge, that same astronomer might recognize the three spheres as renderings of a star of that type, in the reds, greens, and blues. I'm way out on a limb here. I've not tried to reconstruct the star image, so I've not tested this hypothesis in any way.





A friend has suggested that it's here to help identify our sun. The record cover is a map to a number of local pulsars, so perhaps this slide is here to disambiguate which sun is us. After all, in the timeframe that Voyager is expected to last, we'll orbit the galactic center a half-dozen times, and our proximity to those pulsars will change. The quality of the navigational data will lose accuracy over time. Giving more information about which sun is ours will help the Kerbals find us.





Anyway, armed with the key for converting triples of images, I turned this:





Into this:





And, while I'll be the first to admit that I still have a lot of work to do  some of my red/green/blue images aren't vertically aligned, producing color ghosting, there's jitter to fix, I need to implement my shadow/antishadow solution, etc.  I was satisfied enough with the result to produce the video.





If you're curious about how the Kerbals will make sense of the text on that last slide, previous slides give a crib for how our numbers work, and another shows how our chemical notation works:





Figure 13 a, b: Above, a key to our base-10 numbering system, numeric powers, and a guide to fractions. Below, the circles down the left side define our chemical notations.



I've placed all of the raw decodes (as .ppms and .pgms) and their .jpg equivalents in a shared drive folder Apologies, but the jpeg naming sucks. The only reason the jpegs exist is for distribution. The naming of the raws is sensible in my code. The .pgms are raw, uncompressed greymaps of each image, taken straight from the audio processing. For each .pgm, there's an equivalently-named .jpg that your browser will probably be happier with. The .ppms are raw, uncompressed color images, created by combining three images into one. For each .ppm (like LeftChannel_009.ppm) there's a jpeg with a .color.jpg extension (like LeftChannel_009.color.ppm). I should have renamed all of this before I uploaded it, but I'm working on other priorities. =]

Extracting all 156 greymaps and 20 pixelmaps takes about 10-15 seconds of CPU time and chews up a meager 42M of disk space. Outputting the video's real-time versions, where I write a pixelmap for each 1/30 of a second of audio, takes around 10 minutes, generates 28,000 files, and bites off 17G of hard drive space. Creating the waveform images for the video takes a couple minutes, kills another 28,000 files and 7.8G. The compositing process, where I generate all the final video frames, combining two images and two waveforms, takes 20 minutes, plops out 15,000 files at a whopping 39G. The image format I used for the last stage was all .ppm. It's incredibly easy to read and write (MEMORY MAP), is CPU-cheap, and lossless. The final video was rendered with ffmpeg and took about 20 minutes to complete:

ffmpeg -v info -y -f image2 -thread_queue_size 32 -r 30 \

-i ./final_video/video_frame_%05d.ppm -i \

384kHzStereo.mp3 -threads 8 -shortest -s:v 1280720 \

-r 30 -b:v 6M -preset veryslow voyager_6m.mkv



Yes, the audio's an .mp3. I had to downsample the blessed waveforms for the sake of uploading to YouTube.





To-do



 I found the images themselves to be their own fun little puzzles to play through, so I'll leave that investigation to you and Jebediah Kerman. There remain quite a few things on my TODO list, though;



 Fix the 1-2 remaining color images that have a channel that is off by one pixel. The Jane Goodall photo, for example.



 Solve the problem of the decay bias. Why do the images start bright at the top and tend darker? Is this something that was on the vinyl, or just an artifact of the way the master tape was digitized?



 Spend more time looking at how the traces are bounded. There must be something my heuristic missed, since I still have a couple images with major problems.



I had hoped that there was more fidelity in the data than I'm extracting. Unfortunately, some spoilers kick in at this point. Each trace goes by in 8.3ms and represents 364 pixels. This means that each pixel is represented by 0.0023ms of data. In other words, pixels are flying by at a rate greater than 43,000/s. 43kHz is well above the limits of human hearing, so it is unlikely that 1970s recording equipment would have been capable of carrying that frequency. In other words, while I'm displaying 364 pixels per trace, my data doesn't actually contain that much data. The images are being vertically magnified in the decoding process.



 There's an awful lot of unused data in the audio. Images start 5.75 seconds apart, but more than a second of that is data that I haven't identified. It looks very regular, like it's only there to help you automatically find the boundaries of images, but that feels like a lot of waste. They could have reduced that waste down to 50 milliseconds and made enough room for another couple dozen images, so I'm still suspicious that there's something there that I'm missing.





Special thanks



 David Pescovitz  For the source material and extended patience with my "WOW!" moments during this process.



 Brian Scearce  For a badly needed proof-read.



 The Blue Tang Grammar Hotline  I'm not sure I can afford the bill.



 Anyone who has had to listen to me yammer about this thing since I started Hey, at least you got a break from the hang gliding geekery for a few days!



The Voyager Golden Record is now available as a vinyl box set or book/CD from Ozma Records.



Here is the image data audio from the original master tapes:






A Sheriff's deputy who shot an Ohio photojournalist says he mistook his camera and tripod for a gun. Jake Shaw fired without warning, reports the New Carlisle News, seriously injuring Andy Grimm, who underwent surgery and is expected to recover.

There was a traffic stop on Main Street near Studebaker's Restaurant involved, but Andy was not the subject of the stop.  "I was going out to take pictures and I saw the traffic stop and I thought, 'hey, cool. I'll get some pictures here.'" He said he pulled into Studebaker's parking lot in full view of the deputy, got out of his Jeep in full view of the deputy and started setting up his tripod and camera. "I turned around toward the cars and then 'pop, pop,'" Andy said the deputy gave him no warning. "I was just doing my job," he said.

The Washington Post reports that Clark County Sheriff Deborah Burchett has nothing to say, at least not to outside press (she reportedly spoke with the Grimms, who run the local paper).

Her office is referring all questions to the state attorney general's Bureau of Criminal Division, which is investigating the shooting. A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office was not immediately available for comment Tuesday morning. It also remains unclear if Shaw has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, or if he will face disciplinary actions.

It sounds like a small close-knit community and they're all going to smooth it out. They may not have a "mean mouth" for their deputy, but at least the rest of the world knows that New Carlisle has a crazy guy with a badge who doesn't know a Canon from a Colt and pops off at the first lick of fear.

UPDATE: It turns out the newspaper proprietors, all but apologizing to the cops for getting in the way of their bullets, are the same Grimms who refused to publish articles about LGBT people.
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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Simon Reid gives away 10 per cent of every dollar he makes as a photographer and uses it for humanitarian aid in Haiti  donating close to $15,000 in the last three years.

The Charlottetown photographer shoots mainly weddings and family portraits, and found that business dries up in the winter, leaving him little to do.

"A really cool branch of my business is I have a whole side of humanitarian work, in which I serve internationally as well as locally," the soft-spoken 22-year-old said.

Reid explains how his philanthropic path began: he first visited Haiti in May 2015, helping provide manual labour to build homes with Lifeline Christian Mission.

"I fell in love with the people there and got a sponsored child through the organization we were with, a little boy named Clifton," Reid recalled.

Reid visited the boy's home and was dismayed to find 12 family members living in a tiny 10-by-10-foot shack.

"So I quickly decided that I was going to give back and build him a home," he said.

Reid raised enough money to do that by taking 10 per cent of his profits as well as some help from generous supporters, and went back to build the child's home the following winter.

With that task complete, Reid has continued to put aside money and plans to spend it on building another Haitian family a new home. He and his wife have also sponsored another child, a little girl, to help pay for education and food.

A couple who had an eco-wedding on P.E.I. this summer said they chose Reid for this very reason  they loved knowing that they'd be helping Reid in his philanthropy, just by hiring him.

"Brides and grooms love the fact that I give back," he said. Some couples have even told him it's their deciding factor.

"I've even had a few people who've given on top," Reid noted.

'Happy to take a little cut'

Reid acknowledges he could raise his prices by 10 per cent to "cover" the cost of his philanthropy, but said that doesn't seem right.

Story continues

"I've thought of that," he said with a smile. "But I feel like I'm kind of cheating the system doing it that way. I'm happy to take a little cut on myself when we have such excess and so much here in North America, and just think about them every time I do it."

Reid admits there are times when he wishes he had the extra money to reinvest in his business, for new equipment or advertising.

"I keep coming back and remembering the amazing people there and how thankful they've been when we've been down  and those thoughts just disappear. It's so worth it when I think about it.

"I'm happy with the generosity and it's definitely worth it when I can see the impact," he added.

Since witnessing the dire need of others, Reid said he and his wife now tend to live more simply themselves.

"It almost becomes our responsibility to help them out, as we have so much ... and just help out their quality of life," Reid said.

'Simon is incredible'

Reid plans to travel this fall and winter to Central America and an Indigenous community in Arizona, where he will provide free photography services in exchange for his expenses to the organizations where he's volunteering.

"I really enjoy it," he said, adding he's thrilled to create affordable, quality photography for non-profits to enhance their websites.

"Simon is incredible," said Taylor Keupfer from Lifeline's office in Ohio, praising his generosity and talent. "Simon just goes above and beyond all the time."

The group didn't know Reid was a photographer until he posted photos from his first Haiti trip on social media  then they knew they could use his talents in better ways than pounding nails, Keupfer said.

'Feeling of hope'

Lifeline is a Christian mission organization with missions that provide schools, health clinics and churches in nine countries using an annual budget of up to $8 million.

"I think he wants to use his gifts to show the world there's beauty in places there is poverty," Keupfer said. "The circumstances are bleak, but his pictures have a feeling of hope to them."

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International High School Students Represent Post-Secondary Opportunity

The growth in the number of international students coming to study in the United States hasn't just slowed in higher education. The current administration's efforts to more tightly control visa issuance has also slowed growth in the count of students from outside the country attending high school. Between 2004 and 2016, the number more than tripled to almost 82,000. However, according to a new report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), "the rate of growth has gotten smaller more recently."

IIE's "Globally Mobile Youth: Trends in International Secondary Students in the United States, 2013-2016," reported that "diploma-seeking" international students dominate visa acquisition at the secondary level. In 2016 72 percent of those students had F-1 visas, signifying that they intended to earn a U.S. high school diploma, while the remainder had J-1 visas, designating their status as exchange students in shorter-term programs.

According to the report, most of the international students attending high school in this country ultimately expect to enroll in higher education here as well and view their U.S. studies as a leg up on gaining acceptance to the colleges and universities they want to attend. The thinking among families of international students is that the experiences they have of learning in U.S. classrooms, the immersion they receive in English-language instruction and the adjustment they get to American life prior to college "can ease the transition of international students moving from U.S. high schools to higher education."

The largest group of students holding F-1 visas  78 percent  come from one area of the globe: East Asia. In particular, students from China dominate, making up 58 percent of all international high school students, followed by a smaller number coming from South Korea (7 percent).

The clear majority (94 percent) attend private schools, predominantly religious schools. In the case of public schools, some establish international exchange programs "to provide cross-cultural learning for their U.S. students." Others  especially small or rural ones  build international programs "as a way to boost enrollment."

The report noted that the number of U.S. schools enrolling international students grew 26 percent, to 2,800 in 2016 from 2,300 in 2013. According to researcher Christine Farrugia, the increase in schools accepting international students outpaced the 12 percent growth in student numbers, "suggesting that there may be greater competition for students among high schools hosting international students."

Some high schools, Farrugia wrote, are working in collaboration with local colleges and universities "to create formalized pathways or dual enrollment programs for international students," to help them transition to college. Other institutions of higher education have set up "international high schools" on their campuses to help with recruitment of international students.

The top states for hosting international students are California (with a total of 12,201 students in fall 2016), New York (with 6,145) and Texas (with 4,717). These are the same three states that lead in college-level international student enrollment.

Even as the visa landscape is "shifting" for international students in the United States, their presence here still offers potential for Kpost-secondary, Farrugia asserted. At the K-12 level, she noted, these individuals "enrich the classroom experience for their U.S. peers and the wider community as well, since many live with host families." At the college level, they represent a domestic recruitment opportunity for undergraduate admissions.

Likewise, added Rajika Bhandari, head of Research, Policy and Practice at IIE, in a prepared statement, "Learning to work with international colleagues will be valuable experience for both the international students and the American students in in their future careers, and will help develop talent that is needed by employers in the United States and in the students' home countries."

The report was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The full report is available on the IIE website here.
Funding, Grants & Awards

Online Mathematics Homework Program to Begin Research Studies

Image: ASSISTments.

A free, online math learning platform developed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received two separate grants totalling $7 million from the Institute for Educational Services (IES), part of the United States Department of Education (ED). The funding will be used to further test ASSISTments, which has shown can lead to significant gains on standardized math tests.

The tool was designed to provide homework help, offering immediate feedback on problem sets to encourage students not to repeat mistakes. It is also made to give teachers more insight into problem areas, sending them a report that shows what areas require extra practice.

Previously, a two-year study of ASSISTments conducted by SRI Education with a $3.5 million IES grant sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool for math homework. With assistance from the University of Maine, the study involved 2,850 students in grade 7 at 44 Maine public schools. Students using ASSISTments on iPads and laptops scored approximately 75 percent higher than students in the schools not using the program.

Now, a four-year grant for $3.3 million will go to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, SRI International and North Carolina State University to analyze math test scores with the tool among a more diverse population of students, according to a news release. The demographic sampling will include 200 teachers and 10,400 students in grade 7 throughout 66 North Carolina public middle or junior high schools.

Another five-year grant for $3.8 million will be allocated to the American Institute for Research to assess 15,000 students in grade 7 across seven sites that differ culturally, economically and geographically, the statement said.
Indra Jatra 2017 (in pictures)

The traditional festival of Indra Jatra was being observed by worshipping Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest on Tuesday.
TUESDAY, Sept. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Chatting away on a cellphone while pregnant doesn't appear to have a negative effect on the brain development of the growing fetus, a new study reports.

"The concern for harm to the fetus caused by radio frequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by mobile phones, is mainly driven by reports from experimental animal studies with inconsistent results," said study lead author Eleni Papadopoulou, with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

"Even though this is an observational study, our findings do not support the hypothesis of adverse effects on child's language, communication and motor skills due to the use of mobile phone during pregnancy," she said.

The researchers examined a large pool of data from a population-based pregnancy study in Norway. The data included information from more than 45,000 women and their babies during pregnancy and years after delivery.

The women in the study completed surveys about their cellphone use. Their children also underwent brain development evaluations at ages 3 and 5 years old.

The study found that exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields related to cellphones before birth wasn't associated with brain development issues.

"Our large study provides evidence that pregnant women's use of cellphones is not associated with risk of harming neurodevelopment of the fetus," said senior author Dr. Jan Alexander, with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

When compared to children whose mothers didn't use a cellphone, the children whose moms did use one had a 27 percent reduced risk of lower sentence complexity and a 14 percent lower risk of incomplete grammar, the researchers said.

These children also had a 31 percent reduced risk of having moderate language delay and an 18 percent lower risk of low motor skills at the age of 3 years old.

But the study didn't prove a cause-and-effect relationship between these factors; it only showed an association.

The study was published Sept. 4 in BMC Public Health.

"The beneficial effects we report should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations common in observational studies, but our findings should at least alleviate any concern mothers have about using their mobile phone while pregnant," Alexander said in a journal news release.

The study team adjusted the data for factors that might influence the findings, such as income, education, maternal personality and other psychological factors.

"We think this protective effect is more likely to be explained by factors not measured in this study having an impact on the mobile phone use and child's neurodevelopment, rather than the maternal mobile phone use in itself," Alexander said.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides more information on health concerns associated with cellphones.
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Bogota, September 5, 2017Bolivian authorities must drop charges against a radio journalist arrested while covering a violent demonstration last week in the capital city of La Paz, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Police detained Agustin Aldo Mamani, a reporter for the Radio del Valle station in the town of Mecapaca, for four days, and are now holding him under house arrest on charges of destruction of property, according to news reports.

Mamani was covering a demonstration on August 29 of Mecapaca residents who marched 15 miles to La Paz to demand that authorities pave the dirt road that connects their town to the capital, Franz Chavez, director of Bolivias National Press Association in La Paz, told CPJ.

Filming a protest is not a crime, said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney in New York City. Bolivian authorities should immediately release Agustin Aldo Mamani from house arrest, and drop all charges against him.

Protesters threw stones at a bus in La Paz, prompting riot police to arrest 40 demonstrators and Mamani, who was filming the protest, according to news reports. The police confiscated Mamanis video camera even though the journalist was positioned more than 500 meters (547 yards) from the damaged vehicle, Chavez told CPJ.

I told them I was a journalist, and they asked for my credentials. I didnt have them with me, and they [the police] would not allow me to call my radio station, Mamani told the La Paz daily newspaper Pagina Siete. They handcuffed me, and treated me like a delinquent.

Mamani was detained in a holding cell at the Justice Ministry for 93 hours, and released after a National Press Association lawyer presented the journalists press credential to authorities, Chavez said. He added that Mamani remains under house arrest, and is being investigated for destruction of public property.

An official at the Bolivian Attorney Generals office in La Paz declined to comment on the case, saying it is still under investigation.

In July 2015, radio journalist Juan Carlos Paco Veramendi was arrested while covering miners protesting in La Paz. He was held for five days before being released with no charges filed.

EDITORS NOTE: This copy has been corrected to reflect that Franz Chavez said protesters damaged a vehicle by throwing stones at it.
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Beirut, September 5, 2017Israel should allow the al-Hurriya media network and its affiliates to resume work without fear of harassment, and the Palestinian Authority should release Ayman al-Qawasme, the chairman of the same media network, from its custody, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Israeli soldiers on August 31 raided the Hebron office of the Fatah-affiliated al-Hurriya Media Network, seized equipment of affiliate radio and television outlets, destroyed the office, and briefly detained two network employees, according to a video the Israel Defense Forces filmed and which has since been posted to Al Hurriyas Facebook page.

Additionally, the troops shuttered the Manbar al-Hurriya radio station for six months on the grounds that the broadcaster incited terrorist attacks, according to news reports.

Three days later, the Palestinian Preventive Security forces summoned al-Qawasme, al-Hurriyas chairman, to its headquarters in Hebron, and promptly arrested him on the orders of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, according to a report from al-Hurriya. Al-Qawasme remains in custody at security force headquarters in Hebron, and has not yet been charged.

Al-Qawasmes arrest came after he called on Abbas and prime minister Rami Hamdallah to resign if they are unable to protect Palestinians and their institutions from Israel, The Jerusalem Post reported.

It seems the only thing Israel and the Palestinian Authority have in common right now is their desire to silence their critics in the media, said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour from Washington D.C. Israel must allow the al-Hurriya media network to operate freely, and the Palestine Authority must release the networks chairman immediately.

Rana Mohammad, a radio presenter for Manbar al-Hurriya, told CPJ that Manbar al-Hurriya has never broadcast any material that could have provoked violence or incited terrorism.

The spokesperson for the Israel Defense Force did not immediately respond to CPJs request for comment.

In recent months, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have stepped up their crackdown on media outlets and journalists. According to CPJ research, Israel began to draft legislation aimed at closing Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeeras office in Jerusalem. Palestines security service on August 10 arrested five journalists working for Hamas-affiliated media outlets in several cities across the West Bank.
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Bangkok, September 5, 2017The Cambodia Daily stopped publication yesterday under official threat of forced closure over allegations of tax evasion, according to a statement released by the paper. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the silencing of the newspaper and called for an end to Cambodias harassment of all independent media.

The Cambodia Daily published its last edition under the headline Descent into Outright Dictatorship, which accompanied a report on the September 3 arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha on treason accusations, according to reports. The papers public statement on its decision to close said that the government had destroyeda special and singular part of Cambodias free press.

The newspapers closure is over a claim by Cambodias Finance Ministrys tax department that The Cambodia Daily owed US$6.3 million in unpaid taxes dating back to 2007, according to media reports. In an August 5 letter, the tax department said that the publications owners had 30 days to pay or face closure and seizure of its assets, reports said. The Ministry of Information refused to renew the newspapers license until the tax issue was resolved, according to reports.

The paper denies that it owes the amount claimed by tax authorities, including accusations made in an August 29 letter from the director general of the tax department that the papers owners had collected, but not paid to the government, value-added taxes. Yesterday, the tax department ordered immigration officials to block deputy publisher Deborah Krisher-Steele and the papers manager Douglas Steele from leaving the country, a move the latter likened to country arrest in speaking with CPJ.

The Cambodia Dailys closure under official pressure shows authorities increased hostility to press freedom in Cambodia, said Shawn Crispin, CPJs senior Southeast Asia representative. We urge Prime Minister Hun Sen to stop his governments unwarranted harassment of independent media and recommit his country to upholding democratic values, including a free media.

Authorities have not yet carried out the raid of The Cambodia Dailys Phnom Penh-based office that they warned of in the letter, according to Steele. He said all of the papers 34 editorial staff have stopped reporting to its office.

The Cambodia Daily was founded in 1993 by American publisher Bernard Krisher, according to news reports. The paper was incorporated as a non-profit organization that the paper says has made over US$39 million in charitable donations over the years that should be counted as deductions in any back taxes it may owe.

The newspapers closure is part of a mounting clampdown on foreign media, CPJ has found. The Information Ministry has closed all local radio stations that broadcast the U.S. Congress-funded radio broadcasters Radio Free Asia and Voice of America outside of the capital, Phnom Penh, according to reports.

At least 19 radio stations have been shuttered in recent days on charges that they violated their state contracts by overselling RFA and VOA programming, reports said. Both U.S. broadcasters have faced government inquiries into their tax situation and registration status in recent weeks, reports said.
Surya Kiran: Indo-Nepal joint Military exercise

Published: September 5, 2017

The 12th edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise- Surya Kiran XII was held at Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in Saljhandi, Nepal.

The 14 day exercise (from 3 to 16 September 2017) focused on skills required counter-terrorism and counter-terror, forest fighting and natural disaster management operations.

Key Facts

In this edition of exercise, Indian Army was represented by troops of Kumaon Scouts and Narayan Dal Battalion participated on behalf of Nepal Army. Both troops focused on the various counter insurgency operations. They also focused on important aspects such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations and environmental conservation. The exercise mutually benefited both armies by gaining varied experiences and also strengthened friendly relation between India and Nepal.

Background

The Surya Kiran series of bilateral military exercises are conducted bi-annually, alternatively in India and Nepal. It is largest exercise in terms of troops participation in series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries. It aims at promoting military relations and increasing interoperability armies of neighbouring countries. The 11 edition of the exercise was held in Pithoragarh area of Uttarakhand in March 2017.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2017

Category: Defence Current Affairs

Topics: Counter-terrorism  India-Nepal  Indian Military Exercises  Military Exercises  surya kiran

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Imprisonment for peaceful political activity, religious belief, or for defending a fellow citizens rights is a horror and a travesty.

In Iran, the horror is accentuated by the brutal treatment, appalling living conditions and lack of medical care too often visited upon political prisoners.

Human rights monitors have recently voiced concern over the well-being of more than a dozen such prisoners who have gone on hunger strikes to protest horrendous conditions in the notorious Rajai Shahr prison. In July, over 50 political prisoners were reportedly transferred without notice to a new area, with windows covered by metal sheets, little access to clean drinking water, food, beds, or medicine. The prisoners included human rights activists, trade unionists, journalists, students, peaceful dissidents, and members of Irans persecuted Bahai community, according to Amnesty International.

The fact that detention conditions have become so poor that desperate prisoners feel they are forced to go on hunger strike to demand the most basic standards of human dignity is disgraceful, said Magdalena Mughrabi, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director for Amnesty International.

In a late August interview with the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the mother of one of the prisoners, Jafar Eghdami, said her son had been on hunger strike for almost 30 days and could barely stand or walk.

Asma Jahangir, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, says she is deeply alarmed by reports of the deteriorating medical conditions of the prisoners on hunger strike in Rajai Shahr and of their continuing torture and ill-treatment. She called on Iranian authorities to find a prompt solution to the extreme situation, one ensuring full respect for [the prisoners] dignity.

In its annual human rights report on Iran, the United States also noted the harsh and life-threatening conditions in Irans prisons, including commonly reported methods of torture and abuse, such as severe and repeated beatings, overcrowding, sexual humiliation and denial of medical care.

Earlier this year Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed the hope that during Iranian President Hassan Rohanis second term, Iran would restore to the Iranian people their fundamental rights.

Such a life necessitates the release of all political prisoners unjustly held in Iran, as well as the reformation of Irans prison practices to conform to Irans own laws and the international standards agreed to by the government.
They are my Swiss Guard, jokes Eduardo Gil Lang, the 21st lord of the castle of Los Velasco, as he opens the gates. His guards are two white Swiss shepherd dogs, animals of an almost mythological beauty that seem taken straight out of a medieval tapestry. The Bilbao native, who inherited the family fortress from his mother in the 1990s, clearly pays attention to detail. The castle is an imposing 14th-century structure located in the Valley of Mena, in the northern region of Castilla y Leon. He has dedicated his life and efforts to preserving these walls in pristine shape.

Luis Sanchez, beside the Castle of the Congosto Bridge in Salamanca. alvaro garcia

Now, because of health problems, hes looking to sell it. Eduardo Gil Lang needs sun and tranquility. He hung up the for-sale sign back in 2013 and although he has received many offers  almost all from foreigners none have crystallized. There's a lot of buyers looking around, but there's also a lot of fake interest. There have been hotel chains and even some European nobles distantly related to the family who showed an interest. Whoever buys it has to be a bit whimsical and want to maintain it in good shape.

Selling a castle is difficult because who has a million euros, or two or six to buy a property? Elvira Fafian, real estate expert

What the eventual buyer will find is a perfect mix of the 14th and 21st centuries; a fort on the outside and a technological mansion on the inside. The price tag is 2.75 million. According to Gil Lang, the amount is already adjusted to the crisis.

Selling a castle is quite difficult because who has a million euros, or two or six, to buy a property? It takes a lot of time, explains Elvira Fafian, an expert in this market. She is the manager of a real estate company specializing in the sale of castles, stately homes,and abandoned villages. We are going through a very good moment. Previously, for foreigners, it was unthinkable that they could buy this kind of property in Spain. It shocks them and that opens many doors for us, she says. The foreign investor doesnt just buy a building. He or she also buys history. Thats why properties are listed with their coat of arms. They love the family shields, it is an emblematic thing for them, explains Fafian.

But sometimes a buyer does not show up. Luis Sanchez did not find one, more than 30 years ago, when his family wanted him to sell the Castle of the Congosto Bridge in Salamanca, in northwestern Spain. Some people came to see it, but there were no brave men that dared, said Sanchez. What he did instead was to buy it himself, taking on a job that has lasted almost four decades. Who was going to tell me that my love of history was going to end like this? Living it in the first person.

Luis Sanchez has converted the Castle of Congosto Bridge into a fortress to protect the traditional culture of the region, with a small museum of lost trades.

The problem is that in Spain, owners get little aid in maintaining these historic buildings Pablo Schnell, archaeologist

By holding weddings here we make some money, not much, but its gradually covering the expenses, says Sanchez. We do not want to sell to a hotel chain, because it would be awful to have to ask for permission to sleep here. But this is a very big expense and nobody pays us anything.

According to Pablo Schnell, an archaeologist and director of the Spanish Association of Friends of the Castles, the problem is that in Spain there are no patronage laws like in other countries, and the owner has little aid in maintaining these historic buildings.

The association has 10,400 buildings. But they are aware that there are more that have not been catalogued yet. They are ghostly shadows of what they once were. Eduardo Gil Lang has no doubt who the ghost of his own fortress is. It's me. On top of that, I am from Bilbao! And with one more laugh, the 21st lord of Velasco Castle pets his dogs affectionately and carefully shuts the gates through which, hopefully, a good buyer will one day walk.

English version by Debora Almeida.
Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow have sent two separate ravens to Daenerys Targaryen, the Queen of Dragonstone, with the message that they refuse to hold any more meetings either inside or on the steps of the fort, at the risk of being struck down by the gods, including the Lord of Light.

The fact of the matter is, they are tired of the incessant ringing of the bell which denies them sleep and the peace and quiet required to scheme and plot.

Well, maybe not exactly. But it is certainly true that Game of Thrones has made the steep and twisting stairway up to the Basque islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxes chapel in Bermeo, Bizkaia, a global landmark.

There are those proposing a fee to access the famous stairway

And consequently, it has also become a magnet for tourists who cant resist the pull of the bell that hangs above it. Traditionally, visitors have rung the bell three times and made a wish  a reward for having climbed the 241 steps. Now, multiply these three rings by several hundred a day, as tourists stand in line for the pleasure, and the result is enough to test the most patient of the gods.

In July alone, 75,000 tourists went to see Daenerys fictitious fort  which is to say, 2,419 people a day. There is no data on the number of visits in 2016, but there were 28,136 requests for information about the site at tourist information offices between June and August, 21.58% more than the year before. Now, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe it is not just a tourist attraction but also a shrine for Game of Thrones pilgrims.

But there are still times when you can visit the landmark location without having to get in line to ring the bell. Its a question of organization, says a spokesman for the Bermeo Tourism Office. We all want to go up at midday and get down in time for lunch, or else go up at 5pm and come down at 7pm, and thats just madness.

Dragonstone in the 'Game of Thrones' series.

Meanwhile, the provincial Environment Department has been working on a scheme to balance tourism and conservation. On the table so far are suggestions ranging from capping the number of tourists, private cars and public transportation that may enter this protected biotope, to improving the access points and signposts. There are even those proposing a fee to access the stairway.

Whatever decisions are taken, they are not likely to have much influence on tourist numbers  so far nobody has been put off by the narrowness of the staircase and the steepness of the climb, or by the poor signposting, or by the small parking area. The fact that they filmed Game of Thrones here has been a blessing, says the owner of the small souvenir shop inside the chapel atop the islet. The seventh season has, I believe, doubled the number of tourists.

Her advice to visitors is crystal clear: make the pilgrimage sooner rather than later, as winter is coming.

English version by Heather Galloway.
KMC to screen health of incoming livestock

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is planning to set up livestock examination centres at major entry points of Kathmandu Valley ahead of the Dashain festival, when there is a surge in sale and consumption of meat, particularly of goats, chyangra (mountain goats) and sheep.
The scenes are shot from the bulls perspective. The camera focuses on the animal, and it is very explicit: there are close-ups of blood, spasms, vomit, drool, urine and feces brought on by the pain and the fear. But the thing that strikes viewers the most is the helpless look in the bovines eyes.

The editing and the musical score (selected for maximum effect) put the finishing touches to a disturbing portrayal of this most Spanish tradition.

It was evident to me that there was a story there waiting to be told

Jaime Alekos, video journalist

Spanish animal-rights party PACMA has presented its latest documentary, Tauromaquia, which begins with a quote by Juan Belmonte, considered the father of modern bullfighting: When, during its walks in the field, the bull runs into a presumed enemy, it merely turns around and retreats to its querencia [a spot where it feels safe].

During the next 30 minutes, the film shows scenes that were all recorded at bullfights, using literary quotes to depict the death of the bull as never seen before, according to PACMA.

There are no testimonies, no opinions by either animal welfare activists or bullfighting experts. There are no hidden cameras. Nothing that one cannot see on any given day at an ordinary bullring.

Aesthetically, the film follows the structure of a real bullfight, with its various stages  tercio de varas, tercio de banderillas... Yet the end result bears little resemblance to most televised coverage of a corrida.

A scene from the documentary.

The images are not those you would normally see at a televised event, yet they happen, it all depends on where you point the camera, explains the film director, video journalist Jaime Alekos, whose goal was to portray the bull as a sentient being.

Alekos, 32, had already made a video for PACMA last year showing a becerrada  in which an animal too young for the regular ring is used  in Valmojado (Toledo). In it, local residents are seen fighting a calf so young that it cannot coordinate its legs properly yet, and which falls to its knees when it tries to run. That documentary triggered a wave of indignation against animal abuse, including an editorial in EL PAIS.

In this latest video, the bull does not come across as a life-threatening, half-ton beast, but as a creature who does not understand what is happening, who feels trapped from the moment he enters the arena, and who only wants to get away from the pain and the fear.

The images are not those you normally see at a bullfight on television

Jaime Alekos, video journalist

Alekos first went to a bullfight in 2014  he had been to one as a child, but cannot remember a thing  to record a planned action by activists who were going to jump into the arena. In the end they did not jump, but Alekos kept recording anyway out of curiosity, since I was already there.

When I saw the images at home, I realized that I had instinctively focused on the bull, all my frames showed the animal... And there were many things there that I had never seen before. All my visual references of a corrida were artistic, anthropological, folkloric, says the filmmaker. It was evident to me that there was a story there waiting to be told.

He spent the next three years attending fights and reading material where he sourced his quotes by famous toreros. The video will be available on Wednesday on the website Mision Abolicion. Alekos said he is curious to know what fans of bullfighting will have to say about it.

The thing is, what takes place inside a ring can be viewed from two perspectives, says Alberto de Jesus, director of Bousalcarrer.com and a former banderillero (the person who assists the main torero by plunging the banderillas into the bulls back). Once I took a friend to see Jose Tomas fight: I walked out in ecstasy, he walked out in horror. We saw different things: I saw the art, and he saw the blood.

The documentary has very aesthetic parts... but something else is taking place at the same time

According to this expert, fans are the last people who want to see the bull suffer, and this only happens when the animal is tame. A toro bravo does not suffer, he wants to fight.

The documentary seems fine to me, I mean fine for a PACMA documentary, says the EL PAIS bullfighting critic, Antonio Lorca. It shows one aspect of the truth about the fiesta  although it has been twisted, in my opinion. It is the bloodiest, most disagreeable, less interesting part for everyone, fans and non-fans alike.

The fiesta is not based on mistreatment or torture, and fans do not enjoy watching animals suffer, adds Lorca. Violence and blood are part of the fiesta, but it goes beyond that. Just like chickens live to lay eggs and make a good broth, the fighting bull exists to be fought at the ring. As a fan I dont consider myself a torturer; rather, I feel like a player in a society where bullfighting is a way of perceiving beauty.

Tauromaquia is not an attack against the bullfighting world, explains Alekos. I never once deny that it can be an art form. In fact, the documentary has very aesthetic parts... but something else is taking place at the same time: the undeniable physical and emotional suffering of the bull.

And therein lies the key to the film. The debate is not whether bullfighting is an art form or not, says Alekos. The debate is whether it makes sense, in the 21st century, for it to be legal to have shows where the suffering and death of an animal is a necessary requirement.

English version by Susana Urra.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

Trend:

Rapid development, independent internal and foreign policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is a constitutional, democratic state, seriously concerns some interested circles, particularly Armenia and the Armenian lobby, said Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani presidents aide for public and political affairs.

Hasanov was commenting on a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which was spread in the foreign media.

Reports featuring prejudiced allegations and subjective views of non-transparent organizations such as OCCRP, which are established to serve the known purposes, are prepared on anti-Azerbaijani centers and networks orders, and then spread in the world media, said Hasanov.

The primary goal of this campaign is to damage Azerbaijans healthy image and create a negative impression of the country internationally. The campaign also targets famous persons  public and political figures, officials, experts  who have a friendly attitude towards Azerbaijan and make positive comments on the countrys development, public and political life, economic achievements, and casts doubts on these persons activities.

Hasanov said investigations have revealed that one of the main authors of the report made by OCCRP is an Armenian.

At the same time, one of the co-authors of the article published by The Guardian is Dina Nagapetyants, an Armenian by origin. The Armenian lobby and representatives of the anti-Azerbaijani networks and media, which are influenced by the Armenian lobby, are contributing to a wide spread of this material in the world media.

I would also like to emphasize that there have previously been similar prejudiced allegations against Azerbaijan, its president and his family members and efforts to organize a dirty campaign against our country, but those who ordered and executed these campaigns have failed to achieve their goals, added Hasanov.

We once again state that the accusations made by OCCRP are prejudiced, groundless and provocative in nature and constitute a part of a dirty slander campaign organized against Azerbaijan by the known circles.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

Trend:

Executive director of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahmar Movsumov participates at the annual meeting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF), held on September 5-7, 2017, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, IFSWF seeks to advance on its commitments made in New Zealand in 2016 by discussing the knowledge sharing among IFSWF members, as well as making progress on its internal governance issues. Various presentations and panel sessions on investment and risk management related topics are also planned.

The International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) was established by the International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IWG), meeting in Kuwait City on April 5-6, 2009 and had its first inaugural meeting in Baku on October 8-9, 2009. IFSWF is a voluntary group of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), which meets, exchanges views on issues of common interest and facilitates an understanding of the Santiago Principles and of SWF activities.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Alan Hope - Trend:

Russian capital will be hosting a new round of Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations. But this time the participants are not the presidents and foreign ministers, nor even the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

This time the problem will be addressed by the spiritual leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The Grand Mufti of the Caucasus Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh and the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II are expected to attend the meeting mediated by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on Sept. 8 in Moscow.

The thesis of the non-governmental diplomacy devoted to the problems of conflict resolution has become very popular in the past decade. Western experts view the initiatives arising from the non-governmental sector, such as human rights and civic activists, as well as the spiritual leaders, as an effective resource for the reconciliation process. Nonetheless, justification of the expectations in the context of the Azerbaijani-Armenian religious diplomacy is yet to be seen.

Recently, there has been certain intensification in the process of diplomatic settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Outgoing OSCE Minsk Group co-chair Richard Hoaglands latest speech, outlining his vision for the resolution of the ongoing conflict, had stirred things up. Prospects of a meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign ministers, at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, are being discussed. On the background of the occurring events, the expected meeting of Sheikh-ul-Islam and Catholicos may be viewed as a part of the diplomatic processs revitalization.

It should be noted that, historically, religious diplomacy had played a significant role in the conflict settlements in Caucasus.

Not too long ago, in the absence of the official diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia, the dialogue between the two Orthodox churches was, to some extent, used as a compensatory mechanism. Georgian Orthodox Churchs Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II frequently visited Moscow, maintaining friendly relations not only with the Moscow Patriarchate, but also with the Russian state officials. Taking into the account his high social status, these contacts were and still are considered of extreme importance.

Unlike the Russian state, the Moscow Patriarchy still does not officially recognize the religious structures of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, viewing them as canonical territories of the Georgian Church. In turn, the Georgian Orthodox Church does not support the Kyiv Patriarchate of Ukraine, considered schismatic by Moscow. Yet again, both Churches show a common stance when it comes to the relations with the Eastern Orthodox Churchs Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.

On this note, the diplomatic activities of Sheikh-ul-Islam and Karekin II are equally important. Azerbaijani spiritual leader Allahshukur Pashazade has made a significant contribution to the amplification of his countrys ties with the Organization of the Islamic Conference. He is an active participant of the campaign aimed against the "unconventional Islam," focusing on the Muslims with the aspirations of participation in the jihadist movements.

On the other side, Karekin II, enjoying states favor, plays the role of an additional diplomatic channel for the interaction with the Armenian diaspora and Vatican. He also was instrumental in the creation of Armenia-Israel relations. Karekin IIs meeting with the chief Ashkenazi rabbi of Israel, Jonah Metzger, in 2003 became a prologue to the visit of Israeli delegation to Yerevan in 2005.

The Soviet experience, when the religious institutions acted in a rigid connection with the state bodies, as a part of the formation process of Sheikh-ul-Islam and Catholicos in becoming experienced politicians and diplomats, should also not be overlooked. Both were also involved in the disintegration vortex of the Union State and contributed to the state construction of post-Soviet Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The expected Moscow meeting will not be the first experience of a dialogue between Sheikh-ul-Islam and Catholicos. The initial meeting took place back in 1988, when Sheikh-ul-Islam met with then Catholicos Vazgen I, at the sidelines of the spiritual leaders congress in Rostov-on-Don. The second time their paths had crossed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in the Swiss Montreux in 1993. With the mediation of the then Patriarch Alexy II Sheikh-ul-Islam had met with Karekin I in 1995, and his interim successor Karekin II in 2000 and 2001.

Within the framework of the World Religious Leaders Summit, held in 2010, the apostle of the Armenian Church had visited Baku for the first time. Karekin II not only participated in the summit, but also met with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. In the absence of any diplomatic relations between the two countries, this event was viewed as a sensation.

Sheikh-ul-Islam, in his turn, had visited Yerevan in 2011, and participated in the forum of the Interreligious Council of the CIS countries. Russian Patriarchy was instrumental in mediating both cases, proving that it has accumulated considerable experience regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

After all of the above mentioned meetings, the spiritual leaders would usually come out with the statements against the violence. Nonetheless, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is tinged with the idea of "nationalism," in which religion appears, rather, as an addition, and not the main argument. Moreover, Sheikh-ul-Islam and Karekin II, just like the civil and human rights activists, are a part of the conflicting societies, filled both with a great desire for peace, but also, with a notion of rejection on any compromises and concessions to the opposing side. Under such conditions, it is not surprising that the spiritual leaders rhetoric, along with calls for peace, is filled with some militaristic notes. Hence, since faith is placed in a subordinate position to the state loyalty, the spiritual leaders are limited by the latters demands.

In this regard, there are no serious grounds for believing that the meeting of Sheikh-ul-Islam and Karekin II will become a breakthrough in the conflict settlement. Nonetheless, no matter of the efficiency of such rendezvous, they will surely serve, presently, to the de-escalation of the ongoing conflict and might possibly lay grounds for the reconciliation process in the post-conflict era.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

Trend:

Azerbaijan is seriously concerned about the ongoing mass violence against Muslims in Myanmar, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Hikmat Hajiyev said.

We support the efforts of international community, and in particular the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to end this violence, Hajiyev added.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze.

The head of state touched upon a trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers to be held in Baku, and described this event as an important format of cooperation which contributes to the strengthening of regional cooperation of the countries.

President Ilham Aliyev said this format created a good opportunity for discussing the bilateral and trilateral issues. The head of state noted that the Azerbaijani-Georgian bilateral relations successfully develop and good results were achieved in all areas.

President Aliyev hailed the dynamics of development of relations, and pointed out the expansion of cooperation in several important fields.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze thanked President Ilham Aliyev for Azerbaijans assistance to his country during wildfires. The foreign minister described this as a great support for his country.

Janelidze said bilateral relations actively develop, adding that this is evidenced by the expansion of trade and economic cooperation.

The minister said significant work has been carried out under strategic transport projects in Georgia, and expressed hope that construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be completed this year.

The sides exchanged views on the prospects of relations between the two countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu.

President Ilham Aliyev said that he recently had a phone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha, adding that they maintain regular contacts.

Touching upon the importance of a trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers in Baku, the head of state noted that the meeting also created a good opportunity for discussing bilateral relations between the countries.

Saying that there are a number of issues to be discussed between the three countries, President Aliyev underlined that good results have already been achieved in areas such as politics, economy, energy and transport.

The head of state noted that the work carried out between the three countries is of great importance for both the countries themselves and the whole region. Stressing that meetings in this format have been held for several years, President Aliyev said that these gatherings proved to be an important and exemplary trilateral format for addressing both political and economic issues.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu extended greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to President Aliyev. Mevlut Cavusoglu emphasized that the trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers is important for stability and economic development of the region where the three countries are situated. The Turkish foreign minister expressed his gratitude to the head of state for Azerbaijans contributions to these works.

The Azerbaijani president thanked for the greetings of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and asked Mevlut Cavusoglu to communicate his greetings to the Turkish president.

The sides also exchanged views on issues of cooperation between the two countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The Accounts Chambers of Azerbaijan and Russia will adopt a program of cooperation for 2018-2021, Tatyana Golikova, chairperson of the Accounts Chamber of Russia, told reporters in Baku Sept. 5.

She was participating in the work of the 17th session of the CIS Council of Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions in Baku.

At present, we are discussing possible prospects for cooperation in 2018-2021, said Golikova. This program will cover holding of joint control events by the two countries accounts chambers. In 2015, we signed an agreement on cooperation with our colleagues from Azerbaijan. We have the opportunity not only to exchange experience, but also to hold joint parallel control events. We already had such experience regarding the Caspian Sea.

She added that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia is quite fruitful.

Russia and Azerbaijan are linked by a 20-year agreement on friendship and cooperation, said Golikova. Our trade turnover is growing, which is very gratifying to note. Last year the trade turnover between our countries increased by almost 50 percent. This is a very good indicator.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) sold $292.6 million at the currency auctions organized by the countrys Central Bank (CBA) in August 2017, SOFAZ said Sept. 5.

During the eight months of 2017, SOFAZ sold more than $2.23 billion at the currency auctions. In total, the Azerbaijani banks bought about $4.92 billion from SOFAZ in 2016.

SOFAZ will continue selling the currency through auctions in 2017.

The currency is sold as part of SOFAZs transfers to the Azerbaijani state budget, which are envisaged in the volume of 6.1 billion manats for 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The Chamber of Accounts of Azerbaijan has started developing new strategic development plan for 2018-2020, said the Chambers Chairman Vugar Gulmammadov.

He made the remarks while addressing the 17th session of the CIS Council of Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions in Baku.

According to him, the Chamber will try to identify specific goals, as well as the criteria by which it will be possible to assess the achievement extent of these goals.

We are trying to expand the scope of public funds related to control activities. Thus, for example, this figure was 3.5 billion, 4.2 billion and 5.6 billion manats, respectively, from 2014 to 2016. Our goal is to achieve the minimum indicator (50 percent) in the state budgets control coverage extent, specified in the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Assessment report, and exceed this indicator, noted Gulmammadov.

He added that in 2015, the Chamber of Accounts began the process of classifying violations and shortcomings and in 2016, grouped the deficiencies in line with the previously prepared classifier of violations and shortcomings.
Maharas visit announced

The foreign ministries of Nepal and China jointly announced the official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara to Beijing that begins on Wednesday.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan submitted the daily oil production data for August 2017 to the OPEC Joint Technical Committee (JTC) as part of implementation of the Vienna agreement to cut oil output, Azerbaijans Energy Ministry told Trend Sept. 5.

In August, the daily oil production in Azerbaijan amounted to 734,800 barrels, 704,000 barrels of which accounted for crude and 30,800 barrels accounted for condensate.

The Energy Ministry also said 617,600 barrels of crude, 30,800 barrels of condensate and 6,600 barrels of petroleum products were exported daily in August.

Azerbaijan completely fulfils its obligations to reduce oil production by 35,000 barrels per day, the ministry said, adding the country was producing 793,900 barrels of oil per day in January, 776,400 barrels per day in February, 733,300 barrels per day in March, 781,100 barrels per day in April, 785,300 barrels per day in May, 793,700 barrels per day in June and 796,700 barrels per day in July.

The Joint Technical Committee was created January 22 under the OPEC Monitoring Committee, designed to monitor the implementation of countries obligations to cut oil production.

In December 2016 in Vienna, 11 non-OPEC countries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to curtail oil output jointly by 558,000 barrels per day. The agreement was signed for the first half of 2017 and on May 25, 2017, it was extended by late 1Q2018.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.5

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Oil and gas will be a big part of the mix for decades to come, said BP CEO Bob Dudley, according to the message posted on the companys website.

But the fuel mix is changing, along with the way resources are produced and delivered as we move to lower carbon and look to advance that transition, he added.

Dudley pointed out that one thing thats not so different is the worlds demand for energy  which is expected to keep on growing.

In order to meet that growing energy demand, all forms of energy will be needed, he added.

Gas is going to be increasingly important, as a lower carbon fuel, and our portfolio is shifting towards more gas as we put together the right projects, said BP CEO. Were in a new oil price environment  one that demands a different way of thinking to stay competitive.

BP is a global energy company with wide reach across the worlds energy system. It has operations in Europe, North and South America, Australasia, Asia and Africa.

It is the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan's oil and gas sector and the operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli offshore oil and gas block, as well as the Shah Deniz gas and condensate field.

BP is also a participant of such pipeline projects as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and South Caucasus Pipeline.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR exported 988,030 tons of oil via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline in January-August 2017 as compared to 728,770 tons in the same period of 2016, SOCAR said Sept. 5.

The company exported 254,360 tons of oil from the Russian port of Novorossiysk in August 2017 as compared to 169,700 tons in the same period of 2016. In July 2017, SOCAR didnt export oil from Novorossiysk due to weather conditions in the Russian port.

The company exported 1.22 million tons of oil via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline in 2016 as compared to 1.27 million tons in 2015.

SOCAR exports the oil produced at its own fields, as well as the oil from joint ventures and operation companies working at Azerbaijans onshore fields, through Russias Novorossiysk port.

Oil is delivered to the port via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline operated by SOCAR.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Abdusalom Azizov, who headed Uzbekistans Interior Ministry since early 2017, has been appointed as the countrys Defense Minister by a decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek presidents office told Trend.

Qobul Berdiyev, who has served as Uzbekistans defense minister, will head the Uzbek Armed Forces Academy.

Meanwhile, Pulat Bobozhonov has been appointed as the countrys interior minister.

Moreover, Ilgizar Sobirov, who headed one of districts of the Khorezm region and was chairman of the Uzbek Senate in 2006-2015, has been appointed as acting head of Administration of the Khorezm region.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistan is concerned over the Sept. 3 nuclear tests by North Korea, which are a gross violation of the UN Security Council resolutions, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Considering these actions of North Korea as going contrary to efforts to establish peace and trust on the Korean Peninsula, Uzbekistan strongly urges Pyongyang to hear the opinion of the world community, and refrain from provocative actions that escalate tension and are a direct threat to security in the region and the world at large," reads the statement.

The Foreign Ministry stated that Uzbekistan, as the initiator of creating a zone free of nuclear weapons in Central Asia, strongly supports strict adherence to the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and attaches great importance to reducing the threat of their use.

"The Republic of Uzbekistan supports the measures of the international community, aimed at settling the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and hopes that it will be resolved solely by politico-diplomatic means."
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan on Sept. 5-6 at an invitation of President Almazbek Atambayev, the Uzbek Foreign Ministrys press service said in a message.

During the meetings and negotiations at the highest level, the two presidents will discuss key issues of development of bilateral relations, the prospects for further expansion and deepening of cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and communication, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres, the intensification of cooperation between border regions of the two countries, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, says the message.

As a result of the negotiations, it is planned to sign a joint statement of the heads of state, the agreement on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border, and a number of bilateral documents aimed at further development of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz cooperation.

According to the Foreign Ministry, on Sept. 4, the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Abdulaziz Kamilov and Erlan Abdyldaev, initialed the draft agreement on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border, which defines an interstate border of 1,170.53 kilometers that makes up 85 percent of its total length.

The parties discussed practical issues of preparation for the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan and exchanged views on regional issues.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Uzbek businessmen were offered to enter the EAEU and EU markets through Kyrgyzstan.

This idea was voiced by Kyrgyz Economy Minister Artem Novikov during the Kyrgyz-Uzbek business forum, Kabar news agency reported.

Uzbekistan takes 4.4 percent in the trade turnover of Kyrgyzstan, with exports making 6.6 percent and imports - 3.6 percent, according to the minister.

Novikov noted that Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the development of closer trade and economic relations with Uzbekistan.

"To further strengthen the already established trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and to use the existing potential, we should jointly carry out the necessary measures to develop trade, investment as well as scientific and technological cooperation. It's time to make our relationships more meaningful," he said.

In particular, the minister urged businessmen from the neighboring state to consider the possibility of investing in priority areas for the two countries, namely, garment industry, processing of agricultural products, tourism, engineering and medicine.

He noted that Kyrgyzstan has significant experience in developing trade relations and participation in integration associations of regional and global importance.

The minister recalled that in 2015 Kyrgyzstan officially joined the Eurasian Economic Union with a population of over 180 million people, where a zone of unimpeded movement of goods, services, capital and labor operates.

Currently, the EAEU makes 3.2 percent of world GDP being one of the world's largest markets, he noted.

In addition, in January 2016, the European Union officially granted Kyrgyzstan the right of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+), according to the minister.

Kyrgyz products for more than 6,000 commodity items that meet the requirements of the EU can be imported from Kyrgyzstan to the EU member countries without customs duties, Novikov said.

The EAEU is an economic union of states located primarily in northern Eurasia. It provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor within the member states.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his spouse have arrived in Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev, Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) reported.

The official welcoming ceremony was held at the Manas International Airport.

During the talks, the presidents will mull key issues of development of bilateral relations, prospects of expanding and deepening cooperation in political, trade, economic, transport, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres, as well as topical regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Following the talks, the sides are expected to sign an agreement on Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border and a number of other bilateral documents.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans Foreign Ministry hosted talks with Ryszard Komenda, head of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA), who arrived in Tashkent, said the ministrys press service in a message.

The two sides discussed the prospects of development of relations between Uzbekistan and OHCHR as one of important institutions of the United Nations, says the message.

It was noted that the visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein to Tashkent in May 2017 and the agreements reached on further cooperation bring bilateral cooperation to a new stage.

Moreover, the parties discussed the practical aspects of the visit of United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Ahmed Shaheed to Uzbekistan in late September and other issues of mutual interest.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is currently on an official visit in Bishkek, held a meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambaev Sept. 5, according to the information published on the website of Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The prospects of further expansion and deepening of cooperation in the political, trade-economic, transport-communication, cultural-humanitarian and other spheres, activation of interaction between the border regions of the two countries as well as current regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.

Negotiations of the Presidents further continued with the participation of official delegations.

The Uzbek leader congratulated Kyrgyz president and people on the national holiday - Independence Day.

We highly appreciate the fraternal and good-neighborly relations that have historically developed between our peoples. This serves as a solid basis for strengthening cooperation between our states, Mirziyoyev said.

Atambayev noted that this is a logical continuation of the dialogue between two states at the highest level, a convenient opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the talks, topical issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation were discussed. The sides exchanged views on the further development of interrelations in the political, trade-economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
Nepali team heads to India for Pancheshwar talks

A Nepali team of experts left for the Indian Capital on Monday for bilateral talks to finalise a detailed project report (DPR) of Pancheshwar Multipurpose Projecta mega hydroelectric-cum-irrigation project.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sep. 5

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has said that his country is ready to sell oil to Russia.

We have no problems [about exporting oil to Russia], they [Russians] should take the required measures, IRNA news agency quoted Zanganeh as saying.

Bijan Namdar Zanganeh added that the Russian side had bank-related issues, but the problems have partially been solved an a leading Russian bank is expected to open letter of credit (LC) for oil purchasing from Iran.

He further spoke about plans on swapping the Caspian Sea oil through Iran and said his country in collaboration with international companies buys Turkmenistans oil.

According to the minister, the existing contracts on the oil swap are designed for six-month and one-year periods.
Tehran, Iran, September 5

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

Over the recent weeks after Hassan Rouhani was elected president for a second term, the issue of house arrest of three leading dissidents of the 2009 presidential election has seen new hype, with brighter horizon showing up at every turn of the screw.

The moderate cum reformist Rouhani, conservative figures closer to the ultra-governmental bodies, and reformists ranging from the public to some media, are engaged in the lingering issue that is going to last almost a decade now.

President Rouhani is not the ultimate decision maker on the issue. While he is being poked by his reformist voters to fulfill his promise of resolving the chronic affliction, he faces conservative figures in the Judiciary as well as the Supreme National Security Council who follow a strict line on the dissidents as people who betrayed national security and are worthy of the harshest of punishments, maybe death.

In the most recent development over the issue, government spokesman Mohammad Baqer Nobakht implied during a press conference that Rouhani is stoutly trying to put an end to the house arrest in the capacity of the head of the Supreme National Security Council, Trend correspondent reported from the presser September 5.

The Supreme National Security Council is a body of senior politicians, ranging from former presidents to high-ranking military, judicial, intelligence, and civil servants, appointed by the supreme leader to rule cases beyond the capacity or agreement of three legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.

The house arrest of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, two presidential candidates in 2009 who turned to opposition citing electoral fraud, were put under house arrest along Mousavis wife, Zahra Rahnavard, by the council. At that time, then president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad headed the council.

The arrestees, as well as their supporters, even sometimes senior conservative politicians such as MP Ali Motahari, have denounced the house arrest as unjustified, calling for legal proceedings to be taken against them. Karoubi himself recently said he would accept whatever the outcome of a publicly held court hearing would be.

Conservatives who backed Ahmadinejad after his 2009 victory, however, have said the only conceivable outcome of such court hearing would be capital punishment. Mousavi and Karoubi led massive demonstrations, in the millions, against the election result back then. Their opponents, including senior figures in the Judiciary, no less Ejei who acts also as deputy head of the branch, say according to Islamic law, their act amounts to fighting the Islamic establishment and corruption on earth, and would be met with harsh punishment.

In his todays press conference, the government spokesman also made a move to put the Judiciary in the off side over the issue, refuting recent statements by the conservative Judiciary spokesman, Qolamhossein Mohseni Ejei, as out of place. The issue of house arrest is not one of judicial ruling, but rather a case with the Supreme National Security Council. The problem we have here was created during the previous administration (Ahmadinejads). He added that the spokesman of the council is the only legally justified person to inform public about the councils decisions.

Ejei in recent statements had refuted documented statements by Nobakht, who had said security deployment around Karoubis house had been called in. Ejei himself, however, later attested to Nobakhts statements and resigned to say that the security forces had been collected following a request to the effect by Karoubi.

In remarks parallel to those of Nobakht on the same day, the security councils spokesman, Keyvan Khosravi, opened the prospect of some change in the status of the house arrest, saying The decision to enforce the house arrest was made according to the situations specific to the year 2009.

He further stressed that any decision whether to end or continue the house arrest will solely fall within the province of the council.

A few days ago Karoubi was hospitalized as he tried hunger strike. He then requested security forces around his house to be collected, which was granted by the Supreme National Security Council.

Nobakht, in the meantime, suggested that although President Rouhani is pushing to put an end to the house arrest, a consensus is needed to be reached between all the parties of influence over the issue before any action is taken.

During his presidential campaign, Rouhani made promise to take care of the issue of house arrest. This, many believe, was a key factor in attracting reformist voters, who had backed Karoubi and Mousavi.
Tehran, Iran, Sept. 5

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Mahmoud Vaezi, the chief of Irans presidential staff, has phoned Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev to renew their mutual will for expansion of ties between the two neighboring countries.

In a phone call by Vaezi, the two officials stressed that they are prepared to use the entire existing capacities to meet their nations interests, Irans presidential website reported Sept. 5.

The two officials stressed that their governments are intent upon implementing the many agreements achieved in the past years.

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Iran each visited the other country two times over the past four years. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev visited Tehran in early 2016, which took place on the invitation of Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. The high-level official visit resulted in conclusion of documents covering various areas of cooperation between Baku and Tehran.

Iranian and Azerbaijani officials signed 11 memorandums of understanding on the sidelines of a meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, Feb. 23, 2016.

Also in August of that year, the two countries signed documents for cooperation in various sectors, including transportation, electricity swap, healthcare and medical sciences, oil, gas and petrochemical industries, and others.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sep. 5

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

The recent visit by Russian President Vladimir Putins point man on Syria to Tehran could signal a clear determination to continue strategic cooperation in fight against terrorism.

The Russian special presidential envoy for the Syrian settlement, Aleksandr Lavrentiyev, arrived in the Iranian capital city of Tehran on Tuesday to discuss latest developments regarding the crisis in the Arab country.

Following his arrival in Tehran, Aleksandr Lavrentiyev met Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani to exchange views on joint political, security and military initiatives on the crises in Syria.

During the meeting Ali Shamkhani once again called for protecting Syrias sovereignty and said the cooperation between Tehran and Moscow are now yielding results.

The cooperation between Iran, Syria, Russia and the resistance front in serious fight against terrorism in the battle fields and political arena is continuously producing valuable results, Ali Shamkhani said.

The Iranian official described establishing peace and stability in the region as well as the full elimination of terrorism as the main priority of the Islamic Republic regarding the regional developments.

In turn, Lavrentiyev reassured that Moscow will continue to take military actions against terrorist in Syria.

Aleksandr Lavrentiyevs Tehran visit is taking place ahead of the upcoming Astana peace talks scheduled for September 14-15.

Iran, Russia and Turkey during the Astana talks over the past months focused on establishing de-escalation zones in Syria.

The Astana talks seek to put an end to the conflict in Syria through negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

Tehran and Moscow have backed President Bashar al-Assads government against the armed militants since 2011 when the Syrian civil war broke out.

In a separate development on July 7, President Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump agreed on a ceasefire in southwest Syria.

Tehran has welcomed the ceasefire but Iranian officials, in the meantime, have expressed concern over unacceptable measures taken by terrorist groups who use truce and political dialogue as opportunities to recruit forces.

Although fight against terrorism has prompted a full cooperation between Iran and Russia over the past several years, a group of commentators still question whether Tehran-Moscow relation has reached its climax.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Alan Hope  Trend:

Majority of the X and Y generations may recall a 90s blockbuster movie, based on Tom Clancys 1984 bestselling novel, The Hunt for Red October, starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin.

The story, set in the late Cold War era, involves a rogue Soviet naval captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), trying to defect to the United States on the Soviet Navy's newest Typhoon-class nuclear submarine with a stealth "caterpillar drive," called Red October. Meanwhile, an American CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) deduces Ramius motive and sets of to the American attack-class submarine USS Dallas, before a violent confrontation between the two navies spirals out of control.

Great movie, but, what, may you ask, is so captivating about it? Well, besides the great storyline and cast, the audience may actually notice two interesting elements of the movie, which, directly correlate to the currently occurring events. One of them is comprised of the episode when Ramius secretly kills boats de-juro political, but de-facto KGB, officer, called Ivan  believe or not  Putin. The second describes the so-called Crazy Ivan maneuver, commonly used by the Soviet submarines to clear their baffles for the detection of pursuit, pulled by Ramius on the USS Dallas.

So whats the correlation? Well, quite recently, the government of the Republic of Armenia had decided to make some substantial changes in its foreign policy, aiming for European integration and even amplification of its NATO relations.

Lets imagine an old and battered, but still semi-operational, post-Soviet submarine called Armenia, sailing in the murky waters of international affairs. In the course of its almost 26-years-young independence, its route had been firmly laid in the northern direction, through Russia to the Northern Pole. The state, as a capable and fearsome military power, had become a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, to help the other participants of the organization in dire need of its mighty muscles. As an economic wonder of the Southern Caucasus, with its ultra-modern industry and world renowned products, such as Armenicum (marketed, as a cancer fighting drug, which couldnt cure a headache), had joined the Eurasian Economic Union, to share its prosperity with those of a lesser fortune.

The boat, though a bit shabby, is at sea, facing the turmoil of international conflicts and continuing on its firm course. It doesnt really belong to the state of Armenia, as it was originally Soviet and later on Russian, but the countrys leadership had ingenuously double downed it to Russia for the gradual return of the loans taken from the latter.

The boats nuclear power source, proudly called Metsamor, is long overdue for closure, for being technically as well as morally outdated. But it still works, providing the much needed electricity for Armenias stealth "caterpillar drive," to be commissioned by the time of completion of the long carried out Great Armenia from sea to sea project.

At the helm of the boat stands world renowned locksmith, turned butcher, turned politician  Serzh Sargsyan  the figure, so much resembling captain Ramius, but for the lack of the simple human characteristics. Nonetheless, one can see his unbendable political will and beyond-his-age academic wisdom from miles away; feel his strength and resilience in the matters of personal finance and job security. The person, who can firmly take down and literary slaughter any opposition or mutiny on board, be it political or even social. He has done his job throughout the years  gained territories (though, not Armenias), shed blood (though, not his own) and embezzled wealth (though not, but now his own).

Next to Sargsyan stands his commanding officer  Edward Nalbandian  the navigator of the diplomatic shallow waters and deep sea canyons, sailing master of the stalled negotiations, crusader, fighting the unjust caviar diplomacy. He follows Dolly Parton songs lyrics to the letter, stands by his man, maybe not so much with the Poncho, but definitely, as a Sancho.

So, whats going on with our characters, have they met modern-day pirates, found the Treasure Island and discovered new lands and riches? Not really. These two, realizing that everything in and of the country was already sold, facing an economic and demographic collapse, understanding that the current sponsor of their lavish lifestyle is a huge bit disappointed, have decided to find a new sort of dimwit, who would further finance their adventure. Thus, the new course of defection to the West  to the euro promise land of European integration, under the nuclear umbrella of NATO  was laid, engines full-throttled and the journey began.

Imagining himself a well-known subsea politician, Serzh Sargsyan, forgetting his previous Columbian attempts of finding Europe in 2008 and 2013, decided to seize the day, gave the order to down the periscope, took his position on the bridge, downed a shot of Ararat (brandy), and, after singing the national anthem, had ordered the crew to run the boat in the silent mode. The stealth "caterpillar drive," operated by Nalbandian, was set to the maximum speed; the hall of the boat, though leaking, was holding; the nuclear plant, though on the brink of explosion, was working at its full capacity.

But years of being at the helm of the boat didnt go in vain for Sargsyan, they have taught him to be afraid of his own shadow. So, he pulled the Crazy Ivan, to make sure he is not being followed by the Master. Imagine his surprise, when he saw Masters submarine on his stern, which wasnt boarded by Jack Ryan on a mission to save him. It was boarded by the former political and KGB officer Putin, not Ivan, like in the movie, but Vladimir  one of the most prominent political figures of the ocean of politics.

Unlike Baldwins character, Putin didnt board a mini sub, but rather ordered Serzh to get to the Russian port of Sochi, immediately! So, Sargsyan was forced to abandon his sub, get on the presidential plane and delivered himself to the Master, calling it an unscheduled working visit.

The actual words used by Putin in talk with Sargsyan are unknown, but its widely believed that he was forced to teach Serzh a lesson once again, although its said that, you cant teach an old dog new tricks, but you can certainly remind him of the true Master. Moreover, Putin probably reminded Serzh of how he had become Captain Armenia, of who pays the bills and what music should be played. He definitely rebuked Sargsyan for copyright infringing use of the Crazy Ivan maneuver.

Thus, our heroes, with their hopes and aspirations of a new world shattered, on the battered submarine Armenia, had to return to the Russian in-land port of Yerevan. Very unfortunate for them that, Sargsyan, from atop the submarine's sail deck, didnt state that he is pleased to have made it to Europe or offer Jack Ryan a quote from Christopher Columbus, and Ryan, in return, didnt reply, "Welcome to the New World, sir.

But that, boys and gals, is a movie, not a real life!
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

We have written many times that China is intent upon entering the South Caucasus region through its back door, that is, through Armenia.

As a realization of this intention, China has recently held a foundation laying ceremony for its embassy in Yerevan, which will be the second biggest embassy in the Eurasian region after Russias embassy complex.

It is obvious that the size of the Chinese embassy is proportional to Beijing's interests in the region as the size means a bigger number of employees.

Surprisingly, this interest of China has been recently confirmed in military cooperation, which promises many problems for Russia.

The matter here rests in an agreement signed in Beijing during the Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyans visit to China where he met with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan. According to the agreement, China will provide Armenia with 10 million yuan, or about $1.5 million.

During their meeting, Sargsyan and Wanquan stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in training of military personnel. Sargsyan said the Armenian servicemen who graduate from Chinese military colleges become good officers and commanders, while Armenia is ready to expand a training program for Chinese military specialists.

What Sargsyan didnt mention is that the Armenian military can only teach how to occupy other countries lands.

But why doesnt Beijing question the dubious pleasure of helping an aggressor country and agrees to train its soldiers?

However, if we look at the issue from another side, it becomes obvious that the trained Armenian officers can perform certain functions for Beijing, taking into account Chinas interests in the region, in general, in the zone of Russias influence in the South Caucasus and in particular, in Armenia.

Chinas interest in Armenia became evident in 2015 when Chinese enterprises were ready to submit proposals on making investments in the Iran-Armenia railway. Nothing happened that time, but China voiced some plans and promises to the Armenian side.

China has recently become more active, when the China Machinery Engineering Corporation stated that it plans to make large-scale investments in Armenias construction and energy sectors.

At present, China is penetrating Armenias military not only by allocating funds, but also by participating in personnel training, which should make Moscow think about consequences.

Armenian armed forces have recently been more connected with the Russian military. For instance, Russias Federation Council ratified an agreement on the United Group of Russian and Armenian Troops in July. The United Group of Troops of Armenia and Russia will have to protect the land borders and airspace of the two countries. The countries also agreed to create a joint air defense system.

It means that the Armenian officers, having access to the Armenian military projects, will be able to tell a lot of interesting things about the Russian part of the projects.

And, of course, it is doubtful that Moscow will sit idly while China is strengthening its positions in Armenia. Yerevan will be forbidden to develop relations with China, just like it was diverted from cooperation with NATO.

---

Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agencys Russian news service
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Iraqi Armed Forces eliminated 55 members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the city of Tal Afar, the countrys Defense Ministry said Sept. 5.

The militants were killed as a result of artillery shelling by the Iraqi army.

On August 31, Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the victory of the countrys military over IS in Tal Afar and the complete liberation of the northern province of Nineveh from terrorists.

The military operation in Iraqs Tal Afar was carried out from August 20.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Two Russian servicemen have been killed in Deir al-Zor province after Islamic State militants shelled a convoy they were escorting, the Russian Defence Ministry was cited as saying on Monday by the Interfax news agency, Reuters reported.

The convoy was transporting Russian ceasefire monitoring military staff when it came under mortar attack, the ministry was quoted as saying.

One soldier was killed on the spot and the other died in hospital after sustaining serious injuries. Both were awarded posthumous military awards, the ministry said.

Russia said earlier on Monday that its air force was helping the Syrian army push ahead with an offensive on the Euphrates city of Deir al-Zor, where Islamic State has besieged 93,000 civilians and an army garrison for years.
UN peacekeepers' vehicle explosion in Mali left victims and injuries. The incident occurred near the village of Aguelhok in the country's northeastern region of Kidal, Sputnik reported.

Two peacekeepers of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were killed and two others were injured on Tuesday as a result of an explosion that hit their vehicle, the MINUSMA said in a communique. The incident occurred near the village of Aguelhok in the country's northeastern region of Kidal, according to the MINUSMA.

"The explosion resulted in deaths of two Blue Helmets. Two others were seriously injured and immediately evacuated by MINUSMA to receive appropriate medical care," the communique said.

The UN mission strongly condemned the terror attack aimed at hindering the MINUSMA activities in the country and expressed its condolences to the families of the victims.
NRA floats proposal to convert ancient palaces into hotels

The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has initiated a discussion over the possibility of operating ancient palaces in Kathmandu as hotels under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Seoul opposes a military option for resolving the conflict around North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, South Korean Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun said Tuesday, Sputnik reported.

"We cannot accept in any case a war on Korean Peninsula. We cannot accept a war as an option. This is not because we are weak, but because we have only too vivid memories of the Korean War," Cho said at a conference in Washington, DC.

Cho added that Seoul would continue imposing sanctions pressure on the North, as it believes that it would lead Pyongyang to dialogue. South Korea will also call on China to join this sanctions campaign, the diplomat pointed out.

The official emphasized that both Washington and South Korea are closely collaborating for the creation of the joint approach to resolving the tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Cho suggested that the efforts aimed at the denuclearization of North Korea should be doubled.

Commenting on North Korean Sunday's nuclear test, US President Donald Trump said Pyongyang's actions are "hostile and dangerous," emphasizing that the "talk of appeasement" would not work. He also reaffirmed the US readiness to protect the US and its allies by "using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal."

At the same time, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said on Monday at a UNSC emergency meeting on North Korea that Kim Jong Un "is begging for war" by conducting the nuclear test.

As tensions on the Korean Peninsula have further escalated this summer, Russia and China proposed the "double freeze" plan to settle the situation on the Korean Peninsula, urging North Korea to stop nuclear tests, while calling on the US and South Korea to refrain from joint drills. The US has already rejected the peace plan.

Earlier on Tuesday, Putin told journalists at the BRICS summit in China that North Korea will not abandon the development of nuclear weapons under the pressure of sanctions since it regards this program as a security issue, thus, the problem could only be solved by diplomatic means.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey will start new military operation in the Syrian city of Idlib in September 2017, the Turkish media reported.

According to the reports, the military operation will be conducted jointly with units of the Free Syrian Army.

Earlier, the Turkish presidents administration told Trend that Ankara is ready to face any threat that may arise on its borders. As a regional power, Turkey has every right to act in line with its state and national interests, said the administration.

Currently, there are about 25,000 Turkish servicemen on the border with Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Euphrates Shield operation, which was successfully held by the Turkish Armed Forces against terrorists in Syria, demonstrated the power of Ankara, and Turkey may continue such operations if necessary.

Turkey has been moving military equipment to its border with Syria since June 21.

Military equipment has been deployed in Turkeys south-central province of Kilis, which borders Syrian territories controlled by YPG and PYD.

On Aug. 24, 2016, Turkish Armed Forces, with the support of the Syrian opposition, launched the Euphrates Shield operation against the IS militants and liberated the city of Jarabulus as well as the city of Al-Bab in northern Syria.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Ankara and Dhaka will discuss the issue of Rohingya refugees from Rakhine state in Myanmar during the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Bangladesh Sept. 6, Turkish media reported Sept. 5.

Cavusoglu will hold several meetings with a number of state representatives of Bangladesh, according to the report.

Earlier, Cavusoglu called on Bangladesh to open the border for Rohingya refugees from Rakhine.

Cavusoglu noted that Turkey is ready to pay the expenses for maintaining the refugees in Bangladesh.

He noted that the world community shouldnt remain silent about the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in Myanmar.

Violence erupted in Myanmars Rakhine state on Aug. 25 when the countrys security forces launched an operation against the Rohingya Muslim community. It triggered a fresh influx of refugees towards neighboring Bangladesh, though the country sealed off its border to refugees.

Media reports said Myanmar security forces used disproportionate force, displacing thousands of Rohingya villagers and destroying their homes with mortars and machine guns.

The region has seen simmering tension between its Buddhist and Muslim populations since communal violence broke out in 2012.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi discussed over phone on Tuesday the situation in Myanmars Rakhine State, Turkish media report.

Erdogan expressed displeasure of Turkey and the entire Islamic world at the latest developments in Rakhine.

Earlier, spokeswoman for the European Rohingya Council (ERC) Anita Schug said that around 2,000-3,000 Muslims were killed, more than 100,000 Muslims were evicted from their homes in Myanmars Rakhine State for the last three days as a result of the military actions.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Sep 3, 2017 - 19:28 | World, All, Urgent

North Korea said Sunday it successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile in its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

The confirmation of the test by North Korea came hours after foreign meteorological authorities detected a strong artificial earthquake near its nuclear site in the northeastern area near China.

North Korea said through its official media that the test carried out at noon Pyongyang time was a "perfect success" that proved it now has the ability to adjust the power of a nuclear warhead as it chooses depending on an attack target.

A statement from North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Institute said the test was carried out with a hydrogen bomb of "unprecedentedly big power."

The test is the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January and is a direct challenge to his administration still struggling to come up with measures to rein in North Korea, although it has said all options, including military action, are on the table.

The quake was detected after North Korea said early Sunday morning it has successfully produced a hydrogen bomb compact enough to be loaded on a newly developed ICBM.

(KNS/Kyodo)

The statement read out by a newscaster of the country's official broadcaster in the afternoon said the results of the latest test confirmed the "accuracy and credibility" of the new bomb "to be placed at the payload" of an ICBM.

North Korea last carried out a nuclear test in September last year, the purpose of which, according to the North, was to assess the explosive power of a nuclear warhead designed to be mounted on a ballistic missile.

North Korea is banned by the United Nations from any tests of nuclear or ballistic missile technology and is already subject to tough international sanctions.

But North Korea insists that it has a legitimate right to develop the technologies for self-defense against what it perceives as security threats from the United States and other "hostile" forces.

Japanese officials said the power of the manmade temblor was about 10 times stronger than that from the previous test on Sept. 9 last year, which was a 5.3-magnitude seismic event and coincided with the 68th anniversary of North Korea's founding.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the latest quake had a magnitude of 6.1.

The China Earthquake Network Center said it detected another quake in North Korea with a magnitude of 4.6 about 8 minutes later, which it described as a "collapse," adding both occurred at a depth of "0 kilometer," a strong indication of artificial phenomena.

North Korea's weapons program seems to be making steady progress marked by the continuation of a series of missile tests this year.

In July, North Korea for the first time test-fired an ICBM that could potentially put many parts of the mainland United States within range.

It also launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile last week that flew over Japan before landing without incident in the northern Pacific Ocean.

Kim has said the launch of the Hwasong-12 missile, which traveled about 2,700 kilometers after crossing over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, was a "meaningful prelude to containing Guam," the U.S. Pacific territory that is home to about 7,000 U.S. troops and 160,000 civilians.

On Sunday, prior to the sixth nuclear test, North Korea's official media said Kim inspected the new hydrogen bomb at the institute to learn about its technical specifications and operational characteristics.

Kim was quoted by the state-run Korean Central News Agency as saying the institute should conclude "the final-stage research and development for perfecting the state nuclear force," while also giving it new tasks.

"All components of the H-bomb were homemade," Kim was quoted as saying, adding that North Korea can now produce as many powerful nuclear arms "as it wants."

North Korea's announcement on the bomb with "great destructive power" comes as the United States and its allies seek to put more pressure on North Korea following its flurry of weapons tests.

Also, the test came just hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping was to host a summit of emerging economies, including India and Russia, in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen and after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump held their third telephone talks since the launch of the intermediate-range missile on Tuesday.

Abe told reporters in Tokyo after the conversation that he and Trump agreed to "increase pressure on North Korea and make it change its policies" by working closely along with South Korea and the rest of the world.

China condemned North Korea for conducting its sixth nuclear test in defiance of repeated warnings from the international community and urged it to avoid taking any "wrong" action.

In Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the test showed contempt for U.N. Security Council resolutions and international law and deserved censure to the maximum extent.

But China and Russia have warned that more pressure on North Korea risks further escalating tensions.

Images released by North Korea's official media outlets showed Kim observing a silver, gourd-shaped device purported to be the new hydrogen bomb.

The hydrogen bomb for an ICBM was developed and upgraded based on the results of the North's first hydrogen bomb test on Jan. 6 last year, KCNA said.

(KNS/Kyodo)

It said the hydrogen bomb, the explosive power of which is adjustable from tens to hundreds of kilotons, is a "multi-functional thermonuclear nuke" that can be detonated at high altitudes for "super-powerful electromagnetic pulse" attacks.

After North Korea test-fired an ICBM for the first time, the U.N. Security Council rolled out additional sanctions against Pyongyang aimed at slashing its $3 billion annual export revenue by a third, with measures including a ban on all imports of coal, iron and seafood.

North Korea has reacted sharply to the sanctions and threatened to take countermeasures against the United States and its allies trying to put Pyongyang into a corner.

North Korea has not tamed its ambitions to develop "smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear warheads," although some outside experts still doubt it has mastered the technology to miniaturize them to be deliverable by long-range missiles.
One killed, 12 injured in Manang jeep plunge

A person died on the spot and a dozen others injured when a jeep met with an accident in Manang district.
PM: Fill vacancies at local units in 15 days

A high-level committee headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the Ministry of General Administration (MOGA) to form a task force comprising officials of various ministries and fill all the vacant positions at the local level within 15 days.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Venture capital firm Benchmark Capital is suing former Uber Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick to force him off the board of the ride services company and rescind his ability to fill three board seats, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit filed Thursday accuses Kalanick of concealing a range of misdeeds from the board and scheming to retain power at the company even after he was forced to resign as chief executive of Uber in June following a series of scandals. (Lawsuit: http://tmsnrt.rs/2hPzxYj) The company is currently seeking a new CEO. Benchmark's lawsuit marks a rare instance of a Silicon Valley investor suing a central figure at one of its own start-ups. The well-regarded venture firm was an early investor in Uber and said in the lawsuit that owns 13 percent of Uber and controls 20 percent of the voting power. Kalanick issued a statement calling the lawsuit "completely without merit and riddled with lies and false allegations." The statement accused Benchmark of "acting in its own best interests contrary to the interests of Uber" and denounced the legal action as a "transparent attempt to deprive Travis Kalanick of his rights as a founder and shareholder." Uber and Benchmark Capital declined to comment. The litigation in Delaware court opens another chapter in a saga of woe at Uber that has cast doubt on the future of the world's most highly valued startup company, worth $68 billion. Uber's troubles include a trade-secret lawsuit by Alphabet Inc's Waymo unit that led to the departure of a star engineer and hobbled Uber's self-driving car program; sexual harassment allegations that led to a major internal investigation and the dismissal of several top executives; and alleged misconduct by Kalanick and other executives in handling a rape committed by an Uber driver in India. Uber is currently seeking a CEO and a number of other senior executives. Uber co-founder and chairman Garret Camp wrote a letter to employees earlier this week stating that "Travis is not returning as CEO," after reports that Kalanick was hoping to reclaim the top job. Benchmark's lawsuit alleged that Kalanick was doing just that by attempting to "pack the board." The lawsuit seeks an injunction to block Kalanick's right to appoint new directors, asserting he had agreed to give up those rights when he stepped aside as CEO. Kalanick's continued role at the company has complicated the CEO search and scared off some good candidates, according to one Uber investor. Uber's head of operations, Ryan Graves, one of the company's first employees and a long-time Kalanick ally, announced earlier Thursday that he would resign from his job at Uber to focus on his role as a board director. In its lawsuit, Benchmark argued that Kalanick was aware of these problems when Uber's board in 2016 agreed to expand the number of voting directors from eight to 11, with Kalanick having the sole right to designate those seats. Benchmark, which holds one of the seats on the Uber board, said that it never would have given Kalanick the three extra seats if it had known about his "gross mismanagement and other misconduct at Uber," the lawsuit said. Kalanick appointed himself to one of the seats after he was ousted as CEO, and the other two remain vacant. Lawrence Hamermesh, an expert on Delaware corporate law at Widener University Delaware Law School, said that as a director of the company Kalanick would have been required to disclose what he knew to other shareholders before a vote. Still, it could be a tough case for Becnhmark to win, said Erik Gordon, a technology and entrepreneurship expert at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. "Even if you assume that Kalanick acted outrageously improperly, where was Benchmark when he was acting out?" Gordon said. "If I had to defend Kalanick, I would ask, did Benchmark fight tooth and nail against Kalanick's conduct, or were they willing to put up with it as long as the company's valuation, and the value of their investment in it, skyrocketed?" The lawsuit was first reported by news website Axios. (Reporting by Peter Henderson in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Writing by Jonathan Weber; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
From Woman's Day

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By John Ruwitch and Jemima Kelly

SHANGHAI/LONDON (Reuters) - China on Monday banned and deemed illegal the practice of raising funds through launches of token-based digital currencies.

The move was targeted at so-called initial coin offerings (ICO) in a market that has exploded since the start of the year.

ICOs have become a bonanza for digital currency entrepreneurs, globally and in China, and have provided the fuel for a rapid ascent in the value of cryptocurrencies this year that has driven fears of a bubble that could burst.

Individuals and organisations that have completed ICO fundraisings should make arrangements to return funds, said a joint statement from the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the securities and banking regulators and other government departments that was posted on the central bank's website.

In total, $2.32 billion has been raised through ICOs, with $2.16 billion of that being raised since the start of 2017, according to cryptocurrency analysis website Cryptocompare.

Bitcoin rival Ethereum, which token-issuers usually ask to be paid in and which has therefore seen unprecedented growth this year, fell sharply on the news, last trading down almost 20 percent on the day at $283, according to trade publication Coindesk.

Bitcoin was also down 8 percent, while the total value of all cryptocurrencies was down around 10 percent, according to industry website Coinmarketcap.com.

"The large price falls can be attributed to panic amongst traders and profit-taking," said Cryptocompare founder Charles Hayter.

The rapid ascent of ICOs prompted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to warn in July that some ICOs should be regulated like other securities. Singapore and Canada followed with similar warnings.

Zennon Kapron, director of the Shanghai-based financial technology consultancy Kapronasia, said he suspected regulators were putting the brakes on ICOs in order to better understand the phenomenon, but could ease off in the future.

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"Regulators globally are struggling to understand what ICOs are, what the risks are, and how to ring-fence and regulate them," he said.

"China, in many ways, is no different than the U.S. or Singapore in saying, ok, we need to push back on these for now until we figure out how to deal with them...I think it will be slightly a temporary measure."

"THE MUSIC HAS STOPPED"

By creating and issuing digital tokens, entrepreneurs can raise large sums quickly -- sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars in minutes -- with little or no regulatory oversight. But unlike traditional fundraising, token holders are generally not given any share in the particular project, nor any security.

For the buyer, therefore, the main reason for buying these highly risky tokens is often simply a bet that their value will rise. Once the tokens have been issued they can be traded against other cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, the first successful digital-only currency.

The popularity of coin offerings has surged in China this year.

In July, the state news agency Xinhua cited data from a government organisation that monitors online financial activity to report that there had been 65 ICOs so far during the year raising a combined 2.62 billion yuan ($394.6 million) from 105,000 individuals in the country.

Oliver Bussman, previously chief innovation officer at UBS and now president of the Switzerland-based "Crypto Valley Association" that promotes blockchain-based technology, said Chinese authorities had to be especially vigilant about protecting consumers because of the lack of financial advice in the country, compared with Europe or North America.

Reaction to the ban was swift online.

"The music has stopped," said one member of a chat group on the social networking platform WeChat that was set up last week for an upcoming ICO for a fundraising platform called SelfSell.

"Hurry up and sell your bitcoin," said another.

The organizer of the ICO project, who recently went on a six-city roadshow, said the project had been suspended.

But Bussman said that once there was some regulatory clarity, and once it had been worked out how to classify different types of ICO, the token-based fundraising would continue.

"The initial coin offering is a new business model leveraging blockchain technology and it will remain," he said.

"This is not the end of the ICO  absolutely not."

(Reporting by Jemima Kelly in London, John Ruwitch in Shanghai, Elias Glenn and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Richard Borsuk and Sam Holmes/Jeremy Gaunt)
The U.S. Capitol looms in the background of a sign on the National Mall reminding visitors of the closures to all national parks due to the federal government shutdown in Washington October 3, 2013. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

No significant federal legislation has become law this year. Thats remarkable given that both the US House of Representatives and Senate are controlled by Republican majorities and President Donald Trump is also a Republican. Washington DC is now Dysfunction Junction. This week, Congress returns from their August break and many are asking if they can get any agenda items back on the rails and really make progress for the American people. They can, and heres how.

Among key issues to be addressed include: Hurricane Harvey disaster assistance, raising the debt ceiling, keeping government open by passing funding, tax reform, infrastructure improvements and health care. It is a long list and a daunting agenda made more difficult by the lack of accomplishments to date. It is also more difficult because of the Presidents bullying and bellicose behavior and hair-trigger tweets  some directed at his own congressional leaders  House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Many of the agenda items are timely imperatives. Disaster assistance, raising the debt ceiling and government funding all need to be addressed this month.

Disaster AssistanceThis should be the first thing outta the box. Those impacted by Harvey require assistance as soon as possible. The President, having visited the impacted areas twice, knows this and has requested nearly $8 billion. While that amount may seem like a lot, relative to the need it is a dismal drop in the bucket. For example, Hurricane Katrina cost $160 billion and Congress provided $100 billion of that. Hurricane Harvey is estimated to cost $190 billion, making it our nations most expensive natural disaster ever. More than $8 billion will be required and Congress would be well-advised to go ahead an significantly up the Presidents request by twenty billion (at least) to avoid yet another must-pass disaster assistance measure later in the year.

Debt CeilingRaising the debt ceiling, in this case to at least $19.9 trillion (the Treasury Departments determined need), would not increase the deficit, as some suggest. Rather, it simply pays the debts we as a nation (via Congressional appropriations) have already incurred. Not raising the debt ceiling would undermine the full faith and credit of the United States. Our nations credit rating would actually drop. It would send markets into a major meltdown, taking with it the investments made, including retirement investments of pension funds. Theres been some talk of combining disaster assistance and the debt ceiling increase. Thats a good idea and can take two of the must-have agenda items off the long list in one piece of legislation.

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Keeping the Government OpenBack in 2013, Congress failed to provide funding and the government was closed for 16 days. The Office of Management and Budget estimated that 120,000 private sector jobs were lost. The closure actually cost government over $25 billion! Furthermore, tens of millions of Americans were denied services. Everything from food, drug and transportation safety to social security checks, small business loans to tax refunds. They were all shuttered.

President Trump, in his speech in Arizona recently, spoke of his desire to ensure funding for his US-Mexico border wall, saying if such was not included in the year-end funding, We could use a good government shutdown. Mr. President, theres no good government shutdown. Isnt rebuilding Houston and other impacted areas more urgent that the border wall? Of course.

With regard to the other agenda items, tax reform and infrastructure improvements could do the most economic good for people and our nation. However, the Trump Administration has failed to provide leadership on these two key issues  both polices which were touted during last years election campaign as items that would begin in earnest on day one.

Tax ReformUnbelievably, only a scant one-page of principles has been released (in April) on tax reform. Thats it! When the President traveled to Missouri last week and gave a major speech on the issue, he was even more vague. He only discussed numbers related to how corporate rates should drop from 35 to 15 percent, and no numbers on what he is seeking for individuals. He did talk about repatriation (bringing back to the US) corporate capital and profits that reside in other nations. He also spoke of tax simplificationand good for himalthough thats about as controversial as apple pie.

On tax reform, the President should just let his Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, and Director of the National Economic Council, Gary Cohn, do their work in supporting Capitol Hill. The President hasnt helped move the ball forward whatsoever. His staff should run the numbers on the impact of tax legislation and endeavor to pay for any tax cuts to make the legislation budget neutral. The President, however, should simply get out of the way and do no harm. No more menacing tweets about congressional leadership.

While Secretary Mnuchin says a bill can become law still this year, thats most unlikely. It is just too heavy a lift for the time remaining. Tax reform is super complicated and politically difficult, which is why it hasnt been accomplish since Ronald Reagan was President in 1986. However, theres still time to get it done by the middle of next year, before the rough and raunchy rhetoric of the mid-term elections is in full swing. Lets wish them luck. Working middle class Americans, especially, can use a tax reduction.

Infrastructure ImprovementsCandidate Trump touted the need for a trillions dollar infrastructure improvement bill. It was to include everything from roads and bridges to rail, airports, and waterways to water systems. It was a bold and big idea around which he had many supporters, including Democrats. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has not provided any legislative proposal. In fact, a mere six-pager is all that weve seen on the idea. This is perhaps the area in which the President can assist in moving things forward as a result of his developer/builder background. He should step it up, work with members of the House and Senate from both parties and pass legislation that will make us stronger and help fuel-inject our economy and provide needed jobs at the same time.

Health CareOn repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, the House has passed legislation and the Senate failed to do so. Theres no denying that improvements can and should be made to the current law. However, the best way to make progress is to work with Democrats to create a positive policy path forward that can actually garner the needed votes and become law.

Finally, I spent 30 years in government, half of the time working in the House and Senate (including years working for the Senate Majority Leader and passing major legislation). Getting good bills passed isnt normally about one party or another. Moderating toward the middle and gaining support from Democrats and Republicans is a sure-footed action plan. It is all about getting to YES on legislation. The Republicans in Congress have failed to do what is required using their majorities. It is fine they tried. Nevertheless, now it is time for another approach, and one thats more likely to achieve strong success for our country.



About the Author: Former US Trading Commissioner Bart Chilton is a policy and political commentator and author of Ponzimonium: How Scam Artists Are Ripping Off America he can be reached at bartchilton@bartchilton.com.
Elon Musk has made an ominous warning about artificial intelligence (AI), suggesting it could be the cause of a third world war. His comment was in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin who said Friday that the first global leader in AI would "become the ruler of the world." "China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo (in my opinion)," the Tesla (: TXL-CA) and SpaceX CEO tweeted Monday. Tweet Putin said that the development of AI raises both "colossal opportunities" and "threats that are difficult to predict." "Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world," he said at a meeting with students on Friday. The United States is generally considered to be the nation leading the charge towards AI currently, with tech giants like Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) pouring large amounts of cash into research and development projects. But last week, a report by Goldman Sachs found that China could have the AI capability to catch up with the U.S . "We believe AI technology will become a priority on the government's agenda, and we expect further national/regional policy and funding support on AI to follow," the investment bank said.Musk's latest A.I. warningThe business magnate has been very vocal about his thoughts on AI. Last month he co-signed a letter with other leaders in robotics including Google Deep Mind's Mustafa Suleyman, calling on the United Nations to ban killer robots. He even suggested that the emerging technology could pose a greater risk to the world than a nuclear conflict with North Korea. His latest comments couldn't be more timely. On Sunday, North Korea said it had successfully carried out a test of a hydrogen bomb . A.I., not country leaders, could start warMusk said that there was a possibility that war could be automated.In response to one Twitter user, he said: "May be initiated not by the country leaders, but one of the AI's if it decides that a prepemtive (sic) strike is the most probable path to victory".TweetHe even said he was skeptical of the possibility that North Korea could launch its own nuclear weapon.TweetWATCH: Elon Musk issues a stark warning about A.I., calls it a bigger threat than North Korea Elon Musk has made an ominous warning about artificial intelligence (AI), suggesting it could be the cause of a third world war. His comment was in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin who said Friday that the first global leader in AI would "become the ruler of the world." "China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo (in my opinion)," the Tesla (: TXL-CA) and SpaceX CEO tweeted Monday. Tweet Putin said that the development of AI raises both "colossal opportunities" and "threats that are difficult to predict." "Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world," he said at a meeting with students on Friday. The United States is generally considered to be the nation leading the charge towards AI currently, with tech giants like Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) pouring large amounts of cash into research and development projects. But last week, a report by Goldman Sachs found that China could have the AI capability to catch up with the U.S . "We believe AI technology will become a priority on the government's agenda, and we expect further national/regional policy and funding support on AI to follow," the investment bank said. Musk's latest A.I. warning The business magnate has been very vocal about his thoughts on AI. Last month he co-signed a letter with other leaders in robotics including Google Deep Mind's Mustafa Suleyman, calling on the United Nations to ban killer robots. He even suggested that the emerging technology could pose a greater risk to the world than a nuclear conflict with North Korea. His latest comments couldn't be more timely. On Sunday, North Korea said it had successfully carried out a test of a hydrogen bomb . A.I., not country leaders, could start war Musk said that there was a possibility that war could be automated. In response to one Twitter user, he said: "May be initiated not by the country leaders, but one of the AI's if it decides that a prepemtive (sic) strike is the most probable path to victory". Tweet He even said he was skeptical of the possibility that North Korea could launch its own nuclear weapon. Tweet WATCH: Elon Musk issues a stark warning about A.I., calls it a bigger threat than North Korea



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The WhatsApp messaging application is seen on a phone screen August 3, 2017. REUTERS/Thomas White

(Reuters) - Facebook Inc is gearing up to make money from WhatsApp, the messaging service used by more than a billion people every day, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

WhatsApp will be testing new features to make it easier for people to communicate with businesses they want to reach on WhatsApp, the messaging service said on a blog post. (http://bit.ly/2x7FyGw)

"We're building and testing new tools via a free WhatsApp Business app for small companies and an enterprise solution for bigger companies operating at a large scale with a global base of customers, like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks," according to the blog post.

WhatsApp has already started a pilot program that would feature a green badge next to a business contact, indicating that the business was verified by the messaging service.

"We do intend on charging businesses in the future," Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema told the Journal in an interview. (http://on.wsj.com/2eBw3UA)

Reuters had reported in March that a potential revenue source for WhatsApp was to charge businesses that want to contact customers, citing company documents. (http://reut.rs/2w33Axm)

Started in 2009, WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook for an eye-popping $22 billion in 2014. While WhatsApp had little revenue at the time of the deal, the purchase price was slightly more than the market value of Sony Corp.

Facebook has not focused on WhatsApp so far. The social network had started showing ads inside its Messenger app in July to further monetize the chat service.

Idema declined to describe the paid features or say when they would make their debut, according to the report. "We don't have the details of monetization figured out," he told the Journal.

(Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
Gold prices have spiked to their highest point in almost a year as safe-haven assets continue their march upwards against a backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding North Korea and its nuclear program. The precious metal edged around 1 percent higher in early Monday trade, hitting $1,338.16 per troy ounce by 9:30 a.m. London time, to stand marginally shy of the 12-month peak of $1,338.48 reached on September 24 last year. Prices had pulled back slightly in later trade to hover around $1,334.48 by lunchtime in London. Gold's rally has directionally tracked those of fellow safe-haven assets including the Japanese yen and Swiss franc during Monday's session, following North Korea's latest missile test over the weekend. However, it's important not to lose sight of the possibility the situation will de-escalate and prompt a speedy retracement of the trend, Georgette Boele, senior FX strategist at ABN Amro, told CNBC. "If the tensions in Asia increase because of North Korea, gold and other safe haven assets are supported. But if tensions ease again gold will probably ease as well," said Boele via email on Monday. "We hold the view a recovery of the U.S. dollar will push gold prices lower (towards $1,300 or below) in the near term - but in this scenario we don't expect an escalation of the situation with North Korea," she added. The test was the sixth to have been carried out by the North Koreans since President Donald Trump moved into the White House last January and is believed to have been the most powerful to date. A flurry of verbal diplomacy from world leaders in the aftermath of the news has demonstrated the seriousness with which experts were treating the development, with such sentiment feeding through to flip financial markets into "risk-off" mode as the trading week began. According to Kit Juckes, macro strategist at Societe Generale, investors should actually be prepared for a potential reversal of Monday's moves, "The trend in recent months has been for knee-jerk risk-averse reactions to geopolitical events to be followed by a gradual recovery in risk sentiment as global monetary accommodation has its usual pacifying effect in markets," Juckes wrote in a note to clients on Monday. "A repeat of that pattern seems eminently possible this week," he hypothesized. A spike in geopolitical tensions in recent months has enabled gold to step out of the $1,200 - $1,300 spectrum which has dominated the precious metal's trading range over the past year.



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You'd be forgiven for thinking Android One was dead and gone. Google's initiative to bring stock Android to emerging nations through cheap, local handsets roared to life in 2014. By 2015, however, it was already being rebooted, with the tech giant promising to further lower prices. That same year it came to Africa, and is currently available in Japan, Turkey, and the Netherlands, among other regions. Now, Android One is getting fitted with upgraded hardware courtesy of Xiaomi. The Chinese manufacturer's new Mi A1 handset was just announced in India, and will cost $234. That's significantly more than the $50 Android One phones we're used to. The switch to a higher price point indicates a shift in Google's strategy -- as it looks to capture a bigger slice of the world's mobile-first market.

Of course, for that price you get a lot more bang for your buck. Overall, it seems the phone is a variant of the Xiaomi Mi 5X. It boasts the same specs as its older sibling, albeit with Xiaomi's MIUI software coating swapped out for stock Android.

For the uninitiated, the Mi A1 offers a full-metal body and 5.5 inch, full HD display. Its 7.5mm thickness also makes it slimmer than flagship devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S8. It packs a dual camera setup like Xiaomi's own high-end handset, the Mi 6. This includes both a 12MP telephoto and wide-angle lens. The front-facing selfie snapper, on the other hand, comes in at 5MP. Inside, you'll find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage (expandable up to 128GB). In terms of looks, Xiaomi hasn't done away with its bezels, like it did with the Mi Mix.

Those specs wipe the floor with other Android One devices. And, of course, the phone will come packing Google's stock OS -- along with a bunch of pre-loaded software, including Google Assistant and Google Photos. Upgrades will also be more frequent (you can expect Android Oreo for the Mi A1 before the end of the year). The same goes for future versions of the OS, such as Android P.

Thanks to the release of Android Go (a special configuration of Android Oreo for low-end phones), it seems Google's plans for emerging markets are expanding. But, as its latest partnership proves, that doesn't mean Android One is being put to bed.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 will also be available in around 40 regions, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Mexico. Although prices for those counties have not yet been announced. The device lands in India on 12 September.
Reconceiving the second sex

Sexual and reproductive rights are considered to be basic human rights to which every human being is entitled.
FILE PHOTO: CEO Joseph Jimenez of Swiss drugmaker Novartis arrives to address the company's annual news conference in Basel January 29, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

By John Miller

ZURICH (Reuters) - Novartis (NOVN.S) CEO Joe Jimenez will step down on Feb. 1 and hand over to drug development chief Vas Narasimhan to decide the fate of $50 billion in assets and make good on a pledge to return the Swiss company to sales growth.

Jimenez, who will have been at the helm for eight years when he retires, has hived off animal health, vaccines and over-the-counter drugs businesses at Novartis to focus on generally more profitable prescription medicines, particularly in cancer.

But sales have been hit as top-selling drugs such as blood cancer treatment Gleevec have lost patent protection, while eye business Alcon has lagged expectations and generics arm Sandoz has faced intense pressure on prices in the United States.

Novartis got a boost last week, when the United States approved its $475,000-per-patient Kymriah treatment for young people with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one of a series of new drugs it expects to revive sales growth starting next year.

Jimenez, 57, said on Monday now was a good time to move on.

"I really believe a leader has to be in place at the beginning of that growth phase to see it through," he told reporters on a call. "And that wouldn't be me, given that I'm already eight years into my tenure."

Narasimhan, 41, is among a new generation of youthful leaders at Novartis, including head researcher Jay Bradner at the Novartis Institutes For Biomedical Research.

Together, they have sought to improve the company's way of moving drugs from the laboratory into commercial products, something they acknowledge has not always worked efficiently.

"That's going to continue to be the focus of the company: To translate that innovation into commercial success," said Narasimhan, a U.S. citizen.

Analysts said Narasimhan's skills as a Harvard-trained medical doctor and former McKinsey consultant may be the blend Novartis needs to balance research and business.

"The appointment ... brings deep medical and commercial knowledge plus strong communication, and we expect this fresh start to be taken very well by the markets," said David Evans, a Kepler Cheuvreux analyst.

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DECISIONS

But there will be plenty in Narasimhan's in-tray.

His appointment comes as Novartis is reviewing Alcon for a possible sale that could bring in $25-$35 billion.

He must also decide what to do with its $10 billion stake in its over-the-counter (OTC) drugs venture with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L). Novartis faces a deadline of March 2018 to decide whether to exercise a sell option for its 36.5 percent stake.

Narasimhan will have to weigh up too what to so with Novartis's $14 billion stake in cross-town rival Roche (ROG.S), which the company has said could be sold.

Novartis shares have lagged the Stoxx European Health Care Index (.SXDP) by around 9 percent during Jimenez's tenure. At 1025 GMT, they were down 0.9 percent at 80.10 Swiss francs.

Having held various roles at Novartis since 2005, Narasimhan became global head of drug development and chief medical officer in 2016.

Jimenez said his departure would not affect a strategic review of Alcon, with an update due by year's end.

"We're going to consider all options ranging from keeping the business up to a capital markets exit," he said. "There really is no change, so don't read anything into it."

He also hailed last week's U.S. approval of Kymriah, the first so-called CAR-T therapy to win the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's blessing.

"We started this five years ago, it was a big bet, a lot of people thought we were crazy and it's paying off," Jimenez said. "We have big plans."

(Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Mark Potter)
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Singapore's biggest lender DBS Group Holdings (DBSM.SI) has won the Reserve Bank of India's approval to provide banking services in the country through a wholly-owned subsidiary, its CEO said on Monday.

Piyush Gupta said the bank expects to move to a subsidiary structure from the current branch structure in the country in the next six to nine months and was open to injecting more capital into the Indian business.

The Reserve Bank of India had said in 2013 it would treat foreign banks operating in the country on nearly equal terms with local lenders if they moved to a wholly owned subsidiary structure.

However, very few banks have shown interest. DBS was among the first to apply for a wholly-owned subsidiary in India.

The approval gives DBS the ability to expand its products and increase the number of its branches across India.

(Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy, editing by Louise Heavens)
The logo of Russian conglomerate Sistema is seen on a board at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2017 (SPIEF 2017) in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 1, 2017. Picture taken June 1, 2017. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

By Denis Pinchuk and Maria Kiselyova

XIAMEN, China (Reuters) - Shares in Russian industrial conglomerate Sistema jumped 15 percent on Tuesday after President Vladimir Putin said he hoped it would reach an out-of-court settlement in its dispute with state oil giant Rosneft.

Putin said on Tuesday he had met Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Sechin as well as Vladimir Yevtushenkov, chairman and main owner of Sistema, and that an amicable agreement would benefit both companies and the Russian economy as a whole.

Shares in Sistema jumped 15 percent on the Moscow exchange to their highest since June 20 after Putin's comments. In June, the Kremlin said Putin would not intervene in the row over mid-sized oil producer Bashneft.

"We agree with the president and take his words as a guide for action. We had already offered to the claimants to come to the negotiating table and to invite independent experts," Sistema CEO Mikhail Shamolin said.

A spokesman for Rosneft said the oil firm "had never received any peaceful proposals from Sistema".

A court in the Russian region of Bashkortostan ruled last month that Sistema should pay Rosneft 136.3 billion roubles ($2.4 billion) to settle the claim that Rosneft-controlled oil producer Bashneft was stripped of assets when Sistema was the owner.

Sistema has rejected the claim as groundless and said it would appeal against the court decision. It has appealed against asset freezes imposed as part of the litigation but its latest request was turned down by a court on Tuesday.

Shares in Sistema hit 14.45 roubles shortly after Putin's comments but pared some of the gains to close the main session 8.77 percent higher at 13.6 roubles apiece.

"If the Russian president's hopes materialise, and the payout under an amicable settlement is less than implied by the existing court order, Sistema's debt burden will be lower," analysts at Raiffeisenbank wrote in a note.

"However, so far the likelihood of an amicable agreement is not that high, given that Rosneft is contesting the court decision," they added.

Story continues

Rosneft had sought more than 170 billion roubles in damages and said it would contest the court decision to order Sistema pay less.

The dispute has rekindled broader fears about investor rights in Russia. Sistema said the case was hurting the investment climate.

Putin, speaking in Xiamen, China, said he had given no direct instructions to any side in the case.

($1 = 57.3098 roubles)

(Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Dale Hudson)
By Denis Pinchuk and Maria Kiselyova XIAMEN, China (Reuters) - Shares in Russian industrial conglomerate Sistema jumped 15 percent on Tuesday after President Vladimir Putin said he hoped it would reach an out-of-court settlement in its dispute with state oil giant Rosneft. Putin said on Tuesday he had met Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Sechin as well as Vladimir Yevtushenkov, chairman and main owner of Sistema, and that an amicable agreement would benefit both companies and the Russian economy as a whole. Shares in Sistema jumped 15 percent on the Moscow exchange to their highest since June 20 after Putin's comments. In June, the Kremlin said Putin would not intervene in the row over mid-sized oil producer Bashneft. "We agree with the president and take his words as a guide for action. We had already offered to the claimants to come to the negotiating table and to invite independent experts," Sistema CEO Mikhail Shamolin said. A spokesman for Rosneft said the oil firm "had never received any peaceful proposals from Sistema". A court in the Russian region of Bashkortostan ruled last month that Sistema should pay Rosneft 136.3 billion roubles ($2.4 billion) to settle the claim that Rosneft-controlled oil producer Bashneft was stripped of assets when Sistema was the owner. Sistema has rejected the claim as groundless and said it would appeal against the court decision. It has appealed against asset freezes imposed as part of the litigation but its latest request was turned down by a court on Tuesday. Shares in Sistema hit 14.45 roubles shortly after Putin's comments but pared some of the gains to close the main session 8.77 percent higher at 13.6 roubles apiece. "If the Russian president's hopes materialise, and the payout under an amicable settlement is less than implied by the existing court order, Sistema's debt burden will be lower," analysts at Raiffeisenbank wrote in a note. "However, so far the likelihood of an amicable agreement is not that high, given that Rosneft is contesting the court decision," they added. Rosneft had sought more than 170 billion roubles in damages and said it would contest the court decision to order Sistema pay less. The dispute has rekindled broader fears about investor rights in Russia. Sistema said the case was hurting the investment climate. Putin, speaking in Xiamen, China, said he had given no direct instructions to any side in the case. ($1 = 57.3098 roubles) (Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Dale Hudson)
Of all the spaces in our homes, the kitchen is the one that has seen the least change in the past few years. Sure, that countertop CD player has given way to an Echo, but you've probably not invested in a smartphone-controlled oven or DRM-enabled juicer. Look hard enough, however, and you can see more radical shifts in the appliances world on the horizon. It's just going to take a while before this technology is affordable enough for us mere mortals.

Historically, when technology has made an impact in the household, it often radically redefines how our society operates. Statistician Hans Rosling believed that the washing machine was the most important invention in the world. Other academics agree, saying that freeing women from domestic labor was responsible for both hugely shifting how we work and creating several economic booms.

But the last big innovation -- assuming you don't count the items you find on late-night shopping channels -- was probably the microwave or dishwasher. Both of those became reasonably affordable more than half a century ago. But fear not, because the technology industry is slowly beginning to push for dramatic ways to upend the staid world of white goods.

SONY DSC

LG's Styler, which was announced a few years ago, could redefine how we wash our clothes. Essentially, it's a wardrobe-size box into which you hang your clothes to get them steam cleaned. Simply fill up the reservoir at the bottom with water and your outfits are progressively shaken and boiled until they're clean and wrinkle free.

Then there's TwinWash, LG's system of tiny washing machines beneath its larger freestanding models. The idea is to separate delicates and other smaller loads from the main drum to speed up laundry times. Frankly, it's the sort of throw-stuff-against-the-wall thinking that makes the technology industry so exciting. Both of these have one major drawback, however, and it's their very high price -- more than $2,000.

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Samsung's vision for the future of laundry is exemplified by the QuickDrive washing machine, which it launched here in Berlin. The company is shouting about its decision to separate the drum from its backplate and have each spin independently. The idea is that the contrasting movement will cause the water to move more vigorously and, therefore, clean your clothes more quickly. The company is also celebrating the QuickDrive's built-in artificial intelligence, which it claims will help clueless washers make better program choices.

Another crazy idea that Samsung's been peddling for the past few years has been AddWash. It's a secondary door in its machines that lets you add clothes to the wash after the cycle has begun. Ubiquitous in its TV advertising, it's clear that the feature is liked enough by its customers for it to proliferate through an increasing number of Samsung's washers.

Then there was Panasonic, which showed off its vision for replacing the washing machine as we know it altogether. The elegantly named Sustainable Maintainer is a cabinet into which you'd chuck your dirty clothes. A robotic arm and camera then examine each item in turn, checking the washing instructions against an online database.

Once it has determined what, and how, the item should be washed, nozzles will spray the fabric with specific quantities of detergent. Then, when the hardware is confident that the stubborn stains have been lifted, the clothes are suction-dried and blasted with UV light. Finally, another robotic arm will fold the clothes so that they are ready for you to put them back into your drawers. If that sounds familiar, it's because the company has been working on Laundroid, a laundry-folding robot, for the past couple of years.

Panasonic admits that the Sustainable Maintainer is the better part of a decade away from being ready for consumers. But the fact that the company is at least trying to look beyond mere refinements to the existing technology is heartening. It's not simply enough to look to tweak the existing formula, especially when big ideas are so en vogue.

SONY DSC

However, that exact approach is being taken by some of the more traditional appliance makers exhibiting at IFA 2017. Hoover, Candy, Sharp and others have all decided on more-iterative refinements, bolting on connected technology to their existing hardware. These devices are little more than a washing machine, oven and dishwasher with touchscreens running Android. But unlike the more radical concepts on show here, they will actually be available in stores within the year.

Even the humble oven isn't immune to the future, thanks to Miele's brand-new Dialog Oven. The company has developed a way to use the same electromagnetic waves that are broadcast for mobile phone networks as a vehicle for cooking food. It's similar to a microwave, albeit using an entirely different frequency, and one that apparently will cook your food perfectly every time. It'll cost you, though, since it's expected to cost close to $10,000 when it launches next year.

SONY DSC

Up close and personal, the most obvious difference between Dialog and any other oven is its two-inch-thick door. That's to keep the device from blasting its neighbors with the waves, as well as to avoid disrupting nearby communications signals. The company showed off the technology by cooking a fish to perfection, despite its being in a block of ice. More importantly, however, this system will mean that you can slow-roast pulled pork in two hours instead of five or 10.

Some of these appliances will have an easier route to our homes than others, especially the ones that aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. The companies that are simply trying to bolt on smart features to their existing products are going to have the most success in the short term. Hell, in a year or two it'll probably be hard to find appliances that don't offer some sort of smartphone control.

In the longer term, it'll be the bigger ideas that offer a radically improved way to live our lives that'll win out. The downside is that these things take an order of magnitude more time to get picked up than, say, smartphones. On average, we replace our phones once every two and a half years but replace an appliance once every decade. As a consequence, it's going to be some time before you begin living with your first truly smart kitchen. But it is coming, and we'd best be ready for when it gets here.

Follow all the latest news from IFA 2017 here!
Smuggled gold worth over Rs 340m seized in biggest haul ever

Police seized 88kg smuggled goldthe biggest haul of the precious yellow metal ever confiscatedin the Capital in the wee hours of Monday.
A Qualcomm sign is pictured at one of its many campus buildings in San Diego, California, U.S. April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake (Reuters)

SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Monday rejected Qualcomm Inc's <QCOM.O> request to suspend an order by the country's antitrust agency to take corrective action on the way it licenses patents.

In December, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) fined Qualcomm 1.03 trillion won ($912.34 million) for what it called unfair business practices in patent licensing and modem chip sales.

The regulator also ordered the U.S. firm to negotiate in good faith with rival chipmakers on patent licensing, and renegotiate chip supply agreements with mobile phone makers if requested.

If the order is upheld, such measures would affect Qualcomm's dealings with major tech firms including Apple Inc <AAPL.O>, Intel Corp <INTC.O>, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL].

Qualcomm subsequently filed two lawsuits with the Seoul High Court, one calling for the nullification of the regulator's decision and another seeking the suspension of the corrective order until a ruling on the first is made.

The court turned down the suspension request because it did not believe the regulator's order would pose a risk of "irreparable damage" to Qualcomm, a spokeswoman told Reuters.

The court has not yet made a ruling on the first lawsuit calling for the cancellation of the regulator's decision.

A spokeswoman at Qualcomm's South Korean's unit did not have any immediate comment.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the control of artificial intelligence will be crucial to global power.

In a science lesson to start off the Russian school year, Putin reportedly said that artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russia, but for all humankind.

It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are difficult to predict, Putin said Friday, as quoted by the state-funded media organization RT. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.

While some more excitable outlets have reported this as Putin saying Russia will use AI to take over the world, thats not quite what he said. Rather, according to the Associated Presss English-language translation, Putin argued that it would be strongly undesirable if someone wins a monopolist position.

If we become leaders in this area, we will share this know-how with [the] entire world, the same way we share our nuclear technologies today, Putin said, per RT.

Get Data Sheet, Fortunes technology newsletter.

Putins warning about AI monopolization was in line with the fears of academics such as Nick Bostrom and certain technologists such as Elon Musk, who worry that the transition between todays proto-AI technologies and a true AI superintelligence may take place so quickly, with the intelligences subsequent development being so rapid, that competing research efforts will be left in the dust.

This would put an inordinate amount of power in the hands of whoever developed the leading AI, orin the Terminator scenarioin the hands of the AI itself.

According to the AP report, Putin also predicted that countries would fight future wars with drones, with the victor being determined by drone supremacy.
Here are the weekends top stories.

North Korea conducts nuclear test with hydrogen bomb

North Korea completed its sixth nuclear test on Sunday with the detonation of a hydrogen bomb that triggered a 5.7 magnitude quake. The explosion was 10 times the size of its previous test in September 2016. President Donald Trump condemned the move, describing North Koreas words and actions as very hostile and dangerous to the United States.

President Trump visits Hurricane Harvey victims

Trump returned to Texas to visit the victims of the catastrophic and record-breaking flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. During his trip, Trump helped hand out boxed lunches, met with first responders and also assessed damage caused by the storm in Louisiana. His second visit comes after he was criticized for not meeting with victims the first time around.

Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker dies

Walter Becker, the guitarist, bassist and co-founder of the influential rock duo Steely Dan, died Sunday at age 67. It is unclear what the cause of his death was. In a statement, Beckers bandmate Donald Fagen described him as smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter.

Also:

The Department of Justice found no evidence former President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower  an accusation Trump made in March.

Serena Williams gave birth to a baby girl. The news came as her sister, Venus Williams, competed in the U.S. Open.

The text of the letter Obama gave Trump on Inauguration Day earlier this year was obtained and published by CNN, revealing the 44th presidents advice for the 45th.

Monday is Labor Day, and a host of restaurants and stores are offering deals.
Doctor checking a man's knee | Hero Images/Getty Images

Hero Images/Getty Images

When unexpected expenses pile up and the emergency fund has been drained, where can you turn for money? For many people their biggest stash of savings is hidden away in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Unfortunately, the government imposes a 10 percent penalty on any withdrawals before age 59 1/2. Some early distributions qualify for a waiver of that penalty -- for instance hardships, higher education expenses and buying a first home.

Though the IRS does not recognize being flat broke as a hardship, there are situations when investors can tap their retirement plan before age 59 1/2 without paying the 10 percent penalty.

Penalty-free does not mean tax-free

If you do need to take a withdrawal, some hardship situations qualify for a penalty exemption from an IRA or a 401(k) plan.

Note that penalty-free does not mean tax-free. All traditional IRA and 401(k) withdrawals require that you pay taxes at ordinary income rates. Contributions to a Roth IRA can be taken out at any time, and its earnings may be withdrawn penalty-free and tax-free after five years. The same rules apply to a Roth 401(k), but only if the employer plan permits.

In certain situations, a traditional IRA offers penalty-free withdrawals even when an employer-sponsored plan does not. We explain those situations below. Also, be aware that employer plans don't have to provide for hardship withdrawals at all. Many do, but they may permit hardship withdrawals only in certain situations -- for instance, for medical or funeral expenses, but not for housing or education purposes.

These circumstances qualify for IRS-sanctioned, penalty-free hardship withdrawals.

1. Unreimbursed medical bills

The government will allow investors to withdraw money from their qualified retirement plan to pay for unreimbursed deductible medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income.

The withdrawal must be made in the same year that the medical bills were incurred, says Alan Rothstein, a CPA at Rothstein and Co., in Avon, Connecticut.

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You do not have to itemize deductions to take advantage of this exception to the 10 percent tax penalty, according to IRS Publication 590.

2. Disability

The IRS dictates that investors must be totally and permanently disabled before they can dip into their retirement plans without paying a 10 percent penalty.

Rothstein says the easiest way to prove disability to the IRS is by collecting disability payments from an insurance company or from Social Security.

3. Health insurance premiums

Penalty-free withdrawals can be taken from an IRA if you're unemployed and the money is used to pay health insurance premiums. The caveat is that you must be unemployed for 12 weeks.

To leave a clean trail just in case of an audit, Rothstein suggests opening a separate bank account to receive transfers from the IRA and then using it to pay the premiums only.

"Or the best way is to have the money sent to the insurance carrier directly," he says.

4. Death

When an IRA account holder dies, the beneficiaries can take withdrawals from the account without paying the 10 percent penalty. However, the IRS imposes restrictions on spouses who inherit an IRA and elect to treat it as their own. They may be subject to the penalty if they take a distribution before age 59 1/2.

5. If you owe the IRS

If Uncle Sam comes after your IRA for unpaid taxes, or in other words, places a levy against the account, you can take a penalty-free withdrawal, says CFP professional Joe Gordon, co-founder of Gordon Asset Management in Durham, North Carolina.

6. First-time homebuyers

Though you may take money out of your 401(k) to use as a down payment, expect to pay a 10 percent penalty.

However, take the money from your IRA, and it's penalty-free. The penalty-free withdrawal is not limited to first-timers either. Homebuyers must not have owned a home in the previous two years, though. Further, you can take more than one penalty-free withdrawal to buy a home, but there is a $10,000 limit.

For example, says Rothstein, "You can do two $5,000 withdrawals, but $10,000 is the lifetime limit."

Taking money out of a 401(k) for a down payment can be trickier.

"When the 401(k) has both a loan provision and hardship withdrawal provision, the participant must first use the loan provision before going to hardship," Gordon says.

7. Higher education expenses

Similarly, withdrawals can generally be made from a 401(k) to cover higher education expenses if the plan allows hardship withdrawals, but they will be subject to the 10 percent penalty.

However, IRA withdrawals are penalty-free if used to pay for qualified expenses.

"It can be for yourself, your spouse, children, grandchildren, immediate family members. Typically, it will cover books, tuition, supplies, room and board and for postsecondary education," says Bonnie Kirchner, author of "Who Can You Trust With Your Money?"

8. For income purposes

Section 72(t) of the tax code allows investors to take money out of their retirement plan for income, but there are restrictions.

"You'll have to take substantially equal periodic payments" over time, Kirchner says.

The shortest amount of time that payments must be made is five years. One option is taking a distribution annually for five years or until age 59 1/2, whichever is longer.

For example, early retirees may want to tap their retirement accounts before Social Security kicks in.

"The gist is that you take the payments and you pay the taxes, but you pay no penalty even if you're 52 or 53 years old," Gordon says.

There are other options for the distributions that allow an investor to take payments "over their life expectancy or do a reverse-mortgage-type amortization," Gordon says.

These periodic payments can also be spread over the course of your life and that of your designated beneficiary.





More From Bankrate.com


Some 18,000 students are unlikely to resume their schooling in a remote Afghan district as millions of Afghan girls and boys return to schools this week after summer break.

Hundreds of families in Darzab, a restive district in northern Jawzjan Province, received night letters this week from the ultra-radical Islamic State (IS) militants urging them to resist sending their children back to school.

IS, locally known by its Arabic acronym Daesh, told parents to instead prepare their children to learn a new curriculum the hard-line group is preparing for Darzab schools.

Darzab District Governor Baz Mohammad Dawar confirmed the threats. He says IS has also asked teachers in the rural district to deposit amounts equal to their salaries for two months. The group also wants teachers to hand over government-issued debit cards, which they use to withdraw their salaries from a nearby branch of Kabul Bank.

[For months,] Daesh has controlled all schools in Darzab district and has forced all of them to close, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. By controlling teachers salaries, Daesh now wants them to teach a curriculum it chooses.

In July, Jawzjan officials said IS banned girls from going to school in Darzab and also destroyed a dozen of the districts 47 schools.

(https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/darzab-eduation-is/28595921.html)

Naimaullah, a Darzab resident, said IS militants are now trying to control all aspects of the lives of Darzabs estimated 60,000 residents.

This is an extremely alarming situation. he told Radio Free Afghanistan. They do not control the district center but have sway over all of the villages, and they are trying to implement whatever rules they can lay their hands on.

In June, IS fighters claimed to have captured Darzab. But they were soon forced to leave the main population centers after facing separate attacks from the government forces and the Taliban.

Civilians are paying a high price for the insecurity. Thousands have fled the violence and harsh IS rule.

Shir Muhammad, a local militia leader, claimed to have lost 60 men during the past three months.

Our commanders asked for help from the government. We asked them to send helicopters to evacuate our injured, he told the BBC.

Strategically located on the crossroads of Jawzjan, Sar-e Pol, and Faryab provinces in northern Afghanistan close to Central Asia, control Darzab would be a major boost for IS.

Alem Rehmanyar contributed reporting from Jawzjan, Afghanistan.
A leading Islamist political party in Afghanistan has accused the countrys Taliban insurgents for the ongoing violence against Rohingya Muslims in Burma.

An official statement by Hizb-e Islami said the destruction of two giant Buddha statues by the Taliban in Afghanistans historic Bamyan Valley hastened the suffering of Muslims in Burma. Also called Myanmar, a majority of the Southeast Asian countrys more than 50 million people are Buddhists.

The suffering of Muslims [in Burma] has a long and bloody history, but it hastened after the Taliban destroyed the Buddha statues in Bamyan and its footage was widely circulated through media [in 2001], the September 4 statement said.

Our enemies took advantage of this and provoked the Burmese Buddhists against Muslims. Instead of going after the real culprits, they decided to take revenge from Muslims in their own country, the statement added.

Since August 25, more than 120,000 Rohingya are now believed to have fled into neighboring Bangladesh from Burmas Rakhine state. The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim stateless minority. Their members have faced discrimination and sporadic violence in Burma at the hands of security forces and Rakhine Buddhist mobs.

The Taliban have not responded to Hizb-e Islami accusations. But in a statement this week, it criticized Burma and called for more support for the Rohingya.

We welcome the statements of support for the Muslims of Burma by those governments of the Islamic world, organizations, media, and individuals who have raised their voices, a Taliban statement said.

Relations between the two Afghan Islamist movements deteriorated sharply after Hizb-e Islami concluded a peace agreement with the Afghan government last year, which paved the way for its leader, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, to return to Kabul in May.

 With reporting by the Los Angeles Times
An asylum-seeker who says he is Afghan is being tried in Germany in a rape and murder case that has fueled a nationwide debate about the countrys immigration policy.

Hussein K., who is suspected of raping and murdering a female medical student last year, went on trial in the southwestern city of Freiburg on September 5.

The victim, identified as 19-year-old Maria L., went missing in October 2016 on her way home in Freiburg and her body was later found in the Dreisam River.

Authorities say the suspect, who was arrested in December 2016, was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and video footage from near the scene.

His exact identity and age are unclear.

Hussein K. man arrived in Germany in 2015 without identity papers and applied for asylum as an unaccompanied minor. He told authorities he was 17 and came from Afghanistan, but studies commissioned by prosecutors indicated that he was at least 22 at the time of the crime.

Following his arrest, it emerged that a Greek court sentenced him to 10 years in prison for robbing a 20-year-old woman and trying to kill her. He served around 18 months before being released on parole in October 2015 and absconding from the country.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa


Jacksonville, FL, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The JAX Chamber has joined together with Gladstein, Neandross & Associates, clean transportation and energy consulting firm and conference organizers of the Natural Gas for High Horsepower (HHP) Summit, to bring the annual event to Jacksonville, Florida. Since its inception, the HHP Summit has served as the official meeting place of high horsepower industry stakeholdersincluding marine, mining, rail, and stationary power generation sectors  to discuss the opportunities and challenges offered by natural gas in energy-intensive applications. In recent years, Jacksonville has become the epicenter of North American natural gas market development for these same applications.

Jacksonville is committed to supporting the burgeoning natural gas industry, which drives economic development, energy security and improves environmental sustainability, JAX Chambers VP of Industry & Government Affairs, Chris Quinn said. We are thrilled to bring the HHP Summit to our city as we become the leader in natural gas-fueled ocean going vessels, locomotives and over-the-road trucks, as well as the launching point for the export of natural gas to remote power generation and industrial markets in the Caribbean.

The four-day event will provide attendees insight into dozens of operational natural gas marine, rail, mining, remote power generation, on-road trucking, and infrastructure projects through a series of plenaries, breakouts, and technical workshops. This years attendees will also have unprecedented access to off-site tours to local Jacksonville projects, including the Eagle liquefied natural gas (LNG) Maxville Plant, Crowley LNG Bunker Terminal, JAX LNG Plant, TOTE LNG Vessel, Florida East Coast Rail LNG locomotives and tender fueling operations, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) compressed natural gas (CNG) operation, and UPS LNG trucks and large-scale LNG refueling station.

The choice of Floridas largest city to host the conference is driven by its emergence in recent years as one of the preeminent centers of investment and activity for the North America natural gas downstream market, noted Erik Neandross, CEO of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates, the U.S. clean transportation and energy consulting firm that produces the conference. Jacksonville has become the worlds most progressive and active marketplace for natural gas HHP operations in 2017.

Now in its sixth year, project deployment discussions are no longer conceptual, and what was once theory is now becoming practice. Despite the temporary pricing dip in the global energy market, we have seen several significant new project announcements from the Caribbean to the Northern Yukon. The key themes of the 2017 HHP Summit, include:

Growth markets and opportunities in marine, rail, power generation and other industrial/commercial applications

The growth opportunities for innovative CNG and LNG supply chains to support natural gas utilities, local-distribution companies, and electrical power generation companies

Early project successes driving investment in tangible supply chains

Impacts of a disrupted middle distillate market in 2020 and beyond

Existing and new supply chain assets driving market expansion and acceleration

The competitive business advantage of natural gas given its long-term price stability and predictability

Continued focus on environmental driversregulatory and sustainability

The HHP Summit expo hall will offer hands-on access to a wide range of natural gas engines, equipment and technology designed for high horsepower applications and have the opportunity to talk to representatives about engine and equipment specifications before making an investment.

Value registration offers attendees a $200 savings through October 1. To see the full agenda and register, visit www.hhpsummit.com.

###

About JAX Chamber

The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy. www.myjaxchamber.com

About the Natural Gas for High Horsepower (HHP) Summit

HHP Summit is North Americas largest and most comprehensive conference and expo focused on the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas for marine, mining, rail, drilling, pressure pumping, and remote power generation operations. Since its inception, the HHP Summit has served as the official meeting place of high horsepower industry stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges offered by natural gas in high-fuel use operations, in both compressed and liquefied form. Working together with our event stakeholders, the Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA) team creates the HHP Summit program, drawing upon insight gathered from more than 20 years of clean transportation and energy consulting experience. www.hhpsummit.com

About Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA)

GNA is the leading North American consulting firm specializing in market development for low-emission and alternative fuel vehicle technologies, infrastructure and fuels for both on and off-road applications. For more than 20 years, GNA has pioneered the nations largest and most innovative alternative fuel projects in the on-road and off-road sectors. In addition to its technical consulting practice, GNA hosts North Americas leading alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology conferencesincluding the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, the Rethink Methane Symposium, and the High Horsepower (HHP) Summit. www.gladstein.org

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6acf590-89fa-4a14-aa6b-95655779a0e0
MOUNT HERMON, Mass., Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), a coed boarding high school in Western Massachusetts dedicated to education for the head, heart, and hand, today announced it has entered into new electricity and renewable energy credit contracts to green its energy portfolio.



The agreement for the purchase of renewable energy credits, which starts in December, will support the production of power from sources such as wind turbines. By offsetting its emissions in this way, the schools net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere  for 100% of its electricity use  will be zero.

This is just NMHs latest step in reducing its environmental impact. In 2016, the schools power plant  responsible for heating the campus  converted from No. 6 fuel oil to a locally-made biofuel, reducing its carbon emissions by more than 97%.

The embrace of renewable energy and local biofuels complements NMHs ongoing investment in energy efficiency. The school has engaged in comprehensive, campus-wide retrofits that include energy efficient lighting, refrigeration, and variable frequency motors. Together these efforts deliver a one-two punch, reducing NMHs overall energy needs, while ensuring those which remain are fulfilled in an environmentally responsible way.

Sustainability is part of the learning ethos at NMH, said Becca Malloy, Northfield Mount Hermon science teacher and director of sustainability. It is important to us to show our students and alumni that we as an institution are continuing to learn and grow. What we are doing with energy  how and where we source it, use it, and think about it  illustrates our commitment to embracing new ideas and making our school, community and environment a better, greener, and more sustainable place.

Added Rick Couture, director of plant facilities at NMH, Backing our new electricity purchase with 36 months of renewable energy certificates ensures we will be powering the majority of our campus in a zero-emission fashion for years to come, fulfilling our responsibility to our students and local community as well as our mission as a learning institution.

The new electricity and renewable energy contracts were facilitated via Balanced Rock Energy, a Springfield, Mass.-based energy consultancy and long-time advisor to Northfield Mount Hermon.

In our years working together with NMH, the school has always demonstrated a curiosity and willingness to push the envelope to get the most out of energy for its campus and community, said Dan Joyce, President, Balanced Rock Energy.
TourMin told to pay Landmark for Nijgadh feasibility study

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the Tourism Ministry to pay the money due to the Korean company for preparing a detailed feasibility study report of Nijgadh International Airport planned to be built in Bara, 175 kilometres south of Kathmandu.
Re: In the next few weeks, both the Federal Trade Commission and [ #permalink

getgyan wrote:

In the next few weeks, both the Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department is planning to release independent, and possibly conflicting reports about online privacy.

A. both the Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department is planning to release independent, and possibly conflicting, Subject is plural - so we need are and not "is"

B. the Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department are both planning to release independent, and possibly conflicting, both is modifying planning instead it should modify the 2 departments

C. the Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department both are planning to release independent, but possibly conflicting, Same problem with - both as in {B}

D. both the Federal Trade Commission as well as the Commerce Department are planning to release independent, and possibly conflicting, it should be - both the X and Y, no need for as well as in between

E. both the Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department are planning to release independent, and possibly conflicting, This one makes sense, both is modifying the FTC and the CD, Verb - "are" satisfies the plural verb.







My 2 cents in Red below -First to observe is the S-V agreement and than the modification done by word - both.
The most recent case is that of Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-born American citizen and doctoral candidate at Princeton University who was arrested on suspicion of sending classified information to the US while conducting historical research in Iran. His accusers indicated that he had photocopied thousands of pages of library documents, but Princeton representatives objected that this is standard procedure for graduate researchers.

In this sense, Wangs story is reminiscent of that of Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post journalist who was arrested in 2015 and sentenced to an unspecified prison term before being released in January 2016 as part of a prisoner exchange that coincided with the implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Rezaians advocates, including his brother Ali, said that his conviction had been based in large part on the fact that he had shared information with hostile nations, mainly by reading or watching Iranian news and then discussing it with friends and colleagues in the US and Europe.

Rezaian was released alongside three other prisoners in last years exchange. But with the public acknowledgement of Wangs arrest it is now clear that all four of those apparent political prisoners, or hostages, have been replaced. The other three who are known to currently be in detention are US-Iranian dual citizens Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer, and the Lebanese information technology and US permanent resident Nizar Zakka.

The arrests and convictions of these men are generally viewed in a context similar to the earlier arrests. That is to say, they are indicative of an ongoing crackdown on persons with ties to the West, as well as on Iranian citizens with alleged pro-Western views and attitudes. Al Jazeeras report on the upheld convictions calls renewed attention to the fact that Iranian hardliners have been noticeably anxious about infiltration in the wake of Irans relative opening to Western business in the wake of sanctions relief under the nuclear agreement.

According to Voice of America News, an unknown number of Iranians holding European passports are also believed in custody in Iran, including citizens of the United Kingdom, France, and Austria. But whereas those countries governments appear to still be supporting the expansion of relations with the Islamic Republic, the US has sharply pulled back from such reengagement since last Januarys inauguration of President Donald Trump. VOA News points out that Trump responded to Wangs July sentencing by saying he was prepared to impose new and serious consequences on Tehran unless all wrongfully imprisoned American citizens were released.

Nevertheless, Tehran publicly acknowledged the rejection of each of the four appeals on Sunday, in what could be seen as a deliberate display of defiance against the US. Various reports detailing the appeals point out that their rejection comes at a time of generally increased tensions between Tehran and Washington. Al Jazeera notes that Iranian officials have essentially parroted Trumps ultimatum, accusing the US of unlawfully keeping Iranian citizens in prison.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif asserted that Iranians were serving sentences in the US for sanction violations that are not applicable today  for bogus and purely political reasons. Although nuclear-related sanctions were suspended under the JCPOA, all those who are serving sentences on that basis today were arrested and convicted while the sanctions were still in effect. Additionally, last years prisoner exchange involved the Obama White House releasing or dropping charges against 21 Iranians, with most of the relevant charges having to do with violation of the newly-suspended sanctions.

The Foreign Ministrys attempt to portray Iran as the victim in the current situation is reminiscent of the back-and-forth between Iranian officials and representatives of the Trump administration since the beginning of the year, with each side accusing the other of being in violation of the spirit of the nuclear agreement. President Trump has predicted that he will declare Iran out of compliance the next time he is required to report to Congress on the issue, in October. While this is not primarily based on clear violations of the agreements own terms, Irans rhetorical reaction may strengthen the White Houses case.

In recent weeks, Iranian officials including President Hassan Rouhani have suggested that the Islamic Republic could ramp up its nuclear enrichment activities to unprecedented levels within days of the JCPOAs cancellation. When Rouhani first took office in 2013, he was embraced as a relative moderate by some Western officials. He also attempted to strengthen that reputation during his campaign for reelection in May of this year, even though no domestic reforms had been observed during his first term.

As well as highlighting the persistence of Irans hardline foreign policy under the Rouhani government, the affirmation of the US citizens prison sentences is arguably indicative of the continued growth of pressure on the Iranian people as a whole. Sundays public announcement of the rejected appeals came from Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, according to the Al Jazeera report. Dolatabadi had previously made headlines by vowing that the Islamic Republic would not surrender to threats posed by political detainees in Rajai Shahr Prison who have been on hunger strike for as much as three weeks over their forcible transfer to a ward with more repressive infrastructure including 24/7 video monitoring and obstructed ventilation.

The transfers and subsequent dismissive reaction to the hunger strikes appear to be aimed at silencing prisoners who seek to remain politically active or to call attention to the state of the Iranian prison system. The arrests of Americans and US-linked individuals have been variously cited as examples of a much broader crackdown on reformist and pro-democracy voices in the Islamic Republic. Although Rouhani promised a more open Iranian society, rates of arrest have reportedly increased, more than 3,000 people have been executed over the past four years, and the administration has given little to no pushback against hardline policies and initiatives.
In reporting on the announcement, the UKs Independent newspaper emphasized that Esmailis comments come in the midst of a months-long political conflict between Iran and the United States over the Iranian ballistic missile program and associated military development projects. US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to cancel the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated by his predecessor, primarily as a result of repeated ballistic missile tests following the deals implementation in January of last year. Although such tests are not banned by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action itself, the deal is governed by a United Nations Security Council resolution that calls upon the Iranians to avoid work on weapons that are designed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

Iranian officials including the hardline Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the supposedly more moderate President Hassan Rouhani have repeatedly rejected American efforts to curtail its missile development. After Trump signed a congressional bill this summer imposing new sanctions on Iran over its terrorist sponsorship and provocative foreign policy activities, the Iranians responded with a nearly immediate gesture of defiance, allocating more money to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force and to the ballistic missile program.

As well as being an apparent extension of this type of provocative gesture, the Bavar 373 test is also a reminder of earlier Iranian efforts to evade foreign restrictions on its military buildup. The Independent report points out that that system was initially developed as a domestically manufactured alterative to the S-300 missile defense system, which Iran had purchased from Russia in 2010, but the delivery of which was halted amidst international pressure.

In recent months, Iran successfully completed installation of the S-300, following Russias decision to quickly move ahead on the delivery after some weapons embargos on the Islamic Republic were removed in line with the nuclear agreement. That move became a new topic of criticism for many of those who were opposed to the JCPOA and anticipated the Iranians exploiting diminished restrictions in order to try to build leverage against Western adversaries.

These efforts and the associated military buildup have been accompanied by often severe rhetoric describing Irans defensive capabilities and readiness for war with the United States or enemies in the Persian Gulf region. Esmaili provided a new example of this phenomenon in the form of recent comments to another Iranian media outlet. The Associated Press reported on Monday that Esmaili claimed that his air defenses warned off American spy planes in March and then again in August. Apart from simply implying that the craft had been intimidated into withdrawing, Esmaili was quoted as saying, We do not allow such rabid aircrafts to enter our territory and if necessary, will not hesitate to destroy them.

The comments were carried by al-Alam television news station, which broadcasts in Arabic. This suggests that the military rhetoric was aimed not just at the alleged operators of the spy planes in question but also at Irans chief regional rival Saudi Arabia, as well as other Arab allies of the United States.

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have ramped up in recent years, with sectarian tensions escalating in the midst of Iranian efforts to exert more and more influence over the broader Middle East. The civil war in Yemen has long since turned into a proxy war between Irans Shiite theocracy and the Sunni Arab kingdoms, and the two sides also backed different factions in the Syrian Civil War, where Iran created Shiite militant proxies that now appear to be entrenched. A similar situation exists in Iraq, contributing to anxiety about the expansion of a Shiite crescent controlled by Tehran.

Another Iranian military official, Chief of Staff Mohammad Baqeri, appeared to make reference to this expansion of influence in the context of his own boastful rhetoric, carried by Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards. Adding to familiar commentary about Irans ability to win in open conflict with the US and its allies, Baqeri said of the West, Even if they would control the start of an aggression, they would not have a say about its end and they wont even be able to limit the war to Irans borders.

Reuters notes that the Iranian general used this as a partial explanation for why he believed it was unlikely that Irans adversaries would actually launch such an attack. Thank God, even the unwise who lead world arrogance can conclude that attacking the Islamic Republic would entail heavy costs, he said, using a familiar derogatory term for leading Western powers.

But at the same time that Tehran has striven to portray itself as simply too powerful to be in danger of attack by the West, it has seemingly made efforts to encourage Western leaders to question whether such an attack would be in their interest. Among these efforts is Irans portrayal of itself as a particularly effective force in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Many Western commentators have indeed recognized the significant role of Irans militant proxies in pushing the Sunni militant group back in both Iraq and Syria. But many of those same commentators have been quick to highlight the danger of defeating ISIL at the expense of empowering its Shiite competitors.

Irans dual role in this conflict was one highlight of an editorial that appeared at the Huffington Post on Monday. It called attention to Irans contribution to the safe relocation of ISIL fighters from Lebanon to the area of the Syria-Iraq border. The article suggests that this is indicative of Iran foreign policy making its primary focus the development of the Shiite crescent and the reorganization of the Middle East along sectarian lines, and not defeat of ISIL or other terrorist groups.

Toward that end, Iran is expanding its support of terrorist groups of differing types as the Syrian Civil War nears an end. It was reported last week that Iran is once again the leading sponsor of the Palestinian terrorist group, Hamas. According to another Reuters report, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, met this news by saying that it shows Irans true colors. She went on to say, Iran must decide whether it wants to be a member of the community of nations that can be expected to take its international obligations seriously or whether it wants to be the leader of a jihadist terrorist movement. It cannot be both.

But Tehrans simultaneous efforts to portray itself as a threat and an asset to Western powers suggests that it is certainly trying to straddle the boundaries between provoking and cooperating with the world community. And it is behaving in much the same way toward its Arab neighbors. Yet another Reuters report quoted Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh as praising the Saudi-led Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries for apparently increasing their compliance with oil output cuts that were negotiated last year as an effort to stabilize global prices.

Zanganeh also referred to talks being underway to further extend those cuts. His commentary seems to imply that Iran is playing a leading role in the creation and enforcement of multilateral oil policy, or at least that it intends to do so. But this is at odds with the fact that the Islamic Republic refused to participate in the output cuts, insisting that it be exempted until it is able to return to self-described pre-sanctions levels in the wake of the nuclear agreement, thereby increasing its share of the market and, by extension, its regional economic influence.
Illicit nuclear material is allegedly continuing to be stockpiled in North Korea on behalf of Iran (so that Iran does not default on the 2015 nuclear deal).

The Trump administration is highly concerned about North Korea, and especially its relationship with Iran.

The head of North Koreas parliament landed in Iran a few days ago. The purpose of the 10-day visit is to boost relations between the two countries.

It is presumed that North Korea is sharing its nuclear know-how and progress with the Iranian regime, and that it is assisting it with boosting its weapons program. Their relationship goes far back.

A senior US official has said that the Trump administration is keeping a close watch on the two countries and is ready to act if and when necessary. The threat is not new, but it has stepped up a notch following recent developments.

Both regimes are irrational and the Trump administration is starting to realise this. Instead of trying to reason with the two regimes, the official said that the Trump administration will now just act. The official also indicated that Trump will stop, in whatever way he can, Iran from taking the same route as North Korea.

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal is one of the contributing factors to the gravity of the situation with regards to Iran. It was a very badly-negotiated deal, led by former President Barack Obama, that left numerous loopholes open for the regime to exploit. It also failed to address several issues that should have been dealt with instead of being ignored  the horrific state of human rights in the country, for a start.

The nuclear deal freed up a large amount of cash for Iran as sanctions were lifted. It is likely that Iran will be a willing buyer for North Koreas nuclear material. This cannot be ignored.

United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley called on the UN Security Council to consider a strong response to North Korea. She said that Kim Jong Un is begging for war and although the US does not want to enter a war, it may not have a choice.
On 25 August, Argentinas foreign minister, Jorge Faurie, and production minister, Francisco Cabrera, together with the secretaries of international economic relations, Horacio Reyser, and trade, Miguel Braun, met the Charge dAffaires at the US embassy in Argentina, Thomas Cooney. The officials discussed various trade-related issues including the recent increase in tariffs imposed by the US government on imports of Argentine biodiesel. This was announced on 22 August by US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross who said that investigations had determined that biodiesel exporters from Argentina received countervailable subsidies of 50.29%- 64.17%. In a press release, the US Commerce Department announced that it would instruct US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of biodiesel from Argentina based on the above rates. In 2016, imports of biodiesel from Argentina to the US were valued at an estimated US$1.2bn. The US Commerce Department says that the National Biodiesel Fair Trade Coalition, an ad hoc association composed of the National Biodiesel Board and 15 domestic producers of biodiesel, had requested the adoption of higher tarifs. The statement by the US Department of Commerce notes that it is scheduled to announce its final determinations around 7 November, unless the statutory deadline is extended.

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Throughout history, many leaders have used the media as an important tool to shape their image and connect with voters.

Today, the use of marketing and branding is even more powerful because of the growing number of media sources and influence of social media.

Former United States President Barack Obama is recognized for using marketing in new ways to get elected. He was largely unknown to many Americans before deciding to seek the presidency.

Much of Obamas success came from his use of social media to reach out to the public and engage with supporters. Online social networks were still new for most people leading up to the 2008 presidential campaign.

One of his most memorable tools was the Hope image  created by artist Shepard Fairey  which Obama used to define his idea of leadership. This widely seen image became a big part of his campaign messaging.

Advertising Age magazine even named Obama Marketer of the Year in October 2008, right before his election win over John McCain. It was the first time a politician had received the award.

Marketing experts have also praised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his ability to create memorable moments through social media and surprise appearances. Many photographs and videos of these events have gone viral on the internet.

Becoming prime minister at age 43, some media reported on Justin Trudeaus good looks and warm, friendly personality. During the political campaign and while in office, Trudeau has shown up unannounced at cities and towns across the country to meet face-to-face with Canadians. He is often surrounded by excited crowds when he travels overseas.

One of Trudeaus most powerful moments came in December 2015, when he went to an airport in Toronto to welcome the first Syrian refugees to Canada. He spoke with arriving families, offered them warm clothing and said he was pleased to show the world how to open our hearts to the refugees.

Salah Hassan is a professor of marketing at The George Washington University School of Business in Washington, D.C.

He says leaders like Trudeau are good at finding new ways to connect with the public, as well as showing sensitivity.

"The sensitivity score with the prime minister of Canada is very high. People adore him for his sensitivity and sensibility. So these are very important aspects."

Historically, Hassan noted, there have been other leaders who were very successful at shaping a strong, personal brand.

"Two world leaders come to mind who become legends in their own way. And these are Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, and Anwar Sadat, the former president of Egypt."



He noted the two men were similar in a number of ways and both became Nobel Peace Prize winners. They were seen as freedom fighters, making great attempts to achieve peace. Each man kept talking about his ideas for peaceful, democratic change.

However, Hassan says the branding of political leaders is much different than advertising for services or products. This is because with people, the branding also includes their feelings, personal values and actions taken over time. Trust, he adds, is very important.

"Truth and trust are very, very important elements of building the brand. And bringing an authentic message of that brand that can be believable to your target audience."

Hassan adds that politicians must keep in mind that if they dont take control of their own brand, someone else will.

Some world leaders use photographs, videos and public events as a way to create a softer public image. One example is Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The 65-year-old ruler has led the country for 32 years, and is preparing for a general election next July.

Human rights groups have criticized his government for using its control over the judicial system to frighten his political opponents and activists. In a 2016 report, the U.S. State Department identified major human rights problems in Cambodia.



Recently, the Cambodian leader has been using social media to show more of his personal life, along with official activities. A favorite place to leave photos is Facebook, where people can see: Hun Sen shopping; Hun Sen working out; Hun Sen, with family.

One photo shows him smiling while driving a passenger car, instead of riding in his bulletproof government vehicle. In another picture, he is seen surrounded by family members while recovering in a hospital bed. Other photos on his Facebook page show Hun Sen holding babies or meeting with young people.

Similar photos can be seen on the Facebook page of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His government has also been accused of human rights abuses and attempts to limit political freedoms.

Another leader who has appeared with children at public events is North Koreas Kim Jong Un. He has faced international condemnation for his governments continued missile tests and nuclear activities.

Hassan notes that leaders trying to improve a bad image face a big problem if they have not already created a lasting brand to carry them through. 

"The stronger the brand, the more likely that brand will survive these setbacks. But the weaker, the more vulnerable, the less truthful, the less authentic candidates, when they are exposed, may not be able to recover."

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin released a series of photos showing a different side of him than the world usually sees. Included were pictures of Putin shirtless in a boat, catching fish, swimming underwater and sitting in a forest.

In the past, Putin has released similar photos showing him in unofficial settings. Those images, as well as the most recent ones, have always been a big hit on social media.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. His report was based on stories from VOA Khmer, Reuters and the Associated Press. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

branding  n. positioning people or products as a particular kind

engage  v. to get and keep (someone's attention, interest, etc.)

online  adj. related to a computer or telecommunications system

gone viral  expression. to spread quickly, usually through person-to-person electronic communication

adore  v. to love or admire very much

sensibility  n. ability to feel and understand emotions

legend  n. a famous person

authentic  adj. real, true or accurate

shopping  v. to go to a place where goods and services are sold

vulnerable  adj. easily hurt or harmed
People who follow events in Myanmar are worried about its stability in the weeks leading up to a visit from Pope Francis.

The pope will arrive in late November. It will be the first-ever visit to Myanmar by any Roman Catholic leader.

The country, also known as Burma, was once a British colony, but has been independent since 1948. The majority of its people are Buddhist.

For almost 70 years, Myanmar has had problems with ethnic and civil unrest. Recently, security forces have been attacking fighters from the Rohingya ethnic minority in the western state of Rakhine.

The Associated Press reported Friday that almost 400 people have died in the latest violence.

The government considers the Rohingya, many of whom are Muslim, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The Rohingya, however, say they have roots in Myanmar going back hundreds of years.

Observers want to know if the popes trip can lead to peace.

Mariano Soe Naing is a clergyman and a spokesman for the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar. He is helping organize the visit.

He said the popes message will be about love and peace.

I think he will try to emphasize this aspect of love, which will bring us to peace and harmony in this country, he added.

Pope Francis has spoken about the Rohingya several times in recent months.

More than 120,000 Rohingya are living in camps for displaced persons in the Rakhine state. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh from western Myanmar since 2012. That was when the latest religious violence started.

The situation worsened last year when a group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army killed nine people in attacks along the border.

The Myanmar military launched clearance operations that some rights groups have said could be compared to crimes against humanity.

Myanmar leader, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, has condemned the attacks, but United Nations representatives are urging her to call for peace and a ceasefire.

While some people hope the popes visit will start the peace process, others are concerned that he may be too focused on the troubles faced by the Rohingya.

They think his message may not resonate with the majority of people in Myanmar.

Im Dan Friedell.

Joe Freeman wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

Do you think the popes visit will ease the tension in Myanmar? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

stability  n. the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change

harmony  n. a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things

resonate  v. to have particular meaning or importance for someone : to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way

focus  v. to direct ones attention at someone or something
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AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Windows 10 S is basically a stripped down version of Windows 10 Pro designed with educators and students in mind. While its easiest to think of what the operating system doesnt let you do (like installing apps from sources other than the Windows Store or changing the default web browser), it also has a bunch of features Windows 10 Home lacks, such as Bitlocker disk encryption and enterprise features including shared PC configuration and domain join on premises.

That explains why Microsoft lets you upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro if you want to unlock the missing features but doesnt give you a Windows 10 Home upgrade option, because youd actually lose some features.

It costs $50 to upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro if youre using one of the laptops from Lenovo, Asus, or other companies that ships with the operating system. But when Microsoft launched its own Surface Laptop, the company said upgrades from Windows 10 S to Pro would be free through the end of 2017. Now the company is giving users an extra 3 months.

The company has announced that Surface Laptop users can switch to Windows 10 Pro for free until March 31st, 2018.

Microsoft says the extra time will help those that find they need an application that isnt yet available in the Store and must be installed from another source.

Right now there are plenty of big-name Windows applications that arent in the Windows Store. Does this move mean that Microsoft expects developers to create Store versions of those applications by the end of Q1, 2018? I wouldnt bet on it. But the move could make the Surface Laptop a slightly more attractive back-to-school purchase for folks that like the design of the laptop but arent entirely sold on the operating system. Buy now and youve got half a year to decide whether to switch to Windows 10 Pro.

Microsoft says the Surface Laptop is also now available for purchase or pre-order in 4 colors in 20 countries.
As expected, Chinese phone maker is launching its first phone to ship with nearly stock Android software rather than the companys own MIUI user interface. The Xiaomi Mi A1 is a smartphone with a 5.5 inch, full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It has a 3,080 mAh battery, dual cameras (including a 2X zoom lens), a fingerprint sensor, and a microSD card slot.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 to be available in multiple markets, starting with India, where it will sell for 14,999 rupees ($234) when it goes on sale September 12th.

The phone is also an Android One device but that doesnt mean exactly what it used to.

Google says that when the Android One program launched 3 years ago, the idea was to offer high quality, affordable phones, and for the most part that meant those devices would ship with stock Android software and receive updates delivered directly by Google.

But over the past few years Android One devices have started to show up in a wider range of prices. Android One doesnt just mean cheap anymore. Although we havent seen any high-end phones wearing the Android One name yet, some recent models have had solid mid-range specs, and the new Xiaomi Mi A1 may be the most impressive Android One phone to date.

Just about the only things about it that dont scream high end are the full HD display (rather than QHD), the Snapdragon 625 chip (instead of a Snapdragon 835), and the fact that it still has a microSD card and headset jack (which I think most users would see as positive features even though these are items that youre more likely to find on mid-range than high-end phones these days).

Oh, and if the phone looks familiar? Thats because its virtually identical to the recently launched Xiaomi Mi 5X, at lest in terms of hardware.

One thing the Mi A1 doesnt have? Operating system updates handled by Google. Instead, Xiaomi will be responsible for testing and releasing those updates, at least partially because the company developed a custom camera app for the dual-lens rear camera on its phone (something that Googles stock Android camera app doesnt yet support).

That said, Google says the Mi A1 will ship with Android Nougat and it will receive and Android Oreo updated by the end of 2017. Its also expected to be among the first phones to get Android P whenever thats ready to go.

So what exactly is Android One these days? According to Google, here are a few things to know about the program:

Android One phones are Google endorsed devices that run a simple, fresh, and secure experience.

They run a pure Android experience with a clean design and a small, carefully curated set of preinstalled apps.

The phone have the latest technology from Google built in, such as Google Assistant and Google Photos.

Android One devices will receive timely upgrades to the latest Android OS.

In other words, an Android One phone isnt exactly the same as a Nexus or Pixel but it does combine third-party hardware with a software and security model thats a bit closer to what youd get from a Google-branded phone.

The Mi A1 is launching in India, but it will also be available in other markets but not the US, Canada, or the UK (which I single out, since thats where most of our readers are).

But I wouldnt be surprised to find stores that are willing to sell you the international model in the States just dont expect it to support all US network bands.
I totally agree with you that this season of "Game of Thrones" would have benefited from more time for Jon and Dany to get to know each other, to spar a little bit, and to develop greater chemistry. I suppose it's also annoying that, if we're supposed to see these two as the beginning of a new and healthier dynasty, that they star to spark after a mission that illustrates some of their worst tendencies. The attempt to capture a wight beyond the wall is the perfect encapsulation of the ways Jon's nobility can get awfully foolhardy, and Dany's decision to go in guns blazing gets at her inability to delegate and her penchant for heroics even when something else might be more practical. The fact that they both seemed a little foolish and reckless in the back half of the season made what little chemistry there is between those two feel awfully sour.

As for the prospect of Jon and Sansa, I dearly hope that Sansa never has to make a strategic marriage again, and that she gets some time to figure out what she wants independent of both the chivalric myths that tainted her girlhood and the horrors she encountered as a teenager.

On the question of a Targaryen restoration, that's a tricky one. I've written that the only ending of "Game of Thrones" that would be truly consistent with the series' ideas is an incredibly depressing one. I could see a Targaryen restoration in which Dany goes mad and Jon has to kill her, and so Cersei's worst nightmares come true, but the Targaryen restoration ends in tragedy for everyone involved. I can also see Dany and Jon taking the throne but recognizing that there's no way for them to break the wheel and bring about a major political realignment in a single generation, making them just as corrupt as the people they hoped to replace.
These are great questions and I hope I can help with your interesting...but challenging room. First, having windows of that height is both amazing and difficult. To your point, all the natural light is fabulous, but you are struggling with the tunnel effect. In the past I've worked on projects where we painted a dark color on the window wall, in an effort to increase the visual depth of field in the room. The darker color helped to lead the eye "outside" past the windows to enjoy the view. Not sure what is opposite the bank of windows - maybe a fireplace or a large expanse of wall? Have you ever considered putting a grouping of mirrors on the opposite wall to refract the light coming in from the windows? This can be a really easy way to balance out the light in a narrow space. As for the dark vs. light - I think you want to make sure to choose a color that coordinates with your furnishings, but also has a little depth, meaning your narrow room will be flooded with light, so choosing a color that is too light can run the risk of looking washed out, whereas a darker hue might "stand-up" to all that natural light. Warm vs. cool can be a challenge as well. If your light is coming in from the North or East, the light can be cooler or bluer in tone. Opposite of that, Southern or Western exposure can be warmer or yellow in tone. Depending on your light source, you might want to adjust for they tonal differences. I hope I was helpful here - there were lots of great questions!
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to clean Israel of African migrants, largely from Eritrea and Sudan, insisting that they do not belong to Israel.

The Israeli leader Sunday said it was Israels right to get rid of migrants who he said dont belong here.

They arent refugees, Most of them are looking for jobs, he said during a cabinet meeting.

He also made an unannounced visit to districts in South Tel Aviv that Israeli residents claim have been invaded by African migrants.

There are around 46,437 Africans in Israel according to the African Refugee Development Center. The migrants, mostly Eritreans and Sudanese, say they have fled persecution and genocide in their home countries.

Netanyahus Sunday visit to the neighborhoods is the second within a week. On a first visit Thursday, Netanyahu pledged that his cabinet would take the necessary actions to expel the migrants.

We are here on a mission to give back south Tel Aviv to the Israeli residents, he told a crowd.

Ive heard the residents, and what I hear is pain and crisis. People are afraid to leave their homes.

He earlier announced three approaches to tackle the influx of migrants.

The measures include a security fence along the border with Egypt, which has already succeeded in significantly reducing the number of migrants who cross into Israel from African countries. Enforcement of tougher sanctions against those who employ illegal migrants and against migrants who break the law was also decided, besides the setting up of a ministerial committee, chaired by the Prime Minister. The committee will meet for the first time on Thursday, Times of Israel reports.

Israel has begun unlawful deportation of migrants to a third country. The Supreme Court last week ruled that the Government could continue the deportation of migrants who live in Israel without documents, but with the consent of the migrants. It however noted that the Government cannot jail those who refuse to leave for more than 60 days.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, also known as Obamacare, aimed to achieve parity in coverage between mental health care and other forms of health care. A new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that ACA plans may still fall short of that goal. The Penn researchers found that provider networks in ACA Marketplace plans tend to offer far fewer choices for mental health care, compared to primary health care. ACA plan networks last year included, on average, only 11 percent of all mental health care providers in their coverage areascompared, for example, to 24 percent for primary care providers. The study is published today in the September issue of Health Affairs.

"Our findings highlight some persistent structural barriers to parity," said the study's lead author Jane M. Zhu, MD, MPP, a National Clinician Scholar in the department of General Internal Medicine at Penn and an associate fellow at Penn's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. "Better incentives for mental health care providers to participate in plan networks, and greater regulatory attention to network size and quality, could help overcome those barriers."

In the new study, Zhu and colleagues examined several nationwide databases on 2016 ACA plans, networks and providers. The researchers analyzed this large dataset in different ways, but their results consistently showed that choices of providers in ACA Marketplace plans wereand presumably still aremuch narrower for mental health care than for primary care. For example, while about 58 percent of primary care physicians in covered areas participated in at least one ACA plan network, only 43 percent of psychiatrists did so. The participation rate was much lower, at 21 percent, for all mental health care specialists including non-physician providers, compared to 46 percent for all primary care providers.

Similarly, from the perspective of network size, ACA Marketplace plans' mental health care provider networks fell much more often into the categories of "small" or "extra-small," compared to primary care provider networks.

The ACA and an earlier law, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, aim to make insurance coverage for mental health care as easy to obtain as coverage for other forms of health care. The ACA mandates, for example, that all Marketplace plans offer coverage for mental health care including treatment for substance abuse. The analysis by Zhu and colleagues suggests that despite these efforts, true parity in coverage remains elusive.

Part of the problem lies on the provider side, according to the Penn researchers: "Consistently with prior studies of this issue, we observed relatively low levels of network participation among mental health care providers," said senior author Daniel Polsky, PhD, a professor of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine and executive director of Penn's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.

There is evidence, he added, that mental health care providers tend to be reimbursed at lower rates than other health care providers, yet often face high demand for services. This situation incentivizes many of them to opt out of insurer networks in order to retain more freedom in pricing their services.

On the insurer side, narrowing the networks of providers is clearly one way to hold down costs. An insurer typically negotiates reimbursement rates with providers in advance, and in principle has more bargaining power when restricting network coverage to a smaller pool of providers. A smaller pool of providers may also specifically exclude the more expensive providers and sicker patients in a coverage area, and on the whole may make it harder for patients to find a covered provider within a reasonable traveling distance.

"The ACA eliminated important reimbursement limitations that insurers traditionally used to control their costs," Zhu said. "Narrow network design is one of the few cost-control strategies they're still allowed to use."

She noted that the ACA does address network size and quality, but only briefly and ambiguously. It requires Marketplace plans to maintain "a network that is sufficient in number and types of providers," including mental health care providers, albeit without defining "sufficient" in this context. "A key issue is that we don't yet know how narrow a network can be before it starts to impact access and health outcomes - understanding this may help regulators better define network size requirements."

Closing the gap between mental health care coverage and other health care coverage would require a consensus about minimum network size and quality, and regulations to enforce that standard, according to the Penn researchers. Coaxing more mental health care providers into networks also would be necessary, and that could mean, in part, improving their reimbursement rates as well as reducing the shortage of mental health care providers overall.
Credit: Robert Feil and Bernd Pichler / University of Tubingen

A new and particularly reliable method for marking cells can simplify research into diseases such as myocardial infarction, diabetes or Alzheimer's and reduce the use of test animals: Scientists from the University of Tubingen have developed a method by which they can target specific cell types in mice and monitor their behavior using positron emission tomography (PET). PET-based cell tracking allows scientists to observe complex life processes in the body without subjecting test animals to invasive methods.

"The ability to actively observe the behavior of selected cell populations in vivo without invasive methods opens up new avenues for research, detection and treatment of diseases. At the same time, it reduces the burden and number of animals required in comparison to previous methods," explains Professor Robert Feil. Professor Feil and his team from the Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB) at the University of Tubingen conducted the study together with the Werner Siemens Imaging Center and the Departments of Cardiology, Pathology and Physiology at University Hospital Tubingen and researchers in Nuclear Medicine at the Munster University Hospital. Their results have now been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Tissues and organs consist of many different cell types, such as blood, bone, liver, muscle or nerve cells. The migration or change in the number of specific cell types is a normal process in the body, but is also linked to many diseases. For example, the proliferation and migration of immune cells leads to inflammation, uncontrolled cell growth triggers cancer or arteriosclerosis and the loss of certain cell populations is the cause of diabetes mellitus or Alzheimer's disease. These processes are based on complex interactions of different cell types. In order to understand them, the entire organism must be studied.

The new cell tracking method is based on an artificial PET reporter enzyme, which can be produced by a genetic trick in each cell type of the mouse (for example, only in T-cells of the immune system). The enzyme

Using a PET device, the marked cells become visible on the screen. Credit: Christoph Reichelt / Universitat Tubingen

causes a radioactive substance, the PET tracer, to accumulate in these specific cells. The radiation is harmless to the animal and can be detected with a positron emission tomograph and shown on screen. The PET method has been used in humans for a long time and as a non-invasive procedure, it causes less burden than other diagnostic methods.

Until now investigating cell behavior in mice necessitated stressful or harmful procedures which are only suitable for a few cell types or may require the sacrifice of experimental animals. "By using modern imaging techniques, we can achieve a reduction in the number of test animals by up to 80 percent," says Dr. Martin Thunemann, first author of the study, who is now researching at the University of California in San Diego. "The marked cell populations can be monitored non-invasively in living mice for many weeks, so that the same group of animals can be examined repeatedly." In the study, the authors marked blood platelets, myocardial cells, or T cells in experimental mice, and then followed their behavior in myocardial infarction or inflammatory reactions.

The newly developed imaging method can be used to represent any cell type and be combined with any disease model, as Feil explains. It is therefore suitable for many applications in biomedical research and the investigation of diseases. "Among many other applications, the non-invasive analysis of cardiac disease, diabetes, inflammation, tumor formation and metastasis is conceivable. In addition, the development of transplanted cells could be monitored in regenerative medicine. The technology is also interesting for the pharmaceutical industry for testing new drugs and treatment methods."

The research on PET-based cell tracking is relevant to the "Principles of animal protection and animal experiments at the University of Tubingen". In these principles, the university establishes rules and targets for the responsible handling of animal experiments and encourages research on new methods. Even though the alternatives have been substantially improved, life sciences cannot completely dispense with animal experiments in the foreseeable future. For research on the complex interaction of cells, tissues and organs in the whole organism, as well as new drugs and therapeutic strategies, animal experiments will continue to be necessary. Therefore, it is important to optimize the methods of investigation to reduce the burden and number of test animals. Procedures need to be developed that increase the quantity and quality of the data collected per animal and whose results can easily be transferred to humans.

More information: Martin Thunemann et al. Cre/lox-assisted non-invasive in vivo tracking of specific cell populations by positron emission tomography, Nature Communications (2017). Journal information: Nature Communications Martin Thunemann et al. Cre/lox-assisted non-invasive in vivo tracking of specific cell populations by positron emission tomography,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00482-y
Participants of the study were asked to judge whether the people in the photos were yawning or not. Credit: Chia-huei Tseng

Contagious yawning is a universal phenomenon, but why it happens remains a mystery.

A new study out of Tohoku University suggests that contrary to common belief that the yawning contagion is associated with empathy, it is in fact, more likely that perceptual sensitivity is to blame.

In the study, healthy volunteers were shown photos and videos of people yawning. The intention was to induce contagious yawning. The participants were observed through hidden cameras, which recorded their reactions, and an eye-tracking machine, which registered their gazing patterns.

To test the participants' sensitivity towards yawning expressions, they were later given 60 photos containing four intensity levels of yawning, and asked to judge (yes/no) if the person in each photo was yawning.

For control comparisons, participants were also shown 60 happy and 60 angry photos with four intensity levels, after which they were asked if the people in the photos looked happy/angry.

Researchers found that those who were more likely to detect yawning from a face were also more likely to be induced to yawn. However, sensitivity to happy or angry faces appeared to have little relation to the frequency of contagious yawning.

To study whether contagious yawning relates to empathy in healthy people, the participants' autistic tendency (or AQ, autistic quotient measured by an autism-spectrum quotient questionnaire) was measured but showed little effect. However, female participants in the study registered a significantly higher susceptibility towards catching a yawn contagiously.

The study, titled "Yawning Detection Sensitivity and Yawning Contagion" was published in i-Perception on August 25, 2017. It is the first study to investigate the perceptual limitations on yawning contagion behavior in a non-clinical population.

"Recent clinical observations showed that individuals diagnosed with Autism or Schizophrenia did not yawn contagiously like typical individuals. This has led many to think that impaired social ability (e.g. empathy) might contribute to a person's inability to yawn contagiously," said lead researcher, Dr. Chia-huei Tseng, an associate professor at the Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC) at Tohoku University. However, it is unknown if the clinical speculations also apply to the general population.

"We find that for non-clinical population, perceptual ability is more closely related to contagious yawning than empathy is," said Tseng. "Since it's been documented that people with autism tend to suffer from impaired perception such as an atypical eye gazing on faces and a difficulty in judging facial emotions, it's possible that their perceptual limitation causes them to be unable to detect someone else's yawning expression. This is a possible explanation for their lack of contagious yawning."

More information: Meingold H. M. Chan et al, Yawning Detection Sensitivity and Yawning Contagion, i-Perception (2017). Meingold H. M. Chan et al, Yawning Detection Sensitivity and Yawning Contagion,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/2041669517726797
Credit: George Hodan/public domain

Postpartum depression is often associated with mothers, but a new study shows that fathers face a higher risk of experiencing it themselves if their testosterone levels drop nine months after their children are born.

The same study revealed that a father's low testosterone may also affect his partner - but in an unexpectedly positive way. Women whose partners had lower levels of testosterone postpartum reported fewer symptoms of depression themselves nine and 15 months after birth.

High testosterone levels had the opposite effect. Fathers whose levels spiked faced a greater risk of experiencing stress due to parenting and a greater risk of acting hostile- such as showing emotional, verbal or physical aggression - toward their partners.

The study was published in the journal Hormones and Behavior on Sept. 1. The findings support prior studies that show men have biological responses to fatherhood, said Darby Saxbe, the study's lead author and an assistant professor of psychology at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

"We often think of motherhood as biologically driven because many mothers have biological connections to their babies through breastfeeding and pregnancy." Saxbe said. "We don't usually think of fatherhood in the same biological terms. We are still figuring out the biology of what makes dads tick.

"We know that fathers contribute a lot to child-rearing and that on the whole, kids do better if they are raised in households with a father present," she added. "So, it is important to figure out how to support fathers and what factors explain why some fathers are very involved in raising their children while some are absent."

Saxbe worked with a team of researchers from USC, University of California at Los Angeles and Northwestern University.

A snapshot of paternal postpartum depression

For the study, the researchers examined data from 149 couples in the Community Child Health Research Network. The study by the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development involves sites across the country, but the data for this study came from Lake County, Illinois, north of Chicago.

Mothers in the study were 18 to 40 years old; African-American, white or Latina; and low-income. They were recruited when they gave birth to their first, second or third child. Mothers could invite the baby's father to participate in the study as well. Of the fathers who participated and provided testosterone data, 95 percent were living with the mothers.

Interviewers visited couples three times in the first two years after birth: around two months after the child was born, about nine months after birth and about 15 months after birth.

At the nine-month visit, researchers gave the fathers saliva sample kits. Dads took samples three times a day - morning, midday and evening - to monitor their testosterone levels.

Participants responded to questions about depressive symptoms based on a widely-used measure, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression. They also reported on their relationship satisfaction, parenting stress and whether they were experiencing any intimate partner aggression. Higher scores on those measures signaled greater depression, more stress, more dissatisfaction and greater aggression.

Relatively few participants - fathers and mothers - were identified as clinically depressed, which is typical of a community sample that reflects the general population. Instead of using clinical diagnoses, the researchers looked at the number of depressive symptoms endorsed by each participant.

Men's testosterone levels were linked with both their own and their partners' depressive symptoms - but in opposing directions for men and for women.

For example, lower testosterone was associated with more symptoms in dads, but fewer symptoms in moms. The link between their partners' testosterone levels and their own depression was mediated by relationship satisfaction. If they were paired with lower-testosterone partners, women reported greater satisfaction with their relationship, which in turn helped reduce their depressive symptoms.

"It may be that the fathers with lower testosterone were spending more time caring for the baby or that they had hormone profiles that were more synced up with mothers," she said. "For mothers, we know that social support buffers the risk of postpartum depression."

Fathers with higher testosterone levels reported more parenting stress, and their partners reported more relationship aggression .

To measure parenting stress, parents were asked how strongly they related to a set of 36 items from the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. They responded to statements such as "I feel trapped by my responsibilities as a parent" and "My child makes more demands on me than most children." A high number of "yes" responses signaled stress.

Relationship satisfaction questions were based on another widely-used tool, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Parents responded to 32 items inquiring about their relationship satisfaction, including areas of disagreement or their degree of closeness and affection. Higher scores signaled greater dissatisfaction.

Mothers also answered questions from another scientific questionnaire, the HITS (Hurts, Insults, and Threats Scale), reporting whether they had experienced any physical hurt, insult, threats and screaming over the past year. They also were asked if their partners restricted activities such as spending money, visiting family or friends or going places that they needed to go.

"Those are risk factors that can contribute to depression over the long term," Saxbe said.

Treating fathers with postpartum depression

Although doctors may try to address postpartum depression in fathers by providing testosterone supplements, Saxbe said that the study's findings indicate a boost could worsen the family's stress.

"One take-away from this study is that supplementing is not a good idea for treating fathers with postpartum depression," she said. "Low testosterone during the postpartum period may be a normal and natural adaptation to parenthood."

She said studies have shown that physical fitness and adequate sleep can improve both mood and help balance hormone levels.

In addition, both mothers and fathers should be aware of the signs of postpartum depression and be willing to seek support and care, Saxbe said. Talk therapy can help dads - or moms - gain insight into their emotions and find better strategies for managing their moods.

"We tend to think of postpartum depression as a mom thing," Saxbe said. "It's not. It's a real condition that might be linked to hormones and biology."

More information: Darby E. Saxbe et al, High paternal testosterone may protect against postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers, but confer risk to mothers and children, Hormones and Behavior (2017). Journal information: Hormones and Behavior Darby E. Saxbe et al, High paternal testosterone may protect against postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers, but confer risk to mothers and children,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.07.014
Adopting a power pose like Wonder Woman, says Duffy, will do little to make you feel powerful. Credit: Faiz Zaki / Shutterstock.com

Strike a pose like Wonder Woman or Spider-Man  and the powers of persuasion are yours!

Well, not so fast, according to a new study by Rutgers UniversityCamden researchers.

Throwing cold water on popular claims, the study, titled "Power vs. Persuasion: Can open body postures embody openness to persuasion?," found that adopting power poses does not affect either feeling powerful or being persuaded. The findings are documented in a recent issue of Comprehensive Results in Social Psychology.

"We found evidence showing that this claim is questionable both in terms of the subjective feelings of power or the ability to be persuaded," explains Sean Duffy, an associate professor of psychology at RutgersCamden, who conducted the study with Ioana Latu, a social psychologist at Queens University in Belfast, and RutgersCamden graduate students Vaani Pardal and Madeline Alger. "The study also adds to the understanding of the role that the body plays in cognition and what we know about how embodied cognition might be."

According to Duffy, 200 participants were randomly asked to adopt either a power pose or closed body posture while reading either a strong or a weak persuasive message regarding junk food taxation. The researchers then measured the participants' attitudes toward junk food, subjective feelings of power, thought confidence, and openness.

The results failed to duplicate a previously found effect of body posture on subjective feelings of power. Furthermore, compared to weak messages, strong messages led to more persuasion, higher subjective power, more thought confidence, and more openness. However, body posture did not affect these outcomes.

As Duffy explains, the paper stemmed from a question that arose during a presentation on jobs that Latu had given at RutgersCamden.

The talk focused on whether adopting a power pose  for instance, arms on the hips or outstretched  affects whether people are more susceptible to persuasion.

For the past eight years, he notes, an idea proposed by Harvard Business School social psychologist Amy Cuddy has gained steam promoting the notion that physical poses expressing power have important psychological and physiological implications.

"If you adopt a certain pose to look like Wonder Woman  to use a current meme  you feel like Wonder Woman," says Duffy.

However, says the RutgersCamden scholar, questions have arisen as to whether this claim was reliable or valid. To that end, the researchers replicated the study but extended its scope by having people adopt power poses and analyzed if it affected how powerful they feel or how open they are to persuasion.

The findings are also included in the same journal in a meta-analysis report titled "Power poses  where do we stand?"

More information: Kai J. Jonas et al. Power poses  where do we stand?, Comprehensive Results in Social Psychology (2017). Kai J. Jonas et al. Power poses  where do we stand?,(2017). DOI: 10.1080/23743603.2017.1342447
Associate Professor Matthew Call (left) and Dr Melissa Call discovered a unique way that immune cells respond to, and kill, diseased and cancerous cells. Credit: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Institute researchers have discovered how immune cells use a unique set of assembly instructions to 'mix and match' how they respond to, and kill, tumour and diseased cells.

Cell surface receptor complexes are like Lego pieces, constructed using different molecular combinations to guide how the immune cell acts when it makes contact with a cancerous cell, an infection, or other external signals. The new research identifies the features that allow these pieces to assemble in specific combinations.

Understanding how these complexes assemble 'naturally' could pave the way for future improvements in immunotherapy, such as engineering cancer-specific immune killers.

Associate Professor Matthew Call and Dr Melissa Call from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute led the research with colleagues in Spain and the US, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Associate Professor Matthew Call said the team discovered an entirely new set of assembly instructions used by molecular sensors embedded in the thin fatty cell membrane to build receptor complexes in response to different stimuli.

"Effectively, these membrane-bound sensors determine 'who' the immune cell talks to. This is really important in the promising field of cancer immunotherapy, because it could help us better engineer cells to specifically talk to  and destroy  cancer cells," Associate Professor Matthew Call said.

Cell surface receptor complexes consist of an external receptor that binds to signalling molecules, an internal molecule that instructs the cell how to respond, and a cell membrane-embedded portion that anchors and links the other two segments.

In the past, these cell membrane-embedded sections of the receptor were largely ignored, partly because they are so difficult to work with, Associate Professor Matthew Call said.

"However more and more we are discovering what a critical role they play in how signals are received and acted upon by the cell. In fact, the sensors found in the fatty cell membrane actually control how the cell responds to external signals by pulling different external and internal sections together like building blocks to drive the correct response," he said.

The researchers began by studying the receptors on natural killer (NK) cells, but found that the same assembly instructions were used in a host of immune cells that "run around and eat and blow up" cancerous and other diseased cells, Dr Melissa Call said.

"One subset of these receptors, called Fc receptors, were the focus of this research. We were particularly looking at the subset of Fc receptors found on natural killer (NK) cells  immune cells that poison tumour and virus-infected cells that have been 'marked' by antibodies," Dr Melissa Call said.

She said the study showed that different subsets of Fc receptors used completely different assembly instructions compared to other, similar receptors.

"Over the past decade or so, this has become really important therapeutically because of a new field of cancer immunotherapy called chimeric antigenic receptor therapy, or CART," Dr Melissa Call said.

"The idea of CART is that you create specially engineered receptors in immune cells that are highly specific for an individual cancer. Understanding in depth how these receptors are assembled naturally is vital for us to understand how best to design them ourselves for cancer therapy, to look at improved ways of stimulating the immune response to cancer."

Dr Melissa Call said the laboratory's long-term goal was to decipher and control how immune receptors work, to find new ways of manipulating the immune response for therapeutic treatments.

"Controlling how the immune receptors are assembled could allow us to boost the immune response in the case of infections or immune deficiencies, dampen it down in the case of autoimmune disease, or redirect the immune response to better target cancers," she said.

More information: Alfonso Blazquez-Moreno et al. Transmembrane features governing Fc receptor CD16A assembly with CD16A signaling adaptor molecules, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Alfonso Blazquez-Moreno et al. Transmembrane features governing Fc receptor CD16A assembly with CD16A signaling adaptor molecules,(2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706483114
Credit: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

A collaborative team of scientists, led by a group at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, have successfully protected nonhuman primates against one of the most deadly viruses in the world, Lassa fever, eight days after they became infected. The findings are now available in Nature Medicine.

The virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments, infects hundreds of thousands of people every year and is estimated to kill approximately 34 percent of those infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, military and science experts say that the virus could be used as a biological terror weapon.

"In this study, we tested a combination of three monoclonal antibodies by giving them to nonhuman primates beginning up to eight days following exposure to a lethal amount of Lassa virus," said UTMB's Thomas Geisbert, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. "We found that the treatments were well-tolerated and provided 100 percent protection from Lassa fever. Without treatment, the animals show evidence of the virus in their bodies by day four after exposure."

Monoclonal antibodies are widely used for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases and more than 45 different types are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency.

"The fact that the treatment was able to rescue 100 percent of the animals more than a week after infection with Lassa virus suggests that this therapy may benefit patients with Lassa fever in West Africa, who often arrive at the clinic at a late stage of disease," said Robert Garry, a professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at Tulane. "We are accelerating further development so that this promising treatment can be introduced into clinics in West Africa and deployed as a deterrent against the use of Lassa virus as a bioweapon."

Recently, travelers on commercial airlines have imported Lassa fever into Europe and the U.S., highlighting the potential for spread of the disease. The disease is classified as a Category A pathogen - an organism that poses the highest risk to national security and public health - by several U.S. government agencies because of the concern for deliberate misuse.

More information: Chad E Mire et al. Human-monoclonal-antibody therapy protects nonhuman primates against advanced Lassa fever, Nature Medicine (2017). Journal information: Nature Medicine Chad E Mire et al. Human-monoclonal-antibody therapy protects nonhuman primates against advanced Lassa fever,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/nm.4396
Geographic and seasonal variation in the prevalence (% of population) of 25(OH)D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) in the TILDA population. Credit: Dr Eamon Laird, TILDA, Trinity College Dublin.

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that one in eight adults over the age of 50 living in Ireland are vitamin D deficient (<30 nmol/L). Their research shows that deficiency increased with age, and was more common in smokers, people living alone, and from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Because 5% of adults over 50 were vitamin D-deficient, even in summer, the researchers work has implications for people living in sunlight-starved countries across the globe. Use of vitamin D supplementation in the study group was low, despite this method proving to be effective in greatly reducing vitamin D deficiency in Finland, which sits at a higher latitude than Ireland.

The researchers, from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin, have just published their findings in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. Their work coincides with the international conference 'Vitamin D & health in Europe: Current and Future perspectives,' which is taking place in Cork, Ireland, on the 5-6th September.

Vitamin D is essential for bone metabolism and is thought to have beneficial health effects for muscle strength and non-skeletal health. Liberal voluntary vitamin D fortification of only some food products currently occurs in Ireland, and there have been calls for a wider range of foods to be fortified. Before further fortification occurs, comprehensive information is needed on the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in older adults who are most at risk.

The TILDA researchers' paper examined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency by age, economic status and lifestyle factors, and investigated what the main determinants of deficiency were in the older population in Ireland. These results are of relevance not just for Ireland but for all countries that experience seasonal variation in sunlight.

Key findings:

One in eight older adults were deficient in vitamin D and this increased to one in four during the winter period. Even during the summer period (when the body normally produces vitamin D), 5% of adults were deficient

Vitamin D deficiency increased with age. For example, in people over the age of 80, 37% were deficient in winter, compared with 22% of 50-59 year olds

Vitamin D deficiency was more common in smokers (23%), people who live alone (21%) and those from a lower socio-economic background (17%)

Use of vitamin D supplementation was low; only 8.5% of the over-50 population take vitamin D and this was more likely for women (13%) than men (4%), and for the non-obese (10%) than those who were obese (6%)

People living in the North and West of the country and those who were physically inactive were also much more likely to be deficient in vitamin D

Lead author of the study and Research Fellow at TILDA, Dr Eamon Laird, said: "This is the largest representative study of the vitamin D status of older adults ever conducted in Ireland and is also one of largest in the world. There are striking differences in the prevalence of deficiency across different physical and lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking and physical inactivity, all of which are modifiable risk factors."

"We hope our findings will provide useful data to help inform public health policyin particular with regards to vitamin D food fortification and the targeting of vitamin D supplementsaimed at reducing endemic vitamin D deficiency and identifying the population groups and location areas most at risk. To place this in context, in a country such as Finland, which gets less sunlight than Ireland and is at a more northern latitude, actually has less prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than Ireland (<1% vs 13%) due to a comprehensive public health policy of supplementation and fortification."

Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA, said: "Sufficient vitamin D status is needed for normal bone health and for the prevention of debilitating chronic conditions such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, new research has shown that vitamin D deficiency may also be associated with heart disease, kidney disease, brain health and diabetes."

"If these associations are confirmed in other large studies, then the high rates of deficiency seen in the older adult population are of concern and, given that vitamin D can be treated easily with supplementation, this has significant policy and practice implications for Government and health services."

More information: Eamon Laird et al, The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the determinants of 25(OH)D concentration in older Irish adults: Data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), The Journals of Gerontology: Series A (2017). Eamon Laird et al, The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the determinants of 25(OH)D concentration in older Irish adults: Data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA),(2017). DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glx168
Many parents are shying away from taking their children to GPs. Credit: University of Melbourne

Australia's first national survey of parent confidence in GPs found fewer than half of parents were completely confident in a GP to handle most of their child's general health issues.

Lead researcher, University of Melbourne Professor Gary Freed, said parents' diminishing confidence in GPs could significantly affect the organisation and structure of the health-care system as more families are attending emergency departments (EDs) for lower-urgency ailments.

"GPs are the backbone of the Australian health care system. They are being asked to do more and more, especially for the growing proportion of adults and elderly in the population. We need to make sure GPs have the training and support to provide the best care possible for children," Professor Freed said.

"We know from our previous research that most parents presenting to the ED with a child with a lower urgency condition did not try to go to their GP first, and this was not due to a lack of available GP appointments.

"We need to be able to ensure both the competence of GPs in the care of children, and the confidence among parents in that care."

Professor Freed said there had been an increase in ED presentations for children and an increase in specialty referrals across the nation.

He said it was unclear why parents reportedly lacked confidence in GPs, but GPs and trainees now saw fewer children on average, which may contribute to reduced confidence in their ability.

Co-author, University of Melbourne General Practice Professor Neil Spike urged parents whose children had non-urgent problems to visit their family GP rather than a hospital emergency department.

"GPs are trained to provide the care and support families need, we encourage parents to make the most of their expertise, particularly in non-emergencies."

Professor Spike said more work was needed to determine why parents were seeking hospital emergency services rather than appropriately utilising the skills of their GPs.

The internet-based national survey of 2100 parents of children aged from 0-17, published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, found only 44 per cent of parents were completely confident their GP "can handle almost all general health issues for my child"  while 45 per cent were "mostly confident".

And only slightly more than half (56 per cent) of parents were totally confident in a GP to provide care for minor injuries for a child not needing an X-ray.

Parents aged over 40, and the 70 per cent of parents who were always bulk billed, showed greater confidence in GPs than others. Those aged under 40 who had completed secondary school were less likely than average to express complete confidence in a GP.
Refining the model of how serotonin acts in the brain (illustrated) could help to improve treatments for mental health conditions. Credit: Imperial College London

A better understanding of how a key chemical messenger acts in the brain could lead to a radical shift in psychiatric care, according to a new paper.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps brain cells communicate with one another, playing important roles in stabilising mood and regulating stress.

Despite its importance, current models to explain serotonin's function in the brain remain incomplete.

Now, in a review paper published this month in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers from Imperial College London suggest that serotonin pathways are more nuanced than previously thought.

They argue that the existing view should be updated to incorporate a 'two-pronged' model of how serotonin acts.

The researchers believe their updated model could have implications for treating recalcitrant mental health conditions, including depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and addiction, and could exploit the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs.

In the brain, serotonin acts via a number of sites called 'receptors' and serotonin has at least 14 of these. Brain drugs such antidepressants, antipsychotics and psychedelics are known to interact with serotonin receptors and two of these are thought to be particularly important - the so-called serotonin 1A and 2A receptors.

For patients with depression, commonly prescribed drugs called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can help to relieve symptoms by boosting levels of serotonin in the brain. Evidence suggests an important part of how they work is to increase activity at the serotonin 1A receptor, which reduces brain activity in important stress circuitry, thereby helping a person cope better.

In contrast, psychedelic compounds such as LSD and psilocybin (the psychoactive component of magic mushrooms), are thought to act primarily on the serotonin 2A receptor. Accumulating evidence suggests that psychedelics with psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for certain mental illnesses and, with a focus on the 2A receptor, the authors' paper attempts to explain why.

Breaking the cycle

Writing in the review paper, the researchers say that while the traditional view of developing psychiatric treatments has been focused on promoting 1A activity and often blocking the 2A, the therapeutic importance of activating the 2A pathway  the mechanism by which psychedelics have their effect  has been largely overlooked.

"We may have got it wrong in the past," said Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, Head of Psychedelic Research at Imperial and lead author on the paper. "Activating serotonin 2A receptors may be a good thing, as it makes individuals very sensitive to context and to their environment. Crucially, if that is made therapeutic, then the combination can be very effective. This is how psychedelics work  they make people sensitive to context and 'open' to change via activating the 2A receptor."

According to the researchers, the 1A and 2A pathways form part of a two-pronged approach which may have evolved to help us adapt to adversity. By triggering the 1A pathway, serotonin can make situations less stressful, helping us to become more resilient. However, they argue that this approach may not always be enough, and that in extreme crises, the 2A pathway may kick in to rapidly open a window of plasticity in which fundamental changes in outlook and behaviour can occur.

Growing evidence shows that in conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and addiction, certain brain circuitry may become 'stamped in' and resistant to change. The researchers suggest that in such cases, activating the 2A pathway  such as through psychedelics  could potentially offer a way to break the cycle, helping patients to change negative behaviours and thought patterns which have become entrenched.

By enabling the brain to enter into a more adaptive or 'plastic' state and providing patients with a suitably enriched clinical environment when they receive a drug treatment, clinicians could create a window for therapy, effectively making patients more receptive to psychotherapy.

Improving treatment

According to the authors, their updated model of how serotonin acts in the brain could lead to a shift in psychiatric care, with the potential to move patients from enduring a condition using current pharmacological treatments, to actively addressing their condition by fundamentally modifying behaviours and thinking.

Professor David Nutt, Director of Neuropsychopharmacology in Imperial's Division of Brain Sciences, explained: "This is an exciting and novel insight into the role of serotonin and its receptors in recovery from depression that I hope may inspire more research into develop 5-HT2A receptor drugs as new treatments."

Dr Carhart-Harris added: "I think our model suggests that you cannot just administer a drug in isolation, at least certainly not psychedelics, and the same may also be true for SSRIs.

"We need to pay more attention to the context in which medications are given. We have to acknowledge the evidence which shows that environment is a critical component of how our biology is expressed."

He added: "In psychiatry, as in science, things are rarely black and white, and part of the approach we're promoting is to have a more sophisticated model of mental healthcare that isn't just a drug or psychotherapy, it's both. I believe this is the future."

More information: RL Carhart-Harris et al. Serotonin and brain function: a tale of two receptors, Journal of Psychopharmacology (2017). Journal information: Journal of Psychopharmacology RL Carhart-Harris et al. Serotonin and brain function: a tale of two receptors,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/0269881117725915
Sodium channels in the cells that line the tiny capillaries in our lungs play an important role in keeping those capillaries from leaking and potentially worsening conditions like pneumonia, scientists report. from left, Drs. Supriya Sridhar, Maritza J. Romero-Lucas, Rudolf Lucas and Istvan Czikora. Credit: Phil Jones, Senior Photographer Augusta University

Sodium channels in the cells that line the tiny capillaries in our lungs play an important role in keeping those capillaries from leaking and potentially worsening conditions like pneumonia, scientists report.

The TIP peptide, a synthetic version of the tip of the cancer-killing immune molecule tumor necrosis factor, appears to strengthen that barrier function, according to the study in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.

TIP's protection works even in the face of pneumolysin, a toxin released in large volume in response to antibiotic treatment to kill pneumonia-causing bacterium. The toxin can create tiny holes in the natural barriers of both capillaries as well as air sacs in the lungs. The result can be a second and potentially deadly wave of fluid accumulation in the lungs in about 20 percent of the sickest pneumonia patients.

"We showed that these channels are present in human capillary endothelial cells and that these channels play a really important role in protecting us from pneumolysin," says Dr. Rudolf Lucas, vascular biologist at the Vascular Biology Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and the study's corresponding author.

"We also provided more evidence that targeting these channels with the TIP peptide or something similar is a solid strategy for reducing dangerous fluid volume in your lungs," says Lucas. The studies were conducted in the endothelial cells that line human lung capillaries, known to form a tight barrier for the blood vessels.

Tiny capillaries and air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs have thin walls and close proximity which enable the capillaries to pick up oxygen from the air sacs and carry it forward to the rest of the body. The toxin makes the usually tight lining of the capillaries leaky so blood and other fluid can get into the lung tissue, even into the air sacs. The lungs can become overwhelmed with fluid, and the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs.

Similarly, sodium transport channels in the air sacs are negatively impacted by the toxin.

The function of the epithelial sodium channel, or ENaC, which helps move fluid out of air sacs normally, is even more in demand in the face of pneumonia, but the toxin impairs its ability in both the air sacs and capillaries, the scientists have now shown.

The scientific team working through the complex interchange found that in the capillaries of the lung, an important subunit of ENaC - called ENaC-alpha - is important as well to strengthening the barrier function of the blood vessels. They then showed that the TIP peptide, which they developed and know binds to ENaC-alpha, significantly strengthened the barrier in human endothelial cells exposed to the toxin.

They also found at work in the barrier function, a hybrid of ENaC-alpha and the acid sensing ion channel, known for its pain-mediating contributions in the brain. A troubled lung also becomes acidic, which can activate this acid sensing ion channel. They found their TIP peptide also activates the unique hybrid it makes with ENaC-alpha.

"Patients are being treated with antibiotics, which they need to kill the bugs," Lucas notes. The problem is, once you kill the bugs in large quantities, they can release huge amounts of this toxin into the lungs and these toxins make holes, literally holes in membranes of every cell containing cholesterol."

Pulmonologists and other critical care specialists recognize the subsequent problems that can result from high levels of the pneumolysin toxin, but currently don't have a direct solution, Lucas says. Ventilator support can help push oxygen through the fluid-filled sacs, but carries the risk of letting even more bugs into the lungs as well as physical damage to lung tissue.

There also is currently no way to identify ahead of time which patients will experience this second wave, Lucas says. Children are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems also mount a vigorous attack against the invading bacterium and so even more toxin results from the dying bug. Pneumonia is a top killer of children under age five across the world, according to the World Health Organization, along with preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia, diarrhea, malaria and malnutrition.

The TIP peptide is attracted to the sugar coating at the mouth of the sodium channel.

Lucas led a team of scientists who reported in 2014 that the TIP peptide worked like a doorstop to keep sodium channels inside air sacs open in animal models.

Results of a clinical study led by the University of Vienna, also published this year in the journal Critical Care, showed that patients with more severe pulmonary edema - fluid in their lungs - who required a ventilator to support their breathing were able to better clear fluid from their lungs following inhaled treatment with the Tip peptide. Others did not appear to benefit.
British visitors spent over 3 million euros per hour in Spain during July!



ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Spending by foreign tourists grew by over 16 per cent during the month

Figures published last week showed that during July the number of people visiting Spain from abroad reached 10.5 million, an increase of 10.1% in comparison with the same month last year, but this week an even more important boost to the tourism sector of the national economy came with the announcement that the amount those visitors spent while in this country was 16.3 per cent higher than last year.

The monthly total of 11,902 million euros represents spending by foreign visitors (approximately 90% of them tourists) of almost exactly 16 million euros per hour, and once again during July it was the UK which provided the largest single share of this economic activity. Spending by British visitors was 7% higher than in July 2016  an increase which coincides with the rise in the number of people coming from the UK  at 2,350 million euros, or 19.7 per cent of the total.

In other words, people from the UK spent 3.15 million euros per hour in Spain during July!

The second largest market share was taken by Germany, with 1,525 million euros, while all of the other most important sources of tourists (France, Scandinavia and Italy) also showed year-on-year increases, as did the catch-all category of the rest of the world (which accounted for just over half of the total).

After 7 months of 2017 the year-to-date figures show similar results, with the cumulative total now standing at 49,119 million euros, 15.1 per cent higher than at the same point last year. The UK accounts for just over 20 per cent of this figure (slightly under 10 billion euros after an increase of 12%), followed by Germany (up by 13.3 per cent at 6.9 billion euros) and Scandinavia (8.5 per cent higher at 4.2 billion). But here the stand-out statistic is that spending by visitors in the rest of the world category has risen by 18.9 per cent and represents 46.2% of the overall total.

In terms of the regions benefiting most from international tourism in July it is no surprise that the list is topped by the Balearic Islands and Catalunya, which received most visitors. There two regions between them shared spending of 5,721 million euros (almost half of the total), but among the main Costas the sharpest year-on-year increases are reported in Andalucia (up by 26.9% at 1,613 million euros) and the Comunidad Valenciana (23.1 per cent higher at 1,247 million euros).

It is also interesting to note that the amount of spending by foreign visitors reported for other regions (excluding the main Costas and Madrid) was 36.9 per cent higher than in July 2016 at 958 million euros. This coincides with a 26 per cent rise in visitor numbers, and the conclusion seems to be that this summer more people are choosing to explore alternative destinations within Spain: Augusts data will provide confirmation of whether this is the case or not.

Either way, what seems certain is that barring an unexpectedly strong reaction to the terrorist attacks which shook Catalunya last month the tourist industry is set to post another set of record figures in 2017. More and more visitors are spending ever larger sums of money on holidays in Spain, where the sector already contributes as much as 11 per cent of GDP.

Image: the beach of Malvarrosa in Valencia (EFE, fully copyrighted)

Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Murcia region: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/

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Liquid Telecom recently announced its partnership with Microsoft through its Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme.

As a CSP partner, Liquid Telecom will serve African businesses with Microsofts suite of cloud products, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Office 365, Enterprise Mobility Suite, and Windows 10.

The partnership follows recent news that Microsoft will launch Azure servers in Johannesburg and Cape Town during 2018.

Microsoft said the services offered from its South African facilities will include Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365.

Data centres

The two announcements have led to speculation that Liquid Telecom will be one of the two data centre providers Microsoft plans to use to host its servers in the country.

However, Liquid Telecom said it could not comment on whether it will provide Microsoft with a hosting environment in South Africa.

Liquid Telecoms chief business development officer Willem Marais confirmed that major upgrades are currently underway at their facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Liquid Telecom operates two Tier 3-designed carrier-neutral data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town which we are in the process of upgrading, said Marais.

They can provide customers with a host of cloud-based services for public, hybrid, and private cloud applications, along with cloud services from a host of SaaS and PaaS cloud services providers.

This includes Liquid Telecoms applications and platforms hosted in its Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Nairobi data centres.

Liquid Telecom has made investments in Azure Stack which we will deploy and operate from our [South African and East African centres], said Marais.

Liquid Telecom will continue to expand its cloud services portfolio and will make future announcements related to partners and cloud-based offerings.
Alpine to make 3 electric crossovers

Number of injured in Istanbul blast rises to 81

Paul McCartney sells guitar for $77,000 to support Ukraine

Erdogan says preliminary findings after Istanbul bombing point to terrorist attack

Erdogan says number of victims of Istanbul bombing rises to six

Authorities forbid TV channels to broadcast from Istanbul bombing site

Istanbul blast: Governor reports 4 dead and 38 wounded

Media: Terrorist attack considered as one of versions of bombing in Istanbul

Blast in Istanbul: victims reported

Reuters: National Bank of Ukraine prepares banking system for power outages

Explosion hits pedestrian street in Istanbul

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin calls for Turkey to be recognized as sponsor of terrorism

Bloomberg columnist says Japan may be preparing for war with China

Reuters: U.S. to demand EU colleagues to continue aid to Kyiv at G20

Washington Post: U.S. intelligence believes UAE tried to interfere in U.S. politics

Yeni Safak: Turkey increases sales of winter products, blankets in EU by almost third since beginning of year

Fox News: Trump has been silent on social media for over 24 hours amid Republican failures

Lebanon extradites to Iraq relative of Saddam Hussein

Financial Times: Kyiv plans to nationalize more private companies

U.S. Senate declares 'death' of Republican Party after congressional elections

Head of U.S. Customs resigned

President of Georgia Zourabichvili says about 100 thousand Russians settled in country

CNN: Democrats to retain control of Senate after congressional elections

Alen Simonyan: We are truly and sincerely committed to the peace agenda

Artak Beglaryan: Genocidal purpose is apparent

French maritime services rescue more than 140 migrants trying to swim across English Channel

Biden says he is satisfied with results of midterm elections in U.S.

Slovenia holds second round of presidential elections

'Witch' burned alive in India, 14 arrested

COVID-19 cases are expected to surge in Germany this winter

Dollar makes worst showing in week since early days of COVID-19 pandemic

Macron confirms France's readiness to support normalization of relations between Yerevan and Baku

Germany withdraws from Energy Charter Treaty

Is Jordan country that has not supplied arms to Armenia?: 'The press usually has reliable information'

European Commission approves nationalization of Russian Gazprom's German subsidiary

Pashinyan: If the state interferes with the exchange rate unnecessarily, the economy will only suffer

U.S. to work with strategic coalition of Southeast Asian countries

Armenian PM: To reform army, it is necessary to make military service more attractive

Putin and Raisi discuss topical issues of the bilateral agenda

Blinken: Ukraine must decide on timing and content of any talks with Russia

Catholicos expresses hope that Russia efforts will contribute to ensuring free, safe life of Artsakh Armenians

More than 50 of poorest developing countries are on brink of bankruptcy, says UN official

Armenia ex-ombudsman: We are facing serious national security issues (PHOTOS)

Biden has no plans to meet with Saudi crown prince at G20 summit

EU offers natural gas price cap assurances amid disagreements with member countries

Scholz is against establishment of ceasefire in Ukraine on Kremlin's terms

Turkologist: Turkey does not support agenda of achieving peace with Armenians

Sweden to not permit deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory after joining NATO

Erdogan signs decree on appointing Turkey ambassador to Israel

Information security expert: Some Armenia officials received letter that they were victims of national hackers attack

Armenia FM meets with France minister of foreign trade

Foreign Policy: US to resume nuclear arms control talks with Russia

Armenia opposition MP: Artsakh army reduction is impermissible

Biden to warn Chinas Xi that North Korea path could lead to increase in US military presence

US Treasury chief: India can buy as much Russian oil as it wants

Newspaper: Armenia authorities trying to find legal grounds for signing peace treaty

Newspaper: People of Karabakh not going to tolerate final destruction of their army

Texas woman sentenced to death for killing pregnant woman, removing fetus from victim

Van Gogh's painting sold for a record $117 million

Gentiloni: EU countries have accumulated enough gas to get through the coming winter

Several dozen activists detained at protest rally in Baku: They chant slogans 'Freedom!', 'Resign!'

Princess Haya seeks asylum in Wales

Pashinyan: Iran is concerned about the presence of other actors in our region, which are not in the territory of Armenia

Pashinyan: Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan listened to presented proposals

Volvo reveals its flagship EX90 electric crossover

Pashinyan: Yerevan supports Russia's proposals for Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement

Pashinyan: Russia cannot withdraw from Karabakh unless it creates additional guarantees for peacekeeping mission

Pashinyan: We will do everything to Armenia-Azerbaijan sign peace treaty by end of year

Russia bans entry of Biden's family and White House press secretary

Pashinyan: We believe there should be a dialogue between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh

Pashinyan says positions voiced by some member countries of CSTO are unacceptable

19 countries that use euro currency will slide into recession over winter

Pashinyan to Baku: If 1991 border is mutually recognized, what are your troops doing near Jermuk?

Pashinyan: If the Karabakh issue is solved, why is Azerbaijani Armed Forces shooting at Karabakh residents?

Pashinyan: Russia should say whether their version of peace settlement is still circulating?

Pashinyan: Maybe Azerbaijan doesn't want Armenia to receive revenues?

Pashinyan: Azerbaijan must withdraw its troops from Armenia

Pashinyan: My yesterday's speech served its purpose, Azerbaijani MFA no longer uses 'corridor' term

Microsoft founder Paul Allen's collection of world masterpieces sold for $1.6 billion

Public TV of Armenia hosts Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan

China shows drone killer

Armenian FM meets his French counterpart

Rishi Sunak decides to close hole in British budget through austerity

Delegation of Russian MPs visits Jermuk resort town

Lavrov and Mirzoyan discuss regional agenda

Harut Sasunyan: The best way to achieve peace is to be prepared for war

Turkish prosecutor demands court to ban Istanbul mayor from political activities

German business leaders warn against leaving China

Sasunyan: Russia and US pursue their own interests in South Caucasus

British economy shrinks in three months, foretelling prolonged recession

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan summoned to Foreign Ministry

Euro rises above dollar for first time in long time

Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister calls Council of Turkic States 'forum of peace' and praises Turkey

EU embargo on Russian oil will be a boon for OPEC

Armenia defense minister receives China ambassador, military attache

Lemkin Institute condemns Azerbaijan president's genocidal rhetoric

Dollar goes up, euro rises sharply in Armenia

U.S. warns Europe that conflict over Taiwan will cause massive global economic shock

EU calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan to moderate their rhetoric

Erdogan says Turkey has been waiting at door of EU for 52 years and will give answer when time comes
By Samuel Ssebuliba

Authorities in Sironko district are calling for the immediate closure of a primary school in Masaba subcounty in anticipation of land slides.

The development comes seven people are still missing following massive landslides that hit the area on Monday last week and destroyed over 40 homesteads.

The Sironko Resident District Commissioner, Moses Kigai says he has ordered the closure of Bufupa Primary School after discovering that most of the structures have developed cracks.

In 2010, landslides flattened villages in Nametsi Parish, burying an estimated 350 residents.

In 2011 a mudslide in Bulambuli killed about 28 people.

While in March 2012, mudslides killed six people in Sironko district and in June 2012, another mudslide buried 18 people in Bududa District.
By Benjamin Jumbe:

The executive of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association meets today to discuss a letter from government regarding their ongoing strike.

This is after government appealed to the judicial officers to call off their strike and resume work as it addresses their concerns.

Addressing journalists yesterday the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Gen Kahinda Otafire said the government was committed to addressing the concerns raised by the judicial officers in a gradual process, calling for their patience.

Now the association chairman Godfrey Kaweesa says the executive will be meeting to discuss the latest position before the General Assembly to be held tomorrow Wednesday where a final decision on whether or not to suspend the strike shall be taken.
Uh oh. :\

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Oh great so if things take a turn for a worse it will be her fault for kicking him out in the first place

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the story even has a line about her being in an "unforgiving mood" smh.

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one of my friends divorced her husband when he had an affair and when he killed himself her parents told her it was her fault for not taking him back when he asked her to. it completely fucked her up.



Edited at 2016-05-09 09:18 pm (UTC)

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jfc that's awful of them

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assholes. It's not her fault, he's the asshole that HAD THE AFFAIR in the first place, and he refused to get help.



How awful. :(

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one of my brother's friends died while driving a bike and his parents (and my parents) blame his ex wife for it because ~he was so depressed she divorced him he became reckless~

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This makes me feel physically sick. :((((

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my high school bff's ex-bf stalked her for months after they broke up and then took an overdose a week before we were due to write our final exams, just to fuck with her head.



She didn't tell me until months later but it was a good decision tbh, I would have probably killed him myself (he survived the OD).

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oh jeez

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Ozzy Osbourne was spotted today after reports said he had gone missing: https://t.co/pTDyPRLUgO pic.twitter.com/bWOlLoys7h  JustJared.com (@JustJared) May 9, 2016

What is the truth?

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that was quick.

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Lmao

Was this the same trailer she was sued for because she clogged the toilet?

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lol @ hardcore sleeping

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My friends sister took a shit ton of drugs (she's an addict) and was unresponsive but when the paramedics showed up she popped awake like a furby.

It's insane because we put her in the shower, smacked her like in a movie and tried everything to wake her up while they were on their way.



It was a completely mind boggling experience.

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lmao @ the dog and their matching hair

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Lmao @ his hair with the dog's

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lmao at that pic

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I didn't even realize that that was a live creature until you said it was a dog! I thought it was a stuffed lion!

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The only thing I can think is that because he was supposedly clean, they had turned over a new leaf or whatever. IDK I totally get Sharon hitting her limit of what she can take but like why now after a bajillion other things

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I thought it was pretty much confirmed that he had cheated on her? Or was that just an ONTD fact?

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The Sunset Strip in a nutshell.

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This non-story.

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well thank goodness he has checked in with the press, glad his priorities are straight

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LOL

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Great icon!

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Oh man. Why did you have an affair you dumb fuck...?

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I mean, I can't imagine anyone would find him fuckable. Like....

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he's not but he's still Ozzy so I guess that trumps everything else for some people lol

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Rock Groupies don't really care, as long as the dick belongs to someone famous.



It's as close to success any of them will get.





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remember danny devito and his recent reconciliation with rhea pearlman (bless)?



rethink your definition of unfuckable... $$$$ (+ fame) = sex at any age

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he seems slow from all those drugs

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didn't he have a bad fall off a stage years ago and get concussed? I feel like that on top of all the drugs was really the final straw and he's never been the same...not that he was gonna avoid brain damage anyway bc he's been an addict for so long

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Okay, so he's back now, right?



Edited at 2016-05-09 09:33 pm (UTC)

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ONTD, have you ever mistakenly thought someone had dissappeared?



Read more at ONTD: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/101600773.html#ixzz48CHrne7J



My phone died and I didn't recharge it, and didn't feel like doing it, so I hung out at the Beach all day by myself swimming.





My family and friends thought I died, cuz I didn't post anything for a whole day.



I got lost and wandered around SAnta Monica, and was trying to get home, but I needed a place to charge my phone. I was an idiot for my not charging it.



I wake up and get like 6 voicemails and text messages.



I was like "ok......I need to post less."



from them on I made sure to charge my phone.



This was before I got a Smart Phone.



My phone died and I didn't recharge it, and didn't feel like doing it, so I hung out at the Beach all day by myself swimming.My family and friends thought I died, cuz I didn't post anything for a whole day.I got lost and wandered around SAnta Monica, and was trying to get home, but I needed a place to charge my phone. I was an idiot for my not charging it.I wake up and get like 6 voicemails and text messages.I was like "ok......I need to post less."from them on I made sure to charge my phone.This was before I got a Smart Phone.

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[ tbh ] omg they sound like stalkers! block their numbers

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LOL!!!!!!!



My sister panicked, and got everyone else to panick. She was just out of High school at the time. :)

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Everyone loses their damn minds in this lol

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This is hands down one of my favorite moments from WLIIA with the female bodybuilder coming in second.

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this is one of the best moments the show ever had

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I've never seen this before. Thanks for sharing it. I forget what a good sport Richard was.

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bad idea to drink coffee right now



I love how at times the others aren't even trying







Edited at 2016-06-05 07:24 am (UTC)

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This has to be one of my favourite episodes of this show.

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given those reports about him recently. :(((

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I love him, I really hope he's ok. Lots of conflicting information about him in recent years. <3

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My gym teacher senior year made us follow along to sweatin to the oldies almost every class . bitch just used to seat on the bleachers doing word searches

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My gym teacher did the same but it was in elementary school. This was in the mid 80's when it was popular and my grandma always worked out to his videos so I was all about it at the time. In high school though I would have said fuck this shit.

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:(



He seems like a really sweet person, if he has anything dark hiding in his past I've never heard about it (ONTD loves to provide receipts though). Him possibly declining in mental health makes me sad

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I feel he's probably struggled with his sexuality. Never came out. Or ever publicly had a girlfriend, either.



Howard Stern could never get an answer out of him, either. Other than he is in love with his work, his dogs, and helping people.



And in any case, I feel he wanted to step away from the spotlight to age out of the public eye.

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i hope he gets help, his story has been pretty troubling :(

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Yikes, that doesn't sound good. It sounds from the comments that this has been going on a while? :(

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That is so sweet. I hope no one is taking advantage of him, either. He always seems to be upbeat and kind and that he goes around helping and motivating people is awesome.

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Yeah, my mom used to be a huge fan of his (grew up to sweatin' to the oldies in my house, lol) and one time she wrote him about her struggles and he personally wrote her back. I really wish I could find that letter. It was handwritten and everything.

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I never knew this. That is awesome of him. And I really hope he is ok.

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I hope he'll be fine, he seems to be in a rough spot these past few years.

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This is terrible. I really hope he'll be okay.

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Aww :(

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ppl always pick on him like david letterman used to always hose him down w fire extinguisher

i used to think he was in on it but it became clear that he wasn't ;(

hope he's doing alright

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i know they went back and forth and i always thought it was a bit

but the last time he went on the show, it really felt like he had had it and i never seen him on the show ever again

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as far as i know he's always been positive and kind to everyone, i hope everyone is treating him the same now

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Aw, wishing him well. :/

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Ozzy Osbourne's ex manager claims split from wife Sharon is a 'publicity stunt' and rocker would never cheat https://t.co/w5gs0aXGRw  Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) June 6, 2016

-Steven Machat, who managed Ozzy in the 1980s, says their divorce is an attempt by Sharon to stir up publicity for Black Sabbath's tour, which started this month-Machat claims Ozzy "isn't all there" and that he couldn't or wouldn't cheat on Sharon. He says Sharon knows how to use the media to make Ozzy relevant and says Sharon is Ozzy's nurse, mother & manager-Rumor is that the split is a publicity stunt inspired byafter Sharon discussed their divorce on her talk show (The Talk) holding a glass of lemonade; Kelly also posted a photo of herself holding a lemon on Instagram-Ozzy & Sharon are allegedly estranged but arrived in the same car at the Hollywood Palladium for an Ozzfest-related press conferenceWhat's your favorite publicity stunt, ONTD?
That's some bullshit! Her statement is cute, hope he's worth it.

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All of MTE.

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Is ANY man worth it?

He'll fux it up somehow and while she's sobbing saying "I gave up my status for youuuuu"

He'll be like "I didn't ask you to"

Oh and

Congrats!

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If I'm informed correctly, female members of the royal family have to give up their title if they marry a commoner, but male members don't have to do the same. It's not a cute story imo, it's bs.



I wish her a happy life.

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women are definitely treated awfully in the Japanese Imperial Family. Just look at Masako. The woman deserves far better.

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they both look so damn mischievous in that picture lmfao

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lol they do. They look like they are sharing a secret.

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Hmm cute story i guess, not the renouncing of the title part. Japan gurl leave some of these messy traditions behind.

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4 years to approve? Damn.

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Are you engaged?





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lol

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Lmao mte

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Srsly what kind of fucking question

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bwahaha same

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loooooooooooooooooooooool cracking me up

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lmao

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lol irl

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My poor Faz is going to have to give up his title to marry me.

What a modern love storyMy poor Faz is going to have to give up his title to marry me.

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lol, he won't, you'll just be one of the secret wives

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Get in line, I'm already his wife.



We both take photos and are currently touring the world.

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god damn it, just when I'm breaking up after 5 years.

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And I feel I gave up my kingdom.

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I'm so sorry you're going through this. And you didn't give it up, it's just a bit war torn at the moment but you can rebuild and then conquer other lands and grow your kingdom.

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You are me a year and a half ago... It gets better... In some ways

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Every Japanese Princess has to renounce her title. This is hardly anything new under the sun

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omg this post coming right after the Angelina Singledom post...



Anyhow, can't deny her statement is hella cute.

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Hmmmmm Japanese Princesses have to renounce their titles to marry a commoner AND they can't ascend the throne? Only males can? Japan needs to get its shit together tbh

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I hope Hisahito abdicates the throne in the future. I don't know why anyone would want to marry into the family after all the shit the agency put Masako through.

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what? do tell

is masako the mom? wasnt she with depression because she couldnt "produce" a male heir?

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He's on the way to, I believe. The govt approved it, it's just a matter of when, I guess.



I feel so bad for Masako and Aiko. They deserve far better.

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it's really garbage.

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It's so confusing too because they've HAD a bunch of reigning Empresses already; it's not like there isn't a precedent.

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it's ridiculous. Princess Mako and her sister were teenagers when their brother was born. I'm almost 100% sure the household pressured their mother to have another kid so they wouldn't have to deal with the idea that the rightful heir, Aiko, could ascend.

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I wouldn't do it. I'd be too afraid we'd end up divorced and I'd have given up a bunch for nothing.



I lack the trust, I suppose

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shes just giving up the title not her fortune lol

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I get that and I'm saying I wouldn't do it. I'm not into giving stuff up for what may end up to be nothing.

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Pretty sure she loses her royal allowance by forfeiting her title.

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They're adorable. Since we couldn't get rid of royals with the guillotine, maybe we can do it with love.

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This is a cute story and they're so cute



As a non royal and person who isn't in love though... i would never.







Edited at 2017-09-05 09:56 pm (UTC)

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Me too, we'd just stay together without marrying, who cares? Prince Charles did it

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We don't always get to marry Prince Endymion!!!!

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MIOSHA Training Institute Celebrates 10th Anniversary

So far, more than 24,000 people have participated in MTI training.

The MIOSHA Training Institute, part of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, recently marked its 10th anniversary with a ceremony recognizing the 29 co-sponsors of the program that help make it possible. "Each of these co-sponsors have been instrumental in ensuring the success and longevity of this unique educational program that focuses on improved technical expertise in occupational safety and health," MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. "I invite any employer and their employees who are interested in improving their company's workplace safety and health to contact us."

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division and Macomb Community College established a formal alliance on Sept. 26, 2005, to help protect the health and safety of Michigan workers. CET Division Director Nella Davis-Ray recognized all co-sponsors who offer the certification classes, presenting plaques to the 14 original co-sponsors who have been with MTI for all 10 years.

The MTI assessment-based certificate program offers continuing education credits and maintenance points and the opportunity to achieve Level One General Safety and Health, Level Two Safety and Health Management Systems, and Safety and Health Compliance certificates, all of which are based on the most up-to-date industry standards. Certificate programs are available for General Industry Safety and Health as well as Construction Safety and Health. An Occupational Health certificate is also available. Classes are taught by MIOSHA CET consultants and are consistent throughout the state.

So far, more than 24,000 people have participated in MTI training.
By Moses Kyeyune & Samuel Ssebuliba

Aruu South Member of Parliament Hon.Odonga Otto has dramatically moved the House to halt business until government explains the mysterious killing of women in parts of Wakiso district.

This was after members raised concerns about the absence of the minister of internal affairs and his security counterpart in the House, at a time the country expects explanations about the killings.

So far, 20 women have been killed in separate attacks in Entebbe and Nansana, with the latest incident reported in Nyanama, Rubaga Division yesterday.

According to Odonga Otto, the situation is running out of hand and the country deserves a thorough explanation.

The motion was supported by Wakiso Woman Member of Parliament Hon.Rosemary Seninde, who doubles as the Minister of State for Primary Education has supported the motion.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winnie Kiiza lashed out at cabinet for disregarding the security of women in the country.

Hon.Kiiza has particularly regretted failure by the minister of internal affairs Gen Jeje Odong and his security counterpart Henry Tumukunde to present to parliament, a joint statement pertaining the mysterious murder of women in parts of Wakiso district.

However, the minister of Local Government Tom Butiime has told the House that cabinet would not wish to divulge information, on a matter still under investigation by the police.

Relatedly, police in Kampala have arrested the prime suspect in the alleged murder of a woman whose body was yesterday found dumped in Nyanama Wakiso district.

The Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson Emilian Kayima, has identified the suspect as 26 year old Charles Kato and is reported to have killed his wife Maria Nabirawa, a resident of Mutugga.

This comes as the opposition Democratic Party asks the police Chief Gen Kale Kayihura to step down if his force cannot produce a comprehensive report on the scores of women that have murdered in Wakiso district and other parts of the country.

Addressing journalists at the party headquarters this morning, the acting Secretary General Gerald Siranda said these murders are an indication that the police force has failed to protect civilians under Gen Kayihuras watch.
The pole-like trunk if a Cycas micronesica tree is topped by radiating large leaves that create a distinctive appearance. Credit: Thomas Marler

Conservationists are often hindered by lack of knowledge to support decisions for conserving endangered plants. Applied research projects are often conducted in what scientists call an adaptive management approach. A recent adaptive management study from the University of Guam has revealed that large stem cuttings of the Endangered Cycas micronesica tree may be nurtured to produce adventitious roots which enable the creation of large transplants. The results appear in the current issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa.

This tree is one of almost 350 described species of living cycads, a plant group that is highly threatened globally. The primary stems of cycads are equipped with the ability to produce adventitious buds, and the small lateral stems that grow from these buds are well-known for their ability to produce adventitious roots. For the Guam study, the tops of trees as tall as 4 meters were removed to determine if root formation could be encouraged on large cuttings from the apex of the main tree trunk. "This was an unprecedented opportunity to cut down large, mature trees for propagation purposes," said author Gil Cruz. "So the project was fun in that regard."

Successful root formation occurred on 41% of the cuttings in a nursery managed by experienced cycad horticulturists, but was unsuccessful in a nursery managed by silviculture specialists who lacked experience with cycad management. Large stem sections from healthy cycad trees would likely lead to 100% success. "But all of Guam's cycad trees are unhealthy due to years of damage by non-native insect pests, so the level of success could not be predicted without the results of this study," said author Thomas Marler.

Ongoing clearing of forested lands for construction activities on the island of Guam will be removing thousands of Cycas micronesica trees in the coming years. The results of this project indicate that the approach could be used to create large transplants without the need for expensive excavation of root systems, as occurs in traditional tree transplant protocols. However, just because nascent knowledge developed from adaptive management research reveals a new protocol, this does not robotically mean the protocol should be scaled up to widespread conservation implementation.

The authors discussed several dilemmas that emerge when large stem cuttings are used to create Cycas micronesica transplants. For example, the biotic threats that caused this tree to become endangered were initiated in 2003 when the first of several non-native insect pests invaded Guam, and these threats persist throughout Guam today. Salvage projects designed to rescue trees from construction sites do not address those primary threats. Therefore, trees transplanted in successful salvage projects may be destined to die along with the rest of the in situ population if these primary threats remain un-mitigated. Moreover, one of the most important environmental stresses of forest resources in the western Pacific is recurrence of tropical cyclones that topple many trees. Cycad trees that develop naturally by gaining size throughout the years following seed germination are equipped with root systems that resist toppling. But nothing is known about anchorage traits of the adventitious root system of this artificial type of transplant, or how the resulting trees will respond to the powerful storms. The first tropical cyclone following a large-scale transplant operation may topple the clonally propagated trees.
Shell be more like me than you.

The burdens of becoming parents are often shared unequally between male and female animals. This is particularly true of species that give birth to live young, where male duties such as defending the breeding territory and building dens or nests rarely compare with the ordeals of pregnancy and labour.

You might have thought that animals just "accept" this imbalance and get on with it. But actually, they compete over how much each parent contributes. This isn't like the competition to win a mate, with locking horns or displays of plumage. Instead this remarkable battle takes place at the level of the genes.

It now appears it may have evolved very early in animal evolution, perhaps among the first child-bearing animals. What is more, it may even help to explain why animals diversified into different lineages.

Creatures great and small

One arena in which this battle plays out is over the size of offspring. In principle it's in both a mother's and father's interests to produce bigger newborns, since they are more likely to prevail in the struggle for food and survival.

Yet live-bearing females are more likely to die giving birth to larger offspring or become unable to reproduce again. Their mates needn't care  unless they are likely to sire more broods together, as with humans and certain gibbons, wolves and mice. Otherwise, the males' only concern is that their mate invests as much as possible in the offspring they produce together.

This common conflict of interests manifests itself in various ways in nature. Males often desert pregnant females  from birds to humans, for example  thereby leaving them with the burden of bringing up the young. More rarely, in some normally biparental species females desert males. We see this in some beetles, for example.

Cells dividing. Credit: Kateryna Kon

The genetic battle mentioned previously is another manifestation of this conflict. The males of many species can manipulate the genes that they pass on to their offspring so that they induce extra growth at the expense of the mother. As with desertion, this effectively hands the female a greater share of the child-bearing burden than is in her interests.

It works as follows. When an embryo grows inside its mother, it consumes resources from her, signalling its metabolic needs along the way. These signals are influenced by certain hormones which either come from the growth genes of the mother or father. The males manipulate the females to deliver more resources by increasing the extent to which these hormones are produced through a chemical modification of their growth genes during sperm formation.

Females have evolved mechanisms to resist this. They can, for instance, pass on to their offspring what is known as a "silenced copy" of their own growth gene. This can counterbalance the male genes' influence by making the embryo grow less than it otherwise would.

This battle is far less prevalent in truly monogamous species, including humans. This goes back to the fact that it becomes less genetically necessary where the two parents have a common interest in the female producing more offspring in future.

Mouse control

British microbiologist David Haig first proposed in 2003 that this battle was more likely in organisms where one sex disproportionately contributes to the offspring, such as live-bearing species, particularly polygamous ones. This was used to explain the puzzling size of the offspring of crosses between oldfield mice and deer mice.

Separately, these species produce similar sized offspring. Yet crosses between male deer mice and female oldfield mice produce offspring that are larger, while the offspring from female deer mice and oldfield males are smaller. Oldfield mice are monogamous while deer mice are polyandrous, meaning one female mates with several males.

The deer mouse. Credit: Pixnio, CC BY-SA

Mimicking nature by artificially manipulating a growth gene called igf2, researchers showed that these smaller and larger offspring were due to genetics. In further support of the theory, placental mammals and marsupials including kangaroos and opossums have since been found to have signs of female resistance to such male manipulation.

How early did this mechanism evolve? Researchers have previously suggested it arose in live-born mammals, and would therefore be absent in egg-laying mammals  such as the platypus  and other vertibrates.

But that raises questions about all the reptiles, amphibians and fish which produce live young, since the same genetic manipulation would equally be in their males' interests. To see if it was present, we looked at a Mexican fish called the amarillo or dark-edged splitfin (see lead image).

Along with co-researchers Yolitzi Saldivar and Jean Philippe Vielle Calzada, we crossed males and females from two distant populations of these fish, since they would not have evolved mechanisms which cancel one another out in the way that a single population is likely to have. Sure enough, the size of the embryos was influenced by the specific combination of father and mother. We found signs of male manipulation and probable resistance from the females.

Though based on a small sample size, this suggests that these mechanisms evolved much earlier than previously believed: fish split from other vertebrates some 200m years before live-bearing mammals appeared, dating back about 370m years in total. Whether it comes from a single evolution or from several in different lineages, we cannot yet tell.

One consequence of these genetic battles is the effect on reproductive compatibility within a species. The genetic mutations aimed at manipulating offspring that take place among males and females within a certain group of a species are like a sort of arms race. The genes continually adapt and counter-adapt to one another to try and further their reproductive interests.

If they then mate with an animal from a different group of the same species, their genetic mutations can have made them sufficiently unmatched over time that they are unable to reproduce  thus they are now two species. If this started happening much earlier in evolution than was previously thought, it is likely to have influenced how different groups of live-born animals diverged, including lizards, sharks and mammals. From little acorns, these are the kinds of big oak trees that can grow.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Chickens have personalities, too. Credit: Pixabay

Like a B-movie for a post-Brexit era, consumers in Britain may soon be unwillingly cast in the 2019 blockbuster, Attack of the Chlorine Chickens. If news headlines are to be believed, flocks of toxic fowl are waiting to storm Britain's shores like mini featherless zombies as part of a US-UK trade deal.

But before getting into a flap about the health risks of chlorine, we should maybe pause to consider why you would bleach a chicken in the first place. It is actually primarily to mitigate the disease risks from raising nearly 9 billion chickens in overcrowded environments with low standards of animal welfare.

However the failure to frame the chickens' welfare as anything other than a side issue poses important questions about the nature of our interactions with animals. Why are chickens so far down in the pecking order for moral concern? Would our reaction have been the same if the animal in question were a mammal? The moral outrage sparked by when horsemeat was found in beef burgers in Britain and Ireland in 2013 would suggest not.

Despite the widespread symbolism of the cockerel across cultures, history shows that we've never really been concerned about the welfare of chickens. Until the late 18th century, cock-throwing  tying a chicken to a stake and pelting it with objects until it felt the sweet release of death  was an extremely popular pastime in Britain. Eventually outlawed on grounds of cruelty, research has drawn parallels between cock-throwing and the widespread appearance of chickens in modern video games, which are customarily killed or used for chicken-kicking competitions. I doubt there are many video games in which players beat up dogs for kicks.

So what is it about our attitude to chickens that encourages us to disregard their widespread maltreatment? Psychological research into people's beliefs repeatedly throws up the common perception that chickens are close to the bottom of the pile when it comes to cognitive abilities.

Yet this assumption flies in the face of scientific evidence. Alongside characteristics associated with sentience in other species  such as pain perception or emotions  chickens communicate, show sensitivity to differing contexts and display personalities. This disconnect between our perception of chickens and the reality of their mental lives is undoubtedly important. The more we see an animal as "minded", the more likely we are to believe its welfare should be protected.

Psychologists used to believe that the animals we consider to have a mind was determined mainly by social factors such as cultural background. However, we now know a range of factors, such as our age and sex, affect our willingness to attribute mental capacities to animals. For the majority of animals it also appears that simple familiarity helps  owning a pet typically increases the mental faculties we associate with that particular species.

This is logical since the greater our contact with an animal, the more likely our chances of observing behaviour that we recognise as intelligent. And yet having a chicken in our clutches doesn't appear to help their plight. One study showed that, in a group of students, keeping chickens had no effect on the mental characteristics participants associated with them. Only by actively training the chickens in cognitive tasks did the students' attitudes begin to change.

New perspective

But why doesn't general contact with chickens alter our views on their brainpower? Our latest paper, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, argues that we should also consider how our own cognitive mechanisms influence our judgements about how intelligent an animal is. We are currently in the process of looking at how consistent people are when making attributions of mind to other species.

Research already tells us that context and behavioural similarity between animals and humans are central factors in our psychological interpretation of animals' actions. We also know that mirror neurons  a type of brain cells that fire both when we perform an action or when we watch others perform the same action  are automatically activated when we watch both humans and other animals carry out similar actions to achieve an assumed goal. This means when we see a rat reach out to grasp a food item, our brain is activated using similar mechanisms to those we would use to interpret the behaviour of a human doing the same thing.

These findings lend weight to the theory that humans attribute cognitive abilities across species based on how they view specific behavioural events, such as grasping food or chewing.

Moving like a chicken might therefore be a major disadvantage when you're being compared to other farmyard inhabitants such as cows or pigs. Despite spending time observing them, it would be harder for our brains to automatically "see" their behaviour and use it as a basis for assuming some semblance of brainpower.

So next time you read stories about "frankenchicken", maybe attempt to avoid snap judgements  your perceptions of chickens aren't based on their lack of brains, but rather on the constraints of your own.

Click here to take part in Queen Mary University of London's survey investigating people's attitudes to the animal mind.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Credit: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

Finger millet has two important properties: The grain is rich in important minerals and resistant towards drought and heat. Thanks to a novel combination of state-of-the-art technologies, researchers at the University of Zurich were able to decode the large and extremely complex genome of finger millet in high quality for the first time. This represents a fundamental basis for improving food security in countries like India and parts of Africa.

For many poor farmers in India and Africa, finger millet is a major staple food. The crop species is not only a rich source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, and it contains many vitamins and essential amino acids. The plant is also characterized by its resistance to drought and heat. As it is very healthy and gluten-free, it is finding increased use as a food in industrial countries as well. Despite its importance, finger millet has been given very little scientific attention until now.

Finger millet arose through the hybridization of two different plant species. The plant is therefore polyploid, which means it has a four-fold set of chromosomes and almost twice as many genes as its original species. The size and complexity of the genome are thought to have conferred the broad environmental tolerance of finger millet, while making genome research extremely difficult. For the first time, an international team of researchers from the University of Zurich has now managed to decode the complex genome of finger millet in great detail. It comprises about 2.6 million base pairs and has more than 62,300 genes  about twice as many as rice, for example.

A good 57,900 finger millet genes  over 90 percent  occur in more than two copies. As their DNA sequences are very similar, it was difficult to correctly allocate the numerous, decoded DNA sections within the entire genome. In cooperation with Ralph Schlapbach and Sirisha Aluri from the Functional Genomics Center at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, the team headed up by Kentaro Shimizu, professor at the UZH Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, has managed to overcome these difficulties. For this purpose, the scientists combined a sophisticated bioinformatics strategy developed by Masaomi Hatakeyama that uses state-of-the-art sequencing methods with a new technology that can optically map the long, individual DNA molecules in the genome. "Our newly developed strategy will help sequence the genome of other polyploid cultivated plants that have not been able to be determined until now," Shimizu says.

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Zurich and Bangalore, India, worked together on this project. The work was supported by Indo-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB), a bilateral research and development program financed by the Swiss and Indian governments, as well as by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The objective is to improve food security and to develop the capacity of biotechnological research in India. "The newly available genome data of finger millet opens up numerous possibilities for modern plant breeding," Shimizu emphasizes. "On the one hand, to help people with mineral deficiencies in India and in industrialized countries and, on the other hand, to make important crop plants more resistant to drought and aridness."

More information: Masaomi Hatakeyama et al. Multiple hybrid de novo genome assembly of finger millet, an orphan allotetraploid crop, DNA Research (2017). DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsx036
Recovery of a mooring in the Labrador Sea during the Expedition MSM40. Credit: Thilo Klenz, GEOMAR.

The Labrador Sea in the North Atlantic is one of the few areas in the world ocean where cold, saline seawater sinks to large depths and forms deep water. This convection process also transports oxygen into the deep sea. A team of scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (San Diego, California), Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel have now published the analysis of data obtained from the mooring K1 in the international scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The results show that in winter 2014/2015 an unusually high amount of oxygen was absorbed by the ocean in the region. The actual oxygen uptake at the sea surface is very difficult to determine directly, but the scientists were able to derive the oxygen uptake from the oxygen content measured throughout the water column,. One of the questions the scientists were concerned with: Can the strong oxygen uptake in the Labrador Sea compensate the global oxygen loss of the ocean?

The ocean surface, in constant gas exchange with the atmosphere, takes up oxygen from it. "In the ocean, in particular the temperature and air bubbles influence the oxygen uptake," says Dr. Johannes Karstensen, oceanographer at GEOMAR and co-author of the study. If the ocean surface cools down, the water mass becomes denser and heavier. Thus, the water mass starts to sink to greater depth, including the absorbed dissolved oxygen. At the same time, water rises from deeper layers and gets enriched with oxygen again." Sometimes this process is compared to a waterfall but in reality it is somewhat different," says Dr. Johannes Karstensen. "It is rather a re-layering where cooler, denser water sinks and the underlying lighter water rises, is then cooled down, sinks again, and so on".

As the data from the long-term measuring station K1 in the Labrador Sea show, an unusually high amount of oxygen was absorbed in the particularly cold and stormy winter of 2014/2015. On one hand, this was due to the fact that the vertical turnover process extended to depths of more than 1,700 meters. On the other hand, the scientists were able to show from the observational data that the observed oxygen increase can only be explained by taking into account the inflow of air bubbles at the surface. This result is particularly important for the correct modelling of oxygen uptake in deep-convection areas and also serves to improve climate prediction.

Long-term observing station K1 in the Labrador Sea. Credit: GEOMAR.

More recently, GEOMAR researchers have published a study on the temporal evolution of the oxygen concentration in the world ocean. It shows that the oxygen content of the world's oceans has decreased by more than two percent over the last 50 years. An obvious question is: Can the increased oxygen uptake in the Labrador Sea compensate the observed oxygen loss of the world oceans? "Even if we assume that the water formed in 2014/2015 will be transported out of that region without any losses, only about one hundredth of the world's oceanic oxygen loss can be compensated", says Dr. Johannes Karstensen. "In particular, the decrease in oxygen content in the surface water caused by global warming cannot be compensated." On the other hand, the data from the Labrador Sea also contribute to a better understanding of the global circulation processes. "This allows better predictions of the future development of oxygen in the oceans," emphasizes the oceanographer from Kiel.

More information: Jannes Koelling et al, Intense oceanic uptake of oxygen during 2014-2015 winter convection in the Labrador Sea, Geophysical Research Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1002/2017GL073933 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
Switzerland from a satellite perspective: The vegetations average biomass production (orange: low, green: high) is strongly increased in landscapes with high biodiversity. Credit: UZH

Ecosystems with high biodiversity are more productive and stable towards annual fluctuations in environmental conditions than those with a low diversity of species. They also adapt better to climate-driven environmental changes. These are the key findings environmental scientists at the University of Zurich made in a study of about 450 landscapes harbouring 2,200 plants and animal species.

The dramatic, worldwide loss of biodiversity is one of today's greatest environmental problems. The loss of species diversity affects important ecosystems on which humans depend. Previous research predominantly addressed short-term effects of biodiversity in small experimental plots planted with few randomly selected plant species. These studies have shown that species-poor plant assemblages function less well and produce less biomass than species rich systems.

Extensive study with about 2,200 species in 450 landscapes

Researchers participating in the University Research Priority Programme "Global Change and Biodiversity" of the University of Zurich now demonstrate similar positive effects of biodiversity in real-world ecosystems in which mechanisms different from the ones in artificial experimental plots are at play. Using 450 different 1-km2 landscapes that spanned the entire area of Switzerland, they investigated the role of the diversity of plant, bird and butterfly species for the production of biomass, which was estimated from satellite data.

"Our results show that biodiversity plays an essential role for the functioning of extensive natural landscapes that consist of different ecosystem types such as forests, meadows or urban areas", study leader Pascal Niklaus from Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies says. The analyses showed that landscapes with a greater biodiversity were more productive and that their productivity showed a lower year-to-year variation.

Biodiversity promoted the adaptation of landscapes

The satellite data analysed by the scientists revealed that the annual growing period increased in length throughout the last 16 years, an effect that can be explained by climate warming. The prolongation in growing season was considerably larger in more biodiverse landscapes. These relations were robust and remained important even when a range of other drivers such as temperature, rainfall, solar irradiation, topography, of the specific composition of the landscapes were considered. "This indicates that landscapes with high biodiversity can adapt better and faster to changing environmental conditions," Niklaus concludes.

More information: Biodiversity promotes primary productivity and growing season lengthening at the landscape scale. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. September 4, 2017. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1703928114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

(Phys.org)A team of researchers with Keio University in Japan has found evidence of a mid-sized black hole near the center of the Milky Way galaxy. In their paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the group describes their study of a gas cloud cluster near the center of our galaxy and why they believe it offers evidence of a mid-sized black hole.

Over the years, scientists have found a lot of physical evidence of large and small black holes, but very little evidence for those in the mid-size range. This has led to an intense search, which until now, has come up mostly emptymid-size black holes are exceedingly difficult to spot.

The team reports that last year, they discovered a gas cloud near the center of the Milky Way that appeared to behave in odd wayssome of the gasses were moving faster than others. The cloud, named CO-0.40-0.22, was intriguing because not only did it represent the possibility of finding an intermediate black hole, but it could also explain how massive black holes come to exist at the centers of galaxies, such as our own Milky way.

The team originally spotted the gas cloud using the Nobeyama radio telescope in Japanbut to learn more about what they had found required something bigger, so they ventured to Chile, where they gained access to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The researchers found that there was a dense part of the gas cloud near its center that also showed varying velocities. Better yet, just next to the clump, they found a source of radio waves that was very similar to those generated from the giant black hole at the center of Milky Way, but 500 times weaker. The two findings together suggested very strongly the presence of a mid-sized black hole. To add further evidence, the researchers built a simulation of the gas cloud and its characteristics, particularly the gas velocities, and found that it, too, pointed to a mid-sized black hole.

These findings offer strong evidence of a mid-sized black hole, though it is not clear how it might have come to that location. But as more research is done and the find is confirmed, the mid-sized black hole could explain how giant black holes at the centers of galaxies are formedby swallowing nearby mid-sized black holes, perhaps.

More information: Tomoharu Oka et al. Millimetre-wave emission from an intermediate-mass black hole candidate in the Milky Way, Nature Astronomy (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-017-0224-z Abstract

It is widely accepted that black holes with masses greater than a million solar masses (M) lurk at the centres of massive galaxies. The origins of such 'supermassive' black holes (SMBHs) remain unknown, although those of stellar-mass black holes are well understood. One possible scenario is that intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs), which are formed by the runaway coalescence of stars in young compact star clusters, merge at the centre of a galaxy to form a SMBH3. Although many candidates for IMBHs have been proposed, none is accepted as definitive. Recently, we discovered a peculiar molecular cloud, CO0.400.22, with an extremely broad velocity width, near the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. Based on the careful analysis of gas kinematics, we concluded that a compact object with a mass of about 105M is lurking in this cloud. Here we report the detection of a point-like continuum source as well as a compact gas clump near the centre of CO0.400.22. This point-like continuum source (CO0.400.22*) has a wide-band spectrum consistent with 1/500 of the Galactic SMBH (Sgr A*) in luminosity. Numerical simulations around a point-like massive object reproduce the kinematics of dense molecular gas well, which suggests that CO0.400.22* is one of the most promising candidates for an intermediate-mass black hole. Journal information: Nature Astronomy

 2017 Phys.org
As sea ice continues to disappear, scientists are rushing to gather data on Arctic taxa. How should the collected plant and animal specimens be stored? As Indigenous communities age, traditional knowledge and cultural history is at risk of being lost. Can we use multimedia to preserve these impermanent records? Published this month in the open access journal Arctic Science, a special volume of studies describes how natural history museums are more than "cabinets of curiosities." Arctic museum collections in particular are biodiversity and cultural repositories that help monitor rapidly changing ecosystems, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance public engagement in science and culture.

"The Arctic is at the forefront of experiencing the effects of climate change," explains Dr. Stefanie Ickert-Bond, editor of the special volume and Curator of the Herbarium at the University of Alaska Museum of the North (UAMN). "Effective management and conservation of high-latitude biological and cultural diversity in the face of unprecedented rates of climate change requires information on past and current patterns of diversity and their evolution."

Arctic museum collections "provide many diverse scientific benefits, helping us understand not only individual species or populations but also the environments in which they live(d)," write Kevin Winker and Jack Withrow of the UAMN Department of Ornithology. But current collections are not complete as "most Arctic taxa are poorly documented," Ickert-Bond adds.

Multiple studies in the special volume call for expedited sampling and digitizing of Arctic specimens on an international scale. "Many museum collections are working together to fill temporal, spatial, and taxonomic gaps to develop and wield the science that will make us better stewards of Arctic environments and [their] cultural legacy," Ickert-Bond says.

With more comprehensive and accessible collections, not only can the Arctic research community use the data to tackle conservation problems, but museums can also expand education programs to include digital explorations and online learning modules to increase understanding of STEM.

Museums have also partnered with an integral facet of the changing Arcticits people. Collaborating with Indigenous communities, UAMN is capturing the Arctic's cultural narratives through multimedia. "Film and audio collections allow us to observe, experience, and study singular, irreproducible moments of a culture's past," writes Leonard Kamerling, UAMN Curator of Film. Kamerling, a filmmaker himself, oversees a collection of film, video, and audio tape that documents Alaska Native life dating back to the 1970s.

As these physical materials can deteriorate over time and are also confined to the museum itself, Kamerling notes that future archives need to "deliver materials in innovative ways that transcend the distance between the physical archive and the most remote communities and schools." Digitizing museum collections and sharing the resources on web-based streaming platforms such as IsumaTV are bringing Indigenous culture to new audiences.

Contributions to this special volume brought together multi-national teams of researchers including anthropologists, ecologists, archaeologists, biodiversity informaticians, educators, and filmmakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and Canada.

More information: "Arctic Museum Collections: Documenting and understanding changes in biological and cultural diversity though time and space": www.nrcresearchpress.com/toc/as/3/3
Nonprofit journalism organizations have made notable civic contributions, but fall short of offering a strong critical alternative to the market failure and professional shortcomings of commercial journalism, finds a new study from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

The study, published online in the journal Journalism, describes both the possibilities and limits of the foundation-supported nonprofit model.

"In the ongoing financial crisis in U.S. journalism, philanthropic foundation-supported nonprofits are increasingly hailed as the remedy to the lack of civic-oriented news production. This study questions whether foundation-supported news organizations are an adequate solution to what ails journalism," said Rodney Benson, professor and chair of the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU Steinhardt and the study's author.

U.S. journalism - unlike that of Western Europe - has long been thoroughly commercial, with only a very small public media sector. Nevertheless, from the 1960s through the 1990s, media companies were able to turn a profit while also producing civic-oriented news, including investigative, public affairs, and international reporting.

This "win-win" compromise between commerce and public service began unraveling before the turn of the century, with media companies seeing drops in revenue driven by the rise of the internet. As a result, they cut newsroom jobs; local, national, and international public affairs reporting, as well as investigative reporting, were hit particularly hard by the reductions in staff.

In the mid-2000s, philanthropy emerged as a possible way out of the journalism crisis, and nonprofit journalism began to grow. Relying heavily on grants from philanthropic foundations - such as Ford, Gates, Open Society, Knight, and MacArthur - nonprofit journalism is seen as a means of transcending the previous compromise between commercial and civic needs in order to focus solely on public service. Successful national (ProPublica) and local (Texas Tribune, MinnPost) nonprofit news organizations have launched in the past decade.

While foundation support has been welcomed by news organizations, their investment is relatively small. Annual commercial spending to support news operations has fallen $1.6 billion since 2008, according to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, yet Benson noted that only about $150 million per year - less than one-tenth of this amount - is currently being invested by foundations specifically in news organizations.

To understand who makes the decisions at foundations and nonprofit news organizations - and whether this influences the resulting journalism - Benson conducted an analysis of the professional and educational composition of boards of directors at commercial news organizations, foundations, and nonprofit news organizations. He found that business leaders and financial elites dominate the oversight of all three types of organizations, though to a slightly lesser degree at foundations and nonprofit news.

In addition, Benson found that project-based funding from foundations may skew media attention toward issues favored by donors. Media organizations dependent on project-based funding risk being captured by foundation agendas and are less able to investigate the issues they deem most important.

Benson also looked at what foundations ask in return for their support and found that nonprofit news organizations are often stuck trying to reconcile their "impact" and "sustainability." Foundations put nonprofits in a bind with their competing demands to achieve both civic impact, via circulation of free content, and economic sustainability, via paying audiences and corporate sponsors. This dynamic ultimately creates pressure to reproduce dominant commercial media news practices to capture wide audiences or provide "infotainment" - or alternatively, orient news for small, elite audiences.

"The Catch-22 is that 'impact' as defined by foundations is not 'sustainable' as defined by foundations," Benson said.

Despite his criticisms, Benson stressed that foundation-supported nonprofits tend to focus more on public affairs and investigative reporting than most commercial media. In particular, he praised the outstanding investigative reporting of ProPublica, Center for Investigative Reporting, and other leading nonprofit news organizations.

In order to overcome the limitations of foundation-supported journalism, Benson calls for reforms - including more long-term, non-project-based, and no-strings-attached funding by foundations.

"Despite the language of civic duty that surrounds the foundation world like a golden haze, there are often specific strings and metrics attached to grants, which can create the possibility or appearance of a conflict of interest," said Benson.

He also recommends more innovative and democratic funding through small donors and crowdfunding, more effective modes of distribution that reach beyond elite and partisan silos, and increased funding and greater autonomy for public media.
Map showing languages used for the study: creoles (in blue) and non-creoles (in red). Credit: Russell Gray

A large-scale study of languages shows that the grammar of creoles - which emerged in multilingual situations of extreme social upheaval, like colonial slaveries - are composed from the grammars of other languages that preceded them rather than being innovated from scratch. The study, published today in Nature Human Behavior, analyzed a large number of creole and non-creole languages to reveal the robustness of language transmission processes.

At times over the last several hundred years, large groups of people speaking completely different languages have been forced to communicate. One striking example of this is, for instance, when people from different regions of Western Africa were enslaved and forced to work on sugar cane plantations on Caribbean islands. The individuals brought together in this manner spoke many different languages often completely unintelligible to each other. Yet, over time their descendants came to speak a single language - a creole language.

Creoles emerged in very different parts of the world - from the Caribbean to India and the Pacific islands. Intriguingly, some aspects of their grammars are remarkably similar. For instance, most creoles order words in sentences in a sequence that linguists describe as Subject-Verb-Object (as in English: one cheetah [subject] chases [verb] the gazelle [object]; or, The general [subject] planned [verb] the attack [object]).

Why are creole languages similar?

Linguists have hypothesized that these common features stem from the fact that creole languages might have started as radically simple communication systems, called pidgins, composed of a very rudimentary grammar based on words and basic phrases from the other languages spoken in the community at the time. Then rapidly (in just one generation or so) the modest pidgin will develop all of the complexity and expressive power of other languages, thus giving rise to a creole.

Port Stanley in Malakula (Vanuatu). The creole language Bislama is spoken in Vanuatu and was included in the study. Credit: Russell Gray

Consequently, the hypothesis goes, the characteristics that all creoles share reflect this pidgin stage. Why? Some scientists have conjectured that this is because pidgins reflect the simplest possible solution for communication. Aspects of languages that do not contribute to or that interfere with efficient communication - such as the gender systems in French and Italian, or the usage of completely different words to refer to the same action in different tenses, like English go/went - are not carried over by pidgins, and hence do not feature in creoles.

Others have speculated that pidgins turn into creoles by means of an innate, biologically-grounded "grammar blueprint." While many linguists (prominently, Noam Chomsky) believe that humans are equipped with an innate exceptional faculty for acquiring language, the idea of a grammar blueprint suggests that humans are also endowed with a "default" grammar in addition to this faculty. When children are exposed to a full-fledged language they will acquire it, but when they are presented instead with a poor and simple communication system like a pidgin, they will "fill in the gaps" and come up with new pieces of grammar that come directly from the grammar blueprint, thus giving rise to a creole. If this was the case then creole languages would be similar simply because they reflect this grammar shared by all humans, an outstanding piece of evidence about the evolution of language.

The exceptional human ability to acquire language

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Leipzig University and the University of Zurich analyzed a large database of grammars composed of both creole and non-creole languages, using a combination of linguistic knowledge and machine learning techniques. The results reveal that creole languages in different parts of the world retain many of the grammatical patterns of the languages spoken at the time of their emergence. When creoles share the same properties across the board, it is because the other (non-creole) languages also possessed those properties - the Subject-Verb-Object order, for instance, is also present in the vast majority of languages from which creoles took their vocabularies. Hence, beyond the fact that creoles result from the mixture of other grammars, they are not essentially different from the rest of the languages of the world in that most of the time they maintain the linguistic structures present in the generations that preceded them.

"Creole languages look deceptively similar, but now that we know more about the world's languages, we see more and more features that were inherited from African, Asian and European languages," says Susanne Maria Michaelis, a researcher at Leipzig University and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. Martin Haspelmath, also at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, adds: "What this means is that there is no evidence for a pidgin stage in the history of these languages."

The fact that these results put to rest the idea of the pidgin stage in creole languages is not their only important feature. "To me, the most surprising result of our investigation is the realization that languages are transmitted in an extremely robust manner: many creoles emerged from situations like slavery or trade posts, which seem particularly difficult for learning languages," comments Damian E. Blasi, a scientist at the University of Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, and lead author of the study. "Nevertheless, we humans are extremely good at preserving and learning all sorts of complex behaviors like musical traditions or marriage patterns, and this study shows that language is perhaps the most outstanding proof of that ability."

More information: Damian E. Blasi et al, Grammars are robustly transmitted even during the emergence of creole languages, Nature Human Behaviour (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-017-0192-4 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour
By Ivan Ssenabulya

Pilgrims from the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia have been urged to change their ways of life to reflect the purity achieved during pilgrimage.

According to a statement issued this afternoon by Saudi Arabias Culture and Information ministry, More than 2.3 million pilgrims have completed Hajj this year.

Speaking to KFM, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council spokesperson Hajji Nsereko Mutumba says of these pilgrims, 800 were from Uganda, though one of them died and was buried on Tuesday morning.

He has urged the returning pilgrims to use that experience to strengthen their spiritual life.
Dr. Richard Teeuw (right) and co-researcher Dr. Nick Mount of Nottingham University, outside the Presidential Palace in Bogata. Credit: University of Portsmouth

A University of Portsmouth disaster specialist is helping with the fight in Colombia against illegal gold mining and its impacts, from deforestation and toxic pollution, to socio-economic pressures on nearby communities.

Dr Richard Teeuw is part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, human rights NGOs (led by London-based ABColombia), and MPs from Ireland and England, supporting Colombian communities in bringing legal cases against the mining organisations behind the devastation of people's villages, livelihoods and the environment.

Dr Teeuw's expertise is providing satellite imagery of deforested areas to detect and monitor illegal mining activity. Focusing on one of the most impacted areas, the Rio Quito area, near Quibdo in Colombia's Pacific Region, the satellite image analysis has shown that since 2014, some 17 km2 of rainforest has been destroyed by illegal mining.

"The extent and rapidity of the mining and deforestation is shocking. I've worked in similar mining districts in West Africa, Guyana and Borneo, but have never seen so much devastation from mining in such a short time," said Dr Teeuw.

The team recently conducted a fact-finding mission to the Rio Quito area, visiting communities impacted by the illegal mining and associated pollution, notably toxic mercury from the gold processing. The visit was hosted by Choco Technical University, an agency of the Environment Ministry, local NGOs, the Diocese of Choco and local communities.

A billboard highlighting the risk of mercury poisoning. Credit: University of Portsmouth

Following the visit, the team met with Colombia's Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, Luis Gilberto Murillo. Dr Teeuw said: "We discussed ways of mitigating the impacts of the illegal mining, reforesting the thousands of hectares of associated deforestation, stabilising the devastated Rio Quito and assisting affected communities.

"We reported on community-hosted discussions in the mining district - those communities and their schools need to be involved in the study of damage done to the ecosystem, as well as the search for ways of rehabilitating the mined areas and providing better livelihoods.

"Ending the devastating illegal mining is important because the region is a biodiversity 'hotspot'. The Rio Quito is a tributary of the Rio Atrato, one of only three river systems in the world that have been given legal protection because of their bio-cultural value."

Dredging in the Rio Quito area. Credit: University of Portsmouth
Artificial reefs, like the Tamar Reef pictured here in near Eilat in the Red Sea are a compelling alternative to natural coral reefs, according to a study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers. Credit: AABGU

Artificial, man-made reefs can be more attractive to divers than nearby natural coral formations and can help mitigate potential reef damage, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers.

The paper, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, examines artificial coral reefs as "recreational ecosystem services," offering a new methodology to evaluate the aesthetic, behavioral and attitudinal aspects of which artificial reefs around the world can be evaluated.

"This new approach takes into account divers' preferences and needs alongside physical preservation of natural reefs," says Dr. Yaniv Belhassen of BGU's Department of Hotel and Tourism Management on the Eilat Campus. "Artificial reefs are only effective if divers continue to be drawn to them."

Artificial reefs, concrete structures, sunken ships, and even submerged subway cars are increasingly being used around the globe to attract recreational divers, for both environmental and commercial reasons.

The Tamar Reef, an artificial reef project begun in 2006, is a collaboration between BGU researchers and Jordan to restore the local reef culture in the Red Sea. Students and faculty from both countries work together in studying the artificial reef and how it affects the marine ecology in the area. Special nurseries were established to regenerate lost coral species and augment coral diversity. Small fragments developed into large corals and were planted on the artificial reefs.

The researchers examined diving habits and behavior around Eilat's natural and artificial reefs. According to study, the average diver density at the artificial reef was higher than at the two nearby natural knolls, and the Tamar reef effectively diverts divers from natural knolls. Secondly, the study found that regarding attitudes toward natural versus artificial reefs, divers consider the artificial reefs more appropriate for training, but they feel less relaxed around them. According to the research, the sunken ship, Satil, is Eilat's most popular dive spot.

Prof. Nadav Shashar of the Department of Life Sciences and his student, Meghan Rousseau, from South Africa also contributed to the study.

"With the opening of the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company beach to the public, where it is mostly artificial reefs in the form of pylons, one can hope that the natural reefs in the nature reserve will indeed improve," says Prof. Shashar. According to a recent report on the status of the Gulf of Eilat, the natural reefs have not been holding up well in recent years.

More information: Yaniv Belhassen et al, Evaluating the attractiveness and effectiveness of artificial coral reefs as a recreational ecosystem service, Journal of Environmental Management (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.08.020 Journal information: Journal of Environmental Management
A newsstand display copies of the Daily News, Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017, in New York. The tabloid newspaper has been acquired by Tronc, the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune, in a deal announced Monday night, Sept. 4. . (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

The owner of two of the country's largest newspapers has purchased the Daily News, a New York tabloid that is famous for generations of hard-punching reporting and irreverent headlines but that has struggled recently to find its place in the digital age.

Chicago-based Tronc Inc., the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, announced the deal Monday night.

The purchase gives Tronc and its chairman, Michael Ferro, who spent most of his childhood on Long Island, another big brand name in old-school journalism.

The big question will be whether the company can find a way to make the newspaper lucrative again. The Daily News won a Pulitzer Prize this year but has gone through rounds of layoffs and declining circulation.

Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn said acquiring the paper and its popular website would "provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers," and both Tronc and Daily News executives said the company would maintain the quality of the paper's journalism.

"Over the past near-century, the New York Daily News has served New York City and its surrounding areas with its award-winning journalism and helped shape the dynamics of the city," said outgoing News owner, Mort Zuckerman. A New York real estate magnate, he had owned the paper since 1993.

A newsstand display copies of the Daily News, Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017, in New York. The tabloid newspaper has been acquired by Tronc, the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune, in a deal announced Monday night, Sept. 4. . (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

The deal puts the Daily News under the umbrella of one of the nation's major newspaper chains, with properties spanning from the Hartford Courant in Connecticut to the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida.

Troncwhich evolved from Daily News founder the Tribune Co.has said it aims to focus on tech-driven initiatives involving artificial intelligence and global expansion in entertainment news and video. With the Daily News, Tronc gets a presence in the New York media market, a news site with about 25 million unique monthly visitors and other assets.

Under the terms of the deal, Tronc said it assumed the Daily News' operational and pension liabilities and got 100 percent ownership of its Jersey City, New Jersey, printing plant and a 49.9 percent interest in the plant's 25-acre (10-hectare) property, which overlooks the Manhattan skyline.

With the deal, News Editor-in-Chief Arthur Browne was also named publisher, though he plans to retire at the end of the year.

A news stand display copies of the Daily News, Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017, in New York. The tabloid newspaper has been acquired by Tronc, the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune, in a deal announced Monday night, Sept. 4. . (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Founded in 1919, the Daily News considers itself "New York's Hometown Newspaper," informing everyday New Yorkers about their city and more. It has been known over the years for zesty headlinesperhaps most notably "Ford to City: Drop Dead" during the New York's financial woes in 1975gossip, city coverage and star columnists who included Jimmy Breslin, Pete Hamill and Liz Smith.

Lately, the tabloid has also attracted attention with its unsparing criticism of President Donald Trump. (Trump, in return, branded the paper "worthless" and Zuckerman "dopey" in tweets last year.)

The Daily News and ProPublica together won this year's Pulitzer Prize in public service journalism for uncovering how authorities used an obscure law to evict hundreds of people, mostly poor minorities, from their homes. It was the Daily News' 11th Pulitzer Prize, and the fifth during Zuckerman's tenure.

But the paper has also contended with the troubles that have affected newspapers in general as readership and ad dollars have shifted online, without making up for the decline in print revenue. Total newspaper revenue fell 11 percent from 2012 to 2016 as average daily print circulation slipped 13 percent, according to a June report by the consulting and audit firm PwC. It added that while newspapers' online advertising revenue has been increasing, other entities have captured much of the growth in digital ad dollars.

In this July 29, 2015, file photo, Republican presidential candidate, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, greets New York Daily News publisher Mortimer Zuckerman during a luncheon hosted by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, at the the Yale Club in New York. Newspaper publisher Tronc has acquired the Daily News, a storied New York tabloid newspaper that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2017, but has been buffeted by the changing media environment, announced Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

The Daily News also grappled with a muscular hometown tabloid rival, the News Corp.-owned New York Post.

Zuckerman eyed selling the Daily News in 2015 but ultimately took it off the market.

The newspaper's struggles are "really typical of former print powerhouses in the digital age," said former Editor-in-Chief Kevin Convey, now a journalism professor at Quinnipiac University. He said the competing pressures of building a big online audience without abandoning print readers and revenue were tangible even during his tenure, from 2010 into 2012.

"You have to execute that pivot really, really quickly, and it's really, really hard," he said Tuesday. But with the Daily News' sale, "at least it lives to fight another day."

In this April 10, 2017, file photo, New York Daily News reporter Sarah Ryley, left, celebrates with News Editor Robert Moore, center, and Editor In Chief Arthur Browne in New York, after The New York Daily News and ProPublica won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in public service. Newspaper publisher Tronc has acquired the Daily News, a storied New York tabloid newspaper that has been buffeted by the changing media environment, announced Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (Jefferson Siegel/The Daily News via AP, File)

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Discarded gas from black holes spreads across galaxies and can even influence the formation of stars. Credit: Flickr/ NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

It's easy to picture a black hole as a kind of all-powerful cosmic drain, a sinkhole of super-strong gravity that snags and swallows passing nebulae or stars. While it is true we can't observe matter once it crosses a black hole's event horizon, scientists are zeroing in on what happens in the margins, where molecular clouds release vast amounts of energy as it circles the plughole.

EU scientists are honing in on just what happens to gas discarded by a black hole's ferocious velocity, and how this can influence star formation in galaxies like ours, and even interstellar space.

Astronomer Dr Bjorn Emonts, from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the US, has been using some of the world's biggest radio telescopes to look into what happens to such jets of gases as part of the EU-funded BLACK HOLES AND JWST project.

"We wanted to see how black holes can affect the evolution of galaxies as a whole," he said.

Using advanced radio telescopes in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, located 5 000 metres above sea-level, Dr Emonts can detect the characteristic spectral signatures of gas molecules as they are driven outward by the black hole.

"If you have a rotating black hole with an accretion disk (particles orbiting the black hole), it can actually act like a kind of dynamo. It can trigger magnetic fields on either side of the accretion disk and these magnetic fields can trap charged particles," he said.

"What you get is two jets  that can really propagate out very far away from the black hole  they can cross the entire galaxy and even influence the surroundings."

Almost every galaxy is likely to have a rotating supermassive black hole at its centre. Dr Emonts found that the Dragonfly Galaxy, an ancient system from the early universe made up of merging galaxies, had tornado-like jets of particles coming off its black hole which could, in fact, kick-start its star formation.

"We actually saw the amount of gas being displaced is the same rate as which stars are being formed," Dr Emonts said.

By scanning radio waves to detect carbon monoxide in another star system, the Spiderweb Galaxy, he was also able to show that molecular gas could exist and form stars outside of galaxies, and that jets of particles could even help the process by triggering cooling.

Dr Emonts hopes these findings will lay the groundwork for using the next generation of space telescope, the James Webb telescope, which can see molecular gas near black holes in unprecedented detail. This will lead to an even deeper understanding of the important role that black holes play in the evolution of galaxies.

X-ray collisions

Another way to detect energy given off from black hole accretion disks is through the X-ray spectrum. Dr Gabriele Ponti, who led the EU-funded HIGH-Z & MULTI- project at Max Planck Institute in Germany, said: "Most of the emissions from material that is falling into the black holes is in X-rays."

His goal was to look for evidence that X-ray flares are caused when clouds of gas cross over supermassive black holes in the centre of galaxies.

For the first time ever he was able to observe an X-ray flare while gas clouds were being sucked into the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, called Sagittarius A*. Nevertheless, it's still too soon to say for sure if that may be the only reason for increased X-rays.

"The X-rays are very bright. If you take a nuclear reaction, you have only a small fraction of energy from matter that is released  black hole accretion is many times more efficient," Dr Ponti said.

Better observations of emissions from black hole accretion disks can also lead to increased understanding of the size of black holes, as well as how exactly they help seed star formation.

"We observed a sample of nearby supermassive black holes and we measured their variability, and we saw that it's extremely well correlated with the black hole mass," Dr Ponti said.

That correlation can be used to determine distance, because they can correlate the intensity of emissions with the object's mass and distance.

Star formation

"If the earth was size of the galaxy, a black hole would only be as big as your finger nail. Yet that object can influence the physics of something the size of the earth," Dr Ponti said.

To better understand the particle wind that comes off supermassive black holes, Dr Ponti looked at stellar mass black holes, millions of times smaller than those in galactic cores, and more manageable.

The surprising thing they observed was that they only saw the winds occasionally, depending on the orientation of the accretion disk to earth. That meant that such winds were flowing off on the same plane as the disk.

"When the accretion disk is face on, our line of sight is not crossing through the wind and so we don't observe it through absorption," Dr Ponti said.

Such particle winds, carrying gas that can form stars, are probably a feature of most black holes, and some studies have speculated they may even cast off more material than some black holes absorb. This adds to the growing evidence that black holes aren't just an intergalactic destructive force, but rather a key player in the formation of galaxies.
Russian gas giant Gazprom plans to lay the 1,200-km Nord Stream 2 pipeline through the Baltic Sea to the German coast near Greifswald, where it would connect to the European gas transport networks

Russian environmentalists on Tuesday said the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline that will funnel Russian gas to Europe threatens a coastal Baltic refuge that is home to rare animals and birds.

"The Nord Stream 2 project through the Kurgalsky reserve is unacceptable. Construction is impossible without inflicting environmental damage," Mikhail Kreindlin, an ecologist with Greenpeace Russia, told a news conference in Saint-Petersburg.

The Kurgalsky refuge is about 600 square kilometres (230 square miles) of protected land and sea including the Kurgalsky peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, located about 20 kilometres from Russia's border with Estonia.

The sanctuary was established to protect the coastal landscape as well as nesting colonies of migratory shorebirds and habitats of seals, including the Baltic ringed seal, a species declining in the Gulf due to climate change.

Russian gas giant Gazprom plans to lay the 1,200-km Nord Stream 2 pipeline through the Baltic Sea to the German coast near Greifswald, where it would connect to the European gas transport networks.

The company held hearings for the proposed route, which crosses the territory of the protected territory and goes west through the Bay of Narva. "Nord Stream does not negatively impact the environment, including the Kurgalsky reserve," Nord Stream 2, the company behind the project, insists.

Vladimir Khrabry, an ornithologist with the Russian Academy of Scientists, however, disagreed. "This is an outstanding territory from the point of view of biodiversity," he said at the news conference.

Environmentalists say that the company didn't conduct the necessary studies, choosing the route for economic reasons, and played down the value of the refuge, which has 250 species of birds, according to Greenpeace.

"Nord Stream should be constructed, but they have to find an alternative route which would not go through the protected zone of Kurgalsky refuge. It's possible," said environmentalist Alexander Sutyagin, who heads the NGO Monitoring BTS, which monitors the Baltic pipeline system.

Gazprom is building Nord Stream 2 in cooperation with Anglo-Dutch Shell, Germany's Uniper and Wintershall, Austria's OMV and France's Englie.

The project bypassing conflict-torn Ukraine and also Poland would double the flow of the Nord Stream pipeline currently linking Germany and Russia.

 2017 AFP
After a sustained assault from lawmakers, investigators and victims groups, the website Backpage.com agreed early this year to shut down its lucrative adult page, which had become a well-known sex-trafficking hub.

It wasn't long before the company had new problems.

The adult section was gone, but the sex traffic was not. In May, authorities in Stockton, Calif., charged 23 people with involvement in a trafficking ring that was using another corner of Backpage to market sex with girls as young as 14. A Chicago teenager allegedly trafficked on Backpage had her throat slit in June.

The resilience of this platform - host to an estimated 70 percent of online sex trafficking at its peak - is a long-running public relations mess for the tech industry. Internet freedom laws held sacred in Silicon Valley have helped shield Backpage from prosecution and lawsuits by victims of sex trafficking.

Now the tech industry's Backpage problem has evolved into a full-blown political crisis. An unexpectedly large coalition of lawmakers is aiming to hold sites like Backpage liable for trafficking, sparking panic in Silicon Valley over the far-reaching consequences for the broader internet.

The noisy political battle is forging unusual alliances in Washington. And caught in the middle are some of the most influential lawmakers in California.

They find themselves struggling to reconcile a sex trafficking scourge that has hit their state hard with a remedy that Silicon Valley says would be a disaster for a free and open internet.

Trade groups representing Google, Facebook and other internet giants warn of a "devastating impact" on the tech industry if the 1996 Communications Decency Act is tinkered with in the way lawmakers envision to hold Backpage and others liable for criminal material on their pages.

They project "mass removals of legitimate content" by social media and other firms scrambling to shield themselves from a deluge of legal action by trial lawyers and prosecutors. The American Civil Liberties Union joined the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other groups in warning lawmakers that if they pass the law, every one of the millions of social media postings placed online daily becomes a potential liability for the company hosting it.

But much of Congress is unimpressed by the predictions of calamity.

The lawmakers have grown impatient with Silicon Valley's limited success at self-policing, and its flat-out refusal to consider modifications to its cherished immunity from the illegal behavior of posters, as enshrined by the two-decade-old act.

Judges keep returning to that immunity in dismissing claims against Backpage, sometimes in the face of what they acknowledge may be compelling evidence that the firm condoned trafficking.

"The Communications Decency Act is a well-intentioned law, but it was never intended to protect sex traffickers," said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.

More than a quarter of lawmakers in Congress have already signed on as sponsors of bill Portman is taking a lead on that would change the act, or to a similar measure in the House. It is a formidable show of bipartisan support that is jolting tech companies. The momentum grew in August, when a Sacramento judge threw out state criminal pimping charges against Backpage, citing the immunity from such prosecution the company receives under the act.

California prosecutors had built much of their case around allegations that Backpage helped traffickers and pimps edit their ads to evade law enforcement. "Until Congress sees fit to amend the immunity law, the broad reach ... of the Communications Decency Act even applies to those alleged to support the exploitation of others by human trafficking," wrote Superior Court Judge Lawrence Brown.

The judge is allowing prosecutors to proceed with money-laundering charges against Backpage, which is accused of illegally using shell companies to trick credit card companies refusing to do business with Backpage into processing the payments of its customers.

The company denied helping to craft any of the sex trafficking ads on its site. It is fighting the money-laundering charges. Company officials declined to comment on the congressional effort it has inspired, referring questions instead to the opposition campaign mounted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center for Democracy and Technology - groups that receive substantial funding from big technology companies.

Almost every attorney general in the country wants the decency act changed to strip legal immunity for sites that condone or promote trafficking. Fifty of them wrote a letter to Congress a few weeks ago citing several horrific cases in which Backpage was used to traffic teenage girls. They warned the act has "resulted in companies like Backpage.com remaining outside the reach of state and local law enforcement in these kinds of cases."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the site would have been shut down long ago if not for the immunity. "We would have been able to stop the abuse and in some cases the death of some of these young people who got caught up in these sex trafficking rings," Becerra said.

Missing from the long list of sponsors of Portman's bill is Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who aggressively went after Backpage when she was the state's attorney general, and in 2013 joined colleagues in other states in signing a letter with the same demand state attorneys general sent Congress this week.

The hesitance of Harris and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to sign on reflects how cautiously lawmakers close to Silicon Valley are treading.

The indictment Harris filed against Backpage last year was a memorable career moment, with a three-year investigation leading to the arrest of the company chief executive as he returned from a trip abroad, and a raid on corporate headquarters in Dallas. But stripping immunity under Internet law from companies like Backpage is complicated business that could have unexpected fallout. Harris still wants the decency act changed, but appears unpersuaded that the Portman plan is targeted enough.

Other California lawmakers are also uneasy about it. Only a smattering of the state's immense delegation has signed on to the House measure.

Among those opposing it is Rep. Ro Khanna, the former Stanford University economist now representing Silicon Valley in Congress. He is loathe to tinker with what he says is a pillar of the Internet economy. The protection online companies are given against illegal material that users lob on their platforms was foundational to the explosive growth of the industry, he said.

"It is a reason America dominates tech instead of Europe or China, where such immunity doesn't exist," Khanna said. He said he feared even a narrowly targeted tweak could be exploited by lawyers and activists to attack a broad range of internet content they find objectionable.

Opponents also warn that stripping the immunity may merely force Web companies to less aggressively police their content, because knowing what illegal material is on their sites could increase liability under the proposed changes to the act. They say companies should instead be pressured to step up their enforcement efforts and innovation of anti-trafficking software.

Tech companies, one of the most dominant lobbying forces in Washington, have been caught off guard by the fight. It wasn't long ago that there was scant support for changes to the immunity laws that internet firms rely on, according to Eric Goldman, co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University.

"This has moved faster than tech companies can even respond to it," said Goldman, who argues that the measure would merely drive sex trafficking to places where it is harder for law enforcement to find, and undermine the innovation economy in the process. "Can you come up with a topic more troubling to a legislator than sex trafficking? The argument that the bill may not solve the problem and actually create new problems is hard to make. Legislators are thinking, if it has a chance to help, why not try?"

2017 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Researchers from the United States and China have proposed an idea that could improve China's air quality, but they're not atmospheric scientists. They're agronomists.

"China's poor air quality is caused by a combination of coal burning and particulates from soil erosion. The Loess Plateau is the major source of erosion in China, and air quality there is just terrible. If erosion in the Loess Plateau can be improved, air quality will improve," says D.K. Lee, an agronomist in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois.

Although the region has been farmed for millennia, much of China's Loess Plateau could be described as a barren moonscape: dry, dusty, and prone to erosion. In fact, the distinctive loess soils in the area have been called the most erodible in the world. In a massive soil conservation effort, the Chinese government is creating incentives for farmers to plant sustainable and erosion-reducing cropping systems, including orchards, forests, and perennial grasses. Researchers from U of I are recommending switchgrass.

"When we're looking at revegetation, ideally we're planting something that can bring in revenue for farmers. Switchgrass produces a lot of biomass that can be harvested and burned as a cleaner source of energy," Lee says. "Not only can switchgrass reduce air pollution by holding the soil, if it is burned instead of coal, it can reduce air pollution in a second way."

Switchgrass is stress tolerant and small-scale testing in the area has shown that it can produce plenty of biomass even with limited irrigation and fertilizers. But, Lee says, cultivar selection and management practices will depend on where switchgrass is planted within the Loess Plateau. "Most areas should be okay, but elevation, latitude, and moisture level should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate switchgrass cultivar for the area."

Although switchgrass has been introduced in China, it hasn't caught on as a biomass crop yet. That's where the research team including experts in switchgrass cultivar selection, agronomy, and managementcomes in, and their new article provides this information in practical terms for future evaluation by Chinese scientists and government agencies.

"Stopping erosion in the Loess Plateau is not going to be easy. It was the birthplace of agriculture in Asia, and it has been farmed for several thousand years. The land has been intensively farmed. But when I visited, I saw people out there planting trees by hand. It's changing. And maybe switchgrass can be part of that change," Lee says.

The article, "Switchgrass as a bioenergy crop in the Loess Plateau, China: Potential lignocellulosic feedstock production and environmental conservation," is published in the Journal of Integrative Agriculture.

More information: Danielle Cooney et al, Switchgrass as a bioenergy crop in the Loess Plateau, China: Potential lignocellulosic feedstock production and environmental conservation, Journal of Integrative Agriculture (2017). DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(16)61587-3
This image obtained from NASA's GOES Project shows Hurricane Irma churning near Caribbean islands

Officials in Florida's Key West and popular Caribbean tourist islands ordered people to evacuate on Tuesday as Irma, a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five hurricane, was set to make landfall.

The monster hurricane coming on the heels of Harvey, which struck Texas and Louisiana late last month, is expected to hit a string of French islands including Guadeloupe late Tuesday before heading to Haiti and Florida.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Irma had strengthened to the most powerful Category Five, packing winds of 180 miles (280 kilometers) per hour.

The front was moving west at 14 miles (22 kilometers) per hour, and is expected to dump up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) of rain in some areas when it hits land.

"These rainfall amounts may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides," the NHC warned, calling the storm "potentially catastrophic" and urging that "preparations should be rushed to completion" in the region.

Schools and government offices in Guadeloupe have been ordered shut, while hospitals are stocking up on medicines, food and drinking water. People living on shorelines will be moved to safety, authorities said.

Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin islands, both popular holiday destinations, are expected to be especially hard hit.

The Dutch defense minister said soldiers arrived in the Dutch part of Saint Martin on Monday and two vessels, including one equipped with a helicopter, were in place to help.

Officials had on Monday ordered the evacuation of 11,000 people living in affected areas on both islands, which began in many neighbourhoods on Tuesday, an AFP correspondent said.

Map showing the forecast track of Hurricane Irma across the Caribbean

Threat to Florida

The governor of the US state of Florida, Rick Scott, declared a state of emergency, saying Irma posed "a severe threat to the entire state", barely a week after Harvey claimed at least 42 lives.

He asked President Donald Trump to declare an emergency for the state as well, which would help draw resources to the area to respond to any damage.

Tourists in the popular Key West islands were packing their bags on a mandatory evacuation order and were due to begin leaving at sunrise on Wednesday, with a similar order for residents due to follow.

"We're emphatically telling people you must evacuate, you cannot afford to stay on an island with a Category 5 hurricane coming at you," said Monroe County emergency operations center director Martin Senterfitt.

There were long queues as people rushed to get batteries, bottled water, groceries and fuel, while many cut trees around their homes and sought to tie down objects and seal up their windows.

In a crowded supermarket in Miami Beach where people were scrambling to buy provisions, it was already difficult to find some basic supplies, like water.

Whole shelves stood empty.

"It's because people go crazy and buy up everything," 81-year-old resident Gladys Bosque told AFP.

"They believe the hurricane will last a month when it could pass us by. Look, there's no water, no milk, there are very few cansand no cat food."

Motorists were queuing to fill their cars ahead of Irma's arrival on the French island of Guadeloupe

Category Five hurricanes are rare and are capable of inflicting life-threatening winds, storm surges and rainfall.

A hurricane of this magnitude can tear off roofing, shatter windows, uproot palm trees and turn them into projectiles that can kill people.

Irma is projected to bring water levels up to 11 feet (3.3 metres) above normal, rainfall of up to 10 inches (25 cm) in places, and "large and destructive waves," the US National Hurricane Center warned.

Harvey, which dumped as many as 50 inches of rain in parts of Houston, turning neighbourhoods into lakes and causing material damage estimated at around $100 billion (85 billion euros), was a Category Four hurricane.

In Puerto Rico, a US territory of 3.5 million, Governor Ricardo Rossello activated the National Guard and announced the opening of storm shelters able to house up to 62,000 people.

The mayor of the Puerto Rican capital San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto, ordered 900 municipal employeespolice, emergency personnel, and aid and social workersto report for rotating 12-hour shifts.

Even if Puerto Rico is spared a direct hit, the mayor said, three days of pounding rain will do heavy damage.

US carrier in position

A US aircraft carrier with a field hospital and dozens of aircraft able to conduct rescue or supply missions have been positioned in the area, according to Alejandro de la Campa of the Caribbean division of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Local press identified the carrier as the USS Kearsarge.

Irma's precise path remains unclear. But several projections have it passing over the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before turning north toward Florida and then possibly swinging up the US East Coast.

 2017 AFP
By SHABIBAH NAKIRIGYA:

A Ugandan pilgrim who died during pilgrimage in Mecca has been buried this morning.

The deceased identified as 83 year old Hajji Dauda Musoke, died in his room and was buried in the Muslim holy city together with 56 other pilgrims from other parts of the world who passed way yesterday during Hajj activities.

Dr. Tatu Kaggwa who attended to the deceased tells KFM that Hajji Musoke was not in bad condition but generally there is too much sunshine and pilgrims are dehydrated, which might have been the cause of death.

She adds that another Ugandan woman got a miscarriage because of congestion but she is now doing well.

Sheikh Muhammad Kawenda the deceaseds son who travelled with him says that Hajji Musoke only had a common cold but was determined to work hard and fulfill the Hajji obligations.

Hajji Musoke was a resident of Namagoma village in Wakiso district survived by one widow and seven children.

Pilgrims are expected to start returning early next week.
This morning, the company which Xing Bian Li (meaning New Convenience) belongs to announced a merger with O Jia O (meaning Oh plus Oh) (Shanghai) Ltd, the actual operator of unattended convenience stands. After the merger, the new company will consistently use the brand name Xing Bian Li to establish a global presence in the New Retail industry.

Meanwhile, Xing Bian Li also announced the completion of a 15 million USD angel round financing led by Lightspeed China Partners. Tao Zhang, Xing Wang, Shuhong Ye, Huiwen Wang, China Internet Plus Groups founders were also among the first investors. This deal marked the emergence of an alliance between the strongest team and investors in 2017 Chinas flourishing New Retail industry.

It is worth mentioning that the investment to Xing Bian Li signaled Lightspeed China Partners significant plan entering the Chinese domestic New Retail sector, as well as its new portfolio strategy for the sector.

Herry Han, leader of this round and founding partner of Lightspeed China Partners, commented: In China, New Retail is undoubtedly a rare platform-based business opportunity for billion RMB scale investment. It possess extremely high requirements for the business team, which must possess solid capabilities in terms of supply chain, system and data. Only superficial performance will not be able to support a sustainable development. First emerged at the beginning of this year, Chinas New Retail sector has developed from unmanned counters to office shelves, from unattended convenience stores to convenience store type instant consumption circles. In this rapid development process, gaps have already shown up among various practitioners on all levels.

Xing Bian Li is an IT company satisfying consumers instant demands in Chinas rising New Retail sector. We are not a company that seeks to sell goods, instead, we are a new retail model based on advanced technology and big data driven innovations. The analysis and findings on traditional retail models can be incorporated and implemented into the entire new business model, according to founder Michael Lv.

In Herry Hans opinion, Xing Bian Li has the strongest team in Chinas New Retail sector. Michael Lv, Jianghua Si, Yixin Jiang and Gyoson are all startup veterans or leading persons in Chinas internet and retail companies. As a group, they have the capability to change the landscape of the industry.

We are very pleased to work with such superior startup team of Xing Bian Li, to create the best instant convenience shopping platform in China. In the next 6 months, Xing Bian Li will enter a phase of rapid development, bringing a never-seen-before global footprint and brand new experience to the market.

Currently, the very first step of Xing Bian Lis all dimension expansion is to enter the unattended convenience shelves market. In only 2 months, Xing Bian Li has become the top platform in the field of unattended convenience shelves in terms of Chinas urban coverage and network share. Xing Bian Li has also expanded its cooperation with famous China internet companies including Alibaba, Ctrip, Baidu, China Mobile, Liepin.com, as well as Fortune 500 companies including Johnson & Johnson, Ping An Insurance etc.

Xing Bian Li will first expand its business into unattended convenience shelves and new convenience stores. Then with steady performance in these two segments, Xing Bian Li will gradually develop into an experience center of goods and services with more and more services to be added. Xing Bian Li, with less burden, and focusing on people and continuous disruption, will become the name for the next generation of convenience stores.

Other POS News:
Commandos armed with RPG-7 rocket launchers aim at a tank hundreds of metres away, fresh recruits to Afghanistan's most skilled fighting force -- an elite group whose growing strength, US generals say, worries the Taliban. These new members of Afghanistan's Special Operations Command (SOC) will soon be on the frontline of the war that US President Donald Trump has vowed "to win" by putting more American boots on the ground indefinitely. Camp Morehead, a former Soviet base near Kabul, is one of two training bases where the commandos are drilled by Afghan instructors in a programme overseen by US-led international forces. "We are hunters, you know. What I'm saying to you is we are killers, we are looking for the bad people to kick them in their arse," one of the commandos, who cannot be identified, told reporters recently at the secondary training base. While the SOC -- which also includes top special forces -- account for about seven percent of the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces, they have been deployed in nearly 80 percent of offensives and emerged victorious each time, they say -- a claim supported by US and foreign forces. But as the Taliban gain ground across the country and Islamic State group expands its footprint, there are concerns the fighters are becoming physically exhausted. "It's true they are tired. They are currently fighting on behalf of the world" against multiple militant groups, said General Dawlat Waziri, spokesman for the defence ministry. Earlier this year Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered a near doubling of their ranks from 17,000 as part of a four-year roadmap that also aims to strengthen Afghanistan's air force. At Camp Morehead, also previously used by the Taliban as a training ground, commandos are put through several months of training before being sent into battle. From Kunduz province in the north to Helmand province in the southwest they defend villages threatened by the Taliban and -- their speciality -- launch night raids on insurgent hideouts. "You better be in good condition. During the week of selection they had to run around with a 25-kilogramme bag and return," said an Afghan sergeant. - 'Never lose' - Since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014, Afghan's special forces and commandos have served as a bulwark against attacks launched by the Taliban and other Islamic militant groups. "The reason why they are so good is because they have been trained by some of the best special forces around the world," said a US general. "When the special forces are employed they never lose. If we double them that means a significant capability and we know the Taliban are concerned." The importance of their role in the 16-year war has grown as the embattled Afghan National Army (ANA) is plagued by killings and desertions. General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told reporters recently that additional American troops would enhance training of Afghan forces and expand Afghan air and special operations fighters. "The Taliban cannot win on the battlefield," Nicholson said, expressing confidence in Afghan security forces, even though they are still not ready to fight on their own. But for now the momentum is with the Taliban. As of February only about 60 percent of Afghanistan's 407 districts were reported to be under government control, according to the US watchdog agency SIGAR. The rest is controlled or contested by the Taliban and other insurgents. "As their (special operations forces) numbers increase, we will cover more of the country and we can conduct more missions," said Colonel Ahmad Zabihullah, their operational commander. Waziri remained confident Afghan forces would eventually prevail. "Can we win this war? Yes, we win this war. Long live Afghanistan," he said.
By Damali Mukhaye:

The Uganda National Examinations Board has released time tables for the three sets of national examinations set for 2017.

These are the Primary Leaving Examinations, Uganda Certificate of Education and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education.

According to the UNEB Executive Secretary Dan Odongo, UCE candidates will be the first to sit for the first set of exams slated to kick off on October 13th with the briefing of candidates until November 20th.

PLE pupils will be the next on November 2nd and 3rd.

While Senior six candidates will start their exams with briefing on October 10th up to December 5th.

Odongo cautions candidates against exam malpractice as this will lead to cancellation of their results.
Guatemala's congress is to decide whether to lift the immunity of President Jimmy Morales to face corruption allegations after the supreme court on Monday referred the issue to lawmakers. At least 105 of the 158 deputies in the unicameral congress need to vote in favor of the measure for it to pass. Analysts say it is unlikely enough lawmakers will back the vote, given the alliances Morales' conservative National Convergence Front has. Morales is under investigation by the UN International Committee Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and Guatemalan prosecutors for allegedly failing to declare $1 million in campaign funding to his party for his election in 2015. He sparked a storm August 27 by ordering the head of the Colombian CICIG, Ivan Velasquez, out of the country, two days after applying to have Morales' immunity lifted. But Guatemala's top court overruled the order and the CICIG is forging on with its probe. The CICIG is widely respected in Guatemala. It helped Guatemalan prosecutors investigate a corruption scandal that toppled the previous president, Otto Perez, in 2015, paving the way to the election of Morales, a former TV comic with no previous political experience who campaigned on anti-corruption promises.
Schools with classes of 80 students, parents unable to afford even modest fees, thousands of unqualified teachers -- as students in Haiti return to school, the country's badly underfunded education system seems headed for a failing grade. In a public elementary school in Petionville, many desks remain empty. "Parents have no means to pay," said teacher Lionel Fevilien. "They'll come in later this month, in October or even in January." Haitian law sets the fee for public schooling at 1,000 gourdes ($16) a year, but the cost of a uniform, shoes and school supplies is simply beyond the reach of many parents. In a neighboring high school, two schoolgirls quickly comply when the assistant principal orders them to remove colorful ribbons from their hair, a violation of the school's strict rules. The girls know that a spot in the private school is a precious thing. "Many parents are desperate because they can't find a place for their kids in the public schools," says Principal Jean-Marc Charles. - 80 students per class - At the morning flag-raising ceremony, a daily tradition in Haitian schools, the courtyard is packed: 4,000 students attend the school, in two shifts. "On average we have 60 to 70 students per class," with 80 in the upper grades, Charles said apologetically. "Haiti's education system today is like the system of a country at war," said Nesmy Manigat, national education minister from 2014 to 2016. This fall some 400,000 students will be unable to return to school because of economic problems or the lack of space, said Manigat, who heads a committee at the Global Partnership for Education. He said 80 percent of teachers lack proper training. "We can't keep recruiting people who are not qualified." Only three of every 100 elementary school students will graduate high school without having to repeat a year or dropping out. In July, two-thirds of Haitian students failed their baccalaureate exams. That compares to a nearly 90 percent passage rate in France.
Arturo Avila toiled and suffered to build his Mexican start-up into a thriving aerospace company -- and the last thing he's going to do now is lose sleep over Donald Trump's NAFTA threats. Avila is the founder of Altaser Aerospace, one of more than 300 companies that make up Mexico's small but booming aerospace sector, which has grown 179 percent since 2009 to become a $19-billion industry. These companies, which provide some of the millions of highly specialized parts that go into every commercial airplane, have thrived under the North American Free Trade Agreement -- the 23-year-old deal the United States, Mexico and Canada are trying to revamp this week in Mexico City, at Trump's behest. Last year, Mexico's aerospace industry exported more than $7 billion in parts -- nearly triple the $2.5 billion it exported in 2009. It has not been easy breaking into the highly demanding sector, known for white-knuckle deadlines, complex technology and intense global competition. Avila still remembers how hard it was to get a foothold. He recalls details like the sympathetic smile on one Bombardier executive's face when the aerospace giant rejected his bid to become its supplier. The Canadian multinational told him he would need to have far more sales history, and a solid client portfolio. "I suffered for the first three years," said Avila, 51. "You have to be humble, very humble, to understand that it's a tough industry. You have to win their trust," he told AFP. Today, he has a thriving medium-sized business in the state of Chihuahua, on the US border, specialized in making parts for airplane wings. It has orders booked through 2034, and will soon employ a total of 500 people when it opens a new factory in the city of Hermosillo, in the neighboring state of Sonora. His clients include such US giants as General Electric and Spirit Aerosystems. Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman: all the world's largest aerospace and defense companies source parts in Mexico. - Bigger worry: Asia - Given NAFTA's central role in creating this boom, Avila and his fellow entrepreneurs might be expected to be nervous over the American president's repeated threats to "terminate" it. But at the Mexico Aerospace Summit -- held in the aeronautics hub of Queretaro just before the latest NAFTA talks opened -- Mexican executives said they had more pressing concerns. "It's not something we're losing sleep over," said Avila. Mexico exported 81.3 percent of its aerospace products to the United States in 2015, and 6.6 percent to Canada. The two countries accounted for 81 percent of the $2.1 billion in foreign investment in the sector from 1999 to 2015. But Mexican executives say they are confident the industry is so globalized, with such complicated and deeply integrated supply chains, that even if Trump pulls out of NAFTA, he can't staunch demand for their products. The main reason is that their prices are so competitive, with or without tariffs: Mexican factory workers make an average $2.30 an hour, about one-tenth the average US factory wage. And demand keeps growing. "The current supply chains are maxed out, so there's opportunity for suppliers who have the know-how," said Xavier Hurtado of the Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation. The makers of the jet bodies, wiring, cables and myriad other plane parts that Mexico produces say they are more worried about competition from Asia than keeping American clients. "We need to take action and improve" in areas like best practices, standardized processes and meeting commitments "rather than worry about something as abstract as NAFTA," said Hurtado. European planemaker Airbus's director of procurement for North America, Ruben Tauste, said Mexican entrepreneurs and the government should be less worried about NAFTA than things like investing more in research and development and breaking into more high-tech segments such as engines and flight control systems. "Mexico should try to be independent, to make its own products... from beginning to end," he said.
North Korea conducted a sixth nuclear test on Sunday, and declared itself in command of a working hydrogen bomb just hours after the explosion. Here are some key questions around the blast and the isolated state's nuclear programme. What kind of bomb was detonated? North Korea said it had detonated a hydrogen bomb "of unprecedently big power" that can be loaded onto a long-range missile, a step forward that would dramatically escalate the threat it poses. State media declared the test a complete success and said no radiation had leaked into the atmosphere. Atomic or "A-bombs" work on the principle of nuclear fission, where energy is released by splitting atoms of enriched uranium or plutonium encased in the warhead. Hydrogen or H-bombs, also known as thermonuclear weapons, work on fusion and are far more powerful, with a nuclear blast taking place first to create the intense temperatures required. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the North's claim. But the blast was its most powerful to date by far and many experts said it had all the hallmarks of a hydrogen bomb. Japan said it had deployed "sniffer" planes capable of detecting radioactive fallout which can give clues to the type of device detonated, although in the past evidence has been elusive. How does it compare to previous tests? The energy released in the earthquake caused by the blast was five to six times more than its previous detonation, in September last year, experts in Seoul said. That test had a 10-kiloton yield -- less than the 15-kiloton US device which destroyed Hiroshima in 1945. The North has previously claimed to have successfully tested an H-bomb, after its fourth blast in January last year, but experts doubted the claim at the time, due to the relatively weak yield. The official KCNA news agency said earlier Sunday that the North's H-bomb had an "explosive power that can be adjusted from tens to hundreds of kilotons depending on the target". Could this be North Korea's last nuclear test? The North claimed Sunday's test marked a "very significant occasion" in achieving the "final goal" of becoming a complete nuclear power. "I think the North has reached a stage where it no longer needs testing. More tests now will be meaningless," Koo Kab-Woo of the University of North Korean Studies told AFP. He pointed to the fact that Pakistan -- whose nuclear programme is believed to have links with the North's -- conducted six nuclear tests in total, and may not have seen a need for any further blasts. "If we look at it from Pakistan's example, the North might be in the final stages" of becoming a nuclear state, he said. The North has given the ultimate demonstration of its power by testing an H-bomb, Cha Du-Hyeogn of Asan Institute of Policy Studies said, and wanted the US to believe its claims. "Any technological tests can be seen as playing poker," Cha said. "You want your opponent to read your move as you intended." What will the North do next? Analysts are divided on whether Sunday's test could lead to more North Korean provocations, or become an opening for dialogue. While North Korea has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that apparently brings much of the US mainland into range, questions remain about reliability and whether it has mastered the re-entry technology to bring a warhead back through the Earth's atmosphere. It also has yet to show proof of its claims of miniaturisation. Pyongyang could launch another ICBM in the next few months, Cha said. It could also begin actual deployment of its new arsenal, said Yoo Ho-Yeol of the Korea University, while seeking an opening for diplomacy with the Trump administration. The deployment will be carried out "at the most propitious moment to maximise their diplomatic impact," Yoo told AFP. In any case, Pyongyang will seek recognition from the international community as a nuclear state, said Go Myong-Hyun at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies. How will South Korea and the US react? South Korean President Moon Jae-In called for the "strongest punishment" against Pyongyang, and "all diplomatic measures including UNSC sanctions resolutions to completely isolate North Korea". Professor Koo of the University of North Korean Studies said the test was a major setback for Moon's hopes of improving inter-Korean ties. The new leader favours engagement as well as sanctions to bring Pyongyang to the negotiating table. The US has not yet given an official comment about Sunday's test, although a fiery tweet from Trump could further escalate geopolitical tensions. After North Korea last week fired a missile over Japan, another US ally, Trump tweeted: "The US has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer!" Trump's rhetoric has appeared to allude to possible military action, but his former chief adviser Steve Bannon told The American Prospect: "There's no military solution, forget it."
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korea is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States, one of its top diplomats said on Tuesday, dismissing the international uproar over his country's latest and biggest nuclear weapons test. Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations in Geneva, was addressing the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion. "I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the third of September, DPRK successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force," Han told the Geneva forum. "The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a 'gift package' addressed to none other than the U.S.," Han said. "The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating. U.S. disarmament ambassador Robert Wood sought to turn the tables on Han by using his language against him. With regard to the so-called gift packages that the North is presenting, my recommendation to the North would be, instead of spending inordinate amounts of money on nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, that it give its people the gift package of peace with their neighbours, economic development and an opportunity to rejoin the family of nations. Han said military measures being taken by North Korea were "an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right" to counter "the ever-growing and decade-long U.S. nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating my country. "Pressure or sanctions will never work on my country," Han declared, adding: "The DPRK will never under any circumstances put its nuclear deterrence on the negotiating table." Wood said that North Korea had defied the international community once again with its test. "We look forward to working with our partners in the (U.N. Security) Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK," he told the conference. "Advances in the regime's nuclear and missile programame are a threat to us all ... now is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated," Wood said. "It can no longer be business as usual with this regime." The White House said on Monday President Donald Trump had agreed "in principle" to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles following the North's latest test. The United States accused North Korea's trading partners of aiding its nuclear ambitions and said Pyongyang was "begging for war". (Additonal reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Tom Miles and Jeremy Gaunt)
Viral images of him playing the violin in a haze of tear gas made him a symbol of Venezuela's anti-government protests, but Wuilly Arteaga sadly concludes the fight is now over and the music has died. Shortly after emerging from three weeks in prison, Arteaga, a 23-year-old who used his music as a form of protest, told AFP that it hurts him to see "everything so calm" in the once-raucous streets. "When I got out of jail, the streets were completely empty, people walking around as if nothing had happened," he says. "For me it was a very low blow. I felt a lot of sadness and confusion." After four months of deadly opposition demonstrations demanding the departure of President Nicolas Maduro from power, the protesters have been left discouraged and frustrated by their leaders. Water cannon, tear gas and sheer exhaustion have doused the dream of dislodging Maduro. Even Arteaga's violin has been silenced. He had it -- and himself -- smashed up during the protests, only to return with a new one donated by well-wishers. But a court order now forbids him to play at protests, if ever they should resume. "Every day I go out to the street even though I'm not allowed to play the violin," he says. "I still haven't accepted that the street protests have petered out." The wave of protests from April to July left 125 dead and thousands wounded, with thousands more rounded up and thrown into prison. "To those still inside, I still haven't had the courage to tell them that there is no one on the streets anymore," he says. "I wouldn't want them to discover the same reality as me when they get out, because that's very painful." - Church music - Arteaga shot from obscurity as a busker to the spotlight of global news when he was filmed playing the national anthem and other patriotic tunes in the chaos of the protests. His passion for music was first sparked when his parents took him to join a Pentecostal church when he was nine. "There was a keyboard there and I started playing melodies with one finger. They took me out of school, because according to that religion the world was ending so there was no need to study," he recalls. "The church was called the Restoration Tabernacle. It was forbidden to wear jeans, have cellphones or television. "My father was one of the most fanatical members, but they threw him out because he got a declaration of love by text message from one of the sisters in the church and that was considered adultery." His mother was put in a psychiatric hospital. - Violin addict - Arteaga wasn't allowed to play violin on the small farm his father later set up near the central city of Valencia, so he left for the capital Caracas in 2015. He busked on the streets and in the subway, and was selected to play with the Caracas Youth Orchestra. "I became a violin addict," he says. "But two years after coming to Caracas the youth orchestra began to have internal political problems. The musicians were obliged to play at events where Maduro was speaking. "I began to see that it was very false, because everyone was speaking badly of Maduro in the rehearsals, but still they smiled when he greeted the orchestra." Arteaga joined the opposition protests when another violinist, Armando Canizales, was killed during a demonstration. "I felt completely powerless, so I went to play the violin at his funeral," he recalls. As his fame grew, the government became fearful that he was becoming a symbol of the protest movement internationally and accused him of promoting violence. "I've never promoted violence. Everything I have done has been because I want a better country," he says. "I've spent a lot of time on the street and I know the needs there are."
By Mahmoud Mourad and Katie Paul MECCA/RIYADH (Reuters) - A few steps away from Mecca's Grand Mosque, a dozen empty towers rise into the sky above the holy city visited by millions of Muslim pilgrims every year. Hilton and Marriott logos adorn the site, heralding the $3.2 billion Jabal Omar complex that is being built to bring hotels, restaurants and luxury malls to the pilgrimage experience. "All these hotels and buildings around the mosque will bring more business, God willing," said Awad al-Arshani, beckoning customers into his Dates of the Two Holy Mosques shop. Pilgrimage is the backbone of a plan to expand tourism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic reform programme, announced a year ago to diversify the economy away from oil. The haj, a journey every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform once in a lifetime, is a profound experience for those who undertake it. It is also big business for Saudi Arabia. The haj and the year-round lesser pilgrimage, umrah, generate $12 billion in revenues from worshippers' lodging, transport, gifts, food and fees, according to BMI Research. But there are still big questions about how Saudi Arabia will cater to its most active tourism market, especially as the kingdom eschews tourist visas. Pilgrimage visas currently bar travel outside the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Authorities plan to relax the restrictions, but have not specified to what extent and have raised the visa cost for return pilgrims to more than $500. Most of the kingdom's tourism development so far targets the affluent end of the market, while the biggest and fastest-growing pilgrim populations come from modest means. Additionally, worshipping at shrines is considered idolatry under Saudi Arabia's austere official Wahhabi school of Islam and it is unclear which Islamic historical sites pilgrims might be lured to after years of neglect. The Saudi tourism commission has pledged to rehabilitate four sites in Mecca: Jabal al-Nour, Jabal Thawr, Hudaybiyyah and Mohammed's migration path from Mecca to Medina. But there is scant sign of any restoration in Mecca so far, said Irfan Alawi, founder of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation. Religious police still sit outside some of the sites, shooing away pilgrims with warnings about idolatry, he said. Dozens of other sites were demolished to make way for the redevelopment. CRADLE OF ISLAM Pilgrims comprise the bulk of Saudi Arabia's 20 million annual foreign visitors, apart from workers and business travellers. Nearly 2.4 million came for this year's haj, up from 1.9 million last year, and 7.5 million performed umrah in 2016. Officials aim to increase the number of umrah and haj pilgrims to 15 million and 5 million respectively by 2020, and hope to double the umrah number again to 30 million by 2030. In addition, they hope pilgrims will be attracted to spend money at museums, luxury resorts and historical sites. Some pilgrims are encouraged by the moves. "We love this country because it's the cradle of Islam, the land of the revelation and the Prophet, peace be upon him," Nasser al-Zein, a Turkish-German car dealer from Frankfurt, told Reuters as he performed haj. "We'd love to spend our money here, more than in the West. Here, it's an Islamic country." Others find the costs prohibitive. "The problem is the visa. If they were to extend it perhaps we could stay and visit places other than Mecca and Medina," said Zawaoui Daraji, 50, a trader from Algeria. "The hotels charge you 25,000 riyals ($6,666.31) for your stay. It's too much for us," he said. Such concerns have not deterred Saudi officials. Long before last year's reform announcement, they began investing tens of billions of dollars in mega-hotels, public transit and a Grand Mosque expansion in Mecca. The $15 billion Abraj al-Beit golden clocktower complex, completed in 2011 with seven towers of hotels and malls, already looms over the mosque. Joining it soon will be 40 new towers from the Jabal Omar development, begun in 2008, and the $3.5 billion Abraj Kudai complex, which will be the world's largest hotel and come complete with four rooftop helipads. A new airport in Jeddah and the high-speed Haramain rail system, both set to open next year, will whisk visitors between cities along the Red Sea Coast. Despite a funding crunch for existing projects in the last year, authorities have announced new leisure mega-projects outside the holy cities. One of these, the Faisaliah project, will run from Mecca's edge out to the Red Sea. It aims to attract 10 million visitors to seaside getaways and Islamic research centres by 2050. Further north, the Red Sea Project hopes to attract luxury travellers to island resorts and pre-Islamic ruins in a closed visa-free zone. The King Abdullah Economic City, one of the stops on the rail line, is planning resorts and theme parks, too. ($1 = 3.7502 riyals) (Writing by Katie Paul, Editing by William Maclean and Timothy Heritage)
Five alleged members of a banned British neo-Nazi group were arrested on terror offences Tuesday, among them serving soldiers including one deployed in Cyprus, the UK defence ministry said. National Action became the first far-right group to be outlawed by the government in December last year, six months after the assassination of lawmaker Jo Cox by a far-right sympathiser. The suspects are being held "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism", British police said in a statement. Authorities said the four suspects arrested on British soil were aged between 22 and 32 and came from Birmingham, Ipswich and Northampton in England and Powys in Wales. The defence ministry later said that some of the suspects were serving soldiers, but did not reveal how many. "We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group," it said in statement. "These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office Police Force led operation supported by the Army," it added. One of the soldiers was detained in Cyprus, a defence ministry spokesman confirmed to AFP, and is to be transported to the UK where he will be arrested. According to a British military source, the suspect is a soldier from the Anglian regiment based at Dhekelia garrison, outside Larnaca in southeast Cyprus. Cyprus became independent from Britain in 1960, but the former colonial power retains sovereignty over some 99 square kilometres (38 square miles) of the island and has more than 7,000 military personnel stationed at its bases there. The Anglian regiment has only recently arrived on the island for a tour of duty. "The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the public's safety," the British police statement said, adding that raids were also being carried out on "a number of properties". Cox, an MP from the main opposition Labour party, was shot and stabbed to death in her constituency by far-right nationalist Thomas Mair in June 2016. Mair shouted "Britain first!" as he killed her. National Action, which had praised Mair's actions, was banned in December. At the time, Interior Minister Amber Rudd branded the organisation as "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".
By Ellen Francis and Laila Bassam BEIRUT (Reuters) - With a sudden lunge through jihadist lines, the Syrian army and its allies on Monday came to within 3 km of relieving the Euphrates city of Deir al-Zor, where Islamic State has besieged 93,000 civilians and an army garrison for years. The advance on the eastern city marks another stinging setback for the once-triumphant Islamic State, fast retreating in both Iraq and Syria as its self-declared caliphate crumbles. Syrian troops were rapidly approaching the city, reaching a point 3 km (2 miles) away, state television said. Dozens of trucks loaded with food stood ready to enter the enclave in the city once government forces break the siege, it said. A military media unit run by Hezbollah, a key ally of Damascus, said the advancing forces were heading to the garrison's camp on the city outskirts. Deir al-Zor's provincial governor told Reuters he expected the army could reach the city within hours. "Islamic State is in confusion. There is no leadership or centralised control," said a commander in the military alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hemmed in on all sides, Islamic State, which ruled over millions of people in both Iraq and Syria at its peak in 2014, is falling back on a last Euphrates stronghold downstream of Deir al-Zor city in the towns of al-Mayadin and al-Bukamal, near the border with Iraq. But as it has lost its core territory - defeated in Iraq's Mosul now yielding street after street in Syria's Raqqa - the ultra-hardline group has still been able to launch attacks in the West and maintain a threat in other centres such as Libya. The fighters have been driven out of nearly all of their territory in Iraq over the past two years by government forces backed by a U.S.-led coalition. In Syria, they are fighting against both Assad's Russian-backed government and a U.S.-backed Arab and Kurdish militia that has launched an assault on Raqqa. In the IS-encircled pocket in Deir al-Zor, news of the army's approach prompted people to take to the streets to celebrate, governor Mohammed Ibrahim Samra said by phone. The city has been cut off since 2013, after rebel groups rose up against Assad during the first flush of Syria's six-year war. Islamic State then overran rebel positions and encircled the army's enclave in the city in 2014. It was a major prize. Deir al-Zor is the centre of Syria's oil industry, a source of wealth to the group and a serious loss to Damascus. As the army has pushed east in recent months, oil and gas fields have once more fallen to the government. Islamic State fighters stepped up efforts this year to seize the enclave before the army could arrive. In January, they severed it from the city's military airbase and took over a nearby hill, further straining its links to the outside. During the long siege, high-altitude air drops have supplied the city. The United Nations said in August it estimated there were 93,000 civilians in the government's Deir al-Zor pocket, where conditions were "extremely difficult". "Despite all this and despite the shelling and injured, things are running in the city," governor Samra had said on Sunday. "The institutions are running, the bakeries. Water is also pumped twice a week to our residents, aid is distributed daily." RAPID ADVANCE For Assad, the weekend's lightning advance caps months of steady progress after government forces turned from their victory over rebels in the northern commercial capital Aleppo last December to push eastwards against Islamic State. "The army has been advancing in a rapid and calculated way from all directions," a Syrian military source said, referring to the months-long campaign across the desert. With Russian jets and an alliance of Shi'ite militias backed by Iran, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, the army has captured swathes of the central and eastern deserts in parallel offensives from Palmyra and al-Resafa. Those offensives have accelerated since linking up last month, taking swathes of land from Islamic State except for a small zone near the town of al-Salamiya. The militants still control much of Deir al-Zor province, including half the city. Heavy Russian air cover has helped the Syrian military and allied forces march towards the city, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement on Monday. A resident of the city reached by telephone, who gave his name only as Mohammad, said he could hear the sound of warplanes in the distance. The army advances over the last two days had sparked "indescribable joy" among people in the enclave after years of siege, he said. Under attack, Islamic State has pulled reinforcements from al-Mayadin and relied on its usual tactics of booby traps, mines and sudden raids, the commander in the pro-Assad alliance said. The latest advance came after intense preparatory artillery, a multi-pronged assault and gains in high ground commanding nearby areas, the non-Syrian commander said. Meanwhile, as the army and its allies have forced other militant pockets to surrender, including an Islamic State enclave on Syria's border with Lebanon a week ago, they have been able to transfer more troops to the desert campaign. "It helped a lot to switch the military effort of the Syrian army and the resistance to the eastern Syrian desert," the commander said, adding that thousands of troops had arrived from the battle on the Lebanon border. Islamic State fighters and their families evacuated from that enclave as part of a surrender deal were escorted by the Syrian army and Hezbollah to east Syria, but have been stopped by a U.S.-led coalition from reaching Deir al-Zor. Ten of the original 17 buses are now stuck in no-man's land between pro-government forces and Islamic State territory and six buses retreated back into government areas, the commander added. (Additional reporting by Kinda Makieh in Damascus and Andrew Osborn in Moscow; Writing by Angus McDowall,; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Ed Osmond and Peter Graff)
Denying Hurricane Harveys climate links only worsens future suffering

Posted on 5 September 2017 by dana1981

Human-caused climate change amplified the damages and suffering associated with Hurricane Harvey in several different ways. First, sea level rise caused by global warming increased the storm surge and therefore the coastal inundation and flooding from the storm. Second, the warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, which intensifies extreme precipitation events like the record-shattering rainfall associated with Harvey. Third, warmer ocean waters essentially act as hurricane fuel, which may have made Harvey more intense than it would otherwise have been.

There are other possible human factors at play about which we have less certainty. For example, its possible that Harvey stalled off the coast of Texasbecause of changes in atmospheric circulation patterns associated with human-caused global warming. As climate scientist Michael Mann notes, his research has shown that these sorts of stationary summer weather patterns tend to happen more often in a hotter world, but we cant yet say if that happened in Harveys case.

Other human activities also worsened Harveys impacts. For example, Houston suffers from urban sprawl, covering a larger area (nearly 600 square miles) than the cities of Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, Manhattan, and Santa Barbara combined. With urban sprawl and poor planning came expansive impervious surfaces  absorbent soil covered instead by concrete and asphalt, increasing flood risks. Houstons lack of zoning laws combined with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) also encouraged development in flood prone areas.

Were subsidizing risky behavior

Private insurance companies dont want to insure homes that face a significant risk of flooding, but with a lack of regulation and/or government insurance offered by NFIP, development in relatively high-risk flood areas can be profitable. That is, until a flood strikes. 85% of Houston homeowners dont have flood insurance and will be unable to recover most of their losses from Hurricane Harvey. Others are covered by NFIP, which was already $24 billion in debt before Harvey. Thats because NFIP hasnt been charging sufficiently high premiums, in large part because it has underestimated flood risks based on maps and projections that are sometimes decades out of date. And climate change is amplifying those flood risks.

Its a challenging problem because for homeowners living in areas where flood risks have significantly increased, flood insurance premiums should hypothetically increase significantly to cover those risks. But factors like rising sea levels and expanding urban sprawl that contribute to that increased risk arent the fault of the homeowners, who can then become angry constituents for politicians working on updating NFIP. And so needed changes to the program have yet to be made.

As a result, the government is effectively subsidizing the costs associated with living in high-risk flood areas. Between 1978 and 2005, NFIP paid out $5.5 billion (9.6% of paid claims) to just 30,000 properties (0.6% of the total covered by flood insurance) that each flooded an average of five times. Because the NFIP premiums are too low, taxpayers end up footing billions of dollars of those payouts.

The situation is analogous to climate change. Without a price on carbon pollution, industries and individuals can dump carbon in the atmosphere for free. But that carbon pollution has costs that we eventually pay, in the form of increased property damage due to amplified storms like Hurricane Harvey, for example. Or from higher food prices when farmers are struck by an intensified drought, or decreased worker productivity in heat waves, or valuable coastal property lost to encroaching sea levels, or homes lost to bigger wildfires and increased costs to fight them  the list of climate costs goes on and on.

Those costs are eventually paid by taxpayers, but were picking up the tab for the polluters. Its effectively a subsidy for the fossil fuel industry to the tune of trillions of dollars every year, and as with artificially cheap flood insurance premiums, were subsidizing risky behavior that ultimately causes severe damages.

The Trump administration is in denial

Ten days before Hurricane Harvey hit, the Trump administration rolled back the Federal Flood Risk Mitigation Standard. The policy was implemented by the Obama administration, and required taxpayer-funded public infrastructure projects to plan for future flooding risks. Much infrastructure within and around Houston is now underwater, and accounting for future flooding risks when replacing it would be smart. But the Trump administration considered this policy a burdensome regulation, claiming that the infrastructure permitting process has too many inefficiencies. Apparently those inefficiencies include saving taxpayer money by reducing future flood losses.

When asked about the causes and contributors to Hurricane Harvey and its damages, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt sidestepped the subject by using the Trump administrations favorite strategy  attack the media:

I think for opportunistic media to use events like this to, without basis or support, just to simply engage in a cause and effect type of discussion, and not focus upon the needs of people, I think is misplaced.

Worse yet, EPA spokesperson Liz Bowman accused climate scientists of engaging in attempts to politicize an ongoing tragedy. Its similar to the argument that we shouldnt talk about gun control in the aftermath of a mass shooting. Thats precisely when we should be working on solutions to prevent these types of disasters from happening again and again.

Denial increases suffering

Those who oppose climate policies will often argue that we can simply adapt to the consequences of human-caused climate change. Most recently, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens suggested that Harvey will just be a speed bump for Houstons economy, and that the world should follow Houstons example of environmental resilience by following the path of its extraordinary economic growth. The people in Texas suffering from having lost their homes and possessions probably arent comforted that Stephens considers Harvey a speed bump for the local economy (which coincidentally is probably not true). As renowned glaciologist Lonnie Thompson put it:

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Canadians are apparently sick of competing with nonunionized foreign workers South of the border. According to the Globe & Mail, the countrys negotiating team is asking the United States to scrap its anti-union right-to-work laws as part of an updated North American Free Trade Agreement, presumably in order to prevent poorly paid Americans from undercutting organized Canadian labor on wages. Obviously, this is not what the Trump administration had in mind when it demanded our neighbors return to NAFTAs negotiating table.

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Right-to-work statutes allow employees to opt out of paying fees to the unions that represent them in collective bargaining. These laws are frequently blamed for draining organized labor of financial resources and have likely contributed to the decline of union organizing over the past several decades. States are permitted to enact the laws under the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, a landmark piece of union-busting legislation that congressional Republicans passed over President Harry Trumans veto. Canada, which like the U.S. is seeking to strengthen NAFTAs labor protections overall, would reportedly appreciate it if Washington would pass new federal legislation banning right-to-work provisions.

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Im very pleased with the position the Canadian government is taking on labour standards, Jerry Dias, president of Canadas largest private-sector union, told reporters outside of this weekends NAFTA talks. Canadas got two problems: The low wage rates in Mexico and the right-to-work states in the United States.

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To be clear, there is zero chance that a Republican White House would agree to do away with right-to-work laws as part of a trade deal. Breaking the power of organized labor is a key piece of the partys long-term agenda, and relinquishing that goal in order to appease our lefty neighbors would cause an uproar among the GOP donor class. Canada almost surely knows this, and is staking out an extreme negotiating position in order to signal that its treating these talks seriously and is prepared to ask for major concessions.

Its also an ironic way to throw the Trump administrations protectionist rhetoric back in its face, which seems like part of the point.

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Our president of course loves to complain about cheap foreign labor undercutting American factory workers. And now and then, he has a point. Mexico, for instance, more or less lacks independent labor unions, and partly as a result, wages there have barely risen over the past 15 years, even as auto manufacturing has flourished within the countrys industrializing north. For this reason, the fact that the original NAFTA lacked basic, enforceable labor standards cutting across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is widely looked at as a mistake, which both the Trump administration and Canada are looking to rectify in the current renegotiations. The Trump administrations official NAFTA wish list includes enshrining the Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining among all three countries.

But Canadas right-to-work jab is a reminder that, for all our talk of raising the rest of the world to our own labor standards, Americas record on workers rights isnt exactly pristine, and that much of the developed world may see a nonunion factory in Alabama much the way we see car plants in San Luis Potosi. In other words, were not always the ones being taken advantage of.
President encourages young people to study abroad, but urges them to return afterwards

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If I had the power, Id immediately close down a third of Slovak universities, as they take in students without providing the required level of education, said President Andrej Kiska in a speech at the ceremonial opening of the 2017/18 school year at the Evangelical Grammar School in Tisovec (Banska Bystrica region) on September 4.

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Kiska recommends that students should be demanding when choosing a university.

Choose a difficult university, said Kiska as cited by the TASR newswire. There are universities in Slovakia where they will admit you immediately. You will have easy studies, you will have a couple of wonderful student years, nobody will demand much from you, but when you finish your studies and look for a job, nobody will want you straight away,

The Slovak president used the example of how he used to choose employees when in business.

I was involved in a business in Poprad for many years, said Kiska. We employed over 500 people. Each time when 20, 30, 50 job applications arrived for any available position, the first thing I checked was the university that the person graduated from. Some applications went immediately into the bin without my even reading them further.

After graduating from a high-quality university, young people will see a huge difference that will be reflected not only in their knowledge, but also in their incomes and where they will be wanted, said Kiska. They should not be afraid to study abroad but Kiska would like them to return afterwards.

Slovakia is a beautiful land, but we need top young people here to help us build a modern country from it, said the president.
Lubos Lorenz was released after four days

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Although it is quite common for people to remove or damage symbols of totalitarian regimes in Slovakia, the state has cracked down harder on artist Lubos Lorenz than they usually do in such cases.

Lorenz was charged with disorderly conduct after he removed eight communist symbols, sickles and hammers, from a WWII monument at the Namestie Osloboditelov in Kosice on August 30. These were made from plywood. On September 1, the prosecutor in Kosice suggested prison detention for Lorenz to prevent him from continuing such activities. Lorenz however, was released after only four days at the impetus of the General and regional prosecutors, the Sme daily wrote.

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I face further charges, but I think that I will defend myself without any problems because what I was doing was not a criminal offence, Lorenz said to journalists after his release.

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Acting on behalf of Lorenz, advocate Daniel Lipsic thinks that the prosecution has realised that there are no grounds for detention.

It is really doubtful whether it was a criminal offence, said Lipsic, as cited by the SITA newswire. The communist symbols made of plywood were not part of the cultural monument. If somebody sticks up a poster of a music band and somebody else removes it, it would not be defamation of a cultural monument. In this case, the signs of disorderly conduct are missing.

The Kosice regional monument board also issued a statement saying that the copies of the communist symbols made from plywood are not part of the cultural monument.

Sickles and hammers are regularly removed from the monument. Also, other monuments linked with lack of freedom during the communist regime often become the targets of opponents. Among damaged monuments have been a commemorative plaque to Jozef Tiso, president of Nazi Germanys satellite Slovak State and the monument of communist-era leader, Vasil Bilak, built after he died in February 2014 and unveiled in his home village, Krajne Bystre.

Lorenzs brother, Jakub, was detained for the same misdemeanor last year, for 14 hours.
If you are a foreigner with limited Slovak proficiency, limited knowledge of Slovak law, and want to run a business, you should consider following my lead.

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Running a business in Slovakia is complicated and frustrating. A competent support team is a critical to success.

Let me get straight to the point: running a business in Slovakia has proven to be much more challenging than I had ever imagined. From legal requirements to labor laws to financial reporting requirements, it has been a dizzying and occasionally overwhelming experience, one that continues on a seemingly daily basis.

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Admittedly, in spite of my obvious compulsion for detail (ask the staff!), I am much more of a big picture guy when it comes to business. I want to make sure work is flowing smoothly, the staff has what it needs, problems are addressed and, above all, my guests are happy. Still, it is my job to make sure business-related tasks are completed in a timely manner.

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After seven years in Slovakia, my language skills are acceptable, but nowhere near to what I need to successfully run a business. So how do I do it? I hire good outside support services.

My virtual assistant

When you telephone Penzion Europa, you are actually connected with my assistant outside Zvolen. A native Slovak fluent in English, she handles reservations and special requests, as well as fielding calls from annoying salespeople. She also performs any other tasks that I throw at her, which is often. We communicate via Skype, mobile phone, and email. I would be lost without Zuzana.

My lawyer

My first lawyer spoke English and was very kind, but seemed to lack a certain enthusiasm for detail. I am now on lawyer #2 and Im sticking to him like glue. Although 1.5 hours away by car in Presov, he does the due diligence necessary to keep me out of trouble. Although he sometimes tells me No, I know he is working in my best interest. An added benefit is that, when I must travel to Presov, I get to eat at that great little Chinese restaurant off the main square.

My accountant

My first accountant spoke no English and had little time for me. Her e-mails would have been equally helpful had they been written in hieroglyphics. I was happy to find my second accounting firm in Presov. But alas, they provided a level of customer service that I simply could not accept. I am now on Accounting Firm #3. While they have disappointed me on occasion, they do manage to do the monthly chores without problem, so Im staying with them for the time being.

The difficult lesson I learned is this: If you are a foreigner with limited Slovak proficiency, limited knowledge of Slovak law, and want to run a business, you should seriously consider following my lead. Like my own dedicated staff at the penzion, these supporting companies are equally important to the function of the business. Without them, the business would surely collapse.

Thom Kolton is an American entrepreneur operating Penzion Europa (www.penzioneuropa.eu) in the village of Osturna.
The event will take place on the same day as in Bratislava.

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People will protest against corruption in Prague in addition to Bratislava. The Slovaks living in the Czech capital confirmed that the public meeting will take place in front of the Slovak embassy building on the same day when the third anti-corruption march will be held in Bratislava: September 25.

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The organisers explained that they arrived to Bratislava from Prague to attend the first march on April 18. After announcing the second protest, an organisation team was spontaneously created and it declared support for the protest marchs organisers. The team then organised a protest held in front of the Slovak Embassy in Prague on June 5, the TASR newswire reported.

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The organisers of the Prague protest are convinced that the older generation of politicians has exhausted the topics and trust of people, and that it is a time for a radical change of political elites and for new challenges for the younger generation.

We want space for modern ideas that will move Slovakia forward, said their spokesperson Samuel Zubo, as quoted by TASR. We want a quality life for the older generation as well as the following generations. We are able to clearly say how our society should develop  in favour of all Slovakias citizens.

The students organising the protest march in Bratislava have similar requests to the previous two marches. They want the proper investigation of scandals like Basternak and Gorilla, the dismissal of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer) and Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar, and a resignation of Special Prosecutor Dusan Kovacik.

They also launched an anti-corruption petition already signed by 70,000 people, TASR reported.
The first of three new SUV models to be produced in Bratislava.

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Bratislava-based carmaker Volkswagen Slovakia (VW SK) has produced the first Porsche Cayenne vehicles at the beginning of September. It is the first Porsche model completely made in Slovakia.

Thanks to car production of the highest quality, the Bratislava-based plant of VW SK is among the most important plants in the Volkswagen group, said Ralf Sacht, chair of the carmakers board of directors, as quoted by the TASR newswire. The placement of the complete production of the new generation Porsche Cayenne in Bratislava will significantly contribute to prospects and stable jobs.

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With the arrival of the Porsche Cayenne, production has been extended to three segments. Altogether 13 components are produced in Bratislava and then sent to the new body shop. 650 robots then assemble them with other components to create a complete body. The car is completed in a new assembly hall where the chassis is produced.

The result is the new Porsche Cayenne vehicle completely produced in the Bratislava plant. Before, the plant produced only pre-assembled polished bodies subsequently sent to the Porsche plant in Leipzig.

The total investment in new production halls and up-to-date technologies amounted to more than 800 million. The company has also hired 1,900 new staffers since the beginning of this year, while it plans to recruit another 1,000 by the end of the year, TASR reported.

Apart from the Cayenne, the Bratislava-based VW SK plant will soon produce another two SUV models: the Audi Q8 and later the first Lamborghini SUV.
Within the last few years Roma living in Moldava nad Bodvou have experienced police brutality, forced eviction and segregation.

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Irma Horvathova was born in a Roma settlement at the outskirts of the town of Moldava nad Bodvou in Kosice region. Unlike many others, she was able to get out of poverty, move to the town and devoted eleven years of work with Roma children.

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Her accomplishments were also noticed by Al Jazeera and President Andrew Kiska, who last year had a joint lunch with her and other activists working with Roma children in April.

At the end of August Horvathova is not living in Moldava nad Bodvou anymore, but painting her new apartment in Hungary. She moved there from Slovakia after the city decided in December 2016 to sell the flat in which she was subletting.

After conditions for community centre employees became tighter she lost work and she owed the town about 750 for rent. She stated that with the help of family she would have been able to pay the sum in a short time, but she did not get a chance from the municipality and had to leave.

I couldnt go back to the settlement again. I have children who may join some bad groups of people and start abusing drugs, Horvathova told The Slovak Spectator.

The town forced the departure of around twenty other Roma families living in the town in the same way.

Besides forced eviction, the Roma living in Moldava nad Bodvou have faced several segregation attempts from the municipality as well as citizens. On August 21, the municipality constructed a fence between two elementary schools beside one another because parents were complaining about Roma visiting the buildings.

Moreover, in early August the local swimming pool did not allow some Roma to enter, demanding a doctors approval that they were not sick, public broadcaster RTVS reported.

They still remember the police raid in a local Roma settlement in June 2013 when more than 60 police officers raided the settlement, leaving several people injured and claiming that they were searching for wanted persons.

The municipality points out that it has taken several steps toward the integration of the local Roma community since then, seeing no discrimination in regards to eviction or the fence between schools.

The town rejects any accusations concerning signs of discrimination, reads the municipality statement sent to The Slovak Spectator.

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The worst of possibilities

Municipal MPs approved the selling of 21 flats located on several streets in December 2016, claiming that some families renting them are not assimilated and there have been tensions between them and the flat owners.

The total debt of just three residential buildings on Roznavska Street exceeded 90,000 at the end of 2015, reads the explanatory report to the municipal ruling.

Horvathova admits that she and other families had debts but criticizes the town for not giving them a chance to pay them off; this in spite of some families having debts amounting to only a few hundred euros, which would have been easy to pay.

Street in Moldava nad Bodvou. (Source: Sme)

Moreover the town is not helping families in this difficult situation, only offering space where they can put their belongings until they find a new home and covering one night at a local hotel.

It is therefore possible that those families ended up on the street or joined the inhabitants of the infamous local Roma settlement.

There have been similar cases of hasty eviction in the past and it always turned out to be the worst of all possible solutions, according to Abel Ravasz, Government Proxy for the Roma Communities and Most-Hid deputy chair.

Dealing with the situation individually with each of those families is a much better solution, Ravasz told The Slovak Spectator. It is possible to make a deal with the families living in a standard way and those problematic ones should get help from terrain social work.

Positive examples

Ravasz pointed out Kosice city, which decided to remove the problematic inhabitants of the Lunik IX Roma ghetto and demolished two blocks of residential buildings, leaving dozens of families on the street. Some of them then constructed the new illegal Roma settlement of Maslickovo.

Three children passed away there the following winter in 2016. The first of them died in a fire, the second froze to death and the third was killed by infection. Meanwhile, improved social work in Lunik IX was initiated but the Roma in Maslickovo have difficult access to it.

When people from a block of flats are evicted, a larger number of people can find themselves on the street and then its really difficult to solve, Ravasz said.

Ravasz pointed to Filakovo in the Banska Bystrica region as a positive example, where the biggest integrated Roma community lives. Despite living in difficult conditions, the municipality has been always able to agree with local families so they do not lose their homes, according to Ravasz.

The town did not answer questions as to why Moldava nad Bodvou did not give the Roma a chance to settle their debts and how it helped them in a difficult situation.

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) criticized the town for its approach, claiming that the Roma are discriminated against because of their segregation and living conditions unequal to the majority.

The steps taken by the town related to the planned selling of the flats may worsen this unfavourable situation, ERRC President Dorde Jovanovic writes in his statement.

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Troubles in the town

The Roma living in Moldava nad Bodvou have been complaining about their situation for a long time. A few days before, twenty-one Roma families had to leave their homes, the municipality constructing a fence between the joint schools with one considered the Roma School.

The elementary and grammar school with Hungarian as the main language and the elementary school on Ulica Ceskoslovenskej armady Street (Czechoslovak Army Street) had shared a common courtyard for more than 40 years. The municipality constructed a fence between them in one day.

The town claims that the fence was built at the request of the parents of the elementary school children on the Czechoslovak Army Street, because people who did not belong to the school had been entering its premises. They disrupted the education process, entering the dining room, attacking people and stealing items.

It happened without a sit-down and dealing with the situation together, Andrea Papp, the head of the Hungarian school, told the Sme daily.

New fence between schools. (Source: Sme)

Most of the 488 elementary and grammar school pupils are from the Roma settlement. Sometimes their parents were standing there but nothing serious had ever happened, according to Papp.

I, as the school principal, have never dealt with a written complaint or a situation where someone was attacked or robbed for several years, Papp said, as quoted by Sme.

Moreover, the local Roma were forbidden to enter the swimming pool.

They told us that we need papers from a doctor saying we have no health problems or anything contagious, one of refused Roma Stefania told the RTVS.

Karol and his girlfriend went to the pool when Karols parents visited, who live in Moldava nad Bodvou. He was also refused.

I asked them why I cant enter and they told me it was only on invitation, Karol told RTVS. He added that staff at the entrance told him that there was something similar to a private event at the site.

Pool head denies discrimination.

The Moldava nad Bodvou swimming pool requires of its visitors the following hygienic principles, as well as rules of good behaviour and some citizens have a problem with that, pool head Michal Komar told the topky.sk website. We dont require confirmation from a doctor and the swimming pool is accessible to all who agree with the given rules.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(Department of Revenue)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 30th August, 2017

(INCOME-TAX)

S.O. 2826(E).Whereas the Protocol amending the Agreement, signed at Hanoi on the 7th day of September, 1994, between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, was signed at Ha Noi, Viet Nam on the 3rd day of September, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the the said Protocol);

And whereas the date of entry into force of the said Protocol is the 21st day of February, 2017, being the date of the later of the notifications of the completion of domestic requirements for the entry into force of the said Protocol, in accordance with Article 3 of the said Protocol;

Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 90 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Government hereby notifies that all the provisions of the said Protocol, as set out in the Annexure hereto, shall be given effect to in the Union of India.

[Notification No. 82/2017/ F.No.503/5/2009-FTD-II]

RAJAT BANSAL, Jt Secy.

ANNEXURE

PROTOCOL AMENDING

THE AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

AND

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM FOR THE AVOIDANCE

OF DOUBLE TAXATION

AND THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION

WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME

The Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Desiring to amend the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income signed at Hanoi on the 7th day of September, 1994 (in this Protocol referred to as the Agreement), Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The text of Article 27 of the Agreement is deleted and replaced by the following:

Article 27

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

1. The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall exchange such information (including documents) as is necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Agreement or of the domestic laws of the Contracting States concerning taxes covered by the agreement, insofar as the taxation there under is not contrary to the Agreement, in particular for the prevention of fraud or evasion of such taxes. Any information received by a Contracting State shall be treated as secret in the same manner as information obtained under the domestic laws of the State. However, if the information is originally regarded as secret in the transmitting State, it shall be disclosed only to persons or authorities (including courts and administrative bodies) involved in the assessment or collection of, the enforcement or prosecution in respect of, or the determination of appeals in relation to, the taxes which are the subject of the Agreement. Such persons or authorities shall use the information only for such purposes but may disclose the information in public court proceedings or in judicial decisions. The competent authorities shall, through consultation, develop appropriate conditions, methods and techniques concerning the matters in respect of which such exchange of information shall be made, including, where appropriate, exchange of information regarding tax avoidance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, information received by a Contracting State may be used for other purposes when such information may be used for such other purposes under the laws of both States and the competent authority of the supplying State authorizes such use.

2. The exchange of information or documents shall be either on a routine basis or on request with reference to particular cases or both. The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall agree from time to time on the list of the information or documents which shall be furnished on a routine basis.

3. In no case shall the provisions of paragraph 1 be construed so as to impose on a Contracting State the obligation:

(a) to carry out administrative measures at variance with the laws or administrative practice of that or of the other Contracting State;

(b) to supply information or documents which are not obtainable under the laws or in the normal course of the administration of that or of the other Contracting State;

(c) to supply information or documents which would disclose any trade, business, industrial, commercial or professional secret of trade process of information the disclosure of which would be contrary to public policy.

4. If information is requested by a Contracting State in accordance with this Article, the other Contracting State shall use its information gathering measures to obtain the requested information, even though that other State may not need such information for its own tax purposes. The obligation contained in the preceding sentence is subject to the limitations of paragraph 3 but in no case shall such limitations be construed to permit a Contracting State to decline to supply information solely because it has no domestic interest in such information.

5. In no case shall the provisions of paragraph 3 be construed to permit a Contracting State to decline to supply information solely because the information is held by a bank, other financial institution, nominee or person acting in an agency or a fiduciary capacity or because it relates to ownership interests in a person.

Article 2

A new Article 27A of the Agreement shall be inserted:

Article 27A

ASSISTANCE IN THE COLLECTION OF TAXES

1. The Contracting States shall lend assistance to each other in the collection of revenue claims. This assistance is not restricted by Articles 1 and 2. The competent authorities of the Contracting States may by mutual agreement settle the mode of application of this Article.

2. The term revenue claim as used in this Article means an amount owed in respect of taxes of every kind and description imposed on behalf of the Contracting States, or of their political subdivisions or local authorities, insofar as the taxation thereunder is not contrary to this Agreement or any other instrument to which the Contracting States are parties, as well as interest, administrative penalties and costs of collection or conservancy related to such amount.

3. When a revenue claim of a Contracting State is enforceable under the laws of that State and is owed by a person who, at that time, cannot, under the laws of that State, prevent its collection, that revenue claim shall, at the request of the competent authority of that State, be accepted for purposes of collection by the competent authority of the other Contracting State. That revenue claim shall be collected by that other State in accordance with the provisions of its laws applicable to the enforcement and collection of its own taxes as if the revenue claim were a revenue claim of that other State.

4. When a revenue claim of a Contracting State is a claim in respect of which that State may, under its law, take measures of conservancy with a view to ensure its collection, that revenue claim shall, at the request of the competent authority of that State, be accepted for purposes of taking measures of conservancy by the competent authority of the other Contracting State. That other State shall take measures of conservancy in respect of that revenue claim in accordance with the provisions of its laws as if the revenue claim were a revenue claim of that other State even if, at the time when such measures are applied, the revenue claim is not enforceable in the first-mentioned State or is owed by a person who has a right to prevent its collection.

5. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 3 and 4, a revenue claim accepted by a Contracting State for purposes of paragraph 3 or 4 shall not, in that State, be subject to the time limits or accorded any priority applicable to a revenue claim under the laws of that State by reason of its nature as such. In addition, a revenue claim accepted by a Contracting State for the purposes of paragraph 3 or 4 shall not, in that State, have any priority applicable to that revenue claim under the laws of the other Contracting State.

6. Proceedings with respect to the existence, validity or the amount of a revenue claim of a Contracting State shall not be brought before the courts or administrative bodies of the other Contracting State.

7. Where, at any time after a request has been made by a Contracting State under paragraph 3 or 4 and before the other Contracting State has collected and remitted the relevant revenue claim to the first-mentioned State, the relevant revenue claim ceases to be

(a) in the case of a request under paragraph 3, a revenue claim of the first-mentioned State that is enforceable under the laws of that State and is owed by a person who, at that time, cannot, under the laws of that State, prevent its collection, or

(b) in the case of a request under paragraph 4, a revenue claim of the first-mentioned State in respect of which that State may, under its laws, take measures of conservancy with a view to ensure its collection the competent authority of the first-mentioned State shall promptly notify the competent authority of the other State of that fact and, at the option of the other State, the first-mentioned State shall either suspend or withdraw its request.

8. In no case shall the provisions of this Article be construed so as to impose on a Contracting State the obligation:

(a) to carry out administrative measures at variance with the laws and administrative practice of that or of the other Contracting State;

(b) to carry out measures which would be contrary to public policy (ordre public);

(c) to provide assistance if the other Contracting State has not pursued all reasonable measures of collection or conservancy, as the case may be, available under its laws or administrative practice;

(d) to provide assistance in those cases where the administrative burden for that State is clearly disproportionate to the benefit to be derived by the other Contracting State..

Article 3

The Contracting States shall notify each other in writing through diplomatic channel of the completion of their domestic requirements for the entry into force of this Protocol. The Protocol shall enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

Article 4

The Protocol, which shall form an integral part of the Agreement, shall remain in force as long as the Agreement remains in force and shall apply as long as the Agreement itself is applicable.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, duly authorized, have signed this Protocol.

DONE in duplicate at Ha Noi, on this 3rd day of September, 2016, in English, Hindi and Vietnamese languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF

THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF

THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM

(Parvathaneni Harish)

Ambassador Extraordinary and

Plenipotentiary Republic of India to S.R. Vietnam

(Do Hoang Anh Tuan)

Vice Minister of Ministry of Finance.
By Nawied Jabarkhyl DUQM, Oman, (Reuters) - In the remote desert along Oman's southern coast, construction machines hired by a Chinese consortium are levelling an expanse of pale orange sand - a first step towards billions of dollars of investment. Over the past year the Chinese have become key to Oman's effort to transform Duqm, a fishing village 550 km (345 miles) south of Muscat, into an industrial centre that will help the country diversify its economy beyond oil and gas exports. In a pattern seen across much of the Middle East, the economic interests of the Omani and Chinese governments are coinciding in ways that promise a surge of Chinese capital into the region over the next few years. Oman's state finances have been hit hard by low oil prices, so it is scrambling to attract foreign money for new industrial zones that will create jobs for Omanis whom the government can no longer afford to employ. Duqm is its biggest such project. For China, the project is a potential success in its Belt and Road Initiative, a government-backed drive to win trade and investment deals along routes linking China to Europe. Duqm, which lies on the Arabian Sea, is a potential operating base for Chinese businesses near export markets which they want to develop in the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and East Africa. Duqm is also close to some of the raw materials which Chinese companies will need for that purpose: the oil and gas resources of the Gulf. The result could be a bonanza for Duqm. Eventually, Chinese firms aim to invest up to $10.7 billion (8.26 billion) there, said Ali Shah, chief executive of Oman Wanfang, the Chinese consortium. If that figure materialises - which is by no means certain, given the multi-year time frame and the many pressures on Chinese companies - it will be equivalent to over half of Oman's current stock of foreign direct investment. "Duqm isn't like Jeddah or like Dubai. It's still new, it needs time to develop. But we at Wanfang are thinking the future for Duqm will be better than those cities inside the Gulf," Ali Shah told Reuters. Duqm is marketing its location as a major attraction - not only its proximity to maritime trade routes but the fact that it lies outside the Strait of Hormuz, which could insulate it from conflict if regional tensions rise. CHINA'S MIDEAST MONEY As recently as 2009, China accounted for less than 1 percent of the stock of foreign direct investment in the Middle East, according to ChinaMed, a research operation at Italy's Torino World Affairs Institute. Partly because of Belt and Road, that is changing fast; the ratio rose above 5 percent in 2015. China was the top foreign investor in the Arab world in 2016, pledging $29.5 billion of new money, according to Kuwait's Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corp. The United States, the second biggest investor, accounted for $7 billion. The zone around Duqm already features a port and a dry dock, and is to include an oil refinery, built partly with Kuwaiti money, and petrochemical plants. Oman Wanfang plans to develop over 11 square kilometres (4 square miles), making the Chinese Duqm's largest prospective foreign tenants by far. Their first facility, a $138 million complex to store building materials and distribute them around the region, is to be completed within 18 months. Plans for a further nine Chinese facilities, including a $2.8 billion methanol plant, pipe factories, an $84 million vehicle assembly plant and a $203 million hotel, have been agreed in principle and are to be completed within five years. Oman has been trying to attract capital for Duqm from many nations. It had been hoping in particular for investment from Iran, with which it has close diplomatic ties, but Iran's economy is struggling. In January 2016 its top auto maker, Iran Khodro Industrial Group, agreed to study a proposal for a $200 million auto plant in Duqm, but no progress has been disclosed since then. For now at least, that leaves the Chinese as Duqm's best bet. Oman Wanfang is a consortium of six Chinese firms, many from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in north-central China, an area with a large Muslim population that is active in promoting business ties with Arab nations. Oman Wanfang's operations show how the Belt and Road scheme supports Chinese investment abroad. The consortium says its member firms are private and has announced no direct financial aid from Beijing, but it enjoys political support. In April, a deputy governor of Ningxia visited Duqm to lay the foundation stone for the Chinese industrial area and declare that Beijing's powerful National Development and Reform Commission backed the project. That seal of approval aids Oman Wanfang in negotiations with the Omani government and may help Chinese investors in Duqm obtain loans from Chinese banks, many of which are controlled by their government. In a sign of growing financial ties between the two countries, the Omani government borrowed $3.55 billion from Chinese financial institutions last month - the largest loan deal ever for a Gulf borrower in the Chinese market. (Additional reporting by Fatma Abusief in Dubai; Writing by Andrew Torchia; Editing by Pravin Char)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a weapon at an undisclosed location. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

Kim Jong-un is begging for war, the US envoy to the United Nations has said, following North Koreas latest nuclear test.

Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the Security Council in New York City that the US didnt want war, but that its patience was not unlimited.

Enough is enough, Haley said. We have taken an incremental approach, and despite the best of intentions, it has not worked.

Pyongyang has trialled nuclear weapons on six occasions, but this is the first time it has claimed to have developed a two-stage hydrogen bomb.

Following the USs calls for the strongest possible sanctions, Russian president Vladimir Putin condemned the nuclear test as provocative.

However, he said new sanctions against the regime would be useless and ineffective, and also warned against creating global catastrophe by making military threats.

South Koreas Hyunmoo II ballistic missile is fired during an exercise at an undisclosed location in South Korea. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP, File)

Yesterday, South Koreas ambassador to the UN Cho Tae-yul said a resolution had to be truly biting.

Now is the time to take measures that are strong and robust enough to compel North Korea to seriously engage in dialogue, he said.

The new resolution must include not only additional measures to further block funds that could possibly flow into North Koreas illegal nuclear program, but also truly biting and robust measures that Pyongyang finds very painful, he added.

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On Tuesday, South Koreas navy carried out live-fire naval drills and warned that if the North provoked them we will immediately hit back and bury them at sea.

Following the nuclear test, Theresa May said in a statement: This latest action by North Korea is reckless and poses an unacceptable further threat to the international community.

Story continues

I discussed the serious and grave threat these dangerous and illegal actions present with President Abe in Japan this week and reiterate the call we jointly made for tougher action, including increasing the pace of implementation of existing sanctions and looking urgently in the UN Security Council at new measures.

Previously, North Korea has tested atomic bombs  similar to those used by the US on Japan in 1945  but hydrogen, or thermonuclear, bombs can be 1,000 times more powerful.

The bomb was thought to have a power range from 50 kilotonnes to 120 kilotonnes, which would make it at least three times the size of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima.

It is not yet known if the bomb, which caused a 6.3magnitude earthquake, is a hydrogen bomb, or a less powerful fission-boosted bomb.
A ceasefire was agreed between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group on Monday, September 4. President Juan Manuel Santos announced it in a live address, while the ELN held a press conference in Ecuador.

The deal sees the beginning of a 102-day bilateral ceasefire from October 1. The announcement comes ahead of a visit to Colombia by Pope Francis this week. Credit: ELN Colombia via Storyful
By Natalia Zinets and Alessandra Prentice KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine says it will review a request from Georgia to arrest and extradite former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, one of the most colourful and divisive figures in the politics of both countries, if he re-enters Ukraine in the next few days. Brought in to help drive reforms after the 2014 Ukrainian uprising that ousted a pro-Russian leader, Saakashvili has been at loggerheads with the Kiev authorities since quitting as governor of the Odessa region last year and accusing President Petro Poroshenko of abetting corruption. Stripped of Ukrainian citizenship while on a trip abroad, he will try to re-enter Ukraine via the Polish border on Sunday, his staff and lawyers say, and expects to be greeted by supporters and lawmakers sympathetic to his cause. It is unclear how Ukrainian border guards will respond. "The justice ministry is sending the request from Georgia ... to Ukraine's general prosecutor for an extradition review," Deputy Justice Minister Serhiy Petukhov told a news conference. Saakashvili's representative Olena Galabala said: "If there are any questions regarding the extradition of Saakashvili, then firstly they need to let him into Ukraine and then resolve this issue. Otherwise it looks like intimidation." Saakashvili took power in Georgia after a peaceful pro-Western uprising, known as the Rose Revolution, in 2003. He was president at the time of a short and disastrous five-day war with Russia in 2008, a conflict that his critics argued was the result of his own miscalculations. The 49-year-old is now wanted on four separate criminal charges in Georgia, including abuse of office, which he says were trumped up for political reasons. HATED BY MOSCOW Loathed by the Kremlin, Saakashvili was once a natural ally for Poroshenko after Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014. But he has become one of the president's most vocal critics casting doubt on the Western-backed authorities' commitment to tackle entrenched corruption. Saakashvili has accused the Ukrainian authorities of using pressure tactics to deter him from returning to Kiev, where he has launched a campaign to unseat his former ally Poroshenko. Saakashvili's spokeswoman and his brother, David, were both questioned by authorities at the weekend. "In this way they're trying to influence me to change my mind about coming back," Saakashvili said in a post on Facebook. "You know me very badly - this just further strengthens my resolve to defend Ukraine and Ukrainians from the dirty dealers and their lawlessness." Interior ministry spokesman Artem Shevchenko said David Saakashvili's permission to reside in Ukraine had been annulled because his work permit had been withdrawn. "We didn't detain him. The Kiev police ensured the delivery of the Georgian citizen to the migration services," he told news agency Interfax Ukraine. Poroshenko's office says Saakashvili failed to deliver change while governor of Odessa. They have also said his citizenship was withdrawn because he allegedly put false information on his registration form. Saakashvili says the decision was politically motivated. Saakashvili last year founded a party called the Movement of New Forces, whose support is in the low single digits and which has been seeking to unite reformist opposition forces. (Additional reporting by Pavel Polityuk; writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
KABUL (Reuters) - Two Red Cross staff members kidnapped early this year in Afghanistan have been released, the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Tuesday. The two were abducted on Feb. 8 while delivering assistance in Jawzjan province, in the north of the country, on the border with Turkmenistan. Six of their colleagues were killed in the attack, which prompted the ICRC to suspend operations in Afghanistan for a time. "We are relieved and grateful that our colleagues are now back with us unharmed," the ICRC head of delegation in Afghanistan, Monica Zanarelli, said in a statement. At the time of the attack, officials in the area blamed Islamic State gunmen but the ICRC said it would not comment on the identity of the abductors, their motives or details of the release. Kidnapping has been a major problem in Afghanistan for many years. Most victims are Afghans abducted for ransom but foreigners or Afghans working for foreign organisations have also been targeted. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Workers at two McDonald's restaurants have walked out in a row over pay and conditions, in the first-ever strike to hit the fast food giant in the UK.

Staff at the chain's branches in Cambridge and Crayford had voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action amid concerns over the use of zero-hour contracts.

As well as demanding more secure working patterns, the striking workers also want to be paid a wage of at least 10 an hour.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) said the decision was taken after McDonald's missed "countless opportunities to resolve grievances".

Ian Hodson, the union's national president, added: "We fully support the historic decision by these brave workers to stand up and fight back against McDonald's - a company that has let them down one too many times. This is a call for change.

"For far too long, workers in fast food restaurants such as McDonald's have had to deal with poor working conditions, drastic cuts to employee hours, and even bullying in the workplace - viewed by many as punishment for joining a union."

Members of other trade unions also also joined picket lines outside the two restaurants.

One worker told Sky News: "Working for McDonald's is hard work. People seem to think that working for fast food restaurants is an easy job - it's not.

"One of the reasons why I'm out here is because I don't feel we get paid enough for the amount of work we do behind those counters."

McDonald's employs approximately 115,000 staff in the UK and one million worldwide.

In April, the company announced its workers would be offered a choice of flexible or fixed contracts with minimum guaranteed hours - but claims 86% wanted to stick with a flexible arrangement.

A McDonald's spokesman added: "The BFAWU has indicated that a small number of our people representing less than 0.01% of our workforce are intending to strike in two of our 1,270 UK restaurants.

"As per the terms of the ballot, the dispute is solely related to our internal grievance procedures and not concerning pay or contracts."

Story continues

McDonald's claims that three pay rises have been delivered to staff since April 2016, increasing the average hourly rate by 15%.

Striking workers and their supporters also staged a rally in Westminster, with Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell offering their support.

Applauding them for "making history", the Labour leader said: "They are standing up for workers' rights by leading the first-ever strike at McDonald's in the UK.

"Their demands are just and should be met."

Caroline Russell, Green Party assembly member for London, said: "Despite what McDonald's might like you to think, it's clear their workers are not in fact 'lovin' it'.

"The anxiety their informal contracts has created, the pressure they are under to find additional jobs to support their income, and the embarrassment they feel when they cannot pay for the basic things for their family, has pushed them to the brink."
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council established a Mali sanctions regime on Tuesday that allows the body to blacklist anyone who violates or obstructs a 2015 peace deal, hinders the delivery of aid, commits human rights abuses or recruits child soldiers. Anyone added to the blacklist would be subjected to a global travel ban or asset freeze, according to the French-drafted resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the 15-member Security Council. "We do see the sanctions as an additional tool in order to promote the peace agreement," French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre told the Security Council. "Time is not on our side and the peace agreement in Mali is one of the keys to stabilisation of the regional situation in the Sahel." The vast, arid Sahel region has in recent years become a breeding ground for jihadist groups - some linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State - that European countries, particularly France, fear could threaten Europe if left unchecked. A 2015 peace deal signed by Mali's government and separatist groups has failed to stop violence in northern Mali by Islamist militants, who have also staged assaults on high-profile targets in the capital Bamako, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. French forces intervened in 2013 to drive back Islamist fighters who had hijacked the Tuareg uprising to seize Mali's desert north in 2012. The U.N. Security Council then deployed peacekeepers to the country. Attacks on U.N. troops have made it the world body's deadliest peacekeeping mission. Anyone who attacks peacekeepers could be blacklisted by the Security Council. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
By Emma Rumney LONDON (Reuters) - PR agency Bell Pottinger lost its contract with banking giant HSBC and saw its second-biggest shareholder walk away on Tuesday after it was thrown out of an industry body for running a racially-charged campaign in South Africa. The firm, which provides crisis management to governments and corporations, is now caught up in a scandal of its own because of its campaign, seen as exploiting sensitive race relations to support President Jacob Zuma and his ruling party. Clients are now distancing themselves following its expulsion from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) for work the body described as "reprehensible". HSBC said it would no longer work with the firm following the news, while the Bank of Ireland said it was also reviewing their relationship. Bell Pottinger's second-largest shareholder, marketing agency Chime, walked away from the firm after giving up on trying to sell its stake, valued at around 5 million pounds ($6.51 million) and worth around 25 percent of the company. Chime instead wrote off its investment and handed its holding back. "We can confirm that we no longer have a stake in Bell Pottinger," a Chime spokesman said in a statement. Clients South African investment bank Investec, mining company Acacia, luxury goods firm Richemont, UK construction company Carillion and smaller UK bank CYBG have also dropped their Bell Pottinger accounts recently. The firm's troubles began when South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, complained to the PRCA that Bell Pottinger's campaign was trying to "divide and conquer" the South African public in order to keep Zuma and his party in power. The campaign portrayed opponents of Zuma as agents of "white monopoly capital", with slogans referring to "economic apartheid". These gained traction in a country where the white minority still wields disproportionate economic power, two decades after the end of apartheid. The PRCA, which represents 400 businesses and 20,000 individuals, said the firm had purposely played on frayed race relations. "The view of the PRCA board was that Bell Pottinger's actions were deliberately intended to create exactly the result they did -- stirring up racial hatred in a very sensitive area of the world," Francis Ingham, PRCA director general, said. Bell Pottinger was paid 100,000 pounds a month by Oakbay, the holding company of the Indian-born Gupta family, which has been accused of using its closeness to Zuma to win government contracts. Zuma and the Guptas deny any wrongdoing. UNPRECEDENTED STEP The expulsion came into effect on Tuesday for a minimum of five years, after which the firm can reapply. It is the harshest sanction possible and unprecedented for such a prominent member. In a statement, Bell Pottinger said it accepted there were lessons to be learned from its South Africa campaign but disputed "the basis on which the (PRCA) ruling was made". It said it would continue to abide by the PRCA's code of ethics. While Bell Pottinger can continue to operate, the ruling will take its toll in an industry that trades on reputation. In July, the firm's chief executive James Henderson issued an "unequivocal and absolute" apology to anyone affected, fired the lead partner involved in the campaign and suspended another partner and two other employees. It also commissioned an independent report by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, which found some of the campaign's material was potentially racially divisive and offensive, but rejected allegations that the company backed so-called Twitterbots to artificially amplify apparent public support. On Monday, after reading the independent report, Henderson resigned. He said while he had ultimate responsibility for Bell Pottinger, he had been "misled" over the campaign by colleagues. Tim Bell, co-founder of Bell Pottinger and the PR veteran who made his name by advising Britain's Margaret Thatcher, said it was "close to the end" for the agency. He said one reason he resigned as chairman of the firm in August 2016 was because of its work in South Africa -- although he had played a part in securing the Oakbay account. "It was inevitable, and I'm not surprised," he said of the PRCA expulsion. "I think it's very sad that something that I ran for years and years has been destroyed in less than a year," he told Reuters by telephone. (Reporting by Emma Rumney; additonal reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng in Johannesburg, Lawrence White and Ben Martin in London and Padraic Halpin in Ireland; editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of Chinese military live-fire exercises in the disputed South China Sea, amid rising tension between the two countries. The Maritime Safety Administration of China's southern province of Hainan, which oversees the South China Sea, said last month there would be live fire drills around the Paracel Islands, which Vietnam claims, until September 2. "Vietnam strongly objects this action by China and seriously requests China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. "Vietnam once again asserts that (we) will resolutely protect our sovereignty and our legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea (South China Sea) through peaceful measures that are suitable with international laws," the statement said. China claims nearly all the South China Sea, through which an estimated $3 trillion in international trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan also have claims. Tension between China and neighbouring Vietnam is at its highest in three years over the disputed waters. Vietnam suspended oil drilling in offshore waters that are also claimed by China in July under pressure from Beijing. China has appeared uneasy at Vietnam's efforts to rally Southeast Asian countries over the South China Sea as well as at its growing defence relationships with the United States, Japan and India. (Reporting by Mai Nguyen)
If North Korea remains committed to openly and provocatively advancing its nuclear program and the United States will accept nothing other than complete disarmament, a diplomatic solution is unlikely, says a Virginia Tech expert in nuclear politics and foreign policy.

If the U.S. demands North Korea begin dismantling its arsenal in exchange for talks then North Korea has little incentive to negotiate, says Paul Avey who teaches courses in national security, strategy, and world politics. On the other hand, if the two sides and other key regional actors can enter talks, potential solutions continue to exist. At the least, the two sides would be conducting additional dialogue which could reduce the chances for miscalculations.

Do you see potential bargaining outcome?

Though its unknown if either side is interested, one possibility would be that North Korea refrain from further nuclear weapon tests and halt provocative missile tests. In exchange, the United States would tacitly accept a nuclear-armed North Korea for the time being. This would reduce the most visible and dangerous aspects of the crisis  the Norths tests and heightened rhetoric from both sides that accompany those tests. With a bit more stability the two sides could explore additional options.

What role should the U.N. Security Council play?

Any use of force would be greatly facilitated if there were a Security Council resolution outlining the conditions when force could be considered, which the United States has frequently sought in the past when considering the use of force even if at times it was a selective reading of some of the resolutions used to justify the use of force. Im skeptical that this is realistic in the present climate.

Really with the Security Council it comes down to the permanent five members  the United States, Britain, France, China, and Russia. If any of those object, then a resolution would fail because each has veto power. So really when we say UN Security Council we mean that the United States needs to get its NATO allies and then China and Russia on board with a policy in order to be effective.

Would more stringent sanctions influence North Koreas actions?

Additional sanctions probably wont really change North Koreas behavior short of key countries  and here China is by far the most important  completely cutting them off. That could lead to the collapse of the regime itself. 

Is the presidents criticism of South Korea an effective tactic?

The President may believe that publicly pressuring South Korea will compel them to more closely align their policy with that of the United States, but Im not aware of foreign policy experts that argue this is likely to be effective. If North Koreas objective is to introduce cracks in U.S. alliances in the region then this plays into their hands.

About Virginina Techs Paul Avey

Before coming to Virginia Tech, Avey was a pre-doctoral fellow with the Managing the Atom project and International Security Program at Harvards Belfer Center for International Studies, a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at MIT. ( Paul Aveys Bio )

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Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 900 bank branches and 3,300 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
Albuquerque Cab Company, which closed its doors in March, has filed suit against ride sharing companies Lyft and Uber, arguing the companies unfairly competed with the cabbies, ultimately driving them out of business.

The Cab Company, through attorney Michael Cadigan, seeks high-level damages in its suit, filed in 2nd District Court in Albuquerque Aug. 24.

The suits main argument is that the ride share companies ignored state Public Regulation Commission requirements that the companies cease operations in the state. When they kept operating, they were unfairly competing against taxi companies, which are regulated by the PRC by the authority of the states Motor Carrier Act.

At the time, Lyft stopped operating in Albuquerque, though a state judge allowed them to continue operations in Santa Fe despite the PRCs ruling, according to Journal reporting.

Uber continued to operate in Albuquerque.

While state legislators and regulators eventually cleared the way for ride sharing companies to operate in the state, Cadigan argues that the authorization is not retroactive, and so for the time period the companies were ignoring the PRC, they were in violation of the Motor Carrier Act.

The Cab Company has incurred reductions in revenues as potential passengers have used (Lyft and Ubers) unlawful services instead of those of the Albuquerque Cab Company, Cadigan writes in the lawsuit.

He seeks a jury trial and damages, including treble damages, a legal action that allows a court to triple an original damage award amount.

Cadigan did not return a call for comment.

Uber and Lyft attorneys had not immediately responded to the suit.
PHOENIX  Young immigrants shielded from deportation by a program that President Donald Trump was expected to end were battling to keep those protections Monday, while preparing for the worst.

Those who were brought to the country illegally as children rallied to save the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, amid reports that Trump will announce Tuesday he is unraveling it. Young immigrants held protests nationwide and had plans to it again Tuesday.

Some worry they will have to work under the table in lower-wage jobs, while others hope to persevere or even start their own businesses.

Korina Iribe said she and her partner have been discussing what they need to do to protect their 2-year-old son in the event that they are no longer shielded from deportation or cannot work. Both were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Our son is U.S.-born, and ultimately for us, we want the best for him. But we also dont wanna go back to living in the shadows, said Iribe, from the Phoenix area.

They are preparing for the unknown, with Trump expected to end Obama-era protections for young immigrants who have permits to work in the U.S., but with a six-month delay. That would give Congress time to decide whether it wants to address the status of the law.

Details of the changes were not clear, including what would happen if lawmakers failed to pass a measure by the deadline.

Supporters of the program took to the streets Monday in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, South Carolina and elsewhere, holding up signs that read, No person has the right to rain on your dreams and You may say Im a dreamer but Im not the only one.

Iribe and her partner are planning on giving one of her sons grandparents power of attorney in case they are deported without notice. She is considering getting her son dual citizenship so he could join them in Mexico if needed.

Iribe said her family also will need to figure out how to pay for a mortgage on a home they bought two months ago.

For us, its more like how will we protect ourselves from deportation, and two, how will we make it work for our family, financially, Iribe said.

Abril Gallardo, 27, has used the work permit she got through DACA to get a job as a communications director for a Phoenix advocacy group. Thats allowed her to pay for college so far, although cutting off in her ability to work legally threatens that.

If she cant work anymore, Gallardo plans on helping with her moms catering business and hopes to start their own family restaurant one day.

The most important thing is that were safe together, and were there for each other, Gallardo said.

Evelin Salgado, 23, who came from Mexico 13 years ago, is worried about losing her job, her home and her drivers license if DACA is canceled.

Its like my life is crumbling on top of me, said Salgado, who graduated from Murray State University in Kentucky last year and in is her second year as a high school Spanish teacher just outside Nashville, Tennessee.

My hopes. My dreams. My aspirations. Everything my parents and I have worked so hard for. We dont know whats going to happen, she said.

Salgado and her parents rent a home and she helps them financially. They may be forced to move to a smaller home or an apartment because if I lose my job, of course, we cant pay for it.

Her father works in landscaping and her mother washes dishes at a restaurant. Thats what got Salgado through college.

Millions of people live in the United States undocumented. My parents, they work. So unless they put us in deportation procedures, we would have to go back in the shadows, Salgado said. By that I mean working on low-paying jobs, driving with no drivers license.

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John Raby contributed from Charleston, West Virginia.
HELENA, Mont.  Winds wreaked havoc on wildfires that were threatening two crown jewels of the National Park Service on Monday, pushing the flames toward manmade and natural icons in and around Glacier and Yosemite national parks.

The wind-driven fires, combined with high temperatures and dry conditions, have disrupted holiday travel and hampered firefighters across the West during a Labor Day weekend that capped a devastating summer in which an area larger than Rhode Island has burned.

The dozens of fires burning across the West and Canada have blanketed the air with choking smoke from Oregon, where ash fell on the town of Cascade Locks, to Colorado, where health officials issued an air quality advisory alert.

A fire in Montanas Glacier National Park emptied the parks busiest tourist spot as wind gusts drove the blaze toward the doorstep of a century old lodge. The 14-square-mile (36-square-kilometers) fire that consumed a historic Glacier backcountry chalet last week was about a mile away from Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel.

The lodges setting on the lake as the Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide has made it an endearing park symbol for many visitors, and its the jumping-off point for hikes, boat rides, horseback riding and tours in old-fashioned buses known as jammers.

Rangers evacuated tourists and residents from 55 homes near the lake on Sunday as firefighters laid hoses and sprinklers around the hotel. On Monday, fire crews got bad news: The wind had shifted and gusts were driving the fire down the mountainside toward the lakes shores.

Losing Lake McDonald Lodge on top of the destruction of Sperry Chalet last week would be unimaginably devastating, said Mark Hufstetler, a historian who worked at the lodge for several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

These are some of the most remarkable buildings anywhere in the United States and they are an integral part of the Glacier experience and the Glacier tradition, Hufstetler said. If they did not exist, that experience and that tradition would not exist, either.

Fire crews understood the significance of the lodge and were ready to protect it, said fire information officer Diane Sine.

Its important to all of us and a very high priority to do whatever we can to preserve that, she said.

Outside Californias Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire on Sunday drove deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees. Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove, and had not killed any trees.

Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low intensity fires. The blaze burned low-level brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.

They have thick bark and made it through pretty well, Chipman said.

There are about 100 giant sequoias in the grove, including the roughly 24-story-high Bull Buck sequoia, one of the worlds largest. Fire crews also wrapped 19th-century cabins in shiny, fire-resistant material to protect them from the flames.

The fire threatening the grove was one of several in the area  one of which closed some trails in Yosemite. A road leading to the parks southern entrance was also closed.

Brenda Negley woke up Monday in her Oakhurst home 14 miles away and found her truck covered with ash. Her mother was there, too, after evacuating her own home, but Negleys thoughts were with the peaceful and secluded grove that she has regularly visited since childhood.

Ive been sick with worry over Nelder Grove, she said. As much as Nelder Grove is my home, and I dont want to lose my home, I want to save my moms home and everyone elses home.

Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses. The fire has burned 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) in the community of Helena about 150 miles south of the Oregon border.

In Los Angeles, a fire that destroyed four homes and threatened hillside neighborhoods is no longer actively burning, but firefighters remained at the scene in case the wind reignited the blaze, Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said.

Still, Terrazas said Monday that wind conditions could re-ignite the blaze, so fire officials were not reducing the number of firefighters at the scene.

___

Thanawala reported from San Francisco

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This story has been changed to correct the name of Oregon town to Cascade Locks, not Cascade Lakes
Its been nearly 50 years since the first human-to-human heart transplant was performed.

That operation, performed on Dec. 3, 1967, by South African Dr. Christiaan Barnard on 53-year-old Louis Washkansky, gave people with serious cardiac problems hope for a new lease on life.

Cardiac surgery has come a long way since then. A tiny device that won FDA approval in 2013 marked another step forward by giving options to heart patients too frail to undergo the kind of open heart surgery traditionally needed to fix a leaky valve.

The MitraClip is a roughly thumbnail-size device that can be used to repair the valve without the risks of opening the chest and putting the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine during surgery, said Dr. Sharif Halim an interventional cardiologist with Presbyterian Healthcare Services.

Presbyterian recruited Halim from Duke University where he had been performing MitraClip surgery and, in January last year, Presbyterians downtown Albuquerque hospital became the first facility in New Mexico to offer the minimally invasive technique. Since then, 25 patients have had the tiny devices inserted at the hospital. Theyve come from all over New Mexico, Southern Colorado and El Paso, Halim said.

Kendall Williams, 61, was one of those patients. He was suffering from mitral valve regurgitation, a condition where the valve that prevents heart-bound oxygenated blood from flowing backward into the lungs, is malfunctioning. Patients with this condition typically feel short of breath and fatigue easily. It is usually related to age, a birth defect or underlying heart disease.

Williams had suffered a heart attack and received a stent to open a blockage in his heart artery. But in the following weeks, he lacked appetite and lost 75 pounds, developed pneumonia and suffered kidney failure.

Coincidentally, a friend of Williams read a Journal article about Presbyterian offering the MitraClip surgery and told him about it. Williams didnt know what a mitral valve was, but called Presbyterian hospital.

Dr. Robert Federici, medical director of Presbyterians heart program, said Williams overall health was too compromised to allow open heart surgery, making him a candidate for the MitraClip.

The procedure involves a tiny incision in the groin through which a catheter tube carrying the MitraClip is inserted and directed to the heart. The MitraClip brings the valve flaps together to prevent leakage. The device is produced by Abbott Laboratories. They are made of a metal called cobalt-chromium and covered in a polyester fabric which allows the bodys tissue to grow over it.

It saved my life, said Williams.

In the months after the surgery, Williams said he regained 40 pounds and has been able to enjoy traveling all over the country.

Im lucky to be alive. Im lucky Im not on oxygen and Im lucky Im not on dialysis, Williams said.

Federici said the MitraClip surgery is part of a comprehensive cradle to grave heart program at Presbyterian.

Our vision is to be able to provide national class cardiac care for patients in New Mexico, said Federici.
WASHINGTON  Just so theres no confusion: Donald Trumps longtime personal lawyer emailed Vladimir Putins personal spokesman? Seeking help from the Kremlin on a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow? During the presidential campaign?

Yes, this really happened. While most attention was rightly focused on the devastating flood in Houston, there was quite a bit of news on the Russia front  all of it, from Trumps perspective, quite bad.

The revelations begin with a Trump business associate named Felix Sater. A Russian emigre who bragged about his Kremlin connections, Sater was a principal figure in development of the Trump Soho hotel and condominium project in lower Manhattan. Sater wrote a series of emails to Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen, touting the Moscow Trump Tower project as a way to help Trump win the presidency.

In November 2015  five months after Trump had entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination  Sater wrote to Cohen that he had arranged for Trumps daughter Ivanka, during a 2006 visit to Moscow, to sit in Putins private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin.

The email went on, I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected. We both know no one else knows how to pull this off without stupidity or greed getting in the way. I know how to play it and we will get this done. Buddy, our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this.

Could Sater be just a blowhard who exaggerated his influence with the Russian president? Perhaps. But Ivanka Trump did tell The New York Times that she took a brief tour of Red Square and the Kremlin during that 2006 visit. The Times reported she said that it is possible she sat in Mr. Putins chair during that tour but she did not recall it.

There is no evidence that Cohen, one of Trumps closest associates, found anything improper in Saters pledge to get Putin on this program. Nor did Cohen or anyone in the Trump Organization bother to disclose the emails  or the Trump firms effort, even during the campaign, to profitably emblazon the Trump name on the Moscow skyline  until the correspondence was turned over to the House Intelligence Committee last Monday.

And theres more: In January 2016, with the Moscow project apparently stalled, Cohen went straight to the top to get it back on track  or at least tried to. He sent an email to Dmitry Peskov, Putins longtime personal spokesman, hereby requesting your assistance.

Peskov confirmed that the email was received but said he did nothing about it and that it was not given to Putin.

So Trump was lying when he tweeted, shortly before his inauguration, that I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA  NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! The truth is that in October 2015, on the same day he participated in a GOP candidates debate, he signed a letter of intent for the Moscow Trump Tower project.

That is a deal.

The other part involves the whole question of collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign to meddle with the election and boost Trumps chances. Saters boasts, by themselves, are hardly definitive. But of course there is the larger context, which includes the infamous meeting that Donald Trump Jr. convened in New York at which he hoped to receive dirt, courtesy of the Russian government, on Hillary Clinton.

Thus far we have the presidents son; his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who was at that meeting; his then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, also at the meeting; and now his personal lawyer all seemingly eager for Russian help in the election. Who in the campaign wasnt willing to collude?

All of this is under scrutiny by special counsel Robert Mueller and the various congressional committees that are conducting investigations. Some have suggested Trumps pardon of Joe Arpaio, the unrepentant birther and racial profiler, might have been a message to Trump associates facing heat from prosecutors: Hang tough and dont worry, youll get pardons.

But there was more bad news for the president: Politico reported that Mueller is now cooperating and sharing information with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Presidents can only issue pardons for federal offenses, not state crimes. Uh-oh.

Robinsons columns, including those not published in the Journal, can be read at abqjournal.com/opinion  look for the syndicated columnist link. E-mail: eugenerobinson@washpost.com; copyright, Washington Post Writers Group.
LONDON  Britains chief Brexit negotiator faced a jeering House of Commons on Tuesday, as lawmakers returning from summer recess challenged government plans to intensify talks with the European Union.

David Davis ticked off what he described as accomplishments thus far in the negotiations and described Britains position as flexible and pragmatic. As the heckles rose, a languid Davis leaned against the dispatch box and said his message to the European Commission had always been to put people above process.

Ultimately, businesses and citizens on both sides want us to move swiftly on to discussing the future partnership and we want that to happen after the European Council in October, if possible, he said.

Britain wants to persuade the 27 other EU nations to start negotiating a future relationship that would include a free trade deal between Britain and the EU by the fall.

The EU says those negotiations cant start until sufficient progress has been made on three initial issues: how much money the U.K. will have to pay to leave the bloc; whether security checks and customs duties will be instituted on the Irish border; and the status of EU nationals living in Britain.

Brussels has expressed frustration on the course of the talks.

As Davis argued progress had been made on citizens rights, financial settlements, Ireland and Northern Ireland, the chamber erupted into laughter and still more jeers. Unfazed, Davis pressed on.

Nobody has ever pretended this would be simple or easy, he said.

The opposition Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, argued that too many promises had been made about Brexit which cant be kept.

It is a fantasy to think that you can have a deep and comprehensive trade deal without shared institution and the sooner we face up to that the better, Starmer said.

Prime Minister Theresa May is bracing for the first test of the governments new term of office. Lawmakers this week will begin debating the Brexit Repeal Bill, which will effectively transfer EU law to U.K. statute books on the day Britain leaves the bloc.

Opposition Labour Party members have said they will vote against the bill, arguing it would allow ministers to grab power from Parliament.

Some members of Mays Conservative Party are suggesting they may vote against the bill in the later stages of the legislative process.
SEOUL, South Korea  South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office four months ago with plans to reach out to North Korea in a way his conservative predecessors did not in the previous decade. Two ICBM launches and one nuclear test later, his government is ramping up its defenses, with some officials even considering asking the United States to bring back tactical nuclear weapons a generation after their removal from the Korean Peninsula.

Seouls new interest in stronger weapons received a boost Tuesday when the Trump administration agreed to remove previous restrictions on South Korean missiles.

But South Korean hunger for military strength goes beyond just missiles. Government officials also endorse the nation getting nuclear-powered submarines. And Seouls defense minister says the idea of bringing back U.S. tactical nukes to South Korea should be deeply considered by the allies.

This shift right by the liberal Moon underscores deep unease that the Norths expanding nuclear weapons arsenal will undermine the countrys decades-long alliance with the United States. Pyongyang may soon perfect an intercontinental ballistic missile that can target the U.S. mainland.

Here are some of the military capabilities South Korea is pursuing or may soon:

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BALLISTIC MISSILES

South Korea says stronger missiles are crucial to the so-called kill chain pre-emptive strike capability it wants to use to target North Korea. A pre-emptive strike against Pyongyangs leadership would be difficult to undertake, but its widely seen as the most realistic of the limited military options Seoul has to deny a nuclear attack from its rival.

In August, South Korea conducted the last scheduled flight test of a new missile with a range of 800 kilometers (500 miles). It will soon join the Hyunmoo family of ballistic missiles that currently have a maximum range of 500 kilometers (310 miles).

While Seouls military says its missiles are currently capable of wiping out North Korean structures on land, it says heavier warheads are needed to target North Koreas underground facilities and bunkers.

Following North Koreas second test of an ICBM in July, Moon ordered his military to schedule talks with the United States to increase warhead weight limits on South Koreas maximum-range missiles. Moons office didnt announce any changes to the range limit on Tuesday.

South Korean missile developments have been constrained by a bilateral guideline between the allies since the late 1970s, when Washington sought to check Seouls missile development under military dictator Park Chung-hee, a staunch anti-communist who ruled South Korea in the 1960s and 70s. The restrictions have been eased over the years.

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NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBS

Several South Korean government officials, including Prime Minster Lee Nak-yon, the countrys No. 2, have been calling for South Korea to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine. South Koreas navy is planning a feasibility study over getting such vessels, although some experts see the possibility as low.

Supporters say such vessels are critical for coping with North Koreas submarine-launched ballistic missile system because they can operate much longer than conventional diesel-powered submarines without refueling. That gives them a better chance to find and track North Korean subs, they argue.

In August last year, the North successfully test-fired for the first time a submarine-launched ballistic missile that flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). Such technology in the hands of North Korea is an alarming thought for South Korea and Japan because such weapons are harder to detect before launch.

If South Korea makes a real push for nuclear-powered subs, critics say it may never overcome political and technical hurdles. Washington may also balk at Seouls acquisition of the enriched uranium needed to operate such submarines. Critics also argue that Washington already provides its ally a nuclear umbrella of protection and can easily ship in assets to detect and contain North Korean submarines when needed.

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TACTICAL NUKES

Experts say South Korea would have an even harder time persuading the United States to re-introduce tactical nukes to the Korean Peninsula. These were withdrawn in the 1990s.

Even so, that hasnt stopped lawmakers from South Koreas largest conservative party from demanding the return of the weapons. Song Young-moo, Seouls defense minister, told lawmakers Monday that the allies should consider the issue.

South Koreans who support the return of U.S. tactical nukes often raise fears of rifts in the decades-old security alliance between Washington and Seoul because of North Koreas expanding nuclear weapons program.

If North Korea obtains a fully functional ICBM, the United States might hesitate using its nuclear weapons to defend South Korea because of worries that North Korea might then strike a U.S. city, they say. Placing U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea would make clear the intent to use nukes in a crisis.

Critics say its highly unlikely the United States would ever agree because it now relies on homeland and sea-based military assets to provide its allies extended nuclear deterrence. Some South Korean military experts say the nukes wouldnt meaningfully improve the Souths defense and would only provide North Korea more targets to destroy or even attempt to steal.
New Mexicos congressional Democrats excoriated President Donald Trumps decision today to end a program that allows children who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents to remain in the country.

Rep. Steve Pearce, the delegations lone Republican defended the presidents action and called for a long-term policy solution.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  or DACA program  this morning, focusing on the administrations legal defense for ending the program. DACA has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens., Sessions said.

In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch, the attorney general added.

The effect of this unilateral executive amnesty, among other things, contributed to a surge of unaccompanied minors on the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences. It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens.

The government will stop processing new applications under President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

But the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, an Albuquerque Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and who is running for governor of New Mexico in 2018, blasted the presidents decision as an indefensible and unjust act of cruelty. There are about 8,000 young people in New Mexico who are beneficiaries of the program.

In every way, DACA has made our nation stronger and kept alive the American dream for 800,000 aspiring Americans, Lujan Grisham said. DREAMers lives are not bargaining chips and should not be used as pawns in furthering the Presidents anti-immigrant agenda. They are children who are American in every way, their contributions are real, and they and their futures should be treated with the dignity to which every person is entitled.

Any attempt to end DACA, whether it is tomorrow or in six-months, will devastate lives, ruin families, and disrupt businesses and local economies, Lujan Grisham added. Such a deliberately immoral decision would tear at the fabric of our country and be a permanent stain on our history. It is critical that the President uphold DACA until Congress passes the DREAM Act.

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, a Santa Fe Democrat who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, also criticized the decision..

DACA has enabled nearly 800,000 talented young people to contribute more fully to this country, he said. Theyre nurses, engineers, small business owners, our friends and our neighbors. These young people came to the United States under the age of 16, some of them only a year or two old. They grew up in the U.S., going to our public schools, singing the Star Spangled Banner, pledging allegiance to the only flag theyve ever known: the American flag.

Since 2012, the 9,000 DREAMers in New Mexico have not had to live in fear of deportation, he added. If the Trump administration moves ahead with this mean-spirited attempt to repeal DACA, those young people and their families will once again risk being torn apart. 

Sen. Tom Udall, also a Democrat, said DACA has compassionately allowed 9,000 young New Mexicans, who have known no other country than the United States as their home, to remain in the U.S. to pursue their dreams.

These young people came to our country as children, and today, they are working and going to school to become teachers, doctors, engineers, Udall said. They are making our country stronger  reneging on our promise to them now is hurtful and wrong, not to mention a disaster for our economy.

The United States of America that I love honors its commitments, and I will fight tooth and nail to defend our Dreamers and prevent families from being ripped apart, Udall added. Instead of peddling these dangerous, hateful proposals to deport young people who are contributing to our society and waste billions of dollars to build a pointless wall, we should be focused on comprehensive legislation to fix our immigration system.

Pearce, who is also running for governor in 2018, said the DACA program is a harmful and damaging program that fails to provide certainty and leaves millions with an illusion of hope.

 It is only a temporary fix for millions of young adults who have only ever known the United States as home., Pearce said. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress for fairness, justice, and family unity, and will fight for a permanent change for DREAMERS that ensures both current and future generations do not face the same challenges and burdens.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., called it a heartless and grave mistake.

We should never be a country that kicks out some of our best and brightest students, Heinrich said. In the five years since its implementation, DACA has changed the lives of many of our brightest students and veterans who have come out of the shadows to earn an education, contribute to our economy, and give back to their communities and their country. Ive had the privilege of meeting DREAMers in New Mexico and sharing their inspiring stories. These young people are smart, inspiring, and most of them dont know how to be anything but American.

We should not be a nation that tears families apart, he added.

Meanwhile, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas was on MSNBC moments after Sessions announcement. He criticized the decision and called it a black eye on the nation. He also said the DACA recipients are just as legal as Melania Trump, the nations foreign-born First Lady, whose immigration status has also been called into question.

I believe the legal fight has only begun there are many attorneys general who will defend the DACA program, he said.

Balderas said many so-called Dreamers who are benefiting from the program are law enforcement officers, first responders, teachers and others who contribute to the fabric of America.

There absolutely is a real public safety emergency in our border states, Balderas told MSNBC. I believe its created a public safety crisisand I dont believe communities re going to sit idle and let Washington play politics.

I hope the president will quit playing politics and put American security first, he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
SANTA FE  About 400 people rallied at Santa Fe Community College Tuesday  including students who walked out of classes with support from the college administration  to protest President Donald Trumps decision to rescind a program which protects hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

Many at the rally/walkout have been beneficiaries of former President Barrack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Hector Aveldano of New Mexico Dreamers in Action, which organized the rally, called Trumps action really messed up.

DACA has been a success, everybody knows DACA has been a success, he said. Aveldano said the so-called dreamers are here to stay and need to rally together in the next six months and try to protect the program.

The Trump administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative alternative to DACA before the government stops renewing permits for people covered by the program.

Dulce Ramirez, a 16-year-old junior at Monte del Sol Charter School and a DACA beneficiary, said at the rally that her hope of attending college at Florida International University has been clouded by uncertainty about what happens next. She said shes trying to remain positive but called the presidents decision heartbreaking.

Im holding on to that hope, she said of being able to attend college in the U.S. despite her undocumented status. Ramirez, one of several high school and college students who spoke at the SFCC rally, came to Santa Fe from Guanajuato, Mexico more than 15 years ago.

Though Santa Fe Community College does not keep track of how many of its students are protected by DACA, President Randy Grissom said he estimates there are several hundred undocumented students attending classes at what the SFCC board has declared a sanctuary campus and who are eligible for in-state tuition.

Grissom issued a letter to the colleges staff and students early Tuesday inviting the general community to the rally.

Santa Fe Community College is devoted to helping students improve their lives through accessible and affordable education, he wrote. Discrimination and inequality are anathema to this goal. Dreamers, we value and support you. You are part of what makes the college great. Santa Fe Community College stands with you.

This needs to be a welcoming country, not a deporting country, he told the crowd later at the rally. City Councilor Renee Villarreal said Santa Fe will continue fighting in any way we can to keep DACA alive.

Mayor Javier Gonzales tweeted Tuesday, Santa Fe will stand by and up for our Dreamers. It will be a heartless unpresidential act if #POTUS ends #DACA.

There were other rallies around the state. NM Dream Team, an organization that advocates for the roughly 8,000 New Mexico youth who benefit from DACA, organized walkouts in Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College and nine Duke City high schools, and a large rally kicked off at 4 p.m. at the Civic Plaza there.

Dianna I. Fernandez-Dominguez, a 26-year-old part-time student at SFCC, was another DACA-recipient speaker at the Santa Fe rally. Im concerned about after [Congress potentially] drop[s] DACA, whether theyll go after us, said after addressing the crowd in Spanish, .

She said DACA would affect more than just the people who would lose legal protections. The country would be minus individuals contributing to the economy, she said.

The country benefits too, she said Theres a lot of good people out here.

About 70 Monte del Sol students attended the rally. School secretary Udell Calzadillas said he helped bring the students. Udell said there are many undocumented students at the school and it was important the show solidarity on the DACA issue.

Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica Garcia said she was only aware of two non-charter students walking out of classes, at Capital High School. Their absences would be handled like any others as to what is allowed, Garcia said. The students could get an excused absence with parental permission, she said.

Santa Fe city governments advisory Immigration Committee was scheduled to meet Tuesday and discuss DACA, but the meeting was cancelled. Marcela Diaz, committee member and executive director of immigrant advocacy organization Somos Un Pueblo Unido, said most of the members were attending an Albuquerque vigil in protest of Trumps decision. Its terrible, no doubt, but theres time, she said of the DACA situation. And Congress needs to do it job.

She said the largest impact wont be on the youngest DACA beneficiaries but on those in the workforce, including many filling worker shortages in areas such as health care. These are folks who are staying in their communities getting these jobs; when their DACA expires, if Congress doesnt act or its not renewed that will be an immediate loss of income, said Diaz.
BEIRUT  Syrian troops and allied forces reached the eastern city of Deir el-Zour on Tuesday, breaching a three-year-old Islamic State siege on parts of the contested city near the Iraqi border, the army command and a war monitoring group said.

Lifting the siege on Deir el-Zour, parts of which have been ruled by the extremist group since January 2015, marks another victory for President Bashar Assad, whose forces have been advancing on several fronts against IS and other insurgents over the past year.

It also puts an end to a humanitarian crisis for the estimated 70,000 people who survived on erratic air drops of food and supplies during the 32-month siege. Syrian state media said dozens of trucks carrying aid are ready to move in.

The army command said in a statement that reaching Deir el-Zour marks a strategic turn in the war against terrorism, and that the city will be used as a launching pad to expand military operations in the region.

Syrian state TV said troops reached the western outskirts of the city and broke the siege after IS defenses collapsed. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also reported that troops had breached the siege.

The militants did give up easily and used lots of suicide car bombs yesterday, but could not resist much, said opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who currently lives in Europe but is from Deir el-Zour and is in contact with people there.

IS has suffered a series of major setbacks in recent months. Iraqi forces drove the extremists from the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in June, and U.S.-backed Syrian forces have seized more than half of the Syrian city of Raqqa, once the groups self-styled capital.

Syrian troops and allied militiamen, backed by Russias air force, have for months been advancing toward Deir el-Zour, the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name.

An exiled Deir el-Zour resident and former opposition fighter, whose family has remained in the city in IS-controlled areas, welcomed the lifting of the siege but expressed concern over the fate of civilians in IS-controlled areas. He spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for the safety of his family.

Deir el-Zour is in the Euphrates River Valley, which stretches all the way to the Iraqi border, taking in several towns and villages, and is the largest remaining IS stronghold. The extremists still control around 60 percent of the city, and it could take Assads forces months to drive them out.

The offensive that led to breaking the siege was led by Gen. Suheil al-Hassan, who is known as the Tiger. Al-Hassan has been behind much of recent victories by government forces, including the capture of eastern parts of the northern city of Aleppo in December, the governments biggest victory since the conflict began in March 2011.

Assads office released a statement saying he had called to congratulate the commanders who were defending the city.

Russias Defense Ministry said a Russian warship in the Mediterranean fired cruise missiles early Tuesday toward IS targets near the city. The ministry said it targeted a fortified area around the town of el-Shola, where most of the militants are believed to hail from Russia and former Soviet republics.

The ministry said its drone footage showed that the missile strikes destroyed a communications center, command centers, ammunition depots, a repair shop for armored vehicles and killed an unspecified number of militants.

Tuesdays breakthrough came after government forces dismantled mines around the once besieged government-held air base known as Brigade 137.

DeirEzzor 24, an activist group that has reporters throughout the eastern province, reported heavy clashes near the village of Jabra, adjacent to the besieged area.

____

Associated Press writer Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow and Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria contributed reporting.
Dental practices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque have started referring patients to a dental concierge service that takes New Mexicans south of the border for what the company says are less expensive treatments.

While local dentists may not have been forthcoming with referrals to Mexico in the past, some now want patients who cant afford care in the U.S. to receive needed treatments, said Ralph Grosswald, managing partner of Beyond Borders Dental, a Santa Fe-based business that launched in early 2016.

Grosswald declined to identify the practices or say how many are providing referrals.

Rising dental costs are prompting cash-pinched New Mexicans to seek less expensive care with the help of go-betweens like Grosswald, whose business has been taking clients to dental clinics in Palomas, Mexico. He said clients can save as much as 80 percent on most treatments.

I think the bottom line is that the dental professionals know that the need for care, sometimes stretching into thousands of dollars, is epidemic, and a lot of people cant afford it due to limited insurance or fixed incomes, especially retirees, said Grosswald. They (dentists) arent real eager to lose the business but will help people who arent getting any care at all.

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 114 million Americans dont have dental insurance, including 46 million people aged 65 or older. And for those who do, the costs of dental work for more costly procedures, such as root canals, crowns or implants can still be out of reach.

Medicare has never covered so-called routine dental care.

As an indication of the need, more than 1,200 people showed up in April for free care provided by the state dental association at an event in Santa Fe. Another event is scheduled Sept. 22 & 23 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

Dr. Tom Schripsema, an Albuquerque dentist and past president of the New Mexico Dental Association, in an earlier interview emphasized that consumers traveling to Mexico for dentistry should proceed with caution. He also recommend that people explore all the options with their local dentists. Most have payment arrangements that can be made if money is an issue, he said.

Matthew Messina, a practicing dentist and consumer adviser on behalf of the American Dental Association, said Americans who visit dentists in foreign countries should do a lot of research. Different countries use different types of equipment, and some items, such as implants, may not have warranties. Malpractice lawsuits may not be an option.
Jackson County District Attorney Gerald Fox, 56, died unexpectedly Monday in Eau Claire County during a sport shooting event.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but officials said he died of natural causes. He is survived by his wife, Susan Fox.

Fox was elected in 2006 and re-elected to four-year terms in 2008, 2012 and most recently in 2016. He recently was recommended by U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin as one of two candidates to fill the vacant U.S. attorney position in the western district of Wisconsin.

He didnt sit back and just take it easy in his office. He took on major cases. His presence in the courts was known, not only with his voice, but with his knowledge of the courts, Jackson County Sheriff Duane Waldera said. He was a really well-known district attorney that did well for the citizens.

County officers are meeting with district attorneys office staff today, and clerical help has been retained for the office.

We are going to try and function and run the courts as business as usual. There might be some delayed or rescheduling, but we dont know that up to this point, Waldera said.

Assistant District Attorney Melissa Inlow will be interim district attorney until Gov. Scott Walker appoints a new district attorney.
NEW YORK  Technology companies and executives of other industries criticized the Trump administration for its plan to undo protections for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants and called on Congress to help them.

President Donald Trump said he will dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, an Obama-era initiative that allowed young people who were brought into the U.S. illegally as children to work legally in the U.S., shielding them from deportation. Winding down the program could put the immigrants at risk of being sent back to the countries of their birth. The administration says Congress has six months to come up with a fix.

Tech companies have pushed back against efforts to curb immigration, which they see as vital to their industry. Immigrants make up about one-quarter of the U.S. technology and science workforce, and many in Silicon Valley feel a personal connection to the issue.

On Tuesday, Microsofts president, Brad Smith, said in a blog post that Congress should move quickly with new legislation to protect these 800,000 Dreamers, using a popular term for the young immigrants. Notably, Smith explicitly urged that immigration legislation take precedence over tax reform, another big legislative priority for corporate America.

Microsoft will also help affected employees with attorneys, amicus briefs and, when appropriate, direct legal intervention. If Dreamers who are our employees are in court, we will be by their side, Smith wrote. He said there are 39 affected employees that the company knows of.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called the decision a sad day for our country in a post , adding that it is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a note to employees that he was deeply dismayed that 800,000 Americans  including more than 250 of our Apple coworkers  may soon find themselves cast out of the only country theyve ever called home. He said Apple will work with Congress on legislation that provides permanent protections for all the Dreamers in our country and that the company will support employees in need.

Ubers chief technology officer, Thuan Pham, who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Vietnam, wrote in an online post that the ride-hailing company will stand by immigrants who want nothing more than to contribute to our country and pursue the American Dream.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted that Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers.

IBM posted a series of tweets supporting legislation to let the young immigrants stay in the U.S. and said that we stand by our IBM #Dreamers.

Other industries also slammed President Trumps actions Tuesday. Randy Falco, CEO of the company that owns Spanish-language broadcaster Univision, said in a statement that he was disappointed, to say the least, in the administrations actions Tuesday and that Congress must fix this mess.

Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo, owned by Comcasts NBCUniversal, also urged Congress to act and said the young immigrants are integral to the economy, culture and spirit of our nation.

Disney CEO Bob Iger tweeted that Congress must act fast to protect the young immigrants.

The CEO of Goldman Sachs spoke out against undoing DACA, tweeting , I wouldnt deport a kid who was brought here and only knows America. Congress must address. Ford, in a statement, also pushed for legislation to protect the young immigrants. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the U.S. should support immigrants who come to learn and work hard.

A letter from the technology-industry lobbying group FWD.us last week asked the president to keep DACA and for Congress to replace it with permanent legislation. Names attached to the letter included the heads of Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, Facebook, General Motors, Google, HP, Microsoft, Netflix, Starbucks, Twitter, Visa, Wells Fargo and Warren Buffett.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business group, said undoing the protections and deporting the young immigrants was contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country and said the administration and Congress must find a legislative solution quickly.
Felipe Rodriguez is not afraid to tell his story.

Rodriguez, 23, is a psychology student in his last year at University of New Mexico. Hes also an undocumented immigrant  something he announced to hundreds of people in front of UNMs administration building Tuesday.

The crowd  assembled as part of a campus walkout and rally organized by an immigrant rights group  responded with its full-throated support, following Rodriguezs lead as he chanted: I am somebody, and I deserve full equality. Right here. Right now.

New Mexico Dream Team orchestrated the UNM gathering and several other around the state in response Tuesdays news that President Donald Trump intends to scuttle DACA, an Obama-era policy that provides protection from deportation for some undocumented immigrants who are going to school and working.

That includes Yazmin Irazoqui Ruiz, who moved to the U.S. From Mexico with her single mother in 1995. She was 3 years old. Irazoqui Ruiz has since graduated from Del Norte High School, earned her bachelors degree and completed two years at the UNM School of Medicine.

Given the current political climate, the New Mexico Dream Team member said she decided to take a leave of absence this year to funnel her energy into fighting for immigrant rights. Irazoqui Ruiz said she was heartened by Tuesdays event  at which people from across the UNM community rallied alongside DACA students  and that it reflected years of effort. Rally-goers held signs with messages like Here to Stay and Professors for DACA They chanted Undocumented! Unafraid!

That support did not come out of nowhere. Students had been advocating for themselves and their peers, and we had allies who advocated for us, Irazoqui Ruiz said in an interview. Its taken work.

UNM does not maintain records on the number of DACA recipients on its campus, according to a spokeswoman.

But the campus two highest-ranking administrators made it clear Tuesday they should be able to stay. Interim President Chaouki Abdallah told the throng outside his office that the university was still trying to understand exactly how Trumps decision would impact the UNM community. But he stressed that the school was working with other universities and leaders at the local, state and national level to push Congress to act to preserve the protections.

The University of New Mexico supports DACA students  supports everyone who is on this campus, Abdallah said to loud cheers.

Thank you so much for what youre doing, he added. And were with you.

Paul Roth, chancellor of UNMs Health Sciences Center, echoed those sentiments.

The country needs you; our population in New Mexico needs you. We firmly stand behind your efforts, he said.

Rodriguez does not qualify for DACA since his family immigrated to the U.S. From Mexico in 2012, years after the qualifying cutoff. That makes him more vulnerable to possible deportation.

But he said Tuesday that its important to make his presence known.

The Trump administration is purposely trying to make us afraid again and go back into the shadows. A really big value of our movement is to come out of the shadows and be fearless, he said.  I dont feel so much fear being part of the movement; you get a huge support system, as you can see, that will take action in case something happens.

Irazoqui Ruiz expressed wariness about Congress willingness and ability to find a solution.

But my faith is also not in Congress; my faith is in my community, she said. As you can see our people came out; our people are willing to fight. Documentation does not define us. We know that. We know that together were strong and were going to continue to fight.

UNMs student government issued a resolution Tuesday to show its support for undocumented students. It said the Associated Students of UNM will not be silent while our undocumented peers struggle without an advocate to channel their voice.

The resolutions objectives include getting the UNM Board of Regents to add a formal memo to the schools application to note that UNM gives DACA and undocumented students who meet the criteria can get in-state tuition and the lottery scholarship.

UNM awards state financial aid to all eligible students regardless of immigration status, spokeswoman Cinnamon Blair said.
President Donald Trumps announcement that the U.S. will end a program that protects young immigrants is nothing less than cruel and amounts to a betrayal of national values of fairness, opportunity and freedom, Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester said Tuesday.

Wester called on Congress and New Mexicos congressional delegation to pass legislation that would restore the program.

Sadly, with this decision we are betraying these values, dimming the hopes of these young people, and, because of it, are less as a nation, Wester said in a written statement. To deport them to countries they do not know would be nothing less than cruel.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Wester called a bipartisan DREAM Act low hanging fruit that Congress can approve, even if it cant agree on comprehensive immigration reform.

It seems this is somethings we can wrap our minds around and get done, Wester said.

Wester also said he senses anxiety among young people registered through the DACA program in New Mexico.

Theres tremendous worry, he said. The youths trusted the government enough to register and provide personal information, only to learn that the U.S. now may violate that trust, he said.

Now they are very vulnerable because we know where they are, who they are, he said.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions today declared the Obama administrations program an unconstitutional exercise of authority that must be revoked. The administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Wester called for New Mexicans to urge their elected leaders to pass a bipartisan DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform.

I am deeply troubled by the presidents decision today to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects more than 800,000 young immigrants from deportation, Wester said in his statement. In my judgment, DACA has stood as a counterpoint to the voices of exclusion and now, without the action of Congress, this crucial support for these young immigrants has been taken away.

DACA recipients are talented, hard working, and full of potential and promise, Wester said. Many live here in New Mexico. Having arrived here as minors through no fault of their own, they want to contribute their skills and allegiance to the only country they have ever known.
Dainik Jagran INEXT has launched a campaign to save the forgotten piece of history that symbolises nothing but patriotism for every Indian. The headquarters of the Indian National Army, as established by one of the greatest nationalists Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, in Myanmar lies in shambles. The historic monument that once paved the way for the freedom of India is no more than a crumbling ruin. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Myanmar, the campaign aims at attracting his attention and ensuring the restoration of the structure.

Anti Ordinary Coverage While most newspapers were celebrating the appointment of Indias first woman Defence Minister in their Monday editions, the disruptor youthful media  Dainik Jagran INEXT  carried a jacket highlighting the state of Indias first Defence Headquarter established by Subhash Chandra Bose in Myanmar. Newspaper announced the launch of its campaign - Deshbhakti Ka Headquarter - to save the historical monument. The campaign will include mass mobilisation and generate awareness about the little-known spot that carries much importance. Over the years, numerous dignitaries and state heads have visited Myanmar but the headquarters of the father of Indian Freedom Movement - Subhash Chandra Bose and his Azad Hind Fauj remained ignored from their itinerary. They have mostly preferred visiting Bahadur Shah Zafars tomb in Myanmar, and largely ignored the building that deserves so much reverence.

By way of the campaign, Dainik Jagran INEXT is requesting Prime Minister Modi to pay a visit and help restore the building that once was the epicenter of Indias Freedom movement. The campaign starting from September 4, 2017 , will continue with a series of stories about the monument and the leadership of Azad Hind Fauj, and those who played a pivotal role in supporting the movement. Manvati Arya (Friend of Late Laxmi Sahgal) has joined hands with Dainik Jagran INEXT to make the campaign a success and save whatever is left of the headquarters of INA.

Readers of Dainik Jagran INEXT have been invited to join the campaign through a WhatsApp no. 9919445503 and other social media channels. The publication is going full throttle to bring to light the apathy towards an iconic monument of much importance for every patriotic Indian and to save it from vanishing from the map.
Star Bharat (Life OK  rebranded) with its philosophy of, "Bhula De Darr, Kuchh Alag Kar" is bringing to us stories that will encourage one to go beyond their fears to achieve their goals. One such story that was launched on 28th of August Nimki Mukhiya traces the journey of a slightly neurotic, highly opinionated, gregarious girl who by a twist of fate is made the first woman mukhiya candidate of her village.

Nimki is unlike any other Hindi serial female protagonist hence, the marketing initiative taken to promote this show too was unique.

The entire 360-degree marketing campaign for this show was conceptualized and executed to mimic a political campaign. Just as all political campaigns have a strong on-ground leg, Star Bharat (Life OK  rebranded) launched an extensive on ground activation in over 15 cities and towns across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh from 28th of August, 2017 to 2nd September, 2017.

The political campaign was flagged off in Lucknow by Nimki on 26th of August. A political styled press conference was held in her partys war room where-in she spoke to the media about her political ideologies and unveiled her manifesto for the first time. Later, in line with her belief, Ladki ka first duty hai ooka beauty! - She spoke to journalists while getting beauty treatments done at Lucknows top salon, Stylz Beauty Salon. She concluded this off beat press conference by urging everyone to show support for her cause and keeping an eye out for her on ground campaign.

Starting 28th of august, fleet of colorful autos, custom designed to reflect Nimkis quirky personality hit the streets. For a period of 5 days, the autos blared Nimkis quirky political slogans. For the first time ever for a Hindi show door-to-door political styled campaigning was done where her manifesto was distributed and viewers were requested to tune in to Star Bharat (Life OK  rebranded) at 8:30 PM to show their support for Nimki. Additionally, an army of Nimkis party workers set out and visited stores, markets, places of interests and heritage sites to distribute her manifesto and to talk about Nimkis appeal and her unique political agenda.

To amplify her political campaigning, radio stations across MP and UP also played Nimkis slogans.

This extensive outreach concluded with Nimkis rally in Bhopal on the 2nd. She first visited a radio station to talk at length about her political agenda. From there on, like any politician worth their salt, she set out on a rally in a quirky jeep, visited various hotspots of the city and interacted with the citizens.

After talking to the media in Bhopal, Nimki went on to do yet another press conference in Indore. After all, the life of an aspiring politician is never relaxing! In the short period of 6 days, over 3, 37,500 houses were visited, 8, 77,000 pamphlets were distributed and over 16, 00,000 consumers were engaged.

With such an innovative and extensive marketing initiative, the show is sure to catch attention and endear this eccentric politician to all her viewers.

Do show your support for Nimki by tuning in to Star Bharat, Monday to Friday at 8:30 PM
Gundersen Health System has another feather in its cap, although at first glance, the reason  an acknowledged expertise in hand hygiene  seems mundane when compared with its other accomplishments.

The previous plumage includes achievements such as:

Becoming the first hospital system in the world to achieve energy independence through its use of solar, wind, wood chips and methane gas from garbage to generate power  not to mention plain old cow manure.

Being the major architect of advance directives, under the direction of Bud Hammes, for end-of-life care, an endeavor that has spread throughout the world. Its so successful that Gundersens Respecting Choices arm spun off in March to join the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care in Washington, D.C., although it maintains offices in downtown La Crosse.

Being heavily involved in the communities in the 19 counties in western Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa where it has satellite clinics, hospitals and hospital partners, as well as community redevelopment efforts in La Crosse.

Achieving a Healthgrades ranking among the top 50 hospitals in the U.S. for four years running, as well as accolades for several medical specialties.

Comes now its latest kudo  being dubbed a leader in  drum roll, please  hand washing. Easy-peasy? Not so, and its vital when it comes to quashing infections in hospitals, according to The Joint Commission, an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies almost 21,000 U.S. health care organizations and programs.

The commission, which was founded in 1951 and is the oldest standard-setter in U.S. health care, accepted Gundersens submission of its report, Decreasing Hospital Acquired Infections Through System Wide Hand Hygiene Initiatives.

The acceptance for a submission that reflects the medical fields proclivity for long titles also earned the report a spot in the commissions Leading Practices Library. The library allows other health care facilities that have trouble becoming squeaky-clean to use the information to improve their own practices, said Barbara Buturusis, director of the commissions Surveyor Management and Support, Accreditation and Certification Operations.

Landing in the internet library is no small accomplishment, Buturusis said in a phone interview from her office in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

We survey thousands and thousands of hospital procedures in a complicated vetting process to determine whether they meet standards, and few are accepted, she said.

Were pretty vigilant because were saying this does meet our standards, Buturusis said, adding that those accepted are deemed worthy of being emulated in all health care settings.

Although Buturusis was able to confirm Gundersens acceptance for the library, professional courtesy prevented her from detailing the protocols that got it there.

She referred questions to Gundersen, where infection control director Bridget Pfaff said, Weve made hand hygiene part of our culture, engaging individuals at all levels.

The culture extends from top management to front lines  every department in all 19 counties, Pfaff said.

I cant emphasize enough the importance of participation at top levels. If you dont have the leadership engaged, other levels might not buy in, she said.

The hospital system uses various media to impart hygiene practices to employees, such as written materials, including its employee newsletter, Bridges; in-house and national presentations; videos of benchmark cases and other resources, she said.

Hygiene methods may vary according to work areas, she said. In some, hand sanitizers are placed in and outside hospital rooms as reminders and to make hand hygiene part of muscle memory, while in some care areas, some (personnel) actually carry alcohol gel, Pfaff said.

Submitting the report to The Joint Commission came at the urging of a commission surveyor who was impressed with how extensive Gundersens protocols are, she said.

Buturusis and Pfaff noted that the library is a good source for hospitals that struggle to convey the importance of hand hygiene  and many do, both said  a ready source of a plan.

Although health systems always have underscored the importance of hand washing as a basic step in infection control, the turning point was in 2009, with the H1N1 flu virus, which was a pandemic, she said.

That renewed emphasis on staying home when ill to avoid spreading the virus, taking care to cover ones mouth when coughing or sneezing and other fundamentals to rein in the outbreak, Pfaff said.

Also raising concern were the several bioterrorism incidences in which poisons were mailed after the terrorist attacks in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as unexpected outbreaks of diseases such as the mosquito-borne Zika virus, that sparked fear last year.

Like Ebola, Pfaff said. We never thought that would happen.

We have seen fewer hospital-acquired infections, she said. And we are aiming for zero."
Campaigns for KFC Malaysia, Knorr, MS Limited Australia and Lockheed Martin have been awarded Golds in the Effective Content Strategy category of the inaugural 2017 WARC Awards, a new global competition honouring the effective use of emerging marketing disciplines.



Judges of the Effective Content Strategy category, which rewards branded content strategies that demonstrate a business outcome and where editorial-style content is designed to win attention, praised the four Gold awarded brands for their innovative, intelligent, and demonstrably effective content efforts. The judging panel also awarded a further three Silver and five Bronze awards.



Of the 12 winning campaigns, four hail from Australia, alongside two global campaigns, two European campaigns, and one each from China, Malaysia, UAE and USA. McCann agencies lead the way with four winning campaigns submitted by offices in Melbourne, New York and Shanghai.



KFC Malaysia's Gold winning entry by UM Malaysia/Ensemble, employed programmatic technology to create and distribute content to millennials to launch its Hot and Cheezy burger in Malaysia.



Charles Baker, Strategy Director, Hearts & BBDO, said: "McDonald's is the king of burgers so for KFC to make something enduring that could be fun for kids is smart. It builds preference and repeat visits."



Knorr's global 'Love at First Taste' gold winning campaign, attracted a new generation of cooks with a social media strategy that tapped into passion points rather than pushing products. It was praised for its originality in both content and distribution, stemming from good insight.



Jury member Nick Kendall, Founding partner, Broken, Electric Glue and The Garage Soho said of the campaign: "It showed true understanding of the role of food as a good metric for people deciding whether they like each other."



Gold winner Space/Lockheed Martin's 'Field Trip to Mars' by McCann New York, created a VR-enabled bus for school children that showed them what Mars would look like. Unlike most VR-led campaigns, the experience was collective.



As a result, the campaign was highlighted for its innovation by the judges, "There's innovation there which we need to be pushing when it comes to what content does for people", said judge Janisa Parag, Head of Planning at True.



Parag also commented on non-profit MS Limited Australia's 'This Bike Has MS', a gold-winning campaign by whiteGrey Australia, which used a pushbike to describe the debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis, saying "It's a good approach for a non-profit because they usually go for the heartstrings."



All the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, as selected by the 16-strong international jury, chaired by Alison Keith, Vice President - Global Media, Coty, are:



Gold:

KFC Malaysia  Stealing a burger-march on McDonald's using real-time data  Ensemble Worldwide, UM Malaysia  Malaysia

Knorr  Love At First Taste  MullenLowe London, MullenLowe US  United Kingdom & United States

Space/Lockheed Martin  Field Trip to Mars  McCann New York  United States

MS Limited Australia  This Bike Has MS  whiteGrey  Australia

Silver:

Du  #PostWisely  Starcom  United Arab Emirates

Ford Edge  Le Fantome  GTB  United Kingdom

Melbourne International Film Festival  How selling future memories broke historic records  McCann Melbourne  Australia

Bronze:

adidas Football  Gamedayplus: the benefits of building an audience  We Are Social  United Kingdom

Cathay Pacific & Cathay Dragon  Marriage in the Air  McCann Worldgroup, MRM // McCann Shanghai  China

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3  Laser or L'Oreal  McCann Melbourne  Australia

Marriott Hotels  Becoming the Story  MEC  United Kingdom

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers  Your Right Is My Right  One Green Bean  Australia

The winners of Social Strategy will be announced on 11 September and Best Use of Brand Purpose on 18 September. The winners of all the Grands Prix and Special awards will be revealed at an event in London on September 20. Register here to attend.
The antitrust division of the European Union is satisfied with its initial review of Googles compliance proposal in regards to the historic anti-competitive fine the company received earlier this year, European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager said on Tuesday. Ms. Vestager described the firms proposal as a step in the right direction but noted how the European Commission still isnt done with its in-depth review of the filing which Google submitted last Tuesday.

The Mountain View, California-based tech giant was hit with a 2.4 billion ($2.9 billion) antitrust fine in June, with the EUs antitrust watchdog concluding that the company promoted its shopping comparison service at a direct expense of competing alternatives, thus employing monopolistic practices. Apart from the aforementioned figure, Google was given a two-month deadline to submit a proposal on how it intends to cease its anti-competitive activities. The company now has less than one month to comply with this particular ruling and will presumably do so as soon as the European Commission confirms its satisfied with its proposal. In a hypothetical case that Google refuses to implement certain measures mandated by the political bloc, it could be sanctioned with daily fines amounting to up to five percent of its revenue.

Ms. Vestager said that the present review of Googles proposal wont impact the other two antitrust cases against the company which the EU is currently heading, investigating its potentially anti-competitive practices related to the Android operating system and AdSense advertising platform. Both of those investigations are expected to be officially concluded in the coming months and may lead to additional fines issued to the Alphabet-owned tech giant, some industry watchers claim. The recently finished case saw the European Commission conclude that Google was unfairly prioritizing its price comparison service and thus directly hurt its competitors like TripAdvisor, essentially abusing the dominance of its Internet search engine to gain an illegal advantage in another market segment. Google already expressed a strong disagreement with the verdict and suggested that it may appeal the decision in the near future, though the firm is still likely to comply with all of EUs demands before possibly going through with fighting the sanctions it was hit with.
LG Electronics is planning on doubling its smart home-related investments by 2020, the companys Head of H&A Business Song Dae-hyun said at the latest iteration of the IFA trade show in Berlin, Germany. The Seoul, South Korea-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will back the expansion of its Internet of Things (IoT) efforts with a number of acquisitions, with the firm now officially seeking a good AI company, Mr. Song said. LGs senior executive also revealed that the tech giant recently made some moves in regards to new M&As but was unable to conclude them due to market conditions, a notion that he didnt clarify.

Apart from robotics and general artificial intelligence endeavors, LG is also currently pursuing a number of related partnerships with industry-leading firms like Google and Amazon in an effort to support their voice recognition technologies in its products, Mr. Song said, in addition to confirming that the firm is presently developing its own voice-enabled IoT solutions. The ultimate goal of this diversified approach is to provide consumers with a wide variety of choices in the context of controlling their smart homes, the official concluded.

Mr. Songs comments on LGs home automation and general IoT-related endeavors come shortly after the South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer reportedly bid $1.2 billion for ZKW Group, an Austrian maker of automotive lights. That particular move was said to be part of LGs larger attempt to diversify its product and service portfolio in an effort to make its operations less reliant on any particular division and additional strengthening of its IoT unit would also be in line with such a strategy. The tech giants decision to branch out to more markets may have been partially prompted by the lackluster performance of its smartphone business which is still unable to return to the black following weak sales of the LG G6. The recently unveiled LG V30 is the firms latest attempt at regaining some of the market share it lost since mid-2014 and the G3, though it remains to be seen how that particular device will perform this holiday season when faced with strong competition from the likes of the Apple iPhone 8 lineup and Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
Qualcomm on Monday lost the suspension appeal it filed against an antitrust penalty issued to the company by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) which ordered the firm in late 2016 to pay 1.03 trillion won due to its supposed anti-competitive behavior. The sanction  which currently amounts to over $912 million  was meant to punish what the KFTC deemed was monopolistic behavior and negotiating over patents in bad faith, a notion that Qualcomm repeatedly rejected, claiming its patents and related licensing policies are in line with contemporary industry standards. The antitrust watchdog in the Far Eastern country initially ordered the company to pay the aforementioned fine and revise its patenting policies, with that particular verdict now being upheld by a competent appellate body.

The rejected lawsuit that Qualcomm filed with the Seoul High Court sought a suspension of the measures issued by the KFTC but the court has yet to rule on another lawsuit aimed against the sanction itself, with Qualcomm also suing the government agency in an effort to nullify its verdict. That particular case is still ongoing but the San Diego, California-based tech giant is now expected to comply with the KFTCs verdict for the time being, even if the Seoul High Court ultimately finds the antitrust measures to be illegal and reverts them. Qualcomm was initially seeking a suspended sentence because it was confident that the original verdict wont hold up to scrutiny from the appellate court, though the probability of that scenario remains unclear. The semiconductor firm claimed that complying with the KFTCs verdict before waiting for the result of its main appeal could cause irreparable damage to its regional operations if the Seoul High Court dismisses or alters the sanctions, a notion that the judicial body now officially dismissed.

The latest turn of events is yet another episode in Qualcomms clashes with antitrust regulators all over the world, with some of them having recently investigated the firm over potentially unfair patent licensing practices and fees which the company determines on a per-device basis. The outcome of Qualcomms main appeal is likely to be known by early 2018 when the Seoul High Court is expected to rule on the case.
The ASUS ZenFone 4 series will reportedly launch in India on September 14, according to unnamed industry sources cited by Firstpost. As of this writing, its unclear if ASUS intends on releasing the entire ZenFone 4 lineup introduced last month in Taiwan or if certain models will be left out from the product familys Indian debut. Assuming that the entire series will be made available, prospective buyers in the South Asian country will have the option of choosing between six different variants, all of which happen to carry dual camera setups in one form or another.

The ASUS ZenFone 4 series consists of two basic ZenFone 4 models, two ZenFone 4 Selfie units, and two variants bearing the ZenFone 4 Max moniker. The ZenFone 4 Max was introduced in July, while the ZenFone 4 Max Pro and other non-Max variants were announced more recently in mid-August during an official launch event in Taiwan. All six smartphones carry dual cameras but differ in terms of their implementation, as the ZenFone 4 and ZenFone 4 Max feature dual cameras on their rear panels, while the ZenFone 4 Selfie models sport dual front-facing sensors instead, which is unsurprising given their official names. The setup includes a 20-megapixel selfie unit coupled with a secondary 8-megapixel sensor, as well as a 16-megapixel rear-mounted camera. In contrast, the ASUS ZenFone 4 and ZenFone 4 Pro have a 12-megapixel main shooter, and a secondary 16-megapixel IMX351 sensor made by Sony. Lastly, the ZenFone 4 Max model makes use of dual 13-megapixel rear-facing cameras, whereas the ZenFone 4 Max Pro carries two 16-megapixel sensors.

As for their price ranges, the ASUS ZenFone 4 Max is the most affordable model in the new lineup, costing around $234. The ZenFone 4 Selfie follows suit with a price of $279, while the Selfie Pro launched for $379. On the other hand, the ZenFone 4 costs $399, while the ZenFone 4 Pro has a starting price of $599. Prices for the Indian market are currently unknown but assuming that the September 14 launch date proves to be correct, then its likely that the Taiwanese tech company will soon shed more light on the pricing and availability of its latest Android smartphones in the South Asian country, including their exact release dates.
Samsung may face a shortage of LCD panels for television sets soon, as the company has yet to sign a contract with LG Display. The deal was supposed to augment Samsungs current supply of 40-inch and 60-inch LCD displays, after the Japanese manufacturer Sharp announced, that is ending its supply relationship with Samsung Electronics back in December 2016. In the previous year, Sharp delivered more than 4.5 million LCD panels to the South Korean tech giant, which is equivalent to 10 percent of its entire television business. While Samsung is already sourcing its some of its display requirements from the Taiwanese company Innolux, and Chinese manufacturer BOE, the TV maker is still looking for additional suppliers to provide the much-needed components. If the company fails to resolve this supply constraint soon, it could lead to lower production of television sets.

In an effort to prevent such problems, Samsung negotiated with LG Display for a possible deal on LCD panels, wherein the latter will supply at least 700,000 panels. The talks commenced last January, and a deal was supposedly sealed last July, but no contract has been signed by the two companies after 9 months of negotiations. Industry sources claim that there are two key reasons why negotiations came to a standstill. First is the inability of LG Display to adjust the production and supplies of its existing clients, especially in periods when the panel maker faces reduced supply of display components. In addition, LCD panels produced by LG fall short of Samsungs standards for large displays, as the TV maker requires screens with UHD resolution. However, LG produces its large displays using the M+ Panel technology, which produces screens with resolutions lower than what Samsung requires.

If the deal pushes through, LG will manufacture the LCD panels at Paju, South Korea, which is where the companys P7, P8, and P9 production lines are found. LG is also building additional production lines in order to boost both LCD and OLED fabrication, although it may take until 2019 before these facilities operate at full capacity. Even if the deal is signed within the next few weeks, first Samsung TVs with LG-made LCDs will likely appear next year, as it usually takes three to four months to manufacture, test, and then release such products.
The Mi Mix 2 is now in mass production and will be hitting the stores shortly, Xiaomi Chief Executive Officer Lei Jun revealed on Monday. Mr. Lei took to Chinese social media platform Weibo to confirm the development status of the companys upcoming phablet, in addition to sharing the first photograph of the smartphones retail packaging. The image that can be seen above shows an entirely black box with gold lettering designed in a minimalist manner and though it doesnt reveal the phone itself, the Mi Mix 2 has already been sighted online on numerous occasions in recent months.

The Mi Mix 2 will be powered by the Snapdragon 835, Qualcomms first 10nm system-on-chip (SoC) which is significantly more energy-efficient than the Snapdragon 821 and has already demonstrated its prowess in the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S8 lineup, HTC U11, and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. This particular feature of the handset was just confirmed by Qualcomm itself, with the Chinese branch of the San Diego, California-based tech giant reiterating that the Mi Mix 2 will be officially introduced on September 11, a day before Apple unveils the iPhone 8 series and 48 hours prior to Samsung Chinas Galaxy Note 8 launch event. The Mi Mix 2 is expected to directly compete with both of those devices, though it remains to be seen whether it manages to beat them to the (Chinese) market.

The handset itself is said to feature a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display panel with a QHD resolution of 2,540 by 1,440 pixels and be available in two variants, with the more affordable one offering 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal flash memory, whereas the other model will supposedly boast 256GB of storage space and 8GB of RAM. Neither version is expected to feature a microSD card slot and both are thought to have a 21-megapixel rear camera and a 13-megapixel front-facing sensor. The Mi Mix 2 is also rumored to ship with a 4,500mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support via a USB Type-C port and run Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box enhanced with Xiaomis MIUI. No firm details on the availability and pricing of the companys upcoming phablet have yet been provided by industry insiders, though the Mi Mix 2 is likely to be one of Xiaomis most expensive offerings.
Laura Minero was skeptical about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program before she applied for it in 2012.

We essentially (were) handing over all of our information, said Minero, who was brought to California from Mexico when she was 5. That could expose our families and whoever we live with.

But Minero, then a graduate student, needed a way to drive lawfully, and didnt want to keep turning down opportunities to present her research at conferences because she didnt have a valid ID and couldnt get on a flight.

I thought it was worth the risk, she said.

So Minero enrolled in DACA  the Obama administrations executive action that provided work permits and protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced plans to shut down the program on Tuesday.

With protection from DACA, Minero took flights and drove legally. After finishing her masters, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program at UW-Madison, where her work permit has allowed her to hold jobs as a mentor and teaching assistant.

The fear of deportation ebbed with her DACA status, she said, though it never disappeared.

Now Minero  one of nearly 7,500 DACA recipients in Wisconsin and 800,000 across the country  faces a mountain of uncertainty.

Under the Trump administrations plans for winding down the program, immigrants whose protections expire before March 5 can apply for a two-year renewal. Mineros dont expire until August, so she wont be eligible to renew them.

The delay in ending the program gives Congress an opportunity to pass immigration legislation, which could include writing DACAs protections into law.

If that doesnt happen, though, Minero would lose the ability to work at her campus jobs; her research, which examines the experiences of undocumented transgender immigrants in federal detention facilities, could be too risky for her to undertake if she is herself at risk of deportation. Minero is three years into her six-year counseling psychology doctoral program.

In a year, if something doesnt change, she said, then everything Ive worked for for the past 10 years  would be halted.

The Trump administration, which characterized DACA as an overreach by Barack Obama that harmed American workers, has said its beneficiaries would not be high priorities for deportation.

But Erin Barbato, an immigration attorney and clinical professor in the UW-Madison law school, said that is little comfort to DACA enrollees who fear being deported from the only country they knew.

They have to live with the fear that they can be removed any time, Barbato said.

Ryan backs decision

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday called for Congress to pass legislation to ensure that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

Still, the Janesville Republican applauded the decision to end DACA.

Ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches, Ryan said.

Several local organizations Tuesday opposed the Trump administrations actions, and pledged to support DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants.

Repealing DACA puts at risk a group of promising students at UW-Madison and at higher education institutions across the country, UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank wrote in a statement.

Speakers in tears

On Tuesday night, the Madison City Council designated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 of this year as Hispanic Heritage Month, and the timing was especially painful for those speaking on the topic. Several speakers held back tears or openly cried about the prospects of themselves or their loved ones being deported following DACAs demise.

The Community Immigration Law Center, which provides legal aid to immigrants, announced Tuesday that it will hold extra hours at a free legal clinic later this week. The DACA-focused clinic hours will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., in addition to the centers regular clinic hours of 1:30-5 p.m.

Minero, who co-founded the campus organization Dreamers of UW-Madison to support other DACA recipients, said she plans to spend the coming year lobbying Congress to pass a comprehensive overhaul of the American immigration system.

She wants to see legislation providing childhood arrivals, their parents and others with a path to citizenship.

We need to stop using these Band-Aid fixes, she said. Were a part of this country, and were just looking for a fair opportunity  not one where were constantly hanging on to see what happens next.
A group of human rights lawyers has rallied behind New South Wales Law Society President Pauline Wright, following criticisms levelled against her over the law societys support for marriage equality.Last month, Wright and her counterparts from the New South Wales Bar Association and the Australian Medical Association released a joint statement expressed support for same sex marriage legislation at the federal level.Wright said denying couples of the same sex the choice to enter a civil marriage contravened the principle of equality before the law. "The Law Society of NSW is committed to ensuring that all Australians are equal before the law in rights and dignity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.Some legal professionals have called for her resignation since then. But Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) LGBTI Committee co-chair Nicholas Stewart said the critics do not speak for the vast majority of lawyers and barristers who are committed to fundamental legal principles including equality before the law.In making the joint statement, the NSW Law Society and Ms Wright were speaking on a matter that was resolved by motion at the Council level. Marriage equality is a fundamental aspect of realising legal equality, removing discrimination and improving human rights protections for LGBTI Australians. It is a vital step on the path to holistic LGBTI inclusion, Stewart added.From this month until early November, Australians have the opportunity to vote yes or no on whether the law should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry. ALHR said it is against the non-binding postal opinion poll on marriage equality because ALHR considers that parliament, by virtue of representative democracy, is the forum for the debate, passing and ultimate assent of laws.
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Lawyers on Demand launched on Thursday Secondment Solutions, a new product that allows law firms to use LOD lawyers to fulfil client secondment needs.According LOD co-founder Jonathan Brenner, law firms who tap into the service get to maintain and strengthen their client relationships while keeping their teams fully resourced.Law firms can either use their own alumni, existing LOD lawyers or a combination of the two. This is a creative and significantly more cost-effective solution than that used traditionally, he said.LOD said it has seen a growing demand for this service over the past few years as clients continue to push for more and more secondees from their panel firms.LOD co-founder Simon Harper said the New Law provider is working with three of the top 20 firms, and has also a number of Secondment Solutions assignments on the go already.Last July, LOD announced it will expand to the Middle East with the expected opening Dubai office in early autumn. The rollout follows LODs aggressive expansion in the Asia Pacific, which last year saw the firm merge with Australias AdventBalance, then the regions fastest-growing alternative firm.The firm has more than 600 lawyers and offices in Brisbane, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York, Perth, Singapore, and Sydney. Its Hong Kong entity is not a law firm but a consultancy.LOD lets its experts work under three models. They have a secondment-style scheme for office-based freelancers. The firm also lets freelancers take on call assignments depending on client needs. Freelancers are also assigned as teams on larger projects.
Francis MonfortWhite & Case has announced 10 individuals as new partners across its Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore offices.Brendan Quinn, Andrew Clark, Alan Rosengarten, Josh Sgro, Tim Power, Jared Muller and Joanne Draper join the firm in Melbourne, Joel Rennie in Sydney, and Fergus Smith and Matthew Osborne in Singapore. They work in the firms global energy, infrastructure and project finance practice. Following the appointments, White & Case now has 12 partners in Australia.This group of individuals are market leading lawyers who have unparalleled experience advising on top tier projects throughout Australia, Asia-Pacific, and other international jurisdictions, said White & Case partner Eric Berg, head of Asia-Pacific. Their admittance into the partnership gives us a market leading practice in Australia and also solidifies and builds on our strengths in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly the infrastructure, energy, and natural resources sectors.Quinn brings experience in project financing for the power, renewables, natural resources, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors. With experience in several jurisdictions including Asia-Pacific and South America, Clark advises on project financing transactions in the energy, infrastructure, and transport sectors.Rosengarten advises sponsors, equity investors, financiers, government agencies, and contractors for infrastructure projects. Sgro brings particular expertise in infrastructure procurement and acquisition including public private partnerships. Power focuses on environment, planning, and climate change law, advising corporations and government clients.Focused on major infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy and resources sectors, Muller advises clients on the preparation and negotiation of off-take agreements, supply arrangements, connection agreements, development, and construction-related agreements. Advising consortiums, financiers, equity investors and contractors tendering for infrastructure projects throughout Australia and New Zealand, Draper focuses on the delivery of major projects and infrastructure.Rennie brings experience on traditional limited-recourse project finance structures in the energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors. Smith, previously Senior Adviser (Legal and Governance) to the Prime Minister of Australia, offers experience in the financing of energy and infrastructure projects and other structured financing transactions. Osbornes practice focuses on the delivery of infrastructure and construction projects, particularly in the energy and resources sectors.
However, both these go-fast contraptions are particularly efficient sprinting tools. The secret lies in their uber-efficient all-paw hardware, with this offering them the ability to deliver blistering take-offs.The Audi, aided by its monumentally capable 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, bets on the power-to-weight ratio. As for the GT-R , Godzilla's standing start asset revolves around its weight-to-tire-contact-patch recipe.So what happens when these two velocity animals are thown at each other? Well, if the sprinting task devised for the two happens to be a quarter-mile race, the answer might surprise you.As we mentioned in the title above, the driver of the supercar has plenty of reasons to worry about the competition coming from the sportscar line up next to him in the 1,320 feet challenge - as you'll see after checking out the velocity battle we have here, the quotes were truly necessary.And this is particularly true if the said drag race happens to be held by the crew over at Top Gear, a label that has always been a trusted source for objective comparisons.Now that you know what to expect from the drag racing footage below, perhaps you should pay close attention to the starting phase of the race, which is where the... magic seems to happen.Oh, and if anybody needs a refresher on the figures that define these two-plus-two machines, there's no reason to fret, as you'll find all the relevant numbers these in the clip.
Arguably the biggest improvement is the eight-speed automatic transmission . A replacement for the tried-and-tested six-speed box, the torque-converter slushbox can be matched to the 2.2-liter turbo diesel and promises superior drivability and lower CO2 emissions. How much lower? 159 grams of carbon dioxide versus 172 grams when equipped with yesteryears six-speeder.Scheduled to share the IAA 2017 stage with the Picanto X-Line and a shooting brake concept that previews the next-generation Ceed, the Sorento prides itself on redesigned headlights and taillights, different bumpers, and a dark metallic finish for the Tiger Nose grille. In terms of exterior colors, the palette of the 2018 Kia Sorento welcomes tow hues: Gravity Blue and Rich Espresso.Along with new alloy wheel designs, the South Korean automaker is proud to announce the introduction of the GT Line . Essentially a trim level that boils down to sporty styling cues, the Sorento GT Line is set apart by red brake calipers, four-point LED fog lights, and a chrome-tipped dual exhaust system.As far as the cabin is concerned, Kia has worked its magic on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, and climate control system. The infotainment is also new, integrating an 8.0-inch touchscreen with TomTom Services, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and so forth. Optionally, customers with a passion for high-fidelity sound quality can spend their money on a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that cranks out 640 watts. Full-LED headlights with adaptive technology are also available, as are a lot of safety features.In the United States , the Kia Sorento with the nip 'n' tuck should arrive sometime next year for the 2019 model year. As ever, the engine lineup will consist of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four, and the range-topping 3.3-liter V6 of the N/A variety.
The Syrian Army has finally broken through the three-year ISIS siege on the eastern city of Deir Al-Zour and has recaptured the Syrian Brigade 137, according to the Washington Post. Deir Al-Zour is one of the biggest Syrian cities still in the control of the militant group.

Why it matters: This is a huge step for the Syrian government and allies to retake the city. This is an important victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and another blow to ISIS, whose control in Syria has been waning.
An Armenian civil society group said on Monday that Russias state media regulator wants it remove from one of its websites a story on the alleged arrest in the Czech Republic of a controversial Russian-Armenian businessman.

Like several Armenian media outlets, the Union of Informed Citizens (UIC) reported that the businessman, Ruben Tatulian, and three other men were detained in the Czech resort of Karlovy Vary in May during a gathering of crime figures from the former Soviet Union.

Tatulian strongly denied the information, however. He circulated a purported letter by the Czech police certifying that he was not taken into custody or placed under investigation.

The UIC leader, Daniel Ioannisian, said his watchdog has received a letter from Roskomnadzor, the Russian government agency that monitors and regulates the Internet, demanding the removal of the story on Tatulian's alleged arrest from the UICs Russian-language website, Armrus.info. He said Roskomnadzor cited a Russian law on protection of personal data.

Ioannisian made clear that the UIC will reject the demand. The Russian Federations laws are not valid in Armenia, he told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). Roskomonadzors decisions therefore cannot be binding for Armenian entities, he said

That report does not contradict Armenias laws or journalistic ethics  and we have decided that we will not remove it, stressed Ioannisian.

Armrus.info and other Yerevan-based publications described Tatulian as a crime figure nicknamed Robson who entered the Czech Republic with an Armenian diplomatic passport.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry confirmed at the time that Tatulian, who is not known to have been involved in any diplomatic activity on behalf of Armenia, holds such a passport. But the ministry declined to clarify why and how he had received it.

According to Russian media, Tatulian is based in the Black Sea city of Sochi and has extensive business interests as well as strong government connections in southern Russia. He was among three dozen ethnic Armenian entrepreneurs who set up in January an investment fund to finance various business projects in Armenia. In a joint statement, they also voiced support for Prime Minister Karen Karapetian.
5 September 2017 14:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian parents are agonising over the murder of their sons and fighting against abuses in the army.

Armenian mothers, who send their sons for military service, are more afraid that they can be the victims of hazing and violence inside the Armenian army, rather than victims of military clashes on the frontline.

These are incidents related to a dedovshina culture in the Armenian army, where bullying, violence, including sexual, hazing and constant humiliation of human dignity are flourishing.

Every few months, incidents of often deadly abuse are exposed.

In June, several soldiers died after being beaten by senior ranks. Also, a sergeant of Armenian army killed his fellow soldiers allegedly as revenge for bullying.

In July, Junior Sergeant of the Armenian army Vardan Melkonyan was found hanged in a military unit. Later, Armenias Investigative Committee announced that Melkonyans fellow soldier was arrested on suspicion of committing violent acts against the late sergeant.

In late August, three soldiers serving in the Armenia-occupied Agdere region of Azerbaijan were brutally beaten by senior ranks and insulted in front of the whole military personnel. The officers beat hungry and thirsty soldiers Levon Khachatryan, Edward Baghdanyan and Harut Martirosyan because they refused to dig the ground under the sun.

Another incident took place in Azerbaijans Khojavand region occupied by Armenian armed forces back in early 1990s. A deputy commander of the regiment in an Armenian military unit, being on duty, drank alcohol with his friends, and started sexual assault against the soldiers. Two soldiers who could not stand the abuse left the military unit, then returned in the morning and complained to Commander of the regiment about the incident. Untypically for the Armenian army, justice was done and the Deputy Commander was sent to the military prison for five days.

In addition, many Armenian soldiers die in mysterious circumstances in their military units, and most of these deaths are being registered by Armenian investigation bodies as suicides in order to hide the real causes and real murderers.

The abovementioned facts show why Armenian families are afraid of sending their sons to military service and why they try to find any ways to save their boys from the Armenian army.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 13:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Suzanne Minter of S&P Global Platts has turned down the significance of speculations suggesting that the Hurricane Harvey may lead to an increase in global crude pricing.

"A temporary reduction of US refining capacity due to the Hurricane Harvey does not imply a shortage of global energy," Suzanne Minter of S&P Global Platts told Trend.

"While I do not see any reason that reduced US refinery runs would incite OPEC to change its output, I do think that global barrels, currently entering the US, may redirect themselves to any other spare global refining capacity, be it in the Europe, the Middle East or Asia, so that those regions can create refined product to fulfill the potential shortfall of the US refined product to the globe. Therefore, there may be some slight uplift to global refined product pricing as barrels need to potentially ship themselves to more distant markets, but the amount of crude supply that creates refined barrels, has not been impacted by Harvey  therefore, this should not cause an increase in global crude pricing," said Suzanne Minter, director of client strategy and energy solutions at S&P Global Platts, a New York-based provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets.

On Friday, September 1, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed at a $47.29, a $5.46 discount to Brent in NW Europe, a $3.06 discount to the Dubai barrel in Singapore and $2.12 discount to the OPEC basket.

The key component of the opening of the spreads was not so much a price increase of the global barrel, but a softening of the WTI barrels. WTI softened with the landfall of Hurricane Harvey as the markets perceived US domestic barrels as "trapped" due to decreased refinery runs. In reality though, the physical driver between the WTI and global barrel spread may be the closing of the US ports.

Per the EIA, US Gulf Coast ports have averaged year to date imports of 4.0 MMB/d (million barrels per day) of crude and crude products.

In June, Gulf coast refiners imported 3.2 MMB/d of crude and 750,000 B/d of refined product  primarily finished gasoline.

Ports closed on Thursday August 24, effectively leaving 3.9 MMB/d of global crude and product looking for a new home. Of this displacement, it seems more than likely that the WTI spread widening was more of a "knee Jerk" reaction than a true physical necessity.

It seems more logical that global barrels should now begin to soften relative to WTI as the trading and producing communities grasp the fundamental reality that approximately 44 million global barrels may now be looking for a new home.

US ports closed on Thursday August 24 and while there are some partial reopening, full resumption of port activity is not expected until Tuesday.

While there has been partial restart of some refining capacity, as of Saturday, September 2, S&P Global Platts estimates that there is still between 2.3 and 3.2 MB/d of US refining capacity offline.

As waters recede across the US Gulf Coast region, refiners will assess any damage and determine when they can bring refineries back up to full runs.

As the ports reopen, the US refiners that are running should be able to source barrels of varying grades from global supply that they need to create the refined products required by US domestic markets.

Within the US , there may be some logistical disconnects as the US gulf coast supplies 60 percent of the Supply for the US Atlantic coast via Colonial pipeline, but if refining capacity in the US Gulf remains curtailed, it would seem that the US Atlantic coast may simply be forced to import more finished product from European refiners.

"Where it gets more interesting is when one considers that the US is a net exporter of 2.7 MMB/d of refined product  primarily to central and South America, through the US Gulf Coast. The longer the US refiners are unable to produce adequate product for export, the tighter the markets will get for central and South America, who will be looking for supply from other global refiners. It is key to realize that a temporary reduction of US refining capacity does not imply a shortage of global energy"

"Therefore, it seems that if, the US refiners are not able to bring refinery utilization back up to pre-Harvey levels relatively soon, there could be a significant shift in trade flows. OPEC members Saudi, Venezuela and Iraq are among the largest suppliers of imported barrels for the US refiners"

In June the 3 combined supplied 40 percent or 1.6 MMB of the 3.9 MMB/d imported into the Gulf Coast.

"While I do not see any reason that reduced US refinery runs would incite OPEC to change its output, I do think that global barrels, currently entering the US, may redirect themselves to any other spare global refining capacity, be it in Europe, the Middle East or Asia, so that those regions can create refined product to fulfill the potential shortfall of US refined product to the globe. Therefore, there may be some slight uplift to global refined product pricing as barrels need to potentially ship themselves to more distant markets, but the amount of crude supply that creates refined barrels, has not been impacted by Harvey  therefore, this should not cause an increase in global crude pricing"

The boom in US energy production since 2012 coupled with the upgrading of the US and global refineries and build out of export capacity has enabled the US to alter the historic flow patterns and energy distribution.

"While Hurricane Harvey may temporarily alter these new patterns, it seems that US upstream production has not been significantly affected and that once the refineries, crackers and terminal infrastructure can all turn itself back on in conjunction with one another in the US, the US will retain its position of the worlds top supplier of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons."

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 11:16 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Suma Chakrabarti will pay a visit to Azerbaijan on September 7-8.

"This visit underscores the EBRD's commitment to further strengthening and diversifying the economy to support Azerbaijani citizens, the EBRD head office told Trend on September 5.

The EBRD has invested in many small, non-energy projects for the private sector, each of which has a positive impact, for example, helping to build small or medium-sized enterprises or improve their skills.

The EBRD is an international financial institution founded in 1991. As a multilateral developmental investment bank, the EBRD uses investment as a tool to build market economies.

The Bank was established to support countries of the former Eastern Bloc in the process of establishing their private sectors. To that end, it offers "project financing" for banks, industries and businesses, for new ventures or existing companies.

The EBRD has allocated more than 3 billion to Azerbaijan for implementation of 160 projects since 1992.

One of the main tasks of the EBRD is to ensure stable development of Azerbaijan's non-oil sector by investing in small and medium-sized private enterprises.

One of the main priorities of the EBRD in Azerbaijan for 2017 is support the local corporates with direct financing. The EBRD continues to pursue investments in energy projects, especially where there is a gap to improve efficiency and energy security.

The energy sector investments account for over 40 percent of the Banks portfolio, followed by 40 percent into infrastructure development. The rest account for financial, manufacturing and services sectors jointly.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 12:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Russia, bound together by centuries-old relations, will discuss investment, innovation and tourism issues this September.

These topics will become the main issues of the 8th Azerbaijan-Russia Interregional Forum, which will be held in Stavropol on September 28, according to Assistant Minister of Economic Development of Russia Elena Lashkina.

Along with the plenary session with participation of representatives of the Economic Development Ministry of Russia, Economy Ministry of Azerbaijan, Foreign Ministries of the two countries, as well as other high-level guests of the forum, five round tables will be held.

Lashkina said that themes of these round tables will be "Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation in the field of industry", "Tourism development as an important factor in attracting investments," "Innovation in health: the main directions for expanding cooperation," "Strengthening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere," and "Development of bilateral cooperation in the agro-industrial complex,.

A number of agreements between Stavropol Krai of the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan are planned to be signed in the spheres of humanitarian, cultural and economic sectors.

The list of other agreements expected to be inked at the forum is being formed, the assistant to the minister added.

As for the forum participants their final list has not yet been approved, but companies such as TransAero Tours Center, Gazprombank, Lukoil, Geotec, Pax and Astellas have been invited to the Forum.

The 7th Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum was held in Baku in November 2016, which is ended by signing of 12 documents.

Russia is one of the main trade and economic partners of Azerbaijan. During the years of cooperation, both countries signed more than 170 different documents, more than 50 of which affected the economic sphere. Interregional contacts are also successfully developing. About 40 Russian regions have already signed bilateral agreements with their Azerbaijani partners on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

To date, Azerbaijan has invested $1 billion in the Russian economy, and Russia $3 billion in the economy of Azerbaijan.

The trade with Russia in January-July 2017 amounted to $1.1 billion, $329 million of which was exported to this country, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) has started receiving investment projects on priority development areas of Tartar region, the Economy Ministry reported on August 5.

Following the business forum, the NFES launched accepting entrepreneurs' proposals for financing investment projects for creation of horticultural farms for growing apples, cherries, persimmons and apricots, as well as for animal breeding, cheese production enterprises, and for construction of a three-star hotel.

The NFES, created in 1992, issues loans to entrepreneurs through authorized banks and non-bank lenders. During the first half of the year, the Fund contributed to the creation of 2,300 new jobs in Azerbaijan.

The main goal of NFES is to provide preferential loans from the state budget for small and medium business, in order to develop entrepreneurship in the country.

In general, about 150 million manats ($88 million) will be issued for granting preferential loans to entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan until the end of 2017.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 18:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, was defined as next destination, where Azerbaijani entrepreneurs will present 'Made in Azerbaijan' brand.

The export mission of national entrepreneurs will visit Budapest on October 1-4, according to the Economy Ministry.

Entrepreneurs involved in the export mission are specialized in the production of fruits and vegetables, mineral water, fruit juices, sugar and confectionery products, wine and other alcohol products, honey and products from it, tea, hazelnuts and other industrial products.

The composition of the export mission will be formed on the basis of the competition, which will be held on September 20 in the office of AZPROMO (Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation).

Criteria on the basis of which the applicants will be selected are the following:

Production potential - 10 points, Export potential of products - 10 points, Experience in the export of products (with an indication of exports for 2016) - 5 points. The minimum passing grade is 20 points.

For more information, please contact: contact person: Fuad Jafarov, phone: +994 12 598 01 47/48 (internal 141), e-mail: [email protected]

The trade with Hungary amounted to $ 20.12 million in January-July 2017, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded Made in Azerbaijan.

As of today, 92 trademarks of Azerbaijan are protected under the Made in Azerbaijan brand, while the countrys total outputs nears 250 kinds of products in food, light, heavy and construction industries. The brand is highly successful in regional and world markets, and Azerbaijans local output meets all the necessary standards.

Since the beginning of the year Azerbaijan has already sent export missions to Qatar (in February) and Kazakhstan (in April), as well as to Germany, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Export operations to China, Dubai, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Germany and Kazakhstan with the participation of local producers was organized in 2016.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 11:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Karabakh collection continues to conquer the fashion world. The gorgeous outfits, which emphasize both quality and design, will once again attract the attention of the public, journalists and critics in Belgium.

After its presentation at the Berlin and London fashion weeks, the Karabakh Collection by the Berlin-based young designer, Leonie Mergen, will come to the heart of Antwerp`s fashion district.

The collection will be presented at Antwerp Fashion Museum on October 25 through partnership with The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS), Azertac reported.

With the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan as her inspiration, Leonie released her current collection, a series of pieces inspired by the traditional attire of Azerbaijans Karabakh region.

The ensembles features patterns reminiscent of the countrys famous tapestries, with signature necklines and sleeved capes making an appearance in both men's and women's clothing.

Azerbaijans legacy as a hub on the historical Silk Road and as a leader in horse breeding can be seen in Leonies designs, with equestrian-influenced leather accessories and sophisticated silk elements playing an essential role in her collection.

The fashion collection was highly acclaimed following its presentation to the public during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin. Leonie was selected by LOreal Professionnel for their annual brand event.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

Baku will host the first edition of IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome.

The Festival will be held in Baku from 12 to 20 October 2017 and present a dense calendar of events: musical performances, debates and discussions, film screenings, photo video contest, art exhibitions and more.

The fest is organized by the Delegation of European Union to Azerbaijan, in cooperation with EU MS Embassies accredited in Azerbaijan, Park Cinema, Landmark Hotel, DokuBaku, "United Cultures", Media Centre, YARAT and with the support of Turkish Airlines.

IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival aims to promote the values of the intercultural dialogue and tolerance through different expressions of art.

A number of well-known film directors, musicians and other artists and performers are expected to be present in Baku in the framework of IMAGINE, Azertac reported.

Particularly relevant is the cinema section. 20 European documentary films on the theme of tolerance and diversity will be presented in the framework of DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival.

DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival will bring a selection of distinguished non-fiction and documentary films from all around the world to Azeri audiences. The main theme of this first editions festival is Testing Reality where various new approaches to social and cultural matters will be explored.

Moreover, this year the fifth edition of the Cinema for Social Change program is set to take place as part of Imagine and DokuBaku.

Cinema for Social Change is an international film project dedicated to presenting documentary and feature films focused on some of the essential political and social issues facing people today, organized by Adam Mickiewicz Institute in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland.

The cooperation between Imagine, DokuBaku and Cinema for Social Change will give life to an extraordinary event that will allow people to enjoy more than 40 movies from 20 countries, in conventional and non-conventional cinema halls and cafes around Baku.

In addition to exposing Azerbaijani audience to the documentary genre, the festival will support local documentary filmmakers by encouraging the production and screening of local films. Film screenings will be complemented with discussions and debates on various social issues with the participation of local and international film professionals.

Imagine and DokuBaku create an opportunity for the local artists and filmmakers to participate in these festivals. Imagine has launched a photo/video contest on the theme of tolerance, while DokuBaku has announced a call for submissions of short documentaries by Azerbaijani directors living in the country and abroad for its competition program.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 18:33 (UTC+04:00)

Indian Ocean music group, which is widely regarded as one of Indias foremost bands, will be visiting Azerbaijan on September 10-14, India`s Embassy in Baku reported.

They will give live concert performances on September 11 2017 at Baku Seaside Boulevard (7.00 pm) and on September 13 2017 at Sumgait Seaside Boulevard (7.00 pm). Entry to the music concerts will be free for all, the Embassy said.

Indian Ocean group has been making big waves in India and abroad and have earned a cult following with their unique sound. Some critics describe Indian Oceans music as an amalgamation of Contemporary Rock, Indian classical, jazz, folk music and fusion that integrates themes like spiritualism, activism, environmentalism, the futility of war and mythology.

The visit of Indian Ocean Band comes as a part of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Embassy said the organizers of the event, namely the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Association Azerbaijan (IAA), welcome the Azerbaijani music lovers to come and enjoy the music show which is open for all.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 September 2017 15:14 (UTC+04:00)

The 23rd Azerbaijan International Healthcare Exhibition BIHE 2017 will take place at Baku Expo Center 28 - 30 September.

For years, the exhibition has served as a platform for establishing business contacts and exchanging experience between professionals from medical institutions, suppliers of modern medical equipment, pharmacists, and academics. BIHE takes place with support from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Stomatology Association, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organisations of the Azerbaijan Republic (ASK). The organisers are Iteca Caspian and its partner ITE Group.

Intensive preparations for the first expo, which will kick off the autumn season, are now well underway. The event is expected to welcome more than 100 participants, including companies from Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Germany, India, Italy, Iran, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, USA, Ukraine, and other countries.

As well as international manufacturers, exhibitors will include major local distributors of medical equipment that are partners to major global manufacturers. Local exhibitors will include BTL Industries, Labservis, Planet and others.

This year, the exhibition will present medical and laboratory equipment (medical equipment for surgical tables; laser equipment for reconstructive surgery), medicines, medical instruments and pharmaceutical equipment.

Beauty Azerbaijan 2017, the 11th Azerbaijan International Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine Exhibition, will take place alongside BIHE 2017.

A comprehensive business programme will be held within the framework of the exhibition; for the first time ever, a congress for health professionals is planned to run alongside the exhibition. The congress will consist of several panel discussions, with the participation of leading physicians from different disciplines of medicine. On the second day of the exhibition, the organisers will conduct a workshop between exhibitors and local manufacturers and distributors, which will provide an effective and extra business platform for direct meetings and negotiations between the market participants. The workshops aim is to help the exhibitors to establish effective business relations with local companies, and provide the exhibition visitors with an opportunity to expand their distribution networks.

Thus, BIHE has been and remains the main healthcare event for the communication of medical industry professionals and an ideal place for demonstrating the leading technologies and innovations in medicine.

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5 September 2017 10:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian religious leaders will hold a trilateral meeting in Moscow on September 8, said Alexander Volkov, the spokesman of the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia 4.

He told reporters that the religious leaders of the three countries will discuss ways of solving the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The last meeting of two spiritual leaders was held in Moscow in November 2016, where they expressed intention to continue such meetings through intermediaries.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are expected to meet in New York this fall.

Moreover, the OSCE Minsk Groups, established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is preparing for a meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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5 September 2017 10:16 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov has embarked on a visit to Warsaw at the invitation of his Polish counterpart Antoni Macierewicz.

Hasanov and Macierewicz will hold a bilateral meeting, Azertac reported.

The Azerbaijani minister will also attend the International Defense Industry Exhibition and other events during his visit.

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5 September 2017 12:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The capital assets of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Relief Fund amounted to 84,650,521.36 manats ($49.8 million) as of September 1, 2017.

Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported that the Funds dollar account has accumulated $212,873.88, the euro account reached 8,336 euros, while the ruble account made up 5,000 rubles.

The Armed Forces Relief Fund, established in 2002, targets to ensure development of the Armed Forces in accordance with the contemporary requirements, strengthening the material and technical base and financing the necessary social measures.

The Armed Forces Relief Fund is formed on the basis of voluntary donations of individuals and legal entities and at the expense of the other donations not prohibited by the national legislation.

Today, Azerbaijani Army is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading in the region, which is equipped with modern military machinery. Azerbaijan leaves behind many CIS and regional countries to take its place among the first 60 strongest militaries of the world, according to the U.S.-based Global Firepower survey center.

Azerbaijan provides the national Army with sufficient military budget every year. Defense spending of Azerbaijan determined in the state budget for 2017 made up 2.64 billion manats ($1.5 billion), which exceeds the spending for 2016.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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5 September 2017 13:51 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan is seriously concerned about the ongoing mass violence against Muslims in Myanmar, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Hikmat Hajiyev said.

We support the efforts of international community, and in particular the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to end this violence, Hajiyev added.

Hundreds have died in violence in the north-western Rakhine state that Myanmars military said was triggered by attacks on security forces by insurgents from the Rohingya ethnic minority.

To escape the violence, about 70,000 Rohingya have crossed the Bangladeshi frontier, while scores of desperate people have drowned attempting to cross the Naf, a border river, in makeshift boats.
5 September 2017 09:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijans Safavid Empire covering the entire territory of contemporary Iran, Iraq and parts of Turkey, and the Caucasus, was one of the biggest and strongest regional powers entered the world map in the 16th-17th centuries.

The great founder of the Safavid dynasty Shakh Ismayil Khatai I became one of the most powerful ruler in the Azerbaijani history.



Living between 1487 and 1524, Shah Ismail is considered as the starting point for the Safavid dynasty, who left a deep pace in the history of Azerbaijan with his sword and pen. Being a magnificent ruler and beautiful poet, he laid the foundation for a strong centralized Azerbaijani state, which his grandfather Uzun Hasan aimed to create embracing the territory of great Azerbaijan.

A great personality Shah Ismail declared Azerbaijani as the state language, and wrote beautiful lyric and epic poems under the pseudonym of Khatai.

"Three pledge left us wise ancestors, and I bequeath them to you -- our language, our honor and our motherland - take care of them as the apple of your eye, Shah Ismayil Khatai said.

Safavi Sheikhs were adherents of the Shiite branch of Islam, believing that the Sunni caliphs have no right to power.

Ismayils father Sheikh Heydar also was an influential commander, and exactly during his reign a powerful army of Kizilbash was created, who was called so, because instead of the traditional Turkmen peaked caps, they wore a turban with 12 red stripes fabric -- in honor of 12 Shiite Imams.

Aq Qoyunlu state was very concerned about successes and conquests of Sheikh Heydar. Ismayil was only a year old when his father was killed by the Aq Qoyunlu, and six years later he lost his elder brother Sultan Ali, also martyred by the Aq Qoyunlu state.

For six years Ismayil was hiding from his enemies in Gilan -- in the palace of Mirza Ali, who was faithful to Safavids. Ruler of Aq Qoyunlu Rustam urgently requires the issuance of Ismayil, and sent threatening letters to Mirza Ali. Making sure in their futility, he sent 300 horsemen to the palace.



A legend says that Mirza Ali puts little Ismayil in a cradle, and hung him from a tree branch, and when Rustams people came for Ismayil he swore them on the Koran that Ismayil is not on the ground of Gilan. Thus, the attempt to stifle Ismayil in the cradle did not come true.

Within years of hiding, Ismayil studied science and military affairs before emerging at the age of 12 years to take over Azerbaijan. Young Safavid collected a huge force: faithful people from all over Azerbaijan, Asia Minor and elsewhere flocked to Ismayil.

Soon young Ismayil with thousands of devotees led his army in a war of conquest, fighting in the front ranks and inspiring his associates, thus gradually taking control of all of today's Iran, as well as Iraq, the Caucasus, parts of Central Asia, and western Afghanistan.

In the very early years it was obvious that the teenager Ismayil thinks like an adult about the future of his people and unification of northern and southern parts of the homeland, Historian Irshad Ibrahimov noted. This quality of the young Ismayil was even noticed by European policies, in particular, Italian diplomats such as Konstantino Laskari and Giovanni Morosini, who held diplomatic talks with young Ismayil.



After the capture of Tabriz in 1501, he assumed the title of Shah of Azerbaijan and declared his independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Ismayils commanding abilities were observed since his boyhood. In his 13 years, having at his disposal just a 7,000-cavalry-army, he defeated the enemy army of 20,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry army. On this historic event, the commanding abilities and capabilities of the statesman abilities of young Shah can be compared with Alexander the Great, the historian stressed.

When the Safavids came to power, Shah Ismayil was proclaimed ruler at the age of 14 or 15.

Most of present-day Iran fell under his control by 1510 and he took the title of Shah of Persia, proclaiming Shiism the state religion of his empire with Tabriz as the capital.

Later on when Shiism was declared the ruling faith on all the Safavi territory for strengthening their authority Shah Ismayil paid special attention to the idolization among the wide people masses.

During his rule the state became to be called Azerbaijan and Turkish for almost a century remained the state language.

Thus, the struggle for the unification of Azerbaijani lands ended with the establishment of the Safavid state -- the powerful country with Azerbaijani Turks tribes, composing the backbone of the state, enabled to compete with the Ottoman State in the next two centuries.

Shah Ismail I died suddenly in 1524, at the age of 37 in Ardebil, where he arrived to worship the tomb of his father. He was buried there in the Safavid tomb -- Darul-Irshad.

In my short, tempered my God lives, I have done for you, dear descendants, all I could. I tried to combine the power of the sword to pieces our tormented region. That's what all my gains were sent, he said.

The poetry of Shah Ismayil

A handful of the native land, I assessed more valuable that handfuls of gold, one short word in our language is more expensive than any jewelry. In the name of the eternal life of both -- the motherland and mother tongue -- I did everything I could, one of the Shah Ismayils poem says.

During his 37-year-long life Ismayil did not only create and stretch the great state of Azerbaijan, but also played special role in development of native literature. Shah was a great poet, who wrote under the pen-name of Khatai.

Shah Ismayil Khatai was very fond of his native Turkic language as well as Azerbaijani people, creating brilliant epic work in his native language. His diplomatic letters to foreign (European) countries, he wrote in Azerbaijani Turkic language (Turkish dialect of Azerbaijan), Ibrahimov noted.

He produced a large volume of lyric poetry in Azerbaijani, and also a number of didactic and philosophical works, among them the poems Ten Letters and The Book of Morals.



This is the first work written in Azerbaijani language on this theme. The poem presents ten letters from Lover to Beloved written in the form of epical-lyrical tahkiye. Gazels given in the text serve to disclose the mood of the heroes.

Khatai also wrote in didactic genre and created the epic 'Nesihetname', calling to breeding and training of younger generation.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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5 September 2017 15:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Azerbaijan, one of oil-producing nations that struck a deal to cut output along with OPEC states, keeps meeting commitment under the deal.

Daily oil production in Azerbaijan amounted to 734,800 barrels in August, 704,000 barrels of which were crude oil and 30,800 barrels-condensate.

The participation of Azerbaijan in joint oil production cuts is defined at 35,000 barrels per day.

The country has presented its data on daily oil output for August to the OPEC Joint Technical Commission under the Monitoring Committee, the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry told Trend on September 5.

Every day 617,600 barrels of oil, 30,800 barrels of condensate and 6,600 barrels of oil products were exported.

The country produced 793,900 barrels of oil per day in January 2017, 776,400 barrels per day  in February, 733,300 barrels per day  in March and 781,100 barrels per day  in April, 785,300 barrels per day  in May, 793,700 barrels per day - in June, 796,700 barrels per day - in July.

In November 2016, the OPEC summit was held in Vienna, where OPEC members reached an agreement on reducing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day. In December 2016 was a meeting of oil producers outside the OPEC. Following the meeting, was signed an agreement to reduce oil production by a total of 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 2017.

The deal participants agreed to extend the production adjustments for nine months, on May 25, 2017.

The next meeting of the Joint OPEC-Non-OPEC Technical Committee (JTC) of OPEC is scheduled for September 22 in Vienna.The JTC earlier reported that the compliance level of OPEC and participating non-OPEC countries has dropped from 98 percent in June to 94 percent in July.

Energy-rich Azerbaijan produces three grades of crude oil - Azeri BTC, Azeri Light, and Urals. The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil decreased $0.15 to stand at $54.55 on the world markets on September 5.

Prior to the landmark deal, the volume of production in the country was at the level of 37.72 million tons of oil, while daily output stood at 829,100 barrels.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijans energy giant SOCAR reported that it produced nearly 631,500 tons of crude oil in January-July of this year.

A total of 3,339,000 million tons of oil was produced in Azerbaijan in July. SOCAR reported that crude oil production was 4.34 billion tons in January-July of this year and in total 22.50 billion tons.

SOCAR is a wholly state-owned national oil company headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan. The company produces oil and natural gas from onshore and offshore fields in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea.

The company includes such production associations as Azneft (the enterprises producing oil and gas onshore and offshore), Azerikimya (the chemical enterprises) and Azerigas (distributor of gas produced in the country), as well as oil and gas processing plants, service companies, and the facilities involved in geophysical and drilling operations.

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5 September 2017 10:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan on September 5-6 upon invitation of President Almazbek Atambayev.

The two presidents will discuss key issues of development of bilateral relations, the prospects for further expansion and deepening of cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and communication, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres, the intensification of cooperation between border regions of the two countries, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, says the message.

The talks are expected to end with signing of a joint statement of the heads of state, the agreement on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border, and a number of bilateral documents aimed at further development of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz cooperation.

On September 4, the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Abdulaziz Kamilov and Erlan Abdyldaev, initialed the draft agreement on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border, which defines an interstate border of 1,170.53 kilometers that makes up 85 percent of its total length.

The parties discussed practical issues of preparation for the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan and exchanged views on regional issues.

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How to fund Wisconsins roads and bridges, the much-debated question that has delayed passage of the states two-year budget, now may be answered by a plan that cuts funding for highway maintenance, hikes fees on hybrid vehicles and ends a minimum-pay requirement for public works projects.

The plan, the contents of which were made public Tuesday night, also trims Gov. Scott Walkers road-borrowing blueprint and moves the state incrementally closer to collecting highway tolls.

The state Legislatures budget-writing Joint Finance Committee passed a motion including the plan late Tuesday on a party-line 12-4 vote. It now is on track to advance to the full Legislature as part of a larger budget bill.

The finance committees co-chairman, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said the committee on Wednesday will finish its budget work by taking up a tax plan and a catch-all wrap-up motion, the contents of which are not yet known.

That puts lawmakers on the verge of ending the monthslong standoff over the states budget and establishing spending levels for state government through June 2019.

There was debate Tuesday on how the transportation budget motion will affect the timeline for highway projects currently under construction.

Nygren said he doesnt expect the plan to cause additional delays beyond what was proposed in Walkers budget. He specifically said it would not delay an ongoing expansion of Verona Road in Fitchburg, south of the Beltline. Another local project now underway is rebuilding and expanding Interstate 39-90 from the Madison area to the Illinois state line.

But transportation advocacy and road-building groups question how the plan can avert such delays.

The plan borrows slightly more than $400 million for transportation, compared to Walkers budget, which borrows $500 million. Relative to Walkers budget, the plan cuts funding for major highway projects outside southeastern Wisconsin by 15.8 percent, or $106 million.

Its hard to understand how you could have a 15 percent cut and have no impact, said Craig Thompson, director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin.

I just dont see any way that you cant have delays, said Patrick Goss, director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association.

The plan cuts funding for highway rehabilitation projects, which includes resurfacing and maintenance projects, by about 5 percent, or $82 million, relative to Walkers budget  and by about $79 million relative to the last budget.

The plan will impose new state registration fees of $100 for electric vehicles and $75 for hybrid vehicles. Walker first publicly acknowledged last month that he and lawmakers were considering the new fee in this budget. Walker, Nygren and other Republican supporters of the move have described it as a matter of fairness, since electric or hybrid vehicle owners pay no, or much less, fuel tax than owners of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles.

Another blow

to unions

Repeal of the New Deal-era prevailing wage requirement would mark another historic defeat for Wisconsin labor unions.

Two years ago, GOP lawmakers and Walker partially repealed prevailing wage, the minimum pay requirement for workers on public construction projects, by removing it from projects funded by local governments.

The budget plan would abolish it entirely by removing it from state-funded projects, effective in September 2018. Only projects with federal funding would remain subject to the federal prevailing wage requirement, known as Davis-Bacon.

The budget plan also will enable the state Department of Transportation to further study tolling federal highways in the state, eliminate 200 Wisconsin Department of Transportation positions and limit the ability of local municipalities to restrict certain quarry operations.

Nygren cast the plan as a fiscally responsible approach to the states road-funding woes.

This budget shows youre not going to make a commitment that you cant pay for, Nygren said.

At the same time, Nygren called it disappointing that the measure doesnt reconcile the states transportation funding ledger for the long term, as Assembly Republicans sought.

Im concerned today where were going to be two years from now when the next budget is crafted, Nygren said.

During Tuesdays debate, Democratic Rep. Katrina Shankland, of Stevens Point, called the prevailing wage repeal plan an attack on workers. Others said the plan shows Republicans arent serious about fixing the states long-term transportation funding shortfall.

Theres no fix in here, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Taxing my moms Prius isnt going to do it.

Earlier in the day, owners of businesses on and near Verona Road told reporters that they fear how prospective delays to the project could affect their bottom lines.

Deirdre Garton, co-owner of Quiveys Grove, said business at her restaurant has declined by 20 percent in the last year as construction on nearby Verona Road has ramped up.

DOT plans for the project to be done in 2020. If that date is delayed, we would have to do some major cutbacks in terms of expenses, Garton said.

Heading into this budget cycle, the state faced a transportation funding gap that, by one measure, was about $1 billion.

To fill part of that gap, Assembly Republicans pushed for new revenue, likely through a gas tax or vehicle fee increase. Senate Republicans and Walker resisted, except for the relatively small amount of revenue expected to be generated by the electric-hybrid fee hike.

Assembly Republicans countered by saying Walkers proposed level of transportation borrowing must be reduced because, without more revenue, the state cant afford it.

Wrap-up

still unknown

The wrap-up motion set to be taken up Wednesday refers to a grab-bag of legislative odds and ends that, in past years, has been deeply controversial.

Two years ago, as part of the last state budget, such a motion proposed a sweeping curtailment of open-records requirements. Lawmakers quickly removed that provision amid a fierce, bipartisan public backlash.

Nygren said this years wrap-up motion will be less extensive.

Theres really not a lot of issues in there other than technical changes, Nygren said.

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, who sits on the finance committee, has said lobbyists for the states rent-to-own industry have boosted lobbying efforts in recent days to convince lawmakers to relax consumer protections on the industry.

Nygren, asked Tuesday about such changes being included in the wrap-up motion, said he generally supports them.
5 September 2017 10:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit his country, Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, TASS reported.

"Al-Sisi invited Putin to visit Egypt. The presidents agreed that the date of such visit will be coordinated through diplomatic channels," he said, adding that todays meeting between the two leaders was quite meaningful.

"They spoke about positive tendencies as far as aviation security is concerned, discussed concrete trade-and-economic cooperation projects. Thus, Rosneft demonstrates activity in Egypt. They also discussed the topic of the construction of a nuclear power plant which is to be funded through Russias government loan, and other issues," Peskov said.

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5 September 2017 10:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Iraqi Armed Forces eliminated 55 members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the city of Tal Afar, the countrys Defense Ministry said on September 5.

The militants were killed as a result of artillery shelling by the Iraqi army.

On August 31, Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the victory of the countrys military over IS in Tal Afar and the complete liberation of the northern province of Nineveh from terrorists.

The military operation in Iraqs Tal Afar was carried out from August 20.

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5 September 2017 12:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Ali Mustafayev

Ankara has criticized the anti-Turkish rhetoric used by German and Austrian politicians, including presidential candidates from both countries, ahead of fall elections in those countries.

"We follow with regret the foundation of election campaigns of political leaders in Germany and Austria on an anti-Turkey basis and on preventing Turkey's EU membership," the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated on September 4.

Turkey designates its own way and has a so rich belonging and future that it cannot be seen by the myopic point of view of the aforementioned countries' politicians, the ministry said, stressing that the rhetoric used in election campaigns in Germany and Austria is troubling for Europe.

Germany's political parties, especially the current coalition partners to Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats Union (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) led by Martin Schulz and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, have promised to increase the pressure on Turkey and put an end to Turkey's EU accession talks as part of their election campaigns.

The Ministry further stated that these politicians surrendering to a raw populism based in an anti-Turkish attitude instead of finding solutions to the political and economic challenges facing Europe endangers not only the continent but the entire world.

There is no doubt that this populist attitude will encourage the scourges of xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia in Europe, where they are spreading, the statement stressed.

Earlier Merkel said that she would ask the EU to call off membership talks with Turkey."I don't see them ever joining [the EU] and I had never believed that it would happen," she said during a televised debate.

Merkel also demanded the release of German citizens detained in Turkey, describing their imprisonment as "unjustified".

Turkey, in its turn, claims that the actions, which are considered controversial in Europe, are part of its National Security policy, which is a basic right of each country. Ankara accuses Germany of granting asylum to the key members of the failed military coup and supporting the FETO terrorists, particularly Adil Oksuz, a theology professor accused by the Turkish authorities of being an influential figure within the Fetullah Terrorist Organization.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also criticized German politicians sparring in a weekend debate for focusing on Turkey rather than Germanys own pressing problems.



"The debate started with Turkey and ended with Turkey. The election isnt taking place in Turkey, it is taking place in Germany, he told reporters in Slovenia while attending a foreign policy forum.



The minister said German politicians should have talked instead about the rising racism in Germany and Europe, Islamophobia, antisemitism, the European economy, and the future of the European Union.



Meanwhile, the European Commission stated that President Jean-Claude Juncker said the Turkish people should understand that it is the Turkish government that has put the accession process in doubt, noting that suspending Ankaras EU talks was up to member states.



The Commission's chief spokesman told a regular news briefing that Turkey is taking giant strides away from Europe and that is making it impossible for Turkey to join the EU.

Ties between Ankara and Berlin have been strained in the aftermath of last year's failed coup. Germany has voiced concern that Erdogan is using the coup as a pretext to quash dissent, while Erdogan has accused Germany of anti-Turkish and anti-Muslim sentiment.

In mid August, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats were enemies of Turkey and called on Turks in Germany to vote against major parties in next month's elections.

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5 September 2017 14:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Ali Mustafayev

U.S. leader Donald Trump has agreed to sell South Korea arms worth billions of dollars on the backdrop of the standoff over North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, White House said.

Trump also approved that Seoul could review a joint treaty which places a cap on the development of its ballistic missiles  meaning the strike distance and force of the weapons could be increased, South Korea's presidential Blue House said.

The plan to bolster South Koreas defenses came after a request by South Korean President Moon Jae-in to Trump.

Furthermore, the two leaders had agreed to scrap the weight limit and to apply the strongest sanctions and pressure on North Korea through the United Nations.

The existing missile pact between the United States and South Korea, last amended in 2012, keeps a limit of 500 kg on Seoul's warheads.

In a separate phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin also on September 4, Moon said the U.N. Security Council should seek ways to sever North Koreas foreign currency income, including from its workers employed abroad and oil shipments, according to the South Korean statement.

An unlimited warhead weight allowance is expected to enable South Korea to provide better security and realize effective strikes in the event of a military conflict.

North Korea sharply raised regional tension this week with the launch of its Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile that flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific.

North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on September 3.. The explosion was said to be almost 10 times more powerful than the country's last nuclear test a year ago.

The test was realized under the order of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to defy its Southern neighbor and the USA after another joint military exercise was conducted on the Korean peninsula.

The Trump administration has warned North Korea that any threat to the U.S. or its allies would be met with a massive military response.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggested the United States would continue to strengthen the economic pressure on North Korea, adding that a package of new sanctions against Pyongyang will be submitted to the President soon.

Pyongyang defends its weapons programmes as necessary to counter perceived U.S. aggression.

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5 September 2017 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

For Kyrgyzstan which strives to be energy independent from neighboring countries, lack of electricity is an extremely important issue.

However, the implementation of Kyrgyz ambitious project to construct the Verkhne-Narynsky cascade of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) remains in question.

It is hard to say if the project of the Verkhne-Narynsky cascade of HPPs will be implemented in the near future, Dr Filippo Menga, Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Reading, told Trend.

Hydroelectric developments in Central Asia are always controversial, and neither of the two upstream countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, has managed to move forward their projects, with the two most notable cases being the Kambarata complex in Kyrgyzstan and the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan, he said.

The downstream countries, and particularly Uzbekistan, strongly oppose the construction of new hydropower plants on the two main regional rivers, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, according to the expert.

They are worried that this will lead to decrease in their water flows. This includes also the Verkhne-Narynsky project, even if it is smaller than the Kambarata Dam or the Rogun Dam, he added.

Russia was interested to finance the project and signed an intergovernmental agreement with the Central Asian country, but the actual funding did not come about and the agreement was cancelled by Kyrgyzstan, the expert recalled.

The reason for this might be that Russia did not want to upset Uzbekistan by financing hydro projects in Kyrgyzstan. Recently, this summer, there have been talks about the involvement of a Czech company, which would finance the project, but it is still unclear if this is really to happen, he added.

The main problem for Kyrgyzstan is to attract foreign investments in its hydropower sector, as the country did not manage to do so in the past, Menga noted.

New actors, and in particular China's Belt and Road Initiative, might lead to a change in this, but at present it is too difficult to make predictions, according to the expert.

The investment agreement with the Czech company Liglass Traiding CZ, SRO for the construction of the Verkhne-Narynsky hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) and small hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan was signed on Aug 4.

The deal also envisages the attraction of financing in the amount of about $230 million for the construction of the Akbulun HPP and Naryn HPP-1.

In case of investors failure to fulfill taken obligations, this investment agreement will be terminated, and all of the funds invested in the authorized capital of Verkhne-Narynskye HPPs CJSC will not reimbursed.

The project of construction of small hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan is implemented by the Kyrgyz government and Liglass Traiding CZ, SRO, following a tender conducted in accordance with the decree of the government, dated May 15, 2017.

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5 September 2017 15:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Ankara and Dhaka will discuss the issue of Rohingya refugees from Rakhine state in Myanmar during the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Bangladesh on September 6, Turkish media reported September 5.

Cavusoglu will hold several meetings with a number of state representatives of Bangladesh, according to the report.

Earlier, Cavusoglu called on Bangladesh to open the border for Rohingya refugees from Rakhine.

Cavusoglu noted that Turkey is ready to pay the expenses for maintaining the refugees in Bangladesh.

He noted that the world community shouldnt remain silent about the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in Myanmar.

Violence erupted in Myanmars Rakhine state on August 25 when the countrys security forces launched an operation against the Rohingya Muslim community. It triggered a fresh influx of refugees towards neighboring Bangladesh, though the country sealed off its border to refugees.

Media reports said Myanmar security forces used disproportionate force, displacing thousands of Rohingya villagers and destroying their homes with mortars and machine guns.

The region has seen simmering tension between its Buddhist and Muslim populations since communal violence broke out in 2012.

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First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

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Before joining Novartis in 2005, he worked at McKinsey & Company. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in the US and obtained a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government

Joseph Jimenez, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Novartis, has recently informed the Board of Directors of his desire to step down as CEO in 2018, after eight years in position.

The Board of Directors has appointed Vasant (Vas) Narasimhan, M.D., Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, as CEO of Novartis, effective February 1, 2018.

Jimenez has been CEO since 2010 and joined the company in 2007. He first led the Consumer Health Division, and then held the position of Division Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. He will step down as CEO, effective January 31, 2018, and will be available for advice and support at the request of the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the CEO until he retires from Novartis on August 31, 2018.

Joerg Reinhardt, Chairman of the Novartis Board of Directors, commented, "I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Joe's achievements as CEO. During his tenure, Joe focused Novartis on leading global businesses, while divesting non-core divisions. Under his leadership the innovation pipeline was rejuvenated, and we successfully navigated the patent expirations of our two largest products. We anticipate a smooth transition as Joe built a strong leadership team and mentored his successor. Novartis will be well positioned to continue its momentum."

Jimenez said, "Both from a professional and a personal perspective, this is the right moment to hand the leadership reins of the company to Vas. Our strong pipeline and the strategic moves we have taken to focus the company have put Novartis on a strong path for the future. On the personal side, after 10 wonderful years in Switzerland, my family is ready to return to Silicon Valley and the US. I'm confident that Vas will be an excellent successor."

Dr. Narasimhan has held numerous leadership positions across Novartis in commercial, drug development and strategy roles. Prior to his current role he served as Head of Development for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Before joining Novartis in 2005, he worked at McKinsey & Company. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in the US and obtained a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. In addition, he holds a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Chicago, also in the US. During and after his medical studies, he worked extensively on a range of health issues in developing countries.

Reinhardt added, "The strength of Novartis is our ability to drive science-based innovation. Vas is deeply anchored in medical science, has significant experience in managing the interfaces between Research and Development and commercial units and has strong business acumen with a track record of outstanding achievements. As a physician, he has a strong patient focus and a genuine humane perspective and care for the mission and values of Novartis. As a result, the Board of Directors is confident that Vas is the right choice to lead Novartis on our expected next growth phase, driving innovation and further strengthening our competitive position."

Dr. Narasimhan said, "I would like to congratulate Joe and express my gratitude to Joe, Joerg, and the Board of Directors. I feel honored and humbled to be asked to lead Novartis. We will continue our legacy of bringing leading innovation to patients around the world. With our recent launches, our strong pipeline, broad capabilities, world-class leadership team, and committed people, I am very confident about our future."
Kriti Sanon's Travel Looks From Spain Will Make You Jealous Bollywood Wardrobe Dona

The beautiful and ravishing Kriti Sanon was spending her vacation in Spain and we are jealous of her travel looks.

She has been in Spain since last week and she definitely gave us travel style goals. From wearing amazing capes to stunning beach wear, each and every look she was carrying would leave you amazed.

She had her styling team with her and she had been seen hanging around in parts of Spain with them.

Three of her looks which she shared on social media are amazing. One was in the petrol green shirt dress, the printed shorts she wore for the beach and the pair of street casuals; each of them is stunning and can help you in choosing your next travel books accordingly.
Where Was He Born? Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in Thiruttani, a small village in Tamil Nadu. He was part of a large Telugu Niyogi Brahmin conservative family. His father was a revenue official with the local zamindar earning a meagre salary. He never wanted his son to learn English and wanted him to become a priest. However, later on, Dr. Radhakrishnan pursued his studies with the help of scholarships. He was married to Sivakamuamma at the tender age of 16 years. They lived together for 50 years and had five daughters and a son.

Details About His Education He studied at the Madras Christian College and took philosophy as his majors. He submitted his MA thesis at the age of 20 titled - "The Ethics of Vedanta and its Metaphysical Presuppositions", for which he was appreciated by his professor Dr. A. G. Hogg. Srinivasa Ramanujam happened to meet Radhakrishnan before the mathematical genius left for Cambridge to study. It is said that a goddess came in Ramanujan's dream and asked him to get blessings from Radhakrishnan before the trip.

His Love For Knowledge Radhakrishnan mastered the art of Indian philosophy. He was very good at understanding and interpreting Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahmasutra, as well as Buddhist and Jain philosophy. He also studied philosophical commentaries of Plato, Kant, Bradley, and others. He bridged the gap between the east and the west through philosophy. He changed the views of the Westerners on Indian philosophy with his lecture - "The Hindu View of Life" and by this H. N. Spalding founded a Chair for him at the Oxford for Eastern Religions and Ethics in the year 1936. Through his lectures in the west, he became a catalyst for India's freedom. He said, "India is not a subject to be administered but a nation seeking its soul".

The Greatness Of Dr. Radhakrishnan Renowned British philosopher Bertrand Russell once said: "It is an honour to philosophy that Dr. Radhakrishnan should be President of India and I, as a philosopher, take special pleasure in this." Such was Radhakrishnan's reputation as a philosopher worldwide. His profound knowledge in Indian philosophy helped him to calm the heated Rajya Sabha sessions when he was elected the Vice President of India. He used to intervene with Sanskrit slokas and Bible quotations.

His Career As A Teacher Radhakrishnan started his teaching career at the Madras Presidency College in 1909. He further taught at the University of Mysore, the Calcutta University, and went on to become the Vice Chancellor of the Andhra University and the Banaras Hindu University. He was such a caring and doting teacher. He used to take tuitions at home where he welcomed everyone with a smile, shook hands, and saw them off after the classes. His students loved him so much that they decided to drive in a flower-decked carriage to the railway station when he left the University of Mysore.
The Vicious Cycle of ADHD and Sleep Deprivation: New Research News oi-Ria Majumdar

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (a.k.a ADHD) may sound cute and harmless, but in reality it is a disorder that comes attached with a string of problems that severely disables a child from assimilating into society and learning at par his peers.

That's why the findings of a new research on the close relationship between ADHD and sleep deprivation by Dr. Sandra Kooij of the VU Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is causing major ripples in the medical fraternity ever since it was presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology's Conference in Paris earlier this month.

ADHD and the Biological Clock

Hyperactivity and short attention span may be the more famous symptoms of ADHD. But the disorder always brings with it an array of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea (difficulty in breathing during sleep), restless leg syndrome (urge to move legs when at rest), and insomnia.

The reason behind which has finally been revealed as a problem in melatonin levels. The hormone responsible for inducing sleep at night.

In fact, when Dr. Kooij analyzed saliva samples of 52 adults with ADHD against a control group of 52 normal individuals, she found that those suffering from ADHD had delayed release of melatonin by almost 1 - 1.5 hours at night.

This prevents them from falling asleep on time at night, and leads to exacerbation of the symptoms of the disorder.

Resetting the Internal Clock

Given the findings of this research, the first step anyone with ADHD can take right now is to improve their circadian rhythm by installing certain habits in their life to help them sleep.

Habits like these:-

1. Dimming lights earlier in the evening to stimulate melatonin production.

2. Exercising earlier in the day.

3. Eating a smaller meal for breakfast.

4. Refraining from use of electronic devices before bed.

So if you suffer from ADHD, we urge you to share this article to help more people with the disorder get some much-deserved rest at night.

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Story first published: Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 18:15 [IST]
People from all over Wisconsin and other states including Kansas, Florida and Pennsylvania and from as far away as other countries such as Guatemala, Portugal and even the Netherlands showed up to attempt a record-breaking throw at the 43rd annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Festival Sept. 2 at Marion Park in Prairie du Sac.

Each contestant received two chips to throw with the chip landing the furthest within bounds counting. Chips had to be at least six inches in diameter. If the chip breaks up during the throw, the piece landing the farthest is the one thats counted, according to the official rules.

Prairie du Sac resident Josh Sheard, a physical education teacher with the Sauk Prairie School District, said he came back to compete in the festival after many years.

Sheard grew up in Prairie du Sac about a block away from Grand Avenue School and said he always came to the event with his family to watch people throw in the contest. For a while I havent thrown just because I was away at college and stuff, Sheard said. This is the first time Ive done it in a long time; I probably did it when I was in elementary school but havent been able to get back here for a while.

Sheard wasnt too impressed with his throws. Well Im not on the leaderboard, I think I chose the wrong chips, he said. I think you want a flatter piece and I didnt go for a flatter piece. You want something a little bit dense so it doesnt fall apart.

While Jamie and Nathan Weyh of Baraboo didnt come to participate in the throw, they said they had fun watching it with their family.

At the event for the first time, the Weyhs originally came for the 5K run.

This is our first time; the reason we found it is because my daughter Haylie ran the 5k this morning, Jamie Weyh said. Shes in seventh grade and runs cross country so we find 5ks around the area so that led us here.

Jamie Weyh said they have enjoyed checking out all the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Festival has to offer.

Its a great event; we went to the parade for a while, and we listened to the band and we got to watch the cloggers, Jamie Weyh said. Weve also bought some souvenirs and enjoyed the food as well.

Its a lot of people who are really loyal to the community, Nathan Weyh said. Everybody who is here is having a good time and you can just tell.

Also new to the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Festival was Andrea Roggenbuck, who sells homemade bubble wands. The arts and crafts fair featured more than 120 vendors and exhibits selling everything from furniture and lawn decorations to picture frames, baskets, quilts, ceramics, stained glass and more.

As a first time vendor in the arts and crafts fair, Roggenbuck, who hails from the Wausau area, said she started expanding her online business to festivals over the past year.

Its been really good; its been a lot of fun; its a great atmosphere, Roggenbuck said. I searched a lot of different craft shows and this one came into my radar and I wanted to give it a try. So far its proven to really be a great show.
When Australian couple Joe and Rosanna Natoli came across a painting bearing the signature of one of Australia's greatest artists, Tom Roberts, on the website of an English auction site, with a sale estimate of between 60 and 80, it seemed too good to be true.

"We thought it worth a shot," Ms Natoli said, a journalist from Seven News in Queensland. Come auction day, bidding was furious but, believing it to be a genuine, the Natolis gambled "everything we had at the time in the bank" and made a winning bid of 7500. Shipped to Australia they found the painting, curiously titled Rejected, in need of repair. After undertaking some restoration work they put it up to auction in Brisbane with an estimate of $30,000.

The couple thought: "That's not too bad, that's double our money". But the auction house brought in an expert who had too many questions and it was withdrawn from sale.

"I put it in a cupboard," Ms Natoli recalls. "Joe would take it out and hang it on the wall. He would talk to the characters in it. It shows a man who's distraught being comforted by a wife, or a woman, and he really felt an affinity with this painting. He still believed that it was a Tom Roberts, that someone wouldn't have copied him at a time when his work wasn't valued."
One of Brisbanes best and most popular music venues will not re-open its doors, despite wishful comments from fans on its website and social media page.

Sonnys House of Blues, in Rowes Arcade in Brisbane's CBD, has been closed since August 11 after a two-year run where it hosted some of Australia rising rhythm and blues acts.

Brisbane blues venue, Sonny's House of Blues, confirms it will not reopen. Credit:Tony Moore

Lets face it. It had a Jerry Garcia burger. It had gruff class.

Sonnys Facebook page in August implied the closure was temporary and that certain issues were being discussed behind the scenes.
Residents fear the CSIRO's former headquarters on Limestone Avenue are being "wilfully neglected" and exposed to looting as a decision about their heritage value drags on.

The question of whether to demolish or heritage list the buildings has hung over the site, near Campbell High School, since it was bought by developer Doma Group for $20 million in 2016.

Damage to the former CSIRO office in Campbell on Thursday afternoon. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Eric Martin, from the National Trust, said vandalism and looting of the buildings had been rampant for some time, but the trust believed the site had heritage value, both for its architecture and the endangered flora and fauna on Mount Ainslie.

Visiting the site on Friday, he said damage appeared to have increased since his previous visit a month before.
An ongoing battle between Brisbane City Council and the state government to amend a dated Neighbourhood Plan is one step closer to a resolution, with the council sending a draft plan to the government for review.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad called for an amendment to the Ferny Grove-Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan in August 2015, after the state government called in the council-approved Cedar Woods development.

City Planning chairman Julian Simmonds said other changes to the plan included requirements for future housing to be designed and located in relation to the surrounding natural setting. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The existing neighbourhood plan was first adopted in 2007.

The draft neighbourhood plan, developed by the council, went back and forth between the council and state government, with accusations of increasing density and secrecy made before the changed draft plan was sent to the public for feedback in 2017.
A man accused of setting a Brisbane crime figure alight has faced court on an upgraded charge of murder, as police try to find two others who could assist investigations.

Victor William Graveson, 65, suffered burns to 80 per cent of his body after being doused with petrol and set alight as he slept at his Alexandra Hills home on Friday morning.

Victor Graveson died in hospital.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition after members of the public extinguished the flames but died on Monday afternoon.

David Charles Edgerley was originally charged with attempted murder but appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday on an upgraded count of murder.
A man who was shot in the head as he sat in his friend's car after leaving a Father's Day lunch on the Mornington Peninsula has died in hospital.

Glen Waverly man Joshua Dipietro, 31, was found in the passenger seat of a green Mitsubishi 4WD on Eastbourne Road with a gunshot wound to his head shortly after 8pm on Sunday evening.

Police believe his mother had dropped him off at the Dundas Street milk bar in Rye about 5.30pm before he was later picked up by a friend.

He was flown to The Alfred hospital, but died on Monday night.
Cella White in the anti-gay marriage advert. Girls in dresses: Protect their modesty. Be objects. No wonder White wants out of that lark. Me too. Dresses should be banned at schools, no matter what your gender. You have to ask yourself why Cella White has such a horror of her son in a dress. The answer is this: dresses impose a set of behaviours that she doesn't think fit her idea of what a son should be. She wants sporty and free but I always wanted that for my daughters, too.

French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu applied the word illusio to explain how we all come to agree on stuff. I'm reading him for my PhD and I thought illusio was a good way to describe how we have built a common understanding of what gender is, which basically limits women and men. Our illusio of gender, as exemplified by dresses, is women must learn to be adorned. That their clothing is not fit for purpose but fit for objectification. And Amanda Mergler wants that to stop. Girls Uniform Agenda began when she realised she would have to move her kids from their very local school because her daughter loved shorts. While the school policy itself said girls could wear the shorts available to boys, girls had learned to police femininity even in year one. Her poor daughter was told she had to use the boys' toilet because she was wearing boys' shorts. "They wanted her to perform in ways that would limit her. She wanted to run and play and her dress would get in the way," she said. "Her brother was allowed to wear shorts and she wasn't. I refused to say to her because you are girl your brother can wear shorts to school but you can't." Her two children have now moved to a school where everyone can wear the same comfy cotton elastic-waisted shorts with the pull cord.

Mergler doesn't want to name the school in Queensland because she says there is no point in shaming individual institutions  plus it's everywhere. She says every week her new organisation is being contacted by more and more parents wanting to make change. The latest success is in Western Australia. Now Girls Uniform Agenda is Australia-wide and researching the sad truth about Australian schools. Public schools are much more likely to allow girls to wear pants. Private schools are a hotbed of frocks. Ascham School in Sydney's Edgecliff: shorts and pants are only available for sport. Same at Melbourne Girls Grammar, Brisbane Girls Grammar, St Peter's Collegiate Girls School in South Australia. Canberra Girls Grammar has just introduced pants, bless their neatly folded cotton socks. St Michael's Collegiate School in Hobart has optional pants for winter. They need it there. Canberra Girls Grammar principal Anne Coutts said, "Our decision to offer pants was led by students, parents and staff and in all cases the view was that choice was a good thing and we are glad to provide that." She's English and the schools there offer pants all the time and no-one has died. No-one even raises an eyebrow, she says. Strangely, when I called these schools, some responded in absolute horror that the uniform policy might come under public scrutiny. "We are a very private school," said one. Real hotbed of reproducing class and gender structures right there not wanting to be examined too closely. Girls at those schools: rise up! Demand the freedom to wear what's comfortable and suitable. Or tell the blokes on your governing councils to start wearing tunics to work and see how that feels.

I asked Peter McNeil, a fashion historian and author, to explain why the whole dress thing unleashes all these feelings. He says it's only been for the past 600 or so years that men have worn pants. "The irony is that when men began wearing pants, all the moralists complained about them. Bernardino de Siena said parents were pimping out their sons by putting them in trousers." And trousers provide free movement for all. Which brings me back to Cella White. I'm on board with her at least for pants. Vote yes for pants for girls and boys. And yes for same sex marriage. Thanks for putting me straight, Cella.
These are alarming times, what with the Korean Peninsula at a more dangerous pitch than at any time since the Korean War and the New Zealander Barnaby Joyce about to become acting Prime Minister for a weekend.

Only Bob Katter, the bloke with the hat from North Queensland, could summon a more apocalyptic vision.

Independent MP Bob Katter in Parliament. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Crocodiles!

Katter managed to stop the parliamentary conflict quite dead in its tracks from the first word of his contribution to question time on Monday.
The ACT's proposed anti-corruption body must oversee the territory's police force, the Legislative Assembly committee examining the proposal has been told.

The committee is examining creating an anti-corruption watchdog that could cover territory politicians and bureaucrats as well as potentially unions and businesses with government contracts.

Former ABC reporter Quentin Dempster says a proposed ACT integrity commission should oversee police.

ACT Policing has previously rejected any need for a territory-level integrity commission body to oversee its operations, suggesting the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) and AFP's internal investigation arm suffice.

But former ABC investigative reporter Quentin Dempster told the committee last Friday that numerous corruption scandals across the country had shown the need for external oversight of police to prevent 'malign cultures and abuse of power' developing.
A Queensland minister is under pressure to resign after the state's Child Safety Department unwittingly sent confidential details about a mother and her sons to their accused abuser.

An unidentified person in the department accidentally sent the information about the children's new school, counsellor and sports club.

The boys' father is in jail on remand, accused of attacking the woman, leaving her with broken bones, and going on the run with two of their three sons.

Minister Shannon Fentiman is under fire in Queensland Parliament. Credit:AAP

Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman told state parliament the "devastating error" had been referred to the Ethical Standards Unit for investigation.
New Queensland laws to help police fight terrorism, including powers to turn phones, high-tech fridges and other devices into surveillance tools, have passed Parliament.

The laws give police more powers during and following attacks, including to search people or vehicles without a warrant during a declared terrorist emergency.

New counter-terrorism laws have passed in Queensland. Credit:File image

It would allow police to search mobile phones during a terrorist emergency to look for communication between offenders and footage of the attack.

It would also give police the power to turn existing devices into surveillance devices during a declared emergency, including by remotely installing software, when the life, health or safety of a person was in danger.
The home button will be replaced. It will come with an all-over screen. It will have wireless charging, facial ID, and potentially a new name. The higher-priced models will even turn into a submarine when you are in a high-speed car chase, just like the really cool Lotus that Roger Moore drove in The Spy Who Loved Me. OK, I made that last one up. But the rest are all rumoured features of the iPhone 8, the device Apple is set to launch next Wednesday.

When the details are finally released, Apple shareholders will be hoping for some radical innovations that will kick-start the market, and get sales moving again. That matters to its investors of course. But it matters to the rest of us as well. Why? Because if it doesn't, it may well mean we have hit "Peak Phone" and that will have a big impact on the wider economy. It will drive the stock market lower, slow down the rate of innovation and reduce competition, and we will all be worse off for that.

There are already plenty of signs that the decade-long boom created by the launch of the first iPhone may well be running out of puff. Apple shifted 211 million of them last year, compared with 231 million in 2015. Most phones run on Android these day, but those haven't been shipping so fast either. IDC calculated that global sales were up by a modest 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of this year, driven mainly by China and emerging markets.

In truth, like most products after a decade or so, most people who want one already have a smartphone, and there are no new features that are sufficiently compelling for most of us to upgrade. We don't replace our TV every couple of years, because the new one wouldn't do much the old one couldn't. Likewise, we may have stopped upgrading our phones. When they wear out, we might trade up. But not before.
An official employment notification has been sent out by the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs calling out for interested, eligible candidates to apply for a number of positions in IB (Ministry of Home Affairs), Government of India. The vacant post is for Assistant Central Intelligence Officer ACIO-II (GradeII/Executive).

Vacancy Availability

Number of posts: 1,430

Name of the posts:

Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (GradeII/Executive)

Eligibility

Educational requirement

The candidates interested in applying for this post should have pursued graduation or equivalent from a recognised university and must possess knowledge of computers.

Age criteria

The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 27 years and must be minimum 18 years.

KPSC Recruitment Begins for First and Second Division Assistant: Apply Now!

Salary Details

The selected candidates will be getting a monthly salary of Rs 9,300 to Rs 34,800, along with a grade pay of Rs 4,200.

Selection procedure

The candidates will be selected on the basis of a written test and an interview.

How to apply for Intelligence Bureau Recruitment?

The candidates interested in these posts are required to apply at the official website www.mha.nic.in

Dates to remember

The last date for submission of online application is September 10.

The last date for depositing the fees through challan is Spetember 12.

Tier-I examination will be conducted on October 5.

Tier-II examination will be conducted on January 7, 2018.

Also Read: Air India Pilot Recruitment: Apply Now!
DIKSHA - A national digital infrastructure for the teachers was launched by the Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on September 5, 2017 at the 'National Awards to Teachers 2016' function. The launch took place on the occasion of Teachers' day, which is the annual commemoration of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birth anniversary.

The new infrastructure is a brainchild of the Ministry of Human Resource Ministry. The HRD describes the new initiative as a unique one, which will focus on getting maximum advantage using the current digital infrastructure for the teachers of the country.

The step is focused on the entire life cycle of the teacher, from the point they are student teachers till their retirement.

The initiative will help the teachers to direct themselves, as they join the Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs)

Why is DIKSHA important?

One might wonder why we need such a step. Well the HRD ministry explains the need of such an initiative in a small video which rightly states that the future of the country lies in the hands of our very own teachers.

Also how the whole country is on its way to be digitally transformed, but in this huge change, teachers are left behind.

They need to be digitally equipped with the new and advancing technology. These are some of the beneficial uses of DIKSHA for the teachers:

It will make sure that they can hone their skills anywhere and any time.

They will be provided with access assessment resources, learn and train using it.

In TEIs, their work and accomplishments will be recorded from the very start till the point their retire.

This infrastructure can be customized according to their own ides.

Content can be shared between multiple people and the infrastructure is multi channel, which means it can accessed on various formats like PCs, mobile phones, tablets etc.

Other Highlights of Teacher's Day

The DIKSHA Launch also saw the new cabinet Minister, and former Police Commissioner of Mumbai Mr. Satyapal Singh, Mos (HE) who addressed the awardee teachers at Vigyan Bhawan. The ceremony, which was organized for Teachers' Day, where 319 teachers were were honored with national Awards to Teachers 2016 by the Vice President.

MoS (HE) @dr_satyapal addressed awardee teachers at 'National Awards to Teachers 2016' function at Vigyan Bhawan. #TeachersDay #DIKSHAlaunch pic.twitter.com/2K9REQYaEg  Ministry of HRD (@HRDMinistry) September 5, 2017

On this occasion Prime Minister Narendra Modi took up to the micro blogging site, Twitter and said:

On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds & spreading the joys of education in society.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

He also reminded us all that the teachers have a very important and vital role in realising the dream of 'New India', which as he mentioned in his tweet, is driven by cutting edge research & innovation.

We hope DIKSHA helps all the teachers and those who are aspiring to become one,and they get comfort in doing what they do the best.

Click here to know about DIKSHA on the official website - diksha.gov.in

Happy Teachers' day to all the teachers out there!

What Can Students do on Teachers' Day?
Press Release For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Contact: Media Relations

(404) 639-3286

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is awarding more than $28.6 million in additional funding to 44 states and the District of Columbia to support their responses to the opioid overdose epidemic. The funds will be used to strengthen prevention efforts and better track opioid-related overdoses. This builds upon the July 2017 announcement that CDC was providing $12 million to states to support overdose prevention activities.

One piece of HHSs five-point strategy for combating the opioid crisis is improving our understanding of the epidemic through better public health data, said Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, M.D. The expansion of these CDC programs, made possible by legislation President Trump signed earlier this year, is an important piece of our commitment to helping states combat the scourge of opioid addiction and overdose.

Increased funding for opioids in the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Omnibus Appropriations bill is allowing CDC to support all states funded under its Overdose Prevention in States (OPIS) effort, which includes three programs that equip states with resources needed to address the epidemic. The three programs are: Prescription Drug Overdose: Prevention for States (PfS), Data-Driven Prevention Initiative (DDPI), and Enhanced State Opioid Overdose Surveillance (ESOOS).

Under the Prescription Drug Overdose: Prevention for States (PfS) program, $19.3 million in funding will go to 27 states in program expansion supplemental awards. Under the Data-Driven Prevention Initiative (DDPI), $4.6 million in funding will go to 12 states and Washington, D.C. in program expansion supplemental awards. Funds will be used by states to scale up prevention activities that include increasing the use of prescription drug monitoring programs and improving clinical feedback from these systems, expanding the reach of messages about the risks associated with opioids, and other practices such as conducting overdose fatality reviews to improve prevention efforts.

PfS supplemental awardees are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

DDPI supplemental awardees are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Washington, D.C.

Under the Enhanced State Opioid Overdose Surveillance (ESOOS) program, $4.7 million will go to 32 states and Washington, D.C. to better track and prevent opioid-involved nonfatal and fatal overdoses. Funds will be used by states to directly support medical examiners and coroners, including funds for comprehensive toxicology testing and for enhancing their surveillance activities.

ESOOS supplemental awardees are: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Drug overdoses have dramatically increased over the last two decades in America, said CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. This additional CDC funding to states, who are on the frontlines of the opioid overdose epidemic, is critical to help them scale up prevention efforts to fight this crisis and save lives.

The expanded funding is part of the Department of Health and Human Services five-point strategy to fight the opioid epidemic by:

Improving access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services, including the full range of medication-assisted treatments;

Targeting availability and distribution of overdose-reversing drugs;

Strengthening our understanding of the crisis through better public health data and reporting;

Providing support for cutting edge research on pain and addiction; and

Advancing better practices for pain management.

###

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESexternal icon
Cemex contributes to Texas relief effort

05 September 2017

Cemex announced a total US$500,000 donation for employee and community relief efforts in Texas, USA, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey.



Cemex USA has a strong operational and commercial presence in the Greater Houston area, where it is also headquartered. A rapid response effort to provide aid to affected employees and their families has been launched. Fortunately, all Cemex employees are safe.



Cemex also established a fund to receive voluntary donations from its personnel worldwide to help affected colleagues. Total funds contributed will be matched by the company.



Our top priority is the safety of our employees. We will continue to assist our colleagues and their families affected by this devastating storm, said Fernando A. Gonzalez, CEO of Cemex. Our thoughts are with the people in Texas. We trust their resilience and solidarity will help them overcome this tragedy.

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Pacific Cement maintenance and repair investment

05 September 2017

Fiji-based Pacific Cement will be investing close to US$2m for repair and maintenance to its plant, according to local media reports.



Chief executive, Sowani Tuidrola, told the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that the investment this will be the largest at the plant for the last 10 years.



The investment follows a major breakdown to machines at the factory two months ago, that resulted in a cement shortage across the country.



Tuidrola says due to the repair a planned three-week shutdown of the Pacific cement plant will take place.



"We had another two additional pieces that needs to be done. It will cost around US$1.2m for installation and commissioning but thats only for the Trunnion Gear and then weve got a motor which cost over half a million dollar. So that two adds up to about US$2m."



Pacific Cement is importing 25,000t of cement from Vietnam to cater for demand during the shutdown.





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Cementos Progreso joins the CSI

05 September 2017

Cementos Progreso of Guatemala has joined the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) as its first affiliate member, a new level created this year by CSI to expand its membership base and facilitate the initial steps for new joiners of the initiative.



Cementos Progreso was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Guatemala City, Guatemala. As a key player in construction industry in Latin America, the Company operates through three segments: cement, ready-mix concrete, and lime. The company produces, distributes, and sells cement and cement-related materials, such as clinker, ready-mix concrete, and dry-mix products, as well as produces and sells lime for use in construction, agriculture, and mining operations.



"Cementos Progreso is delighted and honoured to join the respected program of the CSI said Jose Raul Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of Cementos Progreso. Our company has almost 120 years of history and, true to the legacy of our founder, we have a strong commitment to faithfully carry forward all our operations in a sustainable manner, seeking a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability and the social well-being of our employees and the communities where we operate".



Affiliate level

The Affiliate level was created with an inclusive approach appealing to all progressive cement producers who have keen interest to enhance sustainability performance, the CSI noted. It is intended as an interim transitional step to enable the joining companies to achieve the level required for full membership in a gradual manner, within a three-year timeframe.



The sustainability approach of Cementos Progreso is remarkable because it is ambitious and proactive on the one hand, while being humble on the other hand, said Philippe Fonta, Managing Director of the CSI. We have been discussing with the company for several months and I am very happy that we can now materialize this cooperation through the officially joining of Cementos Progreso.

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Aung San Suu Kyi: Pressure piles on Myanmar's leader to act over Rohingya abuse

Myanmar's defacto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is coming under increasing pressure to intervene over her army's treatment of Rohingya Muslims.

More than 35,000 refugees have crossed the border into Bangladesh in the last 24 hours alone, the UN says, and more than 123,000 have arrived in the past 10 days.

The surge was triggered by an attack on police posts by Rohingya militants which left nine dead and sparked a large scale counter-attack, killing several hundred and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee.

So far Aung San Suu Kyi, the effective head of the country's government, has said nothing but is coming under intense pressure to condemn her military's actions.

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and once considered the embodiment of Myanmar's struggle for democracy, she has so far stuck by the army's line that the Rohinyga are illegally squatting in Myanmar and are not citzens, despite claiming roots going back hundreds of years.

The plight of the Rohingya, considered the most persecuted people group in the world, has prompted calls for her prize to be revoked with Malala Yousafzai, a fellow Nobel laureate, criticising her openly on Twitter.

'Every time I see the news, my heart breaks at the suffering of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar,' she said.

'Over the last several years I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same.'

The UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson warned the violence was 'besmirching the reputation' of Myanmar adding he hoped Aung San Suu Kyi would use 'all her remarkable qualities to unite her country, to stop the violence and to end the prejudice that afflicts both Muslims and other communities in Rakhine'.

In a statement, he said: 'Aung Sang Suu Kyi is rightly regarded as one of the most inspiring figures of our age but the treatment of the Rohingya is alas besmirching the reputation of Burma.

'She faces huge challenges in modernising her country... It is vital that she receives the support of the Burmese military, and that her attempts at peacemaking are not frustrated.

'She and all in Burma will have our full support in this.'

Other world leaders, including senior United Nations figures, have also spoken out with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging restraint and Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, saying the situation is 'perhaps the worst ... in Myanmar in a long time'.

A petition signed by hundreds of thousands of people is calling for Aung San Suu Kyis's award to be removed and she is being urged to act by other governments.

But the Nobel Committee has never rescinded a prize and will not in Aung San Suu Kyi's case either, said Gunnar Stalsett, a former committee member, according to the New York Times.

'A peace prize has never been revoked and the committee does not issue condemnations or censure laureates," said Mr. Stalsett, a former politician and bishop who was a deputy member of the committee in 1991, when Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi received her award.

'The principle we follow is the decision is not a declaration of a saint,' he said. 'When the decision has been made and the award has been given, that ends the responsibility of the committee.'
Conservative Archbishop's snub: Why I won't be attending Justin Welby's Anglican summit

The influential Archbishop of Nigeria is rejecting an invitation to the forthcoming summit of Anglican leaders hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in October.

Nicholas Okoh rebuked Justin Welby in a letter explaining his refusal to attend, saying he had overseen a 'repeated failure to preserve' conservative teaching on sexuality.

Okoh is head of the traditionalist network GAFCON which claims to represent the majority of Anglicans globally. Different factions of the Anglican Communion were brought by Welby to Canterbury for their second meeting in two years this October in an attempt to resolve deep differences around sexuality.

But Okoh's snub comes as a challenge to Justin Welby's authority as the head of 85 million Anglicans around the world and could fuel a de facto separation between conservative Churches in Africa and the global south and more liberal leaning ones in the US and the West.

'Everything else is the same or worse,' Okoh wrote comparing Welby's tenure to that of his predecessor Rowan Williams. 'There is endless debate, the will of the orthodox Primates is frustrated and misrepresented, false teaching is not being corrected, and nothing is being done to halt orthodox Anglicans in North America (and maybe soon elsewhere) being stripped of the churches that have helped form their spiritual lives.

'In these circumstances, I have concluded that attendance at Canterbury would be to give credibility to a pattern of behaviour which is allowing great damage to be done to global Anglican witness and unity.'

Pointing to deep divides over sexuality Okoh said 'we are living in the midst of the next great Reformation' in a reference to the great split between Protestants and Catholics in the 16th century.

'In our day also there is broken fellowship, over homosexual practice, same sex marriage and the blurring of gender identity, none of which are mentioned in the Creeds, but all of which contradict fundamental biblical understandings of marriage and human identity,' he wrote.

It comes after another influential Anglican leader, Stanley Ntagali, the Archbishop of Uganda, said he also would not attend.

He and other conservative primates who are part of the GAFCON group had called for 'discipline' to be administered to the US Episcopal Church, in the light of the 2003 consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, a gay man with a partner.

Tensions over the fissure on sexuality are reaching a climax after the Church of England's General Synod, which Welby presides over, voted in July to condemn so-called gay 'conversion therapy' and to consider liturgical support to Christians who 'transition' from one gender to another.

The meeting will take place in Canterbury from October 2-6 and will be the first time all the leaders of the different Anglican provinces have met since January 2016.
Could this be the UK's first female Archbishop?

Voting is underway to chose the next Archbishop of Wales with speculation over whether it could be a woman.

Representatives from across Wales will meet behind locked doors today to decide who will fill the vacancy following Dr Barry Morgan's retirement.

The recently appointed Bishop of Llandaff, June Osborne, and the Bishop of St Davids, Joanna Penberthy, are in the running alongside the four other serving bishops of the Church in Wales.

The other candidates are the Bishop of Swansea & Brecon, John Davies, the Bishop of Bangor, Andy John, the Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, and the Bishop of Monmouth, Richard Pain.

Although both woman are the most newly promoted bishops, the 42 electors across Wales may decide the appointment of the UK's first female Anglican archbishop would be a welcome move after allegations of homophobia surrounded Jeffrey John's rejection as bishop earlier this year.

Made up of six people from each of Wales' six diocese, plus the bishops themselves, the electoral college will be locked inside Holy Trinity Church in Llandrindod Wells for up to three days to debate and vote on their next leader. A two-thirds' support needed for any candidate to become archbishop.

The doors of the church will only be opened once a two-thirds majority has been reached and a decision made. If after three days no one has won support from at least two-thirds of the electors, the decision falls to the bishops themselves to choose which one of them will become archbishop.
DACA: Trump scraps 'Dreamers' scheme leaving evangelicals divided

A US scheme to protect the children of illegal migrants will be scrapped, Donald Trump's team announced today.

Attorney general Jeff Sessions, who openly supports rescinding the scheme, was sent to announce the move on Tuesday after pressure from evangelicals on both sides.

While some evangelical leaders pleaded with Donald Trump not to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  or DACA  scheme launched by Barack Obama's administration, others said it was his duty to do so.

Earlier on Tuesday he tweeted, hinting he would delay scrapping the system to allow Congress to come up with a replacement plan.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

DACA allows law-abiding young people who came to the US illegally as children to apply for temporary rights to live, work and study in America. During the past five years it has allowed 800,000 so-called 'Dreamers' to attend school without fear of deportation.

In a hardline attack on the idea, Sessions described the policy as an 'open-ended circumvention of immigration laws' and a 'unilateral executive amnesty'.

'The nation must set a limit on how many immigrants we admit each year,' he said.

'We cannot admit everyone who would like to come here, it's just that simple.'

The move will strain Trump's relationship with evangelicals, many of whom put intense pressure on Trump not to cancel the scheme. The Evangelical Immigration Table, a group including National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson and Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission president Russell Moore, wrote a letter to Trump saying: 'These young people have shown through their great determination and fortitude that our nation is better off because of their presence. They are leading in our churches and our communities.'

The letter urged the White House to 'find solutions that allow these young people to stay in our country long-term and continue to be a blessing to our communities'.

Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, also warned Trump about the consequences of ending DACA. 'As a pastor, I cannot sit idly by while the federal government threatens to forcibly separate families by deportation,' he said.

Rodriguez, who prayed at Trump's inauguration, added: 'In the Scriptures, we read the timeless words, 'Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate' (Mark 10:9). It is no individual's or government's place to rip families apart, let alone millions of them. The scope of this crisis is simply breathtaking. If the President breaks his promise to us to protect these children, they should be prepared for a mass exodus of the administration's Hispanic support. Even the most conservative among us will not sacrifice our children on the altar of political expediency. Let me be clear, should they decide to do so, we will oppose them.'

In addition to the fears for families being separated, some Christians are concerned their pastors and fellow churchgoers could be deported if DACA was abandoned.

Lynne Hybels, from the megachurch Willow Creek, said her church had 'witnessed firsthand the hope that the DACA program has brought to individuals who have wanted nothing more than the chance to pursue an education and lead a productive life, just as our own children have done. To end the program now, without action from Congress first, would be devastating  for them and for the communities that benefit from their work, ingenuity, and courage.'

But Trump also came under pressure from other evangelical leaders, who posed a series of challenges including 'who will speak of the real cost of illegal immigration'? and 'who will stand for justice for Americans victimized by people here illegally'?

In a letter to Trump they said 'law and order sustain stability and peace' and added: 'While some faith groups use selective Bible words for open borders and amnesty, we consider the whole of Scripture. We find the Bible does not teach open borders, but wise welcome.'

They went on: 'We also find Nehemiah building walls to protect citizens from harm' adding: 'The Bible envisions a world of beautiful and unique nations, not a stateless "open society" run by global oligarchs.'
Descendant of Robert E Lee resigns as pastor after backlash for calling racism 'America's original sin'

The Rev Robert Lee IV, a descendant of the controversial Confederate general of the same name, has resigned as the leader of his church after receiving a backlash for his condemnation of racism as 'America's original sin'.

Lee IV, 24, was the pastor of Bethany United Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, North Carolina before he resigned on Monday, according to New York Daily News. Members of his church had taken issue with Lee's speech at MTV's Music Video Awards, in which the pastor was outspoken in his condemnation of racism. Lee had introduced to the stage Susan Bro, the mother of Heather Heyer, who was killed as she protested against the white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia last month.

Lee said at the awards: 'My name is Robert Lee IV, I'm a descendant of Robert E. Lee, the Civil War general whose statue was at the center of violence in Charlottesville. We have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism, and hate. As a pastor, it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, America's original sin.'

Lee wrote a statement, posted on the website of New York's Auburn Seminary, explaining his resignation: 'My presence at the church as a descendent of Robert E. Lee and an outspoken opponent of White Supremacy had already attracted attention, but with my appearance on MTV the media's focus on my church reached an all time high.

'A faction of church members were concerned about my speech and that I lifted up Black Lives Matter movement, the Women's March, and Heather Heyer as examples of racial justice work.'

The church subsequently prepared to vote on Lee's tenure as their leader, so he resigned, leaving his post just six months after taking it up in February. He described the church backlash as 'deeply hurtful'.

Robert Lee IV: "I call on all of us with privilege and power to confront racism and white supremacy head-on." (MTV) pic.twitter.com/xVy9iyoLeU  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 28, 2017

He said he had told his congregation: 'I regret that speaking out has caused concern and pain to my church. For this is I offer my heartfelt apology. I understand that my views could be considered to be controversial. I never sought this sort of attention. But, I do believe in God's role in calling out for positive social change for the good of all.

'We are all called by God to speak out against hate and evil in all its many forms. There are so many good things going on with this congregation and I do not want my fight to detract from the mission. If the recent media attention causes concern with my church, I reluctantly offer my resignation.'
Does the rise of the 'nones' mean the end of the Church?

Is the Church in the UK on its last legs? Judging by the wailing and gnashing of teeth on social media following the latest British Social Attitudes survey release, you'd think so. The number of Brits describing themselves as having no religion at all is at its highest ever level, and the number describing themselves as Anglicans has also dropped, to 15 per cent  half what it was in 2000.

So, is it on its last legs?

The operative words here are 'describing themselves'. The survey is about how people think of themselves, not what they actually do. It doesn't measure churchgoing, or prayer, or Bible reading. So while it is informative, to a degree, it is not definitive. It doesn't tell us how many Christians there are in the country  or how many Anglicans  it just tells us how people describe themselves.

But it's not great news, is it?

Not particularly. But while it's perfectly legitimate to highlight this fall, it needs to be seen against last year's BSA figures, which actually showed a rise in the number of Christians, and a fall in the number of those saying they had no religion. The latter led to a cautious headline in Christian Today asking, 'Could the decline in Christianity be coming to a halt?' Too soon to say, was the overall conclusion. That is still the case.

So why the rise in the 'nones'  and the fall in Anglicans?

The BSA survey is perfectly legit, but it's a bit of a blunt instrument. It selects 2,942 random adults and conducts an hour-long interview with a gazillion questions. One of these is, 'Do you regard yourself as belonging to any particular religion? IF YES: Which?' But what does 'Belonging to' mean? The fact that the same question's been asked since the survey began in 1983 doesn't necessarily mean it will be answered in the same terms.

Can you expand...?

The public's perception of religion has changed a lot since 1983. Even then, 'CofE' was the default option for people who didn't go to church and weren't really bothered about religion. Since then there's been a rise in evangelical power. Evangelicals are very insistent on defining who is a Christian and who isn't, because if you don't know you can't convert them. So arguably, in terms of these numbers, they are victims of their own success  it might be that people are getting the message. But there have also been huge shifts in public morality, regarding sexuality and gender. The Church has in general resisted them, so people who might have been vaguely happy with the label 'Christian' or 'Anglican' are being forced to pick a side, and they aren't sticking with the brand. There's also the timing of the survey, between July and October 2016  peak presidential election time in the States, when religion was a particularly toxic factor. Who'd want to be associated with that?

So it's Trump's fault?

No, of course not. But 2,942 is not a very large number, and it only needs a few people to shift for the overal picture to be changed.

But the picture has still changed.

Yes, and that isn't insignificant. If someone feels a certain loyalty to or identification with a particular faith, even if they don't practise it to any meaningful extent, it shapes how they might be approached by Christians wanting to share the gospel and bring them into a relationship with Christ and his Church. If they don't, the strategy may be different. So this survey is helpful to that extent.

It seems to be young people in particular who don't want the 'Christian' label.

Indeed  just three per cent of those aged 18-24 described themselves as Anglican, compared to 40 per cent of those aged 75 and over. On the other hand, a ComRes survey released in June found one in five young people describe themselves as 'active followers of Jesus'. That figure has to be treated with caution, as Christian Today's Martin Saunders said  but that's sort of the point. It's about definitions, how people describe themselves, labels and perceptions.

So the BSA survey isn't quite as apocalyptic as we might think? Phew.

No, it isn't. But the gradual drifting apart of Church and society brings its own problems, and by other measures  attendance at worship, age distribution and geographical distribution, for instance  things still look a bit perilous. We shouldn't minimise the challenges.

But it will be OK in the end?

Of course. Different, but OK.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
Former lesbian explains why she signed the Nashville Statement on gender and sexuality

Speaker and author Rosaria Butterfield, a former lesbian, explained why she signed the Nashville Statement, which was released by a broad coalition of Christian leaders, including J. I. Packer and Francis Chan, articulating God's design for human identity as male and female.

"I stand with biblical orthodoxy, which is inseparable from God's creation mandate and definition of gendered personhood found in Genesis 1:27," Butterfield wrote in an article for the website of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, as a reason for signing the statement.

"I signed the Nashville Statement because my conscience compels me so, because the promises of liberty on the world's terms are false and deceptive, and because many who currently claim to have Christ's forgiveness and salvation must be called to account for leading good people astray with false promises and filthy lies," she continued.

"I signed the Nashville Statement because the wolves are prowling, and the lions are roaring, and because they are bold and proud of their heresy, and because you must be warned."

The statement, which was sponsored by the CBMW and the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, was issued in Nashville, Tennessee, this week.

The document, which nearly 200 Christian leaders have signed and was described by Pastor John Piper as a "Christian manifesto" on human sexuality, contains a preamble and 14 articles.

(PHOTO: WETN SCREENSHOT)Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, a former professor at Syracuse University and Geneva College, speaks about her conversion to Christianity on Jan. 31, 2014."Evangelical Christians at the dawn of the 21st century find themselves living in a period of historic transition. As Western culture has become increasingly post-Christian, it has embarked upon a massive revision of what it means to be a human being. By and large the spirit of our age no longer discerns or delights in the beauty of God's design for human life," the preamble reads.

The issue, Butterfield wrote, is not primarily homosexuality; it's Scripture. "The issue is not primarily gay marriage," Butterfield explains. "It's whether 'the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,'" she said, referring to Hebrews 4:12.

Butterfield recalled that she lived as a lesbian 20 years ago.

"I delighted in my lover, our home on one of the Finger Lakes, our Golden Retrievers, and our careers. When Christ claimed me for His own, I did not stop feeling like a lesbian. I did not fall out of love with women. I was not converted out of homosexuality. I was converted out of unbelief," she wrote.

"Conversion to Christ did not initially change my sexual attraction for women," she further explained. "What conversion did change immediately was my heart and mind. My mind was on fire for the Bible and I could not read enough of it or enough about it. The Gospel gave me a light that was ruinous. It ruined me for the life I had loved. The Lord's light illumined my sin through the law and illumined my hope through Jesus and the Gospel."

She said she learned that sin does not lose its character as sin because we loved it. "I learned that my homosexuality was a logical consequence of the fall of man, the thumbprint of original sin on some of us. It is true that some of us are born this way. It is also true that we are all born in sin, in one way or another. We can hate our sin without hating ourselves because we who have committed our lives to Christ stand in His righteousness and not our own. Our real identity is not in the sin we battle but in the savior we embrace."

Some evangelicals have expressed concerns over the Nashville Statement.

Author and Mere Orthodoxy founder Matthew Anderson said it contains many omissions and has "a very narrow ethical focus on same-sex sexual desires and questions of transgender identity."

Anderson, who holds a traditional biblical view on sex and gender, also argued that the statement inevitably creates an us versus them mentality  us being evangelicals and them being those who are not evangelicals  though that is likely not the intention of the statement's signers.

Those Christians who support same-sex marriage opposed the statement.

However, radio host Michael Brown wrote in an op-ed for The Christians Post, "From a biblical perspective, there is nothing controversial in the Nashville Statement, as it affirms sexual norms that have been taught by the Church for the last two millennia, including marriage being the union of one man and one woman."

This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
G4S whistleblower, now priest, calls for end to indefinite detention

A former G4S boss and priest is calling for the end of indefinite detention after a BBC Panorama investigation uncovered 'shocking' levels of abuse and poor behaviour from staff.

Rev Nathan Ward, formerly a senior manager at the security company, told his superiors about the 'poor culture' among workers when he worked at Brook House Detention Centre near Gatwick Airport.

Now a priest in Kent after quitting the company in April 2014 because he 'couldn't cope' and his warnings were being ignored, Ward became a whistleblower for the BBC and is joining others to call for an end to indefinite detention.

Like other immigration detention centres, Brook House is meant to only hold people for a few days but many spent months or even years there without knowing when they will be released. Unlike all other EU countries, the UK does not set a legal limit on the length of immigration detention.

'I call on the Government today to bring an immediate end to indefinite detention setting an upper limit of 28 days,' said Ward, following up calls from MPs in 2015 after a cross-party investigation.

Ward said court approval should be needed for any detention longer than 72 hours and called on the government to focus its immigration policy away from holding people in centres.

'This is not about immigration; it is about ending inhumane practices which are expensive and infective. The UK is a developed nation with high standards - we must demand better than this for our detention centres,' he said.

Ward was joined by Bishop of Rochester, the James Langstaff, who serves as Bishop to Prisons. Bishop James said: 'Based on the news coverage so far around this programme it would seem that this documentary raises serious questions, not just of those who run our immigration detention centres, but more crucially about how we as a society treat people that we don't know what to do with. Those featured in the documentary are human beings with friends, families, and personal stories. And yet the alleged treatment they have received can only be described as inhumane. This system fails not only those directly affected by it, but it fails us as a nation.'

BBC Panorama said it unearthed 'a toxic, brutal and failing environment where self-harming is common place' with footage revealing suicide attempts, drug abuse and evidence of violence inflicted by detainees on each other.

Hardened criminals mix alongside asylum seekers and migrants who are having their applications reviewed and 21-year-old Callum Tulley, who agreed to secretly film what happened during his shifts, said the former 'swarm like sharks around small fish'.

He told the BBC: 'They will just get eaten alive, just snapped up like that.'

In one incident he described how officers treated one 20-year-old detainee who had been on suicide watch for to days: 'This officer comes in and just chokes him basically, and he just exerts all his pressure on from his hands and arms on to this guy's neck, and you see his eyes roll back, you see his eyes roll to the back of his head.'

Responding to the allegations, Home Office minister Brandon Lewis said: 'The dignity and safety of all those in our care is of the utmost importance, and I am taking these deeply concerning allegations very seriously.

'We expect the highest standards and integrity of our contractors at all times, and the Home Office is working closely with G4S to ensure a full investigation is carried out and appropriate action is taken.'

Nine G$S employees from Brook House remains suspended following the investigation and the company says it is looking into the allegations.

Detention managing director at G4S UK Jerry Petherick, said: 'The behaviour shown in the programme is completely unacceptable and not representative of the many G4S colleagues who do a great job, often in difficult and challenging circumstances, across the country.

'We have commenced an immediate investigation into the specific allegations made in the programme.

'I have re-emphasised to staff the importance of speaking out through whistleblowing channels if anyone is concerned about the behaviour of colleagues or standards at any of our facilities.

'We continue to focus on the care and wellbeing of detainees at Brook House.'
'Give until it hurts': The Christian wisdom of Mother Teresa in 9 quotes

Today marks the Catholic feast day for Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, best known to the world as Mother Teresa.

St Teresa of Calcutta died on this day in 1997, but not before living an iconic life of ascetic, selfless service to the world's poor. Albanian born Teresa may be most famous for the order of nuns, the Missionaries of Charity, that she founded in 1948  who served the sick, homeless, poor and rejected of Calcutta, India. From there the order grew into what is now composed of thousands of sisters, based across more than 100 countries.

This nun of small stature soon became an international celebrity, but she spent most of her lie in India. Her story was brought to many after English journalist Malcolm Muggeridge documented her life in the book and film titled Something Beautiful for God. She accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in 1979, and gave the award money to the poor.

In 2016 the Roman Catholic Church had her canonised as a saint. Mother Teresa remains a controversial character not without her critics, but she remains to many a global, inspiring image of devoted Christian charity. Here are nine quotes from the famed saint.

1. Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

2. Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

3. Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

4. The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.

5. At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.'

Like Mother Teresa, may we open up opportunities of joy and hope for the many who are discouraged and need understanding and tenderness.  Pope Francis (@Pontifex) September 5, 2017

6. Live simply so others may simply live.

7. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.

8. We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.

9. I must be willing to give whatever it takes to do good to others. This requires that I be willing to give until it hurts. Otherwise, there is no true love in me, and I bring injustice, not peace, to those around me.
Investigations launched as huge fire rips through disused Dundee church

Investigations are being launched into the cause of a large fire that gutted a disused church in Dundee last night.

More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at Lochee Old Parish Church, a listed building that dates from 1830, on Monday evening.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland investigation will begin once the inside of the building is deemed safe to access, the BBC reported.

Firefighters were continuing to damp down the fire this morning. Six fire engines were initially sent to the scene. No one was injured in the incident.

As officers set up cordons to ensure public safety, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service despatched eight appliances, including two aerial ladders.

A video of the fire appeared on Twitter.

The church has reportedly been vacant for some time but according to the Dundee Courier some groups still used the rear of the building.

Lochee councillor Michael Marra said: 'The fire is right through the building. You can still see the flames coming out of it... The first concern has to be the safety of people in the area. The windows of the flats opposite have been cracking so people have been asked to leave. They'll need accommodation so the council will have to move quickly.'

A local resident, Lorraine Paterson said she was devastated to witness the church's demise. 'It's Lochee's most beautiful building. It's a real favourite so to see this is heartbreaking,' she told the Courier.
Joy-Anna Duggar announces she and husband Austin Forsyth are expecting their first child

"Counting On" star Joy-Anna Forsyth (nee Duggar) has confirmed that she and her husband, Austin, are expecting their first child.

The couple took to Instagram Thursday to share the news with their fans.

"Austin and I are SO thankful to announce that we are parents!! Even before we were married we prayed that God would give us children and we are so blessed that he has given us this baby! Jesus is the giver of Life! The baby has arms, legs, fingers, and toes. It has a beating heart and brain waves.

The baby responds to touch and is already right- or left-handed. The baby has its own unique fingerprints, which are different from anyone else's. All organ systems are in place!

Psalm 139:13-16 'For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.'

This passage indicates that God Himself formed our physical features and that He did so with a wonderful plan for our lives. God knew us in the womb."

Forsyth was a longtime friend of the Duggar family before he proposed to Joy-Anna in March. He took the Duggar sister horseback riding and then got down on one knee to pop the question. According to In Touch magazine, the two originally set their wedding date for Oct. 28 but they couldn't wait to tie the knot. The young couple shared their nuptials in a private ceremony on May 26 in Arkansas.

The parents to be, likewise shared their excitement with People magazine.

"Every child is such a precious gift from God. I'm most looking forward to watching Austin as a dad and raising children together with him," Joy-Anna told People magazine.

The 19-year-old said she's looking up to her mother, Michelle, in this season of her life.

"I have a lot of good memories of my mom teaching us and the quality time we spent together, and I'm really looking forward to doing that with my own children. It's such an amazing thing to be a parent and raise children!" she continued.

Speaking about fatherhood, Austin added, "I'm really looking forward to the journey of this pregnancy and all the different stages it will bring. It's really exciting and I feel so blessed to be a dad! We are beyond thankful!"

"Counting On" will be back on TLC with new episodes kicking off on Sept. 11.

This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
Kidnapped Catholic priest in Nigeria is found killed

A Catholic priest in Nigeria, who was kidnapped on Friday morning, has been found murdered.

Fr Cyriacus Onunkwo was taken from his vehicle in the town of Orlu, in the state of Imo in the southeast of the country.

The priest's body was discovered on Saturday in the neighboring village of Omuma.

The state commissioner of police, Chris Ezike, told the local newspaper Vanguard: 'Although we are working on all leads over the matter, [for] now, it is a clear case of abduction and murder. If it was a case of kidnapping, his captives would have put a call across to anybody close to their victim and made a demand.'

The police said that no arrests have so far been made. They found the priest's car, and said nothing had been taken.

The diocese of Orlu is 70 per cent Catholic and unlike the Muslim-majority north of the country, where the Islamist militant group Boko Haram threatens the Christian community, the southeast of the country is predominantly Christian.

However, the region is plagued by government corruption and violence, with armed gangs roaming the region, and regular kidnappings for ransom. Imo state has one of the highest crime rates in the country, according to the Catholic news website Crux.

In September 2016, the Nigerian Bishops' Conference issued a statement calling on the government to do more to tackle rising crime.

'Political violence, corruption, kidnappings, armed robbery, ritual murders and all ills of the past, are still very much present and we seem to be progressively sinking deeper into the mud. Our people are now ravaged by disease and hunger,' the statement said. 'The result is the rise in the curve of violence both by the state agents and non-state actors among our own people.'

Onunkwo is the second Catholic priest to be murdered in Nigeria this summer. In July, Fr Raphael Pankyes was killed by three men in Plateau State in the centre of the country.

A member of the priest's family told local media that he was returning home to organise the funeral of his father when he was kidnapped at gunpoint.

He said: 'The priest, Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Onunkwo, who hailed from Osina, in the Ideato North LGA, and worked in Orlu ... was on a mission. He came home to prepare for the burial of his father, who died last week.'
Los Angeles on alert following city's largest wildfire

Hundreds of evacuees were allowed to return to their homes on Sept. 4 after a wildfire broke out in Los Angeles, California on Sept. 1.

Evacuations in the Glendale and Burbank suburbs have been lifted, as rain and cooler temperatures helped the containment of the wildfires, according to a tweet by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Sixteen large wildfires, ranging from 29 acres to as large as 68,400 acres, have been contained enough to allow LA residents to come home. The fires started in La Tuna on Sept. 1, prompting a state of emergency proclamation from California Gov. Jerry Brown. This was following the Ponderosa Fire, which began on Aug. 29.

On Sept. 3, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti advised residents that the situation remained dangerous and it was the "largest fire in the history of LA city in terms of its acreage."

"We do not have this fire contained," Garcetti said. "But we do have a good sense of, in the next day or two, how we can bring this fire to rest."

Evacuation orders were given to residents from Berry Creek, Brush Creek and Mountain House. Around 1,500 residents were evacuated since the blaze started, according to Paul Lowenthal, a spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

As of press time, at least 32 homes have been reported as destroyed and four people have reportedly been injured. The fire has burned around 4,000 acres of land.

Around 6,000 firefighters were on the ground across LA, battling temperatures that went up 20 degrees hotter than usual on Sunday. California has been in the middle of a heatwave, contributing to the difficulty of containing the wildfires across LA.

The fire reportedly started from an out-of-control campfire, ignited outside a designated campground and allowed to escape. Orville resident John Ballenger, 29, has been arrested on suspicion of recklessly starting the campfire, said CAL FIRE.

Major fires have also been reported in other areas in the United States, with Montana and Washington state already under states of emergency.
'Make trouble' by spreading love for Jesus: Why this Columbian nun will rap for Pope Francis

A Colombian nun will rap for Pope Francis when he visits her country this week.

Sister Maria Valentina de los Angeles is one of a group who will sing the official song for the Argentine pope's visit as he greets the crowds.

The 28-year-old nun, who dresses in trainers, told AFP that the visit is 'an opportunity to show him our love the way that we know, which is through music'.

She added: 'The cool thing about rap is that it sticks in your head easily. And when it has the depth of truth, which is Christ, then it is even more striking.'

The nun-turned-rapper performs a rap interlude among the upbeat Latin tune to the song Let's Take The First Step by the United Catholic Musicians.

The ensemble sought her out after she won a reality-show competition on television called Another Level.

The United Catholic Musicians praised the natural style of her rapping and invited her to compose and perform the rap interlude.

A video of the nun rapping was shown on the BBC News website.

Pope Francis is set to visit Colombia, a Catholic country of 47 million, from tomorrow until Sunday.

He is credited with helping secure a peace deal signed last year between the Colombian government and the leftist FARC rebel force after half a century of war.

'Colombia welcomes you with open arms,' Sister Maria Valentina will rap. 'With one voice happily we say to you: blessed be God, who in his wisdom has brought you to our land to be its guide.'

The nun said she likes the rebellious nature of rap, adding that it chimes with Pope Francis's own call to the young to 'make trouble'.and fearlessly share their faith.

'Trouble in the way the holy father means it is being different, being bold and bringing a message of joy, hope and charity,' she told AFP in the western city of Cali, where she is based.

'Our intention beyond just thanking the Holy Father is to act as a church so that all people can sing with us.'

Sister Maria Valentina is a member of the Community of Eucharistic Communicators of the Heavenly Father in Cali. The community was formed in response to a call from the late Pope Jean Paul II for artists to use their work as a means of spreading the gospel. Its members include a television producer and a musical group including Maria Valentina, which has made two records, according to AFP.

'God wants to be known through the media,' she said. 'He has to make himself known by way of current trends.'

In her youth, Sister Maria Valentina also strummed the ukelele and played rock guitar.

She said that God saved her from a serious liver disease when she was a youngster.

'My dream is to be a good nun. Making music is a second dream,' she said.

'I want to make more recordings, but more than making people fall in love with my voice, I want to make them fall in with Jesus.'
Neo-Nazi suspects arrested  all four are serving soldiers

British police arrested four serving soldiers on Tuesday on suspicion of belonging to a banned far-right group and planning terrorist acts.

The men, aged 22 to 32, were detained on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism and of being members of the National Action group.

The neo-Nazi organisation became the first far-right group to be outlawed in Britain last year after the murder of member of parliament Jo Cox, whose killing the group had praised.

The four arrests were made by counter-terrorism officers in the cities of Birmingham, Ipswich and Northampton and in Powys, Wales.

'The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the public's safety,' West Midlands Police said.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said a number of serving members of the army had been arrested.

'These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office Police Force-led operation supported by the army,' an MoD spokeswoman said. 'This is now the subject of a civilian police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further.'

Britain is on its second-highest threat level, 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely. Suspected Islamists have killed 35 people this year in London and Manchester, and a man died in June after a van was driven into worshippers near a London mosque.

Last month, a senior police chief said the number of referrals to the authorities about suspected right-wing extremists had doubled since the murder of Cox, who was killed in June last year by a loner obsessed with Nazis and white supremacist ideology.
'Satanic' fake rosaries are bringing evil spirits into Catholic homes, says exorcist

An exorcist in the Philippines has warned against the circulation of fake 'Satanic' rosaries and crucifixes he said were designed to 'deceive Catholics...so that evil spirits will haunt them'.

Speaking on the Diocese of Novaliches' Radio Veritas programme 'Hello Father 911', Fr Ambrosio Nonato Legaspi, chief exorcist of the diocese's 'Libera Nox' department, warned listeners to 'be careful as the rosaries you might be using could actually be infested or cursed'.

According to the Philippines Catholic website CBCP News, Legaspi said the rosaries has been 'prayed over' by a group called the Illuminati and consecrated to evil, so anyone who uses them will be followed by evil spirits.

Another Libera Nox priest, Philippe de Guzman, said during the radio show that Satanic rosaries have emblems on them such as a snake wrapped around the cross, a pentagram or a sun with rays, an occult symbol.

Legaspi urged priests to bless religious items according to Catholic rituals. especially if its owners have experienced paranormal occurrences.

'Not just a blessing, these items should be exorcised. Not just an ordinary blessing where water is just sprinkled  as most priests commonly do  but to use the Catholic ritual...that would frighten the demon away,' he said.

He also warned about Masonic medals that are also in circulation, made to look like that of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, also known as the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. A compass, which is the insignia of the Freemasons, can be found at the bottom.
What does God offer His people when they reach rock bottom?

Last Shabbat's Haftorah of Consolation addressed Jerusalem as a barren woman who has reached rock bottom.

And here is what she is offered as therapy: 'Break out into glad song, and broaden your tents.'

If someone were unable to give birth today and really wanted to, or felt so down and depressed that she turned to a therapist for help, is this really what she would expect in response?

But G-d is telling the Jewish people to use their situation in order to change it. Once you are so low  abandoned, rejected and despised, things can't get any worse  rejoice that you have been given the opportunity to look at the bigger picture and this will alter your whole being  from barrenness you will move to fertility.

And this is what Jerusalem did: she picked herself up, expanded her borders and disseminated Torah teaching to the entire world.

And eventually Judaism gave birth to two new religions. For Christianity and Islam both grew out of Judaism: often, it must be conceded, misunderstanding her core teachings (as children often misunderstand their parents), but hopefully one day learning through their mistakes.

And after the Holocaust, people who had miraculously survived the concentration camps, often having witnessed the extermination of their entire families of husbands, wives, children, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, moved to the new State of Israel and dealt with their interminable grief through building: hospitals, schools, mikvehs, places of learning and synagogues.

They got involved and 'broadened their tents' and this is how they altered their status of impotence to one of empowerment:

In this Fifth Haftorah of Consolation (Isaiah 54: 1-10), G-d is depicted as Jerusalem's husband  equal partner in the building work. No longer is He, as in the previous Haftorot, a parent. Jerusalem, and the Jewish people in exile are now depicted as having learned through total rejection and dejection how to implement the divine plan for the betterment of all.

The Hebrew word for barren is 'akar, also signifying extermination. Out of the extermination of Auschwitz, the Jewish people arose and built anew: not for nothing does the related word 'ikaron signify 'back to basics'.

And the Jewish religion, which was for so long depicted as a second-class citizen, if not obsolete, is now being seriously studied all over the world by theologians, law-makers, politicians and philosophers of every colour and creed.

And some are even thinking the unthinkable: does the observant Jewish way of life maybe have something to offer the rest of humanity?

These are the thoughts that accompanied us through our rendering of the Fifth Haftorah: 'Ki Tetze', 'When you go out ....'

'For the mountains may be moved and the hills falter, but My kindness will not be moved from you, neither shall the covenant of my peace falter.'

Dr Irene Lancaster is a Jewish academic, author and translator who has established university courses on Jewish history, Jewish studies and the Hebrew Bible.
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Weve all read headlines like this before: This Student With Cerebral Palsy Went To Prom With Her Best Friend And It Was Magical. For decades, the media has tended to portray people with disabilities (or those around them) as inspirations or heroesa genre of reporting known as inspiration porn.

There are countless stories about waiters helping to feed patrons with disabilities (and getting a new job for doing so), friends helping disabled people with basic tasks that have nothing to do with their disabilities, and very public promposals similar to the one touted in the headline above. Many of these stories go viral.

Most recently, the internets collective heart melted over a story about a mother who received an honorary MBA degree after attending classes with her quadriplegic son while he was in business school. According to the story, first reported by The Orange County Register on May 20, Judy OConnor moved from Florida to southern California to help her son Marty, from taking notes for him in class at Chapman University to writing down his answers for exams. It was at the Chapman graduation ceremony that Judy received the degreeoriginally her sons idea.

Three days after The Orange County Register published the article, the Associated Press picked it up, and soon nearly every major news outlet in the United States, from CNN to People magazine, had covered it.

On social media, the response was unanimous. One Twitter user commented, Cheers to this mother who didnt let anything stop her! A Canadian teachers association dubbed the story a feel good moment.

Such a touching story of a mother's love and devotionhttps://t.co/T5BE8tguKm  Kinetic Kids (@kinetickidstx) June 2, 2017

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Register features writer Keith Sharon first received notice about the OConnors from a Chapman University representative, and then pitched the idea to fellow reporter Shane Newell because he couldnt work that weekend. Sharon says he was initially attracted to the story because of its emotion and the surprise elementthe fact that Judy OConnor had no idea she was about to be recognized in public for her hard work and advocacy as a mother.

As a storyteller, I think the strongest stories are the ones that connect us all, says Sharon, whos covered features since the early 1980s. Not everyone understands what a quadriplegic has to deal with, but everyone understands what a relationship is like with their mother. Everyone understands what the effort is like to graduate from college. Those would be the emotions that Id really focus on in a story like that.

Newell agrees, calling it a universal story that resonated with people who were reminded of loved ones or who understood the desire to give back.

THERE IS NO DOUBT that most of these storiesaimed at restoring faith in humanity are grounded in good intentions. But this emotion-driven journalism is the hallmark of inspiration porn, which often focuses on the altruism of those who help people with disabilities. Although the term has been around for several years, inspiration porn was popularized in a TED talk that the late Australian activist Stella Young gave in April 2014. Her talk now has more than 2.4 million views online.

Of the eight news values (proximity, timeliness, prominence, magnitude, conflict, oddity, impact, and emotion), emotion too often rises to the top when telling stories about disability communities. The story about the mother getting an honorary MBA degree is newsworthy because it tugs at readers heartstrings. But inspiration porn rarely goes beyond that to address major disability issues like workplace discrimination, stigma and bullying, and accessibility in schools. Does Chapman provide personal aides for disabled students like Marty OConnor? How can colleges better promote a more inclusive learning environment for disability communities at large?

Perhaps its not that inspirational articles about people with disabilities shouldnt be written at all. Rather, we should do our best to cover disability communities using the same fundamentals of journalism we would use to cover any other group: Get to know your sources well, consider the many different angles of a single story, and find out how your story can serve readers and subjects alike beyond simply inspiring them.

People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the US, where they make up 19 percent of the population, according to the website for the National Center on Disability and Journalism. The center, headquartered at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, provides resources and guidance for journalists covering the disability beat.

Disability reporting has improved to some degree over the years, says Kristin Gilger, director of the National Center on Disability and Journalism. While terms like wheelchair-bound were once rampant, theyre now generally frowned upon in newsrooms. More news outlets are making space for people with disabilities. The New York Times, for instance, publishes an ongoing op-ed series for people to share their personal experiences of living with a disability. Finally, the uncertain future of Americas health care system has called media attention to what repealing the Affordable Care Act would mean for people with disabilities.

But for every well-reported piece of journalism tackling real issues within the disability community, there are many more articles that offer little more than inspiration porn.

THESE CHARITY STORIES, as disability journalist David M. Perry calls them, not only perpetuate disability stigma but also objectify people with disabilities by focusing solely on the disability, rather than accepting the source as a multi-faceted human being. As a result, journalists may assume, for instance, that getting a parent or a partners quote about a disabled persons thoughts and feelings is enoughrather than interviewing the person directly.

Strive to represent what our sources say about them as accurately and clearly as possible, says Perry, the father of a child with Down syndrome, who has written about disability and parenting for The New York Times, CNN, Al Jazeera, and The Atlantic. So often, we assume [disabled people] cant communicate for themselves and report instead on whats going on around them.

For every well-reported piece of journalism tackling real issues within the disability community, there are many more articles that offer little more than inspiration porn.

In the case of The Registers story, before graduation day, Newell says he spoke with the schools communications director and Martys professor, who had approved Martys request for his mother to receive the degree. Although he didnt talk to Marty directly prior to graduation, Newell says pre-interviewing the professor gave him a sense of Judys role in her sons classes and prepared him to cover the story.

After Marty and Judy received their MBA degrees and the graduation ceremony ended, Newell made a beeline for them and did an interview.

Marty was very adamant that his mom deserved that degree because of the role she had in his education, Newell says. At its core, its really a story about a son wanting to thank his mother. The generosity and foresight that Marty had in order to do something like this was incredible. His mom definitely played it down. She basically told me that any mother would do this for her son.

Some news outlets reached out to the OConnors for additional comment. Reporter Ellina Abovian interviewed both Judy and Marty OConnor for KTLA, a television station in Los Angeles. In her segment, Abovian reported that Judy had been living in the shadow for two years, helping her son to make sure that his dream could come true while he was at Chapmanthat is, until she was recognized with the surprise honorary degree.

Many outlets that covered the Chapman graduation story wrote their own versionsalong with trending headlinesbased on The Registers original story and Chapman Universitys website. Newell says the few media outlets that reached out and interviewed the OConnors had gone above and beyond.

Nervous about covering accessibility issues? Check out our 'Tips for interviewing people with disabilities' page. https://t.co/GXaGEFL9hx  DisabilityJournalism (@NCDJ_ASU) August 29, 2017

While Sharon says its crucial for reporters to treat (people with disabilities) like anybody else, he also believes there is value in stories that portray people with disabilities or their caregivers, friends, and strangers who help them as inspirations.

I love those [stories] because of the humanity, he says. Its because people are showing each other the best of themselves.



INSPIRATION PORN may make people feel good in a not-so-great political climate, says Emily Ladau, editor in chief of Rooted in Rights, a digital media platform that covers disability rights, and a speaker on disability issues in the media. Stories in which people with disabilities clearly approve of having themselves or people around them portrayed as inspirations are also less likely to be stigmatizing. In the Chapman graduation story, for example, it was Marty OConnors idea to surprise Judy with an honorary degree and lift her up as an inspiring mother.

But journalists should also consider where a storys newsworthiness comes from and how it contributes to overall disability coverage.

Stories in which people with disabilities clearly approve of having themselves or people around them portrayed as inspirations are less likely to be stigmatizing.

In rare cases, it can be good to have stories that put a positive spin on disability in a way that is feel-good, but there should be a really substantial reason behind it, says Ladau, who has a genetic bone disorder called Larsen syndrome and uses a wheelchair. Did someone with a disability do something incredibly earth-shattering or innovative? When its a matter of someone being asked to prom, theres no real accomplishment there.

Another reason why inspiration porn can be harmful is that it can push more significant disability stories out of the news, says Beth Haller, a journalism professor at Towson University who has done extensive research on disability coverage in the media.

Disability is a part of every beat, and journalists dont realize it. They think, Oh, its over there in the features section, she says. At the end of the day, what would true integration of disability in the news look like? More coverage of the Paralympic Games in sports, more on police brutality against people with disabilities from crime reporters, and more on the challenges of dating for women with disabilities.

Often, inspiration porn stories stem from a lack of understanding about ones own story subjects, Gilger says. The National Center on Disability and Journalism provides the industrys only style guide for reporting on people with disabilities. The guide recommends and provides context for more than 70 terms, around half of which are absent from the Associated Press Stylebook.

Journalists arent always comfortable writing and reporting about disabilityfor good reasons. If youre not all that familiar with the area or the particular disability, youre going to be afraid of making mistakes, Gilger says.

So what can journalists do better? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Get rid of words that assume a negative relationship between people and their disabilities. Use neutral language.

Example: Change She is wheelchair-bound to She uses a wheelchair.

Example: Change He suffers from multiple sclerosis to He has multiple sclerosis.

In addition to caregivers, family, friends, and mentors, interview people with disabilities directly. As a general rule, always include voices from the community youre covering.

Make news accessible, whether by tagging, captioning, providing alternate font faces, or adding a site index. Your stories will increase your readership, and it will have a greater impact.

Ask your sources how they would like to be identified in the story. Do they prefer person-first (person with a disability) or identity-first (disabled person) language?

Look around your community and identify under-reported disability issues in sports, health, education, criminal justice, and other news verticals. Consult the National Center on Disability and Journalisms website for a list of experts and other reporting resources.

Ultimately, people with disabilities deserve the same respect and inclusion as any other community in the media. By changing the way we cover disability, were not just doing our jobs betterwere doing our stories justice.

CJRs health care reporting is sponsored in part by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund.

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Wendy Lu is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker based in New York City. She writes about social issues, gender politics, and disability. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Bustle, and Newsday. She graduated from Columbia Journalism School in 2016.
At first glance, The Cambodia Daily could have been mistaken for a community pamphlet, with its flimsy, letter-size pages. But the understated format belied the journalistic rigor and strident reporting of the paper, which on Monday produced a defiant final lead headline amid a crackdown on the media, non-governmental organizations, and the leading opposition party in Cambodia: Descent Into Outright Dictatorship. It was firmly aimed at Prime Minister Hun Sen, who had been threatening for years to close the scrappy publication that carried the motto, All the News Without Fear or Favor.

One former staffer, Ethan Plaut, now a fellow at Stanford University, summed up the newspapers boldness in one of many elegies penned by alumni in its final days: Damn, the Daily burned hot while it lasted.

Plaut was among a dozen current and former Daily journalists who spoke with CJR via email, phone, social media, and in person about a formidable institution that had an outsized impact beyond Cambodias borders. Many of the papers foreign alumni now work at top publications, including The Atlantic and The Times of London, while its Cambodian staffers have gone on to work in the country as correspondents for news wires and in senior positions with other media outlets. (I was a deputy managing editor of the paper between 2014 and 2015, and although my tenure was relatively brief, like many whove passed through its doors, it was the defining experience of my career to date.)

The last night at The Cambodia Daily turned out to be much like its first nights: reporters and editors scrambling to produce a newspaper against the odds. Knowing that their days were numbered, having been ordered by the government to pay a contested $6.3 million tax bill or close on Monday, the Dailys editors had been preparing a largely commemorative issue. In its final days, government officials refused to speak to its journalists, the Ministry of Information revoked its licence, and advertisers pulled out.

The concept of a free press was new to them, but they were eager to learn, and their dedication turned out to be truly heroic.

When Robin McDowell talked her way into a job helping to set up the Cambodia Daily in 1993, the fresh-eyed Columbia Journalism School grad landed in a country still emerging from the devastation wrought by the Khmer Rouge and decades of civil war.

She was hired by publisher Bernard Krisher, a former Newsweek correspondent who envisioned a newspaper that would help to rebuild Cambodian society in a democratic mold. Along with fellow editor Barton Biggs, McDowell says she spent 20 hours a day eating, sleeping, and breathing in a sweltering makeshift office opposite the Royal Palace as they worked to get the paper off the ground with a team of inexperienced local reporters.

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ICYMI: Two reporters escaped Cambodia with very different stories. History shows one was right.

The concept of a free press was new to them, but they were eager to learn, and their dedication turned out to be truly heroic, McDowell, now an Associated Press investigative reporter who shared in a Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2016, tells CJR. You can imagine what it must have felt like to be a Cambodian young reporter, with memories of the 1975 to 79 genocidal regime, to knock on the door of the Khmer Rouge office.

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With less than 12 hours until the final edition was to go to press, police raided Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokhas home, arresting him just after midnight. As events took a dramatic turn, reporters raced to track down his whereabouts (he was transferred to a prison three hours drive from the capital, Phnom Penh, and on Tuesday the government charged him with treason). The newspaper produced a live blog that was updated through the early hours of Sunday morning, then turned around to fill the paper with news before 58 staff members lost their jobs.

The government gave the newspaper one month to pay $6.3 million in back taxes, which Japan-based deputy publisher Deborah Krisher Steele tells CJR was based on an assumption that it was making 20 percent profit, while acknowledging that its been running [at a loss]. If it didnt pay, the government said, the papers assets would be seized and its bank accounts frozen. On Monday, the tax department issued a letter banning Douglas Steele, the newspapers general manager and Krisher Steeles husband, from leaving the country until the money is paid. He says he does not want to leave, anyway.

Hun Sen had earlier said the publishers had a straightforward choice: to pay the bill or pack up and gobut observers countered that the newspapers closure was part of a systematic attempt by the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to muzzle independent media outlets ahead of crucial national elections scheduled for July 2018.

The government has effectively silenced local radio broadcaster Voice of Democracy and the US-funded Radio Free Asia and Voice of America in recent weeks. About two dozen FM radio stations that transmitted the networks either shut down or pulled their programming to comply with government demands.

Radio Free Asia spokesman Rohit Mahajan says the networkthe most popular international radio broadcaster in the countryhas been inundated with people calling, emailing, and contacting [the network] through social media. VOA is faring slightly better, according to public relations officer Michelle Harris, with one AM station still delivering broadcasts to most parts of the country.

In an August 23 statement, John F. Lansing, CEO and director of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees both networks, called for the Cambodian government to reverse the decision to force the broadcasters off air. This disturbing development is part of a pattern of intimidation and harassment of independent news sources that coincides with the runup to the 2018 elections, he said.

The shutdown came at a time when international attention is largely elsewhere, and Cambodias once near-total reliance on Western aid donors is diminishing as China steps into the void, meaning denouncements from the US and others have not had any impact. Meanwhile, President Donald Trumps war of words on the press was used by Cambodian officials earlier this year to justify similar threats against independent media.

Many more Cambodians will be directly affected by the closure of radio networks than the Daily, one of the countrys two independent English-language newspapers, along with the Phnom Penh Post. The Daily printed about 4,000 copies a day, but in recent years had gained a much wider audience online. Before the shutdown, Editor in Chief Jodie DeJonge told CJR any closure would undoubtedly be felt outside its immediate readership. Its true that in some ways the Dailys audience has always been the opinion leaders in the country. At the same time, its influence goes beyond those people.

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An outpouring of support on its Facebook page was testament to its standing with Cambodians. Many also used the paper, which carried a Khmer-language supplement, to help improve their English. Its like food for their brain, says former reporter Prak Chan Thul, now a Cambodia correspondent for Reuters. Its a part of their lives.

Almost all remaining Khmer-language media outlets are owned by elites with ties to the government and rarely produce critical news. Although in days past, Hun Sen pointed to the Daily as an example of Cambodias free press, Reporters Without Borders gave the country a low ranking in its most recent annual press freedom index.

Senior Daily editor Van Roeun, who spent much of his childhood as a refugee on the Thai-Cambodia border, first came across the newspaper in 1994 while teaching at a Buddhist pagoda in Battambang province. It was only four pages in Khmer and English, he says. There were lots of foreign names like [syndicated articles from] The New York Times and Washington Post. I felt it was going to be a big newspaper in Cambodia.

And in a country that had been decimated in the Khmer Rouge era, during which an estimated two million people were killed, putting out the newspaper was often harrowing. Illegal logging, official corruption, and human rights violations were longtime staples, as were the political machinations of a country struggling, but often failing, to achieve true democracy.

Roeun began working for the Daily in January 1997. Six months later, he was bunkered down inside newspapers offices to wait out fighting on the streets of Phnom Penh between armed factions of an uneasy coalition government. Trapped by soldiers prowling the capital, there was no way to get the latest edition to the printing housewhich, like the rest of the citys businesses, was closed anyway. We didnt have a printer, just a Xerox copier. One of the editors made copies and distributed it to some places, he says.

It was one of many occasions the newspaper would come close to missing an edition. It never did, according to those I asked.

Ryun Patterson, who was the night editor from 1999 to 2003, says makeshift equipment and low budgets nearly prevented the paper from going to print several times during his tenure: On one occasion, the paper ran out of printer toner late on a Sunday night because Krisher, who kept a tight rein on administrative expenses, wouldnt allow staff to keep more than two cartridges in stock; on another, thousands of flying termites hatched out of the walls. Its a miracle that we didnt miss a day, he says.

TRENDING: Top journalists reveal the best reporting advice theyve received

Reporters also faced myriad threats for their work over the years. Kevin Doyle, the longest-serving editor in chief from 2004 to 2014, spent three days in jail after reporting on an influx of Montagnard refugees from Vietnam in the remote Ratanakiri province. Others, such as former Daily journalists Phorn Bopha and Olesia Plokhii, found their lives in immediate danger. The pair was in the vehicle when environmental activist Chut Wutty was gunned down by a military police officer in April 2012. And two veteran Daily journalists, Cambodian Aun Pheap and Canadian Zsombor Peter, still have a court case hanging over them that was brought by a local official and villagers in response to their apparently routine reporting on local elections in June. There was always sense of intimidation and threats, says Doyle. It was part of the territory.

One of the last bastions of old-school, no-bullshit journalism.

News of the papers shutdown reverberated around the globe, rallying foreign alumni. Aria Danaparamita, a former weekend editor who is now studying at the University of Londons School of Oriental and African Studies, tweeted that the paper was one of the last bastions of old-school, no-bullshit journalism.

James Kanter, who served as editor in chief from 1995 to 1997 and is now an EU correspondent for The New York Times, says that seeing young Cambodians who had survived war and trauma embrace values such as freedom of expression was a daily privilege. Losing the Daily would mean losing part of the DNA that has shaped Cambodias postwar rebirth, he told CJR before the closure.

Equipping Cambodians with the skills to tell their countrys stories was one of the newspapers core goals. Among the beneficiaries of that training was Leng Len, who interned at the paper in 2012 and recently became its last recruit. On September 9, it would be my two months, she says. Im just devastated. I came here because I wanted to be able to do real journalism.

Embed from Getty Images

As with most news organizations, the Daily was in many ways an imperfect beast. DeJonge, who became editor in chief in April after joining the paper in 2016, acknowledges that Krisher, who is now 86 and in failing health, could have done more to protect the newspaper from attack. The founder had a close association with the late King Norodom Sihanouk, a devoted reader of the paper whose influence helped to shield it until his death in 2012. But the newspaper registered with the tax department only in April, after Krishers daughter bought some of the Dailys assets from her father and set up a new company.

With Trumps continuing verbal attacks on the press, DeJonge implores US media outlets to be vigilant in light of the Dailys fate. Take a look at whats happening in Cambodiathis could happen in the US, too. It doesnt take much for the free press to become a press under siege, she says. So be strong, and do whatever you can in the very early stages to protect what youve got. Because we should be a cautionary tale.

ICYMI: A new book about journalism is also a paean to local newspapers

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Holly Robertson is a freelance journalist who was deputy managing editor of The Cambodia Daily from 2014 to 2015.
PHOENIX  We know that Donald Trump is a virtuoso at the politics of resentment. But does he lead a movement?

That is the question to be tested in next years Republican Senate primary in Arizona.

Pro-Trump forces are wiping the drool off their ties while contemplating a humiliating primary defeat for Trump critic Jeff Flake  the Republican incumbent whom Trump reportedly calls the flake. (I suspect that Flake has heard that taunt before, but not since third-grade recess.) Professional Trump sycophants Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham have endorsed a Republican challenger to Flake named Kelli Ward. Trump moneyman Robert Mercer has already donated $300,000 to Wards campaign. And Trump himself implicitly endorsed Ward on Twitter last month, while labeling Flake as toxic.

Recent polling seems to justify a belief in Flakes vulnerability. Among likely Republican voters, Ward wins a head-to-head with Flake by double digits.

All this would be deeply disturbing for establishment Republicans  if it were not mostly rubbish.

Polling a year away from a primary has as much predictive power as a tarot pack. The most important factors determining the outcome are entirely contingent. A year hence, Trump could be a vengeful political colossus or headed toward impeachment; America could be at war or at peace; the economy could be in depression or riding a boom.

So far, Flake has reason to be pleased with outside interventions in the race. Trump forces in Arizona have not yet settled on Ward  highly inexperienced and gaffe-prone  as their candidate. (She is not a buffoon, one close observer of Arizona politics told me, but she says buffoonish things.) Outside endorsements of Ward have come as state Treasurer Jeff DeWit and former party chair Robert Graham are discussing which of them might enter the race as a Ward alternative. And Trump himself has since backed off his apparent endorsement of Ward. When Trump visited Phoenix a few weeks ago, he had a backstage meeting with DeWit and Graham. Ward was not invited.

Graham would probably be a stronger candidate than DeWit, who has even less political experience than Ward. Graham gained Trumps confidence by defending him during the Access Hollywood scandal. (True-blue, bona fide Trump loyalists are apparently defined by their willingness to ignore boasting about sexual assault.) But for a Trump challenge to Flake to run smoothly, Graham or DeWit would need to persuade the independent-minded Ward to leave the race. (Recently pardoned octogenarian Joe Arpaio  who lost his last election decisively  likes to talk about running but is not a serious possibility.)

Even if Arizona Trumpites settle on a single candidate, it is not clear what support from Trump forces really means. Does a Trump endorsement bring buckets of money? Does it bring organizational help? Trump organizers were thin on the ground even during his own campaign. And the power of presidential tweets to help people other than Trump is untested. Can Trump actually follow through on his political threats without the normal architecture of a political movement?

The answer depends on a different question, posed to me by the much-respected Arizona Republic political columnist Robert Robb: Is Trump a singularity, or does he represent the beginning of the redefining of the Republican Party along Trump lines? Robb, who walked me through the Arizona political basics, is skeptical of the latter. He is doubtful that tea party activists  who rose in reaction (in part) to Barack Obamas stimulus package  will be enthused about Trumps trillion-dollar infrastructure package. He is doubtful that Arizonas generally libertarian and tea-party primary voters will be generally attracted to Trumps ethno-nationalism.

But who knows? The Flake primary race will be a good test, one way or the other. Flake has been a tough and consistent critic of Trump, based less on ideology than on the presidents preference for vitriolic, tribal politics. But Flake is no moderate. He once ran an Arizona think tank dedicated to conservative and libertarian ideas. He supports Trump on regulatory policy and other issues. To defeat Flake, Arizona voters would need to choose a right-wing populist in the tradition of Pat Buchanan over a libertarian in the tradition of Barry Goldwater. This would involve, not just an electoral choice, but a rethinking of Republican orthodoxy, with far reaching implications.

If Republicans like Flake are ousted in primaries, the Republican Party as we know it will be unrecognizable and unsupportable.
In an age where major public policies are announced and debated through platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, the courts are increasingly barring public officials from limiting peoples access to social media.

In late July, a Virginia judge ruled that public officials do not have the right to block people who disagree with their views from an official Facebook page. A legal challenge also has been brought by people blocked from the presidents @realDonaldTrump Twitter feed.

And in August, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine sued on behalf of two residents who claim the governor violated their First Amendment rights by blocking them from posting on his Paul LePage, Maines Governor Facebook page.

In the Virginia case, resident Brian Davison sued Loudoun County Board Chairwoman Phyllis Randall for blocking access to her Facebook page after he posted allegations that school board members and their families had possible conflicts of interest. The block lasted only a few hours, before Randall reconsidered, but even that was deemed unacceptable.

Defendants actions, while relatively inconsequential as a practical matter, did in fact violate plaintiffs right of free speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and  the Constitution of Virginia, wrote Judge James Cacheris for the U.S. District Court in Alexandria.

The judge noted that Randalls Facebook page listed her official county contact information and that she had asked constituents to use the page to convey their thoughts about county business. It was not, he concluded, merely a personal website that she may do with as she pleases.

In the Trump Twitter case filed July 11, eight plaintiffs including the Knight First Amendment Institute alleged that the president violated the Constitution by excluding people who disagree with him from his Twitter feed.

President Trumps Twitter account, @realDonaldTrump, has become an important source of news and information about the government, and an important public forum for speech by, to, and about the President, the suit states.

Tom Kamenick, deputy counsel for the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a nonprofit that promotes individual freedom, said experts disagree about whether the @realDonaldTrump Twitter account would fall under the First Amendment.

Simply because a public official maintains a social media account does not make it an official government account, said Kamenick, who serves on the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.

Whether it is an official account could depend on the accounts name, the types of messages posted on it and whether government resources are used to maintain it, Kamenick said. But if its an official account, he said, the government cannot engage in viewpoint discrimination by blocking users or deleting comments for expressing a particular opinion.

Scot Ross, executive director of the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, said that is exactly what is happening with his organization. The group is blocked from the official accounts of Republican state Reps. Jesse Kremer (@repjessekremer), Robin Vos (@repvos) and John Nygren (@rep89) as well as the account of Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke (who recently announced his resignation), he said.

They oppose our views and have all blocked us in what we believe is a violation of both the First Amendment and the states open record laws, Ross said.

Facebook and Twitter are fast becoming the new town squares. Officials should not be allowed to wall them off.
Writing a resume takes more effort than most people may think.

You have to explain your work concisely, highlight the right mix of skills and achievements, double check dates and spelling and avoid using cliche words.

In the process, some overlook one detail recruiters say is important  the type of font you use.

"A poorly selected font can indeed derail one's chances for an interview, especially if other factors aren't as strong," says Jason Hanold, who has spent more than 25 years reviewing resumes and runs his own recruiting firm, Hanold Associates.

"Fonts set a subconscious tone for the reader," he says.

CNBC Make It asked typographers and graphic designers to tell us the worst fonts an applicant could use on a resume. Here are six fonts they say you should avoid using on a resume at all costs:
The Japanese government is drawing up plans to evacuate its citizens from South Korea in the event of a war, the Nikkei Asian Review reported on Tuesday.

That's no small feat, as there are about 38,000 long-term Japanese residents and another 19,000 tourists and short-terms travelers in South Korea, Nikkei added.

North Korea conducted its largest-ever underground nuclear test on Sunday, just days after firing a missile that flew over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, sharply ratcheting up tensions in the region.

"If the U.S. decided on a military strike against the North, the Japanese government would start moving toward an evacuation on its own accord regardless of whether the American plans are public," a source in the Japanese government reportedly told Nikkei.

The Japanese government is working on different scenarios to evacuate citizens in South Korea, including evacuating citizens home by sea from the southeastern port city of Busan should airports be closed, Nikkei reported.

Read Nikkei Asian Review's story about Japanese evacuation plans for citizens in South Korea.
U.K. military supplier says its sales have been swollen by strong demand from the U.S. government.

Chemring makes grenades, battlefield pyrotechnics, detonators, IED detection systems, bomb-disposal tools as well as missile and space-systems.

The firm employs around 2,700 people worldwide at sites in the United States, Norway, Australia and the United Kingdom.

In a trading update Tuesday, Chemring posted revenue of 156.7 million ($200 million) in the six months to the end of August, a 13.4 percent rise on the same period in 2016.

The division which focuses on technology designed to identify and repel military threat was described as "particularly strong", with orders totaling 56.6 million received.

"The majority of these orders were from the U.S. Government for a range of requirements," read the update.

Although revenues rose, the order book as of 31 August was 541.1 million, a fall of a round 15 million from the end of April. The company claimed however that recently placed orders, due to be delivered in 2018, gave it confidence for the near-term.

Correction: This story's headline has been updated to reflect that Chemring Group is a countermeasures manufacturing company.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds a press conference following the European Union (EU) Leaders Summit in Brussels, Belgium on March 10, 2017.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urgently called for more sanctions over North Korea.

In a parliamentary address Tuesday, Merkel said she would meet with European Union (EU) foreign ministers this weekend to discuss ramping up sanctions against the rogue state, which launched its latest and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday.

"North Korea's nuclear tests are a flagrant violation of all international conditions," Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

She insisted that sanctions, which would curtail trade with the closed state, rather than conflict, would be the best way to end provocations by President Kim Jong Un.

"I say clearly and in the name of the whole government: there can only be a peaceful, diplomatic solution."

Sunday's missile launch was North Korea's sixth in a series of provocations. The closed state claimed it was an advanced hydrogen bomb, though experts are yet to confirm this.
Stocks are falling Tuesday on worries that another missile launch by North Korea could result in an accident, closely followed trader Art Cashin told CNBC.

"If they keep testing the missiles, the markets are concerned that they fly over a populated area and come apart. You know, drop a piece of a missile into an apartment building or somewhere where it raised the ante in this greatly," Cashin, UBS' director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange said on "Squawk Alley."

He added no one on Wall Street believes the U.S. will start a military confrontation with North Korea.

The three major U.S. stock indexes were lower Tuesday as tensions between the U.S. and North Korea sent jitters down Wall Street after Pyongyang on Sunday set off its most powerful nuclear bomb yet.

In response, Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, warned the U.N. Security Council that North Korea is "begging for war." The Trump administration urged its allies to use all possible diplomatic measures and impose urgent economic sanctions to prevent a war.

Cashin also said investors are a little worried about Hurricane Irma, which strengthened into a highly dangerous Category 5 storm Tuesday as it barreled toward the Caribbean and the southern United States.

"You're already seeing orange juice futures and cotton and a variety of other things starting to move up. So, you've got that out there also," he said.

Cashin said perhaps stocks haven't fallen further because there is still some hope for President Donald Trump's business-friendly agenda and that Congress will act on the debt ceiling.

"We're going to find out pretty fast," Cashin said. "if they don't want to raise this debt ceiling, it'll be a bit of a problem."

He also said to remember that the day after Labor Day is historically a great day for "fake outs."
Bitcoin fell by another $300 on Tuesday after the fallout of a Chinese ban on cryptocurrency crowdfunding methods saw the price of the digital coin slump earlier this week.

The virtual currency fell from $4,584 to $4,350 on Monday following the announcement of a regulatory clampdown on initial coin offerings (ICOs). Many start-ups rely on ICOs as a means to raise funds by selling off new digital tokens to the market. Total ICO investments peaked above $1.2 billion this year.

Although analysts contend that the price of bitcoin shouldn't necessarily be linked with China's ICO crackdown, the hit a low of $4,037 on Tuesday, according to Coindesk's price index. This follows an all-time high of more than $5,000 over the weekend, meaning the currency fell by almost 20 percent in the space of a few days.

"The price action has certainly been led by this Chinese salvo - but healthy profits and moving traders to take gains off the table too until the panic calms," Charles Hayter, chief executive and founder of digital currency comparison website CryptoCompare, told CNBC via email.

The bitcoin analyst said that the cryptocurrency crackdown was expected due to "irrational excesses" in the Chinese market.

"The Chinese market has been perhaps the most virulently exuberant in terms of its irrational excesses and across the world regulators are looking to gradually turn up the regulatory heat on this ICO phenomenon," he added.
Earlier, the 10-year note hit a low of 2.079 percent, its lowest level since November 2016, when it yielded as low as 1.991 percent.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note sat lower at around 2.075 percent at 2:46 p.m. ET, falling below the key level of 2.1 percent. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was down at 2.693 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices.

U.S. government debt yields fell on Tuesday as investors digested key Fed speeches and watched North Korea after the country's most powerful nuclear test.

While the European Central Bank meeting on Thursday is set to put investors worldwide on edge, three leading members from the U.S.' central bank are delivered remarks independently on Tuesday.

In a dovish speech after months of weak inflation readings, Fed Governor Lael Brainard said the U.S. central bank should go so far as to make it clear it is comfortable pushing prices modestly above the Fed's 2-percent target.

"We should be cautious about tightening policy further until we are confident inflation is on track to achieve our target," Brainard, a permanent voter on monetary policy, said in a speech in New York.

Later in the day, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari spoke at the Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis, adding that the Fed rate hikes may be slowing inflation, wage growth, and job growth.

"There may be a lot more slack in the labor market than we appreciate," Kashkari said. "The Fed may have allowed inflation expectations to drift lower."

The Dallas Business Club will host a conversation with Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan in the late afternoon in Dallas.



Investors will be watched each speech closely to see if any Fed members comment on the state of the U.S. economy, after nonfarm payroll data last week showed that the U.S. economy had added 156,000 jobs in August, a figure which was below market expectations.

International politics is also at the front of investors' minds, as markets worldwide show signs of concern with regards to North Korea.

On Sunday, North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date, which the country claimed was of an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile.

A hydrogen bomb is much more powerful than the simpler types of atomic weapons tested by North Korea five times previously, or the bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.

The news was met with condemnation from across the globe, with the G-7 releasing a statement on Monday which said that the leaders condemned the new nuclear test by North Korea "in the strongest possible terms."

Meanwhile in the States, the White House stated on Monday that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table," according to Reuters.

The repercussions of Hurricane Harvey continue to leave its mark on markets, with investors wondering how much damage the natural disaster will have on the energy sector.

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday however, with U.S. crude and Brent both trading up in morning trade.

Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.


McDonald's new burger line and drink promotions are a big hit with consumers, according to one Wall Street firm.



Credit Suisse reiterated its outperform rating on the restaurant chain, saying its improving sales trends will drive its shares higher.



"We caught up with a handful of our MCD US franchisee contacts last week. Franchisees reported continued SSS [same-store sales] strength in July and Aug., with solid momentum through the qtr," analyst Jason West wrote in a note to clients Tuesday. "Franchisees also see investments made in food quality and brand image over the past ~2 years as supporting strong SSS trends."



West reaffirmed his $170 price target for the restaurant chain, representing 6 percent upside from Friday's close.



He said the better-than-expected sales checks were due to a strong reception to beverage promotions and the "Signature Crafted" burger line launched in May.



As a result, the analyst raised his third-quarter same-store sales growth estimate to 3.5 percent from 3.0 percent.



We "see room for upside to our new est. should momentum build further through Sep. 2017," he wrote. "Top-line strength should keep [the] stock grinding higher."



West's restaurant contacts are also optimistic over McDonald's new chicken tenders launch later this year and the "fresh beef" quarter pounder coming in 2018.

"Longer term, franchisees were positive on sales tailwind from remodels, fresh beef launch in mid-2018 and increased focus on national value platforms," the note said.
We were passengers on the American Queen Steamboat that stopped by for a visit on Aug. 11.

We found La Crosse the most beautiful, welcoming and friendly of all the ports along the river, especially Riverside Park with its benches, monuments and especially the metal statue of the boy and girl clinging to the fence with the little dog looking back.

Many of your citizens were dressed in Victorian-American era outfits and all were friendly and welcoming to us as visitors and made us all feel at home.

When I was returning to the steamboat in the late afternoon, a young boy dressed in the way newspaper boys dressed a hundred or more years ago, came forward and handed me your newspaper, which I did read and brought back to New Hampshire.

I want to thank all those La Crosse citizens who took their time, money and effort to be ambassadors of your beloved town. I hope someday that we may visit La Crosse again, but if not, well have wonderful memories and will tell friends here of our time with you.

Ed OBrien and Denys Draper, Easton, N.H.
"DACA beneficiaries will contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next decadeeconomic growth that would be lost were DACA to be eliminated."

President Obama created a program following this oft-used tool called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA"). To be eligible for DACA, an individual is required to be present in the U.S. before age 16, have continuous presence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and be either in school or graduated from high school. Perhaps the most important part of the requirements is that an applicant cannot have even one felony or more than three misdemeanors.

The program is an incredible success and Dreamers (undocumented individuals present in the USA who arrived as youth) throughout our country came out of the shadows, bettered their lot, contributed to our economy and paid their taxes. In fact, according to Professor Tom Wong and the Center for American Progress, "[p]revious research has shown that DACA beneficiaries will contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next decadeeconomic growth that would be lost were DACA to be eliminated." They are currently employed in nearly every business sector in the USA or attending college. They are not criminals.

Larissa Martinez's mother told her she could be whatever she could be. She believed her and graduated valedictorian of her Texas High School. Edgar Barraza's community told him he could be a lawyer. He believed them and was admitted to the Colorado Bar. Belsy Garcia Manriquez's country, the one she grew up in, told her she could achieve her American Dream. She believed and became a medical student at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.

Larissa, Edgar, and Belsy are just like me and many others. They grew up in this country, they believed their parents and their community and they achieved what many can only dream of. The difference? They were not born in the U.S. But for all intents and purposes, they are Americans.

Now they face removal from this nation as President Trump announced an end to the DACA program. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said there will be a six-month delay in terminating the program to allow Congress to pass a bill protecting the Dreamers. Now their fate rests in the hands of a divided Congress that must come together or the Dreamers will face a return to illegal status.

Many Dreamers grew up believing they were U.S. Citizens. Many simply followed their parents into this country. We live in a country where we protect our juveniles, not allowing them to be treated as adults in our legal system, knowing that as youth, they cannot be held accountable for their actions. Yet, we are failing to protect Dreamers who have consistently proven to the world that they are contributing members of this society.

It is clear that our immigration system is broken. But until comprehensive immigration reform is passed, as a nation and as human beings, we should protect those which we have raised and inspired. I call upon our nationwide community to stand up for what's right and urge Congress to do the same. By revoking DACA, President Trump has crushed the American Dream. It is now up to the people to revive it.

Commentary by Rodolfo (Rudy) Monterrosa, a practicing immigration attorney and adjunct professor of law at the Notre Dame Law School. Monterrosa teaches courses on immigration and nationality law at Notre Dame and serves on the Indiana Supreme Court's Commission on Race and Gender Fairness and the American Bar Association's Commission on Youth at Risk.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.


US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) arrive prior to a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 8, 2017. Saul Loeb | Contributor | Getty Images

The conflicting responses by world leaders to escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula have underlined a fundamental divide in the diplomatic strategies of the East and the West. Western leaders have this week espoused ramping up sanctions on North Korea in an effort to increase pressure on the closed state. Meanwhile, neighboring nations in the East have advocated maintaining the status quo, arguing that isolation tactics will do little to overthrow the country's despotic regime. The U.S.'s ambassador to the United Nations said Monday that North Korea is "begging for war" after it launched its sixth and largest nuclear missile test Sunday. Nikki Haley said at a UN meeting that incremental measures in place since 2006 had proved ineffective and called for the "strongest sanctions" in order to resolve provocations without military actions.

Nikki Haley, United States ambassador to the United Nations. Getty Images

Haley's comments were preceded by European Council President Donald Tusk on Sunday, when he called on the UN to adopt further sanctions, and subsequently followed by European state leaders. British Prime Minister Theresa May advocated "tougher action" Monday, including increasing existing sanctions, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that more sanctions were "urgently required." The latter said she would meet this weekend with her EU peers to urge their support. This shared stance stands at odds with comments made by some of the East's most powerful leaders, whose support is needed for allied nations to strike a united diplomatic approach. President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that while Russia opposed North Korea's actions, imposing sanctions would be "useless and ineffective," adding that North Korean President Kim Jong Un would rather see his people starve than have his regime overthrown. His comments came as China's foreign ministry released a statement saying that "sanctions alone are no way out for the North Korea issue."

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Dmitri Lovetsky | Reuters

The clash is somewhat unsurprising given Russia's experience of sanctions and China's close economic ties with North Korea. Trade barriers imposed on Russia by the EU and the U.S. have done little to improve international relations over recent years; while neighbouring China is a beneficiary of the regime, supplying four-fifths of the North's imports. "For China, the real ultimate goal here is stability on the Korean peninsula, which will mean stability economically and domestically for China," Dr Heather Williams, lecturer in defence studies at King's College London, told CNBC Tuesday. "So, they think that they're acting rationally." "From where we're sitting, it might seem  like they're (the Chinese) doing enough. But for them, given that that's their ultimate objective, for them it does seem rational." International leaders have been generally united in their aims of avoiding military action against the state, given its growing nuclear capabilities. The regime's test on Sunday triggered a magnitude 6.3 tremor and was more powerful than the bombs dropped by the U.S. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Analysts have noted that President Jong Un's sabre-rattling is an attempt at regime preservation, rather than aiming to strike an all-out war.

This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 3, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) looking at a metal casing with two bulges at an undisclosed location. STR | Getty Images
President Donald Trump's decision to end a program that protects hundreds of thousands of people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children could cost the economy hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday announced the "wind down" over the next six months of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields some 800,000 young immigrants from deportation. Unless Congress acts to replace the Obama-era program with similar protections, those people would no longer be allowed to work in the U.S.

The loss of those workers, and the paychecks they earn, would dampen the American economy, hitting hardest in states like California and Florida with the largest share of DACA participants, according to groups that support the protection of those immigrants from deportation.
Demonstrators hold signs during a protest in front of the White House after the Trump administration today scrapped the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that protects from deportation almost 800,000 young men and women who were brought into the U.S. illegally as children, in Washington, U.S., September 5, 2017.

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced it would end a government program that protects children who were brought to the United States illegally from being deported  but it's essentially leaving Congress a six-month window of time to try to save it.

The legal shield is known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and since its enactment in 2012, it has allowed roughly 800,000 undocumented young adults to live in the United States and obtain work authorizations every two years.

On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to terminate the program  and as president, he trotted out his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, to announce its long-rumored end. In a speech at the Justice Department this morning, Sessions described DACA as "executive amnesty" and he slammed the Obama administration, which created it, for ignoring the "rule of law."

More from Recode:

Reid Hoffman would like to add you to his political network

Hillary Clinton endorsed a startup  and then it fell victim to a cyber attack

Apple to FCC: Protect net neutrality and don't allow online fast lanes



"This does not mean they are bad people," Sessions said of immigrants, "it means we are properly enforcing our laws as Congress has passed them."

In practice, implementation is complicated. Those previously approved under DACA, with the permission to work in the United States, can continue to work without interruption until those approvals expire. And those who have already applied for protection or are seeking renewals will still have their applications considered by the U.S. government.

For those whose permits are set to expire before March 5, 2018, though, the U.S. government will also allow them to renew their DACA status  provided their applications are received before Oct. 5, 2017. Currently, there are about 201,000 young adults whose authorizations are set to expire this year, officials at the Department of Homeland Security explained Tuesday.

Otherwise, beginning today, the U.S. government isn't going to consider any new DACA applications, leaving still hundreds of thousands of its beneficiaries, known as Dreamers, in legal limbo.

On one hand, the delay on enforcement gives Congress some time to decide whether to preserve the program by writing a law. Absent that, though, these Dreamers would be at risk for deportation  even as government officials stressed Tuesday they are not going to target these young adults in the future.

Tech giants like Apple , Facebook and Google are no doubt going to blast the Trump administration's decision: Last week, those executives joined more than 400 other business leaders in calling on the president to preserve DACA.
The news was met with condemnation from across the globe, with the G-7 releasing a statement on Monday which said that the leaders condemned the new nuclear test by North Korea "in the strongest possible terms", adding that the group expressed its solidarity to nations within the region for the "consequences of Pyongyang's irresponsible behavior".

Geopolitics concerns have resurfaced once again, as markets worldwide were on edge after North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test yet.

Dow Jones industrial average futures declined 60 points, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures pulled back 5.5 points and 12 points, respectively.

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Tuesday, as geopolitical concerns surrounding North Korea's relationship with the West amplified jitters in market trading.

A trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile in the States, the White House stated on Monday that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table," while the United Nation's U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley appealed to the U.N. Security Council to enforce the "strongest possible" sanctions, according to Reuters.

The U.S. stock market was closed on Monday because of the Labor Day holiday, but futures fell along with global equities markets. The Stoxx 600 index, which tracks a broad swath of European equities, fell 0.52 percent on Monday, while the Japanese Nikkei 225 declined 0.9 percent. On Tuesday, the Stoxx 600 index rose marginally while the Nikkei pulled back another 0.6 percent.

Investors around the world also increased their exposure to traditional safe-haven assets like gold and the Japanese yen. Gold futures for December delivery rose 0.4 percent to $1,335.90 per ounce, around a one-year high. The yen gained 0.39 percent against the dollar to 109.29.

But optimism from the M&A space helped keep investor sentiment in check. On Monday, United Technologies said it had agreed to buy aircraft parts manufacturer Rockwell Collins for $30 billion, including debt.

Elsewhere, two leading members from the U.S. central bank are set to deliver remarks independently.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari will be speaking at the Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, the Dallas Business Club will host a conversation with Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan in the late afternoon in Dallas.

Fed Gov. Lael Brainard spoke earlier on Tuesday, saying the central bank should be cautious about raising interest rates while inflation levels remain low.

The Fed expects to raise rates once more this year, but market participants are not so convinced. Market expectations for a December rate hike are just 42 percent, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool.

Speaking of data, factory orders are set to be released at 10 a.m. ET.

The repercussions of Hurricane Harvey continue to leave its mark on markets, with investors wondering how much damage the natural disaster will have on the energy sector.

Oil prices ticked higher on Tuesday, with U.S. crude trading around $48.10 per barrel at 8:19 a.m. ET, while Brent was last standing at around $52.76.

Overseas, European stocks were trading higher, while markets in Asia closed on a relatively mixed to positive note.

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Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Rockwell Collins  The defense contractor agreed to be acquired by United Technologies for $23 billion in the biggest-ever aerospace deal. Rockwell shareholders will receive $140 per share, consisting of $93.33 in cash and the rest in United Technologies stock.

Walt Disney  Wells Fargo upgraded Disney to "outperform" from "market perform," citing Disney's increased presence in direct-to-consumer program streaming. The analyst report said investors should give increasing emphasis to companies with solid streaming strategies, and lessen exposure to those that do not have such strategies. Viacom is mentioned as one such company, and has been downgraded to "market perform" from "outperform."

Boeing  Boeing received a favorable decision from the World Trade Organization, which reversed a ruling that the jet maker had received illegal support for its 777X jet.

Oracle  Credit Suisse initiated coverage of the business software company with an "outperform" rating, saying the market is underappreciating the power of Oracle's technology and its upside opportunities in cloud offerings.

Formula One  Citi upgraded the stock to "buy" from "neutral," saying the automobile racing company is poised to reverse recent trends and see revenue and earnings growth.

Blackstone  Blackstone has called off the sale of a $2.8 billion Australian shopping mall portfolio, according to Reuters, amid worries about competition from Amazon.com . A source told Reuters that Blackstone will renovate the properties instead of selling them.

Tronc  The media company bought the New York Daily News from owner Mort Zuckerman, adding the News to its portfolio of newspapers that includes the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed but sources told Reuters that Tronic is assuming about $30 million in liabilities.

Volkswagen  The automaker put the sale of its Ducati motorcycle unit on hold, according to Reuters, which said disagreements on strategy and resistance from German trade units were among the obstacles to a deal.

Intel  The chipmaker will receive a ruling from European antitrust officials Wednesday on whether it offered illegal rebates to shut out rivals.

Novartis  CEO Joseph Jimenez plans to retire next year, with the drugmaker's chief drug developer Vasant Narasimhan taking over as CEO in February.

Comcast  Comcast's Universal Pictures unit is seeking to sell its 45 percent stake in China-based production company Oriental DreamWorks, according to the Financial Times. The FT said talks have been held with Time Warner's Warner Brothers unit about replacing Universal. (Disclosure: Comcast is parent of CNBC.)

Alphabet  The company's Google unit could be hit with a record fine by the European Commission later this month, according to the Sunday Times, in a case involving allegedly anti-competitive moves involving Google's Android smartphone software.

AvalonBay  The real estate investment trust was downgraded to "neutral" from "buy" at Goldman Sachs, which cites slowing growth in funds from operations for the developer of multifamily housing communities.

HB Fuller  Fuller announced a deal to buy rival adhesives maker Royal Adhesives & Sealants for about $1.58 billion from private equity firm American Securities.

Delphi Automotive  The auto parts maker's shares are getting a boost following a WSJ Heard On The Street column focusing on Delphi's attractiveness as a takeover play following the planned spin off of its powertrain business into a separate company.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced as much as $210 million in debt financing in order to "tap" the renewable energy potential of Egypt.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Beijing headquartered AIIB said the project would comprise 11 solar power plants with an "aggregate" capacity of 490 megawatts and would help the country to meet its pledges under the Paris Climate Agreement.

"Investing in clean, renewable energy is a big part of our strategy to promote a sustainable and low-carbon future for Asia," D.J. Pandian, the AIIB's vice president and chief investment officer, said.



"We are supporting this project because it contributes to Egypt's renewable energy capacity, and it will help position the country as a regional energy hub, which will have economic benefits for the entire region," Pandian added.

In terms of its environmental benefits, the AIIB said the solar plants would help avoid over half a million tons of CO2 annually.

Worldwide, the potential of solar is significant. The World Energy Council has said that solar energy has a "big part to play" in cutting future carbon emissions and "ensuring a sustainable energy future."
In his most recent tirade on the existential threat posed by artificial intelligence, billionaire tech titan Elon Musk says governments will use force to get companies to turn over their advanced AI technology. During the course of his Twitter rant, in which Musk claims the global race for artificial intelligence will result in World War III, a follower suggests that the government lags behind and corporations will develop the most threatening arsenal of artificial intelligence. "[Governments] don't need to follow normal laws," he says. "They will obtain AI developed by companies at gunpoint, if necessary," Musk responds.

Musk is consistent in his terrifying reminders that the rapid and accelerating development of AI is the greatest threat to civilization. Artificial intelligence is more dangerous than North Korea, he's said, even as the country has been testing its military technology. Since launching a nuclear missile would be "suicide" for the North Korean regime, it should be "low on our list of concerns for civilizational [sic] existential risk," Musk has argued. On Monday, tech billionaire Mark Cuban weighed in on Musk's most recent warning, agreeing that weapons with AI ought to be feared. "Autonomous weaponry is the ultimate threat to humanity," says Cuban.

The same day, the chief digital evangelist for Salesforce, Vala Afshar, sent the World Economic Forum's June 2017 analysis of when robots will take over human jobs to Cuban on Twitter. The "Shark Tank" star says his fear is not that robots will become capable of replacing human laborers but that they will not be human enough. "I'm concerned about machines NOT taking on human like qualities," he explains.

Called out for his depressing focus on Armageddon, Musk promises more optimistic updates to come.
Amtrak's president told CNBC on Tuesday he does not see the futuristic hyperloop  conceived by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk  overtaking traditional rail travel and transport anytime soon.

Asked to assess the practicality of high-speed hyperloop pods and Musk's The Boring Company, Richard Anderson was skeptical. "I don't think it's realistic right now."

"I'm glad there are people like that [who] dream about that. But I'm sort of focused on bridges and tunnels that are 100 years old that need some real infrastructure investment," said Anderson, who was CEO of Delta Air Lines .

In July, Musk tweeted that he received a preliminary green light to dig a tunnel for a hyperloop between New York and Washington, D.C.

Just received verbal govt approval for The Boring Company to build an underground NY-Phil-Balt-DC Hyperloop. NY-DC in 29 mins.

Last week, Musk released video of a test of the "SpaceX/Tesla Hyperloop pusher pod."

We took the SpaceX/Tesla Hyperloop pusher pod for a spin by itself a few days ago to see what it https://www.instagram.com/p/BYckipugds5/

Hyperloop One, one of the companies testing Musk's idea, said it "successfully completed the first full system, self-powered Hyperloop test" in May.

Anderson  who is also co-CEO of Amtrak with Wick Moorman, formerly CEO of rail giant Norfolk Southern  told "Squawk Box" he does not understand how companies "can have real huge losses" and still operate. "I'm probably too much of an old-school industrialist. I tend to look at things like cash flow, return on invested capital, and operating margins."

Anderson defended government subsidies to Amtrak, a federally chartered corporation. "If you look at transportation in the United States, it's all subsidized." As a former Delta chief, he said aviation depends on funding for the FAA, and added that "fuel taxes never cover the cost of highways."

Anderson appeared on CNBC as Amtrak resumed its regular operations at New York's Penn Station. The rail operator said accelerated summer track work, which began in July, was completed "on time and on budget."

.@Amtrak's NY Penn Station renewal work has been completed safely, on time and on budget.

The speedup of the timetable for the $40 million infrastructure project was prompted by derailments in the station during the spring, which wreaked havoc on rail service along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington.

Repairs during the so-called summer of hell at the busy New York transportation hub concentrated on replacing tracks in a key area that serves as a critical sorting mechanism.

Amtrak owns Penn Station, which services Amtrak trains, NJ Transit and LIRR commuter lines and New York subways.
Multinational energy business Enel has announced that construction has begun on Wayra I, its first wind farm in Peru. In a statement on Monday, Enel said that construction would be via its subsidiary, Enel Green Power Peru.

The first wind turbines are currently being installed at the facility, which will have a total capacity of 132 megawatts once completed. The wind farm is located in the district of Marcona, in the Ica region, and will be Peru's largest.

"The construction of Enel's first wind farm in Peru furthers our presence in the country and demonstrates our strong commitment to the Peruvian renewable energy market," Antonio Cammisecra, head of Enel Green Power, said in a statement.

"Our aim in Peru is to become the leading player in renewable energy, which we consider to be essential for a sustainable development at the local and national level," he went on to add.

Approximately $165 million will be invested by the Enel Group in the construction of the wind farm, which is expected to enter into operation in the first half of 2018.

The facility will be made up of 42 wind turbines and be able to produce roughly 600 gigawatt hours annually. This will be equivalent to the "annual consumption needs" of more than 480,000 Peruvian homes, and will help to avoid the emission of almost 288,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.
Charles Manson is an infamous figure from the late 1960s. Lawyer and author of Helter Skelter, Vincent Bugliosi, theorized Mansons objective was an apocalyptic race war pitting African-Americans against Caucasians.

Where Manson failed, todays mainstream media might succeed. President Donald Trump is the primary target of mainstream media venom. You cannot view MSNBC or CNN cable news without being inundated with media sound bites painting the president as a racist or hater of immigrants and people of color.

Upon Trumps election, CNN political commentator Van Jones remarked the election was a whitelash against a changing country; insinuating Caucasian voters were racists. Networks MSNBC and CNN are blatant in their daily message; networks CBS, NBC and ABC are not as direct but just as unrelenting.

To the casual newsreader, the effect is propaganda. Mainstream media routinely leave out facts and base the story on opinion. These propaganda messages promote the labeling of anyone with a different thought as haters, racists or bigots; creating groups such as Freedoms Watch, Antifa (Anti-Facist) and Black Lives Matter.

Throughout the summer these groups interacted violently with each other; too many times where riot police were ordered to stand down, allowing the violence to play out. Id bet most of the marchers in these groups could not define hate or racist -- terms so casually used these days with so powerful an actual meaning.

A race war coming. Manson couldnt reach as many people as the mainstream media.

John Cantlon, Ettrick
European markets came under pressure by the end of Tuesday's trade, as a weak performance from Wall Street and geopolitical concerns weighed on investor sentiment. The pan-European Stoxx 600 came off its highs, to end down 0.13 percent, with sectors pointing in different directions by the close. Autos outperformed other sectors, closing up 0.89 percent overall. Looking to major bourses, Germany's DAX finished in positive territory, up 0.18 percent, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 fell 0.52 percent and France's CAC ended 0.34 percent down.

European markets



In Europe, banks posted the biggest sector loss on Tuesday, with several Spanish and Italian banks sitting near the bottom of the sector's benchmark. This comes despite UBS strategists upgrading European banks to "overweight", as strategists believe that tapering and a return to EPS growth could act as catalysts to unlocking the group's recovery potential; Reuters reported. Banks closed 1.25 percent down overall.



Looking at individual stocks, Aveva agreed to combine with Schneider Electric 's software business on Tuesday, creating a London-listed firm worth more than 3 billion ($3.88 billion). Aveva's shares initially rocketed up almost 30 percent on the news, before finishing trade up 25.7 percent, while shares in Schneider Electric were relatively muted, finishing up 0.26 percent. Germany's Merck KGaA said it would consider selling its consumer health business. Its shares came off its highs yet finished trade up 2.37 percent. Meanwhile, French telecom firm Orange and U.K. consumer goods firm Reckitt Benckiser closed near the bottom of the STOXX 600, off 2 percent and 2.7 percent respectively. This comes after Exane BNP Paribas cut its target price on Reckitt Benckiser and cuts its rating on Orange to "underperform". Oil and gas was the second best performing sector on Tuesday, closing up 0.69 percent. This comes as oil prices posted sharp gains during trade on the back of news that refineries in the Gulf of Mexico - that were shut by Hurricane Harvey - were starting to reopen. At the market close, Brent was up over 2 percent at $53.64 per barrel, and U.S. crude was at $48.97, up over 3 percent.

Geopolitical tensions

In the aftermath of North Korea's largest-ever nuclear test on Sunday, the U.S. told the United Nations on Monday that Pyongyang was "begging for war," before urging the 15-member Security Council to respond with the "strongest possible measures" against the isolated regime. Ahead of the emergency UN meeting overnight, South Korea had reported that it had seen signs the North was preparing to launch more missiles in the near future. Consequently jitters in markets worldwide continue to rumble on, with some investors looking to safe-haven assets like the Japanese Yen. Stateside, Wall Street stocks traded in the red on the country's first trading day of the week, as tension between North Korea and the West sent jitters down Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped as much as 170 points before paring some losses by Europe's close.

ECB on the horizon
Facebook's WhatsApp unit will eventually start charging companies to contact its users, a person close to the company says, as the social media firm looks to make money from its chat products.

WhatsApp, which said in August it has 1.3 billion users, has begun testing tools that could allow businesses to offer sales and support services to its users who agree to be contacted.

The features include a separate WhatsApp application for businesses that are verified by the company.

In a blog post Tuesday, WhatsApp wrote that business chat services are coming in various tiers.

"We're building and testing new tools via a free WhatsApp Business app for small companies and an enterprise solution for bigger companies operating at a large scale with a global base of customers, like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks," the company wrote.

Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014 and has yet to focus on turning the popular chat app into a money maker.

WhatsApp said last year it would eventually begin testing tools that could let users communicate with companies via secure messages, part of a broader overhaul to make the service more business friendly.

The features are being tested by companies in Brazil, Europe, India and Indonesia, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier, citing an interview with WhatsApp's chief operating officer, Matt Idema.

Idema didn't describe the paid features to the paper or say when they would be rolled out.

"We don't have the details of monetization figured out," Idema told the Journal.
Responding to Russian president Vladimir Putin's warning this week that "whoever leads in artificial intelligence will rule the world," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that competition for AI will "most likely cause" World War 3. For now, Americans aren't sweating it. In fact, most employed U.S. adults aren't worried about technology eliminating their jobs, the annual Work and Education Gallup poll shows. Elon WW3 Tweet Only 13 percent of Americans are fearful that tech will eradicate their work opportunities in the near future, according to the poll. Notably, workers are relatively more concerned about immediate issues like wages and benefits.

This corresponds with another recent Gallup survey finding that about one in eight workers, or 13 percent of Americans, also believe it's likely they will lose their jobs due to new technology, automation, robots or AI in the next five years. While the survey reflects a generally confident American workforce, Monster career expert Vicki Salemi tells CNBC Make It that people should not become complacent.

Employees need to think of themselves as replaceable in a way that propels them into action," Salemi says, "so they can focus on continuously learning and sharpening their skills." In the meantime, Americans can look to what the tech giants are saying. Musk tends to paints a drearier picture of a world shared with AI, saying its effects will be polarizing on humanity. Elon Tweet While he created OpenAI to "build safe artificial intelligence," Musk says AI will cause job disruption and says no job is safe. On the contrary, Salemi emphasizes that Americans shouldn't be paranoid and lose sleep every night. Rather, they should think about AI "from a place of power." "If your job does start to get automated, you'll already have a game plan and solid skill set to back you up for your next career move," she says. AI optimists Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and business magnate Bill Gates think AI and humans can share a symbiotic relationship. Gates says if he were just starting out his career today, he writes in an open letter, AI is one of the few fields he would join.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is the "right person" to protect the European project throughout Brexit negotiations, a key political ally told CNBC.

"(Merkel) wants to work together with (French President Emmanuel) Macron but also with all others in Europe who want to safeguard the European idea because at the moment we do have a problem with Brexit," Michael Fuchs, vice chairman of Merkel's center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Tuesday.

Brexit is scheduled to take place in March 2019 yet while the third round of talks concluded on Thursday; British and European officials appeared unable to even agree on whether any progress had been made.

"We don't want to have another example of Brexit  So we have to work on Europe (and) Angela Merkel is the right person to do so," he added.
Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein has weighed in on the Trump administration's decision, announced Tuesday, to phase out a program that protected young, undocumented immigrants from deportation.

In a message on his verified Twitter account Tuesday afternoon, Blankfein said, "Immigration is a complex issue but I wouldn't deport a kid who was brought here and only knows America. Congress must address. #DACA"

Tweet

The hashtagged acronym stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era protection for immigrants brought to the United States as young children. On Tuesday, the administration said it would end the program in March unless Congress acted.

The move has drawn some sharp criticism, not the least of which is from former President Barack Obama, who called it "cruel" and "self-defeating."

Blankfein, whose former second-in-command at Goldman, Gary Cohn, is now President Donald Trump's top economic advisor, has taken to Twitter in the past to criticize the administration, though not always so directly. Last month he appeared to troll the president in a tweet about the eclipse. He previously called out the White House's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate-change accord.
Chinese entrepreneur Li Hejun, who briefly held the title of China's richest man, was just banned from Hong Kong's business world

A Hong Kong court ruled to disqualify Li from being a director or being involved with the management of any Hong Kong listed or unlisted company for eight years. That came as the court found him incompetent and negligent in his duties as chairman of Hong Kong-listed Hanergy Thin Film .

Li is also the founder of a parent firm, Hanergy, and both companies made headlines in May, 2015 when the Hong Kong-listed subsidiary lost nearly half of its roughly $40 billion in market value in less than 30 minutes. About a week later, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission began an investigation and suspended the shares of Hanergy Thin Film indefinitely.

The company's wild roller coaster ride highlighted the complicated relationship between Hong Kong-listed firms and their opaque Chinese parent companies, an arrangement that allows private mainland companies to access financing from the Hong Kong market without being subject to disclosure rules.

Hanergy Thin Film's shares had soared more than 600 percent in 2015 before their precipitous crash. At its peak in April 2015, the company was valued at over $45 billion, making Li China's richest man.

But its fast rise also spurred concerns of market manipulation among investors and regulators. It was unclear why investors were sending the stock price up, as the company's business model wasn't new  Hanergy Thin Film had said 60 percent of its sales came from its parent company, Beijing-based Hanergy Holding. What added to the mystery was that Li himself upped his own bet that shares of his solar company would take a tumble just five days before the crash.

Since then, not much has been explained by the company to the investing public about what exactly happened, and shareholders may never get a clear answer  or their money.

"There is no guarantee that the trading of the Company's shares on the Stock Exchange will resume," Hanergy Thin Film said in an exchange filing posted Monday. The company must submit a request to the SFC for shares to start trading again, and the SFC has also said there is no assurance it will grant resumption of trade.

The case, which was brought to court by the SFC, also resulted in suspensions from management ranging from three to four years for four independent non-executive directors for incompetence and "a marked indifference to their responsibilities," according to the SFC.

Hanergy Thin Film confirmed the court ruling in an exchange filing, and said it had terminated the four independent non-executive directors.

The case also focused on undisclosed loans of 900 million yuan (about $137.67 million) by a mainland subsidiary to an unlisted mainland parent firm, Hanergy Holding. Hanergy Holding has been ordered to pay all due receivables.

"Li's breaches were not the result of incompetence or negligence only, as there was a clear conflict of interest situation," SFC said in a statement. "He also failed to exercise reasonable care and diligence in connection with an undisclosed loan of RMB900 million provided by a Mainland subsidiary of Hanergy to Hanergy Holding in March 2014."
A volunteer from Texas A&M University helps to clean up flood damage in the house of an alumnus in southwestern Houston.

Hurricane Irma is not expected to touch Florida for several days but its impact was already being felt in the U.S. stock market.

Stock prices of home insurers tied to Florida plunged Tuesday after Irma strengthened into a Category 5 storm. This latest storm system follows Harvey, which dumped several feet of rain, destroyed thousands of homes and killed over 50 people in a matter of days.

Shares of HCI Group , Universal Insurance Holdings , and Heritage Insurance Holdings , which provide property and casualty homeowners insurance in the Sunshine State, were down 13, 16, and 13 percent, respectively.

Reinsurers XL Group and Everest contributed some of the largest losses to the S&P 500's decline, down 5 and 4 percent, respectively.

Collectively, insurance stocks are having their worst day of 2017. The S&P Insurance Industry (.IUX) is down 1.9 percent, on pace for its worst daily performance since Brexit lows in June 2016 when it fell 3.16 percent. The SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (KIE) is down 3 percent, also on pace for its worst daily performance since June 2016 when it fell 3.14 percent.

Its direct path is not yet clear, but Florida Gov. Rick Scott was not taking any chances, implementing a state of emergency for all 67 counties in the state on Monday.

With winds topping 175 mph, Irma on Tuesday became the strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Roberto Friedlander, head of energy trading for Seaport Global Securities, said that while the storm isn't poised to have a major impact on energy infrastructure like Harvey, the focus will be on densely populated Miami.

"There is no modern historical precedent for a Miami hurricane, because the last direct hit was back in the 1920s. A direct hit from Irma could disrupt rail and container activity, and damage infrastructure for transportation, in addition to putting thousands of lives at risk," wrote Friedlander. "Combined with rainfall, then we are looking at catastrophic flooding to a vast area that already has problems with water levels. Real estate risks are simply gigantic."

HCI Group is headquartered in Jacksonville. Universal is based in Fort Lauderdale and Heritage is in Clearwater.

Experts are already predicting that final damage assessments of Hurricane Harvey will smash previous storm totals as the most expensive natural disaster in American history. Widespread flooding caused historic water damage to houses in southeastern Texas, displacing thousands who must begin the rebuilding process.
Barclays research predicts that Hurricane Irma's insured damage in Florida could be the largest in U.S. history, a record currently held by that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

"Given the potential magnitude of this storm as well as the potential to impact a highly populated area, we think Irma's insured damage in Florida could be the largest ever in the US perhaps equivalent to Hurricane Katrina," wrote Barclays' Jay Gelb on Tuesday.

"In a worst case scenario, catastrophe modelers AIR Worldwide and Karen Clark and Co. have estimated a repeat of the 1926 Miami hurricane could result in $125-130 billion of insured damage."

Hurricane Katrina's insured damage was $50 billion adjusted for inflation.

With winds topping 175 mph, Category 5 Hurricane Irma on Tuesday became the strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin outside of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. Meteorologists expect the storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. either late this week or early next week.

Even though the storm is not expected to touch Florida for several days, it is already driving home insurance stocks lower.

"We would view Irma as more of a risk to the traditional reinsurers as well as third-party providers of reinsurance capital," noted Gelb. "Of the companies we cover, reinsurers expected to have among the largest exposures to a Florida hurricane could include Everest Group , XL Group, Validus Holdings, RenaissanceRe Holdings , and Aspen ."

All the reinsurance companies the analyst noted fell more than 5 percent during Tuesday trade, with Validus down the most at 6.5 percent. XL Group was the single worst performer in the S&P 500, down 6 percent.

Collectively, insurance stocks are having their worst day of 2017. The S&P Insurance Industry (.IUX) is down 1.9 percent, on pace for its worst daily performance since Brexit lows in June 2016, when it fell 3.16 percent. The SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (KIE) is down 3 percent, also on pace for its worst daily performance since June 2016, when it fell 3.14 percent.

The S&P 500 was down more than 1 percent, in part because of the losses by insurers.

Gelb said the net exposure of commercial and personal lines insurers such as Chubb Holdings and Travelers Companies should be "comparatively" limited, though.

"From the insurance industry's perspective, we would expect a substantial hurricane possibly impacting Florida as well as just after Hurricane Harvey to possibly halt further reinsurance price declines for the first time in many years," Gelb said. "However, insurers' earnings and book values would also be expected to suffer a large hit."

 With reporting by Michael Bloom
but it's not usually a skill that can be sustained.

Isu | Getty Images

There's no denying that indexing is on a tear. Over the last 10 years, investors have plowed $1.57 trillion into index funds but have yanked $1.3 trillion out of active funds, according to research firm Morningstar. And the trend shows no signs of abating. "We've seen a big shift since the financial crisis, and with bond yields being as low as they have been, people are increasingly sensitive to low costs," said Daniel Wallick, principal and investment strategist with Vanguard's Investment Strategy Group. Low costs, predictability and the overwhelming positive performance of the broad indexes have swayed many investors to indexing's corner. "You will never underperform the index, but of course, you'll never outperform, either," said Janet Brown, president and CEO of FundX Investment Group and publisher of the NoLoad FundX newsletter. But is indexing the panacea for all investors all the time?

The evidence is strong

The last few years have indeed been kind to indexers. According to the Standard & Poor's Index vs. Active (SPIVA) Scorecard, a semi-annual report that compares actively managed funds to their benchmarks, active funds are lagging. According to the data, just 7.8 percent of large-cap funds, 5.6 percent of mid-cap funds and 6.8 percent of small-cap managers trail their benchmarks over the 15-year period. The numbers tell a similar story in the short- and intermediate-term, as well. "We've been in a large-cap growth market where it's been very difficult to outperform the ," Brown said. Index funds have a couple of things going for them that make it hard for active managers to compete. First, they tend to have low fees. The average actively managed fund has an expense ratio that's almost twice as high as the typical index fund. More from Active/Passive:

Why traditional investment strategies don't work

I am a lazy, cheap investor. Here's why.

The Buffet Bet challenge ... 9 years on Then, there's stock picking. Even the staunchest index adherents believe that active managers can get lucky now and then, but it's not usually a skill that can be sustained. A recent study by Hendrik Bessembinder, a professor in Arizona State University's business school, found that since 1926, the entire net gain of the U.S. stock market can be attributed to just 4 percent of companies. The remainder of the stocks either had returns in line with Treasury bills or worse. What that means, contends Paul Merriman, a retired financial planner, is that it's really hard to isolate the winners. Merriman is now the founder of the Merriman Financial Education Center in Seattle, which aims to increase financial literacy. "There's no evidence that active management is going to raise your return," he said. "That's no different than having half your money in T-bills."

Maybe it's the fees

So what's behind the outperformance of indexing? All else being equal, fees go a long way toward helping to boost performance, and index funds have an edge there. A fund company can easily keep fees down when there aren't portfolio managers or legions of analysts on the payroll. "It's not active vs. passive," said certified financial planner John Fattibene, director of financial planning with Harvest Financial Group. "It's high cost vs. low cost." Harvest works with small businesses on designing and managing their 401(k) plans. Since more attention has been focused on the role of high fees in plans in recent years, Fattibene's clients have emphasized index funds.

"If you want to drive down fees to participants, indexing gives you a great start on that," he said. "It's the easiest way to drive down your cost." Fees have come down dramatically for the most popular index funds, such as those that follow the Standard & Poor's 500. At Vanguard, Admiral shares of its flagship Vanguard Standard & Poor's 500 fund are just 4 basis points. Though the fund has a $10,000 minimum, it is widely available to 401(k) participants who don't invest that much. Schwab, BlackRock and Fidelity also offer funds charging similarly skinny fees. "We're delighted by the price war among index funds," Fattibene added.

Active management has its place

That's not to say that active management is a non-starter. It has a special place even at Vanguard, the temple of indexing. About a quarter of the assets the firm manages are invested in active strategies. "For active management to work, three things have to be present: talent, cost and patience," said Wallick of Vanguard. Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML) recently released research that pinpoints times when active managers can thrive. Examining U.S. fund returns since 1991, BAML found that when the stocks in the S&P 500 were less correlated (that is, they didn't move in lockstep) and also when there was a wider disparity between the best and worst performing stocks, fund returns were better. Brown of FundX believes it's possible to pick active managers that can outperform, but it has less to do with skill than trend following. "Much of what causes managers to outperform is the asset allocation and sector positioning," she said. "The managers that perform well have a very finite period of outperformance."

I'm concerned that many passive investors don't fully appreciate the risk they're taking. Janet Brown president and CEO of FundX Investment Group
"While we cannot prevent future extreme weather events from occurring, we can do more to assess the risks of living in the new normal of climate-fueled disruptive weather and water events."

Yet while military leaders and other planners know that storm extremes are increasingly likely as the climate warms, we have not yet taken the steps we need to prepare ourselves for these events. For example, while defense strategy documents recognize climate change as a threat multiplier, plans for military construction and infrastructure do not yet fully account for increased flood and storm risk.

As we are tragically learning from Hurricane Harvey (and should have already learned from Superstorm Sandy and Katrina), extreme weather poses a massive national security risk not just overseas, but also here at home.

The military operates under a framework of risk preparedness every day and recognizes that it will never have 100 percent certainty about any threat it faces. That's why the DoD and all infrastructure planners need to integrate the range of probabilities associated with the impacts of climate change into all of its domestic infrastructure planning and risk assessments in order to increase resilience both at home and abroad.

While we cannot prevent future extreme weather events from occurring, we can do more to assess the risks of living in the new normal of climate-fueled disruptive weather and water events. We need to be planning today for the next event that will disrupt lives, safety, health and infrastructure at every level.

First, we need to use flood and other risk standards that reflect the higher temperatures, warmer waters, and more intense rainfall of the current era. The past is no longer sufficient to predict the new normal now that the reality of climate change is here.

Second, we need to ensure that our investments in infrastructure take into account a climate-threatened future. The Department of Defense is beginning to make this commitment, as evidenced by recent statements by Secretary of Defense Mattis and other senior DOD officials. And earlier this summer, a bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives defended a provision identifying climate change as a "direct threat to the national security of the United States."

The provision also requests a report from the Department of Defense on climate change risks to its mission and major military installations over the next 20 years. This is hopeful progress: because of bipartisan action in Congress, our military will be preparing plans to further resilience of both the force and military bases at risk of sea level rise, storm surge and coastal inundation.

Finally, our military is a crucial part of communities across the country-we can see this vividly in the valiant rescues underway by men and women in uniform in Houston. Both civilian and military communities need to come together in planning for future extreme weather events.

DOD's vibrant community partnering program is a great example of how the military can enable those serving to connect with their communities on a wide range of common issues, from health to environmental protections. Programs like these can help us assess risks today and prepare communities for devastating weather events of tomorrow.

We ignore these risks at our peril. Not only our national security, but our homeland, is at greater risk until we take the climate threat seriously.

Commentary by Sherri Goodman, a former deputy undersecretary of defense (Environmental Security), founder of the CNA Military Advisory Board, and Senior Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
The people of Wisconsin have been subjected to a large amount of political fearmongering regarding the wolf. This rhetoric is to create hate and fear to gain support for the delisting of the wolf as endangered.

It would be best to let scientific fact and the input of the public be the deciding factors in determining the fate of our Wisconsin wolves.

Recently, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., held a meeting on short notice in Spooner, inviting only people that were in favor of delisting the wolf, and failing to inform the rest of his constituents about the meeting.

His aides held the Aug. 16 meeting with the purpose of building support for Senate Bill 1514, the HELP for Wildlife Act, for which Johnson is a co-sponsor. The bill calls for delisting the wolf, and has a rider attached to prevent judicial review of the decision.

Holding a meeting that denies access to all of the public is rigging the system. This meeting in no way represents the will of the people. Instead, it represents the will of a politician with a deceitful agenda.

Kimberly Hollis, Holmen
Hurricane Irma is gaining strength as it heads into the Caribbean. The latest model from the American Global Forecasting System shows it's likely to hit the U.S. on Sunday or Monday between Florida and the Carolinas.

That forecast then has Irma marching up the East Coast through the mid-Atlantic states and possibly into the Northeast.

This hurricane, which some are now calling the most powerful in a decade, comes just one week after Hurricane Harvey plowed into South Texas, killing at least 60 people and causing billions of dollars in damage.

Forecaster Dan Leonard of the IBM-owned Weather Co. said, "Irma is already in a rare class of storms with 180 mph winds." Leonard, sometimes known as "Wall Street's weatherman" because he advises many hedge funds and commodity traders, said he believes Irma could be a real monster, causing death and severe destruction.
The investing and philanthropic arm of Laurene Powell Jobs is purchasing what is believed to be its first-ever political ads on TV, according to advertising placement records seen by Recode.

Emerson Collective, Powell Jobs's vehicle for activism and investments, will begin a flight of spots on Wednesday in the television markets of Denver, Colo.; Louisville, Ky.; Raleigh, N.C.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Milwaukee, Wis., according to the records. The 30-second spots will run until next Tuesday, and only tens of thousands of dollars of ad spending appear to be behind them. They were placed by Democratic media firm GMMB.

Emerson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the placements come on the same day that Powell Jobs, a large Democratic donor, lambasted the Trump administration for rescinding the DACA program that protected young immigrants who arrived in the United States without proper papers.

More from Recode:

"Is there anything more heartless and less intelligent that our government could do?" Powell Jobs wrote. "Is our common humanity so frayed in this country that we cannot agree even about the children?"

In recent years, political donors have begun launching their own shadow organizations, choosing to operate their own outside groups rather than merely fund them.

Powell Jobs, who is among the fiercest defenders of DACA, appeared with Sen. Kamala Harris at the Code Conference in May, who had met with President Trump about the program.

She recalled at the conference that Trump was "engaged in our meeting"  but also said deportations had risen noticeably since he arrived in the White House. At their discussion, the president communicated that he is the "only one" who could bring about comprehensive immigration reform. "So let's see it done in a humane and viable and thoughtful way," Powell Jobs said.

By Theodore Schleifer, Recode.

CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.
The rate at which people in the United States are renting homes is the highest it's been since the 1960s. For every 1 million rental applications, 15,000 are approved.

Rent Cafe analyzed lease applications submitted between January 2014 and June 2017 in the largest 100 U.S. cities and found that, while the overall approval rate has increased from 81 percent in 2014 to 83 in 2017, some apartment-seekers are still having trouble being approved.

And poor credit, low income and employment status are not the main reasons why.

"The biggest reason for denying an application, which occurs in one-third of cases, is having accounts in default, collection or charge-offs," Nadia Balint, real estate writer and author of the study, tells CNBC Make It. That's roughly 33 percent, ranging from minor to severe cases.

"The presence of civil court lawsuits, judgments or liens carry the second heaviest weight in deciding whether an applicant is eligible for a lease," she adds, "accounting for 20 percent of rejected applications."

About 15 percent of applicants are rejected due to negative or insufficient rental history, and 12 percent are denied due to the applicant's criminal history.
An employee loads a mirror onto a truck outside a Lowe's store in Burbank, California.

One analyst is calling Lowe's the quintessential underdog in a tumultuous world of retail.

Bank of America has reinstated its coverage on the home improvement retailer, pegging it a buy rating with a $95 price target. Lowe's stock closed Friday at $74.65 a share, down about 3 percent over the past 12 months. For 2017, though, shares have rallied roughly 5 percent as of Friday's close. The stock was up 1.1 percent Tuesday morning.

"We believe increasing housing market momentum and big ticket spending will provide support to LOW longer term, particularly as it begins to see benefit from its restructuring initiatives over time," Bank of America analyst Elizabeth Suzuki wrote in a Tuesday note to clients.

"We believe LOW's profitability will also continue to improve and its comp gap with HD will continue to narrow as product differentiation and resets help drive comps."

As retail goes, Lowe's and its larger rival Home Depot paint a better picture than other companies struggling to post positive same-store sales.

In their latest quarters, Lowe's same-store sales climbed 4.5 percent, while Home Depot reported growth of 6.3 percent for the closely watched retail metric. Both easily topped Wall Street expectations.

Suzuki has called Lowe's the "cheaper but riskier name in home improvement." There is still room for it to grow in Mexico and Canada, she added.

Bank of America still calls Home Depot "the leader" in home improvement retail.

In a separate note Tuesday morning, Suzuki and her firm reinstated coverage on the retailer, assigning it a buy rating and a price target of $170 per share. Home Depot's stock closed Friday at $150.78 per share, having risen 12 percent over the past 12 months. It was up nearly 1 percent in Tuesday's session.

"The macro backdrop for growth in home improvement spending is favorable, and HD is also well positioned to continue its solid track record of share gains," Suzuki said.

One particular bright spot has been Home Depot's increased investments in so-called smart home products, she said. Sales of these products are actually growing faster than Home Depot's company average.

"In order to compete with Amazon and brick-and-mortar retailers with exclusive smart-home products, HD will need to establish a dominant market position as the expert in home automation, which requires investment in sourcing initiatives, employee education, and marketing," Suzuki said.

On the whole, the story for home improvement retailers remains much more positive than that of other consumer-facing companies. Old houses tend to need investment, and millennials are seeking out pros for project assistance. Meanwhile, a favorable housing cycle is benefiting everyone, according to Bank of America.

One fear that continues to haunt some investors, though, is the idea of Amazon wrecking havoc on the space. The internet giant boasts big-name brands like Black + Decker, Honeywell and Kohler on its own home improvement site.

On the days Home Depot and Lowe's reported second-quarter earnings, their shares fell despite upbeat results.

"HD is hitting on all cylinders, yet shares are weak, which may reflect further concerns about future online competition. ..." Jefferies analyst Daniel Binder wrote in a note to clients last month.
CEO Meg Whitman on Tuesday gave her clearest comments yet on her commitment to the company following reports that she was in the running to be the next CEO of taxi company Uber.

On with financial analysts on Tuesday, Whitman indicated that she isn't planning to leave anytime soon.

A few other analysts on the call on Tuesday didn't bring up the elephant in the room and instead focused on HPE's latest financial results. But Toni Sacconaghi of Bernstein Research finally did bring it up, asking her to "clear the air."

Here's what Whitman said:

There has been some press. [Laughs.] Listen, I thought -- I was called in very late in the Uber search, and I thought it was a very interesting business model. To me, it's actually quite similar to eBay -- very disruptive. It relies on a community of drivers just like eBay relies on a community of sellers. And the growth prospects reminded the of eBay in its early days. And as you know, I'm also an investor in Uber. But in the end it wasn't the right thing. But I would say it really has nothing to do with HPE, which is quite special in its own right. And we have a very focused strategy and a path forward to build a very big business on what I think is quite a compelling strategy -- hybrid IT, edge computing, IoT and much more, and we also have a remarkable customer base and partner base. So the other thing is I've dedicated the last six years of my life to this company, and there is more work to do. And I'm here to make this company successful, and I'm excited about the new strategy. So lots more work to do, and I actually am not going anywhere.

Whitman wasn't chosen to be the new CEO, and neither was GE CEO Jeff Immelt. Instead, the , who until now has led .

Whitman did from the board of HP Inc. -- the other company created from the break-up of Hewlett-Packard in 2015 -- during the Uber CEO search process. She also sent a out a series of tweets indicating her lack of interest in heading up Uber.

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Nevertheless, multiple reports say Whitman talked to Uber's board about the position even after her tweets.

The New York Times reported that on Sunday, August 27, Whitman met with some Uber board members and gave a presentation about what Uber would have to do to get her to take the job, including settling a lawsuit between investors Benchmark and former CEO Travis Kalanick. Later that day, the board chose Khosrowshahi to lead the company.
A daily morning look at the financial stories you need to know to start the day. STOCKS/ECONOMY -Stock futures are lower in response to North Korea's test of a much more powerful nuclear bomb over the weekend. Investors will also be looking at the factory orders data coming out at 10am Eastern Time. -Gold prices are near a 1-year high at $1,337 an ounce. NORTH KOREA THREAT -South Korea is warning that North Korea looks like it's planning another missile test. Four more THAAD anti-missile launchers are being deployed in South Korea. Japan is drafting a plan to get its citizens out of South Korea. OIL/ENERGY -U.S. crude prices are more than 1 percent higher and at the $47 a barrel level. -Gasoline prices are at $2.64 a gallon , national average. But they are starting to level off as refineries come back online after Hurricane Harvey. -One part of the Colonial Pipeline restarted Monday. IRMA THREAT -Hurricane Irma is now a category 5 storm and may hit Puerto Rico tonight and Florida later this week. DEALS/NO DEALS -United Technologies is buying Rockwell Collins for $30 billion in stock and cash and will combine the two companies' aerospace operations. -Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the L.A. Times, is buying the New York Daily News from Mort Zuckerman for an undisclosed amount. DREAM ACT MOVES -President Trump is expected to announce cutbacks to the protections now given to the children of illegal immigrants in the United Stares. New York and Washington say they'll sue the federal government if that happens.

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska during Flight Test THAAD (FTT)-18 in Kodiak, Alaska, July 11, 2017. Leah Garton | Missile Defense Agency | Reuters
The United States and its allies have ratcheted up sanctions against North Korea in a bid to pressure the country to give up its nuclear ambitions. That might prove a losing strategy.

In fact, economic sanctions could actually be bolstering Pyongyang's business competitiveness as firms develop better methods of evading trade restrictions. That, in turn, boosts the rogue nation's economy, arguably enabling it to continue with its roundly-condemned weapons program.

"In the category of unintended negative consequences, the application of sanctions has led the North Korean regime to find new, better, innovative ways to do business" inside of China's marketplace, John Park, adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, told CNBC.

North Korean businesses who seek to procure technologies, along with other permitted and prohibited items, directly engage local Chinese middlemen who in turn charge a fee to their clients, Park said in a July testimony before a U.S. House committee.

With the imposition of more extensive sanctions against Pyongyang, the Chinese middlemen, instead of being "scared off," attempt to monetize the increased risk by charging higher fees. Sanctions ultimately attract more capable middlemen driven by the prospect of greater incentives, according to Park.

"You're creating more efficient markets for the North Korean regime to do its activity in the Chinese marketplace," he told CNBC.

"And we're likely to see some version of this continuing with the application of new sanctions."
People watch a television display at a train station in Seoul on September 3, 2017 showing a news broadcast about North Korea's latest possible nuclear test.

The South Korean government is allowing the country's 51 million people to take a long holiday next month.

Monday October 2 was declared a one-off holiday to allow workers to take 10 consecutive days off, local media reported on Tuesday.

The vacation is intended to offer South Koreans the opportunity to take a well-deserved rest and comes after a year that has seen the country endure a major corruption scandal that brought down its president. The country has also had to deal with its northern neighbor's ambition to grow its nuclear ambitions and capabilities.

More from Newsweek:

Vladimir Putin: Donald Trump can't disappoint me, we're not married

U.S.-backed forces in Syria capture great mosque of Raqqa from ISIS

Most Russians do not back Putin's Syria operation as death toll mounts

The holiday will begin Saturday September 30 and continue through Monday October 9, with the one-off holiday on October 2 linking the weekend to three national holidays.

South Koreans will be celebrating National Foundation Day on October 3, remembering the traditional founding of Korea by Tangun in 2333 B.C. Chuseok, known in English as Korean Thanksgiving, takes place between October 4 and 6, and, finally, Hangeul Day (also known as Korean Language Day) is observed on October 9, marking the invention and proclamation of the Korean alphabet in 1446.

Chuseok is the most important celebration of the Korean holiday year, also known Hangawi in ancient Korean, or Harvest Moon Festival.

The holiday is celebrated over three days and is also nominally observed in North Korea as a day for people to visit their ancestral gravesites.

South Koreans also honor their ancestors, marking the holiday in a similar fashion to American Thanksgiving, travelling home to spend time with their families.

President Moon Jae-in has favored letting South Korea, a country known for its long working hours and underused paid leave, to spend more time off work. Leading by example, Moon went on vacation in late July despite the tensions in the Korean Peninsula, the Associated Press reported.

Even though Moon spent his holiday in a military-run vacation facility in the south of the country to allow him to keep in touch with officials in the event of provocations from the North, the South Korean president insists time off is both beneficial for people's well being and for the economy because it offers more opportunities to spend money.

Economic data seems to support his strategy. During a temporary holiday called for August 14, 2015, the country recorded an estimated economic surplus equivalent to $1.7 billion, according to an analysis quoted in the Korea Times.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans risk serious political peril if they do not take steps to shore up a key part of Obamacare, a leading health-care advocacy group warned Tuesday as it unveiled a new public opinion poll showing strong support for such steps.

"It is clear that Americans will blame the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress for any failure" with Obamacare, said Leslie Dach, chairman of the Protect Our Care Campaign.

A poll commissioned by that group showed that 61 percent of voters disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue of health care, while 80 percent of voters disapprove of how the GOP-led Congress is handling that issue.

The same poll found that 61 percent of voters said they believed Trump is trying to make Obamacare fail.

The poll, conducted by Hart Research, was released several days after the Trump administration said it would slash funding for Obamacare enrollment outreach this coming sign-up season by 90 percent.

And the survey comes a day before the start of hearings by the Senate Health Committee on a bipartisan bill that could end up guaranteeing crucial federal payments to insurers.

The payments currently reimburse insurers for discounts that they are mandated, by law, to offer most Obamacare customers for their out-of-pocket health costs.

Protect Our Care, along with a number of business groups and others have called on Congress to ensure the payments continue.

Dach noted Tuesday that if the payments end, Obamacare insurers would be expected to either exit the market or raise premiums by 20 percent or even more to make up for the lost funds.

Despite that, the staunch Obamacare opponent Trump has refused to guarantee that the so-called cost-sharing reduction payments will continue, even as many insurers ask for much higher premiums next year in part because of that uncertainty.

"President Trump continues to play politics with people's health care and continues his effort to sabotage the law," Dach said.

The Hart Research poll found that 78 percent of voters said they agreed with the idea of Trump and Republicans in Congress taking "necessary steps to make sure health insurance markets are stable," said Geoff Garin, president of the polling company.

The poll surveyed 1,017 people who voted in the 2016 presidential election, with 48 percent of the respondents having voted for Hillary Clinton, and 45 percent for Trump.

Garin said that a generic Democratic congressional candidate was found to beat a generic Republican candidate by 43 percent to 36 percent when voters were surveyed for the poll.

But that advantage increased for the Democrat when voters were asked how they would cast their ballot if the Democrat wanted to maintain Obamacare and fix its problems, while the Republican wanted to get rid of the law. In that scenario, the generic Democrat would win by 56 percent to 44 percent, Garin said.

"So the focus on the health issue is clearly detrimental" to Republicans, Garin said.

"As the Republicans and President Trump continue efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act ... the political situation will become far more perilous and the efforts to undermine the ACA will be deeply unpopular," Garin said.

The poll found that if insurance premiums in the individual health plan market increase next year and that there are fewer insurers offering such plans, 83 percent said Republicans in Congress would bear some or much responsibility. And 71 percent said Trump would bear some or much responsibility if that happened.

"There is a huge disconnect between what voters want to see happen now, and what they see President Trump as doing," Garin said. "I think President Trump is under the delusion that he can blame all of this on President Obama. That is clearly not the case."
Social media applications are everywhere: on our computers, our phones, our televisions and even in our cars. Nowhere is this more evident than on a college campus, where students use these apps as a means of making personal and professional connections to help them prepare for the future.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection asks college students to help protect their identities and their wallets by tightening the security around their social media accounts and by thinking before they click on links in social posts.

Users of all services should set up complex passwords or passphrases for their social media accounts, turn on two-factor authentication if it is offered, and use the security features available in the apps to block public access to their posts. To avoid scams, users should be very suspicious of links in posts that direct them to unfamiliar websites or that advertise unrealistic offers for popular products.

Scammers often use fake account support emails to gather login details from social media users. These phishing emails falsely warn recipients that they need to provide their usernames and passwords in order to update a social media account or avoid an account suspension. Delete similar emails and log directly into the service if you need to check your account status.

Twitter:

Watch out for links in direct messages from users you dont know. These links may be included with a message intended to draw you in, like Can you believe this is true?

Watch for warnings from Twitter about unsafe links. According to Twitter, these links match a database of potentially harmful URLs which could lead to phishing, malware or spam sites.

Buying followers and engagements and using free followers apps could compromise your account and may also violate Twitters rules.

Facebook:

Watch for profile viewer tracking service pitches  Facebook does NOT offer this feature.

Hacked accounts can send malicious posts to everyone in your friends list, and the messages will post to their feeds (potentially attracting other victims). The links in these posts could drive users to websites where malware is transmitted to their devices.

Fake surveys and quizzes can be ploys to harvest personal information.

LinkedIn:

Watch for get rich quick and work-from-home scams. Do your research on a company before you apply for a job posting, particularly if it seems too good to be true.

Third-party websites claim to provide LinkedIn phone support for a fee, but these groups are not affiliated with LinkedIn. LinkedIn does not charge users for support and will not request login information from customers.

Other common scams according to LinkedIn: mystery shopper offers, phony inheritance scams (advance fee scams) and romance scams.

For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at datcp.wisconsin.gov, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov.
Call me crazy, but if I were running the country, there are several things I likely wouldn't do if I were attempting to solve several complex issues simultaneously.

With respect to freezing North Korea's nuclear program, with an eye toward de-nuclearizing the peninsula, I would not:

1. Criticize the South Korean government as one that appeases Pyongyang.

2. Threaten a trade war with South Korea, while the threat of actual war looms with North Korea.

3. Threaten to stop all trade with countries that do business with North Korea, including China, and risk a global depression.

With respect to the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program:

1. I wouldn't repeatedly claim that Mexico and Canada have cheated the U.S. when three-way trade among NAFTA nations has grown from $300 billion in 1992 to $1 trillion today.

2. I'd stop insisting on a border wall that is both unnecessary and ineffective, along with the fiction that Mexico will finance it.

3. I wouldn't claim that Mexico is the bigger beneficiary of NAFTA when American consumers pay less for their goods but Mexican workers still receive slave wages.

4. I'd also question my own logic about NAFTA's success in Mexico if I also were constantly complaining that Mexicans would still rather sneak into the U.S. than remain south of the border.

5. I wouldn't be restricting any kind of immigration at the moment, legal or illegal, given the shortage of skilled and unskilled laborers in the U.S. and a noticeably slowing birth rate.

6. I wouldn't threaten to send children of undocumented immigrants back to their respective homelands, many of whom are from Mexico and are productive, tax-paying workers with unblemished records.

With respect to tax reform:

1. I'd abandon the idea altogether unless comprehensive tax reform were truly being debated, as opposed to taxpayer-funded rate reductions for corporations and the rich.

2. I wouldn't accept any tax reduction program that adds $6 trillion to the national debt without any meaningful funding mechanism to keep the reform "revenue neutral."

3. I wouldn't grant a "repatriation holiday" unless the collected revenue was separated and earmarked for an infrastructure bank.

4. I would abandon the fiction that corporations pay more than their fair share of taxes when the amount of corporate tax revenue is the smallest percentage of tax collections in modern history. (easily proven)

With respect to Hurricane Harvey (and possibly Irma):

1. I would not tie hurricane relief and rebuilding funds to the successful raising of the federal debt ceiling, especially when Harvey's total cost, currently estimated at $180 billion, could exceed that of Katrina, and especially as the funds are needed immediately.

2. I certainly wouldn't tell those seeking refuge in relief shelters to "have a good time" after they might have lost all they possessed.

3. I wouldn't continuously weaken every environmental safety rule for flood containment and other natural disasters when more storms are expected to hit our shores, possibly within days.

4. I wouldn't steadfastly maintain that climate change is a hoax and refuse to consider that there might be ways to re-create a more stable and hospitable environment.

But that's just me. Call me crazy.
Oil prices marched higher on Tuesday following reports indicating that Russia and Saudi Arabia are considering extending the oil production cut deal agreed between both OPEC and non-OPEC members once it expires in March 2018.

Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak was a key architect of the output cut deal that was extended by nine months last May. Novak was quoted by the domestic news agency Tass as saying on Tuesday that representatives from the two countries had talked about an extension but that no specific decisions had yet been reached.

The comments follow remarks attributed to Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh on Monday night that participants' compliance with the terms of the deal had been improving.

"I think the oil market is balanced. OPEC members' compliance with output cuts has not fallen in the last six months; it has increased," Zanganeh was quoted by Reuters as saying via the Iranian oil ministry's news agency SHANA.

The minister is reported to have added that unofficial talks between deal participants are currently underway.
Outgoing White House Spokesman Sean Spicer walks into the West Wing of The White House on July 29, 2017 in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump's memorable first press secretary, Sean Spicer, has reportedly become the latest White House departee to join the paid speaking circuit.

Spicer, who resigned from the West Wing in July but served his last official day on August 31, has signed with Worldwide Speakers Group, the company confirmed to Politico Tuesday.

In a statement, the firm said Spicer would use his "well-known candor and extensive experience" to discuss "the people, philosophies and policies" that matter most to U.S. citizens and businesses. The company's website showed conformation that Spicer was one of the speakers available for bookings.

"We are thrilled to provide Sean for our major trade association, corporate, university and public lecture series customers around the world," the firm said in a statement cited by Politico.

"With his well-known candor and extensive experience, Sean is uniquely qualified to help audiences understand how the political environment will impact them now and in the future."

Spicer's first speaking engagement will be in New York City on September 11 at the annual conference of the investment bank Robman & Renshaw, according to two sources familiar with his schedule cited in the report.

The fee for Spicer's speeches was not disclosed.

An ex-political aide, Spicer became a figure of public attention this year as he attempted to diffuse a string of PR fiascos within the White House.
Globalization is a central feature in Takeda Pharmaceutical's strategy to achieve growth, the company's CEO told CNBC on Tuesday.

"The key for us is to globalize our key products and globalize the company. So instead of launching a new product in two countries, in three countries, we are launching these products globally. That's very key to growth in the future," Takeda Pharmaceutical President and CEO Christophe Weber said.

Weber also said the company's strategy to succeed in the increasingly competitive pharmaceutical space has been to be more innovative, adding that Takeda only develops medicine that has "high innovation potential."

"[We are] always looking for highly innovative medicine. That's really important because we don't want to develop medicine that isn't truly innovative," said Weber.

The company, he said, is currently focused on three therapy areas: gastroenterology, oncology and the central nervous system.

Takeda's first non-Japanese head, Weber has been under pressure to improve profitability at the pharmaceutical company. The push for internationalization has been part of the CEO's plans to turn things around at the Japanese pharma giant.

Takeda's consolidated net profit came in at 114.9 billion yen ($1.05 billion) for the year that ended on Mar. 31. In comparison, Astellas Pharma , a younger Japanese competitor, achieved double the profit despite lower sales, Nikkei Asian Review reported.

The company has forecast that its operating profit will rise 15.5 percent to 180 billion yen ($1.65 billion) this financial year compared to one year ago. Still, full-year guidance from Takeda remained below the average analyst estimate of 197.7 billion yen in a Thomson Reuters poll.

While Japanese companies have traditionally struggled to diversify and internationalize, Weber's push for globalization can be seen within the 235-year-old company. Three out of Takeda's four inside directors are not Japanese, Nikkei said.
As passive investing becomes chic, outflows have increased from closed funds  which are now looking to open again.

Managers of actively run funds can't seem to get a break these days, and that includes closed ones.

With the rise of passive investing, their business model and sales pitch for active management have come under seemingly constant attack. The latest domino: funds that had previously been closed to new investors. These funds  often run by prominent managers  have seen outflows on par with open active funds. It's leading them to reopen their gates once again. For some out there, this gives an opportunity to buy.

In a closed fund, the managers have decided not to accept new investors. This typically means that the popularity of a manager or a fund grew due to outstanding performance, leading investors to clamor. Once the assets under management become too large, the managers can't safely deploy it, so they close access.

"You close a fund to manage capacity," said Russel Kinnel, director of mutual fund research at Morningstar.

Since small-cap funds require less cash to invest in the names they hone in on, they're more prone to this practice. That's because it's either closing the fund, deciding to invest in larger names or make riskier selections in the companies within their small-cap investment pool.

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Once a fund closes, it will almost inevitably one day open again, since the natural life cycle of investors  such as hitting retirement age  will lead to outflows that outpace inflows. But as passive investing has become the chic tactic, outflows have increased.

In July the rate of outflows from U.S. actively managed equity funds reached $19.6 billion, up from $14.6 billion in June, according to Morningstar. And over the past year, $245 billion left active U.S. equity funds, compared to $283 billion heading into U.S. equity index funds. Closed funds aren't immune to this trend, and one reason some must seek investors again.

"It takes shorter and less painful bouts of underperformance to spur those outflows," said Kinnel.
Quintin Sanders is carried to dry land by volunteer rescuers after his neighborhood was inundated with the flooding of Hurricane Harvey on August 31, 2017 in Beaumont, Texas. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi August 25, hit parts of Texas with more than 50 inches of rain.

Jake Wood, the former Marine sniper and co-founder of relief organization Team Rubicon, has caught the attention of the White House. On Wednesday President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump announced they will donate a total of $1 million to 12 charitable organizations to aid relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey. Among the list, which included large national organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, was Woods' nonprofit NGO, which calls on ex-service people to put military training to good use in times of need. Wood, who expects to dispatch more than 2,000 volunteers  almost all military veterans  to help storm-battered communities dig out, rebuild and stabilize from the epic storm that has displaced more than 1 million people, says his phone began buzzing on Aug. 21 and hasn't really stopped since. The moment Hurricane Harvey hooked toward Texas, he knew he needed "many, many boots on the ground," he says. So far his organization has received about $4 million in funding and contributions as a result of Harvey. The Trumps have now donated another $25,000. Bankrolling the response effort will cost roughly the same. Wood likes to say Team Rubicon's success is measured less by money raised and dollars expended than by "person-to-person engagement and lives changed," but he is also a true entrepreneur, having raised more than $41 million since launching the venture with a guerrilla-style relief trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Among Team Rubicon's board of advisors are retired generals Stanley McChrystal and David Petraeus; as well as Gregg Lemkau, co-head of global mergers & acquisitions for Goldman Sachs; and Jeff Dailey, CEO of Farmers Group.

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"Jake is very passionate about what he does and very smart in the growth of Team Rubicon as a business," says Heather Prill, who manages charitable partnerships for the Home Depot Foundation, which has contributed $4.5 million to Team Rubicon since 2012. She recalls an early visit to the organization's first headquarters at a warehouse in Los Angeles: "They had a whiteboard with a list of volunteers in every state," she says. "There couldn't have been more than 500 names, and they were so proud. Fast-forward to 2017 and Team Rubicon has 52,000 registered volunteers." For Wood that number is still way too low. He believes passionately that America's military veterans are "the most underutilized resource we have in this country" and that reintegrating those individuals not only supports disaster relief and eases the strain on local and national crisis teams but also gives former troops purpose and dignity.

Team Rubicon has raised more than $41 million since its 2010 launch, yet co-founder Jake Wood says its success is measured less by money raised and dollars expended than by "person-to-person engagement and lives changed." Getty Images | Randy Shropshire | Stringer

"Our mission has always been, let's take these idle assets in our communities and prepare them to be first responders," Wood says, noting that there are 20 million veterans across the country, including 3 million from Iraq and Afghanistan. "These men and women have all been trained in specific skills, but there's no framework for tapping into that potential. It's just sitting there. It's this latent possibility." Team Rubicon requires its volunteers to attend training sessions in disaster response and emergency management and encourages further education and training through higher-level tactical and leadership workshops. That's different from The Red Cross, which draws from the ranks of untrained civilians. Team Rubicon has provided relief services in nearly 200 operations, mostly in the United States. More from iCONIC:

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"I can't help think what would have been different if all the military vets in Houston had been organized and equipped to mobilize when Harvey struck," Wood says. "You'd have boats ready and escape routes planned. We saw the so-called Cajun navy of residents rising up, which is great, and The Red Cross doing critical work on the ground. But imagine what might have been had men and women of the military been working together as a single operation."

I can't help think what would have been different if all the military vets in Houston had been organized and equipped to mobilize when Harvey struck. Jake Wood co-founder of Team Rubicon
LONDON  As interest in flying cars continues to swell, one of the most prominent start-ups working on the technology has gained a big new backer.

Lilium Aviation, a German company that held a successful test flight of the Eagle, its two-seat electric jet at their Munich base this year, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $90 million in a new round of financing.

The investment was led by Tencent Holdings, the Chinese internet giant.

Related:

Lilium is among several companies looking to usher in an era of Jetsons-type flying cars, including those backed by the Google co-founder Larry Page, Uber and Airbus. But the two-year-old company is trying to stand out by focusing on an electric jet  unlike other models that effectively function more like hovercraft.

The design, by the four graduates of the Technical University of Munich who founded Lilium, is meant to be more energy efficient than competitor's models. As the start-up demonstrated with its Eagle in April, Lilium's vehicle is designed to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter.

Lilium is also working on a bigger, five-seat version of what it calls an "air taxi" that could ferry passengers or cargo as far as 300 kilometers, or 186 miles, and reach a maximum speed of 300 kilometers an hour.

"We have highly congested cities where we can do things to improve matters," Remo Gerber, Lilium's chief commercial officer, said. He and his colleagues envision a fleet of air taxis zipping across crowded cities, once the vehicles are created and approved by the various regulators, of course.

"We're trying to move from a niche transport vehicle to a mass-transport one," he added.

That has obvious appeal to Tencent: Its e-commerce empire could benefit from making such air transport a reality.

"From underdeveloped regions with poor road infrastructure, to the developed world with traffic congestion and sprawl, new possibilities emerge when convenient daily flight becomes an option for all of us," David Wallerstein, Tencent's chief exploration officer, said in a statement.

The cash infusion from Tencent and other investors will help accelerate that work, and allow Lilium to expand beyond its team of roughly 70 employees, Mr. Gerber said.

Other investors in the round included LGT, the investment vehicle of Lichtenstein's royal family; Atomico, the venture firm run by a founder of Skype, Niklas Zennstrom; and Obvious Ventures, the investment firm co-founded by the Twitter co-founder Evan Williams. Mr. Zennstrom has previously invested in the company.
You might want to think about investing in companies working to make our homes smarter, according to Barclays.

Manav Patnaik, an analyst at Barclays, said in a note to investors on Tuesday that the connected home "could represent one of the most significant investment opportunities over the next several years."

Google , Amazon , Apple and Microsoft are all major players in the space named by Barclays, and each is trying to create its own ecosystem. Other companies, such as light bulbs built by Philips, not specifically called out in the report, can be used across different platforms developed by Google, Apple and Amazon.

Patnaik argued that the connected home industry could be worth more than $300 billion by 2020. Barclays says hardware could contribute $130 billion to that estimate while software and advertising would amount to about $170 billion.
Protesters march holding a banner reading 'Your tourism is misery for the young' in San Sebastian, Spain on August 17, 2017. Javi Julio | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

August  or rather, Europe's peak summer vacation season  is when many head out of town in search of rest and relaxation. But locals living in tourist hot spots can end up finding the opposite, with throngs of visitors bringing overcrowding and antisocial behavior. CNBC takes a look at some of the places in Europe where locals think tourists have become a problem.

Protesters with banners against mass tourism on a bridge across Misericordia Canal in Venice, Italy on July 2, 2016.

Venice, Italy

In July roughly 2,000 Venetians protested against tourism ruining their city, the knock-on effects of which include rising rent and pollution from cruise ships. Locals in the iconic waterborne city are leaving at a rate of 1,000 people per year, according to Carlo Beltrame, temporary spokesperson for the Gruppo 25 Aprile, the organisation behind the protest. He deemed the depopulation a "social tragedy," which also risks turning the city into "Disneyland." Beltrame said that locals are most concerned with property prices and rising rent, while the government was focused on tackling antisocial behavior from tourists. Recent measures put in place to tackle tourist overcrowding include a ban on new tourist accommodation in the city center and people counters at popular sites. Tourist numbers in Italy as a whole have been steadily rising in recent years according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), up 3.2 percent year on year in 2016 to 52.4 million. "We wouldn't damage tourism, we would only control it," Beltrame said.

The cruise ship terminal in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Education Images | UIG | Getty Images

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, has fallen victim to what Rochelle Turner, research director at World Travel & Tourism Council, deemed "historic heritage cities constrained by the way they were built." The city's role as a filming location for popular series "Game of Thrones" has also highlighted it on the tourist map. Measures have been taken to combat visitor overcrowding, with cameras installed in January of this year to help limit tourist numbers to 8,000 in the old town, in accordance with UNESCO advice. Ana Rajcevic, a spokesperson for the city, told CNBC that the authorities were "determined not to have more than 4,000 cruise ship guests in the City at the same time."

Tourists at Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Meanwhile, the economic fallout of Brexit has affected tourist numbers to the U.K. A weaker pound has triggered more inbound travel from international visitors, while domestic tourists are also remaining in the country. According to the Office for National Statistics, the May to March period in 2017 saw 10 percent more visits to the U.K. in comparison to a year previously, with holiday visits specifically rising by 21 percent. One region which made headlines this summer due to tourist numbers was the Isle of Skye in Scotland, with newspapers reporting that police had advised visitors against visiting the island unless they had booked a room. Lochaber and Skye Police later sent out a tweet saying that they did not want to turn people away, but instead "just want(ed) people to be prepared."

Protesters hold a banner reading "your tourism, youth misery" during a demonstration in San Sebastian on August 17, 2017. Ander Gillenea | AFP | Getty Images

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian, a picturesque tourist destination in northern Spain's Basque Country, has been plagued by anti-tourism protests this summer. Organized by leftist youth group Ernai, one incident saw a tourist train stopped by demonstrators. Tourism is worth 13 percent to San Sebastian's economy, and the city was deemed 2016's European Capital of Culture. Eneko Goia, the city's mayor, told CNBC that the protests were "clearly motivated by political reasons," and not representative of the views of most locals. But, tourism in the city is being managed with a firmer hand. San Sebastian will announce "much more restrictive" rules on tourist apartments in the coming weeks, which are blamed for pushing up rent prices, and have closed almost 100 illegal rentals in the past two years, Goia said.

Tourists queue to visit the cathedral in Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca on August 12, 2017.

Balearic Islands, Spain
Agriculture groups and rural schools are celebrating lawmakers decision to continue funding for the states farm-to-school program.

Gov. Scott Walkers budget proposal would have cut $66,400 allocated in previous budgets for the programs state coordinator. On Thursday, the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee voted to restore that funding in the next state budget.

Wisconsin schools purchase over $9 million directly from Wisconsin farmers, said state Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, during the JFC meeting. Thats a huge return on investment.

Shankland said the coordinator helps connect farmers to buyers across the state and maximize purchasing for schools.

Supporters of the program say farm to school highlights Wisconsins ties to the agriculture industry.

Were known as a farming state, said Kim Kaukl, executive director of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance. I was really surprised when it was on the chopping block, that they were going to take something away that was really supporting the farmers in the state of Wisconsin and especially out in our rural communities where we do have those close bonds in the community between the schools and the farmers.

But Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said the program is also important for urban school districts.

It really is not just the youth of rural Wisconsin that can benefit from agriculture and from learning about it and the self-sustaining things that it will teach, but also what it can do to change health outcomes, Taylor said during the JFC meeting.

Taylor said she hopes to see support for the program grow in Wisconsin.

Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said he was happy to see strong support for farm to school from the Legislature.

I think that was one of those items that the governor was just hoping that it was a small enough budget item that he could sneak it out and not have it in the budget anymore, Von Ruden said I think the Joint Finance Committee did the right thing by putting those funds back in the budget.
Some of President Donald Trump's allies fear the departure from the White House of a man many describe as an emotional anchor, according to Bloomberg.

Keith Schiller is one of the president's closest confidants and has worked for Trump for nearly two decades, the report says. Schiller is director of Oval Office operations, but many surveyed say he acts as a protector and wing man to the president.

Two people close to Schiller told Bloomberg he never planned to stay in his White House position for very long, due to long hours and low pay. He plans to return to the private security industry, where his annual salary should greatly exceed the $165,000 he currently receives from the government, according to the report.

Schiller declined to comment, Bloomberg said. The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

And Schiller's easy access to the president is increasingly restricted after Trump appointed former Gen. John Kelly as chief of staff. With doors around the White House now closed, both figuratively and literally, Schiller has told friends he doesn't like working under Kelly as much, according to Bloomberg.

Other people close to Trump worry, however, that Schiller's departure may result in an unbalanced presidency due to the close-knit nature of their relationship, Bloomberg says.

Schiller began working for Trump as a part-time body guard in 1999, according to the report. Since Schiller's ascension to the Trump Organization's head of security in 2004, he has been closely involved in relationships with the company's employees. During the campaign, Schiller sat in on almost all phone calls and conversations the then candidate Trump had.

Trump will also lose his go-to political executioner in Schiller. According to Bloomberg, Schiller told former FBI director James Comey that Trump was firing him. And when Trump was angry with the preparations for a recent rally in Phoenix, Schiller told White House aide and planner George Gigicos that the president did not want Gigicos to organize any other similar events.

Read the full Bloomberg report here.
President Donald Trump meets with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and other Republican congressional leaders about tax reform at the White House in Washington, DC, September 5, 2017.

The all-Republican government that's failed to do easy things now will try a bunch of hard ones  all at the same time.

President Donald Trump and the GOP Congress return from vacation to a September gauntlet: assisting victims of Hurricane Harvey with emergency funding, keeping government open by agreeing on a 2018 budget, averting a credit crisis by raising the federal debt limit, protecting Americans' health care by shoring up Obamacare exchanges.

That doesn't even count their top priority  a once-in-a-generation overhaul of federal taxation. Tuesday, Trump tossed another boulder into lawmakers' backpacks by rescinding protections for immigrant "dreamers" and inviting Congress to act.

In theory, Republicans controlling both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue should be able to reach consensus on all of them. "We can walk and chew gum at the same time," says White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

In practice, however, the poor track record for recent Republican governance casts doubt. And Trump's behavior raises odds of failure on multiple fronts.

Republican struggles with governmental responsibility stem largely from reliance on a support base  disproportionately older, working-class whites  that grows more zealous as it shrinks in a rapidly-diversifying country. The conundrum predates Trump.

A decade ago, that GOP base sank comprehensive immigration reform backed by President George W. Bush and Republican Congressional leaders. It initially sank Wall Street bailout legislation until a stock market plunge frightened GOP lawmakers into acquiescence.

Under President Barack Obama, ferocious resistance by the GOP base helped Republicans recapture Congress. But it harmed their ability to govern, leaving leaders powerless to avoid a debt crisis and government shutdown.

The 2016 campaign worsened the problem. Discarding calls for outreach to minorities, Republican voters nominated the candidate who most amplified grievances by working-class whites. Lacking experience in government, Trump raised expectations about how easily his deal-making skills could resolve them.

The result: promises to rapidly implement a ban on travel from some majority-Muslim countries, reverse Obama's action protecting dreamers, start building a wall on the Mexican border, repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and pass tax reform by August.

None of them happened. In addition to GOP divisions, the government remains hobbled by an erratic chief executive who still hasn't nominated candidates for most senior administration posts.

Trump's action today made immigration the most likely fall failure. He prescribed no solution, instead deferring to lawmakers paralyzed by fear of the base he has inflamed. He tied a solution for the plight of dreamers to broader legislative goals  including the border wall.

He has similarly steepened the GOP's health care challenge. Even after the spectacular demise of repeal-and-replace legislation, the president has insisted on another try rather than back bipartisan efforts to stabilize the program he is responsible for administering.

The administration has sent multiple signals on raising the debt limit. To attract recalcitrant Republicans, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin now wants Congress tie an increase to emergency Harvey spending.

But immediate resistance from conservatives suggests linkage could delay both measures. Trump and GOP leaders still need Democratic votes to raise the debt limit  as they will to raise defense spending beyond current legal caps. Big new spending commitments, including for Harvey, make it harder to unite Republicans around tax cuts.

The urgent fall scramble increases leverage for Congressional Democrats across the board. And it tightens the vise on Republican leaders obliged to muster legislative majorities.

The greatest threats to most GOP members remain primary challenges from the conservative base they share with Trump. But as overall political conditions deteriorate along with the president's ratings, a growing number fears the broader November electorate that will determine control of Congress in 2018.

Trump's response: taunting Republican leaders, an approach his spokeswoman repeated today in discussing the suddenly-uncertain fate of dreamers.

"If Congress doesn't want to do the job they were elected to do," Sanders said, "maybe they should get out of the way and let someone else do it."
President Donald Trump should stick with imposing sanctions on North Korea and avoid military conflicts, a former undersecretary of state for political affairs told CNBC on Tuesday.

"Right now there are no good military options beyond defense," said Nicholas Burns, who has served presidents of both parties.

"The Trump administration has to focus on economic issues," Burns added an interview on "Squawk Box." "You see the Trump administration talking about a variety of economic options, from cutting off all trade with any country trading with North Korea, which is not something they can seriously consider."

On Monday, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned the U.N. Security Council that North Korea is "begging for war" after the reclusive state set off its most powerful nuclear bomb yet.

The Trump administration urged its allies to use all possible diplomatic measures and impose urgent economic sanctions to prevent a war.

Burns, who also was U.S. ambassador to NATO, said the Trump administration should begin to impose secondary sanctions.

"To look at companies, Chinese companies, that are cheating on the current international sanctions and make examples of them  that's probably going to be a more fruitful way to go forward," said Burns.

Burns, now a Harvard professor, said the Chinese are frustrated with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un and don't want to see a war.

China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"But the Chinese fear something more," Burns said. "They fear refugees from North Korea into China."

Reuters contributed to this report.
United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks at a news conference prior to the inaugural round of North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations in Washington, U.S., August 16, 2017.

NAFTA negotiators discussed rules of origin on Monday as the Trump administration's expected demand for U.S.-specific automotive content requirements was emerging as a major obstacle to a deal, auto industry lobbyists said.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland arrived in Mexico City to close out the second round of talks to modernize the North American Free trade agreement on Tuesday along with Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to abandon the 23-year-old pact unless it can be rewritten to reduce U.S. goods trade deficits of about $64 billion with Mexico and $11 billion with Canada.

"Addressing the U.S. trade deficit is a top priority in renegotiating #NAFTA," the U.S. Trade Representative's office said in a tweet on Monday, breaking its silence since the talks began last Friday.

Auto industry lobbyists and government officials said they did not expect the USTR negotiators to reveal specific targets on Lighthizer's demand that a minimum percentage of North American vehicles be produced in the United States.

One lobbyist, speaking on condition of anonymity because the proposal is still under discussion, said he believed that U.S.-sourced proposal would have to be at least 35 percent to satisfy Trump, who railed against automakers for moving jobs to Mexico throughout his election campaign last year.

"Anything less would not be a political victory" for Trump, the lobbyist said.

The demand may prove a bigger problem than potentially increasing the overall North American automotive value content from the current level of 62.5 percent for tariff-free shipments of vehicles within the region, which officials say Trump's administration also wants to raise.

Autos are expected to be one of the most contentious parts of the talks because the sector accounts for the lion's share of the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico.

Juan Pablo Castanon, head of Mexico's powerful CCE business lobby, which is representing the private sector, told reporters the automotive and labor issues were among the areas least advanced in the negotiations so far.

A U.S.-specific content requirement would cause major headaches for both Detroit and international automakers producing cars and trucks in North America.

It could also slow progress in the talks much more than some of the other issues, said Flavio Volpe, president of Canada's Auto Parts Manufacturers Association.

"That could prove problematic, because it won't deliver the benefits to the American interests that politically they might hope for," he added.

A U.S.-specific content requirement would cause major headaches for both Detroit and international automakers producing cars and trucks in North America.

It could also slow progress in the talks much more than some of the other issues, said Flavio Volpe, president of Canada's Auto Parts Manufacturers Association.

"That could prove problematic, because it won't deliver the benefits to the American interests that politically they might hope for," he added.
Sanctions against North Korea should be the "first resort," with the military option on the table, former ambassador Nancy Soderberg told CNBC on Tuesday.

In fact, Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has scored "one of the most impressive diplomatic victories" in the U.N. Security Council, said Soderberg, who served as ambassador to the U.N. and deputy national security advisor under President Bill Clinton.

In August, the council unanimously imposed new sanctions on Pyongyang that could slash its $3 billion annual export revenue by a third.

"Let the sanctions bite, see if you can really make the North Koreans feel the squeeze and start trying to deny the funds that enable him to build these weapons," Soderberg said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"We want to step back from the brink."
Just hours after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the White House's move to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, a young New York immigrant has filed a lawsuit arguing that the decision "violate[s] federal law and the equal protection guarantee of the Constitution," according to a lawyer involved with the case.

Batalla Vidal, a 26-year-old Mexican immigrant and DACA recipient, in conjunction with nonprofit group Make the Road New York, went to federal court Tuesday to challenge the Trump administration's termination of the Obama-era program that protects an estimated 800,000 people who entered the United States illegally as children.

The case, Batalla Vidal v. Baran, et al, was originally filed in 2016 challenging a court decision that blocked the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and the expansion of DACA from going into effect.

On Tuesday, the lawsuit was amended to challenge the White House's decision to end DACA. It was brought in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The suit is against the U.S. federal government, according to a representative from the National Immigration Law Center. There has been no response yet to the suit.

"Losing DACA would have a dramatic impact on my life. It would prevent me from being able to take on major professional or academic goals, make me unable to work legally, and put me at risk of being deported and separated from my family," Vidal said.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday called on Congress to pass a bill that protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, one of several technology CEOs to condemn President Donald Trump's move against an estimated 800,000 migrants.

Zuckerberg made his request after the administration announced it will rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which President Barack Obama created by executive action in 2012. Trump delayed the revocation of the plan to gave Congress time to come up with a solution.

Trump's action means hundreds of thousands previously protected by DACA could soon face the risk of deportation.

"This is a sad day for our country," Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post.

"The decision to end DACA is not just wrong," he wrote. "It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it.

"It's time for Congress to act to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or another legislative solution that gives Dreamers a pathway to citizenship," he wrote.
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Microsoft's Edge last month posted its first ever double-digit browser share, while Google's Chrome slid for the third month straight.

Mozilla's Firefox once again held steady, keeping its head above water.

According to data published Sunday by California-based metrics company Net Applications, Edge's October share climbed by 1.4 percentage points, ending the month at 10.2%, the first time Microsoft's browser broke through that psychologically important barrier. The gain was the largest ever for Edge in a single month, almost double that of the previous record set in December 2019.

The increase was so large that it immediately raised suspicions that it was a miscount by Net Applications rather than a reflection of reality. Bolstering that was an even greater boost to the share of Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE), the obsolete browser the Redmond, Wash. company has started to strip of some of its support. IE's share for October  5.6%  was 1.7 points higher than the month prior, a jump so out of character as to be unbelievable.

Edge's gain was understandable, at least. Microsoft relaunched that 2015 browser earlier this year when it recast Edge with the Google-dominated Chromium technology, the same that powers Chrome. Not only did Microsoft make Edge a Chrome copy, but it also expanded support to versions of Windows other than 10, as well as macOS and, more recently, Linux.

Since January, Edge has slowly been adding share; 3.2 points since the Chromium-based Edge went final in the Stable channel. In the past 12 months, Edge has gained 4.1 percentage points, for an average of a third of a point per month.

At that pace, Edge should sit at almost 11% by year's end and at 15% by December 2021. Of course, that assumes Edge can maintain growth, which in turn requires one or more rivals continues to give up share.

The most likely loser? Chrome, mostly because of its titanic share but also because Edge is, well, Chrome wearing a different outfit.

Microsoft's launch of Windows 10 20H2  the H2 signifying the year's second feature upgrade  last month may assist Edge as it continues to climb: 20H2 includes Chromium Edge. That should accelerate the replacement of original Edge, the version introduced in mid-2015 that ran only on Windows 10, with the sounder Chromium browser.

Chrome down for third consecutive month

Chrome dumped seven-tenths of a percentage point in October, falling back to 69.3%. The decline was the third in as many months, an unusual run that's occurred only four times in the browser's 15 years. (The last time it happened before this was in September-December 2019.)

Whenever Chrome suffers losses in two or more straight months, it's tempting to wonder whether the browser has peaked. Computerworld has tentatively pegged more than a couple such milestones before but been proven wrong each time. The browser could easily bounce back as it has before.

Computerworld's latest forecast  as always, based on Chrome's 12-month average  stayed with growth, albeit pared significantly from 30 days ago. Chrome should return to 70% by March 2021 and reach 71% by September 2022. (The latter was three months later than last month's forecast, showing how present declines quickly impact future gains.)

Edge remains Chrome's most dangerous competitor, primarily  and this is Google's own doing to some degree  because the former is the latter, what with both relying on Chromium. But Microsoft has cards to play here that Google cannot match; Microsoft will leverage its enterprise management reputation and expertise in an attempt to wean commercial customers from Google's browser.

Microsoft's strategy, then, would be the opposite of Google's. The latter pushed Chrome to consumers until its share reached tipping point, and employees demanded the right to run the same browser they'd become familiar with at home. Microsoft would instead hope to win over business users in the expectation that they might want to run the same browser on home PCs, tablets or even phones.

Firefox: Not dead yet!

Firefox didn't move its share needle last month; it stayed at the same 7.2% mark it earned in September. That meant Firefox didn't gain any ground. It also meant it didn't lose any, probably its most important goal for now and the foreseeable future.

Mozilla's browser also stuck to the bad news forecast of last month, although Computerworld's current prediction puts it under 6% in August 2021, two months later than last month's estimate. At its 12-month rate of decline, Firefox will dip below 5% in May 2022.

Elsewhere in Net Applications' numbers, Apple's Safari slumped by two-tenths of a percentage point in October, sliding to 3.4%. Opera Software's Opera fell by a slightly-larger three-tenths of a point to end the month at an all-time low of seven-tenths of a point.

Net Applications calculates share by detecting the agent strings of the browsers used to reach the websites of Net Applications' clients. The company counts visitor sessions to measure browser activity.

Or it used to.

At the same time it published October's share numbers, Net Applications announced that it's pulling the plug on the data source. "October 2020 is the last month of data," the firm said. "Why? An upcoming change in browsers will break our device detection technology and will cause inaccuracies for a long period of time."

The change Net Applications cited would remove much of the agent string information used not only to compile analytics such as browser and operating system share, but also by advertisers and/or scammers to "fingerprint" individuals so that they can be more thoroughly tracked as they conduct their online lives.

Computerworld has not yet decided whether to continue the "Top web browsers" series, and if so, which alternate data source might be used.

Stay tuned.
Once upon a time, making a choice about how you updated Windows was easy: Let Microsoft decide. The company had a release cycle, and you went along for the ride.

Those days seem so quaint now. Today there are multiple channels to choose from, with complicated nomenclature. Should you opt for the Windows Insider Dev Channel? Should you update Windows 10 and 11 as soon as new versions are released to the General Availability Channel?

We feel your pain, and were here to help. In this article, well explain how to handle Windows 10 and 11 previews and updates and how to choose the right Insider and release channels for you.

Weve divided the piece into two sections, one for individuals and one for IT admins. So hunker down and get ready to master the ins and outs of Windows previews and updates.

This article has been updated for Windows 10 version 21H2, also known as the November 2021 Update, and for the initial release of Windows 11. If you have an earlier release of Windows 10, some things might look different.

Individuals: Choosing a Windows 10 or 11 preview channel

Lets start with the basics. If you have absolutely no interest in getting the latest Windows 10 or 11 updates before theyre released to the general public, you dont need to do anything. Windows Update will let you know when an update is ready, and you choose whether to install it right away or wait a while to update. If you want to defer normal Windows 10 or 11 updates, or customize the way updates happen, check out our story How to handle Windows 10 and 11 updates.

Join the Windows Insider Program for previews of features in development

However, if you like getting sneak peeks at new features before theyre released, youve got some decisions to make and work to do. Youll first have to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, which lets you install early versions of future Windows updates, known as Insider Preview Builds.

Before doing that, though, think long and hard about it. These early updates can be buggy and can harm your system. The features they introduce may not work properly, or may not work at all. The overall operating system itself could become unstable, as could any applications running under it. Windows may crash or freeze. So its best not to install Insider Preview Builds on your primary PC. Youd be safer using a second or third PC, or even running Windows 10 or 11 as a virtual machine and updating it there.

That being said, heres how to do it if you want to go ahead with it. First, go to the Windows Insider Program page and sign up by clicking the Register button. Its free to participate. Once you do that and follow the instructions, youre part of the Windows Insider Program and youll be able to get Windows releases before everyone else.

But signing up is only the first step in the process. That just registers you. After youve signed up, youll need to go to the PC on which you want to get Insider updates, configure it to get the updates, and tell it which ones you want to get. That way, you can get the updates on some of your PCs but not others. You could, for example, choose not to configure your main PC to get the Insider Preview Builds in order to keep it stable, but could configure other PCs to get them. You can even configure different PCs to get updates on different channels than others. (More on channels in a moment.)

To get the releases on a specific Windows 10 PC, run the Settings app on it and select Update & Security > Windows Insider Program. On Windows 11, run the Settings app on it and select Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. The next step for both Windows 10 and 11 is to click Get started and follow the prompts. Then click Confirm and schedule a time for your PC to restart, or restart it right then.

After your PC restarts, go back to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program in Windows 10 or Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program in Windows 11, and youll have a choice of three different kinds of updates you want to receive, according to what channel theyre in: the Dev Channel, the Beta Channel, or the Release Preview Channel. Which you choose depends on your appetite for risk and how quickly youd like to get the latest updates.

(Note: Microsoft requires that you allow your PC to send specific diagnostic data to Microsoft if you want to participate in the Insider program If you dont see these channels, youll have to set your PC to send that data to Microsoft. To do it, in go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback. Then, in the Diagnostic data section, select Optional diagnostic data in Windows 10 or Send optional diagnostic data in Windows 11. After that, in the Improve inking and typing section, turn the slider to On.

Choose an Insider channel

Click the button underneath Choose your Insider settings, and a screen appears with three choices: Dev Channel, Beta Channel (Recommended), and Release Preview Channel.

IDG Choosing a Windows Insider channel in Windows 11.

Dev Channel: The Dev Channel gets builds at the earliest point in the development cycle. Theyre often rough around the edges, may be buggy and unstable and might even block certain Windows features from working. Theyre typically released more frequently than in the Beta Channel or Release Preview Channel.

Note that Microsoft is no longer releasing Windows 10 previews in the Dev Channel; all current Dev Channel previews are for Windows 11.

Being in the Dev Channel means youll be in the know about new features before everyone else. But Dev Channel builds have also been tested the least and are the most unstable. Because of this, the channel is for developers and technical users.

In the Dev Channel, you may get builds that have features that arent slated for the next Windows feature update  they may be intended for an update that will come a year or more after that. And some of the features youll see in Dev Channel releases are experimental and are killed off before they ever see the light of day. So choose this channel only if you absolutely want to see potential new Windows features before the rest of the world.

Beta Channel: If you dont like the risks of living in the fast lane but still want to see updates before the general public, choose the Beta Channel. As the name implies, this channel typically receives updates later than the Dev Channel. When you subscribe to this channel, youll only see changes that will affect the very next Windows upgrade. Beta Channel releases are more stable than Dev Channel updates and will cause fewer system problems.

Note that Microsoft is no longer releasing Windows 10 previews in the Beta Channel; all current Beta Channel previews are for Windows 11.

If youre interested in influencing the direction of Windows, this is the channel for you; Microsoft says that comments made at this stage have the most effect on how features are shaped.

Release Preview Channel: The Release Preview Channel is the safest of the Windows Insider Program options. It should be bug-free, or at least as bug-free as Microsoft is capable of making an operating system. Microsoft issues Insider Preview Builds for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 in the Release Preview Channel.

When youre in the Release Preview Channel, you get early access to the next version of Windows shortly before its released to the public. This gives you an advance look at features and technologies that will be introduced in the upcoming Windows release for testing purposes or any other reason.

If you have a Windows 10 PC: As noted above, the Dev and Beta Channels are limited to Windows 11 machines. If you sign up for either of these channels on Windows 10 PC that meets the system requirements for Windows 11, your machine will be upgraded to the latest Windows 11 preview in that channel. If you try to sign up for the Dev or Beta Channel on a Windows 10 PC that doesnt meet the system requirements for Windows 11, youll asked if you want to join the Release Preview Channel for Windows 10.

Provide feedback

Whichever channel you choose, youll be invited to provide feedback on the preview builds you test via Microsofts Feedback Hub. For details, see Microsofts Deeper look at feedback info page.

Windows 11 feature and online experience packs

If youve got Windows 11, theres another way you can preview upcoming Windows features, via what Microsoft calls Feature Experience Packs and Online Service Experience Packs. These packs are offered to Insiders outside the normal schedule of Beta and Dev Channel releases. Theyre offered separately because the features they update dont require updating the entire operating system, only the features themselves.

Feature Experience Packs update only a single feature  for example, the Microsoft Account Settings page. Online Service Experience Packs update several different features at once. Both are made available in the same way as are updates in the Dev and Beta Channels, so you dont need to do anything special to get them.

IT administrators: Choosing Windows 10 and 11 preview and update channels

IT administrators have two sets of needs when it comes to Windows updates. They need to know what changes are being made to Windows before they happen so they can prepare to support them, and they also need to choose the right channel for deploying Windows updates to enterprise users.

Those two needs are at odds: Checking out the latest preview version means testing risky software, while deploying Windows updates requires a conservative approach, making sure that like doctors, they do no harm. So IT administrators need to make two very different choices to solve those different problems.

Test upcoming Windows updates

For testing purposes, IT administrators can also join the Windows Insider program. To do it, go to the Windows Insider Program page, scroll down to the For business section, and click About the Windows Insider Program for Business.

Administrators have two different ways to test preview versions. They can go to individual PCs, have those PCs join the Windows Insider program, and then choose among the Dev Channel, Beta Channel, and Release Preview Channel for getting Insider Preview Builds. Or they can use a variety of management tools, including managing Preview Builds centrally across the entire organization. They can also test out previews on virtual machines.

See Microsofts Windows Insider Program for Business page to get details. You can also go to Microsoft's Manage Insider Preview builds across your organization documentation page for in-depth information.

IT has the same options for getting Insider Preview Builds as individuals. For more details about each, see the descriptions of the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview Channels in the previous section of this article. However, there are a few additional things IT admins need to know about each channel:

Dev Channel: This may not be the best channel for IT administrators to use, and not just because its the buggiest. Microsoft sometimes introduces features and settings in this channel that it eventually discards, which means that IT admins will be wasting their time checking out and preparing for features theyll never use. However, its the ideal channel for developers, because theyll have as much heads-up as possible to prepare for any changes that might affect enterprise application development.

Beta Channel: This channel may be the best choice for IT admins. Not only does it tend to be fairly stable, but by the time a feature reaches the Beta Channel, it is intended for the next Windows release, not some nebulous future date. Choosing this channel, admins can get a heads up about whats coming in Windows in the near future without wasting their time testing capabilities that may never make it into the operating system. And they will also have the most influence over the direction of Windows, because theyll be commenting on features or bugs at a time when they can be changed or fixed.

Release Preview Channel: This is the most conservative choice for IT. Its the most stable version, and whats here ends up in the next version of Windows.

As noted above, the Beta and Dev Channels are currently issuing only Windows 11 previews. To test upcoming Windows 10 updates (which are likely to be very minor), youll want to have at least one Windows 10 computer subscribed to the Release Preview Channel.

The Windows Insider Program for Business page also offers advice on how IT professionals can use the Insider program to make sure their applications and infrastructure will be ready for the newest upgrade to Windows when it ships. For details, go to the Deploy Windows faster section and click on Validate in the Release Preview Channel or go directly to Microsoft's Validate upcoming releases in the Release Preview Channel documentation.

Deploy Windows updates

When Windows 10 was first released, Microsoft used the terms Current Branch (CB) and Current Branch for Business (CBB) to describe its primary release channels for major OS updates under its Windows as a service strategy. Releases entered the Current Branch on the updates official launch day  the day the update began rolling out to consumers. About four months later, after the initial bugs were ironed out, that same release was deemed stable enough for enterprise use, at which point it entered its Current Branch for Business phase.

However, that nomenclature has been changed multiple times since then. Both CB and CBB were replaced by the Semi Annual Channel (SAC), under which Windows 10 feature updates were released twice a year. Now theres just one major feature update a year for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (in addition to the minor updates released on Patch Tuesday every month, as well as emergency security updates), and so SAC has replaced by the General Availability Channel.

Microsoft explains the General Availability Channel this way: This servicing model is ideal for pilot deployments and testing of feature updates and for users such as developers who need to work with the latest features. Once the latest release has gone through pilot deployment and testing, you will be able to choose the timing at which it goes into broad deployment.

In this way, IT can first test out the once-a-year feature update, and roll it out to the entire company only when its been vetted properly.

Theres also the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)  formerly called Long-Term Servicing Branch, or LTSB  available to customers running the enterprise version of Windows. It receives feature updates only once every two or three years, and its intended for specialized devices such as ATMs or medical equipment, according to Microsoft. Restrictions to LTSC have made it less appealing to enterprise customers for broad deployment; thus, most IT admins need to be concerned with releases to the General Availability Channel.

When Microsoft first publicly releases its annual Windows 10 or 11 update to consumers, it simultaneously releases it for businesses into the General Availability Channel and recommends a targeted deploy  that is, the update should initially be used in enterprises only for small, pilot programs, not for overall deployment. Once IT administrators have tested the release with this pilot group and determined that it works well with the companys apps, devices and infrastructure, Microsoft says, the organization should broadly deploy the release to its users.

In other words, Microsoft is shifting the responsibility for determining whether a release is ready for broad enterprise deployment onto the enterprises themselves.

One option for admins is to stagger the deployment of Windows updates. A handful of test machines could get the new update when its first released to the General Availability Channel. A small group of trusted testers might get it for evaluation a few months later, then after another four months or so it could be rolled out to the bulk of users. Any mission-critical devices would wait even longer, until after the update has been vetted by the majority of the organization.

Note that Microsofts support period for each update starts when it first enters the General Availability Channel; the longer you wait to roll it out, the shorter the period of time youll get security patches and bug fixes for that release. (For more details about IT deployment of Windows updates, including the servicing tools Microsoft offers for deployment, see the Microsoft page Overview of Windows as a service.)

Whats more, the actual support period varies depending on the release. Past Windows 10 Enterprise and Education versions released in the spring get 18 months of support after general release, while fall releases get 30 months of support. Moving forward, there will be only fall releases for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions, and they will retain the 30-month support window. Consumer editions of Windows 10 get just 18 months of support.

Windows 11 has longer support windows: 36 months from the release date of Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months from the release date of consumer versions of Windows 11.

For more details about Windows 10 and 11 support, see Microsofts Lifecycle FAQ  Windows.

This story was originally published in September 2017 and most recently updated in March 2022.
Christopher Howarth is a senior researcher working in the House of Commons. Prior to this he worked for Open Europe, as a Conservative Foreign Affairs Adviser and senior researcher to a Shadow Europe Minister.

The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is a Bill to repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and place all EU law brought in over the past 44 years into domestic UK law. That may sound newsworthy, but actually the most interesting thing about the Bill is how mundane it is. But how can a Bill that proclaims the end of the UKs membership of the EU be mundane?

Firstly, lets look at what the Bill is not.

The Bill is not a Parliamentary authorisation for the UK to leave the EU. That authorisation came firstly from Parliament via the Referendum Act and then the electorate via the result. For good measure this was later reinforced by the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017. The decision to leave the European Union has already been taken  voting down this Bill cannot reverse that.

This Bill is also not concerned with the final state of what may or may not be negotiated with the remaining European Union. The negotiations are being conducted by the Government and take their authority from the Governments general election manifesto  where 85 per cent of the electorate voted for parties (then) committed to leaving the EU, Single Market and Customs Union. Parliament legislates and the Government governs. It is not Parliaments role to negotiate with the EU27  that would be a bizarre constitutional innovation and certainly not one within the scope of this Bill.

Lastly, this Bill does not attempt to prejudice future UK policy developments. On issues such as social legislation, agriculture and devolution, the Bill freezes the status quo. MPs may have differing views on these issues, but this Bill is not the place to express them.

So what is the Bill? Well, it is a necessary and professional piece of legislation required as a consequence of decisions already taken. It is necessary for the following reasons.

The UK has for 44 years allowed its regulatory environment be set by the EU. This has left a huge gap in UK law. We may not like all EU laws, but it would be reckless to allow them all to fall on Brexit with no UK substitutes. As there is no time to rewrite 44 years of legislation pre-Brexit, there is no alternative but to transpose existing EU laws into UK law. These will then be placed under the UK Parliament which can, if it wishes, look at and amended them in the future.

The Bill repeals the European Communities Act 1972  the law that gives EU acts legality in the UK. This is the logical consequence of the decision to leave the European Union. A failure to repeal it would again not lead to the UK staying in the EU. The Act would remain as a redundant piece of legislation, but one that could potentially create legal uncertainties. Repealing it makes sense.

Lastly, we will hear a lot about Henry VIII powers. These are necessary in order to amend EU laws that would not work in the UK without changes. There is no time to amend each reference in primary legislation, so there is a need to give Ministers the power to correct errors. This is not controversial. The Hansard Society, for instance, has calculated that in the 2015-16 parliamentary session, of the 23 government Bills, 16 contained a total of 96 Henry VIII powers to amend or repeal primary legislation.

But the commentariat will need to comment on something and their preferred story will be Tory splits. Unfortunately for them, there is little for even the most ardent Remainer (or Brexiter) to split on. Here are some potential dead ends:

Vote against the Bill to stop Brexit? This would not stop Brexit. It would, however, stop the transposition of EU law and lead to a Brexit as hard as diamonds. No MP in their right mind would vote down the Bill.

This would not stop Brexit. It would, however, stop the transposition of EU law and lead to a Brexit as hard as diamonds. No MP in their right mind would vote down the Bill. Vote against the Henry VIII powers? This would either lead to Ministers being unable to amend legislation in time for Brexit, and inevitable legal chaos, or potentially leave anything up to 20,000 EU laws, brought in by the EUs own Henry VIII power (s.2 of the European Communities Act), being debated in Parliament for the first time. I doubt MPs would enjoy the late nights or thank those who had brought it on them!

This would either lead to Ministers being unable to amend legislation in time for Brexit, and inevitable legal chaos, or potentially leave anything up to 20,000 EU laws, brought in by the EUs own Henry VIII power (s.2 of the European Communities Act), being debated in Parliament for the first time. I doubt MPs would enjoy the late nights or thank those who had brought it on them! Vote for further votes on aspects of the deal? The deal with the EU will be a package. Voting down some or all of it will not create a new deal, but would probably lead to no deal at all. Would a pro-Remain MP wish to risk that? Likewise, committing the Minister to attain some prescribed outcome misunderstands how a negotiation works  it would be a recipe for no deal or, as the EU27 will see the vote, a very bad deal.

The deal with the EU will be a package. Voting down some or all of it will not create a new deal, but would probably lead to no deal at all. Would a pro-Remain MP wish to risk that? Likewise, committing the Minister to attain some prescribed outcome misunderstands how a negotiation works  it would be a recipe for no deal or, as the EU27 will see the vote, a very bad deal. Vote for a further vote on the whole withdrawal deal? This would be largely symbolic; a vote against the withdrawal deal would ultimately lead to no deal, not to the UK remaining in the EU.

This would be largely symbolic; a vote against the withdrawal deal would ultimately lead to no deal, not to the UK remaining in the EU. Vote to tie the hands of the Government in negotiations? Again, this would risk preventing the Government coming to any deal at all. It would not make sense.

Again, this would risk preventing the Government coming to any deal at all. It would not make sense. Virtue signalling amendments? MPs might seek to vote to restate things such as that no EU social rights will be removed, or add further (unnecessary) safeguards to the Bill. This is ultimately pointless, as the Government has promised the same, UK rights already go far further than EU laws, and this field already has numerous safeguards in the Bill. If these ever come to a vote they would be ersatz splits.

MPs might seek to vote to restate things such as that no EU social rights will be removed, or add further (unnecessary) safeguards to the Bill. This is ultimately pointless, as the Government has promised the same, UK rights already go far further than EU laws, and this field already has numerous safeguards in the Bill. If these ever come to a vote they would be ersatz splits. Something else? There may be manufactured rows on devolution (the SNP believe the EU exercising agricultural policy is preferable to the UK doing so etc), but ultimately this Bill freezes EU policy areas where they are now. This is not the place to discuss a new agricultural framework, who pays for it, and how much input the devolved administrations have. Anything placed in this Bill will have to be revisited.

The truth is, this Bill is uncontroversial professional piece of legislation. The UK is leaving the EU and this Bill is necessary to ensure this happens in an orderly manner. There will be no Tory splits as there is little to split on. That may be bad for the commentariat but it is good news for the Tory party, which is united on delivering the best deal for the UK.
Talking Points

- Chinese regulators have banned new projects raising cash via crypto-currencies according to a Caixin report.

- The total crypto-currency market capitalization falls in excess of 10% with losses spread across the board.

The DailyFX Bitcoin Glossary is designed to provide traders with a reference for important terms and concepts essential for understanding the emerging cryptocurrency universe.

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) Slump on Chinese Worries

Overnight news that Chinese authorities have banned new projects raising cash via crypto-currencies sent the digital market sharply lower, with double-digit losses commonplace. Bitcoin, having made a fresh all-time high of $4922 on Friday, fell back to just under $4400, while Ethereum fell from Fridays high of $393 to a near two-week low of $319.

The report by Chinese news outlet Caixinhighlighted that not only will new projects be banned from raising cash via crypto-currencies but also that regulators will also be inspecting 60 ICO platforms. Two Chinese platforms, ICOINFO and BTCC, have already halted ICO-functionality, according to the report with others expected to follow.

DailyFX analyst Paul Robinson highlighted the fears of a downside breakout from ETHs ascending wedge at last weeks crypto-currency webinar here.

Chart: Bitcoin (BTC) Price Three Hour Timeframe (August 14  September 04, 2017)

Chart by IG

Chart: Ethereum (ETH) Price Three Hour Timeframe (August 20  September 04, 2017)

I will be discussing Bitcoin Trading and Strategy every Wednesday at 12:00 pm  if you would like to join me, please click here.

In another worrying sign, the crypto-currency market failed to build on the heightened International tension after North Korea said that it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb on Sunday, while South Korea said that it expected further missile launches from its neighbor. Over the past few weeks the digital space has continued to move higher through times of risk-off markets, setting new highs.

The Chinese clampdown knocked the best part of $20 billion off the market capitalization on Monday with the market a sea of red. Recent high-flyers, including Litecoin (LTC), were not spared with double-digit losses commonplace. LTC has doubled in the last two weeks on news of the companies Lightning Network, a new technology that offers cheaper and faster crypto-currency transactions.

Market Moves/Top 8 Capitalizations  September 04, 2017

If you are interested in trading digital pairs and would like to practice trading either BTC or ETH, you can create a Quick and Free Demo Account Here

--- Written by Nick Cawley, Analyst.

To contact Nick, email him at nicholas.cawley@ig.com

Follow Nick on Twitter @nickcawley1
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. owns, manages, and operates senior living communities in the United States. It operates in three segments: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). The Independent Living segment owns or leases communities comprising independent and assisted living units in a single community that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors. The Assisted Living and Memory Care segment owns or leases communities consisting of freestanding multi-story communities and freestanding single-story communities, which offer housing and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living for the Company's residents. This segment also operates memory care communities for residents with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The CCRCs segment owns or leases communities that provides various living arrangements, such as independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing; and services to accommodate various levels of physical ability and healthcare needs. It also manages communities on behalf of others. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned 347 communities, leased 299 communities, and managed 33 communities on behalf of others. Brookdale Senior Living Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.
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 wealth management solutions, including investment advice and discretionary asset management services; risk management solutions, such as managed investment products; and wealth planning, succession planning, and trust services. It also provides financing and lending solutions, including consumer credit and real estate mortgage lending, real asset lending relating to ship, and aviation financing for UHNWI; standard and structured hedging, and lombard lending solutions, as well as collateral trading services; and investment banking solutions, such as global securities sales, trading and execution, capital raising, and advisory services. In addition, the company offers banking solutions, such as payments, accounts, debit and credit cards, and product bundles; 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, 2021, it operated through a network of 311 offices and branches. The company was founded in 1856 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET OWNER LLC, 150 NORTH RIVERSIDE PE MEMBER LLC, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION, BLOCK VISION OF TEXAS INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CLOSED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MASTER-D, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DAVIS VISION INC., DAVISVISION IPA INC., DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FORTISSIMO CO. 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BHD, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE ASSIGNMENT COMPANY INC., METLIFE BORO STATION MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMPUS AT SGV MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE CHINO MEMBER LLC, METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE DIGITAL VENTURES INC., METLIFE ENHANCED CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC., METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HCMJV 1 LP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TRUST, METLIFE INSURANCE BROKERAGE INC., METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF KOREA LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE K.K., METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HF PARTNERS LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND I LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND II LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND III LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND IV LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND V LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VI LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VII LP, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EUROPE LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENTS ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS SECURITIES LLC, METLIFE INVESTORS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, METLIFE INVESTORS GROUP LLC, METLIFE IRELAND TREASURY D.A.C., METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND LP, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS BLOCKER LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS LLC, METLIFE LATIN AMERICA ASESORIAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE LEGAL PLANS INC., METLIFE LEGAL PLANS OF FLORIDA INC., METLIFE LHH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE S.A., METLIFE LOAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT MASTER FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MAS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO HOLDINGS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT FUND II LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP II LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT II RATED FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL GP LLC, METLIFE MMPD II SPECIAL LLC, METLIFE MULTI-FAMILY PARTNERS III LLC, METLIFE OBS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE OFC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ONTARIO STREET MEMBR LLC, METLIFE PARK TOWER MEMBER LLC, METLIFE PENSION TRUSTEES LIMITED, METLIFE PENSIONES MEXICO S.A., METLIFE PET INSURANCE SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE PLANOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA., METLIFE POWSZECHNE TOWARTZYSTWO EMERYTALNE S.A., METLIFE PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METLIFE RC SF MEMBER LLC, METLIFE REAL ESTATE LENDING LLC, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF BERMUDA LTD., METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF VERMONT, METLIFE RETIREMENT SERVICES LLC, METLIFE SECURITIZATION DEPOSITOR LLC, METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FINCO LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FUND LP, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING GP LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING HOLDINGS LP, METLIFE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE SERVICES CYPRUS LTD., METLIFE SERVICES EAST PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EEIG, METLIFE SERVICES EOOD, METLIFE SERVICES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, METLIFE SERVICES SP Z.O.O, METLIFE SERVICIOS S.A., METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND LP, METLIFE SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD., METLIFE SOLUTIONS S.A.S., METLIFE SP HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE STRATEGIC HOTEL DEBT FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SYNDICATED BANK LOAN LUX GP S.A.R.L., METLIFE THR INVESTOR LLC, METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO FUNDUSZY INWESTYCYJNYCH S.A., METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO UBEZPIECZEN NA ZYCIE I REASEKURACJI S.A., METLIFE TOWER RESOURCES GROUP INC., METLIFE TREAT TOWERS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, METROPOLITAN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE SEGUROS E PREVIDENCIA PRIVADA S.A., METROPOLITAN LIFE SOCIETATE de ADMINISTRARE a UNUI FOND de PENSII ADMINISTRAT PRIVAT S.A., METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER REALTY COMPANY INC., MEX DF PROPERTIES LLC, MFA FINANCING VEHICLE CTR1 LLC, MIDTOWN HEIGHTS LLC, MIM CAMPUS AT SGV MANAGER LLC, MIM CLAL GENERAL PARTNER LLC, MIM CM SYNDICATOR LLC, MIM EMD GP LLC, MIM I LLC, MIM LS GP LLC, MIM METWEST INTERNATIONAL MANAGER LLC, MIM ML-AI VENTURE 5 MANAGER LLC, MIM OMD MANAGER LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF GEORGIA 1 LLC, MIM SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MIM THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MISSOURI REINSURANCE INC., ML 300 THIRD MEMBER LLC, ML ARMATURE MEMBER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MANAGER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MEMBER LLC, ML CAPACITACION COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., ML CERRITOS TC MEMBER LLC, ML CLAL MEMBER LLC, ML CORNER 63 MEMBER LLC, ML DOLPHIN GP LLC, ML DOLPHIN MEZZ LLC, ML HUDSON MEMBER LLC, ML MATSON MILLS MEMBER LLC, ML MILILANI MEMBER LLC, ML OMD MEMBER LLC, ML ONE BEDMINSTER LLC, ML PORT CHESTER SC MEMBER LLC, ML SENTINEL SQUARE MEMBER LLC, ML SLOANS LAKE MEMEBR LLC, ML SOUTHLANDS MEMBER LLC, ML SOUTHMORE LLC, ML SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML SWAN GP LLC, ML SWAN MEZZ LLC, ML TERRACES LLC, ML THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML VENTURE 1 MANAGER S. DE R. L. DE C.V., ML VENTURE 1 SERVICER LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 1 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 2 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 3 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 4 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 5 LLC, ML-URS PORT CHESTER SC MANAGER LLC, MLIA MANAGER I LLC, MLIA PARK TOWER MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF COLONY MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF MANAGER LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS II LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS LLC, MLIC CB HOLDINGS LLC, MLJ US FEEDER LLC, MM GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER S.A. DE C.V., MMP CEDAR STREET OWNER LLC, MMP CEDAR STREET REIT LLC, MMP HOLDINGS III LLC, MMP OLIVIAN OWNER LLC, MMP OLIVIAN REIT LLC, MMP OWNERS III LLC, MMP OWNERS LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK OWNER LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK REIT LLC, MNQM TRUST 2020, MREF 425 MKT LLC, MSHDF HOLDCO I LLC, MSV IRVINE PROPERTY LLC, MTL LEASING LLC, MTU HOTEL OWNER LLC, NATILOPORTEM HOLDINGS LLC, NEWBURY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, OCONEE GOLF COMPANY LLC, OCONEE HOTEL COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC, OCONEE MARINA COMPANY LLC, OMI MLIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL NORTH LLC, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL SOUTH LLC, PARK TOWER JV MEMBER LLC, PARK TOWER REIT INC., PJSC METLIFE, PLAZA DRIVE PROPERTIES LLC, PREFCO FOURTEEN LLC, PREFCO XIV HOLDINGS LLC, PROVIDA INTERNACIONAL S.A., SAFEGUARD HEALTH ENTERPRISES INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEHEALTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, SOUTHCREEK INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LLC, ST. JAMES FLEET INVESTMENTS TWO LIMITED, SUPERIOR PROCUREMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION BENEFIT MANAGEMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION HOLDINGS INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE PLAN OF WISCONSIN INC., SUPERIOR VISION OF NEW JERSEY INC., SUPERIOR VISION SERVICES INC., Safeguard Health Enterprises, Security First Group Inc., THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH AVENUE MEZZANINE LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL HOLDING LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL OWNER, THE DIRECT CALL CENTRE PTY LIMITED, TRANSMOUNTAIN LAND & LIVESTOCK COMPANY, UVC INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ASSOCIATION INC., VERSANT HEALTH CONSOLIDATIONS CORP., VERSANT HEALTH HOLDCO INC., VERSANT HEALTH INC., VERSANT HEALTH LAB LLC, VIRIDIAN MIRACLE MILE LLC, VISION 21 MANAGED EYE CARE OF TAMPA BAY INC., VISION 21 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, VISION TWENTY-ONE MANAGED EYE CARE IPA INC., Versant Health, WDV ACQUISITION CORP., WFP 1000 HOLDING COMPANY GP LLC, WHITE OAK ROYALTY COMPANY, WHITE TRACT II LLC, and Willing.

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London Stock Exchange Group plc engages in market infrastructure business primarily in the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, France, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Information Services, Post Trade Services A- LCH, Post Trade Services A- CC&G and Monte Titoli, Capital Markets, Technology Services, and Other. It operates a range of international equity, ETF, bond, and derivatives markets, including London Stock Exchange; Borsa Italiana; MTS, a European fixed income market; and Turquoise, a pan-European equities multilateral trading facility. The company provides capital formation, intellectual property, and risk and balance sheet management services; financial indexing, benchmarking, and analytic services; data and research services; and post trade and risk management, clearing house, and custody and settlement services. The company also develops and operates technology solutions, including trading, market surveillance, and post trade systems for organizations and exchanges; and offers information and data products, such as indexes and benchmarks, real time pricing data, product identification, reporting, and reconciliation services, as well as network connectivity and server hosting services. In addition, it provides market information services comprising indices, market data and statistics, real time data, and regulatory news; education and training, events space, and studio hire services; and capital markets technology and services, trading solutions, technical services, infrastructure solutions and services, and market connectivity, as well as operates data centers and trading venues. Further, the company licenses capital markets and related IT infrastructure. London Stock Exchange Group plc was founded in 1698 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and related services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment offers guaranteed time-definite express options. The company also provides international air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, distribution and post-sales, and mail and consulting services in approximately 200 countries and territories. In addition, it offers truckload brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry; shipping, visibility, and billing technologies; and financial and insurance services. The company operates a fleet of approximately 121,000 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; and owns 59,000 containers that are used to transport cargo in its aircraft. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Allergan plc, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: US Specialized Therapeutics, US General Medicine, and International. It offers a portfolio of products in various therapeutic areas, including medical aesthetics and dermatology, eye care, neuroscience, urology, gastrointestinal, women's health, and anti-infective therapeutic products. The company also offers breast implants and tissue expanders; and RM-131 (relamorelin), a peptide ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. In addition, it develops medical and cosmetic treatments; therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases; inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders; atopic dermatitis drug candidate; peri-ocular rings for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further, the company develops RST-001, a novel gene therapy for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa; small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases; topical medicines for fat reduction; and delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products. It has collaboration, option, and license agreement with Lyndra, Inc.; and strategic alliance and option agreement with Editas Medicine, Inc. Allergan plc also has licensing agreements with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.; MedImmune; and Heptares Therapeutics, Ltd. The company was formerly known as Actavis plc and changed its name to Allergan plc in June 2015. Allergan plc was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Ashland Inc. provides additives and specialty ingredients worldwide. It operates through Life Sciences; Personal Care & Household; Specialty Additives; and Intermediates and Solvents segments. The Life Sciences segment offers pharmaceutical solutions, including controlled release polymers, disintegrants, tablet coatings, thickeners, solubilizers, and tablet binders; nutrition solutions, such as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and additives; and nutraceutical solutions comprising products for weight management, joint comfort, stomach and intestinal health, sports nutrition, and general wellness, as well as custom formulation, toll processing, and particle engineering solutions. The Personal Care & Household segment provides a range of nature-based, biodegradable, and performance ingredients; solutions for toothpastes, mouth washes and rinses, denture cleaning, and care for teeth; and household supplies nature-derived rheology ingredients, biodegradable surface wetting agents, performance encapsulates, and specialty polymers. The Specialty Additives segment offers rheology modifiers, foam control agents, surfactants and wetting agents, pH neutralizers, advanced ceramics used in catalytic converters, environmental filters, ingredients for the manufacturing of ceramic capacitors, plasma display panels and solar cells, ingredients for textile printing, thermoplastic metals, and alloys for welding. The Intermediates and Solvents segment produces 1,4 butanediol and related derivatives, including n-methylpyrrolidone. It offers its products to customers in a range of consumer and industrial markets, such as architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care, and pharmaceutical. The company was formerly known as Ashland Global Holdings Inc. Ashland Inc. was founded in 1924 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware.
Citigroup Inc. is one of the worlds largest financial institutions. It is the 13th largest bank globally by assets and 8th by market cap with operations in consumer and institutional banking. In the US, Citigroup is the 3rd largest bank by assets and one of the Big Four deemed systemically important and too big to fail.

Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York. The bank was run by Samuel Osgood who led the company with success for many years, even throughout the War of 1812. The bank was later renamed the National City Bank of New York in 1865 and by 1895 is the largest bank in the US. In 1913 it was the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a few years later it began to expand into overseas territories.

The bank became the First National City Bank of New York after another merger in 1955 and then later, the New York part was dropped off as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration. By 1974 the company is known as Citicorp which is still the operational branch of the business and a global banking powerhouse. A merger with Travelers insurance group in 1998 resulted in the name Citigroup but the joint venture did not last. By 2002 Travelers was publicly traded once again but Citigroup retained the new name.

Today, the company is headquartered in New York, New York but boasts more than 200 million customer accounts in 160 countries worldwide. As of mid-2022, it operated 2,649 branches in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The company reports nearly 725 branches in the US and 1499 in Mexico with the rest scattered throughout its territory. Total annual revenue topped $75 billion in 2022.

Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that owns Citicorp among other assets. The companys mission is to serve as a trusted partner providing responsible financial solutions to its clients. Citigroup provides financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG).

The GCB segment offers traditional banking services including deposit and saving accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and investment services. This segment operates through local branches and digital means. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients.
CNO Financial Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, markets, and administers health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance, and other insurance products for senior and middle-income markets in the United States. It offers Medicare supplement, supplemental health, and long-term care insurance policies; life insurance; and annuities, as well as Medicare advantage plans to individuals through phone, online, mail, and face-to-face. The company also focuses on worksite and group sales for businesses, associations, and other membership groups by interacting with customers at their place of employment. In addition, it provides fixed index annuities; fixed interest annuities, including fixed rate single and flexible premium deferred annuities; single premium immediate annuities; supplemental health products, such as specified disease, accident, and hospital indemnity products; and long-term care plans primarily to retirees and older self-employed individuals in the middle-income market. Further, the company offers universal life and other interest-sensitive life products; and traditional life policies that include whole life, graded benefit life, term life, and single premium whole life products, as well as graded benefit life insurance products. CNO Financial Group, Inc. markets its products under the Bankers Life, Washington National, and Colonial Penn brand names. The company sells its products through agents, independent producers, and direct marketing. CNO Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
The following companies are subsidiares of Arrow Electronics: A.E. Petsche Belgium BVBA, A.E. Petsche Canada Inc., A.E. Petsche Company, A.E. Petsche Company Inc., A.E. Petsche Company S De RL, A.E. Petsche SAS, A.E. Petsche UK Limited, ACI Technology, AKS Group Nordic AB, ARROWECS Portugal Sociedade Unipessoal, ARROWECS Sociedade Unipessoal LDA, ARW Electronics Ltd., ARW Enterprise Computing Solutions S.A., ARW Portugal Unipessoal LDA, ASI Dedicated Services LLC, ASI Electrical Services LLC, ASI Managed Services LLC, ATM Electronic, ATM Electronic Corp., ATM Electronic Corporation (HK) Limited, ATM Electronics Hong Kong Limited, ATM Electronics Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd, Addex Distribution AS, Adilam Pty. Ltd, Aiqi Xinxing (Beijing) Information Technology Co. Ltd., Altimate Belgium BVBA, Altimate Group, Altimate ND Belgium BVBA, Altimate Netherlands B.V., Annuity Systems Pty Ltd, Arrow (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Arrow Altech Distribution (Pty) Ltd., Arrow Altech Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Arrow Argentina S.A., Arrow Asia Distribution Limited, Arrow Asia Pac Ltd., Arrow Brasil S.A., Arrow Capital Solution BVBA, Arrow Capital Solutions Inc., Arrow Capital Solutions Nederlands BV, Arrow Capital Solutions SAS, Arrow Capital Solutions UK Ltd, Arrow Central Europe GmbH, Arrow Central Europe Holding Munich GmbH, Arrow Chip One Stop Holdings GK, Arrow Componentes ACCR S.R.L., Arrow Components (M) Sdn Bhd, Arrow Components (NZ), Arrow Components Mexico S.A. de C.V., Arrow Components Sweden AB, Arrow Denmark ApS, Arrow Denmark ApS, Arrow ECS (Ireland) Limited, Arrow ECS (NI) Limited, Arrow ECS AG, Arrow ECS ANZ Limited, Arrow ECS ANZ Pty Ltd, Arrow ECS Asia PTE. Ltd, Arrow ECS Australia, Arrow ECS B.V., Arrow ECS Baltic OU, Arrow ECS Brasil Distribuidora Ltda., Arrow ECS Canada Ltd., Arrow ECS Central GmbH, Arrow ECS Denmark A/S, Arrow ECS FZCO, Arrow ECS Finland OY, Arrow ECS GmbH, Arrow ECS Internet Security AG, Arrow ECS Internet Security S.L., Arrow ECS Kft., Arrow ECS Ltd., Arrow ECS New Zealand Limited, Arrow ECS Nordic A/S, Arrow ECS Norway AS, Arrow ECS Pty Ltd., Arrow ECS SA/NV, Arrow ECS SAS, Arrow ECS SPA, Arrow ECS Sarl, Arrow ECS Services Sp.z.o.o., Arrow ECS Singapore Pte. Limited, Arrow ECS Sp.z.o.o., Arrow ECS Support Center Ltd., Arrow ECS Support Center Morocco S.A.R.L.A.U, Arrow ECS Sweden AB, Arrow ECS a.s., Arrow ECS d.o.o., Arrow Eastern Europe GmbH, Arrow Electronice S.R.L., Arrow Electronics (CI) Ltd., Arrow Electronics (China) Trading Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Jersey) Limited, Arrow Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Sweden) KB, Arrow Electronics (Thailand) Limited, Arrow Electronics (U.K.) Inc., Arrow Electronics (UK) Ltd., Arrow Electronics ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd., Arrow Electronics Asia (S) Pte Ltd., Arrow Electronics Asia Limited, Arrow Electronics Australia Pty Ltd., Arrow Electronics B.V., Arrow Electronics Canada Ltd., Arrow Electronics China Ltd., Arrow Electronics Components (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics Czech Republic s.r.o., Arrow Electronics D.O.O., Arrow Electronics Danish Holdings ApS, Arrow Electronics EMEA Group GmbH, Arrow Electronics EMEASA S.r.l., Arrow Electronics Estonia OU, Arrow Electronics FC B.V., Arrow Electronics Funding Corporation, Arrow Electronics GmbH & Co. KG, Arrow Electronics Hellas S.A., Arrow Electronics Holdings Vagyonkezelo Kft, Arrow Electronics Hungary Kereskedelmi Bt, Arrow Electronics India Ltd., Arrow Electronics India Private Limited, Arrow Electronics International Holdings LLC, Arrow Electronics International Inc., Arrow Electronics Italia S.r.l, Arrow Electronics Japan GK, Arrow Electronics Korea Limited, Arrow Electronics Labuan Pte Ltd., Arrow Electronics Ltd., Arrow Electronics Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Arrow Electronics Norwegian Holdings AS, Arrow Electronics Poland Sp.z.o.o., Arrow Electronics Russ OOO, Arrow Electronics Services S.r.l., Arrow Electronics Slovakia s.r.o., Arrow Electronics South Africa LLP, Arrow Electronics Taiwan Ltd., Arrow Electronics UK Holding Ltd., Arrow Electronics Ukraine LLC, Arrow Elektronik Ticaret A.S., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions Inc., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions India Private Limited, Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions Ltd., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions S.A., Arrow Finland OY, Arrow France S.A., Arrow Global Asset Disposition Inc., Arrow Global Supply Chain Services Inc., Arrow Holdings (Delaware) LLC, Arrow Iberia Electronica Lda., Arrow Iberia Electronica S.L.U., Arrow International Holdings L.P., Arrow International Holdings Limited, Arrow Nordic Components AB, Arrow Norway A/S, Arrow S-Tech Norway AS, Arrow SEED (Hong Kong) Limited, Arrow Systems Integration Inc., Arrow UEC Japan KK, Arrow United Holdings LLC, Arrow United International Holdings LP, Arrow Value Recovery ApS (fka Greentech Denmark ApS), Arrow Value Recovery Belgium BVBA, Arrow Value Recovery Czech Republic sro, Arrow Value Recovery Denmark ApS, Arrow Value Recovery EMEA BV, Arrow Value Recovery Finland Oy (fka Greentech Finland OY), Arrow Value Recovery France SAS, Arrow Value Recovery Germany GmbH, Arrow Value Recovery Netherlands BV, Arrow Value Recovery Norway AS (fka Greentech AS), Arrow Value Recovery Sweden AB (fka Greentech Sweden AB), Arrow Value Recovery UK LTD, Arrow eCommerce B.V., Arrow/Artlink Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, Arrow/Components (Agent) Ltd., Arrow/Rapac Ltd., Artlink Technology Co. Ltd., Aspen Labs LLC, Aspencore China Investment LLC, Aspencore LLC, Aspencore Media GmbH, Aspencore/IDG China Investment LLC, Asplenium SA, Asset Recovery Corporation, B.V. Arrow Electronics DLC, Beijing AIQI Technology, Beijing Arrow SEED Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing Canon Advertising Co. Ltd., Broomco (4184) Limited, COMPUTERLINKS, COMPUTERLINKS (UK) Ltd., COMPUTERLINKS Belgium BVBA, COMPUTERLINKS Denmark A/S, COMPUTERLINKS Nederland B.V., COMPUTERLINKS S.A., CSS Computer Security Solutions Erwerbs GmbH, CSS Computer Security Solutions Holding GmbH, CSS Computer Security Solutions Ltd., CT3 Europe Limited, Centia Group Ltd, Centia Ltd., Channel Support Pty Ltd, ChiWan Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Chip One Stop, Chip One Stop (Hong Kong) Ltd., Chip One Stop (Shenzhen) Ltd., Chip One Stop Inc., Commtech Solutions (UK) Limited, Components Agent (Cayman) Limited, Components Agent Asia Holdings Ltd., Components Distribution Business - Achieva, Conrac Asia Display Products Pte. Ltd., Conrac MENA FZE, Converge, Converge (Shanghai) International Trading Co. Ltd., Converge Asia Pte Ltd., Converge Electronics Trading (India) Private Ltd., Converge France SAS, Converge Netherlands BV, Converge Scandinavia AB, Cross Telecom, Data Modul, Data Modul AG, Data Modul Electronics Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Data Modul FZE, Data Modul France S.a r.l, Data Modul Hong Kong Ltd., Data Modul Iberia S.L., Data Modul Inc., Data Modul Italia S.r.l., Data Modul Ltd., Data Modul Shanghai Ltd., Data Modul Suisse GmbH, Data Modul Weikersheim GmbH, Diasa Informatica, Dicopel Inc., Distribution Business - Seed International, Distribution Central (MY) Sdn. Bhd., Distribution Central HK Pty Limited, Distribution Central Limited (NZ), Distribution Central Pte Limited (SG), Distribution Central Pty Limited, E-InfoChips KK, EC America, EDN Asia Advertising Pte Ltd., ETEQ Components Pte Ltd., Electronics Products Technology Co. Ltd., Embedded Developer LLC, Erf 211 Hughes (Pty) Limited, Eshel Technology Group Inc., Eurocomponentes S.A., Excel Tech, Excel Tech Inc., Firewall Systems Pty Limited, Fusion Distribution FZCO, Gates - Arrow Distributing, Gates - FA Distributing, Global Link Technology, Greentech Holding AS, Gross Telecom, ICC Global Media GmbH, IP Vista A/S, IPVista A/S, ITM USA Enterprises Inc., Intechra Holdings, Intex-semi Ltd., KeyLink Systems Group, LED Franchise LLC, LED Source Holdco LLC, LED Source LLC, LOGIX S.A., License Central Pty Ltd, Lite-On Korea Ltd., Marubun Arrow (HK) Limited, Marubun Arrow (S) Pte Ltd., Marubun Arrow (Thailand) Co Limited, Marubun Arrow Asia Ltd., Marubun Arrow Europe Kft., Marubun Corporation, Marubun USA Corporation, Marubun-Arrow Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Marubun/Arrow (HK) Limited, Marubun/Arrow (M) Sdn. Bhd (Malaysia), Marubun/Arrow (Philippines) Inc., Marubun/Arrow (S) Pte Ltd., Marubun/Arrow (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marubun/Arrow (Shenzhen) Electronic Product Consulting Company Limited, Marubun/Arrow (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Marubun/Arrow Asia Ltd., Marubun/Arrow USA II LLC, Marubun/Arrow USA LLC, NIC Components Asia PTE Ltd., NIC Components Corp., NIC Components Europe Limited, NIC Eurotech Limited, NUH Electronics India Private Limted, Networld Systems Pty Ltd, Nextworth Solutions Inc., Nu Horizons Electronics, Nu Horizons Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Asia PTE Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Hong Kong Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Malaysia SDN BHD, NuHo Singapore Holdings LLC, Observatory Crest, Openway Group SA, Openway SAS, PCG Parent Corp., PCG Trading LLC, PT Marubun Arrow Indonesia, Pansystem S.r.l., Pax8 Inc., Power and Signal Group GmbH, R.D. Trading Limited, RDC, RF Wireless & Power - Richardson Electronics, Rack Systems Pty Ltd, Red Education Pty Ltd, Redemtech, Renewal Systems Pty Ltd, Richardson RFPD (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Richardson RFPD (Thailand) Limited, Richardson RFPD Australia Pty. Ltd., Richardson RFPD Canada Inc., Richardson RFPD Electronics Trading (China) Co. Ltd., Richardson RFPD France SAS, Richardson RFPD Germany GmbH, Richardson RFPD Hong Kong, Richardson RFPD Inc., Richardson RFPD Israel Ltd., Richardson RFPD Italy Srl, Richardson RFPD Japan KK, Richardson RFPD Korea Ltd., Richardson RFPD Netherlands BV, Richardson RFPD Singapore, Richardson RFPD Spain SL, Richardson RFPD Sweden AB, Richardson RFPD Taiwan, Richardson RFPD UK Ltd., Richey Electronics, San Systems Pty Ltd, Schuylkill Metals of Plant City Inc., Seneca Data, Seneca Data Distributors Inc., Shared Technologies, Silicon Frameworks LLC, SiliconEgypt Technologies LLC, SiliconExpert Holdings LLC, SiliconExpert Technologies, SiliconExpert Technologies Inc., Sphinx CST Limited, Sphinx CST Networks Limited, Sphinx Group, Sphinx Group Limited, Sphinx Professional Services Limited, Spoerle Hungary Kereskedelmi Kft, Sun Chain Technology Corp., TLW Electronics Ltd., TechTurn, Titan Supply Chain Services Limited, Titan Supply Chain Services Pte Ltd., Trafomo AB, Trafomo ApS, Transim Technology, Transim Technology Corporation, U.S. Micro Operating Company LLC, UBM Tech Electronics Network, Ultra Source Electronics (SZ) Co LTD, Ultra Source Technology Corp., Ultra Source Trading Hong Kong Limited, United Technical Publishing Division - Hearst Business Media, Universe Electron Corporation, Verical, Verwaltungsgesellschaft Arrow Electronics GmbH, Wireless and Infrastructure Business Unit - Waching Company, Yongming Xincheng (Beijing) Technology Co., e-InfoChips, e-Infochips Private Limited, eInfochips, eMedia Asia Limited, immixGovernment Inc., immixGroup, immixGroup Inc., immixSolutions Inc., and immixTechnology.

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Robert Half International Inc. provides staffing and risk consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Temporary and Consultant Staffing, Permanent Placement Staffing, and Risk Consulting and Internal Audit Services. It places temporary services for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping; temporary and full-time office and administrative personnel consisting of executive and administrative assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives; full-time accounting, financial, tax, and accounting operations personnel; and information technology contract professionals and full-time employees in the areas of platform systems integration to end-user technical and desktop support, including specialists in application development, networking and cloud, systems integration and deployment, database design and administration, and security and business continuity. The company also offers temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative, and legal secretarial positions; and senior-level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields for financial systems conversions, expansion into new markets, business process re-engineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger financial consolidation. It is involved in serving professionals in the areas of creative, design, marketing, advertising, and public relations; and placing various positions, such as creative directors, graphics designers, web designers, media buyers, front end developers, copywriters, digital marketing managers, marketing analytics specialists, brand managers, and public relations specialists. The company provides internal audit, technology consulting, risk and compliance consulting, and business performance services. It serves clients and employment candidates. Robert Half International Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
VMware, Inc. provides software solutions in the areas of modern applications, cloud management and infrastructure, networking, security, and digital workspaces in the United States and internationally. It offers VMware multi-cloud solutions, including VMware vSphere, a data center infrastructure that provides the fundamental compute layer; vSAN and VxRail, which offers holistic data storage and protection options to applications running on vSphere; and vRealize Cloud Management solutions that manages hybrid and multi-cloud environments running in virtual machines and containers, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation, a cloud platform that combines its vSphere, vSAN, and NSX with vRealize Cloud Management into an integrated stack and delivers enterprise-ready cloud infrastructure for private and public clouds. The company also provides networking solutions, such as VMware NSX, NSX Distributed and Gateway Firewalls, NSX Network Detection and Response Engine, NSX Advanced Load Balancer, Tanzu Service Mesh, and VMware SASE; security solutions consisting of VMware Carbon Black Endpoint, Workload, and Container; and digital workspace solutions comprising Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management, Access, Intelligent Hub, and Horizon. In addition, it offers application modernization solutions, such as Tanzu Application and Operations Platform, Tanzu Application Service Platform, Tanzu Observability, Tanzu Community Edition, and Tanzu Labs; and cloud management solutions, including vRealize Cloud Management, vCloud Suite, and CloudHealth by VMware Suite. The company sells its products through distributors, resellers, system vendors, and systems integrators. VMware, Inc. has a strategic alliance with Amazon Web Services to build and deliver an integrated hybrid solution. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking segments. The company offers personal deposits, such as checking, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases. It also provides credit cards and payments; real estate secured lending, auto finance, and consumer lending services; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, and advice to retail and institutional clients through direct investing, advice-based, and asset management businesses; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking products and services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to corporations, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,061 branches and 3,381 automated teller machines (ATMs) in Canada, and 1,148 stores and 2,701 ATMs in the United States, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. It has a strategic alliance with Canada Post Corporation. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Dominion Energy, Inc. produces and distributes energy in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Assets. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.7 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina. The Gas Distribution segment is involved in the regulated natural gas sales, transportation, gathering, storage, and distribution operations in Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and southeastern Idaho that serve approximately 3.1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers. It also has nonregulated renewable natural gas facilities in operation. The Dominion Energy South Carolina segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 772,000 customers in the central, southern, and southwestern portions of South Carolina; and distributes natural gas to approximately 419,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in South Carolina. The Contracted Assets segment is involved in the nonregulated long-term contracted renewable electric generation and solar generation facility development operations; and gas transportation, LNG import, and storage operations, as well as in the liquefaction facility. As of December 31, 2021, the company's portfolio of assets included approximately 30.2 gigawatt of electric generating capacity; 10,700 miles of electric transmission lines; 78,000 miles of electric distribution lines; and 95,700 miles of gas distribution mains and related service facilities. The company was formerly known as Dominion Resources, Inc. Dominion Energy, Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
The Mosaic Company, through its subsidiaries, produces and markets concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Phosphates, Potash, and Mosaic Fertilizantes. It owns and operates mines, which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients, such as diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, and ammoniated phosphate products; and phosphate-based animal feed ingredients primarily under the Biofos and Nexfos brand names, as well as produces a double sulfate of potash magnesia product under K-Mag brand name. The company also produces and sells potash for use in the manufacturing of mixed crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients, and for industrial use; and for use in the de-icing and as a water softener regenerant. In addition, it provides nitrogen-based crop nutrients, animal feed ingredients, and other ancillary services; and purchases and sells phosphates, potash, and nitrogen products. The company sells its products to wholesale distributors, retail chains, farmers, cooperatives, independent retailers, and national accounts. The Mosaic Company was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
Installed Building Products, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation of insulation, waterproofing, fire-stopping, fireproofing, garage doors, rain gutters, window blinds, shower doors, closet shelving and mirrors, and other products in the continental United States. The company offers a range of insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose, and spray foam insulation materials. It is also involved in the installation of insulation and sealant materials in various areas of a structure, which includes basement and crawl space, building envelope, attic, and acoustical applications. In addition, the company installs a range of caulk and sealant products that control air infiltration in residential and commercial buildings; and waterproofing options, including sheet and hot applied waterproofing membranes, as well as deck coating, bentonite, and air and vapor systems. It serves homebuilders, multi-family and commercial construction firms, individual homeowners, and repair and remodeling contractors through a network of approximately 210 branch locations. The company was formerly known as CCIB Holdco, Inc. Installed Building Products, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is based in Columbus, Ohio.
RLI Corp., an insurance holding company, underwrites property and casualty insurance in the United States and internationally. Its Casualty segment provides commercial and personal coverage products; and general liability products, such as coverage for third-party liability of commercial insureds, including manufacturers, contractors, apartments, and mercantile. It also offers coverages for security guards and in the areas of onshore energy-related businesses and environmental liability for underground storage tanks, contractors and asbestos, and environmental remediation specialists; and professional liability coverages focuses on providing errors and omission coverage to small to medium-sized design, technical, computer, and miscellaneous professionals. This segment provides commercial automobile liability and physical damage insurance to local, intermediate and long haul truckers, public transportation entities, and other types of specialty commercial automobile risks; incidental and related insurance coverages; inland marine coverages; management liability coverages, such as directors and officers liability insurance, fiduciary liability and coverages, employment practice liability, and for various classes of risks, including public and private businesses; and healthcare liability and home business insurance products. The company's Property segment offers commercial property, cargo, hull, protection and indemnity, marine liability, inland marine, homeowners' and dwelling fire, and other property insurance products. Its Surety segment offers commercial surety bonds for medium to large-sized businesses; small bonds for businesses and individuals; and bonds for small to medium-sized contractors. The company also underwrites various reinsurance coverages. It markets its products through branch offices, brokers, carrier partners, and underwriting and independent agents. RLI Corp. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.
Block, Inc. is the parent company to a host of digital financial solutions including Square. The company was founded in 2009 by Jack Dorsey (also founded Twitter) and Jim McKelvey as a solution to a problem faced by McKelvey. Mr. McKelvey was unable to complete a transaction because he was unable to accept credit cards and that provided inspiration for Mr. Dorsey. The firm was founded in St. Louis but now has no official headquarters, instead choosing to do most work remotely or from one of several key hubs. That decision was made in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when it became clear telecommuting was a solution that worked.

The original Square app provides a multitude of payment and POS solutions that include hardware and software. The hardware includes the iconic Square card mag-stripe reader that can be plugged into any tablet or smartphone as well as many other solutions. The software enables sellers to turn their smart devices into POS on a temporary or permanent/dedicated basis.

The company went public in 2015 when it IPOd on the NASDAQ stock exchange and then later decided to change its name to Block to better represent the business. Today, Block, Inc. operates as a network of businesses that are working together to expand access to the economy. The core brands are Square, CashApp, AfterPay, Weebly, Tidal, Spiral, and TBD.

The Square brand encompasses all the core business including but not limited to hardware and its related software. The CashApp business is a money transfer solution that is working to make money more available and universally acceptable. Afterpay is a buy-now-pay-later service. Weebly is an eCommerce and web hosting service for small and medium-sized businesses. Tidal is a platform for musicians and artists to connect with fans and monetize their brands. Spiral is the firm's cryptocurrency division and TBD is a division focused on crypto, specifically building a crypto platform.

Block, Inc. stunned the market in 2020 when it began to purchase Bitcoin. Then Square, the company purchased Bitcoin in two transactions for a total of $210 million. The holdings amount to 8,027 Bitcoins which were worth $154.75 million in October 2022. The purpose of Spiral is to fund open-sourced applications that encourage and facilitate the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Mr. Dorsey remains the CEO and chairman of Block, Inc. The company employs more than 8,500 individuals across its footprint and netted $17.66 billion in revenue for 2021. Mr. Dorsey is also the companys largest shareholder with about 10% of the shares.
Navigant Consulting, Inc. provides professional services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Healthcare, Energy, and Financial Services Advisory and Compliance. The Healthcare segment offers consulting and business process management services to healthcare providers, payers, and life sciences companies. This segment helps clients respond to market legislative changes, such as the shift to an outcome and value-based reimbursements model, ongoing industry consolidation and reorganization, Medicaid expansion, the implementation of a electronic health records system, and product planning and commercialization expertise. The Energy segment provides life-cycle solutions that help clients businesses in changing energy environment, manage complexity, accelerate operational performance, and meet compliance requirements, as well as transform its organizations and systems; and various benchmarking, and data and market research services. This segment serves utility and energy companies, government and nongovernmental organizations, large corporations, product manufacturers, and investors. The Financial Services Advisory and Compliance segment provides strategic, operational, valuation, risk management, investigative, and compliance advisory services to financial services industry, including financial and insurance institutions. This segment also offers anti-corruption solutions and anti-money laundering consulting, litigation support, and tax compliance services. Navigant Consulting, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
The following companies are subsidiares of Transocean: 15375 Memorial Corporation, Agon Shipping Inc., Aguas Profundas Limitada, AngoSantaFe - Prestacao de Servicos Petroliferos Limitada, Angola Deepwater Drilling Company (Offshore Services) Ltd, Arcade Drilling AS, Asie Sonat Offshore Sdn. Bhd., Barents Rigco Limited, Blegra Asset Management Limited, Blegra Financing Limited, Caledonia Offshore Drilling Services Limited, Challenger Minerals Inc., Covent Garden - Servicos e Marketing Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Deepwater Drilling (Transocean Ghana) Limited, Deepwater Drilling North Africa LLC - Free Zone, Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc., Deepwater Supply Inc., Drillship Alonissos Owners Inc., Drillship Hydra Owners Inc., Drillship Kithira Owners Inc., Drillship Kythnos Owners Inc., Drillship Paros Owners Inc., Drillship Skiathos Owners Inc., Drillship Skopelos Owners Inc., Drillship Skyros Owners Inc., Eastern Med Consultants Inc., Entities Holdings Inc., GSF Leasing Services GmbH, Global Marine Inc., Global Offshore Drilling Limited, GlobalSantaFe (Labuan) Inc., GlobalSantaFe B.V., GlobalSantaFe C.R. Luigs Limited, GlobalSantaFe Denmark Holdings ApS, GlobalSantaFe Drilling (N.A.) N.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (Overseas) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Operations Inc., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Services (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Trinidad LLC, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., GlobalSantaFe Group Financing Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe Holding Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Hungary Services Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Corporation, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Inc., GlobalSantaFe International Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Nederland B.V., GlobalSantaFe Offshore Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Operations (Mexico) LLC, GlobalSantaFe Saudi Arabia Ltd., GlobalSantaFe Services (BVI) Inc., GlobalSantaFe Services Netherlands B.V., GlobalSantaFe Servicios de Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe South America LLC, GlobalSantaFe Tampico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Techserv (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe U.S. Holdings Inc., Indigo Drilling Limited, Inteliwell JV GP Limited, Inteliwell JV LP, Kalambo Operations Inc., OCR Falklands Drilling Inc., OR Norge Operations Inc., Ocean Rig, Ocean Rig 1 Inc, Ocean Rig 2 Inc., Ocean Rig Canada Inc., Ocean Rig Cuanza Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Cubango Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Deepwater Drilling Limited, Ocean Rig Investments Inc., Ocean Rig Management Inc., Ocean Rig Operations Inc., Ocean Rig UDW Inc., Ocean Rig UDW LLC, Offshore Ghana Transocean Limited, Offshore Rig Operations AS, Olympia Rig Angola Holding S.A., Olympia Rig Angola Limitada, Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited, Orion RigCo (Cayman) Limited, P.T. Santa Fe Supraco Indonesia, PT. Transocean Indonesia, Platform Capital N.V., Platform Financial N.V., Primelead Limited, R&B Falcon (A) Pty Ltd, R&B Falcon (Caledonia) Limited, R&B Falcon (M) Sdn. Bhd., R&B Falcon (U.K.) Limited, R&B Falcon B.V., R&B Falcon Deepwater (UK) Limited, R&B Falcon Drilling Co. LLC, R&B Falcon Exploration Co. LLC, R&B Falcon International Energy Services B.V., RBF Rig Corporation LLC, Ranger Insurance Limited, Reading & Bates Coal Co. LLC, SDS Offshore Limited, Safemal Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Santa Fe Braun Inc., Santa Fe Construction Company, Santa Fe Drilling Company of Venezuela C.A., Saudi Drilling Company Limited, Sedco Forex International Inc., Services Petroliers Transocean, Servicios Petroleros Santa Fe S.A., Ship Investment Ocean Holdings Inc., Songa Offshore Delta Limited, Songa Offshore Drilling Limited, Songa Offshore Enabler Limited, Songa Offshore Encourage Limited, Songa Offshore Endurance Limited, Songa Offshore Equinox Limited, Songa Offshore Equipment Rental Limited, Songa Offshore Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Songa Offshore Management Limited, Songa Offshore Pte. Ltd., Songa Offshore Rig 2 AS, Songa Offshore Rig 3 AS, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore Saturn Limited, Songa Offshore T & P Cyprus Limited, Songa Saturn Chartering Pte. Ltd., Spitsbergen Rigco Limited, Sub-Saharan Drilling Inc., T. I. International Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TILAM Holdings Limited, TRM Holdings Limited, TSSA - Servicos de Apoio Lda., Transocean Africa Drilling Limited, Transocean Asia Services Sdn Bhd, Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Atlas Limited, Transocean Barents ASA, Transocean Brasil Ltda., Transocean Britannia Limited, Transocean Canada Drilling Services Ltd., Transocean Conqueror Limited, Transocean Conqueror Opco LLC, Transocean Corporate Services Limited, Transocean Cyprus Capital Management Public Limited, Transocean Cyprus Drilling Operations Public Limited, Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited, Transocean Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Deepwater Mauritius, Transocean Deepwater Nautilus Limited, Transocean Deepwater Seafarer Services Limited, Transocean Discoverer 534 LLC, Transocean Drilling Enterprises S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Israel Ltd., Transocean Drilling Limited, Transocean Drilling Namibia Inc., Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Transocean Drilling Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited, Transocean Eastern Pte. Ltd., Transocean Employee Support Fund, Transocean Enabler Limited, Transocean Enabler Rigco Limited, Transocean Encourage Limited, Transocean Encourage Rigco Limited, Transocean Endurance Limited, Transocean Endurance Rigco Limited, Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH, Transocean Equinox Limited, Transocean Equinox Rigco Limited, Transocean Finance Limited, Transocean Financing (Cayman) Limited, Transocean Financing GmbH, Transocean Guardian Limited, Transocean Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Investments LLC, Transocean Hungary Ventures LLC, Transocean Inc., Transocean Innovation Labs Ltd., Transocean International Holdings Limited, Transocean International Resources Limited, Transocean Investimentos Ltda., Transocean Investments Holdings LLC, Transocean Investments S.a.r.l., Transocean Ltd., Transocean Management Services GmbH, Transocean Minerals Holdings Limited, Transocean Nautilus Limited, Transocean North Sea Limited, Transocean Norway Operations AS, Transocean Offshore (North Sea) Ltd., Transocean Offshore Canada Services Ltd., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore Drilling Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea II Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VI Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XIII Limited, Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore International Limited, Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited, Transocean Offshore Limited, Transocean Offshore PR Limited, Transocean Offshore USA Inc., Transocean Onshore Support Services Limited, Transocean Orion Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Opco LLC, Transocean Pontus Limited, Transocean Pontus Opco Inc., Transocean Poseidon Limited, Transocean Poseidon Opco Inc., Transocean Proteus Limited, Transocean Proteus Opco LLC, Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Management Limited, Transocean Quantum Rig Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Sentry Holdings Limited, Transocean Rig 140 Limited, Transocean Rig Management Limited, Transocean SPSF Holdings Limited, Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited, Transocean Sentry Limited, Transocean Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Services AS, Transocean Services UK Limited, Transocean Skyros Limited, Transocean Spitsbergen ASA, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Support Services Limited, Transocean Support Services Nigeria Limited, Transocean Support Services Private Limited, Transocean Technical Services Egypt LLC, Transocean U.S. Holdings LLC, Transocean UK Limited, Transocean Voyager 1 Limited, Transocean Voyager 2 Limited, Transocean West Africa Holdings Limited, Transocean Worldwide Inc., Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Capital I GmbH, Triton Capital II GmbH, Triton Capital Mexico GmbH, Triton Conqueror GmbH, Triton Corcovado LLC, Triton Financing LLC, Triton Gemini GmbH, Triton Holdings Limited, Triton Hungary Asset Management LLC, Triton Hungary Investments 1 Limited Liability Company, Triton Industries Inc., Triton KG2 GmbH, Triton Management Services LLC, Triton Mykonos LLC, Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Nautilus Asset Management LLC, Triton Offshore Leasing Services Limited, Triton Pacific Limited, Triton Poseidon GmbH, Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH, and Wilrig Offshore (UK) Limited.

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TravelCenters of America Inc. operates travel centers, truck service facilities, and restaurants in the United States and Canada. The company's travel centers offer various products and services, including diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as nonfuel products and services, such as a range of truck repair and maintenance services, diesel exhaust fluids, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, and various customer amenities. Its full and quick service restaurants are operated under the Iron Skillet, Country Pride, IHOP, Black Bear Diner, Fuddruckers, Bob Evans, Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits, Subway, Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' and Starbuck's Coffee brands. The company's travel stores offer general merchandise, including electronics, oil and additives, hardware and tools, clothing, and cab and bunk supplies; convenience products comprise cold beverages, candy, salty snacks, and sweet treats, as well as grocery items, such as meal solutions, pet supplies, and health and beauty products; and fresh food, pre-packaged meal solutions, snacks, freshly brewed coffee, cold fountain drinks, and gifts and regional souvenirs. In addition, it operates parking space under the Reserve-It brand name. As of May 5, 2022, the company operated 276 travel centers under the TravelCenters of America, TA, TA Express, Petro Stopping Centers, and Petro brand names in 44 states in the United States, as well as in the province of Ontario, Canada; three truck service facilities operated under the TA Truck Service brand name; and one restaurant. It serves trucking fleets and its drivers, independent truck drivers, highway and local motorists, and casual diners. TravelCenters of America Inc. was founded in 1972 and is based in Westlake, Ohio.
Validus Holdings, Ltd. provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage, and insurance linked securities management services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Reinsurance, Insurance, and Asset Management. The Reinsurance segment underwrites property reinsurance products on a catastrophe excess of loss, per risk excess of loss and proportional basis; and aerospace and aviation, agriculture, composite, marine, technical lines, terrorism, trade credit, workers' compensation, and other specialty lines, as well as casualty and financial lines. The Insurance segment underwrites property, accident and health, agriculture, aviation, contingency, marine, and political lines insurance products; bankers blanket bond, commercial crime, computer crime, cyber- crime, professional indemnity, and directors' and officers' insurance products for various financial institutions and other companies; and commercial and institutional risks comprising general, professional, and product liability, as well as miscellaneous malpractice insurance products. This segment also underwrites marine and energy liability, and political risk insurance products, as well as insurance products for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of aircrafts and premises for small companies. The Asset Management segment manages capital for third parties through insurance-linked securities, and other property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance investments. Validus Holdings, Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Pembroke, Bermuda.
Orange Polska, the leading Polish telecommunication provider, has chosen Comarch as its OSS software vendor to support Oranges OSS4TTH project.

Comarch will be responsible for the migration of Oranges physical, logical and service inventory data. It will also facilitate the integration of the solution with Oranges BSS domain, network infrastructure and service delivery platforms via a managed API in line with the TM Forums Open API recommendation.

The project will streamline the technology tools that support Oranges Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) project, transforming and automating its network management and service delivery processes.

The business case for the project assumes reduction of TCO (total cost of ownership) in the OSS domain. It will also enable improvement of business operations KPIs and will allow for increased flexibility in the deployment of new services, technologies and processes in the GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) access network domain.

The first project phase is expected to be delivered in September 2017, with the whole project planned to be completed in May 2019.
On Nov. 1, Linn Benton Food Shares warehouse in Tangent received two truckloads of food and household supplies arranged by the local branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Saudi Arabias Mobily has recruited three of the worlds biggest network equipment vendors to implement upgrades to its network over the next three years.

Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia will all contribute to the upgrade, although the exact nature of each vendors work has not been disclosed. Mobily  also known as Etihad Etisalat  is planning on investing SAR 2.4 billion (around $650 million) into the upgrade, and does not expect to require any fresh debt.

Mobily CEO Ahmed Aboudoma said: This agreement comes in line with 2030 Kingdom Vision and its objectives that focus on developing telecom & IT sector. Moreover, it will allow Mobily to provide the best services to its customers that comply with its new strategy RISE in which its objectives revolve around boosting up the level of provided services by using the latest telecom technologies.

Mobilys current network has a competitive performance among the sector. The new agreement will contribute in raising network performance significantly to allow Mobily customers enjoy unprecedented services. The agreement discussions lasted more than 6 months to ensure adding plans comply with telecom technology rapid developments, in addition to adapting future technologies within an efficient contractual framework.
Irish hotel group Dalata announced on Tuesday that despite a decline in visitors to the Emerald Isle in the wake of the Brexit vote it had seen a strong performance in its second half of trading.

Dalata said it had grown pre-tax profits 56% from 18.2m to 32.7m in the first six months of the year as revenues jumped 21% from 130m to 161m just twelve months later.

The company said that performance across all three regions had been strong since the period close on 30 June but that weaker sterling had adversely affected the number of travellers from the UK going to Dublin, Dalata's major market in Ireland.

However, compensation was offered by way of an increased number of EU and North American visitors.

Dalata said it had a pipeline of more than 1,280 new rooms on target to open in 2018 as it invested 8.6m into its ongoing refurbishment programme, and spent a further 34.9m to purchase the Hotel La Tour in Birmingham.

The group had cash and equivalents of 88.9m on hand at 30 June as it increased the limit on its revolving credit facility from 30m to 80m.

"We are monitoring the reduction in UK visitors to Ireland since the Brexit vote in 2016. To date, overall visitor numbers remain robust due to growth in other markets. Our strategy of retaining substantial volumes of corporate and tour group business in our hotels makes us less reliant on the UK transient visitor," said chief executive officer Pat McCann, who on Tuesday bought 20,000 shares at 5.16 each in the Irish hotel operator.

"The second half of 2017 will be a busy period for the group. We will continue to explore the exciting opportunities which exist in the UK and Irish hotels markets and will continue to work on our development projects and extensions. We will strive to further increase our service and quality levels whilst also converting strongly additional revenue to the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and restructuring line," he added.

Basic earnings per share were 82% higher at 15.47 EUR cents.

As of 1645 BST, shares had gained 6.24% to 485.00p.
Intelligence, security and cyber provider Falanx updated the market on its operations ahead of its close period on Tuesday, reporting significant new sales contracts with recurring revenue.

The AIM-traded company said it remained on course for operational break even in the current financial year, with sufficient cash to see all current operations through to profitability.

It said the Falanx Cyber business had secured a new security-as-a-service contract with a leading UK-based IT service provider worth more than 0.2m.

Falanx Assynt also won new multi-year contracts for 'embedded analysts' with a large US-based insurance company, and a global high street retailer of beverages.

The company also confirmed the launch of full capability in its MidGARD product, which it described as its proprietary advanced threat detection platform - part of its managed detection and response service which underpins the firms monitoring capability.

It said the MidGARD pilot - run over the last six months - was now complete, with MidGARD v2 - the latest and most advanced iteration of the platform based on the latest open source components - completed on schedule and ready for main launch.

The full MidGARD service would be launched to the market at the 44CON 2017 cyber security conference in mid-September in west London.

Falanxs board said it believed the highly exciting, disruptive and long-awaited technology would redefine managed cyber security services.

Also on the operational front, Falanx confirmed that its intelligence business was continuing to grow and retain the confidence and business of a raft of blue-chip companies.

It was being rebranded from Stirling Assynt to Falanx Assynt as of Tuesday morning, which the board said would provide more visible joint identity and cross-selling opportunity with other Falanx businesses.

The company was also opening its new headquarters in the City of London on Tuesday, which the board said was close to its financial services clients, providing improved client reception and sales facilities as well as more capacity to meet demand across the lines of business.

Looking internationally, the Falanx board pointed to the new subsidiaries established in the US and Spain, with the new division in America created to capture clients on that side of the Atlantic.

The new subsidiary in Spain was established to support Falanx CyberTech, the board explained in its statement, as well as the growth of its software development team, sourcing talent from Spain and the rest of Europe.

It has been an incredibly busy time at Falanx, with key milestones delivered that underpin our business performance going forward, said chief executive Stuart Bladen.

Falanx has secured significant new business contracts with ongoing revenue streams that provides us with confidence to reach operational break even during the financial year with sufficient cash to see all current operations through to profitability.

We are also delighted to launch both MidGARD and our US service this month whilst our new sales, new HQ and new Falanx Assynt Brand are all key steps in the rapid evolution of our business.
Bitcoin prices suffered their steepest fall since July on Monday after China's central bank ruled initial coin offerings in the country illegal.

After having briefly surpassed the $5,000 mark on Saturday for the first time ever, as of 0910 BST Bitcoins were trading 7.27% lower at $4295.10, according to Coindesk.

On Monday, the People's bank of China reportedly said it would pubish future ICOs and pursue measures against those which had already completed.

The PBoC made no mention of cryptocurrencies such as ether or Bitcoin but the move by authorities was seen by some observers as another step towards the likely introduction, at some point down the road, of regulations.

The Chinese regulator also asked that refunds be provided to those who had already participated in ICOs.

ICOs have gained in popularity in 2017, with savers hoping to cash in on the growing popularity or mania - a market bubble for some observers - in cryptocurrencies.

However, the unregulated nature of ICOs, which hoped to replicate the success of Bitcoin, also held the potential for fraudulent activities, besides posing a challenge for central banks trying to track the movement of funds or access to financing more generally.

"This is not the first Chinese crackdown on crypto-currencies but it is inevitable that governments and security services will want to block this financing route," analysts at SP Angel said in a research note sent to clients.

Thus far in 2016 nearly $400m had been raised in China through ICOs, according to SP Angel.
China was said to be considering tougher sanctions against North Korea after its ally to the south claimed it had detonated a hydrogen bomb on Sunday.

Frustrations between Beijing and Pyongyang had grown of late as Kim Jong-un refused to abandon his plans for nuclear armament, lending credence to claims that lines of communication between the two nations had broken down.

In the past, the Hermit Kingdom had kept Chinese authorities abreast of its plans to carry out any nuclear testing but the practice allegedly stopped after the fourth test in January 2016. North Korea even failed to warn Beijing of its fifth test in September 2016 despite a North Korean senior official being in Beijing just a short time beforehand.

The ramping up of North Korea's nuclear programme led the United Nations Security Council to consider stronger action against the rogue state in order to impede its drive to breach the thermonuclear threshhold, with US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley saying at an emergency session of the Security Council on Monday that Kim was "begging for war."

In 2003, China cut off oil supplies to North Korea in order to force it into a negotiating position and according to the South China Morning Post, an unnamed Beijing-based diplomat believed that it was likely to do so again in the wake of the significant pressure being brought to bear on Chinese president Xi Jinping by Seoul and Washington to do so again, even after he agreed to sanctions on trade in coal, seafood, iron and iron ore.

China exported an estimated 520,000 tonnes of crude oil to North Korea in 2015 whereas its other trade partner, Russia supplied approximately 40,000 tonnes of oil and oil products every quarter.

Beijing was foot dragging when asked to support stronger sanctions against Pyongyang as it did not want to see the regime toppled, fearing it could trigger an influx of refugees flooding Chinese border cities, as well as potentially leading to South Korea, a US ally, taking control of the North.

"There will be sanctions, but it will not be a full cut off oil supplies. China is not looking for the collapse of the regime. It just wants to push for peace talks, so cutting North Korea's lifeline in oil does not fit China's aim," said Wang Sheng, a professor of Korean affairs at Jilin University.

Zhang Liangui, a professor of international strategic research at the Central Party School, China's communist party training institution, told the South China Morning Post, "North Korea doesn't really care about what China said it would do to them because they know Chinas stance very well," before leaving off on a decidedly grim note of, "the outlook of having this issue resolved is dim. It will very much depend on whether the US decides to take military action."
Imposing tougher sanctions on North Korea over its missile programme would be "useless and ineffective" Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday, even as the US called for the "toughest sanctions possible".

Speaking on the sidelines of an emerging markets summit in Xiamen, China, Putin claimed that "they'll eat grass, but they won't abandon their programme unless they feel secure," Interfax reported.

He also reportedly urged for security guarantees be extended to Pyongyang instead, adding that pumping up "military hysteria" was "senseless and a dead-end".

Indeed, given the regime now had nuclear weapons, a confrontation could lead to a "global catastrophe and a huge number of casualties", Putin said, according to Interfax.

Echoing a quip from Beijing, Putin added it was absurd for the US to equate Russia with North Korea but to then seek its support for imposing sanctions.

"It's ridiculous to put us on the same list [of sanctions] as North Korea and then ask for our help in imposing sanctions on North Korea."

As for Beijing's position, following meetings with her Chinese counterpart, South Korea's head of foreign relations said she believed Beijing might be open to further sanctions.

According to Reuters, Putin also expressed Russia's preparedness to discuss some "details" around the issue of more sanctions.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the BBC reported China's UN envoy Liu Jieyi as having said that, "China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula."

Overnight, the US and South Korea reportedly agreed to throw out a limit on the weight of Seoul's warheads, which were currently restricted at 500kg (1000lb).

At least one analyst also speculated with the possibility that Washingtong might place sanctions on Chinese lenders who had dealings with Pyongyang.

Washington was joined in its calls for further sanctions on North Korea by the leaders of Japan, South Korea and Germany.

On Monday, America's ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said the Trump White House was looking for the strongest possible sanctions to be brought against the North Korean dictatorship, saying its leader, Kim Jong Un, was "begging for war".

For his part, on Tuesday morning the ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the UN in Geneva, Han Tae-song threatened the US with "more gift packages" if it continued to put pressure on the regime.

In further developments, South Korea's Asia Business Daily reported that North Korea had been observed moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile towards the country's west coast.
The European Court of Human Rights has reversed the decision of a Romanian court to side with an employer which used surveillance software to monitor an employees private messages.

The worker was sacked from his job after bosses at his company read messages sent through the chat system in 2007.

Bogdan Barbulescu claimed his right to a private life was not upheld by the courts in Romania, and his appeal was granted successful by the ECHR in a landmark case.

According to a statement from the court following the decision, "an employers instructions could not reduce private social life in the workplace to zero."

"Respect for private life and for the privacy of correspondence continues to exist, even if these may be restricted in so far as necessary," it added.

Barbulescu was fired in August 2007 for breach of the private companys internal regulations regarding the use of chat services.

However, the ECHR did say that it was acceptable for employers to monitor their staff members online activity, and even in some cases fire them for using private messages.

"The Court considers that States should ensure that, when an employer takes measures to monitor employees' communications, these measures are accompanied by adequate and sufficient safeguards against abuse," the ECHR said.
A scheme introduced by Barack Obama to protect, young undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children has been scrapped.

The announcement to scrap the scheme, otherwise known as the "Dreamers" programme but officially called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, was made on Tuesday by the US Attorney General, Jeff Sessions.

The programme prevented close to 800,000 men and women from being deported and also granted them permits to work in America legally.

President Donald Trump described the programme as an illegal "amnesty" during his campaign and vowed to scrap the programme upon arrival at the White House but faced strong opposition to ending the programme from members of his own Republican Party and the Democrats.

Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg were among approximately 400 business executives who signed a letter to the President last week urging him to protect the "Dreamers" programme, wrote The Independent.
Stocks were little changed but off their earlier highs as Russian president Vladimir Putin questioned the efficacy of further sanctions against Pyongyang, which some observers said echoed similar resistance from China, warning of the risk of a catastrophe.

On a related note, there was some speculation in the media that China might be tempted to cut oil exports to Pyongang, albeit not completely.

Against that backdrop, as of 1330 BST the benchmark Stoxx 600 was 0.07% or 0.24 points ahead at 374.42, alongside a gain of 0.46% or 55.98 points to 12,158.04 for the German Dax while the Cac-40 was slipping 0.09% or 4.50 points to 5,099.59.

The Stoxx 600 Autos & Parts subindex was among the best performers, climbing 1.17% to 549.45 with the euro little changed and up by 0.03% to 1.1903 alongside.

Speaking on the sidelines of an emerging markets summit in Xiamen, China, Putin claimed that "they'll eat grass, but they won't abandon their programme unless they feel secure," Interfax reported.

Indeed, given the regime now had nuclear weapons, a confrontation could lead to a "global catastrophe and a huge number of casualties", Putin said.

Commenting on the situation in markets, Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda, said: "The expectation that a diplomatic solution will not be found in the near-term is likely to result in underlying caution remaining for now.

"With more flare ups likely, I expect we'll see repeated episodes of safe haven flows, which should mean Gold, the Swiss franc and the yen (barring any attack on Japan) remain well supported. As far as today is concerned, we are seeing a slight unwinding of some of these while the yen remains well bid."

In the latest developments on that distant peninsula, according to the South China Morning Post, which cited Chinese diplomatic analysts, the Asian giant was likely to support further sanctions against the Hermit Kingdom, including slashing its oil exports to the North Asian nation, but not fully, so as to avoid the collapse of its ally.

Acting as a backdrop, overnight Seoul had reportedly broached with Washington the possibility of deploying a US aircraft carrier and strategic bombers to the region. The American president had reportedly also granted the South access to more powerful warheads that could be deployed on its own missiles.

In economic news, a revised reading from IHS Markit saw the survey compiler's purchasing managers' index for the euro area's service sector in August marked down from a preliminary print of 54.9 to 54.7, versus an end of July reading of 55.4. In turn, that meant the final reading for the composite factory and service sector PMI in August was unchanged at 55.7, versus a preliminary reading of 55.8.

"The summer months have seen eurozone economic growth moderate only slightly from the rapid pace seen in the spring. The solid PMI readings for July and August set the scene for another strong GDP number for the third quarter, with the surveys running at a level historically consistent with 0.6% growth," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit.

On the corporate front, France's Schneider Electric inked a deal to combine with Aveva Group, with its shareholders holding a 60% stake in the resulting firm.

Danish toy manufacturer Lego was also making headlines after disclosing its intention to cut its staff by 8%. In parallel, the Danish firm reported a 5% drop in half-year sales to 14.9bn.

German automaker Volkswagen reportedly put the 1.5bn sale of Italian motorcycle unit, Ducati, on ice.
Stocks are bouncing back despite reports that North Korean preparations for further missile launches by North Korea may be afoot, even as its southern neighbour moves to beef up its defenses.

Some market observers and analysts appeared to be at a loss when trying to explain the muted reaction from financial markets to recent events in Northeast Asia. For some, they were either a reflection that a breakout of hostilities was extremely unlikely or that it was simply too difficult to try and predict the possible fallout from an armed clash between Pyongyang and Washington and its allies.

Hence, come Tuesday morning the market spotlight had to an extent shifted towards central banks, with several Fed speakers set to take to the podium later in the day.

Against that backdrop, as of 0920 BST the benchmark Stoxx 600 was 0.36% or 1.36 points ahead at 375.56, alongside a gain of 0.61% or 74.36 points to 12,176.53 for the German Dax and an advance of 0.34% or 17.33 points to 5,121.30 in the Cac-40.

The Stoxx 600 Autos & Parts subindex was among the best performers, climbing 1.52% to 551.47 as the euro dipped 0.09% to 1.1887.

"The role of China is certainly going to come under much greater scrutiny given last weekends events, particularly its role in keeping the lights on in North Korea. North Korean President Kim Jong Un has always had a tendency to push his luck, only this time he may have pushed it too far in embarrassing his closest ally in China, however it seems unlikely at this late stage that China will be able to influence North Korea even if it was able to do so, which means we can probably expect to see the bass on the background music get ramped up again in the coming days, as the US, South Korea and Japan mull a response at the UN," said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK.

In the latest developments on that distant peninsula, South Korea's Asia Business Daily reported that the North was transporting what might be an intercontinental ballistic missile towards its west coast.

Meanwhile, Seoul had reportedly broached with Washington the possibility of deploying a US aircraft carrier and strategic bombers to the region. The American president had reportedly also granted the South access to more powerful warheads that could be deployed on its own missiles.

In economic news, a revised reading from IHS Markit saw the survey compiler's purchasing managers' index for the euro area's service sector in August marked down from a preliminary print of 54.9 to 54.7, versus an end of July reading of 55.4. In turn, that meant the final reading for the composite factory and service sector PMI in August was unchanged at 55.7, versus a preliminary reading of 55.8.

"The summer months have seen eurozone economic growth moderate only slightly from the rapid pace seen in the spring. The solid PMI readings for July and August set the scene for another strong GDP number for the third quarter, with the surveys running at a level historically consistent with 0.6% growth," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit.

On the corporate front, toy manufacturer Lego was in the headlines after disclosing its intention to cut its staff by 8%. In parallel, the Danish firm reported a 5% drop in half-year sales to 14.9bn.

German automaker Volkswagen reportedly put the 1.5bn sale of Italian motorcycle unit, Ducati, on ice.
Bell Pottinger , one of the City's largest public relations firms, is facing collapse as clients are expected to jump ship after it was ejected from the industry trade body on Tuesday over its highly controversial 'White Monopoly Capital' campaign in South Africa.

The decision by the Public Relations and Communications Association marked the first time a firm as prominent as Bell Pottinger has been expelled and director-general Francis Ingham said it was "very questionable" as to whether or not the agency would survive as he expected further clients to abandon ship following the sanction.

Major shareholder Chime Communications, which was bought by WPP in 2015, has stated that it no longer holds an interest in the PR firm, having given its 27% stake back to Bell Pottinger for free, according to reports.

Bell Pottinger's work for South African company Oakbay Capital, which is controlled by the Gupta family, had "incited racial hatred", Ingham said.

South African opposition party the Democratic Alliance made a complaint to the PRCA, accusing Bell Pottinger of a "hateful and divisive campaign to divide South Africa" by using taglines such as "white monopoly capital" and referring to an "economic apartheid" in South Africa.

Jacob Zuma, the incumbent president of South Africa, had previously faced allegations of corruption over his ties with the Guptas, although both had denied any such ties between the two.

Bell Pottinger said it "accepts that there are lessons need to be learned" in regards to the controversial campaign.

James Henderson, chief executive of Bell Pottinger resigned before the expulsion was handed which Ingham referred to as "necessary, but not sufficient".

Henderson claimed, "I neither initiated nor was involved in the Oakbay work, I accept that as CEO, I have ultimate executive power for Bell Pottinger," before going to say, "I feel deeply let down by the colleagues who mislead me. However, I think it is important I take proper accountability for what has happened."

This led Iain Anderson, a fellow of the PRCA, to say, "For any chief executive to say he didn't know what was going on is like the head of a bank saying they didn't know about subprime lending."

Lord Bell, who founded the firm in 1987, said that this was "almost certainly" the straw to break the camel's back.

Bell Pottinger has made a habit of accepting controversial clients, from former South African president FW de Klerk who opposed Nelson Mandela; Asma al-Assad, wife of Syrian president Bashir al-Assad; and athlete Oscar Pistorius after he had been charged with murder.

Bell, who left the company in August last year, said he did not accept any responsibility for its actions.
Infrastructure and support services company Stobart Group updated the market on its trading in the first half on Tuesday, reporting good progress in aviation as passenger numbers grew 22% year-on-year at Southend Airport.

The FTSE 250 firm said it was on track to deliver EBITDA on its rail and civil engineering projects for the six months to 31 August, with its infrastructure and investment arm benefiting from a significant uplift in value of around 120m and cash generating of 113m following the partial disposal of its stake in Eddie Stobart Logistics.

In energy, delays in the commissioning of certain third party biomass stations impacted short-term volumes, though EBITDA was said to be ahead of target.

Stobart Group had now returned 26.4m to shareholders in dividends since 1 March, with the board lifting the quarterly dividend to 4.5p per share from 3p as of July.

In my first two months as CEO of Stobart Group I have been out meeting our people and key partners, and I continue to review each of our divisions and our ability to meet our targets for calendar year 2018, said chief executive Warwick Brady.

Whilst I remain committed to these targets there is some short-term risk in Energy and Aviation.

Brady said that, in order to meet the aviation target, the company needed to build a portfolio of airlines that would capitalise on London's capacity constraints as well as the large London catchment.

This has taken longer than we originally envisaged.

However, I am convinced that the overwhelming demand for additional airport capacity in London means we will ultimately meet this objective.

Looking ahead, the board set its targets of 2.5m passengers at London Southend Airport and 2m tonnes of biomass supply annually, by the end of calendar year 2018.

It said it believed that the company could achieve those targets, although that was dependent upon the successful commissioning of third party biomass power stations and the securing of another major airline starting operations at the airport in 2018.

Stobarts board said it was confident that short-terms delays will not affect the long-term value creation potential of the business.

Stobart Group also established and communicated extended targets through to 2022 of 5 million passengers through London Southend Airport and 3 million tonnes of fuel supply, and it said it was confident that it could continue to deliver value to shareholders through that period and beyond.

Our efforts to meet our energy division targets have been frustrated by delays experienced by our partners in commissioning power stations, Warwick Brady said.

This has caused some volatility as the new plants come online, and this is impacting short-term performance.

Brady said he also set further ambitious targets for 2022, adding he was confident that meeting the#ose targets will deliver significant dividend returns for shareholders over a number of years.

We are also working closely with Stobart Capital to enhance our strategic development and identify new opportunities for increased shareholder returns."
SUGAR LAND, Texas  Sgt. Erik Servellon slid open the door of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and ran across a field in calf-deep water.

The staff at Angleton Danbury Campus hospital in Angleton, Texas, were waiting for him with a pallet stacked with 500 pounds of blood.

They bowed their heads in gratitude and flashed thumbs-up as Servellon and the rest of the Nebraska Army National Guard crew lifted off with the precious cargo.

Destination: Galveston.

As the helicopter flew over the wind-whipped Galveston Bay, where pelicans bobbed in the muddy water, its crew focused on the task ahead: dropping off the critical blood supply at John Sealy Hospital.

"If they say its urgent, its urgent," said Staff Sgt. Ben Mattox.

As the helicopter piloted by Maj. Dan Smith and Chief Warrant Officer Josh Schaaf touched down in the parking lot at the Galveston hospital, Mattox and Servellon hustled to unload boxes of blood.

Praise rang out over the in-flight headset: "Whoo guys, nice job!"

"It feels really good to be doing what we trained for," Servellon said. "Thats what were here for."

While much of Tuesdays work aiding relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey took place in the air around the southern outskirts of Houston, the Nebraska National Guard has moved closer to the center of the devastation than it was before.

By the end of Tuesday, there were 37 members of the Nebraska National Guard on the ground in Texas. More are expected to be mobilized in coming days.

Crews have been told to prepare for a long deployment, given the scale of the disaster.

They hoped for improving weather today, allowing them to reach the more isolated areas where people may be starting to run out of food or water.

The Black Hawk crew is from Company G, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, based in Lincoln. It and another Nebraska-based Black Hawk had left the sunny skies and dry roads of Austin earlier in the day to power through winds and rain to reach the Houston area.

They landed at the Sugar Land Regional Airport, currently open only to helicopters, shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday. Sugar Land is roughly 17 miles southwest of Houston.

On the trip from Austin, they passed farm fields that gave way to neighborhoods partially submerged in dirty brown water, with hints of the widespread wreckage in areas closer to Houston.

The view from the sky was bleak, but there were scenes of almost absurd normalcy in the middle of chaos. Cows grazed in water-logged fields. Fountains in upscale subdivisions remained on. Children waded down their deluged neighborhood streets.

Another two helicopters from Nebraska, CH-47 Chinooks, flew Tuesday to the Houston Executive Airport, about 28 miles west of Houston, to deliver supplies, including fuel, water and military MREs, meals ready to eat.

The Chinooks are from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, based in Grand Island.

A third Black Hawk from Nebraska arrived in Austin Tuesday after undergoing repairs, and an eight-person crew from the Grand Island Readiness Center flew two UH-72 Lakota helicopters to Dallas.

But, as is common in wide-scale disasters, confusion reigned, too.

One Black Hawk crew was directed to land at a high school at one point but then were told they should head to another school just a few blocks away. The crew circled, trying in vain to find some U.S. Coast Guard members that the National Guard was supposed to hook up with.

"Its not uncommon when you get into these disasters that lines of communication are broken down," said Maj. Mitchell Tessendorf, the officer in charge of the Nebraska National Guard Aviation Taskforce. "You get conflicting information or confusion because information is not flowing as fast as were used to."

Tessendorf said military and civilian personnel are working closely to coordinate missions  hes been communicating with members of the U.S. Coast Guard to see whether one of his crews can borrow someone equipped to jump into floodwaters to help with rescues.

Two of the Black Hawks were preparing Tuesday afternoon to start evacuating people from floodwaters.

The Black Hawks can accommodate roughly 11 rescuees, and crews can either hoist people out of the water or land on high ground  like hilltops  to load residents.

One of the Black Hawks picked up six people Tuesday afternoon, plus a small dog, at a school in Santa Fe, Texas. They were dropped off at a city-county building in Pasadena, closer to Houston.

Inside the safety of the roaring Black Hawk, a rescued man and a woman sat together, their belongings, including several stuffed animals, were relegated to garbage bags. They gripped each other tight as they looked down at the flooded landscape they were leaving behind.

World-Herald photographer Chris Machian contributed to this report.
Ducati also claims that the new 2018 XDiavel S would feature an upgraded suspension system, which according to them would improve comfort for the rider and pillion.

Powering the Ducati XDiavel is a 1262cc V-twin Testastretta engine with a maximum power output of 156bhp and a peak torque output of 129Nm. It is also rumoured that, this engine would make its way into the new Ducati Multistrada.

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The XDiavel is all about the style, and the way it carries itself. When it was first unveiled in 2016, it won the Good Design Award 2016, from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Ducati has carried forward the unique power cruiser design, with just a few changes, the latest of which is the new paint.

The Ducati XDiavel has also been hailed for being a good handling motorcycle despite it having a power cruiser design, and the new model too would carry the same if not better handling traits.

Pricing details for the motorcycle have not been announced, and it is the same with availability too. Do watch this space for updates about the new Ducati XDiavel.

DriveSpark Thinks!



The Ducati XDiavel is truly a unique motorcycle. While it did not sell very well in the Indian market, the motorcycle did capture the imaginations of designers. Take a look at the Bajaj Dominar and you would know what I'm talking about. It is at this point unknown, when Ducati would put the new XDiavel on sale in India and the Global market, but do follow this space to know about it as we bring the news to you.
The naked motorcycle features round LED headlamp, LCD instrument cluster, petal disc brakes at both the ends, upside down front forks, monoshock suspension at the rear and 10-spoke alloy wheels.

The CBR 150R ExMotion draws power from a 149cc 4-valve, fuel injected, liquid-cooled engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine is also compliant with the Euro 6 emission norms. The motor sits on the Inner Pivot type Diamond frame.

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Honda has not revealed the power figures of the new motorcycle. The kerb weight of the CBR 150R ExMotion stands at just 123kg with a fuel tank capacity of 8.5-litre. The motorcycle also gets ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with G-Sensor.

The Honda CBR 150R ExMotion is offered in four paint schemes - Millenium Red, Pearl Grey, Black and Matte Green. Apart from that, there are four variants of the motorcycle - CB150R, CB150R ABS, CB150R Scramble Cafe and CB150R Street Cafe. In Thailand, the prices of the motorcycle start from 99,800 Thai Baht (approximately Rs. 1.93 lakhs).

DriveSpark Thinks!

The CBR 150R ExMotion is a premium 150cc naked motorcycle. It is equipped with best-in-class features such as full-LED headlamp, fuel injected, liquid-cooled engine and ABS with G-Sensor.

Honda has not revealed its plans to launch the motorcycle in other markets. But looking at the design and features, we can say that it's not your regular commuter motorcycle. If launched in India it will carry a premium price tag. So, Honda is unlikely to introduce the CBR 150R ExMotion in the Indian market.
By Jessica Wang

The documentary Not Without Us follows seven grassroots activists from around the world as they mobilize around the 2015 UN Climate Talks in Paris and try to push world leaders to enact an agreement with meaningful and binding targets. According to director and San Francisco-based filmmaker Mark Decena, Climate change is a monumental issue that impacts all of us. But too often, dialogue about the subject is led by politicians and scientists. With this film, we wanted to give voice to the people on the ground, who are trying to effect change from the bottom up.

Decena recently caught up with Cindy Wiesner, one of the activists featured in the film, on the latest in grassroots climate change action after the Trump administrations withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris agreement. Wiesner is executive director of Grassroots Global Justice Alliance and has been active in the grassroots social justice movement for more than 20 years.

Mark Decena: So a lot has happened since December 2015, or maybe in your eyes nothing has changed. But going into the agreement, what was your top concern about Paris and what major change did you guys wanted to see instituted in that final agreement?

Cindy Wiesner: When the Paris agreement was signed in 2015, we at Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, along with our sister alliances the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Climate Justice Alliance really wanted to make sure that the agreements created mandatory emission cuts and that our big concern was that in the outcome that the agreement really relied on voluntary pledges. And part of that is that where the countries were aiming was not going to meet the targets that scientists have been saying for many years were necessary to avoid climate catastrophe.

MD: And those voluntary pledges that you first mentioned know they were striving for this 2.5-to-2 degrees window, and then they ended up all the pledges ended up with over 3 degrees, which is really frightening. And you called out that theyre all voluntary, which means non-binding. And given those concerns, what are your thoughts now that President Trump announced the U.S. is pulling out of it?

CW: I think Trumps reckless decision underscores the key overarching issue with the Paris agreement in the first place, which is that voluntary pledges are not enough. And that its also very clear that Trump and this administration, from Rex Tillerson being the secretary of state to Rick Perry being the energy cabinet positionyou see that his accountability for accountability is to the fossil fuel industry but also to the military industrial complex.

Given his announcement in terms of ongoing war in Afghanistan, it clearly is in contradiction to his commitment to people in Pittsburgh or people in Detroit or people who have been impacted by NAFTA. Its counter to people who are living at the front lines of the climate crisis and I think Trump and his administration really have a clear conflict of interest placing their own dirty energy investments above and profit above the interest of humanity and the planet as a whole.

MD: And not to mention Scott Pruitt.

CW: Yes. And whose pure intention is to destroy and dismantle the EPA.

MD: And I know that that the world is on fire, literally and figuratively, with this new presidency and his administration, but all those things you mention I know you guys see as all connected. And that brings me to the next question which is are there specific actions and advocacies that you guys are focused on at the moment or are you trying to show people that all of these thoughts do connect?

CW: So in terms of the Paris agreement, I think its just important to name how significant [it is] that at least the current count [that] is more than 370 mayors have pledged to do their part here around meeting the commitments laid out in the Paris agreement. And I think that that is giving us an opportunity a real important opening to push the long-term solutions that we had been talking about. And as Grassroots Global Justice, along with our sister alliances, [we] have formed this bigger formation called It Takes Roots to weather the storm, to grow the resistance. We also know that its time to both escalate the level of resistance but also really align our movements.

I think thats part of what were really clear about is that our organizational response has been to strengthen our movementthe grassroots organizing sector uniting with different folks like the movement for black lives, the migrant rights movement[to] work with a broader cross-section of folks to really counter this right-wing growing backlash. And I think its not only to defend and protect, but also to figure out where it is we can create openings in this new political moment.

MD: And I guess I want to I want you to clarify, because I think a lot of people are scratching their heads, saying, what does climate change have to do with immigration and war and racism and patriarchy and colonialism? How do you guys connect those dots and invigorate people think about this bigger picture of climate change as well?

CW: Yeah, I think a lot of our work with Grassroots Global Justice comes out of people who have been pioneers in the environmental justice movement, [and who] really have talked about the impact of environmental degradation and toxins and pollution and dumps that have been in a lot of frontline communitiesparticularly poor and people of color or white working-class communities. I think that for us, weve been seeing it as a holistic point of view. Its not only where you live, but its where you work; its where you play and pray.

MD: As a final question, what gives you hope? What keeps you fighting and moving forward?

CW: For me, I think that its a lot of the young people that have been on the streets. Its all the people that came out spontaneously into the airports and swarmed the airports when the Muslim ban was put into effect. Its the 40,000 people in Boston that march against white supremacy and to counter white supremacy. Its the Peoples Climate March, where over 200,000 people came together to talk about needing jobs and climate and justice and moving the articulation of the climate movement. Its the Womens March, which had the single largest mobilization of women. I think that is whats giving me life and I think the intentional movement building work that were doing with It Takes Roots, with Beyond the Moment, with the different organizers from the 100 days of mobilization. Its the people who, despite fear and repression, are still standing up. And I think thats what is giving me giving me courage.

Also I think were right. And I think thats what weve been saying all along of like we cant see issues as one siloed way. We have to interconnect the issues. We have to pay attention to movement building. Weve got to get boots and sandals on the ground and really get our bases mobilized, and I think the planet depends on us to do that.

Speakers featured in Not Without Us, in order of appearance:

Nnimmo Bassey, director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation

Payal Parekh, global managing director, 350.org

Pablo Solon, executive director, Fundacion Solon

Cindy Wiesner, national coordinator, Global Grassroots Justice Alliance

Alix Mazounie, international policies coordinator, Reseau Action Climat  France

Max Rademacher, activist, Alternatiba

Pat Mooney, executive director, ETC Group

This interview has been condensed for length. Reposted with permission from our media associate Moyers & Company.
A new study highlights how our laundry contributes to major oceanic pollution.

The Hudson River could be dumping about 300 million clothing fibers into the Atlantic Ocean per day, according to new research published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.

For the study, researchers collected 142 water samples throughout the length of the Hudson River and found about one microfiber per liter. Thats a lot when you consider that this endless stream of human-made fibers ultimately ends up in our oceans.

The ocean is the endgame for plastics, marine biologist Abigail Barrows, a principal investigator with Adventure Scientists, told PBS Newshour.

About half the samples were plastic microfibers and the other half were non-plastic microfibers such as cotton or wool.

Microfibers get flushed into our waterways when we wash our clothing or other textiles. Notably, the researchers did not find more fibers near wastewater treatment plants or high-population areas, suggesting that microfiber pollution is pervasive throughout the river.

There was no pattern across the whole Hudson Riverfrom Lake Tear of the Clouds, an alpine remote beauty, down to the heaving, thriving Manhattan, Rachael Miller, a co-author on the study, told PBS. It was a real surprise.

You might not be able to see microfibers with the naked eye but the material is pervasive in our environment and can make its way up the food chain, according to The Story of Stuff:

Microfibers are tiny plastic threads shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon and nylon. These fabrics currently make up 60 percent of all clothing worldwide and their use as the dominant textile materials [is] dramatically on the rise. When washed, plastic microfibers break off and a single jacket can produce up to 250,000 fibers in washing machine effluent. Less than 1 mm in size, they ultimately make their way through wastewater plants and into marine environments where they have been found to enter the food chain. Microfibers make up 85 percent of human made debris on shorelines around the world according to a 2011 study.

Barrows told PBS she wears wool or other natural materials to reduce her plastic footprint, but even natural materials can be harmful to the environment.

Toxins and dyes are added into that thread. The science is still out. We dont know how natural fibers are interacting with humans or animals, she said.
President Trumps intention to nominate Rep. Jim Bridenstine of Oklahoma as the next administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has drawn controversy as the Republican congressman denies the human causes of climate change.

I would say that the climate is changing. It has always changed. There were periods of time long before the internal combustion engine when the Earth was much warmer than it is today, Bridenstine told

Aerospace America in a 2016 interview. Going back to the 1600s, we have had mini Ice Ages from then to now.

Bridenstinea veteran Navy combat pilot and member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committeeis a proponent of space commercialization and introduced the

Space Renaissance Act earlier this year. He also wants to send Americans back to the moon.

But NASA is not just a space exploration programit also plays

a major role in global climate science, including research on solar activity, sea level rise, the temperature of the atmosphere and the oceans, the state of the ozone layer, air pollution, and changes in sea ice and land ice. NASA scientists regularly appear in the mainstream press as climate experts, the agency states.

When Bridenstine was asked if there was any data that would change his view that fossil fuels are not heating the planet, he sidestepped to the carbon emissions of China, Russia and India.

The United States does not have a big enough carbon footprint to make a difference when youve got all these other polluters out there, he told Aerospace America. So why do we fundamentally want to damage our economy even more when nobody else is willing to do the same thing?

Bridenstine confirmed to E&E News in February that he was in the running for NASA chief and said that he was not committed to keeping climate research at the agency but may want to transfer the program to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), even though NOAA might not be as well equipped as NASA in studying climate change.

During his speech on the House floor in 2013, the freshman Rep. demanded an apology from President Obama for spending 30 times as much money on climate change research than on weather forecasting. This claim is not true.

For this gross misallocation, the people of Oklahoma are ready to accept the presidents apology, Bridenstine said, adding climate denier talking points that global temperatures stopped rising 10 years ago and that global temperature changes, when they exist, correlate with sun output and ocean cycles.

The Commercial Spaceflight Federation applauded the choice, as well as Sen. Ted Cruz.

However, Trumps pick has attracted bipartisan criticism. As

Inside Higher Ed noted, previous NASA administrators have had extensive work experience in the agency or hold advanced scientific degrees, or both.

Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelsonthe ranking member on the Senates Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, which oversees NASA and would hear Bridenstines nominationtold

POLITICO that the head of NASA ought to be a space professional, not a politician.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida also said Bridenstine would be devastating for the space program.
BEER-SHEVA, Israel...September 5, 2017 - Artificial, man-made reefs can be more attractive to divers than nearby natural coral formations and can help mitigate potential reef damage, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers.

The paper, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, examines artificial coral reefs as "recreational ecosystem services," offering a new methodology to evaluate the aesthetic, behavioral and attitudinal aspects of which artificial reefs around the world can be evaluated.

"This new approach takes into account divers' preferences and needs alongside physical preservation of natural reefs," says Dr. Yaniv Belhassen of BGU's Department of Hotel and Tourism Management on the Eilat Campus. "Artificial reefs are only effective if divers continue to be drawn to them."

Artificial reefs, concrete structures, sunken ships, and even submerged subway cars are increasingly being used around the globe to attract recreational divers, for both environmental and commercial reasons.

The Tamar Reef, an artificial reef project begun in 2006, is a collaboration between BGU researchers and Jordan to restore the local reef culture in the Red Sea. Students and faculty from both countries work together in studying the artificial reef and how it affects the marine ecology in the area. Special nurseries were established to regenerate lost coral species and augment coral diversity. Small fragments developed into large corals and were planted on the artificial reefs.

The researchers examined diving habits and behavior around Eilat's natural and artificial reefs. According to study, the average diver density at the artificial reef was higher than at the two nearby natural knolls, and the Tamar reef effectively diverts divers from natural knolls. Secondly, the study found that regarding attitudes toward natural versus artificial reefs, divers consider the artificial reefs more appropriate for training, but they feel less relaxed around them. According to the research, the sunken ship, Satil, is Eilat's most popular dive spot.

Prof. Nadav Shashar of the Department of Life Sciences and his student, Meghan Rousseau, from South Africa also contributed to the study.

"With the opening of the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company beach to the public, where it is mostly artificial reefs in the form of pylons, one can hope that the natural reefs in the nature reserve will indeed improve," says Prof. Shashar. According to a recent report on the status of the Gulf of Eilat, the natural reefs have not been holding up well in recent years.

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This study was partly supported by the Schechter-Schwab Charitable Fund and by a grant from the Schulich Ocean Studies Initiative.

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.

AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org.
Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2017)--President Trump's decision to end the federal government's program of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) threatens to deny the United States of the talents of more than half a million individuals who are making enormous contributions to our country, and will particularly undermine public health and medical education. A six-month delay before elimination of the program will be fully enforced by the administration in no way mitigates the harm that will be done to the 800,000 law-abiding persons who have achieved permits under DACA to work or study in the United States without fear of deportation. They are now at risk of losing their jobs, being forced to drop out of school, and being deported in just a matter of months. The American College of Physicians urges the President to immediately reverse his decision. We also call on Congress to promptly enact legislation to block the administration from deporting "Dreamers" and to provide a pathway for them to become citizens.

In 2012, President Obama issued an executive order to protect men and women who were born in another country and brought illegally to the U.S. at a young age--commonly called "Dreamers." Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grants lawful presence in the U.S. including work authorization, Social Security numbers, and in many cases state IDs and driver's licenses, which make attending medical school and residency training possible for individuals with DACA status.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in 2016, 108 students with DACA status applied to medical school, and 34 matriculants with DACA status entered medical school, bringing total medical school enrollment to approximately 70 students. Without the protections afforded to them by DACA, these students would be forced to discontinue their studies and may be deported. As these students train to become physicians, they will have the experience and background necessary to treat an increasingly racially and ethnically diverse patient population to fulfill the cultural, informational, and linguistic needs of their patients, something ACP has longstanding policy? supporting. Many other "Dreamers" are studying to be nurses, first-responders, scientists, and researchers, and approximately 1000 foreign-born recruits who enlisted in the military under the protections offered by DACA could face deportation, according to the Washington Post. Denying the United States the talents of thousands of "Dreamers" will bring great harm to the country, as well as to those directly affected.

Today's decision also has the potential to gravely impact public health. We know that noncitizens and undocumented immigrants are more likely to lack health insurance coverage. If the nearly 800,000 people who are currently benefiting from DACA have their protections removed, many will avoid seeking health care in order to reduce the risk of detection and deportation, and as noted above, those who seek to serve in the health care professions will be denied that opportunity. Many will be forced to return to violent, war-torn and dangerous countries with poor health care services. In a 2011 paper? calling for a national immigration policy, ACP stated, "Restricting undocumented immigrants from having health insurance will not prevent them from falling ill and needing health care."

ACP opposes deportations of undocumented medical students, residents, fellows, practicing physicians, and others who came to the United States as children due to the actions of their parents ("Dreamers") and have, or are eligible for, DACA status; and we call on President Trump to reverse today's decision and continue protections for those with DACA-status. We also call on Congress to enact legislation to block the deportation of Dreamers and to create a pathway for citizenship, as proposed by S. 128, the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act, and S. 1615, the DREAM Act of 2017.

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About the American College of Physicians

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 152,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter? and Facebook?.

Contact: David Kinsman, APR (202) 261-4572, dkinsman@acponline.org
Bethesda, Md. - September 5, 2017 - The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), the premier global, non-profit organization serving molecular diagnostics professionals, today announced the recipients of this year's Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership and AMP Meritorious Service Awards. These prestigious awards will be presented together with the previously announced winner of the AMP Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics during the AMP 2017 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT this November.

Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics

Andrew P. Feinberg, MD, MPH

Director of the Center for Epigenetics and Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Whiting School of Engineering, and Bloomberg School of Public Health

Dr. Feinberg has earned this year's Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics, the society's highest honor, for his lifetime of service and noteworthy achievements in the field. Dr. Feinberg has dedicated his career to understanding the epigenetic basis of normal development and disease, including cancer, aging, and neuropsychiatric illness. His numerous honors include the MERIT Award of the National Cancer Institute, the NIH Director's Pioneer Award, and the Feodor Lynen Medal for pioneering the field of cancer epigenetics.

Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award

Gregory J. Tsongalis, PhD

Director of Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Professor of Pathology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Dr. Tsongalis is being recognized with this award for his exceptional leadership in the advancement of AMP's mission and vision. He has been an active AMP member since 1995, serving as AMP President in 2008, the Program Committee Chair in 2005, and as Director of the Molecular Genetic Pathology Review Course in 2017. In addition, Dr. Tsongalis has also served on AMP's Nominating Committee (1996), Genetics Subdivision Training and Education Committee (1998), Solid Tumors Training and Education Committee (2001), Infectious Diseases Clinical Practice Committee (2003), and as the leader of numerous Working Groups and projects. Dr. Tsongalis has dedicated his entire career to applying new molecular techniques to diagnostic questions that are not adequately addressed by traditional laboratory methods.

AMP Meritorious Service Award

Alexis B. Carter, MD

Physician Informaticist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Dr. Carter is being recognized with this award for her exceptional, extensive, and often behind-the scenes volunteer efforts over the years. An AMP member since 2003, Dr. Carter is the society's first Informatics Subdivision Chair, and she has served on AMP's Board of Directors since 2015. Dr. Carter played a pivotal role in the formation and evolution of AMP's Informatics Interest Group, which became a formal subdivision in 2014. In addition, Dr. Carter has served as a Publications & Communication Committee member since 2005, and as AMP Liaison to the development of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Genetic Test Registry in 2010-2011. In her capacity as AMP's Test Directory Editor, Dr. Carter spearheaded efforts to redesign and add new functionalities to the society's Test Directory, which was launched this year on DNA Day (April 25). Dr. Carter is board-certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology and Clinical Informatics, and her clinical practice is in both clinical informatics and molecular genetic pathology.

"Every year, AMP honors several indispensable individuals at various stages of their careers through our prestigious awards", said Federico A. Monzon, MD, AMP President. "On behalf of the more than 2,300 AMP members, I would like to congratulate Drs. Feinberg, Tsongalis and Carter on these awards, and to thank them for their decades of service to the society and unwavering commitment to the molecular diagnostics community and the patients we serve."

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For more information on the AMP 2017 Annual Meeting, please visit our meeting website. Register for the AMP 2017 Annual Meeting here.

ABOUT AMP

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) was founded in 1995 to provide structure and leadership to the emerging field of molecular diagnostics. AMP's 2,300+ members practice in the various disciplines of molecular diagnostics, including bioinformatics, infectious diseases, inherited conditions and oncology. They include individuals from academic and community medical centers, government, and industry; including pathologist and doctoral scientist laboratory directors; basic and translational scientists; technologists; and trainees. Through the efforts of its Board of Directors, Committees, Working Groups, and members, AMP is the primary resource for expertise, education, and collaboration in one of the fastest growing fields in healthcare. AMP members influence policy and regulation on the national and international levels, ultimately serving to advance innovation in the field and protect patient access to high quality, appropriate testing. For more information, visit http://www.amp.org. Follow AMP on Twitter: @AMPath.
Researchers from Japan have discovered a new form of ice crystal from theoretical modeling of its formation under negative pressure

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 5, 2017 -- Water has many ice phases that form under different pressure and temperature conditions. The effects of positive pressure have been explored extensively, with the results somewhat predictable: As the pressure increases, so does the density of the ice.

Much less is known, however, about the effects of extreme negative pressure on water molecules. Exploring a significant region of negative pressure through molecular dynamic simulations, researchers have now theoretically discovered a new family of ice phases. Called aeroices, these ices have the lowest density of all known ice crystals. The researchers, from Okayama University in Japan, report their findings this week in The Journal of Chemical Physics, from AIP Publishing.

"Our research, which surveys an entire negative-pressure region for the first time, provides a significant stepping stone in exploring this vast and intricate territory on the phase diagram," said Masakazu Matsumoto, associate professor at the Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science at Okayama University and a co-author of the paper. "Ices with lower density than normal ice are also found to be manifold [of many kinds]."

The discovery is expected to accelerate the understanding of the fundamental properties and behavior of water in nanotubes and other nanopores, as well as in biomolecules.

Seventeen ice phases have been found experimentally, each one numbered in the order of its discovery. Only two ices have lower density than normal ice.

In 2014, a research team discovered an ice phase that forms under negative pressure: ice XVI. The molecules of the ice form a zeolite structure, a 3-D crystalline cage, in which guest molecules or atoms are trapped inside. The guest molecules (neon particles in this case) were removed, resulting in a stable, ultralow density ice at high negative pressures. Using a similar technique, another group of researchers discovered ice XVII in 2016.

The researchers at Okayama University mapped out all the possible ice phases that might still be left to explore in the negative pressure region. Knowing that the structure of silica (SiO2) and ice are common, they retrieved 200 silica zeolites from the Zeolite Database, which is administered through the International Zeolite Association. More than 300 structures were evaluated overall.

The researchers rearranged the atoms in the SiO2 structure, removing the two oxygen atoms and replacing the silicon atom in each molecule with one oxygen atom. Then, the hydrogen atoms were added so that the structure obeyed the ice rule.

In the density range that is only around half that of liquid water (~0.5 g/cm^3), the researchers showed that the newly discovered ice phase is more stable than any zeolite ice investigated so far. The researchers simulated even less dense ice structures -- between 0 and 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter -- by adding polyhedral building blocks to the zeolitic frameworks to make the structure sparser while satisfying the structural rule for ice.

"These new structures are the aeroices," said Matsumoto, "and they can be more stable than any zeolitic ice at certain thermodynamic conditions under negative pressure."

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The article, "Communication: Hypothetical ultralow-density ice polymorphs," is authored by Takahiro Matsui, Masanori Hirata, Takuma Yagasaki, Masakazu Matsumoto and Hideki Tanaka. The article appeared in The Journal of Chemical Physics Sept. 5, 2017 (DOI: 10.1063/1.4994757) and can be accessed at http://aip.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/1.4994757.

ABOUT THE JOURNAL

The Journal of Chemical Physics publishes concise and definitive reports of significant research in the methods and applications of chemical physics. See http://jcp.aip.org.
GRANDISLAND  Trade and federally subsidized crop insurance were the among the issues addressed by all five members of Nebraska's congressional delegation Friday at the Nebraska State Fair.

Sens. Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and Reps. Adrian Smith, Jeff Fortenberry and Don Bacon attended the Farm Bill hearing. During the two-hour session, representatives of 10 farm organizations from Nebraska also gave testimony before the delegation. A brief question-and-answer session followed.

There were more than 50 people in attendance at the BosselmanConferenceCenter at the HeartlandEventsCenter. Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach moderated the event.

Giving testimony were representatives of the sorghum, sugar beet, dry edible bean, soybeans, corn, wheat, cattle, hog and dairy industries, the Nebraska Farm Bureau and Brad Lubbe, an economist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

A theme driving the importance of the 2018 Farm Bill, Fischer said, is the need for good risk management tools, federally subsidized crop insurance and trade as a vital part of the new Farm Bill because of the ongoing economic crisis in rural America.

"This is a difficult time for production agriculture," Fischer said. "We are witnessing one of the worst farm eras in our economy since the 1980s. Producers are looking at depressed commodity prices, high property taxes, and some very tight margins."

Fischer said her top priority with the new Farm Bill is to "make sure farmers and livestock producers have an affordable and viable farm safety net."

"But this won't be easy as we are hearing from some groups in Washington who are targeting the Farm Bill as the No. 1 program to eliminate," she said. "That cannot happen. Strong and dependable crop insurance remains one of the best tools to help our ag producers plan for the future,"

The federal government pays about 60 percent, on average, of the crop insurance premiums for farmers, with producers paying the remaining 40 percent. The federal government reimburses private insurance companies for their administrative costs. Private insurance companies sell and service insurance policies purchased through the program.

Fischer said without a risk protection program in the Farm Bill  provided by federally subsidized crop insurance  there would be more ad hoc federal bailouts for producers who face catastrophic losses from increasingly volatile weather patterns. Nebraska farmers and ranchers have dealt with drought, severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and strong winds this year.

"Federal crop insurance has become the most important and vital piece of the Farm Bill," said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. "One doesn't need to travel far to hear Nebraska farmers talk about instances where crop insurance was the only thing that stood between them and total financial disaster. Nebraska's yearly sporadic weather patterns nearly always result in haves' and have nots' when it comes to timely rains, drought, hail or anything else Mother Nature throws at us each year."

In 2016, Nebraska farmers placed more than 17.4 million acres, or 90 percent of Nebraska's total crop production acreage, into the federal crop insurance program. That same year, Nebraska farmers paid over $217 million in premiums. While the federal government provides premium assistance, Nebraska farmers on average pay 5 percent more of their overall crop insurance costs than the national average.

Nelson said there are those in Washington who want to make cuts to the federal crop insurance program.

"We are told that little cuts here and there won't make much of a difference to most farmers who rely on the protection offered by this program," Nelson said. "Yet, it is important to remember that every small cut, every small restriction, and every small tweak has the potential to throw this vital program off balance."

Nelson said like any insurance product, crop insurance rates are "complex and are balanced with farms of many shapes, sizes, and risk levels."

Rep. Adrian Smith, whose 3rd Congressional District is the nation's largest agricultural district, said a strong federally subsidized crop insurance program provides stability for producers, which benefits both consumers and taxpayers, especially when it comes to preventing ad hoc disaster payments.

Sasse said there were "so many misimpressions and misunderstandings out there about the way these (Farm Bill) programs work."

For example, he said, "When you ask people across the country what happens in a Farm Bill, they assume it is mainly price supports." But, he added, 80 percent of Farm Bill spending goes to the nutrition program that helps the poor, elderly and school children.

There is uncertainty about trade as the new administration has taken the U.S. out of the Trans Pacific trade agreement and is currently renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, who make up more than 40 percent of Nebraska's agriculture trade. There is strong support from commodity groups and the congressional delegation on the importance of a strong trade component in the new Farm Bill.

They agreed trade is important because with the expected low commodity prices and a record corn and soybean crop this fall, prices could be further suppressed without a proactive, bilateral trade policy.

In touring the state, Sasse said trade is one of the top issues on the minds of producers. "Trade is fundamental to our state's economy," he said.

Sasse said he and other members of the delegation are working hard to make the administration know "how trade works."

"Trade is good for consumers on both sides of any border in a trading relationship and it is good for producers in both countries," he said.

The importance of trade also was the emphasis of Jim Eschliman, a dairy farmer who represented the state's $300 million dairy industry.

Nationwide, Eschlimann said, 30 percent of the milk and milk products are exported, with much of it going to Mexico. Many Mexican citizens also immigrate to the U.S. to fill the void of workers needed on dairy farms in Nebraska and across the country.

Jim Miller, who represented Nebraska's soybean industry, called on the delegation to support a "robust" trade title in the new Farm Bill as soybeans and other soy products are among Nebraska's top exporting products with a value of nearly $600 million last year.

Beef and beef products are Nebraska's top export products at over $1 billion. Troy Stowater of the Nebraska Cattlemen echoed the thoughts of others in testifying in support of trade. Nebraska is the nation's top cattle slaughtering state, with much of that beef traveling to Asian markets, including China, he said.
Males with an Arabic name face discrimination in the rental housing market in Finland. According to a study conducted at Abo Akademi University, individuals with an Arabic name - males, in particular - were considerably less likely to receive a response from potential landlords. Only 16% of inquiries signed with a male Arabic name received responses, whereas inquiries with a female Finnish name received responses in 42% of the cases. The study is a part of the research project Intra-Genomic Conflicts and Social Decision-Making in Humans. The project was financed by the Academy of Finland.

In the study, a total of 1,459 inquiries regarding vacant rental apartments across Finland were sent out during 2016. The inquiries were sent via e-mail and signed with different names. The responses were compared in terms of the different study groups: women and men with an Arabic, Finnish or Swedish name. The results showed that males with an Arabic name received fewer responses in comparison to any other group. No other statistical differences between these six groups were found. Overall, men received responses less frequently than women, and inquiries signed with an Arabic name less frequently than those signed with a Finnish or Swedish name. The landlord's gender had no effect on the results.

Previous research has shown that discrimination increases the affected individuals' risk of developing psychological problems, and that ethnic discrimination in the housing market is hindering successful integration. The findings corroborate the importance of the current study.

The study was conducted at Abo Akademi University by Annamaria Oblom for her Master's thesis in Psychology and published in the international PLOS ONE journal. The study is the first of its kind concerning the private rental housing market in Finland.

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The publication is accessible at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0183344

For more information:

Master of Arts in Psychology

Annamaria Oblom

Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Abo Akademi University

Phone: +358 (0)40 963 6618

E-mail: annamaria.oblom@abo.fi

Jan Antfolk

Postdoctoral researcher in Psychology

Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Abo Akademi University

Phone: +358 (0)45 219 985

E-mail: jan.antfolk@abo.fi
Heparin is a medication widely used to prevent blood clotting; it is named after and mimics the naturally occurring anticoagulant in the body. However, research published today in Cell Reports shows a novel role of heparin as a promoter of food intake and body weight increase in animal models. These results suggest that heparin could be a potential target for drugs regulating appetite and weight control.

"In addition to its role as an anticoagulant, heparin, which is normally produced by the body, has been known to affect other biological functions. In this study, we are among the first groups to investigate heparin's potential role in regulating the body's energy balance," said co-corresponding author Dr. Yong Xu, associate professor of pediatrics, and of molecular and cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine.

"Our earlier studies showed that serum heparin levels in mice increased significantly during starvation. These encouraged us to explore a potential role of heparin in feeding control," said co-corresponding author, Dr. Gang Shu, professor in the College of Animal Science at South China Agricultural University. How heparin stimulates food intake

The research team discovered that heparin stimulates the AgRP neurons located in the hypothalamus, one of the most important appetite-modulating neurons, which results in increased production of AgRP protein, a neuropeptide that stimulates food intake. Heparin also stimulates AgRP neurons to fire electric impulses and release of neurotransmitters. The researchers think that both effects on AgRP neurons contribute to the increased food intake observed in the mice.

Interestingly, "we also demonstrated that heparin activates AgRP neurons by competing with insulin for binding to the insulin receptor," said Shu.

"Insulin and heparin have opposite effects on AgRP neurons," Xu said. "Insulin treatment suppresses AgRP neuron firing of electrical impulses and expression of AgRP neuropeptides. We found that heparin competes with and prevents insulin from binding to insulin receptors on AgRP neurons."

Although this study was conducted in animal models, it has potential implications for patients because the medication heparin is widely used in clinical settings to prevent blood clotting. The results raise awareness about a novel effect of heparin that can potentially affect how the body regulates appetite. In addition, this study suggests that heparin can potentially be a target for treating eating disorders, including overeating, a leading cause of obesity in most of the world.

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Other contributors to this work include Canjun Zhu, Pingwen Xu, Yanlin He, Yexian Yuan, Tao Wang, Xingcai Cai, Lulu Yu, Liusong Yang, Junguo Wu, Lina Wang, Xiaotong Zhu, Songbo Wang, Ping Gao, Qianyun Xi, Yongliang Zhang and Qingyan Jiang. The authors are affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine or South China Agricultural University.

This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (31472105), National Basic Research Program of China (2013CB127304), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31572480) and Excellent Young Teachers Training Program Foundation of Guangdong Province. Support was also provided by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01DK093587, R01DK101379 and K99DK107008), USDA/CRIS (3092-5-001-059), American Diabetes Association (1-17-PDF-138) and American Heart Association award (17GRNT32960003).
Cancer metastasis - the spread of disease from the original site to a distant organ - remains a major challenge in treating cancer and a main cause of morbidity and mortality. A widely accepted explanation for this process - called "the seed and soil" hypothesis - recognizes the need for the cancer cell or "seed" to travel to a hospitable environment - the "soil".

To understand metastasis, many investigators have focused on the cancer cell- or seed. Yves DeClerck, MD, a pediatrician-scientist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and co-leader of the Tumor Microenvironment Program at the USC-Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, has studied this topic for his entire career from a slightly different perspective, concentrating on the "soil" or tumor microenvironment. Because of his recognition as a leader in this area, DeClerck was recently awarded $2.2 million from the National Cancer Institute, to investigate the microenvironment from a relatively new context. The study will focus on a newly identified type of messenger -- extracellular vesicles released by cancer cells into their environment. These vesicles, called exosomes, are small sacs shed by tumor cells that contain protein, DNA, RNA and lipids. Exosomes are taken in by other cells and can modify behavior of the receiving cell.

According to DeClerck, healthy cells are typically inhospitable to cancer cells. What causes them to change from foe to friend? "There are different ways that cancer cells communicate with normal cells - causing the change - and one of these ways is through exosomes," said DeClerck, who is a professor of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He also holds the Richard Call Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research Innovation at CHLA.

DeClerck's collaborator on the NCI study is David Lyden, MD, of Weill Cornell Medical College, who originally proposed the role of tumor-secreted exosomes in cancer metastasis.

Recently DeClerck, along with collaborators at CHLA and Keck, published on this topic. The first paper, in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, describes research conducted during his sabbatical, spent in the lab of co-author Pascale Zimmermann in Marseille, France. His research identified how exosomes, shed by neuroblastoma cells, induce bone marrow mesenchymal progenitor cells to release factors favorable to cancer cells. A subsequent paper, recently published in Cancer Research, describes the mechanisms by which these bone marrow cells - also present in primary tumors - promote the growth of neuroblastoma cells and their resistance to chemotherapy.

"What if you could intervene early and prevent the cancer cell from modifying the bone marrow - keeping it inhospitable to cancer," said DeClerck. "Instead of figuring out how to treat metastatic disease, we could prevent it."

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About Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been ranked the top children's hospital in California and sixth in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll. CHLA is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. Children's Hospital is also one of America's premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932. For more information, visit CHLA.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram, and visit our child health blog (CHLA.org/blog) and our research blog (ResearCHLABlog.org).
The presence of the bacterium Kingella kingae in children's throats was strongly linked to bone and joint infection with the same bacterium, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Bone and joint bacterial infections in children can have devastating effects on long-term mobility and can cause death. Previously, most infections were thought to be caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria and were treated with long-term antibiotics and/or surgery. Over the last years, new highly sensitive techniques have allowed more precise identification of the bacteria responsible for these infections.

The study, between two pediatric centres in Canada and Switzerland, included 77 children aged 6 months to 4 years of age admitted for suspected bone or joint infection and 286 controls. Of the suspected infections, 65 children had confirmed bone or joint infection.

"Using improved diagnostic methods, our study found that the vast majority of children younger than 4 years old suffering from a bone or joint infection were infected by Kingella kingae bacteria," states Dr. Jocelyn Gravel, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec. "More importantly, we discovered that 70% of children who had a bone/joint infection carried these bacteria in their throats, while it is uncommon in uninfected children (only 6%)."

These results are important because the proportion of unknown pathogen was very high in previous studies. Now, using innovative diagnosis methods, this study demonstrated the K. kingae is not uncommon. Rather, it is by far the most common pathogen for bone or joint infection in children.

"Based on this study, we plan to change the way we investigate children at risk of bone/joint infection, because the identification of K. kingae in the throat of a child with a suspected bone infection will point towards K. kingae as the culprit. This may decrease the number of other tests performed to identify the pathogen."

The authors note that it was a small study and further studies in other North American cities are needed.

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In a related commentary http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.170843, Drs. Romain Basmaci and Stephane Bonacorsi, Hopital Louis-Mourier, Colombes, France, caution that, although the findings of the study show a strong association between throat infection of K. kingae and bone/joint infection, "with a carriage rate among healthy children as high as 10% in some countries, relying on oropharyngeal detection as a proxy for diagnosis in the case of a joint infection would result in a high false-positive diagnosis."

The research study was a collaboration between two pediatric hospitals in Montreal and Geneva.
Patients requiring surgery for esophageal cancer fare better after undergoing a hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy compared to an open esophagectomy

LUGANO-MADRID, 05 September, 2017 - Patients requiring surgery for oesophageal cancer fare better after undergoing a hybrid minimally invasive oesophagectomy (HMIO) compared to an open oesophagectomy (OO), according to long-term results of the MIRO trial to be presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid (1).

Mature results of the phase 3 study, with follow-up to a median of 48.8 months, demonstrate that the reduced surgical trauma associated with a laparoscopic approach, does not cut corners on safety, said investigator Dr.Guillaume Piessen, from University Hospital C. Huriez Place de Verdun in Lille, France.

"In addition to a 69% reduction in major intra- and postoperative morbidity, three-year overall survival was improved in the laparoscopic group, showing that it is an oncologically sound procedure," he said.

While the survival difference between groups was not statistically significant, he called it "highly clinically relevant."

MIRO enrolled 207 adult patients from 13 centres with with resectable cancers of the middle or lower third of the oesophagus.

They were randomised to undergo either HMIO or an OO.

At 30-days, major postoperative morbidity occurred in significantly fewer patients in the HMIO compared to the OO group (35.9% versus 64.4%, odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95%CI 0.18-0.55; p<0001).

At three years, there was also a trend in the HMIO group towards improved overall survival and disease-free survival (67.0% versus 55%, p=0.05 and 57% versus 48%, p=0.15).

Commenting on the trial, Prof. Ulrich Guller, from Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland said:, "This represents an extremely important, well-designed and well-conducted study demonstrating that HMIO is an oncologically sound procedure and significantly reduces postoperative morbidity. Based on these results, the HMIO should become the new standard operating procedure for patients with mid and low oesophageal cancer."

Guller added, "I think it is key to mention Prof. Christophe Mariette, the first author of this important trial, who sadly passed away one month ago. Prof. Mariette was a model of a surgical scientist and an opinion leader in the field, and his contribution to the MIRO trial was of cardinal importance."

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Notes to Editors

Please make sure to use the official name of the meeting in your reports: ESMO 2017 Congress

References

1 Abstract 615O_PR 'Hybrid Minimally Invasive vs. Open Esophagectomy for patients with Esophageal Cancer: Long-term outcomes of a multicentre, open-label, randomized phase III controlled trial, the MIRO trial" will be presented by Dr Guillaume Piessen during Proffered Paper Session 'Gastrointestinal tumours, non-colorectal 1' on Friday, 8 September 2017, 14:00 to 15:30 (CEST) in Barcelona Auditorium.

Disclaimer

This press release contains information provided by the authors of the highlighted abstracts and reflects the content of those abstracts. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ESMO who cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the data. Commentators quoted in the press release are required to comply with the ESMO Declaration of Interests policy and the ESMO Code of Conduct.

About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

ESMO is the leading professional organisation for medical oncology. With 16,000 members representing oncology professionals from over 130 countries worldwide, ESMO is the society of reference for oncology education and information. We are committed to supporting our members to develop and advance in a fast-evolving professional environment. http://www.esmo.org
While unconscious during deep sleep, millions of neurons' activity travels across the cerebral cortex. This phenomenon, known as slow waves, is related to the consolidation of memory. The European project called SloW Dyn, led by Spanish scientists, has now revealed anomalies in this activity in mice displaying a decline similar to Alzheimer's.

During deep sleep, large populations of neurons in the cerebral cortex and subcortical brain structures simultaneously discharge electrical pulses. They are slow oscillations, that travel as 'waves' of neural activity from one point to another in the cortex once every one to four seconds.

"This global rhythmic activity, controlled by the cerebral cortex, is associated with a lack of consciousness," SINC was told by Mavi Sanchez-Vives, director of the Neuroscience Systems group at the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS, Barcelona), whose research team has suggested that it is the default activity of the cortical circuits.

These oscillations consolidate memory and synaptic plasticity and maintain metabolic and cellular function, among others. Within the framework of the European SloW Dyn (Slow Wave Dynamics) project which the neuroscientist leads, researchers have now discovered differences in this brain activity between healthy mice and mice with cognitive decline similar to Alzheimer's due to premature ageing.

"We detected a decrease in the frequency of the oscillations which were also more irregular and had a lower high-frequency content of 15 to 100 hertz," points out Sanchez-Vives, also from the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA).

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, highlights how some of these changes have also been registered in patients with Alzheimer's disease for which reason, according to the authors, the animal model could help in studying the disease.

Cause or effect of diseases

The relationship between slow oscillations and neurodegenerative diseases is twofold. When there are pathologies that disturb cortical circuits, they are often reflected in the disruption of slow waves. "We are studying what those changes tell us about the altered underlying mechanisms," says the researcher.

Furthermore, the wave alterations will likely be associated with sleep problems, which may influence the development of a disease. "For example, if slow wave sleep periods are disrupted, cognitive functions such as attention and memory can be negatively affected," Sanchez-Vives notes.

In order to measure these oscillations, scientists use EEGs which record a person's brain activity while sleeping. Throughout the SloW Dyn project, experts will measure the waves of thousands of people and will ascertain how they change with age. The tools which they have developed for this purpose are an instrument that registers brain activity and an app.

"This will provide massive information about the composition of sleep, the synchronization of brain activity and the anomalies that can occur as a result of aging or specific pathologies," highlights the scientist. Researchers hope that these records will also give them clues about the therapeutic potential of restoring slow waves when they are impaired.

Disconnecting consciousness

SloW Dyn has been given over 660,000 euros in funding and will last 36 months. At present, the international consortium is midway through this period. One of the ultimate objectives is to develop a model that mathematically describes these oscillations and thus be able to make predictions.

"We are trying to understand a phenomenon which, although seemingly very simple, has the power to disconnect consciousness," summarises Sanchez-Vives.

The Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona), the Italian Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago (USA), the National Centre for Scientific Research (France) and the company Rythm (France) are also participating in the project led by IDIBAPS.

Within Horizon 2020-the framework programme for funding research in the European Union-, SloW Dyn is part of the Human Brain Project, one of the Flagship Future and Emerging Technology Research Initiatives (FET Flagships).

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References:

Maria V. Sanchez-Vives, Marcello Massimini y Maurizio Mattia. "Shaping the Default Activity Pattern of the Cortical Network" Neuron 94 (5) June 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.05.015.

Patricia Castano-Prat, Maria Perez-Zabalza, Lorena Perez-Mendez, Rosa M. Escorihuela y Maria V. Sanchez-Vives. "Slow and Fast Neocortical Oscillations in the Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Model SAMP8" Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 9:141 May 2017. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00141.
An alteration impairing the expression of certain proteins might hide the genesis of part of brain dysfunctions observed in schizophrenia patients

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world population and is the main cause of psychiatric incapacitation. Despite its high prevalence and the severity of its symptoms, little is known about the biochemical mechanisms involved in its development or progression.

A study published in Molecular Neuropsychiatry magazine suggests that many of the brain alterations found in patients with schizophrenia may be rooted in the dysfunctional participation of the so-called spliceosome, a protein complex directly involved in the process of protein synthesis.

"Our study is the first to link the spliceosome with the disease," says Daniel Martins-de-Souza, a professor in the Biology Institute of the University of Campinas (IB-UNICAMP), Sao Paulo State, and principal investigator for the project, which receive support from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

In the cell level, proteins are synthesized through a process in which DNA information is transcripted by the Messenger RNA and then spliced by the spliceosome, whose role is to unite the codifying parts of the genetic code to the precursor molecule, therefore shaping the protein to its functional form.

According to Veronica Saia-Cereda, an Unicamp doctorate student and first author of the article, malfunctioning of the messenger RNA processing machinery may mean that certain proteins are not translated correctly and that their expression is altered throughout the organism, with currently unknown consequences.

On a post-mortem brain tissue comparative analysis between 12 schizophrenia patients and 8 healthy individuals, Martins-de-Souza group detected a high amount of proteins with modified expression at two brain regions that previous research has shown to be morphologically and functionally altered in patients with schizophrenia: the anterior temporal lobe and the corpus callosum.

"The anterior temporal lobe is involved in auditory and visual processing, so it's closely linked to symptoms such as psychosis and hallucinations. The corpus callosum is the brain region that contains the most glial cells [such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes]," Martins-de-Souza said.

According to him, oligodendrocytes are crucial for synapse, for they produce a fatty substance called myelin, in the absence of which the propagation of electric impulses among neurons is impaired.

With the aid of a mass spectrometer, the scientists could map all the proteins found in the nuclei of the cells in these two brain regions and isolating them for analysis, excluding proteins found in other organelles and in the cytoplasm.

In the corpus callosum, they found 119 differentially expressed proteins, 24 of which were nuclear proteins. According to Saia-Cereda, most are involved in calcium-mediated cellular signaling, which is important both to the metabolism of mitochondria (organelles that produce energy for the cell) and to the removal of surplus amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine from the synaptic vesicle (where information exchange between neurons occurs).

"Alterations in dopamine levels in the brain are associated with the most characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delirium and hallucinations," Saia-Cereda said.

In the anterior temporal lobe, they found 224 differentially expressed proteins, and 76 were nuclear proteins. Eight of these nuclear proteins are involved in the functioning of the spliceosome -- including the ones part of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) Family, produced by oligodendrocytes. Around 2005, Martins-de-Souza's group found that the expression of hnRNP proteins was also altered in schizophrenia patients.

"Subsequent studies performed by other groups on the basis of our findings showed in animal and cellular models that alterations in hnRNPs do indeed interfere in the neuron myelination process and may impair cerebral connectivity", told Martins-de-Souza. Therefore, this may be the genesis of the myelination dysfunctions associated with schizophrenia,"

Developments

In another study with support from FAPESP, IB-UNICAMP postdoctoral student Mariana Fioramonte is working to identify the proteins that partner with hnRNPs to process messenger RNA.

Martins-de-Souza, her supervisor for the project, explained that the aim is to determine whether the proteins that associate with hnRNPs for this function are different in patients with schizophrenia and people without mental disorders.

"The next step will be to try to modulate the expression of these molecules in the laboratory and observe how the spliceosome functions when some of them are inhibited," he said. "The idea is to try to find the cause of this dysregulation of the spliceosome. Depending on the results, it's possible that some of these proteins can be tested as therapeutic targets."

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The Labrador Sea in the North Atlantic is one of the few areas in the world ocean where cold, saline seawater sinks to large depths and forms deep water. This convection process also transports oxygen into the deep sea. A team of scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (San Diego, California), Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel have now published the analysis of data obtained from the mooring K1 in the international scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters. The results show that in winter 2014/2015 an unusually high amount of oxygen was absorbed by the ocean in the region. The actual oxygen uptake at the sea surface is very difficult to determine directly, but the scientists were able to derive the oxygen uptake from the oxygen content measured throughout the water column,. One of the questions the scientists were concerned with: Can the strong oxygen uptake in the Labrador Sea compensate the global oxygen loss of the ocean?

The ocean surface, in constant gas exchange with the atmosphere, takes up oxygen from it. "In the ocean, in particular the temperature and air bubbles influence the oxygen uptake," says Dr. Johannes Karstensen, oceanographer at GEOMAR and co-author of the study. If the ocean surface cools down, the water mass becomes denser and heavier. Thus, the water mass starts to sink to greater depth, including the absorbed dissolved oxygen. At the same time, water rises from deeper layers and gets enriched with oxygen again." Sometimes this process is compared to a waterfall but in reality it is somewhat different," says Dr. Johannes Karstensen. "It is rather a re-layering where cooler, denser water sinks and the underlying lighter water rises, is then cooled down, sinks again, and so on".

As the data from the long-term measuring station K1 in the Labrador Sea show, an unusually high amount of oxygen was absorbed in the particularly cold and stormy winter of 2014/2015. On one hand, this was due to the fact that the vertical turnover process extended to depths of more than 1,700 meters. On the other hand, the scientists were able to show from the observational data that the observed oxygen increase can only be explained by taking into account the inflow of air bubbles at the surface. This result is particularly important for the correct modelling of oxygen uptake in deep-convection areas and also serves to improve climate prediction.

More recently, GEOMAR researchers have published a study on the temporal evolution of the oxygen concentration in the world ocean. It shows that the oxygen content of the world's oceans has decreased by more than two percent over the last 50 years. An obvious question is: Can the increased oxygen uptake in the Labrador Sea compensate the observed oxygen loss of the world oceans? "Even if we assume that the water formed in 2014/2015 will be transported out of that region without any losses, only about one hundredth of the world's oceanic oxygen loss can be compensated", says Dr. Johannes Karstensen. "In particular, the decrease in oxygen content in the surface water caused by global warming cannot be compensated." On the other hand, the data from the Labrador Sea also contribute to a better understanding of the global circulation processes. "This allows better predictions of the future development of oxygen in the oceans," emphasizes the oceanographer from Kiel.

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Reference: Koeling, J., D. W. R. Wallace, U. Send, and J. Karstensen, 2017: Intense oceanic uptake of oxygen during 2014-15 winter convection in the Labrador Sea. Geophys. Res. Lett. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2017GL073933

Please note: The study was supported on the Canadian side by the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology and by the NSERC-funded project VITALS. Mooring K1 is part of the OceanSITES network. The analysis was funded by the BMBF project RACE II, the AtlantOS project within the framework of the EU Horizon 2020 program, and the NACLIM project within the framework of the 7th Framework Program of the EU.

Links:

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, USA

Dalhousie University, Canada

GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum fur Ozeanforschung Kiel

Ocensites Programm

Atlantos Programm

Vitals Programm (Kanada)

BMBF RACE Programm
On the path to new treatment strategies in the fight against HIV

Assistant Professor Julien van Grevenynghe from INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier Research Centre has received a 2017 Discovery Award from the Banting Research Foundation. The award comes with a $25,000 prize that will enable Professor van Grevenynghe to further his research into the development of new strategies for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The award recognizes the research excellence and creativity of young Canadian researchers working in health and biomedical sciences.

Professor van Grevenynghe is studying the role of autophagy in the immune response to HIV infection. Autophagy is recognized as an essential cellular defence system in eliminating certain viruses found in cells and may also play a role in "training" T cells, which are an integral part of the immune system.

"The goal of our research is to better understand the molecular mechanisms of immunity among infected subjects. These mechanisms naturally control viral replication and serve as an efficient defence system. Our results could be used to strengthen the immune system of patients who need antiretroviral therapy and to develop effective HIV vaccines, a goal that remains elusive despite constant efforts," said Professor van Grevenynghe, a specialist in immunology and virology who joined INRS in 2015.

Established in 1925, the Banting Research Foundation provides startup funding to support early-career researchers. In 2017 the Foundation received fifty-three applications, six of which were awarded funds.

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International recommendations for patient care in the last days of life have been drawn up by researchers

Emeritus Professor Sheila Payne from the International Observatory on End of Life Care at Lancaster University helped conduct the study commissioned by the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) and published in The Lancet Oncology.

The recommendations are based on the knowledge and experience of more than a hundred experts from fourteen countries in the field of Advance Care Planning.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process in which patients discuss their goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care with their relatives and health-care providers. These preferences can be documented in an advance care directive, to be used if patients at some point are unable to express their preferences themselves.

ACP is important because people sometimes receive treatments they might not wish to receive such as resuscitation or admission to hospital in the last phase of life. Such decisions are often taken in circumstances in which patients are unable to express their preferences themselves, or when decisions have to be made urgently.

By timely consideration and discussions with relatives and health-care providers about what one would prefer in such circumstances, the chances are increased that people's goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care can be included in the medical decision-making. ACP also helps relatives to feel comfortable to make medical decisions with health-care providers, when the patient is no longer able to do so.

There is still a lot of uncertainty about what ACP is and how it should be conducted in practice. Is it applicable to everyone? What topics should be discussed? At what time? And whose responsibility is it to start ACP?

The study recommended, for instance, that ACP should be adapted to the individual's readiness to engage in the ACP process.

Professor Payne said: "We consider that ACP is a process rather than a one-off conversation or a tick box exercise. If the patient prefers, ACP can be initiated early on in the disease process.

"We recommend that as values and preferences might change over time, ACP conversations and documents should be updated regularly. This can happen for instance if the individual's health condition worsens, their personal situation changes, or as they age."

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This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict.   Mark Alexander

We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens !  Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com
Sodium channels in the cells that line the tiny capillaries in our lungs play an important role in keeping those capillaries from leaking and potentially worsening conditions like pneumonia, scientists report

AUGUSTA, Ga. (Sept. 5, 2017) - Sodium channels in the cells that line the tiny capillaries in our lungs play an important role in keeping those capillaries from leaking and potentially worsening conditions like pneumonia, scientists report.

The TIP peptide, a synthetic version of the tip of the cancer-killing immune molecule tumor necrosis factor, appears to strengthen that barrier function, according to the study in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.

TIP's protection works even in the face of pneumolysin, a toxin released in large volume in response to antibiotic treatment to kill pneumonia-causing bacterium. The toxin can create tiny holes in the natural barriers of both capillaries as well as air sacs in the lungs. The result can be a second and potentially deadly wave of fluid accumulation in the lungs in about 20 percent of the sickest pneumonia patients.

"We showed that these channels are present in human capillary endothelial cells and that these channels play a really important role in protecting us from pneumolysin," says Dr. Rudolf Lucas, vascular biologist at the Vascular Biology Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and the study's corresponding author.

"We also provided more evidence that targeting these channels with the TIP peptide or something similar is a solid strategy for reducing dangerous fluid volume in your lungs," says Lucas. The studies were conducted in the endothelial cells that line human lung capillaries, known to form a tight barrier for the blood vessels.

Tiny capillaries and air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs have thin walls and close proximity which enable the capillaries to pick up oxygen from the air sacs and carry it forward to the rest of the body. The toxin makes the usually tight lining of the capillaries leaky so blood and other fluid can get into the lung tissue, even into the air sacs. The lungs can become overwhelmed with fluid, and the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs.

Similarly, sodium transport channels in the air sacs are negatively impacted by the toxin.

The function of the epithelial sodium channel, or ENaC, which helps move fluid out of air sacs normally, is even more in demand in the face of pneumonia, but the toxin impairs its ability in both the air sacs and capillaries, the scientists have now shown.

The scientific team working through the complex interchange found that in the capillaries of the lung, an important subunit of ENaC - called ENaC-alpha - is important as well to strengthening the barrier function of the blood vessels. They then showed that the TIP peptide, which they developed and know binds to ENaC-alpha, significantly strengthened the barrier in human endothelial cells exposed to the toxin.

They also found at work in the barrier function, a hybrid of ENaC-alpha and the acid sensing ion channel, known for its pain-mediating contributions in the brain. A troubled lung also becomes acidic, which can activate this acid sensing ion channel. They found their TIP peptide also activates the unique hybrid it makes with ENaC-alpha.

"Patients are being treated with antibiotics, which they need to kill the bugs," Lucas notes. The problem is, once you kill the bugs in large quantities, they can release huge amounts of this toxin into the lungs and these toxins make holes, literally holes in membranes of every cell containing cholesterol."

Pulmonologists and other critical care specialists recognize the subsequent problems that can result from high levels of the pneumolysin toxin, but currently don't have a direct solution, Lucas says. Ventilator support can help push oxygen through the fluid-filled sacs, but carries the risk of letting even more bugs into the lungs as well as physical damage to lung tissue.

There also is currently no way to identify ahead of time which patients will experience this second wave, Lucas says. Children are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems also mount a vigorous attack against the invading bacterium and so even more toxin results from the dying bug. Pneumonia is a top killer of children under age five across the world, according to the World Health Organization, along with preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia, diarrhea, malaria and malnutrition.

The TIP peptide is attracted to the sugar coating at the mouth of the sodium channel.

Lucas led a team of scientists who reported in 2014 that the TIP peptide worked like a doorstop to keep sodium channels inside air sacs open in animal models.

Results of a clinical study led by the University of Vienna, also published this year in the journal Critical Care, showed that patients with more severe pulmonary edema - fluid in their lungs - who required a ventilator to support their breathing were able to better clear fluid from their lungs following inhaled treatment with the Tip peptide. Others did not appear to benefit.

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Dr. Douglas C. Eaton, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physiology at the Emory University School of Medicine and coauthor on the new study, previously discovered that ENaC-alpha has a role in fluid clearance.

The research was supported by an American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant to Dr. Istvan Czikora, assistant research scientist at MCG and the study's first and co-corresponding author as well as the National Institutes of Health and the German Research Foundation. Lucas also is an associate professor in the MCG Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders and health care providers in classrooms and clinics on three campuses in Augusta and satellite locations across the state. Groundbreaking research at Augusta is dedicated to improving and enriching the human experience as we seek to create a healthier, more prosperous Georgia. Nearly 9,000 students choose Augusta for experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanity and the health sciences. Augusta is home to the state's only public academic health center, where world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. augusta.edu augustahealth.org
Nonprofit journalism organizations have made notable civic contributions, but fall short of offering a strong critical alternative to the market failure and professional shortcomings of commercial journalism, finds a new study from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

The study, published online in the journal Journalism, describes both the possibilities and limits of the foundation-supported nonprofit model.

"In the ongoing financial crisis in U.S. journalism, philanthropic foundation-supported nonprofits are increasingly hailed as the remedy to the lack of civic-oriented news production. This study questions whether foundation-supported news organizations are an adequate solution to what ails journalism," said Rodney Benson, professor and chair of the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU Steinhardt and the study's author.

U.S. journalism - unlike that of Western Europe - has long been thoroughly commercial, with only a very small public media sector. Nevertheless, from the 1960s through the 1990s, media companies were able to turn a profit while also producing civic-oriented news, including investigative, public affairs, and international reporting.

This "win-win" compromise between commerce and public service began unraveling before the turn of the century, with media companies seeing drops in revenue driven by the rise of the internet. As a result, they cut newsroom jobs; local, national, and international public affairs reporting, as well as investigative reporting, were hit particularly hard by the reductions in staff.

In the mid-2000s, philanthropy emerged as a possible way out of the journalism crisis, and nonprofit journalism began to grow. Relying heavily on grants from philanthropic foundations - such as Ford, Gates, Open Society, Knight, and MacArthur - nonprofit journalism is seen as a means of transcending the previous compromise between commercial and civic needs in order to focus solely on public service. Successful national (ProPublica) and local (Texas Tribune, MinnPost) nonprofit news organizations have launched in the past decade.

While foundation support has been welcomed by news organizations, their investment is relatively small. Annual commercial spending to support news operations has fallen $1.6 billion since 2008, according to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, yet Benson noted that only about $150 million per year - less than one-tenth of this amount - is currently being invested by foundations specifically in news organizations.

To understand who makes the decisions at foundations and nonprofit news organizations - and whether this influences the resulting journalism - Benson conducted an analysis of the professional and educational composition of boards of directors at commercial news organizations, foundations, and nonprofit news organizations. He found that business leaders and financial elites dominate the oversight of all three types of organizations, though to a slightly lesser degree at foundations and nonprofit news.

In addition, Benson found that project-based funding from foundations may skew media attention toward issues favored by donors. Media organizations dependent on project-based funding risk being captured by foundation agendas and are less able to investigate the issues they deem most important.

Benson also looked at what foundations ask in return for their support and found that nonprofit news organizations are often stuck trying to reconcile their "impact" and "sustainability." Foundations put nonprofits in a bind with their competing demands to achieve both civic impact, via circulation of free content, and economic sustainability, via paying audiences and corporate sponsors. This dynamic ultimately creates pressure to reproduce dominant commercial media news practices to capture wide audiences or provide "infotainment" - or alternatively, orient news for small, elite audiences.

"The Catch-22 is that 'impact' as defined by foundations is not 'sustainable' as defined by foundations," Benson said.

Despite his criticisms, Benson stressed that foundation-supported nonprofits tend to focus more on public affairs and investigative reporting than most commercial media. In particular, he praised the outstanding investigative reporting of ProPublica, Center for Investigative Reporting, and other leading nonprofit news organizations.

In order to overcome the limitations of foundation-supported journalism, Benson calls for reforms - including more long-term, non-project-based, and no-strings-attached funding by foundations.

"Despite the language of civic duty that surrounds the foundation world like a golden haze, there are often specific strings and metrics attached to grants, which can create the possibility or appearance of a conflict of interest," said Benson.

He also recommends more innovative and democratic funding through small donors and crowdfunding, more effective modes of distribution that reach beyond elite and partisan silos, and increased funding and greater autonomy for public media.

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The study was funded in part by the Swedish Ax:son Johnson Foundation - which provided the grant with no strings attached. Benson's article is part of a special issue of Journalism devoted to the topic of "media capture" by government, corporations, or nonprofit organizations, edited by Anya Schiffrin, professor of international media at Columbia University.

About the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (@nyusteinhardt)

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development prepares students for careers in the arts, education, health, media, and psychology. Since its founding in 1890, the Steinhardt School's mission has been to expand human capacity through public service, global collaboration, research, scholarship, and practice. To learn more about NYU Steinhardt, visit steinhardt.nyu.edu.
Unique footage of a new species of clearwing moth has been recorded in a primeval rainforest in Peninsular Malaysia revealing the behaviour of this elusive insect.

Clearwing moths, which are day-flying insects belonging to the Sesiidae family, imitate bees and wasps. Apart from the common species considered as agricultural pests, these moths are known mainly from old museum specimens, stored on pins in forgotten drawers. In the wild, they are elusive creatures, rarely spotted and, hence, poorly studied.

Marta Skowron Volponi from the University of Gdansk, Poland, a PhD student specialising in entomology, teamed up with nature filmmaker and photographer Paolo Volponi, associated with the ClearWing Foundation for Biodiversity, to find these intriguing insects. The results of their studies were recently published in ZooKeys.

In their search for clearwing moths, they went deep into the virgin Malaysian jungle, where elephants, tigers, tapirs and other charismatic Southeast Asian animals roam, while dealing with the intense heat, humidity and countless blood-suckers.

In the end, however, their effort was worth it: on a bank of a crystal clear river, during the hottest hours of the day, the researchers discovered a new species of clearwing moth displaying behaviour known as mud-puddling.

"Mud-puddling is the process of sucking-up liquids in order to gain essential nutrients, such as salt or proteins", explains Marta. "It has only recently been observed in clearwing moths and, similarly as in other Lepidopterans, it seems to be restricted to males".

The newly discovered species was named Pyrophleps ellawi in honour of Marta and Paolo's Malaysian friend EL Law who supported the team during their expeditions and who has a deep affinity for nature.

Curiously, rather than resembling a butterfly's relative, the new moth looks like an insect from a whole different order. It mimics potter wasps.

"It has a slender body, long legs and transparent wings with a blue sheen in sunlight, similarly to some species of potter wasps", says Marta.

Furthermore, while observing the moth in the wild, the authors noticed that it does not only look like a wasp - it also flies like one.

"There were potter wasps in the same area. In flight, the two insects were impossible to distinguish, they would always confuse us!"

The new species seems to be quite rare. During the authors' three expeditions to Malaysia, they managed to see only eight individuals with each of them seen on a different day.

"So there we were: on our knees on a sandy beach, in the middle of the jungle, trying to film the 1.5 cm moth", Marta recalls. "We didn't have much time: a single clearwing would come around 2:00 PM and stay for several minutes only. We knew that once it flew away, we would not get another shot".

"Could it be that their rarity is the reason why the behaviour of clearwing moths is practically unknown and why there are still new species waiting to be discovered?" the researchers wonder.

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Original source:

Skowron Volponi MA, Volponi P (2017) A new species of wasp-mimicking clearwing moth from Peninsular Malaysia with DNA barcode and behavioural notes (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae). ZooKeys 692: 129-139. Doi: 10.3897/zookeys.692.13587

Additional Information:

Marta Skowron Volponi received funding through a doctoral scholarship "Etiuda IV", registration number 2016/20/T/NZ8/00541, from the National Science Centre in Poland.
A Rice University study has found that the aspirin-like drug diflunisal blocks the action of prestin, a key protein that is required for hearing.

The research, which is available online in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, stemmed from a 2015 Rice study that screened more than a half-dozen nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for possible interactions with the protein prestin. Prestin is a highly specialized protein that drives the action of outer hair cells in the cochlea, an inner-ear organ that allows people and animals to hear.

"Taking too much aspirin can cause temporary deafness, and researchers discovered more than a decade ago that this happens because salicylate, one of the primary metabolites of aspirin, interferes with prestin," said study lead author Guillaume Duret, a research scientist in Rice's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "Given the number of commonly used NSAIDs that operate in a similar way to aspirin, it seemed like a good idea to find out whether they also might inhibit prestin."

Duret said diflunisal was the only drug in the test that blocked the action of prestin. He said the findings suggest that the inhibition occurs by competing with chloride ions in prestin, a mechanism that is similar to what has been proposed for salicylate. The study also found that the dosage needed to induce a reaction was less than the aspirin dose required to induce a similar reaction.

Diflunisal is primarily prescribed as a mild pain killer and an anti-inflammatory for arthritis. But Duret said the findings come at an important time because the medical community is considering repurposing diflunisal as a possible treatment for both cancer and amyloid polyneuropathy.

"So far, it's been used in a pill form that is ingested, and the known side effects are for relatively small doses, like as if you were taking aspirin," Duret said. "For greater doses that are perhaps injected, the side effects may not yet be known."

He conducted the study's experiments in 2015 with two of the world's leading experts on prestin and outer hair cells, Rice bioengineer Rob Raphael and Baylor College of Medicine molecular biologist Fred Pereira.

The new findings weren't easy to obtain. They involved dozens of painstaking experiments in which Duret isolated and measured the activity of live outer hair cells from the cochlea of mice. To get his measurements, Duret had to find the cells under a microscope, grab hold of them with a glass pipette and apply and measure current through a process known as whole-cell patch clamping. The tests had to be performed both with and without the presence of diflunisal and before the short-lived cells died.

Raphael, who has studied prestin for more than 15 years and who made some of the first discoveries about salicylate's interference with prestin, said live-animal testing is needed to determine whether diflunisal causes deafness and at what dose.

"In addition to the potential clinical significance, Guillame's carefully done research has helped us refine our understanding of how molecules interact with prestin and how prestin itself operates," Raphael said.

He said the study also revealed a direct effect of diflunisal on the hair cell membrane, a result that may have implications for other physiological systems.

"This study comes at a time where there is considerable excitement about new fields like systems and synthetic biology," said Raphael, who's lab is developing systems-level models of ion transport in the cochlea.

"This is a reminder that we still don't have a basic understanding of how commonly used drugs affect important proteins in our cell membranes," he said. "Sometimes, even the discoveries in your own lab humble you to the magnitude of what we still do not know about biological systems."

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

SUMMARY:

A Rice University study has found that the aspirin-like drug diflunisal blocks the action of prestin, a key protein that is required for hearing.

Rice University

Office of Public Affairs / News & Media Relations

David Ruth

713-348-6327

david@rice.edu

Jade Boyd

713-348-6778

jadeboyd@rice.edu

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at:

0824_DIFLUNISAL-duo-sml http://news.rice.edu/files/2017/08/0824_DIFLUNISAL-duo-lg-2au5huv.jpg CAPTION: Rob Raphael (left) and Guillaume Duret (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

The DOI of the PLOS ONE paper is: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183046

A copy of the paper is available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183046

Related stories from Rice:

Rice, BCM explore nanoscale biophysics of key hearing protein -- April 23, 2009 http://news.rice.edu/2009/04/23/rice-bcm-explore-nanoscale-biophysics-of-key-hearing-protein/

New findings help explain hearing loss -- Oct. 31, 2007 http://news.rice.edu/2007/10/31/new-findings-help-expain-hearing-loss/

Rice study finds aspirin-induced ulcers, hearing loss caused by same mechanism -- Oct. 6, 2005 http://news.rice.edu/2005/10/06/rice-study-finds-aspirin-induced-ulcers-hearing-loss-caused-by-same-mechanism/

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
Rice University chemical engineers have used the most realistic computer model yet devised to simulate the precise atomic and molecular interactions that come into play when water mixes with alkanes, a family of hydrocarbons that includes methane, propane and other products refined from petroleum and natural gas, such as paraffin.

In a new study published this month in the Journal of Chemical Physics, Rice researchers Dilipkumar Asthagiri, Arjun Valiya Parambathu and Walter Chapman, as well as former graduate student Deepti Ballal of Ames Laboratory, offered new answers to a puzzle that has long stymied chemists: When calculating the expected attraction between water and alkane molecules in an alkane-rich solution, scientists find that their answers don't jibe with experimental results.

Asthagiri and colleagues demonstrated that underlying electrostatic and polarization effects -- things considered inconsequential in conventional approaches -- are critical for accurate simulation of water-alkane solubility.

Chapman, the William W. Akers Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and associate dean of engineering for energy, said the research could have far-reaching impacts in fields as diverse as biology, environmental systems and energy and chemical production.

"Simulations are increasingly used to understand, and potentially to manipulate, processes at the nanoscale," Chapman said. "For example, our results could offer new insight to those who study free-energy surfaces related to protein folding and protein denaturation. They could be helpful in better interpreting MRI scans and in predicting the fate of contaminants in the environment. In energy production, insights from this work could be useful for improving flow assurance, preventing corrosion and improving processes in other ways that reduce costs and environmental impacts."

Chapman said his group hopes to build upon the work with future models that incorporate quantum corrections to both the movement of the particles and in assessing interatomic interactions, something that's only become feasible through recent advances in both parallel computing and linear-scaling quantum chemical calculations.

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The research is supported by the Robert A. Welch Foundation, the Rice University Consortium for Processes in Porous Media, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and the Department of Energy.

A copy of the paper is available at http://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.4997916

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
High levels of a protein known as suPAR, which has been shown to be a marker and likely cause of kidney damage, is as reliably predictive in children as in adults, according to results of a study published online today in JAMA Pediatrics, a clinical publication of the American Medical Association.

The findings represent "the first documentation of an association between suPAR level and loss of kidney function in children and adolescents," the paper notes.

Dr. Jochen Reiser, who led the study, calls the results "an astounding finding. The causes of kidney disease are very different in children and adults, yet suPAR has essentially the same association with decline in kidney function in children as in adults."

"That argues that suPAR may be an overarching contributor to the progression of kidney disease, regardless of the underlying etiologies," adds Reiser, the Ralph C. Brown, MD, Professor and chairperson of the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush University Medical Center.

'This is the most promising predictor of kidney disease out there'

The study examined 898 children and adolescents with mild to moderate kidney disease who were enrolled in one of two large cohorts, the 4C Study and the ESCAPE Trial, at a total of 30 hospitals in 13 European countries. The mean age at enrollment was 11.9 years.

Study participants' suPAR levels were gauged when they enrolled in their original trials, and their kidney function was measured regularly as part of the two studies. Dr. Franz Schaefer, head of pediatric nephrology at Heidelberg University Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany, followed up with the subjects for the new study by assessing participants' kidney function. The median duration of follow-up time was 3.1 years.

Adjusting for additional risk factors such as elevated blood pressure and already decreased kidney function, damage was more likely to have progressed in the children who had demonstrated high suPAR levels at the beginning of the study. About half the children had lost the use of their kidneys. Renal survival was 65 percent in children with the lowest suPAR levels, but only 36 percent in those with the highest levels.

"Measuring suPAR may become more routine in clinical practice in the future to more accurately predict who's going to need dialysis," Reiser said. "This is the most promising predictor of kidney disease out there."

Elevated suPAR More Indicative of CKD Than Congenital Anomolies

Where adults most often develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a result of diabetes, high blood pressure or other conditions, CKD in children is largely caused by congenital malformations, hereditary disorders and birth defects. However, even among the 71 percent of children in this study who had congenital anomalies of the kidneys or urinary tract, high levels of suPAR were still an accurate predictor of which participants would lose kidney function.

"Some kids who looked structurally pretty bad didn't progress [in terms of kidney disease]," Reiser said.

In adults, lifestyle factors such as smoking, weight gain and frequent infections can raise suPAR levels. Even though these factors didn't affect the children in the study, Reiser's team still found median suPAR concentrations in some participants that were more than twice the levels found in healthy control participants.

"Children have very active immune systems, they may react stronger to infections, which could explain their higher suPAR levels. Also, many of them are born with reduced functioning kidney mass due to genetic abnormalities, so their kidneys must work harder and tend to 'wear out' early. High suPAR may reflect increased renal tissue turnover and/or deranged repair mechanisms," said Schaefer.

Elevated suPAR More Indicative of CKD Than Congenital Anomalies

Everyone has urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in their cells; suPAR is a soluble version of the protein that circulates in the blood. In a series of studies over the past several years, Reiser and co-researchers have shown repeatedly in different settings that suPAR is a reliable early marker for CKD, and also likely a cause. They hope the findings will lead to new and safe treatments.

It appears that elevated levels of suPAR distort the structure and activity of some variants of the protein integrin, causing it to attack the kidney's podocytes, cells that are important in filtering waste. suPAR might act on additional pathways that lead to kidney injury, because in the latest study, suPAR levels are also relevant for progression of birth-related structural kidney diseases.

Reiser likens the effect of suPAR on the kidneys to that of cholesterol on the heart -- damage can result in both cases if levels rise too high. Even compared with other diseases with strong causative associations, including breast cancer and the BRCA1 gene, and lung cancer and smoking, high suPAR levels in some cases are strikingly predictive of CKD and kidney loss.

In the pediatric study, "If an eight-year-old child has mild kidney disease but high suPAR, by age 13, chances are that kidney will be gone," Reiser said.

In light of the new JAMA Pediatrics paper, parents of children at risk for chronic kidney disease will want to be vigilant about vaccinations and other measures to help their children avoid infections, because they are known causes of suPAR spikes. This relationship may explain the link between these events and progressive decline in kidney function, said Dr. Howard Trachtman, a nephrologist and professor at New York University's Langone Health, and co-author on the study.

Reiser said he was grateful his team was able to collaborate and by such assemble such a large cohort of children with CKD. The 4C Study looked at the causes and consequences of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents with kidney disease, beginning in 2009. The ESCAPE Trial, a five-year study first published in 2009, explored the efficacy of blood pressure interventions on the progress of CKD in children.

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A recurring theme in nature documentaries is that of choosy females selecting brightly colored males. A new study shows that, in monogamous mating systems, male birds may select their lifelong mates in much the same way.

Some traits, such as the tuft of feathers atop a crested auklet, signal attractiveness to the other sex and competitive rank within the same sex. Research has traditionally focused on male competition for access to females or territory and on females choosing males based on their feathers and fights. But recent investigations suggest that females not only compete with each other, but also rely on such traits in deciding whether to engage or defer. Accordingly, "the idea has been floated that these traits could then become preferred by males," says Caitlin Stern, a research fellow at the Santa Fe Institute, "because they indicate that a female is successful in competing for resources."

To find out, Stern created population genetic models involving females with or without a given trait and males with or without a preference for it. "It has historically been a challenge to understand how mating preferences for ornamental traits can evolve when every individual succeeds in getting a mate," Stern explains, in part because the seemingly simple selection process of monogamous pairs, where mates couple up and remove themselves from the broader gene-swapping pool for good, is tricky to handle mathematically. Nevertheless, over thousands of generations, both the female trait and male preference persisted in the population, suggesting that both are favored.

The study, published this week in Ecology and Evolution, is a proof of concept that "preference for a trait used in same-sex competition is a way for preference to evolve in monogamous species," Stern says. "Mate choice can go both ways."

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An increase in California in medical exemptions from immunization after elimination of personal belief exemptions suggests that some vaccine-hesitant parents may have located physicians willing to exercise the broader discretion provided by California Senate bill 277 for granting medical exemptions, according to a study published by JAMA.

California Senate bill (SB) 277 eliminated the personal belief exemption (PBE) provision from the state's school-entry vaccine mandates prior to the 2016-2017 school year. Previously, vaccine-hesitant parents could acquire a PBE for their child based on philosophical or religious beliefs. Now, the only way for an unvaccinated kindergartener to enter a public or private school in California is with a medical exemption (ME), which requires a written statement from a licensed physician describing the medical reasons that immunization is unsafe.

Previously, MEs were only granted to children with a contraindication to vaccination; however, SB 277 gave physicians broader discretion to grant MEs for reasons other than a contraindication, including family medical history.

Paul L. Delamater, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and colleagues examined the statewide change in MEs in the first year under SB 277 and whether MEs increased in regions with high PBE use prior to its enactment. The researchers used publicly available data from the California Department of Public Health's yearly Kindergarten Immunization Assessment reports.

In the 20 years prior to SB 277, the percentage of kindergarteners with MEs was largely stable, whereas PBE use increased. In the first year under SB 277, the ME percentage increased from 0.17 percent to 0.51 percent. The PBE percentage decreased from 2.37 percent in 2015 to 0.56 percent in 2016, as PBEs for children who entered multiyear transitional kindergarten programs prior to 2016 remained valid. The total exemption percentage (PBEs + MEs) decreased from 2.54 percent in 2015 to 1.06 percent in 2016.

The authors found a positive relationship between county-level change in ME percentage and previous PBE use, indicating that counties with high PBE use prior to SB 277 had the largest increases in MEs after its implementation.

The study has limitations, including whether MEs were underused prior to 2016 (e.g., children with contraindications having PBEs because they were easier to obtain) is unknown, as are the medical reasons for each ME.

"The increase in the number of MEs granted in 2016 further weakens the immediate effect of SB 277 and may limit its long-term benefits if sustained. Moreover, because the largest increases in ME percentage occurred in regions with high past-PBE use, portions of California may remain susceptible to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in the near future. Although this study was limited to a single year of data following the implementation of SB 277, the results warrant attention from both the medical and public health communities," the researchers write.

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For more details and to read the full study, please visit the For The Media website.

(doi:10.1001/jama.2017.9242)

Editor's Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2017.9242
Conservationists are often hindered by lack of knowledge to support decisions for conserving endangered plants. Applied research projects are often conducted in what scientists call an adaptive management approach. A recent adaptive management study from the University of Guam has revealed that large stem cuttings of the Endangered Cycas micronesica tree may be nurtured to produce adventitious roots which enable the creation of large transplants. The results appear in the current issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa.

This tree is one of almost 350 described species of living cycads, a plant group that is highly threatened globally. The primary stems of cycads are equipped with the ability to produce adventitious buds, and the small lateral stems that grow from these buds are well-known for their ability to produce adventitious roots. For the Guam study, the tops of trees as tall as 4 meters were removed to determine if root formation could be encouraged on large cuttings from the apex of the main tree trunk. "This was an unprecedented opportunity to cut down large, mature trees for propagation purposes," said author Gil Cruz. "So the project was fun in that regard."

Successful root formation occurred on 41% of the cuttings in a nursery managed by experienced cycad horticulturists, but was unsuccessful in a nursery managed by silviculture specialists who lacked experience with cycad management. Large stem sections from healthy cycad trees would likely lead to 100% success. "But all of Guam's cycad trees are unhealthy due to years of damage by non-native insect pests, so the level of success could not be predicted without the results of this study," said author Thomas Marler.

Ongoing clearing of forested lands for construction activities on the island of Guam will be removing thousands of Cycas micronesica trees in the coming years. The results of this project indicate that the approach could be used to create large transplants without the need for expensive excavation of root systems, as occurs in traditional tree transplant protocols. However, just because nascent knowledge developed from adaptive management research reveals a new protocol, this does not robotically mean the protocol should be scaled up to widespread conservation implementation.

The authors discussed several dilemmas that emerge when large stem cuttings are used to create Cycas micronesica transplants. For example, the biotic threats that caused this tree to become endangered were initiated in 2003 when the first of several non-native insect pests invaded Guam, and these threats persist throughout Guam today. Salvage projects designed to rescue trees from construction sites do not address those primary threats. Therefore, trees transplanted in successful salvage projects may be destined to die along with the rest of the in situ population if these primary threats remain un-mitigated. Moreover, one of the most important environmental stresses of forest resources in the western Pacific is recurrence of tropical cyclones that topple many trees. Cycad trees that develop naturally by gaining size throughout the years following seed germination are equipped with root systems that resist toppling. But nothing is known about anchorage traits of the adventitious root system of this artificial type of transplant, or how the resulting trees will respond to the powerful storms. The first tropical cyclone following a large-scale transplant operation may topple the clonally propagated trees.

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A theoretical physicist from the University of Houston is seeking answers to fundamental questions about the nature of the universe, studying the interactions of elementary particles for clues to what happened in the microseconds after the Big Bang.

Claudia Ratti, assistant professor of physics at the University of Houston, has received a five-year, $475,000 Early CAREER award from the National Science Foundation to continue her work.

Ratti studies what is known as the quark-gluon soup, normally invisible elementary particles located inside protons and neutrons. Physicists know the universe was in a quark-gluon plasma phase in the microseconds after the Big Bang, the most commonly accepted explanation for how the universe began.

But it has been difficult to study that state of matter, leaving much about the origin of the universe a mystery. Work at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory, along with advances in high-speed computing, are allowing scientists to learn more.

Physicists at the colliders are able to recreate the conditions immediately following the Big Bang, allowing them to study the formation of matter. Ratti - through simulations run on powerful computers at Argonne National Laboratory - calculates the physical properties needed for the collider experiments.

"For the first time, the calculations we have are so precise we can match them to reality," she said, noting that today's powerful computers make that possible. She has been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to cover computer time at the Argonne lab.

One of the goals is to understand how the transition from visible matter to the quark-gluon plasma takes place. "We know the phase transition is very smooth at low densities," Ratti said. "At the moment, the nature of the transition at high densities is vastly under-explained, so my project should help with the understanding."

NSF CAREER awards are granted to highly promising junior faculty members who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars.

In addition to her work in understanding the quark-gluon plasma state, the NSF award will allow Ratti to expand her efforts to promote science, both within the University and with high school students.

"I enjoy working with undergraduates, because they are the next generation of scientists," she said. Her research team, which includes a post-doctoral researcher, two Ph.D. students and four undergraduates, will also be involved in bringing high school students on campus for a "day in the life" of a scientist, from projects to find and analyze data to the opportunity to talk with other scientists about their results, either in person or via Skype and videoconference.

Women are under-represented in physics and other STEM fields, and Ratti hopes to share her passion for the field.

"Physics always fascinated me, because I wanted to understand nature and how it worked," she said. "Physics was the most fundamental basis of that."

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URBANA, Ill. - Researchers from the United States and China have proposed an idea that could improve China's air quality, but they're not atmospheric scientists. They're agronomists.

"China's poor air quality is caused by a combination of coal burning and particulates from soil erosion. The Loess Plateau is the major source of erosion in China, and air quality there is just terrible. If erosion in the Loess Plateau can be improved, air quality will improve," says D.K. Lee, an agronomist in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois.

Although the region has been farmed for millennia, much of China's Loess Plateau could be described as a barren moonscape: dry, dusty, and prone to erosion. In fact, the distinctive loess soils in the area have been called the most erodible in the world. In a massive soil conservation effort, the Chinese government is creating incentives for farmers to plant sustainable and erosion-reducing cropping systems, including orchards, forests, and perennial grasses. Researchers from U of I are recommending switchgrass.

"When we're looking at revegetation, ideally we're planting something that can bring in revenue for farmers. Switchgrass produces a lot of biomass that can be harvested and burned as a cleaner source of energy," Lee says. "Not only can switchgrass reduce air pollution by holding the soil, if it is burned instead of coal, it can reduce air pollution in a second way."

Switchgrass is stress tolerant and small-scale testing in the area has shown that it can produce plenty of biomass even with limited irrigation and fertilizers. But, Lee says, cultivar selection and management practices will depend on where switchgrass is planted within the Loess Plateau. "Most areas should be okay, but elevation, latitude, and moisture level should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate switchgrass cultivar for the area."

Although switchgrass has been introduced in China, it hasn't caught on as a biomass crop yet. That's where the research team-- including experts in switchgrass cultivar selection, agronomy, and management--comes in, and their new article provides this information in practical terms for future evaluation by Chinese scientists and government agencies.

"Stopping erosion in the Loess Plateau is not going to be easy. It was the birthplace of agriculture in Asia, and it has been farmed for several thousand years. The land has been intensively farmed. But when I visited, I saw people out there planting trees by hand. It's changing. And maybe switchgrass can be part of that change," Lee says.

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The article, "Switchgrass as a bioenergy crop in the Loess Plateau, China: Potential lignocellulosic feedstock production and environmental conservation," is published in the Journal of Integrative Agriculture. Lee's co-authors include Danielle Cooney, Hyemi Kim, Moon-Sub Lee, Jia Guo, and Lauren Quinn from U of I, and Chen Shao-lin and Xu Bing-cheng from China's Northwest A & F University in Yangling. The work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Hatch Project.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Military veterans currently account for 8 percent of the national prison and jail population, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. However, it is unclear how many veterans are under community supervision or involved community-intervention programs, and little data exist that illustrates how veterans enter the criminal justice system. Now, new research from the University of Missouri establishes that alcohol and drug use, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and economic disadvantages are main contributors to criminal justice involvement for veterans. Information from this research could help policymakers reduce arrests and prevent incarcerations.

"We need a better understanding of what factors might be contributing to veterans' incarcerations," said Kelli Canada, assistant professor in the MU School of Social Work. "In order to improve prevention efforts, it is important to examine why veterans are entering the system and being jailed, and we did that by exploring participant perspectives on what led to them getting in trouble."

Canada worked with Clark Peters, associate professor of social work, to interview veterans who were on probation or parole about their perspectives of the causes and contributors to their criminal justice involvement. The researchers analyzed data within and across interviews to identify meaningful themes.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Although alcohol and drug use is quite common among those in prison, veterans reported distinct differences leading to their problematic use. Participants reported that their substance use was caused or exacerbated by trauma encountered in the military, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and relational stress with friends and family.

Difficulty Adjusting to Civilian Life

During the interviews, researchers found that adjusting to civilian life was hardest for people who could not find meaningful work or yearned for structure and accountability inherent in military service. Veterans said they often struggled with considerable differences between military and civilian culture, and that this tension led to getting into trouble.

Economic Disadvantages

Participants attributed their criminal justice involvement to being homeless, without work or resources, or generally unable to pay bills and manage financial affairs. For some participants, adjusting to a new economic reality was a reason for economic hardship. Rather than adjusting to the differences in pay and lifestyle, some veterans took illegal actions, such as theft, to compensate for the pay gap.

"Knowledge gained from this study will help arrest-prevention programs that target military veterans with and without veterans' benefits," Canada said. "Understanding why veterans are getting in trouble will help policymakers and social workers help veterans navigate the personal and relational changes they experience as they transition to civilian life."

"They teach you how to weather the storm, but they don't teach you how to dance in the rain: Veterans' perspectives on the pathways to criminal justice involvement," recently was published in the Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology.

###

The School of Social Work is in the MU College of Human Environmental Sciences. Peters also has appointments in the MU Truman School of Public Affairs and MU School of Law.

Editor's note: The University of Missouri provides support to veterans through the nationally-recognized MU Veterans Center, which connects military students, employees and families with resources. Also, the MU School of Law operates the Law Veterans Clinic, which is staffed by law students and helps veterans and their families secure disability benefits.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Sept. 5, 2017 -- Three days after recreational marijuana sales became legal in Oregon, sales across the border in Washington, where retail availability already existed, dropped by 41 percent, reports a team of University of Oregon economists.

The study also suggests that illegal cross-border movement, or diversion, of legally produced marijuana sold at retail outlets across state borders is a real concern but not occurring at alarming levels.

The National Bureau of Economic Research published the study this week as part of its working papers series.

"We found that the majority of marijuana sold in Washington is actually staying there," said study co-author Benjamin Hansen, a health economist at the UO. "We found that prior to Oregon's legalization 11.9 percent was potentially being diverted out of Washington overall, and it dropped to 7.5 percent after Oregon's legalization."

The research tapped a naturally occurring experiment to explore the issue of small-scale trafficking due to cross-border shopping by Oregon residents in Washington, said Caroline Weber, a professor in the UO's Department of Economics.

Washington was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. The state's regulatory and tracking requirements covering production to sales provided a wealth of data, she said. The UO team studied Washington's sales for the two months before and after Oregon's legal market opened on Oct. 1, 2015.

In doing so, researchers were able to address one of the key concerns of the Cole Memorandum issued in 2013 by then-Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole. It called for federal law enforcement officials to monitor the diversion of sales across borders as states moved to legalize medical and recreational marijuana.

"There has been a lot of debate about a federal crackdown on marijuana," Hansen said, referring to signals expressed by the Trump Administration. "Our study says that 93 percent of marijuana sold in Washington is probably staying there now. There's probably not a lot you can do about the remaining share that is being diverted at this point. This is just the likely consequence of partial prohibition."

The diversion data also included the flow of retail-sold marijuana in Washington to neighboring Idaho and to British Columbia.

Because federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, grouped with heroin and methamphetamines, illegal cross-border movement could be targeted by law enforcement. One such method is by using randomized traffic searches along state borders.

Prior to Oregon's market opening, an average of 1,662 retail sales transactions occurred daily in Washington's Clark and Klickitat counties, just across the Columbia River from Portland. Given that 293,840 vehicles went between Oregon and those counties daily in 2015, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation, "a policy of randomly searching border-crossing vehicles could expect to find diverted recreational marijuana in just 0.47 percent of stops," the researchers concluded.

"You might expect larger diversion when states around a legalized one are not allowing recreational or medical market sales," Hansen said, adding that California, based on this study, likely will experience far less diversion because all of its neighboring states allow for some form of legal marijuana use.

The analysis by the team, which also included UO economist Keaton Miller, also found that randomized searches along Washington's Spokane and Whitman counties with Idaho, where marijuana is illegal, might expect to find illegally transported marijuana at most 4 percent of the time.

In the two months prior to the opening of Oregon's recreational market, 5,624 kilograms (12,398 pounds) of marijuana were sold in Washington; 670 kilograms (1,477 pounds), or 11.9 percent, went across state lines. Factoring in the 41 percent drop in sales along the Oregon border and no decline elsewhere in Washington implies that only 7.5 percent is illegally leaving Washington today, the research team concluded.

"Given the data available, we've been able to study this natural experiment to speak to a question that a lot of people in law enforcement and government care about," Weber said. "If we had instead found that 60 percent of Washington's marijuana was being diverted, then it would have suggested a whole different approach to thinking about legalization moving forward."

Small amounts of illegal, small-scale trafficking is to be expected as long as the U.S. does not have uniform policies, Hansen said.

Based on the data, the researchers concluded, people seem to prefer purchasing recreational marijuana in legal recreational markets instead of through the black market or as medical marijuana or growing their own.

"People value being able to go to a store, seeing the variety of products that are offered there and purchasing it in a retail store," Weber said.

###

Sources: Benjamin Hansen, W.E. Miner professor of economics, 541-346-4658, bchansen@uoregon.edu; Keaton Miller, assistant professor of economics, 541-346-4653, keatonm@uoregon.edu; and Caroline Weber, assistant professor of economics, 541-346-4677, cweber5@uoregon.edu.

Note: The UO is equipped with an on-campus television studio with a point-of-origin Vyvx connection, which provides broadcast-quality video to networks worldwide via fiber optic network. There also is video access to satellite uplink and audio access to an ISDN codec for broadcast-quality radio interviews.

Links:

Paper access: http://www.nber.org/papers/w23762

About Benjamin Hansen: https://economics.uoregon.edu/profile/bchansen/

About Caroline Weber: https://economics.uoregon.edu/profile/cweber5/

About Keaton Miller: https://economics.uoregon.edu/profile/keatonm/

Department of Economics: https://economics.uoregon.edu/

NBER's Weekly Working Papers: http://www.nber.org/new.html
GALVESTON, Texas - A collaborative team of scientists, led by a group at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, have successfully protected nonhuman primates against one of the most deadly viruses in the world, Lassa fever, eight days after they became infected. The findings are now available in Nature Medicine.

The virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments, infects hundreds of thousands of people every year and is estimated to kill approximately 34 percent of those infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, military and science experts say that the virus could be used as a biological terror weapon.

"In this study, we tested a combination of three monoclonal antibodies by giving them to nonhuman primates beginning up to eight days following exposure to a lethal amount of Lassa virus," said UTMB's Thomas Geisbert, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. "We found that the treatments were well-tolerated and provided 100 percent protection from Lassa fever. Without treatment, the animals show evidence of the virus in their bodies by day four after exposure."

Monoclonal antibodies are widely used for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases and more than 45 different types are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency.

"The fact that the treatment was able to rescue 100 percent of the animals more than a week after infection with Lassa virus suggests that this therapy may benefit patients with Lassa fever in West Africa, who often arrive at the clinic at a late stage of disease," said Robert Garry, a professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at Tulane. "We are accelerating further development so that this promising treatment can be introduced into clinics in West Africa and deployed as a deterrent against the use of Lassa virus as a bioweapon."

Recently, travelers on commercial airlines have imported Lassa fever into Europe and the U.S., highlighting the potential for spread of the disease. The disease is classified as a Category A pathogen - an organism that poses the highest risk to national security and public health - by several U.S. government agencies because of the concern for deliberate misuse.

###

Other authors of the study include UTMB's Chad Mire, Robert Cross, Joan Geisbert, Viktoriya Borisevich, Krystle Agans, Daniel Deer, Karla Fenton; Megan Heinrich, Megan Rowland, Mathew Boisen, Luis Branco and Robert Garry from Zalgen Labs, LLC; Augustine Goba, Donald Grant, Mohamed Fullah and Sheik Humarr Khan from The Kenema Government Hospital and The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Freetown, Sierra Leone - Mambu Momoh is affiliated with both Sierra Leone institutions as well as Polytechnic College in Kenema Sierra Leone; James Robinson and Robert Garry are affiliated with Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
For many poor farmers in India and Africa, finger millet is a major staple food. The crop species is not only a rich source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, and it contains many vitamins and essential amino acids. The plant is also characterized by its resistance to drought and heat. As it is very healthy and gluten-free, it is finding increased use as a food in industrial countries as well. Despite its importance, finger millet has been given very little scientific attention until now.

Large and complex genome due to fusion of two plant species

Finger millet arose through the hybridization of two different plant species. The plant is therefore polyploid, which means it has a four-fold set of chromosomes and almost twice as many genes as its original species. The size and complexity of the genome are thought to have conferred the broad environmental tolerance of finger millet, while making genome research extremely difficult. For the first time, an international team of researchers from the University of Zurich has now managed to decode the complex genome of finger millet in great detail. It comprises about 2.6 million base pairs and has more than 62,300 genes - about twice as many as rice, for example.

New strategy for genome sequencing and mapping

A good 57,900 finger millet genes - over 90 percent - occur in more than two copies. As their DNA sequences are very similar, it was difficult to correctly allocate the numerous, decoded DNA sections within the entire genome. In cooperation with Ralph Schlapbach and Sirisha Aluri from the Functional Genomics Center at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, the team headed up by Kentaro Shimizu, professor at the UZH Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, has managed to overcome these difficulties. For this purpose, the scientists combined a sophisticated bioinformatics strategy developed by Masaomi Hatakeyama that uses state-of-the-art sequencing methods with a new technology that can optically map the long, individual DNA molecules in the genome. "Our newly developed strategy will help sequence the genome of other polyploid cultivated plants that have not been able to be determined until now," Shimizu says.

Improving the supply of nutrients and drought resistance

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Zurich and Bangalore, India, worked together on this project. The work was supported by Indo-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB), a bilateral research and development program financed by the Swiss and Indian governments, as well as by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The objective is to improve food security and to develop the capacity of biotechnological research in India. "The newly available genome data of finger millet opens up numerous possibilities for modern plant breeding," Shimizu emphasizes. "On the one hand, to help people with mineral deficiencies in India and in industrialized countries and, on the other hand, to make important crop plants more resistant to drought and aridness."

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There is nothing like reports and photos of devastation after a natural disaster to spark ones desire to lend aid and support. Hurricane Harvey in Texas and southwest Louisiana most certainly has captured our attention, and now Hurricane Irma has entered the picture as a potential threat to the Leeward Islands and the US coast. But all too often, the outpourings of charitable gifts dry up long before the needs created by that disaster are all met. If youre considering lending your support to those affected by a natural disaster, I encourage you to do so  and to consider the following four ways you can make a meaningful difference.

1.Respond to Immediate Needs. Right now, many people in Texas and southwest Louisiana are homeless, hungry, scared, looking for missing relatives, displaced and despondent. The financial assistance that you give right now will help people cope in this time of crisis, and I urge you to follow your instincts and make that donation. National organizations like the American Red Cross naturally come to mind, but a local community foundation is also a smart place to share your gifts. For Hurricane Harvey, please visit the Greater Houston Community Foundation, the Communities Foundation of Texas, or the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana to make a contribution. For other disasters in other locations around the world, you can use this interactive atlas to find local community foundations.

2. Fund Recovery. In two weeks, Hurricane Harvey will have dropped from the news cycle. Youll be inundated with other things to think about  possibly even Hurricane Irma. But many people on the Gulf Coast will still be homeless, unable to work, seeking shelter and food, and trying to rebuild their lives. Theyll also be dealing with the cleanup of chemicals from 13 toxic waste sites that were flooded in the storm.

Natural disasters strike in what seems like an instant, but the work of recovery and rebuilding goes on for months or even years. Unfortunately, this is the period when most givers have moved on. Its also a time when sustained gifts can make a huge and lasting difference  rebuilding homes and schools, replacing weathered infrastructure, repairing environmental damage, and helping communities to emerge better than before. Even when national organizations have moved on, those local community foundations are still at work.

So once again, check out the Greater Houston Community Foundation, the Communities Foundation of Texas, or the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana as quick, easy and effective vehicles for supporting recovery in the wake of Harvey. You can also donate to the Center for Disaster Philanthropys Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund, which will focus on medium- and long-term needs such as rebuilding homes, businesses and infrastructure; meeting the needs of young children; supporting mental health needs and boosting damaged agricultural sectors.

Focusing on recovery can also be a great opportunity to ensure that recovery is equitable. Otherwise, resources may go to areas where voices are the loudest, but not necessarily where the need is greatest. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy provides a link to the Disaster Recovery Tracking Tool, created by Texas A&M University, that specifically helps local governments and other stakeholders monitor recovery efforts for inequities.

3. Invest in Mitigation or Reform. There is nothing like a 75+ MPH wind to reveal flaws in a system. After Hurricane Katrina, we all learned about the weaknesses in the levy system in New Orleans. Post-disaster is a great time to revisit infrastructure issues policies and practices that will be needed to bear the brunt of a natural disaster and change them before the next hurricane or wildfire or earthquake strikes. An objective, outside funder can help bring community players together without pointing fingers or assigning blame to tackle these issues and make needed changes together.

4. Get Ready for the Next One. The very best way to weather a natural disaster is to be prepared for it before it strikes. For example, Nashville, Tennessee, now has a disaster plan to respond to floods, co-created by local funders like the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the city and area nonprofits. Everyone knows what their role is and when to play it, which greatly reduces danger when flooding occurs and helps speed the recovery process. For a funder, supporting this kind of disaster planning process is a way to protect other investments in a community.

Want to learn more? The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is a powerful resource for funders who want to respond to natural disasters around the globe. Here, youll find not only ways to respond now, but strategic ways to help support the planning and preparedness that will mitigate the impacts of future disasters. For global disasters the International Committee of the Red Cross is a go-to resource for responding to immediate needs, and the report  The World Humanitarian Summit: A Pivot Point in Philanthropys Contribution to Addressing World Humanitarian Crises offers 10 recommendations for effective philanthropy directed toward global humanitarian crises. Inside Philanthropy provides a list of disaster and refugee funders. Lastly, please consider these eight tips for supporting long-term recovery.

This article was originally written for and published by Forbes.com on August 28, 2017, and updated on September 5, 2017.

 2017 Kris Putnam-Walkerly. All rights reserved. Permission granted to excerpt or reprint with attribution.

______________________________________________________________________

Kris Putnam-Walkerly, MSW, has helped to transform the impact of top global philanthropies for over 18 years. A member of the Million Dollar Consultant Hall of Fame and named one of Americas Top 25 Philanthropy Speakers. Author of the award-winning book Confident Giving: Sage Advice for Funders, which was named one of The 10 Best Corporate Social Responsibility Books. For more ways to improve your giving, visit Putnam Consulting Group.

Trusted Philanthropic Advisor

Kris Putnam-Walkerly serves as a trusted advisor to foundation leaders and high-wealth donors across the globe. As an advisor, Kris transfers learning to leaders and their teams so they have the ability to build their own internal capacity to be successful in their work. Kriss clients report immediate and dramatic improvement in both personal performance and philanthropic impact.

Whether you are the CEO of a larger foundation, the sole staff member charged with decision-making, or a high-net worth donor, the questions Kris can address cover a broad spectrum of professional and personal issues. As an advising client, youll have unlimited access to Kris during regular business hours by phone, Skype, email and, when desired, face to face. With over 18 years of experience working with top global philanthropies, Kris understands how to build an impactful organization that integrates your philanthropic passions and the challenges that must be overcome to get there.

Learn more about this and other services offered or contact Kris today to begin a trusted advisor relationship.

Upcoming Speaking Events

Looking for a provocative yet practical speaker at your next event? Kris Putnam-Walkerly was named one of  Americas Top 25 Philanthropy Speakers in 2016 and 2017. Learn more or book Kris today for your next conference or event.

September 7, 2017  Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

Racial Equity & Philanthropy: Achieving EquityHow Exactly?

September 14, 2017  Iowa Council of Foundations Connect Conference (Newton, IA)

Out of Your Bubble and Into Your Community (Keynote)

September 14, 2017  Iowa Council of Foundations Connect Conference (Newton, IA)

Avoiding Delusional Altruism: How to Create a Legacy of Impact, Respect, and Value

September 19, 2017  National Center for Family Philanthropy webinar

Part three of a three-part webinar series on how family foundations are embracing equity

September 27, 2017  Philanthropy West Virginia Annual Conference

Avoiding Delusional Altruism: How to Create a Legacy of Impact, Respect, and Value

October 16, 2017  CONNECT Conference, Exponent Philanthropy, Denver

Out of Your Bubble and Into Your Community

October 19, 2017  National Forum on Family Philanthropy

Achieving EquityHow Exactly?

November 14, 2017  Southeastern Council on Foundations Annual Conference, Trustees-Only Luncheon, Orlando, FL

How Will Trustees Lead Into the Future?

Book Kris for your next conference or event!
Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Its September, the month when the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur usually occur, bringing to mind our fleeting days on earth and reminders of mortality. I say usually because the dates on the Jewish lunar calendar float year-to-year compared to the Gregorian calendar. This year the Jewish New Year starts the evening of September 20 and the Day of Atonement starts the evening of September 29.

During the holidays of Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavout, a special memorial service called Yizkor is held specifically to remember deceased loved ones. Yizkor is the Hebrew word for remembrance. Its a time for us to ponder the meaning of our lives as we remember those who have died.

As we consider our mortality, its a good time to plan ahead for our eventual demise. Funeral homes offer checklists for the many things that must be done and decisions made when theres a death in the family. These lists of 50 or more things that must be done and decisions to be made after a death has occurred can encourage preneed planning. The number of people to notify, expenses to pay, and contacts to be made can be overwhelming if theres been no advance planning nor information gathered.

For Jews, there are many additional aspects that must be addressed when following Jewish funeral traditions. To help, Ive created this checklist: 50 Things for Jews to Do When a Death Occurs. Some examples of things to do from the list include:

NOTIFY:

The familys rabbi, cantor, synagogue administrator, or community chaplain

The funeral director

The cemetery

The local Chevra Kaddisha (to utilize Jewish burial rituals)

All the relatives

All the friends

SELECT & DECIDE:

A cemetery plot (if no plot was pre-purchased)

Casket (soft wood i.e. pine or poplar or other biodegradable materials)

Time for funeral and burial

Funeral place (graveside, temple, home or funeral home chapel)

Who will speak at the funeral

Shiva observance (how many days and where)

IN ADDITION TO:

Providing vital statistics about the deceased, including Hebrew names

Asking people to sit shmira, guarding the body until burial

Naming charitable contributions to be made in lieu of flowers

These are only 15 of the 50 things to do. You can download a PDF of the full list by filling out this form. Youll be directed to the page with the checklist, which also includes the Five Things You Must Know NOW Before Someone Dies.

And heres an hour-long video talk I did for the JCC about Jewish funeral traditions that you may find of interest.

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The popular BBC Two series 'This Farming Life' is back and will begin airing on screens tomorrow.

The farming programme gives viewers an insight into the spectacle of UK agriculture experienced by five new farming families across Scotland, while revisiting one from last year's series.

The second series episodes will include new entrant farmers Janet and Alastair from the Isle of Mull, who take their lambs to auction.

In Dumfries and Galloway, three generations of the Roan dairy-farming family enter a cow and a young heifer into competition at the South West Scotland Dairy Show.

In Argyll, hill farmers David and Sandra prepare for autumn by gathering in their sheep for a mineral dose and spreading slurry.

And in the far north in the Highlands, crofters Robin and Penny's cattle are tested for bovine TB.

Covering a year in the lives of its subjects, the show proved to be a huge hit in 2016, quickly gaining a large and passionate audience.

The series, consisting of twelve hour-long episodes broadcast over four weeks, was not only popular with viewers, it was embraced by the UK farming community for showing farming as it really is.

This Farming Life also went on to win the Scottish BAFTA for Best Factual Series, and fans of the show even raised a petition to Government calling for more episodes.

The series will run for four weeks on BBC 2, with episodes airing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays.
Lifelong vegetarian Jeremy Corbyn has apparently hinted that he is considering switching to becoming a vegan.

The Labour leader, who has been a vegetarian for decades, told retail workers at an event hosted by Lush that he is going through the process of eating more vegan food.

However, the Labour Party has denied this, saying that he meant that he is in the process of eating more vegan food.

Vegans abstain from anything containing dairy produce and eggs as well as meat and fish. As a vegetarian, Mr Corbyn does not eat meat.

Mr Corbyn explained: I eat more and more vegan food, and have more and more vegan friends, indeed there are quite a lot of vegan MPs actually - not a lot but there are some.

The Labour leader praised the increasing quality of vegan dishes.

He said: So Im going through the process all right? I wont go any further than that.

Mr Corbyn has been a vegetarian for almost 50 years. But he has often talked in the past about his love of dairy products such as cheese and cake.

The comments come at a time when the dairy industry is fighting a promotional battle with vegans.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) dairy team has created a Proud of Dairy campaign to promote the health benefits of dairy and the high-standards of animal welfare amid anti-dairy activism.

The NFU said they are proud of the hard work and high standards of British dairy farmers.
He is returning to the big screen after a gap of four years with Poster Boys and actor Bobby Deol says when he was not working, people in the industry assumed he was lazy.

The 50-year-old actor says contrary to the perception, he is "dying" to do more films.

"Every film has its destiny. Even if you have worked hard, after the release one film can change the scenario. I have been waiting, dying to work. When you dont work for so many years, people imagine that you dont want to work or you are lazy or happy and relaxed.

"And to get out of it and work hard is what I am doing and hoping people will see me in a different light," Bobby told PTI.

The actor says for him it is not about being the main cast but playing good characters.

"In Poster Boys, every character is well defined. I have done so many films in which either I have been the main lead or part of the supporting cast. The character has to be interesting enough for me to do a movie," he says.

Bobby, last seen in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 in 2014, is making a comeback with Shreyas Talpades directorial debut Poster Boys, a remake of the Marathi film of the same name.

The actor says as he is returning after four years, it was important for him to do a film that is different yet interesting.

The Gupt actor has not seen the original Marathi film but says when Talpade narrated him the script and his character, he loved it so much that he instantly agreed to come on board.

"The film talks about a topic that usually people shy away from. It is not preachy. When people will see the characters talking in an embarrassing way, they will connect to the film, the story. Also, the script is funny, the humour is inbuilt and so people will enjoy it (film)," he adds.

Poster Boys is a story of three men, who are shocked to find their photos being used as part of a vasectomy campaign.

Talking about his role, the actor says, "I am playing a character, who lives in a small town, is married and has two kids... is henpecked. It is about how his life is disrupted when the poster is out. I did a lot of workshop with Shreyas, it went well."

Bobby says today the younger generation is very open minded and blunt, and do not hesitate to talk about real issues.

"Even schools are educating kids on real issues so that they dont have to be embarrassed or be scared about anything. People are aware of all the things but still nasbandi (vasectomy) is considered a taboo, which is sad."

Calling "Poster Boys" a family entertainer, Bobby says the film deals with vasectomy and one shouldnt be embarrassed talking about it.

"I think a whole family can go and see the film as everybody will relate to it. My brother Sunny (Deol) is doing the film and he has a clean image attached to his name. The fans look at him as a family man, as a macho man, so they will understand the message of the film."

The film releases on September 8.
An Actor Can Never Say Never

A source was quoted as saying to Pinkvilla, "Earlier Salman has always maintained that he won't do dark characters or do a negative role but then as they say an actor can never say never."

Not A Sequel To Race 2

The source further added, "The role is very exciting and has many shades. It is not a sequel to Race 2 but very different."

Complete Contrast To Salman Is In Real Life

"The role will test the super star's acting skills as it's a complete contrast to what he is himself in real life. It's something he has never played before but the sheer darkness of the character appealed to him immensely."

Salman Is Quite Excited

We hear that the superstar is very excited about Race 3 as it's in a completely commercial genre and neither will his fans be disappointed.

His Character Is Completely Grey

Producer Ramesh Taurani confirmed, "Yes Salman's character is completely grey in Race 3 and it's an extremely slick, stylish and exciting one - something he has not done before. The Race franchise always has grey characters in them - we are just continuing with that. Like Saif (Ali Khan) in Race or Race 2."

Was Hrithik Approached For Race 3?

There were rumors that the makers had approached Hrithik Roshan for Race 3 but, the actor felt he cannot play such an immoral character.

Ramesh Taurani Denies

When Taurani was quizzed about Hrithik turning down Race 3, he said, "Hrithik was never approached for Salman's role."

How Jacqueline Fernandez Came Into The Picture

He further clarified that he knew about his lead actress Jacqueline Fernandez. "It's been written that I didn't know that Jacqueline had signed for Race 3 opposite Salman. It is absolute rubbish because from day one I knew we are going with Jacqueline and I announced it also last week.

If I as a producer don't know who the actors are in my film how will other discussions including dates, money, signing of contracts happen? It's just that I didn't want to announce it when A Gentleman was releasing and promotions were going on but somebody asked her at a press con and she confirmed she is doing it. That's how the story came out."
Recently, on Kichcha Sudeep's birthday, director Prem had released the first motion poster of his upcoming directorial, The Villain. Undoubtedly, the poster was a runaway hit among the fans of Sudeep and Shivarajkumar.

But, it did not last for long as a few extreme thinkers started blaming the motion poster of The Villain. Majorly, the blame was for its design and its near resemblance to the poster of Hollywood film, Face/Off.

People started spreading rumours that The Villain might be an unofficial remake of Face/Off, since the poster has a strong resemblance to the above mentioned Hollywood film.

The debacle seemed unending on social media platforms until Prem and Sudeep took to Twitter to draw a curtain to all unnecessary blames.

So, what did Prem and Sudeep have to say about their upcoming film's motion poster and its comparison to Face/Off? Scroll down the sliders to read in detail about the same..
Kalabhavan Shajon

Kalabhavan Shajon was one among the first celebrities to pay a visit on September 03, 2017. Importantly, Kalabhavan Shajon is also an executive member of AMMA (Association Of Malayalam Movie Artists).

Jayaram

Popular actor Jayaram visited Dileep on the Thiruvonam Day (September 4, 2017). Reportedly, it was a casual visit and Jayaram met Dileep to hand over the "Ona Kodi". According to the reports, the actor visits Dileep for every Onam and this time too, he followed the same.

Harisree Asokan

Harisree Asokan, is one among the best friends of actor Dileep. Their onscreen combo has a huge fan base and both of them have shared the screen space in many a blockbuster movies. Harisree Asokan paid a visit to the actor on September 3, 2017.

Ranjith

Popular film-maker Ranjith was one among the celebrities who visited actor Dileep on September 3, 2017. Ranjith has worked with Dileep in the film Mizhi Randilum, which had the actor in a special appearance.

Suresh Krishna

Suresh Krishna, popular Malayalam actor had also accompanied Ranjith, on his visit to meet Dileep. Suresh krishnan and Dileep have appeared together in a good number of films. They both will be seen sharing the screen space in the ucpoming film Ramaleela.

Ganesh Kumar

Ganesh Kumar, actor and MLA, visited Dileep, today (September 05, 2017). While speaking to the media, he pointed out that a person should only be tagged as a culprit, after he has been convicted by the court.

Antony Perumbavoor

Popular film producer Anthony Perumbavoor, is another prominent Malayalam film celebritiy, who visited actor Dileep. If reports are to be believed, the meeting of the actor and producer lasted for close to 45 minutes.
Austal Limitedhas been awarded its first commercial contract in Taiwan valued at $44 million.The contract is for two 550 passenger, 50 metre long, high-speed Catamarans for Taiwans Brave Line.The West Australian based shipbuilder says the contract builds on the evolution of the companys fast ferry portfolio and re-affirms Austals position as an international market leader.The Brave Line Catamarans are to be designed in Australia, but will be built by Austals shipyard in the Philippines.Shares in Austalare trading 1.5 per cent lower at $1.67.
Some start-up companies are using initial coin offerings, also called ICOs or token sales, to raise capital. In an ICO, a company creates a new virtual coin or token that they offer for sale and disseminate to purchasers using blockchain technology, also called distributed ledger technology. Investors should be aware that ICOs differ significantly from initial public offerings (IPOs). Unlike stocks, ICOs typically confer no ownership rights in the company; and unlike bonds, ICOs do not involve investors lending money to the issuer. Instead, ICOs involve new technologies and products that are highly technical and complex, and investors can lose some or all of the money they invest in an ICO.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of each individual ICO, the virtual coins or tokens that are offered or sold may be securities. As a new Investor Bulletin from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) notes, if the tokens in an ICO are securities, the offer and sale of these virtual coins or tokens are subject to the federal securities laws.

FINRA is issuing this alert to inform investors about the potential risks of participating in ICOs.

What is an ICO?

An ICO involves the creation of a new virtual coin or token by a company looking to raise money. In general, the company announces a specified amount of funds that it wants to raise, and the fundraising continues until that amount is reached. ICOs are conducted online, and purchasers use fiat currency, like the U.S. dollar, or virtual currencies, like bitcoin and etherium, to pay for the new tokens.

To date, companies using ICOs as a capital-raising method have generally been start-ups that use blockchain technology as part of their business model to provide a particular service or product. These companies disseminate the new ICO tokens to buyers via blockchain. Blockchain technology involves a distributed database maintained over a network of computers connected on a peer-to-peer basis. The network participants can share and retain identical, cryptographically secured records in a decentralized manner -- meaning there is no centralized server or intermediary. The blockchain technology used for the tokens in ICOs is similar to the bitcoin network, which creates and tracks transactions made using bitcoin.

Companies that issue ICOs typically promote the offering through their own websites and through various online blockchain and virtual currency forums. Potential purchasers in an ICO may not receive a prospectus; instead, companies often publish a white paper describing the ICO.

According to the SEC's Bulletin, some sellers of ICOs might lead buyers to believe that they can expect a return on their investment or otherwise be able to participate in a share of the returns provided by the project. Buyers also might be told that there will be an opportunity to sell the tokens on a secondary market or an online virtual currency exchange, although such secondary market liquidation venues are not guaranteed.

Before you invest in an ICO

Here are six questions to ask before you invest in an ICO.

1. Is the ICO a securities offering?

This is important. As the SEC notes in its Investor Bulletin, if the offer and sale of tokens or coins in an ICO constitutes a securities offering, then the federal securities laws apply. This means the ICO (the offer and sale of the tokens) must be registered with the SEC or meet an exemption from registration. Offerings that are performed under an exemption from registration typically require investors to meet certain income or net worth thresholds to be eligible to invest. For example, exempted offerings often are limited to accredited investors -- those who have a net worth in excess of $1 million or who maintain certain levels of income. Here are a few tips:

Verify whether a company has registered an ICO (or any offering of securities) with the SEC by searching the SEC's Edgar system.

If the ICO is not registered, it is likely only available to accredited investors, and most retail investors do not meet this standard.

If the ICO is described as a crowdfunding investment opportunity, be aware, as the SEC notes, that the offering might not be operating in compliance with the requirements of Regulation Crowdfunding or with the federal securities laws generally.

2. Are the persons selling the investment registered financial professionals?

Be sure to check the professional background of the individuals involved in the offering using BrokerCheck. If the tokens offered in an ICO are securities, then any investment professional offering to sell the tokens must maintain certain licenses and registrations under state and federal securities laws and FINRA rules.

3. What rights and benefits come with your ICO purchase?

The rights and benefits of ICO tokens will vary depending on the offering. Thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of an ICO, as well as any white paper and the business plans offered by the company issuing tokens. It is important to know what you are receiving in exchange for your investment, including what rights and benefits the tokens may confer upon you. Tokens in an ICO might not represent an ownership stake in a company, so token holders may not have any voting rights or influence on a company, its governance, and how funds are used. In addition, ICO purchases may be subject to liquidity issues, as it is possible there will not be a market to sell or exchange your ICO tokens.

4. How can you get your money back?

Information provided to investors about ICOs should clearly state how you can get your money back. Ask the company if you can cash in tokens for a refund, whether you are permitted to resell your tokens in a secondary market, and what if any restrictions apply to any resale. Secondary markets for ICOs offering tokens that are securities must generally register as a national securities exchange or operate pursuant to an exemption from such registration. Also, as noted above, be aware that a secondary market may not exist for tokens purchased in an ICO.

5. What does the company do, and what is it offering?

ICOs involve highly technical and complex concepts. You should be able to read and understand any information provided to you by an ICO issuer or those promoting the offering, including how the company plans to use the funds raised in an ICO, plain-English explanations of the technical details of the proposal, and a development roadmap with specific goals and timelines for the proposal. To date, most ICOs are being offered by start-up businesses that have not rolled out a final product or platform to the market. This means that the information available to you at the time of an ICO may be incomplete, subject to change and, in any event, difficult to verify. The limited information that is shared may make it difficult to conduct adequate due diligence needed to make an informed investment decision prior to investing.

6. Are there protections in place to guard against hacking and other cybersecurity threats?

As noted by the SEC in its Bulletin, virtual currency exchanges, virtual currency wallets, and the platforms used by companies issuing ICOs may be susceptible to possible protocol breakdowns, hacking, malware, and fraud. Be sure to inquire about the steps these companies have taken to protect their platform and products from these threats.

Be alert to the warning signs of fraud

Investing in an ICO may seem like an exciting way to be a part of the virtual currency and blockchain start-up markets, but use caution when you consider these investments. New technologies and topics that are the subject of media buzz are often used by fraudsters as an opportunity to dupe investors.

To stay on guard and avoid becoming drawn into a scam, look for the warning signs of investment fraud. For example, be suspect of anyone who makes guarantees that an investment will perform a certain way or makes pushy sales pitches that encourage you to "act now" or miss out. All investments have risks, and no reputable investment professional should push you to make an immediate decision about an investment. Legitimate professionals should be able to explain the investment, including what it is, what the risks are, and how the investment can make or lose money.

In addition, as noted by the SEC in its Investor Bulletin, be aware that if the tokens you purchase in an ICO are stolen or otherwise compromised, you may not be able to easily recover your investment. Other vendors helping to facilitate the ICO, such as third-party digital wallet providers (services that store digital tokens for customers online), payment processors, and virtual currency exchanges, also may have access to the tokens, virtual currencies, and fiat currencies involved in the ICO, and may be fraudulent, located overseas, or operating unlawfully.

If you have concerns about ICOs, or suspect a scam related to ICOs or virtual currencies, you can contact the SEC, file a complaint using FINRA's online Complaint Center or send a tip to FINRA's Office of the Whistleblower.

Subscribe to FINRA's Alert Investor newsletter for more information about saving and investing.
Quote: brickman Originally Posted by What is there about the new Ford that you like so much better than your old Ram?

Big difference is in the towing, srw to dually makes a huge difference in my humble opinion, the whole experience just feels more stable and safe in my situation. The next big thing that I notice is the 450's get up and go whilst towing and I know this isn't apples to apples because of the gearing (Ram 3.42 vs 4.30) but its just so impressive it leaves a grinBraking is a huge difference too, the rig stops really quickly now.I think the ride is more refined than the Ram, I know alot of this is the new truck feel, but also I prefer the ergonomics of the seats, wheel and pedal layout and the quality of the fit and finish and also all the latest gadgits to the Laramie, oh I do run 80psi in front and 70psi rear tires which makes a big difference too.One other thing, I'm not particularly brand loyal, I tend to buy which one I think is best at the time of purchase after researching and testing the competition, I did test all the duallys in similar trim (Longhorn, Denali, King Ranch) and after I drove the F350 dually went straight into a F450 for a back to back test, as others have said, the thing I loved about the 450 over the 350 were the slightly beefier looks with the larger wheels and the wide front stance, the manouverability with the smaller turning radius for me was the icing on the cake.
For Participants of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards Registration is Prolonged till 17 September - GeorgianJournal
How to enable Windows laptop tracking feature Tips Tricks lekhaka -Gizbot Bureau

Approximately, two years back Microsoft rolled out a big update for Windows 10 by introducing a couple of features including Find My Device. Once it is turned on, it allows Windows device to check and store your location regularly and help you find your device if it's lost or gets stolen.



However, this option is only for device tracking and wont remotely wipe or lock your PC. You also wont be able to play an alarm or snap a photo of the person using your device with the webcam. It will only show you your devices location thats it! Microsoft may add more features to this in the future, but it hasnt yet.

Additionally, you need the Internet connection to check in and report its location. If you want this feature to work perfectly, you should need Microsoft account on your device and the device must possess a GPS chip, a cellular connection or other options that help you in locating the place.

Having said that, you wont be finding all these on traditional desktop computers or even old laptop for that matter. Anyhow, you can find these in modern days tablets, hybrid devices, etc. So these are the things you need to keep in mind. Follow the below steps to enable the option.

Click on the Start menu and select Settings.

Step 2: Head on to Update & security -> Find My Device in the Settings app.

Step 3: In order to turn on the option, you need to log into the Microsoft account.

Under '' click on Change button to enable this feature.

Step 5: Also, turn on Save my devices location periodically option when prompted.

Step 6: If you want to track your device, you can go to "account.microsoft.com/devices."

SEE ALSO: How to use Google's Snapseed

Best Mobiles in India
Best Xiaomi Redmi smartphones to buy in India Features oi -Harish Kumar Xiaomi Redmi smartphones that you can get your hands on right now.

Xiaomi entered the Indian market in 2014. Since then, the company has been a successful smartphone brand in India and has surpassed several domestic manufacturers to take the lead.

In three years of its operations in the country, Xiaomi has managed to become the second largest smartphone brand in India. Also, some of its Redmi smartphones have become the best selling models in the budget market segment. Well, the talk is about the Redmi Note 4, Redmi 4A and Redmi 4 those are priced in the sub-Rs. 10,000 price bracket.

List of best smartphones launched in August 2017

Xiaomi has managed to achieve this tremendous success due to its business strategy. The company sells smartphones those are feature rich at affordable price segments so that the devices perfectly fit into the budget of the consumers. It is interesting that Xiaomi has managed to become successful despite following the flash sale model in the country.

Now, for the Xiaomi fans, we have lined up a slew of Redmi smartphones that you can consider buying in India right now. Do scroll down the list to know more.

Xiaomi Mi A1 Buy At Price of Rs 14,999

Key Features

5.5-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD 2.5D curved glass LTPS display, 450nit brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass protection

2GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 625 14nm processor with 650MHz Adreno 506 GPU

4GB RAM

64GB storage (eMMC 5.0)

expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD

Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Hybrid Dual SIM (micro + nano/microSD)

12MP rear camera with wide-angle lens

secondary 12MP camera

5MP front-facing camera

4G VoLTE

3080mAh (typical) / 3000mAh (minimum) battery Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Buy At price of Rs 12,999

Key Features 5.5-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD 2.5D curved glass display

2GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 625 14nm processor with Adreno 506 GPU

2GB / 3GB RAM with 32GB storage

4GB RAM with 64GB storage

expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD

MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Hybrid Dual SIM (micro + nano/microSD)

13MP rear camera with PDAF

5MP front-facing camera

4G VoLTE

4000mAh (minimum) / 4100mAh (typical) battery Xiaomi Mi Max 2 Buy At price of Rs 16,999

Key Features 6.44-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD IPS 2.5D curved glass display

2GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 625 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 506 GPU

4GB RAM with 64GB / 128GB storage

expandable memory with microSD

MIUI 8 based on Android 7.1.1 (Nougat)

Hybrid Dual SIM (micro+nano/microSD)

12MP rear camera with dual-tone LED Flash

5MP front-facing camera

4G VoLTE

5300mAh (typical) / 5200mAh (minimum) battery with Quick Charge 3.0 Xiaomi Redmi 4A 32GB Buy At price of Rs 5,999

Key Features

5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD IPS display with 1000:1 contrast ratio, 72% NTSC color gamut

1.4GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 425 processor with 500MHz Adreno 308 GPU

2GB RAM

16GB internal storage

expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD

MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Hybrid Dual SIM (micro + nano / microSD)

13MP rear camera with PDAF

5MP front-facing camera

Infrared sensor

4G VoLTE

3030mAh (minimum) / 3120mAh (typical) Xiaomi Redmi 4 32GB Buy At price of Rs 6,999

Key Features

5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD 2.5D curved glass display, 450nit brightness

1.4GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 435 processor with Adreno 505 GPU

2GB RAM with 16GB storage

3GB RAM with 32GB storage

4GB RAM with 64GB storage version

expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD

MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD)

13MP rear camera

5MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture

4G VoLTE

4100mAh battery Xiaomi Redmi 3S Buy At price of Rs 6,999

Key Features

5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD IPS display

Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 with 64-bit processor with Adreno 505 GPU

2GB LPDDR3 RAM

16GB (eMMC5.0) internal storage

3GB LPDDR3 (eMMC5.1) RAM

32GB internal storage

expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD

MIUI 7 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Hybrid Dual SIM (micro + nano / microSD)

13MP rear camera with PDAF

5MP front-facing camera

4G LTE

4000mAh battery / 4100mAh (typical) Xiaomi Mi 4 Buy At price of Rs 14,999

Key Features

5-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) IPS display with 441 PPI resolution with Corning Gorilla glass protection

2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor

MIUI V5 on top of Android 4.4 (KitKat)

13MP rear camera with LED Flash

8MP front-facing camera with Sony Exmor R sensor

8.9mm thick and weighs 149 grams

3GB RAM, 16 / 64 GB internal memory

Infrared LED

4G LTE (Optional)

3080 mAh battery, quick charging at 9V/1.2A or 5V/2A Xiaomi Mi 3 (Metallic Grey, 16 GB) (2 GB RAM) Buy At price of Rs 13,999

Key Features

5-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) IPS display with 441 PPI resolution with Corning Gorilla glass protection

2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 (MSM 8974AB) processor

MIUI V5 on top of Android 4.4 (KitKat)

13MP rear camera with dual LED Flash

2MP front-facing camera with BSI sensor

2GB DDR3 RAM

16GB internal memory

3G

3050mAh battery

Best Mobiles in India
Honor 8 Pro and Honor 6X confirmed to receive Android 8.0 Oreo update News oi -Chandrika The Android Oreo will bring along a slew of new features which include icon shapes, dots for notifications, more security options, an auto-fill fill service, smart text selection, and a picture-in-pic

It has been a couple of weeks since the launch of Android 8.0 Oreo. Initially, it was thought the latest version of Android will debut in Google's Pixel devices.

However, turns out the Sony Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact will be the first smartphones to be released with Android O. Anyway, many manufacturers have started confirming which of their smartphones will be updated to Android O. Now, Huawei's sub-brand Honor has announced that two of their popular budget-friendly phones will receive the Android O update.

The smartphones are Honor 8 Pro and Honor 6X. The company made the announcement at the recent press conference in New Delhi, India. When Honor was asked about the arrival of Android 8.0 O in the aforementioned devices, the company said the firmware upgrade would be released within few months.

So if you own either of these smartphones, you would receive the Android O update by the end of this year. That being said, the roll-out for the Android 8.0 Oreo update for Honor 6X could be delayed and happen in early 2018.

The Honor 6X was originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, but currently, it runs on Android Nougat. While the Honor 8 Pro came pre-installed with Android Nougat.

Well if you wondering, the Android Oreo will bring along a slew of new features which include icon shapes, dots for notifications, more security options, an auto-fill fill service, smart text selection, and a picture-in-picture mode.

In addition, your device's battery performance and overall user experience will improve as well.

Best Mobiles in India

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Nokia 5 will be the first device to get Android security patch for September News oi -Chandrika Weighing in at 142MB, the new firmware brings the latest fixes for security bugs found on the Android platform.

Usually, Google pixel devices are the first ones to get the Android security patches. It is natural since Google owns the entire mobile platform.

However, HMD Global, the current manufacturer of Nokia phones, is trying its best to change that. The Finnish company is apparently planning to upgrade its devices with the latest Android software before anyone else. If you remember, back in July, Nokia 6 was the first smartphone to receive the Android security patch for that month. Again, it seems like Nokia 5 will be the first device to get the September security patch.

Weighing in at 142MB, the new firmware brings the latest fixes for security bugs found on the Android platform. It is worth pointing out that as of now, the patch is not present on the Android Security Bulletin.

If you are a Nokia handset user, you may already be aware that these phones run on a very clean version of Android. This makes sure users get a bloat-free experience and on-time updates.

In related news, HMD has recently confirmed all the Android-based Nokia smartphones would be updated to Android 8.0 Oreo. This means the Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 smartphones are all set to receive the Android Oreo and upcoming Android P update until 2018.

However, the company did not reveal when exactly the update will be released for these smartphones. In any case, we expect the Android Oreo update to arrive in all the Nokia smartphones by the end of this year.

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Samsung Galaxy Note FE gets sold out in South Korea; global release possible News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Samsung Galaxy Note FE runs out of stock.

Samsung relaunched the Galaxy Note 7 as the Galaxy Note Fan Edition (FE) in July 2017. While the release of the Galaxy Note is nearing, the refurbished device gets sold out in South Korea.

According to the fresh reports from Korea Herald, the Galaxy Note FE units are sold out completely in South Korea and the company is not in plans to replenish the stocks. The previous reports have revealed that Samsung released 400,000 units of the Galaxy Note FE in its home market in July. The device priced around $620 (approx. Rs. 40,000) was launched with a 3200mAh battery and the Bixby AI as well.

Besides featuring a smaller battery capacity than the 3500mAh battery in the original Galaxy Note 7, the refurbished model comes with similar specs. The device is checked for safety as it cleared the new 8-point battery safety test. Also, it is based on Android Nougat out of the box.

Samsung launched just limited units of the Galaxy FE so that the stocks will get empty before the release of the Galaxy Note 8. Given that the pre-booking of the Galaxy Note 8 has already debuted and the release will happen on September 15, it is unlikely for Samsung to sell the Note FE again in the Korean market.

Eventually, it looks like Samsung is in plans to bring the Galaxy Note FE to the overseas markets. Previously, we had come across reports that the company will be releasing the refurbished Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in some of the emerging markets. Maybe, having the stocks empty in the South Korean market might lead to this move.

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MeitY wants all ministries to spend 10 % of budget on cyber security News oi -Priyanka The Ministry has also proposed the appointment of chief information security officer (CISOs) is all ministries to save the Government bodies.

With an aim to secure ministries from cyber attack, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) now wants all the ministries to spend 10 percent of their IT budgets on cyber security.

The Ministry has also proposed the appointment of chief information security officer (CISOs) in all ministries to save the Government bodies.

Ajay Kumar, additional secretary, MeitY said, that, " The Ministry is planning to set 10 Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) labs in cities like Visakhapatnam or Amravati." Adding that the two existing labs will be upgraded

Meanwhile, IT & electronics, Ravi Shankar Prasad Minister recently said that the Government is also finalizing cyber security standards for telephones.

He informed that in last three years 93 mobile manufacturing factories have come up in India with Noida emerging as a big hub for mobile manufacturing where 32 such factories have come up.

"I have told the UP CM also that Noida and Greater Noida has great potential of becoming a center of software park, educational and management hub and other commercial activity," said Prasad.

He also added, "cyber enabled security testing is going to become a big initiative in India. We need low-cost cyber technology and low-cost well qualified cyber auditors."

Highlighting the various initiatives being undertaken by the Government with regards to cyber security he said, "Every digitally connected industry must have cyber security officers who must be able to tell you what precautions you must take in an industry and business to keep cyber criminals at bay that is what we are insisting."

"We are also insisting all banks have cyber security auditors. We are unleashing a big challenge to have cyber security training, drills for officers, judges, and policemen," he added.

Talking about the need to create the human resource in the field of cyber knowledge, he said that 44 universities and colleges have been identified in this regard.

"We are going to begin cyber security educational course as a big learning ground to make good graduates for a future requirement," said Prasad adding that cyber security education is going to become a very good job giving education.

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After a recent rash of anti-Semitic attacks in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper showed his support for the Jewish community with a visit to Chabad of Colorado Springs.

His Thursday, August 10 visit was a response to two separate incidents: on a Friday in mid-June, congregants arrived at the Chabad center to find a Fight Terror, Nuke Israel sticker pasted to the glass door. Later, in early August, Swastikas and anti-Semitic messages were spray-painted on Synagogue Temple Beth Torahs building and welcome sign, as well as on cars, homes, and buildings in the surrounding area.

According to the Jerusalem Post, there has been a significant increase in anti semitic acts in Colorado in the past two years, with eighteen acts of antisemitism reported in the area in 2015 and forty-five last year.

Instead of hate crimes, well bring acts of love, Chabad Rabbi Moshe Liberow shared with the governor and his entourage. I think this will make a big impact.

Governor Hickenlooper agreed. I am acutely aware of the challenges all people of faith face at one time or another youre exactly right, the way to fight darkness is not with more darkness, but with light, adding, people like yourself punch holes in the darkness.

A statement released by the Governor, mayor, and chief of police declares that the City of Colorado Springs and State of Colorado are proud of the diversity of our residents . . . The Jewish people are important members of our wonderful and diverse communities. Hate crimes will not be tolerated in Colorado Springs or elsewhere in our beautiful state.

According to Rabbi Liberow, the attitude toward Jews in the area in general is extremely respectful; in fact, he notes, locals from a non-profit group volunteered hours to help out both with cleanup after a fire that destroyed the Chabad House earlier this year, as well as with the setup of the new location.

It used to be a consignment store, the rabbi explained during a quick tour of the new center.

Well, responded the governor, only half-jokingly, now its a store for refining souls.

To learn more about Chabad of Colorado Springs, visit www.thejewishflame.com.




Haiti - Agriculture : Construction of a hatchery of 200,000 fry/year





The Artibonite, North, North-East and North-West Departments will have a hatchery for intensive production of fry with a capacity of 200,000 fry (tilapia variety) per year.



Funded by the European Union, this hatchery under construction in the municipality of Ferrier, a locality of "Lagon aux Boeufs" is carried out within the framework of the project "Improvement of food security in the North-East of Haiti" is co-pilotted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, notably through the Northeast Departmental Agricultural Directorate.



It aims to boosts and expands the aquaculture value chain, with an impact on the entire North. This hatchery will double the average production capacity of 140 aquaculturists in the Champs Ecoles Paysans (PEC), from 25 to 50 kilos of merchant fish per person per year.



Of the 200,000 fry to produce 50% are for aquaculture community operator of the lake "Lagon aux Bufs", 25% will be used to stock the small lakes of the Ministry of Agriculture in the North and 25% will be reserved for sale to aquaculturists in the North East and elsewhere.



Eric Auguste, the Northeastern Departmental Director of Agriculture, applauds the creation of this hatchery, the first to be built in the Great North. "From an economic point of view, this is a great opportunity that will eed the region and generate more revenue for fishers / aquaculturists. It will also be used to stockpile the hilly lakes built by the Ministry."



Paul Andy Joseph, CEP Aquaculture Facilitator, explains, "Before the hatchery was built, we could get the fry from Port-au-Prince. The activity was unprofitable because of the high mortality rate associated with the conditions and the long duration of the transport. Now we have great hope that with this infrastructure, the spawners will produce fry on the spot, which will significantly reduce the mortality rate and increase our production capacity. We are very grateful to FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture and the European Union for this hatchery which strengthens our activities and improves our living conditions."



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















Lil Wayne recently pulled off another successful Lil Weezyana Fest out in his hometown of New Orleans. The event was live-streamed by TIDAL, and of course, featured a performance from Weezy himself, as well as Gucci Mane, Youngboy NBA, Rich the Kid and Kodie Shane. If you managed to catch him at Lil Weezyana, it might be a minute before hes able to perform again, as he recovers from a recent seizure attack.

Reports surfaced over the weekend that Wayne had suffered a seizure while in Chicago. If youre not up to speed (well forgive you, because Labour Day weekend), Wayne was found unconscious in his hotel room, where he was then rushed to Northwestern Memorial, and suffered another seizure attack at the hospital. He was supposed to perform in Las Vegas at Drais Nightclub on Sunday, and despite his teams best efforts to get him there, the doctors reportedly advised against it ultimately the appearance was cancelled. Waynes team has yet to release an official statement, although Drais did release a statement wishing Weezy F a speedy recovery.

The seizures were reportedly caused due to Waynes lean-sipping habit, although the rapper did reveal that he suffers from epilepsy a few years ago. With news of the seizures, artists have been responding, whether it be on social media or through TMZs video cameras.

The Biebz heard the news of Waynes seizures for the first time via the paparazzo, and says hes got to reach out. Im gunna have to reach out to him, he says, thats my boy.

Jacquees, affiliated with Wayne in a sense, by way of estranged labelhead Birdman, sent out prayers via twitter. Russ also showed his appreciation and support for the Young Money boss on twitter.

Lil Waynes daughter updated all the fans last night as well, assuring us her dad is doing fine. In music news, Wayne recently said he can drop Tha Carter V whenever, but while we wait, heres the most up-to-date everything we know.

Lil Wayne
We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
New Delhi, Sept 5 (IBNS): The Indian government on Tuesday said that in an attempt to crackdown on illegal transactions and tax evasion, bank accounts of 209,032 suspected shell companies have been frozen.

The Government on Tuesday said it has stepped up decisive action against companies falling within the ambit of Section 248 of the Companies Act.

The names of 2,09,032 companies have been struck off from the Register of Companies under Section 248 (5) of the Act, the government said in a statement.

The existing Directors and Authorized Signatories of such struck off companies will now become ex Directors or ex Authorized Signatories, read the statement further.

These individuals will therefore not be able to operate bank accounts of such companies till such companies are legally restored under Section 252 of the Companies Act by an order of the National Company Law Tribunal.

The restoration, as and when it happens shall be reflected by change in the status of the company from Struck off to Active, read the government statement.

Since such Struck off` companies have ceased to exist, action has been initiated to restrict the operation of Bank accounts of such companies.

The Department of Financial Services has, through the Indian Banks Association, advised all Banks that they should take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of such struck off companies.

A list of such companies, Registrar of Companies wise, has been published on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

"In addition to such struck off companies, Banks have also been advised to go in for enhanced diligence while dealing with companies in general. A company even having an active status on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs but defaulting in filing of its due Financial Statement (s) or Annual Return (s) of Particular of Charges on its assets on the secured loan should be seen with suspicion as, prima facie, the company is not complying with its mandatory statutory obligations to file this vital information for availability to its stakeholders," read the government statement.
Dr Stephen Isabalija has been fired as the permanent secretary in the ministry of energy and mineral development, after only 10 months in the job.

Dr Stephen Isabalija

Isabalija, who was appointed in November 2016, and replaced Kariisa Kabagambe, who had been at the ministry for 20 years.

Government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo, confirmed Isabalija's sacking on Twitter, saying he has been asked to step aside. He did not give the reason for the sacking.

"Dr Isabalija had expectations that he was supposed to meet but failed so his contract was revoked by the president," he wrote. "Isabalija hasn't been posted anywhere. There president directed that he should be given one-months salary in lieu."

Yesterday, the government announced that Isabalija has been replaced, in an acting capacity, by Robert Kasande, hitherto the acting director at the directorate of petroleum in the energy ministry.

Denis Kusasira, a lawyer and expert in energy industry, said Isabalija sold himself as "somebody who knew something about the industry and the president believed him" but he had failed to keep up once he was put on the hot seat.

"If you don't know and don't want to learn, the industry will reject you. This is an industry of knowledge. You cannot get into it if you don't know," he said. "The people you're dealing with know what they are doing. You can't come and gamble. He ended up messing up."

The most recent discomfort with Isabalija's management style was the way he handled the oil refinery deal. One of the consortia, led by Guangzhou DongSong Energy Group Ltd, complained they were appraised as best bidder but were surprised to see another firm being announced as having been chosen for the deal.

Government had chosen a consortium made up of American and Italian firms including General Electric [GE], Yaatra Ventures/ Intracontinent Assets Holdings and Saipem of USA and Italy.

The blame was laid squarely on Isabalija, who later told The Observer that they "went through a verifiable process that is open for scrutiny and we are still following the same"

Isabalija was blamed for choosing another consortium without informing the energy minister Irene Muloni.

However, some oil industry watchers told The Observer that it was highly unlikely that "a mere" permanent secretary would make a key decision on bids for such a strategic and highly lucrative piece of oil infrastructure without the nod or direction of President Museveni or cabinet, let alone the energy minister.

The refinery will cost about $4bn to build. President Museveni has been intimately involved in key decisions concerning development of the oil sector, in particular the oil refinery and the pipeline.

Given this, observers say, Isabalija could have been fired to appease powerful actors in the oil industry, including the Chinese consortium, who are not satisfied with the decisions on lucrative oil deals.

But there have also been complaints over the handling of the chasing of artisanal miners from the Mubende gold fields.

A source at the ministry of energy told us one of Isabalija's transgressions was insubordination. He said he took decisions without the knowledge of the minister, which created discomfort at the ministry.
Image: Internet Wallpaper

London, Sept 5 (IBNS): Researchers have warned of an aurgent worldwide needa to address a broad spectrum of cascading impacts of glacier mass loss on downstream systems.

In their paper, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the authors synthesised currently available evidence and documented the profound impact on freshwater and near-shore marine systems.

Although the impact of melting glaciers on sea levels has received much attention to date, this perspectives paper outlines other multiple downstream effects of glacier change that will have significant societal implications.

As such, the authors call for a renewed focus on planning adaptation and mitigation measures for the breadth of impacts in all affected regions.



Glaciers cover close to 10% of the Earths land surface but are shrinking rapidly across most parts of the world.

The area of land occupied by glaciers will decrease significantly by the end of the present century.

The largest individual contributions to global glacier mass loss come from the glaciers of the Gulf of Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, and the ice sheet peripheries of Greenland and Antarctica.



However, the glaciers with the most negative mass balances are located in the European Alps and at low latitudes in the South American Andes. In the European Alps, atmospheric warming has been pronounced in the last 30 years, especially during the summer months, which when combined with decreased snowfall, has led to a 54% loss of ice area since 1850. Current projections suggest that just 413% of the 2003 European Alps ice area will remain by 2100.



The changes in river hydrology and morphology due to climate-induced glacier loss are projected to be the greatest of any hydrological system. There will be significant changes to flow regimes in glacierised watersheds, with a shift to greater stochasticity as glacial runoff decreases and flow becomes more dependent on unpredictable precipitation events and snow melt. Glacier shrinkage will alter sediment transport, and biogeochemical and contaminant fluxes from rivers to oceans.



An unexpected impact of glacier shrinkage is the liberation of contaminants including emission products from industrial activity, such as black carbon and associated compounds, mercury, pesticides, and other persistent organic pollutants. There is uncertainty in the release of these legacy contaminants from glacierised areas, though their transport to downstream systems by meltwater will eventually reduce as glacial ice volume shrinks.



These effects will profoundly influence the natural environment, including many facets of biodiversity, and the ecosystem services that glacier-fed rivers provide to humans, particularly provision of water for agriculture, hydropower and consumption.

Among the major impacts, there are profound changes to ecosystem function and services via altered provision of water resources to human society, reorganization of the regulatory processes that shape water quality and geohazards, and cultural changes associated with tourism, landscape character, and religion.



Lead author Professor Alexander Milner, from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, explained, We dont believe that the sheer enormity of the impact of glacial shrinkage on our downstream ecosystems has been fully integrated to date. From biodiversity to tourism, from hydropower to clean water supply, the breadth of risk to our current way of life is vast. The first step must be a realignment in how we view glacial shrinkage, and a research agenda that acknowledges the risk to regions likely to be most affected.

Co-author Dr Lee Brown, a freshwater ecologist at the University of Leeds School of Geography, added: "Suitable management strategies will need to be developed and adopted to mitigate the societal impacts of profound changes in glacial runoff. Careful planning will be needed because, for example, building new reservoirs may solve water supply issues but impact negatively on landscape character and tourism."
Image: @narendramodi/Twitter

New Delhi, Sep 5 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted the teachers on the occasion of Teacher's Day.

"On Teachers' Day, I salute the teaching community that is devoted to nurturing minds & spreading the joys of education in society," the Prime Minister's tweet read.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also paid homage to Dr. S Radhakrishnan, the first Vice-President of India and the second President of the nation, on whose birthday the country celebrates Teacher's Day.

"My tributes to Dr. S Radhakrishnan, an outstanding teacher and statesman on his birth anniversary," his tweet read.

The Prime Minister said that teachers have a central role in realising the 'New India' dream.

"Teachers have a central role in realising our dream of a New India that is driven by cutting edge research & innovation," he said.

"Let us make the next 5 years about 'teach to transform, educate to empower & learn to lead.'," an ensuing tweet read.

Image: @narendramodi/Twitter
Xiamen, Sep 5 (IBNS): Addressing the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries at the BRICS Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in favour of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" as India's development agenda, media reports said.

On the last day of the BRICS Summit, PM Modi urged the BRICS nations to "team up with the International Solar Alliance for mutual gains through solar energy utilisation of solar power and sun".

The PM said changes can only brought through proactive approaches and co-ordination.

The Indian Prime Minister did not miss a chance to highlight the issues of terrorism and climate change.

"We need coordinated action and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, cyber security, and disaster management." CNN News 18 quoted Modi.

"We need to work together to create a greener world and mitigate the menace of climate change" the PM added.

In an address to the BRICS Summit a day ago, PM Modi said: "Our womens empowerment programmes are productivity multipliers that mainstream women in nation building."

"We need to mainstream our youth in our joint initiatives; scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices" Modi added.

The Prime Minister also scheduled met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, first time after the Doklam stand-off.

The PM on Tuesday even met his Chinese counterpart and made courteous verbal exchanges.

In a significant shift to the diplomatic relation, both India and China have agreed to disengage border personnel at Doklam in Sikkim border, said India's Ministry of External Affairs.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India said in a statement on last Monday that both the countries had communicated with each other regarding the Doklam issue in the last few weeks.

On Monday, the PM met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the ninth BRICS Summit in China.
Kochi/Mumbai, Sep 5 (IBNS) : An Air India Express aircraft veered off the taxiway and rolled partly into a drain after it landed at the Kochi airport in Kerala early on Tuesday morning., media reports said.

All 102 passengers were evacuated safely from the Abu Dhabi-Kochi flight.

NDTV quoted airport sources as saying that the plane took a turn too soon - about 90 metres before it was supposed to - while approaching the parking bay and went off track. Images showed a wheel of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft stuck in what appeared to be a drain.

"All passengers were evacuated through ladder. All are safe. No casualties," a Cochin International Airport spokesperson has been quoted as saying.
Xiamen, Sep 5 (IBNS) : Moving to smooth ruffled feathers in the India-China relationship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping on Tuesday agreed that more needed to be done to avoid future border disputes,as the two talked on the sidelines of BRICS summit in the first bilateral talks after the Doklam standoff, media reports said.

During the hour-long meeting, Jinping told Modi that China wants to work with India on the principles of Panchsheel or peaceful co-existence, signed between the two countries in 1954.

"One of the most important points made during the meeting was that peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for the further development of ties," Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has been quoted as saying.

"We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations," PM Modi tweeted before leaving for Myanmar.

Jaishankar also described the meeting as "forward looking" and "constructive."

The Prime Minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Jaishankar met Xi Jinping.



According to Chinese media reports, Xi Jinping, who called for restoring ties with India on the "right track", said the two neighbours should pursue "healthy, stable bilateral ties.

Jaishankar told reporters that the two leaders reiterated "to not allow differences to become disputes," and maintain good relations in mutual interest.

The last bilateral meeting Xi and Modi held was in June, when they met in Astana during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India said in a statement on last Monday that both the countries had communicated with each other regarding the Doklam issue in the last few weeks.

The military standoff in had heightened tension at the Bhutan-India-China tri-junction in Doklam, a disputed territory claimed by both Bhutan and China, where the Indian Army personnel reached to stop China from building a road.
Islamabad, Sep 5 (IBNS): Pakistan has rejected BRICS' anti-terrorism declaration that consisted the names of Pakistan-based terrorist groups, media reports said on Tuesday.

Pakistan's defence minister Khurram Dastgir was quoted by Geo News as saying at a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence: "We reject the declaration [released by member countries] at the BRICS Summit."

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he added.

In an emphatic diplomatic victory for India, BRICS countries, which included hosts China, named Pakistan based militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network in its declaration that condemned terrorism.

The declaration was passed by the member countries at the BRICS summit in China.

"We strongly condemn terrorist attacks resulting in death to innocent Afghan nationals. We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," said the declaration which was issued during the summit.

"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms & manifestations wherever committed &by whomsoever & stress that there can be no justification," the declaration read.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China to attend the three-day BRICS Summit which ended on Tuesday.



Image: PIB.
Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 5 (IBNS): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw.

Modi is currently visiting the Asian country.

He reached the nation earlier in the day.

Modi was given the ceremonial welcome on his visit to the Asian country.

Modi said his meeting with the president was 'wonderful'.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw," Modi tweeted.

He presented the President a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween and a sculpture of Bodhi tree.

Modi arrived Myanmar after completing his China visit.

He attended the BRICS summit in China.
With the United States exerting more pressure, there seems to be urgency among terrorist formations/individual leaders operating out of Pakistani soil to gain 'political legitimacy' to counter any further existential threat. On September 30, 2014, Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil, founder of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) which operates in Indian Jammu & Kashmir, reportedly decided to form his own political party. Khalil was declared a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" by the US on September 30, 2014. Khalil confirmed this decision in an August 25, 2017, report:

Yes, I have been in touch with my colleagues and followers and we have even finalized a name for the party - Islah-e-Watan Party (IWP). For this purpose, the central Shura (executive committee) would soon meet to finalise details... We would like to condemn the derogatory statement made recently by US President (Donald) Trump. The US needs to know that Pakistan is neither Syria nor Iraq. If any step is taken against Pakistan, we would turn our lands into a graveyard for aggressive forces."

Media reports quoted an unnamed source in the group as saying, "Maulana (Khalil) has taken a lead from Maulana Makki's [Abdul Rehman Makki] decision to mainstream his (banned) outfit." Abdul Rehman Makki is the second in command of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

It is pertinent to recall here that Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the 'chief' of JuD, the frontal organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, launched his political party, Milli Muslim League (MML), on August 7, 2017. Currently under 'house arrest' in Lahore, Saeed has 'nominated' Saifullah Khalid as the President of MML. Saifullah Khalid, a religious scholar and longtime 'official' of the JuD, at the formal launch of the MML party in Islamabad, announced,

We have decided to make a new political party, so that Pakistan is made a real Islamic and welfare state. Once he [Saeed] is released we will seek his guidance and ask what role he wants in this political party. We demand an immediate release of Hafiz Saeed.

Tabish Qayoum, a JuD activist who will work as spokesman for MML, disclosed that JuD had filed registration papers for the new party with Pakistan's election commission.

Saeed along with another four JuD members was put under house arrest in Lahore on January 30, 2017. They were detained under Section 11-EEE of Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act, which gives the Government the power to arrest or detain terrorism suspects for up to 12 months. The other four included Abdullah Ubaid, Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Niaz. Significantly, Saeed was put under 'house arrest' soon after Donald Trump assumed power in the US on January 20, 2017.

Saeed had been declared a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" by the US on May 27, 2008, and was added to the UN 1267/1989 Consolidated List on December 10, 2008. On April 2, 2012, the US announced a bounty of USD 10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed for his alleged involvement in terrorist attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks that killed at least 166 people, including six Americans.

Meanwhile, on August 16, 2017, the US designated Hizb-ul-Mujahiddeen (HM) a "Foreign Terrorist Organisation", within two months of declaring the its 'chief' Yusuf Shah aka Syed Salahuddin as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" on June 26, 2017. Salahuddin has for long been holding mass rallies across Pakistan and is believed to have strong mass base.

With mounting international pressure (especially the US), more such terrorist formations are likely to join the 'political mainstream' at a time when National Assembly elections are due in less than a year. Significantly, established political parties are currently in a crises, with the ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), facing serious problems in the aftermath of the ouster of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following the Supreme Court's ruling in the Panama Papers case. The main opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are also not on a strong footing, each riddled with its own controversies and scandals.

Given the past track record of all these parties - PML-N, PPP, PTI - there will be no surprise if they readily agree to ally with any of these 'terrorist political parties' to win the upcoming elections, or in a situation of weak or no majorities for any single formation.

Significantly, each of these parties had tried to woo Islamist extremists, and particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), before the 2014 elections. Despite then-TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud's declaration that "democracy is the system of infidels", Nawaz Sharif repeatedly advocated a policy of appeasement towards the Taliban. In May 2013, he had declared, "A few weeks ago, the Taliban (TTP) offered dialogue to the Government of Pakistan and said, 'we are prepared to talk'. I think the Government of Pakistan should have taken that seriously. [It] did not take it seriously."

Similarly, PTI has taken a soft line on the extremists. Its leader Imran Khan continuously advocated a negotiated settlement with the TTP and its affiliates and, on April 22, 2013, had observed, "the Pakistan Tehrik-e-insaf will pull the Army out of the Pashtun-dominated tribal areas and restore peace through talks if it comes to power in the May 11 (2014) general election". Earlier, in October 2012, Imran Khan had claimed that the Taliban were fighting a 'holy war' justified by Islam in neighbouring Afghanistan: "It is very clear that whoever is fighting for their freedom is fighting a jihad. The people who are fighting in Afghanistan against the foreign occupation are fighting a jihad."

The PPP's approach towards TTP and its affiliates was comparably accommodating. On February 4, 2013, the then Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik declared, "We are ready to start talks with you (TTP). You tell us what team you would like to talk to, and let's set an agenda." Further, PPP leader and former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari had close ties with the Taliban. According to a June 14, 2010, media report, while meeting 50 captured Taliban leaders including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in a prison to assure them that their outfit had his Government's full support and that they would be freed soon, Zardari had reportedly stated, "You are our people, we are friends, and after your release we will of course support you to do your operations."

The Sharif brothers' (Shahbaz Sharif has been the longtime Chief Minister of the Punjab Province) closeness to JuD is also well known. In the most brazen move, Saeed reportedly (April 2016 reports) set up a Sharia'h (Islamic law) court in Lahore to dispense "speedy justice", taking up citizens' complaints and issuing summons carrying a warning of strict action in case of non-compliance. It was the first instance of such a parallel judicial system being established in the Punjab province. JuD claimed the 'court' only offers arbitration and resolves disputes in accordance with the Islamic judicial system, but failed to justify the summons. The impunity with which Saeed operated clearly confirms the support he receives from the ruling Pakistani establishment, in addition to the significant resources his organization has receivedfrom the state exchequer.

More recently, photographs featuring the then Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan with Maulana Ahmed Ludhianvi, the leader of the 'banned' sectarian terrorist Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat (ASWJ), had surfaced on social media. When a hue and cry was raised, the Minister was unrepentant and, indeed, offered a defence of ASWJ, stating, on January 14, 2017, that the Shia-Sunni conflict dated back 1300 years and was a part of Islamic history, and it was unfair (with regard to terrorism) to "link everything with ASWJ's Chief". Responding to a question in the Senate about his remarks that outlawed sectarian organisations should not be equated with terrorist outfits, Nisar raised the question whether it was "a crime" to suggest that separate laws should be formed to deal with groups proscribed on sectarian basis to remedy the "confusion being created". In a reply to the criticism he faced from PPP for meeting with Maulana Ahmad Ludhianvi, Nisar inquired, "How is it fair to link everything to Maulana Ludhianvi? Which PPP leader did not meet leaders of proscribed organisations in their time?" PPP's association with the banned Peoples' Aman Committee (PAC), a Karachi based gang, is widely known . PAC, a Lyari criminal network linked to numerous targeted killings, reportedly works as PPP's armed wing.

Meanwhile, religious fundamentalism continues to increase across Pakistan, with more and more people being killed in the name of god. According to the latest World Report, 2017, published by Human Rights Watch (HRW), at least 19 people remained on death row after being convicted under Pakistan's draconian Blasphemy Law, and hundreds awaited trial. Most of those facing blasphemy are members of religious minorities, often victimized by these charges due to personal disputes. Further, the HRW 2015 Report suggested that, since 1990, 60 people have been murdered after being accused of blasphemy. In 2015, the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) reported that a total of 724 Muslims, 501 Ahmadis, 185 Christians and 26 Hindus, who had been accused under innumerable clauses of the Blasphemy Law since 1987. The majority of these cases were for desecration of the Quran followed by blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.

In such a scenario, the danger of more terror elements infiltrating into mainstream politics is very real. Worse, it is unlikely that these groupings will give up their terrorist activities, even as a measure of political impunity is secured by engaging in the electoral process. The 'legitimacy' that would be gained would also tend to amplify the ambivalence that has characterized international attitudes and policies with regard to such groupings.
Mumbai, Sept 5 (IBNS) Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who was busy with her shooting schedule in Romania, will remember the schedule for more reasons than one.

The actress shot for a song in AR Murugadoss's Tamil-Telugu bilingual Spyder, starring Mahesh Babu, in Romania and visited the castle where Dracula is believed to have been born.

Rakul says, This was my first time in Romania and we shot in Sibiu (a major city in Transylvania, which has come to be associated with vampires, thanks to the novel Dracula) for six days. You can find legends and stories associated with Count Dracula in every nook and corner and it was quite scary initially. The architecture is very old world; the bricks keep falling off and paint keeps peeling off, but there's a charm to even that.

Recalling her tryst with Dracula tales, she says, There's a castle that's an hour and-a-half drive away from Sibiu; it is believed to be the birthplace of Dracula. It is apparently from there the whole tale started. We shot at the castle for about two days, but I didn't get a chance to go inside and explore the place.

The team also shot at two big squares in the city, where many restaurants were selling Dracula-special dishes. In fact, one of them suggested I try the Dracula meal, but I got a little freaked out.

We shot during the day and since it was a packed schedule, we shot each sequence twice, once in Tamil and then in Telugu. We didn't venture out in the night. Of course, we spent the evenings trying out the local cuisine. But the city has got me intrigued and I hope I get to explore the place soon, she signs off.
Image: twitter.com/AMEquality

Sydney, Sep 5 (IBNS): Come Sep 12, Australians will take part in a vote to decide whether to legalise same sex marriages or not, but that could all come to an abrupt end.

The Australian High Court, the apex court in the nation has begun hearing a petition challenging the vote on Tuesday.

If it rules in favour of the challenge, the vote will be annulled.

But the government sounds upbeat about a ruling in its favour, thus allowing it to carry on with the election.

In the next two days, starting today, two separate challenges by LGBTQ marriage advocates will be heard by the court.

The challenges were made after many LGBTQ marriage supporters expressed displeasure towards the upcoming elections and want the parliament alone to debate about the issue.

Both the petitions have placed an argument that the funding allocated for the vote is invalid as it wasn't done through a normal parliamentary process.

The government's decision to hold a non-binding postal survey has also been met with severe criticism as supporters have questioned if the body overseeing the vote, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), has the power to do so.

Australian votes are generally overseen by Australian Electoral Commission.

However, if the challenges are not accepted by the apex court, the postal vote will go on from Sep 12- Oct 27.

Results will be declared on Nov 15.

Australia recognises same-sex unions, however, as far as LGBTQ marriages are concerned, it is still illegal down under.
Washington, Sept 5 (IBNS): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his government is selling Japan and South Korea a asubstantially increaseda amount of US military equipment.

The President made the announcement amid heightened tension in the Korean peninsula.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump said.

North Korean state-run media on Sunday reported that the country has successfully tested a Hydrogen Bomb, which is way more powerful than an atomic bomb.

This was the reclusive nations's sixth test, according to reports.

According to South Korean media reports, the latest test was conducted near Kilju County, where the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site is situated.

The tremor felt was 9.8 times more powerful than the one from the fifth test, the country's state weather agency said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in urged the world for the "strongest" response to the test and further isolate North Korea, including imposing new UN Security Council sanctions, according to Yonhap state news agency.

According to a CNN report, Chung Eui-yong, the South Korean Presidents chief security advisor, said that South Korea will seek diplomatic measures to completely isolate North Korea.

North Korea today ignored the repeated warnings from us and the international society and conducted a stronger nuclear test than before, he told reporters, reported the US media.

President Moon has ordered the most powerful response to condemn [North Korea], along with the international society and decided to seek diplomatic measures such as pushing ahead for an UNSC resolution to completely isolate North Korea, it said.

Earlier, the Kim Jong-un led government had claimed that they have successfully managed to miniaturise a nuclear weapon that can be loaded on to a missile.

The development looks ominous as the reclusive nation has already threatened the US.

Even though many, including the American President Donald Trump, speculates the gravity of the threat, US intelligence have told the Washington Post that North Korea has progressed at a much faster rate than expected and is capable of striking the US.

In the past, Kim and his men have conducted umpteen tests, ignoring sanctions against them, but have mostly failed to threaten the likes of the US, against whom it plans to mount an attack.

However, the repeated tests have kept countries like Japan, South Korea, China and Russia on alert.

Recently, the Pyongyang confirmed that it flew a projectile over Japanese air-space.

The missile was 'personally guided' by Kim.

Even though it physically didn't damage anything, except the already battered bi-lateral ties, the move was met with much scorn by the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

North Korea's antics also halted several operations in Japan as residents were ordered to stay indoor and take cover.

A day later, Kim Jong-un was quoted in the state-run media as saying that the launch was a "meaningful prelude to containing" the US Pacific territory of Guam.

The North Korean leader also warned of further strikes.

Experts believe that the strikes are in connection with the latest sanction it faces from the United Nations, where the US played a major role.

According to the new sanctions, importing coal, seafood, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore from North Korea is banned.

Under the new rule, no country can hire or receive North Korean workers.

Countries have also been barred from entering into ventures from North Korea.

The member states will have to report within 90 days on how they have gone about the job.
New York, Sept 5(Just Earth News): More than 123,000 people from Myanmar's Rakhine state have fled to Bangladesh since the latest outbreak of violence, the United Nations migration agency on Tuesday announced seeking $18 million to urgently help the refugees.

Clear signs that more will cross into Bangladesh from Myanmar before situation stabilizes, said the Director of Operations and Emergencies at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mohammed Abdiker, on Twitter. Without more int[ernational] support, suffering will continue.

Thousands of people are arriving daily in south-eastern Bangladesh, living in makeshift sites and seeking any space for shelter.

We are running out of space in the existing settlements and new arrivals are pitching camp wherever they can erect some plastic sheeting to protect themselves from the elements, said Sarat Dash, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission.

The new arrivals are putting immense strain on the existing support structures. These need to be immediately scaled up to ensure lives are not put at risk, he cautioned.

With reports of ongoing violence, UN agencies on Tuesday expressed grave concern about the situation, including reports that some civilians are dying enroute to safety.

Those who have made it to Bangladesh are in poor condition. Most have walked for days from their villages  hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes. They are hungry, weak and sick, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Duniya Aslam Khan, told journalists in Geneva.

Two of the shelter sites  Kutupalong and Nayapara camps  are at breaking point, Khan said. New arrivals are hosted by refugee families and in refugee schools, community centres, madrassas and covered structures.

We are running out of available space, she stressed.

I just knew to run to save my life'

IOM and partners on Tuesday appealed for $18 million to aid the fleeing civilians over the next three months. The support would go for people like Rohingya Dilara, who reached Bangladesh barefoot, clutching her 18-month son.

My husband was shot in the village. I escaped with my son and in-laws, she told UNHCR. We walked for three days, hiding when we had to. The mountain was wet and slippery and I kept falling.

Dilara followed other villagers into the Kutupalong camp, which was established in the 1990s along with neighbouring Nayapara camp, and already had a population of some 30,000 people. UNHCR estimates that 20,000 civilians arrived since 25 August, when the fighting in Myanmar flared up.

I don't know where I am  I just knew to run to save my life, Dilara said.

Photo: UNHCR/Vivian Tan

Source: www.justearthnews.com


New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres on Tuesday welcomed the announcement by the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) of a temporary bilateral cease-fire from 1 October 2017 to 12 January 2018.

In a statement issued by his Spokesman, the Secretary-General expressed the hope that the agreement, announced yesterday in Quito, Ecuador, will improve conditions for the civilian population in conflict areas and offer opportunities for substantial progress in the peace talks between the parties.

The Secretary-General commends the role of the guarantors  Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Norway and Venezuela  in support of the negotiations, as well as the important role of the Catholic Church, the statement said, adding that the Guterres reiterated the support of the UN towards all efforts that contribute to lasting peace in Colombia.

Also on Tuesday, the United Nations in Colombia celebrated the temporary ceasefire agreement.

The United Nations believes that the main objective of the agreement is to improve the humanitarian situation of the population, said a press release issued by the UN Mission in Colombia.

This act is a concrete step towards a full respect and application of International Humanitarian Law and will help build confidence in the peace process, it added.

The latest agreement comes on the heels of a peace accord that ended five decades of war between the Government and what was then Colombia's largest armed group FARC-EP, or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

The Colombian civilian population that suffers the conflict directly will be the main beneficiary with the commitments announced by the ELN to suspend all type of kidnappings and attacks against the physical infrastructure, the enrolment of children and teenagers and the abstention from installing anti-personnel explosive mines, the release said.

The release said that likewise, the UN welcomes that the Government will strengthen the early warning system to prevent attacks and killings of social leaders. All these measures will help to create a favourable climate for the process of consultation with citizens, set out in the negotiating agenda, it stated.

UN Photo/Mark Garten (file)

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): The Security Council on Tuesday established a sanctions regime on Mali, introducing a travel ban and assets freeze that will apply to individuals and entities engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the conflict-torn African country.

In the resolution, adopted unanimously, the 15-member body decided to set up a Sanctions Committee, consisting of all the members of the Council, and requested the Secretary-General to create, for an initial period of 13 months, a panel of up to five experts to support the Committee's work.

The 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali included language inviting the Security Council to adopt measures against those undermining the implementation of the Agreement and the pursuit of its objectives.

On 9 August, the Government of Mali sent a letter to Egypt, Council President for that month, requesting the creation of a sanctions regime, citing repeated ceasefire violations by armed groups in northern Mali.

UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Kabul, Sep 5 (IBNS): Military airstrikes by the Afghan soldiers in the country's Helmand province targeting Taliban bases accounted for at least 25 casualties, local Khaama Press reported.

According to an Afghan Ministry of Defence statement, the strikes were carried out in three districts of the province, including the capital city.

It added that 12 militants, including three Taliban commanders, were killed during the raid.

The slain commanders have been identified as Mullah Khaliqdad, Mullah Musafir and Khayal Mohammad, the MoD statement added.

At least four Taliban bases were destroyed during the operations.

The militant group is yet to issue a statement.
Ottawa, Sep 5 (IBNS): Canada is all set to host the third round of NAFTA (The North American Free Trade Agreement) negotiations in later part of September, media reports said.

The third part of the negotiations will be taking place in Ottawa.

According to CBC News, this round of talks will be hosted by Canada between September 23 and September 27.

However, the second round has taken place in Mexico City where a range of issues were discussed including supply management, auto-parts rules to government procurement.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Chrystia Freeland, will be present with her US and Mexican counterparts as the second round of talks in Mexico will end on Tuesday.

In the negotitations, Canada is working for a better labour and environmental provisions.

Both Canada and the US are in favour of making an environment agreement in the new NAFTA instead of designing a separate deal.

The two nations also want to make certain provisions to prevent NAFTA nations from violating the rules for the sake of drawing investments.

NAFTA is an agreement which came into force from January 1994 by Canada, Mexico and United States creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America.

For last one and a half years, US President Trump criticised the agreement and also hinted to take some serious steps being in the administration or at least send some ultimatums.

Both Canada and the US differs in the climate change.

The US has already announced their withdrawal from the Paris Climate and the process of coming out from it is underway.

On the other hand, Canada wants a new NAFTA with a reference to the global climate issues and make necessary steps to tackle them.



(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)
Citizens of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians who oppose plans for a new casino are getting ready for a referendum on the issue.

A date hasn't been officially announced, The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported. But Chahta for Better Government , whose members won a tribal court decision in favor of the vote on the $25 million Red Water Casino , says it must occur by November 22

"We will have an election on the Red water casino!" the group said in a post on Facebook . "Thank you to everyone for standing by your signature!"

Chief Phyliss Anderson and the tribe's election committee had rejected a petition submitted by the group but decided not to pursue an appeal on the matter.

"I stand firm in my commitment to this project and the many successes I believe the Red Water Casino can achieve," Anderson said in an August 30 post , when the petition was certified as legitimate. "And I have faith in our Choctaw people to evaluate the project on its merits and make an informed decision. I strongly believe we must work together to create more opportunities now and a brighter future for our children."

Red Water, if approved, would be the third gaming facility on the reservation. The flagship is the Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia.

A second facility, the Bok Homa Casino , is located in a satellite community. Red Water would be about the same size as Bok Homa.

Read More on the Story: Choctaws expected to vote soon on new casino near Carthage (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger August 31, 2017) Choctaw tribe to vote soon on new Mississippi casino (The Associated Press September 1, 2017)

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Does Death with Dignity go against Lakota ways?

By Alaina AdakaiNative Sun News Today Correspondent

EAGLE BUTTE  Physician-assisted death may be on the ballot in 2018, if the Death with Dignity South Dakota organization can reach their goal of gathering 14,000 signatures on their petition.

Death with Dignity, also known as right to die, allows eligible terminally-ill adults the choice to voluntarily end their lives by self-administering lethal medications prescribed by a physician.

Currently five states, including the District of Columbia, have the Death with Dignity Act laws in place.

Eagle Butte resident and Cheyenne River Sioux tribal member, Royalle Azure, is a volunteer with New Approach, an organization that has teamed up with Death with Dignity South Dakota.

Azure is circulating a petition for Death with Dignity and recently set up an information booth at the Art In the Park event in Eagle Butte.

Azure, a self-described Christian, says her personal spiritual beliefs have her fifty-fifty about the petition, but said she also believes that, a terminally-ill person should have options. They shouldnt only be allowed to suffer.

If I was given 6 months left to live, and was told I would face a painful death, I would let myself suffer through that, I would not end my life.

Asked if she encountered any objections from the public, Surprisingly, no. I met supportive people, Azure said.

Chief Arvol Looking Horse has a different outlook about right to die.

Looking Horse, renown as the Keeper of the Sacred Pipe, says that Death with Dignity is basically a person committing suicide.

According to him, traditional Lakota teachings forbid suicide.

Every life is sacred. With our canupa (sacred pipe), we pray for life, not to take away life, he said. When a person commits suicide, their spirit does not enter the spirit world. When a spirit does not leave this world naturally, ceremonies must be performed to help guide the spirit. If no ceremony is performed, the spirit roams, lost, on this earth.

Man-made laws do not apply to us Lakota people. We have natural laws, given to us by the Creator, Looking Horse said in response to the petition to establish laws protecting a persons right to die.

Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: Does Death with Dignity go against Lakota ways?

(Contact Alaina Adakai at aadakai01@gmail.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News

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Culture Wathann Film Festival Features Local Talent

Wathann Film Festivals official 2017 poster.

YANGON  Myanmars pioneering Wathann Film Festival, organized by local independent filmmakers, returns to Yangons last standing colonial-era Waziya Cinema from Wednesday through Monday for the events seventh edition.

Founded in 2011 with the mission of improving the standard of local cinema and creating a platform for Myanmars young generation of independent filmmakers, the annual Wathann Film Festival (WFF) will showcase 78 films, including 29 from local directors in the competition section, 23 from other Southeast Asian countries, five international feature-length documentaries and other shorts.

Festival director Ma Thu Thu Shein said the WFF has collaborated with curators from regional film festivals to showcase films from six Southeast Asian countriesthe S-Express Programto inspire local filmmakers.

From these Southeast Asian films, they will know what is happening in the regional independent cinema scene, she told The Irrawaddy.

Portraying a toddler acting as the king of the set on its official poster this year, Ma Thu Thu Shein said it was a metaphor for new filmmakers are born here, adding that most works in the lineup were created by young directors from Myanmar and the region.

Recognizing all of the significant improvements in the last seven years, Thaid Dhi, co-founder and program director of Wathann, said the festival would also address the obstacles that still hinder the artistic freedom of filmmakers, referring to the censorship process that the lineup had to undergo according to the countrys 1996 Motion Picture Law.

While the decades-long practice of literary censorship was abolished in 2012, he said, the film and video censorship board remains a challenge for local filmmakers.

The law urgently needs to be fixed in accordance with democratic norms for the sake of cinematic freedom, he stressed.

The festival will also include other artistic programs this year such as Beyond Narrative, a collection of works by audiovisual artists and Another Landscape, a collection of films by the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.

A feature-length documentary In Exile (Pyi Pye in Myanmar), directed by Myanmar filmmaker Tin Win Naing, and a collaboration of Myanmar and Germany production companies, will have its home premiere on Friday evening. The film documents the plight of Myanmar migrant workers who fled civil war and political persecution to Thailand. It has shown at several international film festivals including Busan and Toronto last year.

The festival will also screen the Singapore-produced Yellow Bird, a debut feature film by director K. Rajagopal, which was shown at the Cannes Film Festivals Critics Week last year, on Saturday. The films cinematographer Michael Zawa Myanmar-born filmmaker based in Singaporewill host a master class for local filmmakers after the Saturday screening.

Myanmar Deitta art gallery will host an extended screening for competition films from Thursday through Sunday. Awards to be presented at the festival are Best Short Film, Best Documentary and New Vision Award, according to festival organizers.
Burma Army, Govt Warn of Militant Attacks on Cities

Members of the Border Guard Police pictured in northern Rakhine State. / The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar Army released a statement on Tuesday afternoon alleging that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) could plan to stage attacks in Myanmars major cities.

The Government Information Committee issued its own statement on Tuesday night reiterating the militarys earlier warning, and calling for people to act with restraint.

People should be strongly mindful that some could instigate racial and religious violence by using the alert as a pretext, it read, adding that the administration strongly urges the people to collaborate for the countrys stability.

The army listed Naypyitaw, Yangon, Mandalay and Mawlamyine as potential targets, and speculated that the ARSA has foreign ties and alleged that members had received training abroad as migrants.

ARSAs activity has been in northern Rakhine State, where the group staged attacks on police and military targets on Aug. 25, leading to the government and military designating the organization as terrorists.

The Myanmar Army has since intensified clearance operations in the region. Four hundred people have been reported dead, and an estimated 125,000 have fled to Bangladesh. Tens of thousands more remain displaced internally.

In Tuesdays statement, the army asked the public to inform police or military officials of suspicious activity, like the presence of large amounts of ammonium nitrate fertilizer.

During a briefing last week for diplomats and UN agencies on Rakhine State at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Yangon, Police Brig-Gen Win Tun alleged that militants had used this type of fertilizer to make landmines.
Burma Dozens of Hindus Killed in Maungdaw: Relatives

Hindu villagers take shelter at a temple in Buthidaung Townships Myoma Ward. / Hindu Youth Relief Group / Supplied

SITTWE, Rakhine State  Eight-year-old Muni is one of the sole survivors in her Hindu family, after eight of her relatives were reportedly killed by Muslim militants one week ago in Kha Mauk Seik village, some 40 miles from downtown Maungdaw, in northern Rakhine State.

The girl had left her family to work in the home of a friend, Mina Kumari, also in Maungdaw Township, six months earlier.

Through an interpreter, Muni told The Irrawaddy on Sunday a statement that was echoed by other relatives and a Hindu community leader in Bangladeshthat she had heard her parents, grandmother, newborn brother, sisters and brothers-in-law had been killed.

One of her elder sisters is among eight women who said they were initially abducted by militants from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), but now sheltering at a relief camp in Bangladeshs Kutupalong District. Following ARSA attacks on 30 police outposts on Aug. 25, the Myanmar government declared the group a terrorist organization.

According to aid workers, Bangladesh is also now hosting some 87,000 self-identifying Rohingya Muslim refugees who have fled northern Rakhine State since the Myanmar Army began renewed clearance operations in Maungdaw following the ARSA attacks.

They join hundreds of thousands of Muslim refugees already in the region, displaced after an earlier round of attacks in 2016.

An additional 11,700 Buddhist Arakanese, Arakanese subgroups, and Hindus have been internally displaced, with many taking shelter in monasteries in the state capital of Sittwe, and Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw townships.

Bangladeshs The Daily Star reported on Sept. 1, that around 400 Hindus had left Rakhine State for Bangladesh and were staying at makeshift camp in Kutupalong, alongside displaced Muslims.

More than 500 Hindus are also taking refuge at four temples in Sittwe, partially supported by a government relief team, according to community leaders in Sittwe.

The Daily Star said that the displaced villagers estimated that more than 80 members of their communities in Rakhine State had been killed by unidentified armed men.

As journalists are barred from the conflict zone, The Irrawaddy spoke to religious leaders and relatives of the deceased in Sittwe.

Villagers who arrived in Sittwe on Sunday told The Irrawaddy that they believed around 70 residents of three communitiesKha Mauk Seik Taung Ywar, Kha Mauk Seik Yebaw Kyar, and Ohtein (also known as as Fakirabazar, Riktapara, and Chikonchhari respectively)had been killed.

The news about Kha Mauk Seik was heard on Saturday, and they are so desperate. They have no family members left to take care for them, said U Maung Hla, the vice chairman of the Rakhine State Hindu Council, referring to 8-year-old Muni and another girl16-year-old, Kajali, who told The Irrawaddy that since she left Maungdaw four months ago, she had lost nine relatives.

Mina Kumari, with whom Muni is living, told The Irrawaddy that she had lost her son in the violence, but had made contact with her daughter-in-law and Munis sister now in Bangladesh.

My daughter-in-law could not speak properly on the phone, she was crying a lot and was very afraid, said Mina Kumari.

Mina Kumari said that her daughter-in-law explained over the phone that she had been forced to undergo a conversion to Islam with seven other women, and that she and her three children avoided being murdered after she gave one of the gunmen her gold earrings.

The Irrawaddy was unable to interview the victims directly on the phone, as they said they were too afraid to speak to the media, in either Burmese, Arakanese or Hindi languages.

Speaking to The Irrawaddy through an interpreter and on the condition of anonymity, a leader from the Hindu temple in Dakshin Nihla in Bangladesh said that the eight women in questionincluding Mina Kumaris daughter-in-lawwere brought to the temple by Bangladeshi border police.

He estimated 470 Hindus had fled to Bangladesh.

He alleged that the women were filmed by members of the ARSA and told to say they feared attacks from ethnic Arakanese and the Myanmar security forces.

A sister-in-law of one of the survivors of the Hindu villages watched the video and told The Irrawaddy: I know these women, two are from Buthidaung two are from Maungdaw.

It should be noted, however, that widely documented testimony has been given by refugees to international media outlets, human rights organizations, and the UN since Myanmar Army clearance operations from October 2016 to February 2017 following the Oct. 9, 2016 attacks, describing the perpetration of abuses by security forces ranging from torture to rape to arson and extrajudicial killings.

Government figures report that since Aug. 25, 15 members of Myanmars military and police have been killed and 14 civiliansincluding seven Rakhine Hindus, three Daingnet, and four Arakanese.

The government states that 370 suspected militants had been killed since Aug. 25, but these figures do not address the deaths of Muslim civilians, who make up the largest displaced group.
Burma Myanmars First Gold Exchange Center Takes Shape in Yangon

Gold items on sale in a shop in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Myanmar will have its first official market for gold, gems and metal trading in its commercial capital Yangon this year, said U Khin Maung Han, chairman of the Myanmar Federation of Mining Association.

The trade center will be built in Yangons Mingalardon Township near Yangon International Airport, U Khin Maung Han said. The association is in the process of discussing land acquisition and security matters with the concerned ministries, he said.

We will build a temporary center near 6th Mile [in Mayangon Township] while the trade center is being built in Mingalardon. We are establishing an official market for the trading of gold, jewelry and gold items and metal, he told The Irrawaddy.

Similar centers will also be built in Naypyitaw and Mandalay, and are expected to be completed in two years.

The official market will prevent the smuggling of gold and jewelry items and metal, and will assist the government in identifying the precise number of deals, as well as earn tax revenues, U Khin Maung Han explained.

The official market will also encourage gem factories and create job opportunities, he said.

The official gold market has been in the works for three years, and various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Ministry of Commerce, Central Bank of Myanmar, Myanmar Federation of Mining Association and Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs have been collaborating in its creation.

Weve coordinated with concerned businessmen to open a gold and gems trading center round the clock throughout the year, said Union minister for Planning and Finance U Kyaw Win at the ninth meeting between Vice President Henry Van Thio and local businessmen.

Dealings will be made there, taxes will be levied there. They can either export or sell to local buyers. And related handicraft businesses and other services can be provided there on a wide scale. Only then, will we have a Myanmar market, and our products will fetch good prices, the minister said.

Companies from around 30 countries have expressed their interest in investing in the official gold exchange market, which will be modeled after Shanghai and American gold exchanges. Myanmar has also signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation with Singapores Gold Market Association.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
Burma New Inventory Reveals Nearly 4,000 Ancient Monuments in Bagan

U Maw Lin, vice-chair of the Association of Myanmar Architects (AMA), discusses its Bagan Architecture Inventory at a press conference on September 5, 2017. / Chan Son / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The Association of Myanmar Architects (AMA) logged 3,822 monuments in the ancient capital of Bagan in the first inventory of its kind for more than 20 years, it revealed on Tuesday.

Data collection for the Bagan Architecture Inventory was done from mid October to late December last year, with the help of some 300 volunteer architects and students, according to the association.

From the inventorys 3,822 monuments, AMA identified 3,699 within Bagans archaeological zone. The remaining 123 structures were recorded by the Department of Archaeology outside of the zone before the inventory process.

The inventory used the previous two records of religious monuments in Baganone Unesco-supported effort by French architect Pierre Pichard in the 1980s and another by the Myanmar Archaeological Department in 1996.

Pichards Inventory of Monuments at Pagan stated that the ancient capital had 2,834 ancient monuments and the archaeology department in its inventory stated Bagan had 3,122.

Aug. 24 marked one year since the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, centered about 15 miles west of Chauk town in Magwe Region. According to the religion and culture ministrys archaeology department, out of more than 3,000 temples and pagodas across Baganlocated north of the epicenter389 were affected by tremors and needed renovation.

The inventory was planned before the quake, but with the damage sustained by temples, work on the inventory was quickened to record the ancient architecture before it underwent repairs.

The inventory is [important] not only for the architects association but also for all Myanmar people who value Bagan, AMAs vice-chair U Maw Lin told media on Tuesday in Yangon.

It is of concern to all Myanmar people and they deserve to know [the findings] as well, he added.

The ancient capital has yet to be granted Unesco World Heritage Site status, allegedly on account of sub-standard, inauthentic restoration efforts under previous governments.

AMA chair U Sun Oo said one Unesco worker recognized Bagan as having the most mural paintings in Southeast Asia. According to the associations inventory, 392 structures14 percent of Bagans ancient monumentsstill have mural paintings.

The association aimed at completing the inventory before Myanmars bid in September this year for Bagan to make the Unesco World Heritage Site list.

The inventory would also serve as a reference for future restoration works, U Sun Oo added.

If these monuments have to be renovated, we are concerned the work will not be carried out systemically without such an inventory, said U Sun Oo. Even if the renovation works are done recklessly we will at least have a record of how these structures appeared in the past.

According to AMAs findings, 1,179 monuments32 percent of Bagans ancient structures identified by the associationare totally deserted, 1,633 are ignored and only 848 are structures that have frequent public access. Only 327 monuments9 percentare preserved and restored, AMAs inventory claimed.
British mainframe company Micro Focus has completed its merger with HPE's software business, in the process creating the globe's seventh largest pure-play business software company.

The software assets passed to Micro Focus in a US$8.8 billion deal.

HPE acquired the software assets of the British company Autonomy in 2011 for US$10.3 billion, Mercury Interactive for US$4.5 billion in 2006 and Vertica Systems for US$350 million in 2011.

As it was unclear which of these assets had been sold to Micro Focus or whether all were sold, iTWire sought clarification from the company.

Micro Focus said in response that the software assets ranged across DevOps, IT Operations Management, Cloud, Security, Information Governance, and Veritica (Big Data Analytics).

It said the software assets were not limited to those from Autonomy. There were also a range of solutions including brands such as ArcSight, Atalla, Fortify, Vertica, Voltage, Mercury, etc. that had been integrated into the HPE Software business.

Assets from Mercury Interactive and Vertica Systems were also included, the company said.

After HPE bought Autonomy, it sued the company's chief executive and founder Mike Lynch and chief financial officer Sushovan Hussain, alleging accounting fraud. Months before HPE bought the company, Oracle had turned down a proposal to buy the firm for half the amount that the sale netted.

iTWire also sought clarification as to whether the legal action would become Micro Focus' responsibility. The company did not respond to this query.

Following the completion of the merger, Chris Hsu, former chief operating officer of HPE and executive vice-president and general manager of HPE Software, was made the chief executive of Micro Focus.

Today marks a significant milestone for Micro Focus, and I am honoured to be leading this team, Hsu said. We are bringing together a powerful combination of technology and talent uniquely positioned to drive customer-centred innovation at enterprise scale  enabling organisations to maximise the ROI of existing software investments while embracing the new hybrid model for enterprise IT.

It is our mission to provide a best-in-class portfolio of enterprise-grade scalable software with analytics built in, and put customers at the centre of our innovation building high-quality products that our teams can be proud of.

Driven by this mission, Micro Focus is uniquely positioned to help customers and partners address opportunities and challenges within the new hybrid model for enterprise IT  from mainframe to mobile to cloud.
Indian IT spending is set to grow by 13.8% year-on-year in 2022, the technology analyst firm IDC says, adding that this was down from 25.3%
Telstra has appointed Vicki Brady, a former Singtel Optus executive, as group executive consumer and small business, following the sudden departure from the telco and the role by Kevin Russell.

Brady joined Telstra in 2016 as group managing director  consumer from SingTel Optus, where she held the position of managing director of marketing and products in Australia.

Russells exit from Telstra comes just 18 months after he was appointed to the job now being filled by Brady and the telco has given no explanation for his sudden departure.

One of Australias most senior telecommunications executives, Russell, joined Telstra in April last year as group executive Telstra Retail, leading the companys consumer, business, stores and product functions.

We are grateful for the contributions which Kevin Russell made during his time with Telstra and wish him all the best for the future, Telstra chief executive Andrew Penn said when announcing Bradys appointment.

In the new role, Brady will have responsibility for Telstras consumer, small business, channels to market and product functions as well as customer experience programmes, reporting directly to Penn.

Vicki brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in the Australian telecommunications sector, Penn said.

Since joining Telstra, she has proven herself leading our contact centres, stores, digital channels, business centres, licensee and partner arrangements as well as demonstrating an unrelenting focus on customer experience.

She has a strong track record of improving customer experiences, leading product simplification and delivering outstanding commercial results. She is highly regarded internally and externally and will make a strong addition to my leadership team.

Brady has a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University and a Masters of Science in Management from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants ANZ.
Two longstanding directors of the scandal-hit Commonwealth Bank are vacating their board seats in what appears to be a fallout caused by the ongoing crisis.

Launa Inman, a director since 2011, and Harrison Young, a board member since 2007, will both vacate their seats.

Inman was a member of the board's audit and remuneration committees while Young occupied a seat on the risk, audit and nominations panel. Both will leave in November.

The bank has been under pressure since the monitoring agency AUSTRAC filed a civil case against it in August for allegedly violating Australian anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

AUSTRAC claims that CBA contravened the laws more than 53,700 times and to a total value of more than $77 million. Any transaction over $10,000 is supposed to be reported within 10 days.

Meanwhile, other reports say the bank's alleged failure to monitor transactions will lead to action by US regulators.

Fairfax Media reported that the bank was already answering questions from a number of American bodies and it was only a matter of time before a formal probe was announced.

A Washington lawyer said the US financial intelligence unit FinCEN would already be involved through its understandings with AUSTRAC.

He said CBA had US branches and dealt in US dollars, both reasons why it would have to follow US anti-money laundering laws.

The civil case against CBA opened on Monday and the bank has been given time until 15 December to file its defence against the charges, after the presiding judge was told that it would not largely contest the main charges being levelled against it.
One of the people behind the Vivaldi and Opera browsers says Google suspended all his company's AdWords shortly after he voiced concerns about the data-gathering indulged in by the search giant and Facebook.

Jon von Tetzchner said that his opinions on Google and Facebook were published by the Wired website in May; he had called for a ban on tracking on both Google and Facebook.

This was the second time that access to AdWords was banned, von Tetzchner said. But when the suspension came so soon after his views appeared, "timing spoke volumes".

Von Tetzchner said he had known Google for a long time, being the first to add its search into the Opera browser interface.

"Our co-operation with Google was a good one. Integrating their search into Opera helped us deliver a better service to our users and generated revenue that paid the bills," he said in

"We helped Google grow, along with others that followed in our footsteps and integrated Google search into their browsers."

But once Google introduced services like Google Docs, which were incompatible with Opera and also encouraged users to switch browsers.

"I brought this up with (Google co-founder) Sergey Brin, in vain," von Tetzchner said. "For millions of Opera users to be able to access these services, we had to hide our browsers identity. The browser sniffing situation only worsened after Google started building their own browser, Chrome."

He said the present situation was even stranger. "We are making the Vivaldi browser. It is based on Chromium, an open-source project, led by Google and built on WebKit and KHTML.

"Using Googles services should not call for any issues, but sadly, the reality is different. We still have to hide our identity when visiting services such as Google Docs."

He said the problem with AdWords being suspended a second time had been sorted out only after three months of back-and-forth and only when he gave in to Google's requirements.

"A monopoly both in search and advertising, Google, unfortunately, shows that they are not able to resist the misuse of power. I am saddened by this makeover of a geeky, positive company into the bully they are in 2017," he said.

Von Tetzchner's claims come in the wake of the recent sacking of a Google critic at a think-tank funded by the search behemoth and just days after a journalist claimed that she had been forced to pull an article about Google's search practices due to pressure from the company.
Problems surrounding the connecting of consumers to the NBN via HFC cable have led to the NBN Co, the company rolling out Australia's national broadband network, changing the way it provides these connections.

In a statement on Monday, NBN Co's chief network engineering office Peter Ryan said in the case of about half the premises ordering an HFC service, the company's technical staff needed to visit said premises and build a new lead-in conduit to connect the co-axial cable into the premises.

This was "something that can often be problematic and can cause delays", he admitted.

Given this, Ryan said it had decided "to hold back a proportion of these premises in order to better manage consumer expectations on wait times once they've placed an order".

And he added that from this month onwards, it would only release new HFC footprint to market where a lead-in to the premises was already installed.

Reacting to this, Labor shadow communications spokesman Michelle Rowland described the situation as a multi-technology mess.

"Its remarkable that we are approaching 2018, and the company is conceding the HFC rollout still has them in knots," she said. "In orchestrating the 2013 NBN Strategic Review, Malcolm Turnbull thought he would roll out of bed one morning and switch on the HFC network like it was a toaster.

"The Strategic Review indicated 2.6 million premises would have access NBN over HFC by the end of 2016. Yet by the end of 2016, the NBN half-year report indicated only 159,000 premises could access the NBN over HFC."

Laurie Patton, the executive director of Internet Australia, a body representing Internet users, said first the NBN Co had been forced to abandon the use of the Optus HFC network because it was not fit for service and now expenditure was needed on the Telstra HFC network too.

A constant critic of the current rollout plan, Patton said the latest issue reinforced the need for a bipartisan rethink and an agreed strategy for a 21st century NBN.

"The way we're heading now, whoever is in office in 2020 will have to deal with our biggest ever national infrastructure debacle," he said.

"NBN Co will owe the government circa $19 billion and within 5 to 10 years it will need to fund a very expensive FttN replacement. So far no-one seems have even started working out how many billions this will cost."
The Australian (and presumably global) smartphone market is about to explode with yet another iPhone super-cycle, with Augmented Reality the new battleground as 1 in 3 already use AR apps  and more to come.

Apples reality is about to get massively augmented, with the rising tide set to lift all boats, whether iBoats, Androids or others.

The news comes from emerging technology analyst firm, Telsyte, and its latest study, which states: Australian smartphone sales are on track for a strong calendar year with booming first half sales set to continue into the second half of the year."

The findings come from Telsytes Australian Smartphone & Wearable Devices Market Study 2017-2021, on sale to relevant parties at relevant prices, which shows 4.4 million smartphones were sold during 1H 2017, up 16% compared to H1 2016".

Now, while Telsyte reports that Android smartphones held market leadership (55% share) with the top three Android vendors being Samsung, Huawei and Oppo", it also believes that Apple will emerge as market leader in the second half of 2017, when it is expected to expedite the release of an 8th edition iPhone to feature alongside the iPhone 7S & iPhone 7S Plus".

Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi said: The arrival of at least three new iPhones, as well as the long-held strategy of keeping older models available at lower prices, will help Apple target its loyal customer base.

Of course, you dont need to be an analyst to make that prediction  history tells you this is the likely result, but it is handy to be an analyst when making predictions on figures, with Telsyte estimating around 4.7m smartphones will be sold in 2H 2017, a result that could see Apple beat 2014 sales when it first released the larger format iPhone 6".

If that is the case, Android boosters who hope against hope that one day Android might outdo Apple in the profits, loyalty and super-cycle stakes will once again have reality slam them in the face, but its important to note that this is my observation, and not Telsytes.

Indeed, Telsyte puts its formidable analyst skills to good use in delivering more on the facts front rather than some of my feelings, and shares by it believes a number of factors will drive iPhone sales, including:

Almost 1 million active iPhones in Australia will not receive the latest iOS 11 update made available in September 2017, leaving models older than the iPhone 5s unsupported.

The iPhone repeat purchase intention in Australia as measured by Telsyte is at an all-time high: 93%, compared to the second highest, Samsung with 74%.

Aging handsets are creating pent-up demand, with nearly 1 in 4 iPhone users using an iPhone that is three years or older.

Aggressive marketing and larger data cap offers by mobile service providers. Telsyte estimates up to 65% of iPhone sales in 2H 2017 will be via mobile contracts, compared to around 50% in previous iPhone S model years.

The inclusion of substantial new features in the field of Augmented Reality (AR) and AI capabilities that will attract upgraders.

So, what of Augmented Reality, the next smartphone battleground?

Telsytes research finds that 1 in 3 Australian smartphone users have tried AR-like features on their smartphones which includes the popular mobile game Pokemon Go as well as Snapchat and Facebook photo filters".

The company is also of the belief that these two categories (games and social) will be the most popular initially for AR, with navigation, education, shopping/retail and communications all likely to get early interest from app developers".

Telsyte senior analyst Alvin Lee, no known relation to Stan Lee but still an amazing-lee good fellow, said: The release of Apples ARKit and Googles ARCore is expected to support more advanced AR applications, driving awareness and usage which could rapidly expand in 2018.

Careful use of words like could is safer than making absolute proclamations in the analyst business, and the journalist business too, but with AR finally looking really good at mixing up reality in ways that were once but the domain of science fiction writers, the rest of 2017, 2018 and the rest of the decade have very augmented prospects for being technologically amazing.

Naturally, we have to hope that North Koreas Kim Jong-un doesnt spoil planet Earth for us by provoking US President Donald Trump into blowing the hermit kingdom to kingdom come, which would have a pretty damn adverse effect on companies like Samsung who remain major Apple suppliers (and competitors), but we can just hope that reality remains strictly of the virtual variety.

So, with Telsyte estimating more than half of iPhones in Australia are currently capable of supporting Apples current ARKit, compared to less than 10 per cent of Android smartphones for recently announced Googles ARCore, Apples reality looks set to be dramatically more augmented than Googles.

That said, more Android models are expected to gain support in coming months, adding to the ongoing battle for smartphone supremacy, but as always, it seems to me at least that Google is perennially fighting from behind and catching up to Apple, with Apple the market leader striving to and thriving from thinking different.

Heres more detail on The Telsyte Australian Smartphone & Wearable Devices Market Study 2017-2021.

It is billed as a comprehensive study which provides subscribers with:

Smartphone market sizing estimates, platform and vendor market shares and forecasts;

Smart wrist-based wearables market sizing estimates, platform and vendor market shares and forecasts;

Smart location-based item tracker market sizing estimates and forecasts;

End user trends across devices, application usage, platforms and operators;

Purchase intentions and acquisition channels;

Strategic analysis of market trends and issues; and

Device profiles and Telsyte analyst ratings of tested devices.

Telsyte explained that it measures smart wearable devices in the Telsyte Australian Smartphone & Wearable Devices Market Study 2017-2021 as computing accessories worn on a users wrist typically paired and controlled via a smartphone. Examples includes products from Adidas, Apple, Asus, Fitbit, Garmin, Huawei, Jawbone, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nike, Pebble, Samsung, Sony, TomTom and others".

In preparing its study, Telsyte used:

Telsytes Mid-Year Smart Device Survey conducted in August 2017 with a representative sample of 1056 Australian respondents, 16 years of age and older. An additional 338 Australian respondents, 16 years and older, were surveyed to septically determine smartphones, smart wearables and tablets purchases made between 1 January to 30 June.

Telsytes annual Digital Consumer survey conducted in November 2016 with a representative sample of 1060 respondents, 16 years and older.

Interviews conducted with executives from service providers, network operators, manufacturers, retailers, financial analysts and channel partners.

Financial reports released by service providers and manufacturers.

On-going monitoring of local and global market and vendor trends.

Analyst reviews of leading smartphone and wearable devices.

Finally, Telsyte advises that it measures sales of devices (sell out), not shipments or sales to retailers or carriers (sometimes called sell-in).

The company believes this is a more accurate measure of performance of products in a marketplace, and further advises:
New Zealands largest telco Spark has switched on 4.5G mobile services in Cromwell in the Otago region, making the town the latest capable of getting the fastest mobile data speeds in the country.

The launch of 4.5G in Cromwell follows other single-tower deployments covering limited areas in the Christchurch CBD, along with the activation of a cluster of five towers in Queenstown, making a total of 10 sites.

And Spark has indicated it will roll out 4.5G to 10 more towns in New Zealand over the next 10 months.

The upgrade in Cromwell puts the Spark network slightly ahead of devices, with no commercially modems or phones supporting the entire range and combination of 4.5G features available at the moment. However, most new high-end phones support many 4.5G features, with the potential to propel their speeds to between three and five times faster than regular 4G.

Sparks general manager of Networks, Colin Brown, says the launch will also deliver plenty of new capacity, allowing Cromwell residents to benefit from Wireless Broadband as an alternative to fixed-line services for low to moderate data users of home broadband.

4.5G is an important part of our strategy because it helps us prepare for a 5G future today, keeping up with the changes in the ways people will use wireless technology over the next few years.

Because 4.5G combines a range of radio spectrum and uses it more efficiently, we can provide more capacity and speed to our customers, allowing them to do more.

Brown says Spark is committed to providing the important infrastructure that New Zealand needs to compete in the new digital economy, and intends to continue to deliver more 4.5G around the country with the delivery of 10 towns around NZ in the next 12 months.
Extending its SME offering with new ReadyApps, Vodafone says its offering Personalised service, flexible plans and total communications solutions for Australian small businesses".

Vodafone has unveiled a new suite of ReadyApps to help customers navigate the unique and complex challenges faced by small to medium businesses".

Sixteen new apps have been added, with Vodafone unleashing a multi-million dollar marketing campaign to reinforce the telcos commitment to providing the tools and support to help small businesses succeed".

Of course, one might innocently ask whether injecting these multi-millions of dollars into more apps, or cheaper plans, or more data inclusions might be a better way to spend the money.

However, given the media relies, at least in part, on advertising, any such notion would likely horrify Australias version of Madison Avenue who presumably would argue that the money is well spent letting SMEs know of Vodafones new offerings in this space, and that the modern era allows tracking of advertising so we finally have a much better idea of what ads worked when, where, how and on whom.

And the fact is the competition is advertising, leading to ones own advertising helping to cut through in an ad-laden world.

So, what do all these new ReadyApps allow SMEs to achieve?

Were told that the ReadyApps allow customers to streamline their business processes and save time from security to processing to email management, and that the range of new apps provides more choice and convenience for customers in addition to Vodafones personalised service".

Vodafone also proudly boasts that it continues to be the only provider in Australia to give customers with 10 or more connections a dedicated, Australian-based Personal Account Manager, from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Stuart Kelly, executive general manager of Vodafone Enterprise, said: This next evolution is part of our passion to treat every customer, big or small, like a very important business.

Couple our award-winning, personalised service with our refreshed suite of sophisticated productivity tools and weve got a unique offer that finally gives customers the opportunity to transition from working 'in' the business to working 'on' the business.

Vodafone also talks up its continued position as a trusted adviser for the small business community thanks to two recent awards for excellence and support of the small business community".

These awards includes the Winner for Most Satisfied Customers  Small Business Mobile Phone Providers 2017 awarded by Canstar Blue, and a certificate of recognition from the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA).

Peter Strong, COSBOA chief executive, said: With new and evolving technologies, small businesses find themselves in a more dynamic and complex environment than ever before. Vodafone embraces these complexities and is a true champion for the small business community.

So, what will Vodafones advertising campaign feature?

Were told it features a range of Vodafone customers from sole traders through to larger national businesses across key industries  professionals, trades and retail. The creative represents Vodafones ambition to arm businesses of all sizes with sophisticated tools and services to help them succeed".

Kat Logan, Vodafone customer and founder of Sydney-based Buttercream Bakery, is one of those featured in the new campaign.

Logan added her support, stating: During the busiest periods my number one focus is keeping my head above water. Having a service provider like Vodafone gives me peace of mind that Im going to get consistently great service at the times that really matter. The new apps are a sweetener  anything that can save time is a great thing for me and my business.

Ok, so what are the ReadyApps?

The apps are listed below, you can see page 1 of the list of apps here, theres more on page two.

Im listing the apps from those two pages here, most of which have some kind of monthly fee, but which are all aimed at SMEs.

CakeMail

Dropbox Business (coming soon)

Dynamics 365 for Sales

Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Securityeverywhere

Google G-Suite

Microsoft Intune,

Microsoft Office 365 Enterprise Bundle

Mozy Backup Desktop

Norton Security for Professionals

Office 365 and Office 365 Enterprise

OneDrive for Business

Project Online

ServiceM8

SharePoint Online

Skype for Business Online

Symantec Endpoint Protection (coming soon)

Visio Pro for Office 365

Weebly (website builder)

Yammer Enterprise

More information on ReadyApps is available is available here.

There are a range of terms and conditions Vodafone has highlighted in its media release, which you can read at the bottom of the linked page here, while the Help section also has an FAQ which also answers a lot of questions you might have.
UK-based global satellite communications company Sky and Space Global says it has successfully conducted the first ever phone call facilitated by its 3 Diamonds nano-satellite technology using a standard smartphone and its own proprietary hardware and application.

The Australian-listed company (ASX:SAS) is claiming a world-first for the aerospace, satellite and telecommunications industries with the call using its technology, which it says will enable the delivery of low-cost satellite connectivity in remote locations and emerging markets that have no access to a communications network infrastructure.

It is an important step towards realising the SAS vision, the company notes.

Sky and Space Global chief executive and managing director, Meir Moalem said, Today we fulfil our promise to our shareholders, made 18 months ago. This is a great achievement for Sky and Space Global and we are very pleased to be announcing this news and setting a precedent in the satellite communications industry.

After months of hard work we are starting to put our vision into practice. Our technology works. Demonstrating that our nano-satellites are capable of facilitating services such as sending a text message and conducting a voice call at a very low cost is an important step forward on our route to providing affordable communication services to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Now we have passed this critical technical milestone we can turn our full attention to our constellation, to be fully deployed by 2020.

Moalem says that until recently, nano-satellites have been predominantly used for earth observation and imagery but with advancements in miniature space technology their capabilities have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years  and Sky and Space Global is the first company to successfully use narrowband connectivity provided by nano-satellites to deliver a voice call.

What is unique about the Sky and Space Global service offering is that it delivers phone call, text and data services at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellite communications providers due to a major differential in the capital cost for the infrastructure.

Sky and Space Global recently signed its first binding commercial contract with Sat-Space Africa, a pan-African communications company, and says it is now rapidly working towards concluding further binding commercial contracts with other wholesale data operators, some of which have initial agreements in place, and is in discussions with potential new customers.
Australian-listed telecommunications services company Norwood Systems has launched World Phone Packages designed specifically for the needs of members and customers of RAC Travel.

The launch of two World Phone packages follows Norwooods announcement in July of the signing of a distribution agreement with RAC Travel, a Western Australian leading travel agent and a subsidiary of The Royal Automobile Club of WA.

Norwood (ASX:NOR) says the newly launched two World Phone packages include aimed at travellers taking a short break overseas, the other for those who will be away for longer. Each pack includes four components:

The award-winning World Phone app  available for Android or iPhone;

A bundle of pre-paid minutes to make and receive calls around the world;

A travel number to let friends and family stay in touch with the traveller without incurring international call charges; and

Free access to the World Phone voicemail service.

Norwood says the packages will be available for purchase via a dedicated landing page located at worldphone.io/rac and the package price to RAC members and RAC Travel customers will be either $25 (incl GST, standard price $30) for 500 minutes of inbound and outbound international calling or $50 (incl GST, standard price $60) for 1000 minutes of inbound and outbound international calling.

Norwood also says the international calling minutes within the package are scoped to a broad set of destinations, covering 154 landline and mobile networks, with certain higher priced destinations excluded. The main countries that Aussies travel to are included  the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia (Bali), Thailand, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, France, Vietnam, Singapore and Canada.

Under the partnership, RAC Travel will be responsible for promoting the World Phone packages to their members and customers across a variety of channels, including the RAC website, direct marketing, in store materials and face-to-face discussion with travel consultants at its seven locations across Western Australia.
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By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey | (Informed Comment) |  

Over a million children in Gaza are living in impoverished circumstances due to electricity shortages, causing problems for public health and education, warned Save the Children on Tuesday.

The international NGO says Israels ongoing land, air and sea blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007, is the primary cause of the electricity shortages.

Save the Children also highlights that Gazas sole power plant had stopped functioning in April 2017 after exhausting its fuel reserves, since operators could not replenish them due to insufficient funds. The plant, already damaged from Israels war on Gaza in 2009, had provided a third of Gazas electricity.

The Palestinian Authority stopped funding electricity to Gaza in April 2017. Egypt as a supplier had dropped out too, despite reportedly offering Gazas power plant a recent emergency boost, which leaves Gaza dependent on Israel.

Most homes in Gaza now have just two to four hours of electricity per day, while some have no one at all. Many children spent the recent Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha in the dark.

While politicians celebrate Eid and sleep in their air-conditioned homes, Gazas children are sweating in the stifling summer heat, unable to sleep, play or study, said Jennifer Moorehead, Save the Childrens Country Director in the Occupied Territories. We shouldnt have to be demanding such a basic service as electricity for the children of Gaza. A couple of hours of power a day is just not acceptable in 2017.

Gazas schools barely operate at functional levels, with 741 of schools having no electricity, reports Save the Children. Children struggle to sleep, making it harder for them to concentrate in school. Darkness at home often prevents children from completing their homework.

We are different from other countries that have 24 hours of electricity, and their life is not like ours. I have so many dreams. But my main dream is that I could be like other children and live in peace, security, and have electricity, says Rania, a 13-year-old living in Gaza.

Many childrens lives are at risk, with a breakdown of health and emergency services. This prevents treatment of water-borne diseases, which are increasing due to pollution of groundwater sources and the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

Due to suspension of sewage treatment cycles, over 108 million litres of untreated sewage fall into the water each day, leaving over 60% of the sea surrounding Gaza polluted with untreated sewage.

90% of water sources are too contaminated for human consumption, leaving children with little or no access to clean drinking water. Many cannot take regular baths or showers too, due to non-functioning water pumps.

The situation is particularly dire for 15-year-old Ali, who suffers from a form of cerebral palsy, relying on an electric wheelchair.

Alis mother Yara said: My son is dying in front of my eyes. He cant sleep most nights, and suffers from continuous pain. We dont have enough power to get his electric wheelchair and mattress fully charged. If his wheelchair doesnt get charged, he suffers psychologically, as he sees people around him move and walk but he cant. He feels depressed and often fights with other children. When the wheelchair runs out of battery, Ali becomes totally paralysed.

He also needs constant showers as he is wearing diapers, but there is no water. We dont get water unless there is electricity. If I dont change his diapers and wash him regularly he will suffer from skin rashes and other problems. We have not had any tap water for two days. I feel suffocated, she added.

Ali himself said: I used to enjoy going to the beach to see the sand and the sea, but unfortunately I cant go there anymore now.

The United Nations warned in 2012 that Gaza could become uninhabitable by 2020, yet the NGO says the Strip is already unliveable.

Sadly, the children of Gaza are caught in one of the most politicised conflicts in the world, continued Jennifer Morehead. The continued Israeli occupation and splits within the Palestinian leadership are making life unbearable. If youre ten years old in Gaza youve already witnessed three massive and violent escalations of conflict.

Gazas children are already suffering through a ten-year blockade and the constant threat of conflict. Living without access to basic services like electricity is affecting their family life and mental well-being. Were seeing increased levels of anxiety, aggression and mood swings.

Save the Children has called for Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza, for the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to provide basic services to the children of Gaza, and for the international community to react to the suffering caused by the blockade.

The UN reported in July 2017 that 47- unemployment rate, and around 80% of the population depends on humanitarian assistance.

In August 2017, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) reported the toll that electricity shortages took on children, especially babies. (http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-living-conditions-constitute-humanitarian-emergency-medical-aid-palestinians-942949918) Babies are cared for in overcrowded neonatal intensive care units  a situation exacerbated by worsening maternal nutrition and increasing rates of premature and low birth-weight babies.

In one incident in August, neonatal nurses at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City were forced to provide care to 71 babies in a care unit designed for 43 babies. In this incident, the ratio of staff-to-babies was 1:7, much lower than the UK level of 1:1 or 1:2 during critical care. Faulty electricity backup generators mean nurses must often hand-ventilate babies for up to 50 minutes at a time until power is restored.

Please click here to donate to Save the Childrens emergency fund.

Jonathan Fenton-Harvey is a UK-based freelance journalist, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa, where he has traveled extensively. His work has been featured in the New Arab (Al Araby Al Jadeed English), Middle East Eye, Counterpunch and Tribune magazine (UK). He also studies history and politics at the University of Exeter.

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Related video added by Juan Cole:

Aljazeera English: UN chief Guterres calls for end to Israels Gaza blockade
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By Andrew Kolin | (Informed Comment) |  

Trumps various public statements have made clear that he is not an avid reader. He has remarked that he does not have time to read, stating, I never have. Im always busy doing a lot. Now Im more busy, I guess, than ever before.

It is safe to assume that Trump has not read the writings of the German legal and political theorist Carl Schmitt, who wrote his most important books during the Weimar Republic and leading up to the Nazi regime. At the root of these writings was Schmitts emphasis on placing politics above law. According to Schmitt, legality of a particular constitutional order cannot be separated from the specific political system it which it originates. He argued that sovereign authority of the ruler is superior to rigid, abstract legal principles, especially during a crisis, when he argued, the ruler must be freed from legal restraints. The example Schmitt used to underscore this point was Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution, which allowed the concentration of power in the sovereign during an emergency. Schmitt accepted this concept of sovereignty. He joined the Nazi Party in 1933 and supported the regimes anti-Semitic policies from 1933-36.

Schmitts writings are not especially well-known to the general public, but Trumps actions and thoughts regarding sovereign authority and rule of law parallel much of what he expressed in his books: Political Theology; The Concept of the Political; and Dictatorship. In Political Theology, Schmitt presents the idea that the sovereign is he who decides on the exception. In many ways, this statement defines the essence of Trumps conception of sovereign authority. Schmitt described sovereign authority as embodied in the liberty of the sovereign to act without the formal restraint of law. Many of Trumps statements and actions are consistent with the idea that it is within his sovereign authority to decide when exceptions can be made to legalism. He believes his sovereign authority is not fixed by legal restraints. Like Schmitt, Trump places the ruler above the law; he rejects the concept of universal law, replacing it with situational law, in which he believes he has the authority to decide in which situations exceptions can be made. Also in line with Schmitts reasoning, Trump cannot understand why there would be any questioning of the sovereigns authority because sovereign authority has to be absolute.

Trump also has been consistent in expressing Schmitts political distinctions between friend and enemy, demonstrating that what is political is a reflection of, in Schmitts words, the most intense and extreme antagonisms For example, his pardon of ex-Sheriff Arpaio provides a powerful example of the dual use of the sovereign exception and the use of Schmitts friend/enemy distinction. This distinction was also on display after the Charlottesville protests, when Trump excused the neo-Nazis as fine people, clearly indicating the fascist tendencies in Trumps White House. This neo-fascism amounts to the arbitrary enforcement of legal means in order to enact reactionary policies, such as Bannons ethno-nationalism and assaults on immigrants, branches of government and mainstream media.

Trumps actions so far manifest a governing philosophy that closely follows Schmitts analysis of sovereign dictatorship. In his book Dictatorship, Schmitt defines its essence as the use of state power without input or mediation from independent institutions. He identifies the sovereign dictatorship in terms of the elimination of legal restrictions and restraints. Schmitts justification for this type of government is not designed to ultimately eliminate the constitution, but rather, to provide the conditions for its maintenance. Trumps method of policy formulation reveals his position that only he knows what is legal and only he can be the final judge of rule of law. It should be noted that this tendency did not begin with Trump. But while the Obama and George W. Bush administrations sought to legitimize authoritarian measures, the Trump administration sees no need to argue for supporting actions within a legal framework.

Both Nixon and Trump made themselves the final judge of legality, while also disregarding rule of law. That concept closely follows Schmitts observation that The sovereign is he who defines the exception. When Trump vents his extreme disdain for the judiciary and regards anyone who questions his authority as an automatic enemy, he is calling into question the foundation of law. So when a judge called into question his administrations immigration ban, Trump strips him and the entire judiciary of credibility when calling him this so-called judge.

As an absolute sovereign authority, Trump is at liberty to unleash policies that appeal to those friends who do not question his authority while his enemies are those who express support for political diversity. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Trump condemned Judge Curiel due to his ethnicity and also scapegoats Muslims, Mexicans, the mainstream media and many others. Trump further demonstrates how he alone decides the exception by breaking from and discarding past legal precedents. For example, he expressed his intention to let the Affordable Care Act fail or implode. He was also willing to withhold cost-sharing payments and eliminate millions of dollars used to promote signing up for the ACA. He advocates reducing the tax credits under the ACA and cutting the individual mandates the law established.

Schmitts sovereign exception and distinctions between political friends and enemies are also at work in Trumps Muslim ban, which violates the Establishment Clause, the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause, again demonstrating Trumps position that his sovereignty is above the law. As the sovereign deciding to make the exception, Trump sent 59 Tomahawk missiles to bomb Syria, ignoring the 2001 legislation that limited authorization for military force to those nations and organizations that had been responsible for the 9/11 attacks. He also overlooked international law and the U.N. Charter that restricts the use of force to self-defense or actions authorized by the Security Council. Trumps exceptions to law are becoming the norm.

The self-destructive elements of neo-fascism are now in place, as seen with climate change deniers Scott Pruitt heading up the Environmental Protection Agency and Rick Perry heading the Department of Energy. The underlying idea of greater social control causing greater social harm can be seen as motivating the appointment of Betsy Devos as Education Secretary. With this appointment, Trumps goal is to accelerate the privatization of public education by allocating billions into funding vouchers for charter schools, increasing social inequality and destroying public sector unions. Along with the Republican Congress, Trump seeks to establish a national right-to-work law, which would destroy the funding of labor unions and effectively do away with collective bargaining. The U.S. Supreme Court could strip from public sector unions their right to remove fees from the paychecks of members who wish to opt out.

During the campaign, Trump had the support of his friends, billionaires from the worlds of finance, insurance, real estate and energy, who could expect Trump to propose lower corporate tax rates and other billionaire-friendly measures. His proposal for a massive infrastructure investment turns out to be another handout to the billionaire class through government subsidies and tax credits to the tune of $137 billion. Billionaires and Wall Street elites are well-represented throughout his cabinet: Todd Ricketts, deputy secretary of Commerce has a net worth of $5.3 billion; Betsy Devos as Education Secretary is worth $5.1 billion; Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary was a hedge fund investor and Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State, was Exxons chief executive officer.

One can only speculate whether or not other parts of the U.S. government that havent embraced the administrations neo-fascism will offer meaningful resistance and to what extent fledgling progressive social movements will rise up and demand policies that expand, rather than diminish, democracy.

Andrew Kolin is Professor of Political Science at Hilbert College and author of Political Economy of Labor Repression in the United States and State Power and Democracy



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TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM, TSX:AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its recent 2017 exploration activities at the Amaruq project in Nunavut, the Barsele project in Sweden and the La India Mine and El Barqueno project in Mexico. Highlights include:

Drilling at Amaruq traces gold beneath current Whale Tail and V Zone mineral resources  AMQ17-1418 intersects a strongly mineralized quartz vein that returned 8.6 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over 38.7 metres at 273 metres depth extending the V Zone to the east of the proposed pit

AMQ17-1418 intersects a strongly mineralized quartz vein that returned 8.6 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over 38.7 metres at 273 metres depth extending the V Zone to the east of the proposed pit New Tugak structure identified 4.5 kilometres west of Whale Tail at Amaruq  Initial drill results include 2.5 g/t gold over 10.0 metres near surface. Follow up drilling is planned

Initial drill results include 2.5 g/t gold over 10.0 metres near surface. Follow up drilling is planned At the Barsele project, drilling infills area between Central and Avan zones  High-grade interval in Central Zone intersects 5.4 g/t gold over 11.5 metres at 275 metres depth

High-grade interval in Central Zone intersects 5.4 g/t gold over 11.5 metres at 275 metres depth La India drilling extends near-pit mineralization and other near-mine targets, mineral reserves and mineral resources expected to increase at year-end 2017  Drilling at El Realito intersects 9.5 g/t gold and 36 g/t silver over 7.3 metres at 92 metres depth, while drilling at La Chipriona intersects 1.4 g/t gold and 67 g/t silver over 40.3 metres near surface. Both of these zones are outside of the current mine plan

Drilling at intersects 9.5 g/t gold and 36 g/t silver over 7.3 metres at 92 metres depth, while drilling at La Chipriona intersects 1.4 g/t gold and 67 g/t silver over 40.3 metres near surface. Both of these zones are outside of the current mine plan At El Barqueno, drilling extends strike length of Azteca-Zapateco zones by over 1,000 metres to west onto Cuauhtemoc zone  Recent results in far west include 6.3 g/t gold and 45 g/t silver over 5.7 metres at 201 metres depth

"Our solid operational performance has generated strong cash flow, which has allowed us to maintain a robust exploration budget both at our mine sites and at our exploration/development projects in 2017. As a result, we continue to make new discoveries and extend the mineralization at multiple projects," said Sean Boyd, Chief Executive Officer of Agnico Eagle. "We believe that there is good potential to expand and upgrade the mineral resources and mineral reserves at many of our key projects by year-end 2017," added Mr. Boyd.

Amaruq Satellite Deposit  V Zone Expands at Depth and to West; Whale Tail Ore Shoot Extended, Directional Drill Program Reaching Below Current Mineral Resources; New Tugak Showing Discovered 4.5 Kilometres West of Planned Whale Tail Pit; I Zone Confirmed by New Drilling

Agnico Eagle has a 100% interest in the Amaruq satellite deposit, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of the Meadowbank mine. Amaruq is situated on a 116,717-hectare property, near the 77,411-hectare Meadowbank property. A significant gold discovery was made on the Amaruq property in 2013, and activities since that time have focused on the development of satellite mineralization to feed the existing 11,000 tonne per day Meadowbank mill.

At December 31, 2016, the Amaruq property contained an open pit indicated mineral resource of 2.1 million ounces of gold (16.9 million tonnes grading 3.88 g/t gold); an open pit inferred mineral resource of 763,000 ounces gold (4.9 million tonnes grading 4.81 g/t gold); and an underground inferred mineral resource of 1.4 million ounces gold (6.8 million tonnes grading 6.22 g/t gold).

In February 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the development of the Amaruq property pending the receipt of the required permits.

The first phase of a planned $22 million, 75,000 metre drill program commenced in early February 2017 and, to the end of July, 352 holes (65,600 metres) were drilled. The infill drill program at IVR and Whale Tail were completed in late May. Since then, drilling has focused on extension of the V Zone to the east, west and at depth and extension of the Whale Tail deposit at depth. Additionally, drilling continues on multiple regional targets north and west of Mammoth Lake, such as the new Tugak showing, which is more than four kilometres west of the current mineral resources. Exploration results continue to expand the mineralization below the planned Whale Tail and proposed V Zone open pits, with continued success at depth in both deposit areas. The I Zone, which was discovered in 2013, has been intersected in several recent holes north of the V Zone, demonstrating continuity with previous drill intercepts.

The second phase of the 2017 Amaruq drill program has already commenced. It is targeting extensions of the Whale Tail deposit and V Zone and testing the continuity of the new Tugak structure.

Recent intercepts from the project are set out in the table below and the drill hole collars are located on the Amaruq project local geology map. The pierce points are shown on the Amaruq project composite longitudinal section. All intercepts reported for the Amaruq project show uncapped and capped grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Whale Tail (WT) deposit, the I and V Zones and the Tugak showing, Amaruq project

Drill hole Zone From

(metres) To

(metres) Depth of

midpoint

below

surface (metres) Estimated

true width

(metres) Gold grade

(g/t)

(uncapped) Gold grade (g/t)

(capped)* AMQ17-1345 WT 275.0 312.6 257 35.3 6.9 6.9 AMQ17-1355 V Zone 395.3 399.1 349 3.8 5.2 5.2 and V Zone 503.8 507.2 442 2.9 11.3 11.3 AMQ17-1366 WT 379.7 428.1 340 24.2 7.6 7.6 including 419.3 428.0 357 4.4 17.7 17.5 AMQ17-1397 V Zone 103.0 109.1 76 5.3 4.8 4.8 AMQ17-1418 V Zone 327.8 372.5 273 38.7 40.0 8.6 including 327.8 332.2 257 4.1 70.7 8.1 including 339.0 342.3 265 2.9 174.5 11.4 including 351.8 355.0 275 2.8 81.6 23.1 including 361.7 372.5 286 8.8 58.9 21.4 AMQ17-1426 V Zone 78.0 83.0 77 3.5 24.8 24.8 and V Zone 170.5 177.0 168 5.0 7.4 7.4 AMQ17-1433D WT 702.5 710.8 596 4.8 6.4 6.4 and WT 728.1 757.0 624 16.6 3.9 3.9 including 730.5 736.5 617 3.4 7.2 7.2 including 744.0 749.2 627 3.0 6.1 6.1 AMQ17-1437 V Zone 50.0 53.5 40 2.8 8.0 8.0 AMQ17-1447 Tugak 318.7 324.0 259 2.8 3.0 3.0 AMQ17-1455 I Zone 142.3 154.0 139 8.3 4.9 4.9 AMQ17-1457 I Zone 174.0 185.1 166 7.8 3.9 3.9 AMQ17-1469 Tugak 10.7 26.3 14 10.0 2.5 2.5 including 10.7 17.7 11 4.5 3.9 3.9 AMQ17-1475 V Zone 647.2 657.5 610 9.0 8.5 8.5 AMQ17-1477 Tugak 117.0 121.0 100 3.6 3.3 3.3

* Holes at the Whale Tail deposit use a capping factor of 80 g/t gold. Holes at the IVR deposit (including the I and V Zones) use a capping factor of 60 g/t gold. Gold values from the Tugak showing are not capped.

Figure 1. Amaruq Project Local Geology Map





Figure 2. Amaruq Project Composite Longitudinal Section





V Zone

The V Zone consists of a series of parallel stacked quartz vein structures striking northeast and dipping shallowly to the southeast from near surface. Recent drill results have increased the depth an additional 70 metres to 610 metres below surface locally. The V Zone remains open at depth.

East of the proposed V Zone pit are a few significant new drill holes that intersected mineralization outside and below the pit outline. Immediately east of the planned pit outline, hole AMQ17-1418 intersected mineralization over several closely spaced intervals; the hole intersected 8.6 g/t gold over 38.7 metres at 273 metres depth, including a strongly mineralized quartz vein that intersected 21.4 g/t gold over 8.8 metres at 286 metres depth. Approximately 200 metres southeast of this, hole AMQ17-1475 cut the deepest drill intercept in the V Zone to date, intersecting 8.5 g/t gold over 9.0 metres at 610 metres depth. The latter intercept represents a down-dip advance of 170 metres to the southeast (and a 70 metre descent in vertical depth) in the lowest known mineralized V Zone structure.

Located 120 metres northwest of the proposed V Zone pit outline, hole AMQ17-1455 intersected the I Zone on strike and 70 metres west of previous intersections, with results of 4.9 g/t gold over 8.3 metres at 139 metres depth. Approximately 170 metres to the northeast, hole AMQ17-1457 intersected the same type of mineralization returning 3.9 g/t gold over 7.8 metres at 166 metres depth. Very limited drilling has been completed in this area. The I Zone remains open to the west.

Drilling continued to trace a western extension of the V Zone, up to 300 metres west of the proposed V Zone pit outline. Hole AMQ17-1426 encountered two distinct gold intervals, returning 24.8 g/t gold over 3.5 metres at 77 metres depth and 7.4 g/t gold over 5.0 metres at 168 metres depth. The V Zone structures remain open to the west and at depth. Another 500 metres farther west from hole AMQ17-1426 in an area not previously drilled, hole AMQ17-1437 reported 8.0 g/t gold over 2.8 metres at 40 metres depth. The relationship of this intercept to the V Zone will be investigated further.

Whale Tail

Conversion drilling completed in June has confirmed the robustness of the mineralization within the main ore-shoot in the Whale Tail deposit. For example, hole AMQ17-1366 intersected 7.6 g/t gold over 24.2 metres at 340 metres depth. The second phase drill program this year will target a deep extension of the higher grade ore shoot.

A directional drilling program is underway to determine if the favourable geological units hosting the gold mineralization continue at depth below the Whale Tail deposit, with branches being drilled from two "mother holes" so far, to reach specific depths in search of favourable host rocks. Hole AMQ17-1433D is a branch that was drilled to approximately 680 metres depth; preliminary results show multiple intercepts such as 6.4 g/t gold over 4.8 metres at 596 metres depth and 7.2 g/t gold over 3.4 metres at 617 metres depth.

To date, the Whale Tail deposit has been defined over at least 2.3 kilometres of strike length and extends from surface to 732 metres depth; it remains open at depth and along strike.

Tugak showing

Exploration drilling west of Mammoth Lake has encountered what the Company interprets to be a favourable mineralization host, with sedimentary rocks enclosed between two layers of ultramafics, geologically similar to the main mineralization at the Whale Tail deposit. Located approximately 4.5 kilometres west of the western limit of the planned Whale Tail pit outline, the newly discovered "Tugak showing" is returning encouraging results. Hole AMQ17-1469 intersected 2.5 g/t gold over 10.0 metres near surface, including 3.9 g/t gold over 4.5 metres. Approximately 300 metres to the northwest, hole AMQ17-1477 intersected 3.3 g/t gold over 3.6 metres at 100 metres depth. The Tugak showing requires more investigation to determine its shape and extent, and its relationship to Whale Tail and the IVR deposits.

Future Activities

Additional drill results are expected during the second phase of the 2017 program. Regional exploration will continue using two drill rigs in the Mammoth Lake area. Other areas of interest closer to the mineral resources will be probed using four drill rigs, including near-surface exploration west of the IVR deposit and investigating the deep portions of V Zone and Whale Tail.

Approximately $78 million is being spent on capital costs at Amaruq in 2017, primarily on the recently completed all-weather exploration road, additional technical studies and the procurement of materials and equipment.

On August 20, 2017, the 64-kilometre-long exploration road from Meadowbank had reached the Amaruq camp on budget and half a month ahead of schedule. Development of the Amaruq exploration ramp has been permitted and planning is underway; construction of the ramp is planned to begin in early 2018.

On June 15, 2017, the Company and the Kivalliq Inuit Association signed an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement ("IIBA") for the Whale Tail Project. The Whale Tail IIBA addresses protection of Inuit values, culture and language and provides for enhanced access by Inuit to employment, training and business opportunities. The IIBA contains implementation and monitoring measures that will ensure these goals are achieved.

Agnico Eagle is working closely with the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB") and the Nunavut Water Board ("NWB") on the Whale Tail joint permitting process. NIRB/NWB has coordinated the technical review, which is underway; technical meetings and a prehearing conference were held in Baker Lake from April 27 to May 2. The final public hearing is scheduled to take place in September 2017; the permitting team is working with the federal and territorial authorities to resolve remaining issues prior to this final public hearing. The Whale Tail pit permitting is on schedule and permits are expected by the third quarter of 2018.

The Company expects a conventional open pit mining operation to begin on the Whale Tail deposit in the third quarter of 2019. Other satellite deposits, such as the V Zone, are being evaluated and considered for future development and will require additional permitting. The planned Whale Tail pit currently extends to a depth of approximately 250 metres and is open for expansion.

For additional details on the project see the Company's news releases dated February 15, 2017 and July 26, 2017.

Barsele Project  400-metre Extension of Mineralized System

On June 11, 2015, Agnico Eagle acquired a 55% interest in the Barsele project in Sweden. The Company can earn an additional 15% interest in the project through the completion of a pre-feasibility study. The Company is the operator of the project. The Barsele property is known to contain intrusive-hosted gold mineralization (the Central, Avan and Skirasen zones). The property also hosts gold-rich polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization (the Norra Zone). The Central, Avan and Skirasen zones are now interpreted to be part of the same mineralized system extending approximately 3.0 kilometres of strike length.

In 2016, Agnico Eagle completed an initial mineral resource estimate for the Barsele project that outlined total inferred mineral resources (on a 100% basis) of 1.2 million ounces (21.7 million tonnes grading 1.72 g/t gold). Drilling results for Barsele were last reported in the Company's news release dated October 26, 2016.

Drilling at Barsele from January through July 2017 totaled 28,511 metres in 56 holes. Recent intercepts from this program are set out in the table below; drill hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release and the collars are located on the Barsele Project Regional Geology Map. All intercepts reported for the Barsele project show capped gold grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration and confirmation drill results from the Barsele project

Drill hole Location From

(metres) To

(metres) Depth of

midpoint

below

surface

(metres) Estimated

true width

(metres) Gold grade

(g/t)

(uncapped) Gold

grade (g/t)

(capped)* AVA16-022 Avan 66.8 109.0 65 30.0 2.03 2.03 including** 91.5 94.0 65 2.0 2.87 2.87 AVA16-024 Avan 22.0 36.0 20 10.0 1.01 1.01 AVA17-001 Avan 223.0 237.0 205 6.6 5.11 5.11 AVA17-004*** Avan 69.0 72.0 50 2.0 5.46 5.46 AVA17-010 Avan 371.0 378.0 320 3.7 9.70 9.47 CNT16-011 Central 351.0 374.0 275 11.5 7.90 5.36 CNT16-032 Central 463.0 555.0 390 62.0 1.63 1.63 CNT17-006 Central 340.0 365.0 265 16.6 5.34 5.34 CNT17-012 Central 362.0 381.8 265 14.5 5.07 3.49 and Central 507.0 529.0 390 14.8 2.51 1.74 SKI16-002 Skirasen 857.0 882.0 695 13.0 2.15 2.15 SKI16-015 Skirasen 362.0 369.0 290 3.7 3.65 3.65 and Skirasen 383.0 414.0 315 16.5 2.29 2.29 SKI17-003 Skirasen 517.0 567.0 445 29.7 3.10 1.75 including 555.0 567.0 460 7.2 5.36 4.65

* Holes at Barsele use a capping factor of 20 g/t gold. ** Hole AVA16-022 intersected a polymetallic vein grading 2.87 g/t gold, 286.4 g/t silver, 2.67% lead and 0.62% zinc over 2.0 metres estimated true width at 65 metres below surface. *** Hole AVA17-004 intersected a polymetallic zone grading 5.46 g/t gold, 384.5 g/t silver, 1.93% lead and 2.39% zinc over 2.0 metres estimated true width at 50 metres below surface.

Figure 3. Barsele Project - Regional Geology Map





In 2017, the exploration program is focused on expanding the mineral resources along strike and at depth, testing the gap between the Central and Avan zones and investigating certain VMS targets.

Recent high-grade gold intersections demonstrate that the area between the Central and Avan zones is mineralized. New shallow intersections in the Avan Zone and deep intersections in the Skirasen Zone indicate that the system is open to the northwest and southeast as well as at depth. The currently known mineralized system extends approximately 3.0 kilometres along strike and is recognized from surface to approximately 700 metres depth locally. This is an increase of approximately 400 metres strike length, mainly to the northwest.

At the Avan Zone, hole AVA16-024 was drilled to validate previous drilling; it intersected 1.01 g/t gold over 10.0 metres at 20 metres depth. This intercept extends the Avan Zone mineralization strike length by 375 metres to the northwest. Also in the northwest, infill hole AVA17-001 intersected 5.11 g/t gold over 6.6 metres at 205 metres depth. Expansion hole AVA17-010 intersected a high-grade zone grading 9.47 g/t gold over 3.7 metres at 320 metres depth. These holes verify that the Avan Zone continues farther to the northwest and remains open in this direction.

Infill hole AVA17-004 intersected a polymetallic quartz vein zone grading 5.46 g/t gold, 384.5 g/t silver, 1.93% lead and 2.39% zinc over 2.0 metres at 50 metres depth, next to a shear structure. This intersection is similar to the polymetallic zone intersected 100 metres to the southwest in hole AVA16-022, where an intercept graded 2.87 g/t gold, 286.4 g/t silver, 2.67% lead and 0.62% zinc over 2.0 metres at 65 metres depth. The Company believes that these two intersections might indicate a gold-rich VMS system within the Avan Zone.

In the southeast end of the Central Zone, infill hole CNT16-032 intersected 1.63 g/t gold over 62.0 metres at 390 metres depth. Infill hole CNT17-012 drilled between the Central and Skirasen Zones intersected 3.49 g/t gold over 14.5 metres at 265 metres depth. This indicates that the Central and Skirasen Zones might be connected in the 100-metre-wide gap between them.

Between the Central and Avan zones, exploration hole CNT17-006 returned intercepts through two lodes: 5.34 g/t gold over 16.6 metres at 265 metres depth, followed by a lower grade intercept of 1.74 g/t gold over 14.8 metres at 390 metres depth. The upper high grade intersection is located about 90 metres east of the high-grade lode intersected in hole CNT16-011: 5.36 g/t gold over 11.5 metres at 275 metres depth.

In the Skirasen Zone, infill hole SKI16-015 intersected multiple gold intercepts between 165 and 591 metres depth, including 3.65 g/t gold over 3.7 metres at 290 metres depth and 2.29 g/t gold over 16.5 metres at 315 metres depth. The hole also intersected anomalous zinc mineralization between 771 and 790 metres depth down-hole, with grades varying 0.10% and 2.8% zinc.

Expansion hole SKI16-002 was extended down to 899 metres total length. The hole intersected 2.15 g/t gold over 13.0 metres at 695 metres depth, which is the deepest intercept to date at the Barsele project. This intercept demonstrates that gold- mineralization continues at depth and that the system is still open down-plunge to the southeast.

The plan for the remainder of the year at Barsele is to continue expansion and infill drilling on the Avan, Central and Skirasen zones, and to drill-test regional targets. Additional trenching is planned at the Central Zone as well as regional basal till sampling.

La India  Exploration Focused on Extending Near-Pit Mineralization and Other Near-Mine Targets

The La India mine in Sonora, Mexico, located approximately 70 kilometres from the Company's Pinos Altos mine, achieved commercial production in February 2014.

In the first half of the year, infill drilling was carried out on the Main Zone to evaluate the potential to extend mineral reserves and mineral resources below the current pit design.

Drilling was also carried out at the nearby El Realito, Chipriona, Cerro de Oro and El Cochi zones in the first half, with encouraging results. These areas are being drilled to evaluate the potential to increase mineral reserves and mineral resources in close proximity to the current mining areas. Additional exploration work is planned in these areas in the second half of 2017.

Mine-site exploration at the La India property from January through July 2017 includes 19,790 metres in 182 holes of the 26,000-metre budget in 2017. The mine-site exploration in this period comprises 4,962 metres (45 holes) in the Main Zone, 9,750 metres (78 holes) at El Realito, 3,878 metres (45 holes) at El Cochi and 1,170 metres (14 holes) at Cerro de Oro. In addition, the regional exploration at the La India property in this period completed 2,292 metres (9 holes) at Chipriona as part of the 10,000-metre budget which is distributed among various satellite targets.

Selected recent drill results from the La India mine property are set out in the table below; the drill hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release and the collars are located on the La India Area Property and Location Map. All intercepts reported for the La India mine property show uncapped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Additional drilling is planned in the second half of 2017. Given the increases in mineral reserves and mineral resources in 2016 and the success of the ongoing exploration program, the Company is evaluating location options to construct additional heap leach pad capacity.

Recent exploration drill results from the La India mine area

Drill Hole Location From

(metres) To

(metres) Depth of

midpoint

below

surface

(metres) Estimated

true width

(metres) Gold grade

(g/t)

(uncapped) Silver

grade (g/t)

(uncapped) INMRC16-2262 Main 80.0 118.0 102 37.7 0.88 1 INMRC17-2285 Main 10.0 37.0 24 24.8 1.15 <1 including 29.0 34.0 32 4.7 1.97 <1 INMRC17-2287 Main 29.0 49.0 39 18.7 0.88 20 including 37.0 43.0 40 5.2 1.52 41 INMRC17-2293 Main 83.0 128.0 106 39.0 0.71 6 including 100.0 113.0 107 11.3 1.34 6 INMRC17-2303 Main 174.0 205.0 183 27.9 1.08 5 including 185.0 199.0 190 12.6 1.76 7 INER16-001 Realito 56.0 65.9 54 9.7 1.53 102 and Realito 82.0 87.0 73 4.8 8.77 286 INER16-003 Realito 97.0 126.6 61 29.3 0.82 4 including 115.5 120.0 64 4.2 1.50 4 INER16-008 Realito 79.0 85.1 75 5.8 1.21 3 and Realito 93.9 106.9 90 12.7 4.99 13 including 98.3 105.9 92 7.3 9.50 36 INER16-010 Realito 4.3 22.0 14 15.2 1.58 8 including 8.4 14.8 18 3.8 2.10 11 INER16-018 Realito 70.8 76.9 74 6.1 2.32 14 INER17-073 Realito 54.0 67.0 37 11.8 3.19 5 INEC17-001 Cochi 0.0 16.4 10 13.4 0.46 8 INEC17-022 Cochi 31.0 48.0 43 13.9 1.93 16 including 32.0 38.0 37 4.6 3.00 41 and Cochi 88.0 122.0 126 28.4 1.18 4 including 97.7 110.0 106 10.9 2.39 6 INEC17-029 Cochi 0.0 20.0 11 18.0 0.70 3 CHP17-001 Chipriona 0.0 74.0 64 51.8 0.28 57 including 0.0 33.0 47 23.1 0.40 106 including 8.0 17.0 44 6.3 0.58 157 CHP17-003 Chipriona 0.0 57.5 25 40.3 1.38 67 including 30.0 57.5 40 19.3 2.47 112 and Chipriona 79.0 89.0 70 7.0 0.68 58 CHP17-006 Chipriona 54.0 95.6 51 29.1 0.24 61 including 58.0 64.5 49 4.6 0.64 225 CHP17-007 Chipriona 7.5 38.5 16 21.7 0.35 119 including 19.0 24.0 15 3.5 0.76 537

Gold and silver grades in the La India area are uncapped

Figure 4. La India Area Property and Location Map





La India's Main Zone

During the second quarter, infill (conversion) and step-out drilling was carried out on La India's Main Zone to evaluate the potential to extend the mineral reserves inside the current pit design and to explore opportunities to increase mineral resources outside the currently planned pit limits.

At the Main Zone, drilling intersected encouraging intervals both inside and outside the existing pit limits. For example, hole INMRC-17-2303 intersected 1.08 g/t and 5 g/t silver over 27.9 metres at 183 metres depth (below the current pit limit) in continuous mineralization of a mixed sulphide-oxide ore type, opening the opportunity of extending the mineral resources. Inside the pit shell, hole INMRC17-2293 intersected 0.71 g/t gold and 6 g/t silver over 39.0 metres at 106 metres depth, including 1.34 g/t gold and 6 g/t silver over 11.3 metres.

El Realito and El Cochi Zones

Exploration drilling was conducted at the El Realito and El Cochi satellite projects to evaluate the potential to increase mineral resources in close proximity to the existing La India mining operations, with encouraging results.

At El Realito, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres east of the North and La India zones, exploration is defining and extending the mineralization on the northwest flank of Realito hill. The results below are the first exploration results released by the Company for the El Realito project.

Exploration initiated early in the first quarter of 2017 focused on infill drilling in El Realito and extending the known mineralization. Results from the current program appear to confirm the Company's exploration model that subvertical breccia corridors acted as conduits bringing gold and silver mineralization into favourable subhorizontal layers. One of the best recent results is hole INER16-008 that intersected 1.21 g/t gold and 3 g/t silver over 5.8 metres at 75 metres depth, and 4.99 g/t gold and 13 g/t silver over 12.7 metres at 90 metres depth, including 9.50 g/t gold and 36 g/t silver over 7.3 metres. Hole INER16-018 intersected 2.32 g/t gold and 14 g/t silver over 6.1 metres at 74 metres depth. As well, hole INER17-073 intersected 3.19 g/t gold and 5 g/t silver over 11.8 metres at 37 metres depth.

Early in the second quarter, exploration began in the El Cochi area, which lies in the 800 metre wide area between the Main Zone and the La India Zone, approximately 2 kilometres west of El Realito. The results below are the first exploration results released by the Company for the El Cochi project.

Recent drilling focused mainly on extending mineralized intervals identified previously, as well as targeting intersections of interpreted northwest- and northeast-striking structural corridors. An example of mineralization in a vertical breccia related to the faulting is hole INEC17-022 that intersected 3.00 g/t gold and 41 g/t silver over 4.6 metres at 37 metres depth, and 2.39 g/t gold and 6 g/t silver over 10.9 metres at 106 metres depth. Approximately 300 metres to the northwest, INEC17-029 intersected shallow mineralization in a fragmental volcanic rock, dacitic lithic tuff; the hole intersected 0.70 g/t gold and 3 g/t silver over 18.0 metres at 11 metres depth.

It is anticipated that these results and further exploration drilling could significantly increase the mineral resources near the existing La India pits.

Chipriona Zone

The Chipriona satellite target is located approximately one kilometre north of La India. Agnico Eagle acquired the Chipriona property in December 2016. Mineralization at Chipriona consists of what appears to be structurally controlled gold and silver rich veins, stringers and breccia with significant sulphide zinc, lead and copper content. A diamond drill program on Chipriona began in the second quarter of 2017. Complete assay results have been received for the first seven drill holes; selected results are included in this new release.

Initial results at Chipriona have been encouraging. Surface mapping and sampling have traced the Chipriona structural and mineralized corridor over a northwest strike length of at least 2,000 metres. Surface rock samples have returned assay values up to 36.80 g/t gold and more than 1,500 g/t silver.

The first nine drill holes of the program have confirmed significant gold and silver mineralization along 1,200 metres of the corridor and from surface to a depth of 150 metres. Strong mineralization has been intersected near surface for significant widths, such as hole CHP17-003 that intersected 2.47 g/t gold and 112 g/t silver over 19.3 metres at 40 metres depth.

As well, exploration potential of lower-grade mineralization was confirmed with drill hole CHP17-001 that intersected 0.58 g/t gold and 157 g/t silver over 6.3 metres at 44 metres depth.

The mineralized system remains open along strike, and shows significant potential at depth; parallel mineralized structures have not yet been tested. The drill program is currently testing extensions of the mineralized system.

El Barqueno  Azteca-Zapoteca Zone Extended More Than 1,000 Metres onto Cuauhtemoc Claim

Agnico Eagle acquired its 100% interest in the El Barqueno project in November 2014. The 63,997-hectare property is in the Guachinango gold-silver mining district of Jalisco State in west-central, Mexico, approximately 150 kilometres west of the state capital of Guadalajara. Exploration results for El Barqueno were last reported in the Company's news release dated February 15, 2017.

The El Barqueno project contains a number of known mineralized zones and several prospects. The project contains 301,100 ounces of gold in indicated mineral resources (8.4 million tonnes grading 1.11 g/t gold) and 362,000 ounces of gold in inferred mineral resources (7.2 million tonnes grading 1.56 g/t gold) as of December 31, 2016. The indicated mineral resources are in the Azteca-Zapoteca and Pena de Oro zones, while the inferred mineral resources are in these two zones as well as the Angostura Zone, the Olmeca area (Socorro vein) and the El Rayo prospect.

From January through July 2017, 30,699 metres of drilling (91 holes) was completed with a focus on the extension of the Azteca-Zapoteca Zone, as well as at the Tecolote.

Gold and silver grades of recent intercepts from the recently explored Cuauhtemoc area are set out in the table below; the drill hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release and the collars are located on the El Barqueno Project Local Geology Map. All intercepts reported for the El Barqueno project show capped or uncapped grades (depending on the zone) over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Selected recent exploration drill results from the El Barqueno project

Drill Hole Zone From

(metres) To

(metres) Depth of

midpoint

below

surface

(metres) Estimated

true width

(metres) Gold grade

(g/t)

(uncapped) Silver

grade (g/t)

(uncapped) Copper

grade (%)

(uncapped) AZP17-336* Cuauhtemoc 204.0 211.0 201 4.1 1.78 46 0.43 AZP17-339* Cuauhtemoc 130.0 155.3 145 18.8 0.94 12 0.73 including** 139.0 145.0 154 4.2 3.14 34 2.64 AZP17-341*** Cuauhtemoc 7.3 31.0 6 11.9 0.47 90 1.16 and*** Cuauhtemoc 86.0 94.0 82 5.1 1.12 104 0.09 AZP17-351** Cuauhtemoc 240.8 254.5 195 9.7 3.86 31 0.69 including** 246.4 254.5 201 5.7 6.32 45 0.99 AZP17-353*** Cuauhtemoc 138.0 150.5 135 8.0 1.19 68 0.64 including** 139.5 146.0 133 4.2 2.19 108 0.93 AZP17-361 Cuauhtemoc 166.9 175.4 166 4.9 1.93 34 0.80 AZP17-363 Cuauhtemoc 31.0 47.0 34 12.3 1.44 69 0.21 including** 32.0 43.0 35 8.4 2.06 88 0.28 AZP17-368 Cuauhtemoc 167.8 181.0 148 9.3 1.66 61 0.75 including** 173.0 180.0 156 5.0 2.89 91 0.39 AZP17-370 Cuauhtemoc 347.0 360.0 254 6.9 0.86 23 0.49 including** 351.0 360.0 257 4.8 1.14 25 0.56

Grades in the Cuauhtemoc area are uncapped; cut-off grades used for each interval are: * 0.2 g/t gold ** 0.4 g/t gold *** 20 g/t silver

Figure 5. El Barqueno Project  Local Geology Map





Cuauhtemoc Area

The Cuauhtemoc area covers the southwest extension of the Azteca-Zapoteca Zone. Surface mapping, sampling and drilling have extended the gold-bearing Azteca structure by more than 1,000 metres to approximately 2,000 metres of east-west strike length immediately west of the 1,400-metre-long, northeast-striking Azteca-Zapoteca resource area, which means that the combined strike length of the Cuauhtemoc-Azteca-Zapoteca mineralized system is now 3.4 kilometres long. In early March 2017, two drills began an initial 10,000 metre systematic drill program on an 80-metre grid pattern along a one kilometre strike length of the Azteca structure at Cuauhtemoc to a depth of 200 metres. The number of drills has since been increased to three.

Recent diamond drilling at Cuauhtemoc has intersected the Azteca structure where it joins the Azteca vein, and they are partly overlain by up to 20 metre thick younger basaltic flows. This vein progressively increases toward the west in its proportion of silver compared with gold, creating a wide, silver-mineralized envelope surrounding the central gold grades; this envelope extends up to tens of metres into the footwall and hanging-wall of the vein material. Also noteworthy is the increasing base metal grade (copper, lead and zinc) in this area; the highest grades of base metals are associated with the flexure where the Azteca structure joins the Azteca-Zapoteca Zone.

In the eastern part of the Cuauhtemoc area are three holes that are only 80 metres west of the current Azteca zone intercepts, with strong mineralization between 34 and 201 metres depth. For example, hole AZP17-339 intersected 0.94 g/t gold and 12 g/t silver over 18.8 metres at 145 metres depth, including 3.14 g/t gold and 34 g/t silver over 4.2 metres.

Approximately 340 metres west of AZP17-339 are three holes with intercepts of strong gold and silver grades at moderate depths, such as hole AZP17-368 that intersected 1.66 g/t gold and 61 g/t silver over 9.3 metres at 148 metres depth, including 2.89 g/t gold and 91 g/t silver over 5.0 metres. These intersections confirm the continuity of the mineralization along the Azteca structure in the Cuauhtemoc area.

In the western extent of the Cuauhtemoc area approximately 160 metres west of AZP17-368, hole AZP17-351 intersected 3.86 g/t gold and 31 g/t silver over 9.7 metres at 195 metres depth, including 6.32 g/t gold and 45 g/t silver over 5.7 metres.

The farthest west drill results released to date are in hole AZP17-370 that reported 0.86 g/t gold and 23 g/t silver over 6.9 metres at 254 metres depth. This is the deepest mineralized intersection in the western edge of the explored portion of the Azteca structure, leaving the mineralized structure open in this direction and at depth.

A deeper drill program has been planned as part of a follow-up program to test these extensions to the mineralized zone.

Tecolote

The current drill program, totaling 2,000 metres, is aimed at testing three polymetallic and precious metal-rich (gold, silver and copper) veins (Veta Grande, Veta Carmelita and Veta San Eusebio). Surface mapping and sampling has defined an area of moderate to strong argillic alteration within feldspar-phyric andesite flows and a monzonite intrusion surrounding the veins; a channel sample of a vein hosted by andesite reported values up to 19.85 g/t gold and 386 g/t silver over 1 metre. Drill results in this area will be reported when the initial drill program in completed.

Additional Information

Negotiations continue to finalize short- and long-term surface rights agreements for key areas for future exploration around the project.

Approximately 14,000 metres of additional drilling is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 at El Barqueno, principally at the Olmeca, Tierra Blanca, Azteca-Zapoteca, Cuauhtemoc, San Diego, Pena de Oro and Pena Blanca sectors in the central El Barqueno property, and the El Rayo prospects and the Tecolote-Tortuga areas in the south area of the El Barqueno project. Exploration expenditures in 2017 are expected to total approximately $16.8 million.

Agnico Eagle believes that El Barqueno ultimately has the potential to be developed into a series of open pits utilizing heap leach and/or mill processing, similar to the Pinos Altos mine. Conceptual mine design studies and additional metallurgical testing are ongoing at El Barqueno.

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden. The Company and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Property/Project name and location Date of most recent

Technical Report (NI

43-101) filed on

SEDAR LaRonde, LaRonde 5 & Ellison, Quebec, Canada March 23, 2005 Canadian Malartic, Quebec, Canada June 16, 2014 Kittila, Kuotko and Kylmakangas, Finland March 4, 2010 Meadowbank, Nunavut, Canada February 15, 2012 Goldex, Quebec, Canada October 14, 2012 Lapa, Quebec, Canada June 8, 2006 Meliadine, Nunavut, Canada February 11, 2015 Hammond Reef, Ontario, Canada July 2, 2013 Upper Beaver (Kirkland Lake property), Ontario, Canada November 5, 2012 Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota, Mexico March 25, 2009 La India, Mexico August 31, 2012

Appendix

Barsele project exploration drill collar coordinates of selected holes

Drill collar coordinates* Drill hole ID UTM North UTM East Elevation

(metres

above sea

level) Azimuth Dip

(degrees) Length

(metres) AVA16-022 7215550 617321 306 221 -40 447 AVA16-024 7215718 616867 314 036 -45 75 AVA17-001 7215595 617227 312 041 -62 284 AVA17-004 7215617 617364 315 223 -47 472 AVA17-010 7215728 617349 329 218 -56 740 CNT16-011 7215376 618152 324 180 -52 651 CNT16-032 7214537 618952 327 036 -55 607 CNT17-006 7215291 618376 309 222 -50 618 CNT17-012 7214692 618496 335 40 -50 625 SKI16-002 7214411 619250 301 040 -55 899 SKI16-015 7214521 619300 292 042 -58 826 SKI17-003 7214520 619301 292 327 -54 772

* Coordinate System Sweref 99

La India mine area exploration drill hole collar coordinates

Drill Hole Collar Coordinates* Drill Hole ID UTM North UTM East Elevation

(metres

above sea

level) Azimuth

(degrees) Dip

(degrees) Length

(metres) INMRC16-2262 3176300 706480 1,729 090 -70 140 INMRC17-2285 3176167 706999 1,710 000 -65 60 INMRC17-2287 3176600 706914 1,825 090 -80 112 INMRC17-2293 3176025 706550 1,647 000 -90 175 INMRC17-2303 3176275 706590 1,652 090 -75 217 INER16-001 3178037 708876 2,077 340 -70 233 INER16-003 3178200 708953 2,104 328 -60 222 INER16-008 3178038 708880 2,077 330 -75 268 INER16-010 3177768 709305 1,948 215 -60 81 INER16-018 3178154 708803 2,010 000 -90 266 INER17-073 3178375 709070 2,100 000 -50 110 INEC17-001 3178000 706640 1,650 270 -70 30 INEC17-022 3177887 706947 1,733 090 -50 123 INEC17-029 3178025 706700 1,666 090 -60 75 CHP17-001 3180948 706386 1,591 045 -45 201 CHP17-003 3180385 707029 1,541 045 -45 195 CHP17-006 3180813 706576 1,635 225 -45 156 CHP17-007 3180605 706731 1,568 225 -45 171

* Coordinate System UTM NAD27 Mexico 12 Zone

El Barqueno project exploration drill hole collar coordinates

Drill Hole Collar Coordinates* Drill Hole ID UTM North UTM East Elevation

(metres

above sea

level) Azimuth

(degrees) Dip

(degrees) Length

(metres) AZP17-336 553763 2279557 1,282 155 -70 298 AZP17-339 553847 2279571 1,241 155 -55 246 AZP17-341 553202 2279440 1,293 155 -60 191 AZP17-351 553147 2279567 1,305 155 -60 564 AZP17-353 553429 2279540 1,277 155 -53 284 AZP17-361 553340 2279513 1,253 155 -50 207 AZP17-363 553883 2279478 1,287 155 -52 114 AZP17-368 553332 2279537 1,300 155 -53 302 AZP17-370 552879 2279608 1,209 155 -55 423
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (Sabina) or (the Company) (TSX:SBB) is pleased to announce the first results from the summer exploration diamond drilling program at its 100% owned Back River Gold Project in Nunavut, Canada. Approximately 10,000 m of planned drilling with three drill rigs is progressing well with the objective of testing high impact targets in and around existing resources at the Goose Property.

Drill hole 17GSE516B intersected 9.48 g/t Au over 38.55 m within a strongly altered and mineralized lower iron formation package that is part of the continuation of the highly prospective, mineralized, Llama structure. This intercept is approximately 160 m down plunge from previously reported drill hole 17GS513 (see news release June 13, 2017) which intersected over 40 meters of altered and mineralized lower iron formation that included 6.52 g/t Au over 8.3 meters from 618.9 m to 627.2 m. This new zone represents a significant increase in sulphide mineralization along the structure, is open in all directions and demonstrates that the Llama gold structure is robust for a continued distance along strike of over 1,500 m from surface to a vertical depth of 595 m. Drilling will continue to test this new zone, in both the up and down plunge directions.

In addition to the drilling at Llama, drill holes have been completed at the Umwelt Vault zone, Kogoyok and Echo where results will be released as assays are received.

Figure 1: Plan map of 2017 drilling with detail for the Llama-Umwelt mineralization trend







Figure 2: Llama cross section at 3850N





Bruce McLeod, President and CEO, stated, The results from this hole are outstanding and represent some of the best intercepts completed by the company since the discoveries of the Llama and Umwelt deposits in 2010. Our team has continued to vector in on concept targets that can add grade and tonnes by evaluating a set of geological controls that occur at several high grade areas on the Back River claim blocks. These exploration concepts have been proven at this new Llama Zone and the Umwelt Vault zone with grades that are significantly higher than the Back River average resource grade. These new zones not only present opportunity for extended mine life, but could also positively impact project economics. I believe that further results will continue to demonstrate the tremendous blue-sky potential at Back River and the ability of our exploration team to prove their target concepts.

Llama Extension and New High Grade Zone

At Llama Extension, the newly discovered high-grade zone is hosted within a tightly folded sequence of the Back River lower iron formation stratigraphy. This unit is identified as hosting the majority of the current resources at the Back River Project and is widely distributed across the Goose Property. Mineralization consists of significant arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and abundant visible gold over a broad intercept that is associated with significant quartz veining and strong amphibole and chlorite alteration. Initial samples from the drill hole have been prioritized to focus on the strongest mineralization within the zone with additional assays pending for further samples adjacent to the interval and throughout the drill hole.

Drill hole 17GSE516B represents the deepest hole, vertically and down plunge, to date in the Llama gold structure approximately 460m down plunge beyond the current resource limit. This intercept projects the structure parallel to the area vertically below the Umwelt deposit (43-101 compliant resource: 9,050,000 tonnes of 6.99 g/t Au for 2,034,275 oz of Measured and Indicated resources, 1,909,000 tonnes of 11.01 g/t Au for 676,000 oz of Inferred resources) and remains as an exceptional exploration environment.

Sabina believes that the robust continuity of gold deposits hosted within the Llama to Umwelt trend, coupled with the potential for new discoveries in a parallel setting could establish an increasing gold endowment for each kilometer of strike where iron formation stratigraphy volumes increase in a down plunge setting.

Table 1.0 - Table of Significant Drill Intersections

Hole Id Area Azimuth Dip Easting Northing Depth From

(m) To

(m) Length

(m) Au

(g/t) Lithology 17GSE516B LL 225 -69 429791 7271437 737 667.40 705.95 38.55 9.48 Oxide Iron Formation including 675.75 697.00 21.25 14.43 Oxide Iron Formation including 693.05 694.05 1.00 52.83 Oxide Iron Formation

True widths unknown

Qualified Persons

The Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 as pertains to the Back River Project, is James Maxwell P.Geo, Exploration Manager, for the Company. All drill core samples selected within the exploration program are subject to a company standard of internal quality control and quality assurance programs which include the insertion of certified reference materials, blank materials and duplicates analysis. All samples are sent to SGS Canada Inc. located in Burnaby, British Columbia where they are processed for gold analysis by 50 gram fire assay with finish by a combination of atomic absorption and gravimetric methods. Additionally, analysis by screen metallic processes is performed on select samples.

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is a well-financed, emerging precious metals company with district scale, world class undeveloped assets in one of the worlds newest, politically stable mining jurisdictions: Nunavut, Canada.

In September, 2015, Sabina released a Feasibility Study on its 100% owned Back River Gold Project which presents a project that has been designed on a fit-for purpose basis, with the potential to produce ~200,000 ounces a year for ~11 years with a rapid payback of 2.9 years. At a US$1,150 gold price and a 0.80 exchange rate, the Study delivers a potential after tax internal rate of return of approximately 24.2% with an initial CAPEX of $415 million.

The Project is advancing through the environmental assessment process with a positive recommendation to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada from the Nunavut Impact Review Board in July 2017. The Minister is now reviewing the file and we expect a decision in Q4, 2017.

In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on Glencores Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett Rivers silver production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and 12.5% of all silver produced thereafter.

The Company had cash and equivalents of C$36.6m at June 30, 2017 (not including the proceeds of the recently announced $6 million flow through financing).
VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Callinex Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Callinex") (TSX-V: CNX; OTCQX: CLLXF) is pleased to announce results from 14 drill holes, including ten that confirm the extension of the Nash Creek Deposit (the "Deposit") approximately 500m to the north at the Company's 100% owned Nash Creek Project located within the Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick (See Figures 1 and 2).

Results announced to date from Callinex's initial drilling campaign has successfully increased the strike length of the Deposit by approximately 35% as indicated by a total of 13 drill holes that all intersected significant mineralization (See Table 1 and Figures 3). The Deposit is open for expansion laterally to the north of drill hole NC-241 that intersected 10.6m grading 4.3% zinc equivalent ("Zn Eq.") (See Table 1 and Figure 3).

The southern 1.5km of the 2km long Nash Creek Deposit contains an indicated resource totaling 712 million pounds of Zn Eq. mineralization and an inferred resource totaling 88 million pounds of Zn Eq. mineralization (See Table 2). The Superjack Project located 100 km by highway to the southwest hosts an additional near-surface inferred resource totaling 328 million pounds of Zn Eq. mineralization in the Bathurst Mining Camp (See Table 2 and Figure 1).

Highlights from the northern extension of the Nash Creek Deposit include:

Hole 229 intersected 11.7m of 4.0% Zn Eq. within a larger intersection over 18.1m grading 3.0% Zn Eq. at a starting depth of 18.0m;

Hole 233 intersected 9.5m of 6.5% Zn Eq. within a larger intersection over 43.9m grading 3.1% Zn Eq. at a starting depth of 30.1m ; and

; and Hole 241 intersected 10.6m of 4.3% Zn Eq. with a larger intersection over 20.0m of 3.0% Zn Eq. at a starting depth of 64.5m.

Max Porterfield, President and CEO, stated "We are looking forward to aggressively delineating additional zinc-rich mineralization in the Bathurst Mining District, particularly in advance of an upcoming PEA that will evaluate the economic potential of these deposits. The Nash Creek and Superjack zinc projects, which are directly connected by highway with access to power, represent a unique opportunity to build shareholder value considering their size, location and exploration potential."

Callinex plans to extend its ongoing drilling campaign in the Bathurst Mining District throughout 2017 to further expand the Nash Creek Deposit and conduct additional infill drilling as required to complete an updated resource estimate on the Project. A subsequent announcement will be made regarding the specifics of this program along with exploration plans for the nearby Superjack Project, where initial assays are expected this month.

The Company has also been evaluating proposals with engineering firms to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") that is envisioned to include open pit mining and a standalone processing facility at the Nash Creek project with the nearby Superjack Project serving as a source of open-pit mineralization. The PEA will be scheduled for completion in Q1, 2018 and additional metallurgical testing at the Superjack Project is already underway. Additional updates will be provided once an engineering firm has been awarded the contract.

The Nash Creek Project is ideally situated approximately 1 km south of Provincial Highway 11 and has access to power supplied by a nearby 450 MW power station (See Figure 1 and 2). Additionally, the Project is located 100 km by road to Trevali's Caribou Mine and 25 km by road to Glencore's Belledune lead/silver smelter, which has direct railway access to Glencore's Canadian zinc smelting and refining operations.

The Nash Creek Project was recently expanded to include several high-grade mineral occurrences up to 19% Zn+Pb to the south of the Nash Creek Deposit and within a similar geological setting. The project area now covers over 40 sq. km within an underexplored volcanogenic massive sulphide belt.

Additionally, the Company has granted options to purchase 1,300,000 common shares to a consulting geologist and key member of the Company's technical team. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.33 per share for a period of five years from the grant date and are subject to certain vesting provisions.

Jason Levers, P.Geo, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 and a Staff Geologist for Callinex, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

Table 1: Nash Creek Drill Results(1)(2)(3) Nash Creek Deposit - Expansion Holes Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Zn Eq. (%) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) NC17-224* 77.0 91.8 14.8 3.63% 2.56% 0.37% 32.68 including 78.7 81.3 2.6 6.89% 4.79% 0.87% 58.56 NC17-226* 11.0 20.0 9.0 5.24% 3.59% 1.15% 28.00 including 16.9 19.3 2.4 12.64% 8.96% 2.65% 59.19 and 29.0 41.0 12.0 1.78% 1.40% 0.19% 9.33 including 31.0 33.0 2.0 4.52% 3.80% 0.36% 17.63 and 241.7 246.0 4.3 1.79% 1.50% 0.15% 7.03 NC17-229 18.0 36.1 18.1 2.97% 1.77% 0.65% 28.04 including 19.1 30.8 11.7 4.00% 2.44% 0.84% 35.98 and 44.7 49.2 4.5 2.47% 1.11% 0.86% 26.69 and 61.4 76.2 14.8 3.22% 2.42% 0.50% 15.86 NC17-230 44.0 59.6 15.5 2.37% 1.60% 0.41% 17.77 including 44.0 54.5 10.4 2.97% 2.06% 0.48% 21.33 NC17-231 41.4 48.4 7.0 3.58% 2.50% 0.37% 32.85 NC17-232 55.5 78.5 23.0 2.78% 2.21% 0.27% 14.83 including 64.5 71.5 7.0 5.08% 4.11% 0.45% 25.26 NC17-233 30.1 74.0 43.9 3.06% 2.27% 0.41% 18.81 including 30.1 39.6 9.5 6.55% 4.82% 0.84% 43.38 NC17-234 104.0 111.8 7.8 1.34% 1.27% 0.08% 0.16 and 139.0 142.9 3.9 2.60% 1.69% 0.75% 11.18 including 139.0 139.9 0.8 10.01% 7.61% 2.12% 23.80 and 175.5 177.0 1.5 5.30% 1.38% 4.18% 12.07 NC17-235 85.3 87.3 2.0 2.86% 2.48% 0.34% 3.28 and 93.9 102.5 8.6 5.59% 4.96% 0.72% 0.08 including 93.9 100.4 6.5 6.96% 6.26% 0.80% 0.09 including 93.9 96.6 2.7 10.85% 10.19% 0.76% 0.05 NC17-236 11.9 15.0 3.1 3.55% 1.64% 1.84% 13.39 NC17-238 93.7 98.7 5.0 1.21% 1.12% 0.11% 0.01 NC17-241 64.5 84.5 20.0 3.00% 2.14% 0.46% 20.29 including 65.3 75.8 10.6 4.29% 3.00% 0.73% 28.64 NC05-10* 89.0 100.7 11.7 3.68% 2.71% 0.38% 28.18 including 90.1 94.0 3.9 6.29% 4.77% 0.56% 44.87 Reconnaissance Holes Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Zn Eq. (%) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) NC17-227 16.3 21.8 5.6 1.77% 1.22% 0.27% 13.70 NC17-228 107.5 108.0 0.5 6.47% 4.25% 2.30% 9.21 NC17-237 23.0 23.8 0.8 3.90% 2.28% 1.20% 25.18 and 100.8 114.5 13.7 1.72% 1.20% 0.46% 5.42 including 102.6 106.0 3.4 2.93% 2.43% 0.34% 9.09 NC17-239 No Significant Results *Refer to News Release dated July 13, 2017 for NC17-224 and NC17-226 while NC05-10 is a historic hole

Notes(1)(2)(3):

Zinc equivalent grades are based on the following metal prices: zinc US$2,525 /t (1.15/lb), lead US$2,205 /t (1.00/lb), and silver US$18.0 per oz. Metal recoveries of 100% were applied in the metal equivalent calculations. The zinc equivalent calculation is as follows: ZnEq = 100 (( Ag Price in (g) x Ag Grade ) + (Pb Price*2204.6 x Pb Grade(%)/100) + (Zn Price*2204.6 x (Zn Grade(%)/100))/Zn Price*2204.6). The numbers may not add due to rounding. True widths are not currently known.

Table 2: 2016 Mineral Resource Estimates for the Nash Creek and Superjack Projects

Indicated Mineral Resources Project Tonnes Zn Eq. (%) Zn

(%) Pb (%) Ag

(g/t) Cu (%) Contained Zn Eq.

('000 pounds) Nash Creek 9,033,000 3.58 2.79 0.57 18.16 n/a 711,991 Total 9,033,000 3.58 2.79 0.57 18.16 n/a 711,991

Inferred Mineral Resources Project Tonnes Zn Eq.

(%) Zn

(%) Pb

(%) Ag

(g/t) Cu (%) Contained Zn Eq.

('000 pounds) Superjack 3,211,000 4.63 3.01 0.78 29.46 0.27 327,618 Nash Creek 1,113,000 3.58 2.83 0.57 15.51 n/a 87,883 Total 4,324,000 4.36 2.96 0.73 25.87 0.20 415,501

Notes:

Resources are categorized according to CIM Definition Standards; it cannot be assumed that all or any part of Inferred Mineral Resources will be upgraded to Indicated or Measured as a result of continued exploration. The Nash Creek mineral resource estimate includes the Hickey Zone and Hayes Zone. The Superjack mineral resource estimates includes the Nepisiguit A (the "A Zone") and Nepisiguit C Zones (the "C Zone"). Zinc equivalent resources for the Nash Creek Project were calculated using metal prices of $0.90 /lb for zinc, $0.87 /lb for lead, and $17.73 /oz for silver. Metallurgical recoveries have been assumed to be 90.5% for zinc, 81.5% for lead and 50% for silver. A cut-off grade of 2.0% Zn Eq. was utilized in the resource estimate. Zinc equivalent resources for the Superjack Project were calculated using metal prices of $1.12 /lb for zinc, $1.06 /lb for lead, $2.97 /lb for copper and $20.38 /oz for silver. Metal recoveries have been assumed to be 100% for zinc, 72% for lead, 86% for copper and 70% for silver. A cut-off grade of 1.5% Zn Eq. was utilized in the resource estimate.

Table 3: NQ Diamond Drill Hole Data

Nash Creek Deposit - Expansion Holes Hole ID UTM Zone 19T

NAD 83 East UTM Zone 19T

NAD 83 North Elevation

(m) Azimuth

(o N UTM) Dip

(o) Length

(m) NC17-224* 717060 5308540 60 0 -90 237 NC17-226* 716854 5308687 66 0 -90 271 NC17-229 716834 5308428 72 0 -90 192 NC17-230 716901 5308386 63 0 -90 159 NC17-231 716991 5308469 66 0 -90 156 NC17-232 716971 5308554 57 0 -90 150 NC17-233 716885 5308515 61 0 -90 120 NC17-234 717004 5308760 54 0 -90 207 NC17-235 717088 5308630 46 0 -90 195 NC17-236 716857 5308657 63 0 -90 222 NC17-238 717092 5308788 47 0 -90 195 NC17-241 716889 5308743 57 0 -90 195 NC05-10* 716977 5308679 47 0 -90 233 Reconnaissance Holes NC17-227 716775 5308867 64 0 -90 282 NC17-228 716766 5309020 73 0 -90 186 NC17-237 716655 5308760 71 0 -90 174 NC17-239 716625 5308451 77 0 -90 177 *Refer to News Release dated July 13, 2017 for NC17-224 and NC17-226 while NC05-10 is a historic hole

Figure 1: Map of the Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick





Figure 2: Plan Map of the Nash Creek Deposit





Figure 3: Plan Map of the Nash Creek Deposit Expansion Holes





Figure 4: Long Section View of the Nash Creek Deposit





QA/QC

Individual samples were labeled, placed in plastic sample bags, and sealed. Groups of samples were then placed in security sealed bags and shipped directly to SGS Canada Inc in Vancouver, B.C. for analysis. Samples were crushed to 75% passing 2mm and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns in order produce a 250g split. All copper, zinc and silver assays were determined by Aqua Regia digestion with a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-AES finish, with overlimits (>100 ppm Ag, >10,000 ppm Zn, and >10,000 ppm Cu) completed by fire assay with gravimetric finish (Ag) or Aqua Regia digestion with ICP-AES finish (copper and zinc). All samples were analyzed for gold by Fire Assay of a 30 gram charge by AAS, or if over 10.0 g/t were re-assayed and completed with a gravimetric finish. QA/QC included the insertion and continual monitoring of numerous standards and blanks into the sample stream at a frequency of 1 per 10 samples, and the collection of duplicate samples at random intervals within each batch at a frequency of 1 per 10 samples.

SGS Canada Inc carried out some or all of following methods to obtain the assay results for Callinex: G_LOG02 Pre-preparation processing, G_WGH79 Weighing and reporting, G_PRP89 Weigh, dry, crush, split, pulverize, G_SCRQC QC for crush and pulverize stages, G_CRU22 Crush >3kg, G_DRY11 Dry samples, GE_FAA313 @Au, FAS, AAS, 30g-5ml (Final mode), GE-IC14A Aqua Regia digestion/ICP-AES finish, GE_IMS14B Aqua Regia digestion/ICP-MS package, GE_IMS14 Aqua Regia digestion, GO_FAG303 30g, Fire assay, gravimetric finish (Au)(Final Mode), GO_FAG313 30g, Fire assay, gravimetric finish (Ag)(Final Mode), G0_ICP13B Ore Grade, Aqua Regia digest/ICP-AES. Ag >10ppm was analyzed by ICP and GO_XRF77B-pyrosulfate fusion.

About Callinex Mines Inc.

Callinex Mines Inc. (TSX-V: CNX ; OTCQX: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of zinc rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The portfolio is highlighted by its Nash Creek and Superjack deposits in the Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. Callinex is actively drilling these projects in support of an updated resource estimate and maiden PEA planned for Q1 2018.

Additionally, Callinex is actively exploring its projects in the Flin Flon Mining District of Manitoba which notably includes its Pine Bay and Big Island Projects. These projects are located within 25 km to an operating processing facility that requires additional ore within four years.
TORONTO, Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (the Company) (TSX:GCM) announced today that operations at its mines and plant in Segovia have returned to normal over this past weekend with the 42-day civil disruption having come to a conclusion on September 1, 2017.

Commenting on the news, Lombardo Paredes, Chief Executive Officer of the Company said, We are pleased to see the civil strike in Segovia and Remedios has been lifted and we can get back on track with our 2017 operating and capital plan. We appreciate the support we have received from the various levels of government and from our employees during this period. Through our commitment to economic development in Segovia and Remedios, we will incorporate additional small mining collectives into our contract mining model which will allow continued operation of ancestral mining within our title in accordance with the governments requirements for health, safety and environmental responsibility. Although our production in August was below normal, we continue to expect that we will meet our annual production guidance for 2017 of 150,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold.

During the course of the civil disruption, the Company continued its discussions regarding the financial and operating parameters that would enable it to bring additional mining collectives operating within its title into its contract mining model, under which over 2,500 miners in Segovia and Remedios are currently working with the Company. Over the next few months, the Company will negotiate specific operating contracts with each of the mining collectives based on general terms agreed to last Friday between the Ministry of Mines, the Governor of Antioquia, the Mayors of Segovia and Remedios, the Mesa Minera and the Company. The monetary compensation under these new operating contracts will be established for each mining collective individually with the Company retaining between 10% and 60% of the spot price for each ounce of gold produced. The contracts will also require that all ore is to be processed at the Companys Maria Dama plant.

About Gran Colombia Gold Corp.

Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is in the midst of an expansion and modernization project at its Segovia Operations.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 5, 2017) - Ely Gold & Minerals Inc. (TSXV: ELY) (OTC Pink: ELYGF) ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nevada Select Royalty, Inc. ("Nevada Select") has entered into a definitive sale agreement with Wolfpack Gold (Nevada) Corp. ("Wolfpack") a wholly owned subsidiary of Timberline Resources, whereby Nevada Select will acquire a 100% interest in four deeded royalties and one leased property (the "Transaction") for a cash consideration of US$40,000. The closing date of the Transaction is expected to be on or around September 8, 2017 (the "Closing").

The deeded royalties include;

a 1% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") on the Gilbert South property in Esmeralda County, Nevada, currently operated by Renaissance Gold; a 1% NSR on the Maggie Creek property in Eureka County, Nevada, currently operated by Renaissance Gold; a 1% NSR on the Mt. Hamilton property in White Pine County, Nevada, currently operated by Waterton Global; and a 3% NSR on the Danbo property in Nye County, Nevada, currently operated by VR Resources.

The leased property in the Transaction is comprised of 19 unpatented mining claims in Pershing County, Nevada. The claims, known as the Antelope Springs Project, are under a Mining Lease with Purchase Option to Pershing Gold Corporation (the "Pershing Lease"). There are advance minimum royalty payments, to be paid to Nevada Select, on the Pershing Lease as follows;

Year 1-9 US$10,000;

Year 10-14 US$12,500;

Year 15-19 US$15,000; and

Year 20+ US$20,000

At Closing, the deeded royalties will be assigned to Nevada Select, The Antelope Springs claims will be transferred to Nevada Select by mining deed and the Pershing Lease will be assumed by Nevada Select. Also, Nevada Select will receive all Wolfpack's data on Nevada projects.

Trey Wasser, President and CEO of Ely Gold commented on the Transaction, "We are very pleased to add these five quality assets to the Nevada Select portfolio. We are also adding some excellent counter-parties with active exploration teams working on four of the properties and a permitted mine at Mt. Hamilton. In the past twelve months, we have grown our deeded royalty portfolio from five to twenty royalties. In addition, our option portfolio has grown from five to fifteen optioned properties. The counter-parties to our royalty and option portfolio include major gold companies, mid-tier producers and some of the most talented exploration teams in Nevada."

Stephen Kenwood, P. Geo, is director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Kenwood has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

About Ely Gold

Ely Gold is focused on developing recurring cash flow streams through the acquisition, consolidation, enhancement, and resale of highly prospective, un-encumbered North American precious metals properties. Ely's property development efforts maximize each property's potential for acquisition, while reserving significant royalty interests. Additional information about Ely Gold is available at the Company's website, at www.elygoldinc.com.
WINNEMUCCA, Nev., Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSE American:PZG) (Paramount) announced today that it has met a significant milestone by filing its mine Plan of Operation (POO) with the Federal Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) district office in Vale, Oregon. The filing was submitted in August as scheduled.

The BLM is now in a position to begin its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process which will commence with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by its selected consulting firm, HDR Inc.

Paramount is in the process of completing a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for the proposed construction and operation of an underground mine to exploit the high-grade gold core at its Grassy Mountain Gold Project located on private ground in eastern Oregon.

The permitting process requires that Paramount obtain mine permits from both the federal government (BLM) and the State of Oregons Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI). Following the successful filing of the POO with the BLM, Paramounts next step in the permitting process is to file a Consolidated Permit Application which is planned for the first quarter of 2018. According to Oregon state regulations, a decision should be expected approximately 300 days thereafter.

The permitting process for Grassy Mountain was codified in a precedent-setting Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Paramount, the BLM, DOGAMI, and HDR, Inc. as released on March 8, 2017 which established a set of harmonized requirements for approval of the project. The MOU:

Designates the DOGAMI as a Cooperating Agency in the EIS process;

Establishes a framework for the cooperation and coordination between the DOGAMI, Paramount, the BLM, and HDR regarding their respective responsibilities, jurisdictional authorities, conditions, and procedures to be followed during the preparation of the EIS, thereby ensuring successful completion of the EIS in a timely, efficient, and thorough manner;

Recognizes that the BLM is the lead agency with the responsibility to complete the EIS and the Record of Decision;

Identifies and where possible coordinates similar or overlapping state and federal requirements including baseline investigation, analysis of environmental impacts related to the project, and financial responsibility requirements; and

Identifies the scope and limitations of information sharing between and among the BLM, DOGAMI, Paramount, and HDR.

Paramount CEO, Glen van Treek commented: The bottom line is that our permitting program is progressing on time and on budget. Our team is keeping to the schedules we have established and we are confident that the regulators will also meet their milestones. Thanks to the MOU, we are confident that the EIS process will be conducted efficiently and in a timely manner.

NI 43-101 Disclosure

Richard Delong of EM Strategies Inc., Paramounts Environmental and Permitting Coordinator and an Environmental Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved this release.

Exploration activities at Grassy Mountain are being conducted by personnel of Paramount subsidiary Calico Resources USA Corp. under the supervision of Michael F. McGinnis, Project Manager. Mr. McGinnis is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

An ongoing quality control/quality assurance protocol is being employed for the program including blank, duplicate and reference standards in every batch of assays.

About Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Paramount Gold Nevada is a U.S. based precious metals exploration company. Paramount has a high ratio of ounces of gold in mineral inventory to shares outstanding, providing its shareholders with exceptional leverage to the gold price. For our mineral inventory, click here.

Paramount holds a 100% working interest in the Grassy Mountain Gold Project which consists of approximately 9,300 acres located on private and BLM land in Malheur County, Oregon. The Grassy Mountain project contains a gold-silver deposit (100% located on private land) for which a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) has been prepared and key permitting milestones accomplished. For the PEA, click here. Additionally, Paramount owns a 100% interest in the Sleeper Gold Project located in Northern Nevada. The Sleeper Gold Project, which includes the former producing Sleeper mine, totals 2,322 unpatented mining claims (approximately 60 square miles or 15,500 hectares).

Paramounts strategy is to create shareholder value through exploring and developing its mineral properties and to realize this value for its shareholders in three ways: by selling its assets to established producers; entering into joint ventures with producers for construction and operation; or constructing and operating mines for its own account.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 5, 2017) - Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. ("Volcanic",) (TSX VENTURE:VG) is pleased to announce that Jeremy Crozier has been appointed as CEO of the company, succeeding Mike Iverson, who stepped down from his position as CEO effective August 29. Mr. Iverson is warmly thanked for his service to Volcanic, and remains a Director of the company's Board. Simon Ridgway has joined Volcanic in the capacity of Executive Chairman, adding considerable strength to the company's Board and management team. John Barry (P.Geo, EurGeol) joins Volcanic as the company's Technical Advisor.

Jeremy Crozier, the current President of Volcanic has been actively involved in the management of Volcanic's technical programs and in-country operations since inception. He has led the teams that have defined the mineralized targets identified during Volcanic's 2017 exploration programs, and continues to be responsible for Volcanic's strategy of property consolidation in Guinea and beyond. Mr. Crozier holds MBA and M.Sc. degrees in geology, and has 22 years of exploration, discovery, business development, and operating experience gained in North America, Africa (including Guinea) and Europe. Mr. Crozier's previous roles include those of Exploration Manager for Taseko Mines Limited, where he held responsibility for a portfolio of large remote, complex and politically sensitive exploration programs at all stages of development from grass roots to feasibility, as well as extensive service as an independent mineral exploration and business development consultant in Europe and Africa.

Simon Ridgway is a co-founder of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., a prospector, mining financier and a Casey Research Explorer's League inductee. Under Mr. Ridgway's guidance exploration teams have discovered gold deposits in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and since 2003 have raised over CAD$450 million for exploration and development projects. Mr. Ridgway is the Chairman of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., CEO of Focus Ventures Ltd., President and CEO of Radius Gold Inc.

John Barry has worked as a consulting geologist for 30 years. Over his career he has founded and managed several public resource companies, and has worked for respected international resource consultancies including CSA Global, and Chlumsky Armbrust & Meyer. Mr. Barry played a pivotal role in the discovery of several major gold deposits in Africa, including Nyanzaga in Tanzania while serving as Exploration Manager for Maiden Gold NL, and Ahafo Deeps in Ghana for Moydow Mines Ltd. He sourced Yanfolila - in Mali - for Glencar Mining in 2003, and more recently led the discovery of the Mandiana Project on behalf of Sovereign Mines of Africa plc. Mr. Barry holds a Master's Degree in Geology from Pennsylvania State University, and an MBA from the Edinburgh School of Business, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

About Volcanic

Volcanic brings together a deeply experienced and successful mining, exploration and capital markets team focused on building a multi-million ounce gold resource in the underexplored West African country of Guinea and its neighbouring countries. Through the strategic acquisition of mineral properties with demonstrated potential for hosting gold resources, and by undertaking effective exploration and drill programs, Volcanic is seeking to become a leading junior gold resource company.
TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today announced the first mineral resource estimate in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards incorporated by reference in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") for the Saramacca deposit located approximately 25 kilometres from its Rosebel operation in Suriname (see attached map).

The resource estimate comprises 14.4 million tonnes of indicated resources averaging 2.20 grams of gold per tonne for 1,022,000 ounces and 13.6 million tonnes of inferred resources averaging 1.18 grams of gold per tonne for 518,000 ounces. Approximately 60% of the resources are contained within shallow, softer laterite and saprolite hosted mineralization. The Saramacca deposit remains open along strike in both directions and at depth and has significant potential for expansion.

IAMGOLD's President and CEO, Steve Letwin, commented, "The NI 43-101 maiden resource estimate for Saramacca confirms the significance of this gold discovery, and adds to the substantial resource increase reported at Rosebel just over a month ago. With an estimate surpassing our expectations and a deposit that remains open, our transformative strategy to consolidate prospective land packages around Rosebel continues to add significant value for IAMGOLD shareholders."

Craig MacDougall, Senior Vice President, Exploration for IAMGOLD, stated, " The initial resource estimate reported for the Saramacca deposit today is the culmination of an outstanding effort by our exploration and support teams, who have worked tirelessly to advance the project since the commencement of exploration activities last September. These initial results not only exceed our expectations, but we are excited about the potential to further expand the current resources and to make additional discoveries on the property. I congratulate the exploration team for the well-executed and safely-completed exploration program leading to today's announcement."

The mineral resource for the Saramacca deposit incorporates assay results from 307 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes spaced at approximately 50 x 50 metres and totalling approximately 47,000 metres, including 217 holes totalling 37,700 metres completed by IAMGOLD. The estimate was prepared using a block model constrained with 3D wireframes of the principal mineralized domains. Values for gold were interpolated into blocks using ordinary kriging (OK). An open pit optimization algorithm was run on the block model to constrain the resource and to support the CIM requirement that Mineral Resources have 'reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction'. The resource estimate assumes a long-term gold price of US$1,500/ounce. Only mineralization contained within the preliminary pit shell has been included in the resource estimate. It is meaningful to note that the pit shell generated extends to the base of the defined resources in some of the higher grade zones of the deposit. The effective date of this resource estimate is August 28, 2017.

A supporting NI 43-101 Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com no later than 45 days after the date of this release.

MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT - SARAMACCA GOLD PROJECT, SURINAME August 28, 2017 Category Weathering

Zone Cut-off Grade

(g/t Au) Tonnage

(000s t) Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Au

(000s oz) Indicated Laterite 0.25 2,372 1.20 91 Saprolite 0.25 5,573 2.43 436 Transition 0.35 2,526 2.17 176 Fresh 0.45 3,973 2.49 318 Total Indicated 14,444 2.20 1,022 Inferred Laterite 0.25 4,455 0.69 98 Saprolite 0.25 4,790 0.82 126 Transition 0.35 1,349 1.97 86 Fresh 0.45 3,039 2.13 208 Total Inferred 13,632 1.18 518

Notes: 1. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. 2. CIM definitions were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. 3. Cut-off grades are 0.25 g/t Au for laterite and saprolite, 0.35 g/t Au for transition and 0.45 g/t Au for fresh rock. 4. Mineral Resources are reported using a gold price of US$1,500 per ounce. 5. Mineral Resources are constrained by a Whittle optimized pit shell. 6. All figures have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Discrepancies in sums occur due to rounding.

In support of the mineral resource estimate, preliminary metallurgical test work was completed by ALS Metallurgical Laboratories in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on thirteen composite samples prepared from drill core obtained from the Saramacca drilling program. The results suggest that gold recoveries averaging approximately 97% in oxide, 76% in transition and 82% in fresh rock can be expected from a conventional gravity and leach/carbon in leach (CIL) circuit. Further testing is recommended to further optimize gold recoveries.

About the Saramacca Project

The Saramacca project is strategically located approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the Rosebel Gold Mine processing facility. Mineralization is hosted in the Paramaka Formation within the lower part of the Marowijne Greenstone Belt, which is dominated by metamorphosed basalt and andesite lithologies in the project area. These are traversed by the regional, northwest trending Saramacca shear zone, an important deformation zone for the localization of gold mineralization. Drilling has confirmed the presence of multiple mineralized structures within an approximately 2-kilometre long and 400-metre wide corridor. Mineralization occurs in the near surface oxidized weathering profile to depths ranging from 50 to 100 metres, as well as deeper in primary sulphide zones. In the deposit area, three mineralization styles are recognized from the drilling completed to date: breccia hosted mineralization characterized by jigsaw, crackle and matrix supported breccias; shear hosted mineralization characterized by well-developed pyritic disseminations and stringers; and irregular pyrite-quartz-carbonate veins which locally carry high gold grades.

On August 30, 2016, the Company signed a letter of intent with the Government of Suriname to acquire rights to the Saramacca property, with the intent of defining a National Instrument 43-101 mineral resource within 24 months. The terms of the letter included an initial payment of $0.2 million, which enabled immediate access to the property for Rosebel's exploration team to conduct due diligence, as well as access to the data from previous exploration activity at the Saramacca property. On September 30, 2016, having been satisfied with the results of the due diligence, the Company ratified the letter of intent to acquire the Saramacca property and subsequently paid $10 million in cash and agreed to issue 3.125 million IAMGOLD common shares to the Government of Suriname in three approximately equal annual instalments on each successive anniversary of the date the right of exploration was transferred to Rosebel (December 2016). In addition, the agreement provides for a potential upward adjustment to the purchase price based on the contained gold ounces identified by Rosebel in National Instrument 43-101 measured and indicated resource categories, within a certain Whittle shell within the first 24 months, to a maximum of $10 million.

The Saramacca project falls within the "UJV" area as defined in an Agreement with the Government of Suriname announced on April 15, 2013. The Agreement establishes a joint venture growth vehicle under which Rosebel would hold a 70% participating interest and the Government will acquire a 30% participating interest on a fully-paid basis.

Next Steps

With the results of the initial resource estimate now in hand, a follow up drilling program is expected to commence this quarter with the objective to: 1) increase the confidence in the current resources and convert inferred resources to indicated; 2) target expansions to the existing resource along known mineralized trends and at depth, and 3) evaluate identified exploration targets for the presence of additional mineralized zones. A program of approximately 20,000 metres of diamond and reverse circulation drilling is planned for completion during the remainder of 2017.

In addition to the drilling program outlined above, the Rosebel mine team is working to advance the Saramacca deposit towards production. An Environmental and Social Impact Study (ESIA) is already underway as the fundamental element in the permitting process. Preliminary engineering work has been undertaken on mine design, and infrastructure elements such as ore transport options, access roads, and waste rock disposal. In addition to the exploration work planned for the next phase, field work will commence soon on geotechnical investigation and condemnation work. Additional, comprehensive metallurgical testing will also be undertaken to refine the recovery assumptions, to test the crushing and grinding characteristics of the ore, and to investigate the metallurgical variability across the ore deposit. Using the new block model as a basis, new mine designs and integrated scheduling with the main Rosebel resources will commence soon, and will continue to be advanced as additional geologic and engineering information becomes available. It is our intention to complete the permitting work and to generate a preliminary reserve estimate for Saramacca during the first half of 2018 and to work toward initial production in 2019.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 5, 2017) - Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. ("Kirkland Lake Gold" or the "Company") (TSX:KL) (NYSE:KL) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a term sheet agreement (the "Agreement") with Novo Resources Corp. ("Novo") to acquire 14,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of CAD$4.00 per Unit for a total cost of CAD$56,000,000 pursuant to a private placement financing (the "Financing"). Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), entitling the Company to purchase one additional common share of Novo at a price of $6.00 per share for a period of 36 months from the closing date (the "Warrant Expiry Date").

In the event that, during the period following 12 months from the closing date, the volume-weighted average trading price of the Novo common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange exceeds $12.00 per share for any period of 20 consecutive trading days, Novo may accelerate the Warrant Expiry Date. In such case, the Warrants will expire 30 days following receipt of notice thereof by the Company.

Following a recent block purchase of Novo common shares, Kirkland Lake Gold currently owns approximately 9.2% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Novo. Upon closing of the Financing, the Company is expected to own approximately 18.2% of Novo's issued and outstanding common shares and will hold approximately 25.5% on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the Warrants.

Tony Makuch, President and CEO, of Kirkland Lake Gold, commented: "Our investment in Novo is an important part of our strategy to grow and enhance the value of our Australian franchise, which currently includes large land positions in Victoria and the Northern Territory, and production from our high-grade Fosterville Gold Mine. Investing in Novo will provide our company with exposure to highly prospective exploration targets in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, including the Karratha Gold Project, where recent exploration results have been very encouraging and suggest that the property may be host to a large gold system with significant potential for profitable, long-life production. The investment we are making will support an acceleration of exploration programs at Karratha and other key projects within Novo's portfolio."

The closing of the Financing is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and is expected to close on or about September 15, 2017. The Units, including all underlying securities thereof issued with respect to the Financing will be subject to a statutory four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

Under terms of the Agreement, Kirkland Lake Gold will retain an anti-dilution right (the "Anti-Dilution Right") which grants the Company the right (but not the obligation) to participate, on a pro rata basis, in any future financing undertaken by Novo to the extent required to allow the Company to maintain the same equity ownership interest in Novo that it possessed immediately prior to announcement of a financing such that the Company does not suffer any equity dilution. The Anti-Dilution Right does not apply to currently existing convertible securities, securities issued pursuant to currently existing contractual obligations, securities issued pursuant to the acquisition of mineral projects, and securities issued pursuant to direct or indirect arm's length corporate acquisitions, and it will expire if the Company's ownership in Novo drops below 5%.

About Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. is a mid-tier gold producer with 2017 target production of 570,000 to 590,000 ounces from mines in Canada and Australia. The production profile of the Company is anchored from two high-grade, low-cost operations, including the Macassa Mine located in northeastern Ontario and the Fosterville Mine located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Kirkland Lake Gold's solid base of quality assets is complemented by district scale exploration potential, supported by a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 5, 2017) - Pure Gold Mining Inc. (TSX VENTURE:PGM) ("Pure Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional drill results from its 100% owned Madsen Gold Project ("Madsen"). Drilling from underground highlights expansion potential within the mineral resource, while surface drilling continues to identify and extend new zones of gold mineralization close to existing mine infrastructure.

Significant release highlights:

Multiple drill holes collared underground from the Madsen ramp have intersected gold mineralization within the McVeigh deposit and outside of the current resource including drill hole PGU-0012 which returned 48.4 g/t gold over 6.0 metres and drill hole PGU-0004 which returned 12.5 g/t gold over 8.2 metres ;

and drill hole PGU-0004 which returned ; Significant gold mineralization, modelled as a potential southward extension of the Fork Zone, has been intersected near surface in the footwall of the Starratt target, including 10.6 g/t gold over 3.1 metres in hole PG17-444 and 13.9 g/t gold over 2.0 metres in hole PG17-427;

in hole PG17-444 and in hole PG17-427; Drill hole PG17-454 returned 32.5 g/t gold over 2.0 metres in a near surface extension of the Austin that lies up dip of the current resource.

"Today's results have returned exceptional widths and grades outside of the current resource and within a short distance of the existing underground infrastructure demonstrating the near surface resource growth potential that exists within the Madsen mine," said Darin Labrenz, President and CEO of Pure Gold. "Further underground drilling will continue to target resource growth as well as firmly establish geologic and grade continuity in the McVeigh, Austin and A3 deposits. Additionally concurrent surface drilling, which remains an important part of Pure Gold's growth strategy, continues to identify and extend gold mineralization well outside of the Madsen mineral resource highlighting the large mineral system in place at the Madsen Gold Project."

Underground Drilling in the McVeigh Expands Mineralized Zones

Initial underground drilling from the Madsen ramp has been designed to test extensions to the current resource in the upper portion of the Madsen Mine. Drill hole PGU-0002 targeted lower grade mineralization on the margins of the mineralized resource within the McVeigh and returned results as expected. Extensions to this mineralization were targeted by drill hole PGU-0004 which returned 12.5 g/t gold over 8.2 metres and by drill hole PGU-0005 which returned 4.8 g/t gold over 10.8 metres, extending known mineralization outside the current resource by more than 10 metres. Similarly drill holes PGU-0008, PGU-0009, and PGU-0014 successfully targeted extensions to the McVeigh resource, expanding known mineralization by as much as 30 metres. Drill hole PGU-0012 returned 48.5 g/t gold over 6.0 metres above a zone of lower grade mineralization, and remains open for follow-up and expansion up dip.

Step-out Drilling Intersects Gold Mineralization 1,150 Metres South of Portal in Extension of Fork Zone

Additionally, drilling south of the Fork Zone has intersected 7.5 g/t gold over 1.1 metres in a 260 metre step out from hole PG17-359 which returned 13.9 g/t gold over 1.5 metres. Additional step out drilling reported herein includes hole PG17-427 which returned 13.9 g/t gold over 2.0 metres and drill hole PG17-444 which returned 5.4 g/t gold over 7.3 metres including 10.6 g/t gold over 3.1 metres. This drilling expands mineralization in the shallow plunging Fork Zone to over a 700 metre strike length. Additional surface work and target modelling demonstrates that the mineralized system has further potential for expansion to the south and to depth.

New Gold Mineralization Intersected In the Austin Outside of Current Resource

Drill hole PG17-454 targeted shallow gold mineralization in the Austin outside of the current resource The hole returned 32.5 g/t gold over 2.0 metres at a vertical depth of approximately 135 metres and located approximately 180 metres up dip of the resource model in this area. Drill hole PG17-429, which also targeted up dip extensions to the Austin resource, returned 8.5 g/t gold over 1.0 metre.

Drill Results Summary

New assay results from select drill holes are outlined below:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Gold (g/t) Zone PG17-402 47.0 48.1 1.1 7.5 Fork - 8600E PG17-427 30.5 32.5 2.0 13.9 Fork - 8600E PG17-429 357.2 358.2 1.0 8.5 Austin PG17-444 93.0 100.3 7.3 5.4 Fork - 8600E incl. 94.0 97.1 3.1 10.6 incl. 99.3 100.3 1.0 4.7 PG17-454 140.0 142.0 2.0 32.5 Austin incl. 140.0 141.0 1.0 62.7 148.0 150.0 2.0 6.3 Austin PG17-455 294.1 296.1 2.0 8.2 McVeigh PGU-0001 61.9 63.9 2.0 10.0 McVeigh 67.3 69.0 1.7 6.6 PGU-0002 51.8 57.2 5.4 2.7 McVeigh incl. 54.0 47.2 3.2 3.3 PGU-0004 36.3 44.5 8.2 12.5 McVeigh incl. 37.6 44.5 6.9 14.4 PGU-0005 40.4 51.2 10.8 4.8 McVeigh incl. 40.4 41.5 1.1 21.4 and incl. 47.5 51.2 3.7 6.4 PGU-0008 72.0 73.1 1.1 6.8 McVeigh 107.5 109.0 1.5 16.6 McVeigh PGU-0009 88.7 90.0 1.3 6.3 McVeigh 105.0 112.0 7.0 6.9 McVeigh incl. 108.0 109.0 1.0 43.3 PGU-0012 159.0 160.0 1.0 4.6 McVeigh 204.0 210.0 6.0 48.4 McVeigh incl. 204.0 208.0 4.0 71.8 PGU-0014 173.0 175.5 2.5 14.9 McVeigh incl. 173.9 175.5 1.6 22.6 PGU-0018 78.7 90.8 12.1 5.1 McVeigh incl. 83.7 84.7 1.0 37.0

*Assay composites were calculated using uncut assays and true widths are interpreted to vary from 70-90% (80%, on average) of reported core lengths above.

For a set of figures showing the setting of drill results, click link below:

http://puregoldmining.ca/sites/default/files/Drill-Result-Figures-05092017.pdf

For a complete list of 2017 drill results to date, click link below:

http://puregoldmining.ca/sites/default/files/2017-DH-Intercepts-Table-September-05.pdf

ABOUT MADSEN

The Madsen Gold Project has historic production of 2.5 million ounces of gold and remains one of the highest-grade, undeveloped gold projects in the world.1 With an indicated resource of 1,648,000 ounces gold at 8.9 g/t gold (in 5.79 million tonnes) and an inferred resource of 178,000 ounces gold at 9.4 g/t gold (in 0.59 million tonnes), the Project benefits from existing infrastructure including a mill and tailings facility, paved highway access, and access to power, water and experienced labour.2

(1) Sourced from the Natural Resource Holdings Global Gold Mines & Deposit Ranking of 2013

(2) See press release dated August 2, 2017 for complete details, available on the Company's website at www.puregoldmining.ca or Sedar profile at www.sedar.com.

QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols

Drill core samples are bagged and sealed and submitted to SGS in Red Lake, Ontario for sample preparation by crushing to 75% less than 2mm, a riffle split of 1kg, and pulverization of the split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold analysis is completed in the SGS Red Lake lab with a 30g fire assay and AAS finish (code GE-FAA313). Samples returning >5 g/t Au are re-assayed with a gravimetric finish (code GO-FAG303). Mineralized zones with visible gold are also analyzed by a 1kg screen fire assay with screening to 106 microns (code GO-FAS51K). Two 30g fire assays are conducted on the screen undersize and combined with an assay of the entire oversize fraction. Control samples (accredited standards and non-accredited blanks) were inserted on a regular basis. Results are assessed for accuracy, precision and contamination on an ongoing basis.

Qualified Persons and 43-101 Disclosure

Phil Smerchanski, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration for the Company, is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same.

ABOUT PURE GOLD

Our mandate is pure and simple. To dream big. To colour outside the lines. To use smart science and creativity to unlock the next major discovery at the Madsen Gold Project in Red Lake, Ontario. And become Canada's next iconic gold company.

Additional information about the Company and its activities may be found on the Company's website at www.puregoldmining.ca and under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.
Vancouver, British Columbia / TheNewswire / September 5, 2017 - LiCo Energy Metals Inc. ("the Company "or" LiCo") TSX-V: LIC; OTCQB: WCTXF is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property Purchase Agreement effective August 31st, 2017 with Glencore Canada Corporation (subsidiary of Glencore plc) ("Glencore") of Baar Switzerland, LSE: GLEN to acquire a 100% interest in mining rights patent #585 (the "Glencore property") situated in Bucke Township, 6 km east-northeast of Cobalt, Ontario. The Purchase Agreement includes a back-in provision, production royalty and an off-take agreement in favor of Glencore.

Glencore is one of the world's largest producers of cobalt as a result of by-products created from its copper assets in the DRC and nickel assets in Australia, Canada and Norway.

"We are very excited to acquire this strategic Canadian property from Glencore. The property is conveniently located adjacent to our current Teledyne Cobalt property, and this purchase agreement allows LiCo to expand upon one of Glencore's longstanding Canadian cobalt assets. If all goes as planned, we could be selling all our cobalt produced back to Glencore in the future. It is a property sale, but we have also found a significant future customer." states Tim Fernback, LiCo's President & CEO.

Strategically, the Glencore property consists of 16.2 hectares and sits along the west boundary of LiCo's Teledyne Cobalt Project that covers the southern extension of the former producing 15 Vein on the past-producing Agaunico Mine Property. Historically, the Agaunico Mine produced 4,350,000 lbs. of cobalt and 980,000 oz. of silver during the mining boom of the early 1900's (Cunningham-Dunlop, 1979).

In the early 80's the Glencore property was explored by 36 surface diamond drill holes totaling 3,323 m. The drilling program outlined two separate vein systems hosting significant cobalt and silver values. The two zones are known as the Main Zone, measuring 152.4 m in length, and the Northwest Zone, measuring 70.0 m in length. The Main Zone had a north-south strike, which is hypothesized as the southern extension of the #3 vein from the Cobalt Contact Mine located immediately to the north of lease #585 (Bresee, 1982). Additional work was recommended but never completed due to a downturn in cobalt prices at the time.

On LiCo's adjacent Teledyne property, historical drilling also encountered two zones of cobalt/silver mineralization extending from the boundary of mined zones at the Agaunico Mine in a north-south direction. In 1980, Teledyne completed a 700 m long production decline to reach the mineralization encountered in their surface drill program. Both the surface and underground drilling programs confirmed the extension of the Agaunico cobalt zones onto the Teledyne property for a strike length of 152.4 m. In addition, the drill program encountered a second zone with a strike length of 137.2 m. The most significant results included 0.644% Co over 16.9 m, 0.74% Co over 8.7m, and 2.59% Co over 2.4 m (Bresee, 1981).

"We are delighted to add this Glencore property to our land position in Canada. By adding drill indicated cobalt mineralization from the Glencore property with similar mineralization as that found at our nearby Teledyne property, we have greatly enhanced LiCo's potential for finding an economic cobalt deposit. I am looking forward with great interest to seeing the results of the upcoming drill programs scheduled for both the Glencore and Teledyne properties this fall." commented Mr. Dwayne Melrose, Director and Head of the Technical Advisory Board of LiCo.

Terms of the Acquisition:

Purchase Price -The Purchaser shall pay to the Vendor the sum of $150,000 on the Approval Date; and pay to the Vendor the sum of $350,000 within 6 months after the date of the Agreement (the "Closing Date"). In addition, prior to the Closing Date during the Acquisition Period, the Purchaser shall incur $250,000 in Exploration Expenditures on the Property.

Offtake Agreement - Prior to the commencement of Commercial Production, the Purchaser shall enter into an off-take agreement with the Vendor for all ores and/or concentrates produced from the Property and/or the Teledyne Property. The off-take agreement shall be on such terms and conditions as are commercially reasonable and at prevailing market prices;

Production Royalty - The Royalty will consist of a 3.5% of Net Smelter Return calculated on a quarterly basis on all Products extracted from, processed and sold that originate from mining operations on the Property from and after Commercial Production. One-half (1/2) of the Royalty can be purchased for $1,000,000 payable to the Vendor or its assignee;

Back-In Option - from and after the Closing Date, subject to Glencore or an affiliate, determining that a discovery of one or more ore bodies having a minimum aggregate in-situ value of $100M or more from which minerals can be feasibly extracted, the Purchaser grants to the Vendor or its nominated affiliate an irrevocable, sole and exclusive right and option to acquire from the Purchaser a 51% interest in the Property and all Property Rights, free and clear of all burdens of any nature or kind. Once the Back-in Option is exercised a joint venture will be formed and a management committee established with representatives of both companies.

About Glencore

Glencore plc is a leading integrated commodity producer and trader, operating worldwide with diversified operations comprising around 150 mining and metallurgical, oil production and agricultural assets. Glencore's industrial and marketing activities are supported by a global network of more than 90 offices located in over 50 countries where they employ around 155,000 people, including contractors. Glencore trades in and distribute physical commodities sourced from third party producers as well as their own production. The company also provide financing, processing, storage, logistics and other services to commodity producers and consumers.

About LiCo Energy Metals:

LiCo Energy Metals Inc. is a well-funded Canadian based exploration company whose primary listing is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's focus is directed towards exploration for high value metals integral to the manufacture of lithium ion batteries. The Company currently maintains the following portfolio of exploration properties:

Purickuta Lithium Project, Chile: The Purickuta Project is located within Salar de Atacama, a salt flat encompassing 3,000 km2, being about 100 km long, 80 km wide and home to approximately 37% of the worlds Lithium production. The salar possesses a very high grade of both Lithium (1,840mg/l) and Potassium (22,630mg/l and is close to power, labour, communications, transportation and other infrastructure. The property of 160 hectares is enveloped by a concession owned by Sociedad Quimica y Minera ("SQM") and lies, significantly, within a few kilometers of the property of CORFO (the Chilean Economic Development Agency) where its leases to both SQM and Albermarle's Rockwood Lithium Corp Together these two companies have combined production of over 62,000 tonnes of LCE (Lithium Carbonate Equivalent) annually making up 100% of Chile's current lithium output. The unique characteristics of Salar de Atacama make finished lithium carbonate easier and cheaper to produce than any of its peer group globally.

Purickuta is a smaller exploitation concession rather than a large exploration concession thereby accelerating the task of taking the project to production once a measured reserve can be established. Currently, the Chilean government retains ownership of lithium separate from other minerals and thus production can only proceed upon receipt of a special lithium operation contract know as a "CEOL". In the future, it will be necessary for LiCo and partner to negotiate a production contract with CORFO concurrently with completing any positive feasibility study. "Chile, which has one of the world's most plentiful supplies of lithium, is pushing ahead with new policies to develop those reserves". (Reuters Jan2, 2017).

Teledyne Cobalt Project, Cobalt, Ontario: The Company has an option to earn 100% ownership, subject to a royalty, in the Teledyne Project located near Cobalt. Ontario. The Property adjoins the south and west boundaries of claims that hosted the Agaunico Mine. From 1905 through to 1961, the Agaunico Mine produced a total of 4,350,000 lbs. of cobalt and 980,000 oz. of silver. A significant portion of the cobalt that was produced at the Agaunico Mine located along structures that extended southward onto property currently under option to LiCo Energy Metals.

Dixie Valley Lithium Project, Nevada: The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest, subject to a 3% NSR, on a large lithium exploration project at the Humboldt Salt Marsh in Dixie Valley, Nevada. The geologic setting and presence of lithium in active geothermal fluids and surface salts in Dixie Valley match characteristics of producing lithium brine deposits at Clayton Valley, Nevada and in South America.

Black Rock Desert Lithium Project, Nevada: The Company has entered into an option agreement whereby the Company may earn an undivided 70% interest, subject to a 3% Net Smelter Return Royalty, in the Black Rock Desert Lithium Project that consists of 128 placer claims (2,560 acres/ 1,036 hectares) in southwest Black Rock Desert, Washoe County, Nevada.

The Company is planning an exploration programs on a number of its properties over the next several months. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved Joerg Kleinboeck, P.Geo. an independent consulting geologist and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.
The 14 agreements signed during the official visit of Brazilian President Michel Temer to China to attend the BRICS summit meeting in Xiamen, Fujian province, could represent USD9.9 billion in investments and credit lines, according to Brazilian daily Estado de Sao Paulo.

The largest amount will be the result of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) granting the environmental license for construction of the electric power transmission line between the Belo Monte dam in the State of Para and the southeastern region of Brazil.

Brazils ambassador to China, Marcos Caramuru, said in Beijing that the China State Grid group will invest $3.5 billion to build the 2518-kilometre transmission line, which will be the longest in Brazil.

The second largest amount relates to the China Development Bank credit line to Brazils National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).

The Brazilian ambassador also said that there are agreements for the project of the Porto do Sul port, in Ilheus and the Ferrovia de Integracao Oeste-Leste (FIOL) railway, which will link that city to Caetite, both in the State of Bahia, over a distance of 500 km, with both projects valued at $2.4 billion.

According to the ambassador, the agreement provides for a consortium of Chinese companies, Kazakhstan and the government of the State of Bahia to compete for the projects, which are expected to be tendered in 2018.

The fourth largest amount concerns $700 million in financing to be raised by the China Communication and Construction Company (CCCC) for construction of a private terminal at the port of Sao Luis (Maranhao State).

In the overall announced figure, the Brazilian ambassador included a credit line worth $300 million that the Export-Import Bank of China may grant to Banco do Brasil.

The National Bank for Economic and Social Development and the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) have signed a document granting guarantees to Chinese companies doing business in Brazil. The Brazilian government had announced in advance the hiring of the China National Nuclear Corporation to evaluate the procedures necessary for conclusion of the Angra 3 nuclear power plant.

The president of Brazil also met with Xi Jinping, with the two presidents agreeing to extend bilateral strategic cooperation. MDT/Macauhub
VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Mawson Resources Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX: MAW) (Frankfurt: MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) announces the result of a systematic review of nine prospect areas at the 100% owned Rajapalot gold project in Finland. These prospect areas were discovered by the Mawson team as gold-bearing boulder fields, from which 160 gold mineralized boulders have now been identified within a 12 square kilometre area. The potential bedrock source of only three of the nine boulder fields have been located by drilling, with the remaining six boulder trains now planned for follow up exploration.

Key Points:

A total of 160 boulders and outcrops with >0.1 g/t gold have been discovered within a 4 kilometre by 3 kilometre area at Rajapalot. Gold grades range from 0.1 g/t gold to 3,870 g/t gold, with an average of 74.9 g/t gold and median of 0.71 g/t gold . Samples from boulders are grab samples, which are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property;

. Samples from boulders are grab samples, which are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property; The sources of six of nine gold bearing boulder fields remain to be discovered;

The sources of three have been discovered by drilling over the last 18 months, these being: Palokas (including 10.0 metres @ 11.6 g/t gold from 110.2 metres, Mawson Release Feb 21, 2017 ) Raja (including 27.0 metres @ 3.3 g/t gold from 64.0 metres, Mawson Release May 02, 2017 ), South Palokas (including 8.4 metres @ 4.2 g/t gold from 206.0 metres, Mawson Release March 07, 2016 )

Glacial transport direction, combined with geological features and base of till drill results indicate only a short travel distance for all mineralized boulders (<250 m). Rock outcrops related to the boulders have been discovered in five of the boulder fields.

Discoveries of additional Palokas-style amphibole-tourmaline-chlorite-pyrrhotite boulders over the last month (assays pending for 4 mineralized boulders) at Hirvimaa have defined immediate drill targets in areas that can be drilled year-round;

Winter drilling (2017-18) will focus on delineation of additional gold mineralization in prospects already identified by drilling, and follow-up of boulder fields where the primary source of mineralization remains to be discovered.

Figure 1: Rajapalot Boulder Fields





Mr Hudson, Chairman & CEO states, "With more than 99% of the gold prospective area at Rajapalot covered with a thin layer of glacial soil, tracing the source of boulders remains a key to further discoveries. The frequency of boulder discovery at Rajapalot over at least 12 sq km is impressive. Our field teams are regularly making new finds, including the exciting Palokas-style mineralized boulders at Hirvimaa, that present immediate drill targets. The bedrock source of only three of nine boulder fields are known to date, with all nine still providing excellent discovery opportunities.

Further discoveries at Rajapalot will come through rigorous exploration practices and a commitment to drilling. Given the high success rate of drilling during the last winter program where 28% of drill holes (39 out of a total of 137) recorded greater than 5 g/t-m intersections, we are looking forward to our upcoming programs."

A summary of sample statistics is shown in Table 1 and description of all boulder fields is shown in Table 2. Samples from boulders are grab samples, which are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. A lower cut-off for reporting of the boulders is 0.1 g/t Au, and the range, mean and median are all reported to give a more accurate representation of sample variation.

Compilation and re-examination of all the boulder information was conducted for comparison of the drill results of the 2016-17 winter drilling and base of till (BOT) results with previously held data. The geochemistry, mineral assemblages and the shape and size of all boulders was reviewed. Company geologists have determined that the grade distribution of boulders and their spacial association with outcrops and drill results indicate that the shallowly buried sources are close to the northwestern edges of the defined boulder fields.

The source of three boulder fields identified in Figure 1 (Palokas, South Palokas and Raja) have been located. The source of the largest boulder field, Rumajarvi, remains elusive, but as the boulders contain highly anomalous and disseminated gold with pyrrhotite, this remains a high-priority target for 2017-18 winter drill program. Geophysical studies, including distinguishing magnetic pyrrhotite-bearing metasediments from magnetic volcanic rocks is allowing more effective targeting of boulder sources.

Technical Background

The qualified person for Mawson's Finnish projects, Dr. Nick Cook, President for Mawson and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining Metallurgy has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.

Boulder samples were assayed between 2012-2015 and transported by Mawson personnel from site to ALS Chemex Ltd's laboratory in Pitea, Sweden where the samples were prepared and sent to ALS Chemex Ltd's laboratory in Vancouver, Canada to be analyzed by Au-ICP21, GRA-21, ME-MS41u and ME-MS61u techniques. The QA/QC program of Mawson consisted of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, with blanks at the beginning of each batch. In addition, ALS Chemex inserted a number of blanks and standards into the analytical process.

About Mawson Resources Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, PINKSHEETS:MWSNF)

Mawson Resources Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with a focus on the flagship Rompas and Rajapalot gold projects in Finland.

Table 1: Summary of boulder data for the nine boulder fields at Rajapalot. Minimum cut-off for reporting is 0.1 g/t Au. Samples from boulders are grab samples, which are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.

Prospect Number Average Au g/t Median Au g/t Min Au g/t Max Au g/t > 5 g/t Au 2-5 g/t Au 0.5-2 g/t Au 0.1-0.5 g/t Au Hirvimaa 23 15 0.6 0.1 253 5 0 8 10 Palokas 6 1.0 0.8 0.2 2.8 0 1 2 3 South Palokas 4 4.5 0.7 0.1 17 1 0 1 2 Boardwalk 19 28.1 1.0 0.2 221 4 2 8 5 Terry's Hammer 22 1.6 0.3 0.1 14 3 0 2 17 Rumajarvi 55 184 0.6 0.1 3870 14 6 9 26 Raja Prospect 5 11 2.4 0.7 43 2 1 2 0 Joki 7 50 6.3 0.1 151 5 0 1 1 Raja Permit 19 27 1.0 0.1 236 5 1 7 6

Table 2: Notes on each of the boulder fields; notes on relationship to outcrops and related drilling; 2017-18 drilling plans
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 5, 2017) - Arena Minerals Inc. ("Arena" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:AN) is pleased to provide an exploration update for the program operated by the Company as part of the Japan Oil, Gas and Mineral National Corporation ("JOGMEC") US$17.5 million joint venture agreement.

A total of 14,572 metres of primarily reverse circulation ("RC") drilling has been completed in 55 drill holes, as part of the Phase 2 program that focused primarily on completing grid drilling and initial follow-up drilling on PU-RC-39 (refer to press release dated February 21, 2016). Results have been received for the first 46 drill holes, including assay and alteration analysis results.

Drill hole PU-RC-80, drilled in the north-western portion of the Pampa Union block and 400 meters east of PU-RC-039, has intersected the lithocap, strong advanced argillic and phyllic alteration with values up to 0.2% Cu, 120 ppm Mo and 72 g/t Ag within 115 meters (265 meters to 380 meters) of hydrothermal silicification and breccias with quartz, pyrite, specularite and hematite characteristic of a porphyry system. Strong phyllic alteration was encountered from 201 meters to down to a total depth of 550 meters below surface. Hole PU-RC-80 is interpreted as a strong indication of increased proximity to a mineralized intrusive body to the northeast, representing a high quality target for a third phase of drilling.

William Randall, President and CEO of Arena commented, "Results obtained to date for Phase 2 drilling have been successful in expanding on the porphyry system discovered in hole PU-RC-039 under only 30 meters of ground cover. Drill hole PU-RC-080 has intersected the alteration and mineralization typical of many known porphyries in the area with strong indications that we are effectively vectoring closer to the host porphyry." He continued, "Further work is currently being planned in the area, including a seismic survey expected to be carried out over the coming months."

Drill hole PU-RC-80 collared in strong phyllic alteration from 30 meters to 132 meters followed by the lithocap zone of strong silicification from 132 meters to 201 meters. From 201 meters down to the end of the hole at 550 meters, the hole cut a sequence of strong phyllic altered andesites including short sections of advanced argillic alteration. From 265 meters to 380 meters the andesitic textures are almost completely replaced by strong silicification with sections of cross cutting quartz, pyrite, specularite and hematite alteration carrying anomalous values of Cu, Mo Ag, As, Sb and Bi. Pyrite mineralization is encountered throughout the sequence underlying the lithocap, with more intense mineralization over 3% between 240 meters and 350 meters. Below 450 metres, sections of phyllic alteration continue with lesser intensity and decreased geochemical anomalism and occasional quartz-magnetite breccias to the end of the hole at 550 meters.

In addition to PU-RC-080, drill holes PU-RC-67, PU-RC-073, PU-RC-81, PU-RC-082, and PU-RC-086 all intersected significant thicknesses of silica lithocap with strong advanced argillic and/or phyllic alteration with various levels of anomalous Cu, Mo, Sb and As. It is important to note that the distance between the holes referred to above varies between 400 meters and 600 meters from PU-RC-080 and the target area remains largely open to the northeast, northwest and southeast.

The Arena-JOGMEC joint venture has completed 14,571meters of drilling in 55 drill holes as part the Phase 2 program at Pampa Union, including 29 holes as part of the minimum 1.5 kilometer spaced grid on the property, with the remaining 26 holes as wide spaced follow-up of the alteration/mineralization porphyry cell discovered in hole PU-RC-039. Results from the remaining nine drill holes are expected to be received, interpreted and released in the coming weeks once all the information has been compiled.

Option Agreement Extension

Arena has secured an extension agreement with Socided Quimica y Minela de Chile S.A. ("SQM"), effectively extending the option exercise date from July 27, 2017 to October 31, 2017. The agreement includes extending the claim reduction and associated option exercise payments. The same extension has been granted to both active joint ventures with JOGMEC and Teck Chile Ltd.

About Arena Minerals

Arena Minerals is a prospect generator that has two properties under option covering approximately 70,000 hectares within the Antofagasta region of Chile. The properties are at low altitudes, within producing mining camps in infrastructure rich areas. The Company's flagship asset is the Atacama Copper Property, consisting of approximately 70,000 hectares, following a contractual land reduction on July 27, 2016, of essentially undrilled ground in the heart of Chile's premier copper mining district. Currently, approximately 40,000 of the Atacama Copper Property is under option to two parties. Pursuant to option agreements entered into between Arena, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation and Teck Resources Chile Limitada, each have the right to earn into 60% of the respective land holdings within the property, by collectively spending over $40 million in exploration expenditures, amongst certain other commitments.

The technical and scientific aspects of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Vernon Arseneau, P.Geo, who is a qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101. As the Vice President of Exploration of the Company, Mr. Arseneau is not considered independent.
New York City, NY, 09/05/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Commercial airline pilots have extremely stressful jobs that require them to be alert and to think quickly in the event of unexpected emergencies. The last thing they need to worry about is being blinded while theyre trying to fly or land an airplane carrying hundreds of passengers.

Unfortunately, a spate of recent incidents involving laser pointers highlights how people on the ground can put pilots and airplanes in serious jeopardy.

Laser Pointers Blind Pilots in North America and Abroad

Media outlets in the US, Canada, and overseas have reported a troubling increase in incidents involving airline pilots being temporarily blinded by laser pointers.

In August 2017 in Canada, Halifax policed reported the pilot of a single-engine aircraft being targeted by someone on the ground with a laser pointer. In a separate incident in July 2017, CBC News reports that a child around 12 years old aimed a laser pointer at a WestJet flight over Prince Edward Island. The light blasted into the cockpit as the pilots were landing the plane. Fortunately, both pilots were able to avoid looking directly at the light and landed the plane safely. Shining a laser pointer at an airplane is a criminal offense in Canada and punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and five years in prison.

In yet another incident in July 2017, an unidentified person attempted to blind the pilots of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight carrying 166 passengers and nine crew members during takeoff. No one on the plane was injured.

In Spain in August 2017, three pilots reported experiencing temporary blindness as they flew into Malaga airport on Spains south coast. The incidents have reportedly been traced to a British man and his 15-year-old son, who aimed a green laser pointer at incoming aircraft from a hotel balcony. An airport spokesperson stated that the laser beam enters the cabin and starts bouncing off the windows, hampering the pilots view of the instruments, causing much interference just when great concentration is needed for landing.

British Officials Consider Requiring a License to Purchase Laser Pointers

Shockingly, UK aviation officials say laser pointer incidents involving aircraft number in the thousands. In 2016, there were 1,258 reports of people aiming laser beams at airplanes  more than three laser attacks every single day.

The problem has become so widespread that British authorities have considered requiring individuals to obtain a license before theyre permitted to buy a laser pointer. A former British Airlines pilot who is involved in the campaign to require licensing says he has been blinded by laser pointers while flying. Its very disconcerting. Most of the [incidents] are at night  and its distracting by the time youve seen it, its too late. Its got your eye and you are possibly blinded for minutes, if not hours, afterwards.

Contact a NYC Airline Accident Lawyer About Your Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in an airline accident, or you have lost someone you love in an aviation-related crash, contact an experienced New York City airline accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Sources:

Media Contact:

New York City airline accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter. T: 866-324-9211.

source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2017/09/03/how-laser-pointers-are-putting-airplanes-in-danger/

Social Media Tags:Airline Pilots and Laser Pointers, Laser Pointers, Laser Pointers Putting Airplanes in Danger, NYC Airline Accident Lawyer

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Dallas, Texas, 09/05/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Tasers are often touted by police as a lower level of force than handguns, however, a 2017 Reuters report reveals that Tasers have caused over 1,000 deaths in the United States.

Although many people use Taser and stun gun interchangeably, only stun guns require direct physical contact to be effective. By contrast, a Taser gun has a range of about 15 feet. Additionally, stun guns work by emitting a high voltage current, whereas Tasers deploy two metal probes that attach to the target and emit electrical impulses that attack the motor nervous system. Because Tasers can be used from a distance, they are favored by police departments. In fact, about 90 percent of police departments in the country use Tasers.

Unarmed, Mentally Ill Individuals Killed by Tasers

In an August 2017 report, Reuters revealed that over 1,000 people in the U.S. have been killed by Tasers used by police officers. In some of these cases, medical examiners have ruled that the Taser was a cause or contributing factor in 153 deaths. As Reuters states, Behind the fatalities is a sobering reality: Many who die are among societys vulnerable  unarmed, in psychological distress and seeking help.

In a disturbing number of cases, the report found that policed tased individuals who were unarmed and exhibiting signs of mental health problems. For example, police in California tased a man in his backyard who was screaming and ranting about demons. According to the mans wife, who was present during the incident, the mans manic episodes had become increasingly frequent and violent since their oldest child had died of a drug overdose three years prior. The police were notified that the man had mental health issues as they responded to the call. Although he was unarmed, police tased him. He never regained consciousness and died later. The coroner ruled that he died from lack of oxygen to the brain due to cardiac arrest.

Reuters also reports that families have filed at least 442 wrongful death lawsuits against police departments and municipalities in connection with Taser-related deaths. In more than 60 percent of the resolved cases against municipalities, government defendants paid settlements or judgments. Families have collected at least $172 million in Taser death cases.

Taser Warns Police Not to Fire at the Chest

Beginning in 2009, Taser started warning police not to fire the weapons at individuals chests. Reuters states, Behind these legal battles is a troubling truth: Many officers arent aware Tasers have the potential to kill.

As a result, some officers have continued to fire the weapons at suspects chests. And in over 20 percent of the wrongful death cases associated with Tasers, the deceased was in fact struck in the chest.

Contact a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Case

If youve been charged with a crime, dont hesitate to speak to an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer about your case.

Sources:

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/

Broden & Mickelsen, LLP

2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204

Main Phone: (214) 720-9552

source: http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/taser-deaths-reach-thousands/

Social Media Tags:Taser Deaths, Taser Deaths United States, Texas criminal defense lawyer

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By Yi Whan-woo

U.S. President Donald Trump's misleading tweets about South Korea are becoming a major source of concern here when a unified voice is needed more than ever between the allies in response to North Korea's threats.

Trump recently complained on Twitter of the South's "talks of appeasement" with the North and threatened to pull out from a bilateral free trade deal.

This raised concerns here that he may be trying to capitalize on security issues as leverage in fulfilling his economic election promises.

Some analysts warned Tuesday that Trump could mislead South Korean policymakers. Whenever he previously brought up cost-related issues on the U.S. missile defense system and American troops here, analysts here questioned whether Trump was trying to gain an advantage in revising the Korea-U.S free trade agreement (KORUS FTA).

On Sunday, Trump denounced Pyongyang for being "hostile and dangerous" in response to its sixth nuclear test.

He also pointed a finger at Seoul, saying, "South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!"

Trump apparently took a jab at President Moon Jae-in who has consistently pushed for the need for dialogue for a resolution to the heightening tension on the Korean Peninsula.

In another confusing statement released Monday, the White House said Trump approved of South Korea purchasing weapons worth "many billions of dollars" during a telephone conservation with Moon to discuss North Korea.












Eduardo Castro Neves holds a theater workshop at Ege University Bornova in Turkey. / Courtesy of Eduardo Castro Neves



By John Redmond

Seoul Foreign School's theater department will host a theater workshop featuring Eduardo Castro Neves, Saturday.

The Brazilian dancer will teach an all-day workshop in both contact improvisation and playback theater.

Contact improvisation and partnering systems help every performer develop greater physical awareness as well as listening and performing skills.

"Beginning with the use of positive and negative space, learning basic body-weight awareness and ways to create connection, artists will work on how to follow a physical point of contact, lift, support and give and receive weight to and from a partner," Neves said.

Playback theater is a form of improvisational theater in which audience members tell stories from their lives and watch them subsequently enacted by a group of actors. The technique was developed by Jonathan Fox from the U.S. and Jo Salas of New Zealand and is based on the traditions and rituals of storytelling but follows the development of contemporary theater.

"Playback is used by both artists and educators to address social and/or educational themes such as poverty, privilege, prejudice and bullying. The fact that the process of creating theater with others and in the presence of others means it is an inspiring and transformative experience for both performers and audience," Neves said.

Neves is a dancer, physical theater artist, choreographer and director who has taught physical theater, dance, contact improvisation, choreography composition and playback theater around the globe in places such as Brazil, Turkey, Lebanon and Switzerland.

He began his career with the Contemporary Ballet of Rio de Janeiro and continued as a physical performer with the Mid-America Dance Theatre.

After being inspired by the Tanztheater, Neves moved to Germany nearly 20 years ago and began performing with the Bonn Opera House. He has performed in "Off the Map" by Zen in the Basement Dance Company and in a modern version of "Les Noces" with French company Homnibus.

The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs 150,000 won that includes lunch and snacks.

To register, email donna.youngblood@seoulforeign.org or find the event page on facebook.com/SeoulForeignSchoolTheatre.
A military helicopter carries equipments to the THAAD deployment site in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Monday. The military plans to resume the deployment following the completion of an environmental impact assessment. /Yonhap



By Kim Se-jeong

The Ministry of National Defense said Monday the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) will soon deploy the remaining four anti-missile launchers of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

Its announcement came hours after the Ministry of Environment gave the green light to the full deployment by concluding that the THAAD's impact on people and the neighboring environment would be very small.

"North Korea's nuclear weapons technology is advancing and the threat of missiles is growing. After consultations with the U.S., we now announce that the remaining four launchers will be temporarily installed," the ministry said in a statement.

"We will carry out additional work on the site for the equipment already there and start a new environmental assessment on land next to the current site that will also be part of the THAAD deployment."

Two launchers and radar are already in place at the current site, and the four other launchers are to be located on the adjacent land.

A helicopter carried related equipment to the Seongju site Monday afternoon.

Dismissing the assessment results, residents of Seongju vowed to fight the deployment.

The announcement came just in time for President Moon Jae-in who has few options in hand to protect the Korean people from the North's latest nuclear test.

The environmental assessment was aimed to assess THAAD's impact on noise and dust levels, and on the water and soil; as well as assessing the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on people, which was the most contentious point.

While saying the impact would be small, the ministry made certain recommendations to the defense ministry

It said the Korean and U.S. militaries must continue to monitor EMR levels, build anti-EMR walls near the site and keep citizens timely informed about any developments.

Regarding noise, it recommended the defense ministry set up a long-term monitoring plan and implement appropriate measures if it reaches too high a level. On possible soil and water contamination, the ministry was told to produce instruction manuals on managing oil and water used during operations and afterward.

The environment ministry also told the military to draw up a dust management plan for roads leading to the THAAD site, in addition to traffic plans to prevent car accidents involving local residents.

The minister said the recommendations are legally binding, both by Korean and U.S. laws. When there are conflicting laws, the tougher one will be taken as the standard.
Kim Jang-gyeom, president of the TV network MBC, is flanked by reporters as he appears at the western Seoul district office of the labor ministry for questioning on Tuesady. / Yonhap





By You Soo-sun

The head of Korea's major public broadcaster MBC was questioned by the labor ministry over allegations of unfair labor practices, Tuesday morning.

This comes four days after a Seoul court issued an emergency warrant to detain Kim Jang-gyeom, president and CEO of MBC, as he had refused to answer several summonses by the Seoul regional labor office.

The prosecution is investigating the case separately.

Labor authorities began a special investigation of Kim in late June after MBC employees filed a formal complaint against him for politically interfering in news production under the previous conservative Park Geun-hye administration. They also claim Kim put those who refused to follow his orders at a disadvantage by assigning them to posts irrelevant to news production.

Kim denied the allegations. "As president of a public broadcaster I have thought about how I can best protect the freedom and independence of the media," he said in front of the regional labor office before going in for questioning. "How could I have engaged in unfair labor practices against the powerful, government-backed press union when I only came to office six months ago? I will face the questioning confidently."

According to Monday's press release by the company, he previously refused to answer the summonses because they were politically motivated and an infringement of press freedom and independence. However, he decided to be questioned as to follow the legal procedures.

One MBC employee refuted his claims, according to a local news agency. "Since his inauguration, President Kim has argued that the union is threatening him for political purposes and that he has just begun his term as president. But he is not new to MBC  he had been promoted at an alarming pace since he became the managing editor."

About 60 reporters and ten conservative civic organization members awaited Kim in front of the regional labor office before his questioning. The members supported Kim, waving placards that read, "Arrest warrant for MBC chief is the administration's conspiracy to take control of the media" and shouting "Cheers to Kim!" and "Oppression of the media must stop!"

On the opposite side, one member of a liberal civic organization staged a one-man protest with a placard that read "Kim Jang-kyom must go. Punish Kim."

At the same time thousands of union employees at MBC and KBS, another public broadcaster, continued their strike that began Monday, calling for management resignation and restoration of freedom and independence of the press.

The National Assembly has also been at gridlock over the issue, as the main opposition Liberal Korea Party boycotted all regular sessions in response to the emergency warrant while the ruling Democratic Party of Korea expressed its support.

Former MBC chief Kim Jae-chul was also questioned Tuesday at 12:40 p.m. over similar allegations. His predecessor Ahn Kwang-han was questioned Aug. 24.
Ditching trade deal to poison ROK-US alliance



Is U.S. President Donald Trump a master negotiator or a closet strategist?



Most Koreans hope the U.S. leader is the former but are beginning to worry he may be closer to the latter.



According to the Washington Post, Trump has instructed advisers to prepare to withdraw the United States from a free trade agreement with South Korea. Asked whether he was talking with his aides about the Korea-U.S. (KORUS) FTA, Trump confirmed it Saturday. "I am. It's very much on my mind," he said.



There may be two reasons. One, the genius of deal wanted to maximize Washington's leverage in the upcoming talks with Seoul to revise the bilateral free trade accord. Two, Trump might be ready to discard the five-year-old FTA to win bigger in the bargaining to change the much older and larger North American Free Trade Agreement and/or to make Seoul toe the U.S. line in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations.



We are afraid the termination of the trade deal will end up a typical case of a lose-lose game. As various U.S. economists and industrialists have pointed out, the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea may not be due to the unfair trade accord but to macroeconomic factors, such as the difference in industrial structures of the two countries, disparate business cycles and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Senator Ben Sasse, a Nebraskan Republican, said Trump's administration "holds the 18th-century view of trade as a zero-sum game." We can hardly agree more.



Losers will be not just industries whose price competitiveness will sharply weaken in the import markets of each country but also consumers, American and Korean. The only, if short-term, winner will be President Trump with rising approval rating among supporters.



Trump's threat couldn't come at a worse moment for South Korea, exposed to escalating nuclear blackmailing by the North and troubled by China's economic retaliation against Seoul's deployment of a U.S. anti-missile Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. If the two countries decide to terminate the deal, South Korean industries, including steel and carmakers, will likely lose $17 billion in exports over the next five years along with 250,000 jobs.



However, U.S. cattle breeders will lose one of their three largest beef export markets, and American carmakers will face sharply higher import duties in Korea. The biggest loss of all for Washington, however, will be that of one of its strongest allies in the world, as South Koreans will begin to reassess Korea-U.S. ties  or their longtime patron itself.



President Trump, if he meant it, should rethink his plan.




The New Hope (Nova Esperanca) candidacy to the Legislative Assembly (AL) elections, headed by lawmaker Jose Pereira Coutinho, urged the government to distribute a second share of the Wealth Partaking Scheme within this year.

Coutinho was speaking at a press conference organized by the list so that candidates can present their political programs, at the headquarters of the Macau Civil Servants Association (ATFPM). He noted that more than just words are needed to solve peoples problems.

It is not enough for the Chief Executive [CE] to come and address an open letter to the civil servants and to the citizens. It is not enough to come every year to say that the civil servants are the most valuable elements [in the governments workforce]. Its needed to give concrete things and that is why we ask the CE [] to concede another compensation, under the Wealth Partaking Scheme, [in the amount] of MOP9,000 to all Macau citizens including the civil servants, Coutinho said. This Wealth Partaking Scheme share should be raised to [MOP] 12,000 next year, he proposed as one of the measures that comprise the lists political program for the upcoming legislature.

Among other highlighted demands, New Hope requests the construction of 80,000 affordable housing units in order to solve the housing problems of citizens. According to Coutinho, these houses are not being properly constructed, in line with concerns from civil servants that there are absolutely no house[s] being built or given to them, in the past legislature.

Another of the government subsidies that New Hope proposes to fight for at the AL elections is in relation to the healthcare voucher scheme. Coutinho proposed raising it from the current MOP600 to MOP1,000, an amount that he argues should be further increased to MOP3,000 in the cases of senior citizens (65+).

Besides housing and government subsidies, labor issues was another highlighted topic during the press conference. Coutinho mentioned several measures in New Hopes political program, starting from maternity leave, which he proposes to be raised from the current 56 to 90 days, in order to have a uniform system between the public and private sector.

Another of the policies proposed by Coutinho and Leong Veng Chai regarding labor is the extinction of the legal clause termination without just cause, as well as continuing to fight for a trade union law and the right of workers to organize themselves and to negotiate [with the employers] in a collective way.

Addressing the civil servants problems, New Hope proposes to end the limit of 300 hours per year of paid overtime to drivers and other government employees, while promoting the merging of the index categories of several civil servant careers (195 with 260, and 350 with 430), as well as the increase of risk subsidies, pensions and other life guarantees to the workers from the Security Forces.

As an example, Coutinho mentioned the recent case of a diver from the Customs Services (SA) who was allegedly frightened by the working conditions and poor guarantees during the rescue operations of Typhoon Hato.

According to Coutinho, the recent typhoon is proof that while we dont have great calamities or deaths, this government doesnt move.

Coutinho also mentioned that most of the measures proposed on his political program in campaigning for the AL are recurrent and even repeated from previous legislatures. He continued saying that the AL cant really take care of these topics, and although they have been addressed many times by New Hope, they do not really appear on the agendas of other groups.

Some lists are confusing roles, Coutinho accuses

Candidate and list head for the New Hope list, Jose Pereira Coutinho, says he has been analyzing some other lists materials and apparently some of them are confusing roles.

I have realized that many lists have been presenting political platforms which restrict themselves to policies of opposition party, he said, noting, well, we are not running here [in this election] to the government, we are running for a lawmaker seat in the Legislative Assembly, and I believe that [some] people have no idea what it means to be a lawmaker. Coutinho added, to be a lawmaker is in the first place to realize what the Basic Law allows us and obliges us.

Coutinho reminded that the two main roles of a lawmaker are to propose bills and to inspect the governments work.

The candidate also recalled there are significant differences between the Hong Kong SAR and Macau municipal bodies, noting that the neighboring region has district council members which address the specific problems of each district, a situation that does not happen in Macau and might be confused on some of the lists.
The group Alianca de Bom Lar, which is running for the Legislative Assembly election, is calling through its political platform for a MOP10,000 birth subsidy. The list political platform is mainly focused on protecting womens and childrens rights, as well as on pushing forward family development. The group also suggests the government provide MOP1 billion for supporting households needs, and for improving the quality of life of every single member in a household. The group also hopes that the city can implement a five-day paid paternity leave, as well as extend the number of days of maternity leave.

Members of HK, Macau electoral councils approved

Chinas legislature approved on Friday the member lists of the electoral councils that will elect deputies from the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau to the 13th National Peoples Congress (NPC). A total of 1,989 people in Hong Kong and 481 in Macau were approved at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the NPC, which ended Friday. Thirty-six deputies from Hong Kong and 12 deputies from Macau will be elected according to a plan released by the NPC Standing Committee this April. Current deputies will end their term in March 2018. The election of deputies to the 13th NPC shall be completed in January 2018.
Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale has no upper bound, on paper. But in theory, winds from a powerful hurricane could blow the scale out of the water, scientists say. There is no such thing as a Category 6 storm, in part because once winds reach Category 5 status, it doesn't matter what you call it, it's really, really, bad.

The scale starts with a Category 1, which ranges from 74 to 95 mph (119 to 153 km/h). A Category 5 storm has winds of 156 mph (251 km/h) or stronger. An extrapolation of the scale suggests that if a Category 6 were created, it would be in the range of 176-196 mph.

Hurricane Wilma, in 2005, had top winds of 175 mph (280 km/h). And as of Tuesday morning (Sept. 5, 2017), Hurricane Irma's winds were raging at a whopping 175 mph (280 km/h) as well, with the potential to strengthen, according to the National Hurricane Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Irma is churning about 270 miles (440 kilometers) east of Antigua and 280 miles (445 km) east-southeast of Barbuda, the NHC says. [A History of Destruction: 8 Great Hurricanes]

How much faster could hurricane winds blow? A hurricane gains strength by using warm water as fuel. With Earth's climate warming, oceans may grow warmer, too. And so, some scientists predict, hurricanes might become stronger. Particularly, researchers have found the strongest storms should become even more intense as the planet warms, Live Science previously reported. By the end of the 21st century, human-caused global warming will likely increase hurricane intensity, on average, by 2 to 11 percent, according to a review by NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, revised on Aug. 30, 2017.

But physics dictates there must be a limit. Based on ocean and atmospheric conditions on Earth nowadays, the estimated maximum potential for hurricanes is about 190 mph (305 km/h), according to a 1998 calculation by Kerry Emanuel, a climatologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

This upper limit is not absolute, however. It can change due to changes in climate. Scientists predict that as global warming continues, the maximum potential hurricane intensity will go up. They disagree, however, on what the increase will be.

200 mph or more

Emanuel and other scientists have predicted that wind speeds  including maximum wind speeds  should increase by about 5 percent for every 1 degree Celsius increase in tropical ocean temperatures. [A Guide to Hurricane Season 2017]

Chris Landsea, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center, disagrees.

After Wilma, Landsea said that even in the worst-case global warming scenarios, where global temperatures ratchet up by an additional 1.8 degrees to 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 6 degrees Celsius), there would be about a 5 percent change, total, by the end of the 21st century. That means that hurricane-force winds are unlikely to exceed 200 mph (322 km/h), Landsea said.

However, Typhoon Nancy in 1961, in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, was said to have maximum sustained winds of 215 mph (346 km/h), according to the World Meteorological Organization's Commission on Climatology, a clearinghouse for climate records set up at Arizona State University to settle the many disputes on weather and climate extremes. (A typhoon is the same thing as a hurricane, just in a different part of the world.)

There are known records for wind speeds that outstrip anything ever measured in a hurricane. The fastest "regular" (or non-storm) wind that's widely agreed upon as the record-holder  231 mph (372 km/h), recorded at Mount Washington, New Hampshire, on April 12, 1934. During a tornado in May of 1999 in Oklahoma, researchers clocked the wind at 318 mph (512 km/h).

Fix the scale?

Shortly after Wilma topped out in 2005, Emanuel called the Saffir-Simpson scale irrational, in part, because it deals only with wind, ignoring factors such as a storm's size, rainfall potential and forward speed. For instance, Tropical Storm Harvey, which made landfall in Texas as a hurricane on Aug. 25, 2017, dumped unprecedented amounts of rain on areas of the state, causing devastation in the Houston area. One rain gauge picked up more than 51 inches of rainfall, according to NOAA.

"I think the whole category system needs serious rethinking," Emanuel told Live Science after Wilma.

But Herbert Saffir, co-creator of the scale, countered that his scale was useful because it was simple. "As simple as it is, I like the scale," Saffir said in a post-Wilma telephone interview. "I don't like to see it too complex."

Here's why no Category 6 was included: The scale was designed to measure the amount of damage inflicted by winds, and beyond 156 mph, the damage begins to look about the same, according to Simpson.

Editor's Note: This article was first published on Oct. 16, 2012, and then updated in 2017 with more recent hurricane information.
Blossom isn't made of sleek and shiny metal, and has no jointed appendages and no blinking lights. Quite the opposite, in fact  it closely resembles a huggable, handcrafted child's toy and looks like it could have been painstakingly stitched together a century ago.

Yes, stitched. The unusual-looking Blossom, the result of a partnership between Cornell University's Human-Robot Collaboration and Companionship Lab (HRCCL), and Google Creative Technologies Singapore, has an internal framework made of soft, flexible parts. Encasing its "skeleton" is a crocheted fabric "skin," topped with a pair of wooden "ears." [Super-Intelligent Machines: 7 Robotic Futures]

These handcrafted features are highly customizable, which could encourage more people to try their hand at robot-making, according to a YouTube video produced by the HRCCL that demonstrates the soft robot.

Footage of Blossom in motion shows a loosely fitted, crocheted wool sack buttoned over a shapeless, limbless body, with a slightly larger head shape perched on top. Carved wooden pieces attached to the head bob and flap in response to body movements, much as an animal's ears would. Blossom undulates in a way that seems almost organic, further distancing its design from the smooth motions and slick surfaces featured in many types of robots for home use.

"We wanted to bring back warm materials to home robotics, instead of more plastics, glass, and metal," HRCCL representatives explained in the video description.

Blossom's soft texture and fluid movements help it to appear less, well, robotic, Guy Hoffman, the robot's designer and a researcher with the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell, told the online magazine IEEE Spectrum.

"Having worked on expressive robots for many years, one of the biggest challenges of expressive social robots is to make a rigid, hard, and digitally controlled device move in a way that seems lifelike to the viewer," Hoffman told IEEE Spectrum.

"Blossom achieves this goal in part through its physical and mechanical structure, with a lot of softness built into the materials used to drive the robot," he said.

And there could be another advantage to the imperfections or odd qualities in Blossom's looks and motion  scientists have found that people respond more positively to robots that are less than perfect, rating robots as "more likeable" when they made mistakes, according to a recent study.

One potential use for a robot like Blossom could be as a companion and teaching aid for children on the autism spectrum. Using machine learning  an application of artificial intelligence that teaches computers to learn and improve from experiences  researchers are programming Blossom to recognize and react to content in videos. Children with autism could learn to better identify certain social cues by watching videos with an "empathetic" robot, Miguel de Andres-Clavera, Head of Creative Technology at Google Asia Pacific, told IEEE Spectrum.

"We're excited about the results that we've seen with Blossom so far, and are now looking to develop it further with partners that wish to make this social learning platform for children in the spectrum more widely available to schools and families," de Andres-Clavera said.

Original article on Live Science.
Florida's governor has declared a statewide emergency in response to Hurricane Irma, now a Category 5 storm churning in the Atlantic Ocean that seemingly has its sights set on Florida.

"By declaring a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties, Governor [Rick] Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this dangerous storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe," according to a statement from Scott's office on Sept. 4.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) declared the storm a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale this morning (Sept. 5), with maximum sustained winds nearing 180 mph (285 km/h). [Hurricane Season 2017 Guide]

In addition to the governor's declaration, he also asked President Donald Trump to declare a "pre-landfall" state of emergency in Florida so that resources and assistance from the federal government would be available for actions such as shoring up beach dunes, building emergency berms and planning for any evacuations, according to a statement from Scott on Sept. 5.

In a letter to Trump requesting the state of emergency, Scott said that Irma "could result in a major disaster for significant portions of the state of Florida," when it makes landfall, something that could happen later this week or this weekend, according to the NHC. [Hurricane Irma Photos: Images of a Monster Storm]

Hurricane Irma gained Category 5 status on Sept. 5. An instrument aboard the Suomi NPP satellite flew over Irma when it was classified as a Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 4, 2017, at 12:32 a.m. EDT. (Image credit: UWM/SSEC/CIMSS, William Straka III)

Scott urged Floridians to have a disaster plan in place, to remain vigilant, and to continue monitoring local weather reports.

Though forecasters can never be sure where and when a tropical storm will hit, a forecast from the NHC this morning indicated that "the chance of direct impacts from Irma later this week and this weekend is increasing in the Florida Keys and portions of the Florida Peninsula. However, it is too soon to specify the timing and magnitude of the impacts."

Irma comes on the heels of the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, Harvey, which smacked into the coast of Texas as a Category 4 storm, bringing unprecedented rainfall to areas around Houston.

Live Science has basic information on how to devise a hurricane preparedness plan.

Originally published on Live Science.
Editor's Note: Check out our Hurricane Irma News page for up-to-date information on the raging storm and where it may make landfall on the U.S. mainland.

Hurricane Irma, a "potentially catastrophic" storm that is gaining strength in the Atlantic Ocean, was upgraded to a Category 5 storm early today, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Where is this monster storm headed, and which cities could feel the most devastating impacts?

As of 8 a.m. EDT this morning, the hurricane was 270 miles (435 kilometers) southeast of St. John, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (298 km/h), according to the NHC. Yesterday (Sept. 4), both Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello declared states of emergency in response to the growing storm.

Irma is expected to trace a northwest path through the Atlantic, likely blasting parts of the northeastern Leeward Islands with severe winds, storm surge and intense rainfall later today before hitting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, according to the NHC. Although the likelihood that Irma will impact the Florida Keys and parts of the Florida Peninsula is increasing, it is too soon to say where else the hurricane might directly impact the continental United States, NHC officials said. [Hurricane Irma Photos: Images of a Monster Storm]

To predict which part of the continental U.S. the storm will hit first, officials need to determine when the storm's path will curve toward the north, said Dave Gochis, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

"That's where the uncertainty lies, and the options are moving up the east coast of Florida or the main part of Florida or scooting through the Florida Key area  between Florida and Cuba  and going into the Gulf of Mexico, which seems a little less likely right now," Gochis told Live Science. He added that within the next three or four days, meteorologists will likely have a better idea of the path Irma will take.

It's unlikely Irma will increase significantly in intensity before it makes landfall on the continental U.S., because the storm is already near the maximum possible strength for an Atlantic hurricane, Jeff Weber, a meteorologist for the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research, told Live Science.

Irma's course depends strongly on the jet stream, a fast-moving air current that arcs down across the U.S. and is currently flowing through New England. The stream will move farther south across the continental U.S. in the next few days. Once Irma interacts with the jet stream, the hurricane will downgrade significantly in strength, although it will still retain a lot of its moisture, according to Weber.

He said he anticipates this interaction taking place over the Florida Peninsula Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

The latest advisories for the Atlantic can be found on the National Hurricane Center website.

Original article on Live Science.
For men approaching 50 years old, deciding whether or not to be screened for prostate cancer can be confusing: Information about a screening test  called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test  is riddled with conflicting advice.

The test measures the blood level of the protein PSA, which is produced by cells in the prostate gland. Abnormally high levels of PSA can mean that a man has prostate cancer, but not always. Some organizations, such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (an expert panel that advises the government) do not recommend that men undergo routine screenings with the PSA test. But others, including the American Cancer Society, recommend that men discuss the test with their doctor.

Now, a new analysis of conflicting findings from two of the largest prostrate screening trials conducted suggests that PSA testing does lead to a lower risk of death from prostate cancer. These results should reduce uncertainty in an area of medicine where patients, doctors and policymakers have many questions, and could help raise awareness about who is best-suited for the blood test, said senior study author Ruth Etzioni, a biostatistician at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. [5 Things You Should Know About Prostate Cancer]

"They'll feel more confident that this is a beneficial test with the caveat that a beneficial test doesn't save everybody. Screening is only one of our tools to save lives with cancer," Etzioni told Live Science

The analysis was published yesterday (Sept. 4) in thejournal Annals of Internal Medicine .

In the new analysis, the investigators found no evidence that results of PSA screening differed between the two clinical trials, but found strong evidence that getting screened lowered the risk of dying from cancer up to 32 percent, compared with not getting screened.

"The trials aren't as different as they appear," Etzioni said.

Two trials

The two trials in question are the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC), which was conducted in the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Finand, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO), which was conducted in the United States. The ERSPC trial found PSA screening was associated with a 21 percent lower risk of dying from prostate cancer. The PLCO trial, however, found no link between PSA screening and the reduced risk of death from prostate cancer.

But the different results may stem from the different ways and the different countries in which the two trials were conducted, the researchers said. For example, men in the two trials were screened at different frequencies (annually versus every two to four years). They were also told to get a biopsy when their PSA level reached different thresholds (4.0 micrograms per liter [g/L] versus 3.0 g/L). And screening was stopped at different times. [5 Myths About the Male Body]

In the PLCO trial, only 40 percent of those recommended for a biopsy actually had one within one year, Etzioni added.

Both PSA trials had two main groups, or "arms," being studied  an arm receiving PSA testing and a control arm that was not receiving PSA testing. But in the PLCO trial, more than three-fourths of the control group had at least one screening test during the trial, the authors said.

It's called 'contamination,' and there were very high levels in the U.S. study," said Andrew Vickers, an attending research methodologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Vickers was not involved in the new analysis, but wrote an editorial that was published alongside the new analysis in the Annals of Internal Medicine .

Adding to the contradictory results of these trials are medical considerations around prostate cancer that can muddy a decision about whether to have the test. For instance, a test can help detect cancer early, but prostate cancers are generally slow-growing and many never spread. This means the test may not well serve men over age 70, who may die from other causes long before their prostate cancer becomes dangerous, Vickers told Live Science.

Prostate cancer is easy to treat, according to the Mayo Clinic , but the treatment can produce side effects, such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or bowel dysfunction. PSA tests aren't perfect. Protein levels can be elevated even if there's an infection and cancer isn't present. As a result, tests can produce unnecessary anxiety and fear.

The question is, Does it do more good than harm," Vickers said.

The new analysis

To get a better idea of whether early detection itself is effective, Etzioni and her team used computer modeling to summarize the different factors that impacted the amount of early detection on each arm of the two trials and put them on an even playing field. Then, they compared each of the four arms to a historical population of men that had never undergone PSA screening to create a score that represented the amount of early detection of prostate cancer. [10 Do's and Donts to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer]

"It takes all of the influences and turns it into one score that means the same thing for the four different arms," Etzioni said.

Next, they correlated the four scores with the number of men who died of prostate cancer in each arm. They found a strong correlation, and no evidence of differences in screening benefit between the trials after accounting for the scores, Etzioni said.

"The modeling study essentially shows is that if the rates of screening in the US trials had been similar to the European studies, they would have had similar results," Vickers said.

Although mathematical models are standard in medicine, when it comes to deciding whether a cancer-screening test is effective or not, they all depend on a huge number of assumptions, Vickers said. Ideally, large clinical trials would be done in ways that are identical to each other, but this is virtually impossible.

Vickers also said that other, smaller studies have shown that PSA testing was effective at finding prostate cancer.

"If [Etzioni's study] was just one modeling study, that would not be very good evidence," he said. "But the fact that this is congruent with other evidence  makes it a compelling study."

Etzioninoted that getting screened won't guarantee that every person's cancer will be discovered, nor does it suggest that all men should have such a test. But now people may have less uncertainty about whether such a test is beneficial, she said.

Originally published on Live Science.
Even before North Korea detonated its most powerful nuclear bomb yet, Japan was calling for moves to cut off its oil supply.

Some sort of oil embargo is likely to come up as the international community discusses a response to the nuclear test, starting with a United Nations Security Council meeting today. China has resisted such a move in the past over fears that North Korea might collapse, but has grown increasingly frustrated with its rogue ally.

Still, while China might make a gesture to Trump in an effort to defuse his criticisms, it may not be the panacea the U.S. president is looking for, and do little in a practical sense to slow Kim down.

A temporary or partial ban is possible, but the Chinese government will definitely refuse to cut off oil exports completely or permanently to North Korea, said Shi Yinhong, an adviser to Chinas cabinet and international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing. If China agreed to cut off oil exports completely, China would use all its tools but not achieve any purpose, and the consequence could be costly.

Since the Korean War, Beijing has avoided prodding North Korea to the point it might collapse, fearing a destabilizing economic blow and the possibility of the U.S. military gaining influence on its border via a unified Korea. That calculation has held even while Chinas interests have diverged from those of North Korea.

Relations between President Xi Jinping and Kim have been cool  a shift from prior leaderships in both countries  with state-run media occasionally sparring. Kims decision to conduct the nuclear test as China prepared to host leaders from the so-called BRICS nations was seen as a slight to Xi.

China supplies most of North Koreas crude oil, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, but its hard to know exactly how much: China hasnt reported any volumes in its published customs data since 2013. Based on reported volumes, North Koreas oil use over an entire year would be less than the U.S. East Coast consumes in a single day.

Oil products are transported by North Korean tanker to the port of Nampo, near the capital Pyongyang, while crude oil is sent via an aging pipeline from the Chinese border city of Dandong, Reuters reported earlier this year. While other countries supply the regime with fuel, the total figures are suspected to be under-reported, according to the EIA.

Even if China did agree to ban all oil supplies, North Korea would likely have stockpiles to sustain critical operations for months and could earn cash for its weapons programs from its remaining non-sanctioned exports, Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist for IHS Markit, said in an email.

These FX inflows may be sufficient to allow the North Korean ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons programs [to continue] operating, he said. It would take a ban on all exports, a complete blockade of fuel and the elimination of remittances from North Korean workers abroad to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, he said.

North Koreas oil consumption last year was paltry. It averaged 15,000 barrels a day, according to an EIA estimate based on reported trade information, compared with almost 2.6 million barrels a day in South Korea and 12.5 million in China.

The agency estimates North Korea crude imports at about 10,000 barrels a day, all of which goes to its only operating refinery, the Ponghwa chemical facility, located near the Chinese border. China also reported sending 6,000 barrels a day of oil products to North Korea last year, according to the EIA, citing UN customs data. Figures from Chinas General Administration of Customs shows those shipments include fuel oil, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and lubricants.

China says it will only implement sanctions agreed by the UN. In February it banned purchases from North Korea of coal and iron ore for the rest of the year, and in August it supported the Security Council vote to tighten sanctions that targeted about a third of North Koreas USD3 billion in exports. Around 90 percent of North Koreas documented trade was with China in 2016.

Economists at Citigroup Inc. said the nuclear test could be the red line sufficient for China and Russia to back additional UN sanctions, including curbs on oil and energy exports. But its less clear if agreement can be reached for a complete embargo.

It is also unclear if more sanctions would suffice to change North Korea regime behavior, the Citigroup analysts wrote in a note.

An editorial in the Communist Party-affiliated Global Times on Sunday questioned if a ban would deter Kim.

If China completely cuts off the supply of oil to North Korea or even closes the China-North Korea border, it is uncertain whether we can deter Pyongyang from conducting further nuclear tests and missile launches, it said.

Any further sanctions against North Korea would be meaningless, said Shen Dingli, deputy dean of Fudan Universitys Institute of International Studies in Shanghai.

Sanctions would be more like gestures, Shen said. North Korea is engaged to develop nuclear weapons, and none of the two powers can change that. Bloomberg
Many Earth-observing satellites are keeping their eyes on Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that will soon bear down on islands in the Caribbean Sea.

Irma is now a Category 5 hurricane, the highest possible ranking on the Saffir-Simpson scale. In a statement, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) called the storm "potentially catastrophic" and warned that "preparations should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area."

The GOES-16 satellite captured this visible imagery of Hurricane Irma's eye on Sept. 5. (Image credit: NOAA)

The incredibly turbulent cloud system around the eye of the hurricane was captured in a short video taken earlier today (Sept. 5) by the GOES-16 Earth-observing satellite ("GOES" stands for "Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite"). As of 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT), the storm was about 270 miles (440 kilometers) east of Antigua and about 280 miles (445 km) east-southeast of Barbuda, according to a statement from NASA.

The GOES East satellite captured this infrared loop of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 1. (Image credit: NOAA)

The storm is currently moving toward the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean at about 14 mph (22 km/h), with sustained winds now exceeding 175 mph (280 km/h), according to the statement. Irma is expected to remain a Category 4 or 5 hurricane for at least two to three days, NASA officials said.

The GOES-East satellite  also part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) GOES family of satellites  captured the storm's motion between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5 as it moved from the mid-Atlantic toward the Caribbean Sea. The observations were stitched together into the time-lapse video above.

This notated image from the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite shows cloud-top temperatures inside Hurricane Irma, and other features of the storm. (The scale is in degrees minus Celsius, so the temperatures get warmer toward the center of the storm.) The image was captured on Sept. 4 at 12:32 a.m. EDT (0432 GMT), while the storm was still a Category 3 hurricane. (Image credit: NOAA/NASA)

The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP (National Polar-orbiting Partnership) satellite captured a high-resolution, visible-light image of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 4, before it was upgraded to a Category 5 storm. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on the satellite also captured images showing cloud-top temperatures above the storm; these images reveal the rising cloud temperatures near the eye of the hurricane.

External cameras on the International Space Station also captured views of the storm on Sept. 5. The storm's eye is clearly discernable from space, and the surrounding cloud mass dominates almost all of the camera's view.

A hurricane warning is currently in effect for at least 16 Caribbean islands  including Puerto Rico, the Leeward Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands  and a hurricane watch is in effect for most of the other islands in that area. A hurricane warning is issued for areas where sustained winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher are expected; a watch is issued for areas where those conditions are possible. The NHC now predicts that the storm will likely turn north and hit southern Florida.

This image of Hurricane Irma was taken on Sept. 4 by the NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite. (Image credit: NOAA/NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team)

Representatives from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico said in a tweet that they are taking precautions to protect the facility from the impending storm.

The arrival of Irma comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey (which peaked as a Category 4 storm) brought devastating floods to southeast Texas.

Editor's Note: Space.com senior producer Steve Spaleta contributed to this report.

Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com .
Hurricane Irma gained Category 5 status on Sept. 5. An instrument aboard the Suomi NPP satellite flew over Irma when it was classified as a Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 4, 2017, at 12:32 a.m. EDT.

Hurricane Irma has become one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history; the Category 5 storm's monstrous winds are currently whipping at 185 mph (298 km/h) near its core as it barrels toward the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and possibly Florida.

Only four other Atlantic storms have been known to achieve such strength, according to Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane expert at Colorado State University: an unnamed Labor Day storm, in 1935; Allen, in 1980; Gilbert, in 1988; and Wilma in 2005.

The list of such storms is small because, to reach such stupefying intensity, "everything about the environment needs to be perfect," said Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami. [Hurricane Irma Photos: Images of a Monster Storm]

For a storm to become as strong as Irma, he said, it needs a deep pool of warm ocean waters to fuel the convection at its core  "basically no vertical wind shear," or winds that change direction and speed with height and can inhibit storm development; and distance from land, as the friction the winds experience as they blow over land can weaken the storm.

All of these things have come together with Irma. "It's got absolutely everything working in its favor for it right now," McNoldy told Live Science.

Ingredients for a monster storm

The unlikeliness of all those conditions being in place when a storm system is also present is why there are only 35 known Category 5 hurricanes on record in the Atlantic, going back to the early 20th century, according to Mark Bove, a meteorologist with Munich Re, a reinsurance company. The first was an unnamed hurricane that hit Cuba in 1924.

Storms this strong are not quite as rare in the northwest Pacific because of the larger area of warm, open ocean that they can draw from, McNoldy said.

The strongest winds on record for an Atlantic hurricane were the 190-mph (306 km/h) winds of Allen in 1980, according to Klotzbach. Its possible Irma could meet or top that record, he told Live Science in an email. The most recent Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin was Matthew, last year. But Matthew was the first Category 5 storm in the basin since Hurricanes Dean and Felix in 2007, showing how long the region can go without seeing such a storm.

"From year to year, the ocean and the atmosphere aren't always going to be able to allow everything to happen," McNoldy said.

It is even rarer for a hurricane to make landfall as a Category 5 storm, as Matthew, which weakened before landfall, shows. The last Category 5 storm to hit the U.S. was Andrew, in 1992, which flattened parts of South Florida.

Andrew was a small storm that intensified quickly and had very warm waters off the east coast of Florida to draw from, helping it to overcome the interaction with land that would normally weaken a storm, McNoldy said. [A History of Destruction: 8 Great Hurricanes]

Nature's biggest storms

The only other Category 5 hurricanes to hit the U.S. since the beginning of the 20th century were the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, which raked the Florida Keys, and Hurricane Camille, which hit Mississippi and Louisiana in 1969.

Category 5 storms don't typically stay at that strength for extended periods of time, McNoldy said. Intense hurricanes undergo a process called an eyewall replacement cycle that happens as the eyewall  the circle of the strongest winds around the central eye of the storm  contracts. Eventually, a new eyewall forms on the outside of it and chokes off the old eyewall. As that process happens over the course of about 18 to 24 hours, the storm usually dips in strength, but it can strengthen again once the process is complete.

There's no immediate sign that an eyewall replacement cycle is happening anytime soon with Irma, McNoldy said, but forecasters will be watching for it as hurricane hunters fly in and out of Irma and satellites keep a close watch on its development.

Irma will first hit the Leeward Islands as a Category 5 storm before impacting Puerto Rico, though how close a blow the U.S. territory will get is still uncertain. A key question is when Irma will make an expected turn to the north, which will affect which parts of Florida it might impact and how strong it might be when it does so. Right now, the Florida Keys seem the most likely to be impacted; county officials have already issued a mandatory evacuation order for visitors beginning Wednesday morning. Florida's governor has also declared a state of emergency in response to Irma.

The forecast from the National Hurricane Center for five days out  about the time it would take the storm to reach Florida  still has Irma as a major hurricane. Forecasts are typically too uncertain that far out to say whether Irma might still be a Category 5 storm if and when it reaches Florida, but "a 5 is certainly within the realm of reality," McNoldy said.

If Irma continues on its current west-northwest track, it could interact enough with Hispaniola (the island that includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti) and Cuba for the storm to weaken before it reaches Florida (though this would mean bigger impacts for those islands), he said.

Category 4 and 5 storms are expected to become more common in the future because of the impacts of climate change. While scientists think the number of storms overall may decrease, the strongest storms will make up a higher proportion of those that do occur because of warmer ocean waters.

"In the long-term trend, if you warm the oceans, it just makes it a little more likely to be able to sustain a stronger storm," McNoldy said.

Original article on Live Science.
Hurricane Irma has strengthened to a Category 5 storm over the Atlantic Ocean, with maximum winds blowing at an astounding 185 mph (295 km/h).

That wind speed puts Irma in rare company.

Only four other Atlantic hurricanes on record have had wind speeds of 185 mph or higher, according to Phil Klotzbach, a tropical meteorologist at Colorado State University. Storms tied with Irma include 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and an unnamed 1935 storm that hit the Florida Keys, Klotzbach wrote on Twitter. The record-holder for wind speeds over the Atlantic is the 1980 storm, Hurricane Allen, which reached 190 mph (306 km/h). That storm made landfall in northern Mexico, but also impacted Haiti and southern Texas; nearly 300 people died as a result of the storm.

So what gives? What do Irma and Allen have in common? They both originated in Cape Verde. And so-called Cape Verde hurricanes are storms that start as tropical depressions no more than about 600 miles (965 kilometers) from the Cape Verde islands off the northwestern coast of Africa and then become hurricanes before hitting the Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). There are an average of two Cape Verde hurricanes a year, according to the NHC, and they are most likely to form in August or September. [Hurricane Irma Photos: Images of a Monster Storm]

Time and warm water

Not all strong hurricanes form off Cape Verde, said Neal Dorst, a research meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Research Division. Hurricanes are driven by warm water that readily evaporates to power the storm's circulation. At the peak of hurricane season in late August and early September, there's enough ocean heat for a Category 5 storm (defined as one with sustained winds of at least 157 mph or 252 km/h) to form almost anywhere in the tropical Atlantic, Dorst told Live Science. And hurricanes have, indeed, popped up in all sorts of places. Hurricane Camille, for example, was a mere tropical depression when it passed by Cuba on Aug. 14, 1969, Dorst said. But the Gulf of Mexico's warm water strengthened Camille into a Category 5 hurricane by the time it made landfall in Mississippi on Aug. 18 of that year.

But Cape Verde storms do have a special potential for power. That's because their far-eastern origination point gives them lots of time before they make landfall, Dorst said.

"They've got all that time, almost a week's time, to get organized and to strengthen and so forth, and that's usually why they are so bad," Dorst said. [Infographic: How Hurricanes Work]

How Irma formed

A storm like Irma starts as a mere atmospheric disturbance flowing off the West African coast, Dorst said. There are about 60 of these stormy disturbances a year, and most of them peter out without turning into anything stronger. But when conditions are right, with lots of atmospheric moisture, ocean heat and calm skies without the wind shears that can disrupt a hurricane's neat circular rotation, these disturbances can strengthen into tropical depressions, which are defined by wind speeds over 25 mph (40 km/h). When the winds hit 39 mph (63 km/h), the depression becomes a tropical storm. At 74 mph (119 km/h), the storm hits hurricane territory.

Irma has been stewarded along its Atlantic route by a ridge of high pressure to the north that's not only pushed it from east to west, but also helped ventilate the storm, Dorst said. As a hurricane draws in warm, moist air from the ocean's surface, condensing its water vapor into clouds, it must vent the wringed-out air from its top. The upper-level pressure system helped Irma do just that, Dorst said. [Where Will Irma Make Landfall?]

The storm is expected to start bringing bad weather to the northeastern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean this afternoon, according to the NHC. The storm is then expected to move toward Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by Wednesday (Sept. 6) morning. Parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are under a hurricane watch, and the storm may affect Cuba by later in the week, according to the latest storm tracks forecasts. The chance of direct impact on Florida is increasing, according to the NHC, but it is still too soon to tell when it might hit or how strong it might be.

"In the southeastern United States, we still don't know where it's going to make that turn to the right," Dorst said, "so everybody pay attention."

Original article on Live Science.
Adherium, a company out of Auckland, New Zealand, won FDA clearance to introduce its SmartTouch for Symbicort device that monitors and promotes prescribed inhaler usage. Symbicort is an inhaled medication used to treat symptoms of asthma and COPD. The device is placed over the inhaler itself and, once paired with the patients smartphone, records every time the inhaler is used.

Usage of the medication is shared with the patients physician who can make medication changes based on the data. In addition, the app motivates the user to stay on the schedule in the prescription, helping to improve compliance in a patient population that tends to often skip their regular med administrations.

A bit about Adheriums device according to the company:

Used in more than 60 projects and referenced in 65 peer reviewed journal articles, the Smartinhalers clinical outcomes data have proven that it can improve adherence by up to 59% in adults and 180% in children. These improvements were associated with a 60% reduction in severe respiratory episodes in adults, leading to improved quality-of-life and demonstrating a substantial gain over current best practice treatment.

Link: Adherium technology info page

Via: Adherium
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, September 5, 2017

New Yorks hometown paper is once again owned by a Chicago-based newspaper holding company, following the New York Daily News sale on Monday to Tronc Inc.

In a way, its like deja vu all over again. Tronc was formerly Tribune Publishing, the publisher of the Chicago Tribune, which originally created The New York Daily News nearly a century ago.

Tribune Co.,owned the New York paper until it was sold in the 1990s, first to British newspaper magnate Robert Maxwell, and then again to U.S. media tycoon Mort Zuckerman.

Terms, including a sale price, were not disclosed.

As part of the transaction, Tronc said it will have 100% ownership of The New York Daily News printing facility in Jersey City, New Jersey, and a 49.9% interest in a joint venture with Zuckerman-related entities that will own the 25-acre parcel of land where the printing facility is located and which overlooks the Manhattan skyline.

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With the New York Daily News back under our umbrella, Tronc will serve 10 major U.S. markets, including each of the top three, hold 105 Pulitzers and have over 80 million unique monthly digital visitors, Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn said in a statement announcing the deal.
Authorities are looking for a suspect possibly responsible for two scams from which he obtained a total of HKD50,000, the Judiciary Police (PJ) reported in a press conference yesterday.

The PJ reported two fraud cases, with the victims of each independently stating a suspect of the same name, leading investigators to believe that the same individual might be responsible for both crimes. Both victims are local residents.

Regarding the first case, the victim, while searching online for an apartment to rent, met the suspect on an online social network on August 27. The suspect claimed that his sister had an apartment available, and that he could rent the apartment for MOP12,000, including a parking space.

After paying a visit to the apartment, the victim decided to rent it, having reached an agreement with the suspect.

The suspect then said that the victim should pay four months of rent in advance, with a first installment of MOP15,000. The victim verbally agreed to this, prior to signing any agreement.

On September 1, the victim wanted to sign the contract with the suspect, but the suspect informed him that the house had already been given to a real estate agency.

Afterwards, the victim contacted the quoted agency, only to find out that what the suspect had said was not true. Later, upon losing contact with the suspect, the victim reported the incident to the police.

The second case took place in March, and was reported to the police this month.

The second victim got to know the suspect through a mutual friend. The suspect claimed he could arrange a hotel banquet discount for the victim.

The victim then proceeded to give MOP35,000 to the suspect in order to book such a banquet. At the beginning of June, when the victim was preparing for his wedding, he contacted the hotel only to realize that the suspect had not paid for the hotel at all.

The victim then sent the suspect a request for a refund, but contact with the suspect had already been lost.

When this second victim reported the incident to the police, the police realized that the suspect shared the same name with the suspect in the first reported case.

Criminal fakes public servants identity

T

he Judiciary Police has reported two cases of criminals pretending to be civil servants from public departments in order to carry out fraudulent activities.

In one case, the suspect claimed to be responsible for recruiting people for a government department in addition to being responsible for collecting fingerprints from job applicants.

A victim who wanted to apply for a job at the suspects department, paid RMB2,850 to the suspect in application fees.

In another case, the PJ found an online article calling for volunteers to help the Macau government clear trash on the streets resulting from the typhoons.

The article wrote that a government department would pay RMB550 for eight hours of work, and an extra RMB90 for every additional hour of work.
by Sara Guaglione , September 5, 2017

Politico is bringing its morning politics-focused newsletter franchise to London. It will be the third dedicated city to get the newsletter, called Playbook, following the 2015 launch of Brussels Playbook and the original U.S. Playbook based in Washington D.C. and created in 2007.

Politico Europe executive editor Matthew Kaminski wrote in a May memo that the London Playbook represents our desire to connect Londons political world  in particular as it looks to build a new future outside the single European market  with America, the EU and beyond (and vice-versa).

Jack Blanchard, who has previously worked at The Daily Mirror, will author the London Playbook with support from Politico Europe's recently expanded U.K. team, which includes about six journalists.

Blanchard stated: We plan to create a must-read morning briefing for people working in and around Westminster, which helps set the news agenda for the coming day.

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The new morning newsletter will focus on London politics, policy and business. It will arrive in subscribers inboxes before 7 a.m. each weekday morning.

On Monday, the first edition covered the latest update on Brexit talks, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May's response to North Korea's nuclear test, and panes of frosted glass erected at a restaurant popular with Parliament members, called The Adjournment, in to deter snooping eyes.

John Harris, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Politico, told Financial Times the London Playbook launch is, in part, a response to increasing interest in U.K. politics following last years Brexit referendum.

In his memo, Kaminski said Playbook is part of Politicos "steady" expansion in Britain this year. The London office added Annabelle Dickson as a political correspondent this spring, and Pete Cammidge and Rolant Glyn recently came on board on the sales side.

The London team also introduced a UK Election Tracker on the Apple Wallet, following a successful experiment with a similar product during the lead up to the Brexit referendum last June, he added.

Politico claims it has more than a quarter of a million Playbook readers worldwide.

Other publishers have made the leap across the pond with international expansions in 2017. Vox Medias food site Eater introduced Eater London, its first digital publication based outside of North America, in July, and The Atlantic announced in March it was opening a new, London-based office called the Global Bureau.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, September 5, 2017

Verizon Communications will feed data to its new advertising business collected from an opt-in rewards program that allows wireless subscribers to earn credits for concert tickets, movie premieres and phone upgrades. The move was not unexpected.

Verizon will feed the data to its recently created ad business unit Oath, which was formed after completing the acquisition of Yahoo. The unit also includes assets from AOL.

For every $300 that customers spend on their Verizon bills, subscribers will receive one Up credit, which they can use for things like Uber rides, four free months of Apple Music or chances to win concert tickets, per one report.

Consumers must give Verizon access to their web-browsing data, app use and location data. The data collected is shared with Oath. Verizon's business added 600,000 subscribers last quarter and its wireless business generated about $89 billion in revenue in 2016.

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The move is intended to help Verizon build a digital advertising business to compete with Google, Facebook and Microsoft.

Overall, Verizon's ad business brings in about $7 billion annually, according to The Wall Street Journal. Verizon owns about 4% of the U.S. digital advertising market this year, compared with Google at 41% and Facebook at 20%, per WSJ, citing eMarketer data.

Data security will likely come into play for some Verizon subscribers, especially the 6 million who had their personal data leaked online. In July, cybersecurity firm UpGuard discovered that human error released online Verizon customer phone numbers, names, and some PIN codes online.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 5, 2017

A federal judge has tentatively approved a class-action settlement of a privacy lawsuit against Google stemming from its prior practice of scanning email messages in order to surround them with ads.

The proposed settlement, which was submitted to U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh in July, calls for a three-year injunction that could affect Google's ability to send ads to people based on the content of their emails.

"The agreement appears to be the result of serious, informed, non-collusive negotiations conducted at arms length by the parties experienced counsel," Koh wrote. She added that the resolution resulted from two mediation sessions, and that the deal doesn't " improperly grant preferential treatment to any individual or segment of the class."

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Google said earlier this year that it will stop scanning emails for ad purposes. The resolution requires the company to "cease all processing of email content that it applies prior to the point when the Gmail user can retrieve the email in his or her mailbox ... and that is used for advertising purposes," but only for three years.

The deal doesn't call for individual users to receive monetary damages, but allows them to pursue their own lawsuits against Google. The class-action attorneys who brought the case could receive up to $2.2 million.

The settlement stems from a complaint filed in September 2015 by San Francisco resident Daniel Matera, who alleged that Google violates a California privacy law and the federal wiretap law by intercepting messages without people's consent.

Google's terms of service disclosed that it analyzed the contents of email messages for features including "tailored advertising." But Matera alleged that he didn't have a Gmail account, and therefore never agreed to those terms.

Koh rejected a previous settlement that would have required Google to make some technical changes to its scanning system. Koh said at the time that it wasn't clear how those prior terms would remedy the alleged violations of the federal wiretap law or California's privacy statute.

Although Google will no longer scan emails for ad purposes, the company still plans to send targeted ads to Gmail users based on data such as their search queries and YouTube viewing histories.
by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, September 5, 2017

A few columns ago, I mentioned one of the aspects troubling me about technology: the shallowness of social media. I had mentioned at the time that there were other aspects that were equally troubling.

Heres one: Technology is addictive, and its addictive by design.

Lets begin by looking at the definition of addiction: Persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.

So lets break it down. I dont think you can quibble with the persistent, compulsive use part. Whens the last time you had your iPhone in your hand? We can simply swap out substance for device or technology.

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So that leaves the last qualifier known by the user to be harmful. Theres two parts to this: Is it harmful, and does the user know its harmful?

First, lets look at the neurobiology of addiction. What causes us to use something persistently and compulsively? Here, dopamine is the culprit. Our reward center uses dopamine and the pleasurable sensation it produces as a positive reinforcement to cause us to pursue activities which, over many hundreds of generations, have proven to be evolutionarily advantageous.

But Dr. Gary Small, from the UCLA Brain Research Institute, warns us that this time could be different: The same neural pathways in the brain that reinforce dependence on substances can reinforce compulsive technology behaviors that are just as addictive and potentially destructive.

We like to think of Big Tobacco as the most evil of all evil empires -- guilty of promoting addiction to a harmful substance -- but is there anything really separating tobacco from the purveyors of tech -- Facebook or Google, for instance?

According to Tristan Harris, there may be a very slippery slope between the two. Ive written about Harris before. Hes the former Google product manager who launched Time Well Spent, a nonprofit, devoted to stopping tech companies from hijacking our minds.

Harris points the finger squarely at the big Internet platforms for creating something intentionally designed to suck as much of our time as possible.

Theres empirical evidence to back up Harris accusations. Researchers at Michigan State University and from two universities in the Netherlands found that even seeing the Facebook logo can trigger a conditioned response in a social media user that starts the dopamine cycle spinning. We start jonesing for a social media fix.

So what if our smartphones and social media platforms seduce us into using them compulsively? Whats the harm, as long as its not hurting us? Thats the second part of the addiction equation: Is whatever were using harmful? After all, its not like tobacco, which was proven to cause lung cancer.

Ah, but thats the thing, isnt it? We were smoking cigarettes for almost a hundred years before we finally found out they were bad for us. Sometimes it takes a while for the harmful effects of addiction to appear. The same could be true of our tech habit.

Tech addiction plays out at many different levels of cognition. This could potentially be much more sinister than just the simple waste of time that Tristan Harris is worried about. Theres mounting evidence that overuse of tech could dramatically alter our ability to socialize effectively with other humans. The debate, which Ive talked about before, comes when we substitute screen-to-screen interaction for face-to-face.

The supporters say that this is simply another type of social bonding -- one that comes with additional benefits. The naysayers worry that were just not built to communicate through screens and that, sooner or later, there will be a price to be paid for our obsessive use of digital platforms.

Dr. Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University, researches generational differences in behavior. Its here where the full impact of the introduction of a disruptive environmental factor can be found. She found a seismic shift in behaviors between Millennials and the generation that followed them. It was a profound difference in how these generations viewed the world and where they spent their time. And it started in 2012, the year when the proportion of Americans who owned a smartphone surpassed 50%.

Twenge sums up her concern in unequivocal terms: The twin rise of the smartphone and social media has caused an earthquake of a magnitude weve not seen in a very long time, if ever. There is compelling evidence that the devices weve placed in young peoples hands are having profound effects on their livesand making them seriously unhappy.

Not only are we less happy, we may be becoming less smart. As we rely more and more on technology, we do something called cognitive offloading. We rely on Google rather than our memories to retrieve facts. We trust our GPS more than our own wayfinding strategies to get us home. Cognitive offloading is a way to move beyond the limits of our own minds, but there may an unacceptable tradeoff here. Brains are like muscles: If we stop using them, they begin to atrophy.

Lets go back to that original definition and the three qualifying criteria:

-- Persistent, compulsive use

-- Harmful

-- We know its harmful

In the case of tech, lets not wait a hundred years to put check marks after all of these factors.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, September 5, 2017

The American Civil Liberties Union can expect a blast of extra-chic brand exposure this week, as New York Fashion Week kicks off with an onslaught of blue ribbons.

Led by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the ribbons, which simply read NYFW ACLU, are part of its second major campaign this year. Back in February, many designers, models and attendees wore pink Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood pins to support that organization.

Fashion for ACLU was born out of the fashion community's sense of urgency to stand up for American civil liberties that are at risk today, says Kristine Keller, the CFDAs associate director of strategic partnerships, in a statement. Given the engagement and awareness that CFDAs partnership with Planned Parenthood created, we knew that we had a platform, especially during NYFW, to promote the work that the ACLU is doing.

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The ribbon campaign comes at a time when Fashion Week is going through more upheaval than usual, with some key designers, including Rodarte, Proenza Schouler and Joseph Altuzarra, opting out of New York in favor of Paris. Other designers are already giving up on the See now, buy now digital approach they hoped would add relevance to the shows. And its increasingly less of a New York event, as designers look to use more dramatic venues. Ralph Lauren, for example (which is sticking to the see-now, buy now format), is reportedly having its show in the Bedford, N.Y., garage of the designer, and a growing number of shows are headed to Brooklyn.

But it continues to be a major event for brands, with sponsors like Maybelline, Lexus and E!, and dozens of other national brands using the shows as a way to woo influencers.

CFDA says the special edition ACLU/NYFW blue ribbons, which made an appearance the Academy Awards, come with an information card that provides details about the organizations work, ideas for promoting the campaign on social media, and donation specifics.

Much like Planned Parenthoods campaign, designers expressed interest in the ACLU, which created an organic launching pad for the initiative, she says.

No word yet on whether designers will use the runway to make some of the strong political statements that characterized the February shows. Still fired up by the energy of the Womens March, designers sent models down runways in pink pussy hats, red trucker caps saying Making America New York Again and t-shirts with slogans like I am an immigrant, People are people, and Girls just want to have fundamental rights.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 5, 2017

Computer manufacturer Lenovo has agreed to obtain consumers' explicit consent before pre-installing certain types of ad-serving software, in order to settle charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission.

The manufacturer also will implement a comprehensive security program for pre-installed software, and be subject to 20 years of audits, the FTC said Tuesday. The company also agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle a complaint brought by 31 attorneys general.

The settlement and charges, unveiled Tuesday, stem from Lenovo's 2014 decision to install the ad-serving software Visual Discovery on new notebooks. Soon after the computers shipped, it emerged that the adware had security flaws.

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Visual Discovery, which was developed by Superfish, allegedly inserted ads into a host of Web pages, including secure HTTPS pages. To accomplish this, the software tinkered with Windows' cryptographic security.

Specifically, VisualDiscovery allegedly acted as a "man-in-the-middle," causing both the browser and the website to believe that they had established a direct, encrypted connection, when in fact, the VisualDiscovery software was decrypting and re-encrypting all encrypted communications passing between them without the consumers or the websites knowledge," the FTC alleges in its complaint. That move left a host of encrypted data -- including passwords and bank account numbers -- at risk.

News of the security glitch spurred digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation to condemn Lenovo's bundling decision as "catastrophically irresponsible.

The FTC alleged that Lenovo deceptively failed to disclose that the ad-serving software would act as a man-in-the-middle. The agency also said Lenovo engaged in an unfair practice by failing to address the software's security risks.

Commissioner Terrell McSweeny said Tuesday that she thought Lenovo should also have been charged with duping consumers by failing to adequately explain the disruptive nature of the adware.

"The software it preinstalled on computers would: (1) inject pop-up ads every time consumers visited a shopping website; and (2) disrupt web browsing by reducing download speeds by almost 25 percent and upload speeds by 125 percent," she stated. "These facts were not disclosed to consumers and these omissions were deceptive."

Acting FTC Chair Maureen Ohlhausen disagreed that Lenovo's alleged omissions about the adware amounted to a deceptive practice.

"Lenovo did disclose that the software would introduce advertising into consumers web browsing, although its disclosure could have been better," she stated. "Furthermore, to the extent ordinary consumers expect anything from advertising software, they likely expect it to affect their web browsing and to be intrusive, as the popularity of ad blocking technology shows."

Lenovo still faces a class-action suit over the adware installations.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, September 5, 2017

Microsoft has patented what it calls an Opinion Search Engine aimed at helping brands understand how customers feel.

Microsoft describes the search engine, developed by engineers in China, as a way to process and collect opinions from data on specific internet users. A computer application may access webpages to determine whether each contains opinion data. If it does, the application may store the webpage.



The patent claim states that the technology would extract information from each page and determine whether the information corresponds to a particular category of information or an information data type. The information could come from webpages that include blogs, newsgroups, and forums. The technology would identify words that provide an opinion on any topic, and then determine how many opinion words exist on the page.

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"Opinion data about the objects may relate to reviews about consumer products, vacation locations or any other subject matter that may be of interest to a user," per the patent.

The technology would distinguish between various user-reviewed product features and rank the individual product relative to other products based on the opinions in the user-reviewed product feature.

When the number of opinion words hits a threshold, the webpage would be deemed an opinion page.

TWCN first reported the news after Microsoft IP announced the patent through a Twitter tweet. The U.S. patent office actually granted Microsoft the patent in September 2016.
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A report issued by the National Peoples Congress (NPC) of China stated that the former director of the Liaison Office in Macau, Li Gang, has been under investigation for violation of the partys discipline.

The report announced that Li has also been removed from his position as an NPC member for being suspected of having severely violated the partys disciplinary guidelines.

On August 22, Chinas State Council removed Li Gang from his former position as deputy director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. However, no reasons were given regarding Lis removal.

Li Gang, born in 1955, first become involved in SAR affairs in 1998. From 1998 to 2001, Li was a secretary responsible for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan cultural affairs.

Between 2001 and 2003, Li was the deputy director of the news office of the State Council. From 2003 to 2012, Li was the deputy director of the Liaison Office in Hong Kong.

In 2012, he was assigned to Macau to become the deputy director of the Liaison Office in Macau, and two years after, in 2014, he was promoted to director of the Macau Liaison Office.

According to a report by the Hong Kong 01 news service, Lis move from the Macau Liaison Office to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office already triggered the outsiders assumptions concerning Lis political life, as the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office is often regarded as a department which has less work than the Liaison Office.
The Pirates have reached agreement on a four-year extension with skipper Clint Hurdle, according to a report from Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Hurdle, 60, will now be under contract through 2021.

This represents the lengthiest commitment the club has made to Hurdle, who has been at the dugout helm since 2011. He originally signed a three-year contract, then added a year and an option, then inked a three-year extension with another option season. That last deal left the club with the right to keep Hurdle around for 2018; instead, though, the organization elected to strike a lengthier pact.

When Pittsburgh initially hired Hurdle, who had previously managed the Rockies, the organization had yet to post a winning season since way back in 1992. That did not change right away, but Hurdle and GM Neal Huntington helped oversee a return to prominence beginning in 2013.

The Bucs ran off an impressive 280-206 record from 2013 through 2015, though somehow the club never managed to take a division crown in a competitive NL Central. Unfortunately, too, Pittsburgh fizzled in all three trips to the postseason.

Since that time, the Pirates have faltered. After a disappointing 2016 campaign, the team has again fallen shy of expectations  though its tough to find much cause to blame Hurdle for the notable roster absences the club has dealt with.

Whats not yet known is whether Hurdle will continue to partner with GM Neal Huntington. Pittsburgh can also retain Huntington through a 2018 club option. At this time, theres no real indication as to how that situation will play out.
The White Sox announced that they have placed lefty Derek Holland on release waivers. Chicago announced a series of other moves as well. Top prospect Yoan Moncada has been activated from the DL, while the team purchased the contract of lefty Jace Fry and brought him up from Double-A.

Holland will almost certainly clear waivers, in which case hed return to the open market while the remainder of his $6MM annual salary remains on Chicagos books. Though he can still sign with another organization, so long as one is willing to free up a 40-man spot, Holland would not be eligible to pitch in the postseason.

The 30-year-old southpaw simply has not had quite the bounceback season he and the Sox hoped for when he signed on over the winter. Holland has managed only a 6.20 ERA over 135 innings, allowing 31 long balls while carrying 6.9 K/9 against 5.0 BB/9 in that span.

If theres something to build off of, its the fact that Holland has been available all year after dealing with significant injuries in recent campaigns. Still, he averaged just 91.7 mph on his fastball, well off his career average of around 94. A variety of other underlying indicators suggest that hitters werent having much trouble seeing what was coming their way. For instance, Holland coaxed batters to offer at pitches outside the zone just one quarter of the time while surrendering 38.4% hard contact  both representing career-worst figures.
Representatives from Phamous Philms in Accra will be attending this year's edition of Black History Month in UK to film a special documentary on Black History Month and produce a number of music videos for musicians based in the UK this October.

Black History Month is celebrated to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of blacks in every area of endeavour throughout history.

It is in remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora; celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February, and the United Kingdom in October.

Gyo Gyimah, Director of Phamous Philms, who confirmed that his outfit has been invited to participate in the event, disclosed that during their visit they will use the opportunity to shoot music video for some of the artistes in UK who want to associate their brand and products with Phamous Philms.

He stressed that a number of UK-based artistes have written to his outfit to express interest in working with Phamous Philms, adding that Phamous Philms has filmed world-class videos on locations in Germany, France, UK, US, among others.

Phamous Philms recently directed/produced videos for three of UK's biggest artistes, Ed Sheeran- 'Bibia Beyeye'- which has over 29.5million views on YouTube, Fuse ODG's 'Window Seat' and KSI-'Creatures' (which also had over 15.5million views on YouTube.

A few of the many Phamous Philms videos making waves online include Sarkodie's 'Illuminati' (1.5million views), Don Jazzy & Iyanya- 'Up To Something' (4.5million views); Sarkodie & Runtown- 'Pain Killer' (6.6million views); Ed Sheeran & Fuse ODG- 'Boame'; E.L's 'Shelele'; and Mzvee's 'Hold Me Now'.

To reach Phamous Philms (artistes / labels) during the Black History Month, contact Base Group Inc. at 78 York Street London W1H 1DP.
Popular highlife musician, Daddy Lumba born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, has pledged support for the government in the unrelenting fight against illegal mining in the country.

Representing his NGO, Daddy Lumba Foundation, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CEO of Nananom Group of Companies, Dr. George Obeng, to pull resources together to help government to tackle the menace of illegal mining.

They believe the war against illegal mining should not be a reserve of the state but all well-meaning Ghanaians including civil society, NGOs, traditional council, the media, the Christian Council among others.

The issue of illegal mining otherwise known as galamsey has caused a serious degradation of the environment resulting in the pollution several water bodies.

The project dubbed Clean Water for 4 All will be undertaken by the use of purely indigenous African branded music and a documentary which will serve as the main campaign platform to champion the project.

The project will also include a research to unearth Alternative Livelihood for people whose main livelihood was Galamsey.

Musical platforms will be used to raise additional funds to support and provide clean and accessible water for deprived communities across the length and breadth of rural Ghana, especially affected areas.

Daddy Lumba believes "if it must be done and it must be done well" adding the project which he preferred to call it My life task is dear to his heart.

The two parties believe that their response to this Godly call will help restore life on earth.

Dr. George Obeng is a Canadian-based Ghanaian businessman and a philanthropist.

He owns several businesses both locally and internationally including Summer Hill Estates located at East Legon Hills in Accra.

He believes God is the sole architect of mans destiny so if you believe you can, you can surely do it.
Hollywood Star, Angelina Jolie, says she's had a "difficult" time since splitting from Brad Pitt last year.

She told the Telegraph : "It's been difficult. I don't enjoy being single. It's not something I wanted. There's nothing nice about it. It's just hard."

In another interview with Australia's Sydney Morning Herald , she said she had spent much of the last year "just taking care of my children".

"I can't pretend this isn't a tough time in my life," she added.

"But I'm trying to get through it by just moving forward and knowing it's part of being human.

"Maybe sometimes it appears I am pulling it all together, but really, in fact, I am just trying to get through my days.

"I will eventually balance more and do more work, but because of family issues it's been extremely tough."

The actress turned director has been giving interviews about First They Killed My Father , a fact-based drama that premieres on Netflix this month.

Set in 1970s Cambodia, it tells of the survival of activist and lecturer Loung Ung under Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot.

In another interview with The Hollywood Reporter , the 42-year-old said she had been "needed at home" and would go back to work "when I feel it's time".

The star said she would do some acting first because she didn't "have anything to direct that I feel passionate about like" her latest film.

Jolie said her first role after taking time off would "most likely" be the sequel to her 2014 fantasy Maleficent.

First They Killed My Father had its premiere this weekend at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado.

A few reviews have started to trickle through, among them a positive one from The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg.

In contrast, his film critic colleague Stephen Farber was a bit lukewarm.

The film, he said, was "a well-crafted labour of love that certainly will educate some viewers about the tragic history of Cambodia during the 1970s".

"What the film doesn't have is the visceral impact that would take it from a well-intentioned treatise to a searing work of art," he wrote.

Writing in Variety , Peter Debruge also had mixed feelings.

"Angelina Jolie teams with [producer] Rithy Panh to honour Cambodia with an earnest, impressively cinematic saga that really ought to be more compelling," he wrote.

The Netflix film - Jolie's fifth as a director - has not been without controversy, having generated criticism over her description of its casting process.

In a Vanity Fair interview , Jolie described how directors had played a game which involved giving money to poor children then taking it away.

Jolie subsequently said it was " false and upsetting " that people had misinterpreted her description of how the roles were cast.

Vanity Fair responded by saying it stood by its story.
First National Bank is promising its customers exciting times in the months ahead as it rolls out innovative products and multiple banking channels.

The move by the bank is to delight customers and let them enjoy the first-class banking, said First National Bank.

Frist National Bank is a subsidiary of FirstRand Group of South Africa one of the biggest financial institutions in Africa with a full banking presence in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland Lesotho, Mocambique, Zambia, and Tanzania.

It entered the Ghanaian market about a year and a half ago and has set out to drive digital banking to bring convenience and efficiency to the banking public.

Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Delali Dzidzienyo, said in an interview that the bank has unflinching zeal to help businesses and individuals succeed. We believe digital innovation is a major conduit on this journey to meet our individual and business clients unique needs. We will embrace this in the most relevant and convenient way.

Delali Dzidzienyo

This, he explained, informed their decision to create multiple channels for the banking public so that customers can choose what best suits their interests at each point in time. He indicated that the banks online platform offered customers a plethora of services which they could perform without visiting the banking hall.

Mr. Dzidzienyo said the bank has a good appreciation of the Ghanaian market and has banking solutions to cater for the ever-changing needs of our business and corporate clients.

He explained that the bank was leveraging off the expertise and experience of its parent company and the rich local knowledge of its team to proffer innovative solutions to customers.

We dont see banking as taking deposits and giving out loans, we see banking as growing businesses and improving lives of individuals and that is how weve tailored our products and services, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs emphasised.

There is a growing use of digital platforms for commerce in Ghana but Mr. Dzidzienyo noted that the key requirement should be the ease of making and receiving payments.

He said as part of First National Banks innovation drive, seamless payment and collections solutions across all channels  mobile, ATM, and online  will be provided to individuals and businesses.

He said the bank will also create opportunities to regularly engage with its customers to ensure that they carry them along as the bank deepens its operations in Ghana.

First National Banks subsidiary in South Africa recently received global recognition as one of the worlds most powerful banking brands, ranked 4th in the banking category of Brand Finances Brand Strength

Index (BSI) for 2017.

This latest global accolade extends the international recognition of brands within the FirstRand Group, after a number of brands within the group were named in different categories of awards across Africa.
03.09.2017 LISTEN

Some illegal miners (Galamsey operators) working at Kwaminiampa in the Prestea Huni-Valley District of Western, have invoked curses on some of the leaders security personnel for collapsing their work that give them daily bread.

On 28th August, 2017 Operation Vanguard team destroyed machines and properties at Kwaminiampa which has provoked the Galamseyers to curse some stakeholders.

Pouring the libations, they allegedly accused some of the security personnel, politicians, and elders of the District that they they collected their huge amount of money all the name of protecting their job for them, but it was all lies since Operation Vanguard ransacked their site.

Speaking to Energy FM, some of the Galamseyers complained that they were not able to cater for their children and families and they don't have any other work to do apart from the galamsey.

The incident happened on the 1st of September 2017, at the three main roundabout in Prestea town and later they further continued their curse journey to Kwaminiampa.

Speaking to the media, the concerned youth of Prestea, Comrade Badu Samora, confirmed the incident as true.

Comrade Samora said that they are not against the work of the Operation Vanguard but the youth are dying of hunger and therefore pleaded with government to speed up his plans and bring the small scale mining so that the unemployed youth can get money to support their family members.

He also added that, the invasion by the Operation Vanguard was politically motivated and therefore advised some folks who are helping the taskforce with bad information to desist from it.

Comrade Samora allegedly said anytime the Operation Vanguard taskforce storm the Galamsey sites in the District, and therefore said the recent destruction of machines and other properties by taskforce also took monies and mobile phones from the Galamsey operators.

He therefore, condemned their actions and inactions. He also called on government to ban the activities of Operation Vanguard immediately.

In order to help protect water bodies and save the forests from depletion, the Akufo-Addo-led government has launched a war on illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) which has resulted in a six-month moratorium on all forms of small-scale mining activities in the country.

But the small-scale miners believe that the modus operandi adopted by the government is wrong. They believe the government must delink galamsey from small-scale miners who operate legally (those who operate with license)

Background

The Operation Vanguard is aimed at ensuring that all forms of illegal mining are stopped.

The task force, comprised of 400 security men from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Police Service and have been divided into three groups to cover the Ashanti, Eastern and Western regions.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Saturday joined family and friends of the late Joseph Henry Owusu Acheampong, to mourn him.

The late Owusu Acheampong was onetime Member of Parliament (MP) for Berekum in the Brong-Ahafo Region and also a Council of State member

The Berekum politician was once a member of the UP, the antecedent of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who stood and won the Berekum seat on the ticket of the Popular Front Party (PFP) in the 1779 elections under the leadership of Victor Owusu.

President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture; Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs; Hackman Owusu Agyeman, Chairman of COCOBOD; Dr. Twum Nuamah, MP for Berekum East and Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament for Asunafo North, Evans Opoku Bobie, among others to bid farewell to the illustrious son of the area.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), to which the late MP belonged until his demise, was represented by the General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, among other national and regional leaders of the party.

The president described the late legislator and majority leader of the 4th Republican Parliament, as a decent politician who was not embroiled in corruption during the time he served his nation. That was when the family earlier called on him at the Flagstaff House to inform him about the death of their kinsman. He donated GH10,000 to the bereaved family to help defray cost of the funeral.

The ministry of agriculture where the late JH Owusu once headed (1988-2000), also donated GH5,000 towards his burial.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia said the good works of the late MP would be remembered by the party and the nation because he left behind a good legacy, one of which is the idea of the mass cocoa spraying exercise which he said was 'stolen' and implemented by the erstwhile Kufuor administration.

The late JH Owusu Acheampong died on 13th June, 2017.

FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Berekum
A 21-year old resident of Mataheko in Accra says she has been forced to change her birthday because it was the day she suffered rape at the hands of a trusted friend.

"I met my friend and he said he has been looking for me to present a birthday gift at home..he told me he is going to give me a birthday gift I will never forget in my life", she said in an interview with Joy News Fred Smith.

Without second thoughts, she followed him home to find four other boys in his friend's room.

In the presence of masculine fortress, quick dazing slaps from the boys followed and left her lying down on a bed.

She said two of the boys held her legs wide open, two others her hands, in a posture that left her helpless.

"It was my friend who started with the rape" she remembered the beginning of the gang rape but fails to remember the end as she fell unconscious.

Mariam was 14 years. And three months before she turned 15, the teenager delivered. The gift she got during the rape has now been given to another relative as a gift, Fred Smith reported.

The trauma has been scary for her and the family. The teenager has flirted with insanity at the thought of the ordeal, taunts from the rapists and a pussyfooting police service at Korle-Bu police station.

"I started behaving like a mad girl. I was down. Sometimes I would scream, I would shout. I was admitted to the Psychiatric hospital, moving from hospital to hospital, from medication to medication just to bring me back to normal"

She said her rapist sent messages through friends they will never be arrested. Their prediction has been spot-on.

"We were supposed to arrest them but the police are not willing to support. I don't know why?.

"Sometimes we will go there with my father and report their whereabouts but the police[man] will say he is the only person in the station and cannot leave to arrest a mere criminal."

Mariam said she has stood at the precipice of suicide at least four times.

"I drank parazone two times. I drank DDT once and I cut myself with a knife" she revealed a persistent desire to leave the world that appeared too small to contain her and her rapists.

But the tears of her parents, their fears of another attempt and the pumping of monies into medication and healthcare, got her to re-think her exit strategy.

"My mum and my dad they have done all that they could do. Even though I am the first child I am pampered like a last baby" she smiled.

And embrace life as her parents embraced her in her ordeal. My attackers are happy and roaming about. Why not me, she reasoned her way out of suicide.

Miriam said majority have come to accept rape as a minor crime in the Mataheko-Gaskiya Zongo community.

"I am not the first and am not the last. The way our hood is ...gang rape is normal".

Mariam is now 21-years. Her rape happened seven years ago. That non-consensual heterosexual ordeal has banished any romantic urge for men.

"I started having hatred for guys", a cringing recollection of the incident had done a surgery on her sexual orientation.

Mariam is now a lesbian and she has been in the same-sex relationship for over year.
A six-unit classroom block at the Bishop Herman school which is currently being used as the Agric block is in a very bad state after just three years of construction.

The block which was partially completed for use due to unavailability of classroom blocks has the floor deteriorating just within a year.

According to one of the teachers who spoke to Joy News on condition of anonymity said the doors to the classroom blocks were not well fixed and students always complain of stolen items.

He said due to lack of toilet facilities on one of the blocks, some students sometimes defecate in the rooms especially during preps.

This was revealed when members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee [PIAC] and the Institute of Financial and economic journalists (IFEJ) went on a monitoring tour to inspect some projects funded by the oil money.

The monitoring was funded by the Government of Ghana [GOG]and the Ghana oil and gas for inclusive growth [GOGIG]

According to the teacher, there was lack of supervision resulting in shoddy work by the contractor.

The problem of shoddy work could have been avoided if there was proper supervision by the authorities the teacher lamented.

The teacher said, it is the hope of authorities and students that something really urgent is done about the situation as school will soon reopen.
Macaus pummelling by typhoons makes it unlikely Chinas government will adopt a tougher stance toward the city, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

While investors are likely speculating about political implications from Chinas forthcoming Communist Party congress, there is little likelihood for drastic policy change targeted at Macau while the city is still clearing up, Goldman analysts led by Simon Cheung wrote in a note, reiterating a buy rating on some casino stocks.

Concern over a deeper crackdown on corruption and curbs on capital outflows have weighed on the equities in recent years.

Credit Suisse Group AG also reiterated its bullish view of Macau, helping ensure casino stocks were among the few gainers on Hong Kongs benchmark yesterday.

Officials said Typhoon Hato was the strongest storm to hit Macau in 53 years. It lashed the city with heavy winds and rain that flooded large parts of the city, knocked out power and water supplies and left more than 240 people injured and 10 deaths. Casinos were forced to run on backup generators.

In an unprecedented move, the Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, asked troops from Chinas Peoples Liberation Army, who normally dont leave their garrison to help with cleanup efforts. The troops, along with cleanup crews and volunteers, collected 7,300 metric tons of trash left behind by the storm. MDT/Agencies
Ouagadougou (AFP) - Burkina Faso has put in place new security measures in the capital Ouagadougou following attacks by suspected jihadists last month that killed 19 people, the security minister said Monday.

"We have taken steps on Kwame N'Krumah (the capital's main avenue), you will see permanent measures, both night and day, to minimise a lot of risks" of jihadist attacks, said Simon Compaore after a closed door meeting with residents and the owners of shops and businesses on the avenue.

The minister said that the "strong measures" were being taken to make sure the avenue is more secure.

On August 13, the capital's main street was the target of an attack when two gunmen opened fire at a popular Turkish restaurant killing 19 people and wounding 21 others.

While the minister did not specify the measures taken, locals described to AFP a beefed-up security operation in the heart of the capital in recent days, including foot and pickup patrols by police along with identity controls on the main avenue.

"Since Thursday we have police and gendarmes who patrol in both directions on the avenue and who position themselves in front of some hot spots," said Zeinatou Kontogomde, owner of a nightclub hit by an attack in January 2016.

That attack had also targeted a restaurant and hotels in Ouagadougou leaving 30 dead and 71 injured. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility.

The landlocked country shares a largely lawless border region with Mali, where jihadist fighters frequently ambush security forces.

Burkina is one of several West African nations since 2015 that have seen a series of jihadist attacks targeting spots popular with foreigners and locals.
London (AFP) - British public relations firm Bell Pottinger was expelled from a trade body Tuesday over a controversial campaign in South Africa that was found "likely to inflame racial discord".

The decision by the Britain-based Public Relations and Communications Associations (PRCA) comes after Bell Pottinger ran a campaign which included the phrase "white monopoly capital".

It was carried out on behalf of Oakbay Capital, a company run by the wealthy Gupta family, who are accused of wielding undue influence over the South African government.

A PRCA committee set up to investigate the matter said the British firm's campaign was "likely to inflame racial discord in South Africa and appears to have done exactly that".

Announcing the decision to expel Bell Pottinger from the PRCA, director general Francis Ingham said the PR firm had brought the industry "into disrepute with its actions".

"The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment," he said.

The decision has no financial costs for Bell Pottinger, which will be able to operate as normal.

"But they will be doing so with the impact of significant reputational damage," the PRCA's Matt Cartmell told AFP.

"The potential impact on them is large because they've been publicly expelled from the PRCA," he added.

S.Africa's 'fragile race relations'

Bell Pottinger co-founder Tim Bell told the BBC it "almost certainly" signalled the end for the firm.

"I think it probably is getting near the end, you can try and rescue it but it won't be very successful," Bell told the BBC's Newsnight programme.

"I don't take any responsibility... I resigned from the company in August last year, I published my resignation and I said one of the reasons I was leaving was because of the Gupta account," he said.

The South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which lodged the complaint with the PRCA, hailed Bell Pottinger's expulsion.

"It will take our country years to rebuild our severely fragile race relations, which Bell Pottinger, the Guptas and (South African President Jacob Zuma) sought to exploit for their own financial gains," it said.

The DA previously accused Bell Pottinger -- which was tasked with defending the Guptas' reputation -- of having run a "campaign to divide South Africa along the lines of race".

President Zuma is accused of unfairly granting lucrative government contracts to the Guptas and even taking their orders over ministerial appointments.

The DA party hope to make major gains against Zuma's ANC party, which was led to power in 1994 by Nelson Mandela, at 2019 elections.

On Sunday, Bell Pottinger's chief executive James Henderson resigned.

"There were warning signs that I should have heeded. Therefore I must take responsibility," he said.

An independent report conducted by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills released on Monday found senior management at fault for failing to put in place adequate policies.
On Wednesday, August 30, 2017, the pressure group OccupyGhana, donated assorted medical supplies to the Sierra Leone High Commissioner in Ghana to aid in the ongoing relief efforts following the catastrophic mudslides in Regent near Freetown on August 14, 2017.

The items were made up of 16 cartons of all types of intravenous fluids, 400 pieces of intravenous sets, 400 pieces of different intravenous cannulas, antibiotics in intravenous and oral forms including Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Cefuroxime, antimalarials like Artemether Inj, Artesunate Lumefantrine in tablet and suspension forms, analgesics including Paracetamol in tablet and syrup forms, Ibuprofen in tablets and syrup forms, Diclofenac in injection and tablet forms, oral rehydration salts, blood tonics and vitamins, antibiotic eye drops, 3 cartons of Chlorine bleach, dressings including gauzes, plasters, cotton wool, bandages, syringes, needles and examination gloves.

Making the presentation were OccupyGhana members Dr Radha Hackman, Mr Kwaku Segbefia and Mr Sydney Casely-Hayford. In his remarks on behalf of the group, Mr Casely-Hayford, a leading member of OccupyGhana, said that the catastrophic events of August 14 saddened most people across the continent and that the gesture was not only humane but also a reflection of the old bond that existed between the two countries.

"In times like these, no nation or society should stand alone, for such pain and suffering touches not only the people of Sierra Leone but all of humanity. Also, to a Ghanaian, Sierra Leone is not just another country but a nation with whom we share a strong bond that dates back over a 100 years. ", Mr. Casely-Hayford said.

The items, which were addressed to the Office of the Sierra Leonean First Lady, were received by the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Justice Umu Hawa Tejan-Jalloh.

In her heartfelt remarks as she received the donation, she expressed the appreciation of the people of Sierra Leone to OccupyGhana, adding that she had been overwhelmed by the level of support from the government and people of Ghana in the aftermath of the tragic disaster in Regent, Sierra Leone.

The relationship between Ghana and Sierra Leone is second to none in the West Region. The relationship has spanned centuries and we can only continue to pray that the ties will flourish and develop from strength to strength," she said.

She marvelled at the timeliness of the donation since she and her staff had been discussing ways of acquiring medical supplies for her country. She explained that a medical disaster was highly possible since the mountains near Regent were the source of drinking water for all of Freetown.

She pointed out that it was feared that, that source was probably contaminated by all the dead bodies and that the contamination could lead to spread of water-borne diseases. She pointed out that the donated supplies would go a long way in helping to combat any such medical calamity.

This is a great humanitarian gesture which only a sister or brother can do for another sister or brother," she added.

The mudslides have claimed close to a 1000 lives and has made over 4000 Sierra Leoneans homeless. The country, which is trying to recover from the scourge of Ebola not too long ago, needs all the help it can get. We at OccupyGhana thus appeal to all Ghanaians to donate in all possible ways to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Sierra Leone.

Yours in the service of God and Country,

OccupyGhana
05.09.2017 LISTEN

Following the hugely negative fallout from the annulled August 8 Kenyan general election, vis-a-vis the relevance of the role of Observer Missions, former Mahama Deputy Education Minister Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, predictably, decided to go to bat for his former boss and the man who is widely believed by many Ghanaians to have led a Commonwealth observer delegation to Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with the sole and express purpose of helping his well-known bosom friend and incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta rig the election. I am here, of course, referring to Mr. Mahama himself, not the rest of the members of the Commonwealths Observer Mission as a whole (See Ablakwa Writes: On Developments in Kenya and Why the Vicious Attacks on Mahama Are Most Unfair MyJoyOnline.com 9/4/17).

Those of us who have read the quizzically passionate defense of Ghanas former President by the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for North-Tongu/Tongu-North Constituency, in the countrys Volta Region, would perfectly agree with the author of this very column that Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa ends up, clearly inadvertently, vindicating the belief of those of us who have been studiously following political events on the ground in Ghana, since at least 2011, the lead-up to Ghanas Election 2012, that Mr. Mahama had the incontrovertible intention of helping his equally wily Kenyan Brother literally take the electorate of that most economically powerful East African country for a ride.

But before we delve into the details of Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwas melodramatically trenchant defense of his former boss, it is worth underscoring the fact that in the wake of Ghanas 2012 general, Mr. Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, the longtime General-Secretary of the then-ruling National Democratic Congress, categorically stated in a radio interview that it was not that the Presidential Candidate of his own political had won the election, but that it was the woeful lack of vigilance on the part of then-President Mahamas main challenger and political opponent, to wit, then-Candidate Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo, as well as the latters polling representatives and assigns, that had enabled the implicitly undeserved electoral victory of Mr. Mahama to be scandalously realized.

In his patently at once grotesque and farcical defense of his former boss, Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa fatuously decries the perfectly legitimate and morally justifiable annulment of Kenyas August 8 election on grounds that the estimated expenditure involved in running the shambolic election, of $ 500 million, was far too expensive to be so stunningly annulled in the name of justice and fair play. No such defense could be more insulting to the intelligence of the Kenyan electorate and the rest of civilized humanity at large.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa, who serves as the Ranking Member on the Ghanaian Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, also puerilely provides a farcical dry-run of a comparative analysis between the cost of Kenyas August 8 general election with those of several other African countries, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana and, for good measure, Papua New Guinea, and concludes that the forensically proven hacking of the Kenyan election, the relatively most expensive of its kind on the African continent and, indeed, around the globe, ought to have been allowed to stand!

But even more outrageously, the Tongu-North NDC-MP would have the overwhelming majority of Ghanaian citizens blindly exult in the selection of Mr. Mahama as Head of the Commonwealths Observer Mission because, somehow, such selection affirms the enviable democracy credentials of Ghana. Maybe somebody levelheaded had better recall for the benefit and moral edification of Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa, the grossly incompetent and flagrantly shambolic proceedings of the William Atuguba-presided Supreme Court panel that heard the Akufo-Addo et al. V. Mahama and the National Democratic Congress 2012 Presidential-Election Petition.

In the latter case scenario, we know, for instance, that at least a couple of the Ghanaian Apex Courts associates on the Atuguba panel had had their decisions bizarrely altered without their consent and then reversed several times. But what bears taking into account, more than all else, is the pathologically cynical mindset of Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa who, by the way, bitterly and self-righteously accuses the members of Ghanas political opposition of grossly erring in not unreservedly and patriotically backing a routine judicial practice of rubberstamping rigged or stolen elections all over the world, but instead choosing to curiously side with Kenyas Chief Justice David Maraga and the Kenyan Supreme Court.

Needless to say, Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwas Ghana is not what most of us bona fide native Ghanaian citizens bargained for in the bloody battle against the erstwhile Rawlings dictatorship, of which, by the way, Mr.Okudzeto-Ablakwa was a firebrand Young Pioneer.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffair
Lagos (AFP) - A spurt in attacks by Boko Haram Islamists has claimed nearly 400 lives since April in Nigeria and Cameroon, double the figure of the previous five months, Amnesty said on Tuesday.

The increasing use of suicide bombers -- often young women and girls forced to carry and detonate explosives in crowded areas -- has killed at least 381 civilians in the two countries, the rights group said in a statement.

"Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International's director for West and Central Africa.

"This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians... Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror."

Residents cover victims of a Boko Haram suicide bombing attack in Koffa, northern Nigeria, on June 19, 2017

Amnesty said at least 223 civilians died in Nigeria since April, underscoring that the real toll could be far higher.

"Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone," it said.

Boko Haram is waging an insurgency in a bid to establish a hardline Islamist state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

More than five million people are starving as the fighting has devastated farmland, leaving farmers unable to sow or cultivate crops for several years.

In neighbouring Cameroon, Amnesty said since April at least 158 civilians died in Boko Haram strikes, a figure four times higher than the preceding five months.

"The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 -- more than one per week -- carried out since the beginning of April," it said.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Waza on July 12 when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.
05.09.2017 LISTEN

For the reason of no condition being permanent hence the biblical maxim, there is time and season for everything, we should be ready to accept the occasions when close friends do suddenly unexpectedly turn cold shoulder to us.

It is trite the adage, Friends today, enemies tomorrow. However, when it does occur for a close friend to abruptly turn their back on you without you having the least knowledge about their reason behind such sudden change, it really hurts. It is heart-breaking. As long as life is full of surprises that come unannounced or when you least expect them, we should always be on our guard ready to face such eventualities as manly as we could.

The pain of such occurrences can only be assuaged if the friend turning his back on you would cue you in on their motive, but they usually dont. This will set your mind thinking; trying hard to figure out what has gone amiss. Has someone told him/her a lie about me? Has someone gone to tell him/her I have been soiling their reputation whereas I had not? Is he/she simply fed up with me hence that cold or sudden unfavourable change of attitude towards me? You will be asking yourself a whole lot of questions trying to assign a reason to the friends sudden behaviour towards you.

It is not easy to figure out the reason if you knew from the bottom of your heart not to have wronged nor said anything bitter about them to anyone anywhere.

Look at this true story about two inseparable friends. There was a village in Ghana where two intimately acquainted friends lived. There was nothing like a secret between them. They never withheld any information or secrets from one another. They discussed every topic with each knowing everything about the other. They would defend one another in private and in public when the occasion arose with someone trying to tell lies about them or plotting against them.

One day, a certain stranger came into the village and he was informed of how airtight the friendship between those two male friends was. Readers, please note that their friendship was not sexual. They were true friends as ordinarily understood among Ghanaians without any homosexual or sexual connotations.

The stranger promised to come back another day to set enmity between them. Some of the villagers laughed at him. Others doubted him and threw a challenge that he would never under the Sun, the Moon and the Stars, be able to put their friendship asunder as truthful to their friendship as they are.

The man did indeed come back three days later to find the friends drinking palm wine with other villagers under the shade of a huge tree where a palm wine seller trades. Standing a distance away, he sent someone to call him one of the friends. When this friend came, the man leaned forwarded and pretended to whisper something into his ear but indeed said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

The friend was even furious at the man for calling him, leaning towards him as though he was saying something, without actually saying anything. All this while, his other friend under the tree was watching them.

When he returned to join those seated under the tree drinking, his friend asked to know what the man had whispered into his ear. He replied by saying he had said nothing. His friend said I could see him whisper something into your ear by the looks of the movements of his lips. The insistence of one saying he told you something and what was it regarding, and the other saying he had said nothing, finally on that day and moment, led to them accusing each other of not being a true friend as they had thought.

The man did not say anything so that friend was wondering why his friend could not trust him if he said the man indeed said nothing. The other was saying why his friend was withholding what the man had told him from him since there had never been any secrets between them.

This lengthy explanation goes to tell how painful it is for a friend to suddenly ignore you. Has he heard that you are withholding something from him which has led to him no longer believing you? Why cant he tell you what he has heard for you to explain yourself? Why cant he believe you if you tell him that all that he has heard as attributed to you are false?

If you know from the bottom of your heart that you have not offended your friend but just that some enemies have tried to bring your friendship to a bitter end for their own selfish and evil intents, same as it is in the story above, although painful as it is, I shall advise you to move on. If it is the will of God that you should come back when each realises their mistakes or the falsity of what has put your friendship asunder, all well and good.

Friends, please give your friends the chance to explain themselves if you learn of allegations made against them about him/her defaming, or plotting against, you. A true friend will convey to your attention anything they hear alleged to have been said by you against them. A true friend will accept the honest explanations given them to their queries.

This is the message I leave with you now that I am honestly going to quit internet publications apart from issues pertaining to the ongoing Kumawu chieftaincy affairs. I have to listen to the inner voice that is admonishing me to spend my time on other vital things.

I am not sure my thoughts and ideas are being well articulated for the fact of me feeling heavily sleepy although this topic being important and my last for many months to come should have been treated very well. Pardon me for fighting nature when being drowned in sleep.
I have always restrained myself from commenting on Mr Martin Amidus's deliberate attacks on the former President and the NDC because of my respect for elders in the party and the party in general. In trying to find the reasons behind his attacks, we must not confuse jealousy and envy with hate. In his case I see his actions and outbursts as jealousy fermenting into hate.

Hate can destroy a man's sense of values and his objectivity, it corrodes his personality and eats away the best in him.If not checked, a once discerning mind (person) will describe the beautiful as ugly and ugly as beautiful and will confuse the true with the false and false with the true.

As an astute lawyer, I expected my senior to adhere to the code of professional ethics of lawyers that establishes mandatory rules of conduct in line with the moral criteria and traditions of the Bar, as well as international standards and rules of professional conduct.

If we really want our judiciary to operate effectively, then we need to boldly talk of moral character of good lawyers and not just their intellectual abilities. My senior must also know that as son of the revolution and a lawyer, the language he uses when interacting with the public should be moral and not "only" legal. Horkovich says brevity is important, as is clarity in explaining the judge's mistake in law or in fact.

If my senior has any evidence to suggest that our supreme court judges were "docile" during the 2012 election trial or were manipulated by his own party (NDC) to circumvent justice, he should bring that to the attention of the public and the judges than making blanket derogatory statements.

MR AMIDU AND JOHN MAHAMA In his haste to denigrate Mr Mahama, he always ends up traversing the minefield of unnecessary litigation. Mr Mahama is not the Commonwealth and he is not "Mahama the Commonwealth Observer Group".

He was in Kenya as leader of the Commonwealth's Observer Group. The team included other renowned and internationally respected personalities. Every statement he issued in connection with the election was issued on behalf of the Commonwealth Observer group and not in his private capacity.

Mr Amidu must also be made to understand that all the observer groups corroborated the statement Mr Mahama issued on behalf of his group. He must also be made to know that the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Baroness Patricia Scotland on BBC said the Commonwealth fully support the statement issued by Mr Mahama, and commended him and the team.

Being louder and unnecessarily strident about everything "Mahama" is going to do nothing except cost him [Amidu] his integrity. This hate agenda didn't start today. He asserted that then President Mahama connived with Anas Amereyaw Anas and sanctioned the release of the results of the judiciary investigation to the public to compromise and suppress alleged results involving our parliament and the government at the time.

When Anas dared him to head to court if he had issues with the judicial expose', he resorted to use of unprintable words and has still not furnished the public with his allegations. Mr Amidu prayed the supreme court to allow him to orally examine Woyome. He alleged that the AG's decision to discontinue the oral examination of Woyome in court, was upon an order by President Mahama. The supreme court dismissed his claim that the President personally ordered the discontinuation of his application.

The man who jumped from one radio station to another to explain his long thesis against President Mahama, backed down on his legal battle with Woyome and his reason for ending his attempt at retrieving the Ghc 51.2 million paid to Woyome was that " the new assurance from the new government, particularly the new AG, Gloria Akuffo, influenced his decision to seek the withdrawal"

He Also alleged that the former President and his party ( NDC), planned with Madam Charlotte Osei the EC boss to rig the 2016 election. He alleged in one of his write-ups that "She [Charlotte Osei] was appointed by a corrupt Government precisely because her incompetence made her susceptible for use for an election rigging agenda" A lawyer of his calibre must always use respectful tone.

His conduct must always be guided by the rules and standard set forth in the common code of conduct for our lawyers. He was lucky the party, Mr Mahama and Madam Charlotte Osei treated his allegation with contempt. What he alleged has a tendency to diminish the good opinion which others have of the personalities and organisation he accused. Who are the corruption crusaders Mr Amidu claim accused Mr Mahama of using his appointment power under Article 43 and 70 of our constitution for a rigging agenda? And do you think a lawyer of his stature should make this defamatory statement?

Mr Amidu still sees himself as an anti- corruption crusader? He thinks Ghanaians still take him serious after his 360 movement over the Woyome issue after the 2016 election? An anti- corruption crusader who defend corrupt officials? An anti- corruption crusader who always uses his writing prowess to frustrate work of investigative journalists, an anti- Corruption crusader who goes to court to withdraw a case he deemed serious just because of change in government????

Mr Amidu has never rest his mouth and pen on his "anti- Mahama" crusade since the day Prof Mills settled on him as his running-mate.Haters don't start as haters. It starts with envy, jealousy, then ferment into hate. He is now glued to other haters of Mahama to achieve their common agenda. He enhances his self- image, as well as his new found friends just to make their agenda credible.

MARTIN AMIDU AND UHURU KENYATTA A lawyer should be temperate and dignified,and should refrain from all illegal and morally apprehensive conduct. Obedience to law, they say exemplifies respect for law. As a lawyer, he should know that respect for the law, court orders and rulings should be more than platitude.

Does he have evidence suggesting that Mr Mahama "cynically thought his good friend, the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he had invited as the special guest of honour during Ghana's Independent Celebration in 2016, would have the benefit of the docility of the Kenyan Supreme Court just as he was the beneficiary of Ghana's razor thin edge supreme court decision in 2013".

This is coming from one of our respected lawyers, a cadre, onetime running-mate of one of Ghana's major parties. Isn't that an indirect attack on our supreme court and President Uhuru Kenyatta? Did the supreme court level an allegation of planned rigging against President Uhuru Kenyatta?.
05.09.2017 LISTEN

Outdated and weird as it may sound or seem pupils of a certain junior high school in Ghana West Africa are trying hard to realise their dream goals with some strange Information and Communications Technology ( ICT) tools. Theyve created something out of nothing and their innovative art works have gone viral on the social media.

So are these pupils shutting the stable door when the horses are already gone?

Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett president of Morris Brown College, USA says: Merely having access to a box-or an information box  does not necessarily mean that you have improved or that youre more literate , or that youre better able to solve problems in the community, 

And heres my fuss, if those that have access to computers and other ICT tools cannot brag about their acquired skills, cannot brag that they can solve problems and cannot brag that theyre literate: How then did the pupils of this Junior High School (JHS) in the Volta region end up with improvised laptop computers, cellphones, extension cords and headsets made from earthen?

Is it because the school is tucked deep somewhere in the backcountry or in the hinterlands?

Did the school miss the supplies (if there ever were any) because the community has no influential people to lobby the government at the time?

Are there other schools in the region and for that matter Ghana in general that are without computers? Sure there are many schools and Im tempted to believe, theyre in the cities too. If so why did this particular school choose to go this way?

Was it done merely to seek world attention, to ridicule the country or they did that to show the world their plight?

Their story reminds me of author Geoffrey Chaucers great line: If gold rust what then will iron do? Indeed, if those who have access to these gadgets and are using them cannot tout themselves as literate how much more the ones that have no laptop computers, no headsets, no tablets but are merely using improvised dev ices?

How did it happen?

Necessity they say is the mother of invention. And I think its appropriate to say that they (pupils of the school in question) were compelled to do so when the need for those improvised ICT tools became imperative. The will was there and so they found the way to help them pursue their goals regardless of its seemingly backwardness. The creative gadgets are to facilitate studies in their school. But ridiculous as the story might seem it does not undercut the motivational spirit of the pupils.

Thomas Ahiabor the schools ICT teacher told a local TV outlet that the school had resorted to making use of these earthen tools because they lacked them. According to him the conditions at the school dont bode well for ICT training or learning. There are no teaching aids to facilitate learning, emphasising that it makes teaching of the subject challenging.

Mr. Ahiabor told the media: I asked them to look at this (referring to the only laptop he has) my original one and concentrate on and make it once. And I can say that Im finding it too difficult to handle the ICT using one laptop from class one (primary or elementary) to JHS.

The question one would probably ask is:

Can these pupils compete with their compatriots in other fortunate schools which have access to the right tools? How would they perform in their final BECE exams in IT? I shudder to say I dont have answers, but it remains to be observed in the years to come.

UN agency for education UNESCO believes that education is human right for all throughout life and that access must be matched by quality. In fact UESCO charges governments across the world to make provision for access.

Article 26 (1) of the UN UDHR says: Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and high education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

The rate at which ICT is transforming lives and causing digital divide has become a great concern to world leaders.But where does the difference lie?

Someone wrote that the difference is between those who have access to and the opportunity, capability to use ICT and those who have not. Exactly, thats the challenge confronting many Junior High Schools in Ghana today, including the one in Volta region that has become the centre of attraction.

You know Man can be unjust sometimes, man can be anti-social, man can be selfish and man can be uncaring. Need I remind you?

Thereprobably was enough room in Noahs Ark that could have saved thousands of lives yet, according to the biblical story many people perished because of their unbelief in the wake of the epic floods. Its understood that Noah was scorned, mocked and ridiculed by the people and they thought he was beside himself.

There probably were lot of laptop computers and other ICT tools ahead of Ghanas 2016 general elections. I bet there were many laptop computers that found their way into wrong hands instead of getting to right recipient. And do youve any idea how many items that were distributed or given out during the last general elections as a means to solicit votes?

Not to mention the cash and the outboard motors, the roofing sheets, the Mackerels and other goodies. Yet some pupils in some parts of the country at the time and today are studying under trees, some are using clay to make computers and there are still some that are at homes because they cant either afford or dont have access..

I can tell you there were probably enough computers that could have been given to many schools across the country. But they were handed out during the December general elections to woo voters while pupils of some schools needed them badly to facilitate learning in their respective schools.
I am writing this with the hope that someone close to Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, the Special Adviser on Social Media to President Buhari of Nigeria would see and draw her attention to it. Yes. Of recent, Ms. Onochie has been in the news for both the right reasons and for the wrong ones.

I was personally impressed with her soft-spoken nature and the way she explained the need for Nigerians to respect their Presidents privacy when I watched the erudite manager on You Tube stoutly defend her Principal. I quite agree with her that it was purely the prerogative of Mr President to disclose the nature of his ailment to Nigerians or to keep it to himself.

Internationally, the medical profession is among some other professions that adhere strictly to the confidentiality clause in the discharge of their duties. It means that hospitals and doctors are not allowed to disclose the nature or details of the illness of a patient under their supervision to anyone, no matter how closely related the person is to the patient, unless the patient expressly authorises such a disclosure. Banks have the same policy.

No matter how closely related anyone is to a client, the banks will never disclose information concerning an account to anyone else who is not the account owner. If they mistakenly do and are sued for violating the confidentiality clause, they get into real trouble. So, I am 100% with Lauretta on that  as Dr. Paul Unongo would say, defending Mr Presidents anger at those wanting to dismember Nigeria.

However, I totally disagree with Mrs Onochie when she talks about cutting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to size. In our African tradition, married women are expected to respect husbands. Mazi Kanu is a married man. And for a wife, a mother and an Igbo sister who is in a position to clarify issues with her Principal to speak so disrespectfully about a family man is, to put it mildly, very uncharitable. Did Mrs Onochie forget that Mr Kanu has a wife and children? And in England where we all lived, was it our habit to dress down parents in the presence of their children? I think Mr Kanu deserves an apology.

Nnamdi and Lauretta lived in England, and possibly are still members of the group we call British-Nigerians. I am a British-Nigerian myself. And I remember how we used to crack that joke, that we British-Nigerians were half British, half Nigerian  living in a world of our own.

We knew we could make that world real. Yet we all dreamt about when we could go home to influence our native Nigerian system for better. We all were a part of that dilemma we termed half British, half Nigerian. Some of us adopted a safe posture. While in Nigeria we were British.

And while in Britain, we were Nigerian. We just had to feel safe. But when that possibility is, for whatever reason, overshadowed by our desire to return to the land of our birth and to make that land up by ourselves in imitation of how those countries we lived in were made up by their own people, we must be careful that in throwing away the dirty bath water, we do not throw away the baby with it.

The polity is already heated up and what any well meaning Nigerian would want at this point in time is for those who wish President Buhari well during his tenure to restrain themselves from making any statements that could further inflame an already volatile situation.

It is obvious that in her anxiety to please her boss, Mrs Onochie went too far. For instance, whether Kanu violated his bail conditions or not is not for us to determine. That matter should be left for the law courts that granted him bail to decide.

Mrs Onochies description of Mazi Kanu as Little Kanu to my understanding is a slip-over from the competitive struggles of their days in the United Kingdom. There is a possibility they knew each other at some point. The United Kingdom is a place you have to work and compete hard to succeed. And when you succeed, it is like you can move mountains anywhere in the world.

While in the United Kingdom, Kanu had a mission to consistently attack Nigeria through his Radio Biafra, in agitation for self determination for the Igbo. Lauretta had a mission to run for a political post in the United Kingdom. Both Kanu and Lauretta are success stories in their own rights. Now that both are in Nigeria, Lauretta has a plumb job as Adviser to the President and Kanu remains the leader of a restless, agitating youth organisation bent on making a virile, equitable and progressive Nigeria or breaking and remoulding it.

The truth we should all agree on is that most Nigerians are not happy with the situation of things in the country right now. That is why there are so many agitations in almost every nook and cranny of the country. Some Nigerians are calling for a plebiscite, to give all ethnic nationalities in the country a chance to determine for themselves whether they want to live together in the first place, and if so, by what social arrangements?

Others are clamouring for an outright restructuring of the country in its present state. They look towards the United States of America. America has 50 states. Each state is autonomous. Each state makes it own laws. Each state manages its own affairs. And if you dont like the laws of the state, you go live in a state you are comfortable to live in.

America is a conglomeration of nationalities. They arrive from wherever. They drop the tradition and culture of their original countries. They try to imbibe the American way of life. It does not matter whether they come from Japan, China, South America, Europe, Middle East or Africa. What matters to them is that they are Americans. Anywhere in the world, it makes them proud to be identified as Americans  widely touted as the strongest country in the world.

Like the Americans, why are most Nigerians not proud to be seen or identified as Nigerians, given the entire mineral and manpower resources that abound in the land?

People like Mrs Onochie and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who have lived in such advanced democratic countries as the UK should be more concerned with why our people, with all the resources we have, all the brains we have, are still struggling with nation building and national unity. Why are all the intelligent people in Nigeria leaving the country in their droves to work for other countries abroad, in search of the Golden Fleece? Why do Nigerian graduates prefer to become security guards and dish washers in Europe and America to being employed in their own native country? We all know why.

It is because there is no justice in the land. Most Nigerians are not happy. Those who claim to be happy are only those who are in a position to dupe the country, create ghost-work positions and earn the salaries in addition to their own. Such people! That is why there is so much unhappiness among the ordinary Nigerians. And Nnamdi and Lauretta, both Igbo, seem to represent the two extreme ends of this Nigerian dilemma. Still, among all those who have addressed this issue, I find great relief in the warning of Abubakar Umar, an ex- governor of Kaduna State, to the Nigerian government over its move to re-arrest Nnamdi Kanu for allegedly flouting his bail conditions.

Mr Umar who governed Kaduna from 1985 to 1988 warned that the move to re-arrest Kanu is a dangerous and politically unwise effort that could backfire. The retired colonel and social critic advised the Buhari administration to stop seeing Mr. Kanu as a common criminal emphasising that the governments current poise was not the smartest way out of the delicate situation.

His words: Mr. Kanu is a bitter young man fighting for a fairer deal for his Igbo kinsmen. His seeming militant approach is the result of the strong arm tactics with which the federal government deals with him. Buhari had in his words and actions kept the people of South-east marginalized  a development that contributed to the seeming popularity of secessionist campaigns across the region.

Many Igbo genuinely feel marginalised since they belong to the category of those who gave Mr. President only 5% of their votes and appeared to have fallen out of his favour.

President Buharis insistence that the unity of Nigeria is a settled issue is a nationalistic wish and is no surprise coming from a veteran of a civil war fought to keep the country one. However, this does not take into account the mood of the nation as indicated by the growing agitations for self-determination, restructuring and many other similar demands.

If indeed the President is able to ignore and silence those agitators, it will be a case of suspended animation. Most Nigerians are convinced of the need to maintain Nigerias unity, cognisant of the enormous benefits all sections derive from a large, diverse and resource rich country.

The federation would provide a security umbrella to all the federating units which will enhance their survivability and prosperity. It is difficult to see how any of them can fare better out of the federation. But the fact that there are growing agitations for self-determination, restructuring and other similar demands speak gravely of the way the federation is being governed. Nigerias unity can only be guaranteed when all its citizens feel they are getting a fair deal and when all its component parts are treated justly and equitably.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, [Deji] Adeyanju and other similar agitators might seem like felons or even anarchists. But as often happens over humanitys turbulent history, appearances can be deceitful. One mans terrorist could well be another mans freedom fighter.

In any event, despite what the security agencies might feel, there is nothing to fear from Mazi Kanu. He and his compatriots are people who love their country dearly and are willing to take a risk with their lives while blowing a whistle on some of our bad habits. It will be a tragic mistake to treat them as common criminals. It is evident that they are fighting a cause millions consider entirely legitimate. And until our democracy learns to accommodate dissent, vigorous, robust, even if inconvenient, it will be incapable of serving our common good.

Both Onochie and Kanu have missions to accomplish.

If anyone is jealous of the other to warrant such an uncharitable statement as locking someone up and throwing the key in the ocean or asking what lessons a mother would be imparting to her children the way she speaks about husbands: thats your own brother, and thats your own sister we are talking about here! I know how it could feel, believe you me. But we should still work together in the interest of the country we can rightfully call our own.

Onochie and Kanu should be working together to save Nigeria from collapse. That is democracy. That is the Igbo spirit, in search of the best solutions to the problems of Nigeria. That is the yardstick for these our two local champions of Igbo Land, Mrs Onochie and Mr Kanu, to measure their love for Africa.
It seemed as though last months election in Kenya would be, as always, stolen fair and square. Instead a Supreme Court hand picked by the Kenyatta Royal Family revolted and for the first time in African history declared the election null and void and ordered a re-vote.

Kenya has been ruled since independence over half a century ago by the same ethnic minority clan, the Kenyatta family. Chosen by the British to usher in neo-colonialism in a land once marked by the Mau-Mau uprising, the Kenyattas have clung to power far longer than their colonial masters could have anticipated.

Buy, Rig or Steal has been the modus operandi and no matter the outrage following the latest election theft, Kenyas neo colonial masters have always stood by the Kenyattas and this election was no exception. With former US Secretary of State John Botox Kerry looking down on the head of the election commission as a host of election observers including all to many (N)o(G)ood(O)utfits and government hacks international, the Kenyan Election Commissioner declared the good old boys the winner.

As for the oppositions claims of massive fraud with election machines being hacked the imperial retinue of bootlickers and lickspittles could only manage a few shrugs, a couple of frowns, some hemming and hawing and finally the declaration everyone was waiting for, Free and Fair (never mind a few areas of concern). And then came the Revolt of the Kenyan Supreme Court, a wrench was thrown into the gearbox, and lo and behold history was made in matters of neo colonial democracy.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, after being declared the winner and lecturing the opposition to respect the independence of the judiciary found himself calling the Supreme Court Justices crooks and thugs. Damn! The roots of the Revolt of the Kenyan Supreme Court may lay in how a week or so before the election a very senior election commission member was found tortured to death. Not stabbed or shot, but tortured to death. Get the message, any fellow election commissioners who may have harbored any doubts about where their duty lay? This may have been the proverbial straw that broke the Supreme Courts back and forced a majority of the judges to rule against their erstwhile masters.

Who knows, its not as if the evidence was any more compelling than in elections past, though just how easy it was to hack the vote was the oppositions claim. Anyway, to understand Kenya one must understand tribalism and its deep roots in Africa and in Kenya in particular. Kenya is very tribal in nature, something the British colonizers promoted as a part of their divide and rule strategy.

Life is lived along tribal lines and though a lot of mixing in the cities has taken place pretty much everyone looks first to their tribe in matters of social importance. So the regular victory at the polls by the Kenyatta's, a clan of the relatively small Kikuyu tribe over their long time opponents lead by Raila Odinga of the largest tribe, the Luo, could only be explained by election fraud as in Buy, Rig or Steal.

One of the happiest moments of this latest episode in the ongoing African Election Drama Series was the humongous eating of Crow forced down the throats of the imperial enforcers of western democracy in Africa.

For the very first time being told to fuck off with the locals telling Lord of Pax Americana John Kerry to take his free and fair election and shove it. And by the Kenyan Supreme Court at that! So another election is supposed to happen in 60 days though whether the election commission mafia, much battered and bleeding, will be torn up by the roots first is the winner take all question.

You see the Kenyatta Royal Family, like Ottomon Erdogan in Turkey, has too much to lose in an election, for over half a century of spoils is at stake. You can start with who owns the land under the Mombassa hotels, the largest such in Africa? Or where has all the money gone, long time passing? Payback can be a bitch and if the Luos are able to win the next vote decades of frustration against the Kikuyu could lead to some bitter settling of scores, and may see the Kenyatta mafia tucking their tails between their legs and scuttling out of the country.

No worry though, they have lots of loot stashed in European banks and real estate, just let the new government try and get any of it back. To many dirty secrets tying the Kenyattas to MI-6 and the CIA to be allowed to see the light of day.

There must be more than a few get out of jail free cards stashed away. Still, It has been great seeing Babylon eat crow and any revolt, even if by a long time bought and sold judiciary is good news here in Africa, where all to often the only news is of war and famine and refugees suffering untold miseries.

Thomas C. Mountain is an independent journalist in Eritrea, living and reporting from here since 2006. See thomascmountain on Facebook or best reach him at thomascmountain at g mail dot com
The 24-hour BBC World Service channel of Hong Kongs RTHK was replaced with a state radio broadcast from China at midnight on Sunday. This is a move that was criticized by listeners.

Nearly 1,000 Hong Kong residents signed an online petition titled RTHK: Give us back our BBC World Service, with hopes of keeping the broadcast of the British channel.

However the SARs main public broadcaster continued in the move to reprogram the round-the-clock broadcast with China National Radio, a station that contains no sensitive or critical reporting on China.

The state-run broadcasts are mostly in Mandarin rather than Cantonese.

Although BBC World Service broadcasts will still run, the English broadcast channel will only be broadcast from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. on weekdays, and occasionally on weekends.

Amen Ng, a spokeswoman for RTHK, told Reuters earlier there were no political considerations in the decision and the Chinese broadcaster would enhance cultural exchanges.

Some listeners argued that the move could hurt the publics confidence in Hong Kongs public broadcaster, while others said that the move was in line with a gradual mainlandization of Hong Kong, which has seen Beijings influence increase in the citys many sectors.

As cited in a Reuters report, some RTHK staff said the move was made without broader consultation.

Nobody knew anything about it. We were told in a meeting just before it was announced, said a senior RTHK editorial employee who declined to be identified. People see it as a negative thing. The BBC is generally regarded as independent, and [Chinese] state media is not, he added.

Another said that there had been several incidents in which the RTHKs editorial independence was pressured, including staff being heckled by pro-Beijing voices on radio talk-shows and public forums.
Former Deputy Minister of Education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration commenced the implementation of the Free Senior High School programme.

Therefore, assertions by communicators and officials of the Akufo-Addo-led administration that it is the current government that is introducing the programme is wrong.

Government has announced that the Free SHS programme will start in September with the first year students in all the high schools in the country.

Addressing the press on Monday, September 4 Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, called on parents not to pay any fees demanded by heads of senior high schools since the government is taking care of all such expenses.

Students are not supposed to pay any fees, he said, adding, As a matter of fact, PTA-levied fees like utilities, development levy, and even teacher motivation is going to be paid by the government, as a result, weve made it abundantly clear to headmasters that money should not be the reason why a student should not go to school. Therefore no parent should receive a bill.

Dr Adutwum added: Even if PTA meets and decides in consultation with GES that there is something they want to do and they want parents to contribute, it will not be mandatory. If Mr Kojo Mensah doesnt have money to make that contribution for his ward, the student will not be prevented from going to school.

But speaking on Asempa FMs Ekosii Sen programme on Monday, September 4, Mr Ablakwa said: I think the NDC as a party we need to improve on our communication strategy. Free SHS is not starting in Ghana on the 11th of September this year, it is not President Akufo-Addo who is starting free SHS and many people dont know this.

Free SHS was started in the year 2014, three years ago. The NDC under [former] President Mahama started free SHS.

We had a loan facility from the World Bank under the Secondary Education Improvement Programme. Under this there were four components; the first was to build the 23 senior high schools, the second component is the training we provided for Maths, Science and ICT teachers, and there was a third component called Quality Improvement Facility upgrade, and the fourth categorically was the scholarships for needy senor high school students.

The agreement we signed with the World Bank for the next five years at that time  2014 to 2019  was on granting scholarships, and implementing free SHS for 10,400 students.
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Parents must not pay any fees demanded by heads of senior high schools since the government is taking care of all such expenses beginning this September as part of the Free SHS policy, Deputy Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has said.

Students are not supposed to pay any fees, he told journalists at a press conference on Monday, 4 August. As a matter of fact, PTA-levied fees like utilities, development levy, and even teacher motivation is going to be paid by the government, as a result, weve made it abundantly clear to headmasters that money should not be the reason why a student should not go to school, therefore no parent should receive a bill.

Dr Adutwum said even if PTA meets and decides in consultation with GES that there is something they want to do and they want parents to contribute, it will not be mandatory. If Mr Kojo Mensah doesnt have money to make that contribution for his ward, the student will not be prevented from going to school.

Meanwhile, Dr Adutwum has asked parents and prospective SHS students not to panic because all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates who qualified for SHS will be duly given placements.

He has given the assurance that no student who has qualified for placement would be left behind.

Already, Education Minister, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has assured parents and all qualified candidates that all the over 150,000 out of a total of 460,941 qualified BECE candidates who did not get placement in SHS, will definitely get placements in schools where vacancies exist.

Already the Ghana Education Service (GES) has extended the window of placement by another 48 hours after it discovered that over 150,000 qualified candidates had still not been placed, 24 hours after the initial deadline expired.

An initial 48-hour window given by the GES fell on a holiday and also on the weekend, thus necessitating another 48-hour extension. The affected students now have up to Tuesday, September 5 to complete the placement processes.

For those who have not been placed in any of their for options, we are asking them to continue to select schools on Monday [September 4] and Tuesday [September 5]. By next week Tuesday, we will do our review to assess the situation and take the next decision, the acting Director-General of the GES, Professor Kwesi Opoku-Amankwa said in an interview.

By Monday and Tuesday, we are expecting that they will be able to purchase the card and then go online to either print their admission forms or select a school, he told Accra-based Citi FM, explaining that the GES could have done the placement by itself, but this time around, we are giving them the option to do what we call self-placement.

Speaking to Moro Awudu on Class91.3FMs Executive Breakfast Show on Monday, 4 August, Dr Opoku Prempeh said the situation whereby some candidates do not get placement is not unusual.

There is nothing wrong with that. For years, it happens that some dont get the schools they choose. Its not the first time it is happening. In fact, since time immemorial, even going to the university, some students dont get the courses they choose and they have to choose a different course so that is a normal thing. What we used to hear every year was that those who didnt get their choices were placed by the CSSPS in certain schools and there was uproar around the country from students who claim they didnt choose those schools and they were being put there, from parents who were not in favour of the schools their wards have been placed, and also frankly some people live in another part of the country and they were being put in day schools in another part of the country. So what weve done this year after placing all those who got a choice of their own is that those who didnt get any of these schools that they wanted to go to, are being given a second chance to go and visit the website and choose from a school that the vacancy exists.

The second batch that is left, obviously most of our big schools are full now but there are three options with the Ghana Education Service category and there are still existing vacancies in many schools so you pick and choose a school that there is a vacancy and well place you there.

Asked if certainly there is vacancy to accommodate everybody who is qualified to go to senior high school, Dr Opoku Prempeh said: Yes.

Buttressing his boss position, Dr Adutwum told journalists that: We understand that there was a communique from us about making sure that within 48hours, parents are able to go and check and enrol their students and sign up and print their admission letters. This was in no way to rush them, it was an opportunity for us to make sure that this year, for the first time in many years, our schools will open early enough so that we are able to really get students to use the three years as [best] as possible in their studies.

What has been happening in this country is that weve never been able to reopen schools early, and as a result some schools reopen in November, some students will go to school in January, so one term is gone and then at the end of the three years, WAEC also do their exams beginning February, so, in essence, what was meant to be three years becomes two years. This is what we are trying to avoid.

So, parents do not panic. What we are saying is that: we would give you the opportunity, at the end of the two days, if your child is not enrolled, we are not going to cut him or her off, we will work with you, we are monitoring the situation. This is Nana Addo Dankwas vision of making sure that no child is left behind and we at the Ministry of Education will do everything possible to ensure that no student who has been placed or has been given the opportunity to select a school will be left behind.
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The Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Albert Boakye Okyere, has given yam sellers who are selling on the streets up to Wednesday, 6th September, 2017 to relocate to VALCO flats market or face the wrath of the assembly.

According to him, any yam seller who fails to abide by the directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

By Wednesday take over the sheds at VALCO flats.. They are empty. If by Wednesday youre still selling on the streets it will be an offense and you face the consequence, he stated.

If you like you try and see, he cautioned.

Mr Albert Okyere issued the warning during a massive cleaning exercise at the Ashaiman main market Saturday, where few recalcitrant traders had their wares seized.

The tough talking MCE also caused the removal of wooden slabs some traders had used to cover the drains and plying their business on them.He expressed satisfaction about the exercise which led to the desilting of the choked drains

Touching on indiscipline and lawless conduct being exhibited by some residents in the area, Mr. Albert Okyere urged the residents to turn a new leave by being law abiding stressing that my administration will not tolerate lawlessness and indiscipline in this town.

Those who think laws doesnt work in Ashaiman and so do whatever they like and go scot free should reform because the days of indiscipline and lawlessness are overIm going to ensure that there is enforcement of law and order in Ashaiman, he stated.
The Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, will pay a state visit to Ghana from Thursday, November 23 to Friday, November 24.

According to a statement from the Danish Embassy, the visit follows an invitation from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the countrys Head of State.

The statement added that the state visit will emphasize and consolidate the long-standing and well-established relationship between Ghana and Denmark, while at the same time marking the gradual transition from aid to trade.

Ghana and Denmark have enjoyed strong commercial ties over the years, and this visit by the Queen, who will be joined by representatives of Danish companies and business organisations, is expected to strengthen those bonds.

During many years, Denmark through the Danida Development Cooperation has played an important role in developing key sectors and institutions in Ghana.

With Ghanas graduation to a middle-income country and the prospects of sustainable economic growth, Denmark is gradually transitioning from development cooperation to trade cooperation in line with the visions by the Government of Ghana, the Embassy said.

The visit will also include seminars and meetings under the theme Ghana  an Emerging Market within Reach which will focus on food and agriculture, sustainability, and maritime, infrastructure and railways.

The Danish Queen is expected to attend the opening of the conference and pay visits to several local business and cultural institutions.



By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana
In a quest to meet the deadline of the School placement system, prospective SHS students and parents as at 10:30 pm yesterday had formed queues at Internet cafes in the kumasi metropolis to check their school placement, Otec news gathers.

Hundreds of students who have not been placed into their schools of choice by the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) were sited in queues as they waited for the website address -myjhsresult.net to function properly so they would know which schools they were placed.

Some students who spoke with OTEC fms Evans Agyei Sikapa at Daltus internet cafe at Atonsu in the kumasi metropolis said, they believe internet connection works faster in the night hence their decision to stay awake until they are certain which schools they will be attending.

Some also expressed fear they might not be placed into a Senior High School at all considering the deadline given by government and the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Some parents who accompanied their wards to internet cafes also lamented that the situation is becoming unbearable for them.

One Mr Anokye, a parent blamed the government for the unfortunate situation, adding that, it is unfair for the GES to leave these kids in the cold weather to suffer for their inactions.

I had to come sit here with my daughter to check her school because i couldnt let her come alone to the cafe at night he explained.

Some cafe operators also described the situation as sad and disturbing one.

Mr Robert Acheampong the M. D of Daltus internet cafe where most students had formed queues to check their placement, disclosed that the network system has not been the best and blamed the education ministry and service for not providing accurate system for the placement exercise.
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Some Mothers of children with cerebral palsy at the With God Cerebral Palsy centre have undergone training in how to make Appropriate Paper Technology (APT) chairs.

Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APbT or APT) is a cost-effective way to produce personally designed furniture or other objects for use and creativity. Materials are recycled: waste paper, thin card and corrugated cardboard boxes.

The Mothers were also learnt how to make parazone, at a two day workshop meant to empower the mothers to venture into micro enterprises

The workshop organized by the With God Cerebral Palsy Ghana with support from the Special Mothers Project used the expertise of mothers who have been trained in the APT to pass on knowledge to other mothers

Ms. Patience Puplampu, Coordinator of the Special Mothers Project and lead trainer for the workshop, said she has the privilege of being trained by the Presbyterian Health Services Inclusive Child Development Programme and she is eager to pass on knowledge to other mums.

Ms. Puplampu, a Technical Drawing teacher by profession and a mother of a Nine year old girl with cerebral palsy was particular about getting accurate measurement of the children who will use the APT chairs for maximum benefit.

The APT serves as assistive devices for children with cerebral palsy, devices such as prone boards, walking frames, calipers, hand braces, special chairs/tables, canes, toys and other home gadgets are made for the children.

Ms. Puplampu urged the mothers to work in teams to ensure effectiveness

Mrs. Hannah Awadzi, Initiator of the Special Mothers Project, advised the mothers to take the training serious and be committed to work with their children given the limited number of professionals that handles children with cerebral palsy in the country.

She also encouraged the mothers to be united and support each other whichever way possible, saying, Ask yourself what can I do to help improve the life of my child with cerebral palsy and the lives of others around me.

Mrs. Awadzi said Let us not always expect people to give us gifts, money and other items because of our children, let us also make our mind to contribute meaningfully to the development of this country and our children by joining the campaign for inclusion.

Mrs. Ellen Affam-Dadzie, Head of the With God Cerebral Palsy Ghana, an inclusive educational centre where mostly children with cerebral palsy are admitted and cared for, said the centre was working to provide mothers of children with cerebral palsy with alternative livelihood.

Many of the mothers are forced out of job or are sacked at work because they are no longer able to be effective at work, she said the centre is training mothers in handicrafts, soap making, tye and dye or batik and help set them up in small businesses to enable them earn an income.

Mrs. Affam-Dadzie called on corporate Ghana to support the centre in whatever way possible to help empower mothers of children with cerebral palsy and enhance the lives of children with cerebral palsy.
The judicial ruling handed by the selfless Kenya s highest appellate court took political observersindeed, everyone around the worldoff guard. The political world including the Kenyan people were taken aback not primarily because they didnt know there was contentious electoral imbroglio waiting impatiently before the Kenyas Supreme Court for fair verdict. Clearly, the shocker stemmed from the seemingly calmed manner within which four out of six typical African judges, who normally lacked well-secured protection, displayed inimitable fearlessness in adjudicating hot-buttoned presidential election issue in favor of the opposition.

The context of the whole story was that the people of Kenya went to the polls on August 8, 2017; and, as the world knows by now, the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared or said to have won reelection over his closest challenger Mr. Raila Odinga. The opposition spearheaded by Mr. Odinga quickly challenged the results in law court, citing widespread electoral irregularities/riggings that possibly enabled Mr. Kenyatta to win.

Under normal circumstances, in this continent called Africa, a case of this magnitude usually has one predictable outcome: The spineless courts rule in favor of the government of the day regardless of the preponderance of relevant evidence strongly pointing to the opposite direction. In all instances, the predominant reason(s) for this unfortunately pervasive phenomenon is that most of our judges in Africa do not understand and appreciate the sacredness of the concept of judicial independence. For most of these judges, the judiciary arm is nearly, if not, subservient to the executive branch.

This means even where judges do show some vestiges of quasi-judicial autonomy, the intimidating behaviors of the ruling governments, coupled with institutionalized bribery within the judiciary, make a sizable bunch of Africa judges a joke vis-a-vis their approach to fair jurisprudence. Simply put, African judges are relatively easy to manipulate and control by their respective governments to the extent that they become too scared of their own shadows to think about judicial integrity, human morality, honor, altruism, duty, nationalism, and self-confidence. Too often judges in Africa have long become exact copies of rubber-stamps serving at the pleasures of the executive arm of the government.

On Friday September 1, 2017, however, there was an unprecedented, seismic, constitutional event; a landmark political paradigm shift unfolded in Kenya in the annals of the continents body politic. It was unique occurrence that would probably be best described in the social science discipline as the Kenyan Judicial Model. Africa and the world at large witnessed some brave and selfless Kenyan Supreme Court judges delivered one of the most consequential constitutional decisions whose geopolitical ramifications would undoubtedly reverberate across generations yet to come.

The four Kenyan Supreme Court justices, who cast the self-denying votes to annul the reelection victory of the current Kenyan President Mr. Kenyatta, were not only living up to their sacred constitutional obligations to the people of Kenya. But also it was a clear signal to the contemporary world that a useful teachable lesson on genuine democracy can come from Africa, too.

As many of us know, the other side of the world had dismissed Africa as a troubled-child; always complaining, shifting blame, unwilling to take responsibility, and not doing many things right for its exploding population. Nevertheless, those Supreme Court judges in Kenya demonstrated an unparalleled act of altruistic interpretation of the countrys constitution. Their action was also an affirmation that the continent can do something extraordinary for its teeming population.

As usual, there are some vociferous voices out there, including the so-called international election observers, claiming that the Kenyan Supreme Court judges had conducted judicial activism with regard to its ruling against the Kenyas Independent Elections and Boundaries Commissions declarations. For this present writer, the simple question is: What actually happened, or who orchestrated the murder of the countrys Electoral Commissions Information and Communications Technology (IT) head Mr. Chris Msando in the days leading to the presidential elections?

Could it be that his strong sense of independence and vast technical know-how of the election results transmissions made him a target for murder to pave the way for one of the political parties to gain an unfair advantage? Perhaps none of us may ever know the motive of this tragic death. However, one pattern of behavior is typical of almost all African ruling governments who do not want to relinquish power easily: They usually ensure that any stumbling block real or perceived is eliminated by any means necessary before or during the elections. The late Mr. Msandos death could not have been a random act or a mere accident.

At any rate, whatever African strongmanship demeanor or political testosterone President Uhuru Kenyatta is trying to show off now, having initially said he would accept the courts ruling, would amount to nothing of substance in that the judges backed by millions of Kenyans are determined and unfazed. In fact, this is what selfless and bold judges can do for the marginalized people of Africa: That at some point, human life ceases to be about our personal egos, self-serving, material acquisition, winning at all cost as opposed to ones integrity and honor. After all, the sages say: Good name is far better than riches. Will other African judges and some leaders alike learn from these gallant Kenyan justices of the Supreme Court?

Bernard Asubonteng is US-based social critic; send your comments to him: [email protected]
Cover, Phantom Africa (2017)

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 our research methods resemble the interrogations of an investigating magistrate much more than amicable conversations, and because, nine times out of ten, our methods of collecting objects involve forced purchases, if not requisition. All this casts a certain shadow over my life, and my conscience is only halfway clear. When all is said and done, as much as adventures like the taking of the kono finally leave me without remorse, because there is no other way to obtain such objects and because sacrilege itself is a rather grandiose notion, still all this constant buying leaves me perplexed, because I have a strong impression that we are going in vicious circle: we pillage the Negroes under the pretext of teaching people to understand and appreciate them-that is, ultimately in order to mold other ethnographers who will go in turn to appreciate and to pillage themMichel Leiris. (1)

Brent Hayes Edwards has rendered the world of scholarship an invaluable service in translating from French into English Afrique Fantome by Michel Leiris, first published by Gallimard, Paris in 1934. With the English version, Phantom Africa now available for the first time, English readers have the possibility to appreciate the significance of this historic book by Leiris. This is an important and indispensable classic of French literature, an absolute must for anybody interested in colonialism, postcolonialism, and above all, in the questions of restitution of artefacts looted during the colonial era. The Dakar-Djibouti Mission and Marcel Griaule, head of the mission, are generally considered to have made very important contributions to ethnology and its development as science in France. (2)

Michel Leiris was a member and secretary archivist of the notorious French expedition to Africa, Dakar-Djibouti Mission (10 January 1931-31 May 1933) under the leadership of Marcel Griaule, that collected some 3,600 ethnographic objects, including historical and religious paintings and murals from an Ethiopian Orthodox church in Gondar, over 300 Ethiopian manuscripts and 6000 photographs as well as zoological and botanical specimens from Africa, mainly the French colonies but also from Nigeria, Soudan and Ethiopia. Griaule reports that the mission was received everywhere with good-will and support; they were also, allegedly given gifts in many countries. However, Griaule apparently had intended to sue the Government of Ethiopia for 750,000 francs for difficulties he had encountered in his work, such as delays through customs and other administrative requirements. (3). One must read the writings of Marcel Griaule with some caution. In many situations, such as those created by the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, Africans really had no choice but to be friendly with a mission with the principal aim of looting their artefacts within the colonial context of structural violence. Can anyone, aware of the respect African have for their dead relatives, believe that the 70 skulls the mission brought to France were given as gifts? (4) Leiris gives us detail accounts of the incredible methods the French used in collecting cultural artefacts from African countries, travelling from Dakar across the African continent to Djibouti during a stay of 21 months. Many other such missions followed the Dakar-Djibouti Mission: Mission Sahara-Soudan (1935), Mission Sahara-Cameroun (1936-1937) and Mission Niger-Lac Iro (1938-1939.

Members of the Dakar-Djibouti Mission in May 1931, at Musee d'ethnographie du Trocadero. From left to right Andre Schaeffner, Jean Mouchet, Georges Henri Riviere, Michel Leiris, Prince Oukhtomsky, Marcel Griaule, Eric Lutten, Jean Moufle, Gaston-Louis Roux, Marcel Larget.

In some parts of Phantom Africa, we get the impression we are reading a novel or a thriller instead of a diary of an ethnologist from the field. Were these ethnologists also trained in criminal methods and activities? No doubt in their ethnology studies they took courses in field methods, explaining how to make notes, use questionnaires etc. but did they also teach them what to do if the natives refused to surrender their cultural or religious objects? In the case of the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, like in all similar expeditions by Europeans, all the methods of criminals were employed: intimidation, coercion, blackmailing, straightforward stealing, robbery and the carrying of weapons to impress the unarmed natives. Religious objects were profaned and disrespectfully taken away, sometimes in the presence of frightened believers unable to prevent sacrilege and sometimes crying at their own powerlessness in the face of obvious sacrilege by Europeans who thereby demonstrated dramatically their lack of respect for African culture. Objects which were too big or heavy were broken into pieces to facilitate transportation. Pressure was brought on villages to sell religious objects which were not for sale at ridiculous prices dictated by the French. If villagers showed themselves reluctant to depart with objects, they were threatened that the French colonial authorities would be brought in to deal with them. It is then no surprise that in many parts of Africa, people were afraid of Europeans. Colonial rule had demonstrated the Europeans capacity to use brutal force to achieve their aims. Such colonial expeditions by Belgians, British, French, and Germans had already achieved a terrible reputation as Anthony Shelton stated:

These highly organized, comprehensive, systematic, and concerted collecting expeditions deeply affected the societies they afflicted. Complaints against Leo Frobenius, who led no less than six major expeditions to Africa between 1904 and 1914 for various German museums, were legion; while the reputation of the Dakar-Djibouti expedition for looting and desecration preceded it, leaving expectant villages terrified and panic stricken. So effective was this form of accumulation world - wide that Sturtevant estimated that, by the mid-1960s, there were more than1,500,000 ethnographic items in US museums alone, and 4,500,000 in the world as a whole. (5)

This is one of the 3 Kono Marcel Griaule and his team stole from Dogon villages. It is in the Musee du quai Branly but the visitor to the museum is not informed how this highly religious and powerful object reached Paris from Mali.

The very brutal methods which the French ethnologists used to acquire artefacts in Africa are very well illustrated by an incident Leiris reports as occurring on 6 September,1931, when they arrived at a village and saw a sacred mask at the Kono altar, in Soudan (now Mali). On arriving they had noticed a remarkable hut and sought permission to enter:

6 September,1931.

Work in Bla with the blacksmiths. A huge group of forges making up a common workshop. A vulture nailed to one wall. Lunch in Bla, then departure.

In Kemeni (24 kilometers from Bela), we spot a magnificent hut, no longer of a nya but this time of a kobo. I have already seen the one in Mpesoba (I even entered the courtyard during the night), but this one is much prettier, with its niches filled with skulls and bones of sacrificed animals, under pointed ornaments of dried earth in the Sudanese manner. We are burning with desire to see the kono. Griaule gives an order through the interpreter that it is to be brought out. The head of the kono replies that we can give a sacrifice.

The proceedings take a long time. The man who goes looking for the chickens takes forever. He brings back a little one and a big one and hands them to Griaule. Mamadou Vad sticks close by him, worrying that he will desert us. Another piece of news: the sacrifice will only permit one man to enter the hut, and I must buy two other chickens in order to be granted the right to enter. Two more minuscule birds are brought, clearly among the scrawniest. Everything starts to drag. Now there s a different problem: the sacrificer hasnt shown up. We decide to enter the courtyard: the konos hut was a small retreat closed with a few planks (one with a human head) held in place by a big, forked log, the other end of which rests on the ground. Griaule takes a photo and removes the planks. The hiding place is revealed: to the right are indefinable forms made of a sort of brown nougat that is actually coagulated blood. In the middle is a large calabash filled with assorted objects, including several flutes made of horn, wood, iron, and copper. On the left, hanging from the ceiling surrounded by a bunch of calabashes, is a nebulous bundle covered with the feathers of various birds. Griaule, who fingers it, thinks there is a mask inside. Annoyed by these peoples dilly-dallying, we quickly come to a decision: Griaule takes two flutes and slips them inside his boots, we put things back in place, and then we leave.

Now theres another issue: the chief of the kono has said that we have to choose our sacrifice ourselves. But when we try to make the selection, they all of course decline. We ask our own boys if they cant make the sacrifice themselves; they also decline, obviously terrified. Griaule then decrees and has Mamadou announce to the village that, since they are clearly mocking us, they must hand over the kono as recompense in exchange for 10 francs, or the police supposedly hiding in the truck will take the chief and the village notables to San, where they will have to explain themselves to the administration. Appalling blackmail!

At the same time Griaule dispatches Lutten to the cars to prepare our departure and to send Makan back immediately with a large packing cloth to wrap the kono (which neither women nor the uncircumcised may see, under pain of death) and two raincoats, one for Griaule, the other for me, as it is beginning to rain.

We wait outside the house of the kono. The village chief is crushed. The chief of the kono has declared that under such conditions, we can remove the fetish. But a few of the men with us seem horrified, to such a degree that the fumes of sacrilege are beginning to waft around our heads; with a single leap, we find ourselves completely out of our depth. I give the chicken to the chief with a theatrical gesture and now, as Makan has just arrived with the tarp, Griaule and I demand that the men go and fetch the kono. They all refuse, so we go ourselves, wrapping the holy object in the tarp and creeping out like thieves while the devastated chief flees and, some distance away, drives his wife and children into a hut with heavy blows of his stick. We cross through the village, now completely deserted, and reach our vehicles in dead silence. The men are gathered in the distance. When we come into the square, one of them sets off running toward the fields and hastily breaks up a group of boys and girls just arriving. They vanish into the corn even more quickly than the little girl we saw a little while ago in the maze of mud-walled lanes; when she saw us she made an about-face, holding her calabash on her head and weeping.

We give 10 francs to the chief and leave in a hurry, amid general astonishment and crowned with the haloes of demons or particularly powerful and daring gangsters.

As soon as we arrive at our stopping-place (Dyabougou), we unwrap our loot: it is an enormous mask of a vaguely animal form, unfortunately deteriorated but entirely covered with a crust of coagulated blood which gives it the majesty that blood confers on all things.

The next day, the same acts of banditry occur;

7 September,1931

Before leaving Dyabougou, we visit the village and make off with a second kono, which Griaule found by slipping surreptitiously into the special hut. This time, Lutten and I carry out the operation. My heart is beating very loudly because, since yesterdays fiasco, I am more keenly aware of the enormity of our crime. With his hunting knife, Lutten cuts the mask from the costume adorned with feathers onto which it is sewn, passes it to me to be wrapped in the cloth we have brought, and gives me, upon my request - for it is another one of those bizarre shapes that so strongly intrigued us yesterday - a sort of suckling pig, nougat made of the same brown (i.e. coagulated blood) and weighing at least 15kilos, which I wrap up with the mask. We quickly carry the whole thing out of the village and return to our cars through the fields. When we leave, the chief wants to return the 20 francs we have given him. Lutten let him keep them, naturally. But this doesnt make things any less ugly

In the next village, I spot a kono hut with a ruined door. I point it out to Griaule and we decide to take it. Like the last time, Mamadou Vad announces brusquely to the village chief, whom we have brought to the hut, that the commandant of the Mission has ordered us to seize the kono and that we are prepared to pay compensation of 20 francs. This time I carry out the operation alone and slip into the sacred retreat carrying Luttens hunting knife in my hand in order to cut the cords of the mask. When I notice that two men - not at all threatening, to be honest - have entered behind me, I realize in a dazed stupor, which only later transforms into disgust, that you feel pretty sure of yourself when youre a white man with a knife in your hand

Very soon after this theft, we arrive in San for lunch, then make contact in a neighbouring village with some Bobo Oules, who are charming people. Idyllic nudity and straw or cowry ornaments, young people with most attractively plaited hair and women, often with shaven heads (especially the old women), all of it more than enough to lull me, to make me forget all the piracy and divert my mind to the worlds of Robinson Crusoe and Paul et Virginie.

The criminal and abusive methods of the Dakar-Djibouti Mission as we have just seen in the above daily entries of Michel Leiris in his diary for 6 and 7 September 1931, are repeated in one form or another by members of this predatory mission. We could refer to the dairy entries of:

18 September - a telegram arrives informing the mission they should return a mask they had stolen from San since the owner was asking for it.

12 November - Another day of sacrilege and plunder by the mission:

Departure from our lunar Rome. Yesterday they refused in terror to let us have several statuettes designed to bring rain, as well as a figure with upraised arms found in another sanctuary. Taking these objects would be carrying away the very life of the country, and one boy told us, who even though he had done soldier during the war, remained true to his upbringing and nearly wept at the thought of the misfortunes that our act of sacrilege would bring upon them; and so, opposing our evil intentions with all his might, he alerted the old men. We are buccaneers at heart: this morning, while bidding an affectionate farewell to the old men, who were delighted that we were willing to spare them, we keep an eye on the immense green umbrella, normally used to shade us but today carefully tied up with a string. Swollen by a strange tumor that makes it look like a pelicans beak, it now contains the precious statuette with upraised arms, which I myself stole from the foot of the cone of earth that serves as its altar, as well as that of its fellow statues. At first, I hid it under my shirt, along with a miniature ladder by means of which God descends to earth. Then, up on top of the great rock on whose summit rises the togouna near which we were sleeping, I put it in the umbrella, pretending to take a piss to distract attention.

The evening in Touyoguo - where we are camping in a public square, near

another togouna (this one in the form of a cossacks hat) - my chest is stained

with earth, my shirt having once served as a hiding place, as we were leaving

this villages cave of the masks, for a sort of double-edged, rusty saw blade

which is in fact an iron bull-roarer

14 November - Leiris writes: the looting continues.

15 November - Leiris writes: Yesterday our friends Apama and Ambra surreptitiously brought us some fiber mask costumes which we requested. They begged us, above all, to hide them carefully. Today, they help me to write up the documentation on these objects. Apama and Ambara start at the slightest sound. A child who tries to come in gets reprimanded.

Without a doubt, they have learned from our ways, and these two good boys went to take the fiber costumes from the cave of the masks where they were hidden. The influence of the European

18 November,1931 - Members of the mission see a small sanctuary with a wooden statue and Leiris notes: To the right of the grotto, in a small sanctuary, is a handsome wooden statue. We dont examine it too closely, so as not to attract attention; but it is agreed that Schaffner and I will go tonight to carry it off

Tomorrow, we make our final departure from Sanga. As I write these lines, I am about to go to bed, having carried out the last act of plunder: Schaffner and I returned with the wood statue on our shoulders after an hour and half of ruses and variedstratagems.

The dubious methods the mission used in 1931 to acquire artefacts - forced sales, stealing, intimidation and blackmail - are continued in the second year, 1932, by this rapacious mission on the African continent. One of the terrible exploits of the French mission was their stealing of old religious canvas paintings from an Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Gondar where under dubious circumstances, it was alleged they had been given permission by the clergy to replace old paintings with new paintings by the artist of the mission.

An attempt to remove paintings from a second church failed. Leiris entry for 5 September,1932 starts as follows: It has been decided that we will replace the paintings of the Godarotch Maryam church as if nothing had happened and we hadnt received the two phone messages the alaqa Sagga. But, in order to be prepared for anything that might happen, we set out in force: a dozen ashkars armed with seven guns, Griaule, Larget, Roux, and I, all armed, plus Abba Jerome with his customary umbrella.

As soon as we arrive, Griaule hears that the alaqa Sagga is there and sends for him. The peasants, although we act friendly, are very frightened. Abba Jerome is extremely uneasy, He is visibly embarrassed at having embarked, as an official representative of the government, on such an adventure. He knows that if the alaqa Sagga shows up and refuses to let the old paintings in the church be replaced with the new ones we brought with us, Griaule intends to call the alaqa deceitful and demand that he get a guarantor for the court case that Griaule intends to bring against him in Addis Ababa.

Continuing his entry of 5 September, Leiris states that the men who had promised to help remove the old paintings and replace them with new ones did not turn up; no doubt instructed by a chief who did not get the bribe he had expected. From this statement, it becomes clear the French mission used bribes and other forms of corruption to secure objects they wanted. The villagers at Godarotch told the French that in the absence of the alaqa Sagga, leader of the churches in the province, they could not allow them to remove the paintings. The rest of the entry of that day goes on to deal with other matters. As we have seen, when the mission wanted something and it met some reluctance on the part of the villagers, it kept quiet and made other plans to secure the same.

Leiris who is usually prolific about what the mission has been doing, does not say much about the paintings. According to Claire Bose-Tiesse and Anais-Wion, in their magnificent book, Peintures sacrees dEthiopie: Collection de la Mission Dakar-Djibouti, the missions artist, Gaston Louis Roux, demonstrated to the local church authorities the resistance to rain of the oil painting he had done by throwing water on the work whereupon the local churchmen agreed to taking down all the old paintings and replacing them with new paintings by the artist. The authors rely on annotations by Jean Jamin in his introduction to Michel Leris, Miroir de lAfrique where he refers to an unpublished manuscript by Gaston-Louis Roux, the painter of the mission. (6) But no where do we have a full explanation of how the mission was expressly authorized to pull down the old paintings and replace them with new ones made by the mission. Leiris writes in his entry of 3 August,1932: Griaule and Roux are continuing to remove the paintings in Antonios church, replacing them as they go along with dazzling copies executed by Roux. This work began a few days ago, with the agreement of the intendant and the head of the church. However, when we check the entries from 1 July to 3 August,1932, we do not find any mention of such a permission. Surely, on a matter like this we could expect some details from the secretary-archivist of the mission.

In his entry of 5 August Leiris writes: Our grand pictorial operations continue. As Roux can no longer execute single-handedly the 60 square meters of canvas which are to replace the Antonios paintings, improvised artists have been called in: Griaule, Lutten, and even me.

In his entry for 20 August, Leiris writes: The paintings in Antonios church are still being removed. However, the telephone operators of Gondar have taken it upon themselves to alert the dedjaz Wond Woussen. The fitaorari Makourya has taken no action, however, judging that the redoing of a church has nothing inherently blameworthy about it.

In an entry of 3 September,1932,Leiris writes: The political situation has gone up a level in complication: the consul tells Griaule that the alaqa Sagga, leader of the churches in the province (who came to see Griaule last Wednesday and gave his full agreement for the replacement of the decorations of the Gondarotch Maryam church with new paintings), has just sent two telephone messages, one to the Emperor, the other to the dedjaz Wond Woussen, to say that the clergy in Gondar are displeased by the removal of the old church paintings

Leiris writes in his entry for 2 November 1932: Yesterday Griaule got into serious trouble: after having a cow sacrificed by the Falasha of a village near Gondarotch Maryam, he wanted to go and photograph the church in Gondarotch - the one where we had already had problems over the paintings. As he is formally forbidden to enter it (by the order of the alaqa Sagga, the man responsible for the first incident), a dispute ensues, one of the alaqas guards threatens to shoot, and Griaule is kicked in the groin by another man and forced to hit the ashkars to keep them from firing on the man to avenge this insult The affair is finally smoothed over, but it is the most serious incident to date involving the Mission.

Subsequent entries in Leiris diary as well as the behaviour of the mission do not correspond to the behaviour of persons who had received full permission to pull down the old paintings.

It is true we read about the paintings in Leiris entry for 20 November,1932: The news brought by Abba Qesie is nonetheless rather assuring in that it suggests that we have supporters. At the meeting of the council of the forty-four churches, several priests maintained that the Missions work at Antonios church was done well

We read in the entry for 24 November: Bright and early, we hear a crackling sound in Largets room, as though, behind his closed door, he had lit a fire to get warm. But Roux, who is guarding the door, tells me what is actually going on: the destruction of the altar board that we are accused of having stolen or having had someone steal, the discovery of which might well lead to nothing short of a massacre. Yesterday evening, the designs engraved on it were copied so that the document would not be entirely lost.

Griaule and Roux methodically tie up the Antonios paintings into bundles. Only a few of them are to be shown to the Customs officials. The rest are rolled up, wrapped in paper, and packed in skins. These bundles will hardly look any different from the loads of abou gedid carried by caravans,

Leiris writes in his entry of 28 November: We spend the whole day disguising paintings: a triptych has been simply covered with paper bearing the same patterns, drawn and colored by Roux, as its own panels; this will be passed off as a copy. Griaule has made a diptych, also covered with paper, into an attractive portfolio into which he has put stamps and various papers. Lastly, a large painting has been concealed (under glued-on wrapping paper) at the bottom of a crate that is going to contain stuffed birds.

As we only have eight rifles and it seems wise to muster a few more, the Consul has given us an old Russian rifle of undecipherable make and so odd a calibre that it is impossible to find any cartridges to fit it. This display weapon has been allocated to Abba Jerome.

These few examples from the daily entries of Michel Leiris, secretary-archivist of the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, gives us a good picture of what that mission was about: to acquire, including stealing, looting, intimidation, bribery, and corruption as many African artefacts and other materials as the mission deemed necessary for a French museum in Paris. Besides, a special law of the French Parliament of March 1931, had accorded to Marcel Griaule the permit

Michel Leiris,1901-1990.

take whatever he thought was necessary in the French colonies of West Africa -a sort of permission for scientific capture - un permis de capture scientifique. Ethiopia though was not a French colony.

We have in several articles underlined the importance of this first-hand evidence of criminal and other dubious methods used by French ethnologists to collect artefacts that are now proudly displayed in the Musee du quai Branly which stubbornly refuses to consider any claims for restitution by African owners of artefacts. (7) However, few authors of English articles on restitution, seem to be aware of the tremendous importance of Phantom Africa for the issues of restitution.

We made English translations of parts of this major work by Leiris in our articles, believing that perhaps the lack of knowledge of French may discourage others from referring to this unique evidence of French colonialist plunder. (8) However, we gradually concluded that the French language was not an explanation for lack of attention to Phantom Africa. Even though anthropologists and others have referred to the original French text, those writing in English on restitution of artefacts appeared to ignore this major publication.

Most of those writing on restitution are highly educated Western scholars and we can assume they are all conversant with the French language. At any rate, the high priests of the retentionists, the universalists, in Berlin, Chicago, London, New York, Paris and elsewhere, are all multilingual and very much at home in the Louvre and in Paris. Indeed, some of them studied French and German and could have read the French, German, or even Portuguese translations of this masterpiece as well. (9) So why would they not refer to such a major work in their discussions on whether the so-called universal museums in the West should or not return looted African artefacts? The answer appears to be that Phantom Africa provides irrefutable evidence of the illegal methods used by Europeans in looting African artefacts. One cannot openly admit being aware of this damaging evidence and still argue for the retention of looted artefacts and so the universalists ignored this major work. Is this an acceptable scholarly approach? Simply avoid mentioning major works that do not support your position and do not make your students and readers even aware of the existence of such writings. What else have the universalists avoided to mention? Could they be relied on to give us full information and facts about colonial acquisitions of artefacts?

Aminata Traore, former Minister for Culture, Mali.

The 3600 objects brought by the notorious expedition were first kept in Musee dEthnographie du Trocadero, then transferred to Musee de lHomme and then moved in 2006 to the new Musee du quai Branly which also inherited artefacts from Musee national des arts africains et oceaniens

Canvas paintings from the Church of Abbas Antonios, Gondar, Ethiopia. now in Musee du quai Branly, Paris, France. These paintings were removed and replaced by copies made by the artist of the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, Gaston-Louis Roux.

James Clifford declared in Predicament of Culture: The relations of power whereby one portion of humanity can select, value, and collect the pure products of others need to be criticized and transformed. This is no small task. (10)

Many have criticised the power relations that existed and still exist between Western States and non-Western States, especially African States but hardly any of our contemporary scholars goes a step further to suggest that some of these ill-gotten artefacts should be returned to their owners. The belief that the West has an almost God-given right and duty to hold onto African artefacts is firmly anchored in the minds of many Westerners, even some who are sympathetic to African demands. With leading museums and museum directors expending energy to defend what is indefensible, no end to this incredible situation seems to be in sight. Western museums display looted African artefacts that African museums would, under normal situations, be expected to display as part of their culture but they lack such objects and few scholars seem to be worried. The distinctions between right and wrong, between illegality and legality, between legitimacy and illegitimacy, have been abolished by many Westerners as far as African artefacts are concerned. How can our contemporary Westerners defend the atrocious acts committed by the Western ethnographic expeditions?

Anthropomorphic initiation mask, Ntomo kun, Bamana, Mali, from the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, now in Musee du quai Branly, Paris, France.

Nobody invited the various European countries to come and collect our cultural and religious artefacts; they came in with their well-organized troops, whether civilian or military or naval with all the power that their States represented and stole artefacts. Some ethnologists such as Luschan and Griaule pretended that various non-European cultures and peoples would disappear and so their artefacts had to be saved for the Europeans or as they hypocritically said sometimes, for humanity.

This cynical attitude should be noted. You argue that a culture or people are likely to disappear. You set about to kill them, loot their natural and human resources, destroy their societies, or prevent their development in many ways and impose by force of arms your own ideas, namely, that they should serve you as second class human beings. When decades later, some oppressed people survive and request the return of their looted artefacts, they hear from the looting Western countries that they have preserved the artefacts and are in no hurry to return them; indeed, some Westerners even think or say that we should be grateful for their humanitarian acts in saving the artefacts. They argue that Africans cannot preserve the artefacts if they are returned, forgetting that using their might and force to rob us, we would not be able to resist their superior force. Where then is their sense of shame? They wish to be congratulated for the criminal acts of the past. When we read what some of the universalists in the so-called universal museums and world museums have written about restitution, we wonder what sense or knowledge of history they have. They surely cannot be entirely ignorant or oblivious of the relations between the West and Africa in the last five hundred years. We often feel that for many of our Western contemporaries, colonialism and slavery just did not occur.

Adam and Eve, from the Church at Dabra Giyoris, Metcha region, Ethiopia, acquired by the Dakar-Djibouti Mission at Gondar in 1932, now in Musee du quai Branly.

With the availability of an English translation of this major work, Phantom Africa, providing irrefutable evidence of the criminal and brutal methods used by Westerners to obtain African artefacts, added to the violent methods used to secure Benin artefacts, it should become increasingly difficult, at least at an intellectual level, to sustain many of the usual arguments provided by the Western high priests of retention that inhabit the universal museums. Even Westerners must finally recognize the difference between what is right and what is wrong in the matter of looted antiquities. Can we require this minimum also from those who, desiring to protect ill-acquired artefacts, have excluded all morality from discussions on looted artefacts of others? Alas! There is no end in sight of this cruel history of African artefacts looted with violence by Europeans. Many Western museums and governments are silent on these matters. Musee du quai Branly, the ultimate beneficiary of the artefacts looted by the Dakar - Djibouti Mission and with obvious affiliation with the notorious mission, acts superbly unconcerned by discussions on restitution.

Brent Hayes Edwards has, with the English translation of Phantom Africa,

provided us with an indispensable tool for understanding the relationship

between Western States and African States on the issues of restitution of looted

artefacts. This magnificent major work of 711 pages may not be light reading in

our times when readers seem capable of reading only few pages but will be

worth the effort for those seriously interested in understanding African and

Western relationships which have not been characterised by justice and fairness

in the last 500 years.

Edwards provides a very useful and detailed introduction to Phantom Africa, including a section, titled The Ghost of the Story. I came into contact with Michel Leiris Afrique fantome, decades ago, at a very impressionable age and refused to read the book for fear of hearing more about ghosts. It was much later that I realised it was not a book of ghost stories but contained solid information about a French ethnological expedition to our continent. I quickly bought the French editions I could find and later, the German and Portuguese translations. With the availability of the English translation, no one, I hope, will fail to realise that they have in their hands a major publication on colonialist ethnology and imperialist plundering of African artefacts.

Although there is no ghost story in Phantom Africa, the publication of this book in 2017 may appear to some universalists as a ghost from the past that has come to haunt them. The original French text of 1934 which they thought they had buried by their deafening silence, has been resurrected, appearing now in English language and likely to gain more attention and adherents than the original French Afrique fantome. Besides, Phantom Africa has come out at a time when important matters concerning the restitution of looted African artefacts are being discussed. Firstly, there is the debate on the legitimacy of the looted Benin and other artefacts that are being transferred from the Ethnologisches Museum, Berlin to the newly constructed Humboldt Forum, Berlin. (11) Secondly, there is the extraordinary proposals to set up a revolving exhibition in Benin City, displaying some of the Benin artefacts looted in 1897 but still in the ownership of Western museums that have been illegally and illegitimately holding these looted artefacts. (12)

Would the universalists and their supporters confront squarely the English version of Phantom Africa or will they continue their silence, as children do when in the presence of an unknown or frightening creature and pretend it never existed? It was just a phantom.

Kanaga mask, Dogon, Bandiagara, Mali, brought by the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, now in Musee du quai Branly, Paris, France.

At this time when the museum is opening its doors to the public, I

keep wondering to what extent the mighty and powerful will go in their

arrogance and violation of our imagination. We are being invited to day to

celebrate with the former colonial power an incontestably magnificent

architectural monument as well as our own decline and the complicity of

those, African political representatives and institutional authorities who

consider that our cultural objects are better kept in the beautiful edifices

of the North than under our own skies.

In our opinion, the Musee du Quai Bradly is built on a deep and painful paradox since almost the totality of the Africans, Amerindians, the Australian Aborigines whose talents and creativity are being celebrated, will never cross the doorstep of the museum in view of the so-called selective immigration. It is true that measures have been taken to ensure that we can consult the archives via Internet. Thus, our works of art have a right of residence at a place where we are forbidden to stay. Aminata Traore , former Minister for Culture, Mali. (13)

Kwame Tua Opoku.

30 August 2017.



Anthropozoomorphic mask, Ciwaranin kun, Mande, Kayes, Mali, brought by the Dakar-Djibouti Mission, now in Musee du quai Branly, Paris, France.

NOTES

1. Leiris letter to Zette, September 19,1931 cited at p.163 in Phantom Africa by Michel Leiris, translated by Brent Hayes Edwards, Seagull Books, 2017, ISBN: 978 0 8574 2 3771.

2. See the evaluation of this mission by Eric Jolly, Marcel Griaule, ethnologue : La construction d'une discipline (1925-1956) http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/jafr_0399-0346_2001_num_71_1_1256

Other major works that may be usefully consulted in this context are-

Cahier Dakar-Djibouti, Editions les Cahiers, 2015, with contributions from members of the Dakar-Djibouti mission, Griaule, Leiris, Lifchitz, Lutten, Mouchet, Roux and Schaffner; Leiris &Co, 2015, Gallimard/Centre Pompidou-Metz, catalogue of an exhibition with the same title edited by Agnes de la Beaumelle, Marie-Laure Bernadac and Denis Hollier; Claude Blankaert (ed.) Le Musee de lHomme, Editions Artlys, 2015, pp .288.

3. Claire Bosc-Tiesse and Anais Wion, Peintures sacrees dEthiopie : Collection de la Mission Dakar-Djibouti, Editions Sepia, 2005 p.18.

4. Marcel Griaule, Marcel Griaule ,  Mission Dakar-Djibouti, rapport general (mai 1931 - mai 1932) , Journal de la Societe des Africanistes , vol. 2, no 1, 1932, p. 113-122. Marcel Griaule,  La mission Dakar-Djibouti dans son rapport avec les etudes ethnologiques et archeologiques , Revue de synthese, vol. 1, no 3,  decembre 1931, p. 327-332. Eric Jolly, Ethnographic Expeditions - The Menil Collection https://www.menil.org/read/online-features/.../ethnographic-expeditions-eric-jolly

5. Anthony Alan Shelton, Museums and Anthropologies: Practices and Narratives', in Sharon Macdonald (ed.) A Companion to Museum Studies, Blackwell Publishing, 2008, p .68.

6. Claire Bose-Tiesse and Anais Wion, op.cit. p.15

7. K. Opoku, The logic of non-restitution of cultural objects - Elginism www.elginism.com/similar-cases/the-logic-of-non-restitution-of-cultural.../884/ The Musee du quai Branly has as its motto, where cultures dialogue, la ou les cultures dialoguent. However, the museum is in no way interested in discussing with African countries their looted artefacts that fill that museum, including the objects looted or stolen by the Dakar -Djibouti Mission. An official of the Musee du quai Branly is reported to have made the following declaration:

We at the Quai Branly, as elsewhere in France, have decided to respect the principle of laicite [separation of church and state, very roughly equivalent to secularism]. Therefore, we do not take into consideration any claim based on religion or ethnicity. Thats important. Were a public institution, a secular institution operating in the public domain. If you allow the legitimacy of one religion, you allow them all, and then they all cancel each other out. That would put every place in the world on the same level!.. Giving credit to all the claims would be to cancel out all of them...If you really believe that these things have a profound meaning, well the museum isnt made for that. The museum is not a religious space. Sally Price, Paris Primitive: Jacques Chiracs Museum on the Quay Branly, University of Chicago Press, 2007, p.123.

See the recent demand for restitution by the Republic of Benin which was met with a firm French refusal, based on old arguments which have been refuted many years ago-

Benin : la France dit "non" a la restitution des biens culturels mal ...

afrique.lepoint.fr/.../benin-la-france-dit-non-a-la-restitution-des-bie..

Faut-il restituer au Benin ses biens culturels ? | Le Point Afrique

afrique.lepoint.fr/.../faut-il-restituer-au-benin-ses-biens-culturels-11..

Rendez au Benin les tresors pilles pendant la colonisation ! 

www.lemonde.fr/.../rendez-au-benin-les-tresors-pilles-pendant-la-co ...

8. From Benin to Quai Branly - Dr. Kwame Opoku - AFRIKANET.info

www.afrikanet.info/archiv1/index.php?option=com...task

Kwame Opoku: Did Emperor Haile Selassie Authorize Dakar-Djibouti ...

www.africavenir.org/news.../kwame-opoku.../print.html

More Dogon in National Museum, Bamako? ...

https://www.modernghana.com/.../more-dogon-in-muse-du-quai- ...

The reasons given for non return of cultural property - Elginism

www.elginism.com/similar-cases/the-reasons-given.../2348/

What are they really celebrating at the Musee du Quai Branly, Paris ...

https://www.pambazuka.org/.../what-are-they-really-celebrating-...

9. The German translation of the French original, Afrique fantome is entitled,

Michel Leiris, Phantom Afrika - Tagebuch einer Expedition von Dakar nach Djibouti 1931-1933, Band 1 und Band II, 1980, Syndikat Autoren-und Verlagsgesellschaft, Frankfurt am Main.

The Portuguese version is entitled A Africa Fantasma, 2007

published by Cosac Naify, Sao Paulo, Brasil.

The Spanish edition is entitled: El Africa fantasmal, by Tomas Fernandez AZ and Beatriz Eibar Barrens, 2007, Ed. Pre-Texts. The Italian edition is entitled, L Africa fantasma by Aldo Pasquali, Rizzoli Editore,1984.

10. James Clifford, The Predicament of Culture, Twentieth-Century Ethnography, Literature, and Art, 2002, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, p. 213.

11. European museums to 'loan' looted Benin bronzes to Nigeria ...

https://www.pambazuka.org/.../european-museums-loan-looted ...

12. K. Opoku, Will Humboldt  Forum Defend Holding Looted Artefacts With

https://www.modernghana.com/.../will-humboldt-forum-defend-holding-looted-artefa..

13. Aminata Traore, Ainsi nos uvres dart ont droit de cite la ou nous sommes, dans lensemble, interdits de sejour  Droit de cite - 23 juin 2006 - L'Obs tempsreel.nouvelobs.com  Culture droit de cite, par Aminata Traore - Connaitre l'histoire coloniale ... ldh-toulon.net/droit-de-cite-par-Aminata-Traore.html (Translation into English by Kwame Opoku)Those who can read French would benefit from reading the whole statement by Aminata Traore, one of the most formidable intellectuals of our times.

A lheure ou celui-ci ouvre ses portes au public, je continue de me demander jusquou iront les puissants de ce monde dans larrogance et le viol de notre imaginaire. Nous sommes invites, aujourdhui, a celebrer avec lancienne puissance coloniale une uvre architecturale, incontestablement belle, ainsi que notre propre decheance et la complaisance de ceux qui, acteurs politiques et institutionnels africains, estiment que nos biens culturels sont mieux dans les beaux edifices du Nord que sous nos propres cieux

Le Musee du Quai Branly est bati, de mon point de vue, sur un profond et douloureux paradoxe a partir du moment ou la quasi totalite des Africains, des Amerindiens, des Aborigenes dAustralie, dont le talent et la creativite sont celebres, nen franchiront jamais le seuil compte tenu de la loi sur limmigration choisie. Il est vrai que des dispositions sont prises pour que nous puissions consulter les archives via lInternet. Nos uvres ont droit de cite la ou nous sommes, dans lensemble, interdits de sejour.

A Tukulor doll from Mali, Kayes Region, now in Musee du quai Branly. Michel Leiris, 28 August 1931: Looting, as in other villages, of everything we could find in the way of costumes, utensils, childrens toys, etc.
A new estate dubbed, Ayi Mensah Park, which seeks to address challenges in the housing sector in Ghana, has been launched.

The Ayi Mensah Park, which comprises 170 town homes, is a joint venture between a local real estate firm, BlackIvy Ghana Limited and its counterpart from the United States, Mercury Estates.

It is located at the foot of the Aburi Mountain, some few minutes' drive from Accra.

Speaking at the launch on Thursday, August 31 in Accra, President of Indigo Homes, a division of BlackIvy, Anthony Okyere, said the estate has been designed to offer comfort and value for money for potential residents.

He indicated that At Ayi Mensah, we have 170 town homes, a mixture of two and three bedrooms.

In terms of facilities, if you look at Ayi Mensah land use, which is another critical factor, we have tried to use the land very sensitively but also provided the means for people to be able to enjoy the outdoors, the president said.

He noted that we have almost like a two-acre park, we have a club house, swimming pool, playground. So you have the ability to actually enjoy the space within a confined, secure community.

So I believe we strike a good balance between giving land and providing the facilities you need. Interestingly, we have shops as well. So you can have a coffee shop, we have a barber shop, we have retail, so you know in Ayi Mensah, you probably wouldn't need to leave your house because you have all the facilities around, according to him.

By Melvin Tarlue
Tension is mounting among senior Customs officers following what they describe as lopsidedness in the transfer regime at the revenue agency.

According to inside sources, senior officers are seething with anger over favoritism in the transfer of officers, with a warning that if management of the Ghana Revenue Agency (GRA) continues to ignore their concerns, government efforts at raking in more revenue may be derailed.

The Customs Division of the GRA appears to be at the receiving end of all the agencies under GRA, as officers are reportedly transferred without the input of their superior officers.

Fuming with rage, customs officers are blaming the GRA for their present predicament where officers who had juicy duty posts under the previous political administration are mostly maintained while those who suffered victimization continue to suffer even in the new administration, because they claim they don't have money to oil the system.

They particularly singled out the Commissioner in-charge of Support Services at GRA, Fred Ansong, who they claim unilaterally does the transfers without recourse to his colleague Customs Commissioner  a development they assert is against the rules.

When reached on phone yesterday, Mr Ansong dismissed the allegation of 'cash for transfer' saying the current management of GRA is above board.

The new management is incorruptible, he claimed, while directing further questions on transfers to Kofi Nti, GRA Commissioner General.

The officers suspect that recent transfers were laden with underhand dealings, citing a transfer of an officer who had overstayed at the Kotoka International Airport and posted to Wa in the Upper West Region only to return to the airport a few days later simply because he has a 'deep pocket.'

The said officer, who was described as untouchable in the previous administration, is considered one of the richest customs officers, having chains of hotels and other business concerns.

Some ladies, who were sent to the Volta Region also returned to Accra while others have been on one duty post for over 16 years, especially in the deprived areas with no one pleading on their behalf.

According to the officers, before the new administration assumed office, transfers and promotions were posted on notice boards.

Now it is a secret operation abandoning all known rules in the service, an aggrieved officer posited.

Interdiction

The customs officers are also not happy with the spate of interdiction in the service  where over 200 officers had been sent home over alleged corrupt deals involving a certain importer with strong political connections to the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

The said importer and hotelier is said to have caused the nation to lose over GH1.2 billion in revenue through under-declaration and he is currently facing BNI investigation.

The peeved officers claim that laid-down rules were not followed in sending their colleagues home.

While conceding that some of the officers deserve the exit because of the way they compromised themselves, others were just victims of circumstances because they only acted on instructions from their superiors while the said superiors are still at post.

They said the process was against their collective bargaining agreement and that that had caused morale to be dampened.
The rainstorm that occurred early yesterday morning led to a large number of floods across the city, according to information released by the Civil Protection Center.

In Taipa, areas at the Cotai strip, the Macau International Airport, and some nearby Coloane sectors registered floods. Specifically, in Cotai, about 11 districts were affected by floods, including Rotunda do Istmo, Av. Do Aeroporto, and Estr. de Pac On. In particular, in an area close to Hac Sa Beachs barbecue area, a landslide happened.

Police and firefighters have already been dispatched to the location to inspect the situation, and the Land and Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) is also following the case.

The road is temporarily closed.

The R. Central de Toi San and R. da Missao de Fatima were also closed due to floods.

The Estr. Alm. Magalhaes Correia towards Estr. Cel. Nicolau de Mesquita was only accessible to bus and private cars, while motorbikes were not allowed in the area and could only get access to Avenida Padre Tomas Pereira.

Typhoon signal one was hoisted yesterday when the rainstorm hit the city, and tropical storm Mawar was approaching the proximity of Macau [in Shantou, Guangdong].

The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) also issued a rainstorm warning. In turn, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) issued a school suspension at 6.20 a.m. Nurseries, primary schools, and special education facilities were called to suspend classes for the whole day, although secondary education still proceeded.

Mawar arrived at Shantou late on Sunday night, having brought the rainstorm to Macau.
Government has reiterated plans to improve its revenue base and reduce the country's debt levels and overdependence on donor agencies.

In this regard, the NPP administration has set out an ambitious plan to mobilize enough domestic revenue to meet key infrastructural needs.

This is also viewed against the backdrop of reducing borrowing which has led to the growth in the country's debt.

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta explains that the country should meet this target with the necessary framework in place.

One of the major issues now with regards to our whole concept of our 2063 agenda is how do we move Africa beyond aid and what does that mean?Our 2017 -2021 strategy is a blue print that will help us move towards that.

The Minister added, I pray that it becomes a living document for all of us over this period as our new realignment with the AU and the aclis hill for most of the things we do on this continent is implementation.

Mr. Ken Ofori Atta was speaking at the opening of the 26th Annual Meeting of the African Capacity Building Foundation Board of Governors in Accra.

The government for the first half of this year failed to meet its revenue target of 44.5 billion cedis.

This has subsequently led to a downward revision of the target to about 43 billion cedis by the end of the year.

Even though the NPP is yet to issue any Eurobond, it has announced plans to borrow 17.4 billion cedis for the third quarter of 2017.

But Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta explains that the four year revenue mobilization strategy by the government spanning 2018 to 2021 should bring respite to the debt burden.

We have our own shortfalls in this country; the link up with the private sector and civil society is going to be crucial and knowledge sharing and forming peer groups so that we do not repeat past mistakes is going to be important. All of this towards the implementation of what we have to do, he again asserted.

The conference brought together the Finance Ministers from across the sub-region to identify ways to build capacity in their respective countries and harness resources for economic development.
About 28 communities in the Volta Region will soon be benefitting from 28 health facilities that will serve thousands of residents and hundreds of households.

The 28 new community-based health planning and service (CHPS) compounds are being constructed by Systems For Health, an agency of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The facilities, according to Systems For Health, is part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths and improve on neonatal health in very deprived communities in the region.

The Volta Regional Coordinator for Systems For Health, Silvanus Adukpo, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE, explained that each of the CHPS compounds would be fully furnished with a facility for the midwives and other staff who will engage in providing health services to the zone.

He said all the 28 CHPS compounds are expected to be completed by June 2019 when the five-year project by Systems For Health to strengthen vital health systems to improve health delivery in five regions of the country would have ended.

Special Hospital On Water

Mr Adukpo indicated that in a bid to bridge the gap and improve on access to healthcare, the agency is also constructing a boat to link the rest of the Volta Region to the island communities.

The boat, he stated, would be placed on the Volta Lake, and this is expected to transport health workers to communities which cannot be accessed by cars.

He intimated that the boat would provide a safer transport for the health workers and help them carry out monitoring activities efficiently.

Mr Adukpo added that the boats are about 70 percent complete, and they would be handed over to the Ghana Health Service by December this year.

The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Joseph Teye Nuertey, speaking to the DAILY GUIDE about the projects, pointed out that the construction of the boat is one of the tenets set by the health directorate for Systems For Health in its operations in the region.

[email protected]

Fred Duodu, Ho
Johannesburg (AFP) - South African opposition parties petitioned the country's highest court on Tuesday in a fresh bid to impeach President Jacob Zuma, who is battling multiple legal cases and corruption allegations.

The opposition asked the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg to order parliament to set up an investigation into Zuma's conduct over publicly-funded upgrades to his private residence.

The court last year ruled that Zuma failed to "uphold, defend and respect" the constitution by refusing to comply with an anti-corruption watchdog that recommended he repay money spent on the residence.

At Tuesday's hearing, lawyers argued that parliamentary Speaker Baleka Mbete should launch a process to determine if Zuma was guilty of an offence that could warrant impeachment.

Zuma has survived several parliamentary attempts to oust him from office, most recently last month when a vote of no-confidence against him was defeated.

In April last year Zuma easily withstood an impeachment vote after a stormy session of parliament when ANC lawmakers rallied to his defence

The 75-year-old is due to step down as head of the ruling ANC party in December, and as national president before the 2019 general election.

"What we are asking the court to do is to direct parliament to consider whether or not the conduct of the president is... impeachable," opposition lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi told the court.

"There should be an inquiry into the conduct of the president."

Zuma fought for two years against demands that he should repay the money spent on his sprawling Nkandla homestead, until he was finally censured by the Constitutional Court.

He paid back some of the public funds spent on upgrades that included a chicken coop and a swimming pool.

In 2014, the Public Protector watchdog found that Zuma had "unduly benefited" from the multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Zuma faces many legal challenges even after leaving office, with the looming threat of almost 800 corruption charges against him being reinstated over a multi-billion dollar arms deal in the 1990s.

Opposition parties, lead by the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters, hope to benefit from Zuma's scandals at 2019 elections when the ANC risks losing power for the first time since coming to office in 1994.
The Minority in Parliament has accused Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta of breaching the procurement Act when he awarded a GHE10m COCOBOD contract to a private businessman.

At a press conference Tuesday, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs said the contract was given without the approval of the Public Procurement Authority.

Addressing the media, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said the contract given to McDan Shipping Company Limited, did not pass through the Central Tender Review committee.

The MPs say the contract was awarded on June 9, 2017, but the Review committee which is to do the approval was only constituted on August 1, 2017.

The Minority caucus said there is also no board for the PPA to approve the contract and are therefore asking "who in the PPA is approving those contracts?".

"There is a breach of the procurement process .....it is clear that this government is not respecting procurement laws" he called the attention of the media.

The Minority said the Finance Minister also approved a GHE10million loan from adb Bank to be given to McDan Shipping again without the approval of the Board.

They pointed out, the adb Bank does not even have a Board.

The NDC MPs said the approval exposes the bank to possible collapse in granting the GHE10 million cedis loan to one of his political cronies.

Expect more...

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com
Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa has exited its first recession in eight years after the economy recorded 2.5 percent growth in the second quarter, official statistics released Tuesday showed.

Statistics South Africa said gross domestic product (GDP) "increased by 2.5 percent in the second quarter of 2017, following a decrease of 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2017."

Africa's most advanced economy, which entered a technical recession in March after two consecutive quarters of contraction, was lifted by 33.6 percent growth in agricultural output.

"The industry's increase was mainly as a result of increases in the production of field crops and horticultural products," said an official statement.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party said the slight improvement provided "little hope" for millions of the unemployed, as low growth was forecast for this year.

"The economy, which is set to grow at just 0.5 percent this year, is growing too slowly to increase the level of per capita income for the 30.4 million people living below the poverty line," it said.

South Africa's economy has experienced sluggish growth in recent years with the jobless rate rising to 27.7 percent.

Last month, official statistics revealed that more than half of the 56.5 million population were living in poverty, despite the government's efforts to ease inequality.

In April, the country lost its investment grade credit rating when the world's two major agencies, Fitch and Standard & Poor's, downgraded its sovereign debt to junk status.

Their move was partly blamed on President Jacob Zuma's sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March.

The central bank has reduced its growth prediction for 2018 to 1.2 percent, down from 1.5 percent.
Maseru (Lesotho) (AFP) - Lesotho's army commander was shot dead by rival officers at a military barracks Tuesday, an official told AFP, in an apparent assassination set to revive instability in the mountainous African kingdom.

"The commander (Khoantle Motsomotso) has been declared dead," a military official who declined to be named told AFP, adding that two senior officers behind the attack had also been killed in the shoot-out.

The military official said the two senior officers were denied access to Motsomotso's office by army guards.

"They attempted to forcefully enter, there was a shoot-out between the two, their companion who has since fled, and the commander's bodyguards," he said.

A new coalition government took office in Lesotho in June under Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, who vowed to bring peace to the country that has been rocked by a series of political upheavals.

Thabane, 78, previously served as premier after the 2012 elections but was forced to flee to South Africa following an attempted military coup two years later.

In August 2014, soldiers led by sacked army chief General Tlali Kamoli seized control of police headquarters after Thabane had suspended parliament to avoid a no-confidence vote.

Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) party won snap elections on June 3 but failed to get an outright majority, leading it to negotiate joint rule with three other parties.
05.09.2017 LISTEN

We have read with utter disdain and worry the attacks and unsubstantiated allegation levelled against the person of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye by one Aplus, and have been compelled to come to the defense of the young man who we have known during his days here in Michigan as a Master of Public Administration student at the Michigan State University.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye is a very distinguished young man who has been able to carve a niche for himself through hard work, humility, honesty, and integrity. This was evident during his stay and studies here in Michigan. We were therefore not surprised when eventually, he was selected by the then NPP presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as his political assistant. And his recent elevation after the NPP won power speaks truth to the attributes that we saw in him here in Michigan.

During his days here, his sense of responsibility, dedication, and commitment to contribute to the good of his community and the general good of humanity earned him a recognition from the Black Caucus of the Michigan State Senate. He earned his Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation on merit and unwavering integrity! This was a great feat to have been achieved by a young Ghanaian scholar in the State of Michigan. Mr. Asenso-Boakye made Ghanaians in Michigan proud, and we continue to be proud of him especially in these critical times of our nation as he serves the president and government to steer affair of our dear nation on the right track.

We really understand how the politics of the day is in Ghana. Sheer jealousy, interest-driven hatred, backbiting, backstabbing and malicious maligning without reason have been the trade in stock for some misguided and fast and loose people within the political circles. We are therefore by this publication calling on the Mr. Asenso-Boakye to remain resolute, steadfast and focused on his assigned duties and responsibilities as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Assistant to the President of Ghana. Theres an economy to fix, jobs to create, health care to improve, galamsey to fight among many others. The work before the president and his government is huge and any distraction of officers around the president by irrelevance should not be countenanced at all.

We believe in the judgment of the president of the republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the selection of his appointees. And it is therefore of gross disrespect for anybody at all to impugn the integrity of the president by referring to his appointments as stupid. Ghanaians in Michigan strongly call on the young man, Aplus, to as a matter of urgency apologize unreservedly to the deputy chiefs of staff as well, as he has done to the president.

President Akufo-Addo, Ghanaians in Michigan, USA will want to echo from the inner bowels of the Michigan State that you are working closely with a young man with impeccable integrity. That, we assure you, Mr. President!

To Hon. Asenso-Boakye, we want to remind you that the attack from Aplus may not be the last of its kind, but, do not be swayed or kowtowed to the demands of such attacks. We know you to be a man of unquestionable integrity, strong-willed, humble but brave. You showed it during days in Michigan, USA. And we have no doubt that you will be able to surmount the pressures that come with your job.

Continue to shine, Francis Asenso-Boakye. We are proud of you!

Signed

Edward Nii Lamptey

Ghanaian Community, Michigan, USA
The proliferation of numerous labs and healthcare centres whose practice leaves much to be desired. The end result is that the patient does not get the quality results that are needed for his or her right treatment, according to the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu.

On this note, Business Week ABUBAKARI SEIDU AJARFOR interacted with Chief Executive Officer and Director of Sunshine Healthcare Limited, Bernard M. Joseph to find out about investments, cost of private healthcare delivery, quality, accessibility, competition, policy hindrance and sustainability.

It is against this background that the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Sunshine Healthcare Limited, Bernard M. Joseph has invested a whopping 4million dollars in the provision of quality, timely and affordable world class diagnostic services in a wide range of laboratory and imagining at its new Airport Residential branch in Ghana.

The Ultramodern Diagnostic Centre which was launched in June, 2017 is offering complete diagnosis under one roof. They offers Radiological Services like X-Ray, CT-Scan , MRI , Mammography , Ultrasound & Colour Doppler , E.C.G. Medical Laboratory offering complete range of Tests in Biochemistry , Haematology , Serology ,Immunology , Pathology etc. in addition to that they do routine medical check-ups under different packages. The Centre runs on 24/7 basis and reports are sent promptly within 24 hrs.

He indicated that Sunshine Medical Diagnostic Centre offers outpatient medical care and is run by specialists with a variety of health care services. The facility has a well-equipped Laboratory that is able to perform both basic and specialized tests managed by a qualified lab technologist under the supervision of a Pathologist.

Mr. Joseph strongly believes that income status of an individual should not be a hindrance to quality and accessible healthcare services in the country, that, he sees, was the need for a more collaboration with government to offer healthcare services that are affordable to Ghanaians irrespective of ones social and economic status. According to him, services in the private healthcare facilities are very expensive but in democratizing its services, discounts and free services are given to patients who may not be able to afford depending on a particular case at Sunshine Healthcare.

He stated that they have also extended their services adding that we also have specialists and group of consultants who offer medical treatment. We actually want Ghanaians to feel free to meet specialist of their choice which is rarely seen elsewhere. Specialists in other facilities elsewhere sometimes come in once or twice a week but at Sunshine healthcare, we have 24 specialists who are available at all times to offer real-time services.

With 42 direct employees, they offer a one-stop-shop for all health problems and they make sure that patients get proper treatment in few minutes adding that, when you come, first, you meet the specialists, do the diagnosis, the tests, come back to the doctor who is very clear about your case to prescribe treatment and you are good to go in less than an hour.

Quality Services and Affordability

The CEO of the facility said they have highly qualified and trained expatriates who provide accuracy and timely reports as well as train local doctors and graduates to meet the required standards and practices at the centre.

In terms of affordability, Mr. Joseph was slow to admit but indicated that healthcare services in the private sector is very expensive compared to the benefits those in the public sector receive from government that are not extended to the private operators. Comparatively, we have a very cost effective solution that makes our services very affordable compared to other players in the sector. Cost can be reduced if government also reduces the port duties and taxes that have burdened the private operators.

Target customer

We are basically looking at everybody who have a medical problem and require diagnosis because we are not pricing too high and our charges are competitive. We also offer discounts and free services recommended by our specialists for people who are in dire need. In as much as we want to keep the business running, we also consider the social aspect of individuals who are in need and cannot afford the services.

Patronage and Accessibility

On a daily basis, we have 70 to 140 visitors who come for diagnosis and our treatment centre which was recently introduced to provide the one-stop-shop for all your health needs. We have quality doctors who provide treatment to those who come for diagnosis but for the referral ones, after the diagnosis and tests, we send the reports back to them so that they can also go back to their hospitals for treatment.

Major health Cases

Most of the cases that are brought here are stroke. There are two types of stroke and if the doctor does not get the right and accurate report, he or she may prescribe wrong treatments but once the doctor gets accurate report, the patient can be saved. Stroke is the common illness we have in Ghana as a result of ones eating habit, family history and failure to exercise the body regularly.

Operational Challenges

We have had very good experience and positive engagements with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Finance and Customs at the port when we went to clear our new MRI machine. Before certain laws were passed by government and just two days to clear our goods, the law had taken effect. But because we are a company of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), certain exemptions were given and once we were able to show our identification and letter of guarantee, we were reimbursed in a fast and accurate manner within the 30 to 45days assurance. We were very amazed despite the few difficulties in the documentation process.

I will also want to commend the Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu for his seriousness in dealing with time. When we extended an invitation to the Minister for the launch of our Airport Residential office, we gave him 10:30am and he asked us whether we are sure about the time and lo and behold, Kwaku Agyemang Manu arrived at exactly 10:25am and we were very amazed and surprised.

However, government should open its doors to allow more foreign specialists who are willing to impact their knowledge and build local capacities to meet the deficit in the country. The future for us in the sector is bright and we will urge government to provide a more enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Future plans and Sustainability

We want to establish a Dialysis Centre in the country to augment our services. We have very few facilities in the country and there are a lot of people who are suffering from chronic kidney diseases and I believe this will be good news to patients in Ghana when we finally set up. Negotiations are ongoing as we enter the second phase of this new project which will soon arrive. We are hoping to open additional five branches in Ghana, one every year in Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Sunyani and another one in Accra.

Sunshine Healthcare, a world-class health care services provider, has inaugurated its new office located on the Senchi Street, adjacent the Association International School in the Airport Residential Area. The new building has a larger space for parking and it is equipped with modern and state-of-the-art diagnostics and medical facilities that will enable the company carry out medical tests and reports in real time.
Sunyani, Sept. 4, GNA - Assembly members have been urged to cooperate with their respective metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) to fast-track development.

Mr Evans Bobie, the Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, who gave the advice, said he was unhappy that partisan politics continued to fuel disunity between assembly members and their MMDCEs and slowed down development.

He said assembly members, as the representatives of the people, played crucial role within the decentralisation concept adding that their actions and inactions could either forestall or speed up development.

Mr Bobie was speaking at the opening session of a workshop on the new Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) for assembly members in the Brong-Ahafo Region on Monday.

The Local Government Act 936 contains 236 sections and replaces the repealed Act 462.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Institute of Local Government Studies, with support from the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation.

He said the Government relied on them to explain its policies and programmes to enable the ordinary Ghanaian to understand them better.

Mr Bobie, who is the Member of Parliament for Asunafo North, therefore underlined the need for the assembly members to bury their political differences to promote and deepen peaceful coexistence among each other and their MMDCEs.

He charged them to help find innovative ways of raising funds locally to augment the District Assembly Common Fund for development.

Dr George Fredua, a lecturer at the Institute of Local Government Studies, Mr John Agama, a Consultant at the Institute, and Mr Johnathan Azasoo, a Director at the National Development Planning Commission, took the assembly members through the new Act.
Accra, Sept. 4, GNA - Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, on Monday said government is working to correct the mismatch between the skills needed by industry and what the training institutions had been developing.

He said the country, over the years, had underplayed the importance of technical and vocation education, which were the core skills needed as a developing and industrialising economy.

'Government has identified the need to fix this mismatch and we are realigning our education system to place more emphasis on technical, vocational and allied skills as a matter of urgency,' he said.

Mr Osafo-Maafo was speaking at the opening of the 26th Board of Governors Meeting of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the African Union's Specialised Agency for Capacity Development.

The two-day meeting, being held in collaboration with the Government, is on the theme: 'Enhancing Access to and Absorption of Development Resources in Africa.'

Mr Osafo-Maafo said many African countries were facing similar issues with their educational training and the situation needed to be tackled without delay.

He said Africa must address the challenge of inadequate capacity to ensure its socio-economic transformation and become a more prominent global player.

He said capital and capacity building were the pillars for development adding;

'As a continent, we have taken the easier routes over the years, getting loans and exporting raw materials. These have not expanded our economies to create the jobs we need for our youthful population.'

Mr Osafo-Maafo urged the ACBF to scale up its success stories by building collaboration with other strategic institutions, which would enhance capacity both at the policy development and implementation levels.

Mr Thomas Kwesi Quartey, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for support from all governments, development partners and key stakeholders to ensure concrete outcomes and advancement of capacity development.

He said Africa had grown a little tired of seeing its children desperately trying to cross the Sahara on foot and getting drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, all in the hope of an El-Dorado in Europe, which was non-existent.

'We need our children here, but to be able to do that we need to have them all properly educated, cultured in science and technology so that they begin to appreciate the importance of what we have here in Africa and what we can do for this Continent,' Mr Quartey said.

Professor Emmanuel Nnadozie, the Executive Secretary of ACBF, said the Foundation must go beyond the resource access challenge to finding solutions to the use of resources acquired.

He said for ACBF to effectively deliver on its capacity building mandate, there was the need for political and financial support of African governments and cooperating partners.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, lauded ACBF for its contribution to the strengthening of the institutional and human capacities as well as the socio-economic transformation of countries.

This, he said, was done through financial investments, knowledge production and sharing, and technical assistance, which were record breaking.

The meeting would share experiences and practices on the use of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for socio-economic transformation and innovative ways of financing STI.

The ACBF Board of Governors will review the work of the Foundation in 2016, especially what it laid out to achieve within its current five-year strategy (2017 to 2021).

The strategy aims to support the emergence of skilled people and strong institutions to transform Africa, which is developed around four principal goals.

These are effective delivery of continental development priorities such as Agenda 2063; supporting countries to achieve tangible development results; enhancing the ability of the private sector and civil society to contribute to sustainable development; and leveraging knowledge and learning to increase development effectiveness.
The Media Center for Social Justice (MCJ Ghana) has taken note of the latest decision by government to revoke the Bauxite Mining Contract between the Ministry of Mines and Natural Resources and the Exton Cubic Ltd, a company said to be owned by the family of the brother of former President, Ibrahim Mahama.

MCJ Ghana finds the latest twist intriguing because we hold the view that the fact that previous allegations of greed and power influence had been levelled against Mr Ibrahim Mahama does not make him less a Ghanaian, and therefore he deserves to be treated with the dignity every Ghanaian is entitled to.

While we support any attempt to ensure fair play and due diligence, we are equally concerned that such processes are backed by law and we welcome the revocation if the process was devoid of whims, emotions and politics. We therefore demand of government to be transparent on this matter.

Government should, by all means, do the right thing, by in doing so, we call for cool heads to prevail, in the spirit of our collective citizenship, devoid of political expediency, and with circumspect, and to avoid any future judgment debts to the Ghana taxpayer.

MCJ Ghana wishes to put on record that the raging issue involving the company in question has exposed the complexities of some state institutions, in this case the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most of which have become political tools used by political activists to destroy businesses of their opponents, while giving unfair advantages to their political cronies. This is unfortunate and any attempts at public sector reforms and institutional renewal must address it.

It is also the expectation of MCJ Ghana that the equity test that Mr Ibrahim and his family has been subjected to will be visited on all, irrespective of political affinity.

James Kofi Annan

(President)
05.09.2017 LISTEN

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 5 September 2017,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Talking to Africa is a new show on Africa Business Radio (ABR) that will be making its debut on Wednesday, 27th September. The show will broadcast on Wednesdays at 3pm with repeats on Thursdays and Mondays at 9am SAT. The objective of Talking to Africa is to discuss the narrative of Africa: what it currently is, who shapes it, how it impacts the continent's development and what can be done to ensure Africans own their own storytelling tools and platforms.

Following on the release of her new e-book, Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent, PR and Communications maven, Mimi Kalinda, continues the work of ensuring Africans are given a platform to shift the African narrative.

Author and Managing Director of Africommunications Group (ACG), a pan-African public relations company, and now the new host of Talking to Africa, Mimi leverages her experience of almost two decades in communications in Africa and abroad to argue and highlight the importance of giving Africans a voice and recreating the African continent's narrative.

The first episode of Talking to Africa is to discuss Africa's shift from what the Economist once dubbed "The Dark Continent" to "Africa Rising" and the exploration will be led by a common goal: to explore and get to know the factors, circumstances and people who shape Africa's narrative, why and how they do it, and what can be done towards achieving reputational equity for Africa that is fair, balanced and truly representative of the realities on the continent. Subsequent episodes of the show's first season will discuss Agenda 2063, African youth immigrating to Europe, the reforms of the African Union, trade issues in East Africa, African leadership and the issue of culture, African identity and social cohesion, decolonizing African education, Cameroon's Francophone and Anglophone conflict, colonial tax in the modern world, trade and politics in Southern Africa, democracy, and Africa's contribution to scientific discovery.

Mimi is an advocate of the African continent and its growth. She regularly writes and speaks about how shaping Africa's narrative positively is vital for the continent to fulfil its potential. She is an Associate of the 2017 Archbishop Tutu Fellow Leadership programme, sits on the Africa Brand Counsel and was nominated for the Women4Africa Awards 2016 as a finalist for the International African Woman of the Year Award.

About Africa Business Radio

Africa Business Radio is a multi-platform digital business radio station combining the power of traditional online with mobile, social media and Podcast to reach a wider community of business and institutional leaders.

Live Radio: Africa Business Radio

Podcast: ABR Podcast

We provide insights and analysis regarding the Business Landscape across Africa, ranging from startups to economics, providing stories useful for doing or planning to do business in Africa.

Our goal is to reduce the risk of failure for businesses of all sizes expanding into or across Africa by demystifying the complexity of the African Business Landscape.

We are on a mission to promote economic growth and prosperity for all business establishments currently doing business in or expanding into Africa by providing invaluable insights into the opportunity and complexity of Africa's business landscape.
The Volta Regional Representative to the Council of State, Francis Nyonyo Agboada, has donated some educational materials to schools in the region to support the smooth take-off of the Free Senior High School policy in the Volta Region.

About 13,000 pieces of Exercise and Note Books are to be presented to the all 25 Municipal and District Assemblies in the region, for onward distribution to schools in the region.

According to Mr. Nyonyo Agboada, each school in the region would receive about 500 pieces depending on the enrollment.

Mr. Agboada, who believes the Ghanaian child deserves an affordable and quality education in a decent environment told Citi News, the move is part of his quota to support the smooth implementation of the policy in the region.

Mr. Agboada, who started the distribution on Monday, has also been interacting with Chiefs, Assembly Members and Opinion leaders of the region, encouraging them to support all government policy interventions aimed at enhancing lives.

Already, three districts in the Krachi Zones of the region have benefited, and the gesture is being extended to the remaining schools across the region. An estimated amount of GHc36,000 is to be spent on this project.

The Free Senior High School is a flagship project by the current government which aims at elevating the burden on parents and guardians in the payment of bills for their childrens education.

Under the policy, government would foot all bills including feeding fees, school fees, and all other charges.

Over 420,000 eligible students would benefit from the project when it kicks starts next week.
The opposition National Democratic Congress is embarking on a unity walk this Saturday in the Northern Region capital, Tamale, as part of the strategies to recapture power.

The opposition performed poorly in the 2016 general elections which saw then incumbent, John Mahama loose to the New Patriotic Partys Nana Akufo-Addo in the presidential contest. The NDC also lost its majority hold in parliament to the NPP.

The NDC is gradually bouncing out of the defeat and has begun remobilising its support base in a bid to energise the grassroot especially the northern part of the country where it has a lot of following.

In the past one month, the Council of Elders including former President Jerry Rawlings, has been meeting religiously every Tuesday morning at the Partys Headquarters in Adabraka giving guidance as regards the way forward for the Party.

The unity walk which has been scheduled to take off from the Jubilee Park from 7 am will also provide an avenue for the supporters interact and socialise with each their leaders.

The NDC currently commands at least 20 of the 31 seats in the Northern Region while the governing NPP has 10.

Executives of the opposition party in the Northern Region are hoping to use the unity walk to bring together supporters and work together towards victory in the coming general election in the year 2020.
An 11-year-old pupil of Roman Ridge School in Accra, has donated his savings of more than 2 years to Citi FM's ' Citi Opportunity Project on Education (COPE)' initiative.

Kekeli Eni, who heard about the initiative through his father, donated GH453.20; coins he had saved from pocket money received from his parents and other relatives.

COPE is an initiative that seeks to provide full scholarships to brilliant but deprived students to further their education at the tertiary level.

On August 29, Citi FM launched the 2017 edition of the project with the aim of raising GH250,000 to support the tertiary education of 50 brilliant and needy students from across the country.

Kekeli's father, Mr. Eni, who also donated some amount of money to support the initiative brought along his son's contribution; coins of 1 cedi, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesewa in a paper bag.

Following the call for donations made on air, many individuals and companies have contributed generously to support the cause.

Citi FM continues to encourage donations from individuals and corporate bodies to give to otherwise qualified but deprived Senior High School graduates the opportunity to further their education to the tertiary level.

How to contribute

Donations can be sent to the MTN mobile money number 0550 900 006. Cheques can also be written in the name: CITI FM FOUNDATION

Alternatively, donations can be made at the front desk of Citi FM, located behind the Adabraka Police Station.

COPE is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative programme under the Citi Foundation.

Between 2014 and 2016, the project expended an average of about GHc 5,000 per academic year on each beneficiary.

Through donor support, COPE has managed to cater for 22 students since its inception.
Some parents and Junior High School (JHS) graduates rushed to the Ring Road office of NIIT on Tuesday in Accra to complete their registration for placement in the Senior High Schools before the deadline.

The Education Ministry had stated on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with the company to offer assistance to the parents and graduates who were having issues with their registration.

One graduate who spoke to Citi News Anass Seidu stated that, despite arriving at the venue very early in the morning, he had still not been able to check his placement.

I'm Kelvin Ashon from La. I'm here to check my [placement]. I came around 4:30am, but I was told to wait because it would start at 7:00am. I'm still waiting, I was told the system was slow and I had to wait a little longer, he said.

One parent added that, she had been checking the site for her sons placement for days and had decided to come to Accra after all her attempts were unsuccessful.

I'm here with my son and we've been checking the site for about three days. I was told to come here and check. I hope before we leave we'll be able to complete it, she said.

Were available to help

The Ring Road Centre Manager of NIIT, Ashish Kumar, told journalists that the IT company was happy to help all the students and parents who were facing challenges with the placement system.

He clarified that NIIT were not working on any technical aspects of the system but were providing free internet services for all the people who came to the premises to check on their placements.

We are an IT training organisation. What we are doing is a kind of social responsibility and it's about helping people. We are trying to help the students out. We are not doing anything technical. There's traffic of students and they are coming here and our staff are available to help them. We're using our internet to give them all the information they need, he said

He added that some issues with the site were delaying the process, but assured the public of the availability of the companys staff to assist the people struggling.

I think there's a problem with the site and that's the reason even we are not able to do anything. A lot of people came yesterday [Monday], and we made them sit in our auditorium so that they could be comfortable. The site was on initially, Ashish Kumar said.

It's a free service we're offering, it's just help for the students and parents. We don't want them to be running around, when they'll face the same challenges everywhere else. At least here, they are sitting inside and are comfortable until it starts working so that we help them all.
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Well, he has been living in the country much longer that I have, so IMANI-Africa President Franklin Cudjoe perfectly appreciates the fact that in a generally politically superficial culture like ours, perception is virtually synonymous with reality. Which is why President Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo cannot simply cherry pick his way out of allegations of corruption leveled against either himself or any of his appointees (See Dont Chase Every Corruption Claim Franklin Cudjoe to Nana Addo Citifmonline.com / Ghanaweb.com 9/2/17).

That would be the easiest way to certain ruination of his credibility and that of his appointees and, indeed, his entire Administration or Government. You see, allowing every single allegation made against any of his appointees to be thoroughly investigated is the surest way of exposing the allegers or complainants, thus making them bear full responsibility for the consequences of their misbehavior as well as making them extremely cautious the next time they decide to put the credibility and reputation of any public official on the line.

It would also enhance the level and quality of transparency which Nana Akufo-Addo promised in the heat of his electioneering campaign. Besides, it is not as if such investigations, as may be called for, will be undertaken personally by himself. This is precisely why the various law-enforcement agencies were established. Well, in the case of the Mahama-led government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), it was not merely the perception of corruption that hurt his regime; rather, there was clear evidence of the willful penchant for corruption, beginning with the Ford Expedition payola scam between then-Vice-President Mahama and Mr. Djibril (Gibril) Kanazoe, the Burkinabe contractor.

Mr. Cudjoe may also vividly recall the time when he was rudely and publicly removed from the economic restructuring committee inaugurated in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital, that was charged with trimming blubber from the bloated civil service payroll, at the clearly and shamelessly cynical urging of Mr. AmetorQuarmyne, one of the NDC apparatchiks, on grounds that the IMANI-Africa think-tanker was advocating policies that were inimical to the retention of the Mahama regime in the next election. Back then, I vividly recall admonishing Mr. Mahama to publicly apologize for the shabby treatment of Mr.Cudjoe and his immediate reinstatement on the public-payroll restructuring committee.

Of course, I did not expect a pathologically imperious and egomaniacal President Mahama to heed my call. But even more significant to point out, it has become crystal clear that both Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the New Patriotic Partys Member of Parliament for Assin-Central, and the Hip-Life musician known as A-Plus, or Mr. Kwame AsareObeng, were merely crying Wolf! for purely selfish motives when these two businessmen publicly accused some highly placed members of the Akufo-Addo Flagstaff House of extortion and, in the case of the two young Deputy Chiefs-of-Staff, namely, Messrs. Samuel Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye, of the dubious high crime and/or misdemeanor of abject stupidity, at least in the opinion of A-Plus.

Now, what I want to highlight here is the apparent flat refusal of these two well-known accusers to be debriefed by the police or any of the other security agencies.

Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
Telstra Corp [ASX:TLS] isnt the most loved stock this year. After a capital allocation review, Telstra decided to drop their payout ratio from close to 100% to between 7090% of underlying earnings.

Not only did the beloved dividend payer cut dividends, their plans to securitise a portion of their NBN receipts had fell through.

Australias biggest telco is down more than 28% this year, as bargain buyers circle the beaten down Bluechip.

If youre unsure whether you should jump into Telstra, why not look at Vita Group Ltd [ASX:VTG].

Vita owns and operates various telecommunication stores, such as Telstra, Fone Zone and One Zero. Unlike Telstra, Vita has had phenomenal growth over the past few years.

Revenues have grown by an average of 11.9% from 201417. Profits are up from $6.2 million in 2013 to $38.9 million in 2017.

Whats more, the company produces a ton of cash. Cash flow from operations are at least $10 million more than profits. It also costs very little to maintain and run their telecommunications stores, which allows Vita to generate $4045 million in free cash flow.

Why has the Vita Group Stock Dropped?

Vita is down more than 50% in 2017. Much of their drop comes from restrictions from Telstra themselves.

On 11 May 2017, Vita announced changes to their remuneration structure with Australias largest telco. The remuneration reductions agreed to between December and February were part of a response to margin pressures faced by Telstra in a very competitive mobility market, Vita said.

Those conditions continue to impact Telstra and the market generally, as we head into FY18 and beyond and have the potential to impact remuneration in the future. Consequently, Vita is working closely and confidentially with Telstra on remuneration and other commercial terms to find mutually acceptable ways of dealing with the challenges that lie ahead. Until these decisions are concluded, Vita has suspended any plans to expand the number of stores in its network.

Think of it this way. If Telstra doesnt turn their performance around, theyll likely reduce their remuneration agreement with Vita and reduce the roll out of more stores. Thus, for Vita, growth is stunted for as long as Telstra feels the need to.

But is the company really worth only $238 million?

Investors have already acknowledged that they may have oversold the stock. From its low in May, Vita is up 74.4%.

But is there more growth to come?

If we assume that revenues and cash flows decrease for the next five years and grow thereafter, Vita would still be an attractive investment to hold over the long run.

Of course theres always the possibility an unforeseen event could push Vitas share price lower. But with the information at hand, Vita looks like a stock which is still over sold by investors with a short term mentality.

Regards,

Harje Ronngard,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning
Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive.

To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research.

Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
'The big truck is still on ...
Microphone and US Flag View Photos

During the Democratic Weekly Address, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) argued US trade and tax policy have encouraged companies to shut down factories in the US and move production overseas.

Brown was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Hi, Im Sherrod Brown. First, I want to thank the first responders, the men and women in the National Guard, the so many volunteers working so hard to protect and comfort those in the path of Hurricane Harvey.

Our hearts break for the families of all those who lost loved ones, including Lieutenant Nicholas Warren Michael Taylor of Ohio, who was on an Air Force training mission in Texas. According to news reports, Lieutenant Taylor gave his life trying to bring others to safety.

To all those suffering devastating loss, please know that your fellow Americans stand behind you, and we will be here for you as you recover and rebuild.

This Labor Day, we honor the men and women who built this country, who continue to power our economy today, including all of those who are critical to hurricane rescue and recovery efforts.

American workers laid down the railroad tracks that moved people and products across the country. They toiled in mines digging the coal that powered our Industrial Revolution. They forged the steel that built our bridges and skyscrapers. They worked on shop floors building cars and trucks and planes that would take our country to new heights. And they built the strongest middle class, and with it, the strongest nation that the world has ever known.

This pin I wear is a canary in a birdcage. A steel worker gave it to me to remind me of the progress that weve made in this country for working people. At the turn of the last century, in 1900, workers took canaries down into mines. If the canary stopped singing, it meant there was poisonous gas and the workers had mere minutes to get out.

Those workers didnt have a union in those days strong enough, or frankly, a government that cared enough in those days to protect them.

But in the 20th century, we changed that. We passed strong labor laws to protect the rights of workers. Unions grew. Millions of Americans worked hard to earn their way to a better life. As our economy expanded, the wages of ordinary Americans grew along with it.

Today, its still American workers who power this country, but their hard work doesnt pay off the way it used to.

For far too long, our trade policy, our tax policy have encouraged a corporate business model that shuts down factories in Toledo or Dayton or Mansfield, Ohio, cashes in on a tax credit at the expense of working Americans, and then ships production overseas, moves those companies overseas to Reynosa, Mexico or Wuhan, China, then sells those products back into the United States.

Far too many of the jobs that remain here dont pay enough in wages and benefits to compensate workers for the hours they put in.

Over the last 40 years, GDPs gone up. corporate profits have gone up. Executive compensation has gone up. But workers havent shared in the economic growth they created. Wall Streets made billions, but the average bank teller earns about $26,000 a year. Middle managers have seen their benefits cut. People earn less. People cant save for retirement. People feel less stable, all while working harder and producing more than ever before.

Its a universal problem in this country, whether you punch a timesheet, whether you make a salary, or earn tips, whether youre on a payroll, a contract worker, or a temp worker, youre getting squeezed.

It effects workers behind desks and on factory floors, behind restaurant counters, working retail. Its a problem in the industrial heartland. Its a problem on the coasts. Its a problem in the South, everywhere.

Every last one of you is the backbone of the greatest economy in the world. Yet, you have less and less to show for it.

Democrats are fighting to make your hard work pay off once again.

We have proposals to wage benefit  to raise wages and benefits, to make it easier for workers to save for retirement, to give workers more influence and power in the workplace, to encourage companies to invest in their greatest asset: you, the American worker.

When I was first elected to the State House in Columbus from Mansfield, Ohio, I used to spend hours at United Steel Workers Local 169 in my hometown. I talked with workers who stopped in at the hall before or after their shifts. I learned how they made steel, how they built cars, I learned how they  I learned about their children. I learned about their neighborhoods. They worked hard, most of them gladly worked six days for the overtime pay. They owned, yes they owned, in most cases, modest homes. They could move up the income ladder. They build a better  and build a better life for their kids at Mansfields Johnny Appleseed Junior High.

Three decades later, the hopes and desires I hear from Ohioans havent really changed. They want the same things as those steel workers. They want to be valued for the work they do. They want to be able to save for the future, to own a home, to take the family on a vacation every once in a while, to build better lives for their children.

Whats changed is that people no longer see a path to get there through hard work, and too often, theyre right.

We need to change the way we think about the American economy. Its not multinational corporations who drive our economy. Its Americas workers and small businesses. We grow the economy, not trickle down from the top down. We grow the economy from the middle class out. Thats what Democrats are fighting for.
Does your child have goals of serving in Navy? Why don't you send him or her to the Navy secondary school? It's the best opportunity to achieve new prospects for a future career in the Navy! How to enter to Nigerian Navy Secondary School? Continue reading and you will find out!

Navy Secondary School Nigeria

Your application process to the Navy will start with buying an application scratch card to the Navy Secondary School in Nigeria. Where to buy NNSS application scratch card? You can find the official outlets where you can buy these cards when you visit the Nigerian Navy official portal. They will give you all the info you need to find the nearest outlet to you.

The price for the scratch card should not be more than N 1,500! When you get the scratch card  you will need to remove the gray patch from the card to get a Personal Identification Number or PIN. You will also receive a Serial Number!

Nigerian Navy Secondary School Fees

Do not forget that every school has its own fees requests! Therefore, you will need to get visit the official website of the school for this information. Make sure you get all the information you need before continuing with the application process.

READ ALSO: Nigerian army short service requirements

Here are the steps that you need to take if you want to get your child into the Nigerian Navy:

Visit the official website of Nigerian Navy  www.nnedu.org;

Select Admissions Tab;

Find the Candidate Registration Link;

Now, you need to choose the menu bar;

At the menu bar  click log in!

At the Log in section  you need to enter the scratch card details! It includes your unique PIN and Serial number details;

If you have logged in correctly, then you will be taken to your personal information page;

Here, you will be required to fill in your personal data. It also includes a secret question and answer. You will also be required to fill in some information about your previous school;

Do not forget to download your picture! It should be in the following formats: JPEG, JPG, and GIF;

The pictures shouldn't exceed 20 KB in size. Otherwise, you will not be able to download your picture;

About your picture, do not forget that it should be a passport photo. Your child should be the only one in his/her picture.

If you have filled in everything correctly and in order, then you just need to click the submission button!

Do not forget to double-check all the information you have filled in. There should be no mistakes!

After you click the submit button, the information about you will be processed by the Navy Entrance Exam Team!

When everything is checked and sent  you will get you Exam Number displayed on your screen! You will also receive your Registration Number for Nigerian Navy Secondary School Exam!

After this procedure, you can print your exam docket. Do not forget to do that because it will serve as proof that you have registered on the website!

After you have registered, you will need to wait until the date of your exam! You will be notified about this via your online profile;

Do not forget to check your mobile phone. In one of the sections of your Navy application, you must have filled your mobile phone number. It is on this number that you will receive the SMS about the further information in relation to your exam.

Nigerian Navy exam: How to know you are a successful candidate?

All successful candidates will be notified via email or phone about their success. All the results of the entrance exam and interview exams can be found on the online profile. All successful candidates will be required to pick up their invitation letters for the interview.

Successful candidates will also be notified about their success through their parents. The short list of candidates who successfully passed all the exams can be reviewed at the official website of the Nigerian Navy Secondary Schools!

How to review your Navy Secondary School Nigeria Exams?

All candidates can log in to their personal profiles on the official website and review their exam results! It will help to understand all the weak points of the candidates. Also, successful candidates will be required to log in to print their admission results.

What should you do at the interview?

All candidates for the Nigerian Navy Secondary Schools will be required to go through the interview process. This interview will provide the Exam Council with more information about the candidate. You may need to prepare your child for this interview. Even if your child does not have successful results during the exam, he/she can save himself/herself at the interview. Therefore, it`s necessary that you can prepare your child for the interview.

Forgot your PIN?

You can retrieve your PIN and even the serial number if you have the generated registration number! Just click forgot password link. After that, you just need to follow the instructions provided in the link. You will need to answer the secret question!

Nigerian Navy is a real future for your children! Without the scratch card, you will not be able to register on the official website. It`s your opportunity to provide the best future for your children. Nigerian Navy offers one of the most qualified secondary education system in the country! It`s a chance for your child to build a career in the Navy! Do not let him or her lose this chance!

READ ALSO: Nigerian Navy Recruitment 2017-2018: list of successful candidates is out

Source: Legit.ng
- A clash at the popular Isi Gate area in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, forces business owners to abruptly close shops

- The reported clash began over a disagreement between soldiers at a checkpoint and a commercial tricycle operator

- A member of IPOB says the soldiers shot at and injured some people who had remained peaceful and were appealing to the soldiers to release the tricyclist

A reported clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and some soldiers has thrown Umuahia, the Abia state capital, in a state of confusion.

READ ALSO: President Buhari makes promise to Nigerians

The Nation reports that the clash which occurred on Monday night, September 4 at the popular Isi Gate area shut down the city as business owners were forced to close their shops over fear of arrest or being caught up in the crisis.

Though details about what sparked the clash between the soldiers and the IPOB remains unclear, some sources claim the clash began after soldiers at a checkpoint around Isi Gate stopped a commercial tricycle operator and demanded that the driver should hand over to them the Biafra and IPOB insigma in his tricycle but the driver allegedly refused.

It was reported that the refusal of the driver to comply with the order escalated into a heated argument which attracted a crowd.

It was said that the soldiers on seeing that a crowd was gathering shot into the air to scare people, but that the crowd overpowered them and injured some of them in the process.

Another version of the incident claims that the refusal of a tricycle operator to give money to some soldiers stationed at Isi Gate who were extorting commercial tricycle operators sparked the crisis.

PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV

It was reported that the soldiers slapped the commercial tricyclist for refusing to give them money and this situation degenerated into a fight when members of the union in solidarity with their member engaged the soldiers in a brawl.

Speaking on the incident, a member of IPOB who did not want his identity revealed, said the soldiers shot at and injured some of the people who had remained peaceful and were appealing to the soldiers to release the tricyclist to go about his business since they couldnt find anything incriminating on him.

But the public relations officer of 14 Brigade Ohafia, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi, denied that the soldiers fueled the crisis.

He alleged that the operational vehicle of the soldiers was damaged by the crowd and that some of the soldiers injured in the incident were in an undisclosed hospital where they are receiving medical attention.

Meanwhile, a member of IPOB, Somto Okonkwo, in a statement on Monday, September 4, said the clash between the soldiers erupted after a commercial tricycle operator refused to hand over Biafra and IPOB insigma in his tricycle to a soldier at a checkpoint.

The IPOB member said about two persons were killed by the soldiers while several others were arrested and sustained different degrees of injuries.

He said while the attack ensued, the soldiers were heard boasting that Buhari had given them order to shoot and kill all IPOB members including those who were in support of Biafra.

He dismissed the narrative that IPOB members instigated the crisis, adding that the Nigeria government should be held responsible for the violence that occurred.

In the video below; Legit.ng TV takes a critical look at Nnamdi Kanu and the struggle for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra.

Source: Legit.ng
Q: I was driving through Kimberly and there were no dog friendly parks. Where are the dog parks in the Magic Valley?

A: You can certainly take your dogs into Idahos state parks, as long as they remain on leash, said Jennifer Okerlund, communications manager for Idaho State Parks and Recreation. The units of Thousand Springs State Park would be an example. Youll want to contact your local city and county parks and recreation departments for information on local park opportunities.

The only city park in Twin Falls where dogs are not allowed is Dierkes Lake Park. Dogs are allowed on the trail and the north side, just not the grassy area or the swimming area, said Wendy Davis with Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department.

She said Dogs are welcome in all other city parks, but must be on leash. The only exception is Baxters Dog Park, the citys off-leash dog park.

The Magic Valley Canine Social Club and the city of Twin Falls joined together to open the first dedicated community dog park in 2014. The park is at the northeast corner of Blake Street North and Shoup Avenue West.

Owners are required to keep their dogs on a leash at all times outside of the fenced dog park. A fenced socialization area at the entrance to the park allows owners to remove or attach leashes in a secured area. No leashes are required inside the fenced area of the dog park.

Debbie McMahan, city clerk and treasurer in Filer said dogs arent allowed off leash in the Filer City Park.

Within the city of Buhl we do not have a specific park strictly as a dog park, said Karen Drown, Buhls clerk. Dogs are welcome in our city parks as long as they are on a leash, and we ask the owners clean up after them.

Burley is also without a park for pets, said City Administrator Mark Mitton.
- Alhaji Abdullahi Sugar, a political associate of Atiku Abubakar, has warned the north about plans by Olusegun Obasanjo, to replace Buhari with either Nasir El-Rufai or Rabiu Kwakwanso in 2019

- He asked the former president to allow the will of the people to prevail; even as he wondered why Obasanjo would pick El-Rufai or Kwakwanso, when there were other more qualified politicians

- Sugar further declared his support for Atiku, as he stated that despite the wishes of Obasanjo that his former VP would never become president, God gives power to whom he wishes

Ahead of the 2019 presidential elections, northerners have been warned by Alhaji Abdullahi Sugar, a political associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to be vigilant against the alleged moves of former president Olusegun Obasanjo to replace President Muhammadu Buhari with one of his boys.

According to Daily Trust, Sugar stated that Obasanjo was planning vigorously, to force Governor Nasir El-Rufai or Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso on the region.

READ ALSO: President Buhari makes promise to Nigerians

He stated: We, northerners, must be wary of these antics. It has happened before and we should not allow it to happen again.

He, Obasanjo, should allow the peoples will to prevail.

Why is he plotting for Kwankwaso and El-Rufai when more, better politicians are on ground? He should allow the peoples will to prevail and not his.

Tell him that Nigerians are now more enlightened politically than in 2007.

Declaring his support for Atiku Abubakar, Sugar stated further: Obasanjo had on many occasions said Atiku will not in his lifetime become president.

We are praying for him to live long so that he can witness the emergence of Atiku as president.

Atiku is not looking for presidency from Obasanjo, but from Allah, who gives power to anybody he wishes without the endorsement of people like Obasanjo.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that some former Heads of State have allegedly begun searching for President Buhari's replacement ahead of the 2019 election.

Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar are said to have considered 4 candidates.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video asking if it was too soon for Buhari 2019 posters to hit the streets:

Source: Legit.ng
- The Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) say the Buhari administration has achieved little in terms of infrastructural development since it assumed office

- The group claims that not a single road project has been commissioned by the present administration since May 29, 2015

- The agitators say their quit notice to northerners and Yoruba residents in the Niger Delta region stands

The Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over the under achievements recorded by his administration.

READ ALSO: IPOB members, soldiers engage in bloody clash in Umuahia

The group which made the demand on Monday, September 4, in a statement, said the Buhari administration had achieved little in terms of infrastructural development since it assumed office two years ago, Guardian reports.

The group stated that since the present administration assumed office on May 29, 2015, not a single road project had been commissioned.

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It said the administrations non-performance was worsened by the presidents health challenges which allowed a group it classified as the cabal to take advantage of the situation to the detriment of Nigerians.

The agitators said starting from September 12, they would stage a protest in all the Niger Delta states and a shut-down of markets, schools and all other public institutions in the region.

The group also reiterated its quit notice to northerners and Yoruba residents in the region, insisting that the October 1 ultimatum still stands.

Legit.ng had reported that militants under the umbrella of the CNDA denied reports that they have withdrawn a quit notice issued to people of northern and Yoruba descents residing in the Niger Delta region.

The group also threatened to resume attacks on oil installations in the region beginning from September 10, 2017.

CNDA in a statement sent to the Punch newspapers on Saturday, September 02, said it findings had shown that northerners owned over 90% of the oil wells and that the Yoruba have about 7% of the wells.

It stated that while the Igbo have about 2% of oil wells, the Niger Delta people do not have up to 1% of the oil wells.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Nigerians talking about the issue of restructuring of the country:

Source: Legit.ng
- Bishop Tunde Adeleye of Calabar dioceses of Anglican Communion has sent warning signal to Buhari

- He said restructuring remains only way out of Nigerias problems

- The cleric emphasised that secession would never solve the problems plaguing the country

The Bishop of Calabar Dioceses of Anglican Communion, Bishop Tunde Adeleye has said that Nigeria was heading towards irredeemable disaster if restructuring is denied.

Legit.ng gathered that while addressing a press conference in Calabar, the clergy said, unless there is restructuring, I fear and dare to say that we will crash. I am not prophesying any doom but at the rate we are going, restructuring is the only viable way out.

READ ALSO: IPOB members, soldiers engage in bloody clash in Umuahia

He said: A situation where people are being oppressed; where those who make the money are being suppressed and not allowed to have a say on the money they make; at this rate, when the centre is heavily loaded with money and the states and the local government are crying for funds, going to Abuja with cap in hands begging, those things will crush us unless we restructure.

I believe in true federalism as a system of government which allows the people at the State and local government levels to take of certain decisions by themselves and for themselves. A situation in which Abuja dictates education, dictates health, dictates the police amongst other things will result in a crash.

On agitations by IPOB leaders and some Niger Delta youths, the clergy said: I do not believe in secession. We are better and stronger if we come closely apart. By this, I mean Nigeria should come together, loose in the centre and stronger in states.

"We should be closely apart bearing in mind our cultural differences, religious differences, ethnic differences and other critical and notable differences.

The minister believed that restructuring could address issues of incessant agitations and stop activities of militants and herdsmen, who, he said bestride farmers farmlands, destroying crops and killing the farmers at any slightest provocation.

He lamented that the older generation of Nigerian leaders have failed the nation, saying, it is the older generation which have ruined the country; they have destroyed the destiny and future of this country through corruption. The old brigade is not the ones to save this country, it is the youths.

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Nigerians youths should forgive the old brigade for being the problem of this nation, but the youths should get themselves prepared and positioned.

"They must make sure they do not learn or copy anything from the old because there is absolutely nothing to learn from them. Youths must avoid the mistakes of yesterdays men, he appealed.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that some bishops have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign from office because of his ill health.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Nigerians speaking about the Buhari administration:

Source: Legit.ng
The liberals usually open a question with, Dont you think

Such as Dont you think people brought here as children deserve an opportunity to feed at the public trough? No, I dont think at all that way. Why do lefties believe law-abiding American taxpayers owe the world a living? Then they start whining about a lack of compassion among Republicans. Ive got news for you, when donations for hurricane relief are counted most of the money will have come from American conservatives. Several years ago I interviewed a liberal college professor who conducted a study about charitable giving. He was shocked his kind give so little. Like Bill Clinton dumping his stained underwear on Salvation Army as a tax write-off. Or Joe Biden pitching a few pennies out the window of his Amtrak car.

As a law-abiding taxpaying citizen of the United States I do worry about my own children. Lefty doesnt give much thought to American kids unless theyve got Down syndrome and then Lefty has more questions about why the kid wasnt killed in the womb.

Last week I heard the words moral preening from a TV talking head. It well describes the people who believe theyve got to instruct the rest of us about right and wrong.

Im a Republican because Im a realist. There are simply no guarantees you can create utopia by ringing up trillions of dollars in debt. Most people do what they can to make life a little better for everyone while realizing suffering will always exist. Im a Republican because officially the party claims to defend the unborn. Officially the GOP believes in the goodness of most of our fellow citizens and the superiority of a culture based not on controls but liberty. Oh, and a culture protected because it has definable borders.

The Republican Party isnt the so-called big tent we often hear about when Democrats talk about their own platforms. Unless a Democrat is pro-life, which means theyre drummed out of the party. The big tent is a nice concept but when it comes to actual politicking and government I see no evidence it works. A history professor from my college days told us governments are formed by special interests, a synonym for political parties.

I bring all of this up because not everyone who aligns with a political party gets very far in a party structure. See the aforementioned pro-life hopefuls among Democrats. The same is true inside the Republican Party structure.

A few weeks ago I received an electronic message from a young man interested in running for public office. He didnt specify a seat. When I wrote and asked about his interests he replied the 24th Legislative District. There are three seats split among two state legislative houses in the district. He didnt specify his target but apparently plans to primary a sitting member of the House or Senate. A couple of days passed and I looked up his Facebook page and found he was telling connections he would make a formal announcement soon.

I dont have a lot of daily air time. Out of two hours there are only 77 minutes of air once news, commercials and public service announcements are subtracted. I have a lot of good ideas according to my friends and I may announce my intentions soon, isnt really earth-shattering news. When youre ready to officially take the plunge we can speak.

A couple of weeks passed and I stared getting strange messages from the potential candidate. Hello, Bill, and Hi, Bill, became common. I suspect most of you arent on the clock 24 hours a day and when Im busy or even relaxing at home Im not really looking for a political discussion and Im not an adviser. With 1,700 Facebook connections I couldnt possibly keep up with all the messages even if it was my lifes mission. When I didnt reply the fellow wrote and asked if he had made me angry. So I blocked the man.

A few days later I did a computer search of his name. The Times-News mentioned him, if its the same fellow, in 2011. It looks like the guy Ive seen on Facebook but six years ago he was wearing an orange jumpsuit. Generally politicians do their jail time at the close of a career.

Look, there are days on the radio I sound like an itinerant preacher. People clean up their lives and when they make a commitment to Christianity then we consider them a new person. Maybe its what he did since he went missing on a $150,000 bond. Maybe he gave up the illegal drug lifestyle. Maybe hes a model citizen. It happens and it happens often. It still isnt going to be a winning message. Dont you think people should forgive those whove put on Christ? Sure, but there are many other considerations I make at the ballot box.

People only vote for change when their lives are greatly impacted by personal or economic events. Nationally there were just two of those inversions in the last century and one recently in the current century. Unless the fellow writing me gets a personal and televised endorsement from Jesus I dont quite understand his optimism. People can forgive but a redemption story isnt enough. There are a great many reasons to challenge the current political system but deeply flawed candidates can only achieve success when an opponent carries as many or more flaws. Even some Republicans may not always agree with their own but it should be no surprise to voters: Most of our public servants are stable people. The challengers are going to need to do better.
- IPOB member, Okonkwo, says the refusal of a commercial tricycle operator to hand over Biafra and IPOB insigma in his tricycle to soldiers caused the crisis in Umuahia

- Okonkwo claims soldiers fired live bullets at harmless Biafrans who were trying to come to the rescue of a member of IPOB who was been brutalized by the soldiers

- The IPOB member says the soldiers claimed that President Buhari had ordered them to kill all IPOB members including those who were in support of Biafra

More details have emerged on the reported clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and some soldiers in Umuahia, the Abia state capital.

Legit.ng had reported that the clash which occurred on Monday night, September 4, at the popular Isi Gate area, shut down the city as business owners were forced to close their shops over fear of arrest or being caught up in the crisis.

READ ALSO: President Buhari makes promise to Nigerians

A version of the incident claimed that the refusal of a commercial tricycle operator to hand over Biafra and IPOB insigma in his tricycle to soldiers caused the crisis.

Another version stated that the refusal of the tricycle operator to give money to the soldiers who were extorting drivers caused the crisis.

However, a member of IPOB, Somto Okonkwo, in a statement on Monday, September 4, narrated his version of what transpired.

Okonkwo said the crisis erupted after a commercial tricycle operator refused to hand over Biafra and IPOB insigma in his tricycle to soldiers at a checkpoint.

Citing eye witnesses who were at the scene at the time of the clash, Okonkwo said: "A commercial tricyclist popularly known as keke driver, had a Biafra flag in front of his tricycle while approaching a check-point, a Nigerian solider stopped him and started asking him what the flag is all about and why he had it in his tricycle.

"The man answered the solider by telling him that it was a Biafra flag, and that he is a Biafran, the Nigerian solider got provoked and before everyone knew exactly what was going on, the solider slapped the tricyclist and started dragging him away. At a point, the man been brutalised couldn't bear the pain anymore and started to defend himself but instead of calming the situation down the Nigeria soldier shot his leg.

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"As the commotion continued, other soldiers around the incident signaled their base, who sent more troops of soldiers to the entire arena of ISI Gate and started firing live bullets at harmless Biafrans who were trying to come to the rescue of the IPOB member who was been whisked away."

The IPOB member said about two persons were killed by the soldiers while several others were arrested and sustained different degrees of injuries.

He said while the attack ensued, the soldiers were heard boasting that Buhari had given them order to shoot and kill all IPOB members including those who were in support of Biafra.

He said: According to them, Buhari has already deployed soldiers from Kwara State and far North who will use the annoyance and frustration of their experience with Boko-Haram to deal with Biafrans mercilessly."

Okonkwo alleged that while the attack on the IPOB members lasted; there was teamwork between Nigeria Armed Forces who were shooting live bullets.

He dismissed the narrative that IPOB members instigated the crisis, adding that the world must take note and hold the Nigeria government responsible for the violence that occurred.

Okonkwo uploaded photos of some shell casing found at the scene of the scene of the clash:

Okonkwo posted a video of the incident as seen below:

Meanwhile, the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that a Muhammadu Buhari look alike is the one currently parading himself as the president.

Kanu also ordered IPOB members to burn Nigeria to the ground if he is ever arrested by the Nigerian government. He claimed that the government hired a look-alike Sudanese man named Jubril to come and stand in for Buhari.

The IPOB leader made the allegation in a video footage which surfaced online on Sunday, September 03, 2017.

In the footage, Kanu when addressing some IPOB supporters alleged that the man posing to be President Buhari was brought to the country after extensive surgery.

In the video below; Legit.ng TV takes a critical look at Nnamdi Kanu and the struggle for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra.

Source: Legit.ng
- The Centre for Civil Society and Justice held a rally in support of President Buhari in Abuja

- The members of the organisation were received by Femi Adesina, Buhari's aide

- Adesina told the participants that they were on a good course

A Nigerian group, the Centre for Civil Society and Justice (CCSJ), marched on Aso Rock Villa with its members declaring their support for President Muhammadu Buhari on September 5.

Legit.ng reports that the organisation which has its membership from the six geo-political zones of the country, tagged its march Peace and Unity Rally.

READ ALSO: OBJ set to replace Buhari with El-Rufai or Kwakwanso - Abdullahi Sugar

The participants o the rally with Adesina. Credit: Aso Rock Villa

The members of the organisation were addressed by Mr Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The CCSJ members pledged support for President Buhari in his resolution to keep Nigeria together, saying they opposed any effort to balkanize the country. They were led by Comrade Prince Goodluck Obi, Adesina said in a statement obtained by Legit.ng.

Adesina, who spoke on behalf of the president, described the participants as being on a good course.

He also stated that the president would uphold the constitution of the country and keep the nation as an indissoluble entity.

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Adesina stated that just as good news had come on the economic front, with the country exiting recession, salutary news would equally come from other sectors of national life, in the lifetime of the Buhari administration.

Adesina with the participants at the rally. Credit: Aso Rock Villa

Legit.ng earlier reported that a socio-political group, the Nigerian Wailers, revealed it is carrying out massive sensitization of Nigerians ahead of the 2019 general election in the country.

The group said the enlightenment has become necessary to help Nigerians avoid a repetition of the mistake they made in the choices of candidates in 2015.

Watch this video as the daughter of Buhari's aide leads protest against the All Progressives Congress:

Source: Legit.ng
- President Muhammadu Buhari expressed delight over news of Nigeria being out of recession

- The president said this must translate to better lives for ordinary Nigerians

- He said Nigeria was on the right track and that things will get better

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction over news of the country being out of recession and said ordinary Nigerians must feel the impact.

Legit.ng gathered that the National Bureau of Statistics had shown how the Nigerian economy came out of recession.

READ ALSO: Prominent Nigerian bishop warns Buhari over restructuring

In a statement by Garba Shehu on Tuesday, September 5, the president was quoted as saying he was very happy with the new development.

The president spoke when he received the President of Niger, Alhaji Mahamadou Issoufou, at his country home in Daura, Katsina state.

He also took to his Facebook page to express satisfaction over the news of the country getting out of recession promising to continue to do more.

He wrote: "I am pleased by the news of our emergence from the recession, and looking forward to ensuring that the ordinary Nigerian feels the impact.

"Until coming out of recession translates into meaningful improvement in people's lives, our work cannot be said to be done.

"While I'm glad we're starting to see the fruit of our work, there's still a lot to be done; and we will not rest until all Nigerians feel the impact.

"The real change for Nigerians is an impact that is felt in their lives and their pockets.

"We are on the right path, and our work continues, to make a lasting and visible difference.

"I thank you all for your patience, and for believing in us. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

In his remarks, the Nigerien President said he was most delighted to see President Buhari in good health, praying that the almighty God would continue to strengthen him.

PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV

President Issoufou said he used the opportunity of the visit to discuss some bilateral and regional issues with President Buhari, which included the fight against Boko Haram, the economic challenges in the Lake Chad Basin and other developmental concerns that directly affect the livelihood of the citizens of both countries.

The Nigerien President was accompanied on the visit by a former Prime Minister, Dr.Hamid Algabid, and the President of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of Niger, Moussa Moumouni Djermakoye.

Meanwhile, the presidency said the Buhari administration welcomes news of Nigerias exit from recession with cautious optimism and will continue to drive Nigerias economic growth by vigorously implementing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan launched earlier this year by President Buhari.

Premium Times reports that the stance was contained in a statement by Laolu Akande, spokesperson to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. :

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Nigerians talking about recession:

Source: Legit.ng
- Federal High Court, Abuja, granted the request seeking to serve court processes on Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra

- The court was asked to stop Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOP) from disrupting the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Anambra state

- The judge only granted the order of substituted service on Kanu and IPOB, and refused all the other reliefs sought by the applicant and asked that all parties in the suit be put on notice

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, September 5, granted the request seeking to serve court processes on Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) through substituted service.

The court, however, ordered that other respondents in the matter, namely: the Inspector-General of Police, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Attorney-General of the Federation be served personally.

READ ALSO: IPOB member narrates details of clash with soldiers in Abia state

Justice B.O. Quadri gave the order following an ex-parte application by Mr Richard Ndubuaku for an order of court for substituted service of all the processes of the court on the defendants by publishing them in two national newspapers.

Ndubuaku, who made the application through his counsel, Mr Smart Iheazor, also asked the court to make an order restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, members or agents from disrupting the forthcoming Anambra election.

He also asked the court to make an order restraining Kanu and all members of IPOB from interfering, intimidating and harassing all registered and eligible voters in the Nov. 18 Anambra election.

He further asked the court to prevent Kanu and IPOB from mobilising its members either by threat or undue influence to scuttle the election, pending the determination of the originating summons.

Iheazor told the court that his client premised his application on the grounds that Kanu and IPOB had severally made utterances and threats which were published in newspapers which they had not denied or retracted.

From the antecedents of Kanu and the activities of IPOB, they are capable of carrying out their threat.

Serving the processes of this suit on the them by publishing in two national newspapers will bring same to their knowledge as it will be dangerous and difficult to effect personal service on them.

The applicant has several businesses and business interests and houses in Onitsha and Awka with over 100 staff that will be affected if the threats of Kanu and IPOB are carried out.

Iheazor further explained that the applicant was almost 70 years old and may lose all his life investments in Awka and Onitsha and may not withstand the destruction of his life long struggle.

The judge, however, only granted the order of substituted service on Kanu and IPOB, and refused all the other reliefs sought by the applicant and asked that all parties in the suit be put on notice.

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In refusing to grant the other reliefs sought by Ndubuaku , the judge said that the Federal Government had the capacity to ensure that elections held in Anambra.

He adjourned the matter until Oct. 10 for hearing.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja was asked to stop Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOP) from disrupting the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Anambra state scheduled to hold on November 18, 2017.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below focusing on the Biafra agitation:

Source: Legit.ng
At approximately 12:29 p.m. Sunday in Punggye-ri, North Korea, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake was detectedit reportedly marked the countrys sixth nuclear test and by far its largest yet. More detailed analysis will follow in the days ahead, including whether the Norths claim of having successfully detonated a hydrogen warhead is credible. In the meantime, this is hardly the moment to show daylight between Seoul and Washingtonas President Donald Trump appears to be doing.

Before Sundays test, news reports spoke of Trumps impending decision to withdraw from the U.S.-South Korea free-trade agreement (KORUS). Such a move is unjustified in the first place. But after Pyongyangs most threatening nuclear test so far, withdrawing from KORUS would send the worst possible signal to North Korea and China. If the White House proceeds to drop KORUS even after the test, it will severely damage one of Americas staunchest and important allies in Asia by throwing the U.S.-South Korea alliance to the wolves.

Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in ought to respond to the regime of Kim Jong Un jointly and without any ambiguity. For Trump, the temptation to hint about a preventive strike against North Korea will surely grow. Some members of Congress may advocate for a such a blow to end North Koreas nuclear threat once and for all. But a preventive strike is the worst possible option for South Korea.

Any preventive strike on North Korean nuclear sites will result in North Korean attacks on U.S. bases in South Korea, as well as on civilian targets. Even if a small-yield nuclear weapon were dropped in Seoul, hundreds of thousands would die, and millions would suffer from radiation poisoning. South Korea as we know itthe worlds 12th-largest economy, the sixth-largest trading power and Asias most vibrant democracywould cease to exist.

Trump has every right to protect the welfare and safety of American citizens. But so, too, does Moon for 50 million South Koreans, as well as the hundreds of thousands of Americans and foreigners living in the country. Moon is entitled to disagree with the White House on a preventive attack. Real-time and verifiable intelligence is always in short supply when it comes to North Korea, and Trump must be prepared for a full-fledged war if he decides on a U.S. first strike.

For his part, Moon must end all engagement with North Korea. His proposal to jump-start inter-Korean dialogue has been rebuffed by Kim. Moon wants to reopen the shared Kaesong Industrial Complex and resume tourist trips if South-North relations improve. But a North Korea that has hydrogen bombs is not a partner. Moon must put his foot down on advisers who advocate extensive engagement with the North, provision of massive humanitarian assistance or the toning down of U.S.-South Korea military exercises. No one is against dialogue, but the Moon administrations one-sided love affair with Pyongyang must end.

For now, the two allies and Japan must sing from the same page. This means going through with the rest of the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) missile-defense deployments in South Korea and accelerating deterrence and defense assets. Many in Seoul have talked about the reintroduction of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons into South Korea. Thats one option. South Koreas offensive capabilities against North Korea can no longer be stymied by tacit pressures from Washington. That doesnt mean South Korea should pursue its own nuclear deterrent as Britain, France and Israel have done. But South Korea cannot rely solely on U.S. deterrence; it has to accelerate the development and deployment of its own offensive weapons that can hit all North Korean targets.

If theres a need to tamper with KORUS, the goal should be renegotiation, not unilateral U.S. abrogation. Its true that United States has a $28 billion trade deficit in goods and services with South Korea, mostly in automobiles and electronics. But imports of American cars have risen since KORUS was signedand the U.S. service surplus of $6.9 billion in 2011 rose to $10.7 billion in 2016.

This is no time for a dispute between Seoul and Washington. No ally has been as loyal as South Korea. For Washington, now is not the time to begin a trade war with Seoul. And for Seoul, now is not the time for flaky assumptions about North Korea. We need a united front; there is no other option.
- Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said he has no favorites in the 2018 gubernatorial elections

- Fayose said he was still waiting for God to speak to him, before he picks a candidate

- He also warned the Peoples Democratic Party to stop sowing seeds of discord in the state

The question of who will replace Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, in the 2018 gubernatorial elections has led to some controversy in the state.

The governor has therefore cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state against sowing seeds of discord.

According to Premium Times, Governor Fayose's special assistant on public communications and new media, Lere Olayinka, sounded the note of warning during a meeting on Monday, September 4.

This he said at his Ekiti residence with aspirants and leaders from Ikole, Ijero and Ise/Orun LGAs:

READ ALSO: Muslim group blasts Fayose for wearing Sheikh attire on Sallah day

He said: Followers need not create a wedge between me and gubernatorial aspirants. As much as aspirants have the right to aspire, I also reserve the right to support whoever God asks me to support.

If I were asked to pick a candidate to succeed me, I would have picked Kayode Oso straight off. But I have called him into the room and told him to allow me to seek Gods consent concerning it.

"I have called my deputy, Kolapo Olusola, I have also called Bisi Omoyeni into the room and asked him to allow me to seek Gods consent. Whoever God chooses, we will support among the aspirants. Whoever that is not the one, the spirit of sportsmanship should be embraced.

I have nothing against Adedayo Adeyeye, I have great respect for him, from ministerial appointment to chairmanship at Ekiti State University and then his recommendation to the party at the national level, I have always stood by him, I wouldnt have done that for someone I dont love, so mischief makers had better looked elsewhere to play their game.

He also appealed to party members to downplay personal agenda and ensure the partys interest is put on the front burner, adding that never will any candidate be imposed on the people.

We wont allow anybody destroy the goodwill being enjoyed presently by the PDP because there is no doubt about our partys popularity in Ekiti today.

READ ALSO: Governor Fayose in Sheik attire, joins Buhari, other Muslim faithful in Sallah prayers (photos)

I want to assure you that nobody will impose anybody on you. With me here, you will all get justice.

Those we imposed in the past disappointed us, the system should be allowed to run its course, he said.

During the meeting with party members from Ijero Ekiti,. Fayose also directed that about 23 members who had been suspended from the party be forgiven and reabsorbed into the party.

PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV

Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Fayose terminated the appointment of his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, over the long Sallah holiday.

Although the press release announcing Adelusi's job termination did not state the reason for it, but sources in the governor's camp claim it wasn't unconnected to an incident that occurred on Eid el-Kabir day.

Watch a Legit.ng video of an Imam speaking on Sallah day:

Source: Legit.ng
Hurricane Harvey has dumped over 50 inches of water across Texas. Thousands of people displaced. Roads flooded. Communication channels disrupted.

How are relief efforts coordinated? How are emergency personnel given the information they need? How can data be collected with broken communication channels and little cellular coverage? How can information from multiple sources be aggregated and presented in an actionable form?

Heres how Esri Disaster Response Program is helping first responders and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Information on local conditions such as water levels, flood gauges, road closures and traffic conditions are essential to coordinate relief efforts.

Esri

Consolidating multiple data streams for actionable insights

Relief workers do better with real-time visual information. In response to Hurricane Harvey, Esri developed the Harvey: Current Conditions storymap with its Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It combines multiple data sources to provide relief workers with the information they need to streamline their efforts and better serve the public.

Flood gauge sensors

To continuously track water levels at different levies. Such sensors are similar to IFC-designed ultrasonic sensor that measures the water level every 15 minutes and transmits the readings to a database at the Flood Center. They are solar powered with a built-in cellphone modem and cost about $3,500. The public can access these readings through the Iowa Flood Information System for real-time stream level updates.

Esri



Satellite images

So that conditions before and after the flood can be easily compared. Emergency response personnel can slide the cursor down the middle of the image to one side to compare the before-and-after view of the same location. This helps identify homes, infrastructure and businesses impacted the most.

Esri

Drones

Footage from drones creates 2D and 3D maps of areas that are hard to access or fully cover because of their size. Raw still imagery from drones is converted into a usable form with Drone2Map for ArcGIS.

A team at Iowa Flood Center (IFC), led by UI Professor George Constantinescu, has pioneered 3-D non-hydrostatic flood models to simulate flood wave propagation and the interaction between the flood wave and large obstacles such as dams or floodplain walls. These 3-D models are used to assess and improve the predictive capabilities of the 2-D models that government agencies and consulting companies use for predicting how floods will spread and the associated risks and hazards.

Traffic conditions

Drivers share local traffic conditions with their Waze mobile app. The information collected enables authorities to route traffic and plan road closures. Waze, reports that their feeds have been added for all of Louisiana. This means all the crowdsourced info is synced up with Esri ArcGIS to provide real time information for the government agencies, responders and Wazers. There have been 1.8 million views and over 10,000 road closures reported. This situational awareness can be used in search rescue missions and other types of transportation problems. This assists other Waze users ("Wazers") as their maps are updated in real-time with changing conditions. Government workers connect Waze data streams into their ArcGIS apps for two-way communication between Wazers and emergency response

Esri

Resources

Technologies being used in the relief efforts.

Relief organizations that need your support.

Blood and tissue donation center of Southern Texas.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance Program.

Recovering from Hurricane Harvey will take years. Thanks to ESRI, local relief organization have real-time intelligence so that they can help more people.
Johns Hopkins scientists say they have developed a blood test that spots tumor-specific DNA and protein biomarkers for early-stage pancreatic cancer. The combined "liquid biopsy" identified the markers in the blood of 221 patients with the early-stage disease. Their results, published online the week of Sept. 4 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show that detection of markers from both DNA and protein products of DNA was twice as accurate at identifying the disease as detection of DNA alone.

Such liquid biopsies aim to fish out DNA molecules specific for cancer amid a wide sea of normal DNA circulating in the blood. Tumors tend to shed their mutated DNA into the bloodstream, making it possible for scientists to use genomic sequencing tools to sift through the blood and find such cancer-linked DNA.

Most early-stage pancreatic cancers are found incidentally during an imaging scan and generally cause no symptoms. But the disease is most often found late, when it's far advanced and resection, or surgery, is not the first treatment option, says Jin He, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "In the past 30 years, we haven't made much progress in identifying people with resectable cancers," says He. "If this test's performance is validated in larger studies, it could be used to identify patients with early, asymptomatic pancreatic cancer."

While their test is not ready to be used outside of a research setting, they say, mutated DNA of the type that is shed from tumors and found in blood is "exquisitely specific" for cancer. "If cancer-linked DNA can be found in the blood of an individual, it is very likely that person has cancer," says Bert Vogelstein, M.D., co-director of the Ludwig Center at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Studies by Vogelstein's team and others have shown that DNA can be identified in the blood of more than 85 percent of patients with advanced cancers. However, the sensitivity of detecting such small bits of DNA in the blood of patients with early cancers, without prior knowledge of the genetic status of the cancers, was unknown prior to this study, say the scientists.

In their new study, blood and tumor tissue samples were collected from 221 men and women, mostly Caucasians, with stage I and II pancreatic cancers who underwent surgery to remove their pancreas at hospitals in Australia, Korea, Indiana, Pittsburgh, the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Another 182 people with no known history of cancer, autoimmune disease or chronic kidney disease donated their blood for the study.

The scientists were able to identify 66 of the 221 patients, or 30 percent, with early-stage pancreatic cancer by using their blood screening tool to sift for mutations in the DNA of the KRAS gene alone, an early marker of pancreatic cancer development.

Their goal, however, was to improve the 30 percent detection rate, find more early cancers and avoid false positives in people without the disease, says Joshua Cohen, an M.D.-Ph.D. postgraduate student in Vogelstein's lab who worked on the study.

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So, they turned to protein biomarkers circulating in the blood. Such circulation protein markers already are used clinically to detect and monitor diseases like diabetes and heart muscle damage from heart attacks as well as to monitor patients with a prior history of cancers.

Of special interest to the researchers was the protein biomarker CA19-9. It's used to monitor patients with pancreatic cancer for recurrence. But the level of CA19-9 used for recurrence monitoring is low (37 units/mL), because physicians want to pinpoint regrowing cancers quickly.

Some people without cancer may also have low levels of the protein, such as those with gallstones. For screening purposes, the level of CA19-9 needed to be much higher (100 units/mL).

"A screening test needs to be highly reliable to spare people the worry and side effects of procedures following a positive test for cancer," says Kenneth W. Kinzler, Co-Director of the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins.

When the scientists looked only for CA19-9 in the blood of their study participants, they found it in 109 of the 221 patients (49 percent). However, when they combined detection of KRAS mutations, CA19-9 and three other protein biomarkers, the scientists correctly identified pancreatic cancer in 141 of the 221 patients (64 percent). In contrast, only one individual among their control group of 182 people without cancer had elevation of one of the five biomarkers.

"A single marker on its own won't identify early cancers in most people," says Anne Marie Lennon, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and director of the Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cyst Program. "This study shows that it may be possible to use multiple markers to nail down the detection of early pancreatic cancer with a blood test, and treat those patients earlier and better."

Vogelstein's team used a system of molecular barcoding that they developed to ensure that each KRAS mutation they detected was real and not an artifact. For example, they showed that there was complete agreement between the mutations detected in the blood and the mutations detected in the tumors. They say the mutations they detected are also common in lung and colon cancers, and they're planning on using a similar approach, combining protein and DNA biomarkers, to identify early cancers of several types.

Nick Papadopoulos, professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, estimates that the cost of a screening test based on the approach described in this study would be between that of mammography and colonoscopy, which are widely used tests for breast and colorectal cancers, respectively. Papadopoulos notes that "both DNA and protein markers can be analyzed from the same blood draw in each patient. The technologies required to implement such tests, involving protein biomarker tests and DNA sequencing, are already widely used in hospital and commercial laboratories.
The presence of the bacterium Kingella kingae in children's throats was strongly linked to bone and joint infection with the same bacterium, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Bone and joint bacterial infections in children can have devastating effects on long-term mobility and can cause death. Previously, most infections were thought to be caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria and were treated with long-term antibiotics and/or surgery. Over the last years, new highly sensitive techniques have allowed more precise identification of the bacteria responsible for these infections.

The study, between two pediatric centers in Canada and Switzerland, included 77 children aged 6 months to 4 years of age admitted for suspected bone or joint infection and 286 controls. Of the suspected infections, 65 children had confirmed bone or joint infection.

"Using improved diagnostic methods, our study found that the vast majority of children younger than 4 years old suffering from a bone or joint infection were infected by Kingella kingae bacteria," states Dr. Jocelyn Gravel, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec. "More importantly, we discovered that 70% of children who had a bone/joint infection carried these bacteria in their throats, while it is uncommon in uninfected children (only 6%)."

These results are important because the proportion of unknown pathogen was very high in previous studies. Now, using innovative diagnosis methods, this study demonstrated the K. kingae is not uncommon. Rather, it is by far the most common pathogen for bone or joint infection in children.

"Based on this study, we plan to change the way we investigate children at risk of bone/joint infection, because the identification of K. kingae in the throat of a child with a suspected bone infection will point towards K. kingae as the culprit. This may decrease the number of other tests performed to identify the pathogen."

The authors note that it was a small study and further studies in other North American cities are needed.

In a related commentary http://www. cmaj. ca/ lookup/ doi/ 10. 1503/ cmaj. 170843, Drs. Romain Basmaci and Stephane Bonacorsi, Hopital Louis-Mourier, Colombes, France, caution that, although the findings of the study show a strong association between throat infection of K. kingae and bone/joint infection, "with a carriage rate among healthy children as high as 10% in some countries, relying on oropharyngeal detection as a proxy for diagnosis in the case of a joint infection would result in a high false-positive diagnosis."
Ground breaking research could reduce the recurrence of prostate cancer in males, a new study in the journal Nature Communications reports.

During this in depth study, an international team of researchers led by British scientists investigated the impact of anti-hormone therapy on samples taken from patients with prostate cancer. Anti-hormone therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment for cancer of the prostate, which helps to reduce the levels of male hormones - that stimulate cancer cells to grow - in the gland.

Researchers discovered that an inadvertent consequence of anti-hormone therapy treatment is the activation of the DNA repair enzyme, PARP. The triggering of PARP enables cancer cells to withstand anti-hormone therapy treatment, causing cells to cultivate and develop into a more aggressive form.

To be effective and reduce recurrence of cancer in the prostate, researchers found that prescribing PARP inhibitors, a drug commonly used in breast cancer, alongside anti-hormone therapy treatment may benefit men with prostate cancer. PARP inhibitors prevent DNA repair causing cancer cells to die rather than repair.

Lead author Dr Mohammad Asim from the University of Surrey, said: "Prostate cancer is a devastating illness with a high death rate. Our exciting discovery will help remedy this and increase chances of survival for the thousands of men who contract the disease every year.

"Our research shows that anti-hormone treatment could be combined with PARP inhibitor to prevent the progression of the disease."

Dr Catherine Pickworth from Cancer Research UK, said: "This early stage study adds to the growing evidence that some men with prostate cancer could benefit from being given PARP inhibitors alongside hormone deprivation treatment.

"The next step is to carry out clinical trials to test if this treatment combination is safe to use in patients and if it helps more men survive the disease."

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in males with over 40,000 cases reported every year in the UK with 25 per cent of cases resulting in death. Latest figures from Prostate Cancer UK has found that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime showing the widespread prevalence of the disease. This exciting new discovery offers hope to thousands of males and will limit the recurrence of prostate cancer.
Finger millet has two important properties: The grain is rich in important minerals and resistant towards drought and heat. Thanks to a novel combination of state-of-the-art technologies, researchers at the University of Zurich were able to decode the large and extremely complex genome of finger millet in high quality for the first time. This represents a fundamental basis for improving food security in countries like India and parts of Africa.

For many poor farmers in India and Africa, finger millet is a major staple food. The crop species is not only a rich source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, and it contains many vitamins and essential amino acids. The plant is also characterized by its resistance to drought and heat. As it is very healthy and gluten-free, it is finding increased use as a food in industrial countries as well. Despite its importance, finger millet has been given very little scientific attention until now.

Large and complex genome due to fusion of two plant species

Finger millet arose through the hybridization of two different plant species. The plant is therefore polyploid, which means it has a four-fold set of chromosomes and almost twice as many genes as its original species. The size and complexity of the genome are thought to have conferred the broad environmental tolerance of finger millet, while making genome research extremely difficult. For the first time, an international team of researchers from the University of Zurich has now managed to decode the complex genome of finger millet in great detail. It comprises about 2.6 million base pairs and has more than 62,300 genes - about twice as many as rice, for example.

New strategy for genome sequencing and mapping

A good 57,900 finger millet genes - over 90 percent - occur in more than two copies. As their DNA sequences are very similar, it was difficult to correctly allocate the numerous, decoded DNA sections within the entire genome. In cooperation with Ralph Schlapbach and Sirisha Aluri from the Functional Genomics Center at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, the team headed up by Kentaro Shimizu, professor at the UZH Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, has managed to overcome these difficulties. For this purpose, the scientists combined a sophisticated bioinformatics strategy developed by Masaomi Hatakeyama that uses state-of-the-art sequencing methods with a new technology that can optically map the long, individual DNA molecules in the genome. "Our newly developed strategy will help sequence the genome of other polyploid cultivated plants that have not been able to be determined until now," Shimizu says.

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Improving the supply of nutrients and drought resistance

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Zurich and Bangalore, India, worked together on this project. The work was supported by Indo-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB), a bilateral research and development program financed by the Swiss and Indian governments, as well as by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The objective is to improve food security and to develop the capacity of biotechnological research in India. "The newly available genome data of finger millet opens up numerous possibilities for modern plant breeding," Shimizu emphasizes. "On the one hand, to help people with mineral deficiencies in India and in industrialized countries and, on the other hand, to make important crop plants more resistant to drought and aridness."
Since 2010, investigators and clinicians at Aston University and Birmingham Children's Hospital have worked together to try and improve the lives of children with difficult to treat forms of epilepsy.

The pediatric human tissue laboratory at Aston University is the only one of its kind in the UK and leads the field in this specialized area.

The collaboration with the leading pediatric hospital, now part of the unique Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, includes taking human tissue from young people whilst they undergo surgery for their epilepsy to investigate why seizures occur, why brain cells do not respond to drugs and whether they might respond to new drugs being tested.

Professor of Neuropharmacology Gavin Woodhall, who is Director of the Human Tissue Laboratory at Aston University said: "Epilepsy is a neurological problem that leads to seizures, which are abnormal electrical events in the brain.

"These seizures can be mild and infrequent, or chronic and devastating and about a third of people with epilepsy are very difficult to treat with drugs because they do not respond. Even when medication does have an effect, a significant number of patients go on to stop responding.

"We call this difficult kind of epilepsy 'Drug Resistant Epilepsy' or DRE, and it is most commonly seen in children, with some children having as many as 100 seizures a day.

"Often these children have to have the most epileptic parts of their brain removed by a brain surgeon in order to control their seizures, whilst ensuring other important regions, such as those that control language and movement, are protected."

Another difficult to treat epilepsy is autoimmune encephalitis, or AE, a particularly sudden, aggressive and frightening experience for young sufferers and their parents.

"Although we know AE is due to the body's immune system attacking the brain, we do not yet understand how this happens in detail," Professor Woodhall explained. "Our collaboration with Birmingham Children's Hospital enables us to use antibodies taken from young patients with AE to explore how the immune system might alter the electrical excitability of brain cells both in human and mouse brains - and work out how to treat this sort of epilepsy."

The collaboration has brought together the hospital's neurologists who diagnose the children's type of epilepsy, neurophysiologists who locate the epileptic regions in their brains, and surgeons who remove the brain tissue with Aston University's scientists who work out why the seizures happen and how drugs developed by industrial partners actually work.

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The team also conducts clinical trials to test new treatments, identify new targets for antiepileptic drugs for both DRE and AE patients and collaborate with drug companies, including GW Pharma, to explore how new antiepileptic drugs they have identified and developed may be effective in the human brain.

"We are working very hard to understand and treat these kinds of epilepsy and the close collaboration that exists between the university and hospital is unique in this country," added Professor Woodhall.

"If we can unlock the answers to these debilitating neurological conditions and treat these children successfully, it would have a profound effect on not only their quality of life, but on that of their families."

The project has already received funding of around 500,000 and together with the Medical Research Council, the collaboration has bid for 1.4M for a human tissue initiative that would extend its activities to 10 other leading universities and hospitals across the UK.

Further, the close working relationship between Aston University and Birmingham Children's Hospital has recently been cemented with an award of 211,000 from Epilepsy Research UK, to Dr Sukhe Wright from the pediatric neurology team, so that she can work as an ERUK Research Fellow in Professor Woodhall's laboratory investigating autoimmune encephalitis.

Dr Wright is positive that this work will have an impact on childhood epilepsy and said: "Often research can feel very distant from those it may benefit but in this instance we clinicians are using our patient knowledge and clinical skills to undertake research ourselves whilst drawing on the expertise of the university's investigators.

"This research will increase our understanding and knowledge of how the immune system may be implicated in the production of seizures, with aims to develop improved treatments with reduced side effects."

Dr Shakti Agrawal, Pediatric Neurologist and Deputy Lead for Children's Epilepsy Surgery Service (CESS) at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We're passionate about the support and treatment we offer to our children, young people and families and we're proud to be working with Aston University as this can only have a positive impact on the care we are able to provide now and in the future."
Captain America and the Winter Soldier Special #1 takes Marvel's secret history to a whole new level with a real world historical figure

If you know who Gavrilo Princip is, prepare to be shocked
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Chinas central bank has declared that initial coin offerings are illegal and should be halted immediately. More than $1.8 billion has been raised through the 135 initial coin offerings listed at CoinSchedule in 2017. The Chinese committee has prepared a list of 60 exchanges which will be subject to inspection and a report.

In the U.S., the SEC has issued official warnings around the risks of ICOs, also known as token sales.

About 10 percent of all money raised in ethereum-based ICOs has been stolen by cybercriminals, according to a recent estimate by Chainalysis. By August, cybercrime losses had tallied $225 million, the digital currency analysts wrote. And that doesnt take into account all the money flowing into tokens that werent stolen, but simply funded scams or projects with no future.

Some ICOs, backed by viable business models, could be worth quite a lot.
When Bill de Blasio took office in 2014 as the most left-wing mayor in New Yorks modern history, skeptics forecast disaster. In the post-Giuliani and post-Bloomberg era, they predicted, the city would roll back to the chaotic 1970s, when crime rates soared, garbage piled high in the streets, corporations fled to leafier environs and municipal bankruptcy loomed.

None of those dire warnings became reality. New York remains, on the whole, well run. Crime has continued its remarkable decline. Garbage is collected as efficiently as ever. The local economy is humming, and municipal finances are sound, with steady budget surpluses. Most unions representing city workers are content.

The mayor swiftly made good on his signature campaign pledge of universal prekindergarten classes in public schools. He is on a path to fulfilling a commitment to build or preserve 200,000 apartments over 10 years. He lowered speed limits on city streets to reduce traffic deaths (though the decline has not been as impressive as was hoped), and he continued laudable public-health policies begun by his immediate predecessor, Michael Bloomberg. Simmering racial animosities have stayed in check, when they might well have boiled over after the deaths of several black men at the hands of police officers.

So we firmly endorse Mr. de Blasio in this primary as he seeks a second, and final, term and urge Democratic voters to support him next Tuesday over four lesser-known opponents. His able stewardship of the countrys largest and most cantankerous city deserves to be rewarded.

That is not to say it has been perfect. Every New Yorker sees homelessness rising, with many more people living on the street and more families flocking to city-run shelters; the mayor acknowledges that this is a problem he wont soon conquer. He has not used the full power of his bully pulpit to demand fixes for the hobbled mass transit system, choosing instead to squabble with the governor more than is necessary or wise, while his own constituents are the ones who suffer. (The mayor even had to be prodded to ride the subway more frequently.) He also has made almost no attempt to control the epidemic of small-store closings that blights one neighborhood after another.

A political operative before he ran for public office, Mr. de Blasio has not shaken free of detractors suspicions about his ethical compass. He was subjected to both federal and state investigations into whether he presides over a pay-to-play system that favors well-heeled donors seeking favors from City Hall. Ultimately, no charges were brought against him or his aides. Though the mayor declared he had been vindicated, the Manhattan district attorney concluded that some of his fund-raising appeared to have violated the intent and spirit of the law. Thats a far cry from Mr. de Blasios claim to have been pronounced innocent.

Disquiet about his character is felt by many New Yorkers, including some on the left who enthusiastically support his policies. There is a moral haughtiness that has served him and the city ill in relations with Albany. It also renders him almost incapable of publicly admitting error. He is not, to borrow Ed Kochs occasional self-description, Mayor Culpa. And he seems to have not absorbed the admonition that you dont get a second chance to make a first impression. Early on, he showed up late so often, including to an annual memorial in Queens for air-disaster victims, that he acquired a reputation for laziness that, fairly or not, still clings to him.

All told, though, Mr. de Blasio has been an effective mayor. He has taken care of essential municipal business while pursuing the progressive agenda that is dear to him. Arrests, for instance, are down on his watch. So are police stop-and-frisks that focused on young African-American and Latino men, most of them guilty of nothing. Yet none of that has translated into a rise in crime. On the contrary, New York is on track to end 2017 with fewer than 300 murders, an achievement once unimaginable.

As a sign of how well this mayor has performed, major politicians whod love to replace him decided he wasnt vulnerable and took a pass on this election, preferring to wait until term limits force him to leave office at the end of 2021. His challengers for the Democratic nomination are four men who earnestly offer their own visions for the city but who are hardly well recognized and have been unable to break through as serious contenders.

They are Sal Albanese, a centrist former councilman running for mayor a third time; Robert Gangi, a forceful advocate for criminal justice reform; Michael Tolkin, a technology entrepreneur who says he would apply his business skills to municipal governance; and Richard Bashner, a Brooklyn community board member who describes himself as the thinking mans candidate. No incumbent should have a free ride, and all of these men should be commended for ensuring that Mr. de Blasio doesnt have one. Indeed, all should have been included in a debate held two weeks ago and another one scheduled for Wednesday night. Only Mr. Albanese has made it to the stage because the others did not meet money-raising requirements.

Wed like to hear more from the mayor about his priorities for his probable second term. What will he do to reshape a New York that remains unaffordable for far too many residents, even with the new housing Mr. de Blasio boasts of? Test scores may have improved during his tenure (perhaps because the exams are easier than before), but most schoolchildren still read below grade level. How, if at all, will he reach out to segments of the populace that have not embraced his mayoralty? His approval ratings among whites, to cite one group, have been troublingly low from the get-go.

At some point, the New York economy is likely to stop chugging along as robustly as it has. The pendulum always swings. So the mayor  any mayor  must be ready to pare the municipal payroll, which has grown substantially in the last four years. If, as feared, federal aid shrivels under a Trump administration hostile to city needs, those reductions could be substantial. We dont expect Mr. de Blasio to announce at this point precisely what he would cut, but we hope he has begun thinking about what to do if the good times end.

Most New York mayors see themselves as national figures. This one is no exception. He has presented himself as a voice  hed like to think the voice  of progressive America and suggests he is not about to stop taking his message around the country.
Houston High development High development High development Sources: Beyond Floods and FEMA (floodplains); Google (satellite imagery)

As floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey recede in Houston, one thing thats been revealed is that some of the damage  financial, physical, emotional  could have been avoided.

Flood hazard maps by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, showing the 100-year floodplain, an area with a 1 percent risk for flooding in any given year, mark where homeowners are required to have federally sponsored flood insurance. This is one of the few early warning signals the United States has for flooding. For Houston, those maps were thoroughly inadequate. Early assessments show many homes were flooded even though they were located far from the designated floodplains. Many homes in whats known as the 500-year floodplain  with a 0.2 percent chance of flooding in a year  are also flooded.

Areas surrounding the Katy Prairies, sprawling grasslands in western Harris County, provide one such example. The region has been heavily developed over the past 30 years, sometimes overlapping or abutting floodplains. Local officials did not do enough to preserve native grasses, set aside open spaces or improve drainage.

100-year floodplain 500-year floodplain Building damage Building Damage Floodplain Sources: Beyond Floods and FEMA (floodplains); Google (satellite imagery); FEMA (building damage, through Sept. 2, 2017)

Damage around Katy was not restricted to floodplains identified by FEMA.

It gives people a feeling of complacency if they are not required to buy insurance, said Howard Kunreuther, the co-director of the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He would like to see FEMA provide people the "gradation of their risk."

Less understandable is how often these flood maps were ignored in Houston, where policies encouraged development in flood-prone areas while reducing the regions natural defenses to flooding.

And while the region has its own unique history, geography, economy and approach to growth, the lessons it will be learning in the coming weeks would apply to many other areas of the country.

FEMA flood risk zones Building Damage 100-year 500-year OUTSIDE floodPLAINS Spring Hockley HOUSTON Jersey Village 1 2 Highlands Katy Pasadena Baytown East Houston 2 1 Damaged buildings outside floodplains Source: FEMA (building damage); Beyond Floods (floodplains) FEMA flood risk zones Building Damage 100-year 500-year OUTSIDE floodPLAINS HARRIS COUNTY Spring Hockley HOUSTON Jersey Village 1 Highlands Katy 2 Pasadena East Houston Baytown 1 2 Damaged buildings outside floodplains Sources: FEMA (building damage, through Sept. 2, 2017); Beyond Floods (floodplains) FEMA flood risk zones 100-year 500-year Building Damage OUTSIDE floodplains HARRIS COUNTY HOUSTON Jersey Village 1 Highlands Katy 2 Pasadena East Houston 1 Damaged buildings outside floodplains Baytown 2 Sources: FEMA (building damage, through Sept. 2, 2017); Beyond Floods (floodplains)

Houstons Rampant Development

With Houstons economy booming, thanks in large part to oil and gas industries, residential and business development spread. As developers carved out new neighborhoods, they sometimes overlapped or abutted the floodplain  zones highly susceptible to flooding. Elsewhere, roads, parking lots, homes and businesses covered over wetlands and prairies that absorb flood waters.

An area east of Katy was submerged in floodwaters after rainfall breached the Addicks Reservoir. One neighborhood, Westlake Forest, was built in what the FEMA designated a floodplain.

Westlake Forest Neighborhood Civilians patrol for residents in need of evacuation in the Westlake Forest neighborhood of Katy, Texas. Alyssa Schukar for The New York Times FLOODPLAIN Westlake Forest Neighborhood Civilians patrol for residents in need of evacuation in the Westlake Forest neighborhood of Katy, Texas. Alyssa Schukar for The New York Times FLOODPLAIN Westlake Forest Neighborhood Civilians patrol for residents in need of evacuation in the Westlake Forest neighborhood of Katy, Texas. Alyssa Schukar for The New York Times FLOODPLAIN

A newer development located on the south side of Kingwood, a community in northeast Houston, was constructed throughout the late 1990s and 2000s directly inside the floodplain. Satellite photos show the area overwhelmed by floodwaters after the storm.

Other regions, like Cypress in northwest Harris County, or Willow and the Woodlands on the northern side of Houston, also show heavy development throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. Both areas experienced heavy flooding during the hurricane.

Kingwood 1984 Kingwood Major flooding Floodplain Sources: Beyond Floods and FEMA (floodplains); Google (satellite imagery)

Cypress 1984 Cypress Major flooding Floodplain Sources: Beyond Floods and FEMA (floodplains); Google (satellite imagery)

The Woodlands 1984 The Woodlands Major flooding Floodplain Sources: Beyond Floods and FEMA (floodplains); Google (satellite imagery)

FEMA maps are updated infrequently because Congress has not appropriated enough money for the work. The maps do not take into account the future impact of climate change or the impact of likely real estate development in the area. In addition, FEMA has not created flood maps for the entire country, leaving some home buyers unaware of flooding risks, said Larry Larson, a senior policy advisor at the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

A more nuanced view of flood risk may be possible. Data by Syndeste and Beyond Floods considers factors like previous flood damage and land cover as part of a risk assessment, showing many properties in downtown Houston not in the floodplain are still at significant risk.

FEMA flood risk zones 100-year 500-year Flood outlook score per block HIGH OR Very high LOW VERY LOW Greater Heights HOUSTON Rice Military Fourth Ward Sources: FEMA (floodplains); Beyond Floods (flood outlook) FEMA flood risk zones Flood outlook score per block 100-year 500-year HIGH OR Very high LOW VERY LOW Near Northside Greater Heights HOUSTON Rice Military Fourth Ward Downtown Hyde Park Sources: FEMA (floodplains); Beyond Floods (flood outlook) FEMA flood risk zones 100-year 500-year Flood outlook score per block HIGH OR Very high LOW VERY LOW Greater Heights HOUSTON Rice Military Fourth Ward Sources: FEMA (floodplains); Beyond Floods (flood outlook)

Damage for Many, Insurance for Few

Right now, more troubling is how ill-prepared even those in the current floodplain are to deal with Harveys aftermath. The vast majority of residents across the 30-county region struck hardest by hurricane Harvey also did not have insurance, according to Beyond Floods, a company that tracks and analyzes flood data.


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I acknowledge that systems may originate as collective projections of personal conscience. An example can be drawn, I think, from the vaunted founding of the American government. My own reading of history, however, suggests that all systems degrade over time into little more than a framework within which their adherents can satisfy both their collective and personal self-interest. That paradox reminds me of an old wisecrack about Republicans: that they reach for their wallet whenever a Democrat proposes legislation to improve the economy. In my own case, I want to reach for my passport whenever I hear ceremonial praise of America's soldiers for keeping us free or safe. As is evident from current news broadcasts, the nearly 70-year-old Korean War has now resulted in making us less safe. It is true that the following war in Vietnam made us neither more nor less safe or free. Yet, while that war made no difference in the lives of Americans who took no part in it, it did consume about a trillion dollars in today's money and caused the deaths and suffering of tens of thousands of American soldiers and millions of Vietnamese.

With the advent of the age of international terrorism, the G.W. Bush government's response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001 quickly showed how a continual war footing can make us less free, as well as less safe, at home. Just a month after 9/11, Bush signed into law the first version of the U.S. Patriot Act. It authorized indefinite detention of immigrants; searches of homes or businesses without the owner's or occupant's consent or knowledge; FBI searches of telephone, email, and financial records, without a court order; and expanded access of law-enforcement agencies to business, financial, and even library records.

One of America's great freedom fighters and anti-war advocates, the late Howard Zinn, urged Americans to be careful about buying into the war-making system. In an essay entitled "Machiavellian Realism and U.S. Foreign Policy: Means and Ends," he points out how the widespread popular acceptance--or, more accurately, initial acceptance--of America's wars is fundamentally misplaced. In reality, he says, they benefit only the country's ruling elite, who plan and execute them at considerable cost to ordinary citizens. Zinn profiles America as a conglomeration of competing interests, not as a community that shares a common interest. On that basis he asks this salient question: "Why should the citizen tie his or her fate to the nation-state, which is perfectly willing to sacrifice the lives and liberties of its own citizens for the power, the profit, and the glory of politicians or corporate executives or generals?"

The case for Zinn's skepticism is made plain by the fact that America's wars on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, countries ripped apart by insurgency and the efforts of terrorist groups to gain a strategic foothold in them, have compounded the infringements on our freedoms by also making us less safe. In selling these wars to the American public, the government led many Americans to believe that the forcible ousting of brutal regimes could reduce the threat of international terrorism and help ensure the safety of our own country. Instead, the wars not only destroyed the most basic freedoms of Iraqis, Afghans, and Libyans, including their rights to life, personal security, and a safe place to live. They also produced, in conjunction with unremitting drone attacks in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, a marked expansion in international terrorism, making life even more miserable in the countries attacked and increasing the threat of terrorist strikes both on our own soil and that of our allies.

The Wisdom of Turning the Other Cheek

Considering all this, it strikes me as revealing that, among our armed conflicts since World War II, only the war in Vietnam did not make America less safe and free. In that war, too, despite all of our blasting of the countryside with Agent Orange, razing of villages, bombing of cities, and killing of two-million people, our war-making failed, as it has also in the Middle East, to achieve its aim of forcing another nation to fall into line with our own perceived interests. In the Vietnam War, however, our opponent, motivated by the just cause of redeeming its betrayed right to national freedom and independence, managed to outlast us and make its own will prevail. Vietnam went on to build from virtually nothing a viable new nation and state that is now a modest U.S. trading partner and a destination for American tourists. Surely, this outcome demonstrates that America's best course as the world's only superpower is not to try to force conflicted developing nations to remake themselves in ways designed to serve our own ends. Our role should be, instead, to help such nations--at far lower cost--realize their own reasonable national aspirations by offering them, on request, the economic assistance and political and technological expertise that may enable them to do so.

With help of this kind, struggling central governments of war-torn nations might well be able to bring insurgent and terrorist groups into the fold by strategies of peaceful conflict resolution. Mike Boddington, a British former director of the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) serving landmine victims in Laos, has written an intriguing report on one such strategy. It is encapsulated in the regrets expressed by a North Vietnamese peasant following his small country's successful struggle to win both its freedom and right to national unification by warding off the most powerful military machine in the history of the world.

"Well, we could have simply not fought"," Boddington quotes the man as saying. "We could have allowed the Americans to come in and occupy our country, not fought back with weapons, done nothing. We could have smiled and been kind to them. We could have resisted in many ways, but not fought. Many people would not have been killed, and eventually the Americans would have become tired and gone home."

I found this take on the war inspirational in three ways: for its extraordinary humanity; for its incredible faith that it is possible for one group of people to live in harmony with another group that has shown itself to be an utterly ruthless enemy and is also a cultural "other"; and for its advocacy of a spiritually-based but counter-intuitive strategy for dealing with military occupation. It may be a surprise to many, but the peasant's support of peaceful resistance turns out to have been not only spiritually-based, but wise. Given accumulating evidence of its success, this strategy is gaining more and more credence among anti-war activists and provides at least one broad stepping stone toward a future abolition of war and a much better world beyond it.
From Empire Burlesque

Everywhere you look these days, you see the trope: the "end of the world" is nigh from a nuclear war. It's there in somber headlines, in weighty punditry, even in throwaway jokes in the middle of, say, a TV review: "Looks like the BBC finally has a comedy hit -- just as the world is about to blow up!" Ha ha. The current situation with North Korea is being portrayed as if it's a reboot of the Cuban Missile Crisis, with two massively armed superpowers on the brink of all-out global conflagration.

But putting aside the entirely context-less hype and fear-mongering of our media and political elites, even if there were some kind of war between the US and North Korea, it would not remotely lead to anything like the "end of the world." The US has thousands of immediately launchable nuclear weapons; North Korea has, er, none. And even if you believe Pyongyang's propaganda (and if you swallow it about their nuclear weapons program, why not believe their BS about the happy workers' paradise they have there?), you're still left with the fact that North Korea might be able to put a weapon on a missile at some point in the future. OK, then they could possibly lob this missile (or heck, two or three of them, maybe) in the direction of the United States -- which, we assume, would just stand back and watch this happen, despite having North Korea absolutely blanketed with surveillance and having the ability to destroy any launcher the instant it reared skyward. And then North Korea would be obliterated by a US retaliation.

So even if this actually impossible worst-case scenario happened, where is the global nuclear conflagration that would destroy the entire world? Is Russia -- the only other country actually capable of destroying a good bit of the world -- going to launch a suicidal nuclear attack on the US because North Korea launched a sneak attack on the US and the US responded? Would China launch its handful of nukes at the US, knowing it would face instant annihilation? Gormless goobers like Donald Trump and John McCain might think so. But Russia and China have already said they themselves would punish North Korea if it launched an unprovoked attack on the US (or anyone else).

Thus, even if, God forbid, there was a nuclear exchange between the US and North Korea, the world would not end, human civilization would not collapse, etc, etc. Where would the other missiles, the ones that would destroy the whole world, come from? Are people assuming that if North Korea launched one of the nuclear-armed missiles it doesn't have at the US, the US would then launch its entire nuclear arsenal all over the world in a paroxysm of destruction? This fear-mongering trope makes no actual sense. But is certainly very useful in keeping people cringing and anxious -- and looking to their "leaders" to save them from the weirdo insane crazy animal in North Korea who is somehow going to blow up the entire world all by himself! Oh, Mr. President, we forgive all that Nazi-coddling stuff; just save us from the monster!

II.

And what about the aforementioned context of the current crisis? The latest racheting up began, we're told, when North Korea fired a missile over a Japanese island: an act of "unprovoked aggression," it was said. But what else was going on at the same time? Well, a vast "war game" being carried out by the United States, Japan and South Korea right on North Korea's doorstep (and on the Japanese island overflown by the missile). As Mike Whitney points out, these "provocative war games [were] designed to simulate an invasion of North Korea and a "decapitation" operation to remove (i.e., kill) the regime." North Korea had asked the US not to begin the "decapitation" games, or else it would have to respond. Thus the launch of the unarmed missile. Then, as Whitney notes, a few days later US B-1 bombers conducted a "dummy" nuclear bombing run near Seoul. This was followed by North Korea's claim of a successful H-bomb test, and the claim it could mount a nuke on a missile.

Now, North Korea is a loathsome, tyrannical regime. It is might even be somewhat worse than Saudi Arabia, the extremely close ally of the US and the UK. (Although women can drive in North Korea, and even hold office.) But you don't have to defend the regime to see that the current crisis is not happening in a vacuum; it is not simply some mystical motiveless malignancy bubbling up from a cauldron of pure, senseless evil.

I'm so old I can remember -- way back in the 1990s -- when a landmark agreement was reached with North Korea. In exchange for giving up its nuclear program, the US and its allies would provide help with peaceful nuclear power, food, development -- and would, finally, begin negotiations for a peace treaty that would at last bring the Korean War to an official end. This would allow something more like normal relations to go forward.

But in the time-honored Washington fashion (just ask the Native Americans), the US began almost immediately to undermine the agreement. Promised equipment, food and aid was not delivered. North Korea too was being cagey, and every hesitation or unseemly remark on its part was used as an excuse to further "delay" the agreement's implementation. Needless to say, the peace talks -- which were and still are the chief aim of North Korea -- never took place. When George W. Bush took office, he expressed his personal contempt for the grubby little North Koreans and essentially said he wasn't going to deal with such riff-raff anymore. So the agreement died -- and North Korea re-started its nuclear weapons program.

III.

Now here we are. The tiny bankrupt, isolated nation of North Korea, with, perhaps, a handful of nuclear bomb which, perhaps, one day, might possibly be mounted on missiles which, perhaps, one day, could be launched -- that is, if they weren't first destroyed on the launching pad, which they would be (and which could be done without the use of nuclear weapons, by the way) -- is facing the most powerful nation in the history of the world and its vast, hydra-headed nuclear arsenal. North Korea cannot "destroy" America, much less the world; at most, it could try to jab a pin-prick at the US -- at the cost of its own immediate and total destruction. (Actually, as noted, it couldn't even do that, but let's play the scaremongering game for now.)

So again, the question arises: what is the basis of all this media jabber about "the end of the world"? Forget our noble leaders, who spend most of their time trying to scare us into unquestioning obedience while they pick our pockets; we know what they're up to. But why this sudden and apparently universal adoption of a baseless, empty, dangerous notion by the media? Well, fear sells, of course; you wouldn't get too many clicks with a headline saying "Korean Situation Calls for a Nuanced and Historically Informed Approach Leading to Fruitful and Realistic Negotiations." But it's odd to see the trope picked up and propagated not just by the media bosses but by writers and talkers across the board, even in non-political areas.

Who knows where the current crisis will end? Certainly, the bipartisan foreign policy establishment -- which, yes, includes the Trump Administration, as well as the "liberal" media and vast chunks of the "Resistance" -- seems keen on bloodshed in some form or other. Or if --particularly in the liberal quadrants -- they blanche at that, they surely want to see North Korea crushed and humiliated into begging for mercy from the global hegemon.

My hunch is that we will see neither -- no US attack on North Korea (and certainly not a nuclear one) and no capitulation by Pyongyang. Trump has no interest in peace, of course, nor in nuance or history, or anything else aside from his own aggrandizement. But he and his family do have lucrative business interests in China, which would be threatened by any overreaction against the thoroughly containable "threat" from North Korea. And at the moment, it seems that the military junta to which he's given power over foreign policy also seems reluctant to start shooting -- although naturally they are happy to keep goosing the fear of attack and the threat of war so the grease and graft will continue to flow into the militarist swamp.

But hell is murky, as that noted political strategist Lady Macbeth once said. And in the hell we've made with our -- why not? -- empire burlesque, the outcome of the current imbroglio remains unclear ... except for one key point: it will not end, it cannot end, with the end of the world.
From Jon Rappoport Blog



Student Leaders 2016

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Over the past few years, I've written extensively about clap-trap higher education, which is turning out to be a combination of values-indoctrination, peer pressure, conformity, Leftist ideology, peppered with an astounding number of vague unexamined generalities. It adds up to intellectual starvation by attrition. It's a war against the mind carried on by attempting to shape and control and limit the mind.

If you took the worst features of fake discourse and analysis and rolled them up into a ball, you would get college.

This is one reason why I wrote a basic logic course for high school students and included it in my collection, The Matrix Revealed.

From my own experience as a student, and from teaching teenage students, I discovered an encouraging fact: a little bit of logic goes a long way. Students respond. They wake up, for example, when they find out what a generality is, when they read examples, when they run them to ground, when they discover how many generalities end up in blind alleys with no factual support.

It's as if the mind says, "I didn't realize this before! I've been waiting for this! I want to analyze information. Here is a basic tool. I'm ready. Let's go. I don't want to be fooled anymore."

The basic condition of a mind is ALERT. It's only through the introduction of nonsense, contradiction and vagueness that the mind sinks into the mud and gives up and goes on autopilot.

There is a problem for the denizens of higher education: Students armed with logic eventually become independent. They resist indoctrination of any kind. They can perform their own investigations. They can handle information. They can discount and reject nonsense. They see through hidden agendas.

A teacher has to be ready for that and welcome it. Most teachers don't want to face such intrusions. Open territory, open inquiries, far-ranging questions upset the planned status quo.

What should be the most exciting aspect of learning is taken as a threat.

In this regard, too many teachers are cowards. They can't face the music of logic.

Higher education is mainly a group of designed set-pieces, whose purpose is arriving at a predictable result. Students armed with logic will rip those pieces to shreds, look at the elements, put them back together in new ways, and expose shortcomings and outright fraud. What students take to be an adventure most teachers look at as a deeply disturbing tornado.

This is the most profound meaning of censorship. The teacher essentially says to the student, "You can't go there. Don't think about what you're thinking about. Don't ruin the pattern. Don't go into spaces where the truth is up for grabs. We're trying to arrive at a destination, and I decide what that destination is."

True education always contains factors of rebellion against authority -- but this isn't a mindless attack, it's done with logic and evidence and honed thought. It can be done with a decent attitude and respect, so long as the teacher is willing to open the door to deeper and deeper analysis.

Then the classroom would be an exciting place. Then students would come in with bright eyes and minds. Then all bets would be off. Then teachers would learn new things. Then the atmosphere would crackle with possibility. Then both students and teachers would look forward to discovering what they don't know. Then the real party would begin.

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North Korea is open to reasonable negotiations. The United States, as embodied in the buffoon whom we have allowed to hold more power than any royal monarch has ever known, would prefer armageddon to reasonable negotiations.

These are not speculations.



Trump at work

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North Korea made a deal with the U.S. before being dumped into the Axis of Evil, after which point it proposed a deal over and over.

NY Times Jan 10, 2015:

"offering to temporarily suspend nuclear tests in return for a suspension of the joint military exercises this year"

Reuters Jan 15, 2016:

"North Korea on Saturday demanded the conclusion of a peace treaty with the United States and a halt to U.S. military exercises with South Korea to end its nuclear tests"

NY Times March 8, 2017:

"China tried unsuccessfully to calm newly volatile tensions on the Korean Peninsula on Wednesday, proposing that North Korea freeze nuclear and missile programs in exchange for a halt to major military exercises by American and South Korean forces. The proposal was rejected hours later by the United States and South Korea."

NY Times June 21, 2017:

"The Trump administration has come under growing pressure to open negotiations on a temporary freeze on North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in return for reducing the American military footprint in the Korean Peninsula, according to American officials and foreign diplomats. Versions of the proposal, floated by Beijing for several months, have been revived several times this week, first by South Korea's newly installed president and then by China's foreign minister and one of its top military officials in talks on Wednesday with Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. But White House officials say they are not interested""

These reports are in U.S. newspapers and can be and just were found within 30 seconds using U.S. search engines.

Yet the jackass in the White House says no deal is possible, and nobody impeaches him, because the Democrats want him around to "oppose," the Republicans just don't give a damn, and progressives and liberals would apparently rather risk nuclear apocalypse than install a President Pence in a transformed government in which top officials are impeached and removed when they step out of line.

On Sunday Donald Trump tweeted: "South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!"

It is becoming clearer that the only thing Trump is likely to understand will be his own impeachment and removal from office.

Despite an estabished history of North Korean willingness to negotiate and to comply with agreements, Trump proceeded to meet with military staff on Sunday and to consider military options as if peaceful solutions were simply impossible, and despite the South Korean government's stated opposition to war.

Pentagon head James Mattis said of the meeting: "We have many military options and the president wanted to be briefed on every one of them." That's a horrifying statement from a nuclear armed government whose president has previously remarked: "North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."

Mattis echoed this rhetoric on Sunday: "Any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam, or our allies, will be met with a massive military response -- a response both effective and overwhelming."

While Trump and Mattis may understand more than one thing, irony is not on the list of things they understand. They are threatening to launch a nuclear war, which constitutes a threat to the whole world, as a response to any threat from a tiny distant nation.

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See original here

By Mark Sumner

In Tuesday's White House press briefing, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was determined to have it both ways. On the one hand, Huckabee Sanders wanted to hide behind the idea that Trump's hand was forced. According to Huckabee Sanders, the reason Trump had to make this ruling immediately was because of the deadline for legal action ... a deadline helpfully set by Attorney General Jefferson Sessions. On the other hand, Huckabee Sanders was dismissive of the idea of actually passing a DACA-like bill if it landed on Trump's desk. Instead she indicated that Trump would sign only "comprehensive immigration reform" that included border protection, expanded vetting, and worker protection.

In other words, Trump dismissed DACA and has no interest in seeing the DREAM Act or anything similar on his desk. So long as Trump is in office, Dreamers are going to be deported.

When questioned over the idea that Congress would be able to reach agreement on a comprehensive immigration bill before March 5, Huckabee Sanders was dismissive. She stated that Americans didn't elect Congress to "do things that were easy" and repeatedly said that should Congress not be able to deal with the issue, they should "get out of the way."

"Congress's job to legislate. If they can't, they should get out of the way and let someone else take their place that can get things done."

Similar statements were made at least four times, as the Trump White House worked to blame everyone but Trump for his action against the children of immigrants. Huckabee Sanders also painted President Obama's characterization of DACA as a "stop gap" measure as a clear indication that he knew it was illegal. The terms "illegal" and "unconstitutional" were used in almost every response, as part of the effort to show that Trump had no choice but to act.

In fact, Huckabee Sanders went so far as to call Trump's actions "compassionate" because the announcement doesn't kick Dreamers out immediately. She indicated that Trump could have kicked out Dreamers immediately, and should be given credit for protecting Dreamers.

She also made repeated efforts to tie the DACA program to unemployment among Americans in their 20s, including making repeated statements that 4 million young Americans are unemployed, including 950,000 African Americans, who Huckabee Sanders attempted to set against Dreamers under the pretense that Dreamers were stealing their jobs.

As with the statements made earlier in the day by Sessions, Huckabee Sanders attempted to paint the presence of Dreamers as something that affected employment and safety. In particular, she called out unemployment among African Americans and Hispanics in an effort to pit minorities against DACA. She redefined Trump's "compassion" to say he was compassionate toward these 4 million out of work Americans somehow affected by 800,000 Dreamers. Obviously, Dreamers must be America's hardest working group since they're holding down five jobs each.

Asked if Trump would sign a bill similar to DACA if it reached his desk, Huckabee Sanders pushed such an idea away, saying Trump would only sign a comprehensive bill, and she scoffed at the idea that it would be difficult for Congress to design and draft such a bill in time.

The repeated statements that Congress should "get out of the way" and a deadline of March 2018 certainly made it appear that Trump was not just attacking Dreamers, but also Congress by creating a situation that seems designed for conflict and failure.

Trump's decision was not a legal decision. Any deadlines that existed were deadlines that Trump could have easily moved or extended if he wanted. The Trump White House could have defended DACA if it wanted. But despite Trump's many claims to a "heart," his actions were brutally cruel.
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From Smirking Chimp



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The pictures that came out of Houston and other areas that were hard hit by Hurricane Harvey were pretty awful. There were numerous photographs of people with young children and pets wading through high water in the hope of being rescued by boat or helicopter. There was also the picture of elderly people in a nursing home sitting in waist high water waiting to be rescued. It was a pretty horrible story.

One thing we can feel good about is that because the United States is a wealthy country, we do have large numbers of boats and helicopters and trained rescue workers able to assist the victims of the storm. We also have places where we can take these people where they will have shelter, as well access to food and medical care. However bad the human toll will be from Harvey, it would be hugely worse without these resources.

In this context, we may want to take a moment to think about Bangladesh, a densely populated country on the other side of the world. More than 160 million people live in Bangladesh. Almost half of these people live in low-lying areas with an elevation of less than 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level.

Bangladesh experiences seasonal monsoon rains which invariably lead to flooding, as well as occasional cyclones. The monsoon rains and cyclones are likely to be more severe in future years as one of the effects of global warming. This will mean that the flooding will be worse.

Bangladesh does not have large amounts of resources to assist the people whose homes are flooded. It does not have the same number of boats and helicopters and trained rescue workers to save people trapped by rising water. Nor can it guarantee that people who do escape will have access to adequate shelter, medical care, or even clean drinking water. This means many more people are likely to be dying from floods in Bangladesh as a result of the impact of global warming.

Ironically, as Houston and Texas were still being hit by Harvey last week, a building collapsed in Mumbai, India, likely the result of the pressure from this year's monsoon rains and the resulting floods. Nineteen people were reported dead from the collapse with another 30 having been rescued after being trapped in the rubble.

So far this summer more than 1,000 people across south Asia have died as a result of flooding from the monsoons. We are likely to see many more incidents like this building collapse, as well as more people drowning in floods due to the effects of global warming.

In the U.S. the debate over global warming is often treated as one between those who like government intervention and those who support a free market. This is nonsense.

Allowing people to emit greenhouse gases without paying for the damage done is like allowing them to dump their sewage on their neighbor's lawn. No one seriously argues that it is a free market principle that they get to dump their sewage on their neighbor's lawn. Everyone understands that we are responsible for dealing with our own sewage and not imposing a cost on our neighbors.

It's the same story with the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, even if the chain of causation may be somewhat more complicated. At this point, we have pretty clear evidence that the planet is warming, with the predictable bad effects like rising oceans and more severe storms. We also know that greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause.

For this reason, the dumping of sewage analogy is appropriate. The United States and other wealthy countries are imposing enormous costs, including the loss of large numbers of lives, through our emissions of greenhouse gases.

It is understandable that a rich jerk like Donald Trump might not want to pay for the damage he does to the world, especially when the people most affected are dark-skinned, but it is not a serious position. It has nothing to do with market philosophy; it is just a story of not accepting responsibility.

The emissions from the United States and other wealthy countries will result in a lot of Harvey-like disasters in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the developing world. We should be moving quickly to try to limit the harm. We should also be giving these countries the assistance they need to deal with the disasters that we have caused them. This isn't a question of charity, it's a question of whether we think we can get away with ruining the lives of the world's poor just because we are rich and powerful.
From Consortium News

It is a popular meme in the U.S. media to say that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "crazy" as he undertakes to develop a nuclear bomb and a missile capacity to deliver it, but he is actually working from a cold logic dictated by the U.S. government's aggressive wars and lack of integrity.

Indeed, the current North Korea crisis, which could end up killing millions of people, can be viewed as a follow-on disaster to President George W. Bush's Iraq War and President Barack Obama's Libyan intervention. Those wars came after the leaders of Iraq and Libya had dismantled their dangerous weapons programs, leaving their countries virtually powerless when the U.S. government chose to invade.

In both cases, the U.S. government also exploited its power over global information to spread lies about the targeted regimes as justification for the invasions -- and the world community failed to do anything to block the U.S. aggressions.

And, on a grim personal note, the two leaders, Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, were then brutally murdered, Hussein by hanging and Gaddafi by a mob that first sodomized him with a knife.

So, the neoconservatives who promoted the Iraq invasion supposedly to protect the world from Iraq's alleged WMDs -- and the liberal interventionists who pushed the Libya invasion based on false humanitarian claims -- may now share in the horrific possibility that millions of people in North Korea, South Korea, Japan and maybe elsewhere could die from real WMDs launched by North Korea and/or by the United States.

Washington foreign policy "experts" who fault President Trump's erratic and bellicose approach toward this crisis may want to look in the mirror and consider how they contributed to the mess by ignoring the predictable consequences from the Iraq and Libya invasions.

Yes, I know, at the time it was so exciting to celebrate the Bush Doctrine of preemptive wars even over a "one percent" suspicion that a "rogue state" like Iraq might share WMDs with terrorists -- or the Clinton Doctrine hailed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's acolytes enamored by her application of "smart power" to achieve "regime change" in Libya.

However, as we now know, both wars were built upon lies. Iraq did not possess WMD stockpiles as the Bush administration claimed, and Libya was not engaged in mass murder of civilians in rebellious areas in the eastern part of the country as the Obama administration claimed.

Post-invasion investigations knocked down Bush's WMD myth in Iraq, and a British parliamentary inquiry concluded that Western governments misrepresented the situation in eastern Libya where Gaddafi forces were targeting armed rebels but not indiscriminately killing civilians.

But those belated fact-finding missions were no comfort to either Saddam Hussein or Muammar Gaddafi, nor to their countries, which have seen mass slaughters resulting from the U.S.-sponsored invasions and today amount to failed states.

There also has been virtually no accountability for the war crimes committed by the Bush and Obama administrations. Bush and Obama both ended up serving two terms as President. None of Bush's senior advisers were punished -- and Hillary Clinton received the 2016 Democratic Party's nomination for President.

As for the U.S. mainstream media, which behaved as boosters for both invasions, pretty much all of the journalistic war advocates have continued on with their glorious careers. To excuse their unprofessional behavior, some even have pushed revisionist lies, such as the popular but false claim that Saddam Hussein was to blame because he pretended that he did have WMDs -- when the truth is that his government submitted a detailed 12,000-page report to the United Nations in December 2002 describing how the WMDs had been destroyed (though that accurate account was widely mocked and ultimately ignored).

Pervasive Dishonesty

The dishonesty that now pervades the U.S. government and the U.S. mainstream media represents another contributing factor to the North Korean crisis. What sensible person anywhere on the planet would trust U.S. assurances? Who would believe what the U.S. government says, except, of course, the U.S. mainstream media?

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Caravan of Love walk in support of immigrants and refugees. | Flickr1024 -- 576 - 224k - jpg

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In the heat of discussion about the status of legal and illegal immigrants, building the wall, and Islamophobia, it might help to consider a few aspects not generally brought into the conversation. Since early in our history, a mass of oppressed and impoverished peoples have flocked to our shores to seek haven and opportunity in the New World. With notable exceptions, they have always been welcome and have contributed fundamentally to the character and prosperity of our nation.

As the nation became more settled and populated, limitations were imposed on immigration according to economic conditions, country of origin, and other factors reflecting social and political attitudes peculiar to the time. In general, peoples from different cultures and countries have adapted well and, over time, blended into a common American style of living while retaining and contributing something of their native cultural identity - such as St. Patrick's Day, which everyone celebrates.

Among the notable exceptions are the harsh treatment and restrictions imposed upon Chinese immigrants during the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries, and the unconstitutional imprisonment of Japanese, including native-born and naturalized citizens during World War II.

The eleven million or so undocumented immigrants from Latin American countries are a special case, requiring special treatment. Some of their ancestors were here before our nation existed. They have blended into the larger Latino community and have contributed immensely to our nation's well-being, commonly in essential menial jobs and at the sacrifice of better opportunities for self-improvement open to immigrants of legal status.

Granted, in a normal world - which doesn't currently exist - a nation would have control of its borders. But in the current state of affairs, borders are very fluid where countries are commonly transgressing each other's borders as flows of military forces and as exploitive economic policies of globalization create floods of political and economic refugees. A wall is not a permanent solution to keep out invasions of illegal immigrants. Walled fortresses and cities are the method of medieval times as required under perpetual hostilities. They reflect the medieval mentality of our present administration. We must look at the conditions causing the flow of immigrants and do something to correct them. And they are obvious.

Wherever there is great economic and political disparity, people will always migrate from poverty to better livelihood possibilities, and from oppression to relative freedom and opportunity. The flow will wax and wane but will never cease until some sort of equilibrium is established. The mere presence of our prosperous modern economic nation next to a region struggling under the backward plantation-like economic conditions of many Latin American countries acts like a magnet for immigration. On top of that, despite our government being in denial, our historical interference in the political and economic affairs of Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Chile, Columbia, Argentina, etc., has contributed significantly to the flow of immigrants.

If we could change our policies towards Latin America to a "Good Neighbor" policy envisioned by Franklin Delano Roosevelt - rein in our corporate exploitation there, change our trading, lending, and privatization practices that tend to drive some countries towards bankruptcy, as described in John Perkins' "Confessions of An Economic Hit Man" - that could curtail immigration.

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website



Jobs, Unemployment

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Today is Labor Day, a difficult day to celebrate now that American labor has been cast aside and US jobs offshored and given to foreigners. The remainder of the jobs is slated to be replaced by robotics.

Friday's payroll jobs report was full of bad news. Full-time jobs declined by 166,000. The meager 156,000 new jobs claimed are really only 115,000 net of the prior month's revision, and this 115,000 jobs estimate is within the range of statistical insignificance. In other words, there is no confidence that the jobs are actually there.

The US workforce continues to develop a Third World complexion of lowly paid part-time domestic service employment. The American Dream continues its closedown.

Meanwhile the government tells us that we are at full employment with an unemployment rate of 4.4%.
Even the occasional, Low Information Voter knows that things in our country just aren't working out as advertised. It's become obvious even to the casual observer in this country -- as well as by those in other countries -- that this, our mighty empire of truth, liberty, justice and the American Dream for all, has become a small failing annoyance for some and a rapidly expanding, dream deflating, living nightmare for the majority of the rest of us.

The wide spectrum of culprits who are responsible for our slow disintegration can be placed at the feet of everyone from the local sheriff who doesn't obey Constitutional laws, all the way up to the possibility that we are rapidly becoming subjects of a New World Order under the tyrannical control of an international banking cartel (my favorite).

One might read the title of this article along with the previous paragraphs and come to the conclusion that this is the "rot" to which I'm referring. That's not the case. What I'm alluding to, in the above paragraphs, is the disease , and NOT the rot. Which area of the Disease Spectrum one may prefer to accept as fact will determine how long we have been forced to deal with whichever aspect of the disease you identify as THE source.

For example, if you think that the suppression of women (half of our population and ALL of our mothers) began when men discovered that women were multi-orgasmic and thus had a greater sexual capacity than men, then you are dealing with a very primal time in the history of man. On the other hand, if you peg the rise of fascism in the US to have started just before WWII, you would be mostly correct in that basic assessment. As for the international banking cartel . . . well, it began it's journey toward world domination in the mid 1700's. It really doesn't matter which source you believe in, the fact is -- our accelerating deterioration is a reality.

You see, the rot I'm referring to is also, and uniquely, part of the cure for the disease. The rot which is also the cure for our diseased state is -- apathy. Before you stop reading and shuffle off to watch another YouTube video, let's examine this rot in detail. For it is certainly relevant to our survival and since we already know the basic definition of the word, apathy -- i.e., not giving a shift -- let's start by looking at causes of, and ways to, break up and/or reverse this rot called, apathy. After all, the opposite of apathy is involvement.

A perfect example of how apathy can become rot and then a cure, would be when one experiences the threat of fear. Until a person experiences fear, they can be very apathetic. However, once fear becomes a reality, then the apathy/rot will rapidly disappear.

Another example of how the rot of apathy can blossom, would be through ignorance or lack of exposure to the true nature of a threat. Again, the apathy can often be converted to action, once the invalidity of the apathy is realized through respected and truthful information/education.

The rot of apathy can readily flourish in groups of people. Peer thought and thus pressure can work both for and against apathy. A group may be apathetic until an event occurs -- like education or a threat -- which can then rapidly reverse the group think.

Respected authorities can both create and encourage apathy as well as dissipate it. These people can be most effective at inspiring and motivating those who are suffering from the rot which is composed of a sense of futility leading to impotency.

I could give more examples, but that is not the primary focus of this paper.

--

The amount of apathetic rot in this country is vast and growing, as are the reasons. How we turn this rot into cures requires a lot of people who are dedicated to exposing and reversing the rot and then utilizing the freshly liberated energy of the newly "cured" individuals to exponentially expand a base into political viability. This movement will have to keep expanding until it is large enough to politically convert our currently failing systems into a viable and thriving environment for all.

I have to point out that writing, talking, and commenting among ourselves, as we explore the problems and fantasize the solutions, just won't cut it. We are spinning our wheels -- and actually being counter-productive -- when we find ourselves "Preaching to our own choir."

We have an enormous group of fellow citizens who, for various reasons, are currently very apathetic; just look at the dwindling number of registered voters who actually show up to vote. We must stop talking to ourselves and start seeking out and "curing" those who are apathetic. We must discover the cause of their particular rot and then offer an effective cure, for they can be the core of a large contingent of malcontents who are just waiting for a better future. There must be no doubt that our very survival depends on us becoming Rot Missionaries with our primary and critical mission being universal liberation from rot!

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From Common Dreams



Civil rights and union leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Joseph L. Rauh Jr., Whitney Young, Roy Wilkins, A. Philip Randolph, Walter Reuther, and Sam Weinblatt, take part in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.

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Most Americans today know that Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, but few know why he was there. King went to Memphis to support African American garbage workers, who were on strike to protest unsafe conditions, abusive white supervisors, and low wages -- and to gain recognition for their union. Their picket signs relayed a simple but profound message: "I Am A Man."

Today we view King as something of a saint, his birthday a national holiday, and his name adorning schools and street signs. But in his day, the establishment considered King a dangerous troublemaker. He was harassed by the FBI and vilified in the media. He began his activism in Montgomery, Alabama, as a crusader against the nation's racial caste system, but the struggle for civil rights radicalized him into a fighter for broader economic and social justice.

As we celebrate Labor Day on Monday, let's remember that King was committed to building bridges between the civil rights and labor movements.

Invited to address the AFL-CIO's annual convention in 1961, King observed:

"Our needs are identical with labor's needs: decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children, and respect in the community. That is why Negroes support labor's demands and fight laws which curb labor. That is why the labor-hater and labor-baiter is virtually always a twin-headed creature spewing anti-Negro epithets from one mouth and anti-labor propaganda from the other mouth."

He added:

"The labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who today attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them."

Several major unions reciprocated King's support. When he was jailed in Birmingham for participating in civil disobedience, it was Walter Reuther, the charismatic leader of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, who paid his bail.

Several major unions, especially the UAW and the International Ladies Garment Workers, had donated money to civil rights groups, supported the sit-ins and freedom rides, and helped organize the massive 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

We often forget that its official name was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and that its manifesto called on Congress not only to pass a civil rights bill but also "a national minimum wage act that will give all Americans a decent standard of living." The manifesto pointed out that "anything less than $2.00 an hour fails to do this."

In 1963, the minimum wage was $1.25 -- the equivalent of $9.97 in today's dollars. A $2 minimum wage in 1963 would be $15.95 an hour today.

In the 1960s, the sit-ins (a tactic adopted from workers' sit-down strikes in the 1930s), Freedom Rides, mass marches, and voter registration drives eventually led Congress to enact the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was proud of the civil rights movement's success in winning the passage of those important laws. But he realized that neither law did much to provide better jobs or housing for the large numbers of low-income African Americans in the cities and rural areas. He recognized the limits of breaking down legal segregation.

"What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter if he doesn't earn enough money to buy a hamburger and a cup of coffee?" King asked.

King observed: "Negroes are not the only poor in the nation. There are nearly twice as many white poor as Negro, and therefore the struggle against poverty is not involved solely with color or racial discrimination but with elementary economic justice." To achieve economic justice, King said, "there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God's children."

"There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American whether he [or she] is a hospital worker, laundry worker, maid, or day laborer," said King.

In a speech to the Illinois AFL-CIO in 1965, King said:

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com.

Victory at Last!

In America's Wars, Failure Is the New Success

By Tom Engelhardt

It was bloody and brutal, a true generational struggle, but give them credit. In the end, they won when so many lost.

James Comey was axed. Sean Spicer went down in a heap of ashes. Anthony Scaramucci crashed and burned instantaneously. Reince Priebus hung on for dear life but was finally canned. Seven months in, Steve Bannon got the old heave-ho and soon after, his minion, Sebastian Gorka, was unceremoniously shoved out the White House door. In a downpour of potential conflicts of interest and scandal, Carl Icahn bowed out. Gary Cohn has reportedly been at the edge of resignation. And so it goes in the Trump administration.

Except for the generals. Think of them as the last men standing. They did it. They took the high ground in Washington and held it with remarkable panache. Three of them: National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, Secretary of Defense and retired Marine General John Mattis, and former head of the Department of Homeland Security, now White House Chief of Staff, retired Marine General John Kelly stand alone, except for President Trump's own family members, at the pinnacle of power in Washington.

Those three generals from America's losing wars are now triumphant. One of them is the ultimate gatekeeper when it comes to who sees the president. All three influence his thoughts and speeches. They are the "civilians" who control the military and American war policy. They, and they alone, have made the president go against his deepest urges, as he admitted in his address to the nation on the war in Afghanistan. ("My original instinct was to pull out and historically I like following my instincts.") They've convinced him to release the military (and the CIA) from significant oversight on how they pursue their wars across the Greater Middle East, Africa, and now the Philippines. They even convinced him to surround their future actions in a penumbra of secrecy.

Their wars, the ones that began almost 16 years ago and just keep morphing and spreading (along with a proliferating assortment of terror groups), are now theirs alone to fight and... well, we'll get to that. But first let's step back a moment and think about what's happened since January.

The Winningest President and the Losingest Generals

The most surprising winner of our era and possibly -- to put ourselves fully in the Trumpian spirit -- of any era since the first protozoan stalked the Earth entered the Oval Office on January 20th and promptly surrounded himself with a set of generals from America's failed wars of the post-9/11 era. In other words, the man who repeatedly promised that in his presidency Americans would win to the point of tedium -- "We're going to win so much, you're going to be so sick and tired of winning, you're going to come to me and go 'Please, please, we can't win anymore'" -- promptly chose to elevate the losingest guys in town. If reports are to be believed, he evidently did this because of his military school background, his longstanding crush on General George Patton of World War II fame (or at least the movie version of him), and despite having actively avoided military service himself in the Vietnam years, his weak spot for four stars with tough monikers like "Mad Dog."

During the election campaign, though a general of his choice led the chants to "lock her up," Trump himself was surprisingly clear-eyed when it came to the nature of American generalship in the twenty-first century. As he put it, "Under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton the generals have been reduced to rubble, reduced to a point where it is embarrassing for our country." On coming to power, however, he reached into that rubble to choose his guys. In the years before he ran, he had been no less clear-eyed on the war he just extended in Afghanistan. Of that conflict, he typically tweeted in 2013, "We have wasted an enormous amount of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. Their government has zero appreciation. Let's get out!"

On the other hand, the careers of his three chosen generals are inextricably linked to America's losing wars. Then-Colonel H.R. McMaster gained his reputation in 2005 by leading the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment into the Iraqi city of Tal Afar and "liberating" it from Sunni insurgents, while essentially inaugurating the counterinsurgency tactics that would become the heart and soul of General David Petraeus's 2007 "surge" in Iraq.

Only one small problem: McMaster's much-publicized "victory," like so many other American military successes of this era, didn't last. A year later, Tal Afar was "awash in sectarian violence," wrote Jon Finer, a Washington Post reporter who accompanied McMaster into that city. It would be among the first Iraqi cities taken by Islamic State militants in 2014 and has only recently been "liberated" (yet again) by the Iraqi military in a U.S.-backed campaign that has left it only partially in rubble, unlike so many other fully rubblized cities in the region. In the Obama years, McMaster would be the leader of a task force in Afghanistan that "sought to root out the rampant corruption that had taken hold" in the American-backed government there, an effort that would prove a dismal failure.

Marine General Mattis led Task Force 58 into southern Afghanistan in the invasion of 2001, establishing the "first conventional U.S. military presence in the country." He repeated the act in Iraq in 2003, leading the 1st Marine Division in the U.S. invasion of that country. He was involved in the taking of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in 2003; in the fierce fighting for and partial destruction of the city of Fallujah in 2004; and, in that same year, the bombing of what turned out to be a wedding party, not insurgents, near the Syrian border. ("How many people go to the middle of the desert... to hold a wedding 80 miles from the nearest civilization?" was his response to the news.) In 2010, he was made head of U.S. Central Command, overseeing the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan until 2013 when he urged the Obama administration to launch a "dead of night" operation to take out an Iranian oil refinery or power plant, his idea of an appropriate response to Iran's role in Iraq. His proposal was rejected and he was "retired" from his command five months early. In other words, he lost his chance to set off yet another never-ending American war in the Middle East. He is known for his "Mattisisms" like this piece of advice to U.S. Marines in Iraq in 2003: "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

Retired Marine General John Kelly was assistant division commander in Iraq under Mattis, who personally promoted him to brigadier general on the battlefield. (Present head of the Joint Chiefs, General Joe Dunford, was an officer in the same division at the same time and all three reportedly remain friends.) Though Kelly had a second tour of duty in Iraq, he never fought in Afghanistan. Tragically, however, one of his sons (who had also fought in Fallujah in 2004) died there after stepping on an improvised explosive device in 2010.

McMaster was among the earliest figures in the Pentagon to begin speaking of the country's post-9/11 wars as "generational" (that is, never-ending). In 2014, he said,

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Killing Cortana isnt as easy as it used to be.

When Windows 10 first released, turning off Cortana was as simple as flipping a switch in the digital assistants settings, but Microsoft removed the option in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Now theres no obvious way to disable Cortanabut it is possible using not-so-obvious methods.

Completely eradicating Cortana requires a quick and easy registry edit, which well detail here. If you dont want Cortana spying on you but also detest the idea of mucking with your PCs deepest software innards, PCWorlds guide to privacy-boosting Cortana tweaks can show you how to limit the personal information it sends Microsoft. Cortana will still run in the background with limited functionality if you dont perform the registry edit, though.

How to turn off Cortana in Windows 10

Hold your horses! As simple as this is, its always a good idea to create a system restore point before editing the Windows registryso go ahead and do that now. It only takes a minute. (Ironically, the easiest way to do so is to search for restore point with Cortana.)

With that out of the way, lets start registry hacking.

Brad Chacos/IDG

Press Windows Key + R simultaneously on your keyboard to bring up the Run interface, then type regedit into the box and press Enter. Depending on your security settings you may be prompted to give Windows permission to run the Registry Editor. If so, do so.

Once the Registry Editor is open, navigate to the following folder in the left-hand navigation pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Search.

Brad Chacos/IDG

Heres the only potentially tricky part: You might not see a Windows Search folder. If it isnt there, right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it Windows Search.

Brad Chacos/IDG

With the Windows Search folder selected in the left-hand navigation pane, right-click in the main portion of the window and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. A new listing will appear in the main pane, ready to be named; christen it AllowCortana. Afterward, double-click it and in the box that appears, ensure that the Value Data is set to 0minus the quotation marks.

Brad Chacos/IDG

Thats it! Close the Registry Editor, then sign out of Windows 10. When you sign back in, Cortana will be long gone. The digital assistants former field remains in the Windows 10 task bar, but it now reads Search Windows and tellingly lacks Cortanas all-seeing eye icon.

You wont be able to use any Cortana-enabled features in the dumbed-down search field, like setting reminders, getting personalized news, receiving up-to-date travel info, or asking goofy questions. You will be able to search for files, system settings, and terms as before. That said, you wont be able to tap Cortanas smarts to perform natural language queries like Find pictures from June either, so narrowing down file search results may take a bit more work.

Brad Chacos/IDG Adios, Cortana.

Speaking of which, wiping Cortanas previous memories of you from Microsofts servers takes an extra step. Head to Microsofts privacy dashboard website, sign into your Microsoft account, and clear whatever personal data you want Microsoft to forget. Be warned: Your choices may also affect other Microsoft services, like Bing, Edge, and Maps.

Cortana isnt totally dead, though. Youll still see the process lurking in Task Manager if you pay attention. Kill it and itll immediately spring back to life. Your search queries nevertheless stay strictly local.

If you ever decide resummon Cortana, simply retrace your steps in the Registry Editor and either delete the AllowCortana value, or simply set it to 1 instead of 0.
Creating a USB thumb drive loaded with Windows 10 installation media is very easy thanks to Microsofts Media Creation Tool. With a prepared USB drive you can install the latest version of Windows on a new PC or have an install drive at the ready should your current rig start to malfunction.

If youve never used the Media Creation Tool, however, even this simple process might be a little overwhelming. Heres a step-by-step guide to creating a Windows 10 USB drive with the Media Creation Tool.

Ian Paul/IDG

The first thing you need to do is go to Microsofts dedicated website for Windows 10 downloads, and click Download tool now to grab the Media Creation Tool. Now would also be a good time to insert the USB drive you want to use as your installation media. It needs to be at least 5GB in size (youll see 4GB in the tool, but Microsoft confirmed the larger number), and make sure you know which drive letter its been assigned (D, E, F, etc.) once you plug it in.

Ian Paul/IDG

Once the tool is downloaded, double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to launch it. After clicking through the licensing agreement, youll have the option either to upgrade your current PC or create installation media. We want the latter, so select the radio button labeled Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.

Ian Paul/IDG

By default, the Media Creation Tool will download the same version of Windows thats on the PC youre currently using. If thats fine, click Next.

Ian Paul/IDG

If you need to change anything such as the default language, edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro), or the architecture (32- or 64-bit), deselect the check box labeled Use the recommended options for this PC. The change most users will likely need to make is to the architecture. If you try to upgrade a 32-bit PC with a 64-bit version of Windows, for example, it wont work. Once youve made the necessary changes, click Next.

Ian Paul/IDG

Now you have to decide whether you want to create installation media or just download an ISO file. We want to create a USB flash drive, so select that radio button and click Next.

Ian Paul/IDG

On the next screen, youll be prompted to choose the USB drive you want to use. Make sure you know the correct drive letter as mentioned earlier. Select it so its highlighted (the D drive is selected in the case pictured here), and click Next.

Ian Paul/IDG

Now the Media Creation Tool will begin downloading Windows 10 to your PC. Once its downloaded the tool will then put Windows 10 on the USB drive. After thats done, your drive will be ready. Next click Finish, let the tool clean up, and unplug your USB drive.
Windows 10 S tries to minimize security risks by restricting app installations to the Windows Store. But the lack of app flexibility and available hardware significantly limits its appeal.

As with Chromebooks, students cant pick up a copy of Windows 10 S and load it onto their own machine. Instead, Windows 10 S will come preloaded onto Microsofts Surface Laptop or a small cadre of third-party Windows 10 S laptops priced for modest school budgets and ruggedized to withstand classrooms full of kids.

Windows 10 S and its hardware are also chasing Chromebooks, the cheap clamshell notebooks powered by Googles free and manageable Chrome OS, which have taken the education market by storm. The resemblance is not an accident: In fact, as we were writing this review, Asus let us know that a version of its Chromebook C202 would be released in September as the W202NA, a Windows 10 S-powered machine.

Microsoft provides Windows 10 S free of charge to academic institutions, and its not hard to see why: Microsoft wants a schools IT department (not you) to buy its associated Intune for Education management support software, as well as an Office 365 for Education subscription for the Office apps students will use.

Locking your PC away from the big, bad, outside world makes sense when your children are going off to high school or college, Microsoft thinks. But even the most dutiful parent will wonder why their child cant use Chrome to beam YouTube videos to a Chromecast, print on some local printers, or protect their PC with anything other than Windows Defender. Theres always an escape hatch: a simple upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. But otherwise, Windows 10 S can be an exercise in frustration.

Microsofts Windows 10 S is what happens when a once-easygoing operating system has kids and turns into a helicopter parent. Windows 10 S, a locked-down version of Windows 10 found on the Surface Laptop and a small group of low-cost, third-party notebooks, keeps students safe and secure by restricting them to the Windows Store. But as our review shows, the lack of freedom chafes.

So far, however, only the Surface Laptop is available. As Microsoft revealed in August, the low-cost Windows 10 S laptops wont ship until at least September, possibly missing the back-to-school window for the 2017 school year.

For this review, were not considering how manageable Windows 10 S is, or whether its a better choice for securing an academic environment than Chrome OS. Instead, were looking at it from the users perspectivewhat its like to use compared to full-fledged Windows.

Dan Masaoka Our test machine: the Surface Laptop.

We tested a Microsoft-supplied Surface Laptop, which comes preloaded with Windows 10 S. We will note, however, that we upgraded the Laptop to Windows 10 Pro for benchmarking. To return the Surface Laptop to Windows 10 S, we downloaded a publicly available Surface recovery image, which is something youd normally do only if your system were malfunctioning. The process was pretty easy, though Microsoft says that youll need a USB stick of at least 16GB in size. We found it took about an hours worth of time to download and install the image.

Microsoft also asked us to make this crystal-clear: If you revert from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 S, all apps, data and settings are reverted, and will be erased from your PC.

Hey, this is (only) Windows 10!

If youre comfortable working within the Windows 10 environment, Windows 10 S really is almost virtually identical to Windows 10. The so-called Out of the Box Experience is identical, with Cortana walking you though setup. Once inside the operating system, nearly all Windows functions like Windows Hello, File Manager, Cortana, Windows Ink, and the various built-in Windows apps all work identically to their equivalents in Windows 10 Home or Pro.

IDG Microsoft tries to convince you that Windows 10 S is almost Windows 10 Pro.

In fact, Microsofts own summary slide points out that Windows 10 S and Windows 10 Pro are nearly identical, but with two key differences: Windows S is restricted to apps in the Windows Store, and you cant join a Windows 10 S machine to a company domain. Otherwise, on both Windows 10 S and Windows 10 Pro you can use BitLocker, Windows Subsystem for Linux, and the HyperV virtual machine manager, though you may need to enable features within the Windows Features control panel.

IDG Like Windows 10 Pro, you have access to advanced features like Hyper-V even within Windows 10 S. Dont expect to enable all of these advanced features on the low-cost Windows 10 S hardware, though.

Its when you become bored or dissatisfied with Windows that the troubles start.

For safetys sake, Windows 10 S prohibits you from installing apps from anywhere but the Windows Store. Youll be able to download the app, but when it comes time to install it, the Windows 10 S helicopter parent steps in:

Mark Hachman Sorry, no Win32 apps for you! Windows 10 S has strict protections in place.

That means, for instance, you cant download a game from the Steam gaming service. If youd like to use Googles Chrome browser, you cantonly Edge. Windows 10 S will allow you to download an executable file from a third-party source, or transfer it onto the PC from a USB stick. When it comes time to launch it, though, Windows 10 S will block it.

You likely have certain apps that you simply take for granted, whether theyre class requirementslike Photoshop (or GIMP), AutoCAD, or MatLabor teaching aids for younger students, like Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Silly little utilities that you may have tucked away in a folder simply wont work. Remote support solutions like LogMeIn123 also require the user to download an executable before a remote technician can log in and help you solve an issue with your PC, so this solutions out, too. Even tried-and-true executable apps within Windows, such as the Command Shell or Registry Editor, are off-limits.

Mark Hachman / IDG If you try to download and install Googles Chrome browser, a different warning pops up, encouraging you to open Edge instead.

This cant be overstated: The lack of flexibility is the biggest reason not to invest in a Windows 10 S notebookunless you plan to upgrade it to Windows 10 Pro.

A larger issue, in my mind, is that Windows 10 S forces you to use Microsofts Edge browser. While the number of available Edge extensions has climbed to 48 at the time of this writing, with excellent choices including Ghostery and LastPass, Opera, Chrome, and Firefox have thousands of plug-ins and extensions from which to choose. Importing websites and stored passwords from platform to platform simply isnt as convenient in Edge as it is in Chrome. Bottom line, its a change in behavior thats forced upon the user, which is sure to irritate some.

Finally, theres Office. The Windows 10 S private catalog feature allows a school or university to create a sort of store within the Store to carve out apps that a particular class might need. It wont allow you to join the machine to a business or corporate network, though. This might not mean much, but if you had visions of saving a buck or two by connecting a business account of Office 365 to a Windows 10 S PC, it wont work. The Surface Laptop we reviewed did come with a years subscription to Office 365 Personal, however, which is available in a beta form. I noticed no differences between Office 365 and the Windows 10 S versions of the apps.

IDG A number of Office apps are available under Windows 10 S, which appear to have the same functionality as they do under Office 365.

Some parents will undoubtedly support removing the potential distraction of say, Overwatch, from their childs PC. And if a school has a web-based curriculum set up for Chromebooks, a Windows 10 S machine should be able to step in without missing a beat. But in my mind, the lack of freedom to obtain apps that students may need robs a lot of the value from Windows 10 S, especially as kids move higher in the educational system.

Unfortunately, the compatibility issues apply to third-party hardware, too. When I tried to connect the Surface Laptop to an older Dell all-in-one printer via a USB connection, the Laptop recognized the hardware, but wouldnt load the driverin other words, I couldnt print, with no explanation why. Any driver or third-party application that contains scripts or executable files will be blocked by Windows 10 S, Microsofts support documentation reveals. But thats a lot of gobbledygook to a consumer who buys a Surface Laptop for their student, then has to call Microsoft or a support tech to find out why their son or daughter cant print a draft of their paper.

Mark Hachman / IDG Unfortunately, this older Dell printer that I use at home cant print anything when Im running Windows 10 S. Note the driver is unavailable message.

Its worth digging though this Microsoft-compiled index of supported (and unsupported) devices on Windows 10 S to see if youll experience the same problems I did: The vast majority of older printers simply arent supported by Windows 10 S. To be fair, setting up Google Cloud Print for a Chromebook has its own issues, which is why Google is adding local printing as an experimental feature in Chrome OS. Still, doesnt it seem slightly insane to be forced to ensure your devices are compatible before buying a Windows machine?

Security and speed

You may recall that the S in Windows 10 S supposedly stands for simplicity, security, and speed. Weve already seen the downside of simplicity.

One of the selling points of Windows 10 S, according to Microsoft, is its resistance to known ransomware. Windows 10 S is the companys newest and most hardened OS, according to a company blog post. ZDNet almost immediately put that claim to the test, and found that Windows 10 S could be exploited via an old workaround: Word macros. We didnt try to reproduce ZDNets results, but take Microsofts claim with a grain of salt.

Another thing to consider: Dont think that apps like Avast Antivirus Download Center, Kaspersky Now, or McAfee Centralall apps that appear in the Store when you search for antivirusrepresent actual antivirus programs. Theyre not. Youre dependent upon Windows Defenders built-in firewall and antivirusboth competent, but probably not as secure as a third-party solution.

Finally, theres speed. Microsoft claimed that Windows 10 S is faster to boot and resume than Windows 10 Pro. Originally, we found that Windows 10 S was slower than Windows 10 Pro. After retesting, we found its slightly quicker to boot, but also slightly slower to resume from a cold boot. Neither difference is especially significant.

IDG

A click away from Windows 10 Pro

Piercings, tattoos, dating the drummer, beer, a joint: all tried-and-true ways for todays youth to rebel against their parents. Now, you can add another to that list: upgrading Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro. If your son or daughter wants to really stick it to The Man, they can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro in just minutes.

(While the upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro is free on the Surface Laptop, it will cost $49 thereafter. Its not clear what Microsoft will charge to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro on the other, cheaper Windows 10 S hardware designed for elementary schools. As of Sept. 5, Microsoft extended the deadline to switch for free from the end of 2017 until March 31, 2018.)

Mark Hachman / IDG Windows 10 S makes it easy to switch, or upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

You can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro through one of two ways: either by a link at the bottom of the Windows 10 S popups that appear when you try and run an executable file, or by simply typing Windows 10 S Pro into the search box of the Windows Store. Either way, clicking the Install button begins the process. It doesnt appear that youll actually need to download the new operating system, as I was able to upgrade without being connected to a wireless network. Windows recommends that you save and close all your files and apps before you begin the process. Backing up to OneDrive or another location would be a good idea.

When I upgraded from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro, Windows informed me it was preparing to switch, rebooted once, than completed some final preparations before it launched Windows 10 Pro. All told, the process took nine minutes.

As we noted above, the switch from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro is assumed to be a one-way street. Thats not necessarily true, as you can download and restore from a Windows 10 S disk image. But restoring Windows 10 S from that disk image will erase all files, apps, and settingsso make sure youre prepared to do so.

Conclusion: If this is Windows, kids will want a Mac

Its difficult to construct a scenario where a user would want Windows 10 S. Sure, an elementary-school student with a curriculum built around the Web might not care whether they use Edge or Chrome. A concerned parent trying to minimize distractions for a child away at school might buy a machine running an OS that locked out most games. Part of the issue concerns how Microsoft has attempted to stretch Windows 10 S from elementary schools all the way through college, which have vastly different requirements in terms of hardware and software.

Because theyre limited in their choice of software, its likely that most university students will quickly switch over to Windows 10 Pro. Meanwhile, Microsoft seems to think that elementary and middle school administrators will be willing to wait until cheaper Windows 10 S hardware finally rolls out, then shift lesson plans designed for Chromebooks onto Windows machines. That seems unlikely. Within the K-12 environment, Windows 10 S seems like a 2018 play at best.

Mark Hachman / IDG Microsoft needs to do more work touting the education value of the Windows Store, and educational apps. (Hint: Netflix isnt one.)

Schools and teachers are always on the lookout for cheap, entertaining ways to supplement their own words and lectures with compelling ways to engage students. Computers, whether Chromebooks or Windows-powered machines, are a naturally enthralling way to do that, and capabilities like Windows Ink offer possibilities Chromebooks do not. Give kids enough to do, and theyll happily remain inside the walled garden of the Store. Still, Im a little skeptical that the companys on the right track when the second app within Microsofts back-to-school section of the Store is Spotify, and the fourth is Netflix.

I dont think Microsoft has necessarily failed with Windows 10 S. But it should be handed back to the company with a scrawled note: Must do better.

Updated on Sept. 5 to note that the deadline to upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro has been extended to March 31, 2018.
Gibraltar-based IVPN has a small network of servers, but mostly excellent speeds, and a solid privacy policy. Its pricier than other VPN services, but for those who want a solid set of privacy features including better anonymity than most services its a good choice.

IVPN in brief:

P2P allowed: Yes (company asks users not to use U.S. servers)

Yes (company asks users not to use U.S. servers) Business location: Gibraltar

Gibraltar Number of servers: 36

36 Number of country locations: 13

13 Cost: $100 per year

When it comes down to it, there are really two kinds of VPNs: those that promise an unbelievable number of country connections and those that dont. This review is looking at a service of the latter type. IVPN is a small service officially based in Gibraltar that offers what you need in a VPN, including the right privacy promises, excellent speeds in at least some regions, and an easy-to-use Windows app. The companys mobile support for Android could use a little more work, but no service is perfect.

Note: This review is part of our best VPNs roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them.

Features and services

Ian Paul/IDG IVPNs Single Hop tab.

IVPNs Windows app is very basic when you first fire it up. Similar to other VPNs such as Mullvad it uses a small single-pane window. There are only two tabs in the window: Single Hop and Multi Hop. If youre not familiar with Multi Hop, its a feature that allows you to connect through two VPN servers instead of the usual one, to further obscure your IP address.

Using the Single Hop option is simple enough. You click on the Server panel at the top of the tab to change the location if need be, and then click Connect. Once you start connecting, IVPN has a firewall setting that will block all internet traffic should the VPN drop its connection. Otherwise all internet traffic goes through the VPN.

Ian Paul/IDG Multi Hop lets you route your internet connection through two servers instead of one.

Multi Hop works pretty much the same except that instead of choosing one server you choose two. One is marked as the entry serverthe server you connect to firstand the other is the exit server. The exit server is the one where you connect with the wider internet and its location is where your traffic will appear to be coming from.

IVPNs settings, available from the top-right corner of the window, dont offer a ton of options. The General tab has some basic settings such as starting at login (not enabled by default) and the option to automatically connect to the last server on startup. Theres also an option to automatically connect to the server you last used when youre on an insecure Wi-Fi network.

The Connection tab lets advanced users specify UDP or TDP protocols and ports.

IPVPN Firewall gives you an option to have it always on, which means that when the program is active, it will block all internet traffic even when not connected to the VPN. If youre going to use that option make sure you also tell IVPN to start at login under the General tab.

Finally, the Diagnostics tab lets you enable logging should you need support help from IVPN.

Thats all there is to IVPNs Windows app. Its incredibly simple, without a lot of options. One annoyance I had with it is that the program cannot be dismissed from the taskbar without shutting it down. That means that as long as your VPN connection is active IVPN has to sit on your taskbar despite the fact that theres also an icon in the system tray.

IVPN also offers apps for Mac and iOS, as well as instructions for how to set up the VPN on Linux, Android, routers, and NAS boxes.

IVPN also has a nice guides section with helpful information, including how to do a VPN leak test and how to set up IVPN on a Raspberry Pi.

Performance

Ian Paul/IDG IVPNs app with an active connection.

IVPNs overall speed score was only about 33 percent of the base speed, but that doesnt tell the whole story of its capabilities.

The service has some of the best speeds weve tested for U.S and UK connections. The U.S. connection was 55 percent of the base speed, while the UK connection was 74 percent. Other areas werent so strong. The German connection was surprisingly weak. Most other VPNs have fast speeds out of Germany, but IVPNs at the time of our testing was the second slowest. Hong Kong was pretty good at nearly 20Mbps, and Iceland (standing in for the lack of an Australian server) was lethargic, not even breaking 3Mbps in our test.

If you need an Icelandic server IVPN may not be for you, but if youre only interested in speedy UK and U.S. servers IVPN is well worth looking at.

Privacy, anonymity, and trust

Similar to many other VPNs, IVPN only asks for your email when signing up. This requirement tries to strike a balance between knowing as little as possible about you, while having enough information to keep you engaged as a customer. Its not the gold standard that Mullvad achieves by knowing nearly nothing about you, but its not bad. If you need the best anonymity possible dont use one of your primary email addresses when signing up.

Once youre signed up, IVPN assigns you a nondescript username using a combination of letters and numbers for connecting to the VPN. Your email, meanwhile is used to sign in to the web area where your account details are. The password is the same for both.

Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and cash. Most of those are run-of-the-mill for VPNs, with the exception of cash, which is rarer but not uncommon. These options allow you to pay with varying levels of anonymity, depending on your comfort level.

Ian Paul/IDG IVPNs settings window.

IVPNs mailing address is Privatus Limited, 5 Secretarys Lane, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, according to the companys Terms of Service page. The companys CEO is Nicholas Pestell and the chief technical officer is Fedir Nepyivoda. Other members of the team appear on the companys about page, but without last names.

Although the companys offices are in Gibraltar, the team appears to be spread out through the world. A number of employees appear to be based in Ukraine based on some basic searching on LinkedIn. The holding company behind IVPN is called Privatus Limited as noted above in the mailing address.

IVPN has a no-logging policy for its users, meaning the company wont keep any logs about which websites youve visited. The company also doesnt store any bandwidth usage, DNS requests, or other session data, according to its privacy policy.

When you visit the companys website it uses the Piwik analytics platformself-hosted on its serverto gather information about website visits. This includes information about your browser user-agent, system language, screen resolution, referring website (link you clicked to get to the website), IP address, and other information. IVPN says it discards the last two octets (16 bits) of your IP address to reduce the amount of information it has about you.

Overall, IVPNs trust level is not bad. A few months ago there was a discussion on Reddit about IVPNs desktop program EULA, which said that any disputes over the service would be handled in a Texas court. That suggested the company was based in the U.S., and not Gibraltar. That problem has since been changed and the EULA clearly states disputes will be settled in the EU.

Conclusion

IVPN is fairly expensive at $100 per year at the best price. Nevertheless, its got a straightforward privacy policy, offers the ability to pay cash, and has some pretty good speeds. Its a worthy choice for anyone looking for U.S. and UK connections. IVPN offers a free, three-day trial to new subscribers and Id encourage any potential new customer to try it out before subscribing.

Editors note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-05 03:01:02

EMQ and GCash Partner to Boost Remittance Services across The Philippines

EMQ

Genevieve Li, +852 9200 3892

Genevieve@emq.com

EMQ and Globe Telecom's mobile commerce subsidiary G-Xchange Inc., today announced a partnership that would further expand EMQs reach in the Philippines through GCash, offering overseas workers greater flexibility and convenience.

Remittances provide a lifeline for millions of households and drive financial inclusion in the developing countries such as the Philippines, currently the third largest recipient of remittances according to the World Bank, said Max Liu, Co-founder and CEO of EMQ. Our expansion with GCash complements our existing capabilities in the Philippines, while offering the best possible choices and flexibility for the overseas workers to send money home effortlessly within minutes.

With the partnership, EMQ users can now send money to users with GCash accounts, where the recipients can pay bills and make online purchases, buy load or cash out at over 7,000 GCash payment outlets across the Philippines.

We always strive to create the highest customer value with our innovative solutions and EMQ shares our passion, said Albert Tinio, CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. Our strategic partnership with EMQ would further boost mobile wallets usage and accelerate local economic growth. But most importantly, we want to ensure that Filipinos who rely on remittances from their loved ones overseas will receive their money fast and securely without any hassle.

EMQ currently has footprint in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, with plans underway to expand across other key business markets first in Asia and then globally, covering North America, Europe and the Middle East. GCash international partners has over 1,000,000 outlets worldwide with over 7,000+ GCash Partner Outlets across the Philippines.

About EMQ

Headquartered in Hong Kong, EMQ is a financial technology startup that is building a financial network across Asia with a focus on remittance. With a footprint across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, the company partners with financial institutions and other strategic partners in each country to enable and settle cross-border remittance via banks and various modes for top-up and cash pickup. The company received its Money Service Operator license from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department in September 2014 and its Fund Transfer Operator license from Bank Indonesia in March 2017. For more information, www.emq.com

About GCash

GCash is an internationally-acclaimed micropayment service that transforms the mobile phone into a virtual wallet for secure, fast, and convenient money transfer. GCash can be used to buy prepaid load, pay bills, send money, make donations, shop online, and even purchase goods without the need to bring any cash. For more information, please visit https://www.globe.com.ph/gcash.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201709040054

@emqinc and @gcashofficial partner to boost #remittance services across the #Philippines
Europe Glufosinate Market which is currently valued at USD 0.28 billion in 2016 is projected to reach USD 0.42 Billion by 2021 growing at a CAGR of 8.57% showing huge potential in the forecast period.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-05 09:28:33

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The market is expected to gain momentum owing to the factors like glufosinates broad weed spectrum and its high efficacy. Glufosinate has varied applications in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.Glufosinate, a type of herbicide with high effectiveness that is generally used for weed control in different types of crops is being widely used all over Europe. Farmers have been relying on Glufosinate for its vast area of effect and high degree of crop safety avoiding the need for different herbicides for different forms of weed on a given crop.The rising in the demand for Glufosinate as a substitute to glyphosate and paraquat has led to the Glufosinate market ganing enormous potential in the past years. The factors like the herbicide contribution in securing food bowl, steady expansion of herbicide tolerant crops usage, GM crop acceptance and approval trend are also favouring the Europe Glufosinatte market. However, the market is hindered by a few restraints and challenges which held it back from showing even higher rate of growth. Some of the important ones includes stringent government regulations and toxic effects resulting from the usage of Glufosinate. Moreover, the European market banned the business of Glufosinate resulting in the fall of market in Europe.To view full report @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-glufosinate-market-1806/ The Europe market for Glufosinate is segmented by Crop Type, Form and Application. By crop type, the market in segmented into two parts namely, genetically modified crops and conventional crops. The Genetically modified crops dominated the Glufosinate market under segmentation by crop type. Based on form, the market is segmented into liquid and dry form. Based on application, the market is segmented as agricultural and non-agricultural. The agricultural segmented is further fragmented into fruits & vegetables, grains & cereals, oilseeds & pulses and others.Download Free sample report @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-glufosinate-market-1806/request-sample Based on geography, the Europe market is analysed under various regions namely U.K, Germany, Spain, Italy and France.Some of the major companies dominating the Glufosinate market include Bayer AG, Nufarm Ltd, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Syngenta AG, UPL, Jiangsu Huangma Agrochemicals Co Ltd., Jiangsu Seven continent Green Chemical Co Ltd., Zhejiang Yongnong Chem. Ind. Co. Ltd, Hebei Veyong Bio-Chemical Co Ltd.About Market Data Forecast:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, they cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. From all-encompassing umbrella markets to extremely specific niche markets covering all the major regions across the globe as part of the research scope, their research services offer one of a kind specialities with competitive pricing options. For more information, kindly visit, www.marketdataforecast.com
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-05 11:02:01

Metropolitan Police Service of London Chooses Box for 50,000 Staff to Power Cloud Content Management

Box

Titus Thomson, 44(0)7598029952

titus@box.com

Box, Inc. (NYSE: BOX), a leader in cloud content management, today announced that the Metropolitan Police Service of London (the Met) is moving to Box. The police service, covering the Greater London area and its 8.6 million residents, will use up to 50,000 Box seats across the organisation to manage content in the cloud as it drives towards Digital Policing.

Its my job to deliver digital transformation at the Met and to equip our officers and staff with the best technology to enable a constantly-improving service and response to crime in London, said Angus McCallum, Chief Information Officer at the Met. By choosing Box, were transforming how we access content across the force, making us much more effective and efficient, which is absolutely critical when working on the frontline of law enforcement.

The Met is the largest police force in the UK, said David Benjamin, Box senior vice president and general manager of EMEA. By choosing Box, the Met is empowering its workforce to work in smarter ways as they fight crime. Were absolutely thrilled that Box can help power the Mets incredible work protecting the city of London.

The Met has identified multiple use-cases such as to provide a central online location for CCTV footage, making it easier to search and share valuable evidence without the need to travel to local authorities or manage physical media such as DVDs or USBs.

Box makes it easy for more than 76,000 organisations around the world to share, access, and collaborate on files securely. The company serves 65% of the Fortune 500, including enterprises like Amadeus, AstraZeneca, Eurostar, Faber & Faber, General Electric, P&G, Schneider Electric, Virgin Trains and more.

About the Metropolitan Police Service

The Met is the UKs largest police service in England and Wales.

About Box

Box (NYSE:BOX) is the cloud content management company that empowers enterprises to revolutionize how they work by securely connecting their people, information and applications. Founded in 2005, Box powers more than 76,000 businesses globally, including AstraZeneca, General Electric, P&G, and The GAP. Box is headquartered in Redwood City, CA, with offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. To learn more about Box, visit http://www.box.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201709050052

Metropolitan Police Service of London Chooses @Box_Europe for 50,000 Staff to Power Cloud Content Management
The North America Frozen Foods Market has been estimated at USD 62.10 Billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 81.2 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 5.51% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021.

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PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-05 08:01:12

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Frozen food products contain maximum vitamins and minerals. Freezing preserves the products for extended periods without any preservatives and deters against any microbial growth that causes food spoilage. Market comprises of retail as well as business customers.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-frozen-foods-market-873/ The market for Frozen Foods in North America is greatly driven by hectic lifestyle which is making consumers rely on convenient foods, which include ready-to-eat or frozen food products. Also, constant product innovation, and attractive packaging are helping the frozen food market attain a high growth rate. But, the market growth may decline due to issues like increasing health awareness among people, which is making them avoid foods which are preserved and frozen.North America market for Frozen Foods is segmented based on product type and end- user. By product type, the market is further sub-segmented into frozen ready-to-eat meals, frozen meat & poultry, frozen sea food, frozen vegetables & fruits, frozen potatoes and frozen soup. Frozen ready-to-eat meals segment leads the market, accounting for 35% of the total market, due to increased popularity on account of hygiene and timely preparation. Frozen potatoes segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment in the forecast period, with these products having high nutritional value and delicious nature.Geographically, North America market for Frozen Foods is segmented into U.S. and Canada. North America is the second largest market, in terms of share, to the global market. With the expansion of product base along with consumer base by major food processing companies in the regions of North America, the market is said to flourish with a strong potential for profits.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-frozen-foods-market-873/request-sample Kraft Foods Group Inc., Kellogg Company, Nestle S.A., Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Inc., Amys Kitchen Inc., Unilever plc, The Schwan Food Company, ConAgra Foods Inc., Maple Leaf Foods Inc., General Mills Inc, Heinz, are the major players of North America Frozen Foods market.About Market Data Forecast:The publisher of this report is Market Data Forecast whose forte lies in Market research and Business Intelligence. Handling both individual and corporate clients across multiple business domains they offer syndicated/customized research to suit the clients research objective. Their research reports section offers a wide variety of market studies ranging from all-encompassing comprehensive market studies to product specific niche markets covering North America among other regions of the global market as well. For more info kindly visit, www.marketdataforecast.com Contact:Abhishek ShuklaSales Manager (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/ View latest Press Releases of MDF @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/press-releases
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-05 10:47:38

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As scientists in cancer research organizations continue to develop more advanced diagnosis tests for ovarian cancer, medical device manufacturers are expected to face challenges in adapting to such changes. In the long run, the demand for ovarian cancer diagnostics is expected to gain traction, on the account of rising awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and higher adoption of screening tests as a preventive measure.The Fact.MR report on global ovarian cancer diagnostics market projects that by the end of 2017, around US$ 638 Mn worth of revenues will be procured globally through diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Emergence of multi-purpose diagnosis tests on ovarian cancer is expected to boost the markets expansion in the future. Towards the end of 2022, the global market for ovarian cancer diagnostics is anticipated to expand at 8.7% CAGR, bringing in revenues worth a little over US$ 966 Mn.Key Insights on Global Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics Market:According to the report, diagnosis of epithelial tumors will procure largest share in the global ovarian cancer diagnostics market. With more than 90% share, over US$ 875 Mn revenues are anticipated to be procured by diagnosis of epithelial tumors in the global market.Request For Sample Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=51 Presence of prominent cancer research societies in the US and Canada is anticipated to boost the contribution of North America towards growth of the global ovarian cancer diagnostics market. In 2017, North America will remain dominant region, procuring nearly US$ 240 Mn in revenues. The ovarian cancer diagnostics market in North America is also pegged to exhibit rapid growth by reflecting an estimated CAGR of 8.7%.Europes ovarian cancer diagnostics market is expected to showcase a relatively faster growth in terms of revenues. Robust healthcare infrastructure in a majority of European countries is observed to boost the adoption of ovarian cancer diagnostics in this region. Towards the end of 2022, Europe will record revenues worth a little over US$ 315 Mn in its ovarian cancer diagnostics market.The report anticipates fastest growth in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. Expanding at an estimated 9.5% CAGR, the ovarian cancer diagnostics market in APEJ region will have procured close to US$ 127 Mn by the end of the forecast period.Check Discount @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=51 On the basis of test-types, CA 125, HER2 and BRCA are anticipated to be prominent diagnostic tests in the global market. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer through CA125 is expected to account for more than 40% of revenues procured throughout the forecast period. Demand for HER2 testing is also expected to gain traction, reflecting an estimated revenue growth at 9.5% CAGR.The report also observes hospital associated labs as the largest end-users of ovarian cancer diagnostics. In 2017, close to US$ 300 Mn worth of revenues will be procured from hospitals associated labs on ovarian cancer diagnostics.The report has also profiled leading players in the global ovarian cancer diagnostics market. Companies such as Abbott Laboratories, Thermo Fischer Scientific Inc., Roche Holding AG, Siemens AG, Epigenomics AG, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Illumina, Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc., AstraZeneca plc. and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated are expected to remain active in the growth of global ovarian cancer diagnostics market through 2022.Click to View Complete Report @ https://www.factmr.com/report/51/ovarian-cancer-diagnostics-market About Us Fact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsOffice: Dublin 2Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTel: +353-1-6111-593( Dublin 2 )Email: sales@ factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-05 22:01:02

Statement from OPALO Regarding the Mining Property Rights Court Cases initiated by Barrick Gold for the Alturas Project in Chile.

OPALO

RAUF KASUMOV ORGANIZATION

Mr. Wichy Castro

Switzerland +41 22 548 32 88

USA +1 321 710 34 64

Chile +56 2 2979 13 44

Email: opalo.contact@bk.ru

The following is a statement from Opalo:

"Barrick Gold's most recent lawsuit, this time against Opalos engineer, brought to light the fact that Barrick does not own the mining property rights for the Alturas project and its exploration concessions illegally trespass the Chilean - Argentinian border along hundreds of kilometers. As laid out in the Chilean Constitution, its courts can only grant rights to property inside the Chilean borders, therefore, property rights with limits outside its borders can be voided.

For the fifth time in the last 12 months, and following unsuccessful previous attempts, Barrick Gold (ABX) through its Chilean subsidiary Compania Minerales Salitrales, went to court against OPALO, a mining exploitation concession whose location coincide with Barricks Alturas project. This time Barrick sues OPALOs head engineer to discredit OPALOSs mining rights and directly attack the professionalism of the engineer in complying with the mining law. The false allegations are being vigorously and successfully defended in court by Opalo with robust technical and lawful arguments.

Chilean lawyer Francisco Piffaut is leading the legal defense team for Opalo. During the latest court hearing on August 30st, OPALOs legal team demonstrated, with records originated in the National Service of Geology and Mines of Chile, that neither Barrick Gold nor any of its subsidiaries have exploitation rights in the zone.

In addition, during that same hearing the Vicuna Guarantee Court supported OPALOs lawyers petition to the Border and Boundary Directorate of Chile (DIFROL) to report on the validity of all the mining properties Barrick Gold. If OPALOs argument holds to be true, Barricks concession in the zone could be declared null and a serious violation of the Argentine sovereignty.

OPALO current owner is a Russian strategic investment group led by Mr. Rauf Kasumov, internationally recognized for leading other government projects such as the Russian Federation's investment in the nuclear power plant in Turkey and Russias oil supply for Cuba."

For more information on the Barrick Gold lawsuit against Opalo:

Vicuna Guarantee Court. File 547-2017

Court of Appeals of La Serena. File 430-2017

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201709050064
Harborx, an international mobile trading startup named The Most Innovative Finance Firm and The Most Innovative Forex Broker in the World Finance Markets award series.

By: Harborx Limited

1 2 Harborx Harborx CEO Wissam Sabbah

Media Contact

Sofia Mashovets, Harborx Digital Marketing Officer

***@harborx.com



Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/ 12662493/1

https://www.prlog.org/ 12662493/2 Sofia Mashovets, Harborx Digital Marketing Officer

End

-- Harborx wins the titles of theandin the World Finance Markets award series.The annual award, whereis the only winner from the region, puts the financial startup in line with the established household names in the finance industry, such as Bank of China, Lloyds Banking Group, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse Group and others, which have been recognized in the neighboring categories.All nominees for the World Finance Markets awards undergo a stringent selection process, with a detailed audit and expert evaluation. As a result of this process,has been selected as a winner for its region and been awarded as theand the- says Harborx CEO Wissam Sabbah.- The World Finance Markets awards are the world's premier finance and business awards. They were created to honor excellence and achievements, and to create global recognition for the Organizations and for Business Leaders worldwide.These awards aren't the first international recognition Harborx has received this year. In June 2017, the company was selected among the few presenters at the prestigious fintech conference, FinDEVr London . At the event, Harborx top executives shared their experience building a proprietary state-of-the-art trading platform that combines currency trading with gamification features. The company was awarded the prize for the best social media coverage.________Harborx ( http://harborx.com ) is a FinTech start-up created with the mission to simplify currency trading (forex), making it fun and accessible to anyone with a mobile.With Harborx, learning the currency market and becoming a trader is possible within minutes. Harborx's vision is that time spent on a mobile should not be wasted; instead, it should be used to perfect your trading skills while having fun and competing with friends and traders from all over the world. In addition to easy learning and a game-like experience, Harborx brings users the unique opportunity of earning additional income.Harborx mobile app is available for iOS and Android.___________________________Harborx Limited is regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission under license number 230/14 in accordance with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive of the European Union, and the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law of Cyprus (Law 144 (1) / 2007). Harborx.com is owned and operated by Harborx Limited.
Polski Gaz S.A. has signed a lease for 271 sq m  the last remaining office space at the Stawki 40, Warsaw, owned by a European platform of International Pension Fund. Cushman & Wakefield is responsible for management and commercialization of the building on behalf of its owner. The tenant

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This article is the fifth in a series that catches up with the finalists from last years BookLife Prize.

Jennifer Voigt Kaplan was something of an anomaly among last years BookLife Prize finalists: she was the only author who had yet to bring her book to market.

Kaplans historical novelthe finalist from the middle grade categoryCrushing the Red Flowers was still in manuscript form. But that didnt stop our judges from loving this tale of two ordinary boysone Jewish, the other in Hitlers Jungvolkliving in 1938 Germany.

Author and guest judge Taran Matharu, praised the book saying: This deeply powerful and poignant book is an important addition to world literature.

We caught up with Kaplan to chat about what shes working on now and what advice she has for aspiring authors.

What happened as a result of you becoming a finalist in the 2016 BookLife Prize?

Coming in as a BookLife Prize finalist has opened doors. A few agents have contacted me and Ive been able to forge connections with new publishing professionals. It was an incredible honor to win the middle-grade category, but since Crushing the Red Flowers is currently unpublished, I felt compelled to reexamine the manuscript. Ive edited the entire novel and feel it is now stronger than last year. My goal is to get the book into school libraries.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on my next novel, Sleep Leap, a middle-grade sci-fi story.

Whats one tip that you have for other indie authors?

Know your market and find creative ways to reach them.
As the water receded from Houston and relief efforts started to reach the coast of Texas, the news arrived that Loris Book Nook in the city of Rockport, Tex., was destroyed during Hurricane Harvey.

The roof blew off and other parts caved in on the building, so the contents of the bookstore are pretty much gone, said Lori Koviac, who co-owns the business with her mother, Darlene Varner. "Books do not do well in the rain." Koviac, who hopes to re-open the store, said such an effort will "take quite a bit of time."

Loris Book Nook, which sells new and used titles, has been in business for 14 years. Koviac, who's been living in a hotel for days, said the "small, family-run" store doesn't have the funds to re-purchase all of its stock. "We are hoping to receive some book donations to help start us out, she said, adding that "a small insurance policy" may be of some help.

Further along the coast, Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard in South Padre Island fared better. Luckily, for us, Harvey made a jog to the north before landfall," said owner Julie Montover. "As Rockport and Corpus Christi were being pummeled, the sun began to shine on our island. So we only had a lot of wind and rain from the early bands. We are pretty much back to normal.

In Houston, it was also back-to-business for many booksellers, whose the biggest concern was a lack of customers.

Several Houston bookstores are continuing to offer comfort in the form of free cookies and coffee. At the River Oaks Bookstore, in the eponymous neighborhood, lemon sandwich cookies were being served to the smattering of people shopping. Murder By the Book in the West University district offered chocolate and vanilla sandwich cookies. The store also had a pile of free-to-take paperbacks that were donated by the author Marina Lostetter, whose event at the store was cancelled because of the storm.

At Brazos Bookstore, also in the West University district, store manager Benjamin Rybeck noted that things were getting back to normal, but business was light. Rybeck said one customer, who had lost his home in the storm and was staying at a nearby shelter, was eager to restock his personal library. "The first thing he did was come here and buy a couple of books.

In the Heights neighborhood of Houston, so known because of its relative elevation, The Lift bookstore is open after several days of clean-up. I had put manure bagsyes, manure, which is what we could getat the front and back doors," said owner Rhonda Rhodes. Although the bags kept much of the water out, leaks from the roof took their toll. "Im still trying to determine exactly how much was ruined," she said. "It took a couple of days to get back to it, but we are open again.
It was on something of a lark that Keith Urbahn and Matt Latimer found themselves working as literary agents. They had a client: their former boss, Donald Rumsfeld. They had a book: Rumsfelds follow-up to his 2011 memoir Known and Unknown. There was just one problem: they didnt know very much about publishing.

In the end, it didnt matter. The duo, who had worked for Rumsfeld in the White HouseLatimer as a speechwriter and Urbahn as his chief of staffwound up selling the nonfiction work, which came to be called Rumsfelds Rules, to Broadside Books for a healthy six-figure sum (it was published in 2012). Now Urbahn and Latimer are no longer the new kids on the block. They have an 11-person-agency called Javelin in Arlington, Va., that has been behind some of the biggest nonfiction deals of the summer, including rumored seven-figure agreements for James Comey (who sold a currently untitled work to Flatiron Books in early August) and Tucker Carlson (who landed at Threshold with a two-book agreement).

To frame Javelins founders as agents on the rise is, fairly or not, to wade into a conversation about the shifting literary scene inside the Beltway. For decades, political power hitters in Washington, D.C., relied on one person to sell a book: Robert Barnett. Anyone important and shopping a proposal was represented by Barnett. His clients run the gamut from heads of state to heads of networks, and cross political lines; the group includes both Clintons, both Obamas, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Andrew Cuomo, and Karl Rove.

The simplistic explanation for why Barnett has long monopolized the D.C. market is that, as a lawyer (he works for the firm Williams & Connolly), he offered his clients a money-saving way to land a big advance. As a lawyer charging clients an hourly fee (which is rumored to hover just above $1,200), Barnett does not reap the same financial rewards a literary agent would, including the customary 15% of the advance.

But D.C.s power elite have not been exclusively turning to Barnett for the past 40 years because of money. As a number of insiders explained, to be represented by Barnett is, to an extent, to be confirmed as a powerful person. And, as these sources also pointed out, Barnetts success is owed in large part to the fact that he is an excellent negotiator and a tireless worker.

Javelins rise, coincidentally or not, has occurred amid rumors about Barnett and his future. There have been whisperings that hes getting ready to retire; that hes ill; that, at 71, hes not as sharp as he once was. Many insiders, though, say the rumors are, well, just that. They claim Barnett has not been talking, or acting, like a man whos slowing down.

Certainly, looking at his work of late, it would be hard to make the case that Barnett is taking a step back. In the past 12 months hes sold books for, among others, Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Ralph Lauren, Jake Tapper, and Elizabeth Warren. In March he got Barack and Michelle Obama what many think is the largest nonfiction advance on record, inking them to write two separate books for Crown for a reported $65 million.

While Urbahn and Latimer are loathe to discuss themselves in relation to Barnett, they recognize that others are doing so. In this scenario they are being painted as the young guns versus the old pro, David versus Goliath. Although they do not invoke Barnett by name when framing their business, they stress that they offer something at least one of their local competitors does not: a partner to help authors shape their books and careers, as opposed to someone who gets big advances and moves on.

With Rumsfeld, who used Barnett to sell Known and Unknown, they believe it was this pitch that made the difference. They convinced the former secretary of defense to let them shop his book after they helped him formulate the idea for the project and the proposal. [Rumsfeld] was very much involved in the whole thing, Urbahn said. And then we shopped it around to all these editors whod never heard of us. The fundamental proposition of a literary agentand this is the case we make to our authorsis: Are you looking for a transaction, or are you looking for a publishing partner? Somebody who can help you shape your book? 

Urbahn believes its worth convincing people who could sell books (likely for lots of money) on their name recognition alone that this approach has merits. Its sort of cliche in publishing now, but youll hear from a lot of editors that people are shopping big personalities around without any thought of what [the] book istheres no proposal, he said. Thats the lazy way out. And I think it doesnt serve the author of the book, in terms of image and in terms of the actual product that comes out the other end.

While Urbahn and Latimer do promise big advances, they stress that choosing them means it will be about more than the up-front money; it will be about making sure the final product is worthwhile. Latimer also brings relevant writing experience to the process, having published his own book with Crown in 2009, titled Speech-less: Tales of a White House Survivor.

Another thing Javelin offers is publicity support. Both Urbahn and Latimer have done freelance publicity for a number of books, and theyve also done some ghostwriting. Currently, they are the only full-time agents on their staff; all their other employees are dedicated to handling various forms of marketing and PR.

Carlson, who knew Latimer and Urbahn from their days in government, was, in part, drawn to Javelin because he loved Latimers book. Although hes worked with Barnett on some past deals, and with a number of other agencies, he said he thought of Latimer and Urbahn immediately when the idea for a new book began to percolate. They think long-term, he said, when asked why he went with the upstarts.

Theyre also from here, Carlson said. Washingtons not like New York at all. Its 250 miles away, but it could be another country. Im represented for TV by CAA, but, for Washington stuff, I felt like they were the best.

Javelin is not the only agency recognizing that there might be new opportunities in Washington; a number of major talent firms have begun circling the Beltway. Part of it may be fueled by the rumors about Barnett, and a belief that there is finally an opening to steal his clients. Another part relates to Donald Trump: the reality TV star turned president has changed the way people interact with politics and politicians, driving a wider and more diverse audience to follow Washington.

One of the first signs that the big Hollywood power brokers are interested in D.C. was CAAs representation of Joe Biden, a classic Barnett client, in his recent book deal (with Flatiron).

The fact that the L.A. agencies are circling their town has not escaped Latimer and Urbahn. But they believe L.A. and D.C. make for strange bedfellows, and that the L.A. agencies may not stick around D.C. for long. If you want a celebrity endorsement for your product or you want a vague assurance that maybe one day your book will be turned into a movie, then the Hollywood route may be the way to go, Urbahn said.

Latimer chimed in, adding that he thinks the Hollywood agencies will only be interested in players who lean left of center, following the towns traditional stance as a liberal bastion: Im dubious because [the Hollywood players are] very ideologically driven. Theyre interested in the Obama people because thats a Hollywood-friendly group. I dont think theyre going to be doing, you know, Steve Bannon: The Movie or Mitch McConnell: The Miniseries. 

And, although they both worked for Republicans in D.C., Latimer and Urbahn stressed that they are eager to work with liberals and conservatives. The deal they struck this summer for former DNC strategist Donna Brazile, selling her forthcoming book Hacks to Hachette, may go a long way in proving this to potential Democratic clients.

I know some of our competitors, early on, were stoking this impression that we are Republican agents dealing with just Republicans, Urbahn said. Weve made a very strong effort to show that that is not the case. Initially some people would say, I thought you guys only represented people on the right. We would always respond: No. We represent people with interesting stories to tell. 

And these two may continue to surprise people. Latimer, for example, when asked about who his dream client is, named, of all people, Cher: She cared a lot about my hometown of Flint, Mich., and the water crisis [there]. I think shes got a strong voice and opinion. I dont necessarily agree with her, but I think shes got a really interesting story to tell.
The Department of Health and Human Services declared Hurricane Harvey a public health emergency just as it made landfall for a second time in Louisiana. In Houston, rescue efforts continue amid rising floodwaters. Thousands have been rescued and many more may need to be evacuated from impacted areas.

With each passing day, challenges to the health of affected communities and the health care systems that serve them are expected to grow. Those challenges, which include the closure of hospitals, pharmacies, dialysis centers and other facilities, are reminiscent of those that followed Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Sandy in 2012.

Lessons learned during the earlier disasters could be valuable to relief efforts as the flood waters recede across Texas and Louisiana. Among the key takeaways from Katrina and Sandy: expect significant health care needs from individuals with chronic diseases, including mental health, and anticipate increased demand for acute care resources in regional emergency departments and hospitals.

As in the aftermath of Katrina and Sandy, significant health care needs in the wake of Harvey will likely be related to chronic conditions such as diabetes and dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Many evacuees may have left their medications behind and traveling to open pharmacies and dialysis centers may not be possible. Post-Katrina, medical relief pharmacy supplies were deemed insufficient to meet the substantial needs of disaster-stricken populations.

Primary care access was significantly impacted after Hurricane Sandy, further challenging chronic disease management. Left untreated, exacerbations of such chronic conditions can be life-threatening.

A rise in depression, PTSD, alcohol and substance abuse, and domestic violence can be anticipated.

As during the earlier disasters, a rise in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, and domestic violence can be anticipated. Individuals with existing mental health and substance abuse problems are particularly at risk. Early intervention for at-risk individuals is critical to mitigating the mental health impact of disasters.

Flood exposure was deemed to be a risk factor for anxiety, depression and PTSD in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Furthermore, some opioid treatment programs faced challenges resulting in disrupted therapy with risk of relapse for involved individuals.

With closed pharmacies, dialysis centers and inaccessible primary care providers, many Katrina and Sandy victims turned to emergency departments and hospitals for their health care needs. A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan showed that hospitalizations for older adults increased up to a month post-disaster compared to the rest of the year.

The Department of Health and Human Services established a 250-bed Federal Medical Station in Houston in order to respond to the medical needs of disaster victims. In addition to exacerbations of chronic diseases, health care providers can anticipate seeing food and waterborne diseases and lower extremity injuries.

Patients should be actively screened for and referred to mental health and substance abuse treatment as indicated. Need for supplies of antibiotics and medications for diabetes, asthma and other chronic conditions should not be underestimated. Communication between federal, state, and local governments with private dialysis vendors could facilitate providing timely dialysis to those in need.

Given local hospital closures and evacuations, emergency departments and hospitals in neighboring regions can expect to receive evacuees with medical needs and should anticipate a surge in demand for acute care resources. Emergency departments and hospitals should prepare for an increase in demand for dialysis and mental health resources and a rise in hospital admissions in the coming weeks and plan accordingly with needed beds, staff, and supplies.

The ongoing disaster response and rescue efforts by local, state and federal entities should be applauded. A vigilant and proactive effort needs to be taken moving forward to anticipate and address both the immediate and intermediate needs of affected communities and health care systems in order to secure the health of those most in need and save lives. This could involve real-time assessment of medical needs informed by lessons learned from other recent disasters. Short- and longer-term recovery will require resilience building through a whole-of-community approach involving government, private sector, non-profits, faith-based entities and community members alike.

Mahshid Abir, MD, is an emergency physician and director of the Acute Care Research Unit at the University of Michigan. She is an adjunct staff at the nonpartisan, nonprofit RAND Corporation.

Richard Serino is a distinguished visiting fellow at Harvard University's National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, the former deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the chief of EMS and assistant director of health for the city of Boston.

This commentary originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report on September 1, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Take heart, cubicle dwellers. Rub your eyes against the fluorescent lights and you will see that the American workspace is undergoing a period of profound change.

More and more, companies are starting to experiment with new ways to make the workplace work better in an economy that increasingly values ideas over tasks. They're breaking down their office walls, scrapping the very idea of a nine-to-fiveand yes, even doing away with all those cubicles.

A RAND initiative is putting some of those ideas to the test. It shows how a modern workspace can better serve the needs of employees and create a better environment for collaboration, without sacrificing heads-down solo work. The subject of this pilot project? RAND itself.

Corner Office to Cubicle Farm: What's Next?

In 1969, the British Broadcasting Corporation looked to the future of work and imagined an automated executive, alone in his office except for a videophone and what appeared to be a robotic filing cabinet. No distractions, the automated executive enthused, just me and the work, alone and efficient.

That was the era of the corner office, when your place in a company was directly related to how much space you had when you closed the door. It was followed by a countermovementthe open office revolutionas companies tried to remove barriers and maximize efficiency. That particular pendulum swing landed us in the cubicle farm.

Today, the adjective Americans use most often to describe their workplace is stressful, one survey found. A Gallup poll released earlier this year found that 43 percent of American employees now work remotely at least some of the time. And sales of systems furnituremostly cubicleshave fallen from a high of $4.9 billion in 2000 to around $2.8 billion today.

People work better the more they interact with other people.

But it's also become clear that putting people back into offices isn't necessarily the answer, either. An increasingly rigorous body of research has shown that people work better the more they interact with other people. One study of pharmaceutical executives, for example, found that their sales improved by 10 percent when they increased their face-to-face encounters with other team members by 10 percent.

Efficient Use of Space?

RAND was once at the forefront of collaborative office design. It built its original Santa Monica headquarters with almost mathematical precision to create chance encounters between people from different divisions. A defense analyst could not get to work without running into an economist or a social scientist.

In recent years, though, its North American offices had come to resemble a more typical American workplace: long corridors of offices interspersed with banks of cubicles. Most employees could close the door and never interact with anyone except by email and phone; the only thing missing was the robotic filing cabinet.

Photo by Dori Gordon Walker/RAND Corporation

In 2016, RAND decided to rethink one wing of its Washington, D.C., office. And it did it in the most RAND way possible.

It studied employee data and found that, on any given day, 40 percent of its research staff were off-site, their offices empty. It conducted a deep dive into the research literature of office design (sample titles: The Organization and Architecture of Innovation and The Impact of Light and Colour on Psychological Mood). It recruited a test group to work in the new office space for at least six monthsand, for the sake of statistical comparisons, control groups from the existing offices.

Varied Spaces Support Staff Needs

The new space has the feel of a slightly futuristic library, a quiet, open area of workstations with glass-walled offices along the sides. One of the planning principles at work here: lower barriers so that people can see each other, and they unconsciously lower their voices.

Nobody owns an office here. Most employees reserve their workspace by the day or the week, or just take what's available when they arrive. Only a few administrative staffers have assigned desks.

The glass walls let natural light in but also let people see each other.

Walk through the area, and you might notice that there are no visual dead-ends, no workspace cul-de-sacs, and many different ways to get from point A to point B. The old coffee room is gone, traded out for a cafe-style area with booths and tables. The glass walls let natural light in but also let people see each other.

The idea was to create a sense of community while also meeting workers where they are on any given day. Senior managers expecting a day of project meetings and phone calls can reserve a private office; a more junior staffer plowing through a 300-page research report can take a workspace in the quiet area instead. And if they're on vacation or visiting a client, there's no office sitting empty.

Photo by Dori Gordon Walker/RAND Corporation

The new workspace cost roughly the same as what RAND would have to spend to replicate its older office design in a new space, said Eric Peltz, the executive director of Research Services and Operations. But it has the added benefit of increasing capacity, from 27 staffers on an average workday in the area before the redesign to 38 in the new space. That gives the area a more social feeling, a community buzz that helps make casual interactions a part of the daily routine.

Using the same square footage of office space, this new model resulted in a 40% increase in average occupancy Traditional Office Configuration 27 staff Future Workspace Configuration 38 staff

It's a rich mixture of open and closed, individual and group spaces, and people can choose, said Margaret Gilchrist Serrato, a design architect with Herman Miller who consulted on the project.

We used to design workspaces by just asking for a head count: 'How many offices do you need?' she added. That's not the way to do it anymore. What you really have to find out is, How often are people here, and are they working alone or in groups when they're here?

The Office Redesign Met Its Goals

This kind of workplace experimentation has always been perceived as a little risky. One paper in the 1970s cautioned that doing away with personal workspaces in particular might provoke a good deal of fear or even panic among the workers.

RAND being RAND, it partnered with a team of researchers from Cornell University to evaluate how well the pilot workspace met the needs of the staffers working thereand to publish the findings in a scientific journal. The Cornell team collected survey data on how the new office was performing, conducted interviews with the researchers working there, observed their day-to-day routines, and kept logs of their interactions.

The initial results suggest the redesigned workspace performed as hoped, making it a potential model for other organizations with similar work needs. Around 90 percent of the workers in the pilot said the new configuration supported individual, high-concentration work at least as well as their old workspaces had. The same number said it provided better, or much better, opportunities for collaboration.

Day-to-day headcounts showed that the new configuration also increased the use and efficiency of the workspaceand with it, that community buzz. More than two-thirds of the people working there said they had more unplanned interactions with their coworkers than they did before.

RAND is taking an exceptionally scientific approach toward this, said Ying Hua, the leader of the Cornell study and codirector of the university's International Workplace Studies Program. That's important, because every organization and every group of people is different; there's no ubiquitous workplace solution that works for all.

Future Workspace Features Click to enlarge. Photo by Dori Gordon Walker/RAND Corporation Each workstation is equipped with a sit-stand desk and dual monitors.

Offices have glass walls to improve visibility and allow natural light to fill the interior space.

Small rooms are available, without advance sign-up, to use for phone calls or meetings requiring audio privacy.

Administrative staff occupy permanent seats in centralized hubs. Centralized lockers provide staff with space to store personal work items.

Offices and workstations are reserved by the day or the week.

Offices have space, furniture, and technology to support meetings. Digital displays identify the occupant.

A Changing Workforce

There's a broader context to this, and it's been a focus of RAND research for well over a decade. The very nature of work in America is changing, driven by technology but also by tectonic shifts in the workforce. People who once would have left the workforceolder employees, new parents are now staying in and trying to balance work and life. At the same time, globalization has put ever-increasing value on the production of ideas and innovations.

RAND's workplace experimentbalancing flexibility, collaboration, and individual workis entirely consistent with what many companies are experiencing, said Lynn Karoly, a senior economist at RAND and one of the leaders of its workforce research. Everything we talked about 10, 12 years ago is now coming into play.

Only two out of 63 employees requested a transfer back to their old offices when the trial period was over.

RAND now plans to expand its future workplace to a newly acquired floor in its Washington office. Of all the numbers it crunched, one in particular stands out: 2. That's the number of employees, out of 63, who requested a transfer back to their old offices when the six-month trial period was over.

This was a big change, said Nicholas Burger, a senior economist at RAND who was part of the pilotand was emphatically not one of the two who left when it was over. It's very different from the way this office had been managed; it's very different from how other offices are designed and managed. People were understandably nervous about it.

It may not be a good fit for everyone, he added, but I think we've found it's a pretty good fit for a large number of people.

 Doug Irving
Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
Afghan officials say an air strike by "foreign forces" killed two people and wounded three others attending a wedding in the province of Kabul.

The incident occurred late on September 4 when a suspected drone strike hit the wedding after some people at the ceremony began firing celebratory gunshots into the air, District Chief Abdul Samai Sharifi said on September 5.

Foreign troops may have thought they had come under attack because of the gunfire, he said, adding that an investigation of the incident was under way.

The Anadolu news agency quoted police spokesman Basir Mujahed as saying a U.S. drone was responsible for the attack.

U.S. forces in Afghanistan, USFOR-A, have not commented on the incident.

Based on reporting by dpa, Anadolu, and Pajhwok
A French court began hearing a lawsuit by Azerbaijans government against two French journalists it accuses of defamation, in a case described by the defendants and media freedom activists as an attempt by Azerbaijani authorities to export censorship beyond the countrys borders.

The defendants in the lawsuit before a court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre are broadcast journalists Elise Lucet and Laurent Richard on September 5.

They are accused of defaming the Azerbaijani government by referring to it as a "dictatorship" two years ago, when then-French President Francois Hollande was visiting the Caspian Sea country.

It appears to be the first time that a foreign government has brought a defamation suit against journalists before a French court.

In an interview with RFE/RL ahead of the court session, Richard said "we do think that it is a dictatorship and not a land of tolerance as they are pretending."

I am not sure that's a very good idea from them to sue some reporters because we are going to talk about the real, very critical things that are happening in Azerbaijan," he added.

Richard also expressed concern about what he called the Azerbaijani governments strategy "to export the kind of censorship abroad, on French soil."

Introducing an investigation program about the background to Hollande's trip on the France 2 television channel in September 2015, Lucet described Azerbaijan as "one of the world's harshest dictatorships."

In an interview with France Info radio, Richard referred to Azerbaijan as a "dictatorship."

Richard and his cameraman were briefly detained in Baku at the end of their reporting trip in May 2014 and their equipment was seized.

Johann Bihr, head of Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, testified in defense of the two French journalists on September 5, along with Azerbaijani journalist Aqil Xalil and human rights activists Leyla and Arif Yunus.

Xalil, a reporter for the opposition Azadliq newspaper, fled to France in 2008 after a series of attacks on him.

Leyla and Arif Yunus left for the Netherlands in 2016 after being convicted of economic crimes and imprisoned for 18 months following a trial that the couple and international human rights groups denounced as a travesty of justice.

RSF says it regards the lawsuit as "an act of intimidation highlighting the Azerbaijani government's contempt for free speech."

"Not content with eradicating all pluralism at home, the regime is now targeting its critics abroad," the Paris-based media watchdog said in a September 4 statement.

"By suing two French journalists who just used their right to free speech, the Azerbaijani government is demonstrating its complete inability to tolerate criticism," RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire said. "We must not let Baku export its censorship to France."

RSF says it appears this is the first time that a foreign government has brought a defamation suit against journalists before a French court.

Azerbaijan is ranked 162nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index. For the past three years, the watchdog says, the country's authorities have "systematically eliminated what remained of media independence."

The Turan news agency, Azerbaijan's last independent media outlet, in August became the latest victim of the government's crackdown on the media.

The authorities ordered its director, Mehman Aliyev, to be sent to nearly three months of detention pending trial on tax-evasion and abuse-of-powers charges. Its bank accounts have been frozen, forcing it to suspend all activities.

On August 26, the U.S. State Department urged Aliyev's immediate release and said the actions of the Azerbaijani government "to curtail freedom of press and to further restrict freedom of expression are the latest in a negative trend that includes the government's May decision to block access to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other independent media websites."

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev -- who has ruled the oil-producing South Caucasus country of nearly 10 million people since shortly before the death of his father, Heydar Aliyev, in 2003 -- is on RSF's list of press-freedom predators.

RSF says that at least 16 journalists, bloggers, and media workers are "currently imprisoned in connection with the provision of news and information -- usually on trumped-up charges."

Dozens of journalists have fled the country in recent years to escape the crackdown, according to the watchdog.

With reporting by AP
The independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reports that Belarusian authorities have detained a woman from Russia's Chechnya region who was attempting to flee to Norway after receiving threats, and handed her over to a man who claimed to be her father.

According to Novaya Gazeta, Luiza Dudurkayeva fled Chechnya in June after she was threatened when a photograph of her was posted on a social-media account that criticized Chechen women and girls for refraining from wearing traditional Islamic clothing.

Russian human rights activists helped Dudurkayeva, 22, obtain a Norwegian refugee visa in late August, the report said.

On September 3, it said, Russian authorities stopped Dudurkayeva at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow and told her that her relatives had filed a request to find her, and then took her picture and let her board a flight to Belarus.

On September 4, Dudurkayeva, who had a ticket to Helsinki, Finland, was detained by Belarusian authorities at the Minsk airport, Novaya Gazeta reported. It said a lawyer accompanying her was barred from a room where she was taken by Belarusian authorities.

Dudurkayeva was held behind closed doors for about an hour and came out in tears, accompanied by a man who told the lawyer that he was her father. The two left the airport.

Documents confirming her refugee status issued by Norwegian authorities remained in Dudurkayeva's possession, the newspaper said.

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's government has repeatedly handed fleeing Russians over to Russian authorities despite concerns for their rights and safety.

Belarusian authorities extradited a Russian opposition activist, Vladimir Yegorov, to Russia in late July.

In June, Belarusian authorities detained a Chechen whistle-blower, Murad Amriyev, and extradited him to Russia despite widespread fears that he could face torture or abuse at the hands of the Kremlin-backed authorities in Chechnya.

Officials in Chechnya later said the charges against Amriyev, whose plight was the focus of concerned statements from the United States and other countries, had been dropped.
Ukrainian officials and local residents moved to stabilize conditions in the freshly recaptured southern city of Kherson, as Russian symbols were being torn down and with the restoration of Ukrainian radio and television service and a new police presence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

The action on November 12 came after months of occupation by Russian forces following their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February and as Ukrainian and Western officials hailed Kyivs latest extraordinary battlefield success and Moscows strategic failure.

Separately, Russian occupying forces said late on November 12 that they were preparing to leave the city of Nova Kakhovka, the site of a damaged dam on the Dnieper River, to a safer location, according to Russian state-run TASS news agency.

As jubilant Kherson residents awoke the morning following the arrival of the first Ukrainian troops, Ukraines military said it was putting stabilization measures in place to ensure safety.

Ihor Klymenko, chief of the National Police of Ukraine, said about 200 officers were at their posts in Kherson and that checkpoints had been set up. Authorities also began seeking out any evidence of possible Russian war crimes, he said in a Facebook post.



The Ukrainian communications watchdog said national TV and radio broadcasts had resumed in the strategic southern city and officials said aid supplies had begun to arrive from nearby regions.

Social media postings on November 12 showed local residents removing memorial plaques put up by Kremlin-installed authorities during the occupation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other officials warned that while special forces had entered central Kherson, the full deployment of Ukrainian troops was still under way and that some Russian soldiers could have shed military uniforms for civilian clothing and remained in the city.

Even when the city is not yet completely cleansed of the enemys presence, the people of Kherson themselves are already removing Russian symbols and any traces of the occupiers stay in Kherson from the streets and buildings, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

But he said that medicine, communications, social services are returning. Life is returning.

WATCH: Local residents welcomed Ukrainian soldiers into Snihurivka on November 10, as advance forces of the Ukrainian military recaptured the town in the southern Mykolayiv region.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, speaking to world leaders at an ASEAN summit in Cambodia, warned that the celebratory mood could turn grim with the possible discovery of war crimes evidence in Kherson.

Such evidence was discovered after Russian troops pulled out of the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions months ago.

Every time we liberate a piece of our territory, when we enter a city liberated from the Russian Army, we find torture rooms and mass graves with civilians tortured and murdered by the Russian Army in the course of the occupation of the territories," he said. "Its not easy to speak with people like this. But I said that every war ends with diplomacy and Russia has to approach talks in good faith.

The White House on November 12 hailed Russias withdrawal from Kherson as an "extraordinary victory" for Ukraine.

"It does look as though the Ukrainians have just won an extraordinary victory where the one regional capital that Russia had seized in this war is now back under a Ukrainian flag -- and that is quite a remarkable thing," U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters as he accompanied President Joe Biden to the ASEAN summit.

Sullivan said that the Russian retreat would have "broader strategic implications," including relieving the longer-term threat by Russia to other southern Ukrainian cities such as Odesa.

"It's a big moment, and it's due to the incredible tenacity and skill of the Ukrainians, backed by the relentless and united support of the United States and our allies," Sullivan said.

Asked about reports that the Biden administration has started to press Zelenskiy to explore negotiations with Moscow, Sullivan said Russia, not Ukraine, was the side that has to decide whether or not to go to the table.

"This whole notion, I think, in the Western press of, 'When's Ukraine going to negotiate?' misses the underlying fundamentals," Sullivan said.

Russia, he added, continues to make "outlandish claims" about its self-declared annexations of Ukrainian lands, even as it retreats from Ukrainian counterattacks.

"Ultimately, at a 30,000-foot level, Ukraine is the party of peace in this conflict and Russia is the party of war. Russia invaded Ukraine. If Russia chose to stop fighting in Ukraine and left, it would be the end of the war. If Ukraine chose to stop fighting and give up, it would be the end of Ukraine," he said. "In that context, our position remains the same as it has been and fundamentally is in close consultation and support of President Zelenskiy.

Separately, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on November 12 that Moscow's "strategic failure" in Kherson will sow doubt among the Russian public about the point of the war in Ukraine.

"Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson," Wallace said in a statement. "Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves: 'What was it all for?'"

Meanwhile, Pavel Filipchuk, the head of the occupation government in Nova Kakhovka, told administrators and residents that Russian forces will be pullng back from the city on the right bank of the Dnieper River.

He cited concerns that the key dam could be damaged by missiles, which would result in flooding.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of planning to blast the dam, which has already been severely damaged.

With reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, and Reuters
When spies talk to spies it's usually pretty interesting.

And when the security-service chief on one side of an armed conflict makes a public appeal to the security-service chief on the other side, even more so.

In a televised interview this week, Ukrainian Security Service chief Vasyl Hrytsak appealed directly to Russian FSB head Aleksandr Bortnikov "officer to officer."

Hrytsak accused the Russian security services of organizing terrorist attacks in Odesa, Kharkiv, Kherson, and other Ukrainian cities.

"Even in war," Hrytsak said, "there are rules that cannot be violated" and "you've crossed the red line."

WATCH Today's Daily Vertical

Hrytsak concluded by asking Bortnikov: "Do you realize that you will have to answer for these actions? Do you understand that today's political leadership, including Putin, is not forever?"

Hrytsak's appeal to Bortnikov raises an interesting question: Will Putin, Bortnikov, and others ever be asked to answer for Russia's actions in Ukraine?

Because it is beyond doubt that Russia illegally annexed Crimea.

It is beyond doubt that Moscow has been complicit in the persecution of -- and in some cases the disappearance of -- Ukrainian citizens on the peninsula.

Despite Moscow's denials, the evidence is clear that Russia invaded the Donbas; and the overwhelming preponderance of evidence points to Russian culpability in the downing of Flight MH17.

And yes, there is reasonable cause to suspect Russian involvement in those mysterious bombings, grenade attacks, and arsons that have occurred over the years in Odesa, Kharkiv, Kherson, and other Ukrainian cities.

But despite all this, the Kremlin has gotten much of the world to buy into the fiction that it is a mediator in a war in which it is in fact the aggressor.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
A Tbilisi court has convicted a senior priest of planning to kill Georgian Orthodox Patriarch Ilia II's personal secretary by poisoning her with cyanide and sentenced him to nine years in prison.

Archpriest Giorgia Mamaladze, who is in custody, chose not to be present in the courtroom when a Tbilisi City Court judge pronounced the verdict on September 5.

Mamaladze was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport in February, where authorities said cyanide was found in his baggage as he sought to board a flight to Berlin.

He was convicted of planning to kill Ilia's personal secretary, Shorena Tetruashvili, who was aiding the 84-year-old patriarch after a gall-bladder operation in Berlin.

Before the hearing, defense lawyer Giorgi Pantsulaya told journalists he believed Mamaladze would be acquitted "if the court is not under pressure from anyone."

Another lawyer for Mamaladze, Mikheil Ramishvili, said after the verdict was issued that it will be appealed -- first at an appeals court and then, if necessary, at the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The prosecution case relied heavily on a witness who told the authorities that Mamaladze contacted him and asked him to help obtain potassium cyanide in exchange for a "good" job.

A report issued by prosecutors in March said that the man had notified the authorities after being approached by the archpriest, and that secret recordings of meetings between the two were made.

Prosecutors said that Mamaladze eventually found a different source for the cyanide.

They alleged that Mamaladze expected to gain power within the church once Tetruashvili was dead.

Ilia has been head of the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1977, nearly 15 years before the breakup of the Soviet Union.

He wields significant influence on social and political life in the South Caucasus country, more than 80 percent of whose 4.9 million people consider themselves Orthodox Christians.
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A global outcry over violence against Rohingya Muslims in Burma is growing, with Muslim-ruled countries saying they will demand action at the United Nations over the reported killing of more than 400 Rohingya since last month.

Iran on September 4 called the violence, which has prompted nearly 90,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, "ethnic cleansing," while Turkey has called it "genocide."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif endorsed a call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to bring the matter before the United Nations General Assembly this month.

In a post on Twitter, Zarif decried the "global silence on continuing violence against Rohingya Muslims," and said "international action crucial to prevent further ethnic cleansing -- UN must rally."

The recent wave of violence was set off by a group of Rohingya insurgents attacking police posts in the state of Rakhine on August 25. The authorities reported at least 400 people were killed in the ensuing clashes.

Burmese officials blame Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths, but rights monitors and Rohingya say the Burmese Army is trying to force them out through a campaign of arson and killings.

A growing list of Muslim-majority countries has spoken out against the violence, while mass protests were held on September 4 in Indonesia and the Russian North Caucasus region of Chechnya, where thousands of people turned out to express support for the Rohingya.

WATCH: Protests In Russia Support Burma's Rohingya

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on September 4 expressed "deep anguish" over "reports of growing number of deaths and forced displacement of Rohingya Muslims" and urged Burma, also known as Myanmar, to investigate the alleged atrocities.

"This humanitarian crisis has to stop immediately," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said as he dispatched his foreign minister to meet with the leaders of Burma.

UN workers estimate that 87,000 refugees have crossed Burma's border into Bangladesh, many of them wounded, straining aid agencies and hospitals.

The Maldives announced on September 4 that it was severing all trade ties with Burma "until the government of Myanmar takes measures to prevent the atrocities being committed against Rohingya Muslims," its Foreign Ministry said

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai joined the chorus on September 4, called on her fellow laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the civil leader of Burma, to condemn the violence.

Malala, 20, came to prominence when a Taliban gunman shot her in the head in 2012 for encouraging Pakistani girls to get an education. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

"Every time I see the news, my heart breaks at the suffering," Malala said on Twitter. "I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same.... The world is waiting."

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman also questioned Suu Kyi's silence while some of her critics have called on the Nobel Committee to withdraw her peace prize.

Defenders of Suu Kyi, who was once a political prisoner of Burma's military junta, say she has limited ability to control the military. But her critics say she is one of the few people with the moral authority and mass appeal to influence the situation.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Amnesty International has launched a campaign to urge Iranian authorities to "stop the imminent destruction" of a mass grave in the southern city of Ahvaz, the capital of the oil-rich Khuzestan Province.

The London-based rights watchdog urged the public to join the campaign on September 4, saying that construction began earlier this year near the site where dozens of prisoners killed during a wave of mass extrajudicial executions in August and September 1988 are buried.

A statement says that recent footage obtained by the organization shows that the site is "gradually being buried beneath piles of construction waste."

Philip Luther, Amnesty International's research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa, said that bulldozing the mass grave would destroy forensic evidence that could be used to bring those responsible for the executions to justice.

It would also "deprive families of victims of their rights to truth, justice, and reparation, including the right to bury their loved ones in dignity," Luther said.

Amnesty International is calling on people to join the campaign by sending letters and e-mails to the chair of the Ahvaz city council, the secretary-general of Iran's High Council for Human Rights, and the deputy justice minister for human rights and international affairs.

It also suggests promoting the hashtag #MassGraves88 on Twitter and target Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif with tweets.

This is not the only mass grave from the 1988 extrajudicial mass executions of political prisoners said to be at risk of destruction. The London-based rights group Justice for Iran has reported apparent efforts to tamper with a site in the northeastern city of Mashhad, where up to 170 political prisoners are believed to be buried.

"Instead of desecrating the mass grave with piles of rubbish and waste and further tormenting families, who face repression for their efforts to protect the memory of their loved ones, the authorities should be upholding their duty to preserve all Iran's mass-grave sites so that investigations can be carried out into the 1988 extrajudicial executions and other mass killings," Luther said.

Human rights organizations estimate that at least 4,500 people were killed in the summer of 1988 in prisons across Iran, following an unsuccessful armed incursion by the People's Mujahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI or MKO) in July that year.

Political prisoners were rounded up and held incommunicado, with no news of them heard for months afterward. Families were later told their relatives were killed but the bodies were not returned.

No Iranian officials have been investigated and brought to justice for the executions, according to Amnesty International.
The son of a prominent reformist politician ignited a firestorm on social-media when he said he owes his success in life to "good genes."

The comments by Hamid Reza Aref, the son of former Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, currently the head of the reformist faction in parliament, quickly led to a #goodgenes hashtag that has heaped scorn on the 39-year-old successful businessman and on cronyism in Iran in general.

"The reason for child labor is clear now: a lack of good genes," tweeted a user.

Iranian actor Mohammad Naderi wrote on his Instagram account:

"This is not an ordinary selfie. It's a failed attempt to find good genes in my face. Unfortunately, like most people, I have some useless genes that are good for nothing. They don't know how to import Porsches and Maseratis and seal contracts with foreign companies."

"When you realize you lack good genes," said the caption of a photo on Twitter showing the puppet, Kermit the Frog, smoking while pensively looking out a window.

Many posted pictures of those who -- in their eyes -- have good genes, including soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the bloody 1980-88 war with Iraq.

Some posted pictures of political prisoners, including physicist Omid Kokabee, who was granted medical leave from prison in 2016 after having a kidney removed.

"He was a top student but, unlike Aref, his parents didn't have good genes so he was jailed for several years and suffered from a kidney problem," a user wrote while posting a picture of Kokabee.

Children Of The Elite

Many blasted the so-called aghazadehs, a term used in Iran to describe the children of the elite who are believed to significantly benefit from privileged connections and family ties.

The interview and its aftermath coincided with reports that the sons of several politicians have been promoted to top jobs despite a lack of experience.

The term "good genes" quickly became synonymous with aghazadehs and the privileges they enjoy. In Iran, where the unemployment rate among educated adults is about 20 percent, connections are often key to finding decent jobs.

In his controversial interview aired in late July, Hamid Reza Aref suggests those using the term aghazadeh are merely blaming others for their problems.

"I think the reason is that many are trying to escape from reality; we're used to putting the blame on others," he said.

Hamid Reza Aref said he managed to bring the South African mobile service provider MTN to the Iranian market when he was only 24 or 25. The company later won an auction at the Communications Ministry and took a large stake in the Irancell mobile network in Iran.

He denied that his achievement was related to the fact that his father was serving as vice president to former reformist President Mohammad Khatami at the time and, before that, as communications minister.

"I'm proud that [my] capabilities come from good genes, from two good bloodlines -- my mother's side and also from my father's," Aref said.

Many disagreed.

"In Iran all of the job offer ads are looking for cool guys, [as] aghazadehs have filled all the good positions," tweeted one person.

Another wrote: "[What is an aghazadeh? A person who's had nothing to do with his [or her] success in life and was only at the right place, at the right time."

"#Goodgenes is not just a hashtag, it's rather the courageous reaction of a talented and hardworking generation who's had nothing but unemployment and humiliation by empty aghazadehs," said one tweet.

The teasing of the younger Aref continued with this caustic twitter comment:

"The Little Prince: do you have good genes? The fox: no, that belongs to aghazadehs. I have intelligence."

"We mocked good genes but they were sent to the parliament and city councils," was how someone else put it.



"As a father I understand the sense of responsibility authorities have to make sure their children are employed, but what about the 99 percent of the youth who don't have fathers in top jobs and good genes?" asked another on Twitter.

Media Censure

There's been also criticism in the media.

"Bringing up the issue of good genes means that we're entering the issue of racism and tribalism, that's the view of kings and sultans," sociologist Gholamreza Alizadeh told the government daily Iran.

"There is no research proving that only genes contribute to one's success," Alizadeh said.

"Look at our politicians, they have graduated from special universities where one needs high financial means to study. Their children also study at the best schools and they go abroad to continue their studies," he added.

"They know that when they return to Iran they will have jobs ready, they will use special privileges," he said.

Aref's father, Mohammad Reza Aref, was forced to react to the controversy on the sidelines of a parliamentary session on August 30 when reporters asked him about his son's "good gene" comments.

He said his son's interview had been "misused" while adding that enough had been said about the controversial comments.

But Aref defended his son, saying that he has always been a top student.

"He's come in first at all the contests he's participated in since primary school," Aref added.

His comments led to more criticism.

"If you don't apologize, then please remain silent," tweeted journalist Amene Shirafkan, who covers parliamentary affairs for the reformist Sharq daily.

"Stressing that the prince was a top student is similar to the good genes comments," she added.


A family of four in Iran has launched a symbolic protest against the cancellation of concerts around the country on religious grounds.

In recent years, dozens of concerts and cultural performances have been abruptly called off in Iran following pressure and intimidation by hard-liners who claim such events undermine Islamic values.

The closures of the officially sanctioned concerts have been a direct challenge to Iranian President Hassan Rohani, a relative moderate, who has promised to ease state restrictions and give Iranians more rights and freedom.

The family -- Ahmad Mehrchian, his wife, Zohreh Barati, and their 6-year-old daughter Baran and 4-year-old son Kourosh -- have been walking around the country since July 30 to protest the trend of concerts being canceled.

They plan to continue their protest until the start of the school year in Iran on September 23.

The family, which during its protest meets with local musicians affected by the cancellations, holds signs that say: "We have the right to listen to the songs of our country in our city."

The four hail from Mashhad, where religious conservatives, including the city's ultra-hard-line Friday Prayers leader Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, staunchly oppose concerts.

"We love local and traditional music and also the songs of our country and our cities and we oppose the cancellations of concerts, particularly in our city, Mashhad," Mehrchian told the semiofficial Mehr news agency.

'Very Bad Atmosphere'

Barati, a doctor, said in an interview with the House of Music website that the couple decided to launch their protest after the cancellation of a concert by prominent Iranian tenor Shahram Nazeri and his son, Hafez Nazeri.

"We were very happy when we heard the news about Nazeri's concerts in Guchan," Barati said. "We immediately bought tickets and traveled more than 150 kilometers to get to Guchan [in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi] on the day of Shahram Nazeri's concert. But unfortunately, there was a very bad atmosphere," she said.

The concert, due to take place on July 28, was canceled following an order by the city's prosecutor, Ramazan Ali Azari, who claimed the concert was called off because its venue was "unsuitable" and that "the dignity of artists and the people of Guchan" had not been taken into account.

"We returned to Mashhad late at night and we decided to let others hear about this cultural problem," Barati added.

Last month, a group of musicians and other members of Iran's music industry called on Rohani to expose and prosecute those working to prevent concerts from taking place in the country.

Their letter reminded Rohani of his promise to uphold citizens' rights and asked if the cancellation of officially approved concerts was a violation of the musicians' rights.

Before the cancellation of Nazeri's concert, 500 members of the music community called on the Culture Ministry to act against those cancelling concerts.

"Preventing musical performances with a license is a clear example of breaking the law and a disruption in the country's affairs and it's obvious that the perpetrators, in any position, must be prosecuted," they said in a letter.
Two Afghan staff members from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who had been abducted by armed men in February in the northern Jozjan Province have been released.

"We are relieved and grateful that our colleagues are now back with us unharmed," ICRC head of delegation in Afghanistan Monica Zanarelli said in a statement on September 5.

Unknown armed men abducted two staff members after killing six of their colleagues while they were on the way to an area in Jozjan on February 8.

"It has taken a lot of effort, and we are thankful to the communities and the authorities who have mobilized and played a role in facilitating our colleagues' release," Zanarelli said in her statement.

The ICRC refused to say who the kidnappers were or what the motive behind the abduction was.

A Spanish Red Cross staff member was kidnapped in northern Kunduz Province in December and released after 19 days in captivity.
BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has called the visit of his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoev, to Bishkek a "historic event for both nations."

Mirziyoev arrived in the Kyrgyz capital on a two-day official visit on September 5.

During talks, Atambaev thanked Mirziyoev for accepting his invitation to visit Kyrgyzstan.

"Both the Kyrgyz and Uzbek people have been waiting for this visit for more than 20 years. [This visit] will solve many issues as it opens a new era, a new epoch in the relations between our two nations," Atambaev said.

Mirziyoev started his speech in Kyrgyz and called Kyrgyzstan his country's "strategic partner," adding that Uzbekistan's "priority now is improving ties with its neighbors."

"We have to turn our [Uzbek-Kyrgyz] border into a border of friendship," Mirziyoev said.

A pact on the demarcation of more than 80 percent of the countries' border is among several documents scheduled to be signed during Mirziyoev's visit, Atambaevs office said earlier.

Some 230 kilometers of the nearly 1,400-kilometer-long Uzbek-Kyrgyz border are still disputed between the two countries.

Mirziyoev's visit is the first official visit by an Uzbek president since late Uzbek President Islam Karimov's trip in 2000.

Ties have been improving since Mirziyoev came to power in September 2016 following the death of Karimov, who had ruled Uzbekistan with an iron fist since the Soviet era.

During Karimov's rule, Uzbekistan was at odds with its neighbors over issues ranging from border disputes and ethnic stand-offs to economic disagreements linked to water distribution and energy transportation across the region.

The visit comes ahead of a presidential election in Kyrgyzstan on October 15, where Atambaev is barred from running for a second term, and has made clear he hopes his protege, former Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov will be elected.

Mirziyoev won a five-year presidential term in December.

With more than 30 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is the most populous of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia.

Kyrgyzstan has a population of about 6 million, including a large ethnic Uzbek minority concentrated in southern regions near the border.
Moldovan President Igor Dodon says he has canceled the participation of a small contingent of Moldovan soldiers in upcoming NATO exercises.

Russia-friendly Dodon posted his decision on his Facebook page on September 5.

Dodon rejected a request by the Defense Ministry to send 57 Moldovan troops to the drills in western Ukraine on September 7-23.

"We do not accept involvement by Moldovan servicemen in military exercises beyond the national borders," Dodon wrote in a letter.

The Rapid Trident exercise, which Moldova has been attending since 1996, will take place this year near Iavoriv, close to Ukraine's border with Poland. Some 1,800 troops from 14 mostly NATO member countries will attend.

While figurehead leader Dodon supports a strategic partnership with Russia, Moldova's government is pro-European.

Dodon earlier this year said that he was against NATO opening a planned liaison office in the capital Chisinau.



Moldova's government last month called on the United Nations to discuss the withdrawal of Russian troops from its breakaway Transdniester region at the upcoming 72nd session of the UN General Assembly session, which opens on September 12.



In July, the Moldovan parliament approved a "symbolic" statement that called for the removal of Russian troops, weapons, and other military equipment from Transdniester.

Moscow keeps an estimated 2,000-strong contingent in Transdniester -- 1,500 troops who Moscow says guard Soviet-era arms depots, and up to 500 peacekeepers to ensure an uneasy 25-year-old cease-fire which ended a bloody conflict between Moldova and its eastern breakaway region.


Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced opposition to imposing further sanctions on North Korea and criticized what he called "military hysteria" following Pyongyang's sixth nuclear bomb test, saying it could lead to a "global catastrophe."

Speaking to reporters following a summit of the BRICS countries in China, Putin said that Russia condemns North Korea's actions as "provocative," but added that imposing further sanctions on Pyongyang would be "useless and inefficient."

Putin said that North Koreans were prepared to "eat grass" but "will not give up their [nuclear] program unless they feel safe."

Russia often mixes criticism of North Korean actions with calls on the United States, South Korea, and Japan to refrain from any steps that might increase tension or provoke Pyongyang, whose ties with Moscow are far warmer than with Washington.

Putin's comments came after the U.S. envoy to the United Nations said that Kim Jong Un was "begging for war" with the latest test and that the United States will circulate a new UN resolution this week to toughen sanctions against North Korea.

North Korea trumpeted "perfect success" on September 3 in its underground nuclear explosion, announcing that it had tested what it said was a hydrogen bomb capable of being loaded on a long-range missile.

The bomb was thought to have a power range of at least 50 kilotons -- five times the size of the North's previous nuclear test in September 2016 and more than three times bigger than the bomb the United States dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

North Korea's nuclear and ballistic-missile programs were banned by resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council -- whose permanent members are the Russia, the United States, China, Britain, and France -- but Pyongyang has continued to carry out tests.

The U.S. ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, told an emergency Security Council meeting on September 4 that the United States will circulate a new draft resolution this week to strengthen sanctions against North Korea.

Putin seemed to suggest that the U.S. push for further sanctions was aimed not at halting North Korea's nuclear and missile tests but at removing Kim from power.

"Russia denounces North Korea's [nuclear tests]. We believe they are of a provocative nature," Putin said. "However, we cannot forget what [we know] about Iraq and Libya either. North Koreans definitely will not."

The UN Security Council already imposed its stiffest sanctions so far on North Korea last month after Pyongyang test-launched two ICBM-class missiles in July.

"Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited," Haley said.

"The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means before it is too late," she added.

However, the Russian and Chinese envoys called for calm and for a peaceful, diplomatic solution.

"The situation on the peninsula is deteriorating constantly as we speak, falling into a vicious circle," Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi said. "The peninsula issue must be resolved peacefully. China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula."

China is North Korea's main economic partner and, along with Russia, the closest thing it has to an ally on the diplomatic stage.

Analysts say China is wary of taking sever action against North Korea because it fears the sudden collapse of Kim's government could lead to chaos and the potential for hundreds of thousands of North Koreans to flee across the Chinese border.

Russia's envoy Vasily Nebenzya called on the international community "not to give in to emotions and proceed in a calm and balanced manner."

"Peace in the region is being subjected to a serious test, and the threat of the standoff turning into a hot stage is big as never before," he said.

Moscow backs Beijing's proposal for a freeze on North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of U.S.-South Korea joint military drills.

Other Security Council members -- including France, Britain, and temporary member Japan -- are calling for further sanctions.

Britain's UN ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, on September 4 again pushed for his proposal to cut back on North Korean laborers who work abroad and send their earnings back to the regime. Such guest workers mainly are employed in Russia and China.

Late on September 4, U.S. President Donald Trump held calls with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the White House said afterward that "all options to address the North Korean threat are on the table."

Merkel, whose country is not a permanent member of the Security Council, told Trump during their phone conversation that she will press for stricter EU sanctions on Pyongyang, a German government statement said.

Meanwhile, South Korean warships conducted live-fire exercises at sea on September 5, a day after its military simulated a missile attack on the North's nuclear test site.

Seoul said it had seen indications that North Korea is preparing more missile launches, possibly an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa
Pakistani officials say three security personnel have been killed in an ambush on a convoy carrying paramilitary troops in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan.

The attack on the Frontier Corps convoy took place on September 4 in Panjgur district, some 520 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, Quetta.

Reports said a lieutenant colonel was among those killed.

Three other troops were reported wounded.

No group has yet claimed the attack, but a security official was quoted as saying it was presumably carried out by Baluch separatists.

The resource-rich Balochistan Province has been plagued by sectarian violence, Islamist militant attacks, and a separatist insurgency that has led to thousands of casualties since 2004.

With reporting by AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that any decision by the United States to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine would fuel the conflict in the country's east.

Putin told journalists on September 5 after a BRICS summit in China that it was up to Washington to decide whom it sold or gave weapons to, but that delivering weapons to a conflict zone "doesn't help peacekeeping efforts, but only worsens the situation."

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last month that Washington was "actively reviewing" supplying Ukraine with lethal defensive weaponry to help it defend itself from Russia-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

"Such a decision would not change the situation but the number of casualties could increase," said Putin, who suggested that the separatists could to respond by expanding their own campaign.

"The self-proclaimed republics have enough weapons, including those they have seized from the opposite side," the Russian president said, referring to the separatists as self-proclaimed republics.

"It is hard to say how the self-proclaimed republics may react to the supply of U.S. weapons to the conflict zone," he said. "They might deploy weapons to other areas of the conflict that are sensitive for those who create problems for them."

Kyiv and NATO say Russia has supplied many of the weapons used by the separatists, and Putin's remark was widely interpreted as a warning that Russia and the separatists could respond by beefing up their firepower, increasing pressure on government forces, and trying to seize additional land in Ukraine.

Russia and the West are at deeply at odds over Russia's armed takeover of Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014 and its backing of the separatists in the conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.

Visiting Kyiv on August 24, the 26th anniversary of Ukraine's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, Mattis said, "On the defensive lethal weapons, we are actively reviewing it."

He added that he would inform Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and President Donald Trump about his position on the issue "in very specific terms."

"Defensive weapons are not provocative unless you are an aggressor, and clearly Ukraine is not an aggressor since it is their own territory where the fighting is happening," Mattis said, appearing to signal support for Kyiv's request for defensive weaponry.

Russian officials and separatist leaders criticized Washington and Kyiv for discussing the provision of lethal weapons and rejected the assertion that doing so would not be "provocative."

U.S. media reported on August 6 that the Pentagon had recommended sending a package of lethal defensive military aid to Ukraine worth about $50 million.

The weapons package would reportedly include Javelin shoulder-launched antitank missiles, which Kyiv has long sought to defend against the Russia-backed forces it has been fighting in its east for more than three years.

Putin also supported on September 5 the idea of deploying an international force to eastern Ukraine to help protect monitors observing the conflict, saying such a deployment would be "completely appropriate."

He said Moscow intended to draft a UN Security Council resolution on deploying the force, saying it would "help resolve the problem in eastern Ukraine."

Putin cautioned that a number of preconditions would need to be met before any such deployment happened.

He insisted that the force should only ensure the security of the unarmed mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and be restricted to operating on the "demarcation line" between Ukrainian forces and the separatists.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Kyiv was "prepared to work on this issue."

A statement said the Ukrainian mission in New York "has been instructed to hold relevant consultations with delegations at the UN Security Council."

Ukraine has long called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers in separatist-held territory but has said that they should be deployed throughout the area, including along the part of the Ukraine-Russia border that Kyiv does not currently control.

Kyiv is concerned that deploying peacekeepers along the demarcation line only would cement the separatists' control over they territory they hold and leave Russia free to sends troops and weapons across the international border.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, TASS, and Interfax
Russian President Vladimir Putin says that his country reserves the right to demand further reductions in the number of U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia but will not immediately call for further cuts.

Speaking to reporters following a summit of the BRICS countries in China, Putin said on September 5 that Moscow will "see how the situation develops" before making a decision regarding the number of U.S. diplomats in Russia.

Denouncing what he called Washington's "boorish and unprecedented" actions toward Russia's diplomatic facilities in the United States, Putin said that he will order the Foreign Ministry to take the U.S. authorities to court over what he said was a violation of Russia's property rights.

A senior U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told news media late on September 5 that Washington hopes to avoid further retaliatory actions with Moscow, but is "confident in the legality" of the U.S. order for Russia to vacate the Russian Consulate in San Francisco and trade annexes in Washington and New York by September 2.

The official said that under international law, countries can only establish diplomatic posts when the host country consents. The United States has now withdrawn its consent for Russia's San Francisco post, the official said.

The department said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the matter during a telephone call on September 5.

The State Department made that demand after Moscow ordered the United States to cut its diplomatic personnel in Russia to 455 by September 1, which Putin said meant cutting 755 personnel, in retaliation for a new U.S. law that strengthened U.S. sanctions against Russia.

In his remarks on September 5, Putin suggested that Russia could demand the United States reduce the number of diplomatic personnel by a further 155, down to 300. He said that would produce truer parity between the two countries because, by his account, 155 of the 455 Russian diplomatic personnel in the United States work in connection with the United Nations.

"Strictly speaking, if we are talking about full parity, there should be not 455 U.S. diplomats in [Russia] but [455] minus 155. So, we reserve the right to take the decision also on the number of U.S. diplomats, but we won't do this now," Putin said. "We'll look how the situation develops further."

The United States has imposed sanctions against Russia following its illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014 and its backing of separatists in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.

Relations between Moscow and Washington are also severely strained over Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election that put President Donald Trump in office.

The U.S. intelligence community issued an assessment in January that Putin ordered an "influence campaign" targeting the U.S. election, with goals that included undermining trust in the U.S. electoral process and denigrating Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. It said that Putin's government developed a clear preference for Trump, who said during the campaign that he would seek closer cooperation with Moscow.

Amid U.S. Justice Department and congressional investigations into the alleged meddling and any collusion between Russia and associates of Trump, the Kremlin's hopes for an improvement in relations under Trump have been substantially dampened, with both sides saying ties remain severely strained.

Putin dismissed a question about whether he was disappointed with a wry remark, saying that he and Trump were not newlyweds.

"Your question is very naive," Putin said. "After all, he is not my bride, and I am not his groom -- we are statesmen."

Putin refrained from criticizing Trump and voiced confidence that the United States and Russia could find some common ground, contending that this was crucial for international security.

"In doing what he does, Trump is guided by the national interests of his country, as I am following the interests of my country," he said. "I very much expect that we will manage to find some compromises while resolving bilateral and global issues, so that they are resolved in the interests of the U.S. and Russian people, as well as in the interests of many other countries, bearing in mind our great responsibility for global security."

Russia denies meddling the U.S. election, despite powerful evidence, and Trump denies that there was any collusion between his campaign or transition team and Russia.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, TASS, and Interfax
Serbian prosecutors say they have charged five people with torturing and killing 20 men, mostly Serbian Muslims, during the 1990s war in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The indictment said that Serbian paramilitaries on February 27, 1993, stopped a train in Strpci, a village on the border with Bosnia, and took 20 people, most of them Muslims, off the train.

The paramilitaries brought the men to Visegrad in eastern Bosnia, where they tortured and killed all of them, dumping their bodies in the Drina River.

All the victims were from the Muslim-dominated Sandzak area in western Serbia, which borders Bosnia.

A total of 16 suspected members of the paramilitary group were arrested in 2014 in Bosnia's Serb-run entity and in Serbia proper.

Eleven have gone on trial in Sarajevo, one of whom pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2016 after reaching a deal with the prosecutors.

Another member of the group was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2002 by a court in nearby Montenegro.

In 2009, the group's leader, Bosnian Serb Milan Lukic, was sentenced to life in prison by a UN tribunal for war crimes during Bosnia's 1992-95 conflict.

He was never charged over the Strpci massacre, but his brother, Gojko Lukic, figures among the five recently accused.

Bosnia's 1992-95 war between its Croats, Muslims, and Serbs claimed around 100,000 lives.

With reporting by AFP
Russias President Vladimir Putin has congratulated his counterpart Bashar al-Assad after Syrian state media said government troops broke a three-year long siege of the eastern city of Deir al-Zour by Islamic State (IS) forces.

Putin hailed the announcement on September 5 as an "important strategic victory" in the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

Syrian government forces and tens of thousands of civilians in the city have been trapped by the IS siege for more than two years, suffering under food and medical shortages.

Syria's official news agency Sana reported that the army and allied militiamen had joined up with forces at the Brigade 137 base on Deir al-Zour's outskirts.

IS militants were driven out of their stronghold in the Iraqi city of Mosul earlier this year.

The Islamic State extremist group still holds half of Deir al-Zour city and large swaths of the province, however, as well as parts of its former stronghold Raqqa to the northwest, where the U.S.-backed offensive is being fought.

Earlier on September 5, a Russian warship in the Mediterranean Sea fired cruise missiles at IS stations near the town of Al-Shula to aid the Syrian Army, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"As a result of these strikes, there was damage to infrastructure, underground communications, weapon stockpiles of the terrorists, and this allowed the armed contingents of government forces... to rapidly advance, break through IS defenses and unblock [Deir al-Zour]," Peskov said.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and Interfax


Two Russian soldiers have been killed by mortar fire from the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour, where the army is battling jihadists, Russia's Defense Ministry said on September 4.

In a statement quoted by Russian news agencies, the ministry said that one soldier was killed instantly while a second one died from his wounds in hospital.

The servicemen were traveling with a convoy that was hit by "mortar fire from IS terrorists," according to the ministry.

The latest deaths bring to 34 the number of Russian service personnel killed in Syria, according to the Defense Ministry's figures.

Russia announced earlier on September 4 that it was providing support to Syrian troops in their offensive to conquer Deir al-Zour, one of the last towns still under IS militants' control.

Russia intervened in Syria's civil war in September 2015 on the side of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
ON MY MIND

In practical terms, Russia has already left the Council of Europe.

Moscow's voting rights were suspended following the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. And in 2015, Vladimir Putin signed legislation allowing Russia to ignore rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

And now, as Nicholas Vinocur points out in a piece in Politico featured below, Russia may be forced out of the council altogether.

Vinocur quotes Thorbjorn Jagland, secretary-general of the Council of Europe, as saying that "there is a potential danger that Russia will have to leave. If Russia is forced to leave, then 140 million people will be deprived of going to the highest court in Europe, which is very important for Russian citizens."

Jagland added, "We have to think of the following: Will Europe be better off, safer, with Russia on its own, without being part of the judicial system of Europe?"

And therein lies the paradox and the dilemma.

Russia's continued formal membership in the Council of Europe while it continues to occupy Crimea and wage war on Ukraine -- and while it insists it does not need to abide by the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights -- makes a mockery of the council's founding principles.

But removing Russia from the Council of Europe would mean that Russian citizens would not have access to the possibility for judicial redress in Europe's human rights court of last resort.

And this is something many Russians who have seen their rights violated have long counted on -- even if the judicial redress risks becoming only symbolic.

IN THE NEWS

At a press conference at the BRICS summit in China, Vladimir Putin said Russia reserves the right to demand further reductions in the number of U.S. diplomatic staff in Moscow.

Putin also voiced opposition to imposing further sanctions on North Korea and criticized what he called "military hysteria" following Pyongyang's sixth nuclear bomb test, saying it could lead to a "global catastrophe."

Putin also said that if the United States supplied defensive weapons to Ukraine this could prompt pro-Russian separatists to escalate their military campaign.

Russia and China have called for calm and for a peaceful, diplomatic solution as the United States and its allies pushed for stronger sanctions and discussed military responses to North Korea's weekend nuclear test.

Two Russian soldiers have been killed by mortar fire from the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour, where the army is battling jihadists, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

Russia's Investigative Committee says a movie theater in the city of Yekaterinburg has been the target of an apparent arson attack.

A court in the capital of Russia's Tatarstan region, Kazan, has for the second time jailed the coordinator of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's presidential campaign.

A Russian court has rejected director Kirill Serebrennikov's bid for release on bail but slightly softened the conditions of his house arrest.

Russian lawmakers are examining possible new legislation envisioning the deportation of foreigners who engage in "undesirable" behavior deemed to be interference in the country's internal affairs.

WHAT I'M READING

Kadyrov, Islam, And Russian Foreign Policy

In an editorial, Vedomosti calls Ramzan Kadyrov the "president of Russia's Muslims."

And writing in Republic.ru, foreign-affairs analyst Vladimir Frolov looks at Kadyrov's actions in support of Burma's Muslims and how they illuminate the Chechen leader's increased influence on Russian foreign policy.

New OCCRP Report: The Azerbaijani Laundromat

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project has released the latest report in it's "Laundromat" series focusing on Azerbaijan. According to the report, some $2.9 billion was laundered over a two-year period through shell companies registered in the United Kingdom.

Crimea's Nouveau Riche

Hromadske International has a piece on how Russia's annexation of Crimea has made the peninsula's Moscow-backed rulers very rich.

Kashin On Ksenia Sobchak

In his column for Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin reacts to the possibility of Ksenia Sobchak running for president.

The Roots Of 'Post-Truth'

In Eurozine, Marci Shore looks at the postmodernist philosophical roots of "the post-truth world," and asks: "can a philosophy of dissent developed in communist Eastern Europe offer an antidote?"

The FSB And Serebrennikov

In Republic.ru, Pavel Chikov of the Kazan-based human rights group Agora explains why the FSB's antiextremism division is involved in the case against theater director Kirill Serebrennikov.

Russia And The Council Of Europe

Nicholas Vinocur has a piece in Politico looking at the possibility that Russia will leave the Council of Europe.

New Revelations On Russian Hacking

According to a report in The New York Times, Russia's hacking of the U.S. election was much more widespread than previously acknowledged.

Officer To Officer

In a televised interview, Ukrainian Security Service head Vasyl Hrytsak directly addressed Russian FSB chief Aleksandr Bortnikov "officer to officer" over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

Debating The Holodomor

In Quillette, Anna Lukina looks at the debate between Anne Applebaum and Sheila Fitzpatrick over whether the Ukrainian famine was an intentional genocide.

Where's Viktor?

Meduza says it has found where ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is residing in Russia.

The New Think Tank On The Block

Arena, a new think tank based at the London School of Economics'

Institute for Global Affairs that will focus on analyzing and combating disinformation is up and running. Arena's directors include Anne Applebaum, Peter Pomerantsev, and Alistair Shawcross.
Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that they received a request from Georgia to extradite its former president, Mikheil Saakashvili.

"Ukraine has received a request to search for, detain and extradite Mikheil Saakashvili," Deputy Justice Minister Serhiy Petukhov told a news conference on September 5.

"The Justice Ministry is sending the request from Georgia ... to Ukraine's general prosecutor for an extradition review," Petukhov said.

The Georgian Prosecutor-General's office said on August 18 that it had sent the extradition request to Ukraine.



Citing Georgia's Chief Prosecutor's Office, Petukhov said that Saakashvili was a defendant in four criminal cases.

The charges include misappropriation of property and abuse of office, Petukhov said.

Saakashvili has said the charges are part of a political witch hunt by his opponents.

Saakashvili moved to Ukraine to help drive reforms after the 2014 uprising that ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

He has been in conflict with the Kyiv authorities since quitting as governor of the Odessa region last year and accusing President Petro Poroshenko of abetting corruption.



Poroshenko stripped him of his Ukrainian citizenship at the end of July, when Saakashvili was out of the country, a move that the former Georgian president condemned as an "illegal way to remove me from the political scene in Ukraine."

When Saakashvili was still the Odesa region's governor, Kyiv refused to extradite him to Georgia at least twice.

He has also been stripped of his Georgian citizenship.

Saakashvili is currently in Poland and has pledged to return to Ukraine on September 10.

Ukrainian authorities have said previously they would bar Saakashvili from entering the country and will confiscate his passport should he attempt entry.

Saakashvili came to power in Georgia after a peaceful pro-Western uprising, known as the Rose Revolution, in 2003.

He was president at the time of a disastrous five-day war with Russia in 2008, a conflict that his critics said was the result of his own miscalculations.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has fired the defense minister who was a holdover from the previous administration and appointed an ally to the position, in a reshuffle of senior security officials.

Abdusalom Azizov has been appointed defense minister, replacing Qobul Berdiev, the president's office said without explaining the reasons for the reshuffle.

Berdiev had served as defense minister since 2008, having been appointed by strongman leader Islam Karimov, who died in September last year after running the former Soviet republic for 27 years.

Azizov has been promoted by Mirziyoev, who named him interior minister shortly after being elected president in December.

Pulat Bobojonov, previously a regional governor, was named interior minister in the September 4 reshuffle.

Rustam Inoyatov, the head of the Uzbekistan's SNB state security service, remains the only Karimov-era senior security official still in office.

With reporting by Reuters
Page Content





This is the final article in a three-part series about California-specific workplace compliance issues. Part One focused on four leave-law idiosyncrasies and Part Two highlighted four wage and hour compliance challenges specific to California.

California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employment discrimination against workers on the basis of age (40 or older), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), physical and mental disability, military status and religion.



Federal lawssuch as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Rehabilitation Actalso prohibit workplace discrimination and harassment based on these categoriesbut FEHA is more expansive. For example, FEHA prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, medical conditions (including those relating to cancer or to genetic characteristics), and marital status (including domestic partnership).

In addition, FEHA prohibits discrimination based on the perception that a person has any of these characteristics or that an individual is associated with someone who has or is perceived to have any such characteristics.

[SHRM members-only HR Q&A: What is the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and what does it cover?]

This expansive application of anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws generates many lawsuits and claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation in California.

Covered Employers

Smaller employers in California may think that FEHA doesn't apply to them, but they should think again. While most federal anti-discrimination laws apply to employers with 15 or more employees (20 employees in the case of age discrimination), FEHA covers every employer with five or more employees.

Moreover, FEHA's provisions that deal with harassment apply to businesses with even a single employee. Workplace discrimination refers to when an employer takes adverse employment actionsuch as denying an applicant a job or firing a current employeebased on a protected characteristic. Harassment refers to when an employee is mistreated in the workplace (e.g., called offensive names) because of a protected characteristic.



Employers outside of California beware: A federal court has found that FEHA applies regardless of whether the given threshold number of employees work in the state. This means that if an employer has some workers located in California and some in other states, the out-of-state employees may be counted toward the threshold that triggers compliance with FEHA.



Although employees who are not located in California count toward the threshold, courts seem to agree that non-California residents who work outside of the state for a California-based business can't bring claims under FEHA.

Costly Lawsuits



Unlike federal statutes, which provide caps on compensatory and punitive damages based on employer size, FEHA has no limits on these types of damages.

FEHA allows a prevailing plaintiff the right to recover attorney's fees and costs incurred for claims brought based on the statute. FEHA also gives an employee one year from the date of the last alleged unlawful act to file a charge of discrimination with the applicable state administrative agencywhich is longer than the limitations period under federal laws.

It is important to remember that California's expansive laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment are not limited to FEHA, as there are various other provisions under California law. For example, the California Labor Code prohibits discrimination on a number of public-policy grounds and prohibits employers from taking adverse action against an employee for lawful conduct occurring during nonworking hours and away from the workplace.

Mandatory Training



A California law (known as A.B. 1825) requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide two hours of sexual harassment training to all supervisory employeesalong with ongoing sexual harassment prevention training every two years. New supervisory employees must receive sexual harassment training within six months of becoming a supervisor.

The 50-employee threshold includes employees, contractors or temporary employees who work every workday in any 20 consecutive weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. While employers are only required to train supervisors located in California, it makes good business sense to provide such training to anyone who supervises California employees.

To satisfy the legal requirements, the training must be conducted via "classroom or other effective interactive training" and include the following topics:

Information and practical guidance about laws that prohibit and aim to prevent sexual harassment.



Information about how to correct sexual harassment and the available legal remedies.



Practical examples aimed at instructing supervisors how to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation.



Furthermore, as of Jan. 1, 2015, covered employers are required to include an anti-bullying component in their trainings.

What if an employer fails to provide the training? This could bolster sexual harassment claims premised on the notion that the employer failed to prevent the harassment.

The training is a good opportunity to remind supervisors of policies prohibiting discrimination, retaliation and other kinds of harassment and to highlight that supervisors may be held personally liable for harassment under California law.

Pro Tip: Mandatory training is an expanding area of California law. Newly passed legislation requires agricultural and janitorial employers to provide sexual harassment training for all employees. And health facilities are required to provide workplace violence prevention training. These expansions could signal a trend for requiring workplace training for all employees. Savvy California employers should stay ahead of the curve by providing workplace training for all employees on key topics such as harassment and bullying, workplace violence, and wage and hour compliance.

With the ever-changing landscape of California's employment laws and training requirements, employers should not hesitate to consult with counsel regarding their training curriculum and policy implementation and in making employment decisions that could impact a protected group of employees. The likelihood that employers are not thinking about all the potential areas of exposure is higher in California than in most other states.

Mishell Parreno Taylor and Deidra A. Nguyen are attorneys with Littler in San Diego.




NASA's Voyager 1 Spacecraft

NASA

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft launched in 1977 and reached interstellar space 35 years later. Take a look at Voyager 1's bold journey into a new space frontier with this SPACE.com timeline. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Sept. 5, 1977: Voyager 1 Launch

NASA

This photo shows NASA's Voyager 2's launch on Aug. 20, 1977. Voyager 1 launched on Sept. 5 of the same year. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Sept. 5, 1977: Voyager 1 Snaps Photo of Earth and Moon

NASA

This image of the Earth and moon in a single frame, the first of its kind ever taken by a spacecraft, was recorded on Sept. 18, 1977, by Voyager 1 when it was 7.25 million miles from Earth. The moon is at the top of the picture and beyond the Earth as viewed by Voyager. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

March 5, 1979: Voyager 1 Makes Jupiter Flyby

NASA/JPL

Voyager 1 took photos of Jupiter and two of its satellites (Io, left, and Europa). The new study says that moons orbiting a gas giant planet greater than 8 Jupiter masses could help astronomers detect a rogue planet. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Nov. 12, 1980: Voyager 1 Flies By Saturn

NASA/JPL and NASA/JPL/SSI

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft revealed the kinks in one of Saturn's narrowest rings. The Voyager 1 image (left) was released on Nov. 12, 1980. The closer view of the F ring (right) was obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on April 13, 2005. The moon Pandora is to the left (exterior) of the ring and the moon Prometheus is to the right (interior) of the ring. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

1982: NASA Upgrades Deep Space Network Antennas

NASA

In 1982, NASA upgraded its Deep Space Network of antennas which it uses to control and receive messages from Voyager 1 and its twin Voyager 2. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Jan. 1, 1990: Voyager Begins Extended' Interstellar Mission '

NASA/JPL-Caltech/The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

This artist's concept shows plasma flows around NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft as it gets close to entering interstellar space. The orange arrow shows the direction of the solar wind. Image released Dec. 3, 2012. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Feb. 14, 1990: Voyager Takes Final Solar System Portrait

NASA/JPL

This narrow-angle color image of the Earth s a part of the first ever "portrait" of the solar system taken by Voyager 1. The spacecraft acquired a total of 60 frames for a mosaic of the solar system from a distance of more than 4 billion miles from Earth and about 32 degrees above the ecliptic. Image released Feb. 14, 1990. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Feb. 17, 1998: Voyager 1 passes Pioneer 10

NASA

On Feb. 17, 1998, Voyager 1 became the farthest manmade object in space when it passed Pioneer 10 on the way out of the solar system. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

Voyager Signal Spotted By Earth Radio Telescopes

NRAO/AUI/NSF

In 1990, Voyager 1 took the famous "Pale Blue Dot" picture looking back at Earth. In 2013, the Very Long Baseline Array got the reverse-angle shot  this radio telescope image showing the signal of the spacecraft as a similar point of light. Image released Sept. 12, 2013. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]

August 2012: Voyager Enters Interstellar Space

NASA/JPL-Caltech

This artist's concept depicts NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft entering interstellar space, or the space between stars. Interstellar space is dominated by the plasma, or ionized gas, that was ejected by the death of nearby giant stars millions of years ago. The environment inside our solar bubble is dominated by the plasma exhausted by our sun, known as the solar wind. The interstellar plasma is shown with an orange glow similar to the color seen in visible-light images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope that show stars in the Orion nebula traveling through interstellar space. Image released Sept. 12, 2013. [See SPACE.com's Compete Coverage: Voyager 1 In Interstellar Space]
(Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA/JPL)

NASA's twin probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have captured some truly remarkable images of our solar system and are currently roaming through interstellar space.

Despite its name Voyager 2 launched before Voyager 1 , when it lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 aboard a Titan IIIE-Centaur on Aug. 20, 1977. Voyager 1 followed suit about two weeks later on Sept. 5.

While Voyager 1 primarily focused on Jupiter and Saturn , Voyager 2 visited both gas giants and then ventured on to Uranus and Neptune . But the duo didn't stop there. Voyager 1 officially entered interstellar space on Aug. 25, 2012, while Voyager 2 entered on Nov. 5, 2018. The pair continue to journey through the cosmos and have enough power and fuel to keep scientific instruments running until at least 2025, according to NASA (opens in new tab).

Here we celebrate the achievements of both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 with some incredible images captured by the pair.
Copies of the Golden Record, sent journeying into deep space on the sides of the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes in 1977, carries the sounds and music of Earth as well as a series of images to help characterize it.

The Voyager 1 probe, which launched 40 years ago today (Sept. 5), is humankind's most distant physical emissary, at almost 13 billion miles (21 billion kilometers) from Earth. Voyager 1 and its sister-spacecraft, Voyager 2, which launched two weeks earlier in 1977, gave scientists their first close-up views of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. And the spacecraft famously carried with them what could be aliens' first views of Earth, its inhabitants and their culture: copies of the Golden Record.

The astronomer and science popularizer Carl Sagan curated the record selections, and it carried sounds and music from Earth as well as greetings in 55 languages. But the record also contains encoded photos seeking to teach aliens the mathematics  or really, the measurements  needed to understand humans' lives and their place in the universe.

"Whatever number of pictures we were going to be able to send, I thought it should be a coherent story, not a grab bag of unrelated things," Jon Lomberg, the Golden Record's design director, told Space.com. "What the sequence of pictures afforded us was the opportunity to tell a story about Earth  the sequencing, the subject matter, the repeated motifs, the symbology that we invented so we could tell them a lot more quantitative information about things in the pictures  the idea was to make it a coherent whole." [The Golden Record in Pictures: Voyager Probes' Message to Space Explained]

"And within that whole, there were substories," Lomberg added. "A story of how we eat, and a story of how we're born, and a story of how we travel. Also, there were some recurrent kinds of tutorial aspects."

Part of that tutorial, Lomberg said, was pairing images with silhouettes that told nonhuman viewers which parts of the photos were significant, or even how to interpret perspective (that more distant images appeared smaller). And another was to build a sense of scale  of time, measurement and composition  to give the images context.

Seth Shostak, the director of the Center for SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Research at California's SETI Institute, put it this way: "If you have a representation of the Earth, you have a photo of the Earth from space, and the aliens say, 'OK, that's good, but will it fit in a bread box? Or is it 100,000 miles [160,000 km] across? What is it?'

"You always need the numbers to set scale," he told Space.com.

The Golden Record's cover gave instructions for how to play it as well as a map of Earth's place in the galaxy. (Image credit: NASA/JPL)

The cover

The Golden Record's cover, facing outward from where the record was placed on the two spacecraft's sides, gets straight to the point in depicting how the media is to be used  the top diagrams show how the record should be placed on its player and how images can be decoded from a certain portion of the disk. If decoded properly, the first image seen should be a circle.

The two bottom-most images are more interesting. One is a map of Earth's location in space compared to 14 rapidly rotating, ultradense neutron stars the size of cities called pulsars; the dashes and lines along each encode how quickly the stars pulse with radiation (more on that code later). Pulsars, which can form when a dying star collapses, can serve as handy waypoints in space, because their rapid blinking can be extremely regular and distinctive. No matter where aliens are looking from, if they're close enough, they could triangulate the sun's location using its position relative to those pulsars.

The second diagram is of the second-lowest and lowest energy states for a hydrogen atom. Hydrogen takes a specific amount of time to transition from one state to the other, producing a specific wavelength of light  both of which are used as basic units of measurement within the record.

An explanation of the Golden Record's cover, complete with playing instructions. (Image credit: NASA/JPL)

"A lot of people look at this  the cover diagram I made, for example, [on] how to play the record  and they can't figure it out in a couple of minutes, so they conclude that extraterrestrials will never be able to figure it out," Lomberg said. "Well, if we found something that was an artifact, we'd spend more than a few minutes, and we'd bring in people from all kinds of disciplines, because you don't know who's going to have the insight.

"The issue is how much time do you devote to it and how many smart friends do you bring in on the project," he added. [NASA's Epic Voyager Mission at 40: Q&A with Lead Scientist Ed Stone]

Into the photos

If the spacecraft's alien interceptors understand the instructions to play the record, and therefore recover the sounds of Earth as well as the photos encoded at the end, the first image they would see would be a circle. This shape's there so the aliens can make sure their calibrations were correct and they're seeing the photos correctly.

This Golden Record image shows a pulsar "map" to Earth and the Andromeda galaxy. (Image credit:  Frank Drake)

Second, they'd see another view of that map from the record's cover, along with a photo of the Andromeda galaxy where one of the pulsars is located. Andromeda and its satellite galaxies' positioning tells viewers when, on a cosmic scale, the record was sent, Lomberg said. Physical aspects like the amount that the probe's nuclear battery has decayed could give aliens some understanding of how long it had been traveling. However, if visitors came upon the spacecraft after thousands or millions of years, the galaxy's configuration could provide a more long-lasting clue.

Then, the record gets to the nitty-gritty: how to interpret numbers.

Count on it

An image on the Golden Record building up a binary and base 10 number system. (Image credit:  Frank Drake)

The unmanned Voyager 1 and 2 probes were launched in 1977 on a mission to visit all the outer planets of the solar system. See how the Voyager spacecraft worked in this SPACE.com infographic here (Image credit: Karl Tate, SPACE.com)

The Golden Record committee chose to start by illustrating numbers in the simplest way  a number of dots, which the aliens should be able to count in any number system. Then, the record equates those values with numbers written in binary as well as base 10, which is our ordinary number system.

Binary writes every number using powers of two. In the Golden Record's version, a vertical line fills in for "1" and a horizontal line for "0"  5 is represented as "|  |," which comes out to (1 x 2^2) + (0 x 2^1) + (1 x 2^0) = 4 + 0 + 1 = 5. As numbers get longer, binary representations quickly grow unwieldy  look at "| | | |  |   " for 1,000, the largest number shown on the image.

The diagram then goes on to show how our number system works: adding, multiplying and denoting fractions.

While astronomer Frank Drake, who masterminded the images' addition to the record, had experience considering how to communicate with extraterrestrial intelligence, its exact implementation here was done very quickly, according to Lomberg. The Golden Record came together at a frenetic pace.

"The background of this, of course, is that the whole project took six weeks," Lomberg said. "From the time I got the phone call to the time we had to send our finished design [of the Golden Record] out to be fabricated was six weeks. So, we didn't have a heck of a lot of time to really have thorough discussions and explore alternatives; it was very much shoot from the hip.

"For any one of these decisions, you could have had a panel talking about the way to show [for example] the structure of the Earth, and they could have met several times and taken a month to come up with something  and we did it in an afternoon," he added. "In retrospect, the thing I'm most amazed by is that most people seem to think we did a fairly good job." [Photos from NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 Probes]

Space and time

A diagram from the Golden Record uses a change in hydrogen's energy state to define units of time, distance and mass. (Image credit:  Frank Drake)

Now, back to those hydrogen atoms, seen at the top left of this next diagram. Atomic hydrogen has one proton and one electron, and each of those components can have a particular spin. When the two are spinning in the same direction, the atom has slightly more energy than when they spin in opposite directions, so the electron will eventually flip to that configuration, releasing radiation. That radiation is a particular wavelength of light 21 centimeters (8.3 inches) long, detectable coming from wherever hydrogen gas congregates in space.

So, the most common element in the universe, combined with a signature wavelength of light it releases, offered the Golden Record's designers a valuable chance to build up a measurement system.

You can see the hydrogen atom with its electron and proton spinning in one configuration, then the other, in the diagram at the top. From there, the image derives 1 M (the weight of an atom of hydrogen) and 1  (the time it takes for that electron flip). The image converts M to grams, kilograms and "e" (based on Earth's mass) and converts the time measurement to seconds, days and years.

Then, on the right, the image uses the wavelength  21 cm  released by the flip to explain centimeters, angstroms, meters and kilometers.

The Earth and us

Distance, diameter, mass compared to Earth and orbital period of the sun and solar system planets. (Image credit:  Frank Drake)

Those units come in handy soon afterward, because the record next goes through the sun and the solar system planets to give their diameters, distance from the sun, mass compared to Earth (using the "e" unit from before) and how long each planet takes to complete a full rotation, compared to an Earth day.

The rest of the planets and their distances from the sun, diameters, mass compared to Earth and rotation time, in days. (Image credit:  Frank Drake)

All that established, the record's framers can get into the good stuff  images of the planets, with their sizes and masses, the proportions of different elements and the key ingredients to life on Earth (shown as atoms and molecules) and even how DNA is built.

Chemical definitions of elements and compounds key to life. (Image credit:  Frank Drake)

DNA splitting. (Image credit:  Jon Lomberg)

The viewer is plunged into a deeper look at humanity  how our bodies are built, how babies form, the many cultures on Earth and activities that fill people's lives. Throughout, diagrams provide the sizes and durations of what's depicted.Another key element the measurements could add to photos was a sense of time, Lomberg said. "How long does it take for a certain activity to happen? How long does it take to form a baby, to do a routine on a balance beam, to grow and die? How old do people live to be? It gave a fuller picture of human life by being able to include things like that as well."

Perspective is explained in this image of silhouetted hunters and prey on the Golden Record (Image credit:  Jon Lomberg)

Lomberg is currently spearheading a project to upload a "Golden Record 2.0" to the hard drive of the New Horizons probe, which flew by Pluto in 2015 and is the farthest-traveling probe after the Voyager duo. On the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, he's raising money to build a platform for people to submit photos, sound and more to fill that record. On that project, like with the Golden Record, the main goal is providing a view of humanity to two audiences: extraterrestrials, and humans themselves.

The structure and chemical makeup of Earth's interior (denoted by chemical element number and what fraction it makes up in each region). (Image credit:  Jon Lomberg)

This article's discussion focuses on the measurements and diagrams on the Golden Record, but the key goal of the audio and photographic parts was always to convey the less directly measurable aspects of human life and society, Lomberg said.

"The spacecraft itself tells a lot about our engineering and technology; you want the record to tell about the rest of us  the other parts of being human," Lomberg said.

The measure of Earth, as shown on the Golden Record. (Image credit: NASA)

You can view more of the photos and diagrams on the Golden Record here: https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/images-on-the-golden-record/

One Earth Message's Kickstarter is online here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/31060842/one-earth-message-a-digital-voyager-golden-record

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The U.S. Air Force's enigmatic space drone  the X-37B space plane  is heading for a Sept. 7 liftoff, according to military officials.

In an Air Force Space Command statement, officials with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office said they are undergoing final launch preparations for the fifth mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) program. The Air Force has two robotic and reusable X-37B space planes, and has flown both twice.

"The many firsts on this mission make the upcoming OTV launch a milestone for the program," said Randy Walden, director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, said in the statement. "It is our goal to continue advancing the X-37B OTV so it can more fully support the growing space community." [The X-37B Space Plane: 6 Surprising Facts]

For the first time in the program's history, the unpiloted space plane will launch on a privately built SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Four previous X-37B missions were all lofted by United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rockets. ULA is a joint venture by Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Late last week, the Falcon 9 booster that will launch the X-37B space plane was test-fired, according to SpaceX.

Also, the fifth mission, dubbed OTV-5, will be launched into, and landed from, a higher-inclination orbit than in prior missions "to further expand the X-37B's orbital envelope," according to the Air Force statement.

One of the U.S. Air Force's robotic X-37B space planes is seen on the runway after landing itself following a classified mission. The fifth X-37B mission, called Orbital Test Vehicle 5, will launch Sept. 7, 2017, from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station atop an Atlas V rocket. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force)

Mystery manifest

The U.S. Air Force's robotic X-37B space plane is a miniature space shuttle capable of long, classified missions in orbit. See how the X-37B space plane works in this Space.com infographic (Image credit: By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

What this X-37B space-plane mission will carry is largely classified.

However, it is known that the OTV missions are dedicated to advancing the X-37B's performance and flexibility as a space technology demonstrator and host platform for experimental payloads.

"This mission carries small satellite ride shares and will demonstrate greater opportunities for rapid space access and on-orbit testing of emerging space technologies," the Air Force statement added.

"Building upon the fourth mission and previous collaboration with experiment partners, this mission will host the Air Force Research Laboratory Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader [known as ASETS-11] payload to test experimental electronics and oscillating heat pipe technologies in the long duration space environment," the statement explained.

Long-duration record

Flights of the craft have repeatedly broken its own long-duration record.

The first OTV mission began April 22, 2010, and concluded Dec. 3, 2010, after 224 days in orbit.

The second OTV mission began March 5, 2011, and concluded June 16, 2012, after 468 days in orbit.

The OTV-3 mission chalked up nearly 675 days in orbit when it landed Oct. 17, 2014. That mission also was the first to reuse an X-37B space plane.



On May 7, 2017, OTV-4 landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility  a first for the program, as all previous OTV missions ended with a tarmac touchdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OTV-4 mission conducted in-orbit experiments for 718 days during its mission, extending the total time spent in orbit for the OTV program to 2,085 days.

Built by Boeing

Built by Boeing, the robotic X-37B space plane is one of two known reusable OTV vehicles that constitute the space plane "fleet." [How the X-37B Space Plane Works (Infographic)]

The reusable military space plane, which looks like a miniature version of NASA's now-retired space shuttle orbiter, is 29 feet (8.8 meters) long and 9.6 feet (2.9 m) tall, and has a wing span of nearly 15 feet (4.6 m).

The space drone has a payload bay about the size of a pickup-truck bed that can be outfitted with a robotic arm. It has a launch weight of 11,000 lbs. (5,000 kilograms) and is powered on orbit by gallium arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries.

Leonard David is author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," published by National Geographic. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel series "Mars." A longtime writer for Space.com, David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. This version of this story was posted on Space.com.
The remnants from Hurricane Harvey dry out behind the Saturn V facility at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The rocket's building reopened to tours on Sept. 2, 2017.

HOUSTON  Some of Houston's largest and most iconic landmarks  historic NASA rockets and spacecraft  weathered Hurricane Harvey and are now accessible to the public just one week after the storm flooded significant parts of the city.

One of only three remaining Saturn V moon rockets, which since 2005 has been sheltered inside a temporary building designed to stand for just 10 years, reopened to tourists on Saturday (Sept. 2), as the remnants from the tropical storm continued to dry out in a drainage ditch running the length of the 363-foot-long booster.

"Saturn V rocket [looks] good," stated JSC SOS, a Twitter account providing official updates on the status of Johnson Space Center emergencies, on Saturday. [Hurricane Harvey: Photos of the Massive Storm from Space]

Indeed, other than some large running fans and wet floor signs pushed off into the corner, there was little sign of any impact to the 50-year-old artifact. Sources familiar with the situation reported some water intrusion on the floor of the building, but that it was cleaned up by late last week.

Space Center Houston, the independent, non-profit visitor center for Johnson Space Center, which operates the tours to see the Saturn V, fared even better.

"The center was secured throughout this unprecedented weather event and did not flood," William Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston, said in a statement.

Flooding at the Sonny Carter Training Facility (left) and water leaks at the Johnson Space Center's video and photography laboratory, as seen in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. (Image credit: NASA)

Space from the storm

Space Center Houston, which among its galleries displays Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecraft and other artifacts on loan from NASA and the Smithsonian, re-opened to the public on Saturday.

During the height of the tropical storm, an online weather cam showed that the center's towering outdoor display of NASA's original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747 jumbo jet, and a walkthrough replica of a space shuttle orbiter stood up to unrelenting downpour of rain. A week later, Independence Plaza was dry and available for tours.

"Our hearts go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey's winds, torrential rain and devastating flooding," wrote Harris. "The property damage in Texas is immense, but it pales in comparison to the loss of life suffered from this natural disaster."

"As recovery begins, it's important to return to our normal life routines," Harris continued. "We hope this provides our community with a clean, safe environment to cool off, take a break and provide all visitors with a place to burn off some energy while being inspired by the wonders of space exploration."

From Saturday through Monday, Space Center Houston reduced its admission fee by half to $15, and pledged to donate a third of all admissions to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. It also extended free parking to its visitors.

'Ad Astra Per Aquam'

While the Saturn V building went largely unscathed, other NASA facilities at Johnson Space Center took on damage. By the time Harvey moved away from Houston, NASA had measured more than 42 inches of rain falling on the center.

"JSC experienced significant flooding during the heaviest rains, but the main campus buildings did not flood," wrote Ellen Ochoa, Johnson Space Center director and a former astronaut, in a Sept. 1 letter to the JSC community. "A few buildings experienced some roof leaks, resulting in water in some offices."

On site, Johnson's video and photography laboratory, which processes the imagery downlinked from the crew on the International Space Station, suffered significant water intrusion, requiring tarps being suspended from the ceiling. During the storm, NASA routed the orbiting outpost's video through its back-up control center at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. Mission Control Center's roof also leaked in several places, but a team of space station flight controllers rode out Harvey at their console, sleeping in cots and eating Meals Ready to Eat (MREs).

The same was true for the team overseeing the ongoing testing of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, in the center's Apollo-legacy vacuum chamber facility. The telescope and test chamber remained in good shape, but leaks resulted in damage to the facility's open high-bay area.

Other areas impacted by the storm included the Jake Garn Training Facility, which houses the space station's systems simulation mock-up facility, and off-site, on the NASA side of Ellington Field, an estimated three inches of water made it into the aircraft hangars and office spaces.

"The Sonny Carter Training Facility was hit especially hard with rising water," reported Ochoa, referring to the off-site neutral buoyancy laboratory (NBL), where astronauts train underwater for spacewalks. The first floor was extensively damaged, according to NASA.

In total, about 125 people remained on duty as Hurricane Harvey passed over the space center. A planned 45-day Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) mission was cut short and its four-person volunteer crew and its support team were evacuated. The space mission simulation had been scheduled to end on Sept. 18.

Flooding in Houston, as seen from the International Space Station, after Hurricane Harvey. (Image credit: NASA)

Houston (and NASA) Strong

Sunday night (Sept. 3), NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer returned to Houston, landing at Ellington one day after touching down from the International Space Station in Kazakhstan.

"Our home is fine but so many friends and coworkers have been impacted," wrote Whitson in an email prior to leaving the station after 288 days in orbit. "Any trepidations I might have about returning in the aftermath of a hurricane are entirely eclipsed by the all those folks keeping our mission going and physically putting themselves out there to help folks who were less fortunate than us."

Johnson Space Center will re-open to all of its employees on Tuesday (Sept. 5), after being closed to all but mission essential personnel since Aug. 27.

"I ask each of you to continue to support our JSC team members most affected. Please continue to reach out to the community  people you may or may not know  with reassurance and kindness," said Ochoa. "Please continue to stay safe and Houston Strong!"

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
U.S. Rep Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) discussing his American Space Renaissance Act during a keynote address at the 32nd Space Symposium in 2016. The Space Foundation is one of several organizations that has endorsed his nomination to become NASA administrator.

WASHINGTON  Despite strong support from much of the space industry, Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) is facing potential opposition from senators who must confirm his nomination as NASA administrator.

In a statement to SpaceNews Sept. 2, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) neither endorsed nor opposed Bridenstine's nomination, but said that NASA "cannot afford controversy or a delay in the nomination process" for a new leader.

"NASA is at a critical juncture in history, and it is important that its mission remain free of politics and partisanship," he said. "I want to be without reservation because the space industry is too important to Florida's economy."

"I look forward to looking closely at Rep. Bridenstine's record and ensuring that Florida continues to play a leading role in America's space program," Rubio said.

Rubio offered similar, and even stronger, sentiments in a statement to Politico immediately after the White House announced the nomination Sept. 1. "I just think it could be devastating for the space program," he said of any delay in the confirmation process. "I would hate to see an administrator held up  on [grounds of] partisanship, political arguments, past votes, or statements made in the past  because the agency can't afford it and it can't afford the controversy."

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the state's senior senator and ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which will hold confirmation hearings on the nomination, also raised questions about Bridenstine. "The head of NASA ought to be a space professional, not a politician," he told Politico. Nelson's office did not respond to a request for comment Sept. 2 about the nomination.

NASA has been led, since its inception nearly 60 years ago, by people with varying degrees of experience in aerospace. The agency's previous administrator, Charles Bolden, was a former astronaut who flew on four shuttle missions as well as a Marine Corps pilot who retired at the rank of major general. His predecessor, Michael Griffin, was an engineer and manager with extensive experience in civil, commercial and national security space. [In Photos: President Donald Trump and NASA]

However, Griffin's predecessor, Sean O'Keefe, had no space experience prior to becoming administrator in late 2001. He came to NASA from the Office of Management and Budget, where he had been deputy director, and before that served as comptroller at the Defense Department and, briefly, Secretary of the Navy in the administration of President George H.W. Bush.

One of NASA's most famous administrators, James Webb, also had no space experience prior to leading the agency. He previously served at the Bureau of the Budget and the State Department, then as an executive for an oil company, before leading NASA during the much of the 1960s as the U.S. raced the Soviet Union to the moon.

Bridenstine falls between those two extremes. A former U.S. Navy pilot who now serves in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he was executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum in 2010 when it made a long shot, and ultimately unsuccessful, bid to host one of the retired space shuttle orbiters. He was also involved at the time in the Rocket Racing League, a short-lived venture that planned competitive air races involving rocket-powered aircraft. He was elected to Congress in 2012, where he has been active on space policy issues throughout his tenure.

Bridenstine has the support of one key senator. "I applaud President Trump for nominating Rep. Jim Bridenstine to be the next NASA administrator," said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Commerce Committee's space subcommittee, in a Sept. 1 statement to SpaceNews.

"He is a strong, principled and effective leader, has been a close ally in the House, and I count him as a dear friend," Cruz said of Bridenstine. "I am confident that as the next NASA administrator, Jim will work hard to advance our national space policy goals, expand human space exploration and secure America's leadership in space."

Bridenstine had endorsed Cruz in the 2016 race for the Republican presidential nomination, whose field of candidates also included Rubio. When Cruz dropped out of the race, Bridenstine endorsed Donald Trump.

The chairman of a House committee on which Bridenstine serves also endorsed the nomination. "Jim Bridenstine has the knowledge and experience to serve as a very capable NASA administrator," said Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Science Committee, in a Sept. 3 statement to SpaceNews. Smith said Bridenstine's background, including his work in Congress, "provide the expertise necessary to lead our space program."

Bridenstine's nomination has generated criticism among some because of comments he made in June 2013 on the House floor where he claimed there was no global warming, and that any changes in global temperature were linked to natural cycles and not increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from industrial activity. He has since acknowledged that those emissions do play a role in climate change.

Within the space industry, however, Bridenstine has strong support from individuals and organizations representing both established and emerging companies.

"Jim Bridenstine has a long history of service to the nation," said Tom Zelibor, chief executive of the Space Foundation, whose corporate members include the nation's largest aerospace companies. "For him to serve as leader of NASA is only fitting."

Bridenstine has spoken at the organization's annual conference, the Space Symposium, in recent years, including using the 2016 conference to introduce his American Space Renaissance Act, a wide-ranging space policy bill.

The Commercial Spaceflight Federation, a commercial space industry group, also endorsed Bridenstine's nomination in in a Sept. 2 statement. "NASA needs dedicated and inspired leadership, and Rep. Bridenstine is an outstanding choice to provide precisely that," said Alan Stern, chairman of the board. "The Commercial Spaceflight Federation applauds this strong choice for NASA administrator and a bright American future in space."

The organization's president, Eric Stallmer, said in the same statement that he had worked with Bridenstine since Bridenstine's first year in Congress. Stallmer said he was "very impressed with his deep knowledge of space technology issues and his record of strong leadership in promoting positive change."

"I believe that the congressman will be able to unite the disparate parts of the space industry, leveraging existing programs and opportunities as well as growing new capabilities," said Mike Gold, chairman of the Federal Aviation Administration's Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee and a vice president at Space Systems Loral, Sept. 1 prior to the announcement of Bridenstine's nomination.

Bridenstine received an endorsement of sorts from the agency's current acting administrator, Robert Lightfoot. "I am pleased to have Rep. Bridenstine nominated to lead our team," he said in a NASA statement late Sept. 1. "Of course, the nomination must go through the Senate confirmation process, but I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition and sharing the great work the NASA team is doing."

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
NASA's record-breaking astronaut Peggy Whitson and her crewmate Jack Fischer received a special welcome-home phone call from President Donald Trump on Sunday evening (Sept. 3) as the two space travelers flew back to Houston after their return from the International Space Station (ISS).

Whitson, Fischer and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin returned to Earth on Saturday (Sept. 2) in the Soyuz MS-04 spacecraft, which safely touched down in Kazakhstan. After the landing, Whitson and Fischer traveled to Johnson Space Center's Ellington Field in Houston.

During their flight to Houston on Sunday (Sept. 3), Trump called to welcome them home from a successful mission. "I want to congratulate Peggy and Jack for their incredible accomplishments. They make us all very proud," Trump said during the call. "Exploration has always been at the core of who we are as Americans, and their brave contributions to human spaceflight have continued that great tradition." [In Photos: President Donald Trump and NASA]

President Donald Trump called NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson to congratulate her on a successful return from a record-breaking mission to the International Space Station. (Image credit: NASA)

During her time on the ISS, Whitson set a spaceflight-duration record and has now spent a total of 665 days in space over the course of her career as an astronaut. This time she returned from an extended, 288-day stay aboard the ISS, which is the longest any woman has spent in space. Fischer, a first-timer at the ISS, has now accrued a total of 136 days aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Whitson also became the oldest woman to travel into space during this trip at age 57. As commander of Expedition 51, Whitson became the first woman to command the ISS twice. In 2007, she became the first woman ever to command the ISS. In addition, she has completed more spacewalks than any female astronaut and has spent more time doing spacewalks than any other woman. Whitson now ranks in third place for her total spacewalking time, with 60 hours and 21 minutes spent on extravehicular activities.

"Peggy is an inspiration to us all," Trump said, "especially to young women interested in or currently pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math."

This was the second time Trump called Whitson to congratulate her on her accomplishments as a NASA astronaut. In April, Trump and his daughter Ivanka called the space station to congratulate Whitson for having surpassed NASA astronaut Jeff Williams' record for the most cumulative time spent in space.

"I appreciate President Trump reaching out personally to congratulate Peggy for her record breaking mission and Jack for his accomplishments on his first spaceflight," NASA's acting administrator Robert Lightfoot said in a statement.

"The president has had the opportunity to hear from Peggy and Jack firsthand how the work aboard the International Space Station is directly pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, and advancing American leadership in the boundless frontier of space. I want to add my thanks to the teams on the ground across the globe, especially in Houston, who are dealing with the aftermath of Harvey, yet still maintained the focus to get Peggy and Jack home safely. It is an amazing team."

NASA astronaut Jack Fischer talks on the phone with President Donald Trump while flying to Johnson Space Center's Ellington Field in Houston on Sunday (Sept. 3). (Image credit: Dan Huot/NASA)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which caused devastating floods in the Houston area, NASA had to change its plans for getting the astronauts home. Usually, NASA's Gulfstream jet picks up the astronauts in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, after a welcoming ceremony following the landing.

"Because of the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey, the NASA Gulfstream jet was unable to leave Houston in time to make it to the staging city of Karaganda in order to perform what is called a 'direct return' of the crew back to Houston," NASA TV commentator Rob Navias said during a webcast of the landing.

Instead, the crew first boarded a European Space Agency jet, which took them to the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Germany. There, the NASA Gulfstream jet picked them up and brought them back to Houston one day later.

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Algiers, Sept 05, 2017 (SPS) - The Secretary General of the National Union of Saharawi Women (UNMS), Ms. Fatma El-Mahdi said in an interview with the Algerian newspaper "Al Hiwar "that the Moroccan attempt to gain time in the Western Sahara conflict is a lost challenge.

Fatma El-Mahdi argued his statement by saying that Morocco lives internally a precarious situation and a crisis that is getting worse and worse.

Fatma went on saying that it is time to convince the international community that the Saharawi people are a peaceful people struggling to achieve their legitimate rights in freedom and independence.

UNMSs SG added in this context that Morocco must collaborate with all international parties to reach a just and peaceful solution that guarantees the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination.

In this interview, Fatma El-Mahdi addressed the different phases of struggle of Saharawi women and their resistance to defend the homeland and the legitimate rights of the Saharawi people and thus demonstrate to the world that the Saharawi woman deserves all respect and consideration for their sacrifice and their defense to the values of freedom and dignity. SPS

125/090/TRA
Port Louis (Mauritius), Sept 05, 2017 (SPS) - A Saharawi delegation took part at a meeting of the African Union (AU) expert group on the draft protocol annexed to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community on the freedom of movement of people, the right of residence and the right of settlement, held in Port Louis, capital of Mauritius, from 4 to 6 September 2017.

The meeting of the expert group of African Union countries comes after the meetings of the Ghanaian capital Accra and the Rwandan capital Kigali with a view to adopting a roadmap for the implementation of the Protocol, in accordance with the decision of the Summit of Heads of State and Government in Kigali 2016, welcoming the implementation of the Protocol and the launching of the African passport.

The delegation includes the Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Laghdaf Mohamed Abdel Fattah and the First Secretary of the Sahrawi Embassy to the African Union, Mr. Abdullah Mohamed Siddamou. The meeting will discuss strengthening the implementation of the African Union's road map project and the Group of Experts with a view to accelerating the implementation of the Protocol.

The draft protocol attached to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community on the freedom of movement of persons, the right of residence and the right to settle under Article 43 of that Treaty, adopted in the Nigerian capital of Abuja by the Summit of Heads of State and Government on 3 June 1991. SPS

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K ensington Palace just confirmed that Kate Middleton is pregnant with her third child.

The news comes little more than a month after Middleton appeared at Wimbledon with a new haircut  and it got one journalist thinking.

Kate Proctor, a political reporter, noticed that the Duchess of Cambridge has gone for a new look prior to announcing her pregnancy before.

Proctor speculated that this could be a ploy to keep the press focused on her head, rather than her midriff. She tweeted:

So, Business Insider put Proctor's theory to the test. This is what we found:

First up, Middleton's most recent pregnancy.

Here she is at a V&A museum exhibition on 29 June.

The Duchess of Cambridge at the V&A on June 29, 2017 / AFP/Getty Images

Four days later, Middleton's hair was noticeably shorter.

She swapped her trademark long, glossy, coiffed tresses for a trendy "lob," which was styled with some relaxed beach waves.

AFP/Getty Images

Kensington Palace announced Middleton was expecting her third child on Monday.

The Duchess of Cambridge - style file 1 /220 The Duchess of Cambridge - style file Click through to see Kate's style evolution... Getty Images June 23, 2005 Kate and Prince William on the day of their graduation ceremony at St Andrew's University Getty Images August 6, 2005 At the Gatcombe Park Festival of British Eventing Getty Images May 6, 2006 Leaving Laura Parker Bowles wedding to Harry Lopes Getty Images December 15, 2006 At Sandhurst to see William take part in the Sovereign's Parade at The Royal Military Academy in Camberley AFP/Getty Images March 13, 2007 At the Cheltenham Race Festival AFP/Getty Images April 11, 2008 Wearing a Reiss coat at William's graduation ceremony at RAF Cranwell air base in Lincolnshire AFP/Getty Images November 16, 2010 Wearing Issa posing for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace after announcing their engagement Getty Images February 25, 2011 Visiting the University of St Andrews Getty Images April 29, 2011 Wearing Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen at the West Door of Westminster Abbey for her wedding to Prince William AFP/Getty Images April 29, 2011 Evening celebrations after her wedding to Prince William AFP/Getty Images June 9, 2011 Wearing a Jenny Packham dress at the 10th Annual Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) Gala Dinner AFP/Getty Images June 25, 2011 Wearing Alexander McQueen to present medals to members of the Irish Guards at the Victoria Barracks Getty Images July 1, 2011 Wearing an Issa dress at the Evening National Canada Day Celebrations in Ottawa Getty Images July 7, 2011 Wearing a Jenny Packham dress at Calgary Airport Getty Images July 9, 2011 Wearing an Alexander McQueen gown with Jimmy Choo heels at the BAFTA "Brits to Watch" event held at the Belasco Theatre Getty Images October 26, 2011 At an event in support of the 'In Kind Direct' charity at Clarence House Getty Images November 10, 2011 Wearing a bespoke Jenny Packham gown at a reception in aid of the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal at St James's Palace Getty Images March 15, 2012 Playing hockey with British hockey team members at the Riverside Arena during a visit to the Olympic Park AFP/Getty Images April 25, 2012 Wearing Matthew Williamson at the UK Premiere of 'African Cats' AFP/Getty Images June 17, 2012 Wearing Zara jeans, a Burberry shirt, Really Wild waistcoat and Le Chameau boots at an 'Expanding Horizons' Primary School camp Getty Images September 13, 2012 Wearing Alexander McQueen at an official dinner hosted by Malaysia's Head of State Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah Getty Images September 14, 2012 Visiting Assyakirin Mosque Getty Images September 16, 2012 In Honiara on the Solomon Islands AFP/Getty Images September 18, 2012 At a 'fatale', a singing and dancing event AFP/Getty Images May 22, 2013 Wearing Emilia Wickstead at a garden party at Buckingham Palace AFP/Getty Images July 23, 2013 Wearing Jenny Packham while departing The Lindo Wing with their newborn son, George Getty Images September 12, 2013 Wearing Jenny Packham at the inaugural Tusk Conservation Awards at The Royal Society AFP/Getty Images October 23, 2013 Wearing Alexander McQueen while holding her son Prince George of Cambridge following his Christening at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace AFP/Getty Images April 16, 2014 Wearing Roksanda Ilincic at Sydney Airport Getty Images April 20, 2014 Wearing Alexander McQueen while leaving St Andrew's Cathedral following a Easter Sunday Service Getty Images June 15, 2014 With Prince George at the Royal Charity Polo during the Maserati Jerudong Trophy at Cirencester Park Polo Club Getty Images October 21, 2014 Wearing Jenny Packham at the Natural History Museum after she attended the Wildlife Photographer of The Year 2014 Awards Ceremony Getty Images March 11, 2015 Wearing Hobbs at the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery Getty Images May 2, 2015 Wearing Jenny Packham to step out with new-born daughter Charlotte outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital AFP/Getty Images October 26, 2015 Wearing a Jenny Packham gown at the Royal Film Performance of "Spectre" Getty Images March 3, 2016 During a short private skiing break in the French Alps Getty Images March 11, 2016 Visiting the mentoring programme of the XLP project Getty Images April 10, 2016 Playing cricket during the royal visit to India and Bhutan Getty Images April 14, 2016 With Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema at the Tashicho Dzong in Thimphu AFP/Getty Images April 15, 2016 Posing next to a prayer wheel on the trek up to Tiger's Nest Getty Images May 20, 2016 Wearing Alexander McQueen as she arrives at Land Rover BAR Getty Images July 6, 2016 Wearing a Barbara Casasola dress to announce the Victoria and Albert Museum as the winner of the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2016 prize Getty Images August 24, 2016 Wearing LK Bennett to visit the Youthscape centre in Luton Getty Images September 2, 2016 Wearing Gap trousers on the Island of St Martin's in the Scilly Isles Getty Images September 25, 2016 Wearing Alexander McQueen to greet members of the public after arriving by sea plane at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Getty Images September 27, 2016 Wearing Preen by Thornton Bregazzi for a reception at Government House in Canada Getty Images September 27, 2016 Wearing Dolce & Gabbana to visit Kelowna University during the Royal Tour of Canada Getty Images November 3, 2016 Wearing Self-Portrait at the UK Premiere of "A Street Cat Named Bob" Getty Images December 8, 2016 At an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace Getty Images December 25, 2016 Attending a Christmas Day service at St Mark's Church in Englefield AFP/Getty Images January 11, 2017 Visiting a Child Bereavement UK Centre in Stratford Getty Images February 5, 2017 Competing against The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry during the Team Heads Together at a London Marathon Training Day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Getty Images February 6, 2017 Attening the Place2Be Big Assembly With Heads Together for Children's Mental Health Week at Mitchell Brook Primary School Getty Images March 17, 2017 Attending a meeting with French President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace Getty Images March 17, 2017 Attending a dinner at the British Embassy in Paris as part of their official visit to the French capital Getty Images March 18, 2017 Playing rugby at the Trocadero during an official two-day visit to Paris Getty Images March 28, 2017 Wearing a Temperley gown to the Portrait Gala at the National Portrait Gallery Getty Images April 4, 2017 Wearing Marchesa at the opening night of "42nd Street" at Theatre Royal Getty Images April 4, 2017 Attending the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey Getty Images April 16, 2017 Attending the Easter Day service at St George's Chapel in Windsor in bespoke Catherine Walker Getty Images May 3, 2017 Feeding a lamb as she visits Author Michael Morpurgo's Farms for City Children in Arlingham, Gloucestershire Getty Images May 11, 2017 Wearing an Emilia Wickstead coat on a visit to Luxembourg Getty Images May 22, 2017 Arriving at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show wearing Rochas Getty Images June 17, 2017 Wearing Alexander McQueen with Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour Getty Images June 17, 2017 Wearing Dolce & Gabanna in the Parade Ring as she attends Royal Ascot 2017 at Ascot Racecourse Getty Images July 17, 2017 Wearing Alexander McQueen in Poland Getty Images July 19, 2017 Visiting the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin with Prince William Getty Images July 19, 2017 Wearing Alexander McQueen at The Queen's Birthday Party at the British Ambassadorial Residence in Berlin Getty Images July 20, 2017 Wearing Hugo Boss Breton top to compete with Prince William as they cox rowing boats in a friendly race on the Neckar River in Germany Getty Images July 20, 2017 Wearing Jenny Packham in Germany Getty Images July 20, 2017 Wearing Markus Lupfer in Berlin Getty Images July 21, 2017 Wearing Emilia Wickstead to visit the Maritime Museum in Hamburg Getty Images August 30, 2017 Wearing Prada to visit The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace Getty Images October 10, 2017 Wearing Temperley to attend a reception on World Mental Health Day at Buckingham Palace Getty Images October 16, 2017 Wearing Orla Kiely at an event at Paddington train station AFP/Getty Images October 18, 2017 Wearing a Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini blazer at London's West Ham football stadium PA October 31, 2017 Looking sporty at the Lawn Tennis Association in London Getty Images November 7, 2017 Wearing Diane von Furstenburg to attend a charity dinner at the Orangery at Kensington Palace AFP/Getty Images November 8, 2017 Wearing a Goat burgundy dress for the annual Place2Be School Leaders Forum in London AFP/Getty Images November 11, 2017 In a Catherine Walker & Co coat dress at the Royal Festival of Remembrance Getty Images November 28, 2017 In a Kate Spade dress at The Foundling Museum, London Getty Images December 6, 2017 Wearing a Goat dress in Manchester Getty Images December 12, 2017 Attending the 'Magic Mums' Christmas Party in Seraphine coat dress Getty Images December 14, 2017 Attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral Getty Images December 25, 2017 Attending the Christmas Day Church service in Miu Miu Getty Images January 30, 2018 Attending a dinner in Sweden wearing Erdem Getty Images January 31, 2018 At the Fotografiska Gallery wearing Erdem Getty Images February 1, 2018 At the Royal Palace in Oslo wearing Alexander McQueen AFP/Getty Images April 23, 2018 At the Lindo Wing wearing Jenny Packham Getty Images May 19,2018 At Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal wedding wearing Alexander McQueen Getty Images June 9, 2018 At Trooping The Colour in Alexander McQueen Getty Images July 9, 2018 At Prince Loui's christening wearing Alexander McQueen AFP/Getty Images July 14, 2019 At Wimbledon with Duchess of Sussex wearing Jenny Packham Getty Images July 15, 2018 At Wimbledon wearing Dolce & Gabbana AFP/Getty Images October 10, 2018 At the V&A wearing Erdem Getty Images October 12, 2018 At the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank wearing Alexander McQueen Getty Images October 23, 2018 At a state banquet wearing Alexander McQueen AFP/Getty Images November 11, 2018 Attending a service to mark the centenary of the Armistic wearing Catherine Walker AFP/Getty Images November 11, 2018 At Remembrance Sunday wearing Alexander McQueen Getty Images November 21, 2018 At UCL London wearing Paule Ka AFP/Getty Images November 28, 2018 At Leicester City Football wearing Catherine Walker Getty Images December 4, 2018 At a Christmas Party at Kensington Palace wearing Brora cardi and Emilia Wickstead skirt Getty Images December 4, 2018 At a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps wearing Jenny Packham Getty Images December 5, 2018 At RAF Akrotiri wearing a Smythe blazer Getty Images December 11, 2018 Visiting Evelina London Children's Hospital wearing L K Bennett Getty Images December 25, 2018 At the Christmas Day service wearing Catherine Walker AFP/Getty Images January 15, 2019 The Duchess of Cambridge steps out in a Dubarry jacket, Zara jeans and Chloe suede boots Getty Images January 16, 2019 In Oscar de la Renta for a visit to The Royal Opera House Costume Department Getty Images January 29, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen in Dundee Getty Images January 29, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen in Dundee Getty Images January 29, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen in Dundee Getty Images February 5, 2019 In an Eponine London dress and L.K Bennett boots Getty Images February 10, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen Getty Images February 13, 2019 Wearing bespoke Dolce & Gabbana Getty Images February 13, 2019 In glorious Gucci Getty Images February 27, 2019 In red Carolina Herrera and L.K. Bennett boots Getty Images February 27, 2019 In a Barbour puffer jacket Getty Images February 27, 2019 Wearing New Balance trainers and a Ralph Lauren sweater Getty Images February 27, 2019 Wearing Missoni Getty Images February 28, 2019 In Mulberry coat, dark blue court heels by Rupert Sanderson and a Jimmy Choo clutch bag Getty Images February 28, 2019 In Jenny Packham Getty Images February 29, 2019 In a khaki Barbour jacket, a red J.Crew jumper and her trusty brown Chloe boots Getty Images March 5, 2019 In a bespoke dress by her own private dress maker Getty Images March 6, 2019 Wearing a Sportmax coat, a Michael Kors dress with a bag by Manu Atelier and earrings from Kiki McDonough Getty Images March 11, 2019 Recycling a Catherine Walker coat and a Lock & Co. hat Getty Images March 12, 2019 Wearing a Gucci blouse and Jigsaw wide-leg trousers Getty Images March 12, 2019 Wearing bespoke Alexander McQueen Getty Images March 17, 2019 Opting for green McQueen Getty Images March 19, 2019 Wearing a Catherine Walker coat Getty Images April 21, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen Getty Images April 25, 2019 In a Catherine Walker coat and a matching Rosie Olivia hat Getty Images May 1, 2019 Wearing Emilia Wickstead Getty Images May 7, 2019 In L.K Bennett trousers and a nautical jumper Getty Images May 8, 2019 In a Lorenzo Serafini blazer and black skinny jeans Getty Images May 8, 2019 Wearing a TROY London jacket and Penelope Chilvers boots Getty Images May 14, 2019 In Alessandra Rich Getty Images May 20, 2019 In floral Erdem Getty Images May 20, 2019 Wearing a broderie anglaise M.i.h blouse with brown culottes and white Superga sneakers Getty Images May 21, 2019 In an Alexander McQueen coat, a matching Juliette Botterill hat and delicate pearl earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana Getty Images June 3, 2019 In bespoke Alexander McQueen for the State Banquet Getty Images June 8, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen for Trooping the Colour Getty Images June 12, 2019 Wearing an off-the-shoulder Barbara Casasola dress Getty Images June 18, 2019 In Elie Saab Getty Images June 25, 2019 In Ridley London and Castaner espadrille wedges Getty Images July 1, 2019 In a Sandro dress and Accessorize earrings Getty Images July 2, 2019 Wearing a Suzannah dress and a belt and bag by Alexander McQueen Getty Images July 13, 2019 In bespoke Dolce & Gabbana and a bag by the same brand Getty Images July 14, 2019 In an Emilia Wickstead dress and Aldo shoes Getty Images September 5, 2019 Wearing Michael Kors for Princess Charlotte's first day at school Getty Images September 10, 2019 Wearing Emilia Wickstead Getty Images September 19, 2019 Wearing an Equipment blouse Getty Images September 26, 2019 Recycling her favourite Alexander McQueen coat for the fourth time Getty Images October 2, 2019 Wearing a dress from the collaboration of two lesser-known London-based brands, ARoss Girl and Soler Getty Images October 9, 2019 In Jigsaw culottes Getty Images October 14, 2019 In a custom two-piece by Catherine Walker Getty Images October 15, 2019 Getty Images October 15, 2019 Wearing a green tunic by Catherine Walker, trousers by Maheen Khan, a scarf by Satringi, and Zeen earrings Getty Images October 15, 2019 Wearing Jenny Packham Getty Images October 17, 2019 Wearing bespoke Maheen Khan Getty Images October 18, 2019 Wearing a traditional shalwar kameez - a traditional outfit of a long tunic and trousers - by Gul Ahmed Getty Images October 23, 2019 Wearing L.K Bennett PA November 18, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen Getty Images November 30, 2019 Wearing Alessandra Rich PA December 11, 2019 Wearing Alexander McQueen and Princess Diana's earrings Getty Images

Something similar happened before it was announced that she was pregnant with her first child, Prince George.

On November 8, the Duchess of Cambridge attended a dinner with her trademark coiffed tresses.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2012 / Getty Images

Later in the month, on November 27, she arrived at the opening of The Natural History Museum's Treasures Gallery with a 70s-style long fringe.

Plenty of reports noted this at the time, including this one in BuzzFeed.

The Duchess attends an opening at the Natural History Museum in November, 2012 / Getty Images

Three days later, on December 3, 2012, St James's Palace announced Middleton was pregnant for the first time.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Family Album - In pictures 1 /70 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Family Album - In pictures Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (2R) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (L) and their three children Prince Louis of Cambridge (2L), Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (C) and Prince George of Cambridge (R) posing for a photograph at Anmer Hall in Norfolk in the Autumn of 2018 Matt Porteous via AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in Norfolk, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in Norfolk, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images Prince George's first birthday AFP/Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in a photograph taken late October 2015 at Kensington Palace in London. PA Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London, England. After much speculation, Clarence House today announced the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton Getty Images TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge drive from Buckingham Palace in a decorated sports car on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, with their newborn son Prince George of Cambridge on July 23rd, 2013 Jeremy Selwyn Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they sit with their son Prince George in the garden of the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire surrounded by Tilly the retriever (a Middleton family pet), and Lupo the cocker spaniel, the couple's only dog in their first five years of marriage PA Prince George, at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, ahead of the christening of the then three month-old Prince by the Archbishop of Canterbury PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge reacts as their son Prince George of Cambridge bites a small present that was given to him at the enclosure of an Australian animal called a Bilby, which has been named after the young Prince, during a visit to Sydney's Taronga Zoo on April 20, 2014 in Sydney, Australia Getty Images Prince George sits for his official Christmas picture in a courtyard at Kensington Palace in late November of 2014 in London, England HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital on May 2, 2015 in London, England John Stillwell/PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital on May 2, 2015 in London, England Getty Images Prince George looking at his sister Princess Charlotte as she was pushed to church by the Duchess of Cambridge in a vintage 1950s Millson pram once used by the Queen Elizabeth II for her children, during Princess Charlotte's christening at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk PA Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The photograph was taken by the Duchess in mid-May at Anmer Hall in Norfolk HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is pushed in her silver cross pram as she leaves the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after her Christening on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England Getty Images Prince George gives his little sister Princess Charlotte a kiss HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George attend the Gigaset Charity Polo Match with Prince George of Cambridge at Beaufort Polo Club on June 14, 2015 in Tetbury, England Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England Getty Images Prince George on his first day at the Westacre Montessori nursery school near Sandringham HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince George of Cambridge looks at his sister Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in her pram as he leaves the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, with their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, enjoy a short private skiing break on March 3, 2016 in the French Alps, France Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge plays with a teddy as she is seen at Anmer Hall HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge holds her daughter Princess Charlotte and strokes her son, Prince George's head as they stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past of aircrafts by the Royal Air Force, in London on June 11, 2016. AFP/Getty Images The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duchess of Cambridge holding Princess Charlotte, Prince George and The Duke of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2017 PA A family picture at Pippa Middleton's wedding. Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at a children's party for Military families at Government House in Victoria during the Royal Tour of Canada PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada on October 1, 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images William, The Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte visit Canada Mark Large/Daily Mail Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at a children's party at Government House in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Reuters Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, his wife Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Tegel airport in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2017 Reuters The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to Princess Charlotte and Prince George after the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark's Church Getty Images Prince George (centre) stands with other page boys and flower girls following the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, as they leave St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire PA Prince George who celebrates his fourth birthday Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart from Hamburg airport on the last day of their official visit to Poland and Germany on July 21, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge aka Kate Middleton show their newly-born son, their third child, Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge to the media outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge carries his newly-born son, Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge from the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Prince William arrives at Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital with Prince George and Princess Charlotte to meet new baby brother. Jeremy Selwyn Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives with Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the Lindo Wing where Kate had just given birth to Prince Louis in London Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Britain's Prince George of Cambridge hold hands with their father, Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, as Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge is carried by Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on their arrival for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, London on July 9, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Princess Charlotte playing as her father, the Duke of Cambridge, takes part in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy at the Beaufort Polo Club, Downfarm House, Westonbirt, Tetbury PA Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Beatrice, Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Savannah Phillips, Prince George of Cambridge and Isla Phillips watch the flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018 in London Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after attending the St Patrick's Day parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, where they presented shamrock to officers and guardsmen of 1st Battalion the Irish Guards PA The Duchess of Cambridge (L) smiles as she and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrrive for the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle AFP/Getty Images Prince Louis pictured in the garden of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Norfolk home earlier this month HRH The Duchess of Cambridge An emerged photo of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2019 Christmas card The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend a special pantomime performance at Londons Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA The Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte attend a special pantomime performance at Londons Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA Prince Louis, photographed by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, at Kensington Palace PA Media

With her second pregnancy, there was arguably less of a dramatic new look, but she did appear to experiment on various occasions with different hair styles and hats.

Before it was announced she was expecting Princess Charlotte, she visited a school sporting a half-up-half-down style on July 1, 2014.

The Duchess of Cambridge sits with John Bishop at a London school in 2014 / Getty Images

And the following month, she wore her hair half up again, this time with the addition of a hat.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speak with Francois Hollande in 2014 / AFP/Getty Images

Her pregnancy with Charlotte was announced on September 8, 2014.

All you need to know about the new royal baby

This all, of course, could be pure coincidence. But the next time the Duchess opts for a dramatic new look, she could set tongues wagging.
O nline gamer 888 raked in $13 million (10 million) more revenues from punters in the past six months, upping its takings to above a quarter of a billion.

Proof, perhaps, that it doesnt need to rely on accepting cash from the poor folks with gambling addictions to make a buck. The thumping great fine it received last week for doing just that helped push it into a chunky half-year loss today (worsened by a grisly German tax bill), but generally 888 retains its crown as leader of the listed web gamblers.

Its success is fuelled by its increasingly diverse selection of games on offer. Going off poker? Try our sports betting. Had your fill of bingo? Head into our casino.

For the Treasury, though, theres a more worrying lesson to be learned from its diversification efforts. As well as expanding into new games, 888 has also been cutting its reliance on Britain, reducing the UKs share of revenues from 46% to 39% in just one year.

You cant blame it. In the coming months, its facing steep UK tax increases on casino, poker and bingo free bets, as well as a clampdown on TV advertising.

Put that together with the clampdown on fixed-odds betting terminals, plus an annual 500 million of extra taxes previously levied on bookies in recent years, and it looks like a concerted campaign against the industry by Whitehall.

You may not particularly like gambling, but millions of Brits do and the Treasury reaps millions in the process.

Keep squeezing the industry with ever-increasing duty and red tape and companies such as 888 will move to less punitive markets elsewhere. British jobs, and the taxman, will suffer.

PR is pretty rich

Given the business it works in, perhaps its natural that the Public Relations and Communications Association is maximising on the publicity it can garner from the Bell Pottinger scandal.

Chairman Francis Ingham has won his hitherto little-known organisation blanket media coverage today from its decision to evict the tarnished firm from its ranks.

This hes done with flamboyant and emotional claims, most notably declaring Bell Pottinger had set back South Africa by possibly 10 years.

Bell Pottingers bad behaviour was widespread, unpleasant and deeply cynical. It cant be justified for a second.

But to blame one PR firms work on one campaign for a decades lost progress for the rainbow nation is clearly absurd. It may have put the reputation of PR people back 10 years, but thats a different matter entirely.

Ingham should make his mind up if hes a PR man seeking soundbite publicity or a serious regulator.
B efore the EU referendum voters were told by Michael Gove that we hold all the cards and can choose the path we want. Boris Johnson said there would continue to be free trade and access to the single market, while the current Brexit Secretary David Davis even quipped: We will do deals with our trading partners and do them quickly.

Instead of warning that leaving the EU will be arduous and involve bitter compromises, Johnson told diplomats to assume we could have our cake and eat it, meaning the cost of leaving would be low, with no restriction on access to the single market or border customs checks.

The reality is a far cry from this. As the pound keeps sinking, wages fall and no progress is made on Brexit negotiations, our divided nation will either crash out of the EU without a plan or be forced to throw itself on the mercy of Brussels.

You couldnt make it up.

Dr John Cameron



We are told to rejoice that having voted for Brexit, the sky has not fallen in as predicted. In the meantime, however, the pound has collapsed as international investors have made their assessment of our prospects outside of the EU.

David Daviss plan seems to be quite clear: over a period of time the question of debts and money owed will eventually be forgotten about. It wont work and we are now in an acrimonious dispute with our continental neighbours thanks to Davis. Can anyone free us of these misguided politicians?

Dennis James



As the Brexit negotiations throw up the expected challenges, is it worth thinking about which EU we are negotiating with? While there are 27 other countries that make up the EU, there are many sub-groups and related bodies, and you have to wonder how the internal EU negotiations will be handled at the same time as the direct ones with the UK.

It might be useful to have some insight into this process as false steps within it might well scupper any Brexit deal.

Dr Michael Cross



Within the Brexit debate, one area where I feel obliged to speak out is in the Brexiteers characterisation of Germany as a malevolent threat waiting to reconquer Europe.

Having lived in the country for a decade, I can safely say that I never encountered a German expressing a desire to see their country dominate Europe, economically or politically. Indeed, the German and French architects of the EU explicitly understood the EU as a brake on any resurgence of German nationalism.

It is such ignorance which has seen Brexiteers fatally misunderstand their adversaries, who we might perhaps better keep as friends.

James Harris



Public safety is the priority for the Met

In response to some recent letters, I would like to clarify how the Met responds to requests for help from the public. We are here to protect all members of the public, irrespective of their ethnicity or language. When there is a serious incident a police officer will always attend.

With a non-emergency, we need to have a clear understanding of a situation so we can decide how to respond. In the case of someone struggling to communicate with us, we often send officers to make sure there is not a threat to their safety. We also take a wide range of factors into account when making our judgment, such as a persons personal circumstances and whether or not they have been a victim of crime before.

We are immensely proud of what we do to keep the public safe and we will continue to do that to the very best of our ability.

Craig Mackey, deputy commissioner, Metropolitan Police



At least The Ritz keeps up standards

Ive been going to The Ritz regularly for more than half a century and during this time sartorial standards in London have collapsed. Thank goodness, then, that the famous hotel has continued as a bulwark against the barbarian tide  even if it does mean asking a lady to change her shoes [Diary, September 1].

Apart from the gentlemens clubs, The Ritz is about the only place left in the capital that enforces a decent dress code, and the vast majority of the people who go there heartily approve of this policy.

Francis Bown



A big thank you for finding my purse

I want to say a massive thank you to the lovely person who handed in a large black leather purse that I left on a northbound Northern line train last month.

My whole life was contained in it but it was handed in at Camden Towns lost property with everything still in there. To whoever did this, my gratitude knows no bounds.

Barbara Armstrong



Third runway equals pollution and traffic

Philip Mason makes some inaccurate arguments about how Heathrow needs a third runway [Letters, September 1].

I live in Ealing, where the noise is intrusive and continuous and the air often tastes metallic by the afternoon. As a chauffeur, he should know that the bigger the airport, the more road traffic it attracts too, so a third runway would add to delays and pollution in west London.

Heathrow is only one of many airports serving London, with Gatwick in particular ripe for expansion. Mason tosses aside the issue of noise and air pollution as if it were a minor concern compared to the economic wellbeing of countries.

Its no use having a booming economy if you have got a dying nation.

Paul Thomas



Philip Mason doesnt mention that expanding Heathrow will further damage our quality of life by reducing the respite from flights we are currently allowed, from a half to a third of the day.

He goes on to say that Pariss Charles de Gaulle airport has four runways but forgets to mention that the French capitals residents are spared the kind of aircraft noise that blights life in south-west London, with planes flying overhead at 2,500 ft every 90 seconds.

Elizabeth Balsom

Join the conversation: #esnewsviews



McLaren's return to prominence great for F1

Few things please me more than seeing Lewis Hamilton, the best driver on the Formula 1 grid, cruise to an easy victory at Monza. But to hear that McLaren is set finally to ditch Honda as its engine supplier is something that will only benefit the sport.

It is sad that such a large manufacturer as Honda could not solve the reliability and power issues that have cost McLaren a place at the top for the past three years. But in order to keep Fernando Alonso it had to take drastic action and approach Renault. I cannot wait to see McLaren tussling with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull once again.

Kevin Mills

Join the conversation: #essportviews
Today marks the start of a new era for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as they withdraw from royal life, relinquishing both their duties and their titles.

The couple made their final appearances at a series of events in London at the start of this month, for which Markle chose largely to wear British designers.

From the baby blue Victoria Beckham midi she sported to the Endeavour Awards to the stunning Emilia Wickstead ensemble she wore for her final appearance as a senior royal, the outgoing Duchess demonstrated not only her affinity for block colour, but also her abilities in sartorial diplomacy.

As she now ventures into unchartered territory - it's been confirmed that her first stop post-royal will be providing the voiceover for a Disney+ documentary about elephants - it will be intriguing to see which brands Markle chooses to support.

On becoming a part of the royal family, Meghan was required to transform her relaxed Californian wardrobe overnight. Glossy blowouts replaced her signature messy bun, nude nails replaced colourful polish, and her beloved cross-body bags were, as royal etiquette dictates, swapped for clutch bags.

Tending to stick to a palette of plain colours and neutral hues, Meghans royal wardrobe was elegant and formal, if noticeably heavier on expensive designer brands than her sister-in-law Kates.

On cutting her royal ties, Meghan will once again be able to wear whatever she likes. She will no longer be required to wear tights in public, or formal hats at events, can carry any sort of handbag and paint her nails whatever colour she pleases.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex departs Canada House on January 07, 2020 (Getty Images ) / Getty Images

She will also, interestingly, be able once again to accept free clothes from her network of fashion industry contacts (something that is prohibited for members of the royal family), among them her good friend Misha Nonoo and Givenchys Claire Weight Keller who designed her wedding dress.

In addition to whatever money they make from their upcoming projects, Harry and Meghan, the soon-to-be members of the public, will also continue to receive a steady income from Prince Charles' private Duchy of Cornwall estate, which will also go some way to cover Meghans high end fashion purchases.

While the newfound free reign might mean Meghan embraces an edgier, more high-fashion approach than during her royal years, her recent outings in Canada might suggest Meghans post-royal wardrobe will be more relaxed and down to earth.

Just days after the Sussexes announced that they were stepping down, Meghan visited two Vancouver women's charities in one day for which she wore a cable knit by The Row recycled from her Suits days with jeans and weatherproof boots. And then again a few weeks ago she was spotted getting off a commercial flight in Canadas Victoria International Airport wearing a super casual outfit of jeans, shirt and flats that championed sustainable brands.

Perhaps Meghan will use her newfound position to champion ethical fashion start-ups? Or maybe she will give us a dose of her Suits days glamour with a magazine cover-worthy wardrobe (shes bound to grace the cover of Vogues September issue no?). We wait with bated breath.

Scroll through the gallery above to take a look at Meghan's sartorial highlights over the years.
Clothes are an extension of the self. But as far as expressing your personality is concerned, no item says it better than a hat. Not just because it takes pride of place as the crowning glory of your outfit, but because a well-chosen titfer can act as both a means of disguise and a method to stand out from the crowd.

Take the beanie, for example - often selected in response to plummeting mercury or a bad-hair day, this style of hat is the go-to among the too-cool-to-care crowd.

A wide-brimmed, feather-trimmed fedora, on the other hand, is never worn by someone who wishes to slip through the day unnoticed.

Using this logic, where does that leave the beret? Neither an introvert nor extrovert, perhaps it is the intellectual of the bunch? Cool yet uncontrived, stylish yet sensible, the beret is the thinking girls cap.

Pink faux fur beret, 15.99, Zara

A symbol of insouciant Parisians and historical revolutionaries, it comes with the suggestion that its wearer went to art school, speaks fluent French and spends her evenings in jazz clubs and her weekends at protest marches.

It also served as a quiet statement for Maria Grazia Chiuris second collection for Dior.

Dior AW17 at Paris Fashion Week 1 /40 Dior AW17 at Paris Fashion Week Dior at PFW Rihanna REUTERS Dior at PFW Sienna Miller and Kate Moss sit together on the front row Getty Images for Dior Dior at PFW Kate Moss REUTERS Dior at PFW Estelle Lefebure, Karlie Kloss, Erin O'Connor and Audrey Marnay on the front row Getty Images for Dior Dior at PFW Winnie Harlow REUTERS Dior at PFW Rosamund Pike Reuters Dior at PFW Sienna Miller REUTERS Dior at PFW Karlie Kloss REUTERS Dior at PFW Alicia Keys REUTERS Dior at PFW Uma Thurman REUTERS Dior at PFW Ruth Wilson Reuters Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW Models walk the AW17 runway AP Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW Models walk the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW A model walks the AW17 runway REUTERS Dior at PFW Models walk the AW17 finale REUTERS Dior at PFW Maria Grazia Chiuri greets her audience REUTERS

The designer - whose debut for the house was marked by hotly debated T-shirts extolling we should all be feminists - continued her crusade this season by topping off every model on the catwalk with a sharp leather beret.

Model army: backstage at Diors AW17 show. Leather berets, 580

Designed by Diors milliner Stephen Jones and yours for a cool 580, the duchesse silk-lined creations are tipped to be the must-have accessory for 2017, with early adopters including red-carpet rebel Rihanna and French actress Isabelle Huppert, and with the first drop selling out across boutiques.

Isabelle Huppert / Rex Features

Also proving popular among fashion renegades are the embroidered slogan berets from Itchy Scratchy Patchy, the brainchild label of model Edie Campbell and designer Christabel MacGreevy. Cara Delevingne certainly seemed to have a bee in her bonnet when she stepped out in the brands fire- engine red Anarchy style, while model and activist Adwoa Aboah is a strong supporter of the Respect option in classic black.

Cara Delevingne / Rex Features

For those who want their beret to speak of timeless style, Alexa Chungs plaid wool beret and French style plate Lou Lesages chic cream cap will provide ample inspiration.

Lou Lesage / Rex Features

And be sure you pay a visit to stalwart British hat shop Lock & Co, which has seen a surge in interest in its berets. We sell authentic Basque berets, which have a leather trim and a traditional stalk on top and can only be called as such when they have been made in the Basque Country in France, says Roger Stephenson, the brands deputy chairman.

Due to the popularity of the mens Basque berets at Lock, which are currently available in black and navy, we introduced a more casual beret in our womens collection for autumn.

Lock & Co beret, 49

Lock & Cos best-selling beret is made from wool-felt and is available in 16 colours, ranging from classic camel to Princes favourite raspberry. Jadore.
C hristian Slater said returning to the West End stage after more than a decade feels like coming home.

The actor, who won plaudits for his role in One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest in London in 2006, will play a pushy salesman in a revival of Glengarry Glen Ross at the Playhouse Theatre.

He is joined in the cast by Robert Glenister and Kris Marshall.

Slater told Time Out: Ive had some of the best experiences of my professional career in London. I was always going to be interested in an offer to do this play in the West End. Im a huge fan, its brilliant writing.

David Mamets play was filmed with Al Pacino in the role of Ricky Roma which Slater will take on. Slater, a native New Yorker, said: He uses his attributes to manipulate his subjects into buying the real estate that he wants them to. The stakes are very high and the tension is too.

The play, which had its 1983 debut at the National Theatre, runs from October 26 to February 3.
P rince Charles today continued a long family connection with the Old Vic as he was announced as the theatres new royal patron.

To mark the appointment and the institutions 200th birthday, a new partnership with The Princes Trust was announced to provide work placements for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In a letter introducing the Southwark theatres bicentennial year, the Prince of Wales said: As The Old Vic celebrates this remarkable milestone, I can only congratulate its staff and supporters on all that has been achieved so far and I wish this great national institution every possible success for the next two hundred years.

His patronage maintains a royal connection with the theatre dating to its establishment in 1818. The foundation stone for the theatre, originally named the Royal Coburg, was laid by Princess Charlotte of Wales. It was renamed the Old Vic in honour of Queen Victoria, who first visited in 1833 aged 14. Its centenary gala in 1918 was presided over by Queen Mary, Charles great-grandmother. Then in 1929, his grandmother Elizabeth  later the Queen Mother  unveiled a plaque on the front in honour of its benefactress Emma Cons, which will be restored in the coming year. As part of Charless association, the Old Vic will provide four work placements a year for those who attend The Princes Trusts Get Hired projects, which help thousands of disadvantaged young people.

Old Vic executive director Kate Varah said: The Old Vic is more than a theatre. A commitment to educating the next generation has been a part of its DNA for 199 years  for 40 years of them a college was run backstage.

The Old Vic

As we approach our bicentenary in 2018, with the prince as our patron, this happy collaboration with The Princes Trust allows us to demonstrate the wide benefits that theatre  this theatre  brings. Creativity, confidence, perseverance, problem solving, are all skills we impart young people that take part in our employability programmes.

Dame Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Princes Trust, said: This partnership will give even more young people the opportunity to create a brighter future. We hope The Old Vics bicentenary year is an amazing celebration of British culture.
I nstagram is a funny place. Sometimes it can seem like a constant stream of artfully styled smashed avocado, bursting 'egg yolk porn', Bali sunsets and bikini selfies.

But its worth remembering there are more serious accounts out there that deserve your attention. Not least, the NASA one.

The official account for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration currently has 27 million followers and counting  and its not hard to see why. Spectacular images are accompanied with detailed but accessible captions that will educate you on all things space-related.

Here are just some of the marvels you'll find:

Pictures of record-setting astronaut Peggy Whitson landing back on earth with her crewmates, creating a cloud of dust southeast of a remote town in Kazakhstan.

Or satellite images that can capture the brute force and sheer size of storms like Harvey, which recently battered the US.

A glimpse of Saturn icy rings towards the icy moon Tethys, taken by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The Cassini mission is about to reach its grand finale since launching from Earth 20 years ago.

You'll catch sight of starburst galaxies like the glowing nebula below, which was discovered more than 100 years ago. Known as 'starburst' galaxy IC 10, it is 2.2 million light years from earth and home to a dozen black holes and neutron stars.

This picture posted in July is particularly spectacular. It show a sunspot - an area of intense and complex magnetic fields - rotate into view. The activity lasted two weeks - captured by NASA's Sun-watching satellites - and produced solar flares and coronal mass ejection.

Northern Lights enthusiasts will be treated to incredible pictures of the Aurora. NASA astronaut Jack Fischer posted: "One of my favourite things to do in my free time is watch the Aurora - it's almost alive, as it slathers up the sky in awesome sauce."

You'll see breathtaking pictures of giant molecular clouds, which appear to burst into purples and pinks. Giant molecular clouds are vast cosmic objects, composed mainly of hydrogen molecules and helium atoms, where new stars and planets are born. Incredibly, they can stretch across hundreds of light years.

You'll get a glimpse onto Mars, too. The close-up image below shows part of the rim and inner slope of the Krupac Crater, which is covered in large gullies (ravines) because of the high altitude.

Follow NASA on Instagram here.
A British family were shot dead in the French Alps by a random killer, police have said.

French detectives revealed the al-Hilli family were the victims of an unplanned attack after an "unfortunate encounter" with someone local to the area

But police said that the case was "not advancing" and that officers had made no progress in identifying the killer after five years.

The bodies of Saad al-Hilli, his wife Iqbal and her mother, Suhaila al-Allaf, were discovered on a remote forest road on September 5, 2012.

They died alongside local cyclist Sylvain Mollier, 45, in the woods at Chevaline near Lake Annecy after the brutal attack.

Saad al-Hilli's brother Zaid said he has lost faith in the French authorities (Picture: Getty)

Daughter of the couple Zeena al-Hilli, then four years old, was discovered hiding under her mother's body inside the family BMW, while older daughter Zainab, aged seven at the time, also survived after being shot and beaten.

The family, from Claygate, Surrey, had been holidaying in the French Alps when they were murdered.

On the fifth anniversary of the killings, the French lead prosecutor said detectives were no closer to finding the killer after extensive investigations.

Veronique Denizot, the state prosecutor in Annecy, said that the only plausible explanation for the murders was that the al-Hillis and Mr Mollier had fallen victim to an "unfortunate encounter" with a local person.

Ms Denizot told the Times: "Why not consider the theory that they met someone who for some reason did not want their activities known, and whose personality led them to eliminate all the witnesses?

She added: We are not advancing any more.

"After five years, we are a bit discouraged and worried. Time is working against us. But we have to continue to believe that we can end up by resolving this case.

"We have sometimes seen cases resolved ten or 15 years later."

Saad's brother Zaid al-Hilli, was arrested as part of the investigation in 2013 and questioned about an alleged family feud concerning business interests in Iraq, but was later released without charge.

He told the BBC he had lost faith in the French authorities.

He said: "There hasn't been any progress in the case. The initial investigation has been a total failure.

"They made claims against the family which they couldn't prove."

He said the last time he had been in contact with French authorities was "very briefly" years ago.

Detectives do know the killer used a Luger PO6 pistol made for the Swiss army and fired the gun 21 times, striking his victims 17 times.
P olice are searching for a cyclist after a young man was stabbed to death in a horrific daylight attack in a busy street in Camden.

Officers investigating the incident want to speak to a man who was riding a bicycle in the area and helped a police officer arrest a suspect.

The man was cycling along Harrington Street shortly after the stabbing in Hampstead Road at about 11.45am on Monday.

Scotland Yard says the man is not a suspect and has asked him to call the Homicide and Major Crime Command to assist them with the investigation.

Following the attack, witnesses described seeing the victim lying on the floor and losing blood as another passer-by fought to save his life.

The road was cordoned off between Mornington Crescent and Varndell Street. / @Kristian_Tweet

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene and an air ambulance was scrambled.

A man, aged 20, was found suffering from stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is now in custody at a north London police station.

A Met Police spokesman said: A post mortem examination will be held in due course. Formal identification awaits.

His next of kin have been informed. A crime scene remains in place.

Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.

The cyclist or anyone else who witnessed this incident or has information is asked to contact the HMCC on their incident room number of 0208 785 8099 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
A headteacher took more than 4,000 from school funds to pay for a holiday to New York, a laptop and meals, a court heard.

Melanie Rose, 46, abused her position to spend lavishly on herself and staff at Ben Jonson Primary School in Tower Hamlets, it is said.

She is accused of spending 2,388 on an Apple laptop, which she gave to her partner as a Christmas present, and more than 1,000 on the five-day stay at the Ace Hotel in New York.

Prosecutor Kevin Walls told Snaresbrook crown court that an August 2013 audit showed Rose had liberally peppered the schools petty cash account with illegitimate withdrawals.

He said staff had strict 30 limits on petty cash, but Rose repeatedly broke the rules between January 2010 and August 2013.

This is public money, funds provided to the school, said Mr Walls. On a number of occasions she claimed expenses for things she knew she had no right to while she was headteacher.

The court heard that Rose used the schools money to pay for staff meals out, including 293 at Zizzi and 107 at Nuovo in Canary Wharf.

She is also accused of spending 363 on a meal in September 2012, and 83 on a shopping trip to Tesco.

Jurors heard that the Apple laptop, bought in December 2011, was never used at the school, and Rose initially claimed it had broken when she spilled tea on it. However, it was found in working order during a police search of her home last year.

The headteacher then allegedly admitted buying it as a present for her partner, Colin Payne.

Rose, from Loughton, denies three counts of fraud. The trial continues.
S egregation and unregulated home schooling in isolated British communities are creating breeding grounds for future jihadists, a counter-terror chief has warned.

The Mets deputy assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, warned there was a "definite problem" of second-generation Brits being radicalised through the "toxic combination" of isolation and extremist online content.

He said that fears over attacks from overseas had been replaced by the danger posed by home-grown jihadists.

These jihadists are harder for the police to profile as would-be attackers could come from a variety of backgrounds and ages.

Mr Basu said: "The threat was the traveller or the returning fighter, who was battle-hardened and even angrier, but now it's the threat in our midst.

Attack: The chief issued his warning after a 'summer like no other' which saw a string of terror attacks across the UK / Jeremy Selwyn

"We stopped a lot of those would-be jihadists travelling too and some of those remain committed to their cause. If they can't travel, then why not attack us here.

"There is also a definite problem in segregated and isolated communities and with what I think is an even more extreme second generation. The [suspects] have been the educated, they have been the illiterate and they have been the completely unknown.

Speaking at the Police Superintendents' Association conference, Mr Basu said police are dealing with nearly 600 active investigations after a "summer like no other" that saw major attacks in Manchester and London.

The attacks led to a "massive spike" in the number of calls to the national terrorism hotline, trebling the number of leads. "Those numbers are just going to keep increasing," Mr Basu said.

Salman Abedi, who carried out the Manchester Arena terror attack, reportedly became radicalised in the UK / PA

He said disenfranchised groups were being radicalised by propaganda delivered in "six-second soundbites through their handheld devices 24/7".

"Segregated and isolated communities, unregulated and home schooling are a breeding ground for extremism and future terrorism," the officer said.

Salman Abedi, 22, the suicide bomber who detonated a home-made device that killed 22 at the Manchester Arena in May, was born in England to Libyan parents. He dropped out of university and reportedly became radicalised while living in the city.

Mr Basu added that police would not be able to "arrest our way out of this" and communities needed to be encouraged to speak out.

He also called on internet companies to take responsibility for how their services may be used to share extremist content and provide a means for terrorists to communicate.
T he 2011 riots that started in Tottenham and swept across the UK were inflamed by a warped sense of community uniting against the police, psychologists have said.

Traditional postcode rivalries dissolved as gangs united to form a "band of brothers" working together against a common enemy, research suggests.

Scientists have claimed that this togetherness, amidst the looting, violence and destruction, produced a feeling of euphoria that contributed to the disorder.

Dr John Drury, from the University of Sussex, led an investigation into the early phases of the riots in Tottenham Hale and Haringey.

Riot: Mr Drury said communities were united against the police / Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Speaking the British Science Festival at the University of Brighton, he said: "This riot saw traditional post-code rivalries melt away in the face of a common enemy in the police, and the emergence of a new shared identity. Our research shows for the first time how that happened.

"Police forces and others may feel that they understand how gang mentalities work but our findings show that at times like this, a fresh sense of community can break down existing loyalties.

United: People who would usually be enemies were no longer pitted against each other / Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

"We're talking to police forces and councils about what our research shows. We hope that those responsible for law enforcement and keeping communities safe will take stock."

The August 2011 riots were sparked by the death of Mark Duggan, a suspected gang member who was shot by police in Tottenham. Five people died, property suffered damage estimated at 200 million, and police made more than 3,000 arrests.

The psychologists studied YouTube videos and Google Street View images, looked at police reports and arrest records, and interviewed 41 rioters.

London Riots 2011 - In pictures 1 /20 London Riots 2011 - In pictures Firefighters battle a large fire that broke out in shops and residential properties in Croydon Dan Kitwood/Getty Images A hooded youth walks past a burning vehicle in Hackney Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Firefighters battle a large fire that broke out in shops and residential properties in Croydon Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Riot police walk along Clarence Road in Hackney on August 8, 2011 in London, England. Pockets of rioting and looting continues to take place in various boroughs of London this evening, as well as in Birmingham, prompted by the initial rioting in Tottenham and then in Brixton Dan Istitene/Getty Images Hooded youths walk past a looted Debenhams store in Clapham Junction Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Rioters build barricades in Goulton Road in Hackney Dan Istitene/Getty Images A youth collects clothing looted from a Carhartt store in Hackney as a car smoulders Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Buildings burn on Tottenham High Road, London during the 2011 riots Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images Prime Minister David Cameron talks to Acting Borough Commander Superintendent Jo Oakley during a visit to Croydon to view the destruction from the previous night's violence Stefan Rousseau/Getty Images Firefighters extinguish flames at buildings on London Road n Croydon in August 2011 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Riot police tackle a mob after a number of cars were set alight in Hackney on August 8 2011 London Mayor Boris Johnson stands with Police Superintendent Jo Oakley near burnt out Reeves Corner furniture store in Croydon A masked man walks past a burning sports car outside a shop in Hackney during the riots Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images A police officer stands in front of the burnt out Carpetright shop in Tottenham which became a symbol of the disorder Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Youths loot a shop in Hackney on August 8, 2011 in London Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Dr Drury said: "If people are united for the first time then it's a basis for a sense of empowerment. If people all feel the same way and they expect others to feel that way, they expect to be supported and that gives them the confidence to take action."

He said a turning point came when the police chose not to respond to one of their cars being torched, generating a feeling that the police were weak and encouraging rioters to move onto other targets offices and shops.

And among rioters there was a shared sense of grievance over heavy-handed police tactics such as "stop-and-search" which provoked a desire for revenge, Dr Drury added.

Havok: A sense of euphoria 'fuelled the violence' / Dan Istitene/Getty Images

"The emotions changed from anger to euphoria," he said. "Seeing the police defeated led to expressions of joy."

After the riots ended there was some evidence that the rivalry between gangs in different districts was not as strong as it used to be.

One rioter who was interviewed said: "I saw the community coming together ... usually it's post-code gangs and that lot, like Hornsey, they have differences with Wood Green. But then again, when the riots came, I saw Wood Green and Hornsey people just walking past each other like it was nothing. Now, it's like I don't see a problem with any kind of area."

Dr Drury acknowledged that critics might reject the association of rioting with community spirit.

He added: "Our task is simply to understand and explain. Some of it might be shocking, but this is what we find."

Additional reporting from PA.
F our suspected members of a neo-Nazi group who were arrested for terror offences are serving members of the British Army, it has emerged.

The four men  aged between 22 and 34  are believed to be members of the banned neo-Nazi group National Action.

They were arrested by West Midlands counter-terror officers on suspicion of preparing acts of terror following an intelligence led operation.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed all four are members of the Army.

West Midlands Police said the men - a 22-year-old from Birmingham, a 32-year-old from Powys, a 24-year-old from Ipswich and a 24-year-old from Northampton - were detained as part of a "pre-planned and intelligence-led" operation and there was "no threat to the public's safety".

Suspects: The four men have been detained by West Midlands Police / PA

They are being held by police as a number of properties are raided and searched.

In a statement, the police said the suspects were arrested "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to sec 11 of the Terrorism Act".

National Action became first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

The proscription meant that being a member of or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to ten years' imprisonment.

A description of National Action in the official list of proscribed groups says it is a "racist neo-Nazi group" that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which "conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities".

The document adds that the group is "virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".

The document also links National Action to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

It said the group's online propaganda material frequently features extremely violent imagery and language, and cited tweets posted in connection with her murder at the hands of right-wing extremist Thomas Mair.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd took the decision to proscribe National Action after an assessment that it was "concerned in terrorism" ahead of Mair's trial.

Police said 22 suspected members or associates of National Action were arrested in 2016.
A 26-year-old man is fighting for life after a knife brawl in north London amid 24 hours of violence on the streets of the capital.

Police rushed to Stamford Hill just after 5pm today to reports of a fight in the street close to the junction with Clapton Common.

There were no victims at the scene but three men took themselves to hospital just hours later suffering stab wounds, Scotland Yard said.

One man is said to be in a critical condition while two others, aged 19 and 20, were treated for less serious injuries.

Knife fight: A police cordon on Stamford Hill / Twitter/ London 999 Feed

Detectives have urged any witnesses to the fight to come forward.

Pictures and images posted on social media by London 999 Feed showed a huge police cordon at the scene.

The violence comes less than 24 hours after a 14-year-old boy was left fighting for life after being shot in the head in east London.

Violence: A 29-year-old man died after he was knifed in the chest in a fight taking place between two groups in Hounslow / Karim Sumar

The schoolboy was blasted with a shotgun in east London and is said to be critically ill in hospital today while his 17-year-old friend was seriously injured.

Emergency services at the scene in Hounslow / Karim Sumar

The shooting follows a series of tit-for-tat stabbings and shootings in Newham and police immediately ordered sweeping stop and search powers to come into force amid fears of a retaliation.

In separate incidents two men were stabbed to death in street attacks in Camden and Hounslow while three others suffered knife wounds in a clash in Southall.

The road was cordoned off between Mornington Crescent and Varndell Street. / @Kristian_Tweet

The carnage began at 11.45am on Monday when a 20-year-old man was stabbed in the neck near Euston station.

The man collapsed and died at the scene at the entrance of the Ampthill Estate in Camden with witnesses saying he had been chased by attackers on bikes.

In a second stabbing incident at 3.30pm a 29-year-old man died after he was knifed in the chest in a fight taking place between two groups in Hounslow.

Emergency services were called to clashes in Rosebery Road, less around 500 metres from Twickenham rugby stadium, and found the victim stabbed in the street. He also died at the scene.

Later, just after 11pm, three men in their 20s were injured with knives after a disturbance in Comer Crescent, Southall.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or make contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at .
A boy aged 14 was fighting for life in hospital today after he was shot in the head during 12 hours of terrifying violence across London.

The schoolboy was blasted with a shotgun in east London and is said to critically ill in hospital today while his 17-year-old friend was seriously injured.

The shooting follows a series of tit-for-tat stabbings and shootings in Newham and police immediately ordered sweeping stop and search powers to come into force amid fears of a retaliation.

In separate incidents two men were stabbed to death in street attacks in Camden and Hounslow while three others suffered knife wounds in a clash in Southall.

The carnage began at 11.45am when a 20-year-old man was stabbed in the neck near Euston station.

Emergency services at the scene in Hounslow / Karim Sumar

The man collapsed and died at the scene at the entrance of the Ampthill Estate in Camden with witnesses saying he had been chased by attackers on bikes.

In a second stabbing incident at 3.30pm a 29-year-old man died after he was knifed in the chest in a fight taking place between two groups in Hounslow.

Emergency services were called to clashes in Rosebery Road, less around 500 metres from Twickenham rugby stadium, and found the victim stabbed in the street. He also died at the scene.

Later, just after 11pm, three men in their 20s were injured with knives after a disturbance in Comer Crescent, Southall.

Fatal stabbing: The man collapsed and died at the scene in Camden / @Kristian_Tweet

The schoolboy had been sitting talking with friends in a car park on an estate in Forest Gate when a gunman opened fire from close range.

The boy was struck in the head with pellets from the blast while a 17-year-old suffered what police described as a life changing injury to his leg.

Doctors from a nearby GP surgery rushed outside to help the victims after the shooting at just after 3pm .

A local shop worker said his friend had been sitting with the younger victim, close to a playground, in Moore Walk, when the gunman opened fire.

The man, who did not want to be named, said: They were just sitting there talking, and then this guy just came from behind and shot him.

Fourteen-years-old, what can you do to get shot in the head with a shotgun?

A nearby resident said: The shooting was outside the playground. I heard the noise from my house  pow, pow, it was twice. I looked outside my window and I couldnt see anything, but then I heard people screaming and I went outside.

The boy couldnt talk, he was just laying down breathing hard. I didnt want to look at him because I saw too much blood. They said he came up behind him and shot him.

The other guy was talking, he had managed to run but got shot in his leg. They live here, theyre local. Theyre always playing around here. Theyre very young, theyre kids.

The shooting happened to the rear of Lord Lister Health Centre, where workers, medical staff and doctors rushed to assist the victims.

A receptionist, one of the first on the scene, said: There was a boy lying on the ground who had been shot in the leg. There was another boy not far away shot in the head.

Everything happened so quickly. 

Maqsood Khaliq, 36, who owns Seafood Supermarket which back onto the scene, said: I walked around the corner to see a young boy laying on the floor with what was clearly a gunshot wound to his leg.

He was lying separately from the other boy, they werent lying together but the one who I saw had blood all over his jumper, it was covered. Both of them were young black boys.

He said the boy shot in the head had been sitting on a bike before the incident.

Detectives are investigating possible links to a series of tit-for-tat gang attacks in Newham in recent months.

Newham police commander Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekan ordered sweeping stop and search powers in the borough saying he had serious concerns that rivals could retaliate in response to the shooting.

He said: We are only too well aware that this incident comes after a number of shootings and firearms discharges that are blighting our communities and seriously injuring our young men.

I want the community of Newham to help us tackle this - if you have any information about people carrying or supplying firearms please let us know and we will take action.

There were extra police patrols and enhanced stop and search powers in place across Newham last night as the borough braced for a possible revenge attack.

A bloodied grey tracksuit and a black trainer lay on the floor as forensic officers scoured the cordoned off walkway following the double shooting.

The caretaker of Lord Lister Health Centre, which backs onto Moore Walk, described how medical staff at the surgery had rushed to the victims aid after hearing the shots.

Cobi Akosome, 53, said: The doctors went out to try to help. I saw them after they were shot on the floor. The younger boy was breathing, the doctors were trying to give him oxygen.

He was 14, and they shot him in the head. My god. Imagine being at home and hearing your son has been shot. Its very sad.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or make contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
C ampaigners have warned the special significance of London Zoos Snowdon Aviary could be damaged by a planned restoration.

The Grade II* listed structure, inspired by the movement of flying birds, opened in 1965 and is visible from Regents Canal and Primrose Hill but has fallen into disrepair.

It was put on Historic Englands At Risk Register last year. It will be converted into an enclosure for colobus monkeys, with the mesh covering replaced and an education centre built.

The birds currently there will move to other aviaries on site and to other zoos, with new bird species introduced to live alongside the monkeys.

The renovation is estimated to cost 7.8 million with 4.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

But members of Regents Park Conservation Area Advisory Committee have objected, saying the location, scale and character of the proposal is harmful to the aviary.

The collection of new buildings would clutter the setting of the aviary and harm its special significance and the special character of the listed parks and of the conservation area, they said. Taken together the harm to the aviary from the proposal would be such that public benefit of its renovation would be seriously undermined.

The application will go before the planning sub-committee at Westminster council tonight. The idea for the aviary was conceived by photographer Lord Snowdon, ex-husband of Princess Margaret, and designed by architect Cedric Price.

Professor David Field, zoological director at London Zoo, said he was disappointed with the objection.

The plans for the aviary will improve its use as an important habitat for our animals and serve as an educational centre for the millions of visitors who come to the zoo to be inspired by wildlife, while being wholly sensitive of its heritage status and prominent viewpoint  from both Primrose Hill and the Regents Canal, he said.

Working closely with residents and community groups, attending regular meetings, inviting community groups to the zoo, and issuing newsletters to neighbours, we have sought to ensure that everyone has been kept abreast of our plans and has had opportunity to ask about us the developments.

Weve spoken with the conservation advisory committee to address their queries. Council planning officers have recommended the proposals are given conditional planning permission.
A landlord who packed 16 people into one dangerously overcrowded three-bedroom flat in east London has been hit with a 5,000 fine.

Tower Hamlets Council officers discovered four families, including seven children, and a single man crammed into the property, which had just one bathroom, a kitchen and a toilet, in Bow.

The group included three families of four people, one family of three and a lone man, a council spokeswoman said.

Landlord Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan had converted the flat in a bid to make more money from rent, Bow Magistrates Court heard.

However, no fire alarms or fire doors had been fitted and had a fire broken out the occupants would have struggled to escape, the court was told.

Mr Bhuiyan, of Robinia Close, Romford, pleaded guilty to five charges under the Housing Act 2014 at Tower Hamlets Magistrates Court last month.

He was ordered to pay a 4,750 fine and 1,429 in court costs.

Tower Hamlets Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Sirajul Islam said: Bad landlords who exploit their tenants and expose them to danger can expect strong action from the Council, and if we discover that that laws to protect tenants are being flouted we will investigate and prosecute.
B ritain is at the heart of international efforts to solve tensions with North Korea, Boris Johnson insisted as he urged China to use its influence to end the grave crisis.

After the Norths latest nuclear test, the Foreign Secretary said China has a unique ability to influence the regime as he called on the country to use its leverage to ensure a peaceful settlement.

He told the Commons the rogue states latest test was a matter of global concern after the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated in the history of the regime quest of an illegal arsenal was launched.

Mr Johnson told MPs: "China, which accounts for 90% of North Korea's overseas trade, has a unique ability to influence the regime - and the House can take heart from the fact that Beijing voted in favour of the latest sanctions resolution and condemned Pyongyang's actions in the most unsparing terms.

"I call on China to use all of its leverage to ensure a peaceful settlement of this grave crisis."

Key moments in North Korea's nuclear programme

Commending the "dignity and restraint" shown by South Korea and Japan despite both countries being "in the firing line of Pyongyang's reckless ambitions, he said there had been a "steady drumbeat of provocative and dangerous actions by Kim Jong-un's regime".

Criticising North Korea's "brazen defiance" of the rest of the world, Mr Johnson said: "Just as North Korea has pursued nuclear weapons with single-minded determination, so the international community must show the same resolve in our pursuit of a diplomatic solution."

Mr Johnson's comments came after North Korea's ambassador in London, Choe Il, was summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing down from Asia minister Mark Field.

Laughing matter: Kim Jong Un laughs with his generals as they watch a previous missile launch / Getty

Following the meeting, Mr Field said: "North Korea's reckless actions have created a deeply dangerous and unstable situation. I urge the regime to end its illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missiles and return to dialogue with the international community."

Prime Minister Theresa May told a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes represent a "threat to the whole of the international community".

Speaking to senior Government ministers at their first meeting after Parliament's summer break, Mrs May vowed that Britain would continue to work with international partners to put pressure on Pyongyang to turn away from its current course.

Downing Street has stressed Britain's "overwhelming" preference for a peaceful diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The Prime Minister is set to call US President Donald Trump to discuss the North Korean situation by telephone, Mrs May's spokeswoman told a Westminster briefing.

US: North Korea could be met with 'massive military response'

Former foreign secretary Lord Hague has cautioned that Mr Trump's threats of "fire and fury" will not deter Mr Kim from continuing with his nuclear programme.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Lord Hague said: "There are no sanctions that will deter him... necessary as they are to demonstrate international disapproval.

"Nor will threatening 'fire and fury' or saying 'talking is not the answer' as President Trump did, because Kim will calculate that the US will not start a war that could be so catastrophic all round, and the stronger he gets the less likely they will be to do so."

In a tweet, Mr Trump said: "I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States."
J eremy Corbyn faced a backlash today over all the main speeches at Labours annual rally being given by London MPs.

The five key addresses are expected to be delivered by MPs, four of whose constituencies border each other in north London.

The four are party leader Mr Corbyn, MP for Islington North, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, Islington South and Finsbury, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, Hackney North and Stoke Newington, and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, Holborn and St Pancras.

The fifth main speaker will be shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington.

The line-up for the partys annual conference in Brighton at the end of this month is still being finalised.

But Mr Corbyn was today warned against the list of speakers being so London-centric.

One senior regional MP said: This should be the national Labour Party conference not the London Labour Party conference nor indeed the London Zone 1 conference.

However, party sources insisted that MPs from outside the capital would also be speaking, with Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne, the partys national campaigns and elections joint co-ordinator set to also have a high-profile slot.

A senior party source said: It will not be the case that only these four to five London MPs will be speaking.

Fewer shadow Cabinet ministers, though, are due to speak from the platform as more time is given for delegates to engage in debates.

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith, shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald and shadow housing secretary John Healey are not due to give stand-alone addresses to the hall, according to the HuffPost.

While shadow international development secretary Kate Osamor, London mayor Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could also miss out.

The changes at the annual rally are being billed at making the party more democratic.

But Mr Corbyns critics accuse him and his allies of seeking to tighten their grip on the party whose membership has soared since he was elected leader in 2015, with a significant influx of Leftwingers.

The conference speaker issue was expected to be raised at a meeting of the shadow Cabinet today.

An attempt is also expected to be made at the annual rally to change the party leadership rules to make it harder for MPs to stop a Leftwinger getting on the ballot paper which goes out to members.
N ew proposals for restrictions on the number of low-skilled migrants from Europe allowed into the UK after Brexit have been revealed in a leaked Home Office document.

The 82-page paper suggests that new arrangements would be immediately introduced when the UK leaves the EU at the end of the two-year transition period.

It is understood the document is a draft of an upcoming White Paper that has been circulated among senior officials but that has not yet been agreed by ministers.

The paper, which was obtained by The Guardian, is marked up with a stamp that reads Draft  Official Sensitive and is described as "a platform for discussion".

According to the draft paper, departure from the EU will mean "the end of rights-based, unconditional free movement", with the Government adopting powers to take "a more selective approach" to which migrants will be allowed to work and settle in the UK.

"The Government will take a view on the economic and social needs of the country as regards EU migration, rather than leaving this decision entirely to those wishing to come here and employers," it states.

This could involve requiring EU nationals to seek permission before taking up a job, making employers recruit locally first or restrict access to lower-skilled occupations which are not experiencing staffing shortages, the document suggests.

The Guardian quoted the document as saying: "Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off."

The newspaper said the Home Office document, which is entitled Border, Immigration and Citizenship System After the UK Leaves the European Union, are subject to negotiations with EU.

It added that it is understood the paper has in its early stages already provoked rows between cabinet ministers.


T he Labour Party has revealed MPs will vote against a key piece of legislation needed to carry out Brexit, sparking a fierce clash in Parliament.

Jeremy Corbyns party said they hoped plans not to back the European Union (Withdrawl) Bill at a second reading would divide Tory ministers at a vote next week.

However, Tories accused the opposition of recklessness said failure to pass the bill through Parliament would risk a chaos when Britain quit the block in 2019.

The row erupted as Brexit Secretary David Davis spoke to the House of Commons about the progress of critical negotiations in Brussels.

British Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, and Michel Barnier / EPA

Mr Davis said crucial talks with EU chief negotiator Michael Barnier has been tough but insisted he had made significant steps forward on issues including citizens rights and the Irish border.

He added that although the UK was ready to step up the tempo of talks it looked likely a row of the cost of leaving the EU would continue until the end of the two-year long negotiations.

Prominent Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg told the Commons that the EU's proposal for a financial settlement estimated at 50-80 billion amounted to a "demand for money with menaces" which he branded "ridiculous".

Voice of youth: thousands took to the streets of London in protest after last years EU referendum result / NurPhoto via Getty Images

But Mr Davis was careful to avoid repeating International Trade Secretary Liam Fox's accusation of EU "blackmail", describing it instead as "a pressure tactic to make us pay".

The Brexit Secretary was jeered by Labour MPs as he told the Commons: "Nobody has ever pretended this would be simple or easy.

"We've always said this negotiation would be tough, complex and at times confrontational. So it has proved."

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer reminded him that Dr Fox had said striking an agreement with the EU would be "one of the easiest deals in human history", while Mr Davis himself predicted that free trade deals covering an area massively greater than the EU would be in place by the time of withdrawal.

PM Theresa May signing the letter to the EU triggering Article 50. / Getty Images

Sir Keir called on the Government to drop some of Mrs May's "deeply flawed red lines" in the negotiations, including her insistence that Britain will no longer be subject to the European Court of Justice after Brexit.

Labour's announcement that it will oppose the EU (Withdrawal) Bill at the first stage of its passage through the Commons came after a meeting of the shadow cabinet on Tuesday morning.

A party spokesman said: "Labour fully respects the democratic decision to leave the European Union, voted to trigger Article 50 and backs a jobs-first Brexit with full tariff-free access to the European single market.

Sign of the times: an anti-Brexit march in London last year / NurPhoto via Getty Images

"But as democrats we cannot vote for a bill that unamended would let Government ministers grab powers from Parliament to slash people's rights at work and reduce protection for consumers and the environment.

"Parliament has already voted to leave the European Union. But the Government's EU Withdrawal Bill would allow Conservative ministers to set vital terms on a whim, including of Britain's exit payment, without democratic scrutiny."

The spokesman added: "The slogan of the Leave campaign was about people taking back control and restoring powers to Parliament.

Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures 1 /26 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Common PA Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference after receiving British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May takes her seat after announcing in the House of Commons PA The time 12:20pm shows on Big Ben on March 29, 2017 in London, England. The British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Houses of Parliament as Article 50 is triggered and the process that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union begins Carl Court/Getty Images D-day: pro-EU protesters outside of the Houses of Parliament today as Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 AFP/Getty Images EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter which was delivered by Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (not pictured) that gives notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters PMQ's in The House of Commons PA Jeremy Corbyn speaking at PMQ's in The House of Commons Sky News Theresa May leaving for the House of Commons Jeremy Selwyn Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the headquarters of Vivendi in Paris where he took part in TV interviews to discuss the imminent triggering of Article 50 by the UK to leave the EU Stefan Rousseau/PA Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters for as meeting before hand delivering British Prime Minister Theresa May's notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow arrives at the British representation of the European Union in Brussels Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images A giant headed Theresa May in Parliament Square, London during a protest by Avaaz after PM signed a letter to trigger Article 50 that starts the formal exit process by the UK from the European Union David Mirzoeff/PA British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks down Whitehall Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's PM Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, invoking Article 50. AFP/Getty Images

"This power-grab bill would do the opposite. It would allow the Government to seize control from the Parliament that the British people have just elected."

The bill is facing a backlash from some senior Tories, Labour and the Liberal Democrats as it contains so-called "Henry VIII powers" which would allow changes to be made to British law without full parliamentary scrutiny.

But the Government has insisted the powers will be time-limited and used only to make technical amendments, while significant changes to policy in areas like immigration, customs and trade will be contained in primary legislation subject to parliamentary debate and votes.

Responding to Labour's announcement, Tory MP Luke Hall said: "This reckless threat to vote against the Bill, without presenting any alternative approach, risks defying the result of the referendum, and risks the most chaotic of Brexit scenarios, where our legal systems and institutions cannot function from day one of our exit."
V ladimir Putin warned today against military hysteria after America accused North Korea of begging for war.

The Russian president stressed that the threat of a colossal armed attack by the US and its allies to thwart Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions could lead to global catastrophe.

Mr Putin condemned North Koreas latest bomb test as a provocation but argued that it would rather eat grass than abandon its nuclear programme.

Ramping up military hysteria will lead to nothing good. It could lead to a global catastrophe, he added.

Theres no other path apart from a peaceful one.

He warned that it was vital that all parties engulfed by the crisis, including North Korea, should not face threats of annihilation and must step on the path of cooperation.

The Russian leader spoke out after South Korea said an agreement with the US to scrap a weight limit on its warheads would help it respond to the threat from North Korean which conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test two days ago.

It claimed to have tested a hydrogen bomb.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson this morning summoned the North Korean ambassador in London for a dressing down over the latest provocative military move.

Washington is pushing the idea of requiring all countries to cut economic links with North Korea to try to strong-arm Pyongyang into changing its behaviour.

But the move is meeting resistance in Beijing and Moscow which are sceptical about whether tougher sanctions will impact on the North Korean regime.

China has ruled out military force as an option to resolve the North Korea crisis.

However, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha said she feels her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, is open to additional sanctions on North Korea after the two held talks.

I cannot tell you exact details as the minister asked me not to disclose the content of our discussion but I could sense that China could be open to more sanctions, Ms Kang said.

The South today carried out further live-fire naval exercises, following missile drills yesterday that simulated the targeting of the Punggye-ri nuclear site where North Korea carried out its bomb test.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned North Koreas latest nuclear test as a flagrant violation of international conventions, but also said there can only be a diplomatic and peaceful solution of the crisis.
T he extreme morning sickness suffered by the Duchess of Cambridge during her pregnancies has been described by sufferers as a horrendous and gruelling experience.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is what the NHS calls excessive nausea and vomiting.

It is thought to affect about one in every 100 women in pregnancy  about 10,000 British women every year. It is the second leading cause of hospitalisation during pregnancy.

It can be treated with antiemetics, but it may not clear up completely until the baby is born.

Symptoms include dehydration and low blood pressure, with some pregnant women being sick many times a day and unable to keep down food or drink.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Family Album - In pictures 1 /70 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Family Album - In pictures Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (2R) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (L) and their three children Prince Louis of Cambridge (2L), Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (C) and Prince George of Cambridge (R) posing for a photograph at Anmer Hall in Norfolk in the Autumn of 2018 Matt Porteous via AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in Norfolk, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in Norfolk, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images Prince George's first birthday AFP/Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in a photograph taken late October 2015 at Kensington Palace in London. PA Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London, England. After much speculation, Clarence House today announced the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton Getty Images TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge drive from Buckingham Palace in a decorated sports car on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, with their newborn son Prince George of Cambridge on July 23rd, 2013 Jeremy Selwyn Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they sit with their son Prince George in the garden of the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire surrounded by Tilly the retriever (a Middleton family pet), and Lupo the cocker spaniel, the couple's only dog in their first five years of marriage PA Prince George, at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, ahead of the christening of the then three month-old Prince by the Archbishop of Canterbury PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge reacts as their son Prince George of Cambridge bites a small present that was given to him at the enclosure of an Australian animal called a Bilby, which has been named after the young Prince, during a visit to Sydney's Taronga Zoo on April 20, 2014 in Sydney, Australia Getty Images Prince George sits for his official Christmas picture in a courtyard at Kensington Palace in late November of 2014 in London, England HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital on May 2, 2015 in London, England John Stillwell/PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital on May 2, 2015 in London, England Getty Images Prince George looking at his sister Princess Charlotte as she was pushed to church by the Duchess of Cambridge in a vintage 1950s Millson pram once used by the Queen Elizabeth II for her children, during Princess Charlotte's christening at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk PA Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The photograph was taken by the Duchess in mid-May at Anmer Hall in Norfolk HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is pushed in her silver cross pram as she leaves the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after her Christening on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England Getty Images Prince George gives his little sister Princess Charlotte a kiss HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George attend the Gigaset Charity Polo Match with Prince George of Cambridge at Beaufort Polo Club on June 14, 2015 in Tetbury, England Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England Getty Images Prince George on his first day at the Westacre Montessori nursery school near Sandringham HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince George of Cambridge looks at his sister Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in her pram as he leaves the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, with their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, enjoy a short private skiing break on March 3, 2016 in the French Alps, France Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge plays with a teddy as she is seen at Anmer Hall HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge holds her daughter Princess Charlotte and strokes her son, Prince George's head as they stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past of aircrafts by the Royal Air Force, in London on June 11, 2016. AFP/Getty Images The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duchess of Cambridge holding Princess Charlotte, Prince George and The Duke of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2017 PA A family picture at Pippa Middleton's wedding. Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at a children's party for Military families at Government House in Victoria during the Royal Tour of Canada PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada on October 1, 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images William, The Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte visit Canada Mark Large/Daily Mail Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at a children's party at Government House in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Reuters Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, his wife Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Tegel airport in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2017 Reuters The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to Princess Charlotte and Prince George after the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark's Church Getty Images Prince George (centre) stands with other page boys and flower girls following the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, as they leave St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire PA Prince George who celebrates his fourth birthday Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart from Hamburg airport on the last day of their official visit to Poland and Germany on July 21, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge aka Kate Middleton show their newly-born son, their third child, Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge to the media outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge carries his newly-born son, Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge from the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Prince William arrives at Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital with Prince George and Princess Charlotte to meet new baby brother. Jeremy Selwyn Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives with Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the Lindo Wing where Kate had just given birth to Prince Louis in London Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Britain's Prince George of Cambridge hold hands with their father, Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, as Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge is carried by Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on their arrival for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, London on July 9, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Princess Charlotte playing as her father, the Duke of Cambridge, takes part in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy at the Beaufort Polo Club, Downfarm House, Westonbirt, Tetbury PA Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Beatrice, Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Savannah Phillips, Prince George of Cambridge and Isla Phillips watch the flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018 in London Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after attending the St Patrick's Day parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, where they presented shamrock to officers and guardsmen of 1st Battalion the Irish Guards PA The Duchess of Cambridge (L) smiles as she and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrrive for the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle AFP/Getty Images Prince Louis pictured in the garden of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Norfolk home earlier this month HRH The Duchess of Cambridge An emerged photo of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2019 Christmas card The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend a special pantomime performance at Londons Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA The Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte attend a special pantomime performance at Londons Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA Prince Louis, photographed by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, at Kensington Palace PA Media

It is unclear why some women suffer worse than others and why it can persist.

Leila Hanna, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician in London, said: The condition is associated with the changes in hormonal levels in the body.

The majority of ladies feel much better after 12 weeks, but a small group do carry on suffering the symptoms well into their second trimester, up to 24 weeks.

Journalist Miriam Phillips described being wiped out from HG while she was expecting.

In 2012, when the Duchess was pregnant with George, she was admitted to King Edward VII private hospital in Marylebone.

Caitlin Dean, trustee of Pregnancy Sickness Support, added: If its untreated, it can lead to very severe complications.

Former midwife Clare Byam-Cook said: HG is an extreme morning sickness and its just bad luck. In some jobs when you cant rush to the loo, its actually quite frightening.
I TV show Good Morning Britain has faced an angry backlash for giving a platform to an advocate of "gay cure" therapy.

Dr Mike Davidson, who claims he was cured of homosexuality through prayer, took part in a heated argument with presenter Piers Morgan on the programme on Tuesday morning.

While Morgan openly challenged Dr Davidson on the programme, many viewers vented their anger that the controversial doctor was even featured.

Viewers on social media slammed his outing as irresponsible, while LGBT rights charity Stonewall said his appearance was "dangerous as it gives "validity to the debate".

Michael Davidson was blasted for his views when he appeared on the show on Tuesday morning / ITV

Labour MP Wes Streeting was also among those to criticise ITVs decision to feature the controversial doctor.

Dr Davidson accused Morgan of being malevolent and dangerous in rejecting his views, before he was shut down as a bigot by the outspoken host.

He said in the furious exchange: I believe that people are not born gay, that they come into homosexual feelings, and that it is something that in some cases is reversible for people who want to make that the trajectory of their lives.

It's inconsistent with some people's value systems and they want to be true to themselves.

I think we're here today because there's clearly a population group who feel they are not comfortable with homosexual expression, and they want out of it.

Morgan then asked him: "You know what we call these people? We call them horrible little bigots in the modern world.

Bigoted people who talk complete claptrap and, in my view, a malevolent and dangerous part of our society. What's the matter with you? Stop talking for a moment. Stop banging on."

Comedian Julian Clary appeared soon after Mr Davidson left the set, telling Morgan it was a shame you gave him airtime.

But Morgan defended his appearance, saying these people need to be challenged.

A spokeswoman for Stonewall said: "It is difficult to understand the motivation for exploring the topic of same-sex conversion now when two years ago a host of professional bodies publicly condemned the practice.

"Good Morning Britains editorial approach is damaging as it consistently suggests that there is a debate to be had about the validity of identities and experiences. At Stonewall we are fighting for acceptance and understanding of peoples differences."

ITV was blasted on social media for inviting Mr Davidson for an interview.

Ash Sarkar posted on Twitter: Bigotry, injustice & oppression are reproduced when media presents an entirely discredited form of psychological abuse as worthy of airtime.

One Twitter user, known only as Rys, posted: Disgusting to see @GMB are giving gay "cure" therapy airtime. Incredibly irresponsible and damaging.

Lucy prof said: Why are you giving someone like this a platform for their ridiculous ideas?

On Monday, Good Morning Britain came under fire after Mr Morgan attacked trans LOreal model Munroe Bergdorf for her views on racism.

Bex Stinson said: First @GMB attacks #trans people. Now they're giving air time to gay cure therapy. What a disgusting anti #LGBT onslaught. Shame on you.

A Good Morning Britain spokesman said: "Dr Michael Davidson was robustly challenged by the Good Morning Britain presenters about his views on homosexuality on the programme."
B ritain's first king of spin Tim Bell admitted it was curtains for the firm he created during a car crash interview on Newsnight.

The ex-adviser to Margaret Thatchers phone went off twice while he was interrogated by the BBCs Kirsty Wark about a racism scandal involving Bell Pottinger, which he co-founded in 1988.

During a rambling, six-minute appearance, Lord Bell was asked where the business had gone wrong. He quoted Sir Walter Scott, saying: Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive.

After the first interruption from his mobile at the start of the interview, Lord Bell showed the screen to Ms Wark. When it went off a second time, later in the conversation, she said: Youre a popular man tonight obviously.

Numbers up: Tim Bell checks his phone during the interview with Kirsty Wark

Any hope he might be able to bring his reputation management skills to the rescue of the business he once headed evaporated in seconds last night. Asked by Ms Wark whether it was curtains for the firm he replied: Almost certainly it is but its nothing to do with me.

Bell Pottinger has been engulfed in a scandal over its work for South African company Oakbay Capital, which is owned by the billionaire Gupta family.

Popular man: PR guru Tim Bell on Newsnight

Its chief executive, James Henderson, has resigned and it has been expelled from the PR industrys trade body over the work, which led to accusations the company was stoking racial tensions. Lord Bell, 75, who resigned as chairman last August and suffered a stroke earlier this year, insisted he was not to blame for the furore. He said: I think exactly the opposite is the situation.

He added: I had nothing to do with getting this account.

Today the head of the Public Relations and Communications Associations said he was proud to have expelled Bell Pottinger. Director-general Francis Ingham said: It is the worst piece of PR work Ive seen in 10 years at the PRCA.

In July, Mr Henderson issued an unequivocal apology to anyone affected by the campaign. He resigned on Monday, saying he hoped the firm could fix the problems of the past and move forward. The Standard contacted Bell Pottinger for comment.
A 106-year-old Afghan woman who was carried by relatives through mountains, forests and deserts to Europe now faces deportation from Sweden.

The son and grandson of severely disabled Bibihal Uzbeki, who can barely speak, travelled by rail and on foot through the Balkans to the safety of Western Europe.

Their journey made headlines in 2015, during the height of the refugee influx to Europe from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other war-torn or repressive countries.

Two years later, Mrs Uzbeki and her 11 family members are living in the small village of Hova, in central Sweden.

The rejection letter for her claim for asylum arrived during Ramadan. The family, which has appealed the decision, avoided telling the frail centenarian, but she became suspicious.

Rejected: Bibihal Uzbeki / AP

"My sisters were crying," said Mohammed Uzbeki, 22. "My grandmother asked, 'Why are you crying?' "

Soon after she understood that her request had been denied, Mrs Uzbeki's health started failing and she suffered a stroke, according to the family.

The Swedish Migration Agency confirmed in a statement that they had "taken a decision regarding an expulsion in the case," adding "generally speaking, high age does not in itself provide grounds for asylum".

People whose applications are rejected are allowed up to three appeals, a process that can take a long time. The applications of other family members are at various stages in the appeals process.

The family said that the plight of Afghans is being ignored by Swedish authorities. Many countries in Europe deny asylum to Afghans from parts of the country considered safe.

"The reasoning from the migration agency is that it's not unsafe enough in Afghanistan," said Sanna Vestin, the head of the Swedish Network of Refugee Support Groups. But she said many of the big cities cited as secure are not at the moment.

Before their journey to Sweden, the family had been living illegally in Iran for eight years. They cited ongoing war and insecurity as their reasons for fleeing, but Mohammed Uzbeki said it was difficult to prove that the family faces a specific enemy if they return.

"If I knew who was the enemy, I would have just avoided them," he said, citing the Islamic State group, the Taliban and suicide bombers as possible dangers.

"She still cannot speak properly, she has hallucinations," he said of his grandmother.

"She says they are coming to kill us, we should run away."

Reporting by Associated Press
P resident Donald Trump faced a backlash today led by tech titans and Hollywood celebrities over his plans to abolish the Dreamers programme that grants work permits to illegal immigrants who were brought to America as children.

Mr Trumps controversial decision has left the future of nearly 800,000 people protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation in the balance.

The president was uncharacteristically silent yesterday on the rollback of the programme, which is expected to be formally announced by the White House today on Tuesday.

But Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Apple CEO Tim both declared their support for the so-called Dreamers on social media.

'Dreamers': US President Donald Trump is expected to end the programme for immigrants / AFP/Getty Images

Mr Zuckerberg, who changed his Facebook status to "I support DACA, wrote: I stand with the Dreamers - the young people brought to our country by their parents.

"Many have lived here as long as they can remember. Dreamers have a special love for this country because they can't take living here for granted.

"We need a government that protects DreamersThese young people represent the future of our country and our economy. They are our friends and family, students and young leaders in our community. I hope you will join us in speaking out."

Mr Cook also tweeted support for the programme introduced in 2012 by Barack Obama, writing: "250 of my Apple coworkers are #Dreamers. I stand with them. They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values."

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Microsoft president Brad Smith along with Mr Zuckerberg and Mr Cook joined 350 tech giants who signed an open letter to the president and congressional leaders supporting DACA.

Backlash: Donald Trump / AP

"Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy. With them, we grow and create jobs. They are part of why we will continue to have a global competitive advantage," reads the letter.

Hollywood stars also voiced their opposition to Mr Trumps plan to end DACA after a six month period in which hes asking lawmakers in the Republican-majority US Congress to follow his lead and repeal the law.

"I stand with #Dreamers who make our country stronger. Check out the thread below to see how you can defend DACA now," tweeted Susan Sarandon, who included a link to a Womens March defending the programme."

Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted: "Trump's plan to deport Dreamers in 6 mos. is cruel, divisive and politically motivated. Shame on him, and shame on us for electing him."

Gina Rodriguez, who stars in Jane the Virgin, a US TV series featuring an undocumented immigrant character, wrote : 'More I stand with Dreamers. #defendDaca.

Actor and A Few Good Men director Rob Reiner, an outspoken critic of the president, said on Twitter: "Unfortunately there is no other way to say this: Donald J. Trump is a heartless p****."

Girls creator Lena Dunham, a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, tweeted: "Imagine if the president could understand that the recipients of DACA ARE the Americans he's been tasked with protecting #saveDACA."
D onald Trump will scrap a scheme to protect young undocumented immigrants brought in under Barack Obama, it has been announced.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) guards 800,000 young people, mostly from Latin America, against deportation, proving work and study permits.

President Trump has called for Congress to find a legislative solution to protect those brought into the US as children, White House sources told Press Association.

He wrote in a tweet earlier today: "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!"

Backlash: US President Donald Trump will scrap the programme / AFP/Getty Images

"Make no mistake, we are going to put the interest of AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST!" he added in a second tweet. "The forgotten men & women will no longer be forgotten."

Attorney general Jeff Sessions will speak to reporters on the scrapping of the scheme later today.

Critics have hit back at the announcement.

US President: Donald Trump / REX/Shutterstock

Florida representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen tweeted: "After teasing #Dreamers for months with talk of his 'great heart,' @POTUS slams door on them. Some 'heart'.."

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Apple CEO Tim both declared their support for the so-called "Dreamers" on social media.

Mr Zuckerberg, who changed his Facebook status to "I support DACA," wrote: "I stand with the Dreamers - the young people brought to our country by their parents.

Donald Trump and Barack Obama on Inauguration Day / Getty Images

"Many have lived here as long as they can remember. Dreamers have a special love for this country because they can't take living here for granted.

"We need a government that protects DreamersThese young people represent the future of our country and our economy. They are our friends and family, students and young leaders in our community. I hope you will join us in speaking out."

Mr Cook also tweeted support for the programme introduced in 2012 by Barack Obama, writing: "250 of my Apple coworkers are #Dreamers. I stand with them. They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values."

Donald Trump meets Storm Harvey Victims 1 /14 Donald Trump meets Storm Harvey Victims Donald and Melania Trump help prepare meals REUTERS Donald Trump gives a thumbs up at a hurricane relief centre in Houston REUTERS Donald and Melania Trump arrive in Houston REUTERS Melania meets young victims AFP/Getty Images The First Lady hands out hotdogs AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump greets Texas Governor Greg Abbott REUTERS Donald Trump comforts a young victim REUTERS Melania Trump helps out volunteers REUTERS The President hands out food AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump speaks at a relief centre REUTERS Donald Trump meets a child affected by the hurricane AP

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Microsoft president Brad Smith along with Mr Zuckerberg and Mr Cook joined 350 tech giants who signed an open letter to the president and congressional leaders supporting DACA.

Celebrities including Rob Reiner and Lena Dunham also criticised the plans.

The Obama administration created the Daca programme in 2012 as a stopgap as it pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress.

Many Republicans say they opposed the programme on the grounds that it was executive overreach.

House speaker Paul Ryan and a handful of other Republicans urged Mr Trump last week to hold off on scrapping Daca to give lawmakers time to come up with a legislative fix.

But Congress has repeatedly tried - and failed - to come together on immigration overhaul legislation, and it remains uncertain whether the House would succeed in passing anything on the divisive topic.

Additional reporting by Press Association.
A French court today awarded the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 92,000 compensation for the hurt and upset caused by pictures of Kate topless.

While the amount is one of the highest ever in a privacy case in France, it is a fraction of the 1.4million the couple wanted.

Six defendants were in the dock following five years of legal proceedings, as judges in Nanterre, the western suburb of Paris, ordered French Closer magazine to pay the majority of the 92,000 (100,000) damages.

Its editor, 51-year-old Laurence Piea, and Ernest Mauria, 71, the director of the Mondadori group which publishes Closer, were fined 42,000 (45,000 euros) each. Both could have been sent to prison for up to a year, but retained their freedom.

The case dated back to September 2012 when William and Kate were pictured relaxing on the terrace of a chateau belonging to the Earl of Snowdon, Williams cousin and the late Princess Margarets son, in the southern region of Provence.

Long-lense cameras caught Kate displaying her breasts while only wearing a skimpy pair of bikini bottoms.

One particularly intimate image showed William rubbing suncream into his wifes skin, and was said to have caused particular upset.

The angry couple considered 1.4million (1.5million euro) from French Closer magazine appropriate compensation for the upset and embarrassment caused by the photographs being distributed around the word.

They also want the equivalent of 42,000 (50,000 euros) from the local newspaper La Provence, which first published pictures of the Duchess in her swimwear five years ago today.

Their barrister, Jean Veil, said it should be paid in addition to significant fines to the guilty parties, a mixture of publishing executives and photographers.

Neither of the Royals has attended any of the court sessions over the years, but William has presented statements attacking the paparazzi.

In one written in May, he said the impact of the topless photographs were all the more painful given the harassment linked to the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

She died in a car crash in a Paris underpass 20 years ago last week after her drunk chauffer sped away from pursuing photographers.

Agency photographers Cyril Moreau, 32, and Dominique Jacovides, 59, and Valerie Suau, 53, of La Provence, were accused of invading privacy and complicity.

The sixth defendant was Marc Auburtin, the 57-year-old publishing director of La Provence at the time the pictures were taken.

Following their appearance in Closer, the French authorities supported the Royal Family by banning any further reproduction of the pictures, before launching an investigation into how they were obtained.

All of the six defendants said the Royal couple were hypocrites because they regularly allow their private lives to be sold to millions of people around the world.

Paul-Albert Iweins, for Closer, said they were sunbathing in full public view, and that the images showed them in a positive light.

Todays judgement, which was handed down by presiding judge Florence Lasserre-Jeannin, came a day after it was announced that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her third child.

Moreau and Jacovides, the two agency photographers, were fined 4500 (5000) each, with half the amount suspended for two years. Both denied ever taking the topless pictures.

Suau, the local photographer from La Provence, was fined just over 900 (1000), while Auburtin, the papers publishing director, was told to pay 2750 (3000) compensation directly to the Royal Couple.
T he United States is bracing itself for another potentially devastating storm as Hurricane Irma was upgraded to Category 5 as it began crossing the Caribbean.

Irma is expected to hit the East Coast of the United States at the weekend, just two weeks Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas.

More than 30 people are believed to have been killed and billions of pounds worth of damage is thought to have been caused by Harvey.

With Irma now approaching, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida, with Governor Rick Scott describing the storm as "life-threatening".

Heres everything you need to know about the US--bound storm:

Where and when is Hurricane Irma expected to hit?

As areas on the East Coast of the United States prepare for the storm, the hurricane is expected to pass through a series of Caribbean islands before it reaches America.

Irma is expected to reach Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning, before passing over the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Friday.

Women push a shopping trolley filled with packs of bottled water and plastic boxes as they leave a supermarket in Saint-Martin in preparation for the storm / AFP/Getty Images

By Saturday, the storm will likely have reached the Bahamas before hitting the south coast of Florida on Sunday.

However, The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has warned that the path of the storm is still difficult to predict as well as its impact on US shores.

How strong is a Category 5 storm and how dangerous is Irma?

Hurricane Irma has been growing in strength over the past few days, having being upgraded to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale  the highest possible rating.

It means winds are expected to reach over 157mph, with buildings likely to be severely damaged when the storm makes landfall.

Last year, Hurricane Matthew  also a Category 5 storm  killed more that 500 people during as it battered the Western Atlantic.

In total, 586 people are known to have died and an estimated $15 billion in damage caused.

Declaring a state of emergency, Florida Governor Rick Scott said: Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello warned that all decisions taken in the next couple of hours would make a difference between life and death.

Will the storm cause as much damage as Hurricane Harvey in the US?

With the storm expected to bring as much as 10 inches of rain, leading to landslides, flash floods and waves of up to 23 feet to areas hardest-hit, Hurricane Irma has the potential to devastate areas.

But as its trajectory is still difficult to entirely predict, there remains a chance storm could largely pass Florida by if it moves out into the Atlantic.

The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, said the estimated damage of Harvey was about $150bn to $180bn, more costly than previous devastating storms such as Katrina or Sandy.

Homes were flooded when Hurricane Harvey hit / AP

Hurricane Harvey was also slightly weaker than Irma and rated as a Category 4 hurricane.

Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement: This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey."

The hurricane is expected to wreak havoc in the Caribbean islands, with Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat and Guadeloupe set to be hit first.

What safety measures are in place?

Schools in areas affected have already been closed in preparation for the storm, while emergency shelters able to house up to 62,000 people have been set up in Florida.

Pictures have already emerged of residents rushing to supermarkets to stock provisions as they brace for a potentially devastating impact.

US Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp has warned residents against a casual approach to the storm.

He said: "This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane. It's not time to get on a surfboard."

Some islands in the Caribbean are significantly less prepared, with economically struggling Puerto Rico bracing for severe outages.

People in the US territory of Puerto Rico braced for electricity outages after the director of the island's power company predicted that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for four to six months.
D onald Trump is right to threaten Kim Jong-uns despotic regime with fire and fury, North Koreans who have fled the country to come to the UK have said.

Hundreds of those who managed to flee the brutal dictatorship now live on the other side of the world in the south-west London suburb of New Malden. Somewhat surprisingly, it has provided a haven for people who have escaped the communist country, becoming home to one of the worlds largest North Korean refugee communities.

Thirty-year-old Jimin Kang is one of those who managed to escape the countrys oppressive regime.

He endured a harrowing upbringing; while he was a young boy the government stripped his father of the family land, while his grandfather and two of his uncles were sent to labour camps and millions died when famine struck the country in the 1990s.

Ramping up the rhetoric: Donald Trump / Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Fearing for his life, he fled North Korea with his sister and has lived in London for the last eight years.

He defended President Trumps approach, arguing that war is the only way to end seven decades of suffering for the North Korean people.

Mr Kang, who now works as a travel agent, told the Standard: Circumstances in North Korea are bad and theyre not getting any better.

I am worried about everything, my father lives in North Korea, my friends live in North Korea, I dont want fighting but unless you do something things are just going to get worse.

Kim Jong-un was officially declared supreme leader of North Korea in 2011

There could be a peaceful solution but people are dying in North Korea, they have no food, they are hungry.

North Korea wants to get nuclear weapons. I dont think South Korea and America have a choice, they have to fight.

Back in his home country Kim Jong-un and President Trump have become increasingly hostile, with North Korea responding to threats by ramping up its nuclear programme.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un inspecting what state media claims was the loading of a hydrogen bomb into a new intercontinental ballistic missile / AP

All eyes were on Pyongyang over the weekend when it claimed it had carried out a Hydrogen bomb test and caused a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the biggest provocation to the west since President Trump took office in January.

In response, the President warned well see after being asked if the US will launch an attack.

Jihyun Park, 49, arrived in the UK in 2008, and also welcomed the new approach to North Korea since Trump was elected.

Now a charity worker, she regularly travels to New Malden to help those who have fled there.

An extraordinary life has seen her escape from North Korea twice.

Jihyun Park, who fled North Korea twice, now lives in Bury, Manchester

She first fled in 1998 and was captured by human traffickers and sold into a forced marriage to a Chinese farmer, with whom she had a son. In 2004, Ms Park was sent back to North Korea after being reported to the authorities by local villages, and endured horrific conditions in a labour camp.

She said: I developed gangrene and the guards threw me out of the prison as they believed I was close to death.

A kind stranger nursed me and helped me to escape for the final time and reunited with my son.

She now lives in Bury, Manchester, and said in terms of his sanctions and rhetoric Trump has done far more for the country than Barack Obama did during his Presidency.

I like his actions. Hes has done more since he became President than Obama did in eight years, she said.

Donald Trump and Barack Obama on Inauguration Day / Getty Images

However she added that she believes the true Achilles heel of the North Korean government is getting information to the oppressed people who live there.

She said: To solve this problem you need to work with the North Korean people. If people understand the North Korean system they all stand up and fight the government.

North Koreas rulers, all members of the Kim family, have been targeting the will of their people over seven decades.

This form of state-sanctioned brainwashing, a dictatorship of the mind, has had a hugely detrimental impact on the self-will and self-confidence of those who have desired to resist.

If we send true information to North Korea we can open their eyes, ears.

The most important strategy among all ideas for engagement is to spread knowledge and information from outside to North Korean citizens.

Anwita Basu, a North Korea Analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, said the views of the refugees were not surprising.

I think from their perspective they think that finally their problems are going to face daylight and the US and western world will take action against these atrocities, she said.

Here is a US President who is bombastic and loud and rhetorical talking against an equally bombastic dictator.

But what binds Donald Trump is democracy, which North Korea doesnt have, so Kim Jong-un can do what he wants.

And Donald Trump doesnt really care from a humanitarian perspective. It is a distraction he is using from problems at home.

I really dont think his motive is to help the people of both Koreas. His rhetoric has galvanised the nuclear programme.
S cientists have discovered a person's maximum life span - and a healthy lifestyle might not extend it.

According to new research, swapping jam donuts for the gym wont make you immortal because the life span of a human being is ultimately limited, no matter how healthy you are.

A study conducted in the Netherlands found that a woman will live no longer than 115.7. For men, it is slightly lower at 114.1 years.

The research comes from statisticians at Tilburg and Rotterdams Erasmus University. They studied data from 75,000 people who have died in the Netherlands in the last 30 years.

Professor John Einmahl, one of the three scientists who conducted the research, told the Medical Express: On average, people live longer, but the very oldest among us have not gotten older over the last thirty years. There is certainly some kind of a wall here.

Of course the average life expectancy has increased. Nevertheless, the maximum ceiling hasn't changed.

The study shows theres only so much a healthy lifestyle can do: the life span is unlikely to ever increase beyond 115.

However, the oldest person is thought to have been Jeanne Louise Calment who died at the age of 122 years and 164 days in 1997. Jeanne reportedly ate a kilogram of chocolate a week.
H e has gone from a US prison to dating Sir Philip Greens daughter, all off the back of a glowering police mugshot. But Jeremy Meeks, nicknamed the worlds hottest felon, says his greatest ambition is to be a role model for his children.

Telling Varon magazine about his new life, he said: Its very surreal. Its still hard to believe. Its just a blessing. To go from the life that I came from to this newfound career is just so amazing. I love modelling.

The ex-gang member, 33, became a viral sensation after police in California published his image in February 2014. He had been arrested for possessing an illegal firearm and was convicted and sentenced to 27 months in jail.

After his release last year, he began a modelling career and walked the runway at New York Fashion Week. He is now represented by Supa Model Management and is dating Chloe Green, 26, the daughter of Topshop tycoon Sir Philip.

Summer lovin: Meeks kisses Chloe Green in Barbados

He and the heiress have enjoyed a whirlwind summer romance and been pictured on breaks in Turkey, Florida, Malibu and Barbados. Last week Green denied the pair were getting married, despite showing off a diamond ring on her ring finger.

The couple are said to have began seeing each other while Meeks was with his wife Melissa, with whom he has children aged seven, 11 and 16.

Earlier this year, Meeks was refused entry to the UK at Heathrow airport because of his criminal past. His wife described pictures of him kissing Green on a superyacht as a dagger through the heart.

Jeremy Meeks - In pictures 1 /24 Jeremy Meeks - In pictures Jeremy Meeks shot to fame in 2014 when police posted his mugshot online. Man About Town Jeremy Meeks in his first ever magazine shoot for Man About Town Man About Town Jeremy Meeks prepares backstage for the Philipp Plein collection during, New York Fashion Week: The Shows at New York Public Library Monica Schipper/Getty Images Jeremy Meeks prepares backstage for the Philipp Plein Fall/Winter 2017/2018 Women's And Men's Fashion Show at The New York Public Library on February 13, 2017 Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Youngster Jeremy Meeks spoke about growing up with his father in prison during an interview with Man About Town. Man About Town Jeremy Meeks, right, makes a court appearance with his attorney Tai Bogan July 8, 2014 in Stockton, California Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images Jeremy Meeks in his first ever magazine photoshoot. Man About Town Jeremy Meeks the runway for the Philipp Plein collection during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at New York Public Library on February 13, 2017 in New York Albert Urso/Getty Images Jeremy Meeks prepares backstage for the Philipp Plein collection during, New York Fashion Week: The Shows at New York Public Library Monica Schipper/Getty Images Jeremy 'Hot Felon' Meeks poses backstage for the Moncler Grenoble collection during New York Fashion Week Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Meeks the runway for the Philipp Plein collection during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at New York Public Library on February 13, 2017 in New York Albert Urso/Getty Images The fashion model in an intense shot in Man About Town magazine. Man About Town Blue-eyed fashion model Jeremy Meeks in his first ever UK fashion shoot. Man About Town The tattooed ex-convict appears in Man About Town fashion shoot, which was set to be launched this week. Man About Town NO JUST JARED USAGE<BR/> Chloe Green and Jeremy Meeks out and about in Beverly Hills Splash News Model Jeremy Meeks presents a creation for fashion house Philippe Plein during the Men's Spring/Summer 2018 fashion shows in Milan, on 17 June 2017 AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Meeks and his companion, British heiress Chloe Green look on prior to the French L1 football match between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Louis II stadium in Monaco on 26 November 2017 AFP/Getty Images Chloe Green and Jeremy Meeks attend the Balmain Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2018-2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on 20 January 2018 in Paris, France Getty Images

Meeks said: Im scared of failure and of disappointing my kids. I have a lot of people riding on me and rooting for me. My son looks up to me. So thats what scares me the most, disappointing him.

I just want to do my best, be the best Jeremy Meeks and the best father I can be. Thats what keeps me awake.

I want to help kids and make sure they dont go down the wrong path, those who have no father figures, role models, and get guns out of their hands and show them something different.

Asked what makes an extraordinary person, he said: Hard work, you gotta work hard. Its someone who changes their dreams and passions into a reality. If you can do that youre gonna be an extraordinary person.

Mug shot: Jeremy Meeks / Stockton Police Department/AP

Read the full interview in Varon magazine, out today.
L iam Gallagher really doesn't have feels for Calvin Harris.

The 44-year-old blasted the world famous DJ as boring and rejected any suggestion that DJs have become the new rock stars.

Speaking to Huck, he said: Not in my world, they havent. What, Calvin f****** Harris? The most boring f****** person?

F*** off, mate. Ill tell you what theyve become: the new accountants!

'Boring': DJ Calvin Harris / Frazer Harrison/Getty

Asked if he believes himself to be the greatest living rock icon, Gallagher replied: Others have said it and I do believe theyre not f****** wrong.

I think people are starting to realise what theyve been missing. Someone whos completely 100 per cent into it, someone who doesnt b******* people or stand for b*******.

Liam Gallagher slams Noel for Manchester concert absence

But many failed to echo Gallaghers sentiments with many claiming the former Oasis frontman is over.

One tweeted: Why is he still talking? Lmao Liam is over unlike Calvin Harris, Calvin hits and break many records unlike Liam.

Another posted: Give him a couple of years and he'll become a DJ, 90's rock style is a relic and he is a walking fossil @liamgallagher.

A third couldnt resist taking a swipe at Gallaghers style, tweeting: Cuz we care about what a bloke who thinks camouflage is a fashion statement thinks.

Gallagher recently announced a UK tour in support of his debut solo album As You Were which will see him play venues in Leeds, Glasgow, Plymouth, London, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff and Brighton.

It will kick off in Belfast on October 30 before wrapping up in Manchester with a homecoming gig on December 16.
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The U.S. Marine Corps has ordered another 50,000 M27 IAR (Infantry Automatic Rifle) to see if these would be an effective replacement for M-16 type rifles (like the M-4) in combat units. The M27 costs about three times more than M16 or M4 rifle and is a little heavier. But marines who have used both in combat tend to prefer the M27. This was especially true for marines with many years of combat experience. Some marines have used M27s, on and off, for years.

Widespread M27 use was the result of the marines buying about 15,200 since 2009 as light machine-guns to replace the M249s long used in marine infantry battalions. These battalions were allowed to retain some of the M249s, to give the battalion some options. The marines withdrew from service about 20 percent of their 10,000 M249s once the first 4,200 M27s were delivered. Marines, and infantry in general have always preferred having more automatic weapons. Having some additional light machine-guns (like the M249) in reserve and available for emergency situations has been a marine custom since World War II. But at this point some marines began to note that the M27 was a big improvement on the M4, as well as the M249.

The M27s began entering regular service in 2011 and as more were used in combat it became apparent that the IAR was very effective and popular with its users. In late 2016 the marines experimented with equipping all the riflemen in a battalion with M27s for large scale training exercises and were impressed by the results. That, plus the excellent combat record, led to the willingness to spend over $30 million to buy a lot more. The M27 costs $3,000 each compared to $750 for the standard M4 assault rifle (s variant of the M16 used by the army and marines since the 1960s.)

The M27 is a 3.6 kg (7.9 pound, empty) automatic weapon based on the German HK416. It has a forward grip, a bipod and heavier barrel and can use a 30 or 100 round magazine. Unlike the M249, it does not have an easily replaceable barrel, but it is more accurate and has a slower rate of fire (560-640 rounds per minute). The M27 uses a mechanical system that is less likely to jam, as well as a floating barrel (for better accuracy.) Marines found they could use fewer rounds of more accurate fire with the M27 than they did with the M249. The M27 can use larger magazines but required a skilled and discipline user to prevent barrel overheating. In other words, you only go full automatic if it is necessary. With modern sights and other accessories it is easier to do that, especially 5.56mm weapon that is actually more accurate at longer ranges than the M4 or M249.

The M27 was the result of five years of research and development to create a weapon that would replace the M249, which the army and marines began using in the early 1980s. The marines have had a lot of complaints about the M249 in Iraq (jams from all the dust and sand), and many of the marine M249s are simply wearing out.

The marines were originally looking for an IAR that weighed between 4.8 kg (10.5 pounds) and 5.7 kg (12.5 pounds) empty, used a large magazine (100 rounds or more) as well as the standard M-16 30 round magazine. The heavy barrel on the IAR had to be able to handle sustained fire of 36-75 single shots a minute. The higher number was the ideal. It had to have the standard rail on top for mounting accessories, be resistant to jamming from dust and sand and, in general, be a lot better than the M249. The marines always planned to buy 4,000 weapons initially, and wanted to do so as soon as possible. The marines later sought a manufacturer who could produce the 11,000 additional M27s as quickly as possible because marines in combat made it clear they preferred the IAR. .

U.S. Army Special Forces pioneered the development of the 5.56mm light machine-gun during the 1960s, when they obtained the first experimental models for use in Vietnam. The Special Forces and SEALs were very impressed with the light weight, and heavy firepower, from these weapons. But it took over a decade for the regular army to adopt such a weapon, mainly in response to the success the Russians were having with their own version of the lightweight squad machine-gun. The M27 was a deliberate effort to develop something to fill a niche between the M-4 and the M249.

The army has also expressed interest in an M249 replacement, and have followed the marine search with great interest but have not yet acted. The marines finally selected the lighter HK M27 entry after three months of field testing. The M27 is quite similar to the first American "light machine gun", the M1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle). This was a 7.62mm, 7.25 kg (16 pound) automatic rifle, similar in appearance to the later (1950s), and lighter M-14. The BAR was revolutionary in World War I, and was used by the United States until the 1960s, when it was replaced with 6.6 kg M-14A1s equipped with a heavier barrel. This was not a satisfactory solution, and led to the development of the M249 and the M27.
Apple may be dominating the wireless headphone industry but it apparently hasn't found the same level of success in the live music space. According to a recent report from Music Business Worldwide, Apple will no longer host its annual Apple Music Festival.

The concert series, which got its start in 2007 as the iTunes Festival, was typically held at The Roundhouse in the London district of Camden Town. The series usually spanned a full month in length although there were a few events that lasted just 10 days or less. The 2014 iteration, for example, was only a five-day affair (it was also unique in that it was held in Austin, Texas).

Artists that have performed at previous events include Adele, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Lady Gaga and Arctic Monkeys, just to name a few.

The publication notes that the series' cancellation doesn't necessarily indicate Apple's move away from live events.

The company recently partnered with Haim and Skepta for shows in London and Arcade Fire in Brooklyn. Apple also had a heavy presence at SXSW in Texas earlier this year and sponsored Drake's summer tour last year.

The site speculates that Apple's move could signal a desire to focus on one-off events like these as well as original content efforts. Last summer, if you recall, Apple purchased the rights to the popular Carpool Karaoke series.
We're used to hearing Elon Musk warn us about the terrifying dangers of AI, and now it seems one world leader agrees with him: Vladimir Putin. Not only did the Russian president say that artificial intelligence comes with "threats," he added that whichever country becomes the leader in the field of AI will "rule the world."

Speaking to students at a career guidance forum, Putin said the "future belongs to artificial intelligence." While Russia intends to be a leader when it comes to AI development, he added that "it would be strongly undesirable if someone wins a monopolist position." The president said that Russia would be willing to share its knowledge on the subject with the "entire world." Whether it would be happy to share everything it knows about the subject is another matter.

AI is "the future, not only for Russia but for all humankind," said Putin. "It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are difficult to predict."

"Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world."

Musk was quick to respond to Putin's comments, warning that the race to perfect AI will most likely cause a third world war. The Tesla boss has previously stated that the technology is more of a threat to humanity's existence than North Korea.

China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo. --- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

In a series of tweets, he explained that while Kim Jong-Un risks invasion and the collapse of his leadership if he launched a nuclear weapon, an AI wouldn't hesitate to launch a nuke if it believes it to be the best course of action.

May be initiated not by the country leaders, but one of the AI's, if it decides that a prepemptive strike is most probable path to victory --- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

Last month, Musk joined 116 experts calling for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, which they say could become the "third revolution in warfare."

Speaking at Senate armed Services Committee in July, Gen. Paul Selva - the second highest-ranking general in the US military - said: "I don't think it's reasonable for us to put robots in charge of whether or not we take a human life."
(Image courtesy James Bareham, The Verge)

After Samsung's disastrous ending to 2016, the future of the Galaxy Note was uncertain. Fortunately for both Samsung and consumers, the company elected not to discontinue the line and instead focused on building the Note 7's successor.

That device, the Galaxy Note 8, is set to arrive on September 15 and now that early review embargos have lifted, we've got a pretty good idea of what to expect. Dan Seifert from The Verge immediately addresses one of the Note's strong points - the screen:

It starts with its 6.3-inch Infinity Display that stretches to the very edges of the phone's frame, leaving just a small bezel above and below the screen. This HDR-capable display is everything you'd expect from a high-end Samsung panel: it's crisp, vibrant, and super bright, so it's visible outdoors in direct sunlight. The sheer size of it sucks you in when watching video, and the 18.5:9 aspect ratio lets it display lots of content at once or easily run two apps at the same time in split-screen multitasking mode. Samsung has done everything it can to make this giant screen fit in something that resembles a phone --- shrinking the bezels, elongating its shape, curving the sides --- but there's no avoiding the fact that the Note 8 is a giant phone that comes with giant phone problems. It's almost impossible to use in one hand and it doesn't fit comfortably in any of my pants pockets.

Aside from the display, is there really that much difference between the Note 8 and the Galaxy S8+? Gizmodo's Sam Rutherford:

The Note 8's 6.3-inch 2960 x 1440 super AMOLED display is insignificantly larger than the 6.2-inch screen on the S8 Plus (though that bezel-less design remains strikingly pretty), and its Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 64GB of storage and built-in microSD card reader aren't any different either. Aside from slightly boxier corners, the Note 8's luscious glass and aluminum body is pretty much the same too. You even get the same annoying Bixby Button below the volume rocker, which still can't be remapped to something useful. The one small improvement is that Samsung has upped the Note 8's RAM from 4GB to 6GB, which is nice nod to the Galaxy Note's traditional fan base of power users. However, on a day-to-day basis, it's an improvement that isn't always that noticeable (despite benchmarks that put the Note 8 a tiny bit ahead of its smaller siblings). That means the decision really hedges on Samsung's signature S Pen stylus and the company's first-ever dual camera module.

The Note 8's camera is a winner according to Brian X. Chen from The New York Times:

The Note 8 also has an exceptional camera. Similar to Apple's iPhone 7 Plus, the Note 8 has a dual-lens system. The two lenses work together to produce a so-called bokeh effect: You can show the photo's main subject clearly while gently blurring the background. The Note 8 calls this feature Live Focus, which worked quickly and proficiently in my tests. In the end, the Note 8's photos looked clear and vibrant but oversaturated to me --- though some people prefer that their photos appear exaggerated.

More on the camera from PCWorld's Adam Patrick Murray:

Interface quirks aside, the Note 8 does have a couple nice tricks up its sleeve. First, you can adjust just how much bokeh is introduced into the scene. There's a handy slider to see, in real time, just how much you're affecting the shot. And to take it to another level, the same thing can be done after the photo is snapped! From the gallery app you can save as many different variations as you want since all the info is already embedded in the capture. The Note 8 also saves the photo from the main camera, just in case you want a different perspective of the scene you shot.

(Image courtesy Gizmodo)

TechCrunch's Brian Beater talks about the new S Pen:

I'll be honest, I still don't get it. I still find it tough to write legibly (to be fair, I have the same problem with pen and paper, as my third-grade teacher would tell you), and there are few scenarios in which I find it a superior input method to touchscreen typing. But it has plenty of fans, and it's back, slightly better than before. The tip is a bit thinner and the screen responds to more levels of pressure sensitivity. I didn't use the Note 7's S Pen with any regularity, so I can't claim to notice much of a difference here. Samsung's added a couple of fun new tricks here, as well. The Screen Off Memo, which was introduced in an earlier version, now scrolls up to 100 pages, so you can pen that novella all without ever unlocking the phone. The phone also gets handwritten messages, which are essentially animated GIFs you create with the S Pen that can be shared over text or social message. It's a bit like the finger-drawn memos the iPhone has supported, but a bit more precise, thanks to the S Pen.

Battery life is discussed by David Ruddock from Android Police:

I've had quite a good experience with the Note 8 in regard to battery life, despite the fact that it has both a smaller battery and a larger screen than the S8+. 3300mAh and a 6.3" display sound like a recipe for range anxiety, but I've found the Note's battery life to be as good or even possibly better than the S8+ I tested earlier this year. For me, six hours of screen time was readily achievable in a single day of heavy use with Wi-Fi. Off Wi-Fi, that number is going to decrease, especially if you're spending a lot of time with the phone at high brightness levels, but that's true of any device. The Snapdragon 835 really does seem to be quite an efficient chipset, and Samsung may have found the right balance of performance and power consumption to make the most of it. The Note 8's battery has not left me at all wanting during my test period, and I'm genuinely pleased with its staying power.

CNET's Jessica Dolcourt speaks to one of the Note 8's few shortcomings:

I need to also point out the Note 8's most grating imperfection. The placement of the fingerprint reader off to the side of those two rear cameras drives me bananas. It's plain inconvenient: too high and too off-centered. Even if muscle memory takes over and you get used to it, and even if you use the hit-or-miss iris scanner instead, there's no good reason it shouldn't be in the center of the Note's back like it is on so many other phones. There's no excuse for the world's dominating Android brand to falter on something the rest of the industry has already mastered.

Steve Kovach from Business Insider discusses software and Bixby:

When it comes to the software side of the Galaxy Note 8, it's the same story we've seen for the last few generations of Samsung phones. The company has perfected design and performance, but still struggles to pack in innovative software that rivals what you find from Apple and Google. It's not terrible, and it's definitely not a deal breaker. It's just a step behind the rest. The latest example is Bixby, Samsung's new digital assistant that launched earlier this summer. Bixby is so ingrained in the Note 8 that it even has a dedicated launch button on the left side of the phone. But as I've written before, Bixby feels half baked compared to Google Assistant and Siri. There were many times it didn't understand what I said, and many of my queries just dumped me into a Google search instead of bringing me the answer I wanted. Even Siri is better than that. Bixby should get better over time as more people use it and Samsung teaches it to do more. But for now, you're better off using Google Assistant, which also ships with the Note 8.

Engadget's Chris Velazco sums it up as follows:
With continued lobbying from the tech industry against ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Microsoft has made a bold statement to show that they will go to great lengths to prevent harm from coming to their employees.

In an official statement from Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith, Microsoft has made it very clear that it will do all it can to ensure its current employees remain working in the United States regardless of their past. "If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel. We will also file an amicus brief and explore whether we can directly intervene in any such case. In short, if Dreamers who are our employees are in court, we will be by their side."

Regardless of individual opinions on DACA, a highly defiant statement such as this from Microsoft is out of character given that passing a new bill through Congress could be months away. Microsoft has encouraged the public to ask Congress to provide continued protection to immigrants that are living alongside citizens as equals.

"But we need to put the humanitarian needs of these 800,000 people on the legislative calendar before a tax bill."

Currently, Microsoft has identified 39 employees that would be affected should DACA be put to an end. Halting protection for immigrants that arrived as minors would put 800,000 people at risk of legal action and potentially deportation. According to Microsoft, immigrants living in the US are essential to economic success. The company believes it is a humanitarian requirement to allow them to remain where they now call home.

There is still time for Congress to act on DACA, so Microsoft may never have to start funding legal counsel for its own employees. However, the message has been made loud and clear that the tech industry is adamantly against the removal of long-term immigrants.
Venezuela condemns this event and maintains its principled position of absolute condemnation of terrorist acts, methods and practices. | Read More
Toyota Begins Collaboration with Grab on Ride-Hailing Service







Toyota City, Japan, Aug, 30 2017; Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Toyota Financial Services Corporation (TFS), Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co.,Ltd. (Aioi) and Grab, Inc. (Grab), the largest ride-hailing service company in Southeast Asia, announce a collaboration to provide ride-hailing services throughout Southeast Asia.

The Connected Company, a TMC in-house company, developed the data-transmission TransLog driving recorder, a device that captures driving patterns and deliver telematics services like the vehicle position management system to fleet customers. This project will now be extended to Southeast Asia for the first time.

With TransLog installed in 100 Grab rental cars, Toyota will analyze driving patterns captured by the recording devices, and consider steps to deliver connected services including user-based insurance, financing programs, and predictive maintenance that make up the Toyota Mobility Service Platform (MSPF).

Grab offers the widest range of on-demand transportation services in the most markets in Southeast Asia, with more than 55 million app downloads and over 1.2 million drivers in 87 cities across 7 countries.

"Through this collaboration with Grab, we would like to explore new ways of delivering secure, convenient and attractive mobility services to our fleet customers in Southeast Asia." said Shigeki Tomoyama, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation and President of the Connected Company.

"Toyota is a global leader in the automotive sector and one of the most popular brands with drivers on our platform right across Southeast Asia, and we're excited to work together to explore how we can extend more and better connected car services to our driver partners," said Anthony Tan, co-founder and CEO of Grab Inc. "We are confident this will benefit our driver partners, and we look forward to exploring other ways to collaborate with Toyota in the future."

Through this collaboration with Grab, Toyota will continue to explore further opportunities through its Toyota Mobility Service Platform (MSPF) to deliver even greater benefits to fleet customers.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Police are seeking the publics assistance after a man was found dead on the Trans-Canada Highway early Saturday morning.

Around 2:50 a.m. Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a man lying in the eastbound lane of the Trans-Canada, about six kilometres east of Richer.

The 47-year-old man, who was a Winnipeg resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said in a release on Tuesday afternoon that it is unclear how the man died.

Anyone who may have been in the area that morning or may have seen a man walking near or on the highway is asked to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus a message to CRIMES (274637).
Betsy DeVos is poised to make a major announcement regarding Title IX. Photo: Getty Images

The Trump administrations Department of Education doesnt exactly have a stellar track record when it comes to discussing campus sexual assault. The department reportedly reached out to mens rights groups to get their opinion on how Title IX, a law outlawing sex discrimination in organizations that receive federal funds, should be enforced, and one of its top officials implied that most instances of campus sexual assault are drunken hookups gone wrong (she later apologized for her remarks).

So its likely that Secretary of Education Betsy DeVoss announcement on Title IX, which BuzzFeed News bills as major, will be closely watched. DeVos will reportedly make the announcement on Thursday, during a speech at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School. Officials have described the event as addressing a Title IX policy centered around equal opportunity and equal protection for all, BuzzFeed reports.

Insiders say DeVos will finally detail how the Trump administration plans to enforce Title IX, which the Obama administration interpreted as applying in cases of sexual assault on campus. In its 2011 Dear Colleagues letter, the DOE laid out what steps a school should take if a student reports a sexual assault.

Advocates have said the letter is crucial for encouraging survivors to come forward, but critics say it rigs the system against those accused of sexual assault. In a July interview, DeVos spoke to the challenges of balancing survivors rights with the rights of the accused.

All their stories are important, she said. No student should be the victim of sexual assault. No student should feel unsafe. No student should feel like there isnt a way to seek justice, and no student should feel that the scales are tipped against him or her. We need to get this right.
It looks like some Dreamers have decided to appeal to Javanka. Photo: Getty Images

On Sunday, news broke that President Trump is toying with ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children to live and work in the U.S. White House sources told the New York Times that Congress would be given six months to come up with a replacement for the program, but that its unclear whether Dreamers  or DACA recipients  would be able to renew their protected status during those six months.

Some of Trumps aides have reportedly been pushing him to extend Dreamers protected status  among them Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. And on Monday night, a handful of Dreamers held a vigil outside Javankas Washington home asking them to save DACA.

Concerned Community members from WA, CA, NM, AZ, TX, ID, VA holding a vigil outside Jared Kushner & @IvankaTrump's house #DefendDACA pic.twitter.com/caGf0mIFah  Cris Ruiz (@votecris2040) September 5, 2017

Powerful video sent to me of a young activist standing up for DREAMers outside of @IvankaTrump's house right now. #DefendDACA pic.twitter.com/CBN1daFxaO  Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 5, 2017

According to one Twitter user, the protesters came from seven different states to appeal to the First Daughter and her husband. Ending the program would potentially rescind the legal status of 800,000 Dreamers, and could make them vulnerable to deportation, the Times reports.

Unfortunately, its unlikely Ivanka and Jared can do anything about it  the president has steamrolled over their protests in the past on issues like withdrawing from the Paris climate accord and banning transgender troops from serving in the U.S. military, and the First Daughter recently said she desperately wants to lower expectations of what she can achieve within her dads administration.

She also told allies that she wants to be held accountable solely on those issues she is actively working on, and as of now, immigration isnt one of them. Wonder if shes still feeling the same way about this story?
OTTAWABoeing Co. has no plans to back down in its trade dispute with Canadian rival Bombardier  a high-stakes, cross-border conflict that the U.S. transportation giant says could have long-term ramifications for the future of the entire aerospace sector.

The potential consequences of the Boeing-Bombardier standoff extend beyond any single deal  especially for Boeing itself, said Marc Allen, president of Boeings international division.

In Canada, we face a situation with a competitor, an emerging competitor, that has, yes, long received government support  but that just went beyond the pale in 2016, Allen said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

That aggressive move had to be addressed if we really believe in establishing a global architecture that will create the greatest prosperity for our industry and for us as a company in the long term.

Boeing triggered the dispute earlier this year when it complained that Montreal-based Bombardier was selling its CSeries passengers jets to U.S.-based Delta Air Lines at an unfairly low price, thanks to loans and grants from both the province of Quebec and the federal government.

When the U.S. Commerce Department and its associated International Trade Commission agreed in May to investigate the complaint, the Trudeau government fired a warning shot, threatening to scrap its multibillion-dollar interim plan to buy 18 of Boeings interim Super Hornet fighter jets.

Read more:

Boeing asks U.S. government to delay decision on Bombardier CSeries duties

Fighter jet talks suspended with Boeing amid its trade spat with Bombardier, Ottawa says

Harjit Sajjan lashes out at Boeing over trade spat with Bombardier

The interim (fighter) procurement requires a trusted industry partner, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said on May 31, in what amounted to the governments strongest public words on the dispute to date.

Our government is of the view their action against Bombardier is unfounded. It is not the behaviour we expect of a trusted partner and we call on Boeing to withdraw it.

Boeing initially hoped to resolve the dispute through diplomacy, Allen said, and convinced the U.S. government last year to send an official note to Canada, known as a demarche.

There was just no response, Allen said. It was clear that no progress was going to be made, and that if any progress was going to be had, it would have to be through some form of enforcement action.

Boeing knew the dispute would spark a strong reaction from Ottawa, Allen continued, but company executives decided that it needed to take action in order to protect the firms broader interests.

And while the American aerospace titan  which also happens to employ thousands of people across Canada  would still prefer finding a resolution through more amicable means, Allen said it is singularly focused on achieving its objectives.

Theres certainly no desire to do something that any one of our customers or any one of our sovereign-state partners would take offence at, he said. But the effort to enforce our interests in an even playing field in aerospace is a very large interest.

Some have questioned why Boeing is being so aggressive; the CSeries planes manufactured by Bombardier do not directly compete with the U.S. companys existing passenger jets.

But Allen said the situation has echoes of the rapid ascent of Airbus, the European consortium that was formed in the 1970s and has since grown to become the second largest aerospace company in the world, and Boeings most formidable rival.

We watched another competitor come up and enter the market in a very similar fashion, he said. And in retrospect, I think that you find across the board in U.S. aerospace, people . . . who would have said they wish they had confronted the uneven playing field.

Boeing and Airbus have been locked in their own trade dispute at the World Trade Organization for more than a decade.

Many defence officials and industry representatives have circled Sept. 25 on their calendars; thats the date the U.S. Commerce Department is scheduled to release the preliminary findings of its investigation into Bombardier.

But Allen said he expects the dispute to drag into next year, as U.S. officials finalize their findings and decide whether to level fines or tariffs against the Canadian manufacturer.

That could force the federal Liberal government into making a decision about whether to move ahead with the Super Hornet purchase, or abandon it before a final decision is reached.

The Trudeau government announced in November its plan to purchase the planes to temporarily fill a critical shortage of fighter jets until a full competition can be run to replace the aging CF-18s.

The government said at the time that the Super Hornet was the only aircraft able to meet its immediate requirements, including being a mature design compatible with U.S. fighters.

Since the Boeing-Bombardier spat erupted, however, it has largely cut off direct contact with the U.S. company and says that all options for filling the fighter-jet shortage are on the table.

Many defence experts, including 13 retired air force commanders, have criticized the plan to purchase interim Super Hornets and called for an immediate competition to replace the CF-18s.

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Maybe Travis Kalanick and Steve Jobs were on to something.

There are more entrepreneurs in countries where ruthless business traits are held in higher esteem  even after controlling for gender, education level and gross domestic product per capita, according to a review by researchers at Aston Business School in the U.K. and Kansas State University in the U.S.

About one in eight people in the U.S. have set up their own business. In places such as Belize, Burkina Faso and Peru, that figure is closer to one in four, according to data gathered by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor consortium, a study group based out of the London Business School.

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In most areas of the world, charisma is seen as a desirable trait. Think of bosses such as Richard Branson, who has brokered audacious deals for his Virgin group of companies  including plans for space travel  by dint of his personality. But characteristics vital to self-preservation are more highly valued in countries with more entrepreneurs, surveys showed.

You need to be able to elicit co-operation from others, but at the same time, you cant give too much away, so you need to be a bit guarded, competitive and hard-nosed, said Ute Stephan, a professor at Aston Business School. When these two things come together in a culture, thats when you have the highest entrepreneurship rates.

People in Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American countries were likely to say they valued self-protectiveness in leaders  characterized by face-saving behaviour that could spark conflict  as well as charisma, defined as demonstrating integrity and inspiration to employees, highly valued in places such as Denmark, Finland and South Korea.

Consider Chile, where around a third of adults in the country are entrepreneurs. At $24,000 (U.S.), it has a similar GDP per capita as Croatia ($22,400), but double the proportion of entrepreneurs.

Its people prefer strong-willed leaders, while Croatians tend more toward nice bosses, according to the review. Chile also has a similar GDP growth rate to the U.S., though its proportion of entrepreneurs is around 10 percentage points higher than the U.S., where people put less of a premium on strong-willed leaders.

Sarat Pediredla, 36, was born in India but moved to the U.K.  which has similar rates of entrepreneurship  in the late 1990s. Now, as chief executive of app developer Hedgehog Lab, he has experienced life working in offices in the U.K., U.S. and India.

In the West, were a lot more diplomatic, he said. In India, its very cutthroat in terms of the competition. I see a lot more collaboration in the U.K. than in other cultures.

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COPENHAGENFor Lego, its time to break down the blocks and start again.

After building up sales aggressively since a near bankruptcy in 2004 through new ventures like films and new toy lines, the company seems to have hit a peak. Its sales are now falling for the first time in 13 years and it says it needs to simplify its operations.

That means cutting 1,400 jobs, or eight per cent of its global workforce.

The privately held Danish firm said Tuesday that it now prepares to reset the company, with a new CEO due to take over in October.

We will build a smaller and less complex organization than we have today, which will simplify our business model in order to reach more children, said Chairman Joergen Vig Knudstorp.

Revenue dropped 5 per cent in the first six months of the year, to 14.9 billion kroner $2.4 billion, mainly as a result of weaker demand in key markets like the U.S. and Europe, where sales had risen strongly for years. Profits slipped 3 per cent to 3.4 billion kroner $544 million.

Classic toy lines, such as Lego City, did well, as did products associated with The Lego Batman Movie.

But revenue in other lines did not do as well, with investments in some new products not yielding the desired benefits.

Analysts said that while the revenue drop was disappointing, it had to come at some point after years of growth.

You hit a peak, said Jim Silver, the CEO and editor in chief of toy review site TTPM. Nothing keeps going up like that.

Silver said the company grew rapidly as it launched new products, such as its Lego Friends line aimed at girls. The Lego Movie, which was released three years ago, helped, too.

Looking ahead, Silver said Lego has some bright spots: Its Star Wars sets are selling well. And a September movie based on its Ninjago line could have kids asking for Legos.

But the traditional toy industry is as a whole coming off a strong few years driven by innovation and a boom in interest in collectibles.

Vig Knudstorp said the long-term aim is to get sales growing again in Europe and the United States and noted opportunities in growing markets such as China, where sales were up by double digits so far this year.

The company, he said, needs to simplify its business model to reduce costs. Especially since 2012, the group has been adding new businesses as it embarked on ventures like films.

We have added complexity into the organization which now in turn makes it harder for us to grow further, Vig Knudstorp said.

He said that while Lego will try to engage kids and parents through online products, such as digital social platforms and coding sets, the physical plastic toy blocks remain the focus.

The brick is the heart of our business, Vig Knudstorp said.

He told Denmarks TV2 station that staff cuts would mainly affect administration and sales, not production.

Last month, the maker of the famous coloured building blocks appointed Niels B. Christiansen, who headed thermostat-maker Danfoss for nine years, as its chief executive to replace interim CEO Bali Padda. Christiansen will start Oct. 1.

Lego, which currently has 18,200 employees, does not release quarterly figures.

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What we talk about when we talk about NAFTA: heres everything you need you know to stay up to speed on the trade deal renegotiation. Well keep you in the loop through every twist and turn.

THE LATEST

Aug. 23:U.S. President Donald Trump, in keeping with some of his prior rhetoric on the trade deal, predicted the demise of NAFTA in a campaign-style speech Aug. 22 in Phoenix, Ariz.

I told you from the first day, we will renegotiate NAFTA or we will terminate NAFTA, he said. I personally dont think you can make a deal without termination, but well see what happens. Youre in good hands, I can tell you.

Canadas response: Keep calm and carry on. Trade negotiations often have moments of heated rhetoric, Adam Austen, a spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, told the Star on Aug. 23. Our priorities remain the same, and we will continue to work hard to modernize NAFTA, supporting millions of middle class jobs.

Mexico also played it cool. Secretary for Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray, tweeted in Spanish: No surprises: we are already in a negotiation. Mexico will remain on the table with serenity and firmness and national interest ahead.

Even Trumps own chief trade official tried to downplay the significance of Trumps latest remarks. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, in a statement, said Trump has been clear from the very beginning that, if the NAFTA renegotiation is unsuccessful, he will withdraw from the agreement.

Under the Presidents direction, USTR has begun renegotiating NAFTA to seek substantial changes that address its fundamental failures and create fair trade policy that benefits all Americans.

Aug. 20: The first round of the renegotiations concluded in Washington, D.C. In a joint statement, Canada, Mexico and the U.S. committed to keeping an aggressive pace in pursuit of a new deal. The goal is to wrap up negotiations by the end of the year.

Sept. 4: At the second round of talks in Mexico City, negotiators ran into early sticking points on nearly every major element considered key to crafting a new deal. A source told The Canadian Press the tone is negative. One example the source gave was that Canada wants greater access to professional visas but the Americans have pushed off that conversation.

WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

NAFTA  the North American Free Trade Agreement. Its a trade deal between Canada, the United States and Mexico, which basically sets the ground rules for the exchange of goods and services between the three countries. It also applies to cross-border investment and who can bid on government contracts in each country, and includes procedures for ironing any disputes that come up (and they do come up).

The original deal came into effect in 1994, when it superseded the original Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States. If you care enough to read about NAFTA, you probably recall that this previous deal caused quite the discussion during the 1988 federal election, with Brian Mulroneys Conservatives pushing for the agreement with the U.S.

Twenty-three years after NAFTA came into force, the participating countries are now renegotiating it for the first time.

WHY IS IT BEING RENEGOTIATED?

Because of Trump. He repeatedly denounced NAFTA as a bad deal when he was campaigning for president, promising to make a better agreement for Americans or just kill it.

Whether the deal is good or bad depends how you look at it. Some point to increases in trade and investment in the NAFTA zone since it was signed. Others say manufacturing jobs, particularly in Canada and the U.S., have moved to Mexico where wages are lower.

Either way, Canada and Mexico reluctantly came to the table stating that theyd like to modernize the 23-year-old deal, which was signed before the ascendancy of the internet. So here we are.

HOT STATS

Canada-U.S. trade was worth $752 billion in 2016. That makes the U.S. by far Canadas largest trading partner (China is second, with $85 billion in trade last year).

Total trade  as measured by each countrys imports from the other NAFTA partners  was worth more than $1.3 trillion at the end of 2015, according to the Canadian government. Thats more than triple what it was when the agreement was signed.

The share of Canadian GDP that comes from manufacturing has dropped to 10 per cent in 2014 from 17 per cent in 1995, according to estimates from the World Bank. Its not clear how much of that is linked with the effects of NAFTA (some observers point to increasing machine automation and trade with other countries).

TIMELINE FOR THE TALKS

Its expected there will be seven to nine rounds of talks, each happening roughly three weeks apart, alternating between the three countries. The first one was in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 16 to 20.

Mexico would like negotiations completed early next year before its presidential elections. The U.S. has its own timeline pressures  the midterm congressional elections in 2018.

Canada expects the talks could last months, and has signalled that it is all right with the quick timeline called for by the U.S. and Mexico.

But even if a deal is reached by the middle of next year, it could then take up to 12 months to ratify, and that could see the trade debate carry into the run-up to the 2019 federal election.

CANADAS PRIORITIES

Now that this thing is going down, Canada is pushing for some improvements of its own. The country wants:

New chapters in the agreement on gender, Indigenous peoples, labour standards and the environment, with countries maintaining the right to address climate change;

Less red tape;

Easier cross-border travel for business professionals;

To protect key agricultural industries such as dairy, poultry and egg farming where production and supplies are managed under quota systems;

To preserve the dispute resolution systems in the original deal;

To enshrine clear rules for digital commerce, such as tariff-free digital trade within the NAFTA zone and privacy protections for consumer data held in Canadian-located computer servers;

To protect sensitive sectors such as Canadian cultural industries and telecommunications;

To ensure Canada is exempt from Buy American policies in federal and state procurement and infrastructure programs;

To protect the free movement of goods that allow integrated industries such as the automotive and manufacturing sectors to ship parts back and forth across borders;

U.S. PRIORITIES

The U.S. wants:

Stronger protection for U.S. intellectual property, including patents, copyrights and trademarks, a perennial demand of big pharmaceutical companies;

Tighter rules of origin that ensure goods and materials are sourced only from the United States and North America (this is a big deal for the auto industry);

Equivalent labour and environmental standards, a move that would raise the cost of doing business in Mexico and remove the incentive for manufacturers to move there;

Greater access for U.S. companies bidding on government procurement contracts in Canada and Mexico while protecting its ability to restrict procurement and infrastructure projects to American suppliers;

The removal of exemptions for NAFTA partners when the U.S. applies safeguard measures to protect American industries against dumping or unfair subsidies.

MEXICAN PRIORITIES

And Mexico is demanding:

Greater access for agricultural products with clearer rules, expeditious procedures and the elimination of barriers to trade;

More labour mobility;

Improved border infrastructure to facilitate the flow of cross-border goods. (Mexico insists it will not pay for Trumps promised construction of a border wall);

Updated energy provisions;

Greater access to U.S. and Canadian markets for Mexican financial service providers and investors;

Greater integration of the telecommunication markets of the three countries;

More effective protection of intellectual property and updated provisions to account for the digital economy and e-commerce.

WHAT STAKEHOLDERS ARE SAYING

Governments arent the only ones in on the action. Labour groups, business conglomerates, industry representatives, political partisans, the trade world commentariat  all of them have something to say.

Unifor, which counts more than 23,000 autoworkers among its members, says NAFTA has driven the flight of manufacturing jobs out of Canada to Mexico and overseas. Theres no question the Mexicans have taken our lunch, especially on auto. The question is, what do we do about? How do we wrestle back some of the manufacturing? Unifor President Jerry Dias says.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says Canada should look for common ground with the U.S. on measures to reclaim manufacturing jobs. The centre wants an end to the investor-state dispute settlement provision, under Chapter 11. This allows corporations to sue a government over unfair laws or regulations. But the centre says foreign investors have used it to target government measures in the areas of environmental protection and management of natural resources. Overly broad powers have been used to frustrate the legitimate exercise of government authority, the centre claims.

The Business Council of Canada said renegotiating the trade pact is both a risk and an opportunity for Canada. While doing no harm is our first priority, achieving only this would be a missed opportunity, the submission said. It urges negotiators to modernize Canadas trade ties with the U.S. and Mexico in areas such as intellectual property, labour mobility, procurement, the environment and regulatory co-operation. The council fears the U.S. will rewrite NAFTAs rules of origin and push for wording that would allow the unilateral imposition of duties or other penalties without any form of dispute settlement.

The Conservative party, which is pro-free trade, says the NAFTA deal could be modernized to include digital commerce and to upgrade rules around new technologies. Conservative MP Randy Hoback, the partys critic for Canada-U.S. relations and vice-chair of the Commons trade committee, says a new deal should, for example, set out harmonization of regulation for how countries would treat novel developments such as driverless trucks and cars.

The New Democrats support a renegotiation to modernize NAFTA, protection of Canadas supply management system in agricultural sectors and retention of the state-to-state dispute settlement mechanism in the current deals Chapter 19, key to protecting Canadian softwood lumber and diafiltered milk against U.S. complaints. (Diafiltration is an additional step in milk processing sometimes done to achieve a higher protein concentration.)

But NDP trade critic Tracey Ramsey also takes aim at the investor-state dispute settlement mechanism. I believe Canada should insist that this is removed, said Ramsey. Were the most sued country in the world under these provisions, mostly for trying to protect our environment.

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The mother of Chanie Wenjack, the 12-year-old boy who froze to death while on the run from a residential school and who later inspired a generation of Canadians to learn about this devastating chapter in Canadas history, has died.

Mrs. Agnes Wenjack passed away in a Geraldton, Ontario hospital on September 1. A mother, a great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, the matriarch of the Ogoki Post, Marten Falls First Nations family was 89-years-old.

Her son, Chanie, was found dead by Canadian National Railway workers on October 23, 1966, after he ran away from Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School. He was trying to walk home  a nearly 1,000 km journey.

His death might have gone unnoticed if it werent for a 1967 Macleans magazine article, The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack, that movingly catalogued the tragic last movements of the boys life. An inquest was held into Chanies death but the family was not told about it. They didnt have a chance to participate and they did not learn any details about how he died until they read it in the Macleans article.

Fifty years after Chanies death, his life has become an iconic symbol of the residential school era in Canada and the inspiration behind musician Gord Downie and documentary film maker Mike Downies, Secret Path initiative.

Across Canada there were 139 church run, federally funded residential schools operating from the mid-19th century until the 1990s. In Ontario there were seventeen, fifteen in northern Ontario and only two in the south. The schools were intended to assimilate Indigenous kids into Canadian society by taking them away from their families, their language and culture. About 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children attended residential school and it is estimated 6,000 died while there.

Agnes Wenjack died on Sept. 1, 2017 at the age of 89.





Cecilia Jeffrey, which changed Chanies first name to Charlie, was operational until 1974.

Marten Falls is a community within Nishnawabe Aski Nation, a political organization of 49 northern Ontario First Nations. Mrs. Wenjack was the matriarch of the Wenjack family, she loved to hunt, camp and fish. She was also a survivor of the residential school system, noted NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

Like many families whose children were lost to the Indian residential school system, Agnes waited a lifetime for an explanation of why her sons brief life had to end the way it did, Fiddler said in a statement.

She never received an answer, but we pray that she found some comfort having lived to see Chanies story immortalized as a catalyst for reconciliation, and a lasting tribute to all Residential School students who never made it home.

Co-creator of the Secret Path multimedia project, Mike Downie, expressed his condolences at Mrs. Wenjacks death. The Downie family, brothers Gord and Pat, have worked with the Wenjacks to create the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack FundGord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to teach Canadians about residential schools.

May her strength, love and devotion help guide and comfort you on your lifes long journey, he said.

Mrs. Wenjack leaves behind her surviving daughters, Pearl Achneepineskum, Daisy Munroe, Evelyn Baxter and Annie Wenjack and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Jim Wenjack. A funeral will be held in Geraldton on Wednesday.

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Barricades erected by Six Nations people near Caledonia have been dismantled, marking an end to an occupation that lasted for nearly a month.

An OPP spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that officers intercepted the development on Monday. A verbal interaction occurred between land defenders and OPP officers and they were subsequently instructed to leave, said Rod Leclair. Officials are on-site clearing leftover debris, he added.

The issue is linked to a contentious move by the Six Nations Elected Band Council to place a parcel of land into a federal corporation, ostensibly defaulting on a promise entered into by Ontario and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in 2006 to stem the Caledonia Standoff, a protest that grew to a fever pitch after Indigenous people occupied a subdivision called the Douglas Creek Estates.

The unelected, hereditary council want the Burtch lands, located near Brantford, to be independent from the Canadian government, citing expropriation concerns. It validates its position through a letter signed by former Ontario premier David Peterson which says the land will return to its original state and status under the Haldimand Proclamation, an official order of 1784 that gave land to the Haudenosaunee people for their military allegiance to the British during the American Revolutionary War.

The blockade was initially located on Argyle St., a thoroughfare outside Caledonia. On Monday, the barricade was transplanted to Highway 6 and Sixth Line Rd., where it was later shut down, said Caledonia councillor Craig Grice.

As of right now, Argyle St. is clear, Sixth Line is clear, he said. Were just waiting for the reopening of the bypass. It was a small group of protestors that didnt have the support inside Six Nations and I think that was proved last night.

The OPP is investigating a fire that was set on Saturday on railroad tracks near the site of the botched occupation. No demonstrators were seen on Monday afternoon in the area, said Leclair, and no arrests have been made.

Grice said he is relieved, that the hope is to move on.

We are forever tied to relations, friendships, and business inside Six Nations, the last 11 years have really come a long way to bring us forward from 2006, he said. I know a lot of residents were concerned that wed be going back there again, and Im certainly glad to see that hasnt happened.

Members of Six Nations who were manning the barricade said the land transfer is unacceptable, in a press release issued over the weekend.

The Canadian government has broken its promise by transferring the land to the Elected Band Council system and their corporations, it says. While the actions spurred by the Burtch lands in particular are seemingly internal, this is about the bigger issues in the context of land transfer, sovereignty and self-determination.

If Ontario does not want to further contribute to internal division, they will halt all land transfers to the (Six Nations Elected Band Council) and return to the negotiation table.

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OTTAWACanadian Army commander Lt.-Gen. Paul Wynnyk is hoping the federal governments new defence policy means the days of pinching pennies to properly train his soldiers are finally in the past.

Much of the attention around the Liberals defence policy has focused on the large amounts of money promised for new equipment such as fighter jets and warships.

The army will benefit from this bonanza, with new air-defence weapons and logistical vehicles among the extra $62 billion that the government has promised for the Canadian Forces over the next 20 years.

But what has Wynnyk most excited is that the government has  for the first time  promised to train Canadas soldiers to what he considers the required level.

Throughout the years, when I look back at my career, we havent always had a government promise or a government commitment to do that, and by extension the funding to do that, Wynnyk told The Canadian Press.

Read more: Highlights from the Liberals new defence policy

Liberals shift in defence and foreign policy reflect new reality in the U.S.: Hebert

Liberals hike military spending to pay for more soldiers, fighters, warships

So I think thats an incredibly important thing that was included in this defence policy, which we havent necessarily seen in the past.

The defence policy specifically states that training to what is known as the brigade-group level is the minimum required to be able to conduct large military operations that include non-army units and allies.

Yet funding hasnt always been available to train to that level, especially following the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan and deep spending cuts under the Harper Conservatives starting in 2012.

The army managed to keep training at the brigade-group level, Wynnyk said, but it was almost on an ad hoc-basis in terms of cobbling together the funding, having to borrow from one area to go to another.

One of the areas from which money was drawn? Infrastructure, which has been historically underfunded across the Canadian Forces because of a shortage of funding in other priority areas.

We had to make hard choices, Wynnyk said. We didnt cut on (training), but we had to skimp and penny-pinch in a number of areas to make sure that that continued.

The army commander also has high hopes for the future of the military reserves, which are facing a dramatic overhaul after struggling with a shortage of people and equipment for years.

The fate of the part-time force is especially important to Wynnyk given that between 65 and 70 per cent of its members belong to the army reserve, which plays a huge role in virtually all army operations.

The Canadian Forces is supposed to have 28,500 reservists, but the actual number has been thousands less because of problems with recruiting and retention.

The defence policy calls for the reserve force to be expanded to 30,000, as well as shorter recruiting times and four years of guaranteed summer employment to keep them in uniform.

Wynnyk, who started his own 36-year career as an army reservist, is hoping those changes will reverse what had become a steady decline in the size of the part-time force in recent years.

The defence policy also plans to turn reserve units into specialized troops capable of supporting regular-force units with special skills or abilities, such as mortar units, linguists, cyber operators and technicians.

Some reservists have previously complained about a lack of resources to do even their basic jobs right; Wynnyk said there is some validity to those complaints, but the plan is to fix all those issues.

What we will end up doing is making sure that every reserve unit has an operational role, and they have the force-generation base to actually deploy people on a sustained basis, Wynnyk said.

This is actually pretty significant. We havent been there in the past, we havent been funded to do this in the past.

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A man is in serious condition after he was stabbed while out for a jog late Monday night.

Paramedics said a man in his 20s was taken to a trauma centre just after 11 p.m. According to police, he was stabbed in the back.

Police described the mans wound as small, and said Tuesday morning that his injuries are not life-threatening.

The victim was found at Dupont St. and Manning Ave., near Christie St., but Toronto police believe he was stabbed elsewhere.

At this point, police do not have a motive for the attack, and currently believe it to be unprovoked, according to Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook.

Police are looking for a suspect described as a man between the ages of 55 and 60, with short grey hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt tucked into his pants. He was last seen holding a large hunting knife.

No arrests have been made.

With files from Alexandra Jones and Brennan Doherty

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Jeannine Amber remembers the time when people began screaming racial epithets and throwing beer bottles in her Toronto neighbourhood.

Her father Arnold Amber, the long-time president of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, ran outside and onto the road to yell back at them.

I wanted him to come back inside and I was scared he was going to get hurt, recalled Jeannine, who was a child at the time. But he stayed out there. Thats just who he was.

The gutsy free speech advocate, union leader and CBC executive producer took the same approach to those who stood in the way of social justice  and good reporting.

He never strayed away from standing up for people and he was very big on social justice advocacy. It was his passion, Jeannine said.

Arnold Amber died on Labour Day, age 77, after battling an aggressive form of cancer for about a month. He also suffered two strokes over the summer.

Amber was president of the CJFE for about 25 years  the longest-running leader in the organizations history. He was also (among other things) an executive producer at the CBC, a union leader at the Canadian Media Guild, and a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Africa and Europe.

He was someone who I knew was just dedicated to social justice and to workers rights, to journalists rights, to free expression. He really, really believed in those things to his core, said Tom Henheffer, executive director of CJFE.

Hes leaving shoes that just cant be filled.

Amber hired Henheffer in October 2013 to help manage the free speech and journalistic advocacy organization. By the time he died, CJFE had racked up an impressive series of victories: it helped win the freedom of Al-Jazeera English reporter Mohamed Fahmy who spent almost two years jailed in Egypt, pushed for anti-SLAPP legislation in Ontario and is currently lobbying for a bill to protect journalistic sources.

He was the man who built CJFE into what it is, Henheffer said.

Jeannine and her brother David said they believe their father will be remembered for his passion for social justice advocacy, caring for his family and colleagues as well as his dry, sarcastic sense of humour.

He wasnt a big man physically but he was a force to be reckoned with, David said.

Amber also had a hand in the creation of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, which advocates for the protection of free expression around the world. He has won three Gemini awards for international news coverage and in 2014 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom.

As a union organizer, Amber fought hard for the CBC to create permanent jobs rather than a string of year-long contracts. He gave hundreds of CBC workers a shot at a steady job and pension.

A tribute by Lise Lareau, former national president of the Canadian Media Guild, called him a warrior in the fight for whats right and fair.

It is beyond fitting that he died on Labour Day, she wrote.

Lareau said that Amber was a strong force behind the scenes in both his journalistic life and his union work.

Hundreds of people who have permanent jobs at CBC can thank Arnold, Lareau said in an interview. I think hes one person thats impacted more people at the CBC than any one other . . . and people are in tears.

Amber is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughters Jeannine and Gillian, his son, David, and four grandchildren. A private funeral will be held later this week, as well as a memorial service at a later date.

He was always an advocate for those without a voice, David said. Whether that was his colleagues or his family. He was also looking after and caring for everybody.

Correction  September 7, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Arnold Amber received a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Media Guild in 2014. In fact, he won a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom

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TORONTOSerina Manek has been living in Leslieville for seven years and has watched it go from a rough-around-the-edges area in Torontos east end, to one of the citys most desirable neighbourhoods.

The demand for Leslieville was always building, she says, but when the condos started going up, the boom of young families started to have an effect on the neighbourhood dynamic and, ultimately, the schools.

It was starting to burst at the seams with just the young families coming in at first, said Manek, who has a 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. But with the addition of the condos, things are becoming unmanageable. Its too much.

Toronto public schools in condo-heavy neighbourhoods are starting to feel the squeeze of a dense population. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has been warning new home buyers in certain neighbourhoods that not all children will be accommodated in their home school.

TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird says the board has placed signs on the street level warning potential home buyers that a spot in a home school isnt guaranteed and similar warnings are also included in the home buyers agreement. Bird says the most recent statistics show that there are 110 new developments in Toronto with those warnings.

Leslieville is one of them and Manek says that she doesnt know if her daughter will be able to go to the same school as her brother when she starts kindergarten.

Its unsettling to walk around the neighbourhood and see that sign, and for that to be your form of communication, Manek said. I guess the frustration is the communication, but I dont know where that communication would come from.

Sitting in a buzzing Leslieville park  one that Manek notes used to be empty a few years ago  she says that she doesnt see the population boom as sustainable.

Her friend, Holly Andruchuk, will be sending her son to his first year of kindergarten in the upcoming school year, but says that the implications of her crowded nearby school just keep piling up.

Their school, Morse Street Junior Public School, is nestled on a small street just off of Leslievilles main thoroughfare. In 2010, it was home to around 200 students, according to the TDSB. This year, its grown more than double that with over 500 students. Bird says the dramatic increase is due to changing demographics in the region, as well as the addition of French immersion at the school.

Andruchuk says that the high number of students means that her son will be in a classroom with as many as 27 other students, and that is one of five kindergarten classes this year. And his classroom will be on the second floor, which she says is unusual for a kindergarten student.

Our teacher on orientation night actually said that, because were on the second floor, our kids dont go outside as often, Andruchuk said. Because in winter time, trying to dress 4-and 5-year-olds (and then get them down the stairs) is a challenge on its own.

However, Andruchuk is optimistic that her sons education wont suffer. She believes that the community will have to step up to support their children in a way that a stressed school system might not be able to. Her friend Manek, however, is not so sure. She thinks that ultimately, some parents will give up on the Leslieville area and move on further away.

Whether a community culture can save Leslieville or not, the problem isnt isolated to the one Toronto neighbourhood. Bird says the housing development warnings are sprawled in locations all across the city.

Next door in Mississauga, the Peel District School Board (PDSB) uses the same warning messages to prospective buyers in the crowded city centre area, where more families are living in condos than originally expected.

The numbers would bear out a trend that families are seeking a more affordable form of apartment condominiums, said Randy Wright, a planning controller with the PDSB, who says that finding land for new schools for the incoming families is proving to be a difficult task.

And across the country in Vancouver, the citys public school board says it cant always guarantee that students will be able to go to their home school and may have to be bussed out to further schools.

In the meantime, Andruchuk and Manek are gearing up for the upcoming school year and plan to volunteer in the school system as much as possible.

I will always put my kids education first, Manek said.

Correction  September 7, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the name of Morse Street Junior Public School.

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From last Wednesday to Monday, Toronto saw at least one shooting each day  a chilling series of events that included the deaths of two people: 22-year-old Jovane Clarke and 34-year-old Awad Hurre.

Six of the seven shootings took place in an area of the city police call the northwest corridor  which includes a large part of North York and some parts of Etobicoke and York, bordered by Bayview Ave. to the east and the Humber river to the west. The seventh took place in Regent Park on Monday.

The attacks have injured communities, roused advocates, and left police searching for answers.

When something like that happens, it shakes up the community, said Keaton Austin, an Etobicoke pastor who advocates for safety of young people. It makes the community get in more trouble; its more violated. The community is traumatized.

The string of events was particularly unnerving to police because of the public nature of some of the incidents.

Read more:

Victim of North York mall shooting identified

Police seeking possible links between deadly North York shootings

Two men shot in Black Creek

Like the 2012 Eaton Centre shooting deaths of Ahmed Hassan and Nixon Nirmalendran, which drew the citys attention toward gun violence, the shooting that killed Clarke took place inside a busy mall. Many shoppers and staff at Sheridan Mall in North York witnessed the attack, which took place around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The shooting death of Hurre just two days later bore similarities to Clarkes death that police said they could not ignore.

Both victims were targeted for unknown reasons. Both were killed in public spaces with lots of people around. The two victims lived in the same apartment building, where Hurre was found dead.

In each case, police said they were looking for four suspects.

On Saturday Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook called Clarkes killing, along with two non-fatal shootings that occurred Wednesday and Friday, concerning.

I dont want to say that it is a threat to public safety, she said. It is a concern.

Const. Caroline de Kloet said Monday the message is the same, and called on communities to assist with investigations.

In the wake of the attacks, Austin thinks more must be done to improve the security and safety of the areas where the shootings took place.

The Sheridan Mall is not the Eaton Centre, Austin said. A bunch of community housing, a bunch of people who are not that well off live in that area. If it was downtown, there would be more outcry.

Part of that, he said, means prioritizing security guards in malls, apartment buildings, and other busy spaces in that area of the city. (Sheridan Mall management did not discuss security details but said there was security in place at the location.)

Austin also called gun access a major problem.

How are they getting the firearms? he said Monday. I think it should be way more stiff penalties with the firearms.

Homicide data made public by Toronto police show that, while 26 per cent of total Toronto homicides occurred in the northwest corridor between 2007 and 2016, 34 per cent of shooting homicides occurred in that area over the same period of time  110 shooting homicides out of 163 for the area.

Toronto police were unable to immediately comment on the specific shooting homicide statistics for the northwest corridor on Monday.

We do know that area is a concern, de Kloet said.

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Theres sweetness to packing the children back to school for a fresh academic year. If your Facebook feeds are like mine, they popped up with photos of kids walking on sidewalks shouldering their backpacks, or standing on the front porch holding blackboards declaring their new grades.

Much like time that continually draws curtains on a past less chronicled, social media feeds curated for cuteness obscure the yelling, the tears, the hustle-bustle of getting ready on school mornings.

When our children go to school, we expect inventions and new discoveries in science and math to have changed the curriculum from the years we learned those subjects. But we view history as static, assuming our scholarship of it was reasoned, factual and complete.

Its no surprise then that the school system produces grown-ups intellectually incapable of reconciling the image of Canadas first prime minister as astute statesman with that of a criminally flawed man.

Instead, we end up with adults who feel personally affronted by any slight on John A. Macdonald  except if you call him a drunk. Then its a laughing nudge, nudge, wink, wink. (Alcoholism is only derided as a cultural failing when applied to Indigenous people, but thats another story.)

Why do we deify historical heroes and airbrush their complexities? I see historical stories as mythmaking vehicles created to foster a unified sense of national identity and pride in the past. In doing so, though, they sacrifice truth telling and integrity. This is true world over, but also in Canada, which prides itself on its exceptionally inclusive ways.

Macdonald was by all accounts a visionary and a deft negotiator, but he was also an enforcer of Aryan supremacy, an implementer of genocide of the Indigenous peoples. If he is credited with building the railway, he should also be held accountable for starving Indigenous people and marching them off to reserves to clear land for those railways. Under his authority, abusive residential schools were created, and the practice of segregation ensured Black children received substandard or no education.

For those who believe he should not be judged by todays standards, historian Sean Carleton posted online newspaper cartoons from Macdonalds era that showed he was considered racist even in his time.

Its because the past cannot be discussed with honesty that reassurances about the present and future such as things are getting better, or that the next generation wont have the same prejudices, ring hollow.

Read more:

Sir John A. Macdonald: Architect of genocide or Canadas founding father?

Trudeau has no plans to remove Sir John A. Macdonalds name from federal buildings, sites

Why would todays students be any different if they are learning the same things?

The Ontario Curriculum instructs teachers to include age-appropriate Indigenous references and diverse perspectives in all subjects. A Scope and Sequence of Expectations released in 2016 says the aim is to foster greater awareness of the distinct place and role of Indigenous peoples in our shared heritage and in the future of Ontario.

In Grade 3, for instance, it says, Students will learn about the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, including encroachment and racism during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

So far so good. How does this translate in reality?

Not effectively.

Teachers I spoke to from the TDSB were not even aware this document existed.

Two recent studies, one published this summer, the other last year found teachers did not have the confidence to discuss Indigenous cultures at school.

Why would they?

Their assumptions, too, are shaped by colonial narratives. Only 45 per cent of those surveyed for the Canadian Teachers Federation last year felt somewhat confident about their knowledge of Indigenous culture, while 35 per cent felt not confident at all.

That a majority of teachers are weaving in a small amount of Indigenous content in their teachings, suggests willingness. That they are doing so only occasionally indicates inadequacy of knowledge.

Teachers say they are already overburdened by expectations piled on them  teach the three Rs, develop character, build relations with parents, deal with special needs students without more assistance, deal with staff cutbacks, now prioritize math and science, now include diverse perspectives.

And oh, its not compulsory to do so.

The social studies curriculum for Grade 3, for instance, states students will: describe some of the similarities and differences in various aspects of everyday life  of selected groups living in Canada between 1780 and 1850 (e.g., First Nations, Metis, French, British, Black people; men and women; slaves, indentured servants, habitants, seigneurs, farmers; people from different classes)

Given a choice like that, you get no points for guessing which group teachers zero in on.

Apart from knowledge, incorporating different perspectives would require that teachers introspect on their own assumptions, drop their biases, not be fragile about past misdeeds of white settlers, and not be intimidated by new knowledge.

Teachers obviously care; it was their union that brought the John A. issue to the forefront.

Progress championed by educators makes me optimistic.

However, intention alone does not bring change. School boards will need to diversify teaching staff. They should provide teachers with a list of books for reference. Schools should have access to Indigenous Elders and consultants as well as Black educators. Teacher training on Indigenous knowledge should be made mandatory.

Otherwise, the goal of an inclusive curriculum risks being relegated to a mere feel-good rhetorical attempt at reconciliation.

Shree Paradkar writes about discrimination and identity. You can follow her @shreeparadkar

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Sarah Nicholl mixes strict precaution into any meal she makes.

We are very careful to read the ingredients on everything that we buy, says Nicholl, whose 9-year-old son, Luke, has a serious peanut allergy.

We read it in the store, then we check it when were through the lane, and then we read it again before we feed him, the Aurora tech worker says.

Such vigilance is commonplace for parents of the two in 100 Canadian children who suffer from allergies to the common legume.

Yet as peanut-free lunches are being packed for returning schoolchildren across Canada this week, top allergy researchers are increasingly hopeful the condition can be cracked.

There is a lot of exciting stuff thats coming out, says Dr. Adelle Atkinson, a clinical immunologist at Torontos Hospital for Sick Children.

Now, every time we turn around somebody is starting to think about a new way of approaching the problem, the allergy expert says.

Atkinson  who calls progress in the field explosive  points to a recent study out of Melbourne, Australia, that has added to a growing list of promising treatments.

Released in August, it found that children fed a probiotic bacterium  coupled with an offending peanut protein and mixed in a starchy powder  could gain sustained allergy suppression, lasting four years after the 18-month treatments were ceased.

The study was published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Healththe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. While it was small  it enlisted some 56 children, half of whom were fed an inert placebo  it suggests yet another new direction in treatment, Atkinson says.

The need for such advances has become much more acute over the past decades as the incidence of food allergies  those to peanuts being amongst the most lethal  has risen exponentially.

Some 2.5 million Canadians now report having at least one food allergy. And on the peanut side alone, rates have risen by some 18 per cent in the past five years, Atkinson says.

When we went to school I dont remember knowing anyone with a peanut allergy, she says.

Now I have a (16-year-old) son with a peanut allergy and two of his best friends have a peanut allergy.

So why is that?

Though not fully understood, the reasons could include the increasing practice of roasting peanuts before including them in food products like peanut butter, Atkinson says.

Roasting peanuts probably makes the (active) allergen  protein a little bit more allergic in nature, she says.

The other thing is we used to give people what we now know to be the wrong advice, which was to avoid all these things until your child is 3. We now know that its the opposite.

Some also point to the so-called let them eat dirt hypothesis, which posits that modern kids are too clean and that their immune systems are not trained to tolerate substances they would commonly encounter in nature.

Atkinson says the precise mechanisms that the promising probiotic treatment might employ to prevent reactions needs further study and that the method must be applied to a larger cohort of children.

So were probably a ways away from applying that broadly  in our practices, she says.

But I think what it has shown us is (that its) probably possible that we can actually  take someone who has exhibited the allergy and cure that.

Dr. David Fischer, president of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, says the study was the first to demonstrate an oral therapy having sustained allergy suppression after treatments stopped.

But Fischer also cautions that the small sampling of Australian patients who appeared to be cured might have just happened to do well without the novel probiotic element of the therapy, and that more and larger studies are needed before it can be brought into widespread clinical use.

Still, the study follows hard on the heels of new U.S. food guidelines released earlier this year that recommend infants be fed peanut products beginning at 6 months to help build up allergy resistance.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health guidelines were created by an international panel and based on a 2015 British paper that involved some 640 babies.

That so-called LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) paper suggested that frequent peanut-product feedings from infancy through age 5 led to an 81-per-cent drop in allergy development.

As well, Atkinson says, researchers at Sick Kids and elsewhere are exploring new treatments that look to block a small protein that is produced more profusely in allergy sufferers and is responsible for causing the most severe reactions.

Animal studies have shown that interfering with the protein known as platelet activating factor  or PAF  may significantly reduce the severity of allergic reactions in those most vulnerable to them, she says.

Testing for PAF levels could also help to stratify patients by severity risk, with those most vulnerable receiving some form of blocking medications.

We dont know exactly yet, but (it would) probably be something you would ingest on a regular basis to reduce your risk of having a severe reaction should you be exposed accidentally, Atkinson says.

She says Sick Kids researchers are also working on new techniques that would more accurately assess the risks posed by allergy tests conducted by doctors in clinic.

These would reduce the chance that children might have a severe reaction to a substance while being tested for their allergic susceptibility to it.

Were kind of hitting it from all angles, Atkinson says.

Prevention, cure, and if you cant cure can you modify, can you come up with better testing to manage the patient?

Fischer, who practises in Barrie, also says cumulative advances in the field have many allergy specialists excited.

There are many different protocols that seem to be showing promise, he says, mentioning new drug and skin-patch therapies that are showing early success.

Functioning much like a nicotine patch, the latter idea would introduce peanut  or milk or eggs  into patients through the skin to help desensitize them to the allergens.

Fischer cautions, however, that many of the novel therapy advances can be costly, hard to administer and even dangerous for patients.

While the probiotic capsules used in the Australian study would be cheap to manufacture, for example, testing their effectiveness in a broader cohort of patients would be hugely expensive, he says. Such studies would involve hospital stays, round-the-clock surveys and multiple clinic visits, he says.

But we have much more excitement in terms of being able to help control things and make things less dangerous in general, he says. As opposed to just saying strict avoidance, there may be other strategies that will fit in there as well.

All these developments are heartening to Nicholl, whose son also has severe  or anaphylactic  allergies to dairy, egg and tree-nut products. He carries two EpiPen injectors, which can administer epinephrine to ease breathing, at all times.

Im really pleased with the research thats going on, Nicholl says. The Australia study in particular looks very positive.

Luke became severely ill after eating a minuscule bite of icing from a purportedly allergen-free cupcake at a birthday party a few years ago.

And Nicholl has made it a mission to police her sons food intake and spread safety measures to his school and beyond.

We have plans with the school to ensure a safe environment around his food and no food sharing, she says. We take our food when we go out and we dont tend to eat in restaurants, so were always careful, and have avoided using the EpiPens for a number of years now.

Nicholl is also a co-founder of the Toronto Anaphylactic Education Group, which offers information and support to some 300 families with allergic children around the GTA.

Such prepared but manageable vigilance and attention have seemingly had little negative impact on her son.

(When asked if his allergy precautions have made his social interactions more frightening or difficult than those of his friends, Luke answers: Mmmmm, not really.)

Still, Atkinson cautions that a reappearance of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in lunch boxes is still a long way off.

Its really difficult to say  how long its going to take, she says. But the way things are moving, compared to five years ago, were in a very different place than we were.

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BOGOTAColombias government and last remaining major rebel group signed a bilateral ceasefire Monday ahead of Pope Francis visit this week, an agreement seen as a significant step toward negotiating a permanent peace deal.

The deal struck in Quito, Ecuador, where talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, have been taking place since February, goes into effect Oct. 1. It runs through Jan. 12 and can be renewed if both sides agree.

Under the ceasefire, the rebels agree to suspend attacks on infrastructure, kidnappings and recruitment of minors. In exchange the government has vowed to boost protection for social leaders who have recently come under attack and develop a program that would provide humanitarian aid to rebels, among other measures.

Reconciliation is expected to be a central theme of the trip by Francis, who has lobbied for an end to Colombias decades-old civil conflict and who is fulfilling a promise to visit if peace was made with the much larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

The pope is arriving amid a unique moment in our history, as we turn the page on an absurd conflict and look to the future with hope, President Juan Manuel Santos said Monday in a televised address.

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The governments chief negotiator called the ceasefire, signed five years to the date after a framework agreement that kicked off peace talks with the FARC, historic.

This is the first agreement of this nature that the government has signed with this guerrilla group in more than 50 years, Juan Camilo Restrepo said in a statement. And it constitutes the first step toward advancing a definitive peace.

Over five decades of conflict involving the two rebel movements, the army and right-wing paramilitary groups have resulted in more than 260,000 deaths, the disappearance of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of 6 million.

Under the earlier deal between the government and the FARC, the group has turned over its weapons and is in the process of reorganizing as a political movement to compete in elections next year.

But negotiations with the more ideological and less centralized ELN have been slower since exploratory talks began more than three years ago.

Unlike the FARC, which financed itself through involvement in Colombias flourishing drug trade, the ELN funds its insurgency mainly through kidnappings and extortion.

Until now it has refused to abandon those practices, earning the enmity of many Colombians who want Santos to take a tougher line in talks than he did with the FARC.

The priority is protecting citizens, Santos said. Thats why during this period the kidnappings, attacks on oil pipelines and other hostilities against the civilian population will cease.

Labelled a terrorist group by both the United States and the European Union, the ELN has also stepped up its attacks on Colombias energy infrastructure this year.

Last week state-run oil company Ecopetrol was forced to close the countrys second-largest pipeline after it was blasted by a bomb, dumping crude into an adjacent watershed. It was the 43rd attack this year against the Cano Limon-Covenas pipeline.

The ELN, whose founders included radical Roman Catholic priests, is believed to have about 1,500 active fighters.

The ceasefire will be verified by independent observers, the United Nations and the Catholic Church.

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LONDONFour serving members of the army were arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of being members of a banned far-right group, British defence officials and police said Tuesday.

The West Midlands Counterterrorism Unit said officers had arrested four people in central England alleged to be members of the neo-Nazi group National Action. The group is banned in the U.K., and an official list of banned groups describes it as virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic.

The force said the men were suspected of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism acts. They were detained as part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation and there was no threat to the publics safety. No other details were immediately available.

Britains Ministry of Defence confirmed that the four men are serving members of the army.

We can confirm that a number of serving members of the army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far-right group, the army said in a statement.

The men, aged 22 to 32, were held at a police station. Several properties were raided in connection with the arrests.

National Action was established in 2013 and has been linked to the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox in 2016. The brutal murder, a week before Britains referendum on European Union membership, shocked the country.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd outlawed the group after an assessment that it was concerned in terrorism ahead of the trial of right-wing extremist Thomas Mair, who was convicted and sentenced to life in Coxs murder. A judge said Mair carried out the murder to advance a political cause of violent white supremacism associated with Nazism.

The Home Office said that at the time, National Action posted tweets lauding Mairs actions.

In a list of banned groups, the Home Office said the group frequently distributed extremely violent imagery and language on social media and aimed its propaganda at recruiting young people. It added that the group seeks to divide society by implicitly endorsing violence against ethnic minorities and perceived race traitors.

Membership or inviting support for National Action is a criminal offence that carries a sentence of up to 10 years.

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He was the great-great-great-great-nephew of Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee, and he felt it was his moral duty to speak out against his ancestor, an idol of white supremacy, racism and hate. He said as much when he took the microphone near the end of the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, when he introduced himself by a familiar-sounding name: Robert Lee IV.

Lees speech at the VMAs on Aug. 27 followed the glitz and glam of red carpets and all-star performances by the likes of Lorde and Ed Sheeran. But his appearance quickly caught internet fame as among the nights most memorable. As he appeared before the cameras, Lee stood in stark contrast to the sleek, geometric set behind him, dressed simply in a black clerics shirt and collar. Soon he would introduce Susan Bro, whose daughter Heather Heyer had been killed 15 days before, after being struck by a car as she protested white supremacy in Charlottesville, Va.

As a pastor, it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, Americas original sin, he said. Today, I call on all of us with privilege and power to answer Gods call to confront racism and white supremacy head-on. We can find inspiration in the Black Lives Matter movement, the women who marched in the Womens March in January, and, especially, Heather Heyer, who died fighting for her beliefs.

On Monday, Lee announced he would be leaving his church, Bethany United Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, N.C., after speaking out against white supremacy and the idolization of Confederate monuments. In his statement, published on the website of the Auburn Theological Seminary, Lee wrote that while he did have congregants who supported his freedom of speech, many resented the attention the church received after the VMAs.

A faction of church members were concerned about my speech and that I lifted up Black Lives Matter movement, the Womens March, and Heather Heyer as examples of racial justice work, he wrote, adding that his churchs reaction was deeply hurtful. Lee wrote that he never sought the kind of attention that has followed him since the protests in Charlottesville last month, even while his visibility as a religious leader and staunch opponent of Confederate memorials garnered international recognition, a turn of events no doubt fuelled by his namesake.

Lee did not describe specific responses he received from congregants. But the comments section on an article about his VMA speech in the Winston-Salem Journal gives some sense of the backlash. One commenter wrote that there was no way Lee was a Christian and that it seems anybody that wants to protect our country is a racist, or white supremacist . . . Its a sin to use your position to name-call and judge.

Another commenter wrote that rather than appear on television, Lee should devote his time to ministering: You have how many faithful members? Maybe if you spent more time around the church that number would increase.

In an Aug. 18 interview with BBC News, Lee argued that statues of his ancestor honour white supremacy and endorse a system in which it is acceptable to be racist in America. He pointed to the complete lack of markers to fascists in Europe following the Second World War as evidence that there is a way to remember your history and not commemorate it. Lee talked of how he had spoken with a descendant of a slave owned by the Lee family, describing his heartbreak over hearing the firsthand experiences of those hurt and oppressed by statues.

Lee has spoken openly about how he arrived at his own conclusions about his lineage, saying he has at once felt pride in the fact that Lee family members signed the Declaration of Independence and shame over Robert E. Lees leadership over the Confederacy. In one NPR interview, he spoke of how he was often given mixed messages on whether the elder Lee was a proponent of slavery or states rights.

From his pulpit, Lee implored his parishioners to condemn the racism swirling around them, insisting they would be doing the church wrong if they remained silent.

Its not the message that were used to hearing from our pulpits. But maybe now is the time to start having those messages, Lee said in the NPR interview.

In his first appointment out of seminary, Lee has been the pastor of Bethany Church since April, according to the churchs website. The church was founded in a log meeting house around 1789 and is one of the oldest Reformed churches in North Carolina, having been originally founded as a union effort of persons of Reformed and Lutheran faith. The churchs website still listed Lee as its pastor as of early Tuesday.

The United Church of Christ has been known for its liberal views, given its support for social justice issues. For instance, it has called on the Washington Redskins to change its name.

A graduate of Appalachian State University and Duke University Divinity School, Lee is the author of Stained-Glass Millennials, a book about the relationship between millennials and institutional church  and is a regular columnist for the Statesville Record & Landmark, which has covered Iredell County, N.C., for more than a century. Lee did not return requests for an interview Monday night.

In an Aug. 31 column for the newspaper, Lee emphasized the cost of discipleship, particularly when condemning hate.

I wish I could say it was easy to speak up and speak out in Gods name, Lee wrote in the column. But it wasnt.

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TEKNAF, BANGLADESHAs far as the eye can see, they trudge through treacherously deep mud, across rice paddy fields and past rain-swollen creeks into Bangladesh.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, fleeing the latest round of violence to engulf their homes in Burma, have been walking for days or handing over their meagre savings to Burmese and Bangladeshi smugglers to escape what they describe as certain death.

Exhausted mothers clutched listless infants. Catatonically terrified children clung to bone-weary fathers. Young children with blank eyes carried even younger siblings.

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Oh Allah, oh Allah, one family moaned as they waded Tuesday through the chin-high waters of the Naf River dividing the two countries. One panicking woman handed a 3-month-old infant to a taller man before she slipped momentarily beneath the murky water. For a terrifying moment, the man held the baby aloft with one hand as he steadied himself. Then as the woman re-emerged, the group moved on to the safety of Bangladesh on the opposite bank.

The Rohingya Muslim ethnic minority from Burmas western Rakhine state has faced systematic persecution at the hands of the Buddhist majority for decades. The military junta that ruled the nation for decades stripped them of their citizenship. The democratically elected government under the leadership of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Aung San Suu Kyi has looked the other way as they have since been pushed into squalid camps in their own hometowns and villages.

For a people who have already lived through unimaginable horrors, including mass rapes and brutal killings decried by the United Nations, it seems as if the misery will never end.

Fresh horror was unleashed on Aug. 25, when fighters of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army attacked government troops and prompted Burma soldiers to retaliate with clearance operations they say were aimed at flushing insurgents out from Rohingya villages.

The Burmese government blames the insurgents for setting fire to their own homes and killing Buddhists in Rakhine.

The exhausted and starving refugees pouring into Bangladesh tell a different story: of targeted shootings by Burmese troops; of warnings to leave their homes if they wanted to live.

And so they left.

They abandoned all but what they could carry  a few kitchen utensils, a bag of rice, a tattered mattress.

On a mound of river clay, Dilara Begum sat, too exhausted to move as the half-naked son she cradled in one arm ran his tongue over his chapped lips. Two other children filled a plastic water bottle with the swirling brown river water and then each took small sips in turn.

The Burmese army burnt the houses in Begums village near the town of Maungdaw as the residents fled.

Im very hungry, Begum said in a low moan. She could not remember when the family last ate. She had no food and hardly any money left after paying a smuggler about 10,000 Myanmar kyat, worth about $9.15, for each person in her family to be carried across the river in a rickety wooden boat.

One of the many boatmen plying the Naf River amid the refugee crisis said he has ferried thousands of Rohingya over the last 10 days  an exodus he said was like nothing hes ever seen.

Many of the refugees have washed into the border district of Coxs Bazar, where Teknaf town is located. Huddled with wide-eyed children, they occupied every available space  in little knots along the streets, in large groups on grassy knolls between rice fields.

Having escaped their destroyed homes, they werent sure what they would do next.

Ahead lay hunger, homelessness or possibly disease in overcrowded refugee camps.

Bangladesh, one of the worlds poorest countries, was already sheltering some 100,000 Rohingya refugees before another 123,000 flooded in after Aug. 25, according to the UN refugee agencys latest estimate on Tuesday.

With aid groups unable to access violence-ridden areas of Burma, its unclear how many are left behind.

Some of the refugees in Bangladesh have found shelter with relatives in camps built in the 1990s.

Tens of thousands of others squat in open fields or collect bamboo sticks from the nearby woods to build their own shelters.

In the markets of Coxs Bazar, some have sought to profit from the tragedy. Sticks of bamboo that normally sell for about 75 Bangladeshi taka ($1.14) are now selling for 200 taka ($3.04).

There are multiple points on the border where Rohingya can cross by foot or by boat. When the tide was low, some boatmen were stopping a few hundred metres short and asking people to wade in the rest of the way.

Last week, at least three boats capsized, spilling dozens of people into the brackish waters. Some managed to swim to safety, but at least 26 people drowned.

Nur Kabir said he crossed the river on Sunday, and that many more have tried to swim the expanse on their own strength.

They try to cross the river at night and drown, Kabir said.

Some members of the Bangladeshi Border Guards, moved by the suffering around them, have interpreted the governments silence about the refugee influx in recent days as approval for letting them in.

This is a time to show humanity, one paramilitary soldier said, asking that he and his colleagues not be named because they were not authorized to speak with the media. Officials havent said let them enter. But they havent said stop them either.

Another guard said they were trying to guide the terrified refugees crossing the river to spots along the slippery bank where it was easier to clamber up out of the water.

I saw a woman with a 13-day-old baby. Her breast-milk had dried. She was feeding her baby this dirty water, he said.

That made me cry.

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BEIRUTBacked by Russian and Iranian firepower, President Bashar Assads forces reached besieged troops Tuesday at a garrison in Syrias eastern city of Deir el-Zour, breaking a nearly three-year blockade by Daesh, also known as ISIS, militants and marking a significant advance against the extremists.

Re-entering Deir el-Zour would bring the Syrian forces and their allied Iranian-backed militias a step closer to controlling the oil-rich eastern province and its capital bordering Iraq. Such a move would also boost Tehrans growing influence in the area.

Assad congratulated his troops on breaking the siege as a resounding victory against extremism and vowed to forge ahead until the last inch of Syrian territory is liberated. Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose military had fired cruise missiles at Daesh targets near the city, called it a strategically important victory over terrorists.

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Assad critics called it an alarming development.

It opens the whole province for Iran and its agents there, said Mozahem al-Salloum, an opposition activist from the city who has been in exile since 2013.

Iranian- and Lebanese-backed militias form the core of the pro-Assad forces advancing on Deir el-Zour, he noted.

Iran has been seeking to secure a land corridor from its territory, through Iraq, to the Mediterranean to give it unhindered access to its allies in Damascus and Beirut. Control of Deir el-Zour is a major boost for that plan.

By nightfall, activists said the Daesh militants had counterattacked with four suicide assaults near where the Syrian troops had linked up.

The advance by the Syrian troops was celebrated as a possible relief for the tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the four government-controlled neighbourhoods that have been surrounded by the extremists since 2015. The Syrian government estimates about 70,000 people have survived on erratic airdrops of food and supplies during the siege, which was a major embarrassment to Assad.

Activists noted, however, that the new access road could not yet be used for delivering humanitarian assistance because it was still under attack from IS.

Deir el-Zour, Syrias largest eastern city, has been divided into government- and Daesh-controlled parts since 2015. The province is held by the extremists and it is where they are expected to fight their last battles. They have lost all other major cities, including the Iraqi cities of Mosul and Tal Afar. U.S.-backed Syrian troops are bearing down on Raqqa, the groups self-proclaimed capital that is northwest of Deir el-Zour.

It could take weeks, if not months, for Assads forces to retake Deir el-Zour from the militant group, which controls about 60 per cent of its neighbourhoods.

Government troops have been advancing on the Euphrates River Valley city for weeks, carrying out a multipronged offensive from the northwest, west and southwest. They took control of a strategic mountain to the northwest of the city last week, giving them superior firepower into the area.

This enabled Tuesdays advance, when pro-government forces reached a military base of the 137th Brigade on the outskirts that has been surrounded for months.

Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said about two dozen soldiers first advanced toward the base to open and secure the road filled with landmines. They were followed by two dozen others who were able to link up with soldiers inside the base.

Salloum, who operates the activist-run Hammurabi Justice News network, said government and allied troops remain engaged with IS militants on the southern flank, where the militants have carried a counteroffensive near the town of al-Shola.

The Russian Defence Ministry said one of its frigates in the Mediterranean unleashed cruise missiles early Tuesday toward Daesh targets near the city. They fired at a fortified area around al-Shola, where most of the militants are believed to be from Russia and former Soviet republics.

The Defence Ministry said drone footage showed that the missiles destroyed a communications centre, command centres, ammunition depots and a repair shop for armoured vehicles, as well as killing an unspecified number of fighters. But the militants still control al-Shola, Abdurrahman said.

The Syrian army command said reaching Deir el-Zour marks a strategic turn in the war against terrorism, and that the city will be used to expand military operations in the region.

The militants did not give up easily and used lots of suicide car bombs yesterday, but could not resist much, said opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who lives in Europe but is from Deir el-Zour and is in contact with people there.

A former opposition fighter who used to live in the city welcomed the lifting of the siege but expressed concern over the fate of civilians in Daesh-controlled areas. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for the safety of his family, which still lives in the IS-controlled neighbourhoods.

The offensive was led by Gen. Suheil al-Hassan, who is known as the Tiger. He has been behind other recent victories, including the capture of eastern parts of the northern city of Aleppo in December, the governments biggest victory since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.

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MOSCOWRussian President Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the U.S. was poorly handled.

Speaking at a news conference during a summit in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed as naive a question about whether he was disappointed in Trump.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is not my bride, and Im not his groom.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be absolutely wrong for Russia to discuss domestic U.S. politics.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further U.S. sanctions on Russia and the U.S. decision to close Russian diplomatic outposts have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

The Trump administration last week ordered the closure of three Russian facilities in the U.S.: The San Francisco consulate and trade missions in New York and Washington. It was the latest in a series of escalating retaliatory measures between the former Cold War foes.

Putin said the U.S. had a right to close consulates but it was done in such a rude way.

It is hard to hold a dialogue with people who mix Austria with Australia, he continued, an apparent reference to a decade-old gaffe by George W. Bush, who during a 2007 visit to Sydney referred to Austrian troops when he meant Australian troops.

The American nation, America is truly a great country and a great people if they can tolerate such a big number of people with such a low level of political culture, Putin said.

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WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trumps administration will wind down a program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared Tuesday, calling the Obama administrations program an unconstitutional exercise of authority.

The government will stop processing new applications under President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

But the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Societies where the rule of law is treasured are societies that tend to flourish and succeed, Sessions said.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump suggested in an earlier tweet that it would be up to Congress to ultimately decide the fate of those now protected by the program. He tweeted, Congress, get ready to do your jobDACA!

Make no mistake, we are going to put the interest of AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST! Trump added in a second, retweeted message. The forgotten men & women will no longer be forgotten.

Sessions announcement came the same day as a deadline set by a group of Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the Trump administration rescinded the program.

Many believe the program would not hold up in court.

Trumps plan to take a harder line on young immigrants unless Congress intervenes threatens to emphasize deep divisions among Republicans who have long struggled with the issue, with one conservative warning of a potential civil war within the party. Congressional Republicans have a long history of being unable to act on immigration because of those divisions.

Trump has spent months wrestling with what to do with DACA, which he slammed during his campaign as illegal amnesty. Many of his closest advisers, including Sessions, policy adviser Stephen Miller, and former chief strategist Steve Bannon argue that the program is unconstitutional and have urged Trump to follow through on his campaign promise to end it.

The White House says it wants Congress to provide a permanent solution to the DACA program the Trump administration plans to phase out. (The Associated Press)

But Trump has repeatedly expressed sympathy for the young people protected by the program, describing the decision as one of the most difficult hes had to grapple with as president.

I think the Dreamers are terrific, Trump said last week, using a term popularized by supporters of the program, which was created in 2012 as a stopgap as the Obama administration pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress.

All the while, his administration has continued to issue new permits and extensions to immigrants who qualify.

But his approach  essentially kicking the can down the road and letting Congress deal with it is fraught with uncertainty and political perils that amount, according to one vocal opponent, to Republican suicide.

Still other Republicans say they are ready to take the issue on.

If President Trump makes this decision, we will work to find a legislative solution to their dilemma, said Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham.

The Obama administration created the DACA program in 2012 as a stopgap as it pushed unsuccessfully for a broader immigration overhaul in Congress. Many Republicans say they opposed the program on the grounds that it was executive overreach.

House Speaker Paul Ryan and a handful of other Republicans urged Trump last week to hold off on scrapping DACA to give lawmakers time to come up with a legislative fix.

But Congress has repeatedly tried  and failed  to come together on immigration overhaul legislation, and it remains uncertain whether the House would succeed in passing anything on the divisive topic.

Read more:

Trump expected to end Dreamers immigration program, sources say

Young U.S. immigrants mobilize as Trump threatens to end dreamers program

Trump faces militant response if he targets undocumented DREAMers, advocate says

One bill addressing the issue that has received the most attention, introduced by Sens. Graham, R-S.C., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., would grant permanent legal status to more than 1 million young people who arrived in the United States before they turned 18, passed security checks and met other criteria, including enrolling in college, joining the military or finding jobs.

Its unclear, however, whether the president would throw his support behind that or any other existing legislation. He could encourage the writing of a new bill  tied, perhaps, to funding for his promised border wall or other concessions like a reduction in legal immigration levels.

But its unclear how much political capital the president would want to put on the line given his bases strong opposition to illegal immigration, his campaign rhetoric blasting DACA as illegal amnesty and his reluctance to campaign hard for other priorities, like health care overhaul.

Trumps expected move has sparked protests, phone banks, letter-writing campaigns and other efforts across the country urging him not to act.

Obama has kept a low profile since Trump took office, but said during his final press conference as president that he would speak out if Trump threatened kids who have grown up here and for all practical purposes are American kids, and send them someplace else, when they love this country.

They are our kids friends and their classmates, and are now entering into community colleges or in some cases serving in our military, he said, adding that the: notion that we would just arbitrarily or because of politics punish those kids, when they didnt do anything wrong themselves, I think would be something that would merit me speaking out.

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University and college students will soon be back in their classrooms. However, more and more students now study online, rather than in a classroom. This is both positive and worrisome. I know, as earlier this summer I taught my first online university course.

Online education is a transformative disruption in teaching and learning. Freed from physical constraints, learning becomes more accessible and teaching techniques more innovative. More than one-quarter of post-secondary students in Canada have registered in at least one online course.

I began teaching my class with mixed feelings about the value and effectiveness of online instruction. Prior to the availability of wired courses, a university education was homogeneous: a classroom with students and an instructor. Online education adds many more flavours to the previously standard formula. But is this a good thing?

As a digital professor I felt like a stage actor forced to star in a film. Classroom teaching is visceral live drama with unanticipated questions and debates, doors opening to admit late students, and only one opportunity to reach students and ensure learning.

Online teaching resembles movie making: I recorded video lectures by superimposing my face onto the corner of presentation slides and graphics. The recording sessions happened mostly in my home office at all hours of the day and night . . . just like film production. My students, located across the globe, watched and listened at their convenience.

Unlike lecturing in a classroom I was far less sure of the reaction of my online students. Did they follow the logic? Was the analogy clear? I rehearsed, edited and prepared more than for a classroom lecture, but the result was less spontaneity and interaction.

Most surprising was how well accustomed most of my students were to learning online. Many had taken previous web-based courses. I should not be amazed by how familiar young people are with learning by staring at a screen. Many days my 11-year old twins return home from Grade five with, I need to log in to do my homework.

More and more online courses will be offered in the years to come. Many students find them appealing in the flexibility to combine studies with other activities. Post-secondary education institutions find the courses attractive because fewer physical assets like classrooms and parking lots are required. In fact, there is a marked decrease in the building of new classrooms in universities and colleges across Canada.

At the same time, as I initially feared when becoming a virtual professor, online courses have the potential to be paler versions of classroom-based courses. Online dating works well at the start, but at some point the relationship progresses to in-person meetings. The same applies to the relationship between teacher and student, or between classmates. Much can be done electronically, but not everything and not all the time.

Online courses are effective for only some students, and least effective for students beginning their post-secondary studies. In their first year of studies, students need in-classroom courses to learn how to learn at an advanced level, become familiar with conducting research, and express themselves in a face-to-face setting.

Students who need, or like, informal interaction with colleagues and instructors dont do well in online courses. Online education places a premium on written communication: email, chat, blogs and written assignments. The students in my course who did poorly had weak grammatical and writing skills.

Just as classroom students are not all the same, the same applies to online programs. There is dramatic variation among online courses in regard to technology. Options for online learning include podcasts, blogs, Wikis, audio/video lecture recordings and online discussion forums. Blended or hybrid courses combine in-class, face-to-face instruction with learning via electronic media. Some online programs require students to come to campus for some activities such as lab work or tests.

The potential of online learning is huge, including hefty profits for private educators, especially as technology advances to include options such as virtual reality. However, for the promises to come to fruition, more needs to be done to monitor and direct the growth of online education. To date, this has not happened.

Governments have failed to set guidelines related to online education, for example whether the tuition fees should be the same for in-class and online courses. Universities and colleges have few standards for online programs, or rules about the copyright problems that arise when teaching material is made available electronically.

Most glaringly, research is lacking on which types of online education are most effective for specific groups of students. Lastly, no one knows how employers regard credentials earned online.

At the moment, online education is like the internet in its infancy: surely a good thing overall, full of hype, but not well understood and riddled with perplexity. For the sake of the students returning to class, more effort is required to ensure their online learning is as valuable as possible.

--

Thomas Klassen is a professor of political science at York University.

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On Aug. 30, the Nature Conservancy of Canada marked exactly 20,000 days of conservation. This milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the work done by NCC and our partners each day, and the conservation we need to accomplish in the 20,000 days to come.

Since our count began in 1962, much has changed at NCC and the world we live in. Originally launched by a small band of determined naturalists, and now a national organization with reach and supporters across the country, NCC has made critical contributions to the conservation of Canadas wild species and spaces. With our partners and supporters, weve helped to protect more than 1.1 million hectares of some of the most important natural habitats in Canada.

These are private lands that government alone cannot protect. The conservation of these lands contributes to Canadas efforts to secure critical habitat for species at risk, conserve ecosystems that represent the biodiversity of all Canadian landscapes, and protect lands and waters that buffer and connect parks and other protected areas.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada first started conserving land in Ontario in 1968 with its first property, Cavan Swamp and Bog, today known as the Cavan Swamp Wildlife Area. We have protected more than 74,400 hectares in the province, working with a variety of local partners.

Over the Nature Conservancy of Canadas first 20,000 days, we have witnessed a shift in our attitudes and approaches to conservation. Since the organization was founded, more than 7,800 new parks and protected areas have been created in Canada by federal and provincial governments.

There is reason for optimism. From some of the worlds first national parks in the late 1800s, to species recovery efforts 100 years ago that we benefit from today, Canadians have a tradition of nature conservation. Today, we have science and information that can focus our conservation efforts on the most important areas, we have corporations that are embracing sustainability, and we have a federal government that can match private donations through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, which has resulted in the conservation of more than 430,000 hectares of significant habitat across Canada.

But here is our challenge today: despite these many conservation successes, nature is still losing ground. We are continuing to add wildlife to our list of endangered species and continuing to witness the loss and fragmentation of important habitats. Our natural spaces are also facing new threats, such as invasive species and climate change, unknown 20,000 days ago.

We have made important progress, but our work must continue. We need to create a future where key areas for nature are clearly identified and protected. This includes completing our systems of national and provincial parks, creating large-scale wildlife corridors and developing local natural heritage networks. Canada must also lead the world in Indigenous and community conserved areas, particularly in our North where we have an opportunity to protect some of the planets last true wilderness.

Our cities, farms and working forests can all provide habitat for wildlife and are key to reducing impacts to water, land and air. Many of our most endangered species and habitats occur in these places. They are also where most Canadians live, work and play. Our economy and well-being needs a foundation of healthy ecosystems. Perhaps most importantly, we need to engage and support all Canadians in valuing nature. This includes helping Canadians to connect with nature in their communities.

As we embark on our next 20,000 days, we have the privilege to choose the world we will leave to the next generations. Canadians living today have the opportunity to be the restoration generation that recovers our wildlife, protects critical areas and heals our lands and waters. The generation that embraces and reinforces our Canadian relationship with nature, and shares our conservation solutions with the world.

Dan Kraus is national conservation scientist with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

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The recent revelations of political meddling in technical matters suggest that the system of checks and balances in Ontario is not functioning.

The Ministry of Transportation in Ontario has reportedly pressured Metrolinx to construct two additional GO Transit stations that will cost tens of millions of dollars and will decrease the operating transit efficiency. One of the stops (Kirby) is in Transportation Minister Steven Del Ducas riding.

Toronto Mayor John Tory is also pushing for a $3.5-plus-billion subway extension in Scarborough, which many transportation experts believe will worsen transit accessibility. Moreover, the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge subways are already operating at their respective capacities during peak periods and have little room for additional riders.

Citizen groups and political parties in Ontario are encouraging the auditor general to conduct a special audit of the apparent lack of due diligence to prevent billions of dollars being spent on transit that will build the political fortunes of a few.

The auditor general must act now to prevent wasteful spending rather than conducting audits after billions of taxpayers dollars are misspent.

A similar subway extension in Quebec, which was primarily politically motivated, could serve as a precedent for the auditor general in Ontario whose counterpart in Quebec wrote a scathing review of the governance lapses and mismanagement that caused a project approved initially for $179 million in 1998 to cost taxpayers more than $750 million on its completion in 2008.

Just a few weeks shy of provincial elections scheduled in November 1998, the provincial government in Quebec passed an order-in-council instructing the Agence metropolitaine de transport (AMT), the Quebec equivalent of Metrolinx, to extend the subway from Montreal by 5.1 kilometres to the Island of Laval in the north.

The incumbent provincial government made the last-minute announcement of a subway extension in exchange for support of suburban voters in the forthcoming elections.

When the Quebec government increased the budget to $547.7 million in 2003, the auditor general of Quebec acted proactively in the publics interest and ordered an audit of the under-construction project to determine if the AMT had managed the project carefully and with a concern for economy and efficiency.

The Quebec auditor generals report exposed a complete lack of due diligence on the part of the AMT and the provincial government. The auditor general concluded that the project was poorly conceived since the $179-million estimate was not based on any document showing the justification of this extension, its costs, the location of the subway stations and the choice of layout.

This must sound eerily familiar to Torontonians because the Scarborough subway extension (SSE) cost estimates, which have been revised upwards, also appear to be based on guesswork. Detailed engineering design work is currently being undertaken.

A thorough cost-benefit analysis of transit alternatives is missing for the SSE. There is no evidence that a one-stop subway will offer superior transit service than the seven-stop LRT. In fact, independent studies have shown that the LRT option is preferred for improving the transit network in Scarborough.

The Quebec auditor general found similar gaps for the Laval extension. Its report concluded that the analyses seeking to evaluate alternative solutions were carried out without detailed technical studies and the Quebec government did not have the necessary information to decide on the subway extension.

Quebecs auditor general also held AMT responsible for gross oversight and for being in violation of its own rules. The AMT permitted the same consortium of the six firms that conducted the projects feasibility studies to eventually construct the project.

AMTs board of directors was accused of acting on incomplete information. Quebecs auditor general believed that the AMT board should have exercised greater vigilance to ensure the protection of public funds.

The Metrolinx board appears no different from that of the AMT. Despite a business case analysis that was supportive of LRT, the Metrolinx board caved to political pressure and approved the two GO stations, which it had previously rejected.

Early diagnosis and treatment are preferred over identifying the disease at post-mortem. The Quebec auditor generals report suggests that, eventually, the electorate will learn of the losses resulting from the politically motivated planned infrastructure spending in Ontario. Supporting the publics interest, however, lies in preventing such losses rather than documenting these after the fact.

Ontarios auditor general should use the precedent from Quebec and act in the publics interest to prevent wasteful spending. The time to audit is now.

Murtaza Haider is an associate professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. He is the author of Getting Started with Data Science: Making Sense of Data with Analytics.

David Crowley is a Toronto-based planner with more than four decades of experience in transport planning.

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As Bill Morneau meets with colleagues at the governments caucus retreat in Kelowna this week, he will no doubt have some soothing to do.

Liberal backbenchers have been so berated by a small but noisy group upset about the finance ministers proposed tax reforms that some apparently now fear for their political future. Morneau should not allow what Jean Chretien called caucuss nervous Nellies to win the day. The package now before Canadians is just a modest first step toward a promised and necessary revamp of Canadas tax code. If the Liberals are going to live up to their lofty talk on tax fairness, this blowback will be just the beginning.

Morneaus proposal is based on the unassailable premise that tax measures should be used for their intended purpose. The purpose of tax breaks for small businesses, for instance, is to help these companies invest and grow, not to allow wealthy Canadians to dodge paying their share.

But studies show widespread problems with Ottawas approach to small-business taxes. Most important, the system is not primarily benefiting the sort of mom-and-pop operations it was designed to help.

According to researchers at the University of Calgary, 60 per cent of the small-business tax break benefit is enjoyed by those who earn more than $150,000 per year. Meanwhile, a recent report for the Canadian Tax Foundation found that those who make more than $2.6 million a year (that is, the top 1 per cent of the top 1 per cent) are over 10 times more likely to hold shares in a small business corporation than the average Canadian.

Our small-business tax regime, like many other parts of our unwieldy tax code, has been abused in recent decades, often perverted into loopholes for the wealthiest few. This is the problem Morneau is getting at with his proposed changes, each of which aims to limit the ability of high earners to use the system essentially to create tax shelters not available to most Canadians. Taken together, the package could save Ottawa hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Yet the small-business lobby became apoplectic upon hearing this proposal. Doctors in particular have fought hard against the changes, arguing that they will be unfairly disadvantaged by new rules for so-called income sprinkling. Currently, individuals can significantly reduce their tax burden by transferring large portions of their income, through a corporation, to family members. Tens of thousands of doctors have incorporated in recent years to take advantage of this loophole.

But why should a doctor who incorporates pay less tax than one who does not? Even if we accept the argument of some critics that some doctors are inadequately compensated, surely the answer isnt an unfair and complicating tax expenditure. Nor does it seem intuitive that doctors should be first in line for tax breaks.

The intense backlash, however misguided, is a reminder of why successive governments have been so reluctant to tame Canadas overgrown tax code, despite the evident need. Those who benefit from loopholes will kick and scream when governments try to close them. Tax fairness will never be achieved if these critics and their lobbyists are allowed to drown out reasoned debate.

Of course there are legitimate questions about how exactly the tax reforms now on the table ought to be designed. The consultation period, which ends early next month, will no doubt yield valuable insights. But at a time of slow growth, ballooning debt and sagging commodity prices, of rising anxieties about economic justice and inequality, the direction of the governments proposals seems both righteous and unavoidable.

Morneau was right to promise a comprehensive review of tax expenditures with the plausible, if modest, aim of saving Ottawa $3 billion annually. The current package wont get the government 10 per cent of the way there. If Morneau is serious about tax reform, he ought to tell his colleagues to get used to the howls of those who for too long have unfairly benefited from an ineffective system.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus decision to split Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development into two separate departments as part of his recent cabinet shuffle is cause for cautious optimism.

Ottawa will now devote one department to administering day-to-day services (like housing, education, food security, and health care), and another to establishing the legal frameworks for the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples.

Recommended by the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, this move signals a welcome willingness to recognize both of these policy challenges as pressing and, as Trudeau said, breaks Ottawa out of constraining structures that looked at [Indigenous peoples] in a paternalistic, colonial way.

This change in machinery should enable real progress, but the venture will ultimately be judged on the extent to which concrete action is delivered to close the troubling gap that has emerged between the governments words and actions on Indigenous reconciliation.

After a dark decade of Conservative government neglect, Trudeau campaigned on the promise of a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Canada's first peoples. Trudeau called for the adoption and implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and an Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and talked breezily about the need for decolonization. Little wonder historic numbers of Indigenous people came out to vote for his party.

In office, his government has taken some early steps that indeed signal a change. It signed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, launched the inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women, made budget allocations that would have been unthinkable under Stephen Harper, and have undertaken to consult with First Nations on what a nation-to-nation relationship should look like.

Yet 22 months into Trudeaus tenure, theres little evidence of concrete improvements in Indigenous communities or of a fundamental change in the relationship between Ottawa and First Nations.

Trudeau's MMIWG Inquiry has been a fiasco since the beginning, raising accusations from some of the family members of missing and slain Indigenous women that the Liberals lack of concern for their involvement is paternalistic and colonial.

Though the Trudeau Liberals have put in place a five-year plan to address the issue of clean drinking water on reserve, they budgeted 40 per cent less than the Harper Conservatives did for the same objective. The results of both governments attempts to address the problem have been similar: today, there are 102 First Nations south of 60 who have gone more than a year without access to clean drinking water.

Meanwhile, the government continues to refuse to obey the January 2016 decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) that the federal government must cease discriminating against First Nations children on reserves by providing them the same level of child-welfare services available to non-Indigenous children.

The ugly practice of underfunding Indigenous child welfare was brought to the CHRT under Harper, whose Conservatives spent millions attempting to defeat the challenge, but the decision to defy the tribunals order to treat Indigenous children as well as non-Indigenous children has singularly belonged to the Trudeau Liberals.

First Nations child-welfare advocate Cindy Blackstock successfully spent nine years fighting the federal government before the tribunal. She said this week that the Crown needed to be willing to make significant investments in order to develop something akin to what the Marshall Plan was after the Second World War if they wished to begin truly addressing the many crises that have resulted from our history of neglecting and mistreating Canadas Indigenous peoples. The government has given so signs of anything close to this level of ambition.

The challenge of living up to the Liberals rhetoric is nowhere clearer than on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. On the campaign trail, Trudeau was effusive in his support of the declaration, but after signing it, he and his ministers have been evasive about its applications.

In particular, the declarations call on the government to obtain prior and informed consent from Indigenous groups before embarking on development projects raises a host of thorny issues, which Trudeau, like his predecessor, has so far seemed set on bulldozing rather than engaging with in good faith.

The Trudeau government is right to have made Indigenous reconciliation and improving life chances in First Nations communities a top priority.

The positive signals made and early steps taken create a real opportunity for breaking out of a failed, paternalistic relationship. It may well be that the establishment of two Indigenous-affairs departments, as long recommended, will allow the Liberals to do just that. But if they fail to deliver concretely, this change will be nothing more than another broken promise.

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Re: Ontario is not an economic island: Letters, Sept. 4

Ontario is not an economic island: Letters, Sept. 4

Jonathan Households letter is wrong on most counts. The suggestion that raising the minimum wage will bankrupt business ignores the fact that Germany is a roaring success story despite high wages. The German economy also has learned to live with energy prices (electricity, gas and liquid fuels) and tax rates far higher than ours.

Despite Households claims, the current Ontario Liberals are not to blame for our high electricity rates. The responsible party is whichever government decided  some 60 years ago  on nuclear plants to energize Ontarios electric grid. At the time, nuclear power was declared to be too cheap to meter.

Regrettably, Ontarios public debt has grown under every party over the past 30 years. The current Liberal government is no more to blame for this than the (supposedly tight-fisted) PC government of Mike Harris or the (labour-friendly) NDP government of Bob Rae. No provincial government has had the courage to pay down the debt by raising taxes. The Harris PCs infamously sold the newly built Hwy. 407, a potential cash cow, to reduce debt; the current Liberal government has tried the same tactic by selling part of Hydro One.

Ontarios taxes are not particularly higher than those of other Canadian provinces. If you are fond of comparing us to the U.S.A., please remember that Canadian taxation pays for our medical care. If you want care in America, you must pay an insurance company. Add $10,000 to $20,000 in health insurance premiums to your current annual income tax bill before deciding that taxation is lower in the U.S.A. By now, Ontarians must realize that lower taxes do not magically increase government revenues.

I would like Jonathan Household to move just a few kilometres southeast for several years where he can enjoy really cheap gasoline, but pay dearly for almost everything else.

Peter Bursztyn, Barrie, Ont.

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Re: Unions want pharmacare plan for all Canadians: Opinion, Sept. 4

Unions want pharmacare plan for all Canadians: Opinion, Sept. 4

Its heartening to see the president of the Canadian Labour Congress joining in the call for a universal pharmacare plan. The arguments for finally providing all Canadians with the medications they require to complete treatment are well known but bear repeating. It is ironic that our health-care system provides diagnosis but does not follow up with the means for all of us to complete the course of treatment when drugs are prescribed. This situation gives rise to unnecessary human suffering. Furthermore, it can be argued that in some cases at least the money spent on diagnosis (fees and tests) is wasted.

The arguments have been made. Political will is required.

Bill Wensley, Cobourg, Ont.

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"How much do you pay for underwear?"

That is what Dov Charney, the disgraced founder of American Apparel (APP) - Get Free Report , asked me 20 minutes into our 90-minute chat, as we were discussing value-based pricing. An on-brand query from a man known for sleaziness, sure, but it caught me off-guard because his tangent was preceded by shop talk: Charney spoke passionately of his intentions for his latest venture, Los Angeles Apparel. It's a carbon copy of American Apparel, now owned by Gildan Activewear, but "newer and better," he contends, and it all comes down to the "Made in L.A." model, which he explains as less a sentiment than it is pragmatics.

What's absolute is Charney's refusal to attribute the failure of his old company to anything other than the "hostile hedge funds" that ousted him. That, in spite of several claims of sexual harassment and other questionable behavior toward women. He also said he lost his business "by way of fraud, securities crime."

In the interview, Charney addressed his haters, the retail apocalypse and Roger Ailes, the late Fox executive ousted over alleged sexual harassment of female colleagues.

Read on, maybe cringe, or maybe feel inspired by this 48-year-old man's commitment to his vision.

Q. What are your goals with Los Angeles Apparel?

A. I want to do it all over again and refine operation, pursue automation more aggressively and maintain financial security of the company. Online retail is superimportant, and [with] my pursuing rapid urban manufacturing, we're talking about even shorter production times. By doing this, we avoid the two evils in retail: markdowns and stockout.

Q. Some think that your new company is exactly the same. Is that valid?

A. It's a similar model, but this is a refined version, because it's smaller with newer equipment, and now I have 30 years of experience. Things [in fashion] have even gotten more precise and more tenseif people really want something these days, they want it now, not in two days. The volatility of demand is so intense, that the question becomes, how do you accommodate them? It all comes down to managing inventory.

Q. Are you saying, it doesn't matter?

A. There's this notion that American Apparel failed because it went bankrupt. The story behind that bankruptcy, I don't know, because I wasn't there. We proved while I was there that this model of rapid replenishment, rapid urban manufacturing worked. Made in L.A. worked.

Most retailers don't make clothes they design. We did some exploration, and now we're going back into the waters again. With a new company, we plan to do a better job this time around.

From Twitter:

Q. Didn't lagging sales bring American Apparel down?

A. My opponents justified my removal by using distorted numbers. At one point, we had sales of more than $630 million. But after I left, three things happened: the gross margin declined and the top line died. And then they eliminated the entire creative team because conventional thinkers don't get it. I hired an inexperienced team because I knew they'd be more more effective.

Q. Why are you sticking with retail when most are screaming apocalypse?

A. Retail is going to be healthy, but it has to go through a forest fire. There will be trees at the end of it. Think about all the store you love shopping in: the vintage stores, the bookstores, gift stores! Who buys a gift online if they have no idea what to get? Brick-and-mortar will always be relevant. Retail is fine: it's just going through massive "correctioning."

Q. "Made in America" has a new meaning in the era of Trump. What's your take?

A. Made in U.S.A. doesn't mean you're a nationalist. We do not support the ideology of America first. If you go to our mission statement, it says we support free trade. [Former Russian leader Mikhail] Gorbachev tore down that [Berlin] wall. We believe in capitalism, the efficiency of the American worker, and that we can advance the worker by advancing manufacturing itself. I can make both an ethical and a pragmatic argument for local manufacturing, but the truth is, the ethical argument from the consumer point of view only goes so far. People still buy what's cheapest.

Q. It seems like the rapid urban manufacturing model would lend well to fast fashion. Your thoughts?

A. It's a solution to fast fashion, for sure. I mean now, there's only one guy in fast fashion doing domestic manufacturing. But it also serves the slower trends because trends don't just die out. We can't predict the behavior of a trend, just like how we can't predict the behavior of a stock. So rapid response-manufacturing is important no matter what apparel trends are.

Q. What's your advice to budding entrepreneurs about failure?

A. When you lose everything and all your wealth is destroyed, what do you do? What I did was call up my grandfather, this 106-year-old Yiddish man, and he said, "Just start another business! My brothers and sisters got murdered in the Holocaust, and you're complaining about business?" The problem with a model society is that we become entitled, myself included. We don't want to get up and fight. But the thing is, you gotta start again. Have a cup of coffee. Get a lot of rest. America is really great, you have to admit. Here, shit goes down, but you can always try again.

Q. Do you have regrets?

A. This security boy in Montreal once said to me, no one's going to take your company away if it's not successful. And he was right. Look at the guy at Uber [Travis Kalanick]. He was a madman, completely crazy. But without him, we wouldn't have Uber. With American Apparel, there were certain things I could've done to focus more on control. I was working night and day, but I could've been more concerned about control issues. Be watchful of hostile hedge funds, hostile private equity firms. They seek control, sometimes relentlessly. They hire PR people and rewrite history. Look what they did with Roger Ailes! If Murdoch wanted Ailes at Fox, he'd still be there. Financial sources will exploit the forces of social justice for their own cause.

Q. Did the media get your story wrong?

A. Absolutely. Nowhere near on my termination notice indicates that I was fired for sexual harassment. The case that was dragged into the media had to do with five lawsuits from 2011, three of which I won through arbitration and the other two I had to settle against my will.

I'm proud that I won the case. Sexual harassment laws are so important to protect victims, and same with discrimination laws. Gender issues are hugely important, but fake news is out there. I voted for Hillary Clinton and what I would've wanted her to say about Trump was, "Forget the allegations. Let's just look at all the things that he can't do and focus on that."

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Colleges have long been hotbeds for stoners indulging in cannabis, and the substance's popularity has only risen as more states have approved the use of recreational weed.

While many campuses remain smoke-free, that has not stopped students from partaking in edibles, smoking joints or vaping.

The Princeton Review ranked the top schools where there are the most cannabis users. The top school is the University of Vermont which has 11,159 students with Ithaca College in New York following in second place. The list was compiled based on students' answers to a survey which asked, "How widely is marijuana used at your school?"

These tallies are not scientific since the University of ColoradoBoulder ranks fifth on the list. It is anyone's guess how many students are high while they are studying or hanging out with their friends, but the approval of the adult use of marijuana has increased access to a plethora of products and better quality, especially at schools in Colorado.

While it appears obvious that colleges or universities that consume the most cannabis would be in states like Colorado or California ranging from the University of Colorado Boulder to the University of California, Berkeley, keep in mind there is a massive illegal market that students tap into, said Jason Spatafora, co-founder of Marijuanastocks.com and a Miami-based trader and investor known as @WolfofWeedST on Twitter.

"I can say from firsthand experience that cannabis was not hard to get at the University of Arizona nor was it hard to get at NYU or UVM (Vermont)," he said. "Ask a few NYU students to give you the name of a delivery service and it will likely be a non-issue."

The demand is high among students and the supply is also plentiful, which means more states should be more "decisive with their legislation of cannabis if they are serious about fighting a $50 billion illegal market because college kids will always find a way," Spatafora said.

Many other universities are also levered to the marijuana movement, said Michael Berger, founder of Technical420, a Miami-based company that conducts research on cannabis stocks. While the schools on the West Coast receive the most attention, marijuana use is also very prevalent in schools in the northeast, Midwest and southeast.

"Although California and Colorado colleges are at the center of two massive legal marijuana markets, growth has been seen nationwide," he said. "There is an ongoing trend of increased cannabis use and decreased alcohol use, which we find to be encouraging."

Oregon students are using more cannabis, according to a study by Oregon State University. The researchers examined the usage before and after the law took effect in 2015. Not only did more students across the U.S. partake, but at the Oregon university more smoke or digest weed products, according to results which were published in June in the journal Addiction which did not identify any of the universities.

"It does appear that legalization is having an effect on usage, but there is some nuance to the findings that warrant further investigation," said the study's lead author David Kerr, an associate professor in the School of Psychological Science in OSU's College of Liberal Arts.

"We found that overall, at schools in different parts of the country, there's been an increase in marijuana use among college students, so we can't attribute that increase to legalization alone," he added.

It goes without saying that college students who want to consume any products in a legal cannabis state should opt to lease an off-campus private residence, said Jeffrey Zucker, president of Green Lion Partners, a Denver-based business strategy firm for early stage cannabis companies and a board member of the Marijuana Policy Project.

"It's important to make sure cannabis consumption is allowed under your landlord or HOA's rules," he said.

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Stick with TheStreet for updated storm coverage as Hurricane Irma moves the market:

Editors' pick: Originally published Sept. 5.

In non-weed smoking news, here are some money tips for your college kid.

College campuses tend to be open, accepting and politically progressive towards the use of weed, but students need to remember that the use of it remains federally illegal and is not permitted on college campuses, especially not on smoke-free campuses. Many colleges are becoming smoke-free campuses and in 2011 there were 586 campuses while in 2016 it rose to 1,913 campuses.

The states where recreational use is legal will start to see fewer cannabis-related citations on campuses, Zucker said.

"Most colleges don't permit on-campus medical cannabis consumption either, which has been a source of controversy and there is currently a lawsuit in Arizona regarding this topic," he said.

College students have their favorite marijuana products and it varies widely among each state, but "flower is still the most dominant with slightly over half of total sales, according to BDS Analytics," Zucker said.

"Edibles, topicals, tinctures and concentrates will continue to erode flower's majority as the industry matures," he said.

Since adult use now is in eight states, here is how they rank, according to data compiled by Zucker from 2014 to 2017. In Colorado, the sales of weed totaled $3.75 billion with 17 schools, including community colleges. Washington generated sales of $1.46 billion and has six colleges.

California reported sales of $900 million with 132 private universities, 23 California state universities and nine Universities of California. While sales were slightly lower, Oregon generated $860 million and has 53 universities, including community colleges.

The revenue from legal sales in 2017 in California are reported as $274 million and the most popular product is flower (hybrid/Indica/Sativa), followed by vape cartridges, concentrates (shatter/wax) and edibles (candy/chocolates/infused foods).

Colorado follows a close second with reports of $200 in sales and the most popular product is flower, followed by vape cartridges, edibles, concentrates and pre-rolls.

Sales of $50 million were reported in Washington with the most popular item being sold is flower, followed by concentrates, vape cartridges, pre-rolls and edibles.

Oregon reported revenue of $23 million and flower was the highest ranked product, followed by flower, concentrates, vape cartridges and edibles.

The acceptance at colleges is increasing with the first "Cannabis Start-up Competition" occurring at Boston University and is run by their BUzz Lab along with Green Lion Partners and is open to current students and alumni who are working on ancillary businesses who will pitch their concepts on November 14.

The winner will not only receive a cash prize, but also free consulting advice from Green Lion Partners to either help establish or grow his cannabis business.

"The cannabis industry is a dream for entrepreneurs, offering so many new opportunities," said Zucker who has been a mentor and donor with BUzz lab. "There has never been an industry or market quite like this one where states and institutional capital are getting involved so slowly. The little guy has a chance like no other."

Since 71% of Millennials believe that cannabis should be legal and cities with universities tend to have a younger demographic, Baker, a Denver-based customer engagement platform for marijuana dispensaries, found that as they expanded into new states, the first dispensary clients were located near college towns, said CEO Joel Milton.

"Younger demographics tend to naturally grasp concepts like online ordering and digital loyalty programs, so it was a natural fit for their dispensaries to offer these types of services," he said.

The company said their first dispensary client in Oregon was in Corvallis, which is home to Oregon State and the dispensary reported that the early adopters using their order-ahead technology were the professors.

"They used Baker so they could shop more discreetly and try to avoid running into their students," Milton said. "We noticed a trend that newer products like concentrates are more popular in these towns. Students have more time to experiment with the newer cannabis products and tend to shy away 'old school' categories like prerolls which was likely how their parents used cannabis."

Based on the data from Baker's platform, which includes 300 dispensaries and over 100,000 of their customers, the universities in 2016 and 2017 which spent the most on cannabis are the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo.; followed by the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore.; USC and UCLA in Los Angeles; the Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound College in Olympia, Wash.; and the University of Nevada in Reno.

Recreational users spent an average of $49 for each purchase in 2016 and the three most popular months for purchases were October though December. For adult use, the days between purchases was 13.69 and the average purchase amount was $49 compared to 10.25 days and $135.61 for medical marijuana patients.

Cannabis flower remains the largest source of revenue for both medical and recreational use dispensaries. Flower products make up 43% of adult use sales volume while pre-rolls account for 26%.

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Shares of airlines aren't having a good summer.

Since July 7, when it reached an all-time high, the Standard and Poor's Composite Airlines Index has fallen 17%. Of the eight major airlines, only Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Get Free Report has a year-to-date share price gain with its shares are up 5%.

The industry may get a chance to explain itself and perhaps reduce guidance this week. Key events include Delta Air Lines Co.'s (DAL) - Get Free Report August traffic report, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 5; and the Cowen & Co. airline investor conference on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

With United Continental Holdings Inc.'s (UAL) - Get Free Report chief financial officer in the spotlight after Hurricane Harvey struck Houston, the carrier's second-biggest hub, CFO Andrew Levy is scheduled to speak at the conference at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Cowen & Co. analyst Helane Becker wrote last Wednesday that she expects "managements will update guidance to the low end of the range" at the conference.

"Pricing trends are currently not favorable," Becker wrote. "Fares from the Northeast to Florida are again in double digits [and] walk-up fares in some markets are lower than advance purchase fares."

In particular, Becker said, walk-up fares in Denver, Newark and Chicago, are lower than expected. All three cities are United hubs where ultra-low-fare carriers have impacted pricing.

"If this continues into the December quarter, estimates will require another round of revisions," she said.

UBS analyst Darryl Genovesi also takes a dim view of industry prospects following an industry conference in Las Vegas last week.

"Domestic revenue trends have taken another leg down since initial Q3 guidance," Genovesi wrote in a recent report. He said most carriers may cut current third-quarter guidance.

Factors in the decline include efforts by United, American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) - Get Free Report and Southwest to match fare reductions by ultra-low-cost carriers Spirit Airlines Inc. (SAVE) - Get Free Report and Frontier Airlines, geopolitical events and the impact of Hurricane Harvey, he said.

As for United, Becker has estimated that Harvey will have a $265 million impact on the airline, including lost revenue of $115 million and added cost of $150 million. CFRA Research analyst Jim Corridore estimated hundreds of millions in lost profits.

Standard & Poor's said last Thursday it sees no credit ratings impact on United. "The closest parallel may be Delta's 2016 information systems failure at its Atlanta hub that grounded traffic for three days and cost the airline about $150 million," the agency said.

The industry was sailing along until the Spirit second-quarter earnings call on July 27 spooked investors. On the call, Spirit executives said the carrier was facing competitive discounting, particularly at United hubs, possibly in retaliation for Spirit's fare cutting at Newark.

On that call, Matt Klein, Spirit's chief commercial officer, said the carrier has seen "a developing change in the pricing backdrop" that began in late June.

"The competitive environment has spread to a larger number of markets at deeper discount levels {as} our competitors resort to an unusual level of discounting," particularly for summer, Klein said. That day, Spirit shares fell 18%.

Year-to-date, Spirit shares are down 41%; Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (HA) - Get Free Report is down 25%; Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) - Get Free Report is down 15%: United is down 14% and JetBlue Airways Corp. (JBLU) - Get Free Report is down 11%. Both American and Delta are down 3%.

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This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
A U.S. trade war with China isn't likely to happen, despite the touchy situation that is North Korea.

But something far more devastating to the U.S. economy could possibly unwind following North Korea's claim late Saturday that it had tested a hydrogen bomb strong enough to reach U.S. shores. That is volatility in financial markets, with enough impact to set off panic and lead to an economic standstill, said international trade expert Krzysztof J. Pelc in an interview.

"An outright trade war is not likely because it would be so devastating," says Pelc, who works in the political science department at McGill University in Montreal. But what is possible is a series of retaliatory steps -- or "miscalculations" -- with the strength to shake global stability.

Such steps happen, says Pelc, "when you suddenly increase trade barriers, in a way far in excess of what is normally allowed by the rules." Last month, the Financial Times reported that China offered to cut its steel exports by 150 million tons, but President Donald Trump rejected the offer. "He could have claimed his acceptance as a victory; the fact that he didn't is worrying."

On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox News that he would draft a new sanctions package for President Trump, extending the Administration's pressure on China to rein in North Korea to all U.S.. trading partners. "Anybody that wants to do trade or business with (North Korea) would be prevented from doing business with us." Overnight, Japan's Nikkei 225 and the South Korean Kospi index both fell about 1%.

In retaliation to increasing pressure from Washington, China could increase tariffs on steel or on exports that the U.S. market heavily relies on. One is rare earths that are needed to manufacture smartphones -- China produces 90% of the mineral.

China isn't the only partner affected, says Pelc.

"Because world trade is so interconnected, no trade partner would be sparred." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the Washington Post he "would not tolerate" a nuclear test. In Australia, President Trump's tweet on September 3, that "the United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea," raised immediate alarm. The slightest standoff between Washington and Beijing, who are major trade and investment partners, could upset their economy, Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop told SBS news Australia's Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop.

Trade partners who share regional supply chains such as the U.S. auto industry would be especially hard hit, says Pelc. The nylon for seat belts is sourced in Mexico, woven in Canada, and sent back to Mexico, where it is stitched together before being sent to the U.S. and fitted into autos.

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Editor's note: This piece was updated to correct the location of McGill University.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Tronc Inc. undefined finally found something it could buy.

On Monday, Sept. 4, the U.S.'s third-largest newspaper chain announced a deal to buy the longtime financially ailing New York Daily News from investor Mort Zuckerman. It gains control of the paper and its printing facility in Jersey City, N.J., and takes a 49.9% interest on the 25-acre parcel on which the printing plant sits, with Zuckerman remaining majority ownership of that property. In addition, Tronc assumes the paper's pension responsibilities, which have been estimated at $30 million.

Tronc didn't disclose its purchase price, but Securities and Exchange Commission filings show it's $1. That's not really a surprising number. Longtime millions-losing dailies like the Daily News really offer a market value of a $1, more or less. Their "value" is then in their nameplate and in their longer-shot potential for rebuilding a profitable mainly digital business on the shaken foundation of the print advertising-hemmorhaging legacy.

Further, even at $1, seller Zuckerman also had to toss in that 49.9% share in the Jersey City property, a property about which Tronc executive Tim Knight said, "that was certainly an added inducement to this transaction." Knight told the Chicago Tribune that the Tronc/Zuckerman joint venture will eventually develop the 25-acre parcel on which the printing facility sits. In this case, as in many other daily newspaper transactions of the last five years, it is the property that offers calculable value and drives the deal.

Zuckerman had publicly put the paper on the market two years ago, but found it wanting. This real estate gambit then frees him from future Daily News operating losses. For years, those close to both the Daily News and its archrival New York Post have estimated the losses in their war of attrition to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

The Daily News' iconic newspaper brand -- stretching back 98 years to 1919 -- falls into the uncertain hands of Tronc, an entity newly christened just 1-1/2 years ago after investor Michael Ferro pulled off an out-of-the-blue coup, buying effective control of Tribune Publishing Co. and then re-naming it with his acronym for "Tribune Online Content."

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For Ferro, chairman of Tronc, it's a win he can, and will, crow about. His announced vision has always been expansive. Now, as he adds a New York brand as a "tenth major U.S. media market," he can claim to have arrived. Add the New York nameplate to that of the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, and Tronc will claim "national" status.

In its acquisition release, the company said its "combined digital platform has over 80 million unique monthly visitors." The Daily News provides a digital audience, as national as it is New York-based, of about 25 million monthly unique visitors, adding to Tronc's approximate 60 million. Size may be a goal, but the larger question will be what the strategy is behind harvesting the value of the increased size.

The deal offers a couple of historical echoes. Tribune, Tronc's predecessor, owned the Daily News from its founding until 1991. Further, and ironically, the three major metro holdings strategy matches one of Tribune's itself. Though Tribune had sold off the Daily News, it added both the L.A. Times and New York's Newsday to its chain in 2000. It then mounted a major ad sales campaign around the power of the threesome back in the early aughts. While a great talking point, the three-city synergy play never netted the company more than a couple of points of revenue, sources have told me over the years.

Today, Tronc faces a transformed ad landscape. In digital, scale is defined by billions and audiences sliced and diced by increasingly AI-assisted programmatic advertising. Tronc seeks more scale through industry consortia plays like Nucleus, but that endeavor hasn't fulfilled the revenue goals of several large newspaper partners. The company's digital revenue was down 5% for the last quarter.

Meanwhile, print advertising manages a never-ending disappearing act. Tronc, for instance, reported a 17% drop in print advertising in the second quarter; it's unclear whether in 2017 print scale makes any significant difference in the marketplace.

Tronc's leadership hasn't yet addressed its deeper thinking about the acquisition. It is at that newer leadership, of Tronc X (Tronc's digital division) president Tim Knight, and now of L.A. Times CEO Ross Levinsohn, to which the company looks for new ideas.

Given how challenged revenue is, cost reductions -- still the driving strategy of Tronc and many of its peers -- may be at work. In its story on the buy, the New York Times reported that Tronc may use the Daily News presses to print two of its other papers, the relatively large Hartford Courant in Connecticut and the smaller Allentown Morning Call in Pennsylvania. That would fit a major newspaper chain strategy: either in-source lots of print or outsource it, saving much labor.

Just two months ago, I reported that Hearst Newspapers, as it bought the New Haven Register, planned on shifting its printing away from the Hartford Courant to one of its owned plants. That loss of business for Tronc, in Hartford, looks like it is one driver of the Daily News acquisition. The downside of such printing synergy: earlier deadlines that make the news for the remaining, and high subscription-price-paying print subscribers, even older. Hartford is two hours from Jersey City -- without traffic. It's a truism of this age that printing and production costs can drive major decisions about newspapers' lives, their viability and whether they will be kept or sold.

The Daily News now moves from the private ownership of Zuckerman, who has owned the paper since 1993, to that of Tronc, a single-class public company. While the Daily News has seen its ups and downs with the often-changing strategic decisions of its owner, it hasn't faced the pressure of being a money-losing concern with the glare of quarterly earnings visited upon its crimson bottom line. Now, it will.

It moves into a Tronc itself still much in transition after a year-and-a-half of new leadership, if not in chaos. Just two weeks ago, Tronc dispatched three top corporate executives and purged four top editors at its flagship L.A. Times, while naming Internet executive Ross Levinsohn the paper's new CEO and publisher.

During the tenure of Ferro and his CEO, Justin Dearborn, the company has been close in a spate of possible transactions. It lost both the Orange County Register in 2016 and the Chicago Sun-Times in July, when the the Justice Department's antitrust division blocked its bids. It fell out of the bidding for US Weekly.

Tronc did manage to buy a small company, Spanfeller Group, which produces The Daily Meal and Active Times, but sources said the touted traffic-driving potential of those acquisitions hasn't come close to expectations. As of last week, Jim Spanfeller, like the three corporate VPs who recently departed, left Tronc's employ. That's just one more sign that Tronc's promised transformational synergies haven't borne fruit. Now, with a New York-centered operation, Tronc will aim to achieve a new suite of editorial efficiencies amid business-side cutbacks.

As the company faces its next round of strategic challenges, it will keep one eye on its rear-view mirror. There, former Tronc vice chairman Patrick Soon-Shiong keeps a watchful presence. Soon-Shiong, Tronc's second-largest investor after Ferro himself, split with Ferro earlier this year and could contest control of Tronc itself come early 2018.

For the Daily News, it's a leap from a long-simmering pot into a kettle of unknown depth.

The feisty tabloid has long offered up a unique voice in America's one-of-a-kind city. Now, Tronc -- a company bred in decades-old, staider broadsheet sensibilities -- assumes control. Arthur Browne, the Daily News' editor-in-chief, becomes its interim publisher. He will step down at year's end. That opens up still another big question for Tronc: Given its L.A. Times firings, it is actively searching for a top editor -- and new credibility-- for the Times.

Now it will seek both a new business head and editorial leader for the Daily News. With a newsroom diminished, but still numbering about 200 and with a 2017 Pulitzer to its credit, the paper has survived several near-death experiences, as well as the tenure of press baron Robert Maxwell.

As media maven Michael Wolff elegantly summed it up: "Hemorrhaging advertising, locked in a circulation war with the Post, devastated by a strike in 1990 and saddled with onerous union agreements, the News was sold in 1991 to would-be U.K newspaper baron Robert Maxwell. It would be hard to imagine a less promising owner. Two years later, having long been looting his company's pension funds, Maxwell slipped off the back of his yacht, an apparent suicide."

How many more lives can it manage?

Then, there's the question of that "voice." Will Chicagoan Ferro attempt to modulate it?

And there's always that direct old-school competition. What will Ferro do in print, and in digital, in its battle with archrival New York Post, owned by Rupert Murdoch? While Murdoch, too, has lost millions in maintaining the Post, his pockets are far deeper than Ferro's.

In digital audience, the Post clearly dominates the Daily News.

Two years ago, both could claim a monthly digital unique customer count of about 25 million. Today, the Daily News hovers around that number, according to comScore Inc., after experiencing an election boom that subsided. The Post, though, has doubled its number since then, showing 49 million in July. That is its highest total ever, after three months of 40 million-plus.

Still, print drives much of the revenue for the two survivors.

From counts in the millions in heyday years past, today, the Daily News now sells about 200,000 daily and about 260,000 on Sunday. As a "second" paper in a highly competitive market and as single-copy sales product in a newsstand market that is a shadow of itself, the Daily News long ago ceased being an economic enterprise. Said the Chicago Tribune on the sale: "Tronc sees cost efficiencies and opportunities for revenue growth, including Tronc's scale, to operate the Daily News less expensively and attract more printing clients to the New Jersey plant acquired as part of the deal. [CEO] Dearborn expects the Daily News to be operating in the black by next year."

Tronc, then, has upped its ante -- and, who knows, could soon make new noises about buying Gannett Co. (GCI) - Get Free Report , the company whose hostile takeover of Tronc failed last year. Ferro has made his big splash, and there will be lots of people -- Daily News readers and staffers, and the wider newspaper industry -- waiting for the waves.
Western Digital Co. (WDC) - Get Free Report is willing to drop out of the bidding process for Toshiba Corp.'s (TOSYY) prized chip unit in exchange for better terms in the two companies' joint venture, Reuters reported Tuesday citing two sources.

The move could help Toshiba finally close the sale of the prized unit, which it has been trying to sell for months and is valued at nearly $18 billion.

A consortium that includes Western Digital, private equity firm KKR & Co. and Innovation Network of Japan and Development Bank of Japan has offered 1.9 trillion yen ($17.4 billion) for the unit, sources told Reuters.

Toshiba has been trying to jettison the unit in order to stay afloat following the failure and eventual bankruptcy of its U.S. nuclear operation Westinghouse.

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United Technologies Corp.'s (UTX) - Get Free Report move to buy airplane parts maker Rockwell Collins Inc. (COL) for $30 billion including debt, setting up the biggest deal in the history of aerospace, emerged after an activist hedge fund manager reportedly has been agitating for a different kind of deal.

The blockbuster transaction seeks to combine the largest and fourth-largest aircraft parts maker in the U.S. United Technologies, of Farmington, Conn., will pay $140 a share for Rockwell Collins, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in cash and UTX stock. Rockwell Collins shareholders will receive $93.33 a share in cash and $46.67 in shares of United Technologies common stock. The deal is expected to close by the third quarter of 2018.

And the combination comes after the New York Post reported last month, citing sources, that an activist hedge fund investor may be accumulating shares and agitating behind the scenes at United Technologies. The report argued that the activist investor, possibly Third Point LLC's Dan Loeb, is putting UTX on the defensive and had been pressing it behind-the-scenes to spin off non-core businesses.

Larger corporations targeted by activists who seek to pressure companies to divest divisions or sell themselves often seek to make big transformative acquisitions as a poison pill on the insurgent fund's efforts to have them broken up. It is very possible that the private activist agitations was a key contributor, pushing United Technologies CEO Gregory Hayes to buy the cockpit gear maker.

In addition, activists also often target companies that have rejected acquisition offers, based on the prospect that such a rejection may have raised the ire of shareholders at the target company. Last year, Hayes successfully defended UTX against a $90 billion hostile takeover offer by Honeywell International Inc. (HON) - Get Free Report .

At the time, the company suggested that a United-Honeywell combination would not pass antitrust muster. The Deal, a unit of TheStreet, reported in February 2016 that a big regulatory threat to that combination was the Department of Defense. A key issue is that since the end of the Cold War, consolidation has resulted in a steep decline in the number of defense contractors from more than 20 in the 1980s to only six today, including United Technologies.

However, analysts have reportedly argued that they don't expect significant antitrust issues with a United Technologies-Rockwell deal since each company makes different aerospace parts. Nevertheless, Rockwell's advisers included experts in antitrust, suggesting that regulatory concerns were evaluated.

Beyond Loeb, at least one other fund that occasionally engages in activism, Southeastern Asset Management Inc., has a stake in United Technologies. Southeastern owns a 0.7% United Technologies stake, according to securities filings.

In addition, Loeb owns a 0.2% stake in Honeywell, and in April he urged the company to separate its aerospace unit via a spinoff. He said that the spinoff would result in an increase in shareholder value in excess of $20 billion.

Nevertheless, a director battle to drive a spin off or other action at United Technologies would have been a huge endeavor. The company's mark capitalization is $97 billion so any battle would have been one of the largest ever.

A Third Point spokeswoman declined to comment. United Technologies did not return a request for comment.

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Shares of Walt Disney Co. (DIS) - Get Free Report are moving higher in Tuesday's morning trading session, climbing almost 1% to $102.42. The reason? While stock futures fall, Disney shares finds itself moving higher, thanks to an upgrade from Wells Fargo.

It's been a tough year for Disney, with shares failing to gain traction. Disney shares are down 2.6% in 2017 and are up just 52 basis points over the past two years. Thankfully, Disney typically has a very patient shareholder base. But it wouldn't be surprising if they began to get a little restless after such a lack of outperformance.

However, one could argue that despite Disney's flat performance, its stock is actually doing OK considering the rapidly changing landscape in the streaming and content markets. Specifically, over-the-top products continue to pressure traditional cable and satellite revenues. Disney serves as both a broadcaster and a content producer, putting it in unique company. However, it's felt intense pressure on its ESPN business, and recent changes in the industry have forced it to sever its content ties with Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) - Get Free Report .

Regarding Wells Fargo, analyst Marci Ryvicker upgraded the stock to outperform, assigning a $116 price target. The price target was increased from $109 and now implies almost 14% upside from Disney's current price. She argues that concerns are "widely overdone" regarding dilution from streaming apps, as well as with Disney's recent deal to acquire the rest of BAMTech that it didn't already own.

Eventually, the TV industry will go through an "accelerated push" into over-the-top products, Ryvicker reasoned. Because of this, investors should consider companies with attractive content, like CBS Corporation (CBS) - Get Free Report , Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. (FOX) - Get Free Report and Disney. Conversely, they should reduce exposure to companies like Scripps Networks (SNI) , Discovery Communications (DISCA) - Get Free Report and Viacom, Inc. (VIAB) - Get Free Report .

Along with upgrading Disney, Ryvicker downgraded VIAB stock to market perform and assigned a $32 price target.

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This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author had no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Canadian Prime Minister and Governor of Missouri Eric Greitens met on Tuesday to discuss "a range of Canada-Missouri issues," including aerospace comapny Boeing (BA) - Get Free Report .

"This included a discussion on Canada's possible purchase of Boeing's Super Hornet fighter jets and the number of Missouri jobs that depend on the manufacturing of that aircraft," a letter from the Canadian Government, obtained by Vice News, reads.

"Canada is reviewing current military procurement that relates to Boeing, as Boeing is pursuing unfair and aggressive trade action against the Canadian aerospace sector," it continues. "Meanwhile, Boeing receives billions in support from U.S. federal, state and municipal governments"

The letter adds that the bilateral trade between Canada and Missouri carries an $8.2 billion value, and was responsible for 163,800 jobs in 2016.



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It wasn't too long ago that a hen party consisted of a few feather boas, some rather risque straws and a few questionable cocktails down the local.

Not any more, it seems.

Today, you're more likely to be grabbing a taxi to the airport than into the city centre as hen and stag parties opt for far flung places such as Berlin and Amsterdam to spend a few final days of singledom with their friends - who apparently are non too happy with having to fork out the cash to join in.

Of the 1.2K people to take THEVOW.ie survey which asked if the cost of hen and stag parties has got out of hand, a staggering 91% said they believe that yes, they have.

How to calculate the cost of a hen or stag party

While many couples throwing a pre-wedding party for their friends do intend to keep the costs down for those attending, costs can quickly spiral and most of the time this is down to the unforeseen costs of the so-called 'smaller' items.

So while a package for a spa weekend or an activity day away might be manageable, when you factor in travel costs, breakfasts, lunches, drinks, and either a small gift and/or contribution to the bride or groom's costs for the event, you may find yourself digging deeper than anticipated.

Most hens follow a format of activity, dinner, drinks and many are now taking place if not in another country, than in another city, which means accommodation costs.

For hotel stays, consider the cost of breakfast if it's not included. If you opt for shared accommodation in an Airbnb or similar, a 'big shop' for everyone could run you a few quid and may be a lot more than anticipated if you choose to pool your money.

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Budget plan

The easiest way to project your spending or to keep track of what's already been spent is to keep a budget tracker. Here is a guide to some of the costs that may occur for your event:

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SUBIC BAY FREEPORTSenator Richard Gordon has called on the Subic Bay Freeport business community to support his proposal to establish an investment corridor in Central Luzon that will encourage more business and livelihood activities and spur further development in the area.

Speaking during the North Luzon Business Conference here last week, Gordon said he has filed Senate Bill No. 1325, or An Act Creating the Regional Investment and Infrastructure Corporation of Central Luzon, to facilitate the creation of an investment corridor in the region.

The senator explained that the proposed Regional Investment and Infrastructure Corp. aims to attract more foreign investors by way of providing for a road network system that will interconnect airports and seaports in Luzon.

He added that the proposed legislation will provide tax incentives for companies and will utilize the area to help ease the traffic currently weighing down the Metro Manila area. This will further ease the congestion of the seaports and airports in Manila, he said.

Gordon, who served as the first chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, also pointed out that Central Luzon is the only region in the country that has three airports like New York, referring to Manila, Clark and Subic.

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Central Luzon also has three seaportsSubic, Mariveles and Manila, and four if we include Batangaswhich are complemented by a network of highways, said Gordon.

Senator Richard Gordon

He said the country needs to optimize the use of its infrastructures and pointed out that the Central Luzon area is connected by major highways: The North Luzon Expressway, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, and the Olongapo-Gapan Highway.

Central Luzon is also connected to various industrial zones managed by the Export Processing Zone Authority and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

In response, business leaders from the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce Inc., the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other business groups attending the conference pledged their support to Gordons bill.

Gordons bill had earlier found resonance during the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan Investment Roadshow to Taiwan, when SBMA Administrator and CEO Wilma Eisma urged businessmen in Taipei and Taichung City to consider the so-called Central Luzon Manufacturing and Logistics Zone as a prime investment destination.

Eisma said the CMLZ, composed of Clark Freeport, Subic Bay Freeport, and the Freeport Area of Bataan, has strategic location, ample space for manufacturing, developed infrastructure support, and generous tax and fiscal incentives.

The area has ample supply of talented and skilled labor, service utilities for industries and businesses, secured corridor without traffic congestion, and enviable live-work-play environment, Eisma added.

Eisma also said that Central Luzon is perfect for targeted key industries like electronics, automotive parts and aerospace products for Clark; shipbuilding and maritime industries, including cruise ships for Subic; and high-end garments manufacturing for Bataan.

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Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP acquires, owns, develops, and operates midstream energy assets in North America. It operates through Natural Gas Transportation; Crude Oil Transportation; and Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segments. The Natural Gas Transportation segment engages in the ownership and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines and integrated natural gas storage facilities with approximately 4,641 miles of transportation pipelines in Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. This segment provides its services to on-system customers, including third-party local distribution companies, industrial users, and other shippers. The Crude Oil Transportation segment engages in the ownership and operation of the Pony Express System, a crude oil pipeline serving the Bakken Shale, Denver-Julesburg, and Powder River Basins, as well as other nearby oil producing basins. The Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment owns and operates natural gas gathering and processing facilities that produce natural gas liquids (NGLs) and residue gas for sale in local wholesale markets or delivers into pipelines for transportation to additional end markets; and crude oil gathering, storage, and terminalling facilities, as well as engages in the transportation of NGLs, and marketing of crude oil and NGLs. This segment also provides water business services primarily to the oil and gas exploration and production industry. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Leawood, Kansas. Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP operates as a subsidiary of Tallgrass Energy GP, LP.
Qatars foreign ministry Tuesday urged the international community to press Israel to review its plans to establish a new unlawful settlement in the city of Nablus, part of the West Bank within the internationally recognised Palestinian territory.

The Israeli government, according to local accounts, approved a 60 million-shekel ($16.7 million) plan for the construction of Amichai settlement as an alternative to the Amona Jewish outpost, which was evacuated few months ago, reports say.

The settlement blatantly violates the international law and erodes hopes for the creation of the Palestinian state.

There are 600,000 Israelis living on stolen Palestinian territories.

Doha described the decision as a flagrant violation to the international legitimacy resolutions and a blatant attack over the Palestinians rights, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

Peace talks between the two sides led by the US have stagnated since 2014. Visiting the region late last month, UN Chief Antonio Guterres criticized Israels continued occupation and said that there is no plan B apart from the two-state solution proposed by the international community.

On Monday, Gaza ruler Hamas also criticised the illegal settlements arguing that they leave Palestinians with no options but to fight by all means.

The Resistance movement also pointed out that Israels ongoing plans demonstrate failure of all negotiation projects.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday chaired the ninth BRICS summit, calling on the group of five emerging economies to intensify cooperation and contribute more to a world troubled by protectionism and imbalanced development.

We must redouble our efforts to usher in the second golden decade of BRICS cooperation, Xi told leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa at the summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen, Fujian Province.

It was the first time that Xi had presided over the BRICS summit and the third time for him to chair major international events in a year, following the G20 Hangzhou Summit and the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma were welcomed by Xi before the opening of the summit, themed BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future.

The summit has been widely expected to set the future course for the group, which accounts for about 43 percent of the worlds population and has contributed more than half of global economic growth over the past decade.

Xi raised his vision to comprehensively deepen BRICS partnership, including seeking practical results in economic cooperation, strengthening complementarity of development strategies and making the international order more just and equitable.

People-to-people exchanges, a worthy cause that deserves enduring commitment, should be promoted, according to Xi.

He noted the different national conditions of the five countries, but stressed differences can be transcended and win-win results achieved.

He called on BRICS members to bring their comparative strengths in resources, markets and labor force to release growth potential and the creativity of 3 billion people.

Refuting claims that the group is losing its luster, Xi told the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday that the BRICS countries are fully confident about their growth potential and future outlook despite headwinds that have caused setbacks in growth.

From G20 Hangzhou Summit in September last year to the BRICS summit in Xiamen, Chinas approach to global development is becoming more evident via partnership, open economy and win-win cooperation.

A trading port since ancient times and a gateway for Chinas opening up, Xiamen is where Xi started when he came to Fujian Province to take up a new official post in 1985.

He hoped the BRICS countries could set sail from the city to deliver greater benefits to the people of the five countries and around the world.

Results-oriented

While uncertainties and downside risks persist with inward-looking policies weighing on global growth prospects, Xi stressed promoting results-oriented economic cooperation, the foundation of BRICS cooperation, he said.

The potential for BRICS cooperation has yet to be fully unleashed, Xi said, citing the five countries foreign investment totaling 197 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, only 5.7 percent of which took place among BRICS members.

He urged advancing cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, monetary and finance, connectivity, sustainable development and innovation.

In the latest demonstration that BRICS is a task force that gets things done, the president announced China will launch an economic and technological plan for BRICS countries with 500 million yuan (about 76 million U.S. dollars) for the first term to facilitate exchanges and cooperation in the economic and trade fields.

China will also provide 4 million U.S. dollars for projects of the BRICS New Development Bank, which opened in 2015.

Five with one voice

As a stabilizer in regional and international relations, BRICS has been working hard to gain a bigger say on the international stage.

The stance was reaffirmed by Xi at the summit.

We the five countries play a more active part in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved, Xi said. We should speak with one voice and jointly present our solutions to issues concerning international peace and development.

He said the BRICS should work for a new type of international relations and push for economic globalization that is open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

Xis speech was echoed by his counterparts at the summit.

Zuma said the BRICS should strengthen contact with other emerging economies and developing countries to pursue common development.

The five countries should strengthen cooperation and improve global economic governance to create a sound external environment, said Temer.

For his part, Putin said the BRICS should build an open world economy, oppose protectionism and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

Modi said BRICS countries should explore potential for economic cooperation, safeguard the multilateral trade system and promote people-to-people exchanges.

To consolidate their common ground, leaders of BRICS countries adopted the Xiamen Declaration, expressing consensus on various issues including the support for the UNs central role in international affairs, opposing protectionism, condemning terrorism and deploring the latest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

BRICS Plus

During the Xiamen summit, China will hold a Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, in which leaders of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand will join the BRICS leaders in discussing global development cooperation.

The China-proposed model is considered part of a bid to promote BRICS as a leading platform for South-South cooperation.

For emerging economies and developing countries, we should stick to openness rather than protectionism, multilateral trade mechanisms rather than benefiting oneself at the expense of others, mutual benefit rather than a zero-sum game, Xi said at a smaller meeting of BRICS leaders Monday morning.

It is easy to break one arrow, but hard to break 10 arrows bundled together, Xi cited the Chinese proverb in his Sunday speech to call for involving more emerging market and developing countries in cooperation and mutually beneficial endeavors.

Iqbal Surve, head of the South Africa chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said BRICS Plus would be warmly welcome among developing countries as the initiative is aligned with the common purpose of shaking off poverty and realizing dreams.

Working Together to Usher in the Second Golden Decade of BRICS Cooperation

Speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, 3 September 2017

Good afternoon! It is my great pleasure to have all of you with us in the beautiful city of Xiamen, renowned as the Egret Island. The BRICS Summit will be held tomorrow. On behalf of the Chinese government and people and the people of Xiamen, and also in my own name, I warmly welcome all of you to the Business Forum.

Xiamen has been a trading port since ancient times as well as a gateway of Chinas opening up and external cooperation. Embracing the vast ocean, the city has hosted visitors from around the world. On a personal note, Xiamen is where I started off when I came to Fujian Province to take up a new post in 1985. Back then, being one of the earliest special economic zones in China, the city was at the forefront of Chinas reform and opening up endeavor and was brimming with development opportunities. Three decades later, Xiamen has become well known for its innovation and entrepreneurship, with burgeoning new economic forms and new industries, robust trade and investment and easy access to the world with air, land and sea links. Today, Xiamen is a beautiful garden city with perfect harmony between man and nature.

There is a popular saying here in southern Fujian, Dedicate yourself and you will win, which embodies an enterprising spirit. Xiamens success is a good example demonstrating the perseverance of the 1.3 billion-plus Chinese people. In close to 40 years of reform and opening up, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we Chinese have forged ahead, fearless and determined, and we have successfully embarked on a path of socialism with distinctive Chinese features. We have encountered difficulties and challenges on the way forward. But we have persevered and kept pace with the times. With dedication, courage and ingenuity, we are making great progress in pursuing development in todays China.

BRICS cooperation has now reached a crucial stage of development. In assessing its performance, it is important to bear two things in mind: the historical course of global development and evolving international landscape and the historical process of development of the BRICS countries, both individually and collectively, in the context of which BRICS cooperation is pursued.

We are in a great era of development, transformation and adjustment. Although conflict and poverty are yet to be eliminated globally, the trend toward peace and development has grown ever stronger. Our world today is becoming increasingly multipolar; the economy has become globalized; there is growing cultural diversity; and the society has become digitized. The law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak and the zero-sum game are rejected, and peace, development and win-win cooperation have become the shared aspiration of all peoples.

Against such a backdrop, a large number of emerging market and developing countries have come to the fore, playing an ever greater role in international affairs. BRICS cooperation is a natural choice made by our five countries, as we all share a desire for peace and development. In the past decade, we BRICS countries have surged ahead and become a bright spot in the global economy.

The past decade has seen the BRICS countries making headway in pursuing common development. The sudden outbreak of the 2008 global financial crisis left the world economy reeling, which is yet to fully recover. Facing the external shock, our five countries have held the ground by strengthening the domestic economy, boosting growth and improving peoples livelihood. In the past ten years, our combined GDP has grown by 179%, trade by 94% and urban population by 28%. All this has contributed significantly to stabilizing the global economy and returning it to growth, and it has delivered tangible benefits to three billion and more people.

The past decade has seen the BRICS countries advancing results-oriented and mutually beneficial cooperation. Leveraging our respective strengths and converging interests, we have put in place a leaders-driven cooperation framework that covers wide-ranging areas and multiple levels. A number of cooperation projects have been launched that are in keeping with our five countries development strategies and meet the interests of our peoples. In particular, the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement have provided financing support for infrastructure building and sustainable development of the BRICS countries, contributing to enhanced global economic governance and the building of an international financial safety net.

The past decade has seen the BRICS countries endeavoring to fulfill their international responsibility. Committed to multilateralism, fairness and justice, our five countries have staked out our positions on major regional and international issues and made our proposals to address them. We have promoted reform of global economic governance to increase the representation and say of emerging market and developing countries. As a champion of development, we have taken the lead in implementing the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, and engaged in close dialogue and cooperation with other developing countries to pursue development through unity.

As an old saying goes, the construction of a tall building starts with its foundation. We have laid the foundation and put in place the framework of BRICS cooperation. In reviewing the past progress of BRICS cooperation, I believe there are three important practices that should be carried forward.

First, treating each other as equals and seeking common ground while shelving differences. In terms of BRICS cooperation, decisions are made through consultation among us all, not by one country alone. We respect each others path and model of development, accommodate each others concerns and work to enhance strategic communication and political mutual trust. Given differences in national conditions, history and culture, it is only natural that we may have some differences in pursuing our cooperation. However, with strong faith in cooperation and commitment to enhancing trust, we can achieve steady progress in our cooperation.

Second, taking a results-oriented, innovative approach to make our cooperation benefit all. BRICS is not a talking shop, but a task force that gets things done. Our goal is to build a big market of trade and investment, promote smooth flow of currency and finance, improve connectivity of infrastructure and build close bond between the people. In pursuing this goal, our five countries are engaged in practical cooperation across the board, covering several dozen areas, including economy, trade, finance, science, technology, education, culture and health, thus giving concrete expression to the endeavor of building a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation.

Third, developing ourselves to help others with the well-being of the world in our mind. Having gone through an arduous course of development, we BRICS countries share the agony of those people who are still caught in chaos and poverty. Since the very beginning, our five countries have been guided by the principle of dialogue without confrontation, partnership without alliance. We are committed to observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, international law and basic norms governing international relations in conducting state-to-state relations. When developing ourselves, we are ready to share development opportunities with other countries. The philosophy of BRICS cooperation has gained growing appreciation and endorsement, and it has become a positive energy in the international community.

All this is what the BRICS spirit is about. It is the shared value that has bound us in the past decades cooperation. This spirit, constantly enriched over the years, has not only benefited our peoples but also enabled us to make a difference in the world.

Reviewing past progress helps us forge ahead in the right direction. Currently, the global economy has resumed growth, with emerging market and developing countries delivering a strong performance. A new round of technological and industrial revolution is in the making, and reform and innovation are gaining momentum. We have enough reason to believe that our world will be a better place.

On the other hand, more than 700 million people are still living in hunger; tens of millions of people are displaced and become refugees; so many people, including innocent children, are killed in conflicts. The global economy is still not healthy enough and remains in a period of adjustment featuring weak growth, and new growth drivers are yet to emerge. Economic globalization is facing more uncertainties. Emerging market and developing countries find themselves in a more complex external environment. The long road to global peace and development will not be a smooth one.

Some people, seeing that emerging market and developing countries have experienced growth setbacks, assert that the BRICS countries are losing their luster. It is true that affected by complex internal and external environments, we BRICS countries have encountered headwinds of varying intensity. But the growth potential and trend of our countries remain unchanged, and we are fully confident about it.

It is time to set sail when the tide rises. Going forward, we BRICS countries have a major task to accomplish, which is growing our economies and strengthening cooperation. We should build on past success, chart the course for future cooperation and embark on a new journey to jointly usher in the second Golden Decade of BRICS cooperation.

First, we should boost BRICS cooperation to create new impetus for economic growth of our five countries. In recent years, thanks to our strengths in terms of commodities supply, cost of human resources and international market demand, our five countries have driven global growth. As our five economies continue to grow, however, issues concerning resources allocation and industrial structure have become more acute. At the same time, the global economic structure is going through profound changes, evidenced by shrinking global demand and rising financial risks. All this has posed challenges to the traditional strengths of the BRICS economies, taking us to a crucial stage where we must work harder to overcome difficulties.

How should we get through this stage? Growth rate alone is not the answer. Instead, we should, on the basis of our current conditions and bearing in mind the long-term goal, advance structural reform and explore new growth drivers and development paths. We should seize the opportunity presented by the new industrial revolution to promote growth and change growth model through innovation. We should pursue innovation-driven development created by smart manufacturing, the Internet Plus model, digital economy and sharing economy, stay ahead of the curve and move faster to replace old growth drivers with new ones. We should eliminate impediments to economic development through reform, remove systemic and institutional barriers, and energize the market and the society, so as to achieve better quality, more resilient and sustainable growth.

Despite different national conditions, we BRICS countries are at a similar development stage and share the same development goals. We should jointly explore ways to boost innovation-driven growth. This requires us to improve macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize our respective development strategies, leverage our strengths in terms of industrial structure and resources endowment, and create value chains and a big market for shared interests, so as to achieve interconnected development. Basing ourselves on our own practices of reform and innovation, we should blaze a new path which may also help other emerging market and developing countries to seize opportunities and meet challenges.

Economic cooperation is the foundation of the BRICS mechanism. With this focus in mind, we should implement the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership, institutionalize and substantiate cooperation in various sectors, and continue to enhance the performance of BRICS cooperation. This year, we have made progress in the operation of the New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and in e-commerce, trade and investment facilitation, trade in services, local currency bond issuance, scientific and technological innovation, industrial cooperation and public-private partnership, thus expanding and intensifying economic cooperation. We should continue to implement agreements and consensus already reached and better leverage the role of current mechanisms. We should also actively explore new ways and new areas of practical cooperation and strengthen our ties to ensure durable and fruitful BRICS cooperation.

Secondly, we BRICS countries should shoulder our responsibilities to uphold global peace and stability. Peace and development underpin and reinforce each other. People around the world want peace and cooperation, not conflict or confrontation. Thanks to the joint efforts of all countries, global peace has reigned for more than half a century. However, incessant conflicts in some parts of the world and hotspot issues are posing challenges to world peace. The intertwined threats of terrorism and lack of cybersecurity, among others, have cast a dark shadow over the world.

We BRICS countries are committed to upholding global peace and contributing to the international security order. This year, we have held the Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues and the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations. We have put in place the regular meeting mechanism for our permanent representatives to the multilateral institutions, and convened the Foreign Policy Planning Dialogue, the Meeting of Counter-Terrorism Working Group, the Meeting of Cybersecurity Working Group, and the Consultation on Peacekeeping Operations. These efforts aim to strengthen consultation and coordination on major international and regional issues and build synergy among the BRICS countries. We should uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms governing international relations, firmly support multilateralism, work for greater democracy in international relations, and oppose hegemonism and power politics. We should foster the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and take a constructive part in the process of resolving geopolitical hotspot issues and make our due contributions.

I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide. When dialogue, consultation and negotiation are conducted to create conditions for achieving political settlement of issues such as Syria, Libya and the Palestine-Israel conflict, the flame of war can be put out, and displaced refugees will eventually return to their homes.

Thirdly, we BRICS countries should contribute to enhancing global economic governance. Only openness delivers progress, and only inclusiveness sustains such progress. Due to sluggish global growth in recent years, such issues as uneven development, inadequate governance and deficit of fairness have become more acute, and protectionism and inward-looking mentality are on the rise. The global economy and global economic governance system, having entered a period of adjustment, face new challenges.

We should not ignore problems arising from economic globalization or just complain about them. Rather, we should make joint efforts to find solutions. We should work together with other members of the international community to step up dialogue, coordination and cooperation and contribute to upholding and securing global economic stability and growth. To this end, we should promote the building of an open global economy, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, jointly build new global value chains, and rebalance economic globalization. Doing so will bring benefits to people across the world. We five countries should open more to each other, expand converging interests in this process, take an inclusive approach and share opportunities, so as to create even brighter prospects for growing the economies of the five countries.

The development of emerging market and developing countries is not intended to move the cheese of anyone but to make the pie of the global economy bigger. We should join hands to steer the course of economic globalization, offer more vision and public goods, make the governance model and rules more balanced and inclusive, and improve and reshape international division of labor and global value chains. We should work to reform the global economic governance system to make it commensurate with the reality of the global economic architecture. We should also improve governance rules for the new domains of deep sea, polar regions, outer space and cyberspace, so as to ensure that all countries share both rights and responsibilities.

Fourthly, we should increase the influence of BRICS and build extensive partnerships. As a cooperation platform with global influence, BRICS cooperation is more than about our five countries. Rather, it carries the expectations of emerging market and developing countries and indeed the international community. Guided by the principle of open and inclusive cooperation, we BRICS countries place high premium on cooperation with other emerging market and developing countries and have established effective dialogue mechanisms with them.

As a Chinese saying goes, It is easy to break one arrow but hard to break ten arrows bundled together. We should leverage our respective strengths and influence, promote South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue, pool the collective strengths of all countries and jointly defuse risks and meet challenges. We should expand the coverage of BRICS cooperation and deliver its benefits to more people. We should promote the BRICS Plus cooperation approach and build an open and diversified network of development partnerships to get more emerging market and developing countries involved in our concerted endeavors for cooperation and mutual benefits.

During the Xiamen Summit, China will hold the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, where leaders of five countries from different regions will be invited to join the BRICS leaders in discussing global development cooperation and South-South cooperation as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mutual understanding and friendship among peoples are crucial to enhancing BRICS cooperation and building extensive partnerships. We should fully leverage the role of people-to-people and cultural exchanges and encourage extensive public participation in BRICS cooperation. We should hold more events like cultural festivals, movie festivals and sports games that are popular among the people so that the BRICS story will be told everywhere and the exchanges and friendship of the peoples of our five countries will become an inexhaustible source of strength driving BRICS cooperation.

The past decade has not only seen solid progress in the BRICS cooperation mechanism; it has also witnessed the unfolding of all-round reform and opening up in China and its rapid economic and social development. Over these ten years, Chinas economic aggregate has grown by 239% and its total volume of exports and imports in goods risen by 73%. China has become the worlds second largest economy, the lives of its 1.3 billion-plus people have been significantly improved, and China has made increasingly greater contribution to both regional and global economic development.

It is true that as Chinas reform endeavors have entered a crucial stage where tough challenges must be met, some underlying difficulties and problems have surfaced, which must be addressed with resolve and determination. As a Chinese saying goes, Effective medicine tastes bitter. The medicine that we have prescribed for ourselves is to carry out all-round reform. Over the past five years, we have adopted over 1,500 reform measures covering all sectors, with breakthroughs made in multiple areas, and the reform is being pursued with greater intensity. The pace of economic structural adjustment and industrial upgrading has accelerated. Chinas economy has maintained steady and sound performance, and new drivers sustaining development have grown in strength. In the first half of this year, Chinas economy grew by 6.9%, the value added from services accounted for 54.1% of the GDP, and 7.35 million urban jobs were created. All these achievements have proven that deepening all-round reform is the right path that we should continue to follow.

Going forward, China will continue to put into practice the vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and inclusive development. We will adapt to and steer the new normal of economic development, push forward supply-side structural reform, accelerate the building of a new system for an open economy, drive economic development with innovation, and achieve sustainable development. China will stay firmly committed to peaceful development and make even greater contribution to global peace and development.

Last May, China successfully hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was attended by 29 heads of state or government and over 1,600 representatives from more than 140 countries and 80-plus international organizations. This ushered in a new stage of translating the Belt and Road Initiative from vision to action and from planning to implementation. Forum participants discussed ways of promoting cooperation and development and reached broad consensus. Let me make this clear: The Belt and Road Initiative is not a tool to advance any geopolitical agenda, but a platform for practical cooperation. It is not a foreign aid scheme, but an initiative for interconnected development which calls for extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. I am convinced that the Belt and Road Initiative will serve as a new platform for all countries to achieve win-win cooperation and that it will create new opportunities for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The business community of the BRICS countries is the main force driving our economic development. Over the last decade, you have incorporated business development into BRICS cooperation, thus making important contribution to forging BRICS economic partnerships. The reason why we are holding the Business Forum on the eve of the Summit is to solicit your views and advice, so that we can work together to make the Xiamen Summit a success and enable BRICS cooperation to deliver. I hope you will leverage your strengths in terms of information, technology and funding to launch more practical and mutually beneficial cooperation projects that benefit our countries and peoples. What you do will help spur economic and social development and improve peoples lives. The Chinese government will continue to encourage Chinese companies to operate and take root in other countries, and likewise, we also warmly welcome foreign companies to invest and operate in China.

We BRICS countries will enter a second decade of more vibrant growth. Let us work together with other members of the international community. Let our cooperation deliver more benefits to the peoples of our five countries. Let the benefits of global peace and development reach all the people in the world.

In conclusion, I wish the Business Forum every success.

Thank you!
Finance Ministers from seven African countries participating in the G20 Compact with Africa (CWA or the Compact) initiative will meet as a group for the first time in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday 6 September at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.

The CWA is a G20 partnership programme to support the African Union Agenda 2063. The programme engages African countries in building a reliable financial and macroeconomic framework in order to expand investment opportunities, create employment and push for more sustainable infrastructure on the continent.

Following the G20 Africa Partnership Conference held in Berlin from 12-13 June 2017 and the G20 Summit in Hamburg of 7-8 July 2017, the G20 Compact with Africa was launched. Initially seven countries (Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia) have agreed to participate in the CWA and additional countries will likely join.

The CWA seeks to support African Compact countries to improve their macroeconomic, business, and financial frameworks for attracting private investment and to strengthen their public sector financial and debt management; and to encourage private investment from G20 countries. The CWA is central to the economic transformation agenda related to these three pillars.

The Ministers of Finance of the CWA countries will meet on 6 September 2017 in Accra. The objective of this meeting is to express commitment and support for the Compact agenda; to provide a stocktaking of progress to date; and to outline next steps, including a peer learning framework to address common challenges over the next three years.

It will be important to ensure the Compact with Africa translates into action on the ground and boosts private sector investment in each CWA member country. This meeting will address the critical role that the Compact can play in the collective economic transformation agendas of Africa and how to overcome some of the challenges in its implementation. Challenges exist in each of the three pillars of the Compact, whether in terms of the need to improve the business environment through standardization and improved incentives or the need to, improve domestic resource mobilization and public investments through investment friendly tax regimes and the allocation of public investment toward transformational goals; or the need to enhance financing through the creation of robust debt markets or the access to de-risking instruments.

This meeting is an opportunity for Ministers of Finance to discuss how to leverage the Compact, ensure that a platform is in place to support it, and make it sustainable with enhanced private sector investment.

Ghanas Ministry of Finance (MoF) is organising this event as the first peer-to-peer convening, with technical support from the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET).

Ghanas Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, said, We are determined to put Ghana beyond aid, and this compact squarely fits into our broader agenda of increasing private sector investment to drive economic development on our continent.

He added, I look forward to welcoming my colleague Finance Ministers to this meeting, which presents us with the opportunity to make clear decisions on how to sustain a peer learning platform to deepen and sustain the CWA initiative.

The seven Compact countries will participate in the meeting. Other observer countries expected to attend are Burkina Faso, Benin, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Togo.

Representatives of the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the IMF will share perspectives on the three Compact frameworks  macroeconomic, business and financial  and the roles they will play to support countries in implementation.

Download the Agenda: Compact with Africa Finance Ministers Meeting (PDF)
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
All booked up for this one  from Barbados to Malaga, really looking forward to this one. Did a repositioning a couple of years ago in the other direction and loved the sea days, just chillin. First time on Discovery but I'm sure it will be very good. Have sailed with Thomson quite a few times.
Guys, please help me, this is my first time to Malaysia. I've been to Singapore many times, but this time I will go to Singapore via Malaysia by train. Can you advise me which station is the departure station and the arrival station?

I chose KL Sentral, but when I chose that Woodland Station didn't appear. If I chose KL Woodland Station also didn't appear. Then I tried from KL to JB Sentral, the next problem is, the drop down menu didn't show any train timetables at all. I can't choose any train.

Help me, I'm so confused, I tried to book it via KTM website.
You could spend some time doing a loop from Melbourne, which includes at least 2 nights along the Great Ocean Road and 2 nights in the Grampians. There are koalas at Kennett River, along the road to Cape Otway and in the Great Otway National Park which are fairly easy to see. Platypus at Lake Elizabeth which are not so easy to spot. Emus, echidnas and other animals at Tower Hill, and plenty of kangaroos in the Grampians. You are more likely to see Southern Right Whales at Logans Beach than Humpbacks - it's the Right Whales who calve there. The route would look like 1st night Apollo Bay, 2 nights Warrnambool, 2 nights Halls Gap.

There is also Phillip Island for penguins and seals. Healesville Sanctuary is also worth a visit. They have only Australian animals there, and the Flight Show is well worth seeing.

Kangaroo Island (in South Australia) is well-known for wildlife. You'd need to allow at least 3 nights there.

Because it's winter, the daylight hours are shorter and you need to allow more time, as you cannot drive as far. Driving at or after dusk, or at or before dawn is a really bad idea as kangaroos have no road sense. You don't want your close encounter with a kangaroo to be when you are in your vehicle.

I would also recommend some time in the Port Douglas area for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest and Atherton Tablelands (an awesome place for birds), and I believe there are night-spotting wildlife tours run up there. The wildlife in the far north is quite different to the south.
The exact time of luggage cut off maters only if you are truly desperate. Before that you ned time to wait on line to check n luggage - and this can be a major pain since a lot of international travelers seem to carry half their belongings with them - often things that are too heavy and then don;t undrerstand and argue about the extra charges. Many times I have seen travelers at the desk repacking their luggage to try to fit more in their carry-on or to move things from one person's luggage to another.

And even if you do get in just under the one hour limit - then you have to go through security - which at JFK can often take 45 minutes or more, again international ravelers, esp foreign ones, don't always understand the rules and some passengers take forever to get through.. So the OP could still be in the security line when the door of their plane is ready to close (take off means going up in the air, not closing the doors).

So must you be there exactly 3 hours in advance - no. If you are 15 minutes late it very likely won't matter. But thinking you can roll in with checked luggage an hour before the flight takes off the chance you will make it is essentially nil.

I know some people routinely poo poo the 3 hour recommended arrival - but until I retired recently I traveled through JFK internationally multiple time per year, plus a significant number of domestic flights. And while sometimes everything goes like clock work MANY times there are delays - of all sorts - and people do miss flights. I have seen it happen more than once. And unless it doesn't really matter if you catch this flight or can take another one - the same day or the next - it's much better to allow the time for these potential problems. (When I book a flight I MUST make that flight - to miss it is not an option - so I always get to the airport early. Some people are more flexible - then timing matters much less)
Ok - you need to understand that in Feb NYC is going to be colder and snowier than the weather you are used to. So it's very difficult to pick out in advance which days will be good for outdoor activities - since you may be lucky and get 40 with a watery sun but you can also easily get 20 and heavy snow. So for days that you don;t have to reserve n advance pick what to do based n the weather. You can get advance timed tickets for the 911 Museum (about 3 hours) a day in advance. The Memorial is only outdoors and only takes about a half hour. Central Park can take all day - if the weather is good. Go to the web site of the Central Park Conservancy to see what sights/activities you want to see/do and download a map of the pedestrian paths (quite convoluted).

A couple of notes:

The HoHo bus is a terrible idea, esp in midwinter. They are very few, run only every 30 minutes or so, have very limited routes and are very expensive and you can;t see much from inside and outside you will freeze your buns off. They simply do NOT work as transit. You should walk shorter distances and take subway for longer ones (they run every 5 minutes and snow doesn't stop or delay them, unlike buses).

You say SoL cruise. Do you realize that this does NOT stop at Liberty Island and you cannot get inside the statue - it's just a cruise around NY harbor (cold, damp and windy). If you actually want to visit the Statue - either going up to the Crown or just visiting the Pedestal/Museum i the base of the Statue, as well as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum (which is brilliant) you must buy tickets only from statuecruises.com - at least a month in advance for the Pedestal/Museum.
Hi,

I'm looking to plan a safari for my wife and I in June 2018. I've been in contact with a few tour operators and have received recommended itineraries, though not sure which fits our requirements best.

We're from Melbourne, budget is $20,000AUD (16,000USD) - slightly flexible is required. It'll be our first trip to Africa (her childhood dream destination) - essential we get this right :-) . We're willing to spend 2-3 weeks in Africa, if budget allows.

The current itineraries we've received:

Option 1.

1. Fly from home (Melbourne, Australia) to Kilimanjaro airport.

4. Drive to Tarangire Ndovu Camp. Spend 1 night there.

5. Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, spend 2 nights at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.

6. Drive to Ehlane Plains Camp in the Central Serengeti, spend 2 nights.

7. Drive to Kaskaz Mara Camp in the Northern Serengeti, spend 2 nights.

8. Fly from Kogatende to Zanzibar.

Option 2.

1. Fly from home (Melbourne, Australia) to Kilimanjaro airport. Overnight at Karama lodge

2: Arusha/Tarangire N.park. Overnight at Maramboi tented Camp

3: Tarangire/Ngorongoro crater floor. Overnight at Ngorongoro sopa lodge

4: Ngorongoro/Serengeti N.park. Overnight at Kubu kubu tented camp

5: Central Serengeti/Western Serengeti area. Overnight at Mbugani migration camp

6: Western Serengeti/Northern Serengeti area. Overnight at Bologonja under canvas

7: Full day in Northern Serengeti. Overnight at Bologonja under canvas

8: Serengeti Lobo airstrip to Zanizbar.

Option 3.

1. Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport. Overnight at The African Tulip Hotel

2. Drive to Tarangire National Park with picnic lunches , game drive in the park. Overnight at Tarangire Safari lodge, Tarangire Balloon Camp or Tarangire Ndovu Camp

3. Breakfast, another game drive in Tarangire National Park with picnic lunches , then drive to Ngorongoro for Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

4. Breakfast, descend to Ngorongoro for a tour of the crater , picnic lunches at a location within the crater, more game drives, dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

5. Breakfast, drive to central Serengeti with picnic lunches , game drive en-route, dinner and overnight at Kubukubu Tented Camp

6. Breakfast, full day game drive in Serengeti National Park, lunch, dinner and overnight at Kubukubu Tented Camp

7. Breakfast, morning game drive followed by lunch at the lodge , wildlife viewing en-route to western Serengeti, dinner and overnight at Kirawira Serena Camp

8. After breakfast, full d ay game drive in Serengeti National park ,lunch , dinner and overnight at Kirawira Serena Camp

9. Breakfast, game drive en-route to Kirawira airstrip for a scheduled flight to Zanzibar ( see details below )

Zanzibar will be 1-2 nights in Stone Town, followed by 2-3 nights in beach resort (Breezes looks quite good).

We would love to see the migration as well as the Big 5. Option 1 was the initial itinerary we received, however we were informed by 3 (Roys) that the Western Serengeti is better in June for migration sighting.

Which of the 3 itineraries would be best wrt to price and quality? Is there any huge difference in the quality of the lodgings? Anyone best for game sighting in late June? Anything missing, things that we should change?

From my research, I'm probably leaning towards option 3, followed by option 1 than option 2.

Any advice on when to book airlines, and which routes are best/cheapest from Australia? It looks like flying to Johannesburg is cheaper than Nairobi, however flights from Joh to KJO and back pumps up the price quite a bit.

We'd love to start our trip with Vic Falls, but it's both expensive and hard to get to (multiple flights required). Likewise, gorilla trekking is an attractive option but prices seem very expensive. Uganda seems much more affordable than Rwanda.

Is it possible to fit in a gorilla trek OR Vic Falls in place of Zanzibar and remain within our budget? Is Vic Falls worth the time and money required to get there from Tanzania? Gorillas would be amazing but is it just too expensive to fit in both a gorilla safari (even if only 2-3 days) without compromising our Tanzanian safari?

Thanks in advanced for any feedback and advice you might have.
While you don't need to arrive on the date that you specify, you can't arrive before that date.

But be aware that the 30 days begins from the date on the letter.

Apparently there is at least one land border crossing that you can enter with a VOA, but it's generally stipulated that they can only be used when entering by air.

Another alternative is the E-Visa.

Have a look here -

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt

Scott
Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to Vietnam in March for 3-4 weeks. The 1st 2 weeks I'm doing the scenic vietnan tour with intrepid and then the last week or 2 I want to relax somewhere on the beach. I'm traveling solo and want a nice beach and hot weather, not be over crowded with tourists but still be close to restaurants/cafes and shops/markets, places to explore by day and somewhere I can get cheap massages lol.

I've been tossing up between Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Hoi an. I'm worried I'll get bored in Phu Quoc for week and I've seen pretty bad reviews on Nha Trang and worried the weather won't b very nice) hot enough in Hoi an. What are your recommendations?
When you arrive at Narita or Haneda and happen to need a SIM card for your smartphone, chances are you are going to get one at the airport. At narita the current large provider there is Softbank Global. You can either rent a wifi box on a daily rate of about 1000 yen per day with unlimited data (unknown speed) or get a SIM card with a 215 MB/day limit for 7 days for about 3000Yen.

Like most travelers this is what I did. Now that I know better I would advice against this. I did get a SIM for 7 days which I then attempted to install without success. I went back to the desk only to be told that this purchase is non-refundable and they could not even replace it with a card that work. They are sales folks only and have no real tech knowledge and are not able to really provide any kind of real help. This card was indeed truly defective as I later discovered. At current exchange rate this was about a nearly $30 expense.

I then went to a local "camera" shop like BIC (or yodobashi) in Tokyo. These camera stores also sell mobile phones and other electronics and of course SIM cards. Staff was super courteous and helpful and worked with my existing sim card for a while before telling me it was not good. They found me the SIM card that would best suit my needs and installed it for me and I was up and running in 5 minutes.

Take home message. Do not buy SIM card at Narita or Haneda. Local electronics, camera place the ideal place to get help with this. They sell a variety at reasonable prices. Happy travels.
Hi all,

Last year I had an amazing trip to Aomori and Akita prefectures, visiting some off the beaten track onsen, villages and sights. Hirosaki for example, was one of the most interesting and rewarding places I went to, along with Aoni Onsen.

I'm planning a similar trip this year but thinking of going south this time, to Kyushu. Does anyone have any suggestions of interesting and under-served areas that make for an interesting trip? I will have about 10 days in the province in mid-November, with some time in Tokyo beforehand.

I can drive, and am totally open to any kind of experience - any guidance would be gratefully received. The success of my trip last year was largely due to the kind response from the community here.

Thanks in advance

Edited: 5 years ago